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NON-CONFORMITY, 
 
 ■WITHOUT 
 
 ^£ymSv ROM ro-e^^^^ 
 That it is every Chriftian s Dutjr, 
 
 Tobea NONCONFORMIST 
 to this World. 
 
 By SENJAMIN BAXrEK, 
 Preacher of the Gcfpel. 
 
 Ter. 15. 19- 
 Let them return mito thee, hut return thou __ 
 
 not unto them. 
 
 John 15. ip. 
 
 Ton are not of the world, I have chojm 
 you out ef the World. 
 
 LONDON, , 
 
 Printed by A. M. for The Parkhurk, and 
 are to be fold by S.wipfon Evatis 
 BookfelleratJForce/?erj 1670. jt 
 

 '/t: ■;.lr • 
 KEEPER, 
 
 TAkenotoccafionby the 
 Title of this Book, ei- 
 ther ofapleafingordiiplcafing 
 Miftake. It fpeaketh not at all 
 againft any Conformity to the 
 lawful Commands of lawful 
 Governours, in things Civil or 
 Ecclefiaftical ; but only againft 
 a Conformity to the Vices of 
 the World: Which Ihould 
 be no offence to any who rcr 
 nounceth not his Baptifm , in 
 which we all renounce the 
 A 1 World, 
 
 ■^. 
 
lothe Reader. 
 
 WorHwith thtpmp and vani- 
 ■fieftkrefff, and all tht finful 
 '^s(f tBeflep /prdmifing that 
 we mil nqtfdllow or be led by 
 jfiem^^e yHfeftandeth no- 
 IBingof Cbfiftiariity, who un- 
 derftandeth not the enmity of 
 the World, to a life pf iinccre 
 Holinefs; and 'how iheonfi- 
 ilent the Love of the World is 
 p the Love of God; and how 
 mucbtlje Life and Death of 
 Chriftwdre intended and fit- 
 ted, to mortifie our earthly 
 Minds and Afle^ions,, and to 
 briiig tis to a iroly contempt of 
 the Pleafures, and Profits, md 
 
 Honour? 
 
To the Reader. 
 
 Honours of the World; and 
 *h£ttit:is' the office, of our Faith, 
 to be our vidory over the 
 World ,' and aH this, in the 
 imitation andftrcngthofHim_, 
 who hath heartned us to the 
 Lwarr, with this *Encourage- 
 •oien t , Be of good cheer, I have 
 ■overcome theWorld. They that 
 are not Enemies to the Cro/s 
 of Ghrift, whofeGodis not 
 their Belly, who glory not in 
 their (hams, and mind not 
 earthly things, while they are 
 named Chriftiahs ; are crucifi- 
 ed to the World, and the world 
 to them, by the erbls-of Chriil,- 
 
fo the Reader. 
 
 »nd their Political converfatioi , 
 S Heaven. ThisSub,eayou 
 
 V.llfindhandkdmth^D.f- 
 courfe,by the Reverend yfe- 
 thor,(my very dear and wor- 
 thy Friend) with great plam- 
 nefsandper!picuity,inaftile 
 nertherobfcure,:dull,norted. 
 
 ous; andinamoft»W''«'^ 
 congruous MethodMf 'I 
 fpel all the Sermons that ever 
 fed from him, (whereof 
 Z, were above thirty 5^ears 
 ,.oWid excel other men s> 
 tV Lord make it effeaualy 
 
 fetviceabletohisEnds, whc 
 glvehimfelf for o«r fins, tha 
 
To the Reader, 
 he might deliver us from this 
 prefent evil world, according 
 to the vi^iJI of God, and our 
 Father. To whom be glory for 
 ever. Amen. Gali.^^^, 
 
 Sept. 14, 
 1668. 
 
 Rl "Baxter. 
 
p 
 

 To the Vertuous and his much Honour- 
 ed Coufins Mrs. Grace Allet?^ Wife to 
 Mr. WiUiam -^Z^e^^Merchant ; Mrs. Sa-- 
 rah Faunsfoot^ W^fe to Mr. Robert 
 Paunsfoot : Mvs.HeJier Brear^cliff, Wife 
 to Mr. Thomas Brear-cliff^ Merchant** 
 all of the City of LONDON. 
 
 Much Honoured Coufins, 
 
 IT is not afiyAmhithn to appear in Prints 
 that hath induced me to this Vnder- 
 taking ^ Only I could not handjomly de^ 
 dine the Dedication of this Fojihumouf 
 Piece ^ andPrefenting it toy our Hands ^ who 
 havefo clear and unquefiionabk a Right to 
 it^ as will appear by theSequeL Iprejume, 
 yon are not ignorant^ that it was really in^ 
 tended and defigned for joH by the Reverend 
 Author^ ( novp at Reji with the Lord) your 
 dear Brother and mine ^ Who^ ( had he 
 not been prevented by Death ) had done i$ 
 mth his oTPn Hand .• but perceiving th§ 
 a Printing 
 
TheEpiftle Dedicatory^ 
 Printing of this Bookprocraftinatedhpond 
 his ExpeHation^ and being dkfly fenple of 
 his near appro aching and long expeSed 
 change^ it was his dejire that I mould un- 
 dertake it in his behalf-^ and indeed it was 
 one of the laB requeUs he made to me before 
 he left the World J doubt not then.but what I 
 have done herein^ will be well conjirued and 
 kindly accept ed.when it is donein purfnance 
 offohoneftamftgn,6^ togratifiethejuJi& 
 reaJbnableDeftre of fo near and dear a Rela- 
 tion, who {on his Death-bed^ bequeath d 
 this Legacy AS a retiimQny of his unfeigned 
 Brotherly-Love, and Memorial of his real 
 Gratitude to you his dear Dear Sifter S:, who 
 had not been forgetful of him, but oft re- 
 tievedand refrejhed him by your Kind And 
 Chriftian-likViftts, in his Low andLan- 
 
 euifhing Condition* r 
 
 As for the Suhjea of the following Dif- 
 
 courfe. You will eafily grant, itisverjfea- 
 fonable and needful as for ainimes,Jo efpe^ 
 daily thefe lafi and worft times, wherein 
 Worldlinefsfomuchprevails&getsground 
 
 of Godlinefs even in the Hearts and Lives 
 of thofe that call themfelves Chmi^ns, 
 fphereas did they truly anfwer the mm 
 they bear, what would itfpeakelfi, but thjt 
 •^ Confor 
 
ThqEpiftle Dedicatory. 
 
 ConformHy to Chriji^ and not to the World* 
 the Words of /Ae Apoftle, i Cor. 7. 59, 
 30,51. deferve ferioujly to be taken^ and 
 laid to heaft by every Chriji tan : tvherey ta 
 take Hs off the extr earns of]oy and Sorrow 
 in the Tojjejjing^or Parting with Earthly Re* 
 lations^ and JVor Idly Comforts^ he tells us ^ 
 The fafliion of this World pallet h away : 
 and yet notwithjianding^ how do we find 
 by WofnlExferience^the Hearts oft^&^ntany 
 drawn away and enticed through the Fre- 
 daminancy of Worldly Lufts^ that this 
 is their chiefeft (iudy how to k§ep in with the 
 World by Fajhioning and Conforming th^ 
 dayly Anions of their Lives ace or ding. to 
 the Rules and Patterns of it ^ And herein^ 
 how do theyfeekjo out-vye andout-Jiripeach 
 other with fo great Emulation and Con^ten^ 
 Hon (vf^hen their Lives and the World are 
 haUning to an end ) as if it were their 
 higheji Ambition to live and dye the Werld*s 
 Favorites ? But^ certainly if there were a 
 through and Jound Belief of a Life and 
 World to come^ after this prefent frail and 
 tranjitory State of all things here below^ 
 how would it turn the Stream and Current 
 of Mens Thoughts ond AffeSions^ and have 
 '^a powerful In f Hence on their Lives and Con-' 
 a 2 verfations^ 
 
The Epiftle Dedicatory* 
 verfations^ to make them more Godly ^d^ lefs 
 Worldly hand from this very Confideration 
 ( 2 Fet. 5. 1 1 . ) the Apojile argues firon^y 
 for a Holy and Godly Qonverfation^ and 
 not a Worldly Conformity. But our Saviour 
 himf elf hath foretold us ( and therefor ewe 
 may and m^uji believe it ) that iovpards the 
 end of the World it will be a rare thing to 
 findtrue Faith, ( Luk. l8,8, ) that ViBo- 
 rious Grace which ^ St. John tells us, ^(^l Joh. 
 5.4.) over Cometh the World and the Lujis 
 thereof 
 
 But (dear Conjins ) Tarn perfwaded bet^ 
 ter things of you^^ andfuch as accompany 
 Salvation. Tou have been happy above ma* 
 ny^ in refpeB of your Education^ having 
 been acquainted with Sound Principles of 
 Godlinefs from your tender years ^ through 
 the Care and Diligence of your Religious 
 Tarents, And although there are too ma- 
 fiy to be found in thefe times ^ between whofe 
 Principles and Praffices there is little or no 
 Conforr^ity^ but the one is rather a plain 
 Confutation of the other ^ I hope you will 
 never he found in that number : for that 
 precious Seed of good Principles which was 
 fowninyour Minority^ was not (itfeems^ 
 burned and loji^ but hath (^through Gods 
 
 Blejfing 
 
The Epiftle Dedicatory. 
 
 BleJJing with a continual watering ) budded 
 andbrought forth feafonable and vpholefom 
 Fruit for the Comfort and Refre[7)ing of o- 
 thers^ which hath occaftoned {no donbt^ the 
 Thankj'givingof many to God on your he^ 
 half And if God hath given you^ ( with 
 alarge and plentiful Eji ate ^ a large Heart 
 and open Hand to do good^ it k a double 
 BleJJing^ and lays a double Obligation upon 
 you to be thankful. 
 
 Now becaufe the beji ChriBians need day* 
 ly Monitors to warn them of Dangers^ and 
 to awaken them to Duty and the continual 
 pxercife of their Graces 5 give me leave as 
 a faithful Friend to befeech you to k^ep in 
 remembrance^ andferioujly to ponder what 
 thejpojile writes to Timothy ( i Tim. 6. 
 1 7. 1 83 f 9. ) The more Splendid your out^ 
 ward Condition is ^ the greater is the Dan* 
 geryou are expofedunto^ from the Tempt a^ 
 taiions of a Smiling €^ Flattering World^ 
 which being masked d^ veiled^ are not eajlly 
 k^own and difcovered ^ which if they were^ 
 would more eajily be reftjied^ and were no^ 
 thing fo dangerous. They that by Experience 
 know what a tempting thing Worldly 
 Grandeur is^ and have any acquaintance 
 mth their own hearts^ how apt they areata 
 
 be 
 
The EpifHejDedicatpty; 
 he tahsn tPith it^ ednnothntaG^v^iin^ledgy it 
 is nottepftheeajieji Points of that difficult 
 Duty of Chrijiian Self-denial^ for thofe 
 that have arrived at the Haven of Worldly 
 hopesyio keep their Hearts humblp fri^m he- 
 ing lifted up with Self -admiring thoughts^ 
 when their outward Gre at nefs and Splendor 
 invites others to applaud and adf^ire them. 
 AndindeeditToiUputthe ^^wkiof Chrtjii* 
 ansto thegreatefi Strefs\ andprove nQt only 
 the truth but the Strength theresf^when^ in 
 the midft of Worldly Enjoy mentsy they can 
 lool^above them to higher and better^ and in 
 the midft of Worldly Greatnefs\ x^n live a- 
 hove it in the Soul-ravifi'^i^g Vie7x>vf Hea- 
 venly Glory. It muji needs be then a Mercy 
 worth the askings and a Lejfon worth the 
 learnings to have^ur Hearts loofed from 
 all outward Comfarts before Ha^dr, and to 
 leave and part with them in affcB ion ^ be- 
 fore we are called to part with them indeed^ 
 (* feeing there will be a time of parting and 
 we enjoy them on no other ^ but parting- 
 terms ) and then^ whenfoever they are ta- 
 l^n from us^ or we from them^ the trouble 
 of parting will not be great. "But to detain 
 you no longer with an Epifile ^ As concern'^ 
 ijUgthe Author of the enfuing Sermqns^ it 
 
 is 
 
The Epiftle Dedicatory, 
 
 // needlefs for me to vpyHz any thing to yon 
 who vperefo nearly related an dfo familiarly 
 acquainted with him^ to whom ( I doubt 
 not ) his^ Memory is and will he precious ^ 
 and that true Love^ and due ejieemyou al- 
 ways had for his publicly and profitable La* 
 hours is afufficient Commendation of thk 
 VraUical Piece toy our Serious Perujalwhich 
 I hope and heartily wiJI) ( through the Blef- 
 jing of God} may prove advantagious to 
 prejerve you from IVorldlinefs^ and for the 
 promoting, the power of Godlinefs in your 
 Hearts and Lives ^ that you may daylyjirive 
 after a nearer and clofer Conformity to 
 Chriftyour Heavenly Pattern in all his imi'^ 
 table Graces 5 thenflmllyou have no caufe to 
 repent the readings hut rejoyce and blefs 
 Godj that by his good Providence it is 
 brought forth to public kj^iew^, wherein the 
 Authorj {though dead) yet fpeal^eth. 
 
 Your moft Affeftionate Kinfinan 
 in any Service of Chriftian 
 Love to be commanded, 
 
 STEPH. BAXTER. 
 
THE 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 THE words of the text , words either 
 ofCounfe\Cautton^Command^ p. I. 
 Her e confidered as a Prohibitive Pre* 
 cept ^ I The AS forbidden^ ibid. 
 
 % The0bje3torx>hichit hath relation ^ ^ 
 IVhat is not forbidden. Not living in the 
 worlds Allujing of thevporld^ AB converje 
 Tf>ith the men of the worlds ib. 
 
 IlVpo things forbidden toChriJiiansin relation 
 to the worlds Afi&ion^ Imitation ^ ib. 
 Doft. It is the duty ofchrijiians to be Non- 
 confotmids to this worlds 2 
 
 I . Explication. Tivo things opened:^ \.V/hat 
 is meant by the rporld^ its Frame^ Family: 
 Here^ meant the Family^ 5 
 
 Five Reafons^ why the worji of the World are 
 called the Worlds 45$?^* 
 
 . , Ivhat it is to be a Nonconformift to this 
 iVorldy;^ 7:,8^i^^' 
 
 wherein conformity to the World jiands: 
 b Sn 
 
The Gontents, 
 
 In^ 1 Approbation^ 2 Imitation^ 9 
 
 wherein a Nonconformity ftands : In 
 
 Judgment ^AffeSion^ Converfation^ ro^ 1 1 
 Not conforming to the World's Rules ^ Exam- 
 
 ples^ 12 
 
 a Confirmation, i Re afons in general^what 
 
 a Chrijiian is i Called froMi 2 Called to: 
 
 iHolinefs^ 2 Happinefs^ IJ,! 43I5 
 
 2, Reafons in particular, I Conformity to 
 
 God and the Worlds cannot confiji , 16 
 
 2 This World is one of a Chriftians declared 
 Enemies^ 17 
 
 3 Chrijiians are predejiinated to another 
 Conformity^ ib. 
 
 4 What was a Chrijiian s Rule before conver- 
 fion^ cannot he after^ ib. 
 
 5 One End of Chrifi-s li'ving on Earthy was 
 to give us an Example to conform to^ ib. ^ 
 
 6 It is a Debafement to a Chrijiian^ to be ^ 
 Conformift to this Worlds 18 
 
 3 Vindication. Quefh whether all con^ 
 
 formity to this Worlds beunlavpful^ 19 
 Conformity drjiinguifhed into 
 
 Civil "' '■' ' ,' 
 
 Sinfil^ 
 
 Doubtful^ 
 Advice given fpncerning Doi 
 
The Contents.' 
 
 4 Application, i Information, i tvhatis 
 
 the CharaSer of a true Chrijiian^ 3 2 
 
 what to judgof tkofe who are Confor- 
 
 mifts/^ this Worlds 34 
 
 3 IVhy Nonconformifts to this World^arefa 
 
 fnnchhated^ 38 
 
 Exhortation. Three things handled^ 
 
 I The chief Cau&$ of ^Conformityj viz. 
 
 1 Slavijh fear of the U^crld's frowns^ 4 1 
 
 2 Sinful love of the World' s favours^ ibo 
 Four things tmn naturally affeS^^ 
 
 I To be thought fome- body in the worU jp> 
 % To be free from the world's hatred^ ib. 
 
 3 To have company in their way^ 43 
 
 4 To have Elbow-room. 44 
 *i Dilcoveries , whether tpe are Noncon- 
 formifts /^/v5/sf worlds 
 
 By being unlike the worlds 50 
 
 By being Conformifts to another 
 worlds 50 
 
 Enquiries herenf on made^ 
 General^ 
 
 T articular^ ib. 
 
 I General Enquiry^ What conformity to thofe 
 in Heaven > 50 
 
 Q^eft. who are in Heaven^ 
 Anfw. God, 
 Chrifiy 
 Angels i b 2 JiJr 
 
The Contents. 
 
 the Spirits of JHJi men ^adeperfeSl ^ ib; 
 
 Trials of our conformi^ig to God in our 
 'judging^ 5 1 
 
 JfeUing^ ib. 
 
 Conformity to Chrijl in 
 
 Sufferings y 55 
 
 SanUity^ . 55 
 
 To Angels : In doing the tvill of God on 
 Earthy as they in Heaven: that fiewedin 
 five particular Sy. \ 57 
 
 to iho Spirits of juft mm : Thatjhex^d in- 
 twcfariiculars^ 60 
 
 2 . Part radar Jiu^rJes^ 
 
 1 IVhal Language doyoufpeak^^ 62 
 
 2 IVhat Life do you live .< ib. 
 ^ what VVorh^do you do^ ib. 
 4. What things do you mojl look, after? 63 
 
 5 What ^^'O fid do yon moji provideforTih: 
 
 6 ^ Wha 1 7x>orld do you account your horned 
 
 ibid. 
 
 7 what Inierifi do yon mofi rejoice in}, 64 
 
 8 From 'srhat ivorid^o yo u fetch all your 
 comfort t ~ • ib^ 
 
 g' W^kat Promifej doyoH mofi x>rt%e? ib. 
 
 IC Uorv do you do the Civiibufinelles of this 
 
 ' Iff?^ "'^>.r-- ,, ■ ■^\' . ib. 
 
 -. Dire&'oiis , that-^we may be Noncon- 
 
 'h-^m^toihis ^orld^ 6% 
 
 iCim* 
 
The Contents 
 
 1 Compare both TIP orlds tcget her ^ ih. 
 Both worlds compared in [even particH' 
 > lars^ 6^^ ton 
 The ^ue ft ion put upon thk compdrifin^^k^ch 
 
 worldismofi worthy ofourcGnforfUiynx 
 
 2 Compare together the lofs of confoftning<y 
 the gain of Not- conforming^ lb. 
 
 the gain and lofs of Confornjky ^ compt-- 
 red:, Jl:,tOj^ 
 
 The gain and lofs if Not- conforming to the 
 mrld^ compared^ 78 
 
 what alAonconfoxmiii to the n>orld gaim. 
 
 1 A good report from godly men^ 79 
 
 2 A good report from God himfelf 80 
 That thqfe P'Vorthies (^mentioned Heb. l*.} 
 
 lived and djed tSonconformifts to the 
 
 TPorldy X 81 
 
 5 Compare together the Rules and'Ex&mpks 
 
 of the Wordy and of the IVorld^ 3^2 
 
 Vpon comparing them ^ three thi:igs con-- 
 
 fidered: 
 
 I which mofi worthy of our conformity ^ 
 
 ^'i 
 
 2 To vphich we, are moji engaged to cofi^ 
 
 fcrm^ , ih. 
 
 5 By conforming to which^ nhey will he 
 
 mofi advantaged^ , ib. 
 
The Contents, 
 X which are mofi worthy of our conformity: 
 An examination of the world's Rules for 
 
 'judging^ PraSice ^ found to be Corrupt^ 
 
 Naughty 85 
 
 .An examination of the worlds Patterns and 
 
 Examples^ and they found to hefuch^ 84 
 An examination of the Rules of the Word^ 
 
 and they found to be holy and pure ^ ib. 
 Rules forjudging^ Three ^ 85 
 
 Rules for Pra3iceyFive^ 86 
 
 An examination of the Patterns and Ex-* 
 
 amples of the Word^ 8/ 
 
 An objeUion againii Scripture-Examples^ 
 
 anfvoeredin twot bitjgs / 91 
 
 Hhe rejultof this Comparifon 5 and the Rules 
 
 and Examples of the Word found to he 
 
 1 Il4ore high^ 83 
 
 2 More holy ^ 3 9 
 
 3 Having better and higher approbation than 
 
 thofe of the worlds 93 
 
 Queft. By whom they are approved ? ib. 
 
 By Godhimfelf, ib. 
 
 By thofe that are godly :, 9+ 
 
 One day by all^ both good andbad^ ib. 
 
