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Life  of  G  O  D 


THE 


I  N    T  H  E 

Soul  of  Man.' 

OR,    THE 

Nature  and  Excellency 

O  F    T  H  E 

Chriftian  Religion. 

WithNine  other  Discourses  on 
important  Subje&s. 

By  Henry  Scougal,  A.M.  and  S.T.P. 


The  SECOND  EDITION. 


To  which  is  Added, 

A  Sermon  Preached  at  his  Funeral, 
by  G.G.  D.D. 


Perfeftionis  ac  faikitatis  fummum  eft  uniri  Deo. 

LONDON: 

Printed  for   M.   Downing,    in   Bartholomew- 
Clofe>  near  Weft -Smith field.     M .  d  c  c .  xxxv. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/lifeofgodiOOscou 


3feKSa5&SS&XV^i5?>3^^ 


THE 


PREFACE. 


T  is  but  a  reafonahk  compliance 
with  cufiom,  to  give  fome  account 
to  the  publick,  of  a  booh  we  pre- 
fent  them  with.  The  treatife,  en- 
titled^ The  Life  of  God  in  the 
Soul  of  Man  :  or,  The  Nature  and  Excel- 
lency of  theChriftian  Religion,  was  firji  pub- 
lifhed  during  the  authors  life,  by  T)r.  Burnet, 
afterwards  lord  bifhop  of  Sarum,  who*  becauje 
the  author  s  modefiy  would  not  permit  him  to 
put  his  name  to  it,  ufkerd  it  into  the  world 
with  a  preface,  in  which  he  gave  this  charac- 
ter of  the  author ;  That  the  book  was  a  tran- 
fcript  of  thofe  divine  impreflions  that  were 
upon  his  own  heart,  and  that  he  had  written 
nothing  in  it  but  what  hehimfelf  did  wel]  feel 
and  know  ;  and  added  another  treatife  to  it, 
called,  An  Account  of  the  Spiritual  Life,  fup- 
pofed  to  be  written  by  himfelf.  Since  the  firfi 
edition,  about  the  year  1677.  it  has  bore  five 
imprcfjions  more,  the  loft  of  them  encouraged 

A  »  % 


IV 


P  R  E  F  A  C  R 


/•:  abh  Society  for  promoting  Chri- 

in  Knowledge,    wbc    judged  it  wortbj 

lial  Packet   to  tic 
s.     Indeed  the  cleax  nd 

four  at         t     tuft  and  amiable 
i  -nation  be  gives  qf  religion  /';;  this  Httlc 
treatif      n  \  ;<    it       I  i  \1ued   md  e- 

ju  i  /  judick  usperfons :  and  it  bed  1 1 

a  help;  \  me  ins  cf  giving  right  notions  if  reli- 
gion to  manji  making  them  in  lovi  with  ity 
and  I .  \  I        i  \  m  up  n  the  / 
tbtyfaw  was  infinitely  de fir  able  in  it  (elf,  a 
with  feme  pains  and  iridnftry  attainable  by 
them.      And  among  tnd\ 
owned their  obligations  to  our  authors  little 
book,  I  cannot  but  mention  a  young  gentloman 
of  ft        r virtue  and piety,  wb  toldmes  tl 
tbh  which  he  met  with  accidentally  in 

Am         ,  was  tl 

as  U  m    :    bis  mind, 

the  pt  cf  the   -  .  s    and  pi  \    cf 

the  The    eft c cm  which 

cone h       |  r   e;.;-  author's  \  piety* 

-;;;  inquifat 
Jit  ion  Sy    i  to 

lii:  t  he  f  : " 

id  cot  mil i  .  / 

d  togeth 

c  I  \    I   : 

r3  no  I  i 

tue, 


The   P  R  E  F  A  C  E.  v 

virtue,  than  for  their  birth  and  quality,    to 
publifh  them  with  a  new  edition  of  the  printed 
treatife  ;   and  have  endeavoured  to  give  them 
as  correU  as  poffible,  tho   fome  of  the  manu*. 
fcripts  I  was  obliged  to  make  ufe  of,  had  not 
been  tranfcribed  with  that  care  and  exaUnefs 
they  ought.    It  cannot  be  expeUed,  that  thefe 
dijcourfes,    which  were  never  defigned  by  the 
author  for  the  prefs,  can  appear  with  the  fame 
advantage  as  the  treatife,    which  at  the  per- 
fuafion  of  his  friends  was  publifhed  in  his  life- 
time,  yet  as  they  retain  the  fame  fpirit  and 
genius,  and  give  the  fame  clear  and  perfuafive 
notions  of  religion,  it  is  hoped  they  will  be  fa- 
vourably received,  as  well  as  that  they  may  be 
very  profitable  to  the  candid  andferious  reader. 
1  have  alfo  added  the  fermon  preached  at  his 
funeral,  the  original  and  only  copy  whereof  has 
been  ever  fince  religioufly  preferved  by  one  to 
whom  our  author  was  very  dear  by  nearnefs  of 
blood,  but  much  more  on  account  of  his  piety  ^ 
and  the  ftriffi  friendfloip   there  was  between 
them.    To  this  fermon  1  muft  refer  the  reader 
for  an  account  of  our  author  s  life  ;    tho  I  be- 
lieve that  a  more  particular  one  than   would 
have  been  proper  in  a  fermon,  will  be  made  pub- 
lick  hereafter  in  another  treatife. 

The  chief  motive  to  my  publifhing  this  col- 
leffiion,  was  the  hopes  of  its  being  ferviceable 
to  Religion  in  general :  fince  our  author  s  [cope 

and 


VI 


The    P  R  E  F  A  C  l  . 


and  aim  is  to  ficzv  us,  tl\it  the  defign  of  re- 
1:.  io  i  thfl  le&ifyingourmiqdsj  and  the 

uhtin^oiir  appetites  and  deiires,  to  exalt 
our  natures,  and  transform  US  unto  that  liko- 
ikT  to  the  divmc  nature,  which  may  render 
us  capable  of  the  neareit  communion  with  the 
author  of  our  beipg,  wbtib  is  :  .ft  felicity 

and  pcrfecVou  ci.r  nature  is  capable  <f.     And 
ibj   ?nens  difpojltions  and  temper  s  lo  ca- 

as,  //.//  zi'lhit  is  uU/ul  to  one  may  not  be  jo 
to  another ',    bat  fmetimes  r  prejudice 

yet  this  book  I  think  m.  .t  into  the 

■ds  (f  every  one,  thv  in  my  opinion  it  is 
likely  to  have  the  gj  \  at  eft  influence  i. pen  fuch  as 
t:re  of  a  noble  and  generous  fpint.  It  is  pofli- 
blc  indeed  that  jomc  ?nay  oh; eel  again]}  zvhat 
our  author  advances  in  the  furth  die 
That  there  are  but  a  final]  number  laved  ; 
but  it  istu  re  c  ufidcted}  t  veu 

fur  this  lamentable  tr;.::\  do  not  at  all  ajher 

I  tyodnefi  a»:d  i)h)\y  tfQod,  but  a 
to  I  J  ft '•  tn  m  ::s  W 

vrdned  impenitence  of  Jh:  c- 

as    tbc  \   of  it  cannot  but    :, 

$(    in  t 
v    .:     . 

.  than 

■  . 


J. 


The    PREFACE. 


vn 


In  this  edition,  I  have  left  out  the  account 
of  the  Spiritual  Life,  added  to  the  former  im- 
preffwns  of  the  Life  of  God  in  the  Soul  of 
Man,    not  only  becaufe  it  was  none  of  our  au- 
thor sy  but,  as  it  was  generally  thought,  not  at 
all  equal  to  the  other  ,•  infomuch  that  a  learned 
and  worthy  gentleman,  who  was  at  the  fains 
to  tranflatc  our  author  s  treatife  into  French  Y, 
did  not  think  proper  to  join  the  other  to  it. 
IBeJides  thefe  difcourfes  in  Engliili  now  printed \ 
and  fome  ejfays  written  when  he  was  very 
young,  in  manufcript  our  author  has  left  be- 
hind him  three  trails  in  Latin,  viz.   A  ftiort 
Syftem    of   Ethicks,    or  Moral  Philofophy : 
A  Prefervative  againft  the    artifices   of  the 
Homijh  Miflionaries :  and  of  the  Paftoral  Care* 
Tfhis  lafi  contains  only  four  chapters  of  a  large 
treatife  he  defigned  upon  that  fub/efi,  for  the 
nfe  of  the  (ludents  in  divinity,  and  candidates 
for  holy  orders,   for  he  lived  not  tofinijlo  it ; 
the  great  governor  of  the  world  having,  in  his 
wife  providence,  thought  jit  to   remove  him 
early  from  his  poji  here,  to  give  him  the  reward 
of  bis  good  and  faithful  fervice.  He  had  taught 
philofophy  four  years  before  he  enter  d  into 
holy  orders,  after  which  he  was  one  year  mi- 
nijier  of  a  country  parijh,    and  four  years  Di- 
vinity ProfefTor  in King's-College ///Aberdeen ; 

in 


*  Printed  at  the  Hague,  1722. 


\  111 


The    1J  R  E  FACE 


in  wbUb  foe  Wx  father,  I'i/Jjop  Scougal,  /^r 
above  twenty ji  ars  from  the  Restoration.   This 

bis  [on  WHS  born  about  the  end  of  June,  Anno 
165c  and  died  on  the  13th  of the  lame  month 
Anno  1678.  (raving  fcarce  completed  the  28th 
year  of  his  age.  lint  being  made  perfect  in  a 
ftiort  time,  he  fulfilled  a  long  time;  fee  \vif- 
dom  is  the  grey  hair  unto  men,  and  an  un. 
fpotted  life  is  old  age  *.  That  his  Wight 
example  may  excite  in  all  his  readers,  efpeci- 
allyin  the  clergy,  a  holy  emulation  cf  hi coming 
like  unto  him,  who  WM  1  minently  like  unto 
great  pattern  and  example^  the  Lord  Jefus,  is 
the  hearty  wj/b  of  the  publijlier, 


Pa.  Cocke  urn. 


THE 

L  I  F  E  of  G  O  D 

IN     THE 

SOUL  of  MAN. 


My  Dear  FRIEND, 

HIS  designation  doth  give  you  a  title  to 
all  the  endeavours  where- 
by  I  can    ferve  your  in-      The  ,occ*Clon 

J  J  ot      this    dif- 

tereits ;    and   your    pious      Courfe. 

inclinations  do  fo  happily 
confpire  with  my  duty,  that  I  fhall  not  need  to  ftep 
out  of  my  road  to  gratify  you ;  but  I  may  at  once  per- 
form an  office  of  friendfhip,  and  difcharge  an  exerciie 
of  my  function,  (l'nce  the  advancing  of  virtue  and  ho- 
linefs  (which  I  hope  you  make  your  greateft  ftudy)  is 
the  peculiar  bufinefs  of  my  imployment.  This  there- 
fore is  the  mod  proper  inftance  wherein  I  can  vent  my 

affection^  and  exprefs  my  gratitude  towards  you,  and 
.  -  B  I 


1  The  Lift  </  G  0  D 

•11  n^t  ai 

to  this  purp  I  know 

d  with  better  helps  <  iture,  than 

r  arc  y<  u  lik 
■ . ..  :.  tbd  re,  yetl  in  h  pc- 

.  one  whom  you  arc  | 
lonourwi  ndfhip,  tod  which  is  more  par- 

ur  ufc,  will  be  kindly  accepted 

perhaps  may  fo  direct 

thdughts,    that  lomething  or  other  may  prove  ufe- 

ful   to  yoiL     Nor  (hall  I  doubt   your   pardon,    ir  tor 

Iding  my  c:.  into  the  better  frame,  I  lay  a 

low  foundation,  beginning  with  the  nature,  and  pro- 

and  all   along  give  fach  way  to 

my  thoughts  in  the~profecution  of  the  fubject,   as  may 

bring  me  to  lav  many  things  which  were  not  necaiary, 

did  I  only  confider  to  whom  I  am  writing. 

I  cannot  (peak  ot  Religion,  but  I  mud  lament  that 

am  tiders  to  it,   fo  tew 

lboql    underftand  what  it  kneana  ;  feme  Bfecing 

it  in  the  underftanding,  in  i  rtbodoi  no- 

tiobS  and  opinions,  and  all  the  account  they  can  give 

lis,  that  they  are  of  this  or  the  other 

petfo   Ron,  and  haw  j  -in'd  th< 

In  reinto  chriftendom  is  moil  unhappily 

(  5  it  in  the  outward  man,    in  a 

l  had  duties  and  a  htodel  of  f 

neighbours 
I      p  a  ten)  |  -.turns  of  worfhip, 

their  clofet,  and  Comet  imes 

•  think 

the)  Others 

in  the  iptiurdtis 

;s  ro 


hi  the   Soul  of  Man.  3 

pray  with  pafllon,  and  think  of  heaven  with  pleafure, 
and  to  be  arTe&ed  with  thofe  kind  and  melting  exprtf- 
fions  wherewith  they  court  their  Saviour,  till  they  per- 
fwade  themfelves  that  they  are  mightily  in  love  with 
him,  and  from  thence  afliime  a  great  confidence  of  their 
falvation,  which  they  elleem  the  chief  of  chriilian  graces. 
Thus  are  thefe  things  which  have  any  refemblance  of 
piety,  and  at  the  bell  are  but  means  of  obtaining  it, 
or  particular  exercifes  of  it,  frequently  miftaken  for  the 
whole  of  religion :  nay  fometimes  wickednefs  and  vice 
pretend  to  that  name.  I  fpeak  not  now  of  thofe  grofs 
impieties  wherewith  the  heathens  were  wont  to  wor- 
fhip  their  Gods ;  there  are  but  too  many  christians  who 
would  confecrate  their  vices,  and  hallow  their  corrupt 
affe&ions,  whofe  rugged  humour,  and  fulien  pride,  mult 
pafs  for  chriftian  feverity,  whofe  fierce  wrath,  and  bit- 
ter rage  againft  their  enemies,  mud  be  called  holy  zeal  5 
whofe  petulancy  towards  their  fuperiors,  or  rebellion 
againft  their  governors,  mufl  have  the  name  of  chris- 
tian courage  and  refolution. 

But  certainly  Religion  is  quite  another  thing,  and 
they  who  are  acquainted  with  it,  will 
entertain  far  different  thoughts,  and  dif-  w£"  religion 
dain  all  thofe  ihadows  and  falfe  imita- 
tions of  it :  They  know  by  experience  that  true  religion 
is  an  union  of  the  foul  with  God,  a  real  participation 
of  the  divine  nature,  the  very  image  of  God  drawn 
upon  the  foul,  or  in  the  apoftle's  phrafe,  it  is  Chrifi 
formed  within  us.  Briefly,  I  know  not  how  the  nature 
of  religion  can  be  more  fully  exprefTed  than  by  calling 
it  a  divine  life ;  and  under  thefe  terms  1  mail  difcourfe 
of  it,  mewing  firft  how  it  is  called  a  life,  and  then 
how  it  is  termed  divine. 


B: 


4  Life  cf  GO  D 

of  ///>,    firh 

Permanency  mid  ftal 

..       ....... 

the  miu J,  not  chough  it  (hould 
>f  a  rapture,  and  feem  to  tranfpOfft  a  man 

but 
ing  for 
the  of  which  may  pufll  on- 

ward (I  me  fteps  wh  but 

-  in  a  hoi 

th  frcJh 

h,  but  are  quickly  withei  aufc  the]    had 

.  in  themfdves.     'I  m- 

pared  to  the  violent  and  convulfive  mod 

D  ufed  by  the  agitations  of  the   ani- 

.-  the  foul  is  departed,  whii  ever 

violent  and  impetuous,  can  be  of  no  long  continuao 

whereas  the  motions  of  holy  foui  nftanc  and  rtgu- 

mt,  and  lively  princi] 
lr  is  true,  this  divine  life  continueth  not  always  in  that 

th  and  vigour,  but  many   times  fuffi 
I      ays,  and  holy   men  find 
>•     temptati  alacrity  in  th 

vet  it  is  n<  t   i  n<  r 

I  to  i 

r-rule  the  Id. 

in  inward,    free,  and 
"m3ml     f<  cinlc.    and  thole    who 

s  made  p 
onl;  driven  merely 

drained 
vcrfully  d  to   that   which 

it ;   the  1 

w] 


in  the  Soul   of  Man.  5 

which  a  pious  man  bears  to  God  and  goodnefs,  is  not 
fo  much  by  virtue  of  a  command  enjoining  him  fo  to  do, 
as  by  a  new  nature  inftru&ing  and  prompting  him  to 
it ;  nor  doth  he  pay   his  devotions  as  an  unavoidable 
tribute,  only  to  appeafe  the  divine  juftice,  or  quiet  his 
clamorous  confcience,     but  thofe  religious  exercifes  are 
the   proper  emanations  of  the   divine  life,  the  natural 
employments  of  the  new  born  foul.     He  prays,    and 
gives    thanks,    and  repents,    not   only    becaufe  thefe 
things  are  commanded,  but  rather  becaufe  he  is  fenfible 
of  his  wants,  and  of  the   divine  goodnefs,  and  of  the 
folly  and  mifery  of  a  finful  life  •  his  charity  is  not  for- 
ced,  nor  his  alms  extorted  from  him,  his  love  makes 
him  willing  to  give ;  and  though  there  were  no  outward 
obligation,  his  heart  would  devife  liberal  things  ;    in- 
juftice  or   intemperance,    and  all  other  vices,    are  as 
contrary  to  his  temper  and  conftitution,    as  the  bafeft 
actions  are  to  the  moil  generous  fpirit,   and  impudence 
and  fcurrility  to  thofe   who   are  naturally  model! :  fo 
that    I  may    well    fay  with  f  St.  John,    IVhofoever 
is    bom  of  God  doth  not   commit  fin  :   for   his  feed 
remaineth    in     himy    and  he   cannot  fin  becaufe  he 
is  bom   of  God.      Though   holy    and  religious   per- 
fons   do  much  eye  the  law  of  God,  and  have  a  great 
regard   unto    it,  yet   it  is   not  fo    much  the    fanc- 
tion  of  the  law^  as  its  reafonablenefs,  and  purity,  and 
goodnefs,  which  do  prevail  with  them ;    they  account 
it  excellent  and  defirable  in  it  felf,  and  that  in  keeping 
of  it  there  is  great  reward  -y  and  that  divine  love  where- 
with they  are  a&edj  makes  them  become  a  law  unto 
themfelves, 

B  3  $u& 


f  lJ?toW»!  9t 


6  72         :-  of  G  0  D 

c^  >i  det  amantit  :is  f 

M  •      c/?  **/0r  lex  tpfc 

I  :  move. 

I  n    a    word,     what   cur    blefTed 
himfclf,    is    in   f)mc    mcafurc   applicable   to  his    : 

.  crs,    *  that    it    is  tlar    mtat    and  drink  to   do 
I  .-..';     and     as    the    natural  ippctite 

is  carried  out  toward   food,  though  uld  not  |   - 

fleet  on  the  neceflity  of  it  for  the  prefcrvation  of  our 
lives  ;  (o  are  they  carried  with  a  natural  and  unfofced 
propcfifiofi  toward  that  which  is  good  and  p  m  fundable. 
It  is  true,  external  mo:;  many  times  of  great 

i  lid  ftir  up  this  inward  principle,  cfpeci- 

ally   in  its  infancy  and  I  fo 

laiv.  at  the  m*  a  ra  it, 

ha:.  i;cn 

!..  ,    ■■■•:■  tby  hi        •    ,  ■  .  i,  by  I  ffiut 

oi  an  6  •'  ,   by  the  autho- 

rity ol  the  law,  oi  th<  ;  of  others.     Now  if 

fuch  a  p  ntious  and  uniform  inbisobe- 

diemce,   and  eamefil  ing   under  tl  ins 

dulnefs,  an,  S  :o  perform  his  duties  « ith  more 

fpirit,  :  firfi  motions  61   I 

divine  life,  which  i  :  be  faint    and    )  01 

(wrely  be  chcrilhed  by  the  influences  of  be  and 

...  unto  greater  maturity.    But  he  who         terly 

deftitute  of  this  inward  pi  •  *  noc  ai- 

pireunto.it,  bi  himfelf  wirh  th<  rm- 

cunto  he  is  prompted  byeducai  cut 

hell,  or  carnal  not! 

I  re  be  t(  I  petfoOj  than  ■ 

pupp'r 


in    the    Soul  of  Man. 

puppit  can  be  call'd  a  man.  This  forced  and  artificial 
religion  is  commonly  heavy  and  languid,  like  the  mo- 
tion of  a  weight  forced  upward  :  it  is  cvld  and  fpiritlefs, 
like  the  uneafy  compliance  of  a  wife  married  againft 
her  will,  who  carries  it  dutifully  toward  the  husband 
whom  flie  doth  not  love,  out  of  fome  fenfe  of  virtue 
or  honour.  Hence  alfo  this  religion  is  fcant  and  nig- 
gardly, efpecially  inthofe  duties  which  do  greateft  vio- 
lence to  mens  carnal  inclinations,  and  thofe  flavifh  fpi- 
rits  will  be  fure  to  do  no  more,  than  is  abfolutely  re- 
quired j  'tis  a  law  that  compels  them,  and  they  will 
be  loath  to  go  beyond  what  it  flints  them  to,  nay, 
they  will  ever  be  putting  fuch  gloffes  on  it,  as  may 
leave  themfelves  the  greateft  liberty  :  whereas  the  fpirit 
of  true  religion  is  frank  and  liberal,  far  from  fuch  pee^ 
vifh  and  narrow  reckoning ;  and  he  who  hath  given 
himfelf  intirely  unto  God,  will  never  think  he  doth  too 
much  for  him. 

B  y  this  time  I  hope  it  doth  appear,  that  religion  is 
with  a  great  deal  of  reafon  termed  a  life, 
or  vital  principle,  and  that  it  is  very  nc-     Rel,sion  a  *- 

r  r     5  <  vine   principle' 

ceflary  to  diftinguifh  betwixt  it,  and  that 
obedience  which  is  conftrained,   and  depends  on  exter- 
nal caufes  :    I  come  next  to  give  an  account  why  I  de- 
fign*d  it  by  the  name  of  divine  life ;   and  fo  it  may 
be  called,  not  only  in  regard  of  its  fountain  and  ori- 
ginal, having  God  for  its  author,  and  being  wrought: 
in  the  fouls  of  men  by  the  power  of  his  holy  fpirk  j  but 
alfo  in  regard   of  its  nature,  religion  being  a  refem- 
blanceof  the  divine  perfections,  the  image  of  the  Al 
mighty  mining  in  the  foul  of  man  :  nay  it  is  a  real r 
ticipation  of  his  nature,  it  is  a  beam  of  the  etettJ  i 
a  drop  of  that  infinite  ocean  of  goodneO 

B4 


8  The   i         of  GOD 

are  cac  '.\  it,  m:-.  id  to  have  G< 

cm. 
Bepo     b  ]  .  .  i     i  moi 

"**-    giondotliconfift,  it  will  p< 

[peak  a   little   ol  that  natural  or  animal 
iich  prevails   in   thofe  v.  ho  nr  to 

_r:  and  [  underftand  nothing  elfe,    I 

our  inclination  and  pr  I    toward  ings 

and  acceptable  to   nature  ■     or  felf- 
1  vc  ifluing  forth  and   fprc  It  (elf  into  as  many 

1   .  men  hai  ites  and  ir 

the  root  and  foundation  of  the  animal ':      I    sckon  to 
b  g  it  larg  :.:h, 

I  impbrteth  our  peri 
that 

animal  is  cohfidered  iri  I  and  as  tl 

arc  implanted  ip  us  by  natur  ,  b 

tot  furnifhing  h 

to  i  and  wclft  ! 

arc  ioil  •  untoth 

for  whi< 

made;  bur  man  being  made  for  higher  pui  and 

to  I 

ar.-: 

to  viola! 

neg 

(  i 

,  bur  only  to  be  ma  and 

a  fuperior  and  more  excellent  principle. 

is  and  wkk« 
,    10 

I 

B 


in   the   Soul  of  Man.  9 

But  it  is  ftrange  to  obferve,  unto  what  different 
courfes  this  natural  principle  will  fome- 
times  carry  thofe  who  are  wholly  guided    The  different 

,       .  ,.         '         ,         ,.  .  tendencies  of 

by  it,  according  to  the  divers  circum-  £he  naturailife, 
fiances  that  concur  with  it  to  determine 
them  :  and  then  not  confidering  this  doth  frequently 
occafion  very  dangerous  miftakes,  making  men  think 
well  of  themfelves  by  reafon  of  that  feeming  difference 
which  is  betwixt  them  and  others,  whereas  perhaps  their 
actions  do  all  the  while  flow  from  one  and  the  fame 
original.  If  we  confider  the  natural  temper,  and  con- 
futation of  mens  fouls,  we  mall  find  fome  to  be  airy, 
frolickfome  and  light,  which  makes  their  behaviour  ex- 
travagant and  ridiculous ;  whereas  others  are  naturally 
ferious  and  fevere,  and  their  whole  carriage  compofed 
into  fuch  gravity  as  gains  them  a  great  deal  of  reverence 
and  eileem.  Some  are  of  an  humorous,  rugged,  and 
morofe  temper,  and  can  neither  be  pleafed  themfelves, 
nor  endure  that  others  mould  be  fo;  but  all  are 
not  born  with  fuch  fowre  and  unhappy  difpoiitions, 
for  fome  perfons  have  a  certain  fweetnefsand  benignity 
rooted  in  their  natures,  and  they  find  the  greateil  plea- 
fure  in  the  endearments  of  fociety,  and  the  mutual 
complacency  of  friends,  and  covet  nothing  more  than 
to  have  every  body  obliged  to  them  :  and  it  is  well  thac 
nature  hath  provided  this  complectional  tendernefs  to 
fupply  the  defect  of  true  charity  in  the  world,  and  to 
incline  men  to  do  fomething  for  one  another's  wel- 
fare. Again,  in  regard  of  education,  fome  have  never 
been  taught  to  follow  any  other  rules,  than  thofe  of 
pleafure  or  advantage ;  but  others  are  fo  inured  to  ob- 
ferve the  ftricteft  rules,  of  decency  and  honour,  and 
fome  inftances  of  virtue,  that  they  are  hardly  capable 

of 


IO  Trc  Life  of  G  0  D 

of  dc A  have  boa  accuftomM  to 

look  upon  as  bad-  and  unworthy. 

I     \:n:,  it  is  no  fmall  difference  in  the  deportment 
m  mecr  natural  men,  that  doth  arife  from  the  ftfCBgth 

orweakn         I   rifwfcor  judgment,  and  from  i 
care  or   negligence  in  tiling  them.    Intemperance 
luft,  injufticc  and  oppreiTion,  and  all    thofe  other  im- 
puties  which  abound  in  the  world,    and    render  it   (b 
miferablc,  arc  the  iifues  of  felt-love,    the    trKct   of  the 

7  life,  when  it  is  neither  ovcr-p<< . 
nor  govern'd  b;   iu:ural  reafon;    but    if   it    i 
hold  of  rafafl  ;  and  gel  judgment  and  wit  to  be  or  its 
party,   it  will  many  times  difdain  tiu  [ 
Ct%  ftjftd  ipring  up  unto  lair    imitations  of  virtue  and 
goodie  K     II  a  man  have  but  (b  much  rcafon  as  to  con- 
iider  the  prejudice  which  intemperance  and   inordinate 
hid    do   bring    unto   his  health,  his  fortune,  and  hi^> 
reputation,  (flf-lovc  may  (uffice  to  reftrain  him;    and 
rules  or'  moral   juftice   in  dealing 
nay  to  fecurc  his  own  inl- 
and maintain  his  credit  in  rid    But  thii 
all,  d             ral  prim              the  help  01  reafon    may 
rake  a                     .:,  audi    BK  nigbcf  the  ir.U  . 

f  incline  a  man  do 

.  r  why  mould  not  I 

nint    i  It  maj  men, 

zealous  in  maintaining  and  pn  pinions  as 

:irous  th   :  i 
unto  their  :,    and  e  the 

l,  which  l  it  may 

.'.lent  dif- 
natl  .  •  ol 
■ 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  1 1 

difpofe  to  no  fmall  height  of  fenfible  devotion.  The 
glorious  things  that  are  fpoken  of  heaven,  may  make 
even  a  carnal  heart  in  love  with  it,  the  metaphors  and 
fimilitudes  made  ufe  of  in  fcripture,  of  crowns  and 
fcepters,  and  rivers  of  pleafure,  &c.  will  cafily  affect 
a  man's  fancy,  and  make  him  wifh  to  be  there,  though 
he  neither  underftand  nor  defire  thofe  fpiritual  pleafures 
which  are  defcribed  and  fhadowed  forth  by  them ;  and 
when  fuch  a  perfon  comes  to  believe  that  Chrift  has  pur- 
chafed  thofe  glorious  things  for  him,  he  may  feel  a  kind 
of  tendernefs  and  affection  towards  fo  great  a  benefac- 
tor, and  imagine  that  he  is  mightily  inamoured  with 
him,  and  yet  all  the  while  continue  a  ftranger  to  the 
holy  temper  and  fpirit  of  the  bleffed  Jefus :  and  what 
hand  the  natural  conftitution  may  have  in  the  rapturous 
devotions  of  fome  melancholy  perfons,  hath  been  ex- 
cellently difcovered  of  late  by  feveral  learned  and  ju- 
dicious pens. 

T  o  conclude,  there  is  nothing  proper  to  make  a 
man's  life  pleafant,  or  himfelf  eminent  and  confpicuous 
in  the  world,  but  this  natural  principle,  affifted  by  wit 
and  reafon,  may  prompt  him  to  it  •  and  tho*  I  do  not 
condemn  thefe  things  in  themfelves,  yet  it  concerns  us 
nearly  to  know  and  confider  their  nature,  both  that 
we  may  keep  within  due  bounds,  and  alfo  that  we  may 
learn  never  to  value  our  felves  on  the  account  of  fuch 
attainments,  nor  lay  the  flrefs  of  religion  upon  our  na- 
tural appetites  or  performances. 

I  t  is  now  time  to  return  to  the  consideration  of  that 
divine  life  whereof  I  was  difcouriing  be- 
fore, that  life  which  is  hid  with  Cknft  in     therein  'h« 

•      /         '     ,J       .        ,      ,  ,      .         Jn  divine  lite  doth 

Gody  and  therefore  hath  no  glorious  Ihew     confift. 
or  appearance  in  the  world,  and  to   the 
natural  man  willfeem  a  mean  and  infipid  notion.     As 

the 


i  i  Life  of  C  0  D 

th  in  that  narrow  and   con/;: 
.   is  ten:  .   and  in   his 

things   that  arc  g  to 

the  (Hi  I  (lands  In  in  •  fa]  and 

II,   and  in  the  madir;.  i  ur  na- 

tural ii  that  they  m 

irt)  i  jvhlch  wc  know  to  be  blameable. 

The  root  of  branches 

arc  I,  charity  to  man,  purity  and  humifit 

(br  (as  an  excellent 

theft  r:  ',  and  make  no 

inordinary  fuind,    yet  do  they  carry   fuch    a  migl 

nothing  more  J 

fame    pfacc  in    the  divine    life   which  I 

the  natural,  being  indeed  nothing    elft  but   a 

fcnfc,  or  feeling  perfwafion  of  fpirittial  things:  it 

it  (elf  unto  all  divine  truths;  but  in  our  la]         <  -ate, 

it  hath  a  peculiar  relation  to  I 

mcrcv  and  reconcilcaW 

tor,  and  therefore  receiving  ruination  from  that 

priiuijv 

Clrtft. 

T  i i  (  natc 

fmfe  of  the  divine 

jn  nrd   : 

ill  things  to  ]  im,  i  no- 

thing lb   much  as  in   rtHowfllip  itfa 

him,  a  to  do  or 

,  or  at  his  •  s  this  affection  may 

( J  d 

:.i  i:  in  II 

i   parti  onfideratfohs,     and 

i 


ik  the  Soul  of  Man.  13 

the  works  of  creation  and  providence.  A  foul  thus 
potfeffed  with  divine  love,  muft  needs  be  inlarged  to- 
wards all  mankind  in  a  {incere  and  unbounded  affection, 
becaufe  of  the  relation  they  have  to  God  being  his 
creatures,  and  having  fomething  of  his  image  {lamped 
upon  them  :  and  this  is  that  charity  I  named  as  the  fe- 
cond  branch  of  religion,  and  under  which  all  the  parts 
of  juftice,  all  the  duties  we  owe  to  our  neighbour  arc 
eminently  comprehended  :  for  he  who  doth  truly  love 
all  the  world,  will  bejiearly  concerned  in  the  intereft  of 
every  one,  and  fo  far  from  wronging  or  injuring  any 
perfon,  that  he  will  refent  any  evil  that  befals  others,  as 
if  it  happened  to  himfelf. 

B  y  purity,  I  underftand  a  due  abftractednefs  from 
the  body,  and  mattery  over  the  inferior  appetites:  or 
fuch  a  temper  and  difpofition  of  mind,  as  makes  a  man 
defpife  and  abltain  from  all  pleafures  and  delights  of 
fenfeor  fancy  which  are  finful  in  themfelves,  or  tend  to 
extinguifh  or  leffenour  relifh  of  more  divine  and  intel- 
lectual pleafures,  which  doth  alfo  infer  a  refolutenefs 
to  undergo  all  thofe  hardfhips  he  may  meet  with  hi 
the  performance  of  his  duty :  fo  that  not  only  chaility 
and  temperance,  but  alfo  chrillian  courage  and  magna- 
nimity may  come  under  this  head. 

Humility  imports  a  deep  fenfe  of  our  own  meannefs, 
with  a  hearty  and  affectionate  acknowledgment  of  our 
owing  all  that  we  are  to  the  divine  bounty  ;  which  is 
always  accompanied  with  a  profound  fubmifTion  to  the 
will  of  God,  and  great  deadnefs  towards  the  glory  ot 
the  world,  and  applaufe  of  men. 

These  are  the  higheft  perfections  that  either  men 
or  angels  are  capable  of,  the  very  foundation  of  heaven 
laid  in  the  foul ;  and  he  who  hath  attain'd  them,  needs 
not  defire  to  pry  into  the  hidden  rolls  of  God's  decrees, 

or 


i+  Tbc  Lift  of  GOD 

or  (larch  the  V(  '  ..  what  is  deter- 

mined  about   his  everlaftiiig  condition  j    but  he  may 
tind  a  c  ^\y:      G  d*s  thoughts  Concerning  him  written 
in  his OWI)  bread.     His  love  to    God   may   m    him 
atibranot      Gods  favour  to  him,  andthofebegttmti 
ofhappinefs  which  be  feels  in  the  con!  the 

powers  of  his  foul  to  the  nature  of  God,  and  compli- 
ance with  his  will,  are  a  fore  pledge  that  Ins  felicity 
fittll  be  perfected,  and  continued  to  all  eternity  :  and 
it  is  not  without  reafbo  that  one  faid,  /  fee 

tbc  rc.i.l  tmprcjp.ons  .-like  nature  WfOM  my  ,. 

foul,  than  have  a  vifumfrm  **ff?  fi*t 

to  tell  mttl  book  of  I. 

Wh  I  n    WC  haw  bid  all  that  we  can,    the   ft 
Diyfteries  of  a  new  nature  and  divifM 
5^^2f    can  never  be  foffidendy  expteffed,  lan- 

taiumthanby  guage  and  words  cannot  reach  them; 
****■  nor  can  they  be  truly  underitood  but  by 

thofc  fouls  that  are  enkindled  within,  and  awakened 
unto  the  fenfc  and  relifhof  fpiritual  things  fi 

fptnt  in 

tl  is  undirftanding*     The   power   and   I 

may  be  better  expreded  in  a  than  in  words  be- 

caulc  actions  are  more  lively  things,  and  do  better  re- 
prefent  the  inward  principle  wfa  and 

therefore  we  may  take   the  bed    in 

wments,  from  the   deportment  or   thofc  in 
whom  thej  xially  as  the; 

emplified  in  the  holy  life 

pain  parr  •  bufinefs  in  this  ■■  each 

by  Ids  what  he  did  requii  and  to 

make  his  own  c  mveriation  inex  hofe 

unparallell'd  rules  which  h<  pi 
ttuegoodndi  was  vifiblc  to  mortal  <     ,    it  wasthen 


in  the   Soul  of  Man.  15 

^hen  his  prefence  did  beautify  and  illuftrate  this  lower 
world. 

That  fincere  and  devout  affe&ion  wherewith   his 
bleffed  foul  did  conftantly  burn  towards 
his  heavenly  father,    did  exprefs  it  felf    i>ivi^lo^ex- 

.     .       *   ~  .  1  ....     *  empljftedinout 

m  an  intire  refignation  to  his  will,  it  was     Saviour. 

this  was  his  very  meat  to  do  the  will,  and 

finijb  the  work  of  him  that  fent  him.     This   was  the 

exercife  of  his  childhood,  and  the  con- 

ftant  imployment  of  his  riper   age  \    he     His  diligence 

fpared  no  travail  or  pains  while  he  was     JJju;0U,s 

about  his  father's  bufinefs,  but  took  fuch 

infinite  content  and  fatisfaction  in  the  performance  of 

itj  that  when,  being  faint  and  weary  with  his  journey, 

he  refted  himfelf  on  Jacob's  well,  and  intreated  water 

of  the  Samaritane  woman ;  the  fuccefs  of  his  conference 

with  her,    and  the   acceflion  that   was  made   to  the 

kingdom  of  God,  filled  his  mind  with  fuch  delight,  as 

feemed  to  have  redounded  to  his  very  body,  refreshing 

his  fpirits,  and  making  him  forget  the  thirit  whereof 

*he  complained  before,  and  refufe  the  meat  which  he  had 

fent  his  difciples  to  buy.     Nor  was  he 

lefs   patient  and   fubmiffive  in   differing     ps  Patiencc  fc 

uCiirincr  1% 

the  will  of  God,  than  diligent  in  doing 
of  it :  he  endured  the  fharpeft  afflictions,  and  ex- 
treameft  miferies  that  ever  were  inflicted  on  any  mor- 
tal, without  a  repining  thought,  or  difcontented  word. 
For  tho5  he  was  far  from  a  ftupid  infenfibility,  or  a 
phantaftic  or  Stoical  obftinacy,  and  had  as  quick  a 
fenfe  of  pain  as  other  men,  and  the  deepeft  apprehen- 
fion  of  what  he  was  to  fuffer  in  his  foul,  (as  his  bloody 
'fas eat,  and  the  fore  amazement  and  forrow  which  he 
profeft  do  abundantly  declare)  yet  did  he  intirely  fub- 

mit 


,  6  Tib  Life  9/  G  0  D 

mit  to  that  [everc  difpenfation  ot  prow  ...  ii- 

tingly  icquicfccd  ia  it. 

A  n  D  he  prayed  to  G  d,  that  if  it  vcrc  pqffibh  (or 
j\s  ODC  of  the   evangelifts  hath  it,  if}.: 

!    c:tp    migbi  V*di    yet  he    gently    ad,: 

tkfs,  not  «J  WtU  but  thine  be  d  m.     O 
ftrangc   importance    are  the    exprcfl 

where  he  firft  acknowledged]  the  anguifh  of  his  fpirir, 

H  S3  u  my  foul  troubled,  which  would  Lem  to  | 
a   kind   of  demurr,  I  id  then 

he  goes  to  deprecate  his  fimerings,  Fr'cr^j      -         <  rom 
tits  hour ;  which  he  had  no  (boner  uttered,  but  he  doth, 
as  it  were,  on  fecond  thoughts  recal   it  in  theft 
But  far  tbis  'me  I  in:    I  tidnA 

jRr/  N    *  we  mult   not  look  on 

this  as  any  levity,  or  blameable  weakiKisin  the  bfeflcd 
Jelus ;  he  knew  all  along  what  he  was  Dp  iurf.r,  and 
did  moftrefolutcly  undergo  il  ;  but  it  (beWI  un- 

conceivable weight  and  pailiirc  that  l.e  I    bear, 

which  being  fo  aillicling  and  contrary  to  nature,  he 
could   not    think    of   without  terror;    yet,  ::na 

the  will  o\  God,  and  the  glory  which  *  .dound 

to  him  from  thence,  he  wub  not  only  content,  \ 

Grous  to  Bifti  it. 

A  n  0  mi  B    inftance    of  his  love  t 
delight  in  converting  witl 
11     •  '  ••'c     which  made  him frequent^] 

from   the  world,  and  with  the 
devotion  and  pleafure  fpend  wh  4c  nights  in  that  hea- 
venly exercife,  though  he  had  no  (ins  to  ca  nd 
but  few  fccnlai  interoftsto  pray  forj  which  ilas!   arc 

llmofl  the  Only  things  that   are  won:  to  our 

devotions:   r..i\  ,   v.  e  may  lay  his  w  h  a  kind 

ofprtycfj  acooftaotcou  nwith  Gci 


in   the   Soul   of  Man.  17 

if  the  facrifice  was  not  always  offering,  yet  was  the  fire 
ftill  kept  alive  :  nor  was  ever  the  bleffed  Jefus  furprized 
with  that  dulnefs  or  tepidity  of  fpirit  which  we  mull: 
many  times  wreftle  with,  before  we  can  be  fit  for  the 
exercife  of  devotion. 

I  n  the  fecond  place,  I  mould  fpeak  of  his  love  and 
charity  towards  all  men ;    but  he   who 
would  exprefs  it,  muft  tranfcribe  the  hif-     Hs  charIcy  t0 

r  '  t  men. 

tory  of  the  gofpel,  and  comment  upon  it : 
for  fcarce  any  thing  is  recorded  to  have  been  done  or 
fpoken  by  him,  which  was  not  defigned  for  the  good 
and  advantage  of  fome  one  or  other.  All  his  miracu- 
lous works  were  inflances  of  his  goodnefs  as  well  as  his 
power,  and  they  benefited  thofe  on  whom  they  were 
wrought,  as  well  as  they  amazed  the  beholders.  His 
charity  was  not  confined  to  his  kindred,  or  relations; 
nor  was  all  his  kindnefs  fwallowed  up  in  the  endear- 
ments of  that  peculiar  friendfhip  which  he  carried  to- 
wards the  beloved  difciple,  but  every  one  was  his 
friend  who  obeyed  his  holy  commands,  Joh.  xv.  4.  and 
whofoever  did  the  will  of  his  father,  the  fame  was  to 
him  zshis  brother,  and  fifter,  and  mother. 

Never  was  any  unwelcome  to  him  who  came  with 
an  honed  intention,  nor  did  he  deny  anyrequeft  which 
tended  to  the  good  of  thofe  that  asked  it :  fo  that  what 
was  fpoken  of  that  Roman  Emperor,  whom  for  his 
goodnefs  they  called  the  darling  of  mankind,  was 
really  performed  by  him,  that  never  any  departed  from 
him  with  a  heavy  countenance,  except  that  rich  youth, 
Mark  x.  who  was  forry  to  hear  that  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  flood  at  fo  high  a  rate,  and  that  he  could  not 
fave  his  foul  and  his  money  too.  And  certainly  it 
troubled  our  Saviour,  to  fee  that  when  a  price  was  in  his 
hand  to  get  wifdom,  yet  he  had  no  heart  to  it ;  the  in- 

C  genuicy 


i  Life  oj <  CO  D 

gcnuit  i  in  his  firfl  I  .   had  Mil 

iiim  ;    fee 

:  but  muft  he  for  his 

,  and  a'.:  ature 

,  which  make  it  impoflibfc  that  a  oofOMU 

aid  be  happ 

i>  what  fhali  I  fpeak  of  Iks  meekoefe,  who  could 

Lintel  the  monftrous  ingratitude  and  diilimulatiou 
of  that  mifcrcant  who  betrayed  him,  in  no  hariher 
terms  than  th 

'    What  further  evidence  could  we  dd 
his  fervent  an<  onded  charity,  than  that  he  wil- 

lingly laid  down  his  life  even  for  his  mofl  bitter  cne- 
;  and  mingling  his  prayers  with  his  blood,    be- 
ht  the  rather  that  his  death  might  not  be  laid  to 
.   but  might  become  the  means  ci  eternal 
pcrfons  who  ptocur.d  it. 
The  third  branch  <  Yich, 

as  I  faid,   confifts  in  a  neglect  oi  worldly 
His  purity.  en  joymentS  and  accommodations,  and  a 

lut<   enduring    of  all    fuch  tTOUOJ 
with  in  the  doing  of  our  <lu: 
petfonwas  wholl  :  I  all  the  pleafu: 

the  natural  life,  it  i  blciTcd  [efiis,  whofeMon 

'.  them  whert  th<  in  his  way ;  k 

his  road  to  reek  them.    Tho'  1. 

k,  and  honoored  marriage 
with  a  riigfo 

id  luvcrkncw  the  nuptial  bed:     and  tho'  at  the 

time  he  (applied  the  v.  an:  of  wine  with  I  mi 

yet  he  would  nor  work  00<  to*  his  own  hun- 

E  d  divine  was  rhc 

bis  i  ill,  in  allowing  to  others  fuch  lawful 

jit  good  to  abftain  front, 
and 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  19 

and  fupplying  not  only  their  more  extream  and  prefling 
neceflkies,  but  alfo  their  fmaller  and  lefs  confiderabie 
wants.  We  many  times  hear  of  our  Saviour's  fighs, 
and  groans,  and  tears;  but  never  that  he  laught,  and 
but  once  that  he  rejoiced  in  fpirit:  fothat  through  his 
whole  life,  he  did  exactly  anfwer  that  character  given  of 
him  by  the  prophet  of  old,  that  he  was  a  man  of  for- 
rowsy  and  acquainted  with  grief.  Nor  were  the  trou- 
bles and  difacccmmodations  of  his  life  other  than  mat- 
ters of  choice ;  for  never  did  there  any  appear  on  the 
ftage  of  the  world,  with  greater  advantages  to  haveraifed 
himfelf  to  the  higheft  fecular  felicity.  He  who  could 
bring  together  fuch  a  prodigious  number  of  fifties  into 
his  difciples  net ;  and  at  another  time  receive  that  tri- 
bute from  a  filh  which  he  was  to  pay  to  the  temple, 
might  eafily  have  made  himfelf  the  richeft  perfon  in  the 
world.  Nay,  without  any  mony  he  could  have  main- 
tained an  army  powerful  enough  to  have  juftled  Cefar 
out  of  his  throne :  having  oftner  than  once  fed  feveral 
thoufands  with  a  few  loaves  and  fmall  fifties.  But  to 
fhew  how  fmall  efteem  he  had  of  all  the  enjoyments  in 
the  world,  he  chofe  to  live  in  fo  poor  and  mean  a  condi- 
tion, that  though  the  foxes  had  boles,  and  the  birds  of 
the  air  hadnefts,  yet  he  who  was  lord  and  heir  of  all 
things ,  had  not  whereon  to  lay  his  head  :  he  did  not 
frequent  the  courts  of  princes,  nor  affect  the  acquain- 
tance and  converfe  of  great  ones ;  but  being  reputed 
the  fon  of  a  carpenter,  he  had  fiftiermen,  and  fuch  other 
poor  people  for  his  companions,  and  lived  at  fuch  a 
rate  as  fuited  with  the  meannefs  of  that  condition. 

And    thus  I  am  brought  unawares  to  fpeak  of  his 
humility y  the  lad  branch  of  the  divine  life, 

...  n         •  His  humility. 

wherein  he  was  a  molt  eminent  pattern  to 
«s,  that  we  might  learn  of  him  to  he  meek  and  lowly 

C   2  in 


T/>-j  Life  of  GO  D 

I     1  D      I  not  now    fpeak  of  that  :  [U* 

ICCO  he  etern.  G     I,  L11    na- 

ture up<»n  him  ;  but  on  our  Si  lowly 

and  humble  dep  i  while  he  was  in   i  -d. 

He  had  none  oi  thofefios  and  imj  ich 

juftly  humble  the  bill  of  men  j  but 
v  [wallowed   up  with    I  infinite 

God,   that  he  appeared  as  nothing  in  his 
own  eyes,  I  mean,  fo  far  as  I  attire.     He 

ifidered  \  c&ions  which  (hined  in 

his  blefled  foal  as  not  his  own,  but  I 

and  i  og  t<>  bin  them,   but 

with  the  profoundeft  humility  i  d  all  pret 

nn       Hence  did  h(  that  ordina:  pel- 

lation  of  ^  when  addrefs'd    to  his    human 

nature,  by  one  who  it  fcems   was  ignorant  of  his   i 
vinity  :  Why  caUejt  tbou  mt 
C    l  only.      As  if  he  had  laid,  the  good:  . 
turc  (and  fuch  only  thou  takefi  me  CO  be)   |  or" 

thy  to  be  named  or  taken  notice    ofj    'tis  God  a] 
i  is  originally  and  dKntully  good.     He  (level  mi 
life  of  his  miraculous    p  t  vanity 

be  would  not  gratify  the  curiofitj  ol  the  Jtws  wil 
fign  from  heaven,   fomc  prodigious  ap| 
air  •  i    i  would  he  follow  ch  meo 

and  kindred,  who  would  have  had  all  b  i  works 

performed  in  the  bin  the 

him 
•  of  the  miferable,  his  humility  made  him 
enjoin  :   the  mira< 

and  when  th(  glorj  \\  for  \vh 

he  catne  into  i  Id,    required  the 

tlum,   he  afcribeth  the  I  all   to        Fai  ierj 

. 

I 


in  the  Soul   of  Man. 


21 


I  cannot  infill:  on  all  the  inftances  of  humility  in 
his  deportment  towards  men  ;  his  withdrawing  him- 
felf  when  they  would  have  made  him  a  king,  his  fub- 
jection  not  only  to  his  bleffed  mother,  but  to  her  huf- 
band  during  his  younger  years,  and  his  fubmiflion  to 
all  the  indignities  and  affronts,  which  his  rude  and  ma- 
licious enemies  did  put  upon  him.  The  hiftory  of  his 
holy  life,  recorded  by  thofe  who  converfed  with  him, 
is  full  of  fuch  paffages  as  thefe :  and  indeed  the  feri- 
ous  and  attentive  ftudy  of  it,  is  the  beft  way  to  get 
right  meafures  of  humility,  and  all  the  other  parts  of 
religion,  which  I  have  been  endeavouring  to  defcribe. 

But  now,  that  I  may  leffen  your  trouble  of  read- 
ing a  long  letter,  by  making  fome  paufes  in  it ;  let  me 
here  fubjoin  a  prayer  that  might  be  proper  when  one 
who  had  formally  entertained  fome  falfe  notions  of  reli- 
gion, begins  to  difcover  what  it  is, 


A   Prayer. 

INfinite  and  eternal  majefty,  author  and  fountain 
c  of  being  and  bleffednefs,  how  little  do  we  poor 
finful  creatures  know  of  thee,  or  the  way  to  ferve 
and  pleafe  thee  ?  We  talk  of  religion,  and  pretend 
unto  it ;  but  alas !  How  few  are  there  that  know 
and  confider  what  it  means?  how  eafily  do  we  mif- 
take  the  affections  of  our  nature,  and  iffues  of  felf- 
love,  for  thofe  divine  graces  which  alone  can  render 
us  acceptable  in  thy  fight  ?  It  may  juftly  grieve 
me  to  confider,  that  I  mould  have  wandred  fo  long, 
and  contented  my  felf  fo  often  with  vain  fliadows 

C  i  '  and 


z  2  TJjc  Life  of  GOD 

*  and  falfc  in.  r  I   can- 
1  notbucacL                      d  tdore  thy  goodiufs,    who 

1  hall  been  plcafed  in  eafiut  to 

*  and  let  mc  fee  what  it  is  at   which  I  <  n  aim. 
1  Irejokc  toooofider  what  mighty  imprw 

1  nature  it  capable  o£   and  what  adhiiu  :.. 

1  fpirit  doth  fhine   in  thofc  whom  thou    ati 

*  choofc,  and  caofeft  to  anpr 

*  be  thine  infinite  mercy  who  (cntefl  thine  own  ion  to 

*  dwell  among  men,  and  inftrufi  them  by  his  example 

*  as  well  as  his  laws,  giving  them  a  f 

1  what  they  ought  to  be.  O  that  the  holy  li:e  of  the 
1  blctied  lefus   may  be  always   in   my  ti.  .    and 

*  before  mine  eyes,  till  1  receive  a  deep  fenfc  and  im- 
'  prelTion  of  thofc  tXi  s  that  fhined  (o  tmi- 
c  ncntly  in  him,  and  let  me  never  ccafc  my  endeavours 
c  till  that  new  and  divine  nature  prevail  in  my  foul, 
c  andChrilt  be  formed  within  me. 


AND  now,    my  dear  friend,    having  di 
the  nature  of  tru^  religion,    befi  re   1   pen 
any  further,  it  will  not  perhaps 

The  rxrc'lcn.y  gx    m    maJjcatjons    ,    ]jtc]c    cn    tj 

and  advin:jgc 

excellency  and  advantage!  oi    it,   that 
we  maj  ited  to  tl 

and   diligent    profeoidoQ  of    thofi  methods*    whereby 

we  may  attain  fo  great  a  felicity.    But  alas]   what 
'■-  (hall  we  fmd  to  exprefs  that  inward 

thofc   hidden    pkafuus    which    can    never   Ik    rightly 

undcrltood,  bllC   by   thole  holy  fouls  who  fa 

a 


in    the    Soul   of  Man.  23 

a  ft  ranger  intermeddkth  not  with  their  joy.  *  Holi- 
nefs  is  the  right  temper,  the  vigorous  and  healthful 
conflitution  of  the  foul:  its  faculties  had  formerly 
been  enfeebled,  and  difordered,  fo  that  they  could 
not  exercife  their  natural  functions  ;  it  had  wearied 
it  felf  with  endlefs  toffings,  and  rollings,  and  was 
never  able  to  find  any  reft  :  now  that  diftemper 
being  removed,  it  feels  it  felf  well,  there  is  a  due 
harmony  in  its  faculties,  and  a  fprightly  vigour  pof- 
feffeth  every  part.  The  underftanding  can  difcern 
what  is  good,  and  the  will  can  cleave  unto  it,  the 
affections  are  not  tied  to  the  motions  of  fenfe,  and 
the  influence  of  external  objects ;  but  they  are  flir- 
red  by  more  divine  imprefIions3  are  touched  by  a 
fenfe  of  inviiible  things. 

Let  us  defcend,  if  you  pleafe,  into  a  nearer 
and  more  particular  view  of  religion,  in 
thofe  feveral  branches  of  it  which  were  The  excellency 
named  before  ;  let  us  confider  that  love 
and  affection  wherewith  holy  fouls  are  united  to  God, 
that  we  may  fee  what  excellency  and  felicity  is  in- 
volved in  it.  Love  is  that  powerful  and  prevalent 
paflion,  by  which  all  the  faculties  and  inclinations  of 
the  foul  are  determined,  and  on  which  both  its  perfec- 
tion and  happinefs  depend.  The  worth  and  excel- 
lency of  a  foul,  is  to  be  meafured  by  the  object  of  its 
Jove :  he  who  loveth  mean  and  fordid  things,  doth 
thereby  become  bafe  and  vile ;  but  a  noble  and  well- 
placed  affection,  doth  advance  and  improve  the  fpirit 
unto  ft  conformity  with  the  perfections  which  it  loves. 
The  images  of  thefe  do  frequently  prefent  themfelves 

C  4  unto 


••  PrQy.  xiv.  10. 


The  Life    of  GOD 

force  and   enerry   in- 
foul,     a;  .1 

mould  ii  i        ion  it  unto  thci 

We  i  -o 

Che  im  :  iti  n  of  the  ; 
t  even  before  tl 

blc  them,  not  only  in  th<  iderable  inftan- 

depoitn  in  theii  ind 

gefture,  and  that  which  we  call  theii  .dair; 

and  certainly  we  fhould   as  \% ell  rranferibe  the  virtues 
and  inward  s  o(  the 

jefl  and  m<  But  I 

Cures  WC  converfe  with  have  their  mixture  and  alloy, 
we  .  in  hazard  to  be  Culliec 

placing  out  them.     Pa  ill  on  doth  eafily 

blind  <  that  wc   ilrft  approve,   and  then 

imitate  the  things  that  a:,   blameable  in  them  \   the 
true  way  to  improv  ur  fouls,  is  by  fix- 

ing our  love  oo  the  dh  ,    that   a 

have  them  always  b  and  Bon 

d  our  Pelves,    and 
as  tgei 

i .    vbo  with 

a  d  hath   railed  hi 

t   wards    that  uncreated    I  d  dm  l,    and 

fij    .  tion  there,  is  i 

m  i  lent  and  beroick  tern 

world,  ami  cai  i  infinite)  mean  and 

unworthy  I  will  nor  entertain  u  01  bafc 

thoughts,  which  might  difj  d  noble 

pretenfi  I  itcfl  tnd  mofi  excellent 

thing  W<  arc  maftersof,  and  therefore  it    is    folly     I 

bai  it  unworthily  ;  ii  onlj 

thing  w<  can  call  out  thq  things  may  be  tal 


in   the   Soul  of  Man.  25 

from  us  by  violence,  but  none  can  ravifh  our  love. 
If  any  thing  elfe  be  counted  ours,  by  giving  our  love, 
we  give  all,  fo  far  as  we  make  over  our  hearts  and 
wills,  by  which  we  poffefs  our  other  enjoyments.  It  is 
not  poflible  to  refufe  him  any  thing,  to  whom  by  love 
we  have  given  our  felves,-  nay,  fince  it  is  the  privilege 
of  gifts  to  receive  their  value  from  the  mind  of  the 
giver,  and  not  to  be  meafured  by  the  event,  but  by 
the  defire ;  he  who  loveth  may  in  fome  fenfe  be  faid  not 
only  to  beflow  all  that  he  hath,  but  all  things  elfe 
which  may  make  the  beloved  perfon  happy,  fince  he 
doth  heartily  wifh  them,  and  would  really  give  them, 
if  they  were  in  his  power  :  in  which  fenfe  it  is  that 
one  makes  bold  to  fay,  Sfbat  divine  love  doth  in  a 
planner  give  God  unto  himfeJf  by  the  complacency  it 
takes  in  the  happinefs  and  perfection  of  his  nature : 
But  though  this  may  feem  too  [trained  an  exprefTion, 
certainly  love  is  the  worthieit  prefent  we  can  ofter 
unto  God,  and  it  is  extreamly  debafed  when  we  be- 
flow it  another  way. 

When  this  affection  is  mifplaced,  it  doth  often 
vent  it  felf  in  fuch  expreflions,  as  point  at  its  genuine 
and  proper  object,  and  infinuate  where  it  ought  to  be 
placed.  The  flattering  and  blafphemous  terms  of  ado- 
ration, wherein  men  do  fometimes  exprefs  their  paflion, 
are  the  language  of  that  affection  which  was  made  and 
defigned  for  God :  as  he  who  is  accuftomed  to  fpeak 
to  fome  great  perfon,  doth  perhaps  unawares  accofl 
another  with  thofe  titles  he  was  wont  to  give  to  him. 
But  certainly  that  paffion  which  accounteth  its  object 
a  deity,  ought  to  be  beftowed  on  him  who  really  is 
fo :  thofe  unlimited  fubmiflions,  which  would  debafe 
the  foul,  if  directed  to  any  other,  will  exalt  and  en- 
noble it,  when  placed  here ;    thofe  chains  and  cords 

of 


26  77v  Life  of  GO  D 

of  love,  arc  infinitely  more  glorious  than  liberty  it 
felt";  this  flavcry  is  more  no'olc  than  all  the  empire 
in  the  world. 

A*.  I  i  •-,  as  divine  love  doth   advance  and  clcvatc 

the  foul,  fo  it   is   that  alone  which   ea:i 
Thcadvamage,     makc    k  happy;    rhe   Ugbeft  and   | 
or  divine  U  **/  V-...  , 

ravifhing  pleasures,  the   molt   iohd    and 

fubftantial  delights  that  human  nature  is  capable  of, 
arc  thofc  which  arifc  from  the  endearments  or"  a  well- 
plac.d  and  fuccefsful  arrection.  That  which  imbitters 
love,  and  makes  it  ordinarily  a  very  troublefome  and 
hurtful  pailion,  is  the  placing  it  on  thofc  who  have 
not  worth  enough  to  deferve  it,  or  arkction  and  gra- 
titude to  requite  it,  or  whofe  abfencc  may  deprive  us 
of  the  plcafurc  of  their  convcrfe,  or  their  mile:  I 
fion  our  trouble.  To  all  thofc  evils  are  they  e\p 
whofe  chief  and  fupream  affection  is  placed  on  creatures 
like  thcmfelves  j  but  the  love  of  God  delivers  us  from 
them  all. 

First,  I  fay,  love  muft  needs  be  miurable,     and 

full    of    trouble   and  difcjuictudc,     v 

there  is  not  worth  and  excellency  civ 

10  tl  9  toanfwer  the  vaitiuis  of  its 

capacity:    (o  tod   violent  ft  pailion  cannot  bat 

lent  the  (pirit,     when  it  finds  nor  where- 

jvitfa  to  fatisfj  its  cravings.     And   indeed  fo  large  and 

unbounded    is   its  nature,    that  it  muft  b  amly 

pinched  and  (brained,  when.  .aire: 

nothing  below  an  infinite  I   it  toon  to 

and  exert  its  vigouc  ivity.    What 

it 'a  little  skin-deep  beauty,  or  foe  es  of 

I  :nisy  a  paflion ns hich was  made 

\r  (i  ii  ;  defigncd  to  embrace  an  infinite  No 

.    Co  io  hardly  fuftcr  any  rival,  and  do  not 

defire 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  2j 

defire  that  others  fhould  approve  their  pafTion  by  imi- 
tating it :  they  know  the  fcantinefs  and  narrownefs  o£ 
the  good  which  they  love,  that  it  cannot  fuffice  two, 
being  in  effed  too  little  for  one.  Hence  love  which  is 
firong  as  death,  occafioneth  jealoufy  which  is  cruel  as 
the  grave,  the  coals  whereof  are  coals  of  fire,  which 
hath  a  mod  violent  flame. 

But  divine  love  hath  no  mixture  of  this  gall  • 
when  once  the  foul  is  fixed  on  that  fupream  and  all- 
fufficient  good,  it  finds  fo  much  perfection  and  good- 
nefs,  as  doth  not  only  anfwer  and  fatisfy  its  affection, 
but  mailer  and  over-power  it  too:  it  finds  all  its  love 
to  be  too  faint  and  languid  for  fuch  a  noble  object, 
and  is  only  forry  that  it  can  command  no  more.  It 
wilheth  for  the  flames  of  a  feraph,  and  longs  for  the 
time  when  it  fhall  be  wholly  melted  and  diffolved  into 
love :  and  becaufe  it  can  do  fo  little  it  felf,  it  defires 
the  affiftance  of  the  whole  creation,  that  angels  and 
men  would  concur  with  it  in  the  admiration  and  love 
of  thofe  infinite  perfections. 

Again,    love  is  accompanied  with  trouble,   whea 
it  mifleth  a  fuitable  return  of  affection : 
love  is  the  mod  valuable  thing  we  can     The  certainty 
bellow,  and  by  giving  it,   we  do  in  ef-     again/ 
feet  give  all  that  we  have  ;   and  therefore 
it  mud  needs  be  afflicting  to  find  fo  great  a  gift  de- 
fpifed,  that  the  prefent   which  one  hath  made   of  his 
whole  heart,   cannot  prevail   to  obtain  any   return. 
Perfect  love  is  a  kind  of  felf-dereliction,  a  wandring 
out  of  our  felves,    it  is  a  kind  of  voluntary  death, 
wherein  the  lover  dies  to  himfelf,  and  all  hi^  own  in- 
terelts,  not  thinking  of  them,  nor  caring  for  fchem  any 
more,  and  minding  nothing  but  how   he  may  pleafe 
and  gratify  the  party  whom  he  loves.    Thus  he  is 

quite 


Tie  Life  b/G  0  D 

■ 

I  hath  D  rd    to 

him  j  bur  it   he  b.  i:  wire, 

and  li  ol  tnd  :n  be 

mind   i. 
p        >,  not  fo  much  b  arc    his,    as  becaufe 

the  beloved  is  pleafed  to  own   an  intertfl   in  tl 
he  becomes  clear  un  unto 

the  other. 

But    why  fhould  I  enlarge  info  known  a   ma: 
nothing  can  b  r,  than  I  ,.s    ot 

luvc    v  S  00  the:  return  i:  me<  ;   and  i  . 

the  divine  lover  hath  nnfpeakably  the  advantage,  hav- 
ing placed  his  aileaion    00  him  whofe  nature 

whole  goodnefe  is  as  infinite  as  his  being,  whofc  nuR) 

.ius,    when  WC  were    his    enemies    tlu: 
cannot  choofc  but  em-  ,   when  we  arc  become  his 

is.     It  is  utterly  impofTible  that  God  flv  | 

his  love  to  a  foul  wholly  d  him,   and  « 

dcfircs  nothing  fo    much  as   to  f<  nim  .• 

he  cannot  difdam  his  own  image,  nor  the  heart  in 
which  it  is  engraven:  love  is  all  the  tribute  which  we 
can  pay  him,  and  it  is  the  iacrificc  which  he  will  not 
defp 

A  n  o  t  h  E  I    thing  which  difturbs  the 

,  and  rend  and  on- 

***"*        quiet  paffion,   is  abfence    and  | 

I 
ifiblc  nil:  part^ 

nc  little  ■ 
(hat  fociety  which  is  fo  delightful;    a 

being    Tpent  in  an    impatient  d  n   i  f 

the  b  Ur  wherein  WC    may  meet  again  j     I 

i  bavc  m^dc  fhc 


in  the  Soul  of  MaH.  29 

it  muft,  this  occafions  a  grief  fearce  to  be  parallelled 
by  all  the  misfortunes  of  human  life,  and  wherein  wc 
pay  dear  enough  for  the  comforts  of  cur  friendfhip. 
But  O  how  happy  are  thofe,  who  have  placed  their 
love  on  him  who  can  never  be  abfent  from  them !  they 
need  but  open  their  eyes,  and  they  fhall  every  where 
behold  the  traces  of  his  prefence  and  glory,  and  con- 
verfe  with  him  whom  their  foul  loveth ;  and  this 
makes  the  darkeft  prifon,  or  wildeit  defart,  not  only 
fupportable,  but  delightful  to  them. 

I  n  fine,  a  lover  is  miferable  if  the  perfon  whom 
he  loveth  be  fo :  they  who  have  made 
an  exchange  of  hearts  by  love,  get  thereby  The  div'"e  love 
an  intereft  in  one  another's  happinefs  and  take'  rfwjn^ 
mifery  :  and  this  makes  love  a  trouble-  nice  happinefs. 
fome  pafllon,  when  placed  on  earth.  The 
moll;  fortunate  perfon  hath  grief  enough  to  marr  the 
tranquillity  of  his  friend,  and  it  is  hard  to  hold  cut, 
when  we  are  attacked  on  all  hands,  and  fuffer  not 
only  in  our  own  perfon,  but  in  another's.  But  if  God 
were  the  object  of  our  love,  we  mould  mare  in  an  infi- 
nite happinefs  without  any  mixture  or  poflibility  of  di- 
minution :  we  fhould  rejoice  to  behold  the  glory  oi 
God,  and  receive  comfort  and  pleafure  from  all  the 
praifes  wherewith  men  and  angels  do  extol  him.  It 
fhould  delight  us  beyond  all  exprcmon  to  confiden, 
that  the  beloved  of  our  fouls  is  infinitely  happy  in  him- 
felf,  and  that  all  his  enemies  cannot  (hake  or  unfettle 
his  throne  :  fhat  our  God  is  in  the  heavens ,  and  doth 
wbatfoever  he  pkc.feth. 

Behold!  on  what  fure  foundations  his  happinefs 
is   built,    whofe  foul  is  pofTefTed    with  divine  love, 

whofe 


30  77 1   Life  of  GOD 

whole  will  is  transformed  into  tl. 

ft  dcfirc  is,    thtt  his    maker  b  old  b. 

pleated:    ()  the  peace,  the  reft,  the  fa::  i  chat 

■ttendeth  fiich  a  temper  of  mind  ! 
\V  h  at  an  infinite  pleafitre  mnfl  ;-  thus 

as  ic   were  to  lofe  00  in  him,  and 

!l    being  fallowed  up  in  the  overcoming 
(Weetnefi  m         fenfi  of  his  goodneft,  to  oftr  our  ft 

every  ffifpcofr     a  ]  —       g^ffee    aiuays  afcending  unto 

him   m  flames   of  love.      ]s 
foul  know  what  (olid    joy   and  fubftantial  pleafi:. 
till  once  being  weary  of  it  illf,   it  renounce  ail  pro- 
priety, give  itfclfpp  unto  the  author.  ,  and 
feel  it  (elf  bee  me  a  hallowed  and  dev                 ;  and 
can  (ay  from  an  inward  fenlc  and  feeling,  iff) 
is  mine )  (I  account  all  his  intereft   mine  own) 

r'j;  lam  content  to  be    anv  thi:  ,  and 

care  not  for  my  felf,  but    that    i 
perfon  moulded  into  this  :  .   pleafurc 

in  all  the  dMpcnfati<  i  .'.  en- 

joj  ments  would  have  an 
talle  the  divine  goodnefsin  them,  and 
tokens  of  love  fait  by  his  deareft   lord  and 
and  chaftUements,    though  i 
grievous,  would  !  c  their 

as  the  ftaff  would  comfort  him  : 
kits  from  the  hand  that  was  fa 

;iefs   from   that  (i 
that  though  God  did  not  the 
and  fbolilh  creature   as  himfelf,  )  own 

will,    and    accomplifhed  his  <  i  arc 

infinitely  dm  n  Ik  Ij  i  nd 

H  a 


In  th  Soul  of  Man.  31 

The  exercifes  of  religion,  which  to  others  are  in- 
fipid  and  tedious,   do  yield  the  higheft 
pleafure   and  delight  to  fouls  pofleffed    The  juries  of 

r  °  .   .  *  religion  are  de- 

with  divine  love :  they  rejoice  when  they  lightfukohim. 
are  called  to  *  go  up  to  the  houfe  of  the 
Lord,  that  they  may  fee  his  power  and  his  glory,  as 
they  have  formerly  feen  it  in  his  fancJuary.  They 
never  think  themfelves  fo  happy  as  when,  having  re- 
tired from  the  world,  and  gotten  free  from  the  noife  and 
hurry  of  affairs,  and  (llenced  all  their  clamorous  paf- 
fions,  (thofe  troublefome  guefts  within)  they  have 
placed  themfelves  in  the  prefence  of  God,  and  enter- 
tain fellowfhip  and  communion  with  him :  they  de- 
light to  adore  his  perfections,  and  recount  his  favours, 
and  to  proteft  their  affection  to  him,  and  tell  him  a 
thoufand  times  that  they  love  him  ;  to  lay  out  their 
troubles  or  wants  before  him,  and  disburthen  their 
hearts  in  his  bofom.  Repentance  it  felf  is  a  delightful 
exercife,  when  it  floweth  from  the  principle  of  love ; 
there  is  a  fecret  fweetnefs  which  accompanieth  thofe 
tears  of  remorfe,  thofe  meltings  and  relentings  of  a 
foul  returning  unto  God,  and  lamenting  its  former  un- 
kindnefs. 

The  feverities  of  a  holy  life,  and  that  conftant 
watch  which  we  are  obliged  to  keep  over  our  hearts 
and  ways,  are  very  troublefome  to  thofe  who  are  only 
ruled  and  acted  by  an  external  law,  and  have  no  law 
in  their  minds  inclining  them  to  the  performance  of 
their  duty ;  but  where  divine  love  pofTefleth  the  foul, 
it  ftandsas  fentinel  to  keep  out  every  thing  that  may 
offend  the  beloved,  and  doth  difdainfully  repulfe  thofe 

temp- 


*  PfaJ.  Ixiii.  2. 


32  72&  Life  of  G  0  D 

temptations  which  aflauli  rth  cheer 

doc  only  with  cxplici  mands,  but  with 

fecret 

DDOUS  in  dilcovcring  what    v.  ill    be  moA  '.  and 

pttblc  unto  him:  it  mal.  d  fclf- 

dcnial  change  their  harfh  and  ,  and  be- 

come eafy,  tweet  and  delightful  thidj 

B  "  r   I   find  this    parr 
than  Idefigned,  (indeed  who  would n  :edto 

dwell  on  Co  pleafitnt  a  theme)    I  (hall   endeavour  to 
compenfate  it  by  brevity  in  the  other 

T  h  i  next  branch  of  the  divine  lift  is  an  muver&l 

charity  and  lov  this 

I      neelknci     gwcc  wjU  b 

J  D         » 

what  can  be   more  noble  and   generous 
than    a  heart  enlarged  to    unbrace   the  \  \ orld, 

whole  wifhefl  and  defigns  are  levelled  at  |  ]   and 

welfare  or"  the  univerie,  which  Cbnfideietfa 
intercftasitsown?  He  who  loveth  his ;  him- 

felf,  can  never  entertain  any  b 
or  be  wanting  in  expreffions  oi  bounty.:  be  had  n 
(offers  thoubnd  wrongs,  than  be  guilty  of  one; 

;  accounts  himfelf  happy,    but  when  (on 
other  hath    been  benefited  by  him i    the  malice  or   in- 
gratitude or  men  is  not  able  to  rcfifi  lv. 
looks  their  injuries,  and  pities  the  ,    and 

comes  their  evil  wi^h  good ;  indn<  other 

revenge  igainfl  hismoftbittec  and  malicious 

than  to    put  all  the  i  ft!    he    i 

whether  they  will  or  n< :.     [sit  any  v, 

i  rei  ttenced  md  I,  ar.d  i  ,1  the 

darling  of  mankind?  This  inward  ga 
pJtyoflpirit  rcfle&sa  certain  fa  md  fei 

imtcnancej  and  makes  ic  ami 

lot 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  33 

lovely :  it  infpireth  the  foul  with  a  noble  refolution  and 
courage,  and  makes  it  capable  of  enterprizing  and 
effecting  the  higheft  things.  Thofe  heroick  actions 
which  we  are  wont  to  read  with  admiration,  have  fcr 
themoft  part  been  the  effects  of  the  love  of  one's  coun- 
try, or  of  particular  friendfhips ;  and  certainly  a  more 
extenfive  and  univerfal  affection,  mull  be  much  more 
powerful  and  efficacious. 

Again,  as  charity  flows  from  a  noble  and  excel- 
lent temper,  fo  it  is  accompanied  with 
the  greateft  fatisfaction  and  pleafure :  it  v>«  p^afure 
delights  the  foul  to  feel  it  felf  thus  en-  *at  arttndi  ir' 
larged,  and  to  be  delivered  from  thofe  difquieting  as 
well  as  deformed  paflions,  malice,  hatred,  and  envy ; 
and  become  gentle,  fweet,  and  benign.  Had  I  my 
choice  of  all  things  that  might  tend  to  my  prefent  fe- 
licity, I  would  pitch  upon  this,  to  have  my  heart  pof- 
ifeffed  with  the  greateft  kindnefs  and  affection  towards 
all  men  in  the  world.  I  am  fure  this  would  make  me 
partake  in  all  the  happinefs  of  others  -?  their  inward 
endowments  and  outward  profperity,  every  thing'  than 
did  benefit  and  advantage  them,  would  afford  me 
comfort  and  pleafure :  and  though  I  mould  frequently 
meet  with  occasions  of  grief  and  corripaffion,  yet  there 
is  a  fweetnefsin  commiferation  which  makes  it  infinitely 
more  definable  than  a  ftupid  infenfibility :  and  the  con- 
sideration of  that  infinite  gcodnefs  and  wifdom  which 
governs  the  world,  might  reprefs  any  exceflive  trouble 
for  particular  calamities  that  happen  in  it :  and  the 
hopes  or  poffibiiity  of  mens  after-happinefs,  might  mo- 
derate their  forrow  for  their  prefent  misfortunes.  Cer- 
tainly next  to  the  love  and  enjoyment  of  God,  that 
ardent  charity  and  affection  wherewith  bleffed  fouls 
do  embrace  one  another,  is  juitiy  to  be  reckoned  as  the 

D  greateft 


G  0  D 

uld  anticipate  that 
btcflei 

I  which]  named  as  a  third  branch  of  rcli- 

d  J  'ii  may  r. 
i 

fcnfuftl  plea  d  refolutencfs  to  un- 

dergo  thofe  and  pains    WC  may  meet  with   in 

the  |  tanceofour  duty:  now  the  naming  of  this 

may  fufl  .mend  it  as  a  mod  n  exert- 

I  quality,  There  is  no  flavery  fo  bate,  as  d 
a  man  I  .  lufts  ;   I 

tor\  -  that  which  is  obtained  over  them. 

Never  can  that  perfon  be  capable  of  any  thing  that  is 
noble  and  worthy,  who  is  funk  in  the  grofs   and  fecu- 
lent pleafures  of  fenfe,   or  bewitched  with  the  li. 
and  airy  gratifications  of  fancy  ;  but  tl 
is  of  a  more  fublimc  anddi\  it  knows  it  ■ 

made  tor  higher  things,    and  ("corns  to  fup   afidc    I 

.  obtaining  any 
of  the 
A  i  ccompanied  with  a  great 

o(  pla  furc ;  w . 
difturl  all  impui 

:,    and  leave    fmart  and 
. 
all  inordioai 

of  this  prefent  life,  that 
a  1;  al   man 

:    and   i:    tl 

in  from 

innocent, 

y  violent  and  uncafy 

traint. 


in  the   Soul  of  Man.  35 

reftraint,  but  as  the  efted  of  better  choice,  that  their 
minds  are  taken  up  in  the  purfuit  of  more  fublime  and 
refined  delights,  fo  that  they  cannot  be  concerned  in 
thefe.  Any  perfon  that  is  engaged  in  a  violent  and 
paflionate  affection,  will  ealily  forget  his  ordinary  gra- 
tifications, will  belittle  curious  about  his  diet,  or  his 
bodily  eafe,  or  thedivertifements  he  was  wonted  to  de- 
light in.  No  wonder  then  if  fouls  overpowered  with 
divine  love,  defpife  inferior  pleafures,  and  be  almoft 
ready  to  grudge  the  body  its  neceffary  attendance  for 
the  common  accommodations  of  life,  judging  all  thefe 
impertinent  to  their  main  happinefs,  and  thofe  higher 
enjoyments  they  are  purfuing.  As  for  the  hardlhips 
they  may  meet  with,  they  rejoice  in  them,  as  oppor- 
tunities to  exercife  and  teflify  their  affeclion  :  and  fince 
they  are  able  to  do  fo  little  for  God,  they  are  glad  of 
the  honour  to  fufter  for  him. 

The  lad  branch  of  religion  is  humility ;  and  how- 
ever to  vulgar  and  carnal  eyes  this  may 
appear  an   abjed,    bafe  and   defpicable     Thc  excellency 

,.  ,,        ,        r     *      r  •  of  humility. 

quality,  yet  really  the  loul  or  man  is  not 
capable  of  an  higher  and  more  noble  endowment. 
It  is  a  filly  ignorance  that  begets  pride ;  but  humility 
arifes  from  a  nearer  acquaintance  with  excellent  things, 
which  keeps  men  from  doating  on  trifles,  or  admiring 
themfelves  becaufe  of  fome  petty  attainments.  Noble 
and  well  educated  fouls  have  no  fuch  high  opinion  of 
riches,  beauty,  ftrength,  and  other  fuch  like  advan- 
tages, as  to  value  themfelves  for  them,  or  defpife  thofe 
that  want  them :  and  as  for  inward  worth  and  real 
goodnefs,  the  fenfe  they  have  of  the  divine  perfections, 
makes  them  think  very  meanly  of  any  thing  they  have 
hitherto  attain'd,  and  be  flili  endeavouring  to  furmounc 

D  2,  them- 


I  (JO  D 

themfclves,  flnd  m  approaches  to  tl 

nitc  exccllcni 

I  kno*  not  what  thoughts  |  have  oi  hu- 

milir;.  ,   I     I  I  pcrfon  | 

and  fhunning  fuch  expreffions  and  affcions,  as  mav  make 
tinted  arrogant  and  prefumptucus,  4 
who  arc  moll  dcfirous  of  praife,  w  ill  be  loath  to 
commend  themfclves.     What  arc  all  thofc  complements 
and  modes  of  civility,  (o  frequent  in  our  ordinan 

,   but  fo  many  protections  of  the  eftecm  I 
and   the   low  thoughts   we   have  of  our 
mult  not  that  humility  be   a  noble  and  :  cn- 

d     tnent,  when  the  rary  fhadows  or"  it  :. 
fo  neceflarj  a  part  i  E  good  breeding? 

