CHURCH-INCENSE: OR DIVINE EJACULATIONS:
Composed by that eminent and faithful Servant of God, Mr. Hen. Church, published since his death by his Son, Mr. N.C. Mr. of Arts of EMANUEL Colledge in CAMBRIDGE.
My heart is enditing a good matter, &c.
For we have our Conversation in the Heavens.
[...].
'Tis the part of a Divine soul ever to minde some good thing.
London, Printed for J. Rothwell at the Fountain and Bear in Cheap-side. 1655.
Imprimatur,
To the Worshipfull THO. ARNOLD Esquire, &c.
THE reason (Worthy Sir) why this Piece of Mr. Henry Church comes of no lesse errand, then to call you Patron, is manifold: but more-especially twofold.
[Page] 1. The Author thereof was your intimate and familiar Associate. He was great with you: You were good to him.
2. The work it selfe is choice. He left many very rare and precious thoughts turn'd into inke. This is the very Quintessence of them all. As for him, Who was ever so sad for his departure, as your selfe?
O surpassing Love! O right David and Jonathan! [Page]O my noble Friend, God can, and God alone can retribute your favourable Courtesies to your loving Antecedent now in Heaven, and his living Relatives yet on Earth.
Behold, eminent Sir, your near & dear friend once dead, but alive again and again.
Behold him yet alive, tum Libris, tum Liberis; in the off-spring of his Minde, and of his Body.
Behold him alive here, sighing after his Creator, panting after his Redeemer, breathing after his Comforter.
Behold him alive, conversing with you a new; helping you to converse with the Lord of Life, & teaching others to live.
Accept of this my poor thanks for your Worships rich love unto the deceased Author.
Accept it also as a cordial Congratulatory [Page]to your Worship of that favour you have obtained of the LORD lately. For so Solomon terms it, Prov. 18.22.
The most high God prosper, dignify, blesse, and sanctify your most worthy selfe, your vertuous and much-honoured Consort, the Lady ANNE ELDRED: your pious and learned Kinsman, Mr. GEO. ARNOLD (whose names (after your own in chief) [Page]may adorne not only my Epistle, but also Gods Gospel) and all your Wor [...] dear Relations with all manner of external, internal, eternal Felicity. This is the unfeigned Apprecation and Heart-wish of
Unworthy Servant
in the Lord,
NAT. CHURCH.
IMPARTIAL READERS,
I Appeal to your own consciences, What felicity can there be on this side Eternity comparable to the Communion of Saints; whether with GOD by Prayer, with each other by Conference, or with our own souls by Divine Meditations?
Let Men and Angels judg, if there be any Heaven on [Page]Earth parallel to a celestial emprovement of terrestial Emergencies.
As for the worth and excellency of an Ejaculatory spirit, it is of weighty concerne to all people, at all times, in all places, on all occasions. And (as the Author himself writes, these up-dartings of soul are not only expedient upon extraordinary account: ‘As when a Christian comes before a wicked Magistrate, to pray in heart, LORD, give me courage, a mouth, and wisdom, &c. When none perceive, & we cannot pray solemnly. At the hour of death, when the heart is only [Page] alive, then to pray with that heart. But also upon every ordinary occasion; as when we awake with GOD, and go to rest with him; lifting up our hearts and mind to him. VVhen we go forth, return home; at Meat, at work; alone, in company. These holy desires do shew that there is spiritual life in us.’
Mr. Wil. Struther, in his Christian Observations, hath this notable passage, ‘So long (sayes he) as there is Evil in the world, Malice in Satan, VVeakness in our selves, and Goodness in God, we cannot want matter of continual prayer.’
Mr. Tho. Cobbet of New-England, in his new-extant Treatise discourses of Ejaculations in special, very rarely; & of Prayer in general, most piously and copiously.
Mr. Tho. Fuller in his Good thoughts in bad times, and more good thoughts in worse times, treats of the Use and Priviledg of EJACULATIONS very acutely. And indeed that whole Enchiridion of his has an up-darting tendency, and points whither he is bound.
Dr. Hall of Exon has done much this way in his Vows, Meditations and Soliloquies. The variety of Writers that [Page]have steered this course with their Pens, I must wave, lest the Epistle sink the Book.