 4 HIoH fafe for Eternity^ 95 
 
 5 Moft becoming a Chrijiians Cal/ipgy Pro- 
 fej/ion^ Spirit^ 9^ 
 
 6 MoiiConfoIative^ 97 
 
 7A 
 
The Contents. 
 7 A conformity to them ^ a Chrifiian^swif- 
 dom^ ICO 
 
 2 to which we are moU obliged to conform^ 
 God^ or the Worlds, \ o\ 
 
 Qu. Which hath done moU for you? 1 02 
 which can do moSi for you ? 1 05 
 
 3 By conformingtowhich^we JI)aU be mo ft 
 advantaged^ ib. 
 
 Two things enquired into ^ Which pomifeth 
 moll ? which threatneth moU .<? 104 
 
 the Motives wrapped up in the DireSions^ 
 
 106 
 
 Eleven particular DireSions ^ that ChriBi* 
 ans may be Noncoaforraifts to this 
 world:, I c6^ to the end. 
 

 
 ^BvSiZ 
 
 fi^^s^ '4 ?|%:2|;^?f %:f ,^^ 
 
 isecc 
 
 A 
 
 NON-CONFORMITY 
 
 Commanded and Commended* 
 
 Rom. 12. V.2. 
 ^;;^ ^f f^ot conformed to this tvorld. 
 
 ^ 8 It HE words confidered in them- 
 
 ■; felvesj are either words of 
 M Counfel^ ifluing from the Apo- 
 '"*^ (lie's Wifdom 5 or words of 
 aution^ ifluing from the Apoftle's Care 
 ad Love 3 or words oi Command ^ iffii- 
 g from the A pofHe's Authority : Bq not 
 informed to this world. 
 We will confider them as a prohibitive 
 recept, wherein we have 
 
 I. The Aft forbidden 5 and that is 
 Conformity. 
 
 B a: The 
 
Z A NONCONFORMItr 
 
 2. The Objeft to which it hath rela 
 
 tion^ and that is^ to this vporU. 
 
 And mark 3 it's faid, to this World, 
 
 T^ ^i^yt T«T^5 hot to ^Ae worlds hut to this 
 
 world. The Greek word taken ttriftly, 
 
 fignifies the prefect Age of the world'-, fo 
 
 as if the Apoftlelhouldfay , B^enot con- 
 
 formed to this Age'-, intimating, that it was 
 
 an Age wherein Sin and Corruption did 
 
 more abound. But we ftiall take it more 
 
 largely^ fo, this World, as diftinguiOied 
 
 from another World. There is the Work* 
 
 that now island the World that is to come. 
 
 It's faid of Demos, That he embraced thn 
 
 prefent world., So the thing forbidden, i; 
 
 not being in the world , nor ufingof th< 
 
 world, nor all converfe with the men o 
 
 this world 5 but it is conformity to this worl 
 
 that is forbid. . 
 
 There are two great things the Scrip 
 ture forbids us, in relation to the world : 
 
 1 . AfFefting of it, Uvenot the work 
 
 2. Imitating of it, and conformin 
 to it s fo here, Be not conformed t 
 this world. 
 
 Doft. It is the duty of Chrijiians to 
 Non-conformifts to this world. ' 
 
CommaTided atid Commended. j 
 
 In handiing of it, we (hall fpeak to four 
 things; 
 
 1. The Explication. » 
 
 2. The Confirmation* 
 
 3. The Vindication. 
 
 4. The Application. 
 
 ^ I . For Explication 5 fo two things come 
 to be opened; ^ 
 
 f- What is meant by the world to 
 which Chriftians are not to con- 
 form. 
 
 n. VVhat is meant by being a Non- 
 
 -u-a/ ^^ "'^^"'^ ^y ^^^ »'«'-/^ that 
 .hnftiansarenotto r<7«/^rr^ to. To let 
 •afs the feveral acceptions of the ^orld 
 1 Scripture, It may be underftood either 
 i the Frame or Family of the WorJd 
 
 \a rn^ ^'■^'"^' ^o fo'' what the 
 'orJd confiljsof; fo for the Heavens and 
 arth, and the things contained in them 
 <=b- 1.1. By whomalfo he made the vorld. 
 Jitis.not hereunderftood. 
 2. The Family of the world; fo the 
 '•T '^"ken for the perfons that inhabit 
 '! '°"'^'" ^"rld , the Earth : and fo in 
 "pture, for the wicked of she world. 
 
4 A NONCONFORJldlTT. 
 
 I jf<?A.5. 19. The world lieth in vpickednefs. 
 Where by the world is not underftood the 
 Frame 3 but the Family and men of the 
 world 5 who by afpecial appellation in 
 Scripture are ftiled the men of the vporld^ 
 Pfal 17. 14. and the children of this worlds 
 Luke 16. 8. 
 
 And therealbns why they are called the 
 worlds arethefe. 
 
 I . The worft are the moft of the world, 
 they take up moft room in the worlds the 
 Godly are a little Flock. Who can num- 
 ber the duft of AtheiftSjSwearerSjDrunk- 
 ards. Sabbath-breakers 3 Covetous, Pro- 
 phane } How few are thole that fear an 
 Oathj totho(ethatfwear> How few are 
 thofe that fandifie a Sabbath, to thofe that 
 prophane it ? How few are thofe that call 
 upon the Name of the Lord, to thofe that 
 blafphemehilName? How few are thofe 
 that fear God 5 to thofe that fear him 
 not ? 
 
 3. The worft are for the moft part the 
 greateft of the world , they are the mofi 
 fiourifhing part of, and people in the 
 world 5 and they ar^ the world's own 
 lings 5 whom the world loves ; as our Sa- 
 viour faith J, The world will love its own 
 
 Thej 
 
Commanded and Commended. 5 
 They are the Diamonds of the world^and 
 the godly are but the Pebbles, They are 
 the perfons'in efteem. when the godly are 
 accounted the "rff /K*9<*f fx«iTat ^ ofi-lcowring 
 of the world. They are the men that 
 have moft worldly wifdom, mod worldly 
 wealth, moft worldly honour , and there- 
 fore called the world. 
 
 3. Theworftare called the world in 
 regard of afleftion ^ they love the worlds 
 and the things of the world. They favour 
 the things of the world, and favour of the 
 world, theyfmellof the world, asEfan*s 
 garments did of the Field. The faying is^ 
 TJnum quodque tUnd eji qnod amat 5 every 
 thing is that it loves. Affeftions work a 
 change, efpecially that of love, which in 
 a manner changes one into the perfon or 
 thing loved. Hence it is the worft are cal- * 
 led the world. 
 
 4. The worft are called the world, iti 
 refpedbof Converfation^ they are carnali 
 converfatione Mundo deditt^ as an Expofl- 
 tor (aith, they, are wholly addifted xo^ 
 and given up to the world 5 the world is 
 the Principle from which, and the End 
 for which they aft 5 they rife no higher 
 in their c onvei fationj than the worldstheir 
 B 5 con- 
 
I 
 
 6 A NONCONFORJldltr | 
 
 converfation is not in Heaven 3 they do 
 all carnally 5 fo they eat 3 and fo they 
 drink 5 fo they lives and fo they dye^ and 
 therefore called the world. 
 
 5. The word: are called the world, Be- 
 caufe they are all for the world , for the 
 Riches 3 and Pleafures, and Profits, and 
 Vanities of this prefent world. If they 
 can have but thofe things, they care for 
 no more. They make the world their refl:^ 
 they muft have the things of the world, 
 or elfothey dye. Give them the things of 
 the world, and it fufficeth. The things of 
 another world, they mind not,they defire 
 not, they feek not after. What they look 
 after and covet, lies below. As the Duke 
 of Alva^ when he was asked by the King 
 of France^ Whether he had feen a great 
 Eclipfo that was of the Sun ? Replied. 
 That he had fo much to do on Earth, that 
 he could not have while to look up to 
 Heaven. S® itis withthefe^ a Portion in 
 this life, and in this world, is the higheft 
 in their efteem 5 as that prophane Duke of 
 Burhon faid , He preferi'd his part in Far 
 rzs:, before his part in Paradice, And up- 
 on this account the worft are called the 
 worlds and this is that world that i$ 
 
 chiefly! 
 
Cdmmanded and Commended. 7 
 
 chiefly meantj to which Chriftians are to 
 be ^on-conformifis. 
 
 So much for the firft, 
 
 IT. Confider, What it is to be a t^on- 
 formijl to the world : lb, in handling that, 
 we (hall do two things: 
 
 1 . Shew you wherein Conformity to the 
 world ftands. 
 
 2. Wherein Nonconformity ttsLuds':, and 
 fo fliall (hew you what it is to be a Conform 
 miji and a Nonconformijl to this world. 
 
 The words in the Original are f-iw <rujx^. 
 fAATi^e^i 5 which Beza renders the Configure- 
 mtni^ Be not configured to the world. Some 
 render them ( and (b the Vulgar)>Js!olite con* 
 formari:^ Be not conformed^ as here in the 
 Text. The words may be rendered ^ Be 
 not fignredot fajfjioned according to this 
 world, I Vet. i. 14. Not fajlnoning your 
 Jelves^Sic, where the word is the fame in 
 the Original^ with that in the Text. Ha- 
 ving done this , I now come to (hew 
 wherein 
 
 I. Conformity to the world ftands. 
 
 Conformity (uppofeth and implies a 
 
 pattern to which one doth conform. 
 
 What is Conformity but a walking or 
 
 B 4 work- 
 
8 A NONCONFORMITY 
 
 working by a Rule or Pattern j out of a 
 ftudy and defire to imitate it ? So confor- 
 mity to Chriftftandsin the imitating and 
 following the Pattern that Chrift hath left 
 us, and writing after the Copy he hath gi- 
 ven us 5 treading in hisfteps^i Pet, 2,21.- 
 Leaving m auexaf^ple^that we Jljould foU 
 low his Jieps. So conformity to the world 
 -ftands in treading in the world's fteps,, 
 writing after the world's Copy , follow- 
 ing the world's example. The world 
 hath its Tk/>/ej\ which it hangs forth for a 
 pattern of Conformity to others. It hath 
 its Samplers 5 wherein is a delcription of 
 its aftioos, for the imitation of others. 
 There is a Scheme and Figure of the 
 world, according to which it would have 
 all to fafhion themfelves. It knows that 
 man ib^^Joy (jLtfAnTtuv^ a Creature that is apt 
 to imitate,who will be working according 
 ^o feme Pattern or others and therefore 
 hath its Patterns of all forts, which it 
 hangs forth to gain his Conformity. So/ 
 then there are two things that make up- 
 conformity to the world 5 and that makq; 
 ^man a Cofiformifi to the world. 
 
 I * 'Approbation^ 
 
 2, Imitation. 
 
 I ^4p- 
 
Commdnded and Commended, 9 
 
 1 . approbation 5 when a maa in his judg- 
 ment approves of the world's Principles 
 and Praftifes 5 concluding that beft that 
 the moftof the world fdj and do :^ That 
 the world's way of worltipping God , is 
 the beft way 5 That the world's way to 
 Heaven istheeafieft way, and therefore to 
 be chofen. 
 
 2. Imitation: This follows upon ^^- 
 probation: He likes the Copy, and there- 
 fore refblves to write after it. He likes the 
 Pattcrnj and refolves to imitate it. As it 
 is in writings we firltlookon itj and like 
 the Hand-writingjand then there is a ta- 
 king of Pen in hand to write like it. In a 
 word. Conforming to the World ftands in 
 this. When a man is inwardly and out- 
 wardly 5 not what God ^ but the world 
 would have hfm to be. When a man 
 judgeth as the world judgeth , thinks as 
 the world thinks 5 fpeaks as the world 
 fpeaksj afts as the world ads, loveth as 
 the world loveth, delights as the world 
 delights, hates as the world hates. When 
 a man's carriage and difpofltion is the 
 the fame with the men of the world :, 
 when a man maketh the rule of his life to 
 be the finful Manners, Cuftoms, and Ext- 
 
 amples 
 
10 j4 NONCONFORMITY 
 amples of the worlds and filves all with 
 worldly diftindions and limitations. 
 
 II. What Nonconformity to the World 
 island what it is to be a Nonconformifi to 
 the World. 
 
 Nonconformity to the World confifts of 
 thefe things : 
 
 I. A Nonconformity to the World in 
 'judgment. He that is a Nonconformifi to 
 the worldj muft judg of things other ways 
 than the world doth/ The world calls 
 evil good, and good evil ^ the world puts 
 darkneis forlight, and light for darknefs, 
 the world thinks the ways of God une^ 
 qual 5 the fervice of God burthenfome, 
 the Servants of God fools , the Minifters 
 of God illiterate Dunces, Religion it ftlf 
 irrational: It thinks Holinefsfingularity, 
 and ftridtnefs and precifenefs in the ways 
 of God 3 to be foolifh fcrupulofities. It 
 thinks great fins little ones, and little fins 
 to be none at all. It thinks Repentance 
 and Salvation to be the eafieft things in 
 the world, and that the way to Heaven 
 is not fo hard as the Scripture makes it. 
 What a low opinion hath the world of 
 fin^ judging it not to be fo evil as it is? 
 
 What 
 
Commanded and Commended. 1 1 
 What alow opinion hath the world of 
 
 LGrace^ thinking it not to be fo excellent 
 as if is? What alow opinion hath the 
 World of Chrift 5 thinking him not to be 
 (bneceffary, amiable, and defirablcj as he 
 is? What a low opinion hath the world 
 of Heavenly things, and the great things 
 of Eternity, thinking them not to be of 
 
 I that everlafting concernment as they are? 
 What a low opinion have they of the 
 Saints of God, thinking them not to be 
 (b excellent and ufeful as they are? What 
 a low opinion have they of Religious 
 Duties and Ordinances, thinking them 
 not to be fo ncceifary , fweet , and hea- 
 venly , as they are ? So this is the firfl: 
 thing. Wherein aChriftianistobeaN^«- 
 conformiji to this World , In point of 
 'judgment. He mu(l judgof things other- 
 ways than the World judgeth. 
 
 2, A Chriftianmuftbe aNonconformifi 
 to the World, inxcCipciko^ ^jfeSion, He 
 mud have his AffeSions fet upon higher 
 objefts than thofe things the affeftions of 
 worldly men are fet upon 5 he muft be 
 unlike the Vv^orld in his love, defires^and 
 delight^ The World loves nothing but: 
 Whatls like it felf^ none but thofe in whom 
 
 it 
 
12 A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 it efpieth its own conditions and difpofiti- 
 ons^ hemuftbe unlike the world in his 
 forroWj griefj an4 mourning, which is for 
 worldly crofles, not for fin, it mourns 
 moreforthe EfFeft, than the Caufe. The 
 Affections of the World run with a byalS 
 towards the World ^ they are all edged 
 and pointed downwards 5 they always 
 faceibme Worldly Objeft. And in this 
 particular a Chriftian is to be a l^oncon- 
 formiji to the World. 
 
 5. A Chriftian muft be a Ni?z?r^/?/^r«^i/Z 
 to the World in refpeft of ^ra&ice. A 
 Chriftian muftnot do as the World doth 5 
 he mu(t not conform to the World in re- 
 fpeci of its 
 
 {Rffles^ 
 Examples. 
 He muft not walk by the Rules the World 
 walks by : He rauft not imitate the fame 
 Patterns ; the life of a Chriftian muft be 
 a life ordered by the Rules and Examples 
 of the Word 5 not. of the World. His 
 Principles from which he aQs , his Rules 
 and Precepts by whichheafts, arid his 
 Ends for which he acts, muft be higher 
 thaathe World. 
 
 And thus much for the Explication. 
 
 II.For 
 
Commanded and Commended. 15 
 
 II. For the Confirmation of the truth 
 
 of the Doftrine : So confider the grounds 
 
 and reafonsj Why Chriftians muft be Non* 
 
 conformijis to the World. 
 
 Fir ft 5 They are to be Nonconformifts to 
 the world in refped of thdr Calling. A 
 Chriftian's Calling, and his Conformity to 
 the worlds cannot confift nor ftand toge- 
 ther. To make this outj confider 
 
 1. WhataChriftian is called from. 
 
 2. What a Chriflian is called to; 
 
 I. What a Chriftian is called from. He 
 is called from the world ^ he is called out 
 of the worlds andfo he is called from a 
 conformity to the world : John 15. 19. / 
 have chofen you out of the world. The 
 Church is defcribed to be acpmpany of 
 faithful ones 5 cholen and called out of 
 the world .NoWjWhat is this calling out 
 of the world ? It is not calling them from 
 living in the world. It is not calling them 
 from ufingof the world, it is not calling 
 them from all conveifing with the worlds 
 but it is a calling them from conforming to 
 the world. Rev. 18.4. Come out of her my 
 people'^ (/'. e.y Have nothing to do with Ba^ 
 ^/^/^*s Manners^ ^nd finful Cuftoms, and 
 corrupt Forms of Worfliip. 
 
 2.Con- 
 
14 A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 2, Confider what Chriftians are called 
 tOj 2 Pet. 1.5. they are faid to be called to 
 Glory and Vertne. Chriftians are called to 
 Holinels and Happinefi, And upon this 
 account he muft not be a Conformift to 
 this world. 
 
 I. HeiscaI!edtoHolinefs5 i PeM.155 
 16^ Be ye holy. Now Holinefs conliftetH 
 not with conforming to the world ^ the 
 world isuncleanjimpurej unholy^ ijoh. 
 5. 1-9. The world lieth in mckednefs *^ it 
 lies likeaBeaftinitsown dung and filth. 
 Conforming to the world ^ is being like 
 the w^orld, and bearing the image of the 
 worlds and fo it is to bear the image of 
 that that is unholy and unclean. A Chri- 
 ftian is called to bear another imager he is 
 called to be like God. But none can bear 
 the Image of God 5 and the Image of the 
 world too. God is infinitely holy, and he 
 that will be like to a holy God, muft be 
 unlike an unholy world : 'jam, i. 27. it is 
 there made one part of that Religion that 
 is laid to be pure and undefiled. For a man 
 to l{eep hif^ifelf Ufjffotted of • the world: 
 which (liews that the world is a befpotting 
 and defiling thing. 2 Pet, 2. 20. we read 
 of the pollutions of the world. If you 
 
 look 
 
Commanded and Commended, 15 
 
 Jook upon that Scheam and Figure of the 
 world that St. J^^« hath drawn ^ iJoh.'2. 
 16. you will *find 5 whatever is in the 
 world, is all luft. So Tit* 2,17. we read 
 of worldly lufts. And if you will iee 
 what the way-j and courfe, and pradice of 
 the world isj you have it in i Pe^.4.3. ex- 
 cels of Riotj DrunkennefsjRevelling^c^^. 
 So then it cannot be^ that a Chriftian's be- 
 ing called to holinefi ^ can confift with a 
 conforming to this world. 
 
 2. Chriftiansare called to Glory. As 
 to Holinefij fo to Happinefs. Now cal- 
 ling to glory 3 and conforming to the 
 world 3 cannot (land together. Frov. 1 5. 
 24, The rvay of life is above to the wife* 
 That way that leads to glory 5 lyes above 
 the world. Thofe Principles from which 
 a manafts, thole Rules by which a man 
 afts, and thole Ends for which amanaft^^ 
 that afts for Heaven^ and feeks for Glory 
 and Immortality , are all higher Princi- 
 plesj Rules ^ and Ends 5 than thofe of the 
 world, and far above them.. The world's 
 way will never bring a man to glory 5 it 
 may bring a man to worldly Honour and 
 Preferment, but will never mount a man 
 to the enjoyment of the things of that 
 
 world 
 
l6 A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 world that is to come. The world hath 
 kept many from Heaven 5 and isftill the 
 great block and hinderance in the way to 
 Heaven. How many have the curfed 
 courfes and examples of the worldj un- 
 done and damned ? And how often doth 
 the Scripture cautionate all to take heed 
 of the world as a dangerous Rock, a-' 
 gainft which a thoufand Demas's have 
 daftied themfelves, and made lliipwi?ack 
 of Faith and a good Conlcience. 
 
 Secondly^ Conlider (bme particular 
 grounds^ VVhy Chriftians are to be ISJon* 
 xonformifts to the world. 
 
 I. Conformity to God and the Worlds 
 cannot ftand together, no more than the 
 love of God and the love of the World 
 can 5 1 Joh.2.i $. If any man love the vcorld^ 
 the love of the Father k not in him^ There . 
 is an antipathy and contrariety between 
 God and the World. A man is never more 
 like Godj than when he is moft unlike the 
 • World . Now a Chr iftian is to conform to 
 God and Chrift. The /r// and /^e/?, is laid 
 to be the Rule of the relt Chrift is our ' 
 higheftand bed Pattern. Hereisnofer-' 
 ving of tivo Mafters:^ no conforming to 
 two contrary Patterns. He that will be - 
 
 a Con- 
 
Commanded and Commended. ly 
 
 a Conformifi to the World , mufl: be a 
 Non-conformift to God and Chrift. 
 
