IN this and the foregoing verse we have an exhortation to holiness, branched out into three particu­lars.

1. That we present our bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.

2. And not be conformed to this world.

3. But to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

I beseech you: though I might be bold in Christ to enjoyn you, yet for love sake, I rather beseech you, pray and intreat you.

Therefore, seeing you have received so much mercy from God through Christ.

Brethren, being all the Children of God through faith in Christ. Gal. 3. 26.

By the mercies of God, bestowed on you. Gods mercy is one, but the effects and [Page 2] fruits of it are many; Election, Redempti­on, Justification.

That you present your Bodies; not your Souls onely, but your Bodies also: God will have the Body conformed to his will, and not to the world, as well as the Soul; for the Body is for the Lord, for the ser­vice of the Lord, and the Lord for the Body, 1 Cor. 6. 13. Our Bodies being his, and bought with a price, 1 Cor. 16. 19, 20. Our Bodies being the members of Christ, 1 Cor. 6. 15. and therefore al­so must we glorifie God with our Bodies, 1 Cor. 6. 20.

The Apostle praying for the Thessalo­nians, prayes that their Bodies, as well as their Souls, might be sanctified, 1 Thes. 5. 23. I note this the rather, because many think they may do what they will with, and make what use they will of their Bodies; but they are greatly decei­ved, for the Body is not for Fornication, 1 Cor. 6. 15. no not for Ostentation, to make a shew with it. Read, Rom. 6. 13, 19.

That you present them; 1. That you offer and consecrate them to God as a Sa­crifice of thankfulness; as Heb. 13. 35.

[Page 3] A living sacrifice, dead indeed unto sin, but alive to God, Rom. 6. 11. being quickned by his spirit, that we might not live to our selves, but to him who died for us, 2 Cor. 5. 15.

Holy, not regarding, but hating iniqui­ty in our hearts; for if iniquity be regar­ded, we cannot be accepted: Psalm 66. 18.

Acceptable to God, well pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2. 5. through faith in him, without which we cannot please God, Heb. 11. 6.

Which is your reasonable service. 1. Your service of God, which consists not in the of­fering up of unreasonable Beasts, as here­tofore, but in the offering up of your rea­sonable selves. Or, Your service, which is agreeable to the Rules of true Reason.

And be not conformed: 1. Take not upon you the form or fashion of this wic­ked world, make not the Manners and Pleasures of worldly men your rule to walk by.

But be ye transformed, changed, altered. 1. More and more.

By the renewing of your mind, under­standing, will and affections.

[Page 4] That ye may prove.

1. Discern, understand.

2. Approve.

3. Give proof by a Godly life that you do understand and approve.

That good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

1. Good, which teacheth, and leadeth to that which is good, and makes good.

2. Acceptable, nothing being accepta­ble to God but what is according to his will.

3. Perfect, comprehending all things necessary to salvation, 2 Tim. 3. 16.

These words, And be not conformed to this world, are a Dehortation: Wherein,

1. The Persons Dehorting, Paul a ser­vant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apo­stle, one that well understood the mind of his Lord and Master, and would give no­thing in charge but what he had received, 1 Cor. 11. 23.

2. The Persons Dehorted, The belie­ving Romans, beloved of God, called to be Saints, Rom. 1. 7. Yea, eminent Saints, Rom. 1. 18. Such as had obeyed from the heart, Rom. 6. 17.

3. The thing they are Dehorted from, viz. Conformity to this world, which you, [Page 5] who are Saints, and called to the Kingdom and Glory of God, should look upon with contempt, and trample under foot.

4. The Mode of the Dehortation, tis in a beseeching way; I beseech you.

5. The Motive; By the mercies of God.

I shall shew you,

1. What is meant by the World.

2. What meant by conformed.

3. What of the World must not be conformed unto.

4. That it is so.

5. Why.

6. The Use.

First, What is meant by the World? By the world understand The Men of the world, Psal. 17. 14. Worldly minded Men and Women, who have their hearts, inheritance, and happiness here, their por­tion in this life. The wicked of the world, Joh. 14. 17.

[Page 6] These are called the World,

1. Because they are ruled by the God of this world, 2 Cor. 4. 4. Eph. 2. 2.

2. Because they have received onely the spirit of the world, that spirit which teacheth worldly things, and placeth its happiness in worldly things, 1 Cor. 2. 12.

3. Because they are satisfied and con­tented with the things of this world, Psal. 4. 6. & 17. 14. Phil. 3. 19.

4. Because they are the major part of world.

Secondly, What meant by Conformed?

By conforming to the world under­stand, fashioning our selves according to it; resembling the world, and being like to it; making the men of the world our Pattern, our Example, and Copy to write after.

When we approve, imitate and follow the sinful fashions and practices of this world, then we conform to it.

Now, not to be Conformed to this world, is not to approve, not to imitate, not to follow the sinful, vain, foolish fashi­ons and practices of this world.

Not to put on their form and shape in our behaviour.

[Page 7] Thirdly, What of the world it is wherein we must not be conformed un­to it.

1. Not in that wickedness the world lies in, 1 Joh. 5. 19.

Not in that unrighteousness it is filled with: a Catalogue whereof is set down, Rom. 1. 29, 30, 31.

Not in those works of darkness it de­lights in, Rom. 13. 12, 13.

Not in those works of the flesh, set down Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21.

Not in the walk of the Gentiles, Ephes. 4. 17, 18, 19. 1 Pet. 4. 3.

Not in its lustings, 1 Joh. 2. 16.

We must not be conformed [...] in its sinful Customs, Dispositions, Pra­ctices.

We must not be conformed to the pra­ctice of worldly men, in Natural, Civil, and Religious actions.

We must not eat and drink as they do, for they feed themselves without fear; Jude 12.

We must not buy and sell as they do, for therein they walk not by that rule Mat. 7. 12.

We must not carry our selves in Religi­ous matters as they do.

[Page 8] We must not hear as they do, for they hear without preparation before hearing,

• Attention at hearing.
• Affection at hearing.
• Application at hearing.

Practice after hearing. See Ezek. 33. 31.

We must not pray as they do: For

1. They make light of Prayer, Job 21. 15.

2. They Pray with the lip onely, and not with the heart, Isa. 29. 13. Mat. 15. 18.

3. They continue not in Prayer, they grow weary.

4. They think to be heard for their much speaking, Matth. 6. 7.

5. They turn away their ear from hear­i [...] [...] whom they Pray, Prov. 28. 9.

6. They aim amiss in Prayer, Jam. 4. 3.

We must not come to the Lords Table as they do, for they come unpreparedly.

Nor observe Sabbaths as they do, for they trifle them away.

Nor sing Psalms as they do, for they sing not with the heart, but voice onely.

Nor fast as they do, for they abstain onely from food, not from sin.

Fourthly, That it is so, That Saints must not conform to sinners.

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil, Exod. 23. 2.

[Page 9] After the doing of the Land of Egypt and Canaan shall ye not do, neither shall ye walk in their ordinances: Levit. 18. 3.

Thou shalt not learn to do after the abomi­nations of the Nations: Deut. 18. 9.

Walk not in the way of sinners, refrain thy foot from their path: Prov. 1. 15.

Enter not into the path of the wicked, go not in the way of evil men: Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away: Prov. 4. 14, 15.

If sinners entice thee, consent thou not: Prov. 1. 10.

Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the Heathen: Jer. 10. 2.

Though Israel play the Harlot, yet let not Judah offend: Hos. 4. 15.

This I say therefore, and testifie in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind: Ephes. 4. 17.

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them: Ephes. 5. 11.

Ye are children of the light, and of the day; not of the night, nor of darkness: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober: 1 Thes. 5. 5, 6.

[Page 10] The Kings of the Gentiles do so and so [...] But ye shall not be so: Luke 22. 25, 26.

St. Peter speaks of some Converts that would not run with the world in their sin­ful fashions and courses, though they were wonder'd at and evil spoken of there­fore; 1 Pet. 4 4.

Fifthly, Why.

• 1. From the World.
• 2. From themselves.
• 3. From Christ.
• 4. From the things themselves wherein conformity to the world is practiced.

First, From this World.

1. Because Satan is the God and Prince of it, 2 Cor. 4. 4. Joh. 12. 31. & 14. 13. & 16. 11.

2. Because 'tis an evil world, Gal. 1. 4. and lyes in wickedness, 1 John 5. 19. See its description, Psal. 36. 1, to 5. & Rom. 3. 11, &c. & 8. 7. Ephes. 4. 18, 19.

3. Because this evil world must give ac­count, even for those things wherein we are so prone to follow it, 1 Pet. 4. 5.

4. Because the end of it is destruction, Phil. 3. 19. You would not suffer with it, and will you sin with it?

[Page 11] Secondly, From themselves, who by profession are Saints, Christians.

1. Because they are not of the world, but are called out of it; Joh. 15. 19.

God hath seperated you from others to be his own peculiar; Levit. 20. 24. Exod. 19. 5.

Hence, for this cause, as well as others, 'twas that God was displeased with his people of old, for desiring a King, that they might be like the Nations, 1 Sam. 8. 5. viz. Because God hath severed them from other people that they should be his: Levit. 20. 26.

2. Because they have better Principles, then the world has, viz.

• A pure Heart,
• Good Conscience,
• Faith unfeigned,

They have Christ in them, as a princi­ple of their life, Gal. 2. 20. And the spirit of God, 1 John 4. 4. 1 Cor. 2. 12.

The Principles of the world are,

An impure Heart,

A bad Conscience,

Real unbelief.

Yea Satan, Ephes. 2. 2. 1 Pet. [...] 4. and the spirit of the world, 1 Cor. 2. 12.

[Page 12] Now is not this a good reason why the people of God should not conform to this world? for should they of better principles conform to them of worse? should they that have a pure Heart, good Conscience, and Faith unfeigned, conform to those that have an impure Heart, a bad Consci­ence, and real Unbelief? Should they who have Christ and the Spirit of God in them, conform to them who have Satan and the Spirit of the world in them?

3. Because they have better patterns to conform to, then the world is, viz.

1. God, 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16.

2. Christ, Col. 2. 6. 1 John 2. 6.

3. Saints, Heb. 6. 12. Phil. 3. 17.

Mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample: So as ye have the servants of Christ, not the world for your ex­ample.

4. Angels and glorified Saints. We must study so to do the will of God on Earth, as 'tis done in Heaven: Matth. 6. 10.

Now, judge in your own Consciences, should they who have such excellent pat­terns, conform to the pattern of a base world?

[Page 13] 4. Because they are bound by their Baptism to the contrary, viz. To renounce the world, the pomps and vanities thereof, and not to follow, or to be led by it. Now should we do that which is a breach of our Baptismal Covenant.

5. Because you that are Saints are born to great matters, even to an inheritance in­corruptible and undefiled, &c. 1 Pet. 1. 3, 4. and should you, persons that are new born to so great an estate, should you please your selves in a conformity to the poor things of this world?

6. Because you are grown up to maturi­ty, to years of discretion; so that it is time for you to put away childish things: Whilst you were Children 'twas more tollerable, but now that you are grown up to be men, to be so childish and foolish is intollerable. See 1 Cor. 13. 11.

7. Because you are more excellent then your neighbour, Prov. 12. 26. and there­fore must not conform to them. For shall the more noble conform to the more igno­ble? Ye are Gods treasure, Psal. 135. 4. And shall Gods treasure conform to the refuse of this world? You are Priests of God, 1 Pet. 2. 9. And shall the Priests of God conform to common people? The [Page 14] Priests of old were not to touch any un­clean thing.

8. Because you have not so learned Christ, Ephes. 4. 20. q. d. The Doctrine of Christ in which you are instructed, and which you have learned, requires another manner of life from you, then that which the Gentiles lead, therefore you should not imitate them. Christ hath taught you otherwise, The grace of God which bring­eth salvation, teacheth you to deny ungodli­ness and worldly lusts, and to live Righte­ously, soberly, and godly in this present world; and not to conform to its unrigh­teous, intemperate and ungodly life, Tit. 2. 11.

9. Because you are now within sight of home, your Fathers house; and your sal­vation is nearer, and therefore must cast off the works of darkness, and walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting, drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: As the world does. Rom. 13. 11, 12. Your thoughts should now be so taken up and pleased with what you have in view, the great things which are to come, and so near to come, that all the toyes and trifles this world is so much pleased with, should be looked upon by you with disdain.

[Page 15] 10. Because you shall now very speedi­ly be separated from this world, and di­stinguished from it, and delivered from that wrath which they shall suffer for ever and for ever; and will you conform to them now, in those things for which they shall suffer the vengeance of eternal fire? would you have your souls gathered here­after with those you conform to here, and whose fashions you have learned here? David would not, Psal. 26. 9.

Thirdly, From Christ.

1. Because Christ designedly gave him­self to deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father, Gal. 1. 4. To what he gave himself, see Isa. 50. 6. & 52. 14. His back to smi­ters, his checks to them that plucked off the hair, his face to shame and spitting. Con­sider this you proud men and women, whose Backs, Faces, Heads, Necks, Brests, and Armes, shew the pride of your Hearts. Did Christ give himself to suffer all this, that he might separate and deliver you from conformity to this world? And is not this a good Reason why you should not conform unto it, in hair, habit, and na­kedness.

[Page 16] 2. Because Christ and his Kingdom is not of this world. 1. Christ is not of it, Joh. 8. 23. 2. His Kingdom is not of it, Joh. 18. 36. Not onely in respect of the subjects, but in opposition to worldly Kingdoms, which come with external pomp and observation. But Christ's King­dom is not so, Luke 17. 20, 21.

Fourthly, From the things themselves wherein conformity to the world is pra­cticed.

1. Because these things are not of the Father, but of the Devil, and the world, 1 Joh. 2. 16.

2. Because the love of these will not consist with the love of God, 1 Joh. 2. 15.

3. Because these things pass away, 1 Cor. 7. 31. 1 Joh. 2. 17.

Sixthly, The Use.

1. Of Information. Then the best are prone to conformity to this world, so far as they are carnal; what need else of this Prohibition, Be not conformed to this world. Even Joseph was found guilty of conformi­ty to Pharaohs Courtiers in swearing by the life of Pharaoh, Gen. 42. 15, 16.

2. Use of Reproof, Of such as profess themselves to be Saints, and to be called to fellowship with Christ, and yet have fel­lowship [Page 17] with the unfruitful works of dark­ness; who profess themselves to be called out of the world, and yet conform unto it; who profess themselves to be Saints, and yet live like sinners. God finds fault with this, and is much displeased that his people should learn the works of the Heathen, Psal. 106. 35. And think you it doth not displease him that we should learn the fashions of the world, and serve their Idols, Psal. 106. 36. Do not they whose fashions you learn, make Idols of their Hair, Skin, and Habit? and will you serve their Idols? Pray God they prove not a snare unto you. Read, 1 King. 14. 24. 2 King. 17. 33. 2 Chron. 13. 9. & 25. 14, 15.

May we not well say to such as conform to this world, as Jehu the Prophet said to Jehosaphat, 2 Chron. 19. 2. should you conform to the ungodly, and love and like the practices of them that hate the Lord! Pray God wrath may not come upon you for this. Hezekiah a good man was proud of his fine things, 2 Chron. 32. 25, 26. with 2 King. 20. 13. but wrath came upon him for it. Read, Ezek. 23. 26.