Here it is, Christian Friends: If you reap any Counsel or Consolation therefrom, let the LORD have your praises, and let him have your Prayers, who wishes you All better then himself.
The Contents.
- 1. What these holy Ejaculations are?
- 2. Who have had these Ejaculations?
- 3. What doth hinder these Ejaculations.
- 4. How to obtain, these Ejaculations?
- 5. Scruples removed concerning Ejaculations.
- 6. Uses Applicatory for Edification.
OF Church-Incense, OR Divine Ejaculations.
First, what these holy Ejaculations are.
THey are a Darting-up of our Thoughts to the LORD: or secret Passages between the [Page 2] Soul and CHRIST.
They are short (but sweet) Prayers; rather cordial, then vocal, i. e. more from the Heart, then the Voice.
The word is taken from a darting forth: because the Heart hath recourse to GOD.
The Latine word Ejaculatio is a casting a farre off: Ejaculator is one that throweth a Dart, or stingeth a Stone, &c.
To Ejaculate is to mount up to Heaven; to have secret recourse to the most high; to have sweet communion with Him, who is invisible.
Holy Ejaculations are the breath of the Soul.
The more a man hath of these, the more heavenly he is, and acquainted with the Almighty.
So much for what Ejaculations are.
Secondly, Who have had these Ejaculations.
1. DAVID had them. Psalm 25.1. Unto thee O LORD, do I lift my Soul. Soul is the Desire.
2. MOSES had them. Exod. 14.15. Why cryest thou to me, saith GOD. Expositors [Page 4]render it, He cryed with inward groanings.
3. ABRAHAM'S Servant had them. Gen. 24.45. He prayed in his Heart. 'Tis said it was cum Animo, with his minde: therefore inwardly, as Ancient Commentators note.
4. NEHEMTAH had them. Nehem. 2.4. So I prayed to the GOD of Heaven. &c.
The place shews, it was an Ejaculation.
5. THE LORD JESUS had these holy Ejaculations John 11.33. he groaned in the Spirit and was troubled.
And v. 38. Groaning in Himself he came to the Grave.
Verse 41. He thanked his Father, who had heard Him.
Now GOD hears the Desires, Psalm 10.17.
He searches the Heart, and knowes the minde of the Spirit. Romans 8.27.
Our groanings are not hid from Him Psalm 38.9.
Thirdly, What doth hinder Ejaculations.
In General, All sinne. For That separates our Souls from GOD.
Isay 59.2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD: and your sinnes have hid his Face from you, that He will not heare.
As Mudd and Stones in a Spring do hinder the vent of Water from issuing forth: So our Sinnes do hinder our heavenly Desires and quell our Souls.
Sin disables a man from looking-upward. Psalm 40.12.
But in Particular, there are some sinnes, which do much hinder our converse with GOD, as,
1. Covetousness. A greedie desire of Earthly things. This is as Bird-lime to clog the Soul and hinder it from mounting upwards.
They that mind earthly things are none of those that have their conversation in Heaven. Phil. 3.19, 20.
2. Pride of Heart.
GOD resisteth the Proud, 1 Peter 5.5. and is not [Page 8] conversant with them: They have no recourse to GOD, no acquaintance or communion with Him.
They seek not GOD. Psalm 10.4.
And GOD beholds them a farr off. Psalm. 138.6.
3. Sinnes against conscience do much hinder our sweet converse with GOD: They dead and damp our Spirits.
A dull Instrument cutts not: How should a dull Spirit, that is not cherished, be active and lively?
But a good conscience makes us to joy and rejoyce in GOD. 2 Cor. 1.12.
[Page 9] 4. Excessive eating and drinking dulls the Spirit exceedingly, and makes it heavy and unwieldy.
They, whose GOD is their Belly, do minde earthly things. But We must have our conversation above the Earth. Philip 3.19, 20.
5. Malice and rancour hinder our ejaculatorie devotion. There can bee no sweet Recourse to GOD, where is bitter Malice towards Men, and revengefull Desires. Gen. ch. 4. verse 4, 8, 16. Matth. 5.23.24.
6. Conformity to the [Page 10]World breaks our Acquaintance with GOD and the Godly. 2 Tim. 4.10. Demas hath forsaken Me, having loved this present World.