 2. The world is one of the declared 
 Enemies that aChriftian is to fight againft: 
 worldly lufts, as well as flefhly lufts^ fight 
 againft the foul 3 fo that conforming to the 
 world is taking part andfiding with our 
 Enemy. The Apoftle faith ( Gal. 6. 14 J, 
 The world is crucified to me y andltothe 
 world'-i Cgr.^.) The world and I are upon 
 equal terms of defiance ^ I neither care for 
 the world, nor the world for me. 
 
 5, Chriftians ar^ predeftinated to ano- 
 ther Conformity than that to the world : 
 Rom. 8. 29. For whom he did fore'kp$w^he 
 alfo didpredejiinate to he conformed to the 
 image of his Son. Not to the Image of the 
 jivorld. Conformity to the world confifts 
 lot with that Predeftination. 
 ; 4. What was a Chrifcian's Rule and Pat- 
 em before converfion, cannot be his Rule 
 ifter. Before converiion the world was 
 
 : Eph:2. 3. The Apoftle tells the £;//^e- 
 ^^^j, that before converfion they walked 
 iccordingto the courfe of the world. 
 
 5. It was one end of Chrift's living fo 
 ongon earthj togive us a better 'and a 
 acre noble Pattern and Example 5 than 
 C ^ what; 
 
l8 A NONCONFORMlTr 
 
 what the world gave , i Pet* 2. 21^ Lea^ 
 
 ving uf an exam^k\ that we Jfjould foUon> 
 hisjleps. 
 
 6. It is a debafement to a Chriftian tc 
 be a Conform!^ to the world. The 
 ground of Conformity and Imitation 
 fhould be to advance and better ^ but ir 
 conforming to the worldj, a Chriftian dott 
 but degrade hinjfelf* he writes after a Co- 
 py. by which he cannot mend his hand, 
 is obfervableinScripture^ what the wick 
 ed of the world are compared to 5 amonj 
 Beafts^ toLyonSp Bears, Wolves 3 amoa 
 Plants 3 to Briers, Thorns, &c. "Amon, 
 othe»living Creatures, to Vipers, Dogs 
 Swine. What a debafement is it for Chri 
 ftianstobelike fiich^ to wallow as a Sov 
 in the mire, d' (7. 
 
 Thus much for Confirmation. 
 
 III. The F7W/r^^/V« of the^ truth. Si 
 thequeflron isthis. Whether all conformii 
 to thk world he unlawful ^ Andthereafo 
 of thequeftionis this 5 Becaufc the ApG 
 ftlefpeakingof the fafhionof the world 
 (1^^^7.-29 ) he makes Ma^rying^ an 
 Weeping V and Pvejoicing; and Polieffing 
 %Q befomeof the taffaions of the world 
 
 S 
 
Commanded and Commanded. 1 9 - 
 So thequeftionis^^i^e^^er all conformity 
 to the world in thefe its fajhions ^ be un-^ 
 lawful^ . ' 
 
 O^Anf We rauft here diftinguiili of the 
 Manners^ Cuftoms, and Faffiions of the 
 World 5 fo they are of three forts s 
 
 1. Some are Civil. 
 
 2. Some are Sinful. 
 
 3. Some are DoubtfuL 
 
 1 . There are the Civil CuftomSjMannerSj 
 and Fafhionsof the vvorld^and concerning 
 them, I anfwerj That all conformity to the 
 world in thofe, is not unlawful 5 as to mar - 
 ry, to weep5 to rejoycej to buy , and poG- 
 
 ^fefsj is not unlawful 5 yet I muft tell ybu^ 
 that all conformity to the worldj even in 
 thefe things^ is not lawful: For confider. 
 Even in things that are lawful^it is not law-* 
 fulfor a Chriftian to befuch in the pra- 
 ciicejUfe, and enjoyment of thofethings^ 
 
 as the moft of the world are^ and therefore 
 
 ojthe Scripture^ when it treats of thofe 
 things whiph are in themfelves lawful, yet 
 it fets thofe bounds and limits toChriftians 
 
 { which the World jobferves not. It calls 
 upon Chriftians to have their afFediions fet 
 C 2 on 
 
10 A NONCONFORMITY. 
 on things above the world 5 to belbberin 
 ufing the things of this world , to remem- 
 ber'j while they are in this worlds they are 
 almoftcometotheendof the worlds adtt 
 lb to life the world j as thofe^that look for 
 another world: to look upon this prelent 
 world 3 as that that will (liortly be the 
 world paft^ and to look upon the world 
 to come 3 as that that will (hortly be the 
 world prefentj all the days of Eternity. I 
 Ihall give you two places of Scripture, 
 wherein Chriftians are forbid to be Coti- 
 formirtsto the world even in thele things^ 
 One is i Pet. 4. 7, Tke end of all thwgs is 
 ai hand^beyefoherJT\\t word is <r«fpoyj5$*Tf 
 it'sdiverfly rendreds but here its taker 
 for fiber 'f^nndednefs : Sobriety, properl j 
 taken^ is a moderation of the Appetite 
 about eating and drinking: but here it if 
 put for the moderation of the Affedion 
 about the world 5 and the things of th 
 v/orld. The Ibbriety there enjoinedj im 
 plies^ 
 
 1 Modejiy 7 
 > of Mind. 
 
 2 Moderation 3 
 
 I. Modejiy of Min^: So Rom. 12 13 
 hzt no mm thinks more highly ofhimje^ 
 
 thA 
 
Commanded mdCommended, ^i 
 
 ihmhe ought tb thinks hut thinh^ fobei'ly 
 of himfelf^ 8cp. Where Sobriety is oppo- 
 fed to pride of heart. And inthisaChri- 
 ftian mufl: be a '^onconformi^ to the world. 
 He may marry a Wife 5 butmuft not be 
 proud of a Wife^ he may purchafcj but 
 not be proud of his Purchafe:, he may pof- 
 (efs 5 but not be proud of his Poffeflion, 
 Now this is the way of the world 5 to be 
 proud of all their enjoyments 5 and in this 
 Chriftians are not to conform to it. 
 
 2. Moderation of Mind : And fo Sobrie- 
 ty is oppofed to letting out the heart and 
 afFeflions too much upon the world: and 
 this isthelbbriety that is called for, and 
 wherein Chriftians muft be unlike the 
 world. It is not this that Chriftians are ex- 
 horted to. To give over marrying, and 
 poflefTing, and ufing the things of this 
 1 world 5 but to be moderate in the ufe of 
 ^' them, and therein to be unlike the world. 
 And it is obfervable what reafon the Apo- 
 ftle gives for this Sobriety in the place 
 foi;e-mentioned, vi'Z», tk^^^d of all things 
 is at hand: An end of all the Civil Cu- 
 ftomSjFaftiionSjand Manners of the world, 
 an end of Marrying, Buying, Pofleffing, 
 an end of Building, Planting, Eating, and 
 C 3 Drinkings 
 
%^ ^ A NONCONFORMItr 
 Drinking^ an end of all Worldly Bufi- 
 tiefles. Employments 3 and Enjoyments. 
 And this he makes the reafon why Chrifti- 
 ans fhould be fober and moderate in thefe 
 things 5 and herein to be unlike the^ 
 world. 
 
 The other Scripture is i Cor. 7. 29, 50. 
 This I fay ^Brethren ^ the time is fiort^Sic, 
 Confider ^ the Corinthians had written to 
 the Apoftle to be refolved in divers cafes, 
 and among others 5 fbme concerning Mar- 
 riage : To which the Apoftle gives an an- 
 fwer in thatChapter^tellingthemjhe could 
 not give an abfolute detern)inationwhat 
 was to be done 5 but he did luppofe that 
 this and thatwasbeft^ and then addeth. 
 But this J fay:, brethren^ ,&c. as if he ftiould 
 fay jThe queftions are difficultj and the an- 
 fwers (it may be) you will find doubtful, 
 but this I can teilyouof certainty, with- 
 out ifs and ancTs:, pofitively and refolv- 
 edly, and of which you needncft doubt^ 
 Brethren^the time is /hort^-^Letthofe that 
 have Wwes^beasthottgh they had none ^^c. 
 The meaning is, that a Chriftian is to have 
 his heart above all Creature-comfQrtS5and 
 all Creature-crofles^ andfn this^Chrifti- 
 ?as arc to be unlike the world. 
 
 x^Saith 
 
Commanded and Commended^ 23 
 Saiththe Apoftle, Let them that have 
 IVive^-i he as though they had none. Now he 
 that hath a Wife^ hath two things : 
 
 I, A great deal of comfort. A Wife is 
 2 (econd-feifj one that a man can make a 
 partaker of all his contentments, and who 
 will be a (hajrer wich him in all his erodes 
 Tuppofing her to be a good Wife). 
 
 ^. A great many Ti^re J". ^S'^r/) (faith the 
 Apoflle) as are married ^ JlxaU have trouble 
 in the flejl)^ i Cor.7.28. Now" when the 
 Apoftle faith ;> That fuch as have Wives, 
 muft be as though they had none 5 the 
 meaning is, tliey mufl: moderate their affe- 
 dions in that enjoyment , that they be nei- 
 ther taken too much with the comforts, 
 nor vext too much with the croffes in a 
 Wife. And lb forthe refta when the Apo- 
 ftle fpeaks of v/eepingj and rejoycingjand 
 pofTeffingj that we fhould be as though we 
 wept notj and rejoyced not , and po&fled 
 not 5 the meaning is 5 that we (hould ftill 
 rememberj that there are greater things to 
 be wept for, and to be rejoyced in, than 
 the thinga of this World 5 and greater 
 Poffeffions to be fought after, than the 
 Pofleffionsof this life: and then obferve 
 the Apoftle's Motives to enforce this Ex- 
 hortation. " C 4 i/the 
 
24 A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 X , The time is Jljort : Tempus ejf contra- 
 Uum^ foBeza':^ The time is contraftedj it 
 is drawn into a narrow compafi.The Gree^ 
 word is trvyiTdhiJi.hQ'^ which fignifies fuch a 
 contraction and drawing in 3 as ot Sailors, 
 as is uled by Sea-men and Boat-men when 
 they draw near to (hore. Some refer it to 
 the time of life 5 fo that the Apoftle's 
 rneaning is ^ That the time of life isijhort. 
 Thole that lived in the firft Ages of the 
 v/orld 3 had their lives drawn out , the 
 thread of their lives was fpun out longer 5 
 they by the courle of Nature lived Six 
 hundred. Seven hundred ;> Eight hundred 
 years, fo they might have their thoughts 
 more bufied about the worldj in peopling 
 CountreySj in marrying Wives 5 in build- 
 ing Cities^ d^^. the time of their life was 
 long : but now the time isfhorts and there- 
 fore Chriftians are fo to uie the Vv^orId;> as 
 jhple that muft fliortly leave it. 
 
 Others think the ApoftIe(when he faith 
 the time is fijort ) meaRS the time of 'the 
 Worid'3 being and continuance, isftiort: 
 that God is gathering in the Sails of Time, 
 and chat the end of the World is at hand, 
 it h not loDg that there Vv?ill be no more 
 piarry ing, no more weeping, ho more re-. 
 
 ^,oycing, 
 
Commmdcd and Commznded. 25 
 joycing,no more pofleffing in this world, 
 becaufe the time of the world's being is 
 fliort. This is the Apoftle's firft Reafon, 
 why we ftiould be moderate in thefe 
 things. 
 
 2. ThefecondMotiveisj ThefaJJjionof 
 the worldgoeth away : And as the other led 
 the Van/fo this brings up theReerofthe 
 Exhortation 3 the Gree^word is s%wm*3 
 the Scheam 3 which fignifies a Mathemati- 
 cal Figure^ only external and accidentalj 
 without fubftance : The Vulgar renders it 
 <Figura ^ the Figure of the World : Bezci 
 renders it Specie s^ih^ Show of the World: 
 Some think the Apoftle therein alludes to 
 a Comedy, or aShewuponaStage^iwhich 
 is' but a fhew or appearance^ (ball the 
 things of the world are but a (liew and ap- 
 pearance^there is no truefolidity orreality 
 in them:and then obferve he {kiihjtpajjeth 
 avpay^ to (hew that the World is upon Gate 
 and Motion^ it hath been fome thoulands 
 of years pafSng by us^ and the Reer of it 
 is coming up 3 and it will not be long ere 
 the World and all the fafhions of it ('as 
 Marrying, Weeping, Rejoycing 5 Poflef- 
 fingj c^c.) will be paft and gone. Though 
 its now the fafhion of the world, 
 
 yet 
 
i6 A NONCONFORMITY 
 
 yet iere long thefe things will be no more, 
 The fum of all that I have been (peaking 
 tOj is thisj That though Chriftians may be 
 Conformifis to the world in thefe Civil 
 thingSj yet not in all refpefts 5 and that in 
 their conforming to (Jiings lawful and ci- 
 vilj yet there muft even in that conformtty 
 be (bmething wherein they muft be unlike 
 the world. We may do (bme things that 
 the world dpth^ but we may not do them 
 in all refpefts as the world doth them. Our 
 Saviour telleth uSj ( Luke 20. 34.)'^^ chil^ 
 dren of this world marry ^ and are given in 
 marriage^ i.e.Thofe that live in the worldj 
 while they are in the world^have this way^ 
 and manner^ and fafhioUj and cuftom ^ ihey 
 marry J and are given in marriage: where 
 the things themfelves of marrying^ and gi- 
 ving i^^^^rr/^Tg^^arenotcondemned^ but 
 this is cDndemned 5 Our being like the 
 world even in thofe things that are in 
 themfelves lawful. And this appears by 
 another expreljionof ourSaviour^ {Lukf 
 1 J » 26^18.^ As it was in the days of Naah^ 
 they eat:, they drank:, they married ^and gave 
 inmarriagey&cc. And as it was in the days 
 gf Lot^ they bought^ they fold^, they planted^ 
 fky hilded:^oLQ. Now thefe were things 
 
Commanded and Commended. 27 
 that were never unlawful in themftlves. It 
 was never unlawful in any age ^ for a man 
 toeat^and drink^and marry, and give in 
 marriage. It was never unlawful for a man 
 to buy and fell, to plant and build, and 
 yet this feems to have been the way of the 
 world theUj which is by our Saviour con- 
 demned. But the meaning of our Saviour 
 is this , That though they were lawful 
 things^ yet by the men of that Generation 
 they were ufed unlawfully. They made it 
 the main and whole bufinefs of their lives^ 
 to eat and drink 3 to marry and give in 
 marriage, to buy and fell , to plant and 
 build 5 they minded nothing elfe, as if 
 they were only made for thole ends, and 
 no other, no higher. But in this , Chrifti- 
 ansmuft be unlike the World: they may 
 eat and drink, marry, buy, fell, plant, 
 buildo but ftill remember, they were made 
 for higher and nobler Ends than the(e, and 
 not be in the ule and praftife of thefe 
 things, as the World is. The World's ex- 
 cefs in thefe things, is by Chriftians to be 
 avoided. So then, to clofe all. There is a 
 conformity to the Word in Civil things, 
 j|that is lawful for Chriftians, but not a full 
 conformity. Thus much for the Civi 
 
 Man| 
 
28 A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 Manners and Cuftoms of the World. 
 
 Secondly ^Thtxt are the Sinful Manners 
 Cuftoms 5 and Fa(hions of the World, 
 which are in themfel ves purely finful.Now 
 to thefe it is unlawful for a Chriftian to be 
 a Conformist in any refpeft. The Apoftle 
 (£/?AejC2.2.)fpeaksofthofethat were then 
 Chrilfians ^ That in time pa(i they wall^ed 
 according to the courfe of this vporld'-yVfhtXQ 
 he means not the ^/i/i/courfejbut thcfn^ 
 fnlcoutih of th^s world , as it appears ver. 
 .3. FHlJiI/ing the Injisofthe flejh , andthe 
 dejires of the flejfj^andof themind.^^h^VQ 
 the Apoftle ftievvs^ that this was the courfe 
 of the World thenj and that they confor- 
 med to it in the time of their unregenera- 
 cys which now they ought not to do, be- 
 ing called to beChriftians ^ and convin- 
 cetbthem^ that their conformity in times 
 paftj was their fin. So then, a Chriftian*s 
 conforming to the finful courfes of the 
 world, is abfolutely unlawful* It's the 
 commendation given of the Saints oi 
 old. That they were utterly Nonconfori 
 ^///?j* to the world in finful things. Thus 
 Noah is (aid to be a man perfect in his ge" 
 neration^Gen.6,^. He did fome things 
 ?hat the men of his generation did yNoak 
 
 did 
 
Commanded and Commended. 29 
 aid eat, and drinkj and marry 5 all this the 
 men of his generation did finfully^ and in 
 this N^^^ did not conform to them. So we 
 may fee how Lot behaved himfelf in his 
 generation 5 he was fo far from conform- 
 ing to their finful manners^ that the Apo- 
 ftJe tells lis ( 2 Vet.^.j.^^lhat his righte- 
 ous foul was vexed roith their wicked con^ 
 verjation. And the fame Apoftle tells the 
 Chriftians in his time, of their N^«^^»- 
 formity to the finful manners of thofe 
 times, I Pet, 4. 4. Wherein they thinly it 
 ftrange^ that ye run not with them into the 
 fame excefs of Riot. They thought it 
 ftrangejthey Would not do as the wicked 
 of thofe times did. What was the courfe 
 of the Wicked of thofe times .<? The A- 
 poftle (hews, -z^.j. For the time pa ff of our 
 fives may fnffice us to have wrought the will 
 of the Gentiles 5 and fo mentions lafcivi* 
 oufnefs^ lufis ^excefs ofWine^ revellings^ban-^ 
 quetings^ &c. Thele manners of the world 
 beingfinful without difpute and contro- 
 verfie^theyarenotatall by Chriftians to 
 3e conformed to. 
 And thus much for the finful Manners 
 andFaftiionsof the World. ^ 
 
 T'hirdfyy 
 
go A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 thirdly^ There are the doubtful Man-' 
 nersj and Fafhions j and CuftoraSj of the 
 World 5 fuch as about which there may 
 be a queftion^ Whether they are Gnful^ 
 or not.<? Concerning thefe, Chriftians 
 ought to examine their conformity by 
 Scripture-Rules, Under this doubt&il 
 conformity ^ comes conformity to Exo- 
 tick Modes in Behaviour and Apparel^ the 
 faying indeed is. That though fools bring up 
 Fafl)ions^ yet tfifemen will be obliged to fol" 
 low them : I am not for an affected Angula- 
 rity, it being commendable prudence to 
 conform our (elves to what Cuftom ( in an 
 indifferent matter) hath m^de to be gene- 
 ral in the practife of all. But Chriftians 
 are to take heed of a conformity to thofe 
 hftiions that are either (bimmodeft or ex- 
 travagant, that they become not Chriftia- 
 nity. It*s very doubtful whether we are to 
 be of the number of thole who are firftin 
 the fafhion^or to change from one extreara 
 to another^ the Scripture (without doubt) 
 condem.ns excels in thefe things. Hfow ma- 
 j ny are there , whic _ h ipgndmore time in 
 trimming and deck mgj:bemtelv es^ than iti 
 
 W Rrving God r W hich gave occafion to 
 Sir Thomas Moor, to fay to a Lady (whom 
 
 he 
 
V. 
 
 Commanded and Commended, 31 
 he beheld induftrioufly curious in dreffing 
 and trimming her felf ) Madam^ how un^^ 
 ^JuJfTj •kfillGoddealwithyoU:^if he give yoH not \ 
 Hell^Jince you tal^ fuch extraordinary pains / 
 or it\ Chriftians muft know, where there is ^ 
 in fafhions an affefted vanity in apparel 8c ^ 
 dreflingj favouring of pride^ a conjformity ^ 
 therein remains no more doubtfulj but is ? 
 abfblutely finful. To thefe fafliions may ^ 
 be referred , Painting, Frizling, Powder- 
 ingj and Black-patching 5 of the laft of ^ 
 whichj a Romaniji faith. That if the Divine i 
 Work^man Jhonldfo fix thofe their heft con- 
 trived Vatches^ as to remain ever immova" ^ 
 ble^ they would fook be_ ajhamed to appear ) 
 with fuch difguifed deformities , and all . 
 would then ejieem them (as indeed they are^ j 
 but a meer disfiguring of what they fo vainly A 
 intended to bsautifie and amend. In the I 
 matter of Fafhionsj Chriftians muft know, \ 
 that there are fome things^ which if they \ 
 are not fin, are near a-kin to fin 5 and a con- | 
 formity to thefe things i& to be avoided, y 
 according to the precept of the Apoftle, I 
 1 rhef 5.22. Abliain from all appearance ' 
 of evil'-) the faying is. In dubiis minimum^ v 
 In doubtful things its good to do the f 
 leaft, I Ihall cIqII up this of doubtful Con* 
 
 formity^ 
 
I 
 
 32 A NONCONFORMITT 
 fprmity^ wkh that paflage mEtra 2.6^1 3623 
 65, There were fomp that upon the re- 
 turn from the Captivity^pleaded that they 
 were of the Prieft's Line 5 but the Regir 
 fter being fearched, and their Genealogy 
 not found 3 they were put by the Prieft- 
 hood till there fhould ftand up a Prieft 
 with Vrim and Thummim. So it were well 
 in thefe doubtful cafes, if Chriftians would 
 avoid conformity to thefe thingSjtill there 
 be more Scripture-light to warrant it. 
 What hath been attempted by (bme (as 
 particularly, bythe Author of that Book 
 entituled,^«A://i^rj/ beauty)-, it tends more 
 to pleafe Fancy ^than toiatisfieConfciencej 
 and to warrant the praftife. 
 
