SERMON I. Of Conversion to God.

THERE are several earnest Exhortations by the Prophet in this Chapter, to sollicite and persuade the unfeigned Conversion of a sinful People to God. As ver. 1. again, ver. 7. then ver. 12. and lastly in this ver. 22. which represents a kind of Dialogue be­tween God and the People of the Jews; his Speech to them in the former Part of the Verse, and their Reply to him in the latter Part of it; What he says, is full of Kindness and Affection; What they say, is expressive of their Duty and Submission.

1. What God says, This contains a Pre­cept and a Promise. A Precept, Return you [Page 2]backsliding Children: A Promise, And I will heal your Backsliding.

2. What the People say; both with Refe­rence to the Act it self, Behold we come un­to Thee; and the Reason of it, For thou art the Lord our God.

Whether the Jews were ever really pre­vailed with to do after this Manner, by the Ministry of the Prophet, is very doubtful; or whether this were a Prophecy concerning the Time to come; (though it be spoken in the Time present here, and in the Time past, ver. 21. A Voice was heard, &c.) is also questionable: But this is certain, that the Prophet speaking in the Name of this People, in the close of the Verse, as he had done in the Name of God, in the beginning of it, sets down what was proper and meet to be said: As when Israel was admonish'd, To return to the Lord their God, Hos. 14.1. Words were put into their Mouths, fit to take with them at their return, ver. 2. So here, the Command being given for their Return, here is a plain Instruction what they should Answer, which would be as a Testi­mony against them, if they refused to do it.

Obs. 'Tis a blessed Thing, when Sinners are effectually inclined to come to God in Obe­dience to his Precept; and upon the En­couragement of his Promise. Here, [Page 3]

• 1. Shew what it is for Sinners to come to God?
• 2. How they should do it in Obedience to the Precept, and upon the Encouragement of the Promise.
• 3. Wherein lies the Blessedness of this.
• 4. The Use.

I. What is it for Sinners to come to God?

Answ. It does not imply any change of natural Place, secular Employment, or Ci­vil Relation, but of spiritual State.

There are three Things especially in it.

1. A Relinquishing of every Thing that is contrary to God, and yet keeps us at a distanc from him. To come to God, and bring our Lusts along with us, and design the retain­ing of them, is utterly inconsistent; 'tis an aggravated Abomination, as if we had a mind to unite God and Belial, or to bring about an Agreement between Heaven and Hell, which is as impossible as to travel East and West at the same Time. Whenever the Spirit Works an Inclination in any Soul to return to God, there is also wrought a sin­cere Desire of Separation from every Sin. There's nothing more plain and evident, through the Scripture than this is, Isa. 55.7. Let the Wicked forsake his Way, and the unrighteous Man his Thoughts, and let him re­turn unto the Lord, &c. All returning sup­poses and includes an abandoning of that [Page 4]which is offensive and displeasing to him, to whom we return; Ezek. 18.31. Cast a­way from you all your Transgressions, whereby you have transgressed, &c. If a Rebel intend to submit to his Soveraign Prince, he will not come with the Weapons of his Rebelli­on into his Princes Presence, but leave them behind him. That Grace which turns the Heart towards God, does always set the Heart against all fleshly and worldly Lusts: It no sooner seeks to have to do with him, but 'tis made truly willing to have no more to do with them.

2. A making use of Christ as the Way to God. Christ is so, and must be used as such, by every returning Sinner that would pros­per in his Way. God is inaccessible with­out a Mediator; He opens the Passage be­twixt God and us, which Sin and Wrath had shut up; he enables us to come, though lamed by the Fall, sets us on our Feet and holds up our goings. We must look to Christ as the giver of Repentance, as well as of Forgiveness, Acts 5.31.

Two Things ought to be seriously consi­dered and imprest upon our Minds in this Case.

1. That there would have been no place for Repentance, if Christ had not interposed with his Blood. Repentance would have signified nothing, if he had not purchased Forgiveness. The Penitent would have been as far off from Pardon, as the most Impe­nitent, [Page 5]if that Pardon had not been meri­toriously obtained by the Death of Christ.

2. There never would have been any Principle or Exercise of Repentance, if Christ did not produce it by his Spirit. The natural hardness of every Heart ex­cludes the least Dispositions to sound and saving Repentance, till he hath softned and subdued it: Therefore Christ must be eyed as making us what God requires us to be, for our Repentance is not only accepted on the account of his Sufferings, but acted by vertue of his Grace.

3. A giving up of our selves to God, and resting in him as our End. The Scope of a Sinners coming to God, is not answered, without entire and absolute Resignation. When we come to God it is in order to our being disposed and governed by him, as he thinks fit; not doing our own Plea­sure but being Subject to his. Except we yield our selves to God, Rom. 6.13. we do not really and heartily Return to him; for by our return we pretend to acknowledge the right which he hath in us, and the wrong which we have done to him, by living so long without him, and in Enmity against him. If the Sinner do not resolve to make the Will of God the standing rule of his fu­ture Practice, he does but affront God and deceive himself with a mock Repentance. Whosoever hath been in Dominion hereto­fore, it must be only allowed to God for [Page 6]Time to come, and to him unreservedly. And wheresoever we have rambled and strayed in the vain pursuit of Happiness and Satisfaction, like those that have for­gotten their resting Place, Jer. 50.6. We are to make a final stop at our coming to God, and look no further. Here we are to sit down and fix, as having found that Good which is incomparably the best, and most worthy to be chosen: For he that can ever think of removing from God, with hopes of mending his Condition, is a wretched Hypocrite, and hath not returned in good Earnest.

II. How should Sinners come to God, in O­bedience to the Precept, and upon the Encou­ragement of the Promise? For this penitent Profession here in the Text is brought in, as the issue and result of both.

1. How must they come in Obedience to the Precept? God calls to them to return; In what manner are they to do it, with re­spect to his Call?

I Answer in two Things.

1. Sinners are to come to God humbly; and that in Consideration of the Command of God, upon two Accounts.

1. All Acts of Obedience to God are to be performed with Humbleness of Mind. 'Tis be­coming a Creature as being under Authori­ty, though innocent and sinless. Pride of [Page 7]Heart is enough to corrupt the best service of the holiest Angel in Heaven. Inordinate lifting up, was the fatal casting down and Condemnation of the Devil. It is an Ho­nour to a Creature to receive any Commands from its Maker, and obey them; but this Honour is to be worn with Humility; we are in our best Estate so much below God, that we are unworthy of being employed or commanded by him; and so long as Adam retain'd his Integrity, he was sensible of this.

2. Returning to God after former Acts of Disobedience, requires special Humiliation. So it follows here, ver. 25. We lye down in our shame, and our Confusion covereth us, for we have sinned against the Lord our God, and have not obeyed his Voice. A sincere Convert must needs be struck with shame, under a Sense of his wicked Departings. We can­not reflect, how we have transgrest without Cause, and run away from God without Provocation, but that we must see abundance of Reason for the deepest Self-abasement. We cannot say, that we ever found any Ini­quity in God, but we have a great deal to charge upon our selves; all the Commands which we have broken have been just, and therefore an humbling Conviction of our Guilt is necessary.

2. We are to come to God readily. Instant­ly with all the haste and speed we can, or else the Precept does not sway us in our [Page 8]coming as it ought to do; for we are born under a Law to God, his Commands oblige us assoon as we have a Being. We can name no Time wherein 'tis not the Duty of the Sinner to return to God, therefore the least delay is increased Disobedience. And disobedience to the present Call is no more excusable then disobedience to the next, if you should ever have another. We are as much bound to come now, as at any other season. The Authority of God enjoyning it, should be Argument enough with us, and that Argument we have now, conse­quently, if we will hear his Voice; defer not hearing of that till to Morrow, which should be heard to Day. When God is so kind to admit your Return, there is no Reason that he should wait for it.

2. We are further off from Coming to God, the longer we go on in Sin: The Command will have so much the less Force upon us, the more dilatory we are in our Obedience to it. If every Sinner in the World, would ingenuously declare his own Experience, he could not deny the Truth of this; his own Conscience tells him that he sinds it so to be. Every Days Sins put him at a greater distance from God, and be­get a greater Backwardness and Aversion to return. He that tarries till hereafter, will be more unwillig then, than he is now. Who can tell but that your Presumption now, may be then changed into Despair, and the [Page 9]same Tempter that now suggests that 'tis too soon, may then tell you that it is too late?

2. How must they come upon the Encou­ragement of the Promise?

God says, he will heal the Sinners Back­slidings, whatsoever, or how many soever they have been. In what Manner should they come with Relation to this,

Answ. In two Things: With Faith and Joy.

1. Sinners are to come to God Believing­ly, with regard to the Promise: For these two Reasons.

1. If Faith be not the Spring of all our Motions towards God, they cannot be ac­ceptable to him. You cannot provoke God more, then by making him a Lyar, which is the Language and Tendency of Unbelief, 1 John 5.10. To come to him with distrust­ful Apprehensions of him, is to cast as foul a Reproach upon him as is possible to be raked out of the bottomless Pit. He that comes to God must Believe or he cannot be welcome; he must believe in God as more ready to Forgive, than he is to Repent in his best and most melting frame; he must be­lieve in Christ as one who has more Power to save, than all his Sin hath to destroy.

2. The Promise does encourage such a Faith, as much as we need or can desire. [Page 10]Besides his gracious Entreaties, affectionate Offers, importunate Pleadings, you have his positive Assurances that he will receive you, if you return, 2 Cor. 6.17. He cannot re­ject you without denying of himself; his Word belongs to every one alike that laies hold of it, and it will as certainly be verifi­ed and fulfilled to you, as ever it was to any. You may as well Question, whether ever God embraced one Sinner that came to him as doubt of your own Reception, upon your compliance with his Call. Unless you think that he hath excluded all, why should you suspect that he will cast out you?

2. Sinners must come Joyfully to God. The Promise is ground of rejoycing, as well as of Hope and Trust; and God never de­signed, that our Sorrow for Sin should be so extream, as to stifle or drown the Joy of Conversion. This will appear, if we con­sider.

1. That God who makes the Promise, rejoy­ces in the Performance. The Scripture does not barely say, that he will save, but that he will rejoyce over thee with Joy, Zeph. 3.17. Even over thee, that has sinfully grieved his Spirit so many thousand Times over. A lost Sheep is a pleasant Load to a Man that hath found it, and laies it on his Shoulders, he does it rejoycing, Luke 15.15. So 'tis pleasant Work to God to fetch home a re­bellious Sinner, and when returned to lay him in his Bosom. If his Patience could bear [Page 11]so long with thy Sins, guess how delightful the Exercise of his Mercy must be, upon thy Repentance. And should not that which is his Joy, be much more Ours?

2. We who have the Benefit of the Promise, must needs be still doubtful of it, if we do not Rejoyce in it. If we search to the bottom in this Case, we shall find that 'tis Infidelity which cramps our Joy; this makes the Sin­ner come drooping and trembling to God, when he should come (as that Lame man entred with the Apostles into the Temple, after they had healed him. Acts 3.8.) leap­ing and praising, triumphing and glorying in the Lord. How can we think of being re­ceived by God, after so long and hainous a Revolt, but that it must ravish our Hearts, if we believed it to be true? If we had Faith suitable to the faithfulness of God, it would transport the Soul into an Extasie, that we who have lifted up our Heels so oft against God, should be taken into his Arms.

