PERKINS LIBRARY Duke Universit Kare Dooks PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST Sataifs Devices. OR, (Believers J Salve for^ and >S o r. e s. (Unbelievers* 3eing a Companion for thofe that are in Chrift, or out of Chrift ; that flight or neglcft Ordinances, un- der a pretence of living aoove them ; chat are growing finSpiritui! *) or decaying • thacare Tempted, or De- fcrted ; Afflicted or Oppofed 5 that have $Tur3nce, or that want Aflurance, &c. By 'Thomas Brookj-> formerly a willing Servant unto God, and the Faith of his People, in the glorious Gofpel of Chrift at S. Margarets Fifhftrtft- Hill The Seventh Edition, Ephef.5. ii. Tut on the whole Armor of God, that ye may he able to {land again}} the wiles of the Devil* : LONDON , Printed by R. white, for John Hmcoc\, and are to b* fold at the Three Bibles, the tirft mop in Po?es~b:ad- Alley, next to CmbiL 1671. — i — The Epi/ile Dedicatory. f— • — To his moft Dear and Precious Ones, the Sons and Daughters of the moft High GOD, over whom the Holy Ghoft hath made him a Watch-man, Beloved in out cleared Lord, CH^IS T, the Scripture, your own hearts , and Satatis^De the four prime vices are things that fliould he firfl and tnojl fludted and fearched ; if any cajl off theftudy of thefe y they canrwt bejafe here, nor happy hereafter. * 'Tis my work as a Chrijlian , but much more as I am a Watchman, to do my bejl, to di-f carver the fulnefs of Chrjfl, the emptinefs of the Creature , and the A j fnares RG)R T3?A If a Mini ^er had as many eyes as Argus** watch ^ as many heads as 7)/>&«iy, to difpofe, and as ma ny hands ^3 Q TheEpiftle Dedicatory hands as BiiiYCHS to labour, he might find employ- ment enough for them ail. *ll Unares of the great deceiver • whicl I harve endeavoured to do (in the fol- lowing Vifcourje ) according to that meajure of Gract which I hay e re- ceived from the Lord. God once ac* cepted a handful of meat for a SdtH* fee, and a gripe of Goats hair for an Oblation : And I know that you have not fo learned the Father, as to defpife the day of f mall things. Beloved, Satan being fallen from light y to darknefs • from felicity , to mifery • from Hea to bring all The Epiftle Dedicatory, all the Sons of men into the fame] condition , and condemnation with] himjelf. Satan hath cafl Juch finful feed into our fouls , that now he can [no Jooner tempt, but we are ready to affent - y he can no fooner have a plot upon u* y but he makes a conqueft of\ us * if he doth butfhew men a little] of the beauty and bravery of the World y how ready are they to fall down and worfinp him. Whatever fin the heart of man is moft prone to , that the Derail will 2 Sam - 2 « help forward. If David be proud of his people y Satan will provoke him to number them y that he may be yet prouder. If Peter be JlaYijbly fearful y Sa*l tan will put him upon and denying of Chr'tfi , to fave his own skin. If Ahabs Prophets begw x King ven to flatter, the Dcvilmll ftrait-, A 4 u>ay { Mat. \6. v rebukinz Ch *?: lS - . c> 69. tilt. TKeEpiftfc Dedicatory. J oh. 13. i. \a$$.i , cv.30.9. ip^jf Becpmc a lying fpirit in the rpouthsof fpur hundred of them, and they fhall flatter Ahab to his mine. If Judas will be a Tray tor, Satan will quickly enter into his heart y and make him fell his Mfc fler for money y which fome Heathens would neater haira , Sfmf a* gem* dMofnion againft thofe vef- fels that are m oft richly la den : So doth Satan that areh Pirate, a- gainft ihore truths that have moll of God, Chrift, and Hea- ven in :hem. Rafon. ? . Rcafon. The ftrange oppoiition that I met with from Satan, in the ftudy of this following difcourle,hath put an edg upon my fpirit,know ing that Satan ftnves mightily, to keep thofe things from feeing • the light, that tend eminently to fluke and break his Kingdom of darknefs, and to lift up the King dom , and glory of the Lord Je- fus Chrift , in the fouls and lives of the children of men, isrc It is exceeding ufefulnefs to all forts , ranks , and conditions of men in the world ^ here you havi falvefor every fore,and a Plaifter for £very wound, and a Remedy againft every difeafe , efpecially againft thoie that tend moft to the undoing of fouls , and the ruine of the State, iyc. I know not of any one or other that The Epiftle Dedicatory. that have writ of this,fabjea } all that ever I have feen; have only toueht upon this firing, which hath been no fmall provo- cation to me , to attempt to doe fomething this way, that others, that have better heads and hearts, may be the more ftirred to im- prove their Talents in a further difcovery of Satans Devices , and in the making known of fuch choice Remedies , as may enable the fouls of men to triumph over all his plots and Stratagems, ire I have many precious friends in fcveral Countreys, who are not a little defirous that my Pen may reach them , now my voice can- not. I have formerly been, by 'the help of the mighty God of \jacob y a weak Inftrument of good jto them, and cannot but hope, 1 and u ; 6. Rtafoa The Epiftle Dedicatory. 7. Rea'M. and believe , that the Lord will alfo blefs thefe labors to them they being , in part , the fruit of their defires and prayers, {jrc. Laftly , not knowing how foon my glafs may be out, and how (bon I may be cut offby a hand of death \ 'from all opportunities of doing further fervice for Chrift, or your fouls in this world, I was willing to fow a little handful of fpiritual feed among you- that fo, when I put off this earthly Taber nacle, my love to you, and that dear remembrance of y ou,which I have in my foul , may ftrongly engage your minds and fpirits to make this Book your Compani- on, and under all external or in ternal changes > to make ufe of thisheavenly falve,which I hope, will, by the blefling of the Lord t . . — 1 The Epiftle Dedicatory, be as effe&ual for the healing of all your Wounds , as their looking up to the brazen Serpent, was ef- fectual to heal theirs that were bit and flung with fiery Serpents. V (hall leave this Book with you, as a Legacie of my deareft love, de - firing the Lord to make it a far greater, and fweeter Legacy than all thofe carnal Legacies are, that are left by the high and mighty ones of the earth, to their neareft and deareft relations, &rc. Beloved,! would not have affettion carry my Pen too much beyond my in* Untion ^ therefore only give me leaVei to figntfe my de fires foryou^and my de* * fires to you y and Ifball draw to a clofe.) j I . Mydefires for you are , That he, E p^r ' would grant you according to! the. riches of his glory , to be j ftrengthned with might by his Spirit] The Epiftle Dedicatory. Verfi 7 . Vcrf.i8. Vcrf.i*. CoLiio. VerT.ii. *G 'tis our Heritage i Thy Telhmonies have I taken as an Heritage for ever ; 'T# a Legacy that our Fore-fathers have bought with their bloods, which Jhould makg us willing to lay down any thing, and to lay out any thing-, that we may with the wife Merchant in the Go- fpel, pur chafe th'ys precious Pearl, which is more ^ B 4 worth Prov. 25 Multl a- mant vc- ritatcm lu- cent m> o:k- nmt redar- gue -item. Ruth 1, '<*> 17. Si vcrkas ?(l cauft d'feordis, wipojjitm, 'ac-rt not boffum. Jercm. Pfal.np. 111. Mat.5.i3. A Word to the Reader. Vakas vinclt- Truth at laft Tri- umphs. Tis.aXaw ffii^ng the Pcrjjs in fe&fc , to ufc premc- diration jn what they ire to do, hac if it be b7.1i j to ttjeSt it, if good, to iCt It. foh.iM4. Mat.7.11. 'Twasa .;ood fay- ing of #*- 2l« M.l:- 'rr, Mw ■'i whls^ fdwfdttit A nojfrx rmgunu 'oHjijluriti worth than Heaven and Earth, and which will mike a man live happily, dye comfortably , and reign eternally* And now if thou pleafeft, read the )Vor\^, and receive this counfel from me» Firft, 'Thou muft kttow that every man cannot be excellent ,th at yet may be ufefnl. An iron hey may unlockjhe door of a golden Treafureyeatfti- rum poteit quod aurum non poteft) iron can dofome things that gold cannot do, dec* Secondly , Remember , 3 tis not bafiy read- ings t>ut fcrious meditating upon holy and hea- venly truths , that makes him prove fweet and 'profitable to the foul* 3e Tis not the Bees touch ing of the Flower that gathers Honey , but her abidtngfor a time upon the Flower that draws out the fweet > 'lis not he that reads moft, but he that meditates moft, that mil prove the cboicefi , fweeteft , wifeft and ftrongeft Chrifti- an, See. f Thirdly, Know, that z tis not the knowing ■> nor the talking, ner the reading man, but the doing man, that at laft will be found the happieft man : If you know thefe things, blefTed and happy are you if you do them. Not every one that faith,Lord,Lord,(ha]l enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of my "Father that is in -Ft aven. Judas called Chrift Lord, Lord, and yet betrayed him, and is gone to his place > Ah ! how many Judafe* have we in tlpzfe days tbst kifs Chrift, and yet betray Chrift i that in their words prof efs him, but in thei T A Word to the Reader. their works deny him\ that bow their kpee to him, and yet in their hearts defpife him •, that call him Jefus, and yet wit not obey him for their Lord. Reader, If it be not (bong upon thy heart to praclife what thou readefi, to what end dofi thou read , to encreafe thy own condemnation i If thy light and knowledge be not turned into practice, the more knowing man thou art, the more mife- rable man thou wilt be in the day of recommence j thy light and knowledge will more torment thee , than all the Devils in Hell, thy knowledge will be that rod that will eternally laflj thee, and that Scorpion that will for ever bite thee, and that worm that will evcrlaftingly gnaw thee i there- fore read, and labour to kftow^ that thou mayeft do-) or elfe thou art undone for ever. When De~ mofthenes was as^ed^ what was the firfi part of sin Orator, what thefecond, what the third ? he anfwercd, Adtion : 7 he fame may I fay, if any fhould askjne^ what is the firft y the fecond, *^j"he'oue- third part of a Chrifiian ? I muft anfwer, A6tionij ft j on ^ as that man that reads that he may kfrow y and Pacuvim that labours to kpow that he may do, will have twa Heaven j \a Heaven of Joy, Peace and comfort on earth, and a Heaven of glory and hapfinefs after death. Fourthly, and laftly, If in thy reading thou wilt caft a ferims eye upon the Margent, thm\^. d * **/ 1 wilt find manyfweet and precious notes fh at wiUi- m JJ^ oftentimes give light to the things thou readefi,' & c . and pay thee for thy pains with much comfort and profit* So de firing that thou mayji find as much fwcet- The Hea- then Phi- lofopher (Seneca.) lilted not inch as ire (ftmpr vi- tfmjil ways about to live, but never be- gin. God loves (faith Lu- ther) Cur- riftas, noi Quariftasy the Run- ner, not hath an e- Iegant fay- ing, J hate f faith he; the men that are idle in A Word to the Reader. fmetmfs and advantage in reading this trea tife, as I have found (by the over-Jhadomngs of Heaven) in tbeftudying and writing ofiu Ire- commend thee to God , and to the word of his grace, which is able to build thee up, and to give thee an inheritance among them which are fanftified. And re(l> Reader, thy Souls fervant in every Office of the Gofpel y THOMAS BROOKS. As 20.31. PRE P R EC 10 US REMEDIES Againft Satanj Devi c es. 2 Corinth^ 1 1. Lefi Satan Jhould get an advantage of us : for we are not ignorant of his Devices* N this fift Verfeh, the A poftle (hews , that the inceftuous perfon had by his inceft fadded thofe precious fouls that God would not have fadded : Souls that walk finfully are Hazaels to the godly , and draw many fighes and tears from them. Jeremy weeps in fe- cret for Judo's fins , arid Paul cannot fpeak of thofe Belly-Gods with dry eyes, Pbil.3. 18. And Lot's righteous foul was burthened, vexed, and racked by the filthy Sodomites ', 2 Pet. 2. 7,8. Every fin- ful Sodomite was a Hazael to his eyes, a Hadadrimmon to his heart. Gracious fouls ufe to mourn for other mens fins as well Precious Remedies pfaj.n9.136, is*. Afts and Mon. Dole&t & de dolm gaadeat. Jcroiti. well as their own, and for their fouls and , fins who make a mock of (in , and a Jeftj of damning their own fouls. Guilt or £rief is all that gracious fouls get by com- munion with vain fouls. In the 6. Verfe, he (hews, that the pu« nilhment that was inflided upon the in- ceftuous per(bn,»was fufficient, and there* fore they mould not refufe to receive him who had repented , and (brrowed for his former faults and follies. 'Tis not for the honor of Chrift, the credit of the Gofpel, nor the good of fouls , for Profeflbrs to be like thofe bloody wretches, that burnt fome that recanted at the ftajte , faying, That they would fend them out of the world whiles they were in a good mind. In the 7,8,9, and 10. Verfes , the Apo- ftle ftirs up the Church to forgive him, to comfort him , and to confirm their love towards him, left he (hould befwallowed up with overmuch forrow , Satan going about to mix the deteftable darnel of de- (paration, with the godly forrow of a purepenitent heart. It was a fweet faying of one,Lt* a man grieve for his fin^and then joy for his grief: That forrow for (in that keeps the foul from looking towards the Mercy-feat, and that keeps Chrift and the foul a funder, or that (hall render the foul unfit for the communion of Saints, is a finful forrow. Againjl Satans Dervices. In the u.Verfe, he lays down ano- ther reafon to work them to (hew pity and mercy to the penitent (inner , that was mourning and groaning under his fin and nlifery, *. e. Left Satan jhonld I get an advantage of ut , for we art not igno- rant of bis Devices. A little for the open- ing of the words. Left Satan Jbould get an advantage of us > left Satan over-reach us. The Greek word fignirieth to have more than belongs to one j the companion is taken from the greedy Merchant , that feeketh and tak- eth all opportunities to beguile and de- ceive others. Satan is that wily Mer- chant , that devoureth not widows hou- fes, but moft mens fouls. We are not ignorant of Satans Devices y or Plots , or Machinations, , or Strata- gems-, he is but a titular Chrirtian , that hath not perfonai experience of Satans ftratagems , his fet and cpmpoCed Ma- chinations * his artiticially moulded me- thods, his plots, darts, depths, whereby he out-witted our firfi Parents , and rits us a penny-worth ftill, as he fees reafon. The main Obfervation that I (hall draw from thele words, is this i ibat Satan batb bis fever al Devices to deceive^ intangle> and undo the fonts of nun* I (hall, NoiifAcefc' Voftrfaf* Precious tf(emediei M*M**<* 9 [AIT A I (hall, i Prove the Point. v 2 Shew you his feveral Devices. And 3 The Remedies againft his Devices. 4 How it comes to pafs , ^ ^ he hath fo many feveral Devices to de- ceive, intangle, and undo the fouls I" of men. 5 I (hall lay down (bme Propositions concerning Satans Devices. For the proof of the Point , take thefc few Scriptures, Epbef.6. ji. Put on the whole armour of God , that ye may be able to ftand againft the vnles of the Devil. The Greek word that is here rendred wiles, is a notable emphatical word. 1 It ilgniries fuch fnares as are laid be- hind one , fuch treacheries as come upon ones back at unawares. It notes the me- thods or way-layings of that old fubtile Serpent , who like Vans Adder in the path, biteth the heels of Patfengers, and thereby transfufeth his venome to the head and heart. The word fignifies an ambulhment , or Stratagem of War , whereby the enemy fets upon a man ex infidik) at anawares. 2 It fignifies fuch fnares as are fet to catch one in ones road ; A man walks in his road,and thinks not of it \ on the fud- den he is catcht by Thieves , or falls in- to a pit, &c. 3 It AgainftSatans Devices. 3 It (ignities fuch as are purpofely, ar- tificially , and craftily fet for the taking the prey at the greateft advantage that can be -, the Greek ^^^mhoing deri- ved from v*™ and ofa figrrrrres properly a way-laying , circumvention , or going about, as they do which feek after their, prey. Julian by his craft , drew more from the faith than all his perfecuting Predeceffors could do by their cruelty. So doth Satan more hurt in his fheeps skin, than by roaring like a Lyon. Take one Scripture more for the proof of the Point, and that is in 2 7i"»*. 2 . ult* +And that they might recover them- [elves out of the fnare of the Devil , who are tatyn captive by him at his n>W. The Greek word that is here rendred reco- ver themfelves , (ignifies to awake them- felves > the Apoftle alludeth to one that is a ileep, or drunk, who is to be awake- ned and reftored to his fenfes > and the Greek word that is here rendred taken captive , Signifies to be taken alive ', the word is, properly, a warlike word, and figniries to be taken alive as Souldiers are taken alive in the Wars, or as Birds are taken alive , and infnared in the Fowlers net. Satan hath fnares for the wife,and fnares for the fimple ^ fnares for hypocrites, and fnares for the upright > fnares for generous fouls , and fnares for timerous ,fy*ytiy.iw> Precious Remedies Pmus in loc. lTim.4«i» i. Device, timerous Souls > fnares for the rich , and fnares fo*»*he poor , fnarcs for the aged, and fnares^or youth, &c Happy are thofe foulsMkt are not taken and held in the fnares that he hath laid. Take one proof more , and then I will proceed to the opening of the Point, and that is in Re v. 2. 24. But unto you I fay, and unto the reft in Thyatyra , as ma- ny as have not this Vofirine , and which have not kporvn the depths of Satan , as they fpeak^ I mil put upon you no othe burthen* but to hold f aft till I come. Thofe poor fouls called their Opinions the depths of God , when indeed they were the depths of Satan. You call your opi- nions depths , and fo they are , but they are fuch depths as Satan hath brought out of hell y they are the whifperings and hidings of that Serpent , not the In- fpirations of God. Now the fecond thing that I am to (hew you , is his feveral Devices , and herein Khali firft (hew you the feveral De- vices that he hath to draw the foul to fin : I (hall infhnce in thefe twelve , which may befpeak our moft ferious confidera- tion. His fir ft Device to draw the Soul to Sin, is, TO prefent the bait, and hide the hook ', to prefent the Golden Cup, and jigainft Satans Devices. L4 and hide the poifon : to prefent the fweet the pleafure , and the profit that may flow in upon the foul , by yielding to fin, and by v hiding from the foul the wrath and mifery that wilj certainly follow the committings of fin; By this Device he took our firft Parents, Gen- 3. 4, $• And the Serpent faid nnto the, woman , ye Jhall not fitrely die. For God doth kpow , that in the day ye eat thereof ', then your eyes Jh all be opened, and ye Jhall be as Gods , blow- ing good and evil. Your eyes (hall be o- pened , and you (hall be as Gods> here is the bait, the fweet, the pleafure, the pro- fit. Oh! but he hides the hook, the fhamc, the wrath, and the lofs that would certainly follow. There is an opening of the eyes of the mind to contemplation and joy, and there is an opening of the eyes of the body to rfliame and confufion. He promifeth them the former,bu't intends the latter , and Co cheats them, giving them an Apple in ex- change for Paradife , as he deals by thou- fands now adays.Satan with eafe puts fal- lacies upon us, by his golden baits , and then leads us, and leaves us in a fools Pa- radife , hepromifes the foul honour, plea- fure, and profit, &c. but pays the (bul with the greateft contempt , fhame , and lofs that can be > by a golden bait he la- boured to catch Chrift, Mattb. 4. 8, ?. He C (hews So to reduce D. Taylor. Martyr, they prom 1 fed him not only his Pardon but a Biflioprick. A6is& Mo*. foi 1385. l*tft peeca- tun cum de- le 61 ay is : r<£- Mt fi conjen- tii. Aug. i« Pf. jo. 8 ^Precious Remedies cne. Multi ma%- do res noxias (untmifii, babeudo mi- fuions. Au2 Tim mrld (bewes him the beauty and the bravery %*$/*"!'. 'of a bewitching world, which doubtlefle kmtcb (kith Np & ^ nave ta ^ en manv a carnal heart i but here the Devils Hre fell upon wet tin- demand therefore took not •, thefe tempt- ing objects did not at all win upon his af- fections, nor dazle his eyes \ though ma- ny have eternally died of the wound of the eye , and fallen for ever by this vile iaPr.i6.ManVflrumpet the world , who by laying forth ^ e , ^/^^fher two fair breads of profit, and pleafure hath wounded their fouls, and call them down into utter perdition : She hath by the glittering of her Pomp and prefer- ment ,. llain millions-, as the Serpent Scy- iali\ whiclrwhen (he cannot overtake the fleeing ParTengers, doth, with herbeauti- ful colours , ationifh and amaze them, fo that they have no power to pafTe away till Hie have ftung them to death. Ad ver- ity hath (lain her thoufand, but Profpe-* rity her ten thoufand. Now the Remedies againft this Device of the Vevil\ are thefe* *Tpirft,Keep at the greatefVdiftance from JL fin, and from playing with the gol- den' bait that Satan holds forth to catch you v for this you have, ftow.-iz* 9. Ab- hor that which is evil , 'cleave to that which is gewfiwhen we meet with any thing ex- tream- by loving hurtfulthingcj but they are more mife- rable by ha- ving thtni. M:n IiaJ need pray with Berna/d, Da Vomim at fie pjjidamiis t(mporalia>ut mh' perdamus sterna. Grant us Lord that we may fo partake of temporal feli- city, that we may not lofe eternal. > jigainjl Satans Devices. trcamly evil , and contrary to us , nature abhors it, and retires as far as it can from it. The Greek word that is there ren- dred abhor, is very fignificant, it fignifies to hate it as hell it (tlf , to hate it with h'orrour. Arfdm uftd to fay, itb'M ifhejhouldfee the jhame of fin on the one hand , and the . fains of heti on the other , andmujl of ne~ cejjity chufe one , he would rather he thruft into hell without fin , than go into heaven with fireSo great was his hatred and dete- ction of fin. 5 Tis our wifclt and our fafeft icourfe to Hand at the furtheli diftance from tin , not to go near the houfe of the Harlot , but tp,flye from all appearance of evil. The belt courfe to prevent falling into the pit , is to keep at the greater! diitance* he that will be Co bold as to attempt to dance upon the brink of the Pit , may find by woful experience , that 'tis a righteous thing with God , that he (hould tall into the pit* Jofepb keeps at a. diftance from fin , and from playing with Satans golden baits , and (lands* David draws near, and plays with the bait , and falls , and fwall'ows bait and hook with a wi f nefs. David comes neef the fnare, and is taken in ir,to the breaking of his bones, the wounding of his confcien.ee, and the lofs of his God. Sin is a Plague, yea^ the greateft and C 2 mod The fimple Verb irr parts extream dt- teftatron , which is ag- gravated by the Ccmpod- tion. Cbryf. Prov. ?. 8. I Thef.5.22. »Twas a Di- vine faying of a Heathen, That if there were no God to ru.iijh him, no Devil to ; tormtnt him, no bell to hbi Mitt) no mania fee him ,'yet _ wo.'dd be 1 ot fix for the H&4 lineff and fit-; tbinefs offi>h \ and the grief] of hi sown Conjcience. Sen. lO Grecians Remedies Sin is like thofe Difeafes that are cali'd bv Phyfitians, Cormitio to- :ius Jkbflanti*. 2. Remedy* moft infe&ious plague in the world, arrd yet, ah ! how few are there that tremble at it , that keep at a diftarice from it > i Cor* 5.6. Know ye net that a tittle leaven kaveneth the whole lUmf ? As foon as one fin had feized upon Adams heart, all fin entred into his foul and oveifpread it. How hath Adams one fin fpread over all mankind^ Rorn.5. 12. Wherefore as by one man fin entred into the world , and death by fin, andfo death faffed upon all mentor that all have finned. Ah ! how doth the Fathers tin infedr the Child , the Husbands infeft the Wife,the Matters the Servant? The fin that is in one mans hearths able to infe& a whole world , 'tis of fuch a fpreading and mfe&ious nature.- The fiory of the halianjarho firft made his enemy deny God,and then ftab'd him, and fo at once murthered both body and foul , declares the perfect malignity of tin-, and Oh ! that what hath been (poken upon this head , may prevail with you , to ftand at a diftance from fin. the fecond Remedy \ is, TO confider that fin is but a bitter- fweetuhat feemingfweet that is in fin will quickly vanifh, and lalting (hame, forrow , horror , and terror will come in the room thereof , Job 20. 12,13, I4<, Though wickgdnefs befipeet in his mouth ,'J) thjughl jfgainjl Satans Devices. u though he hide it under his tongue though \ w | ien c J] e . . hefvareit , and firfaks itnot, hut^eep j* g^^* 1 fliu within his mouth , yet his meat in his bowtls is turned, it is the gaU of Afps with- in him- Forbidden profits and pleafures are mod pleafing to vain men, who count madnefsmirth,d^.Many long to be med- ling with the murthering morfels of fin., which nourifh not , but rent and confume the belly, the foul that receives them. Ma- ny eat that on earth, that they digeft in helh fins murthering morfels will deceive thofe that devour them. Adams Apple was a bitter-fweet , Efau's MeiTe was a bitter-fweet , the Israelites Qaails a bit- ter-fweet , Jonathans Honey a bitter- fweet, and Adonijah's Dainties abitter- fwest : Aftei the Meal is ended , comes the reckoning: Men muft not think to dance an4 dine with the Devil, and then to fup with Ahr aham , IfaacdXidi Jacob in the kingdom of Heaven 3 to feed upon the poyfon of Afps, and yet that the Yi- pers tongue /hall not flay them. When the Afp flings a man,it dothfirit tickle bim fo as it makes him laugh, till the poyfon by lktie and little gets to the heart , and then it pains him more than ever it delighted him:So doth fin* it may pleafealktle atfirft, but it will pain the foul with a witnefs at lafhyeajif there were the leaft real delight in (in, there could be C 3 no to carch us, We muft fay as Dmoflhenes the Orator did of the beautifull.^, when he ww asked an ex- cetfive fum of monev to be- hold her, I will not buy repentance fo dean I am not fo ilia Mer- chant as to Jell eternals for temporals, Ifinrempe- nnce could afford more pleafure than Temperance 3 Htliogabalus uWld have been more haDpy, than Adam in Pa- radifc. Plutarch. IX Precious G(emedies [.&. 59- *• Pf-51-ii- 1 fa. 59. 8. 2 Chron. I Jcc. r 7 - 1 3. no perfect hell, where men (hall mod per- fectly be tormented with their fin. 7& Third Remedy againft this Device of Satan , zV, OOlemnly to confider , That fin will '' O ufher in the greateft and the fad deft loffes that can be upon our fouls > if will ufher in the lofs of that Divine favour that is better than life,andthe lofs of that joy that is unfpeakable , and full of glory, and the lofs of that peace that paifcth un- derstanding, and thelofsof rhofe Divine influences by which the foul hath been refrtfhed, quickened, railed, flrcngthned , and gladded , and the lofs' of many out- ward defireable mercies, which other- wife the foul might have enjoyed. It was a found and favoury reply of an Englifh Captain at the lofs of Callice , when a proud French-man fcornfully de- manded, When mil yw fetch Callice again^ replyed, * When yourfnspall weigh down ours. Ah ! England ! my conftant Prayer for thee is , that thou may ft not fin away thy mercies into their hands, that cannot call mercy mercy, and that would joy in nothing more than to fee thy forrow and mifery, aftcLto fee that hand to make thee naked, that hath cloathed thee with cat a. vtfit* crunt nofiiis zrav'wa. much mercy and glory. The. Jgainft Satans VcVices. 13 4. Remedy,' In S&rdis there grew an herb called dis.zhit would mike a man lie laughing when he was deadly fickj fuch is the operation of fin. Pfo.j.12,13. the fourth Remedy againft this Device of Satan, is , SErioufly to confider , That fin is of a very deceitful and bewitching natures fin is from the greateft deceiver,'tis a child of his own begetting , 'tis the ground of all the deceit in the world , and 'tis in its own nature exceeding deceitful. Heb. 3. 13 . But exhort one another daily , while it is called to dayjeft any of you he hardened through the deceitfulnefs offw* It will kilTe the foul, and pretend fair to the foul , and yet betray the foul for ever it will with Valilah fmile upon us, that it may betray us into the hands of the De vil , as (he did Sampfim into the hands of the Philiftims* Sin gives Satan a power over us,and an advantage to accufe us and to lay claim to us , as thofe that wear his iadge *, 'tis of a very bewitching Nature, it bewitches the foul where 'tis upon the Throne , that the foul cannot leave it, though it perifh eternally by it. Sin fo .bewitches the foul, that it makes the foul call evil good, and good evil,bitter fweet, and fweet bitter,light darknefs,and dark- nefs light , and a foul thus bewitcht with lin, will ftand it out to the death , at the fwords point with God * let God ftrike, and wound, and cut to the very bone, yet the bewitched foul cares not , fears not,j™ ;/; '*& bkt C 4 but Which occa- fioned Cbry- foftome to iky, when Eudoxia the Emprefs threatned him , Go tell her ( Nil nifi peccatum ti~ wto) I fear i H Precious Remedies Va.lt lumen amicum. Ambrofr. 2. Device. 1 but willftill hold on in a courfe of wick- ednefs, as you may fee in Pbaraob, Balaam^ and Judx\ tell the bewitched foul that fin is a Viper that will certainly kill when 'tis not killed* that fm often kills fecretly, in- fenfibly, eternally, yet the bewitched foul cannot, nor will not ceafe from fin. When the Phyfitians told fbeotimus that except he did abftain from drunken- nefs and uncleannefs , &c. he would lofe his eyes •, His heart was fo bewitcht to his fins , that he anfwers, Tbenfaretvel fmet light > he had rather lofe his eyes, than leave' his fin : So a man bewitcht with fin , had rather lofe God , Chrift , Heaven , and his Own foul,then part with his fin. O therefore for ever take heed of playing , or nibling at Satans golden baits. the Second Device of Satan to draw the foul to. Sin, is* BY painting fin with vertucs colours. Satan knows, that if he (hould pre- fent fin in its own nature and drefTe , the fonl would rather flye from it, than yield to it, and therefore he prefent it unto us, not in its own proper colours,but painted andj>uilded over with the name and (hew of vertue, that we may the more eafily be overcome by it , and take the more plea- fure Jgainfl Satans Devices. l 5 fure in committing of it* Pride, he pre- fents to the foul under the name and no- tion of neatnefs and cleanlinefs, and co- vetoufnels (which the Apoftlc condemns for Idolatry) to be but good Husbandry, and Drunkennefs to be good tellowfhip, aiid riotoufnefs under the name and no- tion of liberality , an4 wantonnefs is a trick of youth, e^c. Now the Remedies againfi this Device of Satan, are tbefe. FIrft, Confider that (in is never a whit the lefs filthy, vile, and abominable, by its being coloured and painted with vertues colour* A poyfonous Pill is never a whit the lefs poyfonous , becaufe 'tis guilded over with golds nor a Wolf is ne- ver a whit the le(s a Wolf, becaufe he hath put on a Sheeps-skin ^ nor the Devil is never a whit the lefs a Devil , becaufe he appears fometimes like an Angel of light. So neither is-iin any whit the lefs filthy and abominable, by its being paint ed over with vertues colours. 'The fecond Remedy againfi this "Device of Satan-, tf, THat the more fin is painted forth un- der the colour oi vertue , the more ' dangerous i. Remedy* 2. Remedy* \6 Precious Remedies. dangerous it is to the fouls of men i this we fee evident in thefe days , by thofe very many fouls that are turned out of the way that is holy (and in which their fouls have had fweet and glorious com- munion with God J into ways of higheft vanity and folly, by Satans neat colouring over of im, and painting forth vice under I the name and colour of vertue. This is fo notoriously known that I need but name ,itj the mod dangerous Vermine is too ! often to be found under the faireft and fweeteft Flowers , and the faireft Glove is often drawn upon the fowled hand , and the richeft Robes are often put upon the | filthieft bodies : So are the faireft and fweeteft names, upon the greateft and the mod horrible vices and errors that be in the world j ah ! that we had not too ma- ny fad proofs of this amongft us. 'the third Remedy againji this Device of Satan-) is , TO look on (in with that eye, which within a few hours we fhall fee it. , Ah fouls ! when you (hall lye upon a chatwhcIThis dvin g bed > and ftand before a Judgment- ffih did ap- feat , fin fhall be unmaskt, and its drefs pear m their and Robes (hall then be taken off, and then JJg ™kg*» it (hall appear more vile, filthy, and terri- emfie and kle than hell it felf j then that which for- tormert him, merly Turpi or a. [wit vkia qua vir- tittum fpeci: cdi-Mr. Jer. Thus the HU- mimtts fas they called tbem he hides his deformed head,till his fweet fcent hath drawn them into his danger*, till we have finned,Satan is a Parafite, when we have finned, he is a Tyrant. Oh fouls ! the day is at hand, when the Devil will pull off the paint and garnilh that he hath put upon fin,and pre- (ent that Monfter fin in fuch a monftrous fhape to your fouls , that will caufe your thoughts to be troubled , your counte- nance to be changed , the joynts of your loyns to be loofed , and your knees to be d .jfhe v d oneagainft another,and your hearts to be fo fer-riried , that you will be ready with t.iat he pro- fited to :he Senate, that 'iclifttrcd death daily. >atanthat now allures h;cto Cm> will ere long make the^ to fee that (pec- cat um (ft dti- cidlum) Suit a murdering of God, and this will make thee murthef two at once, thy foul and thy body, unlefs the Lord in mercy holes thy hands. i8 Precious Q^wedies 3. Remedy, ttfa guttata fits valet quam caelum & terra Luther,/, e. One link drop ffpeaking of the hjood of ChriftJ u mo north thu Huntn and Earth. with Achitophel and Judas , to ftrangle,and hang your bodies on earth, and your fouls in hell , if the Lord faith not more mercy on you, than he had on them. Oh ! therefore look upon fin now, as you muft look upon it to all eternity , and as Qod, Conference : , and Satan will prefent it to you another day. 'the Fourth Remedy sgainft this Device of Satan is> SErioufly to confider, That even thofe very fins that Satan paints , and puts new names and colours upon,coft the belt blood, the nobleft blood, the life-blood, the heart-blood of the Lord Jefus. That Chrift fhould come frorn the eternal bo- fome of his father, to a Region of forrow and death *, That God ilipuld be mani- fefted in the fle(h , the Creator made a Creature j that he that was cloathed with glory , fhould be wrapped with rags of flcfh \ he that filled heaven and earth with his glory ,(hould be cradled in a Manger, that the power of God fhould flye from weak man, the God of Ifiael into Egypt, that the Cod of the Law (hould be tub- jed to the Law 5 the God of circumcifi- on circumcifed ^ the God that made the heavens working at Jofefhs homely trades that he that binds the Devils in Chains, (hould jfgainji Satans Devices. '9 (hould be tempted ^ that he whofe is the world , and the fulnefs thereof , (hould hunger and thirft, that the God of ftrength (hould be weary , the Judge of all flefh condemned, the God of life put to death : that he that is one with his Father, (hould cry,out of mifery, My God^ my God y why haft thou forfaksn me ? That he that had the Keys of hell and death at his girdle, (hould lie imprifon'd in the fepulcre of another, having in his life time, no where to lay his head, nor after death, to lay his body : that that head before which the Angels do caft down their Crowns , (hould be crowned with Thorns: and thofe eyes , purer than the Sun , put out by the darknefs of death*, thofe ears, which hear nothing but Hallelujahs 6f Saints and Angels,to hear the blafphemies of the multitude •, that face,that was fair er than the Son of men , to be fpit on by thofe beaitly wretched Jews, that mouth and tongue that fpake as never man (pake, accufed for blafphemy j thofe hands that freely fwayed the fcepter of heaven , nail- ed to the Crofs > thofe feet like unto fine brafs , nailed to the Crofs for mans fins j each fenfe annoyed , His feeling or touch- ing with afpear and nails \ hisfmell with ftinkingfavour,being crucified about Gol- gotha , the place of skulls, his tafte with Vinegar and Gall •, his bearing with re- proaches Oneot the Rabbins , when he read what bitter Torments the Mefjlas fliould fufter, when he came into the world, cried out. Vtniat Mtflias if ego non vi- deaiHyije-. let the Mtfjias comc> but It not mt fee him. Dionypits be- ing in Egypt, at the time of Chiifts fufter- ing,and feeing an Eclipfe of the Son, and knowing it to be contrary to nature, cri- ed out, (Am Dcus nattr* patitur, ant mnndi ma- china dijfolvh tnrj Either the God of Nature (i Of- fers, ort\x frame of the WorldwUlbe dijfvlved. 20 (precious Remedies 'Tii an excel- [ lent faying of Bernard) (JQiaato pro nobis vlllor ta/ito nobis charibr) The more vile Chrift made hi mfe If tor us, the more dear he ought to be to us. Nqlo divert fine vubun cum tc vid. o vlncratum Qh ray God ! as lorg as I fee thy wounds, I will never Jive wiheut wound*, (aid Bonavintwre. proaches, and fight with his mother and Difciples bemoaning him *, his foul com- fortleis and forfaken •, and all this for fhofe very fins that Satan paints, and puts fine colours upon i Q\\ ! • how mould the confidcration off this Ttir up the foul a- gainft. itr, and work the foul to rlye from it , and to ufe all holy means , whereby fin may be fubdued, and deitroyed. After Julius Ctjar was murthered, An- tonius brought forth his Coat all bloody, and cuti and laid it bcfore.the people,fay- ingjLftoJ^, here you have your Emperors Coat thus bkody^and torns whereupon the peo- ple were presently in anuproar,and cryed out to flay thofe murtherers •, and they took their Tables and Stools that were in the place, and fet them on rirc,and run to the houfes of tiiem that. had ilain O- /^r,and burnt them. So when we confider that, fin hath ilain our Lord Jems , ah! how mould it provoke our hearts to b revenged on fin, that hath murdered thi Lord of glory , and hath done that mi(t chief , that all the Devils in hell, could never have done. It was good counfel one gave , Never let go out of your minds the thoughts of a crucified Chriji : Let thefe be meat 6c drink unto you, let them be your fweetnefs and confolation , your honey , and your de- fire i your reading, and your meditation k you* jigainjl Sat am devices. i\ your life , death , arid refurre&ion. 'the 'third Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to fin, is, B Y extenuating and lefTening of fin *, Ah ! faith Satan , 'tis but a little ! pride, a little worldlinefs,a little unclean- j nefs , a little drunkennefs , &c. As Lot \ faid oiZoar, It is but a little one, and my \ foul jh all live > alas, faith Satan, 'tis but a very little fin that you (tick (6 at •, you tnay commit it without any danger to ) your foul , 'tis but a little one, you may I commit it, and yet your foul (hall live. Now the Remedies againft this Device of * Satan, are tbefe. FIrft , folemnly confider , That thofe fins which we are apt to account fmal, have brought upon men the great- ( eft wrath of God *, as the eating of an [Apple, gathering a few Hicks on the Sab- bath day, and touching of the Ark, Oh ! the dreadful wrath that thefe fins brought down upon the heads and hearts of men. The leaft fin is contrary to the Law of God , the Nature of God y the Being of God , and the Glory of God > and there- fore 'tis often puniflied (everely by God j and do not we fee daily the vengeance of thei 3. Device* Gen- 19. 20. I* Remedy* Draco the ri- gid Law-gi- ver being ask- ed why (when /ins were not equaJJ he ap- pointed death to all? anfwer- ed, He {new that fins were not all equal, but he l^;ew the leaft dt- f.rved death. 11 (precious Remedies So though the fins of men be not all equal, yet the lead of them de J ferves eternal death. 2 "Remedy pkl.137. 9. Happy (hall hi be that tatytb and dajlr.tb thy liltle ous a^xlnjl the flO'l.S. the Almighty falling upon the bodies, names, ftates, families, and fouls of men, for thofe fins that are, but little ones in their eyes ? Surely if we are not utterly left of God, and blinded by Satan we can- not but fee it. Oh therefore ! when Sa- tan fays 'tis but a little one , do thou fay , oh ! but thofe fins that thou calleft little , are fuch as will caufe God to rain Hell out of Heaven upon finners > as he did upon the Sodomites. The fecond Remedy againft this Device of Satan, is, SErioufly to confider , That the giving way to a lefs fin , makes way for the committing of a greater. He that to avoid a greater fin , will yield to a lefTer , ten thoufand to, one , but God in juftice will leave that foul to fall into a greater : If we commit one fin to avoid another , 'tis juft we mould avoid neither-, we having not Law nor power in our own hands, to keep off fin as we pleafe i and we by yielding to the lefTer, dp tempt the temp- ter to tempt us to the greater. Sin is of an encroaching nature , it creeps on the foul by degrees , fiep by ffcp , till it hath the foul to the very height of lin« David gives way to his wand ring eye, and this led him to thofe foul fins that caufed God to break jfgainfl Satans Devices break his bones, and to turn his day into night, and to leave his foul in great dark- nefs. Jacob, and Peter, and other Saints have found this true by woful experience, that the yielding to a leifc* fin, hath been the uftieringofa greater •, the little Thief will open the door, and make way for the greater •, and the little wedge knockt in, will make way for the greater. Satan will firft draw thee (b fit with the drun- kard, and then to lip with the drunkard, and then at laft to be drunk with the drunkard v he will firft draw thee to be unclean in thy thoughts , and then to be unclean in thy looks > and then to be un- clean in thy words,and at laft to be un- clean in thy practices » he will rirft draw thee to look on the golden wedge , and then to like the golden wedge , and then to handle the golden wedge , and then at laft by wicked ways to gain the golden wedge , though thou runneft the hazard of lofing God and thy foul for ever : as you may fee in Gehazi-, Achan> and Judas, and many in thefe our days. Sin is never at a ftand, Pfal. i. i. rirft ungodly, then finners , then [corners \ here they goe on from fin to fin , till they come to the top of fin, viz* to fit in the feat of [corners , or as 'tis in the Septuagint, ( r&! *o///5* ) to affcti the honour of the Chair of Pefti* lence. D Aujlin Hugo's gJotfe is pious, &c. ( fit nihil inte Babiloniam) Let there be nothing in thee of Baby Ion -, not only the grown, men, but the little ones muflbe daficd agzinft the /tones-, sot only treat fins but little fins mft be killed, or 'key well k}^ the foul or ever, M (Precious Remedies An Italian ha- ving found his .ntmy at ad- vantage, pro- miled him if He would deny his faith, he would fave his lite: he to five his life,denied nisfaith, which having done, hefhb'dhim, rejoycing that by this he had at one time t.iken revenge both on body and foul. A young man being long tempted to kill h in lather, or' lie •nth his mother* or be drunk he Au\\in writing upon John, tells a itory of a certain man , that was of an opinion that the Devil did make the Fly , and not God j faith one to him,if the Devil made Flies , then the Devil made Worms , and God did not make them, for they are liv- ing creatures as well as Flies i true, faid he, the Devil did make Worms •, but faid the other , if the Devil did make Worms, then be made Birds, Beaits,and Mm ', he granted all : 77w, iaith Au,iin,by denying God in the Fly^he came to deny God in man, and id deny the tvhde Crcatim. By all this we fee, that the yielding to lelTer tins, draws the foul to the commit- ting of greater. Ah! how many in thefe days have fallen,rirft to have low thoughts of Scripture and Ordinances , and then to iliglit Scripture and Ordinances , and then to make a nofe of wax of Scripture and Ordinances , and then to catt orf Scrip- ture and Ordinances, and then at lalt, to advance and lift up thcmlelves, and their Chrilt-difhonouring, and foul-damning opinions, above Scripture and Ordinances \ Sin gains upon mans foul by infeniible degrees. -Ecckf 10. 15. Jhe beginning of the words of his mouth isf'olifhnefs^and the end of his talking U mifchievous madnejs. Corruption in the heart , when it breaks forth, is like a breach in the Sea , which begins in a narrow parage , till it eat through, Jfgainft Satam Devices. *5 through , and calt down all before it. The debates of the foul are quick , and foon ended , and that may be done in a moment that may undo a man for ever. When a man hath begun to fin,he knows not where,or when, or how he (hall make a (lop of fin v ufually the foul goes on from evil to evil , from folly to folly, till it be ripe for eternal mifery i men ufual- ly grow from being naught , to be very naught, and from very naught, to be ftark naught,and then God fets them at naught for ever. the third Remedy AGainft this third Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to fin, is, fo- lemnly to confider , that 'tis fad to (land with God for a trifle : Dives would net give a crum , therefore he thould not re- ceive a drop j 'tis the greateft folly in the world to adventure the going to hell (or a fmall matter. I tajied but a little honey |(faid Jonatban)andI rnuft dye. It is a molt {unkind and unfaithful thing to break | with God for a little^ little fins carry with | them but little temptations to (in, and - jj then a man (hews moft vicioufnefs , and unkindnefs,when he fins on a little temp- tation. 'Tis devillim to fin without a [temptation, 'tis little lefc than devillim to j-iin on a little occafion , the lefs the temp- tation is to (in,the greater is that fm.Sanls D 2 fin yield 10 the lefler, Vi\* to be drunk, that He might be rid of thf greater \ but when he was drunk, he did both kill his Fathcr,and lie with his Mo- ther. 3. Remedy. Luke 16*. H, z Sam 14. 13 It was a vex- ation to Kin2 Lyjimackut, tha- his flaying to drink one i6 (Precious (Remedies fmall draught of water loll him his king- dom e : an.i lo it will eternal- ly vex fome fculs at lair , that for fom^ one little Cm febnrrpared with great iranfjrefiTion.^ they have lc.it God j Heaven, and their Souls for ever. Remedy. i Cor. 5 iin in not Haying tor Samuel , was not ib much in the matte* , but it was much in the malice of it* for though Samuel had not come at all, yet Saul mould not have offered Sacrifice j> but this colt him dear, his foul and Kingdom. 'Tis the greateit unkindnefs that can be (hewed to a friend,to adventure the com plaining, bleeding, and grieving of his foul upon a light and flight occafion : So 'tis the greateft unkindnefs that can be (hewed to God, Chrilt,and the Spirit, for a foul to put God upon complaining , Chrift upon bleeding, and the Spirit upon grieving, by yielding to little fins ■-, there- fore, when Satan fays 'tis but a little one,, do thou anfwer, that oftentimes there is the greatcft unkindnefs (hewed to Gods glorious Majetiy, in the acting oftheleaft folly , and therefore thou wilt not dif- pleafe thy beft and greateit friend , by yielding to his leaft enemy. T'he fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is , feri- oully to conlider , That there is great danger , yea many times mod dan- ger in the frralleft iins. A Utile leaven lea* I vemtbtbe vehole lump; if the Serpent wind I in his head, he will draw in his whole bo- dy after. Greater tins do fooner ftartle' the foul , and awaken and roufe up the foul dgainjl Satans Devices. 17 ! foul to repenunce,than letter tins dojlittle ; fins often ilide into the foul , and breed , | and work fecretly , and undifcernably in • the foul , till they come to be fo ftrong > I as to trample upon the foul , and to cut j the throat of the foui 5 there is oftentimes I greatelt danger to our bodies in the Ieaft I Difeafes , that hang upon us , becaufe we are apt to make light of them, and to neg- led: the timely ufe of means for the re- moving of them , till they are grown fo ftrong, that they prove mortal to us : So there is molt danger often in the leaft fins, we are apt to take no notice of them, and to negkd: thofe heavenly helps whereby they mould be weakned and d eft royed, till they are grown to that ftrength , that we are ready to cry out, The Medicine is too weak for the Difeafe \ I would pray , and I would hear , but I am afraid that iin is grown up by degrees to fuch a head, that I (hall never be able to prevail over it ;, but as I have begun to fall,fo I fhall utter- ly fall before it , and at lair perifh in it, unlefs the power , and free grace of Chrift doth ad gloriouily , beyond my prefent apprehenfion , and expectation. The Viper is killed by the little young ones that are nouritlied and cherifhed in her belly : So are many men eternally killed & betrayed by the little fins (as they call | them J that are nourifhed in their own bo- fomes. D z I Cjejdsr was (Tabbed wuh Bodkins. Pope Adriii was choaked with a Giiat. A Scorpion h little, yet able to fting a Lyon to death. A Aloft is bw little, yet kil- led an Bis- phizt , if he gets up into his Trunk. The Leopard being great, is j poyfonM with |ah?adof Gar- lick. , j The fmalleft j errors prove many times ! moft dauge- | rous. litis as much Irealon to coin pence, as bigger pieces. 28 Precious <]{e7nedies Ont- little mifcarria»e doth in the eyes of the world, over- fliadow all a Chriftiatu Graces, as one cloud doth tometimes o- verihadow the whole body of the Sun. 5. Remedy. Melius mod (am quam idolotbytis vcfi. Aug;. It is better 10 die voitb bin • nr, than to eat that -which u ojj'ycdto Idols. Many Hei- ihens would rather die , than coz.cn or cheat one Ikgow nut, faith one, whether the main- tenance of the Ieaji fin^ be not rvorfe than the commiJpM of the greJteji '•> for this may he of frailty jhat argues objiinacy. A little hole in the Ship finks it,a frnall breach in a Sea- bank carries away all before it ■•> a little [tab at the heart kills a man, and a little fin, without a great deal of mercy, will damn a man. I'he fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider , That other Saints have chofen to fuffer the worfl: of torments , rather than they would com- mit theleaft tin,*, c fuch as the world ac- counts : fo as you may fee in Daniel, and his Companions, that would rather chufe to burn , and be caft to the Lions , than they would bow to the Image that Ne- bxchadnezzir had fet up : When this Pecchaddil!) (in the worlds account; and a hot riery furnace (tood in competition, that they mult either fall into fin , or be caft into the fiery Furnace, fuch was their tendernefs of the honour and glory of God, and their hatred and indignation againit Sin, that they would rather burn than finj they knew that it was far better to bum for their not finning , than that God and confeience (hould raife a hell, a rire in their bofomes for tin. I have jigainft Satans Devices. z 9 I have read of that noble levvant ot God Marcus Anthufim , Minifter of a Church in the time of Conftantine , who in Conftintines time, had been the caufe of overthrowing an Idols Temple •, after- wards , when Julian came to be Empe- rour , he would force the people of that place to build it up againjthey were ready to do if, but he refufed, whereupon, thole that were his own people to whom he preached, took him, and ftripthimof all his cloaths , and abufed his naked body , and gave it up to the Children,to lance it with their Pen-knives , and then cau(ed him to be put in a Basket, & anointed his naked body withHony,and fet him in the Sun, to be iking with Wafps-, and all this cruelty they fhew'd, becaule he would not do any thing towards rhe building up of this Idol Temple \ nay, they came to this, that if he would do but the leaft towards it, if he would give but a half-penny to if they would lave him : But herefuled all, though the giving of a half penny might have faved his life i and in doing this, ht did but live up to that principle that rr.oit Chriitians talk of , and all profclTe , but few come up to it , viz* That we muji chufe rather to fuffcr the rvorlr of torments that men and Devils can invent, and wfiicl^ than to commit the leaji fin, rvl>ereby God foould he difhonourcd , our Confcicnci D -4. wound- mother, lo r aithful were -hry one to a- norhcr. Will 10 1 thefc rife •n judg: merit .igainft many ' Tofcflbr* in thefedays,who make nothing of over- reaching one mother ? (precious Remedies 6. Remedy* Exod. 8. \6. to 19. The Tvrant who had fc: forth his Pro- clamation en-. graven in brafi i for the utter abolifhing of ■ Chrifr,and his ! Religion, was : eaten of Li::. wounded, Religion reproached, and our own fouls endangered* 'the fixth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- ouily to confider , That the foul is never able to rtand under the guilt and weight of the leaft fin , when God (hall fet it home upon the foul \ the leaft fin will prefs and fink the itouteft finner as low as Hell , when God (hall open the eyes of a Sinner , and make him fee the horrid filthjnefs, and abominable vilenefs that is in fin. What fo little, bate, and vile creatures as lice or gnats , and yet by thefe little poor creatures, God fo plagu'd (tout-hearted fharach , and all Egypt , that fainting under it,they were forced to cry out, This U the finger of God. When little creatures , yea the leaft creatures, (hall be arm'd with a power from God , they (hall prefs and fink down the great- est, proudeft , and itouteft Tyrants that breath : So when God (hall caft a fword into the hand of a little iin,and arm it a- gainii the foul, the foul will faint and. fall under if. Some, who have but projected adultery , without any a&ual adting it \ and others , having found a trifle^ and made no confeience to refxore it, know- ing by the light of natural confeience , that they did not do as they would be done Jgainji Satans Devices. 3» done by ^ and others that have had Tome unworthy thought of God, have been fo frighted, amazed, and terrified for thofe fins which are fmall ( in mens account ) that they have wifht they had never beem that they could take no delight in any earthly comfort, that they have been put to their wits end , ready to make away themfelves , wiihing themfelves annihi- lated. Mr. Perkins mentions a good man, but very poor, who being ready to ftarve, dole a Lamb , and being about to eat it with his poor Children , and (as his manner was afore meat) to crave a bleffing, durft not do it, but fell into a great perplexity of confcience, acknowledged his fault to the owner, promising payment if ever he (hould be able. Tbefeventh Remedy AGainft this Device , is, folemnly to confider, That there is more evil in the leaft fin , then in the greateft affli- ction ; and this appears as clear as the Sun, by the fevere dealing of God the Fa- ther with his beloved Son, who let all the Vials of his fierccft wrath upon'him , and that for the lealt tin , as well as for the greateft. The wages of fin is deatfaotfm indefinite- ly, whether great or fmall. Oh' how (hould I 1 V Una lunula maU covfcm- ti Confidering that God the Father would not fpare hisbofome Son, no, not for the leaft fin , but would make him drink the dregs of his wrath. And fo much for the Remedies that may fence and preferve our fouls from being drawn to fin , by this third Device of Satan. The Fourth Device that Satan bath to draw tbejoul to fin, is, BY prefenting to the foul the belt mens lins , and by hiding from the foul their vertues j by (hewing the foul their fms , and by hiding fronri the foul their forrows, and repentance i as by fetting before the foul the Adultery of David, the Pride o(Hezekj*h, the Impatience of Job, the Drunkennefs of Noah, the Blafphemy of Peter, dec. and by hiding from the foul the tears, the iighs, the groans, the mel- tings, thehumblings, and repentings of the(e precious fouls. Ni>rv the Remedies agairtft this Device of the Devil, are thefe. A The firft Remedy Gainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- ouily to confider , That the Spirit of Jgainfl Satans Devices. 33 ot the Lord hath been as careful to note the Saints rifing by repentance out of fin, j as he hath to note their fallings into fin. David falls fearfully , but by repentance he rifes fweetly , Blot out my tranfgreffi- ons , wafh me throughly from my iniquity , and cleanfe me from my fin > for Iacknow- Icdgc my tranfgreffions , and my fm is ever hefire me. Purge me with Hyfp , and I /hall he clean^ wajh mc^ and IJhallbe whi- ter than fnow\ deliver me from blood-guil- tineffe^ OGod, thou Godof my falvation. 5 Tis true , Hezekjah's heart was lifted up under the abundance of mercy that God bad caft in upon him , and 'tis as true that Hezekjdh humbled himfelf for the pride of his heart , fo that the wrath of the Lord came not upon him y nor upon Jerufa- lem, in the days of Hezeh^ah* ? Tis true, Job curfes the dsty of his birth, and 'tis as true , that he rifes by repentance. Behold I am vik[ faith he)whatjhalll anfwer thee ? I will lay my hand upon my mouth : once have 1 JpokgH) but I will not anfwer yea twice^ but I will proceed no further. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear^ but now mine eye feeth thee : therefore I abhor my felf and repent in dufi and ajkes. Peter falls dreadfully, but rifes by repentance fweet- ly 9 a look of love from Chriti melts him into tears \ he knew that repentance was the key to the Kingdom of grace. As once his Job 40 4,?. Ch 41. <,5. TcfViViai faith, that he was (nulli rei natwnifi pos- nitentUJ born for no other purpofe but to repent. 34 Precious Remedies Luthtr confef- fes,tha? before his converiion he met not with a m ore difpleafing word in all his ftudy of Divi- nity, than Re- pttf, but after- ward he took deligat in the work, (Pant- tens dt ?>cca?o dokt & de do- ton? audit.) To fa raw for bis fin, aid then to rcjoy:e vi his [wow. 7koiorctSi(l. 14 f.17. his faith was fo greet that he leapt , as it were , into a fea of waters to come to Chrift : So now his repentance was (b great, that he leapt, as it were, into a ifea of tears, for that he had gone from Chrift. Some fay that after his fad fall,he was ever and anon weeping, and that his face was even furrowed with continual tears. He had no (boner took in poyfon, but he vo- mited it up again, ere it got to the vitals, he had xio fooner handled thisSerpent,but he turned it into a rod to fcourgehis foul with remorfe for finning againil fuch clear light , and ftrong love , and fweet difcoveries of the heart of Chrift to him. Clement notes, ThatPmrfo repented, that all his life after , every night when he heared the Cock crow , he would fall upon his knees , and weeping bitterly, would beg pardon of his iin. Ah fouls ! you can eafily (in as the Saints , but can you repent with the Saint y Many can (in with David and Peter, that cannot repent with David and Peter, and fo muft perifh for ever. Theodofius the Emperour , preding that he might receive the Lords Supper, excu- fes his own foul fa ft by Davids doing the like, to which Ambmfc replies, Thou haft followed David iranfgrcfling , follow David repenting, and then thinly thou of the Table of the Lord. The jigamft Satans Devices. 3* Ibc fecond Remedy Remedy* The Sums cannoc iin(^a- A Gainft this Device of Satan-, is, fo- l-jLJLlemnly to coniider, That thefe J Saints did not make a Trade, of fin > they fell once or twice ( and rofe by Repent- ance ) that they might keep the clofer to Chrift for ever > they fell accidentally , occafionalJy, and with much relu&ancy Aff^f 1 ™? and thou tinned prefumptuoufly , obfti- i with a whole nately,readily, delightfully , and cuftoma- 1 will but as it rily i thou haft by thy making a Trade of j were with a Sin , contraded upon thy foul a kind of curfed neceflity of tinning, that thou canft half .will, ?n unwilling wil- lingncfs, not with a nill confetit, but wi:h a diflent* ing coato. as well ceafe to be , or ceafe to live , as thou canft ceafe to fin- j Sin is by cuftome become as another nature to thee , which thou canft not , which thou wilt not lay afide , though thou knowelh that if thou doit not lay fin alide , God will lay thy foul afide for ever ^ though thou know- eft , that if fin and thy (oul do not part , Chrift and thy (oul can never meet h if thou wilt make a trade of fin,and cry out, did not David fin thus , and Noah fin thus, and Peter fin thus > &c. No , their hearts turned afide to folly one day , but thy heart turns alide to folly every day •-, and when they were fallen , they rife by repentance, and by the actings of faith ! T . upon a crucified Chrift i but thou failed , and haft no ftrength nor will to rife , but walloweft i Pet. 2. 14. Proy. 4« }&• do (habit arc ) dwell in the 3* (precious Remedies Regenerate,as Aufch notes, yet it doth not (rigruLrt) reign over the rege- nerate, they rife by repent- ance. 3. Remedy. Pfal.51.8. Jofiphtu re- ports 3 that no- long after the Jews had cru- cifiedChriftcn the Crofs , fc many of th-m walloweft in tin, and wilt eternally dye m thy fins , unlefs the Lord be the more merciful to thy foul. Doft thou think, oh foul ! this is good rcafoning. Such a one tafted poyfon but once, and yet nar- rowly efcaped , but I do daily drink poy- fon, yet I (hall efcape. Yet fuch is the mad reafoning of vain fouls. David and Pe- ter, ckc. finned once foully and fearfully, they tafted poyfon but once , and were lick to death ■■> but I talk it daily, and yet (hall not tafk of eternal death. Remem- ber , oh fouls ! that the day is at hand, when felf-flatterers will be found felf-de- ceivers, yea, felf-murdcrers. 'The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oully to confider , That though God doth not fnor never will^) disin- herit his people for their fins, yet he hath feverely punifhed his people for their fins. David fins , and God breaks his bones for his tin. Make me to hear joy andgladnefsy that the hones which thou haft broken may rejoyce* And hecaufe thou haft done thi*> the Stvordjhall not depart from thy houfe, to the day vfthy death. Though God ml! not utter- ly ta\e from them his loving kjndnefs , nor fuffer his faithfulmfs to fatly nor hrea\his Covenanty nor alter the thing that is gone out of his mouth , yet will he vifit their tranf- ___ greffion Jgainjl Satans Devices. V Qrejfion with a rod, and their iniquity with j (tripes, Pfal.8p.3o,35. The Scripture a- bounds with inftances of this kind i this is io known a truth , among all that know any thing of truth , that to cite more Scriptures to prove it , would be to light a Candle to fee the Sun at noon. The Jews have a Proverb , lhat there is no pinijhment comes upon Ifrael, in which there is not one ounce of the Golden Calfe. Meaning, that that was fo great a fin, as that in every plague God remembred it, that had an influence into every trouble that befel them. Every mans heart mays fay to him in his fufferings, as the heart of] Apollodorm in the kettle , I have been the caufe of this* God is moft angry when he (hews no anger. God keep me from this mercy , this kind of mercy is worfe than all other kind of mifery. One writing to a lick friend hath this cxpreffion,!" account it apart ofunhappinefs not to kjtow advcrfity, I judge you to be mi- ferable, becaufe ym have not been miferable. 'Tis mercy that our affliction is not exe- cution , but a correction : He that hath deferved hanging, may be glad if he fcape with a whipping. Gods corrections are our inftrudfrions, his lafhes our leflbns, his fcourges our School-matters, his chaftife- ments our advertifements ■•> and to note this , both the Hebrews and the Greeks, were condem- ned to be cru- cified, that chcre were riot places e- nough for Crolfes, nor Croflis e- nough tor the bodies that were to be hung rhereon. ex- J®»i not eft crmatus not e-1 Chrijiaw, faith L'ttber, Thtrf is not a Cbnftian that carries not bit cior. P&1.P4 Pro. 5. 12 Ob.*. 13 Ifa.o 12. ,13. ,l<5. 3* Precious (Remedies. TDV3 Job 50. 8 3 9, 10. Thtoloiium CbrifllanoYutn. Affliftiows Bmtdittioncs. Bern. A§ittions art buffings. 