 Thus much for the Doubtful Manners 
 and Fafhions of this world. 
 
 APFLICAriON. 
 
 I. Information; So you have the true 
 Character of a true Chriftian; He is one 
 that is a Nonco^formfi to thQ world. His 
 motion is a Counter-motion to that of thei 
 world. Though heliveth in the worlds yet I 
 heconforms not to the world. The Apo-IC? 
 ftle (2 Ci^r.iOij.) diftinguifheth betweepif 
 
 living 
 
Cpmmanded and Commended. 3 5 
 Jiving in the flefli.and after the flefh^ fo 
 there, IS ii: walking in the world, and walk- 
 ing after the worJd. True Chriftians make 
 the finful courfes and praaifes^of the 
 world, theobjeft of their forrow and la- 
 mentation.but not of their imitation.Thus 
 did mah , and Lot:^ and other holy ones in 
 their generation 5 they are Antipodes to 
 rhe world in judgmdht/affeftion, conver- 
 sation. We read of Heathens, that in their 
 generations would not conform to the 
 men of their generation 5 but what they 
 ^la 5 was out of fingularity : but- what 
 -hriftians do, is to be out of fincerity. It 
 hould be with Ghriftians as with the Pla- 
 lets^ which have a motion of their own^^ 
 ontrary tothe wrapt motion of the Hea- 
 ens, whereby they are carried/rora Eaft 
 3 Weft: they have a retrograde, and fe- 
 ret motion of their own , whereby they 
 re carried from Weft to Eaft. So tbq 
 •hildrenof God, though thev live and 
 3nverfein the World, yet have a motioa 
 f their own, contrary, to the World : As 
 me Creatures being hatched under a 
 en, prefently fiye or run away. Though 
 Chriftianin the Civil things of this life, 
 I sm to move as the World moves^yet hath 
 5 B h@ 
 
34 A NONCONFORMITT. 
 he a motion of his own Heaven-wards, 
 which the World fufpeftsCand blindly cen- 
 lures)^ butunderftandsnot. 
 
 ?. Inform. What are we then to thM 
 
 of thofe that are Conformifts to the world! 
 
 Is it to be thought that thofe will ev^r^< 
 
 accounted Chriftians on Scripture-ac 
 
 county that conform to the world > It's fa< 
 
 to fee how many call themfelves ChriR! 
 
 ans, who when the Image and Superfcrip 
 
 tion that they bear^ comes to be examinee 
 
 will be found to be only Worldlings : 1 
 
 may be, Chriftians in their own accour 
 
 and efteem^but not in God's. You thi 
 
 call your fclves Chriftians, confider who: 
 
 Image and Superfcription you bear. Sue 
 
 you arenas the Image is that you bear, at 
 
 the Pattern to which you conform. Tx\ 
 
 Chriftians are fuch as bear the Image • 
 
 Chrift , and conform to the Pattern at 
 
 Example of Jefus Chrift , and thofe ca 
 
 not be real Chriftians that conform tot 
 
 World* It is not an outward Profeffi< 
 
 that makes a true Chriftian, Kom.i. 28. ^ 
 
 is not a 'jew that is one outwardly* Th( 
 
 are not true Chriftians that are only fo 
 
 bare profeffion* God looks what a Ch 
 
 ft, ftian's conformity is 5 and what copy a 
 
 patt< 
 
Commanded and Commended. 5 5 
 
 pattern he writes after.TheApofde fpeaks 
 of fome (2 r/^/.9.5.), that had a form of 
 lodlinefs^ hut denied the porcer of it. It is 
 the power of Godlinels and Chriftianity, 
 ^hat fpeaks one to be godly^ and a Chrifti- 
 m indeed. And this power of godlineisis 
 I transforming power 5 it makes thofe that 
 oaveitj God-like, and fo godly 5 Chrift- 
 j^ke, and fb Chriftians indeed. So then^ in 
 Ilhriftianity there are two things to be 
 :onfidered5 t:he ProfeJ/Ion^ and the Power. 
 ^owitis the power of Chriftianity, and 
 lot the profeffiononly^that fpeaks us tobe 
 >hriftians. It*s true power cannot be with- 
 out profeffion , but profeffion may be 
 nihout the power. A Tree that bears 
 ruit^muftof neceffity have leaves:, but a 
 free may have leaves, and yet no fruit, 
 nd fuch a Tree^ not withftanding the fair 
 >uri(h it makes, is but barren, and like 
 e Fig-tr^e in the Gofpel which our Savi- 
 ircurfed, coming to it, finding leaves 
 ly, andnof^uit,JI^rf/^ 21. 19. So then, 
 there is a power in godlinefs which 
 aks men to be truly godly 5 fo there is a 
 wcr in Chriftianity which itiuft fpeak 
 n to be truIyChriftians. Nowj this 
 W'crof Chriftianity doth confoim and 
 I D 2 tranf- 
 
3^ A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 transform us into the Image of Chrifl:. As 
 the power of godlinefi makes us (aslfaid 
 before ) God-like ^ fo this power of Chri-r. 
 ftianity^ Chrifl: like. But where is a con- 
 formity to the world , there is a power, 
 whereby men are made world-like^ and 
 how can thole that are like the world, that 
 bear a worldly and an earthly Image, and 
 not the heavenly, and that of Chrift 3 be 
 Chriftians indeed ? It is fad to fee fo many 
 call themfelves Chriftians^that are fo much 
 conformable to the world, to its finfu 
 courfes, fafliions, ruleSj and examples, a^ il 
 Chriftianity didnot hold forth higher anc 
 more excellent examples and patterns foi 
 them to imitate^ and higher and raor^ hea ji 
 venly rules for them to walk by. To fucljj 
 we may fay as the Prophet faid to the Mef|j' 
 fengers of Ahaziah , // it hecaufethere is n 
 Gad in Ijrael^thatthou fendejito Ba^l-ze 
 Lub^ the God of Ekron^ So you that ca 
 your felves Chriftians^let meask yoUjWh 
 do you conform to the World and its firjvo 
 fill courfes ? Is it becaufe you are fo conjcG 
 
 manded to Ao ? You fee the Scripture coc 
 mands the con! rary . Is it becaufe you ha^ 
 nothing higher and better than the Wor 
 toGonfornito? Sure you have. The fa 
 
 ii 
 
 Cir 
 
Commanded and Commended. 57 
 ing is^ The firjl andhefi in every thing.}s the 
 Rnle of the reft. Are you not called to a 
 :onformity to the bed ? That God that is 
 Optimffs Maximus^ the Bed and Create ft, 
 calls yoii to be like him ^ calls you to be 
 iike his Son, who is the moft ^perfedt pat- 
 :ern for our imitation 5 calls you to be like 
 hisSaints,whointheir(everai generations 
 pleafed Godjfervedhis Will, and are fal- 
 len afleep: he calls you to be like thofc 
 Servants of his that are yet in the World, 
 and to be followers of them as they are of 
 Chrift : Recalls you out of the World, 
 and to be unlike itj and to have nothing 
 to do with it by way of conforming in the 
 le^ft to its finful courfes. He cautionates 
 you againft fuch a conformity , and tells 
 50U the dreadful danger of it; and he 
 hath laid down Rules in his Word , by 
 which Chriftians are 10 walk , that ^ 
 Imade up altogether of that purity and ho- 
 linefs 3 of which the World is altogether 
 voidjit ly ing(as the Apoftle faith)in wick- 
 ednefs. And now tell me. How can he be a 
 Chriftian indeed, that is a Conformiji to the 
 World ? and fuch as are Conformijis to the 
 World (you fee^ have nothing to plead in 
 that particular^ as if they had not better 
 D 3 BLulc? 
 
U.B A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 Rule? to walk by, and higher Patterns to 
 imitate, than thofe of the World. He that 
 is a Chriftian indeed^is one that hath given 
 up his Name to Chrift, and entred it into 
 his Lift 5 and how can fuch a one (erve and 
 fight under the Colours and Banner of the 
 World ? Such forget their BapiifmalCove^ 
 ^^/^^jOneclaufeot which is this ^ Renoun- 
 cing and forfaking of the world, Chrifti- 
 ans^ let me tell yoUj There is a day a com- 
 ingjWhen the great enquiry will be^Whofe 
 Image and Supeifcription you bear. Your 
 Conformity or '^oficonformity to the world^ 
 will fpeaktbaCj and accordingly will be 
 your doom. 
 
 3. Inform. Here we may fee what is the 
 caufe, why chrijiians (that will be Chrifii- 
 ans indeed)meet with (o much trouble and 
 oppofition in and from the Worlds the 
 caufe isj Nonconformity xo the Worlds the 
 groiund of the quarrel between the World 
 and them is 5 That they are unlike the 
 World 3 that they will not do as the moft 
 do 5 that they will not do as their Neigh- 
 bours do^ that they are unlike every bo- 
 dy 3 that they are a company of fooliflj 
 precife perfons^ that delight to be fingular. 
 Tfais is the reafon why the World^and the 
 
 men 
 
Cj9mmanded and Commended. j J 
 men of it, hate tho(e that are truly god* 
 ly: Everything loves its like, and the 
 unlikenefsof the Saints to the World, is 
 the caufe both of the World's hatred^and 
 the World's w^onder at them , i Pet. 4, 4, 
 wherein they thinks it Jirange , that ye run 
 not with them into the fame excefs of riot. 
 The Saint's ftriftnels is the World's won- 
 der. As Ifiid before, it is in this cafe at 
 with the Eggs of Patridges hatched un- 
 der a Hens when they are hatched, they 
 run, and ^as foon as they can^ make away. 
 The World is (as it were) the Hen, un- 
 der whofe wings Cbriltians are for a while 
 hatched, but when they begin to take 
 their flight upwards, then the world won- 
 ders at them. And asthisis the caufe of 
 the V Vorld's wonder , fo it is the caufe of 
 the World's hatred of them, and of all 
 the affliaionsandperfecutions they meet 
 with in and from the world. Our Saviour 
 told his Difciples, In the world yoti Jball 
 have affiiSion'-i and gives this as therea- 
 fen of it, / have chofenyon out of the world. 
 The world(as our Saviour faith) vfiUloveits 
 ovpH^ thole in whom it can fee its own con- 
 ditions, difpofitions ^ its own Image 
 and §,up^fcription. Likenefs caufeth loves 
 D 4 and 
 
40 A NONCONFORMItr 
 and upon this account it is that the world 
 cannot but love thofe in whom (he efpics 
 her own likeneffe, and cannot but hate 
 thofe that are unlike.and in whom (he can- 
 not fee a c<)nformity to her. Hence it is. 
 that the Worid hath always been a Step- 
 mother to the Saints of God , ufing them 
 rigidly and coarfely ^as thofe whom llie did 
 not own as hers, becaufe they owned not 
 her by a conformity to her. chri^ians^ 
 if you be not like the World ^ you muft 
 not think it ftf ange if you be hated in and 
 by the World .If you have not the world's 
 likemfs^ytjxxzit not to expeft the world^s 
 tov^. if you walk contrary to the world, 
 you muft expeft that the world will walk 
 contrary to you. Your non- conforming to 
 itjisafecret condemning of the world's 
 waysandcourles^ and then it is not to be 
 wondredatjif theworld condemn you. 
 Thus much for the life of Information. 
 
 2. Exhortation. So I am now to exhort 
 you to the duty of Non-conforn/itji to the 
 World ; and in doing this^ i (hall acquaint 
 you with three things : ^ '■ 
 
 Firlf ^ With what are feme of th^l 
 pules of a Conformity to this World. 
 
 V S^condi 
 
w 
 
 Commanded and Commended. 41 
 Secondly ^^ith fome difcoveries^where- 
 by we may know whether we are not con- 
 formed to this World. 
 
 Thirdly 5, With fome direftions to pre- 
 vent yonr being Conformijis to this 
 World. 
 
 Firji 3 We (hall (hew you fome of the 
 caufes why fo many are Conformijis Xo the 
 Worlds and they are chiefly two: 
 
 1 . A bafe and flavilh fear of the World's 
 Frowns. 
 
 2. A bafe and finful love of theWorld^s 
 Favours. 
 
 And from both thefe proceeds that bafc 
 and finful compliance with the World, 
 and conformity to it. 
 
 I. A bafe and ilavifh fear of the 
 World's Frowns* They fear the trouble 
 they may meet with in the Worlds if they 
 (hould fwim againft the flream of being 
 unlike the World. Moftlove a Religion 
 without trouble: and although oppofiti- 
 on be made the Attendant of true Reli- 
 gion^ following it as the (hadow doth the 
 body 5 yet moft love (as a cheap Religion 
 which may coll: them nothing, fo) (iich a 
 peaceable Rdigioa as may not difturb 
 
 their 
 
42 A NONCONFORMITT 
 their worldly reft 3 but that will fuffer 
 them tofleep in a whole skin. Tndeed/or 
 a man to be no more religious than the 
 World would have him be^ may feem to 
 make for his outward peace. As a wife 
 man faid^ For that man that would deny 
 his body no fenfualpleafure^ and yetfave his 
 foul at lafi^ there veoi no place like that of 
 hzly^ andno Religion like that of Rome; 
 So I (ay. For that man that only ftudies his 
 outward peace, (viz. a freedom from the 
 World's malice, hatred, and oppofitioa) J 
 there is no Religion like the World's. And 
 hence it is that (b many comply with it, 
 and conform to it. Confider, there is in 
 every one naturally a ftrong propenfity 
 and inclination to thefefour things. 
 
 1, To be thought fome-body in the 
 World 5 and not to be looked upon as 
 Cyphers, as No-bodies^ to be well ac-^ 
 counted of, well fpoken of by the moft 
 of their generation. Some extreamly af- 
 fed the good- will and the good- word of 
 every one^ and hereby are betrayed to a 
 iinfui compliance. Akhough fuch (houki 
 remember the faying of our Savior, Wo uht 
 toyoH when all men Jpeakpell of ym. Mat. 5. i 
 
 2. There is a defire in moft to be as free 
 
 from 
 
Commanded and Commended. 45 
 from trouble and oppofition in theWorld, 
 as they Can. Moft foy with Ijjach.'r ^Reji 
 u good. Whyfhouldl (fayfome) create 
 troubleto my feif 3 3ndmay chuie? Why 
 ftiould Icrofswiththe Worldj and caufe 
 the World to crofs with me? If I do as 
 the World doth, and conform to it, I need 
 not fear its frowns. And this is one caufe 
 why fo many (infully comply with 5 and 
 conform to the Worlds not remembring 
 the laying of our Sa vioutj Mat t . 5 . 10. Blef" 
 fed are thofe that are perfecuted for righte^ 
 oufnefs fdl{e^^c. 
 
 J. There is in men naturally a defire to 
 have company in their way. Man is afo-* 
 ciable Creature, and loves company. Now 
 the way of the World is the way moft 
 beaten , and trodden, and frequented,be^ 
 ing the way that moft walk in. Men na-* 
 turally love not folitary paths, but thofe 
 in which they can fee moft foot-fteps.And 
 upon this account it is that fo many com- 
 ply finfully with the World, for the fake 
 of company 5 not at all confidering whi- 
 ther the broad way leads , nor that pro- 
 hibition 3 thou Jljalt not follow a multitude 
 to doeviL 
 
 4. Mca 
 
44 -^ NONCONFORMirr 
 
 4» Men naturally defire Elbow-room 
 in their way. They love ways wherein 
 they may enjoy the moft of finful liberty 5 
 and this they fancy to be only found in the 
 way of the World ^ they would have 
 room for them and their lufts to march to- 
 gether : and (uch a way the way of the 
 World is y the wide way ( as our Saviour 
 faith ) that leads to deftruftion. And hence 
 it is that fo many comply with the Worlds 
 not confidering , That it's eafier for a man 
 to have fo much Religion and Chriftianity 
 as will pleafe the Worlds and go to Hell at 
 laftj than to have fomuch as will pleafe 
 Godj and bring him to Heaven. 
 
 2. The fecond caufe is 5 Aftronglove 
 tOj and defire after the World's Favours. 
 There is an innate difpoficion in perfons to 
 enjoy the World's Sun-fhine, thinking 
 there is a refrefhment in thofe beams.They 
 think it fweet to fit in the World's lap^ to 
 be hugg'd in the World's bofome , to be 
 embraced in the World's arms. Many love 
 not to fee others embraced.and themfel ves 
 caftout^ to fee others favoured 5 and 
 themfelves frowned on ^ to fee others the 
 world's Darlings 5 and they to be the 
 world's Giit-calts. The world hath it$ 
 
 temptati- 
 
Commanded and Commended. 45 
 temptations ua both hands. On the one 
 hand there areits perfecutions^and threats^ 
 and frowns 5 on the other hand , it« pre- 
 fermentSa allurements, and favours 5 and 
 the laft of ihcfe have often proved the 
 moft powerful temptations to draw men 
 to acompliance with the world. Thus it's 
 obferved of 'Julian 5 That he drew more 
 away, and made more Apoftates by his 
 Preferments, than he did by his Perfecuti. 
 ons. VVe read (^Rev. 12.4.), that the 
 Dragon with his tail drew the third pare 
 of the Starrs from Heaven : the meaning 
 is, that many that were eminent in the 
 Church, and did fhine as Starrs, were 
 drawnafvay, and became Apoftates, by 
 the tail of the Dragon, /.e. by its embra- 
 ces. And this is one great reafon why men 
 have been brought to comply with , and 
 conform to the world. And this hath ever 
 been the world's way of tempting 5 itfirft 
 frowns, and then flatters 5 and the latter 
 hath been found to be the moft dangerous: 
 Thus was that famous Galeacius aflaulred^ 
 and when they fawthr^atnings would do 
 nothing, he was ofiered a great fum of 
 Gold to return again to his former Religi- 
 on aad Ccuntrey ; but hi« anfwer way 
 
 7kH 
 
4:6 A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 That he preferred one dafs communion toith 
 thrift in the Gofpel^ before all the Gold in the 
 utorld. And thus it was with I^^Aer, when 
 they Taw Bulls and nothing elfe by way of 
 Menace^ would do^ then they offered him 
 a Cardinals Hat • but his anfwer was, Con- 
 tevtftus eft a me Romanus ^^ favor ^ C^ fu- 
 ror '-^ Idefpife both Rome*s Favours and 
 Fury. Though thefe ftood as unfliaken 
 Mountains j yetj how many, if not by the 
 firftj yet by the laft have been overcome , 
 liketheTravcller, whoby the wind kept 
 his Cloak clofer, was by the warm and al- 
 luring beams of the Sun invited to caft it 
 off; The Sun-fliine of the world hath had 
 more infiuence upon men to conform them 
 to the worldjthan all its cold and ftormy 
 blafls could have. It's Favours and Pre- 
 ftrments hath drawn thofe whom its Per- 
 iecutions could not drive. Hence it is that 
 lb many comply with^ and conform to the 
 worlds not remembring 5, that there is 
 more comfort and happinefs attends thofe 
 that are the world's Caft-aways^than thofe 
 that are the world's Darlings. Thofe 
 Ciirifc chufeth to be the objefts of his 
 love^ whom the world cafts out aj pbjedb 
 of her hatred* "' ''■ 
 
 Second-- 
 
Commanded and Commended. 47 
 Secondly ^ Confider the trials and dif- 
 coveries 5 VVhether we are Conformijis 
 "or Non'conformifts to this world. 
 
 I . He that is a Non-conformiji to the 
 world, is one unlike the world 5 he is un- 
 like the world in his judgment, afFeftion, 
 converfition 5 he doth not judg as the 
 world judgeth, of Chrift, of Holinefi^of 
 Heaven, of Saints y of Sin. Here is the 
 queftion , Whether we differ from the 
 world in thefe ? One faid of Nero , That 
 mn^ needs he good that Nero perfecutesm 
 Andfol (ayjThatmuftneedsbe evil that 
 the world commends , and good that the 
 world condemns. Try your felves by this^ 
 Do you judg as the world judgeth? Do 
 you love and hate, as the world Joves and 
 hates ? Is your converfation according to 
 the courfeand converfation of the world? 
 Then you may conclude, you are Confor- 
 mijif to the world. Oh that Chriftians 
 would but examine themlelves (eriouOy, 
 wherein they are unlike the worlds and 
 by that they may find whether they are 
 "Non^ conf or miffs to the wovld. lam brief 
 in this^ becaufe I have fpoken more large- 
 ly to it before: 
 
 a. He that is a Non-conformiif to this 
 
 world. 
 