III. Wherein lies the Blessedness of this? When Sinners are thus effectually inclined to come to God; When the Precept and Pro­mise work so upon them, as to influence their actual Return.

1. When a Sinner comes back to God, he is brought out of a most miserable Wil­derness Condition, wherein if he had re­mained he must have perished. Instead of [Page 12]faring better or so well any where else, as with God, no Sinner can stay where he is, remote from God, without inevitable De­struction. If he sits still he must dye; there's no way of escape. How secure and prospe­rous soever Men be for the present, yet they are indeed lost and undone, if they do not return to God; for all the World cannot defend them against God, nor make them Happy in the want of him.

1. They cannot defend them against God. Who or what can deliver out of his Hand? If his Wrath be kindled who can quench it? He in his Anger overturns the Moun­tains, as firm as they are, with more ease than we can move a Feather, Job 9.5. What Created Power is great enough to grapple with Omnipotence? Whither can we sly for help, when Almighty Revenge is following of us?

2. They cannot make Happy in the want of God. The whole World would be a sorry Recompence and a poor Supply, for any one Man that were to live without God in it. The thirsty Soul cannot take its fill at such broken Cisterns, but its Thirst will conti­nue, unless it have recourse to the Fountain. Set God aside, and every thing else is as no­thing, and will leave Men unsatisfied.

2. When a Sinner comes to God, Salva­tion comes to him. As Christ said to Zac­cheus, Luke. 19.9. This Day is Salvation come to this House, &c. Sound Conversion [Page 13]and certain Salvation are inseparable; they never were, nor ever can be divided. He that hath heartily renounced his Sin, and is returned to God, is from that Time for­ward an apparent Heir of Salvation; and may be numbred with the saved of the Lord. Ʋnto us which are saved, &c. 1 Cor. 1.18. Salvation is either Final, or Initial; the same Salvation, only distinguisht as to order of Time, wherein 'tis gradnally wrought and carried on: Final Salvation is the Priviledge of the glorified Saint, Initial Salvation is the Portion of the new-born Convert, both run into one; he that is saved Initially shall be saved Finally; Salvation truly begun, will be Salvation fully compleated. Every Babe in Christ hath the real first Fruits of the Spirit, Rom. 8.2. And he that hath those first Fruits cannot fail of the Harvest of Glory. Salvation takes in all Spiritual Blessings at once, and Eternal Blessings are chained to them. Every Child of God assoon as he re­turns to his Duty, hath a Title given him to all the Riches of his Fathers House; he may look up to Heaven and say, I have a large Inheritance there, which Earth and Hell cannot deprive me of.

3. When a Sinner comes home to God, all his fellow Creatures shall be some way or other serviceable to him; either willingly and gladly, or by constraint and over-ruling Necessity. The whole Creation is on Gods side, and will take Part with him against his [Page 14]Adversaries; so that no Creature can be at Peace with us, till we are reconciled to him; but after that, they all immediately turn to be our Friends; or at the least, all the En­mity which we meet with, shall be turned to our Advantage. Either nothing shall hurt us, as Christ told his Disciples; Luke 10.19. or the hurt which we receive shall be re­quited with a far greater and more excellent Good. Angels above us will encamp round about us, be ministring to us, and do all the friendly Offices for us, that we can wish to have done. The best of Men who are Creatures of the same order and rank with us, are all for our use so far as we shall need them; and as for Devils and the worst of Men, we shall have Gods Protection from their Malice, or his Influence to sanctifie us by it.

4. When a Sinner is come to God, he may visit God by Prayer in all his Necessi­ties, and be sure of sufficient Relief. He may go afterwards to the Throne of Grace, what­ever he lacks freely and boldly, and shall ne­ver be treated as a Stranger, nor sent away empty. To have Liberty of doing this in any peculiar extraordinary Strait, would be a mighty Favour; but what a Priviledge must it be to do it always, every Day, up­on every occasion, and to know that God will not be wearied, but rather pleased and delighted with our continual coming. It is a proud mistake for any Creature to think [Page 15]that they can live of themselves, though it was that which the Jews stand arraigned for; Jer. 2.31. Wherefore say my People, we are Lords, we will come no more to Thee? They might better have said, we are Beg­gars, and cannot subsist without coming to thee. This is indeed our Case, and there­fore 'tis well for us, that we are not debar­red from Coming; yea we are invited to come as often as we will, and the oftner we come, the better we succeed; this is the Happiness of a Sinner after his Conversion, but not before it.

5. A Sinner that is come to God, may sweetly walk and Converse with God, through the residue of his Life; and the benefit and sweetness of such Communion is not to be imagined by those that have it not, they that are far from God can be no Judges of the Blessedness of those that are near unto him. The Presence of God is a glorious Priviledge which can never be valued high enough, e­ven by them that do possess it; none can tell what a blessed Thing it is, to be able to say, as the Psalmist does, I am continually with Thee, Psalm 73.23. When I lye down, when I rise up, when I go out, when I come in, when Providence smiles upon me, and when it frowns, when I enjoy the out­ward Mercies that are most desirable, when I suffer the outward Afflictions that are most uneasie; I am still with God. So long as my Sin is put away, nothing now can separate [Page 16]me from him; on the other Hand, while Sin remains, there can be no such Fellow­ship; in whatsoever State I am, 'tis most certain, that I am absent from God, a meer Out-case, a Fugitive, a Vagabond, like Cain excluded from all amicable Correspondence with him.

6. A Sinner that is come to God, may go to him with Comfort and Considence at Death, whether sooner or later, when a few Years (it may be Days or Minutes) are come, then I shall go the Way whence I shall not return, Job 16.22. We must in a little while go to God, as a Judge, whether we will or not, and immediately thereupon our Everlasting State will be unalterably sixt, and what is not done before is impossible to be done after it. Now none are prepared to go to God as a Judge, but what are first returned to him as a Father; and what an unspeakable Mercy is it to be so prepared? With how much Peace and Quietness may a Man pass the Time of his Sojourning here, that hath no Reason to be afraid of departing hence? The Terror of Dying makes it a Bon­dage to Live; but when once God hath re­ceived a Sinner through Christ, the Grounds of those Fears are taken away; such a one may at any Time leave the World, and go forth out of the Body, with a chearful un­daunted Spirit in the same Hope that the Psalmist had, For God shall receive me, Psalm 49.15.

IV. Use.

1. This shews that they who will not come to God are not come to themselves. So soon as the Prodigal came to himself, he presently Thought of returning to his Father, Luke 15.17. When Nebuchadnez­zar's Understanding returned to him, he Blessed the most High, and Praised and Ho­noured him that liveth for ever, Dan. 4.34. He had lived like a Bruit before, and so do all that are alienated from God, and turn their backs upon him. religion makes us mad in their Esteem, but the want of it makes them truly so. They think that we who urge their Conversion are besides our selves, but 'tis a Sign that they are so indeed, because they will not hearken.

2. Ministers will have a dreadful and un­pleasing Account to give of those, whom they leave unperswaded. Our Time is short and the Hour is coming, when we must leave this Work of Beseeching, and Pressing, and Arguing with you, and go to him that sent us, with a faithful account of the Issue of our Message. 'Tis against our Minds, against our Prayers, against the whole Purpose of our Ministry, to accuse any of you to the Fa­ther: But we must do it, if you will not prevent it by hearing and obeying. It will be a Melancholy thing and Matter of Grief, Heb. 13.7. For one that hath laboured in this Gospel to stand forth at the great Day, [Page 18]and produce no Fruits; Here we are, but they that were bidden and invited in thy Name by us refused to come. We warn­ed, we begg'd, we did what we could, but they would not yield, and we were forced to leave them as we found them in their Sins.

3. God will be justified in their Condem­nation, to whom his Precepts and Promises avail nothing. To entertain such gracious Offers with such shameful Contempt, is a Sin which cannot be revenged with excessive Severity. If any of you did but make a se­rious Tryal, and God would not receive you when you come to him, you might have a Plea for your going back again; but when God comes forth to you with Salva­tion in his Hand, and Compassion in his Heart, you that never tryed can have no­thing to say for sleighting it.

4. The Devil can lay no blocks in our Way against our coming unto God, but what we may easily remove or couragiously leap over, if we look no further than this Text. Hath not God warranted our coming by his Precept, and encouraged it by his Promise? Hath he not commanded us to return, and engaged to heal us? What would we have him to say which he hath not said?

Obj. If I were sure he were my God I would come.

Answ. 1. If thou desirest that he should be thine, if thou choosest him to be thine, he is so.

2. If thou Consentest to be his, he is un­doubtedly thine.

3. Though thou canst not regularly claim him as thine, while thou art at a distance from him, yet in thy coming, thou mayst lay thy Claim. There is a Propriety and Inte­rest in God transferred to Thee in that ve­ry Moment.

5. How unreasonable would it be, if any of the Storms we meet with in our Way to God, should ever drive us back, or ship­wrack our Faith! When Peter was coming to Christ upon the Water, the Wind grew boisterous, and he began to sink, but Christ caught him and saved him.

So when we are upon our Return to God, 'tis no wonder if we find Disturbance and Opposition, and a great many things to pull us back, and scare us from going forwards. The Master whom we have served so many Years is unwilling to part with us, and therefore will create all the difficulties, and represent the utmost dangers which he can; but Gods good and comfortable Word should weigh down all: And when so many have done well, why should any one of us ima­gine that he shall be the first rejected Person?

6. How Happy would it be, if the Effi­cacy of this Doctrine were equal to the Con­cernment of it! It extends to All that are born into the World, and therefore should operate upon all likewise. All Adams Po­sterity are a brood of Backsliders, vile A­postate Creatures, that have universally [Page 20]gone aside, and straggled and wandered from God, and therefore all are bound with­out Distinction, to agree and joyn in this dutiful Profession, Behold we come unto thee.

If this whole Assembly would Eccho so to this Sermon, it would be the most joyful sound that ever I heard. The Spirit and the Word this Day say come; and if every one that heareth did also say, Lo I come, it would be the best Sabbath that ever I saw. Not that it is enough to say, we come, unless we do it; he that said I go and went not, stood condemned out of his own Mouth, Mat. 21.30.

But such Words accompanied with our Hearts, and accomplisht in our Practice, are the best which can be uttered by any Tongue on Earth.

SERMON II. Of Establishment.