Again,  this  grace  is   accompanied   with  a  great 

dial  of  happinefs    and  tranquillity  :  the 

The  plea!  proud  and  arrogant  per  fori  is  a  trouble  to 

ofCai  all  that  converfc  with  him,    but  moft  or" 

hp,  all  unto  himfeif:  ei  ng  is  enough 

to  vex  him  ;     but  fcarcc  any   tiling 

Cient  to  content  and  pleafe  him.     He  is  rc.idy  to  ^uar- 

ixl  v.  ith  every  thing  that  tails  i  i  if  he  himkl:  were 

Inch  a  confidcrablc  pcrfon,  that  God  Almighty  fhould 

do  every  thing  t<  him,  and  all  the  creatures  of 

heaven  and  earth  fhould  v. air  upon  him,  and  obey   his 

will.    The  1  lhake  with  i 

wind,  and  tth,  every  evil  word  will 

ant  man  :   but  the  humble 
ien   he  is  dcfpi&d,    that 

im,    than  lie  doth  of 
| 

o    the 

ul.   And  wi  •  with 

injuii'  to  them : 


in  the  Soul   of  Man.  37 

Contention  which  cometh  of  pride  betrays  a  man  into 
a  thoufand  inconvenienoies,  which  thofe  of  a  meek  and 
lowly  temper  feldom  meet  with.  True  and  genuine 
humility  begetteth  both  a  veneration  and  love  among 
all  wife  and  difcerning  perfons,  while  pride  defeateth 
its  own  defign,  and  depriveth  a  man  of  that  honour  it 
makes  him  pretend  to. 

B  o  t  as  the  chief  exercifes  of  humility  are  thofe 
which  relate  unto  Almighty  God,  fo  thefe  are  accom- 
panied with  the  greateft  fatisfa&ion  and  fweetnefs.  It 
is  impofTible  to  exprefs  the  great  pleafure  and  delight 
which  religious  perfons  feel  in  the  lowed  proftrations  of 
their  foul  before  God,  when  having  a  deep  fenfe  of  the 
divine  majefty  and  glory,  they  {ink  (if  I  may  fofpeak) 
to  the  bottom  of  their  beings,  and  vanifh  and  difap- 
pear  in  the  prefence  of  God,  by  a  ferious  and  affec- 
tionate acknowledgment  of  their  own  nothingnefs,  and 
the  fliortnefs  and  imperfeftions  of  their  attainments  ; 
when  they  underftand  the  full  fenfe  and  emphafis  of 
the  Pfalmiil's  exclamation,  Lord,  what  is  man  ?  And 
can  utter  it  with  the  fame  affection.  Never  did  any 
haughty  and  ambitious  perfon  receive  the  praifes  and 
applaufes  of  men  with  fo  much  pleafure,  as  the  humble 
and  religious  do  renounce  them  ;  Not  unto  us,  O 
Lord,    not  unto  usy    but  unto   thy  name  give  glory  y 

&c. 

Thus  I  have  fpoken  fomething  of  the  excellencies 
and  advantage  of  religion  in  its  feveral  branches  ;  but 
mould  be  very  injurious  to  the  fubjeft,  did  I  pretend 
to  have  given  any  perfect  account  of  it.  Let  us  ac- 
quaint our  felves  with  it,  my  dear  friend,  let  us  ac- 
quaint our  felves  with  it,  and  experience  will  teach  us 
mote  than  all  that  ever  hath  been  fpoken  or  written 
concerning  it.     But  if  we  may  fuppofe  the   foul-  to  be 

D  3  already 


C  0  J) 

iken'd   i  afar  f^ 

i 
and  fuflfet  them  irations 

as  tl. 


A    Pra1 

C"^  OOD  G  kJ  '.   what  b  pa 
T  l  to  which  we  are  called  ?    H   n   gracioufly 
thou    joined   our  duty  and  hap] 
and  prefcribed  that  for  our  wa 
whereof  is  u  vard?    And  (hall  liich  filly 

worms  be  advanced  to  fp  great  a  heij 
allow  ns  to  raifi  s  to  thee  :  V  dmit 

and  accept  our  e  .  im- 

of  thy  di\  iti 

thy  infinite  blcflcd- 
:       and  gl      i  ing  thee,   and   rejoicing  in 

0  tl  Is  that  ha\  c  bro- 

.    and  dUintangled  tl 
n  every   narrow   and   p 
whole  underllandinj  inlightncd  by  thy 

their  wills inl  i  the  extent  oi  thine, 

whol  things,and  all  mankind  for  thy 

1  im  .   v  '  I  1  am  pcrfwa< 

•,  till  my  carnal  and  corrupt 
dj  and  the  pride  and  vanitj 
nd  till  1  .    to 

I  think  nothi 
But  O   .  ill  it  once  bx     ()  when  will  i 

•  ith  thy  I 


in    the    Soul   of  Man.  39 

making  me  holy  as  thou  art  holy,  even  in  all  manner 
of  converfation  ?  Haft  thou  given  me  a  profpttt  of 
fo  great  a  felicity,  and  wilt  thou  not  bring  me  unto 
it  ?  Haft  thou  excited  thefe  defires  in  my  foul,  and 
wilt  thou  not  alfo  fatisfy  them  ?  O  teach  me  to  do 
thy  will,  for  thou  art  my  God,  thy  fpirit  is  good, 
lead  me  unto  the  land  of  uprightnefs.  Quicken  me, 
O  Lord,  for  thy  name's  fake,  and  perfect  that 
which  concerneth  me:  Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  en- 
dureth  for  ever,  forfake  not  the  works  of  thine  own 
hands. 


I  Have  hitherto  conftdered  wherein  true  religion 
doth  confift,  and  how  defirable  a 
thing  it  is ;  but  when  one  fees  how  infi-  The  defpon- 
nitely  diftant  the  common  temper  and  o^mf  newly 
frame  of  men  is  from  it,  he  may  perhaps  awaken'd  to  a 
be  ready  to  defpond,  and  give  over,  and  ^?  t  fcnfe  ot 
think  it  utterly  impoflible  to  be  attained : 
he  may  fit  down  in  fadnefs,  and  bemoan  himfelf, 
and  fay  in  the  anguifh  and  bitternefs  of  his  fpirit, 
"  They  are  happy  indeed  whofe  fouls  are  awaken'd 
<c  unto  the  divine  life,  who  are  thus  renewed  in  the 
"  fpirit  of  their  minds ;  but  alas !  I  am  quite  of  ano- 
"  ther  conftitution,  and  am  not  able  to  efreft  fo  mighty 
<c  a  change :  if  outward  obfervances  could  have  done 
"  the  bufinefs,  I  might  have  hoped  to  acquit  my  felt 
<c  by  diligence  and  care ;  but  iince  nothing  but  a  new 
ic  nature  can  ferve  the  turn,  what  am  I  able  to  do  ? 
<c  I  could  beftow  all  my  goods  in  oblations  to  God, 
"  or  alms  to  the  poor,  but  cannot  command  that  love 

D  4  2  and 


+0         7h  Life    of  GOD 

and  chai  at   which   this  cxpcnc?  would 

11  pi  I  i  annbt  I 

a  man  fhould  give  all 
11  tl  ance  of  his  houft  Cot  love,  it  would  utterly 

"  I k  mncd:  I  could  pine  and  macerate  m\  b-  d 

"  and   undergo  many  bardfiiips  and  troubles,    but  1 
u  cann  t  get  all  my  corrupt]  nsftarved,  nor  my  afi". 
cc  tions  wholly  weaned  from  earthl  :   thcr< 

<c  dill  fome  worldly  defires  lurking  in  art,  and 

u  thofc  vanities  that  I  hi 

c*  always  g  in  by   tl  '  any 

"  times  convinced  of  my  own  meanneC  adc- 

cc  net  of  my  body,    and  the  fa  of 

cc  i:  but    tl       -       i  rather  :   n 

"  and  di        *  :.'    tl     •'    IC  humility  in  my  fpirit:  and 
"  though   [  ihotild  come  to  thfnk  meai 
<£  yet  1  cann  x:  endure  that  ethers  Ihould  think  (b  - 
ri  In  a  woi  ft  on  mj  I    and   n 

tw  inra  nts,  1  hav<  rtMi  .    that 

<(  th<  y  att  ail  but  the  -  the  iflues  of 

<v  felf-lov<  fcvcral  <  this 

4'  principle  istb*]  in  me, 

14  that  I  can  never  b  p<  to  b    delivered  from  the  dooti- 
*'  [  may  1  a  door  oil 

v  hinges,  But  un- 

.'  th<  ceo 
11   •  fo  that  all  1  antagcl  can  draw    from 

'the  i  >  is  but  td  fee  at  a  huge 

am  hot  abl  acn . 

...   a' man  in  a  Khipwredc,    who  difcerm  the  land, 

"  and 


in   the   Soul  of  Man.  41 

*c  and  envies  the  happinefs  of  thofe  who   are  there^ 
**  but  thinks  it  impoifible  for  himfelf  to  get  afhoar. 

These,    I  fay,  or  fuch  like  defponding  thoughts, 
may  arife  in  the  minds  of  thofe  perfons 
who  begin   to  conceive  fomewhat  more       The  unrea- 

■  r     .      D  f  ,,  -       ,.  ■■.  fonablcnefs  of 

of  the  nature  and  excellency  or  religion  thefe  fears# 
than  before :  they  have  fpy'd  the  land, 
and  feen  that  it  is  exceeding  good,  that  it  floweth 
with  milk  and  honey ;  but  they  find  they  have  the 
children  of  Anak  to  grapple  with,  many  powerful  lulls 
and  corruptions  to  overcome,  and  they  fear,  they 
fhall  never  prevail  againit  them.  But  why  mould  we  give 
way  to  fuch  difcouraging  fuggeflions  ?  why  mould  we 
entertain  fuch  unreafonable  fears,  which  damp  our  fpi- 
rits,  and  weaken  our  hands,  and  augment  the  difficul- 
ties of  our  way  ?  Let  us  encourage  our  felves,  my  dear 
friend,  let  us  encourage  our  felves  with  thofe  mighty 
aids  we  are  to  expect  in  this  fpiritual  warfare,  for 
greater  is  he  that  is  for  us,  than  all  that  can  rife  up 
againft  us;  fhe  eternal  God  is  our  refuge ,  *  and  un- 
derneath are  the  everlafting  arms.  Let  us  be  ftrong  in 
the  Lord,  and  the  'power  of  his  might,  for  he  it  is  that 
fhall  tread  down  our  enemies  ;  God  hath  a  tender  re- 
gard unto  the  fouls  of  men,  and  is  infinitely  willing 
to  promote  their  welfare  :  he  hath  condefcended  to  our 
weaknefs,  and  declared  with  an  oath,  that  he  hath  no 
pleafurein  our  dell. rud ion.  There  is  no  fuch  thing  as 
defpite  or  envy'  lodged  in  the  bofom  of  that  ever 
bleiTed  Being,  whofe  name  and  nature  is  love.  He 
created  us  at  firft  in  a  happy  condition,  and  now  when 
we  are  fallen  from  it,  f  He  hath  laid  help  upon  one  that 
is  mighty  to  fave,  hath  committed  the  care  of  our  fouls 

to 

m " ___ —  ».  ^ 

*  Deut,  xxxiii.  27.  fPfal.  lxxxix.  ip. 


4^  Life  <■/'  Q  Q  D 

i  than  the  eternal  Son  o!   bi 
be  thai 

i  llrong  for  [hting 

!     Did  nor  the   Son  of  God   come 
hi  the  boTom  of  1  bcrj  and  pitch  bis  ca- 

de amongit  the  ions  ot' men,  that  he 

and   rcltorc    the 
God  in  their   fouls, 
which  he  performed,    all  the  (ad  -  ns  which  he 

fuflaii  I  this  for  gn  j  for  this 

did  he  labour  and  toil,  for  this  did  1. 
*  1L 

■ 

fee  oft' 
Certainly  it  is  im-  that  this  | 

cootrivancc  of  heaven  fliould  prove  abort; 

g  Ihoiild  fail  and  mill-art;. 
already  b<  ftual  for  the  fal va  many 

i 

unto  (  ii 

ite,  he   kno?  it  infirn 

and  I  ur  teinptati  ins, 

\ 1  e 
fpii  it,  v 
I  ig  up  an<  in  the  •• 

made,  and  is  ready  to  I 


. 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  43 

weak  and  languishing  creatures  as  we  are,  in  our  effays 
towards  holinefs  and  felicity ;  and  when  once  it  hath 
taken  hold  of  a  foul,  and  kindled  in  it  the  fmalkft 
fpark  of  divine  love,  it  will  be  fure  to  preferve  and 
cherifh,  and  bring  it  forth  into  a  flame,  *  which  many 
waters  mall  not  quench,  neither  (hall  the  floods  be  able 
to  drown  it.  Whenever  this  day  begins  to  dawn,  and 
the  f  day-far  to  arife  in  the  heart  y  it  will  eafily  difpel 
the  powers  of  darknefs,  and  make  ignorance  and  folly, 
and  all  the  corrupt  and  felhTn  affections  of  men,  flee 
away  as  fall  before  it  as  the  fhades  of  night,  when  the 
fun  cometh  out  of  his  chambers :  for  %  the  path  of  the 
juft  is  as  the  fuming  light ,  which  floineth  more  and 
more  unto  the  perfett  day  :  \\  tfhey  Jloall  go  on  from 
ftrength  to  Jlrengtb,  till  every  one  of  them  appear  before 
God  in  Sim. 

Why  fhould  we  think  it  impodible  that  true  good- 
nefs  and  univerfal  love  fhould  ever  come  to  fway  and 
prevail  in  our  fouls?  Is  not  this  their  primitive  flate 
and  condition,  their  native  and  genuine  conftitution  as 
they  came  firfb  from  the  hands  of  their  maker?  Sin  and 
corruption  are  but  ufurpers,  and  though  they  have 
long  kept  the  poflefhon,  yet  from  the  beginning  it  was 
not  fo.  That  inordinate  felf-love  which  one  would 
think  were  rooted  in  our  very  being,  and  interwoven 
with  the  conftitution  of  our  nature,  is  neverthelefs  of 
foreign  extraction,  and  had  no  place  at  all  in  the  ftate 
of  integrity.  We  have  ftill  fo  much  reafon  left  as  to 
condemn  it-  our  underftandings  are  eafily  convinced, 
that  we  ought  to  be  wholly  devoted  to  him  from  whom 
we  have  our  being,    and  to   love  him  infinitely  more 

than 


*  Cane.  viii.  7.    7  2  Pet.  i.  19.    ^  Pro  v.  iv.  18.    [j  Pfal.  lxxxiv. 


4+  ff&  Life  of  G  0  I) 

thin  oar  (elves,  whoisinfin  -:cr  than  wc;    tod 

j  v.  crc 
not  he 

d  them 

ftble,  bv  his  afllftana,  to  van- 

quifli  ai   .  -ut  inti  urn 

\   I        i|  ,r  ihall  we  take  up   arms  in  ti. 
we  (hall  have  all  the  Hunts  on 
..Is  in  heaven,   i  rty  s    the  b 

the  world  is  daily   n         sding 

rfs  or"  all  fuc  and 

ivenly  bote  abow    i  ft- 

•i,  and  infinitely  deiir- 

ous  ro  f<  life  thriving  a;ul  pi  |  in  this 

:M;  and  that  the  Will  of  God  may  Lv 
by  us  on  earth,  as  it  is  done   by  themfcives  in  1 

may  we  not  then  encourage  oui  *  pro- 

t  did  hisfervant,  when  he  (hewed  him  the  hoi 
and  rsol  fire,  •!  1 

• 
r  at  tl  h   ail  pei  and  do- 

fpondtng  tho 
!)    ouflv,  and  rely  confidently  <  livinc 

nore  than  hall 

Lord 
r,     It  16  true, 
:  men  i.s  the   imn. 

:  .  ither  produce  it 
not  merit  thoft  fiipernatnral  aids  by  which  h  nmfl  I 
ught:   theHolj  Qhoft  mud  d  bs,   and 

the 

>  i.  , 


iti  the  Soul  of  Ma?u  $.J 

the  power  of  the  higheft  muft  overfhadow  us,  before 
that  holy  thing  can  be  begotten,  andChrift  be  formed 
in  us;     But  yet  we  muft  not  expect  that  this  whole 
work  mould  be  done  without  any  concurring  endeavours 
of  our  own  :  we  muft  not  lie  loitering  in  the  ditch,  and 
wait  till  omnipotence  pulls  us  from  thence :    no,  no, 
we  muft  beftir  our  felves,  and    actuate  thofe  powers 
which  we  have  already  received  :    we  muft  put  forth 
our  felves  to  our  utmoft  capacities,    and   then  we  may 
hope  that  *  our  labour  Jha'Il  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord* 
All  the  art  and  induftry  of  man  cannot  form  the  fmal- 
left  herb,  or  make  a  ftalkof  corn  to  grow  in  the  field j 
it  is  the  energy  of  nature,  and  the  influences  of  heaven, 
which  produce  this  effect ;  it  is  God  ||  who  caufeth  the 
grafs  to  grow,    and  herb  for  the  fervice  of  man ;    and 
yet  no  body  will  fay,  that  the  labours  of  the  husband- 
man are  ufelefs  or  unneceflary.     Solikewife  the  human 
foul  is  immediately  created  by  God ;  it  is  he  who  both 
formeth  and  enliveneth  the  child,  and  yet  he  hath  ap- 
pointed  the  marriage-bed  as  the  ordinary  means  for 
the  propagation  of  mankind.     Though  there  muft  in^ 
tervene  a  ftroak  of  omnipotence  to  effect  this  mighty 
change  in  our  fouls,  yet  ought  we  to  do  what  we   can 
to  fit  and  prepare   our  felves ;  for  we   muft  break  up 
our  fallow  ground,  f  and  root  out  the  weeds,  and  pull 
up  the  thorns,  that  fo  we  may  be  more  ready  to  receive 
the  feeds  of  grace  and  the  dew  of  heaven.     It  is  true, 
God  hath  been  found  of  fome  who  fought  him  not ; 
he  hath  caft  himfelf  in  their  way,  who  were  quite  out 
of  his  ;  he  hath  laid  hold  upon  them,  and    ftopt  their 
courfe  on  a  fudden ;    for  fo  was  St.  Paul  converted  in 

his 


*  i  Cor.  xv,  58.  |j  Pfal,  civ.  14.  t  Jex.  fr,  J« 


46  77     I  ■   COD 

But  is  not 

iry  mctl  ,  thouph 

he  hath  not  tied  himfclf  to  means, 
US  to  tl     '      Of  them  ;  and  v.  re  rcafori 

divine  affiftance,  than  when  we  arc  d 
our  Utmoft  endeavours.     It  (hall  therefore  be  my  next 
work,  vwhatcourfi  ght  total  rtain- 

Ing  that  I  I  have  hitherto  defcribed 

,  it*  in  delivering  my  own  th  I  hahce 

to  differ  from  what  is  or  may  be  (aid  by  i  in  this 

matur,    1  would  nbt  be  thought  to  contradicl   and 
opp<  "e  them,  more  than  phyficians  d 
(bribe  fcveral  remedies  for  the  fan:  .,  which  per- 

haps are  allufeful  and  mty  rropofc 

nethod  he  ju<  ient,  but 

thereby  pretend  that  th 
be  efFe&ed  unlets  chat  be  exactly  obferved     1 
hath  occafioned  much  unneceflar) 
holy  perfons,  that  they  have  not  round  fuch  a  rej 
and  orderly  tranfadion  in   their  fouls,  have 

(eeta  defcribed   in  book!  ;    that  they    have  not    r 
through  all  thoft  .  n,  which 

(bmc  (who  perhaps  have  felt  them  in  then  have 

too  pete;-  Gfcd  hath 

tl  v. ..'.  s  ng  with  the  (buls  of  ou 

(bfficeth  ii  the  v.  rk  be  ace  >mplifii'd,  whatever  the 

methods  ba\     . 

A  i  1 

which  the  natui  I  lead 

I    !  an  that  th 

(b  pnnftuallj  latter 

roles  were  never  to  be  heeded,  i  leraUe 

tinu 

us  I  intend  are  mutual  tno- 

ther, 


in  the   Soul  of  Man.        -  47 

ther,  and  are  all  to  be  perform'd  as  occaflon  (hall  ferve, 
and  we  find  our  felves  enabled  to  perform  them. 

But  now  that  I  may  detain  you  no  longer,  if  we  defire 
to  have  our  fouls  moulded  to  this  holy 
frame,  to  become  partakers  of  the  divine  aiJ  manner  of 
nature,  and  have  Chrift  formed  in  our  ^n- 
hearts,  we  muft  ferioufly  refolve  and  carefully  endeavour 
to  avoid  and  abandon  all  vicious  and  iinful  practices.. 
There  can  be  no  treaty  of  peace,  till  once  we  lay  down 
thefe  weapons  of  rebellion  wherewith  we  fight  againit 
heaven  :  nor  can  we  expecl:  to  have  our  diftempers  cur- 
ed, if  we  be  daily  feeding  on  poifon.  Every  wilful  (in, 
gives  a  mortal  wound  to  the  foul,  and  puts  it  at  a  greater 
diftance  from  God  and  goodnefs ;  and  we  can  never  hope 
to  have  our  hearts  purified  from  corrupt  affections,  un- 
lefs  we  cleanfe  our  hands  from  vicious  actions.  Now 
in  this  cafe  we  cannot  excufe  our  felves  by  the  pre- 
tence of  impoffibility ;  for  fure  our  outward  man  is 
fome  way  in  our  power,  we  have  fome  command  of 
our  feet,  and  hands,  and  tongue,  nay  and  of  our 
thoughts  and  fancies  too,  at  lead  fo  far  as  to  divert 
them  from  impure  and  finful  objects,  and  to  turn  our 
mind  another  way :  and  we  mould  find  this  power 
and  authority  much  ftrengthned  and  advanced,  if  we 
were  careful  to  manage  and  exercife  it.  In  the  mean 
while,  I  acknowledge  our  corruptions  are  fo  ftrong, 
and  our  temptations  fo  many,  that  it  will  require  a 
great  deal  of  ftedfaftnefs  and  refolution,  of  watchful- 
nefs  and  care,  to  preferve  our  felves,  even  in  this  de- 
gree of  innocence  and  purity. 

And  firft,  let  us  inform  our  felves  well,  what  thofe 
fins  are  from  which  we  ought  to  abftain.     ,Tr      a. 

o  We  mu^  know 

And  here  we  mull  not  take  our  mea-     what  dungs  are 
fures  from,  the  maxims  of  the  world,    fintuI- 

or 


4-3  TJj:  Life  of  GO  D 

or  die  practices  of  thofc  whom  in  chariry  we  IppOUtltj 
good  men.     Mod  people  have  very  light  gpp 
lions   of   theft   things,  and  arc    no;    f<  my 

tank,    unLis   it   be    grofs    and    fiagi:iu:s,    and    lcar^c 
reckon  any  fo  great  as   that  which  they   call    Prccifc- 
ncfi  :    and  thole  who  are  more  CeriODS,  do  many  ti: 
allow    thcmfelves     too    great    latitude    and    freedom. 
Alas  !  how  much   pride  and  vanity,  and  paflion  and 
hnmonr,  hew  much  weakiuls  and  tolly,  and  fin,  c 
every  day  mow  it  kit  in  their  converfc  and  behaviour  > 
It  may  be  they  are    humbled  tor  it,  and  ftriving  a- 
gainft.   it,  and    are  daily   gaining  fomc   ground  ;    but 
then  the  progrefs  is  (o  imall,  and  their  (tilings  fc  ma- 
ny, that    we   had  need  to  choofe  an  cxacter   p 
Every  one  of  us  mufl  anfwer  tor  himfelf,  and  the  prac- 
tices of  others  will  never  warrant   and    fceure  us       ft 
is  the  higheil  folly  to  regulate  our  a&ions  by  in 
ftandard  than  that  by  which  they  mud  be  judged,     ft 
ever  we  would  demfc  .,  i:  mint  tx 

I  thereto  according  to  tic  tt  I  and  that 

;>  is  quick   a*  litrper  ti 

any    t:,  I    fwprJs    piercing  tVCM   to  the 

a  [under  of  fim  if'tbi 

mat  >.J  is  a  dif 

tints  of  tic    iiOfi    |,    will   certainly  i   many 

things  to  be  iinful  and  heinous,  which  pi  I  rfy 

innocent    ID   the  eyes  of  the  world  :   Let   us  d 

imitate  the  Pfalmiil,   who  faith,   (.'  i 

cf  m$*)  b)  ',!■■' 

frc:  bOtbs  tf  :' c  ..'•;.  Let    us    acquaint 

our  (elves  well  with  the  ftrict  and  holy  laws  or  our 

eioo  i  let  us  coufider  the  dUcourfes  of  our  bleikd 

Saviour. 


Ml<  u  pu. 


in   the   Soul  of  Man.  49 

Saviour,  (efpecially  that  divine  fermon  on  the  mount) 
and  the  writings  of  his  holy  apoftles,  where  an  inge- 
nuous and  unbiafled  mind  may  clearly  difcern  thofe 
limits  and  bounds  by  which  our  actions  ought  to  be 
confined,  And  then  let  us  never  look  upon  any  Cm  as 
light  and  inconfiderable  ;  but  be  fully  perfuaded, 
that  the  fmalleft  is  infinitely  heinous  in  the  fight  of 
God,  and  prejudicial  to  the  fouls  of  men ;  and  that 
if  we  had  the  right  fenfe  of  things,  we  mould  be  as 
deeply  afFe&ed  with  the  leaft  irregularities,  as  now  we 
are  with  the  higheft  crimes. 

But  now  amongft  thofe  things  which  We  muft  rcd/i 
we  difcover  to  be  finful,    there  will  be     <he;emPfations 

'  to  iin,  by  con- 

fome,  Unto  which,    through  the  difpofi-     fidering  the 
tion  of  our  nature,  or  long  cuftom,  or     e,vils  they  wil1 

•  ■      •     1  r      1      r  r        draw  on  us- 

the  indearments  ot  plealure,  we  are  fo 
much  wedded,  that  it  will  be  like  cutting  off  the 
right  hand,  or  pulling  out  the  right  eye,  to  abandon 
them.  But  muft  we  therefore  fit  down  and  wait  till 
all  difficulties  be  over,  and  every  temptation  be  gone  ? 
This  were  to  imitate  the  fool  in  the  poet,  who  itood 
the  whole  day  at  the  river  fide,  till  all  the  water 
fhould  run  by.  We  muft  not  indulge  our  inclinations, 
as  we  do  little  children,  till  they  grow  weary  of  the 
thing  they  are  unwilling  to  let  go:  We  muft  not  con- 
tinue our  finful  practices,  in  hopes  that  the  divine  grace 
will  one  day  over-power  our  fpirits,  and  make  us  hate 
them  for  their  own  deformity. 

Let  us  fuppofe  the  worft,  that  we  are  utterly  de- 
ftitute  of  any  fupernatural  principle,  and  want  that 
tafte  by  which-  we  mould  difcern  and  abhor  perverfe 
things ;  yet  fure  we  are  capable  of  fome  confiderations 
which  may  be  of  force  to  perfuade  us  to  this  reforma- 
tion of  our  lives.    If  the  inward  deformity  and  heinous 

E  nature 


G  0  D 

(infill  p]  .  .) 

fclv< 

i  irritate  and  I  that  infinil 

able,  or 
-     ... 

cainty  or"  our  li 
and  how  that  aft  t  v.  c  I 
th<  ;.   rid,  and  i  little  1.  \  men, 

muft  all  k  and  I 

ana  nothing  fl  I  re- 

t  tor  all  our  Gnful  enjoyo 

! 
I 

b  'h  QttCR 

I 

D,  and  ti 

.    ...  . 

:\)c 


■ 


in  the   Soul  of  Man.  51 

bfefled  Jefus  (who  came  once  into  the  world  in  all  hu- 
mility to  vifit  us,  to  purchafe  pardon  for  us,  and  be- 
feech  us  to  accept  of  it)  now  appearing  in  the  ma  jelly 
of  his  glory,  and  defending  from  heaven  in  a  flaming 
fire,  to  take  vengeance  on  thofe  that  have  defpifed  his 
mercy,  and  perfiited  in  rebellion  againft  him :  when 
all  the  hidden  things  of  darknefs  fhall  be  brought  to 
light,  and  the  counfels  of  the  heart  fhall  be  made  ma- 
nifeft  * :  when  thofe  fecret  impurities  and  fubtile  frauds 
whereof  the  world  did  never  fufpecl  us,  fnall  be  ex- 
pofed  and  laid  open  to  publick  view,  and  many 
thoufand  actions  which  we  never  dreamed  to  be  finful, 
or  elfe  had  altogether  forgotten,  ihall  be  charged  home 
upon  our  confciences  with  fuch  evident  convictions  of 
guilt,  that  we  fhall  neither  be  able  to  deny  nor  excufe 
them.  Then  fhall  all  the  angels  in  heaven,  and  all  the 
faints  that  ever  liv'd  on  the  earth,  approve  that  dread- 
ful fentence  which  fhall  be  paffed  on  wicked  men ; 
and  thofe  who  perhaps  did  love  and  eiteem  them  when 
they  liv'd  in  the  world,  fhall  look  upon  them  with  in- 
dignation and  abhorrence,  and  never  make  one  requelt 
for  their  deliverance.  Let  us  confider  the  eternal  pu- 
nifhment  of  damned  fouls,  which  are  fh^dowed  forth 
in  fcripture  by  metaphors  taken  from  thofe  things  that 
are  mod  terrible  and  grievous  in  the  world,  and  vet 
jail  do  not  fuffice  to  convey  unto  our  minds  any  full 
iapprehenfions  of  them.  When  we  have  joinM  together 
(the  importance  of  all  thefe  expreffions,  and  added 
unto  them  whatever  our  fancy  can  conceive  of  mifery 
land  torment,  we  mull  frill  remember,  that  ail  this 
'comes  infinitely  mort  of  the  truth  and  reality  of  the 


thing. 


E  2  It's 


*  I  Cor  .  iv.  5-. 


$2  72     Life  '/GOD 

I    •  true,  tl  (ad  and  melancholy  fiibjeft,  there 

u  anguilh  and  borroc  in  the  coniidcration  of  it;  but 
Ulfe  ir   mufl  be  infinitely   more  III  to  endure  it  ; 

I  filch  th  may  be  very  nfefnl  : 

us  from  the  courics  that  would  lead  us  thither  j  i 
fond  foevcr  we  may  be  of  finfuJ  pleafinrcs,  the  feat  ot 
hell  would  make  us  abitain  i  our  m  aid  inclina- 

tions will  ilartle  and  give  back,   when  preifcd  v.ith  that 

quefiion  in  the  prophet,  *  //  | 
\$  ? 

To  this  very  purpdfc  it  is  that  the  terrors  of  ano- 
ther world  are  lb  frequently  reprcfented  in  holy  v.  rit, 
and  that  in  fuch  terms  as  are  mod  proper  to  affea  and 
influence  a  carnal  mind:  Theft  fears  can  DCTCI  filffice 
to  make  any  peribn  truly  good  ;  but  certainly  they 
may  reftrain  US  from  much  evil,  and  have  often  made 
way  lor  more  ingenuous  and  kindly  impreif 

B  t  it  will  not  filffice  to  confide!  thefe  tilings  onci 
and  again,  nor  to  form  fomc  refolutions 

we  tnoft  keep       ^    •       •     • 

01  abandoning  our  lins,  unlets  WC  main- 
tain   a  con&ant   guard,  and  be  continu- 
ally watching  againft  then     Sometimei 
the  mind  is  awakened  to  fee  the  difinal  coofequences 

.  vicious  life,  and  ftraight  v. 
but  alas!    it  prefently  Eallcth  aflecpj  and  we  lofe  that 
profpeex  which  we  had  of  things,  and  th         ptations 
take   the  advantage  ;    they   foliar   and    importune   us 
irinually,   and  f  quently  engage  our  confent 

1        i    .  1:  is  the  folly  and  ru 

I     pie  to  live  ;  take  part  in  every 

.s  in  their  way,  fcldom  coofii 

I 


in  the  Soul   of  Man.  53 

they  are  about  to  fay  or  do.  If  we  would  have  our 
refblutions  take  effect,  we  rauft  take  heed  unto  our 
ways,  and  fet  a  watch  before  the  door  of  our  lips, 
and  examine  the  motions  that  arife  in  our  hearts,  and 
caufe  them  to  tell  us  whence  they  come,  and  whither 
they  go;  whether  it  be  pride  or  paffion,  or  any  corrupt 
and  vicious  humour  that  prompteth  us  to  any  defign, 
and  whether  God  will  be  offended,  or  any  body  harmed 
by  it.  And  if  we  have  no  time  for  long  reafonings, 
let  us  at  lead  turn  our  eyes  towards  God,  and  place 
our  felves  in  his  prefence,  to  ask  his  leave  and  appro- 
bation for  what  we  do :  Let  us  confider  our  felves  under 
the  all-feeing  eye  of  that  divine  Majefty,  as  in  the 
midft  of  an  infinite  globe  of  light,  which  compaffeth 
us  about  both  behind  and  before,  and  pierceth  to  the 
mnermoft  corners  of  our  foul.  The  fenfe  and  remem- 
brance of  the  divine  prefence,  is  the  moft  ready  and 
effectual  means,  both  to  difcover  what  is  unlawful, 
and  to  reilrain  us  from  it.  There  are  fome  things  a 
perfon  could  make  (hi ft  to  palliate  or  defend,  and  yet 
he  dares  not  look  almighty  God  in  the  face  and  ad- 
venture upon  them.  If  we  look  unto  him,  we  fhall  be 
lightned  ;  if  we  fet  him  always  before  us,  he  will  guide 
us  by  his  eye,  and  infirutt  us  in  the  way  wherein  we 
0 Hght  to  walk. 

This  care  and  watchfulnefs  over  our  aftions,   muft 
be  feconded  by  frequent  and  ferious  re- 
jections  upon  them,  not   only  that  we     We  mufl  Qften 

r  '  '  examine  our 

may  obtain  the  divine  mercy  and  pardon     adtions. 
for  our  fins,   by  an  humble  and  forrow- 
ful  acknowledgment  of  them ;   but  alfo  that  we  may 
reinforce  and  flrengthen  our  refolutions,  and   learn  to 
decline  or  refill  the  temptations  by  which  we  have  been 
formerly  foilM.     It  is  an  advice  worthy  of  a  chriftian, 

E  3  though. 


54  G  0  D 

tho. 

I 

our 
i 

. 

rncy. 

affifi 

.  d   to 

:n  fin,    : 

,  and 
at  kali,  I        jainft  otl 

t     i  -.   ana  I 

,    | 
titi> 

bun  I  in  us.      i 

praj  inll  fin,  v> 

our  (elves  1 
i 

ami  againfl 
Thus 

*  into 

I   :    

lul  \h 

I  nly,    that   we  may 

fecure 


i?z    the    Soul  of  Man.  55 

fecure  our  innocence,  which  would  be  in  continual 
hazard,  if  we  ftiould  ftrain  our  liberty  to  the  utmoft 
point ;  but  alfo  that  hereby  we  may  weaken  the  forces 
of  nature,  and  teach  our  appetites  to  obey.  We 
muft  do  with  our  felves  as  prudent  parents  with  their 
children,  who  crofs  their  wills  in  many  little  indifferent 
things,  to  make  them  manageable  and  fubmiffive  in 
more  considerable  inftances.  He  who  would  mortify 
the  pride  and  vanity  of  his  fpirit,  fhould  flop  his  ears 
to  the  moft  deferved  praifes,  and  fometimes  forbear  his 
juft  vindication  from  the  cenfures  and  afperfions  of 
others,  efpeciaily  if  they  reflect  only  upon  his  prudence 
and  conduct,  and  not  on  his  virtue  and  innocence.  He 
who  would  check  a  revengeful  humour,  would  do  well 
to  deny  himfelf  the  fatisfaction  of  reprefenting  unto 
Others  the  injuries  which  he  hath  fuftained  •  and  if  we 
would  fo  take  heed  to  our  ways,  that  we  (in  not  with 
our  tongue,  we  muft  accuftom  our  felves  much  to  fo- 
litude  and  filence,  and  fometimes  with  the  Pfalmift, 
Hold  our  peace  even  from  good,  till  once  we  have  got- 
ten fome  command  over  that  unruly  member.  Thus, 
I  fay,  we  may  bind  up  our  natural  inclinations,  and 
make  our  appetites  more  moderate  in  their  cravings, 
by  accuftoming  them  to  frequent  refufais :  But  it  is 
not  enough  to  have  them  under  violence  and  reftraint. 

O  u  r  next  effay  muft  be  to  wean  our  affections  from 
created  things,  and  all  the  delights  and 
entertainments  of  the  lower  life,  which    ™™Z™Z 
(ink  and  deprefs  the  fouls  of  men,  and     out  of  love 
retard   their  motions  towards  God  and     witl,\ the 

„  world. 

heaven ;  and  this  we  muft  do  by  poffe fling 
our  minds  with  a  deep  perfuafion  of  the  vanity  and 
emptinefs  of  worldly  enjoyments.     This  is  an  ordinary 
theme,  and  every  body  can  make  declamations  upon 

E  4  it  1 


56        T,:c  Life    of  GOD 

it  ;  but  alas!    how  few  underftand  and 

me 

Hiding  off  our  tongues,  but  wc  have  no  dtepinv 

(         m   oo   our  fpirits,    w*  feci  not  the  truth  which 

wc  pretend  e.     Wc 

:ndor,  all  the  icnts  ot  the 

|<J  R  s  I  unity   and  nothi 
!  up  all  our  thou 

.  r  inclini  nl,  and  in- 

veigle us  into  many  a  fin.     It  in  a  (bl 

d,    we  j  ',  and  :  tx  D 

longer  delud  i  them  ;    but  th< 

out-live  the  next  temptation,   the 

have  (h.  at  the  door  get  in  i  am:    th 

are  Rill  fan    •  pes  that  flatter  ns  j 

and  a::.*  w<   have  been   fhiftrated  a  thouland  tin 

mud  continual'; 
kail  difference  ol  circumftances  is  em  ugh  i 
and    make   us   expefi    that  (at 
which  we  have  miffed  in  another  ;  but  could  * 
get  clearly  off,  nc  to  i  real  and  (erioua  c  mtempt 

of  worldly  things,   ii.  •  very  C       I    able  ad- 

vancement in  i  '1  he  foul  of  man  ib  of  a  vi- 

nature,  and  hath  in  it  a  raging  and 
unextinguii]  thirft,   an  immaterial  kind  of  I 

alwa;    cat  jcm&k  a 

be  b  •  ind  were  it  once 

':n   ti».  and    all    the    bewitching  tnjoy- 

nts   under  the  Gin,    it  would  quickly  (catch  after 

lorn;  !  ighct  and  m<  ■'-     y  its  ar- 

dent  and  importunate  cravings,   and  being  n 
<     led  v  ich  gli  that  lu- 

i 

charm  and  oi 

powec 


in   the   Soul  of  Man.  57 

power  all  its  affections.     The  love  of  the  world,  and 
the  love  of  God,  are  like  the  fcales  of  a  ballance,  as 
the  one  falleth,  the  other  doth  rife  :  when  our  natural 
inclinations  profper,  and  the  creature  is  exalted  in  our 
foul,  religion  is  faint,  and  doth  languifh ;    but  when 
earthly   objects  wither  away,    and  lofe  their  beauty, 
and  the  foul  begins  to  cool  and  flag  in  its  profecution 
of  them,  then  the  feeds  of  grace  take  root,  and  the 
divine  life  begins  to  flourifh  and   prevail.     It  doth 
therefore  nearly  concern  us  to  convince  our  felves  of 
the  emptinefs  and  vanity  of  creature-enjoyments,  and 
reafon  our  heart  out  of  love  witfi  them :  Let  us  feri- 
oufly   confider  all  that  our  reafon,  or  our  faith,  our 
own  experience,  or  the  obfervation  of  others,  can  fug- 
ged to  this  effed ;    let  us  ponder  the  matter  over  and 
over,  and  fix  our  thoughts  on  this  truth,  till  we  be- 
come really  perfuaded  of  it.     Amidft  all  our  purfuits 
and  defigns,    let  us  flop  and  ask  our  felves,  For  what 
end  is  all  this  ?.  At  what  do  I  aim  ?  Can  the  grofs  and 
muddy  pleafures  of  fenfe,  or  a  heap  of  white  and  yellow 
earth,  or  the  efteem  and  affection  of  filly  creatures  like 
my  felf,  fatisfy  a  rational  and  immortal  foul  ?  Have  I 
not  tried  thefe  things  already  ?  Will  they  have  a  higher 
relifh,  and  yield  me  more  contentment  to-morrow  than 
yefterday,   or  the   next  year  than  they  did  the  laft  > 
There  may  be  fome  little  difference  betwixt  that  which 
I  am  now  purfuing,  and  that  which  I  enjoy'd  before ; 
but  fure  my  former  enjoyments  did  fhew  as  pleafant, 
and  promife  as  fair  before  I  attained  them ;  like  the 
rain-bow,  they  looked  very  glorious  at  a  diftance,  but; 
when  I  approached,   I  found  nothing  but  emptinefs 
and  vapour.     O  what  a  poor  thing  would  the  life  of 
man  be,  if  it  were  capable  of  no  higher  enjoyments  1 


I    0  D 

1  '  there  is  the 

I   remember   to  wh  m   1 

) 
[  have  fomcti 

■ 

I  : 

of  I 

d  of 

D,  have  : 

. 
,    .       .  DP 

root  of         lirefl 

arthly  c 

oat 

I 

.    i 
rival  ! 

it. 

i 

to 


in  the  Soul  of  Man*  59 

to  excite   and  awaken  the  divine  life :  And  firft  let 
us  endeavour  confcientiouily  to  perform   thofe  duties 
which  religion  doth  require,  and  whereunto  it  would 
incline  us  if  it  did  prevail  in  our  fouls.     If  we  cannot 
get  our  inward  difpofition   prefently  changed,  let  us 
ftudy  at  leaft.  to  regulate  our  outward  deportment :  if 
our  hearts  be  not  yet  inflam'd  with  divine  love,  let  us 
however  own  our  allegiance  to  that  infinite  Majefty, 
by  attending  his  fervice,  and  liftning  to  his  word,  by 
fpeaking  reverently  of  his  name,  and  praifing  his  gocd- 
nefs,  and  exhorting  others  to  ferve  and  obey  him.     If 
we  want  that  charity,  and  thofe  bowels  of  companion 
which  we  ought  to  have  towards  our  neighbours,  yet 
muft  we  not  omit  any  occafion  of  doing  them  good : 
If  our  hearts  be  haughty  and  proud,  we  muft  never- 
thelefs  ftudy  a  modeft  and  humble  deportment.     Thefe 
external  performances  are  of  little  value  in  themfelves, 
yet  may  they  help  us  forward  to  better  things :  the 
apoftle  indeed  telleth  usa    that  bodily  exercife  prqfiteth 
little  -,  but  he  feems  not  to  affirm  that  it  is  altogether 
ufelefs  ;    it  is  always  good  to  be  doing  what  we  can, 
for  then  God  is  wont  to  pity  cur  weaknefs,  and  aflift 
our  feeble  endeavours ;  and  when  true  charity  and  hu- 
mility, and  other  graces  of  the  divine  fpirit  come  to 
take  root  in  our  fouls,  they  will  exert  themfelves  more 
freely,  and  with  lefs  difficulty,  if  we  have  before  been 
accuftomed  to  exprefs  them  in  our  outward  conven- 
tions.    Nor  need    we  fear  the  imputation  of  hypocrify, 
tho'  our   actions    do   thus    fomewhat    out-run    our 
affections,    feeing   they  do   {till  proceed  from  a  fenfe 
of    our   duty,    and   our   defign    is   not    to    appear 
better  than  we  are^  but  that  we  may  really  become 
(o. 

Bar 


60  tie  Life  if  GOD 

B     t  as  in  a&S  htfC  a  more  immediate  fa&k 

.    foul,  to  mould  It  to  a  right 

n*        temper   and  frame,    fo  our»h:    wc   to    be 
fni      m  It  hreqnent  and  udulous  in  the 

cift  of  them.     Let  us  be  often  lilting  up 

our  hearts  towards  God;     and  ir  wc  do 
nor  fay  that  we  love  him  lb  •■  S  all  things, 
let  us  at  lead  acknowledge,  that    it  is  our  duty,  and 
would  be   our   hap]  i  to  c^  :    Let  us  lament  the 

dishonour  done  unto  him  by  foolifh  and  (infill  men, 
and  applaud  the  praifes  and  adorations  that  are  given 
him,  by  that  blefled  and  glorious  company  above: 
I  nand  yield  our  (elves  up  unto  him  a  thott- 
fnnd  times  to  be  got  ^y  his  laws,  and  difpofed  of 

at  his  pleafure  :  and  thoJ  our  ftubborn  hearts  mould 
(tart  back  and  rcfufc,  yet  let  us  tell  him,  WC  are  con- 
vinced that  his  will  is  always  jult  and  £^o<\,  and 
therefore  defirc  him  to  do  with  us  uhatfoever  he  plcafeth, 
whether  we  will  or  not.  And  (o^  tor  begetting  in  us 
an    univcrfal  charity  towards   men,     WC    mult   be  fi 

quently   putting  np  wiflies  for  their  and 

every  perfon  that  we  (be  j  and  when  we  have 
done  any  thing  for  the  relief  of  the  mifel  e  may 

fecond  it  with  earned:  defires  that  God  wouk 
of  them,  and  deliver  them  out  of  all  AeirdiArei 

T hoi  (houl  ifc  cur  f 

and      ico  w<  arc   imp!       g  tl  i  thai  wc  have, 

fpirit  of   God  is  v  [hike  in,  and  elevate 

thefc  a&sof  our  foul  beyond  the  pitch  of  nature,  and 

c  them  a  divine  impreffion  ;  and  after  tl  ent 

tion  find  our  iiie> 

i\    wing   Nsith  :  don* 

• 

I 


iti  the  Soul  of  Man,  61 

I  shall  mention  but  two  other  means  for  beget* 
ting  that  holy  and  divine  temper  of  fpirit, 
which  is  the   fubjecl:  of  the  prefent  dif-     Confederation 
courfe :  And  the  firft  is  a  deep  and  ferious     m^nTo^r™* 
confideration  of  the  truths  of  our  religion,     ligion. 
and  that  both  as  to  the  certainty  and 
importance  of  them.     The  aflent  which  is  ordinarily 
given  to  divine  truths  is  very  faint  and  languid,  very 
weak  and  ineffectual,  flowing  only  from  a  blind  incli- 
nation to  follow  that  religion  which  is  in  fafhion,  or  a 
lazy  indifferency  and  unconcernednefs  whether  things 
be  fo  or  not.     Men  are  unwilling  to  quarrel  with  the 
religion  of  their  country,  and  fince  all  their  neighbours 
are  chriflians*  they  are  content  to  be  fo  too ;    but  they 
are  feldom  at  the  pains  to  confider  the  evidences  of 
thofe  truths,  or  to  ponder  the  importance  and  tendency 
of  them ;  and  thence  it  is  that  they  have  fo  little  in- 
fluence on  their  affections  and  practice.     Thofe  fpirit- 
lefs  and  paralitick  thoughts   (as  one  doth  rightly  term 
them)   are  not  able  to  move  the  will,  and  direct  the 
hand.     We  muft  therefore  endeavour  to  work  up  our 
minds  to  a  ferious  belief  and  full  perfuafion  of  divine 
truths,    unto  a  fenfe  and  feeling  of  fpiritual  things : 
our  thoughts  muft  dwell  upon  them  till  we  be  both 
convinced   of  them,    and   deeply  affected  with  them. 
Let  us  urge  forward  our  fpirits,  and  make  them  ap- 
proach the  inviiible  world,  and  fix  our  mind  upon  im- 
material things,  till  we  clearly  perceive  that  thefe  are 
no  dreams,  nay,  that  all  things  are  dreams  and  iha- 
dows  befides  them.     When   we  look  about  us,   and 
behold  the  beauty  and   magnificence  of  this  goodly 
frame,  the  order  and  harmony  of  the  whole  creation, 
let  our  thoughts  from  thence  take  their  flight  towards 
that  omnipotent  wifdom  and  goodnefs  which  did  ac 

firft 


62  Th    I  G  0  D 

flrft   r  iblilh  and 

upon  our  ft' 

a  curious  and  well-contrived  engine ;    that  tbei 

i  |   us   than  flclh,  and  blood,  And  I 
divine   fpark,  capable   to  know, 
our  maker ;  it   be  i  .  clogged 

with  its  dull  and  lumpifh  companion,  yet  ere  long  ic 
fhall  be  d  ',    and  can  fubliil  without  the  body, 

as  well  as  that   can  do  with 

throw  our  pleafiire.     Let  U  araw  our 

DH  this    earth,    this  fecne  ot  and 

folly,  and  lin,  and  raifc  them   I  -wards  that  mo:. 

and  bid 
I 

now  n<>  but  an  unmixed  joy,  and 

an  ui  .  d  l<  \ ■:.     And  then  i  how  the 

fed  S  Id  to  live 

5,  that  h  us  to 

a  portion 
overcome 
dom  C 

on  the  *,  and  j 

not  the  l< 

and  prefenteth  them  unto  I 
ing  his  church  with  the  influei  .  fpirit,  i 

.  us  v-'.  Ufa 

v.  I 

fprii  • 

n     r  -   i 

_____ 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  63 

jects  of  meditation  for  producing  the  feveral  branches 
of  it.  And  firit,  to  inflame  our  fouls  with  the  love  of 
God,  let  us  confider  the  excellency  of  his  nature,  and 
his  love  and  kindnefs  towards  us.  It  is  little  we  know 
of  the  divine  perfections,  and  yet  that  little  may  fuf- 
fice  to  fill  our  fouls  with  admiration  and  love,  to  ravifn 
our  affections,  as  well  as  to  raife  our  wonder  ;  for  we 
are  not  meerly  creatures  of  fenfe,  that  we  fhould  be 
uncapableof  any  other  affection  but  that  which  entreth 
by  the  eyes.  The  character  of  any  excellent  perfon 
whom  we  have  never  feen,  will  many  times  ingage  our 
hearts,  and  make  us  hugely  concerned  in  all  his  inte- 
refts :  and  what  is  it,  I  pray  you,  that  engages  us  fo 
much  to  thofe  with  whom  we  converfe?  I  cannot  think 
that  it  is  merely  the  colour  of  their  face,  or  their 
comely  proportions,  for  then  we  fhould  fall  in  love 
with  flames,  and  pictures,  and  flowers :  thefe  outward 
accomplifhments  may  a  little  delight  the  eye,  but 
would  never  be  able  to  prevail  fo  much  on  the  heart, 
if  they  did  not  reprefent  fome  vital  perfection.  We 
either  fee  or  apprehend  fome  greatnefs  of  mind,  or  vi- 
gour of  fpirit,  or  fweetnefs  of  difpcfition,  feme  fprite- 
linefs,  or  wifdom,  or  goodnefs,  which  charm  our  fpirit, 
and  command  our  love.  Now  thefe  perfections  are  not 
obvious  to  the  fight,  the  eyes  can  only  difcern  the 
figns  and  effects  of  them ;  and  if  it  be  the  underitand- 
ing  that  directs  the  affection,  and  vital  perfections  pre- 
vail with  it,  certainly  the  excellencies  of  the  divine 
nature  (the  traces  whereof  we  cannot  but  difcover  in 
every  thing  we  behold)  would  not  fail  to  engage  our 
hearts,  if  we  did  ferioufly  view  and  regard  them. 
Shall  we  not  be  infinitely  more  tranfported  with  that 
almighty  wifdom  and  goodnefs  which  fills  the  univerfe, 
and  difpiays  it  felf  in  all  the  parts  of  the  creation, 

which 


6+  TZj  Lift  'j  GOD 

Which  cftablifheth  the  frame  of  nature,  tod  run- 
mighty  whccN  of  providence,  and 
from  diforctet  and    ruin,  than  with  the    faint   rtyi  of 

the  very  fame  perfections  which  we  meet  with  in  our 
fellow-creatures?  Shall  wc  doat  on  the  fcattcrcd  p: 

a  rude  and  imperfect  pichire,  and  never  be  I 
With  the  original  beauty?  This  were  an  uni 
Rapidity   and    blindnefs:    Whatever   WC  find  lovely  ill 
a  friend,    or  in   a  faint,  ought  not  to  cngrofs,  but  to 
elevate   our  affection  ;     we  OlOOld  conclude    With    i 
(elves,  that  if  there  be  fo  much  fi  in  a  di 

there  mult  be  infinitely  more  in  the  fountain  j  if  there 
be  fo  much  fplendoc  in  a  ray,  v.hat  mull  the  fun  be  id 
its  glory  ? 

N  0  k    can  wc  pretend  the  remotcnefs  of  the  objeJ', 
as  if  God  were  at  too  great  a  diftance  for  our  OOOVerft 
or  our  love  :    le  is  not  far  from  e-jcry  one  cf  us,  1~  r 
I  im  W$  Irce,  arul  i/iove,  and  ha~:  ■  :  t  e  I 

not  open  our  eyes,  but  we  mult  behold  feme  (botflepS 
of  his  glory;  and  WC  cannot  turn  them  toward  him, 
but  we  fhall  be  fure  to  find  his  intent  up  il  ns*  waiting 
as  it  were  to  catch  a  look,  ready  to  entertain  the  mod 
intimate  fellowfhip  and  communion  with  us.  Let  us 
therefore  endeavour  to  raife  OUT  minds  to  the  clew. 
conceptions  of  the  divine  nature  :  let  us  coniidcr  all 
that  his  works  do  declare,  or  his  word  doth  diicoverof 
him  unto  us,  and  let  us  especially  contemplate  that  \i- 

lible  reprcfentation  of  him  which  was  mi  in  own 

nature  by  his  Son,  who  was  /;  is  ghry% 

-refs  m  id  who  ap- 

peared in  the  World  to  difoovet  at  once  what  God   is, 

and 


in   the   Soul   of  Man.  65 

and  what  \vc  ought  to  be.  Let  us  reprefent  him  unto 
our  minds  as  we  find  him  defcribed  in  the  gofpel ;  and 
there  we  fhall  behold  the  perfections  of  the  divine  na- 
ture, though  covered  with  the  vail  of  human  infirmi- 
ties ;  and  when  we  have  framed  unto  our  felves  the 
cleared  notion  that  we  can  of  a  being,  infinite  in  power> 
in  wifdom,  and  goodnefs,  the  author  and  fountain  of 
all  perfections,  let  us  fix  the  eyes  of  our  foul  upon  it*, 
that  our  eyes  may  affect  our  heart,  and  while  we  are 
muling  the  fire  will  burn  f. 

Especially    if  hereunto  we  add  the  confedera- 
tion of  God's  favour  and  good- will  to- 
wards  lis:    nothing  is  more  powerful  to     Wefliouldftic- 

fj.'  a.  .  ,  r     .       ,  dirate   on     his 

engage  our  afre&ion,  than  to  find  that  goodnz[s  and 
we  are  beloved.  Expreffions  of  kindnels  lore. 
are  always  pleafing  and  acceptable  unto 
us,  though  the  perfon  lhould  be  ottierways  mean  and 
contemptible :  but  to  have  the  love  of  one  who  is  alto- 
gether lovely,  to  know  that  the  glorious  Majelty  of 
heaven  hath  any  regard  unto  us,  how  muft  it  aflonifh 
and  delight  us,  how  mull  it  overcome  our  fpirits,  and 
melt  our  hearts,  and  put  our  whole  foul  into  a  flame  ! 
Now  as  the  word  of  God  is  full  of  the  expreffions  of  his 
love  towards  man,  fo  all  his  works  do  loudly  proclaim 
it ;  he  gave  us  our  being,  and  by  preferving  us  in  it, 
doth  renew  the  donation  every  moment.  He  hath 
placed  us  in  a  rich  and  well  furnifhed  world,  and  li- 
berally provided  for  all  our  neceflities  ;  he  raineth 
down  blefiings  from  heaven  upon  lis,  and  caufeth  the 
earth  to  bring  forth  oiir  provifion  ;  he  giveth  us  our 
Food  and  raimerit,  and  while  we  are  {pending  the  pro- 

F  ductiohs 


*Lam.  Hi.  51,  fPfkl.^aaUx.  3* 


j:.  ,         (,od 


dii&ii  ns  r{  or .     rar,   h< 

am '...      1 1  ith  innuno -  m- 

■ 
t  I  his  pro'. :  .         is  always  upon  us, 

watcheth  for  our  fafety  uvh<  .  neithet 

minding  him  nor  our  (elves.  But  left  wc  (fa  uld  think 
thefe  tcftimonics  of  his  kindnefs  la's  confidcrable,  be- 
caulc  they  arc  the  eafj  Kibes  I  p  wcr, 

and    do    not   put  him  Co  any  ti  ..in,  be  hath 

taken  a  more  nJ  meth  r  himklt  to 

us ;    be  hath  teftified  his  t 

as  well  as  by  doing;  and  becai  ^ot  furl  a*  in 

liis  own  nature,  he  ail  The  ettrns   s  n  o| 

G^d  did  cloath  himfcll  with  theini 
and   left   the  company  of  thofe  innocent  ar 
fpirits,  who  knew  well  how  to  love 
be  might  dwell  am  ,,  and  v. 

pacy  of  that  n  ,  to 

allcgi  and  felicity,  and  then  to  offer   himfel    Dp 

as   a  facrificc   and  pro]  I       I  : 

one  of  the  ;  the 

paflion  wherewith  he   found  I  m 

i  hat  the  £od  or   love  had  (hot  all  his 

I        i  arrows  at  him,    but  c<  uld  n< 
heart,  tiil  .  to  the  b 

■  Ltd  hi;.  v  this 

doth              y  adumbi  itc  G                         i     ^ng 

with  men  i  with  a  itubborn 

rjd,  an..  hem, 
and   when    all  . 

t  which  we  hat 

alone:  pro^-nr  us 

took, 

and 


in  the   Soul  of  Man.  67 

and  the  troubles  that  he  endured,  were  the  wonderful 
effects,  and  uncontrollable  evidences  of  it.  But  O  that 
laft,  that  difmal  fcene !  Is  it  poffible  to  remember  it 
and  queftion  his  kindnefs,  or  deny  him  ours?  Here, 
here  it  is  (my  dear  friend)  that  we  mould  fix  our  mod 
ferious  and  folemn  thoughts,  that  Cbrifi  may  dwell  in 
our  hearts  by  faith,  that  we  being  rooted  and  grounded 
in  love,  may  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  faints, 
what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height : 
and  to  know  the  love  ofChrift  which  pajfttb  knowledge^ 
Hbat  we  may  be  filled  with  all  the  fulnefs  cfGcd*. 

W  e  ought  atffo  frequently  to  reflect  on  thofe  particu- 
lar tokens  of  favour  and  iove,  which  Gcd  hath  be- 
llowed on  our  felves ;  how  long  he  hath  bcrn  wirh  our 
follies  and  fins,  and  waited  to  be  gracious  unto  us, 
wreftling,  as  it  were  with  the  ftubbcrnnefs  of  our 
hearts,  and  effaying  every  method  to  reclaim  us.  We 
fhould  keep  a  regifter  in  our  minds  of  all  the  eminent 
bleflings  and  deliverances  we  have  met  with,  fome 
whereof  have  been  fo  conveyed,  that  we  might  clearly 
perceive  they  were  not  the  iffues  of  chance,  but  the 
gracious  effects  of  the  divine  favour,  and  the  fignal 
returns  of  our  prayers.  Nor  ought  we  to  imbitter  the 
thoughts  of  thefe  things  with  any  harfh  or  unworthy  fuU 
picion,  as  if  they  were  defigned  on  purpofe  to  enhaunce 
our  guilt,  and  heighten  our  eternal  damnation.  No,  no, 
my  friend,  God  is  love,  and  he  hath  no  pleafure  in  the 
ruin  of  his  creatures :  if  they  abufe  his  goodnefs,  and 
turn  his  grace  into  wantonnefs,  and  thereby  plunge 
themtelves  into  the  greater  depth  of  guilt  and  mifcry, 
this  is  the  effect  of  their  obflinate  wickednefs,  and  not 
the  defign  of  thofe  benefits  which  he  beflov,  s. 

F  2  Ip 


Eph.iii.  17,  1 3,  19, 


68  71     ].:■'    >f  GOD 

I       *  id  once  begotten  in  our 

.  ltd*  almighl 

that  would  the  other  branches  of 

religion,    and    therefore    I    lhall   need  of 

DEL 

\Y  i    (hall   find   our  hearts  inlarged  in  charity   to- 
wards  men,    by  considering  the   re! 

Tobcgcrchari-       wnCft|||    thcy    fo^    imtO  God,    and    the 

roctnbertbatall      imprelles  or  his  image  which  are  (tamped 
ititoariy     upon    them.       T  :    only    his 

unto  ,  I  i  r  ■ «  i 

Gcd>  creatures,  xh  maoihipoi  lm  hands, 

but  liich  of  whom  hetal  care, 

and  fix  whom  he  hath  a  rci  and  ten*  rd, 

having  laid  the  defigns  of  their  happinefi  bd 

foundations  of  the   world,    and   being  willing   to  live 
and    converfe   with  them   to  all  the   ages  of   el 
The  meaneft  and  mod  contemptible  p 
behold,  is  the  off-fpring  of  heaven,  Ircn 

the  DBi<  ft  high  ;  and  however  unworthy  he  might  be- 
have himfelr'  or  that  relation,  1  .  itfa  not 
abdicated  and  difowned  him  by  a  final  fentence,  he 
will  have  us  tO  acknowledge  him  as  one  ot  his  and  as 
fuch  to  imbrace  him  wit!  tndcordii  Ion. 
Jfou  ktl  It  concernment  I  to 
:   thole   that  do   ..ny  Wl)  l 

lay  boh  >p- 

... 
and    Pure   our  hue 

(bring  forth  in  ^-~  ,  did 

inureft  that  them,  ai 

rial 
lid  not  account  the  blood  or'  his 

Son  too  nptioo. 

A 


in  the  Soul   of  Man.  69 

Again,    as   all  men   fland  in  a  near  relation  to 
God,    fo  they  have  flill  fo  much  of  his 
image  (lamped  on  them,  as   may  oblige     J^Z^' 
and  excite  us  to  love  them:  in  fome  this     upontfiem. 
image   is  more  eminent  and  confpicuous, 
and  we  can  difcern  the  lovely  tracks  of  wifdom  and 
goodrtefs  ;    and  tho*  in  others  it  be  miferably  fullied 
and  deaced,  yet  is  it  not  altogether  razed,  fome  linia- 
ments  at  lead  do  flill  remain.     All  men  are  endued 
with  rational  and  immortal  fouls,  with  undcrllandings 
and  wills  capable   of  the  highell  and  mod  excellent 
things;    and  if  they  be  at  prefent  difordered  and  put 
out  of  tune   by  wickednefs  and  folly,  this  may  indeed 
move  our  companion,  but  ought  not  in  reafon  to  ex- 
tinguish our  love.     When  we  fee  a  perfon  of  a  rugged 
humour,    and  perverfe  difpofition,  full  of  malice  and 
diflimulation,    very  foolifh  and  very  proud,  it  is  hard 
to  fall  in  love  with  an  object,  that  prefents  it  felf  unto 
us  under  an  idea  fo  little  grateful  and  lovely.     But 
when  we  fhall  confider  thefe  evil  qualities  as  the  dif- 
eafes  and  diftempers  of  a  foul,  which  in  it  felf  is  capa- 
ble of  all    that   wifdom  and  goodnefs  wherewith   the 
t>ell  of  faints,  have  ever  been  adorned,  and  which  may 
one  day  come  to  be  raifed  unto  fuch  heights  of  per- 
fections, as  fhall  render  it  a  fit  companion  for  the  holy 
angels;    this    will  turn  our  averfion  into  pity,    and 
make  us  behold  him  with   fuch   refentments,  as   we 
fhould    have  when   we    lock  upon  a   beautiful  body 
that  were  mangled  with  wounds,  or  disfigured  by  fome 
loathfome  difeafe ;  and  however  we  hate  the  vices,  we 
fhall   not  ceafe  to  love  the  man. 

In  the  next  place,  for  purifying  our  fouls,  and  dif- 
Entangling  our  affections  from  the  pleafures  and  enjoy- 

F  3  meats. 


L-     vf  GOD 

our 
,    what   a  (hamcful  and  i 

111    of  n. 

i  and  fcnfual  lul 
sits  ntailical  d( 

id  and  fpiritual  pleasures  ;    tl 
.   and   pampered, 

rved  io  us.     D  d  we  but  mind  wl  I  fbt 

what  we  were  made,  this  woul 
fenfe  to  ,  it 

would  beget  a  modefty  a  -,  and  m 

us  i  mo- 

cent  and  allowable  pi 
It  will  be  ua]  ro  the  bmc  purpofc,  that 

:   our   minds  rov. 
IT  though 

the  j.  s    tim   •  G  /.and, 

heafen. 

1    oar  un- 

Ci ■;.    I  its,    it   will   make    i      as 

i  . 
■     p   i 

(  oot  grofs  i 

joj  s 

are 

a 


in    the    Soul  of  Man. 


71 


a  quite  contrary  erTecl: :  it  might  intangle  us  further  in 
carnal  attentions,  and  we  mould  be  ready  to  indulge 
our  felves  in  a  very  liberal  fore-tafte  of  thofe  pleafures, 
wherein  we  had  placed  our  everlafting  felicity.  But 
when  we  come  once  to  conceive  aright  of  thcfe  pure 
and  fpiritual  pleafures,  when  the  happinefs  we  propofe 
to  our  felves  is  from  the  fight,  and  love,  and  enjoyment 
of  God,  and  our  minds  are  filled  with  the  hopes  and 
fore-thoughts  of  that  bleffrd  eftate,  O  how  mean  and 
contemptible  will  all  things  here  below  appear  in  our 
eyes?  With  what  difdain  (hall  wc  reject  the  grofs  and 
muddy  pleafures  that  would  deprive  us  of  thofe  celeftial 
enjoyments,  or  any  way  unfit  and  indifpofe  us  for 
them. 

T  h  e  laft  branch  of  religion  is  humility,  and  fure 
We  can  never  want  matter  of  confidera- 
tion  for  begetting  it :    all  our  wicked-     Humility  arifes 

,    f  °     .  .,  r  ...  from  the  confi- 

nefles  and  imperfections,  all  our  tollies  deration  of  our 
and  our  fins,  may  help  to  pull  down  that  failings. 
fond  and  overweening  conceit  which  we  are  apt  to 
entertain  of  our  felves.  That  which  makes  any  body 
efteem  us,  is  their  knowledge  or  apprehenfion  of  fome 
little  good,  and  their  ignorance  of  a  great  deal  of  evil 
that  may  be  in  us ;  were  they  throughly  acquainted 
with  us,  they  would  quickly  change  their  opinion.  The 
thoughts  that  pafs  in  our  heart,  in  the  heft  and  moil 
ferious  day  of  our  life,  being  expofed  unto  publick  view, 
would  render  us  either  hateful  or  ridiculous  :  and  now 
however  we  conceal  our  failings  from  one  another,  yet 
fure  we  are  confcious  of  them  our  felves,  and  fome 
ferious  reflections  upon  them,  would  much  qualify  and 
allay  the  vanity  of  our  fpirits.  Thus  holy  men  have 
come  really  to  think  worfe  of  themfelves,  than  of  any- 
other  perfon  in  the  world :   not  but  that  they  knew 

F  4  thag 


-i         7%     /         of  COD 

thur  and     fcandalous    vices,    art     id     tl .: 

nati:  us    than  :rprifals   of    temp- 

tations ana  but  becau 

mo: 

d  c  nfidcr  all  the  aj 
tions  or  the  one,  and    z\  ;  thai 

I  to  diminifl)  and  all  thcr. 

13  ut     it  i-   well    obfci      I  bj    a  pious  writer,  I 
Thoughts  of  [*"   and  im  ft  pure  humility  doth 

m       not  ..rion 

a  calm  and  .:ion   or" 

divine  purity  a. id  Out  *p- 

pLar  fo  clearly,  as  v  :  place  t. 

finite  light;   and  w<  n  lefe  in  purowneyesi 

thin  when  we  look  down  upon  our  fclves  from  on  hij 
O  how   little,    how  nothing  do  all  tfa  5  of 

perfection  then  appear    V  I  to 

\.  ...  !   That  humility  which  ma 

\  iew  of  ii  finfulncfi  and  m  i  rbulent 

I    but    tl  r  layech   us  lull  as  1 

I    wantc  but  that  anguilh  and  vei 

arc  the 
nearcft  obj  hta. 

I  ;      .  i  .  ins  y<  ■  ing  a 

,i  in  the 
no«  art)  prayer. 

H  4  the 

I    wc  arc 
achpron 

ayet 
lie  open 

r  |  :     . 

dUSptteth 


in   the    Soul  of-  Man.  ^3 

diflipateth  our  darknefs,  and  imprinteth  his  image  on 
pur  fouls.  I  cannot  now  infill  on  the  advantages  o£ 
this  exercife,  or  the  difpofitions  wherewith  it  ought  to 
be  performed ;  and  there  is  no  need  I  fhould,  there 
being  fo  many  books  that  treat  on  this  fubject  :  I  ihall 
only  tell  you,  that  as  there  is  one  fort  of  prayer  where- 
in we  make  ufe  of  the  voice,  which  is  necefifary  in  pub- 
lick,  and  may  fometimes  have  its  own  advantages  in 
private ;  and  another  wherein,  tho5  we 
utter  no  found,  yet  we  conceive  the  ex-  The  advantages 
prefftons  and  form  the  words,  as  it  were,  pra^?ta 
in  our  minds ;  fo  there  is  a  third  and 
more  fublime  kind  of  prayer,  wherein  the  foul  takes  a 
higher  flight,  and  having  collected  all  its  forces  by  long 
and  ferious  meditation,  it  darteth  it  felf  (if  I  may  fo 
fpeak)  towards  God  in  fighs  and  groans,  and  thoughts 
too  big  for  expreflion.  As  when  after  a  deep  contem- 
plation of  the  divine  perfections  appearing  in  all  his 
works  of  wonder,  it  addreffeth  it  felf  unto  him  in  the 
profoundefl  adoration  of  his  majefty  and  glory :  or 
when  after  fad  reflections  on  its  viienefs  and  mifcarriages, 
it  proftrates  it  felf  before  him  with  the  greatefl  con- 
fufion  and  forrow,  not  daring  to  lift  up  its  eyes,  or 
utter  one  word  in  his  prefence :  or  when  having  well 
confidered  the  beauty  of  holinefs,  and  the  unfpeakable 
felicity  of  thofe  that  are  truly  good,  it  panteth  after 
God,  and  fendeth  up  fuch  vigorous  and  ardent  defires, 
as  no  words  can  fufficiently  exprefs,  continuing  and  re- 
peating each  of  thefe  acts  as  long  as  it  finds  it  felf  up- 
held by  the  force  and  impulfe  of  the  previous  medita- 
tion. 

This  mental  prayer  is  of  all  other  the  moil  effec- 
tual to  purify  the  foul,  and  difpofe  it  unto  a  holy  and 
religious  temper^  and  may  be  termed  the  great  fecret 

of 


7+  Life  of  G  Q 

and  it  may    be   the  apoitle  hath  a 
I  ajth,  that  tbc  ')  i    I 
■.Kterccjjion  ] 

,  as  the  i 
may  bear,  :  ;.     fct  1  d  re- 

commend this  fort  of  prayer,  8  fcof 

we  have  fo  man] 
,  and  every  pctitj 
time,  and  fo  great  an  intention  or'  fpirit,  that  i:  were 
not  eafy  therein  to  ill :    to  I 

that  the  deep  (igh$  and  he  rich 

ipany  it, 
nature,    and  make  it  hard  to  continue 
But  cei  itions,  will 

d  i  more  than  a  rreat  many  linen:  and  melting  exprcf- 

Hoi 

Thus    (my   dear   friend)    I  have  brictly  prop 

the   method    which    1    judi;  r  to: 

m    il  ing  the  foul  into #  holy  frame;  and 
..    . ,    ;  means  which  ler 

divi  ttill  b<  pra&tfcd  for 

ig    .   d    idrandi  and 

therefore  I  Dial 

md  'tis  the  frequent  f 

of  that  '  •  anent,  . 

in  the  !•  ul.     All  die  inftrui  i      meet 

il  this  on 
fcl  to  it,  ■••■  -  ■■ 

1 
fcv( 

itions 


in  the  Soul  of  Man,  75 

ligations  on  our  felves;  then  are  our  minds  raifed  to  the 
higheft  contempt  of  the  world,  and  every  grace  doth 
exercife  it  felt  with  the  greatelt  activity  and  vigour  ; 
all  the  fubje&s  of  contemplation  do  there  prefent 
themfelves  unto  us  with  the  greater!:  advantage ;  and 
then,  if  ever,  doth  the  foul  make  its  mofl  powerful 
towards  heaven,  and  affault  it  with  a  holy  and 
acceptable  force.  And  certainly  the  neglect  or  carelefs 
performance  of  this  duty,  is  one  of  the  chief  caufes 
that  be-  dwarfs  our  religion,  and  makes  us  continue  of 
fo  low  a  fize. 

But  it  is  time  I  mould  put  a  clofe  to  this  letter, 
which  is  grown  to  a  far  greater  bulk  than  at  firft  I  in- 
tended :  if  thefe  poor  papers  can  do  you  the  fmalleft 
fervice,  I  mail  think  my  felf  very  happy  in  this  under- 
taking ;  at  leaft  I  am  hopeful  you  will  kindly  accept 
the  fincere  endeavours  of  a  perfon  who  would  fain  ac- 
quit himfelf  of  fome  part  of  that  which  he  owes  you. 


A  Prayer. 

f  A  N D  now,    O  mod  gracious  God,   father  and 

c  A  fountain  of  mercy   and  goodnefs,    who  haft 

c  bleflfed  us  with  the  knowledge  of  our  happinefs,  and 

'  the  way  that  leadeth  unto  it,  excite  in  our  fouls  fuch 

c  ardent  defires  after  the  one,  as  may  put  us  forth  to 

*  the  diligent  profecution  of  the  other.     Let  us  neither 

'  prefume  on  our  own  ftrength,  nor  diltruft   thy  di- 

l  vine  affiftance  j   but  while  we  are  doing  our  utmofl 

'  endea- 


-6  Tie  Life  of  G  6  D 

4  endeavours,  us  full  to  x  for 

'  fiicc  Is.     Open  ,   O  God,        i  reach  us  out 

f  of  thy  law.      Bids  us    with  an 

out  duty^  and  a  knowledge  to 

1  vcrft  things,    p  that  our  ways  wei  :ep 

4  thy   ttatutcs,    then    (hall    we  not  be  afhamed  when 

<  we  have  reipect  unto  all  thy  commandments.  Pof- 
1  fefs  our  hearts  with  a  generous  and  holy  difdain  of 
?  all   thofe   po^>r  enjoyments  which  this  world  holdcth 

*  out  to  allure  us,  that  they  may  never  be  able  to 
c  inveigle  our  auctions,    or  betray  ps    to   any   fin  : 

■  Turn  away  our  t  Iding  vanity,  and 
1  quicken  thou  us  in  thy  law.  Fill  our  f  uls  with 
1  fuch   a  deep  fenfe,    and  full  perfuafion  of  thofe  great 

*  truths    which    thou    haft  rcveal'd  in    the    gofpel,  as 

*  may  influence  and  regulate  our  whole  converfaticn, 
1  and  that  the  life  which  we  henceforth  live  in  the 
'  flefli,  WC  may  live  thro'  faith  in  the  Son  of  Cod. 
4   ()  that  the  infinite  perfections  of  thy  bleffed  nature, 

*  and  the  aftonHhing  exprefOoos  of  thy  goodness  an4 

*  love,  may  conquer  and  over-power  our  hearts. 
c  that  they  may  be  constantly  riling  tOWar<  in 
\  flames  ot  devoutefi  aitcaion,  and  inUirging  them- 
4  livls  in  finccre  and  cordial   \o\                      :iie 

1    WOfld    tor    thy  fal;e;    and   tiiat    wen:  ur 

<  (elves from  all  fitthineis  offlefli  and  fpirit,  pa  -ting 

*  holin  Is  in  th;  u  which                  i  er 

■  hi. p.   to  behold  and  I          ,  O  God> 

*  giant  that  t!  and 
c  what  we  our  (elves  ai  ,  maj   both  hum!             ay 

1  ui  b  ng- 

We 

J  d.i'uc   to  rcfign  and  .  onduft 

:4 


in  the  Soul  of  Man.  *jj 

c  of  thy  holy  Spirit,   lead  us  in  thy  truth  and  teach 
€  us,   for  thou  art  the   God  of   our  falvation,    guide 

*  us   with   thy  counfel,    and    afterwards    receive  us 
c  unto  glory,    for  the  merits  and  interceflion  of  thy 

•  bkfled  Son  our  Saviour.     Amen. 


T  H 


-3 ) 


—  --— 


s 


Ll 


111' 


Superior  Excellency 


OF      I    H  1- 


RELIGIOUS. 


Pro  v.  xii.    26. 

TTv  R  s   is  n 

Neighbour. 


bo  confidcrd 
vantage  01'  pict)  and 

the  befl 

and   Ikv.-.  ::itc- 

. 

I 
this  m\  .. 


The  Superior  Excellency  >  &c.      79 

grofs  miftakes  about  it,  and  prejudices  againft  it,  fines 
it  is  Co  natural  to  us  to  love  that  which  is  good,  and 
delight  in  that  which  is  amiable,  when  things  are  not 
mifreprefented. 

Certainly  all  who  are  enemies  to  holinefs  have 
taken  up  falfe  meafures,  and  difadvantageous  notions 
of  it.  The  fenfual  perfon  hateth  it  as  harfll  and  uh- 
pleafant,  doing  violence  to  his  carnal  appetites,  and 
looks  on  Religion  as  a  contrivance  to  deprive  and  rob 
him  of  the  pleafures  of  this  world,  by  propefmg  thofe 
of  another.  The  politick  wit  flights  it  as  toolifh  and 
imprudent;  and  tho'  he  acknowledge  it  a  neceffary 
inftrument  of  government,  a  good  device  to  over  awe 
a  multitude,  yet  he  counts  it  a  great  weaknefs  to  be 
further  concerned  in  it  than  may  be  confident  with, 
and  fubfervient  to  fecular  defigns.  Again,  the  Gallants 
of  our  age  defpife  it  as  a  bafe  and  ignoble  temper,  un- 
worthy of  a  high  birth  and  genteel  education,  inci- 
dent to  meaner  fouls,  proceeding  from  cowardly  and 
fuperftitious  fear,  depreffing  the  mind,  and  rendring  it 
incapable  of  high  and  afpiring  thoughts.  Hence  they 
make  it  their  biifineft  ...   contempt  upon  Piety  > 

and  advance  the  reputation  of  thofe  vicious  courfes 
which  themfelves  have  embraced;  and  becaufe  there  arG 
yet  fome  left,  who  by  practifing  and  recommending 
Vertuey  do  oppofe  and  condemn  their  lend  practices, 
they  ftudy  to  avenge  themfelves  on  them  by  the  per- 
fection of  their  tongues,  and  all  the  feoffs  and  re- 
proaches they  can  invent  and  utter ;  which  hath  proved 
a  mean,  moll  unhappily  fuccefsful,  to  deter  many  weak 
minds  from  goodnefs,  making  them  choofe  to  be  wick- 
ed, that  they  may  not  be  laught  at. 

