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TO THE RIGHT WOR-

SHIPFVLL, HIS VERY t?^3X^OOD PATRON, SIR Avgvs^ ;? Ti NE N I c o L s J Knight J Sericantatthc

, LsiW^thi ^Icrtcm comforts of Grace hcre^tffd L ? 'T the ble^edne^e of imimrtditj here After.

!r, I hailing been often and much lollicited with variety and iteration of ftrong im-portiinity^to piibhfh awd let padc into the eie of thisccn-forious world,the[c,the very firft fruits andeffaies of mine imployment and buGneffc in the Miniftery; did apprehend and imbracc this feafbn v^ith better conient-mcntj and with mote checiefiilneffe addrcffc and compofemy felfe thereunto j becau(e 1 did fee op-portimitie offered thereby^ to let appearc abroad iny thankefiill acknowledgement of your refpe^-fullj and more then ordinary fauour vnto mecj and apublikcteftimonieofyour worthy and exemplary integritie, in difcharging ycur hands, and faithfully diipofing that portion of the Church's patrimony committed to your truft and confciencc. An afF4ire(thoughinthefedefpcratcIy finfull times, fearfully andaccurfcdly abufed)of high and waightycon-fequcnce^and of great powerjasitfhallbcdilchargedi

^ 2tf7l2,T A 2 with!

/p»ile hit goods} yet hdueyte fpoyledmc j Bitt ye fay^ ^therein hdue wee foiled thee? In tythesO" offerings.' Te dre cur» fcdvpitfjA enrfe t for ye httue fpoiled me^ eucn this tfhole Hdtitnt Mai. 3.8.9

with confciencc,or coiruprionieither further ro ruinc our Church, and bring it to morcmifery and dcfola. tion,ortorepaircandadu3nceirto better ftare, and more happinciTc. For mine own parciciilarjit hath fo pleafcd God to guide your heartin thisbufineffe. and to blcile me with hisprouidence^thac wheras too many Patrones now adaycSjCithcr by detaining Sacriic-gioiifly Gods portioii, againft all gronnds of equity^ both diuinc and humane ; or by furnifliing Church-liuings SimoniacaHy and corrupttyj doc certainely pull vpon their owne heads,loHlcs and bodies goods and pofterityjan heauy and horrible'^^curfe; andfhali thereby make their account to be without fauour at the laft day .• and whereas many worthy men ( after they haue wearied and wafted their bodies and mindeSj their fpirits and patrimony in ftudy, and worneoutthcit hopes with long and tedious expe-d^ition, purfuit, & dcpendancc) com.c at length with muchadoCjtonogreatmattersjandwhenallis done, it is well if they efcape all galling and gailiof confci-ence, fuch is the Grange iniquity of the times .''yet I fay, (o worthily haue yo u dealt with mee, and fo vp-rightly in the Churchescaufe, that vpon your owne firft motion you fcnt vnto mee^ to accept the place I now enioy from you; and offered meea faire, a free and comfortablepaffage to the exercilc oi my Mini-ftcry abroad ( which next vnto the faluation of mine owne foule, 1 hold moft deare and precious) when I neither fought after, nor thought vpon preferment. This your rare and lingular bounty, did at thevery firft afFc<5l me with a fecret fence of an extraordinary obligation^ for all inward affedionatcflcne 5 and

with

'The EpiHie T)edicatory.

wichadefircof reprcfenting it in fomcvifiblcformt of outward tcftificaiion. But when 1 did (after) further confidcr^firft, how that Sacrilcdge and Simony, that damned couple of cryir.g(inne55 like two raue-n.>us H-irpies^afid the two inlatiabledaughtcrjof the H^rf-lcech, had (eaz'd euen vpon the heart of our Church, ready to rend and tearc in pceces her very hcart-ftrings^and to fucke out the inmoft blood, and laft life of our dearcft Mv:)ther: when 1 looked aboiie me in this famous Vniucrfity, where 1 haue liued,and faw many reuercnd and learned men, full of the light of diuine truth and of the water of life jable gloriotif-ly and combrtably to illighten and rcfrcfh many darkc places and dry foules in this land -ready to ex- ^ pire and powre out their foules in the bofome of this ihci r famous Nurfe •, not brought vp by her to dye at her breHs^ut (if they might haue honcA and lawful] paffage^ ready andaddreft to enlarge Chri(\s King-dome abroad, and to oppofe with all their power, a-gainft the bloody torrent of popery,and rage of An-lichrift: Laftly, when I weighed widi my lelfc mine ownenatutall declination and rcfolucd vnfitncfTe, to makea noifc and ftirre in the world for preferment, I did findcjthat as thefeconfidcrations did before giuc Ifmall hope of changing my flation ; fo now they jwcre.of power yet further to dotiblethe imprcfSon of your worthy and extraordinary goodntilc vnto me, and freshly to renew the thankfuJl deuotions and apprchcnfions of mine heart. Out of which hath fprung in me a thirff ing earneflncfTe and contention of fpirir,to returnc vnto you,for ihefe tcmpcrall fa-uours (fo farre as the nature oi that high miniftcriall o A >.. ^ ^ ., A 3. funaion.

■ '~ -".-^ ■■ — — ■ —i—^. . — -— . —^^- ——-

^he Epi/lle dedicatory.

fuiKaion, wherein I ftand, (hall guide me; and the power of niy poore ability can reach) the Blcffings of Heaucn,and comforts cia betterworld.To which end, I here prcfcnc vnio you this Treatife^ which I haiie intended to be(fo far as my gracious God hath giuenmc vnderftandingin the poynt ) as it were a looking-Gbflc or Touchftone, to whomfoeuer it (hall pleafe to take thorow notice thereof, for the dil-cerningand trying, in fome good meafure, whether he already bcoftlie number of thole few which truly Hue the life of God, and vnder the Scepter of his Sonnejor lie as yet enthralled m the inv^(lblc chaincs of damnation and death, and vnder the large and powerfull raigne of Siran. For lam perfwaded,that in this glorious noone-tide o{ the Gofpell, many thoufandsdecciuenotonely the world, and others, but cuen thcmfelues and their owne foults, about rheirfpirituallftate: thinking, ifihcy findcin them-felues a frecdome from grofic and notorious (innes^ fa ireneffe of conditions; ciuili honefty,a formal] pro-ftfE 311 ofChriftianity, outward performances of religious feruices, that then their cafe is good enough for Heauen: though there bee wanting the fauing power of inward ran(5iification, and the truth of a found conueriion : though they bceftrangcrsto the*^ greatmyftery of GodlineiTe,and difacquamted with a confcionable and conftant courfc of Holineflfe in their Hues and anions. But we mufl conceiuc that otier and befides thefe degrees ofgoodnefle, with-which millions of men content and deceiue them-fclucs; yea, and quite beyond, and vtterly without; the compaffeof all worldly glory, all vifiblc pompe,«

the

The Epijlle dedicatory.

the moft admired greatncflc and fufficicncy vpon earth, for which a great part of the world exchange the cucrUlling happineffc of their foules, there is a paradifc of Chriftian comforts,a Royall Pecuhar, a vidiorious Simplicity,a neglcded Innoccncy, a mar-uelioiis Light, an invifible Kingdomc, an Heaucn vponE jirh- which I call the ftate of GracCj and labor in theenfuing Dilcourfc to diffcrcncefrom all perfe-dionsandfufficienciesattakieablein the ftatcof vn-regeneration. I meddle not purpofcly with the notorious finncr :for (mcthinkcs) in thefe dayes of light, there rhould none fo wiirully and deepely inwrappc himfclfe in darkcncfle ♦, but that in his cold bloud,and more lober confideration, will acknowledge and conftflc, that the ftate of notorious finfuInefTej is the ftate of wretchednefleand of death. And that there is no hope for the Drunkard, the Swearer,the Lyer, the Viurer^the Vncleane perfon^the Sabbath-breaker>the Sacrilegious, Siraoniacall,and (inncrs of fuch infamous ranke^but a fearefull looking for ofiudgement, and, without repentance and forfaking their ftnnes, an eternall reparation both from all pcffi':>iliiie of grace, and (bund comfort in this life 5 and from the fruition of the ioyes and hleffedneffe of heauen hereafter. I therefore endeuour and defire to come necrer andcloferto mensconfcicnces-,and to tell them, that out ofa conceit of their morallhonefty^and outward religioufncfl'e, they may per(wade them(elues that they arc rich and cncreafcd in fpiriiuallftore, and haueneed of no more for the attainment of heaucn*, when in deede and truth,as concerning the power of fauing grace and (incere exercifc of religion^they are A 4 wretched.

p

'The EfiHle T>eiicatory.

\

wrcrchcdjand miferable, 3ndpoorc,and blind, and

naked. In t^icfc lukc-warme times, many there are,

who with the fruits ot a temporary faith, and fomc

lig'u of the generall graces of the Spirit, make a faire

fhew., and win good reputation for their fpiiiruall

ftatCjboth with their owii hcatf, and with the world;

abroad; when to the eye of heauenly wifdcme,ar.d m

truth^theyarc butonelvBlszing-ftarrcs, and canhl)

minded, not fixed in thefaine fiim3mcnt with the

Sunnc ofrighteoufnelTc, nor of an heauenly ftampt.

And if they rife not higher in their afff^ions and

conuerfarion from earth and earthly vanities, when

their rooteleffe graces fhall bee withered and wafted

jaway,their fall will be fuddcn and fearefulljand theft

former vanifhing flalTies of vainc hope for future hap-^

pines, will be turned into horror^and cxtrcmcft mile-

rics of defpairc. Mod behoofefull then is it for euery

m3n,in time,to fcarch and examine himfclfe, whether

Chrift lefusbe in him or no. And it is one of the wor -

thicftand noblcft imploymcntsofthefode, to reflect

vponit felfejand with an vndazclcd and vndiffcm-

blingeyc ihorowly to try and dcfcry clearely it own

ftaic.'whcthcr it biAlready wsflicd with the blood of

Chrift, and enlyued With a fnpernaturall vigour and

life of grace ;or yet lie polluted in it owne blood and

vnder the power of the fitft death. I wonder how any

man can be at reft and quiet, vntill hebeafliired and

fecured in this poynt, fith vpon it depends his euerla-

fting cftate in another world I Nay, (ith cucn in this

world, euery vnregenerate man,let him be otherwifc

neucr fo great, or adored aboueothcrs,ncucr fo abfo-

liicein all other exceliencies andpcrfe^ions whatfo-

' eueri

The Epifi/e dedicatory.

cuer^yet beingoutofthcftatcofgracCjts a verylimbc ofSatan, acbildofdarkencflc, arid one of the family of Hell. The wrath and vengeance of God, all the fury of the kingdomc of darkcnefle, the rage of all the creatures (though he litdethinkevpon It) arc euery houreready andaddreflto feizcvpon him, asa tray-tor and rebel to the highcft Maiefty, and to drag him downe into the bottomc of Hell. Whereas the ftate ofmieChriftianf, and Gods faithfull ones, is moft comfortable and gloricjus ciien in this life, in this vale oftcareSjandinthefe Tabernacles of clay. For theircomfoTts are not fadii g and earthly, fpringirg out of rhe fin full pleafures and tranfitory glory of the ^rorldjnotfaftnedvnto honours, grcatnc&e and pof-feffionsi to thcincreafc of Come, and Wine, and Oylcbutthey are of a right noble and hcaucnly temper, framed and emplanted in the far(aifiedfoule by the Spirit of all comfort-and therefore euerlafling and vncor.querable,able tokeepc a man in heart and refolution againft the malice and cruelties of all ad-uerfaries5 ofaflcreatures. They onelyaretruly and foundly perfwadcd by the (weetc & fccrct tcftitnony of the Spirit, and by the cuidence and experience of theirowne holy life- that after theapproching, and much longed-for period of a few and eijill daycs,thcy fhallraigne with<Jcd Almighty, the holy Angels & glorified Saints,in vnutterable and cndlcflc pleafurcs &r euer and euer: and therefore eadly and refolutely {'with much indignation and contempt ) ouet'looke and throw out oftheir hearts all worldly thoughtfijL nesjall exceffiuc defircs of earth and earthly vanities 5 all reftledeafpirations after tranficory honours, the

noble

The Epijile Dedicatory.

nobicmifcricsofthis wretched life,They alone hauc faftncd the eye of their minds, illighcned from aboue with failing faith, vpon the vnualuable precioufncde, andlaftingbc:juty of i heir immor tall crowncs in bea-iien J and therefore all the glittering and golden rc-prcfentationSjwith which the flattering world hath formerly deceiued and dazelcd their eyes, appcarc to be nothing but darkenefle anddcfolations.Theii glo-ry('indeede) here vpon earth doth not coiifift in out-ward pompe and ftate; it doth not Hiine to carnall eyeSjit is vndifcernable to the (harpeft fight of worldly wifedome and policy: but inwardly and v^ith fpi-rituall fflireneSjtheir diuine graces make them fo truly honourable and loucIy,that fcmwhere in Scripture they are called the glory of God,and are as deare vnto him as the precious ball and apple of his owne eye. They are info high eftecme and account with An-gels,that thofe exccllentcreatures with much ioy and alacrity become their Guardians,and(eruiceable vnto them with extraordinary care and tcndernes. All the creatures groanc, anddefiretobedeliuercd into their glorious liberty •, and in the meane time, with a (ecrctand infenfible reuerencc, they adore the facred charafterofdiuinity that is ftampt vpon them. All the Saints acknowledge them to be more excellent then their neighbors,of the houfc-hold of God and hcircs ofhcauen. Nay,the wicked themfelues, many times, arc confounded, and ftand amazed at the height ot fpiritand refolution that poffefTeth their hcartsjand at the fober and vndaunted maicfty that fhines in their faces. This, and a thoufand times more then this, is the blisfiiilftatc of Gods children cuen in this

l^be Epijlle T^edicatory.

life. Howioeuer they be nrgleded and trampled vp-on by the world and wicked men; yet in the iiidgc-mentofGodhimlelfejthe blcfled (pirits, and all men of true worth indeed, they arc the only Angels vpon earth, and the royal! citizens ot this kingdcme of Grace. The profccution of th is point would be ccm-forcabie, buclolfiiouldbemorc tedious. No more but this ihcrcioreat this time: Certainc it is, if a man were'crowned with the royal! (l^te> and imperiall command of ail the kingdomcs vpcneanhj if his heart were enlarged to thevrmcflof all created capacity, and filled with all theexquifice and vnmixed pleafures, that the teach of mortality, and mofi ambitious curiodtie could pcffibly deuifc; and might ( without interruption anddiltali ) enioy them the length of the worlds duration jthey were all nothing to thccnioymenc of the precious and peerelefic comforts of the fUte of Grace, but euen foranhourc. I fpeal^c the truth, I vfe no Hyperbole, the Spirit of all comfort, andconfciencesof all trueChriftians bearing me witneflfc. Good Sir, let me humbly entreate you with a proportionable zealeand fcruency, to en-cline and enlarge your sfFvdions tothepurfuit and' pra(3:ife of fo excellent and glorious an happincffe. Which that you may do, I will continually proftratc and powrc out my foule in prayer, before the Throne of Grace and mercy: And reft

T0ur mrfhfps to be commanded euer in tht Lord lefus^

RoBERt BOLTOW.

l^tlullUfft

J

AN ADVERTlSEMEiNT TO

THE READER.

HriHfAii'.Thii D'ifcourfe;iPphich i^owfiandsjo clojetcgether^AS deliuered hi fiue fcuerall Ser-monsjifut allu a mofi tftdickus a^dintellfge^t Auditory^ ther-fore there {■s a continu:inie of msLtter^ coherence^ AnAjlile, I must entrerite thce^$ut ofthwf ingenuotis difcretion^ to diliingm^ the fUces v^here they voerepre^cht^as tku^hAltfindethedireclisn ofmyjpeech and feme partic$iUr afflicatinns more tidtHrAlly and ne-ceffariiy fvithindiui dud refer erne Appropriated therunto. The reAfens wlj IJpent the Tnofl (f my meditations^ afid Jffckefff long m defcrying And deciphering theftAte cffor-mAlihypecriJle {for therein I hAue trodAUmeihing vn- ■ ceuth a^dvnu/uall pAthJare thefe:

Firji^ I conjidered tljAt in this fid light of the GofpcH^ a great number of men AppUud £ffd content themfelues with A ffipe'/ficiAttgl/^t^ringofa fcrm.ilx profefidfiy out-ward cenformity to the Mrnifterie cf the wcrd^ And fame fAlfe flafhes cf^n vnfound pcrfvoAfion that they are in the reAdy and right way toHeA»en i when as indeed it hAth not inwardly illigbtenedtheir vnderftunirngs with fauing knowledge heated their affeBions k-it h true z€Ale^ fubdued their finfu^ thougjots^Andnoyf^me lufii rvith the

power

To the Reader.

fowfr of grace^ nor foftned and Jrr/j^ified the/r hearts toyeeUd cheeyefnti^ fineere, and vniuer/aU ohedsenct^ thsrenHto. '~^itd fo After a fe^ miferah/e dajes^pent in Aprofj;erQii4 f ecurity^thsy fall into thsiawes of heli^ before they m'drnjl Any fuch mater 5 and the pit of dejlru-5iton fljuts her mouth wo them, be fare they know and acknowledge their broken and bankerftpt-ftdte in fpiritftaU thin^^s, I therefore dejire and endcttour to arvxke th m out of their gold'/n dreame of im 10 inane futHrehappi^efp'^ that tvsth open eyes they way fee their prefent J^iritualpo-H^rtv^andfo betimesprenent iht 2if\Q,Qt tocoir.c. J hope in the Lord^.inJ. -iv/Pa heartily^ that bj a dtfpafionate rnd thorovp pentja'i of this Treatife^they mxy take lOmcfca/H //»v of their orvne csfite rvtth God-^anA entrifig a (eriom and impartiiiife:trch And examination of their confcien ces^ difcoiter and retieale themfelues vnto them^eittes-y and fo if they bel&ng vnto the enerUHmg ccuenant oj grace^ fiep for ward i/sto the flateof grxue^ the paradijc of true chriflixnityj and pra^ife of holinejfe , tioat their de^re and precious Joules rnjiy bee faued i/ftheday ofthe^ Lord lefus.

Secondlyy 1 didconceiue^ th.it there is a threefold c»rd threemxine and capttall caufes^that violently hale downt vponvs from Heauenmtny bothcorporali and fpiritaali plagttes; and binde themfaB to the boxvels^and principail parts of this Kmgdome '^and doe daily more and more ripen the iusi tvrath of God ^ for the powring cat of his UH vengeance vpon this fin full Nation, ihey are thefe: Firfl^ the overflowing torrent j and vnbridled rage of many crying finnes^fearefnl ahominations^MA defper ate prophane-ne(fe,Seccndly^A fen fib le declination from their Jirjl Icue^ and decay of zeale^ euenin Chriflians, Thirdly^ a Ittke-

warmeneffe

To the Reader.

vptirr^eneffe andyvAfit ofthorownelfe and pncerity infor-^»all profejfbrs,

'SAs for the fir (I: By cur horrrble jinnes And hAtcfaU ingratitude for mercies without meiijure^Andnnraculous Aeliuerances^ wee grow (o heau/e vpon the Lord^ that rve preffe himywdthe howeis of his tender eft dJfnpAffion^zs a cart is preffed that is full of llieaucs ; (o th.it it is impof-fiblejyttt that jh^rtly^ ( vf>itPjout greAthur/tiliatiofi andge-ner&\l repe^ta^cejwe fh^uld wreft out of bis h^tids t he vials of his Uft vcrath^andforce him to come againfl -vs rvsth the bee feme o fitter defolatiorf^ It is to be feared (^fogris-uous A»d endleffe is the impiety and impenitcncie of this land J that his forbearance in the meaneti -nc^ is mt for a-ny hope he hath of vs {for what good hath a durable and extraord/furjiplague done vpo,'i vs ? ) but onely by reafon df the crutU and implacable tnfokncie of our enemies • be" caufe Ik is loth to make vs a prey t» the v&olues of Rome^(^ \ matter of triumph to fuch a msrciles and murthercU'S generation. Who knoKves^ but that the Match had reached vnto the Powder^ had not the Lord (outof thebottom-leffedepth of his vnlimited mercies) lay d hold vpon his orvne Argument} Dc\ii,p.,26 ly.I hauciavd^ I would fcatcer them abroad, 1 would make thsir remembrance to ceafc from amongO. mcn^fauc that I feared the fury of the eremy, left their adiierfaries fhculd wax proud Lefl his and our aduerfai ies^ithcfe breathing I deuilsjhe GuK-piwder PapiftsjfhoaJdtoo proudly and bar' ' barouflv hweinfultedintheruinesofhispevpley^and the hanffljment of his glorious Gofpel, the Lord giuevs vh-derftanding hearts to confider thefe things in time^ lefl he come vfou vs votth h^ vcrath^ neuer mere to be appeafed^ and teare vsinpeeus^ vehen there is none to help-e. May

any

:rS

To the Reader.

any man dciue away an hungry Lyon in the wood? Or quench the fire in ftubble, when it hach once begun to burnepMiy one curncagaine thcarrow that is ("hot of a (Irong Archer ? ]f the Lord once whet his glittering fxvord'y and his hjind take hold on iudgement^ Tvithpar-pfs to root o»t a jtnfttU. and rebeUicus nation j there is no pawer orpfiltcy^no malt/t(tde of mentor magnifi' cenfe ofStaie^ m armo;tr of the mighty^ or arme of fiefby fhili cfisr ye able t9 gi»e anyfucour^ reliefer^ or eUlme-rance>

Concerning the fecond: Certaine it is^ that our hief-fings of feace^ an.ijlrength of St ate ^ breed {by accident) m:ich abatement offorwardneffe^ andz,-;ale ingodlineffe^ fecret indemtim ^and coCdnejJe euen inmany true Frofef-fors^carelefneffe in obferatng their vfayeSyrvearineffe and vmheerefulneffe in doinggood, and performing holy duties ^vnpreparednes in eomming to diutne feruicest religi-ofis exeictfes.mdthe Lords T.xbie-^pghtneff'eandv^apro-fitablenejfe in prayer ^medttation^chrijtian conferences^ daily ex amin.it son of their confciencer^ negleB of opportunity in vfiinnmg their brethren vnto the fear e ofGod^and of working vpon^ and preuailing with their kindred, ac q^.tintaHcefimiliurs and families^ Thm wickedly and vnthank fully turn we the mercies of God into occafions o-j finn;^ andfuffer cur temporal' htppineffe to xvafl and con-fume our fpitit:t tlbleffmgs, /*ndthe more wearefecwec^ in our outiv irdfi-as^the m re heart'ejfe we are in the fer-uiceofGod^andtheaffuresofthelifetocomc* But let vs looke 'vnto it:for as the lowder and crying finnes of this Land^are the great andflrong cart-ropes ; fo vndoubtedly thefe{as leffer cords) haue their parts and fome power in \ drawing vjfon vs heaaic iudgemeniSy and in preparing

further

To the Reader.

further vengCAncey except rte Amevd^ And returmtH mr iirft loue. Would u God^ pffAfwe would keepefrejhmour minds but this cue ^onfiderAt/on : TkAf the Jame Gvdy which ( AgAinJi the ejcpe^Atiou hotb of heduen And CAtth^ of Rome tPtdhe'i^ tfdeuHf And ?Aftjis ) turned cur feAres And amjtxiementf At thedeAthof that glorious SAtnt^ the Ute Qhfenz^ , tnto (Afety^ And a fure foundAtion^ ^ the moji hAppie fuccefim ofourgrAcicus SouerAfgnc^ , dnd hii KoyAil feeder j CAn ( out off hit tufl iudgementfor our vntkinkfulneffeAndfecurity^ intheverji turningofAm hjtndAnd chjtng of An e)C^)oL]h all our hopes ; dndfbut vp the whole Bvdy of this ff^itr^jbing Kingdomeim th^^ pa of irrecouerAhle defiruSfien, ItbAd heene dctte^ had Faux fired the Powder tAnd who knowes whAt thofe hu -fie And bloody he Ads Are euennow hAmmermg in thc^ fAme kinder ? Be fides theft two now ment/cned, there it Another cApitAU CAufeof GodsheAuie difpltAfure ^ whicft though it MAke nogreat noife, nor he much tdken notice of vpon earthy yet it is much loAtbed $f God Almighty^ And cries loudtn heauen for vengeAnce vpon vsiH is a luke-wArmeneffe yAnd vnx^AfoufneffeyAC^td And CAfeteffe mediocrity tn/pirituallnuttert^ And {asit f^ere ) a neu-trAlity betwixt motoriom finfulneffe And fauingfincerity, IVben men(p?rh4ps)with dt/igence;wi/lingneffey Andfor-WArditeSyfubmit themfeluesto the heAringoftheword^tst fubordinMte the power AmdprACiitetheredf^o their eife^^ honour s^and worlltytoutentments'.whenibey willneedes hold An otttwArd eorrefpondence with the wortd^ And jet inwArdly miint.iine Andmunfb hope of ffluAtion in tbemfeluesi^hen they ftrsine their wits^Andjfrineiopsr' tAke both of the tontfortable fAuonr of Gody Ai$d corrupt fAp9ions of the times^ bah of the pUgfnres of their

S Jwe^

t^t^migat^

ToiJthe Readei*.

j»

Lvki6.ti

fwtctfi»He^ And thejweetneffc of the tr ue peace ofcmfci-eme^ which Are as tncmrent as two par/illei /snes^aud as iifCompMible tisUght AuddArkenc£e, Thefe men^though {in the worlds opwi&H) fhey he nfanil I hovefl carruge^of mfiderafe f^iyiti^tnd^fA fiAyed temper m reiigioKytnd{in their ovo/te cemeits ) rich and enriclicd.*-»iid want nothing ^ yet indeed they are mcere jiimeUngs ^^.and fiarke Megger J />? refpelivf-the Hue riches^ And Ufling treAfu/es q/ fAuifiggrace-^A»d in J he very cafe of thoJe{except in the '\meAHe time they bsty <>//6/>»go'd, garments, and oyle ) xvhith^Allmaer [eeChrtfi {efus in his kingd^yn to their comfort : fox AiT»en,rhc faithtull and true wuntfle h^th yawed it^that be will fpue fuch out of his mouth 5 A/id wi-fheth much rAther that they were key-cold^ then fuch for-mdChriflMs'Mis jpseth imports thus much:I had rather fou-were Pagans And Infidels^ then Pr»fef[oHrs without \ ^eAle^Novp mf chiefs andjpecia^ Aime ii(with all humble -^hmtfion to better iudgments^e^ thecenfure of the Pro-^tts)uUf 0^ the ft Ale 0fthefe me n-J^ecAufeihefides thar feArefuUdejceuUng ofiheir-ewnfoules^indp Articular cer" Saine d^tmrn^io^^ifthey fo continne')thty mtghttly incenfe the Lords wrath againji this Uud^with an tn^enf^ble and vnacknowledged promcatton'^^xd manly baz.srd the con-' Unuwce ofhisgUrioHS Gafpelamon^U vs^ it is commm-lyconceiiisd indeed ^both ofthemfelues^ and of the world \ thAt ifjthey be mmAllyhoneft, ayid outv^ardly ci)nformahle\ toi}x^ Minifttry of the Wor d^ fo ths.t they be hurtle fje And ! i»m.C£nt in refp]e^ of humane iufl/ce ; that t.heytare Aif((i\ kmw^ot how)hirmelefjc and^utltleffc before tijc Tribu^ 1 na/lcfCod, 3m theBuangelifi tels vs^ Jhat.that vfehicji j is highly eftcemed among men, is abornination mi| fthR%h: of God :C/lndGod 'htmftlje iyjfaia^, Phat

Ms

To the Reader.

his thoughts arc not our thoughts, neither arc his ^^*-5J waies our waies. For certAinely tkeftate of lake^vsitrme^ neffs^andferm^Uty ;« rgligionJfowjocHer U may be full of \9orldly ap^Laufe andh.ippmes^(j;' bexre arvAy the bell vp-OJf ea: th \yet it is ^ bHrdenfome and batefuU vato God^ as luke-voArm water^or the mofi lothfome f>otitff to the »/' ccfl [io?uacke'.And doth svith a more »aturali importunity, the/i other jinners^kmcke at the gates ofdiuiae iujlice^for the remjffall of cur cJindleJlickey And the glory of his Gof-pell from Amongft vs, All kinds of fins According to their nAture^mcafnre ^ ripetiejje^hAm proportionA\iy ApArt(^ 'hand in dravoing dc-wne all wduner of pidgues vpon the fonnes of men : but this h.itb a pecnliar And predominant power w (}A(lentng thatpArticuUr (^greAteftcf AUtudg-«*f;^//,thcfani!!KO£ the Word. For God cAnmt endure vpfthout fjjc^id^indignAttm^ that his Word^vehich is his power vnto falHAtun^ jhoftld raeiuefuch limitAtion And prefcription from mens wifedome^that itjhonldworke no farther njpcn them^ nor beget-more change And hcljpejfcy then may con (ift voith the emoyment of their x^orldly con-tentments^reputAttcHy^jrthepleAfures of their belouedJUf. llecA/jOt Abide^hAt men{difcontentedwitb thcftrAJtnes: of the gate ofgrace^ And impatient of aflri£l conrfe of god-, 4inefJe)jho»ld Ubeurtojindottt^ And follow another voay td keAuen^then thAt which is fAn^ifiedbyhis werd^d'whielf ■hath And muft be troden by aU thofe that wilieuerfee the^ Lord, Knowledge and pro fel?icn of Gods truth^ without^ l/anSiifaation and t^eale^Are but means in the meane time I to put out the glory oflfrAel^^ will here After but encreafe the number offlripes^andadde waight vnto endleffe tor-mentJn the nAme of God therefore let all luke^warme And formalChriftiAnsbe contented to take not tee cftheir flate. [.y. . g 2 ansi

To the Reader.

And be fere the Summe goe dtnvtte fitter the Prophets^ fnfer their hearts to be thorowfy heated rv/th trme zeaU-.andhe^ fides their outtp*rd reformation^dr gemrali lightmngs of the Spirit^0 entertaioe that fetiili fauing^jr fartiii^ing grace ^tvhich enely an [aue thetr fettles^ and prepay e them for the glory that is to be reuealeJr Lefl noxv at length {for he hath borne with vs mtracMiohJfy)oHr tnf} Gcdcaufe our Sunnc to goc downcai noonc, and darkcr.tfic to fur-prize vs in the clcare dzyiLefl he root vs out ofthisgcod Land^ as a fruit teffe nation ytnrne vsouf of our houfis oj peace^as the 'vnworthieji^^ vnthankfuUeft peop/e vnder ^4«f«5 andlct out his vineyard to other husbandmen, which will deliucr him the fruits in their fea-fbr.s,Andthe more feeure and fear teffe we be(4s we were neuer more^the more fudden (jr ineuitable it like to be our furprizaii and defiruBson^ for at Gods mercies are then mtfi magntfied^ when they releene theextreTw/imifery^ andfbine into the depth ofdifcomfort and darkenes^when all other he/pe is "Jtterly de(paired of'.fo bis iudgements are moftgloriim^when theyjlrikeat the height ^ top of pride and impenitency'^ while they thinke themfelucs mofi fute^ and withgreatffi confidence repofe vpon thearme-offlefh, andpolicie of man*.

The third reafon andmotiue.why I infiH'fo lortg in the point offormaU hypocrtfie^was taken from the Condition of mine jiuditouts\who being of deepest vnderflandtng^ are naturally aptefi^and flrongliefi temtted^to mtflike and vn derualue the my fiery ofgudimefje^nd to deceiuethetr own foules in the high point of/aluation^For men of greatejl nobleneffe and pregnancy offptrit^of m>fh rich and vni-nerfaU endowments ofmind^ without the power of grace ^ and afaniftfied humil/ty (the fairefi branchfprirging

thencfy

To the Reader..

theme ^And the trne crowne ofchriBiamty)arc readieft to make an idoil of their great fufficieney^nvith a difdiinjuU petHdice to pjiffe h the fimpltcity of the Saint s\and cut of £1 fluttering conceit of their own hearts to thinke their ff i-rituaUjUte oi good as the beji^ and rnofl hleffedfrem God, when as yet they haue no fart tn the fiirt rcfiirre(5ti6.F^r when they fipid themfelites far abone others in al other eX" cellencies^ and whatfoeuer remark&hk vporth the^crld takes [feci all notice of\ they conceiue alfo^that in apnpor' ti enable congruity {as indeed it fhc«ld^e^) they areinfe-riiur to none in thofefacred apprehenficas cfheauen^ and tAfle of eternal life jy on this confideration^l rvas bold^out of A ChriHian iealoufie^ to treat on this argument^ being perfwaded of their great wifedome and gracious bnmiUty to ItHen to any heanenly mejjage^ which might either dff-couer orpreuemfpirituall danger*

Thine i» ChriU ^^f^i

Robert Bo it on.

BS

A DISCOVRSE

ABOV T THE S TA TE

OF TRVE HAPPINESS E.

Psalm. I.

1. Bleffedisthem^, that doth net nalki'mthecoHnfeUof thewicked,nor ftaied inthe^'aj ofjinttcrs^ nor fit in the feate ojthefcornefuU,

2. 'But hus deltght ii in the Larv »fthe Lord, and w his Larv doth he medttatc day a>id night.

Here is no greater encouragement, orftiongcrmotiuotoftirre a man to an csgerandeariieftpurfuitcof the mtanes, then to propofe vnto him an end wherein at length his, heart may repofc; as in a conair-reucc of all comforts and contentments. Towliich, there is no pof-fibility of attainment, but by pure-nefie of heart, holineffe of life, conftancic in courfeoffaii dification, which onely Icadc vntothe ftce, and prefence of Godjw here,and with whom alone is the higl^ft perfedion ofbliflcja rintroHnfinitepleafures, the ^^llofIife,and end-Itfle reft of all created defires. For the capacity of mans foule cannot pnlTibly bee filled with the fumciencie of any creature; no not with a world of creatures: for they are all nothing to the wortli of a mans foulCiChrifthimfelfchauing preferred itia valuation, fVhatJia/litfrafitapuin, thtnghi^

B 4 Jhould

Pfal.p*. 12

Pfal. I2f.i

Mat. i^ i$ , fhould'^ittnethe "^hole yaorldy tf hee lofe hU o^ne foule i And thercforecannenerbe fret from motion an.dvexatioarvntill it reach vnto (either in certaine hope, or acJ^uall fruit ion ) an obiedjifiii'aitejas well in cxcelle icy of .lature, as dar. ♦•.ion of time, B'elTed then was the wifcdomc of the Difpofer of theft hcaiicniy fbngs ofDattid; \vhcther it x^'ashimfelfe, or Ezi^a, orwhomrociiei, in that heeprenxcd this excellent P{alme,as a preface to all the reft ^ wherein is prnpofed,and comprifcda ma'tchicflc happincfTc, whereby thcgr^dly man may eucn in this life flontiili /*% a Palme tree, and grow like A Cedar %n Lebanon ; lefreJlicd contLiiaiiy with riuers of ioycs,and comforts, (hed into his heart by the fpirit of God: and may ftandlike mount 2ion, vn-aftcnifhtd andvnicmo-uedj at that great and fearefiill day 5 whenthe wicked fhall call forthemountainestoconerthem,and wifhthey had nc-uerbin.What ingenuous minde would not be inflamed with zeale,totheproiecution of thofemeanes which rt^c vnto an end as full ofhappinefle,asthe Siinne is full of light, and the Sea of waters ? What heart not pofTefTed with an iron (\-, new, would not thirft, and loi:^ after found and vndiftem-bled fincerity; euen as the Hart brayeth after the riuers of water, and as the dry ground gapeth for drops of raine ? fith by it alone we purchafe, and put on an vnconquerable refo-lution, ifliiing fiom anafllirance of being in Chrift^d from theclearenefle ofa good confcience,whereby we may walke tutn as bold oi Lyons, thorow this valley of teares, amid the mcrcilefle vexations of prophane men , nay weemay »<«% vpon the Lion and \Afbe, the jottyig Lyon and the Dragon reee VMy tread vnderfeete-^ and hereafter bee fure to bee iatisfied with thefulnes of ioy in the prefence of God, and with plea-fures at his right hand for euermore.

This happy irlti is heredefcribed vnto vs by maay arguments.

Firft, are laid downe his mai'kes and properties, ncgatiue, and aflirmatiue, in the two firft verfes.

Secondly, his happineffe isliuely fit out b^ a fimilitude,in the third verfe.

IHuftratcd I

Pro.18.1.

P(alpi.i J.

Il'urtracdbyan oppofition of themiferie,andvnhappy condit;on ofthe wicked, in the fourth and fift verfcs.

Concfpded with the caufts of them both, to wit, ofthe happi" ife of the godly, and vengeance vpoii the wicked Jii the laftverfe.

Tht negariiie properties m the firft verfe arc three: Hee deth not walks in the connfell ofthe wicked i He doth not Jf and in the way offmmrs , Hee deth not [it tn the feat e of thefcarnefii//; amplified with a threefold gradation in the perfons, a(5lions, andobiecls ofthe actions. The gradation in the perfons, the vrtcked, ftnners, and fcornefull, implies allfoitsof vngodly men. The gradation in the adions, >p^/'^,j?<«W, and/f, all manner ofcommcrce and correfpondcnce with them. The gndation in theobieds, thtcomftll^wHy, andfeate, all kind of iniquity j inward corruptions, or outward impieties.The | whole verfe laboureth with an emphaticall exaggeration, to } fct downd*liis blefTed forbearance of finne, and communica- \ ting with finfiill men. '

Thefecond verfe containmg his imployment in pictie, j feemtthto anfwcr in oppofition, the three negatiues, with j three aiTJrmatiues. Hu delighting tn the La^ of the Lord, is | oppofed to the connfell ofthe wicked, HU medttatton, and ex- ' erctfe tn the Law^ to the ^aj of finners. Day andmght: there is his conftancy and habit,oppofed to the feate ofthe Icorne-fiill.

Why then, let the prophane and flattering world (ay what It will i let fen(uall, and vufandificd men ludge as they Lift. That man, a.id that man a'one is truly, and euerlaftingly hap-p}'. That vralketh not tn the eounfeil ofthe wicked ; that is^ that doth not delight in their vaine imaginations, finFullatfedi-ons,luftfulldefires,rpeculatiuewantonnefle. Jn their proud and fwelling thoughts; which conceiue mifehiefe, and bring forth a Iie;chaffe,and bring forth ftubble; the wind,and bring forth the whirle-wind.That doth net partake with their impotent paiTions, vnhallowtd policies; their exorbitant, and indired proieds, for their plcafures, honours, and profits. Whofe ibule defircs not to come into thefecrct <)f their cru-

ell

ellconfultations, and malicious defigaemcnts. In a word, whofe heart hateth, and abominateth all venom of inward poUiition, that h^th citlicr foiintaine or feat in any power of the fbule.

Xhatflandeth not in the waj of finners: That is^ that brca-keth.not into open profaneneflc; that imitateth not their aflions,and coiuerfation.Whofj m^ )Uth is not full ofbitter-nefTc and lying • wlr^fe lipp.s arc notinfeflcd with thepoy-(onofAfpwSi whofe hands are not full of bribes aid fe'.fe-liiDod; whofe feet are not fwift to run after milchiefe, vanity, and I vwd companions.

ThAt Jitt^tb not in the feate of thefcornefnlL That is, that confinethnothimftlfetoche chair j of iniquity; tl^at con-firmcthnothimiejfe in his malice and hardncilc of heart; that doth not makeamockeof finne, and itftwith thefa-cred Word of God; that doth not dired the poyfonous ar-rowes of a fritefull tongue, euen at the apple of Gods owne eye, his dearcfl S-aints and feniants. Thar, with the fcomer, doth not dare the hi»heft maicfty of the Almighty, to whet his glittering fwordjandtake hold on iudgement; to put on his habergeon of rightcoufliefle, and the garments of vengeance for clothingifaying as it is lfa.5. i <?. Let htm makfjpced. let bintbafien hus ^orke^thmt we mai feett:AHdlet the counfcll oj the holy one of Ifrael drd^ neere^ and come, that wee ncaj k»ovr it.

Thus far his forbearance of finfull j.dio:is. Now followes hispra(5licein adlions of piety.

Bm hu delight is in the Larv of the Ltrd: that is, the whole dodlrinediuincly infpired,is the very ioy ofhis hcart,and delight ofhis foule. It is fweeter vnto him then hony, and the hony combe.Ic i^ more precious vnto him then gold,yeathrn much fine goId.Hf is more worth vnto him then heauen and earth. And when the heart is once enkindled with lo!ie,there thcimaginationimbraccthwith deareft apprehenfion; the thoughts are impatient of any other obicd; all the powers of the foule are vnited in a ftrong cndeuour for the attaine-ment. The whole mind muftneedsbcpoflefl with meditation,

m^.}

^H«i^

tion. If bee delight in the law of the Lord, hcemuftnjeeds meditate therein. And this ftruency of the heart,cannot pof-I fibly bee inclofed within the compafie of the breft : it will fprcad it felfc in fpeech and adions: as is plaine, Pfal. 37-30. Thf mt fifth of the ri^hteoHS will fpeak^ of wifedome, and hU tongMetvrU tdkeofiuJ.^tment, Thercafon fbllowes, "For the Law of hii God u in hi* hearK And Pfalm. i ip. 16j. My fottle hath kept thy Tefimomes: for I lone them exceedingly. And this lone, delight,nieditation, and exercife in the law cf God, ofthis happy man, is not as a morning cloiid,and as the morning dew, before the Sunwe : but like the light of the Sun, that .ffiineth more and more, vnto the pcrfed day.It is not for a ftait, for feare, vpon reftraint, for reputation, for aduantage; or to eouer the terrors ofconfcicnce,for a while^ with a few flafhes of deceiueable comforts, out of fomc mif-applfed promifes in the word of God •• but it is out of a free refblution, and with vndaunted cox\{{zwcy^day and niaht.

Butgiue mekaue,! beftech you, before I procecoetothc explication of the reftjor dedudions of dodrines from thefe paiticiL'ars ; to propofe vnto you this eencrall Dodrine, which hath his ftrength from the body of the Pfalme, and the maine fccpe of the Spint of God.

There is iw the Booke of God propofed and offered vnto vs, an happinefle, ftanding in opposition to all the vainc felicities, which ancient Philofbphers deuifed out of ttieir decpe fpcculations; orpcophane men frame out oftheir corrupt af-R'dious: not confifting in pleafures, riches, honoius, great-ntfTc i inciuill honefty, formall hypocrifie^orthe whole, pof-fibilitie of nature: but in fupernaturall grace, and the blefled confeqnents. ' ^

The M hole boo)\C o^ Scc/efiajiesy Salomens (acred retra-dalionSjisalargeand fbund dcmonftration of this DoL%ine. Salomon u as fonne vnto the worthieft King that cuer fway-cd Scepter vpon-carth jand hee was predeceflbr in the royall line vnto the Sonne ofGod ;.aHd fo matchlefle for nobilitic, if true happinefle badconfiftedtherdn. HcwasKiog ofie-nrialem, theXady of the woxid, the, perfcdion of beduty,aiid

the

Kyf Bifcourfe of true happneffe.

EccIeC 2.1

CccIx.iS.

1 the ioy of the whole earth. Hee gaiie iiiuer as itoiics, and gaiie Cedars as the wilde fig-trees, that grow abundantly in

i theplaine. He built himhoults, and planted Vineyards. He prouided him men-fingers, and women-fingers i and the de-

; lights of thelonnes of men. VVhatfociier his eyesdefired, he

I Mdth-held it not from them, and with-drew not his heart from any ioy. For wii'edome and vnderihnding, heehada large heart, euen as the iand that is on the fea fhore. In f jje-culatiue knowledge, he excelled the wiledome of all the

, children of the Eaft; and all the wifedomeoft/^m^. Hee was able to difcourle from the Cedar tree that ism Leba-

I non, euen vnto the Hyfbpc that fpringeth out of the wall.

I In wifedome of policie and gouernement, there was none like vnto him before him, neither after him fliall arile the

I like vnto him. So that Salomon was the moft fit and abfo-

I lute man that eucr lined, both for abilrtie in vnderftanding,

[abundance in poflelTion, and defire in fearching to take an exad: meafure, and thevtmoft extent of the worth and (iiiJiciency of all creatures: and to raife from them the beft contentments they could poflibly affoord. Yet when he had wearied himfelfe in the variety of paflages of this life; and in the Booke of .^c£-/^/^/<?/, becomes a publike pcnitentia-rie to the whole Church, and to all pollcrit)' -y fee hiS iudge-ment: he vtterly difauowes and difclaimes them all, as mi-ferablc comforters, as meere fliadowes and dreames j vvher-in there is no more matter of found comfort, then there is light inthegrcatefldarkenefle, ortafte in the white of an eggc. He fayes d^ laughter, Thou art mad i and of toy ^What pithii thatthoudoefl? And whereas wiledome aid knowledge, are the moft incomparable treafu»es this tranfitory world hath; he faith,that in the multitude ofvpiftdome is much ^iefe:andhee that increafeth k^(nvledge,mcreafeth forrow. And of thefe, and all other things vnder the Sunne; yea, and if to the glory of all created natures, were an addition often thoufand excellencies, that neuer man faw or enioyed i hee had pronounced of them all, in refpeft of true happi-neffe, and diuided from the grace and feare ofGod, and a

fandiiicd

/an<f^ificdhcart;thatthcy arcall vanity. And if he had ftaycd thcre,it had bccnc vdl; thatargtics but a palTiuc impcrfeAi-cn,and a vvtaktm fft of being \\\ the things themfeUies; but they are vexation of ipirit. Nothing in themfehics, yet full ofpowcr and ^ftiuitic, to inflidl vengeance and vexation vpon the fpint of a man. The {pint ofa man being found in fincciity, aiidfLCoridtdwithagood confcience, is able to j ^^earr out his infirmities, andallthcmiferies incident to his nature ; It is able tcpaflc by,, with a refolutc and contcnteci patience,the 1\ ing imputations of the prophaneft malices It is able, by tlie grace of God,to encounter with the terrors of dcath,and the Rat efiilnefle of the grauc : yea, to endure with a gracious humility, euen the prefencc of God and An-gds at that great Day. But a wounded and an afHidqd fpi-rit, who can btare ? if the eye be darkc, how great is tn»fi darkentflt?iftlie (pirit ofa man,which fhould rtfrefli all the i faculties ofthtloule with comfoi table chetrefulLielfe, andt Hllthc whole body with a liuely vigour, bee it Iclfc woun--dcdwith vexation andterrourj how comfortlcflc ts that; man ? If his ftiength were the ftrenglh of ftoncs, and hij \ flcflipfbrafTp j yet would theteitnent of a bitter af Aided • fbule grinde him^ to. powder; and mdt, a$ the dew bcf<wc; thcSunnc, whattbeutr hce accounttth ftrongcft, andmoft powtifulltorclceue hishcauinefl'e; :it would tume all his choifeft and dearedpleaiurcs into wormcwood aud bittcr-ncflc. And this vexation, with'whicb riches, honours, or what otl-.ervaiiitydefireablciii this life doth affiid the vn-rcgcneiate heart, istwofold: Inthevery purfuiteofthcm is muchanguifh, many gricuances, fearts, iealnufies, diigra-Gesintcrruptioiis,,dilcontentmcnts. Butafia: tljc vi^atidli-Hedeiiioying^thcja, folio wes the fting of confcience, that u illcutrlaftingiy vc^i^edicioule j which is the very carneft ,pf the fire of hell; by which a man dotlr-eiqjficl W'ith vncon-cciutablc horrour, the coiilummation of the wrath of God, (whicbburncthfarrc hotter, and more vnqucnchably,then any firCj tl)ough augmented with infinite riucrs,ofbrim-Itoac (tQ bee pow I cd ypon his body and Icule foreucrmore.

m

Ver&i|.

in the world to come. How then poflibly can there bee a^y happinefleinthefe vexations? Wherefore Saio/mnhaimg prooued the negatiiic part of my dotftrine, concludes thepo-/Itfucin the laft chapter • That to feare God, with reucrent regard tokeepc his commandements, is the onely way to bepaffefl: oFtriie happiiieffe^ to find peace ofconfcienccand aflfuraace ofchefdiioiirof God. For leta man^ while lie will, in this world of vanitie, either fport himfclfe in the foftand greene way of failing: plcarnres ; or plcafe himicife in the ' glorions miftries ofhodoiirs and high places ^ or tirehim-{elfe inthetoylcsof iiifjciablegi-ecdincflre ; or braue it in hisoathcSjblafphcmies, andftrengthof powring inftrong drinke; or tread the fearefuU and dcfperate path of cf^tir ttmipt ofthe power of Reiigioivhe-tnith ofGod,an9 fincc-rity of his Saints: all the while, when hce is at the beft, he is but as the raging fea, that cannot reft. For Co Iftiah com paresthe wicked. Chap. 5 7.20. Thefca, you know, is not onely many times toiled and tumbled vp and doWne wjth windesaiid tempefts ; but euer inwardly difquietcd, e«cn with her ownc motions, cafting vp continuaH mire and dirt vpon the fliore, and brtakir,g into foame her proudeft wanes againft the rockes: Euen fo the heart of that man Avhichhathrepofed hisaffec?lions vpon the gloiy oFthislifc is not onely many times difquieted and call downe with outward crofles and occurents; as withlofie of fricnds,di{-countenance of great Ones, difappointment of his hopts and preferments ; with wrongfullrailings, and disgraces; with looking vpon the day of his death, and vengeance vp-' on the wicked; with dirturbers of his fccurity in his plea fures and dignities: but isalfb, befidcs the reltlefle tbmire | of his confcience, euer from within, foaming out his owne iliame, the diflionour of Godj arid the vexation of his brethren. But it is not fo with him that holds the feare of God forliisfurcfllancfluaryjthat hath refolued to refigne vp him-felfeinholy obedience to the will of God. His heart is like the vpperpait ofthe world, which is euer fiill ofierenitic, con(bincie,and brightncflcj be the aire below neuer fo troubled

^

bled with flormes-and thundtrs j or the earth with commo tions and tumults: For let there be about him the dcuon-! nngrv.ordf)£ the Tyrant, the confuming flames of perfecu-j tion, the kcene i-aiws of lying tongues, the moiithes of Ly-' £>ns, the crutll.combinations of his enemies; nay, let the earth he moued,iind Itt the mcuntaines fall into the middcft ofthefcaiyethisheait sioyfull,patient,refolute,andcon-tentcd. . .

Biitto defcend mox£ fpccia'Iy to the particulars of the nc-gatULiepait of mv Docfl rine: let mce adde to the many and ftrong reafonsofthe ancientPhilofophcrs, and late Schoolc-4nen (againU pleafures,riclies, and hoix:urs ) thcfc three; which uiU for eiicr vtteriy diiablethem for cjaiming myi ihew of intert fl in mans happincfle. .

Fixfl, they cannot poHibly fill the vnlimitcd defirc of the foule. Foraltbiough the trearLires,the greatnent, the delights of a'l men Jiying, were in the prcfent poflcITion of one: yet fciuewhat befidesj and aboue all this, there would fti.llhee (ought, and earneftly thirfted for. Nay it s certainc, if pne man were not onely crowned with the foueraignty of ail | theKingdomesof the earth, butbeiide«, were made Com-1 Unanderof the motions oftheSunnc, and the glory of the j Stands; yet the'reft'eiTe eye of his vnfatisfied vnderflanding, j would peepc and prie beyond the heauens,for fome hidden excellenc\', andfiippofed felicity, which the whole com-) pafleofthis created world cannot yeeld. So vnquenchaHc is-the thirfl of mans foule, vntill it bathe itfelfeiiithc Riuer of Hfc, and in the immeafurable Ocean of goodnefTe and wifedome. So impolTible is ity that this material! wjprld j w ith all her pcrfedions, ihould bee a-proportionable qbied' tofopredousaaatujejor that fo diuine a fpai4ie fhould.y ccafe rifmg .an 1 afpiring, vntill it iojT^e it f<Ife to that i infinite f.anxc ofglor^ .aadinaiefty, from whence it ^i;i);:if- j fued. • ' , ■'

. Secondly, they cannot fecure the confcience dHirefTed '-withthcappr.tjbeflfioaof^hewTatliofG.od, or preuent his ^ judgements. Memcra^leis thjt laorrible auMzeineat, that!

fiirprifedi

t z

Daa. 5. 6.

ecaer7.,s.

furprifed the heart of ^r//^evr, amid hisgreateftiolities. Melting he wa« in pleafures, and delicioufiiefle i (olacing himfeifeamongft his wines and poncubints j caronfingin the golden and filucr veflcis of the Temple. But when there appeared fingers ofa mans hand, which wrote ouer againft theCand!efticke,vponthep!aifterof the wall ( a remtm-brancer vnto his confciencc, howcontemptuoufly, andfa-crijegioufly hce had diflionored the higncft Maiefty; and that the vials of Gods heaiiie vengeance were ready to bee powrcd vpon his head j all the ioyes ofhis royallpompe va-niflied as the Ihioke : For then the Kings ciur^enaHee was chaMfed, andhU thoughts trouhUd him,/» that the iojnts tf hti Itjnes Tvere loofed, and hu kfffct fmote one againfl the 0-thcr. And now, one pang ofhis wounded conicicnce did much more torment him, then the kincdome,maieft:y,gIory, and honour, which he recdued from his father Nebnchad-^ ne;czar could euer comfort him. So, I doubt not, but many times,thehtaitsofmany.gIorious Ones in this life, that are not in trouble like oflier men ; butlpread themfelues as greenebay-trees,; wTien they heai-e the ceitainc iudgemcnts of God,denounced out ofhis booke by his Minillers,againft I thofe finnes, to which ( by lung cuftome and vowed refolu-i lion jthey'haue faftened their aSc iHons, becaufe thereon depend their pleafures, honoius, ftarcs,reputations,contented paHling the time, or the like : 1 fa/,that many times ( except theirconlcienccs bee feared vp with a liot iron, againft the day of vengtance,andtheii their cafe is vnfjieakably vvofull) their hearts tremble, euen as the trees of the forreft, that are (haken with the windc: Amid their laughing, their hearts areforrowfiiU:Oriftheir mirth be entire, it is but /ike the noyfeofthethornes vtuler the fot. Thorncf vndcr a pot, you know, make a great crackling, and a noy{e for a little time: they blaze faire and bright, but are fuddenly extindt, and brought to nothing.Neither are thofe cold comforters ^le to quench Gods fiery ieloufie, when it breakes forth in plagues and iudgements againft a finfkll people. Wimefle the Prophets; Zephan.ckap. i. 17.18. Their Uoud ftall he ' fo)^^

<_xf Dffetterfr (ftrtf€ haf^ne^.

II

pC3»red4>MMduft,a)uitheirjlifl> as the dung. N either their fl-utr^ mr their gold Jhallkee able to deltuer them in the day of the Lords wrath^ htt the whole land Jhall bee deuoured by the fireofhisiealoujie, Ezech. 7. ip. Their ftluer and their gold coMnotdtliuer them m the day of the \\>rMh of the Lord: they fl^allnot fatisfie their feules, neither fill their bowels ^for thit mine ii for their tmcjuitie. Obad- 4. Thsugh thou exalt thy Jelfeasthe £agle^ and make thy nefi among the fiarres^ thance will I bring thee do wtte, faith the Lord. It \s not then any wedge of gold, or height oFpIace, can priiiilcdge, or prote<ft v$; when our finnes are ripe, and ready to take the flame of Gods fierce wrath and indignation.

Thirdly, they cannot ftretch thctnfelucs vnto eternity .For there arc no contentments of this life (whether they lye in honours, richt s,plealiires, friends,or the like) let them be ne« iier fb many in number', fo potent in the world,or in our own perfwafions, io exempt frOm mixture ofdircomfort;that can pp0ibiy bring v$ further, then our death-bed. It may be for ifew ^ wrctchtxi daies of our life,they haue detained vs in a fodes paradife, yet full of Vipers and Scorpions; it may be they haueleftfomeobfcure prints ofvnfound ioyes in our pafTages : but then, at their tarewell,they arc vtterly difpoy-I Jed of their wcakc, and imaginary fweetnes j and ai'e whoiy '. turned into wounds,andwormewood, into gall and vexation. Theylcaiieaftingindeedein the confcicnce, thatneacr Aks^xxt themrfclues die all at our deaths, and lie downc w^h ^ ysinourgraucs. Why then, when tiie immortall Ibule, be-it^g diflodgcd from this tabernacle of day, iliail now begin to enttrthe confines of eternity; what fliall cbmfoitit, ! through that endleffe duration ? Forif itlooke backe^o tills inch oftimCjWhich '^ confumed in vanity,it may aske-* W||^ I haue 1 been troubled about many things ? Why haue I ciii-fjuictedmy fdfrin vainc ? Why haue 1 inlblently infiilted (> j.uer innoccncy, and accounted fincerity madnes? WTiat hatB ;.|>ride profited mc ^M what profit hath the pompc of riches |bit)ughtmc? And it maybe anfwered: Allthojethings are ' fa(JedawayliJii^Afhad»rryatid as A Poafitbt^fAJfeth bj:as afhiy^

1 C tloM

^\\

Cap.t4'

itt

o/ Difconrfe of true happinefje.

that pajfethottifr the rvAftes ofths iv4ter^ which rvhen it it gone h , the trmce thereof cannot he foH/td, neither the fath of it in the fjfids: or as a Ltrd^ that flieth thnrow the atfi and r>o wan can fee any token of her pajfa^e, bnt onelj heare the nnjCe ef her xvinqs, bearing the light ind, parting theajrethroughtheve-hemcncjofher ^otnayand^yi^thon pjakjig her ■^•tni^s, tvhereas af.er;rardnotokenofher^\iy can he f*«»<^. Ifthen the expiration of all Worldly comforts be itioftecitaineajid ineiiitable, at the fiirtlbtft at our departure from this life j it is inipolfible there fhould beany abfoluteioy found-\\\ them: for there is-wanting the very life and accompliniment oftnu happines, aflurance of pcrpttuity, ImagiiiC tliereforc a man to be abu'i-dantly encompafTed tucn with all the del ires of his heait; let him wafh his paths with butter j and letthe rocKe powrc him out riucrsofoylej kthimheape vp filueras tlic duft,and gold as the mire in the ftrctts; let him decke himfelfe with maiefty and excellency, and airay him'tlfe with beautic and glory; let him drinkc v^p the pka-iuesof this world in as great abundance as Behemoth the riuer Jordan.; yet-all is uo' thing, hiinfelfebeing couered with corruption,and mortali-tiejandthefruitionof them with vanity and change. One generation pafleth away, and anotlier gene-ration commetlv, He muftatleugth ne-ceflarily makerefignation ofall into the hands of a new fucceirion : and he Oiall take nothingavvay. when he dies; neither (hall his pompe or pleafiU'es defcend after him.Yet if a man befides an entire and intcntjptcd pof-r, le/Iion ofhis worldly contentments; which is neuertobec looked for in this life^for^as lo^ {pcakes^fVhi/e hisflefhtdvpon hiniy hee Jhall ieeforrovpfull ^and while hisfotde iiin htmyitfhaU mottrne ; yet,I fay ,if befides he were able to extend his life to many milliais ofyecrcs, the matter werea Httle more tdc-rablc. But alas, the life of a man atthemoftis butahand-breadthjor a fpan long; and thiat which makes it much m^rc miferable, he knowcsnot in what part of that fhort i panne, how fuddenly,orhf>wj(bone he (hall be cut off from the land oftheliuing; and goe, and (hall not retume, euenvnto the landofdarkenefle,aiid (haciow of death, '^otthereioycing of

the]

L^ Difeourfe of true hapfineffe.

thervkkfdts fhorty and the toy ofKjfocritesii but <« moment. Though his exceHencie mount vp to the heauen, and his head reach vntotheclouds:yet fhtdlheperifhfor euer, Itks hUdttng^ andtheytvhichhauefeenehim, Jhallfay, vohereiihe^ Heefhall fiee a way as a dreame ,and they pjall mtfinde him, and/hall pajfe a'xayvsavifion of the night. So that the eye which hadfeene him^Jhalldoefo no more^andhis place jhall fee htm no more. And in this rerpe(f\, mans condition \^ far inferiour to other creatures. One generation pafTeth, & another generatio fiiccee-deth: but the earth remaineth for eutr.The Sun fecmcs euery night to lie downe in a bed ofdarkneffe; but he rifes in the i morning, clothed with the fame glory and brightnefle; and reioyceth as a Giant to mnne his conrfe:^/// man(Ca.ith lob)is ficksyanddieth^andmanpertfheth,and wher u he? tAs the waters pajfefromthe/ea,and/ts the flood decay eth, and dryeth vp ; fa manfleepeth, and rifeth not :for hee fhall not "^^ake againe, ner heraijedfromhtsfleepe, till the heauen be no more.

To let therefore thefe wretched vanities pafle; as vnwor-thy to be infifted on thus long.For howfocucr, the worldly-minded man, wanting vtterly the eye of faith, and hauing his eie ofreafbn dimmed with mifts,thatrife from his tumultuous and fiery paiHonSjgrofTe ignorance,and wilfull malice, (fothat he only looks vpon the honours,riches,and pleafures ofthistife, with a carnall andfenfualleye) may feemetofec in them fome glimmerings of happinefle,and thei-eafter con-forme and propoition his de{ires,endeauours,and proiecfls •, becaufe he hath his portion only in thislife:yetcertainely,thc truly generous mind may clearely,outofthe very apprehen-fion ofnatiu-c and light of reafonjdifccrnethem all to bee no better then a broken Itaft'e of reed^ whereupon if a man leane it will go into his hand, and pierce it,yca,and ftrike his heart too thorow with many fbrrowes; and that in the time of trouble, they will all proue but as a broken tooth,and Aiding foote. To let them therefore pafTe, and die and perifh,! come totwo other branches of the negatiue part; ciuillhoneiHe, and formall hypocrifie.

Thefe indeed are the tvvo great engines, by which In this C 2 full

n

Chap. 14.

IO,lI,I}^

H

i^ jyifeonrfe 6f true hafpmffe.

fill! light and glorious nooticticte of theGofpdl; theprincc of this woi-iddraweth many miHtrititdcs mto hrs fnares iir tfesr life, aticJ into chsinesof daiicnf flein (iTelJfe-to coipc.

Swc«tnefl[e ofnatuiv,lo'icli»ie(fc ofdifpofition,fairenefrcot eonditions, a pleaiing afJ-abilitic in carriage and conucrtati-onjativnlwaycdvprigiirnesinciiiiHaflions, aird iitgotiati-ons with men, make a goodiy fliew- Bat if th; re bee an ac-ccflion of profeliion of the Gofpell.ofoatwa^-d performance ofreiigioiisexercifesofrome correfpondcncc with the fet-nants of God; why then the matter is ftricken dead: There is Ithepcrfcdion. Whatfoeuer is abone, is proitd hypocrifie, vaineglorious fingularitie,phantaftickc piedfene(ie; when (God knowes)there may be z\ this,and yet no power of Re-Ugion,no life or grace,no trae happine{le,!io hope of eternity. To the demoiiftration of which point beforel prpcee4e, let ■HiepretKnt two obiediions.

Firfr, I deny not, bur thatmorallvcrtiioiifncfle is good, and excellent in it felfc j the outward performance ofrcHgi-oiis duties, and the exercife ofthe mtanes of €)ur cosiuerfion-arenecefliry.But if moral vertaoufneffc wercabletoptrt on-the greateft magnificence and applade, that euer it anciently enioyed amongfttbe precifeft Romanes; wherby it might worthily draw into admiration and iuft ch»llcngt',ei]eh thelb times of Chriftianitic : yet in rcfpei'^ of acceptance with God, and conformity to his will; and being not guided and landified by llipernaturall grace, it is but at the beft the very filthinefleof amenfljiioiis clout. And outward aftions of Religion, be they performed with as glorious a fhe w and vndifcernableconiieyaiice, asenerthey were by the moft formallPbarifejyct feuered from a found and faiictified haitj' i (the fountaijne which giues life,fwcctnes,aiid acceptation to all outward fen&es ) theyaie but all, as t"he cutting off o^» Pogs necke,and the ofttring ofS wines bloud.

Secondly, I doe nothterc by any meanes purpofe the dif^ xxxmfbrt of that man, whofefbuk is yet wraftline with the grieuonsaftiidions aid terrors ofconfcicnce, in the foretra-ueliof his new-birch:! wilh vnto himthe fweeteft comforts

that

K^ Difcourfe of true /jappmefi.

that either he in his deepeft agonies can defire, or the bowels of Gods tendered compaiTions are wont to powre into bro-l<en and bleeding hearts; and that the ioyfull light of hisSa-uioiirs countenance may breakCtfborth vpon his cloudie and droopingconfcience, withftrre greater brightnelTetheii e-uerthecleereft Siinne vpon the fece of the earth. Neither doe I purpofe the difcouragemcnt of him who bath happily pafled the fcarefiilhbut neccffaiy pangs ofremorfe for (innesj and hath already (^by the grace of God) laid hold vpon the meritsand merciesof Chrift,by ati\:e/!ioiigha weakc faith. I wifh that his fbule ( as a n€vv-borne babe in Chrift) may be touched with the fmootheft hand of them oft wife and charitable difcretion ; and that it may beenouriftied with the fvveeteft milke ofthe moft gracious and comfortable pro-mifes. I euer cfteemed it moft bloody crueltie to quench the fmoking fiaxe, or breake the bruifed reed,or to adde for- \ row to him whom the Lord hath wounded; and therefore rather infinitely defire to turne the fm.oking fiaxe into a bur^ ning fire of zcale; to refrefti the wedke and wounded heart, with foftcft oyleof Gods deareft mercies ; to make the bruifed reed a pillar of brafle, that it may ftand ftrong, and fureatthe day of try all. Whereupon, I pronounce out of moft certaingrounds of Gods eternall truth, vntothe weak-eft faith, iftrue and found; that the gates of hell, with all thefiiric and malice ofthe prince and power's fof darke-ncffc, ftiall ncucr preuaile againft it. That neither Angels, nor principalities, nor things prefent, nor things to cojne, iicr depths below, nor heights abouc, nor the creatures of tennethoufand worlds, fliall euer bee able to worke a reparation of it from that infinite loue of God, which firft planted it in the heart; or a difiuncflion of it from Chrift, which infpires It continually with life, fpirit, and motion. It is not difference of degices and mealure, that takes a-way the nature and being of it. A fmall drop of water is as well and truly water, as the whole Ocean : a little ^arke is as truly fire, both in eflence and quality, as the mightieft flame; the hand ofa little child may receuie a Pearlc, as vfdl C 3 _as

o^ Difcourfe sftrue hapj^mejje.