IT is no small Instance of the Wisdom of Providence, that God hath always o­ver-ruled the Malice of the Devil, to be a means of accomplishing the Designs of his own Grace: About the Time of Stephens Death, (who was the first Martyr in the New Testament Church) there arose so violent a Storm of Persecution, that it dis­perst the Church which was at Jerusalem, and only the Apostles were left to keep Possession for Christ of the Gospel there; but this happen'd to the furtherance of that, which Satan intended to stifle and ob­struct; for they that were scattered abroad, Went every where Preaching the Word, Chap. 8.4. We find some of this number arrived at Antioch, ver. 19, 20. of this Chapter, and they had great success in their Work there, [Page 22]for the Hand of the Lord was with them, a Divine Power accompanied their Ministry, and Multitudes believed, and turned to the Lord, ver. 21. The Church at Jerusalem hearing of this, take care to send Barnabas thither, ver. 22. A Man whom the Apostles gave that Name to, which signifies, a Son of Consolation, Chap. 4.36. And a Man of Note and good Reputation among the A­postles, as appears Chap. 9.27. And one that hath an excellent Character here, ver. 24. A good Man and full of the Holy Chost, and of Faith. This is the Man that is dis­patcht to these Christians at Antioch, and this, ver. 23. gives us an Account of the Issue of his coming, Who when he came, and had seen the Grace of God, was glad, and ex­horted them all, that with purpose of Heart, they would cleave unto the Lord. The whole may be sum'd up, under three General Heads.

1. What he saw [and had seen the Grace of God] that is, the visible Fruits and Ef­fects of it, in their Holy Conversation and Godliness, and wheresoever the Grace of God is truly planted and deeply rooted in the Heart, it will discover and evidence it self by suitable Workings in the Life: 'Tis a Seed which will spring up, a Light which will shine, and a Fire which will flame, more or less, to the view of others.

2. How he was affected with what he saw [was glad.] he did not Envy or Repine, but Rejoice. The successful progress of the Gospel, and saving Efficacy upon those that [Page 23]hear it, is Matter of Joy to Holy Souls. It is a mighty Addition to their own Com­fort, when they see others brought home to God by the Word. The encrease of the Body is acceptable to all the Members.

3. His Exhortation grounded hereupon. [And exhorted them all that with purpose of Heart, they would cleave unto the Lord.] There are three Particulars in this.

1. The Act Cleave, [...], which some render continue or abide in; the Sense of both is the same.

2. The Object, to the Lord. That is, to Christ, who is usually to be understood by that Title in the New Testament.

3. The Manner, with purpose of Heart. The same Word which we translate Purpose here, is used to express the Eternal and Immutable Decree of God, concerning the Salvation of his Elect, Rom. 8.28. Eph. 3.11. 2 Tim. 1.9.

Obs. Resolved cleaving to Christ, or clea­ving with purpose of Heart is the proper and necessary Duty of those that are al­ready Converted to him. Here,

• 1. Shew, how we are to cleave to Christ.
• 2. What it is to do this, with purpose of Heart.
• 3. Why is this the Duty of all that are Converted to him.
• 4. Use.

I. How are we to cleave to Christ?

1. We must cleave to the Person of Christ, by a continued Life of Faith upon him. Thus Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel, and in that respect is said to cleave to him, 2 Kings 18.5, 6. This is the Foundation Grace, and the daily Exercise of it is highly requisite. Besides, our first receiving of Christ whereby we are united to him, we must be often renewing our Applications to Christ, and Dependencies upon him. As the Traitor Judas, when he gave that Sign to the Officers, Whomsoever I shall Kiss, that same is he, bid them to hold him fast, Mat. 26.48. So it may be said to all those that have apprehended Christ, and are appre­hended of him, hold him Fast; take fresh hold, and further hold of him every Day. The Faith of Adherence and Recumbence must be acted, whatever Circumstances we be in; whether clear or cloudy, calm or stormy.

There are two Considerations which should enforce this with us,

1. The mischievous workings of Ʋnbelief in our own Hearts. This Infirmity some­times prevails too much, where there is the greatest Strength of Grace. Eminent Saints that have been lifted up to the Heaven of Assurance, have fallen from thence almost (though not altogether) into the Hell of Despair; they that have triumpht in Christ, [Page 25]and thought their Interest in him past all Question, have been ready afterwards to renounce all their Considence and Comfort, as Men ashamed of their Hope. This shews how the Leprosie of Infidelity cleaves to us like a stubborn Disease, and will be breaking out, unless we are careful to keep it under by constant actual Believing.

2. The subtle and dangerous Insinuations of the Devil. His business. is to beat us off from our hold, to loosen us from Christ, and persuade us to let him go. And with­out great Caution and Diligence on our Part, he will get ground upon us: What he cannot do by his Rage, he frequently ac­complishes by his Cunning: As the false Teachers falsly suggested to the Corinthians, concerning Paul, that being crafty he caught them with Guile, 2 Cor. 12.16. Satan labours to discourage many a Saint, from cleaving to Christ by urging that his Iniquities have separated between Christ and him; where­as no Sin can really separate where Faith unites.

2. We must cleave to the Truth and Do­ctrine of Christ, by a steady acknowledgment and Profession of them. It is as much our Duty to retain them, as it is to embrace them at the first. Whe [...] God has brought us to the Knowledge of the Truth, as it is in Jesus; we must take heed of being led a­way by contrary Errors. Errors in the Plu­ral, for they are manifold, though Truth is but one, and this as a sacred Trust which is [Page 26]delivered to the Saints to keep, Prov. 23.23. Buy the Truth and Sell it not. We are to en­deavour the getting of it by all the Means we can; but not to part with it at any Rate, or upon any Terms whatever. The Do­ctrine of Christ in all the Branches of it, ought to be precious to us, as well as Christ himself. As the Fragments of a Miraculous Entertainment, so the least parts of Divine Revelation are not to be lost. If the whole Counsel of God was worthy of his decla­ring, 'tis worthy of our asserting. It was the Commendation which Christ gave to the church in Pergamos, Rev. 2.13. Thou holdest fast my Name, and hast not denied my Faith, (with this remarkable Circumstance) even in those Days wherein Antipas my faithful Mar­tyr was slain among you. So to the Church in Philadelphia; Thou hast kept my Word, and hast not denyed my Name; though she had but a little Strength, yet it was well impro­ved, Chap. 3.8. If the Name, and World, and Faith of Christ be relinquished by us, we do really abandon him; we cannot ad­here to him, and give up any thing that is his, that hath been revealed and taught by him, or by those that were sent by him, or any thing that carries his Mark and Impres­sion upon it.

3. We must cleave to the Ways of Christ; that is, his Commandments and Ordinances.

1. To his Commandments by strict Obe­dience. In this Sense we find cleaving to God several Times enjoyned, Deut. 11.22. [Page 27]and 13.4. Josh. 22.5. All Divine Precepts as they have a never failing Authority, ought to have an abiding influence; They are a fixed Rule, and they challenge our setled regard. Bind them continually upon thine Heart, Prov. 6.21. They should be ever with us, and ever before us. They are not to be observed now and then, per­formed at one Time, and neglected at another; but we are to walk in them at all times; and at no Time to go back from them. This suits with the honourable Character which Paul gives of his Philippi­ans, Chap. 2.12. You have always obeyed. They that do not make Conscience of obey­ing always, are truly Children of disobedi­ence; if we are under a Law to Christ, we can never imagine our selves to be with­out Law to God.

2. To his Ordinances, by a Religious use of them in their various Seasons. And thus cleaving to God is sometimes prest with re­spect to Matters of Worship, and in Oppositi­on to strange Gods, Dent. 10.20. Josh. 23.7, 8. We do not indeed cleave to Christ, if we forsake any Institution of Christ, and take up with any Invention of Men. We must cleave to him as the Lord over his own House, invested with Soveraign and incommunica­ble Power, to dispose and order whatsoever shall be done in it. The disuse of any Holy Appointment of his, is a degree of Aposta­cy from the Author They that have So­lemnly given up themselves, and their Names [Page 28]to Christ, by personal Covenanting with him at his Table, are especially Guilty in this Case, if they afterwards withdraw from it, or attend it uncertainly. It argues great forgetfulness of Christ, and our Engagements unto him, not to do that statedly in Re­membrance of him.

4. We must cleave to the People of Christ. He directs his Spouse to go forth by the Foot­steps of the Flock, Song 1.8. Not to follow them afar off, but to joyn and associate with them and never to quit, or divide from them. They vainly hope to enjoy Communion with Christ, that leave the Communion of Saints, Zech. 8.23. Ten Men out of the Languages of all Nations, shall take hold of the Skirt of a Jew, saying, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. It seems to be a Gospel Prophecy drest up in Old Testament Phrases, and refers to the embodying of the Gentiles with the Christian Church. The pe­culiar Presence of Christ is with his People, and they go out from that presence, that separate themselves from that People. We must not do like the Samaritans of old, who were wont to own a Relation to the Jews in their Prosperity, and disclaimed it in their Adversity; but whatsoever their External Condition be, the living Temples of God are to be preferred to all the gaudy and pompous Synagogues of Satan. Moses his choice of suffering Affliction with the Peo­ple of God: Heb. 11.25. Is a Pattern to us, if they wander in Deserts, in Moun­tains, [Page 29]in Dens and Caves of the Earth, 'tis best to be with them. Where they go and lodge we should also, as we desire that their God should be our God.

II. What is it to cleave to Christ with pur­pose of Heart? I Answer in three Things.

1. It implies a deliberate Act of the Judgment. Every rational Purpose is establish­ed by Counsel, Prov. 20.18. It is founded upon Reason, or else we may expect it to be disappointed and overthrown. He that resolvedly cleaves to Christ, is first supposed to sit down, and seriously consider why he does so; for if he be not convinc't that he ought to do it, and if he do not proceed to resolve upon those grounds, all will come to nothing. Therefore when the King of Babylon out of his peculiar Favour to some of the Children of the Captivity, appoint­ed them a daily Provision of his meat and Wine, 'tis said that the Prophet Daniel pur­posed in his Heart, that he would not defile him­self with the Portion of the Kings Meat, nor with the Wine which he drank, Dan. 1.8. This was not obstinacy or humor in him, or a foolish stiffness without a Cause, for he had weighed the Matter and found that he could not do it without Pollution; For First, The Babylonians freely eat of many Things for­bidden to the Jews. Secondly, 'Tis probable that many Times they eat of things offered to their Idols. Thirdly, Such riotous living [Page 30]and pampering of the Flesh, could not be ex­cused from Sin at any Time. Fourthly, It was much more unbecoming any of the Seed of Israel, in their present Circumstances in a strange Land. Thus Daniel's Purpose to abstain was an Act of Judgment, upon due Deliberation with himself; so must our pur­pose of continuing with Christ be; that we may do it with all our Mind, and with all our Understanding.

2. It includes a determinate Act of the Will: When after debating of the Thing in our own Thoughts, we come to a final Is­sue, the Will gives positive Sentence that it shall be so. This is called decreeing in the Heart, 1 Cor. 7.37. Thus David says, I am purposed that my Mouth shall not Transgress, Psalm 17.3. Which we have in other words, Psalm 39.1. I said, I will take heed to my Ways, that I Sin not with my Tongue, &c. To say in our Hearts, that we will do this, or that, is indeed to Purpose it. He that re­solves in good earnest is no longer in sus­pence, whether he should or should not; he does not hang like an even Ballance, or halt between two. Thus must we cleave to Christ, with Hearts fully set in us so to do; as that Scribe pretended when he came to Christ, and said, Master I will follow thee, whitherso­ever thou goest, Mat. 8.19. If those Words had been more advisedly spoken, they had been well spoken, but by our Lords Answer, verse 20. It should seem as if he knew not what he said; that he dreamt of better Ac­commodation [Page 31]than Christ had. If we are de­termined to follow Christ, the bent of the Soul must be towards him.