4« Remedy exprefs chatfening and teaching by one and the fame word (Mufar , Paideia) be- caufe the latter is the true end of the form- er, according to that in the Proverb, Smart makes wit, and vexation gives un~ I derftanding* whence Luther fitly calls affli Ction, 'The Chriflian Mms Divinity* So faith Job (Chap.33, 16,15?.) Godfpeakfth once, yea, twice, yet man perceiveth it not , in a dream , in a vifion oj the night, when deep fleep falleth upon men , in /lumberings upon the bed j then he openeth the ears of men , and fealeth their inftrufiion, that he may withdraw man from his purpofe^and hide pride from man : He ksepeth backjoisfoul from the pit , and his life from perifhing by the fword. When Satan (hall tell thee ot other mens fins to draw thee to fin,do thou then think of the fame mens furferings to keep thee from fin! lay thy hand upon thy heart, and fay oh my foul ! if thou finneft with David , thou mud fuffer with Da- vid, dec. The fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is , fo- lemnly toconfider, That there are but two main ends of Gods recording of the falls of his Saints. And the one is, to keep thofe from fainting , finking , and defpair under the burden of their fins, who fall through weaknefs and infirmity. And jfgainfi Satans Devices. 39 And the other is , that their falls may be as Land marks, to warn others (hat ftand to take heed left they fall. It never entred into the heart of God to record his Childrensllns , that others might be en- couraged to fin, but that others might be warned to look to their ftandings , and to hang the fafter upon the skirts of Chrift, and avoid all occafions and temptations, that may occafion the foul to fall , as o- thers have fallen , when they have been left by Chrift j the Lord hath made their fins as Land-marks , to warn his people to take heed how they come near thofe fands and rocks , thofe fnares and baits, that have been fatal to the choiceft trea- fures, to wit, the joy, peace, comfort, and glorious enjoyments of the braveft fpirits, and nobleft fouls that ever failed through the Ocean of this finful troublefome world i as you may fee in David , Job, Peter, &c There is nothing in the world that can fo notorioully crofs the grand end of Gods recording of the (ins of his Saints , then for any from thence to take encouragement to fin ^ and where ever you rind fuch a foul, you may write him Chriftlefs , Gracelefs , a foul call off by God, a foul that Satan hath by the hand, and the Eternal God knows whither he will lead him. E the jl have known a good man faid Bernard, who when he heard of any that had com- mitted fome notorious fin, he was wont to f y with himfelf fi/fe hodie & ego crasjhe fell to day,fo may I to morrow. 40 Precious Remedies 5. Device, Remedy. Humamm ?(t peecare, Diabo- ticum ferftve- ;•..•::, & Angc* ticum refu ge- re. Au^. i. e. ft is abimia tbltgtofdU lit ftr., ills to pnfeveri therein 3 and 7 be fifth Device that Sit.m bath to draw the Soul to Sin , ix, TO prefent God to the foul , as one made up all of mercy : Oh ! faith Satan , you need not make fuch a matter of fin , you need not be fo fearful of fin, not fo unwilling to fin , for God is a God of mercy, a God full of mercy, a God that delights in mercy, a God that is ready to (hew mercy , a God that is never weary of (hewing mercy, a God more prone to pardon his people , than to puni(h his people h and therefore he will not take advantage againft thefoul^and why then, faith Satan, (hould you make fuch a mat- ter of Sin? Now the Remedies againft this Device of Satan j are theft* 'the firli Remedy. IS, ferioufly to confider , That 'tis the foreft judgement in the world , to be left to fin upon any pretence whatfoever. Oh ! unhappy man > when God leaveth thee to thy felf , and doth nor rcfift thee in thy Sins > woe , woe to him at whofe Sins God doth wink : When God lets the way to Hell be a fmooth and pleafant way, that is hell on this fide hell, and a dreadful Sign of Gods indignation a- gainft * ■ ■■■ '•■'■ ' ■ ' Jgainfl Satans Devices. 4» gainft a man i a token of his rejection, and that God doth not intend good unto him, That is a fad w*)rd, 'Epbraim is joyned to Idols, let him alone, be will be itncoun fri- able and uncorrigible, be bath made a matcb with mifcbicf \ be [hall have his belly f till of it i befalls with of en eyes Jet bimfall at bis own feriU And that's a terrible faying,So I gave them up unto their own hearts tufts, and they wal^cd.in their own counfels* A Soul given up to fin, is a foul ripe for Hell, a foul porting to deftrudtion. Ah Lord! this mercy I humbly beg, that whatever thou givelt me up to,thou wilt not give me up to the ways of my own heart •> if thou wilt give me up to be afrli&ed, or tempt- ed, or reproached, &c. I will patiently lit down,and fay, 5 X# the Lordjet him do with me what feems good in his own eyes. Do any thing with me, lay what burden thou wilt upon me , Co thou doil not give mc up to the ways of my own heart. The fecond Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan , is, io- lcmnly to conflder, That God is as juft as he is merciful : As the Scriptures fpeak hirn out to be a very merciful God, Co they fpeak him out to be a very juft God ^ witnefc his calling the Angels out of Heaven, and his binding them in chains of darknefs 5 till the judgement of the E 2 great a* angelica/, o fuper 'natural to perfevcre there- in, andanau- geiicd or fuper* nati.ralt* rije from it. Pfal.Si. it. Hofea4. 14. A me, mcfalva Dominc, Deli- ver me , O Lord, from that evil man my felf. Aug. 2. Remedy, i Pet. 2. 4 .,5,6. God hang'd them up in Gibbets, as if were , that orhcrs might hear and fear and do no more fo wick- t'dlv. 4i Trecious Remedies. Mar.^7- 46. ;. Remedy* PfaLioi.T. Quznto gradut alt 1 or, ix--to cajas firavifir. The higher we are in dignity, :he more grie- vous is cur fail and mifery. great day •, and witnefs his turning Adam out of Paradife , his drowning of the old world , and his raining Hell out of Hea- ven upon Sodom*, and witnefs all the crof- (cs, loflfes, ficknefles, and difeafeS that be in the world •, and witnefs Tophet that is prepared of old s witnefs his tre afuring up of wratb againft the day of wrath, unto the revelation of the jxft judgements ofGid, but above all, witnefs the pouring forth of all his wrath upon his bofome Son , when he did bear the fins of his people , and cried out, My God) my God^wby baft thou for fa- kgn me ? T'be third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- cufly to confider, That fins againft mercy , will bring the greateft and foreft judgements upon mens heads and hearts. Mercy is Alpha, Juft ice is Omega* David fpeaking of thefe Attributes, placeth Mer- cy in the fore-ward, and Juitice in the re- reward, faying, My Song Jhall be of Mercy and Judgement* When Mercy is defpiied, then Juftice takes the Throne. God is like a Prince, that fends not his army againft Rebels , before he hath fent his Pardon, and proclaimed it by a Herauld of Arms : he firtt hangs out the white flag of mer- ce > if this wins men in,they are happy for ever ; but if they ftand out, then God will put Againfl Sat am Devices, 43 put forth his red flag of Juftice and Judg- 1 Deui urd:li ment i if the one is defpifed , the other C ' L (hall be felt with a witnefs. See this in the Israelite r>he loved them t trait aim gravitate pce- n* compen(at. and chore them , when they were in their God is flow tQ blood, and molt unlovely > he multiplied tliem , not by means but by miracle i from feventy fouls , they grew in few years, to iix hundred thoufand, the more they were opprefTed , the more they prof : pered : Like Camomile , the more you tread it, the moire you fpread it > or to a Palm-Tree, the more it is pretfed, the fur- ther it fpreadeth : or to rire , the more it is raked the more it burneth ^ their mer- cies came in upon them , like Job*s Mef- fengers , one upon the neck of another. He put off their fackfhtb, and girded them with gladnefs , and compared them about with Songs of deliverance '•> he carried them on the wings of Eagles, he l^ept them as the Apple of his eye, &c. But they abuling his mercy , became the greateft objects or his wrath : as I know not the man that can reckon up their mercies-, fo I know not the man that can fum up the miferies that are come upon them for their (ins ^ for as our Saviour propheiied concerning Jerufalem , 'that a jione fhould not be left upon ajhne : fo it was fulfilled forty years after his Afceniion , by Vefpafun the Em perour,and his Son 'litus, who having be-| chri ^ hefo]d E 3 lieged) anger, but he recompenfe:h his flawnefs wjth grievouf- nefs of punish- ment. If weabufe m;rcy toferve o jr luft, then in Saliiaas phrafe, God will rah Hell O'it of 'Heaven, rather that not V! 'fit for fetch fins. Wfpafian brake into their Citv at Cedro't,wh:ve t^ey took Chrift, on the fame fcafrdiv that Chriil was taken j he whipped them where they hipped 44 Precious Remedies. :wenty fws tor a penny, as they fold Chrift for thirty pence. S. Andr* cat. Men are there- fore WOr{V,'x- caufe oug>.t t better -, and (hall b? d ;eper in Hell , be- caufe Heaven was offered unrothem^but hey would nor. Pgespp bene- fit a flagku , l GjcA i u riK a^p avate un- kiii and therefore what ever be- comes of thee , thou wilt not fin againft mercy, &c. *fhe fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fe- rioufly to confider, That though Gods general mercy be over all his works, yet his fpecial mercy is confined to tho r c that are Divinely qualified •, Co in Exod. 34. 6,7. And the Lord pajfed by before me, and proclaimed , the Lord , the Lord God, merciful and gracious , long-fuffering, and abundant in goodnefs and truth, keeping mercy for thou finds , forgiving iniquity, tranfgreffion , and fin , and that will by no means clear the guilty, Exod.20. <5. And Serving mercy unto thoufands of them thatl love me, and keep my Commandements,V^\A 25. 10. AH the paths of the Lord are mtrcy\ and truth \ unto fuch as keep his Covenant, \ and his 'Tefii monies, Pfal.3 2.10. Many for- \ rows (hall be to the wicked, but he that irttflA eth in the Lord, mercy fh all compifs hi «• E 4 about' \~ 4(J*\H7UV7?f. Shift oft; dif- tegatd. 4. Remedy. A'tg'iftu* in h;« •icm feafh. gav£ > fles to 1 *aie bar. g «'d re others thai his heart \v : s mod fh upon : So God by a hand of gene- ral mercy , oivcs thefe (poonrfl s) outward b'ef- ftigs to thofe liar he ieaft lov-'Sj but his gold, his fpe- cial mercy is on'y cowards j thofe that hs j heart is moft 1 4 6 (Precious Remedies 5. Remedy* about^ Pfal.33. 18. Behold^ the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him , up on them that hope in his mercy , Pfelm 103. 11. For as the Heaven is high above the Earth , fo great is his mercy tovpard them that fear &iw,Verf. 17. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlafiing to everlafiing, upon them that fear him. When Satan attempts to draw thee to fin by prefenting God as a God all made up ofr mercy , oh ! then reply , that though Gods general mercy extend to all the works of his hand, yet his fpecial mercy is confined to them that are divinely qualified , to them that love him and keep his Commandments , to them that truft in him , that by hope hang upon him , and that fear him j and that thou muft befuch a one here, or elfe thou canft never be happy hereafter 5 thou muft partake of his fpecial mercy , or elfe eternally peri(h in everlafiing mifery, not- withstanding Gods general mercy. 'The fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- lemnly to confider, That thofe that were once glorious on earth, and are now triumphing in Heaven, did look upon the mercy of God as the molt powerful Ar- gument to preferve them from fin, and to fence their fouls againit fin, and not as an encouragement to -fin, Pfal. $6. 3, 4, 5, 6. For Againfl Satans Devices. 47 For thy loving kjndnefs is before mine eyes , and I have walked in thy truth ', J have nop fat with vain pcrfws , neither will I go In with diffemblers. I have hated the \ Congregation of evil doers , and will not fit with the wickgd. So Jofefh ftrengthens himfelf againii: fin , from the remem- brance of mercy. How then can /(faith he) g do this great wickednefs and fin againfl God? He had fixt his eye upon mercy, and there- fore fin could not enter , though the irons entred into his foul i his foul being t^ken with Mercy, was not moved with his Mi- itriffes impudence. Satan knockt oft at the door , but the fight of mercy would not furfer him to anfwer, or open. Jofefh \ like a Pearl in a Puddle , keeps his vertue \ (till. So Paul^ Shall we continue in fin that | grace nuy abound , God forbid •, how Jhal! I we that are dead to fin, live any longer tbcr- in ? There is nothing in the world that renders a man more unlike to a Saint and more like to Satan,than to argue from mercy to finful liberty \ from Divine goodnefs to licentioufnefs => this is the Devils Logick , and in whomfoever you rind it, you may write, 'This foul is lofi. A man may as truly fay* the Sea burns , or Fire cools , as that free grace and mercy (hould make a foul truly gracious to do wickedly. So the fame Apoftle., I hejeech you therefore brcthren.by the* mercies oj Gad^ that Gen 19. 8. Rom.6. 1,2 The iron-, cal- led P onl a urns, is of that ver- rue, r hat it preferves him that carries it from taking any hurt by poyfon. The mercy of God in Chrift to our fouls, is the moil pre- cious ft one or Pearl in the world, to pre- vent us from beirg Dcvfon- ! I Jch.z. 1,2. 4 8 Treciou* Remedies 6. Device* that ye frefent your bodies a living facrijice, hdy, accept able unto God, which is your rea- fonable fervice. So John , T'befe things 1 write unto you, that ye fin n-)t. What was it that he wrote ? He wrote,:Tta* we might have fellow/hip with the Father and his Son b and that the blood of Chriji cleanjeth us from all fin, and that if we confefs our fin, he is juft and faithful to forgive us out fins h and that if we djfm, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jefa Chriji the righteous, Thefe choice favours and mercies the A- poftle holds forth as the choice ft means to preferve the foul from Sin and to keep at the greateft diftance from Sin , and if rhis won't do it, you may write the man void of Chrift and grace, and undone for ever. the Sixth Device that Satan hath to draw i the foul to fin, is, BY perfwading the foul, that the work of Repentance is an eafie work , and that therefore the foul need not make fuch a matter of fin. Why ? fuppofe you do fin, faith Satan, 3 t is no fuch difficult thing to return, *and confeffe, and be for- rowful, and beg pardon, and cry, Lord have mercy upon me\ and if you do but this, God will cut the fcore, and pardon your finSy and fave your fouls, &c. By Againjl Satam Devices, 49 By this Device Satan draws many a I foul to fin, and makes many millions of fouls fervants, or rather ilaves to fin, &c. Now the Remedies againft this Device of Satan are theft that follow* I'he firft Remedy IS, ferioufly to confider , That Repent- ance is a mighty work,a difficult work a work that is above our power. There is no power below that power that raifed Chrift from the dead , and that made the world, that can break the. heart of a finner or turn the heart of a finner , Thou art as well able to melt Adamant, as to melt thine own heart •> to turn a flint into flefh, as to turn thine own heart to the Lord i to raife the dead and to make a world, as to repent. Repentance is a flower that grows not in Natures garden. Can the JEthfafian change hisskin^ the Leopard his Jpots ? then may ye alfo do good, that are accujiomed to do evil , Jer.13. 23. Re- pentance is a gift that comes down from above. Men are not born with Repen- tance in their hearts, as they are born with tongues in their mouths, Atts 5.3 1. Him hath God exalted with his right hand , to be a Prince and a Saviour , for to give repen- tance to Jfrael, and forgivenefs of fins. So in I. Remedy, Fallen man hath loft (fa- pcrim [mm , and imperim fid J the com- mand of him- fejf, and the command of the creatures. And certainly he that cannot command himfelf , can- not repent of himself. Dapemtentiam &p9fte.i iitiul- Zentiam y {aid dying Fulgtn- tins. 5° Precious (J^emedies It was a vain brag of King Cyrus, that caufed ic to be written upon his Tonab- ftone , I coutt do all things. So could Pa'U too, but it was through (Thrift which (trengchened him. 2, Remedy. The Hebrew word for Re- penrance is from TV) *hich figniho r .o return, im- plying a fcoing back from what a man "taddor.e. Ir .otesa turning or converting in 2 Tim. 2. 25. In meekjtefs injirucling them that oppofe themftlves , i/Godperad- 1 venture will give them repentance to the ac- knowledging of the truth. 3 Tis not in the j power of any mortal to repent at plea- j fure. Some ignorant deluded fouls vainly j conceit that thefe live words , Lord have j mercy upon we,are efficacious to fend them j to Heaven : but as many are undone by buying a counterfeit Jewel h fo many are in Hell by miftake of their Repentances many reft in their Repentance , though it be but the (hadow of Repentance, which caufed one to fay , Repentance damneth more than fin. - *The fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- lemnly to confider of the nature of true Repentance. Repentance is fome o- ther thing than what vain men conceive. Repentance is fometimes taken in a more ftridfc and narrow fenfe , for godly forrow => fometimes Repentance is taken in a large ienfe , for amendment of Life. Repentance hath in it three things, viz> ' ThASubjett. (jfearms* 1. The formal AU of Repentance is a changing and converting 5 'tis often fet forth jfgainjl Satans Devices . 51 forth in Scripture by turning, 'turn thou me, and I Jhall be turned , faith Ephraim h After that Iwm turned , 1 repented, faith he , 'tis a turning from darknefs to light. 2. The Subjett changed and converted, is the whole man : 'tis both the finncrs heart and life : rirft his heart,then his life, firft his perion, then his practice and con- version, ^/frj^wwi^jw* clean, there's the change of their perfons *, Tut away the evil of yur doings from before mine eyes'* ceap to do evi^ learn to do well, there's the change of their practices : (o Cajl away, (faith Ezekjel) all your tranfgrejjions where- by you hive tranfercjfed, theirs thechange of the life '■> andmaigyw a new heart and a new fpirit, there's the Change of the heart. 3. The Rearms of this change and con- veriion, from which, and to which, both heart and life muft be changed from all fin to God. The heart muft be clunked from the ftate and power of fin, the life from the ads of fin, but both unto G )d \ the heart to be under his power in a date of grace , the life to be under his rnie in all new obedience , as the Apoftle fpeaks, To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkyefs to light, and from the power of Sa- tan unto God. So the Prophet Jfaiah faith, Let the wicked for fal^e their ways,and the unrighteous man his thoughts, & let him return from one thing to another, from fin to God. The Greeks have two words by vvh i ch they ex- prefs the na- ture of repen- tance, one is which fignifies ro be careful, anxious,folici« tous after a thing is done j the other word (jizrA'joict. is i e/ipif.cntia, after-wit, or after- wifdorttj the minds re- covering of wiidom, or growing wi- !ez after our folly. Ah avoir* de r.ti&:& fJL*l*i po/t, it bdng the cor- rection of mens folly, and re- turning; ad \x* nam rmnum. 5* Precious Remedies True repen- tance is a tho- row change both of the mind & man- ners, Optima. & optijjima posnitentia c(l nova vita , faith Luther t which faying is an excellent faying Repen- tance for fin is nothing worth, without repen- tance from fin. If thou repent- eft with a con cradi&ion(faith TertitUiaij God will par- don thee with a contradi&i » onjif thoure- penteft and yet continued in thy fin, God will pardon thee, and yet fend thee to hell j there 's a pardon with a contradiction. Negative goodnefs krves no mans turn to fave him from the Axe. return unto the Lord, Thus much of the nature of Evangelical Repentance. Now fouls , tell me whether it be fuch an eafie thing to repent , as Satan doth fuggeft. Befides what hath been fpoken , I defire that you will take notice , that Repen- tance doth include a turning from the moft darling fin. Epbraim (hall fay, What have I to do any more with Idols < Yea , it's a turning from all fin to God , Eze}^ 18.3c Therefore I will judge you , houfe of Ifrael^ every of you according to his ways , faith the Lord God : Repent , and turn your fdves from your tranfgrejftons^ fo iniquity jh all not he your ruin. Herod turn'd from many, but turned not from his He- rodiaty which was his ruin. Juds turn'd from all vifible wickednefs , yet he would not caft out that golden Devil Covetouf- nefs , and therefore was caft into the hotteft place in hell. He that turns not from every fin turns not a right from any one fin. Every fin (hikes at the honour of God , the Being of God , the Glory of God, the Heart of Chrift, the Joy of the Spirit , and the Peace of a mans Confci- ence i and therefore a foul truly penitent, ftrikes at all , hates all , conflicts with all , and will labour to draw ftrength from a crucified Chrirt to crucifie all. A true Penitent knows neither Father nor Mother,neither right eye, nor right hand, buti Againjl Satans Devices. n but will pluck out the one, and cut off the other. Saul fpared but one Agag, and that coft him his foul and his kingdom. Befides, Repentance is not only a turning from all (in , out alfo a turning to all good s to a love of all good, to a prizing of all good, and to a following after all good, Ezel^ 1 8. 21. But if the wicked will turn from all the fins that he hath committed, and keep all my Statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he JhaU furely live, he Jhall net dye h that is , only negative righteoufnefs and holinefs , is no righteoufnefs nor holinefs. David fulfilled all the wills of God , and had re(pe6t unto all his Commandements, and fo had Zacharias and Elizabeth. 'Tis not enough that the Tree bears not i\\ fruit i but, it muji bring forth good fruit, elfe it muft be cut down andcafi into the fire . So 'tis not enough that you are not thus and thus wicked , but you muft be thus and thus gracious and good,el(e divine Ju- (tice will put the Axe of divine vengeance to the root of your (buls, and cut you off for ever. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit . is hewed down and caji into the fire. Befides, Repentance doth include a fenfiblenefs of lins finfuJnefs, how oppo- iite and contrary 'tis to the bleiTed God : God is light,Sin is darknefsb God is life, Sin is death > God is Heaven, Sin is Hell j God is beauty, Sin is deformity. Alfo Tt is faid of Itbacnsy that the hatred of the Piifciliat Herefie, was all the venue that he had. The evil fer- vanr. did not riot out his Talenr. Thofe repro- bates, Mat.i$ robbed roc the Saints, bat re- lieve Ah ?m not ; for this th y mufle- rnally De- rfti. 74 Trecious Remedies True repen- tance is a for- rowing for (in, as it is of- fcnfivum^ci, averfivum a Do; this both comes from God, and drives a man to God as it did theChur ch in the Cimi- cl s y and the Prodigal, £"^.io. 12, Alfo true Repentance includes a fenii- blenefs of tins mifchievoufnefs , how it caft Angels out of Heaven, and Adam out of Paradife , how it laid the firft corner ftone in Hell,and brought in all thecurfes, crofles, and miferies, that be in the worlds and how it makes men liable to all tem- poral, fpiritual, and eternal wrath '<, how it hath made men Godlefs , Chriftlefs, Hopelefs, and Heavenlete. Further, True Repentance doth include forrow for (in , contrition of heart , it breaks the heart with fighs and fobs and groans for that a loving God and Father is by fin offended, a bleffed Saviour afrefh crucified , and the fweet Comforter, the Spirit, grieved and vexed. Again, Repentance 'doth include, not only a loathing of fin, but alfo a loathing of our felves for Sin i as a man doth not only loath poyfon, but he loaths the very dim or veflel that hath the fmell of the poyfon. So a true Penitent doth not only loath his Sin, but he loaths himfelf the velTel that (mells of it. SoEzek*29> 43. And there Jh all ye remember your ways and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled, and ye Jhall loath your felves in your own fight for all your evils that ye have commit- ted. True Repentance will work your hearts , not only to loath your Sins, but al(b to loath your felves. Again, Again]} Satans Devices. 55 Again , True Repentance doth not on- ly .work a man to loath himfclf for his Sins , but it makes him afliam'd of his Sin alfo. What fruit have ye ofthofe thing* whereof ye are (now) ajbamed j? faith the Apoftle : So Ezekiel,And thou Jh alt be con- founded, and never of en thy mouth any more, becaufe ofthyjhame, when I am pacified to- ward thee, for all that thou haft done, faith the L@rd God. When a penitential foul fees his Sins pardoned, the anger of God pacified , and Divine Juftice fatisfied •, then he (Its down (and blufhes , as the Hebrew hath it) as one afhamed. Yea, true Repentance cloth work a man to crofs his finful felf > and to walk con- trary to finful felf, to take a holy re- venge upon fin , as you may fee in Faul, the Jaylor , Mary Magdalen , arid Ma- nages '•> this the Apoftle (hews in 2 Cor. 7.10,11. For godly forrow worketh Re- pentance never to he repented of, hut the forrow of the world worketh death : For behold the felf fame thingthat ye forrowed after a godly fort , what carefulnefs it wrought in you > yea, what clearing of your f elves '•> yea, what indignation '■> yea, what fear '•> yeajvhat vehement defires yea, what zeal \ yea ? what revenge ? Now fouls , fum up all tliefe things together, and tell me whether it be fuch an eafie thing to re- pent, as Satan would make the foul to be- I F lieve, Ghantum dif. p 'Hat D.oim- mundltU pec- cat'hin tantnm pfactt Dsocru- be[centia pceii- tmtis. Ber. i. e e So much the moreGod hath, been difpleaf- ed with the Wacknels of fin, the more will he be pleafed with the bluming of the firmer. They that do not burn now in zeal againft fin, muftere long burn in Hell for fia. 5<* ^Precious (Remedies 3. Remedy, Atftlm in hi? Mcdituions cnnfelk-h, Tnatali his jffe was either dan-, nable for fi\ committed, or 11 r.proh ca- ter gocd omk ted, a: laft con lieve > and 1 am confident your hearts will anfwer, that 'tis as hard a thing to repent as 'tis to make a world , or raife the dead. I (hall conclude this fecond Remedy, with a worthy faying of a precious holy man. Repentance Cfaith he) Jirips m ftark^ naked of all the Garments of the old Adam and leaves not Jo much as ajhirt behind* in this rotten building it leaves not a (tone upon a (tone. As the Flood drown'd Noah's own friends and fervants: So muft the flood of repenting tears drown oui fweeteft, and mod profitable fins. The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to coniider, That Repentance is a continued adl i the word Repent im- plies the continuation of it. True Re- pentance inclines a mans heart to perform Gcds Statutes always, even unto the end. A true penitent muit go on from Faith to Faith, from ltrcn^th to ftrength, he muft never Hand ft ill, nor turn back. Repen- tance is a grace, and muft have its daily operation , as well as other graces ', true repentance is a continued fpring , where the waters of godly forrow are alwayes flowing , My fins are ever before me, A true penitent is often calling his eyes back to the days of his former vanity, and this makes Agcunji Satans Devices. 57 mukes nim morning and evening to wa- ter his com\) with his tears* Remember not againji me the fins of my youth , faith one blefied penitent \ and, I was a blafpbc- tner^ and a perfecutor, and injurious^ faith another penitent. Repentance is a con- tinued ad of turning , a repentance ne- ver to be repented of, a turning never to turn again to folly > a true penitent hath ever (omething within him to turn from \ he cjn never get neair enough to God, no, not fo hear him as once he was* and therefore he is ftill turning and turning, that he may get nearer and nearer to him, that is his chiefeft good , and his onely happinefs (Optimum maximum) the beft, and the greatefti they are every day a crying out , wretched men that we are, *tvhoJhaQ deliver us from this body of death ? They are {till fenfible of Sin , and ftill conflicting with fin , and ftill forrowing for Sin , and ftill loathing of themfelves for Sin. Repentance is no tranfient adr, but a continued a6t of the foul \ and tell me, Oh tempted foul ! whether it be fuch an eafie thing , as Satan would make thee believe , to be every day a turning more and more from fin , and a turning nearer and nearer to God , thy choyceft bleifednefs, A true penitent can as eafily content himfclf with one aci of faith , or one adi of love * as he can F 2 con- cedes, (Quid reft at, pecca- to -j nifiutin \tota vita tun \ deplores tot am ! vitam tua n) Oh what then remains, but in our whole life, to lament the fins of our whole iifc. Tis truly faid of God, that he is, Omnia hper omnia. 5* Trecious %emeim 4. Remedy* If rhcu be backward in the thoughts of R(p::ntince..b:. forward in the lfs ot • Heli j t;;e fl lines where- of, on'y the (breams of the penitent eye can cxi rwguifli content himfclf with one adt ot" Repent- ance. A Jewifti Rabble prefling the pra&ice of Repentance upon his Difciples, exhort- ing them to be lure to repent the day be- fore they died j one of them replied, that the day of any mans death was very un- certain :> Repent therefore every day ffaid the Rabbin} and then you fly all be fur e to repent the day before you die. You are wife and know how to apply it to your own advantage. The fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to conlidcr , That if the work, of Repentance were fuch an eaiie work as Satan would make it to be, then certainly fo many would not lie roaring - - and crying out (of wrath and eternal ruinej under the horrors and terrors of conlcience , for not repenting 5. yea , doubt kfs , (o many millions would not go to Hell for not repenting , if it were fuch an.ealie thing to repent. Ah! do not poor fouls under honour of confei- ence, cry out and fay, were all this world a tump of gold, and in.our hand to difpofe of, we would give it for the lcail dram of true repentance ? and wilt thoujay it is an eafie thing to repent ? When a poor Sinner, whofe Conference is awakened, (hall jfgainjt Satam Devices. 59 (hall judge the exchange of all the world for the leaft dram oi repentance , to be ™ h o* ma]r the happieft exchange that ever Sinner ~*;$> made. Tell me, O (bul ! is it good go ing to Hell ? Is it good dwelling with the devouring fire? with cverlafting burn- ings? Is it good to be for ever feparated from the blelTed and glorious prefence of God. Angels, and Saints? And to be for ever (hut out from thofe good things of eternal life, which are fomany, that they exceed number ^ fo great , that they ex- ceed mealure •, fo precious, that they ex ceed all eftimation •, we know , 'tis the greateft mifery that can befal the Sons of men i and would they not prevent this by repentance , if it were fuch an eafie thing to repent, as Satsn would have it ? Well that I have net warn- ed away my fpotSj but am now pierced . with mine ini- quities 3 now have I loft the furpafling joy of Angels. Bafil. Precious %zmzim 5. Remedy. Yet it is better 1 be kep- from fin,than cured f fii by re- j;nta-*ce, ss it is better tor a man to be pre- served from a difeafe than to be cured of rhe difeafe. fo eafie a thing ; Surely, were Repentano (b eafie , wicked men would not bt (b much inraged, when thatdo&rine is by Evangelical confiderations preft upon them, I tke fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to corifider , That to repent of fin is as great a work of grace , as nor to fin. By our finful tails the powers ot the foul are weakned , the ftrength of grace is decayed , our evidences for Hea ven are blotted , fears and doubts in the foul are raifed, (will God once more par- don this fcarlet fin , and (hew mercy to this wretched foul >) and corruptions in the heart are more advantaged and con- firmed, and the confeience of a man after falls, is the more inraged, or the more be- nummed : now for a foul, notwithstand- ing all this , to repent of his falls , this (hews , that 'tis as great a work of grace to repent of tin , as 'tis not to fin. Re- pentance is the vomit of the foul \ and of all Phyfick , none fo difficult and hard as 'tis to vomit \ the fame means that tends to prefer ve the foul from fin , the fame means works the foul to rife by Repent- ance, when 'tis fallen into fin. We know the mercy and loving kindnefs of God is one fpecial means to keep the foul from fin. Jgainft Satans Devices. 6\ fin , as David fpake , Thy loving kindnefs is always hefore mine eyes , and I have walked in thy trutl\and I hjtve not fate with vain perfons , neither will I %o in with dip femblers. I have hated the Congregation of evil doerSy and mil not fit with the wicked. So by the fame means the foul is rai- fed by repentance out of fin , as you may fee in Mary Magdalen , who loved much , and wept much , becaufe much was forgiven her : So thofe in Hofea , Come let us return unto the Ljrd > for he hath torn , and he will heal i he hath fmitten, and he will hinde us up. After two days be will revive us , in the third day he will raife us upy and we Jh all live in his fight , or, before his face y as the Hebrew hath it ; i. e. in his favour. Confidence in Gods mercy and love , that he would heal them , and binde up their wounds, and revivetheirdeje&edfpirits, and cade them to live in his favour,was that which did work their hearts to repent,and return unto him. I might further (hew you this truth in many other particulars, but this may fuffice > only remember this in the general , that there is much of the power of God and love of God, and faith in God,and fear of God,and care to pleafe God , and zeal for the glory of God, re- quifite to work a man to repent of fin, as there is to keep a man from fin > by which F 4 you rfal.25 3 3 4 3 *. Ut'-" 7 37,-; Hof.6 i 3 2 w vish iCor.7.11. Precious ${emedies 6. Remedy. Becia tells of a certain great man th.it was admoni fhed in his ficknefi to repent, who anfwered, that | he would not recent yet; for lfheftaouldrc- coveryhisCom- I" ranions would jaugh at him; but growing ficker and ficker, his friends prefled him again to repent, but then he to'd them it wasted jsre$ (Jgttja jam judicata* \m & con- For now ffaid he)I am judg- ed and con- demned. you may eafily judge , that to repent of Sin is as great a work as not to (In : And now tell me, oh foul ! is it an eafie thing not to fin ? We know then certainly, 3 ris not an eafie thing to repent of fin. "the fixtb Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, (eri- oufly to coniider, That he that now tempts thee to fin, upon this account, that repentance is eafie, will ere long, to work thee to defpair, and for ever to break the neck of thy foul , prefent repentance as the difHculteft and hardeft work in the world i and to this purpofe he willfet thy Sins in order before thee, and make them to fay , Mfe are thine , and we muft fillowtbee. JNow Satan will help to work the foul tctfook up, and fee God angry j and to look inward , an,d fee confeience accuiing and condemning j and to look downwards, and fee Hells mourh open to receive the impenitent foul i and all this to render the work of repentance impof- fible to the fouls What, faith Satan, d oft thcu think that that is eafie which the whoiC powfr of Grace cannot conquer, while we are in this world ? Is it eafy, faith Satan , to turn from forae outward adfc of Sin , to which thou haft been ad- dicted ..? Doeft- thou not remember that thou haft -often complained againft foch and Jgainft Satans VcYices. *5 and fuch particular Sins, and refolved to leave them, and yet to this hour thou haft not, thou canft not? What will it then be to turn from every Sin > Yea, to mor- tifie and cut off thole Sins, thofe darling lufts, that are as joyrits and members, thai be as right hands and right eyes ? Haft thou not loved thy fins above thy Savi- our ? Haft thou not preferred Earth before Heaven ? H ift thou not all along neglect- ed the means of grace ? and defpi fed th#. oflcfft-ef^rafSc ? and vexed the Spirit of grace > There would be no end.If Ifhouldj fet before thee the infinite evils that thou j haft committed,and the innumerable good fervices that thou haft omitted , and the frequent checks of thy own Confcicnce that thou haft contemned j* and therefore thou mayeft well conclude 4 , that thou canft never repent, that thou (halt never repent. Now, faith Satan, do but a little confider thy numberlefs tins, and the greatnefs of thy fins , the foulncfs of thy (ins , the hainoufnefs of thy fins , the cir- cumftances of thy fins, and thou (halt eali- ly fee that thofe Sins that thou thought- eft to be but motes,are*indeed mountains, and is it not now in vain to repent ot them? Surely, (kith Satan,if thou (Tiould- eft feck repentance and grace with tears, as EJatt , thou (halt not rind it j> thy glafs is outy thy fun is fet, the door of mercy is (hut, As one Lama- chut a Com- mander, (aid to one of his fculdiers, that was brought before him fp: a m j f- behavi- our, who plradei he would do fo no more; faith he (Non licet in hullo bis pec- eve.) No man mu ft offend twice in War. So God will not differ men often to neg- lect the day of erace. 6 4 Precious Remedies Repentance is a work that muft be time- ly done, or men are utter- ly undone for ever. Antpm- tendum an: pc- (hut, the golden Scepter is taken in, and now thou that haft defpifed mercy, (halt be for ever deftroyed by Juftice \ for fuch a wretch as thou art to attempt repen- tance , is to attempt a thing impoffible ; 'tis impoffible that thou , that in all thy life couldeft never conquer one Sin, (houldeft matter fuch a numberlefs num- ber of fins i which are fo near, fo dear, io necefTary , and fo profitable to thee, that have fo long bedded and boarded with thee, that have been old acquaintance and companions with thee} halt thou not often, purpofed, promifed, vowed, and refolved ro enter upon the practice of repentance, but to this day couldeft never attain it : Surely 'tis in vain to ftrive againft the ttream , where ic is fo impoffible to over- come •, thou art loft and caft for ever '•> to Hell thou muft,to Hell thou (halti ah fouls ! he that now tempts you to fin, by fuggeft- ing to you the ealinefs of Repentance, will at laft, work you to defpair, and prefent Repentance as the hardeft work in all the world, and a work as far above man, as Heaven is above Hell , as light is above darknefs. Oh! that you were wife, to break orfyour fins by timely Repentance, Now Againji Satans Device* *5 Non> the feventh Device that Satan hath te draw the foul to Sin^ is, BY making the foul bold to venture upon the occafions of fin. Saith Sa- tan, You may walk by the Harlots door, though you won't go into the Harlots bed > you may fit and fip with the drunk- ard, though you won't be drunk with the drunkard , you may look upon Jezabels beauty , and you may pLy and toy with Valilah, though you do not commit wick- ednefs with the one , or the other i you may with Achan handle the golden wedge, though you do not fteal the golden wedge, &c. Now the Remedies againfl this Device of the Vevil^ are thefe. IhefirftRweiy IS, foicmnly to dwell upon thofe Scri- ptures that do exprelly command us to avoid the occafions of Sin , and the leaft appearance of evil, i Ihef.^. 22. Abjlain from all appearance of evil \ whatfoever is heterodox, unfound and unfavory,(hun it, as you would do a Serpent in your way, or poyfon in your meat. 1 beodofw tare the Arrians Arguments prefciited to him in writing , becaufe he found them repugnant to the Scriptures * and Device* io Remedy* Epiphaniut faith, Thatir the old Law, when any dea body was car-' ried by any houfe, they were enjoyn'd 10 (hue their doors and windows. 66 Precious (Remedies ghicyi'dill mat: ccltrakin. S$VAtes (peaks of two young m?n 3 that(lurg away their B.- its, when being in an Ido's Temple 9 the luftrating water fell up- on th y m, c?e- .teftmg, faith ■ the Hiiiunan, the Girnunt footed b) ihe iflefh. and Augttfline retraced even homes on- ly , becaufe they had the appearance of lying. When God had commanded the J ewes to abftain from Swines flefh , they would not fo much as name it, but in their com- mon talk would call a Sow another thing. To abftain from all appearance of evil, is to do nothing wherein tin appears , or which hath a (hadow of Sin. Bernard glolTeth finely, What ever is of an ill Jhew, or of ill report, that he may neither wound confcicnce nor credit : we mud (hun , and be (hie of the very (hew and (hadow of fin, if either we tender our credit abroad, or our com- fort at home. It was good counfel that Livia gave I her Husband Augujins ? It behoveth thee \ not only not to do wrong^hut not to feem to do fo^ &o So Judg. 23. And others fave with fear, fulling them out of the fire, hating e: cntfcGarment fpotted by the flefh. 'Tis a pflnfe taken from legal uncleannefs, which was contracted by touching the ; hoults , the velTels , the garments of un- | clean perfons. Under the Law men might not touch a menfirous cloath , nor God would not accept of a fpotted Peace-offe- ring. So we mult nor only hate , and avoid grofs Sins , but every thing that may carry a favour, or ftifpicion of Sin -, we mujt abhor the very iigns and tokens of Jgainjl Satans Devices, 6 7 of Sin: So in Fr^.5,8. Remove thy way fat frdrri her^and come not nigh the door of her honfe* He that would not be burnt, mult dread the fire \ he that would not hear the Bell mud not meddle with the rope. To venture upon the occafion of Sin, and then to pray, lead us not into tempta- tion> is all one, as to thruft thy ringer into the fire , and then to pray that it might not be burnt. So in Prw.4. 14, 15. you have another command , . Enter not in the path of the wictyd, and go not in the way of evil men > avoid it y and pafs not by it^ turn from if, and pafs away. This triple grada- tion ofSolomon, fheweth With a great em- phafis, how neceflary it is for men to flee from all appearance of fin, as the Sea-man (huns fands and (helves , and as men fhun J j' thole that have the plague-fores running upon them : As Weeds do endanger the Gorn , as bad humours do endanger the blood,or as an infected houfe doth endan- ger the neighbour-hood : fo doth the company of the bad endanger thofe that are good j intirenefs with wicked conforts is one of the ftrongeft Chains of Hell, and binds us to a participation of both fin and punilhrnent. A 'the fecond Remedy Gainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- lemnly to confider , That ordina- rily One faid, As oft as I have been among vain men, I return'd home lefs a mm than I was before. 2. Remedy^ 68 — -, ■ i . . Precious Remedies The Fable laith,Thatbe Butterfly asked the Owl how he ftiould deal with the fire, which had findg.d her wings, who counfel'd htr not to behold Co much as its fmoak. rily there is no .Conqueft over fin y with- out the foul turns from the occafion of fin* 'tis impofliole for that man to get the conqueft of fin , that plays and fports with the occafions of fin. God will not remove the tentation , except you turn from the occafion. It is a juft and righte- ous thing with God, that he (hould fall in- to the pit , that will adventure to dance upon the brink of the pit,& that he (hould be a ilave to fin , that will not flee from the occafions of fin. As long as there is fewel in our hearts for a temptation , we cannot be fecure j He that hath Gunpow- der about him had need keep far enough off from fparkles » to rum upon the occa- fions of fin , is both to tempt our (elves, and to tempt Satan to tempt our fouls > 'tis very rare that any foul plays with the occafions of fin , but that foul is infnar'd by fin ; 'tis feldom that God keeps that foul from the a he that adventures upon the occafions of fin is as he that would quench the fire with Oyle, which is a fewel to maintain it, and increafe it. Ah fouls ! often remember, how frequently you have been overcome by fin , when you have boldly gone upon the occafions of fin j look back fouls, to the day of your vanity wherein you have been as eafily conquered , as tempt- ed. jigalnfl Satans Devices. 6 9 ed , vanquiftied as aiTaulted , when you have played with the occasions of fin > as you would for the future be kept from the a<5fcing of fin , and be made victorious over fin, oh flee from the occafions of fin. the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is , fe- rioufly to confidcr, That other pre- cious Saints, that were once glorious on earth , and are now triumphing in Hea- ven , have turned from the occafions of fin, as hell it felf, as you may fee in Jo- fefb, Gen.39. 10. And it cametopafs y as Jhefpafy to Iofeph day by dayjhat be barkped not unto her^ to lie by ber^ or to be witb bet. Jofeph was famous for all the four cardi- nal Vertues, if ever any were > in this one temptation you may fee his Fortitude, Juftice, Temperance and Prudence, in that he fhuns the occafion (for he would not fo much as be with her.) And that a man is indeed, that he is in a temptation, which is but a tap to give vent to cor- ruption. The Nazarite might not only not drink Wine, but not tafte a Grape, or the husk of a Grape. The Leper was to (have his hair , and pair his nails. The Devil counts a fit occafion, half a Conqueft, for he knows that corrupt nature hath a feed- plot for all fin , which being drawn forth and watered by tome finful occa- fion 3. Remedy. There are To- ries of Hea- thens, that would not look upon beauties, left they (heuld be enfhared. Demdcritus plucktouthis own eyes to avoid the dan- ger of un- cleannefs. 7° Precious Remedies nnn I cut a Coy :- UMt. In making Co venar.ts,ir was a cuftora a- mong the Jews to cu: Tome beaft or other in pieces, and fo walk be- tween die p;e- cefeto/ignifie, chart hey dt fi- red God to r!e- ftroychem thar (hcu!d break the Covenant. (ion , is foon fet a work to the producing of death and deftru&ion. God will not remove die temptation , till we remove the occafion. A Bird whiles aleft, is fafe, but (he comes not near the fnare without danger ', the fhunning the occafions bf fin renders a man molt like the beft of men : a ioul eminently gracious , dares not come-near the train, though he be far off the blow. So Job 3 i. r, I made a Covenant with mine eyes'-, rvby tbenjhoutd Itbinkjipon a maid? I fet a watch at the entrance of my fenfes ? that my foul might not by them be infe&ed or endangered. The eye is the window of the foul , and if that ftiould be always open, the foul might fmart for it. A man may not look intently upon that, that he may not love entirely. The Difciples were fet agogg, by beholding the beauty of the Temple. 3 Tis belt and fafeft to have the eye always rixt upon the higheft and nobleft objects : as the Mariners eye is rixt upon the Star, when their hand is on the item. So David when! he was him'felf , he Hums the oc- cafions of iin, PfaLiS. 4,5, J hue notfafe ivitb vtin ferfons •> neither will 1 go in nub diffembkrs i I have bated the Congre- gation oj evil dxrs , and will not fit with tbe wicked. Stories fpeak of fome that could not ileep when they thought of the Trophies of ^{gainfl Satans Devices. 7\ of other worthies,that went before them, the higheft and choiceft examples are to fome,and fhould be to all, very quickning andi provoking? and oh! that the examples of thofe worthy Saints, David , Jofcph, and j^might prevail with all your fouls to (hun and avoid the occalions of fin i every one (hould ftrive to be like to them in grace,that they defire to be equal with in glory. He that (hooteth at the Sun , though he be far (hort^ will fhoot higher than he that aimeth at alhrub-, 'tis beft (and it fpeaks out much of Chrift with- in ) to eye the higheft,and the worthieft examples. 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, (o- lemnly to conlider,That the avoid- ing the occalions of fin , is an evidence of grace , and that which lifts up a man a- bove Hioft other men in the world. That a man is indeed which he is in temptati- on, and when iinful occafions do prefent themfelves before thefouli this fpeaks out both the truth, and the ftrength of grace, when with Lot , a man can be chaft in So- : dom , and with Timothy can live tempe- rate in AfiA , among the luxurious Epfie- fians ; and with Job can walk uprightly in the Lind of Vz , where the people were prophane in their lives ,• and fuper- G ftitious Remedy, Plutarcb faith of DmoftiH- ecs, That he was excellent atpraififig the worthy a&s of his Anceflors, but nor fo at imitating them. Oh that this were not applicable to many profef- fors in our rimes. 74 (precious Remedies Uitious in their worftiip => and with Da- niel be holy in Babylon; and with ^£/^- ^m righteous in Cbaldea i and with Ne- bemiah, zealous in Damafco^ &c. Miny a wicked man is big, and full of lintul cor- ruption, but (hews it not for want of oc- calion-, but that man is turely good, who in his courfe will not be had , though tempted by occafions •, a ChrilUeiTe foul is (6 farre from reiufwg occufions when they come in his w*y , that he looks and longs after them, and rather than he will go without them , he will buy them not onely with love or money , but alfo with the lofTe of his foul ; nothing but Grace can fence a man againft the occaiions of (in, when he is ftrongly tempted there- unto. Therefore as you would cherim a precious Evidence in your own bofomes^* of the truth and iirength of your graces, (hun all fmful occaiions. The eighth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to fin^is* 8. Device. B if reprefenting to the foul the out- ward mercies that vain men enjoy, fid the outward miferies that they are eed from , whilft they have walked in the wayes of fin. Saith Satan, doft thou fee O foul ! the many mercies that'fuch and fuch enjoy that walk in thofe very wayes jfgainjl Satans Devices. 75 wayes that thy foul ftartles to think of, and the many croiTes that they are deli- vered from , even fuch as makes other men (that fay they dare not walk in fuch wayes ) to fpend their dayes in fighing , weeping, groaning, and mourning *, and therefore faith Satan,if ever thou wouldft be freed from the dark night of adverfity, and enjoy the Sun-£hine ofprofperity , thou muft walk in their ways. By this ftratagem the Devil took thofe in Jer. 44. 16, 17, 18. As for the word that thou haft fpokgn unto us in the name of the Lord , we will not hearken unto thee \ but we will certainly do whatfoever thing goeth forth of our mouth , to burn Incenfe unto the §hteen of Heaven , and to pour e out drink-offerings unto her, as we have done, 'we and our Fathers,our Kings & our Frinces in the Cities of Judah , and in the (Ireets of Jtrufalem \fr then had we plenty ofvittu- als,and were well, and faw no eviL Butfince we left off to burn Incenfe to the §)xeen of Heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her, we have wanted all things y and have been confumed by the fword , and by the famine* This is juit the language of a world of ignorant, prophane , and fuperftitiou* fouls in London, and England, that would have made them a Captain to return to Bondage , yea , to that bondage that was worfe than that the Ifraelites groaned G 2 under. 'Twas a weighty fay- ing- of Seneca (Nihil eft irfe- Ikius eo,cuinil nm^umn con- tigit adverfi.) There is no- thing more unhappy, than he who never felt adverfiry. Some of the Heat!' ens would be .vicked as their gods were, counting it a dimonour to their god,to be unlike him. LCLCldtii'M. 74 (precious %emectiei i istattiofone jfihe Empe- n ujs, That Ko at had no war in his davs, beeaufe 'twas p'ague enough lo have iucii an Emperour, Y< u are wife *nd know how to apply it. Remedy Til'} judged vs Rc- lo be na-jgn, be- r.iu!c- tliry were fo often ov fcohVe and r:int, ii i airlifted , & -he rehgnr vi Kn'/fi: to be n;hr- be a'rfe r h j- h.r-y,.is &r ottered, arid b*c30ie Lord* of the wcrli ; under. Oh! fay they,iince fuch and fuch perfons have been pat down, and kft orF, we have had nothing but plundering, and taxing , and butchering of men, &c. and therefore we will do as we and our Kings, arid Nobles , and Fathers have formerly done, for then had we plenty at home,and peace abroad, &c. and there was none to make us afraid. Now the Remedies agrinil this Device of Sa- tan are thefe thit follow* Ike firjl Remedy IS , foltmnly to contider^That no man knows how the heart ol God Hands by his hand j his hand of mtfey may be towards a man , when his heart may be againft that man, as you may fee in Sanl^ and others. And the hand of God may befit againft a man , when the /heart of God is dearly let upon a man , as you m.?y fee in *}>>b and Epbraim-> the hand of God was lorcly fet againlt them , and ya the heart and bowels of God were Wrongly working towards them i no man knoweth cither love or hatred by out- ward mercy or mifery i tor ail things come alike to all , to the righteous and to] the unrighteous \ to the good,and to the! bad i to the dean,and to the unclean, &c. The Sun of profperity (hines as well upon] braq^les : < .Againjl Sat uns Devices . 7 5 brambles of the wildernefs , as fruit trees, of the Orchard •, the Snow and Hail of f adveriity lights upon the belt Garden as well as the ftinkirig Dunghils, or the wild wafte. dbab's and fofialfs ends concurjn the very circumftances.SW and Jonathan though different in their natures, deferts*, and deportments, yet in their deaths they were not divided. Health , wealth, ho- nours, &c. crofles, ficknerTes, lorFes, &c* ut caftupon good men and bad men pro- mifcuoufly. "the whole Turkj/h Empire is nothing elfebut a cruftjaft by Heavens great Houfe-keeper to his dogs. Mofes dies in the WildernefTeas well as thofethat murmur- ed. Nabal is rich as wefl as Abraham : Achitophel wife, as well as Solomon : and Doeg honoured by Saul , as well as Jofeph ( was by Fbaraob. Ufaally the word of men have moft of thefe outward things i and thebeftof men have leaftof Earth,though moft of Heaven. c thefecond ; Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, fe- rioufly to confider , That there is nothing in the world that doth fb pro- voke God to be wrath and angry ,as riiens taking encouragement from Gods good- Eels and mercy to do wickedly. This you may fee by that wrath that fell upon the old world, and by Gods raining Hell out G 3 ofl and ytt though the Romans had his hand yer hi Jews had h : s heart; 'or they were dearly beloved, though forely affl.cled. Nihil $ nifi mica patU Luther. Remedy, 7 % (precious (Remedies Such fouls make God a God of clouts, one that will not do as he faith ,but they {hail find God to be as fevere in punching, as he is to o- th?r; gracious in pardoning. Good turns aggravate un- kindnefles,and our guilt is increafcd by our obligati- ons. 3. Remedy, of Heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah. This is clear in Jer. 44. from verf, 20. to verf. 28. the words are worthy ofyourbeft meditation •, oh that they were engraven in all your hearts, and conftant in all your thoughts ! Though they are too large for me to tranfcribe them , yet they are not too large for me to remember them. To argue irom mercy to finful liberty , is the Devils Logick,and fuch Logicians do ever walk as upon a m : ne of gun-powder, rea- dy to be blown up,- no fuch fouls can ever avert or avoid the wrath of God. This is wickednefs at the height , for a man to be very bad , becaufe God is very good j a worfe fpirit than this is not in hell. Ah Lord , doth not wrath, yea, thegreatefi wrath lye at this mans door ? Are not the Iftrongcft Chains of darknefs prepared for fuch a foul ? To fin again!* mercy is to (in againli humanity , it is beftial, nay , it is worfe. To render good for evil is divine, to render good for good is humane , to render evil for evil,is brutifh > but to ren- der evil for good, is devillifh i and from this evil deliver my foul, oh God. The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is , fo- lemnly to confider, That there is no greater mifery in this life, than not to be in mifery •, no greater afBidion, than not to be arlided j woe, woe to that foul that jigainjl Satcins Devices. 79 that God will not ipenda rod upon , this; is the faddctt (Iroke of all, when God re- j fufes to itrike at all. Ephraim U joyned to Idols > let him alone* Why fhiuld you be \ Rtf \ pcf i7 fr (mitten any more ? you will revolt more andWfyiti** &fi- more. When the Phyfitian gi^es over thep w ^-oravit' Patient,you fay Kin? out hi* Kmlljhc thanl'^L^ll ■ i i r> i $\ 1 /- i 8 ,on Drought ia dead : So when God gives over a foul f f 0TZ iy r j c hes, to fin without controul , you may truely j nnd the (ay, this foul is lojl, you may ring out his [dauglirer Coon knell , for he is twice dead,and plucktup xt'Tl c£t by the roots. Freeaom from punifhment \Augti(lUe, is the mother of fecurity, the flep-mothcr ofvertue, the poylbn of Religion, the moth of holinefs , and the introducer of wickednefs : Nothing (faid one) feems more unhappy to me, than he to rrhom no adverfity hath happened. Outward mercies oft-times prove a fnare to our fouls. I will hy a tumbling blocks , Ezek.3.2C. Vatablus his Note there hjrvillprofper him in all things, and not by ajfliftion rejirain him from fin, Profperity hath been a Humbling block,at which millions have Humbled and fallen, and broke the neck of their fouls for ever. 'The fourth Kemedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confide* , That the wants ot wicked men under all their outward mercy and freedorne from adverfity , is far greater than all their outward enjoy- ments. They have many mercies,yet they Vaci&m ut omnia hab'fcit Prflfierit; cala- mt&tibiH (uiri a peccato uo-i Til 0.100. 'Kemedy, want 78 tPrewus. Remedies Men that en joy a!! world ly comforts, may truly fa want more than they enjoy , the mercies which they enjoy , are nothing to the mercies they want. 'Tis true, they have honours, and riches, and pleafures , and friends , and are mighty in power , their feed is eftabli(hed in their fight with them , and their ofT-fpring before their eyes', their houfes are fafe from fear ^neither is the red of God upon them They fend forth their little ones like aflocj^and their children dance.lhey ta^e the 'timbrel and Harp^and rcjtyce at the found of the Organ-; theyfpend their days in wealth jbeir eyes lland out with fatnefs, they have more than heart can n'ijh: And they have no bands in their death , but their ftrengtb is firm i they are not in trou- Om faith he , When I went into the Sanctuary of Gcdjhen I mderjhod their end: Surely thou didji fit them in flippery places \thou caftedft them down into dejirucli- on. How are they brought into defolatinn a/s in a moment ? 7 hey are utterly confumed with terrors. As a dream when one arva- kcth^ fi, Lord , when thou awa\e\t^ thou (halt defpife their Image- So in Pfal. 92. 7. When the wicked fpring as graffe , and when all the workers of iniquity do flou- rijh, it is that theyjhall he deftroyedfor ever. Gods 6. Remedy. Vdms the Ro- 1 manEmperorJ fcllfrom being an Emperom to be a foor- ftool to Sapor King of Parfia. Dionyfiiu King otSktfy, fcIJ from his king- ly glory, to be aSchool-ma- fter. The brave Queen Zmobia was brought to Rome in gold- en chains. 8i Trecious tf^emedies I^ale/is an Em- perour, B:lli- farlm a fa- mousGeneral, Henry the fourth , Baja- \ct y Pytbeas, great Pmpey, and William the Conque- rour, thefe from being very high, weie brought very low; ;hey all Ml trom great glory 8c majefly, to great poverty and miferyj Da DomrUt ut fie pojld:a nus tcmporalia^u no* pr damns ie-wia. Bern. Gran: us Lor 4 mat we may fo partake of canperal feli- city , tha r - we | may not lofe i eternal. Gods fetting them up, is but in order to his cafting them down > his railing them high, is but in order to his bringing them low. Exod. 9* 16. And in very deed , for this caufe have Iraifed thee up , for tojhew in thee mypon>er y and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. I have conjlituted and fet thee up as a But-mar^ that I may let flye at thee,and follow thee clofe with plague upon plague , till I have beaten the very breath out of thy body , and got my felf a name , in fetting my feet upon the neck of all thy pride, pow- er, pomp,and glory. Ah fouls ! what man in his wits would be lifted up , that he might be call down , would be fet higher than others, when 'tis but in order to his being brought down lower than others > There is not a wicked man in the world that is fet up with Lncifer, as high as hea- ven , but mall with Lucifer be brought down as low as hell. Canlt thou trunk feriouily of this, O foul 1 and not fay, Lord , I humbly crave that thou wilt let me be little in this world , that I may be great in another world ', and low here that I may be high for ever hereafter. Let mc be low, and feed low, and live low, To 1 may live with thee tor ever, let me now be cloathed with rags,fo thou wilt doath me at laft with thy Robes^ let me now be Lt upon a dunghil , (o I may. at laft be ad- Againjl Satans Devices i 83 advanced to lit with thee upon thy Throne. Lord , make me rather graci- ous , than great » inwardly holy , than outwardly happy } and rather turn me into my firft nothing, yea, make me worfe than nothing , rather than fet me up for a time, that thou mayft bring me low for ever. T^hefecond Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, (b- 2 •Remedy. UmnJytoconfider, That God doth often moft plague and punim thole, whom others think he doth moft fpare and love i that is, God do's plague and punifti them moit with fpiiitual judgements (which Pfal.Sr. 12. are the greateft, the foreft, and the heavi-jPkljS .26,10 eftj whom he leaft punilhes with tempo- '|>*\ 6 ral punifhments, there are no men on j #, ^ ^' earth fo internally plagued, as thofe that |r^ci>- r^/^y?, meet with leaft external plagues. Oh! but f%t Uantfs the blindnefs of mind, the hardnefs of l^VtZtt heart, the fearednefs of confeience, that thofe fouls are given up to , who in the <^ye of the world are reputed the moft happy men , becaufe they are not out- wardly aflli&ed and plagued as other men. Ah fouls ! 'twere better that all the tem- poral plagues that ever befell the Children of men fmce the fall of Adam , (hould at once meet upon your fouls , than that you (hould be given up to the leaft fpiri- tual Tis a heavy plague ro have a fat body and a ieau foul j a houfe full of gold, and a heart fuil of fin. 86 (precious Remedies /.. 'Tis better to have a fore, than a feared conscience. 'Tis better to have no heart than a Hard hearc ; no mind, than a blind mind. 8. Remedy. tual plague , to the lea/t meafure of fpiri- tual blindnefTe , or fpiritual hardnefsof heart, &c. Nothing will better that man, nor move that man , that is given up to fpiritual judgements s Let God fmile or frown, itroke ortirike, cut or kill, he minds it not,he regards it nor, let life, or death, heaven, or hell, be fet before him x it ftirs him not -, he is mad upon his fin , and God is fully fet to do Juftice upon his fov j this mans prefervation is but a re- fervation unto a greater condemnations this man can fet no bounds to himfelf, he is become a brat of fathomlefs perdition 4 he hath guilt in his bofome , and venge- ance at his back, where-ever he goesi nei- ther Miniftry, nor mifery, neither miracle nor mercy can moliirie his heart , and if this foul be not in Hell on this fide Hell , who is ? who is ? In this day men fhail give an recount ( D? bonis cow A 'the eighth Remedy Gainft this Device of Satan , is , To dwell more upon that llricfc ac- count that vain men muft make for all that good that they do enjoy. Ah ! did men dwell more upon that account that they mull ere long give for all the mercies that they have enjoyed, and for all the fa- vours that they have abufed , and for all the fins they have committed , it would mffii % dc bonk | make their hearts to tremble , and their lips jfgainft Satans 'Devices . 