DUKE UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL LIBRARY FRANK BAKER COLLECTION OF WESLEYANA AND BRITISH METHODISM \ \ n/iOLi T^ty rtie^nrrl rnfrp SERMONS PREACHED UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BY ISAAC BAKROJ¥,D.D. late Mafter of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge^ and one of His M A J E S T I E 's Chaplains in Ordinary. LONDON, Printed by E. FleJIjer^ for Brabazon Aylmer^ at the Three Pigeons over againft the Royal Exchange in Comhili. 1678. j:^'^>5^^r'. Alk\" : i. • .^^ To the Right Honourable, H E N A G E Lord FINCH, Baron of D^- ventry^ Lord High Chancellour of ENGLAND, and One of His MAJESTIE's moft Ho- nourable Privy Council. My Lord, I Take the bolJnefs to prefent your LorJ- fhip vpithfome of the Firfi-fruits of my de- ceafeJ Sons Studies in Divinity. And fmce it hathpleafedGod^ to my unfpeakable grief and lofs^ to deprive me of fo great a bleffing^ and comfort of my old age ; it is nofmallmi^ tigation of my for row, that vphilfl he livd^ he was not unprofitable to the world, and that now he is dead^ he hath left thofe mo» numents of his piety and learning behind him^ which I am told are generally thought not unworthy to be imparted to thepublick. ■ Ifthefe Sermons be fuch^ I have no caufe A 2 to The Epiftle Dedicatory. to douhthut they willeafily obtain your Lord- pyifsPatronage^who arefo kjiovpn a Favou- rer of all that is vertuous and worthy^ efpe^ daily ofReligim and the Miniflers of it. Of which I had particular experience upon the death of my goodSon^ vphen your Lor djhip was pleafed^with fo much humanity and con- defcenfion^ to fend to comfort me under that' fadlofs^ aitdto exprefs your own refentment ^ of it. But what-ever thefe Sermons be^ fince I have no other way to acknovpkdge my great obligations to your Lordjfjip upon all occafi^ ons^ I hope your Lordjhip willpleafe favou- rably to accept ofthis^ howfmallfoever^ yet fincere tefamony of my dutifuU refpe^s and gratitude, I m -^ My L O R D^ Your Lordflhip's nioft obliged and moft obedient Servant, Thomas Barrojp. I THE TVBLISHEK TO THE READER. THE Aiithonr of the following SERMONS was fo publick- ly known , and Co highly eftee- med by all Learned and Good men , that nothing either needs or can be (aid more to his advantage. Not but that I think it very fit, that the Pifture of this truly great Man (hould be drawn at full length, for the knowledge and imitati- on of pofterity 3 and it will , I hope, be done hereafter by (bme more skil- full hand : However, I (hall not within the narrow limits of a Preface^ fo much as attempt the Charafter of him 5 of whom , either not a little , or nothing ^t all ought to be (aid. And the Sermopis them(elves do as lit- tle need commendation, as the Authour 5 A3 their The Publi/her to the Reader. their own excellency and eloquence will praife them beft. I (hall therefore onely advertife the Reader of fome few things concerning them. The Defign of the Five firft is, to recommend Religion to our efteem and praftice , from the confideration of the manifold excellencies and advantages of it. The Four next do treat of the two great Duties of Religion, and parts of Divine Worftlip, Prayer and Thanksgi^ ving'-^. and contain likewifea very pow- erful! perfiiafive to the praftice of them. The Three laft were preach'd upon three folemn Occafions : The Firji of them upon the 2^,o(Maj/, 1676. the Anni- verfary of His MAJESTlE's happy Kejioration : The Second upon the 5. of November^ 1^75- in commemoration of our great Deliverance from the Powder- Treafon : both in the year of his Vice^ ChaKcellourfldip : The L^^ft at the Confe- oration of the Bifhop of M^/?, ( the now Lord Bifhop of 5. Afaph^ ) his Uncle 5 in which he pleads for the due Refpeft and R^evenue of the Clergy with fb much modefty, and yet with fo great force of reafon and eloquence, that the whole Profeffion may juftly think them- felves for ever indebted to him. Some 7ht Publijher to the Reader. Some of thefe Sermons were the very firft that he made 5 by which we may judge with what preparation and furni- ture he entred upon this Sacred employ- ment. The firjl of them was preach'd at S. Marys in Cambridge^ June 30. 1 66 1. and was, I think, the firft that he ever preach'd. Thole two excellent Sermons Q(Thanl{sgivwg were, as I am informed, the next. The fourth in order, was the firft that he preach'd before the King's Majejly. In the placing of them as they now ftand , I had very little regard to the order of Time , but rather to fome (mall reafon taken from the Subjeft mat- ter of them, not worth the mentioning 5 any reaibn almoft being good enough in a matter fo indifferent , and where none is neceffary. Befides the(e, the Authour hath left many other excellent Sermons^ upon the moft important and ufefull Subjefts in Divinity 5 particularly, upon all the Articles of the Creed : and leveral other very learned Difcourfes and Treatifes , Theological and Mathematical: which may, God willing, in convenient time be communicated to the publick, to the great advantage and furtherance of Re- ligion and Learning, In The Publiffjer to the Reader] In the mean time , I heartily recom- mend thefe Sermons to thy ferioUs per- ulal 5 and fhall onely fay this of them , That as they want no other kind of ex- cellency, fo particularly they are anima- ted throughout with fo genuine a fpirit of true Piety and Goodnefi, that he muft either be a perfeftly good , or prodigi- oufly bad man , that can reade them o- ver without being the better for them. THE THE CONTENTS. SERMON I. Proz\ 3. 17. Her ways are roays ofpleaftnt?2efs^ and all hr paths are peace. Page i. SEHM. II. and III. I Trm, 4. 8. Bfit Godlinefs is profitable for all thi?7gs. Page 34,72. SERMON IV. I Saw, 2. 30. For them that honour mc^ I will honour. Page 1 1 6. SERMON V. Prov. 10. 9. He that walketh uprightly^ ivalkethfttrcly. Paqe 161. a S E R M. The Contents. SERM. VLandVIL iTAe^S. 17. Praj wit ho fit ceafwg. Page 195,223. SERM. VIII. and IX. Ephef.^. 20. GivvTg thanks always for all things unto God. Page 258,297. SERM. X. OnA%29. I Tim. 2. I5 2. I exhort therefore , that fir ft ofallfnppli* cations^ prayers^ intercejjions^ and gi-; • '^V'g of thanks he made for all men : For Kings^ and for all that are in autho* rity. Page 348, SERM. XL On Novemh. 5. Pfal. 64. 9, 10. And all men jh all fear ^ and Jljall declare the wor\ of God:, for they Jhall wife* ly confider of his doing. The righteous flmll he glad in the Lord , andfdalltruflinhimx^ and all the up- right in heart jt)aU glory. Page 403. SERM. The Contents.^ S E R M. XII. At the Confecration of the Bifhop of Ma^^ ( the now Lord Bifhop of 5. Afiph.) Pfal. 132. 16. I will alfo cloath her Prkfis with falva.* tion. Page 461, Liber hie (cui Titulus, Ser- mons preachej upon feveral Occafions, by Doc- tour Barron? j) IMPRIMATVR, Ex /Edibui Geor, Hooper^ Rmo D"© Lamb.i.Nov, - D^o Gilberto, Archiep. *^'7. • C^«^aSacrisDomefti- CIS, (O The Firfi: Sermon. PROV. 3. 17. Her ways are ways of fleafuntricfs^ and all her paths are peace. TH E^ meaning of thefe words feems plain and obvious, and to need little explication. Her mys^ that is, the ways of Wiftdom, What this Wiledom is , I (hall not un- dertake accurately to delcribe. Briefly, I underftand by it, An habitual skill or faculty of judging aright about matters of praftice , and chufing according to that right judgment, and conforming the aftions to luch good choice. Ways and paths in Scripture-dialed are the couiles and manners of aftion. For do-' ivg there is commonly called walking 5 and the methods of doing are the ways in which we walk. By pleafantnefs may be meant the joy and delight ac- companying, and by peace the content B and 2 The Firfl Sermon. and (atisfaaion enfuing fiich a courfe of anions. So that, in (hort, the fenfe of thefe words fcems fimply to be this^ That a courfe of life direfted by wife- dom and good judgment is delightful! in the praftice, and brings content after it. The truth of which Propofition it (hall be my endeavour at this time to confirm by divers Reafbns, and illuftrate by (eyeral inftances. I. Then, Wifedom of it felf is de- legable and latisfaftory 5 as it implies a revelation of Truth, and a deteftion of ^7n!ilLt'^^^^^^^ to us. Tis like Light, pleafant nihil duulZ to behold, calling a (prightly luftre, and Cic, Acad. 2, diffufing a benign influence all about 5 prefenting a goodly prolpeft of things to the eyes of our mind 3 difplaying ob- jefts in their due fhapes, poftures, mag- . nitudes,and colours 5 quickning our fpi- rits with a comfortable warmth , and difpofing our minds to a chearfull afti- vity '^ difpelling the darknefs of igno* ranee, {battering the mifts of doubt, dri- ving away the Ipeftres of delufive fancy, mitigating the cold of fullen melancho- ly 3 difcovering obftacles, fecuring pro- grels, and making the paffages of life clearjj open, and pleafant. We are all na- turally The Firjl Sermon. turally endowed with a ftrong appe- tite to know, to fee, to piirfue Truth 5 and with a bafhfuU abhorrency from be- ing deceived, and entangled in miftake. And as (uccefs in enquiry after Truth af- fords matter of joy and triumph 5 fo be- ing confcious of Errour, and mifcarriage therein, is attended with fhame and for- row. Thefe defires Wifcdom in the moft perfect manner (atisfies, not by entertai- ning us with dry, empty, fruitlefi theo- ries, upon mean and vulgar (iibjefts^ but by enriching our minds with excellent and ufefull knowledge , direfted to the nobleft objefts, and ferviceable to the higheft ends. Nor in its own nature onely, but, II. Much more in its worthy confe- quences is Wifedom exceedingly plea- fant and peaceable : in general, by di(- pofing us to acquire and to enjoy all the good, delight and happinefs we are ca- pable of 5 and by freeing us from all the inconveniences , mi(chiefs and infelici- ties our condition is fubject to. For what-ever good from clear underftan- ding, deliberate advice, (agacious fore- fight , ftable refolution , dexterous ad- dreis, right intention and orderly pro- B 2 ceeding The Fjrji Sermon. ceeding doth naturally refuk, Wifedom conferrs : what-ever evil blind igno- rance 5 falfe prelumption , unwary cre- dulity ^ precipitate rafhnefs , unfteady purpofe, ill contrivance, backwardnefs, inhability^ unwieldinefi and confufion of thought beget , Wifedom prevents. Frorti a thoufand (hares and treacherous allurements, from innumerable rocks and dangerous (urprifes, from exceeding- ly many needlefi incumbrances and vexa- tious toils of fruitlefi endeavour , flie redeems and fecures us. More particu- larly,^ III. Wifedom aflures us we take the beft courfe, and proceed as we ought. For by the fame means we judge aright, and reflefting upon that judgment are aflurcd we doe fo : as the lame argu- ments by which we demonftrate a the- orem convince us we have demonftra- ted itj and the fame light by which we fee an objeft makes us know we fee it. And this aflurance in the progrefi of the aftion exceedingly pleafes, and in the fe- quel of it infinitely contents us. He that judges ami(s, not perceiving clearly the reftitude of his procefs, proceeds ufiial- ly with a dubious fblicitude , and at lengthy The Firji Sermon. length 5 difcovering his errour , con- demns his own choice , and receives no other fatisfadtion but of repentance. Like a Traveller, v^ho being uncertain whether he goes in the right way, wan- ders in continual perplexity , till he be informed, and then too late, underftan- ding his miftake , with regret feeks to recover himfelf into it. But he that knows his way, and is (atisfied that it is the true one, makes on merrily and care- lefly , not doubting he fhall in good time arrive to his defigned journey's end. Two troublefome mifchicfs there- fore Wifedom frees us from , the compa- ny of anxious doubt in our anions, and the confequence of bitter repentance. For no man can doubt of what he is fure, nor repent of what he knows good. IV. Wifedom begets in us a hope of (uccefs in our aftions, andisufually at- tended therewith. Now what is more delicious then hope ? what more (atiP- faftory then (uccefs ? That is like the purluit of a flying enemy , this like ga- thering the fpoil 5 that like viewing the ripe corn, this like the joy of harveft it (elf And he that aims at a good end , and knows he ufes proper means to at- B 3 tain The Firfl Sermon. tain it, why fhould he defpair of (uccefi, fince efFefts naturally follow their cau- les, and the Divine providence is wont to afford its concourfc to fuch procee- tJings ? Befide that fuch well-grounded hope confirms refolution , and quickens aftivity, which mainly conduce to the prolperous iffue of defigns. Farther, V. Wifedom prevents difcourage- ment from the poffibility of ill (iiccefs , yea and makes di(appointment it felf tolerable. For if either the forefight of a poflible mifcarriage fhould difcQurage us from adventuring on aftion, or in- culpable fruftration were intolerable, we fhould with no heart apply our fclyes to any thing , there being no defigns in this world , though founded upon the moft found advice, and profe- cuted by the moft diligent endeavour , which may not be defeated, as depen- fJing upon divers caufts above our pow- er, and circumftances beyond our pro- ipeft. The inconftant opinions, uncer- tain refblutions, mutable affeftions, and fallacious pretences of men, upon which the accomplifhment of moft projefts re- ly, may eafily deceive and dilappoint lis. The imperceptible courle of nature exerting: The Firfi Sermon. exerting it (elfin fiidden tempefts, diP- eafo, and unlucky cafualties, may fiir- prife us , and give an end to our bufi- nefles and lives together. However, the irrefiftible power of the Divine provi- dence, guided by the unlearchable coun- fel of his will, we can never be aflii- red that it will not interpoft, and hin- der the effeds of our endeavours. Yet notwithftanding, when we aft prudent- ly, we have no reafon to be difhear- tened 5 becaufe, having good intentions, and ufing fit means, and having done our beft , as no deferved blame, fo no confiderable dammage can arrive to us : and though we find Almighty God hath eroded us, yet we are (lire he is not di(^ plea(ed with us. Which confideration, wherewith Wifedom furnilhes us, will make the worft (iiccefs not onely tole- rable, but comfortable to us. For hence we have rea(bn to hope, that the AII- wi(e Goodne(s re(erves a better reward for us , and will (bmetime recompenfe not onely the good purpo(es we unhap- pily purfued, but alio the unexpected di(appointment we patiently endured 5 and that however we fhall be no lo(ers in the end. Which di(cour(e is mainly fortified by confidering how the beft B 4 and 8 The Firfi Sermon. And wifift attempts have oft mifcarried. We (ee Mojes^ authorized by God's corar mand, directed by his counfel, and con- duced by his hand , intended to bring the Ijraehtes into the land of Ca^taan ^ yet by the unreafonable incredulity and ftubborn perverfenefs of that people he had his purpofe fruftrated. The holy Prophets afterward earneftly endeavou- red to contain the fame people within compafi of obedience to the Divine commands, and to reduce them from their idolatrous and wicked courfes 3 yet without correfpondent efFeft. Our Saviour, by the example of his holy life, continual inftruftion, and vehement ex- hortations, affayed to procure a belief of and fiibmiffion to his moft excellent Dodtrine 5 yet how few believed hk re^ port^ and complied with his Dilcipline> Yea, Almighty God himfelf often com- \ plains, how in a manner his defigns were defeated, his defires thwarted , his offers refufed , his counfels rejefted, his ffa. ^.4. expeftations deceived. Wherefore^ (^{zith ^ he concerning his Vineyard ) vphen I " looked itjijould brwg forth grapes Jbr ought Ifa. 6$. 2. P forth wild grapes ■' • • ■' ■ with The Firji Sermon* 25 with all men 5 are endowed with like faculties of mind, paffions of Soul, (hape of body, and (enfe of things : that we have equally implanted in our original conftitution inclinations to love, pity, gratitude, fociablenefs, quiet, joy, repu- tation : that we have an indifpenfable need and impatient dcfire of company, afiiftence , comfort , and relief: that therefore it is according to the defign of nature, and agreeable to reafon, that to tho(e, to whom our natural condition by fo many bands of cognation , fimili- tude, and mutual necefTitude, hath knit and conjoyned us, we fhould bear a - kind refpeft and tender affeftion^ fiiould chearfully concurre in undergoing the common burthens 5 (liould heartily wilh and induftriouQy promote their good, affift them in accomphfhing their reafo- nable defires , thankfully requite the courtefies received from them, congra- tulate and rejoyce with them in their profperity, comfort them in their diftref- (es, and, as we are able, relieve them , hpwever , tendeily compaffionate their difappointments, miferies and forrows. This renders us kind and courteous neighbours. 5 fweet and gratefull com- -paniqns. It reprefents unto us the dread- ^ full 2 6 The Firfl Sermon. full effects and infiipportable mifchiefi arifing from breach of faith , contrave- ning the obligations of fblemn pads, in-^! fringing publick laws, deviating from the received rules of equity , violating promifes,. and interrupting good corre- fpondence among men : by which con-J fiderations it engages us to be good cii tizens, obedient fubjefts, juft dealers^and faithfull friends. It minds us of the'^ blindnefi , impotence and levity , tlie;' pronenefs to miftake, and misbehaviour \ that humane nature neceflarily is fubjejft to 5 deferving rather our commiferati- ' on, then anger or hatred, which prornpts : us to bear the infirmities of our bre-. ; thren, to be gentle in cenfure, to be irr-;^ fenfible of petty affronts, to pardon in- ^| juries, to be patient, exorable, and re- j concilable to thole that give us great^ft caufe of offence. It teaches us,the good may, but the evil of our neighbour can '[ in no wife advantage us 5 that from the ' fufFering of any man,fimply confidered, no benefit can accrue, nor natural fatif^ faftion arile to us 5 and that therefore 'tis a vain, bafe, brutifh and unreafbna- ble thing, for any caufe whatfbever, to defire or delight in the grief, pain or mi- lery of our neighbour, to hate or envy him. JheFirJl Sermon. 27 him, or infiilt over him , or devife mil^ chief to him, or profecute levenge upon him 5 which makes us ciyiil, noble and placable enemies, or rather no enemies at all. So that Wifedom i'S in efFeft the genuine parent of all moral and politi- cal vertue, juftice and hon(,'fty 5 as Solo- mon (ays in her perfon , I lead //^ ^Ae prov. 8. 20. ivdy of rjghtcoufiiefs^ and hi the midji of the paths of judgmoit. And how fweet thefe are in the praftice, how comforta- ble in the confequcnces , the teftimony of continual experience and the unanir. mous confent of all wife men (ufficient*: ly declare. But farther, ,a XV. The principal advantage oF Wifedom is, its acquainting us with the Nature and reafe)n of true Religion, and affording conviftive arguments to per- (iiade to the Piaftice of it 5 which is ac- companied with the pureft delight, and attended with the moft folid content imaginable. I (ay, the Nature of Religi- on, wherein it confifts , and what it re- quires 5 the miftake of which produceth^ daily (b many mifchiefs and inconveni- ences in the world, and expofeg (b good ^ a name to (b much reproach. It (hev/eth itconfiftcth.not in fair profeiiions and: 2 8 The Fir ft Sermon. glorious pretences, but in real praftice 5 not in a pertinacious adherence to any Seft or party , but in a fincere love of goodne(s , and diflike of naughtinefs , where-ever difcovering it felf 5 not in vain oftentations and flourifhes of out- ward performance, but in an inward good complexion of mind, exerting it (elfin works of true Devotion and Cha- rity 5 not in a nice orthodoxie, or poli- tick fubjeftion of our judgments to the peremptory diftates of men, but in a fincere love of Truth, in a hearty ap- probation of and compliance with the Dodrines fundamentally good, and ne- ceflary to be believ^ed 5 not in har(h cen- furing and virulently inveighing againfl; others , but in carefuU amending our own ways 5 not in a peevidi crofhefi and obftinate repugnancy to received laws and cuftoms , but- in a quiet and peaceable (ubmiffion to the exprefi Laws of God, and lawfull commands of man , not in a furious zeal for or againft trivial circumftances , but in a conlcio- nable praftifing the fiibftantial parts of Religion 5 not in a frequent! talking or contentious difputing about it, but in a ready obfervance of the unqueftionable rules and prefcripts of it. In a word , that The Firjl Sermon. 2 9 that Religion confifts in nothing el(e but doing what becomes our relation to God, in a conformity or fimilitude to his Nature 5 and in a willing obedience to his holy Will : to which by potent incentives it allures and perfuades us 3 by reprefenting to us his tranfcendently- glorious Attributes, confpicuoufly dif. played in the frame, order and govern- ment of the World 5 th-at wonderfull Power , which erefted this great and goodly fabrick 5 that incomprehenfible Wifedom , which preftrves it in a con- ftant harmony 3 that immenfe Goodnefs, which hath fo carefully provided for the various neceflities, delights and comforts of its innumerable inhabitants. I fay, by reprefenting thofe infinitely-glorious Perfedions , it engages us with higheft refpeft to efteem, reverence and honour him. Alfb, by minding us of our mani- fold obligations to him , our receiving being, life,reafon,(enfe, all the faculties, powers, excellencies, privileges and com- modities of our natures from him 5 of his tender Care and loving Providence continually fupporting and proteding us ^ of his liberal Beneficence , patient Indulgence , and earneft defire of our good and happine(s by manifold expref. fions 5 '9 7b t Firji Sermon. fions evident ly manifefted toward us 5 it inflames us with ardent love, and obli- ges us to officious gratitude toward him. Alio, by declaring the neceflary and ir- reconcilable contrariety of his Nature to all impurity and perverfenefs , his peerlefs Majefty, his irrefiftible Power, and his all-leeing Knowledge , it begets an awfull dread and a devout fear of him. By difcovering him from his infi- nite Benignity willing, and from his un- limited Power onely able to (upply our needs , relieve us in diftreffes , proteft us from dangers, and confer any valua- ble benefit upon us, it engenders faith , and encourages us to rely upon him. By reveahng to us his fupereminent Sove- reignty, uncontrollable Dominion, and unqueftionable Authority over us 5 to- gether with the admirable excellency, wifedom and equity of his Laws , fo jufl and reafbnable in themfelves, fo fui- table to our nature, fo conducible to our good, fo eafie and prafticable, fo fweet and comfortable^ it powerfully inclines,: and by a gentle force as it were con- (trains us to obedience. By (iich efficaci- ous inducements Wifedom urges us tO' all duties of Religion, and withall fure- ly directs us (as 1 before faid) wherein it confifts 5 The Firjl Sermon. g I confifts 5 teaching us to have right and worthy apprehenfions of the Divine na- ture , to whix:h our Devotion ( if true and good ) muft be fuited and confor- med : and fo it fiees us, as from irrehgi- on and profane negleft of God, fo from fond fuperftitions, thefourcesof fo much evil to mankind. For he that wifely hath confidered the Wiftdom , Good- nefi and Power of God, cannot imagine Cod can with a regardlels eye over- look his prelumptuous contempts of his Laws, or endure him to proceed in an outrageous defiance of Heaven, to con- tinue hurting himfelf , or injuring his neighbour ^ nor can admit unreafonable terrours , or entertain fufpicious con- ceits of God, as of an imperious Mafter, or implacable Tyrant over him, exafting impoflible performances from, or deligh- ting in the fatal miferies of his Creatures, nor can (uppofe him pleafed with hypo- critical (hews , and greatly taken with (uperficial courttliips of ceremonious ad- dreis ^ or that he can in any wife favour our fiery zeals, fierce paffions, or unjufi partialities about matter of opinion and cerem.ony 5 or can doe otherwife then deteft all faftious, harfti, uncharitable and rerengefull proceedings, of what nature. 3 2 The Firjl Sermon. nature, or upon what ground fbever 3 or that he can be fb inconfiftent with himfelf, as to approve any thing but what is like himfelf, that is, RighteouA nels. Sincerity, and Beneficence. Laftly, Wifcdom attrafts the Favo'ut of God, purchafeth a glorious Reward, and {ecureth perpetual Felicity to us. For Wifcd.7. 28, Qod lovethnonehtt him that dwelleth with 5. IS. VPtfedom, kv\A^ glorious is the fruit of good labour : and the root of wifedom fluU ne- ^107,'^. i-^.ver fall away. And, Happy is the man 8. 35. that fin deth wifedom : and, whofo findeth her, findeth life^ and fh all obtain favour of the Lord. Thefe are the words of wife Solomon^ in the Book of^ Wifedom , and in the Proverbs. God loveth her , J as moft agreeable to his nature 5 as re- fembling him^ as an ofF-fpring, beam and efflux of that Wifedom which foun- ded the earth, and eftablifhed the Hea- vens 5 as that which begetteth honour , love , and obedience to his Commands , and truly glorifies him 5 and as that which promotes the good of his Crea- tures, which he earneftly defires. And the paths fhe leads in are fuch as dired- ly tend to the promifed Inheritance of ;oy and bliis. Thijs The Fir ft Setmon. 3 3 Thus have I fimply and plainly pre- fented you with part of what my medi- tation fiiggefted upon this Subjeft : It remains that we endeavour to obtain this excellent endowment of Soul , by the faithfuUexercife of our Reafon^care- full obfervation of things, diligent ftudy of the Divine Law, watchfull reflexion upon our felves, vertuous and religious praftice 5 but efpecially, by imploring the Divine influence, the original (piing of light, and fountain of all true knowr ledge, following S. James his advice, If any ma.n lack^ vpifedom^ let him ask^ it of God^ who giveth freely. Therefore, O everlafting Wifedom , the Maker, Re- deemer and Governour of all things, let fome comfortable Beams from thy great Body of heavenly Light defcend upon us, to illuminate our dark minds, and quicken our dead hearts 5 to en- flame us with ardent love unto thee, and to direft our fteps in obedience to thy Laws, through the gloomy (hades of this world, into that region of eternal light andblifi, where thou reignefl: in perfeft Glory and Majefty , one God ever-BleflTed, world without end. Amen. D The C34) The Second Sermon. I TIM. 4.8. • — But Godlinefs is profitable for aU things. H OW generally men, with moft unanimous confent, are devo- ted to Profit, as to the immedi- ate (cope of their defigns, and aim of their doings, if with the flighted atten- tion we view what is afted upon this Theatre of humane affairs , we cannot Prov, 14.25. but difcern. All that we fee men fo ve- ry ferious and induftrious about , which ^£, cTi/' o^c- we call bufinefs5 that which they trudge ^f "t ^^ for in the Streets, which they work or Tuyji; All- wait tor m the Shops, which they meet floph. Pluc. -and croud for at the Exchange, which they fue for in the Hall, and folicit for at the Court, which they plow and digg for , which they march and fight for in the Field , which they travel for at Land , and (ail for ( among rocks and ftorms ) The Second Sermon. ftorms ) upon the Sea, which they plod for in the Clofet, and dilpute for in the Schools, (yea, may we not adde, which they frequently pray for, and preach for in the Church ? ) what is it but Profit ? Is it not this apparently for which men fo eagerly conteft and quarrel, fo bitter- ly envy and emulate, fo fiercely clamour and inveigh, fo cunningly fiipplant and undermine one another 3 which ftuP- feth their Hearts with mutual hatred and (pite, which tippeth their Tongues with flander and reproach, which often embrueth their Hands with bloud and (laughter 3 for which they expofe their Lives and Lims to danger , for which they undergoe grievous Toils and Drudgeries , for which they diflraft their Mind with Cares, and fierce their heart with for rows 3 to which they (acri-. fice their prefent Ea(e and Content, yea, to which commonly they proftitute their Honour and Con(cience? This, if you mark it, is the great Miftrels, which is with fo paffionate rivality every- where woed and courted 3 this the com- mon Mark which all eyes aim, and all endeavours ftrike at 5 this the Hire which men demand for all their Pains , the Prize they hope for all their Com- D 2 bats, 35 3 6 7he Second Sermon. bats, the Harveft they feek from all the year's affiduous Labour. This is the Bait, by which you may inveigle moft men any- whither^ apd the moft certain fign,i by which you may prognofticate what any man will doe : for mark where his Profit is, there will he be. This (bme profefTedly and with open face, others flily and under thin veils of pretence 3 ( under guile of friendftiip, of love to publick good, of loyalty, of religious zeal,) fome diredly and in a plain track, others obliquely and by lubtle trains 5 Fnma fere jfome by fordid and baft: means, others '^unaum- ^" ^^y^ r^ore cleanly and platifibJe^ tifima fome gravely and modeftly, others wildi. Tempiu ly and furiouOy ; all ( very few excep- crefcant, ^^^J ^^ oue manner or another ,do clear- &c. juv. ly in moft of their proceedings level •^^'''°- and drive at. Omnes ad af- This praftice then being fo general , IfP^^tumT. and feeing that men are reafonable crea- tiiitatH^ fudt tures, that it is fo cannot furely proceed mTmMlZ. ^^^"^ ^^^^ brutiftinefs, or dotage 5 there que impuifio' "luft be fome fair colour or femblancc of^^^iicuntur. of reafou , which diaweth men into , cai'i^i. " ' ^^^^ carrieth them forward in this way. The reafon indeed is obvious and evi* dent enough , the very name of Profit implieth it, fignifying that which is ufe- fuUj The Second Sermon. 3 7 ftill, or conducible to purpofes really or feemingly good. The gain of mony, or of fomewhat equivalent thereto, is there- fore fpecially termed Profit, becaufe it readily fiipplieth neceffity , furnifheth convenience, feedeth pleafure, (atisfieth fancy and curiofity, promoteth eafe and liberty, fupporteth honour and dignity, procureth power , dependencies , and friend (hips, rendereth a man forae-body, confiderable in the world 3 in fine, en- ableth to doe good, or to perform works of beneficence and charity. Profit is therefore fo much affefted and purfued, becaufe it is, or doth feem, apt to pro- cure or promote fome good defirable to us. If therefore a Projed fhould be pro- pofed to us very fecible and probable to (iicceed, in purfliance whereof aflii- redly we might obtain great Profit^ me- thinks, in confiftence with our felves, and conformably to our ufual manner of afting, we ftiould be very ready to em- brace and execute it. Such a Projeft it is which in my Text, by a very trufty Voucher, and skilfuU Judge of fiich things , and one who had himfelf fully experimented it, is propofcd 3 which in \\ ftlf i$ very practicable, fo that any of D 3 us 3 8 The Second Sermon. us may, if we have a mind to it, and will be at the pains, throughly compals and carry it on 5 which will exceeding- ly turn to account, and bring in Gains unto us unfpeakably vaft 5 in compari- fon whereto all other defigns, which men with (6 much care and toil do pur- iuc, are very unprofitable or detrimen- tal , yielding but fliadows of profit , or bringing real dammage to us. It is briefly this , to be religious or pious 5 that is, in our minds ftedfaftly to believe on God, (fiich as nature in (bme meafure,and revelation more clearly de- clareth him, ) in our hearts earneftly to love and reverence him , through all our praftice fincerely and diligently to obferve his Laws. This is it which Saint Paul affirmeth to be profitable for all things , and which it is my intent , by God's help, to recommend unto you as fuch 5 demonftrating it really to be (q , by reprefenting fome of thofe number- lefs benefits and advantages which ac- crue from it, extending to all conditions and capacities of men, to all ftates, all ftafbns, and in efFed to all affairs of life. It hath been ever a main obftruftion to the praftice of Piety, that it bath been The Second Sermon. 39 been taken for no friend, or rather for an enemy, to Profit 5 as both unprofita- ble and prejudicial to its followers ; and many femblances there are countenan- cing that opinion. For Religion fee- meth to (mother or to flacken the indu- ftry and alacrity of men in following Profit, many ways : by charging them to be content with a little, and careful! for nothing ^ by diverting their affefti- ons and cares from worldly affairs to matters of another nature , place , and time , prefcribing in the firft place to jfeek things (piritual, heavenly, and fu- ture 5 by difparaging all fecular wealth, as a thing, in comparifon to Vertue and (piritual goods, very mean and inconfi- derable 5 by checking greedy defires and afpiring thoughts after it ^ by de- barring the moft ready ways of getting it, (violence, exaftion, fraud, and flatte- ry, ) yea, ftreightning the be(t ways , eager care and diligence 5 by commen- ding ftrift Juftice in all ca(es, and always taking part with Con(cience when it clalheth with Intereft ^ by paring away the largeft u(es of Wealth, in the prohi- bition of its free enjoyment to pride or pleafure 5 by injoyning liberal commu- nication thereof in ways of charity and D 4 mercy 5 40 The Second Sermon. mercy 5 by engaging men to expofe their goods (bmetimes to imminent ha- zard, (bmetimes to certain lofi , obliging them to forfake all thin^, and to em; brace Poverty for its (ake. It favoureth this conceit, to obferve , that often bad men by impious courfts do appear to thrive and profper 5 while good men (eem for their goodnefi to ftiffer 5 or to be no wife vifibly better for it, enduring much hardfhip and di- ftreG. It furthereth the prejudice, that (bme perfbns, void of true Piety, or imper- feftly good,(fome DMlers in Religion,) do not from their lame , flight and (u- perficial performances feel fatisfaftory returns, fiich as they did prefiime to find 5 and thence, to the defamation of Piety , are apt to fay,with thofe men in the Pro- i.^al.5. 14. phet. It is vain to ferve God^ and what profit is it that we have k§pt his ordman- ces^ and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hoajis The Second Sermon* 41 diffatisfied, laying with Job^ It profiteth job 34. 9. a man nothings that he JI)ould delight him- felfwtth God, What advantage will it he 55- 3- unto me^ and what profit Jl)alf I have^ if I he cleanfed from my Cm / or^ with D^- vid^ Verily I have cleanfed my heart in ^J"'^'^^' *^' vain^ and wajjjed my hands in innocency : For all the day long I have been plagued^ and chafined every morning. To thefe confiderations, diiadvantagi- ous in this refpeft to Piety, may be ad- ded, that the conftant and certain pro- fits emergent from it ( although incom- parably more fabftantial , and to the mind more ftnfible then any other ) are not yet fb grofi and palpable, that men, who from being immerfed in earth and flefli are blind in errour, dull of appre- henfion, vain and inconfiderate in their judgments, tainted and vitiated in their palates, can difcern their worth, or re- Jifh their (weetnefi. Hence it is, that (b many follow the judgment and praftice of thofe in Joh^ who fty unto God, De- Job 21, 14, part from us^ for we dejire not the l^noW" '5' ledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty^ that wef/jonld ferve him^ and what profit flwuld we have if we pray unto him .g under thej/jadow of God's rpwgs 3 5^- 7-^ ^ ^^* ^^^ upholding him with his hand , orde- & 91. 4.' ^^^'g kis fieps^ fo that none of them flm^ Pfal.57. 24 Jlide 5 holding his fotd in life^ and fuffe- f(3i\!ti "^ ^^^^ ^^^ his feet to be moved 3 he being, 31. & 119' by the grace and mercy of God , fecu- Pfa!' 66 9. ^^^ ^^^"^ ^^^ aflaults and impreffions of all enemies , from fin and guilt , from the Devil , world and fle(h , from death and hell , v/hich are our moft formida- ble, and in efFed onely dangerous ene- rtiies. Pf4l.119.45. As for Liberty , the Pious man moft entirely and truly doth enjoy that : he alone is free from captivity to that cruel Tyrant, Satan^ from the miftrable fla- very to Sin, from the grievous dominion of luft and paffion. He can doe what he plealeth, having a mind to doe onely what is good and fit. The Law he ob- |am. s.2§. ftrveth is worthily called the perfeS lavo 9 f liberty 5 the Lord he lerveth preten- ' detb 7he Second Sermoru 57 deth onely to command free- men and friends : Te are my frier? ds^ faid he, if you ]oh. i$. 14. doe whatever I command yon 5 and, If the {^^V %^] Son Jet yon free^ then are you free indeed, ix. 'i^y %- And for Eafe, 'tis he onely that know- \^^^^ , eth it 5 having his mind exempted from ^q. a"xe!r^ the d^ftraftion of care, from dilbrder of {^^'f- ciuyf. paffion , from anguifh of Confcience , ^ ^^^^^ '' from the drudgeries and troubles of the world, from the vexations and difquiets which fin produceth. He findeth it pade good to him, whjch our Lord in- viting him did promife, Come unto me^ ally^^^^- n.a^« ye that labour and are heavy laden ^ and [ mil give you refi : he fecleth the truth of thoie Divine alfertions , Thou ivilt l^ep ifai. 25. ?• him in perfect peace^ rvhofe mind is flayed on thee 3 and, Great peace have they which Pr. 119.155. love thy haw , and nothing fluU offend them. As for Knowledge, the Pious man a- lone doth attain it confiderably, fo as to become truly wife, and learned to pur^- pofe. Jivil men ( faith the Wife ?nan prov. 28. 5, himfelf, who knew well,) Jinderfiundl- ^ot judgment : hut they that feel{^the Lord underjland all things. It is the Pious man that employeth his mind upon the moft proper and worthy objefts , that knoweth things which certainly beftde- feryq 5 8 The Second Sermon. ftrve to be known , that hath his Soul enriched with the choiceft notions : he skilleth to aim at the beft ends , and to compafs them by the fitteft means , he can affign to each thing its due worth and value 5 he can profecute things by the beft methods, and order his affairs in the beft manner ; (b that he is fure not to be defeated or difappointed in his endeavours, nor to mifs-fpend his care and pains, without anfwerable fruit. He hath the beft Mafter to inftruft him in his ftudies , and the beft rules to di- reft him in his proceedings : he cannot be miftaken, feeing in his judgment and choice of things he confpireth with in- Trifmcg. fallible Wifedom. Therefore 6 Ajfn^o^v aKpoDi; pXoTDp^^ the pw/^ man is the ex- Job 28. 28. quijite fhilofopher. The fear of the Lord that is wifedom^ and to depart from evil Prov.p.io. jg underftanding. The fear of the Lord pf.11/. 10. ( 3s is faid again and again in Scripture) Pf. 1 19. 34, ^ the head ( or top) of wifedom. A good 99^104,130. underflanding have all they that /{eep his commandments. Farther, the Pious man is enabled and difpofed (hath the power and the heart) moft to benefit and oblige others. He doeth it by his (uccour and affiftence, by his inftruftionand advice, which he is ever { The Second Sermon. 59 ever ready to yield to any man upon fit occafion;he doethit by the direftion and encouragement of his good Example: he doeth it by his conftant and earneft Prayers for all men : he doeth it by drawing down Bleffings from Heaven on the place where he refideth. He is upon all accounts the moft true , the moft common benefaftour to mankind 5 all his neighbours , his Country , the World are in fome way or other obli« ged to him : at leaft, he doeth all the good he can, and in wifh doth benefit all men. Thus all the fruits and conlequences of Profit, the which engage men fo ea- gerly to purfiie it, do in the beft kind and higheft degree relult from Piety , and, indeed, onely from it. All the Phi- lofbphical Bravado's concerning a Wife man being onely rich, onely honoura- ble, onely happy, onely above fortune, are verified in the Pious man : to him alone, as ftch, v/ith a liire foundation, without vanity, with evident reafbn thofe Aphorifins may be applied. They are Paradoxes and fictions abftrading from Religion, or confidering men one- ly under the light and power of nature: but (uppofing our Religion true, a good Chri- 6o The Second Sermon. Ghriftian foberly, without arrogance, in proportion and according to themea- fiire of his Piety, may aflume them to him(Hf, as the H. Apoftles did ^ Ipoffefs all things^ I can doe all things^ he may in a fort (ay after S. PauL As for all other Profits', fecluding it , Sen. tp. $9. tbey are but imaginary and counterfeit , meer fhadows and illufions , yielding onely painted (hows in ftead of (ubftan- tial fruit. If from bare worldly wealth f that which ufiirpeth the name of Profit here J a man fteketh Honour , he is deluded , for he is not thereby truly honourable 5 he is but a (hining Earth-worm, a well- trapped Afi, a gaudy Statue, a theatrical Grandee : with God, who judgeth moft rightly, he is mean and defpicable, no intelligent perfon can inwardly refpeft him. Even here (in this World of falla- cy and dotage) the wifeft and fobereft men, whofe judgment ufiially dothfway that of others, cannot but contemn him, as Mafter of no real good, nor fit for any good purpofe 5 as feeing that in the end he will prove moft beggarly and wretched. If a man aiiefteth Power thence, he is grievoufly miftaken 3 for, in ftead there- The Second Sermon. 6 1 thereof, he provcth exceedingly feeble and impotent, able to perform nothing worthy a man, (ubjeft to fond humours and paflions, fervant to divers lufts and pleafiires , captivated by the Devil at hk pleafure^ overborn by temptation, hur- ried by the ftream of the World, and li- able to the ftroaks of fortune. If he propoundeth to himfelf thence the enjoyment of Pleafure, he will alio much fail therein : for in lieu thereof he (hall find care and trouble , (urfei* ring and di(ea(e, wearifbme fatiety and bitter regret 5 being void of all true delight in his mind,and (atisfadion in his Confcience^ nothing here being able to furnifh folid and ftable pleafure. If he fanfieth Safety, he deludeth himfelf; for how can he be fafe, who is deflitute of God's proteftion and fuc- cour 5 who is the objeft of Divine wrath and vengeance 5 who isafTailed by many fierce and powerfuU enemies 3 whom the roaring Lion is ready to devour 5 whom Death and fndden defirnSion are }'^^^^' 5-3' coming to feile upon ^ whom Guilt threatneth, and Hell gapeth for 5 who without any guard or fence flandeth ex- pofed to (uch imminent, (uch horrid and ghaftly dangers? If 62 The Second Sermon. If he thirft for Liberty, he will be fruftrated : fdr he can be no otherwife then a (lave, while he continueth impi- Auguft. ous ^ fir V us tot do minor Hm^ qnot viliormn^ a Jlave to fo mdfjy mafiers as he keepeth Prov. 25.28. vices 5 a flave to himlelf, and his own Iufts3 carrying about with him the fet- ters of unfetiable defire, being hampered^ with inconfiftent and irregular afFefti- ons. Eafe he cannot obtain, being oppreP fed with unwieldy burthens of fin, of care, of trouble ^ being tolled with reft- lefs agitations of luft and paffion ^ being- Ift. 57. 20. lik^ the troubled fea^ which cannot refl'^ tphofe waters caji up mire and dirt. Ifhe meanethtoget Wiledom, he is- out i for Wifedom and Impiety are in- compatible things. All his knowledge is vain, all his fpeculations are no better then dreams, feeing he erreth in the main point, and is not wife tofalvation. He is, in fine, extremely miftaken,and in all his projefts will be lamentably difippointed, whoever fanfieth any true profit without Piety : he never can at=. tain to be fo much as wealthy 5 but drudge and plod what he can, mufi: be a beggar, and a forlorn wretch. For how can he be any wife rich^ who doth want all The Second Sermon. 63 all the beft things , the onely valuable things in the world, which any man may have, which any good man doth poffefi ? How can he be rich, who is deftitute of the moft needful! accommodations of life 5 who conftantly feedeth on the courfeft and moft fordid fare, (the duft of pelf^ the dung of (enfuality 3) who hath no faithful! or conftant friends, ( nothing earthly can be (uch 3 ) who is mafter of nothing but dirt, or chafFe, or iGnoak? Whereas alfo Riches do confift, not in what one enjoyeth at prefent, ( for that can be little ) but in a prefii- med ability to enjoy afterward what he may come to need or defire 5 or in well- grounded hopes that he (hall never fall into want or diftrefi. How can that man be rich , who hath not any confidence in God, any intereft in him, any reafon to expeft his Blefling ? yea, who hath much ground to fear the difpleafiire of him, in whole hand all things are, and who arbitrarily difpofeth of all ? Piety therefore is the onely profitable thing , according to juft efteem. She is more p^ov. g, 15. frecious then rubies^ and all the things we can desire are not to he compared to her. Upon this accompt it is moft true, what the Pfalmifi affirmeth , A little that the Pfal. 57. i^- righ- 6 4 The Second Sermon. righteous bath^ is better then great richei of the ttfigodly, IV; That Commendation is not to be omitted which is ncareft at hand , and fuggejfted by S. Paid himfelf to back this aftertion concerning the univerfal profi- tablenefs of Piety , For (faith he) it hath the frornife of the life that now is^ and of that which is to comn : that is, God hath promifed to reward it with Bleffings ap- pertaining to this mortal life, and with thofe which concern the future eternal ftate. As for the Bleffings of this life, al- though God hath not promifed to load tlie godly man with affluence of worldly things, not to put him into a (plendid and pompous garb , not to difpenfe to him that which may ferve for pampe- ring the fiefh, or gratifying wanton fan- cy, not to exempt him from all the in- conveniencies to which humane nature and this worldly ftate are fiibjeft 3 yet hath he promiied to furnifti him with what-ever is needfuU or convenient for him, in due mcafiire and (eafbn, the which be doth beft underftand. There is na good thing which a man naturally defi- rethj or reafonably can wifti for, whioh- is The Second Sermon. € 5 h not in exprefi terms propofed as a re- ward, or a refult of Piety. In general, it is declared, that J5/e/^ Pfo^'- 'o-^* fi^fgs are lipo?/ the head ofthejuji 5 that , "^' ^q* ^\ iVi? good thh/g God will uphold from them Pfal. 84. u, that vpalk^ uprightly 5 that, what-ever o- therwife doth fall out, it ajfurcdly J})all he tcclcs 8.12; n>ellivith them that fear Qod'^ that, Blef ^^l\\^]\\^^ fed is every 077 e that feareth the Lord^ (Prov.8.3§.j that italketh in his re ays : — happy flult thou ie, a?7d it fjall he \vell with thee ^ ihsX^here JJjdIi 770 evil happen to the jujl 5 Trov. 12. it. that, All things worh^ together for good to Kom. 8. 28, the77i that love God. Particularly, there are promifed to the Pious man, A Supply of all Wants. The Lord will viow 10. t* not fuffer the foul of the righteous to fa- ?77iJJj, The righteous eateth to the fttisfy- Prov. 13.2^. ing of his foul. There is no wa77t to the 7;^ P^- ?4- 9»'o* that fear God, The young Lions do lack , 27^ V '19'. and fuffer hunger 5 hut they that feek^ the Lord f jail 77 ot wa77t a?jy good thing. A Proteftion in all Dangers. The eye rfaf. 39. i?* of the Lord is upon the7H that fear him ^ ^J'*' ^j^" ^ upo77 them that hope in his mercy 5 to de^ 28. liver their foul from death , and to keep them alive in fa77iine. There fl)aU 770 evil Pr.91 . 10, 1 li befall thee^ neither flhill a77y plague come nigh thy dwelling: He Jljall give his An^ F geh 66 The Second Sermon. gels charge over thee to k^ep thee in all thy ways. Guidance in all his Undertakings and Pf.57.2 j,&c. proceedings. Thefieps of a good man art ordered by the Lord — none of hk Jieps Pfov. g. 6, JliaUflide, — In all thy ways acknowledge f TiJ! 3!) *^'^' ^^^ ^^ A^ ^'^^^ thy path. Succels and profperity in his Defigns. Pfal. 57« S« Commit thy way unto the Lord^ trufl alfo in him^ and he jIuU bring it to pafs^ Pfal. I. 3. Whatjbever he doeth^ it JldaU pro/per. Job 22. 28. Thou /halt decree a things and itjhall he ejlablijhed '^ and the light Jh all Jhine Deut. 28. 8, upon thy ways. The Lord Jhall command '2« a blejjing upon thee in thy jiore-houjes^and in all that thou fetteji thine hand unto. Prov.23. i2,Thine expeBation Jloall not be cut off, Comfortable enjoying the fruits of f fill. 128. 2. his induftry. Thouflult eat the labour of thine hands, Satisfaftion of all reafonable Defires, Prov. 10.24. The dejire of the righteous Jljall be granted. Pfal. 57. 4. Delight thy felf in the Lord^ and he Jhall Pfal. 1 45. 1 9. give thee the dejlres of thine heart. He will fulfill the deflre of them that fear him^ he will hear their cry^ and willfave them, Ifa. 312. 17. Firm Peace and quiet. The worl^ of righteoufnefs Jhall be peace 5 and the eJfeS of righteonjhefs , quietnefs and ajfurance Pf. 119. 165.^^ ever. Great peace have they which lov^ The Second Sermon . 6y love thji Law. The fruit of rightedufnefs Jim.^, 18. is forced in peace, Joy and alacrity. Light is fown for prai.97. u. the righteous ^ and gladnefs for the upright in heart. In the tranfgrcjfion of an evil Prov. ap. 6, man there k a fnare : hut the righteous doth (ing and rejoice. Support and comfort in affliftions. He healeth the broken in hearty and bin- P^^I* t47»5« deth up their wounds. Be of good courage^ P'*'* ?'• *4' and hejhall firengthen your hearty all ye ^^* that hope in the Lord. Deliverance from trouble. Many are PfAl.34' ^9* the affliSions of the righteous , but the Lord deliver eth him out of all. He kee- i^^aL^?. 3^. feth all his bones^ not one of them is bro* ^n. Prefervation and recovery from nAC- haps, or mifcarriages. Though he fall , Pfa!. 57. ^4^ he Jliall not be utterly cafi dovpn : for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Preferment of all forts, to honour and dignity, to wealth and profperity* Wait upon the Lord^ and keep his wayz^ pfai. 37. 34; and he Jhall exalt thee to inherit the land. By humility and fear of the Lord are Piov. 32. 4. riches and honour. Blejfed is the man that Ffal,ii2.i,5. feareth the Lord — wealth and riches are in his houfe. The upright flrall have good Pf°^* 2^- lo* things in pojfejfion. Ifihsy obey andferve ]ib ^t I'i. F 2 him^ 6 S The Second Sermon. him^ they Jhall Jpend their days in profpc" Frov. 1 4. 1 1, yj^y^ ^^^ their years in pkajhre. The ta- hernacle of the righteous fiill flonrijl), Prov. 10.27. Long life. The fear of the Lord pro- 9'*^* I on get h days. By me thy days Jl) a II be nml-- tiplied^ and the years of thy life Jljall be Prov. 3. i;2, encreafed. Let thine heart keep my com- mandments : For length of days ^ and long life 5 and peace Jl)all they adde unto thee, A Good name enduring after death. Prov. 10. 7, The memory ofthejufi k bleffed. pfai. %']. 26, Bleflings entailed on pofterity. His 112. 2. fsed fldaU he mighty itpon earth 5 the ge- Prov. 12. 5. The root of the righteous fluUnot be mo- ved. Thus rs a liberal difpenfation even of temporal goods annexed by God's infal- lible Word unto the practice of Piety. It is rndeed more frequently, abundant- ly and explicitly promifed unto God*s ancient People, as being a conditional ingredient of the Covenant made with Prov. J1.31. them, exhibited in that as a rccompence &^"!' 12'. & ^^ ^'^^^^ external performance of Religi- 11/I3. ous works prescribed in their Law. The Gofpel doth not fo clearly propound it, or fo much inlift upon it , as not princi- pally The Second Sermon. ^9 pally belonging to the Evangelical Co- venaHt , the which , in reward to the performance of its conditions by us, pe- culiarly doth offer Bleffings Spiritual, and relating to the future ftate , as alfo 2 cor.4. 17. fcarce deferving to be mentioned in ^^m. 8. 18. comparilbn to thole fiiperiour Bleffings. Yet as the celeftial Benefits, although not openly tendered in th^Jcivi/fj Law, were yet myftically couched therein , and clofely defigncd for the Ipiritual and hearty Praftifers of Religion 3 fo is the collation of temporal accommoda- tions to be undeiftood to belong to all pious Chriftians : there is a Codicill (as It were) annexed to the New Tefta- ment , in the which God fignifieth his intention to furnifh his Children with all that is needfuU or convenient for them. His Providence hath not ceaftd to watch over us, his Bounty doth not fail toward us even in this refped 5 his Care will not be wanting to feed us and cloath us comfortably, to proteft us from evil, to profper our good underta- kings. Hence doth he command us to care for nothing, but to cafi our care ;//?- , p^t, ^^ ^. on him^ to recommend our bnfinefs to him^ I'l^'i- 4- <^- becMife he caret h for us^ he will never for- Matf/^'j?