3. It takes in an unwearied pursuit of what we do resolve. All Purposes which are not duly executed, but easily broke off, are insig­nificant. This argues Levity of Spirit, and is stiled purposing according to the Flesh, 2 Cor. 1.17. Carnal Hearts never resolve any o­therwise in Religious Matters; and in Car­nal Things we may resolve, and yet change our Intentions without Sin. We are not necessarily obliged to do all that we some­times say we will do; if we find Reason af­terwards to revoke our Purpose, and alter our Minds, as 1 Sam. 15.26. Samuel said to Saul, I will not return with thee, yet ver. 31. we read that he returned again after Saul. But now in this Case, of cleaving to Christ, our Purpose admits of no Revocati­on. There is as much Reason for our final persisting in it, as for our first Agreement to it. That was vain and needless, if this be so. Our Thoughts with respect to this Mat­ter should be as truly unmoveable in our mea­sure, as Gods are; of whom 'tis said, He is of one Mind, and who can turn him, Job 23.13.

III. Why is this the Duty of all, that are Converted to Christ, to cleave resolvedly to him?

1. The Sincerity of our Affection must be [Page 32]proved by the Stedfastness of our Adherence. 'Tis a sign that we did but make a shew of closing with Christ, except we keep close to him. Which way soever our Faces stood, 'tis certain that our Hearts were never right, if we can be by any means influenced to turn our backs upon God again. They that at any Time wholly fail of the Grace of God, never knew it in Truth. Your Conversion was but a feigned thing, or you could not be guilty of a total Revolt, Heb. 3.6. Whose House are we, if we hold fast the Confidence, and rejoycing of Hope firm unto the End. All that are an Habitation for Christ, are di­stinguished by this Token; lively Stones have such a Conjunction with the Head of the Corner, that they cannot drop out of the Building. Branches that are in Christ by re­al Union, always abide in Christ, and Christ in them; but others wither and dye, and fall off from him. That Profession which is not crowned with Perseverance, is tainted with Hypocrisie; for they that come to Christ in the uprightness of their Souls, cannot break away from him.

2. 'Tis base Ingratitude to shake off Christ, who is so true and faithful to you. His for­sakings of you are never but in Appearance only, His Promise is sure; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13.5. He is with Believers always, but sometimes hid and un­known, so that they discern him not; but if he were not with them, the whole Work of God would cease, and be destroyed immedi­ately. [Page 33]He is careful to supply the want of his bodily Presence, by his Spirit, whom he not only promised to send, but engaged for his Abode with us for ever, John 14.16. He does not call back this Spirit, when you sinfully grieve him, nor deliver you up to your own Lusts, when you provoke him so to do. He holds you in his hand still, when there are Legions of Devils banded together, to pluck you out; and do you thus requite him, to wrest your selves out? 'Tis too foul a Thing to be done by any of those, that are truly his; but they that are not, will reward his greatest kindness, at one Time or other with the vilest Treachery.

3. If you do not cleave to Christ, you let go all your Happiness at once. As Moses said to Israel, Deut. 30.20. That thou mayst cleave to him, for he is thy Life, and the length of thy Days, q. d. You are dead Men if you depart from him, he had given them an Instance of this, Chap. 4.3, 4. All the Men that fol­lowed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroy­ed them from among you; but you that did cleave unto him are alive every one of you this Day. We are no longer safe than we abide with God; assoon as we leave him, we ex­pose our selves to them utmost Misery, in that very Moment. Therefore when many Disci­ples went back, and he put it to the Twelve, Will ye also go away? Peter makes an excel­lent Answer, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the Words of Eternal Life, John 6.67, 68. q. d. What we have left to follow thee, [Page 34]was less than nothing, but if we should for­sake thee, we must Part with more than all; we who have counted every Thing but loss for thee, can reckon nothing to be gain without thee.

4. The longer you cleave to Christ, the more pleasant it will be, and at the close of all, it will be impossible to repent your Choice; while you are following on to know the Lord, you will find cause to like your Way the better; and the improving of your acquaintance with Christ, will encrease your Delight in him. Go to those that have had most Experience of the Grace of Christ, to old Disciples that have had their standing in Christ, for the largest number of Years, and they will tell you, that they are still every Day further off, from repenting that they were added to the Lord and to the Church. The seeming grievousness of Re­ligious Duties wears away, when the Heart comes to be exercised in them. Christs Yoke grows easier and smoother, when we have born it upon us; though perhaps at the ve­ry first putting on, the Flesh will strive hard to fling it off.

5. Resolution in cleaving to Christ, will carry you through all those Diffculties which affright and deter an unresolvedly Man. Ruths cleaving to Naomi, when her Sister Orpah returned to her People and her Gods, and notwithstanding Naomi's Perswasions to her to return, shewed her to be inflexible, and made Naomi silent, Ruth 1.18. When [Page 35]she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking to here: So here, if Satan find us wavering and yielding, he will press the more upon us, till he hath compast his Design; but if we stand unsha­ken against repeated Temptations, and keep our ground, it will be a discouragement to the Tempter; a weakning of his Hands, and a strengthening of our own. Resist the De­vil and he will flee from you, James 4.7. But how must he be resisted? Stedfast in the Faith, 1 Pet. 5.9.

6. The Time of Tryal and Exercise is short, and the Reward is near; this makes it so much the more your Duty to hold out. You are not to spend your Eternity at such a distance from Christ, as you now are; you are not to tarry very long in the Devils reach, yet a little while and all the danger will be over; you will hear no more of these hellish Sollicitations to depart from Christ, when you come to Heaven; and then will feel no more of those wretched (re­maining) Propensions to it, which now you do. Be but faithful unto Death (which may not be very far off) and Death will tran­slate you where Christ is, and all his perfect­ed Saints with him. Let none take away your Crown now, and they cannot do it then. Cleave to Christ while you are in this Tabernacle, and you'l go out of it with HO­nour and Triumph. As David prayed and pleaded, Psalm 119.31. I have stuck to thy Testimonies, Oh Lord! put me not to shame. [Page 36]IV. Use.

1. Learn hence, that the Foundation which Men lay at the beginning of their Way, needs to be well examined, that it may bear what is to be built upon it. I do not mean that we should always be calling our first Work into question, or making a doubt of it at every turn; but that we ought to make it sure by strict Examination and Enquiry; and whatever defects we discover, which are es­sential, they ought to be mended before we go any further. It is good to proceed upon a sound bottom, or else we shall not pro­ceed far enough to attain what we hope for. If we take but a superficial hold of Christ, when we enter our selves his Disciples, we shall not perseveringly cleave to him.

2. All the Work which we have to do, is not done at first, how well soever that be done. The end of a thing is better than the beginning, Feel. 7.8. And this we must have a careful respect to. The new born Soul is not to take its ease, or neglect its watch, to be careless or slothful, but to be employed with all its might, till its grown up to abso­lute Perfection. Wisdom is a Tree of Life to them that lay hold upon her, (but 'tis immedi­ately added) and happy is every one that re­taineth her, Prov. 3.18. So get Wisdom and forget it not, Chap. 4.5. That which is lost again, is worse than if it had never been possest at all.

3. The Ministers of Christ have a great deal of establishing, as well as converting Work up­on their Hands. Paul and Barnabas, when they came to Antioch in another Journey, spake to those that followed them and per­suaded them to continue in the Grace of God, Acts 13.43. So at another Time, when they returned to the Cities where they had preacht the Gospel before, they confirmed the Souls of the Disciples, and exhorted them to con­tinue in the Faith, Chap. 14.22. Our business lies with Saints as well as Sinners; Prophesy­ing serveth not for them that believe not (only) but for them which believe (also) 1 Cor. 14.22. We dye in Travel if Christ be not form­ed in you; and we cannot live, except they that are brought home, do stand fast in the Lord.

4. Effectual Religious Parposes are of extra­ordinary Importance. I say effectual; for as they will not suffice, where the deed may be, 2 Cor. 4.11. So Resolution without A­ction will not be accepted: For it is not se­rious and hearty, Psalm 119.106. I have saorn and will perform it, &c.

2. How shall we do that our Purposes in cleaving to Christ, may be Effectual.

Answ. 1. Resolve not in your own Strength; then you will certainly fail and miscarry, to punish your Presumption and expose your Weakness. Say with the Psalmist, I will go in the strength of the Lord God, Psalm 71.16.

2. Let your Ends and Motives be right: Cleave to the Lord for his own sake; fol­low him not for the Loaves of temporal Advantages, lest they should abate and va­nish. The Purity of our Aims, will conduce to the Stability of our Purposes.

3. Keep up an high Valuation and Esteem of Christ; spiritual Beings are cemented by Love, so as to be inseparable, 1 Sam. 18.1. The Soul of Jonathan was knit to the Soul of David, &c. Shechems Soul clave to Dinah, so that he would agree to any Terms upon her Account, Gen. 34.3. with 12.

4. Labour after an encreased Sense of the odiousness of Sin. Rom. 12.9. Abbor that which is Evil, cleave to that which is good. They are well coupled, for the more loath­some the one is, that more Tenacious shall we be of the other.

5. Sit loose from the World, and its en­tangling Enjoyments. The greater hold they take of us, the more apt and liable are we to be removed from Christ. Solomon clave to strange Women in Love, and they turned away his Heart from God, 1 Kings 11.2, 3.

6. Let no Example have any influence up­on you, which is against the Rule. When every Man of Israel went up from after Da­vid, and followed Sheba, the Men of Judah still clave to their King, 2 Sam. 20.2. If you could suppose Christ universally renounc't, and your selves left alone in adherence to him, it would be your Glory to be Singular, and to abide Faithful.

SERMON III. Of Consolation.

THE foregoing Chapter gives us a large Account of the Death and Burial of Jesus Christ, and of the Care which his E­nemies took to keep him fast in the Prison of the Grave; but this could not be done, for the Morning of the third Day after his De­cease, which was the first Day of the Week, was the appointed Time of his Resurrecti­on. Accordingly, when this Morning came, the Earth was shaken and gave up its Dead, and an Angel was dispatcht from Heaven, to roll away the Stone from the Door of the Sepulchre, ver. 2 of this Chap. This An­gel when he had removed the Stone, had not done all his Business, but went and sat [Page 40]upon it, and appeared in such an awful man­ner, that the Keepers who were set to watch, trembled at the sight of him; like Men amazed and utterly dispirited, ver. 3, 4. Yea it seems that not only they, but the Holy Women also (mentioned, ver. 1.) who came with a better design to see the Se­pulchre, assoon as the Jewish Sabbath was over, were through the Infirmity of their Flesh (though not like the Keepers, through guilt of Conscience) under some discompo­sing Terror. As the Disciples themselves, when they heard the Voice out of the Cloud in the Mount of Transfiguration, were sore afraid, Mat. 17.6. So if these Women had not been exercised with timorous uneasie Ap­prehensions now, those comfortable Words which are spoken to them here in the Text, would have been altogether needless. Which I have the rather chosen at this Time to Discourse on; not only because they may seem to have some Reference to the Ordinance of the Lord Supper which is to follow; but also as the fittest I know of to Connect with my two Last Discourses; the First was on Conversion, the Second on Establishment; therefore I shall now add a Third on Consola­tion; and if I do by the Blessing of God ob­tain my End in these Sermons, I need Preach no more.