Pro. 17. If.

as the hand of the greateft Giant, though not hold it Co ftrongly: a vveake feith may be a true Bfth, and foa fauing faith,asweliasthe fuH pcrfvvafion and height of aflurance. Thisonelylinuftaduifeinthispointj that ifthisgraine of nviftard-feed, watered with the dew ofgra^e, grow not to-waids a great tree : if this fpai-ke, enkindled by the Spirit of God, fprcad not into a big flame: if this fmall oliealurc of faith be not edged with a longing feruency after fiilnefleof perfwafion, andlecondcdwithanaiTiduousandferious en-deauour after more perfediotti it was no found and fauing feith, but onely a counterfeit flicw, and a deceiuing Shadow. But yet for all. this, I cannot (without a woe) Ipeake good of euill,and euill of good: I muft not put darkeneflc for Ught, and hght for darkentfle: wife Salomon hath taught vs, that hee that iu^i^nh the ■mck.ed, and hee that condemneth theiuft, euen they both are an abomination to the Lord. And therefore I muft tell you, that a man may bee great in the eie of the world, andintheiudgement of the greater pait for his ciuill honefty, and fblemne performances of outward duties of Religion ( to which many thoufands neuer attained )and yethimfelfe be not onely a ftrangerfrom the life' of God, and right happinefle, and holden faft vnderthepo-wer and tyrannie oftne firft death : butalfo by accident, being puftvp witha conceit of an imaginary perfedion, become a violent oppofite to the power of Religion and true godlinefTc. The reafoft whereof may be this: Our coritipt nature ( as in matters of vnderftanding and opinion ). wor-keth in cuery man a too too much loue of his owne inuen-tions, and conclufions; ail oppofition inflames the aftc-^on, andfetsonfootethewit, to findcout arguments for their proofe, lefthcfeemeto hauebeenetooweakofiudge-ment in framing them, or too inconftant m not defending them: euen foalfo in matters of life and conuerfadon j and the more plaiifible a mans courfe is^ and the more glori-oufly it is entertained of the world, the ftrongerismsrc-foktion to continue in it, and the more impatient hee is of allcontrolement and contradi(^on. So that morall honefty,

nefty,and outward religioufhefle, being in themfeliies good and ncceflary, and a goodftep to Chnftknityiyetby accident are many times aftrongbarreto keepe men from the power of godlineflc and vnrained finceritie. Becaufe, when they conCid&r their preftnt cmirfe is in good acceptance with the world, and that it may we'lconiift with the free enjoyment of their honours and pleafiires, at leaft arifing from their beloued and (ecrct finnes, they willingly and peremptorily reft and repofe vpon it; contented with a proba-,ble errour of being in the ftate of grace, and with a plaufible paflage vnto etemall death. And the rather, becaufe they know full well, if they (hould ftep forward vnto fbrwarcv-ncffein Religion, and that inward holineflfe, without which they (hall neuer fee the face of God, they fhould not onely raife vp againft thcmfelues many thundringtempefts, of the worlds infolent, falfe, and fpiteftill cenfures; biit alfb euen from thcbottome ofhcII,many difturbances and fearfiill ten-tations. For I am perfwaded, while a man lies fecure in the courfe of vnregeneration, if the deuill can procure it, he iLall enioy his hearts dcfire, he fhall bring his enterprifes to paiTe, and not fill into trouble like other n^cn. Hee oncly then begins to beft jrre himrclfe,whcn a man begins to ftirre towards grace; or that by histraines, hee hath brought him tofome point ofaduantage, to fome dead lift,to his deaths-bed; that he may haue a full ftroke at his deftruflion, that he may fud-denly and certainely fwallow him vp, body and foule; and then he payes him home with a witncflejfor cither through fenfelefneffe, or defpaii*e,he finkes him downe irrecouerably into thebottome of hell.

Thefe two obicdions thus preucnted; I come to the proofeofthe point in hand. And firft, thefe reafons following may demon ftrate, that he which reaches but to ciuill ho-nefty, comes fane lliort of being mChrift, and confequent-ly,oftniehappinefre. '

Firft, fome of the Heathens ( out ofthoft weake notions and inclinations to vertuouinciTe, which corrupted nature conftjfcdly imprinted in their mindes ) attained a great mea-

C 4 fiirc

me yntnti |

reEl^fecitf

ytfacere

yiiierctHff

iiterfacert mn f9ttr4t'y tmaut td

tftrMtmem bdhre, qftidhah'-1 ret ittfiiti^i emmbm ifumdHtf yitijstm-

ferfartUMA

$HfnAp»te'

fidtc hd-

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lus,lib.i'

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fetcdtd,

*CoHtr4

£.1

«Cap.ix..

e^ Di^courfe of true hafpirte[fe.

\

fure of morallperfedion.This EUgte the 'Hiftoiian giues of the Romane Cato. Cato tvas a man rehich dtd oinimate the fAire (peculatiue in:age of vertne W-tth Ituclj executions and fra^ife^ GeodneffevrM [o habitually incorpora'ed into hit ho-nefl mmd^that he did gosd,not for reJpeSs and referuedlj^ but becAufehe could pojfihlj doe no othsrvptfe. Im^artiaU indi^eren-cie WAS the rule ofhii anions j and being f-ee from the corruptions of the time, hee was the fame man, and had a fee command ouer his ■pajfons^ both in time of acceptation and dtfgr^.ce, Itisfiiithef reportedofjF<«^w/>^, thatamaa might Iboner I ttirriethe fun from his courfe, thentofvvay Fabnctus^ by re-fpeds )rrofnhoncftandingcniiDusdealing.And yetailtfjefe excc'lletlcies of morality are iiiftly and truly caifured by Di-uinity,tobebut ^gloriousfm,beaut%ftdlabominations. Aufm, * that great difputer, and worthy Father, confirmes it vnan-fwerably jcfpecially from that ground in the Epiftictothe ^Hcbrcvjes'.fytthoutfaithttisimpofpble to pleafe God. Let a mans workes bee in Qiew naicr ib good, fo magnificent, fo charitable j except the heart be purged from dead workes byaliueiyfaith, and pure from an euill confcience, he is but a painted fepulchre, or whited wall. But yet take this by the vvayjifthefc Heathensf in thetwilight ofreaf6)'jecamc fuch i admirable lights of vprightneffe and honefty; and yet Chri- • ftiansinthefedayes( whqi all the beames of ChriftsbKffed Gofpelarerhiningandfliead round about them ) continue ftill in darkeneffcjcold and frozen in prophanene 111 and fecu-rity; ccrtainely, as it fhallbc eafier for Tjrus and Sidon at the day of iudgcmeiit, then for Coraz,in and Bethfaida -, fo it fliall be eafier for many Heathens (^hough to them impoflible) thenfofthofeChriftians, that pafle not them in vertueand integrity. Cato sLiid Fabrtcir^ at that day fhall rife vp againft many luke-warrae Profcflfors of our times, to their etcrnall fliame, confufion, and condemnation. ' "' ' '

Thefccond reafpn is grounded vpon the words o^^aint f««/, t Corinth. 2. 14. Thenatnrall man perieiueth not the

L

thin

mffsefthe Spirit of God-^ for they are fooli/bnejfe vnto htm ither can he k»ow them, becaufe they are jpiritHally dtfcerjied*

In

exf Bifcourfe of true hap fine ffe.

ip

In this phcCyhy(datura//man ) is not meant onely the carnall and fenlua!! man, fwiniflily wallowihg in vanities andplea-Iures:butasthe bell: and fbiindeft Interpreters conceiiie it, cuen a man confidered with the wholecompafle of the reafb^ nable fou'es poiTibilitie And mans reaConablefouIe, by that ftrtTJgth it yet rctains(iince it was by God iuftly difinherited ofalllpiritual patriaiony,for ^<a!'^w/rebellion)m*ay purchafe fbme kind ofperfecflion.Firftjiii itfelfe it may be excellent,if endowed with a fharpe wit, a quickeapprehenfion,a ftrong mind, a piercing iudgment,afaithfullmemory,a more moderate wili,and milder aft-cdions. But if by indnftry aud Art it ftunilli and fill tuery feuerailfecultic with thofeornaments and qiiaiities, of which they arc naturally capable, the perfe-dicn is much more admirable. And yet befides thefeexcel-lenciesin it felfe,itmay iLineglorioufly toothers,itmaygoe further;' & inablcitlelfeby ad-ion,experienceandobferuati-on,with fuch an vniuerfall wildom,-that it may not only be fit and qua! 1 ficd for notable oiJices of Ibciety and entercourfc in politike Bodies, but alfo reach vnto that depth offorefight, and large comprehenfion of circumftances, that it may bee Worthy imployment ih aftaires of State, and in thedircdion and guidance of whol kingdomes. All thefeperfedionsmay concurre vpon the roulc,and yet it remaine ftarke blind in the myftcries of SaIuatioi7. Imagine them all ioyntly in oneman, and inthehigheft degree of ptrfedion and excellency, of w'hich vnfandificd morality is capable, and let them be ne-uer iomuch admired^and flattered of the world; yet without the fait of grace to kafon them,& the life of faith to animate them, they are but as gay and rich attire vpon a leprous bo*-die; as iewtls,chaines",tod bracelets, vpon a dead and rotten carcafe. Let no linan then deceiue his owne heait; h^may i)iee j enriched with^iingularpregnancieof all the faculties of the foule, h'j- maj^Bfe ftored with variety ofthechoifeftandpro-foundeft Icarrting,heemay exprefle in^dion and ciuillhone-j fty theabfolftteportraiture«f AnfiefJe/morzilveituGS f hee? may bea^^blitikt zsJilHtophei'^hefecounfeU^^hkh hefoufp-] filledmthojed^yes^ wat'like' as ont^ had^k^d l^iunfeil at the

OracU

i.Samii^

\^ Difiourfc of true happiruffe.

- >.i:v.tZ.t

Oracle of God :znd yet without {upernaturall illumination, and the diwinc graces^ of faith, lo«e,zea!e, fincerity,rpiritua II wi(domea fandificd contention of fpiwtjin making towards God in all kind of duties; which only put a man into poflefTi-on of true happineSjand fit him for ablefledaflbciation with God,Ajigels,and holy men;I fay,without thefefupernatuiall graces^ he cannot onely not perceiuc the things of the Spirit of God, but ( which is an horrible and fearefuU curfe ) euen cfteemethem fooliflinefle.

The third reafon fliall bee taken from the example ofNi-codemm^ lohn 3. Nkodemns, I am perfwaded, was an honcft and an ingenuous man; T am fure he was a great man, and a Teacher of Ifrael; yet when he comes out of hisciuill hone-fty and natiirall wifedomc, to reafon and confer with Chrift about the Valuation of hisfouleand eternall happinefle; he is ftrangely childilh and a meerc infant. For when Chrilttels h\m;,Sxceft a man bee borne ugaine^ hee cannot fee the ^iigdome of God y he replies : How can a man be borne which ii oldl Can hg enter into bu mothers W9wbeagaine and be bdrne ? A reply, which may breed an aftonilhment in all that fhall cucr reade thisftory vnderftandingly vnto the worlds end •• nay, it (eemcs to feeme ftrange to Chrift himfelfe, by his interro-gatiue admiration afterward; Artthon a Teacher of Ifraell, and kn^^efl not thefe things ? And no maruell; for who woiild thinkjthat one of the bell of the Pharires,a ruler of the le wes, aprofeft Dodor in the Law and the Prophets, and oac care-full to faue his foule, (hould bee fb grolTcly and palpably ignorant, in a moft materiall and necelfary point of faluation; cfpecially, hauing many times, no doubt, read it in CMofes and the Pmj^ets? Amongft many places, he might fee,Ezec. 3d. 26, 27. moft clcarely laid downe the great and glorious worke of our new birth: ^w^ heart alfo will Igtue you^and a nrfvjpirit wtillfHt wtthin you^and I wUl take the jlany heart out ofyoHrBody,andlwilgitte you a heart offefhy t2^r.But when he comes from teaehing,and reading of this and the like places, tobcc examined in the pradile and experimentall feeling of thefe graces of regeneration vpon his owne foule j why, hee

talkes

talkesofa man that is old, entring againe into his mothers wombe: from whence he fliould certainely retume with a doubled pollution and corruption of nature; and once more the child ofSatan then he was before. But fo it is,where the heart is not fcafbned with fauing grace; let the vtiderftan-ding be ncuer fo great with fwelling knowledge, theprafli-call powers of the foulc neuer fo pregnant with wifcdomc and policy,andperfeded with moral vemies; yetthereis «o-thingto bee cxpe(?ted from that man in matters and myftc-riesoffaluation, butdaikcnefleand blindndTe,childiflinefTe and (hipiditie.

Fourthly the young man in the Gofpcll may bee a fit in-ftance for our prcfcnt purpofe. He was vnreproueable in the externail iufticc and outward obfenianccs of the fecond table, wherein ciuill honefty doth principally confift^ but how farre he v\ as fi cm inward (andification, the ftate ofgrace^ and happineffc ot Gods children, appearesin theftory. For when the facrcd and powtrfull words of our blefled Sauiour, had infinuatcd into the ftcrctsof hisfoiile,andftmcke at his fwectc finneofcouetoufiiefle \ the yong man isprefently caft into a fit of melancholy. Chriftistooprecifea Preacher for him, he cannot digcft fuch a ftnd aixl feuere courfe: he will not abandon his pkafures of worldlinefTc, his Palaces, his poflelTions, to follow Chrift the Lord of heauen and earth in tliislife, though he affuie him of the rich treafutcs of eter-nall blcflcdnes in the life to come : ^hen the young man heard thatfaynig,hee '^'cTtt mvayforronfuil: for hee hadgreatfoffeffi-ons. W hereby we may lee, that a man may be ciuilly honeft and vncenfurable in outward workesofiuftice,and yet harbour and nourifli fome clofe corruptions,and fweetefinnc in his heart • from which rather then he will part, hee will lofc hispai t in Chrift, thebottomlefle fountaine ofendlefleioyes and comforts,and his portion of vnualuable glory in the new lemfalem.

This point being thus manifeft, for conclufion Iwilllay downe certaine differences, betwixt the rightcoufndfe of feithand fandifk;ation,and the righteoufncffe of ciuill hone-

ftie,

21

4 Mattfa.1^

Verieas.

o^ Difcenrfe of true happmeffr.

ftie, thataman may haucfome dire flions to examine his foulea'id confcicnceinthis refpeif^.

Fiiftjthe fountaineand originaUoFiighteoufnefle of faith, is the ran(5lifying Spirit of God;I call it the fan ?>if v'i:ig Spirit becaufe the Spirit ofGod may by a generaU influence con-curretotheillumiuation of the vnderftanding withknovv-ledge,a id a ciuill reformation of the will euen in the vnrege-nerate:butthe fandifying Spirit,by the miraculous operatiue oflauing grace, doth purge and mortifiethe inmoft affeili-ons,pIant iufliifying faith in the heart,renevv al the powers of the {bule,andreinueftthem(in fome good meafure) with the bleffed image of holineiTe and integririe wh ch thev loft i i Ad^m. Butthecaufc and fo'intaine of righteoufiiefl'eof ci-uil'honefty, maybeegoodnefleof conftitutionandingeau-oufnefTe; whereby a man may not be fo apt and inclinable to notorious (inncs, or want of trials and prouocationSjOr fcarc pf lawes and temporall punilTiraents, or defire of i epuration andrifing, ora vainehopetoftayGodsiudgements for inward corruptions by ciuill outwardnefle, or at beft, tbere-ftraining Spirit of God .• by which hedothonelyrepreffethe fiiriesand outrages of the wicked, and reduce them tofome moderation and honefty, for the quiet of his Elecft, andcon-feruation of Kingdomes. For if God did not puthishooke into the noftrils of prophane men, and his bridle into their lippeSjCuery one ofthem('fith eucry manhathin his corrupt nature the feedes of all finnes that eucr haue, are, or may bee committed)! fay euery one of them might become a crutil Senacherii>,z railing Shemei, a traiterous Indas, a bloody Bonner, an hellifh Faults, fierce Woolues and Lions againft the filly and innocent Lambes of Chrifts fold.

Secondly, righteoufnefl'e of ciuill honefty in outward ;idions, may make a colourable pretence of pietie and vp-• rightnes ; but indeed hath many lecret relations to pleafures, to friends,to profit, to preferments, to reuengcmen-tjto paiTI-onsjpartialities and euents,and fuch like by-refpeds; not ea-■^y di(ccr:, jble, but by him whofe eyes are teiine thoiifand times brighter then the Sunuc. But righteoufntftt of faith

hath

K^ J>ifcaurfe 9f true hapfmefe.

■-v^

hath in all acflions,forthe maiiie fcopc and principail cnd,thc] glory and honour of God: and if iiifiimitiG doeiometimey diftainethcm with fbme mixture aad adherence of refpcfb, ("for who can fay, My lieait is cleanc?eucn the pureft a flioiis are mixt with fome fpice of corruptions; ) it workes in the faithfljUfbuIemuchgriefcjforrow, (triuing agalnft, repentance and humiliation.

Thirdly, righteoiifncfle of faith,doth labour watchfully, religioufly, and confcionably in that particular cailingj wherdn Gods prouidence hath placed a man, and in ail the| parts and Ipeciall duties of godlmefle and obedicnce.Kut ci-uillhonefty wanders in the generalities of religion; and many times in impertinenfjvnfetled and vnlimited courfcs.

Fourthly, righteoufnefle of faith doth ftriue with greateft earncftneffeandcontemion of fpuit for fpirituall comfort, and a good confcienee before God. But ciuill honeftie is flrlly and finally fatisfied with credit and plaufiblcn.Qea-mongft men.

Fiftly,ci8ill honeftie makes no great confcienee of fmal-ler finnes; as lying, lefTcr oathes, gaming, prophane ieftiug, idlendfc, paftime on the Sabbath day, and the like. But righteouTnefle of faith hauing a I'enfible feeling of the heauie waightof fin, from thofe anguiOies which the confcienee felt Sl fore the infiifionoffaith; and being Itill ftung witha check c and 1 mart for all kind of tranfgrefiions, doth feafona-bly aiid proportion^ly hate and make refinance to all knowne linnes.; ' ■:■■:;-■' \ •-) :

Sixthly, ciuill'l^oneftie dolfhnotvfeto m^e oppofition againft the finnes of the tifAc, but is euai willing to be carried with the ftrcame onely vpon more faire and probable j tcarmcs, then notorious fmfulneflc; and therefore will goc on,andencourageamaningodlycourles, and goodcayleSj vntill hemeetc with,eithera wound to his ftate,adifgraceto his perfon, a difturbance to his pleafiu'es, an imputati<Mi to his forwardnc{re,,ia ftop to his preferments, lofie of friei^s, imminencie of danger, or any ilich crbfle and difcou-i-agementiand then it teacheth him to ftep backc, a§ a ma?

r.ady

n

H

K^ Bifcottrfe of true happineffe.

ready to tread vpon a fcrpent, and to ftart afic^e like a broken Bow. Bat righteoiilhefle of faith dotlifbnd out for the ho-noiu- of God, and ordinarily goes tl^orow-ftitch, in good caiifes; come what come can;cro{res or caliimniations,good report or euill report, men or diuels. For it is compleatly armed with confidence of future happineiie, and hath fixt the eye vpon the crowne ofimmortahty ; which if heaucn and earth confpired, they were not able to pull it out of his hand, thatreferuesitin theheanens, for all thofe that fight a good fight, that keepethe faith,and runne with conftancy the race offandification.

The next point of thencgatiue part of my doflrine,is for-mallhypocrifie. Which that you may more clearelyvnder-' ftand, confider with me three kinds of hypocrific: priuy hy-pocrifie,grofre hypocrifie,formall hypocrific.

Priuie hypocrific is that, by which a man makes profeffi-on of more then is in his heart. And thi&fometimes doth mixeit fclfeeuen with the faireftand moft fanftifiedaiflions of Gods deareft children j and doth Iboneft infinuate into a heart ftored with the rich treafures of true godlinefle. For Satan, if he cannot detaine a mans fbule in notorious finfiil-nefle, inmeereciuill honcfty, or formality, but that by the ' (acred infpirations of Gods good fpiritjit is pulled out of the mouth of hell^from the flaaery of finnc, andcourfes of dark-nes, into the gloricxis light and liberty of Chrifts Kingdome; he is inraged with fierce and implacable furie, and doth euer certaincly with eager purfuit perfecutc that foule, both by hisowne immediate malice, at^ by the crucll agencie of prophanemen. And if fobe he cannot procure a Icanda'.ous relapfcintogroffefinnes; yet that he may in fome mjadnv workethcdifhonourofGod, andthediicomfortofhisno-bieft creaturcthc two mainecnds of all the policies of hell, heedoth latx>ur to diftaine the pure ftreames of diui le grace in the foule puddle of our cormpted nature; andatlealt to faftenthe (pots of priuie hypocrific vpon. the belt afbions-, apd the very face of innocencte.This hypocrifie(as Itakeit) anYeth fromfpiiitMall pride. For when a godly man, by the

;|

o/jf Difcdurfe 6ftrue hap^ineffe.

oreat woike of regeneration is become woTtf <rArc<>^^«', then his nei^hbour';3i% indeedt hee iacomparably is, howlbcuerthe u'orlds eftimation beotherwife.-Btcanfe the one \s^ as yet, a limme ofSatan,receiuing from him the curled infiiience of foule pollutions, ofvnckanctTe, and lyitig, of malice and re-uenge, of piide and profanenefle, &c. The other is alieady a bleflcd membei of Chrifts myfticallbody, continually \\\{^\r red with holy motions and the hfc of grace. The one lies polluted in his own bloud,incompa{red with the menftru-ous clouts of loathfome corruptions; of all natures, except onely the Liuclland his angels, the moft wretched and-foriornc ;ofthe family ofhelljheire of horrour and defola-tiou :The other by the immortallfeed of the pure and povver-fiiirWoid of God, IS vcoA'&fartaker of the dtttine nature ; clothed with the rich and vnualuable robe of Chrifts iuftice; guarded with an inuiricibletroopeofheauenly Angels; iuft-iy intituled to a Kingdome of vnconceiueable gloric, and picalures more then the ftai res of the firmament in number. The one isa wrongftill vfuiperof theriches,hcnors and pre* ferments of tliis lifejfor which hereafter he muft be condem-nedtochaincsof etcmall darkentfle, and dungeon of cnd-Itfle miftrieand confiifi.on: the ether, whiles he continues in this world, h a righjffiill owner and pofleflbr of the earth, and all the creatures andbkftings of God ; and when hee departs hence,lie ftiall be made a glorious inhabitant of thofe iacrtd fHanlions, where conftant peace, vnmixed ioyes, and bkfltd immortality eueti for eucr and euer doedwcll. Which great difference when the godly man pcrceiues, and his own pruogatiues, hee is filled with a ftrangeand ioyfullamaze-meot and admiratit;n of his ou^ne happinefle; which Satan Iteing, who is perfcdly experienced in all aduantagcs and opportunities for fpirituallaflaulrs; and working vpon the rehques of mansproud nature, doth cunningly draw him to aduance abouethat which is mtete wirhm himfclfe, inliis owne opinion, the Worth cthis owne graces aodvertucsi Whichthar he may conucy andreprcfent to the'vieW of the wondAvithan excellencie proportionable to hisownouer-

weenijg

25?

Pro. 12. x^.

X PeM,4.

o^ Difc^urfe oftrite kappfntf/e:

weenirag conceit, he is forced to admit the fecretand infenfi • ble poyfonof priiiic hypocrifie j wiudi he doth more eafily at the firft enteitaine, becaafe the peftilencie and bittenieile j thereof is not ditcernable by reafon of the predomiuaiKie andfweetneiTeofthefrelliprefcntgiacesof Gods Spirit in hisl<HiIc. Butwhenbyafflicflionsordifgiaces, byfomc ck-tr'taovdii/iarytetitation or particular chcckes from the Mini-iicry of the Word,thc vgltnefl'ecjf it is diicou^rcd tphis corn fcicDce J he for cuer abhorrcs it, as a coniliming canker, that would fretoiit the very heart ofi^ace,andextingLiilh the Ufe of (inceritie; and therefore with mach humiliation and fer-ueocie duth pray againft it, firiiicagainft it, and by the mercies of God preuaile againil it.

This kind of hypocrifie belongs net to my prcfent pur-pofc ; onclybytheway let me giue adnertifement to the childe of God{foi to him onely J fpeakc in this point, to the end hemAy keep his heart vnblameable inholinefle, and pre-fcrue the true rcljlh and found ioy of good ailions entirej, and vndiftcnipcred ) that hee would ftrongly fence his heart with a gracious and vnfaiiied humilitie, againftpriuie pride the mother of this hypocrifie j as ag^inft aclofe, vndenni-ning^nda raoft dangei oiis encmie j and the more ferioufly ' anciwatchfullyforthefe reafons; partly drawne from the nature c^thc fin :and partly from the ftate oFhis foiiIe.From thenatijre of the fin;

Firft, other fins grow from poyfonous and pefi:ilent roetcsi as Adultery, homidlenefTc J Faclion, from dilcon-tent; Murther/rommahce; feftingout of the Word of God, fromaprophane heart; the Killing of loulcs, from Non-r.fi-denciej Enuie and flatteric, from a bafe and vnmanly weakc-nefle ofminde; Violent ambition, from a diftmftfliliindc-pendcncie vpon God; Scorning of godlinclie, from a reprobate i'enic: but this fin fpringeth from a feire and vnfiifpe-, (fled fountaine, euen from 2xale, godly dutifs^^ and goodj aflions. ,.,.

Secondly, other groffc finnesfpread themfclues vniuer-fally ouer the whole corrupt made of all the ioimcs of men;

but

K^ Difceurf^ of true happinefe.

27

jbut this doth fingle out the chofeii of God, aiid takes vp his feare in the fan(5lified foule.

i Thirdly, this finne doth vnauoidably winde it fclfe into ihe heart of a man, vvithaflie and peculiar kindeofinfimia-t-ion, For when a godly man for a good adlion or inward grace doth feeme to difdaime pride m his confcience, hee may be proud that he is not proud, euen of his humilitie,and that he is abletodelcrie his prideand corruptions more then \ others can doe. So eiiditfTc are the mazes of Satans circular tentations.

lourthly, there is no depth of knowledge, nomeafureof grace,noeminencieof zeale can be exempted from hazard of furprifall, by this laft and moft cunning encounter of Satan by priuy pride. P^^z/At hat great inftrument of Gods grea-teftgloric, in whom there was amatchlerte concurrence of diuine g'ace?, and variety of all manner of affliclions, notable mcanestokeepethehiartofmanin humilitie; yetlefl he fhould be exalted out of meafure through the abundance 'of reuelations,there was giuen vnto him a pncke in the flefh 'the mcflcnger of Satan to bufltt him.

Realbn§ taken froin the flatc of the regen-erate fouIc, are thefe:

Firft, let the bcfl and moft mortified man turne the eye of his confcience from the fruitlefle and dangerous fpeculati-onofhisowneworthinefle; andfaftenita while vpon his corruptions and infirmities, vpon his many deficit ncics in religious duties and executions of his calling, wants, and weaknefles in prayer and inward deuotion, his dulnefle and vncheerefulnefle in religious exercifeSjhisomilfioas of ferui-cesand otcafions fortheinlargingofthe kingdom of Chrifl, his cold and fbmetimes cowardly piofecution of good cau-fes, his now and then {linking from a bold profeflion of fin-ceiitie» for feare of the vaine and wretched imputations of worldiingSj&c.and out of this confideiation,hee will bee fo fane from iQS{: conceitedni-lTe, and a pajtiall ouerualuiug. of hisowne gifts and veitues, that hee will finde much matter and iuil caufeto renew his repentance, to fland vpon

D his

o^ Difcourfe 6f true happineffe.

his'guard againft fpiiituall pride, to continue and increafe fiis humiliation, to double his zcale aiid rcfolution fbrthe glorifying of God, and fiibduLig his owne fecret corruptions.

Secondly, let him confider, how before hiscalling he marched furioufly and defperatclyvnder Satans colour^, in the nurfciteofpkafiires, vanities and worldly honour^; With iKiw refbliicc Iiatrcd aiidconti.mpthc oppofed againft (ince-ritie and ''aumg g'ace, as againft. ntedelefle precifeneflc and folly; how fcarekfty and how farre he ran in the paths ofini-quitie, and the finftiU paHages of the kingdome ofdarknefte j where no reward was to be expe(5led butfliame and mifcrie. But after it pleaied the Lord to place his Angdl in the way to ftop the torrent of his impieties, & tofct hisfacred Word-bcforc his eyes, as a glorious light to dired: him in the waie^ ofrighteoiiiiieflc: let him remember howoFi'^n hee hath ftartcd afide for falfc & imaginary ftares; how oft^n hf haLh fturabled euen in the euenparh, through his owne heedlc-neflqhow often he hath ftood ftill in his way, cither gazing onthe painted and lying glory ofthe world, or liltening to the allurements and deceitfull charmes of his owne fieOi : Nay,how fcmetimes he hath been inforced to retire by fome cunning traine and malicious ftratagem of Satan. So tliat (fince his conuerfion ) he hath but runnc faintly and flowly, and wonne little ground in the grace ofgodlineffc , although there be fet before him theprice of the high caliing,the high-eft aduanccment of the foule,fulnefteof ioy,and the precious trcaliires ofimmm talrtie. And ifhedemurre a while foundly vpon this point, hetnay for euer feare left a felfe-Hking of his owne excellency, be iuftly plagued with a Icandalous fall into fome groffc iin; which befides it owne particular fting, will vnto his great difcomfoit a wake the old finnes of his vnregeneration; likefo many fleeping Lions, with open mouthes to chaige afrefti vpon the conlcience with new termors and fearefull vexations.

Thudly, let the godly Chriftian looke vp at the liberall and mercifuli hand ofOod, whi<:houtof the bottomlcffe

depth

K^ Difcourfe of true happneffe.

depth of his owne bountie hath reached vntohim, whatfoe-uer gifts he hath; whether of bodie or minde, of honours or outward pofle/T/ons, of nature or grace • and bee {hall finde faiTC greater reafon to be continually grieued and humbled, that the bright and vnfpotted bcames of Gods fandifving Spirit, are foully darl<enedand lefll-nedin his body of death; then to be exalted in his owne conceit, m that it hath pica-led God of his mecre and free mercic to illighten the darknes of his heart; without which fupematurall illumination, hee llifuldhauelined in blindnefle and miferably vntill death; and after this life beenecaft out into vtterdarkencfTe andrc-medilefle defolation.

Fourthly let him taKeheed how he harbors and nourifhes ' this viper of fpiritu.ill pride in the bofom'." of his foule; left it takingvufeafoiiablehcateand warmth from his zeale, en-' danger the whole frame of his new man : Either by perfwa-1 ding him to imhracc iomc groundleiTe (ingularitie of vn-warrantablc opinions; which by reafon of his vertnes will fprcid more plaufibly, & byconfequent moredangeroufly. For a perl'wafion of intcgritie is not onely a mntiueto roote an opinion deepely in a mans owne apprchenfion; butalfo a meanes to make it more currant and paffible withthe admirers of his graces. Orelfe this fpirituall pride may (by Gods iuftiiidgcment)ciiaw vponhima deadncfTcof hcait, a dul-nelfe of zeaie, an intermiflion of operations of grace; which the child of God doth infinitely ;nore ftare,thcn any afflifti-on or crolTe that can polTibly befall him from prophane men, either vpon his body, or ftate^ or good name.

Thefc- realons may iuftly uvx)ue tiiery faithfull Chiiftian, .with much carnellnefle and prayer to labour after, and fcttl.e lurcly in his heart, a true and vudiflembl d humilitie; as the onely fcueraigae meanes to preierue the life and vigour of his graces in his owne foule, their fruitand benefitto others, their bleding and acceptation with God : and W'ith the M'atchfulleft eye of his fpirituall vviftd3me,to hold in perpe-tuall iealoulie the cunning flcights and windings of this in-finiiatiue (inne of priuie pride; that both io pellilcnt a canker D 2 may

?0

{^ Difcourfe of true happineffe.

\

may be kept outoftlie foiiIe,and the pafTagemay be floptto priiiie hypocrifie; with^vhich,! told you befoie,Satan doth cndcLiour with might and maine to difcomfoit and difgrace the aflions and exercifes,cucn of the childc of God.

The fccond kinde of hypocrifie is grcffc hypocrifie; by which a man profefieth that which is not in his heart at all, and fo dcceiues others, but not in his owne heait. And this is moft proper]yhypocrifie:fir the Greek word o;TOHftTH;,fig-nificth a ftagc-player; wiiofoinetinies putttth on the lobis and maieftie of a Prince, himfelfe being of abafc and ncg-lededftate : Orthegraaitie and wifcdome of a CounfcUcr, himfelfe being ofroguilli and difibiute conditions: Sometimes he reprtfentcth a chaftand modeft Ipuer, his owne life beingapraflife ofvncliannefib : Sometimes he afTiim.tha goodand honcfl: vocation, his owne being a.cuilcd and vn-wariantable. Euenfuch is the grofil hypocrire vpon the .ftage ofthis \voi;d,a very painted icpu'chtrand vchittd vval. glorious indeede in outward falliions and ibkm.nues, in lliewcsand reprefentationsto the eye of the world • butif it werepofiibleforaman tomakean exa:!: inqnir.e into the clofe and hidden pafiages of his heart, he fhould finde many blackeand bloody proiefts, for compaiTing reuenge euen vpon furmifed oppofites j many ambitious.fKps L=:uilt vpon flattery anddifl'cmbling, bafentfle and bribery for his rifing and preferments • many IH.iging {warmes of fiery lufts and impure thoughts,which are either fpentin fpeculatine wan-tonnefle and the adulteries of the heart; orelfc forfcare of the worlds notice, brcakeout only intoaftrange and fea-et filthinefle. In a word, vnder the vaile of his out ward religi-onfnt^c, hee fhould lee a perfect anatomy ofthe infinite and deceitfiill corruptions ofthe heart of man, and many plan- i fible and politique conueyances to bleare the eyes of the world i howfoeuer wretched man vpon his owne fillie and fbrlonie loule htc certainely diawes an exceeding waightof vengeance. This kinde ofhypocrite is more miierabie, and of IdTe hope then the open finner. Firftjbecaufe he finneth againft the light of his confcience,

which

^ Difeourfe ef true hapfineffe.

which manntr of finning makes him incapable of faning

graces For how can that heart, which tonatura'lhardneffe

j'addetha voluntary obfirmation in finnc, and refiftanccto

godly morions, receiue the foft v ning and fkn(5lifying fpirit of

God ? How fhould thofe vnruly afte(flions be tamed by the

I power of Rehgion, whopleafe themfeliies, and hold it their

I greatefi glory to feeme moft moderate outwardly, when

inwardly they boyle moft intemperately in luft,pride,malice

I contempt of zealous fimplicitie, and in. other fouleft pollu-

ItionsPHow fhould the brightneflfe of wifedome fliincwhere

the windowesof the fouleare itut clofe, wilfully and vpon

fetpurpofe ?

Secondly, byreafon of the fhininglampe of an outward i profeHioPjhowfbeuer he want the oyle of grace in his heart, [ hecfo dazlcs the eyes ofmcn,that he barres himfelfe of thofe J reproofesandwlioiefome admonitions, whereby the open I finner is many times confounded and amazed in his confci-cncc, humbled and caftdowne in himfelfe, and happily reclaimed and conuerted.

Thirdly, all piiblike reprehenfions and aducrtifements from theMiniftery of the Word, although they be as fo many loud crits founding in his eares, to awake him out of the dead (lumber of hypocrifie; hcc either interprets to proceed from fome particular malice, or indifcreete heate; and fb pafl'es them ouer with a bitter and peremptorie cenfure; or clfeout of the pride of his heart hee pofteth them ouer from himfelfe, as not infamous or notorious in the worlds opinion, and transferres them vpon the open finners; being afliired that in the iudgcment of others, whom hee blindcs and deludes by his Art of Seeming, they belong not to him.

Fourthly, he is iuftly obnoxious to an extraordinary mca-ftireof Gods hatred and indignation. For euery ingenuous man out of the grounds of moialitie, holdeth in greateft de-teitation, a doubling and difftmbling companion; as a fellow of extreamebalendle and fenrilitie, moil vnworthy to bee entertained,eithec into bis inward affcdions and appro- Dj bation,

o^ Difcourfe of true hap^ineffe.

bacion,or outward femices and imploymentsj how much . more the Gcd of heauen and earth, who leeth clearely into the inmoft clofet of the heart ? For hell and deftrudlioiiare before the Lord, how^much more the hearts of the fbnnes of, men ? I {ay,how much more mu ft heeneedts double his infinite hatred ofiiaae againii: the double iniquity ofhypocrifie.'! how mud his (buleabhorre that wretched creature, which bearesthe world in hand, and makes a {hewvntomen, that heftands for God, and his honour and ilruice ; but indeed is aclofefaiflor for Satan, hisowneplcarures, and the powers ofdarknefle? And as the hypocrite is fubiecl to Gods extraordinary hatred • fo is hee liable to an extraordi ^.ary weight ofvengeancc : Forwhehthe wrath of the Lord is once i i-kindled againilhini,itispowred out like fire, & burneseucn tothe bottomeof hell. Hisfeare commeth iikeanhoiribk defblation, andhisdertruclioniikeavvhuiewi de. Terrors flialltake him as waters, and atempcft lliall carrie him away by night: And fb certaine are tbeie plagues, that a.^ though the hypocrite were alfcadyturnedintoa Dcuill, or into the very fieiie lake, it is laid in the Goipell, ofnthcr fin-ners, that they llialI haiie their portion with the hypocrite, where Ihall be weeping and gnaihing of tteth-

GoodLord, it is ilrange andfearefiili, thatfo noble and excellent a creature as man, endued with reaibn and vndcr-^ ftanding like an Angeii of God j hauing (befidesthe pre-cioufnefleofthehoiy Booke of Gcd;tho(e great and vniucr-lallmotiues, the immortality of thefoule, the reiiureflion of the deadjthcioyes ofthe kingdome of heauen,the endkflc paines ofthe wicked, which except he be a damned Athcift, hee dothcertainely beleeue^ and whereas hee mjght line on earth with vnconquerable comfort, and fhine he.reafi.ejas; the brighthefle of the firmament; be a companion of Saints; and Angels, and ftand in the glorious prefeuceof the high-; eft Maieitie for eucr and euer: ).'et for all this, will euen wil-i fully againft the light of his confcience, and with the cer-, taineknowledge of his heart, by hisgrofle hypocrilic, 1^> £ret abominations and vncleanue{le,priuie piiadiles for fbme ' WTetched

(_x/ Difcourfe of true haj)fimffe.

wretched plcafures and preferments, make hinifelfe in th^ eyes of God ( howfociier he dectiue men ) a very incarnat^ deuillvpon earth; and after this life, inlHy hcape vpon his body and fbuic, all the horroiirs and dcfpaires, tortures and plagues, which a crea ted nature is capable of'

Oh that the hypocrite would conllder thefe things in

time, leit the wrath and fierie iralonfieof theLord breake

forth vpon him (uddenly and ineuitably, like (brrowes vpon

a woman in tra:ieif, and teaie him in peeces when there bee

none that can dcliucr him.' Well may hee carric the m.atter

fmoothlyforatime, aid by hisiiiglingdilTImulationcaft a

I mift about him, and iiiwrap himfelfe in darkencfle fi'omthe

I eye of the world j yet kt him know, that in the mcanc time

j his finncs are writing by the hand of Gods kiftice, with the

pointora Diamond, in the rcgil];er of his coniciencc ; and

I whenthcirnum'^erandmeafureis accompliilicd, the Lord

will come ag^vinll him, euen with whole armies of plagues

and vengeance, as againft the moil hatefull obieft of his re-

uengiig Jufticej the mod ba(eand vnnaturali Oppohte o£

fopureaMaielty, and the mofl: notorious and tranfccndcnt

iniirument of Satans deepeft malice.

This kinde of hypocrite belongs not to my prcfcnt pur-pofe ; and therefore i Itaue him ( without found and timely repentance) to fom.c ftrange andmarkableiudgement, euen in this lif : Or if he pafle theie few dayes honorably and pro-fpcroiifl 7 (as it is many times the lot oftlie wickcd,):tt him. expccl vpon his deaths-bed the fiery darts of Satan, cmpoy-foned with heiiilTi ma;ice aiid cnielty,to be faftened deepely in hisfou'e; andfuch pangsan4Anguilliofconicience, tliac will poflcfTc him of hell before hand. Or if hee dcpait out of I this wor.'d without f enfe ofhis finne,or e'ife at the befl, with forne formall and pc-rfu i6torie. lliew of pcnittncie; yet let I his heart tremble for the feart s that it Hiali fearc at the great and terrible day of the Lord: u hen the vizard of his hypo-crifie ilia I certainely be puUtd otf his face: and hee afliamed and confounded in the prcfence of the blefildTrinitie, of Angels, andaJthe men that euer were j a id irrecouerably

D 4 abandoned,

o^ Difcoarfe of true Jrap^ineffe.

abandoned from the face of God, and from the fruition of his ioyes, to themoftconfuming flame of the fire of hcll,and the lothfcmeft dungeon of the bottomleflepit.

The third kindc of h5pocrifie is formaUhypocrifie, by which a man doth notonel}' dccei'.ie others with a fhew of piety and o:it\vard forme of Religion j but alfohis owne heart, u ith a falfc conceit aid per( vvafion that he is in a hap-pie ftate, when as in truth his I'oule was neuer yet leafoned with rauinggrace,and the power of ReUgion. Andlbefeech yon roarkemc in this point :itis ofgreateii confcquence to euery ontforalbundtrialland examination of the flate of his confcierice, whtthei he yet Hue the life of God,and itand in the ftate of grace, or lie enthralled in the fetters and flaue-rie of lln and Sata:i.For herein I rauft tell you how far a man may proceed in out ^vard profeflion of the Truth, in (uper-naturall decrcafe of (infulneffe, in fome kindes a id mcalurc of inward graces, and yet come vtterly (hurt of truehappi-ncfle; and without an addition of the truth of regeneration and a found conuerfion, (hali be cut off for cuer from all hope of immortality, and fhall neucr bee able to ftand firme and fureintheday of the Lord lefus.

Fora more perfpicuous explication of this point, conceiuc with me thof e pc rfedions which may btfalia man,as yet vn-regcnerate and in the ftate of damnation.

Wee may fuppole in him, firft, all thofe gifts which the poflibility of nature can conferre vpon him, all ornaments of Arts arid knowledge, of wifedome and policie: notoncly that which is purchaled by experience, oblcniation, and iin-ploymentin points of State-but alio the fpirit of gouern-ment,asi'^?//had» Tothefewee may adde gentknelTe, and faireneffe ofconditions, anexaflnefleof ciuillhoneftie and moralliuftice, immunity from grofleand infamous (innes. And thiis farrethc Heathens may goe ; And thus far wc proceeded in our laft Difcourfe. But inthcfe times of Chriltia-nity, a reprobate may goe farre farther then ciicr the molt innocent Heathen that euer liued could poffibly ; though ibmcofthem were admirable for their milde and mercifoU

difpofition.

difpofition, fome for their vertuous feueritie, fbme for integrity oflife, feme for conftancic and refolution in goodneflc, fome for preferringthe vnfpottcdncsof their life before moft exquifittorturcs.For toall thefe he may addeagloriouspro-fe/IionoftheGoipell, a ptrformanccofall ontu'ard duties and exercifes of religion, many workes ofcharity and monuments of his rich magnificence. Nay,befides allthis,hemay be made partaker of Ibmc mcaiiire of inward ilIumination,of a foadow of true regent ration; there being no grace eftedu-ally wrought in the faithfulI,w'htreofa refemblance may not be found in the vnregenerate. This laft point will moft clearly appearc vnto you out of the 8. of Luke^ and the 6* to the HeBrevpes^

In the eighth of X^^^,the hearer refembled vnto the ftony ground, is the formal 1 hypocritej who there is faid to btleeue foratime,and therefore by the inward,though more general and inferiour workingoftheSpirit, may hauea tcmporarie faith begot in him. In which faith we may confider thefe degrees.

Firft, hee may beeiKlued with vnderftanding and knowledge in the word of God.

He may be perfwaded that it is diuinely infpired, and that it is moft true. i

He may fee clcarely by the Law of God, the grieuous in-1 rolerablencfie of his finnes, and the heauie iudgements due vnto them.

He may be amazed and terrified with fearefull horror and remorie of confcience for his finnes.

He may giueaflcnt vnto the couenant of grace in Chrift, as moft ccrtaine and fure;and may conceiue,that Chriftsmerits arc of an mualuable priccjand a moft precious reftoratiue to a languifoingfoulc

He may^ perfwaded in a generalitic and confiifed man-ner,that the Lord will make good his couenant ofgrace vnto the members ofhis Church; and that he will plentifully per-forme all the promifcs of happinefTe vpon his Children.

Hcemay be troubled in minde with grudgings and diftra- dions.

35

^

y^ Difconrfe of. true happine(fe.

d-ions, withrcludation and fcmpks before the commiiTion ofiinne,oiit of the ftrength of natiivall confcicnce, fecondcd with a rtruikapprcheniion ofdiniiic vengeance, but efpeci-allyilh'ghtricd with fomi; gh'mmcrings of this tcmporarie faitli.Miich a dee was there euen with PiUte^mw^ird trouble and tergiut rration,hcfore he would be brouglit to giuemdg-mentonChrift. //<fW was forry, before he beheaded lohn ''Baphji, Ai'jdthcfe n-iei), I hope,were farre iTiortof the per-fLrtions attainable by the forma:! h}pocritc,

Aftera fin comm'ited, befid .s the outward formes of humiliation, by the power of this temporary fa'th, he may be inwardly touchedand affedc-d with lome kind and degree of repentance arid lorrow ; Imcanenot onely that, which is a preparatiue to deipaireand hcUifh horror, but which may Ibmetimespreucntttmporaliiadgcmcnts, as in Acf)ahj2i\-\A withaflumberingand luperficiall quiet, fecure rhc confci-ence for a time. AikI from this faith mayfpringfruites:Some kindandmearuieofhope,loue,patience,aid other graces. Jt is laid in the Euangelifts, that that hearer (which we caU the formal! h}'pocrite)receiucs the word-with ioyj whence may be gathered:

Firfl, that with wiilingneHe andcheertfu'ntirc,heeinay fubmithimlelfcto the miniftcry of the Word.

W.thforwardnefll and ioyfulntffc he may follow and frequent Sermons. 4

With a di-'courfe ofihe fuft'erings of Chri{l,he may be mo-iied euen vatotLores for companionate indignation; that ic gloriousandiiiiiniteinnocciicie Oiould be vext with all manner of indig'iit'csa'id tcrments,for thegroffe andAvLfuli impieties of fi.ifull men.

Hemayloueni d reuerence, giue countenance and paD'o-nagcto thv Minifters, whom he heares with gladitfll.Vor ic is the nature of man, to be Kindly and loiiingly afKcted ynto him that brings him a meflageof ioy and comfort.

. He ma}' cdeemc the neg!ig£nt,or no hearers of the Word ofGod asprophaueandof fe.ared confcienccs, which doe not otiely abandon the neceflarie meanes of faluation, but

that

ii

that they may with more feciirity and abfoIutenefTereape in this hTe whatfenfiial pro fir or pleafiire focuer the world yee-deth,endaiourtobatn{lha!id extingiiifh all thoughc aiid notice of heauen or holiiiefle.

The Word ofGod by this temporary faith & other graces may wcrke iijch a change in him, as is called the vncleane (pirits fxoinn e:tt of a man rMat. I 2.43. A flji?tgfrom the foll^ti-ont cfthe-vpoyld:^. Ptt.2. 20. A.'^aPjing-T 2. Pet. 2. 22. And may haiie fiich power vpoii him,that he rnay do many things thereafter. Herod is faid to hane reaerenced lohn, t» haue heard htm gladly ^ and to hane done m.tny things: Marked. 20,

TotlKieforiih'rcration, ai id becaiifc we are hereafter to confidcr their diftlrences from a true, entire and vniuerfaii fan6lification;vve may addc thole iiue degrees incident to the reprobate: Heb. 6.

Firlljhe may be iliightned in his vnderftanding,with fomc glimpfes of hcauenl\' light.

Secondly he may hauc lome tafte in the heart of Che hea-uenly gift=

Third!)', he may be made partaker ofthe holy Ghoft, the author and fonntaine of all gi aces.

He may in feme meafureenioy the good Word of God, the glorious inftrnment of the conuerlion offonles. 1

He may hant fome tafte and feeling eutn ofthe powers of the world to come. -;

Nay, and htiidcs all tliefc, that which nailes him faft vnto formaiiiie, ai^d makes him with contentnient to walke in a plodding courfe of outu'ard profeilion, is a perfwafion that he is aaeady in the way oFlite, when as yet he neuer entered, no not the very ftt p vnto it For indeede he may bee per-' ivyaded (though from fa'feand miftakeh grcunds)that he is rich in hcauenly things,and hath need of nothing; and that he is already poflcflcd ofthe Kingdom of gracc,and intituled totheKingdomeofgioryi and yet bee moll: wretched and mifcrable, and poore, and b lind, aiid naked: His ftate in this cale being not v nlike the dreame of a poore or hungry man, \^hich in his fletpe filleth himleife with variety of dainties,

or

3

4 5

t.Tin.3'5'

v^ Difcotirfe tf true happineffe.

or tumbles himfelfamid his rich treafures and heaps of gold: but when he awaketh,behold, hee is faint,his foulc longcth, andheembraceth nothing but emptinefle and aire 5 yea, and befides, the very imaginarie fruitio.i of his fuppofcd happi-neffejWhenhe isa\vaked,enaeaftth hislanguirfiing,& doubles the fenfe of his neceHfities. Euen (o the formall hypocrite in this life dreams much of cofort to come, makes fiire ofheauen,thinks himfelfthe only man,his//of f watf eoae^eiar, as the Apoflle calles it^hisforme ofGoMweJfe in his co nceit,is theonely true ftateoflaluation ; whatfoeuer is (hortof him, isprophaneneflc;whatfoeuerisabouehii«,isprecifenes.Biit when vpon his deaths-bed heawaketh, and hath hisconfci-ence illightened,and his particular fins rcuca-.cd vnto him, in fteadofcatchingaCrowncofg!ory,vvhichhe hath vainely pofleft m his hopefLiIlfecuritie,he grafpeth nothing but feare and amazement, anguiOi and forrow. Yea, and now his former falfe perfwafion ofhis happy ftate enlargcth the gulfe of 1 his defpairc, and makes him more fenfible ofhis prefent and Ivnexpedcd miferies

j Giue me leaue, I bcfeech you, to enlarge this point and to acquaint you with fome reafons of this perfwafion. For a falfe perfwafion of already being in the Itate of grace, is a barre that keepes tho-ifands from the ftate of grace indeed.

The good fpiritofGod (you know) dothperfwade cuerie regenerate man by a fwcetand filent inipiration,out ofa con-fidcration of an vniuerfall change and fanf}:ification,and pre-/tnt finceritie in all the powers and paits ofhis Ibuleand bo-dy,andcalling,that heismoftcertainely in the ftate of grace, andheire of hcauen. Whencefpring perpetually whole Ki-uersof vnfpeakeable comfort, that moft then refrcfii his foule, when he is necreft to be oucr whelmed of the maine Q-cean ofthe worlds bitcerneffe and prtfTures.

Inalyingrefemblance to this facred worke ofthe holy Ghoft in the hearts ofGods children, Satan, left he be wanting to his,puts on the glorie of an Angell of light; and infi-nuateth into the imagination ofthe formall hypocrite fome flafties of comfort and conceits that hee is in ftate of grace,

and

(^ Difcourfe oftme hapfincffe.

39

•and iLall be faued. VV hence-iCfiies a ciirfedfecurity,a wretched oppofition to more fincerity then hee i^ides in himfelfe, aflumberandbenummcdneflc of confcience, an impatien-cy of hailing hisformalitie cenfured by the minilkrieof the Word; a neglecll-ofa more found fearch into the ftateof his foiile. For Satan(in his Angelicall forme):e!s him,thatmorc ftridneffe and puritic is but onely a proud hypocrifie and pretence offiich as affv.(ft a tranfcendencie aboue the ordinary degrees of holintflej and bids him take heed of being too biifieandpragmaticall in taking notice of eiiery fmail corruption and infirmitie: for tendcrnefle of confcience, and a too nice apprehcnfiuentfle of cuery little fin,wili vncomfor-tably enchaine him to Melancholy, Vnfociablenefie, and fome degrees of dtfpaire. And hovvlbeuer ((aith Satan) feme Preachers of prcciicr humour, out of their vnhaliowed zeale an<i cenlbrioLis aufteritic, breath out nothing againft thee but fire and brimftone, indignation and wrath, damnation and horror; yet take not tliele things to heart, but let fuch ptrcmptor} cctnminarions pafleas malicious thunder-bolts, difcharged from too fiery f pirits, begot by mdifcreete heate, anddiredcdtopnuateends. Thus this wilie Serpent-cries peace, peace vnto his foule; when(God knowcs) there is no peace towai'ds, but noyie, and tumbling of garments in blood, and burning and d.uouring of £re. The ccnfcience indeed may be afleepe for a while, like a fierce wildljtallga-thcring vigour and puilfance, that being awaked by the hand of God;at the apprcch of ficknes or death, may more implacably rend, deuoure and torment for euer.

But I come to the grounds of this perfwafion, I told you before, that the Spirit of Gcdafllues his Children that they J are in the ftate ofgr ace,out of a confideration of an vniuerfall fincerity in ail their wayes-But Satan for his children hatho-therrca(bns, \^ hich Iconceiue to be fuch asthefe:

Firfl:, the formall hypocrite is notably confirmed that his ftate is good, when he compares himfelfe with thofe which arc more finfiill : as Murtherers, Adulterers, Drunkards, Prophaners of the Sabbath, Vfurers, Sweai'crs, Lyers, letters

«^ Difeourfe of true happineffc

II

iters out ofrhe word of God, and feilovves of llich notorious ranke.But if(befides the difclaiming ofthefejhis confcience be able to informe him of his ciuill horK;ft\', external! iufticc, feme workes of charity, ^x. Why then,the matter is put out of allcontrouerfie, and he prefently canonized a Saint in his ownc conceit. You may fee his pi fture in the ei ghteenth of Luke : O (jod, I thanke thee, that I aw net as other men are,extoni.aners,vmuJi, adulterers, orMthii Pul^/ic^n, There is his exemption from common prophanenefle. Ifrjf trvice tn theweeke, J gine tithes of all that Ipojfeffe .-There is his outward iuftice and religious folemnities. But you mud not con-ceiue that the formall hypocrite doth proclairae this in pub-like, with fuch grofle and palpable oftentation: Nay, ( perhaps ) when it arifeth, hcc lets it not reft long in his ownc thoughts, left by this vanity his vertueslofe their grace, and he his comfort. But certaine itts,aconlcinufiiefleofhis being free from infamous impieties, ofhis moraU honcfty, performance of out ward duties of Religion, and fome inward, in fomc meaiure (though not vniuerfally, nor to the degree of the children of God ) isone ofthe beft grounds Iiee hath for his afllirance of being in ftate of f aluation. Parallel to this of Luke, is that, Prou. go.verl" 12. There u a generation that are pure in their orvne conceit^ and yet are not rvajh:d fr^m their fi/tbineffe. That is, they imaginetheirtempcrof ilehgi-on, their pitch of holinefTe, their formall Chriilianity, tohe the very right path to heauen: when indeed they were neuer truly humbled with a (enfe and fight of their fius, out of th^ lawandludgementsof God. They were neuer acquainted with the pangs of confcience in a new birth,or thcmvfteries offaluation:biit within are full ofhoUow-hcarccdnefle, .'uke-warmenefre,and imich bittcrnefle againft tiiie godiinclfe and the power thereof

The fecondreafon whereby the formall hypocrite is mo-ued to thinke his ftate to be good, and the way of hislife to beenght, is a preiudice which he coiiceiucs from the imputations which the world layeth vpon the children of God : moll as ace Pride, Hypocrifie, Singularitie, Melancholic, Simplicity,

41

Simpiicirie &: tlie like. But before I defcend to thele partial lars, giiiemeeleaiieto piopole vntoyou thefoimtame and ground of them, which I take to bee that great and eter-nall oppofition which is natura:lly betwixt liglit and dark-nt ffe; the hfe of grace, and a death in finne;linceritie and prophanenefle ; the children of God, and the wicked. Ciods children, you know, in this world Hue as llieepe a-mongwolues: In the ftormie times of the Church, their perf ecutoi^ arc indeed euen wolnes in the tuenit^g, for their iniatiabiecrucltie,and vnquenchable thii'ft, in drinking vp the bloud of the Saints: And i-n the Halcyon dayesandfai-rc ft times of the Church, yet they hauc thofe which will be p] ickes in their eyes, and thornes in their fides. If they cannot vexe them in a higher degree, yet they will bee fure to lay on loade with ha/e indignities, difgiaces, flandcrs, and iyiig imputations. And their hatred is ofthatftiange nature and quaiinc, that it is diicharged euen againft the goodnefle of the godiy, their zeale, their forwardneffc in Reiigion,theirfaithfi]nefreintheircalling,andtheUkc,asa-gainlt its proper obied:. This is plaine in leremie: leremie chap. i<. neither boi rowed on vfuric, nor lent on vfurie; he w as free , lo.

fi-cm all colour of giuing oftence, or doing wrong: Nay, his gracious heart was vvholy melted in ccmpalT'On, that heel wiilied that his head were full of water, and his eyes a foun-taine of tears, s, that heemight wcepe day and night for the dcftruCtions of his people. And yet of that people eueiy one contended againft him; there was not a man but heecurfed him. Thecnely reaion was, bccaufe whatloeuer the Lord /aid, that he faithfully fpokc, and kept nothing backe, but lliewcd the m all thecounfell of God. Ix. is yet more plaine in D^iutdy rfalm. 38. 20. They nlfe that renard em/lf&r good, are mine adHerffi/neSjhecfiHje I follow goodjieffe. The word there ii\ the Originall infinuateth f uch an extreme and dead- ■» Jl jQ'^i:?^ ly hatred, that from thence comes the Deuils name, Satan. Sothathowioeucrthis enmitie betwixt the world and the chiidien of light, be many times bridled by the reftraining Spirit of God, iomctimes by the ingenuoufnefle ofthe wicked

o</ Difcettrfe of true happii^effe:

kcd, or their mDrall vertue or policie, or fome by-rcrpe<5t, or by accidentbee turned into lone; becaufe by the prefence and prayers of the Godly, they many times efcape iudge-ments and receiiie blelTings. Yet, I fay, hovvfociicr it bee thus bridled, in it felfe it is more then ordinary ornaturall. and hath in it fome degree and mixture of heUifli virnlencie. Ordinary hatred expires inthedovvne-fallof his aduerfary ; Nay, any one of generous mind( out of the intereft hce cha-lengeth in the common ftateofhama!iityJ vviUcominiferate the diftrefPj and afBidion euen of his p,reateft and bafefl: e-nemie; but much more of one of noble fpiricand cmifKnt worth,and more then that, of onethat hath followed him with all oiliccs of kindncfie and loue: yet the flame of this hatred is fo fierce and fo fet on fire by hell, that it is not extinguished eucn with the bloud of his fuppofed Oppofite, but barbaroufly fports in his mileries, and with iniblencic tramples vpon his dcfolations.This appeareth cleere'.y in the Cxampleof/)4Wt/, Pral.35.i5. Bi^t in mine advrrfity they re-ioyced, att A gathered themjclues together: the abietls a^cmbled theitij'eiues agHtnfi me,ani I k>?e-tp Kot; they tare me andceafed not. Who without indignation can thinke vpon thefe lewd companions, and baft drunkards, that with the fal(e fcofl-jrs at bankets gnafhed their teeth, and cruelly inlulted ouer the milery and difgrace of that man, that was a man after Gods ovvne heart, of incomparable excellcncie, and lb kindly afft:-ded towards them, that when they were ficke, hee clothed himlelfe with alacke, he humbled hisfoule with fa{Hng,and mourned as one that mourneth for his mother? You lee then the fountaine both of the greater fiouds of bloody perfecuti-ons, and the lefier ftreames of inferiour vexations, as flinders, raylirigs, and falle imputations. To feme particulars whereof [ now come:

Firllfor Pride. Itismoft certaine that Pride truclyfo called, vs, the mofl: ptftilent and incompatible Oppoiitethat Grace hath : and therefore he that is moft fanflified, mofl fightsagainft it. Forbcfides that, this fiery dart is deeply impoyloned in our corrupted nature, Satan knowcs cut of

his

K^ Difcourfe of true happnefj^.

4^

his own experiencejhowto manage it with notable eannibg j and he fblloWesthis weapon with fticheagernes iand conn-dcncCjthat'aftcr it is broken vpon the fliield of faith,yctHec labours with might and maine to faften fomefplinter or o-ther,eueninthefoiiIehurabIcdforfin, and'vowed vnto the f eriiice of God, as Itold you in the firfV part of priiiie hypo-crific. Butlappealevntothe confciences of the children of GodjWhether many times the world doth not interpret that to be pridein their afHons'& carnage, which isnothingelfe buta-gracious freedome offpirit,,ari(ing froma confcioufnej-of their innocencifand independencies whei-cby they ai'^'in-ablcdto ftand vrithxxmi'age againft corruptions and the ilns of the time,-to fbllbwgood caiifes with boldneffe, with refo-lution to defend aknowneand warrantable truth, and indeed to prefcriethe faluation of their foules, before the gaining of the whole world. Innocerrciemakes them as bold as Lyons : The mck^d flee vehen none fwrjiteth ; Intt the riqhteoHi are^ holdoia Lion: And their wanantisoiitofiia-K 51. vci-f. 7.8; Hedrken vnto meeyee. that ]^oi»rightem^ne^«i the people^ in ivhoje hearf-ii my Lan>. Teare jet not tbr reproch-of men^ nei^ ther he ye afraid of their rebukes. Tor the^moth Jh(tll eeite. them vp like a garments and the worme JhaU'eate them'like fvooH: hutmy righteoufnejfep^aU h^eforewr; andmy^falftatioK jtonu generation to generation, Indepcndencie hold? thcir hearts vpright in all their a(5lions, thatthey are neither Av aid awry by partialities, or. fecretrelationsta wrong ends. I meatie not indepcndencie in refped: of lawes, gouernment; antho-rity,cl]arity5vnity with the Church ortne like, I meane no fijchindependencic: butinrcfped ofbafcnefle, f?attery,corr ruption, temporizing, indircd profcaition of their honours and preferraents,&c. which are fetters ofSatan,by which he confines many to a wretched flauerie eiieniathis life; and' (without repentance) Ito endfeflb mifery hereafter.

S£condly,hypocrifie is many times by tHe worldVniuftljr, laidynto the charge ofthe children of God; Damd^ii liis* full px)rtion m this,impiitation,asa{)p^eajtthin manyPfthnes:^ The caules for this time r conceiue to Be two j

E The

Pro.iS.U

o^ Difcourfe ef true hap^ineffe.

Tbefirftmay bee fufpicioufiiefle, an argument euer of worthlefncfle and impotende. For infuiJicicncieis moft ap-prehefifiue and iufpicious.I know there is a godly kaloufic, andaieaIoufieofftate;butImeaae that fufpition which is oppoled as an extreme to that imperfec!!: vertiac, the Mora-lifts call immimity from fufpitionj by which a man dothcaft the wotfb;^(fi:ions and affedions of another in his owne moulcl,aodthinks cucry man obnoxious to all theinfirmities_ he finds in himfelft.Htnceit is,thathe which indeed is truly aahypocrite,andneuerpafled the pcrfedion of the Pharife, doth moft confidently brand the childe of God with that name: hopingthereKyt^xgiuefome pooreiatisfafUontohis owne thoughtSjthat would gladly refti n a formalityjand notice to the worldjthat howfoeucr there may be pretences,yet indted thtre is none be tccr then himfelfe.

The iccondcaiife is difabiiity, and blindnefTe in the na-i turallmanofdiicerning and acknowledging the operations of grace. Forletamanbeothcrwire neuer lo emineHtly or rniuerfally qualifiedjyet without the expci ience of the pbw-erofgodlinefTe v^pon his owne foule, lie cannot fee, he will not be perfwadcd ofthe aflions of grace in another man; and therefore intetprets them to be nothing but hypocrifie, and oncly pretended, vaine-glorioiifly to gaine an opinion of more then ordinarie pietie. What the conceit of an vnrege-nerate man \s ofthe f tate of grace, is plaine out ofthe conference of our blefledSauiour and iV^f<?<5/fw^. Nicodcmiu wa.s a great Rabbi m Jfraell,a famous Doflor in the Law and the ProphetSjin which no doubt he had many times read the doctrine ofregeneration: yet when becomes to bee examined ofthe power and pradlife ofit.he holds the newl)iith(with-out which no man can euer fee God)to bee as impoITible, as for an old man to returne into his mothers wombe and bee borne againe.Euenfuch is the iudgement of otliers in his ftate, ofthe firuites, ef}-e(flsand courlcof fanflification. And th^rfore I maruellthatany child of God willafHicfl his fbule, haiiedownethe head, or remit one iot of his zealeid good-neflcforvniuftcenfuresinthiskinde: fith hee knowesthat

natural I

nanirallmen though neuer fo wife, (b learned, or glorious (HithexvorldjWantfpiritiiallftate, and therefore cannot rd-lifh the fmits of the fpitit, are blind and cannot lee or iudgc of the h'ght of grace, are in darkencffe and cannot comprehend it. '•':■''', Thirdly the fbriTiallhy-pocrite doth fettle himfelfe'witli morcrefoluedncfle in his opinion of bein^ in ftate dPgracc, when [lee fees the world account the children of God but a ccmpanicoffclIoweSjWho, out of a proud fingulanty, di-(uide themfclues from the common falLions and aiftomes |ofthcworld,notconfidcring,thatif euerhe meanc to lane ^ I hisfoule, he muftbtefingular to in holincfle and faniftifica-' I tion (for r meane not in vnwarrantable opinion, orfeparati-\ on from the Church.)Excepthis righteoufi:e{feexceedc the I righteouf leife of the Scribes and Pharifes, what lingular ■\ thing doihhee? that is,except to his ciuill honeftieandoiit-• I ward performance of religious dutics,theic be added a fingu-Jarity of iauing grace^and except befides ^1 other ornaments of miiid,ifit were polliblejpoflcft m full perfecflion, there be yet moreouerinfpired thatbleflcd and precious vigojirthat quickens him to eternali b'fe, he cannot enter into thtJ King-dome of heauen.