87 lips to quiver, and rottennefs to enter in-J^^M' m «~ to their bones \ it would caufe their M»|[^"^ to cry out, and fay,Oh ! that our mercies jofg^a Sings had been fewer and lefler,that our account -committed might have been eafier , and our torment u»to them, of and mifcryffor our abufe of fo great mer- §°° d i hl . n S s y l li l neglected b c-y ) not greater than we are able to bear. ! th £ m ^ of evii negleded by them 3 of e O curled be the day , wherein the Crown J committed of honour was fet upon our heads , and jby them , and the treafures of this world were caft into f^J 1 ^^" our laps , O curfed be the day wherein I e the fun of profperity (hin'd fo ifrong up- on us, and this flattering world fmil'd Co much upon us , as to occafion us to for- get God, to flight Jefus Chrift, to ncglcdfc our fouls , and to put far from us the day of our account. Philip the Third of Spain , whofelite was free from grofs evils, profeffed, That he would rather lofe all his Kingdom f ban of- fend God willingly , yet being in the Ago- ny of death , and considering more thorowly of his account he was to give to God , fear (truck into him , and thefe to die judicii pins v&kbit co/ifcienti.i ,pu- ra % quavt mcv- fu'pia phna. words brake from him, Oh ! would to God\ Bern I had never reigncd.Oh that thofe years that] Thc " maI J. a ] I havefpent in my Kingdom , I had lived a] |™ e be c ^£1 folitary life in the wildemefs! Oh thai I had\ W0 rtli thanafl lived a folitary life with God / How much\ the worlds morefecurelyfhould I now have died ? H>w much more confidently Jhould I have gone to the throne of God ? What doth all my glory profit ir-mm ,1 1 t m i 1 ' 1 t— — — ■ 86 Precious fymedies Hkrom {till thought that :hat voice was in his ears (S urgke mor- tal &• venue dd jt .licLm.) ^rife you dead, and ceme :o judg- ment-. As oft as I think on :hat day, how doth my whole bodv quake, and my heart within me tremble. p. Device* profit me y hut that I have fo much the more \ torment in my death .? God keeps an exa6f account of every penny that's laid out upon him and his , and that is laid out againft him and his ■-> and this in the day; of account men (hall know and feel,though how they wink, and will not underitand. The fleeping of vengeance , caufcth the over-flowing of fin, and the over-flowing of fin caufeth the awaking of vengeance i abufed mercy will certainly turn into fu- ry j Gods forbearance is no quittance i the day is at hand,when he will pay wick- ed men for the abufe of old and new mer- cies •, if he (eem to be flow, yet he is fure , he hath leaden heels, but iron hands , the farther he fetcheth his blow , or draweth his Arrow, the deeper he will wound in the day of Vengeance. Mens actions are all in print in heaven, and God will in the day of account read them aloud in the ears of all the world , that they may all fay Amen to that righteous (entence that he (hall pafs upon all defpifers and abuiers of mercy. Ihe Ninth Device that Satan hath to draw the Soul to fin^is, BY prefenting co the foul the croltes , loiixs, reproaches, forrows, and fuf- fcrings that do daily attend thofe that walk in the ways of hoiinefs, Saith Sa- tan. jtgainfl Satans Devices. •8 7 tan , do not you fee that there are none in the world that are Co vexed, afflicted , and rotted , as thofe that walk more cir- cumfpe&ly and holily than their neigh- bours i they are a by-word at home, and a reproach abroad * their miieries come in upon them like Jofrs MefTengers, one upon the neck of another, and there is no end of their forrows and troubles i there- fore faith Satan, you were better walk in wayes that are lefs troublefome , and Ids afflicted , though they be more finful j for who but a mad man would fpend his dayes in forrow, vexation , and affliction, when it may be prevented by walking in the wayes that I let before him ? Now the Remedies againft this Device of Satan , are thefe. 'the firfl Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan is , fo- lemnly to confider , That all the afflictions that do attend the people ot God , are fuch as (hall turn to the profit, and glorious advantage of the people ot God i they (hall difcover that hlthinefs and vilenefs in fin , that yet the foul hath never fcen. It was a fpeech of a German Divine , in his ficknefsi In this Vifeafe I have learned how great God is , and what the H evil i. Remedy* GtfpwO'evt- 88 (Prmous Remedies Ch.2 7 S ; [n times of peace our Armour is rufty, incline of war 'tis bright. J0D34. 3i>3 2 > evil of fin u > I never kpew to purpofe what God was before, nor what fin me anthill now. Affli&ions are a Chriftal glafs , wherein the foul hath' the cleared fight of the ugly face of fin -, in this glafle the foul conies to fee fin to be but a bitter- fweet : yea , in this glaffe the foul comes to fee fin not only to be an evil , but to be the greateft evil in the world , to be an evil far worfe than hell it felf. Again,they (hall contribute to the mor- tifying and purging away of their fins. Afflictions are Gods Furnace, by which he cleanfes his people from their drofTe j affliction is a fire to purge out our drofs, and to make vertue fhine h it is a potion to carry away ill humours, better than all the Beneditta Medic amentum, as Phyfitians call them. Aloes kills worms, colds and frofts do deftroy vermine,fo do afflictions the corruptions that are in our hearts. The Jews under all the Prophets thunder- ing, retained their Idols , but after their Babylonifh captivity, 'tis oblerved, there have been no Idols found amongft them. Again, Afflictions are fweet preferva- tives to keep the Saints from fin, which is a greater evil than hell it felf: as Job Cpake.Surely it U meet to befaidunto God J have born chafiifement, I'witl not offend any m re.lbat which I fee not teach then me\if I \ have done iniquity, I will do no more. Once have Againfl Satans VeVices, have IJpokenfooliJhly,yeajrvice^utIvvi!l do fo no more.The burntChild dreads the tire, ah ! faith the foul under the rod , fin is but a bitter- fweet , and for the future 1 intend by the ftrength of Chriit , that I will not buy repentance at fo dear a rate. The Rabbins , to fcare their Scholars from fin , were wont to tell them, that fin made Gods head ahg i and Saints under the rod have found by woful experience, that fin makes not only their heads , but their hearts ake alfo. Augu\\ine by wandering out of his way efcaped one that lay in wait to mifchief him. If afflictions did not put us out of our way, we (hould many cimes meet with fome fin or other , that would mif- chief our precious fouls. Again , They will work the Saints to be more fruitful in holineiTe, Heb. i2> 10, n. But he afflicts us for our profit, that rve might be partakers of his holinefs. The Flow- ers fmell fweeteft after a (hower j Vines bear the better for bleeding i the Walnut tree is moft fruitful , when molt beaten j Saints fpring and thrive moft internal- ly, when they are moft externally af- flicted : Afflictions are called by fome 7he mother ofvertue. Manxes his Chain was more profitable to him, than his crown. Luther could not underftand fome Scriptures, till he was in aifli&ion. The • • H 2 Chrift Salt brine pref.'rves from putrifj&ion, and filimarrti- es keep the nacep from the rot; So do afflictions* the Saints from fio. Theballinthc emb'em fairh 3 Percujfa [wgo, the harder yon beat me down in afflidionj the higher I inaii bound in afre&ion to- wards heaven and heavenly things. 9° (Precious Remedies Scbola cruris, Scboid luriu Chrift-crois is no letter, and yet that taught him more than all the letters in the row. Gods Houfe ofCorrettion, is his School oflnjhuftion. All the ftones that came about Stephens ears , did but knock him clofer to Chrift the corner-ftone. The waves did but lift Noah's Ark near- er to Heaven •, and the higher the waters grew,the more near the Ark was lifted up to Heaverii Afflictions do lift up the foul to more rich , clear, and full enjoyments of God. Hof. 2.14. Behold J will allure her into the wildernefs y and fpea\comfortably to for, (or rather , as the Hebrew hath irj I will earneftly or vehemently fpea\ to her heart. God makes afflictions to be but inlets to the fouls more fweet and full of enjoyment of his blefled felf.When was it that Stephen faw the Heavens open, and Chrift (landing at the right hand of God ? but when the ftones were about his ears , and there was but a (hort ftep betwixt him and eternity. And when dfd God appear in his glory to Jacob ? but in the day of his troubles when the ftones were his pillows,and the ground his bed, and the hedges his curtains , and the Heavens his Canopy, then he fan the An- gels of a Godfcending & descending in their gliftering robes. The Plant in Nazianzen grows with cutting j being cut , it flou- riftieth > it contends with the Axe, it lives j ^ VedLWarti- gnal. libbib. It is reported of Tiberius the Emperor, that paffing by a place ^where hefawaCrofs tying in the ground upon a marble/tone, and caufing rhe iione to be digged up, found a great deal of trea- fure under the Crofc. jigainjl Satans Devices. 9 l by dying , and by cutting it grows i (b do Saints by their afflictions that do be- fall them , they gain more experience of the power of God fupporting them , of the wifdomof God directing them, of the grace of God refreming and cheering them , and of the goodnefs of God quiet- ing and quickening of them , to a greater love to holinefs , and to a greater delight in holinefs , and to a more vehement pur- fuing after holinefs. I have read of a Fountain, that at noon day is cold , and at mid-night it grows warm : fo many a precious Saint is cold God-wards , and Heaven-wards,and Ho- linefs-wards , in the day of profperity , that grow warm God- wards , and Hea- ven-wards , and Holinefs-wards , in the mid-night of adverlity. Again , Afflictions ferve to keep the hearts of the Saints humble and tender , Lam. 3. i£, 20. Remembrinfc my affliftiw, and my mifery, the wormwood^and the gall <> my foul bath themftiUht remembrance , and u humbled in me, or bowed down in me , as the Original hath if* So David , when he was under the rod, could fay, I was dumb, I ofzned not my mouth : becaufe thou didfi it. I have read of one, who when any thing fell out profperoufly, would read over the Lamentation of Jeremiah , and that kept _H 3 his So many a precious Saint hath found much fpiritual and heavenly Treafure un- der the erodes they have met withal. iron* from Gregory Na- 9 2 Precious Remedies' Pfal.li? 67, 7I V Chap. 5. 1,2. # The more pre cious odours, and the pureft fpicesrrebea- t:r»,and bru f ed,:he fWeete: ain:s when tfceyireafflitt- ed/Hof.2.5,7 h:s heart tender, humbled, and low. Pro- fpcriry doth not contribute more to the puffing up the foul , than adverfity doth to the bowing down of the fouh This the Saints by experience rind, and therefore they can kiiTe and embrace the Croffe, as others do the worlds Crown. Again, They ferve to bring the Saints nearer to God , and to make them more importunate , and earneft in prayer with God. Before I was afflicled Iwent aftrsy, but now have I kept thy word. It vs good for me that I have been afflicled , that I might learn thy Statutes. I will be to Ephraim as a Lym, and as a young Lyon to the houfe of JudahJ^even I will tear, and go away J will taks away, and none Jh 'all re} r cue bim-IwiUgo and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence , andfeek^my face* in their af- fliction they willfeek^me early. And fo they did. Come ( fay they j and let us return unto the Lord , for he hath torn,and he will heal us, he hath f mitt en, and he will bindus uP- After two dayes he will revive us, in the third day, be will raifc us up,and we frail live in his fight. So when God hadhedged up their way with thorns, then they fay, I will go and return to my firft husband, for then was it with me better than now,bh the joy, the peace , the comfort, the delight, and content that did attend us, when wc Kept clofe communion with God , doth j r be- AzatnflSatans Devices, 93 MpeaK our return to God. We will re- turn to our firji husband , for then wm it with us better than new. When Tiribazus a Noble Perfun? was Arretted, he drew out his ("word, and de- fended himfelf i but when they told him that they came to carry him to the King, he willingly yielded : to, though a Saint, may at rirtt (tand a little out , yet when he remembers, that afrli&ions are to car- ry him nearer to God, he yields, and kif- fes the rod. Afflictions are like the prick at the Nightingales breaft , that awakes her, and puts her upon her fweet and de- lightful (ingings. Again , Afflictions they ferve to revive and recover decayed graces, they nfbme that love that's cold, and they quicken that faith that is decaying , and they put life into thofe hopes that are withering, and fpirits into thofe joys and comforts that are languishing. Muske ffaith one) when it hath loft its^ frveetnejs , if it be put into thefink^ amongji filth, it recovers it. So do afflictions recover and revive decayed graces. The more Saints are beaten with the hammer of afflictions the more they are made the trumpets of Gods prai- fes, arid the more arc their graces revived and quickned. Adverfity abafes the love- linefs of the world that might entice us , it abates the luftinefs of the flefh within, _______ H 4 that Moft men ar: file a top/hat wiil n tgour.- lefi you whip it , and the more you whip it, the bet e; it goes. You know how to apply it. They that sre in ad- verfity, faith Lhth r,do bet- ter urfderftand Scripturesjbut thofe that are in profp.rity, :ead them as a Verfe in Ovid. Beeiarekiil'd with Honey, bur quickned . with Vinegar, j 94 (Precious ^emedie, The honey of jthat. might incite us to folly and vanity v profperity I an d jt abets the fpirit in his quarrel to the kllls ° W h he two f° rmer > wni ch ten4s much to the re- vinegaiofad-.viving and recovering of decayed graces. verfny quick- Now fuppofe afflictions and troubles at- ens our graces. ten( j tne wayes of holinefs, yet feeing that they all work for the great profit and lin- gular advantage of the Saints , let no foul be fo mad , as to leave an afflided way of holinefs, to walk in a fmooth path of wic- kednefs. Remedy. The Chrittian Soulier lhall j ever be Mafier [of the day \(MorifoJJe, • fa id CyyrUn to I Cornelius ) he | may furTer i! death, but ne- ver conqueft 'the fecmd Remedy A Gainft this device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider , That all the afflictions that do befal the Saints , do only reach their worfer part j they reach not , they hurt not their noble part, their beft part i all the arrows ftick in the Tar- get , they reach not the confeience. And who Jh. all barm ynujf you be followerr of that which is good ? ("faith the Apoftle.) That is , none (hall harm you y they may thus and thus afflict you , but they (hall never harm you. It was the fpeech of a Heathen , wjien- as by the Tyrant he was commanded to be put into a Mortar, and to be beaten to pieces with an Iron Peftle , he cries out to his perfecutors, Ton do but beat the veffel , the eafe , the hm^ofAnaXaTchus^youdonot peat me > His body was to him but as a cafe <* 1 ... I Againji Sat am Devices 91 cafe, a husk 7 be counted his foul himfelf, which they could not rcach:You are wife, and know how to apply it. Sscratcs faid of his Enemies , 'they may kjll rwe, but they cannot hurt rni t So afflicti- ons may kill us ,bqt they cmnot hurt us : they may take away my life , but they cannot take away my God, my Chrift, my Crown. 'the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is fen- oufly to confider , That the affli- ctions that do attend the Saints in the waves of holinefs , are but (hort and mo- mentary. Sorrow may abide for anight \but joy comes in the morning ; this (hort (torm will end in an everlafting calm, this (hort night will end in a glorious day , that (hall never have end. 5 Tis but a very (hort time between grace and glory , between our title to the Crown , and our wearing the Crown, between our right to the hea- venly inheritance , and our pofleflionof the heavenly inheritance. Fourteen thou- fand years to the Lord,is but as one day , what is our life,but a fhadow, a bubble, a flower, a pod, afpao, a dream?d^c. yea, fo fmall a while doth the hand of the Lord reft upon us that Luther cannot get dimi- nutives enough to extenuate ittfbr he calls it a very little little crof> that we bear. The Prophet in Ifa. 26. 20. (topikfon _ mih^ron) 3. Remedy* There arc none of Gods afflicted ones that have not their ( lucid* intcrvaUa) in- termifflons^e-, fpits, and breathing whileSjtindcr their (hort and momentary affliction*. When Gods hind is on thy back , let thy hand be on thy mourh;for thongh the affliction be (harp, it fball bz but {hort. r~9* w Treciom Remedies John \6. 21. Heb. 10.36. 'Evyctf (jut- n.(sf foot c'cov- cito tranfibit. Athanafius* 4. . Remedy. j# « asketh (J: xma.'. v pO'0:ioi fi<- motxrjifhe micron ) faith the indignation doth not (tranfire) pais, but ( pertranftre) over pafs* The (harpnefs , (hortnefs , and fudden- nefs of it is fet forth by the travel of a woman, John 16.21. And that is a fweet Scripture, For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the mil of God , ye might receive the promife. For yet a little while he thatJhaU come, mil come, and mil not tarry. ( e tantiUum y tantillum adhuc pufiHum. ) A little , little , little while. When Athanafms i s friends came to be- wail him,becaufe 01" his mifery and baniuV ment, he (aid Jt is but a little cloud^and mil quickjy begone* 3e TmU be but at a day before] God mU give his afflifted ones beauty for ajhes , the Oyle of gladnefs for the fpirit of heaviuefs > before he will turn all your fighing into finging,all your lamentations into confolations,your fackcloath into filks, a(hes into oyntments , and your fafts into everlafting feafts, &c* 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fe- rioufly to confider , That the affli- ctions that do befall the Saints are fuch as proceed from Gods deareft love. As many as Hove, I rebuke and chajlen. Saints, faith God, think not that I hate you, be- cau(e I thus chide you-, he that efcapes re- prehenfion, may fufpedt his adoption. God jfga'mjl Saturn Devices. God had one Son without corruption,but no Son without correction. A gracious foul may look through the darkeft cloud, and fee a God fmilingon him. We muft look through the anger of his corre&ion, J to the fwtttnefs of his countenance j. and as by a Rain-bow we fee the beautitul Image of the Suns !ip,ht, in the midii of a dark and waterifh ci8 Precious Remedies Exod. ii. Ezra. I. A/Hi&ons they are but oar Fathers .Qoid-fmiths, who are work- ing to adde Pearls to our Ciowns. Tibrrins faw Paradife when he walked up- on hot burn- ing coals. Herodotus faid oithtAjfiri- atSt Let them drink nothing but wormwood all their life bng:whcnthey dye, they (hall fwim in Ho ney: You are wife and know how to apply if. was difmifled out of JEgypt , 'twas with gold and ear-rings. So the Jews , were difmifTed out of Babylon^ith gifts jewels, and all neceflary utenfils. Look more at the latter end of a Chriftian, than the be- ginning of his affliction : Confider the pa- tience of Jobjk what end the Lord made with him. Look not upon Lazarus lying at Dives door,but lying in Abraham* s bo- fome. Look not to the beginning of Jo- fepb, who was (b far from his dream, that the Sun and Moon (hould reverence him, that for two years he was caft where he could fee neither Sun,Moon nor Stars jbut behold him at the lait made Ruler over JEgypt. Look not upon David , as there was but a ftep between him and death,nor as he was envied by fome , and flighted and defpifed by others i but behold him v feated in his Royal Throne , and dying in his bed of honour, and his Son Solomon and all his glittering Nobles about him. Afflictions they are but as a -lark entry into your Fathers houfe, they are but as a dirty lane to a Royal Palace. Now tell me fouls whether it be not very great madnefs to fhun the wayes of holinefs, and to walk in the wayes of wickednefs, becaufe of thofe afflictions that do attend the wayes of holinefs. ?be jigainfl. Satans Devices. 99 The fixtb Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is feri- oufly to confider , That the defign of God in all the afflictions that do be- fall them , is only to try them, 'tis not to wrong them, nor to ruine them,as igno- rant fouls are apt to think. He kjtowetk the way that I tafa and when he hath tryed mc y Ifhail come forth as gold^ faith patient Job* SoinPjH. 8. 2. And thou jhalt re- member all the way which the Lord thy God led thee thefe forty years in the Wilder nefs> to humble thee , and to prove thee to hpow what was in thy hearty whether thou wouldfi J^eep his Commandments or no.God afflicted them thus , that he might make known to themfelves and others what was in! their hearts. When fire is put to green J wood , there come out abundance ofwa-j tery ftuffe that before appeared not \ \ when the pond is empty , the mud , filth, and toads come to light. The fnow co- vers many a dunghil , fo doth profperity many a rotten heart. It is eafie to wade in a warm bath , and every Bird can fing in a Sun-lhine day, &c. Hard weather tries what health we havei affii&ions try what fap we have, what grace we have. Wi- thered leaves foon fall orTin windy wea- ther , rotten boughs quickly break with ^^^ heavy 6, Remedy* The King of Aracnm in ScaligeY, tries her whom he means to mar- ry, by fweat- ing ; if they be fweet, then he marries them; if not, then he rejefts them.}^ You may cafi- iy make the Application. lOO Precious Remedies DunRhils ra- ked jend out a filthy fleam, Oyntments a fweet perfume; This is appli cable tofinners and Saints un- der the rod. . 7. Remedy, Sio often- times makes men infenfible of the wrath of the Almighty. Sin transforms many a man, as it were into thofe Bears in Pliny j that heavy weights , &c. You are wife , and know how to apply it. Affl i&ions are like pinching frofts, that will fearch us , where we are molt un- found , we fliall fooneft complain , and where moft corruptions lye, we (hall moft (hrink. We try Mettal by knocking,if it (bund well, then we like it : So God tries his by knocking,and if under knocks they yield a pleafant found , God will turn their night into day, and their bitter into fweet, and their Crofs into a Crown •, and they fhall hear that voice, Arife andfhine^ for the glory of the Lord is rifen upon thee ,' and the favours of the Lord are flowing in on thee, The Seventh Remedy k AGainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- lemnly to consider , That the af- flictions , wrath and mifery that do at- tend the wayes of wickednefs , are farre greater , and heavier than thole are , that do attend the wayes of holinefs. Oh ! the gauling,girding,k(hing, and gnawing of Confcience that do attend fouls in a way of wickednefs. T'he wielded (faith Ifaiah ) are likg the troubled fea , when it cannot reft , rvhefe waters caji up mire and dirt, There is no peace to wicked , faith my Cod, There are fnates in all their mer- cies ;■■ ; Againjl S titans Devices . 1 o i cies, and curfes and crofles do attend all their comforts, both at home and abroad. What is a tine fuit of cloaths with the Plague in it ? And what's a golden Cup when there is poyfon at the bottom ? or what's a lilken iiocken with a broken leg in it > The curfe of God , the wrath of God, the hatred of God, and the fierce indignation of God do alwayes attend tinners, walking in a way of wickednefs. Turn to I)eut.%$. and read from verf.15. to the end of that Chapter i and turn to Lcviu 26. and read from verf. 14. to the end of that Chapter j and then you fhall fee., how the curfe of God haunts the wic- ked ( as it were a fury ) in all his wayes. In the City it attends him, in the Country it hovers over him j coming in, it accom- panies him i going forth,it follows him, and in travel it is his Comrade ^ it fills his ftore with ftrife , and mingles the wrath of God with his fweeteft morfels. It is a moth in his Wardrobe , murrain among his Cattle, mildew in the field, rot among fheep, and oft times makes the fruit of his loyns, his greateft vexation,and confufion. There is no folid joy, nor lafting peace , nor pure comfort, that attends tinners in their finful wayes. There is a fwprd of i vengeance that doth every moment hang ' over their heads, by a fmall thread , and what joy and content can attend fuchl fouls, I could not be ftirred with the tharpeft prickles : or thofe fifties in ArijlotU) that theugh they have fpears thruft into their fides, yetj they awake not. Sin brings in forrow, and fickaefs, &c. \ The Rabbins] fay, that when Adam rafted the forbidden fruit, his head aked. fitd Sims are to fing cun oufly while I [hey live,but { IOZ Precious Remedies to roar horri- bly whcnj they dye. So do the wicked. io. Device* foul , if the eye of Confcience be but fo far open , as to fee the (Word? Ah ! the horrours and terrours, the tremblings and makings that attend their fouls. the tenth Device that Satan hath io draw the foul to Sin , is> BY working them to be frequent , in comparing themfelves and their ways with thofe that are reputed or reported to be worfe than themfelves. By this Device the Devil drew the proud Pharifte to blefs himfelf in a cur fed condition \ God> lthan\thee that lam not of other men are, extortioners , mjuft , adulterers , or even as this Publican,8cc. Why, faith Satan, you fwear but petty Oaths , as by your faith , and troth, &c. but fuch and fuch fwear' by wounds and blood > you are now and then a little wanton , but fuch and fuch do daily defile and pollute themfelves, by actual uncleannefs , and filthinefs * you deceive and over-reach your neighbours in things that are but as toyes and trifles , but fuch and fuch deceive and over- reach others in things of greateft concernment, even to their ruine and undoings ^ you do but fit , and chat, and fip with the drunkard,but fuch and fuch fit,and drink, and are drunk with thedrunkard^you are , 6nl Y Againfl Sat am Devices 103 only a little proud in heart and habit, in looks and words, &c. Now the Remedies agiihfi this Device of the Devil, are tbefc. . The firfi Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, Co- lemnly to contider this, That there is not a greater , nor a clearer Argument to prove a man an hypocrite, than to be quick-lighted abroad, and blind at home i Than to fee a mote in another mans eye, and not a beam in his own eye '•> than to ufe Ipe- dlacles to behold other mens iins , rather than looking-glaiTes to behold his own \ rather to be always holding his ringer up- on other mens fores > than to be amplify- ing and aggravating other mens tins, and mitigating of his own^c The fecund Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To fpend more time in comparing of your internal ad external adtions with the Rule , with the word, by which you muft be judg'd at laft ^ than in comparing of your felves with thofe that are wor(e than your felves. That man that compa- ring his felf with others that are worfe I than i. Remedy. Hiflory fp?aks of a kind of Witches, that .'luring a- broad would put on their eyes, but re- ftirnirg home they boxed them up a- gam. So do Hypocrite*. Remedy The neater we draw to God and his word, [he more ro*- tenneO. we thai! find m our 104 ^Precious (Remedies bo:K$. The more any man looks inro the body of the Sun, the lefs he feetli when he looks down again. It h laid of theB.1- fiiiske, That if he look into a glafs, he pa- tently dyctb. So wjII fin,and a /inner (in a fpiritual fenfe) when the foul looks into the Word wnich is Gods glafs, &c. 3. Remedy. As in Heaven one is more glorious than another : So in Hell, one (hail be more mife- riblcthanano- ihef. Augufi. than himfelf, may leem ( to himfelf and others ) to be an Angel > yet comparing himfelf with the word, may fee himfelf to be like the Devil, yea, a very Devil. Have not Iehofen twelve , and one of you is a De- vil ? Such men are like him , as if they were fpit out of his mouth. Satan is called 'the God of this World ^ becaufe, as God at rirft did but fpeak the word, and it was done : fo, if the Devil doth but hold up his ringer, give the leaA hint, they will do his will, though they undo their fouls for ever. Ah ! what Monfters would thefe men appear to be, did they but compare themfelvcs with a righteous rule , and not with the molt unrighteous men , they would appear to be as black as Hell it fclf. 'the third Remedy AGaintt this Device of Satan, is , fe- rioufly to confider, That though thy fins be not as great as others,yet with- out found repentance on thy fide, and par- doning mercy on Gods , thou wilt be as certainly damned as others , though not equally tormented with others. What though Hell (hall not be fo hot to thee as others , yet thou mult as certainly to Hell as others, unlefs the glorious grace of God (hin.es forth upon thee in the face of Chrift Agctinji Satans Devices. 105 Chriit. God will fuit mens puniihrncnts to their fins , the greatcit fins (hall be at- tended with the greatert punidiments, and letter fins with leiler punifhments i alafs ! what a poor comfort will this be to thee when thou come(i to dye , to confider, that thou malt not'l)e equally tormented, with others , yet mu(t be for ever (hut out from the glorious prefence of God, Chrift, Angels, and Saims,and from thofe good things of eternal life , that are To many.that they exceed number , fo great, that they exceed meafurei fo precious,that they exceed eitimation. Sure it is,that the tears of Heaven are not fufficient to be- waile the lofs of Heaven ', the worm of grief knaws as painful , as the fire burns. If thofe fouls, AUs 20. wept, becaufe jjthey (hould fee Pauls face no more, how deplorable is the eternal deprivation of the beatirical Vifion? But this is not all, thou (halt not be on- ly (hut out of Heaven, but (hut up in Hell forever > not only (hut out from the pre- fence of God and Angels, &c. but (hut up with Devils, and damned fpirits for ever '■, not only (hut out from thofe Tweet , fur- paffirig , unexpreffiblc , and everlafting pleafures that be at Gods right hand, but (hut up forever under thofe torments that are eafelefs, remedilefs, and endlefs* Ah (buls ! were it not ten thoufand times bet- I 2 ter Thsgateof Indulgence, the gate of Hope>the gate of Mercy, the gate of Glory 3 the gite of Confolation 3 and the gate of Sa!vation,will be for ever (hue againll them, Mat. 2f.io. 'T was a good faying of Chryfoftomci fpeaking of Hell (NtqM' ramus ubl fit y fed qvomodd j illamfugix- mtu) let us I not feck where I it is,but how we (haH efcape 1* \o6 (Precious Remedies Surely one gocd means to cfcape he U is to take a turn or two in hell, by our daily Medications. ii. Device. ter for ye to break off your fins by repen- tance, than to go on in your fins, till you feel the truth of what now you hear > The God of Ifrael is very merciful j ah that you would repent and return , that your louls might live for ever. Remember this,grievous is the torment of the damn- ed, for the bitternefs of the punifhments, but moil grievous for the eternity of the punifhments. For to bet ormented with- out end , this is that which goes beyond the bounds of all defparat ion i ah! how do the thoughts of this make the damned to roar and cry out for qaietnefs o- heart , and tear their hair , and gnafh their teeth, and rage for madntfs, that they muft dwell in everlafting burnings for ever. The elventh Uevict that Satan hath to drav the foul to Sin, i/, BY polluting and defiling the foils, and judgements of men with fuch dangerous errours, that do in their pro- per tendency tend to carry the fouls ot men to all loomefs and wickednefs, as weful experience doth abundantly evi- dence. Ah } how many are there filled with thefe , and fuch like Chriil-difho- nouring , and foul undoing Opinions, viz* 7 hat Ordinances arc poor, Iqyp, carnal things. jdgainjl Satans Deykes. 1 07 9 things, and not only to be lived above, but without alf). 'that the Scriptures are full of fallacies and uncertainties, and no further to he heeded than they agree with that fpirit that is in them, 'that ^t'vs a poor low thing,if not Idolatry too, to worjhip God in a media- tor, 'that the Refitrre&ion is already paft. That there was never anyfuch man orperfon, as Jcfus Chrifi ■> but that all is an Allegory and it fignifies nothing but light and love and fuch good frames born in men. That there* s no God, ttor Devil, Heaven, nor Hell, but what is within us* That there is no fin in the Saints, they are under no Law but that of the Spirit, which i r all freedom. That fin and grace are equally good , and agreeth to his will. With a hundred other horrid opinions , which hath caufed wic- kednefs to break in as a flood among us, &c. Now the Remedies againft this Device of Satan are thefe that follow. The fir ft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider , That an erro- neous vain mind is as odious to God, as a vicious life. He that had the Leprofie in his head , was to be pronounced utterly unclean. Grofs errours make the heart I 3 foolifh 1. Remedy* A blind eye is worfe than a lame foot. Lev. 13. 44- io8 (precious tymedies The breath of the erronious is infectious j and like the dogs of Co^o thev bite, 'hough they bark not. Th rough 'an i- mofity to per- ;Hl1t in errcur, is diabolical 3 it were be 1 that we never erred,next to that, that we amended out err our. 2o Remedy. The grearcft pinners arc fure to be the gteateft furle- rers. foolifh, and render the life loofe, and the foul light in the eye of God. Errour fpreads and frets like a Gangreen , and renders the foul a Leper in the fight of God. It was Gods heavy and dreadful plague upon the Gentiles, to be given up to a mind void of Judgement, or an injudici- ous mind, or a mind reje&ed, difallowed, abhorred of God > or a mind that none have caufe to glory in , but rather to be afhamed of. I think that in thefe days God puniiheth many mens former wic- kednelTes, by giving them up to foul-rui- ning errours. • Ah Lord ! this mercy 1 humbly beg , that thou wouldeft rather take me into thine own hand, and do any thing with me, than give me up to thofe (ad errours , to which rjioufauds have married their fouls , and are in a way of pcriihhig fur even *fbe fecond Remedy AGainit this Device of Satan, is, To receive the Truth affectionately , and ht it dwell in your fouls plenteouily ; when men (land out againii the Truth, when Truth would enter 4 and men bar the door of their fouls againft Truth, God in Juftice gives upfuch fouls to be de- luded and deceived by eirour, to their e- ternal - ■ • '. ", ' ■■ ■■■■ '■ , ■ 1 ■ ■ >■■■■ >■ * ■■'■ ' jfgainfl Satans Devices. 1 09 ternal undoing, 2 Thcff.2. io, 11,12. Be- caufe they received not the love of the truth , that they might befaved, GodfhaU fend them ilrong deluftons (or as the Greek hath it, "the efficacy of err our*) 'that they jhould be- lieve a lye. that they all might be damned^ who believed not the truth , but had flea- fure in unrighteoufnefs. Ah firs ! as you love your fouls, doe not tempt God, do not provoke God , by your withftand- ing Truth, and out facing Truth, to give you up to believe a lye, that you may be damned. There are no men on earrh fo fene'd againft errour , as thofe are that receive the Truth in the love of it. Such fouls are not eafily tojfed too and fro , and carried about with every wind of doUrineJby the flight of men , and cunning craftinefs y whereby they lye in wait to deceive. 'Tis not he that receives moft of the Truth in- to his head , but he that receives moft of the truth affectionately into his heart, that (hall enjoy the happinefe of having his judgement found, and clear, when ou- tliers (hall be deluded and deceived by them , who make it their bufinefs to in- fed the judgements, and to undo the fouls of men. Ah feuls ! as you would not have your judgements polluted and denied with er- rour , Let the word of the Lord , that is more prct ious than Gold , yea than fine I 4 Gold, WfyHdtf Ephef4.T4. Gr. iignities cogging with a Dye 5 fucb flights as Cheaters and falfeGamefters ufe at Dice. C0I.3. \6. iVQHtiro, i.e. Indwell in you, as an in- grafted word^ Uo Tieckus Remedies incor;>ora*cd ■< into your fouls, fo con- ] co&ei and digefted by you, is that you turn it in- ! to a part of your \S,\zi. I~hey mud need-, erre that know n t God, »va"ys • yet can they not wonder fo 'wid^, as ro mifs of hell. V to advance and (pread abroad God dtfhonouring , and foul-un- doing Opinions^ would Icrioufly confider of this , That they (hall lofe all the pains, coft, and charge that they have been, or fhall be at, for the propagating of errour:, and if they are ever faved, it (hall be by fire , as the Apoftle there (hews. Ah firs ! is it nothing to lay out your money for that which is not bread ? and your itrength for that which will not , which cannot profit you in the day that you muft make up your account ■> and all your works muit be tryed by fire- Ah ! that {uchi fouls would now at laft, buy 3. Remedy. Errour as a glafs is bright bur britteljand cannot indure the hammer, or rire,as jold can, which though rub'd, or melted, re- mains firm and orient. ill (precious (Remedies Major {nit eu- ro. Ctfari li- I btHorum qum purpuric. 4. 'Remedy One old piece of Gold, is worth a thou- fand new Counters, and buy the truths and fell it not. Remember, you can never over-buy it , whatfoever ycu give for it i you can never fufficiently fell it, if you (hould have all the world in exchange for it. It is faid of Cafar , lb at he had greater care of his Bookj, than of his Royal Robes i for fwimming through the waters to e- fcape his Enemies, he carried his Books in his hand above the waters , but loft his Robes. Ah ! what are Gefars, Books to Gods Books ? Well, remember this, that one day, yea, one hour fpent in the ftudy of Truth, or fpreading abroad of Truth, will yield the foul more comfort and pro- fit, than many thoufand years fpent in the ftudy and fpreading abroad of corrupt and vain opinions , that have their rife from Hell , and not from Heaven : from, the god of this world, and not from that God that mail at laft judge this world, and all the corrupt opinions of men. 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To hate , rejedt , and abominate all thofe Do&rines and Opinions that are contrary to Godlinefs , and that open a door to prophanefs , and all fuch doctrines and opinions that require men to hold ferth a ftri&nefs , above what the Againft Satans Devices, "3 the Scripture requireth ; And all fuch do- dfrines and opinions , that do advance and lift up corrupted nature, to the doing of fupernatural things , vyhich none can do , but by that fupernatural power that railed Chrift from the grave : And all fuch opinions , that doe lift our own righteoufnefs , in the room of Chrifts righteoufnefs i that place good works in the Throne of Chriit, and makes them Co-partners with Chrift , &c» And all thole opinions and rJodhines , that do fo fet up,and cry up Chrift and his righteouf- nefs, as to cry down all duties of holinefs and righteoufpefs : And all thofe doctrines and opinions , that do make the glorious and hleJpTed priviledgcs of believers in the days of the Gofpel , to be leffer , fewer, and weaker, than they were in the time of the Law. Ah ! did your fouls ariie with a holy hatred , and a ftrong indignation againli fuch dodrines and opinions , you would Hand when others fall , and you would (hine as the Sun in her glory, when many , that were on.ee as (hining Stars, may go forth as {Unking fnuffs. ihe fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To hold fait the Truth. As men take no hold on the Arm of fleCh, till they let . _60 one old rriuh ! of God is more \ worth than a . thoufand new errours. True hatred is «$ Tw>fi/w,tothe whole kind, ' Fis faid to frown upon one errour and finiic up- on another. Gideon had fe- venty Sons, and but t ne Baftard, and yet that Ba- rt a rd deflroy- ed all the reft Judges S. 15. One turn may bring a man quite out of th:way. 5. Remedy, Jer.i7.f- "4 (precious Remedies z Tim 1. 13. Titus I 9. The Pm lis of Mircurjf when they eat their figgs and hony, cryedout xhfaa.) fvveec is Truth. go the arm of God : fo men take no hold ! on errour, till they have fet go their hold of Truth-, therefore hold faft the truth. Truth is thy Crown,hold faft thy Crown, and let no man take thy Crown from thee. Hith nor God made Truth fweetto thy foul, yea, fleeter than the Honey y or the Honey-comb? and wilt not thou goon to Heaven, feeding upon Truth,that' heaven- ly Honey-comb ? as Samffon did of his Honey-comb. Ah fouls ! have you not found Truth fweetning your fpirks, and cheering your fpirits, and warming your fpirits, and railing your fpirits, and corro- borating your fpirits > have not you found Truth a guide to lead you , a ftaffto up- hold you , a cordial to ftrengthen you, and a Plailter to heal you > And will not you hold fait the Truth > Hath not Truth been your beft friend in your worft days } Hath not Truth flood by you, when friends have forfaken you ? Hath not Truth done more for you , than all the world could do againft you •, and will you not hold faft the Truth ? Is not Truth your right eye, without which you can- not fee tor Chrift } And your right hand, without which you cannot do for Chrift ; ! And your right foot, without which you fe* mth . . |cartnot walk with Chrift ? And will you WphnT" : ■ thold faft Truth? Oh! hold faft the which li « J Truth in your judgements,and underftan- dings, <3 jigainfl Sat arts Devices. "5 dings, in your wills and arfedtions, in your profeflion and converfation. Truth is more precious than gold , or Rubies , and all the things thou canji dcfire are not to he compared to her. Truth is that heavenly glafs , wherein we 'may fee the | luftre and glory of divine wifdom , pow- : er, greatnefs, love, and mercifulne(s. In jthis glafs you may fee the face of Chrift, the favour of Chrift, the riches of Chrift, and the heart of Chrift , beating and working (weedy towards your fouls. Oh ! let your fouls cleave to Truth , as Ruth did to Naomi , and fay , / will not leave 'truth, nor return from following after truth, ■ hut where truth goes , 1 will go , and I where truth lodgeth, I will lodge , and no- thing hut death Jhall part truth and my foul, ^L What John faid to the Church of Phila- ' -delphia , I may fay to you i Hold faft I that which thou baft , that no man tai^e thy Ctown. The Crown is the top of Royal- ties \ fuch a thing is Truth , Let no man take thy Crown, Hdd faft the faithful word y as Titus fpeaks. You were better let go any thing than Truth , you were bet- ter let go your honours, and riches, your friends, and pleafures, and the worlds fa- vours, yea, your neareft and deareft re- I lations, I, your very lives, than to let go Truth. Oh! keep the Truth, and Truth will keep you fafe and happy for ever. BleiTed and thrive but in warm cli- mates. Ruthi.i.;,i6. Though I can- not difpute for the trmh,yet I can dye for the truth, faid that Dieted Martyr. Tit. 1. 9. A % VTl%OA$fiOl Hold fall as with tooth and nai],againft thofethat would (hatch, it from us, u6 Trecious (Remedies 6» Remedy, I have read of one, who fee- ing m a vifion many fnares of the Devil fprcad upon che earth, he fate down mourning, and faid within him[c\f(£his ptrtranjict ifia) who fhall pafs rhorow thefc ? where- unto hcheaid a voice an- fwering (hu- militas pcr- liiyilia]] pafs thorow them Pfal 2< 9 wain , from Gad !ab } i BlefTed are thole fouls that are kept by Truth. The fixth Remedy AGainlVthis Device of Sitan, is, To keep humble i Humility will keep the foul free from many darts of Satans caliing,and erroneous fnares of his fpread- | ing. As low Trees and (hrubs are free [horn many violent gufts and Malts of wind , which (hake and rend the taller Trees i fb humble fouls are free from jthofe gufts and blails of errour, that rend and tear proud lofty fouls* Satan and the world hath Icait power to fatten er- rours upon humble fouls. The God. of Light and Truth delights to dwell with | the humble ^ and the more Light and | Truth dwells in the foul , the further off j darknefs and errour will ftand from the ! foul. The God of grace pours in graces in- | to humble fouls , as men pour liquor in- to empty velTels ••> and the more grace is poured into the foul, the lefs errour (hall be able to over-power the foul , or to in- fed the foul. That's a fweet word in Pfiilm 2 5. p. The mecl^ (or , the bumble) trill he guide in judgement^ and the meel^ will be teach bis way. And certainly , fouls guided by God , and taught by God, are not eatiiy drawn <: jfgainji Satans Devices. "7 drawn afide into wayes of errour. Oh ! take heed of fpiritual pride \ pride rills our fancies, and weakens our graces, and makes roome in our hearts for errour. There are no men on earth fofoon en tangled , and fo eafily conquered by er- rour,as proud fouls. Oh ! a tis dangerous to love to be wife above what is written i to be curious, and unfober in your deilre of knowledge , and to truft to your own capacities and abilities \ to undertake to pry into all fecrets, and to be puft up with a carnal mind . Souls that are thus a foar- ing up , above the bounds and limits of humility , ufually fall into the very worft of errours , as experience doth daily evi- dence, p. 'Ibefeventh Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- lemnly to confider , The great e- vils that errours have produced. Errour is a fruitful mother , and hath brought forth fuch monftrous Children , as hath fet Towns, Cities , and Nations on fire. Errour is that whorilh woman , that hath caft down many-, wounded many, yea, flain many jirong men, and many great men, and many learned men, and many prof effing men in former times, and in our time, as is too evident to all that are not much left of God, which fignities the humble or afflicted. The hi s h Tide quickly ebbs, and the higheft Sun is present- ly declining. You know how to apply it. The proud foul is like him chat gazed up- on the Moon, but fell into the pit. 7. Remedy, Errours in confeience produce many great evils^not onlyf ^ intra) in mens own fouls, but alfo (ad extra) in humane affairs. u8 (precious (Remedies 12. Device, God, deil itute of the Truth, and blinded by Satan. Oh the graces that errour hath weakened, and the fweet joyes and com- forts that errour hath clouded, if not bu- ried. Oh the hands that error hath weak- ned, the eyes that error hath blinded, the judgements of meq that errour hath per- verted, the minds that errour hath dark- ned, the hearts that errour hath hardned, the arfe&ions that errour hath cooled, the conlciences that errour hath feared , and the lives of men that errour hath pollu- ted* Ah fouls ! cari you (olemnly conii- der of this , and not tremble more at er- rour, than at Hell it felf ? & c . The twelfth Device that Sat an bath to draw the foul tofw> is y O arTed: wicked company, to keep' ' wicked fociety ■•> and oh ! the hor- rid impieties and wickednefs that Satan hath drawn men to fin, by working them to fit and alTociate themfelves wkh vain perfems. Now yigainjlSatam 7\'V;:vi ."5? Now the Remedies againl ■'this Vevke of the Devils are thefe* The fir ft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satin, is, To dwell (till your hearts be aiFe&ed) upon thofe Commands of Gocl that do cx- prefly require us to (hun the fociety of the wicked. Ephef^ u. And have nofitiw- Jhip with the unfruitful workj of qarf&ejs, but rather reprove them. Proverbs 5. 14, 1 5jl£. Enter not into the path if the wick^ ed, and go not in the way of evil men. A- void it) paj} not by itjurn from it, and pifs away , 1 Cor, 5, 2,10,11. 2 'fhtff. 3 . 6. Prop. 1. 10, to 1 5. Turn to thefe Scrip- tures , and let your fouls dwell upon them, till a holy indignation be raifed in your fouls againll fellowlhip with Vain men. God will not takg the wicked by the hand, as Job (peaks j why then mould you } Gods commands are not like thofe that are eafily reverfed, but they are like thofe of the Medes, that cannot be changed . f f thefe Commands be not now observed by thee , they will at jafi be witnefs againll: thee, and mil-ftones to (ink thee, in that day that ChrifMhall judge thee. K the 1 . Remedy* No'ii pairentwn ml mijor,.;n antboritas fed Del do: chit k'ipcrium. Jer. The Com- - mands of God mixQ. outweigh all authority and example of men. UO Precious Remedies 2. Remedy, F.u(cbius re- ports of John the Evangelift, that he would not fuflfer Ct- mffr « t the Heretick, in the fame bath rith him, left fome judge- ment {hould abide them both Euf'o.l.i* cap. 2^. A man that keepeth ill company, is like him that walk thin (he Sun, tanned tnfcnfiblv. Prov.ij.io. 'the fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to conlider , That their com- pany is very infectious and dangerous, as is clear from the Scriptures above menti- oned. Ah ! how many have loft their names, and loft their eftates, and ftrength, and God, and Heaven,and fouls,by fociety with wicked men > As ye (hun a ftinking carkafs ^ as the Sea-man (huns fands, and Rocks, and (helves ••> As ye (hun thofe that have the plague-fore running upon them, Co (hould you (hun the fociety of wicked men. As weeds endanger the corn, as bad humours endanger the blood, or as an in- fected houfe the neighbour- hood : (b doth wicked company the foul. Bw a Heathen man , being at Sea in a great ftorm, and perceiving many wicked men with him in the (hip , calling upon the goods \ Ob faith he> forbear prayer \bold your tongues ■> I would not have the Gods ta^e notice that you are bere^ tbeyfure will drown us all , iftbeyjhould. Ah Sirs! could a Heathen fee fo much danger in the fociety of wicked men, and can you fee none ? -The Agalnfl Satans Devotees, ui The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, To look always upon wicked men, un- der thofe names and notions that the Scri- pture doth fet them out under. The Scri- pture calls them Lions for their fiercenefs, and Bears for their cruelty, and Dragons for their hideoufnefs , and Dogs for their rilthinefs, and Wolves for their fiibtlenefs. The Scripture fliles them Scorpions, Vipers, Thorns, Briars, Thijiles, Brambles, jlubbles, dirt, chaff e, duji, drofs,fmoa]^e, fcum, as you may fee in the margent. 3 Tis not fafe to look upon wicked men under thofe names and notions that they fet out themfelves by, or that flatterers fet them out by, this may delude the foul * but the looking up- on them under thofe names and notions that the Scripture fets them out by , may preferve the foul from frequenting their company, and delighting in their (bciety. Do not tell me what this man calls them, or how fuch and fuch count them * but tell me,how doth the Scripture call them, how doth the Scripture count them ? As Nabals name was, fo was his nature ; and as wicked mens names are , fo are their natures : You may know well enough what is within them , by the apt names that the Holy Ghoft hath given them* K 2 the 5 . Remedy** h Tun 4. 17. Ifa.11. 7,29. Ezek.3. 10. Ma\l6. 9. Rev 3. 5>lo. Mac. 5 7. [fa. 10.17,27. Chap.4.5^. Ezek. 13.26. Judg.9. 14. Job 21. 18. Pfal.28. 41. PfM.14. 18. Pfal 42. Ezek.i2.l8,9. Iia.65. 5. Ezck.x4.5. La.c~ia.nt. ("ays of Lucia* (Sec diis, nee homi- nibxs pep rcit) he fpared nei- cher God nor man, fuch Monfters ate wicked men, which mould render their company to all that have tailed of the f weecnefs of Divine love, a burden, arid not a delight. 122 Precious (Remedies 4. Remedy, M-i, et rrr fhe was »<3ye, bemi; 1*1 much trou- ble of con'ci- 2 Pet x. 7,8. I Vide Be- an. 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is , fo- Icmnly to confider , That the focie- ty and company of wicked men , have been 2 great grief and burden to thofr pre- cious fovjls that were once glorious on I Earth ; and are now triumphing in Ha .120.5,6. Woe is me that I dwell j i /'), that Ifojourn in the Tents ofKe- My fdul hath long dwelt with him that \iih -peace. So Jeremiahf)h that I had in fhh wilder nefs a Uging place of wayfaring men^ that I might leave my people^ and go frmi them \ far they be all adulterers, an Af~ fembly of treacherous men, Jer.p. 2. So they vexed Lots righteous foul by their filthy con- verfation \ they made his life a burden* they made death more delirable to him than life \ yea , they made his life a lin- gring death. Guilt' or grief is all the good gracious ibuls get by converting with wicked men. The Jgainft Satans Devices. i 23 The fecond thing to be (hewed, is, The feveral Devices that Satan hath (as to draw fouls to (in, fo ) to keep fouls from Holy Duties > to hinder fouls in Holy Services, and to keep them off from Religious performances. And he fbewed me Jofhuah the high Prieft, jhwding before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan ft anding at his right hand to refift him. The truth of this \ (hall (h^ you in the following particulars. 1'he Firjl Device that Satan hath to draw funis, from holy duties, and to keep them off front Religious fervices, */, BY prefenting the world in fuch a drefs, and in fuch a garb to the foul, as to infnare the foul , and to win upon the affections of the foul -, he reprefents -the world to them in its beauty and bra- very , which proves a bewitching fight to a world of men. 'Tis true, this took not Chrih\becaufe Satan could find no matter K 3 in Zech.3. 1. Device* The beauty cf the world toils 3. Chriitjan more than the 124 Treciou* Remedies flrengthj the fiattering^un- fliine more than the blu- rring ftoam. In fbrms we k?ep our Gir- ments e!ofe about u>. The Inhabi- tants ot N%5 are deaf by the noife of the waters ; fo the wor'd makes fuch a noiie in mens cars » that they cannot hear the things of Heaven. The world is! ike thefwal ows lung, that put out Tobhs h-.seyes. The Champions cou'd not wring an Ap- i>-e out of Gi it kiffesus,and fmites us under the rifth rib , like Joab. The honours, fplendor, and all the glory firlr means got of this world, are but fweet poyfons, that it prefently. | will much endanger us, if they do not e- Ijterhaliy deftroy us. Ah! the multitude of jfgainfi Satans Devices. 125 of fouls that have forfeited of thefe fweet baits, and died for ever. Now the Remedies againft this Device of Satan , are thefe. T'befirfi Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To dwell upon the impotency and weaknefs of all thefe things here below ^ they are not able to fecure you from the leaft evil : They are not able to procure you the leaft dcfireable good. The Crown of gold cannot cure thehead-achj nor the Velvet flipper cafe the Gout i nor the Jew- el about the neck cannot take away the pain of the teeth. The Frogs of Egypt entered into the rich mens houfes of £- gypt y as well as the poor* our daily expe- rience doth evidence this , That all the honours, and riches, &c. that men enjoy, cannot free them from the Collick , the Feaver , or leffer Difeafes. Nay , that which may feem moft ftrange, is, That a great deal of wealth cannot keep men from falling into extream poverty, Judges 1.6. you (hall find feventy Kings with their fingers and toes cut off, glad like whelps to lick up crums under another Kings Tables and (h or tly after, the fame King that brought them to this penury, _ * 4 _ is I. Remedy, The Prior in McUnfthon, rol!d his hands up and down in a Bafon full of Angels, thinking there- by to have charmed his Gout ', but it would not do. Nugas the Sty- tkiaz, defpi- ling the rich Prefents and Ornaments that were fent unto him by the Empe- rourofCo/r- (iantinople, asked whe- ther thofe things could wry •' \i6 (precious ^ernedies drive away ca- lamities, di- feafes, 01 death. 2. Remedy. \G'ivwx K. of Waukl5,\t<\ in j triumph by l&eijajrtits, cried ! cut Vanity of Hjtdtyi all is ' vatiity. | The fancy if ;*4*, who J placet h c hi. on i on the top of 'an high Hill, , viewing ali the | affairs of m.n I Jiving and ', lopking on ; flheirgre&tftj Cr; : STS i 3*: very is reduced to the fame poverty and mife- ry. Why then fhould that be a bar to keep thee out of Heaven, that cannot give thee the lean e^fe on Earth. 'the fecond Remedy AGunft this Device of Satan , is, To dwell upon the vanity of them , as well as upon the impotency of all world- ly good. This is the fum of Solomms Ser- mon , Vanity of vanity, and at is vanity. This our firit Parents round, and therefore named their fecond Son Abel , or vanity. Solomon that had tried thife things , and could heif tell the vanity of them, he Prea'chcth this Sermon over again and again , Vanity nf vanity, and all is vanity. 'Tis fad to think how many thoufands there be that' can fay with the Preacher, Vanity vf vanity > all is Vanity, nay, (wear it, and yet follow a^ter thele things, as it there were no other glory , nor felicity, but what's to be found in thefe things they call Vanity. Such men will fell Chrift. Heaven, and their (oulsfora trifle, that call thci'e things vanity, but doe not cordially- "ben eve them to be vanity , but let their heart's upon them, as if they were their Crown , the fop ©fall their Royalty and gWryT" ' Oh ! let your fouls dwell up- on the vanity of all things' here below, till Jtgainft Satans Devices. »*? your hearts be fo throughly convinced and pcrfwaded of the vanity of them , as to trample upon them, and make them a foot-ftool for Chriit to get up , and ride in a holy triumph in your hearts Chryfiflome laid once , 'that if he were the fittefi in the world to preach a Sermon to the whole worlds gathered together in one Congregation, and hadfome high Mountain for his Fulpit,from whence he mljn hme a profpetl of all the world in his view ', and were furnifhed with a voyce of Brafs , a voyce as loud as the Trumpet of the Arch- An gel, that all the world might hear him, he would chufi to preach upon no other Text than that in the ? films, mortal men, how long' will ye love vanity, and follow after leafing ? Tell me, you that fay all things under the Sun are vanity , if you do really be- lieve what you fayi why doe you fpend more thoughts and time on the world, than you do on Chriit, Heaven, and your immortal fouls } Why doe you then negltcl: your duty towards God , to get the world ? Why do y6*u then fo eagerly purfue after the World , and are fo cold !in your purfuing after God, Chriit, and Holirfefi? Why then are your hearts ib exceedingly railed, when the world comes in , and fmiles upon you •, and (o much dejedted, and caft down, when the world frowns Oh the im- perfe&ioni the ingratitude, the levity, the inconlancy, the perfideQ'.if- nfs of thole creature;, we moft lervilly arTeft. Ahdd we bur weigh mans pain with his I payment j , erodes with hismircies ; his miferies with his plea- fures ; we mould than fee that there is nothing got , by the bar- gain, and con- j vanity, ah is jj van'.ty. iz8 Precious Achitpphcl for policy, Raman for favour i Afael for fwiitrefs > Alexander for great Conquer!, and yet after twelve years poy- fontd i the fame you may fee in the migh- ty four Kingdoms , the Caldean % Terfi- ■m-, Grecian^ and Roman, how foon were they gone and forgotten ! Now rich, now poor, now full, now empty, now in fa- vour, anon out of favour, now honoura- ble, now defpifed, now health, now lick- nefs The moil re- nowned Pre' dcrkk loft all, and ftied to be made but Sex- ton of the Church that iiimfelf had built. I have read of a poor Fiiher- rmn, who while his nets were a dry- ing, flept up- on the Rock, and dreamed that he was made a King, on a fudden, (tarts up,and leaping for joy, fell down from the Rock, and in the place of his imaginary felicities, lofes his little por- tion of plea- fares. 1JO Precious Remedies or [The pom th's word fob i com?a- rethtothe Moon, which (Creptt & d:cnft\t) \\\- creafeth and decreafcth: Jpo;.n. I. 4. Remedy. Henry the fe- coau hearirg • his chief City ro be taken,ufed this blasphe- mous ipech, I (haU (faith he) love that (ujf rid .1 City (0 me, to from When one prefented An* t'-piiterKv^ot with a Book treating '-if Happ:r his anfwci nefs, now ftrength, now weaknefs. Oh ! let not thefe uncertain things keep thee | from thofe holy fervices , and heavenly imployments, that may make thee hap- py forever, and render thy foul eternally buffed, and at eafe , when all thefe tran- fitory things (hall bid thy foul an everlaftr ing farewel. "the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- ouily to conlidtr, That the great things of this world are very hurtful and dangerous to the outward and inward man, through the corruptions that be in the hearts ot men •, oh ! the reft, the peace, the comfort , the content that the things of this world do (trip.many men of. Oh the fears, the cares, the envy, the malice, the dangers, the mifchiefs, that they fub- je6t men to. They oftentimes make men carnally confident , Ibe rich mans riches are a (hong "Tower in h'tf imagination. Ifaid in my projperity I jhould never be moved. They often fvvell the heart with pride,and mike men forget God, and negledl God, |and defp'ife the Rock.ut their falvation. I When Jtftmn rvaxed fat , and wis grown ■•thicl^and arjered with fatntfi, then he forgot [God , and f>rrJo)k^ God that made him^ and \'ight!y eihemedthe Rocl^ of bis falvation, as Mofes* Againjl Sat cms Device. 1 3 l Mofes (pake. Ah ! the time,the thoughts, the fpirks that the things of the world confume and fpend. Oh ! how doe they hinder the actings of faith upon God ? How do they interrupt our (weet com- munion with God ? How do they abate our love to the people of God ? And cool our love to the things of God > And work us to ad like thole that are molt unlike to God ? Oh ! the deadnefs , the barfennefs that doth attend men under great out- ward mercies. Oh ! the riches of the world chokes the word j that men live under the molt foul-fearching , and foul- inriching means with lean fouls j though they have full purfes, though their cheits are full of tilver, yet their hearts are emp- ty of grace. In Gen.13. 2. 'tis faid , that Abraham was very rich in Cattel, in fiber, and in gold. According to the Hebrew (Cbabbedgb) 'tis Abraham was very heavy > to (hew , that riches are a heavy burden, and a hinderance many times to Heaven, and happinefs. King Henry the Fourth, asked the Duke of Alva , if he had obferved the great E- clipfe of the Sun which had lately hap- pened , No ( faid the Duke ) 1 have fo much *o do ou Earthjhat I have no leisure to loo]^ up to Heaven. Ah ! that this were not true of molt profefTors in thefe days i 'tis very-fad to think , how their hearts was (o-Hchala- 10) I have no leslurc. rh?.tfourg.'.od mothers beget four bad daughters ; great familia- rity begets contempt, truth hatred , vertue envy, riches igno- rance, a French Pro- verb. Gen 13.; VoiLicvlt'S be- llowed fiveTa- lintsror a gift upon cne Ana.- crio&j who for a. nights atter wasfo ttoubled with care how to keep them, and how to bellow them, i3t Precious Remedies as he carried them back again to Poll- er at es, faying., rhey were not worth the pains which he had al- ready taken for them. Sicily is fo fulleffweec flowers that dogs cannot hunt there : And what do all the fweet contents of this world, but mike us lofe the (cent of Heaven. hearts and time is fo much taken up with earthly things, that they have fcaree any leifure to look up to Heaven , or to look after Chrift, and the things that belong to their everlafting peace* Riches, though well &ot , yet are but like to Manna , thofe that gathered lefs had no want , and thofe that gathered more , 'twas but a trouble and annoy- ance to them. The world is troublelome, and yet it is lovedi what would it be,if it were peaceable ? You imbrace it, though it be rilthyj what would you do if it were beautiful > You cannot keep your hands from the Thorns i how earneft would you be then in gathering the Flowers > The world may be fitly likened to the Serpent Scytalc^ whereof it is reported, that when flie cannot overtake the flying paffengers, (he doth with her beautiful colours fo aftonim and ama^e them, that they have no power to pafs away, till (he havettung them. Ah ! how many thoufands are there now on earth , that have found this true by experience , that have (pun a fair thread to itrangle themfelves , both tem- porally and eternally , by being bewitcht by the beauty and bravery of this enticing world. fbt Againji Satans Devices. ■33 The fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To conilder , That all the felicity of this world is mixt '■> our light is mixt with darkriefs, our joy with forrow, our plea- fures with pain , our honour with disho- nour, our riches with wants. If our light be fpiritual, clear, and quick, we may fee in the felicity of this world,our wine mixt with water , our Honey with Gall , our fugar with wormwood , and our Rofes with prickles. Sorrow attends worldly joy, danger attends worldly (afety , lofs attends worldly labours, tears attend worldly purpotes. As to thefe things mens hopes are vain , their forrow cer- tain , and joy fained. The Apoftle calls this world , A fea ofplafs* a fea for the trouble of it, and glais for the brittleneis and bitternefs of it. The honours, pro- tits, pleafures, and delights of this world, are true Gardens of Adonis, where we can gather nothing but trivial flowers , ftir- rounded with many bryars. The fixth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To get better acquaintance, and better aflurance of more blefled and glorious _______ things, 5* Remedy* Hark Scholar faid the Har- lot to Apulci- m y *Tis but a bitter fweec you are fo fond of. Surely all the things of this world, are but bitter-fweets. 