In these Words we may consider these four Things.

1. The Person speaking, And the An­gel answered and said; those ministring Spi­rits are very ready, to deliver any reviving Messages to the Heirs of Salvation, that wherein they can they may be, the helpers of their Joy; as to Zacharias, Luke 1.13. to Paul, Acts 27.24.

2. The Persons applied to [to the Wo­men,] who signalized their Affection to Christ, by attending his Last Sufferings, and by preparing Oyntments and Spices for his Dead Body, and by their early Visits at his Grave. As they loved more than others so they're favour'd more than others, with the first joyful Tidings of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3. The encouraging Matter [Fear not Ye] There is a special Emphasis upon that word Ye, q. d. Let the Centinels whose work it is to Guard the Sepulchre be af­frighted, if they will; but there is no such Cause for your being so: I have no Conso­lation to impart to them, but to you I have.

4. The satisfying Reason [For I know that ye seek Jesus, who was Crucified.] Though it be Gods peculiar Perfection to know the Hearts of his Creatures, 1 Kings 8.39. Yet we may know very much of the Thoughts and Intentions of others by their Actions and Deportments; and so the Angel might be able to say, he knew by the Circumstan­ces of the Womens coming hither, what it was they came about, and whom they en­quired after.

Obs. Where any Souls do truly design the seeking of a Crucified Jesus, all disquiet­ing fear must needs be groundless; and not a Duty, but a Fault, 'tis not that they are call'd to, but warned against. Here,

• 1. I shall shew, Who they are that truly design the seeking of a Crucified Jesus.
• 2. Why all disquieting Fears in such, must be groundless.
• 3. Whence these Fears arise.
• 4. Ʋse.

I. Who they are, that truly design the seeking of a Crucified Jesus?

Answer in six Things.

1. They that seriously look upon Christ as most worthy to be sought, and necessary to be found; and are therefore willing to neglect or abandon all other Things whatsoever for the sake of him. There are none that seek him in good Earnest, but such as this Character is applicable to; we must be,

1. Deeply convinc't, that nothing else doth so well deserve our Pains in seeking it; nor is there such an absolute and indispensi­ble Necessity of finding it. We may be pos­sest of all other Things without Christ, and yet be miserable; we may miss or fail of all other Things, and yet be Happy in Christ Whoso findeth him, findeth Life, &c. [Page 43] Prov. 8.35. He is the one Thing needful, and the one Thing to be desired; unless there be a sound and setled Conviction of this, there can be no Sincerity.

2. We must be fully resolved to pass o­ver, and to relinquish every Thing in the World for Christs sake. They that choose rather to omit a season of Converse with Christ, than the Prosecution of a secular Af­fair, have Reason to be Jealous of their own Hypocrisie. Martha had a sharp rebuke for spending her Time about the Entertainment of Christ, when she should with her Sister have been hearing of him. Christ must be diligently sought, though all be forsaken in Order to it.

2. They that make use of all the appointed Means, and providential Opportunities, of finding Christ, which are put into their Hands. He that conscientiously uses any one, will thankfully embrace them all; for as the same Authority binds to, so the same good­ness furnishes with, all alike. Wheresoever Christ hath been, or is to be found, we are to seek him; there is a variety of Divine Or­dinances, all tending to the same Purpose, viz. Fellowship with Christ, but none of them are to be disused. We should follow Christ from one Ordinance to another, as the zealous Multitude did from Place to Place. When our Lord departed privately by Ship to a Desert Place, the People that knew him seeing it, ran a-foot out of all cities, and out-went the Ship, and came together to him, [Page 44]Mark 6.33. They that have an hearty de­sire to meet with Christ will seek him in their Closets, and seek him in his Sanctuary, and above all at his Table, where his Death is solemnly Commemorated. A Crucified Jesus is there chiefly to be sought, we contradict our selves if we say, we would see Jesus, and do not go where he feeds, but avoid the In­stitutions which he is present in, and commu­nicates himself by. His Enemies had so much Policy as to seek him where he frequently resorted, John 18.2, 3.

3. They that are not contented with the best of Means, unless they attain this End; of the Enjoyment of Christ by them. As Da­vid notwithstanding his great respect to the Tabernacle, and performance of Publick Worship there, carried his Thoughts and Desires beyond it, to him that filled it with his Glory, Psalm 42.1, 2. My Soul panteth after thee oh God. My Soul thirsteth for God, &c. As true Seekers of Jesus Christ, can have no Satisfaction in the bare Hearing of the Word of Christ, though an Angel were to Preach it; nor can such an one really Feast upon the sacred Elements which respect Christ, though the greatest Apostle were now alive to Dispense them. To an Hypo­crite its enough to have the outward Means, and attend upon them; for indeed the pre­sence or absence of Christ is an indifferent Thing to such; but to have some sweet Ex­perience of Divine Communion, or else an afflicting Sense of the want of it, is the Mark [Page 45]of an unfeigned Believer. Perhaps the great­est Saint upon Earth hath not always that manifest Communion with Christ, which he would have; but the least of Saints is great­ly troubled and concerned when he hath it not. I will say that Mourning and Lamenting after the Lord, is as sure a Token of Integrity, as the most comfortable Enjoyment of him.

4. They that hold on in the unwearied Pur­suits of Christ, notwithstanding all Discou­ragements. They that do not seek Christ heartily, will quickly cease, and give over seeking him. It is strength of Affection which makes us persevere, and continue in this Work, which otherwise would soon tire us out. When Elijah was snatcht up to Hea­ven by a whirlwind, the Sons of the Pro­phets at Jericho, suspecting lest he should be cast upon some Mountain, or into some Val­ley, were for ending sifty Men to seek him; and urged Elisha for his Consent, till he was ashamed to deny them any longer; and so the Men went and sought him three Days, but found him not, 2 Kings 2.16, 17. Their respect to the Man of God put them upon do­ing his, as a voluntary act; though they were forbidden, for Elisha had said you shall not send: How much more earnest and ea­ger should we be, in seeking after Christ, when we are commanded? If we think it our Duty to begin any enquiry or search at all, we cannot but think that 'tis our Sin to de­sist; even tho he seem to flee from us, and to go further off, the faster we advance to­wards [Page 46]him; though he conceal and hide him­self the more, the nearer we press to him.

5. They which steer the same Course which Christ did, and walk as he walked, are sincere Seekers of him. 'Tis a vain pretence to say, we are engaged in the pursuit of christ, and go a contrary Way; if we would find him out where he is, we must undoubt­edly tread in his Steps. As some quick­scented Creatures in hunting after their Prey, will exactly follow the Track, where it hath gone before them; upright Souls strive as much to imitate Christ as to enjoy him; and they practice Imitation in order to Fruition. We cannot hope to have our pas­sage through the World sweetned with the presence of Christ, unless we learn to be as he was in the World. As our Lord Jesus carried himself in all manner of Conversati­on towards God, and towards Men, so shall we do, if our Hearts are set aright; because there is no meeting with him out of his own Way. In that very way of filial Obedience wherein Christ sought the honouring and pleasing of God, we are also to seek the ap­proving of our selves to Christ, and the kind Intimations of Love from him.

6. They seek a Crucified Jesus indeed, that have an holy Ambition of being Cruci­fied with Christ, as Paul was, Gal. 2.20. Per­haps, there are some (too many) in the World, who would be glad to be sure that Christ was Crucified for them, but they are by no means willing to be Crucified with [Page 47]him: i. e. In the Language of the same A­postle, Rom. 6.6. To have their old Man Cru­cified with him; their Lusts and Corruptions destroyed, and put to Death, by Vertue of his Death. Now this argues a great deceit­fulness of Heart, in desiring some Benefit from Christ, without any regard to his Per­son; i. e. seeking not him but his. We dis­semble with Christ, except we covet to have our Sins drowned in his Blood, as well as to have our Souls wafted to Heaven by it. This is what the Holy Apostle aimed at, and prest after, To know the Fellowship of his Sufferings, and to be made conformable to his Death; Phil. 3.10. All that are found faith­ful seek to resemble the Death of Christ by Mortification now, as well as to reap the Fruit of it in Glorification at the last.

II. Why all disquieting Fears, in such, as tru­ly Design the seeking of Christ, are ground­less. I would not be understood to speak a­gainst those humble, reverential, cautious, watchful Fears, which do very week become every Child of God, and suit with the Re­lation wherein he stands; and the Difficul­ties, Snares, and Hazards whereby he is yet surrounded; but I am to beat down those uncomfortable, restless, perplexing and di­stracting Fears, which are quite of another kind, which are more proper to Slaves then Children, and which are indeed the Remnants of a Spirit of Bondage in Believers. These ought not to be, for Six Reasons.

1. This Crucified Jesus whom we seek, lives on our behalf; He Died for us, and now Lives again for us, and Lives for e­very; and so long as he Lives, we shall not Dye. When Joseph's brethren saw that their Father was Dead, they begun to be afraid that their Brother Joseph would now Revenge himself upon them, for the Injury they had formerly done to him, Gen. 50.15. So if Christ had seen Corruption, and re­mained still under the Power of Death, we might have feared, whether he had made suf­ficient Satisfaction in Dying; and whether God might not have prosecuted us notwith­standing. But now this fear is taken away by his Revival; and therefore what should we fear? Christ is our living, powerful Ad­vocate with God; and both able and ready to defend us from whatsoever Charge can be brought against us. If any should object and say, here is Comfort enough in this; if I could be perswaded and assured, that Christ is mine, and that he lives for me; but this I doubt of. I Answer in short, thou need­est no other Evidence of thy Propriety, and Interest in Christ, than thy sollicitous seek­ing of him, as before described.

2. This Jesus is graciously near unto us, or else we should not find in our Hearts to seek him; our very Enquirings after him, are an infallible Proof of his Presence with us; 'tis the Influence of his Spirit which draws out our Souls towards him, which of themselves are naturally removed very far from him. [Page 49]Never any Man in the World had the least serious Thought of taking one step to find out Christ, till the Spirit of Christ infused that Thought into him. Therefore we have real saving Communications from Christ, though we have not discernable refreshing Communion with him, which we wish and wait for. And he never will nor can for­sake us, where he hath once wrought such a Work upon us, of inclining our hearts unto himself. Do we then fear that we are yet estranged from Christ? 'Tis impossible, for if so, no Account can be given, how we should be prevailed with to do what we do. Do we fear Christs future Departings at any Time from us? This is also to fear where no fear is; for he adheres more firm­ly to us than we can to him.