This note of fingularitie hath in all ages beene imputed to thole, that with a good confciencc haue laboiired to kcepe themfclues blameklTe and pure in the midfl: of a naughtic and crooked generation. ^tfW<af('laith 7/^w^,chap 8.veilii8. I attdthe chjldremvhomthe Lordhath giuen me, art as ftgnes andyvonders m Ifrael, by the Lrrd of Hafifyn^hichdrvelleth in MoHKtSien.it had been no wonder, had they been onely as fignes and wondersamongft the enemies of God, and nations ofviicirajmciii on; but that they Ihouldbefignes aiKi w:ondtTsiu ifrael,' God hadchofen iiim but one little vineyard ^riongft all the fpacious foitefts ofthe eaith;out of the gloryofalltheKinedomesof the world he hadchofen him (but on eh^dfuUbf people; and- yet ui that vineyard, hiS; if^hfuliOatsarebutas the hemes after; the fhaking of an^ I Oliue tree, two or three in the top ofthe vtmofl boughsjand 1 E 2 foiu'e'

4^

-fc— ^^^^i- *

o^ Diftmrfe of trtte happineffe:

foureoi' ^ueinthehighbranches. In that little people, his .children are but as che fir ftfmites: fothat euen b Ifraell they ^rebecooreasmonftersandrpedaclesof lattiazement. Then fo it is indeedjtbat a man drawne out ofthe darkncfle of this world, and illighcned with grace, is like a ftarre new created in theskie, that diawes all ^e world to gaze vpon it, N ay, &hedrawsnot onlysthteies of men tpoaHiin, bnrisan cie--fore vntothem. For thus fpeaketh the wicked ofthe righteous man; Wi{d.-2,j^,i^. JtgneH<?thwalfotaJgakevpenhim^ ^ftr-hiO'ltfe (M not.like otlrcr mef)s:hii <i»ixsjes art of another fajhioti. ■J^i^QWt^th iw M (>$i^^rdfyfahsd-i}eiPtthdrd^eth htnifilfe fronu Mii^vfAj^s Ai from fisthitiejfe _i4Krc<fmmeftdcth iireaflj/ the/otter e*td offbe-tf^si,a/id-ina^eth tfrnt God ii hid Father.

I^ourchly, the fbrman hypocrite is weil pleafed with his [pfieTent ftatc^ and very vn willing to embrace moreforward--QeiTcjb^aufeit is rcoramonly thought, that the ihteofa. true Chriftian indisede, 'is la life fall of vncomfottablenenbj melancholy^ aufteritie,and fedneffe. The heart of man is na-i turally greedy of ioy and contentment, ami is either weake-! 'ly ®r ftronglyrefreflied, according to the vanity (orfoundnes jof the coaxfoitin wJiich itTCpofech, hut it muft either enioy it in feme kinde and meafure, or it will walteandconfumeit ielfe. Hence it is, thatthofe who want in ward and Ipirituall ioy, arifingfrom theteftimony ofagood confcicnce, from| an afluranee of remifTIonofthcir fiiines and thefauowr of God, huntafter worldly contentments and canmll ioyes. At homein theirawnc hearts they finde little cuojfort, rather much terrour,iftheir confciencesawake; and therefore they (ecke to reftefh thcmfelues amidtheirtreafLires,honours and 4ports;asPIayes, in Taueracs, with merry company, and rmany other fiich miferabic comforters ^ nay,they had rather he neceffarilyimployed then folitary, not fomuchtoauoidc idlenefleasbitings of confcicnce. yea,fome bad rather ceafe to be men, then that their confciences fliould awake vpon diem jand therefore they labour to kccpe it afleepe, and to

I4rowne (arrow for finne, with powring in ofilrongdriake. But let them lookc vnto it, thoogh it^ff ^iwwf/'/Mpw///^ yet fecretlyj

Kyi Djfcourfe of true happneffe.

lecretlyandinfenfiblyitftrengthens the rage, and Oiarpens the fling ofthe Worme that neuer dies, againft the day ofj their vifitation ; £01 in the ^(faith * Salomon) it rpillhitelike ' a, Serfent^and hurt Irke a Cockatrice.

This outward and worldly ioy, becanfe the children of God doc not purfue ; becaiifc they will not relie vpon thoi'e broken flaues of reed, they are efteemcd the onely melancholikeand difcontented men. But I marucll when, or with \\ hat eyes the worldhngs look vpon the faithfull Chri-ftian I

It may be, while hec is yet in the {ore trauell of his new-birth, and humbled vnder the mighty hand of God with af-fiiclion ofconfcience for his fin.lfro,then they fhouldknow that men muft mourne for their finnes,as one that mourneth for his onely Tonne : and be foity for them, as one is forry for the death of his firil borne. There mull: bee in them a great mourning,as themourning of Hadadrimmoyj, in the valley of | Megtddon : as it is ZAch, 12, f i. And this forro w is a bit fled forrow, for it brings foorth immortality. And eitherthem-f clues muft haue a part in it,orthey fliall neuer bee made partakers ofthe flilnesofioy at Gods right hand, What though the Child of God lie fcr a night in the darkenefl'e of forrow and weeping fcr his finnes ? marke a while,and the day will dawne, and a day-ftarre will arife in his heait,that will neuer fet, vnrill it hath condufled him vnto the light that no man canattainevnto: ThcSunneof righteoufnefle willprcfer.tly \ appeare, and will dry away his teares, and with eucr-Iafting | light will fliine vpon him for cuermore. )

But it may bee the worldlings take notice cucn of the i whole courfe and beft ftate ofthe Child of God, and yet can I (eenothif^grJiercin but vncomfortable ftriclnefle, and fad; aufterity. But then I muft tell them, they looke onely vpon him with carnalleyes and dcceiue themfelues: forfo indeed he doth not appeare a boy fterousiV/Awc^, ordiffolute Ruf-fler,amidthe vanities and delicacies ofthe worM ^ that h 'toX Satansreuellers, who hauingfmilingcountenances,but bleeding confciencesi glorious outfides, but within nothing but E 5 rottennefle

47

*Pro,rj,

L^ Difcourfe of true hap^im^e.

rottennefle and prophanenefle, much laughing when the heartislbrrowfull. But if they wore able with illightned eyes to pierceinto the inward parts of Gods Childe, they ilioiild lie within, Hope already fcaftingvponthcioyes of eternity : they fhould fee Faith holding fait the writings, by whicluhe kingdomeofhcauen is conueytd vnto his foule, fealcd with the precious blood of the Sonne of C^od j that not ma;i nor deuill is able to wreft out of its hand ; They Inould fee the white ftone mentioned in the Reuelation, wherin there is a new name written,which no man knoweth iauing he that receiueth it* Whence fpringeth fuch a ftrong comfort and high refblution in the aftaires of heauen, that no fword of the Tyrant, no flame of cruelty, nor the combinati-onof heauen and earth fliall euer bee able to amaze, abate, or extinguifh.

Fifthly, the formall hypocrite doth more confidently continue in a felfe-likiwg of his owneftate. though the ftate ofvuregeneration j becaufe hee feeth thofe that ( befides his outward forme of Rehgion ) are indued with an inward and vnfeined fincerity in all their wayes, to be reputed but as the oft-fcouring of all things, the fimple fcllowes and precife fooles of the world. They haue indeed been fo accounted in allages. For the hearts of wicked men being fluft with prophanenefle and earthly pleafures, being (welled with ambition and worldly wifedome, ealily bring foorth pride and contempt: And therefore they looke a farre off at the Children of God, as at fellowes of bafe and negle(5ted condition, oflow fpirits,of humble reibIutions,of weake minds,vnable to manage aftaires and occurrents for their preferments, of no dexterity to plant themfelues in the face and glory of the world i when (God knowes)ifthey could be perfvvaded that there were no heauen but vpon earth; and that the power and exercifeofgodlinefle were nothing but an vnnecef-fary precifenefle; if they would enlarge their confciences proportionably to the vaft gulfe of the times coniiptions j if they durft make a couenant with death, and an agreement with hell, and put the euiil day farre from them; fure they

mil

jht

cxf Difeourfe of true hapfineffe.

might out-ftep many of theft great Ones in their Proiefls o^ policie,an(ithe precedencies of the world: but fith they cannot, they dare not, they will neiier by the grace of God bee fo perfwaded; they arc well content with their continnall feaftj a good confcience; while the others are fatted with their wine and thiir corne, and their oylc, againfl: the day of flaughtenAndthen at that day they wil change their minds: Forgoe,! befeechyoiijintothc fanfliiarie of the Lord, and vnderfland their end; they are now vpon the ftage of this world in their fiill glory ^ but wcrethey as mighty as Leuia-than, as cruel! as Dragons ; could they rcare their honours to the height of the clouds, nay, aduance their thrones aboue befide the ftarres ofGod,yetthey mufl: down, they haue but onepartto p'ay, they mull make their beds in the duft ; and then when they arc once difroabed of their greatnefle and gIoiy,and ftript naked of their honours and preferments,and without all mitigation by worldly comforts, left vnto the full rage of a flinging confcience; then they change their note, and alter their iu dgements, and figh for gnefe of mind, and (dLj within themfclucs: Th^fe are they whom weefome-timchad m derifion,and in a parable of reproach : wcfooles thought their life madnefle, and their end without honour. How arethey counted among the children of God, and their portion is among the Saints ! Therefore we haue erred fi'om the v/ay oftruth,andthe light ofrighteoufhefle hath not fhi-ned vnto v-s,and the Sun of vnderftanding rofe not vpon vs; we haue wearied our felues in the way of vvickednefTe and deflmclionjand we haue gone thorow dangerous wayescbut we haue not knowne the way of the Lord.

Biit here by the way I mull giue this caucat, left I be mi-j ftakcn in thisiaft point, or that which followes :I doenot diuide ( by neceflary and ineuitablediuorce)greatnefle aixi godlineffc, holinvlTcand high'places^ God forbid:! make bctwixtihem no other oppoiition then Dauid doth in the 75. Pralme,himftlfe being moft holy and molt honourable. I rachcr infinitely dcfire to infiame the noble and worthy Ipiritsof ail thole whom the Lord hath aduaaced in gifts, in E 4 ^greatneflbj

t^ Difcenrfe of true happmeffe:

greatneffCjin honours, in gouernment, or any kind of prece-

ckncie aboue their brethren, to a proportionable excellen-

cic of zealeandfancflification. For certainely as power,poii-

cie,authority,being abiifcd, and not fanctified to the owners,

become in the rneane time, ftrong pillars for the fupporting

of the kin^dome ofdarkenefil-,pe[l:ilent inftrumcntsofmach

mifchiefe, and hereafter fhall bee ibundlypaied home with

ananfwerable degree oFextraordii;»aiy vengeance, horrour,

and torment: fojgreat wiftdomj,great knovvicdgt',great iio-

nours, bei.ig imployed impartially, rcfolutely, and vnrefer-

ucdly, in folliciting and furthering the cauils of God, in

ftrengthening the cold and languifhing ftateofhis Religion,

in refreshing the heaits of his Saints, vvhich ordinarily are op

prcft and difgraced by the crudciei- ofp'ophane men,proc'jre

in the meant time,great honourtohis gieatname,gr^atgood

vnto his Church, gnat ioy vnto his Angels, great comrort

vntothe roulesoftheowncrs;and faireii^' biigliter crowncs

of glory to their heads m the world to come. A nd io 1 come

to the

Third rcafon, whereby the formall hypocrite doth falie-ly perl wade himfelfe to Dein the ftate of trne happinefle and faluation : and that is an outward happinefie and lucceflc in worldly matters,much plejity andprolperit)' in his outward ftate. Fo thus hee reafonsin his owne thoughts, and playes thecunning Sophifter to deceiue hisowne feu e. The Lord, thinkes he with himfelfe, hath maaieiloufly encreafcd me in riches and honours, Ik; hath ftrangely continued vnto mc my health and hearts defires; The iecret influence of his blel-fing hath frill followed and profpered mee in all my bufi-neffes and affaires ; therefore doth heconclude, vndoubtedly lamprotededfrom aboue, my ftate is the ftate of grace, thefe many louing fauours muft needes argue, that I am in high fauour with God, and thefe outward blelTings are fignes that my ieniices are landifiedand accepted of him^ But in the Schooles we ftiould tell him, that this is a fallacie anencanfa. For all outward happinefles areforfpcciall rea-fbns, and by particular indulgence more often, and very ' plentifully

i^ Bifcourfe of true happmeffe.

51

plentifully in this world vouchrafed to the wicked aixl pro-phane.This appeares,Ier. 1 2,v^v{.i.2.JVh(refore doth the vay of the vptcked prcjper ? Whj Are all they in neaiih that rebelli'-ufly tranfgre^e ? Thou hafi ^lar.ted them^ ^.ndthej haue taken roote • they grovr and bring foorth fiuite. Mai. 3. 15. Suen they that ' VI orke vickedncj[e are fetvj)^a)id they that tempt Gcd, yea they are dcltuered, lob. 21.7, &:c. therefore doe the vricked liue andrvaxe olde, andgrovo in -wealth f Thetrjeede is (fiahltjhedw theirjlaht niih them^af-'d theiygeneration before their eyes.Their houfes are peaceable, and the rod of God i^ not vpon them.They fendfoorth thei^ children iikefbecfe^ and their fans darKe. They take the Tabret and Harpe^ and retoyce m the fmnd ef the Organs. Let him therefore, that thus concludes the happinefTe of his foule from his worldly profperity,k^o^v• and confidcr, thatas the end and reward of thegodly and wickedisdiftb-rentin place and nature f the one being the higheft hcanens, andthehigheftaduancementofthe foulc^ tothcfulneffe of glory and bliflc; the other the loweft hell, and the very extremity of the greatcftmiferies and vexations, which a create, d nature can poHibly endure •• ) So experience of all times tcacheth vs, and heauenly luilice requiicsa contrary manner ofpaflage and proceeding to thefe ends.

The wicked in this world doe eafily runne vp without rub or interruption, many times with acclamation and applaufc, all the golden fteps of honours and preferments; but vpon the higheft ftaire they find the moft flippcrie ftanding, and the top oftheir earthly felicitie is the raoft immediate and certainedefcent vnto theirgieatell: downfall. They are royally mounted hetre vpon earth, and giUop fwiftly ouerthe faireand greeneplainesofplentie and pleasures; but at the end oftheir race they are ouerturned horfe and man, and tumbled headlong into the pit ofdeftrudion. They fairely glide outrthe leaof this world with flill faile, with much calmcnefffcandferenitie, and richly laden; but in the brigh-teftSunftiine, andwhentheyleaftfulpedit, theyfuddeftly and without recouerie, finkeinto thegulfecfdarkenefleand defblation.

K^ Difcourfe of true hapf)im(fe.

But it is iuft otherwife with the children of God, for they many times in this their pilgrimage, ftickefaftiathe mirie clay ofpoutrtieand contempt; fometimes they are inclofed euen in a horrible pit, as Dauid fpeakes, of fcare and terrour of confcience for their finiies. They are by the u'ay companions to Draj^onsand Oftriches, they walke among Rebels, thornes, and Scorpions, that rent and tearc,andfl:ing them with many opprelTions and cruell flanders. Neither is the danger in the way all i they haue perfecutors which are fwifter then the Eagles of the heauen, who piirfue and hunt them vpon the mcuntaincseuen like Partridges; and lurkc for them in the wilderncfle, as thofe that lie in waite for blood. Nay, yet befides all thefe vexations from the world, theimmediate malice of hell raiieth manytempcfts often-tationagainft them, and fometimes euen all the wanes and floods of God himfelfegoe oner their heads.This is the way, the race, andtheeucningof Gods children in this world; but ioy comes in the morning, their end is peace, their reward is a bright mof ning-ftarre, their haiien is endkfl'e hap-pinefi'e and hfe eternal!.

The reafons of this contrary ftate and condition of the wicked and godly in this life,may be thefe.Firft>forthe fiou-rilliin?, of the wicked.

One reafbn may be, the notable cunning and policie of Sa-tan,in plotting and contriuing the profperity of thofe, whom hepercciuesand hopes it willininare,&: in whofeharts it begets hardiies,pride,infoIency,and forgetting of God- For we muft vndcrftand, that the deuill euer proportions his traines and tentations mofl exadly, euen at a haires breadth, to the tempers,humors,anddifpofitionsof mcnJf he meet with an ambitious and working ipirir, he is wellenough content to lighten him the way to hell, with fome ray or beame of allthat great glory of the world which hee offered Chiift, if hee will fall downe and worfhip him. Little cares hc,fo that hqinaykecpea manfaftinhisholdvntill theday ofexecuti-v on,whether in the meane time hee lie in a lower dungeon of dilcontented letiredneffe, cr in the golden fetters of ibme ' more

i^ Difconrfe of true iMfpinejfs.

53

inore honorable ferukiide and glorious miferie. If hee meete

with a bafe and earthly-minded feIIow,that preferresa h'ttle

tranfitorictraih before the precioufnefle of hisovvnefoule,

and the lafting trcafures ofimmortalitie; why,hee can eafily

prouide a golden wedge, and caft in his way to inrich him •

hcc can compafTe for him, though by bloody meanes and

mercikflc enclofurc, ^Naboths vineyard toinlarge his pof-

fellions.For all is one to him,fohe keepe him hiso\vn,vvhe-

: therby wantand poueity hee driue a man to impatienci",

murmaringand independencie vpon theprouidence of God j

or by heaping vpon him abundance of wealth,ar,d filling him

a full cup of rcmporall happincffe, hee caft him into a deepe

fleepe of caniall ftcurity, and a fenfekfnefle in all matters of

fandification and faluation.

Sut whereas Satan hath found by much experience, that fuch as are fenced with riches and honours, doe many times I falfely afllime vnto themfelues a conceit ofgreatntfle and i goodnefle, of protedion and immunitie from dangers j ^o \ that they are more fearelefle of the iudgements of God, be- ; caufe they are not plagued like other men; more carelcfle of i floring themfelues with fpirituall comfort againft the day of vifitation, bccaufe they are in the meane time plentifully en-•compafied with worldly contentments;moreregardlefleand negiediue of the miniftry ofthe Word, bccaufe they would not willingly betoimented before their time; therefore, I fay, hcefollowes with more hope and better iuzQt& this tentation by profperity: And the rather, becaufe erodes, af-flidionsandheauy accidents, are many times liuely inftru-clioPiS and compulfionsto bringa man tothe knowledge of God and himlelfe ; to abandon all confidence in earthly things, and to embrace the molt comfortable and heauenly, ftate ofti ue Chi idians. W hereforc if any man be content to ffand for Satans kingdcmc, either byopenandprofeflim-pietie, or by cloie conueiances ard iccretpradices andcon-niuencyjhe will be Jure to prepare, incline and difpofeall oc-cafions, mtancs and circi;mftanccs for his aduancementinto reputation with the world. And how potent he is \\\ thefe

cafes^/

H

(^ Difcourfe of true haj>pneffe.

cafes, you may conceiue, fithhefwaycs the corruptions of the time, fith he rules and raignes m the hearts and aftedions ofthe moft men; and is eucr the arch-plotter in all Smionia-call,indirect, corrupt and vnconfcionable confultations and compacls.

Thefccond reafbn oftheflourifliing ofthe wicked in this Iife,is their large & vnlimitcd confciences: For if a man once haue io hardned his heart, by often grieuing the good Spirit of God, and repelling his holy motions, ifhee haue once fo darkened the eie of his coufcienccbyofcring violence to the tcndernefle, and negleding thechcckes thereof, that hcecan tiow entcrtaine and ciigcft without fcruple or reluftation, a-ny meanes, thouglTiieuer fo indired; any condition, though neuer fo bafe; any aduantagc, though ntuer fo vnconfcionable or diHionorablc i it will be eafie enough for him to thriue in the wcrldand raife himfelfe.

For whatjl pray yo'.i,Avere notthcPapifts now able to do, whohaue enlarged their confciences like hel ? aVjthey haue ftretchtdthem beyond the whole coriipaiTe of all helliOi darkcneffe, eueninto a vault of their owne; what, I fay, were not they able to doe, except they werecountermanded by that irrefragable, eternall,and particular Decrrc of God, thdX Baby Io}tmui\ now downeasirrecouerably, as the great milflone in the Reuelatton C2.{}iw\'ih violence into the fea? Why certainly they were able by thJr policies & principles, notonely to re-eftabliilitheu' former Antich rift ian tyrannie, but to caftthc who'e Chriftian world,nay,this and the other vvcrid, &: the whole frame of nature intocombuftion, darkc-nefle,andconfufion. And no maruell; for thcle fellowes confciences can v^-ithcut rtmorfe digefteuen the lacrcdbloun of Kings, and {wallow down€ with delight the ruincs aad dcfblations of whole kingdomcs. 1 heir bloody liiperftition hath fo quite and fcarefully extinguifhtall fenie ofcommon honeftie, and put out the light oFnaturallequitie, and the common notions of right and wrong ; thaJt they broach w ith boldfaces the curfedpoyfon of Equiuocatioi), thedeuilsold impofture in Oracles, a very ftraight pailage to damned

Athcifir.t,

i^ Difcmrfe of true happineffe.

Atheirme,andthe diflblutionof all humane fociety ;'that to themthebreadhbfthelawcsofGod, ofnature,and nations, is meritorious, and woitby canonization; ^f it (erueany way to the aduancement of their execrable idolatry, to fhercpai-ring of their decaying J?«^^7^<^, and to rearc their Itti/iaft I-dsli.thePrtefiofRome^ yct a little higher abouc all that is -calfedGod.

Inthis refpecflthen, tliat the wicked dare enlarge their confcieiicestothevtmoft bounds of any pleafiire, gaine or preferment,they haue great aduantage'forthe engroffing of all worldly happineffcjand may eaflly purcliaiea Monopoly ofwithly profperity.'Out ofthis widencs ofconfciencejpro-ceed much mincing and excufing, many interpretations, fa-uourdble conftrudions, a4id diftindlions of finnes. As for example, that Vfiirie is of two forts, biting, and toothlefle;! when all kinde of Vfurie is peftilent, and moft certainely damned in tlieBookcofCod. That Simonie is cither buy-ingthe gifts of the holy Ghoft, or buying Church-Uuingsj as though this latter were not fo fcule and enormous. When] it is able in lliort time, to bring a curfe and confufion vpon the mofl: glorious and beftfetled Church in the world. That oflye$,fomeareperniciou>s, fome are officious, and for a grcatergood; when as encn the learned Schoole-men, who are far enough from precirene(re,hold eucry kind oflie to be a fin indifpenfablejwhe as A»flin that worthy father & great difpnrer, admits not a lie for the faluation of a mans loule, which is far more woiththen the whole world; N^y,when a man isnottotclla liefor the glory ofGod,asitappcareth, IcB 13. then which there can be no greater good.Of Oathcs, that fome arc greater and more bloody; fome are lefTer, ordinary and more tolerable ; as though cuflomc and com-monnefle made thefe latter excufable, and vnpnnifliabl^ when as the plague of God hangs continually oncrthchead of what fwearer foeuer, ready euery houre tofcaze vpon him, and finkehim downe into the bottome of hell. The flying booke of Gods curfe and vengeance fliall enter into the houfe of the fwearer.and Ihallnotonely cut-hied off,but

ihall

n

$6

Chap, a J.

K^ Difconrfe sf true happineffe.

zo.

Gea.17.

zo

ihall confume the very timber thereof, and the flones therc-of.Ncirher doth this plague reft within priuatc walle.s,but it waftes the glory and profperity of whole kingdomes. Be-. CAtife ef 0£f.thes{{z.''j^leremie^ the land moHrneth, and the fleafant places of the vfildemeffe are dried vp: nay, if it were ;j po0ible that the breath of the fwearer iliould reach vnto tl>c heauens,it would tiien ftainc the glory of the ftarres, and rot thofefaire and imniprtall bodies, it isinfedled with fucha canker and peftilencie; and ^o imniediatly ftrikes at the face of Almighty God. Many other fiichlewde diftindlions of linnes there are,framed and followed by the fenfiiall,grecdy, andambitioi« aff-l'clTiionsof prophane men j that they may more pltafingly tothemfeliies, and more plaufibly to the w^orld, compafle their ends and defires. No maiuell then thoHgh they haj^ie the wicked world at will.

The third reafon of the flouriflimgof the wicked, is, be-caufe ihcy are men of this world j and therefore they haue oneiy their portion and full felicity here. Their heauen is vp-on earth: their pleafurcsin their life time with the rich man intheGofpeil. For as the euerlafting coucnant of inward peace,grace^ndglory,ispeculiarly cofirmed to the children of the Spirit; fo, maiy times in great meafnre the temporall promifes of outward happineflcsare performed vpon the children of the ficlh. When God had eftabliflicd vpon ifaac the euerlafting promifes of .one, mtrcy, and bleftednes : yet he was content to make 775«W a great man vpon tarth. Con-£erntng Ifmael(^ faith he to Ahrah^.m^j I hauePjeard thee • I9,1 h.AHe.bie^ed him, and will make him pmtfhil, andtvfH mnltiply himexc^edinglj.TTvelHe ' rinces Jhallhc\heqet,and In'ill make a great Natisn. of him. JF9iirtHy,andIaftly, the profperity of the wicked makes Jt^vminare.inejfairable> and their damnation more iiift be-• foxc the, Ixibunaii oFGod. For it is iuft with him to bring a :gfjcattr.ine;a,Uire of tribulation andanguilli vpon them, in lyhom his many fauoarsand -ouing kindneftes haue brought fi^fthjynthank.fuine?&.rebellion; 6. that wrath is moft iuftly jraa|jii^e|^Yj>oatl;ieirneads, which by, deipiliugtherichesof

Ux^ Difconrfe tftrue haj>pme(fe.

hisboimtifulnefTe, and patience and long fufFcrance, leading them to repentance, they haue heaptvp as a trcaiurevnto •themfeluesagainfttheday of wrath, and of the declaration oftheiiiftiudgemcnt of God.

You haue heard the rcafons of the happine (Te of the wicked in this life :but it is not fb with Gods children. For they '^muftmoumein this vale of teares while the world reioy-ctth. And as the wicked are fild and fatted with, worldly happineffeandplentie, againft the day of wrath • fb Gods children muft be prepared and fitted with afflidions,forthe glory w hich iliall be reiicaled. They are fliortly to become inhabitants ofthat great and glorious Citie, whofe foundations are precious ftonts, whofc gates are MargariteSjWhofe ftreetes are pure gold, as the fiiinmg glaflej-they muft bee companions of the blefled Angel s,andftand in the prefence ofthat great and facrcd Maieftie; and therefore in this life they miift be caft into the Lords ftirnace, that in the fire of. afflidion they may bee more and more purified from earth- i linefleandcoiruption; andfo with holinefle and humilitie ; prepared for that high pcrfedion of heauenly beautie, gloric i and biiffe. Let euery godly man then with comfort and be- f nefit vndergoe thofe crofles which the->Lord layeth vpon ! him : for they are vnto him as looking glades, wherein God fees his faith and depcndance vpon his proudience j the World his patience and conflaiKie; himfelfe the {pots of his fbule, his decayesofgracc, the breaches of his confciencc, hisncglcdofthedutiesofbis calling, bis coldnelTe in reli-giousferiiices, his fall from his firlt loue: So that by them, God is pleafcdandglorified, others edified and inftrufted, himfelfe humbled, rccouered by repentance, and more fan-dlified.

Ihaueftaicd long vpon the thirtl rtafon of the formaU hypocrites falfe perl wafion of being inflate of grace. The rcafon is bee? ufeciuiil hcneflie, performance of outward duties ofReligion, and worldly profperitiefaceting tc^Cr ther in an vnrcgenerateman, many times breed a very ffrong conceit ofhis being the child of God j and an obfiinate im-

patiency

rs

(^ Difcourfe of true happmefe.

4'

patiency o€hearkening' and ftepping forward to grace, or anyfiirriier perfedion. I come now to the fourth reafon, whereby the formall hypocrite doth felfely perfwade him-felfetobeeintheftateoftrue happinefleand faUiation, and that is:

A mifconceit ofGodsIuftice,and a ftrayningatid racking of his mercy beyond his truth and' promife; fo making the way to heauen broader then the Scripture hath made it, and Ij himfclfemore blcfled then he is indeed. Mans heart is naturally empoyfoned with pride and hypocrifTe, and therefore is hacdlydrawnehcartilytoacknowledgethe horrible vgli-ncsof his finnejor thatGods proceedingagainftit with fuch waight'of vengeance ififequall. Hence comes much indiil-genccand partiall cenflutng of our owne finnes,transftrring themvpon allui-ements, occafions,circnmftances,necefTitie and the like: much leflhiingand impairing Gods iuftice, but amplifying his mercies, euon to theiceuring of vnwarrantar ble courfes. Adam immediately aftcr-his fall fliifteth o0iis finne vpon his wife;nay,heis fo blindin fpirituall uidgement ofdiuinepuritic, that rather then hewillcrieguiltie,he will fafteaithefeiiltbyconrcquent vpon-God himfelfe: Thevfo-Oen 3* I »■ ftMrti faidl he, whtchtheH.ga*iefl'tobeivtth me, Jheegeute mee of theTji^0i(»idIdid e*(te. So gladly would fenfuallmen per-fwadethemfelueSjthatcithertheir finnes defernc not fb ftrid: account and great indgemenrs j or that God dothexercife to.Q much rigour in infliding them. Forout of their worldly wifedomethey meafure andefteeme the vnfpotted and infinite Ocean of the iuftice of God, by the finite, muddieand itQpij:fedftreame of humaneiuftice. Lawes aadconftituti-onsof ftatesaad kingdom^s are bridles to airbe and moderate our corruptions, that wee become fociable and peaceable.} but they-ait offonely from the Body politicke by finall exccutioiijthofethat are of notorious and defperate condi-ticnpjrach as arcThe«ies, Muithercrs, Traitors and the like. A-vei^ proportionable conceit, lam pcrfwadcd, of diuine lufticeandcoraminationsintheLaw of God, Iiirkesin the. hearts ofmany-5 they thinkcthatthofefinnes thatarife ine-

^ uitably

^litably out ofour corrupt nature, or that are committed by ft rong tentation, or that are leiTe pernicious, are, I know not how naturally pardonable; and that if they bee oF the ciuillcribrtjifthey be outwardly conformable in their lines, and harbour good meanings and intentions in matters of Reh'gion, though they nener trouble themfelues vvithmore ftridncfle, and a courfe ofrandification,yet theythinke that .'God will be mercifull in the .end, and that it will \goc well »cnou^h with them, and that onely feUovves of infamooi 'note, liich as are Swearers, Liers, Vfur.ers, Adulterers and fthe like, fliall be excluded finally out of hcauen. But I would jhaue thefe men know, that though the Sea of Gods mcrcie ibe bottomlefle, though the promifes of grace be many and precious; yet not one drop of all that great fea, not oil€ iot ^ofall thofe gracious promifes, belongs to any, {aue onely vnto him that groanes andfighesvndertheheauie waight jand burthen of his finnes; that is of a broken and contrite 'heart, cbattreniblcsat his Word, that vndlffefnbledly for-frowes and repents for all his finnes, forfakes them, and re-^ fignesvphioifelfe in holy obedience to all his Conlmande-ments. I would hauethem know, that he is as infinitely iuft, :as he is infinitely mercifull, and willas certaincly pbwre al!i the plagues and curfes in his bookevpon the impenitent fin-; ner,as he will performe all his promifes of grace to the fajth-" full Chriftian. V ".

The fifth reafon whereby the formal hypocrite dotfa jfalfly perfwade himfclfe to be truly happy,and(fo by confequent) that keeps him fhortofthe ftate ofgrace,may be this;Wheii by fbmegood motion of Gods fpirit ftiired vp in hiniby the preaching of the word,he begins to fetandaddrefie himfclfe to a fandified vfe andcxerciieofRch'giouj'and to a faithful! and conftanc courfe of true holhicfle indcecje., heiprefentjy meets with a fore and ftrong oppofitioofey l^is ownanward[ corruptions, by tentations ofSatan, and vexations from the world I which hepercciuing, andbeir^very fenfible of fuch fiidden diii[Rrhat%ce fixMa hif for^inej:; .f^ct^^/tie, pe:xf>y^q '' himfcljfe,thit tbepafiagetiJbgraqc isiiot-fpifpugli ju]d&

F flerous

59

^o

o</ DifcGurfe uf true /jappmeffe.

flcrous;and therefore retires and rcpofeth himlelFe vpon his fbrmall Chriftiapitie, as the beft ftate he fees any poflibilitie of attaining vnto. Biitif hcwilHaue his foiilc, he mull: acknowledge & fceleby his owne experience the truth ofthat faying of Il'ai. 59. IJ. Hee that refraineth frof/t eutU, fTitiketh htmfelfe a -prej. For what child of God is there truly coiiuer-ted, who at the very firft ftep out of the world, and the vanities chereof,met not with many croflesand difcouragements?' He knowes, and may remember fiill well whofoeucr hcc be, how his owne flefli fretted when it felt it felfe fnafHed and guided by the Law of the Spirit} how by making confci-enccbf(inne,he laid himfelfe more open to the aduantages, wronpsand rnfultation s of his enemies; how the companion^ of his former lewdnefl'e and iiiiquitie railed and raged againft him, as againft an Apolbra from good fellowlhip and high refoUition. And Satan, thathemiy giueedge and vigour to all thefe vexations, hv; bufily beftirres himfelfe,and caUs,about to hinder our conuerfion. While a prifoner lies in a dungeon fall: in fetter5,the lay lor is quiet and lecure; but ifhe once knocke off his bolts, brcake the pi-ilbn and efcape, there is prefently a tumultuous clairiour in the houfc, the Country is raifcd, and hce is foliovyed with Hw and Crye: Eucn fb while \ve lie quietly in the captiiiity of finne,vndcr the chaines of eternal 1 death, hee neithei* difquiets himfelfc nor vs.-But ifby the mercies of God we be once enlarged, and fetfoote into the liberrie and light of grace: why then all the powers ofhell are prefently inarmcs and vprore, and tv^th^uch malice and fur ie the in ftniments of darknciVc are fttonfooteto regaiuevs into his kingdome- This point ap-p^ares in the fifth of the Canticles : Our blefled Sauicur is there faidto ihnd at the doore and knocke, being full of the precious dew and drops of diuine grace, and waiting patiently inthecoldanddilrkeneireofthc night- but yet we fee, what adoe and ftirre there is with the Chriftian foulcbefore fliee can get out of the bed of pleafures andvanitie; the fweetneife of finne arid fenfualitie had fo deepely pofleft and bewitbhcd her, that by her excufes and delaycs (hee hazards

fo

•agsaapg

K^ Difeourfe of true hapfimffe.

(o, great faluation and happineffe, tendered vntohcr by her Spoufc. Yea, and at lengi:h,aFter fhe is refbliied to renounce Her plcafures, and in fome good meafure hath conquered her inward corrLiptions,(b that iLec opens the dooie and fol-lowes Chrift; befides other troubles and encombrances (hee findes abroad, the very watchmen that fhould haiie told her the way and dire(fled her after her fpoure,euen they fet vpon her,and fmite her, and wound her, and take away her vaile. Enery man thenthat will come vnder the banner ofChrift, and haue part in the conqucft, muft,,,together with the new man, put on a Chriftian courage, both to tame and repreffe the i-ebel! ions of his owne fiefh, and to withftandandrcpell ! allaults and perfccutions from abroad, I The fixth reafan, wherby the fbrmall hypocrite doth felf^ ly perfwadc himfelfc to be in fta-eof true happinefTcjmay be an obfemation of the death and iinds of other men ;whofe iiues, he perfwades himfelfe coi '50 fhort of thole perfedions and degrees of goodncfle he fin les in himfelfe. As if he take notice of a notorious finnei*, w^io vpon his deaths-bed by a perfunflorie {hew of penitencie, and fome formall eiacwla-tions for mercic & pardon, makes the world beleeue he dies aSaint.Orifheobfeructheendofan honeft ciuill man, yet neuer acquainted with the power of grace, to bee quiet, peaceable, and confident, without impatiencic, feare orde-fpaire^ he prcfently out of a comparatiue examination of his owne ftate,(which he findes not onely free from notorious finnes, but befides morall honefty,graced with outward re-ligioulhes ) I lay, he prefently conceiues his owne workes in refped of theirs, to be workes offupererogation y his owne life ceitainely to be without all exception, and fo himleife without all danger of damnation. And this conceit is notably confirmed, if there follow Ibme glorious and flattering Panegyricke of funeral! commendation. For then he holds ihealTuranceofhishappinciretobefealed vnto him by the mouth of the Minifteriand lb with refolution and ubflinacy> ftickesfaftinthisprerentftate,andwillnofnrther. .

Miftake me notin thislaft point, belouedinChrift lefus: F 2 ^^ For,

*But let no man

bearehirti

I felle prc-

I fumptu-

.oufly vpon

j this comfortable promife,

out COR(i>

<JervyeU the condition: for lit if thus I in the text: Sitr tfthe

retftmefram dtlbU finu thdt he hath dnte, and kfCfe nil my ftdtutei, *nd doe tbdt which U tdwfuU dnd right y bee

IfljallfHrely liuey 4Hd

fhdU H»t diti Ezech.18. »I«

t^ Difcenrfe of trut hap^ineffe:

^or.firfljdocnotgoe about to confine the boundlefle and Unlimited mercies of God, nor abfolutely to exclude repentance from the deaths-bed. I know that precious truth regi-ftr^d mEtechiel: * At Wartime foeuer a Jtftner, ^c. like a Pearle in a Ring,and a ftarrc in his Oi-be, fhines,atnongft many other gmcious promiftfs in the Booke. of God, with (p-S' ciaH coiniblt, vnfpcakabk and glorions, vpon the darkened and drooping fouleofeuery true penitent, at what time ioc-iier.But yetthisi fayVn this pointy That any raanthat knows and isacqnainted rightly and tmelywitli the narrowntfTe of 'theWfaytoheauen,the nature of Gods i'iTlice,the cunning fldights ofSatan, the diiJicultie of true repentance,how fearfully mans heait is haitiened by cuilome and continuance h finne jhe would not deferre his repentance to his old age, or deaths-bed for ten thoufand worlds. I addethis .• That

Asafuddendeathinrefpedoftime; or a death, wherein appeares much impatiencie, fiercenefle, and vncomfor-tablc behauiour, by reafon ofthe qualitie of the difeafe, or fome extraordinary tentation for thetim?, or that God will bee fo glorified, by iuftlyhardningthe wicked, may bee the waty to euerlafting happineffe: lb a lingring, patient, and lamb-like death, may bee a paflage to endlefle woe and mi-ferie. For that great iudgtment is to parte vpon ourfoules, not according to the ftrangeeft-edls and fymptomes of our ficknefTcjUotaccording to the fhoit moment and violent paf-fions of our death ; but according to the aflionsof our health, the former aftedtions of our hearts, and the generall courfeofourlife.

Secondly, I would by no meanes beetoo bufie or vncha-ritablein my iudgement vpon thofe, which haue already ftoodorfalnctotheirov/nemafter. But as I efteeme that crueltie and malice moftlauage and vile that isdifchargcd vpon the body, or good name ofthe dead; fo I would hane alfo a charitable conceit follow the foulc ofthe departed, ib: farrc as Ipirituall wifcdome, a good confcience, diuine truth, the glorie of God,thc (afctic ofthe foiiles of the liuing, will giuc leauc: But no further. 1

, ThiEdlyJ

K^ Difcourfe of true hapfmeffe.

Thirdly, neither doe I miflike or condcmne Fiinerall Sermons ; I could rather wifli, that asthe death of his Saints li precious in the fight of God, fo, that it might be glorious in the eyes of men. I could rather defire,that the iuft praifeSjand true finceritie of the child of God were publiflied euen by ibmcSeraphicall tongue; that botli the glory of his graces might pafle along and lliine bright to all pofteritie; and that fuch a fire of zeale for imitation, might bee inkindled m the hearts of all the hearers, ( efpecially the prefent occafion making their mindes more capable ofperfvvafion)that they paf-fing thorow the fame courfe of holineflc, might at length ht made partakers of the fame happincfle with the Saints of God. . '...■: r/./ji-!;.;.i

Only m thefe cafes I would haue that fpiritupll difcretion> truth,and confciencevfed, that neitherthe godly bee iuftly grieucdandoftendcd, the wicked heartnedand hardncd in their coiuies,and faHc conceit ofhappineflc; nor the faithftil-nes and fincerity of the Miniftery difgrlced and fcandalized.

Thus fiire I haue laid open vnto yoihthe Itate of formall hypocrifie: in which may concurre immunitie from notori* oiislinnes,allnaturallandmorallperfcdions,admirable va-rietieoflcarning,policie, and all other acquired ornaments ' ofthe minde: an outward performance of all duties of religion, fbme mcafure of inward illumination, reft mblance and fhadow of the whole body of true regeneration, and a per-fvvaf:6(as you haue now laft heardjof being in fratc of giacc. Euen thus farre a man may goe in the profellion of Chriftian Religion, and yet be a ftranger from the power of faith, and from the lifeof godlinefle, I now come by rtafons and arguments to difabie itinthofe points which haue notbecn^ touched, for challenging any interefl: in the true happineflc of a man. And firft to prouc,that a performance of outwai'd duties of Religion, without the power of grace vpon the fbule,andan vniuerfallfanflification in allthe faculties thereof, cannot produce any {^ouwdi comfort in the heart, or acceptation with God.•

Myfirftreaibn is that Principle generally receirted ijvtith F3 aU

(_xf Difcourfe §f true hap^ineffe.

all fchooleDiuines; and very found and Orthodox in true Diuinity. The iniquitie,defccis,or exorbitancy of any paiti-cular, of one circumftancc makcch an adion euill: but an abfbluteintegricie of ail concurrents- is required to make a good workc acceptable to God, comfortable and profitable to a Chriftian : The end muft be good, the glory of<jodi the action it leife in it ovvne nature muit be iuPc and warrantable,-the circumftances honeftandfeafonable; the meanesdircd: and lawfull j the fountainc, the heait,{incere and lan^f^ified. If this laft be wanting cfpecially, though other wife it beni^uer fo glorioufly conueyed, iieiier fo wifely managed, of neuer fo goodly a (hew to the eyes of the world j yet it is not onely marred and defaced, and no aftion of grace, but odious and abominable in the fight of God. TheMoralifts by the light of nature faw a truth proportionable to this, euen in the adions of vertue: The truth and worth whcrof they did ccn-fure and efleeme, not by the bare outward adion, but by the inward, free and independent vprightnefle of the mindc; And therefore to an aftiontruely vertuous they required a refolued knowledge, an irrefpediue and aduifed freedomc offpirit, a conftant and eafic habit of the minde, an entire louetothefairenefl'eof vcrCue. So that whatloeuer honeft adionsfprungfrom pafTion, huaiour, feare, refpecfl, ambition or the like jthey accounted vertuous and good, onely by accident and occafion, not inwardly and eflentially: Whereupon they hold,that many great and honorable at-chiuements of ancient Worthies amongft the Heathens, howfbeuer they vrere admirable in the eyes of men, andbe-neficiall to the publike State ( for Ibmetimes out of fomt fiidden cleuation of fpirit, or pang of vainc-gbry, they were euen prodigalloftheir lines and blood, for the good and deliuerancc oftheir Country:) yet to the authors and adlorsthemfelucs they were not the true workes of ver-tue, but of ambition, andadefire of immortall fame> It is cuai fo in the higher adions of grace and religion: Befidcs the outward performancCjiGod requires finctritie of lieart, aadtratfa in the inward parts, to make them graciais and

acceptable

(_x/ Difeourfe ef true hapfineffe.

6'>

acceptable. And hovvfoener other-vvife they may purchaf^ themanameamongftmen, profpcritic in the world, fomc lefTe torment in hell, and procure good viito others; yet except they proccede from a faith vnfaintd, and a pui'e confci-encCj to the Chriftiansthemfelues, in refped^of ail heauenly happineiTcjthey arc fruitleflc and vnprofitable.

Myfccond proofc is out of the 5. o'c'WI'SLt.th.Sxcepjour nghteeiifne^e exceed thertghteeufne^e of the Scribes and Pha-\rifies^jep^allr^otenter into the klKgdozne ef heauen. The out-I ward righteoiilhefre of the Scribes and Pharifies was ft-! moiis in thofetimes, and much admired : So that if God did I not principally refpe(5t the heart; if that were not true in the I 16. of Luke ; Thiit ivLich U highly ejreemed amonq^ mem^ ii \fiborMmtioKin the fight of god-, they might not onely hauc carried away the gailand for piety on earthy but haue iuftly Ifccmedto liaiiebeene the onely hcires to a crowne ofim-{ mortality in the heauens. For beiides their forbearance and f proteftationagainftgrofrerfianes, Muithcr, Theft, Adulte-1 rie. Idolatry,.and the like • they were frequent and folemne in I prayers/aftings, abiel-dtcdes; and that withfarre greater I llri.1:nefreand demotion, then the religious a-ftions of for-I mall h) pocrifie are performed in thefe times of the Gofpell. \ Befidcs, [ doubt not but many ofthem were perfwaded, that I their way v\'astht way of life, and that they \\"ere iw the I ftate cftru.e happintflc: And yet for all this, except wee ex-! Qzcd.^ their righteoufncflc^the ipeech is peremptorii-,we llial I not enter into the kingdome of hcauen.For we fee in the 23. ofMath£^v,whatachaine of curfes, out of the moaih of ourblcfledSauiovir, did iuflly draw them into the bottome of hell.

Thirdly, this truth is manifeft out of the dov%ineofthe Prophets: Efav i. Mich. 6. Hag- 2. Pfalra. 50. and many o-ther places. Whence arifcth this conclufion : That the principal!'and holicfl exercifes, the moft folemne and facred {anions of religion, without fmceritie ai>d fan:li1ication o? j heart, are but a.s the cutting oft'a Dogs necke, and the ofte-f ring oirlwines blood. Their lacrifices,oblations,ar;dir*:eni€j-1 F 4 their

l

]

o^ Difcstirfe of true happmelfe.

their new Moones, their Sabbaths and folera le feafts were thingscomraandedby Godsowne month, yet where they were performed with impure and prophane hearts, hee tcls them, that his Ibuk hated them, that tlicy were a burthen vnto him, and that he was wcaiic of them. For if the Lords contentment had hnally reftcd m the worke wrought, a;id not chiefly refpeded the inward aft'cdion of the worker; had hee required onely theceremonialladion ofiacrificing, andnotthefpirituall conformity of the heart to his wili: why,he had notneedetodefirefacrifices ofthem,norexpc-dedfiipply from their hands; as appcareth in that facred androyallconteftationof Godwith his p'eople, about the queftion of his worfliip, Pial 5 o. IrviJi not refrone thee for thy facrifices ( {aith God ) »r thy hwnt offerings, that haue not heene continually before mee, I will take no Bnlhckc cut of thine h9Hfe,or Goats out of thy folds. For all the heafls of the forrefl are mine, and the heafls on a thoufand hills, I k^ovc all thefowles onthemoHntain£s,andthen>ild beafis of the field are mine. If I he hungry y I n ill not tell thee: for the world u mine, and all that therein u.jVill Ieate the flejh of BhIs ? or drinke the hloud ofGMtsfH^y, if wee coniider God in his abiolute foue-Taigncty, andeflcntiall glory, aienthatistrueof the moft fandified works of Gods Child,which is in lob 3 5 .y. If thou ^erighteouSywhatgiuefi thou vnto htm? or What recetueth hee\ at thtne hand I And that o^Damd,^£d\. 16. 2. CMy well-doing extendeth not vnto thee. For what can that httle fparke of ho-linefTein vs( which doth iirft too, proceed from him, and is onely darkened in our corruptions) adde vnto that infinite Glory, and Maiefty, and Light, that no man can attaine vnto; with which he hath incomprehenfibly lien encompaP fed from all eternity? O jely it pleafeth him of his infinite goodnefle,and out of a gracious defirc of our {aluation, to accept our fincerity though mixt with imperfe6lions,and to crowne his owne graces in vs. Where then (hall appeare the bare outwardnes of hollow-hearted Chriftians? Jf theheart bee wanting : what magnificence or glory of out ward ferui-ccsfhall be able to dazle his fight, whofe eyes are ten thou-1 . ^ ^ find!

Kyi Difcmrfe of true hapfinejp.

61

^nd times brighter then the Siinne, and fees clearclyour in mofl thoughts ? Whereveith /hall We come before the Z W, or) what/hall v\e offer vnto him ? fViUthe Lord hee ^leafed with ten thonfands cf Rams, or v ith ten thtn/and rtHcrs of Ojle .' ShaUrvegiue ourfirfi borne for our tranforcffton, euen the fruit ofoHrbodte^for the fin of our foule ? No; thoiTgh wcc gauc all that U'e had to the poorc, and our owne bodies to be burnt: nay, ifit were podible, thatby curmeanes we could vindi cate tl)c fovks of all men now liuing from the iawes of eter-nall death ; }et all would profit vs nothing, except our hearts be firft purged by faitli, pure from an euill cbnicience, and pofleftofa found and conftant:one to God, his Word, or honour, his truth, and feruants.

let this then bee the conclufion to this point: Though a man were a morall Saint, an /"ingcll amoiigO: the Pharifes, abiblute in al! other perfed:ions; yet without the inward power ofgiacc to ginc the m life, hee isbut a fpedacle of com-miferation to Angels, and to men; eu'jn as that bodie is, which adorned with fundric other exquilite beauties, wan-teth eye-fight, the chiefeil: grace that Nature hath in that kinde to beftow. Or as a cunning Organift, skilfull in the outward touch of his Inftrument, yet without windinfpired cannot poflibly ftrikethe care, or picafethe heart with any melodious noife : fo though his anions bee flourifhcd ouer with a faire tindure of out ward religioufnefle, and heeexadt in morall honefly; yet without the breath and life of grace in-fuiedy there can bee no true fpirituall harmony in his aftedri-ons, words, or conuerfation, tliat either will beget found ioy and ipiritiiall delight in thcfouic,orbe pleafinginthc earesof Almighty God.

You lee then, belr)ued in Chrift Icfus,that the performarr-'cesofoutvvard duties ofReligion, euen the beft, fuchasare Prayers,hcaringthe Word ofGod,receiuingthe Sacraments, Almef-deedes, and the like, though they be good in them-feIues,commandcdcfGod, neceflary to bee done of eueiry Chriftianiyetifthtiy beediuided from inward landificati-on and finceritie of heart, are lb lairehom putting vsinto

poffcfllon

iw// Bifeourfe ef tr»e hafpineffe.

poflelTion of true happineffe, that they are odious and abominable in the fight of God.

! Itold you in the beginning, if you remember, that bcfides ■ outward rightcouiiiefle, the formall hypocrite maybcleeue for a time: and therefore by the inwai d,though more gene-Tail andinferiour working of the Spirit, may bauea temporal ie faith begot in him : and this faith may bring forth fome ■fiuites, and fomekindes of inward graces. But that all this ', ccmes ("hort of faluatiou, appeares in the parable : For there 'the hearer compared to the ftonie ground, which I call the I formall hypocrite, is one of the reprobate heans vpoa \ whomthe Word is not the power of God to faluation As for thcfcfiue degrees added out ofthefixth to the Hebrues, of which I told you thefoririall hypocrite may bee partaker ; it is manifeft out ofrheram<; Chapter, that they come fhoJ't oftheftate of grace. For a man but fo furnill-ied, may not onely fall backe to a worfe, and more ordinary ftate of a re-probate,buteuen to the depth of all impietie and apoftafie. He may not oneiy bauehisnieafure of inward illumination, all his lighter ioy and comfoit in Gods Word quite extin-giiiOitj but become a wiifuU and malicious fcomcr of true godanefll. He rnay not onely grieue, and quench the fpirit; but he may triad vnderfoote the fonne of God, count the blo'.idcftheTtrramentasan vnholy thing, and dcjpite the veiy Spirit of grace: fo thatit may be impoiTiblc thathee fiiould be rer.ucd sgainc by repentance. ■ Jnthelalrp.'ace Itold you, that bciidcsallthefe the fbr-mail hypocrite mighi entertaine a perfwafion of his being in the flateoftnie happinefle i and io with contentment and fecr.ritiewalke in the path that leadesto eterna.!! death : but hoAv weake and falfe the reafons and motiues to this perfwa-fion were,I haue beforelargely deliuered- Jtrcmainestherefore, thatlihould now lay downecertaine markesand properties ofdifference, betwixt the ftate of fonnall hypocrifie andfaiiinggrace: buti nruft referre a large profecution and diflindtrcatifeofthcm to feme other place and time. Yet at this time by the grace of God, I fliall deliuer fo much, that

any

f^ DifcoKrfe o^true /jappmejTe.

6p

any mantlisc willdeale feitbfully with Jiis owne confcience.-1 aiid follow mce withaBtendo:i to the end,may in feme good ] meafurc be informed, whether he lie yet in their.adow of I di2r:horliuein:hc iifeof grace.Some difference then, firil, | inayariie.outofthedirciav.-^ion of the degrees and workings ! of taith. Which that you may better conceiue, you muft re- ' member three iorts of faith, HircoricalljTempcrar/^Sauing, i or ir.ftif)-ir:g faith-Hiiloiicali fai.h.is net onely a knowledge of the Word of

I God,biit alio an aiVcntof the heart to the truth of it.And this is of two if rts:either Infiiicd, which is wrought in vs by the

i illightning fpiiitof Gc<i,and flayiiig it felfe vpon his authority : Or AcquircdjWhich is produced by the light of reaibn, diicourfe, a ^d created tefnmcr;}-.

The latter IS to be found in the Diuels; for theybeleeiie and trembk: And in the Papifts; fcr their fidth is no better, according to theireroonds and priiKip'es. My rcafon isthis briefly ;foi I will doHucr my felfe ofthis point in a word. The ieluites by thciiiuglinghauc caftrhemlchies into a circle about the faith of the tn:th, ai:d diuinitie of Scriptures; and that is this:Aske any Papiltinthislandjhowhebeleeues ScnptiiietobcthcWordofGrd,anddiuinely infpircd: he will anlwcr, bccaufc the Church deliuereth it fo to be. And uhybtleeuethheethe teftimony of the Church? Becaufe| it is'.nfaliibly guided by the Spirit. And bow doth that ap- i

iptarc.'P.ecaiiie it is lb contained iaScripture, as in John \6. The Spirit rrtil leaae jon tnte aH truth. And hew fhall wee know this Scripture ofIah»,to bee the Word of God, and '

jdiuinely icfpired? Btcaule the Church deliuereth itfo to

[ bit jandfo they mull ncedes nmne round in this circulff-

jtion*

Now I would propofeto the Papifts, the choice of thefc three; one of which thcymi:!!: of neceflitie accept: Firfr, whether they will mnne lound in this circle, and waxe gid-dic, and fall, and linke into that pit, wherePoper)- was fir ft hatcht; or they will brcake the circle atthe authority of the Scriptures, and fo by confec^uent, they mufl fall to cur fide

and

exf Difcourfe oftrne hiifpineffe.

a id the truth;or they will breake it at the t^sftimonie of the Churchnndfoall their faith, as Ttold yoi), muft needcs bee only acquired, becaiifc it depends on a finite and created j;e-ftimo!iy, and confequently comes farre lliort of laluation. I doubt nor, but the Papifts will acknowledge and approue that difference betwixt infiifed and acquired faith confcn-ted vpon by the Schoolcmen.- That inftifcd faith relieth immediately vpon an incrcated authoritie, but acquired, vpona finite and created tcftimonie. I know the IefLiites,a kind of men iafpired with a tranfcendency of Antichri-flian impoflure, labour bulily to palTe plaufibly and hand-fomely out of this circle : but if their fliifts be throughly flf-ted, and they followed with force of argument : it is ccr-taine, they will either bee driuen into the circle againe, or cnforcedtoftartoutattheoneofthofebrca:hes I told you of. Becanm, one of them,aftcr he had long tired himfelfc m thiscircle,andatlaH:bythehelpe of Greforiw de Val. and former leluitcs, got out, but with fliamefull abfurditie and inconuenience; inapoore reuengeto relieue hlmrelfe,hce threatens vs with another circle: and fo writes a Treatife de Circulo C alkimjlicojhnt very weak ely and falfely; as might beedcmonfliatedeuenout of the founder Schoolemcn, in thcirqueftion of the laft rcfolutionof faith. But I intended no difcourleofcontr(uicrfie, but oflanflification; and thcr-forel procecdc,andtake the foimall hypocrite along further towards the ftate of grace. For befides knowing and aflen-ting to the truth ofGods Word by an hiftoricalT faith, hec may by the vertuc ofa temporary faith, adde three degrees nioe.Thatis;Hemaymorcouer profefle it in outward fer-uices of Religion : He may inwardly reioyceinit: He may bringfoorrhfomekindeoffruite. Butthcfe things areone-ly found in hiF8,fo long as they doc not mainely crofle, but are compatible with his worldly peace, wealth, liberty,and other delightfull contentments. Here therefore 1 mufllcaue him; and acquaint you with thofe Workings and degrees of (ailing faith, which qualified, asI{hallproporcthem,are peculiar to Gods childe; and fodiftinguilTi anddiuide the

regenerate

K^ Difcenrfe of true haffimffe.

regenerate man, from the ftate of fbrmall bypQ€-rific, They are thefe:

A feeling and fpecial I approbation of the word of life,and promifesoffaluation : a moft feruent expetition and thir-ftingforthcenioymeiitofthem :aneffeduall apprehenfion; a particular apphcation; a full perfwafion; a delight and ioy thence nfingjlbnnd, and vnconquerable.

That you may v ndcrftand thtfe, you muft conceiue, that the fbuie of Gods child, comming frefh out ofthe pangs and terrors of his new-birth ( a miftcrieto the formall hypocrite ) humbled vnder the mighty hand of God, by a fight and Itnie of his finnes,lookes vpon the whole body of diuine j truth, as vpon a precious iewcll,wherein Chrift and his gracious promileslTiine vnto him efpecially,asa ftonieof inefti-mable worth and valuation; whereupon with a peculiar dearenefle he fets fuch a liking, that with it he holds himfelfe an heireof heauen; without it a child of endleffe perdition. Hence foUowes an expetition and defire of it, enforced with groancs vnutterable ;and a gafpingfbr it, as the drieand thirftie ground for drops ofraine. Thirdly, he apprehends itwithafaftandeuerlafting hojd. Fourthly, hee applies it clofely and particularly to his owne foule. Fiftly,he is truly and fiilly perfwaded by Gods good Spirit, out of a con-fideration of his vniuerfall change, that it is his own for euer. Laftly, hee lies downe in peace that paifeth all vnder-ftanding.- Hee is filled with ioy, that no man can take from him: Hee delighrs in the grace apprehended, as in a trcafure farremore deare vnto him then the glory of infinite worlds, or life it felfe.Froin the power and workings of this inward grace,fpring outwarda(!l:ions, both in his generallcalling, ofChriftianitie, and his particular vocation; which by the mercies of God are faithfuH,^onftant, vnifprme, impartiall, refolute,vniuerfall,comfortable. Whereas thofewnicharc produced by the more weake and inferiour degrees of temporary faith, incident to theformall hypocrite, are weake, wauering, many times interrupted, variable; guided much byoccafionsandthetime,forcedby hope or fearej fwayed

by

v^ Difcourfe of true hafpineffe.

hy fccret refpcds to priuate ends, and woridly contentments.

But thefe more inward markes ofdifH^rencc, howfoener by a fvvecte and gracious experience they bee felt, and acknowledged ofthechildcofGodj yet generally, and to the vnregenerate, they are hidden my fteries, and vndifccrnable to the brighteft eye of the naturall man. Therefore I will come to thofe markes of difference betwixt the ftate offor-mall hypocrifie, and fauing grace, which are more outward, ftmiliar, and more generally ,and eafily difcemable^ of which one may be this,

The power of grace doth beget in a regenerate man, a watchfulnefre,care and confcience of fmaller offences, of fe-cret finnes,offinfull thoughts, ofappearances of euill, of all occafionsoffinne, ofprophaiecompanie,ofgiuing inftoffence in indifferent aflions,a^ d the like: \\ hereasthe formall hypocrite taketh not fuch things as thcfe much to heart, but tit her makes no confcience of them at all, holding it a point ofprecifenefTeto be tooconlcionable; or elfe proportions it to feme his ownc turne, or to giue fatisfa^ion to others. And in forbearance offinnes, he hath an tipeciall eye onely at thofe that may notorioufly difgiacehim in the world, entangle him in danger oflaWjOr vex his confcience with lome extraordinary terror,

Letthofethen examine themfelues at this markc; who, howfoeucrfliamekcepethemfromvncleane praiflifts. and grofTcrac^soffilthinefle; yet inwardly boyle in fpcculatiuc wantonneffe and adulteries of heart. Tbbfe, who howfbc-uer their indired meanes fpeed not for mounting themfelues to high eftate J yetfpend their befl thoughtsall their life long,iiiproieifling and contriuijTg, as though they were borne to aduailce themfelues, and not to honour God in their callings. Thofe; who though they doe not enclof e, op-prefle andgrind the facesof^thepoore jyet haue their hearts exercifed in couetoufnes. Thofe, who though they haue for-\ fakcnfome finnes,yet maintaine in themfelues one knowne fwcetcfiniie: Thofe, who though lawes,and feare of danger

reftraine

reftmine from railing with open monthesagainft ourState, yet harbour iccret repining.s,murmiirings, vnthankeftilnefTe, and difcontentmests. Euen a contemptuous thought of a King, or lawfiill authority, is a fmne of high nature: and me thinkes ( for the miraculoufnefle ofthe difcouery ) is paraU j leld in Scdefmsles^ to the bloudiaeffe of aduall murthcr. I That Kvhch hath vetngs ( faith the Preacher ) /haJi declare the ^matter,

Laftly, let thofe examine themfclues at this marke, who offer themfeluGs to thofe finftilloccafions, breeders of many ftrangeand fearefullmifchicfes, I meanc prophane andob-fccne Playts. Pardon mce, beloued, 1 cannot pafle by thofe abominablefpedlacles, without particular indignation : For I did euerefteeme them (fince I had any vnderftanding in the wayes ofGod ) the Grand empoyfuiiers of grace, inge-nuoufneflc, and all manly refolution: Greater plagues and infsdions to your foules, then the contagiouspeftilence to-your bodies: The inexpiable Ikine and diflionour to this famous Citie: The noyfome Wormes that canker and blaft the generous and noble buds of this land; and doc by a (lie and bewitching infinuation, fo empoyfon all feeds ofvertue, and fo weaken and emafculate all the operations of the foulc, with a prophane,if not vnnaturall diflfoIutenefTe i that whertas they are planted inthefe worthy houfes of law, to bee fitted andinabled for great and honourable adions, for the publike good and the continuance of the glory andhappinefleofthisKingdome; they licentioufly diffblue into wick^^ vanities and pieadires: and all hope of their e-ucrdoing good, either vnto God, the Church, their Country, or cwnt foules, mclteth as the winter yce, andfloweth away as vnprcfitable waters. Thefe infamous (peiftacles are condemned by all kind of ibund learning, both-diuine and humane. Diftindions deuifed for their vpholding and defence, may giue feme fhallow and weake contentment to partial! and fenfuall aftedions, poffeft with preiudice: but how (hall they bee able to latisfie and feciurc a ronfcience leafible oialia^feAraKce ojeuill? How can they preferue the I incli-

n

Chap. lo.

# Thedtrd dejinire fof.

iifitioruiiqi fimtiHm ■fentittdm y \dffc/Mlam, Bodm.de

C4f. i«

Deuc 12.5.

i^ Difcourfe of true happinefe.

iiiclinablendte of our corrupt nature from infeflion, at thofe Sc'hooles of/ewdnejfe 2i[\d Sink^t«fa/lfins^:[S (^to omitDiiiines, •Coimcels, Fathers, Moi-alifts, becaiife the point isnotdireA-lyincident)euen a*Politician calleth theai. Alas.' are not our wretched corniptidns raging and fiery enough, being left to themfelues difpcrfed at their naturall liberty; hut they muft bee. vnited at thde accused Theaters, as in a hollovv glaflCjtofet on flame the whole body of our naturall viciouf-'. inefle at once;andto inrage it fijrther with luft,rtercenes, and 'eften:iinatcnefle, beyond the compare of nature ? Doth any jman thinke it pofliblcthat the power of fauing grace, or the 'pure Spirit of God can refide in his heart, that willingly and j with fuUconfent feeds his inward conaipifcence, with fuch I variety offinflil vanitiesand lewd ocrafions;which the Lord himfelfe hath-pronounced to bee an AbomwattonmViQ him? I How can.any man thatieuer felt in his hcart,cither true loue> or feare of fb dreadfiill a Maiefty, as the Lor^d ofhcaucn and earthjCndureto beprefent, efpecially with dehght and contentment, at Oathes, Blafphemies, OofcenitieSjand the abu-fiilg fometimesof the moft precious things in theBookeof God, (whereat we {Lould tremble)to moft bafe and fcurrill iefts ? Certainely euery Child of God is of a right noble and heroicillfpirit J artd therefore is moft impatient in hearing ^ny wrong, indignity, or difhononr offered to the Word, Nareie, or glory ofhis Almighty Father. - A fecohdmarkc of difference may be this; The power of (aUiiig^ric€ doth iiibdiie and fdudifie our affedions with a confti6nable and InoXy moderation; fo that they become feruiceabldto the glory of God, andfora more rcfolute car-riageofgoodcaufcs, and zealous difcliarge of all Chriftian duties. But the bridling of pialTions in the formall hypocrite, is tiot fb much ofconfcience; as ai tificiali, politicke,for ad-^ \ uantlagc, and by the guidance of morall dilcretion: fo that if they fcj?tempted by llrong occafions, and violent obiedts, tbcynmnytiniesbre2k«out,to the di(honour of God, the di/gtace of a Qif^aiiprofellton, andthc dlfcoivsry 6ftheir

hj^poCDJfie.i {j.i:ficjv;g

let

(^ Difcourfe of true happme(fe.

Let eiiery man then examine himfelfeat this marke, and with a (ingle eye and vpright heart tal< e a view of his affedi-ons; \\ hcther his ioy bee in v^ard and fpirituall.that is, in the aflurance of Gods fauour,in his vvord,in his childrenjin prayer, and a continuall pradifeof godlineflc; or outward and carnalljthat is, in the attainementofgreatnefle and worldly pleafureSjin the increafc ofhiscorn,andwine,andoiIe. Whether he loue the peace of confcience farre more dearely then the fiuonr of men,or his ownc life.-Whether he be more zea<-lous for the honour and praife of God,then his owne: Whether he be more afraid of fecret finnes, then open (hame; of offending God, then outward affliftipns; Whether he be moj e angry m thecaufc of Religion, and concerning Gods glory, or for his owne priuate wrongs. And fo thorowout thereilofhis aftedions.

letthefierceanddefperatcGallants cenfider this point; which vpon euery light occafion, and termes of dif gracc,are rcady,o!Jtof agraccles and vngrounded opinion of declining cowa'dize, tofheath theirfwords inthebodyoftheirbrother. And let them aflurc themlelucs, that the meekc and mcrcifull Spirit of God will neucr confift with fuch bloody and vnramed af^cdions j his holy motions will notcome into their fecret, neither will his fauing grace be ioyned with their afftmbly. For in their wrath they will kill a mas, and in their felfc-will they will deftroy the Image of God. Cur-ftd bee their wrath, for it is fierce; and their rage, for it is cruelk

Oh, that they would but mark e and forefee, into what an incuitable and eridlcfle maze of certainc mifery and vengeance they enter, when they enter into the field, vpon either oSer, or acceptance of chalerge !; t they bee flaine, they are acctflariesto their owne vntimely raiuther •• They violently and wilfully pull thanfelues fiorntheiandof theliuing, to theabhoiTcd regions of dt ath : they cruelly and irrecout-rably rend their owne pooie loules from time of grace and repentance. They extinguiili ail hope of pofterity; and perhaps their Ijoufe aud family dctcruiines in that bloody adt G But

Pfo.io,7'

o«/ Difcourfi of true hap^ineffe.