6* Remedy, l 34 Precious Remedies Let Heaven be a rains object, and earth will foon be his abject. Luther being atone time in fome vvanti, it happened that a good film of monev uncxpei fenr hi Nob 1 .- dun or }V at {■).:• ing; forut.r amazed, he did they but talk more of Heaven , and live more in Heaven , and had more glorious hopes of; going to Heaven •> ah V how eafi'y would they have the Moon under their feet. It was an excellent faying of Lewis of Bavyer 7 Emperour of Germany , * Such Goods m Againjl Satam Devices. '35 Goods are worth getting and owning, as will not fin\, or wajb away, if a Jhipwracl^ bap- fen, but will wade andfwim out with us. It is recorded of Lazirus, That after his Re- furre&ion from the dead , he was never feen to laugh, his thoughts arid affections were Cohxt in Heaven , though his boay was on earth *, and therefore he could not but flight temporal things , his heart be- ing fo bent and fet upon eternals. There are goods of the Throne of Grace, as God, Chrift, the Spirit, adoption, Juftifi- cation, Remiffion of (In, peace with God, and peace with Confcience ; And there are Goods of the foot-ltool , as honours, riches, the favour of Creatures, and other comforts and accommodations of his life. Now he that hath acquaintance with, and aiTurance of the Goods of the Throne, will eafily trample upon the Goods of the foot-ftool. Ah that you would make it your bulinefs^ your work , to mind more, and make fure more to your own fouls , the great things of eternity, that will yield you joy in life , and peace in death , and a Growii of Righteoufnefs in the day of thrift's appearing [ and that will lift up your fouls above all the beau- ty and bravery of this bewitching world : that will raife your feet above other mens heads, \fchen.a man comes to be allured of a Crown, a Scepter, the Royal Robes, &c. L he * H-ju.modi com h arxnde (ant 9p:s qua cam naufiazio pmul tnatcnt. There is (kith Au*ufi'm 9 y (bona Thro if ) Goods of rhe Throne ; and there arc (bo va Scabelii) Goods of the foot-ftool. WhenBafit was tempted with money and prefer- men>,faith he, give me money that may lad for ever, and giory that may eternally Sou- rifti ; for the fafhion of this world paflfeth away, as the waters of a River that runs by a City. J 3* TredoHS Remedies he then begins to have low , mean , and contemptible thoughts of thofe things that before he highly prized : So will aiTu- rance . of more great and glorious things breed in the foul a holy fcorn and con- tempt of all thefe poor , mean things, which the foul before did value above Gcd, Chrift, and. Heaven, &c. , 'The f eve nth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to contider, That true happi- nds and iatisfacYion is not be had in the injoymenr of any worldly good. True happintls is too big, and too glorious a thing to be found in any thing below that God that is a Christians (fummum bjnum) chiefeft good. The BkiTed Angels, thofe glittering Courtiers, have all felicities and bklTednelTes •, and yet have they neither Gold, nor Silver, nor Jewels, nor none of the beauty and bravery of this world \ certainly, if happinefs was to be found in thefc things, the Lord Jtfus, who is the Right and Royal Heir or all things,would have exchanged his Cradle for a Crown \ his Birth-chamber fa itablej for a Roy- al Palace , his poverty for plenty > his defpifid followers, for lhining Courtiers \ and his mean proviiions, for* the choyceft dehcates, &c. Certainly happinefs lies not 7. llcmcdy. Truer nap-pi- nt fs lies only j n our enjoy- ment of a fuic - able goo J, a pure good, a total good 3 and an eternal ^ood , and God is only iUch a good, and fuch a good can only fat i> lie the foul of man. i-hi'.ofopher.s cUJd fjy,that he was never .i happy mar, Againjl Satans Devices, n not in thofe things that a man may enjoy, tnd yet be miferable for ever. Now a man may be great, and gracelefs withPta- raob y honourable , and damnable, with Saul * rich, and miferable, with Dive^Scc. therefore happinefs lies not in thefe things* Certainly happinefs lies not in thofe things that cannot comfort a man upon a dying bed ••> is it honours, riches, or friends, &c. that can comfort thee when thou comeft to, dye ? Or is it not ra- ther faith in the blood of Chrift, the wit- nels of the Spirit of Chrift, the fenfe and feeling of the love and favour of Chrift, and the hopes of eternally reigning with Chrift ? Can happinefs lye in thofe things that cannot give us health, or ftrength, or eafe, or a good nights reft , or an hours lleep, or a good ftomack ? Why, all the honours,riches, and delights of this world cannot give thele poor things to usj there- fore certainly happinefs lyes not in the injoyment of them, &c. And furely hap pinefs is not to be found in thofe things that cannot fatisfie the foules of men : Now none of thefe things can fatisfie the foul of man. He that lovetb filver , jhall not be fatisfied with filver , nor be that lov etb abundance, with increafe > tbvi is alfo va- Mzty,faidthe wife man. The barren womb, the Horfe-leechcs daughter , the grave and Hell will as foon be fatistied , as the h 2 foul thacnughc afc- rerwards be- come mifera- ble. Gregory the Grea 1 ", ufe4 to fay, He is poor whofe foul is void of grace j not whofeCof- fers are empty of money* AnlmA ratio- nnlU cat oh omn'ibis occh- pari pot.fi im- ■ leri -ion potefl. 1,8 Precious Remedies i he realisa- ble ioul may be bulled a- bou: other things, bir it cannot be fil- led with them. 8- Remedy* Plutarch tells of Tb'.mi{loclcS hat he ac- count k not o Hand with his ilaie to llojp down to take up the :'po;JcstheE- nemus hsd featured in flfeto.; but iaith to on? of : t is followers, i\j y& hk A G'/x Sty. ?.>)<) von may? tor von are not 'rbmifito'ef. foul of man will by the enjoyment ot any worldly good. Some one thing or o- ther will be for ever wanting to that fou that hath none but outward good to live upon* You may as foon rill a bag with wifdom , a cheft with virtue, or a circle with a Triangle, as the heart of man with any thing here below. A man may have enough of the world to fink him i but he can never have enough tb fatisrie him, &c. , „ 'the eighth Remedy A Gain ft this Device of Satan, is, fo- Iciiinly to conlider of the Dignity of the foul. Oh the foul of man is more worth than a thoufand worlds •> 'tis the greateft abaling of it that can be, to let it dote upon a little mining earth, upon a littTe painted beauty , and fading glory, when it's capable of union with Chrilt, of communion with God , and of enjoying the eternal vifion of God. Seneca could fay , I am too great , and horn to greater things, than that I jhould be a JIjic to my body. Oh ! do you fay, my ioul is too great, and born to greater things , than that I fhould confine it to a heap of white and yellow earth. i have been the longer upon the Re- medies that may help us againft this dan- gerous Device of Satan , becaufe he doth ufual- jgainft Satans Devices. W ufually more hurt to the fouls of men by this Device, than he doth by all other De- vices. Foraclofe, I wilh, as once Cbryfi- fiome did, that that fentence, Ecchf.2. 1 1. ('then I Uoked on all the rvorkj that my hands had wrought^ and on the labour that I had laboured to do \ and behold all rv.x va- nity and vexation ofjpirit^ and there was no profit under the Sun) were engraven on the door-pofts into which you enter , on the Tables where you fit,on the Dirties out of which you eat, on the Cups out of which you drink , on the Bed-fteads where you lye, on the Walls of the houfe where you dwell, on the Garments which you wear, on the Heads of the Horfes on which you ride , and on the Fore-heads of all them whom you meet, that your (buls may not by the beauty and bravery of the world be kept off from thofe holy and heavenly Cervices that may render you bletfed while you live, and happy when you dye , that you may breath out your laft into his bo- fome who lives for ever , and who will make them happy for ever that prefer Chrifts (pirituals, and eternals, above all temporal tranfitory things. O what a lad thing it. is that a Heath, n mould fet hit feet upon thofe very things that mofl pro- feffors fet their hearts^ and for the gain of which, with Balaam, many run the hazard of lofing their immortal foul- for ever. M the i I II lllllll l l l l Illll W t— — »«wi A 140 Trecious (Remedies 2» "Device* '■ %. Remedy, iheftcond Device that Satan hath to draw fouls from holy duties, and to kgcp them off from Religious fcrvices, is> BY prefenting to them the danger, the loffes , and the fuiferings that do at- tend the performance of fuch and fuch religious Cervices* By this Device Satan kept clofe thofe that believed on Chriit, from eonfefling of Chrift, in John 12.420 Ncvcrthclefs among the chief Rulers alfo, many believed on him > but becaufe of the Pharifees they did n:it eonfefs him, left they jhould be put out of the Synagogue* I would walk in all the ways of God, I would give lip my felf to the itri&eft way of holinefs i but I am afraid dangers will attend me on the one hand, and loffes, and happily fuch and fuch. fuiferings on the other hand,faith many a man. Oh ! how fliould we help our felvcs againft this Tempta- tion, and Device of Satan > Now the Remedies againft this Device cf Satan are thefe that follow* 'the fir ft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, to contider , \ That all the troubles and afflictions thzt you meet with in a way of Jigainfl Satans Devices. '4 I of righteouiheis, lhail never hurtyou^heyl j (hall never harm you. And who ia he that ; Mm prowi: \fh all harm yon , if you be fatfomrsofthat'ff.. r *'f' 4 I which is good ? faith the Apoftle, i.e. none MJ^Sl (hall harm you. Natural confeience cannot hurt but' by but doe homage to the Image of God (tamped upon the natures, words, works, and lives of the godly •, as we may fee in the carriage of Nebuchadnezzar and Da- rius Cowards Darnel. All afflictions and troubles that do attend men in a way of righteoufhefs , can never rob them of their Treaiure, of their Jewels, they may rob them of fome light flight things , as the fword that is by their lide,or the (lick in their hand, or of the flowers or ribbons that be in their hats.VTheJTr eafure s of a Sajnt are the prefence o f God, jhejfayour of GodTunion and^ommu nion^witj^God^ thT£ardoji_of{in,the joy of the Spirit, the p eaceo Tconiaence^ whicTTaTe^eWelslfiaT nonje_^an^jVFBuj_Chrilt , noTnoae can take away but C hxii3^r7NQ^v7wTiy"rhould r a gracious foul keep off from a way of holinefs, becaufe of afflictions > when no afBi&ions can drip a man of his Heaven- ly Jewels, which are his Ornaments, and his fafety here, and will be his happinefs and glory hereafter. Why mould that man be afraid , or troubled for dorms at Sea , whofe treafures are fure in a friends hand -upon Land > Why, a believers Trea- L 4 fure himfelf, and his own fault. Gordi'is that btdfcd Mar- tyr accounted it a lofs to him not to fufter many kin^s of tortures ; he faith, tortures are but trade- tngs with God for glory. The greater the -Combate is, the greater is the following reward. i4* (precious (Remedies That was a notable fpcech of Luther, Let him that died for my foul, fee fco the &!- varion of it. iTiml. ia. 2. Remedy* mil. vhvp-r (Martyr) faid That Heaven mould as foon fall, as I will fcrfake my profeflion, or budge in the leaft degree from it. So Si itus being under as gtca: torment as you ha ye read of, crits out, ChiiftiaiM- jm, I am a Chriftian* No torment could work him to fure is always fafe in the hands of Chrift, his life is fafe, his ioul is fafe,his grace is fafe, his comfort is fafe, arid his Crown is fafe in the hand of Chrift. I kpowhim in whom I have believed, and that he is able to kgep that which I have committed unto him^ until that day , faith the Apoftle. The Childs rnoft precious things are moft fe- cure in his fathers hands > fo are our fouls, our graces, and our comforts, in the hand bfChiift.' 'the fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is , To confider, That other precious Saints that were mining lights on earth, and are now triumphing in Heaven, have held on in Religious fervices, notwithftandingall the troubles and dangers that have fur- rounded them. Nehemiah and Ezra were furrounded with dangers on the left hand and on the right, and yet in the face of all they hold on building the Temple , and the wall otjcrufalem: So Vaniel^nd thofe precious Worthies, Pfal. 44. under the want of outward encouragements, and in the face of a World of very great difcou- ragements , their fouls clave to God and his ways , 'though they were fore broken in the place of Dragons , and covered with the ftadsw of death j ye although they were all the day ■ -— , . — - jtgainji Satans Devices. 1 45 decline the er vice of God. I might pro- duce a cloud of witncflcs 5 but ifchefedo not work you to be noole and brave, I am afraid more will not. day long counted as ftjecp for the fljugbter, yet their hearts were not turned bacj^ , nei- ther did their fteps deline from his ways. Though bonds and imprisonments did at- tend Paul and the reft of the Apoftks, in every place , yet they held on in the work and fervice of the Lord > and why then (hould you degenerate from their worthy examples, which is your duty, and your glory to follow. ihe third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- 3. Remedy. lemnly to con(ider,that all the trou bles and dangers that do attend the per- formance of holy duties , and heavenly fervices, are but temporal , and momen- tary •, but the neglect of them may lay thee open to all temporal, fpi ritual, and eternal dangers. How Jhall we efcape y if we ne gl eft fo great falvation? He faith not, if we rqt6r. or renounce fo great falvati- on ? No > but if we negk&,or (hift off fo d^wnis great falvation , how (hall we efcape ? Dif-regard, That is, we cannot by any way, or means, !1 or device in the world eicape \ pivine Ju- ftice will be above us, in fpight of our very fouls. The doing of fuch and fuch Heavenly fervices , may lay you open to the frowns of men , but the negleft of them will lay you open to the frowns of God i 144 (precious Remedies Francis Xavo- f rist counfelled f John the third King of Vortu- (, to medi- tate every clay a quarter of an hour upon mar Text, trbai (h&Kit profit a mm to gain ibe trhoU iv arid, anh lofe bis foul 4 [4« Remedy* Vcri'iffm nifi fcriiffim. God h the doing of them may render you contemptible in the eyes of men, but the neglect of them may render you contemp- tible in the eyes of God i the doing of them may be the lofs of thy eftate, but the neglect of them may be the lofs of God, Chrin\Heaven,and thy foul for ever i the doing of them may (hut thee out from fome outward , temporal contents > the neglect of them may (hut thee out from that excellent matchkfs glory , that eye bath notfeen, not ear beard, neither bath it entred into the heart of men. Remember this , there is no man that breaths , but (hall fuffer more by neglecting thofe holy and heavenly tavices that God com- mands, commend s,and rewards,than pof- iibly he can futfer by doing of them. T^n fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, to confider, That God knows how to deliver from troubles, by troubles i from afflictions, by afflictions v from dangers, by dangers. God by kfTer troubles and afflictions, doth oftentimes deliver his people from greater, fo that they (hall fay We had perifljed, if we had not perifhed i we had been undone, if we had not been un- done i we had been in danger, if we ha4 not been in danger. God will fo order the affli- Againji Satans T>eVices »45 afflictions that befal you in the way of righteoufnefs , that your fouls (hall fay, We would not for all the world, but that we had met with fuch and fuch troubles and afflictions j for furely , had not thefe befallen us, it would have been worfe and worfe with us. Oh ! the carnal fecurity, pride, formality, dead-heartednefs, luke- warmnefs, cenforioufnefs , and earthli- nefs , that God hath cured us of, by the troubles and dangers that we have met with , in the waves and fervices of the Lord. I remember a ftory of a godly man, that as he was going to take (hipping for France , he broke his leg > and it pleafed providence fo to order it, that the (hip that he (hould have gone in , at that very inftant was caft away , and not a man fa- ved : So by breaking a bone, his life was faved. So the Lord many times breaks our bones,but 'tis in order to the faving of our lives, and our fouls for ever > he gives us a potion that makes us heart-fick, but 'tis in order to the making us perfedly well, and to the purging of us from thofe ill humours that have made our heads ake, and Gods heart ake , and our fouls fick, and heavy to the death, &c. Oh there- fore let no danger or mifery hinder thee from thy duty o Non cjjem m falvtu niji ifia psriifjent, Jnaxdgoras. Had not thefe things periiht I could not have been fafe, faid this Phi- lofopher,when he faw great pofleffions thac he had loft. -The 4« Precious Remedies 5. Remedy* Ttirtuh in his Book ro the Martyrs, hah an apt faying, (Ntgotixtio cjt ali >u'd amii- ttrc ut major* Ikcrcr'hJ i.e. I'ha.»i right and good nvr- chandiz;, when fome- thing is part- ed with to £a in more: He applierh ir no thei iuf.T- ings, wherein rhoagh the Efcfeloitfone- thing yet the fpiric got; much mere. the fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan v is, fo- lemnly to confider , That you (hall gain more in the fervice of God , and by walking in righteous and holy wayes, though troubles and afflictions (hould at- tend you, than you can poiTibly fuifer , or lofe, by your being found in the fervice of God. Godlinefs if great gain* Oh ! the joy, the peace, the comfort, the reft, that Saints meet with in the wayes and fervice of God. They find that Religious fervices are not empty things , but things in which God is pleafed to discover his beauty and glory to their fouls. My foul thirfts for God (faith David) that I might fee thy beauty , and thy glory , as I havefeen thee in thy SanUuiry, Oh ! the fweet looks, the fweet words, the fweet hints, the fweet joggings, the fweet influ- ences, the fweet love-letters, that graci- ous fouls have from Heaven , when they wait upon God in holy and heavenly fer- vices, the leaft of which will darken, and outweigh all the bravery and glory of this world, and richly recompence the foul for all the troubles, afflictions, and dangers that have attended it irj the fervice of God. O the Saints can fay under all their troubles , and afflictions, that they have meat Jgainft Satans Devices. \ 47 meat to eat, and drink to drink, that the world knows not of : that they have fuch incomes, fuch refrefhments, fuch warm- ings, &c, that they would not exchange for all the honors, riches, and dainties of this world. Ah ! let but a Chriftian com- pare his external lofles, with his fpiritual, internal, and external gain , andheftiall find, that for every penny that helofes in the fervice of God, he gains a pound j and for every pound that he lofes, he gains a hundred > for every hundred loft, he gains a thou land > we lofe pins in his fervice,and rind Pearls-, we lofe the favour of the Creature,and peace with the Creator, and happily the comforts and contents of the Creature, and we gain the favour of God, peace with confeience, and the comforts and contests of a better life. Ah ! did the men of this world know the fweet that Saints enjoy in afflictions, they would rather chufc Manajfes iron chain, than his golden Crown *, they would rather be Taul a Prifoner, than Pjk/ wrapt up in the third Heaven. For light afflictions, they ;(hall have a weight of glory i for a few ; afflictions , they (hall have thofe joyes, [pleafures and contents, that are as the j Stars of Heaven , or as the fands of the [Sea that cannor be numbred, for moment jtary afflictions , they (hall have an eter- nal Crown of glory. 3 2i* but mnkjytg^d thou When the ft* ble General j Zediflam had i loft his hand i in the wars of I the King of PoUnd, the j King Tent him , a golden hand fork. What I we lofe in Chrifts fervice he will make up, by giving in fome gold- tn mercies. Though the i Crofs be bit- tcrjyet 'a* but fhort, a little ftorra, as on? hid of Julians 'thou Jhalt be in heaven prefently^ faid the S^an U eSjial ,Ma,rtyr ' ° h ' therefore 5 Iet not affli( ^ ions calm follows. or troubles work thee to fiiun the ways of GodjOr to quit that fervice that (hould be dearer to thee than a world, yea than thy very life, &c. T'be third Device that Satan hath to hinder fouls from holy and heavenly fervice s^ and from religious performances ', is. I48 Trecious Remedies ^Device. BY prefenting to the foul the difficulty of performing them i faith Satan, 'tis io hard and difficult a thing to pray as thou (nouldn\and to wait on God as thou (houldlt, and to walk with God, as thou fhou!dn\and to be lively, warm.and a&iye in the communion ot .Saints , as thou fhouldft , that you were better ten thou- fand times to negted them, than to med- dle with them •, and doubtlefs by this De- vice Satan hath and doth keep off theu- fands from waiting on God , and from giving to him that fervice that is due to his Name. Now jigainft Satans Devices. 1 49 Non> the Remedies againfr this Device ofSa* tan^ are tbefe. The firfi Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, To dwell more upon the neceffity of the fervice , and duty , than on the difficulty that doth attend the duty , you mould reafon thus with your fouls > oh ! our fouls , though fuch and fuch fervices be hard , and difficult, yet are they not ex- ceeding neceflary for the honour of God, and the keeping up his name in the world, and the keeping under of firi , and the Strengthening of weak graces, and for the reviving of languishing comforts, and for *he keeping clear and bright your blefled evidences , and for the fcattering of your fears , and for the raiting of your hopes, and for the gladding the hearts of the righteous, and flopping the mouths of un- righteous fouls, who are ready to take all advantages to blafphcme the Name of God, and throw dirt and contempt upon his people, and ways ? Oh ! never leave I thinking on the neceflity of this and that duty, till your fouls be lifted up far above all the difficulties that do attend Religi- ous duties. the 1 . Remedy. The neceflity of doing your duty, appears by this, that you are his fervants by a three- fold right-, you are his lervants (Jure creatio- nist jm fuften- tationis, jure redemptionis) by right of creation, and by right of" fuftentation, and by right of redemption. IJO (precious Remedies . Remedy* verfly taken •, but mofl. take hs word here to meet a foul with thofe bowels of love and tender- nefs as 'he fa- ther of rhe Prodigal met he P.od'gal *ith. G^d is tioni'.m, he is lU bowrls^ he is at fw tit to fhew mercy, i 5 h:i< (low to '. ;:»;:/■ f rake ently to '■■.'.net. who Tbefccond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is , fo- lemnly to confider , That the Lord Jcfus will mike his fervices eafie to you, by thefweet dif cover y of himfelf to your fouls, whilft you are in his fervice. Thm meetefi him that rejoycetb, and rvorfytb rigbteoufnefs, thofe that remember thee in thy vjvx,as the Prophet Ifaiab faith. If meet- ing with God, \vho is gdodnefs it felf, fweetnefs it felf, beauty it felf, ftrength it felf, glory it felf, will not fweeten his fer- vice to thy foul , nothing in Heaven or Eirth will. Jacob's meeting with Racbel^nd injoy- ing ofRacbet) made his hard fervice to be ealie and delightful to him ^ and will not the fouls enjoying of God , and meeting with God, render his fervice to be much more ealie and delightful ? doubtlefs it will. The Lord will give thatfweet aflift- ance by his Spirit and grace , as (hall make his fervice joyous , and not grie- vous •, a delight , and not a burden i a Heaven , and not a Hell to believing fouls. The confidence of this Divine a( (iftance raifed up Nebemiah's fpirit far a bove all thofe difficulties and difrourage ments that did attend him in the work and fervice of the Lord , as you may lee, Againjl Sataits Device: >5 l in Ncbem. 2.19,20. But when Sanbaliat the Horomte,and Tobiab the fervent, the Ammo- nite, and Gefhem the Arabian, beard it, they laughed us tiff corn and defpifed us, and/aid, What is this thing that ye do, rviUyou rebel agttmfithe King? Then anfrvercd Ithcm,and faid unto them, the God of Heaven he will profperut, therefore roe his fcrvants will arife aid build : but you have no right, nor por- tion, nor memorial in Jirufalem. Ah fouls ! while you are in the very fcrvice of rhe Lord, you (hall find by experience, that the God of Heaven will profper you, and fupportyou,and encourage and (trengthen you, and carry you through the hardelt fcrvice , with the greater fweetnefs and chearfulnefs that can be. Remember this that God will fuit your ilrength to your work, and in the hardelt fervice you (hall "have the choiceft affilhnce. The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To dwell upon the hard and difficult things that the Lord Jefus Chrift hath paft through for your temporal, fpiritual and eternal good. Ah ! what a feaof blood, a Sea of wrath, of (in, of forrowand mi- fery did the Lord Jtfus wade through, for your internal, and eternal good ? Chrifi did not plead, This Crols is too heavy M for wjv ape co Le diicouraged with doubts and difficul- c e*,and ftar from foes, and to ceafe the fcrvice they had underta- ken. If the work be not good, why did we ever own it? If it be ^ood, why thou Id we ever decline it ? Why, faith he, ihou'd we fcirthe cotv ijuei'J world, that have Chrift the Concjueror on out fide ? [fa. 40. ult. 3» Remedy, [t is not fit fth the head was crowned with thorns, i 5 x (precious Remedies >ers mould be crowned vithRofe- buds, faith zwk. cnatthe mem- j for me to bear, this wrath is too great for me to lie under, this cup (which hath in it all the ingredients of Divine difplea furej is too bitter for me to fup off j how j much more to drink the very dregs of it ? | No, Chrift ftands not upon this •, he pleads not the difficulty of the fervice, but refo- lutely and bravely wades through all, as the Prophet lfaiah (hews, The Lord God hath opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away my bac\J.gave my hack^ to the [miters, and my cheehj to them thai plucked off the hair j I hid not my face from Jhame and Jpitting* Chriit makes nothing qI his Fathers wrath, the burthen of your tins, the malice of Satan, and the rage of the world, but fweetly and triumphantly palTes through all. Ah fouls ! if this con lideration will not raife up your fpirits above all the difcouragements that you meet with, to own Chrift and his fervice, and to ftick and cleave to Chrift and his fervice \ I am afraid nothing will. Afoul nor liirr'd by this,not rais'd,and lifted up by this, to be refolute and brave in the fervice of God, notwithstanding all dan- gers and difficulties, is a foul left of God to mtfch blindnefs and hardnefs. Godfrey of 8«/7<;?,Hrit K of Jemfa'lem, refufed to be downed with a Crown of i;old, faying,'' it became not a Chriftian thereto wear a Crown of gold, where Chrift for our fa' vat ion had fometime wore a Crown of Thorns. 1he\ Agamjl Satans Devices. '5? The fourth Remedy 4. Remedy, AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To cohfider, that religious duries, holy and heavenly exerciies are onely difficult to the worftr, to the ignoble part of a Saint i they are not to the noble, and bet- ter part of a Saint, to the noble part, the (bul , and the renewed affections of a Saint : Holy exercifes are a heavenly plea- fore and recreation, as the Apoftle (peaks, I delight in the "Law of Cod^ after the in ward man : with my mind Iferve the Law of Godjhough with myflejh the Law of fin* To the noble part of a Saint, Chrifts yohgti ea- (te> and hit burthen U light ■■> all the com- fort in the mands and ways of Cbrift ( even thofe P c /(°/ mance J that tend to the pulling out cf right eyes, and cutting off of right handsj are joyous and not grievous to the noble part of a Saint, all the ways and (ervices of Chrift are pleafantnefs (in the abftradrj to the better part of a Saint : A Saint, fo far as he is renewed, is always beft, when he feesmoft of God, when he talks molt of God , when he is higheft in his enjoy- ments of God, and moft war m^ and live- ly in the fervice of God: O'faith the noble part of a Saint, that it might be always thus: O! that my ftrength were the ftrength of ftones, and my flc(h as brafs, M z that As every flow- er hath its f v veet favour, fo every good duty carries meat in the mouth, com- of it. My yoke is a benign, a gracious, a pleafant, a good, and a gainful yoke, oppofedto •ro^f of, pain- ful, tedious. *54 (Precious (Remedies 5. Remedy* txftfyeaUs of Tome Martyrs 1 chit were call cut a!! m^hc naked in a co.-\ fiofty rime, and were to be burned the next day. how they fomforred themfelves in I this manner, The winter is ; {harp, but 1 Paradife is that my worfer pirt might be more fer- viceable to my noble pirt, that I might adt by an untired power in that fervice, that is a pleafure, a Paradise to me. Ibe fifth Remedy AGaiaft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly toconfider, That great re- ward and glorious recompence that doth attend thofe that cleave to the fervice of the Lord, in the face of all difficulties, and difcruragements i though the work be hard,yet the wages is great : Heaven will make amends for all, I, one hours being in Heaven will abundantly recompence you for cleaving to the Lord, and his ways, in the face of all difficulties. This carried the Apoiile through the greateft difficulties •, be bad an eye U the recom- mence of reward \ be looked for a houfe that bad foundations , rvbofe builder and ma^er was G»d^ and for a beavenly conntrey j yea, this bore up the Spirit of Chrift, in the face of all difficulties and difcourage- ment : Lookjng unto Jefus the Author and finifhcr of faith ', who for the joy that was fet before him, endured the Crofs, dejpifing the [barney and is fet down at the right band of the Ihrone of God. Chriftians that would hold on in the feivice of the Lord,muti look more upon the jigainjl Satans Devices. l 55 the Grown, than upon the Crofs^ more upon their future glory, than their pre- fent mifery, more upon their encourage- ments, than upon their difcouragements, Gods very feryjee is wages, his ways are ftrewed with Rofes, and paved with joy jthat is unfpeakable,and full of glory, and with peace that pafTeth undemanding. Sprrie degree of comfort follows every good a#ion > a? heat accompanies fire, as beams and influences iiTue from the Sun. Moreover , by them if thy fervant warned^ and in keeping of them there U great reward, not only for keeping, but in keeping of them, there is great reward \ the joy, the reft, the refreshing, the comforts, the con- tents, the fmiles, the incomes thit Saints now enjoy in the ways of God, are fo pre- cious and glorious in their eyes, that they would not exchange them for ten thou- fand worlds. Ah ! if the vailes be thus fwcet and glorious before pay day comes, what will be that glory that Chrift will Crown hi$ Sainfs \f ith,for cleaving to his fervice in the face of all difficulties ; when he (hall fay to his Father,Lo here am 7, and the Children, which thou haft given me* If there be fo much to be had in a wilder- ne(s, what then fhall be had in Paracjife ? M the fwect; here we fliiver for cold, but the ^ofom of Ab<-ahm will make amend* ror all. , l\\\s is $r ami- urn autepr*- mim, a Cure reward of well-doing in doing thereof C not only for loing thercofj there is great reward, Pfal 10 II. 15* Trecious Remedies Device. i . Remedy* the Fourth Device that Satan hath to kgep fouls off from holy exercifesjrom reli- gion ferviceS) is> BY working them to make falfe infe- rences from thofe blefTed and glori- ous things that Chrift hath done : As that Jefus Chrift hath done all for us, there- fore there is nothing for us to do, but to joy and rejoyce > he hath perfectly ju- i.iiied us, and fulfilled the Law, and fatis ried Divine Juftice,and pacified his Fathers wrath, and is gone to Heaven to prepare a place for us, and in the mean time to in tcrcede for us, and therefore away with praying, and mourning, and , hearing,e^c. Ah ! what a world of ProfefTors hath Sa tan drawn in thefe days from Religious fervices, by working them tdmakefuch fad, wild and ftrange inferences from the fweet and excellent things that the Lord Jefus hath done for his beloved ones. tyjjv the Remedies againji thfc Device are thefe. Ihefirft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To dwell as much on thofe Scriptures, that (hew you the duties and fervices that Chrift jigamjl Satans Devices. 1 5 9 Chrift requires of you, as upon thofe Scri- ptures that declare to you (he precious and glorious things that Chrtft hath done for you. 3 Tis a Tad and a dangerous thing to have two eyes to behold our dignity and privilcdges, and not one to fee our duties and fervices. I (hould look with one eye upon the choice and excellent things that Chriit hath done for me, to raife up my heart to love Chrift with the pureft love, and to joy in Chrift with the ftrongeft joy, and to lift up Chriit above all, who hath made himfelfto be my all : And I mould look with the other eye upon thofe fervices and duties that the Scriptures require of thofe for whom Chrift hath done fuch blefled things: As upon that of the Apoftle, What, kriow ye not that your body U the Temple of the Ho- ly Gbofl, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own 9 For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorifie God in your body, andin your fpirit-, which are Gods. And that , Therefore my be- loved brethren, be ye ftedfajly unmoveable, always abounding in the wor]^ of the Lord, kotowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. And that, And let us not be weary in well doing for in due fcafon wejhall reap, if we faint not. And that of the Apoftle, Kejoj/ce always, and pray without ceafwg* And that in tha Vhilippians, Work^ M 4 out Tat 'Man hath this cxprfffioa of the fulr.efs of the Scrip- lure* (Ado'O plmudinen Sc ipturarum) I adore the fun. fs of the Scnprure. Gregory calls the Scripture (Cor&ani- >nam Dei), the heart and foul of God , and who will not then dwell on it ? I Con 6. 19, 20. i Cor. if. 5^- Gal. 6. 6. 15* 'that we being delivered out of the the hands of our Enemies , might fetve him without fear \ in holme fs andrigb- teoufnefs before him all the days of our lives; Chrifthath freed you from all your Enemies, from the curfe of the Law, the predominant Damnatory power of iin,the wrath of God, the fling of death, and the torments of Hell \ but what is the end and dtiign of Chritt in doing thefe great and marvellous things for his people ? 'Tis not that they mould throw orf duties or righteoufnefs and holinefs; but that their hearts may be the more free and fweet in all holy duties, and heavenly fervices : So the Apoftle, I mil be their God, and they fit all be my people : And I trill be a F. a her unto ym, and ye Jhall be my fons and daughters , faith the Lord Almighty fnVark what followsjH^itfg the refore thefe promifes (dearly beloved) let us clean fe our f elves from all filthinefs oftheflejh & fpirit, per fitting holinefs in the fear of the Lord. And again, Ike grace' of God that bringeth ' jalvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching |«/, that denying all ungodlinefs and world- \lyl-ufts, wefboidd live fiber ly^ righteruJJy, Und godly in this pre fent world, looking for tbit bhffcd hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God,& our Saviour Jcfus Cbrijt, wb) 1 Pet. 2. 9. I-uk 1.74,7^. This iam fure of, than all mans happi- nefs here is his holinefs, and his holi- nefs ftial here- after be his happinefs* Chrifthath therefore broke theDe- vils yoke jjirom offour Recks, that his Father might have better fervice from our hearts. zCo.6\i7,l8. Chap. 7. I. compared. Tir. i. iijii 13, 14. \6o Precious Remedies n- c lingua, hqr.;* vita. Talk not of a g&odiifco but let thy life fpeak. Yhur 3ftions in palling pals not away j for every good work is a *rain of feed i >r eternal life 3. Remedy ■. fhe Saints Motto in a". :«cs hath bten [it't be ciomg- God Jovrs (C uTiifi as ,nci Runner, net 'he Qnsflion- ?r, or Difpu- :?r>fa.thl7- Vwho gavehimfelf for wfbatbe might redeem »* from all iniquity, and pterifie unto him- jelf a peculiar people^ zealous of good mrkj Ah fouls ! I know no fuch Arguments to work you to a lively and conftant perfor- mance of all heavenly fervices like thofe that are drawn from the consideration of the great and glorious things that Chrift hath done for you>and if fuch Arguments will not take you,and win upon you, I do think the throwing of Hell-fire in your faces will never do it. 'the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to conlider, That thofe pre cious fouls which Jefus Chrift hath done and furfered as much for, as he hath for you, have been exceeding a&ive and live- ly in all religious fervices, and heavenly performances : He did as much, and fuf- fercd as much for David as for ycu, and vet, who more in praying and praifing God than David ? Seven times a day will £ praifc the Lord* Who more in the ftudy- ing and meditating on the Word, than David / 1'by Law is my meditation day and night* The fame truth you may run and read in Jicob, Mofes, Job^ Daniel^nd in the reft of the holy Prophets, and Apo files, for whom Chrift hath done as much for jigainfi Satans Devices. 1 6 1 For as for you. Ah ! how have all thofe Worthies abounded in works of righte- oufnefs and holinefs, to the praife of free grace ? Certainly Satan hath got the up- per hand of thofe fouls that do argue thus, Chrift hath done fuch and fuch glorious things for us,therefore we need not make any care and conference of doing fuch and fuch Religious feryices, as men fay the world calls for : If this Logick be not from Hell ? what is ? Ah ! were the holy Prophets and Apoftles alive to hear fuch Logick come out of the mouths of fuch as profeis themfelvcs to be interefted in the great and glorious things that Jefus Chrift hath done tor his chofen ones, how would they blufh to look upon fuch fouls? and how would their hearts grieve and break within them, to hear the language, and to obferve the actings of fuch fouls. The fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to consider this, That thofe that do not, walk in ways of righteouf- nefs and holinefs fthatdonot wait upon God ;in the feveral duties and fervices that are commanded by him ) cannot have 1 that evidence to their own fouls of their righteoufnefs before God, of their fellowlhip and communion with God, of their The day is at hand, when God will re- quire of men, Nan. quidle^t" >int 3 fed quid egerint, nee '}uid dixerint, fed quomodo vlxerint. He that talks of heaven, but doth rot the will of God, is like him that gazed upon the Moon,but fell into the pit. Remedy, Certainly, *tis one thing to judge by our grace*, ano- \6z (Pwcioiis ^ e f ^ at &>& righteoufnefs, Ms righteous, even as he is righteous. In this | ((aith the fame Apoftle) the children of I God are manifeji, and the children of the \IXevU ; whoever doth not righteoufncfs is J not of God, neither he that loveth mt his \ brother : If ye know th 1% he is righteous, wereTknown j ( faith the fame Apoftle) ye l^now that every ' y their Oar- om ^^ ^ Qt \ y r ' t gf ytCou f ne j Sy j/ horn of him. ! He that faith, I tyow him, and ^eepeth j not his Commandments, is a lyar y and the j truth is not in him. But whifoever kjepetb i his Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. Heeby j^tow toe that we are in him. He that faith he abideth in him, ought himfclf alfo to rval]^, even of he walled. Jf we fiy that we have fellowftrip with ^houfe walking \>\ m ^ an £ ^al}^ in darknefs, tre lye y and w wat S u 1*** * truth i but ifwewal^ in the |v:n. H;<;h ■ ./ , r tt I words fun Iv \"gbt, as he is in the light, we have JeUow- . mike a nun 'Jhip one with another ; and the blood of Jcfus As P&vids Daughters w< bv men 1 vers colour*, j fo arc Gous '(Children by ' thfirp.ety and fir&ity. JAChridsns |cmb!eme fhould be an neither holy ! nor juft, but a j veruous lifc,a ic}rcum r pv.c"t Iwalkin? t Chrili clcanfcth us from all fin, faith the fame Apoftle. So James 2. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man fay he b 2th faith, and have no rrorkj , Can faith fave him I i. e. It cannot ; For as the body with- out jfgainjl Satans Devices. \ 65 out ffirit is dcad^ fo faith without rvorkj is deadalfo. To look after holy and hea- venly works, is the belt way to preftrve the foul from being deceived, and delu- ded by Satans deluilons, and by fudden flalhes of joy and comfort > holy works being a more fertfible and conftant pledge of the precious Spirit , begetting and maintaining in the foul more (olid, pure, clear, ftrorig, and lafting joy. Ah fouls ! as you would have in your fclves a con- usant and blefled evidence of your fellow- (hip with the Father, and the Son, and of the truth of grace, and of your future" happinefs, look that you cleave clofe to holy fervices i and that you turn not your backs upon Religious duries. 7he fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to consider, That there are other choice and glorious ends for the Saints performance of Religious duties, then for the juftifying of their perfons be- fore God, or for their fatisfyingof the Law or Juftice of God, or for the purcha- ting of the pardon of fin, &c. viz* To teftirie their Juitihcation •> A good tree cannot hut bring forth good fruits, to teftitie their love to God, and their fincere obe- dience to the commands of God > to te- fiifie miko him dear to God. A Tree that is 'lot fruitful, is tor the fire. Chriflianity is not a talking, b t ut a waging whhGoi!,who vill not be put off with -vords ; if he mifs of fruity he will take up his Ax,and then the foul js cut off for ever. I. Remedy* 'Tis a preci- ous truth, ne- ver to be for- gotten (Jgvpi no* dtt'OHtihd finikit* peu/M- tw ofjiU) That duties are efleemed 164 (precious Remedies ftirie their deliverance from fpiritual bon- dage , to evidence the in-dwellings of the Spirit,to flop the mouths of the worft of men, and to glad thofe righteous fouls that God would not have fadded. Thefe, and abundance of other choice ends there *iZT Thl> be ' wh v thofe that have an intereft in the * glorious doings of Chrift, mould notwith- (landing that, keep clofe to the holy du- ties and religious fervices that are com- manded by Chrift. And if thefe confide- rations will not prevail with you, to wait upon God in holy and heavenly duties, I am afraid, \t one (hould rife from the dead, his arguments would not win upon you, but you would hold on in your fins, and neglect his fervice, though you loft your fouls for ever, &c. not by their afts,butby their ends. agendum. The end moves to doing. Ten? minfuram &rc[piccfi- n:m. Keep thy felf within compafs) and have an eye always to the end of thy life and aft ions, was Maximi- lian the Em- perors Motto. 5. Device* John 7.47^ 40. Ibe fifth Device Satan hath to draw fouls off from Religion* fervices ', and tokjef fouls off from Holy duties, is y BY prefenting to them the paucity and poverty of thofe that walk in the ways of God, that hold on in Religious practices : Saith Satan, do not you fee that thofe that walk in fuch and fuch Religious ways, are the pooreft, the mean- eft and the moft dcfpicable perfons in the world. This took with them mjob.j. 'Then anfmred the Pbarifees, Are ys alfo deceived ? ^gainji Satans Devices . 165 deceived .<* Have any of the Unlet /, or of the Fbarifees bilieved on him ? But this people who fyoweth not the Law are curfed. Narpth Remedies againfl this T>e vice, are thefe that follow. 'fhefirft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider , That though they are outwardly poor, yet they are inwardly rich > though they are poor in temporals, yet they are rich in fpirituals i the worth and riches of the Saints is inward : 'the Kings daughter is all glorious within* Hear- ken my beloved brethren, hath not God chofen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promifed to *bem that love him ? faith James. I kpow thy poverty, but thou art rich, faith John to the Church of Smyrna. What though they have little in porTeflion, yet they have a glorious Kingdom in reverfi- on. Fear not little floc\ , it is your fathers pleafare to give you a Kingdom. Though Saints have little, in hand, yet they have much in hope. You count thofe happy in a worldly fenfe , that have much in reveifion, though they have but little in potfeflion -, an j will you count th Saints miCrable, becaufe they have little in :. Remedy. Do not you fee (faith Chryfojitme, the places where crea- tures are hid are rough ani over-grown with thorns ? Do not the Naturalifhtell you, That the mountains that are big with gold within, are bare of grafs without. Saints have as Scholar?, poor Com- mons here, becaufe they x66 (precious Remedies muft ftudy hard to go to Heaven. . 'Remedy. Good Nobles (faith oi-.ej are like black Swans, and thinly fcatter- ed in the fir- mament of a ftate,evn like Stars in the firftmagni- tude,yet fome God hath had inal ages, as might be raew:d out of Hiftories. I in hand, little in poiTeiiion ? Though they have a glorious Kingdom in reveriiun of this. I am fure the pooreft Saint that breathes will not exchange (were it in his power) that which he hath in hope and inreverlion, for the polTelfion of as many worlds as there be Stars in Heaven, or fands in the Sea, &c. 'the fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To contider, That in all ages God hath had fome that have been great,rich, wife, and honorable , that have chofen his ways, and cleaved to his fervice in the face of all difficulties > though not ma ny wife men, yet fome wife men i and though not many mighty , yet fome mighty have •■> and though not many noble, yet fome noble have, witnefs Abraham , and Jacob , and Job , and feveral Kings, and others that the Scrip- tures fpeak of i and ah ! how many have we among our felves, whole fouls have cleaved fo the Lord, and who have fwum to his fervice through the blood of the fUin, and who have not counted their lives dear unto them, that they and others might enjoy the holy things of Ghrilt, ac- cording to the mind and heart of Chrift, &c» The jigamft Satans t)eYices. 1 6/ 77; e third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo-j Ierrinly to confider, That the Spiri- tual riches of the poorcft Saints, do infi- nitely tranfeend the temporal riches of all the wicked men in the world,their fpi- ritual riches do fatisrie them, they can lit down fatisried with tht riches of grace that be in Chriit, without honors, and without riches, &c. He that drinks of that water ) that 1 Jh all give him y /hattthirft no more. The riches of poor Saints are du- rable, they will bed and board with them, they will go to the Prifon, to a fick bed, to a grave,yea, to Heaven with them.The fpirirual riches of poor Saints, are as wine p cheer them, and as bread to (trengthen them, and as cloth to warm them, and as Armour to protect them. Now all you that know any thing, do know, that the riches of this world cannot fatishe the fouls of men, and tbey are as fading as a Flower, or as the owners of them are, &c. 'the fourth Remedy Gainft this Device , is, fetioufly to A contidered coniider, That though the Saints comparatively , N are few though .Remedy* Atiandrs valt in in J en- quire J, if there wer-: any mors worlds to conquer* Crttflkt vrit fp fichj that h? mamt3inc4 an Army with his own rev:* nues, )e? hf, his great Ar* my, with jli$ Son and he ir fell together, an J left his ' great eiUte to others, Remedy* i68 Precious (Remedies Luke 12. 31. Cant. 4 IB. Jcr.J M- Rev. 7 9. Mat. 8. 11. HeW 12 22,13 When F«(g&- tiu* few [he Nobility of Rome fa monntcd in their bravery, it mounted his meditati- ons to the heavenly Ji- rJaltm. ' though they be a little , little, flocks a rem- nant, a garden enchfed^ afpringjhut up, a fountain fealed > though they are as the Summer gleanings i though they are one of a City, and, two of a iribe > though they be but a handful, to a houfeful ; a fpark to a flames a drop to the Ocean > yet confider them fimply in themfelves, and fo they are an innumerable number that cannot be numbred, zsjohn fpeaketh, After this I beheld, and he a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations and hun- dred, and people, and tongues, fiood before the Ihrone, and before the Lamb, cloathed with white Robes, and Palmes in their hands. So Matthew fpeaks, And I fay un- to you, that many Jhall come from the Eaft, and We\\, and fh all fit down with Abraham, Jfaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Hea- ven* Scf Paul, But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the City of the living Cod, the heavenly Jerufalem, and to an innume- rable company of Angels. To the general Affembly , and Church of the firji-born , which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the fpirits of ju(i men made perftfi. the jfgainjl Satans Devices. \ 6 9 the fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fi:ri* ouflyr to contider, That 'twill be but as a day, before thefepoor defpifed. Saints (hall mine brighter than the Sun in his glory : 'Twill not be long before you will wi(h, Oh ! that we were now among the poor 5 mean, defpifed ones,in the day that God comes to make up his jewels. 'Twill not be long before thefe poor few Saints fhall be lifted up upon their Thrones to judge the multitude, the world, as the Apoftle fpeaks, tfwn? ye not th.it the Saints Jhsll judge the world ? And in that day,0! how will the great,and the rich,the learn- ed and the noble , wifh that they had lived and fpent their days with thefe kw, poor contemptible creatures, in the fer- vice of the Lord?Oh ! how will this wick- ed world curfe the day that ever they had fuch bafe thoughts of the poor mean Saints, and that their poverty became a flumbling-block, to keep them orf from the ways of SancYity. I have read of Ingo an ancient King of the Vraves, who making a ftately Feaft, appointed his Nobles,at that time Pagans, to lit in the Hall below, and commanded certain poor Chriftians to be brought up j into his Prefence-chamber , to fit with, N 2 him! 5. Remedy* Mt.Fox being once asked whether he knewacer- tain poor man who had re- ceived fuc- dourof h'rtl in tim: of trouble : he anfwered, I re- member him well,I tell you I forge c Lord* and Ladies to remember fuch. So will God deal by his poor Saints : he will forget the great and 170 TrecioHS l{emecties mi^hiy (.-iics 'ct chc world, to r«. member hit few, poor- ue'.piftd ones. Though John was poor in ti.e wcrKi, vet the Holy Ghcftcalls himthe great- eft that was born of wo- men. Ah pocr iainrs ! men that know not your worth, cannot have iuch low noughts of you, but the Lord will have arbigh. him at his Table, to eat and drink of his Kingly chear : At which many wonder- ing he faid, He accounted ChrijUansjhough never fo poor \ a greater Ornament at bista- ble, and more worthy of bis company, than tkegrcjtejl Veers unconverted to the Cbtiftian faith, for when tbcfe might be thruji down to Hell, tbofe might be hti Conforts, and fellow Princes in Heaven. You know how to apply if. Although you fee the Stars fometimes by their reflexions in a pud- dle, or in the bottom of a Well, I, in a ftinking ditch, yet the Stars have their fcituation in Heaven : So , though you fee a godly man in a poor,mi(erable, low, defpifed condition, for the things of this world, yet he is fixed in Heaven, in the Region ot Heaven : Who hath raifed m up ( faith the Apoftlej and made us fit together in heavenly phecs in Cbrifi J cfa Oh ! there- fore fay to your own fouls (when they begin 10 decline the ways of Sion, be- caufe of the poverty and paucity of thofe that walk in themj the day is at hand, when thofe few, poor, defpifed Saints fhall (hine in glory, when they (hall judge this world, and when all the wicked of this world wilt wim that they were in their condition, and would give ten thou- fand worlds (were k in their power) that I they might but have the honor and hap- s pinds to wait upon thofe , whom for t their Jgainft Satans Devices. 171 their poverty and paucity, they have neg- lected and defpifod in this world. Ihefixth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider, That there will come a time, even in this life, in this world, when the reproach and contemp: that is now caft upon the ways of God, by reafon of the poverty and paucity of thofe that walk in thole ways, mall be quite taken away, by his making them the head, that have days without num- ber heen the tail, and by his railing them up to much out ward riches,profperity and glory, who have been as the out-cart, be- caufe of their poverty and paucity. John (peaking of the glory of the Church, the new Jerusalem that came down from hea- ven, Rev* a I, tells us, 'that the Nation f of them which are faved, jhall really in the light ofity and the Kings of the earth dj bring their glory into it* So the Prophet Ifaiah, They Jhall bring their funs from far, and their filver and their gold with them. For braff) I will bring Gold, and for iron IwiH bring filver, ani for wood brafs, and for times iron. And lb the Prophet, Zacha- rub fpzaks. Chap. 1^. 14. And the wealth of all the Heathen round about, Jhall be g a- thered together ^old^and filver, and apparel in N 3 great 6. Remedy. Thefe fol- lowing Scri- ptures do abundantly conHrm this truth, Jr. 31. 12. Ila. 30 i}. 8c6t. 8,9. Joeli. 25,14. Mich. 4 6. Am. 0.1}, I4. Zech.8. i*. [Ta. 4I.1S.19. &H. i$ & 66. 6*, 7. & 6$. 21, it. & 614 &5o 10. Ezek. $6 10. Onc'.y take thr fe two Cautii ns, 1. Tha:in th.fe times the Sants chiefeft com- forts, del gh'f, and con r ents> will confift in I their more \ clear \ \ 7 l Precious Remedies ul! 3 and con- ftant enjoy- jnent of God. 2. That they (hall have fuch abui- dant meafurt of the Spirit pouredjout upon them, rhnt tkeirri- :hcsand out- vard glcry ihall not be nares to them out golden ieps to a ri- cher living n Goi. [fa. 66. 8. Ver. i?;*o. great abundance. The Lord hafh promifed that the meek (hall inherit the earth : And Heaven and Earth (hall pafs away, before one jot or one tittle of his word (hall pafs unfulfilled. Ah poor Saints ! now fome thruit fore at you, others look a fquint upon you, others (hut the door againii you, others turn their backs upon you ', and moft of men (except it be a few that live much in God-, and are rilled with the riches of ChriitJ do either neglect you, or defpife youbecaufe of your poverty \ but the day is coming, when you (hall be lif- ted up above the dunghil , when you (lull change poverty for richesjour rags for robes, your reproach for a Crown of honor , your infamy for glory, even in this world. And this is not all, but God. will alfo mightily encreafe the number of hischo- Ccn ones \ multitudes (hall be converted to him. Who hath heard fuch a thing? who hath fcen fuch things ? Jball the earth be made to bring forth in one day?or fhaU a na- tion be horn at once ? for as fm as S 'ion tra- velled, Jhe brought forth children. And they (hall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out rf all nations, upon horfes, and in charhts, in litters, and upon mules, wd upon faift beafts to my holy Mountain Jerujalemjaith the Lord h. as the children of\ Tfrael bring an offering in a clean vtjfel into i thJ Agcdnjl Satans Devices. m the boufe of the Lord. Doth not the Scri- pture fay , that the Kingdoms of this world muft become the Kingdoms of our Lord > Hath not God given to Chrift the Heathen, and the uttermoft parts of the earth for his poffeflion? Hith not the Lord (aid, that in the lafl dayr the mountain of the Lords boufe Jhall be lifted up above the hills, and (hall be cflablifbed in the top of the mountains, and all nations Jhall flow unto it. Pray read and meditate upon If a. 60. and 66, and 2. I* to 5 and there you (hall find the multitudes that (hall be convert- ed to Chrift i and O that you would be mighty in believing, and in wreftling with God, that he would haften the day of his glory, that the reproach that is now upon his people and ways may ceafe I the fixth Device that Satan hath to %eep fouls ojf from religious fervices, is, BY prefenting before them the exam- ples of the greater!: part of the world that walk in the ways of their own hearts, and that make light and flight of the ways of the Lord. Why, faith Satan, do not you fee that the great, and the rich j the noble and the honorable, the learn- ed and the wife, even the greateft num- ber of men never trouble themfelves about fuch and fuch ways, and why then Ni f mould Rev 11. 1? Pfal. 2. 8. Ifa. 2. 1. & 54.14 & 61.9. 6. Device. John 4. 18. Cha. 7.48,49 iCor. 1.26,22. Mic. 7.2,3,4. *74 (precious (J{emediei : . Remedy. Th° way to Hell is broad, in J well bea- rer •, the way I rob; undone jt>r ever, is ro j do a the moft do, Af%:VKn~ i turn t'trpijji' | !»/» ejlturbi. I I he multi- tude is the jweakefi and {worft Argu- ment, faith Since. t. Prov. 4 J 4. Chajr. p. 6. (nould you be lingular and nice I You were far better do as the moft do, Now the Remedies againft this Device> are thefe. Ibe firft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider of thole Scri- ptures that make diredtly againft follow- ing the iinful examples of men, as that m-Exodtts, Tilnufhah not fellow a multitude to do evil) neither fit alt thoufpea\in a caufe to. decline after many to wreji Judgement. The multitude generally are ignorant , and know not the way of the Lord,there- fore they fpeak evil of that they know not i they are envious, and malicioully bent againft the fervice and way of God > and therefore they cannot fpeak well of the ways of God. "IhU way is every where fpt>k?n againft^ faid they. So in Num.16. Separate from them^and come out from among them. So theApoftle, Have no fcllowjhip with the unfruitful worj^s of darkpefs. So j Solomon, Enter not into the way of the wic}^ 5 e d, forfake the foolijh and live. They that walk with the moft , (nail periin with the moft: They that do as the moft, Stall ere long fuifer with the moft : They that jfgainjl Satans Devices. 175 that live as the mod:, muft dye with the moft, and to hell with the moll. Tbefecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider , That if you will lin with the multitude , all the Angels in Heaven , and men on earth, cannot keep you from {ufTering with the multitude. If you will be wicked with them, you muft unavoidably bemiferablewith them. Say to thy foul , O my foul ! If thou wilt fin with the multitude^thou muft be (hut out of Heaven with the multitude, thou muft be caft down to Hell with the multitude. And I beard a voice from Heaven , faying, Come out of her my people jbat ye be not par- takers of her fins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Come out in arre&ion,in acli- on 3 and in habitation i for elfe the infedi- on of fin , will bring upon you the infli- ction of punifhment. So faith the wife man, He that waDigtb with rrifemenflrallbe irife , but a companion of fools Jhall be de- firoyedy or as the Hebrew hath it, Shall be broken in pieces* Multitudes may help thee into fin •> yea, one may draw thee into fin, but 'tis not multitudes that can help thee to efcape punifliments : as you may fee in Mofes and Aaron , that were provo- ked to fin by the multitude > but were (hut out of the pleaiant Land , and fell 2. Remedy* Sin an4 pu- niihment are linked toge- 'her with chains cf Adamanr. Of fin we may fay as Ifiodore doth of the Serpent (Tor dvlores ' Vtot colons) fo many co- lours, fo ma- ny doloHfs. a Jero*a*e 7 from RuArtge, to be naught 176 (Precious Remedies J. Remedy. What wife man would fetch eold out of a fiery Cru- mble, hazard his immortal foul (tocain the world) by following a multitude ihthofe/leps that le id to the chambers of death and darknefs. fell by a hand of Juftice as well as others, Ike third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider the worth and excellency of thy immortal foul. Thy foul is a Jewel more worth than heaven and earth. The lofs of thy foul is in- comparable, irreparable, and irrecovera- ble, if that be loft, all is loft, and thou art undone for ever. Is it mad nefs and folly in a man to kill himfelf for company } and is ir not greater madnefs or folly to break the neck of thy foul, and to damn it for company ? Sufped that way wherein thou feeft multitudes to walk, the multitude being a itream that thou muft row hard againft, or thou wilt be carried into that gulph, out of which Angels cannot deli- ver thee. Is it not better to walk in a ftrait way alone, than to wander into crooked ways with company? fure 'tis better go to Heaven alone, than to Hell with company. I might add other things, but thefc may futiice for the prefent , and I am afraid,if thefe Arguments do not ftir you, orher Arguments will work but little up- on you. jigctinjt Satans Devices. 1 77 'the fcventh Device that Satan hath to keep fouls off from bolyexercifes, from reli- gious fervices, 'vt y BY cafting in a multitude of vain thoughts, whilft the foul is in feeking of God, or in waiting on God i and by this Device he hath cooled fome mens fpi- rits in Heavenly fervices,and taken oiT(at leaft for a time) many precious fouls from Religious performances, I have no heart to hear, nor no heart to pray, nor no de- light in reading, nor in the fociety of the Saints, &c. Satan doth fo dog and follow my foul,and is (till a cafting in fuch a mul- titude of vain thoughts concerning God, the World, and my own foul, &c. that 1 vjven tremble to think of waiting upon God in any Religious feivice. Oh ! the vain thoughts that Satan carts in,do fo di ftafte my foul,and fo grieve, vex, perplex, and diftradt my foul, that they even make me weary of holy duties, yea, of my very life: Oh ! I cannot be fo raifed and ravifh- ed,fo heated and melted, fo quickned and enlarged, fo comforted and refreshed, as I fliould be, as I might be, and as I would be in Religious fervices, by reafon of that multitude of vain thoughts, that Satan is injecting or cafting into my foul, &c. Now 7. Device. VtUtm fcrvke Dominoed co~ gititioius nu patiwtHf. Lor J, now how fain would I ferve thee, and vain thoughts will no: fufter me. i 7 8 (precious ^emedtes i. Remedy. When Ponpy could not keep his fou!- dicrsin the Camp by per- fwafion, he eafthimfsifall along in the nirrow paf- fage that Jed , out of it, and (then bid them Go if you will, bur you rftflftfirfl [trample upon i your Generals an J the thoughts of i tliis overcame I them. Y'Ui tr: | wife,and know j how ro a^p'y j it to the point in hand. Now the Remedies againft this Device of Satan are tbefe. 