[Page 18] 3. Use of Examination. Do not we conform to this world? even we who in some things are Non-conformists?

Do not many, who in some things se­parate from the world, in other things con­form unto it?

Do not many that separate from their worship, conform to their works?

Have not many fellowship with the world in the unfruitful works of darkness, that will have no fellowship with them in worship?

The world is for rioting, drunkenness, chambering and wantonness, strife and en­vying, Rom. 13. 13. Would Professors were not so too?

The world is for lasciviousness, lusts, ex­cess of Wine, revellings, banquetings, 1 Pet. 4. 3. Would Professors were not so too?

All that is in the world, is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, 1 Joh. 2. 16. Now I beseech you let's deal truly with our selves, do not we conform to this world in these? In lusting after Pleasure, Profit, and Preferment; are not▪ these in too great account with us? Do not we love, desire, and seek af­ter these? Would you that are Professors could wash your hands from voluptuous­ness, [Page 19] covetousness, pride and vain glo­ry.

Take a view of the world, and then take a view of your selves, and then judge whether you do not conform unto it.

The world is,

Atheistical, without God in the world, Psal. 14. 1. Eph. 2. 12. Are not we so too, or very near it? See Isa. 49. 14. & 51. 13. Psal. 77. 9.

Blasphemous, Psal. 74. 18. And are not we guilty of this too much? See Rom. 2. 24.

Covetous, 2 Pet. 2. 14. And are not Pro­fessors so too? Judas a Professor, and Demas a Professor were so; 2 Tim. 4. 10.

Defrauding, Rom. 1. 29. And do not Professors the same? See 1 Cor. 6. 8.

Envious, Gal. 5. 21. And are not Pro­fessors so too? See 1 Cor. 3. 3.

[Page 20] Fearful of suffering for religion; of these read, Rev. 21. 8. And are not Profes­sors so too? See Matth. 13. 21. Even Peter was too fearful.

God-distrusting, Psal. 20. 7. Jer. 17. 5. And are not Professors so too? See Isa. 31. 1.

Haughty, Rom. 1. 30. And are not Pro­fessors so too? See 2 Tim. 3▪ 2, with 5. Did not the Disciples of Christ affect superiority?

Idle, Sloathful, Ezek. 16. 49. And are not Professors so too? 2 Thes. 3. 11. 1 Tim. 3. 13. Matth. 25. 26.

Kain-like, Brother hating; 1 Joh. 3. 13. Prov. 29. 27. Joh. 15. 18, 19. And are not Professors so too? See Jude 11.

Lukewarme, Indifferent, 1 King. 18. 21. And are not Professors so too? See Rev. 3. 16.

Murmuring, 2 King. 6. 33. Rev. 16. 10, 11. Isa. 8. 31. And are not Professors so too? See 1 Cor. 10. 10.

[Page 21] Negligent, neglects duty to God and man. 1. To God, Psal. 14. 4. 2. To man, Ezek. 16. 5. And are not Profes­sors so too?

Offence-giving, Matth. 18. 7. Do not Professors do so too? They did in Pauls time, Rom. 14.

Passionate, froward, [...]retful; as Nabal, 1 Sam. 25. 17. Are not Professors so too? See Jonah 4. 9.

Quarrelsom, Contentious; Are not Profes­sors so too? See 1 Cor. 1. 11. & 6. 7.

Revengeful; Are not Professors so too? See Luke 9. 54.

Secure, like Laish, Judg. 18. 7. Are not Professors so too? See Jer. 8. 6, 7. Hos. 7. 9.

Treacherous; Are not Professors so too? Mic. 7. 4, 5.

Uncharitable; Mat. 25. 42, 43. Are not Pro­fessors so too? See Jam. 2. 15, 16. Job. 3. 17

[Page 22] Wavering, unbelieving; Joh. 5. 38. & 10. 26. Joh. 12. 39, 47. And are not Professors so too? See Joh. 6. 60, 64, 66. Yea, see Luke 24. 25. Joh. 20. 25.

4. Use of Dehortation. Be not con­formed to this world.

That I may the better disswade you from conformity to this world, I shall shew you,

1. What they are called to whom you are beseeched not to conform.

2. What those things are called where­in you are desired not to conform.

3. What you your selves are called, who are disswaded from conformity to this world.

4. How God is affected and carries to­wards this world which you are beseech­ed not to conform to.

5. How the world is affected and car­ries towards you who are disswaded from this conformity.

First, What they are called, to whom you are beseeched not to conform.

They are called,

1. Men of this world, Psal. 17. 14 whose portion is in this life.

[Page 23] Now shall those who have God to be their portion, Psal. 16. 5. conform to these?

2. The Children of this world, Luke 16. 8. who are well pleased with the rattles, toyes and trifles of this world.

Now shall those who are born of God, to an inheritance incorruptible, &c. 1 Pet. 1. 3. conform to these?

3. The Disputers of this world: The enquirers of this age, so the Dutch, 1 Cor. 1. 20.

Now shall those who have the Scriptures to search. Joh. 5. 39. conform to these?

4. The Fornicators of this world, 1 Cor. 5. 10.

Now shall the chaste Virgins of Christ, 2 Cor. 11. 2. conform to these?

5. The Friends of this world, Jam. 4. 4. who are the enemies of God.

Now shall the Friends of God, Joh. 15. 14, 15. conform to these?

6. The Rich in this world, who are apt to be high minded, 1 Tim. 6. 17.

Now shall the Humble and Contrite, with whom the high and lofty One vouch­safes to dwell, Isa. 57. 15. conform to these?

[Page 24] Secondly, What those things are cal­led wherein you are desired not to con­form to this world.

1. The darkness of this world, Eph. 6. 12.

Now shall they that are light in the Lord, Eph. 5. 8. conform to the world in its darkness?

2. The Wisdom of this world, 1 Cor. 2. 6. & 3. 9. which descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish, James 3. 15.

Now shall a wise man endued with wis­dom from above, Jam. 3. 13, 17. con­form to this earthly, sensual, devilish wis­dom of the world?

3. The Cares of this world, Mat. 13. 22.

Now shall they who have a Father in Heaven, who knoweth their needs, and careth for them, Mat. 6. 32. 1 Pet. 5. 7. care as the world doth?

4. The Course of this world, Eph. 2. 2.

Now shall they who are called out of the world, and now are not of the world, Joh. 15. 19. and whom the world hates, run the course of this world?

5. The Fashion of this world which pas­seth away, 1 Cor. 7. 31.

[Page 25] Now shall they who have in Heaven a better and more enduring substance, Heb. 10. 34. fall in love with the fashions of this world?

6. The lusts of men, 1 Pet. 4. 2.

Now shall they who have Gods law written in their hearts, Heb. 8. 10. live according to the lusts of men?

Thirdly, What you your selves are called, who are diswaded from conformi­ty to this world.

1. Adopted Sons, Gal. 4. 5. Sons and Daugh­ters, 2 Cor. 6. 18. Others, the ungod­ly, men of the world are called Bastards, Heb. 12. 8.

Now shall the Sons and Daughters of God conform to the Bastards of this world?

2. Alive to God, Rom. 6. 11. Others are dead in sin, Ephes. 2. 1. Luke 15. 32.

Now shall they who are a live to God, conform to those who are dead in sin? I say as Paul in a like case, 1 Cor. 6. 15. God forbid.

3. Believers, Act. 5. 14. The men of the world are called unbelievers, 2 Cor. 6. 14.

[Page 26] Now shall Believers conform to, and yoke with unbelievers?

God forbid.

4. Blessed of the Lord, Gen. 26. 29. Psal. 115. 15. The wicked are the Cursed of the Lord, Psal. 37. 22.

Now shall the Blessed of the Lord, conform to the Curfed of the Lord?

God forbid.

5. Children of God, 1 Joh. 3. 10. The wicked are called Children of the De­vil, 1 Joh. 3. 10.

Now shall the Children of God con­form to the Children of the Devil?

God forbid.

6. Children of Light, Luk. 16. 8. 1 Thes. 5. 5. The men of the world are called Children of Darkness, 1 Thes. 5. 5.

Now shall the Children of Light con­form to the Children of Darkness?

God forbid.

7. Children of wisdom, Matth. 11. 19. The wicked are called sottish Children, that have no understanding, Jer. 4. 22.

Now shall the Children of wisdom conform to the sots of this world?

God forbid.

[Page 27] 8. Children of the free woman, Gal. 4. 30, 31. The wicked are called the Children of the bond woman, Ibid.

Now shall the Children of the free woman conform to the Children of the bond?

God forbid.

9. Children of Sion, Psal. 149. 2. Babi­lon also has Children, for she is the Mother of Harlots and abominations, Rev. 17. 15.

Now shall the Children of Sion con­form to the Children of Babilon?

God forbid.

10. Children of the Highest, Luke 6. 35. Who dwels in the high and holy place, Isa. 57. 15. The wicked are called the Chil­dren of this world, Luke 16. 8. and Inhabiters of the Earth, Rev. 12. 12.

Now shall the Children of the High­est conform to the Children of this low world?

God forbid.

11. Christians, Act. 11. 26. Some cruci­fie him afresh, Heb. 6. 6. as they do who reckon of him and reject him, as the Jews did who crucified him.

Now shall Christians conform to the crucifiers of Christ? God forbid.

[Page 28] 12. Christs Brother, Sister, and Mother, Matth. 12. 50. The wicked are Aliens from the Church of Christ, and stran­gers from the Covenants of Promise, Ephes. 2. 12.

Now shall Christs Brother, Sister, and Mother, conform to strangers?

God forbid.

13. Crown of glory, Royal Diadem, Isa. 62. 3. The wicked are Christs foot­stool, Psal. 110. 1.

Now shall Crowns of glory, and Royal Diadems conform to foot-stools?

God forbid.

14. Devout, Act. 2. 5. Act. 10 2. The wicked are without God, Eph. 2. 12.

Now shall the Devout conform to those who are without God in the world?

God forbid.

15. Discreet, who guide their affairs with discretion, Psal. 112. 5. The wicked are void of counsel, Deut. 32. 28. and oft-times their counsels, such as they are, are carried Headlong, Job 5. 13.

Now shall they who do or should guide their affairs with discretion, con­form to those who are void of coun­sel, [Page 29] or whole counsel is carried head­long?

God forbid.

16. Elect of God, Col. 3. 12. The wicked are rejected of God, Jer. 6. 30.

Now shall the Elected of God, con­form to the rejected of God?

God forbid.

17. Espoused of Christ, 2 Cor. 11. 2. Hos. 2. 19. The wicked are called Adulterers and Adulteresses, Jam. 4. 4.

Now shall the Espoused of Christ conform to the Adulterers and Adulte­resses of this world?

God forbid.

18. Friends of Christ, Joh. 15. 14, 15. The wicked are called his Enemies, Luke 19. 27.

Now shall the Friends of Christ, con­form to the Enemies of Christ?

God forbid.

19. Faithful servants, Matth. 24. 45. & 25. 23. The wicked are called Sloath­ful servants, Matth. 25. 26.

Now shall Faithful servants conform to Sloathful servants?

God forbid.

[Page 30] 20. Good, Matth. 12. 35. The wicked are called Evil, ibid. and naught, Prov. 6. 12.

Now shall the Good conform to the Evil?

God forbid.

21. Godly, Psal. 12. 1. The wicked are called Ungodly, Psal. 1. 4.

Now shall the Godly conform to the Ungodly?

God forbid.

22. Gold, Job 23. 10. The wicked are likened to Dross, Psal. 119. 119.

Now shall Gods Gold conform to the Dross of this world?

God forbid.

23. Happy, Psal. 144. 15. The wicked are Miserable, Rev. 3. 17.

Now shall the Happy conform to the Miserable?

God forbid.

24. Heavenly, Having their conversation in Heaven, Phil. 3. 20. The wicked are Earthly, minding Earthly things, Phil. 3. 19. Men of the Earth, Psal. 10. 18.

[Page 31] Now shall the Heavenly conform to the Earthly?

God forbid.

25. Houshold of God, Eph. 2. 19. And Houshold of faith, Gal. 6. 10. The wicked are the Houshold of Satan, 2 Cor. 4. 4. The Devils work-house, Ephes. 2. 2.

Now shall the Houshold of God con­form to the Houshold of Satan?

God forbid.

26. Jewels, Gods Jewels, Mal. 3. 17. The wicked are Worthless, Prov. 10. 20.

Now shall Jewels of great price, con­form to the Worthless things of this world?

God forbid.

27. Innocent, Job 4. 7. Jer. 19. 4. The wicked are Hurtful, Bryars and Thorns, Isa. 27. 4.

Now shall the Innocent conform to the Hurtful?

God forbid.

28. Kings and Priests, Rev. 1. 6. The wicked are called Common and Un­clean, Act. 10. 28.

[Page 32] Now shall Kings and Priests conform to the Common and Unclean?

God forbid.

29. Lambs, Joh. 21. 15. Isa. 40. 11. The wicked are Lions, Wolves, Mat. 10. 16.

Now shall Sheep and Lambs conform to Lions and Wolves?

God forbid.

30. Lords Freemen, 1 Cor. 7. 22. The wicked are Satans bondmen, 2 Tim. 2. 28.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

31. Meek of the Earth, Zeph. 2. 3. Psal. 149. 4. The wicked are Raging waves of the Sea foaming out their own shame, Jude 13.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

32. Members of Christ, 1 Cor. 6. 15. Eph. 5. 30. Some wicked are Members of an Harlot, ibid. Limbs of Satan.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

33. Men of Wisdom, Micah 6. 9. The wicked are Mad, Eccles. 9. 3. Act. 26. 11. Not themselves, Luke 15. 17.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

34. Merciful, Matth. 5. 7. Psal. 37. 26. The wicked are Unmerciful and cruel, Matth. 25. 42, 43.

[Page 33] Now shall, &c. God forbid.

35. Mourners, Matth. 5. 4. The wicked are all for Mirth, carnal Mirth, Isa. 22. 13. Amos 6. 5, 6.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

36. New creatures, 2 Cor. 5. 17. The wicked are Old in sin; of some 'tis said they were Old in Adulteries, Ezek. 23. 43. Corrupt nature in them is called the Old man, Ephes. 4. 22.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

37. Old Disciples, so some are called, Act. 21. 16. And Fathers, 1 Joh. 2. 13. Some are Young, raw, unexperienced Professors.

And shall Old Disciples conform to th [...]se? God forbid.

38 Obed [...]ent, Rom. 6. 17. The wicked are called Disobedient, Tit. 1. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 9.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

39 Precious, Jer. 15. 19. Isa. 43. 4. Excellent, Psal. 16. 3. Precious So [...]s of Sion, Lam. 4. 2. The wicked are Vile, Jer. 15. 19. The wicked are cal­led Vile persons, Psal. 15. 4. Dan. 11. 21.

[Page 34] Now shall, &c. God forbid.