3. This Jesus will certainly support and su­stain us in seeking him, till he is found of us: When like Gideon's handful of Soldiers we are faint, yet pursuing, Judg. 8.4. He will take Care to Minister secret Cordials for the relief of our Spirits, in due Measure and Season. He that Conquers our Aversions at the entrance of this Work, will be sure to help our Infirmities in the Progress of it. Hear what David says, and he speaks it as his own Experience; Psalm 63.8. My Soul followeth hard after thee, thy right hand uphold­eth me. Do we therefore fear, that we shall droop and sink, that we shall flag and fail, before we have attained our End, and met with Christ to our Satisfaction? There is [Page 50]Cause enough for this fear, I confess, if we were to look to our selves only; for we are poor, feeble, spiritless Creatures, when we are left alone; but considering the mighty Assistance we have to depend on, this fear is causeless, Isa. 40.31. They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their Strength; they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, Creatures noted for swiftness in hasting to the Prey.

4. We are never out of our Way, while we are in the Pursuit of Christ. The very seek­ing of him is such a safe and blessed Em­ployment, that no Evil can befal us if we closely follow it. And indeed 'tis that which ought to be the continual Employment and Business of our Lives; for as long as we are Pilgrims and Sojourners, which is our State here upon Earth, we are still to seek, Heb. 11.13, 14. Christ may be lost again and again in our Apprehension, before we leave the World; the Discoveries and Manifesta­tions which he makes of himself to us now, are but Transient, like the shining of the Sun in a Cloudy Day, which often breaks out, and is as often darkned again.

Christ draws near to the two Disciples going to Emmaus, and walks along with them, but their Eyes were held that they could not know him, Luke 24.15, 16. Assoon as they knew him he vanishes, ver. 31. A lit­tle after he appears in the midst of them, ver. 36. And then he is parted from them again, ver. 51. Therefore the seekers of Christ are in the way of Christ, and need not to fear.

5. Our seeming Separations and Distances from Christ, shall Work for our Good. Gods withholding of many Things from us, which we reckon very desirable, is as truly an Act of Mercy, as the giving of his Son to us; and his Sons withholding of himself as to sensible Fruition, may be in as much Love, as if he imparted himself most freely. Yea, why may not I say, that he may withhold himself in more Love, and make it turn more to our Advantage? Then if he imparted himself most freely. If he in all his Dispensa­tions and Dealings with his own, does that which is best, it must needs be so. The Wo­men here were passionately concerned that their Lord was taken away; they saw the Place where he had lain, and they wanted to see him in it: But was it not much better to hear the News of his being risen again; than to find him Dead? So poor Souls that are seeking of christ, should suppress their Fears with this Consideration, that 'tis better for them to be covered with a Cloud, than brought forth to the Light, if Christ think it so. Communion and Defertion (like Esthers Fast and Banquet, Sackcloath and Royal apparrel) shall serve the same end of their Salvation.

6. What we come short of obtaining upon Earth, will be abundantly recompen [...]'t, and made up in Heaven. Where, they that now seek the Lord, shall be ever with him, 1 Thes. 4.17. If it be afar off, that we seek him now, 'tis our Comfort, that we shall have [Page 52]the nearest views hereafter; whatever Doors, or Walls, or Lattesses are now betwixt him and us, hereafter there shall be none. 'Tis uncertain, whether I may find my Beloved, so as I would, or so as perhaps I have some­times done, at this or that particular season, in this or that particular Duty, I cannot absolutely depend upon it; but this I may be Positive in, that he can withdraw him­self no longer, than while I am in this World. Nothing more certain in all the Bible, than that in Glory there will be con­stant sight and full Enjoyment; and 'tis as certain that this will be may final Lot, if seeking with my whole Heart be my present Work. Every Holy Soul will drop all its fears at the Gate of Heaven, as ashamed of them; and therefore why should we indulge that fear here, that must be bandisht thence?

III. Whence do these Fears arise, in such as seek a Crucified Jesus?

Answer, From four Springs.

. From darkness of Ʋnderstanding. The Children of Light are enlightned but in part, their Knowledge is imperfect, and Mistakes may sometimes have as much influence upon them, as the greatest Truths. Thus wrong Apprehensions of Things will produce un­reasonable Fears; when a Believers way is plain and clear, he goes on Boldly and Con­sidently; but when he is bewildred and confounded, and the Eye of his Mind over­cast, [Page 53]so that he cannot discern where he is, every Shadow will affright him. As the gross Ignorance of Carnal Sinners is the Impe­diment of their Conversion, so the remaining Ignorance of troubled Saints is a great hindrance of their Comfort. When the Devil Tempts or Terrifies, he does it in the Dark; he first casts a Mist before us, and then comes out like a roaring Lyon against us. Error in the Judgment, disposes to fearfulness of Heart.

2. From weakness of Faith. Where Fear is under the Rule and Government of Faith, 'tis never excessive or sinful; but where fear gets the upper Hand of Faith, and prevailes against that which ought to give bounds and measures to it, 'tis always inordinate and ir­regular: This was the Case of Christs Disci­ples; Mat. 8.26. Why are ye fearful, O ye of little Faith? Our Lord does in Effect an­swer his own Question, for the Reason of their being so fearful, was because they had so little Faith. Faith will hold up the Soul that's embarqued with Christ (as they were) in the greatest Storms, and though the Soul may be moved with Fear, it shall never be sunk. If we did but believe strongly and stedfastly, we should find a cure for all those tremblings and tossings which now our Spi­rits may-be too much hurried and disturb­ed with.

3. From forgetfulness of the Promises. We have many precious Promises given us in the Go­spel, which if we did receive and hold fast they [Page 54]could not but silence and confute our Fears. I Remember thy Judgments (says David) and have Comforted my self, Psal. 119.52. When­ever we are sinfully afraid, the Promises of God are out of our deliberate Thoughts; we either do not think of them at all, or think not so of them, as to six our Minds upon them. Therefore the Angel puts the Women in remembrance of what Christ had told them before his Death, that he would rise again and meet them in Galilee, ver. 6. He is ri­sen, as he said. This Promise of his seems to be forgotten and buried with him. Nay the Enemies of our Lord seem to take more notice of it, than the Disciples; they thought of it so much, that therefore they secur'd his Grave that he might be hindred as they thought from rising again.

4. From the Ardency of their Love. As to all the other three Springs of disquieting fear in Believers, it may be truly said, that it cometh of Evil, but it may partly pro­ceed from this better Cause also. There is no Person who knows what it is to Love, but also knows, that the greater and more vehement our Love is to any Object, the more apt we are to be afraid of losing it, and the more jealous and mistrustful upon the least appearance of Alienation, or any Interruption of Converse with it. They that Love not the Lord Jesus, are not exer­cised with any such Fears concerning him; so that these fears are hopeful Evidences of a good State, though in themselves they are not excusable from Sin.

IV. Use.

1. Learn, that the offence of the Cross of Christ is really no Offence; and none whose Hearts are right and sound can stum­ble at it. The Women here sought Jesus who was Crucified, they did not sleight him for being so. The Cross of Christ is not a thing to be ashamed of, but rather to be gloried in, it should not prejudice us against Christ, but rather be a Motive to attract us to him.

2. The Memory of him that dyed for us, ought not to perish with us. We are very prone to forget our Friends, soon after we have laid them in the Dust, how amiable and serviceable soever they have been in their Lives: But Christ is to be everlasting­ly Remembred. The Devout Women ex­prest their Respects to him after Death at his very Tomb.

3. The shewing forth of Christs Death, is as necessary as the belief of his Resurrection. It is not enough for us to seek him as glori­fied, but we must also seek him as Crucified; seek him where he once was among the Dead in the Grave, as well as where he now is among the Living in Heaven.

4. Let no Sinner whatsoever be afraid of seeking Communion with Christ. Mary Magdalen is particularly named here, ver. 1. See Mark 16.9. Do not say 'tis Pre­sumption in such as you; for 'tis a com­mendable [Page 56]mendable Act of Faith, and wretched Insi­delity not to do it.

5. Let no Sinner that seeks, doubt of his Success in seeking; Psalm 69.32. The hum­ble shall see this, and be glad, and your Heart shall live that seek God. This is as true as God is true, and therefore Question it at your Peril. 'Tis his faithful saying, and in his Name I require you to receive it, you who desire to find out Christ, and be found in him, can never be lost fro want of him.

SERMON IV.
Nov. 5. 1697.

THE Great and Magnificent Promises which this Chapter contains, shew plainly enough, that they concern not so much the Jewish Church after her return out of Babylon, as the Christian Church, which was to be far more glorious, in the New-Testament Times. The very first Verse, hath a manifest Reference to the numerous Conversions of the Gentiles, who though formerly Barren, should exceed in fruitful­ness under the Gospel; and on this Ac­count, we read Ver. 5. That the Holy One of Israel, should be called, the God of the whole Earth. Large Assurances of spiritual and temporal Blessings are given hereupon; with respect to the Prosperity of Souls, [Page 58]and the flourishing also of their outward State. As to this latter, we need look back no further, than ver. 14. The Words Preceding the Text; In Righteousness shalt thou be established, thou shalt be far from Op­pression, for thou shalt not fear, and from Ter­ror, for it shall not come near thee. The Summ of which seems to be this; God will raise up such righteous Magistrates and Ru­lers every where in the latter Days, as that his People shall be deliver'd not only from Oppression, but from the Fear and Terror of it too. The Church and the World have been severely exercis'd with Princes, Who like Lions, have learned to catch the Prey, and devoured Men, Ezek. 19.3. Such as have removed the Bounds, Hos. 5.10. Tram­pled upon Laws, and invaded Properties: But there is a Time to come, when all such Thrones shall bee cast down, and Zion shall be redeem'd with Judgment, and defended with Equity. Then (may some say) sure­ly after this, we shall have no Tribulation in the World; we shall meet with no more Storms or Tempests, but enjoy Calm and settled Weather, without any Interrupti­on; we shall have nothing to do, but to sit under our Vines and Fig-Trees, and there will be none to Molest and Disturb us from that Time forward. The Text is brought in as an Answer hereto; Behold, they ( i. e. they that wish thy Hurt, that would be oppressing thee, as before) shall surely gather together, &c. q. d. You must [Page 59]not think, that Sinners will be so entirely consum'd out of the Earth, as that there should be no Designs or Endeavours to o­verthrow your Establishment; As you will have the Poor always with you, to draw out your Charity, so you will always have some Enemies (though Feeble and Impo­tent) for the Trial of your Faith and Cou­rage; you'l never want some to unite and combine against you; but whoever they be, you have this for your Encouragement, I will not be on their side, nor take their Part, and by seeking your Destruction, they shall in the Issue, find their own.

Obs. The unwearied mischievous Attempts of the Adversaries of Gods People in the World, as they are made without God, so they shall end in Ruine to themselves. Here,

• 1. 1 shall shew, That the Adversaries of God's People will be unweariedly attempt­ing of Mischief against them.
• 2. How those Attempts are without God.
• 3. That they shall end in Ruine to them­selves.
• 4. Why they shall do so.
• 5. Use.

1. To shew, That the Adversaries of Gods People in the World, will be unwearied in their mischievous Attempts against them. So says [Page 60]the Text, they shall gather together. This is sure, upon various Grounds.