Following the corruptions of the Times looses our Friendship with GOD, and makes us estranged from Him; from Delight in Him, and Communion with him.
James 4.4. Know ye not, that the Amity of the World is Enmitie with GOD?
So much Sweetnesse gained in the World: so much sweetnesse lost in GOD.
[Page 11] 7. Neglect of holy Duties, as Reading, Hearing, Conference, Meditation, Prayer, Preparation for the Sabbath, and Keeping it holy, &c.
The holy Fire goes out, when this heavenly Fewel failes. 1 Thes. 5.16, 17, 18, 19, 20, verses compared together.
8. Coldnesse in prayer at other times.
Rom. 12.11. Fervent in Spirit, serving the LORD.
For as there is a Sound after Bells have ringed, and Instruments have tuned: so Ejaculations [Page 12]do follow our Devotions; which being but colde, our Ejaculations either do slack, or cease.
Fourthly, How to obtain these Divine Ejaculations.
The Helps to them are such as these.
1. We must deny our selves: so shall we be more fit for converse with GOD.
Amos 3.3. Can two walk together except they be agreed?
2. We must pray and [Page 13] deavour to be new-born: For the unregenerate have no converse with GOD.
1 John 1.6. If we say that we have Fellowship with Him, and walk in darknesse, we lye and do not the truth.
3. We must nourish Faith. By Faith, wee have sweet Recourse to God, and lift up our souls to Him in whom wee do believe.
2 Tim. 1.12. Psal. 121.1, 2.
4. We must perfect our Love.
For our Love carries our Hearts to the Object beloved.
Judg. 16.15. How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine Heart is not with me? And verse 16, Hee told her all his Heart.
Lovers have secret passages, unknown to others: So it is between the Lord and a Soul inflamed with an holy Love. Psalm 25.14.
5. We must make choice of heavenly societie, and take time for heavenly Exercises.
The way to have Communion with GOD is to have Communion with the godlie.
1 John 1.6, 7.
The way to delight our selves in the LORD, is to delight in his Saints, in his Sabbaths, in his Services. Psalm 16.1.2. Isa. 58. end.
6. We must check our Hearts for their dulness, and bewaile our forgetfulnesse of GOD, and our deadnesse of Spirit.
We must chide our Soules, as the Marriners did Jonas.
Jonas 1.6. What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy GOD.
We must make use of outward occasions to force our Minds Christ-ward.
VVe are to mount upward by striving. Nothing is easy and excellent.
7. We must keep a narrow VVatch over our Thoughts.
Look often to the Temper and Disposition of the INNER-MAN.
Examine the Heart often: then elevate the Soul occasionally by secret acknowledgments of sinne, and earnest Desires of Grace.
Psalm 4.4. Commune with your own Heart upon your Bed, &c.
Lam. 3.40. Let us search and try our wayes, and [Page 17]turne again unto the LORD.
8. We must inure our Hearts to secret praises for particular Mercies.
When we have received a Blessing, we should with speed prayse GOD for it secretly, before wee do it solemnly.
We must endeavour to be much-affected with Gods Favours: To be quick in Returne, and often Thankfull: To be evermore bessing and praising the LORD.
This is the way to have our Conversation in the Heavens. Phil. 3.20.
And to be still with God, Psalm 139.18.
9. We must Cherish and feed holy Motions.
Quench not the Spirit, 1 Thes. 5.19.
But Stir-up Grace. 2 Tim. 1.6.
Put in Execution holy motions. Defer not, Delay no Time.
This is the way to preserve the INWARDMAN: to attain to a right Temper, and to be much in Ejaculations.
10. We must diligently observe GODS dayly Providence.
If we will give the LORD [Page 19]our Hearts, our Eyes then must observe his ways, Prov. 23.26.
We should not inconsiderately let slip any remarkable Occurrences of GODS Power, Wisedom and Goodness to our selves or others.
If we ponder and meditate how GGD hears our Prayers, answers our Doubts, relieves our wants, prevents our Fears; Wee shall not want Occasions, if we want not Hearts to lift up.
Fifthly some Scruples Resolved concerning Ejaculations.
Scruple 1.