40. Quiet, Psal. 35. 20. according to the injunction given, 1 Thes. 4. 11. The wicked are unquiet like the troubled Sea which cannot rest, Isa. 57. 20. Given to change, Prov 24. 21. And busie Bodies in other mens matters, 1. Pet. 4. 15. 2 Thes. 3. 11.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

41. Righteous, Matth. 13. 13. Isa. 3. 10. Matth. 25. 46. The wicked are Un­righteous, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Enemies of Righteousness, Act. 3. 10.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

42. Redeemed of the Lord, Isa. 62. 12. The wicked are Forsaken, left in Bon­dage, ibid. And Reprobate Silver, re­jected of God, Jer. 6. 30.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

43. Sanctified in Christ, 1 Cor. 1. 2. Saints, Saints of the most High, Dan. 7. 25, 27. The Holy people, Isa. 62. 12. A Holy Nation, 1. Pet. 2. 9. The wicked are Unholy and Profane, 1. Tim. 1. 9. 2 Tim. 3. 2. Bruit beasts, 2 Pet. 2. 12. Swine, Matth. 7. 6.

[Page 35] Now shall, &c. God forbid.

44. [...]ervants of the most high God, Dan, 3. 26. Act. 16. 17. The wicked are the Servants of Sin, Rom. 6. 17. and of divers Lusts, Tit. 3. 3.

And shall, &c. God forbid.

45. Spiritual men, 1 Cor. 2. 15. The wicked, Natural men, 1 Cor. 2. 14.

And shall, &c. God forbid.

46 Springs, a Fountain sealed, Cant. 4. 12. The wicked are Wells without Water, 2 Pet. 2 17.

And shall, &c. God forbid.

47. Treasure, yea Gods peculiar Treasure, Psal. 135. 4. The wicked are called Dross, Psal. 119. 119.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

48. Trees planted by the water side which bring forth fruit, Psal. 1. 3. The wicked are Trees without fruit, twice dead, &c. Iude 12.

And shall, &c. God forbid.

49. Temples of God, wherein God, Christ, and his Spirit dwels. 1. God, 1 Joh. 4. 12. 13, 15. 2. Christ, Ephes. 3. 17. 3. The Spirit, Rom. 8. 11. The wicked are the Synagogue of Satan, Rev. 2. 9. & 3. 9. wherein the Devil rules, Eph. 2. 2.

[Page 36] And shall, &c. God forbid.

50. Vessels of Gold and Silver, 2 Tim. 2. 20. The wicked are called Vessels of Wood and Earth, ibid.

And shall, &c. God forbid.

51. Vines, Noble Vines, Jer. 2. 21. The wicked are called Dege [...]erate Plants, ibid.

And shall, &c. God forbid.

52. Undefiled, Psal. 119. 1. Pure in heart, Matth. 5. The wicked are filthy, Rev. 22. 11.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

53. Wheat▪ Matth. 3. 12. The wicked are Chaff, Matth. 3. 12. Zeph. 2. 2. and Tares, Matth. 13. 38.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

54. Wise in Heart, Prov. 10. 8. The wicked are Prating fools, Prov. 10. 8.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

55. Wise Virgins, Matth. 25. 2, 3, 4. The wicked called foolish Virgins, ibid.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

56. Workmanship of God, Ephes. 2. 10. The wicked are the workmanship of the De­vil, John 8. 44.

Now shall, &c. God forbid.

[Page 37] Fourthly, How God is affected and carries towards this world, which you are beseeched not to conform to.

1. His soul hates them, Psal. 11. 5.

2. He is angry with them every day, Psal. 7. 11.

3. He resisteth them, Jam. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 5.

4. He hides his face from them, and will not hear them▪ Isa. 59. 2. Jer. 14. 12.

5. He puts them away like dross, Psal. 119. 119.

6. He will consume them, Jer. 14. 12. Rain saares, Fire and Brimstone upon them, Psal. 11. 6.

Destroy them, Psal. 145. 20.

Turn them into Hell, Psal. 9. 16.

Now will you who profess your selves to be the people of God, and to be be­loved of God, conform to those whom Gods soul hates; with whom he is angry every day; whom he resisteth, &c. Will you conform to those towards whom he thus carries himself? God forbid.

Fifthly, How the world carries, and is affected towards you who are disswaded from this conformity.

[Page 38] 1. They hate and abhor you, Joh. 15. 19. Prov. 29. 27. according to that antient sentence, Gen. 3. 15.

2. They scorn you, Psal. 44. 13. & 79. 4. Job 30. 1.

3. They scoff at you, Gen. 21. 9. Lam. 1. 7.

4. They make songs upon you, Job 30. 9, 10.

5. They speak evil of you, 1 Pet. 4. 4.

6. They seperate from you, and will not conform to you in Gods wayes.

And will you conform to these? what to those that hate you, scorn you, scoff at you, make songs upon you, speak evil of you, and separate from you in Gods ways? Will you conform to these in the Devils ways? God forbid.

O sirs let them return to you, but do not you return to them, Ier. 15. 19.

Three sorts make up this evil World:

The

• Voluptuous.
• Covetous.
• Proud.

Be not conformed to either,

1. I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to the voluptuous of this world.

[Page 39] There are that,

Attire, Adorn, dress and habit themselves to draw the Eyes of others to behold them, after the example of Tamar, Gen. 38. 14. who put off her widdows garment, and put on something the bet­ter to allure her Father in Law. See Prov. 6. 10.

But I beseech you who make profession of Religion, by the mercies of God, be not conformed to such.

There are that,

Burn in lust one toward another, men with men, working that which is unseemly, Rom. 1. 27. abusing themselves with mankind, 1 Cor. 6. 9. These shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Wherefore I beseech you by the mercies of God, be not conformed to these.

There are that,

Cast their Eyes on beautiful objects, af­ter the example of Iosephs Mistriss, Gen. 39. 7.

But I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to such.

Feed not your Eyes with such objects.

[Page 40] Give not your eyes leave to look, for that may prove very dangerous. As 'tis said in another case, Remember Lots wise; So I say in this, Remember David, what his looking on a beautiful woman cost him, 2 Sam. 11. 2. with Psal. 51. And Sampson, [...]udg. 14. 1, 2. & 16. 1. what his looks cost him: Yea and our Grand­mother Eve, what l [...]oking on the forbid­den fruit cost her, Gen. 3. 6. Pray there­fore as David, Psal. 119. 37. Turn away mine [...]yes from b [...]holding vanity. And do as Job, chap. 31. 1. Make a covenant with your eyes.

There are that,

Drink waters out of their own Cesterns, as they are allowed, Prov. 5. 15. but they Drink immoderately, and unsea­sonably out of their own, 1 Cor. 7. 5. and onely to please themselves, not that they may be the fitter to serve God thereby.

But I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to these.

There are that,

Eat and drink too much; too much for their Health, Estates, Reason, Work, [Page 41] and Imployment. For their Health, impairing that thereby, Prov. 23. 29. For their Estates, wasting them there­by, Prov. 23. 20, 21. For their Reason, weakning that thereby. For their Work and Imployment, hinder­ing that thereby. These must look for woe and sorrow, Read Prov. 23. 29. to end, & 1 Cor. 6. 9.

Wherefore I beseech you that make profession, by the mercies of God, be not conformed to such.

There are that,

Frequent Stage-plaies.

There are that,

Gaze on wanton Pictures, which provokes to lust. See Ezek. 23. 14, to 18.

Hearken to wanton Songs and Ballats.

Idle out their time. This was Sodoms sin, Ezek. 16. 49. And Davids too, when Joab was besieging Rabba, 2 Sam. 11. 12. and an occasion of his uncleanness. Other evils of it see, Prov. 19. 15. Eccles. 10. 18.

Wherefore I beseech you be not con­formed to these.

[Page 42] Keep company with suspected persons, con­trary to the charge, Prov. 5. 8, 9, 10, 11. Remove thy way far from her, and come not near the door of her house.

But I beseech you that make profession be not conformed to these; but do as Jo­seph, Gen. 39. 10. who would not be with his Mistriss.

There are that,

Love Pleasures more then God, 2 Tim. 3. 4. such shall be poor, Prov. 21. 12.

Wherefore be not conformed to these.

But seeing some Pleasures and Recreati­ons are lawful, wherein does the world offend in and about them?

Answer, They offend in and about them in respect of the Matter, Time, and End of them.

First, In respect of the Matter. The world makes that the matter of Sport and Recreation, which should be the matter of Devotion and Humiliation.

1. That which should be the matter of Devotion, as Scripture, Lots.

First, Scripture phraze and story. This is a taking of Gods name i [...] vain, which God will not suffer to go unpunished, [Page 43] Exod. 20. To have the Scripture is a rich mercy, Psal. 147. 19, 20. Rom. 3. 1, 2. & 9. 4.

Wherefore I beseech you by this mercy of God, be not conformed to the world in sporting your selves with Scripture.

Secondly, Lots. A lot is a Religious ordinance of God, because it is an ap­ [...]ealing to Divine providence, what ever the matter be about which 'tis conversant, Prov. 16. 33. And therefore that di­stinction of▪ Lots into Religious, Civil, and Indifferent, will not salve the business, as some Divines think; All lots being Re­ligious as they are an appealing to Divine providence.

Quest. If the Question should be asked whither Card-playing, and Dice-playing be a sin?

Answ. I answer, That as Carding and Dicing are commonly used, it is sin; and I think I have good ground so to answer; for as 'tis commonly used, 'tis a swerving from Scripture rules. To Instance in some known Rules.

First, Whatsoever is not of faith is sin, Rom. 14. 23. Now will any say that Carding and Dicing as commonly used is done in faith, with assurance that it is pleasing to God in Christ.

[Page 44] Secondly, Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him, Col. 3. 17. Now who can say that Car­ding and Dicing as commonly used is thus done.

Thirdly, Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever else ye do, do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31. Now do you think in your Consciences that Carding and Di­cing, as commonly used, is done to the glory of God?

Fourthly, In every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your re­quests be made known to God, Phil. 4. 6. Now is it thus used, and if not, is it ac­cording to the rule?

Fifthly, Give no offence to Jew or Gen­tile, or the Church of God, 1 Cor. 10. 32. Is no offence given by it?

Sixthly, Whatsoever is of Good report think of and do, Phil. 4. 8. Is Carding and Dicing of good report?

Seventhly, Abstain from all appearance of e [...]il, 1 Thes. 5. 22. Sure Carding and Dicing hath the appearance of evil.

Eighthly, Avoid all occasions of sin, Prov. 23. 21. & 4. 14, 15. & 58. Doubt­less 'tis the occasion of much sin.

[Page 45] Ninthly, Thou shalt not covet any thing that is thy neighbours, Exod. 20. 17. Now as commonly used, sure there is covering in it.

Tenthly, Thou shalt not go beyond or de­fraud thy Brother in any matter, 1 Thes. 4. 6. As 'tis commonly used, 'tis a breach of this Rule also.

Secondly, That which should be the matter of Humiliation, the world makes matter of Sport and Recreation, viz. Sin, and the Judgments of God.

First, Sin: As,

1. Mens living without a calling, to make sport.

2. Mens wearing womens apparel.

3. Mens playing the fool and acting to make sport, as if they had no understand­ing. Thus to do is sin, and sin is matter of sorrow and humiliation; and to take pleasure in that which is matter of sorrow, must needs be sin.

Secondly, The Judgments of God: As,

1. Foolishness and madness, 1 Sam. 21. 14, 15.

2. The enmity between the creatures caused by mans sin. Now to take plea­sure in these, is to take pleasure in those things which are matter of sorrow and humiliation.

[Page 46] Now I beseech you that are professors, by the mercies of God, be not you con­formed to the world in these things.

Thus you see the world offends in and about Pleasures and Recreations, in re­spect of the Matter.

2. The world offends in and about them in respect of Time, too much being spent in and about them, viz. whole dayes and nights, contrary to Ephes. 5. 16.

3. In respect of the End, Gods glory not being aimed at, as it should be in every thing, 1 Cor. 10. 31.

There are that,

Mince as they go, Isa. 3. 16. so as to be taken notice of, and to take carnal af­fections: See Matth. 14. 6.

But I beseech you that profess Religion be not conformed to such.

Neigh after others Wives, Jer. 5. 8. & 13. 27. This is abomination, Ezek 22. 11. And such persons God will judge Heb. 13. 4.

Wherefore I beseech you be not con­formed to such.

Open their feet to them that passeth by, Ezek [Page 47] 16. 25. yea their Breasts, which is more tempting.

This King James called opening the shop windows, as if they had a mind to sell.

But be not conformed to such.

Pouder, Patch, and Paint; after the ex­ample of Jezabel, 2 King. 9. 30. and those Ier. 4. 30. Ezek. 23. 40. But God threatens [...]o send stench instead of sweet smell, Isa. 3. 24.

Therefore be not conformed to such.

Practice or are present at Dancings, con­demned, Iob 21. 11, 12. Isa. 3. 16. Matth. 14. 6.

Be not conformed to such.

There are that,

Quit all shame and modesty, like those, Ier. 3. 3.

But I beseech you Professors, by the mercies of God, be not conformed to them.

Read ill Books, Play-books, &c. words and, matters which corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. 15. 33. and is not convenient, Eph. 5. 4.

See the Rule [...] Ephes. 4. 29. And be not conformed [...] [...]h.

[Page 48] Seek mixt Wine, Prov. 23. 30.

Tarry long at the Wine, Prov. 23. 30. But I beseech you be not conformed to these.

Use their Christian liberty for occasion to the flesh, Gal. 4. 13. That take occa­sion from the doctrine of Christian li­berty, to become licentious; using their liberty as a cloak of naughtiness, 1 Pet. 2. 16.

But be not conformed to such.

Wander or walk too much in Fields or Streets, after the example of Dina, Gen. 34. 2. and the strange woman, Prov. 7. 12.

But I beseech you Professors, by the mercies of God, be not conformed to such.

Let such as have temptations to Incon­tinence, or unclean practices, consider these Scriptures.

Prov. 2. 18, 19. & 5. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, to 14. & 6. 26, 32, 33. & 7. 21. to the end. & 22. 14. & 23. 27. & 29. 3. Eccles. 7. 26. 1 Cor. 5. 9. & 6. 9, 10. Rev. 21. 8. & 22. 15.

[Page 49] No whoremonger, nor unclean person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God, Ephes. 5. 5.

Wherefore let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the [...]ldren of disobedience, Ephes. 5. 6.

Diswasives from sensual pleasures.

1. They war against the soul, 1 Pet. 2. 11.

2. They hinder the knowledge of the truth, 2 Tim. 3. 6, 7.

3. They eat out all pleasure in and love of God, 2 Tim. 3. 4.

4. They choke the seed of the word, Luke 8. 14.

5. They keep from coming to the great Supper, Luke 14. 20.

6. They take away the heart from all that is good, Hos. 4. 11.

7. They are but for a season, Heb. 11. 25.

8. They end in sorrow, Prov. 21. 17. & 14. 3.

Adams pleasurable eating forbidden fruit, ended in ejection out of Paradice.

[Page 50] Esau's broth, ended in the loss of his birthright.

Jonathans honey, in the hazard of his life.

Judas his sop, in the Devils entring in­to him.

Babilons golden cup, in her down­fall.

9. They are madness and folly, Eccles. 1. 17. & 2. 2.

10. The love of them speaks the power of godliness wanting, 2 Tim. 3. 5.

Wherefore I again beseech you, be not conformed to this world in the loving of sensual pleasures.

I wish you such a sight as Moses had of the heavenly recompence, and then I am sure you would love them no more then he did, Heb. 11. 25, 26.

Secondly, Conform not to the Cove­tous world.

You read of Covetous practices, 2 Pet. 21. 14.

I beseech you, by the mercies of God, be not conformed to the world in them.