It  is  to  difcover  the  groflnefs  of  this  miftake,  and 
expofe  the   abfurditks  and  unreafonablenefs  of  thefe 

principles 


I    and   y  ,    to  vindicate  the 

ol   Pi 
fouls,  that  w  .  h; 

tells  us  in   Oiort  and   plain   terms,  tha 
re  excellent  than  bis  net 

Noni   cap  be  lb  li 

as  not  ro  know,  that  th  * Riibteouf*$Js  i 
trucft  ac>  n  importcth  only  the  obfervation  of 

thefc   duties  we  owe  out  neighbour,  yet  it  is 
taken  more  largely,  for  Piety  and  Ft  \  and 

good  reafon  too,  iince  there  is  no  part  or'  our  durv  but 
we   owe  it  as  a  debt  unto  G  d  ;   no  txercife  of   religion 
but  it  is  an  art  or"  juftlCC  ;  whence  the  clear  imp^  r: 
of  the  text  is,  that   whatever  excellency  other  perions 
may  pretend    to,  the  pious  and  religious   men   tr< 
truly  noble    and  generous  perfons  in  the  world,  as  the 
Pfalmift  expreffeth  i:5  7 
the  t 

N  o  w    we   (hall  not   trouble   y  rthet 

,  or  with 
any  di 
lull  rate    I 

undoubted  evidences  of  not  and  excellency 

proper  to  t  Lnd  to  ti  ;;fe  it  ;  where 

we  may  have  ooctfion  to  hint  at  fuch  ch 
pious  man,  as,  befides   I 

haps  :  put  us  in  mind  0  our  duty 

which  we   ai\ 

therefore  mi)  be  ufi  ill  even  to  thofe  who  have  tin 
embraced  the  pi 

Bit  n<    to  (p  ik  "'•  tfK  noblenefs  and  i 

I-        :  /:,   i:  may    tx 

a: id  extract, 
bility  which  i  me  un 


of  the  R  e  l  i  g  i  o  u  s.  8 1 

v  might  take  occafion  todifcover  the  folly  of  glorying 
in  the  antiquity  of  an  illuftrious  houfe,  or  the  famed 
vertue  of  worthy  anceftors,  who  perhaps,  were  they 
alive,  would  difown  their  degenerate  progeny ;  but  I 
fhall  not  infill  upon  this,  it  is  a  vanity  which  hath  been 
chaftifed  Efficiently  even  by  heathen  fens.  Nay,  we 
fhall  fo  far  comply  with  the  common  fentiments  of  the 
world,  as  to  acknowledge,  that  high  birth  and  liberal 
education  may  contribute  much  to  elevate  the  minds 
of  men,  and  accuftom  them  to  great  thoughts.  But 
fure  whatever  advantages  any  may  pretend  to  by  their 
birth,  there  are  none  to  be  preferred  to  the  children  of 
Godj  the  blood-royal  of  heaven,  the  brethren  of  Chrift, 
of  whom  we  may  fay,  that  as  he  is  fo  are  they,  each 
cne  refemlling  the  [on  of  a  king. 

I  f  we  trace  the  lines  of  earthly  extraction,  we  mall 
find  them  all  meet  in  one  point,  all  terminate  in  duft 
and  earth ;  but  in  the  heraldry  of  heaven,  we  fhall 
find  a  two-fold  pedigree.  Sin  is  the  off-fpring  of  hell, 
and  wicked  men  are  of  their  father  the  Devil,  whofc 
work  they  perform :  on  the  other  hand,  holinefs  is  the 
feed  of  God,  and  the  faints  have  obtained  to  be  called 
the  fons  of  the  moft  high ;  and  think  not  thefe  are  empty 
titles,  and  big  words,  to  amufe  the  world ;  no,  they 
are  equally  juft  and  important :  Pious  men  are  really 
partakers  of  the  divine  nature,  and  fhall  obtain  an  in- 
tereft  in  the  inheritance  which  is  entailed  on  that  re- 
lation. Never  were  the  qualities  of  a  parent  more 
really  derived  unto  their  children,  than  the  image  and 
fimilitude  of  the  divine  excellencies  are  flamped  upon 
thefe  heaven-born  fouls ;  fome  beams  of  that  eternal 
light  are  darted  in  upon  them,  and  make  them  fhine 
with  an  eminent  fplendor  ;  and  they  are  always  afpir- 
ing  to  a  nearer  conformity  with  him,   fliii  breathing 

G  aftei: 


m 


7 

writ,  and 
dtil 

the 

I  '  i  an,  rhat 
y  who  obferve  them  mi  n  to 

c  -     ;  bj  tl  at   in  the 

I    will  c. 

til  Icon:  ■ 

1 1  ,  v  i  n  g  of  the  i 

excellency,    in  regard  i  birth  and  extraction 

pr  r  his  qualities  and  endowments, 

(lull  b  gin  with  th  derftanding,  his  L. 

,    -mk\    wifdom.      i  us,  that  a 

fine  if*  any    man   in  the   world  is  to  be    account. 
i  ,   it  is  the  pious  man  ;   his  I 

■  about  the  nobleft  iates 

i  big  wh  oQ9 

admired,  but  llill  a      d  n<     matter  to  aftonifli 

God, 

trend  Dr.  ffll 

it:    u    I  accounted  an  c 

lk  lent   p\  to  undei  (land   the  laws  o 

<f  the    land,    tl  i   of  tlu  w<   In  c  in 

II  how    much  mo  I  now  th  s  of  heaven I 

ial  In  us  of  ri|  the  will  oi  th  I 

c<  univerial  ,  and  the  coft  that  a  nntr 

<(  whei  *  And  if  we  have : 

mind  to  the  ftudi 

d  for  it,    having   his  (acuities  cleared 
.  his  undcrilandii  tned  by  dh  tempi 

"IS. 

Bd 


of  the  Religious.  8?f 

But  his  knowledge  doth  not  reft  in  fpeculations, 
but  dire&eth  his  pra&ice,  and  determined!  his  choice. 
And  he  is  the  moil;  prudent  as  well  as  the  mod  knowing 
perfon.  He  knows  how  to  fecure  his  greateft  interelt, 
to  provide  for  the  longed  life,  to  prefer  (Hid  treafures 
to  gilded  trifles,  the  foul  to  the  body,  eternity  to  a 
moment :  he  knoweth  the  temper  of  his  own  fpirit, 
he  can  moderate  his  paffions,  and  over-rule  his  carnal 
appetites,  which  certainly  is  a  far  more  important  piece 
of  wifdom,  than  to  underftand  the  intrigues  of  a  ftate, 
to  fathom  the  counlels  of  princes,  to  know  the  pulfe  of 
a  people,  or  ballance  the  interefts  of  kingdoms.  Yea, 
Piety  doth  heighten  and  advance  even  moral  prudence 
it  felf ;  both  obliging  and  directing  a  man  to  order  his 
affairs  with  difcretion,  it  maketh  the  fimple  wife ;  and 
what  was  faid  by  holy  David,  and  twice  repeated  by 
his  wife  fon,  will  hold  good  in  every  man5s  experience, 
that  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wifdom. 
And  thus  much  of  the  knowledge  and  wifdom  wherein 
the  righteous  man  excelled!  his  neighbour. 

W  e  proceed  to  another  of  his  endowments,  the 
greatnefs  of  his  mind,  and  his  contempt  of  the  world  : 
We  can  never  take  better  meafures  of  a  man's  fpirit, 
than  from  the  things  he  delightethin,  and  fets  his  heart 
upon,  ghialis  amor,  talis  animus.  To  be  taken  up 
with  trifles,  and  concerned  in  little  things,  is  an  evi- 
dence of  a  weak  and  naughty  mind ;  and  fo  are  all 
wicked  and  irreligious  perfons,  their  thoughts  are  con- 
fined to  low  and  mean  things,  defigns  of  fcraping  to- 
ther  money,  or  fpending  it  in  luxury,  or  of  fatisfying 
a  paffion,  or  pleafing  a  lull,  of  obtaining  the  favour  of 
great  ones,  or  the  applanfe  of  the  vulgar.  The  greateft 
happinefs  they  aim  at,  is  to  be  a  mailer  of  the  country 
where  they  live,  to  dwell  in  (lately  houfes,  and  to  be 

G  a  backed 


&4        5Tw  Super.   ■  E  y 

ked  with  a  train  of  attendants,    to  .  .met 

fare  delici*  afly,  and  Rich  like  attains  h  a  wife 

man  would  think  himfelf  unhap  he  could  not  do- 

(pile. 

B  u  i     the  pious  pcrfoa  hath  his  thoughts  far  ll 
thefc  painted  vanities,   his  felicity    is  not  parched  up 

("  mean  (hreds,  it  is  fimple,  and  conprized  in  one 
chief  good  j  bis  foul  advanced]  it  felf  I 

GotlS  towards  the  author  of  its  bcfa  fountain  of 

dnefs  and  plea  lure,   I 

be  Ac  fin. 

T  h  B   know  ledge  of  nature  hath  puted  a  g 

mean  to  enlarge  the  foul,  and  breed  in  it  a  contempt 
or  earthly  enjoyments  ;  he  that  hath  accustomed  him- 
(ell  to  conlider  the  vaitnefs  of  the  univafc,  and  the 
fmall   proportion    which  the  we  live  in  V 

the  reft  of  the  world,  may  perhaps  come  to  thi 
or  the  pofleffions  ot  (on  of  that  fame  which 

can  at  mod  fprcad   it  'mall  cot  this 

earth.      Wh  I  this,  lure  lam,  that  the  know- 

d,  and  the  frequent  thou{  sn,muft 

Heeds   |  Sua!  to  derate  and  .. 

disc  the  mind.     W'henop.ce  the  foul  b)  Dplatiou 

is  railed  to  any  right  apprehen 
(e&ionsj  and  the  forc-tafte*  ,  how  will 

this  world,  and  all  that  is  in  it,  vanifh  and  di 
1    With  what  holy  difdaio  will  I 
down  upon  things,  which  arc  the  highefl 
oil  ambid  us  All   the  fplendor 

cunts,  all   the  pageantrj 
dai  eyes,  than  the  (aim  Lull 

•  it  hath  the 

11.  :    litl 


of  the  Religiou  s.  8$ 

or  that  fortune,  who  fits  higheft  at  table,  or  goes  firft 
out  of  the  door;  his  thoughts  are  taken  up  with 
greater  matters,  how  he  mall  pleafe  his  maker,  and 
obtain  an  intereft  in  that  land  of  promife,  fome  of  the 
fruits  whereof  he  hath  already  tailed.  And  from 
thence  arifeth  that  conftant  and  equal  frame  of  fpirit, 
which  the  pious  man's  mind  maintains  in  all  the  changes 
and  viciflitudes  of  things";  while  he  who  hath  not  his 
fpirit  ballanced  with  religious  principles,  is  lift  up  and 
caft  down  like  a  fhip  on  the  fea,  with  every  variation 
of  fortune,  and  partakes  perhaps  of  all  the  motions 
of  this  inferior  world,  whereunto  his  heart  and  affec- 
tions are  faflned.  And  certainly  he  muft  be  far  more 
happy  and  generous  both,  who  fitteth  loofe  to  the 
world,  and  can  with  the  greateft  calmnefs  and  tran- 
quillity poffefs  his  own  foul,  while  all  things  without 
are  in  hurry  and  confuflon.  Private  difafters  cannot 
difcompofe  him,  nor  publick  calamities  reach  him  ;  he 
looks  upon  the  troubles  and  combuflions  of  the  world, 
as  men  do  on  the  ruin  and  defolation  of  cities  wherein 
themfelves  have  little  intereft,  with  no  other  concern- 
ment than  that  of  pity,  to  fee  men  trouble  themfelves 
and  others  to  fo  little  purpofe :  Si  fracJus  illabatur 
crbis.  If  the  world  mould  make,  and  the  foundations 
of  the  earth  be  removed,  yet  would  he  reft  fecure  in  a 
full  acquiefcence  to  the  will  of  God,  and  confident 
dependence  on  his  providence.  He  jloall  not  be  afraid 
of  evil  tidings ,  and  his  heart  is  fixed,  trufiing  in  th& 
Lord. 

And  this,  r  by  the  affinity,  will  lead  us  to  another 
endowment,  wherein  the  excellency  of  the  righteous 
man  doth  appear,  and  that  is  that  heroick  magnani- 
mity and  courage  wherewith  he  is  infpired,  and  which, 
makes  him  confidently  atchieve  the  moft  difficult  a&ions* 

G  5  and 


7  I  y 

that  he  Is 

t  fuhim 

- 

I 
valour  doth  more  appear  b;  than  by  doii 

aod  dou  the  batdeft  trial  ,  crc 

it  not  foe  (offering  tor  coward  id 

the  Id  n.  m  -ii  i 

I 

as  the  d  d  men 

uily 

mud   b. 

bui  i  in  • 

tiau  man 
anoc  be 
mention  ' ;  bacfa  their  c 

lUa 

pa- 

I 
;  but  well  bad 

burnout 

pcrverfe  ft*  i  pid 

id  and 

:ncJ 

v,  i:  n. 

I  .     / 

or 

futo 

I  ,    but  alaj> !  what  i  i  to 


of  AReligious,  87 

infinite  number,  not  only  of  men,  but  even  of  women 
and  children,  who  have  died  for  the  profeffion  of  their 
faith,  neither  feeking  or  expecting  any  praife  from  men  ? 
And  tell  me  who  among  the  heathen  did  willingly  en- 
dure the  lofs  of  reputation  ?  Nay,  that  was  their  idol, 
and  they  could  not  part  with  it ;  and  certainly  it  is  a 
great  meannefs  of  fpirit  to  be  over-awed  with  fear 
of  difgrace,  and  depend  upon  the  thoughts  of  the 
people ;  true  courage  doth  equally  fortify  the  mind 
againfl  all  thofe  evils,  and  will  make  a  man  hazard 
his  honour,  as  well  as  other  things,  when  cccafion 
calls  for  it. 

Now  if  the  celebrated  actions  of  the  heathens 
come  fhort  of  true  courage,  what  fhali  we  fay  of  the 
furious  boldnefs  of  the  hectors  of  our  age,  who  pretend 
to  prowefs  and  gallantry  by  far  lefs  reafonable  me- 
thods ?  When  blinded  with  paffion,  and  animated 
with  wine,  they  are  ready  enough  on  half  a  quarrel, 
to  hazard  their  own,  and  their  neighbour's  life  and 
foul  too  in  a  duel ;  yea,  they  will  not  [land  to  brave 
heaven  it  felf,  and  to  provoke  the  Almighty  by  their 
horrid  oaths  and  blafphemies  ;  and  one  mould  think  that 
thefe  mull  needs  be  the  hardieft  and  moll  valiant  people 
in  the  world ;  if  they  are  not  afraid  of  the  Almighty, 
fure  nothing  elfe  fhould  fright  them.  And  yet  you  fhall 
find  thefe  very  perfons,  when  call  on  a  bed  by  ficknefs, 
or  brought  to  the  fcaffold  by  jultice,  to  betray  a  mi- 
ferable  faintnefs  and  pufjlanimity,  they  are  forced 
now  to  think  on  the  terrors  of  death,  and  the  more 
terrible  confequences  of  it  -3  and  their  counterfeit  cou- 
rage being  deilitute  of  thofe  props  which  formerly 
fuftained  it,  doth  now  difcover  its  weaknefs.  Nor  is 
it  any  wonder;  for  what  mould  make  a  man  willingly 
leave  this  world,  unlefs  he  expected  a  more  happy  con- 

G  4.  ditiott 


He  S:r         Excellency 

dition  in  another  ?  (  rttai  at  b  fb&j 

the  foal  with  a  true  and  manly  courage,  bur  a 
confidence   in  God,    and   hopes  ol 

f 

t'?i  a  ti<M%    and 
ir. 
I  i  <>  m  courage  and  magnanimity  s  to  that 

which  is  the  genuine  ifliie,  and  ordinar;  :  ot 

of   the  righteous  perfon. 
is  a  privilej  rated  by  all  men,  tl 

many  run  the  grtateft  hazards  tor  the  very  name  or"  it, 
but  there  are  tew  thai  .11  not  fpcal 

tl 

J   tied  ;   whi 

constrained,  and  their  i  -  to 

be  pitied  than  blamed.     But    wicked    and  ious 

pel  bns   arc  under  a  tar  more  flum 

flayes   i  i  their  own  lufl ;,   and  fui  nee 

and  tyranny  or'  their  irregular  : 
quently  talk'd  • 

or  two  for  the  illufl  I  .ate 

man,    and  you  fhall  find  him  frequently  tranlpoi 

and    o\  .red  by   his  anger,  and  I 

ex:  winch  a  little  time  ra 

and  hie  becomes  as  d  with  himfelf,  as 

;  and  the 

y  that  fame  paiEon  which 
,e  is   a  v 
which  take  up  h 
i  night  1  H 

...  (awn    and  flatter,   an 

the 
i.c  may 


of  the  Religious. 

thofe  whom  he  hates ;  which  doubtlefs  is  done  with 
a  great  violence  and  conftraint.  The  drunkard  when 
he  awakes,  and  hath  (lept  out  his  cups  and  his  fro- 
lick  humour,  and  finds  his  head  aking,  his  ftomach 
qualmith,  and  perhaps  his  purfe  empty  ;  and  reflects 
on  the  folly  and  unhandfome  expreffions  or  actions  he 
may  have  fallen  into  in  his  drink,  how  will  he  con- 
demn himfelf  for  that  excefs  !  What  harangues  fhall 
we  have  from  him  in  the  praife  of  temperance !  What 
promifes  and  refolutions  of  future  fobriety !  and  yet 
on  the  next  occafion,  the  poor  flave  fhall  be  dragged 
away  to  the  tavern  by  thofe  whom  he  mult  call  his 
friends  5  and  thank  them  who  put  that  abufe  upon 
him,  which  a  wife  and  fober  perfon  will  rather  die  than 
fuffer.  Further,  the  luxurious  would  fain  preferve  or 
recover  his  health ;  and  to  this  end  finds  it  requifite  to 
keep  a  temperate  and  fober  diet ;  no,  but  he  mull:  not, 
he  is  prefent  at  a  feaft,  and  his  fuperior  appetite  calls 
for  a  large  meafure  of  delicious  fare,  and  his  palate 
mull:  be  pleafed,  tho3  the  whole  body  mould  fuffer  for 
it  •  or  he  hath  met  with  a  lewd  woman,  and  tho'  his 
whole  bones  fhould  rot,  and  a  dart  ftrike  thro'  his 
liver,  yet  he  mull:  obey  the  commands  of  his  lults  ; 
he  goeth  after  her  flraightway,  as  the  ox  goeth  to  the 
/laughter,  or  as  a  fool  to  the  correction  of  the  flocks. 
Now  there  can  be  no  greater  evidence  of  flavery  and 
bondage,  than  thus  to  do  what  themfelves  know  to  be 
prejudicial.  It  were  eafy  to  illuflrate  this  bondage 
and  thraldom  of  the  foul,  in  all  the  other  inftances  of 
vice  and  impiety,  and  certainly  what  St.  Peter  faith  of 
fome  falfe  teachers,  may  be  well  applied  to  all  wicked 
perfons,  While  they  promife  freedom,  they  themfelves 
are  the  feroants  of  corruption,  for  of  whom  a  man  is 
overcome,  of  the  fams  is  be  brought  in  bondage. 

Bur 


7'  tor.  Excellent 

But    the  I  hath  broken 

tin,  a;,  nc  the 

km  thai 
bul,  whi  by  did  pretend  i 

h  doth   fway  and  moderate  all  thoft 
paiiious  and  impetuous  arkctior.  ,  nldhhw 

a  man  ii  merit  of  I 

and  makes  him  matter  of  hi 
and    defires,  that   he  may  do  with 
judgeth  molt  boned  and  c  at.      And  thus 

r,  as  mi:  lan 

th  the  b:;ieil  lla  I 

h  b  :;    particular 

appear,     is  in  a  charitable 

ul,  than  foe  a  man 
I  up  about  private   and  ill;  it  ; 

.  fo  if  they  be  well,   not  to  care  what  beoometfa 

tiie  fell  or"  the  world  !   on  1  five 

an   ejnii 

I 

.     I  i 

I 

[    sd  ••  his 

that  they 

l   whom  is  a 

[lent 
. 

ions, 
as 


of  the  Religious.  ^% 

as  from  the  integrity  of  their  life,  and  exactnefs  of  their 
practices. 

H  i  s  charity  doth  not  exprefs  it  felf  in  one  particu- 
lar inftance,  as  that  of  giving  of  alms,  but  is  vented 
i:as  many  ways  as  the  variety  of  occafions  do  call  for, 
and  his  power  can  reach  to.  He  affifteth  the  poor 
with  his  money,  the  ignorant  with  his  counfel,  the 
afflicted  with  comfort,  the  fick  with  the  bed  ef  his 
skill ;  all  with  his  bleflings  and  prayers.  If  he  cannot 
build  hofpitals,  yet  he  will  ftudy  to  perfuade  thofe  who 
can ;  if  he  hath  no  money  to  redeem  captives,  yet 
will  he  imploy  his  intereft  in  the  court  of  heaven  for 
their  deliverance ;  tho3  he  cannot  recover  a  dying  child 
to  the  afflicted  parents,  yet  will  he  endeavour  to  per- 
fuade them  to  fubmiflion  and  refignation,  which  will 
render  them  more  happy  •  and  will  go  hard  but  he 
will  find  fome  way,  either  to  benefit  or  oblige  every 
man  with  whom  he  converfeth.  Let  no  man  upbraid 
us  with  the  contrary  practices  of  many  high  preten- 
ders to  religion,  who  are  notedly  felfifh  and  churlifh 
perfons ;  we  are  not  to  defend  the  actions  of  all  who 
would  be  thought  godly  •  nor  muft  you  take  your 
meafures  of  piety  from  what  you  obferve  in  them ;  but 
look  thro'  the  gofpel,  and  you  fhall  find  charity  and 
bounty  fo  paflionately  recommended,  fo  frequently  in- 
culcated, and  fo  indifpenfibly  required,  that  you  may 
eafily  conclude  there  are  no  chriilians  in  earneft,  but 
thofe  who  pra&ife  it.  Yea  fo  peculiar  is  this  liberal 
and  benign  temper  to  holy  and  religious  perfons,  that 
nothing  but  a  faint  refemblance,  and  falfc  imitation  is 
to  be  found  elfewhere  in  the  world  ;  other  mens  feeming 
bounty  is  always  marred  by  the  bafe  principle  it  pro- 
ceeds from,  and  felfilh  end  it  tends  to.  The  apoitle 
hath  told  us,  that  a  man  may  give  all  bis  goods  to  feed 

the 


% 

(ball   |  !  haps 

,  or  a  willii 

Trouble  of  a  miferablc 
but  v 

■eft  in  his  diftributiotis.      Tins  made  the 
bypoc    '  laim  thcit  rich  tram] 

and  this  ptykes  their  fucceflbrs  in  our  times,  i 
have   their  g  rks  ot  this  I 

.ft  advantage,  that  pop  them  oq 

walls  and  publick  regiftei 

To  the   fame  principle  mud   v  in  the 

world  paj  considerable  inftancc 

rcat  houfe,  and  w til  turn  idled 
is  more  ordinal  tftcft 

of  pride  and  rain  tl  an  oi  humility  or  b 

It  is  a  part  of  their  fplendor  and  ftatc,  and  : 
the  fame  end  that 

and    admir'd    I  -.  orld. 

by  the  perfons  whom  they  entertain 
leafl  of :  irity,  and 

i  they  have  man] 

,  as  an  inn-1  ,  r  arc 

than  he ;  the 

th  mod  to 
.   io  lie 
d    with 

I 

I 

wherein  the 

... 

abovd 


of  the  R  E  L  i g  i  6  us,  §$ 

febove  the  vaporous  fphere  of  fenfual  pleafure,   which 
darkneth   and    debafeth   the  mind,    which  fullics  its 
luftre,    and  abates  its  native   vigour,    while   profane 
perfons,  wallowing  in  impure  lufts,  do  (ink  themfelves 
below  the  condition  of  men.     Can  there  be  any  fpark 
of  generofity,    any   degree  of  excellency  in  him  who 
makes  his  belly  his   god,  or  places  his  felicity  in  the 
)i  embraces  of  a  (trumpet  ?  We  fpoke  before  of  the  fla- 
il very,    we  fpeak   now  of  the  deformity  of  thefe  fins  ; 
ill  and  (hall  add,  that  one  of  the  mod  (hameful  and  mi- 
I  ferable  fpedacles  in  the  world,  is  to  fee  a  man  born  to 
1  the  ufe  of  reafon,  and  perhaps  to  an  eminent  fortune, 
i  drink  away  his  religion,  his  reafon,  his  fenfe  ;   and  To 
I  expofe  himfelf  to  the  pity  of  wife  men,  the  contempt 
of  his  own  fervants,  the  derhton  of  his  children,   and 
:  fools ;   to  every  danger,  and  to  every  fnare  •    and  that 
this  muft  pafs  in  the  eyes  of  many  for  a  piece  of  gal- 
!  lantry,  and  necefiary  accomplishment  of  a  gentleman* 
Good  God !  how  are  the  minds  of  men  poifoned  with 
perverfe  notions,  what  unreafonable  meafures  do  they 
take  of  things?    We  may  expect  next  they  (hail  com- 
mend theft,  and  make  harangues  to  the  praife  of  par- 
ricide •    for  they  are  daily  advancing  in  the  boldnefs 
of  their  impieties,  and  with  confidence  avowing  them. 
Other  ages  have  pra&ifed  wickednefs,  but  to  ours  is 
i  referved  the  impudence  to  glory  in  them.     But  would 
:  men  but  open  their  own  eyes,  and  give  way  to  the  fenti- 
ments  of  their  own  minds,  they  would  foon  alter  their 
maxims,  and  difcover  the  miferable  deformity  of  vjqe, 
and  the  amiable  beauty  and  majefty  of  religion  •    that 
it  doth  at  once  adorn  and  advance  the  humane  nature, 
and  hath  in  it  every  thing  generous  and  noble,  cheer- 
ful and  fpiritual,  free  and  ingenuous,  in  a  word,  that 
the  righteous  is  more  excellent  than  his  neighbour. 

Before 


9+  77)c  Suj.  !ency 

Bi  proceed  farther,  it  will  be  ncc: 

to  take  off  fern:  pr  ariic 

againft  1  s  And  excellency  of  r  And 

firll  is,  that  it    enjoineth  1  and   humility, 

which  men  ordinarily  I  n  as  an  . 

difpolition.      What!   will  they  fay,  can  ever  tl 
afpire  to  any   thing  that  is  excellent)  v. 
oblige  him  to  lie  low  and  grove  d  ;  who 

thinks  nothing  of  himfelf,  ind  is  o  all  the 

world  think  nothing  of  him  }  Is  this  a  dil 
for  any  but  thofe   ¥ 

fufter  miferies  and   affronts?    Such  arc  mens  thought* 
of  humility,   which  God  loves   lb  much,  that 
fay  he  fent  his  own  Son  from  h  ach  and  rc- 

tuhend  it     But  if  we  ponder  the  matter,  we  fhall 
find  that  arrogancy   and  pride  arc  the   ifli  bafc 

and  filly   minds,  a  glddind  arc 

railed  fuddenly  unto  unaccuftom  ht;  nor 

any   vice  doth  more  palp: 

a  man  of  that  honour  n  which 

it  makes  him  aim  at. 

( )  n   the  other  hand,  we  (hall  : 
and  fneaking  quality,  but  the  ;  ht  and  fub- 

limi  the  mind,  and  tl. 

- 

ment  oi 

high  born  and  well  edi:  maintcJ 

with  the  len  »wl 

do  noi  doat  upon  ti  -  little  tl. 

b  re  their  own,  i 

- 
a<h  -due  thcr  to  dc~ 

who  v.aut  th  m  ;    but  the] 
ant  then  little  attaii 


of  the  Religious.  95 

have  hitherto  reached,  and  are  flill  afpiring  to  higher 
and  more  noble  things.  And  it's  worth  our  notice, 
"  That  the  moil  deep  and  pure  humility  doth  not  fo 
<c  much  arife  from  the  conflderation  of  our  faults  and 
"  defe&s  (tho'  that  alfo  may  have  its  own  place)  as 
"  from  a  calm  contemplation  of  the  divine  perfections. 
u  By  reflecting  on  our  felves  we  may  difcover  fome- 
cc  thing  of  our  own  finfulnefs  and  mifery,  and  thereby 
"  be  filled  with  a  kind  of  boifkrous  and  turbulent 
<c  grief  and  indignation ;  but  by  fixing  our  eyes  on  the 
<c  infinite  greatncfs  and  holinefs  of  God,  we  are  moil 
cc  fully  convinced  of  our  own  meannefs :  this  will  fink 
"  us  to  the  very  bottom  of  our  beings,  and  make  us 
u  appear  as  nothing  in  our  own  fight,  when  beheld 
<c  from  fo  great  a  height."  And  this  is  really  the 
greateft  elevation  of  the  foul,  and  there  is  nothing  in 
the  world  fo  noble  and  excellent  as  the  fublimity  of 
humble  minds. 

Another  objection  againil  the  excellency  of  a 
religious  temper  is,  that  the  love  of  enemies,  and  par- 
don of  injuries,  which  it  includeth,  is  utterly  incon- 
fiftent  with  the  principles  of  honour.  Now  tho'  it  be 
highly  unreafonable  to  examine  the  laws  of  our  Sa- 
viour by  fuch  rules  as  this,  yet  we  mail  confider  the 
matter  a  little.  Nor  fhali  we  feek  to  elude  or  qualify 
this  precept,  as  fome  men  do,  by  fuch  glofl'es  and  eva- 
fions,  as  may  fuit  with  their  own  pra&ices ;  nay,  we 
fhall  freely  profefs,  that  there  is  no  falvation  without 
the  obfervation  of  it:  a  man  had  even  as  well  aban- 
don chriftianity,  and  renounce  his  baptifm,  as  obfti- 
nately  refufe  to  obey  it.  But  if  we  have  any  value  for 
the  judgment  of  the  wifeft  man  and  a  great  king,  he 
will  tell  us,  that  it  is  the  honour  of  a  man  to  ceafe 
from  fir  if e,  and  he  that  is  flow  to  wrath  is  of  great 

under" 


1)6  7?jc  Superior  Excellency 

I    .  meek  and  holy  perfba  livtth  ib 

tty  injuries:  ar,d  blunts  the  edge  of  the 

ftcft   by    his  patience    and   conflancy ;    and    ha:h 
COmpftffion  towards  thofe  who  offend  him; 

lorry   for   the  prejudice  they  do  tl  >,  than  tor 

that  which  they  intended   him.     And  let  all  the  v> 
judge,    whether  it  be  more  generous  to  pity  and  I 
even  thofe  who  hate  us,  and  to  pardon  the 

ice$,  than  peevifhly  to  quarrel   OC  P-t:y    ' 

fion,  and  make  men  fear  our  paffion,  hate  our  bum 
and  abandon  our  foci. ty.    So  that  uhat  is  herebtOU 
as  an  objection  againil   religion,    might  with   reafon 
enough   have   been  brought  as  an  initancc  of  i:s  nc- 
bknefs. 

H  \  v  i  N  G    thus  illuflrated  and  confirmed  whit  is 
afferted  in  the  text,  :s  more  excellent 

than  bis  nc:  ,  let  us  improve  it  in  a  check  to  that 

proianc  and  atheiilical  fpirit  of  drollery  and  (coffing 
at  religion,  which  hath  got  abroad  in  the  world. 
Alas  1  do  rfien  confidet  what  it  is  which  they  make  the 
butt  of  their  fi  2s  and  reproaches?  Hai  bing 

c-lfe  to  exetcifc  their  wit  and  vent  their  jefts  upon,  but 

that  which  is  the  mod  noble  and  excellent  thing  in  the 
•world?  What  defign  can  they  propofe  unt  Ives 

by  thiSMfld  °:'  hnpiety?    v.    id  they   1 
bnuHhed  from  l  °f  the  earth,  and  forced  to 

tire  for  mime?  What  a  goodly  world  fboi  thed 

have  oi  it ;  what  a  tine  harmony  and  i 
Certainly  the  earth  would  then  become  a  kind 

h  tumult*  and  Editions,  rapines  and  murders,  ie- 

I  malice,  and  open  frauds  by  every   vice  and  every 

cal.  nly  Come  Little  remainders  of  piety 

nnd  virtue  in  the  world  that  keep  it  in  any  tolerable 

oc  make  it  poffibk  to  be  Inhabited.    And 

mail 


of  the  R  e  l  i  g  i  o  u  s.  97 

muft  not  thofe  be  wretched  perfons,  and  woful  enemies 
to  mankind,  who  do  what  they  can  to  reduce  the  world 
to  fuch  a  miferable  condition  !  But  let  them  do  what 
they  will,  they  but  kick  againft  the  pricks  -}  religion 
hath  fo  much  native  luftre  and  beauty,  that  notwith- 
standing all  the  dirt  they  ftudy  to  call  upon  it,  all  the 
melancholy  and  deformed  fliapes  they  drefs  it  in,  it 
will  ftill  attract  the  eyes  and  admiration  of  all  fober 
and  ingenuous  perfons  ;  and  while  thefe  men  ftudy  to 
make  it  ridiculous,  they  ihall  but  make  themfelves  fo. 
And  O  1  that  they  would  confider  how  dear  they  are 
to  pay  for  thofe  dull  and  infipid  jefts  wherewith  they 
perfecute  religion,  and  thofe  who  pra&ife  it  or  recom- 
mend it !  What  thoughts  are  they  like  to  have  of  them 
when  ficknefs  ihall  arreft,  and  death  threaten  them; 
when  the  phyficians  have  forfaken  them,  and  the  poor 
defpifed  minilter  is  called  in,  and  they  expecting  com- 
fort from  him  they  were  wont  to  mock  ;  and  per- 
haps 5tis  little  he  can  afford  them.  O  that  they  zcere 
wife,  and  underftood  this ;  thai  they  would  confider 
their  latter  end  ! 

.There  are  others  who  have  not  yet  arrived  to 
this  height  of  profanenefs,  to  laugh  at  afl  religion,  but 
do  vent  their  malice  at  thofe  who  are  more  confeientious 
and  fevere  than  themfelves,  under  prefumption  than 
they  are  hypocrites  and  diifemblers.  But  befides  that 
in  this  they  may  be  guilty  of  a  great  deal  of  unchari- 
tablenefs,  Yis  to  be  fufpecxed,  that  they  bear  fome  fecrec 
diflike  to  piety  it  felf,  and  hate  hypocrify  mere  for  its 
refemblance  of  that,  than  for  its  own  vicioufnefs : 
other  wife  whence  comes  it  that  they  do  not  exprefs 
the  fame  animofity  againft  other  vices? 

;  Hither  alio  may  we  refer  thofe  expreffions  which 
rpmetimes  drop  from  perfons  no:  fo  utterly  debauched, 

H  but 


t)8  7 

yet  art  that 

this  man  is   too  holy,  and  that  man  too  rclig; 
i:  it  were  poffible  to  exceed  in  theft   things.     Wl 

.1  a  man  app  O  neat  to  God  ?  Can  he  be 

like  his  Maker?    Is  it  poffible  to  I  ,  or 

over- happy  ?    I  confefs  a  man  may 
of  his  religion,   and  be  too  much  in  feme  parda 
exercUes  ot  it,  negleding 
this  is  not  an  excels  of  piety,  but  a  i 
and  rcafon  would  teach  D    rather   I 
iirmitks  for  their   pious  inclinati  in  to  bla 

piety  for  their  infirmiti< 

Lit  me  therefore  intreat  yoaall,  efp  thoft 

whofc  birth  and  fortunes  render  them  more  con(j 
in  the  world  ;   to  countenance  holinefs  which 

is  fo  excellent  j   and  beware  that  you  do  nor  COOtril 
to  that  deluge  of  wickednefs    that  overflowed]  the 
earth,    by  [coding  at   the  mod  ferious  things  in 
world  :  and  if  I  obtain  this,  I  fhall  m. 
one  thing  more,    but  V.  ►;     that 

you  would  alfo  abandon  in  \our 

ow\)  pi  may  i  i   and 

th  y  iu,     I 

-  when  tl    ■  b  nmon.     V 

is  n    .    the  mod  i  ulgar  a  i  nary  tl  the 

rid ;  drift,  I 
and  virtiN , 

•    . 

i 


of  the  Religious*  99 

fct'iae  wifdom  ;  with  an  eminent  greatnefs  of  mind,  and 
icontempt  of  the  world  ;  a  great  liberty  and  freedom  of 
fpirit,-  an  undaunted  magnanimity  and  courage,-  aa 
extenfive  charity  and  goodnefs  ;  a  venerable  temperance 
and  purity  ;  an  amiable  meeknefs  and  humility :  So 
fhall  you  render  your  felves  honourable,  and  more  ex- 
cellent than  your  neighbours  in  this  world ;  and  be  par- 
takers of  immortal  honour  and  glory  in  the  world  to 
come*    Amen. 


h  i 


iHg 


(   ioo  ) 


fjt  H  BM 


■fSPN 


T  II  1- 


tNDISPENSIBLE    DUTY 


o  F 


Loving  our  Enemie  s. 


Lul  B    vi.   2-. 

/?///   I  fty    unto  you  which    btar%    L 
your    EnBMIB    . 


HILE   we  trtvd  thro* the  wildcrocfi 

y$£^T  ^H  °r  l,:"  v-'^  r,":-1  l"  thecomfon  of 

'  on 
0OCT(  and  mi::  «  and 

ir  bl  ■  ur,   wb 

intern  ;\    and    U 

pi- 


i 


The  Indifpenfihle  Duty>  &c.     101 

procure  to  us  both  the  good  things  of  this  world,  and 
that  which  is  to  come,  has  taken  efpecial  care  to  join 
and  unite  the  minds  of  men  in  the  itrideft  bonds  of 
friendfhip  and  love  :  He  hath  been  at  great  pains  by 
his  precepts,  and  by  his  example,  by  earneft  perfuafions 
and  powerful  motives,  to  fmooth  our  rugged  humours, 
and  calm  our  paflions,  and  take  off  the  roughnefs  and 
afperity  from  our  natures,  which  hinders  us  from  join- 
ing and  cementing  together.  Now  were  we  to  con- 
yerfe  with  none  but  fuch  as  are  chriftians  in  earneft, 
we  mould  find  it  no  hard  matter  to  live  in  concord 
and  love,  we  mould  meet  with  no  occafion  of  quarrel 
and  contention,  and  lhould  only  be  obliged  to  love  our 
friends,  becaufe  all  men  would  be  fuch.  But  well  did 
our  Saviour  know,  that  his  part  was  to  be  but  fmall 
in  the  world,  that  many  would  oppofe  the  profeffion, 
and  many  more  would  neglect  the  practice  of  that  re- 
ligion which  he  taught ;  and  that  his  followers,  befides 
common  injuries  incident  to  others,  were  to  meet  with 
much  enmity  and  hatred  for  their  mailer's  fake  :  and 
therefore,  that  amidfl  all  thcfe  florins  they  might 
maintain  that  conftant  ferene  tranquillity,  that  amiable 
fweetnefs  and  benignity  of  fpirit,  without  which  they 
could  neither  he  like  him,  nor  happy  in  themfelves; 
he  was  pleafed  to  enjoin  fuch  an  ardent  affe&ion  and 
charity  towards  all  men,  as  no  neglect  can  cool,  no 
injury  can  extinguifh,  To  love  thofe  who  have  obliged 
us,  is  that  which  nature  might  t;each,  and  wicked  men 
pra&ife ;  to  favour  thofe  who  have  never  wrong'd  us, 
is  but  a  piece  of  common  humanity ;  but  our  religion 
requires  us  to  extend  our  kindnefs  even  to  thofe  who 
have  injured  aud  abufed  us^  and  who  continue  to  do, 
and  wifh  us  mifchief,  and  that  we  never  defign  ar\y 
other  ^revenge  againft  our  mod  bitter  and  inveterate 

g  3  enemies^ 


id         77jc  Tndifaenjtbh  Duty 

enemies,  than  to  wifh  them  well,  and  do  ihetD  all  the 
good  Wc  can  whether  tiny  will  or  not  •  lot  f* 

•    •  bimt  OU  tfr  faith,  Lone  ycur 

But  alas  !   how  little  is  this  minded  I 
part   of  thofe  who  call  themfelves  chriftitns;    otl 

broken  and  flighted,  bur  tl.  ufly 

baffled  and  difcredited  by   us.     In  other  CM  IC- 

knowledge  oar  fault,  but  ftudy  to  quality  and  c.v.ufc 
it  by  the  frailty  of  our  nature,  or  violence  of  a  tiny; 
tion  (we  are  all  Tinners,  it  is  a  fault   indeed,  but  v. ho 
can    help  it.)     Now  tho'  theft   evcufes,    God  knot 
are  very  frivolous,  and  will  be  ot  no  force  in  tl. 
day  of  our  accounts,   yet  they  imp'.  of  mo- 

defty  and  ingenuous    acknowledgment,   and  men  may 
repent  and  forfake  what  they  alread'  .:nn;  but  in 

the    inftance  of    loving     enemies,    arid  pardoning 
fences,    many   are  [o  bold  and  impudent,  tl 
of  obeying,  they  quarrel  v. ith  the  law  as  impoiTibl. 
unjull,  palling  fent< 
mult   be   judged.     H& 

that  we  ih  wild  lore  thoft  thar  hate  us  ?   \  llity 

bet  R  een    that   aa  and  z\v 

beat,  or  enmity  beget  affe&ion  ?  Muft  wc  be 
the  injuries  we  meet  with?  Or  reward  him 
that  offers  them  ?    Muft  wc  diflbivetnc  princi 

our  nature,  am.  -.ay  Income 

r'  y.  Ham  ?    Theft,    i  id  fi 

D1 .  (Cons  Ot  :  ftO   '  e  OS,     and  d- 

(  brifl  mul    i          i    ■.'.  n  in  hi  ,  and  re 

."  t'u  rig  m  ol  his  Itws,  of  pro- 

rid, 
will  ra- 
pterntl  Ban  dif* 

cord^ 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.       103 

cord,  than  live  at  peace  with  thofe  that  have  wrongM 
them- 

I  t  can  therefore  never  be  unfeafonable  to  prefs  a 
duty  fo  very  neceflary,  yet  fo  much  neglected ;  the  text 
J  have  chofcn  for  this  purpofe  is  very  plain  and  clear, 
love  your  enemies  j  but  becaufe  many  do  ftrain  the 
precept  to  fome  fuch  fenfe  as  may  fuit  with  their  own 
practice,  we  mail  firft  fearch  into  the  importance  of  it, 
and  then  perfuade  you  to  perform  it.  The  full  mean- 
ing and  importance  of  the  precept  will  appear,  if  we 
confider,  ift>  Who  they  are  whom  we  are  commanded 
to  love  •  and  idly,  Wherein  the  love  we  owe  them 
does  confill. 

The  perfons  whom  we  are  commanded  to  love  are 
called  our  enemies  ;  and  left  we  mould  miftake  them, 
they  are  clearly  defcribed  in  the  following  words,  the 
fountain  of  their  enmity  is  within  •  they  are  thofe  who 
hate  iisy  who  envy  our  happinefs,  who  wifh  cur  milery, 
and  abhor  our  perfons  and  fociety.  But  were  this  fire 
kept  within  their  breaft,  it  might  well  fcorch  themfelves, 
it  could  not  prejudice  us  ;  but  out  of  the  abundance  of 
the  heart  the  mouth  fpeaketh  :  Their  malice  does  fhar- 
pen  their  tongues  ;  they  are  farther  defcribed  as  thofe 
that  curfe  us,  they  vent  their  wrath  in  oaths  and  im- 
precations, fecret  calumnies,  and  open  reproaches; 
nor  are  their  hands  always  bound  up,  they  life  as  de- 
fpitefully,  and  procure  us  mifchief.  Now  if  our  love 
mult  be  extended  to  all  thefe,  we  mall  hardly  find  any 
whom  we  dare  fafely  exclude.  Of  our  private  enemies 
there  can  be  no  queftion;  but  what  mail  be  faid  of  the 
enemies  of  our  country,  and  of  our  religion  ?  Firfl  for 
the  enemies  of  our  country,  I  fee  no  warrant  to  exclude 
them  from  our  charity  ;  we  may  indeed  lawfully  op- 
gofe  their  violent  invafion,  and  defend  our  rights  with 


iv  !  fie  D 

the  I  publick  magiftrate, 

to  whom  i  committedj    but  ill  thii 

.  i  little  in  ilicc  and  hatred  a>  .. 
.  ptintfli  a  malefaci  r 

cm  as  a  ifticCj  and  the  (bldiac  as  the 

CUtioner.      But  charity  will  c  bligc  a  prince  neve: 
have  rccourfe  to  the  (word,  till  diet  tail, 

to  blunt  the  edj  aring  as  much  as  n 

I  f,    the  (bedding  of  innocent  with  all  ether 

L,    .  .  ities  that  nfe  to  accompany  it,  and  to  a. 
any  rcafi  nablc  capitulation 

\Y  .   com-  next  to  the  enemies  o(  our  religion,  and 
cd  there  ■      many  who  arc  to  tar  from  think 
them  to  be  among  the  num. 

k   upon  it  as   a  pa:; 
their  duty  to  hate  and  malign  them  ;  their  i  con- 

tinually venting  it  fell  in  fierce  invectives  againfi  Anti- 
chrifij  and  every  thing  they  are  pKalcd  to  call  Anti- 
chtifiian.    And  ire  ready  to  apply  all  tl 

phecies  and  im]  the  Old    1  eftajaent  n 

thdtt  i  si  it  <  un ; 

and  otdinari  tlic 

diffci  arch 

(hall  i>.   m  ; .  in    i    J  a- 

ft  the  ion  and  tyi  ,  or  the 

.m  taith:  yea,  p  you 

taa) 
in  feveral  ways  6f  expre(Cng  tu. 

Lire  and 

■ .  men  difparagc 

t  v.  inch    the  I  low 

much  do  they  miftl  chriltia.  Arc 

.iter  enemies  w, 

Eefline 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.       105 

profefling  it  >  And  yet  thefe  were  the  perfons  whom 
our  Saviour  commanded  hisdifciples  to  love,  andhim- 
&  If  did  pray  for  thofe  that  crucified  him  ;  and  feverely 
checked  the  difciples,  when  by  a  precedent  brought 
from  the  Old  Teflament,  they  would  have  called  for 
fire  from  heaven  on  thofe  who  would  not  receive  them ; 
telling  them  they  knew  not  what  fpirit  they  were  of, 
i.  e.  they  did  not  confider  by  what  fpirit  they  were 
prompted  to  fuch  cruel  inclinations ;  or,  as  others  explain 
ft,  they  did  not  yet  fufficiently  underitand  the  temper 
and  genius  of  chriftianity,  which  is  pure  and  peaceable^ 
gentle  and  meek,  full  of  fweetnefs,  and  full  of  love. 
If  men  would  impartially  examine  their  hatred  and 
animofities  againft  the  enemies  of  their  religion,  I  fear 
they  would  find  them  proceed  from  a  principle  which 
themfelves  would  not  willingly  own.  Pride  and  felf- 
conceit  will  make  a  man  difdain  thofe  of  a  different 
perfuaiion,  and  think  it  a  difparagement  to  his  judg- 
ment, that  any  fhould  differ  from  it.  Meer  nature 
and  felf-love  will  make  a  man  hate  thofe  who  oppofe 
the  intereft  and  advancement  of  that  party  which 
himfelf  has  efpoufed.  Hence  men  are  many  times  more 
tdifp leafed  at  fome  fmall  miflakes  in  judgment,  than 
the  greateft  immoralities  in  practice;  yea,  perhaps, 
they  will  find  a  fecret  pleafure,  and  wicked  fatisfa&ion, 
in  hearing  or  reporting  the  faults  or  fcandals  of  their 
adverfaries.  Certainly  the  power  of  religion  rightly 
prevailing  in  the  foul,  would  mould  us  into  another 
temper  ;  it  would  teach  us  to  love  and  pity,  and  pray 
for  the  perfon,  as  well  as  hate  and  condemn  the  errors 
they  are  fuppofed  to  efpoufe  :  It  would  make  us  wifh 
their  conversion,  rather  than  their  confufion,  and  be 
more  defirous  that  God  would  fit  them  for  another 
world,  than  that  he  would  take  them  out  of  this.    We 

may 


ic6  7 

may  tod  «d  ir  wi  ked 

is  charity  r 
from  being  the  unh  mentsof  the 

Id  ;     but  be  that   can    v  s   and    ruin    to 

Their  peribns,    znd    delights  in  their  fins,  or  in  ti 
jnifcry,  hath  nv  i     of  the  Devi]  than  the  Chriftian. 

T  h  o  s    you  h 
whom  our  charity  muftlx  i      Hows  to  be 

j  onfidered  what  is  the  nator  iem« 

1  (hail  not  now  fpend   your  time  in  i  i  us 

fpeculations   .  nature  -  maftcr-paii:  n. 

It  is  the  pi  im 

Cures,  and  fcts  |  man'*  ha* 

tred,   grief,   and  joy   i  i,   and  Bowing 

from  his  love.  ....      >   you,  that 

there  is  a  i  kind  ,   a  certain  • 

and  melting  ion  implanted  in  us  by  i  co- 

wards our  :  us 

£0  thofe  p  is  an 

:n  k  ]  ..•  htfal  nni  .  . 

from  (i  me  cfp  f  humours,   and  n 

the  main 
aie   n<  t  command,  r 

to  this  rate      ] 

It  at  till:  . 
hath  nothing  (;  rh  a 

him  in  our 

D 

.. 

•  nand   in  i 

( i  .  '  ;         .  { 

I    :ii   CO  fa  our 

a  linccre 
and   c  |  to  all  i  will  incline  us 

to 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.       197 

to  perform  all  the  good  offices  we  can,  even  to  thofe 
who  have  offended  us.  But  the  nature  and  meafures 
of  this  love  will  more  fully  appear,  if  we  confider 
what  it  does  exclude,  and  what  it  does  imply. 

First  then  it  excludes  all  harm  thoughts,  and 
groundlefs  fufpicions :  the  apoflle  telleth  us,  that 
charity  thinketh  no  evil,  that  it  hopeth  all  things,  be- 
lieveth  all  things.  To  entertain  with  pleafure  every 
bad  report  of  thofe  who  have  offended  us,  and  to  put 
the  worft  conftrucYion  on  their  doubtful  actions,  is  both 
a  clear  evidence  of  our  hatred,  and  an  unhappy  me- 
thod to  continue  it.  Were  once  the  love  we  recom- 
mend feated  in  the  foul,  it  would  foon  call  out  thofe 
reftlefs  jealoufies,  four  fufpicions,  harm  furmifes,  and 
imbitterd  thoughts  ;  and  difplay  it  felf  in  a  more  can- 
did and  gentle  difpofition,  in  fair  gloffes,  and  friendly 
cenfures,  in  a  favourable  extenuation  of  greater  faults 
and  covering  of  leffer  :  It  would  make  a  man  interpret 
all  things  in  the  belt  meaning  they  are  capable  of,  and 
choofe  rather  to  be  miflaken  to  his  own  prejudice,  by 
a  too  favourable  opinion,  than  to  his  neighbour's,  by 
a  groundlefs  jealoufy  ;  and  even  in  this  fenfe  it  may 
be,  that  charity  cover eth  a  multitude  of  fins. 

A  g  a  1  n,  the  love  which  we  owe  to  enemies,  ex- 
cludes all  caufeiefs  and  immoderate  anger  :  it  fuffereth 
long,  and  is  not  eafily  provoked,  endureth  all  things. 
Our  Saviour  tells  us,  that  whofd  is  angry  with  bis 
brother  without  a  caufe,  floall  be  in  danger  of  the  judg- 
ment -,  and  if  his  anger  exceed  the  caufe,  he  is  equally 
guilty.  All  anger  is  not  vicious,  we  may  be  angry 
and  not  fin.  This  pafiion,  as  all  others  implanted  in 
us  by  God,  is  innocent  when  kept  within  its  due 
bounds,  it  has  its  proper  office  in  the  mind,  as  the 
fpleen  in  the  body,  but  its  excefs  and  diftempcr  fwells 

into 


io8  The  IndifptnfibU  D:/fv 

To  make  ic  allow: '.,  .ft  not  ex-^ 

cecd  thb  caufe,   nor  the  p  cbc 

circujnilancesj  it  mult  be  goyern'd  by  dtfb 

within   the    bounds   of  reafon,  th-:  lk  DOC 

tonh  into  indecent  exprcfiGons,  or  riakat  and  blame- 
able  iftioos  :  and  turther,  it  mutt  not  be  too  pi 
and  lading,  we  rnuft  not  let  the  fun  let  upon  cur  anger. 
t^/' tells  us,  that  the  P\:b  ^.rc.y.s  pa*  careful 
to  obferve  the  very  Letter  of  this  precept,  tor  it*  anger 
had  boiled  up  to  the  height  of  an  injur. 

K  fun  lit  they  would  falute  each  other,  and  ; 
theit  friendfhip  ;  they  were  afhamed  that  the  fame  I 
which    had  difturbed  the   c  i; 

alio  trouble  the  quiet  and  repofe  of  the  night,  kit 
mingling  with  their  reft  and  dreams  it  fhould  become 
prevalent  and  habitual  in  them.     And  fure  we  owe  aa 

infinitely  greater  deference  to  the  precepts  of  our  bkiVed 

Saviour,  and  his  holy  apoftles,  than  they  did  to  tluit 
matter's  reafonings  and  advices.  And  tho'  we  fhould 
not  take  this  precept  in  its  ilrieleif  ami  literal  li^niti- 
cation,  yet  this  we  muit  know,  that  the  lame  Dftffion 
and  refentment  which  was  innocent  and  rational  in  its 
firfi  rile,  may  become  vicious  and  criminal  by  itl 
linuanee.  A*gtT  m.iy  kindle  in  the  breaft  of  a  wife 
man,  bu        \s  only  i 

will  lead    us  to  a    j  /   thing,   which  the  precept  i: . 
mi. 

T  nil  ommanded,  d 

all   rooted  malice  and    rancour,  :':<  m  I 

fj  and  refentment  o[   inj 
and  harm  fuilain'd  by  them  is  over.      Certainly 

is  nothing  more  contrary  an  a  p.. 

with;  and  t!  who 

dom 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.      109 

feldom  remember  a  courtefy,  or  forget  a  wrong.  It 
is  ordinary  for  fome,  who  dare  not  profefs  intentions 
of  revenge,  to  exprefs  their  refentment  in  fome  fuch 
threatning  as  this  :  That  they  will  forgive  the  injury, 
but  never  forget  it.  I  hope  they  do  not  mean  they 
will  pafs  it  at  this  time,  and  revenge  it  afterward : 
this  would  but  make  the  fin  the  greater,  by  being  more 
deliberate.  Is  it  then,  that  they  intend  them  no  harm, 
but  will  ceafe  to  do  them  good  ?  This  is  a  lame  and 
imperfect  charity,  exprefly  contradictory  to  the  pre- 
cept in  the  text,  enjoining  us  to  blefs  them  that  curfe 
us,  to  do  good  to  them  that  bate  us,  and  to  pray  for 
them  that  defpite fully  ufe  us.  Nor  muft  we  expect 
the  bleffing  of  God,  if  this  be  all  we  allow  to  others, 
for  with  what  meafure  we  meet,  itjhall  be  mea fared  to 
us  again.  There  is  but  one  way  we  may  lawfully  re- 
member an  injury,  and  that  is  fo  as  to  be  more  cautious 
in  trufting  one  who  hath  deceived  us ;  or  expofing  our 
felves  to  the  power  of  him  who  has  wrong'd  us :  In 
this  cafe  religion  does  allow  and  direct  us  to  join  the 
ferpent's  wifdom  with  the  dove^s  innocency.  But  then, 
I  am  fure,  it  is  neither  neceflary  nor  fit  to  threaten 
thofe  who  have  wrong'd  us,  with  our  refolutions  to 
remember  the  injury :  We  may  be  as  cautious  as  we 
pleafe  without  it,  and  thofe  threats  do  nothing  but 
rankle  and  difpleafe  our  adverfary,  which  ought  to  be 
no  part  of  a  chriftian^s  defign.  A  meek  and  charitable 
perfon  will  be  loath  to  have  his  memory  infefted,  and 
his  thoughts  four'd  with  refentment  of  wrongs  ;  and 
if  they  occur  to  his  mind,  he  will  make  no  other  ufe 
of  them,  than  to  put  himfelf  on  his  guard  ;  unlets  from 
thence  he  take  occafion  to  benefit  and  oblige  the  per- 
fon who  has  offended  him,  and  as  our  text  exprefly  di- 
jeebj  to  do  him  good,  to  blefs  and  pray  for  him. 

Again, 


IIU  .        / ) 

A  G  I  i  tf,    this  precept  docs  exclude   and  • 
the  taking  or  procuring  an)  tg$t  wc 

Bean  fuch  a  iimple  c\il  cone  to  our  ad\  a  .is  docs 

bring  DO   real  benefit  or  rep 

certainly  it    is  not  unla-  •     k  the  reparation   of 

own  right  by  an  authorized  j  QOT  yet  to  pro- 

vide lor  the   poblick  fecurity,    by  the  punifluni 
offenders,  unkfs  fome  f;  aimftar,  s  it  fo. 

This   may  many    times   b.  i  ithout  prejudice    or 

hatred,     yea    with  great   kindtufs  and  companion  to- 
wards the  perfon  ot  tfaa  .  r.      But  ir "v.  .ny 
charity  or   love  to  our  adverfa:'               fhall  be  really 
aflliaed  With  the  evil  that  befall  them,  and  t! 
will  never  willingly  pn  cure  i  m  [elves  that  trouble  by 
indicting   it  on  them.     It  is  an   evidence  of  a  v. Lk.d 
and  malicious  humour,  to  plctfc  our  felvcs  in  the  D 
fery  of  another,  or  delight  in  an  evil  that  brings  us  no 
good.     Whatever  latitude  the  Jcrs:s  eitiur  had  or  pre- 
tended to,  it  is  DOC  lawful   tor  us   to  defi 
ox  troth  for  toot l\    unk        -    OOUld   fay,    that  his  eye 
WOnld  fcrve  our  head,  or  his  hand                      ,  or  his 
1  .  in  allay  our  torment,  which  he  i...                  d  to  us. 
1    ROM   hence  we  may  judge  what   is  to  be  thought 

.   to  rei  cnge  the  fmalkit  inju 
even  an  uncivil  escpreflion,  with  the  death  of  the  oiun- 
der ;  ncvti  being  fatisfied  till  they  have  ventured  two 

lives,  and  as  many  fouls  in  the  c<  mbat :  a  thing  which 
be  named  among  chriitiar.s,    but   with  the 

f.une  deteftatioa  we  have  againfl  the  vileft  anions ;  foe 
wl.  ■    ■  .    it   may    be 

painted    with,    It  19    reall]    i     I  ,:: 

rcious  and  formal   kind  of  murder.    )N  s  i- 

I  his, 
with 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.       lit 

with  the  wickednefs  of  attempting  another's  life,  it 
joins  the  ralhnefs  and  folly  of  expofing  our  own. 

Lastly,    The  love   which  we  owe  our  enemies, 
does  exclude  all  fupercilious  and  fcornful  contempt  and 
neglect   of  them  ;    which  I  mark  the  rather,  becaufe 
fome  think  they  have  fufficiently  obey  \1  the  precept,  if 
they  overlook  an  injury,  as  thinking  the  perfon  below 
their  revenge.     Mean  while  their  corrupt  nature  re- 
limes  as  much  pleafure  in  the  fcorn  and  difdain  of  their 
enemies,  as  it  could  in  the  revenge  of  the  injury  •  their 
wicked  humours  are  not  ftarv'd,  but  only  change  their 
diet.     Of  this  nature  was  the  anfwer  of  the  philofo- 
pher,  to  fome  who  incited  and  provoked   him  to  re- 
venge,  if  an  afs  kick  me,  I  pal  I  kick  him  again? 
This  is  but  a  lame  and  milhapen  charity  ;  it  hath  more 
of  pride  than  goodnefs:    We  mould  karn  of  the  holy 
Jefus,  who  was  not  only  meek,  but  lowly:    we  fhould 
contemn  the  injury,  and  pity  the  weaknefs,  but  mould 
not  difdain   or  defpife  the   perfons   of  our   enemies. 
Charity  vaunteth  not  her  [elf,  is  net  puffed  up,  doth 
not  behave  her  felf  unfeemly. 

Having  thus  difcover'd  thofe  things  which  are 
inconfiilent  with  charity,  and  excluded  by  the  love  of 
enemies,  it  remains  that  we  mew  what  it  docs  import 
and  require. 

First  then,  it  imports  an  inward  kindnefs  and 
affection,  which  if  it  does  not  amount  to  that  paflionats 
tendernefs  which  we  have  for  our  near  relations  and  in- 
timate friends,  yet  it  implies  a  good  will  towards 
them,  and  friendly  concernment  in  their  intereft  •  if 
we  love  an  enemy,  we  fhall  wifti  his  welfare,  and  re- 
joice in  it,  and  be  unfeignedly  forry  for  any  difafter 
that  befals  him,  fo  far  mall  we  be  from  rejoicing  in 
his  misfortunes.     And  certainly  had  we  a  right  feafe 


112 


Tflk  InJtfpenfible  Duty 


of  things,    wc  fhould   be  more   troubled  for  th 
which  our  enemy  does  CO  his  own  foul   b\ 
us,  than    tor   the  prejudice   we  fuflain  by  him.     Our 
companion   towards   him  would  diminilh,   i:   doc  I 
gether    fwallow    up   the   refentment  of  what  wc    G 
irom  him. 

Bi'T  our  kindnefs  and  good  will   I 
mies  mull  not  red  in  empty  v.  ifhes,  but  c^ 
in  kind  words  and   friend  1\ 

to  bat  enemy,  it  muft  be  in  fuch  fmooth.  md 

obliging  terms,    as  are   mi'ft  like    to  mollify  and  gnin 
him  ;  that  b]  'fi fivers  \\ 

and  (htiti   all  grievous  ''icb  fur   up  anger. 

When  wc  fpeakof  him,  it  fhould  be  asaj\anta:;.  tifly 
as  we  can   with   truth,    concealing  or  qualifying   hid 
faults,  and  praifing  Whatever  is  ■    ti  iohkttj  sod  fore 
mull  be  Angularly  bad,   in  whom 

thing  to  commend. 

Ao  ai  n-,  we  mull  perform  I 

ofEcCS    which    their  i. 

can  reach.      /; 

,   ive  muft  fiidUm;    if  uft 

m  drink ;  fojbal 

lioiiity  his  obdurate  temper,  am 

his   evil  by   ou\  go  \!  ;  but  not  to  aggrtvai 

and  puniihnlent,  as  (bole  fhiftakethc  d  foe  tho1 

that  be  man)  dines  th    - 

any  part  o(  our  deli. mi. 
L  i  s  t  i  v,  becttife  all  that 
enemies  (ignifies  littl  tuft  empl 

in  the  court  of  heaven  in  their  b.  ha]  ,  b 
that  he  would  turn  their  hearts  I  i  bin 

an  .  m  with  the  \w  II  their 

e  y  have  d 


of  Loving  our  Ene m i e  s,       i  i  3 

\rith  all  things  neceffary  for  their  prefent  welfare,  or 
future  happinefs.  Pray  for  them  that  defyitefully  life 
you  ;  and  this  is  the  fureft  evidence  of  cur  charity  to 
them  :  Mild  words  may  be  defign'd  as  a  fnare  to  entrap 
them,  and  courtefy  may  be  done  them  to  ferve  our  va- 
nity, or  a  generous  kind  of  pride,  which  may  make 
us  delight  to  have  our  enemy  indebted  to  us,  as  know- 
ing that  it  is  more  glorious  in  the  eyes  cf  the  world 
to  raife  a  fallen  adverfary,  than  to  trample  on  him. 
But  it  mud  be  only  obedience  to  God's  commands, 
and  fincere  love  to  our  enemy,  which  can  make  us 
take  him  into  our  clofet,  and  into  our  heart,  to  (hare 
our  prayers  with  him,  and  make  him  partake  of  the 
fruits  of  our  devotion,  and  to  have  that  fame  concern- 
ment for  his  interefts,  as  for  our  own,  at  once  recom- 
mending them  both  to  our  heavenly  father. 

B  y  this  time,  I  hope,  you  underftand  the  importance 
of  this  precept  of  our  Saviour,  Love  your  enemies ;  it 
remains  that  we  exhort  you  to  the  performance.  And 
I  mall  begin  with  an  argument,  which  may  be  of  force 
to  give  the  firft  ailault  to  our  rebellious  inclinations, 
and  make  way  for  further  and  more  mild  perfuaiions ; 
and  it  (hall  be  the  indifpenfible  neceffity  of  the  duty. 
We  mud  not  look  upon  this  as  a  matter  which  we  may 
do  or  omit  at  pleafure,  nor  yet  as  a  counfel  of  perfection 
highly  commendable,  but  not  abfoluteiy  neceffary  to 
falvation  :  it  is  as  indifpenfibly  required  as  any  other 
duty  of  our  religion,  and  he  who  refolvcs  not  to  obey 
in  this  inftance,  may  renounce  his  baptifm,  and  aban- 
don chriftianity.  None  can  efcape  the  obligation  of 
the  precept,  unlefs  he  be  fo  rarely  happy  as  to  have  no 
enemies  ;  nor  muft  any  think  to  redeem  themfelves  from 
this  by  fome  other  performance.  Let  our  opinions  be 
never  fo  orthodox,  and  our  zeal  in  maintaining  them 

I  never 


I  i  4  Tie  bid:  \U  Duty 

never  f  _nr, 

.-.:,    and   out 
rer  (bib  ng  •  yet il   a i  : }  1  i s 

■e  none  of  ChrilVs  difciplcs  ;  (  . 

I 

Mgi/r,  :       1  '-...■:    ■    pro- 

/        m  ail  my  goods  to  fad  t 
>'       J 

r/ty  and  love,  even  to  mine  enemi 

nothing.    And  our  Saviour  bin 
terms,    that  **/*/}  '   ffest 

neither wil  \  ea  he  hath  taught  us 

to  pray  for  pardon  in  lildl  tcrm%  as  imports  a  drcadlul 

■   oui  Pelves,  if  we  ore  m:.! 

ful,  while  WC  beg  that  God  would  pa:.  ,    in  the 

.  e  manner  that  we  pardon  thofc  who  fin  againf:  us  | 

bingas  it  were  if  o    ;i   •  •  firm- 

;  out  of  our  own  mouths,  that  (entente  which  fhall  be 

nounced  againfl  i  m  (b  will 

will  tak<  v<  .      . 

with  others.     A  thofc  who  do  not  love  t' 

i  b  r  own  condemnation  in  praj 

■    ii  in  th«  holy 

this,  that  many 
I  i  |     p  bfl  the  tabic   I 

ties:  but 

13  !  what  a  I  I    ink  they 

I  fin  by  I  they 

ic  partu  ipation  of  th    facra- 

Or  to  be  adi  ctcr- 

in  that  ma- 
them  uni  i  him 


of  Loving  our  Enemies,       x  i  5 

in  that  holy  ordinance?  Do  not  deceive  yotir  feives^ 
never  fhall  any  enter  into  thofe  bleffed  manfions,  thofe 
regions  of  peace  and  love,  whofe  heart  is  not  fir  ft  in- 
fpired  with  charity,  and  foftned  into  a  compliance 
with  this  very  precept  :  and  it  were  as  abfurd  to  think, 
that  a  man  may  be  malicious  and  revengeful  all  his 
days,  and  yet  go  to  heaven,  there  to  learn  meeknefs 
and  charity,  as  to  think  that  a  man  may  be  luxurious 
and  difhoneft  in  this  world,  and  become  temperate 
and  honeft,  and  happy  in  the  other.  In  a  word,  what- 
ever fhifts  we  may  make  to  deceive  our  felves,  the 
command  is  clear  and  exprefs,  the  fanclion  fevere  and 
peremptory,  we  have  but  our  choice  of  thefe  two^ 
love  of enemies ',  or  damnation. 

Nor  can  this  feem  unreafonable  to  any  who  con- 
fiders  that  God  is  the  author  of  our  natures,  the  crea- 
tor of  all  our  faculties,  and  therefore  may  juftly  rule 
our  inclinations,  and  difpofe  of  our  love  and  affection  ; 
and  yet  he  is  content  (if  I  may  fo  fpeak)  to  bargain 
with  us,  and  to  buy  off  our  natural,  or  rather  wicked 
refentments,  offering  us  his  own  mercy  and  favour, 
freedom  from  hell,  and  everlafting  happinefs,  on  this> 
amongft   other  conditions,  that  we  love  our  enemies. 

Nay  farther,  the  duty  is  in  it  felf  fo  reafonable, 
that  the  more  fober  of  the  heathens,  who  had  nothing 
above  reafon  to  teach  them,  have  acknowledged  it,  if 
not  as  necefiary,  yet  as  highly  becoming,  and  an  emi- 
nent inftance  of  a  virtuous  and  generous  mind.  'Plato 
could  fay,  that  injury  is  by  no  means  to  be  doney  nor 
to  be  repaid  to  him  that  has  done  it.  And  when  a  ma- 
licious perfon  faid  to  Zeno,  Let  me  perijlj  if  I  den't  do 
you  a  mifchief;  his  anfwer  was,  Let  me  pcrijh  if  I 
ikn't  reconcile  thee  to  pie.  Antoninus  tells  us  frequent- 
ly, tfbat  all  reafonabk  creatures  are  bom  for  one  anc- 

I  2  ther3 


1 1 6 

.    ' 

\nii  many 
other 

tu  the  (aim 

;  of  the  (  lod  i  in  ptraifliing 

I  that 

>;nd  perj  nfifts 

kcr. 
I  •        i  i  I   .■  .  of  heath. 

ligation  of  this  pt  f  loving  our  enemies  no 

deduc  ther,   which 

to  be  highl) 
I 

defires  to  be  1  >ved  and  i  ,   to  have 

pardoned,  Iced,  am 

plj  \\  :  Or  if  any  be  fo  I 

yet  I  hope  there  is  non<  fo  mad,  but 

vour 

than  . 

can  we    think  it   linn 

k  ihac 

I 

wil- 
li 

,*.  and 


ef  the  Religious.  117 

and  extravagant  partiality,  can  teach  us  to  make  fo  un- 
reafonable  a  difference  betwixt  our  felves  and  others. 

Again,  the  reafonablcnefs  of  this  duty  will  far- 
ther appear,  if  we  compare  it  with  that  malice  and 
revenge  which  it  doesoppofe.  Can  there  be  any  thing 
more  againft  natural  reafon,  than  to  delight  in  an  evil 
which  can  bring  no  benefit  to  us  ?  Yet  this  is  the  very 
nature  and  effence  of  revenge ;  for  if  the  damage  we 
fuftain  can  be  repaired,  it  is  no  revenge  to  feek  it :  and 
if  it  cannot,  it  does  no  way  alleviate  the  evil  of  the 
accident,  that  we  draw  him  that  caus'ditinto  as  great 
a  mifery :  nay  unlefs  we  are  unnatural,  and  without 
bowels,  it  will  augment  our  trouble  to  fee  any  evil 
befal  him.  And  he  is  a  miferable  perfon  indeed  whofe 
delight  is  in  inifchief,  whcfe  gcod  is  the  evil  of  his 
neighbour :  yea,  I  may  fay,  that  he  who  returns  an  in- 
jury, is  many  times  more  unreafonable,  than  he  who 
ofter'd  it :  for  he  who  firft  wrongs  another,  hath  com- 
monly fome  temptation  of  advantage  by  it,  which  re- 
venge cannot  pretend  to  ;  but  if  he  has  done  it  out  of 
meer  malice,  yet  he  is  not  worfe  than  the  other  who 
returns  it ;  there  being  as  much  fantaftick  pleafure  in 
fpite,  as  in  revenge,  both  are  alike  miferable  and  extra- 
vagant. 

And  who  are  they  againft  whom  we  bend  our  ma- 
lice and  revenge  ?  Are  they  not  men,  partakers  of  the 
fame  nature,  defcended  from  the  fame  flock  with  our 
fclves,  fellow-citizens  with  us  in  this  world,  and  with. 
whom  we  fhould  hope  to  live  for  ever  in  a  better  ? 
And  fhould  we  not  bear  much  with  thofe  who  are  fo 
nearly  related  to  us?  Nay  more,  they  are  the  work- 
rnanfhip  of  God's  hands,  and  for  any  thing  we  know, 
either  are,  or  may  become  his  children  and  friends  : 
and  dare  we  pretend  any  love  to  God,   if  we  do  no<* 

I  3  fpare 


1 1 

doM 
us  an)  are  in  fo  tar  toolifh  and  de- 

ilr:  11;   and  wh  /.ic!)  a  mad- 

ia., an  injuri  *  what 

is  d  'iiu7,  for  he  can  never  wound  hi 
through  his  own  (ides,  nor  pre;:. 

,  v.  ithout  hazarding  his  own  eternal  concernment, 
:md  therefore  h<  S  our  pi:  rhan  on: 

Xy  I  m  re  might  be  br  monftratt 

fonablenefs  or'  what  our  S  in  the  r. 

but  I  hope  what  has  been  I  laid  mr.  e  to 

are  larrd  With  ir  :  and  it"  this*  I  ihcu 

duty  feem  abfurd  or  uni  ,  fw  may!.. 

the  caufe  froiti  the  apoftle,  i 

i.  : 

fi  '  h  is  the  carnal il 

ma: 

dutj ,  our  to  pmv 

mi rtd,  and  we  (hall  find  it  roe, 

vhi    .  inc  . 

. 
; 
B  i  rd  pi  a  ce,  i 

ble,    but 
ill :   ir  i:  . 

c  greatcfl  ci  muft 

1'.    had  the  na- 

,     that  I  I 

D  :    but  tho* 

vec 


•  I  I 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.       119 

yet  even  thofe  who  look  at  a  diftance  may  perceive  fome- 
thing  of  amiablenefs  in  it,  efpecially  comparing  it  with 
the  trouble  and  uneafinefs  of  that  vice  it  would  deliver 
lis  from :  Malice  and  revenge  are  the  mod  reillefs  and 
tormenting  paflions  that  can  poffefs  the  mind,  they  keep 
it  in  continual  hurry  and  diforder,  they  gnaw  a  man's 
heart  with  anguifh  and  vexation,  and  imbitter  all  his 
enjoyments  ,•  they  marr  the  pleafures  of  the  day,  and 
interrupt  the  repofe  of  the  night :  Solomon  defcribes 
thefe  men,  they  fleep  not  except  they  have  done  mif- 
pbieff  and  their  fleep  is  taken  away  except  they  caafe 
fome  to  fall  * 

O  n  the  other  hand,  the  meek  and  peaceable  man, 
whofe  mind  is  brought  to  a  compliance  with  this  pre- 
cept, is  above  the  malice  of  his  enemies :  It  is  not  in 
their  power  to  vex  him  :  amidit  all  the  affaults  of  inju- 
ries and  affronts,  he  is  firm  as  a  rock,  which  no  winds 
can  fhake,  no  waves  remove.  He  is  happy  in  thecalm- 
nefs  and  ferenity  of  his  fpirit,  and  is  fure  either  to  con- 
vert or  fhame  his  adverfary  by  his  patience  and  friendly 
behaviour.  And  then  the  confeioufnefs  of  performing 
his  duty,  and  affurance  of  future  reward,  afford  him 
infinitely  more  pure  and  folid  pleafure  and  delight,  than 
any  can  expect  by  indulging  and  gratifying  their  re- 
vengeful humour. 

The  advantages  of  this  duty  will  more  clearly  ap- 
pear, when  we  take  a  view  of  thofe  prejudices,  which 
commonly  are  entertained  againfl:  it ;  which  mail  be 
our  next  work. 

First  then,  fome  cry  out  upon  this  precept  as  en- 
joining impoflibilitieSj  doing  violence  to  the  very  con- 

l  4  ftitution. 


Prov.  iy.  6. 


1 

Dure,    and  obligi 
1  it  is 

to 
in,   as  1 

i  ,  thqs  to  impeach  the  divine  laws?  It  is  im- 
1     Bble,  therefore  God  ll.  i  have  i 

i:>  fuch  is  thcii  ra- 

tional to  argue  thus      | 

re  it  mi-  been 

. 
God  / 

[cue  <     d 

f.     1:  is  iod 

I    :  it   is  the  v.ork 
rtiiy  the 

bleat 
the  ] 

don  an  injury, 

cutoi  s  I  Wl 

ivc  not  yet 

(in< i 

fork,   ai  . 
i  o  mpli  id  then 

.  i   (hall  i 

rfoimam 

and 


of  Loving  our  Enemies.       121 

he  deferves,  and  fo  we  mould  draw  upon  our  (elves  a 
fecond  injury  by  not  requiting  the  fir  ft. 

But  we  have  already  told  you,  that  this  precept 
dees  not  forbid  the  exercife  of  juftice  by  thofe  to  whom 
the  fword  is  committed,  when  the  publick  fecurity 
calls  for  it ;  as  a  parent  may  at  once  love  and  correct 
ft)  may  a  judge  be  in  charity  with  the  per- 
fon he  does  punifh;  and  tho5  it  mould  be  granted, 
that  by  pardoning  injuries,  we  do  expofe  our  felves 
to  new  ones ;  yet  would  this  amount  to  no  more,  but 
that  we  may  fuffer  hardships  by  our  obedience  to 
God,  which  I  hope  is  not  enough  to  difpenfe  with  our 
duty.  But  truly  the  matter  goes  not  commonly  thus, 
for  if  we  confult  either  our  own  obfervation,  or  the 
experience  of  others,  we  mall  find,  that  meek  and 
charitable  perfons  are  molt  feldom  expofed  to  injuries, 
or  engaged  in  troubles.  He  muft  needs  be  a  defpe- 
rate  wicked  perfon,  who  will  offer  a  fecond  injury  to 
one  who  hath  requited  the  iirft  with  kindnefs  and  love: 
fuch  a  fweet  difpofition  will  mollify  the  hardeft  hearts, 
and  charm  the  moft  froward  humours,  efpecially  if  we 
carry  our  felves  with  fuch  prudence  and  difcretion, 
as  may  teftify  that  we  are  acted  by  a  noble  and  ge- 
nerous charity,  and  not  by  aftupid  infenfibility.  How 
often  does  a  [oft  a'nfwer  turn  away  wrath  ?  And  the 
overlooking  of  an  injury  prevent  farther  trouble,  throw- 
ing water  upon  the  fpark,  before  it  break  forth  into  a 
flame  ?  Hence  if  we  look  upon  meek  and  quiet  perfons, 
we  fhall  ordinarily  find  them  happy  in  the  peace  of 
their  families,  and  favour  and  kindnefs  of  all  their 
neighbours  :  whereas  the  angry,  quarrelfome,  and  ma- 
licious perfon  is  an  eye-fore  to  all  about  him,  his 
neighbours  fhun  him,  his  feirvants  dread  him,  and  all 
abhor  and  avoid  him.    And  therefore  the  obfcrvation 

of 


12  2  1  1 )  tty 

our  Lord,  is  i  :n  c\pofing 

us  toi  that  by  the  m  I 

prove  the  bed  n  ire  our  tranquillity.     P< 

ball  be  the  reward  pi  :. 