But that which is the accomplifliment of all mif cries and terrour they iuftly fall ii=itothe hands of the lining God, who will certainely iudge them after the manner of them that Hiead their owne bloud^ and will giue them the blood of wrath, and ofiealoiific. And whereas they looked to Icauea name behind them, it lliall rot away with as vile dctcfhrion ■as their carcafes in the graue • The mtmorUll of the tufi ( faith Salomon') Jhall be ble^ed^ bnt the name of the ^•'icke^pJAllrot. If it doc liue,itrhaU line to their lliamc and infamy. For I dare fay this boldly; There was neuer any man rightly informed, either in the principles of nature, or in the gracious way to heauen, in thefobcr paffages of morrality, or in the iufticcof ftateand policie, or acquainted with the faircnefle of true honour, that euer gaue any allowance, or euer will, to the reputation of manhood, falfdyfo called, purchaicd m prinate quarrellinthe field. This is then all they get: for theloflc of foule and bodie, of heauen and earth, of name and polte-ritie,they onely gainethe damned applaufe of deui!s,r\vagge-rers,and wicked men.

But ifit fall out otherwife, that they be not kild, but kill; mark what befalles them; they depart the field drunken with blood, as with new wine : and therefore they (hall be fure at length to be filled with drunkennelTe, and with forrow,eucn With the cup ofdeftruilion and trembling;they fhall drinkc of it dcepeand large, and wring it out to the very dregs. For prefcntly after the murther committed, they haue Caines fearefull marke ftampt vpon them: The furies of confciencc and cries of blood,lliall ^r euer perfecutethem with rcfllefle liorrour: As they cloathed themfelues with rage like a raiment, fo fhall it now come into their bowels like water, and ■finke like oy le into their bones. In the mcane time they fliall liucinthehellofconfcience vpon earth, and expcd euery houre to be tumbled into the hell of wicked deuils for euer-tnore in the world to come.

Let me then in the nameand feare of God aduifc them; i^ they would win an opinion of true valor indeed,ifthey looke fbrany portion in the mercies of God, or honour amongfl

his

K^ Difeourfe of true happneffe.

his Saints, to fettle and compofe fuch wildaftedionsby the Word of truth ; totiirncthegrcatneneofthcir courage and gallantnefle of Spirit, to the flibduing and conquering of their ovvnecormptions; and to the wrafHingagainftprinci-pahties and powers, againft the worldly goiiernours, the princes of the darkeneffe of this world,againfl fpiritnall wic-kcdnefles, which are in the high places.This fight isChriftian and conragious indeed,the vidory is glorious, the reward is Immortalitie.

A third note of difference may be this,: Euery Childe of God by the power of fauing grace, doth hunger and thirft [after all thole mcancs God hath ordained, or offers for his I furtherance in thewaytoheaucn, and for his comforting land confirming in a Chriftiancourfe; and doth make a holy vfe of whatfoeuer is either publikely or priuatelylaide vpon him for his amendment: and therefore he continually profits and proceeds m fancflification by his Word,his iudg-mcnts and his mercies: by the exercife,obferuation andfeiiTe ofwhichjhee growes fenfible in heauenly knowledge, faith, humiliation,repentance,thankefiiInefle,and all other ipiritual graces. Bur the formall hypocrite doth fo farre take notice and regard of them, as they further his temporall happineflc; and as his neglect ofthcm, by confequent thrtatncth danger and ouerthrow to his outward worldly frate.For the prefent perhaps, he is moued with the hearing of the Word of God, with the terrour of liis iudgements,whilethey lie with fom-j extraordinary waight vpon himfelfe or the whole land,* and with the fwcetenefleof his mercies, becaufethey fecure him in his profperitie. But thel'e things finke not into his foule with the power of mortification, to the deltroying of his finfuU aftcdions, and the Ihaking off of euery knownc. finne.

BelouedinourLordand Saaiour Chrifl Icfus, let vs euery one ofvs(I bcfeech you^try himfelf faithfully by this note of difference: And the rather, bccaufe our gracious God hath moil plentifully and incomparably vouchfafed vs in this tandallmeanes to bring vsvntoheauen- Hee hathvifi-

G 2 ted.

exf Difc»ttrfe of true happineffe.

Chap. 15

tedvs with his word, hisiadgemcntsand m:mes, totlie a-ftonilTiment of the whole world. Now let vs co.i{ider,whe-thcr as they haue bred admiration in men and A:igcls;ro they haue brought faluation to our owne foiiks.

Firft, for his Word : Fv^rthefe fifty yecres, you know, he hath fpread out his hands all the day long ; he hath fent all his feriiants, the Preachers of his Word, riting vp early and fending them, faying : Retnrne now euery man from his euill wayes,and amend your workes.Let vsthcn examine our felues-in this point. Hath this glorious Gofpell which hath fo long {hined bright in our eyes, and founded loud in our eares;hath it,I fay,been mighty in operation vpon our foules, in planting in them the power of true god inefil ? Doe wet daily grow more Ibu.id by it in the knowledge of the truth ; and ice more particularly into the way and whole courle ot Chriitianity ? Doth itcontinually build vs vp more ftrong- j ly in faith, repentance, and holy obedience to all his com-\ raandements ? Why then bleflfed is our cafe: forthis power-full expeiience in our foules of daily growth in godlinefle by the Word, is a notable marke vnto vs that we are in the flate of grace; atid fo all the blelTings in the Booke of God belong vnto vs,and pleafures moe then the Itarres of the firmament in number. But if otherwife(which is rather to be feared,)ifj we haue either beene no hearers, or but now and then, as our worldly commodities would giue vslcaue; or hearers onely of forme and faihion, not of zeale and confcicnce to profit by it, and yeeld obedience vnto it; or onely hearers and no doerSjWhy then we may affure our lelues,we are yet fhort of the flatc of grace; and marke what will bee the end both of vs and the whole land •• it mull needes be the fame with that oflud^i and UrHfaUm (for they were as well beloued of God as eucr Englmd can be:) G'(3f,faith God wMoItremj,(joe and teUthe menof lHda,and the irJoaifitants of lerufaLew, I haue fentyoH AllmjfertiAnts the Prophets, rifng vp eare/j, andfen-dtMgthem; i'utj/ouvpou/d not incline your e Are, you would not obeymee • therefore thus faith the LordofHofisy the God of lf\ rak: Beh»ldylmUbnng vpon Iuda,and vpon all the inhabitants]^

efi

\^ Difcourfe of true haffineffe.

19

VaU\6.

pjlerufalem,edlthe eHillthat Ihatiefronounced agamfltheyrtj ; Imlldoevnto thiihoufe^ -whereupon fnj name is called^ Vfherein aijdj/etrftft, fvs I hane donevMo Shilo^ I vcill caflthem oMtof\ ch*D t mjfight: And I) illmdkf thu City a curfe vnto all the nattons cf the earth. And the Lord was lb vnrcmoiieable and fctled-ly refolued vpon this point ( fith he had To long preached vnto them by his Prophets, as he hath done vnto this Iand,and it would doc no good,) that he bids the Prophet meddle nt) more, for he would neiier heare him againe : Therefore ( faith he ) thonjhalt not pray for this people, neither lift vp cry or prayer for them^ neither entre^te mie, for I will not heare thee,

Theiudgements vpon this land hauebeene many and fearefull; t doubt not, but wee haue fcene with our eyes, c-uen thofc which are very neerc fore-runners of that great and terrible Day ofthe Lord. Wee haue feene ftrange and prodigiousapparitions in the ayre : we haue had vnheardof, plots and pradlifes againft our State. Our land hath long and extraordinarily groaned vnder a fore and durable plague, which hath ftuckeclofe to the bowels ofthisCitie. Thefea bath broke out of her bounds, and fweptaway many as righteous as our felues: wee haue feltfuch extremitie ofheatc and cold, of which 1 thinke thefe parts ofthe world aie not naturally capable; focertaine it is that the fiiigeref God hath beene in them. The poorc of the Land cuen now gricuoufly figh>and pine with a prefent famine. Let vs then examine our iclues in this point. Haue wee laid all thefe iudgements vnto our hearts ? Haue we beene truly humbled by them ? Haue we by a diligent fearch taken notice of our finnes, and grieucd for them,and abandoned them? Haue we mourned and cried foralUhe abominations that are done a-mongftvs? Why then blefled is our cafe, our flate is the ftate of grace; wee fliall be fure to be^ markediaad.fralcd in the fore-heads, by the Angell of God for hisfemants, before the vials.of finsill dcfolation be powred vpon tjhisKingdorr^c. But ifothqr wife ( which is rather to be feared ) if hec hath fmittcn vs,and we haiie notforrowed ^ if heehath correded

G 3 vs

bl::

ex/ Difcomrfe of true ha^^ineffe.

Chftp.jf. VcrCtf.

vs for amendment,and we are not betccredjbut rather worfe and worfe i we may affure our (elues we yet want a gracious marke,and eft'cd of the power of true godlinefle ; and markc what will be the end both of vs and our whole land; it can be no other then thatofhisowne people. And thus he dealt with them by his iudgements, eucnasa Phyfician with his patient. A rhyfician,while there is any hope of recouery in his patient j he vfcth the benefit of all the rules of Art, all variety of meanes, prefcribing diet, letting blood, mioiftring pils and potions; but when hee once perceiues the naturall heater^beefodetaj'ed, and ftrcngth of naturcfpenr, that ..his Phyficke will worke no more good vpon him, but rather •Haflea his ruiiie then his recOuery ; hee then It^aues hfim to the pangs ofdeath,a!iddifroIution of fouleand body. Euen' fbdeales God with his people, while there is any hope of repentance, beevifitsthtmby all kinde of caftigations, all mannferofpuniijhments: But'when all fenfc of Religion, all heateofzcale, and life of grace, haue lb vtterly forlakenthe hearts ofmen; that they are rather broken then bowed, rather hardened then humbled by his Judgements j hee giues them oner to their owne luft confufion. Heeleauesthem finally ( ncuer more to bee entreated) to lamentations, mournings, and woe; to the fearc, to the pit, and to the ftiare: to the Lyon, the Wolfe, and the Leopard. Thou haftftricken vthem(£Qxth leremy) but they haue mtforrowed :■ thou hafi csn. fwnedt^iem^but they h^tie refufed to receive'cprreni'o»: they haue made their faces harder then a ft one, tmd' hauerefujed t6 returne.where fore a Lym out of the forrefl p,MjUy them^, and \aWolfeofthe ^Hldernesjhalldejlroy them:a LeopardJha/itvatch 'Ofter their Cities, emry one that goethent thencejfhak be tome M'fe^HeSy beeahfetheirtrejpajpesdre mdny^and their rebellions \areencreafed. This courfe of Gods proceeding inhisiudge-«ierttSi wemay fct molt-cleercPj^in the4. of Amos. Hee firfl gauc them cleanncfTeofteeth in all their Cities, and fcarce-ncflepfbrcad in all their places; and yet they retu-rned not viitohim -.Heewithheldthe raine frem theal, when there wcfeyetthrccmonethstorfieharueftjfo chat two orthrct

Cities

Cities wandred vnto one Citie to drinke water, but they were not fatisfied ; and yet they returned net vnto him. Hee fm^tethem "vvith blading & mildevv^their gardens and their vineyards,their fig-trees,and theiroliue-trees did the Palmer VVorme deiiourc: and ;>etth'jy returned not vnto him. Pefti-lence he fentamongftrhera after the manner of Egypt : and yet they returned not vnto him. Therefore ( faith the Lord ) thiis wHndoe vnto thee, O Jfraei. Heefpeakes after the manner ofa man, in whom iuft indignation ftops paflage vnto I fpeech j and who wants words to exprelOfe the horriblenefle ofthepunifhrnentsheepurpolestoinflid: Therefore thus {and thus will I doe vnto thee O Ifrael, euen ibas hee threat-j ned in the beginning of the Chapter : The dayes Jhali come XvponyoH^ that yon fhall bee taken away Tvnh themes, and your fefierityivith fijh-hookes. As if hee fliould haue laid, I will make no more triall by iudgements; I will now doe a thing in Ifrael, whereof whofoeiier fliall heare; his two eares ihall tingle; yea,and all his heart-ftrings (hall tremble,'! will now fweepe you all away with the bceiome of vtter deftrudion. This is certainly now iuft our cafe : (Fortocrypeace,peace, where there is no peace towards, is wicked, and to no piir-pofe: to bring conceits andfmoothiiigstothis place," Will neuer feme the turne; either for the dilcharge of our confci-tnceSjOr the faciing of your foules ) I fay,this [$ iuft our cafe; wte are enen already Come to this laft point and period. By our many impieties and impenitcncie, wee haue brought our gracious God to that qiieUion in the i.' of Ifay, wherefore Jhouldjeeheefmitteuany msre ? for ye fall away more And more. Orratherto thisconclufionin the4. o'iAmaitThereforethm vtllldoevmothee,0 nation not worthy to be loued. He hath made triall by f b many Iudgements,and f o many tim^s, and ^li in vaifie;that the very nextiudgementvve may i^^\y fefti'c aiidexpeel, without tmeand timely repentance,will euen be the beefcme of vtter defolation.

As th^ iudgements vpon this land haue beene great and fearefoU •, To many and wonderftiilliaiie beene his mercies vj^dnvs, and fuch I am pcrfwaded, as greater the Siiaae ne-

G 4 uer

Si

L^ Difcourfe of true kxp^ineffe.

uer(aw,norfoi:incsofmenenioyed. I willonely namctwo which cannot but be frefh iiicucry mans memorie : The continuing of our peace, at the death of our late Soueraigae of c-ucr glorious memory- And our deliuerance from the Gunpowder Trcafonj of which two,when firft euery man heard, me thinkes he fhould haue beene afraid, left he had been in a drcame: as itisfaidoftheIfraelites,Pfalme, 126. rvbentbe Lord broHght Againe the cfiptimfj of Siottj nveewere Itks them that dreAtne, Both that,and thcfc our bleflings were things (b incredible, and beyond all expectation:

You know, a little before the Qucenes death, the wifefl: were at tlicir wits end, and euery one ftood amazed and a-ftonifhcd for the feares his heart did fcare. The lefuites from beyond feas infolently infuked ouer vs, audtoldvsin their bookes, that this Kingdome would lliortly become a prey to the greedy ambition of all the neighbour nations ; that huge cloads of blood hung ouer our heads, and would melt and diflblue at the Qucenes death. But it was neither fo, nor fo. They are the falie prophets of the Reaft in the Rcuelation, no maruell though they lied: For heethatdwels in the heauens laughed them to fcorne, our gracious God badcheminderifion. And when Deuils and Papifts looked andwillied, that this land fliould haue beene clothed euen with blood and fire, as with a garment; out of the infinite depth ofhis vnfearchable mercies, he couered it with peace, ioy, and happineffe, euen as the feas arc couered with water.

In the Gun-powder Treafbn, thenccVcoFour whole State both of Church and Common-wealth, the glory of this famous and flourifhing Kingdome,Cthe hope of pofterity)Was laid (as it were ) vpon the blocke: The inftrument of death was lifted vp by the damned inftrument of the Popes malice and cruelty, hee was euen ready to giue the mortall ftroke: and had not the AngcUof theLord ftepped in, in the very nicke;badnotour merciftiUGod, by his moft miraculous

Iaadimmediateprouideace, potto his helping hand, when our cafe was deipfrate,and all hope paft, be had cut oft'&om ^ Vf'

Ly/ T>ifc0urfe of true happmeffe.

^i

vs the roote and the branch, the name and the remnant, the fbnne and the nephew. Our land that before was asthe ^ar-, den of Eden, had bcenc by this timeadefolate wildernefTc: Oiir Chorch which was before a harbour of Saints,had been by this time a poole of Snakes; I meane,an habitation oPPa-pifts. The faire body of this Citie, that before was enlyued with matchlefle glory and worth, {hoiild by this time haue becna rentanddifmembred carKaflesand that which is worft of all, thencglededandforlornelimmes, infjjired with the dodrine ofdsiiils.

Let vsthen examine our fellies in this point. Haue thefc inccmparablebkflings melted oui* hearts into teares uf re-pentaiKC and thankftilneffe ?Haue thefe cords of loue drawn vs neercr vnto our God in all knowledg,lone,and obedience? Why then we may afliire our fclues ofa good teftimony,thai our fouks are feafoned with grace- But if it be quite other-' wife: If thefe great and vn^eftrued mercies haue bred in vs a more frozen coldnefTein the feruice of God, a more pre-fumptuous lecuritie,and a founder and fweeter fleepe in fin: Jffince our miraculous deliuerance, vnparalkldbyall Nati-ons,times,and ftorics; there hath beenc amongft vs no kflc prophaning of Gods Name and Sabbaths then before, no lefle pride and drunkennefle, nokfleoppre0ion and vfurie, no leffe vnckanneiTe and vnconfcionablcneffe in o ur callings^ no kflc ignorance in the Word of God, and backwardnefle in the wayes of holinefle, no lefle contempt of godlinefle and godly men : Nay, i fall thefe gather head and heart,morc ripencfleand rcadinefletoreceiue the flame of Gods fierce and laft wrath; If there bee rather, a fenfible decay of the feare ofGod,of zcale, and true fincerity amongft vs: IfPro-phanen€fle,Athei(me,Popery,andaluke-warmenc(re in Re-]igion,like a mighty Torrent, ruQi in violently vponvs daily more and more, and fearefiilly preuaile and domincere in moft places: Why then ( you are a people of vnderftanding) Ikaueittoyourownc confciences, toconfider what muft needs flioitly befall vs, except vjtg*ther ourjeluety before the decreecvmefoorth j vnlefleby fpecdie humiliation and vnfai-

ned

c^ Bifcourfe ef trtte happifuffe.

ned repentance, wee preuent (6 great and fearcfuU iiidge-ments. And the rather, becaufe wee may afilire our felues, while the DcuilH? in hell, and the Pope at Komcj theFriefts and lefuites, thofe notorious and tranfcendent inftniments | ofblood and death, will be working in th€ Vaults of darke-nefle for the conftifion of the children oflight^the fubucrfion of thcKingdomeofChrift, and by conftqucnttheruine of our Church and Common-wealth. Little know we^, what fearefull and hellifli plot may be euen now in hatching and hammeringjor how neei e it is to the birth,while we aremoft iecure; And for vs in the meane time,without repeDtance,and rooting out idolatry,to depend ftill vpcn immediate ajid miraculous difcoueries and deliuerances^is at the lead an vnbal -lowed and defperate prefiimptioji.

Ica'iinot follow diftincHily at this time, any more differences betwixt the ftate of lauing grace and formall hypocriiie. For conclufion therefore onely,I will acquaint yeu more fully with the effects offauing grace, and follow in few words the trace and fteps of the Spirit of God in the great worke of regeneration 5 that thereby euery man may examine his conlciencCjiudge himlelfe,and trie what his ftateis.

The working and propertie of this fauing grace and true godline0e, vouchfafed peculiarly aiid onely to Gods Children, which doth tranflate them from darkcnefle to light, from the corruption of nature, to a ftatc offupernatnrallblef-fednefle, you may thus conceiuc and vnderftand- It is like Icauen ( for fo the power of Gods Word is compared m tJit Gofpell) it is of a fp reading nature : Fir ft it feates it fclfe in the heart ; after, it is drfperfed oucr all the powers and paits bothoffoule and body; ouerallthe aflions anddutiesof a man whatfoeuer: It foftncth andchangeththe hcait: It pur-geththeinmoft thoughts: It awakes the conlcience, and makes it tender and fenfible of theleaft finne : it fanCtifies the afte(flions: It conformcs the will vnto the will of God: Itillightensthe vnderftandingwith fauing knowledge.- It ftores the memory with many good leffons, for comforts, inftrudions, anddiredions in a godly life : It feafons the

fpeech

c^

Difcourfe oftrtfe hn^pneffe.

fpcech with "race: It (b reflifies and guides all a mans actions, thatthev proceed from faith, they are warrantable out of Gods Word, they arc accompli i"ht by good meanes, and wholy dirededto the glory of God- Nay, yet it fpreads further, and kindles a defireofzealc for the faiuation of the foules of others, efpccialiyofallthofe that any way depend vpon vs: So that the Childe of God doth euer embrace all meanesand opportunities for tbc communicating of his gi-acesand comforts, and the bringing of others to the fame liateof happincffe with himfelfe.

Let then (I bcfeech you ) eiiery mans confcience goe a little along with mee; andlecrcdy, but faithfully anfutre to theft few interrogatories, which I ILall propofe very briefiy and plainely, that euery man may eafily vnderftand. Haft thou felr'by thine ownc experience the great workeof Regeneration and change wrought vpon thy foulc? Hath the powerfiillWordofGodjby the inward,ipeciall,3nd eftedu-all working of bis Spirit, broken and bruifed thy hard and ftony heart ? Hath it pierced and purged the very clofeft and moft vniearchable corners thereof? Hath it humbled it with the fight of thy finaes,and ienfe of Gods iudgements ^ Hath it filled it with fearefull terrours, compundion,iemorfe,and true forrow for thy life paft ? Hath it after quieted and refre-fhed it with a furc'faith m Chrift lefus, and a delight in hea-uenly things? Hath it mortified thy inward corruptions, and broke the heait of thy fwectc finne ? Hath it planted a holy moderation in all thy aftecflions; that whereas heretofore they hauc been enraged with luft, with immoderate an-ger,with ambition,with infatiable dcfirc for the inlargement ofthy wealth, poflelTionsand grcatnefle,and with hatred of Gcdideareft leruants and their holinefle? are they now in flamed with zeale for Gods honour,truth,and feruice; with a feruent loue vntothe Lord and his Saints; with Chriftian courage, tooppofeagainft thefinnesofthctime, to defend goodnefle and good caufes, to contemne the lying flanders andprophane Icoffes ofworthlefle men ? Hath it begot in thy willan hunger and thirft after the fpirituall food ofthy

foulc,,

Lx/ Difceurfe eftrt^e hAffincfe.

foiilej the Word and Sacraments ^fo that thou haddefl rather part with any worldly good, then not enioy the incomparable benefit of a confcio.iable and conftant Minifteric' Are thy thoughts, of which heeretofore thou Iiaft made no great confcie lice, butletten them wander vp and downeat randome,wickedIy,idleIy,and wantonlvjare they novv,I fay, bounded within a facred compafle, and (pent vpon holy things, and the neceflarie affeires of thy honeft and lawftill callin§?Isthy vndcrflanding informed,andacquainted with the myfterie offaluationAvhich the world,and the wiiemcn thereof, account nothing but madnefle and folly ? Is thy memorie, which hath heeretofore beene ftuftcd with trafh and toyes, vanities and follies, now capable and greedic of diuine knowledge ? Arc thy words, which heretofore haue beene fuUofprophanenelfeand worldlinefle, now direifled toglcrifieGod^andto giuc grace vnto the hearers ? Nay, yet further befides this inwaid renouarion of the faculties of thy Ibule ; hath the power of grace fandified all thy outward actions? Doft thou now order(in euery particular)all thcbu-finefles of thy vocation religioufly, confcionably, andby di-rc^iion out of the Word of God? Art thou inwardly afteiled and faithful! in the performance of religious duties? as in hearing the Word of God, in fandifying the Sabbath, in Prayer,and the reftPDoft thou now hearethc Word of God, not oncly of courfe and cuftomc, but of zealeand conlcience toreformethyfelfebyit, and to Hue afterit?Doe not the \yeeke-daycs duties and worldly cares, drowne thy mind on the Sabbath; but that thou doft the whole day entirely, freely, and chcerefuUy attend the worl"hip ofGodPDoft thou cxercife daily with frnite and feeling, Prayer, that precious comfort of the faithfull Chriftiatis ? Thou being conucrted, doft thou labour the conueriion of others,efpecially ofthofe which are committed any way to thy charge, and for whom thou mull giue a more ftrid account; as if thou be a mafter of a family, doftthoupray witiuhem, and inftru^them in thedoilrincoffaIuation,and wayes ofgodlineffefDoft thou now not oncly fticke at,and forbcare great and groife fiuncs ?

but

87

but doft tfiou euen hate the garment fpotted of the fie/h, and j all appearance of euill? Dcth the tcndcmcs of thy confciercel chccl^ e chce for the leaft finnes, and make thee feareftili to offend, though it bee but in a uandring ccgitaf ion ? After eucry fall into infirmities, ait thou careful to renew thy repentance, andlearne wifedome and watchfulncffe to auoide them afterwards ? Doeft thou feelc thy ftlfe profit, grow, aixiencrcafe in thefe fruits and efFwds of grace ) And j haft thou fuch a gracious tafteofthe glory of God, and of e-ternall life, that thou art euen wiling and defirous to m.ete thy Sauiounn the clouds; not fo much to bee rid out of thcmiferies of this life, as to bee freed from the heauie burthen of finne, which hangs en fo fafr, aid toenioy hispre-fe-nceintheheauersforcutr? In a word, as thy foulc giues iWcy fpirit, and motion to thy whole body, and eucry part thereof; doth th.c Spirit of God eucn (b inlpire thy foule and body, and all thy aflions with the life of grace ? Why then, thouhaflpafltheperfedionscfthe formall hypocrite, and artpoflefl: of the ffate of true bleflednefle; thou art then hap-pie that cucr thou waff borne; thy way is certaiwely the way oflifc: And lean adure thee, and I dare boldly pronounce It, that thou art already vtteriy out of the reach of all the powersofhell: Satan is chained vp for euer doing thee any deadh hurt: All the creatures are reconciled vnto thee, and at league with thee : Thou haft filled the Angels with ioy at thy conuer/ion,they will for euer guard thee: Thou flialt neuermoi^ be afraid for any euill tidings. Though theearth bcmoued, and though the mountaines fall into the middeft ofthefea, thy heart fliail abide firong, vnlLaken and comfortable: When thou falleftdovviic vpon thy bed of ficknefTe, thoufhaltfindenomortallpoyfonin thy fiefh; no fting in death 5 no darkencfle in the graue;no amazement at that great and fearefull Day. For all the merits and fuflPerings of "Chriff are thine; all the comforts of Gods Children are thine; all theblelTings in the Booke of God are thine ; all the ioyes of heauen are thine J euen all things are thine, and thou art Chrifls, and Chrift is Gods. Onely ftand faftinthe

\^ Diffourfe of trttc hafffihcffe.

faith J cyuitthy fdfelike a man,and be ftrongiglrd thy fword vponthythii^hj buckle faftvntothee the whole armour of God; ride on, becaufe of the Word of Truth; and the Lord thy God be with thee. Brcake thorow for a while with vn-daunted courage, the bittemeffe of the worlds malice ; the keenerazours of impoyfoned tongues; the teare s and ted.-oufnefTe of a few and wretched da»yes; for thou art neerer the price of the high calling, then when thoufirftbeleeuedft; Shine more and more in ftith, in patience, in loue, in knowledge, obedience, and all other Chriftian graces, vntill the perfc(fl day, vntill thou reach the height of heauen, and the fullgloiy of the Saints of God.

I now proceed more diftindly to other markes of difference, betwixt the ftate of grace and formall hypocnfie. Some notes of diflindlion for my purpofe may bee raifed out of thofe places of Scripture, which Ipropofed, for to acquaint you with the kinds ofperfcdion,& degrees of good-ncflej whereof a man as'yet vnregenerate is capable,and may be partaker.

In the 8. nfLt^ke, the hearer refembled vnto the flonic ground, is the formall hypocrite. Hee receiues the word of God with ioy, as doth the faithful! Chriftian, though not in the fame meafure. But heere is the fpeciall point and marke that differenceth the one from the other.The Word and faith in the formall hypocrhe haue norootes •• The}' are not deeply and foundly rooted and planted in his vnderftanding, con-fcience, thoughts, affedionSjand anions.

Firft, they are not rooted and faftcned in his vnderftanding, by thofe two facredand gracious habits,wh;ch arc cal-kdby the Apoftlc,CoI.i,9.ffo^ia & owtjtvts ;Tvewf<ocl<x«:Hea-ucnly knowledge, orfpeculatiuewifcdomeinthe myfteries of faluation and fpirituall prudence, or a fandified vnderftanding in pradicall afi-aires of the foule. Thefe two, as I conceiue,for diuine reuelations, and matters of heauen, an-fwere in a proportion to thofe two intelleduall habits, Sa-pient'ta and Pr$uientta, mentioned by <iArtflotle, Eth.6. for natiiiaIItiuth,andciuilladionfe. i'4;;f«rM,you know out of

the

8p

the Sdioole^s, is a worthy habit compounded o^inteUigentta-, which isanaturall light and ability of apprehending and acknowledging fpecuiatiire principles, the foundations and fountaines of all humane knovvkdge:andof J'f/^;>f/^; which is an habituall and exadl knowledge of all ncccflarieconclu-fions and dcdudions, by the force of rcafon, ai-id labour of difcourfe'thenceifTuing, and grounded thereupon. But Pru-dentia, though it be feared m the vnder/landing; yet it ispra-dicall in refped ofthe Obied and the end; and is the ibue-raigne& giiideofallothervertucs.lt doth euer amid the many varieties, vncertaintieSj&paflages of humane adions,wilc ly ,and honeftly confultand aduice,iudgeandrefolue;manage and execute.Euen iuftfo,thefc two heaucnly habits, aof U & ertu/effi5;rv6e//u*')«>f,heauenly wifdom,and fpirituall prudence, fhtd into tucrlandifiedvnderftanding by the fountaine of grace, are bufied and cxercifed about fupemattirall truths, and matters of eternall life. Bythefirft, the child of God hauingthecyesofhisminde opened and illightened, doth leethegreatmyfteryof faluation, the fecrcts ofthe King-<lome,the whole counlel,& the wonders ofthe law of God; Hee doth know what the hope is of his calling, and what, the riches of his glorious inheritance is in the Saints: heej comprehends wj-iat is the breadth, and the length, and the' depth, and the heighth. By thefecond hee is enabled with a iudiciousfinceritie to deliberate and determine in cafes of confcience; in the perplexities of tentations; in all ftraites, ambiguities, and dixJicultics incident to the confideration and carriage ofaChriftian j and with fpirituall difcretion to guide andcondudall the actions of grace, and euery particular, both in his generalland fpeciall calling. This explication premifcd, I come to tell you, that the Word of Gcd doth not take fure and laftingrootejdoth not dwell plentifully in the vndtrftandmgof the formallhypocrite,by thefe two di-uine habits.

Firft, there isa right noble branch of diuine knowledge and heauenly wifedome, fpringiog out ofthe myftcry of re* :generation j in which, as 1 take it, the formall hypocrite is

fori

».Cor. II.

2.

(^ Difcdurfe of true happneffe,

for the moft pait vtterly ig'iora-it.He knowes not that darke and fearefwU pafTagCjWhich leadesfrom the vanities and corruptions of nature, and out of the dominions of darkenefle atiddeath,through ftrange terrors and torments offoule, into the rich and glorious happinefle of the ftate of grace, and Kingdome ofChrift. He knovvjs not the varicrieand power oftentatio:is;the caures,degrees,the wofull confequcntsand recoueries of fpirituall defcrtions, relapfes and decayes of grace. He hath no skill in the nature, fymptomes, and remedies ofafflidedconfciencesiin thefccrct workings and right vfes ofaffliclions, infirmities, fcandals, and dilgraces. Hee is not acquainted with Satans transformations into the glory of an Angell; with his Bxtfif, and mpx£[tty as the Apoftic callcth them : that is, his depthes, his profound plots and contriuanccs, moulded by malice aid fubtiltieinhisowne Jatge vnderftanding; ftirnillicd with the experience of our corruptions, and the fucceffe of his many tentations for forfiethoufands of yecres managed with all the crafts and policies of the moft darke and hidden corners of hell. Hce is not acqnaintedvvith his (ji.i^o$i\<xi asthey are called, f;>^'^6. • I i.his exquiHtc methods,in the wily conueyanceof hisftra-tagtmsa.'dir/fiiiations; in orderinghisafTuiitsand difchar-ging hi. fietie daits. How fomttimes he keepes, as it werc,.a method of nature, in itrikiiig at the roote, and labouring to ftoppcor poyfon the fountaine of fpirituall life, which is Ftuth: that To the fruitcs of godiinefle may wither, and the I ftrcamcsof diiiine grace may drie vp. Satan knowes full well, that the liuely or languifhing exercife of other inward graces i the cold,or zealous performance of all outward du-ties,depend vponthe weakcncsor ftrength of our faith: And therefore if he perceiue,that(b}' a fi ec and vitall operation of a ftrong faith ) our zealc, our hopc,our patienccour faitlrful-ncfle in our calling, and other graces bee maintained in their heate, vigour, and excellencie; hee labours mightandmaine to weakcn,fhake^ndbcatedowne our&ith,a!id that by fuch aieanesasthcfe:

Firit, by fuggeftlng to the ctjildc of God, a confideration

of

L^ Difcourfe of true hafpneffe.

91

orthcfloiirilTiing of th-e wicked, how impericuflvand prof^ pcroufly they domineereand reutll it in the world;hov\/ they iprcadthemftluesIiKe agreencBay tree, and bring their en-terprifesto pafre:while himfelPeiyestrampled vpai by their infolencies, opprclTions and prophane cenfures; while perhaps he lingers and pines vnder ibme heauiecrofle and long vi/itation ;and for all his prayers, his groancs, his patience, yet findesfmallcomfort,no deliaerance,for ends bcft known vnto his heauenly Father jfb that hce may outwardly euen perirh in histroiibks. Thisisa flircwd tcntation, andinfome mea(iirepreiiaiIedagainftD<«W; it madefo tall, and well rooted a Cedar to ftagger: nay,this tempcft had neere ouer-tiirned him;this blow had wounded hisfaith to death,had he not in good time ftept into the Sanftuarie of the Lord, and vnderitood the end ofthcfe men; How fuddenlj they are de-firoyed, perijhed, ar.d horribly confumed: and confidered how-fbcuer the godly be vext with men or diuels, for the dayes of their vanitie in this miferable world; yet it ener goes well with them at the laft.

A ll'cond meaneSjby which Satan endcuours the weakening of our faith, is this: Heecurioufly obfenies all feafons and adiiantagcs; and therefore if hcc fpie our mindes to bee ouercaft with fome cloud of me'ancholy, the Icate many times of vnneceffary diftrufls and ftares; or to be call down with fome fad and heauie accident, and worldly difcomfort j hee prefently afrefh rcpreier;ts vnto the view of our confci-encc, the many and great finnes of onr vnregent ration iti their fulkil lliapc ; that io by their renewed horror,he terri* fying and affrighting vs, may raile new doubtings and a* mazementSjand inlbmemeafureloofenthe hand and hold ofFairh.

A third \vcapon,by which hee ftrikcth at our faith,T take to beone of his ownt immediate fugg4 ftions,,and that is this: While the heart of a godly mail is ret'rcthing it lelfe fweetly andplentcoiifly with an afliirance of his: fiiture-happineffe and eternall enjoyment of endielfe ioyes.in heauen :• Satan, that out of his cruell malice he may mixc fomeiicliilli poy-:

H foa

Pfal. 7j.

of Difcotarfe §f true /yappme/fe,

4

(on with theferiuersof comfoit, labours to cafl: into his mindejeaenfome thoughts of impoflibilitie of thepeifor-naanceofthcpromiresoffalimtionjand of the attainement of that excellent waight of glory: and would gladly make him thitikeit incredible that hee (liould euer bee crowned with immortalitie ; or bee fo glorioufly partaker thorow all eternity of vnifpcakableeomfortsaboue. This tentation, a.s Itakeit,doth not much difqniet the formal! hypocrite, or any vnrcgeneratcman. Forbecaufc his perfvvafionof hap-pinefTetocomcisfalfeand mifgroundedjand that hee hath; nofoundafllirance of hcaucnj Satan is too wily to i'uggell vnto him doubts and cliftraflions of this nature. But wherc-foeuer it lights, it is of fearefull confequcncci and therefore not to bee debated vpon by the thoughts, or dil'puted with Satan i that is not the way to conquer this tentatioii; but fud-denIy,andrefoIutely tobeeiepdd by the power of prayer; and out ofan holy contempt offobafe and lying malice, to bee caft as dung vpon the face of the Tempter. So that the faithfull Christian forallthis, may maintaineandpoflelTehis heart in patience, aud vnconquerable comfort out of thefe two confidcrations^

Firft, if hee bee a diuell and prince of hell, as Gods childe feelesfenfiblyandcertainelyby this prefentmimediatefug-geftion; why then vndoubtcdiy there is the glory of infinite Maieftyin heauen, Angels, Saints, boundlefle and endlefle bkfledneffe of euerlafting time«

Secondly, he is to confider, that in the dayes of his fcciiri-ty and worldlinefTe, no fuch fcmples arofe in his thoughts: And therefore it is only a malicious tricke of the enemy of al tnie comfort, to defcate vs of our heauen vpon earth, our af-furance ofheauen in the world to come.

A fourth way of weakning our faith, is this: If Satan, by taking(in the nick) the tide of our frailc and impotent affe-dionsjby cafting vs vnawares vpon occafionsand allurements; or by the fiidennefle, fubtiltie or violeiKe of fome tentation, be able to hale vs againe into fome grofie and icandalous finne; to which, by reafon of our naturall diipofi-

tion

^

tion and cuftomc, wee were often, and mofl: principally obnoxious before our calling: why then,from thence he drawes and enforccth vpon vs difcomfortable,. and faith-killing conclufions. He prefently infers vpon fuch relaples; that we hauedeceiuedourowne Ibules, that our holinefle indeed is but hypocrific, that our faith is but temporary, and our con-uerfion counterfeit .• Otherwife the grace of God would bee fujficient for vs, and the power of hisfan(5lifyingfpirit, would atthe Icaft fo farrercftraine vs,bridleand mortifieour corruptionSjthat we fliould notbrcake out againe, and back-flide into a (info much loathed and repented of Otherwife, as our fweet, and mafter-fin in the time of our vnregenerati-on made the decpefl gafli, the wideft gap into our confcien -ces/o if we were indeed in theflate ofgrace,we fhould moft carefully and tenderly clofe vp that wound,and be mod vigi-I lant and Ibllicitousinfencingand fortifying that breach before any other.By this meanes Satan many times giues a fore blow to our faith, and breeds much lieauinefTe and dif comfort in the foulc.

Thus Satan in his tentations, fometimes proceedes by a method(as it v.'ere)ofnature,in ftriking at faith,theroot and hcartof our fpirituall life. But if he bee not able to faflen his iierie darts vpon the fhield of faith,.why then he takes a con-trarie courfe and methcd,as it may beft fit his aduantage, and mpre.cade infinuation. For he attempts the dulling and di-minifliingofour zeale,and forwardncfle in Religion, ando-therfruits ofj&ith,andinferiour parts offauv^ification. And that by liich meanes as thefe •

One weapon, by which he labours to woutid our feruen-cie,and faithfolnefleui duties ofliolinefTe,and tO' hmderthc entireexa'cifc of the graces of fan^Hfication, is ptofperitie aad freedomefromdilcomfortsand mileiic. For if hee once e/'pievstobc encompaded with worldly peace, reputation amongft mcn,honours,and oiJices, plenty of wealth and preferments ; he is euer then in good hope ( by the helpe of the naturallaptncs of worldly happines to enfiiare and intanglc) to beget in our hearts, worldlinefTe and fecuritie, tlie. two H 2 gicat.

v(^ D$fcoi(rfe oftme hii^pnefje

§reatanddangei-ous conilimptions of fpirituall life. For i^ worldUiiefleoiice take poficiTion of our hearts, it vvaftes by little and little ourioy inheaiienly things, our comfort in thecommunion of Saints, our longings for the incompre-lienrib[eandcuer!aftinghappine{lc:itbani(lieth all thoughts of the worth of our foulcs, of the fpirituall ftate of our con-fcience, of the vanitie and change of this prelent life, of the glorious rifingagaine of our bodies, andtheimmortalitie of thefecondlife: and infteadthereof fiUeth vsvvirh earthly cares, with feares, iealoufies, griefe,hopes, wiflies, indepcn-dance vpon the prouidence of God, and a thoufand plat--fomnes for the encreafement and fecuring of our outward -felicitieandfecuritierlt makes vs.infenfible of Gods iudge-• ments, of our falling from our firft loue, of the danger whcr-- in we ftand: It makes vs put ftrre from vs the euill day; and tothinkeourmountaineiblirongjthat wee Oiall neuer beej mooned, but continue iw our happy ftate, and dye in the neft.

Secondly, hee feekes to weaken our praflife ofgodlinefTe, by faftening vpon vs vncheerefulnefle,and vnprofitablencfle in the meanes of the prcferuation of grace. For if he can once make vs cold and negligent, or oncly formall, and curfone in the daily examination of our conferences, in hearing the Word of God, in the godly exercifes with oiu-fchollers or families, in publike prayer,orour more priuate ftriuing with God by groanes and fighes, for t he fiipply of fome grace or remoueail offome corruption; then there eucr fbllowesa languifhing and decay of the life of grace, if we but perfunctorily rcceiue the heauenly food into our vnderftandings, and being hindered by diltraflions, carelefiiefTe or worldly cares, not digeftit by meditation and conference, and by fpirituall exercifc of feruent prayer comiey it into the feucrall parts of our foulesjour new man will quickly fall into a con-fumption.

Thirdly, hee doth notably dull and darken our holineflfe. and finceritie,Jiiy calling V* vpon vngodly and prophanc companie :whicn hathjl know-not,what fecrecand bewitch-1

___- i"gr

^f

ing power to transforme others into their own falLions and conditions; and to make them (bmetimes to condemne theirFormer fbrwardnefTe and zealein the fe^uice of God. For as the fecdcaft into the earth,dravves vntcJ'it felfe by little and little the propertie of that fcilc,whercimto it is tranf-ported, vntill at length it becomes like that which doth there naturally grow :fo thefpiritsand manners of men commonly conformethemiclues tothofe,with whom they ordinarily conucrfe. Lamentable then is their cafe, bafe their refoIiition,a!idmiftrablc their comfort; who for aduantage,i fadion,forcfight and hope of future gratifications, or any other by-rcfpecl, plunge themfelues into fuch companies, ivhere perhaps they may enioy many plealanr paflages of wit, let and aitiiiciall difport and palling the time; dire-dion in their worldly aftaires, combination againft the power of Religion, and the true Profellbrs thereof: but where they lliallfinde no fiirtheranccmtheway to heaue% no comfort in heauenly things, no encouragement to piety, no counfell in tentations, no confolation vpon their deaths-bed. O how much better were it, for thefcfew and wretched dayes,tolbrtandfolace themfelues amongft the Saints of God, w'ith whom they jnight fliine as glorious lightstogetherinthc earth, and hereafter in the heauens a-boue the brightnelle of the Sunne for eueimore; rather then prophanelytolport themfelues in LMeJhech, and for a fea-fon proudly to ruffle in the tents of Keday, where there is no light of grace, no ioynt expedation of etemitie ; but darkeiiefleoflinne, andlliadow of death i Miftake mee not in this point: I would not haue men goe out of the world, or become SefAufts. I would rather haue them, if they will vnderftaod P^^Waright bee made all things to all men,, that they might by all mcanesfauelbme: That is, I would haue the children ofCod not be wanting in any offices of kind-nefle or pittie; but to yceld and communicate-themfelues '^o farre, as dutie,chautie,humanity ,neceflitie of their gene-tall or paiticular calling Ypon good warrant, and i-uft occa-jfion may challenge and exact at their hands. But as for a free H 3 and

\^ Vifcoitrfe of trne happmelfe.

and full communication oFthc fecrets of their foiilc> of their deartftaft-edioiis, of their fpiritiiaH eftatc, of their ioyftil-left and beft expencc of time; I would haue that only vonch-fafed and coMucied into the faithfiillbofome of a rriieChri-ftian,and confined to grace, as its pecuhai-and principall Ob-ied. L';ttheir goodncfle, and good deedes fpiead without limit; but their delight T\d intimatej^eflc, is to be reftiained and appropriated to the Saints that are on the earth, and to thetruely excellent, which are onely the godly. Hence it is that Gods children are many times cenfured formorofitie, ynfociablcneflc, difdainefulneffe of fpirit, and oppofition to good fellowiliip; when God knowes they can find no taftcinthewhitcofanegge, no ftrengthin a broken flafFe of Reed, no comfort in the men of the world, who haue their poition in this life ; and therefore they ^vould not part with their Paradife of communion of Saints, or comfortable communication with God in their folitarinefTc, forthecompanyof Kings, and a world of camall contentments.

Fourthly, Satan doth fomctimes workeafoule decay of grace, and exercife of godlineffe, by putting into our heads fomc inordinate plot and fbrccaft, for preferment and great-nefle. For if hee can once fet our thoughts bufily on foot for proied:ingandcontriuing( with excediue defire, ambition andgreedinc{le)rome honour, oiljcc or high place; why then,farewel zeale;farewe/ taking part with Gods children j farewell an vnfhaken refoUition, in itanding for the honour, truth, andferuiceofGod; anda Chriftian courage in repro-uing fins. For then we mufl line refemedly; we muft be content to part with our liberty, and bee depriucd of our felues: Wee mufl labour to fatisfie and accommodate our felues to the humours, pleafurcs, and paffions of men. In a word, our whole carriage muft hold a neceffaric and cxa(fl corrcfpon-dencc with the menandmeanes that arc able to promote vs.-^ f©r fo vncertaine and irregular are the reuolutions of mens \ ftuours, that many times, ifa man but miffe, or miflimc one I'Ccremonicor circumftantiall obferuance, it is enough to cafl

hiip

cxf Difcottrfe of true happnejfc.

91

him o^iand vtteilycafliirehim from his hopes & ends.Moft miferablc and feruile is their life, that thus forfake the ftrong tower of their faluation, and clafpe their hand of faith about thearmecFfierh. For they docnotonely bertaue themfekies-1 ofthatwoithyfrecdomeoffpirit, which an honeft Heathen 1 would not exchange for his hfe : but alfo as they grow into a ; habit of feruitude and bafe engagements vnto men; fo they j grow into a flauery vnto fin, and bondage vnto the corruptions of the time. And the higher they rife into faubwr with prophanegreatncfle and poIic)',the deeper they finkeintothe miferies of bafencfle and flattery, and the high diipleafure of Ahnighty God :and at length, if they attaine their ends, ( for fometimes they die in the tedious profecution of fome vndefcrued dignity ) they double their difcomforts, and en-crcafc their account. For commonly where the purfuite and purchafe of any honor and preferment hath been bafc and rn-diredjthcre the dilcharge and execution is formall, vain-glorious, andvnconfciouable. ; Thus you lee a fecond method of Satan, whereby he goes ; about to kill the fruits of faith; & to caufcifnot an vtter cef-1 fatioDjyct much wcaknes and interruptions in the operations of grace. } Many moefuch depths and proceedings he hath in tentati-' ons.Asforexamples: l If he mccce with notorioufly wicked men; as Drunkards, Sw«. arerSjV nek ane perfonSjand the like; he tempts the m to Atheiiine, a reprobate fenfc, contempt of Gods woriliip andferuice, and to the great offence. To defend their lewd and gractlefllcourfcs; to glory in their <^\y:j^^, and in their dexttritieofmaking others drunke with the fameiniquitie. He ftickles and flrikcs thebaigaine betwixt them, and death and hclljand cnters(as it were )bondfor the performance of thecpuenant: Htetempts them to fcorning-; and by their feoihngs and railings, in fome fort, to the defpifing, of the Spirit of grace in the children of light i which is a foule figqc of a feared, conlcience, and a fearefullpreparatiuctufmne againft the holy Ghoft.lhefe are Satans ftandard-bearers;

H 4 and

(^ Difconrfe oftrm hdpfineffe.

and therefore he infpires them with extraord'hiary boidnelTe, and defperatencflc in fiiinirg; and tcacheth them to march furioufly in variety of rebellions againftthe Maiefty ofhea-. "utn.

If hemeete with honefl: cinillmen, hee labours to per-fwadethcm, chat iiift and vpright dealing with their neigh-boursygood meanings and intentions in matters of religion, are the very life of the (eniiceof God, and a (IiiJicient way to heauen: And to concciiie,{inne and finctritie to bee no-j thing elfe but morall veitnes and vices; the power of fantfli | fication,to be nothing but good education; the pra^lifc of godlineffe to bee nothing bucroberandhoncrtbehaiilour; andtlie whole miftcry of Chriftianity, to bee o:ielyagraiit andilayedciiiility; And the much adoe about faithflill a;id confcionable preaching, to bee onely die hnmourof fome odde fellowcs, that would bee accounted fingular aadiera-phicall.

I f he meete with formall hypocrites, who bcfides immu-nitie from grofle Cmi\cs^ and their ciuillhoneftic, are carefull andfalliionablein the outward duties of religion, yet fhort of a found coinierfion: he labours might and maine'to fettle in them an opinion, that the (late of regeneration is nothing butprecileneflb and purita<iifmc; that fauing fincerity and a true pra.^iceofholiiieirj isonelyatraifcendent/af^^j <:onfiftinginpureabfl:radion,concciuedinthe irregular and ftirring heads of fome bufie and pragmatical! fellowes, fhadowedondy with a number of fairel"hewes and pretences, but really exiftent and a fled no where. And that they may more fecurely and oblHnately reft vpon this perfwafion, heefumillieththemwitha notable art of mifconceiting and mif-mterpreting the aflions of grace i and of making, byo-dious exaggerations, a little hole m the coate of a found Chriftian, as wide as hell. Hence it is that I>«<^ is many times made ({5oit with, and merrily iefted vpon by them, withthefalfefcoftersat their feafts and banquets ; and hath things laid to his charge withmucIiconfidcncc,but without allconfciencc,-whichfG odthou knoweft ) hee neuerknew-

Hence

'Henceit is, tli^-rtiany times rhofe aftions, m whicli, for the truth and vprightnedie of his heart, and the iuftnefTe and in-nocencyof his caufCjhe dare appeale to the tribunal I of God, (theimpartiallfcarcheroftheinmoft thoaghrs,and feuere re-ncngerofall falfehood ) y et are racked by vile and bafe mif-conftrud:ions,and interpreted to be the workes ofdarknefle and deceit. And if they take a godly man but tripping in fbme lefler error in his carriage, and that perhaps but forged in their ownewilfull mifconceit; they thence raife matter, not only of triumph and infultation,but( which is much more fearefull) ofchearitig,app!auding,and confirming themfelues, in their prcfent wretched ftate.

But if Satan meete with a man, that by the grace of God isalrcadie entied into the pangs of his trauell in the new birth, and with forrow for his fins is fmitten downe into the place cfDragons, andcouered with the flradow of death ^ then hee eagerly ftriues to ftiflethe new man in the wombe; and byprcfentingtohis view the vglie vifage of his many and outragfous traufgrcHIons, thccurfeofthelaw, and the wrath ofGod(which hee yet makes more grizly and fierce by his owne hellifli malice,)co plunge him into the bottom-leflegulfe of irrccoucrable horror and defperation. But if by "the mercies of God he finke not, but betimelay holdvpon the iuftice ofChrift, and that boundlcflc companion, which neuer knew how tobreake the bruiiedreede, or quench the fmoaking faxe 5 but holds a broken and contrite heart faire moreprecious,thenthelacrificeofthe beafts onathoufand mountaines,and then ten thoufand riuersofoyle : why then hee ftands like a great red Dragon m his way, at the very firfl entrance into theKingdciTie of light, and profefHonof fince-ritic, aud caftsout of hismouth floods of perfecutions, vexations andoppofitions] that fo he may ouerwhelmt andcrufh him before he come to any growth or ftrengch in Chrifl;,and a full comprehenfion of the myflery ofgrace. And to this endhefetsonfoote,and fire too, and whets with keene razors many a lewd and prophane tongue, tofcofte, difgrace and difcouiage him in hi^ narrow, butbkfledpafiageto im-

raorta-

99

lOO

»,Tint,j.

12.

o^ Difcoarfe §f true hApf)ine^e.

niortaIity,by repmachcs,flanders,exprobration of his former life: by odious names of Hypocrite, Singularift, Puritanc, a fellow of irregular confcience and ftirring humour, of a factious and contradidiousfpirit, and fuch like. Butif hee alfo pafle thcfc pikes, and thefe Oiarpe rwords(for fo Daaid calles fpightfull tongues, )out ofa confideration of that truth in Panli Euerj one that\\>itl line godly in Chrijl lefiu, fjallfuf-ferper/ecnnon; and that in the calmeft time of the Church : amongft many other, he fliall be fure at the leaft to bee continually {courged and vext vj'ith ftrife of tongues: for euerie faithfull Chriftian knovves by good experience, that eucr now and then, as hee lliall (lirre in a good caure,fl:and againft the corruptions of the place w-here he Iiues,with confcience andfaithfulnefle difcharge his calling;he fhall prcfently hauc the ipirit of prophanenefle to fliein his faccwithbrutidi and implacable malice and infolencie: but yet, I fay, if he be able with his Lord and Sauiour to endure this fpeaking againft of finners j and to efteeme it, as it is indeede, his crownc and comfoit: why th^n Satan cafts about another way; and hee, labours fometimes to faftenvpon him fome vnwarrantable opinions thereby fcandaloufly and vnneccflarily to difquict him, to defraud hmiof an entire fruition ofthe comforts of holinefl'e, and to hinder and interrupt him in the profecuti-onofhis glorious feruice of God. Sometimes to puffe him vp with afclfe-conceit of his ownecxcelkncic, feeing hi-nj-felftaduanced as &rreaboue the common condition of men, and the richeft and happicft worldling j as hcautn aboue earth, light abcue darkcncffejCndlefle happinefle abouc eter-I nail miferie: that fo, as the Apothecaries ointment by a dead j flie,hisgoodadionsar.dfpuituallgraces,may receiue ftaine ' andinfedion by priuy pride : of the; natui'e and remedies I whereof I haue before difcourled. Thefe and many others be the tentations ofa babe in Chrift,and fitted to the infancie of

regeneration.

But if Satan meete with a ftrong man in Chrift, he tempts him by thofe two methods I told you of before; fometimes by wafting his zeale, fometimes by wcakuinghisfaith,anda

thoufand

cxf Difecurfe of trtte hapfmeffe.

loi

tlioiifand inoe« Amid which infinite varicty,he is for the moft I fwitcoiiflant m one point ofpolicic, and that isthis:Hec(Mi-iccaleshisgreateftfurie, his moil dtfperate afTault vnto the Iaft:He referues his fiereft darts,his dcadliefl: poyio,his fliar-pcftfting,hisGunpowdei-pIot, vntiilhce mettev.s on our deaths-bed. Wherefore,beloiKd in Chrift: Iefus,we had need ' cuery man to be ftrongly and Ibiindly prepared and armed a-gainft that great and lail encounter with Satan : vpon which depends our euerlaftingeftate, either in the ioyes of hcauen or paines of hetl. Oh.' at that day, ( and we little know how neere it is } it is not our deepc reaches and vnfathomed poii-ciesandproie(5ts, the countenance and patronage of great perfonages,oiir merry and pleafant companions, or the plurality of liuing.s and preferments, that can yeeld vs any com" fort or afliftance in that terrible and fearefuU combate. Nay, though we now little thinke vpon it,all the worldly content-4ncDts,that wee haue either diredly purchafedjor vnconfcio^ nably imployed, hec will then turne vnto vs into Scorpions ftings, and Wormes of confcience. Onely at that day a good conlcicnce will hold out as armour of proofcj which, as it hath beene on earth a continuall feaft, fo then it will be vnto vsa great aad euerlafting /^^^/f"*? for euermorc.

By this time you eafily perceiue,and I am very fenfibleof the digreffion 1 haue made: but I haue done it, onely to giue you a tadc of that part ofdiuine knowledge about thcdepths ofSatan, and fpirituall ftatc of fandified Ibules and afriifled confciences; which I take to be Gods childs peculiar,and in which the formall hypocrite hath little skill or exercife. For thedfepeanddiuineponderations of this nature vpon thefe pointSjdoe not much take vp or trouble his mind and meditations, it is a precious knowledge, abftradled by an holy experience from the pradiie and aflions of true and found regeneration; and therefore it is tranfcet-identtohismofthap- ' py natuiall capacity, to the depth of his worldly wifedome, and to the greateft height of his fpeculations, though other-wife neuerlb vniucrlall and profound.

Now as concerning other parts ofdiuine knowledge,and

K^ Difc9urfe eftrne hAfftne[fe,

other points of religion.; hee may bee fumilTied with ftore of raraand excellent learning, in Fathers, Schoolernen, Coni-mentaries, Controiierfies ; he may bee en ^ued with (ubrikie in difputing and defending the truth of God: yea, and in re-fohiing cafes ofconfciencetoo, fofarreasa forraal' obfcma-tion,and Popifli Dodors can leade himTor their refolutions inthatkinde,areoneIybu{ied about cafes incident to their Antichriftian Hierarchic; about perplexities arifmg out of their will-worlliip andbloodic fuperltition, and determination of fome particulars in the commandements, which may fall within thecapacitieof an vnregenerate man: buttheir profelTion, I meane the Papacie, cannot poflTibly reach vnto the heart of godlincfTe, themyfterie ofregeneration,andthe fauing power of the life to come. Nay, yet befides this, the formall hypocrite may be made partaker of fome degrees of thefpiritofilhimination,in vnderftanding, and interpreting thebookeofGod, for the good ofhis Church and children, For I doubt not, but maily haue much light of iudgement, thathaue little integrity of confcience; and areinfpired with the fpirit of illumination for the good of others, that haue no part in the fpirit of fancflificationand ibund conueriion for their owne happinefie.But yet me thinks there may bee con-ceiued fome difference betwixt the childe of God, and the formall hypocrite, in the very fptculation and knowledge of Gods truth, and in apprehcnfion of things diuinem the vn-derftanding : Which 1 take to bee fuch as thefe,

Firftthe light of diuine knowledge in the formall hypocrite, dothonelydifcharge his beamesandbrightnesvpon others; but neuer rcturnes and refleds on his owne fouleto an exa(5l difcouerieof the darkeneife of his owne vnderlbn-ding, the difcrdtr ofhis aflfjdions,the flum-ber of his confci-ence,^the deadnefd of his heart :bat entry childc of God is ■cncrinfomv^mealiire, both a burning and fhining Lampe; he IS both illightned and inflamed inwardly in his owne vn-derftandingjheart and affedions; and alio the brightueflc of ihisChriitianvertues,areeuer difperled and working Vpon others. Whcriifocucrhe liaes heeIhinesas alight, amid a , naughty

16^

naughty and crooked generation, inthe fight and cenfure ofi God, the blefled Angels, and good men; though to thel iudgtmentof thevvoild, andeyeofprophaneneflchi.s glorious graces euer did, andcuer willappeare to bee nothing' butdarkencflcanddifiembling. You may concciuc this dif^ ference thus : The ftin-bcames (you knovv)are not oncly caft i and/"bed into the inferiour Orbs andaire;bnt arc firft roo-l ted in the Sunne, and doe inwardly and vniiierfally fill with light that faire and glorious body : It is other wile in the Moone; for howfceu'.r fliee rcceiue light, for the cheering and comforting other bodies, yet fhee remainesdarke with-in,and m refped of her lelfe,it f crlies only to make her f pots' more confpicuous. It isiuft ih in the point we haue in hand : The light of diume knowledge in tlie child of Gcd, dcth not onely iLinc vponthe foules oFothers for their inflijijcflion & refrefLing; but doth firft ftilly illuminate his owne, though nottoanexcellencieofdegree,forthat is relerucd for hea-ucn; yet to a pcrfedion ofpaj ts, of which onely onr mortality is capable. But in the formall hypocrite howlbeuer it may fometimesdifpell ignorance and errors from the mindes ofothers J yet within hec is darkenefie in the Abftrad in re-iped of fauinglight, as is euery vnregenerate man, Ephef. J. 8. And his li^ht of knowledge in refped of himfeifclcrucs onely to make his finnes more foule and finfiiU, Ins damnation more iuft, and hirafelfe more inexcwfable. For^<f<? that k>to^es hid maftersyviU^ and doth it not, Jhallbe beaten with many finpes.

Secondly, the knowledge of diiiine myfteries in Gods child,is entertained and enioyed with a peculiar kinde of fweetnes;with an imprefl^on of incomparable ioy andplea-fure: It is farre fweeter vnto him then honey, and the honey' -combe: Hee hath more delight in it then in all manner of riches: It is moreprecious vnto him then the gold,yea then much fine gfold: It begets and (lirresin him flagrant dcfircs andaftedionfscorrcfpondenttoits precioufneffe and excel-lencie. But it is not fo with the formall hypocrite ; for his «arthly-mindedneflre,by whichhis aftedioiis are ( as it were)

glued

kA Difcmrfe gf true hafpineffe.

glued vnto thefarhionsofche world; if bee were fenfible of it,would tell him that it is many times not fo f weet vnto him as his plcafures: His clofecouetoii(htflc,or other vnconfcio-nablenefle inhisca^ling, if his confcience were illightened, would informe him, that many times it is not fo dcare vnto him as gold.

Thirdly the child of God hath an humble and gracious re-fb!ution,afweeteandwiUingfubmiiTioneuer mixt with his diuineknowledge, of being maftcred, guided and goucr-ncd by it ; though againft the violent bent of his owne inclination, and the current of the time: but the fbrmall hy-pocrite,(ifhe dcale faithfully with his owne heart}may feelc mhimfelfeafecret fubordination and fubie(!T:ibn of his vn-derftandingthercin, to his wcalth,honourSjand worldly preferments.

Fourthly,in apprehcnfion ofdiuine truth in th« formall hy- , pocrite, the power of naturalldifcourfe, and light of reafon 1 beares thechicfeft fway; and therefore he ftickes(as it were) in the bone and barke, ingeneralities, and vncertaiwties: but in the child ofGod,thefacred illuftration of Gods fpirit doth 1 plentifully concurre; and therefore he is able to pric into,and pierce the narrow and pith ofGods holy truth, the particular vcines and fauing fenfe thereof

I come now to the other habit,which the'Apoftle calleth <rtu/ecrj5;rvEc//Met)««,fpiritualprudencc,by which the Word & faith take no roote in the vnderftandingof the formall hypocrite.

This habit, I told you, is a fpirituall prudence,or a fandi-fTedvnderftandinginthepradVicaliafiaires of the foule;by which a regenerate man is inablcd with a iudicious fincerity, to deliberate and determine in cafes of conl"cience,in the perplexities oftentationSjin all {lraits,ambiguities, and diiiicul-ries incident to the confideration and carriage of a Chriftian; and with fpirituall difcretion to guide and conducfl all the adions ofgrace,and euery particular both in his general! and fpeciallcalling.

Thiswifedome (as I take it) is an attendant vponiuftiry-

105^

ing faith, and onely and infcparably annexed vnto faiiiiig grace; and tliereforctlie formal I hypocrite, though I place him in thehigheftperfeaion that is attaincable in the ftate of vnrcgeneration, is vtterly vncapable of it, and a meere ilranger vnto it, as be is vnto the life of God.

By this holy wifedome, Damd, Pfaline i ip. verfepp. is {aid to be wifer then his adiierfanes j that is, then Sau/, and all his politicise States-men, then his teachers, then the ancient. Ifwircdomewerelolf,methinkesitflioiiIdbe found amongft Politicians (the Oracles of imperiall depths and fecrets of State; the pillars of Common wealths and Kingdoms:) amongft profound Doctors and Rabbins(the fathers of knowledge and learning: Jamongft the ancient, whofe age is many times crowned with ripeneflc of iudgement, with varietie of experience and obferuation. And yet by this vwjzvig 7ivetfjwi]»xj),fpirituallprudence (for thefame word V- uvlf^it' fed there by the Septuagincs,which the Apoftle hath, Col. i. retg Toug p )Daftidfkrre furmounteththem alljin refpedof which,thc St^avKoi' flower and quinteflence of all their wifedome and poll- Tas/nectt-cies, was nothing but glorious folly and profound fimplici- »?X8U tie. Hence it is that many a poore foule, illiterate andneg- ' leded, proudly pafled by, and many times trampled vpon I with dil'grace and vexation, by worldly wife men ,• yet lining vnder a conilant and confcionable Minifterie, is infinitely more wife then the greateil; Clerkes, and learnedeft Docflors; bothingiuingcounfellandaduice in fpirituall affaires, an din conducing dieirowne fouleSjin thefe ftrange-ly prophane and defperate dayes, thorow the ftraight way to "heauen.

Hence then you may fee a cleere difference. The formall hypocrite,fo farre as naturall wit, goodncffe ofeducation,ci-•uill honeftic,moralldifcretion, politicke wifedomecan in-lighten and Icade him, may mannage his ad:ions and affaires with exadnefle and reputation, glorioufly, and without exception in the fight and iudgement of the world. Nay, be-fides, fometimes by an addition offbme inferiour and more tgenerall graces of Gods Spirit, beemayfct vpon them fuch

<^ Difcmrfe of true kippmeffe.

an outward gliftering, that they may dazlethe eyes of the bcft: difcerning fpiricand deceiuehis owne htarc with a falfe peifwafionjthat theyaiethe true anions ofpietic, and plea-fingvntoGod. Butouerandaboue all thefe, (which isne-uer to bee found inthevnregenerate) there is inthevnder-fhnding of the child of God, a more excellent and fuperiour vigour, thatinfpireshisaflionswitha high and more hea-uenly nature ; thatbreathcs into them the life of grace ; that guides them with truth and finglenelTe of heart, and finceri-tie in all circumftances, to the glory aad acceptation of God, the comfort of his owne confcience, and good of his brethren. There isafarre cleerer and brighter eye fhiiiing in the foule of euery regenerate man, in refpefl whereof, the faireftlightsof all other knowledge a:id wifcdome are E-gyptiaa darknefle; which doth euer faithfully defcrieand dif-couer vnto him the ftraite though vnbcaten path to immor-talitie, thoro wall the paffages or particulars of his life: It reucales vnto him the wifeft and mod confcionable refolu-tion in all fpirituall debateraents; the beft an<l fitteft feafons of reprouin^ finnes and winning foules vnto God; many ob-Ifquities ofa^lions, iniquitie of many circumftances j the 1 ight vks of his owne afrliflicns, difgraces, and in fimiities, which the formall hypocrite cannot poilibly difcerKe, be-caufe he is ftarke blind on this eye.

AmongiV infinite, I willgiueoneinftance of the gracious workings and powerofthisdiuine habit.

Let vs imagine an euill report or falfe (lander to bee vn-iuftly raifed ( and without ground ) vpon the formall hypocrite, though it feldome bcfalHhch; for commonly pro-phanemenare more'countenanced, better coiiceiued and (pokenofbythe greater part, and by great mjn,then they deferue. Yet if it fo fallout; this or the like is his bchaui-our: Hee perhaps proclaimcsand prot.fts hiscleerenefie in the cafctoo ambitioufly and impudently ; not with that hu-militieand ipirituall dilcretion : Hee pleaCth and applau-dethhimfelfeiahisinnocencic, for this particular, boyfte-roufly, and witKcIamour J which perhaps fecretly breeds a ■ more

i^ Difcourfe of true hopbine ffe.