This Dehortation to you that make profession of Religion, is not without need; For,

[Page 51] 1. Professors have been deeply guilty of covetousness; as Ezekiels hearers, Ezek. 33. 31, 32. The Scribes and Pha­risees who fasted oft, prayed long, and gave much almes, Matth. 23. 14: Judas.

2. Christ warns his own Disciples against it, Luke 12. 15. & 21. 34.

3. Saint John writes to those that were Fathers in Christs School, to take heed of it, 1 Joh. 2. 15.

And have you not need to be dehorted from it? Sure you have.

I shall therefore in a beseeching way apply my self unto you.

There are some that,

1. Abound in wealth, have abundance of all good things, and want nothing, and yet have not power to eat thereof, Eccles. 6. 1, 2. But are cruel to them­selves, denying themselves meat, drink, apparel, rest and sleep; and cruel to their families, denying them things con­venient.

These sure are a part of the covetous world; And I beseech you by the mer­cies of God, be not conformed to them.

[Page 52] 2. Build by unrighteousness and wrong, Jer. 22. 13. wherein see the latter part of the vers. and Jam. 5. 4.

But I beseech you, &c. be not confor­med to these.

3. Cumber themselves about the many things of the world, so that they cannot spare time for the service of God in the clo­set or family, Luke 10. 41.

These also are part of this covetous world; And I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to them.

4. Devise covetous things and practices, Isa. 32. 7. 2 Pet. 2. 14.

But I beseech, &c. be not conformed to these.

5. Deal falsely, Jer. 8. 10. using false words, lying to get gain, which is, &c. Prov. 12. 22.

And false weights, which are abomina­tion to the Lord, Prov. 11. 1. & 20. 23.

And false oathes which God hates, Zech. 8. 17.

And false accusation, a way of get­ting which some take.

[Page 53] 'Tis like Zacheus was guilty of it, for saith he, Luke 19. 8. If, &c.

6. Whose Eyes and Heart are not but for their covetousness, and for oppression and violence to do it, watching oppor­tunities; as when men are in distress and necessity, they work upon mens necessities, to get what bargains they please, Jer. 22. 17.

But I beseech you, &c. be not con­formed to those.

7. Forget to do good, and communicate; though charged not to forget it, Heb. 13. 16. or if they do any thing this way, 'tis sparingly, grudgingly; con­trary to the charge, 2 Cor. 9, 6, 7. Too like him, 1 Sam. 25. 10, 11, 36. For­sake the poor, Job 20. 19.

But I beseech you, &c. be not con­formed to these.

Do any forget to sow their Land, at Seed time?

8. Some are Given to covetousness, Jer. 6. 13. Greedy of gain, Prov. 1. 19. 1 Tim. 3. 3. Are immoderate in their desires after riches, thirsting like the horsleech; [Page 54] Ever crying give, give, Prov. 30. 15.

And in their Joy and Grief also.

In their Joy, in the enjoying of them, as He, Luke 12. 19.

In their Grief, in parting with them, as that young man, Matth. 19. 21, 22.

But I beseech you, &c. be not conformed to these.

9. Hard men, reaping where they have not sown, and gathering where they have not strawed; Matth. 25. 24.

But I beseech you, &c. be not conform­able to these.

10. Joyn house to house, Isa. 5. 8.

11. Keep bad company to get gain, Prov. 1. 14, 15, 16. contrary to the counsel of the Holy Ghost: here and Prov. 4. 14, 15.

Some plead they shall have no Trade unless they do so.

But I beseech you, &c. be not conform­able to these.

12. Lade themselves with thick clay or mire, burden, pollute, and entangle them­selves, [Page 55] in taking, raking, and ransa­king for riches, Habak. 2. 6. Some lade their Carts so much, that they either stick, or break all.

But I beseech you, &c. be not you con­formed.

13. Make Gold their hope, Job 31. 24. Their strong City, Prov. 10. 15. Trust­ing in their abundance, Psalm 52. 7. Contrary to the charge, 1 Tim. 6. 17. and to their ruine, Prov. 11. 28.

Therefore I beseech you, &c.

14. Mind earthly things, Phil. 3. 19. Heavenly things are not in all their thoughts.

But I beseech you, &c. be not conform­able, &c.

15. Never are satisfied. Though he have neither Child nor Brother, &c. Yet there is no end of his labour, nor is his eye satisfied with riches, Eccles. 4. 8.

But I beseech you, &c. be not conform­ed, &c.

16. Over reach, go beyond, and defraud one another in dealing and barganing; this is prohibited, 1 Thes. 4. 6.

[Page 56] Therefore I beseech you, &c. be not conformed to these.

17. Plead Poverty, deb. s and family ex­pences, when any thing is desired or required for a pious, charitable or righteous use, though there be enough for pleasure and pride.

But I, &c. be not conformable, &c.

18. Are Querulous, complainers, Jud. 16. never content with their condition, with what they have; contrary to the charge given us, Heb. 13. 5.

But I beseech you, &c. be not conform­able, &c.

19. Run greedily after the error of Baalam, for reward, Jud. 11. Adulterating or corrupting the doctrine of Truth for filthy lucre; unlike to Paul, 2 Cor. 2. 17.

But I, &c. be not conformable, &c.

20. Speak mostly of the world, 1 Joh. 4. 5. And of the earth, Joh. 3. 31. whose language is, who will shew us any good, Psal. 4. 6. Who will shew us how we may get goods and riches?

[Page 57] But I beseech, &c. be not conformable, &c.

21. Serve Mammon, Matth. 6. 24.

But I, &c. be not, &c.

22. Study gain more then godliness, being godly only for the sake of gain, 1 Tim. 6. 5.

But I, &c. be not, &c.

23. Turn aside after lucre, 1 Sam. 8. 3. Contrary to the charge, Deut. 16. 19. Take away the right from the poor, Isa. 10. 1, 2.

But I beseech, &c. be not you, &c.

24. Venture the salvation of their Souls for this present world, as Demas did, 2 Tim. 4. 10.

But I, &c. be not, &c.

25. Wish the Sabbath over, that they may be getting something of the world, Amos 8. 4, 5, 6.

But I, &c. be not, &c.

26. Will be rich, 1 Tim. 6. 9, 10. though they fall into, &c.

But I, &c. be not, &c.

[Page 58] Diswasives from conformity to this Co­vetous world.

1. They that do, and are covetous like the world, are hated, abhorred of God, Psal. 10. 3.

2. Sorely threatned, Isa. 5. 8. Isa. 10. 1. 2. Job 20. 15, 19, 20. & 27. 16, 17, 18.

3. The word will do you no good whiles such, Matth. 13. 22. Ezek. 33. 31. Mark. 4 18, 19.

4. You are in Gods account Idolater, Col. 3. 5. Eph. 5. 5.

5. You will be troublers of your house, Prov. 15. 27.

6. No sin will be strained at, if you give way to be covetous, for covetousness is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6. 10. Thou maist be a Judas, Matth. 26. 15. A [...] Ananias, Act. 5. 2.

7. Thy heart is in danger to be hard­ned; covetous men seldom repent, Jer. 2. 31. 1 Thes. 2. 5.

8. Saints must have no fellowship with you, 1 Cor. 5. 11.

9. You must not go to heaven, 1 Cor. 6. 10.

[Page 59] Thirdly, Conform not to this Proud world.

Corrupt and sinful man is a proud Creature, Proud all over.

Proud,

First, In speech, Psal. 12. 4. Speaking proudly.

1. Against God, Daen. 7. 25. Rev. 13. 6. and with Pharaoh saying, who is the Lord?

2. Against his People, Psal. 31. 18. Speaking grievous things proudly against them.

Secondly, In heart, Psal. 101. 5. Isa. 9. 9. Prov. 21. 4. stout, stiff, unyield­ing.

These are abomination to the Lord, Prov. 16. 5.

Thirdly, In spirit, high minded, Eccl. 7. 8.

Fourthly, In look, Prov. 16. 17. & 21. 4.

Fifthly, In gesture, Isa. 3. 16.

Sixthly, In deed, Psal. 31. 23. Exod. 18. 11.

Be not conformed to the world herein.

This Dehortation is not without need to you Professors.

[Page 60] The Best have been and are prone to it

1. Josephs Brethren, Gen. 37. 8.

2. Aaron and Miriam, Num. 12. 1, 2

3. David, 2 Sam. 24. 1 2, 4.

4. Uzzia, 2 Chron. 26. 16, 19.

5. Hezekiab, 2 Chron. 32. 25.

6. The Apostles of Christ, Mark 9. 34.

There are that,

Affect high places, uppermost rooms in th [...] Synagogues, Matth. 23. 6.

Christs own Disciples were contending about this, Matth. 18. 1. & 20. 21, 22. Luke 22. 24, 25, 26. Contrary to the charge, Gal. 5. 26.

But I beseech you that Profess religion, by the mercies of God, be not conformed to these.

Bo [...]st themselves, Isa. 37. 12, 13. & 10. 8, to 12. Psal. 10. 3. Amos 6. 13. Dan. 4. 30. Luke 12. 18; 19. Contrary to Prov. 27. 1, 2.

Some Boast of their Will, the Armini­an [...] ▪

Some of their Reason, the Socinians.

Some of their Revelations, the Ana­baptists.

[Page 61] Some of Perfection and Sufferings, the Quakers.

Some of Traditions and Miracles, the Papists.

Some of Gifts and Priviledges, Rom. 2. 17, &c. Joh. 8. 33, 41.

But I beseech you, &c.

Build with hewen stone, when, &c. Isa. 9. 9, 10.

q. d. That are so far from Repenting when corrected, that they harden their hearts more and more; So Mal. 1. 4.

But I beseech you, &c.

Covet to be seen of men in what they do, Matth. 23. 5. Contrary to Matth. 6. 1, 2, 3; 5.

But I beseech you, &c.

Displeased with the Praise of others, Matth. 21. 15. Despise others, Luke 18. 9.

But I beseech you, &c.

Establish their own Righteousness, Rom. 10. 3. Luke 18. 9.

But I beseech you, &c.

Fortifie themselves in the Rocks, &c. Obad. 3. 4. Flatter themselves with outward advantages and accommodations.

[Page 62] But I beseech you, &c.

Give not God the glory, but themselves, Act. 12. 23. but consider his end. And your duty Is [...]l. 115. 1.

Wherefore I beseech you, &c.

Haughty scorners who deal in proud wrath, Prov. 21. 24. Casting aside admoni­tions, with disdain and contempt.

But I beseech you, &c.

Hearts listed up because of their Riches, &c. 2 Chron. 32. 25, 27. Contrary to the caution, Deut. 8. 13. The uprightness of such hearts may be questioned, Habak. 2. 4.

Wherefore I beseech you, &c.

Intrude into things they have not seen, Col. 2. 18. Either,

1. In the Scriptures.

2. With their bodily Eyes.

3. By the Light of sound Reason. Yet venture upon it, as they upon the wor­shipping of Angels.

But I beseech you, &c.

Korahs that set themselves against Gods messengers, Numb. 16. 3.

But I, &c.

[Page 63] Lean to their own understandings. Con­trary to the Rule, Prov. 3. 5, 7. Paul would have such to become fools that they might be wise, 1 Cor. 3. 18.

Wherefore I beseech you, &c.

Lovers of praise and applause, Mat. 23. 7.

Lovers of preheminence, 3 Ep. Joh. 9.

Lofty high lookers, Prov. 30. 13. Such was not David, Psal. 131. 1. nor would he suffer such, Psal. 101. 5.

But I beseech you, &c.

Magnifie themselves, Luke 18. 11, 12. Contrary to Phil. 2. 3.

But I beseech you, &c.

Never think to be moved, like her, viz. Babilon, Isa. 47. 7. Good men too prone to this; as David, Psal. 30. 6. and Job, chap. 29. 18, 19.

Wherefore I beseech you, &c.

Offended with those that are not at their beck and command, Num. 22 37.

But I beseech you, &c.

Offer violence to the Lords Prophets, 2 King. 1. 9, 11.

But I beseech you, &c.

[Page 64] Persecute the poor, Psal. 10. 2. Hiding snares for them, Psal. 140. 5.

Puft up by their fleshly mind; 1. Unsancti­fied mind: 2. Gifts of the mind, as Wit, Knowledge, Eloquence, Memo­ry, Col. 2. 18.

Pure in their own eyes, Prov. 30. 11. Isa. 65. 5.

But I beseech you, &c.

Quarrel and contend, ever stirring up strife, Prov. 28. 25.

But I beseech you, &c.

Reject the Lord as Pharaoh, Exod. 5. 2. and those, Luke 19. 14.

Rise up against his people, Psal. 124. 2, 5.

But I beseech you, &c.

Seek and search their own glory; contrary to Prov. 25. 27.

Shew their fine things, 2 King. 20. 13.

Smite the Lords Prophets, 2 Chron. 18. 23.

That Scorn and contemn, Psal. 123. 4.

But I beseech you, &c.

Think of themselves more highly then they [Page 65] ought. Think themselves to be something when they are nothing, Gal. 6. 3. Con­trary to Rom. 12. 3.

Trust in their Treasures, Jer. 49. 4.

But I beseech you, &c.

Usurp the Priests office; as 2 Chron. 26. 16.

But I beseech you, &c.

Walk with stretched out necks, Isa. 3. 16.

Will not seek after God, Psal. 10. 4.

But I beseech you, &c.

Hear and give ear, and be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken, Jer. 13. 15. what, see v. 9, &c. Therefore give glory to God. 1. Acknowledge his judgments and threats to be Righteous, and heartily turn to God; otherwise God will mar your pride.

Disswasives from Pride.

First, Its not alone, it has very bad companions: As,

• 1. Naughtiness of heart, 1 Sam. 17. 28.
• 2. A froward mouth; Prov. 8. 13.
• 3. Idleness, Ezek. 16. 49.
• 4. Unmercifulness, Ezek. 16. 49.
• 5. Contention, Prov. 13. 10.
• [Page 66] 6. Hardned mind, Dan. 5. 20.
• 7. An evil eye, Mark 7. 22.
• 8. Blasphemy, Mark 7. 22.

More, see Prov. 6. 17, &c.

Secondly, God knows them afar off, has no respect for them, will have no com­munion with them, Psal. 138. 6.

Thirdly, God hates and abominates pride, Prov. 6. 16, 17. & 16. 5.

Fourthly, The proud err from Gods com­mandments, and are cursed, Psal. 119. 21.

Fifthly, God resisteth them, Jam. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 5.

Gods resistance supposes mans assault, and did ever any harden themselves against God and prosper? Job 9. 4.

What, will you strive with your Ma­ker? Wo to such, Isa. 45. 9.

Sirs, Sirs, see Ezek. 22. 14.

God will do to them that which he asks Job whither he could do, Job 40. 11, 12.

God is able to abase them, Dan. 4. 37.

And will be above them, Exod. 18. 17.

And bring them down, Psal. 18. 27.

And low, Prov. 29. 23.

To destruction, Prov. 16. 18. & 15. 25.

See also, Isa. 2. 11, to 18.

Beloved, would I could fright you from this cursed pride!

[Page 67] What shall I say to you?

It turned,

Angels into Devils.

Sodom into Ashes.

Pharaoh into the Deep.

Haman off the Gallows.

Nebuchadnezar a grazing with Beasts.

Achitophel out of the World.