'the firft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To have your hearts itrongly arfe&ed with the greatnefs, holincfs, Majefty and glory of that God before whom you ihnd , and with whom your fouls do converfe in Religious fervices. Oh ! let your luuls be greatly arfecxed with the prefence, purity; and majeity of that God before whom thou itandiii. A man would be afraid of playing with a feather, when he h fpeaking with a Ring> ah ! when men have poor,low,light, flight, &c. thoughts of God, in their drawing ncer to God,they, tempt the Devil to belVir himfclf , and to calt in a multitude of vain thoughts to difturb and diftraft the foul in its waiting on God. There is nothing that will con- tribute fo much to the keeping out of vain thoughts v as to look upon God,as an om- nifcient God,an omniprefent God, an om- nipotent God , a God full of all glorious perfections, a God whofe majeity, purity, and glory will not fufier him to behold the kail iniquity. The reafon why the bleffed Saints tmd glorious Angels in hea- jven have not fo much as one vain | thought jigainft Sat arts Devices. 1 7 9 thought is , becaufe they arc greatly affe- cted with the greatnefs, holinefs, Majefty, purity, and glory of God. Thefecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan,is, To be peremptory in religious fervices,not- with£anding all thofe wandring thoughts the foul is troubled with. This will be a fweet help againft them, for the foul to be refolute in waiting on God, whether it be troubled with vain thoughts or not. To fay, Well I will pray ftill, and hear (till, and meditate ftill , and keep fellowfliip with the Saints ftill •, many precious fouls can fay from experience, that when their fouls have been peremptory in their waiting on God, that Satan hath left them, and hath not been fo bulle in vexing their fouls with vain thoughts > when Satan perceives that all thofe trifling vain thoughts that he cafts into the foul,do but vex the foul into greater diligence , care- fulnefs, watchfulnefs, and peremptorinefs in holy and heavenly fervices, and that the foul lofeth nothing of his zeal, piety, and devotion > but doubles his care, diligence, and earneftnefs h he often ceafes to inter- pofe his trifles arid vain thoughts , as he ceafcd to terrpt Chrift, when Chrift was peremptory in rt lifting his temptations. Ibe Remedy* It is a rule in the civil Law, ( Nee vidctw attum, ji quid faperfit quod agacurj No- thing feems to be done, if there remains ought to be done. Si dixiftifnf- ficit perlijii, If once thou fay ft 'tii e- nough, thou art undone* faith Ai they are not fins upon our fouls, though they may be trou- bles to our minds , they fliall not be put upon our accounts, nor keep mercies and blefiings from being enjoyed by us. When a foul in uprightnefs can look God in the face, and fay, Lord when I approach neer unto thee , there be a world of vain thoughts crowd in upon me, that do di- fturb my foul, and weaken my faith, and leflen my comfort, and fpiritual ftrength 5 oh ! thefe are my clog , my burden, my torment, my hell i oh! do juttice upon thefe, free me from thefe, that I may ferve thee with more freenefs, finglenefs, fpiri tualnefs, and fweetnefs of fpirit. Thefe thoughts mayvex that foul, but they (hall not harm that foul , nor keep a blcfling from that foul. If vain thoughts refitted and lamented could ftop the current of mercy, and render a foul unhappy, there would be none on eajrth that mould ever taft of mercy, or be everlaftingly happy. ihe -— yigainfl Satans Devices, 181 The fourth Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider , That watching againft finful thoughts , refitting of finful thoughts,lamenting and weeping over fin- ful thoughts, carries with it the fweeteft, and ftrongeft evidence of the truth and power of grace, and of the fincerity of your hearts,and is the readieft and the fu- reft way to be rid of them. Many low and carnal confiderations may work men to watch their words, their lives, their acti- ons, as hope of gain, or to pleafe friends, or to get a name in the world, and many other Cuch like confiderations , Oh ! but to watch our thoughts , to weep and la- ment over them, &c. This muft needs be f$om fome noble , fpiritual, and internal Principle, as love to God, a holy fear of God, a holy care and delight to pleafe the Lord, &c. The Schools do well obferve, that outward fins are of greater infamy * but inward heart fins are of greater guilt > as we fee in the Devils. There is nothing that fo fpeaks out a man to be throughly and kindly wrought upon,as his having his ! thoughts to be brought into obedience, as the Apoftle fpeaks. Grace is grown up to la very great height in that foul where it prevails, to the fubduing of thofe vain I thoughts 4. Remedy. Pfal.ijp. »j. Thoughts are the firft born, the bloflbmes of the fouljche beginning of our ftrength, whether tor good or evil, and they are the greaceft Evidence for, or againft a man that can be. Majoris infi- mia. Majwis rca- tus. _, Cor. 10. 4, s. iSV (precious Remedies Pfal.124. 2. Jfa.y9.7- Chap. 66. 18. Mat. 9. 4. Chap.u. 25. Zeno a wife Heachen affirmed, That God even beheld the thoughts. Mat. 15.17,16, 17,18. Tears inftead of Gems were (be ornaments of Davids bed, when he had finned, and fo they muftb? thine, or elie thou mult lie down in the bed of forrow for ever. thoughts that walk up and down in the foul. Well, though you cannot be rid of them , yet make refinance and oppoGtion againit the firft riiings of them. When finful thoughts arife, then think thus, the Lord takes notice of thefe thoughts, He knows them afar off, as the Pfalmijl fpeaks. He knew Herod's bloody thoughts 5 and Ju- das his betraying thoughts , and the Pha- rifees cruel and blafphemous thoughts afar off. Oh ! think thus all thefe finful thoughts, they defile and pollute the foul , they deface and fpoil much of the inward beauty,and glory of the foul , if I commit this or that tin, to which my thoughts in- cline me, then either I muft repent, or not repent , if I repent, it will coft me more grief, forrow, (hame, heart-breaking, and (bul-blecding, before my Confcience will be quieted , divine juitice pacified , my comfort and joy reftored , my evidences cleared , and my pardon in the Court of Confcience fealed, than the imagined pro- fit , or feeming fenfual pleafure can be worth : What fruit had you in thofe things whereof yoU are Hotp ajhamed. If I never repent , Oh then my finful thoughts will be fcorpions that will eter- nally vex me i the rods that will eternally iafh me i the thorns that will cvcrlafting- Iy prick trie •, the Dagger that will be eter- nally a ftabbing mc •, the worm that will be jigalnji Sataris VeVices. 1 8 3 be for ever a gnawing me : Oh ! therefore watch againft them,be conftant in refitting them, and in lamenting and weeping over them, and then they (hall not hurt thee, though they may for a time trouble thee * And remember this, He that doth this, doth more than the moft glittering and bluftering hypocrite in the world doth. the fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To labour more and more to be filled with the fulnefs of God, and to be enri- ched with all fpiritual and heavenly things. What's the reafon that the Angels in Hea- ven have not fo much as an idle thought ? ? 'Tis becaufethey are rilled with the ful- nefs of God. Take it for an experienced tfuth, the more the foul is filled with the fulnefs of God, and enriched with fpiri- tual and heavenly things, the Jets room there is in that foul for vain thoughts. J The fuller the veflel is of wine, the lefs room there is for water. Oh .! then lay up much of God, of Chrift, of precious pro- mifes , and choice experiences in your I heart?, and then you will be lcls troubled [with vain thoughts. A good man out of I the good treafure of h'u hurt hringeth forth Igood things* the In ward bleed- ing kills many a man, fo will Sinful thoughts if nor repent- ed of. 5. Remedy. Ephef, 3. 10. The words are an Hcbra- ifm. The He- brsv/s when they would fet out many excellent . things, they adde the Name of God to if, City of God, Cedars ofGodjWreft- linps of God • So here, .7W ye miy be filled with the fi> i'ltfi of God* Mac. 11, S- 184 ^Precious ^emed'm 6, Remedy* The fixtb 'Remedy AGainft this Divice of Satan, is, To keep up holy and fpiritual affecti- ons i for fuch as your arTe&ions are, fuch will be your thoughts. how I love thy Law, '/f/ my meditation all the day. What JTxoV. 8. ' ' we * ove mo ^5 w e moft mufe upon \ When 1 an>a\e, I am Jiill with thee. That which we much like, we (hall much mind. They that are frequent in their love to God, and his Law, will be frequent in thinking of God and his Law * a child will not forget his mother. Simile. j. Remedy iT;m. 24. is entangled; nis a compa- rifon which S paalborrow- ethfrom the -cuftom of the '.Roman Em- jpire, wherein Souldiers were forbid- den to be Proftcrs of other mens caufes, to un- dertake hus- bandry or merchandize. Tbefevenib Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To avoid multiplicity of worldly buft- nefs. Oh ! let not the world take up your I hearts and thoughts at other times. Souls' that are torn in pieces with the cares of the world, will be always vexed and tor- mented with vain thoughts, in all their approaches to God j vain thoughts will be ftill crowding in upon him that lives in a crowd of bulinefs. The Stars which haveleaft circuit are neareft the Pole* and men that are leaft perplexed withbufinefs, are commonly neareft to God, Thi ~-*. jfgainjl Satans DeVices. j 8 5 the Eighth Device that Satan hath to bin- der Jouh from Religions fervices, from holy performances, is. BY working them to reft in their per- formances. To reft in prayer, and to reit in bearing, reading, and the Commu- ; nion of Saints, &c. And when Satan hath 'drawn the foul to reft upon the fervice done, then he will help the foul to reafon .thus, Why,thou werr as good never pray, as to pray, and reft in prayer i as good ne- : ver hear, as to hear and reft in hearing i as 'good never be in the Communion of Saints, as to reft in the Communion of Saints. And by this Device he ftops many fouls in their heavenly race, and takes off poor fouls from thoie fervices that fhould be their joy and crown. Now the Remedies againji this Device are thefe. the firfi Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, To • jfjL dwell much upon the imperfedli- ■ ons and weaknelTes that do attend your j choiceft fervices. O the fpots,the blots, the iblemi(hes,that are to be feen upon the face of our faireft Duties ! When thou halt O 2 done - - - - — 1 8. Device* Ifa. 5S.1 2,}. Zech 7.4>f ><*• Mat. 6. 2. Rom. 1. 7. I . Remedy. Pride and high confi- dence is mod apt, to creep in upon duties well done, fai:h one. \%6 Precious (Remedies [fl. <5 4 . 6. 2. Remedy, Judges 10.14. Ovine bonum infimmo boat. All good is in the chiefcft good. Ntc Cbriftus, 1 ncc caelum pi- t'tuf byptrbo- lem. done all thou canlt, thou haft need to clofe up all with this,0 enter not into judg- ment with thyfervantfi Lordfot the. weak- neffes that cleave to my beft fervices. We may all fay with the Church, All eurrigh- teouf neffes are as a menftrous cloth. If God mould be (hid to mark what is done amifs in our beft adtions, we were undone. Oh! the water that is mingled with out wine, the drofsthat cleaves unto our gold. 7he fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider the impotence and inability of any of your beft fervices, divinely to comfort, refrem and bear your fouls up from fainting, and linking in the days of troubles, when darknefs is round about you, when God (hall fay to you, as he did once to the Ifia elites, Go and cry unto the gods that you have chofen, let them fave you in the time of your tribulation. So when God (hall fay in the day of your troubles, Go to your prayers, to your hearing, and to your fafting,e^c.and fee if they can help you, if they can fupport you, if they can deliver you. If God in that day doth but withhold the influence of his grace from ,thee, thy former fervices will be but poor I Cordials to comfort thee : and then thou 'muft,and wiit cry out 3 Oh!Nb»e hut Chrift. none jfgainfl Satans Devices. i8 7 fyk^e but Chriji. Oh ! my prayers are not ^ChVift,my hearing is not Chrift,my fafting is riot Chrift,e^c. Oh! one (mile ot Chrift, one glimpfeofChrift,one good word from Chrift, one nod oflove from Chrift in the day of trouble and darknefs, will more re- vive and refrem the foul,than all your for- mer fervices, in which your fouls relied, as if they were the bofom of Chrift, which (hould be the onely centre of our fouls. Chrift is the Crown of Crowns, the Glory of Glories, and the Heaven of Heavens. 'the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to con(ider,That good things refted upon, will as certainly undous,and everlaftingly deftroy us, as the greateft en- ormities that can be committed by us. Thofe fouls that after they have done all, do not look up fo high as a Chrift, & reft, and centre alone in Chrift, laying down their fervices at the footftool of Chrift,muft lie down in forrow, their bed is prepared for them in hell, Behold all ye that kindle a fire, andcompafs yourfehes wirb thejparks, and wall^in the light of your fire^ and in the ff arks that ye have kjndledjhit yejball have at mine bands, ye jhall lie down in forrow. Is it good dwelling with everlafting burnings, with a devouring fireftf it be,why then reft O3 in 3. Remedy. [fa. 50. nit. i88 Precious (Remedies 4. Remedy. Jer. our confidence is our prcfump- tion j our enjoyixenrs are our dtluii- ons, &c. I (hall fhew you this in fomc partial lars, &c. O The here were no difference be- tween my heart and the wicked, I hav: a blind mind as they 1 ftoiit, ftub- born, rebelli- ous hard heart as they, ■ nd Co he goes }9° fPrectbus Remedies A Oiriftian fhou!d wear Chrift in his bofcm, as a flower of de- Ugkt,for lie is a whole Pa- radife of de- light 5 he that mir.d.not Chrift more than his fin, can never be thankful and f r ui ful as he fhould. I. Remedy. 'the firft Device that Satan fyatb to kgep Souls in a fad) doubting,and queftion- ing condition^ andfo makjng tbeir life a Hell is, BY caufing them to be ftiU poring, and mufing upon fin j to mind their fins, more than their Saviour > yea, fo to mind their fins, as to forget,yea,to neglect their Saviour ithat as the Pfalmift fpeaks, the Lord is not in all their thoughts. Their eyes arefo hxt upon their Difeafe, that they cannot fee the Remedy though it be neer : And they do fo mufe upon their debts,that they have neither mind nor heart to think of their, furety, &c. Now the Remedies againft this Device are thefe* 'the firft Remedy* IS, for weak Believers to confider, That though Jtfus Chrift hath not freed them from the prefence of fin, yet he hath freed them from the damnatory power of iln. It's moft true, that fin and grace were ne- ver born together, neither (hall fin and grace dye together i yet while a Believer breaths in this world, they mult live to- gether, they muft keep houfe together. Chrift Jgainjl Satans Ver:ucout a- gain, till the wail be pluckt down. 2. Remedy, The primitive Chriftiars chofe rather :o be thrown to Lyons wirhour, than left t© lufls within. Adlonrn mjgis qtiam Itomm^ fairh Tertuli'dd. Ron\, 6.14. \$Z Precious %e?jiedies Dan- 7- i.*« ■ lis a fign that fin hath no: gained your consent, [xit commit- ted .1 rape up- on yo ;r f u s> yv!\e«i you ry i ut to God. [fefce-raviihed Virgin wider the Lr.v cued .»ur, (h_' was suiitieft, Deit n.27. >o vfrlren /'n plays the IV "ar.t ov.r i\\: Ki : , and the l j. c. often to be delivered from the thorn in the fk(h i all he can get is, My grace is fufficknt for thee : I will graci- oftfly pardon that to thee, that I will not conquer in thee, faith God. And I rviU cleanfe them from all their iniquity, whereby they have finned againft me,and whereby they have tranfgreffed againjl me\ I,even I am he that bktteth out thy trjnfgrefjions for mine oven fake, and will not remember thy fins. Ah ! you lamenting fouls, that fpend your days in fighing and groaning under the fenfe and burthen of your fins,why do ycu deal fo unkindly with God, and fo inju- rioufly with ycur own fouls, as not to caft an eye upon thofe precious promifes of rem i (lion 3. Remedy. lia. 44 2 2. M1C.7. l8,1£. G.l.z. 13,14. The promifes of God are a precious b ok, enry leaf diopmyrrhe and mercy. Inrush the vrcakChriflian cinrot open, read, and ap ply them -, Chriitcan and wjll apply them to their fou's. Jc-r.ja.S. ifa. 43. z<- rno An Hebrew partic' ard note*, a ccn- {la?t, a ccri i nucd a€t of Gcd ; I, I am he, blotting outtbv tranf- 194 (Precious Remedies greflions to I day, and to ] moriow, &C. 4.. Remedy. tGor.f. xi. Chrift was (PecatO'um vaximtu) the Sreateft of ffmi:rs by im- putation and replication, [fa. 53.5,5. remiflion of (in . which may bear up and refrefh your fpirits in the darkeft night, and under the heavieft burden of lln. 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is , to look upon all your fins , as charged upon the account of Chrift,as debts which the Lord Jcfus hath fully fatisfied v and in- deed were there but one farthing of that debt unpaid , that Chrift was engaged to fatistie, it would not have flood with the unfpotted Juftice of God, to have let him come into heaven,and (it down at his own right hand : But all our debts by his death being difcharged, we are freed, and he is exalted to fit down at the right hand of his Father, which is the top of his glory v and the greateft pledge of our felicity : For he hath made him to he fin for us that kpew nofin^ that we might be made the righteouf nefs ofGsd in him faith the Apoftle. All our tins were made to meet upon Chrift, as that evangelical Prophet hath it. He was wound- ed for out tranfgreffions, he was hruifed for our iniquities , the chaftifement of our peace was upon him , and with his ftripes we are healed. All we likgjheepbave gone ajlray 7 we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all, or as the Hebrew hath it. He hath wtde the iniquity Againjt Sat am Devices > 1 p 5 iniquity of us all to meet in him. In Law we know , that all the debts of the wife are charged upon the husband \ faith the wife to one, and to another, if I owe you any thing, go to my husband \ fo may a belie- ver fay to the Law , and to the Juftice of God , If I owe you any thing, go to my Chrift,who hath undertaken for me:I mult not fit down difcouraged under theappre- henfions of thofe debts, that Chrift to the utmoft farthing hath fully fsrtisried. Would it not argue much weaknefs, I had almoft faid , much madnefs, for a debtor to fit down difcouraged, upon his looking over thofe debts that his furety hath readily, freely and fully fatistied. The fenfe of his great love ihould engage a man for ever to love,and honour his (urety,and to blefs *fyat hand that hath paid the debt , and croft the Books, &c. But to fit down dif- couraged when the debt is fatisfied , is a fin that befpeaks Repentance. Chrift hath cleared all reckonings be- twixt God & us.You remember the Scape- Goat, Upon his head all the iniquities of the Children oflfrael and all their tranjgrejjions in all their fms^ were confeffed and put, and the Goat did hear upon him all their iniqui- ties&c. Why,the Lord Jefus is that blefled Scape-goat upon whom all our fins were Slaid,and who alone hath carried our fins away into the Land of forgetfulnefs^ where they I Chrift hath the r reateft worth ard wealth in him 1 as the worth and value of many pieces of Gi- ve r is in one piece of gold, fo all the ex- cellencies fcattered 2- broad in the creatures, are united to Chnft. All the whole vo'ume of perfections which ate fpread through hea- ven and earth are epitomi- zed in him. LlY Itf. 21. I 96 (preciou* Remedies Chrtftls not for himfelf, for what tins had he of his own ? but for me, they were my debts that he fatisfied for ■, be pleafed to look over the book,and thou (halt find that 'tis croft by thy own hand, upon this very account, that Chrift hath furfered, and fatisried for them. 7be fifth Remedy fo- AGainft this Device of Satan, is , lemnly to confider of the Reafons why the Lord is pleafed to have his peo- ple exercifed,troubled and vexed with the operations of finful corruptions, and they are thefe: Partly to keep them humble and low in their own eyes > and partly to put them upon the ufe of all Divine helps, whereby fin may be fubdued and morti- fied, and partly, that they may live upon Chrift for the perfecting the work of Jfandification j and partly, to wean them from things below, and to make them 1 heart- JgainJISatans Devices. l 9l heart-lick of their abiencc from Chri(t,and to maintain in them bowels of compani- on towards others that are fubjeel to the fame infirmities with therm and that they may di ft ingnifh between a ftate of grace, and a ftate of gloryi and that heaven may be more fweet to them in the clofe. Now doth the Lord upon thefe weighty Rea- fons furfer his people to be exercifed and molefted with the operations of finful corruptions ? Oh ! then let no Believer fpeak, write, or conclude bitter things againil his own foul and comforts, be- caufe that fin troubles and vexes his righ- teous foul, &c. but lay his hand upon his mouth and be filent,becaufe the Lord will have itfo, upon fuch weighty ground as the foul is not able to withftand. T'hefixtb Remedy Lilmd hum- med , we rnerefore learn, that we may teach is a pruvcrb among the Ribbms. Atrer the Tr$-\ /rf/whad beerv wandring, and ! koflihg up and down the file- Sea, as foon as they efpied iW/,they crieJ out with exulting joy, Italy, Italy : So will Saints when they come to Hea- ven. A Gainft this Device of Satan, lemnly to confider, is, te- That Believers mult repent for their being difcouraged by their tins. Their being difcouraged by their (Ins, will eoft them many a prayer, many a tear, and many a groan : And that becaufe their difcouragements un- der fin flow from ignorance and unbelief: it fprings from their ignorance of the riches, freenefs, fulnefs and everlaftingnefc of Gods love,and from their ignorance of I the 6. Remedy. ip8 Precious Remedies- God never gave a belie- ver a new heart, >hat it (hould always lie a bleeding, and that it (hould always be rent and torn in pieces with difcou- ragements. 2. Device* the power, glory, fufficiency, and efficacy of the death and fufFerings of the Lord JeTus Chrift : And from their ignorance of the worth, glory, fulnefs, largenefs, and compleatnefs of the righteoufnefs of Jefus Chrift : And from their ignorance of that real, clofe, fpiritual, glorious, and infepa- rable union that is between Chrift and their precious fouls. Ah ! did precious fouls know and believe the truth of thefe things, as they (hould, they would not fit down dejected and overwhelmed under the fenfe and operation of fin, &c. The Second Device that Satan bath to kgep fouls in a fad, doubting and que* ftioning condition is> BY working them to make falfe definiti- ons of their graces •, Satan knows,that as falfe definitions of fin wrong the foul one way , fo falfe definitions of grace wrong the foul another way. I will inftance only in faith i oh I how doth Satan labour might and main to work men to make falfe definitions of faith ? Some he works to define faith too high , as that it is a full afTurance of the love of God to a mans foul in particular, or a full perfwafion of the pardon and re- miflion of a mans own (ins in particular. Saith Satan, what doft thou talk of f Faitfc ■■■111! ■ I 1 jfgainjl Satans Devices . 199 faith is an aflurance of the love of Go J, and of the pardon of fin,and this thou haft not , thou knoweft thou art far off from this, therefore thou haft no faith. And by drawing men to make fuch a falfe dcri nition of faith, he keeps them in a fad, doubting and quellioning condition, and makes them fpend their days in forrow and fighing, fothat tears are their drink, and forrow is their meat, and fighing is their work all the day long, &c. The Philofophers fay, there are eight degrees of heat, wedifcern three. Now if a man (hould define heat only by the \ higheft degree, then all other degrees will be caft out from being heat : So if men (hill define faith onely by the higheft de- grees, by afTurance of the love of God, i and of the pardon of his fins in particular, what will become of leiler degrees of » faith ? If a man (hould define a man to be a j living man,only by the, higheft and ftrong- eft demonftrations of life, as laughing, leaping, running, working, walking, &c. would not many thouiands that groan un- 1 der internal and external weaknefles, and that cannot laugh, nor leap, nor run, nor j work, nor walk, be found dead men by fuch a definition, that yet we knOvv to be alive ? 'Tis fo here, and you know how to apply it, &c. P Now 200 (Precious Remedies l. Remedy. Ephef. 2. 6. Novp the Remedies againfl this Device, are thefe, ?he firft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider, That there may be true faith, yea, great meafures of faith, where there is no aflurance. The Canaa- nite woman in the Gofpel had ftrong faith, yet no aflurance that we read of. 'theft things have I written unto youC h\th John ) that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may kriow that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son ofGod.ln thefe words you fee that they did belie ve,and had eternal life, in reiped of the purpofe and promife of God, and in refpeel: of the feeds and beginnings of it in their fouls-,and in refpedfr of Chrift their head, who fits in heaven as a publick per- fon, reprefenting all his chofen ones, Who hath raiftd us up together, and made us fit together in heavenly places in Chrift Jefus \ and yet they did not know that they had eternal life. 3 Tis one thing to have a right to Heaven, and another thing to know it *, *tisone thing to be beloved,and another thing for a man to kn6w that he is beloved. 'Tis one thing for God to write a mans name in the Book of life, and - •- ■ — • - . , . Againjl Satans Devices 201 and another thing for God to tell a man, that his name is written in the book of life i and to fay to him,Rejoyce,becaufe thy name is written in beaven.So ?aul,ln whom ye alfo trufted, after ye heard the word of truth, the Gojpel of your fitlvation, in whom alfo*after ye believed, ye were fe tied with that holy Spirit of promifc.So Micah,Rejoyce not againjl me,0 my Enemy >,j "or when I (tjatl fall, I Jhall rife > when IJhall fit in dark^ nefs, the Lordjhallhe a light unto me \ I will bear the indignation of the Lord, becaufe I have finned, Stc. or, The fad countenance of God, as the Hebrew hath it, This foul had no a(Iurance,for he fits in daknef^and was under the fad countenance of God,and yet had ftrong faith,as appears in thofe words, When I fall, I Jhall rife i when I fit in darh^ nefs, the Lord frail be a light unto me. He tyili bring me forth to the light, and 1 (hall behold his righteoufnefs.And let this fuffice for the firft Anfwer. 'the fecond Kerne dy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fb- lemnly to confider, That God in the Scripture doth define Faith otherWife. God defines Faith to be a . receiving of Chrift: As many as received him, to them he qave this friviledge, to be the Sons of God. to as many as believed on his name 5 to be a P 2 cleaving — — . — _ — ^ Ephef.i. ij. So thofe in (fa. 50. jo.had faith, chough they had no a flu ranee- Mic. 7.8, a. 2. Remedy. John J.Ji. Ads 11. 23. 20X Precious Remedies Mat. II- 23. John $-37- Heb 7. 25, id. Ifa.3.4,^. 3. Remedy, Mat. 6. 30. Chap. 14.31 &16. 8. Luke 12.28. cleaving of the foul unto God, though no joy but afflictions attend the foul. Yea, the Lord defines Faith to be a coming to God in Chrift, and often to a refting, and flaying, or roling of the foul uponChrift. 5 Tis (afeft and (weeteft to define as God derines, both vices and graces : this is the onely way to fettle the foul, and to fecure it againft the wiles of Men and Devils, who labour by falfe definitions of grace, to keep precious fouls in a doubting, ftag- gering,and languifliing condition, andfo make thek lives a burthen, a Hell unto them. *the third Remedy AGainft this Devke of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider this, That there may be true faith, where there is much doubtings, witnefs thofe frequent fayings of Chrift to his Difciples,JP&y are ye afraid^ ye of little faith ? Perfons may be truly believing , who neverthelefs are fometimes doubting : In the fame perfons (that the forementioned Scriptures fpeak of) you may fee their faith commended, and their doubts condemned, which doth neceflarily fuppofe a prefence of both. the Againjl Sat aits Devices 203 The fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo. 1 lemnly to consider, That Aflurance is an erTecl: of Faith, therefore it cannot be Faith, The caufe cannot be the erTe For we are Sons by Faith in Chriji Jefus : Therefore Aflurance is not Faith but fol- lows it, as the eiFed: follows the caufe. Again, No man can be aflured and per- fwaded of his falvation , till he be united to Chri(t,till he be ingrafted intoChrift \ and a man cannot be ingrafted into Chriit, till he hath Faith , he mull firft be ingraf- jted into Chrift by Faith,bcfore he* can have [Aflurance of his falvation -, which doth clearly evidence , That Aflurance is not Faith, but an effect and fruit of faith, &c. Again, Faith cannot be loft, but Aflu- rance may therefore Aflurance is not Faith. Though Aflurance be a precious flower in } ' P,3 the 4. Remedy* Eph.i. ij. Gal 4 6. Pfai.fM* Pfal.ao.6,7. 204 (Precious (Remedies Cant. 5.6. tfa. 8. 17. There is ma- ny thoufand precious fouls of whom this world is not worthy, that have the faith of reliance, and y.t want aflunnce, and the efkfts of it: as high joy glorious peace and vehement longings after the coming of Chrift. 3. Device. Pfal 77-7> Tl SLXl.l.Ult. the Garden of a Saint, and is more infi- nitely fweet and delightful to the foul, than all outward comforts and contents, yet 5 t;s but a flower that is fubjeft to fade, and to lofe its frethnefs and beauty, as S lints by fad experience find, &c. Again, A man muft firft have faith, be- fore he can have aiTurance •, therefore aflu- ranee is not faith : And that a man muft firft have faith, before he can have aflu- rance , is clear by this, a man muft firll be faved, before he can be allured of his falvation \ for he cannot be aflured of that which is not : And a man muft firft have afaving faith, before he can be faved by faith •, for he cannot be faved by that which he hath not \ therefore a man muft firft have faith, before he can have aflurance, and fo it roundly follows, thaj aiTurance is not faith, &c. The third Device that Satan hath to kgef the foul in afad^ doubting^ and que- jiiening condition, i*> BY working the foul to make falfe in ferences from the crofs actings of Providence. Saith Satan, doft thou not fee how Providence CroiTcs thy prayers, and croftes thy defires , thy tears, thy hopes, thy endeavours ? Surely if his love were toward thee, if his foul did delight, and jigmft Satans Devices, 205 and take pleafure in thee, he would not deal thus with thee, &c. Now the Remedies againfi ibis Device are* tbefe. fbefirft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fb- lemnly to coniider, that many things may be crofs to our defires, that are not crofs to our good. Abrjbdm,Jacob,Vavid, Job^MofesiJeremiah^ Jonah,?aul y &Cc. met with many things that were contrary to their defires, and endeavours, that were not contrary to their good, as all know, that have wifely compared their defires and endeavours, and Gods actings toge- ther. Phyfick often works contrary to the] ■patients defires, when it doth not work contrary to their good. I remember a ftory of a godly man,who had a great defire to go to France, and as he was going to take (hipping, he broke his leg > and it pleafed Providence Co to order it, that the (hip that he (hould have gone in, at that very fame time was caft away, and not a man laved, and (o by breaking a bone , his life was faved. Though Providence did work crofs to his defire, yet it did not work cro(s to his good, &c. P4 the 1 . Remedy. The civenm- cMmSy bein? not able to withftand the preaching and writing of AHguft.W) foa^hc his de- ft? u&ion, ha- ving bdet the way he was to gotoh!s Vifi- tation>bur by Godi pro vidence he miflmg his way, t leaped the Janger. 2o6 (precious Remedies Remedy. Jer. 31.18,1?: Gods provi- dential hand may be wk:i perflns, when his heart is fet againft hem. Gods provi- dential band was for a tune with S.v-il, Hama>i, A}nv vykjbn, and ethis heatt was fet agiinft hem. Xfi mas frorv- :th love or ihii'-'i-flby all tbktishf* e him. Eccl.p. i,i- The fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to contider , Thar the hand of God may be againft a man , when the love and heart of God is much fet upon a man. No man can conclude how the heart of God (lands by his hand. The hand of God was againft Ephraim^rxd yet his love, J his heart was dearly fet upon Ephraim. 1 h ive furely beard Ephraim bemoaning him- felfthus, 'lb ou bafi chaftifedme, and 1 was chaflifed, <* s & buliock^unaccuftomed to tbe\ yohg : 'Turn thou me, and I fhall be turned, I for thou art the Lord my G;d. Surely, after that I was returned, I repented, and after that I was injirufted, I finite upon my thigh, I was afhamed^yea, even confounded, becaufe I did bear the reproach of my youth. Ephr*a- im if my dear Son , be is a pleafant Child, f>r fmce I $a\e againft him, I do earnejlly remember bimjliV. Therefore my bowels are troubled for him , I mil furely have mercy upm him, faith the Lord. God can look fowrly, and chide bitterly, and ftrike heavily, even where, and when he loves dearly. The hand of God was very much againft Job,znd yet his love,his heart was very much fet upon Job, as you may ■feeby comparing Chap, 1. and 2. with 41. 1 and 42. The hand of God was fore againft lf--> '' David Agamft Satans Devices, 207 David and Jonab.when his heart was much fet upon them. He that (hall conclude, That the heart of God is againft thofe that his hand is againft, will condemn the ge- neration of the juft , whom God un jultly would not have condemned. *tbe third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider , That all the crofs provi denccs that befal the Saints,are but in or- der to fome noble good , that God doth intend to prefer upon them. Providence wrought crofs to Davids ddire, in taking away the Child finfully begotten, but yet not crofs to more noble good -, for was it not far better for Davids to have fuch a Legitimate Heir as Solomon was, than that i Baftard fhould wear the Crown , and fway the Scepter ? Jofepb you know was fold into a far Country , by the envy and malice of his Brethren, and afterwards imprifoned be- caufe he would not be a prifoner to his MiftrefTes lufts i yet all thefe providences did wonderfully conduce to his advance-l ment, and the prefetvation of his fathers! family, which was then the vitible Church of Chrift. It was (b handled by a noble hand of providence , that what they fought to decline, they did promote. Jo- / 3. Remedy, 2,o8 Precious (Remedies The morions of divine pro- vidence are foda:k,(o deep, fo changeable, -ha; i he wi- fe ft and no- bleft fouls, cannot tell what conclu- fions to make. 4. Remedy, fefb was therefore fold by his Brethren, that he might not be worflnppeJ, ar id yet he was therefore worshipped , becaufe he was fold. David was defigned to a Kingdom, but Oh the (traits, troubles,and deaths that he runs through before he feels the weight of the Crown : and all this was but in order to the fweetning of his Crown, and to the fetling of it more firmly and glorioufly upon his head. God did fo contrive it that Jonah's offence, and thofe crofs actings of his that did attend it , fhould advantage that end which they feemed moil direct- ly to oppofe : Jonah he flyes to Tarjhijb, then caft into the fea , then faved by a miiacle. Then the Mariners fas it is very probable) who caft Jonah into the Sea, declared to the Ninevites what had hap- ned b therefore he muft be a man fent'of God, and that his threatnings muft be be- lieved , and hearknedtoi and therefore they muft repent, and humble themfelves, that the wrath threatned might not be executed, &c 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, fe- rioufly to confider , That all the itrange, dark, deep, and changeable pro- vidences that believers meet with , fhall further \Againfl Sat am Devices. 20 9 further them in their way to Heaven , in their journey tohappinefs. Divine Wif- dom and love will Co order all things here below, that they (hall work for the real, internal, and eternal good of them that love him. All the rugged providences that David met with , did contribute to the bringing of him to the Throne. And all the rugged providences that Daniel and the three Children met with, did con- tribute to their great advancement. So all the rugged providences that Believers meet with, they (hall all contribute to the lifting up of their fouls above all things, below God. As the waters lifted up No- ab's Ark neerer heaven *, and as all the Stones that were about Stevens ears , did but knock him the clofer to Chrift , the Qorner-Stone j fo all the ftrange, rugged providences that we meet with, they (hall raife us neerer heaven, and knock us near- er to Chrift, that precious Corner-ftone. "(he Fourth Device that Satan hath to kgef Souls in afad y doubting^ and que- stioning Condition^ #, BY fuggefting to them,that their graces are not true, but counterfeit : Saith Satan , all is not gold that glifters , all is not free grace that you count grace, that you call grace. That which you call faith, Onfim fpeak- tman, faith, He thar for Chriits Name Take, had loft a Tribune- ^ip, within a while after fuccceded his nerfecutor in the Empire. 4. Device* 2lO Precious Remedies Yet it muft be granted, That many a fair flower may grow out of a itinkirg foot, and m*ny fweeu difpofi- tions and fair a&ior.s may be where there is only the ccruptioot of nature. I. Remedy. faith is but a fancy i and that which you call zeal , is but unnatural heat and pafli- on s and that light you have , 'tis but common , 'tis (hort to what many have attained to, that are now in hell, &c. Sa- tan doth not labour more mightily to perfwade hypocrites that their graces are true, when they are counterfeit, than he doth to perfwade precious fouls that their graces are counterfeit , when indeed they are true, and fuch as will abide the touch- llone of Chrift, &c. Now the Remedies aga'mfi this Device are thefe. Tbefirjl Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, Seri- oufly to Confider,That grace is tafon twow2ys. i. 'Tis taken for the gracious good will and favour of God , whereby he is pleafed of his own free love to accept ot fome in Chrift for his own. Thisfome call the firft grace, becaufe 'tis the fountain of all other graces , and the fpring from whence they flow, and it's therefore cal- led grace, becaufe it makes a man gracious with God, but this is only in God. 2. Grace is taken for the gifts of grace, and they are of two forts , Common, or Special. Some jfgainjl Sat am Devices. 211 Some are common to Believers , and hypocrifes, as a gift of knowledge, a gift of prayer, &c. Some are fpecial graces , and they are proper, and peculiar to the Saints,as faith, humility, meeknefs, love, patience, &c. thefccond Remedy • AGainft this Device of Satan, is, wife- ly to confider the differences betwixt renewing grace, and retraining grace i be- twixt fan&ifying grace , and temporary grace ; and this I (hall (hew you in thefe Ten particulars. i. True grace makes all glorious with- in and without, 'the Kings daughter is all glorious within i her raiment is of wrought gold. True grace makes the underhand ing glorious, the will glorious, the affe&ions glorious ', it cafts a general glory upon all the noble parts of the CcmYtfbeKings daugh- ter is all glorious within* And as it makes theinfide glorious, To it makes the outfide glorious, Her cloathing is of wrought gold. It makes men look glorioufly , and (peak glorioufly , and walk and aft glorioufly, fo that vain fouls (hall be forced to fay, that thefe are they that have feen Jefus. As grace is a fire to burn up and confumc the drofs and filth of the foul , fo it is an Ornament to beautifie and adorn the foul. me Gal.5. iijij. 2. Remedy- God brings not a pair of fca'es ro weigh our graccs,but a Touch- itonc to try our graces. Purity, precioufnefs, and holmck, is ftamp£ upon all favjrg graces. Afts 15.9. 2 Pec. 1. 1. Jude 10. >a« 4.8,-51. 212 Precious Remedies 2 CoM. 17. new crearjoflj new Jdafflt new Cove- nant, new Paradife, new Lord, new Law, new hearts, and new narflres go together. Ads 9. Luke 7. a Cor.4. 18. Chap.11. Heb.ij. Prov.14. Saint hath his feet where other mens heads are. Mat.*. True grace makes all new, the iniide new and the outilde new. If any man be in Cbrifl he is a neve creature , but temporary grace doth not this. Tru# grace changes the ve- ry nature of a man , moral vertue doth only reftrain , or chain up the outward man, it doth not change the whole man. A Lion in a grate , is a Lion mil , he is reftrained,but not changed i for he retains his Lion-like nature ftill : So temporary graces reftrain many men from this and that wickednefs, but it doth not change, and turn their hearts from wickednefs : But now true grace that turns a Lion in- to a Lamb, as you may fee in Faul, and a notorious (trumpet into a blefled and glo- rious penitent , as you may fee in Mary Magdalen, &c. 2. The objeds of true grace are fuper- natural. True grace is converfant about the choiceft and the higheft objects i a- bout the moft foul-enobling , and foul- greatning objects, as God, Chrift, preci- ous promifes that are more worth than a world, and a Kingdom that (hakes not, a Crown of glory that withers not , and heavenly treafures that ruft not. The ob- jects of temporary grace are low and poor , and always within the compafs of reafons reach. 3. True Grace enables a Ghriftian (w^hen he is himfelf) to do fpiricual acti- ons jfgainjl Satans Devices. 213 ons with real pleafure and delight. To fouls truly gracious , Chrifts yoke is eafie, and his burden is light; HU Commandments are not grievous , hut joyous. I delight in the Law of God after the inward man-, faith Paul. The bleffed man is defcribed by this,7lta* he delights in the Law of the Lord. "ft* joy to thejufi to do judgment ,faith Solo- mon. To a gracious foul, AH the ways of the Lord are pleafantnefs , and his pathes are peace. But to fouls that have but tempora- ry grace, but moral venues, religious fer- vices are a toil, not a pleafure s a burden, and not a delight : Wherefore have wefa- jhd(fay thzy )and thoufeeft net ? Wherefore have we affliftcd our fouls , and thou tal^ji no knowledge? &c. Tehavefaid((*y thole in Malachi) it is vain toferve God^ and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord ofHoJls?Wben will the new Moon be gone ( fay thofe in Amos) that we may feU corn on the Sabbath, that we may fet forth wheat makjngthe Ephahfmall>and the Shekel great, and falftfying the balances by deceit. 4. True grace makes a man moft care- ful, and molt fearful of his own heart, it makes him moft ftudious about his own heart, informing that, examining that,and watching over that > but temporary grace, moral vertues , make men more mindful and careful of others, to inftrud them and counfel Mat. 11.30. 1 John T.J. Rom, 7. xi. Pfali.i. Proy.zi. if, Ifa.58. 3. Mal.3. 14. Amos 8. Pfal.51. 10. and 1 1936'. do. and i;o. 23. and 86.11. Ma:.23- r _, 214 (Precious G(emedies Pfa!.H9- x 4°« Pfil.44.17,18: '9 Grace is a pi- nopl v againft all trouble, arHapira- difcofali pleafu.es. Mat 13.10,11, counfel them and ftir up them, and watch over them, &c. which doth with open mouth demonlhate, that their graces are not faving,and peculiar to Saints,but that they are temporary , and no more than Judas, Vernal, and the Pharifees had, &c. 5. Grace will work a mans heart to love and cleave to the ftri&eft and holieft ways and things of God , for their purity and fan£tity,in the face of all dangers and hard- mi ps. iby word is very pure y therefore thy fervant lovetb it. Others love it,and like it, and follow it,for the credit,the honor ,the advantage that they get by it •, but I love it for the fpiritual beauty and purity of it. So the Pfalmift, All this is come upon us,yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt fslfly in thy Covenant* Our heart vs not turned hac\ , neither have our flefs declined from thy way. though thou haft fore broken us in the place of Dragons , and covered us with tbejhadjws of death. But temporary grace, tha$ will not bear up the foul a- gainlt all oppotitions and difcouragements in the ways of God , as is clear by their Apoftacy in John 6. and by the ftony grounds falling away, &c. 6. True grace will enable a man to ftep over the worlds Crown, to take up Chrifts Crofs =, to prefer the Crofs of Chrift above the glory of this world r It enabled Abra- bam> and Mofcs, znd^Vanid^ with thofe other jfgainji Satans Devices. 215 other Worthies in Hek n. to do fo. Godfrey ot Bullen^ firft King of Jtrufi- lem, refuted to be crowned with a Crown of gold, faying, 'that it became not a Chri- flian there to wear a Crown of gold , where Chrifl had worn a Crown of thorns* Oh ! but temporary grace cannot work the foul to prefer Chrift's Crofs above the worlds Crown •> but when thefe two meet a tem- porary Chriftian fteps over Chrifts Crofs to take up,and keep up the worlds Crown. Demos bath forfafyn us to embrace this pre- fent world. So the young man in the Go- fpel had many good things in him, he bid fair for heaven, and came neer to heaven \ • but when Chrift fet his 1 Crofs before him, he fteps over that to enjoy the worlds Crown. When Chrift bid him, Go and fell •all that he had, and give to the pow, &c he {went away forrowfuly for he had great pif- ■ftfftons. It heaven b* to be had upon no [ other tearms, Chrift may keep his heaven j to himfelf, hee'l have none, &c. 7. Sanctifying grace, renewing grace, j puts the foul upon fpiritual duties i from [fpiritual and intrinfecal motives, as from jthe fenfe ot Divine love , that doth con- j ftrain the foul to wait on God, and f*o acl: I for God , and the fenfe of the excellency and fweetnefs of communion with God, and the choice and precious difcoveries that the foul hath formerly had of the Q_ beauty Few aie of J.rom\ m nd ; tint had ra- ther have St. PjuIs Coat With his hea- venly graces, than the Par- pie of Kings with their Kingdoms. i Tim 4. 10. Mat. io. 10, 2r, 21. TheKngof Navax told B\a, That in the caufe of Religion he would lanch no further in- to their Sea, than he might be fure to re- turn iafe to the Haven. As what I have, if of- fered :o thee, p'e.Tiethnot t'ice, O Lcrd : without my -the i\6 V I I IH I II H ■ ■ ! I good things we have from thee, though they may re- fresh us, yet they fatisfie us not without thy fe if- Bern. It is an excel- lent fpeech of Bernard (Bo- nus es Domine , Aim a queer en' tiy quidhvt- nttti?) Good art thou, O Lord, to the foul thatfeeks thee, what art thou then to the foul that finds thee ? Precious %$medies beauty and glory to God , whilft it hath been in the fervice of God. The good looks, the good words, the bleffed Love- letters, the glorious kiiTcs, and the fweet embraces that gracious fouls have had from Chrift in his fervice , do provoke and move them to wait upon him in ho- ly duties : Ah ! but reflraining grace,tem- porary grace, that puts men upon religi- ous duties , only from external motive?, as the care of the creature, the eye of the creature, the rewards of the creature, and the keeping up of a name among the creatures, and a thoufand fuch like conil derations, as you may fee in £«#/, Jehn^ Judo*, Venus, and the Scribes and Pbari- fees, &c. The Abbot in MdmUhon lived ftri&ly, and walked demurely , and look't hum- bly , fo long as he was but a Monk , but when by his feeming extraordinary fan- <5tity he got to be Abbot, he grew intole- rable proud and infolent i and being asked the reafon of it, conftiTed, 'that bis former lowly Ioo\vpas but to fee if be could find tbe keys oftbeAbby. Such poor,low, vain mo- tives work temporary fouls to all the fer- vice they do perform, &c. 8. Saving grace, renewing grace, will caufe a man to follow the Lord fully in the defertion of all fin , and in the obfer- vation of all Gods precepts. Joflma and I Caleb jfgainft Satans Devices. 1 1 7 Caleb followed the Lord fully •, Zachariah and Elizabeth were righteous before God, and walking in all the Commandements and Ordinances of the Lord blamelefs The Saints in the Revelation are defcribed by this, that they foflorv the Lamb whither- foever he goes : but retraining grace, tem- porary grace cannot enable a man to fol- low the Lord fully : All that temporary grace can enable a man to do, is to follow the Lord partially, unevenly, and halting- ly, as you may fee in Jcbn^ Herod, JhcIm, and the Scribes and Pharifees , who paid tithof Mint, and Anife, and Cummin,but omitted the weighty matters of the Law, Judgment, Mercy, and Faith, &c. True grace works the heart to the ha- tred of all tin, and to the love of all truth =, it works a man to the hatred of thofe fins that for his blood he cannot conquer, and to loath thofe fins that he would give all the world to overcome : So that a foul truly gracious can fay , Though there be no one fin mortified and fubdued in me, as it mould, and as I would, yet every fin is hated and loathed by me. So a foul truly gracious can fay , Though I do not obey any one command as I mould , and as I would , yet every word is fweet , every command of God is precious i I dearly prize , and greatly love thofe commands that I cannot obey , though there be ma- i Q2 n y Num. 1 4. 7. Hath fulfilled lfcer me. A Metaphor ta- ken from a Ship under fail, that is Wrongly car- ried with the wind, as fear- ing neither Rocks nor Sands. Luke i»? 3 6\ Rev.14. 4. Mat.aj. i}. Pfal 1 19.1043 128. I had rather go to Hell pure from fin, than to Hea- ven pohuted with that filth, faith Aiutim. Di quod jdcSj & jube quod vis. Give what chou comman- deftjand com- mand what thou wilt. Pial.119 1:9. 1x7,167. 2l8 Precious (J{eniediei John 6. 6B. Cant.f. 10. Csnc 3-4. Grace is that Star that leads to Chrift, 'lis thac cloui and pillar of fire that leads the feu! to that Heavenly Ca- naan, where Chrift fits chief. I Ccr.i. go. Phil. 3. 9. ny Commands that I cannot in a ftridfr fence fulfil , yet there is no command I would not fulfil, that I do not exceeding- ly love. I love thy commandements above gold y above fine gold. My foul hath fypt thy teftimonies, and I love them exceedingly, p. True grace leads the foul to reft in Chrift, as in his (fummum honum) chiefeft good - , it works the foul to centre in Chrift, as in his higheft and ultimate end. Whi- ther jhonld vpe gofhou haft the words of eter- nal life. My beloved is white and ruddy , the chief e\\ of ten thoufand.1 found him whom my foul loved, I held him and would not let him go. That wifdom a believer hath from Chrift , it leads him to centre in the wif- dom of Chrift j and that love the foul hath from Chrift, it leads the foul to cen- tre in the love of Chrift s and that righ- reoufnefs the foul hath from Chrift , it leads the foul to reft and centre in the righteoufnefs of Chrift. True grace is a beam of Chrift, and where it is, it will na- turally lead the foul to reft in Chrift. The ftream doth not more naturally lead to the fountain , nor the effedt to the caufe, than true grace leads the foul to Chrift. But retraining grace , temporary grace, works the foul to centre and reft in things below Chrift. Sometimes it works the foul to centre in the praifes of the Crea- ture j fometimes to reft in the rewards of the jigainji Satans 'Devices, 219 the Creature ^ Verily they have their re- ward , faith Chriit : And fo in an hun- dred other things, &c. 10. True grace will enable a foul to fit down fatisried,and contented with the na- ked enjoyments of Chrift. The enjoyment of Chriit without honour will iatisrie the foul i the enjoyment of Chrift without riches, the enjoyment of Chriit without pleafures, and without the fmiles of Crea- tures , will content and fatishe the foul. 'Xtf enough Jnfcph is alive ^ So faith a graci- ous foul, though honour is not, ar,d ri- ches are not,and health is not, and friends are not, &c. it is enough that Chriit is, that he reigns , conquers, and triumphs. Chriit is the pot of Manna , the crufe of Oyle , a bottomlefs Ocean of all comfort, content , and fatisfadHon •> he that hath him wants nothing, he that wants him enjoyes nothing: Having nothing ( faith Paul)and yet poffijjing all things. Oh ! but a man that hath but temporary grace, that hath but regaining grace , cannot fit down fatisried and contented , under the want of outward comforts. Chriit is good with honours Jaith inch a foul •, and Chriil is good with riches j and Chriit is good with pleafures •, and he is good with fuch and fuch outward contents. I muft have Chriit and the world , or elfe with the young man in the'Gofpcl fin fpight of my q.3 foui; Mac 6. i,z. Zech 7. 5>6. Cataimpau pc tote owe co tvenit) pan- par non eji , faith Seneca, A contented man cannot be ! a poor man. !s the Gr^atj his ivlotta was, Chriftus rcg- nat^i'mcitj.ii- umpbat. And fo 'tis the Sain s. 1 C honours, nor riches, nor the (miles of creatures are not fweet to me no farther than I fee Chrift , and taft Chrift in them. The confluence of all outward good cannot make a heaven of glory in my foul , if Chrift who is the top of my glory be abfenr. as AbfolomfcdJVhattial this to me f> long as I cannot fie the Kings face f So faith the foul,why do you tell me of this and that outward comfort, when I cannot fee his face whom my Soul loves ? Why my honour is not my Chrift, nor riches is not Chrift , nor the favour of the creature is not Chrift \ let me have him and let the men of this world take the World , and divide it amongft them- So do Samts in fome fenft "hole mercies wherein they do no: read ChriPsN-mi*. ind freChrifl Heart. jfgainfl Satans Devices. in themfelves, I prize my Chrift above all, I would enjoy my Chrift before all other things in the world,his prefence will make up the abfence of all other comforts \ and his abfence will darken and embitter all my comforts i (6 rfiat my comforts will neither taft like comforts , nor look like comforts, nor warm like comforts, when he that mould comfort my foul ftands afar off, &c. Chrift is all , and in all to fouls truely gracious > we have all things in Chrift , and Chrift is all things to a Chriftian j if we be lick, he is a Phyiitian •, if we thirft, he is a Fountain i if our tins trouble us,he is righteoufnefs, if we itand in need of help, he is mighty to fave ■■> if we fear death , he is life > if we be in darknefs, he is light -, if we be weak, he is ftrength i if we be in poverty, he is plen- ty i if we ddire Heaven, he is the way. The foul cannot fay , this I would have, and that I would have i but faith Chrift, 'tis in me, 'tis in me eminently, perfedt- ly> eternally. Lather faid, he had rather (x in Hell with Chrift, than in Heaven wi houthim. CL4 the Lam. 1. 16. Co] J. IT. Nm°but Chrift, none but Chriit, fa id Lambert, lifang up his hands and his finger* enJl flaming. 222 Precious Remedies 5. Device John 8 44- he DevUisa \ar, and the -ther of it- The D-Vils r'e*fls (faith Vitter) are verv fmitfal .vithius. * Twas a good fHyilig ot him thai faid ( Do- mint lib:,. 1 mc 1 malo hm% •« w ipfi) Lord .teliv.T hie from an i ; l nan my Ceif. com- plain , That men do not .-2 me the heafts in their own fc-ofbms, Horn. 2. 21,22, i The fifth Device that Satan hath to keep fouls in afad y doubting, and que- ftioning Condition, is y BY fuggeftingto them, That that con- flict that is in them, is not a conflid that is only in Saints , but fuch a conflid: that is to be found in hypocrites, and pro- phane fouls •, when the truth is,there is as much difference beewixt the conflict that is in them , and that which is in wicked men , as there is betwixt light and dark- nefs, betwixt heaven and hell. And the truth of this I (hall evidence to you in the following particulars. 1 . The whole frame of a believers foul is againit tin, under(hnding,will,and affe- ctions, all the powers and faculties of rhe ( foul are in arms againit iin. A covetous man may condemn covetoufnefs, and yet the frame and bent of his heart may be to it s a proud perfon may condemn pride, and yet the frame of his fpirit may be to it , and the drunkard may condemn drun- kennefs, and yet the frame of his fpirit may be to ir -, a man may condemn ftealing and lying , and yet the frame of his heart may be to it. Thou thai preach t ft a man fhould not ftea l,d '.ijl thoufteal? Thou that jay eft a man jhould not commit adultery , dofi thou] commit adultery ? Ihou that abhorreft Idols , Againfl Satans Devices. 223 doji thou commit facriledge ? 'Thou that ma- ke\l thy boaft of the Law , through breaking the Law , dijhonourejl thou God ? But a Saints will is againft it. 'the evil that I would not do^ I do \ and his affections are againft it, What I hate^ I do. 2. A Saint conflicts againft fin univer- fally, the leaft as well as the greateft j the moft profitable and the moft pleafing (in as well as againft thofe that are lefs plea- fing and profitable •, he will combate with all , though he cannot conquer one as he fhould, and as he would : He knows that all fin ftrikes at Gods holincfs , as well as his own happinefs > at Gods glory,as well as at his fouls comfort and peace. He knows that all fin is hateful to God, and that all tinners are Traytors to the Crown and dignity of the Lord Jefus. He looks upon one fin , and fees that that threw down Noah , the moft righteous man in the worlds and he looks upon ano- ther fin, and fees that that caft down Abr a ham,the greateft believer in the worlds and he looks upon another fin , and fees that that threw down David, the beft King in the world, and he looks upon another fin, and fees that that caft down Paul the greateft Apoftle in the world. He fees that one fin threw down Sampfort, the ftrong- eft man in the world ; another caft down Solomon, the wi(eft mrn in the world, and ano- Rom.7. 19- I hate every filfe way. S'liilhi, from which %nitics to hare with a deadly and irreconcilable hatred. He knows that all the p its ofthe old man ha:h, and doth play the part of a treacherous fr;end, and a friendly tray- tor : therefore ' h s heart ftrikes J at all. The [greater the ! combate is , J the greater ; (hall be the folio .vingr*- 224 (Precious Remedies .wards, iaith Tertulli/in. i True hatred is againft the .whole kind. i V lut arch re- reports of one who would not be refol- ved of his doubts, be- ' cauf: he would not iofe the I pleafure in Peeking for re- folution. So wicked men will not be rio of fomc fins , became they would not lof: the Teem- ing pkafureof finning. John $.20. another Mofes , the meekeft man in the world j and another fin caft downy^,the patienteft man in the world - y and this rai- feth a holy indignation againft all, fo that nothing can fatisfie and content his foul, but a deftru&ion of all thofe lults and ver- min that vex and wrack his righteous foul, it will not fuffice a gracious foul to fee Jufiice done upon one fin, but he cries out for Juftice upon all , he would not have fome crucified, and others fpared,but cryes out, Lord crucifie them all, crucifie them all. Oh ! but now the conflict that is in wicked men,is partial i they frown upon one fin , and (mile upon another i they ftrike at (ome fins, yet ftroke others •, they thruli fome out of doors, but keep others elofc in their bofomes , as you may fee in JehuiHerodJudjf) Simon Magus , and Ve- mu. Wicked men ftrike at grofs iins,fuclY as are not only againft 'he Law of God, but againft the Laws of Nature and Nati- ons, but make nothing of lefsfins \ as vain thoughts, idle words, iinful motions, pet- ty oaths, &c. They right againft thole fins that right againft their honour , profits, pleafures, &c. but make truce with thofc that are as right hand , and as right eyes to them, &c. 3. The conflict that is in a Saint againft fin, is maintained by feveral arguments •, by arguments drawn from the love of God, Againjl Saians Devices, 22 5» Though co be kept from fin brings com- fort to us, yet for us to* op- pofe fin frem fyirjtual and heavenly Ar- guments, and God to par- don fig, that brings moft glory to God. God , the honour of God, the fweetncfs and communion with God and from the fpiritual and heavenly bleflings and pri- viledges that are conferred upon them by God i and from arguments drawn from the blood of Chrift , the glory of Chrift, the eye of Chrift, the kiiTes of Chrift, and the interceflion of Chrift : And from ar- guments drawn from the earned of the Spirit , the feal of the Spirit, the witnefs of the Spirit , the comforts of the Spirit. Oh ! but the conflid that is in wicked men is from low, carnal, and legal arguments, drawn from the eye , ear or hand of the creature, or drawn from fhame, hell, cur- fes of the Law, &c* 4. The conflict that is in Saints is a con ftant conflict. Though tin and grace were Ip^ers not born in the heart of a Saint together, Lame the tor- *and though they fhall not dye together, rents of the yet whil'ft a believer lives, they muft con- flict together. Paul had been i^.years con- verted,when he cryed out, I have a Law in my members rebelling againft the Law of my mind,& leading me captive to the Law of fin* Pietro Candiano , one- of the Dukes of r /£«ice,died fighting againft the Naur amies with the weapons in his handss So a Saint lives Hghting and dyes righting, he ftands ra ^ tim ^ sbe righting, and falls righting, with his fpiri- tual weapons in his hands. But the con- Aid that is in wicked men is inconftant, now iCo-.i2.7,§,5> T was an ex- cellent faying of Eu[cbias Eviefenus, Our over flames, let us overcome the hery darts of vices. ConfiJer that ^he pleafure and fweetnefs that follows ' vi&ory over Cm, is a thou- yond chat fecmiugfwect- nels that is in fin. 2x6 Precious tymediei Pec.t.ipiio. A Heathen cqu'd fay, their foul is in a mutiny j a wicked man is ,- there is the judgement againft the judgement, the mind againft the mind, the will againft the will,the af- fections againft the affections > that is, the regenerate part againft the unregenerate part, in all the parts of the foul •, but now in wicked men , the conflict is not in the fame faculties, but between the confeience and the will , the will of a finner is bent ftrongly to fuch and fuch iins, but confei- ence purs in and tells the finner God hath made me his Deputy, he hath given me a power to hang and draw , to examine, (courge, judge and condemn,. and if thou doft fuch and fuch wickednefs, 1 (hall be I thy Jiylor and thy tormentor , I do not b-.ar the rod nor the fword in vain, faith confeience i if thou finneft I (hall do my office, and then thy life will be a hell, and this raifes a tumult in the foul, 6. The AgainjlSatans Devices 227 6. The conflict that is in the Saints,is a more blefled , fuccefsful , and prevailing conflid. A Saint by his conflict with iin, gains ground upon his fin , They that are Cbrijls (faith the Apoftle) /:we crucified the world with the affections and lufts. Chrift puts to his hand , and helps them to lead captivity captive, and to fet their feet upon the necks of thofe lufts that have former- ly trampled upon their fouls and their comforts. As the houfe o(Saul grew wea- ker and weaker , and the houle of David ftronger and ftronger, fo the Lord by the difcoveries of his love, and by the influ- ences of his Spirit , he caufeth grace, the nobler part of a Saint , to grow ftronger and ftronger, and corruption like the houfe of Saulj.o grow weaker and weaker. But fin in a wicked heart gets ground , and grows ftronger and ftronger \ notwith- standing all his conflicts , his heart is more encouraged, emboldened, and hard- ned in a way of fin, as you may fee in the Israelites, Pharaoh, Jelw*ar\d Judas, who doubtlefs found many ftrange conflicts, tumults and mutinies in their fouls, when God fpake fuch bitter things againft them, and did fuch Juftice upon them. But remember this by way of Caution, Though Chrift hath given iin its deaths wound (by his power, (pirit,death and re- furredYion ) yet it will die but a lingring death: Thefe two grace and fin, arc like two Buckets of a Well, when one is up, the other ;s clown. They arv lib :hj two Law- re!* at Rome, when one fl-mrimes, the other withers. The more grace thrives in the foul , die more fin dies in the foul. z Tim. 3. 