Bu  i  laftly,  fomc  will  tell  us,  that  the  love  of 
mies,  and  pardoning  injuries  i-  IllCOflfiftent  with  the 
principles  of  honour,  and  will  expole  us  to  oOBtcnpt 
and  deriliun.  But  alas!  to  what  a  lad  pa  fs  arc  wc 
com:,  ir  r.-ithcr  rcafon  nor  religion  may  prJ.erilx  the 
rules  ot  honour;    it*  our   noth  :  mud  be   takefl 

Ron  the  language  of  the  (bos  of  Bel:.?/,  ot  'flrife  and 
vie-'.  It"  to  imitate  the  Deity  in  his  nv»it  glorious 

attribute  of  mercy  and   forgivenefs,  and  become  per- 
fect as  ov.r  I         |   is  per*-.  :',    be 
anted  a  ball  and  difhonourablc  thing;  and  ir"  tor 
this    rain  imaginary  iantaftick  fhadow  of  rep; 
wc  will  violate  all   laws,  humane  and  divine,  and 
feit   eternal    happinefs.      But  who  arc  they  that 
think  the  worfe  of  \  n:  j  \  aii> 
empty  (ooU,  fomc  profane  athciftical   wrd 
judgments  m  t  not  \  iloabl  ,  n  r  then  ; 
having.     Or  uhat  can  the) 
arc  meek  m          y,  imitat            thai  bktibd  ma: 
whom                 toforve?    And  why  do  we < 

name  of  christians,  ifwi  be  aiham'd  ot  the  fpirit 
life  of  chriftianity  ?  Why  d 

nam.   <  :  ,  or    Ion 

revengeful  c.  r,  if  wc  norc 

S  and  c\  Hut  i:  w  D  ha\ 

as  SoJomcfi,    he 
will  tell  us 

;'  tbm 

i 

X  n  0  s 


of  Loving  our  Enemies,       123 

Thus  you  fee  how  unreafonable  thofe  prejudices 
are  which  keep  men  from  the  practice  of  this  neceffary 
duty,  it  remains  now,  that  we  hint  at  fome  helps  for 
the  performance  of  it. 

The  heathens  were  pretty  ingenuous  in  devifing 
motives  of  patience  ;  they  would  tell  us,  that  if  'we 
were  newly  offended,  it  was  too  foon  to  refent  it ;  if 
long  time  fincey  it  was  too  late.  If  the  offender  be  too 
flrotig  for  us,  it  were  folly  to  contend :  if  he  were  too 
weak,  it  were  ajhame:  Are  we  offended  by  afriend9 
let  us  remember  our  old  friendjhip ;  if  by  an  enemy  y 
let  us  do  him  a  kindnefs,  and  he  will  do  fo  no  more. 
But  chriftianity  will  direct  us  to  better  means  for  com- 
pofing  the  foul  into  the  meeknefs  and  charity  which  it 
does  require. 

i  The  firft  I  (hall  recommend  is  humility.  Let  us 
learn  to  have  low  thoughts  of  our  felves,  and  then  we 
both  fhall  have  fewer  enemies,  and  be  more  inclined  to 
love  them.  Pride  and  felf- conceit  makes  us  over- 
rate every  petty  injury,  and  inclines  us  to  revenge ; 
but  if  we  conlider  what  poor  contemptible  things  we 
are  in  our  felves,  and  what  we  have  deferv'd,  if  not 
from  men,  yet  from  God,  whofe  inflruments  they  are 
for  our  correction,  we  fhall  be  little  concern'd  at  what 
the  world  calls  affronts,  and  eafily  reconcil'd  to  thofe 
who  have  wrong'd  us. 

Secondly,  Let  us  learn  to  have  a  low  efteem  of 
the  prefent  world,  and  all  things  therein  ;  and  this  will 
cut  off  the  occaflons  of  our  hatred  and  animofities ; 
men  may  wrong  us  in  oiir  fortune  or  reputation,  but 
they  cannot  rob  us  of  piety  and  virtue,  of  the  favour 
of  God,  and  eternal  happinefs.  And  therefore  if  our 
minds  be  once  raifed  above  thofe  tranfitory  vanities,  we 
cannot  meet  with  injuries  worth  the  refenting :  If  wc 

aim 


i  24  I  Duty 

.awn,  tod    the  glory   o:  .;,  we 

(hall  not         I  to  quarrel  and  contend  abour  any  trifling 

d  1  v,   T  -  •:■  qucnt  and 
Id   conduce  much  to  alia;.  :red,  and 

d   ,    fe  us  to  mcckneftand  charity.     Naturalifts  tell  us, 
that  when  fwanni  i  ;  bees  fight   in  1 
difperfed  by  throwing  dult  among  them,      1 
our  thou;  .  upon  t     . 1 

mult  all  1!  turn,  we  (hould 

our  quarrels  and  ani::  bile  WC  i  about 

{mall  things,  littk 

on  apace,  and  will  fwallow  np  the  vk 
quiilicd,  him  that   is  in  the  right,  and  him  that  is  in 
the  wrong.     1     I  b    k  up    1  the  prii  ai  - 
or   publ:  rid  an 

hundred  years  ago;    where  arc  ti, 
then  J  They  arc  all  |  >wn  into  the  dark  and  G- 

Dcath  hath   decided  theft 
and  within  1 
fend  us  all  d 
and  il  1  ill  with  us 

Xha  hould  1 ur  h  ur  lift 

1  H  I  think 

employment  for  I 

B      i    1  iftly,    and    ab  wc  all,    I 

1 

1  •'.: 

cs, 
bow 
I 


vf  Loving  our  Enemies.       125 

fcene  of  his  fufferings,  he  was  acted  by  that  fame 
charity  and  love  to  his  enemies,  which  he  calls  for  ac 
our  hands.  It  was  this  which  moved  him  to  defcend 
from  heaven,  and  cloath  himfelf  with  the  frailties  of 
our  nature,  and  endure  the  troubles  of  a  calamitous 
life,  and  the  pains  of  a  bitter  death,  to  deliver  us  from 
that  eternal  mifery  whereinto  we  had  plung'd  our 
felves.  And  may  not  his  goodnefs  and  mercy  to  us 
mollify  our  hearts,  and  overpower  the  corruption  of  our 
revengeful  nature,  and  infpire  us  with  earned  defires 
and  refolutions  to  imitate  his  blejTed  example  ?  After 
all  that  he  hath  done  and  fuffer'd  for  us,  can  we  be 
guilty  of  fuch  a  mameful  ingratitude,  as  to  deny  him 
this  poor  fatisfa&ion  and  acknowledgment,  to  pardon 
an  enemy  for  his  fake  ?  Has  he  died  for  us  when  we 
Were  his  enemies,  and  fhall  we  refufe  to  live  at  peace 
With  ours  ?  Remember  with  what  patience  he  endured 
the  contradi5fion  bf  /Inner  s  again  ft  himfelf,  with  what 
humility  he  did  condefcend  to  wafh  the  feet  of  that 
wicked  mifcreant,  who  was  at  the  fame  time  refolv'd  to 
betray  him  ?  With  what  mildnefs  he  did  bear  the  fu- 
pine  negligence  and  ftupidity  of  his  difciples,  whoflept 
in  the  time  of  his  agony  ?  What  charity  and  meeknefs 
did  he  evidence  toward  thofe  who  fought  his  life  ?  He 
could  have  called  for  legions  of  angels  to  deilroy  them, 
or  made  the  earth  to  open  her  mouth  and  fwallow  them 
up :  But  he  would  not  employ  his  miraculous  power, 
fave  only  for  their  good,  reiloring  a  fervant's  ear,  and 
reproving  the  prepollerous  zeal  of  him  who  cut  it  off. 
Yea,  while  he  hung  upon  thecrofs,  and  was  approach- 
ing to  the  gates  of  death,  all  the  cruel  pains  of  body3 
and  far  more  intolerable  preffure  of  fpirit  which  he 
then  fuftainedj  did  not  leffen  his  wonderful  tendernefs 

and 


i   6     Tie  Indijpt  Duh>  Sec 

and  arteaion  fee  his  bloody  murderers :   I 

../,  fir  t'c-y  I  !'.'.     L-:  us  be  fre- 

quent and    fcriuus  in  the   medication  of  thefi  thill 
and  it  we  have  any  veneration  for  the  example  or 
Saviour,  and  any  fenfe  of  his  infinite  mercy,  d 
difpofc  us   to    the  practice   of  His  precepts,    and  I 
obedience  of  his  laws,  and  particularly  the iobfa 
of  this  neceiTary,  this  reafonable,  and  delighttul  dm 
that  wc  I<rvc  our  enemies. 


I  II  I 


{    I27    ) 


THE 


Neceflity  and  Advantage 

O  F 

EARLY  AFFLICTIONS, 


Lam.  iii.   27,  28. 

It  is  good  for  a  man  that  he  bear  th& 
yoke  in  his  youth  :  he  Jitteth  alone  and 
keepeth  filence^  becaufe  he  hath  born  it 
tipon  him. 


pi3Siiii3|  H  E  great  difference  and  contrariety  be- 
twixt the  maxims  of  the  worlds  and 
thofe  which  religion  doth  propofe,  is  iri 
nothing  more  obfervable,  than  in  taking 
the  meafures  of  happinefs  and  felicity. 

The  world  accounteth  him  a  happy  man,  who  t n joy- 

edi 


cth  a  perpetual  calm  and  fun-Aline  of  profperity,  wl 

■ant  and  J  never  orei  my 

cloud,  nor  his  tranquillity  interrupted  bj  us 

accident,   and  v.  ho  was   nc 
other   change^    but  tint  which  brought  him  tl 
and  freft  rdiih  ot"  ft  ill  fi 

ments.     But  religion  hath  taught  us  to  I    1.  upon  thib- 
as  a  condition  Bill  of  d  tied 

than  envied,  t  d.    It  hath 

taught  us  to  confider  afflictions  as  infta  the  di- 

vine goodnefs,  as  t<  kens  ;; 
tbe  Lord 

and  that  tl  ia- 

tio:  ,   and  may  prove  ufetul  ana  I 

van.  UJfed  is  :  >;    (tilth  the   Plalmift) 

i  01  I:  is  | 

/ ':  / 

And  the  prophet  in  the  text,  /: 
j  He  was  i  ided 

with  the  hca\  i(  hat 

for  the  publick  I 
his  own  particular 

they  t; 

7 

Biftion;    0 

. 

.  mourn,  bo  i  i  the 

tin 

fwordj  and  the  tew  that  R 


of  Early  Afflictions.      129 

wer£  ftarving  for  hutiger.  The  people  did  figh  and 
feek  bread,  they  gave  their  pleafant  things  for  meat  to 
relieve  their  foul ;  the  children  and  fucklings  did  fwoon 
in  the  ftreets,  their  foul  was  poured  out  into  their  mo- 
ther's bofom;  the  women  did  eat  their  fruit,  their 
children  of  a  fpan  long ;  and  the  prophet  had  a  large 
fhare  in  thefe  calamities,  both  by  his  own  intereft, 
and  his  companion  towards  his  neighbour.  /  am  the 
nan,  faith  he,  that  hath  feen  afflicJion  by  the  rod  of  his 
wrath,  furely  againft  me  he  is  turned,  he  turned  his 
hand  againft  me  all  the  day. 

B  u  t  after  he  had  thus  bemoaned  himfelf,  and  given 
fome  vent  to  his  paflion  and  forrow,  he  puts  a  flop  to 
the  current  that  was  grown  too  impetuous,  and  turns 
his  thoughts  another  way  ;  he  acknowledged!  the  juflice 
of  God's  difpenfations,  and  that  it  was  a  favour  that 
they  fufter'd  no  more :  this  I  recal  into  my  mind,  there- 
fore have  I  hope :  It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercy  that  we  are 
not  con  fumed,  becaufe  his  compaffions  fail  noti  they  are 
new  every  morning ;  nay,  when  he  had  further  ponder'd 
the  matter,  he  finds  himfelf  indebted  to  the  goodnefs 
of  God,  even  for  the  afflictions  he  endured.  ft  is 
good  for  a  man,  &c. 

The  bearing  of  the  yoke  is  an  eafy  and  obvious 
metaphor,  importing  the  reflraint  of  liberty,  when  our 
defires  are  denied,  and  we  have  not  our  wills,  cannot 
ramble  up  and  down  as  we  pleafe ;  and  alfo  the  pref- 
fure  of  afflictions  which  gaul  and  torment  us,  under 
which  we  fmart  and  groan  Such  is  the  yoke  which 
the  prophet  tells  us,  it  is  good  for  a  man  that  he  hear. 
A  ftrange  doftrine  indeed  to  fleih  and  blood,  and  O 
how  few  do  believe  it !  we  judge  of  things  by  their 
outward  appearance,  and  as  they  affect  us  at  prefent, 

K  now 


- 
r  ?}    .  id 

d  in  that  w. 
and  tin  pica fant.  lilt 

our 

■        • 

meet  with  . 
ft s  of  blind  but  the  rcful 

atad   unerring  pi 

of  that 

\L  baketh  no  and  mifuks  ot 

rthy  ot"  his 

wilv.  ,    i  uch 

poor  er<  d  in  the 

Id,  to  behold  oar  ans: 

lr  is  our  hap  all 

us  wandring 

ilder 

n  our  gn 

:  nd  with  the 

I  I    nds 

afunder,  ami  i  it"  wc 

only 


of  Early  Afflictions.       t^t 

only  his  hatred  to  fin,  but  his  affection  unto  lis  will 
oblige  him  to  alter  his  method,  and  take  the  rod  in 
his  hand,  and  try  what  feverity  can  do.  God's  de- 
fign  in  afRicting  us,  is  excellently  expreflfed  by  the  au- 
thor to  the  Hebrews,  ch.xii.  v.  10.  He  chajtneth  as 
for  our  profit,  that  we  may  be  partakers  of  his  bolinefs. 
Holinefs  is  the  higheft  perfection,  and  greateit.  happi- 
riefs  we  are  capable  of;  it  is  a  real  participation  of  the 
divine  nature,  the  image  of  God  drawn  on  the  foul ; 
and  all  the  chaftifements  we  meet  with  are  defigned  to 
teduce  us  to  this  bleffed  temper,  to  make  us  like  unto 
himfelf,  and  thereby  capable  to  be  happy  with  him  to 
all  eternity.  This  will  more  clearly  appear,  if  we  re- 
flect on  the  natural  temper  of  our  minds,  and  the  in- 
fluence which  profperous  or  adverfe  fortune  is  wont  to 
have  upon  them. 

And  firft  we  are  naturally  proud  and  felf-conceited, 
we  have  an  high  efteem  of  our  felves,  and  would  have 
every  body  elfe  to  value  and  efteem   us.     This  difcafe 
is  very  deeply  rooted  in  our  corrupt  nature,  it  is  or- 
dinarily the    firft  fin  that  bewrays  it  felf  in  the  little 
actions  and  paflions  of  children,  and  many  times  the 
laft  which  religion  enables  us  to  overcome  :    and  fuch 
is  the  malignity  of  its  nature,  that  it  renders  us  odious 
and  vile  both  in  the  fight  of  God  and  man,     It  can- 
not but   be   infinitely    difpleafing  to  that   great  and 
glorious  Majtfty,  to  fee   fuch  filly  creatures,  whom  he 
hath  brought  forth  out  of  nothing,  and  who  are  every 
moment  ready  to  return  into  it  again,  and  have  nothing 
of  their  own  but  folly,    mifery,  and  fin  ;    to  fee  fuch 
creatures,  I  fay,  either  fo  blind  as  to  value  themfelves, 
or  fo  unreafonable  to  defire  others  to  value  them.  Good 
men  muft  needs  hate  us  for  it,  becaufe  God   doth  fo ; 
and  evil  men  hate  us  for  it,    becaufe  they  are  proud 

K  3  themfelves 


I  3  2  :tage 

themfvlves,  ind  are  fo  j.  i  the  attempts  of  oti 

Ives,  as  of 
and  diminifli   them.      Pride  ilooc  is  the  ind 

fountain  oi  almoft  all  the  difbrders  in  the  workl,  of  all 
OUC  troubles,  and   of  all  our  fins,    and  \\c  (hall  n< 
be  truly  happy,  or  truly  good,  till  we  to  think 

nothing  of  our  felves,  and  be  content  that  all  the 
think  nothing  of  us.  Norn  thetc  is  nothing  hath  a  n 
natural  tendency  to  foment  and  heighten  this  nan 
corruptiona  than  conftant  profperity  and  fuccefs.  '1 
Pfalmift,  (peaking  of  the  profperity  of  the  wick 
v.  ho  are  not  in  trouble  as  others,  neither  are  they 
plagued  like  other  men,  prefently  fubjoineth  tbeefl 
tbcrefori  ft  ■    .'     '  ..'..-  '   .  I  *. 

Sanctified  alHtdions  contribute  to  abate  and  mortify 
the  pride  of  our  hearts,  to  prick  the  fwelling  im- 
pofthume,     to  make  us  (enfible   of   our   weukneis,  and 

convince  ns  of  our  fins,    t         tbGadof  ''r 

of  men,  and  feal  tbeir  injl  ,  ywitb- 

/';;  cords  cf .  ■  c 

Alllia i<  put    us  o\\  the   (larch  to  find   out 

the  herewith  wc  ha  *         tnd 

ke  us  ra  heinonfnefi  and  maHg- 

nity  1 1  their  nature.     /  Ep  iraim 

/  td  I 

.  ■      :       \  ki  ; 
.     / 

•  /  was  cbaftifed  1  re- 
I  fmot  igb% 

I  WM\ 

•  Pfcl.lxxiu  ,      .  ■.-.  i.  8,  p. 

,        .   xx    xi.    iS,  19. 


of  Early  Afflictions.       133 

/  was  aJJoamed,  yea  even  confounded,  becaufe  I  did  bear 
the  reproach  of  my  youth. 

Another  diftemper  of  our  minds,  is  our  too 
great  affection  to  the  world,  and  worldly  things.  We 
are  all  too  apt  to  fet  our  hearts  wholly  upon  them,  to 
take  up  our  reft,  and  feek  our  happinefs  and  fatisfaction 
in  them •  but  God  knows  that  thefe  may  well  divert 
and  amufe  a  while,  they  can  never  fatisfy  or  make 
us  happy;  that  the  fouls  which  he  made  for  himfelf, 
can  never  reft,  till  they  return  unto  him,  and  therefore 
he  many  times  findeth  it  neceflary  either  to  remove  our 
comforts,  or  imbitter  them  unto  us •  to  put  aloes  and 
wormwood  on  the  breafts  of  the  world,  that  thereby 
we  may  wean  our  hearts  from  it,  and  carry  them  to 
the  end  of  their  being,  the  fountain  of  their  bleifednefs 
and  felicity.  The  few  and  little  comforts  of  this  life, 
(faith  a  perfon  of  great  quality  and  worth)  notwith- 
standing all  the  troubles  and  croffes  with  which  they 
are  interlarded,  are  apt  to  keep  the  hearts  even  of  good 
men,  in  too  great  love  of  this  world;  what  would  be- 
come of  us  if  our  whole  life  mould  be  altogether  prof* 
perous  and  contenting,  without  any  intermixture  of 
croffes  and  afflictions  ?  It  is  too  probable  we  mould 
never  look  any  farther,  but  conclude  with  Peter  on  the 
mount  of  transfiguration,  Lord,  it  is  good  to  be  here. 
As  Almighty  God  hath  a  very  great  affection  to  us 
fo  he  is  very  defirous  of  our  love ;  not  that  it  bringeth 
any  advantage  to  him,  but  becaufe  it  is  our  greateft 
happinefs  and  perfection,  he  beftoweth  his  mercies  to 
gain  our  hearts;  but  when  we  begin  to  doat  on  the 
gifts,  and  forget  the  giver,  he  becomes  jealous,  and 
takes  them  away,  that  he  may  not  have  any  rival  m 
our  affection.  And  certainly  it  is  no  fmall  advantage 
50  ha^ve  our  hearts  in  any  meafure  looftn'd  from  the 

k  3  y^y, 


134 

s  us 

- 
- 

this 
it  v.  i 

■ 
rifco,  and  tl 
thrcatocth  I 
m  I 

their 

the] 

I  d     I  ■ 

re- 
our 


* 


of  Early  Afflictions.       135 

infenfible,  that  we  feldom  value  any  of  the  divine 
mercies,  till  we  find  what  it  is  to  want  them  ;  we  put 
very  little  value  on  our  food  and  raiment,  and  the  or- 
dinary means  of  our  fubfiftence,  unlefs  we  have  been 
Sometimes  pinched  with  want;  we  confider  not  how 
much  we  are  indebted  to  God  for  preferving  our  friends, 
till  fome  of  them  be  removed  from  us.  How  little  do 
we  commonly  prize  our  health,  if  we  have  never  had 
experience  of  ficknefs  or  pain  ?  Where  is  the  man  who 
doth  ferioufly  blefsGod  for  his  nightly  quiet  and  repofe  ? 
And  yet  if  ficknefs  or  trouble  deprive  us  of  it,  we  then 
find  it  to  have  been  a  great  and  invaluable  mercy,  and 
that  it  is  God  who  giveth  his  beloved  Jleep. 

Once  more,  profperity  rendreth  us  infenfible  of 
the  miferies  and  calamities  of  others :  thofe  who  were 
at  eafe  in  Zion  did  not  grieve  for  the  afflictions  ofjofeph 
But  afflictions  do  {often  the  heart,  and  make  it  more 
tender  and  kindly3  and  we  are  always  moil  ready  to 
companionate  thofe  griefs  which  our  feives  have  fome- 
time  endured  3  the  fufferings  of  others  make  the  deepeft 
impreflions  upon  us,  when  they  put  us  in  mind  of  our 
own.  It  is  mentioned  as  a  powerful  motive  to  engage 
the  children  of  Ifracl  to  be  kind  and  merciful  to  Gran- 
gers, that  they  knew  very  well  the  heart  of  a  fir  anger  % 
having  been  fir  angers  them  feives  in  Egypt.  Now  this 
tender  and  companionate  temper  doth  well  become  a 
chriitian,  whofe  duty  it  is  to  weep  with  thofe  that  weep9 
and  to  have  as  deep  a  fenfe  and  feeling  of  the  griefs 
of  others,  as  he  is  wont  to  have  of  his  own. 

These,  and  many  more  advantages  do  fanftified 
$nd  well  improved  affli&ions  bring  to  a  chriitian,  on 
the  account  of  which  it  is  good  for  him  that  he  hath 
horn  the  yoke.  But  I  haften  to  that  which  is  mentioned 
in  ;he  texta  only  by  the  way  (that  I  may  not  need  to 

K  ^  return^ 


136     Tie  Ncccffity  a>:d  Advantage 

return)  let  me  take  notice  of  the  k$  is   here 

mendon'd  as  the  fitteft  :or  a  man  to  bear  ai  It 

is  got  '     '    t  bear  the  yd 

\\   1    are  All  v.  llling  to  put  orf  the  evil  day,  and  i 
mud  needs  bear  the  yoke,  we  \. 

delayed  till  we  grow  old,  we  think  it  fad  to  have  our 
morning  overeaft  with  clouds,  to  meet  withaftorm 
before  we  have  v. ell  launched  forth  from  th  we 

arc  wont  to  indulge  and  applaud  children  and  young 
folks   in   their    tn  licks    and    jovial  boa  ind  tell 

them,  they  will  have  time  enough  h  nhles 

when  they  grow  older  j  we  turn  thai 
into  a  ferious  advice,  R<  mtO  aby 

tcf  thine 
eyes.  But  the  divine  wifdom,  which  koowcth  what  is 
fit  for  us,  doth  many  times  make  ch 
years,  as  the  mod  proper  to  tccuftom  us  to  the  I 
of  the  yoke,  and  a  little  conlideration  v.  ill  make  us 
difcover  the  advantages  ol  this  feafbn  tor  differing  afflic- 
tions ;  they  being  at  that  time  melt  1  \,  mod 
tolerable,  and  moll  advan:.  they 
are  then   mod  mccllar\  .               mh   is  the  I  our 

lift  wherein   we  arc   in  greatefl  danger  to  run  into 
wild  and  extravagant  courfes ;  our  bio  d  is  hoe,  ind 
fpirits  nnftayed  and  giddy,  wc  haw  1 
to  be  govern'd  by  others,  and  too  little  wifiiom  tog 
vern  our  (elves.    The  yok<  is  then  efpecially  needful 

to  tame  our  wildncfs,  and  reduce  us  to  a  due  itayedrufs 
and COmpofure  <>!  mind.  Then  alio  it  is  moil  fupport- 
able,  the  bod)  is  Qrong  and  healthful,  kfs  apt  to  be 
affected  with  the  troubles  of  the  mind  ;  the  fpirit  ftout 
and  vigorous,  will  not  fp  tafily  break  and  link  ui 
them.  Old  ngc  is  a  burden,  and  will  (^on  faint  UftdeC 
any   fupervenient   load,  the  fmalkfl  trouble  is  enough 

H 


of  Early  Afflictions.      137 

to  bring  down  grey  hairs  with  forrow  to  the  grave  - 
and  therefore  {ince  we  mull:  meet  with  afflictions,  it  is 
certainly  a  favourable  circumftance  to  have  them  at  the 
time  of  our  life  wherein  we  are  moll  able  to  endure 
them.  And  laflly,  the  leflbns  which  afflictions  teach 
us  are  then  molt  advantageous  when  we  learn  them 
betimes,  that  we  may  have  the  ufe  of  them  in  the  con- 
duct of  our  after  lives.  An  early  engagement  into  the 
ways  of  religion  is  a  great  felicity,  and  the  means 
whereby  this  is  to  be  erfecled  can  never  be  too  foon 
adminifired.  Youth  is  more  foft  and  pliable,  and  evil 
difpofitions  are  more  eafily  cured,  before  time  and 
cuilom  have  hardned  us  in  them.  A  tree  needs  little 
force  to  bend  it  when  it  is  young,  and  there  needeth 
the  lefs  of  the  rod,  if  the  child  be  brought  under  dis- 
cipline betimes.  And  thus  on  many  accounts  it  is  good 
for  a  man  to  bear  the  yoke  in  his  youth. 

W  e  proceed  to  that  particular  advantage  of  sffl:c- 
tion  which  is  mention'd  in  the  text,  he  fitteth  alone9 
and  keepeth  fiknee,  becaufe  he  hath  horn  it  upon  him. 
The  words  are  capable  of  a  two-fold  interpretation, 
and  both  fuit  well  with  the  purpofe  ;  for  we  may  ci- 
ther underftand  them  properly  of  folttude  and  filence, 
or  metaphorically,  of  patience,  and  quiet  fubmijjinn ; 
both  of  which  are  the  good  effeds  of  fanftiried  and 
well  improved  afflictions ;  and  accordingly  we  mail 
fay  fomething  to  both.  Nature  hath  made  us  fociable 
creatures,  but  corruption  hath  carried  this  inclination 
unto  excefs ;  fo  that  raoft  perfons  think  it  an  intolera- 
ble burden  to  be  any  confiderable  time  alone ;  though 
they  love  themfelves  out  of  meafure,  yet  they  cannot 
endure  their  own  converfation,  they  had  rather  be 
hearing  and  difcourfing  of  the  moll  naughty  and  tri- 
vial things,   than  be  fitting  alone  and  holding  their 

peace. 


ntagc 
peace.    ( 

nan  u  free  of  trouble 

::n- 

« 

IC  mouth,  to 

com  par.  ,   and   lie   ii; 

to  him,  >nc  and  ke.  - 

1     list] 

,    /' 

,:ich  \\L 

(uftain  b  d  with  -  and  on 

haod,    I  .'-iit   in1 

maV  acnt,  v. . 

incline 

D    .. 

i.    • 

i  he  is  ft!  ;.  man  m 

and 

I,  thai  mucji 
i   a  rcmUfiu 

:th  and  ;  the 


of  Early  Afflictions.       139 

bent  of  our  minds,  and  difpofeth  us  to  foftnefs,  and 
eafy  compliances.  We  find  it  hard  enough  at  any 
time  to  compofe  our  fpirits  to  that  ftayednefs  and  fe- 
verity  which  religion  doth  require ;  but  if  we  be  too 
much  in  company  with  others,  it  is  altnoft  impofTible 
to  maintain  it.  That  chearfulnefs  and  complaifance 
which  is  judged  neceflary  to  render  converfation  agree- 
able, doth  eafily  degenerate  into  levity  and  fin  ;  and 
we  are  very  ready  to  difpleafe  our  Maker,  when  we  are 
too  intent  on  pleafing  our  friends.  This  loofe  frame 
and  diffipation  of  mind,  which  fociety  doth  occa(ion3 
made  a  good  man  complain,  ex  homnum  confortlo 
jfemper  venio  minus  hoino\  that  he  always  came  out  of 
company  lefs  a  man. 

Another  prejudice  we  receive  by  fociety  is, 
that  it  fills  our  minds  with  noxious  images,  and  forti- 
fies our  corrupt  notions  and  opinion  of  things.  Our 
hearts  are  naturally  too  much  addided  to  the  things 
of  the  world,  we  mind  them  too  much,  and  put  too 
high  a  value  upon  them;  and  the  difcourfes  we  hear 
redouble  the  temptation,  by  bringing  them  continually 
into  our  thoughts,  and  fetting  them  off  to  the  greateil 
advantage.  When  we  are  alone  in  a  fober  temper, 
and  take  time  to  reflect  and  confider  of  things,  we  are 
fometimes  perfuaded  of  the  vanity  and  worthlefnefs  of 
all  thofe  glittering  trifles  whereunto  the  generality  of 
mankind  are  fo  fadly  bewitched ;  but  when  we  come 
abroad,  and  liflen  to  the  common  talk,  and  hear  people 
fpeak  of  greatnefs,  and  riches,  and  honour,  with  concern 
and  admiration,  we  quickly  forget  our  more  fober  and 
deliberate  thoughts,  and  fufter  our  felves  to  be  carried 
away  with  the  ftream  of  the  common  opinion ;  and 
tho*  the  effe&  be  not  fo  fudderj  and  obfervable,  yet 

thefe 


t  ^o     The  Ncccffn  v  and  A  k  wit  age 

theft  clifcuirfcs  tre  (till  making  (on  and  infen- 

fible  impreffions  upon  us. 

Thus  alfoii  our  judgment  conupted  about  the 
qualities  and  endowments  of  the  mind.    Courage  and 

gallantry,  wit  and  eloquence,  and  Other  lop  mplifh- 
ments  of  this  nature,  are  magnified  and  extolled  be- 
yond all  mcafurc,  whereas  humility,  and  mcckixfs, 
and  devotion,  and  all  thofc  chriitian  gra  _h  ren- 

der  a  foul  truly  excellent  and  \  |    as 

mean  and  contemptible  thin  tho1  men   have  not 

the  impudence   formally  to   ma!  mparHbo,  and 

prefer  the  former,    yet  their  very  air,  and  I  dif- 

courfmg  about  theft  things,  Cufficiently  teftifics  tl 
opinion.  With  what  afreet  ion  and  concernment  will 
they  repreftnt  a  gallant  or  learned  man,  but  how  faint- 
ly do  they  utter  the  character  of  a  good  man  1  And  (a 
incenfuring  mens  tailings,  they  exaggerate  the  fmalleil 
inft.  aknefi  or  imprudence,   but  I:  .itly 

pnoughofthe  greateft  crimes.  Drtmkeqpds  and 

dom  are  mention  \i  in  fuch  terms,  a  :le  dn[~c 

of  their  heinous  nature,  and  tend  to  leilen  the    horror 

:ld  have  of  them  ;    ambition  and  revenge,  and 

i    other    plauiiblc  vices,     arc    rather  allowed  than 

ind  while  we  converft  in  the  world,  and 

re  ft    Llftom'd  to  fuch    reprefentations   of  things,    our 

thereby  exceedingly  corruptees  and  we 

ertain  falfc  and  pernicious  maxima  j  and  fo  hard  it 

d  our  (eh  inft  the  contagion,  that  we 

Slence,  than  be  coiuinu- 

.  to  the  temptation. 

i  ;hai  i.  mention  but  another  ofth 

mmonly  attended.   The  mod 
tS  arc  the  faults 

wofiritur,  wW 

ah  i 


of  Early  Afflictions.       141 

nliena  defcribitur.  We  meet  and  talk,  and  fall  to  de- 
fcribe  the  life  and  deportment  of  others  ;  were  this  one 
theme  of  difcourfe  difcharged,  we  would  oft-times  find 
but  little  to  fay;  I  fcarce  know  any  fault  whereof  good 
perfons  are  fo  frequently  guilty,  and  fo  little  fenfible ; 
they  know  perhaps  the  things  are  true,  and  they  have 
no  malicious  defign  in  reporting  them,  they  tell  them 
only  as  they  do  the  publick  news,  to  divert  themfdves, 
and  gratify  their  friends.  But  would  we  confult  our 
own  hearts,  and  apply  the  great  rule  of  rigbteoufnefs, 
of  doing  unto  others  as  we  would  be  done  unto  our 
felves,  we  mould  foon  be  convinced  of  a  great  deal 
more  guilt  and  iinfulnefs  in  fuch  difcourfes,  than  we 
are  wont  to  apprehend.  How  ill  do  we  take  it  to  have 
our  own  failings  thus  expofed,  and  to  hear  that  any 
perfon  hath  made  as  bold  with  us,  as  we  are  wont  to 
make  with  others  ?  Again,  how  loath  would  we  be, 
that  the  perfons  of  whom  we  fpeak  fo  freely,  mould 
over-hear  our  difcourfe,  or  be  informed  of  it  ?  Now  if 
the  practice  had  nothing  blameable  in  it,  why  mould 
we  be  fo  fhy  to  avow  it  ? 

I  have  only  hinted  at  thefe  things,  but  he  who 
fhall  ferioully  ponder  them,  will  acknowledge  there  is 
no  little  prejudice  even  in  thofe  entertainments,  which 
pafs  for  very  innocent  in  the  world,  and  that  he  fhun- 
neth  much  guilt,  and  many  fnares,  who  fittetb  akfie 
and  keepeth  filence.  But  folitude  and  retirement  do 
not  only  deliver  us  from  thefe  inconveniencies,  but  alfo 
afford  very  excellent  opportunities  for  bettering  our 
fouls  :  Thofe  hours  we  mifpend  in  needlefs  vifits,  and 
idle  talk,  if  rightly  improved,  might  fet  us  a  great 
way  forward  on  our  journey  to  heaven  ;  while  we  are 
too    bufy  in  making  or    entertaining    acquaintance 

with 


t  4.  ige 

iany  times  tall  out* 
and  our  fell 

ane  an  J  irr 

.         .  •     Ir   •  : 
mud  ,  and  the  m 

in  piety  and  g 

t,  tod  r  it  is 

that   the   devout  foi.l  t. 

conl 

i 

die 

•  punor  l 

r  more  of 

I 

the  original  i  I 

as 

of  it  :iltly 

..... 
the  ^  )>.: 

I 

I 

.1  pletfiireSj  which  d< 

vhcu 


of  Early  Afflictions.       143 

when  having  got  out  of  the  noife  and  hurry  of  the 
world,  they  fit  alone  and  keep  filence,  contemplating 
the  divine  perfections,  which  mine  fo  confpicuoufly 
in  all  his  works  of  wonder,  admiring  his  greatnefs, 
and  wifdom,  and  love,  and  revolving  his  favours  to- 
wards themfelves ;  opening  before  him  their  griefs  and 
their  cares,  and  disburdening  their  fouls  into  his  bo- 
fom ;  protcfting  their  allegiance  and  fubjection  unto 
him,  and  telling  him  a  thoufand  times  that  they  love 
him  ;  and  then  liftning  unto  the  voice  of  God  within 
their  hearts,  that  full  and  quia  voice,  which  is  not 
wont  to  be  heard  in  the  ftreets,  that  they  may  hear 
what  God  the  Lord  will  fpeak  \  for  he  will  fpeak  peace 
unto  his  people,  ana  ta  his  faints,  and  vifit  them  with 
the  expreflions  of  his  love.  No  wonder  if  thrfe  blefied 
fouls  who  have  tailed  the  pleafures  of  holy  retirement, 
and  found  themfelves  as  it  were  in  the  fuburbs  of  hea- 
ven, grow  weary  of  company  and  affairs,  and  long 
for  the  returning  of  thofe  happy  hours,  as  the  hireling 
for  the  ihades  of  the  evening :  no  wronder  they  pity 
the  foolifh  bufy  world,  who  fpend  their  days  in  vanity, 
and  know  not  what  it  is  indeed  to  live. 

But  here  I  would  not  be  miftaken,  as  if  I  recom- 
mended a  total  and  conflant  retirement,  or  perfuaded 
men  to  forfake  the  world,  and  betake  themfelves  into 
defarts  -,  no  certainly,  we  muft  not  abandon  the  flations 
wherein  God  hath  placed  us,  nor  render  our  felves  ufe- 
lefs  to  mankind :  Solitude  hath  its  temptations,  and 
we  may  be  fometimes  very  bad  company  to  our  felves. 
It  was  not  without  reafon  that  a  wife  perfon  warned 
another,  who  profefs'd  to  delight  in  converting  with 
himfelf,  vide  ut  cum  homine  probo ;  have  a  care  that 
you  be  keeping  company  with  a  good  man.  Abufed 
•folitude  may  whet  mens  paflions,  and  irritate  their  lufts, 

and 


1 44    Tfc  Necejjii  v  and  A  i        g* 

r.iui  prompt  them  to  things  which  C  wHd  tt+ 

ilrain,    and   this  made  one  fay,  that  -s  much 

c,  muft  eitber  be  a  flint  or  a  devil,     M 
which  inclines  men  moll  to  retirement,  is  often  too 
much   nooriflied  and  tbmented    by  it,    and  thcfC  is  a 
pcevtfh  and  fullen  loncliiuTs,   which  fine  people  ar. 

under  their  troubles,  whereby  they  teed  on  difconten: 
thoughts,    and  find   a   kind  of  pcrvcrfe  pLafure  10  re- 
filling to  be  comforted.     But  all  this  fays  no  more,  but 
that  good  things  may  be  abufed  ;   and  excels  rdct 

may   turn  the  moll    whoUbnc  lex  id  hlCU  And 

therefore,    tho'  I  would   nor   indifferently  tend 

much   folitude  unto  all,    yet  fure   I  may  lay,   it  l 
good  for   the  moll  part  of  men    that  they  were  lets  in 
company,  and  more  alonr. 

T  h  o  s  much  of  the  rirft  and  proper  fenfe  d( 
c.Jn:c  and  keeping  f  fence  i     we  told  you  it   might  I 
import  a  quiet  and  patient  fubmilfion   to   the  will 
God,  the  laying  of  our  hand  on  our  mouth,  that  no 
expreffion    of  murmur    or  difcontent    may    efcftpc  I 
1  WMS  (htwb,  faid  the  Pfalmill,   / 

■ufc  tbcu    dtdft  it*.      And   the    prophet  dd 
our  Saviour's  patience,  that  le  WMS  cpprcffedy  and  I 
eiffliflcd,  yet  be  rpened  no:  brougbt 

eis  a  Limb  to  tl  ,  mi  as  a  ftier 

Jbearers   is  d:in;l\  fo  be  opened  net  bis  mcutb.     Iiu.. 

a  medeft  and  nnftffe&ed  fiknoi  is  a  good  way  to  ex- 

prefs  our  liibnii  fuVn  to  the  hand  of  God  under  afllictions. 
The  heathen  moralifts,  who  pretend  much  to  patK' 
Mild  never  hold  their  peace,   but  delired  alWtJW  b 
nali/.c  thcmfclves  by  fomc  fetches  of  wit,  and  cxprdl 

of 


*  I'ul.  xxix.  9.        |  Ifi.  liii.  7. 


t>f  Early  Afflictions.      145 

of  unufual  courage;  but  certainly  the  mute  and  quiet 
chriftian  behaved  himfelf  much  better,  loquaciffimum 
illud  filentium,  that  eloquent  and  expreffive  fiknce  faith 
more  than  all  their  vain  and  iloical  boaftings.  We 
cannot  now  infift  in  any  length  on  this  chriftian  duty 
of  patience,  and  fubmiflion  to  the  will  of  God ;  we 
fhali  only  fay  two  things  of  it,  which  the  text  irnport- 
eth ;  firft,  that  this  leflbn  is  moil  commonly  learned  in 
the  fchool  of  afflictions,  be  fittetb  alone  and  keepetb 
filence,  becaufe  be  bath  born  it  upon  bim.  In  that  fore- 
cited  place  oi  Jeremiah,  xxxi.  18.  Ephraim  bemoaning 
himfelf,  acknowledged  that  be  bad  been  as  a  bullock 
unaccufiomed  to  the  yoke,  which  maketh  the  greater  re- 
lu&ancy  againfl  it.  Children  that  are  much  indulged, 
are  the  more  impatient  if  they  come  to  be  eroded,  and 
there  is  too  much  of  the  child  in  us  all.  The  apoftle 
tells  us,  that  tribulation  workeib  patience  *.  Cuflom 
makes  every  thing  more  tolerable  unto  us,  and  if  it 
pleafe  God  to  fan&ify  the  firil  ftroak,  the  fecond  is  re- 
ceived with  the  greater  fubmiflion.  The  other  thing  I 
have  to  fay  on  this  duty  is,  that  this  advantage  of 
afflictions  is  very  great  and  defirable,  that  it  is  indeed 
very  good  for  a  man  to  have  bom  the  yoke  in  bis  youth \ 
if  he  hath  thereby  learned  to  fit  alone  and  keep  filence 
when  the  band  of  the  Lord  is  upon  bim.  There  is 
nothing  more  acceptable  unto  God,  no  object  more 
lovely  and  amiable  in  his  eyes,  than  a  foul  thus  pro- 
ftrate  before  him,  thus  entirely  refign*d  unto  his  holy 
will,  thus  quietly  fubmitting  to  his  fevereft  difpenfa- 
tions  ;  nor  is  it  lefs  advantageous  unto  our  felves,  but 
fweetneth  the  bktereft    occurrences  of  our  lire,    and 

L  makes 


*  Rom,  v.  j. 


1 4.6  Tie  NeceJJity  and  Advantage^  fee. 

makes  us  relifh  an  inward  and  facte  pleafure,  not- 
withflanding  all  the  fmart  of  tffliftioo  ;  (o  that  the 
yoke  bo  :pportable,  the  rod  it  (elf  comforts  0$, 

and  we  find  much  more  delight  in  flittering  the  will  of 
God,  than  it"  he  had  granted  us  out  own. 

N  0  W  to  this  God  who  lovcth  us,  and  corrected! 
us  for  our  proHr,  that  we  may  be  partakers  or'  his  holi- 
defs,  and  thereby  of  his  happinefs,  to  God  the  Father, 
Son,  and  bkiied  Spirit,  be  all  honour,  praife,  and 
glory  now  and  for  ever.     A 


That 


(  147  ) 


That  there  are  but  a  fmall 
Number  favecl 


Luke    xiii.  23. 

Then   /aid    one    unto    him.    Lord,    are 
there    few   that   be  faved :     and  he 
/aid   unto  them>  &c. 


HOSE  who  have  fo  much  charity  and 
goodnefs  as  to  be  nearly  touched  with 
the  interelt  of  mankind,  cannot  but  be 
more  efpecially  concerned  about  their; 
everlailing  condition,  and  very  anxious  to  know  what 
fhall  become  of  poor  mortals  when  this  fcene  is  over, 
and  they  ceafe  to  appear  on  the  ftage  of  the  world, 

L  2  being 


That  thcr:  ate  hit 

ive  an  account  of  their  d  tent 

on  it.     And   feci  .re  arc  d 

of  departed  fouls 
rtcd  into  happineft,  and  others  dootn'd  to 
b  y  nd  any  thing  that  we  can  conceive,  this 
.   put  them  upon  tarthcr  enquiry,  how  mankind  is 
like  Co  be  divided)  whether  heaven  or  hell  flu 
the  |  (hare*    Such  a  laudable  coriofity  as  this  it 

was,  that  put  one  of  our  blefled  Saviour's  followers  to 
pronofe  the  queftion  in  the  text,    / 
t    :  ?  Our  Saviour  had  Ik  en  U 

the    great   fj  lid  have,  h<uv   lik 

little  leaven,  that   qui.  a  hole  lump 

it  is  put  into,  chriftianity  fhould  foon  propagate  itlelf 
through   the  world,    and   many  nations  e 

•  i:  ;    this  diieiple  it  feems  was  dcfilOUS  to 

know,  wl  ct]  er  th<  efficacy  ihould  beanfwexahlc 

(  Kent,  whetherit  ftiould  take  as  d< 

i     thofc  that  own'd  it,   as  it  was  to  Ipread  ii 

and  a  the  fac<  earth  ;  in  awa  ether 

the  greatefl  men  were  to  be  ft  [called 

this  a  laudable   cut;-  !;:;,,  and  there  IS  rcaion   to  think 

it  fo,  ;..  -  our  Savi  ur  himfelf,  who  beft  knew  the 
<  afion  and  importance  1 1  it,  doth  not  cluck  but  fa- 
ti  v  the  ei  ;  iiry,  which  he  was  not  wont  to  do  v. 
the  queftions  were  ufdefs  or  blameable.  Th  Ic  who 
c  quir'dioto  the  time  of  the  general  judgment,  received 
no  other  tea  unt  but  that  it  was  i 

among   th  rts  which  God  rcferved  tor  himi 

:  rid  Again,  wh  asked   f  the  tim  li*£m 

,:    .  I  r     ,  I  etelh  them  i  u 

it  i'<  r  them,  ii  at  all  to 

1.  I )ut  here,   as  the   qud 

fecap  \  .  a  zeal  to  the  honour  H 

God, 


a  ftnall  Number  faved.  149 

God,  and  concernment  in  the  happinefs  of  mankind, 
fo  the  refolution  of  it  might  be  very  ufeful ;  and  ac- 
cordingly it  is  improved  by  our  Saviour  ;  who  at  once 
refolves  the  doubt,  and  preffeth  a  very  weighty  exhor- 
tation in  the  following  words,  ftrive  to  enter  in,  &c« 
We  are  not  at  this  time  to  profecute  the  whole  impor- 
tance of  this  latter  verfe,  for  that  we  refer  you  to  an 
excellent  fermon,  intitled,  tfhe  way  to  happinefs ;  we 
fhall  only  confider  the  anfwer  which  is  implyM  in  it  to 
the  foregoing  queflion ;  to  wit,  that  the  number  of  thofe 
who.  are  to  be  faved  is  really  very  fmall. 

I  t  is  on  this  point  we  defign  to  fix  our  meditations 
at  this  time,  and  indeed  there  is  fcarce  any  do&rine 
that  needeth  to  be  more  inculcated;  for  amongft  all 
the  ilratagems  whereby  the  great  enemy  of  mankind 
doth  plot  and  contrive  their  ruin,  few  are  more  un- 
happily fuccefsful,  than  the  fond  perfuafion  he  hath 
filled  them  with,  that  heaven  and  everlalling  happinefs 
are  eafily  attainable.  What  one  faith  of  wifdom, 
multi  ad  [apientiam  percent ffent  nifi  putaffent  fe  per- 
veniffe,  we  may,  with  a  little  alteration,  apply  unto 
this  purpofe;  that  many  might  have  reach'd  heav  ■  if 
they  had  not  been  fo  confident  of  it.  The  doors  of 
the  chriftian  church  are  now  very  wide,  and  men  have 
accefs  unto  them  upon  eafy  terms ;  nay,  this  privilege 
defcends  unto  men  by  their  birth,  and  they  are  reckoned 
among  chriftians  before  they  come  well  to  know  what 
it  means.  The  ordinances  and  myfteries  of  our  reli- 
gion are  common  to  all,  fave  thofe  whom  grofs  igno- 
rance, or  notorious  crimes  do  exclude  ;  there  are  no 
marks  on  the  foreheads  of  men  whereby  we  can  judge 
of  their  future  condition,  they  die  and  are  laid  in  their- 
graves,  and  none  cometh  back  to  tell  us  how  it  fareth 
wjth  them,  and  we  defire  to  think  the  belt  of  every 

&  J  particular 


150  Hat  there  arc  but 

particular   perfon.      But  whatever  charirv  be  in  this 
there  is  little  prudence  in  the  :.cc  that  many  draw 

from  ir,   who  think  they   may  live   as  their  UTS 

do,  j     I  die         tppily  as  they ;  and  fincc  the  grcateft 

y  DJ  !  .1    ;.    .    :.:  a 

very  if  all  o: 

perl  :i  a  flock  or'  fheep  on.  a  I 

the  firft  letpeth  over,  and  the  reft  not  knowing  what 
is  become  of  thofc  that  went  I  them 

loll  companions  into  that  h  in.    En- 

tered and  fcl  blind  the   minds  of 

men,  that  1  be   put  from  the  be 

that  v  :      1  :..   .   «       d  I    :  y  tain  ha  I  |       1   i: 

is,  that  ni  twkhftanding  of  all  we  are  t<ld  to  the  con- 
trary, the  opinion  1  :oadiufs  of  the  way  tl 
leads  to  heaven,  and  th.  §  unto  ir,  is  ilill  the 
mr  nick,  and  I  think  the  mod  danger  ashen 
Many  of  the  commonalty  are  fo  ignorant  as  to  aro*  it, 
and  the  ftrange  fecurity  o(  •  lowing  perfons  doth 
as  loudly  pi  claim  it.  [know  h<  and  an  un- 
welcome errand,  wh  M  minds 
fuch  1  pleafimt  ^nd  Battering  error,  but 

at  Hull  we  <.l\  (hall  wc  Puffer  them  to  Qeep  on  and 
everlafting  flames  awake  them  ? 
their  blood  on  1  ds,  and  ini  1 

our  Lives  in  their  ruin,  by  ■  ig  to  adrertttc  them 

their  ha:  No,  my  friends,  duty  docfa  oblige 

us,  and  the   holy  Scriptures   will  warrant  us  to  aiii:rc 

u,  that  there  arc  rer]  %  /,  that 

:,d  that 
I 
fiom  f. 

T  hat 


I  :..  v 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  151 

That  this  certain  tho'  lamentable  truth  may  take 
the  deeper  impreflion  on  our  minds,  we  fhall  firft  pro- 
pofe  fome  confiderations  for  the  better  underftanding 
what  great  things  are  required  in  thofe  who  look  for 
everlafting  happinefs,  and  then  reflect  on  the  actions  and 
ways  of  men ;  that  comparing  the  one  with  the  other, 
we  may  fee  how  little  ground  of  hope  there  is  for  the 
greateft  part  to  build  on. 

First  then,  confider  the  nature  of  that  divine 
Majefty,  whofe  prefence  and  enjoyment  it  is  that  makes 
heaven  it  felf  deferable  ;  and  think  how  inconfiftent  it 
is  with  his  infinite  holinefs,  to  admit  impure  and  im- 
penitent finners  into  the  habitation  of  his  glory.  Cer- 
tainly he  is  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evil,  and  can- 
not  look  on  iniquity  *.  He  is  not  a  God  that  hath  plea- 
fare  in  wickednefsy  neither  Jloall  evil  dwell  with  him  : 
the  foolifb  Jball  not  ftand  in  his  fight  f .  It  is  Grange 
what  conceptions  foolifh  men  muft  entertain  of  Al- 
mighty God,  who  can  imagine  that  thofe  who  have  been 
all  their  days  wallowing  in  (in,  fhall  be  admitted  into  an 
cverlafting  fellowship  with  him.  Sooner  fhall  light  and 
darknefs  dwell  together,  and  heat  and  cold  in  their 
greateft  violence  combine,  and  all  the  contrarieties  of 
nature  be  reconciled.  Can  two  walk  together  except 
they  be  agreed  ?  Can  there  be  any  converfe  betwixt 
thofe  whofe  natures  fuit  fo  ill  together  ?  Sure  they  who 
think  to  come  fo  eafily  by  happinefs,  muft  imagine 
God  altogether  fuch  a  one  as  themfelves,  elfe  they  could 
never  hope  that  he  would  choofe  them,  and  caufe  them 
to  approach  unto  him.  But  O  how  widely  fhall  they 
find  themfelves  miftaken,  when  he  fhall  reprove  themy 

L  4  and 


Hab.  i.  13.  f  Pfil.  v,  4,  ;>, 


152  Thai  are  but 

ms  in  order  I  \  mt  and  hall 

nfafion,  that  he  is  1  \  wfumiwrfin 

Men  ^vz  wont  to  tram-;  a 
don  oi  G  d  According  to  their  own  wUhing,  as  il 
were  all  made  up  of  mercy,  and  juftkc  were  but  an 

empty    name;    and  this  is  the  common  meltcr   againft 
every  convincing  reproof.     But   this  temerity  (hall  at 
tly    con: nee  it  (elf,  and  ted  that  juiticc 
which  it  will  doc  believe:    there  is  the 

attributes  of  God,  that  one  or  them  (hall   i  wallow    up 
another;    mercy  is  open  to  all  that  fbrfeke  tbc 
but   juftice  (hall   fcizc  on  thofe  who  continue  in  du 
1  bat  compaflion  which  ma  [  his  den 

Son  fort  ol  mankind,  will  r..  \ail 

d  m  and  deliverance  or"  any  impenitent  Go- 
ner s  abufed  goodnefs  will  certainly  turn  into  rury,  and 
infinite  1  being  c  (hall  bring  down  u 

Tinners  all  the  dreadful  efiecjts  Dent  ven- 

geance. 

I       n  I  1  r>  f.  r  fi  .  what  that  !  .hich 

ew  J         .  doth  fo  themfclves, 

ther  it  be  likely  that  it  mould  be  fo  eafily 

artaii  v.    Glorious  k  (pi  ken  ot 

tha:  thai  is  1  ccellent  or 

1  this  world,  is  bom  (hadow  it  forth 

in  the  h  Ij  f<  riptures.     We  ai  and 

ares,  and  rii  ers  of  pl<  and 

.  ing  waters,  and  of  an  exceeding  eternal 

B    1    all  thefe  do  not  fuffice  to 

full  apprehenfion  oi  the  happinefi  weex- 
lid,  it  d^th  m  I  yet 
(hall  be    Th  •  -'de- 

but to  a  dill  cur  minds  a  I  ..d  give 

us 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  153 

us  fome  confufed  apprehenfions  of  the  things  eye  hath 
not  feen,  nor  ear  heard;  nor  can  it  enter  into  the  heart 
of  man  to  conceive^  what  God  hath  prepared  for  them 
that  love  him ;  faid  that  beloved  difciple  that  lay  in  the 
bofom  of  our  Saviour.    Can   we  then  expect  that  fo 
glorious  a  prize  (hall  be  gainM  without  any  labour? 
Shall   fuch   a  recompence  be  bellowed  on  thofe  who 
never  were  at  any  pains  about  it  ?    What  toil  and  tra- 
vail doth  it  coft  a  man,  to  gather  together  that  white 
and  yellow  earth  which  they  call  money  ?  With  what 
care  and  pains  do  others  afcend  to  any  degree  of  pre- 
ferment ?  What  induftry  and  ftudy  do  men  imploy  to 
reach  a  little  knowledge,  and  be  reckoned  amongll  the 
learned  ?    And  (hall  heaven,  and  everlaiting  happinefs 
Aide  into  our  arms  when  we  are  afleep  ?  No  certainly, 
God  will  never  difparage  the  glories  of  that  place,  to 
beftow  them  on  thofe  who  have  not  thought  them  worthy 
of  their  moft  ferious  endeavours.     But  as  the  greatnefs 
of  that  happinefs  may   juftly   difcourage  all  the  lazy 
pretenders  to  it,  To  the  nature  of  it  leaves  fmall  ground 
of  hope  to  the  greateft  part  of  the  world.     I  wonder 
what  moft  men  do  expect  to  meet  with  in  heaven,  who 
dream  of  coming  thither  ?  Think  they  to  feait  and  re- 
vel,   and  luxuriate  there,    and  to  fpend   eternity   in 
foolifh  mirth,  and  vain  talk,  in  fport  and  drollery,  and 
fenfual  pleafure ;    which  are  all  the  exercifes  they  are 
capable  of,  or  find  any  relifhor  fatisfaction  in  ?  Away 
with  all  thofe  tfurkifh  notions,  whereby  we  difparage 
the  happinefs  we  pretend  to;  the  joys  of  that  place  are 
pure  and  fpiritual,   and  no  unclean  thing  (hall  enter 
there.     The  felicity  of  blefled  fpirits  ftandeth  in  be- 
holding and  admiring  the  divine  perfections,  and  find- 
ing the  image  of  them  mining  in  themfelves,  in  a  per- 
fect conformity  to  the  will  and  nature  of  God,  and  an 

intimate 


i  5  4  Thai  there  arc  but 

intimate  and  delightful  fociety  and  communion  with 
him  ;  and  Qui]  fuch  fouls  be  bkifed  in  feeing  and  par- 
.ivinc  likenefs,  v.  ho  never  loved  it,  and 
k  any  thing    rather  than  to  coi.  ith 

him  ?  A  little  rcfleftion  on  the  common  temper  ot  mens 
minds,  may  allure  us,  that  they  are  wry  far  from  tl 
nuetnds  and  aptitude/fir  the  if.  .e  cf  the  f.;r.:s 

in  light  *,    which  the  apoftle  (peaks  of    The  notion 
and  nature  of  blefledncfi  mofl  (ore  be  changed,  or  eUe 
the  temper  of  their  Ipirita  :  Either  they  muft  hates* 
hearts,  or  a  new  heaven  created  tor  them  before  they 
be  happy  :    It  is  a  farange  infatuation  i 

i    men  in  the  gall  of  bittemefi  fliould  think  it  is 
I  with  their  fouls,    and  fancy  themfclves  in    a  cafe 

t  the  enjoyment:  o(  divine  pleafi. 
I  M   the  fourth  place,    let   us  reflect  on  the  attempts 
and  ura  of  thofc  who  have  gone  to  i  be- 

fore us,  how  they  did  fight  and  itrive,  Wteflle  and  run, 
for  obtaining  that  glorious  prise ;  and  we  (hall  let  I 
improbable  it  is,  that  the  greatefl  part  of  nun  fhould 

with   fo  little    pains.      .V  •',  A 
' f  * '      ,  D       ,   and  all  thofi  ai 

n  holy  writ,  i  done  ot  d  fo 

it  thing!  dB  that  i 

the] 

,    :.s    \ .  u   n  i  \tb 

where, 

cs,    the  aui 
•      .,    • 

i 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  155 

yea,  moreover,  of  bonds  and  imprifonments,  they  wert 
ftoned,   they  were  fawn  afunder,  were  tempted,  were 
flain    with  the  fword,   they  wandred  about  in  Jheep 
skins,    and  goat  skins,  being  deftitute,  afflicted,    tor- 
mented, of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy,  they  wan- 
dred in  de farts,  and  in  mountains,  and  in  dens,  and  in 
caves  of  the  earth.     Such  alfo  was  that  holy  violence, 
wherewith  the  chriftians  of  the  iirft  and   golden  ages 
did  force  open  the  gates  of  heaven,  and  took  pofleflion 
of  it.     The  ardent  affe&ion    wherewith  thefe  blefled 
fouls  were  inflamed  towards  their  maker  and  redeemer, 
made  them  willingly  give  up  their  bodies  to  be  burned 
in  the  fire,  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  propagation 
of  the  chriftian  faith.     Their  conftancy  in  their  furTer- 
ings  did  amaze    their  bloody  perfecutors,    and  out- 
weary  the   cruelty  of  their  tormentors,  and  they  re- 
joiced in  nothing  more  than  that  they  were  accounted 
worthy  to  fuffer  jhame  for  the  name  of  Jefus.     And 
what  mail  we  fay  of  their  univerfal  charity  and  love% 
which  reached  their  very  enemies  ?    Of  their  humility 
and  meeknefs,   juftice  and  temperance,   and  all  thofe 
other  vertues  which  many  of  the  heathens  themfelves 
did  obferve  and  admire  ?    Behold,  faith  one,  how  the 
chriftians  love  one  another,     tftefe  are  the  men,  faith 
another,  who  fpeak  as  they  think,  and  do  as  they  fpeak. 
Pliny,  after  an  exact  enquiry,  writeth  to  Strajan  the 
emperor,  that  he  could  never  find  any  other  guilt  in 
the   chriftians,  hut  that  they  met  together  before  day 
break,  to  fmg  a  hymn  to  Chrift  as  if  he  were  God,  and 
then  to  bind  themfelves  with  a  facrament  or  oath,  not 
to  do  any  mi f chief:    but,  on   the  contrary,  that  they 
fhall  not  rob,  fteal,  or  commit  adultery,  or  falfify  their 
words,  or  deny  their  truft,  &c.     This  was  the  crime  of 
chriftians  in  thofe  firft  ages,  to  engage  themfelves  not  to 

commit 


156  Tfiat  there  are  but 

commit  any  crime  \  and  h  it  fell  out  that  any  of  them 
were  guilty  ot  drunkenncfe,    or  ondeannefc,   or  toy 

other  of  thofc  (ins,  which  alas!  arc  fo  lightly  cenfnrtd 
in  our  days,  they  were  fevcrely  punifhed  ;  nay,  b  W 
bitterly  did  themfelvcs  lament  it }  They  needed  not  in 
thofc  days  to  be  purfued  by  tedious  pcoceflcSi  or  drag- 
ged againft  their  will  to  the  profeflion  of  their  repen- 
tance; they  would  fue  for  it  with  tears,  and  (land 
many  years  at  the  door  of  the  church  begging  to  be  re- 
ceived :  the  cenfures  ot  the  church  were  :  ked 
upon  as  very  fcrious  and  dreadful  things ;  and  the}'  who 
would  encounter  death  in  the  moll:  terrible  form,  would 
tremble  if  thtcatned  with  excommunication.  Now  tell 
me,  I  pray  you,  what  you  think  of  thefe  men  }  Did 
they  fuper-crrogate,  and  go  beyond  their  duty,  or 
were  they  fools  in  doing  thefe  things,  when  half  the 
pains  might  have  ferved  the  turn  ?  Did  heaven  and  hap- 
pinefs  coft.  them  fo  much  labour,  and  think  yon  to  he 
carried  fad  allccp,  OC  rat  hi  r,  while  you  are  bending 
you:  quite  another  way  ?  If  you  cannot  look  lb 
far  back,  or  it  yon  imagine  thefe  but  romances,  like  the 
p  .tick  accounts  of  the  1  age,  wherein  all  men 
v.  .re  happy  and  good,  I  (hill  then  de::.  to  take 
notice  or  a   few    ptrfons,  whom    tl                          Inefi 

hath  refcued   (torn  that  deluge  of  wickedoe&   which 

h   I       world.     There  arc   perhaps  lome  Z\ 
in  a  city,  or  in  a  country,   who  live  very   far 

men,  md  may  be  accounted 
i  unpared  with  them  j  they  have 

pollution  that  is  in   the  wot  Id,  and  bfl 

the  i  inities  of  it ;  their  ifl 

are  .  .   -wd  theil  I  to  pkaie  and 

ughts  and  nfk&V  dj  arc  in 

a  j;:  holy  and  pure,  their  com  eiil  innocent 

and 


a  fmall  Numher  faved.  157 

and  ufeful,  and  in  their  whole  deportment  they  obferve 
fuch  drift  rules  of  holinefs  and  vertue,  as  others  may 
think  needlefs  or  fuperftitious :  and  yet  thefe  very  per- 
fons  are  deeply  fenfible  of  their  own  imperfections, 
and  afraid  enough  to  come  fhort  of  heaven.  I  fpeak 
not  now  of  thofe  fcrupulous  perfons  whom  melancholy 
doth  expofe  unto  perpetual  and  unaccountable  fears, 
much  lefs  of  others  who  make  a  trade  of  complaining, 
and  would  be  the  better  thought  of  for  fpeaking  evil 
of  themfelves,  and  would  be  very  ill  pleafed  if  you 
mould  believe  them.  I  fpeak  of  rational  and  fober 
men,  whofe  fears  arife  from  their  due  con fi deration 
and  meafures  of  things,  from  the  right  apprehenfions 
they  have  of  the  holinefs  of  God>  and  the  meaning 
and  importance  of  the  gofpel  precepts.  And  certainly 
fuch  holy  jealoufies  over  themfelves  ought  not  to  be 
judged  needlefs,  fince  St.  Paul  himfelf,  who  had  been 
wrapt  up  into  the  third  heaven,  and  thereby  received 
an  earned  of  eternal  happinel's,  found  it  neceffary  to 
take  care,  left  that  by  any  means  while  he  preached  to 
ethers  himfelf  floould  he  a  caft-away  *  I  know  it  is 
ordinary  for  men  to  laugh  at  thofe  who  are  more 
ferious  and  confeientious  than  themfelves,  to  wonder 
what  they  aim  at,  and  to  hope  to  be  as  fure  of  hea- 
ven, as  they.  But  ere  long  they  fhall  difcover  their 
miftake,  and  fhall  fay  with  thofe  fpoken  of  in  the  book 
of  Wifdom  :  tthis  was  he  whom  we  had  fometime  in 
derifion,  and  a  proverb  of  reproach,  we  fools  accounted 
his  life  madnefs,  and  his  end  to  be  without  honour  :  how 
is  he  numbred  among  the  children  of  God,  and  his  lot 
is  among  the  faints  !  ^therefore  have  we  erred  from  the 

way 


1  Cor,  ix.  27. 


15s  That   there  arc   but 

\httoufnefs  [::■    |  I 
finned  unto  us,  and  tic  j . 
upon  us. 

To  come  yet  clofer  unto  our  prefent  pmpofe,  a  fc- 
rious  confideration    of  the   lav. 5   and  precepts   of  t lie 
gofpcJ,  will  fully  convince  us  of  t 
gate,  and  narrownefs  oj  'bat  leads  unto  c 

life  ;  we  cannot  name  them  all,  nor  infill  upon 
any  at  length;  lock  thro'  that  excellent  fcrmon  on  the 
mount,  and  lie  what  our  Saviour  doth  require  of  his 
followers.  You  will  find  him  enjoining  fuch  a  : 
tound  humility,  as  fhall  make  us  think  nothing 
(elves,  and  be  content  that  others  think  nothing 
umeekjufs  which  no  injuries  can  oncroeme,  noatn 
nor  indignities  can  exafperate ,  a  clajhty  which 
flraineth  the  light  of  the  eyes,  and  the  wandring  of  the 
defireSj  fuch  an  unherfai  charity  as  will  make  us 
tender  other  mens  welfare  as  our  own,  and  never  to 
take  any  revenge  Igtinit   our  mofi  bitt.  but 

to  wifll  them  well,  and   to   do  them   all  the  good   we 
can   whether  they    will    or    not.       Whatever 

glofles  men  are  bold  to  put  on  oui    s 

the  ottering  the  other  cheek  tO  him  v. ho  (mod  the  One, 
and  the  giving  OPT  coat  to  him  who  hath  taken  OUT 
cloak,  doth  obligl  US  to  fuflfet  injuries,  and  part  with 
femcthing  of  mir  right,  tor  avoiding  ftrife  and  conten- 
tion. The  pulling  out  our  right  eye,  and  cutting 
our  right  hand  that  offends  doth  import  the 

nod  gainful  callings,  or  i  nts, 

I  hire  unto  us,   and   the  ulc 
thofc  e>rporal  aullerities  that  are  OCCefl  I 
ftrainr  of  our  lull  and  corrupt  ft!  I 

father  and  mother  tor  the  fake  (  h  at 

I    imp!)    the    loving  of  him   inlini: 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  159 

deareft  relations,  and  the  being  ready  to  part  with  them 
when  either  our  duty,  or  his  will  doth  call  for  it.  And 
we  muft  not  look  upon  thefe  things  as  only  counfels  of 
perfection,  commendable  in  themfelves,  but  which  may 
yet  be  neglected  without  any  great  hazard :  No  cer- 
tainly, they  are  abfolutely  neceflary  •  and  it  is  a  folly 
to  expect  happinefs  without  the  confcientious  and  iln- 
cere  performance  of  them  all.  IVbofoever  floall  break 
one  of  thefe  leaf  commandments,  and  floall  teach  men 
fo%  he  fhall  he  called  the  leaf  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven; 
that  is,  according  to  all  interpreters,  he  floall  have  no 
interefi  in  it.  You  fee  then  by  what  Uriel:  rules  he 
muft  fquare  his  actions,  who  can  with  any  ground 
hope  to  be  faved.  But  now  I  muft  tell  you  further, 
that  he  muft  not  be  put  to  the  perform  a  nee  of  his 
duty  merely  by  the  force  and  fan ct ions  of  thefe  laws: 
True  religion  is  an  inward,  free,  and  felf-moving  prin- 
ciple ;  and  thofe  who  have  made  a  progrefs  in  it,  arc 
not  acted  only  by  external  motives,  are  not  merely 
driven  by  threatnings,  nor  bribed  by  promifes,  nor 
conftrained  by  laws,  but  are  powerfully  inclined  to 
that  which  is  good.  Tho'  holy  and  religious  perfons 
do  much  eye  the  law  of  God,  yet  it  is  not  fo  much  the 
authority  and  fanction  of  it,  as  its  reafonablenefs,  and 
purity,  and  goodnefs,  that  doth  prevail  with  them- 
They  account  it  excellent  and  defirable  in  itfelf,  and 
that  in  keeping  of  it  there  is  great  reward  •  and  that 
divine  love  wherewith  they  are  acted,  makes  them  be- 
come a  law  unto  themfelves.  £)uis  legem  det  am  anti- 
bus  ?  major  eft  amor  lex  ipfe  fibi.  In  a  word,  what 
our  blefled  Saviour  faid  of  himfelf,  is  in  fome  meafurc 
applicable  to  his  followers,  that  it  is  their  meat  and 
drink  to  do  their  father's  will.  And  as  the  natural  ap- 
petite is  carried  out  towards  food,  tho*  we  ftiould  not 

reflect 


I  60  Tidt  there  arc  but 

reflect  on  the  neceffity  of  it  for  the  prefervarion  of  oaf 

lives;  (btretbey  carried  with   a  natural  and  unj   reed 

pcopenfion  towards  that  which  is  good  and  "ommfnd- 

able. 

H  1  r  11  a  1  t  o  we  i  tag  of  tboft  qua- 

lifications which  are  necellary  tor  obtaining  an  cntra 
into  heaven  ;     it  is  high  time  we   WCCC  calling  1 
upon  the    world,    to   f(  the  tempers  and  actions 

of  men  agree  with  them.     And  if  firfi  we  look  back 

upon  the  old  world,  we  fhall  lie  how   food  wickednefi 

did  overfpread  the  G  the  earth,  and  all  BeA  had 

corrupted  his  way  ;  and  of  all  the  multr  at  were 

then    in   the   world,     only  and   his  ; 

found  worthy  i  eliige  j  nay  even 

in  it  there  Was  a  curled  tbet  of  a  wicked 

generation.     After  that  the  church  ot  G 

fined  unto  a  wry   narrow    corner,  and 

cover'd  the   face  of  the  earth,  only  P  ..'•/:.>.;    wa$    en- 

lightned  with  theknov  of  God;  h 

1  rd  unto  Jjccby  bis  ftatutcs 

Ifr 

f  r  bis  ju  jj 

wor- 
ts :  Xhd  ti<  ns 
wa  ;  d  unto  t  .^nd  their  religious  my- 
(ieries  were  (till  of  the  groflefl  impurities.  1  Dull  not 
now  enter  1  n  the  debate,  whether  ei  then 
might  poilibly  have  been  (aved,  we  arc  ma  -  rn'd 
to  fecurc  our  own  (alvation,  than  to  dii  bout 
theirs  ;  and  M  I  taxdk  lay,  that  amongrt  all  tl 
of  1         ted  heathenSj    [could  never  meet  with 


a  fmall  Nu?nber  faved.  1 6  r 

character  of  a  truly  good  man,-  and  tho* I  love  not  to 
decry  morality,  yet  that  pride  and  felf-conceit  which 
mingled  it  felf  with  their  faireft  actions,  makes  me 
look  upon  them  as  indeed  fpkndida  peccata,  a  more 
fpecious  kind  of  fins.  But  fuppofe  fomething  could 
be  faid  for  Socrates  and  Plato,  and  two  or  three  others, 
what  is  that  to  thofe  huge  multitudes,  who  without  all 
peradventure,  ran  headlong  into  everlafting  deftruelion  ? 
But  let  us  leave  thefe  times,  and  look  upon  the  prefent 
condition  of  the  world :  it  is  a  fad  account  of  it  that 
is  given  by  Breerwood  in  his  Enquiries,  that  dividing 
the  whole  world  into  thirty  parts,  nineteen  are  Pagan, 
fix  are  Mahometan,  and  only  five  remain  for  Chriftians 
of  all  perfuafions.  I  fhall  not  warrant  the  exactnefs 
of  his  reckoning,  but  certainly  the  number  of  chriftians 
carries  but  a  very  fmall  proporron  to  the  reft  of  man- 
kind •  and  of  thefe  again,  how  few  are  there  orthodox 
in  their  religion.  I  dare  not  condemn  all  thofe  who 
live  in  the  Komiflo  communion,  but  fure  they  lie  under 
very  great  difadvantages,  and  befides  the  common  dif- 
ficulty of  chriftianity,  their  errors  and  fuperftitions 
are  no  fmall  hindrances  unto  them. 

But  we  may  perhaps  think  cur  felves  little  con- 
cerned in  them  ;  let  us  confider  thofe  who  live  in  com- 
munion with  our  felves,  and  fee  what  is  to  be  thought 
of  the  generality  of  them  ;  and  firft  we  fhall  find  a 
very  great  number  of  them  fogrofly  ignorant,  that  they 
know  not  the  way  that  leads  to  life  ;  and  truly  it  is  not 
fo  broad  that  people  mould  keep  it  by  gutfs;  and 
however  they  imagine,  that  their  ignorance  will  not 
only  be  excufable  in  itfelf,  but  afford  a  cloak  to  their 
other  wickednefs,  yet  dreadful  is  that  threatning  of 
the  prophet  Ifaiah^  It  is  a  people  of  no  underjianding> 
therefore   he   that   made    them   will  not  have    mercy 

M  w 


2  7/3.//  there  arc  but 

I 

rsand  re 
and   adu 

*  guilty  (n  fiich  beiuous  ,  and  b 

:Li  our  To  v.  hat    a  (mall 

(hou  Id  we  quick  little  i   roer  would 

Ind  think  I 

<  ,  i  the  Li 

:li  ru  condemn 
urs,  but  the  apofllc  bath  i 
hand 

f  God?  1 

i    ■   r 

i  09  I 
I   u  thee 

.all   nun 

i. 

at- 

'      i 
count    ; 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  163 

never  found  big  enough  without  it.     I  cannot  (land  to 
reckon  up  all  the  aggravations  of  this  fin,  it  is  cer- 
tainly inconfiftent  with  a  religious  temper ;    and   this 
alone,  if  there  were  no  more,  would  damn  the  greatell 
part  of  the  chriitian   world.     And  what  fhall  we  fay 
of  all  thofe  other  vices,  which  are  fo  frequently  prac- 
tifed,  yea  and  defended  too  among  us  ?    for  alas  !   we 
are  arrived  at  that  height  of  impiety,  that  vertue  and 
vice  feem  to   have  fhirted   places,    evil   and  good   to 
have   changed   their  names.      It  is  counted  a  gallant 
thing  to   defpife  all   divine  and  human  laws,  and  a 
childiili  fcrupulofity  to    forbear  any  thing  that   may- 
gratify  our  lufts :  a  ftrong  faith  is  accounted  an  argu- 
ment of  weak  judgment,  depend ance  upon  providence 
is  judged  want  offorefight,  and  that  there  is  no  wit  but 
in  deceiving  others  ;  no  man  is  reckoned  generous,  un- 
lefs  he  be  extreamly  ambitious ;  and  it  is  want  of  cou- 
rage to  forgive  an   injury.      O  religion,  whither   art 
thou  fled  ?    In  what  corner  of  the  world  mail  we  mid 
thee?    Shall    we   fearch   thee  in  courts  and  palaces  of 
great  men  ?    Pride  and  luxury  hath  driven  thee  thence, 
and  they  are  too  much  concerned  in  the  bufinefs   and 
pleafures  of  this  world,    to  mind  thofe    of   another. 
Shall  we  feek  thee  in   the  cottages  of  the  poor  ?  Envy 
and  difcontent  lodgeth  there,  their  outward  want  takes 
up  all  their  thoughts,  and  they  have  little  regard  for 
their  fouls.     Shall  we  go  into  the  city  ?  Cheating  and 
extortion,    and  intemperance,    are  almoll  all  we  can 
meet  with  there  ;    and  if  we  retire  into  the  country, 
we  fhall  find  as  little  innocence  in  it.      IVe  may  leak 
for  judgment^  but  behold  opprejjion  ;  for  right cou[nefsy 
but  behold  a  cry. 

After  all  that  we  have  hitherto  faid,  fome  may 
think  themfdves  fafe  enough,  being   confeious  of  none 

M  2  of 


i  64  t  there  at 

V  fc  vices  which  wc  btvc  nam'd  :  but  alas! 

ill  be  tar  from  the  kingdom 
h    ven.      Religion  Hands   not  in  1  es,   and: 

I  from  grofs  and  fcandalotlS  vices,  is  a  poor 

plea  for  heaven:  look  how  thy  foul  is  furnilhed  v. 

c  divine  graces,    which  ought  to  qualify  d 
i:.     I  Ihall    name    but  one,  and   it  is  the  / 

v  body  pretended]  to  it;  but  O  bow  few  arc 
th  re  iii  the  world  that  underftand  what  it  means;  thlt 
feel  the  power  and   efficacy  of  it  on  their  own  fpiril 

Love   is  that  weight  w 
:.  I  ill  is  carried  toward-  ..nd 

enter.  Thofc  who  are  ac- 
quainted with  this  noble  paflton,  even  in  its  wandrings 
ns  from  its  proper  objeft,  when  it  is 
rd  on  fome  (illy  creature  like  our  fclvesj  thefc,  I 
fay,  do  know  v. liar  mighty  effc&S  it  is  wont  to  pro. 
I  ce  in  the  fouls  where  it  prevailed*  ;  how  it  makes 
them  almofi  forget  their  own  interut,  md  nind 

that  :';ur-     how  careful  they  .. 

r    advantage  die    perfbo,    and  how 
..:..:'.         t  d  I    . 

md  ho*  hardly  thej  endure  to  be  tbfent 
in  m  them.     See  1.    thru    findefi   any   thing 

ible  to  theie  effi  5,   in   th 

thou  pi  unto  God.    Ai  ndhonoui 

the  sll  things  unto  tl  defl  thou 

1  .  d  all  thy  friends  t  than  his 

holy  1  Is  k  tl 

imis  to  plead  him, 
ever)  (in  ?   Is  tl  thing  in 

thee,  but  thou  wouldfi  part  with  (be  his  and 

Q  he  (hould  m  will  rather  than 

thine .    is  i.  1  rfe  with 

him  ? 


me,  that  tho'  things  be 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  165 

him  ?  And  doth  every  thing  feem  burdenfome,  which 
detains  thee  long  from  him?  If  we  would  examine  our 
felves  by  thefe  meafures,  I  fear  mod  of  us  would  find 
our  confidence  built  on  a  fandy  foundation. 