Because Pride of Hair and Habit a­bounds, I shall close this Discourse with some Disswasives from it.

1. Are not our cloathes Memorials of our sin and shame?

Before our first Parents had sinned, they were both naked and were not ashamed, Gen. 2. 25. But when they had sinned, they were ashamed, and sewed fig-leaves together to cover their nakedness, Gen. 3. 7. But God made them coats of skins, ver. 21.

2. Are they not all Borrowed things? and that from poor despicable Creatures, your servants? As,

Woollen from the Sheep.

Linnen from the Earth.

Cotten from the Trees.

Silks and Velvets from the Worms.

Hats from Beavers and other poor Creatures.

Hair from I know not whom.

[Page 68] Now suppose a man to have many Ser­vants, and he borrows a Hat of one, a Coat or Cloak of another, and Shoes and Stockins of another, &c. and then goes strutting up and down the Streets in these borrowed things, what would you think of him?

3. Are not your Cloaths, for the ma­terials of them, much baser then your­selves? And will you be proud of what is inferior to your selves?

4. What are your Bodies which you thus dress up and adorn? Are they not vile, loathsom, stinking, foul, diseased bodies, which must dye and turn to cor­ruption?

5. Do Cloaths commend you to God, or to wise and sober men? Nay, onely to men of vain minds they commend you.

6. Does not dressing, decking and adorning of our selves in such a way as is usual, discover the vanity of our own minds?

7. Are not such dressings, &c. Temp­tations, snares, enticements and occasi­ons of sin to others?

8. Is not much of our Cloathing waste and lost, and so a slighting of Christs counsel, Joh. 6. 12. If the Disciples of [Page 69] Christ had indignation at the pouring of Ointment on the Head of Christ; and if they said, To what purpose is this waste? Matth. 26. 8. How much more may Christ say, when he looks on the Heads, Necks, and Backs, and Feet of many Pro­fessors; To what purpose is this waste? Might not the money given for these things have been saved and given to the poor? Matth. 26. 9.

9. Do not many poor want that which you put on for Pride?

10. What will you do in the day when God shall come to deal with you, and reckon with you about your layings out upon your Pride? and Conscience shall witness against you: So much laid out upon my proud lust.

For strange and needless apparrel twen­ty pound, but for naked poor not twenty shillings.

For costly new fashioned lace, as one says, ten pound, but for food for the hungry not ten shillings.

For dressings and trimmings three, four, or five pounds, but for sick poor not five shillings.

For toyes and fancies twenty shillings, [Page 70] but for the relief of the needy not twenty pence.

For hair I know not what, but for a pious or charitable use not any thing con­siderable.

To take you off from Conformity to this world, give me leave to expostulate with you. I shall do it for memory sake Alphabetically: Alluding to Gods ex­postulating with them, Isa. 58. 5, 6.

Is this, This conformity to the world,

Is this,

To Abstain from fleshly lusts, which, &c. Or is this your abstaining, &c. as you are earnestly beseeched, 1 Pet. 2. 11, 12.

To Abstain from all appearance of evil; as we are charged, 1 Thes. 5. 22.

Or is this your abstaining from, &c.

And so your abstaining, &c. in all the fol­lowing expostulations.

1. To Bring the body in subjection, as Pauls practice was, 1 Cor. 9. 27.

2. To bring forth fruits meet for repentance, as we must if we will escape the wrath [Page 71] to come, Matth. 3. 7, 8. And those from 2 Cor. 7. 11. Is this to have indig­nation against our selves, to be zealous, to take revenge upon our selves? what work would indignation, zeal, and re­venge, make upon your Heads, Faces, Necks, and Backs, if you had these.

3. To be blameless as the Sons of God with­out rebuke, &c. Phil. 2. 15.

2. To Crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts, as they that are Christs have, Gal. 5. 24.

3. Is this to Condemn the world, as Noah did, Heb. 11. 7. Nay is it not to com­mend the world, and say you do well to be Proud, Covetous, Wanton, &c.

Is this to be converted, and become as little Children? What to strive for state, to seek for preheminence over one another; to be greatest, highest, bravest, finest? A little Child does not so. Even the Disciples of Christ were too worldly, minding worldly greatness and pre­heminence; which moved them to put the question, Matth. 18. 1. Who is to be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

1. The Church; they dreamed of a worldly pompous state of it; for Mar. [Page 72] 9. 34. they had disputed among them­selves which should be greatest. See Act. 1. 6. Matth. 20. 21, 24. And Christs answer, ver. 25, to 29. Now is this Conformity to the world, to be turned from Pride, &c. Without which, Christ says, we shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, Matth. 18. 1, 2, 3, 4.

4. Is this to be consumed with zeal, because Gods words are forgotten, Psal. 119. 139.

Is this to deny our selves; as they who will be Christs Disciples must do, Matth 16. 24.

Is this to Enter in at the straight gate, and to strive so to do as we are counselled by Christ, Luke 13. 24.

To be Examples as we are bound to be, specially Ministers, 1 Tim. 6. 11. & 4. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 3.

To Escape the corruption that i [...] i [...] the world through lust, 2 Pet. 1. 4.

Is this to Follow Christ our pattern, w [...] hath left us an example that we should f [...] ­low his steps, 1 Pet. 2. 21. See Matt [...] 16. 24. 1 Joh. 2. 6.

[Page 73] Is this to learn of Christ? Matth. 11. 29.

Is this to be as God is in this world? 1 Joh. 4. 17.

To Glorifie God with our bodies? as we are bound by the price paid for us, 1 Cor. 6. 20.

Is this to Humble our selves under Gods mighty hand? as we are directed by God himself in order to our exaltation, 1 Pet. 5. 6.

Is this to Judge our selves? as we must if we will not be judged and condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11. 31, 32.

Is this to Keep our selves from our iniquity? as we must do if we will approve our selves upright, Psal. 18. 23.

Is this to Lay to heart the afflictions of Jo­seph? who many of them are cloathed with rags: See Amos 6. 4, 5, 6.

Is this to Mourn for the sins of the time, as those that are marked out for delive­rance in a common calamity, do? See Ezek. 9. 4.

[Page 74] Is this, Not to lift up our souls to vanity? as they that will ascend into Gods holy hill, and stand in his holy place, must not: Psal. 24. 3, 4.

Is this to Note those that obey not the Gospel, and to have no company with them, that they may be ashamed? 2 Thes. 3. 14. Nay is it not to harden them in their sinful wayes and fashions?

Is this to Order our steps in Gods word, as David prayed he might? Psal. 119. 133. And so to Order our conversations aright as they must do who will see the salvation of God, Psal. 50. 23.

Is this to Put off the old man, which is cor­rupt according to the deceitful lusts? Eph. 4. 22.

And to Put on the new man, which after God, is created in Righteousness and true holiness? Eph. 4. 24.

Is this to Put off your ornaments from you, that God may know what to do unto you? Exod. 33. 5.

Is this to Present your bodies a living sacri­fice, holy, acceptable to God; as you are by the mercies of God beseeched to do? Rom. 12. 1.

[Page 75] Is this your Quenching the fiery darts of Sa­tan? Eph. 6.

Now Sirs, as St. Paul tells the Corin­thians, concerning their manner of com­municating, This is not to eat the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11. 20.

So let me tell you concerning your con­formity to this world,

This is not to Abstain from, &c.

This is not to Bring your Bodies in sub­jection.

This is not to be Converted.

This, &c. in all the rest of the Letters.

And as he says, vers. 22, 23. What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which I have delivered unto you.

That you who are called out of this world, which is the Devils Chappel, in­to the Church, which is the house of the living God; should not be conformed to this world.

But should Abstain from, &c.

Bring your Bodies into subjection, &c.

Is this your reproving your unfruitful works of darkness? as you are required, Ephes. 5. 11. Levit. 19. 17.

[Page 76] Redeeming of time, to spend so many hours in making provision for the flesh?

Time is to be Redeemed, not trifled a­way, Eph. 5. 16.

Is this your Striving against sin, as your duty is to do? Heb. 12. 4.

Your Shining as lights, &c. Phil. 2. 15.

To be Transformed by the renewing of your minds? Rom. 12. 2. No, for tis set in opposition to being conformed to this world.

Is this your Using the world as not abusing it? 1 Cor. 7. 31.

Is this your Walking worthy of your high, holy, and Heavenly calling? as you are required, Eph. 4. 1.

Winning others by your conversation? 1 Pet. 3. 1, 2, 4, 5.

Working out your salvation with fear and trembling? Phil. 2. 12.

Being without offence? &c. Phil. 1. 10.

Nay, Is not this your conformity to the world; Is not this,

1. To justifie the worl [...]? Ezek. 16. 51, 52.

[Page 77] 2. Is not this to be a comfort to the wicked world? Ezek. 16. 54.

3. Is this not to harden them in their sinful course? Their pride, &c.

4. Is not this to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness? forbidden, E [...]hes. 5. 11.

5. Is not this to take the members of Christ, and to make them the members of a harlot? 1 Cor. 6. 16.

6. Is not this to learn the works of the Heathen, and to serve their Idols, Psal. 106. 35, 36. which may prove a snare.

7. Is not this to give offence, contrary to 1 Cor. 10. 32. And to be an occasion of stumbling, which Gods people should not be, 1 Joh. 2. 10.

8. Is not this to call men on Earth, our Fa­ther, Master? See Matth. 23. 9.

Helps against conformity to this world.

First, Understand well wherein you are not to conform to this world.

Sure not in any thing which is a swer­ving from the Rule, the written word of God.

[Page 78] Not in any thing which is a transgressi­on of a known Law.

Take some instances of known Rules.

1. Abstain from all appearances of evil, 1 Thes. 5. 22. This is one Rule.

Now in any thing that is or has the ap­pearance of evil, we must not conform to the world.

2. Avoid all occasions of evil of sin, to our selves or others. All Snares, Traps and Temptati [...]s to our selves or others to sin; Prov. 23. 31 & 4. 14, 15. & 5. 8.

Now in any thing which is an occasion of sin to our selves or others, we must not conform to the world.

3. Give no offence, &c. 1 Cor. 10. 32. Phil. 1. 10. 1 Joh. 2. 10.

4. Those things think upon and do which are of good report, Phil. 4. 8. and this you must have a care of lest you fall into re­proach, and the snare of the Devil; 1 Tim. 3 7.

Now those things which are not of good report, we must not conform to the world in.

5. Do all in the name of Christ, Col. 4. 17. giving thanks, &c.

Now if the world do any thing which cannot be said to be done in the name of [Page 79] Christ, therein you are not to conform to the world.

6. Follow others as they follow Christ, 1 Cor. 11. 1.

Now in those things wherein the world does not follow Christ, we are not to con­form to them.

5. Whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you the same to them, Matth. 7. 12.

Now if the world do those things to others which they would not have done to themselves, therein we must not conform to them.

8. Let all things be done for edifying, 1 Cor. 14. 26. In Knowledge, Faith, Love, and holy Obedience.

Now if the world do any thing that tends to building up of others in Unholi­ness, and Disobedience, Pride and Wan­tonness; we must not conform to the world therein, for all must be done to edi­fying.

9. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, Phil. 2. 3.

Now if the world do, &c.

10. Look not every man on his own, but on the things of others, Phil. 2. 4.

[Page 80] Now if the world be all for it self, with the neglect of others, we must not therein conform to the world.

11. Redeem the time because the days are evil, Eph. 5. 16.

Now if the world trifle away time, on Lords dayes and other dayes, we must not therein conform to the world.

12. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatso­ever else ye do, do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31.

Now if the world do that which can have no tendency to the glory of God, we must not conform to the world therein.

Secondly, Be convinced that 'tis a sin to be conformed to this world in such matters before mentioned; Gods prohibition makes it a sin, Rom. 12. 2.

When a man is sure a thing is sinful, he will resist it the more easily; but if he be in doubt whether it be sin or no, he will the more easily venture upon it, to com­mit it.

The Devils business is to make men be­lieve that sin is not sin, that they may commit it.

For this end he raiseth up one Prophet or another, to say as to Ahab, Go up and prosper; or to say, There is no hurt in this; [Page 81] or to dispute for it, or practice it himself, and then the Devil has gotten ground.

For when a thing is come to be a Con­troversie, and some that are Wise and Learned, Holy and Religious, are on one side, and some of another; Then the Hypocrite, as one sayes, hath a cloak for his sin, and a Dose of Opium for his Conscience.

Thirdly, Get the fear of the Lord, this will restrain from sin, Neh. 5. 15.

Fourthly, Make a covenant with your eyes, Gaze not on the fashions of others; See Ezek. 23. 16.

Fifthly, Set upon the work of mortifica­tion, look upon it as a duty of absolute necessity, Col. 3. 5. Rom. 8. 13.

Sixthly, Get to be crucified to the world; and for this end make use of the Cross of Christ, Gal. 6. 14.

Seventhly, Have your conversations in Heaven, and your affections on things a­bove, Phil. 3. Col. 3. Mind things not seen.

Eighthly, Set God alwayes before you, Psal. 16 8. Gen. 17. 1.

Ninthly, Think much of death and judgment, and what thoughts you will then have of conformity to this world.

[Page 82] And now in Conclusion let me again be­seech you, Be not conformed to this world.

I beseech you by the mercies of God, be not conformed to, &c.

And by me God himself beseeches you, 2 Cor. 5. 20.

Now suppose a Mother should beseech her Child,

By the Womb that bare him.

By the Paps that gave him suck.

By the Knees that dandled him.

And by all her care of and kindness to him: what would you think of him, if he should not in a lawful thing yield unto her? would you not think him to be of a flinty heart?

In like manner when God by his Mini­sters shall beseech you by the multitude of his tender mercies; whereby,

1. He begat you to a lively hope of an Inheritance incorruptible, &c. 1 Pet. 1. 3, 4.

2. He hath quickned us together with Christ, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph. 2. 4, 5, 6.

3. He hath pardoned us, Psal. 78. 38.

4. He hath called us, 2 Tim. 1. 9.

5. Justified us, Rom. 3.

[Page 83] 6. Adopted us, 1 Joh. 3.

7. He hath renewed and saved us, Tit. 3. 5.

What stony hearts have they that will not yield when God thus beseeches by his mercies bestowed on them?

Hear me you Professors, let me expostu­late.

1. Why Sirs shall God loose and miss of the main end of bestowing his mercies on you?

Our obedience is the main end of his be­stowing mercies on us. See Psal. 130. 4. Luke 1. 73, 74. Psalm 105. 39. to end.

2. Is it not to you that God applies himself in this beseeching way, even to you who have received mercy to be begot­ten again, quickned, pardoned, called, renewed and saved?

Tis to you he comes and beseeches by all his mercies, be not conformed to this world.

Others that have not received these mercies, he cannot beseech by them.

3. Had others received the mercies you have, and being beseeched by them, would they not, think you, be perswa­ded?

[Page 84] 4. Will you hazard and endanger your selves by conforming to, and keeping company with the men of this world?

Jehosaphat did so, 1 Chron. 19. 1, 2. and wrath was upon him therefore.

Josiah did so, 2 King. 23. 29. His for­wardness to pleasure the King of Assiria cost him his life.

The Israelites conformed to Egypt in Idolatry, Exod. 32. 1, 2, 3. And Gods wrath waxes hot against them, v. 10.

And to the Moabites in Adultery, Numb. 25. 1, 2. and the anger of the Lord was kindled against them.