43 A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 worldj is a Conformi^ to another . world. 
 When the Apoftle faith , Be not conform' 
 ed to thisvporld'-i it implies 5 there is ano- 
 ther world to which we ought to con- 
 form. Scripture mentions a world that 
 now iSj, and a world that is to come. There 
 is another world befides this prefent 
 world 5 a world that will be ^ when this 
 world fhall be no more. As Ifaidbefore^ 
 (b I fay again. It is butalittle while, and 
 the world prefent will be the world paft^ 
 and the world to come, willbe the world 
 prefent all the days of Eternity. Now 
 Chriftians, you are to be Conformiiis, to 
 the world that is to come^ there h an 
 Earthly and a Heavenly worlds, ^ndthe 
 great thing you have to do, is to examine 
 whatContormity there is in you to the lat- 
 ter ( to the Heavenly woxld J thatJs to 
 come. And what of Heaven is to be feen 
 in you? What of Heaven in your, judg- 
 ments? Do youconform to the world ta 
 come in that? Chriftians, you fee here how 
 the world'judgeth of things and perfons: 
 but, Do you thinlc we Ihall have in Hea- 
 ven that judgment of things that the men 
 of the world have now? If you askaHow 
 we (hall jydg of things heye, who are jet 
 
CoHtmntided and Commended. 49^ 
 OB Earth, and not in Heaven? Why the 
 mrd and not the World, is your RuIfe;you 
 need not fay, WhoftaH go up into Hea. 
 vento brjngus tidings what is the judg. 
 ment of things there 5 we have it near, m 
 the written Word.- Next, What confor- 
 mity IS there to Heaven in your Affefti- 
 ons? -Are they heavenly? Remember, 
 the Command is (C^/.g. 2.), Set your affi- 
 ?/<?«/ on things above. And , What con- 
 ormity IS there in your converfation ^ Is 
 /ourconverfationin Heaven? TheApo- 
 tJe faith, the converfation of a Chriftian 
 louldbe fo,P^i/.5 ,7. What engravings 
 neayen are there on your converfati- 
 ns? What beginnings of Heaven have 
 ou in you? How many are there that 
 ;gin Hell on Earth , and have the en- 
 •avitigsof Hell written upon their con- 
 ■rlations? Thefe indeed are Conformiflf 
 another World, but it is that World 
 Darknefs, and not of Light, that is to 
 le. 
 
 But in profecuting thefe Difcoveries of 
 ie»c0nformity to this World, for every 
 : s better and fuller fatisfaftion, I fliall 
 .ceedbyway of Enguiriej thofelhaJI 
 « two torts ; 
 
 I * I. Some 
 
50 ANONCONFORMITT. 
 
 t . Some more general. 
 2. More particular. 
 
 I . More general : And fo the Eoqijiry 
 isthis^ What conformity is therein you 
 to thofe that are in Heaven , and that in- 
 habit Heaven? If you ask. Who are in 
 Heaven? The Scripture tells you^ ThaJ 
 
 there is 
 
 A God. 
 
 A Chrift. 
 
 Angels. 
 
 Spirits of juftmcn. 
 
 1. God is in Heaven, his Throne 
 there. He dwells there ip refpedt of th 
 manifeftationof Itis-florie: Heisfaid t 
 inhabip Etermty ^ and to dwell in that hi^ 
 and holy place, ik $ 7- ^ 5 • The enquir ie 
 this 5 God is in Heaven , and. What coi 
 formitieisthereinyouonEarthj to th 
 God who is in Heaven? You are calif 
 to be like him, to be holy as he is, to I 
 merciful as he is ( not in refpeft of equa" 
 tie, but fimilitudeandlikenefs). You a 
 called to be partakers of the Divine Nfi 
 ture 5 and, What is that but tp be part o 
 
Commanded and Commended. 5 { 
 
 kers of Divine Graces^ by v/bich we beai 
 his Tmage, and fo become like him ? Fou 
 are called Children of God, and Chiidrea 
 are to referable the Father : Now try, how 
 you referable him, and by that ^ youVcon^ 
 forraitie to him. 
 
 I. Confider how God judgeth of things; 
 Here the Scripture gives us light 5 and hj 
 It you are to fee whether you judg of 
 things as God doth. He judgeth of Sin as 
 the greateft Evil, of Sinners as the greateft 
 Enemies 5 of Grace, as moft excellent^ of 
 gracious ones, as moft precious 5 of Hea- 
 ven,a$moftdefirable5 of: the World , as 
 nioft^ vain and contemptible. Thus God 
 in his Word declares his judgment of thefe 
 ithiags.^ Now the Query is, What con- 
 ;^™^tJe there is in our judgments to His > 
 Whether we judg of things as God judg- 
 eth of them? And fo for the eftimative 
 tacultie, Whether you efteera things 
 ?sGod efteemeth them ? The godly man 
 IS defcribed f vfd. 15.; to be one in whofc 
 y^savile perfon is contemned-^ hut he ho* 
 wureth them thai fear the Lord. 
 
 1, 2 . How God-like are you in your nffe- 
 ■ions> and, What conformirie nchereia 
 oufuohis? The Scripture acquaints us 
 E a with 
 
52 A NONCOKFORMItr 
 
 with what God loves, and with what he 
 hates, and with what he delights in. The 
 Scripture tells us what he loves 5 That he 
 loves righteoufnefs , loves hohnds^; he 
 loves uprishtnefs, he loves truth and fince- 
 rhy in the inward parts. Now put the 
 quedion to your fel ves, Whether you love 
 the things which God loves? The Scrip- 
 ture tells us what God hateth, He hateth 
 iniquitie, and all the workers of iniquitiej 
 he hateth fin, and all finful waysi he ha- 
 teth all fin. And now fee what conformi- 
 tiethereisinyour afFeftions. of hatredto 
 ihis^ The Scripture acquaints us, what it 
 is that God delights in. It tells us, that he 
 delightethinthofethat fear him^ Hede- 
 lightethinuprightnefs. He is ^ God that 
 hath pleafurein uprightnefs. Hedelight- 
 eth iifmercy. Now Chriftians, try what 
 conformitie there is in you to your Hea- 
 venly Father in thefe things, _ 
 
 a Chrift isiaUeiv^n, Phil.^.'iO. from 
 tfheftce we look for a Saviour, SiC; We looJi 
 for him from Heaven: And it Kan Arti- 
 cle of our Faith , fhat he w ajcended t» 
 to Uea-ven: Though Chrift be in Heaven 
 and you on Earth, yet there is to be 11 
 Chriftians a conformitie to Jefus Chnit 
 
Commanded and Commended. 5 3 
 Chrift is the Head ^ now he is in Heaven, 
 and the members muft be conformed to 
 the Head. Though hebe in Heaven^ yet 
 he hath left us fuch foot-fteps on Earth, 
 inwhich we aretotread. Thofe that wilt 
 come to Chiiftin Heaven, muft tread in 
 his Reps on Earth ^ and fo afcend up to 
 him, Chriftians are ftill to be followers of 
 Jefus Chrift. Chrift is the great Mafter 
 they are to follow, and the grand Pattern 
 they are to imitate. The great Apoftle 
 faid. Be followers of me ^ as I am of Chriji. 
 Now, Chriftians , tr^e what conformitic 
 there is in you to Jefus Chrift 5 and you 
 have reafon to put your felves upon the 
 trial , becauft the Apoftle telleth us {Rom^ 
 8. 28.) We are predefiinated to be confor-^ 
 med tohk Image, Let me tell you, there 
 are three things wherein Chriftians arc 
 called to be conformable to Jefus Chrift, 
 vi7. Sufferings , SanUity , Glory, In this 
 world we are called to be conformed to 
 Jefus Chrift in the two firft: when we come 
 to Heaven, wellial] be made conformable 
 to him in the latter. Nov/ the Querie lieth 
 about the two firft. 
 
 I. Chriftians, What conformitie is 
 there in you to Jefus Chrift in your Suffer^ 
 E I ings§ 
 
54 ^ NONCONFORJlflTT . 
 7j?gf,^ It cannot be that a Chiiftian can be 
 a' Chrifl"} m indeed^ but he muft be a fuffer- 
 ingChriftian : if it come not fo high as to 
 refiiring unto blood, yet it may come to 
 bonds and impTifonments:) if not fo high, 
 yet to (coffi. nick -naracSj reproaches, for 
 the ftke of Chiilt. Now, Chrilnans, In 
 your jhj/e,rh;gs are you conformed to Je- 
 fus Chrift?' Do yoa fuffer meekly , pati- 
 ently, rejoicingly? Chrift was patient in 
 his fijffcrings : H^ was led as a Jfjeep to the 
 fiaughter.and he opened ttot hk mouth. He 
 prayed for his peifecutors: When he was 
 reviled.^ he reviled ri at agmn'-^ and in that, 
 the Apoftle Peter itWtih ws ^ He left us an 
 exdmple ^ that we Jloonld tread inhk fieps^ 
 I Per. 2. 23. NoU^ trie your (elves whe- 
 ther you are like Chrift, or the world, un- 
 d^v fufferings .^ It is the way of the world, 
 to return like for like, railing for railing, 
 reviling for reviling:, to fret, and mur- 
 mure, and be impatient under t\\QU fuffer- 
 ings, 'Chriftians , Jcfus Chrift v^hen he 
 wason earth, and in the days of h'xsjuffev 
 jf7g. wa:- Qthei w jfe. Now fee to whom you 
 conform in \oxx^ Jafenngs ^ whether tQ;' 
 Chrift or the World. 
 
 2, What 
 
Commanded andCommended, 55 
 
 2. What conformitie is there in you 
 to Jefus Chrift , in refpeft of SanUity and 
 Holinefs ^ Though jefus Chrill be now in 
 Heaven, yet he hath left us his foot-fteps 
 of that wherein we are to tread He was 
 one that went aboutjdoing good. He was 
 abundant in dutie ^ and much in prayer. 
 He wasfo holy in the whole courfe of his 
 life, that he challenged any to convince 
 him of fin. He fuffc red wrong, but did no 
 wrong 5 neither was guile found in his 
 mouth. He was conformable to his Fa- 
 ther's willj and it was his meat and drink 
 to do it. He wasmuch infelf-denial^ he 
 denied himfelf in his deareft things 5 he 
 laid afide his own glory: he laid down 
 his own life for the falvationof poor fin- 
 ners. He was much in holy and heavenly 
 dilcourlcj ever fpeaking of the Kingdom 
 bf heaven ^ and taking occafion from 
 earthly things, to refleft on and difcourfc 
 of heavenly things. He was much in in- 
 ftrufting^ counfelling, comforting his Dii- 
 ciples. Heftoodup for the honour of his 
 Father, and defended the truth againft all 
 oppofition. All this, and much more, did 
 he in the days of his flefh, when he was on 
 earthy and therein left us an example. He 
 E 4. made 
 
56 A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 made a holy cloie of his life 5 As he lived, 
 fo he died. When the titne of his fuffer- 
 ing death drew near^ he betook himfelf to 
 prayer. Under his laftfufferings he beha- 
 ved himfelf meekly and patiently. When 
 nailed to the Crofs^ he prayed for hisper- 
 fecutors. faying. Father ^ forgive the »i^ for 
 they k^otp not what they do. When he was 
 giving up the Gho(t ^ he commended his 
 Soul to Godj fayingj Father^ into thy hands 
 I commit myffirit, Thus^ Chriftians, you 
 fee a (hon fpecimen of Chrift's San&ity 
 when he was on Earth. Now trie your 
 conformitie to Jelus Chriftj who is now in 
 Heaven? Can you fay, Jlly Pattern is in 
 Ueaven^TiS J^ifaidof his JVitnefs y] oh 16. 
 J^ My Wiinefs k in Heaven} Do you tread 
 iu thole ftep3 of holinefsthat Jefus Chrift 
 hath left? which though we cannot ex- 
 aSly walk in v yet. Do you ftrive tocome 
 as near in imitating his Example , as you 
 can? Remember, Chi iftiansj The world 
 hath found out orher yvays than the way 
 of Jefgs Chrift : Thereis theway ofc^/;;?; 
 and CQrah.'dndBaUam.^zndjEJaH:> and 7/7;- 
 mael^'in which the moft c.f the world walk* 
 But the way wherein you are tp walk, is 
 fhat way vyh^rei^Jefus Chrift walked 
 
 when 
 
Commanded und Commended, 57 
 when he was on earth. Chriftiansare cal- 
 led to be in this Worldj as Jefus Chrift was 
 in this World. 
 
 9. In Heaven are Angels, Angels of 
 Light 5 who are called holy Angels^ and are 
 the Heavenly Courtiers. Thefe are fome 
 of the Inhabitants of the World that is 
 to come. GhriftianSj You are to try what 
 conformirie there is in you to thefe hea- 
 venlie Spirits , and whether you are con- 
 formable to Angels of Light, or Angels of 
 Darknefe. Thofewhoare Nonconformijis 
 to this world 3 hold fome conformirie to 
 thofe glorious Angels that inhabit the o- 
 ther worlds and the great and main con- 
 formitie to them, (lands in our doing the 
 will of Cod on Earth, as the Angels do it 
 in Heaven v it is one Petition in the Lord's 
 Prayer^ ihywillle done on earth as it is in 
 Heaven. Now try your (elves by this. 
 
 1. They do the will of Cod Zealoufly, 
 with a great deal of heat, fervency, and 
 intention of (pirit, and are therefore cal- 
 led Sera}}hims, They are zealous for his 
 work, and zealous in his work. Are you 
 conformable to them in that ^ 
 
 2. Angelsdothe will of God Chearful- 
 ly, with abundance of delight and joy^ 
 
 aaci 
 
58 A NON CONFORMITY 
 
 and therefore they are (aidtohaveHarpsi 
 to fhew it is their Mufick and Delight, all 
 the Services God puts them upon, they go 
 about with abundance of alacritic. Now 
 what conformitie is there in you to An- 
 gels in this .<? Whenyou gotoduticj Do 
 you go about it as Angels do about their 
 work ? Rememberj the moft of the world 
 areriever more fad and dull , than when 
 they are fet about Heavenlie work^ and 
 never fochearful, as when they are out of 
 God*s work 3 and freed from Heavenlie 
 employments. 
 
 5. Angels in Heaven do the will of God 
 fpeedilie 5 and are therefore faid to hav^ 
 wings. They never difpute the commaiids 
 of God 5 nofboner arethey bid go 5 but 
 ihey go. What Meflages they are fent a- 
 boutj what Work they are put upon, they 
 do and execute readily and fpeedily. Now 
 Chriftians, How like Angela are you in do- 
 ing the Lord*s work on earth? The way 
 of theworld istomoveOowly, as Pharo- 
 ^i^'s Chariots when the Wheels were pul-, 
 led off. But. Chriftians, if you are con- 
 formable to the Angela 5 there is a readi-J- 
 pels of mind in you to do the will of Gods 
 Tou ftand ready pre fled for his Service^ 
 
 acd 
 
Commnnded and Commended, ^^ 
 and have your Loins girded up. 
 
 4. Angels do the will and work of God 
 with much lelf-denial ; They afcribe all 
 to Godj and give him all the glorie 5 and 
 therefore arc (aid to caji down their Crowns 
 before the 7hr one: andin£2ser./6. 1.8. they 
 are faid to have hands under their wings, 
 as concealing their own abilities. Now, 
 ChrifiianSj fee what conformitie there is 
 in you tothe Angels^in this particular of 
 Self-deniaL It s the way of moft of the 
 world 5 when they do any thing that is 
 good, to boaft and be proud of it ^ as the 
 Pharifee, of his fading and duties. But 
 thoft that are conformable (in this parti- 
 cular)to the Angels in Heaven.do nothing 
 as of themfelves, and give all the glory to 
 God5 as St. Paul d'ld^ who faid, B^ the grace 
 '>f God I am what lam h, and not I ^ but the 
 f/ace of God which is in me, 
 ^ 5 Angels do the will and the work of 
 3od with abundance of love. There is a 
 weet harmony and agreement among 
 hem in their Employments 5 they do not 
 roC or thwart one another^ they are obe- 
 lient Servants to their Lord, and are in 
 ove and unitie among themfelves. E%ek: 
 ' 9. we read of ih^ Chernbims , and the 
 
 living 
 
6o A NONCONFORjyiTT 
 living Creatures, that their wings joined 
 one to another, and they turned not when 
 they went, and they went every one 
 ftraight forward ^ they did not go one this 
 v^ay, and another that way, but dofweet- 
 ly and mutually correfpond in doing the 
 will of God. Now, Chriftians , What 
 conformitie is there in you to Angels in 
 this? Do youfweetly confpire and agree 
 together in ferving God on Earth ? Oh 
 that Chriftians were more AngeMike in 
 this ! Remember, Contention and Divifi- 
 on is the way of the world, and the way 
 of carnal men:, the Apoftle tells us fo, i Cor. 
 3. 5. If'hile there arejirifes and divisions 
 among jou^ are you not carnal^ and walh^ Oi 
 men. Now, Chriftians, I haye(hew'd you 
 how the Angels in another world do th^ 
 will of God*, and try your felves what 
 conformitie there is in you on earth j to 
 them. 
 
 4. \i\ Heaven are the Spirits andSouh 
 of juftmenmadeperfeft. Thefeareina- 
 nother world, they are in Heaven^ they in- 
 herit the Promifes: and fuch the Apoftle 
 commands us to be followers of He/^.6. 12, 
 Now what conformitie is there in you tq 
 them? 
 
 i.Wi 
 
Commanded and Commended, 6x 
 
 1. We have reafon to believe there is 
 in them a longingfor a full accomplifhment 
 of the number of the EJecSj and for a full 
 revelation of glory. They long for their 
 own perfeftion^ and that of all the Saints. 
 This the world longs not for ^ the coming 
 of the Kingdom of Glory. Our Saviour 
 tells us how it was in the days oi l^oah.thej 
 eatjtheydrank^^^c. and faith^ it would be 
 fbin the days of his Coming. Nowfte 
 what your conformitie isin thisparticular: 
 Do you mind the Glory to come ? Is there 
 in you a looking for the coming of Jefus 
 Chrift? 
 
 2. The vSpirits in Heaven are in perfeft 
 union. What ever difagreements were a- 
 mong the Saints on Earth 3 yet in Heaven 
 they all agree : There Cahin and Luther^ 
 Ridley and Hoofer^ are agreed. Now fee 
 what conformitie there is in you to them ? 
 Is it your endeavour to preferve on Earth 
 the unity of the fpirit in the bond of peace? 
 
 3. The Spirits of juft men dcparted^arc 
 with Chriftj enjoying his prefencc^ and re- 
 joicing in it. Tell me. Do you rejoice in 
 the thoughts of it? and do j ou long for it, 
 and to be with Jefus Chrift ? 
 
 Thus for the general Queries. 
 
 a. Con- 
 
€2 A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 2* Gonfider fome particular Queries; 
 and they are to enquire further what Con- 
 form/[is you are to another world ? 
 
 r. Doyoufpeakthc language of ano- 
 ther world? We read of fpeaking the Z^/?- 
 guage of Ca^aan:WG know of what Coun* 
 trey a man is ^ by the language that he 
 fpeaks. Isyour language heavenly f The 
 Primitive Chriftians were charged with 
 being affefters of Kingdoms^ becaule they 
 fpake fb .often of the Kingdom of God. 
 What fhall we think of thofe whofe words 
 arc either worldly or wicked? To what 
 world are they conformed ? 
 
 2. What life do you live? Is it the life 
 of another world? Is your Converlation 
 in Heaven ? And have you the engravings 
 of Heaven on them? It is fad to fee that 
 moftof the world have the engravings of 
 Hell upon their's. 
 
 3. VVhat works do you? Dothey re-r 
 late to another worldj qr only to this? 
 Praying, hearing, holy meditation , prai- 
 fing Godj and religious duties, they relate 
 to another world, to an heavenly world 
 ibat is to come. How fad is it to fee how 
 
 raany 
 
Cemmanded and Commended. 6^ 
 many thereare whofe works only relate to 
 this world, or to the infernal world of 
 Darkneis, 
 
 4. What things do you moft eye and 
 look at? Are they the things of another 
 world, or of this world? The Apoftle 
 faith (2 C^r.^.the laft), IVe looknot upon the 
 things that are feen^^c. Do you moft eye 
 and long after heavenly Glory^TreaftreSg 
 and Polleffionsj or Earthly ? 
 
 5. What world is it you make the 
 greateft preparation and provifion for?Do 
 you provide for that world that now is, 
 or for that that is to come? We read of 
 the fool in the Gofpel , thatcheer'd him- 
 felf with that 3 7hat he had goods laid uf 
 for many years. How many are there^that 
 
 have no thoughts of another world? That 
 provide for their peace, and fafety, and 
 contentment in this world 5 that (ay^Wha^ 
 fia/J we do to he rich ^ but never ask. What 
 they fijall do to he faved^ that lay up for 
 themfelves treafures on earth:, but lay not up 
 tr^ajures in heaven f 
 
 6. What place, and what world do 
 you look upon as your home? Is it this 
 world 5 or that to come? Ifthat tocome, 
 then youareinthisj as ftrangers and pil- 
 
 grimss 
 
64 A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 grims^ you lodg in it as in an Inn^and yon 
 walk through it as perfons unconcerned in 
 its finful lulls and vanities. 
 