*. fal^. us 5 he will hear our Prayers, and F 3 help I 70 The Second Sermon. I Tim.d. 17. help us. Hence we are enjoyned not /^ tntjl in uncertain riches^ hut in the living God^ whogiveth ys richly all things to en^ a Pet. 1. 5. j^y^ Hence it is faid , that The divine povper hath given hs all things pertaining unto life and godlinefs^ through the knovp- ledge of him that hath called us to glory dnd vertiie. Hence it is promifed by our Mat:. 5. 53. Lord, that Ifvpe feel^firft the Kingdom of God^ all things fljall he added to nu Hence it is inferred as confequential to the nature of the Evangelical di(penlati- on 5 that we cannot want any good ^cm.8. 52. thing 5 He ( faith S. PW,) that /pared not his own Son^ but delivered him up for us aU^ horo flhtU he not with him alfo free^ ly give us all things ^ In fine, hence it is propofed as notorious , that nothing is permitted to fall out other wi(e then as Rom. 8. 28. conduceth to our good. We k^jorp (faith S. Paul) that all things work^ together for I QouioA^, good unto thofe that love God : Nor wiB Gody in any cafe, Jrffir us to be tempted^ by any v/ant or prellure, beyond what we are able to bear. Thus is Piety evidently profitable, as having the promi/es of this life^ or exhibiting all temporal bleffings defirable to the praftifers thereof But infinitely more profitable it is as havp/g the promifes of the future life^ or as The Second Sermon. 7 1 as procuring a title to thofe incompara- bly more excellent Bleffings of the o- ther wdrld, thofe wdefe&wle treajiires'^ Luk. 12.55. that incorruptible^ ufj defiled^ and never^ i Pet. 1. 4. fading inheritance^ referved in heaven for Hs 5 that exceeding weight of glory ^ tho(e 2 Cor. 4. 17. ineffable joys ofParadife^ that light (bme x Pet. i. 8. Countenance and beatifying Prefence ^**** of God 5 that unconceivably and unex- prefl'ably joyfull, glorious, perfeft and endlefi Bli(s ^ briefly, all that is compri- ftd and intimated in thofe words of the Apoftle, Ey hath not feen^ nor ear heard^^^^^* *• 9* neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Infinitely profitable fiirely muft that be which procureth thofe things for us : and in thefe re- (pefts great reafon had S. Paul to lay, that Godlinefs is profitable for all things. But farther to evidence and recom- mend this point, I might propound cer- tain peculiar Advantages arifing fi'om Piety, which have a very general influ- ence upon our lives , and do afford un- to them exceeding benefit : but this I muft, in regard to the time and your patience, at prefent forbear. F 4 The C70 The Third Sermon. I TIM. 4-8. -: — But Godlinefs is profitable for all th7^(rs, IN difcourfing formerly upon thefe words, I did propound divers gene- ral Confiderations, (erving to con- firm and recommend this Aflertion oF S. Paul. I {hall now irififl: upon (bme o- thers more particular', which yet feem much conducible to the fame purpofe, declaring the vaft Utility of Fveligioq or Piety. I. We may confider , that Religion doth prefcribe the trueft and bell: Riiles of aftion^ thence enhghtning our mind, and rectifying our praftice in all mat- ters, and upon all occafions , fb that what-ever is performed according to it , is done well and wifely, with a comely grace in regard to others, with a chear-^ full The Third Sermon. 73 full (atisfaftion in our own mind , with the beft affurance , that things are here capable of, to find happy fiiccefs and be- neficial fiuit. * Of all things in the world there is nothing more generaHy profitable then Light : by it we converfe with the world , and have all things fet before us ^ by it we truly and eafily dilcern things in their right magnitude, Ihapc, and colour 5 by it we guide our fteps lafely in prodcution of what is good , and (tunning what is noxious, by it our (pirits are comfortably warmed and cheared , our life confequently , our health, our vigour and aftiyity are pre- served. The like benefits doth Religi- on , which is the Light of our Soul , yield to it. Pious men are children ofivk. 16. 8. the light':, Pious works are works of^P^ji^^^j^-^' light y^/;//;/^ before 7nef7. God's word ]oK\2. ^6, (or true Religion) if a lamp tinto onr^^^J-'^' ^^^ feet^ and a light unto our path ^ enabling pf 110,10$, us to perceive things, and judge rightly of them 5 teaching us to walk Itraightly and fiirely, without erring or ftumbling^ qualifying us to embrace what is ufe- full, and to avoid hurtfuU things ^ pre- ferving our fpiritual life , and difpofing ps to aft well with a vigorous alacrity : with' 74 ^ * ^ T'A^ r/^/r^ Sermon. without it a man is ftark blind, and ut- if. 59. 10. terly benighted, gropeth in doubt, wan- Job 5. 14. dreth in miftake, trippeth upon all occa- Dcut. 28.29. (ions , and often falleth into mifchiefl Prov. 4. 18, The path ofthejuji (faith the Wife man) iP' is as the Jhining If^ht — The way of the vpkked is as dar^efs , theji kt^ovp not at Prov. 13. 6. xvhat they fiumble. Righteoufnefs k§e- ^ *** ^* ^' peth him that is upright in the way^ hut vpickednefs overthroweth thejinner. Again, it is a fair ornament of a man, and a grand convenience both to him- ielf,and to others with whom he conver- feth or dealeth , to aft regularly , uni* fbrmly, andconfiftently, freeing a man's ielf from diftraftion and irrefolution in his mind., from change and confufion in his proceedings ^ (ecuring others from delufion and difappointment in their * Vik eunti traufeftions with him. "^ Even a bad aiiquid «t- j.^jg conftantly obferved is therefore tremum eft j . . -> . 1 /- error immtn- better then noHc : order and perieve- fits eft. Sen. ranee in any way (eemeth more conve- ^' ^ ' nient, then roving and toffing about in uncertainties. But, ftcluding a regard to the Precepts of Religion , there can hardly be any fiire or fettled rule, which firmly can engage a man to, or efFeftu- ally reftrain a man from any thing. There is (carce in nature any thing (b wild. The Third Sermon. 75 wild, fo intraftable, (b unintelligible, as a man who hath no bridle of Conlci- ence to mide or check him. A profane man is like a Ship, without Anchor to ftay him , or Rudder to fteer him , or Compals to guide him ^ fo that he is toft with any wind, and driven with a- ny wave none knoweth whither ^ whi- ther bodily temper doth fway him , or paffion doth hurry him, or intereft doth pull him , or example leadeth him , or company inveigleth and haleth him, or humour tranlporteth him 5 whither any fuch variable and unaccountable caiifes determine him , or divers of them toge- ther diftraft him ; whence he fo ram- bleth and hovereth, that he can fcldom himfelf tell what in any cafe he (hould doe , nor can another guels it 3 fo that you cannot at any time know where to find him , or how to deal with him 5 you cannot with reafon ever rely up- on him, fo n^Jiahle he is in all his rvays. He is in efFeft a meet Child, all humour and giddinefi, fomewhat worfe then a Beaft, which, following the inftinft of its nature, is conftant and regular, and thence tradable 3 or at leaft fo untradable , that no man will be deceived in meddling with him. Nothing 7 6 The Third Sermon. Kihil eft tm Nothing therefore can be more unman- 9ccupatum , ly then (uch a perfon , nothing can be tarn muhijoY^ ^^^^ unplcafint then to have to doe tne f tot ac • i i • ^ tarn vartk With him. age^ibw coticifum atque laceratum, quam mala mens. Quint. 12. i. But a Pious man , being fteddily go- otzmEiKHf verned by Confcience, and a regard to n^^^y^d>ll^^^^^^^ Principles, doth both under- x5/f, hn ^ ftand himfclf, and is inteUigible to o- r^ 'y^% thers; he prefently defcrieth what in a- •m/KTzyy fuva ny caic he IS to doc, and can render an 3^7* /?«^H- account of his afting : you may knov/ ^lllp^, ^ h™ clearly, and afluredly tell what he ^tmp cvei- will doe, and may therefore fully c<5n- ^^•— fide in him. ^. 6, ' ' What therefore Law and Government are to the publick, things neceffary to preftrve the world in order , peace and fafety, ( that men may know what to doe, and difVinguifli what is their own,) that is Piety to each man's private ftate, and to ordinary convcrfation : it freeth a man*s own life from diforder and di(^ traftion 3 it proqipteth men how to be- have themfelve? toward one another with fecurity .and confidence. This it doth by confining our prac- tice within fettled bounds : but thi« ad- vantage appeareth greater , confidering that The Third Sermon. 77 that the Rules which it prefoibcth are the beft that can be. Such they muft needs be, as proceeding ftom infalHble Wifedom and immenie Goodnefs 5 being indeed no other then Laws which the All- wife and moft gracious Lord and Ma- ker of the world, out of tender kindnels to his fubjefts and creatures, with e({ie- cial regard to our welfare , hath been pleafed to enad and declare. What of old he laid to the Ifraelitcs^ concerning their Laws, may with greater advantage be applied to thofe which fhould regu- late our livesvv And now^ Ifrael^ what DeuMo. 12, doth the Lord thy God require of thee , '5* hut to fear the Lord thy God^to ivalk^in all his ways^ atid to love hifn , and to ferve the Lord thy God with all thy hearty and all thy foul 5 To keep the Co mm and mentis of the Lord , and his Statutes , which I command thee this day for thy good^ C For thy good, that was the defign of their being commanded, thereto the ob- fervance of them did tend. ) And that commendation which by the Levites in Nehemiah is given to that , doth more clearly and fully agree to the Chriftian (general and perfeft) inftitution : Thou Nch. 9. ij, cameji down from mount Sinai ^ and f pa* keji with them from heaven j and gaveji them 78 The Third Sermon. them right judgments , and trite tan^f , good fiatutes and commandments. And , Rom. 7. 12. The Law (faith the Apoftle Paid) is ho- ly^ the commandment is holy^ jiift^ and good : as (uch it is recommended to us by its Authour, fo we Chriftians are by many great Arguments aflured that it is, and that it is (uch even our natural rea- fon diftateth 5 fb (as to the chief inftan- ces thereof) the moft wife and (bber men always have acknowledged , fo the ge- neral confent doth avow, and fo even common experience doth atteft. For, heartily to love and reverence the Ma- ker of all things, who by every thing apparent before us demonftrateth him- felf incomprehenfibly powerfull, wife, and good , to be kind and charitable te our neighbours, to be )uft and faithfull in our dealings, to be (bber and mode{t in our minds, to be meek and gentle in our demeanours, to be (launch and tem- perate in our enjoyments, and the like principal rules of duty, are (uch, that the common reafon of men and conti- nual experience do approve them , as hugely conducible to the publick good of men, and to each man's private wel- fare. So notoriouOy beneficial they ap- pear, that for the ju(tification of them we The Third Sermon. 79 we might appeal even to the judgment and confcience of thofe perfons who are moft concerned to derogate from them. For hardly can any man be (b fenfekft or fo lewd , as ferioufly to di(approve or condemn them, as inwardly to blame or flight thole who truly aft according to them. The Will of men (bmetimes may be fo depraved, that diflblute perlbns wantonly and heedlefily may (cofFat, and leem to dilparage goodnefs 3 that good men by very bad men for doing well may be envied and hated : (their being fo treated is commonly an argument of the goodnefi of their perfons and of their ways : ) but the Underftanding of men can hardly be fo corrupted, that Piety, Charity, J uftice, Temperance, Meeknefi can in good earneftconfiderately by any man be difallowedj or that perfons appa- rently pradifing them can be deipifed 5 but rather, in (pite of all contrary preju- dices and dilaffeftions, fiich things and fuch perfons cannot but in judgment and heart be efteemed by all men. The luftre of them by a natural and ncceffary effica- cy ( like that of Heaven's glorious light ) dazzleth the fight, and charmeth the (pi- nts of all men livings the beauty of them irrefiftibly conquereth and commandeth in 8o Iht Third Sermon. in the apprehenlions of men : tlie mofi'e they are obferved, the more ufefull and needfull they appear for the good of men 3 all the fruits which grow from the obfervance of them being to dll mens tafte very pleafant, to all mens ex- perience very wholefome. Indeed , all the good whereby common life is ador- ned, is fweetned, is rendrcd pleafant and defirable , doth (pring thence ^ all the mifchiefs which infeft particular men , and which difturb the world , palpably do arift from the tranfgreffion or neglefl! thereof If we look on a perfbn (ticking to fhofe Rules, we iliall perceive him to have a chearfull mind and compofed paf fions, to be at peace within and (atisfied with himfelf^ to live in comely order , in good repute, in fair correfpondencc and firm concord with his neighbours. If we mark what prelerveth the bodji' found and lufty , what kecpeth the mind vigorous and brisk , what faveth ' and improveth the eftate , what up- holdeth the good name, what guardeth and graceth a man's whole life 5 it is no- thing el(e but proceeding in our demea- nour and dealings according to the ho*- neft and wift Rules of Piety. If we view 7he 7 bird Sermon. 8l view a place where thefe commonly in good meaftre are obferved, we (hall diP- cern, that Peace and Profperity do flou- fifh there 5 that all things proceed on fweetly and fairly 5 that men generally drive on convcrfation and commerce to- gether contentedly, delightfully, advan-^ tageoudy, yielding friendly advice and aid mutually, .ftriving to render one a- nother happy 5 that few clamours or complaints are heard there, few con- tentions or ftirrs do appear, few di(a- fters or tragedies do occurre 5 that fuch a place hath indeed much of the face ^ much of the fubftance of Paradi(e. But if you mind a perlbn who ncglec-^ teth them, you will find his mind galled with fore rernorfe , racked with anxi- ous fears and doubts , agitated with ftorms of pailion and luft, living in diP order and difgrace , jarring with others, and no left diffatisficd with himfelf If you obferve what doth impair the health, doth weaken and fret the mind, doth wafte the eftate, doth blemilli the reputation, doth expofe the whole life to danger and trouble 5 what is it but thwarting thefe good Rules ? If you con- fider a place where the(e are much neg- leded j it will appear like a wildernefs G of 82 The Third Sermon. of lavage Bcafts, or a fty of foul Swine, or a hell of curfed Fiends , full of roa- ring and tearing, of faftionsand fewds, of diftraftions and confufions, of pitifull objefts, of dolefuU moans, of tragical events. Men are there wallowing in filth , wildly revelling , bickering and iquabbling, defaming, circumventing, difturbing and vexing or^e another 5 as if they aifefted nothing more then to render one another as miferable as they can. It is from luft and luxury, from am- bition and avarice, from envy and fpite, and the like difpofitions, which Religi- on chiefly doth interdidl , that all (uch horrid raifchiefs do fpring. In fine, the Precepts of Religion are no other, then fuch as Phyficians would prelcribe for the health of our Bodies , as Politicians would avow needfull for the peace of the State, as Epatrean Phi- lofophers do recommend for the tran- quillity of our Mind, and pleafiire of our lives 5 fiich as common reafon diftateth, and daily trial fheweth conducible to our welfare in all reipeds ; which con- (equently , were there no law exading them of us, we (liould in wifedom chafe to oblerve , and voluntarily impofe on our fclvesjconfeffing them to be fit mat- ters^ The Third Sermon. S3 ters of law 5 as moft advantageous and requifite to the good ( general and par- ticular ) of mankind. So that what Plutarch reporteth Solon to have (aid , Plut. in Sd, that he hadfo fqttared hk Laws to the Cz- tizens^ that uU of them might clearly per-- ceive^ that to obferve them was more for their benefit and interefi , then to violate them^ is far more true concerning the Divine Laws. II. We may confider more particular- ly 5 that Piety yieldeth to the praftifer all kind of interiour Content, Peace, and Joy 5 freeth him from all kinds of dilTatisfaftion ^ regret , and difquiet 5 which is an ineftimably great advantage: for certainly the Happinefs and Mifcry of men are wholly or chiefly ftatedand founded in the Mind. If that is in a good ftate of health, reft and chearful- ne(s , what-ever the per(bn*s outward condition or circumftances be, he can- not be wretched ; if that be diftempe- fed or difturbed, he cannot be happy. For what if a man feem very poor 5 if he be abundantly fatisfied in his own poffeiiions and enjoyments ? What if he tafteth not the plealures of fenfe 5 if he €njoyeth purer and fweeter delights of G 2 mind? ^4 7he Third Sermon. mind > What if tempefts of fortune fur- round him 5 if his mind be calm and ferene ? What if he have few or no friends 5 if he yet be throughly in peace and amity with himfclf , and can de- lightfully converle with his own thoughts ? What if men flight, cenlure;, or revile him 5 if he doth value his own ftate , doth approve his own aftions , doth acquit himfelf of blame in his own conscience ? Such external contin- gencies can fiirely no more prejudice a man's real Happinefi, then winds blufte- ring abroad can harm or trouble him that abideth in a good room within doors, then ftorms and fluctuations at fea can molefl: him who fl:andeth firm upon the fliore. On the other hand, the ^reatefl: affluence of leeming goods will avail nothing, if real content of mind be wanting. For what will the highefl eminence of outward ftate import to him that is dejected in his own conceit? What if the world court and blefs him, or if all people do admire and applaud Prov. i8.-; 4» him 3 if he be difpleafed with, if he con- .demneth, if he defpifeth himfelf? What if the weather look fair and bright without, if ftorms rage in his breaft, if black clouds do overcaft his Soul? Wliat The Third Sermon. 85 What if he do abound with friends, and enjoy peace abroad ; if he find diftrac- ^hryfofi. in tion at home , and is at cruel variance EC^v(x'i>t, ^ with himftlf ? How can a man enjoy f^^ >«s«f ^x, any (atisfaftion , or rehlh any pl^ a(ure , ^^J^"^^'>*3 while (ore remorfe doth fting him , or ^ j/ifj- fohcitous doubts and fears do rack ^"^r i ^' nim? x(^, u \o^i Now that from the praftice of Reli- gion 5 and from it alone , luch inward content and pleafure do fpring 5 that it onely miniftreth realbn of content, and difpofeth the mind to enjoy it 3 that it extirpateth the grounds and roots of difcontent 5 that it is the onely mother of true, fober alacrity and tranquillity of mind, v/ill, upon confidering things, be manifeft. There is no other thing here in this world that can yield any folid or ftable content to our mind. For all present enjoyments are tranfient and evanid 5 Pr07.27.24; and of any future thing, in this king- dom of change and contingencie, there can be no aflurance. There is nothing below large enough to fill our vaft ca- Pro7.27.20, pacitieSj or to (atiate our boundlels de- G 3 fires^ 8j^ 7he Third Sermcn. fires, or to appeafc our (queamifh deli- cacy. There is nothing whole fweetnefi we do not pre(ently exhaufl: and fuck dry 5 whereof thence we do not (bon grow weary, quite loathing, or faintly liking it. There is not any thing which is not flippery and fleeting 5 fb that we can for a long time hope to poffels it , or for any time can enjoy it , without reftlefi care in keeping it , and anxious fear oflofing it. Nothing there is, in the purluance, the cuftody, the defence and maintenance whereof we are not liable to diftppointments and crofles. Nothing confequently there is produc- tive of any found content to the fafti- dious , impatient , greedy and reftlefe heart of man. The greateft confluence, of prefent, corporeal, (ecular things (o£ all the health, the riches, the dignity, the power, the friendfhips and depen- dences, the wit, the learning and wi(e- dom, the reputation and renown in thi& world ) will not afford much of it : which yet is but an imaginary (uppofiti- on 5 for in efFeft hardly do all ftich ac- commodations of life concurre in any ^ccics 10. 1 ftare. There is ever fome dead fly in our box, which marreth our owtment 5 fome adherent inconvenience, which foureth the The Third Sermon. 87 the guft of our enjoyments : there is al- ways fome good thing ab(ent, which we do want or long for 5 fome ill thing pre- sent, or irr profpcd, which we ab- horre, would avoid, do fear may come. If therefore we would find content, we mud not ftek it here ^ we muft want it, or have it from another world : it muft come hither from Heaven, and thence ^ onely Piety can fetch it down. This, in ftead of thcfe unfatisfying, uncertain and unftable things, fupplieth us with goods adequate to ourmoft outftretched wiihes, infallibly fure, inceflantly dura- ble 5 an indcfcitible treafnre , art incor- Sutnuj^v rnptibk inheritafice^ an unjijakahle King- *^'t'^«^o^ do/ffc^ a perfed and endleis joy, capable T^TJp%J^ to replenifh the vafteft heart : which he /^f-^Af.'^ d- that hath a good title to, or a confident '^'^^^^<'*'' hope of, how can he be otherwi(e then extremely pleafed , then fully content ? It affureth the favour and friend (hip of God, of him that is abfolute Lord and difpofer of all things : the which he that hath , and confideth in , what can he want or wifti more ? what can he fear ? what can annoy or difinay him ? what can hap to him worthy to be deemed evil or fad? What is Poverty to him , for whom God is concerned to provide? G 4 What 8S The Third Sermon. What is Diigrace to him, that hath the • regard and approbation of God ? What !S_ Danger to him, whom God continu- ally protefteth ? What can anyPiftrejS v/ork ou him, whom God doth comfort, and will relieve ? What is any thing to him, who is (enfible that all things are purpofely difpofed to him by that'Wile- dom which perfeftly knovv^eth what is, bed, by that Goodnefs which entirely loveth him ? In fine, he that is confcious tohimlelf of being w^ell-affefted in mind, and afting the beft way , who is fatit fied in the ftate of his Soul, (ecure froni God's difplealure, and hopeful! of his favour, what can make any grievous im- preffion on him ? What other affections then fuch as are moft gratefuU and plea- iant can lodge. in his Soul? Joy and Peace have natural feeds in fuch a mind, and neceflarily muft fpring up there: ( m proportion, I mean, and accor^ ding to the degrees of Piety refident therein*) The Epicurecins did conceit and boafl, that having by their Atheiftical explicar tion^ of natural effefits, and common e- vents here, difcarded the belief and dread of Religion, they had laid a ftrong foun^ dation for tranquillity of mind, liad dri*^ veil The Third Sermon^ 89 \tn away all the caufes of grief and fear, fo that nothing then remained trouble- (ome or terrible unto us 5 and con(e- quently, What, (aid they, could forbid, but that we (liould be entirely conten- ted, glad and happy ? — Nos ex^qnat victoria c(£lo 5 No God then (urely could be more happy then wc. But their at- tempt in many refpeds was vain and lame. They prefumed of a victory which it is impoffible to obtain : and fuppofing they had got it , their triumph would riot have been (b glorious, their fijcceft would not have been (b great, as t^ey pretended. For feeing no Epicurean Difcourft can baffle the potent argu- ments which perfuade Religion 3 (thofe arguments which the yifible conftituti- on of Nature, the current Tradition of all Ages , the general Confent of men, the pregnant atteftations of Hiftory and Experience concerning fupern^tural and miraculous events do afford 3 ) fipce the Being and Providence of God have proofs fb clear and valid, that no fubtle- ty of man can fb far evade them, as not to be (haken with them , as wholly to be freed from doubt and fiifpicion of their truth 5 fince there can be no means of evincing the negative part in thofe quefti- go The Third Sermon. queftions to be true or probable ^ it is impoffible that any confidering man, in this caiife ajsjainft Religion, (hould fup- po(e himftlf to have acquired an ab(b- lute and fecure viftory 3 or that he fhould reap (ubftant'nl fruit of comfort thence. It cannot be , that any man fhould enjoy any perfeft quiet, without afting lb as to get (bme good hope of avoiding thofe dreadfull mi(chiefs,which Religion threatneth to the tran(gre(^ fours of its Precepts. Were there indeed but reafon enough to ftir, if not to ftag- ger, an Infidel 5 were it fomewhat du- bious whether, yea, were it great odds that there are not referved any punifli- ments for impiety, as indeed there is, if not the perfedeft affurance imaginable, yet vaft advantage on the contrary fide^ were there but any Imall reafon for a Judgment to come, as there are appa- rently very many and great ones 3 had moft men confpired in denying Provi- dence, as ever generally they have con- fented in avowing it 3 were there a pre- tence of miracles for eftablifhing the Mortality and Impunity of Souls, as there have been numberlefs , ftrongly teftified by good witneffes and great e- vents, to confirm the oppofite doftrines^ did The Third Sermon. 9 1 did moft wife and fbber men judge m favour of Irreligion , as commonly they ever did and (till do otherwife : yet wiftdom would require that men (hould chufe to be pious, fince otherwift no man can be throughly fecure. It is a wildnefi, not to dread the lead poP- fibility of incurring fiich horrible mi(^ chiefs : any hazzard of fuch importance cannot but ftartle a man in his wits. To be in the lead obnoxious to eternal Torments, if men would think upon it as men, ( that is, as rational and pro- vident creatures,) could not but diP turb them. And indeed fo it is in expe* rience : for what-ever they fay or feem, all Atheifts and profane men are inward- ly fiifpicious and fearfully they care not to dy, and would gladly fcape the trial of what fhall follow death. But let us grant or imagine the Epicurean fuccefs- full as he could wifh in this enterprize of fiibduing Religion ; yet except there- with he can alfo trample down Reafbn, new mould humane nature, fubjugate all natural appetites and paflions, alter the ftate of things here , and transform the world , he will yet in greateft part fail of his conceited advantages 5 very ftiort he will fall of triumphing in a con- tented 92 The Third Sermon. tented and quiet mind. That which accmeth thence will at moft be no more then fome negative content, or a parti- al indolency, arifing from his being re- fcued from (bme particular cares and fears 3 which exceedeth not the tran- quilhty of a bcaft , or the ftupidity of one that is out of his fenfes ; that is all he can claim, which yet is more then he can ever compafs. For he cannot be as a Beaft , or a meer Sot , if he would - Reafon , reflefting on prefent evils ; and boding others future, will afflift Him 5 his own unfitiable defires , una- voidable fears and untameable paffions will difquiet him. Were the other world quite out of his faith or his thought , yet this world would yield trouble fufficient to render him void of any fteddy reft, or fblid joy. All men ever have, and ever will complain, that the burthens , erodes , (atieties of this life , do much (urpafi the conveniences and comforts of it. So that, were no o- ther to be expeded or feared, this of it fiTte ve^Iol] felf would becomc grievous and naufe- fedraufeL ous 5 We fliould foou havc cnough or Tranq'fn.1. ^^^ ^luch of it, without a (upport and ' * fupply from other-where. In the largeft affluence of things, in the decpeft calm of The Third Sermon. 93 of our ftatc, we are apt to naufeate, and are weary even of our profperity it (elf ^ the which indeed commonly hath ingredients not onely fomewhat unfa- voury, but very bitter and loathfome. We may adde , that had thofe profane attempters quite banifhed Religion, they with it muft have driven away all the benefits and comforts of it i which, e- ven liippofing them but imaginary, are yet the greateft which common life doth need, or can defire: with it they would fend packing Juftice, Fidelity, Charity, Sobriety, and all folid Vertue , things which cannot firmly (ubfift without Conscience : which being gone , hu- mane life would be the moft diforderly, moft unfafe, moft wretched and con- temptible thing that can be 5 nothing but infipid and flafhy fenfiialities would be kft behind to comfort a man with 5 and thofe hardly any man ( by reafon of competitions and contentions for them , no-wife reftrainable ) could enjoy quietly, or (afely. It is therefore Piety alone, which, by raifing hopes of blefliings and joys incomparably fuperi- our to any here, that cannot be taken from us , can lay any ground of true content, of (ubftantial and pofitive con- tent^ 94 '^f^^ Third Sermon. tent 3 fuch as confiftcth not onely in removing the objefts and caufts of vexatious paffions , but in employing the moft pleafant affeftions (love, hope, joy, ) with a delightfull complacence upon their proper and moft noble ob- Rom. 14.17. jefts. The ¥ii)igdom of God ( and that onely, no other Kingdom hath that pri- vilege ) confijhth in righteoufnefs ( firft, then in ) peace and fpritual joy. No Philofopher, with truth and reafon, can make that overture to us which our Matt.ii. 28. Lord doth 5 Come itnto me^ all ye that are weary and heavy laden^ and ye JI) all find refi to your fouls. Out of Religion there can be no Aphorifm pretended like to Ifa. 26. 3. that of the Prophet, Thoufhalt keep him in perfeB peace ^ whofe mind is Jiayed on thee. If indeed we diftinftly (urvey all the grounds and fources of Content, it will appear that Religion onely can afford it. Doth it refiilt from a well governing and ordering our Paffions ? Then it is plain, that onely a pious man is capable thereof 3 for Piety onely can efFed that; it alone, with the powerfull aid of Di- vine Grace, doth guide our paffions by exaft rules, doth fet them upon worthy objefts J doth temper and tune them in )uft The Third Sermon. 95 juft harmony, doth feafona- bly curb and check them , ^^^^ ^ns — cum hfi- doth rightly correa and re- S:^^ fe^t^^*?^ form them. This no bare leru compos fumty foikitH- Reafon C which naturally is ^'"': ^^'^^''f* r^^'^^ ^ ,. ^ , , /-It- omnjum exhetiattone tor- lo dimme and 10 teeble in qnetur. Quint. 12,1. man ) can atchieve : much lefi can Unreafonablenefs doe it, which is ever prevalent in irreligious perlbns. Their Paffions do ever run wildly and at randome, in no good pace, within no good compafs, toward the meaneft and bafeft objefts5 whence they can have no reft or quiet in their minds. As they are conftantly offending, (b will they ever be punilhing ..'^f ;t ^^"^ ^^ft themlelves, with inteftine futfdifpUcer Scn. Ep.^2. broils and conflid-s, with /^^ff^^ ^^^ d^^Kjai dillatistactions and regrets. Hence, There is no "peace to the wicked, ita. 48. 22. He is like the troubled fea^ which cannot 57« 20. re/?. God (as S. Anftine Ipeaketh) hath Dm )ujfit,^ faid it ^ and Co it is. Every inordinate f- ^^^^^'^a mind IS a punijhment to ^t Jeff, omnit inordu natui ani- Doth Content (pring from a hearty approbation of, or a complacence in a co^. ^°^* man's own aftions 5 from reflexion that he conftantly doth aft according to rea- fon and wifedom, to juftice and duty > Then can the pious man alone pretend to 9 6 The Third Sermon. to it, who knoweth that he walketh 7;/* offertfiyely toward God and manz^ that he iV/// Pp/enf? confiilteth hisown beftinterefta^dwel- {"^f^J/i^ f^re s that afluredly no bad confe^uence fluituiaiabo- Call attend his unblameable behaviour 3 IhI. ^fjf^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ declared their £]>! 9. * approbation of his' proceedings 5 that if he prove in his chief defign miftaken , yet no mifchief can thence befall hrm ^ yea, that he is not thereby quite difap- pointed, feeing even much prelent (atiP faftion and convenience do arift up to him flom his praftice. Doth Content grow from a found and healthfuU conftitution of Soul ? It is the pious man alone that hath that , w^hofe mind is clear from diftempers of vice and paffion. The impious man is infirm, out of order , full of difeale and pain , according to the Prophet's defcription Ifa. I. $, 6, of him^ The whole head is (ic\^ and the whole heart faint : From the Jole of the foot even unto the head there is no foundnefs in it^ hut wounds^ and brnifis^ and piitrefying fores. Doth Content arife fpecially froiH good (ucceS in our attempts , or from profperous events befalling us? Then it is the pious man vi^ho is moft capable thereof ; for he onely is fecure 5 that what The Third Sermon. 97 what feemeth good and pro(perous is re- ally fuch to him, as meant for his good by the Divine Goodnefs, as tending thereto by the guidance of infallible Wifedom. As he onely hath ground to hope for fuccefi, becaufe he confideth in Godjbecaufe he dutifully (eeketh God's help, becaufe God is favourably difpo- fed toward him, becaufe God ordereth hkjieps^ becaufe God is by promife en- gaged to blcfs him , becaufe he is con- (cious of intentions to render God . thanks and praife for it, to employ his luccefs to God's honour and (ervice : (b he onely can be (atisficd with the ap- pearance of (iiccefs, being able with aP- (iirance to fay after S. Pau!^ We k^orv Rom. 8. 28. that to tkofe who love God all things co- of crate for good, h fecurity from danger, from trouble, from want , from all evil , a fburce or matter of Content ? It certainly doth attend the pious man ^ God being his efpecial Proteftour, his Comforter, his Purvey our. There fluU no evil befall the Prov. 12.21. jufl: There JJ)ull no plague come near his Pfal. 91. lo. dwelling, God kcefeth all his bones , 72ot Pfal. 34. 20, one of them is broken. He deliver eth the 17. righteous out of their troubles. The de^re prov.io. 24, of the right CO ffsjl} all be granted. There is pfai. ^^ j, ' H no 98 The Third Sermon. no want to thef^i that fear God. So do the Holy Oracles aflure us. Doth Contentednefs (pring from (uf* ficiency, real or apprehended ? This ap- pertaineth peculiarly to the pious man ; for,havingGod, the Mafterof all,for his portion^ he hath the richeft eftate that can be 5 he hath all that he can defire , he cannot but take himfelf to have e- I Tinr. 6. 6, nough. Hence Godlwefs with contented- nefs ( fjucf ct^Tzzpjd&ia^, with fnfficiency ) ^ ( as S. Paul faith ) fxiytc, 'prcpK^og , the great way of gaining. He faith it not, as fuppofing Godlinefs and Contented- ne(s to be feparable 5 but rather, as im- plying Godlinefs therefore to be mofl gainfully becaufe Sufficiency and Con- tentednefs do ever attend it. In fine, if Si cm fua that faying; of Seneca be true, that. If to amplifima , ^^/ ^^^ the things he pojjcjjeth do not Iket mini feem mojl amplc^ although he he Mafter of nwflt , TJ' ^^^ T^hole World , he is yet miferable 5 wen w//ere/?. then aifurcdly the pious man onelycan Sen. Ep. 9. jjg happy ^ for to him alone his pofleffi- ons can (eem the largeft and befV, fuch as there can be no poffible acceflion to, or amendment of For nothing can be greater or better then God, in whom he liach a ftcdfaft propriety, whofe infinite power and wifedora are engaged to doe him The Third Sermon] 99 him tlie utmoft good that he is capable of; And farther, III. Seeing we have mentioned Hap- pinefi , or the Summnnt honum , the ut- moft fcope of humane deffre , we do adde, that Piety doth (urely confer it. Happinefs , what-ever it be , hath cer- tainly an effential coherence with Pie- ty. Thefe are reciprocal Propofitions , both of them infallibly true, He that is pious is happy 5 and , He that is happy is pious. No man doth undertake or proftcute any thing , which he doth not apprehend in fome order or degree con- ducing to that which all men under a confufed notion regard and tend to, which they call HappineG, the higheft Good, the chiefeft defirable thing. But in their judgments about this thing, or the means of attaining it, as men dif- fentmuch^ fo ofneceffitymoft of them muft be miftaken. Moft , indeed , do aim and (hoot at a meer fhadow of pro- fit, or at that which is very little confi- derable, and in comparilbn nothing at all 5 which little conduceth to the per- feftion of their nature, or the (atisfafti- on of their defire. If they mi(s the mark, they are difappointed^ if they hit it, H 2 they 100 The Third Sermon. they are no le(s , and in efFed hit no- thing. But what-ever this grand mat- ter is, in what-ever it confifteth, how- ever it be procured ^ be it the poffeffi- on and fruition of Ibme fpecial choice goods, or an aggregation and affluence of all goods ^ Piety (urely is the main ingredient, and principal caufe thereof! All other goods without it are infignifi- cant and unufefull thereto 5 and it can-" not be wanting, where Piety is. Be a man never (o rich, fo powerful 1, fo lear- ned and knowing , fo prosperous in his affairs, (b honourable in the opinions and affeftions of men; yet no-wife hap- py can he be, if he is not pious 5 being he wanteth the beft goods, and is fiib- jed to the worft evils ^ being he wan- teth the love and favour of God, he wanteth peace and (atisfaftion of Con- fcience, he wanteth a right enjoyrnent of prelent things, he wanteth fecurity concerning his final welfare. Be he ne- ver fo poor , fo low in the eyes of men , fo forlorn and deflitute of worldly con- veniencies 5 yet if he be pious, he can- not be wretched : for he hath an inte- rcft in goods incomparably moft preci- ous, and is (afe from all confiderable e- vils 3 he hath a free refort to the inex- hauftible The Third Sermon. i o i hauftible fountain of all Happinefs , he hath a right to immenle and cndlefi Felicity, the which eminently contai- neth all the goods we are capable of 5 he is poflefled thereof in hope, and cer- tain reverfion, there is but a moment to pafi before his complete fruition of it. The want of all other petty things no more can maim the integrity of his Fe- licity , then cutting the hair , or paring the nails, do mutilate a man : all other things are but fuperfluities or excrefcen- cies in regard to the conftitution of Hap- pinefs. What-cver happeneth, that will affuredly be true, which is fo much in- culcated in H. Scripture, Blejfed is every pf.128. i, 2 om that f caret h the Lord^ that wallet h in U2. i. his ways 5 Happy fi all he he^ and it Jloall be well with him. Piety is indeed fraught with Beatitudes, every part thereof yiel- deth peculiar Bleffednels. To the love Matt. $. of God, to charity toward our neigh- bour, to purity of heart, to meeknefs, to humility, to patience, to mercifulnefi^ to peaceablenefi Beatitude is afcribed by our Lord, (the great Judge and DiP penfer of it.) Each religious perfor- mance hath happy fruits growing from it, and blifsfuU rewards afligned thereto. All pious difpofitions are fountains of H 3 plea- 102 The Third Sermon^ pleafant ftreams, which by their conflu* ence do make up a full fea of Felicity. IV. It is a peculiar advantage of Pie^ ty , that it furnifheth employment fit for us, worthy of us, hugely gratefully and highly beneficial to us. Man is a very bufie and aftive creature , which cannot live and doe nothing , whole thoughts are in reftlefi motion , whofe defires are ever ftretching at fomewhat, who perpetually will be working either good or evil to himlelf : wherefore greatly profitable muft that thing be , which determineth him to aft well, to Ipend his care and pain on that which is truely advantageous to him 5 and that is Religion onely. It alone faftneth our thoughts , affedions and endeavours , upon occupations worthy the dignity of our nature, fiiting the excellency of our natural capacities and endowments, ten- ding to the perfeftion and advancement of our Reafon, to the enriching and en-? nobling of our Souls. Secluding that^ we have nothing in the world to ftudy, to afFeft, to purfue, not very mean and below us, not very bafe and misbeco- ming us , as men of reafon and judge- jnent. What have we to doe but to The Third Sermon. 103 eat and drink, like horfcs or like fwine, but to fport and play , like children or apes 5 but to bicker and (cuffle about trifles and impertinencies, like idiots ? Avhat, but to fcrape or (cramble for uft- le(s pelf 3 to hunt after empty (hews and (hadows of honour, or the vain fancies and dreams of men ? what,but to wallow or bask in fordid pleadires, the which loon degenerate into remorfe and bit- ternefs ? To which (brt of employments were a man confined , what a pitifuU thing would he be, and how inconfide- rable were his life ? Were a man defign- ed onely , like a flie , to buzz about here for a time, (licking in the air, and licking the dew , then foon to vanifh back into nothing , or to be transfor- med into worms 3 how forry and de(pi- cable a thing were he ? And fuch with- out Religion we fhould be. But it (up- plieth us with bufinefs of a mod wor- thy nature , and lofty importance 5 it fttteth us upon doing things great and noble as can be 5 it engageth us to free our minds from all fond conceits, and cleanfe our hearts from all corrupt af- feftions 3 to curb our brutifh appetites, to tame our wild paffions, to correft our perverfe inclinations, to conform the H 4 dif- 104 ^^- Third Sermon. difpofitions of our Soul and the adions of our life to the eternal laws of righte- ouftiefs and goodnefi : it putteth us up- on the imitation of God, and aiming at the refemblance of his perfeftions 5 up- on obtaining a friendfliip, and maintai- ning a correfpondence with the High and Holy one 5 upon fitting our minds for converfation and (bciety with the wifefl: and pureft Spirits above 5 upon providing for an immortal ftate, upon the acquift of joy and glory everlafting. It employeth us in the divineft aftions, of prompting Vertue, of performing be- neficence, of fcrving the publick, and doing good to all : the being exerci(ed in which things doth indeed render a man highly confiderable , and .his life excellently valuable, 'Tis an employment moft proper to us as reafonable men. For what more proper entertainments can pur mind have, then to be purifying and beauti- fying it (elf, to be keeping it felf and its fubordinate faculties in order, to be at- tending upon the management of thoughts, of paflions, of words, ©fac- tions depending upon its governance ? 'Tis an employment moft beneficial to us ; in purfuing which we greatly better The Third Sermon. T05 bettej our (elves, and improve our con- dition 5 we benefit and oblige others ^ we procure found reputation, and fted- dy friendihips, we decline many irk- fome mifchiefs and annoyances 5 voe do if,, 55. 2. ^ not ( like thole in the Prophet ) fpettd our labour for that which fat is fie th not , nor fpend our many for that which is not bread: for both temporal profperity and eternal felicity are the wages of the labour which we take herein. 'Tis an employment moil: conftant , never allowing floth or liftlefsnels to creep in, incelfantly bulj'ing all our fa- culties with earneft contention 5 accor- ding to that profeffion of S. Paul^ de- claring the nature thereof, Herein aU Afts 24. \S. ways do I ex^rcife my felf to have a con- fcience void of offence toward God and toward man. Whence it is called a Fight ^ and a Race^ implying the continual ear- neftneis of attention and aftivity which is to be fpent thereon. It is vyithall a (weet and gratefull bu- finefi : for it is a pious man's charafter, that he delighteth greatly in God's com- pfai. 112. i. mandments ^ that the commandments are i ]oh. $.9. not grievous to him 5 that it is his meat ]oh. 4. 34. and drink^ to doe Gocfs wil/-, that God's Pf. 119. 105. words (or precepts) are fweeter then ho- io6 The Third Sermon. Pfov.3. 17. ^/ to his fajl 5 that the ways ill Imake a covenant for them with the heajis of the field^ and with the fowls of heaven^ and with the creeping things of the ground. And again. When thou pajfefi through the ^^^' 49-2. waters^ I will be with thee 5 and through the rivers , they Jhall not overflow thee : when thou walkeji through the fire^ thou flialt not be burnt 5 neither Jhall the flame kindle upon thee. And, The fun fljall not Pftl. 121. 6. fmite thee by day^ nor the moon by night, Thoufljalt tread upon the lion and adder ^ P'al' pi* i^ the young lion and the dragon fljalt thou trample under foot. They fluU take //;?Markj6. 18. fcor* 1 10 Tht Third Sermon. fcorpons 5 and if they drink^ any deadly things it Jljall not hurt them ; (fo our Lord promifed to his Difciples. ) Not Dcut. 28.12. onely the Heavens (hall difpenle their Jtindly influences , and the Earth yield her plentifuU (lores, and all the Ele-* ments dilcharge their natural and ordi- nary good offices 5 nor onely the tame and (ociable creatures (hall upon this condition faithfully (erve us 5 but even the moft wild, moft (ierce, moft rave- nous, mo(t venomous creatures (hall, if there be need, prove friendly and help- full, or at lea(t harmlefs, to us ; as were I King.17.^. the Ravens to Elias^ the Lions to Dani^ e/, the Viper to S.Panl^ the Fire to the Three Children. But e(pecially Piety doth procure the friend(hip of the good Angels, that pui(^ (ant hoaft of glorious and happy Spirits : they all do tenderly love the pious per- Pfal. 94* 7- (on 5 they are ever ready to (erve and doe o u V\V* him good, to protedi: him from daneer, to aid him m his undertakings , to re- (cue him from mi(chiefs. What an ho- nour, what a blefling is this , to have fuch an innumerable company of noble Friends ( the Courtiers and Favourites of Heaven) deeply concerned, and con- ftantly vigilant for our welfare ? It The Third Sermon. 1 1 1 It alfo engageth the bleffed Saints in glory , the Spirits of men perfeSed^ the Church of the firji-born , to bear deareft afFeftion to us, to further our pro(perity with their good wifhes , and earnefl: prayers, mightily prevalent with God. It rendreth all (brtsof men our friends. To good men it uniteth us in holy communion 5 the communion of bro- therly charity and hearty good will, at- tended with all the good offices they are able to perform ; to other men it re* concileth and endeareth us 5 for that in- nocent and inofFenfive, courteous and benign , charitable and beneficent de- meanour , ( fuch as Piety doth require and produce ) are apt to conciliate re- fped and affedion from the worft men. For, Vincit malos pertinax bonitas 5 men Sen. de Be- hardly can perfift enemies to him whom ^^^' 7* ^^' they perceive to be their friend ; and (uch the pious man in dilpofition of ^« fi^i a- mind, and in efFeft, when occafion fer- ,7^7„f;j^f veth, is toward all men 3 being fenfible cum omnibm of his obligation to love all men, and, fjf'^^^"' as he hath opportpmity^ to doe good to allod^l 6. 10. men. It aflureth, and more ftriftly en- ol dyt^l deareth our friends to us. For, as it ma- ^/j- keth us hearty, faithful), conftant friends Elh.tf' to others 5 lb it reciprocally tieth others to 112 7he Third Sermon. to us in the like fincerity and faftnels of good will. Pfov. 16. 7. It reconcileth enemies. For, whe^^ a mans ways do pleafe the Lord , he ma- keth hk enemies to be at peace with him. It hath a natural efficacy to that purpoft, and Divine blefling promoteth it. By it all converfation becometh to- lerable, gratefull, and ulefuIL For a pi- ous man is not eafily diftur- 2ijuuJ)*>«>» 71 cEr €«wtJ bed with anv crolsnefs or t±l^lt::^.T-) perverfenefs/any infirmity ^ Ti y6 Tn^uft^yfj^fiuv cr impertinency of thofe he T^'^lt'^"^ ^;^; ^ converfeth with ; he can yt^tw. bear the weaknelies and the failings of his company 5 he can by wholefome reflexions upon all occurrences advantage and pleafe him- felf HjtAYk quid In fine, Piety rendreth a man a true Kmcm"eie ^"^^"^ ^^^ ^ g^od companion to him- nah't coepi, felf, (atisfied in himfelf, able to con- Sen. Bp. 6. ygj-(^ freely and plcafantly with his own thoughts. It is for the want of pious inclinations and difpofitions, that fbli- tude ( a thing which fometimes cannot Kemoeji.cui }jQ avoided, which often Ihould be Turn quintet embraced ) is to moft men (b irkfbme effey quam and tcdious ^ that men do carefully iec«m Sen. ^^^ thcmfelvcs, and fly from their own thoughts 5 113 Q (pJ!-yiiffjy Arift. 9.4. TT':? 7Air.7 Sermon. thoughts 5 that they decline all converfe with their own Souls , anJ hardly dare look upon their own hearts and Con(cienccs : v/hence they become aliens from home, wholly u^\icquainted with themlTrlves, moft igno- rant of their own neareft concernments, no faithfull friends or pleafint compani- ons to themlelves : fo for refuge and ea(e they unfcafbnably run into idle or lewd conver(ation, where they diibrder and defile themfelves. But the pious man is ( like Scipio ) 77ever lef ^alone , Nunquam the?2 when alone : his (blitude and retire- '"'"^^ ("''^^ I 111 1 quam cumjo' ment is not onely tolerable, but com- /w. monly the moft gratefuU and fruitful 1 part of his life ; he can ever with much plea(ure , and more advantage , converfe with himfelf, digefting andmar- (halling his thoughts, his af- feftions , his purposes into good order 5 (earching and difcuffing his heart , reflec- ting on his part ways, enfor- cing his former good relblu- tions, and framing new ones^ enquiring after edifying Acquiejcit fihi , cogitati- onibw jHH traditM, Sen. Ep. 9. Sapiens nunquam foliU ejfe poteft^ habet fecum om- nes qui funt , quique «n-. quum fuerunt boni h ^ a- nimum liberum quocunque vult transfert : quod cor^ pore non potejl , cogitation^ complenitur't ^ fi hominum imps fuerity loquitur cum Deo. Nunquam mims folm erity quam cnm jnlus fuerit, Hier. adv. Joviti, i. 28, truths 3 1 14 The Third Sermon. truths, ftretching his meditations toward the beft and fublimeft objefts, railing his hopes and warming his afFeftions to- ward fpiritual and heavenly things ^ asking himfelf pertinent queftions, and refblving incident doubti> concerning his praftice 5 in fine, converfing with his beft Friend in devotion 5 with ad- miration and love contemplating the Divine perfections, difplayed in the works of nature, of providence, of graces praifing God for his excellent benefits and mercies 5 confeliing his defefts and offences 5 deprecating wrath , and im- ploring pardon, with grace and ability to amend 5 praying for the fupply of all his wants. All which performances yield both unconceivable benefit , and unexpreffible comfort. So that Soli- tude ( that which is to common nature fo offenfivc, to corrupt nature fb abo- minable ) is to the pious man extreme- ly commodious and comfortable: which is a great advantage peculiar to Piety , and the laft which I fhall mention. So many, and many more then I cad exprefi, vaftly great and precious ad- vantages do accrue from Piety ; fb that well may we conclude with S.Paul^ that Gi^dlmejs is profit ahk for all things. It The Third Sermon. It remaineth that , if we be wife, we Ihould, if we yet have it not ingraffed in us, labour to acquire it 5 if we have it, that we fhould endeavour to improve it, by conftant exercife, to the praife of God, the good of our neighbour, and our own comfort. Which that we may effeftually perform. Almighty God in mercy vouchsafe, by his grace, through Jeffifs Chrjji our Lord 5 to whom for fi- ver be all glory and praife. Amen. 115 I a The (ii6) ^^^i^^m^^^s^^ The Fourth Sermon. I SAM. 2. 50. For them that honour me^ I will honour^ THE words are in the ftriaeft ienfe the wordofGod, uttered immediately by God himfelf 3 and may thence commiand from us an efpecial attention and regard. The Hi- ftory of that which occafioned them is, I preliime, well known, neither fliall I make any defcant or reflexion thereon 3 but do take the words feparately, as a Propofition of it felf, affording a com- pleat inftruftion, and ample matter of difcourfe. And 2is fuch, they plainly imply two things ; a Duty required of us, to honour God 3 and a Reward pro- fered to us, upon performance of that Duty, being honoured by God. It is na- tural for us, before we are willing to undertake any work, to confider the reward or benefit accruing from it 3 and it The Fourth Sermon. it is neceflary, before we can perform any duty, to underftand the nature thereof; To this our method of aftion I (hall fuit the method of my Difcourfe, firft endeavouring to eftimate the Re- ward, then to explain the Duty. After- ward I mean to ihew briefly why in reafbn the Duty is injoyned ^ how in effeft the Reward is conferred. I. The Reward may be confidered either abfolutely , ( as what it is in it lelf 5) or relatively, (as to its rife, and whence it comes.) I. For its felf, it is Honour 5 a thing, if valued according to the rate it bears in the common market, of higheft price among all the objefts of humane defire^ the chief reward which the greateft adions, and which the beft aftions do pretend unto, or are capable of 5 that which ufually bears moft fway in the hearts, and hath ftrongeft influence up- on the lives of men : the defire of ob- taining and maintaining which doth commonly overbear other mofl: potent inclinations. The love of Pleafureftoops thereto : for men, to get or keep Re- putation, will decline the moft plealant enjoyments, will embrace the hardeft I 3 pains. 