If you live after the manner of wicked men, you are like to be judged after their manner, Ezek. 23. 4, 5.

If the Assirian or others will persecute after the manner of Egypt, they shall be punished after the manner of Egypt, Isa. 10. 24, 26.

5. Doth not God find fault with doing after the manner of others? See 2 King. 17. 33. 2 Chron. 13. 9.

6. Is not that which is highly esteemed among men, abominable in the sight of God? Luke 16. 15.

[Page 85] That course of life which is most con­trary to the fashions of the world, is most commendable and acceptable to God.

The further we go from the world in our speech, gesture, attire, works, and actions, the nearer we come to true God­liness, Jam. 1. 27.

HAth he said it, and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numb. 23. 19.

Did he not make it good against the Jews, his own peculiar people? 2 King. 25. begin. Jer. 39. 1, &c. Jer. 52. 4,

And if God spared not them, the natu­ral branches, Rom. 11. 21. will he spare us? Take heed England, Take heed Lon­don, lest he also spare not thee: If God have brought evil upon the City, which was [Page 88] called by his name, should ye be utterly un­punished? ye shall not be unpunished: See Jer. 25. 29.

If they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup, who might rather have expected favour, then you. If these have assuredly drunk, are you those that shall go altogether unpunished? you shall not go unpunished, but shall surely drink: See Jer. 49. 12.

Nay if God spared not the Angels, nor a whole world, will he spare us, 2 Pet. 2. 4.

I would hope, that God will not make a full end of us, but will correct us in measure, yet sure he will not leave us wholly unpunish­ed, Jer. 46. 28. But if there be lewdness in our filthiness, and we will not be purged, God will cause his fury not only to creep, but to rest upon us as it has done upon others.

In these two verses (not to speak of the context, for time will not give leave) we have a heavy judgment threatned, with the cause and certainty of it.

1. The judgment threatned, Thou shalt not be purged, &c. Till, &c.

2. The cause of it, In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I would have purged thee, and thou wast not purged.

[Page 89] 3. The certainty of it, I the Lord have spoken it, &c.

In thy filthiness, In thy sin which is fil­thiness: Sin so called, 2 Cor. 7. 1. In thy Idolatry, Covetousness, Pride, Pro­phaneness, Hypocrisie, Oppression.

Is lewdness, obstinacy (for she would not be purged from it) and rejoycing, Jer. 11. 15.

Because I have purged thee, I have sought to purge thee, by

Admonitions.

Exhortations.

Counsels.

Threatnings.

Reproofs.

Corrections.

And thou wast not [...]urged, All labour was in vain and fruitless: As for the word of the Lord they would not hearken to it, Jer. 44. 16. Zech. 7. 12.

Thou shalt not be purged from thy filthi­ness any more: Thou shalt be Warned, Exhorted, Counselled, Threatned, Re­proved no more; but shall be left to perish in thy sins, as desperate and incura­ble.

[Page 90] Till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee: Till I have satiated, satisfied my wrath, and eased my self of my adversa­ries, and avenged me of mine enemies, Isa. 1. 24. Till I have purged them in Hell fire sayes one, which will be ever doing, but never be done.

God will, and this will of his is, 1. Most just; Because God has offered them mer­cy and they would none of it. Thus,

A Subject commits high Treason against his Prince, for which he is condemned: His Prince out of pitty sends him a par­don, which he rejects, tears and tramples under foot. If the Prince resolve this man shall dye for it, is not his resolution just? See Ezra 9. 33. Dan. 9. 14. Lam. 1. 18.

2. Most unchangeable, for Numb. 23. 19.

At last; He is not hasty, but slow to anger.

He being God and not man, Hos. 11. 9. can bear long, and does, yet will not al­wayes, [Page 91] but at last will punish, Isa. 42. 14. & 65. 6. and here in the Text.

Cause his Fury, Anger, Indignation, Wrath. Fury is an anger never at rest till it has taken revenge.

To Rest, to Abide; Fury has come and gone, judgments have come and gone, have been sent and called back again, laid on and taken off, for a considerable time; but at last they shall rest.

Upon a people, though professing, and called by the name of the Lord; though known and formerly saved by the Lord.

That will not; I say, will not, because the Highest does so often lay the blame there, Jer. 6. 16.

Their will was against purging, they loved their filthiness: They loved to wan­der, Jer. 14 10. & 5. 31. & 11. 15. When thou doest evil then thou rejoycest. See Jer. 18. 12.

Be purged from their filthiness. By any means, whether fair or foul, whether War­nings, Exhortations, Counsells, Threats, Reproofs, Sabbaths, Sacrifices, Mercies, Judgments.

Whose Filth, Scum, Rust, remains.

Their Filth, notwithstanding all the Floods they have been in.

[Page 92] Their S [...]um and Dross notwithstanding all the Fires they have been in.

Their Rust notwithstanding all the Fi­lings they have had.

I might heap Scriptures for proof here­of, but I shall confine my self to this Pro­phet, Ez [...]k. 5. 13. & 9. 8, 9, 10. & 16. 42, 43. & 21. 17.

You may read, Deut. 29. 20. 2 Chron. 36. 15, with 17. Jer. 7. 20. & 11. 14▪ & 13. 14. & 14. 12. & 18. 11, 12. Psal. 7. 12. & 50. 21, 22. & 68. 21.

Reason. Gods Honour, Holiness, Ju­stice and Truth, requires it.

1. Gods Honour, If God spare such, it will be thought that he favours them, Psalm 50. 21. Mat. 2. 17.

2. His Holiness, Habak. 1. 13.

3. His Justice, Zeph. 3. 5. Psal. 11, ult. Justice must render to every one according to &c.

4. His Truth. See Jer. 4. 28.

Use 1. Sad then is the case of such as will not be purged from their filthiness.

Is it not sad when God will cause his fury to rest upon them, when he is so re­solved as you see, v. 14.

[Page 93] This People, in the Text, might think, and so possibly may you, God would not be so severe, as the Prophet had told them; They might say or think, Jeremiah this is but your saying, and you may speak it out of Humor and Discontent.

Nay sayes God, I the Lord have spoken it; I Jehovah who can and will give being and life to my threats, to what I have spoken.

They might say, but saying and doing are two things, It may never come to pass though God has spoken it.

Nay sayes God, it shall come to pass, as certainly as I have spoken it.

They might say, you threaten us with Nebuchadnezar; but Nebuchadnezar and his Forces are but men, and may fail, and never be able to perform their enterprize.

But sayes God, I will do it, and I am not Man, but God.

They might say, but sure God will not lay waste Hierusalem his own City, where his Temple and Worship is.

To this God answers, True. But thy scum is in thee, and thy filthiness, and in thy filthiness is lewdness, obstinacy, there­fore I will not go back from my word of threatening.

[Page 94] Thou doest not retract, and therefore I will not.

Thou hast gone backward, Jer. 15. 6▪ therefore I will not go back. See also Jer▪ 4. 28.

They might say, but God is pittiful, and his compassions fail not.

But sayes God, I will not pitty, n [...] spare, nor have mercy, Jer. 13. 14.

They might say, but God will repent of the evil threatned; according to Jer. 18

8. Ezek. 20. 8. 9, 13, 14, 17, 22.

No sayes God, neither will I repen [...]; you repent not, therefore I will not repent: See Jer. 15. 6.

They might say then, surely God will deal hardly with us.

No sayes God, I deal justly, according to thy wayes I will judge thee.

What then is there no avoiding of this fury?

No; They shall not be able to escape, Jer. 11. 11.

Evil shall hunt you, Psal. 140. 11.

And find you out, Numb. 32. 23.

As the blood hound the Thief, as sure as he sets his foot on the ground.

Nor no resisting?

No; Can stubble resist fire.

[Page 95] Why then, I hope, I shall be able to bear it.

No, It will be intollerable, Ezek. 22. 14. Can thy heart endure? No.

Why then, I hope, it will have an end.

No neither, if you dye in your filthiness, it shall rest upon you; 'Twill be everlasting fire and burning, Isa. 33. 14.

Why then, I hope, if it will have no end, it will be long before it have a begin­ning.

No, It may have a beginning before you are aware.

'Tis to be feared that your iniquities are near full and ripe, for we are come to that pass now,

1. That, I think, we are shameless in sinning; and if so, see Jer. 3. 3. & 6. 15.

2. Graceless in Profession, and Luke­warm in Religion; and if so, see 2 Tim. 3. 1, to 6. Rev. 3. 15, 16. & 2. 4, 5. Amos 8. 5, 11, 12.

3. Regardless of Christ, nay abusive of Christs Gospel and Ministers; and if so, see Matth. 21. 35, 36, 38, 41. Luke 13. 34, 35. 2 Chron. 36. 16. 1 King. 18. 4. with 19. 14. 2 Chron. 11. 14.

[Page 96] 4. Fruitless under the means of grace; and if so, see Matth. 21. 43. Luke 13. 6, to 10. Act. 13. 45, 46. Isa. 5. begin. Heb. 6. 6.

5. Incorrigible under the rod; and if so, see Isa. 9. 13, 14. Amos 4. 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

6. Fearless of punishment; as they, Jer. 17. 15. that said, Where is the word of the Lord? let it come now.

And as they that said, Isa. 5. 19. Let him make speed and hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it.

And this is but according to what was foretold by our Saviour, Luke 17. 26, 27. And as it was in the dayes of Noe; so shall it be also in the dayes of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, &c. till the flood came.

And by St. Peter, 2 Pet. 3. 3. There shall come in the last dayes scoffers, walking after their own lusts (and sure they are come) Saying, Where is the promise of his coming? Things continue as they were.

But when we put far away the evil day, Amos 6. 3. and say peace and safety, Then [Page 97] sudden destruction cometh, as Travel upon a woman with child, and we shall not escape, 1 Thes. 5. 3. God will punish the men that are setled upon the Lees, That say in their Hearts, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil; Zeph. 1. 12.

God grant our goods may not become a booty; God grant our houses may not become a desolation; God grant that they who have built houses, may inhabit them; and that they who have planted vi [...]eyards, may drink the wine thereof

But sure if in our filthiness there shall be lewdness, if we shall continue unpur­ged, notwithstanding all the means used for our purging:

The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voyce of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly: That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness; A day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fenced Cities, and against the high Towers God will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, be­cause they have sinned against the Lord, and their blood shall be poured out as the dust, and [Page 98] their flesh as the dung. Neither their Silve nor their Gold shall be able to deliver them is the day of Gods wrath; but the whole La [...] shall be devoured, by the fire of his jealous [...] for he shall make even a speedy riddance of a [...] them that dwell in the Land, Zeph. 1. 13, 14▪ 15, 16, 17, 18.

This is the rejoycing City that dwelt care­lesly, that said in her heart, I am, a [...] there is none beside me: how is she become [...] desolation, a place for beasts to lye down in [...] every one that passeth by her, shall hiss an [...] wag the hand; Zeph. 2. 15. This is spoken of Nineveh, ver. 13. And if we sin as Nineveh did, may not we expect to suffer as she suffered. Yet I fear we have many that say as Babilon, I shall be a Lady for ever, Isa. 47. 7.

Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelesly, that sayest in thy heart, I am, and none else besides me, I shall not sit as a widdow, nei­ther shall I know the loss of Children.

Therefore shall evil come upon thee, thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee, thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly which thou shalt not know, Isa. 47. 11.

[Page 99] Rise up ye woman that are at ease: hear my voice ye careless daughters, give ear un­to my speech. Many dayes and years shall ye be troubled ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come. Tremble ye women that are at ease: be troubled ye careless ones, strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth on your loins. Because the Palaces shall be for sa­ken, the multitude of the City shall be left, the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild Asses, a pasture of flocks; Isa. 32. 9, 10, 11, 14. See also Jer. 5. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

These are terrible threats, but who trembles at the reading or hearing of them? The people in Ezra's time trem­bled at the words of the God of Israel, Ezra 9. 4.

Josiah when he heard the words of the Law against Jerusalem and the inhabitants thereof, rent his cloathes and wept, 2 Chron. 34. 19, 27.

Habakkuk hears Gods speech and is afraid, chap. 3. 2. Yea, his belly trembled; his lips quivered; rottenness entred into his bones. chap. 3. 16. variety of expressions are used by him, to shew how sensible he was of Gods threatned judgments. But [Page 100] oh I fear we are past feeling.

Jeremy also cries out, Jer. 4. 19. M [...] bowels; Nay B [...]ls [...]zz [...]r Trembled D [...] 5. 5. 6. when he saw the hand writing [...] the wall; but we see and read what [...] written against us, and ne [...]er Tremble.

And Felix trembled when he heard Pa [...] reasoning of righteousness, temperance, a [...] [...]udgment to come, Act. 25. 24. But ho [...] often are you reasoned with about the [...] things, and never tremble?

The Devils tremble, Jam. 2. 19. an [...] cannot we? Oh our Atheism and infi­delity! our not fearing Gods threatning in his word, is a manifest token of it.

The God of glory thundereth in the Heavens, and thou tremblest; but when [...] thunders in the Scripture, thou tremble [...] not: Hear how he thunders, Nahum 1▪ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10. Pray take your Bible and read this Scripture before yo [...] read any further.

The Lion roars and the Beasts tremble▪ But God roars, threatens most terribly Amos 3. 8. but who fears?

A storm, a tempest, will make yo [...] tremble; and will not that storm, th [...] tempest threatned, Psal. 11. 6. make thee [...]remble? Upon the wicked (and art n [...] [Page 101] thou wicked) he shall rain snares, fire and brimsto [...]e, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cu [...].

Well, Sirs, God would have purged us, and we would not be purged; what then remains, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries, H b. 10. 27.

1. Hath not God warned and told thee of the evil and danger of thy sinful course? thou canst not say as Paul, Act. 23. 5. I wist not. I wist not that sin was so great an evil, that it had so much filth and fire in it. You cannot say I did not know that sin, that pride, worldliness, rioting, drunkenness, chambering, wantonness, str [...]fe, envying, were transgressions of the holy, just, and good Law of God, and provocations of him to your own and others hurt: you cannot say you knew not this.

2. Hath not God begged and beseech­ed you to abstain from these fleshly lusts which war against your souls, 1 Pet. 2. 11.

3. Hath not God reproved you, and said to you, as to them, Judg. 2. 2. Why have you done this?

[Page 102] 4. Hath not God threatned you, That except you repent you shall perish, Luke 13. 3, 5.

And told you, That if you live after the flesh you shall dye, Rom. 8. 13.

5. Hath not God corrected and af­flicted you, and may we not complain as the Prophet, Jer. 5. 3. O Lord, thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved: thou hast consumed them, but they have re­fused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder then a rock, they have re­fused to return. See also, Dan. 9. 13, 14.

6. Hath not God said to you as to him, Joh. 5. 14. Sin no more lest a worse thing come unto you. And told you, That if ye will not be reformed by those things, that have come upon you, but will walk contra­ry to him; that he will then walk contrary to you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins; Levit. 26. 23, 24.

7. Hath not God after all this said, Re­turn unto me, and I will not cause mine an­ger to fall upon you; for I am merciful, and will not keep anger for ever; Jer. 3. 1, 7, 12.

Hath he not said, W [...]sh ye, make ye [...]an, &c. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as s [...]ow, Isa. 1 16, 18.