Perhaps  you  will  tell 
not  fo  well  at  prefent,  tho5  you  have  not  yet  attained 
thefe  endowments  that  are  neccffary  to  fit  you  for 
heaven,  nor  have  indeed  begun  to  endeavour  after 
them  i  yet  hereafter  you  hope  all  mail  be  well  :  you'll 
repent  and  amend  once  before  you  die.  But  confider, 
I  befeech  you,  my  brethren,  what  it  is  that  you  fay; 
when  think  you  that  this  promifed  reformation  mail 
begin  ?  Some  two  or  three  years  after  this,  when  you 
have  pleas'd  your  felves,  and  indulged  your  lufts  a 
little  more  ?  But  what  affurance  have  you  to  live  fo 
long?  Are  not  your  neighbours  dropping  down  every 
day  about  you,  who  expected  death  as  little  as  you  ? 
And  fuppofe  you  live,  what  greater  probability  is  there 
of  your  reformation  at  that  time  than  now  ?  Had  you 
not  the  fame  thoughts  and  refolutions  feveral  years  ago, 
which  yet  have  taken  no  effect  at  all  ?  Will  you  not 
have  the  fame  temptations  and  fnares  ?  Will  your  lufts 
be  more  eafily  overcome,  when  ftrengthned  by  longer 
cuftom  I  Will  it  be  more  eafy  to  return,  after  you 
have  wand-red  further  out  of  your  way  ?  Belike  it  is  on 
a  death-bed  repentance  you  have  grounded  your  hopes; 
you  refolve  to  part  with  your  lufts  when  you  can  keep 
them  no  longer,  and  ferve  God  Almighty  with  the 
dregs  of  your  time.  I  fhall  not  ftand  to  tell  you  what 
fhrewd  objections  are  propofed  by  fome  great  and 
learned  men  againft  the  validity  and  acceptablenefs  of 
fuch  a  repentance ;  fome  of  them  perhaps  have  been 
too  peremptory  and  fevere.  True  and  unfeigned  re- 
M  3  pentanqe, 


the  tin  d, 

hai  -  But  ii  ;•  what  i  ue 

:   ,    th(  II 

....        .    and   tl 
. 
have  outf-lii 

inot  but  ack 

.     and  thai  an  unfit 

. 

on  our  bed  !  \     i:»    I  uis 

i  and   put  u\x   the   bi  .  .    ,    \.  Ihall  be 

h\  cd, 

Whi  n   v.  i  faid  all   that 

,v  will  r.       r  I 

.   it 

it  with  \ 

.. 

..bit 
I  '  :  what  and  n  , 

n  to  (et  rules  uni 
. 
I 

to 

I  ?     lr  all  thu 
b    •  ra- 


a  fmall  Number  faved.  167 

will  have  none  of  his  reproof,  if  we  court  damnation, 
and  throw  our  felves  headlong  into  hell,  how  can  we 
expect  that  he  fhould  interpofe  his  omnipotency  to  pull 
us  from   thence,    and   place  us  in  heaven  againft  our 
will?  Thofe  blefled  regions  are  not  like  our  new  plan- 
tations, which  are  fometimes  peopled  with   the  woril 
fort  of  perfons,  left  they  mould  be  altogether  defolate. 
There  are  thoufands  of  angels,  and  ten  thoufand  times 
ten  thoufand  that  fland  about  the  throne  :    we  know 
little  the  extent  of  the  unirerfe,    or  what  proportion 
the  wicked   or  miferable  part  of  rational  beings  doth 
carry  to  thofe  that  are  happy  and  good  ;  but  this  we 
know,  that  God   was  infinitely  happy  before  he  had 
made  any  creature,  that  he  needeth  not  the  fociety  of 
the  holy  angels,  and  will  never  admit  that  of  wicked 
and  irreligious  men.     But  that  I  may  haile  towards  a 
clofe. 

T'h  e  doclrine  we  have  been  infilling  on  is  fad  and 
lamentable,    but  the  confederation  of  it  may  be  very 
ufeful  ;  it  muft  needs  touch  any  ferious  perfon  with  a 
great  deal  of  grief  and  trouble,  to  behold  a  multitude 
of  people  conven'd  together,  and  to  think,  that  before 
30  or  40  years,  a  little  more,  or  great  deal  lefs,  they 
lhall  all  go  down  unto  the  dark  and  filent  grave,  and 
the  greater,  the  far  greater  part  of  their  fouls  mall  be 
damned  unto  endlefs  and  unfpcakable  torments.     But 
this  may  ftir  us   up  unto  the  greateft  diligence  and 
care,  that  we  may  do  what  we  can  towards  the  pre- 
vention of  it.     Were  the  k\-\k  of  this  deeply  engraven 
on  all  our  minds,  with  what  care  and  diligence,  with 
what     ferioufnefs     and     zeal    would    minifters    deal 
with  the  people    committed  to    their    charge,    that 
by  any  means  they  might  fave  fome  ?     How  would 
parents,    and  husbands,  and  wives,  imploy   all  their 

M  4  diligence 


1 68        fTl\it  there  arc  hut,  ccc. 

diligence  and  induftry,  and  make  nfc  of  the  mod  ufc- 
tul  met  limiog  their  netrcfl  relations,  and 

pulling  tl  Bl  the  brink  or"  hell  }    Ltftl 

would  each  of  us  ufc, 

(elves  from  this  common  ruin,  and  making  our  calling 
and  ele&ion  fore?  This,  I  fay,  is  the  ufc  of  whit  we 

have  been  (peaking,  and  may  Almighty  God  (o  accom- 
pany it  with  his  bk fling  and  power,  that  it  may  be  (o 
happily  effectual  to  fo  excellent  a  purpofe.  And  unto 
this  God,  c?i\ 


I  H  E 


1 169 ) 


THE 


Duty  and  Pleafure 


O  F 


Praife  and  Thankfgiving, 


Psal.  cvii.  15. 

0  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord  for 
his  goodnefs,  and  for  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men. 


HERE  is  fcarce  any  duty  of  religion 
more  commonly  neglected,  or  more 
ilightly  performed,  than  that  of  Praife 
and  Thankfgiving.  The  fenfe  of  our 
wants  puts  us  upon  begging  favours 
from  God;  and  the  confcioufnefs  of  our  fins  conftrains 

us 


,  -o        Tie  D  --e 

hi*   v.  • 

But   alas!  how  (mall  a  p 
h  an  in 

•        and  heart 
the  divine  bounty        : 
this  nature   which  v.  ,  arc  many  times   a  formal 

: y,  a  preface  to  uflier  in  our  petitions  for  what 
.    rather  than  any  lincerc   expreffioo  i 

thankful  refentment  at  tfc  1  |    . 

:   was  the  temper  or"  the   holy    Pfidu 
rftionate  acknowl  ts  or*    i  and 

i    tint  y  of  God,  in  the  cheerful  c 

make  up  a  confiderable   part  of  his  divhv.  fn- 

ing   fongS.     How  often  do   we  find  him  exdriog    and 
difpofing   hlmfelf  to  join  voice,  hand  and  heart  t< 
ther  in  this  holy  and  delightful  empl 

e  bUj's 
bis  I  V 

is  fixe  I :  J  will   fii 

I      v 
.. 

,  be  im  if 

0    him:    0  • 

I 

I 

B 


of  Praife  and  lljankjgiving.       171 

cattle^  creeping  things,  and  flying  fowls  ±.  Bkfs  the 
Lord  all  his  'works  in  all  places  of  his  dominion  *. 
Many  fuch  figurative  exprefTions  occur,  and  allowance 
muft  be  made  for  the  poetical  drain,  but  in  the  text 
we  have  a  proper  and  paflionate  wilh ;  O  that  men 
would  praife  the  Lord,  &c. 

O  that  men,  &c.  Man  is  the  greateit  prieft  of  this 
lower  world,    by  whom  all  the  homage  and  fervice  of 
the  ether  creatures  is  to  be  paid  to  their  common  Lord 
and  Maker :  God  hath  made  him  to  have  dominion  over 
the  works  of  his  hand:    he  hath  put  all  things  under 
his  feet.     All  floe  ep  and  oxen,  yea,  and  the  he  aft  of  the 
field,  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the  fiflj  of  the  fea,  and 
whatfoever  paffeth  through  the  paths  of  the  feas.   And 
the  divine  bounty   in  maintaining  of  thefe   poor  crea- 
tures redoundeth  unto  him,  and  therefore  'tis  highly 
reafonable  that  he  mould  pay  the  tribute  of  praife  for 
them,  who  are  not  capable  to  know  their  dependance 
on  God,    or  their  obligations  unto  him.     Fbe  young 
lions  are  faid  to  roar  and  feek  their  meat  from  God  ||. 
tfbe  young  ravens  do  cry  unto  him  *-*.     But  thefe  are 
only  the  complaints  of  languifhing  nature,  heard  and 
relieved  by  the  God  of  nature ;  but  not  directly  and 
particularly  addrefled  to  him.     Man   alone  is  capable 
to  entertain  communion  with  God,  to  know  his  good- 
nefs,  and  to  celebrate  his  praife. 

O  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord.  Praife  is  the  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  goodnefs  and  excellency  of  a 
perfon-  and  tho'  the  defire  of  it,  in  us  who  have  no- 
thing of  our  own  but   folly  and  fin,  and  whofe   bell 

per- 


rfzPf.odviii.  !,  &c.     *  Pfal.  ciii.  22.    f  PC  viii.  6,  &c. 
[j  PC  civ.  21.    **  Job  xxxviii.  41. 


i  --  Duty  and  PI 

dhertot  i 

nip  id  prcfump:: 

God,  :he 

11.     ....  HMUk  :his  grcn; 
Door,  and  i:  rinuallv 

'  1    I 

!  happin 
pKx  t  is  a fitnds  and  in  the  thi 

aiv>  n  it : 

iv>r. 

1  Ids  is  the  rai- 

:   the  hol  e ;  and  it"  o  taftc 

the  plci    res 

r  the  divine 

toodrufs. 

I 
. 
ive  t  s  or  i 

Otu 

i  be  will,  as 

,   that  he  a'.. 

rc- 

tk$  cktldrtB  of  t 
(pctad  and 

.....     I        :hc 


of  Prdife  and  Thank] giving.      173 

whole  creation  in  its  arms ;  it  not  only  difplayeth  it 
felf  mod  illuflrioufly  to  the  blefled  inhabitants  of  the 
region  above,  but  reachcth  alfo  to  the  meanefl  worm 
that  crawleth  on  the  ground.  The  beads  of  the  field, 
and  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  the  fifties  of  the  fea,  and 
the  innumerable  fwarms  of  little  infects  which  we  can 
hardly  difcern  with  our  eyes,  are  all  fubjects  of  that 
almighty  care  ;  by  him  they  are  brought  forth  into  the 
world,  by  him  they  are  furnifhed  with  provifion  fuita- 
ble  for  them  :  Thefe  all  wait  upon  thee,  (faith  the  Pfal- 
mifl)  that  thou  mayft  give  thetn  their  meat  in  due 
feafon  *  :  tfhat  thou  groeft  them  they  gather ;  thou 
openeft  thine  hand,  they  are  filled  with  good.  But  here 
to  excite  us  to  thankfulnefs,  he  makes  choice  of  an  in- 
fiance  wherein  we  our  felves  are  more  nearly  concerned, 
and  exhorteth  to  praife  the  Lord  for  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men.  If  the  goodnefsof  God 
to  the  holy  angels  be  above  our  reach,  and  his  bounty 
to  the  inferior  creatures  be  below  our  notice,  yet  fure 
we  muft  be  infinitely  dull  if  we  do  not  obfcrve  his 
dealings  with  our  felves,  and  thofe  of  our  kind.  As 
our  interefl  maketh  us  more  fenfible  of  this,  fo  grati- 
tude doth  oblige  us  to  a  more  particular  acknowledg- 
ment of  it. 

Thus  you  have  the  meaning  and  importance  of 
the  text.  I  know  not  how  we  can  better  imploy  the 
reft  of  the  time,  than  by  fuggefling  to  your  meditations 
particular  in  fiances  of  this  goo dnefs,  and  of  his  wonder- 
ful works  to  the  children  of  men. 

Let  us  then  reflect  on  the  works  both  of  creation 
and  providence,  let  us  confider  in  what  a  goodly  and 
well  furnifhed  world  he  hath  placed  us,   how  he  hath 

ftretched 

*  Pfal.  civ.  27. 


1 7  + 

or" 

.  reef,   an 

In  the  :. 

and  makes  the  darki  Mm, and  i 

all  the  beaaty  and  luftn  and  truly  tl 

is  j       ,  it  is  to 

)L'S 

is  night  *  :  mi,  and  all  thin 

hufl  nan  may  ettj  >y 

and 
lighten  I 

hav  i  fupply  his  room.    I 

- 

this 

Lords, 

■•> 
i 


i  . 


of  Praife  and  Tha?jkfgiving.      175 

field,  the  fowl  of  the  air,  the  fijb  of  the  fea,  and  what- 
foever  pajfeth  thro'  the  paths  of  the  fea  *.  By  the  art 
and  induftry  of  man  the  fwifteit  fowls  are  caught,  the 
fierceft  creatures  tamed,  the  flrongeit  beafts  are  over- 
come, and  all  made  ferviceable  unto  him :  the  horfe 
helpeth  our  journey  both  with  fpeed  and  eafe,  the 
oxen  labour  the  ground  for  us,  fheep  afford  us  meat 
and  cloaths;  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth  we  dig 
fuels,  metals,  and  Hones,  which  are  ftiil  the  more 
plentiful,  as  they  are  ufeful  and  advantageous  to  us: 
thofe  Hones  which  ferve  for  building  are  almoft  every 
where  ready  at  hand,  whereas  rubies  and  diamonds, 
and  other  fuch  gliltring  trifles,  are  found  but  in  a  few- 
places  of  the  world,  and  gotten  with  a  great  deal  of 
toil;  and  to  what  hard  mi  p  mould  all  fort  of  artificers 
be  pur,  if  iron  were  as  fcanty  as  gold  ?  The  fur  face 
of  the  earth  yieldeth  grafs  for  the  cattle,  and  herb 
for  the  fervice  of  man,  arid  wine  that  maketh  glad  the 
heart  of  man,  and  bread  which  ftrengthneth  his  heart ; 
thefe  it  arfordeth  unto  us  from  time  to  time;  and  while 
we  are  fpending  the  productions  of  one  year,  God  is 
providing  for  us  againft  another.  There  is  no  fmali 
variety  of  feafons  and  influences,  which  concur  for 
the  production  of  that  corn,  which  we  murmur  fomuch 
for  when  we  want,  and  value  fo  little  when  it  dotii 
abound.  The  winter  cold  muft  temper  and  prepare 
the  earth ;  the  gentle  fpring  muft  cheriih  and  foment 
the  feed  ;  vapours  mull  be  raifed,  and  condenfed  into 
clouds,  and  then  fqueezed  out  and  lifted,  into  little 
drops,  to  water  and  refrefh  the  ground ;  and  then  the 

fu  miner 


Pf.  viii.  £7,8. 


176       Th:  Duty  and  Pltafure 

dimmer  teat  mult  ripen  mddigift  the  com  before  it 

tic  to  be  cnl  doiW  1  ■  f  I  ti  (faith  the 

lJ  ilmift)  tfiri  ic.iterefi  r.  prtatlj  cv.richcfi  it  with 

reft 
■  r  it  :   T 

tetefi  tb$  ri  f  abuiU 

tic  jury 

i  blcfj'cfi    tic   J;  ■    the 

■      ' 
little  hills  /v  1 

lath  flocks: 

O  L  r  \ 

rj .' 

.v    is  i         eat  at 

,  /'.;/>/ 
40  J  .  great  engines   ol  tn 

mere:,   whf  I  .ry  count ry  i 

the  productions  of  1  /on- 

ul  and  aft  on  idling  contri 

uld  be  eafily  tranfported  to  I 
fuch  Boating  houfes,  and  carried 
the  wings  1  wind ;   1  b<  ibl< 

find  (  ut  their  way  in  the  wid 

unaccountable  i 

I 


- 


of  Praife  and  cTha?ikfgivi?ig.      ijj 

the  ftormy  winds,  which  lifteth  up  the  waves  thereof: 
Sfbey  mount  up  to  the  heaven,  they  go  down  again  to  the 
deep,  their  foul  is  niched  hecaufe  of  trouble  ;  they  reel 
to  and  fro,  and  ft agger  like  a  drunken  man,  and  are 
at  their  wits  end.  'then  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in  their 
trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them  out  of  their  difirejfes : 
He  maketh  the  ft  or  m  a  calm,  fo  that  the  waves  thereof 
are  ftill.  tfhen  they  are  glad,  hecaufe  they  are  quiet : 
fo  he  bringeth  them  to  their  de fired  haven.  O  that 
men,  &c. 

But  now  we  are  fallen  unawares  from  the  works  of 
creation  to  thofe  of  providence.  Indeed  it  is  hard  to 
keep  to  any  exad  method  in  a  fubjecx  fo  copious,  where 
one  thing  doth  obtrude  it  felf  upon  us  before  we  have 
done  with  another.  Let  us  call  back  our  thoughts  to 
a  more  orderly  confideration  of  that  bountiful  provi- 
dence which  followeth  us  from  time  to  time.  VV7e  are 
infinitely  indebted  to  the  divine  goodnefs  before  we  fee 
the  light  of  the  world  :  *  He  poureth  us  out  as  milky- 
and  curdleth  us  like  cheefe.  He  cloaths  us  with  skin 
and  fleflo,  and  fenceth  us  with  bones  and  finews,  he 
granteth  us  life  and  favour,  and  his  vifitation  preferv- 
etb  our  fpirit.  This  is  fo  entirely  the  work  of  God, 
that  the  parents  do  not  fo  much  as  underitand  how  ic 
is  performed  ;  for  who  knoweth  the  way  of  the  fpirit 
(how  it  cometh  to  enliven  a  piece  of  matter)  or  how 
the  bones  do  grow  in  the  womb  of  her  that  is  with 
child  ?  \  I  will  praife  thee  (faith  the  Pfalmifl)  for  J 
am  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made  ;  marvellous  are  thy 
works,  and  that  my  foul  knoweth  right  well :  My  fub- 

N  fiance 


Job  x.  10.  t  PfiiKcxaonx. 


i  78       T,-  J)-  ty  and  Plea 

en  I  was  made  ftp 
curioufly 

tm- 
■      rubers 

yet 
H  r.lfo  arc 

ftbtm! 
N  inc  months  ordinaril]  ming  of  this 

curious  and  wonderful  pi  fore  it  b  .J  to  the 

view  of  the  world  j    and  then  the  prifooer  is  rel  .. fed 
from    that    nar  nfinement,    and   the    bm  i 

and  the  child  arc  delivered  t<  The  m 

■  b  and  pan;    .  .*  a  matt 

is  bom  into  X  the  poor  infant  isnak.d 

and  weak)  ready   t<  •    and  cold,  \\x\- 

[e  to  do  any  thing  for  it  (elf  but  weep  and  cry: 
But  he  that  brought  it  into  the  world  bath  already 
pi  i  ■■  its  fuftentation  in  it ;  the  mod  .ifts 

arc  filled  with  a  wholf  n  is  liquor, 

faileth  not  from  tim        time,  but  is  ?d, 

like  th  il,  till  the  child 

B        it  was  J    be 

rn 

... 

Ron,    which   prompts  and 

to  help 

■ 

•  i- 
iers 

■.rjy 

>_^____— _________________ I,,,  ■  • 


of  Praife  and  Thanh/giving.      179 

draw  out  the  breafts,  and  give  fuck  to  their  young  ; 
yet  certainly  it  is  an  effect  of  the  divine  wifdoxn,  that 
infants  may  not  want  thofe  fuccours  which  would 
never  have  been  fo  effectually  fecured  to  them  by  a 
law.  Mean  while  the  poor  infant  is  fo  weak,  and  fo 
unable  to  endure  the  kail  violence,  and  withal  expofed 
to  fo  innumerable  dangers,  that  the  mother's  folicitude 
and  care  would  be  to  little  purpofe,  if  it  were  not 
preferved  by  a  higher  and  invifible  power,  which 
watcheth  for  its  fafety,  when  the  mother  and  nurfe 
are  fad  aileep,  and  keeps  it  from  being  over-laid. 

A  s  we  grow  in  years  our  neceflities  multiply,  and 
dangers  increafe  rather  than  diminifh,  and  we  are  dill 
more  and  more  obliged  to  God  for  the  fupply  of  the 
one,  and  our  prefervation  from  the  other.  We  think 
perhaps,  we  have  now  fet  up  for  our  felves,  and  can 
provide  what  is  neceffary  by  our  own  induftry,  and 
keep  our  felves  out  of  harms  way  j  but  there  cannot 
be  a  more  foolifh  and  unreafonable  thought,  there  need- 
eth  but  a  little  confideration  to  undeceive  us.  All 
that  we  project  and  do  for  our  felves,  dependeth  on  the 
integrity  of  our  faculties,  and  the  foundnefs  of  our 
reafon,  which  is  a  happinefs  we  can  never  fecure  unto 
olir  felves.  I  choofe  this  inftance  the  rather,  becaufe  it 
is  a  mercy  unvaluable  in  it  felf,  and  I  fear  very  feldoiri 
confidered  by  us.  O  what  an  unfpeakable  bleffing  it 
is,  that  we  are  preferved  in  our  right  wits,  that  we 
are  not  roaring  in  fome  Bedlam,  or  running  furioufly 
tip  and  down  the  ftreets  ;  nor  have  our  fpirits  funk 
into  that  lillinefs  or  flupidity,  which  would  make 
every  little  child  to  mock  and  deride  us !  It  is  poflible 
enough  that  this  mould  befal  the  wifeft  and  mod:  fkd- 
faft  of  us  all.    A  ftroke  on  the  head,  a  few  more  de- 

N  %  grees 


i c  a       Tie  Dti  -'C 

I  : 

<nd 

mutable 

twin  a  wife  man  and  a  tool.    Next  to 

.  much  arc  we  u  c  good- 

ikTs  tor  our  health  and 

us   pares  tad 
and  delicate,  that  th  thing  10  t 

to  entangle  and 

Hand,  will  C  tnetimc 

and  pain,  as  render  a  man  infenfible  its 

he  ra    j  eth  i  i  the  world  :    An  i       md 

any  thin  human  body,  v.  ill  ju  :dcr  tha:  all 

the  parts  an.  kept  in  order  I 

..:  wc  th  ccount  it,  to  fii 

bing  in  our  head,  i 
i  in  our  i  i,  no  fever  in  i      bl      L  n 

humours  vitiated,  none  of  thofe  innum 
brol  wn,  but  all  the  organs  p. 

cr  functions,  and  a  fprii 
ft  much  :. 

and 

s      Wl  it  a  bleffing  is  it 
i 

I  rolli 

that 

And  whi  -  ood 

and 


of  Praife   and  Tha?ikf giving.      1 8 1 

and  raiment,  of  our  houfes,  and  manifold  accommo- 
dations, of  the  kindnefs  of  our  neighbours,  and  the 
love  of  our  friends,  of  all  the  means  of  our  fubfiltance, 
and  all  the  comforts  of  our  lives  ?  We  are  made  up 
(as  it  were)  of  a  great  many  feveral  pieces,  have  fuch 
a  variety  of  intereils  and  enjoyments  concurring  to  our 
prefent  happinefs,  that  it  is  an  unfpeakable  goodnefs 
which  continueth  them  all  with  us  from  time  to  time ; 
that  when  we  awake  in  the  morning  we  mould  find 
our  minds  clear,  our  bodies  well,  our  houfe  fafe,  all 
our  friends  in  health,  and  all  our  interefts  fecure.  He 
is  a  wall  of  fire  about  us,  and  about  all  that  we  have, 
by  night,  and  by  day,  and  his  mercies  are  new  every 
morning.  I  cannot  fland  to  fpeak  of  ail  thofe  more 
publick  mercies,  the  peace  and  tranquillity  of  king- 
doms, and  all  the  happy  effects  of  fociety  and  govern- 
ment :  I  fhall  only  fay,  that  it  is  a  fignal  inltance  of 
the  divine  wifdom  and  goodnefs  in  the  government  of 
the  world,  that  fuch  a  vaft  number  of  perfons,  only 
acted  by  fell:- love,  mould  all  confpire  for  the  publick 
intereft,  and  fo  eminently  advance  one  another's  wel- 
fare :  that  magiftrates  mould  fo  willingly  undergo  the 
trouble  of  government,  and  a  heady  and  inconiiderate 
multitude  mould  be  commanded,  and  over-awed  by  a 
fingle  man  ;  certainly  it  can  be  no  other  but  that  fame 
God  who  ftitteth  the  noife  of  the  waves,  that  can  pre- 
vent or  compofe  the  tumults  of  the  people. 

Hitherto  we  have  considered  thofe  initances 
of  the  divine  bounty  which  relate  to  our  temporal  con- 
cerns ;  but  fure  we  were  made  for  fome  higher,  and 
more  excellent  end,  than  to  pafs  a  few  months  or  years 
in  this  world  to  eat,  drink,  deep  and  die.  God  hath 
defigned  us  for  a  more  lafting  and  durable  life,  and 

N  J.  hath 


t 8 2       22    Dwj  '/;*/  Plcafw 

hath         dingly  made  Ik 

I    bodies,    but    hath   an    infinitely 
Iter    regard    to    thofi  fpiritual    and    immortal  fub- 
fttnees  which  be  bach  I  i  into  us.    And  here  in 

all  rcafon  WC  ought  to  begin  with  that  great  and  fun- 
damental mercy,  which  is  die  root  and  fpring  of  all 
his  Other  mercies  I  the  fouls    of   mmy  1    mean 

incarnation  and  death  oi  his  only  begotten  S 
But  irfa  that 

ftiould  I  cn  and  heard?    Oordnlnd  i  me 

almoit  afraid  to  meddle  with  fo  high  a  theme  ;  that 

eternal  Son  ^(  God,  the  wifij  the  1  u 

the  Maker  and  1  aid       ithhim- 

(ell   with    the   infirn  unman   nature,  and 

come  down  from  the  habitation  oi  his  glory,  ai 

up  his  abode    among  the  wretched  >md   rebellious 

children  of  men,  to   reclaim  them  from  their   V 

nels  and  folly,   and  reduce  them  to  their  duty,  and 

their  happinefs  :  that  he  fhould  have  gone  Dp  and  down 

in  the   world  upwards  or  thirl  .  af« 

tion  and  con  evil, 

erever  be 

came  ;    and  at    lafl  lh  uld  d  up  his  life  in 

unij  1 1 i tl i  and  torment,  to  be  a  propitiation 

our  (ins,    Th  ;ht  never  to 

i     Ipoken  or  I  is  it 

ritudc  and  I 
( )  • 

iich  m  I  iflume 

it  wc  DO 

[t  is  t  Ut   hat!1  and 

ial  to    the    grca: 
Id  ic  |  •  ;  to  blan 

God 


of  Praife  and  Thankfgiving.      183 

God  hath  both  faid  and  fworn>  that  he  hath  no  plea- 
fur  c  in  the  death  of  finners,  but  would  have  them  ra- 
ther repent  and  live ;  and  indeed  his  way  of  dealing 
with  them,  doth  diffidently  declare  the  fame  :  with 
what  long- differing  patience  doth  he  wait  for  their  re- 
pentance, what  pains  doth  he  take  to  reclaim  them ! 

It  is  an  aftonifhing  thing,  to  confider  what  indig- 
nities and  affronts  are  every  day  done  unto  that  infinite 
Majefty  by  finful  duft  and  afhes,  and  that  he  doth 
not  avenge  himfelf  by  their  total  overthrow ;  that  they 
fhould  violate  his  laws,  and  defpife  his  threatnings,  and 
defy  him  (as  it  were)  unto  his  very  face,  and  yet  he 
mould  pity  and  fpare  them,  and  wait  to  be  gracious 
unto  them.  Were  the  government  of  the  world  com- 
mitted to  the  meekeft  perfon  on  the  face  of  the  earth, 
he  would  never  endure  the  outrages  which  are  com- 
mitted againfl;  heaven,  but  would  prefently  lofe  all  his 
patience,  and  turn  the  whole  frame  into  ruin :  But 
God  is  love,  his  thoughts  and  ways  are  not  like  thofe 
i>f  men  ;  hut  as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth, 
fo  are  his  thoughts  and  ways  higher  than  ours.  And 
when  the  obitinate  wickednefs  of  finful  creatures  doth 
(as  it  were)  force  and  extort  punifhment  from  his 
hands,  what  relu&ancy,  what  unwillingnefs  doth  he 
exprefs  to  this  work  ?  This  ft range  and  unnatural 
work,  as  himfelf  feems  to  term  it.  How  Jb  a  11 1  give  thee 
up,  O  Ephraim  ?  How  Jbali  I  give  thee  up  ?  O  that  my 
people  had  hearkned  unto  me>  that  Ifrael  had  known 
ray  ways  !  O  Jerufalem !  O  Jerufalem  !  &c. 

Again,  as  God  waiteth  patiently  for  our  refor- 
mation, fo  he  doth  make  ufe  of  many  methods  and 
means  to  bring  us  unto  it.  He  hath  publifhsd  the 
gofpel  through   the  world,    and  brought  down  the 

N  4  knowledge 


[84      2$i  Dm 

knc    '  :,]\  the  - 

pofition   of  hath   t:  |   a 

■ 
j 

care  of 
heaven,    and  as  rift's  fiend,  \ 

' .    .      1 
of  hi  5  j     but  who  can  i  :iiat 

favour  and  loi 
thofe  bl 
app  i         himfel  , 

their  i  pcth 

j  image  upon  them  j 

with  his  hol  l  tn.ir  heart  wi 

that  feci   tl.  ... 

I 

I 

. 
t 

M 
while  tl  - 

i     I  i 


of  Praife  and  Thankf giving.      185 

glory,  (hall  get  above  the  clouds,  and  all  thefe  ftormy 
temptfts  which  are  here  below  ;  and  be  carried  into 
thoie  blefted  regions  of  calmnefs  and  ferenity,  of 
peace  and  joy,  of  happinefs  and  fecurity  •  when  wc 
fhall  come  unto  the  innumerable  company  of  angels, 
and  the  general  affemhly  of  the  church  of  the  fir  ft - 
horn,  and  the  faints  of  juft  men  made  perfecJ ;  and 
to  Jefus  the  mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  there  to 
behold  the  glory  of  God,  and  all  the  fplendor  of  the 
court  of  heaven,  to  view  and  contemplate  that  infinite 
power  which  created  the  world,  that  unfearchable  wi£- 
dom  which  ordereth  all  things,  that  unfpeakable  gcod- 
nefs  which  exerteth  both  ;  nay,  fo  to  fee  God  as  to 
become  like  unto  him*.  And  beholding  with  open  face 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  to  he  changed  into  the  fame 
image  from  glory  to  glory  \.  To  receive  the  continual 
illapfes  of  the  divine  goodnefs,  and  the  conftant  ex- 
preflions  of  his  favour  and  love;  and  to  have  ouc 
own  fouls  melted  and  dilTolved  into  the  flames  of 
reciprocal  affection,  and  that  fire  fed  and  nourifhed 
by  uninterrupted  enjoyments ;  in  a  word,  to  be  con- 
tinually tranfported  into  extafies  and  raptures,  and 
fwallowcd  up  in  the  embraces  of  eternal  fweetnefs, 
and  to  be  loft  as  it  were  in  the  fource  and  fountain  of 
happinefs  and  blifs !  ||  Lord,  what  is  man  that  thou 
takeft  knowledge  of  him  ?  or  the  fon  of  man,  that 
thou  makeft  fuch  account  of  him  ?  %  What  is  man% 
that  thou  Jhouldft  thus  magnify  him  ?  And  that 
thou  Jhouldft  fet  thine  heart  fo  much  upon  him  ?  O 

that 


*  1  foh.  iii.  2.  f  2  Cor.  iv.  18. 

jj  Pfal.wxL^  J,  £Job  vii.  17, 


i  86     The  Duty  and  Pkafurc,  8cc. 

'  ere  fore    praife  J  for    Us 

goodntfs  :    ar.il  for  Us  WO*  b   to  tie    ci.il- 

drei.  >:.      O  fi*rji  1 1   unto  tbt  Lord,  for  be  [ 

is  4  '  his  mercy  ir.lurctb  for  ever.     BUJfed  b$\ 

the  l  '  '  Lord  ftim  tbis  time  forth,  a 

evermore.    Amen. 


pN 


(  i87  ) 


O   N    T  H  E 


NATIVITY 


O  F    O  U  R 


SAVIOUR. 


P s a l.  ii.  ii.  the  latter  part. 
Rejoice  with  Trembling. 

H  E  obfervation  of  feftivals  being  one  of 
thofe  balls  of  contention,  which  have 
been  tofs'd  fo  hotly  in  the  religious  de- 
bates of  this  unhappy  age,  it  may  per- 
haps be  expefted,  that  we  mould  begin  with  a  vindi- 
cation of  this  day's  folsmnity3  from  the  exceptions  that 

are 


1 8  8  On  tl 


are  A  that  the  one  ! 

. 
'1  enough  fparc  the  pains,  I 
irr:  ;    for  ;.        .        arc 

tnbled  in  thi  the 

lav.  wnprafi  mnotdii 

to  thofc  thi 

and  debate  about  matters  of 

b.i:  religion, 

w(  did  all  i 

of  I    .  .    which  h 

Let  mot  .  defpift 

let 

\  and 

which  v.  the  piety  and  ti 

tho  r  from  us  in  lb  (mall  matl 

rni°ht  hope    tl.   .     would    not    be    haiiy  :  nm 

us,  if  in  compliance    with   th<  |  I    -  I    cient 

rch,    and  I  ;r  own,  \<.<j 

i    i  of  t  with  thankfulnefs,  to 

St  that  red 

on   :  .  d  at  t!;:  |  in  that 

\  I    r  \  er, 
hard  and  d  to 

nan 

it ;   to  vindicate  it 

ids, 

than  wad 

lade 

luir 

I  H  1 


On  the  Nativity.  189 

The  text  which  we  have  chofen  may  feem  fome- 
what  general,  but  yet  it  is  eafily  applicable  to  the 
prefent  occafion ;  efpecially  if  we  remember  that  it  is 
an  inference  drawn  from  a  prophecy,  which  tho'  it 
had  its  literal  completion  in  the  eflablimment  of  David's 
throne,  yet  it  was  in  a  myflical,  and  a  more  fublime 
fenfe  fulfilled  in  the  incarnation  and  kingdom  of  the 
Median,  as  the  apoftle  in  feveral  places  informeth  us; 
for  to  which  of  the  angels  hath  he  faid  at  any  time,  tfbou 
art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten  thee  *  •  whence 
he  infers,  that  the  angels  themfelves  are  inferior  to 
Chrift,  of  whom  this  was  fpoken.  The  only  diPacuity 
of  the  words  lieth  in  the  ftrange  conjunction  of  thefe 
paflions,  joy,  and  est ream  fear,  which  trembling  feems 
to  import,  but  this  will  be  more  fully  clear'd  in  the 
fequel  of  our  difcourfe.  Mean  while  ye  may  obferve, 
that  both  thefe  words,  fear  and  trembling,  are  ufed  in 
the  text,  and  in  the  fcripture  phrafe,  ufually  import 
humility,  and  diligence,  folicitude  and  caution,  and  the 
fear  of  difpleafing,  as  being  the  mod  proper  qualifica- 
tions of  our  obedience,  either  to  God  or  man.  Thus 
are  we  commanded  to  work  out  our  falvation  with  fear 
and  trembling\  ;  and  fervants  are  commanded  to  obey 
their  mafters  with  fear  and  trembling  ||  •  fo  the  Corin- 
thians are  faid  to  have  received  fit  as  being  fent  to 
them,  with  fear  and  trembling  ** 5  and  Chryfoflom  faith 
of  the  angels,  that  they  affift  with  fear  and  trembling. 
All  which  places  do  import  fuch  care  and  diligence, 
as  are  very  neceffary  and  reconcileable  to  chearful  fer- 
vice.  Reverence  and  fear  to  offend  will  be  happily 
joined  with  holy  joy  in  the  performance  of  our  duty, 

there 

*  Heb.  i.  y.       fEph.ii,  10.        |J  Eph.  vi.  j.     **zCor.  viivij. 


iqo  On  the  Nativity. 

there  befog  nothing  more  pleafant    than  to  fcrvc  him 
diligently  whom  *  md  tear  to  difpki 

Thus  much  for  the  explication.      'I  is  too  (hort 

to  be  divided  into  many  parts,   but  doth  naturally  fiftl] 
afundet  into  two,  the  former  exciting  tad  encouraging 
our  joy,  the  latter  qualifying  and  moderating  the  fame. 
Firft,    WC are  allowed j   yea  and  commanded  to 
and  then    we    are    caution'd  to  do  it  with  trembling- 
and  accordingly  our  dUcourfc  (hall  run  in  tbc 
heads  •  firftto  c  ■.!.•  rtry<  u  to  i  hearfulncfi  and  joy,  then 
to   fct  the  right    bounds  and  limits  to  the  fan; 
having  done  this  in  general,  welhallend  redraw 

both  thefc  home  to  the  prcfent  0 

Xo  begin  with  the  firft.    Joy  and  chearfblne(s  an 
fo   tar  from    being  inconfiftent  with  religion,    v. 

Hghtly  ordered,  that  we  find  them  many  times  alK  , 

and  recommended  in  fcripture.    Thus  in  the  laO  i 

of  the  3  id 

yc  righteous  :  cv. 

in  bsart.     And  in  verfi  I , 

//;  ;      /.    •  /,  Oji  sfe  is  cc 

upr.    ' '.     S  i  P/  ixxviii 

let  tbitn  t  tie;;,    i 

PC  cxlb        I  ittti  hi 

gi  ry  j    lit    I  And  that 

yon  may   not  think  this   a  liberty  proper  only  ut  the 

former  difpen&tions,  but  that  chriftiana  arc 

greater  (evcrity,   tl  doth  no  lefi  than  three 

tim  this  admonition  to  I 

in 

i  ■  in  relation  to  this  perha] 
hermit  Pal    Uust  having  joo  fcholars,  ufcd  never  to 

clifmhs   them  without  this  adm<  niti  n, 

tbitrful}  forgttmtt)  I  i  W  :  thi^ 


On  the  Nativity.  19  i 

feas  the  conftant  le&ure  he  repeated,  as  often  as 
St.  John  was  wont  to  do  thefe  words,  My  little  chiU 
dren,  love  one  another. 

None  of  our  natural  inclinations  were  made  in 
vain,  and  joy  is  neither  an  ufelefs,  nor  a  fmall  paflion^ 
but  if  rightly  ordered,  may  become  an  eminent  exer- 
cife  of  religion,  as  proper  a  concomitant  of  thankfulnefs, 
as  forrow  of  repentance.  Our  devotion  never  foareth 
higher,  than  when  it  is  carried  on  the  wings  of  joy 
and  love,  when  our  fouls  are  filled  with  the  fenfe  of 
his  goodnefs,  and  we  heartily  applaud  the  Hallelujahs 
of  the  bleffed  fpirits,  and  all  the  praifes  of  the  crea- 
tures ;  and  as  joy  is  an  excellent  inftrument  of  devo- 
tion, fo  a  conftant  ferenity  and  cheerfulnefs  of  fpirit  is 
a  fit  difpofition  for  our  other  duties  :  I  mould  be  loath 
to  countenance  any  levity  or  diflblution  of  fpirit,  and 
I  hope,  before  we  have  done,  we  fhall  leave  no  ground 
to  fufpect  fuch  a  defign  :  and  yet  I  would  not  have 
you  imagine,  that  innocence  and  feverity  are  infepara- 
ble  companions,  or  that  a  free  andchearful  countenance 
is  a  certain  fign  of  an  ill  mind,  or  that  men  ought  al- 
ways to  be  fad  under  the  notion  of  being  ferious.  I 
would  not  have  you  in  love  with  a  ftadied  face,  nor 
think  it  a  crime  to  laugh,  or  fcrupuloufly  to  refufe  fuch 
innocent  and  ingenuous  divertifements,  as  you  find 
ufeful  to  refrefh  your  fpirits,  and  preferve  their  alacrity  j 
for  chearfulnefs  enlightens  the  mind,  and  encourages 
the  heart,  and  raifeth  the  foul  (as  it  were)  to  breathe 
in  a  purer  air :  it  misbecomes  none  but  the  wicked,  in 
whom  it  is  commonly  a  light  mirth,  and  foolifh  jollity  $. 
as  a  curious  drefs  may  fet  off  a  handfome  face,  which 
yet  will  render  thofe  who  are  ugly,  more  ill-favoured: 
fo  doth  chearfulnefs  exceedingly  become  good  fouls ;  in 
bad  men  it  is  moll  ridiculous,    On  the  other  hand,  a 

fed 


102  On  the  A\:. 

fad  and  fallen  humour,  a  dam]  ifh,  morafc, 
cboly  dtfpofidpDj 

that  at  b.ll  it  mud  be  I 

knefi  io  the  thoic  in 

it  purpofel)  sd  or  cberilhed,    m 

icrcr  oenfiire,  being  difhon 

or  neighbours,  prejudicial  I  ,  and  at. 

highly  unreasonable.  I  ill,  it  is  dilhom  arable  to  C; 
on  whom  we  profefs  Co  dep  bo  thro*  cur  mo- 

rofenefs  may  be  mil  r  a  hard  an,. 

It  you  lhould  obferve  any  man'b  fen 
fad  and  dejeft  d,  and  < 

it,  you  would  b  :hat   tlu 

ill  treated  at  home,  an  .  an    unkind  tyrani 

pcrfon  :    and  t. 

ur  of  oar  mafl    ,  it  carefully  i  ..    id  toy 

thing  from  which  thole  that  are  Grangers  to  i.: 
apt  to  take    occaii  in- 

to [coos  thoughts  of  him 
injurious  to 
the  comforts  <  I 
more  chearful  o  it  I 

to  (blitu  with  tl 

ways  fallen.    Th  y  are  n  I  .wy 

to  others,  who  arc  fobad 
will  they  eafily  end:. 

fant,  when  they  ca; II  as  to 

(mile,    Peeviflm 
nions  ol  melancholy,    and  i  i  ..nd 

friends  to  plcafe  them  10  I  n'd 

to  f  ntent.     I  ,  there  is 

a  greater  mifchief  in  the  i 

s  to  religion,    and  i  a  who  pretend 

tn  a  to  be  always  i'ad  and  melancholy,  .  by 


On  the  Nativity.  193 

deterr'd  from  tiie  ftudy  of  piety,  as  that  which  would 
imbitter  their  lives,  and  deprive  them  of  all  their 
comforts;  and  they  are  apt  to  imagine,  that  if  once 
they  ihould  undertake  acourfeof  godlinefs,  they  mould 
never  after  enjoy  a  pleafant  hour,  but  by  a  melancholy 
humour,  and  aultere  behaviour,  become  a  burden  to 
themfelves,  and  a  burden  to  ail  about  them.  Then 
they  will  think  devotion  a  comfortlefs  employment, 
when  they  fee  men  come  from  retirements  with  fad  and 
neavy  looks,  morofe  and  untowardly  deportment; 
whereas  really  the  fpirit  of  religion  is  in  it  felf  moil 
amiable,  and  mod  lovely,  molt  chearful,  free  and  in- 
genuous, and  it  is  only  mens  weaknefs,  and  not  their 
piety,  that  ought  to  be  blam/d  for  any  jfuch  diforder 
in  their  minds. 

Again,  melancholy  and  fadnefs  is  prejudicial  to 
our  felves,  being  an  enemy   to  nature,  and  hurtful  to 
bodily  conititutions,  efpecially  when  it  grows  prevalent 
and  extreme,  and  therefore  men  are  oblig'd  to  be  chear- 
ful for  the  fame  reafons  they  take  phyfick,  and  to  guard 
againft  melancholy  as  we  would  do  againil  a  difeafe. 
Befides,  it  is  very  troublefome  to  our  fpirits,  and  wilL 
make  us  fmart  even  when  we  know  not  why  :  although 
melancholy  mufings  may  be  a  very  delightful  entertain- 
ment to  the  mind,  yet  in  a  little  time  they  grow  to  be 
trery  troublefome,  contrary  to  the  nature  of  other  births, 
:hey  pleafe  us  much  while  we  bring  them  forth,  but 
I  prove  a  miferable  torment  when  they  are  born.     But 
which  is  much  worfe,  it  doth  exceedingly  indifpofe  for 
:he  duties  of  religion.     The  eyes  are  riot  more  daikned 
.rvith   fumes  and  vapours,  than  the  understanding  is, 
Lvhen  thofe  fullen  exhalations  gather  about  us.     Clogs 
ire  not  a  greater  impediment   to  the  feet,  than   this 
"tumour  to  the  motions  of  the  foul  j  it  inclines  not  only 

O  to 


O/i  the  * 

,   and 

than  I,    but  to  d<  Lti    (  thet  •■• 

cult  which  may  be  d     e  with  cafe,  and  thoft 

i  have  any   confiderable  difficulty.     It 

dffpirits  us,  and  will  not  :. 

Are  imagine  u  >  nothing;  altho' perhaps 

in  a  heat  it  may  pulli  lis  6  rwardj  yet  ttfiiddc 
us,  arid  makes  us  thi  cannot  go;  ir'it  cat 

tire    it  makes   us  wild,    and   wheu   il  :    that 

flame,  it  ka\  ad  and  lumj 

L  l  y,  in  chri- 

\  . ;.   unrcafonablej    Forwhyffiould 
tncy  good  a  matter, 

and  who  arc  allui'd  of  an  infinite  reward  for  tl 
tul  fervice?  IT  the  favour  ot  a  prince,  or  hopes  of  fomc 
idvantage,    can  fupport  and  civ.  minds 

of  men,  -  hare 

the  fri  id  (b  many  divine  bit 

.:  pofTcffion,  and  th  more 

and   [  .  i(n   a  perpetual 

What  mould  afllUt  them,  or  caft  them 
1-  it    ■  |     . 

i  >ns    in  of  this  \.  are  flrfln- 

d  pilgrims  on  earth,    annot  in  reafon  be 

much  ■    their  ac<  omm  an  inn, 

»  (hortly  to  leave 

mforti 
than  I  Y.    v 

then    lii'  then 

hall,  what  thou  wanted ?    Perhaps 

Inft  '  rtunc,   I 

many  who  live  happily  enough 


On  the  Nativity >,  195 

thou  wanted  money,  but  thou  haft  thy  health ;  if  that 
be  impaired,  thou  enjoy  eft  the  ufe  of  thy  reafon,  which 
is  infinitely  more  valuable  5  thou  haft  loft  a  friend, 
but  perhaps  thou  haft  many  behind,  and  fhall  that  lofs 
do  more  to  make  thee  fad,  than  all  the  reft  to  make 
thee  chearful ;  Or  wilt  thou,  like  a  peevifn  child, 
throw  all  away,  becaufe  fomething  is  taken  from  thee  ? 
I  fay  not  that  moderate  fadnefs  is  blameable  on  fuch 
occafions,  but  that  our  grief  ought  not  to  be  indulged 
till  it  grow  habitual ;  and  fure  whatever  our  croffes 
and  our  fears  be,  we  ought  chearfully  to  acquieice  in 
a  conftant  dependance  on  the  divine  providence ;  hav- 
ing that  infinite  wifdom  and  goodnefs,  and  power, 
which  made,  and  doth  govern  the  world,  to  care  for 
us,  and  the  promife  of  God  for  all  thofe  things  which 
he  fees  neccflary  or  convenient  for  us.  What  is  it 
then  that  mould  dejecl:  us,  and  deprive  us  of  that  joy 
which  the  text  alloweth  and  commendeth  ?  Is  it  the 
fenfe  of  our  weaknefs,  and  the  fear  of  miffing  that 
eternal  happinefs  for  which  we  were  created  ?  If  thou 
be  altogether  gracelefs,  fuch  thoughts  would  fddom 
trouble  thee ;  but  if  thou  be  really  concerned  in  reli- 
gion, and  have  a  mind  to  heaven  in  earned,  if  thou 
haft  begun  thy  race,  and  art  preffing  forward  to  ob- 
tain thy  prize,  thou  haft  no  reafon  to  be  difcouraged 
or  caft  down ;  God  loves  thee  better  than  thou  doft 
either  him  orthyfelf,  and  holinefs  is  the  genuine iflue 
of  the  divine  nature,  and  therefore  he  cannot  hide 
his  face  from  it,  he  cannot  defert  it  as  an  outcaft  thing 
In  the  world,  nay  he  is  ready  to  cherifh  and  affift  it, 
and  perfect  that  gracious  work  which  himfclf  hath 
begun.  Away  then  with  groundlefs  fears  and  defpon- 
dent   thoughts,    which  difnonour   Gcd,    and  werken 

O  2  your 


1^6  On  the  Nai 

your  own  hands  ;    encourage    you  .  the  af- 

(urance  of  the  divine  afliftance,  and  chcaruiliy  perform 
that  which  is  incumbent  upon  your  l'dvc  , 
fadnefs  of  your  fpirits,  and  chide  your  (elf  into  bcttet 
temper,  as  D.irj:d  did,  in  Pfdt*S  xlii  and  \liii,  he 
took  up  his  drooping  mind  with  this  encouragement, 
Why  art  thou  cafi  dozir.,  0  my  f 

But  perhaps   you   will  tell  me,  that  chearful  tem- 
per   which   we  recommend,  is  very  improper  for  t. 
bad  times  wherein  we  live;  and  tho'  we  had  no  trouble 
on  account  of  our  own  intercfts,  the  miferL  >.crs 

might  oblige   us  to  fadnefs,  and   blunt  and  damp  all 
our  joys:    I  anfwer,  companion  indeed    is  a  chri: 
virtue,  and  a  good  man  will   be  concerned  in  the  mi- 
fcries  under  which  he   fees   his  neighbour  groan, 
be  ready  to  aflilt  him  with  his  counfel,  his  labour,  (  C 
his  purfe,  if  that  will  relieve  him  ;  but  he  is  not  oblij 
to  furfer  the  calamities  of  others  to  link  (o  i  into 

his  fpirit,  as  to  diftlirb  the  peaee   and  harmony  of  his 
foul ;  dfc  fince  the  world    is  a  great  holpital  or*  mi 
and    we    fee    well    nigh   as   many   mifcraL\ 
men,  we  mud  needs  draw  as  much  millry  Qfl  I  . 
as  all  theirs  doth  amount  to,  and  Co  defcrve  more  t 

pafTion  than  any  of  them.     Again,  if  we  part 

the  mifcrics  of  Others,  lb    may   we  in  their  happinefs; 
it   we  (light    to  mourn    with  thole   that  mourn,  fo  WC 

ought  to  rejoice  with  them  that  rejoice;   and  tho'  mi- 

(cry  is  tar  more  trequent    in  the  world  than  happi: 
this  can  be  no  mcaiurc  for  the  whole  creation  ;  and  tor 
any  thing  we  know,  tor  one  linful  wretch  there  ma\  be 
ten   rhouland   holy  and   happy  Ipirits.      II  .   all 

themifery  in  the  world  carries  no  proportion  to  the 
infinite  happinefs  of  Almighty  God,  which  ought  to 

be 


On  the  Nativity.  197 

be  the  higheft  object  of  our  joy,  and  may  drown 
and  fwallow  up  all  the  excufes  or  pretences  of  excef- 
five  fadnefs.  We  ought  to  rejoice  in  God,  not  only 
that  he  is  our  God,  but  that  he  is  God  infinitely  holy, 
and  infinitely  happy,  that  he  is  felf-blefTed,  glorious 
in  all  things,  and  that  his  enemies  cannot  reach  nor 
unfettle  his  throne,  this  is  the  molt  certain,  and  con- 
ftant,  the  mod  pure  and  heavenly  joy. 

There  remaineth  yet  one  occafion  of  grief,  which 
fome  may  think  enough  to  banifh  all  joy  from  a  chri- 
itian  foul,  and  that  is  the  multitude  of  fins  whereof 
we  and  others  are  guilty  ;  and  certainly  contrition  and 
zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  are  very  neceflary  duties ; 
yet  we  were  not  born  only  to  mourn,  nor  is  the  la- 
menting of  fin  all  we  have  to  do  in  the  world :-  we 
love  to  fee  a  fervant  fenfible  of  his  fault,  but  would  be 
ill  content  if  on  that  account  he  did  nothing  but  weep. 
Sadnefs  in  contrition  is  neceffary  to  make  our  repen- 
tance ferious,  and  fadnefs  of  zeal  to  teftify  our  con- 
cernment in  God's  intereft,  but  on  neither  of  thefe  ac- 
counts ought  we  to  grieve  without  term  or  meafure.  As 
we  ought  to.  grieve  that  we  have  offended  fo.  gracious 
a  God,  fo  ought  we  to  rejoice  that  the  God  whom  we 
have  offended  is  fo  gracious ;  a»d  fince  the  greatnefs 
of  God's  mercy  is  as  far  above  our  fins,  as  the  hea- 
vens are  above  the  earth,  our  faith  and  joy  in  God's 
mercy  ought  to  be  far  above  our  fadnefs  for  our  fins. 
Whereas  the  blafphemies  and  oppofitions  of  God's 
enemies,  by  his  wifdom  and  power,  fhall  turn  to  his 
glory  ;  our  fadnefs  for  thefe  oppofitions  muft  end  in 
joy,  for  that  almighty  power  and  fovereign  glory, 
which  the  enmity  of  Satan,  and  the  world,  and  the  flelb^ 
doth  but  make  more  confpicuous  by  pulling  againft  iu 

9 1  m 


3 

E  y  thi    time  1  iat ;  joy  and 

mc 
I  - 

r.  but  that   i:  i  :    a 

ma)  ,...-.<  ccafr  ax>i  j  y  ;  i- 

ven,    ir   puis  him  in  mind  ot  the  mantions   time   arc 

preparing  for  him  ;  ii  on  th 

L  of  hN  I  who  made  and  governs 

fair^  :  nfiders    .  .     and  revolt.:, 

human  >m  to  remember  that  an  un- 

erring pfftVHJ  |  wr-rule  all  their  I 

and  niaUs  then  vc  to  great  and 

deligns  ;    ii"  he  live  long,  !..  Jot"   the  la; . 

1;.    ;s   aUoy  io  his  work  in;  and  ir  1. 

he  i  -iiat  he   is  To 

;L  ;  it  he  tx  ^hbours, 

be   i      .    .  i  in  the  opportui 
ii  tbjpy  be    richer  than  he, 
. 

ious  thai 

ni:i',\    n 

ejoicc  in  his  go*  i 
i  that 

in  |  ,ue  rhat  bankrupt  ;    [*or  like  tb  in 

;     ncr  in  perpetual  trouble  like  nnlcllor 
■ 

B*jT   joy    is  :i  r;i::^i:  |   nature,  thai: 

H   t.  :r  ally 

gjPQUjld  for  il 

bid  hulki-i'-,  m            the  ili  lack  (>r 

liry 


On  the  Nativity.  199 

lity  and  frolickfomc  mirth  :  But  it  mould  be  confidered, 
that  our  exhortation   to  chearfulnefs  and  joy,  prefup- 
pofeth  men  to  be  good  and  religious,  and  is  addreffed 
to  them  on  that  preemption  ;  for  we  mould  never  en- 
courage men  to  rejoice  and  be  chearful,  while  they  are 
at  enmity  with  their  maker,    at  feud  with  the  infinite 
Majeily  of  heaven,    whofe   leaft  frown  is  enough  to 
confound  them.     We  would  not  have  men  to  dance  on 
the  brinks  of  hell,  nor  wantonly  exult  in  the  way  that 
leads  to  deftruftion  •  another  temper  would  better  be- 
come their  unhappy  condition,  and  they  ought  to  be 
thinking  how  a  timely  forrow  may  lay  a  fure  founda- 
tion for  a  lading  joy.     Again,  the  joy  which  we  com- 
mend, is  a  quite  different  thing  from  that  levity  and 
diffolution  of  fpirit,  which  fome  perfons  would  cover 
under  that  name.     We  allow  not  that  light  airy  tam- 
per that   is  inconfiilent  with  gravity  and  ferioufnefs ; 
we  would  not  have  a  man's  whole  life  become  a  fport, 
nor  mirth  to  become  his  whole   employment ;    of  fuch 
laughter  we  may  fay  with  the  wife  man,  that  it  is  maeL 
and  of  mirthx  what  doth  it  ?  The  chearfulnefs  we  have 
been  fpeaking  of,  mult  fpring  from  the  fenfe  of  the  divine 
goodnefs,  and   the  confcience  of  our  fincerity   in  .  his 
fervice  3  tho*  we  are  not  to  refufe  the  afliftance  of  inno- 
cent acts  to  raife  and  recruit  our  natural  fpirits  when 
they  faint  and  fail  within  us.     Finally,  that  our  chear- 
fulnefs and   joy  may  be  allowable,  it  muft  be  rightly 
.temper'd;    which  leads  me  to  the  fecond  part  of  the 
text,  which  if  it  do  not  check,  it  doth  at  leaft  mix  and 
qualify  our  joy  •    rejoice  we  may,  but  it  mud  be  with 
trembling.     Trembling  is  a  natural  effect   and  fign  of 
fear,  and  is  here  put  for  the  thing  fignified.     Now  fear 
may  feem  to  be  the  moll  ufelefs  and  unprofitable  pafTion 

O  4  in 


2CO 

in  the  mind,    i:  is  hich   prcftges  mifchief,  and 

anticipates   our    mikrus,    giving  them   a  being 
they  had  any,  and  troubling  us  with  the  apprchen: 
of  thofe  ails  which  may  never  befal  us,  and  ttindrlng 
us  to  guard  againft  many  which   we  might  have  pre- 
vented ;  betraying  thofc  fuccors  which  retb, 
as  the  wife  foo  of  JD  v:  ;  tells  us.     The  hiftorian  fpei 
ing  of  the  Pcrrlm,  who  in  their  flight  flung  aw 
weapons  of  <           ,  addeth  this  obfervatibn,  Ada  f:wor 
ipfi  auxilt  '  rej               \   Rich  is  the  nature  of  tear,  that 
it  not  only  mal                e  from  danger,  but  from  thofc 
helps  and  fuccours   which   ihould  keep   i:  i          '    it  as 
faid  of  1  lis  tierce   and  (lately  horfe,  nu.ilem 
ijli  eqw-                    .   d urn  cc  \                     -;;;  uti  ?:cfctuHty 
What  a  brave  horfe  is  loft  for  want  of  skill  to  manage 
him  ;    (o  we  may    fay  ot  fear,    that    they    who   would 
difchargeit,  do  lofc  an  ufeful  paftion,  not  knowing  I 
to  order  it.     Fear  doubtlefs   is  an  excellent  inftrumenr, 
both  of  reafon,  and  of  religion,  and  as  all  our  paffii 
fo  efpecially  lear,  areas  winds,  which alrho'  the 
times  drive  US  upon  rocks,    yet  rightly  improved   may 
fwell  our  Kirs,  and  carry  us  on  ro  the  I              lure  we 
Would  bit.     Hence  we  find  it  fo                      nmaiided 
in   fc:  ip:urr,  and  fo  profitably  praaifed   by   wife   and 
holy  ptrfbrts.     'J'lve  queftion  then  is,  what  kind  of  fear 
and  trembling  is  enjoin  \J  here  in  the  text.     And  tirft, 
as  t               m  ft;  certainly  the  wrath  and  difpfeafiire  ot 
God  is  the  ftiofl  proper  and  fuitablc  objed  of  our  tear; 
it    is  this  that  W<  [  Dghl  to  1  N  1.  i  w  as  rive  grcatcll  c\il, 
and  Colhufi  with  rii                           arid  this  fear,  if 
rightly  feated  in  our  fouls,  will  rdak  hfial 
againfl   the  fmallcfl   fins,  and  mafci  rry 
of  others.    Bat  ttu                  God's 

difplcafurc 


On  the  Nativity,  201 

difpleafure  be  more  excellent  and  ufeful,  yet  the  fear 
of  our  own  mifery  is  not  to  be  condemned.  It  is  ufe- 
ful not  only  to  wicked  perfons,  whom  tho'  it  do  not 
make  good,  yet  it  keeps  them  from  being  worfe  •  but 
alfo  to  holy  perfons,  whom  the  fear  of  hell  hath  many 
times  helped  forward  to  heaven.  Our  Saviour  himfelF 
advifeth  us,  to  fear  him  who  can  caft  both  body  and  foal 
inte  hell-fire ;  and  that  we  may  not  forget  it,  he  drives 
it  home  with  an  ingemination,  yea>  I  fay  unto  you  fear 
him  ;  where  we  are  to  obferve,  that  qui  imports  as 
much  as  quia  \  the  defcription  of  the  perfon  carrieth 
the  reafon  for  which  we  ought  to  fear  him.  It  were  in- 
deed to  be  wifhed,  that  our  fouls  were  knit  unto  God 
by  the  more  noble  and  generous  paflion  of  love,  and 
that  we  needed  neither  rewards  to  draw  us  to  our 
duty,  nor  punifhnents  to  chafe  us  to  our  happinefs; 
and  that  we  loved  goodnefs  as  Cato  was  faid  to  do 
virtue,  becaufe  he  could  not  do  otherwife  j  but  this  i$ 
with  the  hiftorian,  votum  accommodare  non  hiftoriam, 
to  prefent  a  wifh  rather  then  a  character  of  an  ordinary 
chriftian  \  or  as  Xenophon  did  with  Cyrus,  to  defcribe 
rather  what  he  mould  be,  than  what  he  is ;  per f eft 
love,  as  St.  John  tells  us,  caft eth  cut  all  fear  •  but 
while  our  love  is  imperfect,  it  leaves  room  for  fome 
fear.  Hell  is  certainly  in  our  creed  as  well  as  heaven, 
and  as  the  fear  of  it  is  ordinarily  the  firft  ftep  of  con- 
version, fo  it  may  be  of  ufe  to  quicken  us,  and  pufh 
us  forward  all  along  through  our  journey  toward  hea- 
ven. But  if  chriflians  fear  may  have  hell  for  its  ob- 
ject, what  kind  of  fear  may  this  be  ?  In  a  word,  it 
ought  not  to  be  fuch  an  anxious  and  troublefome  fear, 
as  may  difturb  our  tranquillity,  or  extinguifh  our  joy9 
pr  difcourage  our  "endeavours,  but  fo  rational  and  mo- 
dell, 


1'0  2  ().     U 

..   d 
;>  j  11  our  jo\ , 
\  cot    i:  . 

thus    much    of    the     duty     rt 
in  the  tt  1  *U  tone  hua    to  appl 

erals    to  :1A-  prefent  - 
mis     dfty    t$     comnumorate    the     ggcatcfi     btej&ng 
:d   on  the  children  ot'  men  ;    a 

bL  n  all  the  nations  ot  the   wo;.  n- 

c  -  "n\l,   and  yet  whole  traits  dons  .   unci  to 

man,    as   ir   i:    ha  J.  .  .  d  aim 

alo  .  .   and  rck  ice 

th~  in  :rn*d 

in   it.       Tlufe  mcuntJiKs  dp   Lap  for   j 

illcd    v.  ith   a  fruitful   fhoucr,  tor   v. 
tin  us  fpirits  did  behold  G 

a  man,    and  man 
.la:;,  and   tile  hapj 
tiiL .  trd  with  tru  adi 

ilery  and  joy,  for  the  felicity  of  thci 
and    did   with   th< 

:  lent  up 
dvcrtifed  the  blcffcd  r  mira- 

her  mod 
i  accident,  t  A 

firft   news  of  that  ii 
nber  this  da; 
fi 

is   glori   : 

un< 


On  the  Nativity.  203 

underftanding,  the  angel  faid  unto  them,  Fear  not, 
for  behold  I  bring  unto  you  tidings  of  great  joy,  which 
fjjall  be  unto  all  people  •  for  unto  you  is  born  this  day  in 
the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which  is  Chrifi  the  Lor  a \\ 
and  fuddenly  there  was  with  the  angel  a  multitude  of 
the  heavenly  hoft,  the  whole  choir  of  glorious  fpirits, 
who  all  join'd  in  this  heavenly  anthem,  Glory  to  God  on 
high,  on  earth  peace,  and  good-will  towards  men.  And 
may  not. that  help  to  heighten  and  advance  our  joy  and 
our  thankfulnefs  ?  Can  we  be  infenfible  of  our  happi- 
nefs,  when  angels  do  fo  heartily  congratulate  it  ?  3Tis 
a  nativity  which  we  celebrate,  and  any  birth  doth  much 
rejoice  perfons  interefted  ;  a  woman  forgets  her  pangs 
when  a  man-child  is  born  into  the  world. 

But  that  our  joy  and  thankfulnefs  may  be  the  more 
excited,  we  mail  firfb  confider  the  excellency  of  the 
perfon  who  was  born  •  fecondly,  the  delign  of  his 
birth  ;  and  thirdly,  glance  a  little  at  the  circumftances 
of  it. 

First  then,  he  was  no  common  and  ordinary 
perfon  whofe  birth  occafions  our  joy:  if  we  111  a  1 1  but 
fix.  our  eyes  on  his  humane  nature,  and  confider  thofe 
excellencies  that,  were  obvious  to  the  eyes  of  the  world, 
we  fhail  yet  acknowledge,  that  never  fuch  a  perfon 
appeared  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  It  is  he  whofe  na- 
tivity was  promifed  immediately  after  the  fall,  and  fo 
exa&ly  pointed  at  by  the  prophets  many  hundred 
years  before  it  happened,  that  the  Jews  could  tell  the 
place,  and  the  very  heathens  had  fome  knowledge  of 
the  time;  for  the  world  was  big  with  expectation, 
that  the  prophecies  mould  then  be  fulfilled  whieh  fore- 
told the  birth  of  a  great  perfon.  Laftly,  it  is  he  whofe 
very  infancy  not  only  ftartled  a  king,    and  made  him 

fear 


204  On  the  I 

fear  bis  throne,  but  alfo  affrighted  the  powers  <     i 
md  iilcnced  the    heathen  oracles,    klk  r 

childhood  puzzled  the  knowledge  of 
tfceaged,  and  confounded  th(  doiAots  of  the  lav.  ;  who 

ruled  the  courfe  oj  nature,  and  made  the  ttr«>nr^  winds 
obey  him,  and  could  walk  on  the  billows  o(  the  leu  aS 
on  a  pavement ;  who  fed  multitudes  by  his  word,  and 
healed  all  manner  of  difeafes  without  medicine  ;  who 
could  command  then  to  leap  that  were  cripple,  and 
make  them  fee  the  heavens  and  the  day,  who  had  been. 
born  blind  ;  and  who  could  caft  devils  Otttol  their  pof- 
feffions,  and  rettore  the  frantick  to  their  wits;  who 
could  break  the  gates  of  death,  and  open  the  door- 
the  grave,  and  call  back  the  fpirits  to  the  buried 
carcafes. 

I  t  is  he  who  by  the  minittry  of  twelve  hfhcrmcn, 
made  his  religion,  tho'  contrary  to  the  corrupt  afl 
tions,  and  carnal  interetts  of  men,  quickly  fubdue  the 
known  world,  and  made  it  fubmit  to  a  crucified  kiiic:. 
The  do&rrne  which  he  taught,  matter \i  the  undcrttand- 
ing   of  the   mott    learned   philofophc  :hc 

fpirits  of  the  mott  valiant  Commanders,  and  k  u:-wi: 
the  cunning  of  the  fubtktt   politicians,  it  cancell'd  the 

ceremonies  of  the  J ew%  confounded  the  wifdom  oft 

£,    and  inttructed  the  rudenefs  of  the  1  I  ; 

and  remains  ftill  in  the  world  a  conttan:  the 

author's  wifdom  and  power.     And  what  Hull  w 

c)i  the  goodnefs  and  moral  SI  of  that  humane 

nature,  wW  miraculoi  -power:    N 

all  his  mira,  fauiCCS  ofth  IS  ot 

other.     Should  wc  fpeak  of  his  ardent  piety  and 

God,  and  I  -<  nour, 

amiable  meckntfi  and  humility  his  uni  rity 

and 


On  the  Nativity.  2D 5 

ind  compaflion  even  toward  his  bitter  enemies,  his 
venerable  purity  and  temperance,  that  noble  contempt 
of  the  world,  and  all  thofe  other  virtues  which  fhined 
fo  eminently  in  his  whole  coriverfation ;  a  fermon  were 
too  little  for  every  particular.  But  this  is  not  allj  he 
was  not  only  far  above  other  men,  but  infinitely  above 
the  angels,  being  perfonally  united  to  the  divine  na- 
ture ;  he  was  God  as  well  as  man,  and  by  communica- 
tion of  properties,  it  may  be  faidj  that  he  whom  we 
now  behold  in  a  cradle,  hath  his  throne  in  the  heaven* 
and  filleth  all  things  by  his  immenfity  $  that  he  who 
is  wrapt  in  fwadling  cloths,  is  now  clothed  in  infinite 
glory  ;  and  he  whom  we  find  in  a  (table  among  beaits, 
is  the  fame  with  him  encircled  with  millions  of  angels ; 
in  a  word,  that  great  perfon  whofe  nativity  we  cele- 
brate, is  divinely  embodied,  God  made  fleJJj.  This 
union  of  the  divine  and  humane  nature,  is  a  myftery 
great  enough  to  confound  our  underflanding,  but  not 
to  trouble  or  make  our  faith,  who  know  many  things 
to  be,  which  we  cannot  know  how  they  are,  and  are 
not  able  to  give  any  account  of  the  union  betwixt  the 
foul  and  the  body,  or  of  the  parts  of  nature  among 
themfelves,  which  yet  we  never  call  in  quelHon. 

And  thus  much  of  the  dignity  of  ChriiVs  perfon, 
which  is  the  firft  ground  of  our  joy  ;  we  proceed  to 
the  fecond,  the  defign  of  his  birth.  He  was  Lord 
of  the  world,  but  came  not  into  it  to  exercife  dominion, 
nor  as  the  Jews  expected,  to  procure  their  temporal 
redemption,  and  reitore  the  kingdom  to  Jfrael :  He 
came  not  for  fo  mean  a  purpofe  as  the  Jews  expected, 
to  procure  their  temporal  redemption,  to  make  his  fol- 
lowers rich  and  honourable,  fortunate  or  confpicuous 
in  the  world ;   nay,  both  by  precept  and  example  he 

?augn? 


"*  ^^<l^2^^:-^^^^^" 


6  On   th<    \ 

tcmn    and  dcfpifc    al 

to  deliver  his  people  fror. 
;i,    and  from  ch  nd   t< 

how  by  a  h  ■  rhcy  might  ubrain  ai 

iuppinefs.     He  came  not  indeed  to  purchn. 
liberty  to    li;>,  without  hazard,  and  then   to  i 
our  iniquities  with  his  rightcoufnefs,  to   let  us  live 
we  lilt,  andadiirer  Nay,  it  bad 

Ixen  confiftettt  with  his  lot  J,  to  hm  procured 

pardon   tor    obftinate   and  ;    n«T  fig 

gttittbofl  S  to  have  obtain  uithout 

(hnftiftcatton  1  Had  we  been  delii  tn  all  01 

punifhnunt,    fin  it   felt  would  hive  made  us  miserable. 
But  Chrili  came  into  the  world  to  lave  his  ;  from 

their  tins  •,    as  weH  as  from  the  difm  bqoencefl 

or"  tfiem  ;     and  to  procure    for  us,  that  be; 
on:  -      t  memii 

'gbteoufm  7yf# 

In  a  word,  .■:  World 

glory  o(  God,  and  the  hap]  te  earth,  by 

ftoring  us  to  t  :or- 

mity  to  him.      And  certain!]    I 

evil  of  Guy  or  the  n  hell,  of  th< 

botifM  5,    i  t  ;;'  .'i,    it  mull  needs  be  a 

ma:  .  him,  \ 

doth  delivci  m  the  OIK 

the  other. 

1  ,  of  the  ( 

of  the  nativity  whi 

themfeh  es  full  n.    \\  c 


On  the  Nativity.  207 

jhall  only  obferve  our  Saviour's  coming  into  the  world 
after  that  manner,  which  did  bell  fuit  with  his  defign. 
Indeed  when  a  man  ihouid  hear  of  the  Son  of  God's 
coming  down  from  heaven,  and  making  a  progrefs 
into  the  lower  world,  he  would  be  apt  to  think  that 
his  appearance  would  be  with  the  greateft  fplendor 
and  magnificence,  and  that  the  glory  of  heaven  ihouid 
continually  attend  and  (ignalize  his  perfon  :  at  leaft, 
that  all  the  princes  in  the  world  mould  be  fummon'd 
to  attend  his  reception,  and  that  the  heaven  ihouid 
bow  at  his  prefence,  and  the  earth  tremble  at  the  ap- 
proach of  his  Majefty,  and  that  all  the  clouds  ihouid 
clap  together  in  an  univerfal  thunder,  to  welcome  his 
appearance ;  but  inftead  of  all  this  pomp  and  grandeur^ 
he  (lips  into  the  world  (as  they  fay)  incognito  y  is  born 
in  a  village,  difcover'd  by  fome  poor  ihepherds,  and 
found  by  them  in  a  liable,  and  fuch  an  homely  cradle 
as  that  afforded,  only  attended  by  his  poor  mother, 
who,  tho*  of  royal  blood,  had  nothing  but  good- 
nefs  to  make  her  eminent  •  and  his  education  was  an- 
fwerable  to  his  obfeure  birth,-  and  his  whole  life  a 
eourfe  of  humility  and  felt-denial.  Now  certainly  this 
far  bed  agrees  with  the  defign  of  his  appearance,  who 
came  not  on  fo  mean  an  errand  as  to  dazzle  the  eyes 
of  mankind  with  the  appearance  of  his  glory,  nor  to 
amaze  them  with  the  terriblenefs  of  his  Majefty,  much 
lefs  to  make  a  ihew  of  the  riches  and  gallantry  of  the 
world  among  them,  but  to  bring  life  and  immortality 
to  light,  and  lead  men  to  eternal  happinefs.  In  order 
to  which  it  was  neceflary,  that  by  his  example,  as  well 
as  do&rine,  he  ihouid  difparage  the  vanities  of  the 
world,  and  bring  them  out  of  that  credit  and  efteem 
they  had  gotten  among  fooliih  men. 


2oS  On  the  Nc 


I   shall     proceed    no  further  on   this    ful 
bopC  it  doth  appear,  chat  WC   have   gi.  p  to  re- 

joice  in  the  exaltation  of  the  humane  nature,  and  the 
gretC  falvation  purchafed    CO  us  by  the    incarr.atn  : 
the  Son  ot   God.     I  mail  add,  that   even  tins  joy  ad- 
mits or"  holy  tear,  even  on   this   occalion   we  mud    re- 
joice with    trembling.       Salvation    is    come   into    the 
world,  but  wo  to  them  that  neglect   it  !  The  gofp. 
pr. ached,    but   there    is  great    danger  in  flighting   it, 
let  us  therefore  tear,  left  .<•  prajw/i  being  left  i 
Iring  into  its  rejl,  any  of  us  Jljould  cot 
Little  cauie    have  obltinatc   linners  to  ie joicc    pa    this 
rdtival,  the  time  is  coming    that  they  (hall   wifh,  that 
cither  Chrift  had  never  come  into  the  world,  or  they 
had  hcVer  heard  of  him  ■   B.  iid  is  fet  fir  the 

rife  and  fill  of  \.     And   they  that  are  not  the 

better,  mall  be  the  worfc  for  his  coming.  One  way  I 
mull  name,  that  many  men  lit  this  child  teir  own 

fall,  when  they  make    this  (biemn  anniverfary,  an  i 
portunity  of  finning  and  debauchery,  as  if  i:  were  in- 
deed a  drunken  11  K$busl  and  not  a  '    us,  \vh 
they  worlhipped.       What,  Sirs  b.,  became 
man,  mud  we  then               >me  bealls  ?    Or  think  we 
to    honour  that  child  with  diih  lutenefs,  who  came  to 

the  world  on  defigos  of  .  This  i:  is,  no  i 

that  gives  many  men  a  prejudice  againft  the  fcfliva] 

it  fclf,  and  perhaps  is  their  moft   fpecious  nt. 

\\'e  know  an  aufwer,  but  you  may,  and  ought  to  af- 
t'ord  another,  by  removing  any  ground  tor  (v^h  a, 
pretence,  indeed  a  torenoon's  llrmon  will    |  :n- 

pen 


♦   HcJ.  i».    I. 


On  ihe  Nativity.  209 

penfate  an  afternoon's  debauch ;  nor  will  your  fervice 
in  the  church  juftify  your  intemperance  at  home.  But 
as  hereby  at  leaft  fome  time  is  redeemed  frcni  the  too 
frequent  courfes  of  the  day,  (o  I  wiih  the  time  we 
fpend  here,  may  have  fome  influence  towards  the  right 
improvement  of  the  reft  ->  that  our  behaviour  on  this 
folemnity  may  be  fuch,  as  fuits  with  the  infinite  holi- 
nefs  of  that  perfon  whom  we  profefs  to  honour,  that 
we  may  ferve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoice  with 
t'remblwg. 


THE 


[    210    ) 


0  N     I    H  E 


PASSION 


O  F     O  U   R 


SAVIOUR 


Lam.  I.    12. 

Is  it  nothing  to  vou,   all  yc  tba  by\ 

behold^  and  fee  if  there  hi  row{ 

like  unto  my  Jorro:r. 

C    to    morrow,     God  willing,  to  be 
imployed  in  one  mofl 

folemn  offices  of  our  religioo,    to 

and  fuffi  I  th| 

blefled  *f*f*s%  tod  to  i  I 

-  of  hil  i  And  how 

Laftiag 


On  the  Pajjion.  211 

lading  interefts  of  our   fouls  depend  upon  the  right 
performing  of  this  work  ? 

It  is  not  time  now  to  difcourfe  of  the  nature  and 
ends  of  that  facrament  we  are  about  to  celebrate,  we 
are  to  fuppofe  you  already  inftrucxed  in  thefe ;  we  fhali 
rather  fix  our  thoughts  on  thofe  things  which  may  have 
a  more  immediate  influence  to  difpofe  us  for  fo  near 
and  folemn  an  addrefs  unto  God,  and  to  aflift  and 
direct  us  in  it ;  and  I  know  nothing  more  proper  for 
this  purpofe,  than  the  ferious  confederation  of  thofe 
fufferings  of  our  Saviour,  which  are  to  be  fymbolically 
reprefented  unto  us  in  that  holy  ordinance. 

This  paflionate  complaint  of  the  prophet  Jeremy% 
which  we  have  read,  though  in  its  firft  and  litterai 
Fenfe  it  may  refer  to  the  fad  condition  of  the  Jewijh 
nation,  and  the  holy  city,  under  the  Babylonify  cap- 
tivity, (as  many  prophecies  concerning  the  Mefliah, 
had  a  litterai  completion  in  thofe  who  were  his  types) 
yet  certainly  in  its  higheit.  and  fulleft  fenfe,  it  is  only 
applicable  to  our  bleffed  Saviour ;  of  him  alone  it 
could  be  faid,  in  flriclnefs  and  propriety  of  fpeech, 
that  there  was  never  forrow  like  his  forrow. 

Let  us  then  confider  the  words  as  our  Saviour's 
complaint  of  the  dulnefs  and  ilupidity  of  men,  who 
go  up  and  down  in  the  world,  who  come  and  pafs 
without  regarding  his  fufferings,  which  were  fo  grievous* 
wherein  themfelves  are  fo  nearly  concerned  ;  and  from 
i  thence  I  would  confider  thefe  three  things. 

I.  T  h  e  greatnefs  of  our  Saviour's  fufferings  ex- 
preffed  in  thefe  words,  See  if  there  be  any  forrow  like 
unto  my  forrow. 

II.  O  u  r  interelt  and  concernment  in  them,inilnuated 
in  that  pafllohate  interrogation,  Is  it  nothing  to  you  ? 

P  %  III. 


J\  2  On   the    Pa 

III.  Tii  it    his  fuffc  be  paflfcd 

by,  but  uul  coniidcred,  Is  tt  tutling 

..-;  pjfs  I j  ?  &C 

I.  L  r  i  us  refle&  on  our  Saviour's  fu  ,  butO 

where  fhall  we  begin  to  recount  them  }   His  whole  li 
from  the  manger,  his  uneafy  cradle,  unto  hi  and 

grave,  was  a  continued  tract  or"  furrerincjs  ;  he  did  all 
along  anfwer  that  c  given  of  him  by  the  pro- 

phet,  #  man  of  J  ,  itf. 