13. From naught, they grow to be very ruugh', and fi»>m very naurhttobe fta-k naught. Laftant. faith of Vitcian, Nic Diis, nee i:o- mhtibus pepci- rit 3 he f pared neither God ncr man; Mortification is a continued aft, 'tis a daily dying to iin, I die a'ai.'v. 2X8 (Precious Remedies A crucitied man will ftrive and ftruggle, yet in the eyes of the Law, and in the account of all rhat fee him, he is dead. 'T.s juft fo with (in. Pfal.f8.li. There is no fuch pleafure ( faith Cyprian) as to have o- vercome an offered plea- fure; neither is there any greater Con- queft, than that that is gotren over a mans corru- ptions. The Komins loft many a battel, and yet in the iflue were Conque- rors in a 1 thei'r wars; »cit juft fo with the Saints. death : As a man that is mortally wound- ed, dyes by little and little, fo doth fin in the heart of a Saint. The death of Chrift on the Crofs was a lingring death, (b the death of fin in the foul,is a lingring death, now it dyes a little , and anon it dyes a little, &c. as the Pfalmift fpeaks , Slay them not, left my people forget, fcatter them by thy power, and bring them down Lord our Jhield. He would not have them ut- terly deftroyed, but fome reliques prefer- ved as a memorial. So God dealeth in re- fpedfc of fin , 'tis wounded and brought down, but not wholly flain, fomething is ftill left as a Monument of Divine grace, and to keep us humble , wakeful , and watchful , and that our Armour may be ftill kept on , and our weapons always in our hands. The beft mens fouls in this life hang between the flefli and the fpirit, as it were like Mahomets Tomb at Mecha , between two Load-ftones-, like Erajmus as thePa- pifts paint him, Betwixt heaven and helh like the Tribe of Manajfth , half on this fide Jordan, in the Land of the Amorltes, and half on that fide in the holy Land * yet in the iflue they (hall overcome the flefli, and trample upon the necks of their fpiritual enemies. Ibi jfgainft Satans Devices. up The Sixth Device that Satan hath to kgef fouls in afad^ doubting qucjH- oning condition^ if 7 BY fuggefting to the foul , That furely his eftateisnot good,becaufe he can- not joy and rejoyce in Chrift, as once he could , becaufe he hath loft that comfort and joy that once was in his Spirit. Saith Satan, thou knoweft the time was, when thy heart was much carried out to joying and rejoycing in Chrift •, thou doit not forget the time when thy heart ufed to be full of joy and comfort, but now,how art thou fallen in thy joyes and comforts ? Therefore thy eftate is not good , thou doft but deceive thy felf, to think that e- ver it was good, for furely if it had, thy joy and comfort would have continued. And hereupon the foul is apt to take part with Satan, and fay , ^Tis even fo, I fee all is naught, and I have but deceived my own (oul, &c. Now i 6. Device. n Precious Remedies i. Remedy. Pfal<5$. 1,2,! Lfa $o. 10,7. Mich.7. 8,9. Spiritual joy is a Sun that is often cloud- ed, though i; be as precious a flower as mod Paradife afTords,yet 'cis fubjeel: to fade and wither. Now the Remedies againfi this Device are tbefe. T'hefirfi Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider, That the lofs of comfort is a fepar able adjunct from graces the foul may be full of holy aflfe&ions , when 'tis empty of divine confoiations. There may be, and often is true grace, yea, much grace, where there is not a drop of com- fort, nor dram of joy. Comfort is not of the being, but of the well-being of a Chri- stian. God hath not fo linked thefe two choice lovers together, but that they may be put afonder. That Wifdom that is from above , will never work a man to reafon thus, I have no comfort, therefore I have no grace ^ I have loft that joy that once I had, therefore my condition is not good, was never good, &c. but 'twill enable a man to reafon thus, Though my comfort is gone, yet the God of my com- fort abides, though my joy is loft, yet the (teds of grace remain. The beft mens joys are as glafs, bright and brittle, and evermore in danger of breaking, the Jgainfl Satans Device: *3 I'hefecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider, That the preci- ous things that thou (till enjoyeft, are far better than the joys and comforts that thou haft loft. Thy union with Chrift,thy communion with Chrift, thy Son-(hip,thy Saint-fhip, thy heir-Chip, thou ftill enjoyeft by Chrift, are far better than the comforts thou haft loft by fin. What though thy com- forts be gone, yet thy union and commu- nion with Chrift remains. Though thy comforts be gone , yet thou art a Son, though a comfortlefs Son *, and heir, though a comfortlefs heir i a Saint though a comfortlefs Saint. Though the bag of Silver (thy comforts) be loft, yet theUox of Jewels (thy union with Chrift,thy #m- munion with Chrift , thy Son-(hip, thy Saint-fhip, thy Heir-(hip) which thou ftill enjoyeft is far better than the bag of Sil- ver thou haft toft -•> yea , the leaft o( thofe precious Jewels is more worth than all! the comforts in the world. Well , let this be a cordial to comfort thee, a ftar to lead thee, and a ftafte to fupport thee, that thy box of jewels are fafe , though thy bag of filver be loft. 2. Remedy. Jer.3i^lB,i9j to. When one ob- jected ro fa- ■A.niiSy his cheari ulnefs ro (Thrifts Ago- ny,and fadnds, he arfwered, Chrift was fad, that I might be merry •, he had my fins, and I have his tighteoufnefs. R lie] IJi ~eePfal.ii5 6 and 42. 7,8. derfuliy will this caufe the (oul to leap for fo joy The fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, to confidcr, That God will reftoreand make up the comforts of his people. Though thy candle be put out, yet God will light it again, and make it burn more light than ever. Though thy Sun for the prefent be clouded, yet he that rides upon the clouds (hall fcafter thofe clouds , and caufe the Sun to (hine and warm thy heart, as in former days, as the Pfalmiji fpeaks, Tbou which hall fhemd me great and fore troubles^ fh alt quicken me dentin, and Jhah bring me up again from the depths of the earth, Thou fhalt encreafe my greatnefs^a,id csmfirt me on every fide- God takes away a little comfort, that he may make room in the foul for a greater degree of comfort. This the Prophet Ifaiah fweetly (hews > I have fe en his ways and will heal him i / will lead him alfo, and rejlore comforts unto him> and to his mourner r. Bear up fweetly,0 pre- cious foul ! thy ftorm (hall end in a calm, and thy dark night in a fun-(hine day •, thy mourning (hall be turn'd into rejoycing, and the waters^ of consolation (hall be fweeter and higher in thy foul than ever', the mercy is furely thine, but the time of jigainjl Sat am Devices . 235 giving it is the Lords : Wait but a little, and thou (halt rind the Lord comforting thee on every fide. The feventh Device t hat Satan hath to keep fouls in a fad, doubting, andqucjii- oning Condition, is, BY fuggefting to the foul his often re- lapfes into the fame (in which formerly he hath purfued with particular forrow, grief, (hame and tears, and prayed, com- plained and rcfolved agaijift, Saith Satan, They heart is not right with God , furely thy eitate is not good, thou doit but flitter thy felf to think that ever God will eter- naljy own and embrace (uch a one as thou art,who complaineft againft fin and yet re- lapieft into the fame fin •, who with tears and groans confefleft thy fin, and yet ever and anon art fallen into the fame fin. I confefs this is a very fad condition, for a foul after he hath obtained mercy and pity from the Lord , after God hath fpo- ken peace and pardon to him , and wip't the tears from his eyes, and fet him upon his legs,to return to folly. Ah ! how do re- lapfes lay men open to the greateit arHidfci- ons and worft temptations ? How to they make the wound to bleed afreth ! How do they darken and cloud former al£uran- xes and evidences for heaven h How do IV3 they 7. Device* A back-flider may fay (Ope-, ra & ir\ peril!:) al! my pains and charee is loll. i^6 ^Precious Remedies Remedy* Hofea I4-4- Jer.j. n,i4- they put a fword into the hand of Confer- ence to cut and fla(h the foul ? they raife fuch fears, terrors, horrors, and doubts in the foul, that the foul cannot be fo frequent in duty as formerly, nor fo fervent in duty as formerly , nor fo confident in duty as formerly, nor fo bold, familiar, and de- lightful with God in duty as formerly, nor fo conftant in duty as formerly, they give Satan an advantage to triumph over Chrift i they make the work of repentance more difficult ^ they make a mans life a burden, and they render death to be very terrible unto the foul, &c. Now the Remedies againft this Device are tbcfe\ "The fir ft Remedy > Gainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- lemnly to confider , That there are many Scriptures that do clearly evidence* a poflibility of the Saints falling into the fame fins whereof they have formerly re- pented. I will heal their bacl^flidings^I will love them freely ', for mine anger is turned a- way fromthem, faith the Lord by the Pro- phet Hofea.So theProphet jf eremia^ fpeaks, Go and proclaim tbtfe words toward the North, and fay , Return thou bach^fliding Ifrael, faith the Lord> and I will not caufe mine K jfgainjl Satans Devices. 237 mine anger to fall upon you i for I am merci- ful, faith the Lord, and I will not k$ep mine anger for ever, 'turn back^fliding Ifrael, faith the Lord, for I am married unto you : And I will take you one of a City, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. So the Pfalmiji , Ihey turned bacl^ and dealt unfaithfully with their fathers , ihey were turned afide likg a deceitful bow. And no wonder , for though their repentance be never fo fincere and found, yet their graces are but weak, and their mortification im- perfect in this life i though by grace they are freed from the dominion of (in , and from the damnatory power of every fin, and from the love of all fin , yet grace doth not free them from the feed of any one fin \ and therefore 'tis poffible for a foul to fall again and again into the fame fin. If the Fire be not wholly put out, who would think it impoflible that it (hould catch and burn again and again. 'Ibefccond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, Seri- oufly to coniider,That God hath no where ingaged himfelf by any particular promife, that fouls converted and united to Chrift, (hall not fail again and again in- to the fame fins after converfion : I can- not find in the whole book of God, where he hath promifed any fuch ftrength or R 4 power the fin of back- Aiding is a foul-wound- ing fin, J will heal their ba:\-fliclhig You read of no arms for the back, though you do for the breaft. When a foul- djer bragged too much of a great fear in his forehead 3 Augnftui C te- la? (in whofe. time Chrift was born) ask- ed him if he did not get it when he • looked back as he fled. 2. Remedy* 2.3* (precious (Remedies [n iome cafes power againft this or that particular fin, -he Saints have $ that the f ou i fl^d b e f or ever ( in this S^a°nWe; put out of a portability of falling wordjhepromi- again and again into the fame (ins, and fed the Ch Jren of Ifr&d only the Land of Cmixo.^ bur where God hath not a mouth to fpeak, mull not have a heart to believe. God will gracioufiy pardon thofe fins to his befideuhac he people, that he will not in this life erfe- gave them twojdtually fubdue in his people. I would go far to fpeak with that foul that can (hew me a promife, that when our forrow and grief hath been fo great, or fo much, for this or that fin , that then God will pre- ferve us from ever falling into the fame fin. The fight of fuch a promife would be as life from the dead, to many a precious foul , who defires nothing more than to keep clofe to Chriit, and fears nothing more than back-fliding from Chrifi the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, Se riouily to contider, that the moft re- nowned.and now crowned Saints, have in the days of their being on earth, relapfed into one and the fame fin. Lot was twice overcome with Wine. John twice worfhip- ped the Angel. Abraham did often diiTem ble, and lay his Wife open to adultery, to fave his own life , which fome Heathens would not have done. And it came topafs^ rvhen other King dem^ which he never promi- sed . And to Zi:h.vi hi promifed to ^ive him h's tpeech at the birth ot the Child, bur be- fidestharhe *ave him the gift of Prop&c- cv. 3. Remedy. A meep may often flip into a fl,ugh,as well aiSwrine.' * ' - ■ ■'■ jfgainjl Satans Devices. 23 9 when God caufed me to wander from my fa- tbers houfey that Ifaid unto ber, this is thy kjndncfs which thou jh alt fljew unto me, at every place whither wejhall come, fay of me, he is my Brother. David in his wrath was refolved (if ever man was) that he would be the death of Afo 6<*/,and all his innocent family, and after this he fell into the foul murjher oiVriab. Though Chrift told his Difciples, that his Kingdom was not of this worldjet again,and again,and again.three feveral times they would needs be on horf- back, they would fain be high, great and glorious in this worldtfheir pride anH am- bitious humour put them (that were but as fo many beggars)upon driving for pre- heminence and greatnefs in thewoild, when their Lord and Matter told them three feveral times of his differ ings in the world, and of his going out of the world. Jehofaphat, though a godly man,yetsJ7)w affinity with Ahab \ and though hie was la- ved by a miracle,yet foon after he falls in- to the fame iln,and joyns himfelfwith Aha- ziah King oflfrael, who did very nicfydly. Sampfon is by the Spirit of the Lord num- bred among the faithful Worthies,and yet he fell often into one grofs lin,as is evident, Ftter you know relapft often, and fo did Jonah i and this comes to pafs, that they may fee their own inability to ftand,to re- fill, or overcome any temptation, or cor- ruption. And Gen. 20 15. Chap. 11. Perhaps the Prodigal fees out unco us a Chriftian re- lapfe j for he was a Son be- fore, and with his Father, & chen went a- way from him and fpent all, & yet he was nor quite un- done, but re- turned again. iChfcn 18.1, Chap. 20. 2$, Heb.i: I* Jude 14, 15, 15. /I 240 Precious Remedies The Prodigal faw the com- panion of his Father the greater, in re- ceiving him, afrer he had run away from him. 4. Device* Relapfcs into enormities are (Peccata vHlnvmtia. & divAfhx- tui) wound- ing and waft- ing f\n% there- fore the Lord \s gracioufly pleafed to put under his e- verlafting arrm, and ftoy his chofen ones from fre- quen: falling into them. And that they may be taken off from all faMe confidences , and reft wholly upon God and only upon God,and always upon God > and for the praife and honour of f he power, wifdom, skill,mercy and good- nefs of the Phyfitian of our fouls , that can heal, help, and cure, when the difeafe is moft dangerous , when the foul is re- lapft , and grows worfe and worfe , and when others fay, There is no helffor him in bis God , and when his own hurt and hopes are dying. * The fourth K emedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider, That there are relapfes into enormities, and there are relapfes into in- firmities. Now 'tis not ufual with God to leave his people frequently to relapfe into enormities > for by his fpirit and grace,by his fmiles and frowns.by his word and rod, he doth ufually preferve his people from a frequent relapfing into enormities i yet he doth leave hischoiccft ones frequently to relapfe into inffrmities(and of his grace he pardons them in courfej as idle words, paltion, vain thoughts, &c. Though gra- cious fouls ftrive againft thefe , and com- plain of thefe, and weep over thefe, yet the Lord to keep them humble , leaves them frequently to relapfe into thefe> and thefe V jfgainfl Satans Devices. 24 1 thefe frequent relapfes into infirmities (hall never be their bane, becaufe they be their burthen. . 7 be fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider, That there are involunta- ry relapfes, and there are voluntary relap- fes. Involuntary relapfes are , when the refolution and full bent of the heart, is againlt fin , when the foul ftrives with all its might againft fin, by fighs and groans, by prayers and tears , and yet out of weaknefs is forced to fall back into fin, becaufe there is not fpiritual ftrength enough to overcome. Now though invo- luntary relapfes muft humble us, yet they muft never difcourage or deted: us , for God will freely and readily pardon thofe incourfe. Voluntary relapfes are, when the foul longs and loves to return to the flejh-pts of Egypt: When 'tis a^ pleafure and a paftime to a man to return to his old courfes *, fuch voluntary relapfes fpeak out the man blinded, hardned, and ripen- ed for ruine, &c. Ibefixth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is,to con- fider, That there is no fuch power, or infinite vertue in the greateft horror , or forrow 5. Remedy, There is a great diffe- rence between a flieep that by weaknefs falls into the mire, and a Swine that de lights to wal- low in the mire; between a woman that is forced, though (he drives and cries out, and an alluring a- dulterek. S. Remedy* A i^i Precious (Remedies Chnfl upbrai- ded his Difci- ples for their unbelief and hardnefs of heart, who had ieen his glory, 2g che glory of the onely begot- ten Son of God, full of grace aid truth. John i. 4« Ma;.i$.i5> 16,17, 18,19, 12,25,14. .N'a:.:6 6>^. forrow the foul can be under for iin, nor in the fweeteft, or choiceft difcoveries of Gods grace and love to the foul * as for ever to fence and fecure the foul from re- lapfing into the fame fin v Grace is but a created habit that may beprevaiPd againft by the fecret, fubtil, and ftrong workings of tin in our hearts ; And thofe difcoveries that God makes of his love, beauty and glory to the foul, do not always abide in their freftinefs and power upon the heart, but by degrees they fade and wear off, and then the foul may return*again to folly,as we fee in Pe *er,who after he had a glorious teftimony from Chrifts own mouth of his bltiTcdnefs and happinefs, labours to pre- vent Chrift from going up to Jerufalem to rqffer, out of bare flavifh fears,thathe and his fellows could not be fecure, if his Ma- tter (houlcHae brought to futfer.And again after this, Chrilt had him up into the Mount, and there (hewed him his beauty and glory, to ftrengthen him againft the hour of temptation that was a coming up- on him \ and yet toon after he had the ho- nor and happinefs of feeing the glory of the Lord ( which moll of his Difcipleshad nor ) he bafcly and moft (hamefully denies the Lord of glory,thinking by that means to provide for his own fafety :and yet again afterChrift had broke his heart with a look of love for his moft unlovely dealings, and bade W jigatnji Satans Devices. 243 bade them that wererirlt acquainted with his Refurre&ion, to go and tell Peter that he was rifen : I fay, after all this, llivifh fears,prevail upon him, and he bafely dif- fembles,and plays the Jew with the Jews, Gal.2 ii,n, and the Gentile with the Gentiles, to the «3- feducing of Bamahaf, 3cc. Yet by way of Caution know, Its very rare that God doth leave his beloved ones frequently to relapfe into one and the fame grofs fin j for the Law of nature is in arms againftgrofsiins.as well as the law of graces fo that a gracious foul cannot, dares not, will not frequently return to grofs folly. And God hath made even his deareft ones dearly fmartfor their relapfes, as may be feen by his dealings with Samffon, Jehofa- pbat and Peter. Ah Lord ! what a hard heart hath that man, that can fee thee dripping and whipping thy deareft ones for their relapfes, and yet make nothing of returning to folly, &c. the eighth Device that Satan hath to kgep fouls in a fad, doubting, and queflion- ing condition, is, BY perfwading them that their eftatel 8 ' device, is not good, their hearts are not up-j right, their graces are not found, becaufe they are fo followed, vexed and torment- ed with temptations. 5 Tis his method, tirft 'A 244 Precious Q(emedies He may fo tempc ss to make a Saint weary of his life, Job i o.i. My foul is we nij ofwy life. Remedy, Plrats do not ufe to fet upon poor empty vefTels ; and beggars need not fear the Thief. Thofe that have mod of God and are moll rich in |rjce, (hall be moft fet upon by Satan, who rirft to weary and vex the foul with tem- ptations, and then to tempt the foul, that furely it is not beloved , becaufe 'tis fo much tempted. And by this ftratagem he keeps many precious fouls in a fad, doubt- 1 ing and mourning temper many years, as many of the precious fons of Sion have found by woful experience, &c. Now the Remedies againft this Device , are tbefe. *the firft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider, That thole that have been beft and moft belovcd,have been moft tempted by Satan. Though Satan can never rob a Chriftian of his Crown,yet fuch is his malice , that he will therefore tempt , that he may fpoil them of their comforts : Such is his enmity to the fa- ther, that the nearer and dearer any child is to him,the more will Satan trouble him, and vex him with temptation?.Chrift him- felf was moft neer,and molt dear,moft in- nocent, and moft excellent, and yet none fo much tempted as Chrift. David was dearly beloved, and yet by Satan tempted to number the people. Job was highly praifed by Godhimfelf,andyet much tern pted 3 witnefs thofe fad things that fell from his ^ jfgainflSatans Devices. H5 his mouth, when he was wet to the skin. Peter was much prized by Chrift, witnefs that choice teftimony that Chrift gave of his faith and happinefs , and his (hewing him his glory in the Mount, and that eye of pity that he caft upon him after his fear- ful faille and yet tempted by Satan,^/^ the Lordfaid* Simon* Simon* heboid Satan hath defired to have you* thathemayfift you as wheat ) hut I have payed for thee* that thy faith fail thee not* &c. Pant had the honour of being exalted as high as heaven, and of feeing that glory that could not be expreft •, and yet he was no fooner ftept out of heaven , but he is buffeted by Satan, left hejhouldbe exalted above meafure. If thefe that were fo reaJly,fo glorioufly, fo eminently beloved of God, if thefe that have lived in heaven , and fet their feet upon the ftars , have been tem- pted, let no Saints judge themielves not to be beloved, becaufe they are tempted. It is as natural for Saints to be tempted that are dearly beloved , as it is for the Sun to (hine, or a Bird to ling. The Eagle com- plains not of her wings, nor the Peacock of his train, nor the Nightingale of her voice, becaufe thefe are natural to them * no more (hould Saints of their temptations, becaufe they are natural to them. For m tvrellle not againft flejh and blood , but againji principalities \againft fovocrs \againft the is the greaccft ami wifeft Pirate in the world. Luke ii. 3 ij 3*- i Cor. 1 2. * ? 7 Ephef.5.12. A 246 Precious Remedies 2 Remedy* »Cor. 12.7- Vide B^#», Grotium and Eflium, Luther faid, There were three things that made a Preacher, Meditation, Prayer, and Temptation. the Rulers of the dartytefs of tbti worlds againft fpiritual mc^ednefs in high places* 'thefecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, to confider, That all the temptations that befal the Saints, (hall be fan&ified to them by a hand of love. Ah! the choice experiences that the Saints get of the power of God fupporting them, of the wifdom of God directing them (fo to handle their fpiritual weapons, their gra- ces,as not only to refift, but to overcome) of the mercy and goodnefs of the Lord pardoning and fuccouring of them. And therefore faith Fattl, I received the mejfen- ger of Sat an fir to buffet mejeft IJhould be exalted^ left IJhould be exalted above mea- /»re.Twice in that verfe he begins with it, and ends with it.If he had not been buffet- ed, who knows how his heart would have fwelled,he might have been carried high- er in conceit,than before he was in his ex- tafie. Tentation is Gods School, wherein he gives his people the cleareft & fweeteft difcoveries of his love i a School wherein God teaches his people to be more fre- quent and fervent in duty.When Paul was buffeted, then he prayed thrice, i.e. fre- quently and fervently. A School wherein God teaches his people to be more tender meek and companionate to other poor, tempted fouls than ever. A School where- in Againfi Satans Denvices, 247 in God teaches his people to fee a greater evil in fin than ever, and a greater empti- nefs in the creature than ever, and a grea- ter need of Chrift and free grace than ever i a fchoo] wherein God will teach his peo- ple that all temptations are but his Gold- fmiths,by which he will try and refine,and make his people more bright and glorious. The ilTue of all temptations (hall be to the good of the Saints, as you may fee by the temptations that Adam and Expand Cbrijl, and Vavid^ndjob^znd Pe ttr,and Paul met with. Thofe hands of power and love,that bring light out of darknefs , good out of evil, fweet out of bitter, life out of death, heaven out of hell, will bring much fweet and good to his people , out of all the temptations that come upon them. The third Remedy AGainft this device of Satan,is, wifely to confider , That no temptations do hurt or harm the Saints , fo long as they are refifted by them , and prove the greateft affli&ions, that can befal them. 'Tis not Satans tempting, but your affen- ting-, not his enticing, but your yielding, that makes temptations hurtful fo your fouls. If the foul when 'tis tempted refifts the temptation, and faith with Chrift, Get thee behind me Satan i and with that young convert, lam not the man that Twos j or as S Luther 3. Remedy, E?o not [urn (£0. 248 Precious Remedies sometimes he hews his ma- lice, by letting thofe things abide by the foul, as may mod vex and plague the foul, as Grc- T ory obferves in his leaving of Jobs wife, which was not out of his forpetfu'neG, caielefntfs, or any love or pity to Job, but to vex and torment him, and to work him to blafpheme God, defpair; and die, &c. Lutber counfels all men to anfwer all tem- ptations , with thefe words (Cbrifiianm fum) lama Cbriftian* If a mans tempta- tion be his greateft affliction , then is the temptation no fin upon his foul , though it be a trouble upon his mind. When a foul can look the Lord in the face, and fay, Ah Lord ! I have many outward troubles up- on d,ted}iom [ your Confcience be tender, he will tempt you to fcrupulofity, and too much preciie- nefs, as to do nothing but hear, pray, read, him for a fa* i! &c* If your confeiences be wide and large, /•*• c j? rift h , a ^ he will tempt you to carnal lecurity > If you are bold fpirited, he will tempt you to prefumption^if timcrous,to defparat'ion, if flexible,to inconftancy ^ if proud and ftitfe, to grofs folly ^ therefore ftill tit for fre(h aflaults , make one vi&ory a ftep to ano- ther. When you have overcome a tempta- tion , take heed of unbending your bow, | and look well to it, that your bowe be al- ways bent, and that it remains in ftrength. When you have overcome one tempta- tion *- you muft be ready to enter the lilt S3 • with no re It until he wasex.&iy tried with ail kinds of tem- ptations. Cil. %5% Precious Remedies He iha? will yield to (in, t~> be rid of temptation , will be fo much the more tempt- ed , and the lefs able to withftand temptations. with another. As diftruft(in fomc (ence)is the mother of fafety,fo fecurity is the gate of danger. A man had need to fear this moft of all, that he fears not at all. If Sa- tan be alwayes roaring , we (hould be al- ways a watching and refitting of them. And certainly , he that makes ftrong and con- usant refiftance of Satans temptations, (hall in the end get above his temptations, and for the prelent is fecure enough from be- I' ing ruin'd by his temptations, &c: For a clofe of this, remember, that 'tis dangerous to yield to the leaft iln,to be rid of the greateft temptation. To take this courfe, were, as if a man fhould think to warn himfelf clean in ink , or as if a man (hould exchange a light crofs made of pa per,for an iron crofs,which is heavy, toil- fome, and bloody. The leaft fin fet home upon the confeience , will more wound, vex,and opprefs the foul,than all the tem- ptations in the world can, therefore never yield to the leaft (in,to be rid of the greateft temptation. Sidonm ApoUinaris relateth, how a certain man named Maximut> arri- ving at the top of honour , by indirect means, was the firft day very much wea- riM,and fetching a deep figh, (aid, Ob Da- mocles ! how happy do I efieem thee, for ha- ving been a King but thefiace of t? Itmer ? Ibave been one a whole day, andean bear it no longer* I will leave you to make the ap- plication. The Againjl Satans Devices, *5} k The Fourth thing to be (hewed, is, The feveral ways and Devices that Satan bath to deftroy and enfnare all forts and ranhj of men in the World. 1 Shall begin with the Honourable and the Great , and (hew you the Devices that Satan hath to deftroy them. I will only inftance in thofe that are mod confi- derable. Hti firfi Device to deftroy the Great and Ho- nourable of the Earth, is, BY working them to make it their bu- finefs to feek thcmfelves, to feek how to greaten themfelves, to raife themfelves, to enrich themfelves,to fectfre themfelves, &c.*s you may fee in Pharaoh, Ahab,Reho- boam,JeroboamyAbfalom,Joab y Hamanfrc But were the Scripture filent , our own experiences do abundantly evidence this way and method of Satan to deftroy the Great and the Honourable , to bury their names in the duft, and their fouls in hell, by drawing them wholly to mind them- felves, and only to mind themfelves, and in all things to mind themfelves, and al- _ S 4 ways Device* Self-fceking like the de- luge, over- throws the whole world. \ 254 iPreciou* G{emedies PhiU.tl. 1. Remedy. Self-love is the root of the hatred of o*hers,2 Tim $ z. Firft, Lovers of the rr/e Ives, and than fierce, &c. The Nirura- lifts obfervc, That thofe Beafts which ire moft cruel to others, arc Vnoft loving to their own. Amos x. 6. ways to mind themfelves. 'Ati (faith the Apoftle) mind themfelves. All compara- tively, in refpedfr of the paucity of others, that let fall their private interefts, and drown all felf-refpe6b in the glory of God, and the publick good, &c. Now the Remedies againft this Device are thefe. The firft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, (b- lemnly to confider, that felf feeking is a lin that will put men upon a world of fins , upon fins not only againft the Law of God, the rules of the Gofpel, but that are againft the very Laws of nature, that are fo much darkened by the fall of man. It puts the Pharifees upon oppofing Chrift, and Judas upon betraying Chrift, and Pi- late upon condemning Chrift. It put Ge- hazi upon lying, and Balaam upon curfing, and Saul and Abfolom upon plotting Da- vids ruine. It put Pharaoh and Haman up- on contriving ways to deftroy thofe Jents that God did purpofe to faVe by his migh- ty arm. It puts men upon ufing wicked ballances,and the bag of deceitful weights. It puts men upon ways of oppreflion, and felling the righteous for filver y and the poor fr a pair ofjhooes, &c. I know not any fin in jigainjl Satans Devices. M5 in the world, but this iin of felf-feeking will put men upon it, though it be their eternal lofs. The fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- ouilytoconfider, That felf-feeking doth exceedingly abafe a man * it ftrips him of all his Royalty and glory : Of a Lord,it makes a man become afervant to the creature, I, often to the worft of crea- tures •, yea, a flave to (laves, as you may fee in JudM , Demos, Balaam , and the Scribes and Fbarifees. Self-feekers bow down to the Creatures, as Gideons many j billed ieaft thoufands bowed down to the waters : ! ftould live, Self-feeking will make a man fay any! l »^ that's the thing, do any thing, and be any thing, to pleate the lutts of others,and to get advan- tages upon others: Self-feeking tranf- forms a man into all (hapes and forms ^ now it makes a man appear as an Angel of Light, anon as an Angel of Parknels-, now Self-feekers are feemingly for God, I anon they are openly againit God ', now you (hall have them crying Hofanm in the Higkefti and anon Crucifie him , crucifie him ■•> now you (hall have them build with the Saints, and anon you (hall have them plotting the overthrow of the Saints, as thofe Self-feekers did in Ezra and Nehe- miatfs time. Self-feekers are the bafeit ol .alll Remedy* A Self-feeker is a Cato with- out, but a Nero within. ,Dom'ita.n would feem to love chem beftjwhom he very temper of felf -fee Iters [t was death in Mofes Rites to counterfeit that Ceremo- nial and Figu- rative Oynr- ment,E^ojo. what (hall it hen be to counterfeit the Spirit of ife_and holi- lefs? 2 there is no fervice Co bafe, fo poor, fo low,but they will bow to it.They cannot look neither above, nor beyond their ownlufts, and the enjoyment of the Creature > thefe are the prime and ulti- mate objects of their intendments. 'Tis faid of Tiberius, that whileft Au- guftus ruled,he was no way tainted in bis re- futation h and that whileft Drufus and Ger- manicus were alive, he feigned tbofe venues which he had not, to maintain a good opinion ofhimfelfin the hearts of the people\but after he had got himfelfout of the reach of contra- diction and controulment i there was nofaU in which he was not faulty, no crime to which he was not accejfary* My prayer (hall be, that Ttberim his fpirit may not be found in any of our Rulers, left it prove their ruine, as it did his > and that where ever it is, it may be detected, toathed and ejedt- ed,that fo neither the State,nor fouls may be ruin'd by it, &c. The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan,is 3 folemn- ly to dwell upon thofe dreadful curfes and woes that are from heaven de- nounced againft felf-feekers, Wo unto them that joyn houfe tohoufe, that lay field to field, till there he noplace, that they may bt placed alone in the midji of the earth* So Hab- Againji Sat aits Devices i 257 bakfcukjWo *o him that increafeth that which is not hit, and to him that ladeth him f elf with thicj^ clay. Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetoufnefs to his houfe, that he may fet his neft on high-hat he may he delivered from the power of eviWthouhaft confultedjhame to thy houfe by cutting $ff many people,and haft fin- ned againft tbyfoul.For theftonejhall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber jhaUanfwer it Wo to him that buildeth a town with blood \and eftablijheth a city by iniquity.. The materials of the houfe built up by op- preflion, (hall come as joynt-witnefTes.The (tones of the wall (hall cry, Lord, we were built up by blood and violence , and the beam Jhall anfwer^lrue Lord,evenfo it i/jthe ftones (hall cry vengeance Lord upon thefe felf- feekers, and the beam (hall anfwer,Wo to him,becaufe he built his houfe with blood . So Ifaiabjfo unto them that decree unrigh- teous decrees, and that rite grievoufitefs which they have pre fcribed. To turn a fide the needy from judgement, and to take away the right from the poor of my people,that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatberlefs. So Amos, Wo unto them that are at eafe in Zion,and tru(l in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the Nations, to whom the houfe of Ifrael came lhat put far away the evil day t and caufe the feat of violence to come neer. 'that lie upon beds of ivory, and ftretch themfelves upon Hab.6.9,10. ii, 12. Crajjusa very rich Roman, and a great felf-feeker, for greedy defireofgold he managed war againft the Parthhns, by whom both he and 30000 Ro- mans were flain:Andbe- caufe the Bar- barians con- je&ured that he made this admit upon them for their Gold, there- fore they melted gold, and poured it into his dead body, faying, (Saturate auro) fatisfie thy fclf with gold. Ifa. 15. 1, 2. Amos 6. 1. Mic. i.tj a. Tacitus the Roman Em- perors word 258 Trecion* (Remedies was (Sibi bo- na* tlii* ma- ins) he that is too much for himfclf, fails to be good to others. 4. Remedy* upon their couches^ and eat the lambs out of thejhc^ and the calves out of the middle of the ft all* 'that drinkjwine in Bowls*, and a- mint themfelves with the chief oyntments^but they are not grieved for the affliftions of Jo- feph* So Micab, Wo to them that devife ini* quity,and workjvil upon their beds;when the morning is light \tbeypraftife it ^becaufe it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fieldsy and takg them by violence y and houfes^ and tal^e them away* So they opprefs a man and his houfe,evena man and his heritage* By thefe Scriptures you fee , that Self- feekers labour like a woman in travel, but their birth proves their death \ their plea- fure, their pain -■> their comforts^their tor- ment •, their glory, their (hame \ their ex- altation, their defolation. Lofs, difgrace, trouble and (hame, vexation and confu- fion, will be the certain portion of Self- feekers. When the Tartarianshzd taken in bat- tel the Duke of Mufcovia, they made a Cup of his skull, with this Infcription, All covet , alllofe* 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, (o- lemnly to confider, That Self-feek- ers are Self-Iofers , and Self-deftroyers. AbfMom and Judu feek themfelves, and hang; Agamji Sat am Devices i 25 $> hang themfelves. Saul (eeks himfelf, and kills himfelf. Ahah fecks himfelf,and lofes himfelf, his Crown and Kingdom. Pha- raoh fecks himfelf, and overthrows him- felf and his mighty Army in the Red-fea. Cain fought himfelf, and flew two at once, his brother,and his own foul. Geha- z,l fought change of Raymenr, but God changed his raiment into a leprous skin. Haman fought himfelf, and loft himfelf. The Princes and the Prefidents fought themfelves (in the ruine of Daniel) but ruin'd themfelves, their Wives and Chil- dren. That which Self-feekers think mould be a ftaffto fupport them, be- comes (by the hand of Juftice) an iron rod to break them i that which they would have as fprings to refrefh them, becomes a gulf utterly to confume them. The crofTes of Self-feekers (hall always exceed their mercies i their pain, their pleafure j their torments , their comforts : every Self- feeker is a Self-tormenter,a Self-deftroyer > he carries a Hell, an Executioner in his own bolbm, &c. ihe fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To dwell much upon the famous ex- amples of thofe worthy Saints that have denied themfelves, and prtfcr'd the pub- lick 4dm Peeks himfelf, and ofes himfelf, Paradife, and that blefled Image that God had ftampc upon him. Lot (eeks himfelf, Gen. 1 5.10,11. and lofes himfelf and his goods. Peter feeksto fr.ve himfelf, and miferablj lofes himfelf. He\e#ab in the bufinefs. of the Ambal- fadors, feeks himfelf, and loft himfelf and his life too, had not God faved him by a Mi- racle. 5. Remedy . z6o Precious Remedies •Tis good to be of his opi- nion and mind, who was rather willing to beautifie Italy, than his own houfe. The Ancients were wont to place the Sta- tues of their Princes by their Foun- tainsj intima- ting they were (*t a: leaft (hould be) fountains oi thepublick good. lick good before their own particular ad vantage : As Mofes, And the Lordfaid unto Mofes, let me alone that I may deftroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven, and I mil make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they. Oh ! but this offer would not take with Mofes, he being a man of a brave publick fpirit,h°5 hot in his de- fires and prayers, that the people might be fpared and pardoned, faith he,PardonI befeech thee the iniquity of this people, unto the greatnefs of thy mercy, and as thou haft forgiven this people from Egypt until now* And the Lord Jaid, I have pardoned accord- ing to thy word. Ah ! (hould God make fuch an offer to many that write them- felves Mofes , and are called by . many Mofes , I am afraid they would prefer their own advantage above the publick good •, they would not care what become of the people, fo they and theirs might be made great and glorious in the world v they would not care, fo they might have a Babel built for them, though it was up on the a(hes and ruine of the people. Ba fer fpirits than thefe arc not in Hell, no, not in Hell, and I am fure there are no fuch fpirits in Heaven. Such mens hearts and principles muft be chang'd, or they will be undone for ever. Nehemiah was a choice foul , a man of a brave publick fpirit, a man that fpent his time *, his ftrength, jfgainji Satans Devices. 26% (trength, and his eftate, for the gobd and eafe of his people. Moreover (faith he) from the time that I was appointed to be their Governor in the Land ofjudah, from the twentieth year, even unto the two and thirti- eth year of Artaxerxes the King, that is, twelve years, I& my brethren have not eaten the bread of the Governor. Tea,alfo I continu- ed in the work^ofthis waJl,& allmyfervants were gathered hither unto the work* More* over, there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews & Rulers,beftdes thofe that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.Now that which was prepared for me daily, was one Ox, and fix choice Jheep, alfo fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days ft ore of all forts of wine : yet for all this required I not the bread of the Governor, becaufe the bondage was heavy upon the peo- pletfbinkjtpon me,0 my Godjor good,accord- ing to all that I have done for this people. So Daniel was a man of a brave publick fpi- rit j 'then the Frefidents and Princes fought to find occafwn againft Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no occafion, nor fault, forafmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Tbenfaid thefe men, we pall not find any occafion againft. this Vaniel,except we find it againft him, concerning the Law of his God. Chrifthad a publick fpirit, he laid out himfdf, and laid down himfelf for a pub- lick A certain great Empe- ror coming into Egypt, to mew the zeal he had for the publick good, faith to the Egyptians, Draw from me as from ) your Kiver Nylits, The Counci- lor fait>, a Ststef-man mould be Aus tripani- tcd, his will to God, his love to his Mailer, his heart to his Countrey, his fecrrt to his friend, his time to bufi- nefs. z6i Precious l{emedie* Solomons Tri- bunal ms un- derpropt with Lyons,to (hew what fpiric andmettal a Magiftrate rtiouldbe made of. 'utinm art non na(cei-et:ff y a t non. mowttwt. lick good. Oh ! never leave looking and meditating upon thefe precious and fweet Examples, till your fouls are quickned and raifed up,to acl for the publick good, more than for your own particular advaiir tage. Many Heathens have been excellent at this. Microhm writes of Auguflus Ctfar (in whofe time Chrilt was born) that he car- ried fuch an entire and fatherly affection to the Commonwealth, that he called it (filiam fuam) his own daughter i and therefore refufed to be called (DominusJ the Lord orMaiterof his Countrey, and would only be called (Pater patri4t)Fzthcr of his Countrey, becaufe he governed it not by fear (Per timorem fed per arnorem) but by love •> the Senate and the people of Rome joyntly faluting him by the name of (Pater patrU) Father of his Country. The people very much lamented his death, ufing that fpeech, Would he bad never been born^ or never dyed. So Marcus Kegulus ,to fave his Country from ruine,expofed himfelf to the greater! fufferings that the malice and rage of his Enemies could inflict. So Titus and Ariftides^nd many others have been famous for their preferring the publick good above their own advantage. My praAer is, and (hall be, That all our Rulers may be fo fpirited by God , that they jtgainfl Satans Devices, 26^ they may be willing to be any thing to be nothing to deny themfelves, and to tram pie their finful felves under feet, in order to the honor of God,and a publick good, that fo neither Saints nor Heathens may be witneffes againft them in that day wherein the hearts and practice of all the Rulers in the world (hall be open, and bare before him that judges tbe world in righ- teoufnefs and judgement. Ihefixth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to conlider, That (elf is a great let to Divine things therefore the Prophets and Apoftles were ufually car- ried out of themfelves, when they had the cleareft, choiceft, higheft and moft glori- ous Vifions. Self-feeking blinds the foul, that it cannot fee a beauty in Chrift, nor an excellency in holinefs , it diftempers the palate, that a man cannot talk fweet- nefsin the Word of God, nor in the ways of God, nor in the fociety of the people of God 9 it (huts the hand againft all the foul-inriching offers of Chrift, it hardens the heart againft all the knocks and en- treaties of Chrift : It makes the foul as an empty Vine, and as a barren Wildcrnefs. Ifrael is an empty vine,ht hingetb forth fruit to bimfelf. There is nothing that fpeaks a T man 6» Remedy* Hofea 10. x6\ (Precious Remedies Self-feekers with Ejan prefer a m'fs of pottage above their birth -ri^ht: and with the men of She- cb:m, efterm the Bramble above the Vjne, the Oiive, and the Fig-tree, yea, empty things above a foil Chrift, and bafe things above a glorious Chrift. The Saints Motto is, Propter te, Do- mine, pr oft. r te. The Saints Motto is, Km nobis Domini* man to be more empty and void of God, Chrift, and Grace, than felf-feeking. The PhaiHees were great Self-feekers , and great undervalues or Chrift, his Word and Spirit. There is not a greater hinde- rance to all the duties of piety, than felf- fceking : Oh ! this is that that keeps many a foul from looking after God, and the precious things of Eternity j they cannot wait on God, not ad for God, nor abide in thofe ways wherein they might meet with God, by reafon of felf. Self-feeking is that which puts many a man upon neg- lecting & flighting the things of his peace. Self-feekers will neither go into Heaven themfelves, nor fufler others to enter, rhat are ready to take the Kingdom by violence,as you may fee in the Scribes and Pharifees. Ohlbut a gracious fpirit is adfred quite other ways ; as you may fee in that fweet Scripture, Cant. 7. 13. At our gates are all manner of pie ifant fruity nen> and old, which I have laid up for thee, beloved. All the Church hath,and is,is only for himi let others bear fruit to themftlves, and lay up for themfelves, gracious fpirits will hide for Chrift, and lay up for Chrift. All the Divine endeavours and productions of Saints , fall into Gods bofom , and empty themfelves into his lap . lays up his merits for thjjm, for them, his comforts for As Chrift his graces them, his Crown jigainfl Satans Devices. 265 Crown for them i (b they hy up all their fruits '<, and all their loves,all their graces, and all their experiences , and all their ferviccs , onely for him who is the foul of their comforts, and the Crown and top of all their Royalty and Glory, &c. Ihe fecond Device that Satan hath to en- fnare and deftroy the Great and Honor- able of the Earth i if, BY engaging them againft' the people of the mod High, againft thofe that are his Jewels,his pleafant portion,the delight of his eye,and the joy of his heart Thus he drew Pharaoh to engage againft the Chil- dren of Ifr jf/,and that was his overthrow. So he engaged Haman againft the Jews, & fo brought him to hang upon that Gal lows that he had made for Mordec ai.So he engaged thole Princes and Prefidents a- gainft Daniel, which was the utter mine of them and their relations.So in Rev. 20. 7, 8, 9. And when the thoufand years are ex- pire d y Satan JhaU he loofed out of hu pri- fon. And he JhaU go out to deceive the Nati- ons which are in the four quarters of the earth Gag and Magogs to gather them together to battel : tvbofe number pi at the fand of the fea.And they rvent up upon the breadth of the earth^and compared the camp of the Saints T 2 about 2. Device. Exod.14. Hefter 7 . Dart- 6. i66 Precious Remedies Remedy. As they faid once of ihe Grecians in the Epigram whom they thought in- vulnerable, we (hoot at them, but they fall not down •, we wound them, and not kill them, e>r. Tante plus r Jo- r' who in the pride Againfl Sat am Devices. 167 pride and madnefs of their hearts, faid,as ?baraoh,We will pur fue^we will overt a\e,we wit divide thefpoil^our lujls Jhall be fatisfied upon them We will draw our fword,our hand (hall dejiroy them. In the things wherein they have fpokcn y and done proudly, Juflice hath been above ffowi.Hiftoryabounds in nothing more, than in inftances of this kind, &c, ihe fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To dwell fome time every morning upon thefe following Scriptures, wherein God hath engaged himfelf to ftand by his peo- ple, and for his people, and to make them victorious over the greateft and wifeft of their enemies. Ajfociate your fclves (faith the Lord by the Prophet) ye people , and ye Jhall be bro'^en in pieces ^ and give ear y all ye of fir Country s: Gird your fclves, and ye (hall be broken in pieces. Takg counfd together and it Jhall come to naught. Speakjbe word, and itfljal! not (land, for God is with m.Fear not thou worm Jacob, and ye men nflfraeh I will help thce^fnth the Lord,& thy Redeemer, the holy One ojlfrael Behold J willmal{c ibee a newjbarpjbrejbinginjtru nent having teeth, thou /halt threjh the mountains, & beat them fm&% and (halt make the hills as chaff. Thou » /halt fan them, and thewind (ball carry them] away^& the whirlwind jball fcatter them, &\ T 3 thou Remedy> [fi.8. 9, 10. 0:tili poiermt fed vhci nom pot;rdtf,ind Cy Hanoi t!-«. Chriflians i hwrtime. lfa.41. 14 ;• 68 [fa. <4-l7« Mich. 4. ii. Verf. ii. Verfel}- Zech 12.1..3 Precious fytnediei Remedy. thou jh alt rejnyce in the Lord, and Jh alt glory in the holy one of Ifrael. No weapon that vs formed againf} thee jh all proffer, and every tongue that JhaV rife againft thee in judgment thou (hah condemn* 'fhit is the heritage of the fervants of the Lord,and their righteeuf- nefs is of me faith the Lord. Note alfo many Nations are gathered together againft thee, that fay, let her he defiled, and let our eye look^ upon Zion. But they tytow not the thoughts of the Lord> neither underftand they his counfel > for he jh all gather them as foeaves into the floor. Arife and thrcjhy daughter of Zion, Irvill make thy horn iron, and I will maty thy hoof brafs, and thou jh alt heat in pieces many people, and I will confed- erate their gain unto the Lord,and their jub- ilance unto the Lord of the whole earth. Be- hold,! will maty J erufalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they (ball be in the fiege both againft Judah and againft Jerufalem. And in that day will I maty Jcrufalcm a burthenfome ftone for all people, all that burthen thcmfelves with it jhatl be cut in pieces » though all the people of the earth be gathered together againfl it. The third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan is, to confider, That you cannot engage [againft the Saints, but you muft engage ! againft God himfelf,by reafon of that near and blcffcd union that is between God and j(gainjl Satans Devices. 1 69 and them. You cannot be fighters againft the Saints, but you will be round in the cafting up of the account, to be fighters againft God himfelf : And what greater madnels, than for weaknefs it felf to en- gage againft an Almighty ftrength ? The near union that is between the Lord and Believers, is fet forth by that near union that is betwixt a Husband and his Wife. (Tbey two (ball be oneflejh* 'this is a great myfteriejbut Ifpeal^concerning Cbriji and tbe Cburcb.) We are members of bis b dy > of bis flcjb.and of bis bones filth the Apoltle.This near union is (ct forth by that union that is between the Head and the Members , which make up one body j and by that union that is betwixt the Graft and the Stock, which are made one by Infcition. The union between the Lord and a Belie- ver is fo near, that you cannot ftrike a Be- liever, but the Lord is fenfible of it, and takes it as done to himfelf. Sjul,Saul,wby f:rftcHtcft thou me? and in all their afflictions be mw afflifted^dccAh fouls! who ever enga- ged againft God,and profpertd? who ever took up the fword againft him,but perifht by it ? God can fpeak you to hell 7 and nod you to Hell at pleafure , 'tis yourgreateft concernment to lay down your weapons at his feet, and to hjfstbeSon left: be be an- gry , and y oh ferijb in tbe midway. A^s5. 39 U feems to be drawn from the Fable of :he Gyants, *hich were fa id. to make War with the Gods. The fouls Happinefs con- (itts not in any thing, but in its union with God;nor itsmifcry lies not fomuch n any thing, as in i:s d,f- union from God. Ads 9. 4. [fa. £3. $. J 4 Pfal.1.1*. 7be %70 Precious (Remedies -:>.-. bomnpo- Mt apd De- .mqnodvoluit) aid one con- erning La? fair. He could have what fce would of God. The fourth Remedy 4. Remedy* ! A Gainft this Device of Satan, js folemn- ly to confider , That you arc much engaged to the Saints (as inftruments)for the mercies that you do enjoy , and for the preventing and removing of many a judgment that otherwife might have been your ruine before this day. Were it not for the Saints fake, God would quickly make the Heavens to be as brais, and the Eaith as iron - , God would quickly (trip thee of thy Robes and Glory, and fet I thee upon the dunghil with Job, They are the props that bear the world from falling about thy ears, and that keep the iron rod from breaking of thy bones. 'therefore hefaidthat he would dejiroy them, had not Mofes his chofen flood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, left he (hould deflroy them. Ah ! had not the Saints many a time cad themfelves into the breach, betwixri Gods wrath and you, you had been cut off; from the land of the living, and had had j your portion with thofe, whofe names are written in the.duft.Many a Nation, many j a City, and many a Family is furrounded j with bleflings for the Jofephs fakes that 5 Pul. lo5. 23 Prayer is (Vartacttli iifi) the gate >t Heaven, a Key to let us iiKO Paradiie. When the Janger jsover, cht Sn'nc 1: live therein," and are preferved from ma- ny calamities and miferies,for the Mofes's, the Jgainfl Satans Devices. zy i the Daniel /, the Noahs, and the Jobs fakes lis forgotten, is that dwell among* them. That's a fweet ^tlZ word, ?tdv*io*2 5. As the Whirlwind pay feth.fi is the wicked no more : but the righte- ous # an everlaftingfoundation^ot is the foun- dation of the world. The righteous is the foundation of the world , which but for their fakes would foon (hatter, and fall to ruine. So the Palmi(t,P/i/.7 5.3 . the earth and aU the inhabitants thereof are dijfolved, I bear up the pillars $f it* Selab. The Emperour Marcus Antonius being in Alrftany with his Army, was inclofed in a dry Country by his enemies , who fo flopped all the paffages , that he and his Army were like to peri(h for want of wa- ter-, the Emperours Lieutenant feeing him fo ditfrtfled, told him, that he had heard, that the Chriiiians could obtain any thing of their God by their prayers \ whereupon the Emperour having a legion of Chrifti- ans in his Army , delired them to pray to their God , for his and the Armies delive- ry out of that danger ", which they prefent- ly did, andprefently a great Thunder fell amongft the enemies , and abundance of water upon the Romans , whereby their thirft was quenched , and the enemies o- verthrown without any fight. I (hall clofe up this laft Remedy, with thofe fweet words of thePfalmiftJa^K^ it God kpown his name tf great in IJrael : In Salem alfo which many Saints in £«g- land have found by ex- perience. ffodb Gnolam from Jafedh. Ma>y Queen of Scots, that was Mother to K:ng fame s> was wont to fay, That (he feared Mr. Kyqxh pray- ers more than an Army of ten thoufand men. Pfal.76.i,ij3- %7Z Precious Remedies joh.y.44. 1 Kings ii. 1 Cor. 1. 18. to The truth of this you may fee in the learned Scribes and Pliarjfees. r. Remedy. it his Tabernacle*, and his dwelling place in Sion* There braise he the arrows of the bow-, thejhield y & thejwwd y and the battel* Selah. Secondly, Satan hath his Devices to enfnare and dejlroy the Learned and the JVife^ and that fometimes BY working them to pride themfclves in their parts and abilities* and fome- times by drawing them to reft upon their parts and abilities, and fometimes by cau- fing them to make light and (fight of thofe that want their parts and abilities, though they excel them in grace and ho- linefs ; and fometimes by drawing them to engage their parts and abilities, in tho(e ways and things that make againft the ho- nour of Chrift, the joy of the Spirit , the advancement oftheGcfpel , and the li- berty of the Saints, &c* Now the Remedies againft this Device arc thefe. The firji Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider , That you have nothing but what you have received > Chrift being as well the fountain of com- mon gifts, as of faving grace. What ha(i thou Againjl Satans Devices. m thou (faith the Apoftle ) that thou baft not received? And if tbott baft received it,why deft thou glory as though thou hadft not received it ? There are thofe that would hammer out their own happinefs , like the Spider climbing up by the thread of her own weaving. Of all the parrs and abilities that be in you, you may well (ay, as the young man did of his Hatchet, Alas Mafter ! it was hut borrowed. Alas Lord ! all I have is but borrowed from that fountain that fills all the Veflels in Heaven, and on Earth, and it overflows : My gifts are not fo much mine,as thine : Of thine ovon have tee offered unto thee^ faid that Princely Prophet, &c, *tbe fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confider, That mens lean- ing and trufting to their own wits, parts, and abilities, have been their utter over- throw and ruine^ as you may fee in Acbi- topbely and thofe Pretidents and Princes that engaged againft Daniel , and in the Scribes and Fbarifees.God loves to confute men in their confidences : He that Hands upon his parts and abilities, doth but ftend upon a quick-fand that will certainly (ail him. There is nothing in the world that provokes God more to with-draw from the foul, than this, and how can the foul ftand. i Cor .4. 7. £>uicqtiid is debts greanti : Qtidquid potes deb a redim.n- ti, faid Bern. Whatfoever thou art, thou oweft to him thit made chee, and whatfoever thou hail , thou owed to him thac re- deemed thee. iChr.29 14. 2. Remedy* General Coun- felswere fel- dom fuccefsfu] becaufe men came w th confidence, leaning ro their own un- derilandma, and let king tor v icier v, raher than verity, faith one* 174 (Precious Remedies Cant.S. y. Prov.3.5. 3. Remedy. Judas and the Scribes and Pbanfcts had great parts, but riO £'3C:\ The Difcjples had gracr, bur w»ak parts. ftand, when his ttrength is departed from him > Every thing that a man leans upon but God, will be a dart that will certainly pierce his heart through and through.Ah ! how many in thefe days have loft their eftates, their friends,their lives,their fouls, by leaning upon their admired parts and abilities ? The Saints are defcribed by their leaning upon their beloved, the Lord Je fus. He that leans only upon the bofome of Chriit, lives the higheft, choiceft,fafeft,and fweeteft life. Miferies always lye at that mans door that leans upon any thing be- low the precious bofome of drift, fuch a man is moft in danger > and this is none of his leaft plagues,that he thinks himfelf fe- cure. 'Tis the greateft wifdom in the world to rake the wife mans counfel,2r»/J in the Lord with all thy hearty and lean not to thine oven underjianding, 'the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Sitan , is, to confider , That you do not tran- fcend others more in parts and abilities, than they do you in grace and holinefs. There may be,and often is great parts and abilities , where there is but little grace, yea, no grace ; and there may be,and of- ten is a great deal of grace, where there is but weak parts and abilities. You may be higher jigainfi Satans Devices. 275 higher than others in gifts of knowledge, utterance , learning, &c. and thofe very fouls may be higher , than you in their communion with God, in their delighting in God, in their dependance upon God, in their affections to God, and in their hum- ble,holy,and unblameable walking before God. Is it folly and madnefs in a man, to make light and flight of another, becaufe he is not fo rich in lead or iron , as he, when he is a thoufand thoufand times ri- cher in filver and gold , in jewels and in pearls , than he ? And is it not madnefs and folly with a witnefs , in thofe that have greater parts and abilities than o- thers , to flight them upon that account, when that thofe very perfons that they make light and flight of, have a thoufand times more grace than they ? And yet ah ! how doth this evil fpirit prevail in the world ? 'Twas the fad complaint of Aufiine in his time, "the unlearned (faith he) rife */>, and takg heaven by violence^ and we tvub all our learning are tbrujl down to bell. 'Tis fad to fee how many of the Rabbies of thefc times > do make an Idol of their parts and abilities , and with what an eye of pride, fcorn, and contempt, do they look upon thofe that want their parts , and that do not worlhip the Idol that they have fct up in their own hearts. Paul who was the g«?t Luke 1 r. i. Mark 8.31,32, Luk? 14 I£. tox8. Surgunt indo- 61' &raphnt caelum & »os cum dottiha, ioftra dctru- dimw in n- bourn. 27' Precious (Remedies i Cor.9. «. zXor.H 12. ifatfo i$,I4> 15,16,17. 4 . Remedy* great Do&orof the(7t»tf/f/,did wonder- fully tranfcend in all parts and abilities, the Do&orsand Rabbies of our times,and yet ah ! how humbly, how tenderly, how fweefly doth he carry hi mfelf towards the mcaneft and the weakeft > To the toea\ 1 became as xveak^ that I might mn the n>ea]{. lam made all things to aflmenjhat I might by all means fave fomc. Who is vpea^ and I am not wea&J Who u offended^ and I bum not ? Wherefore jf meat makg my brother to offend , I will eat no flefh while the world flandeth , left I makg my brother to offend. But ah ! how little of this fwcet fpirit is to be found in the Doctors of our age, who look fowrly,and fpeak bitterly againft thofe that do not fee as they lee,nor cannot fpeak as they fpeak. Sirs, the Spirit of the Lord f even in deipifed Saints^ will be too hard for you, and his appearance in them, in thefe latter days, will be fo full of Spi- ritual beauty and glory , as that they will darken that, that you are too apt to count and call your glory. The Spirit of the Lord will not furTer his choiceft Jewel Grace, to be always buried under the ft raw and (nibble of parts and gifts. The fourth Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, to con- fidcr, That there is no fuch way, for men to have their gifts and parts blafted, and ' ■ ■ jfgainft Satans Devices. 27 7 and withered , as to pride themfelves in them, as to reft upon them , as to make light and flight of thofe that want them, as to engage them againft thofe perfuns, ways , and things that Jefus Chrift hath fet his heart upon. Ah ! how hath God Wafted and withered the parts and abili- ties of many among us , that have once been famous (Timing lights ? How is their Sun darkned , and their glory clouded > flow is thefaord of the Lord upon their arm> and upon their right eye ? Horn is their arm clean dryed up , and their right eye utterly darkped? as the Prophet fpeaks. This is matter of humiliation and lamentation > many precious difceming Saints do fee this, and in (ecret mourn for it ^ and oh ! that they were kindly feniible of Gods withdrawing from them , that they may repent, keep humble, and carry it fweet.ly towards Gods Jewels, and lean only upon the Lord , and not upon their parts and ■onderftanding, that (o the Lord may de- light to vifu them with his grace, at fuch a rate, as that their faces may (hine more glorioufly than ever , and they may be more ferviceable to the honor of Chrift, and the faith of the Saints, than ft rmerly they have been, &c. Thirdly, Becaniu faith, That the tree of Knowledge bears many leaves,and lit- tle fruit. Ah J that it were not fo with many in thefe day*, who once did out- fhine the Stars, &c. Zech.n. 17, 278 Trectous ^{emedies Gal.5. li- ft we knock we break. Diflolution is the daughter ofdifltntion. 