[Page 103] 8. Hath not God sworn that he desires not your death; Saying, As I live, I have [...]o pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he turn from his way and live, Ezek. 33. 11.

9. Hath not God after this expostula­ted with you, and said, Turn ye, Turn ye, why will ye dye? Ezek. 33. 11. and Jer. 13. 27. Wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

10. Hath he not waited to be gracious to thee, Isa. 13. 18. Hath he not been long­suffering to you ward, not willing that you should perish, but that you should come to re­pentance, 2 Pet. 3. 9.

And now sinner, tell me, would not God have purged thee: and if thou would­est not, If thou wouldest not take war­ning, when warning was given thee; nor be prevailed with to abstain from fleshly lusts, when thou wast beseeched; nor be reformed when thou wast reproved; nor return when thou wast smitten; nor re­gard when expostulated with; nor come to repentance when so long waited for: May not God say to thee, as to the woman, Gen. 3. 13. What is this that thou hast done? and as to Adam, Gen. 3. 11. Hast thou [...]aten of the Tree, whereof I commanded [Page 104] that thou shouldst not eat? So, sinner what is this that thou hast done? Hast thou set at nought all my counsel, and wouldst thou none of my reproof? Prov. 1. 25. Oh what is this that thou hast done? Doest thou know what thou hast done? Canst thou conceive the dishonour thou hast brought to God, and the misery thou hast brought upon thy self, and the hurt thou hast done to Church and State? Art thou not in danger of the resting of Gods fury upon thee; when Gods anger is kindled but a lit [...]le, you are in danger of perishing, Psal. 2. 12. In what case then will you be, when his fury shall rest upon you.

And God will watch to bring it upon you, Jer. 44. 27. Behold I will watch over them for evil, and not for good; as one that purposly watcheth and lieth in wait to do mischief, Psal. 56 6.

God has been wo [...] when provoked, to watch over people, to pluck up and break down, Jer. 31. 28.

And Daniel, chap. 9. 13, 14▪ confesses, that because God had p [...]shed them, and they had not made their prayer before the Lord their God, that they might [...]urn from their iniquities and understand the truth; therefore the Lord [...] watch­ed [Page 105] upon the evil, and brought it upon them. And he gives the reason, For the Lord our God is righteous in all his works, for we obeyed not his voice.

Use 2. If all this be so, then consider we▪ our selves, Are we purged from our filthi­ness?

Is England?

Is London?

Are we?

Is our s [...]um gone out?

Our rust gotten off?

Our filth done away?

Our dross separated from us?

Our chaffe scattered and burnt?

2. Let me ask you a few Questions.

1. Have you been con [...]inced of your natural and contracted filthiness? Si [...]s were you clean born, shaped in holiness? Read, Ioh 14. 4. Psal. 51. 5. and see whe­ther you were or no.

Have you lived wi [...]hout defiling your selves? See Psal. 14. 3. Mark 7. 23.

What were your Hearts, and Hands? If you cannot tell, See Jer. 4. 14. Jam. [...]. 8. Mark 7. 21, 22, 23.

What were your Heads, Ears, Eyes, and Tongues? If you be ignorant, s [...] [Page 106] John 13. 9. Act. 7. 51. Jer. 6. 10. 2 Pe [...]. 2. 14. Matth. 5. 28. James 3. 6. Ephes 4. 29.

I fear many are not yet convinced of their filthiness; and if so, sure not yet purged from it.

Some will not believe that to be filthi­ness which Ged sayes is so; All that is in the world is either the lust of the eye, &c. 1 John 2. 16▪ and these are not of the pure and holy God, but of the dirty sin­ful world which lies in wickedness.

1. The lust of the Eye; covetousness, which you call by another name▪ viz. Good Hu [...]bandry, is [...]lthine [...]s, 1 Peter [...]. 2.

2. The lust of the Flesh; rio [...]ing, drun­kenn [...] ▪ chambering, wantonness; which you call Good Fellowship, Courtship, Courteousness: This is filthiness, but you [...]o not know it, or will not know it; for your better information, see 1 Thes. 4. 7. Ephes. 5. 3, 4. Ro [...]. 13. 13.

3. Pride of Life; this also is filthiness, though you call it fineness, neatness, [...]omliness: But see what God calls it, Isa. 4. 4. He calls it filth, ordure, or excrements, the word imports all; [Page 107] all such filth, or excrement, as come [...] forth from the body, either upward, as Isa. 28. 8. 2 Pet. 2. 22. or downward, as Deut. 23. 14. Ezek 4. 12.

The filth of the Daughters of Zion; whose pride, vanity, wantonness, and other excesses, had no small hand in pulling down Gods judgments. See Isa. 3. 16, 17. had it been the Daughters of Moab, Numb. 25. 1. or the Daughters of the Philistines, Judg. 14. 1, 2. that had been so filthy it would not have provoked so much; their filth would not have stunk so bad, nor have been so loathsom in the sight of God. But for the Daughters of Zion, and the Daughters of Jerusalem, and the Daughters of Israel and Judah, of Professors, to be so filthily proud, provoked greatly. Had it been only the Daughters of men, Gen. 6. 2. or the Daughters of a strange god, Mal. 2. 11. or the Daughters of the uncircumcised, 2 San. 1. 20. it had not been so much; but for the Daughters of God, Deut 32. 19. to go thus, and do thus, and [...] thus, he could not bear it.

Their gates, and garbs, and courses, and carriages, that they prided them­selves [Page 108] in, and accounted their bravery, Isa. 3. 18. were filth; and such as made them odious, loathsom, and abominable in Gods eye; saith one whose Judgment; I think, is not to be contemned, [...]ataker in loc.

And see, saith he, the contrary requi­red, 1 Tim. 2. 9, 10. 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4.

So that I believe, that which you call fineness now, will be found to be filthi­ness another day; that which you call [...] ­nery, will be found to be fil [...]hery.

Those fine Heads,

Fine Faces,

Fine Necks,

Fine Back and Breast,

Fine Armes and Shoulders,

Will be found, I believe, to be Filthy, Heads, Faces, Necks, Backs and Breasts, Armes and Shoulders.

Wherefore let me be speak you, as Da­niel did N [...]buchadnezar, Dan. 4. 27.

Wherefore O fine Dames, let my counsel be acceptable to you; Break off your pride by humility, and your shamelesness by shame­fastness. And get ye quickly to the foun­tain opened for sin and uncleanness, Zech. 13. 1. and wash your selves. Say to Christ, as Peter, when Christ told him, If he [Page 109] washt not his feet he should have no part in me: O Lord, said he, not my feet onely, but my hands and head also. You have need to say, not my feet onely, but my face, neck, back, breast, armes and shoul­ders also.

Quest. 2. Has the Word, the pure Word of God, (so called, Psal. 12. 6. Psalm 119. 140.) been instrumental in your purging, Psal. 119. 9. Psal. 17. 4. Joh. 17. 17.

Quest. 3. Has time been spent about it? Have you had your washing, scow­ring and purging days for your Souls, as you-have had for the cleaning of your Cloathes, Brass and Pew [...]er, and for pre­servation of the health of your Bodies. Some wash their Linnen once a month, and scowr their Vessels once a quarter, and purge their Bodies Spring and Fall. Deal truly, what time have you set a part for the washing and purging of your Heads, Hearts, and Hands? Have you your monthly, quarterly, and half-year­ly washing and purging dayes for your Souls? Will not Linnen, Brass and Pew­ter Vessels be made clean, nor Bodies be purged without allowing time? And will Hearts and Souls be purged from their filthiness without allowing time?

[Page 110] Quest. 4. Has pains been taken about it? Has this purging of your selves cost you Prayers and Tears before 'twas done? That which is foul will not be made clean without pains-taking. Naaman was at the pains of taking a long journey, to be cleansed from his Leprosie, 2 King. 5.

Quest. 5. Have you made your appli­ca [...]ion to Christ about your cleansing and purging, as once Naaman did to the Pro­phet, 2 King. 5.

1. Naaman knew himself to be a Le­per.

2. Naaman hearing of a Prophet that could cure him, comes to him, 2 King. 5. 3, 9. to his door.

3. Receives direction what to do for his Cure, and though averse at first to use that means, yet upon his servants entrea­ties, resolves to make trial of the means, 2 King. 5. 13, 14.

4. He does and practices accordingly, goes down into the River and dips himself seven times therein, 2 King. 5. 14.

5. He returns, being Cured, to shew his thankfulness, 2 King. 5. 15. and to testifie his great respect to the Prophet, as the instrument of his Cure; as did the tenth Leper, Luke 17. 15.

[Page 111] 6. He acknowledges the God of Israel to be the only true God, and his cure to be wrought by him, 2 King. 5. 15.

7. He resolves upon the worshipping and serving of the true God, renouncing all other gods, 2 King. 5. 17.

In like manner,

1. Have you known your selves to be leprous and unclean; and said as Isaiah, chap. 6. 5.

2. Having heard of Christ, and the effi­cacy of his blood to cleanse you, have you come to his door and waited for di­rection, what to do that you might be cleansed? Have you waited dayly at the posts of his doors? Prov. 8. 34. Have you sate at Jesus's feet, and heard his word, Luke 10. 39. as Mary did?

3. Having heard counsel and direction what to do to be Cured, viz. To go into the Jordan of Christs blood, and to bathe your selves therein; Have you resolved, upon the entreaties of Gods Ministers, who are are your servants, 2 Cor. 4. 5. to make trial of this Jordan? and with Esther, to go into King Jesus, come of it [Page 112] what will: Saying, I will go in, and if I perish, I perish, Esth. 4. 16.

And have you resolved with the prodi­gal, Luke 15. To go unto Christ the ever­lasting father, Isa. 9.

4. Have you done accordingly? Have you dipped your selves in this bloody Jordan seven times? Have you-gone into King Jesus, as Esther into King Ahasueru [...]? And as the Prodigal, to his Father? Have you been at the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness? Zech. 13. 1. Have you rested upon this blood of Christ which cleanseth from all sin, 1 Joh. 1. 7. for your cleansing, and expected it according to the promise? Ez [...]k 36. 25.

5. Do you find your hearts stirred up to be thankful, for this Jordan of Chri [...]ts blood, and the blessings we have thereby? Can you do as Peter and Paul? as Peter, 1 Pet. 1. 3. as Paul, Ephes. 1. 3.

6. Do you give Christ the glory of being the alone fountain for cleansing, and acknowledge all your cleansing to be from him; There being no salvation from the filthiness of sin in any other? Act. 4. 12.

7. Do you resolve upon serving God in righteousness and holiness all your days, As they that are delivered from their fil­thiness [Page 113] are bound to do? Luke 1. 74, 75.

Quest. 6. Are you careful to keep your selves clean? Do you shun all defilements by persons or things? Is it your care to keep your self unspotted, as pure Re­ligion binds you to do? Jam. 1. 27. Do you hate the garment spotted by the flesh? Jude 23. And abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thes. 5. 22.

Quest. 7. Are you companions of those that are purged? David, Psal. 119. 63. was a companion of all them that feared God, and of them that kept his precepts. Are you so too? Davids de­light was in them, Psal. 16. 3. Is your delight in them too? Birds of a Feather will flock together.

Use 3. Of Exhortation,

If it be so as you have heard, then con­tinue no longer in your filthiness.

Wash ye, make ye clean, lay a part all fil­thiness and supersiuity of naughtiness, James 1. 21.

Cleanse your selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7. 1.

Cast it away, and say unto it, get thee hence, Isa. 30. 2.

[Page 114] Motives.

1. 'Tis filthiness; Will a man continue in filth, in dirt and mire: In the filth of the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life?

2. God would that you should be pur­ged; for,

First, He calls upon you, wash, as you have heard.

Secondly, God has prepared a foun­tain to wash in, Zech. 13. 1.

Thirdly, God expostulates with you about it, Jer. 13. 27. Wilt thou not be made clean?

Fourthly, God thinks it long, till you be purged, Jer. 4. 14. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within th [...]e? And Jerem. 13. 27. When shall it once be?

3. When you are purged, washed, God will take delight in you, and have fellow­ship with you, Isa. 1. 16, 18.

Means.

1. Take the glass of the Law, and view your selves therein, that will shew you your filthiness: I had not known sin but by the Law, said Paul, Rom. 7. 7.

[Page 115] 2. Know the power of Gods anger, Psal. 90. 11. you may see it in his terrible threats, and the judgments which he execu­teth, Psal. 9. 16.

3. Assent to the truths of Gods threat­nings. Say often to thy own soul, it will be as God hath said: Fury will rest, set­tle upon me, if I continue unpurged from my filthiness.

4. Confess your natural and contracted filthiness, as did David, Psal. 51. 5. and then see, 1. John 1. 9.

5. Pray, purge me, wash me, cleanse me, Create in me a clean heart, as David did Psal. 51.

6. Above all getting, get faith, for 'tis faith that purifies the heart, Act. 15. 9.

First, Hear for it, for it comes by hearing, Rom. 10.

Secondly, Give God no rest till he has given it you.

7. Act faith in the cleansing blood of Christ: It cleanseth away all sin, being sprinkled and applied, 1 John 1. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Go to the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, Zech. 13. 1.

Say to thine own soul.

1. I am filthy, even filthiness; My mind and conscience is d filed, Tit. 1. 15. [Page 116] I am a person of u clean lips, Isa. 6. 5. for how can he be clean who is born of a wo­man? Job 25. 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Job 14. 4. Be­hold I am shapen in iniquity, and in sia did my mother conceive me, Psal. 51. 5. Besides, How aboninable and filthy am I, who have drank iniquity like water? Job 15. 16. Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom. 7. 24.

1. The body of sin, Rom. 6. 6. called a body, because it hath many members, Col. 3. 5.

A body of death, because it tends to death, and threaten▪ death.

2. Say to thy own soul, Christs blood was shed to cleanse from this filthiness of sin. And that,

First, By Gods own appointment, Act. 2. 23. 1 Pet. 1. 20.

Secondly, For this very purpose,

Zech. 13. 1. 1 Joh. 3. 5, 8. Isa. 53. 5.

3. Say to thy own soul, Jesus Christ in the Ministry and preaching of the Go­spel, has been evidently set forth crucifi­ed before mine eyes, Gal. 3. 1. God has set him forth to be a propitiation threugh [...]ith in his blood, Rom. 3. 25. Not only in [Page 117] his eternal counsel, and afterward in the execution of the same in the fullness of time, but by the preaching of the Gospel, 2 Tim. 1. 10, 11. & 1 Pet. 1. 20. He was manifested in these last times for us, not only in respect of his incarnation, but in respect of the Revelation of him in the preaching of the Gospel, since his Incar­nation: So also God hath set him forth to be a Bath to wash us from our filthi­ness, Rev. 1. 5.

4. Say to thy soul, This blood of Christ is precious blood. 1 Pet. 1. 19. powerful and effcacious to effect that for which 'twas shed, viz. The cleansing away of sin. Though the blood of Bulls and Goats could not take away sin, yet this precious blood of the Lamb of God can; See Heb. 10. 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

5. Say to thy self, This blood of Christ is the only Bath, for the soul; There's no other fountain, no other name, no way else to be cleansed, Act. 4. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 5.

6. Say to thy own soul, I must wash in this Bath or else be for ever unclean, and unpurged, and so never enter into Heaven; F [...]r there shall in no wise enter in any thing that defileth, Rev. 21. 27. But [Page 118] Gods wrath and fury will rest and abid [...] upon me for ever, Joh. 3. 36.