To  fay  nothing  of  the  meannd  ,  and 

the  pains  of  circumcifion,  the  in- 

fancy, ,  ;ry  and  v.  ant,  his  travail  ar„. 

his  (afting  and  v.at.  I  and  his  tears,  and 

all  the  other  infirmities  incident  to  our  humane  nature, 
and  inconveniencies  attending  a  p  or  and  ftraitned 
eftate,  he  could  not   but  k  y  fad  and  affii&ed 

life,  considering  that  he  li-.  and  wit 

generati<  n,  and  theconti 

to  the*  follies  and  mifcan  heat 

and 

6f  fomc,   and  I  co- 

vei  and  inju  ion,    the 

ma'.  .its  that 

abounded  in  1 1  V.'.  arc  C  mmonly 

1  i  I : 

Fore  do  apj  I  uc  if 

i  i 

ti  is  put 

l  i 
/ 

i 


On  the  Pajjion.  213 

have  been  pierced,  by  every  blafphemous  word  that 
he  heard,  by  every  wicked  action  he  beheld  ?  Doubt- 
tefs  it  was  no  fmall  forrow  that  made  him  cry  out,  O 
faithlefs  and  perverfe  generation,  bow  Jong  Jhall  I  be 
with  you,  bow  long  flo  all  I  faffer  you*  ?  Nor  was  he  a 
little  moved,  when  his  zeal  did  carry  him  to  that  fe- 
verity,  which,  if  we  did  not  confide*  the  caufe,  would 
feem  very  unlikely  to  the  wonted  meeknefs  of  his  fpirit, 
in  whipping  the  traders  out  of  the  temple.  Add  here- 
unto his  tender  compafTion  towards  men,  which  could 
not  but  make  him  exceeding  forry,  to  fee  them  fruftrate 
the  method  of  his  mercy,  and  ruin  themfelves  by  their 
enmity  againft  him;  to  hear  them  reproach  the  holy 
do&rine  which  he  taught,  and  undervalue  the  miracles 
which  he  performed,  or  elfe  condemn  them  as  the  un- 
lawful effects  of  magical  skill,  that  tho*  be  came  unto 
his  own,  yet  bis  own  received  bim  not  f ;  tho*  he  fpake 
as  never  man  fpake,  and  did  fuch  works  as  would  have 
converted  lyre  and  Sidon,  yet  did  they  bafft?  their 
own  reafon,  and  perfiil  in  their  infidelity,  becaufe,  for- 
footh,  they  knew  the  place  a.id  manner  of  his  educa- 
tion ;  as  tho'  his  being  reputed  the  carpenter's  fon, 
had  been  a  fuffictent  anfwer  to  all  that  he  could  fay  or 
do.  This  was  the  occafion  of  his  tears  over  that 
wretched  and  ungrateful  city  ;  O  Jerufalem,  Jerufa- 
lew,  thou  that  killeft  the  prophets,  and  ft  one  ft  them 
that  are  fent  unto  thee,  bow  often  would  I  have  ga- 
tbered  thy  children  together,  even  as  a  ben  gatbereth 
her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not  %  A  // 
Pbou  bad  ft  known,  even  thou,  at  haft  in  this  thy  day, 

P  3  the 


*  Mat.  xvii    17,  f  John  i.  u.  ±  Mat.  xxiii.  3-7. 


2i4  O.v  the  Tajfion. 

arc  hi 

V,  I    have  n   I  bofl   nil  the  fad  pan       I 

v.hich  occur   in   th.  .   or  our  Sa\ :    .  (ct 

us  fix  our  eyes  a  little  on  fome  of    the  lail  |  and 

WC  (hall  find  them  the  blftfkcfl  I 

the  humane  nature.  At  the  approach  of  death,  it  is 
faid,  be  begun  to  be  forrowful,  as  if  he  had  never  tele 
any  grief  before;  his  former  aillictions  were  like  fcat- 
Ocrcd  drops  of  rain,  but  in  tin's  gtctt  ,  all  the 

fountains  beneath,  and  all  :.  en  WCTC 

opened;   the  wrath  of  God  agamit  a  li  rid,  the 

malice  and  cruelty  o;  pen,  the  rage  and  iw  \  ils, 

break  out  together  againlt  him,  if  we  take  the  meafure 
of  his  futferings  by  the  apprehcnlions  which  he  had  of 
them  before,  we  (hall  find,  that  when  he  is  talking 
with  his  diiciplcs  about  them,  and  encouraging  him- 
felf  and  his  followers  with  the  ailurancc  of  the  reward 
fet  before  them,  yet  he  doth  not  dillcmblc  the  fear 
and  trouble  wherewith  he  was  \  my  fcul 

XfOUbleiy  r.i.  .'  .  |  '    I  <rom 

tiis  bour\i  &&  Certainly,  iftlure  had  ban  BOOMCC 
in  his  luti-  than  what  is  comm<  ideot  to 

human  nature,    as   to  endure    pain  or   d.ath,  he  who 

had  a  perfefi  innocency,  eft  and  molt  entire 

rcliguation,  the  lulUii  ailu:  reu aid  to  come, 

would  n.ver   i  Q  half    lb  much  affrighted  uitn 

the   appt..  DDL       The    |  :hat  fad 

night's  trail  into  the 

hands    of    linnets,     pretend    us    with    a  and 

amazing 


• 


On  the  Pajfion.  215 

amazing  fpeftacle:    look  into  the  garden,  and  behold 
the  Son  of  God  proftrate  with  his  face  upon  the  ground, 
in  the  faddeft  difcompofure  of  fpirit  that  could  poflibly 
confift  with  his  perfect  innocency  ;    he  was  forrowfui 
and  very  heavy,  and  tells  his  difciples,  My  foul  is  ex-* 
ceeding  forrowfui,   even  unto  death :    it  feems,  had  he 
remained  long  in  this  condition,  his  own  grief  would 
have  killed  him.      Here  it  was  that  he  fuffered  that 
which  the  Evangelift  calleth  an  agony ;    but  what  the 
nature  and  meafures  of  it  were,  he  alone  can  tell  who 
did  feel  it  •  it  is  not  poffible  for  us  to  comprehend  the 
mixture  of  that  bitter  cup,  yet  we  may  guefs  at  fom.e 
of  the  ingredients  of  it.     And  flrft,  without  queilioa 
he  had  a  clearer  forefight  of  that   painful  and  curfed 
death  which  he  was  fo  ihortly  after  to  undergo;  this 
king  of  terrors  did  reprefent  himfelf  unto  him  in  his 
greateft  pomp,    clothed  with  all  the   circumftances  of 
horror  ;  and  even  this  could  not  but  be  very  dreadful, 
perhaps  more  to  him  than  it  would  have  been  to  fome 
other  perfon.     There  is  a  fort  of  natural  floutnefs  and 
courage  depending  much  on  the  temper  and  conftitu- 
tion  of  the  body,  and  which  doth  commonly  accom- 
pany the  rougher!  and  moll  ftubborn  natures,    when 
thofeof  a  more  fweet  and  benign  difpofition,  are  many 
times  obnoxious  to  deeper  impreflions  of  fear ;    and  it 
will  not  derogate  from  the  honour  of  our  bleffed  Sa- 
viour, tho*  we  mould  fuppofe,  that  amongft  other  in- 
firmities, he  might  be  much  liable  to  this  natural  and 
innocent  paffion.     The  true  greatnefs  of  the  foul  doth 
not  confift  in  the  vigor  of  the  natural  fpirits,  nor  the 
fturdy  boldnefs  of  an  undaunted  humour;    but  in  a 
holy  ftedfaihiefs  and  refolution  to  undergo  thofe  things, 
which  are  dreadful  to  nature. 

P  4  Bu  T 


2i  G  o  r*  xjjk 

B  '  t  certainly    the   fear  or  death  - 
onl'  -It  thing 

fpirit  at  that  time  5  he  had  tnotl  gad- 

(til   profp  ft,    the  heinous  and   101 
mankind,  whole  nature  he  n,  and  ini- 

quities he  was  to  bear:   he  law  the  whole  1 
in  wickednefij  tnd  ready  1  eternal  I 

he  i.i  ■■  the  anger  ol  God  kindled,  and  his  band 
np,  and    he   knew   that    the  -    would   light  u; 

himfdFj    and  tiiat  the  chal  our   pe.; 

to  be  upon  him. 

A  N  t)  d  B  it  added  not  a  little  noto  I 

that  I1..  knew  that  all  he  had  done,  and  all  that  he  w 
about  to  fuffer,  would  be  flighted  and  d 
grcaieft  part    of  mankind  ;     it   grieved   him   to  thi 
tint    many   thoufands,    who  w.re    to  be  called    by  his 
name,  would  prove  fo  baft   and  unthankrul,  as  1 1  re- 
ject his   love,  and    baffle   his  pi 
word  of  his  blood  and  B 
a  (trumpet,    another   hi  ,    a  rli:i\. 

money,  to  the  h  I  the  un- 

foeakable  1  indiu fs  or'  a  dyii      ...  bar. 

B*i  1  1  1  1  y,  in  this  agony 
will]  the  1  i  lenl  pa  •  hich  rack  a 

his  j  ilnts,  and  till  in  tfa 

night,  and  in  th<  open  1 

did  ifliie  forth  and  1  bled 

dov  n  tint  1  the  ground. 

1 

But 


On  the  Pajfion.  217 

But  now  he  awaketh  his  drowfy  difciples,  and 
calls  them  to  rife  and  be  going,  tot  behold  be  is  at  hand, 
that  betrays  him  ;  and  fcarce  had  he  fpoke  the  words 
when  behold  the  traitor,  and  with  him  a  great  multi- 
tude from  the  chief  prieits  and  elders  of  the  people ; 
they  come  out  as  againit  a  thief  with  fwords  and  ftaves^ 
for  to  take  him;  that  monfter  of  ingratitude  gives  them 
the  fignal*  and  with  an  horrid  impudence  dares  ap- 
proach his  infamous  and  facrilegious  lips  to  that  fa- 
cred  and  venerable  face  j  which  we  may  reckon  as  the 
firfl  wound  he  received  from  his  enemies.  O  what  an 
indignity,  to  be  kiffed  by  a  traitor,  an  apoftate,  an 
enemy  to  God,  poflefled  by  the  Devil,  and  who  was 
to  be  lodged  in  hell  ere  twenty  four  hours  expired ! 
And  O  the  infuperable  meeknefs  of  our  bleiied  Saviour, 
who  furTers  the  indignity,  and  checks  it  with  no  harfher 
terms  than  this ;  Friend  therefore  art  thou  come  ?  Ju- 
das, betrayeft  thou  the  [on  of  wan  with  a  kifs  ?  Then 
he  turneth  unto  the  armed  bands,  and  faid  unto  them^ 
Whom  fcek  ye  ?  ^they  an  fiver  ed  him,  J e fits  of  Naza- 
reth. Jefus  faith  unto  them,  I  am  he.  The  meeknefs 
of  this  anfwer  aftonifhed  the  foldiers,  and  the  power; 
that  accompanied  it,  made  them  go  back  and  fall  to 
the  ground.  And  why  did  they  not  fall  into  hell? 
The  wicked  enterprize  they  were  prefently  about  to 
do  did  juitly  deferve  it,  and  how  eafy  was  it  for  him 
to  have  done  it  ?  But  his  goodnefs  reftrained  him,  he 
meaned  them  no  harm,  but  intended  his  fall  to  help 
them  to  rife ;  that  the  confideration  of  it,  and  the 
other  evidences  of  his  divinity,  might  one  day  bring 
them  to  a  fenfe  of  their  (in  \  nor  will  he  any  further 
employ  his  miraculous  power,  but  only  in  the  cure 
of  an  enemy,    whom  his    too   forward   difciple  had 

wounded, 


2i  8  On  the  Pajfwn. 

grounded.  But  this  doth  DOC  abate  their  malice,  the/ 
lay  h  H  00  him,  and  time;  him  auay  in  glttt  hurry 
and  uproar,  through  that  city  where  he  had  done  fo 
much  good,  and  into  which  lie  had  been  lai  ed 

with  joy  and  triumph,  and  loud  acclamations,  BUJfed 
is  lc  that  comcth  in  the  name  oj  the  Lord  They  carry 
him  from  Annas  to  C  .  ;  \s%  from  C  fl  yfcu  to  Pilate, 
from  Pi/rffc  to  //  ',  fi^om  Hitod  to  Pilate  again, 
treating  him  with  all  the  indignities,  all  the  inflances 
of  ("corn  and  contempt  that  their  malice  could  fugged 
unto  them.  Now  tho'  our  cxtream  impatience  of  i.  - 
OOtninies  and  arlronts,  do  much  pro,  n  the  pride 

and  baughtioefs  of  our  fpirits,  yet  is  there  in  them  a 
contrariety  even  to  the  innocent  confutation  of  the  hu- 
man nature  ;  fhame  and  difgrace  arc  tn  ic  to  all 
ingenuous  fpirits,  fo  that  tho*  they  could  not  raife  any 
immoderate  pafTion  in  our  bleffed  Saviour,  yet  his 
bleifed  fpirit  had  a  great  abhorrence  and  detefbu 
that  bafe  and  unworthy  U&ge,  which  uas  infinitely 
heigbtned  by  the  worth  and  excellency  ot  the  pa 
who  differed  it.  What  loyal  heart  i  \x  of 
the  indignities  done  by    the  rude   foldiers  to  our   larc 

f  rereign,  but  with    rq  d  abhorrence?  But  alas! 

what  are  tluy,  if  compared  with  thole  that  were  put 
upon  the  king  ol  heaven  I   When  i  and  rc- 

pruched  him,  whenti.  U  mm  00  the  cheek,  and 

and  thole    hands  which  had  CUItd   fc  many  diiealls, 

a\k\  defiled  thfl  (   with  fpittle,  which  faints 

I    all  which  he  fuflered 
with  that  i  the  prophet  had  foretold, 

*7i  I  to  tic  fmsterSj   and  I.  b  to 


On  the  Pajfton*  219 

them  that  pluck  off  the  hair,  he  did  not  hide  his  face 
from  fbame  and  fpitting.  They  would  needs  be  in- 
genious in  their  fcoffings,  and  mock  him  in  all  his 
offices  ;  he  was  a  prophet,  and  they  defire  him  to  pro- 
phefy  who  it  was  that  did  fmite  him;  he  was  a  prieft3 
and  they  bid  him  fave  himfJ.:  as  he  did  others;  he 
was  a  king,  and  they  crown  him  with  thorns,  and 
array  him  with  fcarlet,  and  put  a  reed  in  his  hand, 
and  in  fcorn  falute  him,  King  of  the  Jews.  Add  unto 
{his  the  violence  done  unto  his  virgin  modefty,  when 
he  was  ftript  naked  in  the  view  of  the  rude  multitude. 
It  is  reported  of  fome  virgin  martyrs,  that  God  pity- 
ing their  grief  and  trouble  to  have  their  nakednefs  dif* 
covered,  when  they  were  to  be  ftript  of  their  clothes, 
did  cover  them  with  a  veil  of  light,  and  fent  them  to 
a  modeft  and  defired  death  ;  but  the  holy  Jefus,  who 
refufed  no  fhame,  endured  alfo  this  of  nakednefs,  that 
we  might  be  clothed  with  righteoufnefs. 

But  tho'  it  pleafed  their  malice  to  have  him  ex- 
pofed  to  all  indignities  imaginable,  yet  nothing  would 
fatisfy  it  but  his  torment  and  his  death  ;  he  hath  al  - 
ready  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings,  and  now  he  mull 
have  fcourgings  too  ;  they  whip  him  with  violent  and 
unrelenting  hands,  tearing  his  tender  flefh,  and  making 
long  furrows  in  it.  And  now  behold  the  man  !  behold 
him  in  that  fad  miferable  plight  wherein  Pilate  brought 
him  forth,  thinking  to  have  appeafed  the  malice  of  the 
Jews,  his  head  pierced  with  briars,  his  face  blue  with 
ftrokes,  his  hands  bound,  that  he  couid  not  fo  much  as 
wipe  off  the  blood  which  trickled  down  his  eyes,  his 
whole  body  difcoloured  with  the  marks  of  the  fcourge; 
from  the  top  of  his  head,  to  the  ible  of  his  foot  there 
was  no  foundnefs  in  him,  IV as  there  ever  any  for  row 
hke  unto  his  forrow  ?  There 


220  Or.  the  Pajfoik 

T  •  ...'■■        £  f 

anil  could  prevail  v.  1 

r  to 
n  *way,  fo  Hot  and  v.  ( 
with  wl  idy  endured,  that  be  i 

eight  of   his  croft,  bat  r  muft  carry 

ic  for  him  ;   but  d(  nail  him  unto  ir,  hat 

wp  betwixt  ,  as  the  moil  o<  i  ndec 

of  the  three.  Ic  cannot  be  exprcfled  how  painful  this 
kind  ith  was,  the  very  Rrcachiog  forth  or  the  arms 
Without  any  weight,   can  hardly   be  endured  any  coo- 

Bible  time;  but  when  the  weight  or  the  body  did 
hang  npon  them,  and  thereby  tear  the  wounds  that 
Were  made  in  the  hands  ;  \\\v.\\  this  torment  was  con- 
tinued till  pain  alone  had  overcome  the  power  of  na- 
I  ire,  and  breed  the  foul  to  dil  ithout  any  hurt 

to   th    vital  parts,  (carce  any  could  be   invented  more 
dreadful  and  cruel  ;    to  (ay  nothing  of   the  fhame  thac 
attended  it,  b/mg  only  dettin'd  tor  the  meaneft   flat 
and  the  greatefi  offenders  ;  th-  s  o| 

their i  ndki  d,  or  the  |  crimea,  m 

unworthy  of  any  refpect  In  this  fad  and  painful 
pofture  did  t  hang,  without    any  thing  to 

afort  him  :   the  hi  ly  angels    who  WCtC  accultom'd  to 

fervc  hintu  xafioos,  do  now  dUappear,  not 

one  of  them  toftrengthen  i  re  him;  as  for  dm 

mi(!  i  arc  they  all,  thj 

,  )   { toll  OVet  him,   I  companion 

dds  unto  them  by  h  dif- 

iken  him,   one  ol  mem  had  betrayed 

bim,  a  third  run  awav  from 
[ht  not  be  •  im. 

of   the 


On  the  Pajfion.  221 

t'-ty,  but  their  companion  did  fo  little  eafe  his  grief, 
that  he  deiired  them  to  referve  their  tears  for  the  cala* 
mities  that  were  to  befal  themfelves  •  Daughters  ofjc- 
rufalemy  weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  for  your  [elves,  and 
for  your  children  *.  He  beheld  the  two  perfons  that 
were  the  deareft  to  him  in  the  world,  his  mother,  and 
friend)  fitting  under  the  crofs,  but  all  that  they  could 
do  was  but  to  lament  and  mourn,  and  this  but  re- 
doubled his  forrow ;  his  bleffed  mother  was  bathed  in 
tears,  and  felt  the  effe&s  of  old  Simeon's  prophefy,  that 
a  [word  Jhould  pierce  through  her  foul',  and  the  beloved 
difcipkj  who  was  wont  to  lie  in  his  bofom,  lay  dill 
very  near  his  heart ;  and  it  was  a  real  fuffering  unto 
him,  to  fee  the  anguifh  and  forrow  whereinto  his  fuf- 
ferings  had  caft  them.  Whither  then  could  he  look  for 
comfort,  but  unto  heaven  ?  To  whom  could  he  flee,  but 
to  the  arms  of  his  Father  ?  But  O  what  ftrange,  what 
aftoniihing  words  do  we  hear,  My  God,  my  God,  why 
haft  thou  for faken  me  ?  Wonder,  O  earth  •  be  afloniihed, 
O  ye  heavens  !  A.t  this,  men  and  angels  admire  and 
ftand  amazed!  Goodnefs  and  innocence  it  felf  forfaken 
by  the  author  and  fountain  of  goodnt fs,  the  Son  of  God 
deferted  by  his  heavenly  Father!  Certainly  the  foul  of 
our  bleffed  Saviour  was  (till  united  to  the  divine  nature, 
and  was  (till  as  dear  unto  his  Father  as  before ;  only 
the  joyful  ftnfe  of  the  divine  love  was  fufpended  for  a 
while,  the  faculties  of  his  foul  were  difcompofed,  and 
a  veil  as  it  were  drawn  before  the  eyes  of  his  mind, 
which  intercepteth  the  light  of  hisFather's  countenance  . 
and  that  he  felt  not  thofe  refrefhing  emanations  which 
in  the  courfe  of  his  life  the  deity  conveyed  unto  him ; 

and 


*  Luke  xxiii.  38. 


222  O/i  the  Pa Jf ion. 

and  ill  that  fod  moment  his  mind  fcems  to  have  been 
tb  intent  upon  his  fufl  thtt  he  uas  diverted 

the  actual  conftdetation  of  that  glory  which  he  pur- 
chafed  by  them.  Now  to  be  thus  fafpci  m  the 
perfeA  vifion  of  God,  to  be  divorced  as  it  were 
himfclf,  and  to  lofe  the  fenfe  of  thofc  inwa;\  rts 
which  were  wont  to  fuftain  him  in  ail  his  idvcrfitiefl  ; 
how  Cutting  mult  it  needs  be  to  his  foul,  (b  pure  and 
holy,  and  which  had  fo  high  a  value  for  the  divine 
|  vt  ?  Confidet  then  and  lee,  if  i  ny 
for  row  like  unto  this  fan 

N  o  w  it  is  rinifhed,  the  (harp  c 
one  cry  more,  and  the  bkil-.u  '/.    ■    '   WW  Hewn   < 

0  it"  the 
powers  of    heaven    and  earth  be   :  the    earth 

trcmblcth  and  (haketh,  the  rocks  rent,  the  graves  arc 
opened,  the  vail  of  the  temple  v. as  rent  in  two,  the 
fun  himfclf  (hrunk  in  h  tnd  darknek, 

the  face  of  the  earth;  which  a  tC4 

is  faid  to  have  obferved  at  that  time,  and  .ncc 

to  have  concluded^  thtt  cither  the  G  (of- 

fered violence^  or  that  i  .   /as  about 

to   dilfolve:     OtA    Dr.  .'..•*,     tint: 

:::.)'.      ThllS  I    yo«  1.  me  rude 

bnperfed  bints  i  f  I  is  and  unf| 

Ings,  but  O  how  :  do  we  undcrftand  to 

very    good   purp     .1   It  Wi  I  the  ancient 

fhthers  of  the  (  their  lio 

have    t  1    nil   t]  i.lar   pti  arc 

fet  down  in  his  |  d  b]    all 

of  them  called   for  [IN  arur  all    Hint    up    .uth 

tins  fuppiication  :  By  \\ir.c  unknown  fort,  i 

Jc, 


On  the  Pajfton.  223 

firings  felt  by  theey  but  not  diflinftly  known  by  us\ 
have  mercy  upon  us  and  fave  us. 

II.  W  e  proceed  in  the  next  place  to  confider  the 
interefl  that  we  have  in  the  fufferings  of  our  Saviour  \ 
is  it  nothing  to  you  ?    Have  you  no  intereft  nor  con- 
cernment at  ail  in  them  ?  Much,  certainly,  every  way ; 
we  were  the  occafion  of  his  fufferings,  and  the  benefits 
of  them  redound  unto  us.     When  we  fee  a  perfon  un- 
dergo  any  fad  and  grievous  punifhment,   we  cannot 
choofe  but  enquire  into  the  grounds  and  cccafions  of 
their  fufferings  ;    and  the  rather  if  they  have  the  re- 
putation of  innocence   and  integrity-    and  here  not 
only  the  moft  innocent,  but  the  mod  excellent  perfon 
that  ever  was  in  the  world,   undergoes  thofe  dreadful 
fufferings  which  we  mentioned  before,  who  never  had 
done  any  fin  at  all,    neither  was  guile  found  in  his 
mouth  * ;    fo  that  the  judge  who  condemned  him,  be- 
hoved flrft  to  condemn  himfelf  by  a  folemn  acknow- 
ledgment of  his  innocence  ;  he  had  gone  up  and  down 
all  his  days  doing  good  unto  men,  and  fcattering  blef- 
fings  where  he  came,    healing  the  lick,    reitoring  fight 
to  the  blind*  and  making  the  lame  to  walk,  the  dumb 
to  fpeak,  and  the  deaf  to  hear ;  feeding  the  hungry* 
and  inftrucling  all  that  would  vouchfafe  to  hear  him ; 
for  which  of  all  thefe  good  works  is  he  punifhed  ? 
Death  is  the  wages  of  fin,  how  comes  he  to  die  that 
knew  no  fin  ?  The  prophet  Jfaiah  gives  us  the  anfwer, 
f  Surely  he  hath  born  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  for- 
rows  :  yet  we  did  efteem  him  ftricken,  f mitt  en  of  God± 
and  afflified.   But  he  was  wounded  for  our  tranfgrejfwnsy 
he  was  bruifed  for  our  iniquities  :  tbe  chaftifement.  of 

our 


J  )  Pet.  ii.  2£«  f  Ifa,  liii.  4. 


.'4  On  the   PaJ/i  .. 

cur   pe  U 
I 

I jul  f  of  its  all 

iff    t  11 
■  .  • 

The  mcc   or*  mankind,    I  God, 

Were  becorile  liable  to  his  wtath,  and  all  the  dr. 
effc&s  of  his  vengeance  j  I      :,  tHe 

w H^om   of  tl  -   Father,  lits   were  always 

with  the  fonsofmen,  refolreth  to  make  up  ti 
and  rcftore  Us  again  unto  hu  I  but  firft 

he  dauft  repait  the  honour  of  God,  and  ilvure  the  au- 
thority (>;  ifot  I 
but  by  fomefignal  evidence  o 

(in,  and  f<>mc  valuable  iinifll- 

ment  which  had  beendenouci  infl  it;  and  tl 

fore  himfelf 

appear    in    the   limilitude  of   finful   li.fh,     to  lead    a 
miferable  and  afflided  li  .'.orld,  and  at  laft 

flfer  it  up 

.  .  nd    ■ 

:      ■ 
in  '/    us.      1  i  the  1  ■      i  ft  im 

- 
vain  do  v.  -,  the 

malice  of  the  bare 

s  and  oui  .     .touf- 

iuib  and  ambiti<  n  < 

nape, 


i  . 


On  the  Pajfion.  225 

tempt,  our  cxcefs  and  intemperance  made  him  hunger 
and  thirft,  our  levity  and  fooliih  mirth  were  the  occa- 
iion  of  the  anguifh  and  bkternefs  of  his  foul,  our  kn^ 
fual  and  Mnful  pleafures  were  the  occafion  of  all  the 
pains  and  tortures  which  he  endured;  and  is  it  nothing 
unto  us  ;  fhall  we  think  our  felves  unconcerned  in 
thefe  fad  effects,  whereof  we  were  the  unhappy  caufe  > 

Again,    we  are  concerned  in  our  Saviour's   fuffer- 
ings,  as  the  benefits  of  them  redound  unto  us ;  by  his 
firipes  we  are  healed.     *  IVe  have  redemption  through 
his  bloody  even  the  forgivencfs  of  our  fins.     God  was 
in  Chrift  reconciling  the  world  unto  himfelf,  not   im- 
puting  their   trcfpafies  unto  them;    we  have   acccfs 
unto  the  throne  of  God,  and  f  boldnefs  to  enter  into  the 
belie  ft  by  the  blood  of  Jefus>  by  a  new  and  living  way 
which  he  hath  confecrated  for  us  thro'  the  veil,  that 
is  to  fay ,  his  flefh.     But  this  is  not  all,  God  hath  not 
only  fent  him  forth  as  a  propitiation  through  faith  in 
his  blood,  for  the  remiffion  of  fins  that  are  paft\\y  but 
doth  alfo  for  his  fake  bellow  on  us  that  grace,  whereby 
we  may  be  enabled  to  ferve  him  in  holinefs  and  righte7 
oufnefs  all  the  days  of  our  lives.      An  amnefty  or  a<% 
of  oblivion  for  part  offences  woukl  never  have  ferved 
the  turn,    we   mould  prefently    have  run   our  felves 
upon  another  fcore  ;    nay,  fin  it  felf  had  been  enough 
to  make  us  miserable*  tho'  no  other  punifhment  had 
been  inflicted  upon  us:  and  therefore  he  does  not  only 
cover  our  fins,  but  cures  them  ;    he  forgives  all  our 
iniquities,    and   healeth  all  our  difcafes;    as   we  arc 
juftified    by  his   fufferings*    fo  we    are  fanftified  tGJ 

Q_  thro9 


*  Col.  i.  14.  f  Heb;  x.  i5:io.  f]  Rom.  iii.  25-, 


226  On  the  Pafjion. 

•  rtferitiz  of  the  bndy  cf  Jr  .  ?  crice  fr 

all  *      In  I  word,  by  the  merits  or"  our  Saviour  we 
both  reconciled  unto  God,  and  ma,  of  the 

divine  nature  ;  v  both   delivered  from  everlafti 

darknefv,  and  made  meet  tor  the  inheritance  oi  the 
faints  in  light:  And  now  is  it  nothing  tti  I  !  (  ...-.  mt 
think  our  felvcs  unconcerned  in  theft  (ilflferingS,  from 
which  we  reap  (o   great,  fo  unfpeakable  advantage 

111.  H  \  v  i  n  g  fpoken  or  the  greatnefs  of  our  Sa- 
viour's (offerings,  and  the  intcrefi  which  wc 
them,  v.  e  think  wc  fhould  need  to  fay  little  or'  the  third 
particular  which  we  propoftd  ;  you  cannot  bHI 
convinced  that  we  ought  to  regard  and  conlidcr  them- 
Were  it  nothing  to  us,  tl  i  verj  (trangenefi  of  the  thing 
would  deferve  notice;    the   h  :1s  defire  to  pry 

into  this  inyilery,  they  will    contemplate  and  admire 
it  to  all  eternity  ;    and  furely  we  are    far  more  nearly 
concerned.    What  an  unaccountable  dulncfs  ani 
guicc  is  it  then  for  men  to  go  up  and  down  the  a    rid 

amufing  themfelves  witl  ,  hearing 

of  news,  about  matters  of  the  fmallcft  in  and 

never  tb  confider  the  (tupendious  fufl  of  their 

flying  Saviour  j  they  walk  to  and  fro,   they  come  and 

pais,  and  (catCC  VOUchfkfc  to  la  k  upon  him  ,   or  if  I 

chance   to  call  their   eyeS  that  way,    it  is  a  very  Bv  rt 

and  overly  view,  they  dy  turn  them  away  ; 

this  OCCafioiti  the  complaint  of  the  text,   J 

to  you,  all  But   .  i  bo 

ild  in  ol  •  of  our  moA  fei 

hmd  Iblemn  k  whole  world 

1  i  ying  a  profpeu  ;    here  it  is   thai 


On  the  Pajfion.  227 

may  beft  learn  the  horrid  and  heinous  nature  of  fin, 
which  could  not  be  pardon 3d  at  a  (mailer  rate  ;  here 
it  is  that  we  may  difcover  mod  of  the  divine  bounty 
and  goodnefs  to  mankind,  and  the  inexpreffible  love  of 
our  bleffed  Saviour  and  Redeemer^  which  are  the  moil 
important   leffons  that  we  can  learn  :    This  made  the 
bleffed  apoflle  to  determine  to  know  nothing  but  Chrift 
and  him  crucified '■;   to  count  all  things  but  lofs  to  the 
excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  Jefus  his  Lord  f- 
Let  me  therefore  exhort  you  to   fix  the  eyes   of  your 
mind,  and  call  up  your  molt  ferious  attention  ;  reach 
hither  the  hand  of  your  faith,  and  thrufi  it  into  the 
hole  of  your  Saviour's  fide;    put  your  fingers  into  the 
print  of  the  nails,  lay  to  heart  all  the  paflages  of  his 
lamentable  ftory ;    and  this  cannot  choofe  but  melc 
your  hearts,  unlefs  they  be  harder  than  the  rocks,  and 
deafer   than  the  bodies  in  the  grave.     Let  us  fix  our 
eyes,  I  fay,  on  this  aftonifhing  object,  till  ||  our  eyes 
affect  our  heart,  that  while  we  are  mufing  the  fire  may 
hum  :  Let  us  mourn  for  thofe  fins  wherewith  we  have 
crucified  the  Lord  of  glory,  and  be  grieved  that  ever 
we  fhould  have  put  him  to  fo  much  anguifh  and  pain  ; 
and  let  us  vow  a  perpetual  enmity  againit  our  lufts  and 
corrupt  affections*  which  would  crucify  him  afrefh,  and 
put  him  unto  open  fhame.     Let  us  confider  and  admire 
the  wonderful  love  of  our  dying  Saviour,  that  our  fouls 
may  be  kindled  with  reciprocal  flames,    wherein  we 
may  offer  up  our  felves  as  a  living  and  acceptable  fa- 
crifice  unto  him  ;  that  thus  Chrift  dwelling  in  our  hearts 
by  faith,  we  may  be  rooted  and  grounded  in  love  ;  com* 
Q.  2  frehending 


t  Rom.  viii,  |]  Lam.iii.  ji» 


228 


On  the   Paffion. 


pretending  Wftb   all  f.ur.ts  u  t:e  breadth,    r.rA 

length,   and  depth,    and  height  ;    and  knowing  the  Icrjc 
of  Cbrifi  which  paflitb  hfcwhJg$t  t'at  f,  w$  m*j 

filed  wHb  all  the  fulnefs  cf  God.  Such  meditations 
tad  extrcifes  as  theft  will  purify  and  raifc  our  fouls, 
and  bed  difpoft  us  tor  approaching  to  the  tabic  of  the 
Lord  ;  and  the  Lord  pour  out  upon  us  the  fpirit  cf 
grace  and  fupphcation,  that  we  may  look  upon  him 
whom  we  have  pierced,  and  mourn  tor  him  as  ODC 
mourneth  Tor  his  only  Con,  and  be  in  bittcrncf*  tcr  him 
as  one  that  is  in  bittern*. fs  fbl  his  firft  born. 


;V\ 


(    229   ) 


PREPARATION 


FOR    THE 


Holy  Sacrament. 


Josh,  iii,  5, 

§anElify  your  f elves :  for  (o  morrow  the 
Lord  will  do  wo/iders.  among  you. 

HEN  God  is  to  make  any  fignal  dif- 
covery  and  manifeftation  of  himfelf  to 
his  people,  tic  calleth.  them  to  folemn 
preparation,  that  they  may  be  in  a  fit 
pofture  to, attend  and  receive  it.  Three- 
eminent  inftances  whereof  we  meet  ^ith  in  the  travels 


<u 


23°       A  Preparation  fur  the 

fhc  firfl  u 

.  i      m  .  to 

,  and  en  ch  thetn, 

the   Lord   I 

r,  tf/fJ  be  n 

third  (I  >  I      i.  rf// 

the  peoph.    Thus  alfo  when  he  was  at  once  to  &ii 

and  punifli  the  Inordinate  appetite  of  that  people  v.  ho 
loathed  the  manna,  and  Lfift<  h,  by  bringing 

innumerable  quails  from  the  Tea,  and  caufing  them  to 
fall  about  tluir  camp,  he  commanded  Mcftt  to  fay 
unto  the  people,  .S  ?s  agdiUfl  tomorrow^ 

OH  I  jeJbaU  \     A  third  inftancc  is  that  of  the 

text,  the  Lord  had  brought  his  people  to  the  borders 
of  C  ,  '^^\  was  n«  ive  them  the  f*ifi*g  and 

pofieflion  of  that  promifed  land  :  he  was  to  divide  the 
watcrt  of  Jordan  bofore  them,  and  thereby  both  fa- 
cilitate  their  pfefldge,  and  aflurc  their  p.  (leition:   Here- 
Wd  '/.  '  ■  h  yc  fi'Ji'  */;- :o'  ^4*  tie  h  I  h 

yoUj    and  thai 
fro  .  'c  Ihttitcs,  and 

tbi  Hivttis,   and  tic  r  r,  and  i 

of  t  .  I  '   /   r  I   ;  1  f-'Jfetb 

<  ■  :     '  ■  .  .'  ft  av//*  ro 

.   _/r<7  r/' 

7" «//  rA 

Now 


to 


1  * 


Holy  Sacrament.  231 

to  difpofe  them  for  fo  great  a  mercy,  Jojhua  gives  them 
this  advertifement  in  the  text,  Sanflify  your  felves  •  for 
to  morrow  the  Lord  will  do  wonders  among  you. 

And  fure  this  fame  advertifement  mud  needs  be 
very  feafonable  to  us,  who  are  expecting  that  God  will 
manifeft  himfelf  to  morrow  in  this  place,  in  a  way  no 
lefs  glorious,  and  far  more  comfortable  and  advan- 
tageous, than  any  of  thofe  we  have  mentioned  unto 
you.  We  hope  he  will  defcend  from  the  habitation 
of  his  glory,  that  he  will  rend  the  heavens,  and  come 
down  into  this  houfe,  not  j-  with  firey  and  blacknefsy 
and  darkncfs,  and  tempeft,  and  the  found  of  a  trumpet^ 
and  the  voice  of  words ,  which  they  that  heard,  intreat-. 
ed  that  the  word  fhquld  not  be  fpoken  unto  them  any 
more ;  becaufe  they  could  not  endure  that  which  was 
commanded :  But  with  the  gentle  and  enlivening  flames 
of  love,  with  the  refrefhing  beams  of  divine  light,  with 
the  flill  and  quiet  whifper  of  his  holy  Spirit,  which 
are  only  heard  in  calm  and  lilent  fouls.  He  is  coming 
to  proclaim  another  law,  a  law  of  liberty  and  love^ 
to  enter  into  a  new  and  better  covenant  with  us,  not 
according  to  that  covenant  which  he  made  with  the 
houfe  of  Ifrael,  in  the  day  when  he  took  them  by  the 
hand  to  lead  them  out  of  Egypt ;  but  this  is  the  cove*. 
nant  he  maketh  with  us,  that  he  f  will  put  his.  laws 
into  our  minds y  and  write  them  in  our  hearts,;  and  he 
will  be  to  us  a  God,  and  we  jhall  be  to  him  a  people  ; 
that  he  will  be  merciful  to  our  unrighteoufnefsy  and- 
remember  our  iniquities  no  more. 

T  o  morrow  the  Lord  will  give  us  flefh  to  eat,  not 
the  flefh  of  quails,  and  feather'd  fowls,  to  fuftaia  this 

Q.  4  €rafy 

*  Hsb.  xih  1 8,  ip?  20,  f  Heb.  viii.  9,  10,  iu 


ija         A  Preparation  for  the 

crafy  and  decaying  trnmr,  bur  the  flejb and  blood  ft 
fnn  rf  a:  in,   that  Belli   which  is  mc  tod  that 

bloud   nrM;t  /j"  rfr/J»A  $ndhods  which  |  Dfc  and 

cvcrlafling  happinefs  to  the  foal,  and   t 
mortal  bodks  to  a  blefled  refurre&ii  n  : 
my  fitfby    ani  dt'tnkitb  my 'Hood  (faith  our  Stvt< 
1  ■:      -  fnal  lift)  and  1  wilt  rat f$  bim  up  .it  tbi  I. 'ft 
day  • 

To  morrow  the  Lord   will   open    a   paflagt  for  his 
people  towards  ttlC  »,    place  them  as  ic 

were  in  the  confines  of  that  promsfed  /.?/:/,  in  the 
fuburbs  of  happinefs  and  glory  \  at  kail  he  will  fhew 
them   a  token  tor  good,  and  fign  I  ind  fecurity 

unto  it  :  and  tho1  floods  6J  fin  and  (brrow  .  .tdy 

to  overwhelm  their  (bills,  he  will  rcllrain  and  divert 
them  j    Shy  Hoods  of  gnat 

r.ot  co--  I  unto  them  \.  What  fitter  terms  could 
WC  therefore  choofe  to  bclpeak  you  in,  than  thofe  of 
this  holy  man,  SaaStify  your /elves  :  fort  \c. 

Thb    words  contain   an  exhortation,  and  a  u 
infbecing  it  ;  in  applying  thcAi  to  the  pi 
we  (ball  invert  the  order,   and  hai  ter  part 

of  the  text  firft,    becaufc  o[  the  Influence  it  lu:h  on 
the  former  ;  we  (lull  firft  tell  you  what  tb  ft  wbnd 
art  which  the  Lord  \i  to  do  amonc?  us  to  morrow, 
the  cohfiiIcrat|oh  of  them  being  ot  gi 
(  u  ire  us  i  ire  *  ui  I 

to  ihftruQ  and  dir&l  us  In  it. 

1    What   then  ai i   thol!  rs  we  a 

fee?   A  little  brekd  broken  and  divided  uooog  us,  a 


!oh.  ft  sa 


Holy  Sacrament.  233 

little  wine  poured  forth  and  drunk :  Is  there  any  thing 
to  furprize  or  amaze  us  here  I  What  better  is  this  than 
our  ordinary  entertainment  at  home  ?  Are  not  Abanz 
and  Pbarpbar,  rivers  of  Damafcusy  better  tbatk  all  tbe 
waters  oflfrael*  ?,  Such  may  be  the  thought  of  profane 
and  ignorant  fools.  For  the  outfide  of  this  ordinance  is 
very  poor  and  mean,  hath  nothing  in  it  that  may  dazzle 
or  delight  the  vulgar  eye,  that  may  pleafe  or  affect  a 
carnal  mind :  but  thofe  whofe  eyes  are  opened  to  right 
apprehenftons  of  fpiritual  and  divine  things,  can  eafily 
fee  thro'  this  coarie  and  contemptible  veil,  and  difcern 
aftonifhing  wonders  in  this  ordinance,  wonders  of 
power,  and  wifdom,  and  love. 

If  we  condder  what  is  reprefented  to  us  in  this 
facrament,  we  have  therein  occafion  to  behold  the 
mod  wonderful  and  aftonifhing  fpectacle  that  ever 
was  feen  in  this  lower  world,  the  only  begotten  Son 
of  God  fuffering  for  the  fins  of  the  world ;  the  Lord 
of  glory  hanging  betwixt  two  thieves  ;  for  in  this  or- 
dinance Jfifus  Chrift  is  evidently  fet  forth  as  crucified 
before  our  eyes\.  We  may  read  and  hear  of  it  at  other 
times,  but  this  is  a  more  clear  and  fokmn  reprefenta- 
tion  of  it,  our  dying  Lord  commanded  us  to  do  it  in 
remembrance  of  him.  ~  Here  our  thoughts  are  more 
fixed,  and' our  meditations  higher  raifed,  we  gQt  a 
nearer  and  more  advantageous  profpect,  and  our  faith 
comes  not  only  by  the  ear,  our  other  fenfes  contribute 
unto  it,  that  we  may  fay  in  fome  ferife,  with  the  be- 
loved difciple,  that  we  have  not  only  heard,  but  have 
feen  with  our  eyes,  we   have  looked  upon  it,  and  cur 

hands 


*  zKinssv.  12-.  f  Gal.iii,  i. 


234       ^  Preparation  ft    \ 

■  i  of  life  *.     Tis  true  tnerc 
pight  have  be^n  contrived  a  mure  fallible  rcfcmblance, 

and    tragical    rcprcfentation    of  the  death    of  Chrifl 
that   fpcaaele  represented  upon  the  fcuic,  would  per- 
haps  atria    ^ur   ftpfe    and    fancy   DM  re,    and  might 
fc.oncr  draw    t.ars  from  our  eyes,  and   occafion   Cos 
warm  and  atketionate  paifion.     But  it  is  a  mean  and 
low  devotion  that  is  Lured   in  the  interior  :  ot 

the  foul,  whieh  outward  objects  do  excite  by  the 
tural  flrength,  without  the  exercife  ot"  the  foul's   rc//- 
fii\cnn?j  and  rs  •'  Wld  tb(  (as  one 

hath    well  obferved)  lt  the   representation    of  Chrii 
"  death  in  the  facrament  i  dcTcd,  that  it  might 

«  both  belp  the  foul,  and  leave  it  Something  to  do  in 
€i  torming  its  own  appreheniions  and  refentment."    In 
it  we  (be    fo  much    as  to  awaken  our  Souls,  I 
fo  much  as  to  keep  them  awake   without  themfeh 
the  outward  object  fetVCS  to  excite  our  faith,  but  I 
leaves  it  to  its  prop.r  cxercife  and  i 

takes    the    hint  which   :  it,  and    in   the 

facramcntal  bread  and  wine  can  In  hold  the  blood  and 
wounds  ot  our  bicflcd  Saviour  :  it  placed)  OS  IS  u  v. 

at  the  too:   pi  bis  ctofs,    and 

«hplc  tiantaction.      Ar.d  thus  that  holy  ordir.ar.ee  v  e 
are  to  celebrate,  patents  to  our  \icw    the  VOpderfel 
redemption  ot   mankind,    which  ihall  be  the  admira- 
tion ot  nun  and  angels  to  all  eternity;  fothai 
were    no:    more,    on   this  account  we  might   (a; 

ft* 


| 


Holy  Sacrament.  235 

But  this  is  not  all,  this  facrament  doth  not  only 
feprefent  a  wonder  that  is  already  paft,  but  exhibits 
one  anew  :  the  bread  and  wine  that  we  receive,  are  not 
bare  and  empty  figns,  to  put  us  in  mind  of  the  death 
and  furTerings  of  Chrift :  Our  Saviour  calls  them  his 
body  and  bloody  and  fuch  without  queftion  they  are  to 
all  fpiritual  purpofes  and  advantages.  We  are  not  ob- 
liged to  believe,  that  after  confecration  the  bread  and 
wine  do  vanifh,  and  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift 
fucceed  in  their  room,  our  fenfe  and  our  reafon  do  af- 
fure  us  of  the  contrary,  the  fcripture  doth  no  where 
affirm  it,  nor  did  ever  the  ancient  church  believe  it, 
nor  is  it  poflible  to  conceive  the  ufe  or  benefit  of  this 
ftrange  and  unintelligible  change.  *  It  is  the  Spirit 
that  'quickneth,  the fiejh  profit eth  nothings  thefe  words 
of  our  Saviour  are  fpirit  and  life,  are  to  be  underftood 
in  a  vital  and  fpiritual  fenfe.  But  tho*  thefe  elements 
be  not  changed  in  their  nature  and  fubflance,  yet  they 
undergo  a  mighty  change  as  to  their  efficacy  and  ufe, 
and  that  food  which  could  before  but  yield  a  little  re- 
■  frefhment  to  the  body,  is  now  become  a  mean  to  nou- 
rifh  and  ftrengthen  the  foul,  an  inftrument  to  convey 
unto  us  all  thofe  bleffings  that  the  body  and  blood  of 
our  Saviour  can  afford  us. 

A  s  under  the  law  a  part  of  fome  facrifrces  W2S 
burnt  on  the  altar,  and  a  part  was  eaten  by  thofe  for 
whom  they  were  offered,  fo  our  blefled  Saviour  having 
offered  up  himfelf  on  the  altar  of  the  crofs,  as  a  pro- 
pitiation for  the  fins  of  men,  did  fubftitute  thefe  holy 
fymbols  in  place  of  his  body  and  blood,  that  we  by 

feafting 


*  John  vi,  6]< 


2^6       A  Preparation  for  the 

feafting  on  then  might  get  an  intereft  in  chat  bcrl 
and  b{  partaken  of  the  atonement  that  \sas 
Made,  and  the  pardon  that  was  purchnfed  by  him. 

Agai  n,  in  this  facrament  Chrift  doth  convey  him- 
felf  into  the  fouls  of  men,  and  taketh  Wronger  p<  iililion 
of  them;  as  eftef  thf  fop  Satan  cntrcd  into  JuJ.'s,  I 
with  chefc  holy  elements  Chrift  entretfa  into  the  hearts 
of  his  people,  becomes  the  rood  and  noiirifhment  of 
theit  fouis,  1..  :th  himfclf  thro*  all  their  faculties, 

and  fpiri:,  that  they 
may  have  no  will  ( i  Qffcftions  of  their  oun,  nodefioJ 
nor  inclinations  different  from  his,  but  tha:  every  pulfe 
may  apfwec  the  motions  of  Ins  heart,  and  all  theif 
powers  be  situated  and  enlivened  by  his  fpirit.  In  a 
word,  that  |t  may  not  be  any  more  they,  iut  drift 
/'  -t  li-cth  u  tlcm*.  Thus  are  we  fed  and  nourifhed 
by  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift,  while  the  po\ur  of 
the  Godhead  doth  ditfufe  its  virtue  and  operation  into 
the  human  nature,  to  the  enlivening  the  hearts  of 
thofc  who  do  rightly  receive  theft  iaciamcnral  pledges. 

A  N  D  thus  I  hops  you  lee  what  wonders  the  Lord  is 
to  do  among  us  j  it  was  a  fignal  miracle  he  wrought 
at  the  tea  ft,    I  turned  water  il  ,  but  fure 

it  is  a  greater,  and  more  important  one,  to  turn 
bread  and  wine  into  his  bejy  and  blood,  in  that:  fenfe 
we  have  been  explaining:  It  was  a  great  matter  to 
I  multitude  w)th  a  tew  loaves  and  fmail  hfrus,  but 
ItCf  it  is  to  make  •*  little  bread  and  wine  become 
r  liniment  to  fa   many  (\>uls:   and  were 

our  eyca  opened  g  of  fpiritual  things] 

wc 


• 


Holy  Sacrathent.  23^ 

tfe  fhould  fee  greater  wonders  wrought,  and  more  gra- 
cious miracles  performed  by  the  body  and  blood  of  our 
Saviour,  than   thofe  which  were  done  by  the  touch  of 
lis  facred  body,    while  he  lived  here  among  men.     I 
hall  conclude  this  point  in  the  words  of  St.  Chryfoftom> 
:>nly  defiring  they   may   be  underftood  according  to 
what  hath  been  already  faid,    making  fome  allowance 
"or   the  rhetorical  and  hyperbolick  ilyle,  o]ttv  \J%<1op 
ti/e<V  liSvphov,  &c.      "  When  thou    doft   behold  the 
"  Lord  of  glory  offered  up,  and  the  prieft  performing 
"  the  facrifice,  and  the  people  round  about,  dyed  and 
"  made  red  with  that  precious  blood,  where,    I  pray 
*  thee,  doft  thou  conceive  thy  fclf  to  be  ?  Canft  thou 
fC  think  thou  art    yet  upon  earth,    and   converfing 
"  amongft  mortal  creatures,  or  art  thou  not  rather  on 
"  a  fudden  tranfported  into  heaven  ?    Doft  thou  not 
"  lofe  all   thoughts  of  the  body,    and   with   a  pure 
"  mind,  and  naked  foul,  behold  the  things  that  arc 
<c  done  above  ?"   O  the  wonderful  mercy  and  goodncfs 
of  God!    he  who  fitteth  with  the  Father  above,  is  at 
the  fame  time  prefent  here  below,  and  gives  himfeif 
to  all  who  will  receive  and  embrace  him.  — Compare: 
this  if  you  will  with  another  miracle  ;  imagine  you  fee 
the  great  Elias  with  an  infinite  number  of  people  about 
him,  the  facrifice  laid  upon  the  ftones,  and  all  the  reft 
quiet  and  filent,  while  the  prophet  poureth  forth  his 
prayers,  then  the  fire  coming  down  on  a  fudden  from 
heaven,    and  confuming   the   facrifice.      Truly  thefe 
things  are  ft  range  and  full  of  wonder,  but  yet  are  far 
inferior  to  our  facred  and  tremendous  myfttries  ,•   for 
here   the  prieft  doth    not  bring  fire,    but   the  Holy 
Ghoft ;  he  prayeth  not  that  a  flame  may  defcend  from 
heaven  to  confume  the  holy  things  before  him,  but  that 

the 


22 8  -//  Preparation^    fa  . 

IhrinegnUK  influencing  the  faaihce,  may  the 
inflame  the  hearts  and  fouls  of  all  the  people,  and  ren- 
der them  more  pure  than  iilver  tried  in  the  fire.  Doubc- 
lefs  \i,ha\  theic  iacrcd  and  venerable  myfteries  arc 
performing,  the  holy  angels  do  (land  by,  and  the 
place  is  lull  of  bU(kd  and  glorious  fpirits,  uho  delight 
to  look  and  pry  into  them  ;  and  all  the  orders  of  the 
bcaveoly  holt  fhout  and  raife  their  voice  together. 

[tie  r*fl  m  mgfita] 


0  F 


(  239  ) 


O  F    T  H  E 

Importance  and  Difficulty 

O  F     T  H  E 

MINISTERIAL  FUNCTION. 

Preached  before  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 


2  Cor.  II*   1 6. 
Who  is  fufficie?it  for  thefe  things  f 


Everend  and  dearly  beloved  men,  bre- 
thren, and  fathers,  it  is  one  of  the  ad- 
vantages of  that  peace  and  tranquillity 
wherewith  Almighty  God  is  pleafed  to 
blefs  this  poor  Church,  that  the  ofiicers 
of  it  have  liberty  of  aflembling  together  on  thefe  occa- 

fions, 


240  Of  the  Importance  and  Disunity 

Boos,  tor  mltttial  counfel  and  tffifttnrt  tn  th:  exer 
ot'   their  holy  fuiuSioo  :     and  indeed    it*  there  were  no 
matter  atldnj    yet   ought  we  glaoly 

to  embrace  the    opportunity    of  feeing   one    anorh. 
bees,  not  only   that  we    may  maintain  and  exprefs  a 
brotherly  conefpoodcoce  and  affection,  b  that  v.c 

mav  animate  and  excite  one  another  Oft  \rmcd. 

fures  ot~  diligence  and  zeal  \  as  coals  being  gather'd  to- 
gether,  do  mutually    receive   aid    pTOpi 

degrte&oi  vigbtirand  hent.    Thislhave  al.  \.  A 

upon  as  none  of  the  meaneft  advam  no- 

dical meetings,  and  (hall  think  my  (ell   very   happy  it" 
my  poor  etldcavonrs  in  the  perform! 

doty,  may,  by  the  divine  bleiling,  contribute  any  ti 
towards  this  excellent  and  defirable  purpoic.     To  this 
end  I  have   made  choice  ol  1  text,  which  1  hope  may 
ariord  us  Tome   ufeful  meditations  tor  ftirrii 

atoakehing  in  our  ton's  a  1 

kgementS  under  which  w< 

Xm   blcflcd  apoftle,  in  the  t'orrm-r  verfe,  and 

binning  df  this   hi  w:  r:ic- 

cefs  the  gofpel  did  meet  with  :•.  m  it 

ed  ;     that    it  was  not   like  thofc  weak  and 

harmlefs  m  ,    which  .   are 

Cure   to  do  no  hurt,  but  lik  hich  arc 

uibrtable   and   llrcngthning   to  tiie    who]  bll( 

trouble! 

a  vital  it  a 

1   1  1  ill  who  rcjeA 

for  1  .  }y  to  t 

it  a 

And  then  he  tfl  ■■''■'  n  t  I 

eonli  d.-r 


of  the  Minifterial  FunEtion.       241 

confider   what  a  great  matter  it  is  to  be  imploy'd  in 
thofe  adminiftrations  wherein  the  happinefs  and  miiery 
of  mankind  is  Co   nearly  concerned,    -^  tU  cs^};  t<wt* 
Sec.  and  who  is  fufficient  for  theft  things  ? 

W  e  fhall  not  detain  you  with  an  explication  of  the 
words  ;  two  things  I  conceive  are  imply'd  in  them, 
I.  The  importance.  II.  The  difficulty  of  the  minilterial 
fun&ion  :  for  if  a  bufinefs  be  of  fo  fmall  concern,  it  is 
little  matter  who  have  the  management  of  it  ;  there  is  * 
no  great  harm  done  if  it  mifcarry,  any  bedy  is  fuffi- 
cient for  that  thing.  On  the  other  hand,  let  the  mat- 
ter be  never  fo  weighty,  if  there  be  no  difficulty  in  it> 
there  needs  no  extraordinary  endowments  in  thofe  to 
whom  it  is  committed  :  common  prudence,  and  a  little 
care,  will  fuffice,  there  is  no  likelihood  that  it  can 
mifcarry.  But  the  work  of  the  miniftry  is  at  once  fo 
important,  and  fo  difficult,  of  fo  great  confequence, 
and  fo  hard  to  be  performed,  that  there  is  a  great  deal 
of  reafon  for  an  emphatick  interrogation,  Who  is  fuffi* 
cient  for  thefe  things  ? 

Firft,  Let  us  fix  our  thoughts  awhile  on  the  weight 
and  importance  of  the  miniftry,  and  we  mall  find  thac 
it  is  a  greater  burden  lying  on  our  moulders,  than  if 
the  greateft  affairs  of  this  world  were  devolved  upon 
us,  and  we  did  hold  up  the  pillars  of  the  earth.  This 
will  appear,  whether  we  confider  the  relation  we  ftand 
in  to  the  Almighty  God,  or  the  charge  of  the  flocks 
we  have  committed  to  us. 

T  o  begin  with  the  firft.  That  infinite  Majefiy 
which  created,  and  doth  continually  uphold  the  earth, 
and  all  things  in  it  *,  as  the  juft  owner,  and  Lord  of 

R  the 


*  Pfal.  xxiv.  i,  2, 


242     Ofl  T 

,  and  mull 
i  laim  i  ■ 

TV     I 

hfs   cf 

'".  \ 

-fid 
. 

'  teat.    A 
i  h  in  all 

and  to  : 
hem  to  I  I  [in,  tho* 

all  1 

. 
All  men  an 
I,  and  . 
caufe  th  manki  id  arc   t 

I  in  world!  and  have  their  t 

■ 
in  I  -  it  hath 

n  •  \: 

,     and  m 
fi(  ( s  <»;  reli 
thing.     R  ligion  i  vnn'i  g<  but  it 

. 
man  at  his  I  the 

tv  ■  ham  ;';  'r  i  i:.  p,  th  m 

in  |  i  g  in  the 

,  if  i  .    v....  r. 

b  ' 

1,  t(  | 


of  the  Minijierial  Function.      243 

homage  and  fervice  to  God,  and  to  praife  him  for  all 
his  works.  Ye  ought  to  maintain  a  corrcfpcnder.ee 
betwixt  heaven  and  earth,  to  deprecate  the  wrath  of 
God,  and  avert  his  vengeance  and  plagues  from  man- 
kind: Your  bufinefs  is  the  fame  with  that  of  the  hcly 
angels:  You  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  God,  and  fhould  be 
continually  praifing  him.  And  this  is  an  employment 
fo  holy,  that  were  our  fouls  as  pure  as  cherubs,  as 
zealous  and  active  as  the  blefied  fpirits  that  are  above, 
we  fhould  yet  have  reafon  to  cover  our  faces,  and  to 
be  fwallowed  up  in  a  deep  fenfe  of  our  own  infuftici- 
ency  for  thefe  things.  And  what  is  finful  dull  and 
aihes,  that  he  fhould  ftand  in  fo  near  a  relation  unto 
the  Lord  of  glory  ?  What  is  man  (O  blefied  God) 
that  thou  fhouldft  choofe  him,  and  caufe  him  to  ap- 
proach unto  thee  ?  Zbat  be  jhould  dwell  in  thy  courts y 
and  be  fatisfied  rJoith  the  goodnefs  of  thy  houfe,  even  of 
thine  holy  temple  *.  The  pricfthood  under  the  law 
was  a  very  facred  and  venerable  thing,  and  no  profane 
hand  might  intermeddle  with  the  meaneit  offices  than 
belonged  unto  it ;  all  the  zeal,  and  feeiningly  religious 
care  that  Uzzah  had  for  the  tottering  ark,  ferved  not 
to  excufe  his  preemption  when  he  intruded  upon  the 
Levitical  function  :  but  certainly  as  the  gofpd  mini- 
ftry  is  fo  much  more  excellent  and  fublime,  being  in- 
truded wich  the  adminiilration  of  thofe  holy  lnytteries 
Which  were  but  fhadowed  in  the  former,  how  pure  and 
holy  ought  thofe  lips  to  be,  by  which  God  fpeaketh 
unto  his  people,  and  by  which  they  fpeak  unto  him  ? 
which  fometimes  pronounce  thofe  poweriul  and  effectual 
fentences  of  abfolution  and  excommunication,  that  are 

R  2  fo 

*  PfaUlxv.  4, 


244  Of  the  L  and  Difficulty 

I  >  (i                                         •  .    which 

imploycd  i  handle 

.     Hi  funty  fairh  I 

■v                   >.  III            f J,  &  .:    men 

I    r«t  th.-    pr.n^s    of  the  I  th,    and  to 

<l  v.  1]  ;n  b  .  rati «  i  mictcd ;    by 

<l  thefc  weput  on  Chrift,  and  arc  buried  with  tbcS 

G  ifo  become  m  of  that 

<l  hcadj  u\v^n  which  account  thcfii  .1  function  is 

41  more  than  that  of  king  and 

w  v. :  u.  tt  onto  parents 

*'  themfclv< 

;!1  of  the  flefti,  bat  I  the  authors 

II  tint  natis  that  ad 
"  t.     ,             y,  thro'  grace,  we  be©  me  tl  - 

Ko  m  (I    High."     And   a^ain,    the  thei 

fpenkir.^  of  it  in  thefc 

tern 
i 

iiac 
:'iac 

11  for  1  I  on 

■  CAS 

I    ,:ics 

I  d  of 

fouls  \ 

- 
.    '  decn 

i   l 

:•  i: 

aid  think  ns  ln- 


of  the  Minijlerial  FunEiion.       245 

cc  veiled  with  it  mud  needs  be  raifed  above  the  com- 
<c  mon  condition  of  men,  and  exempted  from  humane 
fc  affections,  and  as  it  were  already  placed  in  heaven." 
Thus  far  this  holy  father  j  nor  can  I  pafs  by  what  he 
fays  of  that  ineffable  privilege  of  the  celebration  of  the 
holy  facrament,  tho*  fome  of  his  exprefllons  being  fi- 
gurative and  hyperbolical,  [have  been  abufed  by  the 
Komifo  party  ;  Dum  confpicis  dominum  in  immolation* 
i^  facer  dot  em  facrificio  incumbent  em,  &c.  "  When  thou 
"  doft  behold  the  Lord  of  glory  offered  up,  and  the 
<c  prieft  performing  the  facrifice,  and  the  people  round 
"  about  dyed  as  it  were  and  made  red  with  that  pre- 
fC  cious  blood,  where  I  pray  thee  doft  thou  conceive 
"  thy  felt  to  be  ?  Doft  thou  think  thou  art  on  earth, 
<c  and  converting  among  mortal  creatures  ?  Or  art 
"  thou  not  rather  on  a  fudden  tranfported  into  hea- 
(c  ven  ?  Doft  thou  not  lofe  all  thoughts  of  the  body, 
"  and  material  things,  and  with  a  pure  mind,  and 
"  naked  foul,  behold  the  things  that  are  done  in  thofe 
"  regions  above  ?  And  when  the  minifter  has  invoked 
"  the  divine  fpirit,  and  performed  thofe  reverend  and 
"  dreadful  myfteries,  and  holdeth  the  Lord  of  all  things 
"  in  his  hand,  tell  me,  I  befeech  you,  in  what  order 
u  of  things  we  are  to  place  him  ?  What  uprightnefs, 
<c  what  purity  is  required  of  him  ?  What  hands  mould 
"  they  be  that  adminifter  thofe  things  ?  What  lips 
"  that  utter  and  pronounce  thofe  words?  For  at  that 
u  time  the  holy  angels  Hand  by  the  prieft,  the  place 
"  is  full  of  blefled  fpirits,  who  defire  to  look  into 
"  thofe  things ;  and  all  the  orders  of  the  heavenly  hoft 
"  do  fhout  and  raife  their  voice  together,  as  we  may 
<*  eafily  believe,  if  we  confider  the  work  that  is  in  hand. 
I  cannot  ftand  to  relate  all  that  this  excellent  perfon 

&  %  fp^aketl\ 


>j. 





2±6  Of .  '  D\ 

■ 

i  ince  of   the  nuniftei 

(u 

V.  s  ;.. .  doc  iotn 

with  I 

nor  with   th  itc,  or  th 

c  fmall  i 

t . 

contril        i        li 

i .. 

tal  ; 

pr<  cceded  .. 

t      ,  ;    but    \ 

- 

( 

depend 

I 

\. 

i 
i 

1 1 

t*  lit 
:n.  >;c     the 

dati    i 


of  the  Minijierial  FunSiion.       247 

Cbrifium  &  legem  inter jecJi  prophet  ce.  (Saith  St.  Greg, 
Nanz.)  "  At  this  both  the  law  and  the  prophets  did 
ct  aim."  Hue  exinanita  Deltas,  hue  affiimpta  earo, 
hue  nova  ilia  mixtio.  "  To  this  pupofe  did  the  Deity 
iC  empty  it  felf,  and  was  clothed  with  the  humane  na- 
"  ture  ;  to  this  purpofe  was  that  ft  range  and  wonder- 
<c  ful  conjunction,  God  and  man  united  together/' 
Hitherto  did  all  the  a  ft  ions,  and  all  the  fuffe  rings  of 
our  bleffed  Saviour  aim,  for  this  he  was  born,  and 
for  this  he  did  die;  and  (hall  we  undervalue  the  price 
of  his  blood,  or  think  it  a  fmall  matter  to  have  the 
charge  of  thofe  for  whom  it  was  ihed  ?  It  is  the  church 
of  God  we  muft  overfee  and  feed,  that  church  for 
which  the  world  is  upheld,  which  is  fanftifted  by  the 
.Holy  Ghoft,  on  which  the  angels  themfelyes  do  attend  ; 
what  a  weighty  charge  is  this  we  have  undertaken  ? 
Who  is  fufficient  for  tbcfe  things  ? 

T  h  a  r  thefe  matters  may  yet  take  the  deeper  im- 
preflion  on  your  hearts,  let  us  farther  cpnfider  the 
dreadful  confequences  of  nil fc art i age  in  the  difcharge  of 
the  minifterial  function  ;  and  we  iliall  find  that  it  re- 
flects a  great  deal  of  diihonour  on  the  divine  Majtfty, 
and  on  our  bleiTed  Saviour  ;  that  it  doth  very  much 
hazard  the  fouls  oi  our  people,  and  certainly  ruin  cur 
own.  I  fay,  it  doth  reflect  diihonour  on  Almighty  God, 
as  the  faults  of  fervants  do  commonly  prejudice  the  re- 
putation of  their  raafters,  and  the  failings  of  ambsifa- 
dors  are  imputed  to  their  princes.  We  (land- in  a  nearer 
relation  to  God,  and  are  fuppofed  tobebtft  acquainted 
with  his  will,  and  to  carry  the  deepeft  impreftions  of 
his  nature  on  our  minds ;  and  ignorant  people  will  en. 
tertain  the  meaner  thoughts  of  the  holinefs  of  God, 
when  they  mifs  it  in  thofe  who  are  called  his  fervants, 

R  4,  Qertaii 


2  4-^   (  Importance  an 

Certain!;  no  Anall  h  the  ft    . 

mifcarri  bring  upon  I 

and  the 
final]  affront  that  is  hereby  put  on  the  bid 
t  rithout  q  \     than  all  the  ma] 

r  his  o;u-n  enemies  is 
hereby  he  iscru  Ificd  afrcfh,  and  put  unto  open  fhaj 
And  Oh    v  gr    t  i$  the  hazard  our  per-  e  do 

run  or  failings,  ei  ra  as  much  as  the 

wort  a   n  be 

not  fai  timely  warning,  the  ("word 

their  fins.    <  '    • 

crb  oi  a 
and  mifcarri 
a  minifter  doth  hazard  the  foals  of  others  it  d 

(  | i  i  o    n  ;  which  mad.  v 

j  :    mnifiris  i  - 

/  ;  words  fo  terrible,  that  1  tremble  to 
Eftrlifbi   and  yet  if  a  man  (hould  fp 
and  fin-  ke,  if  fl  «ld  (  me  out         is  mouth  in- 

Head  d  an 

eye  like  lightning,  he  could  not  fuffici 
tlu  dread       -      lint  that  an  .ml  pnflor  Hull 

make.    What  horror  and  confufioo  Ouul 
into  at  the  I  ill  d  i  ,  to  hear  the  blood 
( pod  plead  :  th  m,   I  i  Mi 

fay,    1  my  b 

negld  •  .    God  died  fbt  tl   fc  I 

l  I  Ml   1.   | 

blood  . 

By  thl  the 


of  the  Minifterial  Fun&icn.       249 

work  of  the  miniftry  is  of  great  weight  and  impor- 
tance, that  much  doth  depend  on  the  right  difcharging 
of  it,  and  that  mifcarrymg  in  it  is  the  moil  dangerous 
thing  in  the  world. 

II.  The  fecond  thing  we  had  to  fpeak  to,  is  the  dif- 
ficulty of  managing  this  charge  aright ;  and  this  will 
appear  if  we  confider,  1.  The  end  and  dcfign  of  the 
minifterial  function.  2.  The  impediments  we  have  to 
overcome  in  the  profecution  of  that  end.  And,  3.  The 
feveral  forts  of  duties  and  exercifes  incumbent  upon  us. 
As  for  the  firft,  The  great  bufinefs  of  cur  calling  is  to 
advance  the  divine  life  in  the  world,  to  make  religion 
fway  and  prevail,  frame  and  mould  the  fouls  of  men 
into  a  conformity  to  God,  and  fuperinduce  the  beauti- 
ful lineaments  of  his  blelTed  image  upon  them,  to  en- 
lighten their  underitandings,  and  inform  their  judg- 
ments, rectify  their  wills,  and  order  their  paffions,  and 
fanctify  all  their  affections.  The  world  lieth  in  fin, 
and  it  is  our  work  to  awaken  men  out  of  that 
deadly  lleep,  to  refcue  them  out  of  that  difmal 
condition  ;  we  are  the  inftruments  of  God  for  effectu- 
ating thefe  great  defigns,  and  tho?  we  be  not  account- 
able for  the  fuccefs,  when  we  have  done  what  lieth  in 
our  power,  yet  nothing  below  this  mould  be  our  aim, 
and  we  Ihould  never  ccafe  our  endeavours,  until  that 
gracious  change  be  wrought  in  every  perfon  committed 
to  our  charge  :  And  if  any  think  this  an  eafy  work, 
let  them  pitch  on  fome  perfon  of  their  acquaintance 
whom  they  know  to  be  addicled  to  fome  one  particular 
vice,  and  try  whether  it  be  eafy  to  reclaim  him.  Per- 
(uade  the  drunkard  if  you  can  to  forfnke  his  cups,  the 
covetous  wretch  to  part  with  his  money,  reafon  but  the 
wild  gallant  into  fcrious  thoughts,    and  a  grave  and 

fober 


2  5  o   Of 

traentj  J 

,    an  J   p 

. 

ail  in  than  ;    j 

. 

il 
.   honour,   to 
and  yet  you  fh  11  fil 
i  .     But  I 

G    i  ;      . 

| 

in  the  conft 

Gnu 

divine  love,    and   i 

that 

i 
n   I 

this, 

i » Ly 

they 

in  it. 

; 

An  paf- 

■  ■ 

311 J 

s 

Hid 

capreffiopj 


of  the  Minijleri-al  Fuii&tq?i.        251 

expreffions  are  :  if  it  be  hard  then  to  perfuade  our  (elves 
to  be  good,  it  is  fure  much  harder  to  perfuade  others 
to  be  fo. 

Consider  in  the  next  place  the  enemies  we  have 
to  encounter  with,  which  oppofe  the  defign  of  our  im- 
ployments;  we  wreftle  not  again  ft  fiejh  and blood \  hut 
again  ft  principalities  and  powers  ;  all  the  forces  of  hell 
are  up  in  arms  againfl  us,  all  the  powers  of  darknefs 
do  continually  oppofe  us,  and  little  do  we  know  thofe 
hidden  arts  whereby  thefe  accurfed  fpirits  do  apply 
themfeives  to  the  fouls  of  men,  to  fugged  and  infinuate 
their  temptations.  The  world  alfo,  with  all  its  cares 
and  pleasures,  is  daily  righting  againfl  us,  and  there 
is  no  ellate  or  condition  in  it,  but  what  is  furrounded 
with  a  thoufand  temptations.  The  poor  are  fo  much 
taken  up  in  providing  for  the  neceffities  of  this  life, 
that  they  can  hardly  be  perfuaded  to  think  upon  ano- 
ther; the  rich  are  commonly  drowned  in  fen ftial  plea- 
sures, and  cur  Saviour  tells  us,  It  is  e after  for  a  camel 
to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle,  than  for  a  rich  man 
to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  The  influence  of 
fcnfual  objects  is  very  ftrong,  and  tho'  the  pofiefiions 
of  the  other  world  be  as  far  beyond  our  enjoyments 
here,  as  this  world  is  above,  nothing,  yet  becaufe  the 
things  of  this  world  are  prefent,  and  are  ever  and  anon 
offering  themfeives  unto  us,  and  bearing  upon  our 
fenfes,  therefore  they  do  too  frequently  prevail  againfl: 
all  the  perfuafions  of  reafon  and  religion  too.  And 
what  (hall  we  fay  of  the  evil  company,  and  bad  exam, 
pie  that  inveigles  the  fouls  of  men  :  we  perhaps  fee 
them  once  a  week,  and  bring  them  to  fpme  degree  of 
fobriety,  and  a  found  mind,  but  then  their  wicked 
neighbours,  and  the  companions  of  their  fin,  do  meet 

them 


2  5  )ifficul 

the  iy,  and   I  ;mci  exam 

L  impi 

;i  th. in  ,    mid  1. 

co  recover  in  a  ■ 
eft  have  arc  th 

,  their  lulls  and  corrupt  tacit 
nations.  When  phyficii  tc  cure  of  b  < 

I  of  the  :  le  fa 

ready   to  c   ni  beir  prefcriptioos ;    I 

is  in  deali  g  with  the  uills 
and  making  them  confent  to  be  I:    they  hug  the! 

I  Oiun  the  m  Ds  and  I 

[ire  to  b  1  knee  it  i  do  nil  th 

to  keep  us  (Iran  buls,   an* 

paii  il  their  in 

to  do  in  th  m     We  have   juftlj 

i  mfeflion,  but  alas !   i 
in  the  other  extreme ;    and  . 
d  to  tell  i\  cry  thi  their  pafl 

quaint  thenp  with  n  .  ail     Pci  - 

and  trot 

of  n 

.  .. . 

p    Ipit,    '.  id 

1 
uay.     It  v 

. 
enquire  h  >■■ 

i  i 
\ 


of  the  Minifterial  Fun&ion.      253 

of  this  nature,  and  it  is  hard  to  do  any  thing  towards 
a  cure,  when  they  will  not  let  us  know  the  difeafe. 

The  difficulty  of  the  minifterial  fun&ion  will  fur- 
ther appear,  if  we  will  confider  the  feveral  duties  and 
exercifes  of  it;  we  fhall  but  touch  at  fome  of  them  at 
prefent,  and  may  perhaps  have  occafion  to  fpeak  more 
in  the  application. 

Catechizing  is  a  neceflary  but  painful  one,  it  is  no 
fmall  toil  to  tell  the  fame  things  a  thoufand  times  to 
fome  dull  and  ignorant  people,  who  perhaps  fhall  know 
but  little  when  we  have  dene ;  it  is  this  laborious  ex- 
ercife  that  does  fometimes  tempt  a  minifter  to  envy 
the  condition  of  thofe  who  gain  their  living  by  the 
fweat  of  their  brows,  without  the  toil  and  diilraction 
of  their  fpirits. 

Preaching  is  an  exercife  that  many  are  ambitious  of, 
and  none  more  than  thofe  that  are  leaft  qualified  for  it ; 
and  it  is  probable,  the  defire  of  this  liberty  is  nofmali 
temptation  to  fome  of  our  giddy  people  to  go  over  to 
that  fed  and  party,  where  all  ranks,  and  both  [cxcs9 
are  allowed  the  fatisfaction  to  hear  themfelves  talk  in 
publick :  but  'tis  not  fo  eafy  a  matter  to  perform  this 
task  aright,  to  {land  in  the  prefence  of  God,  and  to 
fpeak  to  his  people  in  his  name,  with  that  plainnefs 
and  fimplicity,  that  ferioufnefs  and  gravity,  that  zeal 
and  concern,  which  the  bufinefs  requires ;  to  accom- 
modate our  felves  to  the  capacity  of  the  common 
people,  without  difguiting  our  more  knowing  hearers 
by  the  infipid  flatnefs  of  our  difcourfe  ;  to  excite  and 
awaken  drowfy  fouls,  without  terrifying  and  diflurbing 
more  tender  confeiences ;  to  bear  home  the  convictions 
of  fin,  without  the  appearance  of  fome  perfonal  re- 
flection ;    in  a  word,  to  approve  our  felves  unto  God 

as 


( 

I 

J) 

no  with  it,      I:  i    a]    rd  I 

• 
Rich  care  and  prtldenc 

tl     Bagtti  us  peri        b        i    i  nor  I 

cm  by  needttft  I 

rfomemen 
y. 