1. Remedy. Flavins VefpA- ?au the Em- osrour was more ready to cosceal the vices of his friends, than ;heir virtues. Can you hink ferioufly of this Thirdly , Satan hath his Devices to destroy the Saints, and one great Device that he hath to deftroy the Saints^ if, BY working them firft to be ftrangc,and then to divide, and then to be bitter and jealous , and then to bite and devour one another* Our own woful experience is too great a proof of this. The Israelites in JSLgyp did not more vex one another, than Chriftians in thefe days have done, which occafioned a deadly confumption to (all upon fome. Now the Remedies againfl this Device*, art thefe. 7%efirfl Remedy AGaing this Device of Satan, is , To dwell more upon one anothers gra- ces , than upon one anothers weakneiTes and infirmities. 'Tis fad to coniider,That Saints (hould have many eyes to behold one anothers infirmities, and not one eye to fee each others graces, that they (hould ufe fpe&acles to behold one anothers weaknelfes, rather than looking glafles to behold one anothers graces. Erafmus tells of one, who collected all the lame and defective Verfes in Homer/ Works, 3 — — ■ ; jigainfi Satans Devices. 27 9 Works, but pafled over all that were ex- cellent. Ah! that this Were not the pradice of many that mall at laft meet in Heaven, that they were not careful and skilful to colled all the weakneiTes of others, and to pafs over all thofe things that are excel- lent in them.The Corinthians did eye more the inceftuous perfons fin, than his (orrow, which was like to have drown'd him in forrow. Tell me Saints, is it not a more fweet, comfortable, and delightful thing,to look more upon one another graces,than upon one another infirmities ? Tell me, what pleafure, what delight, what comfort is there in looking upon the enemies, the wounds,the fores,the ficknefs,the difeafes, the nakednefs of our friends ? Now (In you know is the fouls enemy ,the fouls wound, the fouls lores, the fouls iicknefs, the fouls difeafe,the fouls nakednefs * and ah ! what a heart hath that man that loves thus to look ? Grace is the choiceft flower in all a Chriftians Garden,'tis the richeft Jewel in all his Crown, 'tis his Princely Robes, 'tis the top of Royalty i and therefore mult needs be the mod pleafing, fweet and de- lightful object for a gracious eye to berixt upon. Sis is darkneis, grace is light •> fin is hell, grace is heaven •, and what madnefs is it, to look more at darknefs than at ttght i, more at Hell than at Heaven ? U Tell j Chriftians fth'at a Hea- then ftiould excel you) and not blufb? iCor. 2- 7jS. XongtiiSy fed mens, no t genus fed genius. - Not race, or place, but grace truly lets forth a man. 280 Precious (Remedies Jam?. 5- **> Sin is Satans woik, Grace is Goes work, and is it not moil meet ^ ihacthe child mould eye moft & mind moft his fa- thers work. 2. Remedy* There was a Temple of Concord amongft the Hearhensjand (hall it not be Tell me Saints,doth not God look more upon his peoples graces, than upon their weaknelTes ! Surely he doth. He looks more at Davids and Afaphs uprightnefs, than upon their infirmities, though they were great and many. He eyes more Jobs patience,than his pafi\oi\'->Remember the pa- tience nfjob^not a word of his impatience. He that drew Alexander whileft he had a fear upon his face, drew him with his fin- ger upon the fear. God puts his fingers upon his peoples fears, that no blemiih may appear. Ah Saints ! that you would make it the top of your glory in this, to be like your heavenly Fathers by (b doing, much fin would be prevented, the deilgns of wicked men fruftrated, Satan out-wit- ted, many wounds healed,many fad hearts cheared, and God more abundantly ho- nored, &c. *fbefecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to con(ider,that love and uni- ty makes molt for your own fafety and fe- curity. We (hall be Infttperabiles, if we be Tnfeperablles \ invincible,if we be infepera- ble. The world may frown upon you,and plot againft you , but they cannot hurt you. Unity is the belt bond of fafety, in every Church and Commonwealth. And Agamft Satans Devices. 281 And this did that Scythian King in Pitt- tarch, reprefent lively to his eighty Sons, who being ready to dye,he commanded a bundle of Arrows faft bound together, to be given to his Sons to breaks they all try- ed to break them,but being bound faft to- gether,they could not i then he caufed the band to be cut,and then they broke them witheafe : He applied it thus, My Sons i fo long at you kgefi together, you will be in- vincible J?ut if the band of union be brokf be- twixt you, you mil eafily be broken in pieces- Pliny writes of a ftone in the Ifland of Scyrus, that if it be whole, though a large and heavy one, it fwims above water, but being broken, it finks. So long as Saints keep whole, nothing (hall fink them \ but if they break, they are in danger of fink- ing and drowning, &c. j T'he fourth Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, To JlV. dwell upon thofe Commands of God, that do require you to love one another. Oh ! when your hearts begin to rife againft each other, charge the com- mands of God upon your hearts, and fay to your fouls, Oh our fouls ! hath not the eternal God commanded you to love them that love the Lord ? And is it not life to obey, and death to rebel ? There- U 2 fore fauni among Chriflians, that are Tem- ples of the Holy Ghoft. PamroX.>for love U of God, and every one that loveth, is born of God,and k^toweth God, See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently ^Finally, be ye all of one mind,having companion one of amther.Love as bretbren,be pitiful, be courteous. For this is the meffage that ye heard from the beginning , that we fhould love one another, And this is his Com- mandment, that we fhould believe on the name of his Son Jefus Chrifi,and love one an- other as he gave us Commandment, Beloved, ifGodfo loved us, we ought to love one ano- ther. 0\\ ! dwell much upon thefe precious eommands,that your love may be inflamed one to another. In Agatnfl Satans DeVices, 283 In the Primitive times it was much ta- ken notice of by the Heathens, That in the depth of mifery, when Fathers and Mothers forfook their Children, Chrifti- ans (otherwife (hangers) (tuck one to an- other,whofe love of Religion proved- firm- er than that of Nature. Ahlthat there were more of that fpirit among the Saints in thefe days. The world was once destroy- ed with water for the heat of luits,and 'tis thought it will be again deftroyed with (ire, tor the coldnefs of love. [ The Ancients Uife to fay co-nmonly, JThat AllXM- t^z-and Epb- \ (lion had but [one foul in [twjdit !& ♦ bodies- be* t a fe the;r n*"y and for- [r>w, glory a;- 1 dif^racc, w#§ mutual to 1 hem borh. 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan,. is, to dwell more upon thofe choice and fweet things wherein you agree, than up- on thole things wherein you differ. Ah ! did you but thus,how would finful hearts be abated, and your love raifed,and your fpirits fweetned one to another ? You agree in moft,you differ but in a few *, you agree in the greateft and weightier, as concerning God, Chiift, the Spirit, the Scripture, &c. you differ onely in thofe points that have been long difpurable a~ mongfi men of greafeft piety and parts : You agree to own the Scripture, .to hold toChriit the head, and to walk according to the Laws of the new Creature. Shall Herod and Pilate agree ? (hall Turks and| U 3 Pa- Remedy. What a (ad thirg was it that a heathen rho;ild fay, no B-afls are fo mifchiev.-us to men, as Qirifhans are one 10 an- 284 ^Precious ^medks lPagans agree ? (hall Bears and Lyons, Ty- gers and Wolves, yea, (hall a Legion of Devils agree in one body ? and (hall not Saints agree,who differ only in fuch things as have leaft of the heart of God in them ? and that (hall never hinder your meeting in heaven, &c 1'be fifth Remedy 5. Remedy. 1 Cor. 15. 11 I fa. 9-6- . Ubipaxibi Chi'jiiis fax* W here peace is, there is (Thrift, be- caufe Chrift is peace. oulce npmm tofts, laid r>.( Oracor. AGainft thisDevice of Satan,is,(blemn- ly to confider, That God delights to be (tiled (Dens TacU) the God of Peace \ and Chrift to be (tiled (Prirtccps Facts) the Prince of Peace, and King of Salem, that is, King of Peace, and the Spirit is a Spirit of Peace. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, Gal. 5. 22. Oh! why then (hould not the Saints be children of peace? Certainly, men of froward, unquiet, fiery fp : rits, cannot have that fweet evidence ot their intereft in the God of peace, and in the Prince of peace, and in the Spirit of peace, as thofe precious fouls have, that follow after the things that make for love and peace. The very name of peace is (weet and comfortable * the fruit and ef- fect thereof pleafant and profitable, more to be defired than innumerable triumphs i 'tis a bleiTingthat u(hers in a multitude of other bkffings. The Ancients were wont to paint Peace in Againjl Sat am Devices z8 5 in the form of a Woman, wirh a horn of Plenty in her hand. Ah ! peace and love among the Saints,is that which will fecure them and their mercies at home, yea, it will multiply their mercies, it will engage the God of mercy to crown them with the choiceft mercies > and 'tis that that will render them moft terrible,invincible, and fucceftful abroad : Love and peace among the Staints, is that which puts the counfels of their enemies to a ftand, and renders all their enterprizes abortive '> 'tis that which doth molt weaken their hands, wound their hopes 3 and kill their hearts, &c thefixth Remedy AGainftthis Device of Satan, is, To make more care and confcience of keeping up your peace with God. Ah Chriltians,I am afraid that your remifnefs herein,is that which hith occationed much of that, fowrenefs, bitterncfs anddivili- ons that be among you. Ah ! you have not as you mould , kept up your peaee with God •, and therefore 'tis that you do fo dreadfully break the p.ace among your felves. The Lord hath promiltd, that when a mans ways pleafc him , he will ma^e his enemies to he ax peace with him. Ah ! how much more then would God U 4 make I he Grecians had the ftatue of Peace, with Plttto, the god of Riches m her arms. 6. Remedy. There is no fear of know- ing too much, but rhere is much fear in pnetifing too little. Prov.16 7. iU (Precious (Remedies Pharuces fen a Crown to Cafxr at the fame time he rebelled a- gainft him * Bit he return- ed th^ Crown and this mcf- fage bsck (facertt m- pcra'a pits) Let him re- rurntohis o« bedience firft. There is -no found peace to be bad wirh God or man, but in a way of obedience. make the children of peace to keep the \ peace among themfelves, if their ways doi but pleafe him ? All Creatures are at his beck and check. Laban followed Jacob \ with one Troop, Efau met him with ano- ther, both with hoftile intentions-, WtiPf | Jacobs ways pleafingthe Lord,God by 1»s mighty power io works, that Laban leaves him with a kifs,and Efau met him with a kifs •, he hath an Oath of one, tears of the other, peace with both. If we make itour bufinefs to keep up our league with God, God will make it his work and his glory to maintain our peace with men ', but if men j make light of keeping up their peace with! God, 'tis juft with God to leave them to' a fpirit of pride, eavy, paffion, contenti- on, divillon and confuiion,fo leave fhem to bite and devour one another, till they be cofr fumed one of another, and of his bones. Shall the mem- ber* of the natural body be ferviceable and ufeful to one another , and (hall the members of this fpiritual body cut and deftroy one another } Is it againlt the Law of Nature for the natural members to cut and fla(h one another ? And is it not much more againft the Law of Nature and of Grace , for the members of Chrifts glori- ous body to do fo ? And as you are all fellow-members, fo you are ftllow-foul- diers under the fame Captain of faWati- on The party co- loured Coats were Chara- cters of the Kings Chil- dren, fois fol- lowing 'after p:ace now. 1 Cor.n.17. Eph.f.30. Rev.li.' 7 ,8. Heb.x.io. i x88 Precious Remedies Rivi. lo. Joh.if. ipjio Heb.i2.14- Heb.13 14. Rom 8. if. 8. Remedy* Our diflenti- onsareoneof the Jews rreateft {tum- bling b'ocks Can you thmk of it, and your hearts not bleed ? on, the Lord Jefus , fighting againlt the world,the fle(h,and the Devil. And as you are all fellow-fouldiers, fo you are all fel- low- fufferers under the fame enemies, the Devil, and the world. And as you are all fdlow-futferers, fo are vou fellow-travel 'ers to wards' the Lznfrtit tanaan, the new Jemfakm\ that is above* Here tee have no abiding City , but rve lool^ for one to come. The heirs of Heaven are Grangers on earth. And as you are all fellow-travel- lers, fo are you all fellow-heirs of the fame Crown and inheritance. 'the eighth Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, To dwell upon the mileries of difcord DiiTolution is the daughter of diffention Ah ! how doth the name of Chrift,and the way of Chrift furfer by the difcord of Saints ? How are many that are entering upon the ways of God hundred, and fad- ded, and the mouths of the wicked open- ed, and their hearts hardned againft God, and his ways , by the difcord of his peo- ple? Remember this, the diiagreement of Chriftians is the Devils triumph j and what a fad thing is this , that Chriftians (hould give Satan caufe to triumph } 'Twas a notable faying of one , 'tal^e away ftrife , and call back^ peace Jeft thou lofe Againjl Satans De bt- hold me, 'tis geminated, to (hew Gods 2$>0 Precious Remedies to (hew fa- vour and mer- cy to them. Mark 16.7. Hcb.12.i4. ftuy£7i> it fignifies,t© fol- low after peace, as the p:rfeciuor dcth him whom he per- fecuteth. Pfal.3i5.14- 1 an goes from the Sun , yet the Sun-beams follow him : fo when we go from the Sun of righteoufnefs , yet then the beams of his love and mercy follow us. Chrift firft fent to Teter that had denied him, and the reft that had forfaken him. Go your ways and teU bis Vifciples and Peter, that be goetb before you into Galilee, there JhaU ye fee bim,as be f aid unto you* Ah fouls ! 'tis not a bafe,low thing,but a God-like thing, though we are wronged by others, yet to be the firft in feeking after peace , fuch a&ings will fpeak out much of God with a mans fpirir, &c. Chriftians, 'Tis not matter of liberty , whether you will, or you will not purfue after peaces but 'tis matter of duty that lyes upon you, you are bound by exprefs precepts to follow afrer peace > and though it may feem to flye from you,yet you muft purfue after it. Follow peace with all men, and bolinefs, witbout wbicb no man (hall fee tbe Lord. Peace and holinefs are to be purfued after with the greateft eagernefs that can be imagined . So the Pfalmirt,De- part from evil, and de good,feef^ peace, and purfue it. The Hebrew word that is here tendrcdfeekj is in Pi^ and it lignities to feek earneftly , vehemenrry, affectionate- ly,ftudioufly, induftrioufly. Andpurfueit* That Hebrew word figniries earneftly to purfue, being a Metaphor taken from the eager- jigainft Satans Devices. 29 1 cagernefs of wild Beafts , or ravenous Fowles, which will run or fly, both faft, and far , rather than be difappointed of their prey. So the Apoftle preites the fame duty upon the Romans* Let us follow after the things that makg for peace , and things wherein one may edifie another. Ah ! you fro- ward, fowre, dogged Chriftians, can you look upon thefe Commands of God with- out tears and blufhing ? I have read a remarkable ftory of Art- ftippus, though but a Heathen, who went of his own accord to Mfcbines his Enemy , and fa id, Shall we never he reconciled till we become a e tahle~ta\to atlthe Country? And when Mfchines anfwered, He would moft gladly be at peace with him.Rememberthen (faid Ariflippus) that though I were the elder and better man^ yet I fought firjl unto thee* Thou art indeed faid JEfchines^ a far bet- ter man than Iifor I began the quarrel,but thou the reconcilement. My prayer fhall be,that this Heathen may not rife in judg- ment againft the flourifhing profeflbrs of our times j Who whet their tongues lil^e a fword^and bend their bows to Jhoot their ar- rows, even bitter words* * ■ 'the tenth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, For Saints to joyn together , and walk together in the wayes of grace and holi- nefs Rom.14.1p. Plutarch. Pfalm6 4 .3. io.Remcdy> 192 Precious Remedies Phil.5 - 14. Verfei*. Verfe 1*. Great is the power of joynr prayer. Mary Queen of Smsi that was Mother to King James, was wont to fay, That (he feared Mafter %nex's pray- ers more than an Army of ten thoufand men. nefs fo tar as they do agree, making the word the only Touch-ftone, and judge of their actions. That is fweet advice that the Apoftle gives, Iprefs toward the mar]^ for the price of the high-calling of God in Chrifl Jefits* Let us therefore as many as he perfeU (comparatively, or conceitedly fo) he thus minded : And if in any thing ye he other- wife minded^ God Jh all reveal even this unto yon* Neverthelefs, whereto we have already attained^ let us wallaby the fame rnle^ let us mind the fame thing* Ah Chriftians ! God lofes much, and you lofe much , and Sa- tan gains much by this, that you do not, that you will not walk lovingly toge- ther , fo far as your wayes lye together. 5 Tis your fin and fhame that you do not, that you will not pray together, and hear together , and confer together , and mourn together, &c. becaufe that in fome far leiTer things you are not agreed together. What folly and madnefs is it in thofe , whofe way of a hundred miles lies fourfcore and nineteen together , yet will not walk fo far together , becaufe that they cannot go the other mile toge- ther ; yet fuch is the folly and madnefs of many Chriftians in thefe days, who will not do many things they may do, becaufe they cannot do every thing they mould do. I fear God will whip them into a better temper before he hath done with them : jfgainji Sat am Devices . 253 them : He mil breaJ^their bones •, and pierce their heart •, but he will cure them of this malady, &c. And be fure you make the word the only Touch-ftone, and judge of all perfbns and actions, To the Law and to the Teftimo- lfa.8. 20. ny, if they §ea\not according to this word, 'til becaufe there is no light in them. 3 Tis beft and fafeft to make that to be the Judge of all men and things now, that all iihall be judged by in the latter day. The • John 12.48 word (faith Chrift) that I have fpokgn, the fame pall judge him in the lift day. Make not your dim light , your notions, your fancies, your opinions, the judge of mens a&ion, but (till judge by rule, and plead, °Tis written. When a vain importunate foul cryed out in conteft with a holy man, Hear me, hear me 5 the holy man anfwered, Neither hear me, nor I thee-, but let w both hear the Apojile. Conjiantine in all the difputes before him [with the Arrians , would (till call for the ^ord of God, as the only way, if not to convert, yet to flop their mouths, &c. The eleventh Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is , To be much in felf-judging. Judge your * f elves, and you paXi not be judged of the Lord. Ah! Neregote,' ncc ta me, fed ambo audla- mus Apoftoium. 11. Remedy. 1C01.11.31. 294 (Precious %emefaes It's fioriei of Nero, himfelf being unchaftj he did think there was no man chaft. In the Olym- pick Games, the Wreftlers did not put their Crowns upon their own heads, but upon the heads of others: 'tis juft fo with fouls that are good at felf- judging. Mat.7. 1,2. John 7. 24. kom 14. 3. Verfe 10. Ah ! were Chriftians hearts more taken up in judging themfelves , and condemn ing themfelves , they would not be fo apt to judge and cenfure others, and to car- ry it (owrly and bitterly towards other? that differ from them. There are no fouls in the world that are fo fearful to judge others, as thofe that do moft judge them- felves i nor fo careful to make a righteous judgment of men, or things, as thofe that are moft careful to judge themfelves. There are none in the world that trem- ble to think evil of others , to fpeak evil of others,or to doe evil to others, as thofe that make it their bufmefs to judge them- felves. There are none that make fuch fweet conftru&ions, and charitable inter- pretations of men , and things , as thole that are beft and moft in judging them- felves. One requeft I have to you that are much in judging others , and little in judging your felves ••> to you that are fo apt and prone to judge rafhly, falfly, and un- righteouflyi and that is, that you will every morning dwell a little upon thefe Scriptures. Judge not that ye be not judged, for with what judgment ye judge, yejhall be judged \ and with what meafure ye mete , itjhall be meafnred to you again. Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Let not him that eatcth not, judge him that eateth, jfgainft Satans Devices eateth,for God hath received him. Why doft thou judge thy brother ? or why doji tboufet at naught thy brother ? we jh all all ji and be- fore the judgement feat ofChrift. Let ur not judge one another any more , but judge this rather , that no man put a ftumbling-blocl^or an occafion to fall in his brothers way. Judge nothing before the time> until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things ofdarkpefs, and witlmanifeft &e counfels of \thc hearts , and then Jhali every man have \praife of God. Speak^not evil one of another (brethren) he that fpeakgtb evil of his bro- ther^ and judgeth his Brother, fpeaketh evil of the Law, and judgeth the Law ■-> but if thou judgefi the Law, thou art not a doer of the Law^ but a Judge, "there is one Law- giver , who is able to fave % and to deftroy. Who art thou that judgefi another mans fervant ? to his own mafter he jiandeth or falleth : yea, he Jh all beholden up, for God is able to make him ft and. One Velpbidw accuhng another before Julian , about that which he could not prove -, the party denying the facT*. Vel- phidius anfwers, if it be fufficient to deny what is hid to ones charge, who (hall be found guilty ? Julian anfwers , And if it be fufficient to be accufed , who can be innocent ? You are wife, and know how to apply it. the] 295 Verf.rj. 1 Cor 4 S James 4. n. Ve.f.n. R-?m.i4 4. i$6 Precious Remedies 12. Remedy* i Pet.?. 5. John 15.5. Humility is (Cemftrvatrix r Artktwn 9 faid Bm&d) that which keeps all graces to- cher. ihe twelfth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan , is, this Above all , labour to be cloathed with Humility. Humility makes a man peaceable among brethren, fruitful in wel- doing, cheerful in fufTering, and conftant in holy walking. Humility fits for the higheft fervices we owe to Chrift, and yet will not neglect the loweft fervice to the meaneft Siint. Humility can feed upon the meaneft di(h, and yet 'tis maintained by the choiceft delicates , as God, Chrift, and Gloiy. Humility will make a man blefs htm that curfes him , and pray for thole that pcrfecute him. An humble heart is a habitation for God , a fcholar for Chrift, a companion of Angels, a pre- ferver of grace,and a fitter for glory. Hu- mility is the Nurfe of our graces, the pre- ferver of our mercies, and the great pro- moter of holy duties. Humility cannot finde three things on this fide Heaven j it cannot finde fulnefs in the Creature, nor fweetnefs in Sin, nor life in an Ordinance without Chrift. An humble foul always finds three things on this fide Heaven, The foul to be empty, Chrift to be full, and e- very mercy and duty to be fweet, where- in God is enjoyed. Humility can weepo- ver other mens weakneffes , and joy and re- Agalnjl Satans Dewices. *?7 1 rejoyceover their graces. Humility will * ffiefl.i.a>3 make a man quiet and contented in the meaneft condition, and 'twill preferve a man from envying other mens profpe- rous condition. Humility honours thofe that are ftrong in grace , and puts two hands under thofe that are weak in grace. Humility makes a man richer than other | Th e humble men , and it makes a man judge himfelf ^jd^ %£* the pooreft among men. Humility will fee much good abroad , when it can fee but little at home. AhChriitians! though faith be the Champion of grace, and love the Nurfe of grace, yet humility is the beautirier of grace •, it cafts a general glory upon all the graces in the foul. Ah ! did Chriftians more abound in humility, they would be lefs bitter, froward, and fowre, and they would be more gentle , meek, and fweet in their fpirits and practices. Humility will make a man have high thoughts of others , and low thoughts of j^ h\Vfdf-con- a mans felf ', it will make a man fee much j tenting lecre- glory and excellency in others, and much bafenefs and linfulnefs in a mans felf; It will make a man fee others rich, snd him- felf poon others fuong^and himfelf weak \ others wife,and himlelt fooluTu Humility! will make a man excellent at covering o- thers infirmities , and at recording their gracious fervices,and at delighting in their graces, it makes a man joy in every light X 2 that Ephd.5. e Violet, which grows low, hangs tie head downwards, and hides it felf with its own leaves '• and were it not that the fragrant fmel of her many ver- tues difcove- red him to the world , he would chufe to live and die 298 w (Precious Remedies Hofea 4. 6. 'rov.22. 29. Mat 22. 29. fgncratits have his advantage (Ut mitim ar- itait) they have a ccoler heJi. thatcut-lhines his own, and every wind that blows others good. Humility is bet- ter at believing , then 'tis at queitioning other mens happinefs. I judge, faith an humble foul, 'tis well with thefe Chriftians now, but it will be far better with them hereafter. They are now upon the bor- ders of the new Jerufalem, and 'twill be but as a day before they Aide into Jerufa- Iem. An humble foul is willinger to fay, Heaven is that mans , than mine i and (Thrift is that Chriftians, than mine i and God is their God in Covenant, than mine : Ah ! were Chriftians more humble, there would be lefs tire and more love among them, than now is, &c* Fourthly, As Satin bath bis Device to dc~ ftroy gracious fouls Jo be bath bis Devi- ces to deftroy poor ignorant fouls> and that Jometimes, I T> Y drawing them to afTed ignorance, JJ and to neglcd, ilight, and defpiie the means of knowledge. Ignorance is the mother of miftake , the caufe of trouble, error, and of terrouri 'tis the high way to hell, and it makes a man both a prifo- ner and a flave to the Devil at once, ig- norance unmans a man , it makes a man a beaft , yea v makes him more miferable than the beaft that perilheth. There afe none jigalnjl Saturn Devices. 299 none Co eaiily, nor To frequently tjken in Satans (hares , as ignorant fouls i they are eafily drawn to dance with the D.vil all day , and to dream of Tupping with Chriii at night, &c. Nvtv the 'Remedies againft this Device are thefe* 'the firft Remedy Gainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider, That an ignorant heart is an evil heart. Without knowledge the mind is not good. As an ignorant heart is a naughty heart, 'tis a heart in the dark, and no good can come into a dark heart, but it muft pafs through the understand- ing , And if the eye he dar^ all the body is djirk^ A leprous head, and a leprous heart are infeparable companions. Ignorant hearts are fo evil, that they let rlye on all hands, and fpare not to (pit their venome in the very face of God , as Plnraoh did, when thick darknefs was upon him. The fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To conilder , That ignorance is the deformity of the foul : As blindnefs is the deformity of the face, fo is ignorance the X 3 defor- 1. Remedy. Prcv.19 2. Ignftat fate imnob s omni: kith A,ijlotl:. Matth.6.12. 2. Remedy. oo (Precious (Remedies 3. 'Remedy Hcb.j. 10,11. They mull needs ere rhat know r.o: God.s ways, yet can- not rhev wan- der fo wide as to mifs q[ hell- [fa. 17 11. ThelT. 1.8. deformity of the foul. As the want of flefhly eyes fpoils the beauty of the face, fo the want of (piritual eyes fpoils the beau- ty of the foul. A man without knowledge, is as a work-man without his hands, as a Painter without his eyes , as a Traveller without his legs , or as a Ship without {fails, or a Bird without wings, or like a body without afoul. 1'he third Remedy AGainft this Device of Sitan, is, fo- lemnly to contider, That ignorance makes men the obje&s of Gods hatred and wrath. It is a people that dj crre in their hearts, and have not hjiown my ways. Wherefore I fware in my wrath , theyjhould never enter into my rejh My people are people of no underfiandhtg, therefore he thap made them , wiU have no mercy en them., Chrift hath (aid, Th at he will come in flam4 ing fire , to render vengeance on them thai Iqiow not God. Ignorance will end in ven* geance. When you fee a poor blind man here , you do not loath him , nor hate him , but you pity him > Oh ! but foul- blindedncfs makes you abominable in thf fight of God. God hath fworn that ig- norant perfons (hall never come into Hea- ven, Heaven it felf would be a Hell to ig» norant fouls. tAgainft Safaris Devices, 3 01 My people are dejiroyedfor want offytuv- Udge h becaufe thou haft rejected k^mrkdge, I will rejcll tbee. Chilo , one of the feven Sjges , being asked what God had done, anfwtred, He exalted bumble men , and fuppreffed prmd ignorant fools* *the fourth Remedy AGainfHhis Device of Satan, is, To corifider, That ignorance is a tin that leads to all fins > all fins are feminal- ly in ignorance. Tou doerre^ not knowing the Scriptures. It puts men upon hating and perfecuting the Saints. 'They Jhallhate you, and put you out of the Synagogues, yea , the time cometb , that wbofocver kjlletb ynu, J will thinly that be d)tb God fervice* And\ tbefe things mil they do unto you , becaufel ithcy have not known the father , nor me [Paul thanks his ignorance for all his cru- elties to Chriflians. I was a blafphemcr, and a perfecutor, and injurious, but I ob- tained mercy, becaufe I did it igncr antly. 3 Twas ignorance that put the Jews upon crucifying Chriii : Father forgive them, faith Chrift of his murderers , for they kpow not what they do i for if the Princes ' of thti world b id k^own, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory* S.n at-rirft was the caufe of ignorance , but now igno- X Hof.4 6. Cue oft' Rome faith ig- norance is rhe mother of do votion ; but the ^criprure faith \h the mother of deflru&ion. 4. Remedy, Mac.32. i$. John 1 6. 2,3. liriftotl? makes igno- rance the mo- ther of all che mifrule in the world. 1 Tim 1 13. 1 Cor. 2. 8. ranee i }01 Trecious Remedies They did like \'*y:dipus, who isiil dhisfa- th-r Lahu, Xing of ibc- id, & thought he killed his enem}'. Pfij:i 4 ranee is the caule of all fin. Swearing, and lying, and killing, and ftealing, and whoring abound, faith the Prophet, becaufe there is no knowledge of God in the hand. There are none fo frequentv^fhd To impudent in the ways of fin , as ignorant fouls \ they care not, nor mind not what they do, nor .. what they fay againft God, Chritt, Hea. ven, Holinefs, and their own Souls. Our tongues are our own y who flj all controul us $ 'Ihty are ctirrupt and fpea\ wickedly , con ceming opprcjjim, they fpea\loftily. *they fet their mouth againft the Heavens , and their tongue wal^eth through the earth Have all the workers of iniquity no know- ledge ? who eat up my people as they e*t bread, and call not upon the Lord. AN jfgainft Satans Devices. 303 AAAAAAAAAAAAA gAyuy A N APPENDIX touching five more of Satans Devices. Whereby < He keepeth poor (buls from believing in Chrift, from receiving of Chrift, from embracing of Chrift, from refting, lean- ing, or relying upon Chrift, for ever- laftinghappinefs, and blefTednefs , ac- cording to the Gofpel. And Remedies againft thefe Devices, Hit Firfi Device to kgef the foul fr^m belie- ving in Chrift , *7, i T> Y fuggefting to the foul , the great- Jj nefs and vilenefs of his fins. What, faith Satan , doft thou think that thou (halt ever obtain mercy by Chrift, that haft finned with fo high a hand againft Chrift? that haft flighted the tenders of grace ? that haft grieved the Spirit of grace? !• Device* 3°4 Precious Remedies Jer.3. *. :. Remedy. Mad Logic' grace ? that haft . defpifed the word of grace ? that haft trampled under feet the blood of the Covenant , by which thou might'ft have been pardoned, purged, ju- ftiried and faved } that haft fpoken and done all the evil that thou couldft ? No, no, faith Satan, he hath mercy for others, but not for thee •, pardon for others, but not for thee -, righteoufnefs for others* but not for thee, &c. therefore 'tis in vain for thee to think of believing in Chrift, or refting and leaning thy guilty foul up- on Chrilr. Now the Remedies agaiuft this Device, are tbefc. Tbefirft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To coniider, That the greater your fins are, the more you ftand in need of a Savi- our : The greater your burden is, the more you (land in need of one to help to bear if : The deeper the wound is, the more need there is of the Chirurgeon^ the more dangerous the difeafc is, the more need there is of. the Phyi-itian. Who but mad men will argue thus ? My burden is great, therefore Tie not (fall out for help , my wound is deep, therefore Pie not call out for balm i my difeafe is dangerous, there- fore jfgainjl Satans Devices. 305 tore Pie not go to the Phyfitian. Ah ! 'tis fpiritual madnefs, 'tis the Devils Logick to argue thus : My fins are great,therefore Pie not go to Chriit , 1 dare not reft nor lean on Chrift, &c. whereas the foul (hould jreafon thus, The greater my fins are, the MLah. 7 . 18. morel ftand in need of mercy, of pardon, 'and therefore I will go t^o Chriit,who de- [fa ,43 if. lights in mercy , who pardons tin for his [own names lakes who is as able and as j willing to forgive pounds, as pence, thou- sands as hundreds. The fecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, Co- 2. Remedy > lemnly to confider,That the promife j ot grace and mercy, is to returning (buls. And therefore though thou art never foj wicked, yet if thou wilt return, God will j be thine,and mercy (hall be thine,and par- id on (hall be thine, 2 Chr.$o. p. For if you] ' turn again unto the Lord> your brethren and j your children Jhall fit-id compajjion before them \ that lead them captive, fo that they jhall come \ again into this Land, for the Lord our God is j gracious and merciful , ad mil not turn aA rray his face from you,if ye return unto him. ' So Jcr.3. 1 2 • Go, ar.d proclaim thefe words ' towards the North, and J ay, ret urn thou bacj^- fliding Ifrael, faith the Lord, and I will not \.caufe my anger to fall upon you ; for I am jo- Precious ^{emedies 3. Remedy merciful, faith the Lord, and I will not l^eep anger fur ever. So Joel 3.13. And rent your hearts* and not your garment s, and turn un- to the Lord your God^ for he is gracious and merciful, flow to anger, and of great kjnd- nefs , andrepenteth him of the evil* So Ifa. 55.7. Let the wicked jorfAe his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ,~ and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon : Or as the Hebrew reads it, He will multiply pardon. So Eze 1$. 1 8. Ah linnerj 'tis not thy great tranf- grellions that (hall exclude thee from mercy , if thou wilt break off thy fins by repentance , and return to the fountain of mercy. Chrilts heart, Chrilts arms are wide open to embrace the returning Pro- digal. 'Tis not limply the greateft of J thy liiis , but thy peremptory perfilting in fin , that will be thy eternal over- throw. A ihi third Remedy Gainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- emnly to conlider i That the great- tit tinners have obtained mercy ; and therefore all the Angels in Heaven, all the Men on Earth, and all the Devils in Hell, cannot tell to the contrary, but that thou mayeit obtain mercy. Manajfeh was a noto- Agcunjl Satans Devices 307 notorious linner , he created Altars for Baal , he worihipped and ferved all the hoaft of Heaven -, he caufed his Sons to pafs through the fire, he gave himfelf to witchcraft and forcery j he made Judah to tin more wickedly than the Heathen did, whom the Lord deitroyed before the chil- dren of Ifracl^ hecaufcd the ftreets of Je- rufalem to run down with innocent blood. Ah ! what a Devil incarnate was he in his actings , yet when he humbled himfelf, and fought the Lord,the Lord was intrear- ed of him, and heard his fupplication,and brought him tojerufalem, and made him- felf known unto him, and crowned him with mercy and loving kindnefs, as you may fee in 2 Cbron*^ So Paul was once a blafphemer, a perfecutor and injurious, yet he obtained mercy. So Mary Magda- len was a notorious Strumpet, a common Whore, one out of whom Chriit caft feven Devils, yet (lie is pardoned by Chriit, and dearly beloved of Chriit ,'yLnkg 7. So Marl^ 16, p. Now when Jcfus was rifen early, the firji diy oftbewce^ he appeared to Mary Magdalen? out of whom he had caji feven Devils, Janfenlm on the place faith, 'Tis very obiervable, that our Saviour after his re- furre&ion firft appeared to Mary Magda- len and Peter , that had been grievous tinners , that even the worft of iinners may x Kings 11. The Hebrew Do&ois writ: that he flew laiah ihsPr')- ph.ryvho was His father in iaw. 1 Tim. 1. 15. 308 Precious Remedies may be comforted and encouraged to come to Chrift, to believe in Chrift, to reft and (tay their fouls upon Chrift, for mer- cy here,and glory hereafter. That is a ve- ry precious word for the worft of iinners to hang upon, ?fal.6%. 18. The Plalmift fpcaking of Chrift, faith, Thou baft afcen- ded on high, thou baft led captivity captive, thou haft received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious alfo , that the Lord might dwell amongli them* What though thou art a rebellious child,or a rebellious fervant, what though thou art a rebellious fwearer, a rebellious drunkard, a rebellious Sabbath-breaker > yet Chrift hath received gifts for thee, Even for the rebellious alfs. He hath recei- ved the gift of pardon , the gift of righ- teoufnefs s yea , all the gifts of the Spi- rit for thee 3 that thy heart may be made a delightful houfe for God to dwell in. Bodin hath a ftory concerning a great Rebel that had made a ftrong party a- gainft a Roman Emperour. The Empe- rour makes Proclamation , That who ever could bring the Rebel dead or alive, he (hould have fuch a great fum of mo- ney. The Rebel hearing of this , comes and prefents himfelf before the Empe- rour, and demands the fum of money. Now faith the Emperour, If I (hould put him to death, the world would fay I did it Againfl Sat am Devices . 509 it to iave my money. And fo he par- dons the Rebel , and gives him the mo- ney. Ah finners ! mall a Heathen do this, that had but a drop of mercy and com- panion in him? and will not Chriit do much more, that hath all fulncfs of grace, mercy , and glory in himfelf ? Surely his bowels do yern towards the worft of Re- bels. Ah! if you ftillbut come in , you will rmde him ready to pardon, yea, one made up of pardoning mercy. Oh! the readineis and willingnefs of ]efus Chrift to receive to favour the grcateft Rebels. The father of mercies did meet, embrace, and kifs that prodigal mouth which came from feeding with Swine , and killing of Harlots. Epbraim had committed Idolatry, and was back-iliden from God : he was guilty of luke-warmnefs and unbelief, &c. yet faith God, Ephraim is my dear Sen, be is a pleafant Child , my Bowels are troubled for bim, I will have mercy (or rather as 'tis in the Original, I wit have mercy, mercy) upon him faith the Lord. Well, (aith God, though Ephraim be guilty of crimfon fins , yet he is a Son, a dear Son, a precious Son, a pleafant Child \ though he be black with -filth, and red with guilt , yet my bowels are troubled for him, I will have mercy, mer- Col.1.19. Chap. 2.3 34. N^hem 9. 17 Heb. But thou a Godot par- dons. Hof 4.17.5-? 6.8.11.IZ 12. 1 4.1 3 12. zide. Jer.31.10. 310 Precious Remedies ' 4. Remedy, mercy upon him. Ah finners ! if thefe bowels of mercy do not melt , win , and draw you , Juftice will be a fwift witnefs againft you , and make you lye down in eternal mifery , for kicking againft the bowels of mercy. Cforift hangs out ft ill, as once that war- like Scythian did,a white flag of grace and mercy to returning finners that humble themfelves at his feet for favour > but if finners ftand out, Chrift will put forth his red flag , his bloody flag , and they (hall dye for ever by a hand of Juftice. Sin- ners , there is no way to avoid periihing by Chrifts iron rod, but by kifling his gol- den Scepter. "the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider, That Jefus Chrift hath no where in all the Scripture excepted againft the worft of finners , that arc willing to receive him, to believe in him, to reft up- on him , for happinefs and bleftednefs. Ah finners ! why ftiould you be more cru- el and unmerciful to your own fouls, than Chrift is > Chrift hath not excluded you from mercy , why fhould you exclude your own fouls from mercy ? Oh that you would dwell often upon that choice i ! Scripture, John 6. 37. All that the father I giveth Againfi Satans Devices, * giveth me> (h&V come to tne^ and him that comctb to me, I will in no wife ca(i oui:(oi as the Original hath it) / will not caji out. Well,faithChritt,if any man will come,orj is coming to me-let him be more finful,or lefs i more unworthy, or kfs i let him be never fo guilty, never (o filthy,never fo re- bellious, never (o leprous, &c* yet if he will but come,I will not, not,not caft him off. So much is held forth in i Cor. 6.$, ic, II. Knwyenot that the unrighteous Jhall not inherit the Kingdom of God therefore he is able alfo tofave them to the uttermoftjhat come unto God by him, feeing he ever liveth to maty intercejfion for them. Now he were not an all-fufticient Savour, if he were not as able to fave the greateft, as the lcaft of finners. Ah finners ! tell Jefus Chrift that he hath not excluded you from mercy , and therefore you are refolved that you will fit, wait, weep, and knock at the door of mercy , till he (hall fay, Souls be of good cheer, your fins are forgiven, your perfons are juftified , and your fouls (hall be faved. The Againft Satans Devices. VI The fifth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider, That the greater (Inner thou art, the dearer thou wilt be to Chrift, when he (hall behold thee as the travail of his foul, Ifa.tf.u. He jhatl fee of the tra- vail of bis foul^ and be fatisficd. The dear- er we pay for any thing , the dearer that thing is to us. Chrift hath paid moft, and prayed moft , and fighed moft , and wept moft, and bled moft for thegreateft linners, and therefore they are dearer to Chrift*than others that are lefs finful, Ra- chel was dearer to Jacob than Leah , be- cauii (he coft him more •> he obeyed, en- dured, and furfered more by day and night for her, than for Leah. Ah finners ! the greatneis of your (ins does but Qt oft" the freenefs and riches of Chrifts grace , and the freenefs of his love : This maketh Heaven and Earth to ring of his praife, that he loves thofe that are moft unlovely, that he (hews moft favour to them that have finned moft highly againft him , as might be (hewed by feveral inftances in Scripture, as Paul, Mary Mag&ikn, and others > who finned more againft Chrift than thefe ? And who had fweeter and choicer manifeftations of Divine love and favour than thefe? Y 2 tbt 5. Remedy, Gen.29.30. 3H 6. Remedy* Precious Remedies Rom. 8. i John i to. I John f . 4- March. 5 **• 7 be fixtb Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan,is,fetioufly to conlider, That the longer you keep I off from Chrift, the greater and ftronger your fins will grow. AH Divine power and ftrength againft fin, flows from the fouls •anion and communion with ChrifhWhile you keep off from Chtift,you keep offfrom that ftrength and power which is only able to make you trample down ftrength, lead captivity captive,and flay the GoliaWs that bid defiance to Chrift. 3 Tis only faith in Chrift that makes a man triumph o^er fin, Satan,Hell,and the World. 5 Tis only faith in Chrift that binds the ftrong man hand and foot, that ftops the ifliie oTbloodlfcat makes a man ftrong in refifting,and happy in conquering.Sin always dies moft,where faith lives molt, the molt believing foul, is the moft mortified foul. Ah finner,remem- ber this, there is no way on earth effectu- ally to be rid of the guilt, filth and power of fin, but by believing in a Saviour. 'Tis not refolving,'tis not complaining, 5 tis not mourning, but believing, that will make thee Divinely victorious over that body of fin that to this day is too ftrong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruine, if it be not ruin'd by a hand of faith. Thi Agalnfl Satans DeYices, 3'5 *the feventb Remedy AGainft this Device of Safaris, wifely to confider,That as there is nothing in Chrift to difcourage the greateit finners from believing in him, (b there is every thing in Chrift that may encourage the greateftilnners to believe in him, to re A and lean upon him, for all happinefs and bkiTednefs.. If you look upon his nature, his difpofition his names, his titles,his of- fices, as Ring, Pried and Prophet, you will find nothing to difcourage the greateit iinners from believing in him, but many things to encourage the greateft finners to receive him,to believe on him. Chrift is the greateft good, the dioiceft good, the chiefett good, the moft fuitable good, the moft neceiTuygood : He is a pure good, a real good, a total good , an eternal good, and a foul-fat istying, good. Sin- ners, are you poor ? Chrili hath gold to enrich you; Are you naked? Chiifi hath Royal robts, he hath white raiment tc cloath you : Are you blind? Chrili hath eye-falve to enlighten you : Are you hun- gry? Chrift will be Manna to feed you : Are you thirty ? He will be a Well of li- ving water to refrelh you: Are you woun- ded ? He hath a Balm under his wings to heal you : Are you fick ? He is a Phyti Y 3 tian 7. Remedy, Can:. 1.3 , Col. 1. 19. Chap. 2. a. Cam. J. 10. Rev.?. 17,18. John 6. 48. & 7. 38. ,.1al 4- *• Mat. 4. 2$. & 10. 28. \6 Precious Remedies ;fu.i& Ifaj8 17- Micah.i. ip. itian to cure you : Are you pnfoners ? He hath laid down a ranfome tor you. Ah fin- ners ! tell mc,tell me,is there any thing in Chrift to keep you offfrom believing? No- Is there not every thing in Chrift that may encourage you to believe in him? Yes. O then believe in him, and then "though your fins be as fcarlet, they fhall be as white as Jnow \ though they he red likg crimfon, they (hall he as wool. Nay then your iniquities (hall be forgotten,as well as forgiven, they (hall be remembred no more : God will caft them behind his back, he will throw them into the bottom of the Sea. 3. Kcmedy. JohnS. 14. John 3. 18. 7he eighth Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, .leri- oufly to confider the abfolute neceffity of believing in Chrift. Heaven is too holy, land too hot to hold unbelievers, their '•lodging is prepared in Hell. KM/.21.8. But \the fearful and unbelieving, &c. Jhall have \their part in the lakg which burnetii with fire land brimftoncy which u the fecond death. If lye believe not that I am he (faith Chrift) you I ft all dye in your fins ; And he that dies in his fins muft to judgement, and to Hell in his fins. Every unbeliever is a condemn- ed man, He that believeth not (faith John) U condemned already, becaufe he hath not be- lieved in the name of the only begotten Son i of AgainftSa.ta.ns Devices. 317 of God. And he that believetb not the Son, (hall not fee life, but the wrath of God abi- deth on him. Ah (inners ! the Law , the Gofpel , and your own consciences, have paft the fentence of condemnation upon you , and there is no way to reverfe the fentence, but by believing in Chrift : And therefore my counfel is this i Stir up your felves to lay hold on the Lord Jefus, and look up to him, and wait on him , from whom every good and perfect gift comes, and give him no reft till he hath given thee that Jewel Faith, that is more worth than Heaven and Earth , and that will make thee happy in life, joyful in death , and glorious in the day of Chrift. And thus much for the Remedies a- gainft this firft Device of Satan, whereby he keeps off thoufands from believing in Chrift. the fecond Device that Satan hath to fyep poor finncrs from believing, from clofing with a Saviour, * /, BY fuggefting to them their unworthi- nefs. Ah faith Satan ! As thou art worthy of the greateft mifery, fb thcu art unworthy of the leaft crum of mercy What, doeft thou think faith Satan, that ever Chrift, will own, receive, or embrace fuch an unworthy wretch as thou art ? Y 4 No, Vcr r e36. [fa. 64. 7. fames r. 17. Ifa.5t. 7. Device. i8 (precious (Remedies Remedy, Mat. 19. 8. John 5. 29 [No, no, it there were any wprthinefs in thee, then indeed Chrift might be willing to be entertained by thee. Thou art un- worthy to entertain Chrift into thy houfe, how much more unworthy art thou, to en- tertain Chrift into thy heart, &c. Norv the Remedies againjl this Device are tbefe. The firjl Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider, That Qod hath no where in the Scripture required any worthinefs in the Creature before belie- ving iri Chrift. If you make a diligent fearch through all the Scripture, you (hall not rind (from the ftrft line in Genefis, to the laft line in the Revelations) one word that fpeaks out Gods requiring any wor- thiness in the Creature before the fouls believing in Chrift, before the fouls lean- ing and retting upon Chrift for happinefs and bklTednefsi and why then Ihould that be a bar and hinderance to thy faith, which God doth no where require or. thte before thou comeft to Chrift, that thou mayeft have life. Ah finners ! remem- ber, Satan objedb your unworthinefs a- gaioft you, only out of a defign to keep Chrift and your fouls afunder for ever,anc} there- jfgainji Safaris V eykes. 3 1 9 Remedy* therefore in the face of all your unwor-| thinefs reft upon Chrift , come to Chrift, believe in Chrift , and you are happy for j hn 6.40,47. ever. 'thefecond Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan,is,wifely to confider,That none ever received Chrift, embraced Chrift, and obtained mercy and pardon from Chrift , but un- worthy fouls. Pray what worthincfs was in Matthew, Zacheus, Mary Magdalen, Ma- najJeb t ¥aHl and Lydia , before their com- ing to Chrift, betore their faith in Chrift ) furely none. Ah (inners ! you (hould rea- fon thus, Chrift hath beftow'd the choiceft mercies, the greateft favours, the higheft dignities , the fweeteft priviledges upon unworthy fmners - y and therefore O oui fouls, do not you faint , do not you def- pair , but patiently and quietly wait for the falvation of the Lord , who can tell but that free grace and mercy may (nine forth upon us, though we are unworthy, and give us a portion among thole wor thies that are now triumphing in Heaven 'the third Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, That 1 3. Remedy* if the foul will keep off from Chriftj till it be worthy, it will never clofe with . Chriftj 20 Precious (Remedies [ft.50.ult. John r. ii. James t. 2}. Rev.;. 4- Remedy* fM5M 3 *» Chrift, it will never embrace Chrift, 'twill never be one with Chrift, it muft lye down in everlafting forrow. God hath laid up all worthinefs in Chrift, that the creature may know where to find it,and may make out after it. There is no way on earth to make unworthy fouls worthy, but by be- lieving in Chrift : Believing in Chrift, of flaves, 'twill make you worthy Sons >. of enemies, 'twill make you worthy friends. God will count none worthy , nor call none worthy , nor carry it towards none as worthy, but believers, who are made worthy by the worthinefs of Chrifts per- fon , righteoufnefs, fatisfadfton , and in- terceflion, &c. 'The fourth Kemedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemnly to confidcr, That if you make a diligent fearch into your own hearts, you (hall find that 'tis the pride and folly of your own hearts that pucs you upon bring- ing of a worthinefs to Chrift. O you would fain. bring fomething to Chrift, that might render you acceptable to him , you are loth to come empty-handed. The Lord cries out, Ho every one that thirjieth^ come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ytjbuy and eat, come buy wine and rnilh^ with nit money ^ and without -price* Wherefore do jfgainjl Sat am Devices. pi do ye jpend your money upon that which is not bread) and your labour for that which fatis- fieth not? Here the Lord calls upon money- lefs,upon penny-lefs fouls,upon unworthy fouls, to come and partake of his precious favours freely. But finners are proud and foolilh, and becaufe they have no money, no worthynefs to bring, they'l not come, though he fweetly invites them.Ah tinners! what is more juft than that you mould pe- ri(h for ever , that prefer husks among fwine, before the milk and wine, the fweer and precious things of the Gofpel , that are freely and fweetly offered to you 5 gh:. Well finners, remember this, 'tis not fo much the fenfe of your unworthinefs, as your pride , that keeps you off from a blelTed doling with the Lord Jefus. 'the third Device that Satan hath to kgcp poor finners from believing, from clofmg with a Saviour , i/, BY fuggefting to them the want of fuch and fuch preparations and qualificati- ons. Saith Satan, Thou art not prepared to entertain CbrifU thou art not thus and thus humbled and juftiried b thou art not heart-fick of tin , thou bait not been under horrours and terrours as fuch and fuch ^ thou mud ftay till thou art prepared and qualified to receive the Lord Jefus, &:. Now Device* 2X Precious Remedies i. Remedy. vtat.9.9. Luke 19 9. Ads 16. No*? ffo Remedies agalnfl this Device, are thefe. the firfi Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan , is, fo- Iemnly to confider , That fuch as have not been Co and fo prepared and qua- lified , as Satan fuggefts , have received Chrift, believed in Chrift, and been faved by Chrift. Matthew was called, fitting at the receipt of Cuftome, and ther£ was fuch power went along with Chrifts call, that made him to follow him. We read not of any horrours or terrours, &c. that he was under before his being called by Chrift. Pray what preparations and quali- fications were found in Zacheuf, Paul, the Jaylnr, and Lydia before their converfion. God brings in fome by the fweet and ftill voice of the Gofpel, and ufually fuch thit ire thus brought into Chrift , are the fweeteft, humbleft, choiceft, and fruitful- left Chriftians. God is a free agent to work by Law or Gofpel > by fmiles or frowns , by prcfenting Hell or Heaven to limners fouls. God thunders from Mount Sinai upon fome foqls,and conquers them by thundering. God fpeaks \o others in a ftill voice , and by that conquers them. You that are brought to Chrift by the Law jfgainfl Satans Devices. 32 y Law , do not you judge and condemn them that are brought to Chrift by the Gofpel: And you that are brought to Chrift by the Gofpel , do not you defpife thofe that are brought to Chrift by the Law. Some are brought to Chrift by fire, ftorms, and tempefts, others by more ea- fie and gentle gales of the Spirit. The Spi- rit is free in the works of converfion, and as the wind, it blows when, where, and how it pleafes. Thrice happy are thofe fouls that are brought to Chrift, whether it be in a winters night, or in a fummers day. T'be fecund Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, fo- lemniy to dwell upon thefe following Scriptures, which do clearly evidence, that poor finners which are not fo and fo prepared and qualified to meet withChrift, ,to receive and embrace the Lord Jcfus Chrift, may notwithftandingthat, believe I in Chrift, and reft and lean upon him for happinefs and blclTedntfs, according to the Gofpel. Read Prov. 1*20. ult. and chap. 8. I i.to 11. and cbap>?. j. tod. Ezek^i6. i. • to 14. John $.14.. to 18. $6.Rev.3* 1.5. to 20. Here the Lord Jtfus Chrift iunds I knocking at the Laodiceans door,he would fain have them to fup with him, and that I he Rom. 14. John j. 8, Remedy. 3*4 Precious Remedies 3. Kemedy» Rom.4 ?. God juftifies ;he ungodly. he might Tup with them > that is , that they might have intimate communion and fellowlhip one with another. Now pray tell me,what preparations or qualifications had thefe Laodiceans to en- tertain Chrift ? furely none,for they were luke-warm, they were wither hot nor cold, they were wretched, and mifer able, and poor, and blind, and nailed, and yet Chrift to (hew his free grace, and his condifcending love > invites the very worft of finners to open to him, though they were no wayes fo or fo prepared or qualiiied to entertain him. 'the third Remedy A Gainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider, That the Lord does not in all the Scripture, require fuch and fuch preparations and qualifications be- fore men come to Chrift, before they be- lieve in Chrift , or entertain, or embrace the Lord Jefus. Believing in Chrift is the great thing that God preiTcs upon finners throughout the Scripture : as all know, that know anything of Scripture. Obje&. Bat does not Chrift fay, Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy la- den, and I will give you reft. To this I (hall give thefe three Anfwers. 1 That j4ga'tnjl Sat am Devices. 325 1. That though the Invitation be to fuch that Labour and are heavy laden-, yet the promife of giving reft, it's made over to coming, to believing. 2. Ianfwer, That all that this Scripture proves and (hews, is, That fuch as labour under fin, as under a heavy burden , and that are laden with the guilt of tin , and fenfe of Gods difpleafure, ought to come to Chrift for reft •> But it doth not prove that only fuch muft come to Chrift , nor that all men muft be thus burthened, and laden with the fenfe of their lins, and the wrath of God , before they come to Chrift. Poor finners , when they are under the fenfe of fin, and wrath of God, they are prone to run from creature to creature, and from duty to duty , and from Ordi- nance to Ordinance, to rind reft i and if theycould find it in any thing, or Crea- ture , Chrift mould never hear of thtm : But here the Lord fweetly invites them \ and to encourage them, he engages him- felf to give them reft. Come (faith ChriftJ and I will give you refh Tie not (hew you Reft , nor barely tell you of Reft , but I mil give you reft. I am faithfulnefs it felf, and cannot lie, I mil give you reft. I that have the greateft power to give it , the greateft will to give it, the greateft right to give it. Come laden finners^and I will give ' yr>u Mar. 1 1. 28. Opened and cleared. (Precious Remedies 4. Remedy. you reft. Reft is the moft defireable good, the moft (ui table good , and to you the greateft good. Come, faith Chrift, that is, Believe in me, and I wiU give you reft, I will give you peace with God, and peace with confcience : I will turn your ftorm into an everlafting calm. I will give you fuch reft, that the world can neither give to you, nor take from you. 3. Ianfwer. No one Scripture fpeaks out the whole mind of God ■■> therefore do but compare this one Scripture with thofefeveral Scriptures that are laid down in the fecond Remedy laft mentioned, and it will clearly appear , that though men are not thus and thus burden'd and laden with their iins , and rilled with horrour and terrour, if they may come to Chrift, they may receive and embrace the Lord Jefus Chrift. 'the fourth Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, To confider, That all that trouble for fin, all that for row, (hame and mourn- ing which is acceptable to God, and de- lightful to God, and prevalent with God, flows from faith in Chrift, as the ftream doth from the fountain, as the branch doth from the root, as the erfed: doth from the caufe, Zee. 12.1c Tbey Jkati look^ on\ —J — Againjl Sat am Devices 3*7 Rom. 4. if. 4.. Device* on him rvbum they have pierced^ and they jbal mourn for him. AllGoipel mourning flows from believing •> they (hall ririt look, and then mourn. All that know any thing, know this, that, What ever is not offaithjs fin. Till men have faith in Chrift, their belt fervices are but glorious iins. The Fourth Device that Satan hath to kfep poor finners from be lieving.fr om clofing with a Saviour , i/, BY fuggefting to a tinner Chrifts unwil lingnefs to fave. 'Tis true, faith Sa- tan, drift is able to fave thee, but is he willing > Surely, though he be able, yet he is not willing to fave fuch a wretch as thou art, that halt trampled his blood under thy feet, and that haft been in open re- bellion againll him all thy days, &c: The Remedy agalnfi this Device of Sdtdn 2/, briefly to confider tbefe few things. Fiji. THe great journey that he hath taken! Ia R €m edy. from Heaven to earrh,on purpofe to fave finners, doth ftrongly demonftrate his willingnefs to fave them, M*t.$. 13. I came not to call the righteous, but [inner s to repentance-. 1 Tim. 1; f$. This is a faithfulX I _ ... * — —feiL ,i8 Vrec'tous ^tnediet From the Cradle to the Crofs, his whole life was a life of fuffcrings. i Cor. *. 19. 20. faying, and worthy of all acceptation , t\yat j.efus Chrifl came into the world to fave fin- ntrs^ of reborn I am chief* Secondly, His diverting himfclf of his glory in order to tinners falvation,fpeaksout his willingnefsto favethem. He leaves his fathers boibm, he puts orf his glorious robes, and lays afide his glorious crown, and bids adieu to his glittering Courtiers the -Angels-, and all this he doth, that He may accomplifh finners falvation. thirdly. THat Tea of fin, that fea of wrath, that fea of trouble, that fea of blood rhaf Jefus Chrift wadeth through, that iinners might be pardoned, juftiried, reconciled and laved, doth ftrongly evidence his wil- lingnefs to fave iinners. Fourthly, His fending his Ambafladors early an4 late, to woo and intreat iinners to be reconciled to him.doth with' open mouth (hew his readinefs and willmgnefs to fave finners. jigainfl Satans Devices. 329 Fifthly. His complaints againft fuch as refufe him, and that turn their backs upon him, and that will not be faved by him, doth ftrongly declare his willingnefc to favethem, John 1. 11. He came to bis own , and hit own received Inm not. So in John 5. 40. But ye will not come to me> thit ye may have life. Sixthly. THe joy and delight that he takes at the converfion of finners , doth demonftrate his willingnefs that they fhould be faved,L«i^e 15.7. Ifay'untoyou^ thatlikgrvifejoyJhaUbe in Heaven over one finner that repentetb, more than over ninety and nine jufi ferfons which need no repen- tance. God the Father rejoyceth at the re- turn of his Prodigal Son i Chrift rejoyccs to fee the travel of his foul i the Spirit re- joyccs that he hath another Temple to dwell in i and the Angels rejoyce that they have another Brother to delight in, &c. X 2 71* ■ Ifa. 73. II. 3* (Preciou* (Remedies Vivc'ie* Rctncdy< the Fifth Device that Satan bath to kgep poor finders from bclieving-from clofing with a Saviour, is± BY working a (inner to mind more the fecret decrees and counfels of God, than his own duty. What needtit thou to butie thy jfelf about receiving, embracing, and entertaining of Ouift? iaith Satan \ it thca art«ekded, thou (bait be faved h if not, all that thou canft do, will do thee no good. Nay, he will work the foul not onely to doubt of its election, but to con- clude that he is not elected, and theretore let him do what he can, he (hall never be faved. Not? the Remedies againfl this Device are theft. Ihefirft Remedy AGainft this Device of Satan, is, feri- oufly to confider, That all the An- gels in Heaven, nor all the men on earth, nor all the Devils in Hell cannot tell to the contrary,but that thou mayeft be an elect perfon, a chofen veiTcl. Thou may eft be confident of this, that God never made Satan one of his Privy Council, God ne- ver acquainted him with the names or L_ JE: Againjl Satans Devices. n peribns ot iiich that he hath fet his love upon to eternity, &c. 'the fecond Remedy AGiinft this Device oC Satan, is, To meddle with that which thou haft to do. Secret things belong to the Lord, but revealed things belong to thee ; Thy work (inner, is to be peremptory in be- lieving, and in returning to the Lord =, thy work is tocaft thy felt upon Chr ill, lie at his feet, to wait on him in his ways, and to give him no reft, till he (hall Cay, S n- ner, I am thy pcr:ion,I am thy falvation, and nothing (hall (ep.rate between thee and me. 2. Remedy, Dsut.19.a9. (Here 35* Precious (Remedies (Here followeth) SEVEN CHARACTERS Of Falfe Teachers. Which let me add for a clofe, Viz. Ad> 10. 18, iCur. iM3> If* Hphef. 