107

more generall PhariTaicall felfe-conceit of the reft of his wayes: He angrily contefts with the iniqiiitie and ingratitude of the world, for cafting fuch bafe indignities & afpcr-fioiisvpongoodnefleandvcrtue :Hee would gladly bcare it out braudy, and make others thinkc that hee pafleth it without wound or paiTion; but indeede hec inwardly chafes and fretSj andismuchgrieuedandgauled with Worldly forrow for it: the reafonis,his reputation with men is dearer vnto him then the glory of God j his chiefeftgood and comfort in this world, isthe worlds goodopinio/j of him. Butin ill this, hceisfofarrefrom workingany/pirituallgood out of St, that hecratherentertaincs a fecrct encouragement to bee that indeede which the world cenfiires him to be, then for a bare concealed confcience of his innoccncie, to debarre him-{d^c of a full fruition oftheprefent times.

But let vs now on the other fide, conceiuea Child of God tc bee wickedly and wrongftiUy flandered : for it is properly his lot and portion in this life, to beeioaden withlewde and lying cenfures, with vniuft and odious imputations •, fome-timestohaucmanygrieuous things and fearefiili abomina-; tions fatlieicd vpon him,without all fenfe, honefty,or probability ; which he neuer did, hee neuer knew. And if once ill reports railed falfely vpont he godly, bcon wing they flieas fwift as the Eagles of the heauens. Deuilsare fpcedie Dro-1 mcdarics to carry fuch newcs : They prefeiitlypafletlioiow | Tancrnes and Ale-houfeSjCitie and Country, Gathand A{1 calon : they lunne farre and w jde,as currant and authcuricall,' vnderthe Broad-feale of good fellowfhip ^ neuer more to be \ •controlled and reuerft, vntillthematterbee brought before j thathigh and euerlafttng Judge. But markc, I pray you, the carriage of- Gods Child in thefe cafes: he doth indeed fwe-et-ly and comfortably enioy theconfcioufnefleofhis owiie vp-lightiKifle ; though his adiierfaries bee neuerfo potent ot cunningto threape him down,yet vntill he die,as lok /peaks, hte will not takeaway his innocencie from himfelfe. When the fharpe and empoy fbned arrowes of bitter malice si^ ca-; lumniationscoxne thickeftvponhiajj euen»witb haile-ihot,

I his

Cha.t7«y.

-^-r

Chap, t^-

«^ Difeottrfe of trttt happimffe.

his truly noble, and diuinelyrefoluedioule is infinitely fatif-/led with that in loh; Behold now, my mtHejfe is in the heauen, and my ncord « on high. Yet he doth labour to cleere himlelfe ft)fiuTe,asthchonourofGody the fatis&dion of the godly and danger of iuft fcandall require.

But the gracious considerations and holy pracl^ife, which (in thdfeafflictions of his good name ) fpirituall prudence principally miniftcrs and (uggefts vnto him, are fiich as thefe:

Firft, hee confiders, that howfbeuer hee be innocent from theflander, yet the finger ofGod is in it, as it was in directing the dogged malice of curfedvy^iw^, vponthe royallpcr-ibn ofDantd j and therefore he gathers, that the Lord would thereby giue him notice, thatfome other things in him are amifle : that fome fecret corruption, by which his blefled vSpirtt is grieued, is to bee f ubduedand mortified-, that fome grace is to bee repaired; fome of his wayes to bee amended: perhaps his languifhing zeale is to bee reuitiedand inflamed; his heart, much duld with the contagious prophanenefTe and formality of the times, is to bequickned, and more enlarged for Gods fcniice; repentance and humiliation for fome former finne, not thorowly repented of, or in partrefumcdjis to be renued. Perhaps the Lord hath thereby an holy purpofe to reucale vnto him, theomiflionof Ibme duties in his calling, or fome fmaller faults ( yet fcandalous) whereof before hewasnotfeniible. Or it may bee, to preuent fome finne to come,eitherthatwith which he isfelfely charged; or fome other to which his fraile nature is more inclining. Or laftly, / by this experienceto prepare him with courage, and fiirnilh ( him with wifedometocomfort others in the like cafo^orto glorifie his name by patience, in Ibme more publike and notorious difgrace and vexation to bee indured in this kinde. Hcereupon the Child of God doth prefently make a priuie ftarch into his foule, doth narrowly lift the ftateof his-con-fcience; and after due and impartiall examination, feelingly .and faithfully addreflehimfelfc to prayer, praftife ofthefo eoQfiderations,aiidreforinationofwhat hcfindsamifle.

Secondly,

i^ Difcourfe cftrue hafpmjfe.

I op

Secondly, this outward crolTe vpon his good name by ftlfe furmifesandfHfpicions, makes him retire into himfelfe; and more fruitfully and chcercfully to cnioy all his inward comforts, his hope and delight in heauenly thines, the aflu-rance that his name is written in the Booke of lire; which no malice of men, orpolicieof hell is euer able to blot out. It makes him with more feruent and greedy attention to liften for the trumpet of that lafl: and fcarefu!! day;more longingly, and with fixed ej'es, to wait for the Lord lefus in the clouds; who, as hee will puniOi a!! prophane Oppofitcs to holincfife with euerlafting perdition from the prefencc of the Lord and from the glory of his power:(b vndoubtcdly,with the bright neffe of his comming,he will then at the furthefl:,before men and Ai 1 gelSjbring forth his lighteoufnefleas the light,andhis iudgcment as the noone day. •

Thirdly, by the mercies of God, for any fuch wretched ! and lyiiig flander, hee is not i'o call downc with worldly fbr-row, hte doth not (b ftrre gratifie Satan and malicious men,! as to ioync hands with them for the affii£ting of his owne fbule,withneedlcflc difcomforts, or difcouraging himfelfe | in his calling: but rather hee raifeth matter of comfort, en- j couragcment, andreioycing. For thereby hee is made more' like and conformable to his Head Chrift lefus; ivbo endured the cropland fuch peaking Againfiof ftnners, anddefptfedthe Jhamefor the toy that whiffet before htm. He hath thereby more waight and degrees added to his blefledncfle; more malli-ntfleandbrightnefllto his Crowne of immortality: 'B/ejfed areyee (iaith Chrill) "when men reutleyou mdfxy aU manner»f euiUagaiy.fi you for mjf-.ke faljly^reieyce and he glad, for great uyourre'^aydinheauen. Anatherefore in dcfpite of malice and fairiiood, he runs on ioyfiiUy in his race: and hauing the attcflaticnefacleereconlcience, the acclamations of Saints ai]d Angels, hee little cares for the barking of dogs by the way; but followes hard towards the markc, for the price of the high calling of God in Chrift lefus.

Suchasthefe, are the thoughts and behauiour, fpirituall wifedome acquaintsthc Child of God with j when his good

no

Lxf Difconrfe of true hapfineffe.

II.

name is wronged, & wounded with flanders & falfe reports. I conclude the whole point: The knowledge and pra<5li-call wifedome about heauenly matters in the formall hypocrite, are dull, coId,pIodding,formaII, feruiceable, and fubor-dinate to his worldly happinefle. His knowledge is /joffOiJif niyvvxrices, afot-meof l^oiv/ed^e^Kom'2.20.Hispiaciice is fxoffctrie lv9t€tiAi,aformevf£odlinir(fe,2.Tim. 3.5. All isforme and ovt wardnefTe: they are not deepely and foundly rooted in him by fanc^ifying grace: not inwardly infpired with fu-pernaturall and fpiriniall life. But diuine knowledge in the Childe ofGodjis calledthcSpiritofReuelation,Epnei.i.i7. his praclicall wifdomeis fpiritaall,Corof". i.p.that is,qiiicke, a(^iue,fcnient, zealous, ftirring; not into irreqularities and exorbitancies,as worldly wifdom many times mifconftrues, butagainft the corruptions of the times; and working out of all aftionSjOccafions, and occurrcnts(euenoutofmifcries, flanders, and infirmities ) fomc glory vnto God,Ibme good vnco his children/orae comfort vnto his owne foule.

I ffow proceed w to tell you, that the Word of God is not Footed in the confcienceofthe formall hypocrite 3 which is the hearer refembkd v*nto the Itony ground

The whole and entire worke of confcience, as you well know, out of the Schooles, confifteth ina praclicall Syllo-gifine: The propofition arifeth out of the (Tumif)\7ii,m habit of pradticall principles, and generall fountaincs of oura'fli-ons: The affumptio is properly 9twtU^(Ji; confciemtA^zn zdLW-all application of our knowledge to this or that particular ad or obiecH:. Whence folio wes, the immediate and necefla-rie iffue and oiSce of confcience; to teftifie, in ref pcil of things fimply done or not done: In relped: of things to bee done, either to excite and encourage, or to reftraine and bridle: In refpedl ofthings done well, or wickedly,to cxculc and comfort, or accule and terrific. For example : The otu/r»pfa-<5, which is, as it were,atrcafuricofrulesand leflbnsfordiredion in ouradions, propofeththe iniquitieof a lye euen out of nature. <iArijiotle condemnes it, Eth. 4.7* X9tf 9MT0 a tl (^ •^wioSjfdvXcy Mt '^tKTof,^ lic is (lark naught

and

(^ Difcourfe of true happneffe.

Ill

anddircommendable.ThefounderSchoolecnen demonftratc eucry lye (though it bee oi}icious,and for a greater good j to be again ft nature, and indifpenf able. Natures purpofeisfru-ftiated, and her law tranfgrcft,when fpcech& words,\vhich fhec intends to beeeucr the true mcflengers of the conceits andapprehenfionsoftheminde,areabured to falfehoodand equiuocation. But this praflicall principle of not lying, how-foeucr it be cleere in nature, yet it receiucs further illuftration from the Bookc of God. Therefore the propofition may bee thus framed:

Euery Iyer (hall bee baiiiOied from the holy Mountaine of the Lord, Pfal.i 5. atld fhall bee barred out of the new leru-falem for euermore, Reuel.22.15.

The confciencc of the Iyer doth afliime and tcU him: But Ibaue thus and thus lied for aduaiitage, and greater good: Then it followes:

Therefore I muft bee baniflied from the holy Mountaine. of the Lord, and barred out of the new lerufalem for euermore : Aconc'ufion of condemnation and terrour :

Such isthe arguing of confcience for things paft : But thus it workcth about things to be done:

Let vs imagine a man to deliberate with himfclfe, whether he fliould be Non-rcfidentorno. His habit ofpradicali principles ( ifhee willdcale faithfully with hisownefoiile, efpecially by the hcipe of the honefter Gafil]:s)may ydelde him matter enough 01 It of nature again ft Non-refidencie, as might cafily apptare if the point were incident. But fith the cafeiscleere, Ezech.33.heemay thus frame his pradicall Syllogifme:

1 he Non-refidcnt muft anfwer for the blood of ch^fe

'foules, which by hisvnconfcionable and vnwarrantableab-

: fence, & ncgligcuce in his charge, haue perifhed in their fins.

But fith I know not how Iboue I fliall come to indgc-

ment, my poore ibulc ftiall not appearc before my bleffed

Satiiour, red with the blood of thole foiileSj for which his

precious blood was died:

Theiefoirel wiUnotbcNon-refidciiu You fccheerea re-I 3 ftraint

K>4 Difcourfe of trtte happineffe,

ftraint from Non-refidencie, that bloodie gangrene, that ( with lemoiTelefTe greedinefle ) eates and deuoures the precious follies of men.

Tin's rhort explication of the nature of conscience thus premifed, you may cafily conceiue with mee thus much ; that

Accordingly as the praflicall vndcTftanding of a man is furnillied with principles and rules forguidiiighisai^lions, according to the nature ofthem, andfoueraigntie they hold m the conicience, fuch and thereafter commody is his life and acflions.

I except the groflc hypocrite; for hce finneth againft the knowledge of his heart, and light of his confcicnce: Therefore the found of feare is already i;i his cares; and in his profperitiethedcftroyerrhall come vpon him. Hee belee-ueth not to returiie out of darkencflc, for hee fceth the 1 Word before him. Affiidion and angui/h fhall make him afiaide: They fhall preuaile againft himjas a king ready to the battel!. God (hallrun vpon him, euen vpon his necke; and againft themoftthickepartofhisihield: becaufe hce hath couered his face with faliehood, and inwrapped himfelfe in a cloud ofhypocrifie.

The point then muft bee exemplified in other fbits of men.

Firft, the notorious finner(by reafonof his delightfiill conucrfing with the wicked, and cuftome inthewoikcsof darkenelfe ) doth obfcurc,fmother,and in lome meafiire ex-tinguiihinhisconfciencc, not onely the light of fupernatu-rall truth, but of nature too : Therefore hce runncs headlong ( withoutrcftraint or bridlc)inco dcfperat- villanies and out-ragious rebellions. Hce drawcsin finne with cart-ropes, and workcth all manner of vncleanneffe with greedinefle : Hee u bound with hiijtnnes, and couered with im^uittes, of a feld « hedgedinyvithlfup3es,Mtdthe path thereof couerfdW'iththornes. ^hereby no man may traueli. It is Jhnt vpy and u appomted to hee

tdeliueredhyfire. Secondiy,thePapifthee entcrtainesandtrcafures vpfor his

113

his pradlicallprinciples, the bloody DidaresofthePopcof R^nte, that nian of nnnc, ar.d Vicegerent ofSatan; which are ibfarrefroairetciuingftrcngth or warrant, either From nature, or diuiie truth, that they hild ftiong contradidionand eternalloppofitiontoboth : and therefore his confcienceis enlarged like To^het. For it can without fcniple or remorfc, nay, with hope of heauen, and a brighter Crowne of glory, digcft eucn the facred blood of Kings, and fwaiiow downc with cafe the ruines and defolations of whole Kingdomes-Heecan meritoiioufly butcher his brother in the ftreets with, prodigious cruelty, as in tkat horrible maflacre at PArii. Hce can I edifpenfed with,and difchargcd from caches, and truth of fpcech, the nectflary and Ibucraigne inftruments of all iullice and fociety amongft men. He may exped: canonization for blowing vp of Parliaments, and tearing in ptcccs thcroyail limbes of the Lords Annointed, and the itrong Ci-ncwesof the woithicfi State vndcr heauen : and after laile towards the Pcpifli Paradice, which is indeed the pit of hell, thorow a fca of innocent blood, without any check or coun-tcrblaft: of confcience.

Thirdly, the ciuill hont ft man hath his * confcience informed with rules of naturallhoncfty, and gtnerali notions of light and wrong, and theewith contents himlclfc. And therefore he frames himleife withiobcr carriagt,faire conditions, iuft and -prightdeaiig towards men j lo tliat hce is well fpoktn of, a!id reputed by the world a ^ood n. ichl.oui, albbtr wife man, ot haimtitfTe bebauiom, no mcdicr, a peaceable man: and thefe are excellent, if not Icutrcd, but leruictableto true piety and 'aning knowledge. Peace is a precious tl-ing. if it may be puichaed aid polleft without imp.ach and preiudicc to holindle andsgohdconlcience-Foil'^\\peace^'iihallmcn^Hiidhflineffey XVitkont Vi'hich no nun'i pyaU fee the Lord, Ptaccand holineilc mufr goe together: It' otherwiie, it is an holy peace to bee at \ra.rc wiih ihe c^r--1 uptions ofthe time: and to be at peace w itb fin, is to war* e againftCodandhisownefoule. ButtJx^ Wertly ciu»!l ho-ncft man, by his praclicall principles, is led no ftuther, but . ^ 4 to,

*ForI mny take confcience for the habit ofpra-fticall principles, 3S Ao\\\Ortgtn,

Or/^.'"alleth

4ntm/tJo-ciatM :B4.

indiC4toytHm

K>i Difcottrfeoftrtie happmelfe.

to the executions of morallhoncfty; as for inftriK^ionin hea uenlymyftcriesand diuinc knowledge, he doth not much meddle with, care for, or feeke after; but onely for company andfaihion.

Foiuthly, the forma! 1 hypocrite,befides thediretflion of naturall light in his confcience, doth intereffe and acquai^it himfclfe with pradticall principles out offiipernaturall truths and the Word ofGod, for the performance of religious duties and feruices ; but he puts them iapraflicc with referua-tion, with his owne exceptions and limitations: Hee is only lb farre guided by them in his life and conuerfation, asthey are compatible with his worldly happinelTe; And therefore in thctime of perfecution, as it is in the Parable, hce falleth away. Butbyperfc'cution you muft vnderftand, notoncly the fiery triall and ftriuing vnto bloud; but alfo inferiour, and not fo fmarting afflictions andtcntations; as it is clcere, if wee compare the three Euangelifts in their narration of the Parable. Jt is many times, dilgraces, and contii:ncIics for his profc(Tion, difpleafure and difcountenance of great OneSjthehazardingoflumt profit and prefermentjthelolTe offticnds, and fauour of the world, or the like, that makes himflinkeandyeclde, and defperateiy to cafl: himfelfcinto the current of the times, there to Iwimme with others for a wbile,with fulHaile ofoutwardprofperityjvntii hcdrownc ! himfelfein perdition, and finke fuddenly into thegulfeof cndlcfTe woe and miferie. Hence it is that Matth. 13.31. hee is called wyoaxaipfj, a Temporizer: Hee is not thorow, found, relblute, and trup-h'jartcd for godlinefTe, good cau-Ccs, and good men* For many times, when the honour of God i s put(as it werc)in the one Icale of the ballance, and his owne contentment in the otlier;hce fuffcrs fome worldly profit or pleafure, the gratification or fatisfe^ion offome great man; thepiu-chaic of fome Fellow fhip. Benefice, or ipirituall dignity,( forfometimes it prooues perhaps as deare asapurchalcjthe greedy defire andpurfuit of fome vnde-

IferuedoiJice or honour; theenioyment of prophane com-;pany, or coherence with worldly wife men j the pleafure of fome

115

indeed. I

fbme fccrct and fweete fmnc, or iiich like j I fay, bee fiifters thefe to weigh downe the exceeding waightofheai'.enly blifle, the vniia!uabletrearnreofagood confcience, and the infinite glory of God. Which is ihangely jni/ciabici fith all the world,wifdome,povver,excellency,and whatfotuer o-therhappinefTeoFman, allthehigheflandgreateft trcafnres and glory vndertheSunnc, without the ftare and fauourof God, if they were put in the waightswith vanitic, vanitie would waighthem ali downe. So thought D^WjPfal. 62, •«.,k«,j-\ The children of men are vamtte^ the chiefs men are lies: to Uj • yij^ onejy themvfotia ballame, they are altogether lighter then Z'amtte\ tncnthofe itfelfe, I tbataren»o

l3ftly,the Child ofGodjbefidesthe better and more fpe-ciallapprehenfionsofnote, ftores bis confcience, histrea-furic ofpradicall principles, with many facrcd and {ailing IcfTons and rules out of beaucnly truth and Gods holy Word; butfo,thatin his practice ofthem,hc ftands not vpon tcrraes of pleafure,profit, or preferments; but doth wholly and entirely refignc vp himfelfe in obedience and humilitie, to be guided and gouemed by them, without reftridion or euafion in his thoughts, affedions, and adions, thorow the whole courfe of bis life. Therefore, Luke 8. 15. the bearer compart d vnto the goodgroHnd,(vjhich is the Child of God, to whom in all my Diicourfel oppofe thcjlonjgroHndy'whkh I call the formall hypocrite)is faid to be of an honefl and good heart: that is, downe-right for godlinefle and good men^ without hoUowncfTe, faintbeartednelfe, or flinking. Hee makes Chriflianitieasit werehistrade,he fweatesandtoiles ill it, as the en^ for wbich be was creat&d, and placed in this world: And as he rect iues the word of God into his honcft a'ld good heart; fo there hetrealiires it vp,and keeps itfaith-fu!I.Thc word in theoriginall isxa^ix^ffcHckeeps it,though it be with much diilicultie, ftiaigglingand colludation with hisownccorruptions, the tcntations of Satan, and vanities of the world; who cunningly confpire and labour ioyntly to plucke it vp, and wreft it from him ; and hee brings foorth jrmt with patience. He yeelds no ground, though be meetea

Lion

Oif Difcourfe ef true hai>^inc(fe.

Rom. *»5-

5 5>

j I-yoii in the way, or a Tyrant in the face.. In the day of triall ; and encountring with clangers and vngodly oppofitions, hee Oirinkes not •, but ftands fafl:,and fuffcrs himfelfe rather to be oiicrflowne,then to bee carried downe the ftreame of the Cm-nill faOiions and wicked wayes of the world. Hee knovves full well, howfoeuer hee goes now on his way wtcpi:ig,yet hee carries precious (qcAq j and therefore tl)e time will come Oiortly, that hcc fhali doubtlefle come againc with ioy, and bring his fhcaue'? with him. Croflts, difgraces, and tribulations, may begtt in the formall hypocrite, fainting a' d dcfc-d:ion : but in. Gods Chiide they bring foorth patience, experience, hope, and refolution. Euer when hee enters conliilta-tion with himfelfe,whether God muft bee obeyed and glori-ficdjor man plcafed and fatisfied; hee is quickly refblued out of that in Ifa. 51. 12. /, euen I, am hee^ that comfort jeu. who art thofi, thut thoujhouldcfifeareamortallmun^ and the fonne of rt^an^vphtch fljallbee made m graffe : zAndforgettefr the Lord thy maker, that hath fpredout theheauens^ and laid the fonnda-tions of the earth ? He confiders theheauy iudgcment dtter-mined,and rcftrued forali fcarfiiil raen,aU fpirituail cowards, and faint-heartcd in the Ch.riftian warfare; who more fcare men then God, and for their fauour and countenance, part with the protecl^ion ofthe A!mightie,and the comforts of a goodconfciencc : Th^y fliallbcepuniihtd rpith v-hlecHe^s, ^Hth the abominable, ^'t h mttrtherers and rphoremongtrs, Wtth idolaters and liers,in the L^kc' Which burneth XMthfire aidbrtm-fione^rohich isthefeconddcath^ Ivcuel. 218.

You may now cleerciy conceiuc the point I hauc in hand; how the Word of God is not rooted in tl:e conlcience ofthe formall hypocrite. The ordinary inttlligeiiccrs to his con-fcience,are examples, cuftome, opinion, worldly wiiedome, common preiudictagainft a llrid: courl'e of fanftificatioui precedencie and prajtiieof greater men, for true gocd/.edV, many times ouerprized, and mif-valucd by the worlds faltering ccnlure ; the common natuiali notions of right and wrong' But iPvponlbme extraordinary .good motion, by guidance of diuine rules, hee fometimes crofll the can ear of "': the

c^ Difcourfe of true hapfimffe.

the times, enter a profcilion of finccritie, and Ibme corre-{pondence with Gods Children, it is but fof a tpirt, an cflay* j like a morning cloud, and as the morning dew. For as foonc ashisferuour in religious affaires, and furtherance of good things doth once by the furie of hell, crueltieofprophane men, malice of the world, enkindleand ft-irrevpagainllhim (f fay, not onely a ficrie triall.but euen foine fmarting heat of lefler perfecution, f bme railing aad flaiiderons tongue,which fcorcheslike coaiesofinniper) adifconceitav.d dereliction in his friends and old acquai itancc, difgrace vvith the world, difcountenance of Grtatntfle, vnlikeiihood ofrifing and preferment ^ if it onceraife againft him ftormes of iealoufies, j enuies, and moleftations; why, then he is gonc,he flinkes and ] flarts alide like a broken bow. All his former good motions/ purpo'es, andendeauours, melt as the winter icQ^ and goe a-way like the morning dew. For the formal! hypocrite euer when hee fedesdifturbancein his prefent fecurity, internip-tion of his former contentments, hazard of his temporall f e-licitie, hee begins llrongly to fufpeifl himfelfe of too much forwardneflejofvnfeafonableand prepofterows zeale, ofdi-ftcmpcr, and indifcretionm matters of Religion ; andthere-fbrcgiuesbacke, andfallesaway into his former plodding couile of forma!itic; and that perhaps without any checke of confcicnce: But if any fcruples and reludation arife in his h.art,outof his worldly wildomc,he interprets this yeel-dingtotlictimeSjtobebut an ordinary and pardonable in-^rmitie, and therefore notwith(landing flatters and deceiues himfelfevvithhopeofheauenjwhichisaftrongbarretokeep him out of the Ihte of grace, and acquainted with the glo^ rious comforts of found and fauing finccritie.

But thef acred light ofGods holy truth, is babituatedand incorporated into theconfcience of Gods Child j and is the oyiqIj and conftant rule and liquare, by which, with all humi-litie, vprightnefTe of heart, a free, entire fubmilfion andobe-dieace vntoit, he frames all histhoughts,afiedlions, and adi-ons. And in this light, he^walkts with a Ittled conflancic and grounded refbicition, through poueitie and opprefTion,

contii-

nS

K^ Difceurfe a/true happittejfe.

Contumelies and contempt, (landers and indignities, good reporter ill report. For hee hath his eye ftill faftned vpon e-teraity; he hath the Crowne ofglorv already in fight; the in-cftimableprecioufneffeandeuerlafting beauty whereof, ra-uiOiethandpoireflfethhis tnicly free and great heart, with fuch a longing and fcruencie, thatheeisat a point with all that is vnder the Sunnejthat he doth not onely contemne,pa-ticntly endure, and vanquilTi allafperities and diiiiculties; but cuenwith reioycingentertaineand embrace (ifthe tyran-I ny of the times fu requirc)the vtmoft,that malice and cruelty jcaninfliifl vpon him. There is no other confideration or crca-j ture,either in heauen or earth,can f eparate him from the lone ^ of God in Chrift Iefus,or from his glorious feruice in al good fonfciencc.

And as the Word of God is planted and rooted in the con-fcience of Gods Child, for his direflion and conftancie in the wayes of godlinefle: fo is it alfo there faftened for his forbearance of finnes, by thefe three properties ; which are not to be found in the formal! hypocrite:

Kemorfe for finnes part,by which hee is faued from rclap-fesand backflidings.

A prcfcntfenfiblenefle ofali manner of finnes,whcreby his pre(ent integrity and vnblameablcnes, is happily preferued. An habitiialltendeincfle, by which ht-isarmed and fenced againft the corruptions of the time, vnconfcionable coiv-fes, aixi conHiiiilion of finnes to come.

Jn remorfe for fins paftj comprize a more full knowledge, an vniuerfall reueJation of his finnes, by the light of Gods Word,and power of his Spirit:and that both in extenfton and i^r^-w//^^^, both in number and grieuoufncfle : a fcnfeand feeling of them in their true waight, as they arc able to finke hitndowneintothebottomeofhcll. Muchforrow and an-goifli, for the ftaine and guiitineffe they hauc left behinde them i and for that they prouoketo iuft wrath, fo louing and gracious a God. Andlaftly, a loathing of them, fo that hee neuercafts his eyesbacke vpon them, but with an addition ofanew and particular dctefbtiaa. Hee ueoer eaters meditation

K^ Difc^rfe of true ^4ppwefff.

11^

tation ofthe foiile and halnous palfages of his former Iife,j but with fhame and horrour. Euery fbkmne leuievv of his time ofdaikntfTe and vnregcnciatiQn, makes the wound of his rcmorfc to bleede afiefli.

Byfenfiblenefle, I vndet (land a quickeand prefent appre-henfionand feeh'ng of euery fin; whether itbe pubhkcor pri-uate,opcnorfecret, incur {clues or others, as well in our thoughts & aftedions,as in our words & adions; in our gc-nciall or particular calling, more grofie aiidiiifamous.or flips and fcumblingSjfcandals, and appearances ofeuill.

HabitualltenderneflCjis a gracious temperSc difpofition otj the confcitnce, whereby it is apt to be gaulcd & fmart at the' fiiit entcruicw with the iniquities of the time, and at euery occurrence ofcorruptions and all vnconfcionable attempts.

Thefe propeitics of tendernefie, aptnefieto fmart,eafinefle to bleed atthe appreheniion and approach of fin, are peculiar to aconlciencc illightiied,randificd,and purged by the blood ofChrift; ntuer incident to the beflnaturall confcience, or furnifhed with thechoyceft notions and perfe^ions ofciuill honefty and formality: for thefe are neuer fo ftrait laced, but can let down, at the leaft,without diftafte or check,common (ins,le{fcr euils, thegainefiall and honourable errours,and ob-I liquitics of the time.

Hence it is,that all prophaneand vnregenerate men,want-ing the curbe of a fober and fandified confcience, haue e-, iier mfinite aduantage, for getting the ftart and precedes-1 cicjiin <:oiTjpafTing the comforts, glory, and preferments of the world. Forthey,whentheatchieuementofany honour, happinefll, or high place is on foot,aduife prefcntly with the ordinary informers, and counfellors of their confcience, cu-ftome, example, multitude, worldly wifedome,thefway of the times; and iuchiike : but with the Word of God and godly Chriftians, onely fofarreasthey docnot crofl'e their ends, and contradid: thofe plots and contriuances,which they haue laid for their aduancement into high roomes, -And thus they may paffe with r^.afbnablcquietncfle, without grudging orgrieiiingofa confcience ib guicjcd thorow a

thoufand

mf — ■ ■ ~ r— ___

i^ Bifcearfe of true hap^inelJe.

thoufaiid corruptions and indire^ions, bafcnefTc, flatteries, finfullengigements, vn warrantable coiirfes. Any of which, int fhouidinccte with a confcienceonce foandlv frit^hrcd With horrour of former fimies, (bftned and fandlified by the blood of ::he Lambe, would not o:ieIurubbe'off the skinne andgauleitjbutmakeit blecde to death. But worldly men are at a point, they miift and will enioy the world; for here they hauetheir portion and heanen. They efteeme it their greateft happinefle to bee ad niredand adored aboLic others ; and therefore venture vpon whatfoeucr vnlawfull andindi-re.'l procurements, which may bring them to high places; rather then they will bee deft atcd and difappoinced in the purfuit of worldly happinelTe, they will thoraw, whether it bethicke or thin, right or wrong, force or fraud, ftaine of reputation, or wound ofconfcience; Simony or flattery,friend or foCj all is one; though in the mcane time they ftrike their owne poore fbules thorow with many forrowes; though when they arc moft glorious in their owne conceit, and in the eye ofthe world; in the iuft cenfure of God, Angels,and found Chriftians they bee moft vile and contemptible; and indeed in this fecming fun-fliine of worldly prolperity, they treafure vp vnto themfclues ftrange feares and aftonifliments fhares.fireandbrimftoneandftonny tempcfts againft their latter end.

Itisotherwife with Gocis child in (iich affaires : He ftill takescounfell and direftion at the Oracle of Godi with Cor-nelnts roixAMxioUy to heareor forbearc whatfoeuer is there commanded or forbidden; andiofbllowes the comforts of this world, onely fo farre as it will giue him leaue, warrant, andaHRftance. But ifhee bee to enter any cornipt courfe, or parte thorow any vniulHi:able meancs, for the attainment ofhispurpofcand preferment; there prefently comes into his mind fuch coniiderations asthefe: Hce conceiues with himfclfe, that the paflagcintoanvplaceofoilice or honour (by corruption) is euerarrcnded with the curfe of God; and fb no true comfort to bee expeded in theenioyment & exe-aition i That the reft efle humour,and proud fpirit of ambition

K^ Difcourfe of true ^appmeffe.

don, eucr haants and pofleffes men oFIeaft worth, and worft conlcience: That hee wliich triicly ftares God, neuer dcfires height ofplace for the glory or gainej but onely with a (b-berindifftrcncic, thither inclines and carries his aftedions at id hopes: and thatwi:htrenibhngatthe waightinefTe of the charge, where it pleafeth diuine proiiidencc by honeft and lawful!meancs to plant or tranfplant him, for the im-ploymcnt of his talent; and where hec may moft glori/ie God,benefitthe"Chui-ch,and keepeagood confcience. He thinkes vpon the vanity and miferie of all things wee cnioy in this world j ofthat ftrid and great account hec muft very ihortly make vnto the Lord, and fudge ofall the world; of the length ofthat eternity, through all which is vnauoida-bly to becendured an cuerlafting cftate, either in the ioyes of heaucn, or paines of hell. Out of fiich thoughts as thefe iprings his truely noble and Chriftian rcfolution; that he had rather want preferment while the world ftands, and end his dayes in a retired and innocent obfcurity j then by cafting himfclfe into the common fafhions and corruptions of the world, forfeit the fruit and comfort of his former integritie, wound hisconfcicnce,and feme the time: Tliat heeisfarre more willing to endure any afflidion or dif grace with Govls J children, then to enioy thcpleafures of fin, and glory of the world for a feaf on.

Inowcomein the third place, to tell you that the Word of God, is not rooted in the thoughts of the fbrmali hypocrite ; which is the hearer refembicd vnto the ftony ground: and thence rlfetha very notable and moft fpeciall ditference betwixt him a.id thechild of God cruely poiTeftofthe glorious rtatc of Grace.

Ai»d I bcfeech you markc mee in this point. For the tlioughts ofa man doe farre more cleerely, and impartially diiti:.gLiilh the poxver of fanflification from the ftatc of formality, then wcrds,a'1:ions, andalloutwaidnefle pf carriage. For in theft (many times) is much cunning and en-foIcement,artificialla^dfaincdbchauiours; counterfeit and fbrmali conueyances, dilguifements, and hypocrifics.Thcy

. are

121

122 ( i^ Difceurfe eftrue hafpneffe,

areliabletothelawesof merjjOpen, andobuious to thceye and iudgement of all; and therefore fcarc of punilliment, re-proch, and bale reputation : nian3e,and fpecch of the world; hopeof rewatdandridng; defire of maintaining a good o-pinionforhoncftyand rcHgion; of holding fome gainefuU eoherence with Gods children; are of great power to re-ftrainethem,andtokccpc them within good compafle and moderation.So that a mans words and anions may bee faire, ingenuous, and honourable; whole thoughts arc bafe, pro-phane and abominable. But thoughts are the free, immediate and inuifibleprodudions of the heart, ncuer taken within the walke of humane'iuftice; by their naturallfecrecie exempted from mans moft priuiefearch, and all executions of State. Their abberl-ations are oncly cenfiirable by thefearcher of all hearts J no eye pries into thefe fecrets,but that which is tenne thoufand times brighter then the Sunne: And therc-forc millions ofthoughts,many thoufand formes of imagination i'pring continually out of the hearts of men; which without fearc or maske, without reftrarnt or referuation,doe vndiflemblingly rel'emble and reprefent the true ftate and difpofition of the heart: S^ that from them wee may be cuer f lire to take infallible noticejavhether the heart as yet onely worke naturally, in framing them in its owne finfull mould, and feeding them with confent and delight; or elfebee taught awd guided by a fupernatiirall power, to compofe themaccordingtothelightofGodsWord,and holy motions of his landifying Spirit.

Let vsthen confider, whatdeepe rootethc Word of God doth take, and whatipeciall foueraignty it doth exercife m the thoughts of a fanaiiied man; whereby he is cleerely dif-ferericcd from all ftates of vnrcgeneration 5 euen thatoffbr-rBallhypocrifie, which I place m a degreeaboue ciuill hone-fty, and in the higheft perfedlion attainable by an vnrcgene-ratemaw. Wee will then for our prefent purpcfe conceiue thcleiiifforencesbetwijctthechildof God, and the formall hypocrite in this point of thduglits. . -Fii!^}^ reiped <^^heir;r)ii£in:e,fi>x»is,& muiH.er'of working

Streames

K^ Difcourfe of true happneffe.

Streames doe refcmbk and exprefTe the nature and pro-pertie ofthofefoiwitaines whence they fpring: fo ordinarily, rhou^ts and imaginations follow the temper and con-ftitntion of the heart, wherein they arc moulded. I fay, ordinarily : for as wee doe not pafle our iudgementsof the depth ofariuer, or quah'tyofthe water, when by fuddenncs of inundation,or incurfion of neighbour brooks,it is grownc into a torrent, and become muddie for a while : fo neither arc wee to cenfureor take meafurc of our thoughts, by.focae vncouth motions,andextraordii'»ary ftitrings wefometitncts: feelein them; butaccording to the ordinary current and ge-ncrall fway, they commonly hold and exercife m our hearts, Forfomttimes,euen thevnregcneratemay haue good pur-pofes and inclinations towards fincerity, earneft longings for the happineflc of the Saints, and the heauenlincs of their latter end; fome flalLes of comfort and perfwafion, though from falfe grounds, that the fpirituall ft^/s^ of their foule is fafe and found;but fiich thoughts as thefe in fuch men, fpend their life in their birth; as they arife, fo they glide and paffe a:way without all fruit, true comfort, or profit to their owne foules. On the other fide, the calm^iiefle and feraiitie of fan-dified thoughts in a good Chriftian, may fometimes be fou-lydifquitted and interrupted; either by fome iudden eruption of the relikes of our owne finfull nature,by violcRt inua-Hon offbme enticing obied from abroad, or by the maljci-pus, and immediateiniedions of Satan. But becaufe. fiicb. thoughts as thefe oppofe againfl the generall and fetled pur* pofc of Godschildjhe well knowes out of his fpirituall wife-dome and holy experience, how to repcll and bridle them; how to repent ofthcm^ and pray agsiniUhtm jhow tQ; bjee': humbled,andbatercdby them, in fcttingaftrongfrguarc^ and moie narrow watch ouer his heart for afttf wai'd, left he be vnawaresfurprizedthe fecondtime.,

Siththerefcre the heart of a notorious finijer is hardneffe itfelfe] forbefidesnaturallobduration, itisyet^rther,and more fearefuily liapdned^by. a defpcrate extinguifhn;ieiit of ;thofe IdTer fparkcsofageneralhn<:lin^tiQa to ciuiil bouefly; K ■ by

Kyi Difcdurfe af trne happiftgffe.

by a long cuftoiiie in tl di{k>Uite courfe, by the contagious Company of lewd and gracelefle companions, by thccurfe ofGod vpon his wilftilT continuance in finQ£;thercfbte I iay, his thoughts are all continually, and relohiedly finne, and that in a high and honi[)le degree : Wickednefle hath fo tn-wouenitfelfe into his heart,that within he is vtry corruption. And whereas amongft all other comforts of lift, fl.epc doth moft fweetely feede and refrefh nature; yet the liumour of finne is farre more naturall vnto him, ai'.d more dominant in hisaffedlions, then defire offlecpc/V kecannot fleefe exceft hee hath done eftiU'. and 43ti fleefedepArteth, except hfe caHfefun^etdfall, He imagineth-mtjchtefe vpon hii bed, Pialm. 3 ^.4. When be is compafled with the fearcs and darkcnelle ofthenight, an image and repi"eientation of his graue, and ofthehorrourofthatgreatDayj when bis minde is r^.tired from worldly affaires,the noileand tumult of me;i, when it is moft a(fliue,powerfull,& fitted fordiuine contempIatiDn; euen then are his thoughts as blacke as hell, and dcepciT: in the workes ofdarkenefle ;then is he plotting and contriuing mifchicfe: how to compafTehis pleafures, and accomplifh the Iuft;^ofhis heart, whereto crowne hirafclfe with frelli Rofe-buds^; by what meants to fet forwat d the trade of drunkcnne{re,and to enlarge the number of Satans renellers, that with more contentment and company hce may leaue fome tokens ofhispleafures, and fwaggcringin eucry place: how to fupplant his brother, opprefTe his neighbour, grieue and difgrace Gods feruants j indeedc, how to become an ah-^folute villaine vpon earth, and the fouleft fiend iw hell.

You fee what are the tlioughts of the notorious finners \ obdurate heart, which h fiiU ofhardnefle, as the Moone of light i and therefore mforced, as it were, to empty and dif-chargeit (elfe oflome ftoninefre,by transfufingan iron finew into the necke, aiad a brazen brow into the face. Neither iudgement nof-mcrcy will bend and encline him to grace: no admonition or miniftry of the Word,wil make him blufh at his open and profeft impiety. Sothat his lieart doth not onely greedily eiitertainc, what lewdncfTe doth ordinarily

ipi-ing

cxT

Difcmrfe of true happmejfe.

125

rpring from the corruption of nature, and isfuggeftedby o-thers; but being paft all fence, both of fhamc and finne, becomes one of the diuels new inuentors,andfets the thoughts bufily on w«rke for the dcuice of ftrange villanies and mif-chiefes, and for addition of new formes,., Millions, and cir-cumftances of finning.

No better are the thoughts of thegrofle hypocrite, ano-I thVr.Kind of fmner,but fully asfoule and abominable. For if '^ e could lookc into his hearr,though his outward life be ordered fmoothly and ciuillyj yet we (hould fee within,a bloody flaughter-houfeof malice,Gruelty and reuenge; an hatefull ^ ftewes of impure imaginations and adulteries of the heart, a forge of much mifchiefe,.of furious and fiery i-age againft the power of grace, an infatiablegulfe of greedy defires foi' wealthand riches, for vndeferued refped: and reuerence in j the world; indeede,a cage ofailvncleane and rauenous birds. [ Hereisonelythedift-crence;the notorious fmner dares a-fl 1 and execute the abominations ofhis heart in the light of the | Sunne : but the grofTe hypocrite would gladly fmne vnlcene, ' and goe to hell with as little noife and notice of the world as may be; and therfbre he drawes a curtaine ofcoozenage and hypocrifiebetwixtthc fight of the world and foulenefie of his finne. In the hearts of^/?^^ and/<f«<<^<?/was nothing birt: blood and murder, couetournefle,opprefHon,andmercilcffe enclolure; onely vpon the vgly vifages ofthtiefoulc. fiends, they puta vizardof afafl, formallwitntfTcs, and legallpro-ofceding. The ordinary thoughts then of the groffe hypocrite ai c the fame, as vileand hellifli, as thofe of the notorious finner. Nay hee doubles his iniquity, ardaddeswaight tothevengeancepreparingforhim; in that heel trainee the vtmofl veincof his wit, and founds the depthof his damned policie, to clothe them with faire pretences, and colourable £hifts,asthey paffe andprtfent themfelues vnto the world in wordsand adions; and in that hee labours to feeme a Saint, whilcheisintruthanincarnatediuell.

But the thoughts ofthe formall hypocrite; for with him I

am fpecially todcaIc,(I hauc onely added in this point, thfe

^ * • noto-

t«/f Difcdurfe of true happmejfe.

notorious (inner, and grolTe Hypocrite, for fiirther diftinfti-on aiid illuOration)! fay,h is thoughts, as they comecertaine-ly fhort of true fandification, fo they art ftrre better theii thefenow mentioned. For weefuppofe his lieart to bcfeafo-ned with goodneffe of nature and ciuill honefty ;tohaue tailed of the gcnerall graces of Gods Spirit, and infomefort ofthe powers of the world tocome;& thcrfbre his thoughtsl are more feire, ingenuous, fober and moderate, then tnofe foule and hatcfijU Ones cf the notorious finner, and groffc hypocrite. His heart will rife, andbeaftrightcd withfugge-ftions of infamous confequence and markable horrour; as thofe of Athcifme, Cruelty, Drunkcnneffe, Adultery, Here-(ie and fuch like: but notvvithftanding, bccaufe it is not loft-nedandrandifiedbyfpcciall grace, ( without much fcruplc or confcience ) it will let the imaginations loofe to much idlenefle and vanitie, to many fruitlefle conceits, impcrtinen-ciesandprophanewandrings;but efpecially into the cnd-lefle maze of worldly cares and earthly-mindednes. For hec doth in feme fort in his pradife approue aud iuftifie that wicked and peftilentprouerbe xThonghts are free .-They are free indeed, in refped of obnoxioufiies to humane iuftice, iu refpedofdifcouery^nd danger from any creature ; but the eye and vengeance <:)f heaucn takes firft andfpeciall notice ofthcm, and holds them puniijhable, as the principals, and chiefe plotters of all tranfgreflions. Words and adions arc as it were finnes at fecond haiid,the very firll life and ftefhcft vigour of all ill is immediately receiucd,and inipired into the thoughts. Hence it is, that Peter aduifeth Stmon CMagus, t» ^YAJ ^od, if it vpsrefojjible, that the thoughts of hu heart might beforgiuenhtm: as though there lay the greatcft guilt, and deepeftftainc before God.

By the way before I pafle to the thoughts of Gods child, obferue one fpeciall marke of dift'erence in this point, betwixt the true Chriftian,and forraall hypocrite.

The formall hypocrite doth euer harbour and mainetainc in himfelfe,one fweete pleafing bofome finnc or otherjas vo-luptuoufnes, worldlirjeiTc.agrecdie purfuit of temporall fe-1

licityj

c// Difcoi/rfe of trite happineffe.

Hcity, anexcefliuedcfireofgreatncsandnotc in the world, anoppofrtionto fincerityja delight in good fellowfliip, or fome ftich li-ke carnall contaitment, or fecretfinne, on which his mind moft runs, whereupon the bcft and the flower, the feiuency & deareneffe of his thoughts are fpentiGods Word, honor,andferiiice,checksofconfcience, motions of the Spi-ritjtniniftery of the Word,admonitionoffr.'ends,faluation of fbule(by an Ynreafnnable and inconfeqwent difcourfe of his fenfiiallrealon) all are made fubordinate and feruiceable to thisldolh To which with much delight hee daily facrificcth the nobleftand immediate workesaiid ifllies of his foule. As forthe ftate of his confcience, fpirituall affaires, care of hea-uen, that One neceffk-fy thing -, thcfe things take vp his thoughts but at reuerfion, by ftarts, by accident; and when they come into the heart, their entertaincment is very cold and ftrange, their abode fliort; aiid while they ftay, they arc apprehended andcnioyed Vvith much wearintfle and weak-nede. Iconccinethistobcthe reafon : Hee hath a full tafte and prefent fceliw^ of the plcafures of his fweete finne; hee hath fenfible and certaine poflelTion of worldly contentments, but no reall and found afliirance by failing faith, and his forfaking all finne, of the ioyes and comfcatsabouej and chereforedoth greedily follow and £QtAQ ypon the prefent, with confent of his erring iudgemcr-t, delight of heart, the btflofhisafteclions,andmoftof bis thoughts. Apd as for hereafter, hth he is confcious to himfelfe of an hoheft ciufll life, of a ioL ei foi mall carriage in the affaires of religioUoand that he is not infamous with any notoriounielTe in the woi Id; but as good as the beft, a few precirefelIowesci/"purer flraine oncly excepted, whofe pretence and ptpfenipn dfjext'ra<t)rdi-nary fancPaty, is nothing (ia<hiscoricut)but hiimolWand \hy-pocrifie j k therefore,! iay/or h.reaftcr tefet^ himfdfe at all aduenturesvnto the mercy of (jod, and to-thcJot and.cbn-dition of many thoufands which are i;| th^^l^me cafe" arid I'tatcwitiihimfcife. • ^".'.'" •'•'--^ ■-^^ ■■•--■ i ..-^

But it is otherwife with- Gods child :3^6r by the'powef t?f fandifymg grace, as hte hath alfo mortified all othfr : fo •-• K 3 fpeciatly

%^ Difcdiirfe of trtte happifte/ff.

fpecially hce hath broke the very heart oFthe fwcete finne of his vnregeneration. And as in a befieged City, where the grcateft and moftdangerous breach is made, there the inhabitants concurrc with chiefeft ca-re, and higheft refolution, tofortifieand make refilLince: euen Co fitb hec knowcs and feeles, that before his calh'ng, bis delightfiiU and darling finne mofl: fearefiilly wafted his foule, and v/oimded his confci-ence, heemakes fure to employ his thoughts with fpcciall edge and indignation, to countermine, prcuent, refift, abo-Biinateandabandon all thought of that (:nne: And now by thegrace of God, fith the heart, the fonntaine, is purged and fandificd, the ftreame and hcate of their intentJon and delight is carried another way. For hcchath found that rich and ineflimablc Trea/krc in the Gcfpell; and therefore he/^///«i7?/M?^^^ hath; hee psrts with cncry pleafuiT; hecaftsoutof his conceit whatfoeuer hath beene formerly deare and precious vnto him; and lets all his thoughts, with loofe rcines, greatcfl: ioyfiilnefle, and ofteneft meditation rurnie after it, and fweetly refrefh themfelues with the glory and comfort of it. If a man vpon the way fliould findc fbmeprecious orient pearle, hardly could heekeepe his eyes from gazing vpon it C his excefle of icy would eafily command and confine the fight to Co rare and hopeful I an ob-iefl:,) vntillhecmeetewith fbme skiWall Lapidarie, or come whete he might thorowly bee acquainted with the worth, and fijjlyenioy the wealth ofit: Euen fo, after a man by the ilh'ghtned eye of the foule, aad the hand of fauing faith, oncefeaze and lay fure hold vpon the pearle ofgrefi.t price, the grace of Gods Spirit and eternall life; the heait is pre-fcntlyfb filled with loue and admiration, that for efter after itfpcndsthemoft,thcdcareft,andthenobleft thoughts vpon it: and they once fct on foote, are fb cheered and raui-flied with the heauenly beauty thereof, that they follow with continuall encrcafe of femencic and longing ; yntill theycome vntothecleere vifion and fiill poflefTion ofit, at thcrighthandof Godjinthcendlcfrcioyes of the world a-

boue.

ThH

K^ DifcoHrfeoftruejafpteJfe.

129

The thoughts then of a trae Chriftian are of a farre more heauenly temper, diuine nature, and higher ftraine^^then the largeft heart ofthe Left vnregenerate man can, or doth pof-fiblycomprehcnd.Theformallhypocrite may hauehis minde worthilybufiedin points of deepeft learning, in the myfte-riesofState, and affaires ofKingdomes, in the belt and high-eft confiderations, which nature, art, morality, or poh'cy can aftbord jnay, he may fometimesentertaine into his thoughts with ioy,thepromiies of grace, thehappinefle of the Saints,, the ioyesofheauenandthe like; thoughthcfe haue neuer any root or long refidence in him. But that tfee Word of grace niouldibimplant it felfe into the inner man,that the thoughts fliould neuer bee fo well or welcome to the heart, as when they are wadirg in the great my ftery of godli'^e0l", and with an holy wifedome plotting fbi- the iniargcment of Chrifts glorionskingdome, in himfclfe and others: That it (liould 1 make all other difcourfes cf the minde fuboidinate and cou-tributary to iixh heauenly meditations; and to this end fetj bounds and limits to themiiiionsof imaginations that daily j arife, and ered an holy regiment amongft them; I %> this is j thcfpcciallprerogatiueofafandifiedman. Forhee alone, be-| caufe ofhis truth, fincerity and vprightnes in the inner paits^ j make sconfcicnceofidlcjvainc, and wandringthonghts, C of; whichtheformall hypocrite, either takes no notice atal^,or not much to heart.) He is as muchcaft downe, vext and gric-ued with their diforder and exorbitancy, as with the errors and infirmities of his words and adions ;and therefore cfta-blifiacth (as it were)a gracious gouernment amongft them, to kcepe out conFufion,idIencs,ai:drebellion..Heeconfines them to a reuerent and feeling meditc^tiorf vpon Gods Word and workcs, to a care of conlcionable managing.the.afFaires^ of hi-s calling jonelylometimeSjbutfparingly with many cautions, exceptions, andfeafonableneSjletting thcmout tohoneft recreations. Whatfoeucr thought is wandring without this compalTe, or within it vnfincere, is finfull: fothatif heeiake any ftraggling, without theie limits, any entifcrs to vanities & impertiue.ncies,any obtrudersand diftmbers offo happy ii>

K 4 ward

.1-

\^ Dtfcmrfe oftrnt happweffei

^^zxd peace J It€ preflntly appr<^her»ds them by the watchfiill <^yeof his fpi-rituall wiftdomc i examines them by the law of God, arraignes them in theconiirtory ofan illightncd coii-fcience, and fociits them oft' in time by tlie power of grace, and fword of tlie Spirit; that is, by oppoftng againft them at the fif ft rifitig in the heait(b\' prefent repentatice jpraycr,and after-watchfiilnefTc ; hee blelildly rids himfelfe of the mife-rics,anddiftra?ftionof prophaieand troubielbmethoughts. That this is no Idfa^ I now propofe vnto you j howfoeuer it beefotoeiiery vnregcneratemaii, and fo when he heares it, heconceiuesof it; for little knovves hee what adoe eucry childofGod hath with his thoughts; I fay, that this is no Idea, or idle abftra;flion,appeares pregnantly and pkntifally in Dauids^vufiice; who for alltheilrong enticements, ordinarily incident to the pleaftires of a Court, and natural liberty of Princes; although the cares and waight of a i Kingdome lay vpon him, and that his Royall innocencie was ftill haunted and aflailed with fuch inoiignitics and vcxations,whichmightaimofthauefwayed the bleftcdand quiet thoughts of a glorious Angell to diftraflion anddif-contentment; yet for all this,the Law of God did ftill principally take vp his heart, and that^**; and mght, Gods Word and workes, hisftatutes and iudgt^ments, were meate and drinkc vnto his minde, and his meditation continually, as is more then plaine in many places of the 119. Pfalme.O^.faith hee in the i^,ponionyhort> /oue I thy La'^ \itis my meditation contimaliy. So vnexpreftable heere was his pang of holy louevnto Gods Law, that heeprefixetha paiticle of zeale, and extraordinary paffion : Oh (faith hee:) And where the heart hath once tmely and fixedly fetits loue, there all the thoughts feaft themfelues with dcareft apprchenfions,and withgreateftimpatiency of all other imployment. This is the very cafe then of all Gods feruants j they meditate on the Word of God moft contentedly and continually, bccauie they loue k l^re before and aboiie all earthly things j and fodearely doe they loue it •, becaufe in it with fpeciallfecu-rity are cooiiey ed vnto them all the rich treafures of mercie, 1

remiffioni

iji

rcmiffion offinncs, fpirituall comfort, and ctcrnall life, and particularly fealcd vnto them by the fpiritof the fame word, iy^/i^wtfw confirmcs this worthy pracfliceoiu his father, by his tcftimony, Vvo-Ji.^.The thoughts of the i>.'fi are rieht^ tudge-ment Qiiujlice ; for fbthe v.ord Signifies in the Onginall; ^ttt thefpihttle dtatces of the 'kicked are deceit. Th-e thoughts of all vnrcgencrate men are commojily, either rooting ia the earth, or drowned in pkafures, or runningafter prefennentj or ranging vp and dovvne idly and pFophai:i€ly, or fruitlcfly me-lancholike: or iffometim^s they glance, or fettle them/eliies vpon good things, they are ftill as a menftruous clout, and abomination to the Lord rbccaufe their consciences are not renucd,their hearts purged, their perfbns fan^iired ai/d ac ccpted. ^i\t the thoughts of eiiery chiJd of God are ordinari \y working forthe maintenance and finthering of Gods glo.-ry and good caufes; for procuring true good to their brethren, elpecially in fpirituall things; for increafing grace in thcmfelues,andthcirftore of comfort againff the day oftri-ail, And if io be(which fbmetimes befalles the beft ) they be croft by finful motions in themfelues,or f iiggt flions of Satan \ yetbytheirfurprizingandfuppreflingthemat the very firft rifingand aflault, and by prefent repentance, they are vn-doubtedlyeuerpardoned vnto them in Chrift ieiijs.

Giuc me lcaue,Ipray you, to illuftratethis varietieand difference of thoughts (which I haue now largely laid.downe vnto you)inourfelues, for the neerei: preiTing of our confci-j ences,and that in the matter of Eleflions, |

let vs imagine a notorious finner to haue a voice and handinfiKhbulinefTe: his very firft thoughts would bee to haue no thought at all of Oath or Statute, of confcicnce or honef be, of honour of his Colledge, or good of the Church: but would refolue out oftheprophane principles of hisvaft confcicnce, and by the benefit of alargeacccptionofcha-ritiejtobeeindifferentfbrallcoramers. Onely in his choice, hee would haue an eye to the m^ine, that theftate of good fellowfhip fhould take no difparagement or cjiminution; iand therefore hee would moft carefully caft about with

himfelfc

o^ Difc$ttrfe if true ha^^me(fe.

*The I world is I come to I that wrec-[chcd pafle land height iofpropha-Inrfie^thae ' emen ho-ncftie and fandifica> rionisoaa-ny times odieuily biratided by the oick-name i of Purita-nifme«

hnnfdfc by all meanes,to dcfcate and preuent the purpofes, andtoftopthcpaflage efpecially of all Puritanes. You muft I know by the way, tliatthefe are a very dangerous kinde of men, able to blow vp whole houfes, by their too fieric zeale jagainilidlenefle, drunkennefTe, other lliamcflill corruptions, clofc and politicke carriages of many rotten and vnconlbiona-ble caufes a:id the like. For by * Puritanes in this place, I onclyvnderftandthem,(foreuenfucharefo branded ) who makcconfcience of fludy, and Religious education of Schol-lers; who arc ready eucr, and rcfolute to vphold goodnes in a Houfe,though they be cruflit, dilgraccdanddifoiiiced : who out of a gracious and ingenuous frcedomc of Spirit, will bee their owne men in EIedions> and other Collegiate fcru icesj and Rot fuffer their consciences to bee ltd. hood-winkt, to «ferue other mens humours and priuate ends; whochufe ra-therin a ncglef^ed flate, fweetly to cnioy the continual! feaft and perpetuall paradife of a fincere heart, true and inward comfort J the fociety of Gods feruants, then for many times I full dearely bought fauours and ojJices, to enthrall :&\6. vio-1 lence both their iiidgemcnts and aftedions, to line rcferued-ly, vnder a maske,andata haires breadth for all cccafions and obfcruances ;ro wearing out ahttle'raiferable tiiTie in a glorious a:id countenanced flauery. In a word, wIto of the two, would rather iaue their fouks, then profper in t\K world. Now fuch fellowes as thefe,thitikcshe with himielfc, which feeme, as it were, by an hypocritical! Momfolte^ to hauc cn-groft all (inceritie, honefty and good confciencc, mu^t btc keptout; or ifby forQedifaftertbcycreepeiaamongft vs, be curbed and kept vnder, elfe {hall not wee iway atid domi-neere. Hereupon all the labour of his wit, and toile of his thoughts wouM bee, to plant a thornc, where a vine ihould grow J and to burthen thefe facrcd and honorable Manfions, defigned onely for gracious and golden wits, with leadtn drones, and fwarmes ofworthlefie and witleffe creatures.

Secondly, the thoughts of the grofTe hypocrite in this waightybufmesofEledions, would be as vtterly void of all confcionablc, andingenuous confiderations, as the notorious

finncrs

C-xf Djfeourf$ of true haffweffe.

finners.Firfl,h€ would comunewith his own couetous hesrt, «(forcommonly vvorldlinesisthemafter-fin in the groflehy-pocritcthcrefore IfoHow the thoughtslifing thence ) hee Vj/ou!d within himfelfccaft a greedy & rauenouscye vponthc ccndirionofall the competitors for the place j andatlen^h conciude,& be fi:«re to Tcazevpon that party (let his learning or honefty be what it would)vvhere in al likelihood he might makethericheft prey, andlucke out the greateft aduantage: Either purchafe a great friend, ftrcngthcn hisfa(5lion, gratifie his ftuourites, receiue a present bribe, oreire,which is a iecret but a finfull policy, by weighing circumftances, marking in-fiau3tion?,and former carriages,expecl the largeft after-gratification^ ciole and indued; confideraticni?, and the moil: li^Q-ralINew-yeresgifts,(for in thcrn ccrtainely {bmetimes lurkes I corruption.)Thefe things thus thought vpon, 'there foliowes ' now in him an addition to the iniquitie of the notorious fin-ner. He is not content to bee thus ftarke naught, but hemuft double his fin by Teeming good j it is not enough for him to bee thus curfedly peft-ilcnt to the place where he Hues, but hee muftenlargethemifchie^ by putting ona vizardofpietie: He tliercfore in a fecond place would btate his braines, how hee might varnifli ouerthis villany, with moft probable and fai-reft pretences. The bribe muft come in vpon other termes, with other circumftances, then the groflenes of that vile fin is Wont to be conuaied; hee thinkes how hee may deale openly, | and in the eye.ofthc world with men, without all fiifpition, while the matter is carried vndcr hand by fubtile, mediate, and moft exercifed agents in the goodly affaires of abominable corruption. Laftly, he is much troubled in mind, how for all this he may continue a good opinion with good msn^ and giue fatisfadion to thole, whom hedccciues by his iecming; ' but by much pradife he makes this reafonableeafie j for poli-ticke hypocrifie hath fo many taccs, turnings & euafions, that it can tooeafily infinuate with, and fatisfie vnfufpiciais,innocent and charitable finccrity. He can tell them of fome depths in the my ftery of gouernment, which euery precife vnderling cannot comprehend j that fbme liberty and dilpenfation muft 1 be

\^ DifcsHrfe'eftriie happinelfe.

bee giuen to ftatute-difcretion, agaiiifl: the bare letter, and ftriel msanii-yg of the ftatiite; that wee Hue not in Ptatoes Comaion-wealth, or A^oores Eutopia, but m corrupt times, in the very confluence of all the Cms of former ages; and therefore it is vtterlyimpoITible to kecpc a mans felfc fopaflingly pure from all fpice ofcontagion ; that fomctbing mull needes be yeelded to the time, elfe there is no lining, at leaft, no pro-fpering in the world. Thus the grofle hypocrite is euer as thougWtfuIl for outward plaift.ring, as fecret plotting.

Thirdly,let vsconceiue what would bee the inward dif-courfe and workings of the heart m theformall hypocrite, aboutdir^X)finghisvoyceinEle^Hiions. Histhoughts inthefe cafes perhaps, would not be extremely bafe, nor groftely wicked: it maybe, he would bcabletocleerceuen hisconfciencc and inmoft conceit; much more to wafh his hands from the hatcfuU and crying finne of downc-right bribeiy. This hor-riblc3ies is onely for notorious finners, and grofle hypocrites. Nay,outoffomefuddenpangof higheft refolution, that m^ •genuouliTefle of nature or morall honefti-e can produce, hce mighttake heart to anfwere and withftand thefuits and importunity of Greatnefle and great meanes: ontiy with this refolution, fo that his prefent happines bee not thereby mainly hazarded,nor hope of his ftiture preferment ccrtaiaely cut off. For we muftfliliholdthis principle concerning thefor-imall hypocrite; if bee beebroughttoa iumpe, he wiilaier make euen Gdds holy Word, confcience, religion, defires and intreatics ofGodly men, and all to yeeld and ftoopc to the worldly comforts he prefently cnio)es j'but vpon as faire tcrmes,andwithasplaufibleeonueyanceas may bee. It may ' fVbejhcwillbegoodiamanythings^andoutwaidlvinall; but -fay the Prophetswhat they will, hcemnlHnto the houic of J?«»wi?«,GodmuftbemerGifullvntohim in one thing or o-tber: heeis fhort of the. ftatc of grace, and by confcquent, feathfoHiadandreallafliiranceof heauen aboue; and therefore heewillhaue fomc fwectnesinthcmeanetime,hee willenioy fonteiliadowCatlea(l:)ofoncheauenor other vpon earth. So d^^cifweliippofcfnehan one to takea view in his thoughts

of

\^ Difcsurfe of true happine^e.

13 ?■

cf alt that ftand for a p!ace,he would refoliie for goodnesand hone{}y,fo fan c as the fecurity & lafety of his maine contentments would giue him Ieauc;fb farasthc light of reafon, and gh'mmerings of gent rail graccfs were abk to leade him: but bccaufe he is ftill too refpediue of his ownc particular, wants theeie offpirituall dircrcticnjandfuftlrshisconfcienceto be cooled and countermanded by worldly wifedomeihe may( I grant)byconftraint,occafionalIy, or by accident, confent and concur vpon the worthieft-but ordinarily, for meere loue of religtoufi^efle, he doth not make within hisowne heart, a free, vnpalTionate, impartiall, fincere and confcionablc choyce. For let him otherwife bee neutr fo wifeorhoncft, yet he is a meere ftranger to the myftery oPgcdIincfle, vttcr-ly vnapprehcnfiue of the fingular and fupcrnaturail operations cfthe life of grace, and therefore cannot dif cerne betwixt relolute finccritie, and true turbulency : whereupon it may often come to pafle, that by a promilcuous confulioii ofthefetwo moft different fpirits, he may(ro much as in him h"cs)repell farrethc befl, to the vn6tiable wrong of the party, and the vnualuable loffe of the houfc which fiiould enioy him. There is one point fuithcr in dehbcration of this nature, in which hee would iumpe with the notorious finncr; In aduifing with himfclfefor a fitman,ifby the way his thoughts fbould beccrofled, with a man of knowne,pro-feffcdjand praftifed forwardncfle in religion; hee would pafl'ehim ouer with contempt and indignation; for thus would hee thinke with himfelfe: If fuch arellow come in a-mongftvs, wee fliallhaue all moulded anew after the ftrid modellofhis irregularconfcience; wee fhouldbe troubled with newt: ickes and creOions,forthe encreafment of ftudy and reformation of manners; hee would be ftilHbnding and' iiriuing for an Ideal and abftra^iue purity in Elediions, and MOt:her affaires oftheCoIledge; fo that our former quietneflc andpeacewouldbemuch dil-fweetned with his tarCnefle, and too much precifeneflfe. Thus would hee bee as hot and heady againft the power of grace, as the notorious finncr. For though there be many diftercnt degrees of ilnelTe, of

vnrcgo»

tet interjnre-tAriy vel multoSj yel. magnos. ( Mdgnif ) reiidtdtt Cdlutnut*

(^ Difconrfc of tri^e hAi>f)ine(ft.

vnregeneratemen; fomeare farre morefobei^ tolerable, and moderate then others, yet all commonly agree in this, that they are bitter and implacable Oppofitesto the profeP fion andpradice of foiindand failing fincerity. Gods faith-full Ones euer were, and eiicr will bee Stgnes a'ld Wonders euenini/r^f'/zlfa. 8. 1.8- LMof^fters vnto the ^great men of the^orld^ as DauidVJ2iSyPpilme Jl- j' Afcerne,refroch,and derijion to them that are raund about them^ 'Tptl. 79. 4. They fhall euer be accounted men of an odde falliion, and fiiigu-iar carriage from ©iher men. Wifd. 215 .precife, humorous, hypocriticallandthelike.Miflakemenot; I apologize net for any vnvvarrantable opinion tending to Separation jit is onely iandification, true and vndiffembledholinefle, without which none fliall euer fee the faceof God, or glory of heaiien, which I ftand for, and intend in all my Difcourfe. But by the way let mee tell you this, in this generall and ioynt confpiracy of allkindesof naturall men, againftthe fpintuall jftate of true Chriflrians, and the foueraignty of Gods fandifying Spirit in thenii the met reciuill honeft man,' and foi-mall hypocrite ( as I take it ) are tranfported with more fiercencffe and rage againfl them, then the groffe hypocrite, and notorious finner. Thisltaketobeethc reafon; the groflehypociite, he finneth againftthe light of his ownc conrcience,and with the certaine knowledge of his heart; and therefore doth not much enuic and grudge the righteous rnan his exceHency aboueliis neighbour, and fa'uation of hisfcAile : The nororious finnerin hk more fobcr mood, and cold blood, will confefle himfelfc to be out of the way, promifeandproteft amendment; or atltaft refcruesin his heart a rcfolution to repent when he is old: but the mcerc ^iuili honcfl man, and the formall hypocrite thinke their owneflateto bee as good as the beft; and whatfoeuer is more, and befides that which they finde in themfelucs, to bee but needlefTe precifcnefle, and affedled fingii'arity; and therefore are many times gauld andgrieued, that tht truly-gracious and confciojiablc carriage of Gods fcruauts, doth cenfiueand condcmne their outwardneflc.and formality in

religion;

L^ Difeourfe of true hapfmeffe.