117 ii8 The Fourth Sermorf. pains. Yea, it often prevails over the love of life it felf^ which men do not onely fre^ quently expofe to danger, but fometimes devote to cer- tain lofi, for its (ake. If we obferve what is done in the world, we may difcern it to be the fource of moft under- takings therein : that it not onely moveth the wheels of publick aftion, (that not on^ly for it great Princes contend, great armies march, great battels are fought^ ) but that from it moll pri- vate bulineis derives its life and vigour : that for Ho- nour efpecially the Souldier undergoes hardftiip , toil , and hazzard 5 the Scholar plods and beats his brains:, the Merchant runs about fo bufily, and adventures ^o far 5 yea, that for its (ake the meaneft Labourer and Artificer doth fpend his fweat, and ftretch his finews. k\ 5S ^iw^s^tu ^ s Xhe principal drift of all this '^'"^ ''t^.ltw'l care and induftry (the great reafon of all this fcuffling for Power , this fearching for Knowledge', this 9TTf A^H fJ^ i/nio- doe every thing purely for confcience Z^Tcotfci. fake, without any regard to mens opi- entia fad- nion 5 who make harangues and write ^'"g^^"' ^^ volumes * Lacrt. 122 The Fourth Sermon, nil fit iui volumes a2;ainft Glory,) do yet appear cum ambitto- y , . ^ _o • n ^^- \ /^i m famaque ^Y their practice, fometimes, by fo do- commune, fi- ing, to aim at it : even as men do u(ual- ^E&^\\i ^y complain of and eagerly quarrel with jMftum effe that which they moft affeft and woe. irath opor- Chrjifippus wrote, as we are "^ told, above jd.de Ira i. 7^0 books, moft of them concerning 41^- ^ Logical quirks, and fiich as one can hardly imagine what other drift he could have in compofing them, befide oftentation of his fubtilty and ftiarpnefi of wit. Se/reca^ if hiftory do not wrong him, and the face of his aftions do not mifreprefent liim, was not in his heart exempt from a fpice of Ambition. Yea, that excellent Emperour M. Aureliu^^ who would often fpeak like a Stoick^^ could not but commonly aft like a Man, more by his praftice commending Ho- nour, then he difparaged it in his words. BYdi famA For Story reprelents him very careful! fu£ curjoff. gj^j jealous of his credit, very diliffent /<^3- word create millions of millions more fitter then we to honour him ) the beft eftimation we can have of him is much below him 5 the beft expreffion we can Inake is very unworthy of him. He is infinitely excellent beyond what we Nchcm. 9. $. ^^^ imagine or declare : his Na^e is ex- rfai. 148.13. alted above all h!ejfi>7g and praife 3 his Erclus 4}. glory js above the earth and heaven. So that all our endeavours to honour him are, in comparifbn to what is due, but defefts, and in a manner difparagements to him, Tis onely then (which fhould afFea The Fourth Sermon. 159 affeft our ingenuity to confider) his pure goodnefi, that moves him, for our benefat and advantage, to demand it of us. r. For that to honour God is the moft proper work of Reafon ^ that for which primarily we were defign d and framed : (for as other things were made to afford the matter and occafion , (b Man was defigned to exercife the aft of glorifying God ; ) whence the perfor- mance thereof doth preferve and perfeft Sen. E^7^e our nature 5 to negleft it being unnatu- ral and monftrous. 2. For that alfo it is a moft plea(ant duty. He is not a man ( hath loft all natural ingenuity and humanity ) who doth not delight to make fome returns thither, where he hath found much good will, whence he hath felt great kindneft. Since then all the good we have, we have received from God's fa- vour, it cannot but be very plealant to render fomewhat of requital ( as it were ) unto him ^ and we can render no other but this. We cannot make God more rich , more joyfull , more happy then he is ; all that we can doe is , to exprefs our reverence toward him. 3. For 154 ^^^ Fourth Sermon. 5. For that like wife our honouring God difpofes us to the imitation of him, ( for what we do reverence we would refemble,) that is, to the doing thofe things wherein our chief per feftion and happinefs confifts, whence our beft con- tent and joy doth (pring. 4. In fine, for that the praftice of this duty is mod profitable and benefi- cial to u? 3 unto it by an eternal rule of juftice our final welfare and prolperity being annexed : whence God hath de- clared it to be the way and condition of our attaining that thing which we fo like and prize, Honour to our felves ^ the which by promife he hath engaged himfelf to confer on thofe who honour him. And/ IV. This promife he makes good fe- veral ways : Some of them I (hall briefly fuggeft. I. The honouring God is of it felf an honourable thing 3 the employment which ennobles Heaven it felf^ wherein the higheft Angels do rejoyce and glory. Tis the greateft honour of a Servant to bring credit to his Mafter, of a Subjeft to (pread his Prince's renown, and (up- on grounds vaftly more obliging) 01 a Crea- 7he Fourth Sermon. 155 Creature to glorifie his Maker: that we may doe fb is an honour we (hould be glad, may be proud of. 2. By honouring God we are imme- diately inftated in great Honour 5 we enter into moft noble relations, acquire moft illuftrious titles, enjoy moft glori- ous privileges : we become the friends and favourites of Heaven, are adopted into God's family , and are ftyled his Children 5 do obtain a free accefi unto him, a fure proteftion under him, a rea^ dy affiftence from him in all our needs. And what honour can exceed, can equal this? 3. God hath fo ordered it , that Ho- nour is naturally conft- quent upon the honou- nVa ? tWoi* w^Jt?- ring him. God hath made Iq.^ ^c. Naz. ^at. dc Goodnels a noble and a ftate- P^up. ly things hath impreffed u gyr. maxm^ exceu upon it that beauty and ma- //>, qm vtrtute plurimm jefty which commands an ^^'^^'*^' ^'^' univerfal love and venerati- k^t aaw^«# Uyt^i on, which ftrikes preftntly ^'^®" •"(^»T^f* Ariftoc. both a kindly and an awfull ^ ' 4* 3- tefpeft into the minds of all men. The Prov. 12.25. righteous is ( not onely in Add grathfa vhm ejf, himfelf, but in common e- ^^tinfitum fit ethm maik ftecm) more excellent then mf.^l!^^.'^^* "' ^ ^' hrs 156 The Fourth Sermon. his neighbour. Power may be dreaded* Riches may be courted, Wit and Know- ledge may be admired s but onely Goodnefi is truly efteemed and honou- ^«o^ "^ red. Not onely men of goodnefi and ^^^h M^' di(cretion, but even the vulgar (brt of KOK. ^95^ men (yea, as P/^^d? hath well obferved, '^iiTn^sotr theworftmen") do pais this judgment , ,^ rai do prefer true Goodneis above all tmngs. yi^v iv ^^(ut c/)tf/e»i'7c£i 7V\j ducipHf ^ iv^pvTntv , Xa 7ii\j v«P«». Flat. 4eRepub.Xn. 4. God by his extraordinary provi- dence, as there is realbn and occafion , doth interpofe , (b as to procure Ho- nour to them, to maintain and further their reputation, who honour him. God Pfal. 39. iS'faJhioneth the hearts of men : The hearts Prov. 21. 1, of the greateft men are in his hand 5 he turneth them m the rivers of waters^ whi* therfoever he vpiU : he confequently rai- (eth or depreffeth us, as he pleafes,inthe riov. 16. 7. judgments and affeftions of men. When a mans ways pleaje the Lord^ hje maketh even his enemies to he at peace with him^ feith the Wife man ^ that is, he difpofeth the raoft aver(e minds to love and ho- nour him. No envy can fiipplant, no flander can deface the credit of fiich a perfon, fince God hath taken it intp his 7he Fourth Sermon. 1 57 his charge and care, fince he hath (aid it, that he vpjU bring forth his righteoufhefs Pfal. 37,5. as the light ^ and his judgment as the roon-day. God al(b by fecret methods, and undifcernible trains, ordereth all e- vents, managing our thoughts and de- Pfal. 50. 7. figns , our enterprizes and aftions (b , ^ ^°* *^* that the refult of them fhall be matter of benefit, comfort, and reputation, or of dilafter , regret , and difgrace , as he thinks good. Viftory and (uccels he ab* folutely di(po(eth of, and confequently of the Honour that follows them 5 and they do ufually attend the honourers of God : for (as it is in the Pfalm) A good Pfal.iii.i6. fhccefs have they who keep his command-- ^' ^' ments. Many are the inftances of per- jfbns ( fiich as Abraham^ J^fiph^ Mojes^ David^ Job and Daniel) who, for their fignal honouring of God, from a bale andob(cure,or from an afflifted and for- lorn condition, have, in ways ftrange and wonderfull, been advanced to emi- nent dignity, have been rendred moft illuftrious, by the providence of him who raifeth the poor out of the dufi^ and ' Sam. 2. 8. hfteth the beggar out of the dnnghill, /^ P^*i-»^7-4^- fet them among Princes^ and to make them inherit the throne of glory. He dpeth it in an evident manner^ and emi- nent 158 The Fourth Sermon. nent degree, to (bme 5 hd doeth it in a convenient way, and competent mea- fiire, to all that honour him. 5. Whereas men are naturally incli- Gic. T«/c. J. j^^d |-o bear much regard to the judg- ment of Pofterity concerning them, are; defirous to leave a Good name behind them , and to have their memory re- tained in efteem ; God fo difpofes things, Prov. 10. 7. that the memory of the jujl Jhall be blef- Pfal. 112. ^'fed ^ that his righteonfnefs Jhall he had jn Prov. 15. 9. everUjib7g remembrance '-^ that his light Jliall rejoyce^ (or burn clearly 'Av<>«, m %oitA, at- and pleaCmtly, even when T- tlW^l'^^^ ^i^ ''f^ «« P"* °"^ here.; No yJ^'ct-nvA (^vc. Hor. courfe. Let the weather be fair or foul, let the world fmile or frown, let him get 1/2 The Fifth Sermon. g€t or lofe by it, let him be favoured or » Cor. 6. 8. crofled, commended or reproached, (by honour and dijljononr^ by evil report and good report^) he will doe what his duty requireth : the external ftate of things mull: not alter the moral reafon of things with him. This is that which the Pfil- pf»l. III. mift obfeiveth of him 5 He JIuU not be ftoi. 5. 25. ^fr^^^ of evil tidings^ for his heart fian- deth fafi^ and believeth in the Lord, Hfs heart is fiablifhed^ and will not Jhrink. And this the Wife man promifeth to fro?. i5. 3. him 5 Commit thy works unto the Lord^ md thy thoughts fiall be efiablijhed. Hence a man is fecured from diffi- dence in himfelf, and diftraftion in his mind, from frequently being off the hooks, from leading an unequal life, clafliing with it (elf, from deluding and diftppointing thofe with whom he con- verfeth or dealeth, and confequently from the inconveniencies iffuing thence. IV. The way of llprightnefs is the fureft for difpatch, and the (horteft cut toward the execution or attainment of any good purpofe, ftcuring a man from irkfome expeftations and tedious delays, Prov.13, 12. the which (as the Wife mm faith) do make the heart fic^. It The Fifth Sermon. 173 It in Scripture is called the Jlraight Luk. 5. 5, and the plain way,- And as in Geometry, of all lines or (urfaces contained within the fame bounds, the ftraight line and the plain (iirface are the (hotteft ^ fo it is alio in morality : by the right line of Juftice, upon the plain ground of Ver- tue, a man fooneft will arrive to any well-chofen end. In this way there are no bewildring intrigues and mazes, no crooked win- dings and turnings, no occafions forcing men to dance hither and thither, to skip backward and forward, to doe and undoe 5 which courfes do protract bu- finels, and commonly do hinder from ever difpatching it. But a man adhng juftly and fairly, doth continually pro- ceed on in the direft open road,without retreat, excurfion, or deflexion 5 not tur- Pfo^. 4. 27. ning aftde (as the phrafe is in Holy Writ) ^^"a. I4/' to the right hand^ or to the left. To clamber over fences of Duty, to break through hedges of Right, to tref- pa(s upon hallowed encloftires, may feem the moft fhort and compendious ways of getting thither where one would be : But doth not a man ven- ture breaking his neck, or fcratching his face, incurring mifchief and trouble there- 1 74 7/>^ Fifth Sermon. thereby ? Is he not liable to the fate to which the Preacher doometh him, Ecclcs 10. 8. He that diggeth a pit Jfoall fall into it : and whofo break§th a hedge ^ aferpent Jhall bite him ^ For inftance, to grow rich, fraud, extortion, corruption, oppreffion, over-reaching and (upplanting may fcem the readieft and moft expedite ways ^ but in truth they are the fartheft ways about, or rather no ways at all ; for that which is got by thofe means is not our own ^ nor is the poffeffion of it truly wealth, but ulurpation, or deten- tion of fpoil and rapine , which we ought to difgorge. And however, to the getting it there are often migh- ty difficulties occurring from men, there (Prov. 2g. are commonly infiiperable obftacles in- 10,11.) terpoftd by God 5 who hath exprefly condemned and curfed thofe ways, de- Prov.ig, II. daring, that Wealth gotten by vanity (or l>rov.82. 1 6. cozenage) Jlsall be diminijljed --^ that He that opprejjeth to encreafe hk riches^ Jhall Prov. 28. 22, furely come to want 5 that He who (thus) ^2^^J'^'' hajieth to be richj hath an evil eye^ and cof7fidereth not that poverty fiall come Jcr. 17. II, upon him ^ that,i4x the partrich (itteth on eggs^ and hatcheth them not : fo he that getteth riches^ and not by right ^ Jhall leave them in the midji. of his days^ and at hk end The Fifth Sermon. 175 end Jhallhe a fool. Whereas the plain way of honeftharmlefi induftry,(joyned with a pious regard to him who is the difpenfer of all good things,) how flow foever it may ftem, is the mod Ipeedy, becaufe the onely (afe, way to thrive 5 having, befide all (econdary advantages, the ftcurity of thofe Oracles 5 The hund Prov. 10. 4. of the diligent fiall m^ke rich: He that Pro?;/,^;,,. gather eth by labour ^ Jljall increafe : By Prov.22.4/ humility and the fear of the Lord are^^^^'^^^'^' riches^ and honour^ and life. V. The way of Uprightnefs is in it Pror. 28,1a. felf very (afe, free of danger, tending &7§.6!'&* to no mifchief 5 according to thofe fiy- 10. >^ ings of the Wife man 5 There flmll no evil Pro^- ".ai. happen to thejujl: In the way of right eouf- Pror* 12.28* nefs is life 5 and in the path thereof there is no death. He who defigneth onely that which is jufl: and reafbnable, who innocently and fairly profecuteth his intent, can run no great hazzard, cannot fall into any extreme dilafter , cannot irrecove- P^al. 57- 24. rably fink into miferable di(appoint- ment. He probably will not receive much harm from men, or trouble from the world ; for, as he meaneth innocently. as 176 The Fifth Sermon. a^ he dealeth inofFenfively, ("Ot vio- lently aflailing , not fraudulently cir- cumventing, not any-v^ife injurioufly Or malicioufly abufing any man,) as he doth yield no juft provocation or ur- gent temptation to oppofe him 5 fo he is not very likely to meet v^^ith obftruc- tions or erodes thwarting his defigns. He can hardly raife up adverfaries 5 at leaft (uch as will prove very formidable, or very fierce and implacable toward him. He may be fare that few wift men, and no good men will trouble him 5 but that fuch rather will afford their countenance and furtherance to his un- dertakings. But anuredly he (hall have the fa- vourable protection of Almighty God, who throughly knowing his heart, and obferving the righteoufhefs of his in- tentions and proceedings , will not (uf^ pfal 25. 21.^^^ '^^ to incurr any notable, deftruc- (Frov. 15.6.* tivc, remedile(s calamity. His prayer, &11. 6.) diftated by good confcience. Let wte- iS,io,Sc29.g^'fj' a^d y^nghtmjs prejerve me^ vjyil 18. & 29.25. certainly be heard 5 God having pafTed 3^3$. & 29. f^is word for it in numberlefs places of 4.8:24. 4,$. Scripture 5 particularly in thofe remar- Mfa'a'^'t ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^A^ • "" ^^ ^^^^ "^""^^'^^ The Fifth Sermcri. 177 righteonJly andfpeak^th uprightly^ he that clefpifeth the gain of opprejjio^zs^ that fid" keth his hands from holding of bribes^ that Jioppeth his ears from hearing of bloifd^ andfiutteth his eyes from feeing evil'^ He fill! dwell on higb^ his place of defence fiall be the munitions of rock^^ his bread fiall be given him^ his water fijall be Jure, That is, A man who is conftantly upright in his dealings, fiiall by the Divine Providence be infallibly and imprcgnably prelerved from any grievous mi(chief^ from any fore wanr^ from any extreme diftrels. The way of Uprightnefs is ever guar-* ded with Angels, ready to promote the affairs of the houeft perfon, or at lead to proteft him from evil. He may hope- fully (ay to himfelf, as Abraha/71 did to his Servant , The Lord^ before whom I Gen. 24; 40. jvall^j will fend his Angel with thee^ and proffer thy way : or he confidently may apply to himielf that of the Pfalmift, Hefixllgive his Angels charge over thee^ Pfal. 91- J 8, to i{cep thee in all thy ways : They fid all *^' hear thee np in their hands^ lefl thon dafi) thy foot again fl a fione. However, the (equele will be tole- rable ; what-ever the fuccels of his un- dertaking be, it can be no ruine, no N Ourr^ 178 The Fifth Sermon. flurr, no heart-breaking to him. His Conicience is fife, his credit is entire, his hopes are good 5 he is perfeftly fe- cure from being tainted with foul guilt, from being expofed to due reproach, from being flung with vexatious re- morfe , from being plunged into a gulf of defperation or difconfolatenefi. For, VL The way of Uprightnefs is fair and pleafint. He that walketh in it hath good weather, and a clear skie a- bout him 3 a hopefuU confidence, and a chearfiill fatisfaftion do ever wait up- Prov. 21. 1$. on him. It is joy (as the Wifi man faith) to thejuji to doe judgment. (Prov. 25. Being confcious to himfelf of an ho- i7> 18.) j^^f). meaning, and a due courfe of pro- fecuting it , he feeleth no check or flruggling of mind, no regret or iVing of heart, being thoroughly fatisfied and pleafed with what he is about, his judg- ment approving, and his will acquie- fcing in his procedure, as worthy of himfelf, agreeable to realbn, and con- formable to his duty. He therefore briskly moveth forward with alacrity and courage 5 there be- ing within him nothing to controllor countermand him, to pull him back, to make The Fifth Sermon] 179 make him halt , to diftraft or difturb him. Nor hardly can any thing abroad diftiay or difcourage him. For he may reafonably hope for the good will of men, and cannot hugely dread their oppofition. He may ftrongly prefume upon the propitious alpeft and favou- rable fuccour of Heaven, which always finileth and cafteth benign influences P^°^- "^o. on honeft undertakings. He that hath cholen a good vv^y, may with aflurance commend his way to J*^""' ^^* '^' ^ ,, . , , , ; Prov. 24.14. God s providence 5 he may depend up- on God for his concurrent benediftion 5 he with an humble boldneis may ad- ^^^^- 4* *^' drefi prayers to God for his protection and aid. He (b doing hath intereft in divers clear declarations and exprefi promiles of good luccefi 5 fuch as thofe; Commit thy Pfal. 97. 5. & ^$.22. ^ X ^L r Jx a ir • Prov. 16.2. Ecclus 2.10. roay tintotheLord^trujt aljo in pf^i ^4. 22. & 26. i. Sc him^ and he Jlidll brhig it to 93'2J- Fror. 10. 24. fafs. The Lord is nigh nnto P^al. 145. 18, 19. & 34» aU that caUufon htm in truth: '5.^.25., 1. ]ob22.27- He will fklfill the desire of them that fear him 5 he 'will hear their cry^ and will fave them. He may dare to refer his cafe to the fcvcreft examination, faying with 'joh^ N 2 ^Let i8o The Fifth Sermon. job 51.^. -^^^ ^^^ ^^ weighed in an even balance^ that God may k^oiv mine integrity 5 and pfaK 7. 8. & with the Pfalmift, 'judge me^ Lord, ^^' '• ■ according to my right eoufnefs^ and accor-* ding to mine integrity^ that is in me. He with an humble confidence can appeal to God , borrowing the words 2K\r\g' ^^'h of Heze^iah^ I befeech thee^ Lord, re- member how I have walked before thee in truth and with a ferfeU heart, and have done that which is good in thy fight, Prov. 10.28. Hence^ The Hope of the righteous ("as the Wife man telleth us ) ^ gladnefs. He confidering the goodnefs, the juftice, the fidelity of God, whereof his inte- grity doth render him capable and a proper objeft , cannot but conceive a comfortable hope of a good iffue. And obtaining (iiccefi, he doth not onely enjoy the material pleafure there- of, but the formal fatisfadion that it is indeed good fuccefs, or a bleffing in- dulged to him by fpecial favour of God, enabling him to fay with the Pfalmifl, pfai. 18. 20, Yf^Q Lord rewarded me according to my righteoufnefs 5 according to the cleannefs of my hands hath he recompenfed me^ For I have l{ept the ways of the Lord, and have not wich^edly departed from my God. How^ The Fifth Sermon. 1 8 1 However, an upright dealer hath this comfortable re(erve , that what-ever doth bc&ll him, however the bufinels goeth, he fhall not condemn, and pu- nilh himfclf with remorfe^ he (hall not want a confolation able to fupport and to ereft his mind. He (hall triumph, if not in the felicity of his fiicceff, yet in ^^''.°^* ^^* the integrity of his heart, and the inno- cence of his deportment 5 even as Blef- fed Job did under all the preflures of his adverfity : for, Till I die^ ((aid he J /job 27. 5,5. •will not remove my integrity from me. My righteoiifnefs I hold fjji^ and will not let it go : my heart Jl^all not reproach me Jo long as I live. So true it is upon all accounts , that, according to that affertion in the Pfalm, Light is foivn for the righteous^ and joy- Pfal. P7. ii. full gladnefs for the upright in heart. VII. He that walketh uprightly is ftcure as to his honour and credit. He is fure not to come o{F di(gracefiilly, either at home in his own apprehenfi- ons, or abroad in the eftimations of men. He doth not blu(h at what he is doing, nor doth reproach himfclf for what he hath done. No blemifh or blame can ftick upon his proceeding. N 3 By 1 82 The Fifth Sermon. By pure Integrity a man firfl: main- taineth a due refpeft and efteem for himftlf, then preferveth an entire repu- tation with others ; he reflefteth on his own heart with complacence, and loo- keth upon the world with confidence. He hath no fear of being detefted, oj: care to fmother his intents. He is con- tent that his thoughts fhould be (bun- ded, and his anions fifted to the bot- tom. He could even wifh, that his bread: had windows, that his heart were tranf- parent , that all the world might fte through him, and defcry the clearnefi of his intentions. The more curioufly his ways are marked, the more exaftly his dealings are fcann'd , the more thoroughly his defigns are penetrated and known 5 the greater approbation he is fiire to receive. The iflue of things affuredly will be creditable to him ^ and when the day- light hath fcattered all mifts, hath clea- red all mifprifions and miftakes, his re- putation will fliine moft brightly : the event declaring, that he had no corrupt ends 5 the courfe of his proceedings be- ing juftified by the very light of things, God himfelf will be concerned to vindicate his reputation, not fuffering him The Fifth Sermon. 183 him to be confiderably defamed 5 accor- ding to that promile, He JIjuU brwg forth P^*^- 37- ^, thy rtghteoufiiefs as the light , and thy \%^^ l^'^^' judgment as the noon-day. That in Job will be made good to him. Then fljalt Job u, 15. thoH lift up thy face without fpot : and he may confidently averre with the P/al- mift. Then full I not he afamed^ vphen^\\\. 119. 5, I have refpe& to all thy commandments,^'^' ^^' If he findeth good fuccefi , it will not be invidious, appearing well de- lerved, and fairly procured : it will be truly honourable as a fruit and recom- pnrf.pi. 15, pence of Vertue, as a mark and pledge of the Divine favour toward him. If he feemeth diCippointed, yet he will not be difparaged : wile and can- did men will excule him, good men will patronize his caule :, no man of fenfe and ingenuity will infiilt on his misfortune. He full not (as the Pfal-Pral. §7.10. mift affureth) be afiamcd in an evil time. Yea, often his repute from under a cloud will (hine, if not with fo glaring fplen- dour, yet with a plealant luftre 5 Up- rightnefs difpofing him to bear adverfe events with a gracefuU decency. VIII. The particular methods of ac- ting which Uprightnefs dilpofeth to ob- N 4 ferve, 1 84 The Fifth Sermon. lervc, do yield great ftcurity from trou-' bks and crofTes in their tranfadions. What is the conduft of the upright man ? He is clear, frank, candid, harm- leis, confident in all his behaviour, his i?rov. 13. §. difcourle , his dealing. His heart com- gfg* ^12^ & nionly may be feen in his face, his mind 15. 2. doth ever fute with his (peech, his deeds have a juft correfpondence with his pro- feflions; he never faileth to perform what he doth promife , and to (atisfie the expeftations which he hath raiftd. He doth not wrap himfelf in clouds , that none may fee where he is, or know how to find him ^ may difeern what he is about, or whither he tendeth. frov. 10 18. He dilguifeth not his intents with fal- lacious pretences of confeience , of pu- blick good, of fpecial friendfhip, and re- Ipeft. He doth ufe no difingenuous, (pite- full, unjuft tricks or fleights to ferve the prefent turn. J%'n6^' He laieth no baits or fiiares to catch & le. d! & ^^^'> alluring them into mifchief or in- 9. 15. & 7. convenience. & <^ *6.' & ^^ ^^ ^^^h not affeft any poor bafe 3$.7.*& 140. ends, (b he will not defile his fair inten- ^* ^ tions by fordid means of compafling Eccks 10 8.3 ^^^"^ ? ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ illufive fimulatioris , and 7be Fifth Sermon. 185 and iubdolous artifices, treacherous col- Ffal. 10. 7. lufions, flie infinuations, and fycophan- ^^l\ ^^\^ tick detradtions, verfatile whifflings and 9/10! & ^6, dodgings , flattering colloguings and ^^^ ^^ ^^ glozings, ftrvile crouchings and favv- Ecdis 19/ nings, and the like. 2^. He hath little of the Serpent , ( none l^^^\ [%]' of its lurking infidioufnefs, of its fiirpri- & 26. 25. zing violence , of its rancorous venom , of its keen mordacity,) but much of the Dove, ( all its fimplicity, its gentlenefs, its fidelity, its innocence, ) in his con- verlation and commerce. His wiledom is ever tempered with fincerity, and (eafbned with humanity , with meeknefi, with charity 5 being the ]«m. 3- 17* wifedom which k from above ^ firji pnre^ then peaceable^ gentle^ eafle to be entrea- ted^ full of good fruits^ without partiali- ty^ and without hypocrifie. He (bmetime may 'prudently reftrve Prov. 14.55. his mind, not venting it by foolifh lo- ^ff^/gj',!^^ quacity: but his words do never clafli 5. 8:11.25' with his meaning, fo as to deceive or ^^^'^l' difappoint any man. He may warily prevent harm and de- Pro^. 22. 5. cline perils; but it is without hurtfull^^^g' &',^ countermining, or deriving mifchief on 15, i^- his neighbour. He may difcreetly pick out fcajfons , Eeclcs 8. 5. and \ i86 The Fifth Sermon. and embrace opportunities of righting or benefiting himfelf : but he never will ftek or lay hold of advantages to preju- dice others. Frov. i2.i5. He (bmetimes may reprefi infiirreftions >9'"« of anger or dilguft : but he never doth allow them to bake into rancour or ma- lice. He may be apt to ufe courteous, affa- ble , obliging demeanour , ferving to breed friendfhips, and to ftifle enmities : but he never thereby meaneth to gull, inveigle and entrap men ^ or to procure inftruments and aids of any perverfe de- fign. He is no enemy to himdlf, but (ac- cording to the obligations of reafon and confcience) he hath always a regard to the good of others 5 nor is ever (b ielfifti, as to be unjuft or uncharitable to any man. The principal engines he doth em- ploy for atchieving his enterprifo are, a carefuU and cautious providence in contriving, a fedulous and fteddy dili- gence in afting, a circumfpeft heedful- nefs not to provoke any man by ofFen- five carriage, by injury, by difcourtefie, to obftrufthim, but rather by kind de- monftrations and real beneficence to en- gage The Fifth Sermon. 187 gage men to further him in his procee- dings: but efpecially his main inftrument, wherein he moft confideth, is devout (application to God for his (uccour and bleffing. Now is not this conduft the moft fe- cure that can be ? doth it not afford many great commodities and advantages:* doth it not exempt from manifold fears, and cares, and erodes, and flaveries? It cannot but derive bleffm^s from the God of truth , the great friend of fimplicity and fincerity, the hater of pyov. 12.22. faKhood and guile. tPro!i2.ip.) And humanely regarding things, he that ufeth thefe methods, doth from them obtain many conveniencies. He doth not lie under perpetual conflraint, engaged to keep a conftant guard upon himfelf^ to watch his memory, to curb his tongue , to manage his very looks and geftures, left they betray his inten- tions, and difclofe his plots. He is not at the trouble of flopping holes, of mending flaws, of patching up repug- nancies in his aftions, that his mind do not break through them. He is not a- fraid of the dilappointraent and ftiame which attend the deteftion of unwor- thy defigns. He is not at pains to obvi- ate 1 88 ^h^ Fifth Sermon. ate the jealoufies, the (urmifes, the difB- dences , the counterplots , the preven- tive oppofitions and afTaults, which ^'°^*if il.' g^oon^y clofenefs and crafty diflimulati- 21! 6. on ever do rai(eagainft the praftifers of Pfal. 26. 4. them. In fine, men do not ftiun the con- verfation and the commerce of an up- right per(bn, but gladly do confort and deal with him^ do feek his acquaintance and alliance: they are not apt to diftruft him, to (ufpeft him, to be fhy ar^d re- ferved in their intercour(I^ with him 5 but readily do place an entire confi- dence in him, and ule a clear franknefi toward him. No man doth fear him as dangerous, or will crofi him as an ad- versary. Whence as he feldom hath cauietofear, or occafion to conteft with others 5 fo he doth undifturbedly enjpy the benefits of Society with great lafety,^ eafej and comfort, IX. Laftly , An upright walker hath perfect (ecurity, as to the final refult of aiffairs, that he (hall not be quite baffled in his expectations and dcfires. And if prolperity doth confift in a fatisfaftion of mind concerning events, he cannot fail pfal. I. ?. ^f nioft profperous fuccefs. Whatfiever prov. i2.ai. he doeth ( faith the Pfalmift of him ) it Jloall The Fifth Sermon. 189 Jhall profper. How is that? Doth he, if he warreth, always get the vifT:ory ? is he perpetually, when he tradcth, a con- fiderable gainer ? will he certainly after fowing reap a plentifull crop ? Probably yes ^ and perhaps no : Yet afluredly he (hall profper, in the true notion of pro- Iperity, explained by thofe Divine Say- \ngS'-^Mu)\the perfeS man^(ir7d behold the Pral. 57. 57. upright: for the erjd of that man is peace. The work, of righteoufhefs Jljall be peace ^ Ifa. 32.17; and the effect of righteoufnefs quictfiefs and affnratice for ever. Surely I kliovp if Ecclcs 8. 12. full be well with them that fear God, He cannot be much defeated in his purpofes: for, as to his general, princi- pal, abfblute defigns, ( that is, his defigii of pleafing God , and procuring his fa- vour 5 his defign of fitisfying himftlf^ and difcharging his Confcience \, his de- fign of promoting his own (piritual in- tereft, and faving his Soul 5 his defign of doing good, of exercifing charity to his neighbour, of (erving the publick , of obliging the world by vertuous ex- ample, and by real beneficence , ) thefe he cannot fail thoroughly to accom- pHlh 5 nothing can obftruft him in the profecution , nothing can debarre him from the execution of thoii underta- kings j; 19^ The Fifth Sermon. kings ^ in fpite of all the world, by the luccour of that Divine grace which e- Ver doth favour and further fuch de- figns, he moft happily will atchieve them. And for other inferiour defigns, he can hardly be crofled in regard to them : for it is an effential part of inte- grity, not otherwife to affeft or aim at private fecular interefts, then under con- dition, and with a refervation, if it be God's pleafiire, if it (eem good to Di- vine Wifedom. He knoweth that his pains employed on any honeft purpofe, in a fair way , ( be it to procure fbme tvorldly advantage for himfelf, for his relations, for his friend,) are not loft, if they have the fruit of fubmiffion to God's will, and acquiefcence in the e- vent difpofed by him. He is afTured that it is good luck to have his projed blafted , and that miffing is better then getting, when by Sovereign Wifedom it is fb determined. He therefore could not fb fix his heart, or engage his afFefti- on in any fuch concern, that his mind is furprized, or his paffions difcortipofed by a feeming adverfnels of events to his en- deavours. So that in efFeft he can have no bad fucce(s. For how can that oc- currence be deemed bad, which plain reafbn The Fifth Sermon. 191 reafon diftateth in certain judgment to be mod expedient for him ^ about which he ever was very indifferent, and with which at preftnt he is not heartily difpleafed ? How can it be taken for diftppointment and misfortune, which one was prepared to embrace with fatiC- faftion and complacence ? Yea, to a perfon {b difpofed, that fuc- ce(s which feemeth mod adverfe, juftly may be reputed the beft and moft hap- py , as promoting ends incomparably more excellent then any worldly gain 5 as producing fruits exceedingly more wholfome and more (avoury then any temporal commodity 5 as exercifing and improving the divineft Vertues, f Hu- mility, Patience, Meeknefi, Moderation, Contented nefi) a grain whereof is worth all the wealth, all the preferment, all that \s defirable in the, world. Wherefore let the worft that can ar- rive, ( or that which humane blindnefi and fondnefs do count the worft , ) yet upright perfons do not come off ill, or (b ( matters being rightly ftated ) as to be lofers upon the foot of the accompt. If this do not (atisfie groffer appre- henfions, we may adde, that even in thcfe meaner concerns Almighty God is pleafed 19 a The Fifth Sermon. pleafcd commonly to reward and en- courage upright perfons by the beft fuc- cefi. For He hath as it were a natural inclination to gratifie thofe who defire to pleafe him 3 and ( as the Pfalmift ex- Kali 5$. 27. prefTeth it ) hath pleafure in the profperz-i ProT. 11.20. fj, 0^ hkfervants. He may feem concer- '^* ^* ned in honour to countenance thofe who have regard to his will , and who repofe confidence in his aid 5 difcrimi- nating them from (uch as prefume to aft againft or without him , in defiance to his will 5 with no deference to his Pro- vidence. As they do render him his due Prov. 14. 2. refpeft, by fiibmitting to his authority, and avowing his power 5 fb he will ac- knowledge them by fignally favouring their concerns. Even his truth and fi- delity are engaged in their behalf 5 fee- Dcut. 28. 2, ing he very often hath declared and ^c. & 50-9' promifed, that in all matters, and upon & 91^1^— • ^^^ occafions, he will be ready to blels & 94.9,10.8: them. 84. II. Ecdes 8. 5.* X. To couclude ^ It is an infinite ad* ^'^^fe^^*'?' ^^^^^Z^ ^f upright dealing, that at the ' laft ifiue, when all things (hall be moft accurately tried and impartially decided, a man is affured to be fully juftificd in CPraii.iSOit, and plentifully rewarded for it. As then The Fifth Sermon. 193 then all the deceits, which now pafs un- der fpecious masks, (hall be laid bare 5 all varnilh of pretence fhall be wiped off 5 all perverfe intrigues (liall be un- ravelled 5 all wicked and bale intenti- ons (hall be quite ftripp'd of the veils which now enfold them 5 all (hrewd contrivers and engineers of mifchief , all praftifers of unjuft and malicious guile, (hall be expofed to (hame, fiall lie down in forrow : So then The righte- ous man JJjall Jland in great holdnejs:, his cafe will be rightly ftated, and fully cleared from (landerous afper(ions, from odious furmifcs , from unlucky prejudi- ces and miftakes : what he hath done, (hall be approved 5 what he hath (iiffe- red, (hall be repaired. So that it then evidently will appear, that upright fim- plicity is the deepeft wifedom, and per- verft craft the meereft fhallownefs : that he who is true and juft to others, is molt faithfull and friendly to himfelf ; that who-ever doth abufe his neigh- bour, is his own greateft cheater and foe. For, In the day when God fiall ^^^^ 2, 16, judge the fecrets of men by Jcfus Chrifi , every mans work^JliiU be made manifeji, i Cor. 3. 15, The Lord will bring to light the hidden i Cor. 4 $. things of dark^efs^ and will make mani- o p^ 194 '^^^ ^Y^^ Sermon. feji the counfels of the hearts 5 and then JIjuU every man have praije of Qod, Unto iTim.1.17. which our upright Judge, the King e- ternal^ immortal^ inviftble^ the onely wife God ^ he honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. The (195) The Sixth Sermon. 1 THES. 5. 17. Pray without ceajing. IT is the manner of S. Paul in his E- piftles, after that he hath difcufled fbme main Points of doftrine or di- fciphne, ( which occafion required that he fhould clear and (ettle, ) to propofe feveral good advices and rules , in the obfervance whereof the life of Chrifti- an praftice doth confift. So that he thereby hath furnifhed us with (b rich a variety of moral and fpiritual precepts, concerning fpecial matters, fubordinate to the general laws of Piety and Ver- tue 5 that out of them might well be compiled a Body of Ethicks, or Syftem of Precepts de offici^^ in truth and ia compleatnefi far exceUing tho(e which any Philofophy hath been able to de- vife, or deliver. Thefe he rangeth not in any formal method, nor linketh to- O 2 gether. 196 The Sixth Sermon. gether with ftrid connexion, but freely icattereth them (b as from his mind (as out of a fertil foil, impregnated with all feeds of wiftdom and goodnels ) they did haply (pring up , or as they were (uggefted by that Holy Spirit which con- tinually guided and governed him. Among divers (uch delivered here, this is one , which (hall be the Subjeft of my prefent Difcourfe 5 the which, having no other plain coherence ( ex- cept by affinity of matter ) with the reft enclofing it , I (hall confider abfolutely by it (elf, endeavouring (bmewhat to explain it, and to urge its praftice. Pray without ceafl^g. For underftan- ding the(e words,' let us (irft confider what is meant by the aft injoyned , Pruyifjg 5 then, what the quali(ication or circum(tance adjoyned , ivithout cea.- (ing^ doth import. I. The word Prayer doth in its u(ual latitude of acception comprehend all (brts of Devotion, or all that part of Religious praftice wherein we do im- mediately addre(s our (elves to God, ha- ving by (peech (oral or mental) a kind of intercour(e and conver(ation with him. So it includeth that Prai(e which we (hould yield to God, implying our due The Sixth Sermon. 197 due efteem of his moft excellent Perfec- tions, moft glorious Works , moft juft and wife dilpenfitions of Providence and Grace 5 that Thank{giving where- by v/e ftiould exprefi an affedionate re- fentment of our obligation to him for the numberlefi great benefits we receive from him 3 that Acknowledgment of our entire dependence upon him, or our to- tall (ubjeftion to his power andpleafure^ together with that Profeffion of Faith in him, and avowing of (ervice to him, which we do owe as his natural crea- tures, and fiibjefts 5 that humble Con- feflion of our infirmity, our vilenels, our guilt, our mifery, ( joyned with depre- cation of wrath and vengeance, ) which is due from us as wretched men, and grievous finners, that Petition of things needfull or convenient for us, (of fiip- ply in our wants , of fuccour and com- fort in our diftreffes, of direftion and afliftence in our undertakings, of mer- cy and pardon for our offences,) which our natural ftate ( our poor, weak, fad and finfuU ftate ) doth engage us to feek '-y that Interceffion for others, which general charity , or fpecial relation do require from us, as concerned or obli- ged to defire and promote their good. O 3 All 198 The Sixth Sermon. All thefe Religious performances Prayer in its larger notion doth comprife : ac- cording whereto in common ufe the whole Body of Divine Service, contai- ning all fuch a£i:s , is termed Prayer 5 and Temples, confecrated to the per- formance of all holy duties , are ftyled Hoitfes of prayer 5 and that brief Direc- tory, or pregnant Form of all Devotion, which our Lord diftated, is called his Prayer : and in numbeiiels places of Scripture it is fo taken. In a ftrifter ftnfe, it doth onely fig- nifie one particular aft among thofe, the Petition of things needful! or ufefull for us. But according to the former more comprehenfive meaning I chufe toun- derftand it here ^ both becaufe it is moft commonly fo uftd, ( then , efpecially , when no diftinftiye limitation is an- nexed, or the nature of the (ubjeft mat- ter doth not reftrain it, ) and becaufe general reafons do equally oblige to per- formance of all thefe duties in the man- ner here prefcribed: nor is there any ground to exclude any part of Devoti- on from continual ufe^ v/e being obli- ged no lefs incelTantly to prai(e God for his excellencies , and thank him for his benefits, The Sixth Sermon. 199 benefits , to avow his Sovereign Maje- fty and Authority, to confefi our infir- mities and mifcarriages , then to beg help and mercy fi'om God. All Devo- tion therefore, all forts of proper and due addrefi to God ( that Tmart ir^a- Aj')(y\') ^U prayer and fnpplication^ which Eph. 6, i8, S. Paul Otherwhere fpeaketh of) are here injoyned, according to the manner adjoyned, withont ceafi^ig^ d^z^^d-Moeg ^ that is, indefiriently, or continually. 2. For the meaning of which expref^ fion, we muft (iippofe , that it muft not be underftood as if we were obliged in every inftant or fingular point of time aftually to apply our minds to this prac- tice ; for to doe thus is in it felf impof- fible , and therefore can be no matter of duty 5 it is inconfiftent with other duties, and therefore muft not be prac- tifed 5 yea, will not confift with it felf^ for, that we may pray, we muft live, that we may live, we muft eat, that we may eat, we muft work, and muft therefore attend other matters 5 fo that aftual Devotion neither muft , nor can fwal- low up all our time and care. The de- liberate operations of our mind are fometimes interrupted by deep , fome- times will be taken up in (atisfying our O 4 natu- 200 The Sixth Sermon. natural appetites, fometimes muft be ipent in attendence upon other reafo* nable employments, commanded or al- lowed by God 5 whence there can be no obligation to this pradice according to that unlimited interpretation. This Precept therefore ( as divers others of a like general purport and expreffion ) muft be underftood , not in a natural , but moral (enfe , according as the exi- gence of things permitteth , or as the reafon of the cafe requireth 3 fo far as it is conveniently practicable , or as it is reafonably compatible with other du- ties, and needs. But we muft not fo re- ftrain it as to wrong it , by pinching it within too narrow bounds. How then it may be underftood , and how far it ftiould extend, we fhall endeavour to declare by propounding divers fcnfes whereof it is capable , grounded upon iiior« S'cr//*- plain teftimonies of Scripture, and en- tuYA pienitu- forcible by good Reafon 5 according to luiir* ^"* which fenfes we ftiall together prefi the obfervance thereof. I. Firft then, graying inceffantly may import the maintaining in our Souls a ready difpohtion or habitual inclination to Devotion 5 that which in Scripture is The Sixth Sermon. 201 is termed the fpirit offipplkatiofi. This lech. 12.10* in moral efteem, and according to cur- rent language , derived thence, amoun- teth to a continual praftice :, a man be- ing reckoned and faid to doe that, to which he is ever prompt and propenfe ; as it is (aid of the righteous man , that he is ever mercifully and lendeth^ becaufe Pfal.37. 25. he is conftantly difpofcd to fupply his neighbour with needfull relief f al-'^^ ^w^mi^h though he doth not ever actually dif^ ^l^^,^ clmr penfe alms, or furnifh his neighbour ^^^wen ^^^"^ with fupplies for his neceffity. The ^•^'^^' "°^* words may fignifie this i they do at leaft by conftquence imply Co much : for if we do not in this, we can hardly per- form the duty in any fenfe 5 without a good temper fitting , and a good appe- tite prompting to Devotion, we fcarce can, or will ever apply our (elves there- to. If there be not in our heart a root of Devotion, whence (liould it fpring? how can it live, or thrive ? If the or- gans of Prayer are out of kelter, or out of tune, how can we pray ? If we be not accin&i^ have not the loins of our iPtt.i. i^. mind girt ^ and our feet Jl)od in prepara- ^"{^- '^.gs- twn to the (ervice , when (hall we (et ^ ' * '*' forward thereto ? My heart ( (aid Da- Pfal. io8. 1, vid) is fixed^ 1 will (ing and give praife ."• fixed, 202 The Sixth Sermon, (aChr. 50. fixed, that is, readily prepared, and I^j^^^'^'fteddily inclined to Devotion. So fhould ours conftantly be. As a true friend is ever ready to entertain his friend with a frank courtefie and com- placency 5 as he ever is apt upon oc- cafion for advice and afEftence to have recourfe to him ; fo fhould we be al- ways difpoftd chearfully and decently to converft with God , when he freely Cometh to us , or we have need to ap- ply our felves to him. If there be ( from ftupidity of mind , from cold- nefs of afFeftion, from fluggiflinefs of (pirit 5 from worldly diftraftion ) any indilpofition or averfenefs thereto , we fhould by ferious confideration and in- duftrious care labour to remove them '5 roufing our fpirits , and kindling in our afFeftions fbme fervency of defire to- ward fpiritual things : otherwife we fhall be apt to fhun, or to flip the op- portunities inviting to Devotion 5 our hearts will be fo refty , or liftlels , that hardly we fhall be induced to perform it , when it is mofl neceffary or ufefuU for us. n. Praying incejjantly may denote a vigilant attendence (with earneft regard, and The Sixth Sermon. 203 and firm purpofej employed upon De- votion : iiich attendence a^ men ufiially beftow on their affairs, whereof although the aftuall profecution fometime doth ftick, yet the defign continually procee- deth 5 the mind ever lb direfting its eye toward them, as quickly to efpy, and readily to fiiatch any advantages of pro- moting them. This is a kind of conti- nuance in practice, and is commonly fo termed : as we fay that (iich an one is building a hou(e, is writing a book, is occupying fuch land, although he be at prefent fleeping, or eating, or following any other bufinefs 5 becaufe his main defign never (leepeth, and his purpofe continues uninterrupted. This is that which is (b often injoyned under the phrafe of watching about Pray en Watch Luk. 21.^6. ye therefore^ and praj always^ faith our Lord. Contimie in prayer^ and watch in Col 4. 2, the fame, faith S. Paul. Be ye fiber, and ^f^^^' '\ watch unto prayer, (aiih S. Peter, Which Matt.^^. 42, exprefiions import a moft conftant and 25, 13. carefull attendtrceupon this duty : that we do not make it a -ro^e^^/oi', or by- bufinefi in our life, (a matter of fmall confideration or indifference, of curio- fity, of chance,) to be tran(afted drow- zily or faintly, with a defiiltorious and flight 204 The Sixth Sermon. flight endeavour, by fits, as the humour taketh us , but that, accounting it a bu- finefe of the choiceft nature and weigh- tieft moment, we do adhere thereto with unmovable purpofe, regard it with undiftrafted attention , purfiie it with unwearied diligence, being always up- on the guard, wakefull and expedite, intent upon, and apt to clofe with any oecafion (iiggefting matter thereof. That we fliould doe thus reafon alfb doth oblige : for that, as in truth no bufinefs doth better deferve our utmoft refoluti- on and care, fo none doth more need them 5 nature being fb backward, and oecafion fo flippery, that if we do not e- ver mind it, we fhall feldom praftift it. sPec. 1. 12. III. Praywg tncej[antly may fignifie, g1i!^X *^^ ^^ ^^ aftually embrace all fit fea- 'mv-n-n {^' fons and emergent occafions of Devo- h^^' tion. This in moral computation doth pafi for continual performance : as a tree is faid to bear that fruit, which it produceth in the fcafon 5 and a man is accounted to work in that trade, which he exercifeth whenever he is called thereto. This ftnfe is in (everal Pre- cepts parallel to that in hand plainly Eph.5. 18. expreffed. Pray ( faith S. Paul) with all The Sixth Sermon. 205 dU grayer attd fupplicathn di/ yrnvVi fc^i^iZ' and, Watch (* faith our Lord J d^^ ymvl} ^^^* ^^'^^* if^i^Sd S)cQfJtAvoi^ praywg in every feafon^ or upon ev£ry opportunity. IDcvotion indeed is rarely unfeafonable, or imper- tinent 5 we may offer it SZ^-ctl^^q^ MOLi- ^'jc;^ in feafor?^ and out of feafon 5 that is, 2 Tim. 4. a. not onely taking opportunities prefen- ted for it, or urgently requiring it, but catching at them, and creating them to our (elves, when there is no (uch appa- rent and preffing need of it. But there are (bme fecial occafions, which more importunately and indifpenftbly do exaft it ; fome feafons there are (either mini- ftred by extrinfecal accidents, or (prin- ging from internal difpofitions ) when, without both great blame, and much dammage to our felves, we cannot neg- left it : times there be moft proper, and acceptable, when we do e(pecially need to pray , and when we are likely to fpeed well therein, ^very one ((aith Pfal- %^* ^* the Pfalmift) that k godly will pray un- to thee in a time when thou mayeji be found : and. My prayer ((aith he again) P^*'- ^9* '?• is unto thee in an acceptable time, jC, ^'^, g/ Thus, when we have received any Angular blefling or notable favour from God, when pro(perous (iicceft hath at- tended 2o6 The Sixth Sermon. tended our honeft enterprifo, when we have been happily refcued from immi- nent dangers, when we have been (up- ported in difficulties , or reheved in wants and ftreights ^ then is it feafonabJe to render (acrifices of Thanksgiving and • 'praife to the God of viftory, help, and mercy 5 to admire and celebrate him, Pfal. 18.1,2. who is our firength^ and our deliverer^ & 71.3. &c. our fdithfuU refuge in troJthU^ our for» trefs^ and the rock ofoxxx falvation, ' To omit this piece of Devotion then , is vile ingratitude , or ftupid negligence and floth. When any rare objeQ: or remarkable occurrence doth upon this theater of the world prefent it felf to our view, in fiir- veying the glorious works of Nature^ or the ftrange events of Providence 5 then is a proper occafipn fuggefted to fend up hymns of Praife to the power, the wifedom,the goodnels of the World's great Creatour and Governour. A« Tirimn When we undertake any bufinefi of ''^'-"''J^ fpecial moment and difficulty 3 then it T^Qcnvxiui' IS expedient ( wiledom prompting it ) Marc.Ercm. ^-q f^^ f^^ God's aid, to commit our af^ fairs into his hand , to recommend our endeavours to the bleffing of him, by whofe guidance all things are ordered, without The Sixth Strmoju 207 without whofe concourfe nothing can be efFefted, upon whofe arbitrary diP pofal all fiiccefs dependeth. The beginning of any defign or bu- finefs (although ordinary, if confidera- ble) is a proper feafon of Prayer unto him, to whofe bounty and favour we owe our ability to aft, fupport in our proceedings , any comfortable iffue of what we doe : (for All our fuffickncy is 2 Cor. j. $. of him: Without him we can doe nothing,^ joh, 15. 5, Whence we can never apply our felves to any bufinefs or work, not go to eat, to fleep, to travel, to trade, to ftudy, with any true content, any reafbnable ftcurity, any (atisfadory hope , if we do not firft humbly implore the favou- rable proteftion , guidance , and afli- ftence of God. When we do fall into doubts, or darknefles, (in the cour(e either of our (piritual or lecular affairs,) not know- ing what courfe to fteer, or which way to turn our (elves 3 (a cafe which to fo blind and filly creatures, as we are, muft often happen 5) then doth the time bid us to conftlt the great Oracle jcr. 10.25. of truth, the mighty Connfeliour^ the Fa- Prov. 20.24: ther of lights^ feeking refolution and (a- ic. 9/5.' ^* tisfaftion, light and wifedom from him 5 Jam. 1. 17. faying ao8 The Sixth Sermon. Pfal. 2S.4»5> faying with the Pialmift, Shew me thy & 8^.^ii/& "^"^y^-i Lordy lead me in thy trnth^ and 145. 10.&32. teach me 5 for thou art the Godofmy faU Pfal 110 i?l' ^"^^^^^ •* Or^er /^/ jlep in thy word^ and let not any iniquity have dominion over Jam. I. $. me ^ following the advice of S. James^ Ifa. 30/1/ J^f^^^y ^<^n lack^ wifedom , kt him ask^of God^ that giveth to all meji liberally^ and upbraideth not^ and it fldall be given him. Pfal. 55. 3. When any ftorm of danger bluftereth & 18 1 about us, perilloufly threatning, or fu- rioudy affailing us with mifchief^ ((o that hardly by our own ftrength or wit we can hope to evade 5 ) then with the wings of ardent Devotion we fhould fly unto God for (helter, and for relief When any anxious care diftrafteth, or any heavy burthen prefleth our minds, we fhould by Prayer eafe our * felves of them, and dilcharge them up- on God, committing the matter of them to his care and providence 5 according rhil.4.d. to that direftion of S. Paul^ Be carefnll for nothing : hut in every thing by prayer and Jilpplication with thanksgiving^ let your requejh be made h^own to God. When we do lie under any irkfome trouble, or fore diftrefs, (of want, pain, difgrace 5) then, for luccour and fupport, for eafc and comfort, we fhould have ^ recourfe 7he Sixth Sermon. 