May not a Christian content himself with these Ejaculations, and use no Morning, nor Evening Sacrifice?
Answer.
No. For GOD must be glorified with our Bodies, as well as with our Spirits: 1 Cor. 6.20.
And our Mouths must shew forth his Praise: Psal. 51.15.
Answer.
'Tis gathered by sound Consequence and good Example.
Joshuah and his House would serve the LORD. Josh. 24.15.
To serve, is to worship: Exod. 20.5.
To worship, is to pray: John 9.31.
So then, Joshuah and his House would pray.
So CHRIST and his Family prayed.
And a Curse is prayed for upon the Families that call not upon GOD. Jer. 10. last.
Scruple 3
Have not the Unregenerate these Ejaculations? We see many good desires come from them: as,
Blessed be thou of the LORD, Judges 17.2.
Let me dy the death of the Righteous. Numb. 23.10.
Answer.
They may have Flashes, as sparks falling on the Sea: they are soon out: they differ from the Regenerate.
[Page 23] 1. In the rise of them; Worldly Hopes, or Fears cause them: In the Regenerate they are raised by Gods Spirit: Romans 8.26.
They arise out of Love and Respect to God: Psal. 18.1.
2. In the Unregenerate they are only good wishes. 1 Sam. 15.13.
In the Godly they are real Prayers. 1 Sam. 1.12, 13.
3. In the unregenerate they are temporarie; soon gone:
In the Godly they are habitual. Psal. 34.1. Isai. 26.9.
[Page 24] 4. In the unregenerate they come onely from the Lips, and so may be customarie: Jer. 12.2.
In the Regenerate they come from the Heart. Psal. 25.1.
And so are more constant, Job. 27.10. Psalm 108:1.
Scruple 4.
Do not some attain this holy temper, that they walk thus with GOD without interruption?
Answer.
Those in Heaven do so. But on Earth we have the first-fruits only.
As here we see darkly, 1 Cor. 13.12. &c,
So we Converse with God but weakly: Mat. 26.41.
We have but little Recourse to God, and that with much adoe. ibid. vers. 40, and 43.
Yet Some have more then Others: though none perfectly, but sincerely. Isa. 26.8.
Scruple 5.
Have not many so much worldly businesse, that they cannot attain these holy Ejaculations?
Answer.
These are for them especially: [Page 26]that by them they may have recourse to God secretly, because they cannot do it solemnly.
Scruple 6.
Some pray Morning and Evening, and never labour for these.
Answer.
As a whelp following his Master over a style, frisks about the Field, and meets his Master again at the other style at the End of the Field: So do these Pray in the Morning, but do rove all day in their Hearts, and then do Pray at Night again.
But an ingenuous Childe goes over the style, runs by his Father over the Field to the other style: So these Christians are an ingenuous People, that keep close to God all the Day. see Psalm 25.5. Prov. 23.17.
Scruple 7.
It is impossible to attain to this in this World.
Answer.
Examples do shew; that as it is no Novelty: so 'tis no Impossibility.
Enoch walked with God. Gen. 5.22, 24.
So did Zachariah [Page 28]and his wife, Luke 1.6.
And the Apostles had their conversation in Heaven. Phil. 3.20.
Scruple 8.
This is the way to dash all mirth. To be ever praying, ever setting our selves before God, is to fall to a Melancholy.
Answer.
1. GOD is the Fountain of Joy. To have recourse to Him, is the only way to be full of Comfort.
Those in Heaven are conversant with God, and full of joy. Psal. 16.11.
[Page 29] 2. This is the way to attain to the right use of Mirth and Recreations.
To be made more heavenly in them: Phil. 4.4.
To be more moderate in their use: verse 5.
And better after wee have used them.
To be more fit for good Duties.
And more prepared for Heaven, by our wise and holy Carriage in Mirth and Refreshments.
Sixtly, Uses for Edification.
And they are these four.
- 1. Information.
- 2. Exhortation.
- 3. Consolation.
- 4. Direction.
Use 1. First, for Information.
This shewes there is an inward, hidden, spiritual Life, conversant with God; as well as an outward, natural Life, manifested to men. 2 Cor. 5.7. Which inward Life Christians [Page 31]should Aspire after. Col. 3.1, 2, 3.