1. He who foreknows all their Thoughts, Inclinations and Purposes from Everlasting, hath foretold it. His is a sure Word of Pro­phesie, and not a Tittle of it ever fail'd; and 'tis as impossible that finite Agents should do less than he hath said, as that they should do more. He hath a full Pro­spect of all before him, and does in one undivided instant see how every Cause will operate, and what Effects it will produce; He can tell what he intends to suffer them to do, and what he intends to withhold and restrain them from doing: And there­fore if his Understanding cannot be de­ceiv'd, nor his Knowledge be mistaken, his Predictions must needs be true. So when we read of Gog's coming up, as a Cloud to cover the Land (which some think, is meant of a Succession of the Churches E­nemies) and not of a single Person; the Lord puts the Question. Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old Time, by my Ser­vants the Prophets of Israel, which Prophesied in those Days, many Years, that I would bring thee against them? Ezek. 38.16, 17. God hath infallibly determin'd in himself all that shall be, and some part of those Determi­nations are declared in his Word; and therefore nothing can fall out contrary to that Word, but every thing must fall out to agree with it, if it be a saying of God, it cannot be unfulfilled.

2. So long as there are any of the Children of the Devil out of Hell, he will be inspiring them with Malice against the Church of God on Earth. The Old Serpent will be the Old Serpent still, and there is the same Poison which runs in the Veins of all his Seed. The Enmity is incurable and im­mortal, and not to be slain between the two Seeds, unless they were to joyn and be­come one. They that Work Iniquity, and they that live Godly in Christ Jesus can never amicably walk together, any more than Fire and Water can be reconciled to run quietly along in the same Stream. Till all Things are subdned to Christ (which will not be till the end comes, 1 Cor. 15.28.) we cannot expect that all should be at perfect Peace with those that are Christ's; for as our Lord and they that are his, are united in their Interests, so they are usu­ally assanlted with the like Opponents. The Christian Society cannot look for uni­versal Concord and Good-will, except there were an universal Subjection to the Holy Founder. 'Tis no wonder, that they should Act against Religion, who are under the full Power of natural Corruption, as many will be to the very Last. Wickedness pro­ceedeth from the Wicked, 1 Sam. 24.13. just­ly applied by David to Sauls unreasonable pursuit of him.

3. The very Defeats and Disappointments which the Enemies of the Church receive, make them to renew their attempts with greater Vio­lence [Page 62]and Fury; they are not the more dis­hearten'd, but the more exasperated; not made to desist, but rather provok't to go on. When God scatters and foils his Ad­versaries, they will, if possible, rally them­selves again, and strive to recover their Ground: And when their Projects are bla­sted, and their Hopes perisht, they are so much the fuller of Rage and Revenge, Isa. 44.25. That frustratcth the Tokens of the Liars, and maketh Diviners Mad. The more eminently God hath lifted up his Hand, the more insolently have they stretcht out theirs; and to make amends for their being driven back, they have made the greater hast in their next return. Pharaoh grew the harder, and more obstinate in re­fusing to let Israel go, after God had sent so many Plagues upon him; and though he did unwillingly dismiss them at the last, he would have satisfied his Lust up­on them, if he could have overtaken them. When Dagon was fallen upon his Face before the Ark, the sottish Philistines took him, and set him in his Place again, 1 Sam. 5.3. Divine Appearances against them do not easily Plung them into Despair, but add a fierceness to their Spirits, and put an Edge to their Opposition.

4. The fearful Expectation of future Ven­geance, is a Spur to their diligent Ʋse of all the present Opportunities of sinning. 'Tis not so in it self, but the contrary; it ought to deter them from Sin, and excite them [Page 63]to Repentance, but through their Corrup­tion, it renders them most resolvedly and desparately Wicked. As God sees that their Day is coming, so his Enemies can­not but have some Dread and Jealousie of it themselves; they can hardly forbear to think (sometimes at least) that their Day of Triumph and Jollity is going over, and their Day of Reckoning and of Account is coming on; but they are the worse by reason of such Thoughts. As sensual Beasts cry, Let us Eat and Drink, for to Morrow we Dye; 1 Cor. 15.32. So Cruel Beasts, and inhumane Devils, quicken themselves to acts of Barbarity, to eat the Flesh, and drink the Blood of Saints, on the same Mo­tive. Because they know that Death and Judgment will speedily prevent them, and they cannot do what they would, they will be eager to do what they can; if their Time be short, they will hatch as much Mischief in it, as is possible; as if it were their only Covetousness and Ambition to sill up the Measure of their Sins, before Wrath come upon them to the uttermost. Men of such Principles and Tempers will surely gather together.

II. How are these unwearied Attempts a­gainst the People of God, without God? So God himself says positively, here in the Text, but not by me. This may be open'd and stated in five Propositions.

1. 'Tis most undeniable, that the Churches Enemies can neither do, nor contrive the doing of any thing absolutely without God. No se­cond Cause can Act but in dependance up­on the first; no Creature can subsist, no faculty can perform any of its operations, if Providence did not concur. The worst of Men live and move, and have their Be­ings in God, while they are running to do Evil; for if he should suspend his influence, they must stand still, and sink into no­thing. The whole Power of Darkness would be utterly disabled from doing any harm, as the most innocent Creatures are uninclin'd to it, if that Power were not upheld in its Exercise by a greater. All the Plots which are formed beneath, prove vain and fruitless, unless there be a Per­mission given from above. Proud Men­would turn the World upside down, but the great God carries their Counsel head­long whenever he pleases, Job 5.13. If he put his Bridle in their Jaws, it will either hinder them from stirring, or cause them to err, Isa. 30.28.

2. It must be granted also, that the Ene­mies of the Church can do nothing effectually, but as God really employs them to be the In­struments of his just Displeasure; and so they are frequently employ'd, being not sit for any other Work, and on several Accounts most sit for this; like the common Exe­cutioners in humane Courts, who are ge­nerally the basest of Men. They are said [Page 65]to be ordain'd and establish't for Correcti­on, Hab. 1.12. They are called Gods Sword, and Gods Hand, Psalm. 17.13, 14. The Rods of Gods Anger, Isa. 10.5. The Weapons of his Indignation, Chap. 13.5. Hence it is that the King of Babylon is sty­led God's Servant so often, Jer. 25.9. ch. 27.6. ch. 43.10. Because God punisht his People by his Means. When the Assyrian came against the Jews, and made such ha­vock and spoil among them, God sent him, and gave him a Charge, Isa. 10.7. Thus wicked Men are many Times the Messengers and. Commissioners of a Just and Holy God against his offending Children.

3. The Attempts of Enemies against Gods People are notwithstanding, without God's Ap­probation. God permits many Things to be done which he approves not the doing of; and therefore we are not to fetch our warrant from Providence, but from the Word. Whatsoever is against the Rule of Gods revealed Will, is not by him; for we must go according to that, or else we walk contrary to him, and Sin in what we do. On this Account God entred that complaint against his People, Hos. 8.4. The have set up Kings, but not by me; they have made Princes, and I knew it not (which must be understood of his approving Know­ledge; as Christ is said not to know the Workers of Iniquity, Luke 13.27.) That which the Prophet refers to, is the falling off of the Ten Tribes of Israel from the [Page 66]House of David to Jeroboam; God says expresly, that this Thing was from him, 1 Kings 12.23. Providentially order'd and dispos'd by him, as well as foretold, Chap. 11.31. Yet they siun'd, because God had given the Kingdom to David and his Fa­mily for ever, 2 Chron. 13.5. And to that Family they owed Subjection.

4. The Attempts of Enemies, when they have most Success, are without God's truly fa­vour able Presence. None of the Adversa­ries of the Church can ever lay any Claim to that gracious Promise, which belongs pe­cullarly to the Church her self, I am with thee. God hath no respect to their Per­fons, even when he shines upon their Coun­sels; nor is it out of Kindness to them, but to signifie how he is displeased with his Peo­ple. Treacherous Dealers are counted hap­py oftentimes, and appear to be so; for God Plants them, yea they take Root, they Grow, yea they bring forth Fruit, as the Prophet speaks with a remarkable Grada­tion, Jer. 12.1, 2. But there is nothing of the real Love and Good-will of God in all this; they are the Objects of his hatred and loathing at the same time; he abhorrs them, and beholds them afar off. These Dispensations, though such as they desire, and are pleased with, are no Tokens of Mercy; Their Prosperity is a Curse and a Plague, but not a Blessing.

5. The Attempts of Enemies at that Time, which the Prophet here hath a Relation to, will [Page 67]be without Gods Assistanee, and consequently without Success. God will not so much as seemingly favour them alays; but when he hath perform'd his whole Work by them, he'll make them know that they are but Men, Psalm 9.20. Poor weak Crea­tures, when his Power is withdrawn from them. I have Created the Waster to destroy, says God, ver. 16. of this Chapter, the Words following the Text; but what can the Waster do alone, more than any o­ther Creature of God? What can he do when God hath no further use to make of him, when Destructions are come to a per­petual End? This Text gives ground for the Expectation of such a Time; wherein all the Commissions of evil Men from God against his People shall finally expire. Though they may falfly pretend and pre­sume otherwise, as in the Case of Senna­cherib, which the Event confuted, 2 Kings 18.35. Am I now come up without the Lord against this Place to destroy it? &c.

III. That all these Attempts of the Adver­saries of God's People will issue in Ruine to themselves. So we read here; Whosoever shall gather together shall fall, &c. Their fall is as certain as their gathering together, and so must necessarity be, if we consider these six Things.

1. The greatest Attempt which was ever made by the Devil against the Church, in the [Page 68]Person of Christ himself, became the Means of subverting his own Kingdom. Herod, and Pi­late, with the Gentiles, and the Children of Israel were all gathered together by the In­stigation of Satan against our Lord Jesus, Acts 4.27. But what was the Issue? He was set as King upon his Holy Hill of Zion, Psalm 2.6. And they were broken and dasht in Pieces, like a Potters Vessel, ver. [...]. The Devil thought he had laid the Ax to the Root then, and should have cut down all the Hopes of God's People at once; but he then receiv'd the greatest and most fatal blow. Our dying Redeemer by Death destroyed the Destroyer, triumpht over Principalities and Powers; and he hath the Promise of the Father, that all Enemies shall be put under his Feet. The Head of the Serpent is irrecoverably bruis'd, and so shall those other Dragons be, which are no better than his Seed and Spawn, Psaim 110.6. He shall wound the Heads over many Countreys.

2. The standing of the Churches Enemies, is the most precarious and uncertain Thing; not like that of the Church upon a Rock, an Everlasting Foundation, but a sandy, deceitful Bottom. Psalm 73.18. Surely thou didst set them in slippery Places: Places which they hold and possess, meerly at the Pleasure of God, which they cannot settle or fasten themselves in, at their own Will; Places, sometimes of the greatest heighth, but pro­portionably of the greatest Danger, from [Page 69]whence, while they are dazled with the Light shining on their Ways, they com­monly tumble on a sudden. They stand the longer, that they may the less suspect their fall; and God does conceal the exact Period of teir standing, with this Design, that their fall may be the more surprizing. They stand only till their Iniquities are compleated, till the Judgments of God are Ripe to be inflicted, [...] till they have worn out the Lease of limited Time, and Wrath is ready to break forth; and how soon this may be, they can never tell.