209 recourfe to the Father of pities^ afid 2 Ccr. i. 5. God of all covfolationv, who is nigh to all Pral.!4$. i8, that call upon him^ will alfo hear their ^^'^^^'^'^' cry^ and will five them 5 who, when the righteom cry^ doth hear them , and ^^^^' 34- «7* deliventh them out of all their troubles 5 who is (b often ftyled the hiding-place Pf4l.i8.i,2. from troubles^ the help and Jirength^ the ^5^* |' ^^ Jhield and buckler^ the rocl^^ the fortrefs^ 7.&33. 20/ the high tower ^ the horn of falvation^ to ^ 71- 5. all good and diftreffed people. To him we ftiould in fiich a condition have re- courft , imitating the pious Pfalmift , whofe pradice was this ^ In the daj/of^^^^'^'^-^- my trouble I fought the Lord : I ponred ,.3. 2. out my complaint before him^ I J?) e wed be- fore him my trouble: I called unto the Vdl 118. 5; Lord in my difirefs 5 the Lord anfwered me^ and fet me in a large place. When any ftrong temptation doth in- vade us, with which by our own ftrength we cannot grapple, but are like to fink and faulter under it :> then is it oppor- tune and needfall that we (hould icek to God for a fupply of fpiritual forces, and the fuccour of his Almighty grace, as S. Paul did : when there was given to 2 Cor 12.7, him a thorn in the fl'^ft^^ a mejfenger of ' ^* Satan to buffet him 5 then he bejought the Lord thrice that it might depart from P him: ^ o The Sixth Sermon. him : and he had this return from God, Mj grace k fnfficient for thee. When al(b (from ignorance, or mis- take, from inadvertency, negligence, or rafhncfs, from weaknefi, from wanton- nefi, from prefumption) we have tranP grefled our duty, and incurred finfuU guilt 3 then, (for avoiding the confe- quent danger and vengeance , for un- loading our Confciences of the burthen and difcomfort thereof,) with humble confeflion in our mouths, and (erious contrition in our hearts, we fhould ap- ply our lelves to the God of mercy, de- precating his wrath, and imploring par- don fi'om him 5 remembring that promife I Joh. I. p. of S. Joh^/^ If we corifefs our [ms^ he is faithful! and jufi to forgive us our (ins^ and to cleavfe m from all iniquity 5 and Prov. 28.13. that declaration of the Wife man^ He that covereth his (ins fhall not proffer : rfal. 32. §. hut he that confeffeth and forfaketh them Job 7. 20. P^i! have mercy. In thefe and the like cafes God by our necellities doth invite and fiimmon us to come unto him 5 and no lefs foo- lifh then impious we are, if we do then flink away, or fly from him. Then we (hould (as the Apoftle to the Hebrews Heb. 4. 1 5. exhorteth) come boldly unto the throne The Sixth Sermon* 211 ofgrace^ that we may obtain mercy ^ and find grace to help in time of need^ (or, * for feafonable relief:) ^^ff< J^";^ And befide thofe outwardly promp- "^^^ ting and urging us, there be other op- portunities , fpringing from within us, which we are no lels obliged and con- cerned to embrace. When God by his gentle whifpers calleth us, or by his (oft impulfes draweth us into his preftnce 5 we fhould then take heed of flopping Jcr. g$. 15; our ears, or turning our hearts from jf°^*^' ^^' him, refufing to hearken, or to comply. %l6^. 12. & We muft not any-wife quench or damp ^^- 4» any fparks of devout afFedion kindled in us by the Divine Spirit 5 we muft not repell or refift any of his kindly luggeftions or motions. When-ever we find our (elves well affeded to, or well framed for Devoti- on 5 that we have a lively fenfe of, and a coming appetite to fpiritual things 5 that our (pirits are brisk and pure, our fancy calm and clear, our hearts tender and fiipple, our affeftions warm and nimble 5 then a fair (eafon ofFereth it (elf; and when the iron is (b hot, we (hould ftrike. If at any time we feel any forward inclinations or good difpofitions to the P 2 praftice aia The Sixth Sermon. praftice of this duty, we fhould never check or curb them, but rather (hould promote and advance them 5 pufhing our felvcs forward in this hopefull ca- reer 5 letting out the ftream of our af- feftions into this right channel, that it may run freely therein, that it may o- verflow and diffufe it felf in exuberance of Devotion. Farther, IV. Prayiffg inceffuntly may fignifie, that we fhould with affiduous urgency drive on the intent of our Prayers, ne- ver quitting it, or defifting, till our re- quefts are granted , or our defires are accomplifhed. Thus doing, we may be laid to pray continually : as he that go- eth forward in his journey, (although he fometime doth bait, (bmetimc doth reft and repofe himfelf,) is (aid yet to be in travel 5 or as he that doth not wave the profecution of his caufe, (al- though (bme demurrs intervene) is dee- med ftill to be in fiiit. This is that which our Lord did in the Gofpel pre- Icribe, and perfiiade, where 'tis recor- luk. 18. 1, ded of him, that He fpake a parable unto tkem^ that wen ought alivays to pray ^ and not to faint. That praying always the enfuing difcourfe (heweth to import reftlefs The Sixth Sermon. 213 reftlefi importunity, and perftverance in prayer : the (ame which (b often is commended to us by the phra£s of [xvi d'^KXTifiv^ not to faint ox fault cr 5 //j^ tju'j- ^^ • » • '• i^ai^ not to ceafe^ or give over 5 tt^sct-CoI 1.9. xx^Vc^av, to continue injiant, or hold ^^Jj; '^^^^^^ out ftoutly^ dyenX^o^^h to Jirive e^r- col. 4. 2,12. nejilj^ or conteft and ftruggle in prayers^ TT^OT^OLiVQ^v Ictl^ ^)(^(n, to abide at fjippli- > "^i"'* 5- 5« cations'^ dy^virv^v i^ Tzijyj 7r^0J:^asj7e^M7G<, to watch ivith all pcrfeverance. That ^t^'^-^- '^• which alfo is implied by thofe terms, which in Scriptural ftyle do commonly expreffe Devotion : by "^ fee- king God':, which implieth, *Pj"^^-'°-/-,^9. 10.^14. that God doth not prelent- 5^ ^2. & 70. 4. ^ 85- 15. ly, upon any fli8;ht addrefi, Job 8.$. Deur. 4. 29. difcover himfelf in benefici- ''''' ^- ''' '^'^' ''' ^• al effefts anfwerable to our defires, but after a carefiiU and painftiU continuance in '^^^^'^ '2^- =. & 69. ^. & our applications to him : by & 2^. ,^, & ^y. ^^ sc 25. "^ waiting upon God 5 which 21- & 52. 9.^ 59.9& i45- fignifieth, that if God do not ^^: JJ'/ ^o/.'/.^t" 1^1 prefently appear granting 3. 25, 25. Prov. 20. 22. our requefts, we (hould pa- tiently ftay, expefting till he be pleaftd to doe it in his own bed time, accor- ding to that in the Pfiilm, 0;/r eyes wait pral.123.2. upon the Lord our God^ tvitill he hive P 3 tncrcy 2 1 4 The Sixth Sermon. Luk. 12. 56. ^ercj/ upon us : by ktjockifjg 5 which inr Matt. 7. 7- timateth, that the door of grace doth not ever ftand open, or that we can have an effedual acce(s to God, until! he, warned and (as it were) excited by our earneft importunity, pleaftth to liften, to difclofe himftlf, to come forth unto us. And this practice Reafon alfo doth en- force. For there are fome good things , abfolutely neceffary for our fpiritual Hfe , K/i.chryf. and welfare, (fiich as are freedom from X^^adnT ^^^ inclinations, diforderly afFeftions,( cflf, a. vicious habits, and noxious errours 5 the 1 lanftifying prefence and influence of God's Holy Spirit , with the blefle4 Graces and Iweet fruits thereof 5 growth / in Vertue, delight in Ipiritual things,! the fenfe of God s love and favour, / with the like,) which good reafon en-j gageth us (b perfeveringly to feek, as never to reft, or be (atisticd , till we have acquired them in perfeft degree 5 fince we cannot ever doe well without them, or ever get enough of them. In begging other inferiour things, it may become us to be referved, indifferent, jCi^h6)7j;^M- C wherein all our felicity is extreamly pefZ/.TJi. concerned) it were a roily to be Hack of The Sixth Sermon. 215 ^or timorous: as we cannot befaid im- moderately to defire them, fo we can- not be fiippoftd immodeftly to (eek them there, where onely they can be ^found , in God's prelence and hand. jThe cafe doth bear, yea doth require, that we fhould be eager and hot, re(b- llute and ftifF, free and bold, yea, in a manner peremptory and impudent foli- Icitours with God for them. So our Sa- viour intimateth, where, comparing the ; manner of God's proceeding with that of men, he reprefenteth one friend yiel- ding needfull (uccour to another, not ^ barely upon the (core of friend (hip, but ^oi rliuu dvxi^ixvy for his impudence '-^ that Luk. ii. 8. is, for his con(ident and continued ur- ' gency, admitting no refu(al or excu(e. So doth God in fuch ca(es allow, and oblige us to deal with him, being in- ftant and pertinacious in our requefts, giving him no reji^ (as the phra(e is in ira. 62. 7, the Prophet 3 ) not enduring to be put off, or brooking any repulfe 5 never being di(couraged, or caft into defpair, by any delay, or (emblance of negleft. We may wrafile with God^ like Jacob^ Gen. 32. 26, and with Jacob may (ay, / will not let thee go^ except than blefs me. Thus God liiiFereth himielf to be prevailed upon, P 4 and 21 6 The Sixth Sermon. and is willingly overcome : thus Omni* potence may be maftered, and a happy vidory may be gained over Invincibility it (el£ Heaven (bmetime may be for- ced by ftorm 5 (or by the aflaults of ex- treamly-fervent prayer 5) it afliiredly will yield to a long fiege. God will not ever hold out againft the attempts Matt. IX. 1 2. of an obftinate fuppliant. So the Ki^g- dom of Heaven frffereth violence^ and the violent tak§ it by force. We reade in ]oh. $. $. S. Johns Gofpel of a man, that, being thirty eight years difeafed, did Vv^ait at ijd. chryf. x\it p^^j q^ Bethefda feekins; relief: him rom.<„Orat. ^ i • • j ''^ j i i j 4c.^ in J oh. our Lord pitied, and helped, crowning Or- ^6, his patience with miraculous relief, and propofing it for an example to us of perfeverance. It is laid of the Patriarch Gen. 2$. 21. IfiaCj that he in treated the Lord for his wife , becaufe JI)e was barren 5 and the Lord was intreated of hifn^ and Rehekah **■ Vid.Tom.6. his wife conceived. VVhereupon S. ^ Chry- ^'^'* * fojioKte dothobferve, that he had perfe- vered twenty years in that petition. Of good fuccefs to this pradice we have many afliirances in Holy Scripture. Lam. 9. 2$. "Yhe Lord is good unto them that wait for ^^49 °2?. ' '^^^^^ ^^ the fold that fee keth him. Blejfed Pfai. 25. 3. are all they that wait for him. None Mu ^0 a I ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ him Jl) all be afhamed. * Th^y * ^"* ' that 7he Sixth Sermon. 2 1 7 that tvait upon the Lord JJuU renerv their ' ^'^g^^' ^' Jire^gth, they JIj all momit up with m'/^^/ Amosi.4.' as eacles ; they (lull ruv^ aitd not be rvea- 2 chr. 1 5. 2. ry h they fiall n\dk , and not faint. So seek}lg God hath God afliired by his Word, and en- the Kcriphra- gaged himfclf by promifc, that he will J-J^^/^^;'* yield unto conftant and patient Devo- pfai. 14. 2. tion ; fo that it (hall never want 2;ood ^ ^f^'^ iuccels. &119. 2.& Without this praftice we cannot in- 10. 4« deed hope to obtain thofe precious things 5 they will not come at an eafie rate, or be given for a (bng 5 a lazy wifli or two cannot fetch them down from Heaven. Cod will not beftow them at firft asking , or deal them out in one lump : but it is upon affiduous foliciting, and by gradual communica- tion, that he difpenfeth them. So his wife good will for many fpecial reafbns difpofeth him to proceed : that we may (as it becometh and behoveth us) abide under a continual (enfe of our natural impotency and penury 5 of our depen- dence upon God, and obligation to him for the free collation of thofe beft gifts : that by ibme difficulty of procu- ring them we may be minded of their worth, and induced the more to prize fhem ; that by earneftly fteking them we 2 1 8 7he Sixth Sermon. we may improve our fpiritual appetites, and excite holy affeftions: that by much converfing with Heaven , our minds may be raifed above earthly things , and our hearts purified from fordid defires : that we may have a con- ftant employment anfwerable to the beft capacities of our Souls, worthy our care and pain , yielding moft folid pro- fit and pure delight unto us : that, in fine , by our greater endeavour in reli- gious pradice we may obtain a more ample reward thereof For the fame reafon indeed that we pray at all, we (hould pray thus, with continued inftance. We do not pray to inftruft or advife God 5 not to tell him news, or inform him of our wants: M«tt.6. 8. ( He kltows them^ as our Saviour telleth us, before we ask^: ) nor do we pray by dint of argument to perfiiade God, and bring him to our bent 5 nor that by fair ipeech we may cajoul him, or move his afFeftions toward us by pathetical orations : not for any fuch purpofe are we obliged to pray. But for that it be- Cometh , and behoveth us fo to doe 5 becaufe it is a proper inftrument of bet- tering , ennobling , and perfecting our Souls 3 becaufe it breedeth moft holy afFec- The Sixth Sermon. 219 afFeftions , and pure fitisfaftions , and worthy refblutions^ becaufe it fitteth us for the enjoyment of happinefs, and lea- deth us thither : for fuch ends Devoti- on is prefcribed 5 and conftant perseve- rance therein being needfull to thofe purpofo, ( praying by fits and ftarts not fiifficing to accomplifti them , ) there- fore (iich perfeverance is required of us. Farther, V. Praywg incejfantly may import , that we do with all our occupations and all occurrences interlace devout e- jaculations of prayer and praift 5 lifting up our hearts to God , and breathing forth expreffions of devotion , futable to the objefts and occafions which pre- fent themielves. This as it nearly doth approach to the punftual accompHfh- ment of what our Text prefcribeth ^ fo it feemeth required by S. Paul^ when he biddeth us pay always qa^ irv^juccli^ in Eph. 6. 18. fpirit , and to fing dp ryj ^p^, /« the ^J* '9-^^ heart : that is, with very frequent ele- ° ' ^* vations of fpirit in holy thoughts, and defires toward Heaven 5 with oppor- tune refentments of heart, direfting thanks and praife to God. We cannot eyer be framing or venting long Prayers with i 2 20 The Sixth Sermon. with our lips, but almoft e- Sed nonfathperfpkim yer our mind can throw pi- quantum natura humam tn- , , '^ genii ^aieat, qu^itiefi a- ous glances, our heart may giiii ^ veiox, fic in omnem dart good wiflies upwards 5 P;,^«rJ';»#fSi «> that hardly any moment aliquidtigeretamiimmtim; \,^ny confiderable (pacc of inphraverimnecdemdie ^■^^^•^ ^^^ (j withoUt mento,vimfnamimpendat. lOme llghtfome tlalhes of Quint. /. 12. Devotion. As bodily refpi- iAy»ficv Eafily with a »;$ Ttt^ mtvTwj/ «V:t>;tc«6- httle providence may things TiP^S.y^v ^^t^. chryf. be fo ordered, that it, with- M/o. 1. 14. r >!. ii.j out interfering or juftling^ may well confift with all other, both needfull bufinefs, and con- venient divertilement 5 fo that it fhall neither obftrud them, nor they extrude it : and are we not very culpable, i£ we do not ufe fo much providence ? 10. In truth, attending upon Devo- tion can be no obftacle, but will be great furtherance to all other good bu- finefs. It is the moft fore, mofl plea- lant, moft advantageous and compendi- ous way of tranfafting affairs, to rnix Prayers and Praifes with them : it is the beft oil that can be, to make the wheels of aftion go on (moothly and fpeedily ; it not onely fanftifieth our undertakings, but much promoteth and exceedingly fweetneth the management of them. For the confcience of having rendred unto God his due refped and fervice, of ha- ving intrufted our affairs to his care, of haying confequently engaged his pro- teftion The Seventh Sermon. 253 tcftion and affiftence for us, will difpofe us to doe things with a courageous ala- crity and comfortable (atisfaftion 5 will fill us with a good hope of profpering 5 will prepare us however to be (atisfied with the event, what-ever it (hall be 5 will in effed procure a blefling and happy fucce(s , fiich as we may truly rejoyce and triumph in, as conferred by God in favour to us. Whereas neglec- ting thefe duties, we can have no folid content or favoury complacence in any thing we undertake : reflefting on (iich misbehaviour (if we be not downright infidels, or obdurate reprobates in im- piety) will quafli or damp our courage: having thence forfeited all pretence to God's (uccour, and provoked him to crofi lis, we mufl: needs (u(pe£i: difap- pointment ; as we have no reafonable ground to hope for fiiccefs 5 fo we can- not, if fuccefi arriveth, be heartily fi-- tisfied therein , or take it for a bleG fing. He therefore that is fuch a niggard of his time, that he grudgeth to withhold any part thereof from his worldly oc- cafions , deeming all time cafl: away ^ that is laid out in waiting upon God , ♦ is really moft unthrifty and prodigal there- 254 '^^^ Seventh Sermon. thereof: by {paring a little, he wafteth all his time to no purpofe ^ by fo eager- ly purfuing, he effeftually fttteth back his defigns 5 by prepofteroufly afFeding to difpatch his affairs, he rendreth them endlels, o^, which is the lame, altoge- ther unprofitable. In fine, we may be fiire that no time is Ipent even fo prudently and politick- ly, with fo great advantage, and fo real fruit to our (elves, as that which is em- ployed upon Devotion. In facrificing his time, his pains, his fubftance, any. thing he hath or can doe, to God's fer- vice, no man can be a lofer. We have alfo many examples plainly demonftrating the confiftency of this praftice with all other bufinels. Who ever had more or greater affairs to ma- nage, and who ever managed them with greater fuccefs, then David j upon whom did ly the burthen of a Royal eftate, and the care over a moft popu- Pfal. 78. 75. lous nation 5 the which he fed wHh a faithfiill and true hearty and ruled prn- dently with all his power 5 who waged great wars, vanquiflied mighty enemies, atchieved many glorious exploits, un- derwent many grievous troubles ? Yet could not (uch engagements diftraft or depreis The Seventh Sermon. Q55 deprels his mind from a conftant atten- dende on Devotion. / ivill hlefs the rfai. 94. «• Lord at all times ^ his praiCe Jful/ he con- f '^'^'^' ^' ttmially in my month. My tnoiith jIuU ^i^X.^^^^il. JIjcw forth thy right eonpiefs^ and thy faU vation all the day, I ivill abide in /^^ r^al. 6i. 4. tabernacle for ever. So he declareth his refolution, and his praftice. Who is more preflingly employed then was D./- niel^ firft Prefident over fo vaft a King- dom, chief Minifter of State to the grea- teft Monarch on earth ? Yet conftantly thrice a day did he pray , and give thanks Dan. 5. lo. before hh God. Who can be more entan- gled in varieties and intricacies of care, of pains, of trouble, then was he that prelcribeth unto us this rule of Praying continually ? Upon him did ly the care 2C0r.11.28. of all the Churches 5 Night and day with 2 ThcCT. 3.8. labour ofid toil did he rvork^^ox the (ufte- nance of his life, that he might not (to the difparagement of the Gofpel ) bur- then any man 5 perpetually he v/as en- gaged in all forts of labour and travail, ever conflifting with perils, with wants, with inconveniencies numberlefs : yet did he exaftly conform his praftice to his rule, being no le(s indefatigable and inceflant in his Devotion then he was in his bufinefs. Who ever managed a greater 2^6 The Seventh Sermon, greater Empire then Confimtine ^ Yet Ycufctfbjr every day (as Eufehius reporteth) at fia^ Zit\L ^^^ ^^'^^' . Py^it^i-^^g himfelf u^ , he alone lotfiyKf^e^cey, prwatelj did co^jverfi with hH God, The ^v^ ^oVfij mofl: pious men indeed have never been! ©iyoiJ^iAH idle or carekfs men, but always moft ©sw. Eufeh. bufie and aftive, moft induftrious in ^^^'^';^'"-^' their callings, moft provident for their families, moft officious toward their friends, moft ready to (erve their coun- try, moft abundant in all good Works : yet have they always been moft con- ftant in Devotion. So that experience clearly doth evidence, how reconci- lable much Devotion is to much bufi- nefi^ and that, confequently , the pro- fecution of the one cannot well palli- ate the negledt of the other. JI. No better can any rtian ward him« felf from blame , by imputing the neg- left of Devotion to fome indifpofiti- on within him thereto. For this is one- ly to cover one fault with another , or to lay on a patch more ugly then the fore. Tis, in effeft, to lay we may fin, becaufe we have a mind to it , or care not to doe otherwiie. Our indifpofition \ it fcif is criminal 5 and, as fignifying fomewhat habitual or fettled, is worfe then The Seventh ' Sermon. 257 then a fingle omiffion : it onght there- fore to be correfted and cured 5 and the way to doe it is, by fetting preftnt- \ ly upon the praftice of the Duty, and perfifting refolutely therein : otherwife how is it poffible that it (liould ever be I removed ? The longer we forbear it , the more feldom we perform it , the ftronger furely will our indifpofition grow , and the more difficult it will be to remove it. But if ( with any degree of (erioufnefs and good intention ) we come indifpofed to Prayer, we may^ thereby be formed into better difpoflti- on 3 and by continual attcndence there- on , we (hall ( God's grace co-opera- ting, which never is wanting to (erious [ and honeft intentions } grow toward a perftft fitnels for it ; Prayer by degrees will become natural and delightfull to ^ us. Tiie (258) The Eighth Sermon. EPHES, 5. 20. - Giving thanks altpajis for all things UHta God. T HESE words, although (as the very Syntax doth immediately difcover ) they bear a relation to, and have a fit coherence with thofe that precede, may yet ( efpecially con* fidering S. Paurs ftyle, and manner of expreflion in the preceptive and exhor- r/V.Rom.i2. tative part of his Epiftles ) without a* Epher.6.6*«e/?©- tention of Benefits in memory, and con- «57< i^ TO- fequently frequent Reflexions upon vf,. them. For, he that is no longer affec- ted with a Benefit then it incurrs the ienft, and fiifFers not it (elf to be difre- garded, is far from being gratefull 5 nay, if we believe the Philofopher, is ingrate- full in the worft kind, and higheft dG- Sen^.deBe-gitc, For, hfgratus ejl^ ((aith he) qni tief. cap, I. hefjejicinm accepijje fe negat^ quod acce^ pit 5 i77gr'atHS eji , qui dijfimfdat 5 ifjgra- tus^ qui non Yzddit : ' ingratilJimHS omJii- um^ qui oblitus eJi. He that falflj/ denies the 7'eceftion of a Benefit^ and he that dffi femhks it , and he thai doth not repay it , is in gratefull '-^ hut mo ft ingratefnll of all is he that forgets it. It is a fign the Be- nefit made no deep iraprefiion on his mind, fince it left no difternible foot- ftep there 3 that he hardly ever thought of The Eighth Sermon. 2^3 of making recompence, fince he hath fiifFered himfelf to become altogether uncapable of doing it : neither is there any hope of his amending the part neg- left 5 no fliame, no repentance, no fair occafion can redeem him from Ingrati- tude, in whom the very remembrance of his obhgation is extinguifhed. If to be (enfible of a prelent good turn , deferved the title of Gratitude , all men certainly would be gratefuU : the jfezr/queftionlefi were fo. When Al- mighty God, by his wonderfull power, in extraordinary ways, delivered them from the tyranny and oppreflion of their prevalent enemies 5 when he cauled ftreams to gufli forth from the bowels of a hard rock , to refreQi their thirft 5 when bread descended from Heaven in (howrs , and the winds were winged with fle(h,to fatisfie their greedy defires 5 then furely they were not altogether unfenfible of the Divine goodnels^ then could they acknowledge his power, and be forward enough to engage them- (elves in promife of correfpondent ob- iervance toward him for the future. But the mi(chief was , immediately af- ter, as the Pfalmiji complains, They for- Pf. 78.11,42. gat his rpor^^ a?td the wonders he had S 4 JlKwed t^6^ The Eighth Sermon. Jhewed ihe^n r They rememhred not hh hand^ nor. the day when he delivered them' Nch.9. 17. fivm the enemy. They refttfed to obey ,^ neither were mindfuU of the wonders that: God did among them 5 as Nehemiah con-' Dcut.32= 18= fcfles in their behalf. Of the Rock^ that begat them they were nnmindfitU , and forgot the God that formed them 5 as it is in Dctttcronomy. They diftruTked his Promifes , repined at his dealings , dif^ obeyed his Laws, and treacheroufly a- poftatized from his Covenant. Such >vere the fruits of their ingratefuU iR)r- getfulnefiy which therefore that people is &> often charged with, and fo fliarply reproved for by the Prophets. On the contrary , we find that great * pattern of Gratitude, the Royal Prophet 77;> hv'wg' David ^ Continually revolving in his ^/ninf/^ Me- thoughts, imprinting upon his fancy, '^tnhe eyes, ftudying and meditating upon, recollec- prai.26.9. ting and renewing in his memory the pr.77. 11,12. refults of Divine favour, / will remem- ber^ laith he, thy wonders of old ^ I will meditate of all thy works^ andtalk^of thy Pi'al. 149. $. doings : and^ I remember the days of old^ I meditate on all thy works ^ I maje on the Pfal. 105. 2. works of thy hands : and, Blefs the Lord^ Ojny.faiil^ and forget not all hk benefits: Ff. 63.$,^,7« and. My month flhtU paife thee with joyr fnU 7he Eighth Sermon. 265 full lips ^ whef2 1 rewember thee 7itof; my bed^ and meditate on thee in tke night^ vpotches ^ hecattfe thou haji been my help. No place unfit , it fcems , no time nn- fealbnablc, for the piafticc of this Du- ty 5 not the place defigned for reft, not the time due to llcep, but, as Dazid thought, more due to a wakeful! con- templation of the Divine goodnefs. Whole vigilant Gratitude we ihould ftrive to imitate, devoting our moft (b- litary and retired, our m.oft (ad and (eri- ous thoughts ( not the ftudies onely of Gur clofet, but the confiiltations al(b of our pillow) to the prefervation of tho(e blefled Idea's 5 that neither length of time may deface thpjn in our fmcy, nor other care thruft them out thence. It was a fatyrical anlwer, (that of A- riftotle^) ?ir\A highly opprobrious to man- kind 5 who being asked, T/ Ta;^i9'cj' ;;;- ^37t&i 5 What doth the foonefi grow old^ replied, Xcz^/;, Thanhs : and fo was that adagiall verfe, " kfj^ yM^^^ HSf'i Ti'^xxy^v r ;^ap; • No fooner the coitrtcfie born^ then the refentment thereof dead. Such re- proachful! Aphorifms we fliould labour to confute, efpecially as they are appli- cable to the Divine favours, by fo main- taining and cheriflning our thanks foi them , 266 The Eighth Sermon. them, that they neither decay with age, nor prematurely die, nor be buried in oblivion ^ but may refemble the pic- tures and poetical defcriptions of the Graces, thofe goodly Daughters of Hea- ven, foiling always with a never-fa- ding ferenity of countenance, and flou- rifhing in an immortal youth. The middle, we may ob(erve,andthe fafeft, and the faireft, and the moft con- ipicuous places in Cities are ufiially de- puted for the eredions of Statues and Monuments dedicated to the memory of worthy men, who have nobly defer- ved of their Countties. In like manner fliould we in the heart and centre of our Soul, in the beft and higheft appart- ments thereof, in the places moft expo- fed to ordinary ob{ervation,and moft fe- cure from the invafions of worldly care, ereft lively reprefentations of, and la- fting memorials unto the Divine boun- ty 5 conftantly attending to which we may be difpofed to Gratitude. Not one bleffing, not the leaft favourable paA (age of Providence ought to perifti with us, though long fince paft , and remo- ved out of the fphere of prefent jfenfe. We muft not in our Old age forget Ffi^. 7ii ^. who formed us in the Womb , who brought The Eighth Sermon. 267 brought us into the light, who (uckled our Infancy , who educated our Child- hood, who governed our Youth, who condufted our Manhood througjh the manifold hazzards, troubles an3 di(a- fters of life. Nor in our Profperity, our affluence of good things, our poflefTion of Canaan^ ijiould we be unmindfull of ^<^"f- ^- "• him who relieved us in our ftieights, ' **' who fupplied our wants, fuftained our adverfity , who redeemed us from £- gyft^ and led us through the wildernefi. A fucceffion of new and frefh Benefits fiiould not (as among (bme Savages the manner is for the young to make away the old ) fupplant and expunge ancient ones, but make them rather more dear and venerable to us. Time ftiould not weaken or diminifh, but rather con- firm and radicate in us the remembrance of God's goodnefs 5 to render it, as it doth gold and wine, more precious, and more ftrong. We have ufually a memo- ry more then enough tenacious of inju- ries and ill turns done us : let it never be (aid, to the di(grace of that noble fa- culty, that we can hardly forget the diP courtefies of man , but not eafily re- member the favours of God. But far- ther, ' ' 3- Thif 268 The Eighth Sermon. 3. This Duty implies a due Efleera ^ and valuation of Benefits 5 that the na- ture and quality, the meafiire and quan- tity , the circumftances lind confequen- ces of them be well expended : elfethe Gratitude is like to be none^ or very defeftive. For we commenfurate our thankfulnels, not fb much to the intrin- fick excellency of things, as to our pe- culiar eftimations of them. A Cynick^ perhaps, would not return more thanks for a diamond, then for a pebble 3 iior more gratefully receive a talent of gold, then an ounce of copper : becaufe he equally values^ or rather alike contemns both. Wherefore we find our (never-to- be-forgotten ) example , the devout Thankigiver Divid^ continually decla- ring the great price he fet upon the Di- vine favours 5 admiring and difplaying their tranfcendent perfeftions , their wonderfull greatnefs, their boundlefi extenfion , their exceffive multitude , their endlefi duration, their advantage- ous circumftances, ( the excellent need- fulnels, convenience, and (eafonablenefs of them 5 together with the admirable freenefs, wifedom and power of the Be- nefactour fhining forth in and by them.) / m/J The Eighth Sermon. a ^9 / vpjUpraife thee , Lord^ ( (aith he ) pf. io8. 3,4. among the peop/e^ I will (ing unto thee a- mong the nations : For thy mercy is great unto the heavens ^ and thy faithjnlnefs reacheth unto the clouds : and. Remember Pf. io$.$,7; the marvellous vrorks that he hath d-one , his wonders , and the judgments of his mouth. He is the Lord our God ^ his judgments are in all the earth : and a- gain, Thy mercy , Lord^ is in the hea- P^. 35.$j(5,7. vens , thy fuithfulnefs reacheth unto the clouds. Thy right eoufnefs is like the great momitains 5 thy judgments are a great deep : Lord^ thou prejerveji man and heaji. How excellent is thy loving-kind- nefs^ God I and, How precious are thy ^^' ^39- '^9 thoughts unto me^ Lord I how great is the Cum of them I If J Jljould count them^ they are more in number then the fand : and again, His work^ is honourable and^^^^* '"' glorious^ his right eoufnefs endureth for e- ver : and, The Lord is good to all ^ and^^*^' '4^9« his tender mercies are over all his work/ • and, Bleffed be the Lord , who daily loa- P^^'* ^^' ^9* deth us with his benefits. In fuch manrter ought we diligently to furvey, and judicioufly to eftimate the efFefts of Divine beneficence , exa- mining every part, and defcanting upon every circumftance thereof: like thole that 270 The Eighth Sermoitl that contemplate (bme rare beauty , dr fome excellent pifture 5 fome commen-^ ding the exaft proportions, fome the gracefull features, fome the lively co'^ lours difcernible therein. There is not the leaft of the Divine favours, which, if we confider the condefcenfive ten- dernefs , the clear intention , the unde- ftrved franknefs, the chearfuU debonai* rity cxpreflcd therein, hath not dimen* fions larger then our comprehenfion , colours too fair , and lineaments too comely for our weak fight thoroughly to difcern 5 requiring therefore our higheft efteera, and our utmoft thanks. Tis, perhaps, fomewhat dangerous to ^ffix a determinate value upon any of God's Benefits : ( for to value them fcems to undervalue them, they being teally ineftimable : ) what then is it to extenuate, to vilifie, to defpife the grea- teft? We Ihould efteem them, as we meafure the Heavens with our eye , ^s ive compute the lands upon the fhore , ^s we would pri^e inexhauftible mines of gold, and treafures of pearl 5 that is, by confeffing heartily their worth for- paffes the ftrength of our imagination to conceive, and of our fpeech to utter 5 that they are immenfo, innumerable, uti- eon- The Eighth Sermon* 2ji conceivable, and unexpreffible. But ftilJ, 4. Giviffg tharfks imports , that Be- nefits be received with a willing mind , a- hearty (en(e , a vehement aifFeftion, The forementioned particulars are in- deed neceflary properties, inftparable concomitants , or prerequifite conditi- ons to 5 but a chearfiill and cordial ac- ceptance of Benefits is the form (as it were) and foul, the life and fpirit, the principal and moft client ial ingredient of this Duty. It was not altogether unreafonable , though it went for a Paradox, that dic- tate of the Stojcks^ That animus fnfficif antmo^ and, That qui libenter accepit^ be» neficmm reddidit : that he, who with a willing and well-dfFefted mind receives a courtefie, hath fully difcharged the duty of Gratitude ^ that other endea- vours of return and compenfation are rather handfome acceffions to it\ then indifpenfably requifite to the completi- on thereof. For as in the Collation , 'tis not the gold or the filver, the food or the apparel, in which the Benefit con- fifts, but the will and benevolent inten- tion of him that beftows them ; fo re- ciprocally 'tis the good acceptance, the 272 The Eighth Sermofi. fenfiblenefi of^ and acquiefcence in thd Benefadour's goodneft, that conftitute^ the Gratitude 5 which who affords, though he be never capable of yielding other fatisfaflion, volmitate volnntatt pC-- tjsfedt i) and, Regum £qHavH opes am-- vw—i^ *Tis ingenuity that conftitutes- { refpcftively ) both a bountifull Gi- S£ S ^^^' ^^"^ ^ thankful! Receiver. A truly con[equhur, Hoble Bencfadtour purely aimeth at not capit operif ^j^y rnatcrial reward , or advantage to 'siuiZnefixi himfelf 5 ( it were trading this, not be- urn dat, quid neficeuce 5 ) but the good, profit, and ^prlTffeetcui coutcut of htm to whom he difpenftth dat y'(^ fibt his favour : of which being affured, he voiuptati ef- ^^^^ fatisfied, and accounts himlelf roy- Je: Aon jibt r i invkem red. ally recompenlcd. di voluit'^ aut mn fuit beneficium, fed negotiatk, Beneficii propriam eft, nihil de re- ditu cogitare, Senec. Uec eft dubium luin U qui liheralii benignufque dicitur , cfftc'tum , non fru^unij fequatur, Cic. deLcg.I. Such a Bencfaftour is Almighty God, and (uch a tribute he requires of us :, it ready embracement of, and a joyful I complacency in his kindneiS 5 tven' Pfal. 6^, g. (uch as he exprefled, who (aid, Becaufe &^*7*i!22!^^* ^^y ^o^'i^g'^^'dijefs is better then Ufe^ my Pfal. 63. $. lips Jhall praife thee : and, My foul JIjuII be filled 'e^ with murrovp and fatnefs^ and my mouth JIhiU praife thee with joyfult lips : The Eighth Sermon. 275 V Ifps: and, 1 will praife thee ivHh ^^/ Tfar. 9. 1,2. Tphole heart '-^ I will be glad and rejoyct in thee : znd^Blefe the Lord^ my.fonh^ pfal, 109. 1. a;td all that k within me^ praife his holy Name, \. No Holocauft is (b acceptable to God, as a Heart enflamcd with the ftnfe of his GoodneE He loves not onely fAa- ^v ^QTHv 5 ( a merry giver ^ ) but IXctflv 2 Cor. 9. 7^ SiKiw^ ( a chearfiiU receiver ) alio. He would have us , as to defire his favour with a greedy appetite, ib to taft it with a favoury relifti.. He defigns not onely to fillom mouths with^J?^*^ , but Ads 14^ 17; our hearts al(b with gladnefs. We muft not feem to grudge or re- pine , to murmur or difdain , that we are neceffitated to be beholden to him 5 left it happen to us as it did to them of whom 'tis (aid. While the meat i^^s ^^^ Pr78.3o,|i; in their mouths^ the wrath of God came upon them^ and Jlew the fattefi of them. Yea, 'tis our duty, not to be contented Onely, but to be delighted, to be tranP ported, to be ravifhed with the emana- tions of his love : to entertain them with fuch a difpofition of mind, as the dry and parched ground imbibes the foft dew and gentle (howrs 5 as the chill and darkfome air admits the benign in- T fluenees a 74 ^^^ Eighth Sermon. fluences of heavenly light 5 as the thir- fty foul takes in the (weet and cooling ftream. He that with a fullen look, a dead heart, a faint fenfe, a cold hand, embraces the gifts^of Heaven, is really unthankful] , though with deluges of wine and oil he makes the altars to o'reflow, and clouds the sHy with the fteam of his (acrifices. 'But yet far- ther, 5. This Duty requires due Acknow-^ ledgment of our obligation, fignificati- ons of our notice, declarations of our efteem and good acceptance of favours conferred. Tis the worft and moft de- teftable of ingratitudes, that which pro- ceeds from pride and fcorn: and fiich is he guilty of^ who is either unwilUng, or aftiamed to confefi himfelf obliged 5 who purpofely diflembles a Benefit, or difavows the Benefaftour 5 who refufes to render thofe moft mani- ^ov^ -^ /2«eu 77 ii W- fcftly due, and moft "^ eafily V^r:f(^:^ difcharged, thofe neither rj^i TntroMT^i cMiiyioioji^ 1^ toilfome, nor expenuve ob- ^« v^«P THT^/ ^''^. ^: lations of praife and acknow- Torn, J. pag, $4. ledgment. This part of our duty requires, that we offer to God, not coftly Hecatombs, but the Hof. 14. 2. calves onely of our lips^ (as the Prophet Hofeah The Eighth Sermon. 275 tiofeah fpeaks 5 ) not the fruit of our lands, but j^^^Tiiv ')^\iocv onely, (as the Apoftle to the Hebrews ftyles it,) the^^^-^^' }i\ fruit of our lips^ "^ confejjivg to his name : * ^^?$^>^':> that we employ fome few blafts of the ^''** ^/*';'? breath he gave us, on the celebration of his goodnefi, and advancement of his -- ^. tepute. / will praife the name of God Pfal. 5p. 30^' tpith afong^ and will niagnijie him with 5'* thanksgiving. Thk JhaU pleafe the Lord better then an oxe or huUock that hath horns and hoofs ^ (alth David. And fiirely 'tis the lead homage we in gratitude owe, and can pay to AI- Jliighty God, to avow our dependence Upon and obligation to him for the good things we enjoy, to acknowledge that his favours do defervc thanks, to publifh to the world our experience of" nis goodnels, to proclaim folemnly with the voice of thanksgiving his moft de- fcrved praife^ relembling him who a- bounds in luch expreffions as theft ; / will (ing of the mercies of the Lord for Pfal. 8^. tl ever^ with my month will I make k^own his faith f nine fs to all generations, [ will^^^^* ^^» 7- ptibtiJJ) with the voice of thanksgivings and tell of all his wondrous Works. I will Pfal. 145. 5; fpeak^ of the glorious honour of thy Mjje- Jiy^ and of thy wondrous work^. I have rfal. 40. 10; T 2 not 2J& The Eighth Sermon* vof hid thy righteoufnefs in my hearty I have declared thy faithfnlnefs and thy fdvation : 1 have not concealed thy la- ^'^'^JcmT* '^^^g'k^^^^fi ^^^ th truth from the hither^ dnd great congregation. behold the jj^^s jf ^ gratefull affeftion live in W, &C. our hearts, it will refpire through our ^.- mouths, and difcover k felf in the mo- '^ *'"" ".I tion of our lips. There will be a con- Ipiracy and faithfull corre(pondence be- tween our mind, and our tongue : if the one be fenfible, the other will not be filent, as if the (pring works, the wheels will turn about, and the bell not fail to (peak. Neither (hall we con- tent our (elves in lone(bme tunes, and private (bliloquies, to whi(per out the Divine prai(es 5 but (hall loudly excite and provoke others to a melodious con-^ fonance with us. We (liall, with the fweet Singer of Ifiael^ cite and invoke Heaven and Earth , the celeftial quire of Angels, the feveral eftates and gene- j rations of Men, the numberle(s com- pany of all the Creatures, to a(rift and joyn in con(ort with us, in celebrating the worthy deeds, and magnifying the glorious name of our molt mighty Crea- tour, of our moft bountiful! Benefae- lour. Gratis .1 The Eighth Sermon. 27.7 Gratitude is of a fruitfull and difFu- five nature, of a free and communica- tive difpofition, of an open and fbciable temper : it will be imparting, difcove- ring, and propagating it felf 5 it affefts light, company, and liberty ^ it cannot endure to be finothered in privacy and obfcurity. Its beft inftrument therefore is Speech, that moft natural, proper, and eafie mean of converfa- tion, of fignifying our con- "^^^li y^ /» ».^ -i'-y}'^ ceptions, of conveying, and, '"J^^'^^ TyTa^^ as it were, transfunding our f>.v, ^c. cicm. Alexin, thoughts and our paffions •^^'•'''".■^•i'^^'270. into each other. This there- fore glory of ours^ and beft organ that ^^*'* ^'' ^* we have, (as the Pfalmift feems to call it,) our Tongue, we (hould in all rea- Ion devote to the honour, and confe- crate to the praife of him who made it, and who conferves it ftill in tune. And the farther to provoke us, we may confider, that it hath been the manner, prompted by Nature, and au- thorized by general praftice , for men of all nations, and all times, and all ways, by compofed Hymns and pane- gyrical Elogies, to exprefs their grati- tude for the gifts of Nature, and for the Benefit^ indulged by Providence 5 in T 5 their 578 TZ?^ Eighth Sermon. their publick Sacrifices and (blemn Fe- ftivities extolling the excellent quali- ties of their imaginary Deities 5 and re^ citing the famous atchievements of their Heroes^ and fiippoftd Benefaftours : to whofe favourable help and bleffing, in their conceit, they owed the fruits of the earth, the comforts of life, the de- fence and patronage of their countries : being indeed miftaken in the objeft, but not tranfgreffing in the (ubftance of the Duty 5 paying a due debt, though to falfe creditours. And I wifh we were as ready to imitate them in the one, as we are, perhaps, prone to blame them for the other. For, certainly, acknow- ledgments of the Divine Goodncfs, and folemn teftifications of our thankfull lenfe thereof, ( what-ever the abufed world may now imagine,) was always, is now, and #ver will be the principal and moft noble part of all Religion immediately addreffed to God. But moreover, 1Sam.12.24. 5, Xjiis Duty requires endeavours S^«'/' ^f ^^^1 Compeniation, and a fatisfafto- fervh'min ry Requital of Benefits, according to Vmh^auf^^^ ability and opportunity of the re- for confider ccivcr : that wc do not onely verbally f/^ %T} th ^^^^^'^^ ^^^ agnofcere 5 but really agere^ done for yott, ^^^ The Eighth Sermon. 279 and referre gratias : that to him who hath by his beneficence obliged us, we minifter reciprocal affiftence, comfort and relief, if he need them, and be ca^ pable to receive them 5 however, by evident teftimonies to difcover our rea- dy difpofition to make fiich real re- turns s and withall, to fiite our aftions to his good liking, and in our carriage to comply with his rcafbnable defires. For, as the earth , which drinketh the Hcb. 6, 7, 8. rain often coming upon it^ and having been by great labour tilled, and manu- red with txpencG^ yieldeth yet no "^ meet suSittv ^c herbage^ ox fr nit agreeable to the expeffa- '^'''^^' tion of him that drejfeth it^ but is either wholly barren, or produceth onely thorns and briars^ is (as the Apoftle to the He- brews tells us) to be reprobated^ and nigh unto curing 5 that is, deferves no farther care or culture to be employed on it, and is to be reputed defperately worthlels : fo is he, (that we may apply an Apodofis to the Apoftle's comparifon) who, daily partaking the influences of Divine Providence and Bounty, affords no anfwerable return, to be accounted execrably unthankfuU, and unworthy of any farther favour to be fhewed to- ward him. T 4 Tis 98o The Eighth Sermon. Pfal, i5. a. *Tis true, our rjghteonfnefs ( or. hetie* ficence ^ fo the word there fignifies^) doth ffot extend unto God : His Benefits exceed all* poffibility of any proportio- nable requitall : He doth hot need, nor can ever immediately receive any ad- vantage fiom us: we cannot enrich him with our gifts, who by unqueftionable right, and in unalterable poffeffiori, * is Lord and Mafter of all things that do aftually, or can poffibly exift ^ nor ad- vance him by our weak commendations, who already en joyeth the fupreme pitch of glory 5 nor any-way contribute to his in it felf compleat and iridefeftible Beatitude. Yet we may by appdfite fignifications declare our willingnefs to ferve and exalt him ; we may by our obfequious demeanour highly pleafe and content him : we may , by our charity and benignity to thofe whofe good he tenders, yield (though not an adequate, yet ) an acceptable returh to Pfd. n5.i2. his Benefits. What JhuU I render unfa the Lord for all his benefits ^ faith Da^ vrd^ in way of counfell and deliberati- Verf. 15,14. on ; and thereupon refolves, I will take the cifp of fahation^ and call upon the Name of the Lord : I will pay my votps unto the Lord. Seafonable benediftioris, officious 7he Eighth Sermon] 2S1 pflScious addrefles, and faithful! perfor- mances of vows, he intimates to bear Ibme ftiadovv at leaf!:, (bme refemblance of conipenfation. And (b did his Vvile Son likewife, when he thus advifed, Horiour the Lord with thy fkhfiunce^ and Trov.j. 9. Tpith the fir fl' fruits of thy encreafe. Almighty God^though he really doth, and cannot otherwife doe, yet will not (eem to beftow his favours altogether gratis^ but to expeft fome competent return, fbme fmall ufeand income from them. He will affert his rightfull title, and be acknowledged the chief proprie- tary by fignal expreffions of our fealty, and the payment of (bme^ though in-^ confiderable, quit-rent, for our poflef^ fions derived from him : he will rather himfelf be (eemingly indigent , then •A/.yW7(^ permit us to be really ingratefull. For, >^ ^f^ h »- knowing w^ell that our performance oi'^^A^l^K^ duty and refpeft toward him greatly j^„a< m> conduceth to our comfort and happi- '^^;7='^j«' • nefi, he requireth of us (uch demonftra-^-^^^^^/ tions of them, as we conveniently are ^^f/^^^Ts^^/ able to exhibit ^ he appoints fervices ^*'J^f^ }, ,-^ expreffive of thankfulnels , exafts tri- f/^/. 144. but es and cuftoms, demands loans and^'^-.^^s- benevolences, encourages and accepts free-will'offciings froiri us. r/;(?// /;./// Exod.23 rj. '' not 2^2 The Eighth Sermon. t2ot Appear empty before the Lord^ was 9, Statute to the Jews^ qualified and mo derated by certain meafures : The Firft* fruits of their Lands, the Firft-born of their Cattel and of themfelves, the Tenths of their annual encreafe, and a certain allotment from the Spoils acqui- red in wars, did God challenge to him- ftilfj as fitting recompences due for his bounty to and care over them. Neither did the Gentiles conceive themfelves exempted from the like ob- ligation* For the dx^^^vix^ the top or chief of their Corn-heaps^ they were wont to confecrate unto him who had bleffed their fields with encreafe 5 and the d- x^AGia, the firji and bejioftheprey^ they dedicated to the adornment of his temple by whole favourable di(po(ali they had obtained the viftory. Neither would they fooner begin their meal, and partake of their neceffary refrefh- ment , then, by pouring forth their gratulatory libation, they had perfor- med fome homage to Heaven for it. Horn. I/. «'. j5^ ^^ l^^ was the cuftom, it feems, in Homers time. I ftiall not infift upon their dvar ^fjuiloL^ their anniverlary or their ca- fuall ad jinem* 7be Eighth Sermon. 2 S3 (uall Sacrifices 5 but onely obferve, (what, if ftafonable , might by many fufEcient teftimonies be evinced,) that thpfe men fat lead the moft intelligent of them) were not fo (en(ele(s as to imagine, that the Gods to whom they vid. piatoni* performed thofe (ervices, and devoted ^^'^- ^^• tbofe oblations, did any-wi(e need, or of >lfoTiu«x. were truly benefited by them 5 but that -nf^iivyb^'n they efteemed it a comely thins;, by the '^\^r'^^ molt ngnmcant means they could in-,^>^'>^^, vent, to declare their gratefull (enfe of ^l^v mmv the Divine goodnels and indulgence to- ^'"^ ' ward them. And though we are, perhaps, difobli- ged now from the circumftantial man- ner, yet are we no-wife freed from (but rather more ftrongly engaged to) the (ubftantial performance of this fort of Gratitude. We are to offer ftill, not dead bulls and goat s^ but (as S. Paul (aith) our own bodies^ living /acrifices^ ^om, 12. u holy and acceptable to God. We are ex- cufcd from materiall, but are yet bound to yield i:nufjuoC\\,i(J.c, ^m^^ fpintml^^^^^-^-S' facrifices unto God, as S. Peter tells us. We muft burn incenfe ftill, that offer- vent Devotion 3 and fend up conti- nually to Heaven ^(kav lyi^ ah'ii^tf muft officioufly attend his pleafiire, and ,^ Av^d' labour to content him by an innocent ^ntff, TTw-T^ and unblemiftied conversation. With fe W^ thefe things Almighty God is effeftually Bi^. Clem, gratified 5 he approves of and accepts Alex, smm, theft, as reall teftimonies of our Thankr I'hs !• fuineg^ and competent returns for his Benefits. Efpecially our Charity and Benefi- cence, our exhibiting love and reipeft to good men, (his faithfuU (ervants and near relations,) our affording help, and fiiccpur to perfbns in need and diftrefi, he accounts a futable retaliation of his kindnefi, acknowledges to be an obli- gation laid upon himfelf, and hath by fettled rules and indifpenftble promifes obliged himfelf to requite them. For, He The Eighth Sermon. 285 He that hath pity on the poor^ le^deth Prov. 19.1 f, unto the Lord 5 a>7d that which he hath given ^ he will pay him again : and, God^^^-^' »o. is not vrrightcous ^ to forget your vpork^^ and labour of love ^ which ye have fl)cwed toward his Nante^ in that ye have mini" fired to the Saints , and do minijier : and, To doe good and communicate/forget Hcb. 13. 16* not 5 for with fnch facrifices God is well pleafed : and, / de fire fruit (faith S. Paul^^'^- 4- JJ* to the Philippians ) that may aboJtnd to your account. But I have all^ and a- bound ^ I am full ^ having received of £- paphroditus the things which were fent front you , an odour of a fweet fmell , a facrifice acceptable^ well pleafng to God, And, Inafnmch as ye have done it to (that Matt^$. 40.^ k, fed, and cloathed, and comforted ) the leaji of thefe my brethren , ye have done it unto me^ faith our Saviour 3 ma- nifeftly declaring, that the good we doe, and the refped we fhew unto good, and needy men, God reckons it done unto himfelf. And this point I (ball conclude with the (ayings of the wife Hebrew Philolb- pher Ben-Sir ach , He that keepeth the Ecdus 5$.^, Law ^ bringeth offerings enough: he that ^'^' tak^th heed to the Commandment^ offereth a peace-offering. He that requiteth a good tnrfK a 26 The Eighth Sermon. turff^ offer eth fine flovper : and he that gt^ ^eth alms , facrificeth prarje. To depart from wkkednefs^ is a thing pleafing to the Lord: and to for fake unrighteoufrefs^ is a propitiation. To thefe I (hall onely adde this one particular, 7. That true Gratitude for Benefits is always attended with the Efteem, Ve- neration, and Love of the Benefaftour. Beneficence is a Royal and God-like thing 5 an argument of eminent Good- nels and Power confpiring 5 and necef- (arily therefore , as in them that per- ceive 5 and duly confider it , it begets Refpeft and Reverence, fo peculiarly in thofe that feel its benign influence, it produces Love and Aflfeftion : like the heavenly Light, which to all that be- hold it appears glorious 5 but more powerfully warms thofe that are direct- ly (iibjea to its rays , and is by thent more vigoroudy reflefted. And as to thofe that are immediately concerned therein, it imports more par-^ ticular Regard and Good will ^ fb, if they be duly fenfible thereof, it engages them, in mutual correfpondence, to an extraordinary Efteem and Benevolence : fuch as David upon this account pro* feffes to have been in himfelf toward God, The Eighth Sermon. 287 God, and frequently excites others to. J will love thee ^ O Lord my y?r^^^/^. Pfa'.iS.i. J wtU call upon the Lord, who is worthy Verfc 3. to he praijed. The Lord liveth^ and blef- Vcrfc 4^. fed be my roehjy and let the God of my falvation he exalted. I love the Lord^ he- Pral. 116. u caufe he hath heard my voice^ and myfup- plications. And, (in the Go(pel) Becaufe Luk. 7. 