Use 2. Exhortation.
We should Use the means to attain this holy Communion with God, by abstaining from Sinne and all Evills, which quell and dul the Spirit: as Earthlymindednesse, Excessive love to the World, Sinnes against Conscience, Pride of Heart, Intemperance, Passion, Coldnesse in holy Duties.
And wee should labour to nourish Faith and Love, and check our dulnesse, and to endeavour to quicken our Spirits: We [Page 32]should watch our Hearts, and cherish good Motions, oftentimes answering good Motions with holy Ejaculations, as when the Lord says, seek my Face: let our Hearts reply. Lord, thy face will I seek, Psalm 27. ver. 8.
Use 3. Consolation.
To shew how necessary and comfortable these Ejaculations are; ordinary, as upon all Occasions whatsoever; and extraordinary, as at death, and in persecution; when Christians are brought before Tyrants, they may in their [Page 33]Hearts have recourse to GOD, and say, LORD deliver me from this Wolfe.
LORD give me a Mouth and Wisdome to answer.
LORD stand by thy servant. And the like.
Yet the Enemy knows nothing, when God knows the Groanes.
So at Death: when Hands do dye, and Eyestrings do break, and the Vital Spirits (as the last refuge) flee to the Heart: when the Tongue cleaveth to the Roof of the Mouth, and a Christian cannot swallow his spittle; then these Ejaculations may be [Page 34] usefull. And the Lord that searcheth the Heart, knows the Desires and inward Groans.
Thus they may be usefull Ordinary and Extraordinary, in Life and in Death; and may be the last service we perform on Eath.
Use 4. Direction.
To shew some Forms for daylie practice, and renewed occasions, according to the several Passages of Gods Providence.
When we awake.
Lord I am still with thee.
When we arise.
Raise me, O Lord, from sin and sorrow.
When we apparrell our Selves.
Cloath me, O Lord, with the Righteousnesse of thy Sonne.
When we go forth.
Let thy presence O Lord go with me.
When we Return.
Lord, Blesse my Habitation.
At our work.
Blesse, LORD, the work of my hands.
At our meat.
Blessed be thy Providence. Lord, feed my soul.
When we are to speak.
LORD give me wisdome.
Having Sinned.
LORD, I have done evill.
When we are Dull.
LORD, quicken me. LORD, let thy Spirit revive me.
When we feele a good Motion.
Lord blesse this motion, and increase it.
In Temptation.
Lord, strengthen thy servant.
Lord, assist me with thy Grace.
Lord, help me by thy Spirit.
In heavinesse.
Comfort the soul of thy Servant.
When we see the Godly.
Cause me to love all thy Saints.
When we look on our Child.
Lord, let this Child live a life of grace in thy-sight.
When a Crosse befalls us.
Lord, teach me to profit.
Lord, fit me with Patience to bear it.
When some come to speak with us.
Lord, blesse the occasion, whatsoever it be.
When wee put off our Clothes.
Lord, teach me to put off the Old Man.
In Bed.
Lord, bring me to thine eternal Rest.
Let me close mine eyes in thy Favour.
When we meet a Preacher.
Lord, let thy Ministers be clothed with thy Righteousnesse.
In Opposition.
Lord, bow their Hearts to Thee.
Lord, restrain them from doing me hurt.
The Occasions are innumerable. Sometimes in respect of Sinne: Sometimes Mercies are renewed. Enemies arise: or Friends shew kindnesse.
Comforts are wanting: or joy increases.
Our Hearts begin to be dead: or Grace makes them to relent.
It goes ill with the Church: or good successe befalls them. As a Cunning Gamester at Tables; let what Cast come, that can come, He turns it to further the Game: So, whatsoever befalls us, let us turn it to further our Affections to GOD, and carry these, or the like Ejaculations in our Memory.
Remember me, O my God, in goodnesse,
Teach me thy Statutes.
Raise my Soul to Heaven:
seeFill me with goodnesse.
Increase Grace in me.
Enflame my Heart to love thee.
Shew me the beauty of Holinesse.
Sanctifie me, O Lord, throughout.
Powre thy holy Spirit upon me.
SeeO let me never forget Thee.
Fill me with Joy and Peace in believing.