^^7

religion; and makeit p!ainc!yappcare,thattheir cafe(' without found conuerfion and imbracement of finceritie) is the ver/ ftatc of wretchedneffe and uf death.

But now fourthly and laftiy, in Eledions, the thoughts of God.sChiIde,inwhofe heart alone the Word of God doth chieflyrulc, and is deepely rooted, would bee thefe or the like. Inthefirftplacetherecomesintohisiliinde a reuercnt feare of that God, who hath mercifully aduanced him to his place, wherein hee expedeth conftitnce and faithfulnelTe; Heconfiders that folemneandiacred oath which hce takes (in the fight of him who feethall hearts and cogitations ) for a refbluteand vnfwayed vprightneffe in the diipofing of his voyce- that vpon the integrity or vnconfcionablenefle in Elcdions, depends the raifery andconfufion, or happinefie andflouridiing of an Houfe. Hee further calleth to minde out of his ex.perience, that commonly thofefellowes who thruft into IbcietieSjOiIices, and high roomes, by fhuffling and violence, by faction and prepofterous fauour, by cun- j ning or corniption, become pernicious and difhonourable to the places where they line : they are ftill thornes in the fidcs,artd prickes in the eyes of all thatloue grace and good-ncfle: they eitherturncidle, trnely factious, or notorioufly fcandalous, by mif4pending the vnualuable precioufnefleof thtir golden houres, in TauerneSjAlc^houics, or fomeother courle of good-fellowlliip, tx) the inexpiable and eternall diilionourofthofeHtfft!^/, of which they iLouId bee ornaments. And when they haue done much hurt and mifchiefe here, they arethe onely mentobargainc for, buy, or compare by indire<ft and finifter dealing. Benefices, and fpiritu^ all promotions abroad: of which being pofTeft, they either by vnconfcionable and cruell negligence, and Non-refi-dence in their charge, betray the fbules of their people to wildacfle and barbarifmc, to ignorance prophaneneffe, or Poperyiorelfebyaprophaneand vnhatlo wed handling of Gods word, by daubing with v ntempercd morttr, as the-Prophet fpcakes, fo ftrengthen the haiids ofthe wicked, ithat they cannot ruunie from their wicked wayes, and kill \ . the*

Ezech.i^ a a.

K^ Difceurfeeftrue happmejfe.

the heart of the righteous i and make them fad, whom the Lord hath not made fad ; and the brufed reede is quite broken, and the fm^king flax vtterly put out. Now thinkes the Child of God with himfelfe, outof hisfpirituallwifedome, Ifdichanoneastheferhouldbeechofcn by my default and faint-heartednefle; I fliould in fbme fort and meafure bee iuftly guilty, and anfwcrable before that high and euerlafting Ibidge,ofthe many miferies and mifchiefes,vvhich ordinarily enfue vpon fb vnhappy a choycc. Hcereiipon(after a mature and impartiall furuay of all circumftances confideFa-ble in the party, the ftatute and whole bufirefl'e) hefingles oiithimvvith lincerity and fingleneffe of heart, whom in 'conicicncehee thinkes moftiuilicient; and there he ftickes I with a truely Chriftian and vnfliaken relblution, pitchtby the very power and ftrength of heaucn : and come what j come will, tempefts,or fairc weather; preferment, or po-uerty ; threataings,or flattery ; policy, orperfwafion ; pri-uateimportunities, orfrowningsof GreacnclTejhec is at a point, infinitely rather to keepe a good confciencc and (aue his foule, then to cnioy the prcient, and gaine the whole world. For he well knowes that the day is at hand,t uen that | great and fearcfull Dap when the confciouiiiefle of one gracious ailion,performed with vprightnes of heart, will breed more comfoit,then the glory,riches.and Ibveraignty of the whole earth.

To conclude this point: As vnregenerate and fandified thoughts differmuch in tlieir workings euen about the lame Obieds :io there aie fome, which are Gods childs peculiar, w.'th which the fl:ate of vnregeneration is vtterly vnacquain-ted. They are fuch as thefe:

Firft, thoughts full of feae and aftonilliment, all hell and horrour, which rife out of the heart, when it is firft llricken with the fenfe of Gods wrath acthe fight of his finties. Thefe are fcorched, in.very many, euen with the flamesof hell in their conucrfion.- They burne fometimis the very marrow out of their bone^, and tiune the beft moyflure in them into the drought of Summer. No. : •; ^print

K^ Difcourfe of true happneffe.

I ^^9

'*pnntorfcarreofthe{ewoFiiII and wounded thoughts, ap-pcarc in the heart of the formall hypocrite. This hell vpon earthjisonly paflTed thorow by the heires ofheaue, whilethe children oFhell hauecomnwnly their heauen vpon earth.

2 Secondly, ^thoughts compofed all of pure comfort,ioy, heauen, immortality, the (weet and lonely iflues ofthe Spirit ofadoption. Thefe flow onely from the fountaine of grace, andfpringvpinthat {oule alone, which hauing newly paf-fed the ftrange agonies, andfbrepangsof the new-birth, is prefently bathed m the blood of Chrift, lulled in the bofomc of Gods dcareft mercies j and fecured with the feale, and fe-cret impreHIon of his eternal! loue and facred Spiritjnot only from the rage of hell, but alfo ofan cucrlaftingaud royallin-heritance aboue. Oh the heart ofthe vnrcgenerate man is far too narrow, bafe, and earthly, to comprehend the vnmixed pIcafureSjthe glorious SunChine of thole bleffed and ioyfull thoughts, which immediately follow vpon the ftormcs of feares and terror, ordinarily incident to 3 fotuidconuerfion ].

3 Thirdly, thoughts of fpirituall rauifiiment, and vnuttc-rable rapture, f^afhes ofcternalllight,raifed fometimes in the 1 hearts ofthe Saints,andoccafionaIlyinfpircd by the Spirit of all and endlefie comfortjwhich with viKonceiueable amaze- ^ . mcnt and admiration feed vpon, and fill themfclucs with the j \q ^f, 'ay^ ioyes of the {econd life, in fuch an vncouthextafieandex-lwith an cefie,as is fan e aboue,and without the compafle and conceit holy a of all worldly comforts, the tongue ofAngels, or heart of ^^^" man. In this point, I appeale to the confcience ofthe true f^inj^g \ Chriftian, ( for I know full well that all my dilcourre is a parable, and paradoxeto the prophane ) whether hee hath not fometime,as it:were,a fca ofcomfort rained vpon his heart, in a fv;eetclliowre from heauen; and fuch a (enfibletaftcof the cuerlafting'pkafures, by the glorious prefcnce ©fin wai'd

j of a truely humbled and broltenheart, already healed, and fvvectcly clofed vp withthebloudof Chrift: whereas in others, they commonly either workc butahalfe conuerfion, are expelledwithoutwardmirth, or-end in dcfoairo." Imeanethofe blcfieU flirringsof the heart, vnfpeak able andglorious, whepthcfeakofrenaiflionoffinncsis firftfetva-to the foule by the Spirit of adoptioiu

L ioy

rl doe not

heereby exempt the ftate of ynregenc-ration from all tremblings and terrors ofconfci* encc for finnejbnc onely make it a priui-ledge of Gods chif-di'cn, to' paOe quite thorow them inta the fpirituall plea-fures, and paradifeof the King-dome of

to

looke backc vpon the skars and prints of thofe for-imerwouds

kA DifeGiirfe of true happiffe/fe.

Jioy and peace, as ilTVice bad the one fijote in hcaiicn already, anid with the one hand had laid hold vpon the crowne oflife-efpcc'ally after a zealous heate, and feeling ferucncie inpraiei: after an entire, gracious, and profitable ^ndificationof the Sabbath;atthetimeoffomegreat and extraordinary huinili-ation er teftained,and exefcifed with fruit and fiiKerity; when jheehath fredily wtthdcepcft groanes andfighcs, and new jftniglingsoffpirit, renewed his repentance, vpon occ^on of re^apfeinto fbmc old, or fallintoibnaenew/imei when the impoifoned arrowesof cruclUnd fiery tongues, pointed with malice,policy,& prophanencfle^come thickeft v.pon him .and yctretiringintohisowneinnocentheartjlie finds nocaiifc of filch mercilefle vexation, but defence ofGods truth, and prc-feflionofholinefle.'Nay,(bmeti«ics vpon the deaths-bed, to a ' fbiile confcious ofan v*prigl«t & vnlpottedlifi.!,the ioics of hea-nenprefcntthcmfeluesbeforethetimej (fb longing a fympa-thy is there betwixt the life of grace & endlefle glory. ) Such jlike ioyfnll fpringings, & heauenly elenations of"heart as the^c Iwhich I haucnow mentioned,are thctnie Chri[khnspecffUar; <no firanger can meddk with them,no heart can conceiuethem but that which is the Temple ofGodspin-e and blefled Spirit. I Thus ferre of the diference of their thoughts, in relped of thcirnatiu-eand nianner of working: Now in a fccond jplace, Gods child is notably diftcrenced from the formall hy-|pocrite,by the fealbnablenes of his thoughts, and their vvholy (eruingthe time-In a body of befl^nd exaftcfl:conflitHtio!i,the fcnfes arc quickeand nimble, and i'harpliefbdifceme-, with gr«iteft life and vigourapprehend their obi€(5ls, and are mofl fenfibly af-fe(fled, or aifpleafed with thcfr coniieniencc or antipathy: Euenfoin a heart of true fpirituall temper, feafoned and foft-ned with tlic dew of grace; the thoughts are z^iae, ready and addreft with 2cale and contentment to encliiie and apply |themfelues to the condition of the times, and variety of oc-cafions offered for fome holy vfe, to the bettering of the foulc and the enlarging of Gods gIory,Inthe time of fafts and fack-cloth: ifG(x& iudgements bethreatncd out of the Pulpit, or

.., executed

K^ Difesurfe of true haffinefe.

executed from heauen; when the Church weai-es her mourning wccd^finccrity droopes, and the godly hang downe tlieir heads; in Inch blackeand difmall dayes, they are impatient of all temporall comfort, they willingly put on fadnefle, to entertainepenitencie, humiliation, and iorrow :but they are clothed with ioy and lightfomnefle, when mercy and falua-tion are wifely and feafonably proclaimed, out of the Bookc oflifc; when Religion fpreads and profpers, and diuine truth hdth free paflage; when whole States haiie efcapcd the bloo-diePapifts Gunpowder, and the royall brefts of Kings their empoyfoned kniucs, and in fuch like ioyfull and happy times. Thus the thoughts and inmoftaffcdions of Gods child haue their changes, tlicir fewerall feafons and fuccelfto! is, as it plear-feth the Lord to offer, or execute mercie oriudgement out of his Word, or in the world abroad. But the thoughtsof the formall hypocrite, though they llifterindeedc many alterations, and diftradions about earthly obieds ; they ebbe and jBow with difcontent or comfort, as his outward ftatcis fa-uourcdorfrownedvpon by the world: yet fpirituall occur-J!ents,oblcruablewichdeuotion and reutrence for the good ofthefoule, haue no great power to worke vpou thtm. Sar credtiracSjordayesof afflidion, arc not wont, to make, any -itteWmpreHion, or to breed extraordinary ftirrings, and motions in them. Let judgements blaft,or mercies bleifea King-dome; It t Gods Word finde fmooth and euen way,or rubs and oppolitioniletprophancneflc be countenanced, or (inceritie cheriflicd, hee takes no thought i;fo hec may fleepe in a whole skinne,aDdkcepc entire his worldly comforts, his thoughts continue heauy, dull,, and formall. Hee may con forme and coniort with the times in his outward gcllures, words and adionsibut ordinanly his thoughts admit no chai^ge,4^ue onelyfofarre ashi^priiiate ttmrorall felircitie is-endangerSd hy publikc iudgtments, or enlarged by {howres of mercies and bkilings from heauen. I cannot.enlarge this poywt-at this time; onely I wiilgiucoiie inftaiicein their diftlreni^i^of thoughts vpon th^ Sabbath day.

1 he Sabbath day is, as it wei*> tbe/rfirr-^ of the foule, \. L 2 wheix-

cxf Difc$nrfe of true happme/fe.

IfaiS.ij.

wherein it fliould not onely repaire and furnifh it (elfe with new rpirituallftrength, with greater floreofkaovvIcdge,grace and Comfort: biitalfo feaft with its heauenly friends, the bleC fedSaints and Angels, vpon thofe glorious ioyesand happie reft, whichnaieriliallhaiie end. Euery Child of God therefore, which hath already a reall intcreftin that eternall reft, makes not oncly confcieaccof ^w>7^^« e^tje>>fAyes,feeking hli o)^'fie^il/fjpeaki»^ a vAifteWffrd on that day :bat aifo in Ibme good meafure makes it the very ^A^^f of his heart, the loue and comfort of his inward thoughts, fo that hee may confe-crnte it as gloriowtothe Lord, Hee doth not oncly giue quiet and ceftation to his body from worldly bufineflc, and vvorkcs of his calling; but alfo empties his head, and disburdens his thoughts ofall earthly cares,'thatfo they may wholly and entirely intend the holy motions of Gods Spirit, and fpend themfeluesin godly and extraordinary meditations, fitting thefeaftdayof the foule, and the Lords holy day. This is thedefire,longing, and cndeauorrofhisheart, thus tofancfli-fiethe Sabbath; and if at any'.ime hee be turned awnefrom this vprightncfle by compatiy, or his owne corruptions,hee is after much grieued and vcxt with it; repents and prayes for more zeale, confcience, and care for the time to comC. But the formall hypocrite, howfbeuer hee may on that day for-beareaiKi abftainefrom his ordinary fins,labours, fports, and idlenefle jhowfbcuer hee may outwardly exercif e and execute all dutiesandferuices of Religion; though indeede more of ciiftome and for falliion, then with heartie and true deuo-tion :nayj he may haueother thoughts on tliat day, bitt oncly fbfarre, as the bare folemnitie of the time, and the greater Prefencc can alter them: yet I dare boldly lay it, no formall ijy|pocrite,no kinde of vnregenerate man can po/Tibly make JpeSabbath his delight, as is required, Ifa. 58.13, And which isprefuppofcdto make vs capable of the bleftings following iothe fame place: Thenjhdt thou delight iff the L»rdy and I wt/l make thee 19 moHntvpta the high places of the earth,Andfeede thee ViPttb the heritage of laco^thjf father: far the month of the Lord hath^0ksn4t. Hee cannot'for his lifefequeftcr'hi* thoughts

at

L^ Difcourfe eftrue hapfineffe.

at all, not citcn on that day, from worldlineffe and earthly pleafures, to diiiine and facred meditations. Doe what hec can, he cannot beate and keepe them off from worldly Ob-ie(fls • they will notleaue their former haunts, or be refbrained from plotting, or pleafiflg themfelues with wecke-day biifi-neffes.

lord, it is ftrangethatthefouleofa man, fo nobly fumi-fhed with powers of higheft contemplation ; being fo ftrongly and fenfibly pofleft with confcioufneflc, and conceit of its owne immortality; and hauing the reftlefife and.vn»-, (atisfieddefiresofitswide capacity, neuer fild but with the Maiefty of God himftlfe, and the dory of an immortall CrownCjfhouldbefioch a ftranger to neaucn, the place of its' birth and euerlafting abode; that vpon that day, whereon> ( as vpon the golden f pot and Pcarleof the weeke j the Lord hath flamped his owne facred Sealc of inftitution, and ib-lemne confecration for his owne particular feruice, and fpe-ciall honour;, yet, I fay, vpon that day it cannot fettle and continue its owne thoughts and motions vpon thofc vHmixcd andbleffed ioyes, and the way vnto them; without which it (hall bee euerlaftingly miferable, and burne heercafter in that fiery lake, whofe flames are f^d with infinite riuers oT Brimftone, and the endleffe wrath of God for euer and e-uerl

Now I pray youtell mcc^ when wee Hiall haue raigned' heereaftcr many millions ofyeeres in heaucn, what thoughts willremaine oFthislittie inch oftime vpon earth I When wee hauepaffed rhorow a piece of eternity, where will appeare the minute of this miftrable lifcj and yet our thoughts and aftedions are fo glued vnto the world, as though etermtie were vpon caithj and/;«wonely in heaucn? You are men capable of worthicft aiad hightft eleuationsoF fpirit, I befeech/ you, rcfume this meditation at your leifure; mee thinkcs it fliouldbeeabk'tobreede thoughts of a farre more noble and. heaueilly temper, then ordinarily arife and are uoiirifhed hi thehca;tsofmen. Buttofoiiowmy^purpoier.Ccrtaineit is^ not the bed vn-L 3 regenerate

HS

K^ Bifceurfe of trne happiffeffe.

regenerate man can endure an entire and cxaci iantflifiwti-on of the Sabbath ; it is not a lubilceto their hearts, and the ioyof their thoughts: for tliry cannot abide to lia-'.ie their mindesftay Jong in a feeling meditation vpon fpirituall af. fiitres, vpoit the examination oftheii-foi-mcriife, the ftate of the odier world, the fleights and tentations of Satan, the day j of death, the tribwnnll of h£aucn,andfuchhke. For though J the befl of them may haue a perfvvalion rtf their being in the [ ftate ofgrace, as I haue lai-gely prooued heeretoforc; ytt fith it is wrongly and falfely grounded, it cannot abide the learch andtouchftone: Henceit is, that of all things they loue not to be alone. They may pleafc themfelues well enough in fo-HtarincfTe, vpon fome priuate bufinefle; for the more pro-foundplotting and contriuing worldly matters; ^ a more fiee, but filthy exercifeofthe adulteries of the heart, and con-templatiue fornication J tofecde vpon dull and fraitlcfle melancholy^ lo let theii" thoughts wildly range, andiunne riot into a world of imaginations; to diucinto the myfteries of nature, or depths of State ; but to be alone on^ly for tliis pur-pofe, that the minde may more fully and immediately worKe vpon the fpirituall ftate of the foule, and impartially enquire into the confciencc jthey cannot,they will not endure it; and thcreforecommonly call: themfelues into one knot ofgood-fellowfhip or other, that they may merrily palie away that time j for an houre of which(the time of grace being once expired;) they would giue ten thoufand worlds, yet iLall neucr beable to purchafe it againe.

But Gods Children, when they are alone, haue inward comfort,andheauenlymattcrenough to workevpoti: a pka-fing contentment znd fatisfadion, arifing from an humble and fdber remembrance of a well fpcnt life, doth infinitely" more refteHithem, then all the reuellings and plealant deuiccs of merrie companions : nay, many times in their feafonable folitarinefle, diuine graces arc more operatiue and ftirring, and raife inflamed motions of delight and ioy. NowinatHrd'pIace,wearetocon(iderthat theChilde of

God

145

God is yet further vcrv mnch differenced from tlie fbrmall Hypocrite, by his skill and dexterity in ruling ; by his holy wifcdome, and godly iealoufic in \vatching ouer his tlwughts..

The heart in which Gods Spirit is^not refident with fpeci-all grace and fanctifying power ( howfoeuer the w'ords may ; bee watched ouer, and the outward adions reformed ) lyes , commoi^ly ftill naked and open, without fpccfaB guard; or ferkd gouemmept; For the bell naturall man is too impa- 1 tient ofri. ftraint and feuerity, ouer the power of imagina- j tion and freedomeof his thoughts,- they being naturally exempted and priuiledged from all humane and created fo- | ucraignty; and the vnceflantneile of their workings and per- \ petuail prefcnce in the minde, .wouldmakethe'abridgement j oftheir liberty more fcnfibleanddidaftefall. It may beeout-i of the naturall grounds of ciuill honefty, and fome gencrall j apprehenfion of the power of the world to come; hce may be ■ fo fure Ibllicitous about his thoughts, that if any liai t vp of 'iiiore foule and monftrous lliape, enticing him to Ibms j gr<^'fleand iiifamous finne, which would diigi-ace him in the ( world, or brsede extraordinary horrour in his confcicnce :. hee prcfentiy fets again il it,, dilc'aimes, abandons, and exptis' it. Heemay bee of experience andskillto conquer and ilip-pr<.irc thoughts of hcr.iiip.efle, and melancholy ; although in this point he n\iny times fcarefully deceiues himlclfe, takingthc holy motions of Gods Spirit, inclining him to godly iorrowforhisfinnes, to bee mclancholike thoughts, taiding.towards too much fk'idnefle and vnneceflary dil-comfort:SogriGuing-thc good Spiiit, awd flopping-againft himfclfe the very h'rft and nccedary palVage to fal Thus the fbrmall hypocrite may haue fbnictimes part,afleighr,mifguided, and generall care and out his thoughts: But bccaufe the depth of his deeeitftfl andthe many corruptions that are daily and hourely edinit, werentuerript vp and reuealed vnto him ^, .... power and lightoflauing grace, hec cannot hold that hand oiierhwhtarcashec ought; hce doth net-keepe a fclemne •_ - . . . . ,^ *- . paiti-i-

{^ Difeattrfe cftrtte happtneffe.

^aitirtilar, and contiiiuall watch and ward ouer his thoughts, whichislittlcenai^htokeepeaChriftian in found comfort andii.iwardpeacejheehathno heart with fuch anxietie and care to looke vnto his heart: hee doth not fo often and fcri-oufly thinkevpon his thoughts, liolding it the laft and lead ofathoufandcares. But euery Child oFGod certainely makes ithischieFeftcare,andoneofhis greafjft Chriftian toiles, to guarde his heart, and guide his thoughts. Hee foUowcs in fome good meaiiire ( by his p^-aflice) that holy counfcll of Salom9tt,Vio\i.^. 23. ^Ahone aHwatch and ward, keefe thine heart. The word in the originall \s borrowed from theafFaires of Warre. Let vs imagine a City not onely begirt with.a ftraite and dangerous liege of cnicll and bloud-thiifty enemies, but alfo within infefted with lurking Commottoners^ and traitorsto the State; how much, doe you thinkc, would it Hand that City vpon, with all vigilant policie, to ftand vp-x)nitsguard forprencntionof danger? It is iuft fo with the hearti not onely Satan is euer waiting opportunity, to throw in his fiery darts, and icnfuall Obie(4s from abroad, like falfe Sinons to infi/:uatc themfelues; but alfb, it feelcs ( to its much vexation) many rebellious ftirrings within'its owne bowels. The tender confcience ofa true Chriftian 1$ very fenfibleof all this danger ,• and by his owne experimental and praflicall knowledge, hee is acquainted with the many breaches and dcfolations made in the foule, both by thefe open enemies, and fecret Rebels; and therefore furniflieth himfclfedaily with much holy wifedomc and watchfiilncfTe j with experience and dexterity in this great fpirituall aftaite ofguardingand guiding his heart. Wee may take a view of thi§hisfandificdand Chriftian wifedomc in gouerning his

■ ijights, in thefe fburepoints. In a timely difcouery and wife defcatment of Satans

atagems and policies 9 whether hee dcalc by fuggeftions taiftd from the occafions, andaduantages of his temper and naturall conftitution; ofhis temporall Hate, either happinefle, or contempt; ofhis infancy, or growth; weaknefle,or flrength in Chriftianity; of the condition ofhis calling, company*.

^plaoel

\^ Z>ifi0urfe,cftrtfehappmffi.

place where hee lines, orthe like: Or whether hec come ad-dreft with his owne more fearefiill immediate Iwiedions ; which he fometimes prefents in his owne likenelTe. As when heecafts into the Chriflians minde, diflrufts and doubts a-bout the truth ofhcauen, and of diiiinc and heauenly truth; concerning the ceitainetie and being of all that Maieftie and glory aboue i for fuch thoughts as thefe, are fometimes offered to the moft fandificd foulc; BerMrdcills them, f<?m^//i4 defidey horrihiltade dtHtnitate. But marke heere the carriage of Gods Childe, hce doth not v; raftle with thefe hell-bred thoughts,Iie fets not his natural! reafon vpon them; for thence perhaps would follow inclinations to Atheiftne, defperate-neflc m fiinning,and other fearefiill con(equents: but at the very firf} appioch, abandons ar.d abominates them to tlie very pit ofliell whencethcy came; he praycs, repents, aud is humbled by them, and thence clcarely fees they are noKC of his; andfoindefpiteoffnchdenihfh malice, vvalkes on comfortably in his way to heauen. If Satan fpeede not in this blacke fliape i heat other times puts on the glory of an AngcU: and perhapsmay bring into his remembrance, euen good things, but out of their due time, tliatheemay hinder him of fome greater good. Asatthepreachingof the Word, hee may call into his mmde vnfcafbnably, godly meditations, that fo hee maydiftradanddepriuehim of the blelfings of a profitable hearer: At the time of Prayer, he may fill his head with holy iiiftnidions,that fo hee may coolc his feniency, and bereauc himofthebaiefitoffoblefledanexercife. With thefe, and a thoufandmoefuch like vexations in his thoughts, the Childe of God is fore troubled and much cxercifed.

Secondly, another branch of fpiritiiallwifedomc in watching oner his thoughts, isbuficd about thofe finfull pleafures, which vpon the remembrance of his former old iniquities mayrc-infedthefbule. Foramanmay commit the fame fin a thoufand times, by renewing the pleafures of it in his thoughts. Though the ad be paft, yet as often as the minde mnnes ouerthe paflagesandcircumflances of the fame finne, .withthefame delight j fo often thefoule is polluted witha I new

H?

/eimtk*

c^ DifcMrfe &f trne happmejje.

♦Imeane horronrof iudgcment» not detefia* tion.

newftaine, imdiaden with more £Ti>ildiKfle. Wlicicos thcrc-fcrc the fenltialUvvectnesofa mans beloucd finnes,' hath before his cailing, got fiidrftronglx^ld and haunt in his aftc(5li-ons, that it will bee ftill afterward with baits and allurements, ^Hicftingenen the renewed htarf, ifnot to the iteration of the groHe ad^, yetatlcaft to enioy it in thought: it dotli very "muchbchoLietheGhildofGod, tobee\rary and watchFnllin thispoint; Jf hce remit but a little of his hcate of zvale againfl; iiniK, and ftriicncy ofhis firll: louc, or grow regai<iltfls of his thoughts, it \vill pixfently gather power and op^^oitiinitie ferre-entrie. Heere then is tlie toile and tryall of Chriftian wiledome and watchfulneffe ouerthethoughts. If wlien the foule pleafiircs offormer finnes be reprcfcnted vnto the mind, hec hath either learned tofmother them at their firft flcaling into the heart, by oppofingagainft them a confideration of the many wounds, and much wafte they haiie formerly made in his foule : Or elfe by his growth and ftrength in grace, becableto looke backc vpon them ^vithollt delight, to retaine them onely for renewing repentance, and to dilm-fle' thtmwithloathinganddetelhtion: Full fweeteis the coni-fbrf, and great the hap^iinefleofthat Chriftian, who Iwth his corruptions fo farre mortified, and the remilTion of his finnes iofliaiy fcaledvnto him ; that the thouglits of his former pleafing finnes can neither tickle him withdelight and new defire, nor affright him with * honour. For the ojic, Oh (laith blefIcde^A(/?i>?inhis Confcnions) what Jh.^/i I reitirne vnto mjgiracwtts God^ that [can now loehc my finnes tn tbt face^ and w)tbe afnudl Yam hecrcthe wilell Chriftian may bee cafily plunged oner liead and-ear^si^itooJic of Satans mod deceit-flilldepths;exceptheebevery waric : Foriuthc folitary mu-fings upon his former finnes, to this good end, that beemay vtterly grow out ofloue with them, andiiirtlier lothe, them, Satan is euer ready (Tor both his craft ^^'?A malice are end-lefle ) iecretly to addet-indcr to the.fire of his aftcdion, ^o to inflame him with t-rell^ lone and liking of that finne, which at that time hee moftlabourSj and liath cua' greatell rcafon toabhorre. And the tide ofaftbclions being once 011 footc 'XU _ to\vards

(_xf Difcourfe of true happneffe.

I'towaKlsan old plcafingfinne; itisagreat mcafiire of grace fnuftjftoptlrj tcirent of tlicrn. In watching thercfoie otier the thoughts, tlie brigiiteft eye of fpirituall wifedome hath i need-to intend this point, to defcric thisdepth. :-;■:.• I Third!}', another fpe<:iall care the Childe of God Iiath in-; guarding the hc^nrt, is to baniOi and keepe out idlenefle, va-!; nitie of minde, melancholy, worldly ibrrow, inward fretting, jeuill ^e/jrcs, wandring lufls, wifhes without deliberation, [andfuch like. Hee holds a waking and iealous-eye oiier thoic: Imany baites giid lures, which Ipring and fprout eftfooncs. 1 from the fountaincandrootesof original! corruption; which' I the fi:at€ of mortality neuerfufters tobee vtterly plucked vp, j and dried away-in this life-: He know« full well, iftliefeyong-f Cockatrices be not cruHicd while they are in hatching; that, ]hy if wandring and wicked thoughts bee not ftifled when they begin to ftirrc firilintlie minde, they willfirftenuenome. the vnderftanding, the vnderllanding the will, the will the. aftedions i the afll'dionsonce enraged, and hauing tlic reinest .(like wikle horfes ) will carry a man headlong into a world of wickednefle. Aboue all, hee makes fureeucrtohauein rea-r, dinefl'e antl at hand, pr^lcruatiues and counter-poyfons a-r gainfl--thebaites oftlK)te:threc grand empoilbners, the lufi of theflcPx-^ the luji of the eyes^and the pride of life. There are theie >maine obiccis, about which especially aduall conaipifccnce isiinfullyexcrc-ifed,richcs,plcarures, honours: if he once let his thoiightsclalpe about any of thde with immoderate de-fire-and dcliglit, hee is gone. Foi- fo riclies will bring foorth, coiietouiheflc, and couetoulnefle begets vliirie, opprelTion, inclofut^, buying and felling oiJices and digHiries, grinding the faces of the poore, aixi a thouiandmoe mifchiefes: It de-H uouresallnaturallandlioneft affedions, and turnesthem in-J to earth; it makes kindred, friends, acquaintance, content- J ments, feruiccable to its greedy humour: Nay, it makes a man ; to conderane himfelfe body and foule for this tranfitorie tralli, Pleafiires inflame luft, and bft fo emafculates all the powersofthelbule, that its nobleft operations become bru-tirh,itbegets a w^utoii eye, a lafciuious earejobfcene talke,

filthy

kA Difcffttrfe of true hafpncffe.

filthy lefts,delight in playes, and hateful! pi(?lures, befides ma-rty other(ecretand fearefull abominations, not to bee concci-oedwithout horrour, much leflc to bee named. Honours breed ambition, and ambition bids the foule fpeake vntoa m^n, in the language of iV^-^^wmother; Occidarntodh impe-res: Bec fome body in the world while thou ftayeft heerc, though I lie in the flames of hell euerlaftin8;ly heereafter. Deepclythendoth itcoiicemeeuery tmeChriftian withiea-'loufie and trembling, narrowly to v'atch and obferue the ftrftand fecretmotionsoftheheart;left hee (hoiild vnawares bee woefully caught, and enfnared in that blacke aixl accurfed chainc: thefirft linke of which, growcs out of naturall corruption, and the laftreacheth the height of finnc, and depth of hell. Wemayfeefourellnkesofit :Iamesi. I4.15. about thebreeding offfn: and other fbure,Heb. 3»about its growth andperfedlion. Firft,.an idle finfull thought begins to draw, as it were, the heart afidc from the prefence and confidera-tion of God Aloiightie, to a fight and furuay of the plea-fijrcsoffinne, Secondly, it hauing, as it were, the heart by it felfc, puts on a baitc; diures and cntifcs, holding a conference an d parley with the wilI,aboutthe fwccteneflcof plea-fures,riches,honours, glory, and fuch like. Thirdly, the will accepts of the motion, confentSj^ plots, and forecafts for the accompliftiment, theaffe^ions adde heatc and ftrength, the heart trauels with iniquities and fo at length by the heipe of opportunitie, finnc is brought foorth. If you looke vpon the

IOriginall in Saint lafftes, ^ou will eafily gather thefe foure dc-grees^Now further, by often iteration cf the aflof finning with delight and cuftome, the heart is hardened; fo that no terK)uronudgement,noi' promife of mercy will enter. Secondly, itbecomesah euift h^art, and is wholly turned into fenc, it drinkesvp iniquitie Hk6 water, and feedes vpon it, astheHorfclecchoncorruptbloud.Thirdlyjitgrowes an vn-faithfiiU heart, andthcH a man begins to fay within himfelfe, there is no Go(i j at leaft in refpeft of prouidcnce, and eaie o-uer the world, and executions cf iudgcment vpon finners: 'he bids him depart fromhim i andfayes to him, / dejirt not the . k^o ^led ie

x^ t>ifci0Vrfe of true hafpine^e.

\ ^^*

k»o^'ledge of thy ^ayes ; Who « the Almighty, that I foould fernehimf Or what profit piould I haue^ if I Jhould fray vnto html Fourthly, followes an vtterfelling away from God, grace, and all goodntfle, without all fciife, checkc, or re-morfc of finne, iliame, and his moft accurfed ftatcj and fo immediately from this height of finne, into the fierccft fiameandloweftpitofhell. Forifthefirft degree dcfeme e-ternalldeath; whatconfufionmuft befall this Babell? You fee in what danger hee is that giues way vnto his firft finfuil motions.

Laflly, a principall imployment of holy wifedome in guarding the thoughts, is fpentin giuinga wife and humble entertalnement vnto the good motions of Gods blefled Spirit: and in fiirHilliingar^fupplyingtheminde with ftoreof profitable and godly meditations. For as vnregenerate men giue commonly eafie paflage to pleafing worldly thoughts j butfuppreflegraciousftirringsandinclinations to godly for-rovv, rcpentance^andfincerity; as though they were tentations to precifenes: fb contrarily Gods childe labours by all meanes to ftoppe the way to the firft finfuU fcnfiiallthoughts:but alwayesdefires,withfpeciallhnrailitieandrcucrence, to im-brace all the motions of Gods Spii-it, warranted and grounded in his Word: Hee dcarely and highly eftecmcs them, cherirhcthand feedes them with (pirituall ioy, and thankc-fulnefleofheart, with Prayer, Meditation, and Pradice. For ifa man beginonce to bee neglediuc of godly motions, by littleaixllittlehcgrieues the Spirit; at length hee qucncheth iti atlaft hee is in danger of defpifing it; if not by profef-fionanddiredly, yet in his pracflice, and by an indired qp-pofitioir, in flandering and perfeaiting fpirkuall graces i\\ Gods Children. Befidcs this worthy ca-rc of entertaining and nourifliing good motions, hee is prouidcnt to gather -andtreafurc vp ftoreofgood matter and heauenly bufineifes, forthecontinuallexercile of his minde :left that noble po-wcrofhis Ibule fliould bee taken vp with trifles and vani-tie,fecdevponearth;orweareandwafteit felfewith barren andlumpifli melancholy. Hee is much grieued and vexed,

MMty

152 I t^: D ifcoarfe ef trtte BapprfKjJe .

■■ / ^r ^ ; ;"" ;

j hee findcat any time his heart carried away with tranfir.,. .v "elights, caniall and vnprofitable thoughts; or his minde ttiuling impertinently, and gazing vpon the painted and va-nilliing glory of tPic world : Especially fith there is fuch plentifkll and precious choyce of beft meditations, obuioiis Co euery Chriftian, able to fill with endlcfle contentment all tlic vnderftandings of men and Angels fJ^r eiier. As the in-comprehenfiblc glorioufiiefle of God> in the infinite beautie of his owne immediate Maiefty> and facred attributes ; in his Word and workes; in his iudgementsand mercies; in his Church and Sacraments. The miracuIoufncfTe of our Redemption,, and all the comfortable and glorious paflages rfiereof The great myfterie of godlinefle, the power of ^race, trade of Chriftianity, and courfe of fiincflification j matter of Iwecteft contemplation. Concerning our fetues, there is to bee thought vpon all the aftaires of our calling, the particulars, perplexities, and cafes of confcience incident vnto thccq. Qur prefent vilcnefTe, and fcarefull infirmities; themiferiesandfi-ailtie of this life; the traines of Satan, the terrours of hell; that great iudgement euen at hand. In otir fpirituall ^ate,howtopreferiieour^r/? /<?«<?, efcape felapfes, grow in grace, keepe a good confcience, come to hcauen. And when the eye of oiu vnderftanding is dazlcd with thofc higher cenfidcrations, or wearied with thefe inferiour; it might refit ih it felfc with the fpeail^iue fruition of man) inuifible comforts -, with vsu iety of heauenly thingf, concerning the immortality of oiu: foirics, the large promifes of eucrlafling bkifedncfie, the glorious rifing againe of our bodies, the ioyes aud, reft of Gods Saints aboue; and that "whichi^theCrowneandconclufion of all, our ownc moil certaincbliflefuU flate of happinefle and eternity in the fc-cond worldvlf men had grace anci comfort to enlarge their heaitstofuchnjeditationsasthefejwhat roorae woiild there bee for earthly mindedneffe, vanities and impertinencies; uuichleflefor proud, ambitious,,couetpuSi,luftftill,.enuious, Andreuengefull thoughts ?

Thus far of the care and cpnfcienceofthc true Chriftian, in

watching

t_^ Difeourfe of true hapfineffe.

watching oner and guiding his thoughts; which is a (peciall markc of di^eirnce from all ftates of vnrcpcneration: for 'theregenerate oncly keepc the lad Commanaement; which rcdifies the inward motions of the heart.

Now laftly in a fourth place, and in a word j Gods childe is diftingutflicd from the fo«nall hypocrite, m refpcifl df the ifllic of his thoughts.

The moil comfortable and fanflificd foule, is neuer in iiuchpeipetuallferenity, but that it is fometimes ias it were oucr-ciouded with dumps of heauinefle; and inwardly dif-quieted with its owne motions, or the fuggeftions of Satan. While this flefh is vpon it, itfliall be forrowfullj and while it is in this vale of teares it muft reourne. There is not an heart fofwectely and refolucdly compofcd£or heauen; biit is fometiD)cs difletlcd with thoughts of indignation: An<f that efpecially as appeareth by D^id^ Pfalme 37. and 7g. When fbUie is fct in great excelkncie; when men neither of worth, conicitncc, or ingenuitie, «re aduanced to high :j room.es, domintere in the world, and imperioufly infult o-uer fincerity-^ when the wicked profper, and fpreadthem^ feiuesin ftefli pkafures and honours like greene Bay trees; when tlxjfe haue tberr eyes ftanding out for l^tneflc, more then heart can wifli j to whom pride land iufoleMck are as a chaine, and who are couercd with prophanencfic and crueltie, as with a garment. Butheeremarke the difference: Difcont^ntfuil diieourftsinthe minde of the fbrmall hypocrite, either breakcout into defper^e conclufions, and fean fall horrour, although this bee but ftldeme ( for com" monly this kinde of vnregcneratc man hues flourifhingly, and dyes fairely in the eye of the world;) exemplary, and irrcco-uerably defpairc in this life, doth oftneft befell either tlK notorious (inner, the mecre ciuill honeft man, o'r efpedally the grofle hypocrite j therefore i wotild rather fay, thjft: in him fuch difcontentfhll dcbatements, are either appcafed by fome oppofkc conceit of ftronger worldly comfbtt; a^ bandoned by entcrtainement of outward mirth ; diuerted by companie, pleafures, and ioyfuU accidents compoftd

^ . _M

i,5?4 ( ^^ Difceurfc of true happineffe,

J I I ■ rm\ [ — - I r '"•" ^

by wor/dly wifedome or the like. But heaiiie-hearted" thoughts in Gods Cfaildc, though for a while ( not vtterly without fomeafpcrfion of diftruft^ fretting and difcontent;. yet commonly at length being mingled with faith, and mar-naged with fpirituall wifedome; by the grace of God, breakc | out into fairer lightenings of comfort, greater heate of zeale, more liuely exercife of faith, gracious fpeeches, and many blefTcd refolutions. I will but onely giue one inflance, and thax mDauid, a man offingular experience in Ipirituall affaires.

Looke the beginnings of the 62. and 73. Pfalmes, and you {hallfindeZ><««/^tohauebeene in a hcauy dumpe, and fore Gonflid in his owne heart with ftroug tentations vnto impa-ticncy.Hee recounts the ifTue of the difputcwithhimlelfe, in the beginnings of thefe Ffalmes. tet faith he in the 73. for all this ^odiigoodvnte Jfrael : euen te thefurein heart. In the 62. 7f/let diuels and men rage and combine, ^^"/^ my fouU kee^eth filencevtito God, of him commeth tnj falnation, c^c. His many wrongs, vexations and indignities, together with the implacable malice, and impotent infultations of his aduerfarics, had no doubt a little before muchrunne in his mindc. Let vs conceiue fuch as thefe to haue bctn his thoughts; and that thus or in the like manner, he communed and conferred with his Royallfelfe.

Lord, thinkes he with himfelfc; I hauc with loweft humi-Kty^and vprightneffc of heart refigned mine owne foulc; nay I haue vowed, and refolued that my Crowne and Scepter, my Court and whole kingdome, fiiall forcuer bee fcr-uiceable to my gracious God, and that great Maieftie abouc. My mindeisaeuertaielypleafedandioyfull; but when it is gazing and meditating vpon the excellent beauty of his glorious ^^^V?^; vpon bis bottomleflcgoodnefft, andimmea-miablegreatnefle. Hiswordaud facred lawes.are better and iflearer vnto mee, then thoufands of gold and filuer. His Saints vpon earth are oaely my_ folacc, and their finceritic |hcde!i^htof mine heart. For mine innocency from thofe imputations which arechargcd vpon mee, I dareappealc vnto

•^^f^mmmm

{^ Difcourfe oftms bapfimffe.

155

totheftrideft Tribunall ofhcauen. Why then, how comes it to paflTc, that I am become a fpedacle of difgrace and contempt to heaiien and earth, to Men and Angels,to Gods peo-ple^and that which grieues me more, to Gath and Askelon .^ Saul^ foralltheferuicelhauedoHetohim, and to the State, hunts mc vp and downe like a Partridge in the mountaines. Dogged Doeg, hee hath informed as,^inik Ai>ime/echfor relieiiing mce; and fo caufed the facrcd bloud of fourefcore andfiiiePrieftstobefpiltaswatervponthe ground. Malice aad furie driue mec intothe wildcrnefle ( for Lions and Ty-gers are more mercifull, then madded and enraged propha-nefle,) but there the barbarous Z/p^»/w/ haue betrayed mee to the Kings J I am railed vpon, not onely by bafeand worthlcfTecompanions, by fellowes of proftituted confci-ence and conuerlation (that were tolerable,) but euen Princes, and thofe that fit in the gate fpeakc againft me. Not only drunkards makefongs andiefts vpon mce, but euen great men, with authority and imperioufnefle carry in triumph my diftrefTf d and forfakcn innocency. Nay, and that which is thecomplementofmiftrie and difcomfort jmine owne fa-miliarSjWith whom I haue many times fwectly and fecrctly Confulted, they haue alfb decetnedmee, m a, hrooke ; ^nd as the rifiyigeftberiuers, thej/^re pajfedaWAjf. But markenowtlie ifllie ofthis confiit!^, and inward difpnte with himfelfe.Had a notoriousfinjierbeenein thefe ftraits, perhaps hee would-haue burft out ijito defpcrate concliifions and furious attempts. Hada Papiftbeene heere,hee would prefently haue had rccour/evntothc /^y^ir^j, fellowes which zvtby dffim-mtoH refined and iirbhmated Friers, compoied all of fire, blood and gunpowderiinfjiired by the powers of darkneffe,. with atranfcendentrage agaiaft Gods truthjfworn folemne-ly in the blackeft confiilory of Hell to the death ofKings,de-folation of States, combuftion of the whole Chi iltian world, and deftru^ti.on of infinite foules. Thefcmen would prefently haue addreftfoms^ bloody and prodigious villaine with a knife, poyfon or gunpowderto hane killed the Ki.^gj and fo haue blownevp Sanl^LW^^ll hxs Court. Had a for-

M mail

IV,

ttiall hypocrite beene in thiscafe.feeing thefc ci o iTes and mi-ieries befall him; hee perhaps would haue prefendy recoy-led from thcfe courfes of oppofiticii, though in a good caiife, clofed with feme great man in the Court, and C2ii\. himfelfe into the current of the time. But marke Dauids carriage in this point: his noble heart, Uke a glorious Siinne, brtakes thorow thefe clouds, and ftormes of inward troubles, thefcftrong tentations to impatieiicy and difcontent; hee puts on more ftrength of faith and patience, and fhi nes brighter in all fpirituallgraces; meethinkes hereacheth the very Meiidian of all Chriftian comfort and high refbluiion. For as you may fceiiithe forecitcd 62. Pfa!me:Hee doth not onely fortifie his G^vne heart with vnconqucrable confidence ia Gods pretention; butalfo with an holy ti iumph, infultsouerthe infoler.ciesof his aduerfarics, snd already \V3i(^Llhh\s^^imCQ\Y?i:Q\.i:inthcbloodefthe\\'tcked, Hee tcls them, they fliall bee flaine cuery mothers fonne of them,and that, in fcarefull and horrible manner: As if a man lliould comevpon tlic backe of a rotten and tottering wall, and with great ftrength and fury puHi it downe: cuQn fo, wlien they were moftfwelled with pride and prophanencfTe, the wrath and vengeance of God, fhould like a fierce tempeft and whirle-wind, feaze fuddenly v pon them,and hurle them out of their place.

Now in the fourth place I am to tell you, that the Word of God is not feated with a fandified foueraigntie, or foundly planted by its failing power in the afi-e(n:ions of the formallhypocrite, wWch is the hearcrrefemblcd vnto the ftonie ground.

That nobleft and highcft power, the vnderftanding part of the foule, as it is immateriall, and more abftraded; fo its operationsandftirrings are more immanent and inuifible, aded with lefTc noife and notice ^ and therefore by confc-quentaftbrd markes ofdiftindion ( in the point I profecite) not fully fo fenfible to our felues, or eafilyobuious anddif-cerncable to the Chriftians eye, ( for vnregenerate men are meere ftrangers to fuch diicretions and acknowledge- ments j

c^ Diftourfe of true ha^pmfe.

mcnts) as our afK^dions,aiid anions.

Our afeaions in their exercifts, and employments,beiag much mingled with matter and matcriall obieds, and originally aduated with lifeand motion,ftom thebeate and agitations ofthe heart, are nauiraliy moreaaiiie and ftirnng; and ordinarily reprefent more feeling & vifible impreilions, bothtoourowne (mCt and obferuation of others. Marke therefore I pray you with rcuerence andconfciencethedif-ferencif\g markes betweene the power offandification, and formall profefTion which fpring thence.

Seme good aftedions euen in relation to fpirituall things,and the affaires of hcauen, are incident vnto, and may be found \n the ftate of formall hypocrifie; which many times doe not onely dazle and deceiue the eyes of the worlds obferuatioKjbiitallbftrengthenand encourage a falfe conceit of a found eflate towards God j and a good ( though groundkfic )opinion about the high and important point of i a mans owne faluation. But being onely butthe efteds and i excellencies of a more ingenuous and well bred difpofition, | oratbcfl-jthcifliies and weaker produdionsofatemporarie | faith, they are not fo deeply implanted in the heart,with that j vniuerfalitie, finctrity, and rootedntflfe; which Gods fan-difying Spirit is wont to worke vponthofe foulcs wherein i itdwels. Neither are they feafoned andenlyued with that fpcciall vigoiM-joffauing grace, which fhculd %m^c and con-dud their maine current,and refolued purporcs,with' cheer-fulnefleand tniehcartedntffctothe aduancement ofGods glory, the enlargement of Chrifts Kingdome, the refreOi-mcnt and fuppurt of zea!e and forwardneflc; which are ilrangtiyindifgra-ceand difcountenance with the vvorldr'at this day.

They are f uch as thefc; Rcuerence, and a refpedfull obfemation of Gods meffengcrs. Ofwhich there be two Ibrts: i.St^me arc like thcfefalle Prophets, Ez.ech. iz,thtXQ you fl-iall haue their Gharader; vvho out of their owne. diuimti^;an4 lying viftous, cry peace peace vnto tii'e';eQn(ciences^orvafejy

157

JJ iTj

iwm

I

>•'

(^ Difc0urfe of true happineffe.

men, when there is no peace towards, but vengeance and horrour is their naturall portion; apply lenities and cordials to the ranking and feftred fores of carnall hearts, whereas, by the hvily rules of that great Art of fauing foules, the cine rather requires Corrafiues and Cauterizations; for want of Confcience or courage, applaud and fecure the great Ones of the world, in thevnbleffed funfhine of their outward glory,and vnfanftified grcatncffe 5 whereas {hares, fire andbrim{lone,and ftormietempeft is ready to be rained vpon their heads, and vpon the hairie icalpe of euery one, which goes on in his finnes. Who, in ftead of ftriking home vnto the heart of prophanenefTe, with a powerfull and particular application oftliat two edged fwordjfow pillowes vn-^der mens elbowes, with the ynpiercuigrmoothntiTe of their, generallheartlefledifcourfes; againft thecunent of diuinc truth, and concurrent experience of all that euer went to ( heauen, enlarge the ftraighter gate, and ftrow the way to life with Violets and Rofes,delicaciesandpleafures, feed many | hollow hearts with falfe hopes, fill the eares offooles with fpirituall flatteries; and many times fcarefully fiourifii ouer with their vntempcred morterofallmercy,the crying finnes of the time, and plaufible cruelties of great men. LaftIy,who mixing witli their heauenly meflages, thcprophanepartiall diftempers oftheirowne angry paHions, and their paiticu-lar mifeonceits ofthe wayesof God, make fad the hearts of the righteous and fincereProfeflbrs, whom the Lord hath not made fadj by a proud intrufion into the Throne of God, cenfiire their hearts; and many times audacioufly proclaime thofc to bee hypocrits, hard hearted, too prccifc, or the like, whom the Maieftie, and raercifull Tribunall of God, the Word of life and truth, their owne confciences,and the mu-tuall acknowledgements of difcerning Chriflians acquit and iuflifie: but towards the wicked and Good-fellowes, as they caUthem,they docnotonelyputofFfuch paflions, and peremptortnefTe; but fortheir fake and fccuritie, they cnen bercaue the fword ofthe Spirit ofits ec^e, finne of its fting: the Law ofits curfc,that dreadful! day ofterror,hdl of damnation

K^ Difcourfe dftrue hafpncffc.

nation and God of his iuftice: by Weflfing where hcc curfes, and promifing a Crowne of life to carnal! liuers. They ^r<'»^/'^<^( faith the Prophet) tht hands of the ^icked^ that ^oeeJhoMld not returnefrem hii Vptcked Vpaj, bj promifwg him life. For want ofcxperimentall skill in the myfteries of fin-."cerity (out of a fretting indignation againft the faithflilnefie 'oftheir fellow Miniftefs, and for vvardnefle of the Saints, or flattering fuggeftionoffome lying Spirit) they many times ipeake peace and pleafing things to thofe hearts, which: arefo fane from being enkindled with kindly zcale, and the fire of the flame of God, that they lie drowned in Teas of gall and bitternefle againft grace, and godly men. For you muft know,that the common conceit of thefc men is, thatciuillhoneftmciiareinthe ftate of grace, and formal! profeflburs very forward, and without exception: but true Chriftians indeede, arePuritanes, Irregularifts, exorbitants, transcendents to that ordinary pitch offbrmall pietie, which i in their carnal! comprehenfions, they lioldhigh enough for hcaucn.They either conceit them to be hypocrites,arld (o the only obie(?ls for the exercife oftheirminifteriaI!ieuerity,and the terrours of Godjor elfe though the Lord may at laft pardon perhaps their fineuIaritieSi and exccfles of zcale; yet in the meane time they aif-fwceten, and vexe the comforts and glory of this life with much vnneceflary ftridnefle and abridgment.

Now ofall others, fachProptiets as thefe efpccially, are theonely men with t!ie formal! hypocrite; exadly fitted, and futable to his humour. For ho wfoeuer they may fome-timesdeclaimeboyfteroufly againft'"grofTe and vifible abominations, and that is well, yet they are no fearcbersjinto, orcenfurersof the ftdte of formality: and therefore doera-thcr fecretly and fiiently encourage him, to fit faftervpon that landy foundation, then helpeto draw him forward to more for waidnes, and the faluation of Chriftianity. Though they may beeableto fit, and furnifh his care and vnderftan-! ding witth the aflfe^ed excellencies ofchoyfcfHnuentions; j yet they want pjowcF> or wilJ^ or confcience, or refoiution, ' M 3 or

\^ Difcottrfe of trne happineffe.

or fomething, to diuide betvveenethe foiilc and th^ ipirit, the ioyntsand the mai'row,andtherforetheir vifionstohim are vifionsofpeace;hc bkffcs himfelfc in his heait,aud hopes to be faued as well as the piecifeft.

Hence itis,thatthe current of his beft pleafedaftedlions rimne that way, and he heartily louestheminiftcry of thofe men, becaufe it heales the wounds of his ConfcieiKC, if any be, with fweete words; fufters him to walke on Bierrily,and fearelefly towards the plagues of hell, and is content he be damned without any contradidion. Neither doth hteonely entertaine into hisowne thoiights, this povverlefle, fpeciila-j tiue, man-pleafingpreaching, with fpccia'I acceptation and I reuerence : but aUb openly applauds it iii his proteftations. I and ordinary ccnfures, with extraordinary attributions and I admiration. Efpeciallyifit be gilded ouer, and fet out with I gallantneffe of adion, pompe of words, exqnifitenefle of phrafe, daborateneffe offtile, ambition of quotations, wit-full luxuriancies of Popiili Poftillcrs; with afteded oftenta-rions of pregnancy of wit, variety of reading, skill in tongues, profoundneffe of conceit, happinefle of memory, rarenefle of inuention, and fuch other humane artificiallac-celTions. An inuifible, vn-ambitious, and confcionable vfe and exercife of which helps( fo farre as they may bee fanfti-fiedly- bchooofefiili, and feafonably contributaiy to that greateftandnobleftbufincflevnderthe Sunnc, the workeof theMiniflery, with beft exaftnefiecan poflibly bee had) I require and reuerence in the meflengers ofGod: for I would haue the workeof the Lord, honoured with all fuiJicieiicics attaineable by the wit and art o-f man, or grace of God; fo thattheybefacrificedandfubordinatetohis gloric; fanfti-fiedtothefouleof the owner, and ialuation of thofe that hcare him: and not in a bafeand mercenarie manner, with a boifterous vifible pompe, enthralled and made fertiiccable to that, the iK)W raigning fearefull (bule-murth^iug finne of lelfe-preaching.

Butfbund the depth and difpofition, aske the fenfeand

refolution ofthe Chriftians heart in the prefent point, and.

though

x^ Dififiurfe of true haff>imffe.

i6i

though wee bee bound to reiT.erence with proportionable praifcfiilnefle, the graees of Gods Spirit, whether gcncrall or fpeciall, wherefbere wee finde them ; and hold it a part of religions ingenuity, to honour commendable parts in whomfoeucr; yctafTuredly f I appeale to the experience and confcience of Gods Children ) it feeks andacknow-kgdesitfelfe morefcundly comforted, and truely Chrifti-ianizedj that I may fo fpeake, by one Sermon woiien and wrought out of a feeling foule by the ftrength of medita-tionifpiiitually fchookd in theexperimentall paflfagcsofthe waves of God, fecrets offandification, and methods of Satan j fupportedandfinewcd by the true, natural), and necef-fary fcnfe of the Word of life; managed with the powerfuU incomparable eloquence of Scripture ; and enforced with theeuidence and power of the Spirit; then with a world,of i generally common-place, declamatorie difcourfes, workes j onely of memory and reading; not compositions, as is commonly conceiued, of true and iudkious learning; fpentma- I ny times vnprofitably in the generalities, and impertinen-1 eies of fpeculatiueDiuinity, without that Orthotomie, and ' particular infinuation into the hearts and confciences of men; hunting after an accurfed commendation, with felfe- {, pkafing conceits, in the wearifome nwzes of an vnfanfti-' fied wit I though they iLouId be fluffed with the flower and quinteflence of all the Arts, humanities, Philofophiesjand conueytd vnto the eare with the Seraphicall tongiie of the highcIf, and moft glorious Angell ill heauen. So apprehen-iiue,taltefull,and holdfafl, is the fpirituall hungrie foule of that kindly foode of immorta-Htie. Sodearely doth it pre-ferreonefbule-fearching period of aconfcionable Sermoii, before the glorious care-pleafing pompc of all humane eloquence.

Some other MefTengers God hath, of a more noble na-tuie, and fandiiied temper • who with faithfulneflcandcon-fciencc, with more holy and heroicall refolutions, by the power of mortifying grace, euen againft the natarall current of their originall pride, ftekethe glory of him that C&^a: » M 4 them,/

tCor.t.^

'r

{^ Difc$ttrfe oftrne hiip^inef[e.

them,and not their owne -, which is the trueft markc of a tnic Minifter, as wehaue rcceiued it from the gracious lips of the Lord I^s(iishifn(eIfc,M«7. i8. who heartily confe-cfatcand addrefib with much zealefuil deuotioii, and a re-fohied vtmoft, all the powers, and pofTIbilities of their . foules, with their feuerallacquificions, and endowments,to; that heauenly trade offauing mens (bules, and letting them forward in the way of life, as to their proper and prineipall aimeandobied. Who not without a continuall godly iea-loufieouer their owne infirmities, and deceitful! hearts; nay, many times, with much feare,and trembling vnderthe dreadful! importancy of their minifterial! charge, labour might and mainc, to prcfcruethemfelues pure, fo firreasit is poITible, from the bloud of a!! men, by l^eeping nothing backc, but (hewing them nil the coiinfe!! of God, which is reuealcdvntothtmfor their good j who by the grace of! God, dare (if need be ) tell a\^x\ two Kings vnto their faces, \ and all their Couitiers, with foure hundred falfe prophets; that they are allfearefuUyand foully tranfported, and deluded with a lying fpirit; and that their royalties, greatnefle andhighroomesfhallneuerbeable to priuiledge, or pro-ted them from the wrath of God, ifthey bee enemies to his wayes; that confufion and vengeance will bee the certaine condufion ofal! their imperious and boyfterous brauerics, if they will needs difgraceand perfecutc his faithful! cJWit-chaiat. In a word, who being fenfible of the precioufiieflc andmaiefty of Gods (acred truth, the matter of their mef-fage, and of the horribleguiltof fpirituall bloudfhcd, ifthey lliould be negligent,or Non-refident; gird their fwords vp-ontheirthighs,rideonbecau(eof the Word of truth, and quit themfelues like the men of God; and who hauing their tongues touched with a coale from the Altar, and hearts taught experimeataily in tlieereat myflerie of Grace, deli-uer their embaflfies from that nighcfl Maicfty, with authority and power j and notastheScribes andformall Dodors. For you mull coiKeiue, that bcfides more general! minifte-riall fuj^ciencies^ there is akindeoFholy art, and particular

heauenly

K^ Difc&urfe of true ^appmejfe.

1^5

heauenly wifedomeofwindingamansfclfe with a prafti-call infinuatioii, into the conlcienccs'ofmen; of working] remorfe, and meditations of rcturnc, vpon mif-Ied and fcn-fuall fouleSjby a feafonable application ofthe Law y offaire-iy wooing, and winning by little and little difaflfeded palTions, vntothe loueand plcafares of Gods wayesj of drawing bmifed hearts and troubled fpirits, witha compaf^ fionate handand feeling heart, vnto the Wellof lift j of trai-nim vp babes in Chrift, in the neglededand vnbeaten paths ofchriftianitie, with fpirituall inftrudions, predidions,flnd caueatSjforpraicntionandfafety againft Satans dangerous infidiations of fecnritie or horroiir, fbrmalitieorexorbi tancies of zcalc, &c. Vnto which, if the man of God doe not addrefle his heart with vprigbtneffe, prayer, and refolution,* heefliallneucr bee able to purchafe that comfort vnto his owne {bule, happinefle, orinexcu(abIencflc tohisanditorie, and that meafine of glory vnto his great Mafler in heauen ; which one imployed in his moft immediate and deareft fer-uice, being thchigheftaduancemcnt that oiortall creatures vpon earth can bee raifed vnto, fliould, and is bound to dc-fire. Admit a Phyfician to bee an abfolute Ariftotelian, Ga-lenift,Anatomift,Herbalift, excellent in all fpeculatiae ac-complilliment of iiis Ait; yet except hcebec furnifhed with a further dexteritic, andinabledto take fpcciall notice of a mans conftitution, the peccant humour, ftrength of nature, growth ofthe diieafe, and other particular andperfonall cir-cumftances, ordinarily obfeniable m all fucceiTcfiill cures ; and thereafter proportion and apply his prefcriptions; well may he goe for a learned man, but with wife men hcc fliall ntuer wiune the reputation of a good Phyfician. Giue mee a Miniftcr admirable for theprofbundneffeand varietie of as much knowledge as you will ; let him be as it were a greedy Inclofcr, an inlatiableMonopoliftofallkiBdcof learnings, both ancient and modcrne, ofpofitiue, textuall, controuerlc, Caie-diuinitie, with all other {peculations of that holy Art; yet, except hee bee further fandified with an experimental! infight into the great myfterie of Codlincfle, and into the particu-

o^ Difcoarfe §f true bappineffe.

»Tim X,

particularities of that heauenly Science of fauiiig foiiles ; which ( me thinkes}is the addition of a more fpeciall fiipc-riour vigour, that aftuating the generalities and contemplations of Diuinitie, giues life and foulc vnto our mi-nifteriall function ; except hee defire with Confcience to diuidc the Word of truth aright, and zealoufly endea-uour to apply himfelfe powerfully to the various exigents of mens fpirituall ftates; well may hce carry a-way the credit of a great SchoUer, and famous Preacher, with the greater part: but I doe not fee how heerhalleuer bee able to purchafe in the hearts and confciences of difccr-ning Chriftians, the honour and°rcuerence of a good Pa-ftoiu*. Amongft the reft, o^ie reafoii, why in this glorious Noonetide of peace and profcllion, wee hauefo many Prea-jChers, and little plantiwg of grace, is,becaufe we hauefo few I truelyskilfull,and well fchooled in the fecretpa{rages,and praftifeofthat high and fupernaturall Arte of foule-fauing. Becauie the Word is not handled with that confcience,fec-ling, and af&cf^ion jbut formally,& Frier-like:for felfe-praife, and priuate ends.

Now the ordinary conceit which vnregenerate men generally entertaine of this fecond fort of Gods Melfen-igcrSjisthe very fame which was habituated in the heart of I King, is. -^^^^ againft S/ixs and CMichaiah ; of thofe prophanc 17 Scti.S. Princes againft leremj ; oi AmaK.Mh againft Amos j of Terttillu-s againft Paulx that they are tioublcrs of Ifrael, Preachers of terrour,Tranfgrefrors of policy,vnfittoprophe-fie at the Coiu-t,or in the Kings Chappell,peftilent Fcllo wes, SeditionerSjFa'flionifts, borne onely todifquiet the world, andvexemens confcience. Whereby the way, let me in a Word fupportand fortifie the fainting rcfolutions of all faithful Minifters,& true \\Q2itttdiNathaHae Is,z^ain^ thedifgrace-fuU oppofitions and plaufible cruelties of the times; by aflu-ring them of the truth of this Piinciple, in the Sclpole of , ChriftjConfirmed by infinite experiences :that,

In thcfe day es of ours, efpecially which are ftrangely pro-phane,anddefperately naught, in what man foeuer, the power

Icr.j8.4. Aft. 14.5,

wcrofgra-ce, Graces of Gods Spirit, vndauntcdzeale, refo* lute fincerity, are more working, eminent, andmarkeable^ I ordinarily, the more and more implacable, outragious, and inflamed Oppofites fliall that man finde, wbcrefoere hce liues. But let h^m build vpon it, heisbouiid,andoughtto bindetlie very vtmoft rage of the worlds bafeft infolencies,, and indignitiesinay,were there charged vpo him euca whol volumes of moft flinging inucdiiiesfand contumelies are far greater corrafmes to generous ipmts, and doe more nettle them, then any <^>ther outwardcroflesor wrongs jdeuiicd by the exquifiteft malice, and peed with the bittercil gall of his moft enraged Adueriary ,• jet I fayjhc is boumj to biml them atlas a Crownevnto his head, and iojfiilly to fct, and Icale them with prayerar^d patitiKC vpon his heart; as io many glorious teftimonies,and infallible aflurances,not only of the nobienelTeof his courage in Gods caufe, and eminency of zeale againft the corruptions of the time, heere vpon earth : but alfo of a richer reward in heaucn^and brighter crownc of immortality.

But to the poiflt, to which I haue thought this preface a leafonablepreparatiue: though carnall conceits doe com-monlyout ofanaturall difconceitfulncffe, with much gall-full antipathy, diftaftc the fincerity and powerfulncs ofcon-fcionable Minifters; yet the fbrmall hypocrite figured vn-tovs by the ftonie ground, which I place inthehigheft ranke of vnregejierate met?, for perfcdionsattaineable in that ftate, may fometimes in ibme fort, euen reuerence the leremies, CMithaiahsj and I&h» Baptifis ofthe time j I meanc thofe men of God, which deliuer his meflage with confciencC;and courage, with power and demonftration of the Spirit; who lifting vp their voice like a trumpet,dare,and doetellthe peopIetheirtranfgreflions,andthe houfe o£la-cob their finnes. In fhort, who are not men-pleafers in their I Minilfery; but the feruants of Chrift; which in the fcnfe of theApo{f:le,ftandoppofitcand diftant withaflrong, cuer-Iafting,a.nd incompatible contradidion. For the clearing then, and refbluing the poinc,conciuc the

difterent

165

Gali.io^

{^ Difc9urfe of true happineffe.

iPcc, i.tx.

diflfcrcntgroiinds, and motiucs of this formall refpeft to godly Miniftcrs, which (prings out of the ftonie ground^and may be found in an viircgenerate man j and that hearty rc-iierencc towards them, which is dearly and deeply rooted in the good and honeft heart.

The formall Hypocrite may reucrence euen Godsfaith-fiilleft Meflengersthus, and forfiich caiifes as theft:

If hce bee bnt naturally ofmorc noble 'and worthy inclinations, towards the matchlefle fairenefle of the worthicft ti uth ,• and fuffcr reafon to carry his affC(fH6ns, without prejudice or paitiality, vpon the trucft worth; hee (hall find, ciicnoutof a morall congruity, and grounds of common fcnfe, tliat themoftrefpedfulldeuotion$,and|addi<5fi6nsof his heart, arc due by right, and by a proportionable obfer-uation ofdifterent excellencies, to an Ambafladour of God, efpecially fanflified with holy abilities thereunto j as to the onely Angellvpon earth, and nobleft creature vnder the Sunnejandtothofefecretsofheauen, rcuealcd by the power of his minifteryjwhich are (b tranfcendent to thedepths ofnature, and all created inuentions, that they rauiili euen Angelicall vnderftandings with extraordinary admiration andlonging. And truth is amiable to ingenuous apprchen-lions,and(at the firft approach and impreflioa)po(refle them with a fecret lonely rauifliment ; but if it bee mingled with vifible markes ofmaiefty, and diuineneffc, as Gods troth is, no maraell though by its ordinary attradiuenefle and na-tiue cxcellencie, it di-aw on an addition of fome kinde of reucrence from more generous mindes, though vnregencratc; and better (pirited men, th»ugh not yet fpirituall. So that the man, which doth ibundly vnfold thefacrcd myfteries of that fupernaturall truth, may euen in that regard grow fomctimes into a rciicrent eftimation with vnfandified men; who though as yet^they want all tmc and rcall inter-eft in thole blcfl'ed tidings of eternity and peace, which he brings from hcaucn; yet they regard and reuerence him for the maieftie ofthat meflage, which he deliuers with inc^ri-tie and power.