47. herfins^ being many^ were forgiven^ there* fore Jhe loved much. So true it is , that "^^ >^f^f fenfe of favour indulged is naturally v^^^,*^*" produftive of love. Soph. Thus have I plainly and fimply pre- ftnted you with what my meditations (uggefted concerning the Nature and Subftance of this Duty, with the leveral branches Iprouting from the main (lock thereof: I proceed now to that which will exceedingly enlarge the worth , and engage to the performance there- of. II. The Objeft and Term to which it is to be direfted 3 we are to give thanks to God. To God^ I fay 5 that is, to Him unto whom we are obliged, not for Ibme fmall and inconfiderable trifles, but for the moft weighty and valuable Benefits : from whom we receive , not few or fome, but all good things , what- ever 2^8 The Eighth Sermori. ever is neceflary for our fuftenaDce 3 convenient for our ufe, plealant for our enjoyment 5 not onety thofe that come immediately from his hand , but wha we obtain from others, who from him, receive both the will and the power ; the means and the opportunities of do- ing us good; to whom we owe, not onely what we ever did, or do at pre- fent poffels, or can hereafter hope fore j of good 5 but that we were , are , or fliall ever be in capacity to receive any : to the authour, upholder and preftrver of our being 5 without whofe good-* nefs we had never been, and without whofe care we cannot (ubfift one md^ ment. To Him who is the Lord and true ow^ ner of all things we partake of ^ whole air we breathe^ Vv^hofe ground we tread on , whofe food faftains us 5 whofe wholly we are our felves, both the Bo- dies we carry about us, ( which is the -work^ of his hands ^ ) and the Soul we think with, which was' breathed from his mouth. To Him who hath created a whole World to ferve us, a fpacious, a beatiti- fu)l , a ftately World for us to hihabit , and to difport in : who hath fubjeded fa The Eighth Sermon. 289 (b fair, a territory to our dominion, and conGgned to our ufe (b numerous a pro-^ geny of goodly creatures , to be mana-^ ged, to be governed, to be enjoyed by us. So that where-ever we dired out tyes, whether we refled them inwards upon our (elves , we behold his Good- nefs to occupv and penetrate the very I root and centre of our beings 5 or ex- tend them abroad toward the things about us, we may perceive our felves enclofed wholly, and (urrounded with his Benefits. At home we find a come- ly Body framed by his curious artifice , various Organs fitly proportioned, fitu- ated, and tempered for ftrength, orna- ment, and motion, actuated by a gentle ' heat , and invigorated with lively fpi- ' rits , dilpo(ed to health, and quahfied for a long endurance 5 (ubfervient to a Soul endued with divers Senfes, Facul- ties and Powers , apt to enquire after , purfiie and perceive various delights and contents. To the (atisfaftion of which all extrinfecal things do minifter matter and help 5 by his kind di(po(aI, who furnifhes our Falats with variety of delicious fare, entertains our Eyes with plealant fpeftacles , ravilhes our V Ears 2^0 The Eighth Sermon. Ears with harmonious founds, perfumes our Noftrils with fragrant odours, chears our Spirits with comfortable gales , fil/s otir {harts with food and gludnefs^ fop- plies our manifold needs, and protefts us from innumerable dangers. To Him who hath, infpired us with immortal Minds, and impreffed upon them per(picuous charafters of his own Divine Eflence 5 hath made us, not in fome fuperficial lineaments, but in our moft intimate conftitution, to refemble Himfelfi and to partake of his moft ex- cellent Perfeftionsi an extenfive Know- ledge of truth, a vehement Complacen- cy in good, a forward Capacity of be- ing compleatly happy, ( according to our degree , and within our (phere. ) To which blefled End by all futable means ( of external miniftry and inte- riour afiiftence ) he faithfully condufts us 5 revealing to us the way, urging us in our procefs, reclaiming us when we deviate ^ engaging us by his Commands, (bliciting us by gentle Advices, encou- raging us by gracious Promifes 5 in- ftrufting us by his holy Word, and ad- monifhing us by his loving Spirit. To Him who vouchfafes to grant us a free accefi unto, a conftant intercourle and , The Eighth Sermon* 291 dnd a familiar acquaintance with Him- felf 5 to efteem and ftyle us his Friends and Children 5 to invite us frequently , and entertain us kindly with thofe moft pleafant delicacies of fpiritual repaft ^ yea , to vifit us often at our home, and ( if we admit ) to abide and dwell with us '-) indulging us the enjoyment of that Prefence, wherein the life of all joy and comfort confifts, and to behold the hght of his all-chearing countenance. Is there any thing more ? Yes ; To Hjr,t who , to redeem us from Mifery , and to advance our eftate , hath infi* nitely deba(ed Himfelf, and ecKpfed the brightnefi of his glorious Majefty 5 not dildaining to affume us into a near affi- nity , yea , into a perfeft union with himfelf 5 to inhabit our frail and mor- tal nature , to undergoe the laws and conditions of Humanity , to appear inr our fhape, and converfe, as it were, up- on equal terms with us , and at laft to taft the bitter Cup of a moft painfull and diigracefull Death for us. Yea, To Him who not onely defcen- ded from his Imperial Throne, became aSubjeft, and (which is more) a Servant for our lake 5 but defigned thereby to exalt us to a participation of his royal V 2 dig- I 292 The Eighth Sermon. . dignity , his Divine nature , his eternal glory and blifi ^ (ubmitting Crowns and Sceptres to our choice 5 Crowns that cannot fade, and Sceptres that can ne- ver be extorted from us. Farther yet , To Him , the excellent quality, the noble end, the moft obli- ging manner of whofe Beneficence doth iiirpals the matter thereof, and hugely augment the Benefits : who, not com- pelled by any neceffity, not obliged by any law, ( or previous compaft, ) not induced by any extrinfick arguments, not inclined by our merits, not wearied with our importunities, not inftigated by troublefome paffions of pity, fhame, or fear, ( as we are wont to be, ) not flaitered with promifes of recompence , nor bribed with expeftation of emolu- ment thence to accrue unto himftlf 5 but being abfolute Mafter of his own aftions , onely both Law-giver and Counfellour to himfelf, all-fufficient,and incapable of admitting any accefEon to his perfe(3: bh(sfulne(s 5 moft willingly and freely, out of pure bounty and good willjis our friend and benefaftour, preventing not onely our defires , but our knowledge 5 , (urpaffing not our de- fcrts onely, but our wifhes, yea, even our The Eighth Sermon. our conceits, in the difpenfation of his ineftimable and unrequitable benefits 3 having no other drift in the collation of them , befide our real good and wel- fare, our profit and advantage, our plea* iure and content. To Him who not lately began , or (iiddenly will ceafe, that is either un- certain or mutable in his intentions , but from everlafting defigned, continues daily, and will ( if we fufter him ) to all eternity perfevere unmovable in his refolutions to doe us good. To Him whom no Ingratitude, no un- dutifuU carriage , no rebellious difobe- dience of ours could for one minute wholly remove, or divert from his fted- dy purpofe of caring for us : who re- gards us , though we do not attend to him, procures our welfare, though we negleft his concernments 5 employs his reftlels thought , extends his watchfull eye, exertsTiispowerfullarm, is al\vays mindfuU , and always bufy to doe us good 5 watching over us , when we ileep, and remembring us, when we for- get our (elves : in whom yet 'tis infinite conde(cenfion to think of us, who are placed fo far beneath his thoughts 5 to value us 5 who are but dull:, and dirt 3 V 3 not 294 ^^^ Eighth Sermon. not to delpKe and hate us, who are re- ally fo def^Vicable and unworthy. For, Viii^'^y^' thof/gh he dwelleth on high ^ ( (aith the Plalmift tiiily and emphatically, ) he humbleth himfelf to behold the things that are done in heaven and earth. To Him that is as mercifull and gra- cious , as liberal and munificent toward us ; that not onely beftows on us more gifts , but pardons us more debts , and forgives us more fins, then we live mi- nutes ; that with infinite patience en- dures, not onely our manifold infirmi- ties and imperfedions, but our petulant follies, our obftinate perverlenefles, our treacherous infidelities 5 overlooks our carelefs neglefts, and our wilfull mi(car- riages 5 puts up the exceedingly-many outrageous affronts, injuries, and contu- melies continually offered to his Supreme Majefty by us bafe worms,whom he hath alv/ays under his feet, and can crufh to nothing at his pleafure. Jam. I. $. To Him yet v/ho ( as S. James faith ) giveth freely , and tipbraideth no man : who calls us neither very frequently , nor over-ftridly to accounts : who ex- afts of us no impoffible , no very diffi- cult, no grcatly-burthenfome, or coft- ]y returns 5 being fatisfied with the chear- The Eighth Sermon. ^95 chearfull acceptance of his favours, the hearty acknowledgments of his good- nefi , the fincere performance of fiich duties to which our own welfare, com- fort and advantage ( rightly apprehen- ded ) would othcrwife abundantly diP- pofe us. To Him^ laftly, whofe Benefits to ac- knowledge is the greateft benefit of all^ to be enabled to thank whom deierves our greateft thanks 5 to be fenfible of whofe Beneficence, to meditate on whofc Goodnefi , to admire who(e Ex- cellency, to celebrate whofe Praife, is Heaven it (elf and Paradife , the life of Angels, the quinteflfence of joy, the (u- preme degree of Felicity. In a word, To Him whofe Benefits are immenlely great, innumerably many^un- expreffibly good and precious. For , Who can utter the mighty alis of the Pfal. io5. 2. Lord .u^ix,T!K!w,lJixi< m^.yj. whom the burthen of a roy- >^!(-@iU-rl,^,iy}X'fS^j aji eftate, and the care of iMi.TiaztvT^w^^MAjfiv governing a populous nati- on The Ninth Sermon. 503 on were incumbent : yet tiu k^u^'a av^ix^ioZ-n^t could not they thruft out of ^^^l ^f "^^'^^^ his memory, nor extingjuifti in his heart the lively lenfe of Divine goodne(s5 which (notwithftanding the company of other ftcular encumbran- ces) was always prefent to his mind , and, like a fpirit, (excluded from no place by any corporeall refiftence,J did mingle with and penetrate all his thoughts, and affeftions, and aftions. So that lie ftems to have approached very near to the compleat performance of this Duty, according to the extremi- ty of a literal interpretation 5 and to have been always without any inter- miffion employed in giving thanks to God. The confideration (methinks) of fo noble a pattern, adjoyned to thq evident realbnablenefi of the Duty, ihould engage us to the frequent prac- tice thereof But if the confideration of this ex- cellent example do not, yet certainly that may both provoke us to emulation, and confound us with fhame, of Epic^ tetm^ a Heathen man, whofe words to this purpofe feem very remarkable ; Ei' ^ 1/81/ B;^o/>i€t/, ffaith he in Arrians^^^^^^^-^'^* KQivyiy 504 7he Ninth Sermon. (DccLirlovlac^ ytou ct^Svlot^^ zct) i^lovlctt; a^HV 'T VJULVOV T Gi; T 03OJ/ 5 Me^d; C 0iO^5 OCC. that is, in our language, If we under^ flood oitr felves^ what other thing Jhould we doe^ either publickjy , or uivlA TtT^ui) TtV ^m privately, then ftng Hymns ilfiUZ Ay>v\iu "^vn zdv- to^ and ffeaJ{ well of God^ >»i/7s5, -jz^to^^iV uR^fT??, ^7^ i? 0//^^^ 2j?e ;;^f, when yj^ ^ TiuJ ci?^?wi TTiKiTHcuf 2i?e irere di^^incr. or plowimi^ atm, Alex. 5/roOT.K//. » 5>7- Hymn to him ^ Great is God, in that he hath hefiow- ed on us thofi inflrnments wherewith we till the ground : Great is God, becaufe he hath given Ui hands, a throat, a belly 5 that we grow infenfibly, that fleeping we breathe. Thus Cproceeds he) Jhould we upon every occurrence celebrate God, and fuperadde of all the moft excellent and moft Divine Hymn, for that he hath gi^' ven us the faculty of apprehending and ufing thefe things orderly. Wherefore fince moji men are blind and ignorant of "this, Jhould not there be fome one, who Jhoidcl difcharge this office , and who fhould for the reji utter this Hymn to God ^ And what can I, a lame (and decrepit) The Ninth Setmoti. 305 decrepit) old man doe elfe^ then^cekbrate^ God ^ Were I indeed a Nightingale^ 1 would doe what belongs to a Nightingale 5 if a Swan^ what becotms a Swan : but (ince now I am endued with Reajon^ I 'ought to praije God, This is my duty and, concernment^ and Jo I doe 5 neithei* will I dejert this employment^ while it is in my povczr : and to the fame [on g I exhort you all. Thus that worthy Philofopher, not inftiufting us onely, and exhorting with pathetical di(cour(e, but by his praftice inciting us to be continually cxpreffing our Gratitude to God. And although neither the admoniti- on of Prophets, nor precepts of Philofb- phers, nor the examples of both, Qiould prevail 5 yet the precedents (methinks) of dumb and fenfelefs creatures (hould aniriiate us thereto 5 which never cea(e to obey the lavv irripofed on them by their Maker, and without intermillion /glorifie him. For, The Heavens declare Pfai. i^. i, the glory of God^ and the Firmament ^^^' JI)Qweth his handy-work^. Day unto day nttereth fpeech.^ and Night unto night Jheweth knowledge. There is no fpeech not language^ ivhere their voice is not heard. 'Tis S. Chryfbjlom's argumenta- tion. Kati g^ ^^f(fjv civ (^/j, (aith he, t- h pfal. i^ Aj}^Kcy 2o6 The Ninth Sermon. KXTzt 'T T ivpy]iiAx; \oyov • bJt (^^%^v 3 ILLcvov^ dy^ci Kxl aTOTTcr, &c. 'Twere an ygly things that Man, endf/ed with Rea^ Jon^ and the moji honour able of all things vi(ible^ Jljould in rendring thanl^s and fraife be exceeded by other creatures : neither is it onely bafe, but abfard. For how can it be otherwije, Jince other crea-^ tures every day and every hour fend up a doxology to their Lord and Mak§r ^ For, The Heavens declare the glory of God, &c. If the bufie Heavens are always at leifure, and the ftupid Earth is perpe- tually adive in manifefting the wifedom, power, and goodnefi of their Creatour^ how ftiamefull is it, that we (the flower of his creation, the moft obliged, and moft capable of doing it) (hould com- monly be either too buGe, or too idle to doe it 5 (hould ftldom or never be difpofed to contribute our endeavours to the advancement of his glory ?' But, 2. Giving thanks ahvays may import our Appointing, and punftually Obler- ving certain convenient times of per- forming this Duty ; that is, of (erious medita- The Ninth Sermon. 307 iTieditation upon, and afFeftionate ac- knowledgment of the Divine Bounty. We know that all perfbns, who defign v/ith advantage to proftcute an orderly courfe of aftion, and would not lead a tumultuary life, are wont to diftin- guifti their portions of time, affigning fbme to the necellary refeftions of their body, others to the divertifement of their minds, and a great part to the difpatch of their ordinary bufinefs : •otherwife (like S. Ja??tes his double-mm- Jam. i. f* ded Mcttj^ they would be itnjlable in all their ways 5 they would ever fluctuate in their refblutions, and be uncertain when, and how, and to what they fliould apply themselves. And (b, this main concernment of ours, this moft ex- cellent part of our duty, if we do not depute (bme vacant fcafbns for it, and obferve Ibme periodical recourfes there- of] we fhall be tempted often to omit it 5 we fhall be liftlefi to doe it, apt to defer it^ and eafily diverted from it by the encroachments of other lc(s-be- hoving affairs. The jfezr/, to preferve them in the conflant exercife of this Duty, had in- ftituted by God a (acrifice called "VUT\ ran. 8. rr, (Jf^gCj) rendred by the Grcci^^ Tranfla- X 2 tours 508 The Ninth Sermon. tours Y\ ^xTTW/lk ^crix 5 the cofjiinuat facrifice ^ to which the divine Authour of the Epiftlc to, the Hebrews feems to allude , when in thefe words he ex- horts : At' aJrS 5v dvct^l^U)/UL^.v Svmctv ai- Kcb. 13. 15. vi(nci}g hxTTzivlU 'T^ O^^ * By h^^^ there- fore let m offer the facrifice of praife to God continually^ ("or the continuall la- crifice of praife, ) the fruit of our lips^ giving thanks to his Name. As that (a- crifice therefore, being offered conftant- ]y at a (et time, was thence denomina- ted continuall 5 fo perhaps may we , by conftantly obierving fome fit returns of praife and thankfgiving, be faid always to give thankj. In determining the feafbns and pro- portions of which, what other rule or flandard can we better conform to, then that of the Royal Prophet ? I (hall not urge his example fb much 5 (according to which we fhould be obliged to a Pfal. 119. greater frequency 5 ) for. Seven times a. ^4« daj ( faith he) do 1 praife thee , hecaufe of thy righteous judgments : but rather allege his general direction and opinion, praV92.i,2. propofedtous in thofe words of his. It ^ is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord J and to (ing praife s unto thy Name^ (ytkou Mofi high 5 to fijew forth thy lo- 'uin^' The Ninth Sermon. 309 vwg-ki^dnefs every mormng , and thy Pfal. 5$. n* fatthfnUiefs every 72ight. It is a good thing 5 that is, a ftemly, a convenient, a commendable , a due performance : every mormng , that is, when our fpirits, being recreated with fleep, are become more vigorous,our memories more fre(h, our fancies more quick, and aftive : to Jljew forth thy loving-k^ndnefs 5 that is, from a hearty (enfe of our obhgation, to acknowledge the free bounty of him, who, in purmance of his former kind- nefs, hath been pleafed to accumulate new favours on us 5 to guard us by his watchfull care, when we were buried, as it were, in a (enfelefs ignorance, and total negleft of our own welfare 5 to raife us from that temporary death, and to confer a new life upon us, reftoring us to our health, to our means of (ub- fiflence, to all the neceffary fupports, and the defirable comforts of life ; every night alio , that is, when our (pirits are exhaufted with aftion, and our minds tired with thoughtfulnefs 5 when we are become weary, not of doing onely^ but almoft of being , we {hould con- clude our toils, and wrap up our cares in the fweet (en(e, and gratefuU memo- ry of his goodnefs, who hath protefted X :? us 3 J The Ninth Sermon. us fo many hours from the manifold dangers, and more fins, to whicli by our weaknefs, and our folly, and ouj: bad inclinations, we are through every minute exposed 5 and withall hath pro- vided us fo eafie, and fo delightfull a means of recovering our fpent aftivity, of repairing our decayed ftrength. Thus if we conftantly begin, and thus clofe up, thus bound and circum- (cribe our days, dedicating thofe moft remarkable periods of time to blefling Pfal. ^§. 8. God, and making (as the Plalmift (peaks) the out'gowgs of the mormtig and evening to rejojce in him ^ (fince beginning and ending do in a manner comprehend the whole 3 and the morning and evening, in Mojes his computation and ftyle, do conftitute a day 5 ) we may (not incon- gruoufly) be (uppoled and fiid to give thanks ahvajs. But yet farther, this may import, 3. A Vigilant attendance upon this Duty, fuch as men beftow on their em- ployments, whereof though the aftual profecution ceafcs, yet the defign con- tinuedly proceeds. As we (ay, fiich a one is writing a book, building a houfe, occupying a piece of land, though he be at that prefent peradventure flee- The Ninth Strmon. 311 ping, or eating, or fatisfying (bme other defire ^ becaufe his defign never fleeps, and his purpofe perfifts uninterrupted. And thus it (eems we are to underftand our Saviour, and the Apoftles, when they exhort us Tr^oj^ta^re^GHi', to contirjue Rom. 12.12; injiiint in prajer^ and thanksgiving 5 and oiy^viTvCiv (iv Tmiv^ ir^Q7Zct^%^m€^ , to match with all perfeverance 5 and y^Yiyo- Eph.5. 18. ^uv^ to wake in thanksgiving 5 and />ui Coloff. 4. 2. 7n3CJi^ci\^ not to give over giving thanks : Eph. i. i5. and, to perform thele duties aS^ia^&i- ttT^);, incejfantly^ ov without giving ^7^5 iThcff.5.17. />w? d'iotxz^v^ not to grow worfe^ fr^^^^ or Luk. 18, i. fault cr : (which is, in that place, made equivalent to, and explicatory of doing duty always.) Which expreffions de- note a moft diligent attendence on thefe Duties : that we make them not a -TTUfc^yov , a diverfion or by-bufineis of our lives, allowing onely a perfunc- tory and defiiltorious endeavour on them 5 but efteem them a weighty bu- finefs, to be purlued with ftedfaft re- folution, and unwearied induftry. As our beings and powers did pro- ceed from the Goodnefs, (b the refiilts of them naturally tend to the Glory of God 5 and the deliberations of our Will ought to confpire with the in- X 4 ftinfts ^12 The Ninth Sermon. ftinds of our. Nature : it Ihould be the principal! defign which our interition (hould aim at, and our endeavour al- ways drive on, to glorifie our Maker, Which doing, we may be reputed tq difcharge this Duty, and in fome fenfe iaid always to give thankj. But far^ ther, 4. This term [alwajs'] doth necefla- rily imply a Ready difpofition, or ha- bitual inclination to give Thanks, ever pfai. 108. 1. P^inianent in us: that our He^r//, as David's was, he fixed always (that is^ fittingly prepared, and fteddily refol- yed) tp thank and praije God ; that pur Affedions be like tinder, though not always inflamed, yet eafily inf)a- mable by the ienfe of his Goo4nels. Tis fciid of the righteous man, that pfal. 37.a<5. ie is ever merciptU^and knddh : not for ^ that he dpth ever aftually difpenfe alms, or furnilh his poor neighbour with fup* plies '-y but becaule his mind is ever in? chn^ble to doe it, when need requires. So a grateful! man doth always giye thanh^ by being difpofed to doe it up- on all fit occafions. 'Tis the habit that qualifies and denominates a man fuch or fiich in any kind or degree of mora- lity. A good man is in Scripture fi-e^ quently The Ninth Sermon. JiJ quently compared to a Tree hrhghig forth frnit in due feafon ^ and the root thereof is this habitual difpofition^vvhieh being nouriflied by the dew of heaven, and quickned by the benign influence of Divine grace, fprouts forth oppor- tunely, and yields a plentifull encreafe of good fruit. Though we cannot al- ways fing, our organs maybe always rightly tuned for praife ^ at lead: they fhould never be usaftrung, ( and whol- ly out of kcker. ) We (hould maintain in our felves a conftant good temper of mind , that no opportunity furpriie, and find us unpre- pared to entertain worthily the effefts of Divine favour : otherwife we (hall as well lofe the benefit, as Cod the thanks and glory due to them. That we be always thus difpofed , is not impolfi- ble, and therefore requifite. But more* over. 5. Laftly,G/c'/>^ thanks always imports, that we Readily embrace every oppor- tunity of aftually expreffing our Thank- fulnefs. For fo, what in (bme places of Scripture is injoyned to be done con- ti^iually^ and vpithont ceaftng^ is in others > pnely required to be done upon all op- j portunitics. Which ihews, that TmrTvh I is' 3 H '^ht Ninth Sermon. is to be expounded , not lb much (^ TTOLvW )^^vct) , at all times , as o^ TrmfW Kxtpo^^ in every feafon. So iv^(TSu')^QfJL%* Ephef.5. i8. yQi Q^ yrzLvW ^c^ifS ^ i^vSufJU/dli^ graying tipon every opportumty in your Jpirit : and, ^Aypvuv^n Sv o^ Tmvft xxipco ^ojuutvot , Luk. 21. ^6, j5 ^ ^^^ ^ how great is the fumme ^ ^'' ofthem ^ If I jlionld count them^ they' are more in number then the fund. I (hall not therefore confound my felf, by launching too far into this im-. menfe Ocean 5 nor ftrive minutely fa compute the incomprehenfible fiimnie of the Divine Benefits : but onely ob« ferve, that in grofJ, according to our A-^ poftle's calculation, all things ,. whicb^ how-ever happen to us, are ingredients thereof No occurrence (great or fmall, common or particular , prefent or paft,. plea&nt or (ad, perpetual or tranfito-^ ry ) is excluded from being the fiibjehich^ according to his abundant mercy ^ hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the refurreUion of Jefus Chrijl from the dead : to an inheritance incorruptible 'and un defiled^ referved in heaven for you ^ Beafts onely, and men not much better then they , are affefted with prefent good turns : but men of honeft and ge- nerous temper refent indifferently the y 2 obli- 3 24 The Ninth Sermon. obligations of all times. Sen(e doth not confine their Gratitude, nor ab(ence re- move, nor age wear it out. What once is done, is ever done to them 5 and what of court efie is purpofed, (eems to them performed. But having before di(cour(ed fomewhat largely concerning the remembrance of Benefits, I leave this point. Furthermore, 5. We fhould bkfs God, not onely for new, rare, extraordinary accidents of Providence, but for the common and daily benefits and indulgences thereof Thefe Favours are ufually the greateft, and moft valuable in their own nature. ( For what can be imagined M^n:^£:Z^ ofhigherconfequencetous, imque vkifimdinet, quern then the pteiervation or oar me„f,m tempemio, qum. ^ 3^ f q^j EftateS, by que ea qu£-mbh gignmtur t • i i r i t ai fmendum mn gratum which they are comiortably efecogant', hunc homhem maintained A then the con- Cic.de Leg, 11. tinuance of our Bodies m good health , and our Minds in their right wits y then the knowledge of heavenly Truth, the encouragements to Vertue and Piety, the affiftences of Divine Grace , and the promifes of e- ternal Blifs continually exhibited to us?) Shall the commonnels and continuance of theft exceeding Favours, that they are The Ninth Sermon. 325 are not given us once onely, and tranfi- torily, but continued, ( that is, given us lb often as time hath inftants, ) and with an uninterrupted perfeverance re- newed unto us 5 fhall this abate and e- nervate our Gratitude, which in all rea- fon (hould mainly enereafe and confirm it > But this point I alfo touched be- fore, and therefore forbearing to infift thereon, I proceed. 4. We (hould give thanks, not onely for private and particular, but for pu- blick Benefits alfo, and for (iich as befall others. I exhort therefore ffaith S.PuhI) i Tim. 2. i, before all things^ that fitpplkations^ pray- ers^ i>?tercejJions and thanh^gwhigs he made for all men : not prayers onely, for good things to be beftowed on others ^ but thanksgivings alfo, for the Benefits received by others. ( And -vWep ttuvVjcv in our Text , however otherwife com- monly interpreted, may well admit this fcnfe alfo 5 and be taken indifferently , pro ommhm^ for all perfons^ and propter omnia^ for all things, ) We are all Citizens of the World, and cpneerned in its good conftitution 5 and r/V.chryf. in thence obliged thankfully to adore the ^ ^^^' ^^' ^* mighty Upholder and wife Governour thereof, praifing him for all the general Y3 Bene- ^26 7he Ninth Sermon. Benefits liberally poured forth upon mankind. We partake in the commodi- ties of Civil Society ^ and therefore fhould heartily thank him , by whofe gracious difpofal Order is maintained , Peace continued , Juftice adminiftred ^^ Plenty provided , our Lives made (afe and fweet to us therein. We are Mem- bers of a Church, and highly interefted in the profperous eftate and well-being thereof: when Unity therefore ispre- ierved , and Charity abounds 5 whea Knowledge is encreaied, andVertueentdv couraged ^ when Piety flourifhes, and Truth triumphs therein 5 we are bound to render all poflible thanks to the gra- cious Beftower of thofc ineftimable Bleffings. We are much miftaken in our ac- count, if we either determine our own concernments, or meafure this Duty, by the narrow rule of our private advan- tage : for, fiibdufting either the Bene- Hts commonly indulged to mankind, or thole which accrue from the welfare of publick fociety , what poffibility will remain of fiibfiftence, of (afety, of con- tent unto us } what but confufion,want, violence, and difquiet ? As we are concerned with our ut^ moft The Ninth Sermon. 327 moft endeavours to promote, to wiQi and pray for, to delight and rejoyce in the publick good of mankind, the peace of our Country, the prolperity oiSion 5 fo we are to blels and thank him , by whole gracious help and furtherance they are attained. If we confult all Hiftory, (Sacred, and civil, ) we (hall find it to contain hardly any thing elfc confiderable , but the earneft endeavours of good men for publick benefit, and their thankfuU ac- knowledgments to tfce Divine goodness for it . mofes^ David^ Nehemiah^ S. P W, all the Prophets , and all the Apoftles , what other things memorable did they doe, but (erve God in procuring pu- blick Good, and blels God for confer- ring it ? Neither onely as we are combined with others in common intereft^, but without (elfifh refpefts, purely out of charity, and humanity, and ingenuous pity , are we obliged to thank God for ' the Benefits he is pleafed to impart to others. If upon thefe accounts we arc commanded to doe good to all men x, tore- Gal. 6. 10. * Joyce with thofe that rejoyce ^ to love even ^^' '^•*^* thoje that hate ns^ and blefs thofe that curfe us^-y 'tis (by fairconfequencej (urely in- Y 4 ten- 528 The Ninth Sermon. tended , that we (hould al(b blefi God for the gocd iiliie of our honefl: endea- vours , or of our good wiQies for therft. ' And verily could we become endow- ed with this excellent quality of deligh- ting in others good, and heartily than- king God for it, we needed riot to en- vy the wealth and fplendour of the greateft Princes, not the wiftdom of the profoundeft Doftours, not the reli- gion of the devouteft Anchorets, no, nor the happinels of the higheft Angels ; for upon thislupp^tion, as the glory of all is God's, fo the content in all would be ours. Ail the fruit they can perceive of their happy condition (of what kind fcever ) is, to rejoyce in it themfelves , and to praiie God for it: and this (hould Ave then doe as well as they. My neighbour's good Succefs is mine , if f equally triumph therein : his Riches ar^ mine, if I delight to fee him enjoy them: his Health is mine, if it rcfrelh my fpi- rits : his Vertue mine, if I by it am bet- tered , and have hearty complacence therein. By this means a man derives a confluence of all joy upon himftlf^ and makes himfclf, as it were, the centre of all Felicity 3 enriches himfelf with the plenty, and fitiates himlelfwith the pleafure The Nil. th Sermon. 329 pleafure of the whole world ; referving to God the praife, he enjoys the fatil- faftion of all good that happens to any. ' Thus we fee D.ivid frequently than- king God, not for his Favour onely and mercy (hewed peculiarly to himfclf, but for his common munificence toward all 5 for ( to ufe his own phiafts ) hk gt)dd-V^3\, 145. 9- fiejs to dll^ and bis tender wcrc/es oyer all hk works 5 for execntwg judgment v? bc^ P^*'» H^* 7, half of the opprejfd-^ ^ox feeding the hun- ' ^* gry ^ for loofening the prifoncrs 5 for ope* King the ejes of the* blind ^ for raifmg them that are bowed down 5 for preferring the fir angers^ arid relieving thefutherlels and widow 5 iox lifting up the meel^x, for Pfal 147.5. loving^ and carinQ for^ and de fen dim? the ^^V^' 5- 7* righteous ^ tor opening his ha^d^ andja- pqi. 104.28. ^^fying the defire of every living thing • & MS* J^« i kx giving to the heaft his food ^ and tothe ^^^^' '47' 9- young ravens when they cry unto him 5 in a word, for his goodneis to every par- ticular creature, not excluding the moft contemptible, nor the mofl: lavage of Jill. And how affectionately doth Saint Paid every-where thank God for the growth in grace and fpiritual wifedorh , for the patience in afflidion, and perfe- verance in faith, of thofe good Chrifti- ans he writes unto ? So ftiouldj with an un- 330 The Ninth Sermon. unreftrained exuberance, both our Cha-* rity to men, and our Gratitude to God abound. But moreover, 5. We are obliged to give thanks, not onely for pleaiant and profperous occurrences of Providence, but for thofe alfo which are adverfe to our de- fire, and diftaftfuU unto our natural (enfe^ for Poverty, Sicknefi, Dit grace '5 for all the Sorrows and Trou- bles, the Difefters and Difippointments that befall us. We are bound to pay thanks , not for oim* Food onely , but for our Phyfick alfo: f which though ingratefuU to our palate, is profitable for our health :) We are obliged, in the School of Providence, not onely for the good Inftruftions, but for the (eafona- ble Corrections aKo vouch- T5 ©eSi;^ o^i'«< dv (^fej uj^tQ ys r whereby ^ M%. Koxctn^,' ^fx- though our fenies are ofFen- ^i-n^i6 mj^uavioi, AiJ.' ded, our manners are bet- ''l^r^t^^m^S- f/>^ed.) What-ever proceeds from good purpofe , and tends to a happy end, that is gracioufly defigned, and efFeftually conduces to our good 5 is a fit (ubjeft of Thankfgi- ving : and fuch may all Adverfities prove un*^o us. They proceed ufually from love and kind intention toward us: for, The Ninth Sermon. 331 for, Whom God love fh^ he chajleneth^ and Heb. i2.<5; feourgeth every fan vohom he receivcth :. and , Il^rJOVP , Lord^ ( (aith Druid ) Pral.ii9.75« that thy judgments are right ^ a?id that thoH in fuithfnlmfs haji afficicd me : if?- fiiithfnlr?e(}^ that is, with a fincere inten- tion of doiiig me good. ' . God thoroughly knows our conftitu- tion, what is noxious to our health, and what may remedy our diftcmpers \ and therefore accordingly di(po(eth to us pro jiictmdis aptjjfima qu£que 5 inftead of pleafant hony, he (ometimes prefcribes wholibme wormwood for us. We are our felves greatly ignorant of what is conducible to our real good , and, were the choice of our condition wholly permitted to us , ftiould make very foolifh, very difidvantageous e- leftions. We fliould ( be fure ) all of us em- brace a rich and plentifull Eftate : when- as, God knows, that would make us (lothfull and luxurious , fwell us with pride and haughty thoughts, encumber us with anxious cares , and expofe us to dangerous temptations 5 would ren- der us forgetfuU of our felves, and ncg- kflfull of him. Therefore he wifely difpofcth Poverty unto us :^ Poverty, ■" the 3 3 2 7'^^ Ninth Sermon. the mother of Sobriety, the nurfe of Induftry , the miftrels of Wifedom 5 which will make us underftand our (elves, and our dependence on him, and force us to have recourfe unto his help. And is there not reafon we fliould be thankful! for the means by which we are delivered from thofe de(perate mifchiefs , and obtain theft excellent advantages ? We fliould all (certainly) chufe the Favour and Applaufe of men ; but this, God alfo knows , would corrupt our minds with vain conceit, would intoxi- cate our fancies with (purious pleafure, would tempt us to afcribe immoderately to our felveSj and (acrilegioufly to de- prive Cod of his due honour. There- . fore he advifedly fuffers us to incurr the Disgrace and Difpleafure, the Hatred and Contempt of men 5 that fo we may place our glory onely in the hopes of his Favour, and may purfiie more ear- neftly the purer delights ofa good Con- fcience. And doth not this part of Divine Providence highly merit our thanks ? We would all climb into high Places, not confidering the precipices on which they ftand , nor the vertiginoufiiefi of our The Ninth Sermon. 3 3 our own brains : but God keeps us j&fe in the humble valleys, allotting to us employments which we are more ca- pable to manage. We fhould perhaps infblently abufc Power, were it committed to us : we (hould employ great Parts on unwieldy Projefts, as many do, to the difturbance of others, and their own ruine ; vaft Knowledge would caufe us to over- value our (elves, and contemn others : enjoying continual Health, we fhould not perceive the benefit thereof, nor be raindfull of him that gave it. A fiitable mediocrity therefore of thefe things the Divine Goodne(s allotteth unto us, that we may neither ftarve for want, nor (urfeit with plenty. In fine, the advantages arifing from Affliftions are fo many , and (b great,- that (had I time^ and were it (eafbnable to iniift largely on this fubjeft) it were eafie to demonftrate, that we have great reafon, not onely to be contented withy but to rejoyce in^ and to be very thank-' full for all the croffes and vexations we meet with ; to receive them chearfully at God's hand, as the medicines of our SouF, and the condiments of our for- tune 5 as the arguments of his Good will <> 334 ^^^ Ninth Sermon. will, and the inftruments of Vertu^^ as (olid grounds of Hope, and comfor- table prefcges of future Joy unto us. 6. Laffly, we are obliged to thank God, not onely for Corporeal and tem- poral Benefits, but alfo (and that prin- cipally) for Spiritual and eternal Blef fings. We are apt, as to defire more vehemently, to re Joyce more heartily in the fruition, and more paflionately to bewail the lofs of temporal good . things 5 fo more fincerely and (erioufly to exprefs our gratitude for the recep- tion of them, then for others relating to our (piritual good, to our everlafting welfare. Wherein we misjudge and misbehave our lelves extreamly. For, as much as the realbnable Soul (tha^ goodly image of the Divine Effence, breathed from the mouth of God) doth in dignity of nature, and purity of fub- ftance, excell this feculent fump of orga- nized clay, our Body 5 as the blifsfull ravifliments of Spirit lurpafs the dull (a- tisfaftions of Senfe 5 as the bottomkfi' depth of Eternity exceeds that (hallow (urface of Time, which terminates this tranfitory life: in fuch proportion (hould our appetite unto, our complacence in, our gratitude for fpiritvlal Bleffings tran-' fcend The Ninth Sermon. 335 Icend the affeftions (refpeftively) en- gaged about thefe corporeal accommo- dations. Confider that in jun^ion of our Sa- viour to his Difciples 5 /// this rejoyce Luk. 10. 20. fwt^ that the /pints are/nhjeS uvto yon : hitt rather rejoyce^ becanfe your names are mitten in heaven, Rejoyce not^ that is, be not at all afFefted with this ( al- though in it felf very rare accomplifh- ment, eminent privilege, glorious pow- er of working that indeed greateft of miracles , liibje&ing Devils , that is, baffling the fhrewdeft craft, and fiibdu- ing the ftrongeft force in nature,) in comparifon of that dehght, which the confideration of the Divine Favour in order to your eternal Felicity doth af- ford. We are, *tis true, greatly indebted to God for our Creation, for that he hath extraded us from nothing, and placecf us in fo lofty a rank among his crea- tures 5 for the excellent Faculties of Soul and Body, wherevvith he hath en- dued us 3 and for many moft admirable prerogatives of our outward Eftate: but much more for our Redemption, and the wonderfuU circumftances of" unexpreffible love and grace therein decla- 53^ The Ninth Sermon. declared, for his defcending to a con* Jundtion with our Nature, and elevating us to a participation of his ^ for digni- fying us with more illuftrious titles, and inflating us in a fure capacity of a much (uperiour Happinels. Our daily Food deferves well a Grace to be iaid before and after it : but how much vhoxQ that conftant provifion of Hea- venly Manna, the Evangelical Verity 5 thole favoury delicacies of Devotion, whereby our Souls are nourilhed to eternal life? Tis a laudable cuftom, when we are demanded concerning our health, to anlwer, Well^ I tha77k^ God : but much more reafbn have we to (ay • fb, if our Gonfcience can atteft concer* hing that found conftitution^ of Mind, whereby we are difpofed vigoroufly to perform thofe vertuous fundions, due from reafonable nature, and conforma- ble to the Divine Law. If for the profperous (uccelS of our w^orldly at- tempts 5 for avoiding dangers , that threatned corporal pain and dammage to us 5 for defeating the adverfoies of our fecular quiet, we make Te Deum Uiiclim:4s our 'fhvl-uov^ ( our fong for viftory ; ) haw much more for the hap- py progrefi of our Spiritual affairs 5 The Ninth Sermon. ' 337 (affairs of incorliparably-higheft confe- quefice^) for elcaping thofe dreadfull hazzafds of utter ruine, of endtels tor- tufe^ for vanquifhing Sin and Hell, thofe irreconcilabre enemies to our e- verlafting peace 5 are vvc obliged to utter triumphall Anthymns of joy and thankfulnefi ? This is the order obferved by the Pfalmift: inciting his Soul to blefi God ^Ci). 10^ (01 all hk benefits^ he begins with the ^'^^* confideration of God's mercy in pardo- ning his Sins^then proceeds to his gopd* nefs in beftowing temporal Favours. Who forgiveth all thy ftns^ leads the van 5 Whofatisfieth thy mouth toith good things^ brings up the rere in the enumeration' and acknowledgment of God's Benefits. That our minds are illuftrated with the knowledge of God afnd his glorious At- tributes, of Chrijl and his bleffed Go- fpel, of that ftreight path which con- dufteth to true Happinefs 5 that by Di- vine afliftence we are enabled to elude the allurements, to Withftand the vio- lences of temptation, to aflTwage immo- derate defircs, to bridle exorbitant paP fions, to cor reft vicious inclinations of minds requires more our bearty thanks, then for that we were able by our na- Z tural 338 The Ninth Sermon. tural wit to penetrate the abflmfeft myfteries ^ or to (ubjugate Empires by our bodily ftrength. The fbrgivenefi of our Sins doth more oblige us to a gratefull acknowledgment of the Divine Goodnefs, then ftiould God enrich us with all the treafures contained in the bo wells of the Earth, or bottom of the Ocean. One glimpft of his favourable • countenance fhould more enflame our affeftions, then being inverted Vv^ith all the imaginable (plendour of worldly glory. ; c^'^± Of thefe ineflimable Benefits, and all the advantageous circumftances where- with they are attended, we ought to maintain in our hearts conftant refent- ments 5 to excite our thankfulnefi, to kindle our love, to quicken our obe- dience, by the frequent contemplation of them. . /Thus have I (though, I confefi, much more flightly then fo worthy a iubjeft did require) profccuted the feveral par- ticulars obiervable in thefe words. I fhould conclude with certain Induce- ments perlualive to the pradice of this Duty 5 whereof I have in the tenour both of the former and prefent DiA courfe 7be Ninth Sermon. 339 courfe infinu^ted divers, and could pro- pound many more : but (in compliance with the time) I (hall content my felf briefly to confider onely theft three very obvious ones. Firft therefore. We may confider, I. that there is no difpofition what-ever more deeply radicated in the originall conftitution of all Souls endued with any kind of perception or paffion , then being fenfible of Benefits received 5 being kindly affefted with love and re- iped toward them that exhibit them 5 being ready with (utable expreilions to acknowledge them, and to endeavour competent recompences for them. The worft of men, the moft devoid of all not onely piety,but humanity and com- mon ingenuity, the moft barbarous and moft wicked, ( whom neither (en(e of equity nor refpeft to law, no promife of reward or fear of vengeance can any- wife engage to doe things juft and fit- ting, or reftrain from enormous ani- ons,) retain notwithftanding fomething of this natural inclination, and areu- iually fenfible of good turns done unto . them. Experience teaches us thus much^ and fo doth that (lire oracle of our Sa- viour : If ( faith he ) yon doe good to L«k. 6. 53, Z 2 thofi 34^ 7i6^ Ninth Sermon. thofe who doe good to yon^ what thanks is it .er^ worthily to ejieem ^ to be hearti- ly affQUed with^ to render all due 4C^ l^norvledgment ^ pyaije^ love^ and thank^ full obedience for all his ( infinitely^ great and innumerably-many ) Favours^ Mercies , and Benefits freely conferrd upon us : and let us fay with David, Pal. 72. 18, Bleffedbe the Lord God of Ifrael^ who »9' enely doeth wondrous things 3 and blef M The Ninth Sermon. 347 fed be hk glorious Name for evcr^ and \ let the whole earth be filled with hk glory. Blejfed be the Lord God ofIf^i^\^i^^A^' rael from everlafting to everlajiing : and let all the people fay^ Amen. The ,ih (^4S) cnMa,29. 7j,e jenfh Sermon. I TIM. 2. I, 2. 1. I exhort therefore^ that firjl of all fitpflications ^ prayers^ intercejjions ^ and giving of thanks be made for all men : 2. For Kings ^ and for all that are in authority. SAint ^aid in his preceding diP- courft having infinuated direfti- ons to his Scholar, and Spiritual Son, Timothy^ concerning the difcharge of his office, of inftruding men in their Djuty according to the Evangelical Doc- trine ^ ( the main defign v^he|:eof he tea- cheth to confift, not (as fome men con- Verfc 6. ceited ) in fond ftories, or vainfpecula" tions^ but in praftice of fiibftantial Du- vcrf.5,1^. ties , holding zjincere Faith , maintai- ning a good Con fcience^ performing offi- ces oipure and hearty Charity^ in purfii- ance of fiich general Duty, and as a principal inftance thereof, he doth here 7rei«- 7he Tenth Sermon. 349 firfl of all exhort or, doth exhort that firji of all all kinds of Devotion fhould be offered to God, as for all men generally, fo particularly for Kwgs and Magijlrates. From whence we may col- left two particulars, i. That the ma- king of Prayers for Kwgs is a Chriftian Duty of great importance. ( S. Panl judging fit to exhort thereto iv^'2'n)v ttxp' Ua^a^^kc'^ mv, before all other things 3 or, to exhort Zi^Z that before all things it (hould be perfbr- h^ med.) 2. That it is incumbent on the Paftours of the Church, (fuch as S. T/- mothy vjzs^^ to take fpecial care, that this Duty (hould be performed in the Church 5 both publickly in the Congre- gations , and privately in the Retire- ments of each Chriftian ; according to what the Apoftle, after the propofing divers enforcements of this Duty, fub- • fiimeth in the 8. verfe, / will therefore^ that men pray eziery-where^ lifting up holy hands^ without wrath or doubting. The Firft of thefe particulars. That it is a Duty of great importance to pray for Kings , I (hall infift upon : it being indeed now very fit and feafonable to urge the praftice of it, when it is per- haps commonly not much confidered , or not well obferved 3 and when there is 350 7he Tenth Sermon. Js moft need of it , in regard to the ef- fefts and conftquences which may pro- ceed from the confcionable difcharge of it. My endeavour therefore fti'all be to pre(s it by divers Confiderations, dis- covering our obligation thereto, and ferving to induce us to its obfervance : fbme whereof (hall be general, or com- mon to all times 5 fome particular , or iutable to the prefent circumftances of things. I. The Apoftle exhorteth Chriftians to praj for Kwgs with all forts of Pray- er : with S^YicrQ^g^ or deprecations^ for a- verting evils from them 5 with h^gAj- Su , or petitions , for obtaining good ings to them 3 with ^lAl^^c,^ or occa^ (ional intercejjlons^ for needfuU gifts and graces to be collated on them : as, after ^H' £p' 'i9 S, Af/ftin ^ Interpreters, in expounding us, ^c, ^' J^^hFs words, commonly diltrnguilh 5 how accurately, I (liall not dilcufe 3 it fufEcing, that ailuredly the Apoftle meaneth, under this variety of expret fion, to comprehend all kinds of Pray- j|ti er. And to this I fey we are obliged up- on divers accounts. I. Common Charity fliould dilpofe us i The Tenth Sermon. 351 us to pray for Kings. This Chriftian difpofition inclineth to univerfal bene- volence and beneficence 5 according to that Apoftolical precept, As we have op- G*'* ^* ^^» fortiuiity , let its doe good unto all men : it conftquently will excite us to pray for all men , feeing this is a way of ex- erting good will, and exercifing benefi- cence, which any man at any time, if he hath the will and heart, may have op- portunity and ability to purfue. No man indeed otherwife can benefit all ^ few men otherwife can benefit ma- ny 5 fome men otherwife can benefit none : but in this way any man is able to benefit all, or unconfinedly to oblige mankind, deriving on any fomewhat of God's immenfe beneficence. By per- forming this good office, at the expence of a few good wifhes addreffed to the Sovereign Goodnels , the pooreft may prove benefaftours to the richefl , the meaneft to the higheft , the weakeft to the mightieft of men ; fo we may bene- fit even thofe who are moft remote from us, moft ftrangers and quite unknown to us. Our Prayers can reach the ut- moft ends of the earth 5 and by them our Charity may embrace all the world. And from them furely Kings muft not 352 The Tenth Sermon. not be excluded. For if becauft all rfieti are our Fellow-creatures, and brethren ' by the lame Heavenly Father, becaufe all men are allied to us by cognation and fimilitude of nature , becaufe all men are the objefts of God's particul4r fa- vour and care ^ if becauft all men are partakers of the common Redemption, by the undertakings of him who is the common Mediatour and Saviour of aH men 5 and becaufe all men, according' to the gracious intent and defire of God, are defigned for a confbrtfhip in the fame blefled Inheritance 5 ( which en- f Tm.2. 4, forcements S. Paul in the Context doth ^* ' intimate 5 ) if^ in fine, becaufe all men do need Prayers, and are capable of benefit from them, we fhould be chari-' tably difpofed to pray for them : then mufl we alfo pray for K.v;gs^ who even in their perfbnal capacity , as men , da' fhare in all thofe conditions. Thus may' tve conceive S. P^vtl here to argue : For dUmeyj^ faith he,/^r IG^/gs-j that is,con- fequently for Kwgs^ or, particularly for Kiffgs 5 to pray for whom, at leaft no" lefs then for other men, univerfal Cha- rity fhould difpofe us. • Indeed, even on this account we may fey, efpeciarlly for Kwgs 5 the law of general The Tenth Sermon. 353 general Charity with peculiar advan- tage being applicable to them : for that law commonly is exprcfled with refe- rence to our neighbour, that is, to per- fons with whom we have to doe, who come under our particular notice, who by any intercourfe are approximated to us 5 and fiich are Khigs elpecially. For whereas the greateft part of men ( by reafbn of their diftance from us , from the obfcurity of their condition, or for want of opportunity to conver(e with them ) muft needs (lip befide us , fo that we cannot employ any diftinft thought or affeftion toward them : it is not fo with Kings , who by their emi- nent and illuftrious Station become ve- ry ob(ervable by us ^ with whom we have frequent tranfiftions, and mutual concerns 5 who therefore in the ftrifteft acception are our neighbours, whom we are charged to love as our felves 5 to whom confequently we muft perform this moft charitable office of Praying for them. 2. To impre(s which confideration , we may refled, that commonly we have ,^'i^~ onely this way granted us of exercifing meY fe ejjs our Charity toward Princes 5 they be- T]on^^ad ing fituated alofc above the reach of pri- orathn. A a vate 354- '^^^ Tenth Sermon. /bfit, Augu> vate beneficence ; j[b that we cannot tn^ fte, h iJ}^^ rich them, or relieve them by our alms 5 tuls men a we Cannot help to exalt or prefer them vertat, ut tu to a better ftate^ we can hardly come LSr ^o impart good advice , feafonable con- exfpeSes it- lolation, or whollome reproof to them 5 cem benejictu ^^ cannot profit or pleafe them by fa- Julian, miliar converlation. For as m divers o- ther relpefts they refemble the Divini- ty 5 fo in this they are like it, that we may fay to them, as the Pfalmift to God, Pfal. 16* 2. Tko^ art my Lord^ my goodnefs exten^ deth tjot to the. Yet this cafe may be referved, wherein the poorefl Soul may benefit the greateft Prince , imparting the richefl and choiceft goods to him ; He may be indebted for his fafety, for the profperity of his affairs , for God s mercy and favour toward him, to the Prayers of his meanefl vaflTal. And thus to oblige Princes, methinks, we fhould be very defirous 5 we fhould be glad to ufe filch an advantage, we fhould be am- bitious of fuch an honour. 3. We are bound to pray for Kings out of Charity to the Publicks becaufe their Good is a general Good , and the Communities of men (both Church and State) are greatly concerned in the Blef^ fings by Prayer derived on them. The The Tenth Sermon. 355 The Safety of a Prince is a great part of the common welfare 5 the Common- wealth, as it were, living and breathing in him : his fall, like that of a tall Ce- dar 5 ( to which he is compared , J fha- i^a- 2. 13. king the earth, and difcompofing the State ^ putting things out of courfe, and drawing them into new channels 5 tranf lating the adminiftration of affairs into untried hands , and an uncertain condi- tion. Hence, Let the Kif/g livc^ (which « King.1.25. our Tranflatours render, God fave the J^^'"^* "' Kwg^ ) was an ufiial form of falutati- 2Chr.23.11. on , or prayer : and , Kwg live for 1 King. i. 31. ever^ was a cuftomary addrefi to Prin- ^'"•^' ^' ^ ces, whereto the beft men did conform , & 6. 6, ^**°* even in application to none of the beft Princes ^ as Nehemiah to King Artaxer- Nch. 2. 3. xes^ and Darnel to King Darius. Hence Dan. 6. 21. not onely good King David is called the Ijght of Ijrael 5 ( Thou /halt not^ (aid A- 2 Sam 21. 17. bijhai^ any moreg0 4)Ht vptth us to battel^ that thou qnench not the light of Ifrael 3 ) but even the wicked and perverfe King 2 King, 24. TLedel^ah is by the Prophet Jeremy him- *9- felf (who had been fo mifufed by him) Jcr.3?. 3. ftylcd the breath of our nojirils. ( The Lam. 4. 20. breathy (aith he, ofonr nojirils^ the anoin- ted of the Lord^ was taken in their pits, ) Hence not onely the fall of good King Aa 2 JoCiah 356 Thi Tenth Sermon. lech. 1 2.1 1. Jofiah was fo grievoufly lamented 5 but 2Chr.35.24. ^ folemn mourning was due to that of 2 Sam.i. 12, Said 5 and , Te daughters of Jerufalem , ^^' weep for Saul^ was a ftrain becoming the mouth of his great Succeflbur King Da-- vid. Hence the Primitive Chriftians , who could not be conftrained to (wear Sed itr ma- by the Genius of C£far^ did not yet, in ^er genLr^ ^^'^?