I  and  m 

mi 

c 

wrii 

.  (  ) 
I 

5. 


of  the  Minijierial  FunSiion.      255 

When  their  fouls  do  as  it  were  hang  on  their  lips,  and 
they  have  one  foot  (as  we  ufe  to  fay)  already  in  the  grave  ! 
The  minifter  is  feldom  fent  for  till  the  phyfician  has 
given  the  patient  over,  and  then  they  beg  him  to  drefs 
their  fouls  for  heaven,  when  their  winding  fheet  is 
preparing,  and  their  friends  are  almoft  ready  to  drefs 
the  body  for  the  funeral.  Now  tho*  fome  of  thefe 
have  lived  well,  and,  like  the  wife  virgins,  have  oil  in 
their  lamps,  yet  it  is  a  great  matter  to  calm  them,  and 
to  difpofe  their  (ouls  for  that  great  change  they  are  pre- 
fently  to  undergo.  But  alas  !  it  fares  other  wife  with 
the  greateft  part ;  they  are  yet  Grangers  to  the  ways 
of  religion,  the  work  of  their  falvation  is  yet  to  begin, 
and  their  lulls  to  be  mortified,  their  corruptions  fub- 
dued,  the  whole  frame  of  their  fouls  to  be  chanced  : 
and  tho'  they  have  fcarce  fo  much  ftrerigth  as  to  turn 
them  on  their  beds,  yet  their  warfare  againft  princi- 
palities, powers,  and  fpiritual  wickednefs  is  but  newly 
commenced  ;  their  work  is  great,  their  difadvantages 
many,  and  the  time  very  fhort  that  is  before  them. 
Perhaps  they  are  dull  and  infenfible,  and  we  ihall 
hardly  pcrfuade  them  of  their  danger ;  they  will  ac- 
knowledge they  are  Tinners,  and  fo  are  ail  others  as 
well  as  they;  they  trufl  in  the  mercies  ofChrift,  and 
have  confidence  enough  of  their  falvation,  and  cannot 
be  perfuaded  they  want  any  thing  that  is  neceflary  for 
the  fame.  Others  of  thefe  again  are  feized  with  fear, 
and  call  for  the  minilter  to  comfort  them ;  what  mail 
he  do?  Shall  he  tell  them  that  all  their  terrors  are 
ju(t,  and  it  is  now  too  late  to  repent  ?  I  know  fome 
divines  are  peremptory  in  this  cafe,  and  think  they 
fhould  be  left  in  defpair:  but  fure  it  were  a  fad  im- 
ployment  for  a  miniikr  to  go  to  vifit  a  dying  man,  only 

to 


?  }6  Oft !    /  /    ■•'..  • 

and  withal    'lis  COO  gl 
I  i  us  to  I  God. 

i 
bill 

• 

r  ii  . 

irm  i  foul, 

lhat  I  to  all  pofliblc 

I  Dt ; 

oc  to  lay  bcfi    - 

pons  pf  i  at  will  be 

bard  and 

l  the 

■un  function  j   ii  ..;  deal 

ot  reafon  tl 

r  kV  A  wcij 

angels  fhouldcrs  might  (hrink  M     Hence  ic  •  :he 

holy  men  of  <  Id  h : 

c  it;  Ji  ^  who      is  fa 

niffion*  ..1,1  J 

i   i  •,  ' 

willing* 
ly,  j  ea,  • 

And  in  the  ...  i  ieoi  church,  themon 
peri  '  >  the   m  nrc 

this   cl  the 

CS  in 
19  and  *  M  rrpS 
i  be  laid  the 

I 


of  the  Minifterial  Function.       257 

mail  bloody  perfecutors.  Three  times  did  Amhrofe 
flee  from  Milan,  and  it  is  reported,  that  after  he  had 
'travelled  hard  all  night,  he  found  himftlf  next  morn- 
ing at  the  outer  gate  of  that  city  he  endeavoured  to 
avoid.  Gregory  Nazianzen  being  taken  in  his  Bight* 
and  ordained  by  force,  did  compofe  that  excellent  ora- 
tion which  is  at  the  beginning  of  his  works,  wherein 
he  doth  fo  well  exprefs  the  greatnefs  and  the  danger 
of  the  miniftry,  that  the  reading  of  it  (and  I  wifh  it 
were  frequently  and  attentively  read)  might,  I  think, 
do  much  to  quell  the  confidence  of  the  moil  confident 
intruders.  Auguftine  entred  by  chance  into  the  church 
of  Hippo,  juft  as  the  bifhop  Valerius  was  fpeaking  to 
the  people  concerning  the  choice  of  a  minifter,  of  whom 
they  flood  in  great  need  ;  he  was  prefently  pitched 
upon,  and  almofl  ordained  by  force,  after  he  hsd  with 
tears  deprecated  the  charge,  and  in  thefe  ft  range  terms, 
£uid  vultis  ut  per  cam  ?  intimating  the  hazard  he 
mould  -thereby  run.  And  Chryfoftqm  profefTeth  of  him 
felf,  that  when  he  was  chofen  to  a  bifhoprick,  his  foul 
and  body  were  almofl  parted  afunder,  fo  great  was  the 
grief  and  fear  that  feized  upon  his  fpirits :  and  that  he 
did  many  times  wonder  how  it  had  ever  entred  into  the 
minds  of  thofe  that  chofe  him,  or  what  great  offence 
that  church  would  have  been  guilty  of,  which  had  pro- 
voked God  to  fufTer  it  to  be  committed  to  fuch  an  un- 
worthy perfon.  So  fenfible  were  thefe  excellent  men 
of  the  difficulties  of  this  holy  function,  even  in  thofe 
firft  and  golden  ages  of  the  church ;  and  certainly  they 
are  much  augmented  to  us  who  live  in  thefe  dregs  of 
time,  wherein  religion  is  almofl  banifhed  out  of  the' 
world,  the  principles  of  it  called  in  queflion  by  many 
pretenders  to  judgment  and  wit,   and  the  practice  not 

S  only 


2  5  S  Of  the  Importance  and  DiJ; 

only  d  bur  derided  ;     infomuch   that    mm  are 

ftlgla  by    th?    contempt  that    lieth 

a  ic.     jlftf/i  ^  '•'*  *•   riduuli  fiatit  :    We 

I  or  Wick*  to  right  againit,  an  J  uio 

.,,:,'-  r  tbifi  tbsqp  t 
Xuufi    having   profeaitcd   the   importance  or'   the 
tc   r,  it  is  tiose  to  make  fame  application  ot'  it.     And 
fir  ft  I  lhill  ru:o:v.s  my    fclf  to  thofc  or'   the  laity   who 
vouchlafe  us   their  p  ,    thil    they   may  not  thiflfc 

their  time  mifpent  in  f  ok  hours 

Yo"  fee,  d$ar  p$$pkt  what  a  «  anddificuk 

charge  they  have  to  whom  your  fouls  arc  g  mmittcd  ; 
whence  is   it  then  that  fome  or  count  the  mini- 

fterial  runaionthe  moft  ufelefs  imployirunt  in  the  com* 
monwealth,  and  that  which  might  be  moft  ealily  fparcd  } 
And  that  miniilers  have  caly  lives,  gaining  their  Living 
by  the  breath  of  their  ;/,  ..\.*,  as  fome  of  you  arc 
pkakd  ro  word  ir  ?  Wher.cc  is  it  that  this  holy  calling 
COigc$  to  be  lo  much  ddpUcdf  BOd  that  the  names  or 
Kl:k:  '     \    |  If  of  ig- 

nominy and  contempt?  And  v.  hatever  advantages  ot 
birth  and  education  a  n  yet  his  im~ 

ployment  is  thought  en  .,vadc  him,  and  put 

him  bclovt  everyone  that  can  p;e;c;iu  to  riie  name  of 
a  gentleroaa  ? 

•i  N,  how   comes  it  that   tl  nings 

c\   tly  ciur  and  op; 

Con  htvc  left  u  k'd  upon 

with  an  evil  eye?    Aj  man,    who  lias 

fpent  ins  time,  and  mu  i  ic,  in  th( 

cj  I 
vi  I  .    laJ  to ;  i  uid 


of  the  Minijlerial  FunSlion.      259 

yet  be  maligned  for  a  [mall  annuity  during  life,  which 
perhaps  amounts  not  to  the  gains  of  the  meaneft  trades- 
men ?  And  yet  if  thofe  perfo'ns  had  chofen  another 
employment,  had  taken  Galen  or  Juftinian  for  their 
mailers,  perhaps  they  would  have  had  parts  and  abilites 
Sufficient  to  have  advanced  themfelves  to  wealth  and 
honours,  as  well  as  others,  and  would  not  have  been 
envied  for  it.  My  beloved,  I  account  him  not  worthy 
of  the  name  of  a  Minifter  of  Chrift,  who  cannot  pa- 
tiently fuffer  injury,  contempt,  and  envy  ;  but  certain- 
ly it  is  no  good  part  in  the  people  to  put  theft  upon 
them :  it  is  a  fhrewd  token  that  they  have  a  fmall  re- 
gard to  piety  and  religion,  and  that  their  own  fouls 
^re  the  things  about  them  for  which  they  have  the  lead 
concern.  Learn,  I  befeech  you,  dear  chriftians,  learn 
to  take  more  rational  meafures  of  things,  think  how 
much  you  are  indebted  to  the  divine  goodnefs,  which 
hath  taken  fo  great  care  of  your  everlatting  happinefs, 
as  to  fet  apart  an  order  of  men,  whofe  bufinefs  it  mall 
be  to  promote  and  advance  it.  Do  all  that  ye  can  to 
encourage  and  aflift  them  in  their  work,  give  them  the 
encouragement  of  your  conftant  attendance,  and  aflift 
them,  by  helping  to  inftrud  thofe  children  and  Ser- 
vants who  are  under  your  Several  charges.  Apply 
your  felves  frequently  to  them  for  advice  and  dire&ion, 
and  be  often  putting  up  that  important  queftion,  What 
Shall  we  Jo  to  be  faved  ?  Yield  them  that  fubmiflion 
and  obedience  which  is  due  unto  them  in  the  Lord,  go 
not  to  church  to  fit  as  judges ,  and  cenfure  the  fermon 
when  you  return :  if  you  be  not  pleafed  with  it,  your 
ignorance  or  indifpofition  may  be  the  caufe,  and  modefty 
mould  oblige  you  to  filence :  if  you  be  taken  with  what 
you  have  heard,  Spend  not  your  time  in  talk  about  it, 

S  a.  practice 


it  o  Of  the  Importance  and  Difficu! 

pra^icc   is  ;  Rwarc  of 

thai  fpiritua]  and  conceitedi  rbicfa  mak-.s  ■ 

'  .'c  Vj  fir.  \    .  .ict 

11  j  j  as  an  heinous  (in.       Fi  Dp 

.;•  duty  ia  the  apoftle's  words,  Obi)  l 
;'.  tr  you,  mid  fubmit  your  fthess   for  :' 

tcb  for  your  fouls %  as  they  thai  wuft  gi 

i$ft  for 
is  unprofitable  for  you  |. 

1  m  i  g  h  t  in  the  next  place  take  an  r\ 
what  hath  been  laid,  to  pn  rcat  obligatioo  that 

licth  on  ;     -    HI  of  churches,  to  feck  cur,  and  to  n.. 

::  of  thofe,  whom  they   judge  to  be  bed  qualirkd 
fi  C   fo  high  aud  weighty  a  charge;    and    might  QkW, 
that  it  is  no  fmall  guilt  that  he  draws  upon  him 
who    prefents    a  perfon   to  the  (Ms%  of  whofe 

prudence  and  fidelity  it  may  be  he  hath  fo  little  conf- 
dence,  that  he  durfi  nor  intrufl  him  with  the  manage 
pnent  of  his  fortune,  or  the  tutory  of  Ins  child;  while 
perhaps  Other!  are  overlooked,  that  might  be  capable 
to  do  much  more  fcrvice  in  the  church,  merely  bees 

.  have  not  the  good  lu»A  to  be  ,  oc  recom- 

mended to  the  patron,  or  becaufe  they  have  let's  moo 

(  r  mere  confcLnce  than  to  ba:  the  living.     But 

1  forbeat  this,  and  (hall  crave  liberty  of  this  venerable 

occafion  nethingthat 

to  mj  iking  a  little 

to  I 

r,  whofe  dllij  aim  at  tl  •    ?ry9 

and  who  are  :  in  the  vineyard  ol  God, 

when 


4 
P 


of  the  Minijierial  FunSiion.       26 r 

when  the  prefent  labourers  fhall  be  called  off  to  receive 
their  reward.  You  fee,  firs,  what  a  dreadful  and  im- 
portant charge  it  is  to  which  you  afpire ;  confider,  I 
befeech  you,  what  great  pains  are  neceflary  to  fit  and 
qualify  you  for  it.  Ordinary  callings  are  not  learned 
without  a  long  apprenticeship,  and  will  the  art  of  go- 
verning fouls  be  learned  on  a  fudden  ?  It  is  not  the 
knowledge  of  controverfy,  or  the  gift  of  eloquence, 
much  lefs  a  ftrong  voice  and  bold  confidence  that  will 
qualify  you  for  it.  The  errors  that  abound  among 
us,  make  it  neceflary  indeed  that  you  mould  know 
how  to  deal  with  the  adversaries;  for  the  clergy  are 
many  times  put  to  the  pafs  the  Jews  were  at  the 
building  the  fecond  temple,  With  one  hand  they  muft 
luild  the  houfe  of  God,  and  with  the  other  they  muft 
hold  a  weapon*:  Yet  certainly  your  greatefl  work  lies 
within,  in  purifying  your  minds,  and  learning  that 
wifdom  which  is  neceflary  for  foil  Is.  Begin  then,  I 
pray  you,  and  preach  to  your  pa  {liens,  and  try  what 
good  you  can  do  to  your  friends  and  neighbours ;  ftudy 
that  gravity  and  ferioufnefs,  that  humility  and  felf- 
denial,  that  purity  and  mortification,  that  becometh 
thofe  who  may  one  day  ftand  in  fo  near  a  relation  to 
God,  and  bear  fo  eminent  a  charge  in  his  church.  Be 
not  too  hafty  and  forward  in  rufhing  into  publick,  it 
is  better  you  be  drawn  than  run.  Nazianzen  com- 
plains of  feme  in  his  time,  who  with  profane  hearts, 
and  unwarned  hands,  did  rum  into  the  hoty  fttncJion, 
and  before  they  were  fit  to  receive  the  facrament, 
would  take  upon  them  to  celebrate  it ;  and  tho*  they 
be  not  come  unto  the  age  of  men,  if  they  have  learned 

S  5  feme 

*  Nth.  W.  i£. 


26  2   Of  the  hn  (  Dj 

topic  pious  words  thmk  tbemfelvej  fit  to  fee  perfects 

then     (>  i    *'    fur  am !  O  tl  um!  &wcr 

ft) am  .\  cunabulis  Samuel!  &  unius? 

This,  1  IS  the  humour  of  fome  in  his  c.«ys,  and 

I  raid  the  cafe  is  DOC  much    better  in  ours  :  but 

it  you  be  truly  fcnfiblc  ot  what  you  arc  to  undertake, 
you  w<  uld  think  no  time  too  much  co  be  ipent  in  pre- 
paration for  it. 

It  remains  yet  that  I  nddrefs  my  (elf  briefly  to  you, 
my  reverend  I  rethrow  a  t  reveren  rx  Wc 

have  been  endeavouring  to  lay  before  you  the  Impor- 
tance and  difficulty  o\  your  imploymcnt,  and  ye  know 
them  much  better  than  we  can  tell  you  ^  but  thefe 
things  ought  not  to  diibouragC  \"U,  or  make  you  faint 
under  the  weight,  but  rather  to  animate  and  c\circ 
your  care,     As  Al  Gild   OPCC   of  an   eminent 

hazard  he  bad  encountred,  SO  :itb 

a  J  mger   1  gc ;    fo   may  I  fay  of  your 

;k,  that  it  is  a  bufinefs  worthy  your  /.eal,  and  the 
love   and   af&fllOO    which  you    owe   unto   \vur  bl.iVid 
Mutter;    and  indeed   ye  can   gifC  00  gicnt.r  tcflimony 
of  it,  than  by   a  faithtul  and  COPfcicqtious  difehare: 
the  duties   ol    your  calling.       It  your    uo;k    is  g| 

yqdt  i  -  '  ard  i^  infinitelj  gi  nni- 

gptcj  at  afliftancc      LTp  and  be  doing, 

I  th<  !  ord  (hall  be  with  you  ;  qoIj 

ful  to  maintain  fuch  a  ekep  and  t  the 

uneler,  as  may  a-Miken  us  unto  the 

grcatcil  diligence  and  watchfiiincCs  botl 
and  others. 

A  ,       i 

t&C  up  an  ipftru&or,  who  have  mu 

no  irp  my  own  ;  yet  fine :  1  .  m 

to 


of  the  Mini  fieri  al  FunSiion.       263 

to  be  altogether  filent,  I  lhall  offer  to  you  the  apoftle's 
exhortation  to  <Tttusy  ii.  15.  and  take  liberty  to  infill 
a  little  upon  the  particulars  of  it.  tfhefe  things  [peak 
and  exhort,  and  rebuke  with  all  authority ,  let  720  man 
defpife  thee.  tfhefe  things  fpeak,  here  he  pointeth  at 
that  which  ought  to  be  the  matrer  of  our  doctrine  and 
inftruction,  we  are  not  to  entertain  our  people  with 
fubtiie  fpeculations,  metaphyfical  niceties,  perplexed 
notions,  and  fcolifli  que  ft  ions  which  in  gender  ft  rife,  but 
let  us  [peak  the  things  which  become  found  doCfrine  *. 
Let  us  frequently  inculcate  the  great  and  uncontroverted 
truths  of  our  religion,  and  trouble  our  people  no  fur- 
ther with  controverfy  than  neceflity  doth  require  ;  let 
us  ftudy  to  acquaint  them  with  the  tenor  of  the  gofpel- 
covenant,  and  what  they  mull  do  to  be  faved  ;  to  in- 
form them  of  the  particular  duties  they  owe  both  to 
God  and  man  ;  for  the  apoflle  had  before  been  (peak- 
ing of  the  duties  to  be  recommended  to  every  one  ac- 
cording to  their  feveral  capacities  and  relations:  and 
indeed  it  were  not  amifs,  that  in  catechizing,  minifters 
would  bring  home  the  articles  of  faith  by  practical  im- 
provements, both  teaching  men  their  particular  duties, 
and  pre  fling  them  to  the  performance.  But  it  is  not 
enough  to  fpeak  thefe  things,  to  tell  men  what  is  in- 
cumbent upon  them,  we  muft  bcfides  endeavour  to  ex- 
eite  and  ftir  them  up  by  the  maft  powerful  and  ef- 
fectual perfuafions  ;  the  judgment  being  inform'd,  we 
muft  do  all  to  influence  the  affections,  and  this  is  the 
proper  life  of  our  preaching ;  which  tho>  it  be  over- 
Valued  by  thofe  who  place  all  religion  in  hearing,  yet 
Certainly  it  is  of  excellent  ufe,  and  ought  be  managed 

S  4  with 

*  2  Tim.  ii.  5*3. 


264   (  '  andDtffi 

1    t  the  matter  be 
ana  grave,  the  method  p  ir,  the  1 

AC  hand,  nor  to 
gfcod  men    ire  DO!  aware  what  con- 
tempt on  religion  by  their  ccar:  mcly 
allufions,  anil  the  filly  and  trivial                            make 
life  of;   nor  mould   cur  expreffioos  bl               :  ind   c:~- 
feminate,    n  r  our   pronunciation             d    or  ch: 
R  ligtCII  is  I  rational  and  manly  thing,  and  \\eh\ould 
drive  to  recommend  it  with  the  grcatcrt  adi 
but  tbove  all   let   us  ihidy  luch  a  zeal  fed 

Bowing  fr  m  the  deep  (bile  of  the  thing  we  lj 
being  regulated  with  prudence  and  . 

:  to   reach  the  hearts  of  the  hearers.     'I  he  vulgar 
that    (it  under    the    pulpit    (as  the  excellent  //. 
(peaks)  arc  c  mmi  nly  as  hard  jmd  dead  as  the 
they  Gi  on,  and  need  a  mountain  of  foe  to  kindle  them. 

The  bed  way  is,   to  preach  the  things  tirit  CO  OUT  Ulvcs 

and.  then  frequently  \  A  in  whole  pfdea 

and  whole  bufinels  we  are  doing;   and  I  think  it 
is  no  final!  ad  t  to  tins  purpofe,  that  I 

neighbouring  1  K  oonfidei 

done  with  1  point!  that  they 
may  raifc  theii  fouls  1  I,  and  that  the  y 

m  ij  1  tioa 

B     1   when  we  have  d  ne  all  that  wc  can  by  ;. 
lick  And  ition,    w<  very 

little  without    1  irticular  ap  d  to  the 

eu  nnd  1  -  will 

blind 

admooiti 
And  thei 
. 


of  the  Minifterial  Fun B ion.      265 

rebuke  with  all  authority.  Now  thofe  whom  we  arc 
to  rebuke,  are  either  perfons  of  a  different  perfuafion, 
who  difTent  from  our  religion,  or  withdraw  from  our 
ordinances,  and  thefe  mull:  be  dealt  with  very  patiently, 
and  with  much  long-fuffering.  Tis  not  to  be  expe&ed, 
that  an  hafty  conference,  or  an  abrupt  difpofition, 
mould  prevail  with  thofe  who  have  been  long  habituated 
to  falfe  perfuafions,  and  perhaps  have  drunk  them  in 
with  the  firft  of  their  ferious  thoughts  and  religious 
inclinations.  We  mull  firft  ftudy  to  combate  the  per- 
verfenefs  of  their  will,  the  prejudices  of  the  world,  the 
defire  of  vi&ory  and  applaufe,  their  preingagement  in 
a  party,  and  their  fhame  and  unwillingnefs  to  yield, 
and  drive  to  render  them  meek  and  pliable,  and  fin- 
cerely  defirous  to  know  the  truth.  When  we  have  ob- 
tained this,  they  will  be  both  more  eafily  convinced, 
and  more  inexcufable,  if  through  weaknefs  they  (till 
continue  in  their  errors.  But  let  us  never  reft  in  having 
drawn  over  a  perfon  to  our  party,  till  we  have  en- 
gaged him  to  ferioufnefs  in  the  practice  of  religion  ; 
for  if  he  continue  a  ftranger  to  that,  it  is  little  matter 
whether  lie  be  Proteftant  or  Papft>  Pagan  or  Mahome- 
tany  or  any  thing  elfe  in  the  world  ;  nay,  the  better 
his  religion  is,  the  more  dreadful  will  his  condemnation 
be.  It  was  an  excellent  faying  of  an  eminent  and  holy 
perfon  yet  alive  in  our  church,  That  he  would  rather 
be  inftrumental  in  perfuading  one  man  to  be  ferious  in 
religion*  than  the  whole  nation  to  be  conformifts.  The 
other  fort  of  perfons  we  have  to  rebuke,  are  thofe  of 
our  own  religion,  for  the  vices  and  failings  of  thei? 
lives  ;  and  this  muft  be  done  with  a  great  deal  of  cou- 
rage and  zeal,  of  prudence  and  difcretion,  of  meek- 
nefs  and  love.    More  knowing  and  ingenious  perfons 

may 


266    Of  the  Importance  and  Difficui 

may  be  dealt  with  fomctimes  by  fectet  infinuations, 
and  oblique  reflections  on  the  vices  they  arc  guilty 
and  we  may  fomctimes  leek  a  way  to  reprove  their 
failings,  by  regretting  and  condemning  our  own  ;  but 
that  artifice  is  not  ncceiTary  tor  the  vulgar :  having 
proteikd  our  love  and  good  intentions,  it  will  be  be  ft 
to  fall  roundly  to  the  matter.  Now  this  does  fuppofe 
a  great  deal  of  care,  to  acquaint  our  fclves  with  the 
humours  and  conversation  of  our  people,  and  the  name 
of  watchmen  that  is  given  us  implicth  no  lefs  j  and 
tho*  the  lamentable  vaftnefs  of  fome  of  our  charges, 
make  it  importable  to  do  ail  we  could  with,  jprt  mult 
we  not  tail  to  do  what  \vc  can.  It  is  an  exedient  prac- 
tice of  fome  I  have  thchappinds  to  be  acquainted  with, 
who  feldom  mifs  any  day  wherein  they  do  not  apply* 
themlelvcs  to  fome  or  other  or'  their  people,  and  t- 
about  the  affairs  of  their  fouls. 

Another   thing  which  may  be  implied  in  re' 
iti^  "jctib  d'.l  r.:i:lm!y,    is  the  confeienrious  eMrcifc  at 
that  authority  which  Chrift  hath  given  us  in  the  pub- 
lick  cenfurcs  and  1  ..urch  j     but  of  this 

I  fhall  fay  no  more,  fave  only  that  it  were  an  intolerable 
presumption,  Mid  honid  facrikge,   to  makcufc  orthefe 

II  fave  the  ends  i  and  pri\  rnge. 
T  i!  i     lad    claufc    ol  the   r             WC  cited   fninds 

fome  what  ftrange,    Lit  fltflMfl  defpifc  tkee  ±    fure  no 
body  d  'be  dcipil'ed,  and  it  vs  ni :  always  in  the 

power  ot  man   to  hinder   i: :    bur  the  meaning  ot    the 
words  is,  I  re  fhottld  be  nothing  in  our  carriage 

and  deportment,     which  may    defervc  contempt.      We 
ought  itill  to  have  that  apology  ot    the  .ndi- 

nels,  &uiA  put  em  ?  Conttmptumne  me  ?   /■  ;-        .  \  >i 
'  1 1 

poM 


of  the  Minifterial  FunSiion.      267 

fojjit.  There  is  nothing  that  doth  expofe  aminifler  to 
fo  much  contempt,  as  a  vicious  and  irreligious  deport- 
ment ;  even  thofe  who  are  profane  themfelves,  and  love 
vice  in  their  other  companions,  do  ^W abhor  it  in  a 
clergyman,  as  thinking  it  too  grofs  and  difingenuous^ 
to  pra&ife  all  the  week  what  he  hath  been  condemning 
on  Sunday.  I  fhall  not  infill  upon  the  grofTer  fort  of 
vices,  Nolo  tarn  male  ominari  de  ecclcfia,  I  would  not 
bode  fo  much  evil  to  the  church,  as  to  imagine  the 
clergy  capable  of  them,  I  fhall  point  but  to  a  few 
things,  which  tho'  lefs  heinous  in  their  nature,  tend 
much  to  the  contempt  and  difrefpect  of  the  clergy. 

And  firft,  the  lead  imputation  of  covetoufnefs  doth 
a  great  deal  of  mifchief  this  way  j  and  ye  know  it  will 
be  reckoned  covetoufnefs  in  you  which  is  not  fo  in 
others  ;  you  will  be  more  blamed  for  taking  your  own, 
than  they  for  encroaching  on  their  neighbours ;  and 
therefore  to  prevent  this  imputation,  fo  far  as  the  mean- 
nefs  of  a  mmfler's  provifion,  and  necetfity  of  his  fa- 
mily will  permit,  he  fhould  fhew  himfeif  frank  and 
liberal  in  his  dealings,  efpecially  with  the  poorer  fort. 

Another  occafion  of  contempt  is,  the  too  much 
frequenting  the  company  of  the  laicks,  and  a  vain  and 
trifling  converfation  among  them.  It  was  a  wife  fay- 
ing, whoever  he  was  that  fpoke  it,  £>UQtidiana  chrico- 
rum  cum  laicis  converfatio  contempt  ibiles  ipfos  reddit  * 
and  that  oiHierom  to  Nepotian  is  very  obfervable,  Fa- 
cile contemnitur  clericus  fi  ad  prandium  invitaius  fepius 
veniat.  A  minifler  in  his  converfation  ought  carefully 
to  avoid  all  foolifh  and  exceffive  jelling,  and  immode- 
rate mirth.  I  could  never  think  it  a  good  chara&^r 
of  a  clergyman,  to  call  him  a  merry  fellow,  or  a  nota- 
ble droll,  and  yet  I  do  not  condemn  all  chearfulnefs 

and 


268   Of  the  Importance  and  Difficulty 

and  freedom,  nor  the  innocent  ni  it  :  bur  it 

is  one  thing  to    make  life  of  thefe  now  and   then 
they  come  IfitfW  way,  and  another  to  fearch  and  hunt 
after  them  ;    and  thole  who  have    the  knack  of  it,  arc 
ready  enough  to  tall  into  excefs. 

A  third  thing  which  will  bring  a  clergyman  into 
contempt  is,   an  unallowable  pa::  hearing  his 

matter   difhonourM  by  the  oaths  and   pi 
thofe  of  whom  he  ftandeth    in  My  b: . 

we  had  no  more  but  the  common  principles  o{  ingenui- 
ty   and   honour,    they    might    nuke    us  r-.unt  thefc  as 
greater  affronts  than   it  men  mould  fpit  in  our  fa 
and    yet  this  is  but  one  o{  the   mcanefl 
that   lie  upon  us,    to  check    theft    exorbitances    witty 
the  grcateft  fevetity. 

I   s  li  \  i  i.    name  but  another,    and  it  is  this,   u'nen 
men,  on  defign  to  avoid  this  contempt,  v. 
difclaim  their  imploymenr,  by  imitating  the  habit  and 
deportment  of  fecular  perfons,    when  tfa  •    the 

gentleman   Co  much,  that    tiv  .  ;L\man; 

if  we  be  afhamed  of  our  own  imp  odet 

if  others  defpife  it.    Fa   i      wm  were  the  tfa 
that  worthy  gentleman,  and  excellent  mimfttrt  whom 

I  named  before,  that  ,  Mr  //.-•;•- 

who  the  fame  night  that  he  v  d  into  the 

office  of  the  miniltry,  his  friend,   lv  I    I 

u  back  on  my  aipiring  thoughts,  and  1  th    k  my  (el 

<i  more  h          i  ban  it'  1  had  att  ■  hat  I  lb 

"  bitioufly  thiii;              and  I  Id  the 

II  court  with  an  impartial  eye,  and  l 

w   is  made   up  of  fraud,  and  ;i:  .   ,    and   Battery,  and 
41   many   fuch  i  th  tinted  pleafures.      My 

*4  greatefi    ambition  Horn  hence.  II   be,    that  I 

41  bring 


of  the  Minifterial  FunBion.      269 

?  bring  glory  to  my  Jefus,  whom  I  have  this  day 
"  taken  to  be  my  matter  and  governor,  and  am  fo 
"  proud  of  his  fervice,  that  I  will  always  obferve  and 
"  obey,  and  do  his  will,  and  always  call  him,  Jefusa 
f  my  matter.  I  will  always  contemn  my  birth,  and 
<c  any  title  or  dignity  that  can  be  conferred  upon  me, 
I  when  I  mail  compare  them  with  the  title  of  being  a 
I  prieft,  and  ferving  at  the  altar  of  Jefus  my  mafter/* 

I  am  afraid  I  have  incroached  too  far  on  your  pa- 
tience, I  mall  clofe  all  with  the  ferious  obtettation  of 
our  great  apoftle  to  fimothy,  which  you  may  believe  I 
durft  not  utter  in  my  own  name,  but  in  the  name  of 
the  great  mailer  of  us  all  -}  I  charge  you  before  God,  and 
the  Lord  Jefus  Chrif,  who  JhaU  judge  the  quick  and 
the  dead  at  his  appearing,  and  his  kingdom,  preach  the 
word,  he  infant  in  feafon  and  out  of  feafony  reprove, 
rebuke,  exhort,  with  all  long-fuffering  and  doctrine  * 
And  the  Lord  of  his  mercy  fo  aflift  and  profper  us  all 
in  his  own  work,  that  we  may  be  the  happy  inftruments 
of  advancing  his  kingdom,  and  thewelfare  of  fouls,  thro" 
Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.     To  whom,  &C. 

*  z  Tim.  iv.  i.  z. 


A 


(   »7«  ) 


SERMON 

Preached  at   the 

FUNERAL 

Of  the  Reverend 

Henry  Scot/gal,  M-  A. 

By  G.  G.  D.  D. 


P  III  L.    I.     2  1. 

For  to  me  to  Ik         Cbrifti    and  to  dm 
is  gain. 

T  hath  been  the  uftul  prtfticc  of  all  na- 
I  m  eta  world,  ofwhatfoevei 

,   of   pcrl'u.ili.Hi,  to  leave  upon  i 

IgCS,    the    live!  and   memorable 
wbQ  htfC  been    eminent 

«oog  diem  Bar  i  good  things.    And  he     - 


A  Sermon  at  the  'Funeral^  &c.   271 

this  praftice  may  have  been  abufed,  fometimes  to  ferve 
the  intereft  of  a  fed:  or  party,  or  other  undue  ends ; 
yet  that  the  memory  of  good  men  ought  thus  to  be 
tranfmitted  to  poiterity,  may  be  deduced  both  from 
fcripture  and  common  reafon,  it  being  fit  thus  to  mani- 
feli  the  grace  and  goodnefs  of  God  in  men,  and  there- 
by to  advance  his  glory  and  kingdom,  and  to  make 
their  light  fo  ihine  before  others,  that  they  may  be  ufe- 
ful inftru&ions  to  the  world,  and  incentives  to  follow 
their  examples.  To  this  we  owe  the  remembrance  of 
all  thofe  good  and  great  men  recorded  in  the  Old 
Teftament ;  nay,  on  this  is  grounded  the  eftablifhment 
and  purity  of  our  moil  holy  religion :  we  have  left  us 
the  memorials  of  the  life  and  doctrine  of  our  bleiTed 
Lord  and  Matter  in  the  holy  gofpels,  and  the  ads  o£ 
his  apoftles  whom  he  fent  to  convert  the  world.  And 
the  pious  chriltians  of  fucceeding  ages,  according  to 
this  pattern,  were  careful,  both  by  publick  difcourfes 
and  writings,  to  awaken  their  own  and  after- times, 
with  the  remembrance  of  the  zeal  and  piety  of  holy 
and  devout  perfons. 

And  now,  if  by  the  general  practice  and  confent 
of  all  men,  records  of  exemplary  piety  and  goodnefs 
be  thus  ufeful  to  poiterity,  even  tho*  they  be  ftrangers 
to  the  perfons  of  thofe  whofe  lives  and  actions  are 
tranfmitted  to  them  ;  I  am  fure  we  have  much  more 
reafon  to  think,  that  fome  feafonable  and  ufeful  me- 
ditations, at  fuch  a  time,  and  in  fuch  a  place  as  this  is* 
may  have  fome  influence  on  our  minds,  when  we  have 
here  before  us  the  remains  of  our  departed  friend,  whrr 
hath  fo  lately  left  this  world,  whofe  prefence  and  con. 
verfation  was  fo  comfortable  to  us,  whofe  innocence 
and  goodnefs  were   fo  exemplary,  whofe  good  will, 

affection, 


272       A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

affection,  and  beneficence  v. ere  fo  fincerc  and  ui. 
whofe  remembrance  is  io  dear  to  us, 
the  ftay  and  honour  of  our  church,  and  fo  univerfally 
beloved  and  eltccmed  by  all  :  Sure  the  fenfe  of  all  thefc, 
and  the  light  of  all  this  funeral  attendance,  MODOC  but 
cad  our  fouls  into  fome  deep  thought*,  and  to  this  I 
doubt  not  but  your  hearts  bear  witnefs.  Would  I 
could  fay  fomething  ufeful  for  your  meditations,  and 
datable  to  your  prefent  temper  and  this  fubject !  God 
affift  and  direa  our  thoughts. 

Whin  1  Defied  upon  th<  lite  and  fpirit  of  our 
friend,  (of  the  which  I  have  had  the  honour  and  hap- 
pinefs  to  have  been  (a  frequent  an  oMenrer)  and  when 
I  confider  the  conftant  temper  and  difpoiition  of  his 
foul,  as  to  this  and  the  other  world,  the  great  resigna- 
tion of  his  mind,  his  willingnefs  to  itay  lure,  that  he 
might  do  fome  fervicc  to  his  ever  blciled  Maker  and 
Redeemer,  and  yet  his  cheanul  thoughts  and  apprclun- 
iions  of  that  happinefs  that  is  above,  and  Ins  ardent 
breathings  after  it,  methinks  I  hear  always  from  him 
the   words  of  St.  P>;u/y  J8  me  to  Jr.  !  to 

die  is  friin. 

I  1  h  I  1  i  not  trouble  you  with  any  large  expla- 
nation, nor  with  the  various  readings  oi  thefe  words, 
we  (hall  only  confuler  them  in  tluir  moft  obvious  fenfe 

and  meaning.    The  blefled  ipoftic  being  in  bonds  it 

Rov;t,  writes  this  letter  to  the  PI ihfj:  1   exhort 

then  to  1  perfeverancc  in  the  (kith  of  4        ,  and  to 
bare  their  oooverfiition  fui  i  it,    and  that  they 

might  ,  by  bis  bonds,  he  tells  them 

happy    fruits  of  them  ,    how  mucli  they  bid  COI*- 

du<  '  the  goipel,  that  theknow- 

,   with  fuch  coofiincy    fot  that 

Eeiigion, 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        273 

religion,  which  he  had  Formerly  fo  zealoufly  oppofed, 
was  fpread  throughout  that  city,  and  manifeft  in  the 
palace  itfelf :  fo  that  thereby  many  were  converted  to 
the  faith  of  Chrift,  and  others  ftrengthned  in  it,  and 
made  more  bold  to  preach  the  gofpel,  fo  that  Chrift 
was  preached  every  where,  by  fome  out  of  envy  at  the 
glory  and  fame  he  acquired  in  planting  the  gofpel  there, 
and  by  others  in  fincerity,  and  out  of  love  and  good 
will.  So  that  he  hoped,  whether  by  life  or  death, 
Chrift  mould  be  magnified  in  him  ;  if  he  lived,  by 
his  conftant  preaching  his  gofpel,  and  living  his  life  • 
if  he  died,  by  figning  the  truth  of  it  with  his  blood. 
For  to  me  to  live  is  Chrift,  "  the  whole  of  my  lire  in 
f  this  world,  the  end  of  my  living  here,  the  great 
f  aim  of  all  my  thoughts,  and  defigns,  and  actions,  is 
P  Chrift;  to  be  endued  with  his  fpirit,  and  lead  his 
W  life,  to  fpread  his  gofpel,  and  enlarge  his  kingdom  ; 
f.  I  have  no  other  defign  than  this.  God  knows,  and 
"  the  world  fees,  whether  I  miud  riches,  or  pleafures, 
P  or  glory  among  men :  no,  I  have  confecrated  my  life 
<c  and  fpirit  to  my  bleiTed  Lord  and  Mafter,  and  they 
f  fhall  be  imployed  in  his  fervice.  Chrift  is  my  life, 
iC  fo  that  I  live,  yet  not  fo  much  I,  as  Chrift  that  liveth 
"  in  me/' 

Few  words,  but  full  of  fenfe  and  truth ;  they  are 
not  like  thofe  airy  expreiTions,  which  when  fearched 
into  have  nothing  but  fancy  and  imagination  at  the 
bottom  of  them,  but  they  contain  the  very  marrow  of 
chriftianity,  and  the  whole  of  a  chriftian  fpirit,  the 
compleat  character  of  his  life,  and  a  perfect  inftruction 
for  ours ;  and  this  will  appear  if  we  confider  a  little 
more  diftinctly  their  importance.  For  one  to  live 
to  another  may  be  faid  in  two  refpecls.     1.  When  he  is 

T  endued 


274       A  Sermon  at  the  Ft: 

as  the  G 
mind,  si 
V 

and  ves  him  above  all, 

nothing  mor<  bis  interelt,  and 

faring  his  defigns,  and  d^  And  in  L 

1)  indeed  cannot  be 
may   confidcr    the  I 

f,  or  Chrift  Is  my  life. 
I      f,    As  he    was   endued  with  the  fpirir,  an, 
:d  mailer.     Bi  j(  ;  ..  i 
(kith  Ik,  /  f C  i    I       ad  indc 

is  the  great  defign  of  chrifl  and  the  tnu 

f  a  chriftian.     All  our  duty,  and  all  ol: 
ncl      nfifts  in  being  Like  unto  God,  and  the  1 

:   dependant  ,   and  Cubje&ion  to  him,  that 

nable  creai 

I 

a 
he  hath  d  him  ;  he  \ 

ifelf  witl  Ih,  and  b  d 

: 

is,  :\ud  how  wc  muft  be  like  him. 
W(    km  ••   ho«  ( iod  would   ii  re  lie 

.    .  ■ 
.h,  and  were  vifll 

God,  .... 

( •  d,    I 

/:.     Would  we 
I 
G 
.  I 

the 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.         275 

the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  Created  in  rlghtecuf- 
tiefs  and  true  holinefs  ?  Confider  Jsfus  Cbrift  fubject- 
to  the  infirmities  of  our  nature,  and  living  the  life  of 
God.  Behold,  he  hath  given  us  an  example  that  we 
mould  follow  his  fteps ;  he  is  the  light  of  the  world, 
and  they  that  follow  him  Jloall  not  walk  in  darknefs ; 
in  him  was  life,  and  his  life  was  the  light  of  men,  tho' 
darknefs  comprehended  it  not.  Confider  the  profound 
humility  of  his  foul,  the  great  mecknefs  of  his  fpirit, 
•the  entire  resignation  of  his  will  to  his  heavenly  father, 
the  unfpotted  purity  of  his  defires  and  arTe&ions,  wholly 
mortified  as  to  this  lower  world,  the  ardency  of  his 
love  to  God,  and  his  zeal  and  delight  to  do  his  will, 
his  wonderful  patience  under  the  greate.fr  fuHerines,  his 
uninterefted,  fincere  and  boundlefs  charity  towards 
men,  doing  good  even  to  thofe  who  hated  and  perfe- 
cted him,  and  dying  for  thofe  who  crucified  him.  In 
,thefe,  and  in  all  other  graces  he  hath  gone  before  us 
and  called  upon  lis  to  learn  of  him  and  follow  him  ; 
for  this  end  did  he  live  and  die,  to  endue  us  with  his 
fpirit,  and  change  cur  nature  into  his ;  he  humbled 
himfelf  to  our  nature,  that  he  might  make  us  partakers 
of  his  ;  he  hath  revealed  unto  us  the  nature  of  God, 
and  his  undeferved  grace  and  goodnefs  to  us  •  and  our 
unfpeakable  mifery  and  corruption,  and  eftran  cement 
from  our  heavenly  Father,  and  hath  put  us  again  into 
a  c  '.pacity  of  being  his  children,,  he  himfelf  becoming 
ou  elder  brother.  He  hath  raifed  us  unto  the  hopes 
of  :he  enjoyment  of  God  for  evermore  in  bound  I  efs  fe- 
lic  ty,  that  we  might  thus  purify  cur  felves  as  Gcd  is 
pure  He  hath  breathed  his  holy  fpirit  into  the  world 
to  tnipire  us  with  his  lire,  and  change  us  into  his 
linage     and  he  hath  told  iis^  that  without  this  we  mail 

T   2  never 


j~6        A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

never  fee  the  face  of  God.  Wc  have  therefore  all  th<2 
obligations  in  the  world  to  make  Chritt  oar  life.  2nd 
to  follow  Jcfus  ;  this  is  the  only  mark  and  character 
whereby  God  will  ov.n  and  acknowledge  us  for  his. 
It  is  betides  our  grcateft  glory  and  honour  to  imitate 
fo  bletfed  an  example,  and  a  wonderful  cxprtffion  of 
goodnefs  and  condefccnfion,  for  the  Son  or  God  CO  come 
down  from  heaven  to  give  us  this  pattern.  He  is  the 
moll  perrect  example  of  purity  and  holinefs,  in  uhom 
there  was  no  fpot  nor  blemifh,  who  had  no  (in,  neither 
was  guile  found  in  his  mouth,  but  his  life  was  uni- 
form, and  always  pure  and  conflant  to  himfelf;  and 
yet  he  hath  given  us  the  moll  plain  and  familiar  copy, 
and  the  moll  exactly  fitted  to  the  flatc  and  condition 
of  men  in  this  world.  He  did  not  retire  into  cells  and 
cloiftcrs,  as  ir  none  could  walk  as  he  walk-.d  but 
monks  and  recltlfes  ;  but  he  converfed  freely  in  the 
world,  and  lived  in  cities  and  villages,  in  company  and 
OOQVerfe  with  others.  His  piety  did  nor  break  forth 
into  fevcre  tailing,  and  an  excefs  of  other  anfte- 

rities,  in  extacick  raptures,  and  entbufiafticK  fits,  (ucl 
as  the  lives  of  the  famed  faints  of  the  R- ••..>'■■  church 

are  Ruffed  with;   but  it  was  a  plain  III  jofticc  and 

charity,  mccknefs  and  humility,  patience  and  conienw 
cuii-.  i,    and  a  readinefi  to  do  >;.>od  to  ail  men  •  a  life 

that  is  imitabk  by  all,  from  the  greatell   pri 
..  if        1  :ancc  of  our  | 

Qfioo,  tfa  out  (eh  I  !  os  to 

a  th<   extmpl  ,    and  '*ad  the  II        *  hrift,  and 

11    m     DD  in  nothing    R 

purpofe  i    foe   !  ■  tl  t  j  ugb$\ 

,  it  is 
with  bii  that  can 

entitle 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.         277 

entitle  us  to  an  intereft  in  him,  and  that  happinefs  he 
hath  purchafed  for  us  ;  for  if  any  man  hath  not  the 
fpirit  of  Chrift,  he  is  none  of  his  :  So  great  and  many 
are  the  obligations  that  we  have  to  follow  Jefus.  His 
commands  are  nothing  but  the  tranfeript  of  his  own 
life  and  fpirit ;  we  ought  always  to  have  him  in  our 
eye,  and  in  every  difpoiition  of  our  foul,  in  every  un- 
dertaking and  defign,  to  confider  how  our  bleffed 
Matter  would  have  done  in  thefe  circumftances,  and 
afpire  always  to  have  the  fame  mind  that  was  in  him, 
and  never  reft  till  Chrift  be  formed  in  us. 

But  alas !  how  unlike  are  we  to  the  holy  Jefus  I 
Chriftians  in  name  and  profeflion,  but  not  in  deed  and 
in  truth.  How  unworthy  a  character  would  it  make 
of  him,  to  meafure  him  by  the  lives  and  fpirits  of  thofe 
who  call  themfelves  his  followers?  Alas  !  in  what  paf- 
fage  or  period  of  our  life  can  we  fay  fincerely,  To  me 
to  live  is  Chrift  ?  Do  we  propofe  to  our  feives  the  fame 
defigns  ?  Are  we  endued  with  any  fpark  of  his  bound- 
lefs  charity  I  Do  our  fouls  burn  with  love  to  God,  or 
have  we  fuch  a  fincere  good-will  to  cur  neighbours? 
Are  our  defires  and  affeclions  crucified  to  this  world, 
and  enlivened  towards  heaven  ?  Yea,  what  conformity 
is  there  in  our  outward  lives,  unto  his  moil  holy  life  ? 
Where  is  that  forwardnefs  to  do  good  to  all  men,  that 
meek  furTering  of  injuries,  and  ready  forgiving  of  ene- 
mies, and  doing  them  good  ?  Is  fcraping  and  fcram- 
bling  after  wealth,  and  this  world's  trifles,  is  rioting 
and  Wallowing  in  fenfual  pleafures,  and  living  like 
brutes,  is  contending  for  places  and  glory  among  men, 
is  ftrife  and  envy,  contention  and  evil-fpeaking,  and 
other  fuch  like  works  of  the  flefh,  are  thefe,  I  fay,  be- 
coming the  followers  of  Jefus  Chrift  ?.   Is  this  to  live 

T  3  like 


F 

ore 

B 

,  who  was  Ton  .  wick  h: 

and 

God,  modi  i 

iflg 

and  ftri|  is, 

,  and  h 

! 

,  and  in  itc  there- 

with i    ■ 

I  uni    hhn  ;  whofi:   h 
ritj 

.J    to   b  tor 

ved 
to  m:» 

1,:.'    |      ,    [j  Bl 

I  lived  in 

that  his 
.: 
(  all  things,  and  mi 

npthinj 
in  i  n 

1     .;'•.  i 

■ 

the  I 

nod  ,   the  will,   and  t]  -  'her, 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        279 

being  the  outward  life  and  convention,  is  regulated 
according  to  the  inward  difpofitions  of  the  foul;  and 
as  a  man's  fentiments  and  difpofitions  are,  ftich  is  his 
life.  Now  as  the  life  of  the  body  isftrangely  difordered, 
when  the  blood  and  fpirits  do  not  run  in  their  ordinary 
courfe,  but  make  convuhive  and  involuntary  motions, 
which  are  nothing  ufeful  to  the  body,  nor  guided  by 
the  will :  fo  the  life  of  our  fouls  is  fo  corrupted,  as 
that  we  may  be  faid  to  be  dead  while  we  live,  when 
our  judgment  is  blind  and  falfe,  our  will  perverfe  and 
crooked,  our  affections  earthly  and  carnal,  and  we  do 
not  follow  the  will  of  God  :  And  this  is  the  ftate  of 
our  life  by  nature.  What  a  ftrange  blindnefs  is  there 
in  the  fpirit  of  man  ?  We  underftand  almofl  nothing 
of  the  greatefl  things,  and  judge  perverfly  of  other 
things.  How  little  do  we  know  of  God,  of  our  fouls, 
of  their  mifery,  or  wherein  their  true  happinefs  confifts, 
or  of  the  ftate  after  this  life  ?  And  how  perverfly  do 
we  judge  of  the  trifles  of  this  life,  as  if  our  happinefs 
and  our  all  were  fummed  up  in  them?  How  corrupt 
are  the  affections  and  difpofitions  of  our  hearts  ?  We 
love  what  we  ought  to  hate,  we  truft  what  will  cer- 
tainly fail  us,  and  diftruft  that  which  mould  be  our 
only  confidence;  we  fear  that  which  can  do  us  no 
harm,  and  are  regard lefs  of  our  greatefl:  dangers;  we 
bufy  our  felves  about  trifles,  or  things  that  will  cer- 
tainly ruin  us,  and  do  not  mind  our  greatefl  interefts. 
Now  J  e fits  Chrift  is  come  into  the  world  full  of  grace 
and  truth,  to  renew  the  fpirit  of  our  minds,  and  to 
change  the  difpofition  of  our  hearts,  and  the  courfe  of 
our  lives  ;  and  the  life  that  we  ought  to  lead  is  by  the 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  us,  and  gavehirafelf 
for  us.    We  muft  not  live  by  fenfe,  and  our  own  foolifh 

T  4  p  aHions 


\    d       A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 
pail'  •  nents  ol  things j    botiocond 

.,   and  that  faith,  that    he  by  his  word 
II  with.     To  ,  is 

t    Live  by  his  faith,  and  to  fivi 
'   ' :     ,   is  to  judge  and  cflecm  of  tilings  as  he  has  re- 
\  sal  D,  and  as  he  would  have  us,  and  according 

to  g  d  3  on:  hearts  and  lives;  to  love  what 

he  bids  us  !  ;vc,  and   hate  what  he  would   have  us   to 
hare,  to  hope  and  trufl  in  his  pi  to  do  what 

he  commands,  and  Ebrbeac  and  avoid  what  he  forbids; 
and  to  Mit  lift  in  doing  ins  will,  and  (erving 

his  e.  lie  hath  taught  us  to  mal. 

ment  and  cflimate  ot  things,  to  have  a  dccpfcnfcof 
the  unfpeakablc  mifery  and  E  one  corrupted 

nature,  oi  the  infinite  greatnefs,  goodneft,  and  mercy 

of  God,  and   the  W  ill  contrivance  and  value  of 

our  redemption.      II e  has  (hewn  ih  and  the 

degener*  Is,  and  what  great  things  they  ace 

capable  of  by  the  pure  grace  and  favour  ol   G  d  j  he 
hat!-,  [aid  i  pen  the  deceitful  app  -      this  prefenc 

rid,  and  the  great  mom<  joy 

or  mifery,    that  a  waits  us  hen  ifter  j  th  made 

kn  ■'.',.  r,>  us  what  great  things  he  hath  done  and  fuf- 

U  ,   and  what    boundLK  COmpafllOO    and  love 

uch  undeferving  creatures,     Nowthefpring 
that   life  we  Ibould   live   by  the  faith  ot    J 
,  is  to  have  our  anderftandings  renew  I  cn- 

d,  and  to  judge  Gi  and  aright  i  ■    i 

,  according  as  be  who  is  truth  it  (elf  hath  rc- 

(j  unto  US  ;   and  th.u  nvt  I  ::y   our  curi 

in  knowing  thegn,  ot  making  them  matta        ranity 
and  talk  to  others;  for  then  w<  know  nothing  as  we 

ought :    but  to  b  • 

tlum, 


qf  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.  281 

them,  as  to  enliven  our  hearts,  and  guide  our  practices. 
For  then  do  we  truly  live  by  the  faith  of  Chrift,  when 
the  fenfe  of  our  own  finfulnefs  and  mifery  finks  us  into 
the  deeped  humility,  and  fincere  abhorrence  of  our 
felves  ,*  and  the  thoughts  of  the  unfpeakable  goodnefs, 
love,  and  mercy  of  God,  and  what  our  ever  bleffed 
Redeemer  hath  done,  fuffcred,  and  purchafed  for  us, 
infpire  our  hearts  with  ardent  love  to  them ;  and  this 
becomes  the  fpring  of  all  our  actions,  makes  us  delight 
to  do  his  will,  and  be  well  pleafed  to  fuffer  it,  and 
ftudy  always  to  promote  his  intcrelt  in  the  world,  to 
make  him  be  known  and  loved  by  all  we  can,  and  feek 
his  glory  and  honour  in  all  we  do,  and  not  our  own. 

Thus  to  us  to  live  is  Chrift ;  thus  ought  we  to 
guide  our  understandings  by  his  light,  to  inflame  our 
hearts  with  his  love,  to  fpend  our  lives  in  his  fervice, 
and  direct  our  a&ions  to  his  glory.  But  alas!  how 
generally  are  thofe  who  call  themfelves  chriitians  void 
of  this  life  and  fpirit  ?  Who  is  there  that  fincerely 
makes  an  eftimate  and  judgment  of  things  according 
to  the  light  oijefus  Chrift  ?  That  thinks  himfelf  truly 
worthy  to  be  hated  by  all  >  That  really  counts  the 
honours  and  promotions,  the  wealth  and  pleafures  of 
this  world,  as  fo  many  fnares  to  his  foul  ?  That  hearti- 
ly values  the  favour  and  approbation  of  God,  beyond 
the  efteem  and  praife  of  men  ?  And  however  fome  men 
may  have  fome  fruitlefs  fpeculations  in  their  under- 
ftandings about  fuch  like  truths;  yet  alas  !  how  few 
fuffer  them  to  fink  into  their  hearts,  and  direct  their 
lives  ?  Where  is  the  love  of  Jefus ;  the  lively  hopes 
and  ardent  defires  after  the  glory  that  is  to  be  reveal'd  ^ 
The  true  fear  of  God,  or  truft  in  him,  or  a  fincere  de^ 
fire  and  delight  to  do  his  will  ?  And  whatever  profef- 

lions 


2  8 1        si  Serm  I        al 

fions  m  Jpet  Wti  uits 

for 
i      tree      kn  wn  by  its  fruit }  H  arc 

there  that   feem  t  .J   Iran  the  hearty  love  of 

Chrift  ?  Wherein  do  \vc  (incertly  aim  at   the   good 

i,  and  tl  ir  fouls }    When  do  we 

fingly  prop  cfelv<    the  glorj       I         and  the 

doing  himfervice?    V,  ts  are  there  in  our 

ition,  that  feem  to  fl 
milky,  and  truly  m  lights  d 

it  would  puule  us,    1  ethc  a&i 

- 
ciples.     V.  -  i  and  guide 

meafures,  the  V  vt  ol  reputation  air, 

for  the  convenient  ks  and  pleafiirta  rf  this  life,  and  an 
avcrlion  to  the  troubles  of  it,  a  defire  or'  tranfeendi 
others  in  power,  Wealth,  Ol  ,  a  natural  i 

of  fpirit,  and  inconflderation  or  mind;  and,  which  is 

the  root  of  all,  pride,   and  a  blind  and  tnordifl 

love.    Thefc  are  the  (pringa  that  put  all  in  mo:: 

thefc  princ 

mi  iglc  thea 

impartial  coi  tion  may   n 

thei 

tereft. 
r. 

bct>  >n   he  v  .  .  J    I  blind   i 

I    i.  I 
the 

bur   h 

Son  of  G 

:  • 

•  i 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        283 

counted  all  things  but  Hung  and  lofs  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  Jefus  ?  Who  gloried  in  no- 
thing fo  much  as  his  crofs,  by  which  the  world  was 
crucified  to  him,  and  he  unto  the  world?  Who  reckoned 
the  fufferings  of  this  prefent  time  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  that  is  to  be  revealed  ?  W7hom 
neither  worldly  advantage,  nor  the  greateft  croffes  and 
afflictions,  neither  the  power  or  malice  of  devils  and 
men  could  feparate  from  the  love  of  Chrift  ?  Who 
gloried  m  nothing  more  than  in  differing  for  him,  whofe 
zeal  was  fo  great,  and  his  induftry  and  diligence  fo 
vigorous,  and  his  care  and  management  fo  prudent  and 
wife  in  propagating  his  life  and  fpirit,  and  fpreading 
his  doctrine  ?  WTho  made  fo  fudden  a  change  through- 
out the  world,  and  fo  many  nations  his  difciples? 
Whofe  divine  letters  have  fo  much  tended  to  the  efta- 
blilhment  and  propagation  of  the  gofpel,  in  that  and 
all  fucceeding  generations  ?  A  (ingle  paffage  of  one  of 
which  occafioned  the  converfion  of  one  of  the  greateft 
fathers  of  the  church.  In  which  holy  epiftles  the  chri- 
ftian  doctrine  is  fo  well  reprefented,  wherein  perfons 
of  all  ranks  and  conditions  have  their  duties  fo  clearly 
defcribed,  where  bifhops,  and  pallors,  and  people, 
rich  and  poor,  husband  and  wife,  parents  and  children, 
mafters  and  fervants,  the  proiperous  and  the  afflicted, 
may  learn  their  chrifltan  duty,  and  deportment  in  their 
feveral  circumftances. 

But  I  forbear  to  fpeak  of  that  great  apoflle  of  the 
Gentiles,  the  prefent  occafion  leads  us  hither,  normal! 
I  prefume  to  make  a  parallel.  I  know  there  is  one 
glory  of  the  fun,  another  of  the  moon,  and  another  of 
Jhe  ftars ;  and  one  ft ar  differeth  from  another  ft lar  in 
glory.      As  the  happinefs  of  the  other  world,   fo  the 

piety 


4       A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

piety  and  goodflicfi  of  this,  have  their  degrees  and  mcu~ 
lures,  I  thill  only  confidcr  for  our  inftru&ion,  haw  in 
its  own  meifure  the  life  and  (pirit  of  our  friend  do 

breathe  forth  the  fame  fentimencs  :  7*o  me  to  live  is 
drift:  How  his  life  and  example,  his  C  DfcrfttioQ 
and  inftruftions,  his  thoughts  and  deligns,  the  inward 
endowments  and  difpoiitions  of  his  foul,  and  A 
waid  deportment  and  actions  of  his  lire,  were,  as  to 
the  main,  the  fruits  and  effects  of  a  christian  fpirit,  of 
a  holy  and  divine  temper  of  mind  ;  and  how  they  all 
tended,  and  were  employed  to  cncrcafc  the  fame  in 
himfclf,  and  it ir  it  up  in  others ;  and  to  revive  (bmc- 
thing  of  the  tneient  chriftUn  piety  and  goodnefs  In 
the  world. 

7*o  vie  to  /iie  is  drift  :  Indeed  well  may  it  be  bid 

of  his  life,  whole  early   beginnings  and  firft  Uofibms 

were   fcafonM   with   pious  inclinations,    as  well  as  the 

maturer  periods  of  it.     The  right  managing  ot  infancy 

and  childhood,  is  ordinarily  the  lead  of  a  parent's  care  • 

and  any  piOUS exercifes  are  ufually  the  leaf!  ofchildrcns 

thoughts.      Every  trifle  tickles   their  fancies,  and  tikei 

up  their  fpirits \    little   ptflions  and  envies,  and  other 

I  our  natural  corruption,  begin  to  fprout  forth 

I  tender  age.    But  in  out  decetftd  friend, 

it  wis  bis  bther's  pious  defign  to  devote  him  to  the 

(ervice  of  God  and  his  church  in  this  holy  fonftion, 

*  h  i  did  therefore  take  a  [i  in. 

fancy   and  i        .       d,    fo    bis    pi<  US  i 

the  (uit*bl<  difpofitionol  ins  fpirit,  did  happily  con- 

ire  with  it ;     tod  of  them 

even  in  tfa  He  wis  i 

th'  yhich 

it  upa 

did 


vf  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        285 

did  ufualiy  retire  from  them ;  and  that  not  out  of  ful- 
lennefs  of  humour,  or  dulnefs  of  fpirit,  (the  fweetnefs 
and  ferenity  of  whofe  temper  did  even  then  appear) 
but  out  of  a  flayed nefs  of  mind,  going  to  fome  privacy, 
and  imploying  his  time  in  reading,  prayer,  and  fuch 
ferious  thoughts  as  that  age  was  capable  of.  Sometimes 
he  would  be  taken  up  with  the  thoughts  of  the  law  of 
Mofes,  wondring  how  altars  and  facrifices,  and  its 
other  ceremonies,  were  not  now  among  the  exercifes  of 
our  worlhip ;  at  other  times  imploying  himfelf  in  little 
imitations  of  the  exercifes  of  the  holy  fun&ion,  as 
preaching,  and  the  like  ;  and  among  other  inflances  of 
the  happy  fruits  of  fuch  retirements,  this  deferves  to  be 
remembred,  that  being  once  in  a  ferious  reflection  what 
courfe  of  life  he  mould  take,  that  might  be  conducive 
to  the  falvation  of  his  foul,  and  being  in  a  deep  mufe 
of  thoughts,  he  takes  up  the  Bible  to  read  a  portion  of 
it ;  and  tho*  he  was  always  averfe  to  the  making  a 
lottery  of  the  holy  fcriptures,  yet  he  could  not  but 
take  notice  of  the  firft  words  which  occasionally  he  caft 
his  eyes  upon,  and  which  made  no  fmall  imprefnon  on 
his  fpirit.  By  what  means  jh all  a  young  man  learn  to 
purify  his  way  ?  by  taking  heed  thereto  according  to  thy 
word.  The  diverfions  he  was  then  moft  taken  with, 
did  fpeak  out  the  greatnefs  of  his  mind  and  fpirit,  and 
he  feemed  to  acl:  all  the  grandeur  of  this  world  while 
a  child ;  for  when  in  learning  the  Latin  tongue,  he 
began  to  underftand  the  Roman  ftory,  he  retired  ufu- 
aliy with  the  moft  ingenious  of  his  fellows,  compofed 
little  orations,  and  a&ed  the  parts  of  Roman  fenators. 
I  cannot  here  omit  that  vaftnefs  of  memory,  and  for- 
wardnefs  of  judgment,  which  did  even  then  appear, 
in  that  when  he  began  to  take  notice  of  the   daily 

reading 


2 Q  6     Si  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

!vly  fcriptures   at  home,  he  could  ;. 
onl\  at  that  time,   whether  the  hi- 

t  parts  j  but  aft..  ..pon   the  turn- 

nch  particular  chapter,    could  call  them  to 
remembrance  ;    and  whereas  thofc  of  that  :  tor 

tjK.  part    remember    only  fomc  littk    incohu 

pgfl  I  publkk   fermons,     he  did  ufually  take    up 

C    icopc,  and  give  a  brief  account  of  the 
And  tho' children  generally  love  only  the  I-  ckty  of  their 
fellows,  or  fuch  as  can  entertain  then  with  iv 

ioolifh  (lories  yet  fuch  was  the  :ir, 

and  the  love  he  even  then  had  t 

men,  that  when  he  had  the  h.aiin. 

rious  and  reverend  perfoos,  who  ufed  to  refect  to  his 

father's   boufe*    be  WAS  caretul  to  attend  CO  them,  and 
liftcn  to  their  wile  and  pious  diicourfes.     His  imp: 

ments  in  humane  literature  were  beyond  the  ordinary 
attainments  of  his  age,    bavin  faired  a 

lingular  and  unaffefied  y  in  the  Lmm  boo| 

but  alio  a  cotlA  i;1   ^c  &* 

in  tilc  /  ,    and    t  '    the  orici  I 

piages  i  being  i  :i7i 

and  other  parti  I  N^as 

i.  bis  appi 

of  his  j 

iirft 

in  vanity  and  i"u 

I 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.       287 

men  :  and  we  may  fee  how  much  a  prudent  father's 
wife  and  pious  care,  when  it  meets  with  a  fit  temper 
and  difpofition  in  a  child,  may  contribute  to  plant  the 
feeds  of  thofe  vertuous  endowments  and  good  inclina- 
tions in  that  tender  age,  which  will  bring  forth  much 
fruit  in  their  riper  years ;  and  with  how  much  reafon 
the  wife  man  bids  us,  Train  tip  a  child  in  the  way  he 
fiould  go>  and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from 
it. 

But  the  paths  of  the  juft  are  as  the  fuming  light, 
which  fhineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day ; 
thefe  were  the  early  dawnings  of  piety  and  goodnefs 
which  appeared  in  him  in  thofe  firft  years  of  his  age, 
before  he  came  to  this  corner  of  our  land,  and  there 
became  flill  more  manifeft  and  confpicuous.  His  im- 
provements had  now  fitted  him  for  the  univerfity,  and 
here  he  gave  further  proofs  of  a  pious  difpodtion,  and 
a  capacious  underflanding ;  he  was  far  removed  from 
thofe  levities  and  foolifh  cufloms,  thofe  little  animofities 
and  itrifes,  which  the  inconfiderate  youth  are  fometimss 
guilty  of;  but  was  even  then  grave  and  ftayed  in  his 
deportment,  as  was  obferv'd  by  all,  yet  free  and  un- 
affected. The  learning  that  was  then  in  fafhion,  tho* 
he  faw  quite  thro'  it,  yet  it  did  not  fatisfy  his  under- 
Handing,  nor  could  he  perceive  its  ufe,  fave  to  wrangle 
pro  and  con  about  any  thing.  He  was  defirous  to  dive 
into  the  nature  of  things,  and  not  to  be  involved  into 
a  ftrife  of  hard  words,  and  a  maze  of  nice  diftinctions ; 
and  therefore  by  his  own  proper  indufiry,  and  private 
ftudy,  he  became  even  then  mafter  of  that  phiiofophy, 
which  has  now  got  fuch  footing  in  the  world  ;  befides 
a  lingular  proficiency  he  made  in  the  feveral  parts  of 
mathematicks,  in  hiitory,  and  other  humane  learning. 

But 


288       A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

But  he  was  ilwtyi  careful   to  beware  of  any  phi) 
phy,  or  talfc  knowledge,  chat  was  apt   to  have  a  bad 
influence  on  the  mind,  and  debauch  the  i'pirit,  as  to  a 
right    fenfe    or"  God   and    religion,    and   never  furr 
himfelf  to  be  tainted  in  the  leaft  with  iiich  ;  and  there 
was  nothing  that  more  endear'd  any  philofophical  tTU1 
to  him,    than  when  they   gave  right   apprehcnlions  of 
God,  and  jufl  thoughts  or"  morality  and  virtue.     His 
mind  being  always  comp  fed  to  a  religious  urn: 
even  then  made  it  his  buiinefs,    by   the  frequent  read- 
ing of  the  moft  pious  and  uferul  books,  and   a  hippy 
converfation,  fan&ified  by  a  conitant  devotion,  and  an 
unprejudiced  mind,  to  frame  to  himfelr",  amidft  the  vi- 
rions opinions   and   diffractions  of  v./c///,  right 
apprchenfions  of  religion,  and  accordingly    to  fnit   his 
practice;  fo  that   even  then  religion  was  the  matter  of 
his  ferious  and  impartial  choke,  tnd   not  meerly  the 
prejudice  of  cuftom  and  education.     He  ufed  forrutimes 
to  write  ctlays  of  morality,  end  occafiona]  meditations  ; 

which  as  they  were  fingukirlv   eloquent  and  lllgenti 
Co  they  breathed  forth   the  dew  id,  and 

the  ferioufnefs  of  his  fpirit,  and  would  wry  well  be- 
come a  riper  age.  It  beklg  the  cuftom  of  the  youth 
to  have  private  meetings  about  the  ordering  the  con- 
cerns of  the  cohurtcr.ccrntKts,  where  he  was  made  con- 
ftant  prefidcnt  among  his  fellows,  his  difcourfes  to  them 
were   fo   grave  and  becoming   (as   lome    ot   tSum  have 

profiled)  tlut  they  l  ioked  up  \  them  as  the  (ayingi  a' 

a  grey   head  ;    and  thought   they   favour  \1  of  the  wif- 

c<  m  of  a  j'.t:.-\r. 

Such    was    his  dfl  Qt    and  improvement  tor 

the  tew  years  he  rehded  in  the  univcr.iry  ;  io  that  in  the 
eltccm  oi  all   he  did   not  a  little   honour  that  degree 

which 


5  of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        289 

which  is  then   given,  of  which  fome  are  faid  to  be  fo 
much  the  reproach.      And  therefore  he  no  fooner  came 
out  of  the  univerfity,  but  he  was  thought  worthy  to 
be  a  mafter,  "where  he  had  fo  lately  been  a  fcholar ; 
and  after  having  given  fufficient  proofs  of  his  fitnefs, 
by  teaching  for  the  next  term  the  clafs  of  one  who  was 
occasionally  abfent,  he  was  accordingly  promoted.  And 
even  in  this  ftation,  to  him  to  live  <wa's  Chrift  ;  he  was 
careful  fo  to  behave  himfelf  in  his  own  converfetion, 
and  in  the  exercifes  of  that  office,    as  to  preferve  his 
own  confcience  pure  and  void  of  offence,  and  to  ferve 
the  interells  of  chriftianity,    training  up  the  youth  in 
fuch  principles  of  learning  and  goodncfs,  as  to  make 
them  mod  ferviceable  both  to  church  and  Hate.     He 
was  careful  not  to  drive  on  little  defigns,  or  to  main- 
tain factions  and  heats  in  the  fociety,  but  ftudied  al- 
ways to  comjpofe  them  ;  and  when  it  would  not  do,  they 
were  his   regret:,    but  he  was  (lire  not  to  make  one  of 
them.  He  always  prefer v'd  his  authority  entire  airu  n^fh 
the  unruly   youth,    and   would  quickly  compofe  their 
diforders   and    tumults,    and  yet  gain  their  love  and 
efteem,   and  knew   well    how   to  entertain  them  with 
freedom   and    kindnefs,    and  yet  oblige  them   to  that 
refpect  that  becomes  a  fcholar  towards  his  mafter.     So 
far  was  he  from  defigning  his  own  private  gain,  that 
when  a  tumult  had  arifen  among  the  unruly  youth,  in 
which  there  were  fome  under  his  care  who  could  ealily 
have  purchafed  their  pardon  by  the  payment  of  an  in- 
confiderable  mulct,  and  the  aflurance  of  their  good  be- 
haviour afterwards,  and  when  fuch  was  their  perverfnefs 
that  they  would  not  do  it ;  tho'  his  paying  it  in  their 
name  would  have  done  the  bufinefs,  yet  rather  than 
do  fuch  a  feemingly  unworthy  act,  which  might  pro- 

U  ftitutc 


A  I         al 

rity,  and  :  them  to  the  like  tu- 

multuous practices,  he  .  .  :  ib    mpelled, 

his  own  considerable  detrira  rldlyin* 

eerefts,  having  but  a  L     Hems  cartful 

.limit  the  youth   in  the   moil  intelli  ufe« 

ful  principles  of  humane  ka  !  ;   and    i:    defetves 

Do  be  remembred,   that  he  was  the  Gift  in  this  corner 
of  the  land  (perhaps  in  the  I  ation)  wbotao 

the  youth  that  philofophy   which  b 
preference  by  all  the  knowing  •..  he  look' 

it  as  the  mod  proper  for  framing  th  merits,  and 

difpofing  them  to  conceive  things  aright; 
them  <>ti  from  a  difputing  humour,   m  in 

hard  won  ^   and   in  i 

.v  fomething  when  they  knew  nothii  ight 

it   fcrv'd  to  enlarge  and  rai(e  their  appcthenfiora 
Almighty   God,    by   confidering  the  vaftnefs  of 

I   ,  and  the  admirable  wifdom  aiui  is  that 

appeared  in  the  order  of  the  world,  and  th. 

even  oi  |  miniu 

difpos'd  them  to  confider  th   nai  m 

iuai  pi.,  i  that  it 

inclined  them  to  a  more  i  g  vd-wii: 

wan 

1 1 
up 

• 

c.     ' 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        291 

open  the  folly  and  heinoufnefs  of  vice  and  impiety,  and 
the  excellency  and  advantage  of  religion  and  goodnefs  ; 
and  fuch  other  considerations  as  might  both  inflrnft 
their  minds,  and  gain  upon  their  tempers ;  and  he 
failM  not  to  deal  with  each  of  them  apart  in  private  • 
thofe  who  were  of  bad  inclinations  he  ftudied  to  reform 
and  amend,  and  in  whom  he  faw  any  appearance  of 
goodnefs,  he  was  careful  to  encourage  and  cherifh  them. 
Thus  he  hath  made  appear  by  his  praclice,  that  phi- 
lofophy  and  religion  are  not  enemies  to  one  another, 
but  that  the  fober  and  difcreet  ufe  of  our  reafon  makes 
us  more  capable  of  the  truths  and  graces  of  our  re- 
ligion. 

But  God  had  defign'd  him  for  the  more  immediate 
fervice  of  his  church,  unto  which  he  had  been  devoted 
from  the  womb ;  and  therefore  by  the  counfel  of  fome 
ferious  and  reverend  perfons  in  the  church,  whofe  ad- 
vices were  of  great  weight  with  him,  he  was  called 
forth  to  preach  the  gofpel,  and  a  little  after  entred  into 
holy  orders,  and  was  imploy'd,  as  you  know,  in  the 
office  of  the  miniftry  in  the  country  ;  where,  tho5  his 
flay  was  fo  fhort,  yet  the  proofs  that  he  gave  both 
of  his  fitnefs  for,  and  zeal  in  that  holy  function  were 
Angular  :  he  found  he  had  now  more  obligations  lying 
on  him  to  piety  and  innocence  of  life,  and  as  the  am- 
baflador  of  his  bleffed  Mailer,  he  mud  be  very  tender 
of  his  honour,  and  of  perfuading  thofe  he  was  fent 
unto  to  be  reconcil'd  to  God ;  and  therefore  he  was 
careful  to  lhun  even  all  appearances  of  evil.  He 
ftudied,  during  his  fhort  flay,  by  catechizing  to  in- 
ftru£l  his  people  with  the  greateft  plainnefs  and  affec- 
tion, in  the  right  fenfe  and  knowledge  of  religion  and 
their  duty,  and  to  fhevv  them  the  folly  and  unreafona- 

U   2  blenefs 


10,2       AS  F      *al 

blenefs  of  th  cs,  wh. 

Iged  th.milv.es  in  a  I  He  endeavour  \i  to 

understand   their  tern  rdingly  to  apply 

himfelf  to  them ;    he- was  dee|  little 

of  religion  that  generally  appeared,  tnd 

fa  .v  any  fpark  ofgoodnefs,  how  ftrangely  v.e,s  he  ch 
with  it;    he  more  valued  the   humble    innocence,  and 
chearful  contentment  and  refignation  of  one  poc; 
man  in  that  pine:,    than   all  the  nu  .  )  appear- 

ances of  others  ;  having  o\'z  in  his  mouth,  Irtdofii  cotlum 
rapiuftt.    He  endeavoured  to  bring  them  to  a  d 
and  conftant  attendance  on  thepublick  worfhip,  •. 
he  always  went,  and  join'd  with  them  a:  the  beginning 
ot  it;    thinking  it  very  unfit  that  the  i 
Almighty  God,  the  reading  fomc  portions  of  the  holy 
Scriptures,    making  a  confcffion  of  our  chriltian  faith, 
and  rehearfing  the  ten  commandments  mould  be  1 
upon  only  as  a  fr$h  VtUfti  for  ufli  pie  to 

the   church,  and  the  minilUr    to  the  pulpit.      11 
mons  were  always  devout  and  llrious,    av 
and  he  endcavout'd  to  fit  them  to  the  car  of  the 

people,  ami  be  rcviv'd  the  a  eof*  ft  1 
it  as  the  moQ  ed  to  have  light 

o\  this  nation  us'd  to  fcy)  long  texts  and  hort  fcr- 
mons. 

B     T  1  mud  not  (o  (lightly  pafs  over  his  preaching, 
in  which  ucl       ocern'dj    a  wile  man 

ly  wrii  an  effay,  bo*  t<  life  of 

us,  and  it  v.  n  i  »bc  wUh'd  we  wereinlfa 

cd  in  making    good  ,    inch  1  mean  as  might  have 

an 


1  •  ■ 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.         293 

an  influence  on  mens  hearts  and  lives ;  and  Cure  I  think 
all  who  heard  him  will  acknowledge  his  practice  to  be 
no  contemptible  pattern.  He  thought  it  mould  be  a 
minifler's  care  to  choofe  feafonable  and  ufefui  fubjects, 
foch  as  might  inftrucl  the  peoples  minds,  and  better 
their  lives  ;  not  to  entertain  them  with  debates  and 
ilrifes  of  words  ;  that  he  fhould  exprefs  himfelf  in  the 
moil  plain  and  affectionate  manner,  not  in  airy  and 
fanciful  words,  nor  in  words  too  big  with  fenfe,  and 
having  a  great  many  thoughts  crouded  together,  which 
the  peoples  underilandings  cannot  reach,  nor  in  philo- 
fophical  terips  and  expreffions,  which  are  not  familiar 
to  vulgar  underilandings ;  nor  in  making  ufe  of  an  un- 
ufual  word,  where  there  could  be  found  one  more  plain 
and  ordinary  to  exprefs  the  thought  as  fully.  He 
look'd  upon  it  as  a  moll  ufefui  help  for  compofing  fer- 
mons,  to  make  the  Sunday's  fermon  the  fubjecx  of  our 
mediation  and  mental  prayer  for  the  foregoing  week, 
£hat  it  may  thereby  (ink  deep  into  our  fpirits,  and  af- 
fect our  own  hearts,  which  would  make  us  more  capa- 
ble of  teaching  others.  He  thought  it  a  fit  expedient 
for  compofing  us  to  aferious  and  affectionate  preaching, 
to  propofe  to  our  felves  in  the  meditation  of  it,  purely 
the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  mens  fouls,  and  to 
have  this  always  in  our  eye;  and  in  our  preaching  to 
make  frequent  recollections  of  the  divine  prefence,  and 
fhort  ejaculations  towards  heaven,  thereby  to  preferve 
us  in  that  humble  temper,  that  ferioufnefs  and  gravity 
that  becomes  us  in  the  prefence  of  God,  and  as  the 
ambaffadors  of  Chrift.  And  how  conformable  was  his 
practice  to  thefe  rules !  The  matter  of  his  difcourfes 
was  always  fo  ufefui  and  feafonable,  his  words  and  ex- 
prefTicns  fo  plain  and  proper,  and  well  chofen,  his  de- 

U  1  portment 


294       A  Sermon  at  the  F: 

miog  the  fenfe 

-.ce 

:  ate,    and  itc  love 

arid  i  mpanicd  with 

Rich   n:i  a,-  (s  and  mildnefi,    as  tharm'd 

men  .at, 

that  I  thint  I  may   (ay   id  the    words  of  the   difcipk 

Saviour,    Did  not  f$ 

1  unto  us  tic  fenpturts  f 
How  did  the  holy  fpirit   by  him  ei  . 
and  af:lct  our  h.  There  ate  i  me  kinds  <>;   u<;rds 

etpreffiohlr,    fomc   rones  and   ways  o  rcc, 

which  will  raile  the  palTions  and  a: 
b  fed  tempers,  tvrthoot  at  all  enlightning  their 

n    as  muii.lv  do<.s  ;  and  there  il 
living  open   the  nature  and  the  real  ,  but 

in  i>  dry   a  manner,    thru  they    Boat  merely  up*>n  our 
Ufld  smattcrol  fpeculatton  and  talk, and  d  nrt 

{[xfe  iiv.  uts;  and  tho'  then  be  w.u, 

n.e;:  the  fibethod  61  preaching,  at 

!.-.;'.■ 

es  on  b  ith  (ides,  But  in  rtns  lure 

H    that  lnard  him,  \ 

let  61  utt<  i  d  not 

to  enlighten  their  minds,  m\^\  warm 

I  >  tender  v.  .  «r  and 

pi.  lohi 

hand  to  himult'  in 

l void  all  i  hildilh  metaphors,  apifh 

I 
. 

.  |  ... 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        295 

fane,  rather  than  the  piety  of  the  ferious ;  and  I  dare 
fay,  the  moil  profane  fcoffers  of  the  nation  were  never 
tempted  to  turn  his  expreflicns  or  geftures  into  ridi- 
cule; nav,  many  of  avowedly  profligate  lives,  have 
been  extreamly  affected  with  his  fermons,  which  prick'd 
them  at  their  hearts,  he  laid  them  fo  open  to  themfelves, 
and  made  them  fo  fenfible  of  their  brutifhnefs  and  dan- 
ger, as  they  themfelves  have  acknowledged. 

I  cannot  here  omit  the  deep  fenfe  he  had  of  true 
eloquence,  and  his  high  value  for  it,  profe  fling  he  would 
exchange  for  it  all  the  other  humane  learning  he  was 
matter  of.  He  was  fenfible  of  the  little  knowledge  we 
had  in  the  ars  voluntatis,  how  little  we  underftood  of 
the  nature  of  mens  patfions  and  inclinations ;  and 
what  things  were  mod  capable  of  bending  their  wills, 
and  prevailing  upon  their  minds,  according  to  their  dif- 
ferent tempers;  and  accordingly  he  judg'd  there  were 
two  effential  defects  in  our  belt  kind  of  eloquence.  The 
one  was,  that  in  the  meditating  our  difcourfes,  we  ra- 
ther meerly  confidered  the  iffues  of  our  reafon,  and  the 
nature  of  the  thing  we  were  thinking  of,  and  did  not 
fo  much  reflect  upon  the  temper  of  the  perfons  we  were 
to  fpeak  to,  and  what  kind  of  reafonings,  words,  and 
expreflions,  would  make  the  bed  impreffion  upon  their 
minds ;  and  therefore  it  was  nothing  ftrange,  that 
words  let  fly  at  random  touch'd  them  fo  little.  The 
other,  that  our  hearts  were  not  throughly  endued  with 
thofe  difpofitions  we  would  work  on  others  by  our 
words,  and  therefore  it  was  no  wonder  all  we  faid 
made  fo  little  impreffion  on  them. 