 7. What Right and f ntereft do you moft 
 rejoice in ? Is it , that you have an Intereft 
 in this world ? or.that you have an Intereft 
 in the world to come ? Is it in that portion 
 you enjoy here, or in that portion that 
 God hath xelerved for his in another 
 world? Is it in your Manfions here, or in 
 thofethatChrift hath provided in his Fa- 
 ther's Kingdom for his? 
 
 8. Whence do you fetch all your com- 
 fort in any fad and cloudy condition ? Is it 
 from this world, or from the thoughts of 
 another world 5 where there fhall be no 
 more forrow, nor weeping, nor death,C^<:. 
 
 9. What promifes do you moft prife? 
 VVhetherthofe that arc made concerning 
 this worldjOr thoft that concern the v/orld 
 that is to corned The Apoftle telleth us, 
 Thiitgodlinefs hath the promifes of both But 
 he that is a 'Nonconformi§i to this world, 
 doth moft highly prife the latter^ and 
 would not be without them for a world, 
 to enjoy the former. 
 
 fo. How do you do the Civil bufinefles 
 of this world? Doyoadotheraas relating 
 
 to 
 
Commanded and Commended. 6^ 
 to another world? Do you fo eat^ and 
 drink^andmarry, andufe the World , as 
 thofethat think of Eternity, andasthofe 
 that fhortly look for Eternity ? Do ycu 
 fb ufe this World, as thofe that muft (hort- 
 ly leave it, and mufl: go hence ^ to live in 
 another World? It's fad to fee how many- 
 there are, that live in this world as if there 
 were no life to corne,nor any other World 
 to be looked for. Now^Chriftians^ifyou 
 are NoKconformiJis to this Worlds you ufe 
 it with weaned afTeftions, as thofe whofe 
 time is fhort, and are paffingoutof this 
 life into another. 
 
 Thus much for the Evidences 5 Whe- 
 ther we are Nonconformifts to this 
 World. 
 
 L 3. Direftions what to do ^ with Con- 
 fiderations propounded, that we may not 
 be Canformifis to this World: With 
 Vleans and Helps preicribed,How we may 
 3e delivered from fuch a Conformity. 
 
 I. Thofe that would be Nonconformijif 
 o this Worlds muft be much ia comparing 
 »oth Worlds together^ thisWorld^ with 
 hat which is to come. They muft take a 
 
66 A NONCONFOkMIfr 
 
 view of both Worlds^ and by that means 
 they will come to difcern which of the two 
 is moft worthy of their conformity 5 to 
 which It's moft rational to conform. When 
 we have compared them together , as we 
 ihall.find this World not worthy to be 
 compared with the'World to come^fo nei- 
 ther worthy to be conformed to. 
 
 SojConfider what a World that is^ that 
 is to come 5 and then fee how worthy that 
 World is of a Chriftian's conformity .The 
 Scripture gives us forae account of the 
 World to come^ what a World it is 5 and 
 by that light we iliall walk 3 in making a 
 deicription of it. 
 
 f • The World to come 3 is an Eternal 
 World. This World is but temprarj 5 this 
 is but this prefent world ^ this notP world, 
 which ihorrly will not be. As David faith 
 of the wicked of the world ( Pp/. 37. )3 
 T'et a little ivhile^ and the wicked Jl) all tiot 
 be"-^ thou Jljalt feek^ hk pace : So we may 
 lay of this Worldy Jet a little while^ and it 
 Tv^I/pc 72§ more 3 and its place will not be 
 found. ^ The great Creator let up this 
 Earthly World to be as a Stage 3 whereiii 
 iirca (in their iucceffive generations) are 
 to aft their -parts for (bme thoufands ol 
 
 yearsj 
 
tbmm^nded and^ Commended. <?; 
 ^ears, and then God wifl take it down It 
 IS referyed for fire5 it is drawing to its end 
 as the Apoftle Veter fiith, rl end of ah 
 things js at hand. The World to conie is 
 an enduring-world, which will t6 all Eter- 
 nity cominue, when this World will be no 
 more. Chriftians, remember, j ou are made 
 for Eternity 5 and if upon this account 
 you compare both World-s together, vou 
 
 cannot but concludcits the Eternalvvorld 
 you are to be Conformifis to. 
 
 Me World; usfirmandfeed; a Kingdom 
 that cannot be (baken, H.^ T2.28.But thS 
 World IS a changeable World, and all the 
 bngs of this World are changeable 
 things. All the men in the World ar'e 
 Jangeable Creatures;they are allchildren ' 
 it Change : here one Generation goeth 
 'na another cometh. There is no fixed- 
 ids, retledners,ftability here: Lik- the 
 j^oon^, this World bath her changes: But 
 nrhT M°'°r' " the World thati's 
 nchangeable. As with the Godof Hea- 
 en there isnovariablenefs; foit is with 
 ^^aven ,t felf. Now compare the two 
 ^'or ds upon this account, and fee which 
 moll worthy of yourConformity 
 
 3. The 
 
^8 A NONCONFORMirr. 
 
 5. The World to come is zGlonof^ 
 
 World. It is the place where Glory dwells. 
 
 Heaven istheHoufeof Glory ^ its called 
 
 the Kingdom of Glory 5 all that inhabit it, 
 
 are glorious. There is the place where the 
 
 glorious God ( who inhabiteth Eternity ) 
 
 doth and will to all Eternity make the ma- 
 
 nifeflations of hiii Glory. When we look 
 
 uponthevifible Heavens ( which are but 
 
 the outfideof thatHoufe), and fee them 
 
 fb glorious 5 How glorious then are the 
 
 "Manfions witliin ? As for this Worldj it is 
 
 the place where Mifery and BafeneC 
 
 dwells. Now if ygu compare the twc 
 
 worlds upon this accountjthen judg whicl: 
 
 world is moft worthy of your confor 
 
 inity. 
 
 4. TheHeavenly World isaH(?/^fr^rW 
 
 where no fin dwells. It*s called the Hoi 
 
 HeaveKs^Pf^l.QQ,^^ There dwellsrighte 
 
 oufnefSj 2 Pet. 5.1:^. IFe look^ for nerc Hea 
 
 ziens^ and new Earthy wherein dwells right e 
 
 mtjnefs. Ts^o unclean thing (hall or can en 
 
 ter there. The Apoftate Angels^ for thei 
 
 fin and difobedience^werecaftout thence 
 
 end fhall know their place there no mor 
 
 to all eternity. The Heavenly 'jerufakm 
 
 defcribed to be a City paved with Golc 
 
C&mmanded and Commended* 69 
 
 to ftiew, among other things ^ its purity. 
 Now this world is an unholy world. GaL 
 1.4. it's there called, this prefent evil 
 world. Its an evil world ^ both in refpeft 
 of Miferyj and in refpccl of Sin. But in 
 that world which is to comCj as there will 
 ht no fuffering^io no finning. Thel-nhabi- 
 tantsof that world will to all Eternity be 
 above both. Now if yon compare the 
 two worlds upon this account, then judg 
 which world is to be conformed to. 
 
 5. The world to come is a ^iet and 
 Peaceable World. It's the world of reft^ 
 where there are no ftirrs, no troubles ^ no 
 difturbanceSj no difquietmenrs. It's the 
 place where reft only is to be found.- All 
 Chriftians^ while they are in this world, 
 muft fay. Here isnot onr rejl, Kez/. 15.2. 
 the world is refembled to a Sea of Glafs 
 singled mth fire : A Sea of Glafs ^ to flie w 
 itsbrittlenefsand llipperine(s5 and ^nng- 
 led with fire.^ (i-^0 with the fire of affiifti^ 
 ons, troubles 3 perfecutions.' This world 
 indeed is a Chriftian's HelL Now compare 
 :he two worlds together upon this ac- 
 rount, and fee which is worthy of your 
 ronformity. 
 
 16. The world to come, is the world for 
 :■ ■ 
 
70 A NONCONF ORMlXr 
 vphichman vp^ chiefly m^de. ChriftianSj re* 
 member^ you are made for another world. 
 This worldistobe butonly as an Inn ^ in 
 which you are to lodg as ilrangers and tra* 
 vellers, in your way andpaflag^ to ano- 
 ther world. Chriflians-muftfayof itsT^^^ 
 here they hdve no abiding City ^ hut fee k^ one 
 that fstoconie'-y and that iSj the world tio 
 come. Man is a Creature made capable of 
 Immortality ^ he hath an immortal Soul 5 
 and this (hews he was made for another 
 world.The Apoftk tellsois (\ Cor, 1 5- 19)5 
 If in this life only'ippe had hope in chriji ^ we 
 were of aU men mofi miferabk* ChrKtians^if 
 you bad been made only for this lii:e5 and 
 had your hopes only in this world, and did 
 KOt exptfi and hope for the great things of 
 another life 5 and world that is to corner 
 you were of "all me,nmoft miferable. P\e- 
 memberj you were made for this End 5 Vj 
 glorifie Qod^ a.ndto enjoy him to all Eterni- 
 ty > And this (liews^ that then you muil: be 
 made for another world. VVhei^ can you 
 ferve him for ever, and enjoy him for ever, 
 but in another world ? To fiog praifes and 
 Hallelujahs to God^ will be the work of 
 
 'ajars in the Heavenly world.' There they. 
 ul^ll prgiie G^d tp all Etejrpity, and fliew 
 
 *-• ' - -, what 
 
Cemmanded and Commended* 7 1 
 what eternal debtors they are to Mercy 
 and Free-grace. And then for the other 
 chief End of man, ^\\\Q^\'i^7he enjoyment 
 of God for ever 5 where can that be but in 
 another world? The eternal fruition of 
 God, and Chrift, muft be in a world that is 
 Eternal 5 which is that world that is to 
 come. NoWjChriftianSj confider^what you 
 do here in relation to ferving of God , is 
 but the beginning of that work we have 
 to do in Heaven 5 and what you enjoy of 
 God here ^ is but only a tafte of thar we 
 (hall enjoy of him in another world. Nov7 
 upon this account confider 5 Chriftians^ 
 what world is worthy of your confor- 
 mity. • 
 
 7/ The world to come 3 is ^^^ world 
 drawing near to us 5 and the w^rld prefent, 
 is the world going from ^.Chrift, when he 
 began to preach, faidjT^e Kingdom of Hea- 
 ven is at hand: where, by the Kingdom of 
 Heaven, is meant the Heavenly Cofpel, 
 which open'd and made way to that world 
 that is to come. So, let me tell you,. The 
 world to come, is at hand ^ the world to 
 come , is the world to be 5 this prefent 
 world, erelong, will not be. It is ne^^r 
 parting with us,and we (hould be (b with 
 F 4 • it. 
 
7a A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 it. Eternity is at hand, and we live upon 
 the borders of it. This world hath not 
 long to be^ nor we long to be in it ; when 
 ye go out of it, ye enter upon Eternity^ 
 you go to an Eternal World, where you 
 mufl: have an Eternal Being. Now com- 
 pare thefe two worlds together upon all 
 thefe accounts, and judg rationally which 
 is moft worthy of your conformity. 
 Thu^forthe lirft Direaion. 
 
 n, Direclhn. Thatyou may beJV^^r^?;^. 
 formifis to this world , compare together 
 the confequences of a Cofiformity and a 
 ^Nonconformity to the world. Compare 
 together the conveniences and inconve- 
 niences.the advantages and difad vantages, 
 the gain and the lofs, that you have by 
 conforming and not conforming to this 
 yyorld, So here are two things to be done: 
 
 1. To conGder , What you will 
 gain by being Conformifls to the 
 world. . 
 ^. What yea will lofe by n^t conform- 
 ing to the world. 
 
 f ; Cgnfider^ what you wilt ggin by 
 I cou- 
 
Commanded and Commended. 7j 
 conforming to the world. All you gain, 
 amounts but to this, the World's good-will^ 
 and the World's g$od' word. If you be a 
 Conformifi to the world , you fhall have 
 the love, and fa vour^ and afFeftionof the 
 world^you'fhall be hugg'd in her bofome, 
 you fhall fit in her lap , you fhall be ac- 
 counted her Darlings , when others (hall 
 be but her Oat-cafts 5 you fhall be high 
 in the world's efteem , the men of the 
 world will fpeak well of you living, and 
 (perhaps)well of you when you are dead. 
 They will fpeak what a lofs they have, 
 what an honed man is gone. This is the 
 mofl (for ought I lee) a man gains by a 
 conformity to this world , To have the 
 men of the world's good-will and good- 
 word^ whereby a man enjoys fome out- 
 ward peace, and quiethefs , and freedom 
 from trouble^ that fas the Pfalm/Ji 
 Ipeaks) he comes not in trouble like other 
 men. And, belides all this, it may be he ij 
 made partaker of feme of the world's 
 Promotions and Preferments. This is the 
 fum oi what a man gains by being a Con^ 
 formiji to this world. 
 
 2. Confider, Whata man lofeth by a 
 Conformity to this world, So confider 
 what that lofs amounts |:q. i.A 
 
74 ^ NONCONFOEi^MITT 
 
 1. Alois of inward peace. That man 
 can have no true peace in his own fpirit, 
 that walks by a Rule that is deftruftive to 
 his own foul, Ifa. 57, 27. 'ihere k nopeace^ 
 faith my God ^ to thewki^d. And if no 
 .peace to the wickedj then what peace can 
 there be to thofe that contorm to this 
 world? Conformity to the world may 
 give a man fome outward peaces but it can 
 never give a man that peace that is true 
 peace^ v/hich is peace within^ which is the 
 peace of God and not of the world 3 a 
 peace puffing underjiandwg^ 
 
 2. Such as conform to the worlds lofc 
 the favour of God. He that makes him- 
 felf a Favourite of theworld^makeshim^ 
 ftlf one whom God looks upon as an E- 
 nemy : Jam. 4, 4. the friendpip ef the 
 ivorld is enmity with God. He that is a 
 friend to the finful courfes, fa ft ions^ man- 
 ners^ and ways of the world^isa profefled 
 enemy to God 3 and God profeffeth him- 
 ielf an enemy to him. How (liall God 
 love and affedt, favour and delight in that 
 man 5 whoforfikes thofe rules and ways 
 diathe haih prcfcribed him to walk in, 
 and to conform to thofe patterns and ex- 
 amples which he hath propofed to him to 
 
 irniT 
 
Commanded and Commtndtd, 75 
 imitate^ toclorewitb thofe waySj and to 
 follow thofe examples which he hath flat- 
 ly forbid us to walk in^ and to conform to? 
 So that every Conformift to the world is 
 fuch a perfcu as lofeth the favour of 
 God, 
 
 Now come and compare this gain and 
 lofi together. 
 
 I. The gaining of outward , and the 
 lofi of inward peace 5 and tell me 3 What 
 (hall it profit a man to gain worldly peace, 
 and lofe inward and fpiritual peace? It's 
 peace in the foul and fpirit, that is the true 
 peace. Chrifttoldhisj ihattn htm they 
 fiould have peace -y when yet in the world 
 they Jldould have affiiSion* It is not peace 
 from trouble^but peace /«troublc5 peace 
 within^ when there is trouble without^ that 
 is true peace. A man's greateft trouble, is 
 trouble*within3when it is in his own Ipi- 
 rit ; Prov. 18.14, The f^irit wiUfuftain his 
 ivfirmities ^ but d nPOH^dedJpirit^ t»ho cau 
 bear} There are the lending-parts, and 
 the borrowing-partSjinthe body. If the 
 lending-parts^ as the heart, and brain, &c. 
 bewounded^ the borrov/in^-parts , viz. 
 hand, or foot,, cannot relieve them : but 
 jf theborrowing^parts be wounded , the 
 
 lend" 
 
7^ A ^ON CONFORMITY 
 
 lending-parts can relieve them. A quiet 
 and a peaceable Spirit and Conicience^ re- 
 lieves againlt all outward troubles, and 
 helps amantofuftain all his outward in- 
 firmities : But if there be trouble in the 
 fpiritj outward peace and profperity can- 
 not relieve that. Let the Winds be never 
 fb high and bluftring , yet they cannot 
 make an Earth-quake- but it's wind got- 
 ten into the inwards and bowels of the 
 earths thatcaufeth that. It is not trouble 
 without^ that can trouble us, while there is 
 peace within 5 no more than Hail-ftones 
 ratling on the Tiles of the HoufejCan hurt 
 us 5 while we are at aFeaftin a dry and 
 warmHoufe. Alas! what is outward peace 
 without inward ! Peace without 5 when 
 there is ixo\^h\Q vpithin^czn give no peace 
 to the rpirJt5 it reacheth not the leading- 
 part. The Earth may aslbongiveiightto 
 the Sun^and aTempeft give relt to the Sea, 
 as outward and worldly peace can give 
 reft to a wounded fpirit. What comfort is 
 there in aman's being aflured of freedom 
 from the World's perfecutions^ and to be 
 under the appreheniionof thepurfuits of 
 Eternal Wrath ? Now compare theie two 
 together;) the lofs of worldly and inward 
 
 peacCj 
 
Commanded and Commended. 77 
 peace, and then confider what you gain by- 
 having peace without :^- and lofing peace 
 within. 
 
 2. Compare together the gaining of the 
 world's favour, and the lofing of the fa- 
 vour of God^andfee what it will profit to 
 be the world's Favourite ^ and God's E- 
 nem/. To have the world fpeak well of 
 yoUj and to have the Lord (peak againft 
 you. To have the world well pleafed with 
 US5 and to lye uuder the difpleafure of an 
 Almighty God. To be the World's Dar- 
 lings 5 and God's Out-cafts. To be the 
 World's chofen ones, and to be God's Re- 
 probates. To have the world commend 
 us, and God condemn us? Surely, thofe 
 that haveakindnefs for the World's Fa- 
 vours, do little know or confider what the 
 Favour of God is , which they lofe by 
 gaining that. They little think, that in his 
 favour is life 5 and, that his favour is bet- 
 ter than life. That it is his Favour that 
 makes Heaven^ and his Wrath and Dif- 
 pleafure that makes Hell. Now compare 
 this gain of the World's Favour, with the 
 loisof the Favour of God, and fee what 
 reafon you have to conform to the 
 World. 
 
 2. Con- 
 
yB A NONCONFORJUtrr 
 
 2. Confider what you lofcj and what 
 yoii gain^by not conforming to this worlds 
 and compare thofe two together , and fee 
 which doth preponderate. 
 
 1. Gonfidcr what isthelofsof notcon-f' 
 formisg to the world, I have fpolcen fomc- 
 thing tothis before, and (hall be brief in 
 it here. AH the lofs amounts but tp fome- 
 thing that is o«ly outward and temporal^ 
 viz. Cr^dit^a good report from the world,'^ 
 a good repute with the worlds worldly' 
 peace^ frecdomfrom the world's troublea 
 and perfecutions, the World's Favour^and 
 its Preferments. Thehighefl: it can amount 
 to^ is but lofs of Eftate^ lofs of Liberty, 
 lofs of Life. This is the (urn of wh;it a 
 man lofeth by not complying with, and 
 not conforming to the world. 
 
 2. Next 5 confider what a man fhall 
 gain by not conforming to the world. 
 This is the great thing every one is apt to 
 enquire after, If ldofo\ what Jlj all I get 
 ijf it^ As Feter faid ^ Mafler^'tve have left 
 alland followed thee '-y What Jfj all we have^ 
 So, if any (hall fay 5 We indeed hear th'^t , 
 it is our duty to be l^onconfornMs to the 
 World 5 and wc know% inch aNoHcof?for- 
 mtjfis attended with many diiadvantagesv . 
 
 and 
 
Commanded a^jd Commended, j^ 
 
 dnd'We would gladly know whatadvan* 
 tages do attend (uch a 'Nonconformity 5 and 
 whether they over-weigh the difadvanta- 
 ges? To (atisfie fuch 5 confiderwhat (uch 
 a one gains \^hoh 2iNonconformift to the 
 World. 
 
 r. He gains the lovej and efteem^ and 
 good report of thofe that are godly ^ and 
 that are really fo. Chrifl: hath fome cho- 
 (en precious ones in the World, redeemed 
 from the Worlds that are not of the world, 
 who(e Names are written in Heaven^ who 
 are Virgins, (/.e.) who are not defiled nor 
 fpotted with the World's corruptions and 
 pollutions 5 you have a dc(cription of 
 thtm^Rev.id^.j^^&c. fuchasvvalk in the 
 ftepsof ChriftherCj and (hall walk with 
 Chri(t in white hereafter. Now confi- 
 der^ Your not conforming to the World^ 
 will gain the good report of the(e.What 
 theApo(tlefaith3CHeb.ii.2. By faith the 
 Elders obtained a goodreport^ may I (ay^ 
 By this Nonconformity you will obtain a 
 good report from thofe that are truly and 
 (incerely good. Now compare this gain 
 with the fore-mentioned lofs: What is 
 it to Io(e the good 'word of a Drunkard^a 
 Swearer5a(ilthy wicked prophane perfon, 
 
 and 
 
8o A NONCONFORMITT 
 
 and to be well reported of by thofe that 
 are holy and pious ? Let me tell you^Next 
 to God*s Approbation 5 the Approbation 
 of thofe that are godly, is moft defirable. 
 What comfort will this give a man upon 
 his dying-bedg that all the Drunkards and 
 Prophane perfons in the Countrey ^ com- 
 mend him 5 andfpeak wellof him? Our 
 Saviour (aid , Wo to you when all men Jljall 
 fpeak^ well of you: and furely theUj Wo to 
 that man of whom none can fpeak well, 
 but only (uch as are wicked. 
 