^^^^^^ with the ufiial praftice, csfarum, it a fouplc to fwear by their healthy or fafe- mumi'^gZ *y "> that is , to exprefs their wiQiing it, eft auguftior^ with appeal to God's teftimony of their omn'ihugeni- fincerity therein 5 as Jojeph may be con- peL c. 12, ' ceived to have (worn "^ 4^ the life ofPha- *Gcn.42.i5, raoh. Hence well might the people tell 2 5atB,i8. 5. King D^z;/^, Thou art worth ten thoU" fand of us '^ feeing the publick was to much interefted in his (afety, and had iufFered more in the lofi of him, then if a myriad of others had milcarried. The Honour likewife of a Prince is the glory of his people 5 feeing it is founded on qualities or deeds tending to their advantage , feeing it can hard-* ly be fuppofed that he (hould acquire honour without their aid and concur- rence, or that he fhould retain it with- out their fiipport and their fatisfaftion. And as the chief grace and beauty of a Prov. 4. 9. body is in the head , and the faireft or- naments The Tenth Sermon. 357 naments of the whole are placed there 5 {b is any Commonwealth mod digni- fied and beautified by the reputation of its Prince. j The Wealth and Power of a Prince are the fupports, and ftcurities of a State : he thereby being enabled to up- hold and defend its iafety, its order, its peace 5 to proted his people from for- rein injuries and invafions, to (ecure them from inteftine broils and faftions , to rcpreis outrages and oppreffions an-pf.72.4" — ; noying them. The Profperity of a Prince is in- feparable from the profperity of his people ^ they ever partaking of his fortunes , and thriving or (ufFering with him. For as when the Sun Ihineth brightly , there is a clear day , and fair weather over the world : (b when a Prince is not overclouded with adverfity , or difafterous occurrences , the pubHck State rauft be ferene , and a plealant ftate of things will appear. Then is the Ship in a good conditi- on , when the Pilot in open Sea , with full (ails and a brisk gale, chear- fully fteereth on toward his defigned port. Efpecially the Piety and Goodnefs of A a 3 a Prince 358 The Tenth Sermon. a Prince is of vaft confequence , and yieldeth infinite benefit to his Country. For, Vita Prmcjph Cenjuru FlexibUesinquamcunque pfl The life nf q Prinrp ic pariemdmmuY a Frinape, V^ '„A"^ ^!5^ ?^ ^ ITince IS atque, ut ita dkam, fequa. a Calling ot Other Hicns hves cesjumH^. Huh enm cha- to an account. His * Exam- ^ucd fruflri fperaverht pie hath an unlpeakable in- diffimiies, Eoque ohfequii fluence on the manners of utpnphomnes homines uni- ^^^ V^O^l^, who are apt in Hi moribm vivamw. Sill his garb, and every faflii- Piin. Paneg, ^^ ^^ imitate him. His Prac- vitaVrincipitcenfuraefty tice is more powerfull then eaque perpetual ad banc his Commands , and often dirtgmur, ad bane conver- 11 n i_ n- timnr; nee tarn imperkna- "Otn COntroU them. HlS bifopui eft, quamexemph. Authority hath the great '^Ecclu$io.2. ^^''^' ft^oJ^e in encouraging Ver- tue , and checking Vice , if it bendeth that way 5 the difpenlatioii of honours and rewards , with the in- fliftion of ignominies and corrections, being in his hand , and paffing from it according to his inclinations. His Pow^ er is the ftiield of innocence, the fence of right, the ftielter of weaknefs and Simplicity againft violences and frauds. His very Look ( a (mile or a frown of his countenance) is fufficient to advance goodnels, and (upprefs wickedne(s5 ac* ffpv. 20.8. cording to that of vS^/^^^^;;, AKwgfit' . twg in the throne of judgment fcattereth away The Tenth Sermon. 359 an>ay all evil with hk eyes. His Goodnefi pleafing God procureth his favour, and therewith deduceth from Heaven all kinds of bleflings on his people. And if thole politick Aphorifms of the Wife man be true. That rtghteoufnefs exalteth P»'oy4-3j4- a nation^ and ejiablijljeth a throne 5 That 2 Sam.7/15. Tvhen it goeth well with the righteous^ the P^o^'- n.io, city rejoyceth 5 and the fame by the hlef "' fing of the upright is exalted : then upon his inclinations to Vertue the advance^- ment and ftability of publick welfare do mainly depend. So for inftance , how did Piety flourilh in the times of David^ who loved, favoured, and prafti- ftd it ? and what abundance of pro(peri- 2 Sam. 7. 9. ty did attend it ? What fliowrs of blef^ fings ( what peace, what wealth, what Cp^«1* 72.7O credit and glory ) did God then pour down upon IfraeU How did the good- ne(s of that Prince tranftiit favours and mercies on his Country till a long time after his deceafe > How often did God C 2 Sam. 7, prokCs for his firvant Davids f ike to pvC' \^^^„ ,,^ ihxvQjudah from deftruftion ? fb that e- 13. ven in the days of Hezel^iah, when the I^^^I^q' ^^' King of AJJyria did invade that Country, & 132.^0-0 God by the mouth of Ifoiah declared, / will defend this city to five it for mine Ifa. ?7. 3^ own fake^and for my fervant David's fake. ^ ' Kjng.ir. Aa4 We^'^'^ 3^0 7??^ Taith Sermon. We may indeed obferve, that, accor- ding to the repreftntation of things in Holy Scripture, there is a kind of moral connexion, or a communication of me- rit and guilt, between Prince and peo- ple :, Co that mutually each of them is rewarded for the Vertues, each is puni- fned for the Vices of the other. As for the iniquities of a people, Cod with- draweth from their Prince the free com- munications of his Grace and of his Fa- vour, ( fiifFering him to incurre fin, or to fall into misfortune 5 which was the cafe of that incomparably-good King 2 King. 23. Jofiah^ and hath been the fate of divers ifa* a.'ij&c. excellent Princes, whom God hath (hat- ched away from people unworthy of them , or involved with fuch a people in common calamities 5 according to the Dcut. 28.35. rule propounded in the Law, of God's dealing with the Ifraelites in the cafe of their difobedience 5 and according to I Sam. "12. that oi Samuel^ If y^ /^^^ ^^^ wickedly , r^' V 8 ^^^ ^^"^^ ^^ con fume d\ both ye and your King : ) ib reciprocally, for the mifde- ' meanours of Princes, ( or in them, and I King. II. ^ ^Yitm, ) God doth chaftife their peo- I King. 1$. pie. For what confufions in IJrael did 5®- ^ ^ the offences of Solomon create ? what si/"^* ^" mifchiefs did ifTue thereon from jf^r^^^- am$ The Tenth Sermon. 3^1 "ims wicked behaviour ? How did the 5ns of Mcifiajfeh ftick to his Country , ^nce that even after that notable Re- '-^^ ^ formation wrought by Jofiah^ it is (aid , NotwJthJiar^diffg the Lord turried ?7ot i King. 2%. frmt the fiercenefs of his great wrath , ^^' wherewith hk anger was kjrtdled a^awji Jndah , hecmfe of all the provocations Therewith MatraJJes had provol{ed him .L^'«' trandMiUo otio licet. canfe from their care they en- ^^,^^„, ^-^^^^^^ ^^ ^,.^^^. joy the leifiire^ quiet ^ and fe- fium hem vivendi confen afrity of contemp!atin(r ^ and f^^'V ^^^^^l'^ ^ J^'''^' ri r 11/17 ^fi ^^^^^^ff^ hujus bom ut praCflftng the bejt things-^ up- parentem colam on which account^ (aith he, Sen.fj). 75. they could not but reverence the aut hours offo great a good^as Parents 5 that is, or fhould be, far more true of Chriftians. That leifiire fto ufe hisWOrdsJ which is [pent ^^u^tnti dflimamus hoc with God, and which rendreth Z^^' 111^ %7os^JlcT} us like to God ^ the liberty ibid. of ftudying Divine truth , and of ferving God with (ecurity and quiet 5 are ineftimable benefits, for the which they are indebted to the protec- tion of Magiftrates : Therefore in all reafon a gratefull retribution of good will, and of all good offices, particular- ly of our Prayers, is to be payed to B b 2 them. 37^ '^hc Tenth Sermon. uSi Iv ^A, them. Is it not very ahfiird^ faith S. Chry^ uTumv, axl- foftome , that they Jhonld labour , a?7d ch'vf.^«W ^^^^^^^ for us ^ and we not pray for fuprd. tkem ^ 6. Whereas we are by Divine com- iPct. 2. i3>niand frequently injoyned to fear and Roin i^.i— reverence, to honour, to obey Kings, Tir. 3. I. we fhould look on Prayer for them as Prov.24. 21. ^ principal branch, and the negleft thereof as a notable breach of thofe du- ties. For As to Honour and Reverence^ it is plain, that no exteriour fignification, in ceremonious unveiling or cringing to them, can fo demonftrate it, as doth the wifliing them well in our hearts, and from thence framing particular ad- dreffes to the Divine Majefty for their, welfare. Then which praftice there can be no furer argument, that we hold them in great account and confideration. And how indeed can we much honour them, for whom we do not vouchfafe fb much as to offer our good wifhes, or to mention them in our interceflions unto him, who requireth us to make them for all men, and particularly for thole for whom we are concerned? Doth not this omiflion evidently place them in the lowcfl rank, beneath the nieaneft 7hc Tenth Sermon. 373 mcaneft of our friends and relations > doth it not imply a very flender regard had to them ? And as for 0bedjcr?ce^ Prayer for Prin- ces is clearly an inftance thereof 5 fee- ing it may be fiippofed, that all Princes do require it from their Subjefts. Not onely Chriftian Princes , who believe God the (ble Difpenfer of all good things, and the great efficacy of Devo- tion in procuring them from him, may be deemed to exaft this beneficial office from us ^ but even Heathens and Infi- dels 5 from their dimme notion of a Sovereign Providence, (which hath e- ver been common in the world,) have made an account of this praftice ; as we may fee by that Decree of the Per^ fian King in Ezra^ charging his Officers to furnifh the JewiJJj Elders with (acri- fices, that^ (aid he, they may offer facri-'^tt^^^i^* fices of fweet favour unto the God ofHea^^ veff^ and pray for the life of the K:ng^ and of his Sons, And that (uch was the praftice of the Romans even in their Heathenilh State , doth appear from thofe words of Pliny ; We have,, NMnafjar^ laith he, been wont to make vows for the ^gternhate eternity of the Empire^ and for the wel- if^P^j'^u ^. fare of the Citizens^ yea for the welfare of^^J,^ "j^^ ' B b 3 the ' 374 ^^^ Tenth Sermon. pYofalute ff;)^ PriKces^ and in their behalf for the ll'prlpe7\u eternity of the Emfire. los pro dtev' nitate Imperiiy fokbamw, Plin. Paneg, Not onely pious Princes with a (eri- ous defire will exped this Duty from us 5 but even profane ones in policy will demand it, as a decent teftimony of refped to them, and a proper means of upholding their State 5 that they may (eem to have place in the moft ferious regards, and folemn performan- ces of their Subjefts. So that to neg- left this Duty , is ever a violation of our due obedience, and a kind of diP loyalty to them. Again, 7. The Praying for Princes is a fer- vice peculiarly honourable , and very acceptable to God 5 which he will in- terpret as a great refpeft done to him- Veovelfrj' f^]f • for that thereby we honour his 'mmtansfer- ^^lage and character in them, yielding i/;>, ciimjide- in his prcfence this fpecial refpeft to fghl^qut' *^^ ^^ ^^^ Reprefentatives ; for that Veoregnat thereby we avow his Government of autore. Vc- the world by them as his Minifters and g«. 2. $. Deputies ^ for that thereby wc acknow- ledge all Pov/er derived from him, and depending on his pleafiire 5 we afcribe to him an Authority paramount above all The Tenth Sermon. 375 all earthly Potentates 5 we imply our perfiiafion, that he alone is abfolute Sovereign of the world, the Kwg ofiTim,6,i$. Kings^ and Lord ofLords^ (b that Prin- ces are nothing otherwife then in fubordination to ^'^'^P^r^r^ Majeflatem him, can doe nOthmg with- ^}; ;//«^ \ommendo Deo. out his fuccour, do owe to Tcrt. i4;o/. c 35. him all their power, their (afety , their profperity and welfare ^ for that, in fine, thereby, difclainiing all other confidences in any fon of man ^ we P^^^* 14^.?. fignifie our entire (ubmiffion to God's ^ "^' ^'^' will, and fole confidence in his Provi- dence. This fervice therefore is a very gratefiiU kind of adoring our Almighty Lord 5 and as fuch S. P^/// recommen- deth it in the words immediately fiib- joyned to our Text, For thk ((aith he) \ Tim. 2. 3. is good^ and acceptable in the fight ojGod^ oar Saviour, 8. Let us confider, that whereas wile- dom guiding our Piety and Charity, will efpecially incline us to place our Devotion there where it will be moft needfull and ufefull, we therefore chief- ly muft pray for Kings, becaule they do moft need our Prayers. Their Office is moft high, and hard to difcharge well or happily : where- B b 4 fore 37^ '^he Tenth Sermon. fore they need extraordinary (upplies of Gifts and Graces from the Divine bounty. Their Affairs are of greateft weight and importance, requiring anfwerable skill, and ftrength to fteer and wield them ; wherefore they need from the Fountain of wifedom and power (pe- cial communications of light, of cou- rage, of ability to condud, to fupport, to fortilie them in their managements 5 Ffal. 51. 12. they need that God fhould uphold them 'TTVivjuucn Y\yt/LJuviKOo^ with that Prmcely Spirit^ for which King David prayed. They often are to deliberate about matters of dark and uncertain confe- quence 5 they are to judge in cafts of dubious and intricate nature 3 the which to refolve prudently, or to determine uprightly, no humane wifedom Effici- ently can enable : wherefore they need Ifa. II. 2. thefpirit ofcounfel^ and the fphit ofjudg- & 28. 6. ment^ from the fole difpenfer of them, Ifa. 9. <5. the great CounfeUour^ and moft righteous Pfai.7. II. Judge. The wifeft and ableft of them I King. 3. 9. hath reafon to pray with Solomon^ Give Sap 9.4— thy fervant an under (tart ding hearty to judge thy people^ that x may dijcern be- tvpeen good and bad : for who is able to judge this thy fo great a peopled. That lb The Tenth Sermon. 377 fo what the Wife man faith may be ve- rified, A divine fentence is in the lips ofvxov, i^.ia the King^ his mouth tranfgrejjeth not in judgment : and thai of the wife woman. As an Angel of God^ fo is my Lord the 2 Sam. 14, King to difcern good and had. '7« They commonly are engaged in en- terprifes of greateft difficulty, inopera- ble by the might or induftry of man 5 in regard to which we may (ay with Hannah^ By ftrengthfjiU no m in prevail-^ i Sim. 2.9, with the Preacher^ The ra-ce is not to the Ecclcsp. u, fT^ift , nor the battel to the fir on g 5 with the Pfzlmiji^ There is no K.ingftved hy y^^\ 25, 1 5. the multitude of an hoajl : wherefore they need aid and fuccour from the Al- mighty, to carry them through, and blcG their defigns with (uccels. They are moft expofed to Dangers and Di(afters5 (ftanding like high towers, rnofl obnoxious to the winds and tern- pefts of fortune^)havingurually many en- vious ill-willers, many difaffefted male- contents, many both open enemies and clofe infidiatours 5 from whole force or treachery no humane providence can fiifficiently guard them ; they do there- fore need the protedion of the ever- vi- gilant Keeper oflfrael^ to ftcure them ; Pfai. 121. 4. for. Except the Lord kepeth the city, the & 91. 1 — . 37S The Tenth Sermon. watchman waketh but in vain ^ Except Pfal. 33. 16. the Lord pre(erve the King, his guards, his armies fiirround him to no purpofe. They have the natural Infirmities of other men, and far beyond other men arefiibjeft to external Temptations. The malicious Spirit ( as in the cafe of Job^ zech. 3. 1, of David^ oi Ahab^ o^jojhna the High Prieft is cxpreffed ) is ever waiting for occafion , ever craving permiffion of God to feduce and pervert them 5 fiic- cefs therein being extreamly conducible to his villainous defigns. The World continually dothaflault them with all its advantages , with all its baits of pleafure , with all its incitements to pride and vanity, to oppreffion and in- juftice, to floth, to luxury, to exorbi- tant felf-will and (elf-conceit, to every Ibrt of vicious practice. Their eminen- cy of ftate , their affluence of wealth , EcclesS. 4". their uncontrollable power, their ex- emption from common reftraints, their continual diftraftions and encumbrances by varieties of care and bufinefs, their multitude of obfequious followers, and icarcity of faithfuU friends, toadvife, or reprove them , their having no obfta- cles before them to check their wills, to crols their humours , to curb their lufts aqd The Tenth Sermon. 579 and paffions, are fo many dangerous fnares unto them : wherefore they do need plentiful! meafiires of Grace, and mighty aflillences from God, to preferve them from the worft errours and fins ^ into which otherwife 'tis almofl: a mi- racle if they are not plunged. And being they are fo liable to ^w^ 'o r^ri^ they muft confequentlv ftand often in '^^■''^ > need of God's mercy to bear with them, ^-ip^^^^^fe. and to pardon them. '^>' They therefore upon fo many ac- counts needing fpecial help and grace from Heaven, do moft need Prayers to derive it thence for them. All Princes indeed do need them. Good Princes need many Prayers for God's help, to uphold and confirm them in their Vertue ; Bad Princes need de- precations of God's wrath and judg- ment toward them , for offending his Majefty 5 together with fopplications for God's Grace to convert and reform them : the moft defperate and incorri- gible need Prayers, that God would o- ver-rule and reftrain them from doing mifchief to themfelves, and others. All Princes having many avocations, and temptations, hindring them to pray e- nough for themfelves, do need (iipple- niental 380 The Tenth Sermon. mental aids from the Devotions of o- thers. Wherefore if we love Them, if we love our Country , if we love our Selves , if we tender the interefts of Truth, of Piety, of common Good, we, confidering their cafe, and manifold need of Prayers, will not fail earneftly to fue for them 5 that God would afford needfull afEflence to them in the admi- iiiftration of their high Office , in the improvement of their great talents, in the condud: and management of their arduous Affairs ^ that he gracioufly would direft them in their perplexed Counfels, would back them in their dif- ficult Undertakings, would protcft their Perfons from dangers, would keep their Hearts from the prevalency of tempta- tions , would pardon their Failings and trefpaffes. Again, 9. Whereas God hath declared, that he hath fpecial regard to Princes , and a more then ordinary care over them , becaufe they have a peculiar relation to Sap. ^.4. ^™' ashisReprefentatives, the M/V?/- fters of hk Kingdom^ the main inftru-p ments of his Providence , whereby he conveyeth his favours, and difpenfeth his juftice to Rien 3 becaufe alfb th^ good The Tenth Se rmon. 3 S i good of mankind, which he cfpecially tendereth, is mainly concerned in their welfare 5 whereas, I fay, it is he that gi- P^al. 144.10. veth fulvation unto Kirfgs 5 that giveth pf^j^ H] '\ great deliverance to his King^ and Jhew- (<^^ n.) eth mercy to his anointed'-^ that hath the ^^^^^' ^*' Kings hearty and his breathy and aU his Pro?. 21. i. ways in his hand : even upon this ac- ^'°' 5« 29. count our Prayers for them are the more required. For it is a method of God , and an eftablifhed rule of Divine Pro- vidence 5 not to difpenfe (pecial Blef- fings without particular Conditions, and the concurrence of our duty in obfer- vance of what he prelcribeth in refpeft to them. Seeing then He hath enjoy- ned , that in order to our obtaining thofe great Benefits, which iffue from his Ipecial care over Princes, we ftiould pray for it, and feek it from his hands 5 the omiffion of this duty will intercept it, or bereave us of its advantages 3 nor in that caie may we expeft any bleffings of that kind. As without praying for our felves, we muft not expedt private favours from Heaven 5 (b without pray- ing for our Prince, we cannot well hope for publick bleffings. For, as a profane perfon (who in effeft difavoweth God, by not regarding to feek his favour and aid) 382 The Tenth Sermon. aid ) is not qualified to receive any- good from him : fo a proflme Nation ( which difclaimeth God's Government of the world, by not invoking his Benc- diftion on tho(e who moderate it under him ) is not well capable of common benefits. It is upon all accounts true Ezr. 8. 22. which E%ra. (aid. The b:ind of our God is upon all them for good th.it feek^ him : Liv. 5. 51. ijfi l^pf power and his wrath is again jl all ' ^' 'them that for fake him. If therefore we defire that our Prince (liould not lo(e God's fpecial regard, if we would not forfeit the benefits thereof to our (elves, we muft confpire in hearty Prayers for him. TO. To engage and encourage us in which praftice, we may farther confider, that fuch Prayers , offered duly, ( with frequency and conftancy, with fincerity and zeal, ) do always turn to good ac- count, and never want good effeft ; the which if it be not always cafily difcer- nible , yet it is certainly real 5 if it be not perfed as we may dcfire , yet it is competent, as expediencey requireth , or as the condition of things will bear. There may be impediments to a full fiiccefs of the bed: Prayers^ they may not ever prevail to render Princes com- pleatly The Tenth Sermon. 385 pleatly good, or extreamly profpcrous : for (bme concurrence of their own will is requifite to produce their Vertue, God rarely working with irrefiftible power, or fatal efficacy 5 and the ftate of things, or capacities of perfons , are not always fitly futed for profperity. Yet are not (uch Prayers ever wholly vain or fruitlefi : for God never prefcri- beth means unavailable to the end 5 he never would have commanded us particularly to pray for Kings, if he did not mean to beftow a good ifliie to that praftice. And, furely, he that hath promifed to hear all requefts with faith, and finceri- ty, and inceflant earneftnefi prefented . to him, cannot fail to hear thole which are of luch conftquence , which are fo agreeable to his will , which do include ib much honefty and charity. In this cafe, fiirely, we may have fome confi- dence, according to that ofS.Joh/7^ Thk 1 Jo'^- 5« M- is the co77fidence we have in him , that if we ask^ any thing according to his will^ he heareth m. As the good Bifhop, obferving S. Ah- fiins Mother, with what conftancy and paffionatenefs fhe did pray for her Son, being then engaged in ways of errour and 384. The Tenth Sertrton] and vanity, did encourage her, fiying^ Fieri mn p- /f ^ jmpojjihle that a Son ofthofe devoti- %arum iT ofis fl)onld pcrifl) : Co may we hopefully crymarum prefumc, and encourage our (elves, that' conf'4 ^ilf ^ P^^ince will not mifcarry, for whofe welfare many good people do earnelHy folicit 5 Fieri non fottji^ ut Pnnceps ijia* rum lacrymariim pereat. Jam. 5. 16. You know in general the mighty effi- cacy of Prayer, what pregnant aflhran- ces there are, and how wonderful! in* ftances thereof occurre in Holy Scrip* ture, both in relation to publick and private bleffings : How it is often pro- Mait.2i. 22. mifed, that All things ^rvhatfaever wefiall ask in prayer^ helieving^ we JI)all receive 5 Matt. 7. 8. and that whoever askeih receiveth , and he that feebeth findeth , and to him that kfiocketh it fid ill be opened: How the QtTi,2o.\'j,^r2iytY of Abraham did YiQzX Aiimelech^ and his family of barrennefs 5 how the Ndw. 11.2. prayers of Moles did quench the fire , f FfioZTo. ^"^ cure the bitings of the fiery Ser- o. T. ) * pents 5 how the prayer of JoJJjfia did f^Sa r^^'i '^' arreft the Sun 5 how the prayer of Han^ 10—! * ^ah did procure Sumnel to her, as his uk. 4.25. name doth import 5 how EHa^ hispray- ial"" ^* '^' ers did open and (hut the heavens^ how 1 King. 17. the fame Holy Prophet's prayer did re- 2»3«. j^j^g a departed Soul, and that offi/i- The Tenth Sermnn. 5 §5 jlhi did effcft the (amc, and that of ano- 2 King. 4. ther Prophet did rcftore Jeroboams wi-^?~ ^ thered hand 5 how the prayers of God's ' '"^"'^ ^' people frequently did ra'ife them ///? Sa- Dcurer. 4, viours^ and when they cried unto the Lord ^^^hTpT 27. in their trouble^ he delivered them out ^Pfal. 106.44. their dijirejjcs'^ how the prayers oi^Afi. ^ ^^7.5,15, difcomfited a milHon of Arabians^ and jud.^.is. & thole ofjehof?)aphiit deftroyed a nume* 4- ?• 2^6.7. roiis army or his enemies by their own ^ achr. 14. hands, and thofe of jF/ez-e^^'^?/^ brought n — down an Angel from heaven to cut offl^^J^^^'^* the Ajjj>ria77s ^ and thofe oi MaK.jJJes re- 2Chr.32.20, ftored him to his Kingdom, and thofe ^^".^ of EJiher laved her people from the 13. "^ ' brink of ruine, and thole oi Nehemiah P'^^*^- 4- '<^- inclined a Pagan King's heart to favour a.^4/"'^' his pious defign for re-edifying jfer;//i- Dan.chapa. lem^ and thofe of D'//7/V/obtained itrange \J'[i'i2,^' vifions and dilcoveries^ how '^ Noah ^Job^ ^Ezek. 14. Daniel^ Mofes and Samuel are reprcfen- H- ted as powerfull interceflours with God, * '^ ^nd conlcquently it is intimated , that the great things atchieved by them were chiefly done by the force of their prayers. And feeing Prayers in fo many ca(c^ ^rc fo effeftual, and work fuch miracles^ what may we hope from them in this , tvherein God fb expreOely and particti- C c larly 386 7ht Tenth SeYmon. larly direfteth us to ufe them ? If our Prayers can fo much avail to our perlb- nal and private advantage, if they may be very helpfull to our friends 3 how much (hall the Devotions of many good men 5 all levelled at one mark, and ai- ming at a publick moft confiderable good , be prevalent with the Divine goodnels ? However , if God be not moved by Prayers to convert a Prince from all fin , to make him doe all the good he might, to blefi him in all mat- ters 3 yet he may thence be induced to reftrain him from much evil, to keep him from being worfe, or from doing worle then otherwife would be , he may difpofe him .to doe many things well, or better then of himfelf he would doe 3 he may preferve him from many dilafters otherwife incident to him : which will be confiderable effeds of Prayer. 1 1. I (hall adde but one general Con- fideration more , which is this , That Prayer is the onely allowable way of redreffing our caft, if we do fuifer by, or for Princes. Are they bad, or do they mildemean themfelves in their adminiftration of go- vernment and juftice ? we may not by any The Tenth Sermon. 387 siny violent or rough way attempt to re- claim them 5 for they are not accoun- table to us, or liable to our correfti- on. Where the Word of a Kzf/g k^ there Ecclcs 8. 4. is poivcr : a^id who JIjMI fay to hi^ , What docjl thoH ^ was the Preachers doc^ trine. Do they opprefs us, or abufe us ? do they treat us harftily, or cruelly perfe- cute us? we mufl: not kick againft them, or drive to right our (lives by refiftence. For, Agawji a KiPfg (faith xh^Wife mm) Prov. 30.31. there is fio ri(J?7g up: and , Who ( (aid i Sam.26.9. Divid ) can jiretch ont hfs hand agajnjl the Lords anointed , and he guiltlejs .- and , They ( (aith S. Paul ) that redjl , Rom. 13, 2. JJjull receive to themfelves danitiation. We muft not (b much as eafe our (to- mach, or difcharge our palTion, by rai- ling or inveighing againft them. For, Thoitjhdt notjpeuk^cvilofthe ruler of thy Excd.22.28. feopfe^\sa Divine law, and,to "^ blufpheme^ ^2 Per^2,io. or revile ^/g;//Y/e/ , is by S.Peter and]udc8. S. Jude reprehended as a nocable crime. We muft not be bold or free in tax- ing their anions. For, Is it fit ^ (aithfi//- ]'^'^34- 18« hu^ to fay to it King^ Thou .trt wicl^d^and to Princes^ Te are ungodly ^ and, to re- Ffal. 8p. s^- f roach the footficps of Code's Anointed^ is , implied to be aa impious pradticc. Cc 2 We 388 The Tenth Sermon. We muft forbear even complaining jude i<5. and murmuring againft them. For, AW- murcrs are condemned as no mean (brt of offenders 5 and the Jevps in the wil- derncls were forely punilhed for fuch behaviour. We muft not ( according to the EccJes 10. Preachers advice ) lb much as curfe afa 8. 21O ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^'^ thought :, or not entertain ill conceits, and ill withes in our minds to- ward them. To doe thefe things is not onely high preftimption in regard to them, (incon- tiftent Vvith the dutifull affeftion, and reipect Vv^hich we owe to them, ) but it is fiat impiety toward God , and an in- vafion of his Authority 5 who alone is Kif7g of Kings^ and hath referved to himfclf the prerogative of judging , of rebuking, of punilhing Rings, when he findeth cauie. Thele v/ere the mifdemeanours of thofe in the Late Times, who in ftead of Praying for their Sovereign, did cla- mour and rail at him, did alperfe him with foul Imputations , did accufe his proceedings, did raife Tumults, and le- vy War againft him, pretending by rude force to reduce him unto his Duty 5 fb ulurping on their Prince , or rather on God The Tenth Sermon. 3B9 God himftlf, affiiming his right, and taking his work out of his hands 5 di(^ covering alfo therein great profanenefi of mind, and diftruft of GocJ's Provi- dence 5 as if God, being implored by Prayer, could not, or would not, had it been needfull, without fuch irregular courles, have redreiled thofe evils in Church or State , which they pretended to feel, or fear. Nothing therefore in fiich cafes is left to us for our remedy or eafe, but having recour(e to God himfelf, and feekins; relief from his hand ^^^^ ^"''^ «f '"/'^"^ f'' m his good time, by COnver- uxmM, am uhmem a mbH tins; our Prince, or direfting aliquam mach'wemur, quam him into a good couife, ' """ '^^CZscp. ^. however comforting our fclvcs in the conlciencc of fiibmitting to God's will. This is the onely method S. Paul did prefoibe, even when Nero^ a moft vile , flagitious man , ^'f "^^" <''<^^'« ^^i"^ ^ a forty and naughty Cover- tV^rJ^S^ nOUr as could be , a mon- '^ dignm exfthh qui perfecu^ ftrous Tyrant , and mofl: ''°"'^ /" ^^^'-/^^'^""^ F'- bloudy Perlecutour , ( the Suip. Scv. 2. 40. very inventer of Pcrfecuti- on, ) did fvvay the Empire. He did not advife Chriftians to ftand upon their C c 3 guard , 39^- Jta mi magi's oramw pro falute Imperatorii , ab eo earn pojiulames quipr^ffia- re potejl. Et utique ex di^ fcip!ijiap:ttiertia: Divitu a- gera ms^ fat)s Wf^nijejh^m rfje vobis ;)3ff/l, ci, 62. The Tenth Sermon. guard, to contrive plots, to provide arms, to raifc miitinies and infurrefti- ons againft him y but to of- fer fupplications , prayets , and interceffions for him, as the beft means of their fecu- rity, and comfort. And this was the courfe of the Pri- mitive Chriftians , during their hard condition under the domination of Heathen Princes, impugners of their Rehgion : Prayers and Tears were then the onely Arms of the Church ^ whereby they long defended it from ruine, and at laft advanced it to moft glorious profperity. Indeed, if, not aiSuming the liberty to find fault with Princes, we would praftife the duty of feeking God for his bleffing on their proceedings ^ if, for- bearing to {can and cenfiire Ajfts of State , we would earneftly implore God's direftion of them 5 if, leaving to conceive di(gufts, and vent complaints about the ftate of things, we would aP fiduoufiy petition God for the (ettle- ment of them in good orders if, in ftead of being fhrewd Politicians, or • (mart The Tenth Sermon. 591 fmart Judges in fuch matters, we would be devout Oratours and humble Solici- tours at the Throne of grace 5 our en- deavours fiirely would find much bet- ter efFeft toward publick advantage : we certainly might doe more good in our clofets by a few hearty wifhes utte- red there, then by all our tattling or jangling Politicks in corners. There are great contrivances to fet- tle things 5 every one hath his model of State, or method of Policy, to commu- nicate for ordering the State 5 each is zealous for his own conceit, and apt to be difpleafed with tho(e who diffent from him ; but it is , as the faireft and jufteft, (b the (iireft and likelieft way of reducing things to a firm compofure , ( without more a-doe, letting the world alone to move on its own hindgcs, and not impertinently troubling our (elves or others with the conduct of it, ) Am- ply to requeft of Almighty God , the Sovereign Governour and folc Dilpoler of things, that he would lead his own Vicegerents in the management of the charge by him(elf committed to them. Be carefnll for nothing 5 but in every phil. 4, 5, thing , by grayer and fapplication with thanksgivings let your reqnelis be ma.de C c 4 knovpn 59 2 7he Tenth SermGn, k^ovpn to God , is a rule very applicable to this cale. As God's Providence is the onely fure ground of our confidence, or hope for the prefeivation of Church and State, or for the reftitution of things into a ftable quiet ; fo it is onely our hearty Prayers , joyned with a coniciencious obfervance of God's Laws, whereby we can incline Providence to favour us. By them alone we may hope to fave things from finking into diforder , we may aflwage the factions, we may de- feat the machinatiorts againfl: the pu- blick w^elfare. 12. Seeing then we have (b many good arguments and motives inducing to pray for Kings, it is no wonder, th^t, to back them, we may alfo allege the praftice of the Church, continually in all times performing this duty in its f ofij?. A^'^fi. mofi: Sacred Offices, e^ecially in the ce- 8. li. lebration of the Holy Communion. ** ^'' S. P/?;// indeed, when he (aith, / ex- hort firji of all^ that payers he made , doth chiefly impofe this Duty on Timo- thy^ or (uppofcth it incumbent on the Paftours of the Church, to take jfpecial care, that Prayers be made for this pur- pole 3 and offered up in the Churcji joynt- The Tenth Sermon. 393 joyntly by all Chriftians : and accordingly, the ancient Chriftians, as TertuUjari doth afliire us, did always pr./j fir all the Empcrours ^ that God would gratit them a long life , a fecure reign , a fafe family , valiant armies , a fiithjull fenate ^ a loyal peo- ple^ a quiet world^ and what- ever they (PS Men , or as Em- pero//rs ^ could rvijij. Thus (addeth he ) even for their . Perfecutours, and in the ve- ry pangs of their fufferings, they did not fail to praftile. Likevvife of the Church in his time S. Chryfofiome telleth us, that all Communicants did h^iow how every day^ both at even and morning , they did mak,e fupplication for all the world ^ and for the Emperom\ and for all that are in authority. And in the Greeks Liturgies , ( the compofure whereof is fathered on S« Chryfofiome^ ) there are divers Pray- ers interfperftd for the Empcrours, couched in terms very pregnant and re- ipectfuU, '■ If I Tim. 2. 8. roIycarp.< «<^. vine help and mercy in Prayer. • And are not Ours fuch? are they not much like to thofe of which the Pfal- mjji faith , They k^ovo vot^ vdther wjU^^^^' 8a« 5I they ufiderjiand 5 they walk^ on in darh^ ftefs : all the foiwduiions of the earth are out ofcourfe ^ or like thofe of which our jLord fpake , when there was ntfon the . . tarth dfjtrejs of ft at 2 or? s^ :vith perplexity 5 26. mens hearts faili/Tg them for fear , ^wd C 2 King. 19. for looking rfter thofe thwgs which were ^'^ xomi}7g on the earth ^ 7^ Are 396 The Tenth Sermon. Are not the days gloomy, (b that no humane providence can lee far, no wi(e- dom can defcry the ifiue of things ? Is it not a very unftttled world , wherein all the publick frames are (ha- ken almoft off the hindges , and the pfal 107.27. minds of men extremely difcompofed' with various paffions 5 with fear, fufpi- cion, anger, difcontent and impatience? How from diflenfions in Opinion do violent faftions and feuds rage 5 the hearts of men boiling with fierce ani- mofities, and being exafperated againft one another, beyond any hopes or vi- fible means of reconcilement? Are not the fences of Difcipline caft down ? is there any confcience made of violating Laws ? is not the dread of Authority exceedingly abated, and all Government overborn by unbridled li- cencioufnefs ? How many Adverfaries are there, Pfa!. 129. $. hearing ill will to our Si on ^ how many & 83. 5 tiiibulent, malicious, crafty fpirits, ea- gerly bent, and watching for occafion to fubvert the Church , to difturb the State , to introduce confufion in all things ? how many Edo^zites^ who (ay ofJerHfalem^^hoth Ecclefiaftical and Ci- Pfal. 157. 7. vil,)D^iP/^ rvhhit^dowrj with it evento the ground ^ Have The Tenth Sermon. 397 Have we not great reafon to be fear- full of God's juft difpleafure , and that heavy judgments will be poured on us for our manifold hainous provocations, and crying Sins 5 for the prodigious , growth of Athcilm, Infidelity, and Fro- fenenefs 5 for the rife praftice of all Im- pieties, Iniquities, and Impurities, with moft impudent boldnefs, or rather with outrageous infolence^ for the extreaai Diflbluteneis in manners, the gro(s Neg- left or contempt of all Duties, the great Stupidity and coldncfs of people gene- rally as to all concerns of Religion 5 for the want of Religious Awe toward God, of Charity toward our neighbour, of Refpeft to our Superiours, of Sobri- ety in our converlation 5 for our Ingra- titude for many great Mercies, and In* corrigibleneis under many fore Chaftiie- ments, our Infenfiblenefs of many plain Warnings, loudly calling us to repen- tance } Is not all the world about us in com- buftion, cruel Wars raging every-where, and Chriftendom weltring in bloud > and although at prefent, by God's mer- cy^ we are free, who knows but that foon, by God's juftice, the neighbou- ring flames may catch our houfes ? In 398 7he Tenth Sermon. In fine, is not our caft palpably {u'ch| that for any good compofiire or re-in-^ ftatement of things in good order , for upholding Truth and found Doftrine , for reducing Charity and Peace, for re- viving the fpirit of Piety, and bringing Vertue again into requeft, for prefer- ving State and Church from ruine, we can have no conh icnce or reafonable hope, but in the good Providence and mercifuH fuccour of Almighty God 5 Ka. 45. !f. beQjii rrtom there is no Saviour '-. who a- Hof. 1^4, \q,q ^s fl^c f^ope of IfraeL and Saviour thereof in time of tromle f we now ha^* ving great caufe to pray with our Lord's Matt. 8, 2$. Diiciplcs in the ftorm, Lord^ fave us^ we ferif/j. Upon fuch Con(iderations,and others whereof I (uppofe you are (ufficiently apprehenfive, we now efpecially are obliged earneftly to pray for our King, that God in mercy would prelerve his B oval Perfon , and inlpire his Mind with Light, and endue his Heart with Grace, and in all things blefs him to us, Id. 5I 12. to be a repairer of our breaches^ and a re- fiorer of paths to dwell in 5 fo that iwdet kim we may lead a quiet life in all godli^^ ftefs and honefiy. I have done with the Fiift Duty , C Praj*- The Tenth Sermon. 399 C Prayer for K.i??gs , ) upon which I have the rather fo largely infifted , be- cau(e it is very leafonable to our prefent condition. 11. The Other (Thatiksgivwg) I (hall but touch, and need not perhaps to doe more. For, I. As to general Inducements, they are the fame, or very like to thoie which are for Prayer 5 it being plain , that what- ever We are concerned to pray for, when we want it, that we are bound to thank God for , when he vouchftfeth to beftow it. And if com- mon Charity fliould difpofe us to reftnt the Good of Princes with complacence^ if their Welfare be a publick benefit 5 if our (elves are intere(ted in it, and par- take great advantages thereby 5 if in equity and ingenuity we are bound to feek it 5 then, (iirely, we are much en- gaged to thank God, the bountifull do- nour of it , for his goodne(s in confer- ring it. •2. As for particular Motives, (uting the pre(ent Occafion, I need not by in- formation or impreffion of them farther to (tretch your patience ^ feeing you cannot be ignorant or in(en(ible of the grand 4 00 The Tenth Sermon. gii^nd Benefits by the Divine Goodne(s^ beftowed on our King, and on our (elves 5 which this day we are bouncf' with all grateful! acknowledgment to' commemorate. Wherefore in ftead of reciting trite ftories, and urging obvious r^afons, ( which a fmall recolleftion will fuggeft to you, ) I (hall onely requeft' you to joyn with me in the pracTrice of the Duty, and in acclamation of praile to God. Even fo 1 Ring. 1.48. BleffedbeGod^ who hath given ta' us (o Gracious and Benign a Prince, ( the experiments of whofe Clemency and Goodnefi no hiftory can parallel, )' to fit on the throne of his Bleffed Fa- ther, and renowned Anceftours. rfal.i8.4^-- Bleffed be God, who hath protedeJ 8p. 22, 25. j^jj^ j^ ^ many encounters, hath favcd! him from fo many dangers and fnares , hath delivered him from fo great trou- bles. Bleffed be God, who in fo wonder- ful! a nianner, by fuch miraculous trains of Providence, did reduce him to his' Country, and re-inftate him in the pof^ feffion of his Rights 5 thereby vindica- pral.98.2 — ting his own juft Providence, declarwg hk falvaiioT?^ and openly Jhewwg hk righ-* teonfmfs in the fi^kt of all people^ BleQcd The Tenth Sermon. 401 Bleffed be God, who in Him and with Him did reftore to us our ancient good conftitution of Government, our Laws and Liberties, our Peace and Qui* et 5 refcuing us from lawle(s Ufurpati- ons and tyrannical Yoaks, from the in- (iiltings of Errour and Iniquity , from horrible Diftraftions and Confufions. Ever bleffed be God, who hath tur- Pral.i25, i, ned the captivity of Sion'^ hath railed our Church from the duft , and re-efta- blifhed the found Doftrine, the decent Order , the wholfome Difcipline there- of 5 hath reftored true Religion with Cif.30.20...) its (upports, advantages and encourage- ments. Bleffed be the Lord, who hath gran- ted us to continue thefe fixteen years in the peaceable fruition of thole Bleffings. Praifed be God^ who hath not caji out Pfal. ^^. 20; OHK prayer^ nor turned his mercy from us. Praifed be God, who hath turned our 30. "• heavinefs into joy^ hath put off our fackc cloath^ and girded m with gladnefs. Let our mouth /peak, the praife of the i45« 21. Lord 5 and let all flejl) blefs his holy Name for ever and ever. The Lord liveth^ and bleffed he our 18.45. Rock^'^ and let the God of our falvatiofi be exalted, Dd Bleffei 40 2 The Tenth Sermon. Pf.72.18,19. Blejfeclhe the Lord God oflfiael^ i»ha onely doeth wondrous thwgs 3 a?7d bleffed he his glorious Name for ever 5 and kt the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. Pfal. 106.48. Blejfed he the Lord God ofljrael from I '•'5- everlajling to everlajiing : and let all the \ <58*.34— ^ ^eo^le fay^ Amen, Praife ye the Lord. 1 Chroo. \6, 8 J«. The (4^3) The Eleventh Sermon, on m^mb. 5. 1^73. PSAL. 64.9, 10. And all men Jhall fear^ and Jh all de- P dare the vpork^ of God 5 for they Jhall n>ifely confider of his doing. The righteous pull he glad in the Lord^ and JhaU trnjl in him 5 and all the »f- iright in heart fliall glory. I F we fliould (earch about for a Cafe parallel to that which we do now commemorate, we Ihould, perhaps, nardly find one more patly fiich , then ^s that which is implied in this Pfilm : and if we would know the Duties in- cumbent on us in reference to (uch an Occafion, we could fcarce better learn ^ them other- where then in our Text. With attention perufing thePlalm, we may therein obferve. That its great j^uthour was apprehenfive of a defpe- UatePlot by a confederacy ofwicKed and (pitefuU enemies, with great craft Dd 3 and 404 Ti&f Eleventh Sermon. and (ecrecy, contrived againft his ftjfety* vcrf. 5« T/Sej/, (aith he, encourage thenifelves in an evil matter ^ they commune of laying fnares privily 3 they fay ^ Who Jhall fee them I That for preventing the blow threatned by this defign, ( whereof he had fome glimpfe, or fome prefiimpti- on 5 grounded upon the knowledge of their implacable and aftive malice,) he Vcrf. 2. doth implore Divine proteftion : Hide me^ faith he, from the fecret counfellof the wicked^ from the infurreUion of the workers ofinifiity. That he did confide in God*s mercy and juftice for the fea-j fonable defeating, for the fit avengirtj Vcrf. 7- their machination : God^ faith he,]^- fhoot at them with an arrow $ fudde»lj fhall they he wounded. That they (hoiild themlelves become the deteftours ol their crime, and the inftruments of the exemplary punilhment due thereto Vcrf. 8. They ^ addeth he, fhall mak^ their own, tongue to fall upon themfelves : all thai fee them fl)all flee away. Such was the Cafe 3 the which untcK what paffage in the hiftory it doth re- late, or whether it belongeth to anj we have recorded , it may not be eafic to determine. Expofitours commonlyl" do refer it to the defigns of Saul upor David^i /The Ekventb Sermon. 405 Davids life. But this fteming purely conjefture , not founded upon any ex- prels words , or pregnant intimations I in the text, I (hall leave that inquiry in [its own uncertainty. It fufficeth to ' make good its pertinency , that there ( was filch a mifchievous confpiracy , i deeply projected , againft David ^ ( a I very great perfonage, in whofe (afety : the publick ftate of God's people was j principally concerned 5 he being then King oi Ifrael^ at leaft in defignation , and therefore in the precedent Pfelm, endited mSauh time, is (b ftyled 5)pral.^3ii« i from the peril whereof he by the Ipe-. I cial Providence of God was refcued , ! with the notable dilappointment and ' grievous confufion of thofe who mana- ' ged it. The which Ca(e ( at leaft in ' kind, if not in degree ) beareth a plain ' refemblance to that which lieth before i us. ' And the Duties which upon that oc- aafion are fignified to concern people then, do no lels now fort to us 5 the ' which, as they lie couched in our Text, are thefe ; i. wifely to confider God's do- i/;g ^ 2. to fear 5 3- to declare Gods work^'^ 4. to be glad in the Lord 5 5. to trufl in God 5 6. to glory. Of which the Dd 3 Firft 4o6 mttevmMik FirftThreq are reprefentcdas mbr^gene-; r^ly concerning men ^ thje others as a^"' pertaining more peculiarly to righteou^; and upright. perfons. ..^ \*- . Thefe Duties it fliall be my endea- vour fboiewhat to explain and prefi, in a manner applicable to the prefeht ca(e^' I call them Duties ^ and to warrant the doing (b, itis requifite to cbnfider, that all thefe particulars may be underftooct in a double manner , either as declard-r tive of event, or as direftive of prac- tice upon fiich emergencies. . When God doth fo interpole. his hand, as fignally to check and confound inifchieyous enterpriles s it will be apt to ftir up in the minds of men an appre- henfion of God's fpecial Providence, to ftrike intQ their hearts a dread of his Power and Juftice, to wring from their mouths futable declarations and ac- knov/ledgments , and particularly then good men will be affefted with pious joy, they will be encouraged to con- fide in God, they will be moved to glory, or to exprefs a triumphant fitiP- faftion in God's proceedings. Thefe e- , vents naturally dp refiilt from fiichpro- .jridential occurrences 3 for produdion of thefe events iiich occurrences are purpofcly The Eleventh Sermon. 407 purpofely defigned 5 and accordingly ( where men are not by profane opinio ons or affeftions much indifpoftd) they do commonly follow. But yet they are not propofed fimply as Events, but alfo as matters of Duty : for men are obliged readily to admit fiich impreflions upon their minds, hearts, and lives, from the fpecial works of Providence 5 they are bound, not to cro(s thofe natural tendencies, not to fruftrate thofc wile intents of God, ai- ming at the produftion of fiich good difpofitions and good praftices : whence if thole efFefts do not arile, as often no- torioully they do not in Ibme perfons , men thereby do incurre much guilt and blame. It is indeed ordinary to reprelent mat- ter of duty in this way, expreffing thofe practices confequent in eiFeft, which in obligation (hould follow, according to God's purpofe, and the nature of caufes ordered by him. As when, for inftance, God in the Law had prelcribed Duty, and threatned fore punidiment on the dilbbedient, it is lubjoyn^d. And all the ccut. 17.15. people [1)^11 hear ^ and fear, and doe no^^};J^^' ^ more prejumptnoujly : the meaning is, that luch exemplary punithment is in D d 4 it§ 4o8 The Eleventh Sermon* its nature apt, and its defign tendeth to produce (uch efFefts, although not ever, queftionlefi, with due (uccefi, fo as to prevent all tranlgreffion of thofe laws. Ifi. 25. 9. So alfo, When (faith the Prophet ) thy judgments are in the land , the inhabi-- tants of the world will learn right e on fnefsz the fenfe is , that Divine judgments in themfelves are inftrudiive of Duty, it is their drift to inform men therein, and men ought to learn that leffon from them 5 although in efFeft divers there be , whom no judgments can make wi- fer or better 3 (iich as thofe of whom in Ifa.p. 13. the fame Prophet it is (aid, The peofle turneth not unto him that fmiteth them 5 Jcr. 2. 10. and in another. In vain have I fmitten S 1* ^* y(>^^ children^ they received no correSion, As therefore frequently otherwhere, fo alfo here this kind of exprelTion may be taken chiefly to import Duty. To be- gin then with the Firft of thefe Du- ties. I. We are upon luch occafions obli- iriyyQi S^^ "^^fib *^ confider ( or, as the Gree!{^ iboiyn rendreth it, aiwiivcLt^ to understands or, ^3J* to perceive, as our Old Tranflation hath it) God's doing. This I put in the firft place, as previous in nature, and influ- ential The Eleventh Sermon. 4P5i^ ential upon the reft : whence (although in the Hebrew it be knit to the reft, as they all are to one another, by the con- junftive particle ve^ arjd^ yet ) we do tranflate it cauftUy, for they JJjall wifely confider^ for they JI)alJ perceive 5 becaufe indeed without duly confidering, and rightly underftanding {iich occurrences to proceed from God, none of the o- ther ads can, or will be performed : attentive confideration is needful! to beget knowledge and perfiiafion, thefe to breed afFedlion and praftice. There are many who, in fuch cafes, are no-wife apprehenfive of God's fpe- cial Providence, or affefted with it 5 becaufe they do not confider, or dp not confider wifely and intelligently. Some are very inobfervant and care- le(s in regard to things of this nature 5 fo drowzy and heedle(s, as not to at- tend to what-ever paffeth, or to mind what God afteth in the woild : fiich as thofe of whom the Prophet (aith. The ifa. $. 12* harp and the viol^ the tabret and pipe^ and wine are in their fea ft s ^ but they re- Pfal. 28. 5. gard not the work^ of the Lord^ fjor the^^^'^' operation of his hands: that is, their minds are fo amufed by wanton divertifements, 'tbeir hearts are fo immerfed in fenfual enjoy- 4to= " The Eleventh Sermon. enjoyments, as no- wife to obferve the moft notable occurrences of Provi- dence. '5 Others, (although they do ken and regard what is done, as matter of news, or ftory, entertaining curiofity and talk^ yet) out of floth or ftupidity, do little confider it, or ftudy whence it (prin* geth 5 contenting themfelves with none, or with any (uperficial account, which iancy or appearance foggefteth : like beafts, they do take in things obvious to their (enfe, and perhaps ftand gazing on them 5 but do not make any carefuU reflexion, or inquiry into their original caufes and reafons 5 taking fas a d<^, when he biteth the ftone flung at him, or as a child that is angry with the log hefalleth on) what-ever appeareth next, to be the principal caufe : fiich as the Pfilmift again toucheth, when he (aith, Ffal. 92. 6. Jl hrutijh man k^oweth not , neither doth a fool under fiand this : and as he doth acknowledge hirafelf on one occafion Ffal. 73. 22. to have been 5 So fooUJh was /, and ig^ nor ant 5 / voas as a beaji before thee. Others pretend to confider much, and feem very inquifitive 5 yet (being mifguided by vain prejudices, or foul affeftions) do not confider wifely, <» well The Eleventh Sermon] 41 1 wdl underftand the(e matters 5 the re- iult of their care and ftudy about them being to father them on wrong caufes, alttibing them to the meer conduft and agency of vifible caufo, hurried by a neceflary fwindge, or rolling on by a cafual fluftuation of things 5 not deftry- ing God's hand in them, but profanely difcarding and difclaiming it : (uch as thofe in the Pfalms, who (b refledted on Providence, as tofaj^ How doth God Pfal. 7^ «• k^ow . 4»' up Corah with his complices^ and a fire from the Lord confuming the men that offered incenfe 5 yet prefently did fall a- charging Mofes and ^aron^ ^ying, Te have Iqlled the people of the Lord, No wonder then, if many do not perceive the fame Hand, when it is wrapp'd up in a complication with inferiour caufes^ when it is not lifted up fo high, or fo far extended in miraculous performan- ces. The (pecial Providence of God ia events here efFefted or ordered by him, is indeed commonly not difcernible without good judgment and great care 5 it is not commonly impreffed upon e- vents in characters fo big and clear, as to be legible to every eye, or to any eye not endued with a (harp perjpica- cy, not applying an induftrious heed- fulnefi : the traSs thereof are too fine and (ubtile to be defcried by a dimme fight, with a tranfient glance, or upon a groiS view : it is (eldpme fo very con- Ipicuous, that perfons incredulqi^j, o^: The Eleventh Sermon. 