Be Thou the surpassing Sweetnesse of my Soul.
Remember me with the [Page 42]Favour of thy People,
Quicken me according to thy loving-kin dnesse,
These, or the like, as Gods Spirit shall dictate, will be as Salt to keep our Souls from putrifying.
As God said to Elijah, 1 Kings 19.9.13. What dost thou here, EliJah?
So may we say to the Redeemed Soul groveling about Earth; What dost thou here, thou Redeemed Soul?
Awake, Arise, look to thy Maker, Isai. 17.7. to thy Redeemer: let Him be thy [Page 43] Treasure, thy Joy, thy Satisfaction, the Mirth of thy Spirit.
Arise, my Love, my Sister, may Christ say.
Arise, my fair one: the price of my Bloud: come, walk in the Galleries of Heaven: seek the things above. Col. 3.1, 2.
These Meditations shall make us to begin our Heaven here.
Objection.
You that have written this, come short of the same your self.
Resolution.
True, I have but an [Page 44]Earnest in respect of the Fulnesse; a Drop in respect of the Ocean: the Firstfruits in respect of the Harvest.
Yet it is not with Me, as it was with Her, who said, Video meliora: deteriora sequor. I see the better: but follow the worser.
But Contrary.
1. I blesse God for that measure I have received.
2. I think basely of my self, that it is none otherwise with me.
3. I think highly of those that go before me; on whom God hath bestowed a more excellent Spirit.
[Page 45] 4. I endeavour my self to obtain a more holy Frame and Temper of Heart.
5. I use the Means to whet the inward Man.
So then, I follow the Better, I see; though I am led Captive to the VVorser, which I do hate.
Seasonable Directions to Christians, how to behave themselves in these times of Fear and Danger.
1. LEt a man now examine himself, whether he be in the state of grace [Page 48]or no. Let us trie our Faith and Repentance. If we will not try our selves, we are like to be tryed; it is our wisdome to do it before hand, Gal. 6.4. Let every man prove his own Work.
2 Cor. 13.5. Examine your selves, whether ye be in the Faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates?
1 Cor. 11.31. For if we would judge our selves, we should not be judged.
2. We should carefully wean [Page 49]our minds from the love of of the World.
A thing hanged on a pin, is easily heaved off, but things glewed together, are hardly sundred: David loved Absolom too much, which made him so much lament when he lost him. Excessive Love to the World, will make the Crosse ten times the heavier.
We should inure our selves to some Hardnesse: abate some things of Food, Ease, Apparrel.
A Delicate person can hardly suffer. See 2 Tim. 4.10. 1 John 2.15, 16, 17.
[Page 50] 3. We should be twice as much exercised in Religious duties as before.
Mat. 26.14, 15, 16, 17. When Judas was plotting; Christ went to the Passover. When God comes to visit, let him finde us neither idle nor ill employed. Let us be moved with reverence, to use means, to save our Selves, and our Families: See Psalm 32.6, 7. and Isai. 26.20.
4. We should labour to get and keep a good Conscience.
Then though we have Troubles without; yet we [Page 51]may have Peace within.
Compare Acts 24.16. with 2 Cor. 1.12. If a good Conscience be our Exercise now; it shall be our Joy hereafter.
5. Pray, Sue, and entreate evermore for the Favour of God.
It will be intolerable to apprehend the wrath of God, and the wrath of Man both at once: See, Ps. 55.16, 17. Psalm 145.18, 19. Psalm 143.9.
6. Let us acquaint our selves with Gods Truth, and make much of the Promises.
They being stored up, [Page 52]will be as strong waters to keep us from fainting: and as a precious Cordial to revive our poor drooping Spirits. See 2 Peter 1.4. Psal. 12.5, 6. and 50.15. Jam. 1.12.
7. Get into the Heart the sound and experimentall Knowledge and Love of the Truth.
It is the Truth we are like to suffer for: We cannot suffer for that wee do not know, much lesse for that we do not love. See Psal. 1.1, 2, 3. Psalm 119.92. and v. 165.
8 We should labour to encourage and Comfort one another, [Page 53]in these evil Times.
God hath a Book of Remembrance, of them that speak often one to each other to trust in his Name. Mal. 3.13. to the end.