As

■"■^*>*tv**^^«>^e*

K^ Difcourfe of true ^ap^lffejfe.

1^7

As more cbolerickc and ciaell difpofitions, doc many times in a very bafe and barbarous maimer dilchargc the vt-moft of their gall j and doeeuery way their very worft a-gainft all fincere Profoffours of grace, efpecially the power-full Plantersthe-reof: fo otliers there are better borne, of more manly breeding, and worthincfle of nature; who doe out of a naturallcompailionatencfle, and pang of common humanitic,commireratcthemireriesaiid opprcfif^ons of in-nocency, \vuereroeuer they rc<; it groaning vnder the info-leiKiesofcrueltie and malice. And therefore fith the con*-' fcionable Minifter is an ordinary & cminentObied, whereon propl?anenefle,and policy jhatrcd to berefolined and con-formall Poperie; helland the world, doe execute the extre-mitie of their rage and poyfon; thefe moreimpartiall and milder-tempered rnen, thoirgh they doe not fauour his for-wardneflV, or concurre with him in a right conceit of falua-tionj yet they cannot chufe, biitlookevpon him ( fovn-vvorthily vext)with pitying eyeSsaKdmorally-tnelting inclinations of heart. Nay, when they further confiderin their better mindes, that he is lb dcfpitefully load en with varietic ofwrongs and indignities; and trampled vpon,as it were,e-ucn vnto duft,by the feet of pride and vnmanly inlultations, for ne other caufe in the world,but becaufe hee labours with fincerity and zeale, to pull the precious foules of men out of theDeuils mouth, and the damnation Gfliclhafid when they fecthatlie ftandson hisMafters{ide,and for the glory of his caufe and truth, with fuch patience, conftancie,and vndauti-tednefle offpirit ; aicnagainft his ownc particular welfare, the countenance of the world, current of the times,and face ofmanj they are forced to reucrencc thoie high andhcroi-'callrcfolutionsofhis, asceitaine venerable impreflions of Diuiniticand infufions of heaucn;though they cannot away withtheholy ftridlneflfe of his waies,or heartily loucthe fin-gularity ofliisfandification.

If hee bee of a more politique and refer ued deportment greedieofpopiilariticandapplaufe, ambitious after a pro-<mifcuousreputation,fi:oni aUfi>itsofffien J hee mayfpoma

^nci'all

/

PCi'l^.j.

I Sam. I J.

JO.

o^ Difc&arfe ef true ha^^ineffe,

generall forme of addrciring and accomodating himfelfe with a plcafing conuenient carriage to all humours, degrees and profeITions,propoitionand fingle out (amongft the refl-) an artificial! formallrefpediuenefle, to thofe faithful! Mef-fengcrs of God, which hce knowesandacknowkdgesin hisowrie confcience, to be truely due by the rules of.Diuiui-ty, and royall challenge ofheauen ; but per formes onely outwardly, in policy,for by-re(peds,orpriuate ends; outofthc vaftneflc(perhaps) and vniuerfality of hispopularambition, to wiiide himlelfe with a more plaufible infinuation into the aftedions,andto win the good wriles, and woj d of that kind of people alfo, which inthe worlds language arc nicknamed Puritans; but in Gods ftile are honoured with the I Elogie of the onely excellent vpon earth, This happens fbmetimcs,efpecially,if he line m a- vcine of goodChri-'ftians,and wheregoodnefre,and godly men(if any place bee fo blefl ) be predominant, and bearc the greateft fway. There, becaufe otherwife hee cannot hold correfpondence with the good opinions of the beftjhee ioynes and concuires with tbcm ( for his credit fake ) in outward eftimation,and countenaivcing ofthe Miniltery. Yea and befides, as I con-ceiuc, there may bee (which may bee a further meancs to jdrawonthisreuerence) euena true-hearted fecret defire, Tbmetimesinvnfandified hearts, to purchase a good conceit from a gracious man, although they will hy no meanes j fympathize with him, in finceritie, either by iudgement, or practice; yetif it might bs enioyed, with thefenfuali enioy-mentaftheir darling picafiire, and were they any wayes capable ofcovicidency; they would with all their hearts, and fpeciall dearenefle, ( though perhaps their height of fto-macke would difdaine, and not defccnd to the acknowledgement,) embrace his warrant, and allowance for their fpirituall ftate : and could they poITibly procure it, they would efteemehis voyce, for eleilion into thefocietyof Saints, the rareft Icvvell inthecrowne of all their ciuill credit, and commendations. So it is, that fometimes vnregene-ratemen ftumble vpon the right way to true reputation.

For

I i

•forindecde there was neiierman vpon earth had a good f name in the right fenfe and inttrpretation; biit it was honc-} red with the approbation and teftimony of good mcM. I 1 would not care a pins end, concerning a tme and right efti-i mate ©ffnyftate towards God, what ail vnregenerate men I in the world (though ennobled with an incomparaBleconcurrence of wifdomejlsnowkdgejpolicy^greatnefTe, or what Other remarkable excellencies foeuer) fay, or conceiiie in the 1 point: fori know they are ftarke bHixicaiid cannot fecilhey [areinmorethen zy^gypnandxAcuL-i^c, and cannot poflibly comprehend the inuiiible brightnefie and fpritwall glory lof fandified men, and thrice-bleiTcd flateofChriftianity. i But now in thiscafe,! muft tell ycnj would infinitely prefer . the aduifcd good opinion and dif-affedion-ate aflent of the ; pooreiiiudiciousChriftian, before the fliining fauours, and all thofc adored influences of Princely grace, which can pof-iibly fiowfrom the glorious circle of the brighteft Imperial! ; Crowne vpo:-i earih.

Fourthly, this irppreiTion ofreuerence towards the beft 4 MinifterSjthat may in fome fort for a fcafon, at the leaftjpof-feffethe heart of the forma'I Hypocrite, may alfo fpring from thatnaturall Ibueraignty, and powerfull command, which the Word of God, prefl with power and confcience, 'dothexercifeouer mens confcieiKes. From the dazlinga-ftoniflimentofthatinuifiblcpiercing light of diuine truths which doth fcmetiraes vpon thefudden,ru{li violently like ■a fiailvof lightening, from the mouth of the Mimfter,into the very inmoftclofetsofhis hearty and there difcouer( not without fome horrour )his moft feerct lufts,and darke hypo-crifies. From tliat facred character of heaueniinefle, and aw-fuU terrour, which Gods dreadfull hand doth many times ftampe ( as it were vifibly ) vpon thofe mcn,whGm himfclfe defigneswithfpecialladdrefle, and fandifies with Miniftc-liallGrace, to reuealeandreprefent the myfteries of hea-uen, and his owne greatMaiefty inthat eminent and glorious manner. From a, confcious comparing of his ownc iccret guiltineflc, aud duller paffages of vn-zealonii leflc and formality 3

K^ Difcdurfe eftrtte happimffe.

formality, with the fearching vnrefiftablenenc of their Mi-nifterie, and zealefuU fincerityof their life. From a conceit, thatafaithfullmanofGod, by his Minifteriall mediation, doth ftaiid in the gappe agai]>ft the irruptions of threatned iudgements,and deferued vengeance; and by the piercing^ key of his feriient prayer, vnlockcs the richeft treafuries of hcanen,for the eftafion of all maner bleflmgs, comforts, and pfotedions vpon the place where hec hues. Or at the beft, from a fuperficiall fenfe, and gencrall apprehcnfion ofthofe many excellent refrelliments, and glorious graces, which by theirMiniftery arc fhedinto, and lliine fullfvveetely vpon the fad diflreffes of truly-troubled foules ,• and arc comfortably conucyed ( through Chrifls bloody wounds ) into the gafpingagonies of bleeding hearts. Though that precious blood neuer melted his mai'ble heart into teaies of true repentance, nor Gods infinite mercy won his hearty afteflion to the wayes of grace; yet hce hath a kinde of glimmsring hope ( but from falfe and flattering grounds ) that a Paffion ofiuchvnualuable price, aiidblcfled ftore-houfe ofvnlimi. ted tender-heartedneflc, Ihould neuer polTibly be {tinted, or reftrained, before hee haue hi^ part in the purchafe, and a tliare in thofe rich companions. Efpecially fith incongruity ofinfrice, and probability of Gods proccedings,there is Inch a large barueft for hell,befbre he be laid hold on. Forhisprc-fcntperfedionsgiuchimprecedcncie before notorious fin-ners,grofie hypocrites,mcerly ciuill honefl men,back-fliders from profeilion ofgracc, and a world of wicked men,worle then himfelfe.

But whence foeuer it fprings, or what grounds foeuer it hath, this reucrenccto Gods faithfiili Meflengers, in the for-mali hypocrite, is ordinarily turned into heart-riCng againfl them, in thefe three cafes:

Firll, whenby diredionofthe very firfl ruleinthefacred myfteric offauing foules, and following that onely method for plantation ofgrace, choren,& chalked out vnto vs by the precedency and practice of the Prophets, A poflles, Chrift hinafelfe, and all thofe happy Ones, that euer fct their hearts

with^

L^ Difhourfe cftrtte h^ppHcffc.

Avith courage and finccritic, to theialiKtion of men; and bc-haued themfelucs with dcxteritie and confcicnce, in the lords harneft j I fay, when thus, by the guidance ofan holy ^vi(cdomc,they fiifl begin to lay about thera,with the hammer of tlic Law, amongft a number of ftonie hearts i and to lay it on with a witncffc, with full weight and iteration of ftrokes, from the befl- ftrength of a fpirituall arme, vpon the hairiefcalpeofeucry one which hates to bee reformed : when he fees and fecles that tlieywcild that two-edged fworcj, with resolution and power, and fend it home, wiSt^ feardefle and faithful! hand, euen into the very center of a fi?ared confciencc, and to the heart of prophaneneflb and rebellion : when hcefindesbyexperience,xhat men can hauc no eafe or reft vndcr their Minifterie j but they are flill grating with pciicing and terrouf vpon their guilty confcien-ces,flingi!jgtheircan]all hearts with fenfe of thofc flaming horrours which hang ouer tlieir heads, and fo rcftlefly tormenting them before their time; I lay,then and inthiscaie, he.bcgins to coolc tlie heatc, and rebate the edge of his eiii-mation. A diftaflfuU preiudice againil: fuch boiftcrous pro-cecdiug,as hceconceitsand calles it, begins to luIlLe out oi his aftcdions that former reuercnce, and hereupon you fliallhcarehimfcmetimesoutof a jpang of formalitit^, and lelfe-guiltinefle, breake out againli them to this (Qn9^ efpc-cially when hirafelfe hath beenclately flung andgaJled vpon the lore: tlioughltakefuchandfiich tobec well meaning and ho;]efl: minded men, and can. be content to. heare them now and then; jxt me thinkes they marreall wttlitoo much iudgement, and prelUng the law with that peremptorineflc and rigour. Idoenothke that they Hiouldafliime andex--crcife fiichfeueritieaudimpcrioufnefle ouer meiiscooicieu-cts. Thcfc- particularapplications,andfeactiingiiugX)-tf»f mens linnes,tafle too much ofinalice and pxiuate raienge. I will fl:andvntoit,tliisdodriueofdiflereacir\ginea&ft)u:i-tuallfiates; ofperfedionsattaineableiatheJDtaie^viiir^^e-' neration ; and :}iow.£irre.a reprobate a3a)j;go.e,a^cjLy'^^^f d^ajntd, isafcle to driue men to defpaire. Tjfcy^fo .bicarej N -■ - - them-j

Kyi r>ifc$tirfe of trite happineffe.

themfclues, in their Sermons, and ftraiten the way to hea-iicn; asthough none flioiild bee raued,but theBrethrcn,and ^ thofc Chriftiansfasnow by an excellei'cy,they call oneano-thcr)that reach iuft the fameftraine oFpuiity and piedfenes which they in their fancifull abftrac^ionseredaboucthe or-dinaiy. Well, well, let them looke vnto ir, by fiich affrighting points as thefe, and dif-heartningthc people with ftar-fiilllentencespthey may make fiich wounds in weaKe cnnfci-enceSjthatallthe Balm in Gilead,pci haps the precious bloud ofChriftwHlneuer after-rcHiiic, orbindc vp and cloTe with , comfoitj&rc.

I I would not for a world of goUlgiue any iliadow of iufti-fication, or lead allowance, tothcvnfeafonabk terrifying of I any trcmbh'ng coifcicnce: God forbid. Jt were prodigious cruelty to powre the wine of wrath and hoirc-nr into the rnournfuU groaningsofa briiifedfpirit.lt were a curfed cure ' & that hand was hewed out of the hardeft rocke, which can I endure toapply a biting corrafiue taa bltcding foule. As I I dare notvpo penalty of anfwcrablenesfor the blood oftheir fouIes,cry,pcacc,peacCito vnholy men,w^re they gods vpon earth ^ or promifcpardon and pleafurcin another world, to any thatncj^fles and nuzzles hirhfelfe fenfuaiiy and fecurely in an earthly PaTadife,wcre he an Angel ofhcauenclb I infinitly dcfifc toconney the watmcft blood that euer heated the hart ofChrift^thc fwc.tcft Balme that euerdropt fromthe pen of iheblcfled Spirit,vpdnthe lacred Icaues of the Booke oflife; "the deareft mercies, that euer rould together the relenting bowels of Gods teiidereft companions, into euery broken ■and wounded'heart-.Toraspromifesoffeluationtoa world-Hng,arc like honour toa foolcfo terrors ofthe Law,to atru-ly humbled penitait,are as fnow infunrma*,and rainc in har-ue{>,botli,bbth vnfeomely and vnfeafonablc.

And I hope all tiie wife Ambaffadours ofOod,make con-iciencc ofa feafonable reuealing vnto the fonnes of men, that highefl;and trafifcendetit excellcFrcie oftheir Maftcr his mercic. Many glorious txprcflGotis and rcprefentations whereof, purpolely ftampcdby his owne hand, doe fliine

moft

C// i)i[c6urje bftrue ^appinejje.

173

mod oricijtly and vifibly, to euery vnderftanding eye, both in this and the other world,iafinitIy beyond all created com-preh^nfions; in all the paflages of his Booke; in thofe ioy-fullPa'accsofHtaLien; in the many capitall chara(5ler$ of hisgoodncflcandboiintie^which wecmayrunneand rcade in cueryleafe, and pagcandhne of thisgreat Volume of Na- j ture, round about vs; in theltour-cly compafTions to his ; creatures J ii-uhofe Angelicall guards about his chaf en; but j principally, and farreaboue all conceit either of man or Au-gell, inthepallionofhisSoane. And thefe three occafions: lefpeciaily cxail from them a dilcoucrieofthisbottomlefle deptli.

I. When they open vnto their people his diuinc Attri-butes,aiid vnfold with fobrietie the incomprehcnfibknene of hi^s Being; Mercie then is to march the iirfc, i'o farreand in thatfenil-jas infinitie admits precedencie,and to take vp her ftatc inthchigheit Throne; as the faireft flower in his garland of Ma-ieitic, the brightert ray that ifllicsoutof that vn- , !?.pprochablehght, thekuclieftltmmethatcrovvncs allhis I boundkflc, immeaiui able,impcrial: glory. |

2. Secondly, i4i their ordinary dilcoueries of the dam-' r.abltncfleof mcj-is{lates,and thole endlefle woes which are treafurcd vp for them againft the day of wrath, they mult wirdy mingle ibme lightnings of the Gofpell wi!:h the thundi ingsoftht Law ; fome vks ofcomfort, wichtbofe of confufion j luaikcs offiuccre. PiofefTors,. wj.th theit diftin-(5liue charadcrs of the many foits of vn regenerate men; coi dials ofcompatlion,, withcorrafiues ofterrour. When they are driuingdelptratefinncrs,,by their denunciations of iudgement, towards the brinke oFdefpaiievthey muft flitad into theij finkingfouksfome glimpfe&cfmercy, vponCondition oFamenc^nent, and hopes of pardon, in call of peni-tencie. Hopelelle health doe curioufly a{-fii<fl themfclucs with much aSldcd borrour and imaginarie hells-: which if Satan onceiee,hLeplicstheaduantagcwithal;l the-cMftinei-ics and cruelties of hell: Hce prefently by hisaccurfcd Al-chymie, will turnethe leaft finfull vaniticintoa cryii>g vil-

N 2 lanie :

£X3(1 J4,

\-

t^ Difc&urfe oftrtteha^fineffe.

lanie; aberrations ofyoiith, into (carlet abominations; c-iie-ry tranfgrefnon againft light of confcience,into fi inc againft the Holy Ghoft. In fiich a point of fpirituall cxtrcmitie,hec doth ftrongly liiggeft, andiseager toperiwade aman, that though the armrs of Chrill", and gates of grace ftand wide, open for entrance and cinbracement, vntill the Sunne of the naMJiall life be let; yetin this cafe, thecaleisa!tercd:for thepcriodofhis gracious day, and turne or timeofvifita-' tiori is expired, and already paft: that though the blood of the vnfpotted Lambe, vpon repentance, laucd euen the foules of thofe that fpilt it^ yet it belongs not to him : though thepromilesofiife, in the word of truth, be made vnto vSjWitnoiitHmitationoftime, or exception of finnes; yet hec hath no part in them, his name was neucr writ in fhc' Booke oflif*, he is out of the decree ofeledion, he ftands re probate vnto thecouenant of grace, &c. Miniflers then, lb j ( Hiuch as m them lies, muft meete with this malice of Satan, \ and labour by all meanes to prelerue and maintaine the life of hope, and poITibiHtie of pardon, in heauieheaircs,amid theirgreateft horror. If there bee no hope of being recciutd to grace, there will bee no defiretoreturneintotheftateof gi-ace. They muftbeetaughtand forewarned, thatthereare two wayesjout ofthe dreadful! vifitations ofconrcience,and the perplexed ftraitsofavexedmindc: they may cither follow/W/fer the curfedfl: man that euer breathed, from horror to the halter; and fo poaft after him out ofthe hell of a de-fpairingconfcience5tothe hell of fire and brimftone, burning for euer before the throneof God ; which God forbid ; oi-elfethry may trad Chrift lefus, blclTed for euer, by his bloody drops vflto the Crofle, which is the right path, and asGod wouldhaueit. Ifthey take the firft,athou(and times better ncucr to haaebeene; for they diilionour the Maieftic ofHeauenin thehighcftdegreeimaginable, by dilroabing God ofthe brighteift beamc of his gbrie, his mercie; and they wilftilly aadfenfeleflydamne their foules and bodies in theloweft dungeGi>ofthe bottomleffe pit,in the verylamc tQomc with that incarnate dciiill the betrayer of Chrift

But

K^ Difc0urfe of true hafpnefft.

175-

But if they take the fecond, they are bleft that euer they were borne. Naier did tender-hearted mother (o fweetcly lull her deareft infant in her bofome and ai'mes of lone after a fall; as the Sonne of Gcd doth in fiich acafe bend his bru-fedbody, eucn to the exprelTion of bloody drops,with loue-lieftimbraccments and companions, to heale and bindvp fuch broken hearts. Nay,in his ef1:een>e(this \s onely a pearle fottrne Penitents, let no 1 wine trample vpon it, or ftranger ttakeit vp) his precious blood is made (as it were) more precious and orient, by coutringcrimronfinnes, ifa ground be fiiflfonndly laid with tearcs of true repePitancc. And God himfclfcis thereby lingularly glorified, ^vbo then longs the moft to iliew mercy, when itis neereft to be vtterly defpai-red of. Oh 1 hce holds himfelfe mightily honoured, when a poore foule miferably mangled, and hewed and hackt vpon, 'by Satans malice and wounds of (inne, comes bleeding and weeping to the throne of grace, for pardon and comfort. He cannot poHibly bee better plca(ed;hee thinkcs nothing too) dcarc for fuch an one j were it a draught of the hearts-blood i of his o vvne Sonne ; be it the delicious C^fanna of his deareft; mercies, or the moftrauifhing comforts of that blefTed Spi-' rit. Oh ! faith he, out of a pang of that loue, which brought ' Chrifl lefus from his bofome, into the bowels ofthc earth; Oh 1 laith he, 0 thou a^ithdandtoffed'^ith temvefi, that haji £(3 -naeemfort I behold^ V'^ill lay thy jt-oms with tne CarhtiKcle^ \ 12. andUythyfotmdation With Safhirs, andIWi/lmake thy W>i»- 1 dowes of E'/xeralds, a/?d thy gates fitningflones, and all thy borders if^kafamflones. That is, I will turne thy depths of forrow, into fcas of comfort; thy bitter teares, into fpirituallJ triumphs; thy former honorsinto heauens ofioy. I will fill thy heart with thofe vnmixed pleafiues, which no man fhall I rake from thee: thy confcience with peace that paflcth all vnderftanding ; thy Growne of life with ("hining gbry, which thy v-tmoft conceit cannot poITibly/comprehend. At tiich atimc he puts on (as it were) his Imperiallroabes, his foabes offt^e; and nfethvp with great maic(lie into his highefl and moft glorious Throne, to grace aiid horiour,that

N 5 I may

kA Difc0Hrfe of true happmefe.

I may Co fpeake,that happic match and marriage of an humbled foule vflCo his cfnly Son.He feafts thofe piirtrfpfritSjthc blefled Angels, with.*K:traordinaryioy,triumphant H^llelu-iahsy and new fongs oiPcongratulation, at the folemnization ofthoic facred iV«/»/*<«//. So naturall and plcafing to the incomparable fweetcneflc of his mereiftiU difpofitionjis flicw-(ing of compadion andpardoningdf finnes. j 3. Thirdly-; the molt naturall and proper obie(5l of Gods ipietic and commiftration, is a br^en and contrite fpirit. j True penitents onely, arc perfons rightly qualified for the pardons of heauen. And therefore the choileitand chiefeft I leafon of all, for the Miniftcrs of-God toraine downe re-frefliing flowers of mercy from the Ihrone of Grace, is, when mens hearts are (as it were) cbapt;and drie with true-hearted Ibrrow, and flieddingteares for firi^Cj forelyIcorcht' and wafted with fenfe of that deuotiring wrath, which is a conHiming fire; and eagerly gafpe for grace, as the parcht and thirfty land for drops of rame. Oh hevp faire a thing u mercy in the time of anguijh and trouOleXIt it liks a cbud of [rainethatcommethikithe time of a drought. Let the power I ofthe Law firft breake and bruife, which is a neceflary pre-paratiue for the plantation of grace; and then powre in (and (pare not) the moft precious oyle of the fweetcft Enangeli- \ call comfort. But many, very many marrc all, with milting this methode : either for want of (andification in them-felues, or skill to manage their Mafters bnfincflfe; either by rcafon of their feniing the time, or fociety with good fel-lowes, as they call them, or the like: they audacioufly blede" with cowardly filence, or accurfed flatteries, where God himfelfedothcurfe: and all their-life long, purpofcly ipill many a golden viall of the well of life, andkrgeft doles of gracious promifes,vpoii ftonie hcartsand formall Pharifes. 'Our dcarc Redeemer, that great Minifter of the Gofpell, and Mediatour for mercy, teacheth another leflbn, and told vs When he was vpon earth, thatthe Lord had anointed him : Ef*.tf i.x. whereanto ? to preach good tidings: but to whom ? vnto Luk.4.f 8. the pGore, to binde vp the broken-hearted, to preach deli-

uerance

c^ Biftonrfe 6f true hafpinefe.

177

iicrancctothe Caprfues,tO'C<'>mfoitall that mourne, to fet at liberty them that are bruiied; to pat a fairer flame into the fmoaking fiaxe,and more ftrength into the bruifed reed; to take offvvith hisowne hoiyhand, the burthen from the backe of all thofe that groane vnder the waight of their (ins, and to corle their fainting Ibiiles with his fauing and facred blood. Bruifedrpirits and mournfiillfbales onl>varecapable | of the comforts of grace and diuine companions. The wife 1 AmbafiadoursofGodthcn, may be bold in this point; they ' hkCSi hane the ir warrant vndcr the Broad Sealc of the King of | Heauen, and commilTion from the Oiliceofliis Sonne: if | they ([\-\diC that the Miniflcry of the Word hath wrought 1 true rcmorfc; and that the hammer oftlie Law hath ftrucken thorow the rebellious Icynes of prophane obftinacy, and the iron (inewes of fenfual pride; ifthcy meet with hearts toucht to the qaicke,and confciences ranfackt to the bottom-there, there, let them plieit with mercies, andfweetely lull fuch weary foalcs in the foftcft armes of tenderncfle, reft, peace, i and allhcauenly delicacies. A concurrence of their beft eln-4 quence, feruentcft prayer,fpirituall experience, and compaf- j donate feelir,g,is too little to comfort in fuch acafe.Letthera . let fuch mourners in Sion ki-iow, that if they waitebut alit- . tie with patience,Jongi.i]gs, and thofc vnuttcrable grooiKS,' in the Word oflife and truth;they fhallhaue cafe,and drinke the ir fiis outofthc riser ofthf pleafures of God. Yet a very little whilcjand hethat lliall comc,he will come and will not tarrie; andwhenhee comes,he w'ill bring with him.a pardon writ by Gods owne hand, with the blood of Chrift, and feale itvnto their fbules by his fpeciall fancflifying power, •witbru.<:haftrong and euerlaftingrmprelTion, that neither man nordeuill, the ftrength olhell, or length of eternity^ ,'fliall tucr be able to vnloofe.

Thcfe things ar.efo: Gods McfTengers-are Miniftcrs of mercy, infiich points as 1 liaucpointcd at: but yet for all thisjtheformall Hypocrite muft not carry it away fo. For the truth is, formallProfeflburs cenfurQ with fuch feueritie, and fretting: and with much difdaine and indignation cry

u

i^ Difc0nrfe of true hjiffineffe.

out againfl: prdTing the Law, and preaching of iiid gements; particular piercing apphcation, and torturing merisconlci-eiices with amazements and fcare; becaufe ( if a confciona-blecourfc of preaching gocfo> currant) they are caft and condemned; and if the way to heauen bee (biiarrow, (as in-dcede itis, if Chrifl: lefus bee ofany credit with thcm)they muft neuer come there, except m the meanetime the}' come ontotheforwardnefle of the Saints^ and thattnie-hearted hohnefle, without which no man (liall euerfeethe face of God.Hence it is,that htC\d&s their ownfecret difl:afte,and rc-ludation, they labour with much prophane and boyfterous oppofition to bring the ftithfulleft Paftours of Gods people into difgraceand dif-accountj as though they were fellowcs of furious fpiritsjfonnes onely of thunder and Iightning;Do-(flors of defpairc, and vnmercifiiUdifpenfersofdamnatioxi, Nay, ordinarily thefe menexclaime with more difcontent ( and clamour, againft preaching ofiudgements for fiiine,thcn notorious finncrs: for thefe many times C out of a iki\(^^ of their guiltincfTe, and with an ingenuous acknowledgement) confeflethemtobeciuft.'butput them off with a flattering prefumptuous conceit thatGod is merciful!; or referuation to repent hereafter, or with a purpofe for the prefent to become new-men, though fuch holy motions are foone after drowned in the prophanereuellings ofgood-felIowlliip:but the other out ofa proud errour, ofmiftaking their fpirituall ftates,and Pharifaicallconfidence, iuflifie themfelues; and would gladly perfwade their hearts, that inward aftonifli-mentsandapprehcufionsof terrourin fuch cafes, arife rather from the diftempered terrifying zeale of the Preacher, and vnfeafonable prefling of iudgement, then from the fting of their guilty confcieiices, and inuifible finger of avi angry and difpleafed God.

To deale plaincly,this is the very true caufc of their impotent out-cries and complaints, tliat thefe precifer Preachers come ftill with nothing but damnation and vengeance:' out of their fbwre and imperious aufterity, caft nothing but wiId-fire,brim{toBc,and gunpowder, into the confcicnces of

men.

Lyi Difcourfe of true happmeffe.

men, and take the ready way to driucthemto defpaire : Whereas God knovves, if they were fitted for mercy j would they rubmitthenaturall pride of their gHilcfiill hearts, with humility and vnreferuednes to the foiicraignty of the Word, and fioiplicitic of the Saints ; they would with all their hearts powre whole Oceans of fofteft oyle into their wounded fbules, and fill their bruiled fpirits with a ioyfu(Iconfiu-enee of all the precious fufferings of Chrifl,pi"omifes of life, comforts of grace, mercies of God, and ioycs of heauen. What comfort in the world can any Minifler haue in vexing mens confciences,and (lauding at (bues end with the whole world ? but that they dare not (fur the life of their fcnle) be falfeto their great Lord and Soueraigne; and doe heartily thirftto draw thcif brethren out of hell, and to fane their immortall fbules out of thofe eucrlafting flames. To conclude the point, they caftvnto themfelues in the mould of their worldly wifedome, a religious mediocritie; and pitch with refolution and fecuritie vpon a meafure of profefTion and degree of zeale, compatible with their maine carnall contentment; and that muft bee a competent ftiiJiciency of holinefle for heauen, and feruc their turnc for faluation. Which glorious formalitie, if Gods McfTenger out of a zealous impatiencieagainft luke-warmenes,tranfgrcfle andcen-fiire,and fquarc not with an exad proportion all his refolu-tionsand applicationsfr©m the WordthereuntOj he fpeakes in their fenft, cither not to the pnrpofc, cut of priuate humour, or too imperioufly.

Thefe diftempered boyfterous exclamations, or at lea^^ fecret impatiencie and fretfuInefTe againft confcionablept^ fing tlie Law, andiuft denouncement of iudgements for fin| is a comraonmarke to the formall Hypocrite, with all foits of vnregenerate men; and conftant propertieof all thefons ofv^^^rfw, while they yet lie foftly repofed vpon their beds of pleafurc and bate to bee reformed, for liich caufes as thefe:

I. Theythinke themfelues all the while arraigned at the barre of God. Their gauled confcicnces cry guiltie.

The

o^

Difcourfe §f iruehappmgffe.

The found offeaie and cries of vengeance arc in their cares, & their hearts ftrokenthorow(vvith flaiiifKhorror}trcm'3lc as the leaucs of the forreft that arc lliakcn with the wind ■• except they haue pauedthem with obftinacie and Atheifine, and made them like the high wayes, and Satans ordinary roade.

2.They haue no fiielter vnder the fliadow of the moftHigh nofuccourvndcrthcwingsof Chrift, from the plagues of God,andcurfesoftheLaw.Tbey cannot yet pleadeany pri-Hilcdgeorprotedion by the blood «f. the Lambc, from the poifon^ fling and cndleflie vengeance ofthofe woefiiUiudge-ments and cutting confufions, which arc iuftlypreft vpon then- guilty coiifciences, for their vnmortified lufts.

5. If the whole counfell andiufl wrath of God bee fairh-ffiUy and impartially ript vp and reueai.ed againfl them in thiskindej.theAngelicall dclufions of Satan, and the dam-nablenefie of their prefent condition will bee clcarely difco-ueredvnto their confciences. For a feafonablejaad finccre diuifion of the Word of Life and Truth,doth piercingly, and powerfully diuide betweene the Soule and the Spirit, the ioynts and the marrow, andneuer eitlieriuflrfiesany vnrc-gcncrate man, or condemncs the iuft. And therefore hee tliat refls either in the flate of notorioufiiefle, or meeic ciuill boncfty without any addition offupernaturallandfauing gracejor groffe hypocrifie,or Apoftacie,orluke-warme pro-tcffioDjOrany other decree ofvnregeneratien, fhallbe fure (if hee Hue vnder acot?S:antandconfcionable mcancs) now andthcntprecciue a'flirewd knockc vpon his guilticcon-kki'^ct by the hammer of the LawJromthe handof a faith-fiillTeacher;whichcannot.chufebutgoe full heauie vnto bis heart, except it be feaied vp by the fpirit of flumber with obduration,and. fenfclefnefleagainfltheday of venpeawcc; and muft needs marrc his mirth, and all pleafiires of earth, with a mofl bitter dreadful! mixtureof flamfh fcare^andap-prchenfions of Hell.

4. Preacbing, and prefllng the Law, is principally either fordciedliou of the heart with remorfe foi: finne, or dire-1

dtion

L^ Difeourfeoftrue hAfpm(fe.

dion of the life by rules ofgi^ce: they can endure and digcft neither. i J. Thcirconrcicnccsordiiiarily are eueffreifh bleeding, j and ftill gauled with too violent ftretching and inlarge-j'ment, and with the hard (itting oftheir bofomc-finneat the -^1 leaft: and theieforcthey eafily grow rehidtantandrageftill, \ when they are grated vpon by the Searching pow-er-ofan j hoIy,and {bule-{auingfeucritie;and vexed to the qwicke with [the particular difcouery of their hypocrifie, and digging j into their linfuU fores. Hence it is, that many times proud [andprcphine menfaftenvpon'thebc'ft Minifters, cuenfor Itheirfaitlifyhuflcin Minifteriallduties, the verieftdunghill [ in'drg!Ticies( paidonthephrafe, it cxpjeffeth nothalfe their '; vilenefle ) and foukft inhumanities, that the moft contemp-/ tible bafencfle, and extremeft malice eanpoHibly dcuife, or |an ir>gtnuous Pagan think evp&n, without a great deals of [indignation. Thoufpcaktftfalfely, iay all the proud men ) vnto bkffed leYcmie, when hee bad ended his thundring and thrcatningSermonagainft them: Ierem.-43.2. Then jpake '■z^zAriah the Jottne cf Hojh^tifih^ attd lohanan the fonne of Korean, andAlltheYfoudmen, [Ajingto lerenriah. Thau lie ft „ Execrable blalphemicjprodigious viHanie :Duft and aflies, nay, incarnate Dcuiis, to g'lue the lye, by confcquent at the jUaft, (I fpeake it not without honour) to God Alm.ightie.' I'And aboue others, great men ( without grace) finde preach-I ing the Law mod painfully to their propbane hearts:becaufe ; they haue the greateft power and pleafures, and indeed their j portion in t-his world. Hence it was, that when lehndi lere. 15<5.2 5. had read three or foure leaues of thole cutting Sermons of comminations, and cnrfes again ft ludaand Ifrael I the King ftampt, and raged, and cut the roule with the pcn--knife, andcaft it into the fire that was on the hearth, vntill; ■ all the roule was confumed in tlie fire that was on the hearth. I And that AmaKinh difchsrged Ames of the CoHrt, and fi-lenced him from fpeaking any more in tlie Kings Ghappell, I Amos 7.13 • And that, xhsx. vnhappie FeltXy when P^tul op-.{)o{ed, and applied to his coiietous, carnal!, andcarelcfle hu-i mour.

o/ I>ifcmrfe eftrue happine(fe.

mour a terrifying diicourfe of rightcoiifncfTe, temperance, andiudgementtoconie,ciithim off in the current of his rpeech,anddirmifthimvntoa more conuenient time, and betterleafure,A6l. 24.26. So loth are prophanc great Ones to bee troubled in confcience, and tormented before their time.

2. A fecond cafe, wherein this reuerence, which may fbmetimesbee found in the formall hypocrite to Gods faith-full Meflcngers, changethinto heart-rifing againft them, is; when by the fearching power of the Word, they hane fin-gled out his bofome-fmne, and hauc it in puriuitc and chafe, with all thofe fierce and fearefuU armies of deuouring plagues, and ccrtaine vengeance wkich dog it at the heeles. Hce can digeft well enough, with good attention and pa-tiencCjthe debatementofa Controuerfie, or Common-place^ approue and applaude gcnerall di(cour{es,andvnfcarching Sermoiis 5 efpecially if they tafte fomething extraordinarily of fulncfle of reading, or fineffe of conceit; be made vp with i'omc. afft;Aed mixture of choifeft humane learning, and commend to the eares of the Anditorie, thecxceffeandex-cellencieof fome rarer naturall parts. His heart may fomc-timrscuendaunceand leapc within him for ioy, not without foaic outward vifible reprefentations, when he fhail hcarc the infiniteaeffeof Gods mercie j vnualuablencflfc of Chrifts blond fhcdiprccioufneife of thepromifes oflife ; vn-concciueabler^efle of thofe pleafures aboue, and fiich other points of exultation and comfort, with a paffionate and poweifull eloquence exprefled fomething to the life, and feelingly craplified. Although fiich inward tranfitorielightnings in him, fpring not from the fpeciall appr^henfion of a'lytrae; rcaUintcreft in thofe ioy full tidings; but from the naturall moouingnefle <if the matter, or the vanilliing flaflies ofatemporaric faith, orthelike. Nay, yet farther, hee may tolerate with real bnable contentment and eafe, the zealous exagitation of other hatcfuU villanies ; the difcoiierie and damnation ofany other corruption : fb that onely his darling pkaiiu'e be kt alone; his mafter-fm not meddled with.

Let

183

'Let vsruppofethefinneofhis bofome, to bee the briitiiK pleafures of viiclcaiinefle; andtbat to him it is aa cai thiy Pa-i I'adifCjto feet'.'! his rageffull luft \viili.greedinefle and deh'ght, ( at leaftvpon fpeculatiue wantonnefTe and adulteries oFthe heart : Now in this cafe, if the Miniftersof God oiK'ly for-bearetobeate vpon this point; if they take-heede that they touch not this lore ^ they may be bold at their pleafure, ino-therdenunciations ofterroiir, and cake liberty (witli. his good leaue) to purfue other finnes, with as great zeale and deteftatioB as they will. They may tell the mercilefle Vfu-rer that heisinfamoiyfly guilfy of that fimie, of which a con-ucrted lew, an honeft Heathen, or tolerable Tnrke, would bealLamedaiidremorfcfoll j'ftigmatiied hy ioynt-confent of charitable hearts, and ftrongefl current of beft Diuinitic, with a brand ofextraordinary hatefijlneflc,hard-heartedncfle and cruelty: which at this day doth fLrewdly Hiake the ftrong finewes of this g{ eat Kingdom e,- -like a Fretting canker, with aplaufibleinuifiblC'Conrumptionjdcth daily wafte the ftates, fiicke the blood, and eate the liues ofmanypoorc diftreflcd Ones in this laiid j filstownes and Cities with vh-profitablcperfons, and the ^Country with miferics and inhumanities. Nay, and letcarnallrcafon, cowetoirs humours, fupcrciiious, obftinate imperioiTfneire fret and contradidt, rage, and reclaime as long as they will itofetafkle prouoca-tion of Gods plagues, andconiideration ofpiety jeueii in the fenfe of nature, and morall confcienee, it eafts anafpcr-fion of inexpiable fhamc and dillionour vpon the ancient glory of this incomparable Citie. It is very flrangc, that liich rauenoiis Harpies and Vfurious Vultures ( for loeucn Paganifme failed them by the light ofreafon ) £hould auda-cioufly rouft efpecially on high, in the Eagles neft,this Im-( 'PcriallGroue andfe'ate ofMaieftie^IThey may tell the Drun-j kaid,thatheisavoluntarieDeuilI, the commoa iliame of nature, the gi eat reproch and prodigious difgrace of man-, kindc; that by turning himfelfe into a barbell or a beaft,-doth ( with intolerable indignity ) rwinifhlyouerturnejand <iHanimate that noblefl thing, next vnto an Angelical! na-

ture

lliMI I I

I.&C.

I-

Pro 14.28. Ecckl, 5*8.

t_^ Difcenrfe of true bappmejje.

ture, the vnderftandiiig power of the foule, which the hand of God by a royall lelfe-rcfemblance hach mofl vndefci-uedly ftamped vpoii him. And for vvhichf without timely rc-pentance)he will turne hercafterinto the vilcft and mofl tormented creature, next vnto the Diuell 6<i the damned fpirits. 1-tt him got on a whKc in his fwaggeriiig Immour, and out of an accurfed galiaatrefle of a f corniefuU fpirit, crowne himielfe with RGre4Hids, in this fpring of his firength to powre-in ftrong drink; let himdrowne hisouerhcated iiage, hismdancholike fits, dumps of ladiicfle, indecde fometimes the ftingirog bitingsof that gnawing-wormc,which is br( c-diag in his confcience ( except Satanshoteiron hath feared it vp; ) let him, I fay, drowne thele diftempered and peccant humours ofgood-fellowfliipi in Ale-houfes, Tai;erns, the Pcft-houfcs of Players, and in other fuch fiirfous Con-'uenticles ofboyfteroulhcfreand vanitie: yet let him know, that if hee goe on, his day is comming ; he (liall bee lliortly drunkewit/iawitiienejheefliallbedninke, but not with wine; he (hall dagger, but not by ftrong drinke j he (hall be druiike euen with the wrath and vengeance of God j and fpue and fall, and ncuer rife againe. A number of featcfuU woes (kand rcgiftrcd againft him by the miniftery of the Prophets; let him tearethofeleaues out of Guds bookc, and truth from the (acred pen of that neuer-ci ring Spirit ; or elfe nffbrcdly they iljall all light vpon all^'mpenitent drunkards, I Lotlicvtmollcxtr^mitieandleafbrparkeofthofe euerlafting fiames j as fure as Godisin heaucn, cuW'cs in His Booke, I drunkards vpon carthj.and plagues in hell. They may tell : the depopulating Inclofefjtliat he isfai re worfe then a rob-tingmiirthereron Shooters hill-for bc(ides the villanous deftruilioMofGods people, and the Kings fubiccl^lsi the intolerable wcakning of the ftxength, and glory of this King-dome, in a very hie and horrible degree, (for the wifeft King that eiicr lined bath told vs, that rhf hmottrofA King is m thg mMltitude offeofle^ and. that the King confiJiethOj the /f/<^/Wft>/»/W)fo that depopulation, and decay of tillage, thecurfedbroode of bloody Inclofiu-e, are very cut-throtes

of

of M2ieft:"e,andconfufion offtatesimperiall; and I dare fay, ; fcttingafidi; the prouocation of duiine vengeance, they hold \ a ftrong counter-motion and oppcfition? to founder policies I offtate,andwifcrdepthscfMonarchy- I fay.befidcsthcfc I piiWike mifchiefes, this -mair- eating CaymbdU doth as I farrefurpaffe the blood-fucker by the high way, in infiidi-on of tortures, as a Spanifli Inquifitour an ordinary hangman • the one difpatches a man in a moment, and puts him outof hispaine vponthe f«dden;theothernddesIeifureand lingring to a dying life, and liuing death, that men may f^ele they ^\^' Certainely it were farre more mercifiill and toJe-rablc,thatfuch oppreflTingGiants fhould knock thofepoorc people in the heads in their houfcs, before they turnethem out ofthcirancicnthdine;then fo cruelly expofe them to be wafted by little and little, and by degrees to bee deuou^ red ofmifery and want: WlTichisakindcofdeath,asfa;rc 'more mcrcileflc and tormenting then the former; ashang^ ing in chaines aliue, then beheading. They may tell tlie Swearer, that he already fpeakes the language of Hell, and therefore his naturall place is that infernallpit. That the oath isnofooneroutdfhis mouth, but -hee is Kke a thiefe condemned to the gallowes, and weiring his halter ready tcbe hanged; fo fpeakes an holy Father, nay, in a thouland times more cur fed cafe, for tffo fa5h^ fentence of cndlcffc |<lcath is paft vpon him, by that highcft ludge, wliich will holdnomanguiltlefle that takes his name in vainc«. With what face will our defperate fwaggerers bee able to boke Chnft lefus in the face at that great and fearefiill day ,• or for.pardon in his paflion, fith they haue fo mafy times dyed their tongues red in that precious blood, by their bloody oathes; and with iteration of more then Icwifti cmelty, fo often recrucified the glorified body of the Sonne of God with their damned bla(pheraies ? They may terrifie the rich Ones of the world with thoie flaming words of the Apo-^le ; Coe t» wW, yee rich mett^^'eefe andhowle farjonrmife-ries that Jhall come vpott yopt. tour riches are corrupt, and your garments are mothre^teH: jcur gold md fritter it cankered.

165;

I«m,Y;ia.

(^ Difcmrfe aftpne happineffe.

I King.

XX*

iMacc.

red,andthert{fl ofthemfhallbfa mtneffe agninfljou, fmdffsdl ^teyottrfljjh ^ it rv^refirf : j?e hane heaped vp trea/ur-efor rhe Lrfi dajes.. Am^ vvith that other dreadfiilldoome,! Cor. 6.y.. No coiierov.t< man fhallGiier come into the kingdwnc of God. They may tell thcperrcciitor.'? ofthe waycs of God, that though in the meane time they domineere with vnap-jTCafable inlbleneies ouer the fincerity ofthe SaintSj and profper fora whilein the pafl[agesofl)loodjyet their damnation ilecpes not, tlie Lord will Hiortly pay them home with the bicod of wrath and bf iealoi)iie.vN<!)t long after that (tAhib had commanded the blefied Prophet C^fichaiafi to prilbnjthtTC to bee fed with bread of afflidion, and water ofaftii>5lion, were the dogges ^cd with his piiucelyf though pro}")hane)bloiid,in the poole o^Samaria, When ty^ntiocbm (to whole cruelty againft giacc,thcy arc all in fome degree accurfcd Annn^pes ) was riding poait towards lerufaleni, with bleed in his heart, murthcrin his hands, ajid threatcs in his mouth ;eueii then th^ Lerr^d Almighty ytbe G^d of I/ra~ t//wore him Wfth Ttn incuralfJe and inptifi^le fJogfteifo that rheivvrmes came out t)f the body 6fthU )X'ick^d man $n abundance., -and "^'h'ilcs bee '^Ai atiue^hisjleflyftHu^forpiiine and tdrmenr, and all hii Arrrtie Was griened atrhe Jmeli. They ihinke they cbe God worthy fei-iiicc,by fuppreflingthe power of his truth, and proFellion of zeale^bitt they are indeed thenotorionft champions for Satan ^nd the confufions of hell, that breathe vponiiie earth. Thus^and in this fort, may theMiiaifter ofGodpiX)ceed,andpuifue(\vith daiuiiciations <!>f GodsiiidgGments,and iuli indignation ) thcfeand fuch o-thercrim(bnji(!WDminations,and crying villanies of thelelaft and woifetimes, which doamongft vsat this day,with prodigious im^indeiicy, and whcrifh fore-heads very fcarefully tuenoiitfacetheSxiniTC, andbandthemfelues with an high hand againift the Maiefty of Heaucn : and that with the good attention, patience, approbation, and ( perhaps )ap-platrfe ofthe formall hypocrite. And the rather, becaufe: hec thi»ks,thatiicitherthe<worM abroad doth ceiifurehim with opaiinfaraieivnor fb'miTch as the conceits of the prcfent

hearers,

—ni l imtm a*

K^ Difcoffrfe of true happiaefe*

187.

hearers,by thefecretapplication/ufped himforanyfuch /irt neithcr,it may bee, doth ht c indeeci feck the current of his carnallaftcdionsrunncthat \vay,orth€ fenfuall additions of his heart fb endeared to the wicked picafures thereof.. Butcameonceto ths difcoucry and damnation ofluftful-neflejwhich we fiippofe to be his beloncd and bofome finne; and let that terrifying Text, Heb. 13.4. Whoremon^erj dwd adttltertrs^ed^'iHindge, bee preft vpon his confcietice particularly, and V;'ith power; and then he begins to, iiartleand ftirrc,andtotake on with much inward repining and di-fta ft fill! indignation. For hee isvextatoncewiththefmait of an iniiifible fting for that finfull pleaiiire, which is the d^rli g of his fenfuall delights, many times much dearer then life itfelfe;an<i if it be noifed and knowne abroad, _ with fenfe of publike iliame ; which mainelv crofTes his ambitious Pharifaicallthirft after plaufibleneflc and acceptation . 'With the vvoridjand his vaincdefires for theattainement ofa' Clu iftian reputation, anddifpenfacion to continue in a fcan-idalousfinne; ofa good opinion from the beil men, atid a faiiit-hcarted inconformity to the belt things; which are t uervncapable of concurrence, or compoiTibility. A pow-crfull Miniftery pregnant with fpiiituall penetration and i life, and managed with the feeling eloquence offomeMwI Baptifl^ or Sonne of thunder, uiay for a time ftirrevp and a-muze his duller and vuzealousapprehenfions with its maie- | ftie and diuinenefle; (b that hee may heaie him gladly, not I witbrutfome admiration and applaufe; refotme his wayes in may things, afttr his religious inftruftions; and reue- | reiicethe noblenefle of his relblutions, irr quitting himlelfe I like a man, in his Mafters bufinefle: but let once that man of^i God charge the edge of his fpirituallfwoid vpon thchtad |. of his pan tc;^iiar raigning finne; and with theftarching light' of the Word o^lii'c difcouer thatcorna-.of the bcait,w lure-in his darling pleafiire lurkes; and then heeis quite loft for auylongerlouethatway.;allis vttedy mard for any more ^xipedto Minifters. ofthat.ftraine. For carnallhearts har Uingnotme hopc.or rtall intcrcft,in.thofe fouhdand la-" O, ftiog

u^ Difcmrfe of true happmeffe.

ftingioycsaboue5canix>t without extraordinaric vexation, and impatiency, hear e of paitii^g from the pofle/Tion of the prefciitplcafiiresofthatfpeciallfinnei cfpecially, to whichf by an indiuiduall pronetieflcofnaturall corruption, fenriiall cnoice, and long cuftomc, they haue Beene longingly addicted, aiAd defperatdy drowned in.AIIhumane defiresare naturally very couctous of contentment; if they doe not feelingly tafte fpirituall, and that ofhcauen, they will reft vnrc-moucably vponcarnalland earthly; if they haue it not in the affuranceofaCrowne of life hereafter, they will in the mcanetime, reftkfly hunt after it, and grafpe it more greedily in the comforts of this life. Vponfuch occafion therefore, the falfe licart of tlie fbrmall hypocrite being thus pierced to the quicke by a particular aiid feafby.able difcouery ofitsfwectefmne, and vnrefblued to repent, and leaue it, doth prefently begin to diflodge by little and little all former hking of fiich a faithfuU Phyficion of the foule, (for his goodncffein this kindc, as all other ofeuery vnregenerate mans is, is like the moming dew, fuUofvwcertainties, in-conftanciesjiitefolutionsandreciduation.) The cold comfort he conceiues by Rich plainc dealing, doth quickly quench the formal! heate of his fonner affection. Tl>C inflamed zeale of the godly Miniller, in labouring partiailarly to cleaue his beloued finne from his bofomc by the fword ofth-e Spirit,dotheafily diflTohic his refemcd and temporary reucrence,into hatred.malice and contempt. For it fels out many times in this cafe, that if the c'onlcionableMcflcnger olfGod daily digge into, and dwell vpon his confciencc in (iichahcart-vcxinganddiflaftfull point; and Sabbath after Sabbath, Sermon vpon Sermon,powerfu!Iy prelTchim with the bitter fenfc and painefull cogitations of the curfednes of his preftnt condition, for continuing in his darling delight, being nowcleerclydifcouer^dvnto him by the light of the Miniftery, and peremptorily damned by the booke of life : he either tunics Chriitian vpon it, and happify pafTeth out offormallProfefTion, into theParadife ef Grace; which is fomething rare, becaufe he is refolued that he is in the right

_„^ Y^

t_x/ nifeeurfi bftrtte ha^ineffe.

i%9

way already: or elfe(whic!i is more ordinary)he afterward s prooiiesaPerfccutor; though not of Proteftancic in gene-ralli yet ofthe power f)fReh'gion,vnderthe name of pre-cifcnefle; and of that true-hearted holineflc,without which no man iMlcucrfec the Lords face, vnder the title ofHy-pocrifie. Foryoumuftknowthatainanmaybeea Patronc offauingtruthjawdyetaperfeciitor offaatftification J a Defender of our doiflrine, and an Oppreflbr of finccritic; an e-nemy to Poperie, anda friend to prophanenefle.So that cer-taine itis ( vpon thi«ocGafion, and admifiTion ofthc iriftance ^wherein I banc rnfifted } the formall hypocrite may come at length to that reprobate paflfe, and ragefull humour, thathee may cuen bitterly perfecute with flanders,dirgraces,andhis vtmoftof malice and reuengc, theconfcionablenefle of that man,and powerfulncflb of tbatMiniftery,whiclih£ hath formerly heeded and reucrenced. And commonly fuch a fellow afterward is tranfportcd with greater fpight, and more imaged with imaginations ofaucrfion and hate, againft the Preachers offiacerity, and Pradifersof Grace,then Profef-forsofGracelefnefle. For he which profcffeth the wayes of Godfalfcly, or formally, is ordinarily more bitter, violent, and cruell to a tme Chriftian, then Pagans and profeft Op-pofites. Pilatewzs more pittiiiilland kinde vnto Chrift, then ths Pharifes- Felix more fauourable and friendly to Pi^^x^^t^^ PauI, then the high Prieft. It were better bee a Gally-flatie &«j »• to a Turke then vnder ohe Spanifli Inquifition. I would rather fall into the bauds of a fwaggcring Good-fellow and notorionsfinner,. in a point of danger, or dilgrace j then-ftandtothe mercie of a formall ProfefloHr, and proud Phari-fie« Though the notorioivs finnerbee fiutherdiftantfrom the Chriftian in degrees offome kindes of goodntfle, (hen the formall Hypocrite ;yet many times he is not faoppofite in extremitie of malice and height of difdaine. Amonoft all foits ofdiftcrcnces,dif-afFcdions,andftrange antipathies; '( which by the deferued curfe of finne, mingle themfeluci^ with the natures and negotiations of the fonnes oltyidam,) there i^ none holds a fti'onger and more incompatible op- ^ ^ pofitiouJ

K^ B ifcetirfe of trnt happne(fe.

Efa.j.tz.

Prozza-i'

pofitlon aud diuorce,then that which is betwixt thofci who with confideMcc and peifwafion'they are right, take ci'ofle^ waycs towardsthe Kingdome of Hea«en. And therefore-the formall Hypocrite, tiiiniug Traitoiir totrae ProfpfTours^ doth many times take on. ai^drage more againft them, then the open and infamous C^cndsr.For this latter thinkcs him-felfewrong, and fometimes will not fticketo confefTe itj only comforts his heart in the meane time by making Godall ofmercie, and with a (ecrct rcferuation, and relbluuon, to repent hereafter: but the former, being dangeroufly wife in hisowne eyes, and pradent in hisowne fight for matters of faluation, llormesthatanymanflioiridGenfure him forvn-ibundnes of his fpirituall ftate;& is as refoliite he fliall gceto heauen,as well as thepiircfiand prccifcft of them all.Whicb grDiindlefTefelfe-conceit makes him both more miferablc-in himfelfe, and vncapable offaiiing gracc^ for there is more Pro ttf.w.i hope ofafoole-then of him that is wife in his ownc conceit; '' and though thou bray a foole in a morter, yet fhall not his-

folly depart from him: and alio more malicious againft the wayesoffincerityjandzcalefulnelleof the Saints; becaufe their forwardnefle condemnes his formality; and the gracious light of their holy life, clearely difccxers vnto him the truth of his fpiiituall darkcnefTe, and<lamna£ion of his pre-fentftate.

3. Thirdly, that reuercnce andrcfpeftflill carriage to godly Minifters, which may fometimes be found in the for-mall Hypocrite,dothgrow towardsdiflaft anddif-aftcdioii, when they prcfle them by the powerfull fenfc,and piercing application offome quickning Scriptures, toa "fcruencie in fpirit, ^ purity df heart, <^ precifenefie in their walking, «* fu-pernaturall fingularide aboue ordinaiy and morall perfe-(f^ions, excellency of zeale, and a facred * violence in pur-fuiteofthc crowne of life; to an holy ftriftnefle, extraordinary ftriiiing *^to enter in at the ftrait gate, and tranfcendent eminency ouer the fGrmallgrighteoufnefTe of the Scribes aud Pharifcs, to a ncerer familiarity with God, by prayer, daily examination of the confcieiKe, priuate humiliationsj

meditation

•Roin<s2« ti.

<> Pral.i4;4 Mat. f .8. x.loh.5.5.

re.

<*Mat.5;47-

cMat.ii*

aukl^>4

W«ifv&c. IrMacf.to.

c// Difieurfe of true happhfefp:.

I$i

meditation vpon the cndlcflfe duration in a feconc^Iifci tp a narrow watch ouer the ftirrings and imaginations of the heart,and expreffion of ^holineffc in all the paifl&ges ofboth their callings, zealoufnefTe as a counter-poyfon to the loth-fbme potion of*lnI<e warmnes, and to other iet and folenruie ^xerci/cs, of mortification, fandificd eleuations of feeling lj(earts,executions<)fgrace, and pradlifes offincerity^ Points ^ndpondcrations of which natuie, arc ordinarily vntohim h many fccret feedes of indignation and difcontentijient j ^nd many timesbreede in hi$ formall heart and Cold af^-^ions,exafperationandefl:rangcment.; if not meditations^ 4f perfeciitipn avid rciienge.Sanc5lification,precirenc;ftc,puri-^ ty, hcline(fe,ztale,ftri^ne(re, power ofgodrinefl'^,.Spirituail men, holy Brcthren,Saints in Chrift,communion ofChrifti-ans,Godly conferences, conceiued prayers, faniflifying the Sabbath, f amily-cxercifes, exerciie of falling, and mortifying humiliations, andfnch like; are commonly to men of this temporizing temper, and luke-warme conftitution, tcrmesoffecretterrour, and open taunting. Vpon fad and fblitary aduifement with their ownc fearefijll thoughts, they may iuftly ftrike thorow their hearts with iauifible tremblijig; btcaufe in their milder and fober moode towards Gods children, and calmer conceits of (andifiedi Gourfes, they muft needesconfcfle ( out of their certame knowledge ) that thefe glorious Attributes of the wayes of God, and honourable badges of the Saints, are the very language ofthe holy Ghoft in the Bodke of life, and the in(e--parable euerlafting Attributes of Chriftianity : and yet they <inde and fcele in their owne confcicnces, that their hearts Oandagainftthera, that they are neither true-hearted pra-^itioners, or partakers oftliem. Andibractimes alio wiien thefpiritofprophanefcomfulneffeagainft fincericy ftirres ia them, cfpecially amongft their o mpanions, and conforts in ipiritnallcoldneffcjthey villanoufl^ fportthemfelueswith ^hem, and make them the matter of their hateftiU and accur-fcd ieftsi t^iat fb they may keepe vnder, alUhey can, in dif«e-ftimation and contempt the faithfiillProfcffors and Pracli-

O 3 lers

^ I Pet. I*-,

r^i

y^ Difc$Hrfe of trttc happme/fe.

fersthereof, whom naturally they heaitily hate; andaUb feemetherdjy to beare otirthe heaitlcfle fiourifhes of their ownefcrmality with greater braiiery, Hereupi^nitis, that, if they take the child of God but trippingin the leaft infirmi-ticagainfl; which too (perhaps ) hcc ftriuesai?,d prayes with many tcares and heartftill eiaculations j flipping onely in ■fome vnaduifed and precipitant pa(Tage of his negotiations amongft men,and that (perhaps)not for wantof confciencc, but acquaintance with thevv'ofId; not with purpofe to offend, wrong, or grieuc any body;but for tirtioroufncffeof being iiifnarcd in the coozcning traps of couctous worldlings; failing butintheobferuationof fome ciuill ceremo-nie, andcomplementallobferuance, which hee omits (perhaps) not of iurlinefle and pride,bnt"for feare of growing in-totoo much vncomfortabLc neereneflfe, and vnwarrantable feruiceablenelTe to vnfandificd grcatnc'fle, orthelike; I fay, if they take him tardie but in iome fudi leflcr aberration, harild at length into their knowledge by the cords of malice, their ordinary Inte!ligenc€r,and Informer in fuch afi-aires, after much greedy watchful ncfle and curious prying into his wayes j or bytheblafting infufurrations offomc inuenonied fl^nderoustongue: G then they take on immeafurably, then they ay out and exclaime: Thefe arc your ra:n of the Spirit, thefe are the holy brethren,tliere are your precife Pep lowes, thefe are they which make fuch ("he w of purity and forwardnefleiyou lee now what they are, when matters come out, and their dealings are difcouered; when It comes to thetriall indeede, orto a matter of commoditie,^c. Are nottheyproud,are not they malicious, are not they hardhearted and couetous as well as others? &c. When by the mercies ofGod( in their fenfc) they are neither lb, nor fb: * but fuch cenfures as thefe are very often themecreeuapo-mions of pure malice, and the bitter ebullitions and ouer-flo wings of their gall.

It is ftrange to fee and confider, how men of this world, How'truely' in the ruffe and flower of their earthly profperities, plea-tIudc«youf^ furcs and idlitics, fill their carnall hearts, enen brimmefull,

with

TtrtnUus cals P*ul apeftileoc 'mIovt:

<_^ Difctnrfe tftrxc hiffiuefe.

1. 193

in the(e

godly liu amongft fuch a ge Deration of men, as^ that if a man doe

with fcornerulncCTe, difdaine, and many inragcdpreindices, againft the holy fimplicity of the Saints, and ftridcrvvaies: oTfaluation 1 They fweilfo big, with thtirownenatiiiall inbred naalice,cdged & encagred by the diuels bitter empoiro-nedZ)o/r of contempt aud pride, that many times it burfts out vpon the humbled opprefledinnocencies of Gods children, like a mighty torrent, with mcrcilefle iwundationsof 'many intolerable vexations,,difgraccs and"cruelty. While with many fccm-cftill and fcnfuall yawnings, they lie Itretch-ing themfelues vpon their beds of luory, and fit f bftly in the Icorners chaire, oriently crowned with buds ofRoles,.and pleafures of gold : whilethey ftand ftrongly ftipportedby timcsthe the armc oFflefh,in a profperouspurfiiire of their ovvnwafes, °'"^'" '""' and merrily i wim downe the current of the time s,. with full faileinahotg'eame ofworldly glory, they brca^ke out with muchthundringandftormielbwrcnefle, into many boy ftc-rousand bitter outcries againft precifenes,asthey cailit,and prccife f€llowes,and with a dirdainfallouerlinefTCjand cenfo-1 ^^j" "{J^^j. rious eye, looke vpon the zealouspaflf^gcsand'ftnditied fin-1 t<j kcepea gularities nfthe Chriftian life; as though they .were but ex-1 good con orbitant inuentions arjd aflfc^arions of hypocrifie aiidhu-jff'«n"in mour. I am perfwaded there w^as neiier poore perfeeutedk^y^*^ word,- fince malice againft God firftfcazed vpon the dsmned j though hce? angels;and the graccsof Hcauen dwelt iw the heart of man j meddle ihatpafl'ed thorowthemouthcs of all forts ofvHrcgeheratei not with men, with more diftaftfiilnes,aiidgnafhing of teeth,then tl^ matters of name of Ptirit^^m doth atthis day : which notwithihndiag jj'^f j^ne asit is now commonly^meant^andordrnaril}' proccedsfrcm or Cere-' the fpleen and/pint ofprophanenefTe and gond-fcKowlhip,is! monies ; an honourable nickename,that 1 may fo fpeake, of Chriftiani- ( A$ for ex^ tieand grace. And yet for all this, 1 dare fay thereis sone.of 3jDple,jfa.

diligently preach, or in his preaching feeke to profitrather then topleafc,rcm6mbrii^ thefayingof the Apoftle 5 Iflfecketoplcaie men, I am notthcfcruahtef Chrift,Gat 1.10. Orifapriuate Cbrifti^Hmnkcsccnfcrtnccoffwcaririg, fanftifyng the Sab*. bath, frequenting Sermons, or abftainingfromthecommencorruptionjofibetifHe^ HeefballUraightwayb-condemned for a Puiitane, and cbnf. quentiy be Icfle fauo*. redjthcn either carnaU Gofjpcllcr,©r a clofePapift, &c. DoQoi D^rvtumc in his Set-no>Gn at Spittle,calledwtf^r4ib.«vwfr/4fi •pa&7^>

o

them.

tM

U^ Difc$urfe of true ha^pneffe.

them alf, but when they fliallcomcvntotheirbeds of death, (and God knoweshow foon the fecurefl may be arreftcdby thatinexora'i)Ie Sergeant) and are to grapple immediately with the painefull terrors oFthe Kmg effearcymid to ftand or fall to thedreadfull rribuaall of the lining God;before which none fhall ener appcare with comfort,or be difmift with glo-ry,but thofe which bring thither holinesaad fincere hearts j I lay,there is none oFthem, though now outcfafelf^-con-ceitedfupercih'ousinfolencie, they brow-beat their brethren with many big lookes, and rage like imperious Lyons a-:gainft the Lambes ofChrift • butthen, when pleafures, honours, riches, greatnefle, Friends, Phyfitions, and all other worldly comforts befides fbrfakc them ; and theyfee in the bittcrneffe of their vexed fjjirits, all their former earthly glory and delights of fleflb ready to Giike with them into the graue, and to be buried cuerlaftinglyin thofe blacke and cni-ell habitations; but then(I {ayJ exceptthc Lord fuffer them to fall into the fiery Lake with fenfeleiTe hearts, and feared confciences, would giue ten thoufand worlds,were they all turned into gold,plearurcs,and imperiallCro>vnes:to change then: former courfes of vanity ,ambition,fenfilalities, worldli-ne{re,andgood-fdlow{}iip3mtoalifc of an holy precifenefTcj ftridnefle,fincerity and (aluation.

Ohlxyhen theHeanens {hall {hriuell together like a fcrole, and the whole frame of Nature flame about their cares} when the great and mighty hils{hall ftart out oftheir places like frighted men, and the fearefull reprobate cry and call ypon this iTiountaine, and that rocke, to fall vpon him; When as noDromedary pf jEgvpt,norwings ofthe morning lhalll?ec able to carry them out of the reach of Gods re-uenginghand^ notbp of Carmel,no depth ofthe Sea, or bot-tome ofHelljto hide them from the prefence of him which fits vpon the Throne,and from the wrath of the Lambe; no lockc, nor mountaine, not the great body ofthe whole Earth, to coucr them from that vmtCiA^bk power which laid thefbundatibns ofthem^ no arinc'offI<^{libr Armies cxf Angclstoprote^them from thofe infiiiitc'nuers of brim

ftone.