7. Say to thy own soul, I am invited to Bathe in this blood of Christ, to apply it by faith, for my cleansing: 'Tis offered to me, Isa. 55. 1. Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness, that through his Name, whosoever believeth on him shall receive remission of sins: And Rev. 22. 17. Whosoever will, let him take of this water of life freely.

8. Say to thy own soul, I am com­manded to accept of the offer, to Bathe in this fountain, to rest on Christ for clean­sing; To look unto him to be saved from my filthiness, Isa. 45 22. So that, as soul as I am, it will be no presumption in me to come and wash in this Jordan: Christ calls me, Matth. 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden with dirt and filth.

Say to thy own soul, I am promised by him who is true and faithful; Even the true God, and eternal life, 1 John 5. 20. That if I come to him for cleansing, I shall in no wise be cast out, refused, John 6. 37. Why then should I not obey this com­mand, and believe and rest on Christ for my cleansing?

[Page 119] 10. Yet once more, that you may act faith in the blood of Christ for cleansing; say to thy own soul, was not I baptized for the remission of sins, Act. 2. 38. Re­pent and be baptized, in the name of Christ, for the remission of sins: 1. For assurance that your sins are forgiven you for Christs sake: So Act. 22. 16. Arise and be bap­tized, and wash away thy sins (according to the Du [...]ch Annotations) For a sign And seal that thy sins are washed away, by the blood and spirit of Christ.

To improve thy Baptism in order to thy cleansing,

1. Say to thy self, Does not water in Baptism signifie and seal by Divine Insti­tution? Is it not an ordinance of Jesus Christ? Matth. 28. 18, 19, 20.

2. Say to thy self, Does not water in Baptism signifie and seal the cleansing blood of Christ, and our justification and sanctification thereby? Knowest then not O my soul, that they who are baptized into Jesus Christ, are baptized into his death? Rom. 6. 3. 1. To partake of the benefits of his death.

3. Say to thy self, was not this water applied to me? and that, in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?

[Page 120] 4. Was it not applied to me in a solem [...] way, in the presence of the holy Trinity, with a declaration of the institution of Baptism by Christ, and with prayer to God in the name of Christ, that his blood represented by the water might cleanse me.

5. Say to thy self, Is not my Baptism my bond, obliging me to apply that blood of Christ to my soul, which was represented by the water which was applied to my body?

6. Say again Have I applied it, and am I cleanfed from my filthiness?

7. If not, say to thy soul, Is not my case as bad as the case of unbaptized Infi­dels? See Jer. 9. 25, 26.

8. And if so, say to thy soul, How can my conscience be quiet, and let me alone in such a case?

Wherefore lay a charge upon thy self, to believe, to receive, and rest upon Christ for cleansing, as he is offered in the Gospel. Say, Believe O my soul, go to the fountain, wilt thou dye in thy filth, and under the fury of the Almighty God?

BEhold, observe, take notice of it; It is written before me: It is written: First, What? Secondly, Where?

First, What? Your iniquities, vers. 7. Sin, Jer. 17. 1.

Your rejecting Christ.

[Page 122] Secondly, Where? In Gods book; we enter in books such matters as we would not have forgotten. Thus Ezra 4. 15, 19. & 6. 2. Esth. 6. 1.

So God also has books of remembrance, not only of what,

1. Is done for him, Mal. 3. 16. Psal. 56. 8.

2. But against him, Deut. 32. 34. Hos. 7. 2.

The meaning is, God keeps it in mind as well as if it were booked down.

Before me; It lieth before my face, that it may not be forgotten.

q. d. Their wicked doings are upon re­cord with me, and this record alwayes lies open before my face.

They did it, Isa. 65. 3. to my face, or in my sight, as Deut. 31. 29. Psalm 51. 4 and it remains still before him.

I will not keep silence; i. e. I will no longer forbear as I have hitherto done.

But will recompence, even recompence in­to their bosom; or will repay, yea repay into their lap.

[Page 123] 1. Certainly, undoubtedly; therefore is the threat doubled, to put it out of doubt.

2. Abundantly, largely, as repaying into their bosom or lap signifies; he will recompence and repay them, not by tail, measure, or weight; but by pouring forth into the receivers lap without any regard how much.

First, God delayes to execute ven­geance for a time.

Secondly, At length he will take ven­geance.

1. God delayes for a time to take ven­geance, Psal. 50. 21. Isa. 42. 14.

Thus God did bear long with the old world, 1 Pet. 3. 20.

He will avenge at last though he bear long, Luke 18. 7.

After a long time the Lord of those ser­vants cometh and reckoneth, Mat. 25. 19.

[Page 124] Though God keep silence for a time, yet he will speak at last. See Habak. 2. 3.

Reasons.

Negatively, Not because God is slack, as we are too apt to conceive, Psal. 51. [...]1.

No, not as if God were slack, back­ward through weakness, forgetfulness or fickleness and inconstancy, 2 Pet. 3. 9.

They are not slack that are long ere they come, but they that come not at the due and appointed time. Now God never stayes beyond that time, Heb. 10. 37. Habak. 2. 3. So then this is not the Reason: but,

Affirmatively, 1. Because God is long­suffering, 2 [...]et. 3. 9. willing that we should have time and means to repent, and so not perish. See Rom. 2. 4.

2. To leave sinners at last without ex­cuse, as Prov. 5. 11, 12, 13.

3. Because he has an eternity wherein to be revenged on them.

[Page 125] 2. At length God will take venge­ance, &c.

He will do it, Psal. 50. 21, 22. Isa. 42. 14. Ezek. 24. 13, 14.

Consider we a little,

First, Who it is that will recom­pence?

Secondly, How he will do it.

Thirdly, When.

Fourthly, Why.

First, Who it is?

He to whom it belongeth, and who claims a propriety in it; Deut. 32. 35. Rom. 12. 19.

Who this is? See Jer. 32. 18, 19. Nah. 1. 2. Jer. 51. 56.

Secondly, He will do it,

1. Abundantly, plentifully, Psal. 79. 12. Sevenfold, seven times more, and seven times more, Levit. 26. 23, 24.

He poures it out, Nah. 1. 6.

2. Terribly, Joel 2. 11, 31. Isa. 2. 19.

What terrible things did he do by the Red Sea? Psal. 116. 22. See Nah. 1. 6.

[Page 126] So terribly that the ears of those that hear shall tingle, 1 Sam. 3. 11. 2 King. 21. 12. Jer. 19. 3. Shall have his ears stricken with horror and astonishment, at the report of it, though he see it not. See also, Psalm 119. 53, 120. Ezek 21. 7.

Thirdly, Certainly, surely, Jer. 51. 56. and therefore is the threat,

1. Doubled in the Text, and Isa. 59. 18.

2. Sworn to; God swears he will do it, Dent. 32. 40, 41.

3. Written down, Exod. 17. 14. & 34. 27.

Or thus, God will do it: For,

1. He has said it.

2. Said it again and again in the Text, Ezek. 24. 14.

3. Sworn it, Deur. 32. 40, 41.

4. Set his hand to it, written it, Exod. 34. 27.

5. Sealed it, Deut. 32. 34.

Thirdly, When? In due time, Deut. 32. 34, 35. Joel 3. 13.

When [...] is ripe, Gen. 15. 16.

[Page 127] Their iniquities were,

Execrable Idolatry.

Grievous Oppression.

Prodigious Lust.

These were not yet full, not at their growth. Sin comes to it by degrees, Jer. 51. 13. Dan. 8. 23. Matth. 23. 32.

Fourthly, Why? Because Gods Holi­ness, Justice, Truth, and Honour re­quires it.

1. His Holiness; Which is such, that he cannot away with iniquity, Hab. 1. 13. See Isa. 1. 13.

2. His Justice; He must render to every one according to his doings, how else can he be just, Rom. 2. 6, 9. Jerem. 32. 19.

3. His Truth, and Oath requires it; he hath said it, and doubled it; and sworn it, and caused it to be written, as you have heard.

4. His Honour; See Mal. 2. 17.

5. Their enmity to God and his peo­ple requires it, Psal. 83. 1, to 6.

6. Gods Soveraignty over all requires it, Psalm 83. 18. with the foregoing verses.

[Page 128] Use.

First, Of Admonition.

1. Be not hardned in your sins, be­cause sentence is not presently executed; See Eccles. 8. 11.

For God, you hear, will punish at length.

2. Be not mockers and scoffers as they, 2 Pet. 3. 4.

For God will punish at length.

Nor like them, Isa. 5. 19. [...]er. 17. 15. Psal. 14. 1. But let such read, Isa. 22. 13. 14.

Secondly, Use of Exhortation.

1. Fear and tremble sinners, for God will punish at length if you persist.

Be affected as David was, Psal. 119. 53, 120. He thought God was to be fear­ed, Psal. 76 7.

God will,

In general, Avenge himself of you, Isa. 1. 14.

Abase you, Job 40. 11. Dan. 4. 37.

[Page 129] Affright you, Deut. 28. 66, 67.

Break you with a rod of iron, Psal. 2. 9.

Cast you off, 1 Chron. 28. 9.

Cut off all your horns, Psal. 75. 10.

Cause your Children to behave themselves proudly, Isa. 3. 5.

Destroy and devour you at once, Isa. 42. 14.

Execute vengeance on you in anger, and f [...] ­ry, Micah 5. 15. Ezek. 25. 17.

Fill your faces with shame, Psal. 83. 16.

[Page 130] Give your substance and treasures to the spoil, Jer. 17. 3.

Heap mischief on you, Deut. 32. 23.

Impoverish you, Judg. 6. 6. Jer. 5. 17. Psal. 106. 43. Margin.

Keep wrath for you, Nah. 1. 2.

Lead you forth with the workers of iniquity, Psal. 125. 5.

Make you si [...]k in smiting you, Micah 6. 13.

[Page 131] Not acquit you, Nah. 1. 3.

Not spare you, Deut. 29. 20.

Ordain arrows against you, Psal. 7. 13.

Overthrow you house, Prov. 14. 11.

Prepare Instruments of death for you, Psal. 7. 13.

Pour out wrath upon you, Psal. 79. 6.

Punish you seven times more, Levit. 26.

Persecute you with his storm, Psal. 83. 15.

Quench you as tow or flax, or the wick of a candle, by casting it into the water, Isa. 43. 17.

Rain upon you fire, &c. Psal. 11. 6.

[Page 132] Separate you unto evil, Deut. 29. 21.

S [...]te you with a scab, Isa. 3. 17.

T [...]ke away your bravery, Isa. 3. 18.

Tear you in pieces, Psal. 50. 22.

V [...]x you in his, &c. Psal. 2. 6.

W [...]ste you in the sight of passers by; Ezek 5. 14. Isa. 5. 6.

W [...]e your mountains and hills, and dry up your herbs, rivers, and pools, Isa. 42. 15.

2. Prepare to meet the Lord, Amos 4. 12.

1. By serious consideration, Hag. 1. 5. Psalm 119. 59. Psálm 50. 22. Jerem. 8. 6.

2. By sincere confession of your sins, Jer. 3. 12, 13.

[Page 133] 3. By deep humiliation, 2 Chron. 33. 12, 13.

4. By quiet submission, Judg. 10. 15. Levit. 26. 41.

5. By earnest supplication, Judg. 10. 15. 2 Chron. 33. 13. Job 11. 13.

6. By believing, application to God by Christ, Dan. 9. 17. Eph. 1. 6. Allude to Act. 12. 20. See Zech. 1. 12, to 18.

7. By thorow reformation, Ezr. 7. 10. 2 Chron. 27. 6. Judg. 10. 16.

8. By firm resolution to cleave to the Lord for the future; Covenanting so to do, 1 Chron. 29. 18. Nehem. 9. 38.

Otherwise▪ if you take not this course, though you▪ be professors, worshippers, and servants of God in profession; if you be no more, nor no better, what has be­fallen other professors, may befall you.

You may be,

Afflicted, Psal. 94. 5.

Abborred greatly, Psal. 78. 59. & 106, 40.

Appointed to dy [...], Psal. 79. 11.

[Page 134] Your Blood may be shed like water, Psalm. 79. 2.

Broken in pieces, Psal. 94. 5.

Cast off and put to shame, Psal. 44. 9.

Cut down and burnt with fire, Psalm 80. 16.

Your Dayes may be consumed in vanity, and your years in trouble, Psalm 78. 33.

Devoured, and your dwelling place laid waste, Psalm 79. 7.

Enemies may laugh at you, Psal. 80. 16.

Familiar friends may lift up their heel against you, Psal. 41. 9.

[Page 135] Fowls of Heaven, and beasts of the field may feed upon your flesh, Psal. 79. 2.

God may be angry against your prayer, Psal. 80. 4. and forsake your Tabernacle, Psal. 88. 60, 61. and be wroth with them, Psal. 78. 62, 21, 31.

Your Hedge may be broken dawn, Psalm 80. 12.

Haters of you may rule over you, Psalm 106. 41.

Jealousie of God may burn like fire against you, Psal. 79. 5.

Killed all the day long, Psal. 44. 22.

Low brought, Psalm 80. 8.

[Page 136] Made a by-word to your neighbour, Psalm 80. 6. A by-word and shaking of the head, Psalm 44. 14.

None may bury you, Psalm 79. 3.

Oppressors may seek after your soul, Psalm 54. 3.

Punished severely, Amos 3. 2.

Your Priests may fall by the sword, Psalm 78. 64.

Scattered, Psalm 44. 11.

Scorned and derided by them about you, Psal. 44. 13.

[Page 137] Tears may be given you to drink in great measure, Psal. 80. 5.

Vile accounted, &c. Lam. 3. 45. Even as a scum, 1 Cor. 4. 13.

Wild beasts and boars out of the wood may waste you, &c. Psal. 80. 13.

Seeing this is so, will you take the course prescribed, that if possible none of these things may come upon you; or if they should, that your eternal estate may be secured.

First, What can you object against it?

1. Is it not the course that God hath prescribed. That it is, has been proved before; therefore you can't object, 'tis not required; you cannot say, Who hath re­quired this; for you have heard that God does.

[Page 138] 2. Is there any unreasonableness or unrighteousness in the prescribing of it? Can you object against it as being unrea­sonable and unrighteous? nay is it not most reasonable and righteous, that ha­ving sinned and provoked God, you should consider, confess, humble, &c.

3. Is it not that course that others with success have used? as Nineveh, and 2 Chron. 12. 7, 12.

Can you object, and say, others have taken this course to no purpose? Ahabs external humiliation was not without some success? The judgment was defer­red upon it, 1 King. 21. 29.

4. Have not others perished for want of taking this course: See 2 Chron. 36. 12. of Zed [...]ki [...] to 18. Dan. 5. 22, to 29. of Bel [...]hazar.

Can you now object, and say, others have neglected this course and done well enough?

Thus you see you cannot object against this course.

Secondly, Can you think of a better, a safer course? Can you, or you, or you, &c. speak if you can; by your silence I take it for granted that you cannot.

[Page 139] Thirdly, If you cannot, are you resol­ved upon this? To consider, confess, &c.

Fourthly, If you be not resolved on this course as yet; must I dismiss you un­resolved and desperate as they, Jer. 44. will you say as they, ver. 16. & 18. 12.