When men do ask, VVhat news? we should Qestion with them; VVhat shall we do to escape Gods Judgements? To stay his VVrath? Shall we pray? and humble our selves? shall we fast? Shall we become new men? And binde our selves to God, with an everlasting Covenant?
9. Meditate Terrours. Conceive the worst before hand.
To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed. Get Hope: get Submission: get Patience.
Let us prepare, and set our selves in a readinesse; think often, a judgment is coming. All the faithfull Ministers give warning: Many of them are taken away, we may fear, from the Evil to come.
The sword is one our neighbour Nations. Our Stay and Strength is taken away. We give too much way to the divorcing sinne of Idolatry. Our Parliaments have been often dissolved. The Power of Religion [Page 55]is in many places opposed.
Meditate, as if the Enemy had landed, or there were civil Combustion and Uprore.
The thing I feared (saith Job) is come upon me.
10. Spare not one sin unmortified; keep no beloved Dalilab.
The love of one Sinne will work us more Woe then all our Enemies, and will raise inward Fears and Doubtings: when others shall have joy, peace and consolation of Spirit.
Jonas 1. Till our Jonas be thrown over-boord, the [Page 56]winds and waves will not make a League with us.
11. We should cast away all confidence in our selves, and in our own strength.
Peter trusted to himself and fell. In his own might shall no man prevail. 1 Sam. 2. Let us be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might. Eph. 6.10.
12. We should redeem the time because the days are evill.
Especially from idle talking, and speaking of those things which do not concerne us, and for speaking whereof may endanger us.
The Prudent should keep silence in an evil time: Am. 5.13. The Adversary may entrap us in our Words: therefore take heed before whom, and what, and how you speak.
13. Let our Souls mourn in secret for the sinnes of the Time and Place we live in.
Ezek. 9.4, 5, 6. God has a Pen and Ink-horn to mark the Mourners, as well as a Slaughter-weapon to destroy the sinners. 'Tis better mourning here for sin, then hereafter for Misery.
We shall do well to redeem [Page 58]our Time from adding to the sinnes of others, and bestow it in bewailing Theirs and our own Provocations. Then shal we be marked among the Mourners, and hidden in the day of the LORDS wrath.
14. Let us be often conversant with God by Heavenly Ejaculations.
Isai. 26.20. We should enter into our chamber, shut the door, hide our selves, till the indignation passe over.
Let the stream of our thoughts be for Heaven. Let us get under our Fathers wings, and say to him, Thou art my hiding [Page 59]place: Thou shalt encompasse me about with Songs of deliverance, Ps. 32.7, 8. &c.
15. We should exercise our selves in works of mercy.
Visit the Sick: Give a pertion to Seven and to Eight: for thou knowest not what evil the Lord will bring on the Earth. Eccles. 11.2. The mercifull have the promise to find mercy: Mat. 5.
Let us set before our eyes the Joys of Heaven and the Examples of the suffering Saints.
Examples shew us, 'tis no noveltie, nor impossibility to suffer for Christ [Page 60]and the Gospel.
Paul overlooks the light Afflictions, and sees the weighty Glory. 2 Cor. 4.17.
Moses had an eye to the Recompence of Reward. Heb. 11.35. Read the whole Chapter, see how Faith breaks through all Troubles.
Look to Jesus Christ the Auther and Finisher of Faith, who for the Joy set before Him, endured the Crosse, despised the Shame, &c. Heb. 12.1, 2.
Let us Remember and Consider that our momentanie troubles shall be recompenced with everlasting Refreshments.
These will not stand in Times of Trouble.
1. THose which doe slight God and Religion in their Peace and Prospetity, will never for God and Religin suffer Adversitie.
2. Those which stand not against Error and False Doctrine, pleading with their Mouthes; will hardly for the truth part with their Bloud.
[Page 62] 3. Those which serve God now, being moved only by the praise of Men, will leave the service of God, when men disgrace them.
4. Those which cannot endure the smaller Tryals, will much lesse stand in the greater. Jer. 12.5. If thou hast run with Foot-men and they have wearied thee, how then wilt thou be able to contend with Horse-men?
5. Those which cannot suffer the power of the Word, to come into their Hearts, will not for the Truth of the Word lay down their Lives.