K^ Difceurfe ^ftrni ktppraeffe.

ftone. Which (hall bee kept in eucrlafting flame by the anger ofGcii: when their poore and wocfulUbulesfhallinfinitely dcfirc rather to retuine into the 4oathed darkeneffe of not beir»gi andtobeehid for encr in the moftabhorred flatc of annihilation J then now to become the euerliuii^g Obieds ofthat vnqiiciKhablc wrath, u hich they Hiaii be neiier able cither to auoidc or abide; andto be chained vp bythe omnipotent hand of God amongfl the damned rpirits,m a place of flames and pcrpetiial) darkenes,whcre istormeiit without end,a!id paft imagination : iray,atthatdreadfuliday, ( and that day will coroe} whatdoeyouthinke would they giae for part in that purity, which now they perfecute, and for the comfortsoftrue-hcartedholinefle that now they hatt? and yet without which, as it will clearely appeare, when matters are brought before that high and euerlafting ludgc, none fhalleuer fee the Lord, ordwellinthe ioyes of eternity >

Nay, I verily thinkc, there arc no <lefpcrate defpifersof 'Godiiiicfle,orformallOppofitesto Grace, which doe now (outofthenaturallblindnefTeoftbeir vnderftandings, aftc-ded pride of heait, or vnmoucable loue to earthly pleafures) holdholincrffeto bee hypocrifie, fandification fingularitie, pratlifcof/incerity too much precifenefle, the great things oftheLaw,asaftrangething: but when the pit ofdeftru-dion hathoncclliHt her mouth vpon them, and they are funkeirrecouerably into that Dungeon of fire, woiild bee content with all their hearts to Hue a-million of yeeres, as precifelyaseuerSaintdid vpon earth/ I meaneit ftillinab-flinence from linne, and zealous puifuite of the wayes o£^ God ) to redeeme but one moment of that mofl: intolerable belli Ih tortures the fting and extremity of which they-muft endure euerlaftingly, withoutremedie, eafe or-end.

Thusfarre I haue vvadcd in the difcouery of fbme grounds andmotiues, whereupon the formall hypocrite may reue-fenceand obferuc Gods faithful! MefifeHgers,- iand fome cafes wherein beeordinarilygrowes by little aod little into ^difaffedion^d difeonccit j ifnotto pcrfeciitionj and boy-

ftcrous

195

Mae.

i».l4.i

- I

oi" Bifcoarfe sf true hap^inejfe.

fterous Oppofition againfl theirpowcrftill, fearching, a-id quickningmiiiifterie.Now take notice of fome inducements and reafons morepeculiar,andindiuiduaJlto tht- Chnftian/oF that heartie retaerence towards godly Miniftcrs^. which is dcepely rooted in his good and honeft Heart.

Gnely in a word,for feare of miftaking, and errour in the point, let mce iiitcrpofe this premonition by the way Jn this paflage ofreuerence performable totlie fineercfl Paftors, I muftfbppore,and doe confider Gods childe in his ordinary courfeof ran<;i:ificdcarriage,andkindly tcmperof his ^pid-tnall conftitution ; the current of Chriftianitie running eleare betweene them. For fomttirnes the purer ftreamcs of their Chriftian lone may for a time be troubled with the muddie mixtureoffome diftempered ouerflowing pa.Tlons^ thckinderpaflages. of mutuall refpeds one vnto another; dammed vp by the Diuels malice i the dearer light oftheir comfortable communion, intercepted by fome crolling earthly interpofition of the old man.

It is clearc by too many wofuU experi-^nceSjthat difKrences mayarife betwixt Gods dcarcft children, cipccially about things indif&rent|wbich though they beorigii lally inherent in the iudgcment, yet by.conllquent and iympathie they breedc many times (exeeptth^^re be a great dta'.e of bumble charity, and gracious humilitie on both fides) lomc auer-fion andcoldneflfein the affcdions. Neither lo onely, but fometimesalfo alienation is wrought immediatly vptintbtir affcdions, without intercedencie of diflenfi-on in Opinion. Satan gaincs very much hy the dif union of Chriftian hearts, and the falling out of thofe which hauegiuen their nanies to religion i.and therefore hee leaucs no v. ay of tentation vnattemptcd, no, helliOi policie vnpfatf^ifed toletftch at oddes. He labours mightily, and prodigipufly preuaiks at this day, by vexingtheir iudgemtnts with Opir.ionatiuc-neife, lelfc-conotited {peculations, and thoughts of Sefa-TMtioMyto driuc tht m by degreesfrora diuorce of "judgements in fome lingular appreheafiorhs, to difafJ'eaion J from difaf-f^dioi^to fadioiiifrom faftion,to fchifmeifrom. fchi/ine (to

fpcake

fpeake in fofteft phrafe) to m^ny dreadfull di"ftcfnp(?rs .Hee '•:grcfdilyaIf(>apprelTendsalloccafionsand aduantages todi-i uide the hearts of rhofe, who peaceably at home iiicke the fame immoitall Truth, and one life of Grace from tlie brcfts jofthatbleflcd Mother which bore them; by many malici-' ous iniedions of fccret lecdes of difcontentment, fcalou^ fics,heart-burnings, eftrangcineiir, and vnTsindndfesi v. hich fpringing vp fometimes too faft and hie betwrxt them, j from thebitter roots of priuie pride, vnfociable furlineffe, impatiency of reproofe, angry emulations for the higher feate in the conceits and confciences of the fbnvardcft Chriftians, natural! crookedneffe^and waiwardnes ofdifpo^ fition, Melancholikefujtniles, too ambitions affedation oF flrangenefle, fomewoi Idly matter not worrhtalki(!g of, or. clie like, doe vnhappily grow vnto at iength.and bring forth rbthef;^*w«f?w^«,lecds-manofaIldi{rention, too great an harueft(erpecially ifthe world and wicked ones tak€ Jiotice) ofillefteds and [^rnicious confe<]«cnts:ashefidcs their mi> tuall difcomfort and difpkafingofGod : Wofnlladuantagc to the adiierfaries of Grace and GodsTrath; ob^rmation to the obftinate; Hindrance -and diicouragement to the weake;Sportandinfultation-toScomcrs; Table-talkc,and matter of triumph to good-fellowes; difgrace to the peacc"-•full waycsof finccrity; and griefe to more humble and bet'-teraduifed Chriftians. The powers v^fdarkeneffe, and ali forts of profane men cannot poiTIbly be better plealed, or the bleifed Spirit and good men more grieued;thentofeeand heare Gods children who fo plcadeibr,and make profeflion offuchagloriouscommunionofloueand peace, to bee at variance,and to cendn-e on'C another. It infinitely therefbr-e, and raoft dearely concernes allthoie which baue giiien their inamestofincerity, to labour eucry waytok^epethe vnity I of the Spirit, intlie bond of peace. Neuer was there morej 'neede thatblefled Tanls earaeft and zeelcfull obfecratioir, I Philip. 2.i»2.niouIdliuefre{hily-in the memories, and bee 'dcepely engrauen in the hearts of ail Chriftians: I therefore lihefrijbner oftheLord^ befeechjottt that.yen %alke rvorthy ef \ the

IP7

oi" Difcdurfe $ftrue happncffe.

j Luke

1 fpeaket in.

aPhvfirions

ehrafe )

l^ge a ^0-

tkcvocatian rtfhere^ithje are called: fVith all humhlenejfe of mindcandmeek^neffe^ rvitbhng fujferingi forbcariKg one a"0' tber in lone : Indettouhng to keepe the vmty of the Spirit in the bond offeace, I neuer rcad,without great amazement, the falling out of that glorious paire of worthy workcmen m the Lords U!imei}:^PaHUnd'Barnab.u,\<^. 15.3 9.The matter of difference betwixt them was not very great; and yet it grew to that head, andheat, that it parted thcm» iflbch two ftrong and tall Cedars wereOiaken fo ilirewdly; how much nccde haue lower (Kiubs, weaker Chriftians,^,to ftand vpon their guard and watph-Tower, againft the inbred rebellious ftub-bomnefle of their corrupt naturei and malicious incurfions of Satan in this kind ?.

This then is the Caiieat and premonition I would giue by the way. In this point of reuercnce performable to godly' Miiiifl:ers,wcemuflcon(idtr Chriftians in their ordinary courfe of (andified carriage, and kindly temper of fpirituall conftitution. For befidcs, that thoughts of auerfioh and eftrangement may(moreis the pitie) be wrought vpon their aft'cdid.is, aslhaue told youj.. both mediately by difference of iudgement in Opinion,and immediately by worldl y matters, and Occurrents of difcontent in their mutwall negotiations and dealings one with another i the faithfiill Mef-fengcrsofGodalfomay,andmuftrometimesvpon the iuft and vrgcnt exigencie of their chargeand calling, by exprcfle tenour of their CommilTion,and for the impartial I difcharge of a good confcience, growdifpleafing and diftaftefull, euen totnofc which makeprofeilion of forwardnes and zeale; if they will needs giue iuft occafion by C^inioMatiueneife, iclf-conceitediesjvncharitablecenfures, exorbitancie, or remif-fionof zcale, inclinationsto worldlinefle, breaking off of brotherly affedion,caureleffe wafpi(hnefle,and impatiencies miffpendingthc precious time of Chriftian conferences in a tedious fpccuiatiueprofecution ofCeremoniall controucr-fies, which ihould he comfortably improued andimployed in fwecte edifying difcourfes of (andification, repentance. Cafes of confcience, exercifcsofmortification/fcirther mu-

tuall

c^ DifcoHrfe of true iMppneffe.

199

tuall difcoueiiesof th^friyltery ofgodlmefTe, and holy trade ofnevv obedience, and other fuch paflages ofpradicall diui-nity : By their aftedatiortofa kind of vvantonncfTe m idigi-on fpritigiitg froni-fpirituall-pride,. dir-affe£lion to thtir Pa-n:ours,if*rheycrGilethcir conceits in romt'grouiidkflc Opi-nions.negled: offamily-excrcifeSjfcandalousliberty in com-pany-keeping;and fuch other abenations and cxorbitancies . fiofli the ftfaight j^th of Chriftianity, too much, and oftai incident to Profeffors of Grace.

This premonition thus prefnifcd, I proceed^in a vvorrd only j to the difcouery bffomemotiues'ofreuercnce to godly Minifters more peculiar to Gods childrenj'and the fan-flified cfi-cds ofCpeciail and fauingGrace. Al!, or thcmoft of the inotiucsb6forc.;Tientioned,may be found alfoin the Chrifti-an, io that many of them are common to him witli the for-mall Hypocrite: but in thcfe that follow, no vnrcgeneiatc man hath cither feeling or fellowfliip.

I. Euery faithhill Minifier is to euery Chiiflian vndcr his charge, and within the exercife and enioyment of his Miniftcry, eithera^irit^all Father^ or a j^intnall Tutor ; a bleflcd Inftroment vnto him, dther of plantation, or prefer-uatioit of grace -either of the firft happy infpirStion, or the after comfortable continuance of fpirituall life: either he hath begot him vntoGod by the mmortdl Seed, or brings him vp in the trade of Godlineflc by the fincere milke of the Word, if he be a babe in Chrift j or ftrongcr meate, if he bee a confirmed ChHUian. Now what adeale of dcareft reue-rence and inflamed aftedHon, the confideration of fuch in-comparabJe,vnuaIuahle benefits inkindle and b^get in ^he humbleand tender heart ofaCbriftian, none canpolTibly conceinc aud comprehend but-a Chrirtian heart, and th^ man which know^s and ftelcs by liis owne happy experience, whatableflcd change it istobc refcued and deli-iiered out of the Diitels bondage,anddamnation of hell, from the curfe offinne^nd honour ofconfcience; into the liberty of thcSairtts,faiiourofGod, aff.irancedf heaaen, and theglo-dous Paradi(eofanappeared& peaceful! fpirit j and vvhata

happy

'iCdr'4.ij

■ iiJM

i^ Difi$arfe of true ha^^itteffe.

iTl)e£».7. ^PpytWngit isafterward to haue his hungry and longing rouIe,GontinualIyfedandfiIIedinthe houfcofGcxi, from the mouth of his fpirituall Nttrfe^ with the kindly fbode of immortalitie and M^z^zs^ithmayrd^md fatneffe. Aioyfiill fcnfe then of thefe precious priuilcdges and bleffings of Heauen, in which no vnregenerate man hath citlier part ofr fcllowfliip, isamoftpovverfull and peculiar motiue to the Chriftian^ to obf^rue with an hearty and fandified reiierence thofc men of God, which he acknowledgcth to be the holy inftrumentsdiuinely qualified and defigned, for thecoiuiey-ance and continuance of them vpon his foule.

X. Chriftians feelingly receiue into their hearts by fpe-eiallintercftjandgrafpe with an holy greediiieffe as their owne, in the hand of faith, all thofe rich comforts and ioy-full tidings, which the man of God by his Minifteriall com-fniifion,doth reach vnto them out ofthebookeoflife.Thofc glorious promifes of immortalitie and peace,, which fpring out of the bottomlcfle and boundlcfie fbuntainc of Gods infinitecompa(fions, and ftreame full fairely and ©riently thorow the bloody wounds of our bleded Redeemer, are dirertly and naturally conueycd by the hands of fiich an holy man, Chrifts Angel, into their fandificd hearts, precious and paiticular Veffels purged and prepared by the power of Grace, for fuch fpirituall infofions of heauenly glory and light. Whereby at many Sermons they fenfibly and really bathe their drooping and thirftie foules in the well of life, and fweetely drinke their fill out ofriuers of the pleaf ures of God And hence it is, that the feete of Gods faithfbll Mef-fengersarefo beautifhll in the cyesof difcerning Chriftians, and their powerfuU minifteries fo deare vnto :heir hearts, thattheyentertaine them into their affecflions with fpeciall

Gal4ii4. reuerence at yJngels of Ged, nay, in an holy fenfe, euen as

Chrtft hftu himlelfe: whereas to the carnall conceits of

I fcorncfull worldlings, they appcareto be the w try filth of the

iCof 4.X3 -mrld, and off-fco«nng of all things ; becaule they haue Inomeflagesvntothemfrom Almighty Gcd, but burthens loUamemations, mourmngSj afitd "^ee. But now in this poiat

of

x^ Difeourfe of true hdffinejfc.

201

Can. 8.^i7.

of particular application/peciall interef]:,and feeling fruition w"hile the Mitiifter of God is dealing vnto bumbled hearts, I and brui fed Spirits, out of the rich treafurie of Gods infinite •mercies, the facred ftrcames nf Chrifls precious blood, foi -^iuenefie offinncs, comforts of godlinefle, peac^ ofconfci-( ence, reallEarneftspf immortality, and ei:;dkfl"e p€acc,not the beil of vniegenerate men haue any pare or acquaintance. Oncly fome conftirtd^limmciings of fiich glorious hght, imayibmetimesfuddcnly^like fialhesoflightciiing, glance vpon their deceiued fbules, thorow the fa!le gfafle of a tem-porarie faith j but it doth not reft vpon,Eor is rooted m their hearts, liVcthe Sonne of righteoufncfle ia fandificd fbules, I to the heating of them with that ftroiig and vidorious loue j to the waves o^ God, which neither the whole Tea of the I worlds maliciousbitterncfle, nor all the fioods of ptrfccu-•'tiou, f which the Dragon cafts out of his mouth ) can caer I qijcnch; with that found and laftingcomfort, which ihines j brightefl: amid the greatc ft darkcncfle of outward miferies; j and that inflamed and con (iantzeale, which gathers rdblu-j-tior.and vigour, from difgraces andvr^odly oppofitions-j And therefore their reueience, and thankefullrefpcd vnto Gods rpirituaii AlmnerscannotpOiTibly be {q> kindly,hearty, iA\-\^ rooted. For the) are but by-ftander.s, or at bdh but fu-t-erficiallTaiucrs of thofc heauenly Doles; whereas Gods children fweetly fill their foulcs with thatimmortall foode, as ^vith the moft delicious Manna j and from eucry (ijch (ii> cere comfortable fbule-fcaft, carry away as much by right, as they can poITibly grafpe in the band of faith,or digeft by the heat of their fpirituall life. A fecondlpeciallmotiue then, to draw on a ioyful! and thankfijl reuerence from Chriltians towards godly Minifters,is their fpcciall and particular in-'jt::reft in ail xS\o^^gUdtidwgs of good tlnngSy whichareatany Itimereuealcd vnto them,by the powerfuU di(coueries of the I Gofpel of peace,andthole glorious graces that fhine vnto vs [ in the hc^ of Chrift lefus.

3. Euery charge and commandement from Gods bicfled I I^ip, i©. [Spirivsright deare and precious to the humble apprehenfi- [& ny, 7». ! ons.

SeeaKbto thispnrpofe Phil. 2. yerf 29.

and other

parallel

places^

{^ Difceurfc of true hapfineffe,

ons^and embiaccmciits ofall faiKf^ificd roijles;to which they yeeldan hearty and vnrcferiied obedience andloiic, though not in fulncffe of perfeftion and Iieigbt of degree, (this vn-, glorified ftate of mortality, a-id thefe Tnhemacles ofc'ay arevncapableof fuch ablblutene{fe,) yet euer with truth andfincerityi andthat, though it directly and mainly crofle the natiirall current of their carnall affecflions, and many times interrupt and diftwrbe the outward peace of their worldlycomforts : but all forts of vnregenerate men, euen thebeft ofthcmfubmittheiraftec^lions and conformity tQ-the rules of Grace and la wes ofGod, w.th their owne fen-fuall referi]ations,glofles, partial! interpretations of worldly wifedome, and eucr with a fecrctfubordination to their chiefe camall contentment, and the beloucd pleafures of their bofbmc finne. And therefore they doe not with that affedlionatenefle and heedfulneflre,addi<?^ and addrefle their hearts to the excellency and execution of the facred Dt ^aus and DoEhines of heauenly wifedome. Now wee hauc a Precept from the holy Spirit, enforced with a zealous oblecrati-on for the honouring of faithEil Minifters,\\ irb a very extraordinary and tranfcendent dcai'encfie and degree of fingular reuerenccandloue : i Thef. 5'. 12. \T^.(LAnd^eebefeechyoH, brethren, to J^nwthem'^hichlabour Amoni^ jopi, and are ouer jott in ths Lord, And ndmonijh jeu : And to (fteerne them very highly in louefcr their workesfake. Then which, if there were no other motiuc orinducemcnt in the world to a regenerate heait,yttthis v^ry oncconfideraticnthatGod would baue it fo, that it is a facred Iniundio.i of Heauen,were able to produce xid plant in it, a tniely-loning acknowledgement, and I awflillobfcruation of fiich Angels of God- The which ( be-caiifcitfpringsfrom theIoueofGod,afte(flionto his Word, and holy inftind of an illightned Confciencc)miift needs bei fincere,rooted, and lafl^ing. But the bell vnregcnerate hearts j cannot pofTiblyconcciuc any fixh kindly flame of deare af- [ fedion to godly Miniftcrs, from a metre commandement of Almighty God : and had they no other fenUble or fenfuall ground^orpoliticke By-relpe(5ls, but onely a.bare charge ' '' ' -■" from

from Gods Spirit, ( which were more then enotigh to an humbled foule j they wou'd be euen in thcirbcft temper, and time of temporary rtucrcnce, which I fpake of before,; but hcartleflcand cold this way.For no vnfanctified man, let his. pretences or profcllion be neucr ixy glorious, doth or can loue heartily and fincerely the Maieftie of God, or iawesof heauen ; bccaufe Gods fpeciall loue is not yet Hied into his heart, thorow the bleeding, wounds of our blefled Sauiour ; neither hath Iietrueandreallintereftin the promifesoflifc, or Soule-rauilliing reuejations of his Word. But by the way, and before I pafle out of this point, take notice of the quali-ficafionandcharaderof thofcMinifters,tovvhom this lo-uing reuerence is performable by the precept of the holy Ghoft, They arefuchasare defcribcdby T'Win the fore-cited placeSjWhere hee inioyncs fuch fpeciall loue,reuerence, aud honourable refpeftvnto the Mj'nifters. HsUfuch tn re-f mat ton, faith he, Phil. 2.2p. hccmeanesfuchaS(?/'^/>^;'<3^;-tiuw^s: And hec honours him in that Chapter with many woitliy EpithetsofMiniftcriall excellencies, and a teftimo-nie of much gracious worth: i. That he was a Brother in the icrd,tbat is,a true Chriftian,and fandified man.?. His com--panion in labour, a laborious Workeman in the Lords Har-ucft. g. His fellow-Souldier; couragious and refolute a-gainfttheaduerfaries ofGods truth, and all vngodly oppo-fitions,verf.25,4. Thathelongedafter,andlouedhisjfiocke with a meltingcompaffionate tender-hcartednefle, verfe 2 6. 5. That the worke of Chrift was more dcare vnto him then, his temporalllife. In the 1. Thef. 5. 13. the Minifteriall-worke is the loadeftone, mentioned by tlic Apoftlei which iLoulddiawfiicba deale of reuerence and honorable regard , from the hearts of our headers: Efiecme them verj highlj m , loHsXsiith hc,fortk'ir'^syk£,sfake.And v.12.he beieeches thc: ThefaloKians totake fpeciall acknowledgement of thofc that. labouredaiivonglUhem, and admonifhed them. Working. Miniftersthen in fome mcafure thusqualiiied, areonely the,, proper and natumll obicd 9f reuerent loue,and high eft. cme fio truly iudicious & Chriftian affedions. Biefled P^^/con-

P eludes 1

203

kA

Difconrfe of tru hiifpm([e.

eludes not within the compafle of this holy Iniundion;

1. Any ignorant vnlearned Minifters ; for the Lord himfelfe willrefufe that Pneft which refufeth knowledge, Hof. 4.6.

2. No idle and vnteaching Minifters, who fcedethemfelues with the milke, and cloath themfelues with the fleece; but fiiffer their fiocke to ftanic, and their poore foules to lie wallowing wofliUy in their owne pollutions and blood.

j 3, No vuskilfiiU Minifters, whowill needs teach and can-1 not; but are fb hnc^iomdimdtng the fVtrdcf Ged enght: I that they hacke and mangleitinafouleandfeareftill man-I ner, in a prophane and pitcifnil faftiion j in handling or hea-Efayee^a. Vi-ing whereof, euery humble (bukftiould tremble with a fe-cret ferife, and reuerent awfulneffe of that drcadfuU and glorious Maiefty,whofe meffagc it is* 4. No corrupt teachers, who mingle with the fincere milke of the word,Popifti poi-fbn, portions ofcarnall libertie, and the diftemperedZ)/-^•4/^/of their owne angry pafiions and preiudices. 5. No Dawbers with vntempered morcer,or pillow-lowers vnder mens elbowes, whowalkepolitikeiy,fearefulIyandrercr-tSa.*.i4. uedly in their Minifterie. 6. No fonnes of-5^//^/, vicious andgood-fellow-Minifters, as they call them, who are a kinde of very vile and^ontcmptible creatures; the kate-fulleft obied:s to an honeft eye,of any that walke vpon eaith. A diflblutc Preacher is the Deuill, as they (ay, in hispffnttfi-calthk^s, athoufandtimes more pernicious and hurtfulLthen anhundredpriuatemen, though profeding villanie in the higheft degree.For as the excellency of that Calling is inco-parable and tranfcendcntj fo by iuft proportion and congrui-tie ofconfequence, degenerations in that kinde are moft execrable and peftilent. Vnfauorie Salt is good for nothing, no, not for the Dunghill. To conclude the point: Gods charge in hisWord to haue it fb,is another powerful! and peculiar motiue to a good man, to reuerence heartily and hold in honourable reputation, an holy Minifter and man of God, "SceProu. 1 4* The apprehenfions and conceits, which ordinarily a-»p.t7« j rife in a Chriftians heart at the prcfence of a godly, and

grace-

K^ Dffionrfe eftrue ha^pnefe.

205

»Kitt5il4.

gracekfle man,are very different & contrary .Gods child can hardly looke vpon a Ton o^ Belial with patiencc,6c not without thoughts ofaiicrfion & abhorrencie; bccaufe he knowes him to be an eneraie vntoGod,andatraytortotheCrovvne and dignity cfthat mighty Lord,his great Mafter in heauen: (though he can heartily (for To he ought) pray long,and labour for ( if God fo plcafe ) his conuerfion and conformitie, tothecommuiiionoiSaintsaiKlcairresof graces.) Butthe very faceand prcfence of an holy man is wontto producein fandified hearts impreiTions of another nature, enen ofaffc-dionatcnefle,honour,andloue rbecaufc he is one that ftands ontheLordsfide,andforthecaufeof Chrift. And it ought fo to be:for the blcffed i'pirit hath marked him for a man that Oiallneuerperifh : Im^hofe eyes avtle ferfon is contemnedi bm hee honottreth them that fearc the Lord, Pfalme 15. 4. If then to the particular felfe-fauing graces of an humble and honefl heart, there be yet further an addition of more general! minifteriall endowments fandified for thefaluationof many iandtotheperfonofapriuate Chriflian, an eminent^ publique reprcfejitation ofGodhimfelfe; I meane,ifthere! be in fome blefled One a gracious and happy concurrence of a good man, and godly Minifter; what a dcale of dearefl. reuerenceand rcfptftiueloue is it able (by a facied and fe-cretattraftiuepower) to draw anddiftill fromthefweete andm.elting fpiritsofthofe truly noble Ones, who know the 1 waye5ofGod,and loue his Maiefiie? Hence it was,that Cor-j w/;«j vpon the very firfl fight o^Peter^ confidering that he wasaquahfiedperibn, fent and fubftituted by the Lord for thefiirtherandiiiller vnfolding vnto htm the fecrets offal-uation,and myflcriesof heaueii,was fuddenly ffnicken with'] fuch an extraordinary rauiiliing excefle of admiration and^ A^ia»<; loue,that he ftii downe at his fecte with tender offarre more zfi. then ordinary rcuerence, and euen fome kinde of adoration; fo that Peter was glad toraife and reproue him for his tranf^ grellion, and immoderation in that kinde. This inforced cuen a King, though otherwifc iiotfo good, yet in a cafe of£eare aad danger, with a moumefuH heart to powreont

P^ thefe

t^ Difcmrfe oftme huppimfje.

% King. 14-

13*

Gal.4.

14.

thefe compaffipnateteares vponthefaceof the dyingPro-phet"-<? my father,-mj father, the chariot of Ifrael, and-the horfemesz of'thefa.me'.\lQ(\CQ\t\vzs, that the hcaits of the Galatiafts, hauing taftcd of the hidden Manna of the myfury of grace (which that great Do flour of the Gentiles a4id Embaffadour of Chrill, had powerfully and plentifully diicoucred,and diuidcd amongft them) were carried towards/*<<«/, with that paHionate feruency of Spirit, and excellency of vae-xpreflablelouc,that tftthad keenefojp-i>le,thay ^ouid hauepi»ck^d oht their owfje eyes^ and haue at-uenthefw Z'iito him. Nay, theyreceiuedhtm as an ^ngell of God,yea^,ts Chrifilejns, Tlius. though carnallmcnfee and dilcerne no iuch extraordinary matter aiid myfterie in holy Minifters; ytt the illir^htened eyes and inflamed aSFedions of humble Chrifl:ian,Sj looke vpon and reuercace their pcr-fons, as men vpen whom the Lord hath unprefTcd and fliam-pedfome remarkable charader.s ofDiuinitie, and as it were Ibme fparkles and degrees ofMaieftie : that fo with greater power and authority they maypubli/litothe fonnesofmcn thefecretsofheauen, and with more vnrefiftablcneflc and glory,execute that higheil oiHceofthe Lords Embafladors. A zealoiis(then) and ferious cogitation, that a confcionablc Minifterie is Gods ran(flified Ordinance for iauing of foules; and that godly Minifters arcthe onely men marked out, and maintained by the fupreme hand of diuinc prouidence, for the managing of ilich heauenly bufinefle, is a very powerfuU and pregnant motiue, to plant and preierue in the hearts of good men, thoughts of fpeciallreuerence, and fingular valuation that way, forthc due honouring of that holy inftitu-tion, and fuch publike Agents of the moft inward and important aftaires of God Almightie.

J. Many moe are the Ipeciall and peculiar motiucs, which adde itrcngth^life, and heartineiTe, to that refpediue nefTeandreaercncewhicha good man beares to godly Mi nifters, whereof the ftate of vnrcgeneration takesnotafte or" notice; becaufe it is ftarke blinde m the fecret and facred my fterics of grace i and naturally viicapable,and vncomiprc-

henfiue

K^Difcattrfeoftrue hapfineffe.

207

henfiue ofthe wifdome and vvayes cf God,in guidng a blef-fed foule to its.endleflc reft. They are fuch as thefe: i. By their owneexperimentall skill, andoiitof the principles of pradicalldiainity, they are able tofpeakeinroniemeafiire, (eafonably and comfortably to his heart, pei-plcxed and vext with crofles and hindrances in his way to hcauen,as with fpirituall dcfertions, vncouth importunate tentations, hor-rour for fomc relapfe, want of prefent feelingGods faiiour ; with doubts about the foundnefle of his fpirituall ftate, blaf-phemous inieftions of Satan, vncheerefulncfle at godly ex-ercifes, dulncffe in Prayer, fcarefulnefTe of a trembling and tender confcicncc, and other fuch diftre^foll agonies and accidents, often and ordinarily incideut to fantf^ificd foulcs; with which vnregenerate men arevnexercifed,.and vnholy Minifters vnacquaintcd. Helpeand comfort in which cafes, doth infinitely indeere the panting and perplexed foule to that One of a thotdpind, which happily hath rtfrclliing balme inareadinefieforfuch fpirituall brufes, and canfealbnablyjobj?. vpon fuch- occafioHS, decUre vnto mm hU rightcoufne^e, 2. By thcpowerfullandpreuailing executions of theirMi-niflcriall authority and charge, they mightily contradid and oppofe all oppofitionsto gracf jtheprophanencflejigiio-ranceandpopifhneffeofthat.peoplc and place where they areimploycd; doe their vtmoft tobattcrandbeatedowne the dtuiiskingdomc about his ?arcs,and toputicojiJing jf-wae/s,and Satans fwaggering reuellersoutof hcartand Iw-mour:which doth pafiingly pleafethat humblefoule,which • is truely vexed with the domineering impietiesaiid wiifuU damnations of thofe finfull wretches amongft'whom hcc liucs. 3, By the bleiTingsof God vpon their painefull la- j boiu-s in the Miniftcry, they many times happily encrea{c the number,inflame the zeale, animate the rcfolntions, andin-fpirecontinually with frcfli heart and life, the communion of godly Chriftiaus aboutthcm: whereby theglory-efGod, good ca'iifes,th€; bell: men, and godly exerciles, arc kept on footeatidflourifh. Which glorious vifible cfte:l:s of tkir CQnfcijeEce,and faithfulnelfe, doe create and inkindle h th;; P 3 ianitified

»J

\^ Difcenrfe of true happ/ne[fe.

faiidified aftedlions of a true-hearted Nathanael^ a great dealeand incomparable more Iouc,reioyciag,and found contentment, then the deareft earthly deIight,or greateft worldly comfoit can poITibl}'. Efpec{aIIv,(ith where vn-prcaching and vnfaithfull Minifters are, bee ^tts and obferues all holy feruices ordinarily to rnnintoriiine anddi<grace;andin Head thereofcie<?ted( and in rage ) both aii accurfed dominion of ignoranceand prophanent{fe,andaconcurrentperfecLition of (inccrity aiKlgracc.4.Nay,I am perfwaded,wcre there no o-thcr motiueatall, this very one conceit and confidcration,, that the want and withdrawiiig of bis praters, aftedionate-Ineffe, and refpedl, may be a meancs to weaken and leflen vn-to him the powerand profitablenefle ofhisMiniftery,would bee fuiiicient and ftrong enough to make a good manreue-rence and loue a godly Minifter with all his heart. Where(by the way) take notice; that a mans prayer-full reuerence, or prophane negled of Gods meCeiigers, may iuftly towards him, either inlarge or flraiten their gifts,vtterance, and other Minifteriall blemngs for his greater profit or moredifcoforr. \ Now in the lall place: coiifider a contrary conftancie, and rather,confirmation ofreuerencc in a chriftiaii heart to Gods faichfulleft meffengers in thofe cafeis: wherein Itold you before, the former relped of the formall hypocrite is ordinarily diflodged and turned into hcart-rifing.

Firft, for the point of prefling the Law, and preaching iudgemcnt.

I. Gods Child feeling himfclfeenerlaftingly acqii t,frced. andproteded by the blood and mediation of the Lambe, from the terrour of Gods Tribunall, and from the curfeand poy (on of all the iudgements in his Book e^ can hcaieand di-geft from a Son ofthunder, the moft teitiblc denunciations of damnation and death againft impiety andimperi:ency, with a pleafed and ioy full patience, with an humble and holy tryumph. His cogitations and fore-thoughts of his difloUition, lying in the graue, curfes of the Law, Gods Judgement feate, that laft and drcadfull Dayj ofhell,damna-tioii, and thofe endlcffe fiam«s are not mingled with fuch

feruile

t^ Difeourfe bftrtie hdffinefe.

I 209

feruile apprehcnfions of flaiiiili horror,asare wont to keepe fcnfuall men and fonnes of pleafure in a perpetiiall woflill fla-iiery,, and to plunge them into many fits of impatiencie, for being (o tormented before their time.

2. The difcouery and denunciation of Gods wrath and iuft indignation againftfinne, is wont to beget in fantSified hearts,an increafe both of humbleneflljbrufedneflc-, broken-heartedncfle, fpringing from a confideratioii of the curfed-nefle oftheir naturall ftate, and damnableneffe of their dayes ofvanitie: and alfo ofthankefiilnefTearifingput ofa fenfe of their glorious dehuerance, & enlai"gement from the anger of God,and all thofe eurfedconfequents aadconftifions which naturally grow thence.The former whereof makes way for a great dealcofinward peace, fpiiituallioy, more familiaritie with God,fuitherreuelation ofheaucnly reciets,andacom-1 fortable growth, and kindly enioyment of all graccs,&c.For the lowlieft mind is cuer higheft inGodsBookes:The hum-' bleft heart hath euer the grcateft fliare, and taftes the moll j fweetnes in the comforts of godlincs,. & the fauour of God. The other doth powerfully draw on the continuance and addition ofGodsWeiTings in great abundance and varicty.Eor a reuercKt acknowlcdgemewt, and hearty thankefulnefle for grace receiuedCas with nobly minded men,lb infinitely more with the moft mercifoll God)is a right powerful! mcanes & ftrong motiue to keepe,him gracious ftilljandboth toinlarge and fweeten the comfortable current of hiscompalTiions and bountie towards vs.Confcioufiiefle andfenfe of which worthy cfteds, no maruell though it make the fliarpeflcdgcof the Sword of the Spirit, fealbnably appiyed, welcome to a^ well rpiritually-tempered foule.

3. It is the property of true-hearted ProfefTours, not to hue andlie in any knowncfinne, with purpofeipIcafiiBe, a^idi perleuerance jbutvponthediicouerie of eutry corruption or vnlawfull courfe, to bee glad and ready to beeridhy the bloud ofChrili and mortifying grace, ouf of Satans inui--fible tyrannie,. euen in that particular alfo: and alfo to carry ill their hearts aiibabitnalljfetled, and cheerefull refolution

^4: to

Heb.a.15.

no

K^ Dffcmrfe ofirne hapfineffe.

topleafc God mail things. And therefore iPany more fearch-iiig Sermon,01*pierting pointdifclofe vntothem fome new depth or fnareofSatan, vn-noced frailtic, vnacknowledged corruption,diftemperedpalTion, or crooked by-path; the omiirion offomedatie, or (bmc iiitermilTionof the extrcife ofgtace, whereofthey did not fbrmf rly take notice, or haue beenefb fenfiblcj thev are fo farre frofti returning fecret malice, or open mifchiete for fo holy a me{rage,thatthey depart home more ioyfully and contentedly; bicffirigthat happy hand which came fo home vnto their hearts; and heartily praifingGodforthatmanofGod, by whofe Minifterie he hath enlarged their knowledge to the vnderftanding of fome irew needefuli dutfe, or iHjghtncd their confcienecs to the ■difcouery of fome lurking clofeiafiritiirie; by performing j the one, or mortifying the othcr,they may happily hope and ] exped for after wards, to purchafe more comfort to their j \ hearts,morepeace to their confcienccs,moreboldnesin their waycSjmorecheerefulne'freinthe exercifcs ofReligion more , familiai'itie with God, and encreafemcnt of graces. For the more exac^l and vniuerlall wee are inthe workesofmortifi-cation,and wayesof new obedience j the more fully and feelingly fhall wee tafte and partake of the plcafures ofgrace, comforts of godlincflc, and neerer acquaintance with the Lord of hcauen.

4 Chriftiansdefiretcprefcructhcirfoulesin puritieand peace; and thcrcforeare well pleafedto haue the cleerc Cry-ftall of the Morall Law the oftner prefented to the eie of their vnderft^ndings, by the powerfuU hand of a confcionable* Teachcy:; that vpon the difcouery and reprefentation, they may labour to haue their fpots, pollutions, and fpirituall deformities wafhed away, by thefolcSonic-faaing blood of Chrift, andtearcs ofvnfaincd repentance: and fo makethcm appeareboth more amiable and lonely to the mercifuileye oFGod, and more peacefbll and comfortable tothe fight and cenfiire ©f their own cortfciences.

5 Seafonablc and fetious ponderatibns vpon the puritie 'oadexadncifeofGodscommandcmcnts, put into them by

_ ^ preaching!

vJf t>ifceurfe eftrtie ha^pineffe.

\

211

pi-eachine the Law, and application ef the ftreight line of Gods righteous ludgcmcnts, tothe irregularities of their crookecfliues, are very powerfullmeanes tocaft Chriftiaiis withlowlicft proftration of heart eueti into the <!uft, and holy deteftarion of themfdues, which is their hii^heft hap-pinefle vpon earth; forit drawes the glorious Maiefty of Heauen, with a neerer and more contented refidei?«e into theirhumbledfoales, & make them partakers ofthatthriee precioiispromire.-Eiay 57.15. Thus fayth hecy that f4 hi^ And excellent^ hee that tnhahiteth eternitie, rvhofeftatne is the Hdj One: Jd^eUin the high And holy fiaee: )^ith him alfo that Ucf a contrite And hum^'le ffiirit, to reuiue the ^irit af the hfimble, And' te gitte hfe to them that Are cf a contrite heAh.

6 Gods Children are not woont to bearc with, or allow themfetucs in the breach of any Commandement: and ther-foJe^o'mc Vntothe Minifterieof the wordjWithCcrWfWre-ioIiitionjteady toliftenwith reiiercnce and contentment; and to fufemitwith fincerity andtruth vnto all things commanded them from God by his Meffcnecr. They are willing tohaucthcivhole will andcounfellofGodrcucaled vnto them, whether it appeare in the reuelation ofhis iuft wrath againft finne; whereby they may be kept in awe and ten-demelGTe ofconfcience, in an holy fcareand obedience vnto him: orinthecomfbrtabledifpenfation of grace and par-^ don "to true Penitents, and the humble-heaited ; whereby they poflefTetheirfbuIes in peace and patience, in defpitc of the vtmoflfage both ofall earthly and infernall powers and Oppofitions. They areas well content to haue their hearts fbmetimes foundly and fearchingly ript v^,^r^2a-\tiX.omi' icdhy the S)^'ord of the Spirit: as to haue their confciences refreshed with the bloud of the Lambe, oriently ftreaming thorow the promifes of faluatioR andlife. But it is not fo with the wicked: their heartleffc aftedions towards the preachingand pradifing ofthe Word, are ftillmingled with fecret exceptions againft fome points, and fenfuall rcferua-tions of feme finfullhaunts. There iy euer one eommande-

AA.

MatlE»^.i7*

21.2 1 t^ DifcMrfe 9f true happneffe.

ment or others which they would not willingly haue cx-poundedjorbe vrgcd with the righteous iudgements thereof. There is fomc fj^ine oi other, agaioR which they would gladly finde no curfe in the Booke of God, notriallat his Tribunall, nofiaqesin that fiery Lake. They ate paiTingly pleafed with difcourfes of mercies, pardons, and compaf-fionsjtl^ugh they haue no part in them; and ftillcry out for ths Cordials of the Gofpell: but they will not poilibly endure the Corrafiuesofthe Law firft toconfume and mortiiie rfieir corrupt fiefii, or fufttr with patience the fcuerity of ijudgcmcnts anddiuine vengeance for (inne, to bee charged ypon their guiltie conlcieiiccs. And no maruell, for wdcede by a fecrct confcioufneife they findethemfeUies liable to all thofe fearefuU horrours. Herod was conformable in many things, and well enough content to heare lehn B^ptifi in o-ther points: but when he laid the edge of the feuenth Com-mandement to his falfe and luftfuU heart, it cut his very gall, which fhouldhaue cured his guiltinefTe^ndbecaufetbat holy man laboured fo faithfully with the fword of the fpirIt,to cutafunder the cart rope ofiniquitie, which as yet kept him faft bound vnderthe bondage of Hell, he cut off his head. HidPttul addreft and applied himfelfe to the humour o£Fc-lix and Drftji/i(f^n6(ns they expcded) entertained the time, and pleafed tl^eireares with a generail plaufible difcourfe, and the pleafing newes of the palTions and rich purchafes of Chrift,by his late vnualuablcbloodiliedjthey had heard him ( no doubt)with greatdeligbt and grccdiacfre,and bin extraordinarily rauiflit with the powerml fweetnefill of his facred eloquence. But when that carnall couple of prophane great Ones perceiued onc^ that that good man went f b precifely to worke,andwith fuch ftrang ynexpeclcd refblution flruck prefently home into the veryheart of their darling plcafures, by oppofiug purpofely and particularly, a piercing terrifying Sermon ofright^oHfnesjtemperancey a»d the tudgement to C9nu, agamft their couetousjluitfiill, andcarekfTehumour^jhe was prefently filenced and fent to priion. !: ,.. - j;.! j

thus,and for fuch caufes as thele, preaching tlielLiw^and

feafonable

MUi^xS,

j feafoHableprcilingofGods plagues and iudgements againft { fiiine, is ciicr welcome to th e calme and comporedaftediorts oflandifiedmen,and incrcafethin them cftimation, reue-rcnce, and loue towaidsgodly Miniltcrs for their re(bIiition, faithfuInefTeand vnreferuedneflein that regard .* whereas ordinarily it begets in'vnregenerate hearts, much vnhallowed hcate, ragc-and paflionate difl:empers;whichtoo often break out into thunder and Iightning,ftormes and tempefts againft John Baftifi, CMichoi^, and thofeother Onesofathoufand of that noble and refolute ranke.

Secondly, in the other Cafe, wherein ordinarily the forma'1 Hypcxrritcsreucrencetoreuerend Minifters, is turned into hcart-rifing j which is vpon the particular difcouerie, jandrcftleflepurfuitofhisbofomefinnc, by the light of the { Word,and ten ors of the Law, fas I told you largely before) I IfayjinthisCafe^conceiuethusof theChriftian: 1 The finne ofliis bofome, before he was conuerted, made j thegreateft breach and deepefl gafhinto his confciewce: in j thetrauell of his new birth,it coll him themoft teares,forcft ) pangs, and heauiefl: groanes^fince it hath come vpon him, to the great griefe of his heart, with the moft powerful alTauIts, andcunningeftinfinuations for re-entric and repofledion^ and hee well knowesj that vpos re'apleinto fomeold, or furprize with fbmc new finne, it would rcturne into^ his remembrance, with apparitions of extraordinary horrourand flings of ftare ^ and will if the Lord in hislaft licknefle (for trial!,example, orfomeotherftcretend, feene andfeeming good vnto his holy wifedome ) fufter him to foffejfe the ini-ijuities of his jcHtk, flare his affrighted confciencc in the fece with mofl g:izly formes a:id drcadfullreprelentations of wrath •• and therefore hce apprehends, and eftibraceth greedily and with comfort,any matter or meditation from the Miniflerie of the word, which may any way heipe to terriffe, mortifie, andkeepc vnder fuch an accuiied ene-mie to his peace, and trouVI«rr of hisfpirknall flate.And be-fides, hce hauing by the mercies of God, mortifying grace, and power of Ghrifjs blood, efcapcd the vengeance, crufht

the

213

Luke ;. Mark 6

27.

0/ Bifcdurfc eftrne hapfimffe,.

the head, and broke the heart of ic; canhcareitpiriucd and payed home with denunviatioris ofthofe mft plagues and terrors, which are naturally proper thereiinto,paticntly,and pleafedly; euen with au holy fecuritie, and fecrct humble thankefull exultation: Where as it is ordinary with vnrege-neratemen, to bee tranfportcd withextraordinaiy paHion and impaticncie, efpccially otthe particular diicoucrie and danination of their Darling dehght. Htrod gmc eare with reafonable moderation to other reprehenfions j but when the BOfttfl cenfarcdwith afacrcdreutTitichi^fwcetefinne of luftfull plcafureSjheegrew fo prodigioufly mad, that hec choked his owne foiile witli, the bloud of that bleffcd I man.

Thirdly, concerning points and perfwafiows tfiat prcfTc moft;,?nd ftirre vp principally to an holy precifencSjCxcellen-cieofzealcjbeftimprouemcnt of their graces, &c.

Gods children aic fweetly and gracioufly couetous in fuch cafes. The bcft men canie in their hearts thehighcft mea-fiire ofan holy indignation againft themfeiues, and deepcfl dcteftation of their owne corruptions, impcrfc£lions, and aberrations, from the will of God and way of life: and their fanL^ified,aft*e<5Hons arc mpft inflamed withvnwea-r jed defires, and rcftlt ffe afpirations after new incrcafement ftiU, and frefli additions of grace j after a ftronger faith, more zcale,grcater comfort, finccrer feruices, neerer familiarity with God,&c. Hence it is, that the holiefl Chriltians complainemoftpfthfeir vnwortbincfle and (J:>intuall iniuf-ficiencics • ofthcir^dulnefle in Prayer, naughtineile of heart, fcantnelTe of godly forrovv, vnchearcfulneflb at religious exercifeSjVnprofitablenefTe by the Mini{lcry,vnhcaueniinefle oftlieir thoughts, failings in their objcdience, and fuch vexing infirmities eucrfooneft difcoucrcd, and mod bewailed by thcmoft illightenedandtcndereft confciences: and that ^Ifo for the moft part they neuer meetc God in priuate vpon their knees,but their heaitsburnevvithinthein with vnut-terable longings and pantings, at the leaft, forfupplics and abilities* to doc vnto their deare Redeemer, the belt and vtr

moll

215

mod: feruice they can poHibly; that they may lookehimin tbtfacc with more comfort, Vvhen they fliall come to his( Tribimall. The performances of Gods children by the grace ofGod,are many, theirendeuours more; but their deiires endlcfle, and neuer fatisficd with their meafiire of obedience. Whereupon it fwllowes, that vpon the opening of any freili fonctaine, by afearching Mijiifrerie, of diuiner do-dnncs,cx9d:erpoints,and more holy precifenefle for pra-clifc otraiiclificacionjand further perfeftion in Chi ifrianityj theirheartsarewoont to bee comfortably inlargcd, and to drinke heaitily. They are many times in their retired contemplations mnch grieaed, and very angry v\'ith thcni-felufs, that their mercifulIGcdlliouId bee fbendleflyand immeafi;rablykindeandcompairionatc-vntothem,Wormes and no men; and yet they fb cold, cowardly, and hcartlefle, in thankcfull retributions offeruiccs^nd obediences to fo gloiious a Maieftie: and therefore arc well enough pleaftd with the prefl nig ofquickning Scriptures; that thereby they may get more fpirituall life into their hearts, more heate into their zeale, comfort into their confciences, and by the mercies of God, more madinefle and glorie vnto their Crownesofimmortalitie. But luke-warme Profcflburs hauc not fo much as an heartic defire to bee more hot in Religion; and are often much vexed to heare it plainely prooued vnto their faces and falfe hearts, that without more forwardneffe and 2eale,they (hill neuer be faued,orfeethe face ofGod.

F I -^ I S.

^cn/j.itf.

II 'i I f

The Tabic.

Page. \

Godly muji oft looke ok their' Vaants ^vLich he many, \

2 8 2.H^ n eak^procccdiuas in grace

2 p 3. Cjods many mercies to humble

hirrtj.

^.Great hurt hyfamring thiaftn ^O ^rnjfe hy^ocrijie ajherv of thdt

tvhich ii not in the heart.

Of this lejfe hope then open Jin-[,.;. aert Hee fins a^aittfl conjcp-?I ace. 2. He tivncarable ofa-

memimeKt. ■^.reproach,reproofe.

^, woj} fubiec^ to Gods hatred

andvenfreance,

3 2 Terrour of this efiate.

3 x^ Formal hypocrite deceities him-felfe, ii not regenerate. fVhat excellent parts may be in fuch.

3 5 Sundry -degrees to n- hich a formal Lhypocrite may come.

37 Hee ii flrongly perfvaded his flate is happy.

3 8 Reafons of this perfrcafton.

39 \. Hee compares himfelfe ^ilh notoriousftnners.

40 2. Apratindice againft the godly who be flandered:

41: y round of this is acontrariety be-

tweeneliaht anddarksmjfe. 42 why godly he counted proud?

4 3 why taxed of hypocriftel

44 World isfufpicioPM and vnable to iudge of true grace.

45 why of fngularitie?

^6 Godly hee accounted melaacho-

lt\e and auflerc.

4 8 (iy4nd of no efieem ? in the world. 45> ^reatnejfeandgoodnejfe maybe

to (rether.

5 o Third re'afon of the Hppocrites

q^oodperfwafion, ts outwardpre-

(peritie. 5 X JVhy wickedprojper, godly be in

aduerfiti ? 52 Sathanspoliciehy prolperitie to

makefccure. J4 2. Wtck^d haue a Urge confci'

enee^as Papisisin their dtftinEli-

ons offmne.

56 3. Wicked are of this world.

4. To ?nake their condemnation moreiusl.

57 why Gods children mufi bee in aducrfitie.

5 8 Fourth reafon^fatfe conceiuing of

Gods iuflice and mercie. 5<p 5. Taking foms better courfe

hopes for nurcie, 61 6. The (juiet death of many

"Ocorfe then himfelfe, 63 what excellent parts may be in a prmall hypocrite ?

Whyfuch are nst trticly hippie?

OutVrard performance of holy

duties cann ct fuffice.

6 a- Iffinceritie of heart be "Wanting,

atlis nauaht. 65 If cur riqhteottfneffe exce:de mt , the Pharifics.

^.yUany Scriptures prone thiiy I-fay. i.^odh/itestbat facrfice. 66 NA

The Table.

Page.

66 ^0 oHtivArd Tvith«ui inward

grace ii accepable. 6^ Aiarkei^ofdifference y \-of faith

7^. forts of faith.

HtJioricaU irfufed and accjui-

redirtDiuels and Pafifls, Fa-

fifh circle f 70 Three degrees in ternforarjfaith yl Degrees in faning faith, y2. ^ore eutward mdrkes of dijfe-

rence,

1. Regenerate hath confcience of

fmaller finnes^ Hypocrite far 0-

therrcife. Affiled tnparticH/ars. 73 ay^gatnfl Stage-flajes. \y^ 2. TrHe grace ryeU ordereth our

ajfe^iions. M .'y 5 Hypocrite contrary.:, ohferned in

f articular duties. •77 3. fiA delight and eonfcionable \ vfe of all we ones of grace . : 71 Examine this \ .for the word. 7p For Gods iudgements. 81 For (jods manifold mercies,

84 The workingoffau'vnggrace hoyo it^reades,

85 ylflriSi' examination ofalfarts of^hrisliamtie.

. 2y The happinejj); offnch an one. 88. ^.Diference,^ordiinotrootfd inthe hypocrite of fvifedome and prudence.. '>(^o Hypocrite ii ignorant in thtvf»rk^ , of regeneration. \^l' How Sathan hinders faith in Gods children,.

Page.

92 1. 'By proberity ef the kicked.

2. "S V remembrance ofoldfinnes ,

3. 'By immediate fuaacfiing doubts and remedies.

4. By draining vntofome foule finne,

g 3 Sathan hinders our fanSiificati'

on, 1. by profperitie. 94 ^r<r^f hurt hereby. p 5; 2. By careles vfe of the meanes.

3. By badcempany. p5 ^' By tempting to ambition of

preferment. <yj How Sathan deales^Hthmcked

men, 98 How W'fth ciuill honefi men.

Horp withformall hypocrites. pp Hovp with one truely humbled

and newly conuerted. loa Howv.tthafirongChriftian e-

^ecialiy at death. I o I Foi'malhypocrite is not acquain

ted 35 ith thefe ajfaultf, IO Z He may haue great knowledge^

yea in diuine matters.

Differ cues bctWtxt the k^ow-

kdge ofhypocritsand (fods children.

I. Hypocrits knoWlisdge ferues for others,mtfor his owotegsod.

Gcdschilde hath light wtthin Xr fiinesto others.

103 C/ods child tak^sgreat delight, hypocrite net fo:

104 3., Godly aregoucrned fry their kno]Sledge, hypocrite nctfo.

the Table.

!

Page.

4. fVicl^ed rejl iti generaiitieSj godly infortichlars. 10 J For JpinthaS prudence the hy focrite it vncafahle., AnilliterMe ChriflUnii yoifer then thegreatcfl Clerkes. Ig6 Hjfpocrits mayexceU yet come P^ort of thii ^nfedome. \

This u mamfefi in the cafe of, fand^r how others de^.ie,

I o 8 IVhat excellent vfe of jlanders

Gods child doth wake*

II o Knowledge and praBife ef hy-

pocrites fuhordwate to their rvorldly happinejfe. The^erdii not rooted in the con-fcience oftbeformallhypacrite. Vfe ofconfcience, as in a lye\

III So for Non-rcfidencie. Grojfe hypocrites finne againfl confcience.

112 Notoriousfmnersfrmothrr- con-

fcience, 113. Paptfishaue a large confcieme. 114 Q^^^ hone^ mengoe no further

then nature.

Tortnall hypocrits confcience u

limited, U 5 Gods childe \\>holiy yeeldes him-

felfe to Gods word, 116 Guides ofhh life all earthly, Zeale knt byfitsfoone cooled, liy Gods child in all efiatesfttbmits

himfelfe to Qods word, 118 Thisis feene iii^,properties.if. forhemingfitme*

I HI I III II !!■

Page.

I. Deepeforrorf for Jlnnes pafl» lip 2. // quickefeeliHg ofjinsprejet. ■

J. A tender confcience forfwnes'

to come.

Thefe be not in a formal Hyp.

1 20 The hypocritespraSitfe i» atta-ning preferment.

121 Dtuerfitie of thoughts inrege-nerateand vnreoenevAte.

122 Thefc murejherv the heart then wordes or anions.

12 J Judge ofthefe according to the '■ ordinary ciurfe.

124 The thoughts of nHorio'As fin-ners be wholly euill. Of the gro^e hypocrite be like.

125 Of the formall hypocrite who harboureth fome fweetfmne.

128 Gods childe mofi oppofeth hit checfejin, prizinggrace.

130 ay^s in Dauid, Pfal. up.

131 This di-^erence is/hewed in E-leElions.

134 The thoughts of hypocrits in thefe,

137 Thoughts of Gods child in S-leiHoH.

138 More excellent thoughts of (jods children.

140 Second dijference of thoughts according to feafons^ 1. of godly.

141 Hypocrits be contrary.

142 Dijference on the Sabbath day, godly delight^ hypocrite none,

143 How we Jhould meditate on e-ternity.

The Tabic.

Fagc. I

144 Iljpocntes cannot Jfefahtar-jfor

heauHj thoughtSyiuyhe godly be, 14c 3. DifferenccinrHUngthettghti ■

hjffacrtts tvantfgedly haue. | 14.5 G9ds childes care herein, in 4. 147 feints, I. a difcouerj of his dan' ,

ger by Sathnns deef fuggefiions,

2 , thmffkts of former [tnnes. t 14P 3. f (? k^e^e 9Ht nxindrir.q lujls cf

riches, flcafures^ h 0 nours. I

150 F careful effeih of entertaining [ thought ofthefe.

151 4. Of entertaining good motions, Iji Tliegaiisehereby.

15^ ^. Difference in the ijfue, 154 Gods child after flormes fndes

a calme,aim Dautd. 156 Thevpordts notfetledintheaf-

feUicns of fur mall hyfoerits, ley Some good affetiions may be in

them to ^ods LPi'finifiers,

Two forts ofMinifiers.

Troferties of had. 15P formall hypcrites like'beflof

fuch (JlHinifiiprSo l6o Selfe-preachitfgts afMle-mHr-

thermgfinne. 151 Different maner of preaching, 162 Good ^.Minifierspralfife. 16$ Such be mofi oppo/ed. 166 Different ejfeeme of good Aftn,

^formaJl hjpocrttefar fnndry

by-reffteSlsJhe'^es ^eateffeente

of good Minifiers, 170 let in three tafes his heart ri-feth againfi them,i.i»bumbUng

Page

172 Weake Chriflians are ht no fort

to be terrified.

when ^eds mercies ttre to bee

proclaimed.

174 ^fflitiedfpiritsnvrefiallagainfi themfclues.

175 How God tendereth an effiUed foule*

17 7 ?Vr the Lave mufi be Reached to hard h?art d,

178 Hypocrites cry cm againfi it^

179 (faufesicvhy.

182 Inrehat cafes an hypocriteCA» Uks a good Preacher.

183 Hurts by vfurie.

184 TSy drunkenncffe, ^yintlofures.

185 Stvearers, Rich.

190 3. Canfe ^hy hyptcrits difiih^e

good Minificrs. ip 1 For 'vrging too greatfiriUneffe 1 <)6 why the godly efieemgoodMin, I p7 Great hurt by difcord among

Qorifiians. -IP9 Whj the godlyforeuerence good

Mtnifiers. 20 3 what Minifiers are to be rene-

renced? Workers, 204 who are not.

207 Other motinesto Y^crencegod ly Minifitrs.

208 Godly can endure pre aching of the Law and Geds wrath.

2i3 HolV they are affe&ed with their former boftme ^nne. How they loue tabefhrred vp to more duty.

FINIS*

A Tabic of the Contents of each Chap, ter in the Booker

Sec TM» Par T.I. Chap, i.

THe Introduciion, The ^*«-tents of the Text, The fir Si Do^rine r^ifed and frtved by

tT»o reafons, pag. i.

Three ether renfons f roving the fannerDo^rine.Qhz. I.pag.6

Three paire efinflancesconfirminir the former D oSirine,Dzv'id and SauI/ob^w-i/Achitopbel, Lu-

, tber and Spira. Chap. 3 .pag. 13

^y^firjt ufe of the former do^rine for exhortation tofiore np hea^ ven/y comforts in our hearts. Two confideratioMS which pre.Jfe thii exhortation upon us.

Chap.4.pag.2o.

A third confideration p^cjfing the

former exhortation defended a-

gainfi MachivtUs pofition,

Chap,$. Pag 35.

Afeeod ufe of the former doHrtne for reprooje tofeverall forts of people. The firfi yphereof are

« the carefeffe: ypith a firfi confix

deration to admomfh them, Chap,6.Pag.3 3.

A fee ond and third confideration^ for admonition ofthofe who are careleffe, Chap.7.pag.39

The fee ond fort of people to be re* proved,which areJenfu^Ufts. Thefirfi confideration to re» forme them. Chap.8.Pag 44.,

Tbefecondand third confideration for the reformation of the Sen» fualifis. Chap.p.Pag,4p.

The third fort of people to bee re-m proved which are the oppofers of a pow erf till Minifiry. Three reafons dijfwading men from thatfinne. Chap I o. pag, 5 8

Fottre other reafons dijfwading from the former fin .Qh i l.p.6i

Six other reafons difwading from the former finne. Chii.p.^^

I fvho are meant hj Perfecu-

tors, 2. fyhat is meant hy Per-

fecHti«n, 5. tAn oh]eBion a-

R r ffainfi

The Table.

fahfi the daSir'tne anfxvered,

Chap.13. pa^. (57.

Five falfe grounds of confident in<^^

during miferies.Chi^. 14.p.^9

j^fiMth fa/feground of confident

induring mi/eries. 2, A conclu-

Jionofthefirji Deflrine.QhTi^,

15 pag.74. Seft. I • Part. 2.

The'Doctrine of the intQllerAbU" ne^e of a wounded confidence proved. Chap.i.pag.79.

I. Z^/e of the former DoSlrine f4r the unconverted to take out thefiing offinne by repentance, 2, Onercafsn, why every fin-Tier doth mt alway fieele that fiing. Chap.2.pagpo.

Five other reafions, why a finner doth not alwaies fieele thefiing

- . ^fifinne, Gliap.^.pag 100.

?» Vfe of the fiormer DoEirine for the c'onv^rtedy that they fin no more^and to keepe them from finnCy fieven confiideratiom are

^ . given them. Chap.4,pag no

^hirteene bther confiderations to kcepe men from finne. Chap. 5., pag. 121, Sev3:.2. Part.i.

J'he fiyfi errour in curing affii-

S}ed confidences, ii the unfiea*

fonahleapplying cofiort to them

thatferrorp not at all, 1. 134.

Davehers reprehended, faithful-neffe in preaching and datviing ccmp zred. Chap. 2 .pag. 150.

ty€generall direBionfor avoidmg

the former errour. 3. 155.

FoUre parttcular direElionsjor a-voiding this errour. I. How the "Law to he prejfed. 2. How thf GofipeH to lee preached, 3. How Chrifi to hepropofied, ^. How pardon to bee ajfured. And wayes to bee ufedfor the putting »fi thefie direSlions in pra^ifie. Chap,4.pag.i76,

Xhefiecond error in t he unadvifed applying of comfort to them that are not grieved aright, 7'wq cafes wherin men grieved are mtto be prefiently comfiorted. • Chap 5.pag.ip8,

*rwo other c^fes wherein (pirituall Phyfitians mufi take heed of the feconderroMr,Qhz^,6 p. 21 5".

A ffithciafie wherin fpirituall phyfitians mufi take heed of that fieconderrour.T'he divers kinds of death in godly men. Chap 7.

p3g.230. The divers ki»des ofideath in wicked men, Chap.8.pag.2 39. The remedy in thisfiifit cafie, i .Ad-monttion to the Minifiers to be careiullin comfierting at that time. z.To the people not tode-ferre repentance till that time. Chap p.pag. 34P, The third errour 'of apply ing com^. fort,which is indifcreet applica^ tiort; The frfi eafie -wherein it happenSywhich is two fudden-ap-phcationandthe demonfiration ofi that errour. Ch.io.^.i$j,

uixL

The Table.

Ohje^ign Kgainfi the former Do-^iyte.Dijferences hetTveen le-gall terroHYi in the EleCf , And others. Chap.l r.pag.258.

Jfftr unions f9r avoidivg this fault

ofaffljtng csmfsrt too foone,

Chap.12.pag.275.

^hefecondcafe rvherein the for-mererrour is committed,i»hich is in ^fflying too much Trvo things concerning which the af-fliBed is to be advifedfor dvoy-dini this errottr Ch. i 5 .p.2S i.

T-wo things more^cocerning vohich theaffliEledisto beadvifed, & tTV9 things yfhich the Alinifler is to heed for avoyding that er-

_^5»r. Chap.I4.p.294.

The fifth ddvife to the affiifled. 2, direEiions to the Atinifier to be -ebferved toyvards his patient.

'•< ?• < -I Chap.i5.p.5o3

^wo cafes yvherein pangs of con-fcience are not healed, Tphat e-'vertheyfee?9te.Ch.i6.]p. 510

A third cafe yfi here in fangs ofcon~

Jciencemayfeeme to bee healed

and are not^with the difcovery

of mem err ours in that kind-

Chap.ij.p.jip,

Three cafes more, Tvherein the

pangs ofconfcience are not healed Chap.ig.p. 328. Sefl 2.Part.2.

Therighttnrthodofcttr'mgan af~ fliiied confcience ; foure thin <rs required in the righ t methoctof

curing Chap, I pa 3 3 5

Three things more required in thofe who are rightly cured.

Chap.2.pag.34r Se(a.3.Part i. "^.Principles of comfort from without Hs to be applied to affli^cd confciences. Chap.I .p. 349. Z.principles of comfort more,

Chap.2.pag 558. Five other principles of comfort, Ch. 3.pa. 364. Four conclufions of comfort drawn from thofeplaces of Scripture^ TV hie hfets forth the Lords dealing with usy as a Father with his children, Chap.4.p.375. Eight co-^clufions more drawn j:'o the afore mentioned places.

Chap.5.pag.3 84 ^yf principle of comfort from fotu-thing within Hs,confirmed from feveraltefiimoniesand inflan-ces of Scripture, and by one re a-Con, Chap.<).p. 392

Onereafonmore confrming the truth of the former principle. ■ Chsp.7.pag.4oo. The former principle confirmed by two more reafons, and by authority. Chap. 8 page 406 By what mar k.s true defires of grace. in HS may be 4«07V».ch:9.p.41 o Two efpeciall times -wherein the forme r principle is to be applied Cha;o.pag:4T4. Two other esfecialttimesy whertn R.r 2 «/^

The Table.

ttfe ii to be made of the former prtHciple, Chap.i i .p. 41 p. Seft.j.Parta.

The firfi parttcuUr muladj fet downe wtthagenerallfr'tHciple for the care ofit.Ch. I • p. ^i6.

ThefirfiparttctUar argumentto he applied for the cure of the for-merma/adjf.Chsp.i.^g^^'^i,

The fecond particnlar argnment to be ufedfor the cure of the former mAUdj. Five ptwtsofth^t argument laied open : the firfi brack of the 5 .pArt.ch. 3 .p«441

Two branches more of the 5. part of the former argument, & the feverallparticles which belong to the fecond ofthenu Chap.4.

p.44P. The fecond malady of confcience.

Three conftderations againfi unfoundnejfe^ propofed for the cure of this maladicy and three more againfh unadvifedne^e. Chap.5,p. 4J6, Two conftderations more againji Hnadvifedneffe for the cure of the former malady.Ch.6.p,^6 } Thethirdmalady of confcience.'thff dxnger of it: the caufes ofit:fWQ things propofed for cure of%t^ Chap.7.p.468. The thijrdway of curing the for' merffialady.One thing to be cindered to thatpurpofcS 479. ^41 ,and 3 .thing to bee eonfidered for the cure of the former maU"

dy. Chap.p.pag.488.

Th e ^,and 5. anftderationy which

belongs to the ?. way of curing

th e former malady',alfo the fifth

help for it by advice.c.io.p.^^^^

The ^,malady, 2 eaufes ofthu ma-lady. Chap. 11 »p.^9p,

Foure caufes more of the former malady. Chap.i 2.p. jop.

Two more caufes of the former malady, Chap.i 9 pag. ^20

The ninth and tenth caufes of the formr malady,C\\.i ^.p^»^ 29

Two helps for the curing of a man troubled with the former mala' dy, Cha.ij.p. 535

Two other helps for the curing of the former malady.(h.. 16 p. 5 4 3

Two more helps for the cure of the former malady.z. i y.p.J 5 9

TheUfl help for the curing of the former malady. Ch 18.P.558

The fifth malady ofanaffliEledco' fctence:thefirfl curing it^which tsfifeculativcy (fr the firfi part of that way^which is by confederation. Chap ip.pag 564

The fecond part of the ^eculative way of curing the former malady ywhtch is by cou»fclt',z things which men mufl be counfelledtis pra^ife. Chap. 20 pag. 5 yd.

n^ .other things which men mufi be counfeHedto praSlifefor the cure of the former malady.c. 21 .p, J ^ i

The exporimeutall way of curtng the former malady,! 2,p, 5 8p.

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