3. All that they have or can have to Sup­port and Desend them, will not be sufficient, when their appointed Destruction comes. What can be the Strength or Stability of the Ene­mies of God in his Day of Visitation, who shakes the very Earth out of her Place, so that the Pillars thereof cremble? What can bear up those, whom her hath purposed to throw down? If he will not withdraw his Anger, the Proud helpers do stoop under him, Job 9.13. They that think to Protect their Confederates from the stroke of God, may feel it and share in it themelves, but can never Guard another Person against it, Isa. 31.3. When the Lord shall stretch out his Hand, both he that helpeth, shall fall, and he that is holpen, shall fall down, and they all shall fall together. Every Creature that of­fers to do service, will he a Part of the Sa­crifice, when God comes in his Garments of Vengeance. Even Beasts are threaten'd [Page 70]with Men, Zech. 12.4. Chap. 14.12, with 15. compared, And God's rebuke on such is Recorded, Psalm 76.6.

4. The Enemies of the Church are rais'd up for this Purpose, that God may Honour himself upon them. Pharaob is an instance of it; exod. 9.16. In very Deed, for this cause have I raised thee up, to shew in thee my Pow­er and that my Name may be declared through­out all the Earth. God would never suffer such Monsters to Tyrannize over the best of Mankind, and to Reproach and Blas­pheme him, as they ordinarily do, if he had not some Ends to bring about, that would be honourable to himself, and degra­ding to them at last. As long as they sill their Thrones of Iniquity, and keep their seats of Violence, the Majesty of Heaven is contemn'd and vilified: And if they should go off with Impunity, his Glory would be lost. And therefore we may be sure, this shall not be; if God be so Jealous for his own Name, that he will be sanctified in the needful Correction of his own People, we cannot imagine, that he will fail to vin­dicate himself by the just revenging of his Adversaries.

5. The greatest Enemies that the Church of God ever yet had, have fallen; though as like­ly to sland once, as any now or hereafter can be. How have all the Parts of the Image in Nebuchadnezzar's Prophetical Dream been smitten one after another? Who does not know, that there hath been a successive Dis­solution [Page 71]of all the Four Grand Monarchies and Empires of the World? Was not the Babylonian pull'd down by the Persian, the Persian tript up by the Graecian, the Grae­cian sunk by the Roman, and the Roman at length lost and swallowed by the Papal Pow­er? What's become of all the formidable Men of Blood, that have slain their Thou­sands, and ten Thousands, and not been satisfied? Have they not born their shame with them that go down to the Pit, though they cau­sed Terrour in the Land of the Living? Ezek. 32.24. What are they that breath out Threatnings now, better or mightier than they that have perisht in all Ages before them?

6. The present Enemies of the Church have indeed begun to fall; which is au hopeful To­ken that they shall surely fall. And whether the present Enemies may be the last or not, I think, 'tis beyond all Controversie, that they are the worst which can be. Now that there are certain beginnings of their Ruine is hardly to be doubted also. It was sounded long since in Prophesie, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, Rev. 14.8. And without any nice and curious Observation, we may discern that the Building cracks. Anti­christ hath been consuming eminently ever since the Reformation one hundred and eighty Years, by the Spirit of Christs Mouth in the Preaching of the Gospel, according to 2 Thes. 2.8. He hath been driven out of these Nations, and several other Countrys, [Page 72]into which we hope, he shall never re-enter. Many Learned and Holy Men have batter'd the Roman Jericho a great while with invin­sible Arguments; and Ministers, like the Priests of Old, continue Blowing with their Trumpets; we only wait for such a Breath of God, and Shout of the People, that the Walls may fall down flat and the City be taken.

IV. Why shall the Attempts of the Enemies of God's People end thus in their own Ruine? The Text acquaints us with this likewise; they shall fall for thy salke. Quest. How is this to be understood?

1. Some read the Words, they shall fall before thee, that thou mayst see it. The God who is now secretly carrying on their intended Ruine, which is the matter of thy Faith, shall at length visibly accomplish it in thy open view, to thy Comfort and Re­joycing. So Prov. 29.16. the Righteous shall see their fall. Psalm 52.5, 6. God shall destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, &c. The Righteous also shall see, &c. So Is­rael saw that great Work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians, Exod. 14.31. The Im­pressions which such sights make upon such witnesses, render them desirable, though awful, Jer. 20.12. Let me see thy Vengeance on them.

2. For thy sake, cannot be meant, for thy Merit, but for thy Good and Benefit. So [Page 73] Mal. 3.11. I will rebuke the Devourer for your sakes; not because you deserve it (the People of God never did that) but that you may have the Advantage of it. Their Destruction is to make way for your Sal­vation, Prov. 11.8. The Righteous is deli­ver'd out of trouble, and the Wicked cometh in his stead. Psalm 141.10. Let the Wicked fall into their own Net, while that I withal escape. They must fall, that the Church of God may rise; for while they stand, the Church is kept under. Babylon must come down into the Dust, that Zion may be lift­ed up out of it.

3. For thy sake, may be meant, for the Kindness and Care which I bear to thee, q. d. For thy sake, whom I am so mindful of, so watchful over, and so delighted in, and have such an affectionate Regard to; thou art the Object which I have in my Eye, anhd my Compassion and Good-will are the Springs and Reasons of my pro­mised actings and appearances on thy be­half. God Loves his own so well, that as he upholds the World on their Account, so on their Account he will destroy any Part of it, which is injurious to them. Therefore they are much mistaken, who level them with other People; as Ezek. 25.8. Behold, the House of Judah is like un­to all the Heathen.

1. Security and distrust are sinful Extreams, and both of them equally to be avoided. To presume that Enemies will not g ather to­gether, and to despair of their fall, are flat Contradictions to the Text. To say that the Church of God shall not be assaulted, is against Scripture. To say, That she shall not be moved, is what the Holy Ghost says, Psalm 46.5. We ought not to fall asleep, or to dwell carelessly; nor yet should fear­fulness surprize us, or horror overwhelm us. We have a mixture of Good and of Evil Tidings; like Milk and Honey, to temper the Wormwood and the Gall, there is enough on one Hand to awaken us, and on the other to encourage us. Associate your selves, O ye People (there's Matter of prudent Fear) and ye shall be broken in Pieces; (there's Matter of com­fortable Hope) Isa. 8.9.

2. A People dear to God, and peculiarly interested in him, are in a far more blessed Condition, than all the Earth besides. God will do any Thing, or undo any thing for their sake, he will Cut off Nations, tread upon Princes, remove Crowns and Scepters out of the way, for their sake, Enemies cannot do so great Things against them, but that God will do as great for them, and much greater, Joel 2.20, 21. All the specialities of Providence are upon their Account, and if any thing extraordi­nary happen at any Time in the World, we may be Consident, it is for their Ser­vice. [Page 75]As God is their God, so he is their pe­culiar Saviour, and therein they have the preheminence to all other People whatso­ever, Deut. 33.29. Happy art thou, oh Israel, who is like unto thee, oh People saved by the Lord?

3. The greatest Danger which God's People are or can be in, is when they engage God a­gainst them by Sin, and provoke him to fa­vour their Adversaries. 'Tis possible that God may for the Chastisement of his Peo­ple, turn away his Wrath from their fal­ling Enemies, Prov. 24.18. i. e. To punish us, they may for a while escape unpunish­ed; and during that Time they may ga­ther, in some Sense by God; and then one­ly are they terrible and dreadful. When God lengthens out their Chain, and lets them loose upon his People, none can fore­see the Spoil and Desolation which they may be empowered to make; otherwise we might boldly and stoutly bid defiance to them.

4. The Obstructions of Mercy are on our Part, and not on god's. If any ask, why this Word is not fulfilled, and all our Enemies thrown down, the Answer is easie, because we our selves do help to hold them up. They would fall for our sake, if they did not stand by our Means. Two Things espe­cially prolong Babylons Reprieve; the un­reformed, and the divided State of the Protestant Churches.

1. The unreformed State. Our Reforma­tion [Page 76]is yet too imperfect; and many instead of advancing it, are apt to put it back; being fond of retaining Egyptian Flesh-pots as a part of their Diet still. Many that profess to come out from among them, ap­proach too near to them. And even where the Purity of Religious Worship is most strictly maintain'd, the Power of Practical Godliness is too much wanting. There is a lamentable degeneracy among the best; that we may say, as Lam. 4.1. How is the Gold become dim! thr most fine Gold changed.

2. Their divided State. Enemies joyn Hand in Hand, and their Arms are made strong, by the Differences and Quarrels of our Friends. Our sworn Murderers that thirst for our Blood have the fairer Op­portunities to pursue their Designs, when upon every Difference we are ready to take one another by the Throat. The distur­bance of Jerusalems Peace by her own Chil­dren, is really a seeking of Rome's Prospe­rity; but a firm and hearty and (as much as may be) extensive Union among our selves, would hasten the dissolving of the Antichristian Constitution.

5. The Memorials of past Mercies are to be proserv'd for our Support in future Difficulties. Moses's Rod was laid up, wherewith won­ders had been wrought; and so was Go­liah's Sword, wherewith his own Head had been Cut off, 1 Sam. 21.9. Former Experien­ces are often improv'd in Scripture as Argu­ments with God, 2 Chron. 20.7. Isa. 51.9, [Page 77]10. No wonder that Faith dies, upon any emergent Hazard, when such gracious Acts of God are buried in forgetfulness, and not so much as a Monumental Stone erected o­ver their Graves. Therefore,

1. Let us keep alive the remembrance of this Days Deliverances. For God hath up­on this Day twice given convincing An­swers to that tempting Question. Is the Lord among us? Exod. 17.7. The same God who blew up the Powder-Traitors, set his Hand again a second Time, to rescue us from their fiery Successors. And this lat­ter Work of God seems to have been the greatest; for the shifting and altering of Governments, is one of the most illustrious Proofs of God's Soveraign Dominion; Jer. 49.38. I will set my Throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the King, and the Prin­ces, saith the Lord. God hath snatcht us from between their Teeth, who, if they could once have swallow'd us up, would ne­ver have vomited us out alive; these Nati­ons have not only heard, but felt how cru­el their tenderness is; and therefore we may justly reckon our selves deliver'd from the worst of Deaths. And even our Ene­mies themselves are happily deliver'd from the occasions of such Sin; for where Men's Hearts are full of mischievous Devices, 'tis a Mercy (if they would value and improve it as such) to be depriv'd of Power to exe­cute and accomplish them.

2. Let us live as a People deliver'd from [Page 78]our spiritual Enemies, who would be far more hurtful to us, and ought to be much more hate­ful. A Deliverance from Sin and Satan is the most glorious of all, and indeed without this, all our temporal Deliverances will but aggravate our Everlasting Destruction. Let Sinners go to Christ, and let Believers Tri­umph in Christ, as such a Deliverer, and seeing there is a sacred Feast appointed to Commemorate this Deliverance, let us keep it with all thankfulness, and take care to Live up to the solemn Obligations of it.