4- 1 4* t Tim.3.4j3> Tit. 1 li»w. iTcts. 18,19. Tl >/ Hat Satan labours might and main by falfe Teachers, which are his MeiTengcrs and Ambaffadors to deceive, delude, and for ever undo the precious fouls of men. Jer. 23 •f 3 . 1 have fcen folly in the Prophets oj Samaria, , they prophefied in Baal , and cjttfed my people Jfrael to err, Mic. 3. 5 The Prophets makg my people to err. They (educe them, and carry them out of the right way into by-paths , and blind thickets of Error, Blafphemy and Wick ednefs, where they are loft for ever : Be* rvari jfga'mji Satans Devices. m wa re of falfe Prophets* for they come to you injhecps chathing* but inwardly they are ravening Wilves. Thefe lick and fuck the blood of fouls, Phil. 3.2. Beware ofdogf, beware of evil workers, beware of the conci- fion. Thcfe kifs and kill, thtfe cry, Peace, peace , till fouls fall into everlaiting flames, &c. Now the beft way to deliver poor fouls from being deluded and deitroyed by thtfe MefTengcrs of Satan, is to difcover them in their colours, that fo being known, poor fouls may flYun them, and fly from them, as from Hell it fcl/. Njw yon may kriow them by thcfe Characters following. 'the firft Characlcr. 1. T?Alfe Teachers are Men-plcafers : JT They preach more to pleafe the eaT, than to prorit the heart, J fa. 3 c. 10. Which fay to the Seers, fee not, and to the Prophets, Prophefie not unto us right things \ fpeak>, to us jmiath things* prdpMfie deceits., Jerem. 5. 30, 3 1. A wonderful and hirribU thingvi committed in the Land. The Frophctj prophefie fa Ifly, and the Piitjh bear rale by their means, and my people hvc to have itfv. And what will you d<) in the end there ;f. They handle holy things rather with wit and 2 4 dal- Mat. 7 14,15. Prov. But fo are not :ruc Teachers, Gal. 1 10. 1 Theii. ». 1, 334 frecigut Remedies whiltt an Ah dalliance, than w ; th for and reverence, is (hoplced under the be'.- !y, you may lay en his hack what burthen ycu pleafe. Jer 13*16,17, Falfc Teachers are §oul : undoers , they are like evil Chyrurgions tnat skin over the wound, but never heal if. flattery undid Ahab and Herod, Ntro arid Alex- ander. Falfe Teachers are Hells greateft eiirichers. Non acerba,fid blanda, Nj that b!a r - :ihemous A- theift,rermeih him rhe cruci- fied Cozener. M3r.2 4.4>5> Ii,i4- Tit.i 10. John 16,7. Rom. 1 6. 8. own w (precious G(emedies Luther com- plained Oi fuch in h.s time> that would (train at a gnat,and fwallow a Ca- mel. Thisa^e is full of fuch Teach ers/uch Monftcrs. The Hi&h Priefts fpiric, Mat. jo.6 Jiv«sand thrives in thefe days. own heart , and not out of the mouth of the L*rd. Are there not multitudes in this nation , whofe vifions are but golden de- lufions, lying vanities, brainfick phan- tafies i thefe are Sifans great benefa&ors and fuch as Divine Juftice will hang up in Hell as the greateft Malefa&ors, if the Phyfician of fouls do not prevent it, &c. the fourth Chara&er. 4. T^Alfe Teachers eafily pafs over the Ml great and weighty things both of Law and Gofpel , and (land mofc upon thofe things that are of leaft moment and concernment to the fouls of men, 1 7zw. 1 • 5^,7. Now the end of the Commandment is Charity , out of a pure heart, and of a good Confeience y and of faith unfeigned. From which fome having fwerved, have turned afide unto vain jangling, deftring to.be lea- chers of the Law , and underftand neither what they fay, nor whereof they affirm, Mat. 23.23 . Woe unto you Scribes and Pharifees > Hypocrites, for ye pay T'ythe of Mint , and Annife, and Cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the Law , Judgment, Mercy , and Faith \ thefe ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undon* Fallt Teachers are nice in the leiTer things of the Law, and as negligent in the greater, 1 Tim.6. 3,4,5. V an y mJH t€ac ^ °*k er - wife, jfgainji Satans Devices. wife , and confent not to wholefome words, even the words of our Lord Jefus Chri[i,and to the doftrine which is according to godli- nefs, He is proud, knowing nothing, but dot- ing about quejiions andftrife of words, where- of cameth envy, firife, railings, evil furmi- fings , perverfe difputings of men of corrupt minds, and dcftitute of the truth, fuppofing that gain is godlinefs, from fuch withdraw thyfelf If fuch Teachers are not Hypo- crites in grain, t know nothing, Row.2. 2 2. The Earth groans to bear them, and Hell is fitted for them, Mi*/. 2 4. ulu 7he fifth Chjrafier. 5. T?Alfe Teachers cover and colour Jl their dangerous Principles and foul Impoliures, with very fair fpeeches, and plaulible pretences j with high notions, and golden expreffions. Many in thefe days are bewitcht and deceived by the magnificent words , lofty itrains , and flately terms of deceivers, viz* Illumi- nation , Revelation , Deification , fiery Triplicity, &c. as Strumpets paint their faces , and deck and perfume their beds, the better to allure and deceive fimple fouls , fo falfe Teachers will put a great deal of paint and garnifh , upon their molt dangerous Principles , and blafpe- mics , that they may the better deceive and 357 2 Cor.11.13> »4,If. 18. Mat 1 6. 6,\ ft U>W5 35* Precious fymedies For flume ((ays EfiBctns ro his Stoicksj Htker live as Sccicks or cave oft the name « 4 f Sto- cks ; T"C \ppliption is eafi- and delude poor ignorant (ouls. They know fugred poyfon goes down (weedy j they wrap up their moft pernicious (foul- killing; Pills in gold. Weigh the Scri- ptures in the Margen'. In the days of Hadrian the Emperour, there was one Bencosby gathered a multi- tude of Jews together, and Called himfelf Be-cocuba, the Son of a Star, applying that Promife to himfelf, Ntem.23. 17. But he proved Barcbofiba^thz Son of a lye. And (b will all falfe Teachers, for all their flou- ri(hes, prove at laft the Sons of lies. the fixth Charatttr* 6. T^Alfe Teachers ftrive more to win JT over men to their opinions, then to better them in their converfations , Mit. 23.15. Woe unto you Scribes and Vhari-r fees , Hypocrites , for ye eompafs Sea and Land to makg one Prnfclitc, and when he is nude, ye makg him two-fold more tin child of Hell then your felves. They bulk them- telves molt about mens heads \ their work is not to better mens hearts , and mend their lives ; And in this they are very much like their father the Devil , who will fpare no pains to gain Profelites. I'h jfgainft Satans Devices. yg 'Ibefeventh Char after* FAlfe Theachers make Merchandize of their followers , 2 F?*.2. 1.2,3. \But there werefalfe Prophets alfo among the ■people, even as there Jhall be falfe Teachers I among you y who privily Jhall bring in dam- \ nable herefies , even denying the Lord that \ bought them, and bring upon themfelves fwift dejhu&ion* Ahdmany Jhall follow their pernicious wayes^by reafon of whom the way j of truth Jhall be evil fpoken of. And through I covetoufnefs JhaU they with feigned words \makg merchandife of you *> who] e judgment I now of a long time lingnth not , and their \ damnation Jlumbreth not. They eye your goods more than your good *, and mind more the ferving of themfelves, than the faving of your fouls : So they may have I your fubftance , they care not though Sa~ • tan has your lbuls,K«'. 18.11,12,13. That 'they may the better pick your purie, they ■ will hold forth (uch Principles as are very indulgent to the flefh. Falfe Teachers are the great worihippers of the golden Calf, Jer& 13. Now Crates threw his money in- to the Sea, refolving to drown it, left it ihoiild drown him. But f dfe T< achers care rot who they drown, fo they may have their money. 34<> Precious 0} PROPOSITIONS Concerning SATAN And His DE Tl?e fir (I (Proportion, is this 1. Propoft'w, THat though Satan hath his Devi- ces to draw foals to fin , yet we muft be careful that we do not lay all our temptations upon Satan, that we do not wrong the Devil,and father that upon him, that is to be fathered up- on our own bafe hearts. I think that oftentimes men charge that upon the Devil , that is to be charged upon their own hearts , And the Lord faidun^ the\ Gen y 13. rvontj*. 34* (Precious Remedies Rom. 6. ult. Mat. 5. 19* Cum prlmum ftfcmxr in amni contUuo pivitaXt va- fmur. Wc are no fooner born, than buried in a bog of wicked- nek. Tally. Jude 15. 16". Woman , what is this that thou haft done 1 and the Woman faid , the Serpent beguiled me,and I did eat. Sin and (hitting came in- to the world together.This is no fmal bafe- nefs of our hcarts,that they will be naught, I , very naught , and yet will father that naughtinefs upon Satan. Man hath an evil root within him i that were there no Devil to tempt him , nor no wicked men in the world to entice him, yet that root of bitternefs , that curfed finful na- ture that is in him , would draw him to fin, though he knows beforehand , that the wages of fin is eternal death* For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders , a* dulteries, fornication, thefts, falfe mtneffes, blajphemies* The whole frame of man is out of frame , the understanding is dark , the will crofs,the memory flippery,the affecti- ons crooked, the confeience corrupted, the tongue poyfoned , and the heart wholly evil, only cvil,and continually evil. Should God chain up Satan , and give him no liberty to tempt or entice the ions of men to vanity or folly i yet they would not, yet they could not but fin againft him, by reafon of that cuifed nature that is in them, that will ftill be a provoking them to thofe fins that will provoke and ftir up the anger of God againft them. Satan hath only a perfwading flight, not an enforcing migfct ^ he may tempt us, but Concerning Satan. 343 but without our (elves, he cannot conquer us, he may entice us, but without our fclves he cannot hurt us. Our hearts carry the greateft ihoke in every iin. Satan can never undo a man without himfelf, but a man may eafily undo himfelf without Sa- tan. Satan can only prefent the golden cup, but he hath no power to force us to drink the poyfon that is in th$ cup-, he can onely prefent to us the glory of the world, he cannot force us to fall down and wor- fhip him, to enjoy the world > he can only fpread his fnares,he hath no power to force us to walk in the midft of his fnaresithere- fore do the Devil fo much right, as not to excufe your felves, by your acculing him, and laying that load upon him, that you (hould lay upon your own hearts. Tbeficond Proportions is % great hand and 'Twas Satan that THat Satan hath a lhoke in.moft (ins. tempted our firft Parents to rebellion. 'Twas Satan that provoked David to number the people. 'Twas Satan that put Peter upon rebuking Chrih* therefore faith Chriit, Get thee behind me Satan. 'Twas Satan that put Cain upon murthering of righteous Abel : therefore 'tis that he is called a Murtberer from the beginning. 'Twas Satan that put Treafon into the A a heart Jam-s 1.4. T3 xv9 n*p rvfjutjdt. The fire is our vYood f chough ic be rhe Devils flame. m*m 1. Proportion. Geiv 3 1,4,5. i Chron.riji. Mat. 16.2*325. 1 John & 44. 344 (Propojitions John ij. 2. Aft* J.J. Diabotus ten- tat y Pint pro- hat. Tertul. $.?T*2*f heart of Judas againft Chrift ; And [upper being endcdy the Devil having put into the heart of Judas IJcariotySintansforiyto betray him. 'Twas Satan that put Ananias upon lying : Peter (aid, Ananias jvhy hath Satan filled thine heart to lye to the Holy Ghoft ? As the hand of Joab was in the tale of the woman of Tefy<*&,fo Satans hand is ufually in all the tins that men commit. Such is Satans malice againft God, and his envy againft man, that he will have a hand one way of other in all the fins > though he knows that all the (ins he provokes others to,thal! be charged upon him to his great- er wo, and eternal torment. Ambrofe brings in the Devil boafting againft Chrift,and challenging Judas as his own:He is not thine Lord Je(us,he is mine* his thoughts beat for me ; he eats with thee, but is fed by me \ he takes bread from thee, but money from me y he drinks wine with thee, and (tils thy blood to me Such is his malice againft Chrift, and his wrath and rage againft man, that he will take all advantages to draw men to that, that may give him advantage to triumph over Chrift and mens (buls for ever. Ithe third Propofitiony */, THat Satan muft have a double Ieav< before he can do any thing againft us He muft have leave from God, and leave from Concerning Satan. 345 from our felves,beforc he can ad any thing againft our happinefs > he muft have his commiilion from God, as you may fee in the example of Job *, though the Devil had malice enough to deitroy him, yet he had not fo much as power to touch him, till God gave him a Commiilion. They could not fo much as enter into the Swine, without leave from Chrift. Sa- tan would fain have combated with ?eter y but this could he not do without leave. Sat an hatb defired to baveym^ to winnow you.So Satan could never have overthrown Abab and Saul y bur by a Commiilion from God. Ah ! what a cordial, what a comfort mould this be to the Saints, that their greateft, fubtilleft and watchfulleft enemy, cannot hurt nor harm them,with- out leave from him who is their fweetcft Saviour, their deareft Husband, and their choiceft friend. And as Satan muft have leave from God, fo he muft have leave of us. When i he tempts, we muft aflent i when he makes offers, we muft hearken i when he con> mands, we muft obey, or elfe all his la- ibour and temptations will be fruftrate ; and the evil that he tempts us to, (hall be [put down onely to his account.That's a re- markable paffage in Ads %^Wby bath Ss- \tan filled thy bean to lye u the holy Gboft ? He doth not expoftulate the matter with A a 2 Satan Job 1. 1 1, lx. Chap.i.j,4,j. Luke 8. 3*. Luke 22, ij. i Kings 22. Jdvtrfma poteft'U mil habct vim co- Z?nd' ftdptr- fuadendL IRo- dore. / 34' (propofittons I They are the ; worlt and grofleft Jyars, who pre:end Religion and the Spim,and yet are afted j only by carnal principle*, to carnal ends. 4- Propofition. Ephef. 6\i3. Satam he doth not fay Satan JFhy haft thou filled Ananias heart to makg him lye to the Holy Ghoft ? But he expoftulates the cafe with A nanias, P et er faid , An a nias, Why hath Satan filled thine Ixart to lye to the Holy Ghoft ? Why halt thou given him an ad- vantage to till thy heart with iniidelity,hy- pocrilie, and obftinate audacity, to lye to the Holy Ghoft ? As if he had (aid, Satan could never have done this in thee (which will now for ever undo thee) unlefs thou hadft ftrft given him leave. If when a temptation comes, a man cries our, and faith •, Ah Lord ! here is a temptation that would force me, that would dcflour my foul , and I have no ftrcngth to wirh- ftand it i Oh ! help, help, for thy honors fake, for thy Sons fake , for thy promife fake i 'tis a iign that Satan hath not gain- ed your content , but committed a rape upon your fouls, which he (hall dearly pay for. 'the fourth Propofition, it, THat no weapons but fpiritual wea- pons will beufeful and ferviceable to the foul in righting and combating with the Devil •■> this the Apoftle (hews, Where- fore tahg unto you (faith he) the whole ar- mor of God, that ye may be able to ft and in the evil day, and having done all, to ft and. So the Concerning Satan. 347 the lame Apoille tells you fLbat the weapons of your warfare are mt carnal ', hut mighty through God y to the cifting ditcn of ftrong holds. You have not to do with a weak, but with a mighty enemy -, and therefore you had need look to if, that your wea- pons are mighty, and that they cannot be, unlefe they are fpiritual. Carnal wea- pons have no might nor fpirit in them to- wards the making of a conquett upon Sa- tan. 'Twas not Davids fling nor ftone, that gave him the honor and advantage of fetting his feet upon Goliah, but his faith in the name of the Lord of Hoft.TVw comeft tome with a fword, with afpear, and with ajhield > but I am come to th:c in the name of the Lord of Hojl, the God of the Ar- \ mies of Ifraelywhom thou haft defied. He that rights againft Satan, in the (trength of his own reiblutions, constitution or educati- on, will certainly flie and fall before him : Satan will be too hard for fuch a foul,and lead him captive at his pleafure. The one- ly way to ftand, conquer and triumph, is ftill to plead, 'Ttf written, as Chriit did. There is no fworcf, but the two-edged fword of the Spirit, that will be found to be mettle of proof, when a foul comes to engage againft Satan : Therefore when you are tempted to uncleanncfs , plead, te fU written^ Be ye holy, as I am holy \ and, Let us cletnfe our felves from all filthinefs of Aa 3 the i Cor. lo. 4. We read of many that ouc of great- nefs of f r 'irit, could offer violence to nature, bur were at a lols when they came to deal with a cor- mption, or a remptatijn. 1 Sam. 17. 4*. Hcradius hii Morto was ( 4 Deo viflo'ix. ) It is God that gives victory. And that fhou'd be every Chrifli- an\ Slotto. Mar. 4. 10. A H 8 (Propofitions i Cor. ?. J. Chap.l. l>fal. 34- 9- Jb V 9- Jer. 31 40. [fi. 4©- 31. Micah 7. 19. theflejh andjpirit, perfecting bolinefsin the Lord, If he tempts you to diftruft Gods Providence and Fatherly care of you,plead, '7*/ written^ They that fear the Lord, Jhall want nothing that is good, 'Tis written, The Lord will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that purely live* If he tempt you to fear,that you (hall faint,and fafl,ind ne- ver be able to run to the end of the race that is ftt before you, plead, y Tis written, the righteous Jhall hold on his way, and he that hath clean bands flj all be fironger and jlronzcr. I 'Tis written, Iwillmaht an everlafting] Covenant with tbcm, that J will not turn away from them, to do them gaod^ but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me, 'Tis written, ?bey that wait upon the Lord, they Jh all renew their jhengthy they ftjaV mount up with wings asEaglesjbey Jhall run,and mt be weary,and tbeyjhaliwalk^ & not faint* If Sitan tempt you to think,that becjufe your Sun for the prefent is fet in a cloud, that therefore 'twill rife no more, and that the face of God will (hine no more upon you ? that your belt days are now at an end, and that you muft fpend all your time in forrow and fighing } plead, 'tis written, He will turn again, he will have companion upon us, and caji all our fins into the depth of the fea. 'Tis Concerning Satan. 349 ' Tis written, For a final! moment have I forfakgn tbee, but with great mercies will I gather thee* In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment , but with everlafling kjndnefs will I have mercy on thee, faith the Lord, thy Redeemer* *Tis Wf itten,T£e mountains Jhall depart, and the bills be removed,but my kindnefs (hall not depart from the e t neither jh^Uthe Cove- nant of my peace be removed, faith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee. 'Tis written, Can a woman forget her [uckangclnlde, that fhe fhould not have com- pajjton on the Son of her womb? yea, they may forget^ yet will not I forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my ban,ds, thy -walls are continually before me. If ever you would be too hard for Sa- tan, and after all your affaults have your bowe abide in ftrength, then take to you the Word of God, which is "the two-edged fword of the Spirit, and the flneld of faith, whereby you pall be able to quench the fiery darts of the Vevil. 'Tis not (pitting at Sa- tans name, nor crolling your fclves, nor leaning to your own refolutions, that will get you the victory. Luther reports of Staupicius, a German Minifter, that he acknowledged himfelf, that before he came to understand aright the free and powerful grace of God, that he vowed and refolved an hundred times 1 A a 4 againft Ifa. f 4. 7. Vcrfe 8. Vcrf 11. Ha.4p. if. Verfe i6 a Ephef.tf.i. \ n therefore be skilful in the word of righteoufnefs, and in the actings of faith upon Chriit, and his vi&ory, and that crown of glory that is fet before you, and Satan will certainly fly from you, &c. Ibe fifth Frepofition, *7, THat we may read muc4i of Satans na- ture and difpofition, by the divers Names and Epithites that are given him in the Scripture. Sometimes he is called Bebomotb, which is Brajj, whereby the greatnels and brutifhnefs of the Devil is fi- gured. Thofe evil fpirits are fometimes cal- led (A'flt^oAo*) Accufers for their calumnies and (landers ^ and (to ti&l) evil ones for their malice. Satan is Advcrfarius, anad- veifary that troubleth and molelkth. A- baddoH is a dcftroyer. They are Tempters for their fuggeftion ^ Lyms y for their de- vouring '•> Dragons, for their cruelty i and Serpents for their fubtilry^c.As his names are, fo is he > as face anfwers to face, fo do Sitans names anfwer to his nature.He hath the worit names, and the worft nature of all created Creatures, &c. Ihi Concerning Satan. ?5» TbefixtbPropofition, is, THat God will (hortly tread down Sa- tan under the Saints feet. Chrift ou* Champion hath already won the field,and will (hortly fet our feet upon the necks of our fpiritual enemies. Satan is a foiled ad- verfary, Chrift hath led him captive, and triumpht oyer him upon the Crofs. Chrift hath already overcome (lim, and put wea- pons into your hands, that you may over- come him alfo, and Cct your feet upon his neck. Though Satan be a roaring Lyon, yet Chrift who is the Lyon of the Tribe of JudabfkxW make Satan file and full before you. Let Satan do his worft,yet you (hall have the honor and the happinefs to tri- umph over him. Cheer up you precious Sons of Sion, for the certainty and fweet- nefs of Vi&ory, will abundantly recom- penceyoufor all the piins you have taken in making refiftance againft Satans tem- ptations. The broken horns of Satan (hall be Trumpets of our triumph,and the Cor- nets of our joy, &c (Now 6. VYOfofition. Rom. 16. io.] tri'jjtiy from funtribo. The Gr^ek word fignifies to brealc,or crufh a thing to pie- ces. Being ap- plied to the feet '• it noteth that breaking or crufliing, which is by (lamping up- on a thing. f w fonfofawfofofoOifon&ifc Cifowhv, * (Now I fball come to) THE REASONS OF THE POINT, AND So draw to clofe , DRawn from that long experience that Satan hath had.He is a fpirit of mighty abilities '•> and his abilities to lay fnares before us,are mightily encreafed by that long funding of his i he is a fpirirof above hvt thoufand years ftanding \ he hath had time enough to ftudy all thofe ways and methods which tend moft to enfnare and undo the iouls of men. And as he hath time enough, fo he hath made it his whole ftudy, his only ftudy,hiscon- ftant ftudy, to find out fnares, depths and ftratagems, to entangle and overthrow the louls of men. When he was but a young Serpent, he did eafily deceive and out-wit our firft Parents', but now he is grown that Old Serpent, as John fpeaks > he is as old as the world, and is grown very cunning by experience. the fourth Reafin, U y IN judgement to the men of the world, that they may ftumble, and fall, and be enfnared for ever. Wicked men that with- ftand the offers of mercy, and defpife the Spirit of Grace,that will not open,though God (Rjafonsfor the Point. 355 God knocks never fo hard by his word and rod, by his Spirit and confcience,are given up by a hand of Juftice, to be hardned, deceived and enfnared by Satan, to their 1 Kings a;.»i. evcrlafting ruine : And what can be more juft, than that they mould be taken and charmed with Satans wiles, who have fre- quently refufed to be charmed"foy|he Spi- rit of Grace, though he hath charged ne- ver fo wifely, and never fo fweetlyf &c. The fifth Re jfoty tf, - - I • THat the excellency & power of Gods 5. Keafon, Grace may be the more illuftrated and manifefted, by making men able to grapple with this mighty Adverfary i arid that notwithftanding all the plots, devices and ftratagems of Satan, yet he will make them victorious here, and Crown them with glory hereafter. The greater and the fubtiler the enemies of the children of Ifrael were, the more did Divine power, wifdom and goodnefs fparkle and mine y and that notwithftanding all their power, plots, and ftratagems, &c. yet to Canaan he would bring them at laft. When Panl had weighed this,he fits down and glories in his infirmities and diftrefTes,and Satans buffetings,that the power of Chrift mighd g^ reft upon him. THE 1 Cor. iz. 7, 35^ THE USE O F T H E POINT. IF Satan hath fuch a world of Devices and Stratagems, to enfnare and undo the fouls of men.Then inftead of won- dering that fo few are fayed, fit down and wonder that any are faved, that any efcape the fnarcs of this cunning Fowler, who fpreads his Nets, and calls forth his Baits in all places, in all cafes and com- panies. But this is not the main thing that 1 intend to fpeak to , my main bulmefs (hall be, to fet before you fome fpecial rules and helps againft all his Devices. the — 1 — T — l - The life of the Point. 15 7 Prov. 15. ay. the firft Help. IF you would not be taken by any 0FjPr0v.1i.24. Satam Devices, then walk by rule. He GaU.ta. that walks by rule, walks moft fafely » he that walks by rule, walks molt nonora- bly \ he that walks by rule, walks moft fweetly. When men throw off the Word, then God throws offthem, and then Satan takes them by the hand, and leads them into fnares at his pleafure. He that thinks himfelf too good to be ruled by the Word, will be found too bad to be owned by God •, and if God do not, or will riot own him, Satan will by his ftratagems over- throw him. Them that keep to the rule, they (hall be kept in the hour of Tempta- tion > Bccaufe thou haft J^/>t the word of my patience^ I alfo will ]^tp thet from the hour of temptation , which Jh aU come upon all the mrld> to try them that dwell upon the earth * the fee md Help. AS you would not be taken with any of Satans Devices, take heed of vex- ing and grieving the holy Spirit of God. 5 Tis the Spirit of the Lord Jefus Chrift that is beft able to difepver Satans fnares unto us i 'tis onely he that can point out all Rev. 10. 3. Stiritm (ax- ftus eft res de~ licit a. The Di- vine Spirit is a very render thing : If you grieve 35» The life of the Point, him, be will certainly grieve and vex your pre- cious fouls, Lam. 1. 16. Ifa. 6> 10. Pfal. 75. a, j. 1 Thef 5 19. AcTts 2. I}. 1 John 4. 4. I all his plots, and difcover all his methods, and enable men to efcape thofe pits that he hath digged for their precious fouls. Ah ! if you fet that fweet and blefTed fp j- rit a mourning, that alone can ft cure you from Satans depths, by whom will you be fecured ? Man is a weak Creature, and no way able to difcover Satans fnares, nor to avoid them, unlefs the Spirit of the Lord gives skill and power > therefore whoever be grieved, be fure the Spirit be not grieved by your enormities, nor by your refufing the cordials and comforts that he fets be fore you,nor by (lighting and defpifing his gracious actings in others, nor by calling lincerity, hypocrilie > faith, fancy, &c. nor by fathering thofe things upon the Spirit, that are the brats and fruits of your own hearts, the Spirit of the Lord is your Counfeller,your Comforter, your Uphold er,your Strengthener.'Tis onely the Spirit that makes a man too great for Satan to conquer. Greater is he that is'tn yon> than he that is in the world. Tbe The life of the 'Point. 359 The third bety. IF you would not be taken with any of Satans Devices, then labour for more heavenly wifdom : Ah fouls ! you are much in the dark, you have but a little to that others have, and to that you might have had, had you not been wanting to your felves. There are many knowing fouls, but there are but a few wife fouls \ there is oftentimes a great deal of know- ledge, where there is but a little wifdom to improve that knowledge \ knowledge without wifdom, is like mettle in a blind horfe, which is often an occafion of the Riders fall, and of his bones being juftled againft the walls. 'Tis not the moft knowing Chriftian , but the moft wife Chriftian, that fees, avoids and efcapes Satans fnares. The way of life is above to the wife (faith Solomon) that he may depart from Hell beneath. Heavenly wifdom makes a man delight to fly high j and the higher any man flies, the more he is out of the reach of Satans fnares : Ah fouls ! you had need of a great deal of heavenly wifdom, to fee where, and how Satan lays his baits and fnares i and wifdom to find out proper Remedies againft his Devices •, and wifdom to apply thofe Remedies feafonably, inwardly, and Bb etfe&u- Ifmen could but fee the fair face of wifdom with mortal eyes, they would be in love with her,faith Plato* Sin prudema (imptickas dulntid eft. Druiius, Prov. i$. 24. Matim pmden- tia outturn quamfaecun- dioris fort una ptlam, faid A Serpents eye is a Angu- lar ornament in aDoyes head. 360 ~ TbeUje of the faint, Gcn.j. Jam:s 4. 7. Bfhettiit. effectually to your own hearts,that fo you may avoid the fnares which that evil one hath laid for your precious (bub. 'f he fourth Help* IF you would not be taken with any of Satatts Devices, then make prefent re- finance againft Satatts firft motions i 'tis life to relilt, 'tis dangerous to difpute , Eve difputes and falls in Paradice > Job re- iifts, and conquers upon the dunghil. He that will play with Satatts bait,will quick- ly be taken with Satans hook. The pro- mife of conqueft is made over to relimng, not to disputing ', Refift the Uevil> andie Jhallftie from you. Ah fouls ! were you better at retiittng, than at deputing (though happily you are not very expert at either) your temptations would be few- er, and your itrength to itand would be greater than now it ^ e^V- tht fifth Help. IF you would not be taken with any of Satatts Devices, then labour to be rilled with the Spiritjthe Spirit of the Lord is a Spirit of light and power, and what can a foul do without light and power againft fpintual wickgdneffes in high places. 3 Tis' not enough that you have the Spirit, but you TblUfeofthfoitu. TT] you mult be tilled with the Spirit, or clie (Satan) that evil fpirit will be too hard for you, and his plots will profper againft you. That's a fwcet word of the Apoftle, Be filled with the Spirit i i. e. Labour for a- bundance of the Spirit, he that thinks he hath enough of the Holy Spirit,will quick- ly find himfelf vanquished by the evil fpi- rit. Satan hath his fnares to take you in profperif y and adverlity,in health and fick- nefs, in ftrength and weaknefs, when you are alone, and when you are in company i when you come on to fpiritual duties,and when you come off from fpiritual duties : and if you are not filled with the Spirit, Satan will be too hard,and too crafty for you, and will eafily and frequently take you in his fnares, and make a prey of you in fpight of your fouls i therefore labour more to have your hearts filled with the Spirit,than to have your heads filled with notions,your (hops with wares,your chefts with iilver,or your bags with gold,fo (hall you efcape the fnares of this fowler, and triumph over all his plots, &c. Bb 2 the Ephef. ?. 18. •An?«e&J> To be til eJ with the fyirir, as the fails of a foipisfiikd with wind. Luther faith, a holy gluttony is t't lay on,to feed hr.rd,and to fetch htlrty draughts, till they ; )e even drunk w.t'i Iovts,3ndwith the abundance of the Spirit ^ Ohhhat there were more or fuch holy gluttony :n the world- }6x The Ufe of the foint, 'Th reported ofSjtan, that he (houM (ay thus of a lear- ned man (t:i mejewper vin- cisj thou doft always over- come me : when I would :xalt and pro- mote thee, thou keepeft fhyfelf m humility, and .when I would throw thee down, thou lifreftup thy felf in aflii- rance of faith. Pfal. 15. 9- Ifa. 1 7 . U. James 4. 6. the fixth Help. IF you would not be taken in any of Satans (hares, then keep humble : An humble heart will rather lie in the duft, than rife by wickednefs, and fooner part with all, than the peace of a good confcience. Humility keeps the foul free from many darts of Satans cafting, and fnares of his fpreading i as the low (hrubs are free from many violent gufts and blafts of wind, which (hake and rend the taller trees. The Devil hath leaft power to faiten a temptation on him that is rnoft humble i he that hath a gracious meafure of humility, is neither affe&ed with Satans proffers, nor terrified with his threatnings. I have read of one, who feeing in a Vifion many fnares of the De- vil fpread upon the earth, he fate down and mourned, and fa id in himfelf (Quit pertranfiet ifta ) who (hall pafs through thefe ? whereunto he heard a voyce an- fwering ( humilitas pertranfiet ) humility (hall: God hath fiid, that He mU teach the humble^ and that he will dwell with the bumble^ and that he will fill andfatisfie the humble » And if the teachings of God, the in-dwellings of God, if the pourings in of God will not keep the foul from fal- ling into Satans fnares, I do not know what TlieU/e of the Point. 3"} what will; And therefore as you would be happy in refitting Satan, and blefled in triumphing over Satan and all his fnares, keep humble, I fay again, keep humble, &c. The feventh Help. IF you would not be taken in any of Sa- tans fnares, then keep a ftrong, clofe, and conftant match h a fecurc foul is al- ready an infnared foul : That foul that will not watch againft temptations, will certainly fall before the power of temp- tations : Satan works moil ftrongly on the fancy , when the foul is drowfie. The fouls fecurity is Satans opportunity to fall upon the foul , and to fpoil the 'foul, as J ojhua did the men of Au The belt way to be fafe and fecure from all Satans aflaults, is with Nehemhb and the Jews, to watch and pray, and pray and I watch*, by this means they became too hard for their enemies, and the work of the Lord did proiper fwettly in their hands. Remember how Chrift chid his ;iluggi(h Difciples , what, amid you not watch with me one hour ? what, cannot you watch with me ? how will you then dye with me> If you cannot endure words, how will you endure wounds, &c. Satan always keeps a crafty and malicious ^ Bb 3 watch. i ThefT. ?. 6 We muft not be iike Apt?* ptfs dormoufe ; that would not awake,till cart into til- ing Jead : b'ifc effectually mind fhele following Scriptures w&ereifi this duty of wjtchfulnefs is fo fln&ly enjoyned. M&M* 4'- Cha?. 26.4.1 Mirk 15. j J> Luke 21. 39. 1 and while we keep a ftr ; dt watch,we are fafei a watchful foul, is afoul upon the wing, a foul out of Gun-(hot, a foul upon a Rock, a foul in a Caftle, a foul above the clouds, a ioul held faft in everlafttng ttms. I (hall conclude this feventh head with this advice, Remembex the Dragon is fubtle, and bites the Elephants ear, and then fucks his blood, becaufe he knows that to be the onely place which the Ele- phant cannot reach with his trunck to dsfend, fo our enemies arefo fubtil, that they will-bite us, and ftrike us where they may moft mi {"chief us, and therefore it doth very much concern us to ftand al- ways upon our guard. "the eighth Help. IF you would not be taken with any of Satans fnares and Devices, then keep up your communion with God > your ftrength to ftand , and withftand Satans fiery darts, is from your communion with God i a foul high in communion with God may be tempted, but will not eaiily be conquered, fuch a foul will fight it out to the death *, Communion with God furnilheth the foul with the great- eft and the choiceft arguments to with- ; " B b 4 ftand 1 Cor. 6. ip. The worJ* nre very %- nificant in the Original, here are r wo ins, ^ if God could never have n?ar rnoujjh com- munion with :hem. ^66 The life of the foint. The Sea ebbs and flows, the Moon en- creafes, and ctecreafes, fo \\s with Saints in their communion with God. VI it Arch telli or EudoxtU} that he would be willirg to be burnt up prefenrly by the Sun, fo he miglitbe ad- mitted ro come lo ncai it, as to learn the nature of ir •, what fhould not we be content to fufterfor the keeping up communion with Chriit ? jftandSatans tempcations, Communion is the refult of union i, Communion is a reci- procal exchange between Chrift , and a gracious foul j Communion is Jacobs lad- der, where you have Chrift fweetly com- ing down into the foul, and the foul by divine influences fweetly afcending up to Chrift. Communion with Chrift is very inflaming, railing and ftrengthnings while Sampfon kept up his Communion with God, no enemy could ftand before him, but he goes on conquering and to conquer, but when he was fallen in his communi- on with God, he quickly falls before the plots of his enemies 5 'twill be fo with your fouls, fo long as your communion with God is kept up, you will be too hard for spiritual rrickednejfes in high -places j but if you fall from your communion with God, you will fall as others before the face of every temptation. David fo long as he kept up his communion with God, he ftands, and triumphs over all his enemies i but when he was fallen in his communion with God,then he falls before the enemies that were in his own bofom, and flies be- fore thole that purfued after his life, 'twill be fo with your fculs, if you do not keep up your communion with God. Job keeps up his communion with God, and con- quers Satan upon the dunghil. Adam lofes his communion with God, and is con- Tta M/e of the Toint. ■ ■ 3^7 conquered by Satan in Paradife. Com- munion with God is a Shield upon land, as well as an Anchor at Sea , 'tis a fword to defend you , as well as a ftarTe to fup- r port you i therefore keep up your com- munion. 1 the ninth Help. F you would not be taken in any of Sa- That is a re- markable fay-; ing of MofeSi Exod.15. God is fortitudo m:a, & lnus mca, &fdvs ftraft 3 2tf*M<*. tans fnares,then engage not againft Sa tan in your own ftrength , but be every day drawing new virtue and ftrength from the Lord Jefus. Certainly, that foul that engages againft any old, or new temptati- on, without new ftrength, new influences, ^™ h y and from on high , will fall before the power! ,Jy praife, and of the temptation : You may fee this in ' my falvatr n, Petfr, he refted uponfome old received|ajimtheab ftrength (Though all men Jhoulddeny thee, yet wiUnot I) and therefore he falls fadly before a new temptation ^ he curfes, and fwears, and denies him thrice , that had thiice appeared glorioufly to him : Ah 'Tis but look fouls ! when the (hare is fpread , look up "P f X l ™\ m . 1 r ^u a . • r fl j • ,M look unto me to Jeius Chnft , who is lilted up in the an a befaved Golpel , as the brazen Serpent was in the from the ends wildernefs ! and fay to Him, Dear Lord,' of thceanb, J here is a new fnare laid to catch my foul, r and grace formerly received without frefh [ fupplies from thy blefled bofomc, will not t deliver me from this fnare , Oh ! give me new $68 TheHfe of the Point. John XT- f. is ftorfim a mc, feparate from tne, or apart from me, ye can do no- thing. Of Carolut Ma.va.vu it was fpoken, Caro- lis plus cum Deo quam cum bomiribus lo- quirur, that he (pake more with God :han with men : ah ! tint C could fay fo of the Chrifti- an<; in our (fays. new ftrength, new power, new influences, new meafures of grace , that fo I may ef- cape this fnares. Ah fouls 1 remember this, that your ftrength to ftand, and over- come , muft not be expedted from graces received, but from the frefh, and renew- ed influences of Heaven > you muft lean more upon Chrift than upon your duties, you muft lean more upon Chrift, than up- on fpiritual tafts and difcoveries, you muft lean more upon Chrift , than upon your graces , or elfc Satan will lead you into captivity, &c. the tenth Help. IF you would not be taken in any of Sa- tans fnares , then be much in prayer i prayer is a (belter to the foul , a Sacrifice to God , and a fcourge to the Devil \ Davids heart was oft more out of tune, than his Harp \ he prays , and then , in fpight of the Devil, cries, return unto thy reft oh my foul Prayer is (Porta Coeli y Cla- vis Faradifi) the gate of Heaven,a key to let us into Paradife , there is nothing that renders plots fruitlefs like prayer, therefore faith Chrift , Watch and fray that ye enter not into temptation \ you mult watch and pray, and pray and watch, if you would not enter into temptation. When Sennacherib and Himan had laid p^ots The life of the Point. 3 69 plots and (hares to have deftroyed the Jews, they prayed, and their fouls were delivered, and Sennacherib and Haman de- stroyed. David had many (hares laid for hirr^and this puts him upon prayer i Keep me (faijh he) from tbefnare which they have laid for me, and the grins of the workers of iniquity . Let the wielded fall into their own nets,whilft that I efcape. Jhe proud Jaith he, hath hid a fnare for me, and cords, they have fpread a net by the way fide , they have fet grins for me, Selah. I [aid unto the Lord, thou art my God , hear the voice of my fup- plication,0 Lord. Saul and many others had laid fnares for David , and this puts him upon prayer •, and fo the fnares are bro- ken, and he is delivered i ah fouls ! take words to your felves , and tell God that Satan hath fpread his fnares in all pla- ces, and in all companies \ tell God that he digs deep, and that he hath plot upon plot, and device upon device, and all to undo you \ tell God , that you have nei- ther skill nor power to efcape his fnares ; [tell God, that 'tis a work too high, and I too hard for any created creature to work I your deliverance unle(s he put under his | own everlafting arms ■, tell God how his j honour is engaged to ftand by you, and to [bring you orf, that you be not ruin'd (by his plots \ tell God how the wick- ed, would triumph , if you mould tall Pfal.14T.9J10. Pfal.140. 5,5. Nunyiam abs te, abfm te ncedo. Bern. Oh Lord,faith he, I never go away from thee, without thee. Let us, faith Baftl, with a holy impu- dence, make God a(hamed that he cannut look us in the face, if he do deny our im- portunity, Jd- eib like, L wjll r,o. let ihet go, un',e:< thou blefs me- into ..I 370 The Ufe of the Point, Vfi. Pfal.IO^. 1,2 Pfal.i44.$. into Satans (hares •> tell God of the love of Chrift, of the blood of Chrift, and of the interceflion of Chrift for you, that a way may be found for your efcape ? tell God, if he will make it his honour to fave you from falling into Satans fnares , you will make it your glory to fpeak of his good- nefs, and to live out his kindnefs. Chrifti- ans muft do as Dedalm,thzt when he could not efcape by a way upon earth, went by a way of Heaven, and that is, the way of prayer, which is the only way left to efcape Satans fnares, &c. He next Ufe is a Ufe of thank fulnefs to thofe that efcape Satans fnares,that are not taken by him at his will : Ah Chri- ftians, it ftands you upon with that Prince- ly Prophet David, to call upon your fouls, and fay, blefs the Lord, oh our fouls, and all that is within us, blefs his holy name : Blefs the Lord oh our fouls , and forget not all his benefits \ who hath not given us to be a prey to Satan, and to be enfnared by thofe fnares that he hath laid for our fouls ; the fenfe of this great favour did work up Da- vids heart to prayfes ; Bleffed be the Lord (faith hc)n>ho hath not given us a prey to their teeth, our foul is efcaped as a Bird out of the fnares of the Fowlers , the fnare is brokgn^ and vpe are efcaped : Ah Christians ! Re- member, that the greatcft part of the world, The life of the Point. V i world , yea, the greateft part of Profef- fors are taken in Satans (hares \ can you think ferioufly of this , and not blulh to be unthankful \ what are you better than others ? and what have you deferved of God, or done for God more than others, that you (hould by the help of a Di- vine hand efcape the fnares, when o- thers are taken , and held in the fnares of the Devil, to their eternal overthrow, &c. Will you be thankful for the efcaping the fnares that men fpread for your lives, or eftates, &c ? and will you not be much more thankful for efcaping thofe fnares that Satan hath laid for your precious fouls ? Remember this, that deliverance from Satans fnares doth carry with it the clear- Ble^blnt to rum up rhe The Ancienrs ufe to fay, in- graium dixcris omnia dixm$> fay a man is unthankful, and fay he is any thinj. Pfal.7i.14. I will yet praife thee more and more -, in the Original 'as, I will aide to thy praife. The Stork is laid to leave one of her young ones where (he hatcheth eft, and the greateft evidence of the foul and heart of God to be towards us. Many a man by a common hand of Providence efcapes many a fnare that man hath laid for him, but yet efcapes not the fnares that Satan hath laid for him. Saul, and Judaf, and Vemaf) doubtlefs efcaped many fnares that men had laid for them , but none of them efcaped the fnares that the Devil had laid for them. Many men are lifted up above the fnares of men, by a common hand of providence y that are left to fall into the fnares of the Devil, by a hand of Juftke, firft fpring to- ward heaven, when he Com- eth ro feed, out of forne inftirtt of gra- titude } ah fouls ! that thefe may not bear witnefs againft you in the day of Chrift. 372 The life of the To'mt. Vfc. Aaflifi widietl tha: he might have fecn three things. Rome flounihing , Paul preach- iug,and Chnft converfing with men up- on the earth. B becomes after and cor- recting this ha wifh,faith, ye3, but let me fee the King in his beauty, Chrift in his heaven- ly Kingdom. Juitice , your deliverance from Satan s (hares is a fruit of fpecial love j can you thus look upon it , and not be thankful, oh precious foul ? I judge not. The laft life of this point is to befpeak Chriitians to long to be at home, oh! long to be in the boibme of Chrift, long to be in the Land of Canaan » for this world , this wildernefs is full of fnares, and all employments are full of fnares, and all enjoyments are full of fnares > in civil things, Satan hath his fnares to en- trap us i and in all fpiritual things, Satan hath his fnares to catch us. All places are full of fnares, City and Country , Shop and Clofet , Sea and Land , and all our mercies are furrounded with Glares > there are fnares about our Tables, and fnares a- bout our Beds,#r. yea,Satan is fo power- ful, and fubtil, that he f will oftentimes make our greater! , ncareft , and deareft mercies to become our greateft fnares; fometimes he will make the wife that lies in the bofome, to be a fnare to a man, as Sampfons was,and as Jobs wasi fometimes he will make the child to be a fnare , as Abfokm was, and Elks fons were i and fometimes he will make the fervant to be a fnare, as Jofefh was to his Miftrifs i Ah fouls , Sattn is fb cunning and artificial, that he can turn your cups into fnares, and your cloaths into fnares , and your houfes TljeUfeoftheToint. 373 houfes into mares, and your gardens into fnares,and all your recreations into fnares, &c. And oh ! how fhould the confidera- tion of thefe things work all your fouls to fay with the Church, Makg baft my bolovcd^ and be lik$ a Koe y or a young Hart upon the mountain of fiices^ and to love^and lool^ y and long for the coming of Chrift. Shall the ef- poufed Maid long for the Marriage day ? the Servant for his Freedom ? the Captive for his Ranfome ? the Traveller for his Inne ? and the Marriner for his Harbour ? and (hall not the People of the Lord long much more to be in the Bofome of Chrift ? there being nothing below the bofome of Chrift, that is not furrouded with Satant fnares. What Paul once fpake of bonds and afflictions, that they attended him in eve- ry place i that may all the Siints fay of Satans fnares , that they attend them in every place , which mould caufe them to cry out (migremns bine, migremus bine J let us go hence , let us go hence * and to fay with Menica, Attftins mother, * What do we here? why depart we not hence? why flye we no fwifter ? Ah fouls! till you are taken up into the bofome of Chrift your comforts will not be full, pure, and con- ftant i till then, Satan will ftill be thump- ing of you, and fpreading (hares to in- tangle you, therefore you mould alwayes be Ca»t.8.»fr. Btracb dodi flee away fpee- dily my belo- ved. Phfl.itei 2 Cor.5.2 ; 4. ASsio * Quid hie fa cifwus ? cur nan ocyus mi- gramm ? cur noi bine avo- lamus ? ili Tbelife of the Point. Rev.za. 20. It is as eafie to compifs the Heavens with a fpan> and contain the Sea in a nut-fhell, as to relate fully Chrifts excel- lencies, or Heavens hap pinefs. be crying out with the Church, Come Lord Jefits. Is not Chrift the Star of Ja- cob , that giveth light to them that are in dartyiefs f that Prince of peace, who brings the Olive-branch of Peace to fouls that are perplexed > Is not the great eft worth and wealth in him ? Is not the petty ex- cellencies and perfections of all created creatures epitomized in him ? Is not he the Crown of Crowns, the Glory of Glo- ries , and the Heaven of Heavens ? Oh then ! be ftill a longing after a full, clear, and conftant enjoyment of Chrift in Hea- ven i for till then , Satan will ftill have plots and defignes upon you \ he adte by an united power , and will never let you reft, till you are taken up to an everlafting reft in the bofome of Chrift* ■ i i F*l n I s. mmmmmm^m A TABLE Shewing the Principal things in this TREATISE. TEi E words Opened&nd the Point Proved^ from page i to page 6 Irivthe ne xt place is (hewed,7/tf feveral Devices that Satan bath to draw fouls to fin. Satans firft Device to draw the foul to fin,is, to frefent the bait y andhide the hook: Four Remedies againft this Device, from 6 to 14 His fecond Device to draw the foul to fin, is, Bj painting fin with vertues colours. Four Remedies againft this Device, from 14^0 2 1 The third Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to iin,is,By extenuating and lejfen- l g Q ffi n * Seven Remedies againti this De- ce of Satan, from 2 1 to 3 2 he fourth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to fin, is, By prefenting to the foul C c the .... -»-w .-,..— _ TbeTable. the be\i mensftns^and by hiding from the foul their virtues. Four Remedies againft this Device of Satan, from page 32. to />• 40 The fifth Device that Sit*n hatfrto draw the foul to fin, is, By prefinting God to the foul as one made up all of mercy. Five Reme- dies againft this Device, from 40. to 48 The fixth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to (in, is, By perfwading the foul that the worhjjf Repentance is an eafie wor]^ Six Remedies againft this Device, from 48 to 65 The feventh Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to (in, is, By making the foul bold to venture upon the occafions offin.fonr Remedies againft this Device, from 65 to ^4 The eighth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to fin, is, By prefentingto the foul the outward mercies that vain men en- joy ', and the outward miferies that they are freed from, whilft they have walked in the ways of fin. Eight Remedies againft thi$ Device, from 74 to 88 The ninth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to fin, is, By prefinting to the ] foul the crojfeSy the lojfes, reproa&et, farrows and fuffcrings that daily attend th of e that walk^ in the ways ofholinefs. Seven Reme- dies againft this Device, from 88 to 104 j The tenth Device that Satan hath to draw the fouls of men to fin, is, By worl^ngtben. f hi The Table. to be frequent in comparing themselves and tbeir ways with thofe that are refuted to be worfethan themfelves. Three Remedies againft this Device,from p age 104 to 108 The eleventh Device that Satan hath to draw the foul tofm js,By polluting and defi- ling the fouls and judgements of men with fuch dangerous errors, that do in their proper tendency tend to carry the fouls of men to all loofenefs and wictydnefs. Seven Remedies againft this Device, from 108 to 120 The twelfth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul to (in, is, Tre : fenting to the foul the difficulty of perform- ing them. Five Remedies againft this De- vice, from p. 1 50 to p. 1 58 The fourth Device that Satan hath to draw the foul orTfrom holy exercifes,from Reli-. gious exercife,is, By working them to mal^c falfe inferences fromthofe blcjfcd and glorious things that Chrift hath done. Five Remedies againft this Device, from p. 163.top.166. The fifth Device that Satan hath to draw fouls orTfrom Religious fervices, and to keep fouls orTfrom holy and heavenly per- formances, is^By prefenting to them tbepau- c},ty and poverty of thofe that ppall^ in the ways of God. Six Remedies againft this Device, from p. 166 to p. 175 The ilxth Device that Satan hath to keep fouls orTfrom Religious fervices,is,i>y^re- fenting before them the examples ofthegrest- eflpart of the world \that walkjn the ways of their own hearts, and that make light and flight of the ways of God. Three Remedies againft The Table. againft this Devi.cc, from page 175 top. 175? The feventh Device that Satan hath to keep fouls from holy and heavenly fer- vices, is, By calling in a multitude of vain thoughts whilft the foulti in waiting on God. Seven Remedies againft this D:vice, from 17? to 187 The eighth Device of Sitan to keep fouls from holy and heavenly fervices, is, By working them to reft in their holy per- formances. Four Remedies againft this Device, from 187 to 19 1 In the third place is (hewed, the feveral Devices Satan hath to keep (ouls in a fad,doubting and queftioning con- dition ,and they are thefe that follow. The firft Device that Satan hath to keep fouls in a fad, doubting and queftioning condition, is, By caufmg them top-ire more, and mind more their fins than their Saviour. Six Remedies againft this Device, from 191 to 2CO Thefecond Device that Satan hath to keep fouls in a fad,doubting and queftion- ing condition, is, By working them to make faife definitions of their graces. Four Reme^- dies againft this Device, from 200 to 2C<5 The third Device that Satan hath to keep fouls in afad,doubting& queftioning con- dition, is, By working the foul to makg infe- rences from the crofs atlings of Providence. Cc 3 Four Tl?e Table. Four Remedies againit this Device, from page 206 to 211 The fourth Device that Satan hath to keep poor fou!s in a fad,doubting and que- ftioning condition, is, By fuggejting that their graces are not truejbut counterfeit .Two Remedies againft thisj and in the handling of the two Remedies, ten differences are (hewed betwixt renewing grace, and re- straining grace, betwixt fancTifying grace, and temporary grace, from 2 1 1 to 224 The fifth Device that Sitan hath to keep fouls in a fad, doubting and queftioning condition is.By fuggefling to them that that conflifl that is in themes not a conflicl that is only in Saints, but fuch a cmflift that is to he found in the hearts of hypocrites and pro- phane fouls. Six Remedies againit this De- vice, from 224 to 231 . The ilxth Device that Sitan hath to keep poor fouls in a fad, doubting,& que ftioning condition, is, By fuggefling to the fou\ that certainly the foul is not good,, he- cjiufe the J out cannot joy and rcjoyce in Chrijl, of once it could. Five Remedies againft this Device, from 231 to 237 The feventh Device that Satan hath to keep poor fouls in a fad,doubting & que- ftioning condition, is, By faggefting te the foul its often relapfesinto the fame fin ^which formerly he hath purfued with particular forrotr, grief Jhame> and tears , and prayed] and The Table. and re folved againft. Six Remedies againft this Device, from page 237 to 245 The eighth Device that Satan hath to keep poor fouls in a (ad, doubting and queftioning condition is* By perfrvading them that their eftatius not good , their hearts are not upright, their graces are not found y becaufe they are fo followed, vexed and tor- mented with temptations* Several Remedies againft this Device, from 245 to 2,55 In the fourth place is (hewed the feve- ral ways and devices that Satan hath to deftroy all forts and ranks of men in the world. Firft, He hath his Devices to deftroy the Great and Honorable of the Earth i and that, Firft, By working them to make it their bufinefs tofeek^ how to great en themfelvesjo enrich themfihes, tofecure themfelves* Six Remedies againft this Device, from 255 to 267 The fecond grand Device that Sitan hath to deftroy the Great and Honorable of the Earth, is, By engaging them againft the people of the mo ft high. Four Remedies againft this Device, from 267 to 274 Secondly, Satan hath his Devices to de- ftroy the Learned, and the Wife, and that fometimes, By rrorkjng them to pride them- J elves in their parts and abilities, and to reft upon, and makg light and flight oftbofe that C c 4 want TbeTable. want their farts & abilities ,t hough they ex- cel them in grace and bolinefs. Four Reme- dies againft this D;vice,from p.274 to 280 Thirdly, Satan hath his Devices to en- fnare and deftroy the Saints, and that, By rvorkjng them firft to bfftrange, and then to be bitter and jealottf, and then to divide* Twtlve Remedies againft this Device,from 28010300 Fourthly, Satan hath his Devices to de- ftroy poor ignorant fouls, and that fome- times, By drawing them to ajfefi ignorance, and to neglect, flight and defvife the means of knowledge. Four Remedies againft this Device, from 300 to 305 An Appendix touching five more fevcral Devices that Satan hath to keep poor fouls from believing in Chrift,fiom receiving, from embracing from reftingjeaningor relying up- on Chrijifor everlafting happinefs& blejfed- nefs according to the GofpeL And Remedies againft thofe Devices, from 305 ^334 To this Impfeflion is added, Seven Cbara-> tiers offalfe Teacbers,by whomSatan labors to delude poor (outs, from 334 to 343 To prevent fome objections, iix Propofiti- o'is or Conclufions concerning Satan and his Devices are laid down,frorn 343 to 3 54 Five Reafins of the Point are laid down, from 354 to 3 58 1 JLaftIy,feveral fweet and profitable Vps of the Point, from 3 58 to the end of the Book. . The The STATIONER To the READER. CHriftian 'Reader , I thought good to prcfent to thy view, this Let- ter following, which came to my hands , being fent from one in Devon/hire , to his Brother in London, returning him much thanks for this Book, and declaring the great benefit he recei- ved by it , and the comfortable cfle&s it wrought upon him, (and I may fay, not upon him only, for I have heard of feveral others that have reaped much profit and comfort from it , and the other works of this Authors lately published) through the Lords blefling , to whom be afcribed all the glory. I was induced to publilh it, that fo others may be encouraged , to a more ferious perufal of this, and other fo- lid practical Divinity-Books, which may tend to their eternal welfare. For See Mr. Broo\s apples of Gold. E?hef.?.i5,i6. Redeem the time Eccl. 1 2 1. Remember now thy Crcatcr in the dnyes of thy youth ,&c. See Mr. Vbil- ftp Goodwin in his Miftcry of dreams, p.fo. Satan fends out his books as baits, by rhich many are cunningly caught, with the venomc of rhich, fo many are poyfoned. 7- For as there are good and bad men in the world,fo there are many good and bad books, and our time is a precious thing i therefore we ought to redeem it, and im- prove it to our beft advantage. I deny not but there are many moral Hiftorical books extant of very good ufe, yet it is too ap- parent, that there are divers vain, idle, A- morous Romances, lafcivious and vicious Poetry, and prophane Play-books, which chiefly tend to the corrupting of youth, the mifpending their precious time, and undoing their immortal fouls : As I have known fome foolifh ignorant people, that have made earned enquiry for merry books to pafs away the time. HoneftRe^er, let me advife thee next to the Bible* let it be thy chief care - y as thou art curious and careful for wholefome food,for the health and prefervation of thy body i io be no lefs careful to make found and folid Divi- nity books thy chiefeft fiudy and delight, which will be moft for thy profit and edi- fication , efpecially , if thou readeft them not for Notion-fake, only to know ? but to pra&ife, then as in this following young mans example , thou mayft have caufe to ble(s God, and to be thankful to the Au- thor, or Inftrument of thy good, Va!e> J*H. A True A True Copy of the Letter above mentioned. BROTHER, e Ihan\yiu moft kindly for that Book^ofMr. Brook's Precious Remedies, you fent me, and I thinks I can never recompence you in a better manner , than to acquaint you with what benefit I have re- ceived by it ; for it was a great awaking of me , to fee in what a loft condition I was without Chrifty and how many ways Satan had deceived me,in making me delay my care- ful providing for Eternity, Brother, I was made within theft few weeks , fo fenfible of my condition, that for a weeks. Jpace I was almnft ready to defaair of Gods mercy , I was fore troubled that I had finned fo much againft the mercy of the Lord whs had af- forded mefo much means of grace , and fol- lowed me with conviftions , wooing and in- treating me by his Mejfengers for many years, winch made me thin\that my day of grace was paft : But fince , praifed be the Lord , who hath comforted me : And now I ee that there is yet a door of hope open for me. r. me, which hath brought me to fuch a great dyange in the very thoughts of my heart, thai I would not exchange for the whole world, Brother , Let your prayers and the pray- ers of Gods people be , that the Lord would increafe andjlrengthen his grace in me , for lam as a new bom Babe , defiring the fin* cere mill^of the word , that I may grow thereby. And I wmld gladly hate m)re acquaintance with the Lords people. Bro- ther , My prayer jhall be to the Lord for you , that you may grow more and more in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour J eft* Cbriji, andfo I reft, Tiverton, March 1655. Yours in all brotherly love and atfe&ions till death. W.L. BOOK.S Printed, and are to he fold by John Hancock, at bis Shop o and the Old Mans Doubts refolvcd. 5. A String of Pearls: Or, The beft things referved till laft , delivered in a Sermon preached in London, June 8. 1657. at the Funeral of ('that Triumphant Saint,} Mrs. Mary Bla{e , late Wife to his worthy Friend , Mr. Ni.bo- las Blafe Merchant. 6. The Mute Cbriftian : reitb Soveraign Antidotes againft the moji mif Table Experts : Or, A Chriflian , with an Olive-leaf in his mouth, when he is under the greateft afflictions, the (harp- eft and foreft trials and troubles , the faddeft and darkeft providences and changes : with Anfweis to divers Queftions an( * Objections that are of great importance ; all tending to win and work fouls to be ftill, quiet, calm, and lilent, under all changes, that have,or that may pafs upon them in this world, &c. Lately printed and dedica-ed to all airlifted, diftrefled, diflatisficd, difquieted, and difcompofed Chnftians throughout the World. 7. An A)\for all Gods Noahs ha flomy day. Wherein is (hewed the rrankendent excellency of a Believers portion ; en Lam 5. 24. 8. The S. the Crown and Glory o r chriflianity : Or , Holinefs the only way to Happinefs>difcovcred in 48. Sermons on Htb. 12. 14. 9. The Viivy Kjy of Heaven : Or, A Difcourle of CJofet Pi ayer , Twenty Argu- ments for ir, with the refolution of fcveral confide- rable Q»tefiions, &c 10. A Heavenly Cordial for at that have had, m have e/caped the Plague, &c. Eight Treatifes lately publifoed by Mr. Ralph yenning. 1. A Warning to Back-fltders , with meass for the recovery of fallen ones ; on Rev.z 5. 2. The way to happinefs, opened ; on Mat. 7 .n. 3. Mercies Memorial , or a thankful Remem- brance for Gods merciful Deliverance on the 5. of November, 160 J. on P/4/.136. 23. 4. Ca»aans Flowing, or Milk and Honey • being a Collation of many Christian Experiences, Sayings and Sentences, &c. ?. His 54?. Orthodox and Mfcellaneous Para- doxes, concerning God, Chrift, &c. 6. The new Command renewed , or Love one another. 7. Myfteries and Revelations, or the Explication of feveral Allufions and Metaphors in the Scripture. 8. Things worth thinking on, or Helps to Piety. Several Ufeful Treatifes publilhed by Mr* Nicholas Lockyer and others. r. Chfifts Communion with his Church- Mili- tant 5 on John 14. 18 1 2. H»s 2.His Divine Difcovery of Smcerity,on zCor.i.it. 3. Hisfeafonable Inftruftionfor Surferiog-Chr> (lians^onCoU. 11. the Godly Mans Ar\ : Or, City of Refuge, in the day of his diftrefs,difcover- ed iii divers Sermons.The firft of which was preach- ed at the Funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Moor. Whereunto are annexed Mrs. Moors Evidences for Heaven , compofed and collefted by her in the time of hei health , for her comfort in the time of ficknefs : By Edmund Calamy , B. D. and late Pa- ftor of the Ghurch at Aldct manbury. There is now in the Prefs a New Book of Mr. Tho Br