 2. By not conforming to the World^ 
 you will not only gain a goodreport from 
 godly men^hut alfo from Cod himfelfrlet me 
 tell y ou^ They are fuch as God makes high 
 account of, whom Jefus Chrift highly pri- 
 feth, and whom the Angels in Heaven re- 
 joice over. Look but into Scripture^ and 
 fee how highly God commends thofe 
 vvho are Nonconformijis to the men of 
 their generation:The Apoftle (in HeL 11,) 
 ipeaks of the Faith of the holy men of old^ 
 as Enochs of whom it*s (aid.^e walked with 
 God'-i :xndoi Noah ^ who by building the 
 Ark upon the warning he had from God, 
 condemned the World* Let me tell you 
 what the Apoftk (peaks of all them there 
 
 in 
 
Commanded and Commended, 8 1 
 
 in relation to their Faith^ we may fpeak of 
 them in relation to their 'Nonconformity \.6 
 the world 3 thatj as the Apoftle faith^ v,2^, 
 by Faith they obtained a good report ^ 
 (o, by their Nonconformity to the world. 
 What was Enochs but a Nonconformiji ^ 
 What was Noah^ but a Nonconformij^i to 
 the men of his generation? What vvere 
 Abraham^ and Iftac^ and Jacob , but Non- 
 conformijis to the world, when it is ex- 
 preOyfaidof them^T;. 15. that they con- 
 fefled that they were fir angers and pilgrim J 
 on the earth 3 that they didlooh^ after a bet- 
 terCoHntrey^Q,e,^ a heavenly one? What 
 was Mofes but a Nonco77formifi to this 
 W oxM ^ who refufed to be called the Jon of 
 ^haroah's daughter -j who chofe rather to 
 uffer aQiiUion with the people of God^ than 
 enjoy the pleafures of fin for afeafon'^ who 
 deemed the reproach of Chriji greater ri- 
 hes than the treafures of Egypt f This is 
 n eminent and high demonftration of his 
 Nonconformity to the World* And fo I 
 light fpeak of the reft, who were all per- 
 )ns of whom the world was not worthy-^ who' 
 htained a good report from God^-^ and of 
 horn we may fay as the Apoftle doth, 
 f^^i. IX.13.) All thefe dyed in faith : So 
 G all 
 
8s A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 all thefe lived and dyed Nonconformiis t<S 
 the World. How highly and hon^utablj 
 doth the, Lord C '" Scripture ) fpeak ol 
 thefe ^onconformifis^ Nodoubt but th€ 
 men of tht ir generation looked upon their 
 as men fingular^ faaious^humorous^ as fucJ 
 that delighted to be unlike their Neigh^ 
 bours. But the Lord fpeaks of them as ex- 
 cellent ^ind precious, and fuch of whorr 
 the World was not worthy. Now com^ 
 pare thefe together , and fee whether i 
 better 3 To be well reported of by th| 
 World.or to be well reported of by Godi 
 What though the World account fuch /?re 
 cife Fools, if the Lord call fuch the only mf 
 in the world? It is not whom the Work 
 commeuds.but whom God commends^tha 
 are praife-worthy indeed. Mojes ^ inthi 
 bleffing of >/efA, Vent. ?g. i6. he wilh 
 eth to him the good-vpillof him thdi dvpel 
 in thebuJI), To have the good-wijl am 
 the good^ word of God^ is that that is mof 
 defirable in this life. 
 
 5. Th^t you m^yheNonconformiJis U 
 
 this World, Be much in comparing toge 
 
 her R.uies and Patterns, Thofe of thi 
 
 ^ rd, and ihofe of the World. Take 1 
 
 Wo vicv 
 
Commanded and Commended'^ S5 
 
 view of both 3 and then confider thefe 
 three things. 
 
 Firft^ Which are raoft worthy your 
 conformity. 
 
 Secondly^ To w hich you are moft obli- 
 ge^ and engaged to conform. 
 
 Thirdly ^ By your conformity to whicb^ 
 you fhall raoft benefit and advantage your 
 felves. 
 
 Firfi 3 Confider^ whether the Pvules and 
 Examples of th^ Word ^ or of the Worlds 
 .bemoft worthy of your conformity. So 
 1 confider, 
 
 f. What the World^sRuleSj and Com- 
 mands 3 and Prefcriptions are. You will 
 find them to be all corrupt , erroneous^ 
 bafe, uncleaUj unholy. And you will find 
 its Examples fuch likewife : The Rules it 
 hath, by which it doth and afts things, and 
 by which it judgeth of things , are all 
 naught. Who can bring a clean thing out 
 of an unclean, (aith 'job ? And how can a 
 filthy and unclean World, prelcribe Rules 
 that are otherwifei? Take a furvey of its 
 [iules 5 1. For judging of things ^ It makes .^ 
 :his one of its great Rules by whic'ti ^t 
 
84 A NONCONFORAdirr. \ 
 
 judgeth of things^ Whether they be Good 
 or Evil, by thefuitablenelsorunfuitable- 
 nefithereisinthemj to finful flefhj and 
 corrupt nature. I might name many other 
 Rules of the like nature 5 but for brevity's 
 fake I omit them. 2. For its Rules for pra- 
 ftice^they are.finfuland corrupt too. ] 
 (hall name you fome 3 (viz.) To do as the 
 mofi do^ is one Rule. To do as the greatell 
 do,, is another Rule. To do as our Ancejiors 
 a^d Fore- fathers didy (who lived in dark 
 and corrupt times) is another Rule. Todc 
 what refpeSs our outward eafe ^ and credit^ 
 and quiet, ^ inthis vporld^ that we may Jlee\ 
 in a whole s^n^ is another Rule. In a 
 word 5 To do what is good in our own eyes , 
 and to do what tends to the fleajing and gra- 
 tifying of our lujisy is another Rule. I mighl 
 name more 5 butletthefefufEce. 
 
 Nextj for the World's Patterns and Ex- 
 amples, take a view of them: Youwil 
 find them all corrupt and naught. If yot 
 look with a right eye upon them, youwil 
 find they all have ugly, bafe, finful infcrip< 
 tions on them 5 as of Prophanenels^Drun- 
 kennefs , Swearing, Covetoufnefi, Pride. 
 Luxury, Uncleanneis, and of all Ungod- 
 iinefijAtheifmj Indifferenay in Religion. 
 
 Luke- 
 
Commanded and Commended, 85 
 
 Lukewarmnefs, Denying the power of 
 Godline/s, d"(7. Si/ch are the World's Ex- 
 amples. Andfol havefhew'd you what 
 the World's Rules for judging and pra- 
 fticCjare, and what its Patterns and Ex- 
 amples are. All naught. 
 
 2 . Now I (hall come to (hew you^ what 
 the Rules and Examples of the Word are, 
 that (b upon comparing them together^ 
 f^ou may fee which are mod worthy of 
 f^our conformity. As for the Rules of the 
 IVord, they are holy 5 tfeey are purCj they 
 ire perfefl:^ fo are all the Rules of the 
 iVord 5 both for judging of things , and 
 br pradice. 
 
 I. For the R.ules prefcribed us in the 
 A^ord , they are all pure : I might name 
 nany, but among others 3 take thefe 
 hree. 
 
 I. The VVordteachethus to judg of 
 hings as God judgeth of them , whofe 
 jjdgment is according to truth, the judg^ 
 lent of the VVorldfis according to ap- 
 earancc and corrupt phantafie. 
 
 \. The Word teacheth us to judg of 
 lings as they have relation to the Soul, 
 hat, that is good which is good for the 
 3ul 3 which ' tends to thp making of 
 G 3 uf 
 
B6 A NONCONFORMirr \ 
 
 us more Holy and Heavenly. I 
 
 5. The Word teacheth us tojudg oi 
 things to be good or evil, as they relate tc 
 a nian'§ future and eternal ftate. So^ thoft 
 things to be good , that concern a man'i 
 eternal well being ^ and thofe things to be 
 evjl5i:hat relate to eternal mi(ery. 
 
 Thus for the Rules of jud ging of things. 
 
 Next, for the Rules of Praftice^ I (hall 
 name fome( of many ) to you 3 you wil] 
 find them all holy and pure. 
 
 1. Is this 5 Doing what pleafeth God", 
 not what pleafeth men. Pleafing God. 
 whom ever we difpleafe. This is a Rule k 
 the Word, for practice 5 ittellethus. We 
 ftiould not be the fervants of menjto plealc 
 their (inful humours , and lufts , and fan- 
 cies. 
 
 2. To do as the if/? do, and not as the 
 moji do: where, by [^bejf] we mean noi 
 the he(i of the Fdrjjh^ who are accounted ft 
 for their Riches, and Lands, and PoflcHr- 
 pns5 but the beU |n relpeft of GodlineC 
 and Holinefs. 
 
 5. Inall things we doj to prefer yj^i^-j 
 7Kg bQkjXQ Jinmng. To chuie AfRiftion ra- 
 ther than Sin, It gives us to confider^thai 
 
 the 
 
Commanded and Commended, By 
 the leafteviiof Sin, hath more evil in it 
 than the greateft evil of Suffering. 
 
 4. In all we do, to refpeCt more inward, 
 than outward peace. To regard (moft) 
 peace in our own Spirits and Confciences. 
 To remember what the Martyr faid ^ There 
 mreno StockjtotheStockj of an evil Con- 
 fcience. To have a care to preferve the 
 Bird in our bofome. 
 
 5. Doing good 5 and avoiding evil^ 
 though with difadvantage to our felves^ 
 when the good concerns eternal life ^ and 
 the difadvantage only this life. 
 
 Thus for fome of the Rules for pradice. 
 
 Nejrt, for the Patterns and Examples 
 that^the Word of God holds out to us. 
 You will find them all holy, having the In- 
 scriptions of Heaven and Holinefs on 
 them. So it propounds to us, for our imi- 
 tation, the Examples , (fFirftJ) Ofjefus 
 Chiift. Secondly, Of Holy men, and fuch 
 as were Followers of Jefus Chrift. 
 -I.Of Jefus Chrift.So it holds him out to us 
 as our great Pattern to imitate. It (hews us 
 the fteps of his Humility, Meeknefs/ Pa - 
 tience,Obedience,Holioeis3Heavenlinefs- 
 
 2. It holds out to us the Examples of 
 
 Holy men, for our imitation:, more famous 
 
 G ^ in 
 
d3 A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 in their Generation than others, for their 
 Faithj Piety^PatiencCj Holinels^Zeal^f/e^. 
 6. 12. Be ye followers of them who through 
 faith and patience inherit thePromifes.Con^ 
 fider^ the Scripture propounds to us for 
 our example , fuch as inherit the Promifes 
 of God 5 the World propounds fuch as 
 inherit the Threatnings of God. . The 
 Word propounds to us for our ex- 
 amples, fuch as now are in Heaven. 
 The VVorld propounds fuch, who (for 
 ought we know) are either in Hell, or in 
 theroad-way toHell. NoWjChriftians^ I 
 have given you ^hnti fpeci men and view 
 of the World's Rulesand ExampleSjand 
 of thofe of the Word 5 and now compare 
 them together 5 and judg which are moft 
 worthy of your conformity. Upon your 
 comparing them together, you will find 
 the refulttobethis. 
 
 I . That the Rules and Examples of the 
 Word are more highland noble, and ex- 
 cellent, than thofe of the World : The 
 World's Rules and Examples are low and 
 bafe ^ and a Chriftian debafeth himfelf in 
 conforming to them 5 they ate below a 
 /Chriftian'sCalling^they are below aChri- 
 ftiarfs Spirit^ |hey are below a. Chriftian's 
 
 Profeflion, ^ 
 
Commanded and Commended. 89 
 Profeffion , they are below a Chriftian s 
 Hope and Expeftation 5 and (b muft needs 
 be too low for his conformity and imitati- 
 on. Man is an excellent Creature 3 he was 
 made a little lower than the Angels^fo that 
 (next to the Angels) he is the moft no- 
 ble of Creatures. And God^that gave Man 
 a noble Being, gave him alfo a noble Rule 
 to live and walk by. As God made not 
 man to be his own End, neither did he 
 make him to be his own Rule.From whom 
 he received his Being^he was to receive his 
 Rule. His Rule was,, the Will and Law of 
 his Creator 5 and herein ftood his excel- 
 lency, in conforming to that Rule. When 
 man conformed to another Rule^ he loft 
 his excellency. God made man upright^ but 
 (as Solomon faith) they have found out many 
 inventions. So, God made Man excellent^ 
 but having found out other. Rules to con- 
 form to, than thofe of his Creator, they 
 have loft their excellency. There was a 
 high and noble Rule, for a high and noble 
 Creature^ and that Rule is, theRuleof 
 the Word, which contains the revealed 
 Will of the Creator. 
 
 2, You will find this, upon comparing 
 fihem together^ That the Rules and Exam- 
 ples 
 
^O' A NONCONFORMirr 
 pies of the Word are more pure and holy^ 
 than thofe of the World. Confiderwhat 
 isfaidof the Word of God, and what is 
 faid of the World : Of the Word of God 
 the Scripture laith, it ispure^ verypure^ as 
 Goldtryed inthe fire fiven times. Of the 
 World it's faid 3 that kh finful^ evil ^ and 
 that it lieth in wickednefs. Now^ as the 
 Word isj, fo are its Rules 3 and as the 
 World is 5 (bare its: A pure Word hath 
 pure Rules 3 and aninipure World muft 
 needs prefcribe impure Rules. Thetiigher 
 things .are, the purer they are. What is 
 Purity^butafreenefs from all Contagion-, 
 and touch of inferior things } That Gold 
 isimpure, that is mixed with drofi^ and 
 that Face and Garment is defiled 5 that is 
 fpottedwith dirt. Confiderj things are 
 pure ex contaUu fnperiorum : the higher 
 they ar^3 and the more heavenly^the more 
 pure, Ar]d things are impure excontaBu 
 infenorum 5 the lower things are, the more 
 impure.Now, upon this accountjthe Rules 
 and Precepts of the VV^ord muft needs be 
 the pureft. becaufe they aremoft high^ho- 
 ly. heavenly. Tbereis noy^-^r/V, nodrois 
 St all in them. And as for the Examples of 
 the Word 5 they are holy and heavenly 
 
 pnes^ 
 
Commanded and Commended. 9 1 
 ones<> that are propounded to us for our 
 conformity and imitation. 
 
 ohj. It's true, (bme may here except a- 
 gainfttheExampleSj and (ay 3 What^ was 
 there no drofs in them} Had not the heji 
 Saints their failings and corruptions^ Wert 
 they perfeUly pure^without ^ain or hlemi^j} 
 
 Anf. To this we anfwer : That the Ex- 
 amplesand Patterns that the Word of 
 God holds out to us for our imitation^ are 
 (as I told you before) of two forts : thofe 
 
 i.Of Jefus Chrifi". 
 2. Of Holy men. 
 
 I. The Example of JefjsChrifl: Nou^ 
 his Example is without, and beyond all 
 exceptions itisperfeftly pure. He hath 
 left us his ftepsto tread in^ and upon vie v/ 
 of them it wil never be found that he trod 
 one ftep awry. He did no Jin ^ neither was 
 guile found in his mouth. He made this 
 'challenge to his moft bitter andobferving 
 Adverfaries ^ Which of youconifinceth m$ 
 pffi^ '^ He was 'j^fifs Chriii the righte^ 
 
 2. As 
 
52 A NONCONFORMITY 
 
 2. As for the Examples of Holy men? 
 againft whom the Objedion mod liethj 
 and of whom it muft be confefled . that 
 they had their impurities 5 yet concerning 
 them, there is this to be laid. 
 
 1 . That though they had their impuri- 
 ties^ yet they had their purity^C/.e. J fbme- 
 thing that was precious and excellent.* 
 They were Gold, though there were fbrae 
 drofs mixed with it ; fb that (comparative- 
 ly J we may fay they were pure. The Ex- 
 amples of the World are altogether im- 
 pure 5 they are all drofs ^ aad no Gold 
 mixed with them. They are altogether 
 corrupt^ and have nothing of holinefi and 
 purity in them. 
 
 2, This isto beconfideredj That God 
 in his Word, propounding to us the Ex- 
 amples of Holy men for our imitation/ets 
 them out to ajs to be imitated by us in what 
 was goodj not what was evil in them.'The 
 holieft men were in fbme things but men: 
 they had their black.as well as their bright 
 fide. Now the Scripture (hews us their 
 black fide only for our caution :> but their 
 bright fide only for our imitation. In fhe 
 Scripture we fee Saints in their Sins^, and in 
 their Graces 3 and it is in their Graces only 
 
 ' that 
 
Commanded and Commended. 95 
 that they are held forth to us as Patterns 
 for our imitation. The great Apoftle him- 
 felf bids them to whom he writes, lobe 
 followers of him^ as he was of Chrip;. We 
 are to eye Chrift as our chicfeft Pattern, 
 and to conform to the Examples of others, 
 as they are conformable to Jefus Chrift. 
 Particular Saints 5 had their particular 
 Graces and Excellencies. Thus Abraham 
 was eminent for his Faith^jf^?^ for his Pa- 
 tience, Mofes for his Meeknels^ David for 
 hisZeal^ and fo for the reft. Andinthele, 
 the Scripture propounds them to us asPat- 
 terns for our imitation, in their Excellen- 
 ciesj not in their Frailties- Thus the Ob- 
 jedion is anfwered. And now confider 
 what Rules and Examples are worthy of 
 .your imitation and conformity. 
 
 3%, You will find this, upon compa- 
 ring them together. That the Rules and 
 Examples of the Word, have the great- 
 eft, and beftp and higheft approbation^and 
 in this they exceed thofeof the Worlds 
 this I ftiall (hew you in fome particulars. 
 
 I. They are approved of by God him- 
 felf, who is the Beft andGreateft. Aad 
 needs oiuft it be fo^ when fuch Rules are of 
 
 his 
 
94 A NONCONFORMirr 
 own making , and fuch Examples of hb 
 own damping. To thefe God puts his Seal 
 of Approbation: but to thofe of the 
 VVorldjthat of his dillikeand condem- 
 nation. 
 
 2. They are thofe Rules and Examples 
 that all that are godly approve of: by their 
 dillenting from the otherj they have tefti- 
 fied-their approbation of thefe. Pvead but 
 the ii^tk Pfalm^ and fee how highly D^- 
 ijid fpeaks forth his approbation of the 
 Law, and Teftimonies^ and Precepts of 
 God, and how he had chofen the way of 
 God's Precepts. And this godly men have 
 done under the greateft perfecutioils and 
 affiiftions ^ they have then teftified their 
 high approbation of the ways of God, 
 and have not accepted of deliverance up* 
 on condition of complying with the finful 
 ways of the World : fo you read of thofe 
 iufferersofold, Heb.ii. what tortures 
 they endured, and all upon the account of 
 ¥Jof2Conformity to the world. 
 
 3 . They are thofe Rules and Examples 
 that will one day beapproved of by all, 
 both good and bad. There is a day when 
 even wicked men themfelves will vote for 
 them* It is not much to be regarded what 
 
 wick- 
 
Commanded and Commended. 95 
 
 wicked men now think or fpeak of them, 
 while they are in their profperity , and in 
 the hot and eager purfuit of their J^ufts. 
 Alas ! they are not now themfelves 5 but 
 there is a day when they will be in cool 
 blood, when they wil be themlelves^when 
 they wil commend the ways of God^and 
 the'Examples of thofe holy ones they once 
 condemned 5 and wil wifli they had choftn 
 the way of Abraham^ and Ifaac^ 2ndja-. 
 cob^ 8cc. and not of Cain ^ and Efau 3 and 
 Ijldmael^ and fuch like. 
 