4 1 3 any-wife indifpofed to admit it, can eaiily be convinced thereof, or conftrai- ned to acknowledge it : it is often (up- on many accounts, from many caules) very obfcure, and not eafily difcernible to the moft (agacious, moft watchful!, moft willing obfervers. For, the in- ftruments of Providence being free a- gents, afting with unaccountable varie- ty, nothing can happen which may not ' be imputed to them, with fome colou- rable pretence. Divine and humane in- fluences are (b twifted and knit toge- ther, that it is hard to (ever them. The manner of Divine efficacy is fo very foft and gentle, that we cannot eafily trace its footfteps. God defigneth not com- monly to exert his hand in a notorious way, but often purpofely doth conceal it. Whereas alfo it is not fit to charge upon God's fpecial hand of Providence any event, wherein (pecial ends of wife- dom or goodnefs do not (hine ^ it is of- ten hard to difcover (uch ends, which ufually are wrapp'd in perplexities^ becaufe God afteth varioufly, ("accor- ding to the circumftances of things, and the difpofition, capacity, or ftate of ob- jefts,) fo as to doe the fame thing for different ends, and different things for the 4i4 ^^^ Eltvtnth Sermon. the fame end ; becaufe there are diffe- rent ends, unto which Providence in various order and meafure hath regard, which our (hort and narrow profpeft cannot reach : becaufe God, in profe- Cution of his ends, is not wont to pio- - c^ed in the moft direft and compendious way^ but windeth about in a large circuit, enfolding many concurrent and Subordinate defigns : becaufe the expe* diency of things to be permitted or per- formed doth not confift in fingle afts or events,' but in many confpiring to one common end : becaufe we cannot apprehend the confequences, nbr ba- lance the conveniencies of things in or- der to good ends : becaufe we are apt to meafore things by their congruij:y to our opinions, expedations, and at fedions : becaufe many proceedings of God depend upon grounds inacceflil^le to our apprehenfion 5 (uch as his own fecret Decrees, the knowledge of rnjE;ns thoughts, clpfe purpofes, clandeftine de* figns, true qualifications and merits ^ his prefcience of contingent events, and what the reiult will be from the com- bination of numberlefi caufes : becaufe fometimes he doth aft in methods of wifcijom, and by mles of juftice, for- paffing The Eleventh Sermon. 415 paffing our capacity to know, either from tne finitenefs of our nature, or the feeblenefs of our reafon^ or the mean- nefi of our ftate , and circumftances here : becaufe alfo the Divine adraini- ftration of affairs hath no compleat de- termination or final ifTue heres that being re(erved to the great day of rec- koning and judgment. It is farther alio expedient , that many occurrences ftiould be puzzling to us, to quath our prefumption, to exercife our faith, to quicken our induftry, to engage us up- on adoring that wifedom which we cannot comprehend. Upon fiich ac- counts, for fuch caufo, (which time will not give me leave to explain and exemplifie) the (pecial Providence of God is often cloudy, is feldom lb clear, that without great heed and confide- ration we can perceive it. But how- ever to doe lb is plainly our duty 5 and therefore poffible. For our Realbn was not given us to be idle upon lb important occafions 5 or that we (hould be as brute Spe&a- tours of what God doeth. He, (urely, in the Governance of his nobleft crea- ture here difcovereth his Being, and dilplayeth his Attributes : we therefore 41^ The Eleventh Sermon. carefully (hould obftrve it. He there- by (and no otherwife in a publick waj^) pfal^o. I. doth continually T^e^^, and fignifie to 62?° i!^ us his mind : and fit it is, that we his (ubjefts fhould hear, (hould attend to the leaft intimations of his plea(ure. To him thence glory (hould accrue, the which who but we can render ? and that we may render it, we muft know the grounds of it. In fine, for the (iip- port of God's Kingdom, for upholding the reverence due to his adminiftration of juftice among us, it is requifite, that by apparent difpenfetion of recompen- ces Duty (hould be encouraged, and di(bbedience checked : very fooli(h therefore we muft be, if we regard not (uch difpenlations. So Reafon diftateth, and Holy Scrip- ture more plainly declareth our obligati- on to confider,and perceiveGod's doings. To doe (0 is recommended to us as a pfal,io7.4j. fingular point of wifedom : Whofo is Tpjfe^ and will obferve theje things^ they Jhall nnderfiand the loving-kindnefs of jer.^. 24. the Lord. Let him that glorieth glory in this^ thcit he underfiandeth and k^ovptth me^ that I am the Lord^ which exercije loving' Iqndnefs^ judgment and right eouf- Hor.14. 9. nefs in the earth. Who is wife ^ and he The Eleventh Sermon. 417 he j1)all ufjderji^^d thefe thirrgs ^ prn* dent / dfid he Jl^all l^iorv them. For the vpays of the Lord are right ^ &c. We are vehemently provoked thereto : UWer-PraI.94.S. I Jiand^ ye brntiJJ) among the people 5 and^ \ ye fool s^ when will ye be wife ^ They are reproved for negleft and defailance, who do not regard the worl^ of the Lord^ ^^*^- ^^^$« nor the operation of his hand. The not ira.°5.t'2. difcerning Providence is reproached as a piece of {hamefull folly 3 A brntifh"^^^^-?^*^^ man knoweth not , neither doth a fool nnderfiand : and of wofull pravity 5 0^a«25.ii.) "^ ye hypocrites, ye can difcern the face '^hfhaZ^u of the skje 3 but how k it that ye cannot lifted upjhey difcern this time ^ To contemplate and Tl^^[2% ftudy Providence is the pradiice ofMait.id.^/ Good men. 1 will meditate on all thy Pfal. 77. 12. works, faith the Pfrilmift, chiefly refpec- ^ '^5- 5' ting works of this kind : and, The works pfal. ui. 2; of the Ljrd are great, fought out of all* them that have fleafure therein. It is a fit matter of Devotion, warranted by the prafticc of good men, to implore God's manifeftation of his Juftice and Power this way. Lord God,to whom Pfal. 94.1, 2, vengeance belongeth^ Jhcw thy felf-^ Up up thy felf thou Judge of the earth. It is God's manner hereby to notifie him- felf. The Lord is kpown by the judg^^^^^^^'"^^' E e ment 4 1 8 The Eleventh Sermon^ mtnt that he execntctk He for this ve- ry purpofe doth interpofe his Hand, Pral.109.27. that men may k^ow that it k hif Han^^ and th^t the Lord hath done it 5 that (aa Ifa.41. 20. it is in Efay) they may fee ^ and knoi^^ and confider^ and underjiand together^ (Ezck.7.27.) that the 'Hand of the Lord hath done this^ and the Holy one of IJraef God thereby doih fup- ^ath created it. He mana- port and encourage good .1^1- r 1 men. geth things fo, that men may He doth thereby con- be brou8;ht to know, may ;r m ""9°.- '" ^' i"'^"^^^ to acknowledge He thetcby doth inftruft his authority, and his equi- all men. Jfa. 26. 9. ^y • j^ ^^it management there Vfal. 59. 15- of 5 that they may k^ovp^ that he n>hofi ^e^.V Name is Jehovah^ is themoji High ov.^Ti Pfal. 58. II, all the earth 5 that they may fay^ Veri^ there is a reward for the righteous^ veri^ there is a God that judgeth the earth In fine, the knowledge of Gods fpe^ cial Providence is frequently repreletif ted as a mean of nourifliing our faith and hope in him, as a ground of thank-i fulnels and praife to him, as an inceu-i tive of the beft affeftions ("of holy )oy, and humble fear, and hearty love) to- ward him : wherefore we ought to feeJl it, and we may attain it. There are confequently (bme diftinc tive marks or characters, by which v^i maj The Eleventh Sermon. 41^ may perceive God's Hand : and fuch may thefe be which follow, (drawn from the (pecial nature, manner, ad- |unds, and conftquences of events : ) Upon whicli may be grounded Rules declarative of fpecial Providence, (uch as commonly will hold 5 although (bmc- times they may admit exceptions, and (hould be warily applied. I. The wonderfull Strangencfs of E- vents, compared with the ordinary courfe of things, or the natural influ- ence of caufes : when effefts are per- formed by no vifible means 5 or by means dilproportionate, unfutable, re« pugnant to the effed. Sometimes great exploits are atchieved, mighty forces a^^e difcomfited, huge ftruftures are de« feolifhed, defigns backed with all ad- vantages of wit and ftrength are con- founded, none knows how, by no con- fiderable means that appear 5 Nature riling up in arms againft them 5 panick fears leifing on the abetters of them 5 dillenfions and treacheri<^s fpringing up among the aciours 5 (iidden deaths mat- ching away the principal inftruments of them. As, when the Jiars /V //jeir juflg. 5. 20. cpurfes fought againft Sifira : when the Aug, deciv. winds and skies became auxiliaries to ^* 5- ^^• E e 2 Theodo- 420 The Eleventh Sermon. 1 Sam. 7. 10. Theodofius : when the Lord thnridred if,T< "' ^^^^ a great thumler upon the Philijlwes'^ and dijcor/ifited them^ and they rvere friit^ 2 King. 7. 6, ten before Ifrael : when the Lord made & 48.^6.^* ^Ae hoji of Syrians to hear a noife of chariots^ of horfes^ of a great hoafi 5 whence if ^ej/ arofe and fled : when 7^e 2 Chron. 20. children of Amnion and Moah Jiood np ^^' ^g^^^Ji the inhabitants of mount Seir^ utterly to flay and defiroy them 5 an^ when they had made an end of the inh hitants of Seir^ every one helped to di 2 Ring. 19. firoy another: when the Angel of t 55* Lord went out^ and fmote in the cam^ of the Affyrians 1850CO men 5 and wheti they arofe early in the mornings behold they were all dead corpfes : when th6 ' mighty power oi Antiochus was, as it is Dan.8. 2§. faid, to be broken without hands : and l?an.2.4$. when^as it is foretold, afione^ cut out of the mountain without hands ^ fhould brca^ in pieces the iron^ the brafs^ the clay^ the filver^ and the gold. Such Events do fpeak God to be their caufe, by his in- vifible efficacy fiipplying the defeft of | apparent means. So likewife , when by VilArtabamOrat.apud xvQdk forces great feats arc Horn. IL^\ verUsi accomphOied, and impoten- cy triumpheth over might: when The Eleventh Sermon. 421 when (as the Prophet faith) the cap* ifa. 49« 25- ti7jes of the w/ghty are taken arvaj/^ a/rd the prey of the terrible is delivered : when One man ( as is promilcd) d^M Jofh. 25.10. chafe a ihoufand^ and two put ten «^^'^'^' r>eu'c. 32.30/ find to flight : when "^a ftripling, furni- * ' Sam. 17. ftied onely with faith and a pebble, ^'^^' fliall knock down a monftrous Giant, armed with a helmet of braG and a coat of mail, with a huge target, fvvord and (pear : when iuccefles arrive like thofe recorded in Scripture under the conduft of Jofina^ Gideon^ Jonathan^ ]udg. 7. 7. Afa^ Jehofaphat-^ wherein very (mall for- ^^^"•'^' ces, by uncouth means, did fubduefor- 2Chron. 14. midable powers : This doth argue that ^^- — God doth interpo(e, "*" with whom ("as it ^ 2 chron!^* is (aid J it is all one to fave by many^ or 14; "• by feiv^ and thofe that have no power ^ ^ ^*°'" ^^' ' who(e power is perfected in weak^efs -^^^01,12,^, who breaketh the arm of the wicked^ and Job 12. 21. weakeneth the firength of the mighty^ and pfa^^io.^',^, delivereth the poor from him that ^ /^(? & 37. 17. flrong for him. rpfai' 'd' ^ AKb, when great policy and craft do Horn, 'ot? effeft nothing, but are blafted of them- 4'.i^?^/".ii. felves, or baffled by fimplicity : when cunningly-laid defigns are foon thwar- ted and overturned : when moft per(pi- facious and profound coun(ellours are aSam.is.sf. i E e 3 (b I 422 The Eleventh Sermon. 1 (b blinded, or fo infatuated, as to mlf?"^ take in plain cafts, to overfee things moft obvious and palpable : when pro- fane, malicious, (ubtle, treacherous Po- Ruflfinus, liticians ( fuch as Abimekch^ Achitophel^ d* Anae •^'^'^^5 Sejufius^ Stilico^ Borgia^ with ma- de LuDa,&c. ny like occurring in ftory) are not one- ly (upplanted in their wicked contri- vances, but difmally chaftifed for them : Thefe occurrences do more then infi- nuate Divine wifedom to intervene, countermining and confounding fuc i devices. For he it is who (as the Scrip Kfa, 44, 25. ture telleth us) maketk the diviners madk Utrneth wife men hackward^^ and mak^th Job $.12,!^. their knowledge fooUJIj ^ difippointeth the (Pf.33. loj devices of the crafty^ fo that their hands cannot perform their enterprize 5 taketh ^\i\hjj TreAi^ f^^ ^^ j^ ff^^j^ ^^^ craftinefs^ and turr Imy- ^^^^ down the conn fell of the froward headlong, When-ever a juft caufe, or honeft de- fign, without any (upport or (uccour of worldly means, fwithout authority, power, wit, learning, eloquence,) doth againft all oppofition of violence and art prevail ; this fignifieth him to yield a fpecial countenance and aid thereto, who (to deprefs humane pride, and ad- iCor. 1. 87, vance his own glory) hath chofen the ■ T foolijh The Eleventh Sermon. 423 foolijh thiffgs of the world^ to coftfoH^d the wife 3 and the weak things of the vporld^ to confound the things that are mighty 5 and bafe things of the world^ and things which are dejpijed^ and things that are not^ to bring to noJtght things that are : (that are with us in moft re- queft and efteem.) Again, when plots , with extream caution and (ccrecy contrived in dark- nefe, are by improbable means, by un- accountable accidents difclofed and brought to light : a bird of the air (as Eccles 10.20. the Wife man fpeakethj telling the mat- ter 5 the ft ones in the wall ( as it is in Hab. 2. 11. the Prophet) crying out Treafon. The King cannot fleep 5 to divert him the Chronicle is called for 5 Mordecais ler- vice is there pitched on 5 an inquiry is made concerning his recompence 5 ho- nour is decreed him : fo doth Amans cruell device come out. Pity feifeth on a pitilels heart toward one among a huge number of innocents devoted to flaughter 3 that he may be (aved, a Let- ter muft be {ent 5 in that, words infer- red (uggefting the manner of execution, that carried to the wife King, who pre- (ently fmelleth it out : fo This day's Plot was difeovered. Such events, whence E e 4 can 424 The Eleventh Sermon. can they well proceed, but from the (pf.iai.4.) all-piercing and ever-watchfull care of Job 54.21. him, rohofe eyes ("as Ehhu (aith) are up-- on the ways of mar? ^ and he feeth all his Job 34. 22. gowgs? There is no darh^nefs^ norJJudow of death^ where the workers of iniquity 3ob25.<5. pj all hide themfelves : For HelJ is naked 2,^&c. ' before hir//^ and deflru&ion hath no co- Feb. 4. 1 g. verim;, J. o 9. 2- ^](^^ when ill men by their perverfe wilineft do notably befool and enfnare themfelves, laying trains to blow up their own defigns, involving themfelves in that ruine and mifehief into which they ftudied to draw others 5 as when \Sixn,\'i.2<>.SaHl^ expofing JD^zz/^is life to hazzard, encreafeth his honour 5 when the Per- fun Nobles, incenfing the King againft Daniel^ do occafion his growth in fa- Pan. 6. 24. vour, with their own deftruftion 5 when Aman^ by contriving to deftroy Gods people, doth advance them, and rearing a gallows for Mordecai^ doth prepare it for himfelf : when it happeneth accor- ding to thofe' paiTage5 in the Pfalm^, VUl lo. 2. The wicked are taken in the devices that & V s!" ^^^7 imagined ^ In the net which they hid & 140. 5. is their own foot taken 5 He made a pit Pfal. 7. 1$. afjj^ digged it ^ and is fallen into the FfaL^7.'id. When the poor and needy Jeek, water ^ and ^^' there The Eleventh Sermon] 427 tiere is hofte^ and their tongi^cfaikth for ihtrfi 5 1 the Lord will hear them^ 1 the God of Jacob will riot forfakp them : t rtnll open rivers in high places^ andfoun^ tains in the midji of the valleys^ 8cc. That they may fee ^ and knoxv^ and confider^ and under flan d together^ thai the Hand of the Lord hath done thfs^ and the Holy one of Ifrael hath created it. So al(b, when peftilent entcrprizes ( managed by dole fraud , or by impe- tuous violence ) are brought to a head, and come near to the point of being executed ^ the fudden detedion, or fta- fonable obftructiorl of them , do argue the ever-vigilant Eye, and the all-pow- erfuU Hand to be engaged. God ever doth fee thofe deceitfull workers of in- iquity, laying their milchief in the dark 5 he is always prefent at their cabals, and clandertine meetings , wherein they brood upon it. He often doth fuffer it to grow on to a pitch of maturity ^ till it be thoroughly formed , till it be ready to be hatched, and break forth in its mifchievous efFefts, then in a trice he (nappeth and crufheth it to nothing. God beholdeth violent men fetting out in their unjuft attempts, he letteth ^' them proceed on in a ftill career, untill ' ' they 428 The Eleventh Sermon, they reach the edge of their defign > then inftantly he checketh, putteth in a fpoak, he ftoppeth, he tumbleth them down, or turneth them backward. Thus was A^ans plot dafhed, when he Efth. 3. hacj procured a Royal Decree, when he had fixv^d a time , when he had iffued forth letters to deftroy God's people, px-od. 14. Thus was Pharaoh overwhelmed, when he had juft overtaken the children of Ifru^L Thus v/ere the defigns of Abi- melech^ qi Ahfalom^ oi Adonijah^ of San- hallat nipped. Thus when Sennacherib with an unmatchabic hoaft had encam- ped againft Jernfalem^ and had to ap- a King. 19. pearance fwallowed it, God did put a hook,7nto his no fe^and turned him back^in^ % Mac.51.4— to his own l4n4* Thus when Antiochus was marching on furioufly , to accom- plifh his threat of turning Jerufakm in- to a charnel, a noifom diieale did inter- cept his progrefs. Thus when the pro- ]ofep.i8.i2. fane Caligula did mean to difchargc his bloudy rage on the Jews^ for refufing to worfhip him, a domeftick iword did prefently give vent to his revengefull chTyfoft. ?rt breath. Thus alfo, when Julian had by fj'f/jT* ' his policy and his authority projefted Naz.(?Mr.4' to overthrow our Religion, his plot foon was quafhed, and his life (happed away The Eleventh Sermon. 4^9 away by an unknown hand. Thus , vphen-evcr the enemy doth come in like a^^^* SP* 'P* fiond^ (threatning immediately to over- flow, and overturn all things,) the Spi- rit of the Lord doth lift up a Jiandard a- gaiftjl him 5 that is, God's fecret efficacy doth luddenly reftrain and reprefi his (Job 38.11.) outrage. This ufiially is the method of Divine Providence. God could pre- vent the "^ beginnings of wicked defigns, "^ ei 5 uA 1% he could (upplant them in their firft on- ^'^^}°'^. * fets 5 he could any-where (ufflaminate ^"(j^-^-J^' and (ubvert them ; but he rather win- tt/^ttji;, &c. keth for a time , and fuffereth the de- ^.^oS^' figners to goe on, till they are || moun- \\o-mv jcspv- ted to the top of confidence , and good '^'H^hJ'^^ people are calt on the brink or ruine , ibid. then * ^ juiviyctvyi^^ (urprifingly, unex- T^"C>ew peftedly he (triketh in with t&^hj^V^g^'li^il fiiccour : fo declaring how vain the pre- ce nodm in- (umption is of impious undertakers ^^'''^"^* how needfuU and fure his proteftion is over innocent people 5 how much rea- fon the one hath to dread him, and the other to confide in him. Then is God feen, then his care and power will be acknowledged , when he fnatcheth us from the jaws of danger, when our S^;//pfaI. 124.7. 4oth fcape as a bird out of the fiiare of thefovpkr. 3. A^ 430 7he Eleventh Sermonl 5. Another charafter of fpecial Pro- vidence is 5 the great Utility and Bene- ficiahiefi of Occurrences 5 elpecially in regard to the publick ftate of things, and to great perfonages , in whole \VeI- fare the publick is much concerned. To entitle every petty chance that arriveth to (pecial Providence , may fignifie iightnefs , to father on God the mif^ chiefi iffuing from our fin and folly ^ may favour of profanenefi : but to a- ^agna d'ti fcribe every grand and beneficial event va7ed!im,^^^^ his good Handy hath ever been re- cic. 2. de ' puted wiledom and juftice. *7^ hath been ^Q' V ^ ^^^^ Balb/0 in Cicero ) a common ofi- tnagnafn !f/f- ^^^^ amo??g the uncknts^ that what-ever htatem g^ent- did brivg great benefit to mankind^ was ^hMmam^d. ^^"^^^ done without Divine goodnefs to* mn.fine Di'Ward men. And Well might they deem' TrgalmTl fo, feeing to doe fo is moft agreeable to peri MitYa- his nature , and appertaining to his bamur, Cic. charge ; and may appear to be fo by iib. 2. g^^d argumentation a prtoru For, that God doth govern our affairs, may be deduced from his eflential Attributes $ and, confequently, that he doth in efpe» cial manner order thefe things , which are the moft proper and worthy obj^fts of his governance. God indeed doth not dilregard any thing 5 he watcheth t 6ver The Eleventh Sermon. 431 over the leaft things by his general and ordinary Providence 5 (b that nothing in nature may deviate from its courfe , or tranlgrefi the bounds prefcribed to it. He thereby clo^theth thegrafs of the fie Id j Mjtt.<5. ^- 9* 9* opprejfed : He is a Father of the father- P^^l- ^\- 5-' Icjs^ and a Jftdge of the widow : He will^^^^' '°' '4» maintain the coiife of the affJdled^ and the \^(^\ill\i, right of the poor: "^ He exea/teth right eonf- '^rfal.iD^.^. ve//, and judgment for alt that are oppref-^^* ^' fed: He bleffeth the righteou^^ and com-^^^* 5* ^^' pajjetk him with favour as with afiield : He preferveth the fofds of the righteous ^ rfal. 97. lo. and delivereth them out of the hind of^"' *^ the ungodly : All his paths are mercy and P^*^* ^^vi-^^ truth^ unto fich as keep his covenant and '^ his tejiimonies. When-ever therefore Right is oppreffed, or perilloufly inva- ded 5 when Innocence is grofsly abu- lcd,or forely befet ^ when Piety is fierce- ly oppoiedj or cunningly undermined 3 when good men for the profeffion of Truth, or the praftice of Vertue, are perfecuted, or grievoufly threatned with milchief : then may we prefume that God is not unconcerned, nor will prove backward to reach forth his faccour. And when accordingly we find that fig- Ff nai 434 ^^^ Eleventh Sermon. nal aid or deliverance do then arrive , it is moft reafonable to (iippofe , that ,1. God particularly hath engaged himfelf, and exerted his power in their behalf For, feeing it is his proper and peculiar work, feeing it moft becometh and bcr hoveth him to appear in fuch cafes, a& fording his helpfull countenance 5 when he doth it , we ftiould be ready to ac- Ifa, 66, 14. knowledge it. In fuch a cafe. The hand of the Lordjloall be knovon toward his Jer-^ vants ^ and his indignation toward hk enemies^ faith the Prophet. 5. Another charafter is, the Corre- fpohdence of Events to the Prayers and defires of good men. For feeing it is* &*fo2' i~ ^^^ ^^^5 ^^d conftant praftice ot good & 140! 6, & men, in all exigencies to implore Gods 60. lo. & help 5 feeing fuch Prayers have , as Jam! sTi^* ^' ^^^^^ telleth us , a mighty energy , it being God's property, by them to be Pfal.$5.$>. moved to impart his powerfiill affi- ftence 5 feeing God moft plainly and frequently hath declared , and obliged prai.34- »5. himfelf by promife, that be will hear f ^t\%, ^ ^^^ -i fo as to perform what-ever is ext pedient in their behalf 5 feeing We have many notable experiments recorded iii 2Chron.i4.ii.&2o.9. Scripture ( as thofe oMySr^ & ^.20. a Ring. 19. 1 5. JehoCaphat . Hezekiah, Eiias , rKiDg.i>i.fec. ^ '^ ^ Daniel/ The Eleventh Sermon. 435 tidHtet^ and the like ) of Prayers brin- ging down wonderfull ef- Ms from Heaven, with ^"^tTX'^f.lfi^' which the teltimomes or all ovlii ^mvov «/«<, )^ @iU times, and the daily expe- ^«'^"^^« ^t^J^fT^To rience of good men do con- mw many myrUds and ftire^ fteing; the prefiimpti- fquadnnsofmenwerethere^ on_ of fuch efficacy is the So^^S'^S'^il ttain ground and encdurage- ^ith NaT^^ianTcne h refe^ ment of Devotion: we rence to the defeating of ]^x^ , lian s defjgu, have great reafon , when- ever Events are anfwerable to fiich Prayers, to afcribe the performance bf them to God's Hand : great reafon we have in fuch cafes to cry out with David^ Now l^now I that the Lordjaveth Pfal. 20. L hfs anointed 5 he will hear him frim his Holy heaven^ with the faving Jlrength of hk right haiid : Juft caufe have we, ac- cording to his pattern, thankfully to ac- faiowledge God's favour in anfwering our petitions 5 The King ((aid he) Jha// P^al. 2i.i,i5> Jojf in thyfirength , Lord^ and in thy falvation how greatly Jh all he rejoyce »< mkItc- (emble their parents. So that the de- %'1M& ^^^^s of men (hall often be legible in the 7£5»Wi^//«-recompences conferred, or inflifted on TTtt/. chryf. xh^xn I not according to the natural re- avSf* 19' ^^Yt of their praftice , but with a come- ly reference thereto 5 apt to raile in them a fenfe of God's Hand , and to wring from them an acknowledgment of his Equity in (b dealing with them. So when humble Modefty is advanced to honour, and ambitious Confidence is thrown into di(grace 3 when Liberali- ty is bleffed with encreafe, and Avarice is curftd with decay of eftate^ when Craft incurreth difappointment , and Simplicity findeth good fucce(s 5 when haughty Might is fhattered, and helplefi Innocence is preferved 5 when the Ca- Pfal. 12. 3. luranious tongue is bliftered, the Slat- term The Eleventh Sermon. 437 teriftg lips are cut off^ the Blafphemous throat is torn out 5 when bloudy Op- preflburs have blond given them to drink^ Rev. 16. 5. and come to welter in their own gore 5 ( an accident which almoft continually doth happen 5 ) when Treacherous men by their own confidents , or by them- (elves are betrayed 5 when Retaliations of vengeance are miniftred , extorting confeilions like to that of Adom-be- zel^y As I have done^ fo God hath requi- ]udg, i. 7, ted me 5 deftrving fuch exprobrations , as that of Samuel to Agag^ As thy [word i Sam. 1$. hath made women childlefs , fo fhallthy^^* mother be childlefs among women 5 groun- ding fuch reflexions as that concerning Antiochm^ Thus the mnrtherer and blaf 2 Mace, 9. phemer having fnffered mojl grievoufly , ^^' a€ he entreated other men^ fo died he a miferahle death: By luch Occurrences the finger of God doth point out and in- dicate it (elf 5 they fpeak themfelves im- mediately to come from that juft God , who doth dvlcLTTv^^vxi^ render to men Luk. 14. 12. anfwerably to their doings 5 who pay« Roa™» "• »9* eth men their due, (bmetimes in value , often in fpecie^ according to the ftrifteft way of reckoning. He ( as the Pro- jer. 32. 19. phet (aith) is great in coitnfel^ and migh- ty in work^: for his eyes are open to all F f :? the 43^ The Eleventh Sermon. the ways of the fins of men^ to give every Pfel. 6a, 12' one according to his rvaj/s^ and according to the fruits of his doings. This indeed is a fort of adminiftration moft confor- mable to God s exaft juftice, and mpft conducible to his holy defigns of in-^ ftruftingand correfting offenders. He therefore hath declared it to be his way, J"- ^°; J^- i> ^ ( faith the Prophet , direfting his ^ ' ' ipeech to the inftruments of Divine vengeance upon Babylon ) the vengeance of the Lord: take vengeance upon her ^ as fhe hath done ^ doe unto her. And^ obad. 15. The day of the Lord (faith another Pro- c : phet concerning the like judgment up- * on Edom) is near upon all the heathen: E^^kojS. 15. as thou haft done ^ it fhall he done unto thee 5 thy reward (hall return upon thine own head. Thereby doth God mean to declare himfelf the Judge, and Gover- Ezck. 7. 27. nour of men : For , / will^ faith he in 3ob34. II. g^^ey^/W, doe unto them after their way ^ and according to their deferts will I judge them-j and they fhall kriow that I am the Lord. Farther, 7. Another argument of (pecial Pro- vidence is, the Harmonious confpiracy of various Accidents to one End or effeft. If that one thing fhould hit advantagc- ouOy to the production of fbme conft derable The Eleventh Sermon. 43^ derable Event, it may with fome plau- fibility be attributed to Fortune, or com* ''^ mon Providence : yet that divers things, having no dependence, or coherence one with the other , in divers places ^ through ftveral times, (hould all joyn their forces to compals it, cannot well otherwife then be aferibed to God's fpe- T;^^J^ ^ cial Care wifely diredling, to \{\s ov7n ^^^^ ^!^q. Hand powerfully wielding thofe con- e^y?g >toArf- current inftruments to one good pur- !"cf^.^!3t' pofe. For It IS befide the nature , it is ^^o-rdj^f beyond the reach of Fortune, to range f^^f^^y^^' various caufes in fuch order. Blind For- conftjeMax- tune cannot apprehend or catch thcwuo ffub ftafons and junftures of things , which •^"^'/^;-^J'^, arife from the motions of caufes in their ruerat chrU nature indifferent and arbitrary : to it{|?j'^/^J^^ therefore no (uch event can reafonably be imputed. So to the bringing about our Lord's Paffion, ( that great Event , which is fo particularly affigned to God s Hand, ) we may obferve the monftrous Treachery oi Judas , the ftrange Malig- nity of the Jevptjh Rulers, the prodigi- ous Levity of the people, the wonder- full Eafinefs of Pilate^ with other no- table accidents , to have jumped in or- der thereto. So alfo that a malicious Traitour (hould conceive kindnefs to- F f 4 ward 44P '^^^ ^ hventh Sermon. ward any, that he fhould be miftakea in the objeft of his favour^ that he ftiQuld exprefs his mind in a way fubjedt to dehberate examination, in terms apt to breed fufpicion where the Plot was laid^ that the CounftUours (hould de- fpife it, and yet not fmother it 5 that the Ring inftantly, by a light darted in« to his mind, (hould defcry it; thefe things fb happily meeting, may argue God (who mouldeth the hearts, who guideth the hands, who enlightneth the minds of men ) to have been engaged in the deteftion of This day's black Con- Ipiracy. Such are (bme chara&ers of fpecial Providence. : each of which fingly ap-r fearing in any occurrence, would in a confiderate man breed an opinion thereof^ each of them being very con- gruous to the {uppofition of it , no iuch appearances being otherwifc fo clearly and cleverly explicable, as by affigning the Divine Hand for their principal r/c/.T)ioa. caufe. But the connexion of them all sic/ii. 1$. in one Event (when divers odde acci- f"* ^ ^' dents do befall at a (eafonable time, ac- cording to exigency for the publick be- nefit , the prefer vation of Princes, the ftcurity of God's people, the protedi- oil 7be Eleventh Sermon. 44 1 on of right, the maintenance of truth and piety, according to the wifhes and prayers of good men , with proper re* tribution and vengeance upon the wret- ched defigners of mifchief 5 fuch a com- plication, I (ay, of theft marks in one Event ) may thoroughly luffice to raiie a firm perfiiafion, to force a confident acknowledgment concerning Gods Pro- yidence, in any confiderate and inge- nuous perfbn ; it readily will difpofe iuch peribns upon any fuch occafion to (ay , This is the Lord's doings and /"/ is Pfal. 118.23, marvellous in our eyes. Notwithftanding therefore any ob- (curity or intricacy that fbmetime may E}a«^f/H^ appear in the courfe of Providence, not- ^^,^^^7*» ^vithftanding any general exceptions^ a^'^^n that may by perverle incredulity be al- rreg.y^A , leged againft the conduft of things , ^'^^'^*^ there are good marks obfervable, where- voUlx^lv^i- by (if we are not very blockifh, drow- ^H^^yf /*- zy^fupine, lazy, or froward ;, if we will^f^'^^p.f^.* confider wifely, with induftrious atten- 1. tion and care , with minds puie from vain prejudices , and corrupt affedi- ons ) we may difcern and underftand God s doing. Which to doe is the Firft Duty fpecifi^d in our Text : upon which having infilled lb largely, I (hall C hoping 4 4 2 T^he Eleventh Sermon. (hoping you will favour me with a lit* tie patience) briefly touch the reft. II. It is the Duty of us all, upon luch remarkable occurrences of Providence , to fear God : All men ^ 'tis ^zid^ Jhall feixr^ It is our Duty in luch cafes to be afFec- 3ob^7. 22" ted with all forts of fear ; with a fear %?' "*<^ of awfull dread, with a fear of hearty & ^68.^3$. * reverence, with a fear of fober caution 5 Dan. 6, 26. yea, fometimes with a fear of dejefting confternation. When God doth appear Ifa. 59, 17. clad with his robes of vingeance andzeal^ denouncing and difcharging judgment ^ Exod.15.11. when he reprefenteth himtelt fearfrU in &^5' i^^^P'^^i^^'i ^^^^^^^^ ^^^ '^^^ doings toward the (150. 3O children of meri^ working terrible things in righteoufnefs 5 it (hould ftrike into our hearts a dread of his glorious Maje- fty, of his mighty Power, of his fevere Dent. 28.$8. Jufticc, of ^^ glorious and fearfuU Name : fc io« 17' it fhould inftill into our minds a reve* rence of his excellent Wifedom, his ex- ceeding Goodnefi, his perfed Holinefi: it fhould breed in our Souls a felicitous care of difpleafing and provoking him ; it fliould caufe us in our hearts to (hake ira.56. 2. and tremble before him. Then is that of the Pfalmift to be put in praftice, rral. 33. ?• Let all the earth fear the Lord^ let all the inhabit The Eleventh Sermon: 445 inhabitants as glad^ and the daughters ofjudahre- joyced^ hecaufi of thy judgments^ Lord. For thou^ Lordy art high above all the earth. It is to them ground of exceeding comfort, to receive fb clear pledges oi God's Love and Favour, his Truth and Fidelity, his Bounty and Munificence toward them, expreffed fn (bch watch- full care over them, fuch proteftion in dangers, fiich aid in needs, fuch delive- rance fi-om mifchiefs vouchfafcd to rhem> Sucb The Eleventh Sermon. 449 Such Benefits they cannot receive from God's hand, ^cn. de Benef. 2. aa. Without that Chearttllnels yerimus hilares acdpia^ which always doth adhere ww^, profitentes gaudhm, to gratitude. 1 will (faith ^^^-^ -^ ^^ David) (ir?g unto the Lord^ Pfal. 13. 6. hecaufe he hath dealt bonnti- fully with me. Becaufe thou Ffal. ^3. 7. haji been my heifer^ therefore hi the JIudow of thy wings I will rejoyce^ My lips J/j^i II greatly rejoyce in thee^ and^^^^'T^* 23: my SohI^ which thou haji redeemed, JP^*^»3J«7« will be glad^ and rejoyce in thy mercy : for thou haji confidered my trouble^ and haji k^own my Soul in adverflties, T/'^P^al. i25. g. Lord hath done great things for us^ whereof we are glad. Let all thofe that P^*^* 5' ^h pHt their trufl in thee rejoyce : let theni ever JJ^out for joy^ becanfe thoH defendefi them ' They are ahb greatly refreflied with apprehenfion of the happy fruits fprou- ting from fiich dilpenfations of Provi- dence 5 (uch as are the Benefit of man- kind, the Peace and profperity of the Civil State, the Prefervation, ftttlement, enlargement , advancement of God s Church, the fupport of Right, the fuc- cour of Innocence, the maintenance of Truths the encouragement and furthe- st G g ranee 4 5 o The Eleventh Sermon. ranee of Piety 5 the reftraint of Vio- lence, the difcountenance of Errour, the correftion of Vice and impiety. In thefe things they, as faithful! ftrvants of God, and real friends of goodnefs, as bearing hearty good will and com- paffion to mankind, as true lovers of their Country, as living and fenfible members of the Church, cannot but rejoyce. Seeing by thefe things their own beft intereft, (which is no other then the advantage of Goodnefi,) their chief honour , (which confifts in the promotion of Divine Glory , ), their .-. :: trueft. content, (which is placed in tha pfal. 122. 6. profperity of Sion^^ are highly furthe- (^i Cor. 12. j.gj. i^Q^ ^^^ ^-{^gy Jqq{^ ^jj ^-{jej^ fprinr ging up without great delight and com- Pfal.98. 1,3. placence ? ((aith the Pfalmift) fi»g unto the Lord — -for he hath done mar>^, vellous things — tie hath rememhred his mercy and truth toward the houfepflfi rael : all the ends of the earth have feen Ifa. 49. 13. the falvation of our God, And, Sing^ Ffai.96. II, ^^^^^^^^ (crieth the Prophet) f^W ^^ J^jfr^'> earthy and breaks forth into ftn^ ging^ ye mountains : for the Lord hath comforted his people^ and ipoill have mercy Ifa. 55. 14. on his ajfti&ed. And, When (faith he) ye Jhall fee tfjis^ (the comfort of God's people,) The Eleventh Sermdhs 451 people,) j^9ur heart J/jal/ rdjajfcc^ anH your hones JJj^U flour ijlj like an herb : and the hand of the Lord fiall he kriovpn to^ tPard his Jerva»ts^ and hfs indignation toward his cnejnies, r^ v Even, in the fruftratioa of wicked defigns, attended with fcvere execution of vengeance on the contrivers and a- bettoursof them,they may have a plea- lant (atisfadion^ they muft then yield a chearfuU applaufe to Divine Juftice, The righteous (faith the Pfalmift) JIhH^^"^^' sS. io. rejojce n>he^ he feeth the vevgeance : and, ^^ 22. i p. Let the wicked (faith he) ^erifb at the rfil. 68.2; 3. frefence of God 3 but let the righteous he glady let them rejoyce before God^ yea let them exceedingly rejoyce. Whence at God's infliftion of judgment upon Bay- by Ion ^ it is (aid in Jeremy^ Then the he a- J^r. 51.48. ven^ and the earthy and all that if t here- in^ Jljall ftngfor Babylon : and at the fall of myfticall Babylon in the Apocalyp-s 'tis likewife faid, Rejoyce over her^ thou Apoc. 18.23. ''^eaven^andye holy Apojiles and Prophets ^ for God hath avenged you on her. Far- 5*her, V. The next Duty prefcribed to good men in fuch cafes is, to trnfi in Uod : that is, to have their aflSance in God G g 2 (upon 45 ? '^ke Eleventh Sermbn. (upon all fiich like occafions, in all ur-» gencies of need J fettled, improved, atid corroborated thereby. This indeed is the proper end, immediately regarding us, of God's fpecial Providence, difclo- fing it felf in any miraculous, or in any remarkable way 5 to nourifti in well- (Pfal.78.7O difpofed minds that Faith in God,which is the root of all Piety, and ground of Devotion. Such experiments are found arguments to perfuade good men, that God doth govern and order things for their beft advantage ^ they are power- .-c.v full incentives, driving them in all exi- gencies to feek God's help ^ they are moft convincing evidences , that God is abundantly able, very willing, and pfal. p. 10. ever ready to fuccour them. They^ faith the P(almift, that k^ow thy Name, mil put their truji in thee : for thou, Lord^ haji not forfaken them that fie^ Pfal. 61. 3, tkee. And, / ( (aith he) will abide in pfa!.'ii< 9 ^h tabernacle for ever -^ 1 will truJl in &c. & 130.7'. /Ae covert of thy wings: For thou, O God^ haji heard my vows ^ thou haji been , a Jhelter for me^ and afirong tower from the enemy. It is, indeed, a great aggra- vation of diffidence in God, that having Pfal. 34.8. tafted and feen that the Lord if good 5 having felt fo manifeft experience df Divine The Eleventh Sermon. 453 Divine goodnefi 5 having received fo notable pledges of God's favourable in- clination to help us 5 we yet will not rely upon him. As a friend, who by fignal inftances of kindnefs hath afllired his good will, hath great caufe of of- fence, if he be fufpefted of unwilling- nefi in a needfuU feafbn to afford his relief: (b may God moft juftly bedijp- plealed, when we, (notwithftanding fo palpable demonftrationsofhis kindnefi,) by diftrufting hira, do in efFeft queftion Ecclus 2.10. the fincerity of his friendfliip, or the conftancy of his goodnels toward i^s. VI. Good men upon fuch occafions Ihould glory : AH the upright in heart flmll glory. Should glory ^ that is, in con- templation of (uch Providences feeling (prightly elevations of mind and tranC- ports of afFeftion, they (hould exhibit triumphant demonftrations of (atisfadi- on and alacrity. It becometh them not in (uch cafes to be dumpifti, or demure^ but jocund and crank in their humour, brisk and gay in their looks, plea(antly flippant and free in their (peech 5 jolly and debonair in their behaviour ^ every way fignifying the extream complacen- cy they take in God's doing, and the Gg3 full 45> TdiWilenth SermdS^ ft'llcbhtent they taft in thtif'ffife: Pfai. 125. They with folemn e^^ultation Ihould '' ^^' triumph in fuch events, as hi viftories' atchieved by the glorious Hand bf God in their behalf, in approbation of their caule, in faVour toward their perfons, for their great benefit and comfort; They -may (not as proudly afluming ta themftlves the glory due to God, but As gratefully fenfibJe of their felicity Ipringing from God's hvouv^ fe ja&are^ fe laudihis ejferre^ (as the Hebrew woxd doth fignifie ^ ) that is, in a ibrt boaft, and commend themfelves as very happjr in their relation to God, by virtue of his protection and aid. They may (not with a ' haughty infolence, or wanton arrogance, but with a fober confidence, pral.$2A7. and chearfiilnefs ) infiilt upon baffled ]haii— laugh ^"^F^^Yr ^7 ^^cir cxprefTions and de*- athim^ovde' nieauour lipbt^iding the folly, the ba(e- [hfsinen "^^> ^he impotency, and wretched ne(^ Loe, r/?/j // thereof^ in competition with the wi(e- wld7mtGod^^^^ in oppofition to the power of "kkpelgtC" God, their friend and patron. For fuch carriage in ftch cafts we have the prac- tice and the advice of the Pfalmift, to Pfal. 44. 8. warrant and direft us. In God^ (aith he, rce hoctji all the day long^ and fraife Ffal. 52. 4. thy Name for ez'er, Thoir^ Lord^ haji ^■^■' made 7he Eleventh Sermon.^ 45 5 made me gUd through thy worb^i^ and I will triumph in the works of thy hands , We vptU rejoyce in thy falvation 5 and in rfal. 20, 5. the Name of our God we will fet 7tp our banners. Glory ye in his holy 'Name : pfa].io$.3,2. let the heart of them rejoyce that fiek^ the hard. Sing unto him^ (ing Pfalms unto him*^ talk yc of all his wondrous works. Save us^ Lord our God^ and gather tff P&^« id^.47' from among the heathen^ to give thanks unto thy Name^ and to triumph in thy praife. Such (hould be the refiilt Cupon us) of God's mercifull Difpenlations to- ward his people. I fhall onely farther remark, that the word here ufed is by the Greek^ rendred iTTaivi^Tovlcn^ they fhall bepraifed: which fenfc the Original will bear , and the reafon of the cafe may admit. For fuch Dilpenlations ever do adorn integrity, and yield commendation to good men. They declare the wifedom of (uch per- fons, in adhering to God, in repoling upon God's help, in embracing (lich courles which God doth approve and bleis : they plainly tell how dear (tjch perfons are to God 5 how incomparably Pi-*^- ^2^. 5. happy in his favour, how impregnably ^ \^A\ |||^' fafe under his proteftion ^ as having his infallible wiftdom, and his invincible G g 4 power 17 45^ The Eleventh Sermon'. power engaged on their fide. This cannot but render them admirable, and their ftate glorious in the eyes of all men 5 inducing them to profefe with pfai.144. 15. the Pfilmifl:, Happy k the people which is & 33. 12. in fiich a cafe 5 yea^ happy is that peaple^ Vphofe God is the Lord, And of (uch a people, that declaration from the fame Pfal.8p.i5, niouth is verified, In thy Name fiaU they rejoyce all the day loijg^ and in thy righ* ieoufnefs Jlyall they be exalted : For thou art the glory of their Jirength^ and in thy favour their horn fl) all he exalted. Such are the Duties fuggefted in our Text, as futing thelfe occafions, when God in efpecial manner hath vouchla- fed to prpteft his people, or to relcue them from imminent mifchiefi, by vio- lent aflTault or by fraudulent contrivance levelled againft them. I fliould apply thefe particulars to the prefent ca(e fb- lemnized by us : But I fliall rather re- commend the application to your (aga- city, then farther infringe your patience, by (pending thereon fo many words as it would exaft. You do well know the Story, which by fb many years repeti- tion hath been impreffedon your minds: and by refleftins; thereon. You 7he Eleventh Sermon] 457 Ton will eafily difcern, how God, in the feafonable difcovery of this execra- ble Hot, ("the mafter-piece of wicked machinations ever conceived in humane brain, or devifed on this fide Hell, fince the foundation of things,) in the happy deliverance of our Nation and Church from the de(perate mifchiefs intended toward them, in the remarkable pro- teftion of Right and Truth, did figna- lize his Providence. You will be affefted with hearty Re- verence toward the gracious Authour of our Salvation,and with humble dread toward the juft awarder of vengeance upon thofe mifcreant wretches, who digged this pit^ ar2d fill into it them* felves. You will be ready with pious ac- knowledgment and admiration of God's Mercy, his Juftice, his Wiftdom, to de- clare and magnifie this notable Work done by him among us. You muft needs feel devout relent- mentsof Joy for the Glory arifing to God, and the Benefits accruing to us^ in the preftrvation of God's Anointed, our juft Sovereign, with his Royal po- fterity : in the freeing our Country from civill Broils, Diforders, and Cpn- fufipns 3^ 4?S The Eleventh Sermonl fufions3 from the yoaks of Ufiirpation and Slavery ^ from grievous Extortions and Rapines 3 from bloudy Perfecutions and Trialls,with the like fpawn of di(a- ftrous and tragicall confequences, by this Defign threatned upon it ; in up- holding our Church (which was (b hap- pily fettled, and had fo long glorioufly flourifhed^ from utter ruine : in fecu- ring our profeffion of God's Holy Truth, the truly Catholick Faith ofChriJi^ (re- fined from thofedroffy alloys, where- with the rudenefi and floth pf blind Times, the fraud of ambitious and co- vetous defigncrs, the pravity pf fenfiial and profane men had enibafed and cor- rupted it,) together with a pure Wor- ftiip of God, an edifying adminiftration of God's Word and Sacraments, a come- ly, wholfome, and moderate Difcipline, conformable to Divine prefeription, and Primitive example : in refcuing us from having impious Errours , feandalous Pradices, and fuperftitious Rites, with mercilefs violence obtruded upon us : in continuing therefore to us the moft defirable comforts and conveniencies of our lives. You farther confidering this fignal teftimony of Divine Goodne/s, will there- The Eleventh Sermon. 4551 iheitby be moved to hope and confide in God for his gracious preferv^-ition from the like pernicious attempts, a- gainft the fafety of our Prince, and v/elfare of our Country , againft our Peace, our LaWs, our Religion ^ e(pc- cially from Romijl) Zeal and Bigottry;- fthat mint of wofull faftions and com- buftions, of trealbnable confpiracies, of barbarous maflacres, of horrid allaffi^ nations, of inteftine rebellions, of forrein invafions, of lavage tortures and but- cheries 5 of holy Lciigncs , and pious Frauds , through Chriftendom , and particularly among us,) which as it without reafon damneth, lb it would by any means deftroy all that will not croutch thereto. You will, in fine, v/ith joyous fcfti- vity glory and triumph in this illuftri- ous demonftration of God's Favour to- ward us 5 lb as heartily to joyn in thole due acclamations of blefling and praile. Bejfed be the Lord^ who hath not gi- P^^^J- ^24- ^^ ven us a prey to their teeth. Our foul is '^ ' efcaped as a bird out of the frare of the fowlers 5 the fn are is broken^ and roe are efcaped, AUelnjah 5 Salvation , and glory ^ and Apoc. 19, i, power ^* 4^0 The Eleventh Sermon. power unto the Lord our God : For true ^md right eoui are hk judgments. Apoc. !$.)• Great and marvellous are thjirvarks^ Lord God Almighty ^ jujl and true are thy roays^ thou King of Saints, Pftl. 72. i8, Blejffed he the Lord God oflfrael^ who '9* onely doeth wondrous things : And hlejfed he his glorious Name for ever : and let the whole earth he filled vpith his glory ^ Amen^ and jAmen. The The Twelfth Sermon. Jrchap, . ^___ P«'. 7«(y 4* ^ 1555. at the Bifhop of PSAL. 132. 16. Man his ConfecratU / vptU alfo cloath her Prkjis with fal- cm. vath», THE context runs thus: The Lord hath fworn in trnth unto David ^ he vpiU not turn from it ^ Of the fruit of thy body I will fet npon thy throne. If thy children wiU keep my covenant^ and the teftimony that, I Jljall teach them 5 their children alfo fhall fit upon thy throne for evermore. For the Lord hath chofen Sion ^ he hath defired it for his habitation. This is my reft for ever : here will I dwell , for I have defired it, I will abundantly hlefi her provifion 5 / will fatisfie her poor with bread, I WILL ALSO CLOATH HER PRIESTS WITH SAL- VATION, and her Saints Jhalljhout aloud for joy. There will I maks ^^ horn of David to bud, 8cc. If 462 The Twelfth Sermon. If all , not onely Inaugurations of perfons, but Dedications even of inani- mjsite things to (bme extraordinary ufo , hath, been ufually attended with efpcci- -.;h v"^ "' al Hgr^mom dTj^yy iind feftiiJal (b- '^t-^ *! f Icninky 5 with great reafon, the Conle- ifb It Vo' ' cnttton of a: perfon to fx) high and ftcred «V°«^^ a Funftion^as that of a Chiiftian BiQiop, ,i%r- .vu. > ( that is , of a Prince, or principal Pa- ftour iii'^t3od's Church; ) requires moft peculiar teftimonies of our gratulation and content : the face of things ought then to-be ferene and chearfuJtV fii% thoughts*' of men benign and favourible^ th^ words comfortable- and aufpicious, that ai^e uttered upon fiich occafion. And that<)Ur6 at prefent ftiould be focb, the fubjeft as well as the feafon of our Difcour(e doth require. Word5 few -, but pregnant 5 and affording ampk matter for our beft affeftions to work upon : and- which more particularly will engage lis,^ both to a hearty thank- fulne/s for paft Beriefits^ and to a con- fident eijpedation of future Bleffingss ^\vhii[-e' ib^ Acquaint ;Us with the anci- -€nt ekbibiti^n of a gracious Promife, re-mind us of the faithfull performance ^liereof hkherto, and affure us of its certain accompUfliment for the fu- ture. The Tmlfth Sermon. 46 j ture» .The occafion whereof was this. Ring David^ moved by a devout in- clination to promote God's Honour, and benefit the Church, had vowed to build a magnificent Temple, imploring God's propitious concurrence with, and approbation of his defign. Where- upon Almighty God not onely declares his acceptance of that pious refblution , but rewards it with a bountifiill Pro- mife, confiding of two parts 5 one con- ditional, relating to Davids Children and pofterity, that they in an uninter- 'jrupted fucceilion fhould for ever enjoy the Royal dignity, in cafe they did con- itantly perfift in obferving his Cove- nant, and the Teftimoniesthat he ftiould teach them 5 the other more abfolute , that however, what he chiefly intended concerning God's eftabliOied Worfhip , and the perpetual welfare of the Church, <3od would have an efpecial care that it Ihould fully and certainly be accom- phfhed : that he would for ever fix his .refidence in Sion 5 that he would pro- teft and profper it, and all that did be- long thereto 5 efpecially tho(e that did Jnoft need his favour and affiftence, the JPoor, the Priefts, and the Saints, ( or gentk ones. ) This is briefly the impor- n^n tance 4^4 ^^^ Twelfth Sermon. tance of the general Promi(e wherelil is comprehended that particular one whereon we are to treat : and in which we may obferve, 1. The Promifer, J5 2. The Perfons who are efpeciailly concerned in the promife, her Priefis 5 5. The Thing promifed, cloathing with falvation. I. I (ay, the Promifer, /.* that is, the Lord 5 the moft true , the moft con- ftant, the moft powerfull God 5 moft true and fincere in the declaration of his purpofe, moft conftant and immu- table in the profecution , moft power- full and uncontrollable in the perfed rfal.35-4- execution thereof: whofe words are right , and all whofe works are done tit Pfal. 89. 34, truth : who ivil/ not breab^ hk covenant , nor alter the thing that is gone out of his ICi. 45. 10. Ijp : whofe connfel Jljall Jiand ^ and who will doe all his pleafnre. Thefe glo- rious Attributes and Perfedions of his C fo often celebrated in Holy Writ ) db ground our reliance upon all God's pro- mifes, and do oblige us ( notwithftan- ding the greateft improbabilities or di& ficultics objefted ) to believe the infal- lible performance of this. II. The the Tweifth Sermon. 465 il. The Perfons whom the Promifc mainly regards , her Priejh. Prkjis , that is , perfons peculiarly devoted to , and employed in Sacred matters 5 dif- tinguifhed expreflely from the Poor , C that is, other meek and humble per- fons 5 ) and from the Sawts , ( that is, all other good and rehgious men.) And, her Priefts , that is, the Priefts of Sion : of that Sion which the Lord hath chofen *^ which he hath de fired for A^Con/ri, permanent habitation 5 which he hath \^^^^^' ^' refolved to reft , and refule in for ever. Whence it plainly enough follows, that the Priefts and Paftours of the Chr ifti- an Church are hereby , if not folely ^ yet principally defigned. Which inter- pretation , becaufe it is in a manner the foundation of out (ubftquent Difcourfe, and by fothe it may perhaps not be rea- dily admitted, I (hall endeavour farther to confirm by the(e few Arguments. I. Becaufe the Covenant here menti- oned is not ( as to the main parts there- of) of a conditional or temporary na- ture, biit abfolute and perpetual 3 and ^'^'^^ muft therefore be underftood to refpeft 'a^'''''"' ^' the Chriftian Church : ( that of the Jevps being long fince rejected , their Temple demoliftied , their Sion utterly H h forfa- 4^6 Thi Twelfth Sermon. forfaken. ) For although one particular contained therein, concerning the con- tinual fiicceffion of Davids pofterity in the Regal authority over Ifrael^ hath a condition explicitly annexed 5 ( and, confequently, the effefts depending up- on the performance of that condition were contingent , and mutable 5 ) yet all the reft of this Covenant ( or Pro- mife } is conceived in terms perempto- ry, and exprelsly importing perpetuity. Thkismyrejiforever^ ly ny, that is, ( as the Gree4 Tranflatours render it,) gI^ ctlo^^voL tS cLl'2v@^y ( in feculum feculr^) that is, to the end of this world 5 as ^<; ar2vxg t^^ allvoev denotes the end bf all worlds , or the moft perfed fempiterni- ty. And that it doth really in this cafe denote a proper and unlimited perpe- tuity, is alfo evident by thofe explicati- ons thereof in the 89. Pfilm , ( where the very lame Covenant is, as to jfome parts thereof^ more largely recorded. ) Vcrf. S5)3^3 0/j're have Ifworn by my Holintfs^ that I will not lie unto David : His feed Jhall endure for .ever , and his throne as the Sun before me : It Jtdall be eflablijljed for ever (is the Moon^ and as a faithful! wit' nefs in heaven. No words can exprels'l more fully a perpetual duration, or at 1 leaft^^ The Twelfth Sermon. 