But  I  come  now  to  the  laft  ftage  and  period  of  hts 
life,  wherein  itmoft  eminently  appeared,  that  to  him  to 
live  was  Chrift,     God  had  defigned  him  for  a  more 

U  4  iirriverft! 


a  9  ^       A  Sermon  i 

univ  in   bis 

by  cl  the  Aim   v.ty,  Ik  i  cd 

i   a  private  charge  in  the  country,  to  a  more  gei 
ral  i  up  the  youth  for  the  holy  mini:'-- 

and  the  care  ot   mens  t  uls.    I  .re, 

efpecially  when    they  arc  made  b  man}, 

•re  ufually  attended  with  little  ,  comb*: 

and  heats  ;   but  as  the  purchafe  DC  ot  his  d-.i'ign, 

fo  tl  ol  his  worth  and   [  :^\c 

him  tiu  unanimous   voice  i 

tC  to  that  Ilati  Ml,  and  the  DoiveriaJ  appro, 
bat  ind  the  i|  lion  he 

'had  of  the   weight  and  importance  of  :  ice,  and 

his  mean    th  of  himfclr",    made  him   deliberate 

about  it  til]  \:  m  Cting.      Indeed  both   his  na- 

tural, acquired,  and  moral  end  >,  made  him  be 

judg'd  by  ail  wortl  .         this  charge.      His  memory 
was  lingular,  and  tho'  he  loved  m  things 

than  ,   yet  tor  inilancc,  in  days  tim. 

learned  to  i  :;cs, 

and  could  r^ad  it  i;i  2 

thole    v»h<>   have   lit  ii 

As  to  things  of  ip  •  -  :"trn 

a  Lai  l  on  his  mind,  tho*  at  La 

- 
I  f  bout  it,  d  to 

ind- 

\tl  affairs,    as  well 
He  did  not  fo  mi. 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.  297; 

(cnfible  that  it  often  ferv'd  to  dull,  confufe,  and  pre- 
judicate  mens  understandings,  and  make  them  of  im- 
perious and  dictating  tempers  ;  and  therefore  he  made 
a  prudent  mixture  of  a  moderate  reading  a  choice  of 
ufeful  books,  and  cpnfulting  the  living  as  well  as  the 
dead,  having  a  lingular  art  of  benefiting  both  himfelf 
and  others  by  converfation  and  difcourfe;  and  he  di- 
gefled  and  improved  all  by  retired  meditations,  and 
fervent  devotion ;  fo  that  his  learning  feem'd  rather  the 
iffues  of  his  own  mind,  and  the  infpiration  of  the  Al- 
mighty, which  teacheth  knowledge.  He  imploy'd  two 
fummers  in  going  to  a  neighbouring  nation,  in  which 
he  made  it  his  buiinefs  to  converfe  with  thofe  who  were 
of  greattit  reputation  for  learning  and  goodnefs,  where 
as  he  gained  their  lingular  elteem  and  good  thoughts, 
fo  by  ufeful  converfation,  and  a  ferious  obfervation  of 
tempers  and  things,  he  improv'd  his  mind  and  know- 
ledge. But  indeed  we  may  look  upon  his  excellent  en- 
dowments as  the  reward  of  the  pious  difpofitions  of 
his  foul,  and  of  the  good  defigns  he  proposed  to  him- 
felf in  all  his  ftudies  and  endeavours  ;  and  God  knows, 
in  the  undertaking  this  office,  there  was  nothing. to  be 
had  more  before  his  eyes  than  the  fervice  of  Jefus. 
Cbrifty  and  the  good  of  his  church.  He  was  deeply 
fenfible  of  the  great  weight  and  importance  of  the  holy 
miniftry,  and  did  much  bewail  the  general  failings  in 
the  exercife  of  it,  how  every  man  minded  his  own  things ' 
and  not  the  things  of  Jefus  Chrift.  And  therefore  he 
made  this  the  one  great  defign  of  all  his  endeavours  in 
that  charge,  the  fitting  and  training  up  the  youth  for 
that  holy  function ;  and  this  was  the  great  aim  both 
of  his  pubiick  and  private  care  of  them. 


H* 


298       A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

11 :   confiderM  that  they  nght  chiefly  to  mind  and 
fit  themielves  now  tor  that  which  would   be  their  great 
bufinefs  v.h.n  they  were  entred  into  the  holy  functi.  n  ; 
and  that  this  would  not  be  fo  much   the  managing  or 
COOtPOftrficS  and  debates  of   religion,    as  the  gnu)i 
mens  fouls  to  eternity  ^    the  refcuing  the  vicious  from 
their  iins  and  vices,  and  prevailing   upon  them  by 
prudent  methods,  and  directing  the  ferious  to  the  tl 
practice  and  cxercife  of  religion,  and  the  noA  pr<  . 
means  for  the  practice  of  goodneft,  and  the  avoiding 
and  refilling  of  temptations,  and  hov.  they    ought  to 
behave    tlumfclvcs    in    all   circumitances   of  life.     He 
thought  it  diffident  that  they  underlie  d  the  date  and 
importance  of  thofe  controversies  and  di  i^h 

WCTC  the  grounds  of  the  diviiions  o(  (  bar,  for 

their  own  inkruaion,  and  thofe  who  ltood  in  need  of  i: 
under  their  cure ;  but  the  other  he  look'd  upon  as  their 
main  bulinefs.  And  therefore  accordingly  after  he  had 
guarded  them  tgainfi  the  common  artifices  o\  the  R  r 
a  mi flkmaries  in  their  making  pr<  andclcar'd 

the  mofl  important  difficulties  in  tl  1$;  he  pro- 

pound  two    dd  all    his  publick 

rdfcS  ;   tl  -  •.-..;  :     I  on- 

fiderthc  infiitation  |  nicy,  tl  '::  and  difli- 

cul:  :ion 

ot   the  minillry,    the  natUI  It  call  we  ought  to 

have  to  it,  the  net  at  are  r     ..    d 

to  lit  us  for  it,  :  ol  ant  i  wn  pi  ii  itc  life 

and  con  irgc 

the  md  prlvi 

the  Light 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        299 

he  be,  and  whatever  cafes  and  circumftances  he  fall 
into  ;  and  the  branching  out  this  into  particulars,  and 
vindicating  it  from  the  corruption  of  the  Jefuits  and 
others.  So  great  and  good  were  the  defigns  he  pro- 
pofed  unto  himfelf.  As  to  matters  of  controverfy,  he 
ftudied  rather  to  leffen  than  multiply,  and  faw  that 
men  were  apter  to  be  reafoned  out  of  their  erroneous 
perfuafions  by  a  good  life,  than  many  arguments.  He 
thought  it  enough  to  make  the  youth  underfland  the 
true  date  of  matters  in  debate,  and  to  confider  the 
mod:  weighty  differences,  but  he  was  careful  to  take 
them  off  as  much  as  poflible  from  the  difputing  humour, 
and  an  itch  of  wrangling  pro  and  con  about  any  thing, 
and  many  times  by  filence  anfwered  their  impertinent 
quibbles.  There  were  no  debates  he  was  more  cautious 
to  meddle  with,  than  thofe  about  the  decrees  of  God, 
being  fenfible  how  much  chriltianity  had  fuffered,  by 
mens  diving  into  things  beyond  their  reach,  Secret 
things  belonging  to  the  Lord,  and  things  revealed  to  us 
and  our  children  ;  but  he  had  always  a  deep  fenfe  of 
the  powerful  efficacy  of  God's  grace  upon  our  fouls, 
and  that  all  our  good  was  entirely  to  be  afcribed  to 
God,  and  all  our  evil  unto  our  felves.  He  ufed  once  a 
year  (when  the  youth  were  moft  frequent)  by  a  very 
ferious  and  affectionate  difcourfe  in  Englijb,  to  lay  be- 
fore them  the  weight  and  importance  of  the  miniftry 
how  they  fhould  demean  themfelves  now  while  they  were 
candidates  for  that  holy  function,  how  carefully  they 
ought  to  avoid  all  fuch  evil  converfation,  as  might 
give  their  minds  a  bad  tincture ;  what  courfe  of  iludy 
they  ought  to  take,  inviting  them  to  a  frequent  refort 
unto  him,  and  exprefling  a  mofl  affectionate  concern 
for  them, 

It 


joo       A  '        "rf! 

I  r  IR  to  make  his  private 

.:i  hi  inch  tbcm  as  nfefal  as  ha  pubBckj    and  by 

this  iadeed  he  hoped  to  do  moil  good  They  had  al- 
Wft]  to  him,  and  his  counfcls  and  advices 

I  0. ill  fuited  to  the  difpoiitions  he  perceived  in  them  \ 
he  could  ib  modelUy  and  prudently  tell  them  their  tail- 

s,  as  to  make  them  p  and  amend  them  with- 

out being  offended  j  he  was  careful  to  lend  and  direct 
them  to  the  ufc  of  good  books,  tlld  indeed  one  or"  the 
great  ends  of  his  buying  fo  many  was  to  ferve  them. 
Thole  who  were  ot"  the  mofi  eminent  endowments,  and 
bvii  inclinations,  hejlirr'd  up  to  ferious  thoo  the 

holy  miniftry ;  he  gave  them  the  aaoft  undoubted 
proofs  of  his  love  and  care  oi  i  eart 

Be  ely  to  them,  and  learn'd  their  inclinations  and  ituc 
he  dire,  no  to  the  beft    meanj    of ,  bettering   their 

l.earr,  as  well  as  informing  their   j  its  j   prai 

meditation,  and  frcouenti.  ..no  ma,. 

fallible,  that  iel;-v. ill  \'.  ill  OUT  fin; 

an    entire    resignation    to   the    will  ot    G<  d,- 1 

fpring  ci  ail  1 1. 

and  conllani  I   and  re:  And 

ats  Kb  of  in. 

;  that  entiie  c  del        MVlthj  and  di:. 

rencc  and  i  end 

coileguc  ;   and    that    entiie   an  - 

D]  and  I  qp 

the. 

1  .  '  , 

in  ■       ol   ins  blefTed    MaQer ;    and    we 

■  heir 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.         361 

joint  endeavours,  thro'  the  blefTing  of  the  Almighty, 
we  (hould  have  feen  another  face  on  our  church.  But 
amidft  all  his  pious  defigns  and  cares,  he  is  called  by 
his  great  Matter  in  an  hour  that  we  thought  not  of, 
from  his  ftewardfhip  here,  to  an  higher  imployment  in 
the  other  world.  Who  is  that  faithful  and  wife  ftew- 
ardy  whom  his  Lord  makes  ruler  over  his  houfloold 
to  give  them  their  portion  of  meat  in  due  feafon :  Bleffed 
is  that  fervant  whom  his  Lord  when  he  cometh  foall  find 
fo  doing;  of  a  truth  he  will  make  him  ruler  over  all  that 
he  hath. 

Indeed  the  end  of  his  life  was  no  lefs  Chrift's 
than  the  beginning,  and  whole  courfe  of  it:  the 
time  of  his  fkknefs  was  as  chearfully  fpent  in  (offering 
the  will  of  God,  as  the  former  was  in  doing  ic.  He 
manifefted  the  greateft  meeknefs  and  chearfulnefs  of 
fpirit  throughout  the  whole  courfe  of  it  •  he  ufed  not 
the  lead  harm  expreffion,  either  to  any  of  thofe  thai 
waited  on  him,  or  concerning  the  prefent  providence  : 
he  exprefled  a  perfect  indifferency  as  to  life  and  death, 
and  an  entire  refignation  to  the  will  of  God,  to  dif- 
pofe  of  him  as  he  thought  meet.  He  found  himfelf 
never  more  fenfibie  of  the  vanity  of  this  world,  nor 
ever  felt  more  ardent  acts  of  love  to  God,  than  at  that 
time.  He  was  wrapt  in  admiration  of  God's  good- 
nefs  to  him,  and  the  little  returns  he  faid  he  had  made 
to  it :  and  acknowledged  his  own  great  unworthin efs, 
and  his  humble  confidence  in  the  mercy  and  goodrcfso: 
God,  thro'  the  merits  of  his  bleffed  Saviour.  And  thus 
meekly  did  he  pafs  his  ficknefs,  and  refign  his  fpirir, 
without  any  trouble  from  the  world,  or  great  pain  of 
body,  or  any  anguifh  of  mind  ;  for  mark  the  perfect 
rnan^  and  behold  tie  upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is 
peace.  A  N  d 


A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

A  N  d  new,  iftef  all,  I  cannot  here  omit  what  fenrice 
he  hath  done  tbc  world,  by  permitting  ittoenj  -y  tfa 
excellent  thoughts  of  his,  about  tie  Life  of 
Soul  of  Man*     Men  may  write  b:^   volumes,  and,   as 
one  fays,  talk  much,  and  fay  nothing  ;  but  'tis 
matter  to  talk  little  and  yet  fay  much;  and  Cure  who- 
ever conlidcrs  the    importance  of  the   matter  of  that 
book,    the  clear  reprefentation  of  the  lire  and  fpiril 
true  religion,  and  its  graces,  with  the  giett  escellei 
and  advantages  of  it ;    the  propolal  of  the  moll  effec- 
tual means  for  attaining  to  it  by  the  grace  or'  God,  the 
piety  and  fcafon:.blcnefs,  or  the  d  with 

the  natural  and  affe&i  (Ifttc  an- 

not  but  be  fen  lib!  e   of  \  .us 

•with  the  fpirit  of  true  religu  n,  1 1  enlighten  our  minds 
"with  a  right  ki^(^  and  knowledge  of  it,  to  warm  i 
hearts  with   fuitable  affe&i  mis  and  breathi;  ;  it, 

and  to  direft  our  lives  to  the  \  And  in- 

deed it  feems  to  have  been  in  I  glttt  meafure  thet; 
fcript  or  his  own  life  and  fpirit,  thole  d;  and 

virtues  which  he  t  th  in 

his  own  life  and  o  i  der- 

but   felt  them.     That  faith,  and  love,  ar.d  I 
rity,  that  purity  and  humility,  whid 
recommends   and    [peaks 
throughout  the  wh  I 
W  h  •  r  i  deep  th  D  u       :  our  re- 

Ugipnl   He  fullered  th.  |  his  unduiland- 

ing,  to  be  man  k  and  d  .  but 

he  let  them 
and  direct 

■ 

v.  ,  the 


ef  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        303 

wonderful  mercy  of  our  redemption  by  Jtfus  Chrift, 
the  corruption  and  degeneracy,  and  iinfulnefs  of  our 
nature,  the  excellency  of  goodnefs,  and  the  happinefs 
of  heaven,  and  his  deep  fenfe  of  ail  this,  was  the  fpring 
and  root  of  all  his  other  graces. 

In  how  manifold  inftances  did  appear  the  ardency  of 
his  love  to  God  ?  He  was  ftill  breathing  with  more  ar- 
dent defires  after  him,  and  was  forry  he  could  love 
him  no  more ;  he  was  frequently  admiring  his  wifdom 
and  goodnefs  in  the  government  of  the  world,  and  the 
wife  difpofal  of  things.  It  was  not  the  mean  princi- 
ples of  cuftom,  reputation,  or  vain-glory,  or  a  fervile 
fear,  that  made  him  carefully  avoid  all  evil  in  his 
practices,  but  the  ardency  of  his  love  to  his  heavenly 
Father ;  and  therefore  his  life  was  fo  uniform  and  con- 
flant  to  it  felf,  and  carefully  employed  in  doing  all 
the  good  he  could,  and  any  thing  whereby  God  might 
be  glorified ;  and  he  was  flill  fenfible  how  little  he 
could  do  worthy  of  his  love.  His  own  inclinations 
were  correfpondent  to  the  refolutions  of  his  pious  father 
from  his  childhood,  and  he  had  devoted  himfelf  for 
the  fervice  of  Jefus  Chrifi  in  the  miniftry.  Thofe  in 
whom  he  obferved  virtuous  endowments,  and  the  moil: 
pious  inclinations,  he  encouraged  by  all  means  to  the 
ferving  of  God  in  the  holy  fun&ion.  He  endeavoured 
always  after  an  abfolute  resignation  of  his  will  to  him, 
looking  upon  this  as  the  very  life  of  all  graces  ;  he  was 
very  obferving  of  the  various  paffages  of  his  providence 
towards  him,  and  very  fenfible  of  his  goodnefs  in 
crofling  fome  defigns,  which  he  afterwards  faw  would 
have  been  inconvenient  for  him.  He  was  careful  to 
obferve  all  the  fteps  of  providence,  and  when  they 
feem'd   not  to  approve  of  his  intentions,  how  eager 

foever 


3C4       SI  Sermon  at  the  1         al 

focver  his  defirtS  had  been,  he  was  fure  nor  to  go  ( 
ttcp  far:'.:.-.  Ik  was  ardent  and  conitsnt  in  his  devo- 
tions towards  God,  his  piety  and  zeal  wen- very  emi- 
nent in  the  fUbtick  WOrflrip^  when  he  uas  the  mouth  of 
the  people;  his  devotion  was  fo  raited,  and  the  humble 
fervour  and  (erioufiiefi  of  his  fpirit  io  viiible,  as  d 
highly  inflame  the  d<  of  the  ferious  ;    and  wh 

he  made  one  of  them,  the  humility  and  adoration  of 
his  foul  did  appear  in  his  outward  behaviour  ;  and  he 
thought  it  one  l'uitable  evprellion  ot  it,  to  b 
knee  before  that  Majefty,  before  whom  the  angels 
tremble.  In  the  celebration  and  receiving  of  the  h 
communion,  his  foul  feemM  to  be  wholly  JwAUowfed 
up  in  the  contemplation   of  '/'  and  his 

votion  was  the   admiration  of  all    that   faw  him.     }  I 
had   been  conftant  in  his   private   prayers  to  ( i   o    rem 

his  childhood \  and  that  great  :'.  devotion  which 

he  recommends  in  bis  b  quenc  p: 
and  he  lent  up  fometimes  fuch  fl 

fuch  ardent  fighs,    and  gros  his 

fpirit,  as   perhaps  nndog'd    h:.  Ins 

foul  take  its  flight  fo  I  aclc. 

A  n  i)  fure  a  foul  • 
oi  God,    i  irity 
towards  men  :  and  il  tem- 
per feera'd  to  Incline  him  I                           :  haifh- 
D<  is  in  the  i  but  it 
fweetnefsand  love,  whi  in  his  \           and 

coir 

the  firfl 

sod  into  a  bo)  I  Us 

od- 
rrfillj   and   eva  v  man  the  object  ot   t; 

Hii 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        305 

His  prayers  and  good  wifhes  were  extended  to  all  men, 
and  all  the  harm  he  could  do  his  enemies  (if  there  were 
any  fuch  univerfal  haters  of  mankind  as  to  do  him  bad 
offices)  was  to  pray  for  them  the  more  earneftiy  to 
God.  He  did  not  confine  his  charity  within  a  kd:  or 
party,  but  loved  goodnefs  wherever  he  found  it,  and 
entertained  no  harm  thoughts  of  men,  meerly  upon 
their  differing  from  him  in  this  or  that  opinion.  He 
was  grieved  at  the  diflradions  and  divilions  of  the 
church,  and  that  religion,  the  bond  of  love,  mould  be 
made  fo  much  the  bone  of  contentions. 

What  prudent  methods  would  his  fincere  love  and 
charity  to  others  prompt  him  to,  to  undeceive  them  in 
their  errors?  How  meekly  would  he  difcourfe  with 
tiiem  about  their  differences?  Calmly  fhewing  the 
fmali  importance  of  fome  things,  not  worth  the  con- 
tending for,  and  making  appear  the  bad  influence  that 
other  things  had  as  to  holinefs  and  a  good  life,  and 
yielding  in  others  again  that  were  not  contrary  to  the 
defigns  of  religion,  making  them  fenfible  of  the  fin- 
cerity  of  his  foul,  and  his  hearty  good- will  to  them. 
He  was  far  from  maintaining  a  difference  upon  the  ac- 
count of  floutnefs  of  humour,  or  keeping  up  the  re- 
putation of  a  fed  or  party ;  being  defirous  we  mould 
be  all  united  in  the  generai  religion  of  Jcfus  Chrifi, 
and  ftudying  to  make  friends,  and  unite  the  hearts  of 
thofe  who  had  been  divided  by  names  and  parties : 
and  thus  if  at  firft  he  did  not  prevail  over  mens  pre- 
judices, yet  he  failed  not  to  gain  their  hearts,  and  fo 
by  degrees  made  way  for  his  feafonable  difcourfes. 
And  O  what  holy  charms  and  pious  arts  had  he  to 
catch  mens  fouls,  and  to  make  them  purfue  their  own 
happinefs ;  a  chanty  which  he  thought  far  fuperior  to 

X  any 


3 cG       A  Set   urn  at  the  Vuntral 

any   that  could   be   done   foe   the  body   (tho*  I. 
eminent   in  that  land   alfo)    and  of  which  he  woold 

(peak  with  the  grcateft  concern  and  emotion  of  fpirit. 

HpW  many  arts  had  he  CO  better  tiv.m,  and  m  I     thfcm 

good  and  happy  ?  His  love  mad  n  intent 

upon  this,  as  tl  m<  .  m  ike  the  covetous 

man  bend  ah  ins  thoughts  and  defigns   to  add   to  his 

lire.      How    would  he   take   advantage  from  c\ 
thing,  to  make  all  things  work  together  tor  their  good  ! 
He  feem'd  to  be  the   viiiblc  fpring  that   put    all  good 
deGgnS  in  motion,  for  bettering  the-  date  ofourchur.h. 
He  was  the  genius  that    put  lite  and  fpirit  into  the  fc- 
rinus  ftudiesand  pious  endeavours  of  tbofc  he  converted 
with.     Bow  careful  was  he  to  propagate  every   where 
right  apprehenfions  oi  religion,  and  what  a  vifible  in- 
fluence  had  he  among  us  in   this  matter  ?    What  wife 
methods  had  he  to  make  his  friends  fcnfiblc  o[  their  in- 
firmities and  ladings,  by  freaking  to  them  of  his  own  ? 
And  to  ftir  them  up  to  zeal  and  diligence  in  pi 
good  wirks,  and  to  the  u(c  or"  the  molt  effe&ual  m: 
for   purifying  their  fouls,  by   telling  them  inftances  of 

the  piety  and  lite  <>r  otl  his  acquaintance     He 

was  careful   even  to  make    his    ordinary  convcriaticn 
i;l   for   this  end,  both  in  giving  the    example  of  an 

unaffe&ed  modeft)  andmecknefs,  and  dropping  in  al- 
ways fomcthing  that  might   muke  them   more   in  love 
with    religion   and    goodneft.      The    ttiects   o\  his 
and  Care  <>t  me;.  attended  even  tO  th  (c  wl 

him  not,  ai 

quaintanccs,  u  i,  to  employ  them. 

tercfl   I  E  their  friendship    and   familiarity  I 

in  p  piety  and  |  and  allur- 

.11  to  the  lending  of  good  books,  and  (bcb  other 

.ins, 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scoligal.        307 

means^  as  might  ferve  both  to  enlighten  and  purify 
them ;  and  when  he  heard  of  the  good  fruits  of  fuch 
defigns,  how  much  would  he  be  cheared  with  it?  His 
love  and  veneration  for  good  men  was  lingular  and 
extraordinary,  nothing  he  more  delighted  in  than  their 
pious  converfation,  and  he  could  fo  well  reprefent  their 
piety,  and  good  life  to  others,  as  to  make  them  ena- 
mourM  with  it  too. 

H 1  s  love  and  charity  were  eminent  alfo  in  the 
bounty  of  his  alms,  and  the  relief  of  the  outward  ne- 
ceflities  of  others.  The  firft  money  he  gained  being 
at  the  univerfity,  he  was  careful  to  lay  by  a  portion  of 
it  for  the  poor,  before  he  made  any  ufe  of  it  for  him- 
felf,  devoting  as  it  were  the  firft  fruits  unto  God  ; 
and  this  courfe  he  obferved  throughout  the  reft  of  his 
life,  laying  ailde  always  a  portion  of  his  income  for 
the  relief  of  the  necefiitous.  This  has  been  the  practice 
of  many  charitable  perfons,  as  the  bell:  method  to  fe- 
cure  a  {lock  for  their  charity,  to  make  them  give  it 
with  a  liberal  and  willing  mind,  and  to  feek  out  fit 
objects  for  it.  Were  this  practice  more  frequently 
obferved,  it  would  undoubtedly  make  enriftians  more 
bountiful,  and  their  charity  and  alms  more  profitable 
to  themfelves  and  others ;  and  a  tenth  thus  chearfully 
bellowed,  accompanied  with  the  other  exercifes  of  a 
pious  life,  would  undoubtedly  bring  in  its  hundred 
fold  of  bleflings  in  this  world,  and  in  the  world  to  come 
life  everlafting.  And  as  he  was  careful  thus  to  provide 
for  charity  and  alms,  fo  alfo  to  difpofe  of  it  aright,  he 
did  not  his  alms  to  be  feen  of  men  ;  many  were  revived 
by  his  bounty,  who  knew  nothing  of  it.  He  chofe 
out  fome  fit  perfons  both  in  the  city  and  the  country, 
who  were  acquainted  with  the  necefilties  and  ftralts  of 

X  a  poor, 


p8       A  Sermon  at  th   F 

poor,  modeft,  spew,   to    whom 

quently  gave  money  to  rants  j   and:, 

v.  ltu  fometimes  lv 

who  were  relieved  in  their  ftraits  the;,  i  by 

whom.     A  noble  example  of  chriftian  charity  ! 
be  God  there  ire  yet  fume  (parks  of  it  in  the  world. 
God  grant  fuch  pious  exampks  may  encourage   I 
(lir  up  more   to  a  chriftian    imitation  of  them.     Nor 
was  his  charity  fo  exemplary   only   in   the  liberal  dif- 
penfing  of  portions  of  Iris  )  early  1  .  but  alfo  in 

fuch  a  prudent  difpofitM  n  of   what  the  wifdom  or  pro- 
vidence, and  his  pious  lather's  care  had   p  tor 
him  in  his  la  ft:  will   and  tellament,  as  might  molt  tt 
to  the   publick   good   and  advant..               v.  ill  hi  due 
time  appear. 

B  u  i  among  the  other  exprellions  of  his  love,  his 
friendfhip  fore  deferves  a  grateful  remembrance,  Friend- 
ship, the  flower  or'  fociety,  the  cafe  of  cur  grLfs,  the 
heigbtnet  and  refiner  of  our  joys,  our  guide  and  coun- 
fellor,  and  the  lite  of  angels  !  Many  have  made  tine 
pictures  of  it,  but  the  want  friendfMpb 

rvation  and  complaint  of  all  men ; 
but  O!    h  •■.  eminent  an  example  wa  Bncere 

: riendfliip  ;   this  was  the  darling  01  his  (ou\y 
and  the  delight  fpirit.      He   did  I   to 

fcrvc  litt  and  private  ulterefts,  b:-.t  he* 

lull  dial  love  and 

1  y  would 

and  unbofotn  his  thoughts,  and 
his  friend  111  c  Ins  intertfts  i 

■  ...  . !  It"  th.-  any 

.  i 

tern : 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.         309 

them:  and  their  happy  events  would  fo  refrefh  and 
chear  his  fpirits,  that,  as  has  been  taken  notice  of,  it 
had  even  influence  on  his  fickly  body,  and  would  give 
it  fome  greater  meafure  of  health.  How  readily  would 
he  forego  his  own  interefts  to  oblige  his  friend,  and 
deny  himfelf,  as  is  well  known  to  fome,  even  in  thofe 
defigns  and  inclinations,  for  which  ufualiy  we  have  a 
great  concern  when  we  are  once  engag'd  in  them.  So 
far  was  he  from  defiring  to  engrofs  the  love  and  kind- 
nefs  of  his  friends,  that  he  made  it  his  great  buflnefs 
and  delight  to  propagate  true  friendfhip,  and  make 
them  friends  to  one  another  ;  and  in  this  he  fludied  to 
render  it  the  moil  ufeful  thing  in  the  world,  and  to 
make  it  ferve  the  great  ends  of  piety  and  religion. 
Thofe  in  whom  he  obferved  the  fpirit  of  true  piety  and 
goodnefs,  or  any  appearance  and  likelihood  of  the  one's 
having  influence  on,  and  bettering  the  other's  life  and 
practice,  he  endeavoured  to  bring  them  into  acquain- 
tance and  familiarity,  to  endear  them  to  each  other, 
and  to  make  their  friendfhip  ufeful  for  promoting  true 
piety  and  goodnefs,  both  in  themfelves  and  others  ;  and 
this  perhaps  is  the  moft  effectual  means  for  recovering 
fomething  of  the  ancient  chriftian  fpirit  in  the  world. 
Many  methods  have  been  fet  on  foot,  under  pretence 
of  effeexuating  this  defign.  In  the  Greek  and  Roman 
churches,  men  have  formed  new  focieties,  inftituted 
new  orders,  engaged  them  to  peculiar  vows,  and  given 
them  particular  religions,  as  they  call  them,  fubordi- 
nate  to  the  general  religion  of  Jefus  Chrift.  And 
among  thofe  whom  the  grofs  corruptions  and  tyranny 
of  the  Roman  church,  both  in  faith  and  worfhip,  have 
thruft  from  their  communion,  many  have  ground  lefly 
feparated  from  one  another,  and  formed  diflinft  fc£ts 

X  3  and 


But  1.  -  have  00*. 

propotii 
experience  may  p*k€  lnc  world  (enfible. 

,     |  ...  i-  have  ended  in  raiting  the  r   and 

ch  of  their  peculiar  <  rdcr,    in 
its  rules  in  oppofition  to  others  in  observing  ar- 

ticular inftitutions,  which  become  m 
mality  and  cuftom,  h*vi  •//- 

■■'hip,   but  Jc  not  ten  mg  cf  r 

ftiegce;    and   the  reft  of  the  people   are  ape  to  think, 
they  have  not  fuch  obligations  to  pictj   and 
life,  as  if  the  careof  that  m  on 

t'n,,  iad  peculiarly  afluafted  i  i  them  i  title 

Gf  f  And  the  zeal  and  endeavors  of  the  latter 

arc  ufunlly  (pent  in  keeping  up  the  reputation  of  their 
ftft  and  party,  in  thefc  things  Specially  therein  tl 
differ  from  ethers ;  and  this  ordinarily  makes  the 
{Indies  and  defignson  all  (idesco  run  into  thischanneL 
But  perhaps,  if  inftead  ot  inch  groundlcfs  divifions 
i . ,:.  |  bifms,   and  peculiar  inftitutioos  and  on. 

,  w  nnon  |  t   of  bettering  the  date  ^'  n 

gion,  more  care  were  had  d  tain  and  p; 

an  holy  and   (joc<  dfliij  gbt  fee  more 

blefled  frui  lilft  by  the  fi  comintinica- 

t     •■.,   ol    the  their  fa  [  about  religion 

;,  b  mutually  clear'd,  their  minds  united,  and 
they  inftru&ed  in  the  bed  means  oi  purifying  their 
1    irts,  inflamed  «  ,  and  furred 

up  to  ar  as 

i        •  an  holy  i 

trticular  i 

I 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        311 

others  who  profefs  it  to  a  fincere  conformity  thereunto, 
O  how  defirable  were  it !  'Twas  thus  methinks  that 
the  Son  of  God  did  at  firft  fpread  his  religion  in  the 
world ;  'twas  thus  that  the  zeal  and  piety  of  his  firft 
followers  did  continue  it ;  and  'tis  thus  that  we  muft 
expect  to  fee  the  life  and  fpirit  of  it  to  breathe  once 
again  amongit  us. 

And  now  I  need  not  fpeak  much  of  the  purity  and 
cleanrfefs  of  his  heart,  and  his  great  unconcernednefs 
for  this  prcfent  world,  it  having  been  the  general  ob- 
fervation  of  all  that  knew  him.  He  look'd  indeed  al- 
ways as  a  itranger  and  pilgrim  in  it,  and  was  dead  to 
it  in  heart  and  fpirit  long  before  his  body  had  taken 
leave  of  it.  Good  God !  What  a  deep  fenfe  had  he  of 
the  meannefs  and  vanity  of  this  world's  hurry  and 
defigns,  which  he  us'd  to  fay  look'd  to  him  like  the 
projects  and  fcuffle  of  children  and  fools.  In  his  very 
youth  hi§  heajt  was  clear  of  any  inclination  to  it,  and 
he  would  even  then  fay  to  his  intimates,  that,  abftra&- 
ing  from  the  will  of  God,  meer  curiofity  would  make 
him  long  for  another  world,  it  being  a  tedious  thing 
to  fee  flili  the  fame  dull  play  acted  over  again  here. 
What  little  regard  had  he  to  the  getting  or  keeping 
of  what  the  world  calls  wealth  and  riches  ?  Never  was 
he  feen  to  have  any  project  that  tended  that  way  ,•  he 
could  fcarce  expend  any  thoughts  about  his  yearly  in- 
comes, but  remitted  (till  the  care  of  that  to  others, 
without  calling  them  to  an  account.  How  excellently 
had  he  learn'd  his  matter's  kffon,  To  take  no  thought 
what  he  Jhould  eaty  what  he  Jhould  drink,  or  where- 
withal hejhould  he  cloathed!  Never  any  thing  he  was 
more  unconcern'd  in  than  this  •  whatever  was  fet  before 
him  for  the  fuftentation  of  his  body,  he  did  eat  of  it, 

X  4  asking 


3 *  a       A         m  at  t  '   / ..  ••    al 

asking  no  queftions  foripp  ,  his  thoughts 

arid  DCVd  taken   up  v.  i:h  thofc  actions 

nimal  life,  etten  when  i  I  them,  rod 

while  he  fupportod  nature,  he  1  iiflered  his  cade 

to  have  any  complacency  in  them.    }L  thought  lira: 
to  t.     th  k  who  pretended  to  a  diriilian  temperance, 
us  pleafure  in  their  meats,  making 
them  the  liibjc  I  ol  theit  table  talk,    and  as  if  they 
owned  their  bellies  for  their  gods,  profeffing  the 
fuch  and  inch  difhes  with  all  their  Ibals.  that 

the  v.  _  I  nefs  and  infirmity  of  humane  nature,  by  which 
v.  re  I  i  tllfd  with  the  beans,  fhould  become  the  mat- 
ter of  our  vanity  and  rolaptuoufnefs,  inftead  of  that 
humble  and  abating  fenfc  we  ought  to  have  of  our 
fcl\  B 

T  h  b  innocence  and  purity  of  his  life  was  obfcnra- 

bl     from  his  very  childhood  ;    he  I  rr  tinctured 

wich  the  leaft  appearances  of  thofc  impurities  which 
are  the  reproach  of  the  chriftian  world.  Ho*  great 
an  example   was  he  of  chriftian  continence  and  cctli- 

b.uy  to  all  that  knew  him.      His  \,iv  air  and  convcr- 

fation  fhcwYJ  how  mu  is  mortified  to  the  world 
ia  this  all  dif- 
cntuies  and  "  impu- 
rity,   and  COUld    HOC   Clldu  thoft 

wh  to  wreft  the  talk  i  *ry  dif- 

oourfe  that  way. 

A  i  the 
never  bewitch,  lb  i        ...         d  troubles  of  it  did 

I        ;  i  ppi  ti  :ic,  but  in  all  0 

,  ..  ..  id  c  i 

When  he  liv'd  in  the  jr,  the  hardfiiips 

rod  I  he  thei  d,  wen  the 

talk 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.  313 

talk  of  all  that  knew  him ;  his  coarfe  fare,  and  hard 
lodging,  and  unwonted  folitude,  the  extreme  coldnefs 
of  the  feafon,  and  the  comfortlefs  fhelters  he  had  againft 
it,  did  excite  the  compaflion  of  others,  but  never  lef- 
fened  the  quiet  and  contentednefs  of  his  fpirit,  and  he 
fuffered  them  with  as  much  patience,  as  if  he  had  been 
bred  up  from  his  infancy  in  the  Vurkijh  gallies.  Any 
traverfes  that  befel  him  in  the  circumftances  of  his  life 
and  defigns,  did  never  becloud  his  natural  ferenity  and 
chearfulnefsof  his  mind  ;  and  he  ufed  to  fay  in  relation 
to  fuch  difcontents,  that  as  he  bleffed  Gcd,  he  was 
not  naturally  melancholy,  fo  he  thought  an  acquired 
melancholy  was  fcandalous  in  a  clergyman. 

And  O  what  a  profound  humility  of  foul  did 
(hine  forth  in  his  life  and  actions  !  The  admiration  of 
the  perfections  of  the  Almighty,  in  the  contemplation 
of  which  he  has  often  taken  up,  had  funk  him  into 
truly  mean  thoughts  of  himfelf.  All  who  had  occafion 
to  converfe  with  hrii  were  fenfible  of  the  lowlinefs  of 
his  mind,  and  yet  he  fcarce  ever  obferv'd  thofe  little 
officious  ceremonies  or  compliments,  which  we  mud 
oft-times  make  ufe  of  to  cover  or  counteract  the  pride 
of  our  fpirits,  or  which  it  prompts  us  to  traffick  with, 
to  purchafe  the  regard  and  efteem  of  others.  He  dif- 
dainec:  not  to  converfe  with  the  meaneft,  and  look'd 
upon  'Very  man  as  his  fellow  and  companion;  and  the 
exemplary  regard  he  had  to  young  children,  was  e- 
qually  the  exprefHon  of  his  humility  and  his  love;  how 
ready  was  he  on  all  occafions  to  converfe  with  them, 
taking  a  lingular  delight  in  their  harmlefs  innocence, 
and  ufually  after  the  example  of  the  great  mafter  of 
love,  affectionately  embracing  and  blefling  them.  And 
fuch  was  the  pious  meeknefs  of  his  foul  towards  others, 
that  if  at  any  time  his  natural  temper  raifed  any  little 

com- 


ni^       A  &€*inon   at  the  Funeral 

commotion  in  his  fpirit,  (which  was  fcarce   ever  taken 
qqcJ  ret  his  entring  into  the  holy  function)  yet 

he  quickly  appealed  it,    and  never  flittered  the  fun   to 
co  down  upon  his  wrath.     He  was  never  {zzw  to  b< 
of  any   of  ins  performances,  nor    yet  to  ufe   the  find 
and   more  fubtle  letch  of  vain-glory,    in  an  elaborate 
undervaluing   of   them,    that  others   might  cemmend 
than  '  but  me  expteffions  of  his  mean  thoughts  of  him- 
felt   were  always  fo  natural,  and   (o  full  of  fimplicity, 
that  one  might  ealily  obferve  them  to  arife  from  the 
bottom  of  his  foul,    and   all   his  actions  and  his  con- 
VCrfation  made  appear  the  truth  and  finceriry  of  tlum. 
Tho*  his    piety    and  innocence  were   eminent  in 
eyes  of  all  that  knew  him,  yet  lie  had  no  fmall   fa 
of  his  own    unworthinefs    when  lie  fet  himfelf  in  the 
jj*jjt    ef  God's    cou>.  tld   his   purity,    and 

thought  on  his  infinite  goodmfs  and  mercy  to  him  in 
Jcfus  Cbrifti  (about  which  bis  thoughts  were  frequent- 
ly taken  up)  O  how  deeply  was  he  humbled  under  the 
(enfe  of  his  Gnfulnefs  and  ingratitude,  and  the  little 
returns  he  had  made  to  fuch  undefemd  goodiuf* 
When  we   are  in  a  total  darkn.  bem 

one  thing  from  another  $    and  an  ordinary  light  will 
dUcoverto  a  lineaments,  and  more  remark, 

able  differences  of  things ;   but  irtcd  in 

•n   the  fun   will    fllCW  us  much  impurity  and 

Dels   wherewe  thought  al]  to  haw  been  pure  andcl 

And  O  With   what    ferioufiuis  and  lim. 

enlightned  bul  exprefcthc  fenfe  he  I 

of  his  nature,  and  I 

lift  words  he  I  :e  to  tfa 

'.,-,  uttered  with  an  I 

\fter  hiving  witneffed  his  refignation  to  the 

bopes  in  hi  •  tod  go 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        313 

nefs;  But,  fays  he,  when  you  have  the  charity  to  re- 
member me  in  your  prayers,  do  not  think  me  a  better 
man  than  I  am,  but  look  upon  me  as  indeed  I  am  a 
rnoft  miferable  {inner  !  A  moft  miferable  {inner !  O  if 
the  righteous  fcarcely  he  faved,  where  JloaU  the  ungodly 
and  the  wicked  appear! 

Bur  I  forbear  to  mention  any  farther  the  graces 
and  virtues  which  mined  forth  in  the  life  and  fpirit  of 
our  friend  ;  the  experience  which  many  of  you  have 
had  of  them  in  his  converfation,  will  furnifh  you  with 
a  better  fenfe  of  them  than  all  I  can  fay.  As  to  the 
particular  inftances  I  have  given,  there  are  more  than 
one  or  two  here  prefent  who  can  bear  witnefs  to  the 
truth  of  them ;  and  I  hope  there  are  none  here  will 
think  me  guilty  of  fo  much  impudence,  as  to  utter 
falfhood$  of  him  in  a  place  where  he  was  fo  well  known 
and  where  there  are  fo  many  fo  well  acquainted  with 
moft  of  the  important  and  private  pallages  of  his  \ik-m 
No,  I  know  you  are  fenfible  how  far  fhort  all  I  have 
{aid  comes  of  his  true  worth  •  he  had  need  be  endued 
with  the  fame  fpirit,  that  would  fpeak  aright  of  him, 
and  true  goodnefs  cannot  be  exprefs'd,  but  felt. 

Give  me  leave  only  to  join  in  with  your  medita- 
tions, and  to  think  with  you  on  the  leflbns  we  may 
learn  from  the  prefent  difpenfation,  according  to  our 
different  relations  and  circumftances. 

And  now,  good  people,  let  us  confider  his  exam- 
ple, and  our  early  lofs  of  him  :  O  that  we  would  once 
learn  to  be  wife,  and  to  live  like  chriftians !  You  are 
all  fenfible  what  an  eminent  example  he  hath  given 
us  ;  and  alas  !  What  hinders  that  we  mould  not  be 
followers  of  him,  even  as  he  alfo  was  of  Chrift  !  How 
may  we  fee  in  him  all  our  little  pretences  and  prejudices 
againft  piety  and  goodnefs  danYd  and  confounded? 

Where 


1 1  6      A  Sermon  at  the  T.  neral 

v         •    is  the   mtn   that  will  fay,    he  tides   as  much 
plcafure  in  his  jollity  and  cups,  that  his  lulls  and 
.  him  as  great  a  fertility  of  mind,  arford 
i  much  comfort,  diipofc  him  to  as  much  patience 
and  contentednefi  in  any  condition,   as  were  always 
fcen  to  be  the  rewi  rd  and  blefhng  of  the  innoccr.ee  and 
goodnefs  of  his  life?  When  did  ever  inch  an  uni\ 
ciieem   and   1  ve  wait  upon   a  bid  man   to   his   g 
as  we  fee  hath  accompanied  the  pietj  and  virtue  d 
who   was  ambitious  of  nothing  lefs  than  the  gfaf] 
while    yet   all  mouths  are  opened   in  his   pi 

man  (peaks  good  of  him,  and  paribus  of  all 

and  pcrfuafions  amongftllS  lament  his  loft,  and  tk 
his  hearfe  with  tears?  o  hoi  .1  and  rtfign'd  do 

We  fee  the  death  ot  the  righteous,  and  how  unlike 
mud  ours  be  to  it,  if  we  will  not  live  their  life !  What 
an  uniformity  is  there  in  the  virtue  and  innocence  oi 
that  life  that  fprings  from  true  g  -,  and tfa 

od  ?    And  O  how  v<  id  mull  we  be  of  it !  H 
palpable  our  hypocrify,  if  our  a&ions  contn  i 

1  [I  w(  bids  God,  and  ;.  |  ci  i] 

to  i  ut  neighbour !    1 
our  (ins,  and  yet  breathe  and  me< 
others;    and  not  a  refpefi  to  all 

mandnunts!    It   we   mir  look  Upon  I 

and  holy  men  of  God  in  old  time,  as  if  they  hid 

ample 
tion'd  to  our 
-I.   {  •  • 

mptations  and  infirmities, 
and  J 

/    ...  W 

•]y  fit  for  G 
May  not  the  piety  and 
mm  ( 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        317 

innocence  of  his  youth,  fhame  us  into  a  better  mind, 
and  more  chriftian  lives !  For  honourable  age  is  not  that 
which  ftandetb  in  length  of  time,  nor  that  is  me  a  fur  ed 
by  number  of  years  ;  but  wifdom  is  the  grey  hair  unto 
men,  and  an  unfpotted  life  is  old  age.  tfhus  the  righte- 
ous that  are  dead,  Jhall  condemn  the  ungodly  which  art 
living,  and  youth  that  is  foon  perfected,  the  many  years 
and  old  age  of  the  unrighteous. 

A  n  d  O  what  fhall  we  fay  of  that  divine  provi- 
dence, which  hath  taken  this  light  from  among  us ! 
The  ways  of  the  Lord  are  wonderful,  and  his  judg- 
ments are  a  great  deep.  One  who  was  fo  great  an 
example  of  piety,  an  ornament  to  his  country  and  the 
church,  is  quickly  removed  from  us  in  his  youth  ;  and 
many  who  are  the  reproach  of  religion,  the  fcandal  of 
the  world,  and  the  ftiame  of  humane  nature,  are  left 
to  old  age,  whether  to  fill  up  the  meafure  of  their 
fins,  or  to  lead  them  to  repentance,  God  knows.  He 
whom  God  had  bleft  with  fo  much  light  to  inflrud  us, 
and  virtue  and  zeal  to  direct  us,  who  was  fo  helpful 
to  enlighten  us  by  his  fermons  and  difcourfes,  and  to 
edify  us  by  his  example,  is  fuddenly  fnatched  away 
from  us.  O  that  we  may  bear  the  rod,  and  him  who 
hath  appointed  it !  When  we  make  no  ufe  of  God's 
talents  (fuch  are  the  inftructions,  and  counfel,  and 
example  of  good  men)  he  takes  them  from  us.  Alas! 
what  an  ill  account  can  we  render  of  this  ?  Could  we 
almoft  imagine  fermons  more  ferious,  affectionate,  and 
heavenly ;  and  yet  wherein  have  wre  been  prevailed 
with  to  better  our  lives,  to  forego  one  vice  we  were 
otherwife  inclined  to,  or  to  do  that  good  we  were  averfe 
to  ?  All  the  ufe  we  make  of  his  example  is,  to  feem  to 
approve  and  commend  it,  but  wherein  do  we  imitate 
it  ?    Do  we  think  that  other  helps  would  do  better, 

that 


'US  A  Sermon  a!  the  Funeral 

that  other  means  and  circumftanccs  would  have  mere 
influence  on  our  lives  ?  Alas  1  my  brethren,  they  that 
not    hear  Mofes  and  the  prophets,    neither 
.  be  perfuaded  thoJ  one  Jljould  rife  fro, 
WC  arc  ulually  mod  fenfible  of  the  worth  of   worldly 
bluings,  and  mod  thankful  tor  them,  when  God  takes 
them  from  us,    and  O  that  our  appetite  mi 
at  Kcafi  quickned  for  fpirioul  bleflings]    O  that  our 
prefent  lofs   may  have  this  influence  upon  us,  that 
may  be  truly  fenliblc  of  God's  goodn. 

this  bleffinc  fo  long  upon  us,  that  went) 

providence  in  depriving  DG  ol   it,  and  that  the  impref- 
lions  he  hath  left  on  our  minds  ol  his  lift  and  .;nd 

the  feed  oi  the  gofpel  he  hath  (own  in 
God's  {  C  bring  forth  fruit  in  us.  Finally,;: 

thren,  what  '       , 

honefi,   wbatfiever  things  are  juft,  See.     / 
which  •  >:'d  and  md 

feen  in  bimt  do,  and  %l  e  God  tf  peace  fuall  1 1 

A  N  D   you,  my  friends,   who  v, 
care,  his  children,  of  whom    1  till 

Chnft  ihould  be  formed  in  you,  wfc 
tons    to  have  fitted    I   ;    d  J        ,   and  the 

care   of  iviils  ;    iltS  I  I    bUm<   \<i:r   tears,    OC 

wichh  Id  >v  ui  grid  ?  MyJ  ttbt 

of  J  Bible 

foe  Dae  toe  Em,  1  know 

youi  own  hearts  arc  fenfibl  nd  ail  Kanfav. 

O  what  in  ufcful  guide  and  i  was  he!    H 

dear  \n           ii  unto  him!    Ho*    una]  humble 

and  ingenuous  in  H    .    wift  and 

pi   US  v.  inllru.   ions  i  od  idl  ices!     11  IK    HU 

are   his  i  i    taken   up    sb 

them  all  i  r?s   I  i  his   great  defign  ol 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        319 

for  the  holy  fun&ion!  And  how  great  and  un- 
fpeakable  is  your  lofs !  O  let  us  adore  and  fubmit  to 
the  divine  providence :  Search  and  try  your  hearts,  and 
confider  your  ways,  and  reckon  what  fruit  you  have 
brought  forth  worthy  of  fuch  ableffing;  and  whether 
you  have  not  deferved  the  removal  of  that  light,  while 
you  have  been  fo  little  careful  to  be  enlightned  by  his 
inltru&ions,  or  warm'd  by  his  piety  and  zeal.  God 
withdraws  from  us  fuch  ufeful  bleffings,  to  ftir  us  up  to 
fhake  off  our  (loth,  and  to  a  more  ardent  care  and  en- 
deavour for  the  enlightning  of  our  minds,  and  the 
purifying  of  our  hearts,  for  which  his  life  and  fpirit 
would  have  been  fo  ufeful  to  us ;  if  you  would  let  the 
world  fee  what  efteem  you  had  for  him,  if  you  would 
not  be  guilty  of  the  abufe  and  mifimprovement  of  one 
of  the  greateft  bleffings  you  ever  had,  remember  his 
inftru&ions,  follow  his  advices,  and  ftudy  to  be  what 
of  all  the  world  he  was  moil  defirous  you  mould  be, 
make  it  appear  that  his  labour  is  not  in  vain.  Tou 
have  known  his  dofirine,  manner  of  life,  purpofe,  faith, 
long-jufferingy  charity,  and  patience.  You  may  re- 
member how  he  behaved  himfelf  among  you,  what, 
and  how  he  inftruded  you.  You  know  how  defirous 
he  was  both  to  have  you  good  men,  and  well  fitted 
for  the  holy  miniftry.  Confider  how  above  all  things 
he  directed  you  to  the  purifying  of  your  hearts,  and 
the  exercifes  of  true  repentance.  Think  what  gravity 
he  requir'd  in  your  behaviour,  what  modefty  and  hu- 
mility in  your  words,  and  converfation,  anfwerable  to 
your  defigning  fuch  an  imployment,  what  abftrac~tion 
from  unfuitable  bulinefs  or  company.  Call  to  mind  the 
care  he  had  of  directing  your  ftudies  aright,  how  he 
diverted  you  from  fuch  learning  as  was  not  apt  to  give 
you  a  fenfe  of  piety  and  religion,  took  you  off  from  an 

itchinrr 


3  20      A  Sermon  at  the  Fu?ieral 

itching  curiolity  ah,  ut  qikftions  and  ftrifes  of  wo:\ 
Which  miniiicr  to  vanity  and  contention;  pcrfua, 
y<  u  to  I  of  heart,  truly  pious  dciigns,  and  fre- 

quent dcVOtioO,  as  the  belt  difpoiitions  and   hclp^. 
knowledge  ;  and  directed  you  to  fuch  bouks  and  Sod 
as  might    ferve  to  give   you   a  right  and  deep  fenfc   of 
cluiftianity,    and  or  the  importance  and  duties  of  the 
holy  function.    Remember  how  much  he  bcwail'd  the 
unfexmly  btfte,  and  unfit  method*  and  arts  which  I 
ufed,  to  thrult  themklvcs  into  the  holy  miniftry  |   and 
admired  the  different  conduct    of  the  holy  mui 
times,  who,  fenlible   of  its    great   v.  eight,  and  app- 
henlive  of  their  own  ittfilffidcncy,   were  almoft  alv, 
forced  to  it  by   the  people,  and  the   governors  of  the 
church.     Conlider,  I  befcech  you,  of  what  Imp 
he  thought  it  both  for  yout  OWC  fouls,  andtbofi 
might  be  your  ,        II  y  D  0  IcBC 

means  (iocercly  to  examine  :lves  bd  rehaad 

your  fitnefs  both  in  heart   and  r  that    fa 

mens,  and    the  pari  your    intentions,  rung 

truly  the  (ervicc  ,  and  d  neat 

(bids,    and  not    I  ..    fordid  ends   ci  vanir; 

mindednefs,    or  ainbiri 

may  link  into  ]  I  that  you  m 

in  the  things  you  I  turn,  tod  hatn  been 

allur'd  ofj  I- 1.  VI  them. 

A  n  d  you  whom  prpvu  ith  entrufted  with  the 

care  and   education  me   alfo  to 

call  CO  mind  ;h.  .ar  tnend,  while   he 

made  Of}*  OJ   your  1   m    know  you  have   the 

charges  snetationj  and  that 

I     welfare  both  oft  he  <  .  d  late,  andtbdrown 

good  and  happinefs,   dotfa  rery  much  depend  upon  the 
rijjljt    tornr,  indl   and   tempers  in  their 

younget 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        321 

younger  years;  and  that  as  the  making  this  your  great 
delign  in  that  imployment,  doth  moil  tend  to  promote 
it,  fo  you  can  never  more  ferve  your  own  interefts  in 
it.  All  callings  have  their  feveral  temptacions,  and  di- 
vifions,  or  floth,  or  intereft,  or  ignorance,  may  be  the 
bane  of  this.  The  ill  management  of  it  has  a  more 
univerfally  bad  influence  on  the  world,  than  that  of 
mofl  other  imployments,  as  the  happy  fruits  of  the 
faithful  difcharge  of  it  doth  as  far  tranfeend  many 
others.  We  are  all  made  for  eternity,  and  we  cannot 
go  about  any  thing  aright,  if  our  eye  be  not  Rx.3d 
upon  its  end,  and  if  all  fubordinate  ends  have  not  a 
refpeft  to  the  great  end  of  our  being.  The  holy  calling 
has  this  for  its  immediate  end  and  delign,  and  next  to 
it,  yours  has  the  nearefl  relation  to  it.  We  are  fee 
apart  to  declare  the  light  which  Jefus  Cbrift  has  re- 
veal'd  from  heaven,  by  which  he  brought  life  and  im- 
mortality to  light  through  the  gofpel ;  and  you  to  clear 
up  the  remains  of  the  light  of  nature  that  is  within 
us ;  and  he  that  dwells  in  light  inacceflible,  is  the  foun- 
tain and  author  of  both.  We  ought  to  be  careful  that 
men  be  not  mifled  by  falfe  lights,  nor  miftake  darknefs 
for  light,  and  to  perfuade  them  to  live  by  the  light  of 
Jefus  Chrift ;  and  you  are  to  beware,  that  we  do  not 
take  the  prejudices  of  childhood,  cuftom,  and  educa- 
tion, our  own  or  other  mens  fooliih  fancies,  for  clear 
notions  and  lights  of  our  underltanding.  As  the  bad 
ufe  of  our  reafon,  and  the  confuiion  of  the  light  of  na- 
ture, has  made  men  pervert  or  disbelieve  the  light  of 
J  (us  Cbrift,  fo  the  iincere  and  right  ufe  of  it  doth 
ftrangely  difpofe  us  to  receive  that  light,  to  admire 
and  love  it,  and  to  lead  our  lives  accordingly.  True 
philofophy  leads  us  to  acknowledge  and  adore  the  au- 
thor  of  our  being,  to  admire  his  infinite   perfections, 

Y  from 


j  o  o 


A  at  the  T     ^-al 

from  ti,  r,  and  ufefulods  of  his  wc:1 

to  be  fcnflbl  abfolute  difpofal  ot'  all  things  and 

otircntii  idance  upon  him  tor  life,  thoughr,  and 

motion.     I:  M  the  fpiritual  nature  ot'  our   im- 

mortal fouls,  and  the  m.annefs  and  vanity  of  len:i;al 
pleafures  \  it  difcovers  to  us  the  fhortnefs  of  our  rcalon, 
and  the  little  ground  we  have  for  vanity,  either  for 
our  knowledge,  v.  ho  know  lb  few,  and  fo  little  of  his 
works,  or  for  what  we  are  or  can  do,  who  owe  all  to 
him,  and  bear  fo  mean  a  proportion  to  the  univerfe  ot 
bodies  and  fpirits.  It  lets  us  fee,  that  our  only  hap- 
pinefs  were  to  have  our  wills  united  to  his,  and  thews 
us,  that  WC  mould  love  him  above  all,  and  have  an 
univcrfal  love  tor  all  men,  ind  that  all  our  klicity 
confifts  in  Undying  thus  heartily  the  common  good  ot 
the  world.  It  gives  OCCafion  to  make  li- 
the ftrange  corruption  of  our  hearts,  and  how  far  we 
ire  from  being  what  we  lhould  be;    and    i:  ..blc 

We  ..  ;ivc  our  telves  thofe  difpolitions  I 

fear,  and  reverence  that  wc  owl  i  at  Maker ;  and  thus 
it  leads  us  to  the  !',  r  of    mail.:  d  makes 

appear  how  mil  I  wehaveof  his  |  d  truth. 

1  d  mbl    not   but    thefe,    and    filch  like  0  niiderati. 
do  i  to  make  this  your  great  view  and  dc- 

.::    :. •.:. ruction* 

and  example,  I  on,  and  fuitable 

the  Ma  rid,  and  the  Re- 

nerof  mankind,  wii  ,  vien  philofophyfc 

and   J  OU  y<-ur  fclves 
end    was    in    makin; 
1  lis  pious  and  chriltian  / 

,  ins  private  inftniftion  and 
.1  ;n,  v.  ill 

ol  it  to  man; 

A 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        323 

And  now,  my  brethren^  what  fhall  we  fay,  or 
whither  ihali  we  turn  our  thoughts !  Alas  !  our  lofs  is 
great  and  unfpeaknble.  How  much  do  we  {land  in 
need  of  fuch  lights  arid  examples  !  Abs!  hew  weighty 
is  our  imployment !  What  prudence  and  piety  docs  it 
call  for !  How  dangerous  is  the  neglect,  or  ill  manage- 
ment of  it !  What  need  have  we  of  men  a  monitor  to 
ihake  off  our  {loth,  and  awe  and  inftru&  us  by  his  ex- 
ample! cc  Parifies  are  holy  mips,  as  one  *  'fays,  whofe 
c<  curates  are  the  pilots,  and  eternity  the  port  they 
c<  muft  guide  them  to.  If  it  need  fo  much  art,  and 
"  fo  long  experience  to  fail  upon  the  feas,  what  know- 
u  ledge  and  prudence  does  it  call  for,  to  pafs  over 
cc  happily  the  fea  of  this  world,  where  tempefts  never 
u  ceafe  >  Alas  !  who  can  think  without  fcnfible  grief 
<c  and  bitter  tears,  that  the  helm  of  thefe  yeffels,  which 
<c  contain  fuch  precious  wares,  as  coft  no  lefs  than  the 
"  blood  of  God,  ihonld  be  committed  ordinarily  to 
"  men  of  little  experience,  that  they  are  not  only  ig- 
"  norant  of  the  tempeite,  fhelves,  and  banks  of  this 
cc  terrible  fea,  but  even  have  not  the  ftrerigth  and  in- 
"  duftry  to  guide  their  own  little  vefTel  back  to  the 
€C  road  :  And  thofe  ineilimable  riches  are  frequently 
"  entrufled  to  thofe  whom  they  will  not  truft  with  a 
"  purfe  of  1 5  or  2d  pieces.  But  even  wiieh  the  pilots 
"  are  able,  who  would  not  at  laft  lofe  their  courage 
"  to  fee  thcmfelves  failing  amidftfo  many  hazards,  and 
"  with  fo  little  fuccefs?  How  many  ftupid  ones  fall 
*c  out  of  the  veffel  ?  How  many  imprudent  ones  get 
"  out  to  fail  apart  in  fhallops  ?  How  many  defperate 
"  ones  throw  themfelves  over,  and  abandon  themfelves 
lt  to  the  fury  of  the  waves  ?     What  difquiets,  what 

Y  2  €i  griefs, 

*  Jbifrettensjig  Is Abbe  Jean,  Sec     p  370. 


324        A  Sermon  at  the  Funeral 

t(   griefs,  and  what  trouble  tor  the  poor  pilot  ■  He  mud 
c<   runoi  reachoutMs  hand  to  thofcthat  tall. 

u  I  [c  mini  exhauft  his  lungs,  in  trying  to  call  thofc  chit 
u  flee  away.      He  mufi  even  frequently  throw  himfelf 
"  into  the  (ea,  to  recover  thofe  whom  the  waves  h 
"  up.     It  he  watch  not,    the  fall  of  the  firft  will 

11  imputed  to  him.    If  he  be  Glent,  be  will  anfwec  for 

c<  the  flight  of  the  fecond.     If  he  fear  labour  and  tra- 

11  vail,  he  will  be  accufed  of  the  other's  defpair.    If,  in 

u  a  word,  he  want  vigilance,  ltrengrh,  and  courage, 

<c  be  Will  be  guilty  of  as  many  bloodfheds,  as  he  lets 

<c  fouls  perifh."    This  is  a  faint  image  of  ourcoi   . 
How  may  thefc  thoughts  fill  us  with  aftooiflunem  and 

fear?   What  a  rifque  do  we  run,   while  wc  are  engai 
in   fuch   a  dangerous   imployment  ?    What   piety,  and 
prudence,  and  vigilance,  and  courage,  docs  it  call  : 
Hovt  ftraogely  d<  es  our  lloth  and  a  one 

another,  and  lull  us  into  carclcfnefs,  till  the  1  .al- 

low  us  up }  What  need  have  v. 

us,  to  mind  us  ol  our  danger,  to  n  d  of 

out  (loth,  and  to  flit  us  up  by  their  example  i    And 

what    a  buiiint  IT  friend    tO  US    in   this  refped? 

How  did  I k  and  fpirit  in  all  g  igns 

am  id  flir  us  ut  duty  by  his  publick 

and  private  care,  as  far  as  his  influences  could  rca< 

..  by  his  example  -  H  m  well  did  heanfwet  thecha- 
i..i i.r  1  d  man,   and  0  m  }  His 

innocency  uas  eminent  and  ob  m  his  child- 

hood,  fo  thai  an  that 

were  with  d  in 

.  h  inline  in- 

im  with  lit  know  and  a 

.im  wife 
unto  Gri\  ation. 

to  it  by  the 

authority 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.         325 

authority  and  hearty  approbation  of  thofe  who  are  irrt- 
powered  by  God,  having  the  inward  teftimony  of  a 
good  confidence,  and  of  the  purity  of  his  intentions, 
far   from  any  defign  of  vain-glory  or  intereuV    His 
mind  was  ftored  with  all  fort  of  knowledge,  without 
vanity  or  contention.     His  piety  was  eminent  and  lin- 
gular, always  accompanied  with  an  unaffected  humility. 
His   fpirit  and  difpofition  was  ever  peaceable.     His 
love  to  God,  and  mens  fouls,  made  him  fludy   the  di- 
vine art  of  becoming  all  things  to  all  men  that  he  might 
fave  fome.     None  was  ever  more  mortified  to  covetouf. 
nefs  or  filthy  lucre.     His  charity  and  almfgiving  were 
exemplary,   in  all  things  fhewing  himfelf  a  pattern  of 
good  works ;  in  his  doctrine  he  fhevved  uncorruptednefs 
gravity    and  fincerity,  found  words  that  could  not  be 
condemned ;  his  difcourfe  was  always  modeft,  and  his 
converfation  ufeful.     He  watched  all  occafions  of  doing 
good   to   mens   fouls,   and   would   not  let  them  flip. 
Never  man  was  more  apt  to  teach,  being  gentle  to  all 
men.     Thofe  that  oppofed  themfelves  to  the  truth,  or 
were  overtaken  in  a  fault,  he  endeavoured  to  inftrucr 
and  reftore  in  the  fpirit  of  meeknefs,  avoiding  foolifh 
queftions  and  ftrifes  of  words.     And  by  walking  in  all 
good  confcience  before  God  and  man,  he  hath  among 
other  things  given  a  lingular  inftance  of  gaining  the 
love  and  efteem  of  all ;    and  of  preferving  his  perfon 
and  his  office  from  that  contempt,  which  they  fay  is 
fo  generally   thrown  upon  our  order.     So  that  even 
fcarce  any  man  defpifed  his   youth.      How  may  we 
behold  in  his  life,  as  in  a  glafs,  the  virtues  and  Qua- 
lities of  a  true  minifter  otjefus  Cbrift  ?  What  a  living 
inftruftion  was  it  to  us,    whereby  we  might  obferve 
our  own  defecls,  and  be  ftirred  up  to  our  duty  ?    Who 
can  fathom  the  myfteries  of  providence,   or  tell  whac 

Y  j  judgments 


i  :0        si  ;        '-al 

o 

the  removal  or 

/  :<s  man 

J  men 

:s  from  P 

I      ..at  his  li  Ifcipfc    may    I 

.:  fame 

fpirlt,  flCt  CO  mind  our  own  things,  but  the  tilings  of 

J       |  (  .'nac  wc  may  he •.   .  and 

this  mil  h  ;  that  the  . 

^tftj   felons,  and  rhcunivcrfal  c  fclhfefc, 

may  fiflik  4c  b  into  6ur1ictrtsi    O  re  or" 

Jcius,  and  the  care  df  fouls,  i  i 

and  ur  iludics,  and  mens,  and 

incrcafe   our   vigilance,  and  guide  out  lives;  Srjeus> 

I  I  :',  C  ft]  ;.fo. 

And   now,  my    friends,   what  words    or  priet 
CXpreTs  our  lofs?   You  whom  nature  or  choice  had  more 
trred  to  him;    Jfod  itfko  IWIfc  KtibdMd 
iendfhip,  and  bleiVd  with  his  conversation, 
v.h  a  by  his  counfel,  and  &  n  his 

tfrefende,  Who  Ms  the  rcliwV  I  -afc 

of  ydtir  grieft.     J 

'.'  unto   ft 

-  the  k  t.     But 

..    do  ..    mourn  \  nr  p  b  the 

rt,    and  every   man  con- 

..........  .1  or"  our  cm 

,  i  tHc  v.  I  fld,  Ind  a  pobft 

i    hitaii    or  heard  him,  claims  a 
Ih'ai  -s    Jiis   particular  tofi  in 

mbcrs  a  moll  dutiful 
lc  f'  n  ;  ur  of  tl 

ul  k?i  (man  ;    Minds  bewtil 
H fi    m  a  niend  indeed  ;  tl..  i  be- 

moan 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.        327 

moan  the  want  of  a  great  owner  and  promoter  of  true 
knowledge  ;  the  youth  lament  their  being  deprived  of 
a  moft  pious,  wife,  affectionate  and  ufeful  guide;  the 
poor  groan  for  the  lofs  of  their  father;  the  devout  find 
the  want  of  a  pious  director  and  pattern ;  the  church 
feels  her  felf  deprived  of  one  of  her  pureft  lights  ;  the 
clergy  are  fenfible  he  was  to  them  an  enfample  and  an 
honour ;  the  people  acknowledge  they  had  a  bleffing 
of  him  in  his  life  and  doctrine;  the  whole  nation  may 
feel  the  want  of  a  great  promoter  of  true  loyalty,  and 
all  chriftian  virtues  and  graces  by  his  example  and  in- 
ftruc~tions,  and  are  fenfible  what  an  honour  he  was  to 
them ;  yea,  the  feveral  fec"ts  among  us  lament  his  lofs, 
and  feem  to  confefs,  that  a  few  like  him  would  foon 
heal  our  fchifms,  and  that  his  pious  life,  and  meek 
inftrucUons,  if  any  thing,  would  foon  have  recovered 
them  from  their  errors.  O  how  is  our  lofs  fwallowed 
up  in  the  publick!  My  father,  my  father,  the  chariots 
qf  Jfrael,  and  the  horfemen  thereof! 

But  whither  would  our  paffions  drive  us  ?  Shall  we 
forget  the  governor  of  the  world,  and  who  is  the  Lord 
of  life  and  death  ?  We  muft  not  look  on  his  removal 
from  us  as  a  fatal  neceflity,  or  a  blind  ftroke  of  chance 
and  fortune,   as  the  fport  of  the  humours  and   parts 
that  compofed  his  body :    no,  no ;  the  author  of  the 
univerfe   imploys  dill  that  fame  power,  and   wifdom, 
and   goodnefs,    in  ruling  the   world,    that  he  did  in 
making  it,  in  him  we  live,    and  move,  and  have  our 
being  ;    his  hand  is  in  every  thing  that  befals  us,    all 
that  itrikes  our  fenfes,  which  we  fee,  or  hear,  or  know 
or  feel  within  our  felves,  and  impute  to  other  initru- 
ments,  are  really  the  effects  of  his  power,  and  are  or- 
dered by  him  for  great  and  wife  ends ;  a  hair  of  our 
head  does  not  fall,  to  the  ground  without  his   leave. 

Y  4  This 


\ 


A  I .        al 

us,  ii  in  holy  indifpenftbk 
( rod,  ro  be  exe- 
cuted had  not  Cent  him  into  this 

rt  unto  OS,  but 
bis  own  g]  ry,  and  ot  the 
come.  .  upon  this  acci- 

d  rot  in  i:  ftflf,  but  io  G  ..  in  his  WlH      Let  us  in 

:  thei    .  --.     .  . 

the    h  |  rtCjJ    blcfs 

the  (  his  providence,  and  (act  that 

.lir   i\  which  we  haw  k':n  on  this  occal: 

in  i  -ions,  h  I  by 

ail  ',.  i   uniting  our  wills  to 

the    ......  <:  G  dj   and  facrificing  our  natural  paffloos 

unto  it ;   Let  us  walk  with  him,  in  him,  and  for  him, 
.   what  be  hath  willed  ix\  us,    and   foe  us,    to  all 

A      D   trulj  if  we  look   upon    out  dear  friend, 

i  what  be  bath  been,  and  what  he  now  ts,  and 
[j  be  ro  all  eternity,   it  will  ma!  t  the  ■ 

fenfible,  how  much  we  ought  to  reiign  ou  to, 

heaven!-. 

difpofal  of  him.     Th  i  chriftian  is  a  condnoal 

d,  crucifj  ing  our  earthl)  nof- 

,   and  fob  our  wills  to 

his,  and  perfe&cd  by  death  , 

and  fal  cheats 

.  •  i  \\  their  be  irts  and  I  kxL 

1 1 

nun  ii 

lie  I 

■  :.  indy 


of  Mr.  Henry  Scougal.  329 

eonftantly  the  corruption  of  his  nature  from  breaking 
out  into  any  great  impurity  or  crime,  fubduing  every 
day  his  paffions,  purifying  his  affections,  ftudying  to 
do  every  thing  in  and  for  God,  and  endeavouring  a 
continual  refignation  of  his  will  to  him;  and  in  this 
we  mull  not  regret  his  few  years,  and  the  fhortnefs  of 
his  days,  for  with  God  one  day  is  as  a  thoufand  years , 
and  a  thoufand  years  as  one  day.  Length  of  life  is  not 
to  be  meafured  by  many  revolutions  of  the  heavens, 
but  by  the  progrefs  we  have  made  in  the  great  defign 
for  which  we  are  fent  into  the  world,  and  in  this  re- 
fped  he  being  fancJified  in  a  little  time,  hath  fulfilled 
a  long  time ;  fo  that  he  hath  truly  lived  much  in  a  few 
years,  and  died  an  old  man  in  Eight  and  twenty.  He 
hath  now  finifhed  the  work  that  God  had  given  him 
to  do ;  he  hath  accompliuYd  the  thing  for  which  he 
was  fent  into  the  world  ;  by  death  he  hath  now  per- 
fected the  facrifice  of  himfelf,  and  the  will  of  God  is 
fulfilled  in  him.  Whatever  horror  there  may  be  in 
death  to  the  natural  man,  however  terrible  it  is  to  the 
wicked  and  impenitent,  yet  to  the  godly,  to  all  that 
confider  it  in  Jefus  Chrift,  it  is  full  of  joy  and  comfort. 
O  death,  where  is  thy  fling  ?  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory?  'the  fting  of  death  is  fin,  and  the  ftrength  of 
fin  is  the  law.  But  thanks  he  to  God,  who  hath  given 
us  the  viffory  through  Jefus  Chrift  cur  Lord.  He  hath 
made  the  king  of  terrors  to  become  the  object  of  the 
moft  ardent  defires  and  wifhes  of  his  own,  for  if  to  us 
to  live  be  Chrift,  fure 

Sfo  die  is  gain.  I  will  not  now  launch  out  into  this 
boundlefs  ocean,  to  fpeak  of  the  unfpeakable  happinefs 
of  the  other  world,  and  of  the  great  advantages  of  the 
death  of  thofe  whofe  life  is  Chrift' s  -,  but  O  how  may 
this,  after  the  example  of  the  ancient  chriftians,  fill  us 

with 


I    H   E 


CONTENTS 


\\  E    Life  or"  God  in  the  Sjoul  of  Man  \  Or, 
THc  Nature  and  Exccllc         I  the  Chriftipo 


Religion. 


Pa*c  i 


Wbt  Otcafii  n  of  this  Difi 

kes  about  Rttifi 
What  Religion  is, 
Its  Firm  im  m  t  a*d  A 
Its  freedom 

Ritigion  is  a  DrvitH  Principl$% 
7*J:e  natural  Lr  \  *  I 

lti  9 

7J  i  Divifi    Lifi ,  wbittin  it  \  \ 

tf,   i.i 

//m  Da  ibid* 

//;<  CO/I  '       '    D 

"  n 

tffj 


1 


The   CONTENTS. 

His  Humility,  tp 

*the  Excellency  and  Advantage  of  Religion,  2% 

<fhe  Excellency  of  Divine  Lovey  2$ 

The  Advantages  of  Divine  Love,  2<5 

The  Worth  of  the  Objeft  to  be  regarded,  ibid. 

Love  requires  a  reciprocal  return,  27 

Love  requires  the  Object  to  be  prefent,  28 

Divine  Love  makes  us  infinitely  happy,  29 

He  that  loveth  God  finds  Sweet nefs  in  all  his  Difpenfa- 

tions,  30 

The  Duties  of  Religion  are  delightful  to  him,  3 1 

The  Excellency  ofuniverfal  Charity  and  Love,  3  z 

The  Pleafure  that  attends  it,  35 

The  Excellency  of  Purity,  3^ 

The  Delight  it  affords,  ibid. 

The  Excellency  of  Humility,  3  j 

The  Pleafure  and  Sweet  nefs  of  an  humble  Temper,  36 
Defpondent  thoughts  which  may  arife  in  fuch  as  are 

awakened  to  a  fenfe  of  Religion,  3  p 

TheUnreafonablenefs  of  fuch  Fears,  41 

We  muft  ufe  our  utmoft  Endeavours,  and  then  rely  on 

God's  Affiftance,  44 

We  muft  Jhun  all  manner  of  Sin,  47 

We  muft  learn  what  things  are  finful,  ibid. 

We  muft  confide r  the  Evils  of  Sin,  and  refift  the  temp- 
tations to  it,  49 
We  muft  conftantly  watch  our  f elves,  5  2 
We  muft  often  examine  our  Actions,  5  3 
We  muft  reft  rain  our  f elves  in  many  lawful  things,  54 
We  muft  ftrive  to  put  our  felves  out  of  Love  with  the 

World,  55 

We  muft  confcientioufly  perform  the  outward  Actions  of 

Religion,  58 

We  muft  endeavour  to  habituate  our  felves  to  external 

atls  of  Devotion  and  Charity »,  &c.  60 

Confideration  a  great  tnftrument  of  Religion,  61 

We  muft  confider  the  Excellency  of  the  Divine  Nature, 

to  beget  Divine  Love  in  us,  6z 

We  muft  often  meditate  en  God's  G  cod  nefs  and  Love,  6  5 

To 


The    C  O  N  T  i:  N  T  S. 

<fo  beget  Charity,  "j.e  viuft  re  that  all  men  are 

nearly  related  unto  Gody  t% 

Stbat  tl  i    /(     //,  6y 

<fo  beget  Purity ,   W$  muft  angler  lie  Dignity  r 

Nature, 
And  meditate  often  OM  the  Joys  n,  ibid. 

Humility  arifetb  from  tie  Senfe  of  OUT  i\7.'//.vj,  -  \ 

thoughts  of  God  make  us  have  an  bumble  Senfe  { | 

fekes,  7 : 

Prayer  another  Inftrument  of  Religion,  ibid. 

Mtntal  Prayer  very  profitable,  73 

Religion  is  advanced  by  the  f  ;cb  it 

began,  74 

?f be  frequent  ufe  of  t      II  .-.  i  ■.  :ordi- 

r.'ary  means  to  mcreafe  liolinefs  and  Piety,  ibid. 


DISCOURSE     I. 

The  Superior  Excellency  of  the  Religious 

ON  Prov.  XII.  26.  tc$  Righteous  is  man 
than  bis  Neighbour, 

JI. 
The  indifpenfible  Duty  of  loving  our  Enemies 

Oi\  LukeVl.  17.  But  I  fay  untc >j  ,    I.  | 

your  line mies,  6tC«  loo 

111. 

The  NccclTitynnd  Advantage  pfqurfy  Affli&lQl 
On  L  m$1tt*  111.  27,  l8f    It  is  g  at  be 

bear  the  yok 

etb  fili  1  •     -  ffj        I 2  7 

IV. 
That  tfa  but  a  fmall  Nufl 

On  Lulu  XllI 

147 

V    j  . 


The   CONTENTS. 
V. 

The  Duty  and  Pleafure  of  Praife  and  Thankfgiving. 
On  Pfal.CVll.  17.  O  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord 
for  bis  goodnefs,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the 
children  of  men*  169 

VI. 
On  the  Nativity  of  our  Saviour. 
From  Pfal.  II.  it.    Rejoice  with  trembling.     Wherein 
of  the  Ufefulnefs  of  the  two  Paffions,  Joy  and  Fear, 
in  Religion,  187 

VII. 
On  the  Paflion  of  our  Saviour. 
From  Lament.  I.  12.    Is  it  nothing  to  you,   all  ye  that 
pafs  by?  Behold y  and  fee  if  there  be  any  for  row  like 
unto  my  for  row  y  210 

VIII. 
A  Preparation  for  the  Holy  Sacrament. 
On  J cjbua  III.  1.  Sanffify  your  felves,  for  to  morrow 
the  Lord  will  do  wonders  among  you.     This  is  im- 
perfect, 229 
IX. 
Of  the  Importance  and  Difficulty  of  the  Minifteriai 

Function. 
On  2  Corinth.  XI.  1 6.  Who  is  fufficient  for  thefe  things  ? 

X. 

A  Sermon  preached  at  the  Funeral  of  the  reverend 

Mr.  Henry  Scougal,  by  G.  G.  D-D. 
On  Philip  I.  21.  For  me  to  live  is  drift y  and  to  die  is 

gaiUy  270 


The 


+++.m$*+44W*+*W+*4$++++:4<r++ 


The  Infcription  on  the  Au- 
thors  Tomb-ftone. 

Menwricc  Sacrum 

Henricus  Scougal  Rcverendi  in  Cbrijh 

Patris  Patricii  Epifcopi  slberdoncnfis 
flius ;  Philofophice  in  hac  Accidentia 
regis  per  quadricn?num,  totidemque  annis 
ibidem  TbeologUB  Profejfar  :  Ecclcfia:  in 
Auchterlefs  uno  anno  inter /lite  Pajlor. 
Multa  in  tarn  brevijjimo  curricula  dulicit, 
prccjlitit)  docuit.  Coeli  avtdu^  &f  coelo 
ma'turus,  obi  it  sin  no  Dcm.  MDC1  wvin. 
/Etatis  fiuv  xx \  in.  cJ  bii 
talitatis   fofuit* 


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