 4- You will find this 3 upon comparing 
 thefe Rules and Examples together^ That 
 thofe of the Word aretheiafeft to con- 
 form to. In that conformity, there is a 
 lafety for Eternity. In a conformity to 
 thofe of the world ^ there is nothing but 
 danger , they are liable to be condemned 
 with the world 5 there is no (afety in thofe ' 
 ways, wherein there is no falvation to be 
 found. They that live the life of the 
 World, muft expeft to perifh with the 
 World, the P/i/;5?///Z faith (Pfal.125.5.) 
 As for fuch as turnafide to crooked patbs^ 
 the Lord will lead them forth vptth the workc 
 ers of iniquity ^ f7.e.)God wil deal with 
 fuchj as with wicked men* Solomon tells 
 
96 A NONCONFORMITT^ 
 us^ ( Prov.io. 9.) H^ that wall{s uprightly 
 walkj furely. It is a man's conformity to the 
 Rules and Examples of the Word ^ that 
 fpeakshim Upright 5 and in that lieth his 
 lafety for Eternity. 
 
 5. Upon comparing them, you will find^ 
 That a conformity to the Rules and Ex- 
 amples of the Word, is that that is moft 
 becoming Chriftians. VVhatcan more be- 
 come a Chriftian^than to conform to tho(e 
 Rules and Examples that aremofl: Chrifti- 
 an snd holy. 
 
 I. It becomes not a Ghriftian's Calling* 
 He is called from the world, he is called out 
 of the world, he is called to be unlike the 
 world 5 he is called to be an Heir of ano- 
 ther world, he is called to begin Heaven 
 on Earth:, to begin it here in Grace, and to 
 enjoy it hereafter in Glory. NowChrifti- 
 anSjHow doth a conformity to the world 
 agree and fuit with your Calling ? Doth it 
 become a man to wallow in the Mire^ be- 
 caufe a Hog doth fo ? 
 
 2. It is unbecoming a Chriftians Pro- 
 feffion. As your Calling is, (b is your Pro- 
 feffion,holy. Do but reflefl: upon your 
 Baptifmal-Govenant^ Is not the VVorld 
 one of thofe things you promile to forfake 
 
 and 
 
Commanded and Commended. oh 
 and renounce > And if fo^ How can you 
 conform to it ? How can you tJiat profefi 
 your felves to be the fervants of Chrift.be 
 the fervants of firiful men ? How can you 
 that profels your felves^to be of the num- 
 ber of thofethat are redeemed from the 
 worlds comply with^ and conform to the 
 world ? 
 
 3. Conformity to the world , is unbe- 
 coming the Spirit of a ChrifHan. A Chri- 
 ftian is to be one of an excellent and pre- 
 cious Spirit : And what hath an excellene 
 Spirit to do with bafe and low Rules and 
 Examples? Let me tell you, th^reisaho-^ 
 ly Gallantry Chriftians Oiould have^which 
 fhouldfet them above fuch a conformity, 
 with the greateft difdain and fcorn. As 
 It's faid of C^/e^,(N;/^»Z». 14.24.) He had 
 another Spirit. What have holy Spirits to 
 do with (inful Rules? And, What have 
 heavenly Spirits to do with worldly and 
 earthly Examples? 
 
 6. Upon comparing them together, 
 you wilUmd, That a Conformity to the 
 Rules and Examples of the Word, is moft 
 Confolative, There is more comfort in con- 
 forming to the Word, tl^an in conforming 
 to the. World. What comfort will the 
 I f' thoughts 
 
98 A NONCONFORJldlTT, 
 thoughts of your conforming to a finful 
 wicked World, give you? when you come 
 to lye on your laft and dying-beds. What 
 comfort will a conformity to the World 
 refleft ? Oh that men would confider what 
 will give them peace at the laft ! Confider 
 this you covetous Tradefmen^thatulefalfe^ 
 IVJeafijres and^Ballances, and that dealjn 
 fa] fe Wares: the favin^ is > Lei^ht Gains 
 make an heavy P^/g;_ buttakeJ ieed thev 
 ^akenot an heavy a nd.a(-(;-^iftng Ponfci- 
 £gce in^t h£end« It is the way of the World 
 to get gain any way , but never confider 
 what the iflue will be, whether it will be 
 comfort and peace at laft. It was the lay- 
 ing of a worthy judgof this Nation, to 
 ^ his Son when he was a dying, Son^I leave 
 J yon hut a jmall Ejiate^ hut it was well gotten. 
 Oh that men could fay fo of their Eftates 
 (whether great or fmallj , That they were 
 v^dl gotten I Let the cunning, covetous, 
 worldly Tradefinan, know. That he may 
 as well rob a man in his Shop, with a mete- 
 Yard^ and a pair of Ballances in his hand 
 as a Thief doth with Sword and Piftol 01 
 the R.oad ^ and although they are not alik« 
 arraigned at the ^arr of Man's Tribunal 
 yet tfiey will be alike at the Barr of God' 
 
 Tribu 
 
Commanded and Commended. t g^ 
 
 Tribunal. And as fo r you prophane^ncSj^ ^ 
 What com^t will the-^tnogghts^ o£ 
 jTQu r Tihful pleafures, del ight^ and^vani- 
 ties, reHeSjwhcn^u come^dye? VSQm 
 "^afure will^ it then be toyou^to regi etn-, 
 oer tKefinFul JQllitiesand defiai^cheries nf 
 alpre-paBe d life ? Know this, that one 
 Bour (pent in communion with God , will 
 yeeld a man more folid comfort , than all 
 the days a man hathfpent intheTents of S 
 wickednels. He faid it , that had proved A 
 it, Plal. 84. 10. A day in thy Cmrts^ is bet'-/. 
 ter than a thoufand^bcc. And let me tell 
 you, A day fpent in ferving God, and con- 
 forming to his Will and Wordgdoing what 
 iswell-pleafing in his fights will yeeld 
 more comfort than a thoufand fpent in 
 complying with , and conforming to the 
 finful fafhions, pleafureSj and examples of 
 the World. Nay, What fad reflexions will 
 the thoughtsbf lucha compliance caufe? 
 That proud Cardinal Wolfey^ when he 
 was caft out of the favour of his Prince, 
 and was under the apprehenfion of ap- 
 proaching death , faid i If I had been ^x 
 careful of ferving and ^leafing God , as t 
 have been toferve and f leafs my King '-y h9 
 had not novp forfaken me in thk my mtfcry. 
 H 2 And 
 
I<* A NONCOh^FORMirr' 
 And ere long men will with, they had been 
 as careful in conforming to the will ot God 
 revealed in his Word, as they have been 
 to the %v4lls of men , and ways of the 
 World V and repent of it when us too 
 
 7'. Upon comparing thefe together, 
 YQU will find. That a conformity tothe 
 Rules and Exarhples of the Word, is a 
 Chriftian's Wifdomy and that all Cofor- 
 mifts to the World, will at the laft be 
 found but fools, as the Prophet (ger.17. 
 ii\ faith. He that getteth riches, a«dnot 
 by right, at his end jhaU he afofll. Qonh- 
 der who in the end will be the verieft 
 fools. Confortmfis , ot Noficonformjts , to 
 the World f Deut. ^. ^W hen Moje shad 
 told the men of ifrael of the Statutes_ot 
 God, this is one Motive he makes ufc ot to 
 prefs them to an obfervation of them,j;.6. 
 This mil be your mfdom in'theftght of the 
 mtihs. Let roe tell you, k Conformity to 
 the Word, and a ^oncovformtty to the 
 World, is a Chrittian's Wifdom. There 
 ft a day coming, when thofe who now tor 
 not confirming to the world, are accoun- 
 ted fbois,wUi not only be pronounced 
 3r?re-bv.theteftimoBy ot God,andC>hriit, 
 J ' ^ and 
 
Commanded and Commtnded. loi 
 and AngelSj but alfo by thofe that now 
 efteem and call them Fools, Let me. tell 
 you/ What is the judgment and opinion 
 oF wicked men now concerning Holineis 
 and Holy ones , will not always be, their 
 judgment , they will one day be of ano- 
 ther mind. Now 5 indeed 5 the wifdom of 
 God is foolijlmefs with the world'-i when^in- 
 deed it is the rpifdom of the world that is 
 foolijhnefs with God, In the Word of God^ 
 and the laws and rules which it prefcribes^ 
 is feen the Wifdom of God; And thole muft 
 needs be the wifefli who conform to thofe 
 Rules. Conforming to the World's Rules^ 
 is conforming to the World's Wifdom, 
 which indeed is conforming to theWorld's 
 Wickedneis, andthewifeft of fuch Con- 
 formiJis(^except they repent) vvill ere long 
 call themfelves Fools to all Eternity, 
 
 Now, having compared all thefe toge- 
 gether, tell me 5 Whether the Rules and 
 Examples of the Wordj or of the World, 
 are mofl: worthy of your conformity. 
 Thus much for the Firji. 
 
 Secondly , We come next to enquire. 
 
 To which you are n\oft obliged and enga- 
 
 H 3 ged 
 
10^ A NONCONFOftMITT 
 
 ged to conform , To the Word of God, 
 or to the World. A nd here I (hal] put this 
 Qgeftion to you, viz. To whom yon owe 
 mojij whether to God^ or th^ worlds So I 
 muft ask you two things ; 
 
 1. Which hath done moft for you? 
 
 2, Which can do moft for you? 
 
 I . Which hath done moft for you^God 
 or the World ? To whom owe you your 
 Beings? Who created you , God or the 
 world? Then tell me, to whom you owe 
 your conformity ? To whom owe you 
 your Redemption? Who lent a Saviour 
 into the world to dye for you 5 and by 
 that death to purchaie pardon^ and peace^ 
 and reconciliation, and eternal lalvation? 
 To whom do you owe your lives? Who 
 endued your fouls v^ith life, and hath hi- 
 therto held your feuls in life? Of whofe 
 Mercies is it, that you have not ere this 
 been confumed ? Is it of the Lord's Mer- 
 cyj or of the World's ? From whom have 
 you had protedion and deliverance fropi 
 dangers? Whofe Angels are it that have 
 pitcVd their Tents about you, God's, or 
 the World's ? Ff om whom do you receive 
 "" "^^^ •'■"'•■ •^"v ■^' all 
 
Cemmanded and Commended. 103 
 all your bleffingSj of health^wealth/ood^ 
 raiment .<? Is it from Godj or the World ^ 
 SeCj by this^ to which you owe your con" 
 formity. 
 
 2. Confider^which can do moft for you. 
 What can the world do for you? Doth it, 
 or can it bid more for your conformity, 
 than God doth } As Sauli^nd to his Cour- 
 tiersj when he faw they were addifted to 
 David'sPsLXty ^ Can the Son of JeJ/e give 
 you Vineyards^ or Olive-yards^ &c. So let me 
 ask you , Can the world give you v/hat 
 God can ? All that the world can do for 
 youj doth but amount to what is tempo- 
 ral : But can it give you that which is eter- 
 nal ? Let me teli you^ It is fo far from do- 
 ing thatj that though it can give a man Ho- 
 nour, and Riches, yet it cannc^t^ifive a man 
 Contentment with them 5 liueh le(s can 
 .jt give inward comfort, an'dp^ace, and 
 affiirance of Eternal Glory and Happi- 
 nefi. All this, God bids for your confor- 
 mity to him. And now fee to which you 
 moft owe your conformity. 
 
 thirdly , We are next to enquire , By 
 
 which you will be moft advantaged, 
 
 whether by a conformity to God, or the 
 
 P 4 world? 
 
IC4 A NONCONFORMItr 
 world? Tothislhavefpoken largely be- 
 fqre^when 1 (bew'd you the Gain and Lofi 
 of Conformity and Nonconformity to the 
 world. I fhall only here put you upon the 
 confiderationof two things : 
 
 I. Which promifeth moft. 
 Q. Which threatneth moft. 
 
 1. Which promifeth moft^ the Wordot 
 the World: Look over the promifes of the 
 IFord^ and tell me^ whether the World can 
 promilewhat God in his ^^r^doth? Can 
 it promife you, That by conforming to 
 Sts Statutes and La wSj it (liall be well with 
 you and your children for ever? The 
 world cannot promi(e you a long and hap- 
 py life here 5 much lels can it promife ym 
 eternallife and happinefi hereafter* 
 
 2. Gonfider, which threatneth moft: 
 whofe threatnings are moft dreadful and 
 terrible 5 thole of the Word^ or of the 
 tVorld: It's true/ the world can thunder 
 out threatnings againft thofe that conform 
 iici:to her: But tell me. Is that Thunder 
 like^ in terror, to that thunder we hear in 
 the word, and the threatnings of it5agaihft 
 thofe that conform to a wicked world? 
 
 The 
 
Commanded and Commended* 105 
 
 The world can threaten with Bonds and 
 Irtiprifonmentpjj^with Fire and Faggot: But 
 God threatens with Hell, andeverlafting 
 burnings. As the Martyr told thie Perfe- 
 cUtor that threatned him with impriibn- 
 ment, Tu Carcerem*^ tile Gehennam : Thou 
 threatneft me with a Prifonj but God 
 threatens me with Hell. Remember the 
 counfelof ourSaviour, Matt. 10.28, Fe^r 
 not them which kjH the body ^ but are not 
 able to kill the fold 5 but rather fear him 
 "which is able to dejiroy both bddy and foul 
 in Hell, And now you have heard all this, 
 confiderferiouilyof it^ and tell me 5 whe- 
 ther the world is worthy your conformi*- 
 tys or, whether you are at all engaged to 
 conform to the world v or, whether it will* 
 be any advantage to you to conform to 
 the world, and not rather an infinite dif- 
 advantage ? 
 
 And thus much for the Direftions in ge- 
 neral^ andinthele Direftionsare wrap*d 
 up the Motives to move us to be Noncon- 
 /^r/52/i/?/ to this world. 
 
 I (hall nov^ clofe all^with givingyoulbme 
 particular Diredions^ as further Means 
 and Helps againft Conformity to this 
 world; and that briefly. I, Con- 
 
Io6 A NONCONFORMirr 
 
 I. Confider your natural inclinations^ 
 and remember there is^ by nature, in us a 
 ftrong propenfity to a conformity to the 
 world. The world is a tempting, alluring, 
 bewitching thing, apt tofteal away our 
 hearts, as Abfalom did the hearts of the 
 men of ifraeL It will court, invite, and 
 tempt 5 it will flatter and fawn, to gain a 
 conformity 5 it hathtemptingrules^temptr 
 ing examples, tempting proffers^and much 
 more, to draw men into a conformity to 
 her. Now, Chriftians, you had need be 
 watchful inthiscafe, upon confidering in ^ 
 what danger you are, to be deluded by the 
 world 5 and that upon two accounts. 
 
 1 . You live among thofe that are of 
 the world, and therefore apt to beinfeft- 
 edby them , as Jofeph w^s by living in 
 Fharoah^^Conxt'-y and Peter ^ by being in 
 the High-Prieft's Hall. Rivers partake 
 
 -of the nature of the foil through which 
 they run 5 and it is a difficult thing to live 
 in the world, and not to have a talte ofthc 
 fins and corruptions of it. 
 
 2. Remember, you have (even the beft) 
 the remafnders of corruption in you. 
 There are the remainders of felf^ and 
 
Commanded and Commended. 107 
 
 fb a love of worldly Credity, of outward 
 Eafe, of worldly Enjoyments 5 andthefe 
 will be as a Byas to the Bowl 5 which will 
 encline you toward the worlds and a con- 
 formity to it. 
 
 2. That you may be Nonconformijis to 
 this world. Grow and encreafe in love to 
 Jefiis Chrift. The more we love Jefus 
 Chriftj the left we fhall love the world.- 
 Any finful compliance with the world, ar- 
 gues either no love, or little love to Jelus 
 Ghrift.. Love is the great worker of imi^ 
 tatiouj as Hatred is of averfation. Thofe 
 that love Jefus Chrift, will live to Je- 
 fus Chrift 3 andwillbe ftch to whom the 
 World is crucifi'd^aud they untothe world; 
 Such will fay as St. Paul did 5 To us to live^ 
 isChri^. Jefus Chrift will be the ^Z^ of 
 their lives 5 all the Rule ^ and all the End 
 of their living. 
 
 5. That you may he Nonconformijis to 
 fhe world , Meditate much of Chrift's 
 love to you 3 by that you will come to 
 know, you owe all your conformity to 
 Him. Right thoughts of this, will caufe 
 the world to be crucified to you, and you 
 ito the world J that neither the world 
 
 (hall 
 
lo8 A NONCONFORMITY 
 Ihsll care for you j nor you for it. 
 
 4. Remember where Chrift is : He is 
 no more in this world 3 in refpeft of his 
 corporal Prefence^ he is afcended into 
 Heaven ^ he is there preparing ^ian(ions 
 for his; he hath left you fteps on earthy in 
 which you are to tread, and in which you 
 are to follow him , if you defire to be 
 where he \i. So that, this coniidered, a 
 conformity to the world can never confift 
 with a Chriftian's aims of being with 
 Chrift hereafter, and to behold his glory. 
 He now being in Heaven, is drawing the 
 hearts and afieftions of thole up to faim^ 
 who are to be for ever with him. 
 
 5. Bemuchinfearchingthe Scriptures: 
 where you may view, as the Rules you 
 are to walk by, fo the examples you are to 
 imitate; you will there have Glaffes, by 
 which you are to drefs your felves : you 
 will there find the pure exampl-e of him 
 who was holy, undefiled , without.fpot 
 and blemifh , viz. Jefus Chrift. You 
 will there find the Examples of ho- 
 ly men, who were Nonconformifis to the 
 men of their generation. 
 
 6. Be much in prayer,That God would 
 deliver you from this prefent evil worlds 
 
 That 
 
Commanded and Commended. 109 
 
 That you may not be led into temptation, 
 but maybe delivered from the evil of it. 
 Pray 3 that God would carry you above 
 the world, and over all the good and evil 
 of it, without being infedied or hurt by it. 
 
 7. Remember what your condition in 
 this world is. If you profefs your felves 
 Chriftians, then you profefs your felves to 
 be ftrangers and pilgrims in the world: 
 and a conformity to this world , cannot 
 confift with ftich a profeffion. What have 
 ftrangers to do with a conformity to that 
 place, through which they pals only as 
 travellers 5 and wbere theylodg only as 
 pilgrims ? 
 
 8. Remember , you are for Eternity , 
 and that you live upon the borders of it. 
 Think not fo much where at prefent you 
 are^ as where you fhortly muft be. In eve- 
 ry Conformjji to this world, there is a for- 
 getfulnefs of Eternity. How can thofe 
 that think of an Eternal world that is 
 drawing near to them, and they to it,give 
 up themfelves to a conformity to a world 
 that is paffing away ? Remember , Eter- 
 
 .nity now cal^s on you, and will (hortly call 
 for you. 
 
 9. Encreafe in Sclf-denyal. It is the 
 
 felf^ 
 
no A NONCONFORMITT 
 felf-denying Chriftian, that is the Noncon- 
 forcing Chriftian to the world. Such a 
 Chriftian will regard neither the world's 
 favoursj nor the world's frowns. Snch a 
 Chriftian will fay as Luther did , idefpife 
 both the world^s favour , and the world's 
 fury. The felf-denying Chriftian is one 
 whom the world may both flatter and 
 frown on 5 but he ftands like an immo- 
 vable Rock, not flaaken by either. 
 
 10. Encreafe in the mortification of 
 your worldly lufts. Not mortifying thefe^ 
 hath reduced fome to a conformity to the 
 world5 who feemed to have efcaped the 
 pollutions of it : This was the undoing of 
 Demas , who forfook both his Miniftry^^ 
 and the fellowftiip of St. Pauk to embrace 
 this prefent world 5 and (as fome are of 
 opinion) became an Idol-Prieft at thejfa- 
 lonica^ upon the account of filthy lucre, 
 and worldly gain. 
 
 11, Strengthen Faith , whereby you 
 will be ftrengthened to overcome this 
 prefentevir world. The Apoftle tells us, 
 (£ John 5.4.) rhis is the viU cry whereby we 
 
 ^ overcome this worlds even our faith. It will 
 
 make us couragious to out-face a finfiil 
 
 world. It is the evidence of things not 
 
 \ feen^ 
 
Commanded and Commended. 1 1 1 
 fcctij Ueh. 1 1 .1. and will work in us a con- 
 tempt of the things that are feen. It will 
 be the eyCj by whichj with Mofes^ we fhall 
 (ee him that is InvifiblCjand therby keep us 
 from a conforming to a vifible worldj,upoa 
 greateft temptations^ though they be the 
 pleafures and promotions of a ?haroah\ 
 Court. The more faith ^ the le(s fear^ and 
 it is bafe fear and cowardifcj that often be- 
 trays to a finful compliance with^and con-» 
 formity to the world. The more believing 
 Chriftians arCj the left conforming they are 
 to this world. To clofe all , let me mind 
 you of what the Lord fpeaks to jfere- 
 miah^ and that 1 lay toall Chriftians con- 
 cerning complying with, and conforming 
 to the world, Jer. 15. 19. Therefore thm^ 
 faith the Lord^If thou return^ then will t 
 bring thee again^ and thou JIj alt Ji and be^ 
 fore me : And if thou take forth the preci- 
 us from the vile , thou ft) alt beat my mouths 
 Let them return unto thee , but return not 
 thou nnto them. 
 
 FIN I S. 
 
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