467 leaft one co-extended with the duration of the world, then tho(e do. And the Prophet Jeremy^ referring ahb to this very Covenant, and particularly to this very clau(e thereof, thus exprelTes the matter : Th//sfuith the Lord 5 If yon can J^*"* 55' 20, breah^ my covenant of the day , a^id my co- Kri.2 Chron. venant of the night 5 a)nl that there ?• i^* fhould not be day and night in their fea- fon : Then may alfo my Covenant be bro^ ken with David my fervant , that he JJjould not have a fon to reign upon his throne ^ and with the Lcvites the Priefis^ my Minijiers. But farther, 2. The completion of this individual Promife is both by the Prophets fore- told , and expreffed by the Evangeliib, to appertain to the times of the Gofpel. Ye heard even now the words of Jere- my ^ which are by him applied to thofe times, when God would cau(e the Branch Jcr- n- ^S- Gfrighteoiifnefs ( that is, Jefus oi Naza- reth , our BlelTed Saviour ) to grow up unto David 5 who floonld execute judge- ment and right eoufnefs in the land. In Ve.f i5. thofe days ( foith he farther ) fhiU Jn- dah be fived^ andjeritfalem flouU dwtU fafely : and this is the Name wherewith fhejioallbe caUed^(oK^ rather, which heflhiU be called^ as not onely the Vulgar Latine ; Hh 2 and 4^8 The Twelfth Sermon. and the Greeks Interpreters, but thtf a^Wee alfo reade it, ) TH^ LORD OVR RIGHTEOVSNESS. Likewife in the 55. of Ijaiah God thus ira. 55»3« invites the Gentiles 5 Incline your ear^ and come unto me 5 hear , and your foul JIdall live : and I will mah^ an everlafiing covenant with you^ even the fure mercies of David : that is, I will ratifie that e- verlafting Covenant, which, in your be- half^ I once made with David^ and will confer on you thofe favours which I faithfully promifed him 5 relating to this very Promife al(b. For both in Solomons Prayer, ( 2 Chron, 6.) which in all probability was indited about the lame time, and upon the fame occafion with this Pfalm , and in the 89. Pfalm, the benefits of this lame covenant are 2 Chron. 6. called the mercies of David. Lord '^' God^ turn not away the face of thine a- nointed^ remember the mercies of David Pfal.S^. 28. thy fervant ^ faith Solomon:- and. My mercy ( faith God) will I k§ep with him^ for evermore^ and my covenant fhaU fiand Vcrf. 24. fafi with him : and, My faithfulnefs and my mercy fhaU he with him 5 that is, my faithful! ( ox fure ) mercy 5 ra Ztna. in<^ci\^ as the LXX^ and S. Paul with^ them in Afts 15. -:4' the ABsj render this place o( Ifaiah. And The Tvpelfth Sermon. 469 And in the Song of Zachary we have one paflage of this Promife cited , and applied to the times of the Go(pel ; Blejfed be the Lord God of Ifrael , who Luk. i. 69, hath vifited and redeemed his people 3 ^* '°* and hath raifed up a horn of fulvatron in the hoiife of hk fervant David 5 as he fpake by the month of his holy pro- phets : viz. by the mouth of this pro- phetical Pfalmift here, where 'tis fiid , There will I mak^ the horn of David to hud 5 and in the parallel Pf 8^, In my Vcrf. 24. Name fhall his horn be exalted. To omit thofe many places where our Saviour , in correfpondence to this Promife, is af- firmed to pojfefs the throne of his father ^''^ ^"<^' '• David^ and to rule over the houfe of Ja- \^i^ ^ ' * cob for ever. Moreover , 3. That by the Sion here mentioned is not chiefly meant that material Moun- tain in Jud£a , but rather that myftical Rock of Divine Grace, and Evangeli- cal Truth, upon which the Chriftian Church , the onely everlafting Temple of God , is unmovably (eated , is very probable , ( or rather manifeftly cer- tain, ) by the Prophets conftant accep- tion thereof in this fenle , when they affign the charafter of perpetual dura- bility thereto. As in Ifa, 60. where he Uh 2 - hus 470 7he Twelfth Sermon. thus prophefies of the Chriftian Church^ Ifj. 60. 14, Ti)e fons alfo of them that affirmed thee ^^' ' JIja// come hendhig unto thee^ and all they^ that defpifcd thee Jhall how themfelves down at the files of thy feet -^ and they fhaU call thee The City of the hord^ The Sion of the Holy one of Ifrael. Whereas thoH hafl been for fallen ^ and hated^ fo that no man went through thee 5 / will make thee an eternal excellency^ a joy of many gene- rations. Thou fh ah alfo fuck^the milk^ of the Gentiles^ and flja.lt fuck^t he breajis of Kings ^ &c. And the Prophet Micah , Mic.4. 1, ipeaking oi^the lafi days^ (that is, of the Evangelical times, when the mountain of the Houfi oftheLordfldould be efiablifljed in the top of the mountains^ ) (aith thus 5 Tcrf 7. And I will make her that halted ^ a rem- nant^ dnd her that was cafl far ojf^ a fir on g nation : and the Lord fhall reign over them in mount Sion from henceforth even for ever. And the Prophet "joel^ {peaking of the fame times, (when God ]ocl ai s8. rvould pur out his fpirit upon all fleflj^ ) 3- 1^- hath thefe words : So fldall ye h^iow that 1 am the Lord your God^ dwelling in Si- on^ my holy mountain : then fid all Jernfa- lem be holy , a.nd there fljall no fir angers pafs through her any more. All which places no man can reafonably doubt , and The Tvpelfth Sermon. 471 and all Chriftians do firmly conlent to relpefl: the Ghriftian Church. To which we may adde that paflage of the Au- thour to the Hebrews^ ch. 12. v. 22. But ye are come wtto mount Sion , and Jinto the dty of the living God , the heavenly Jerufalem 3 that is , to the Chriftian Church. 4. The manner of this Covenant's delivery , and confirmation by the Di- vine Oath, argues the inconditionate, irreverfible, and perpetual conftitution thereof: for to God's moft abfblute and immutable Decrees this mofl: auguft and folemn confirmation doth peculiarly a- gree. So the Apoftle to the Hebrews feems to intimate : Wherein ( faith he) Heb. 5. 17. God willing more abundantly to demon- Jirate the immutability of hh counfel , interpojed an oath. We may therefore ( I fuppofe ) up- on thefe grounds fblidly and fafely con- clude, that this Promife doth principal- ly belong, and (hall therefore infallibly be made good to the Chriftian Prieft- hood 5 to thofe who in the Chriftian Church, by offering fpiritual Sacrifices of praifeand thankfgiving, bydirefting and inftrufting the people in the know- H h 4 ledge 472 ' 7??^ Twelfth Sermon. Jedge of the Evangelical Law, by implo- ring for and pronouncing tipon them the Divine benediftions, do bear anar logy with, and fupply the room of the JevptJI) Priefthood, . From which difcourfe we may by the way deduce this Corollary 5 That the title of Priefi^ although it did (as moft certainly it doth not) properly and primarily fignifie a JevpiJI^ Sacrificer, ( or Slaughterer of beafts, ) doth yet no-wife deferve that reproach which is 1a ^^; by fbme inconfiderately , (not to lay, ^^/^" ^ ' profanely,) upon that miftaken ground, A ^ jr^ commonly caft upon it ; fince the Holy w^ ^^^^^,f Scripture it (tlf, we fee, dpth here, even in that fenfe ( moft obnoxious to ex- '^ p / ception ) aferibe it to the Chriftian Par ^j.^x . ftours. And fo likewife doth the Pro- \h, 6k 21. phet Jfaiah 5 And J will alfo take of them for Priejls and for Levites^ faith the Lord : fpeaking ( as the context plain- ly declares} of the Gentiles, which fhould be converted and aggregated to God s Church. And the Prophet Jere- Jer. 33. 18. ^^^^ 5 Neither Jhall the Priefis the Le* '. vites want Or man before me to offer burnt- offerings^ and to doe facrifice continually. Which prophecy alfo evidently conr Cerns the lame time and ftate of things^ of The Twelfth Sermon. 475 of which the Prophet Malachi thus foretells ; For from the rifing of the Sim Mai, i. ii. to the going down of the fame^ my Name JhaU be great among the Gentiles 5 and in every place incenje JhtU be offered to my Name^ and a pure offering. It were de-^ firable therefore, that men would better confider , before they entertain fiich groundlefs offences , or pa(s fb uncha^ ritable cenfiires upon either words, or perfons , or things. But I proceed to the m. Particular, which is the Matter of the Promife , C loathing with falva^ tion. Where we may obftrve, Firft, That the ufiial metaphor of be- ing cloathed doth in the Sacred dialed denote a compleat endowment with, a plentifull enjoyment of, or an entire application to , that thing, or quality, with which a perfbn is (aid to be cloa- thed. So is God himfelf (aid to be cloa- pfai. 95. i. thed with majefty and firength. And David prays, that they might be cloa- P^a^- 35- 2^. thed with fhame and difljonour^ that did ^^*^- ^^9-^9' magnifie themfilves again fi him. And in Ezeki^K The Princes of the Ifles^ being Ezck, 16,16* amazed by the ruine of 33/re, are laid to floath themfehes with trembling. And that 474 ^^ Twelfth Sermon. that bitter adverfiry of David (in Pjal. Tcff. 1 8. 109. ) did cloath himfelf with curftng , as with a garment. And Job avoucheth Job 29. 14. of himfelf^ IpHt on righteoujnejs^ and it cloathed me 3 my judgment was as a rohe^ and a diadem. And S. Peter advifes us 1 Pet. $. 5. to put on^ or to be cloathed with^ humili-' ty. Finally, Ifaiah introduces our Savi- Ifa.^i. 10. our (peaking thus: / will greatly rejoyce in the Lord^ my fonljhall be joy full in my God : for he hath cloathed me with the garments of falvation ^ he hath covered Ifa. 59.17. me with the robe of righteoufnejs -^ as a bridegroom decketh himfelf with orna- ments , and as a bride adorneth her felf with her jewels. So that, ( as by thefe inftances we may dilcern ) to be cloa- thed withfalvation.^ is, to be perfeftly en- dowed therewith 3 to be inverted with it as with a garment, which wholly en- clofeth and covereth the body, fo that no part is left unguarded and unadorned thereby. Secondly , But now what is that SaU vation.^ with which the Pr/e/?/ of 5/^/? fhall be thus cloathed ? I anfwer : SaU vation , when it is put ab(blutely , and not conjoyned with any particular ob- jeft , C or term from which, ) doth in the Hebrew language properly fignifie a Deli- The Twelfth Sermon. 475 Deliverance from , or remotion of all forts of inconvenience 5 and, confe- quently, an Affluence of all good things^ and, in effeft, the dime which other lan- guages call Felicity and Profperity, or defign by terms equivalent to thofe : the Hebrews having hardly any other word fo properly correifpondent to thofe, as this word, Salvation. Whence that title o( Saviour^ and the God oft>eu4,^c.f]k Salvat707? ^ fo often attributed to Al-A/'^P^^oni. mighty Cod , imports as much as, the Difpenfer of all good gifts 5 the great Benefaftour, Affifter, and Proteftour of men ; And to Suve is promifcuoufly uftd for, to relieve the needy, to com- fort the (brrowfuU f, to reftore the fick to his health , the prilbner to his liber- ty , the captive to his country 5 to de- fend the weak from injury , and the humble from contempt , to deliver the diftrefled from imminent danger, the in- nocent from unjuft condemnation, the flandered from undeferved reproach : in a word, all the effefts of God's Good- nefi and Power, the whole work of the Divine Providence and Beneficence, arc hereby exprefled. We will recite one or two of thofe many places which confirm this notion. Pfahfz 4/6 The Twelfth Sermonl Pfalm 85. 9. Surely hk Salvation is nigh them that fear him , that glory mxy dwell in our land : hk Salvation is nigh , that is, his loving care attends upon them, to aififl: and preferve them : which in PfaL 145.19. is thus otherwife expreffed 5 He vpill fulfill the defire of them that fear him^ he will hear their cry^ and will fave them* And again, Pfalm i^^.^. The Lordta- l^th pleafkre in his people 5 he will heau" tifie the meekyoith Salvation : that is, he will by his good Providence dilpofe them into a convenient and decent con- dition of life. And again, Pfalm 144. V. 10. It is he that giveth Salvation unto Things 5 that is, by whofe gracious diP po(al they pro(per, and are preftrved in dignity, plenty, and fafety. I will not, by citation of places, la- bour to confirm fo obvious a Notion : it may fiifBce for that purpofe, that the fupreme accomplifhment of all Happi- nefi, the enjoyment of perfeft Blifi in Heaven, is, in agreement with this Jew- ifh acception of the word, moft com- monly ftyled Salvation. But I muft adde, that whereas Salvation may relate either to the outward eftate qf a nian s bady, life, and fortunes, or to the internal diP pofitions of the mind 3 to our prefent con- The Twelfth Sermon. 477 condition in this world , or to our fu- ture and eternal eftate : it doth feem here (I (ay not, to exclude the latter al- together, yet ) more direftly and prin- cipally to refpefl: the former, viz, that external and temporal welfare, which is conspicuous and vifible in this world. My reafon is, Becaule the other parts of this prophetical Proraife do, in their moft natural acception, fignifie that out- ward Profperity wherewith God would vouch(afe to blefs his Church ; that a- bundant benediction of her ft ore ^ thaty^- tisfying her poor with bread , that joy full exultation of her Saints , that cloathing her enemies with flhtme^ being exprefli- ons properly denoting a ftate of exter- nal good weal and comfort 5 and in con- fonance to them require, that we thus likewife underftand this phrafe 3 the Priefts being alfo queftionlefi defigned to partake in this glorious Felicity of the Church. Which is alio confirmed by other Prophecies of the (ame tenour and intention : as particularly that in jfer. 31. concerning the rccoHeftion of Ifrael^ and redemption of the Spiritual Sion^ 'tis (aid, Iwill fatiate the foul of Verf, 14. the Priefis with fatnefs^and my people fiall iejat^jied with my goodnejs^ &c. Now 478 7he Tmlfth Sermon. Now , although we may adventure (afely to interpret the declarations of Divine favour according to the moft comprehenlive (enfe of which the words are capable, where they are conceived : (it being the manner of the immenfely- Good God, to exceed rather, then to be deficient , in the performance of his word 5 and to (urpafi the expeftations he hath raifed in us, then any wife to diCappoint them : ) yet however , the leaft we can imagine here promifed to the Priefis of Sion , will comprehend thefe three things. 1. A Free and Safe condition of life: that they be not expoled to continual dangers of ruine ^ of miferable (ufFe- rance, or remedilefs injury: that the benefits of peace, and law, and publick proteftion, fhall particularly appertain to them 5 (b that their adver(aries ( if any they happen to have ) fhall not be incited , by hope of reward or impuni- ty, to hurt their perfons, rifle their goods , difturb their quiet '-^ but that they (hall enjoy good degrees of fecu- rity, liberty, and tranquillity in this World. 2. A Provifion of competent fubfi- ftence for them : that their condition of life The Twelfth Sermon.^ 479 life be not wholly neceffitous , or very penurious, deftitute of convenient ac- commodations, or depending altogether for them upon the arbitrary benevolen- ces of men, which is, at beft, but a more plaufible kind of beggery 5 but that they (hall be furnifhed with (uch reafo- nable fiipplies, as are requifite to encou- rage them in the chearfull performance of their duty. 3. A Sutable degree of refpeft, and fo high a ftation among men , as may commend them to general efteem, and vindicate them from contempt ; that they be not reputed among the dregs and refufe of the people 5 that their perfons be not ba(e and despicable, their names made the objefts of vulgar oblo- quy, their fundions become proftitute to profane irrifion 5 but that fome con- fiderable authority, fome more then or- dinary regard and veneration accrue un- to them from the high relations which they bear, and from the facred bufinefi which they manage. i ^ All this at leaft(according to the moft moderate interpretation ofthe phrafe ) that abundant Salvation doth imply ^ wherewith God hath promifed to invejl the Pnefts ofSicm, We I a The Twelfth Sermon. We may therefore prelume, or rather iK)t prefume, but confidently rely upon^ and cornfort our felves in the expe(iati- on of Gcfd's faithfuU continuance to ful- fill this Promife. We may afTure our felves 5 that neithet the fecret envy of them who repine at thofe encourage- ments which God's Providence hath con- ferred on his Priefts, nor the open ma- lice of tho(e that furioufly oppugn their Welfare, (hall ever prevail to overwhelm them with extream mifery, penury, or di(grace , fince no endeavour of earth or hell can ever be able to reverfe this' everlafting decree of Heaven, or to de- feat that itrefiftible power which is en- gaged to its execution. No inferiour force can ftrip them naked of that Sal- vation , wherewith the Supreme Trutfr h^th promifed to cloath them. Which confidence of ours may be im- proved, by confidering the Reafons that might induce Almighty G6d to refolve, ahd promile thus favourably in behalf of his Pr/ejls, ( For though we cannot penetrate the incomprehenfible depths of the Divine Counfcl, nor fhould evef peremptorily conclude concerning the aetcrminate Reafons of his Actions f yet when the wiftdom of his procee-- dings The Twelfth Sermon. 481 dings doth clearly approve it felf to our underftandings, we ought readily to acknowledge it, and humbly to praife him for it. ) Now the Reaibns why Di- • vine Providence ftiould undertake to freferve the Priefthood in ftfety, to procure for them liberal maintenance , and to raife them above a ftate of fcorn and infamy, may be efpecially thefc three. 1. It concerns God's Honour. 2. The Good of the Church requires fo. 3. Equity and the reafbnof the cafe exafts it. ; In profecuting which Heads of diP courfe, I (hall not (eem to you (I hope) to tranfgrels the rules of modefty, or de* cency. There be certain feafons, where- in confeffedly it is not onely excuiable, but expedient ahb , to commend one's Self 5 as when a man is falOy accufed , or unjuftly afBifted. And with greater reafon fometime men are allowed to praife the Country where they were born and bred , the Family to which they are alHed , the Society to which they are more efpecially related. And if at this time I affumc the like liberty , the occafion (I hope) will apologize for li me. 48 2 The Twelfth Sermon^ me. It becomes not me to be an advifer^ much le(s a reprover, in this Audience t may I therefore, with your favourable ' permiflion , prefume to be a commen- der , or C if you pleafe ) a pleader for the welfare of this Sacred Order , al- though my felf an unworthy and inconli- derable Member thereof I (ay therefore,, I. God's Honour is concerned in the fafe, comfortable, and honourable eftate of his Priefts : and that upon account of thofe manifold relations, whereby they ftand allied, appropriated, and de- Voted to himfelf J br^n They are in a peculiar manner his |oel 2. 17. Servants, The fervant of the Lord (faith iTim.2.24. S.P4///J mufi not ftrive, but he gentle unto all men^ apt to teach* The fervant of the Lord^ who's that ? are not all men God's fervants > is not he Lord of all > Yes 5 but a Chriftian Prieft, luch as Ti- mothy was, is by way of excellency fo ftyled. All men owe (ubjeftion, obedi- ence , and homage to God : but the 1 Cor. 4. 1. Priefts are (his 'T-Trwp^, his A^T^f^o}) his ^^^•^^•''^' Minifters, his Officers, his immediate Attendants, his Domefticks as it were ^ and menial Servants 3 that approach his perfon , that tread the courts of his boufe , that wear his proper badges , that The Twelfth Sermon. ^ 8 ^ that dre employed in his particular bufi- nc(s. And is it then for God's ho- nour^ to (ufFer them to be abuftd, to want convenient (uftenance, to live in a mean and difgracefull condition ? Would it not redound to the dilcredit of an earthly Prince, to permit, that the attendents on his Perfbn, the officers of his Court , the executers of his Edifts fliould have the leaft injury offered them , (hould fare ftantly or courfely ^ Ihould appear in a fordid garb ? are they not therefore by efpecial privileges guarded from fuch inconveniences ? And ftiall the Great King and Lord of all the world be deemed lefs provident for, lefs indulgent (not to lay lefs jufl) unto his Servants ? Servants, I fay, and thofe not of the loweft rank , nor ap- J)ointcd to the vilefl drudgeries 3 but uch as are employed in the molt honou- rable charges , and are entrufted with his mofl efpecial concernments. ^ They are his Stewards. ( A BiJIwp, Tic i. 7. faith S. Paul , mnjl be hUmekfs , as tke StevPdrd of God.) If the Church be or- x(^ OcS, Go£s honfe^ or family, ^ as 'tis '^ 1 Tim. 5^. called, and the Priefts the OV^v^f^m^ the '^' Stewards of that houfe, the Comptrol- lers of that family 5 'tis furely no mean I i 2 ftation 484 '^ht Twelfth Sermon. vU. Matt, ftation they obtain therein. The diftri- . 24- 45- bution of his bread, ( the Bread of Iife,i his holy Word , ) and the dilpenfation. I Cor. 4. 1, of his mod: precious Goods, ( the holy Myfteries,) are committed to their care Luk. 12. 42. and prudence. Who then ( (aith our Saviour ) is that faithful! and wije fievp- ard^ whom his Lord Jh all make ruler over his houjhold^ to give them their portion of meat in duefeafon ^ Who but the Priefts, who are therefore ftyled both n/Dcgr^W'';-7s^ctVca.. conrerrmgextraordmary pri- ^J"^ Tnht-mv rr^i^n 77. vileges of honour and con- ^^ '^ ^*«* venience on their Priefts,to exprefi their reverence of the Deity, and their af- feftion to Religion. I will not ranfick the clolets of An- tiquity, nor with needlefs oftentati- pn produce the Egyptia^z HkrophauU^ *thq 49^ ^be Twelfth Sermon. Jf Porph. '^ * the Per (tan M^gi^ the GauUfi Druids^ ^X' ''^•^^- the Caliphs and Mnftts of other Nati- cxtdebeU. ^^s, to fliew what preeminencies of re- Gaii^vi fpeft they enjoyed, what powerful! fway they bore in their relpeftive coun- tries 5 how the moft weighty affairs, both of peace and war, were common- ly direfted by their oracular didates. It (hall fufijce to obftrve, that the gal- lant Romans^ ( whofe devout zeal to Lib. 6c religion Polyhim himfelf , no efpecial friend of theirs, could not forbear to admire and applaud, ) I fay, that the niv-m -Tz? n^ft wife and vahant Romans did (et fb vte^yuA^ high a value upon the Prieftly order, >^':^j! that if their principal Magiftrates (the >47o. piut. tn Prsetors, and Confuls themfelvesj did MxueJlo. cafually meet with one of Vejid^ Friefts, they caufed immediately thofe dreadfull Rods, the enfigns of their Authority, Sen. m Ccn- ^P fobmit 5 and they themlelves refpe(3:- mv. fully gave place, as if they meant to confefs thofe Priefts in a manner their betters. Nor did they among them of the moft noble extradion, and of the higheft dignity in the Commonwealth, (QVtn after many glorious exploits at- chieved by them,3 fcornfuUy dildain, but did rather ambitioufly affeft to be admitted into the College of Priefts : info- The Twelfth Sermon.^ 493 infomuch that,after the diffolution of the Republick,the Emperours thought good to afliime the Pontifical! ^xgmty to them- felves, fuppofing the Office too honou- rable, the title too magnificent for a Subjeft. For they wi(ely, it feems, and honeftly adjudged it no debaferaent of their quality, no diminution to their perfonal excellency, to be imployed in the fervice of the immortal Gods 5 whom they acknowledged the Patrons of their Country , the Proteftours of their fafety ; Nor that they lefs defer- ved of the publick, who rightly orde- red their religious Devotions, then they who prudently adviftd in the Senate, or fought valiantly in the field ; for that the good fuccels of publick under- takings did as much, or more, depend upon the favourable difpofition of Di- vine Providence, as upon the careful! endeavour of humane induftry. I cannot forbear to allege that fo grave and pertinent fpeech of Cicero^ which is the Exordium of his Oration ad Pontifices : " Cum miilta divinitus^ " Pontifices^ a majoribus nofirk inventa '^ atqite wfiititta funt 5 Uim 7nhil pr£cla^ '' r/^y, qitam quod vos eofdem ^ Religio- " z;;/'^ Deornm immortaUnm^ d^ Jhm-^ '' m£ 494 ^^^ Twelfth Sermon, ^^ m£ Rerp, pr£ejffe volnerufft : nt ampUf- ^' jtmi d> clarijjim} Gives RempM, bene " gerendo^ Keligiones fapknter i^iterpre^ " tando^ Kemp, confervurent, A vvhol- fome and politick inftitution he thought it, conducible to the publick good and fafety, that the Civil and Sacred Autho- rity (hould be united in the fame per- fbns 5 that it was as well for the inte- reft of the State, as for the credit of Religion, that the Priefts fhould be men of honour, or (^ which is all onej honourable men Priefts. All which evinces plainly, that it is in no wife the refult of a generous heart, ffor what Nation ever produced fo many brave (pirits as that ? ) but ra- ther proceeds froni an inconfiderate de- licacy of humour, for fiom a profane haughtinefs of m.iiid,J to loath, as now^ men do, and defpife that employment, which in its ovm nature is of all moft noble, and moft beneficial itane. piks decet bowi- to mankind. For if to be Ats^ quam Vet fatnulum ^ . . . ^ _. tomir.ari ? acierreni qv.::m ^ Courticr m a particulaf cosiefth Regis cffichiem , Couutry, is of all othcVs the t:i:,^I^St^ *°ft Honourable relation j. fintepmt Ecciefia, divinis and to Wait upott a mortalf Me^ihbumaua.cceiejiibi^ j^j is accountcd a moft trdijerre terrena convtnct- ^? /- o- i tkr, Ecrn. tjift, 78. Worthy funaion : to be pe- culiarly The Twelfth Sermon. 495 Culiarly God's Servant, and in Religi- ous addreffes immediately to attend on him, muft confequently be the moft excellent preferment in the World, which is God's Kingdom. And if to fupply a man s bodily needs, to reftore his liberty, to fave his life, be works of generous beneficence : how much more is it fo, by good conduft and inftrufti- on of men, to adorn their Souls with Vertue, to free them from the bondage of Sin, to refcue them from eternal! ruine ? Our magnanimous Anceftours, who erefted as well trophees of their invin- cible courage abroad , as monuments of their incomparable piety at home, and equally by both did purchafe im-- mortal renown to their ingratefull po- fterity, ( for not to imitate good ex- ample, is the greateft ingratitude,) they, I lav , were otherwife difpofed 5 to who(e honeft Devotion we owe thofc handfome privileges, and thpfe com- petent revenues which the Priefthood ftill enjoys 5 and which are (b maligned by this untoward Age, not leis degene- rate in fpirit, then corrupt in manners : when all Wifedom, and Vertue, and Religion , are alm^^ft in moft places grown 49^ y^hc Tvpclfth Sermon. grown ridiculous : when the ftrious ufe ofReafon is become (in vulgar opini- on) the moft impertinent and infigni- ficant thing in the world : when Inno^ cence is reputed a meer defeft of wit, and weaknefs of judgment 5 Integrity, a fond pertinacity of humour ^ Con- ftancy of mind, and Gravity of demea- nour , a kind of (ullen morofity, or uncouth afteftation of Angularity 5 and all ftrift praftice of Chriftian Duty in- currs the imputation of fbme new-found opprobrious name, one or other. No wonder then , when Religion it felf hath fo much decayed in its love and efteeni, if the Priefts, its profefled Guar^ dians, do partake in its fortune. Nor is it to be feared, but that/ when thie predominant vanities of the Age are ibmewhat decoded , and men grow weary of their own inconvenient fol- lies 3 when-ever ( not a fierce zeal for ibme whimfical Model, or fome para- doxicall ^Opinion, but) a fober efteem of, and* a cordial affeftion to Vertue and genuine Piety do begin to revive in the breads of men 5 the love and re- verence of the Clergy will return. For it will be ever true, what was once laid, (though diftated onely from the realbn The Twelfth Sermon. 497 reafbh and experience of a Heathen^) ^i bona fide colit Deos^ a mat d^ Sacer- Siatlus, £- dotes 5 He that fincerely worJJjips God^ ^^V. l\h!' will heartily love his Priejls, But not Sylvarum, to infift longer on this Reafon. ir. The Good of the Church requires, that the Prlefthood be well proteded, well provided for, and well regarded. That men be converted from iniquity, and induced to the (Tncere praftice of Vertue, is the chief Good of the Church, that to which the Favour of God is an- nexed, and upon which the Salvation of Souls doth rely. And this Good mainly depends, partly upon the due execution of the Prieftly office, partly upon the fit difpofition of the people to comply therewith : and to both tho(e effeds the comfortable eftate of the Priefthood is conducible and requi* fite. The Priefl: muft be capable to in- ftruft with advantage : and the people difpofed to learn with readme^ ; He muft lead, and They follow chearfully in the paths of righteoufneG. Which alacrity how can he be Mafter of, whofe mind care 'and grief, the infeparable companions of a needy eftate, do con- tinually diftraft and di(compo(e ? whofe (pirit is dejefted with conftant regret, Kk and 495^ T^he Twelfth Sermon. and frequent difappointments ? Can he be free and expedite in the difcharge of his duty, who is perplexed with the difficuhies, and encumbred with the va- rieties of fecular bufinefi, (fiich as the exigencies of a narrow condition do ne- ceflarily induce?) No: few there be, that, with Efi&etHs^ can philofophate in flavery 3 or, like Cleafithes^ can draw water all the day, and ftudy moft of the night. The Priefts are bound, ("for the pro- pagation of truth and right, and for the reclaiming of men from errour and fin, that is, for the moft important good of the Church,) as the Apoftles are of- Afts p. 27. ten related to have done, Tm^'^moL^^^^cti^ 19! 8. ^ ^^ fp^^k ^^ out 3 (01 to ufc an unconfi- Eph. <5. 19. ned liberty of fpeech^) to exhort to ^^' the praftice of Vertue, as our Saviour Luk. 4. 32. did, fjifkr s^^oia^, with licence and autho- rity 5 to deterr from Vice, as S. Paul Tir. 2. 1$. injoyns Titus^ fjmla. Tmov,^ imlctyyi^^ vpith an all-cofumanding and imperious y?r47;;5 and, (as thofe faithful! brethren did, encouraged by S. Paul\ example) tdA- Fhil. 1. 14. fj^y^v d(p6^ce^ XxXCiv ^ xC-^ov^ to dare un* dauntedly to utter the word of tmth : they are obliged to deal impartially with all, to flatter no man 3 to adrao- nifli. The Twelfth Sermon. 499 nifli, yea and (with prudence (eafbna- bly) to reprove the greateft of men 5 not to refpeft the perfons of the rich, nor to dread the faces of the moll: ter- rible among men. And how fhall this neceffary courage be engendred, be cherifhed, be preferved in the breaft of him who grovels upon the ground, and — flurtma croutches under the deprefling loads of ^."^ f^'^^^^ want and difgrace ? What engines are homhes per- able to raife the (pirits of men above J"JJ] '^"^^''^ the ordinary fountains from which they /uven. Sat. (pring, their fortunes ? what props can 5- , fiiftain them at that due pitch, deftitute ^'^^ ^^,7^- offblid ftrength, wealth, and refpeft ? ^1^ ^>^< With what face (hall a pitiflill underling ^T'f !^- \. r ^ 11 r & HcL i. 517. encounter the folemn looks ot an op- ri^< ^ti^lvIa preffing Grandee ? with what hope of ^^^^^ °,'^''"^ ^MCCQ^s in his forlorn habit (hall he ad- Z^k^j^X- venture to check the vicious cxtrava- w? ^ ka- nancies of a rufRing gallant > Will he 7^^ 21,22, K k 3 their 502 The Twelfth Sermon. their mouth : The Nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blejfed me'^ and when the eye faw me^ it gave vpitnefs to me. Unto me men gave ear, and vpaited, and J^ept peKce at my counfell. After my vpords they Jpake not again, and my fpeech drop" ped upon them. So ofEcioufly attentive were all men to Job in his prolperity. But when the fcale was tUrn'd, and he became deprefled in eftate , no man minded either him or his difcourfe 5 except it were to defpife and fcorn both. Job^o. 1,9, But now ((aith he^ they that are younger 10,11. then I have me in deri (ion , who fe fathers I would have difdained to have Jet with the dogs of my flocks I am their fong, Prov. i^^^o*yea, I am their by-word. They abhor me, hated even f^^J fij fa^ fr^^ ^^9 ^^^ ^^re not tO ef hit own fpjt in my face : Because he hath loofcd Sm '»y ^"rd^ '^^d .pad m. UJoK a hath many perfon who fo equally and moderately, *Tto 2< y^^ ^ ^ humbly and courteoufly and / bountifully ufed his profperity, as we find he did , was notwithftanding in bis adverfity fo generally flighted and abhorred 5 what ftiall their lot be, who never enjoyed thole advantages ? what regard fhall their wholfome advice find ? what The Tirelfth Sermon. 503 what efficacy their moft pathetical ex- hortations obtain ? what paffion their faint breath raife in mens benummed hearts ? No more, certainly, then their mean condition ihall procure among men either of friendfhip or efteem. We fee therefore how Almighty God, that he might conciliate credit unto, and infufe a perluafive energy into the words of his Prophets and Apoftles, was pleafed to dignifie them with ex- traordinary gifts of foretelling future events, and doing miraculous works : their Doftrine, it ftems, f though of it felf moft reafbnable and plaufible,) be- ing not (ufEcient to convince the hea- rers, without (bme remarkable excel- lency in the Teachers, challenging the people's awfull regard , and exciting their attention. Otherwife how piti- fuUy-fcant a draught thofe poor fiftiers of men had caught by the common al- lurements onely of innocent life, and ^ ^^ rational difeourfe, I leave you to ima- ^ X^fP^ gine. And where fuch extraordinary \ ^..v.^^wrrn*- ^ommendatious are wanting, is it not realbnable that the need of them fhouldi .i^^^ri^fyr^ be (upplied by ordinary and probable I >w*;i^ -.-t--^ expedients ? ;vvaifUv--'i I might farther adde, how a neceffi- K k 4 tous 504 The Twelfth Sermon. tous and defpicable eftate doth com- monly not onely difturb the minds, ^ and dejeft the fpirits of men , but diF- tempereth alfo their Souls, and viciateth their manners ^ rendring them not one- ly fid and anxious, flayifli and timo- rous , but greedy alfb and covetous, peevifh and mutinous, rude and igno- rant ; engages them in (brdid company, and tempts them to unworthy courfcs. From which one caufe how fcandalous effefts, and how prejudicial to the Churche s both honour and lafety, have proceeded, I need not for to (ay, fince wofull experience too loudly proclaims it. I might adde moreover, that the Priefts do confer to the good of the State 5 which is iecured and advanced by the fincere inftruftion of men in duties of Obedience, Juftice, and Fide- lity 5 and by maintenance of good Con- fcience among men. So that if things be rightly confidered, it will be hard to find a better Commonwealths-man, then a good Minifter. Seeing therefore the good of the Church, upon various accounts, is fp much concerned in the Priefts encou- ragementj welfare and relpeft 3 *ps very fitting The Twelfth Sermon] 5Q5 fitting they ihould have them. Which confideration I conclude with that leri- ous admonition of the Apoftle to the Hebrews 5 wherein the (iibftance of what hath been fpoken on this point is contained : Obey your rulers ^(^ox guides^'^ Hcb. 13. 17, dndfubmit to them ^ for they watch for your folds , as they that are to give an account : that they may doe it with joy , and not with complaint 5 for thk is nn- ^^i ^.ct^oy- profitifble for yon. ^K\v(Tm\U 5^ tStc ' '^•*' that is, for this pays no taxes , quits no fcores 5 turns to no account^ is no-wife ad-- vantageom for yon '-^ but rather (for there is a ^^^jo; in tho(e words) is hurtful! and detrimental to you. But farther, HI. Common Equity, and the Rea- (on of the cafe exads, that lafety, com- petent (ubfiftence, and fitting refpeft be allowed to the Priefts. If you confider their Perfonal qualities, who, I pray, do [commonly J better deierve thofe advan- tages then they ? Thofe qualities, I (ay, which re(ult from a liberal,a(bber,a mo- de(t education, in the Schools of wi(e- dom, and under the influences of good di(cipline. If Birth ( that is, at beft, an imaginary relation to the gallantry of an Ai)ce(tour ) entitle men to Hqnour 1^ if 506 The Twelfth Sermon. if the cheap favours of Fortune be (b highly prized and admired 5 if Riches ("that is, the happy refiilts of induftry in trivial matters ) do eafily purchafe relpeft: what may not they pretend to, whofe conftant ( and not always unfiiccefifull ) endeavour it hath been to deferve well, to cultivate their minds, and regulate their manners? True worth indeed is not confined to any particular order of men 5 yet I fhould wrong none, by laying it is no- where more plentifully to be found vu. o.ig. then in this. What is it that doth ad- ul^pag^ilf. ^^"^^ "^^ns nature, that adorns their ' ' minds , that commends their perfons to Mai. 2. 7. elpecial regard ? Is it Knowledge ? The Priejis lips preferve it 5 their diicourfe doth difFufe it. Is it Vertue ? Whence have more , or greater examples there- of proceeded then from them? Is it Piety? It is their proper bufinels, it hath been always ( in Ibme meafiire ) their care to promote it : That igno- rance and barbarity, diflblutenefi and ir- religion have not long fince, like a de- luge, overfpred the face of the world ^ none, I fuppofe, will be (o unjuft, as to deny in greateft part due to their vigi- lant endeavours. Even thofe improve- ments The Twelfth Sermon^ 507 itients of Wit and Eloquence, which are employed to their di(grace and diftd- vantage, muft be acknowledged origi- nally derived from them. Faults they have had, and will always have 5 for they are Men, and fubjeft to the common imperfections of mortal nature : but that, perhaps, lefs and fewer then any other diftinft fort of men 5 that as it is their duty, fo it hath been their praftice, to excell in Vertne , and that they have commonly in efFeft made good S. Amhrofe his words , Debet pr£^ Epijl 82, fonder are vita facer dotk^ ficut prd^ponde^ TAt gratia ^ were not difficult to demon- ftrate, if feemly to make comparifons , or to infift upon fo invidious a fubjed. Nor, were they greater then ever real- ly they have been, or then ever malice could mifreprefent them, (hould it be therefore equal , that the mifcarriages oF fome fliould derogate from the reputati-^ on , or prejudice the welfare of the whole Order. But to wave this plea 5 confider their Employment. Is there any office more laborious , more vexatious then theirs 5 accompanied with more wearifome toil, more folicitous care, more tedious at- tcndence? They are defervedly called Watch- 5o8 TheTmlfth Sermon. Heb. I J. 17. Watchmept^ being conftrained to ftand always on the guard, to be always wakefull, attentive, and ready to warn the people of approaching dangers : and Shepherds likewife, being forced to endure the various hardfliips of that un- eafie life, the inconveniences of all weathers, the nipping frofts, and fwel- try heats, and all diverfities of irkfome travail 5 they muftfeed,they muft guide, they muft defend 5 they muft feek the loft, and reduce the ftraying fheep. What affiduity offtudy, whatearneft contention of Soul are they obliged to u(e, in the continual inftruftion, exhor- tation, and reprehenfion of the people $ in reftifying their judgements, (atisfying their fcruples, removing their prejudices, bearing their infirmities, and fympathi- zing with their atfliftions? Tis they that are engaged with all their might to withftand the prevailing encroachments of Iniquity, to ftop the progrels of per- nicious Errours, to deteft the falfe pre- tences of Impoftours, to confute the fal- lacies of Sophifters, to repell the affaults of all Adver(aries to the truth, yea, if need be, to expofe, not onely their dea- reft contents of life, but even their lives themfelves, in the defence thereof. The Twelfth Sermon. 509 Eufehitfs reports thus of Maximwu^ , Uh. Vi, ailing V f(^1x TV Jjxy^iAiov ^^gx,cl\ix^ , dvxip^^xi Trpo^'a-ffG^* He commanded that onely the Governours of the Church (that 18^ the Bijhops ) Jhould be Jlanghtered^ as the Ant hours of the growth and prevalence of Evangelical DoUrine. Neither was it a fingular praftice of that bloudy T}'- rant j but as a thing of courfe it con- ftantly follows , that where-ever Righ- teoufnefs and Truth are violently im- pugned , the Priefts are (ure to taft dee- pert of that bitter cup 3 that their Goods be in the firft place (equeftred and (poiled , their Reputation ftained , their Perfons mifufed, their Lives (acri- ficed to the Peifecutours outrageous ma- lice. Is it not reafonable then , and equal , that they who, for the fervice of God, and benefit of the Church , undergo liich difficulties , and are objefted to fo great hazzards , fhould be fuftained , ftiould be refrefhed by proportionable encouragements? Is it not barbarous ufage 5 to expeft (b hard duties from them , to rmpofe (uch heavy burthens on them, and yet to grudge any fiitable comforts, any (atisfaftory rewards to them ? 5 1 o The Twelfth Sermon. them ? Good King Hezekiah fiirely was not ib minded , of whom 'tis laid , He 2 Chron. 31. commanded the people that dwelt in H/e^ 4' rufalem^ to give the portion of the Priejis and the Levites^ that they might be en* cottraged in the haw of the Lord : that is, that they might be heartned to ftudy , to teach, to perform the duties required of them by the Divine Law. And Saint Paul thus rationally expoftulates in the t Cor. 9. 7, Priefts behalf: Who ever goeth to war at **• his own charges^ who plant eth a vineyard^ and eateth not of the fruit thereof^ or whofeedeth uflock^^ and eateth not of the yid. Rom. milk^of the flock^ ^ If we have fown unto 15. 27- yoH fpiritual things '-^ is it a great thing , if we Jfoall reap your carnal things .LaXfo^'i^' \\ pre fide over you in the Lord^ and that i^'M» admonijf) you 5 and to efieem them more then exceedingly (oj^e^Tnpi^S) in love^ for their worh^ ( or^^^^r their office^ fake : ( ft) ^^yov frequently fignifies in fuch ca- fes. ) And again 5 Let the Elders (or r Tim. $.17. Priejis^ d irpialSvrcpoi^ ) which rule well he The Tvpclfth Sermon. 5 1 1 be counted worthy of double honour : ^ or, of double recompence : fo 77/>mi alfo im- ports.) Priefts as fo, for their office fake, have honour and reward due to them 5 which, according to the good manage- ment of that office, are proportionably to be augmented and multiplied. But farther yet, abftrafting from both their perfonal worth , and the merit of their (ervice, confider their Condition in this world , and fee whether it doth not in equity challenge fome realbnable provifion to be made for them. Are they not, by the nature of their profeP (ion , (ecluded from all ordinary means of temporal advancement? Be not thole ufiial inlets of Wealth , the Court , the Camp , and the Exchange , (hut upon them, yea barr'd againft them, by thofe infiiperable obftacles of Law and Cu- ftom ? Can they grow rich by trade , or famous by feats of arms ? May they plead for others ? 'tis well if they be al* lowed to doe it for themfelves before equal judges. Yet are they not Men , endued with humane paffions and re- fentments ? Are they not Citizens, par- taking in the common interefts of the weal publick ? Are they not (enfible of the inconveniences, and capable of en- joying 5 1 "2 The Twelfth Setthon. joying the benefits of this life? Ard they not equally obliged , and would they not be glad , as well as others , to be in a capacity to requite courtefies, to help relations, to gratifie friends, to relieve the poor, to exprefi refpeftively their humanity , and their gratitude ? Skill they not to ufe the goods of For- tune for rather the gifts of ProvidenceJ with as much difcretion, as much fobri- ety, as much honour, as others? Com- pare things righteoufly, and let Reafon j judge iy let Experience be examined 5 1 let thofe eternal monuments of their \ Piety, their Charity, their Holpitality , declare and teftifie. Shall, laftly, the fruits of painfull ftudy , the improve- ment of hopefull parts, the flower of vi- gorous age and ftrength (pent in the I publick (ervice , tend onely hither , to put a man into a ftate of ftruggling with extream contempt and penury ? If this be nor, what, I pray you, is monftrous iniquity? ^ Since therefore it appears (upon (o many (everal (cores) reafbnable, that Almighty God (hould undertake the protection, and affert the honour of his Priefts 5 we may not onely praife the goodneii. The Twelfth Sermon. 513 goodnefi, but approve al(b the wifedom of this promife ^ and by the contempla- tion thereof ftrengthen our faith in re- liance thereon. To which purpofe one Confideration more may very much con- duce, and withall may provoke our gra- titude to celebrate his truth and faith- fulnels, in making good, as well as his goodnels and wiftdom , in making this Promife^ V7%. the confidering how con* tinually hitherto God hath been pleafed efFeftually to cloath his Priefts with Sul^ v^tion^ to provide abundantly for their (afety , their accommodation , their re- fpeft in this world 5 and to deliver them from the oppofite inconveniences. If we refleft our thoughts on the fir ft Ages of Ghriftianity, ( not more difmal for Suffering, then glorious for Piety, ) 'tis admirable to fee how fincerely and paflionately the Chriftian people did then love their Priefts and Paftours 5 how liberally, out of their (lender ftock, and the ftiipwrecks of their (poiled for- ^ 'tunes , they contributed to their main- tenance^ what exceeding veneration they bore them ^ with what incredible alacrity they fubmitted to the moft (e- vere difciplines injoynedby them 3 how wiUingly they followed them , though L 1 leading 514 '^he Twelfth Sermon. leading into the jaws of death and cruel torture ; fo that , although it was then neceflary for the Chriftian Priefts to undergo the greateft hardfhips , accor- ding to the defign of Chriftian Religions (which was' to be propagated,not by ter- rour of Power, nor by politick Artifice, but by the invincible Faith, Reiblution and Patience of theProfeffours and Tea- chers thereof 5 ) yet never more may they have feemed to thrive and prosper, then in that junfture of time, when they enjoyed the univerlal good will and ap- plaufe of good people , when they un- conftrainedly embraced affliftion for righteoufneis fake, and acquired there- by the certain fruition of a more excel- lent Salvation. But in the (ucceeding Times, when Chriftianity, breaking out of the clouds of Perfecution, began to (hine over all with brighteft luftre 5 of the glories and happy fruits of that illuftrious triumph none did partake more fully, then they, who had fuftained the hardeft brunts of the foregoing conflid , and had been the principal caufes of the fitccels. Then the joyfiall acclamations of the faithfiall people refounded in the praife of their viftorious Champions; then did the Era- The Tvrelfth Sermon. 5 1 5 Emperours themfelves , with arms out- ftretched^and hearts enlarged,with affec- tion embrace the aut hours of their hap- py Converfion : then all Laws prejudi- cial to their welfare were relcinded, and new ones were (iibllituted , abundantly- providing for their fecurity, honeft live- lihood, and due reverence 5 which in progress of time, not in the Roman Em- pire onely, but in all other Nations ( that afterwards did entertain Chriftia- nity ) were no-wife impaired, but were rather ampliated and fortified by the pi- ous favour of Princes : The barbarous Goths^ and Vandals^ and Lombards^ being no fooner endued with any degree of Civility, or any fenfe of Religion, then pofleffed with a hearty reverence of their BiQiops, and Priefts. And ever fince , ( which is not to be imputed, as (bme raftily, if not impious- ly, averre, to the prevalence of Anti- chriftian iniquity , but rather to the Providence of Divine Benignity 5 ever fince, Ifiy, ) till the late Commotions and Alterations in Chriftendom , they have been the Guardians of others (afe- ty, not themfelves deprived of protefti- on 5 have abounded with wealth , ra- Aer then wanted (uftenance^ have been Lis the 5 1 6 The Twelfth Sermon* the objefts of envy , more then of con- tempt. Princes have loved and che- riftied them, have relied upon their ad- vice , and entrufted them with their higheft concernments. Nobles have not been aftiamed to yield them place. The Saceidotal robe hath been often dyed with purple 5 and the Sons of mighty Monarchs have not thought themfelves degraded by entring into their Order. And if in fbme particular places (before or fince thofe ChangesJ their condition hath not been fo high and plentiful! ^ yet hath it been(almoft ever) tolerable5 the countenance of Authority , and the reiped of the people being in good de- gree vouchfafed them. Even in thofe Churches which till this day groan un- der the oppreliion of Infidel Princes , the Priefts ( by the free permifiion of thofe Princes ) retain their juriidi(3ion in a manner as great as ever , and with- all enjoy a maintenance not altogether inconfiderable. ' ' So favourable hitherto hath God been unto his Priefts , fo faithful! to his Pro- mi fe : which doth oblige us to thank him 5 which may encourage us to hope in him ^ which may arm us with confi- dence againft the prefent ill will of thofe that The Twelfth Sermon. 5 1 7 that wilh, and againft the praftices of thofe that defign our mine. Tis true, This Promife is not affixed to all parts of time, to all particularities of place, to all determinate circumftanr ces of things. The Priefts may now and then, here and there, in this or that fliP- fer highly 5 they may be ejefted, be a ll^^'^ plundered, be degraded, as experience jjuXu)'^ hath (hewed us. But they may be alfo pf^uL^U4 foon reftored, re-poffefled, rc-advanced, ' and (I had almoft faid) revenged too 5 as the like experience doth affure us. 'Tis not impoffible, I confeis, we may relapfe into the (ame, or into a more calamitous eftate 5 the obftinate difaf- feftions of men threaten it , and our own mifcarriages more dangeroufly : yet the moft offenfive of thefe ( which many honeft men dillike, and moft men exclaim againft ) have been in as bittei* terms complained of in almoft the firft Ages. " hihiant pojjejjionibus^ preedia ex- Suip. Scv. '^ cohwt^ auroincHbdiit^ qi{£flmpcr omnia ^' • '•^4?» ^^ fludent , fiid a devout Writer of Ec- clefiaftical hiftory about 1300 years a- goe. And (b much no man f without extream uncharitablenefs and talihood ) can in fo general terms impute to the iprefent Clergy : notwithftanding which, L 1 3 '' God 51 8 The Twelfth Sermon. God did continue to vouchfife his pro- teftion to them. They were fometimes, ( by the inundations of barbarous peo- ple, J and we may again ( by national concuffions ) be (everely chaftifed for our faults; Yet were not they, nor Ihall we be fat leaft every-where , and for ever ) utterly rejefted. God may pf.89.32,33> vi(lt OHV tranfgrejjions with the rod^ and 34' our imquity with ftripes : Neverthelefs hk loving' kin dnefs will he not utterly tal^e from m^ nor fuffer his faithfulnefs to jail. His covenant he wiU not breakj, nor alter the thing that is gone out of his lips. God may for a time hide his face from us ^ but he will not for ever turn his back upon us : the honour of the Priefthood may for a while be overclouded in fome part of the world , but ftiall never to- tally be eclipftd , nor fwallowed up in a perpetual night. While God conti- nues his refidence in5/V?;?, and defends his Chmch SLgdAnd the gates of He//^ and powers ofdarknefs 5 while FLeligion re- tains any fway in the hearts of men , and Truth poffeffes any room upon earth 3 the Priefts ftiall not be left de- ftitute and naked , but everlaftingly be cloathed with falvation. Which that it may C to the Glory of God, and Good of The Twelfth Sermon. 5 1 9 of his Church J more (urely come to pafs, let us convert this Promife into a Pray- , er, and lay with Solomor?^ Now therefore 2 Chron. 6. arife , Lord God , thou and the ar\ of^^' thy firength : Let thy Prkfis , Lord God^ he cloathed vpith ftlvation , atjd let thy Saints rejoyce in goodnefs. Amen. TH^ END. Some Books Ibid by Brnbazon AjU mer^ at the Three Pigeons^ over againft the Royal Exchange^ in Cornhill. ^ i ' He Duty and Reward of Bounty to J^ the Poor : In a Sermon, much in- larged, preached at the Spittal^ upon Wednefday in Eafler-w^t^^ Anno Dom, 167 1, the fecond Edition 3 by Ifaac Barrow, D. D. in 8^. A Sermon upon the Pajjion of our Blejjed Saviour 5 preached at Gmld-hall Chappel,on Good-Friday^the 15. day of April, 1677. i"4''- f^chy^^ by Ifaac Barrow, D. D. late Chaplain in Ordina- ry to His MAJESTY, and Mafter of Trinity College in Cambridge. The Harmony of the Divine Attributes^ in the AccompliJIiment of Mans Redemp- tion by the Lord Jefus Chrift : Or, PiC- courfes , wherein is (hewed , how the Wiftdom, Mercy, Juftice, Holinefi, Power and Truth of God, are glorified in that great and blefTed Work : in 4^- by William Bates^ D. D. :^ W'\ .-■„— ■>■! ■■ I iiiM-iiniirr ■ -ji^^iaMiBMliai /O • 7 * / u \l