Thoughts well employ'd, or, The duty of self-observation in the care and regulation of life according to the royal pattern by Edm. Arwaker, Rector of Drumglass in Ireland.
         Arwaker, Edmund.
      
       
         
           1695
        
      
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             Thoughts well employ'd, or, The duty of self-observation in the care and regulation of life according to the royal pattern by Edm. Arwaker, Rector of Drumglass in Ireland.
             Arwaker, Edmund.
          
           [28], 152 p.
           
             Printed by Tho. Warren for Francis Saunders ...,
             London :
             1695.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Christian life -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
             &c.
             
          
           
             Ps.
             119
             .
             59v
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Thoughts
           well
           Employ'd
           ;
           OR
           ,
           THE
           DUTY
           OF
           Self
           Observation
           ,
           IN
           THE
           Care
           and
           Regulation
           OF
           LIFE
           ,
           According
           to
           the
           ROYAL
           PATTERN
           .
        
         
           
             I
             thought
             upon
             my
             Ways
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             feet
             unto
             thy
             Testimonies
             ,
          
           
             
               Psal.
               119.59
            
             .
          
        
         
           By
           
             EDM.
             ARWAKER
          
           ,
           Rector
           of
           Drumglass
           in
           Ireland
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           Printed
           by
           
             Tho.
             Warren
          
           for
           
             Francis
             Saunders
          
           at
           the
           
             Blue
             Anchor
          
           in
           the
           Lower
           Walk
           of
           the
           
             New
             Exchange
          
           .
           MDCXCV
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           Her
           GRACE
           THE
           DUTCHESS
           OF
           ORMOND
           .
        
         
           May
           it
           please
           your
           Grace
           ,
        
         
           IN
           Circumstances
           which
           put
           Men
           beyond
           the
           possibility
           of
           returning
           Benefits
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Felicity
           that
           they
           are
           not
           as
           well
           deprived
           of
           means
           to
           testifie
           their
           Gratitude
           .
        
         
           And
           were
           it
           my
           Happiness
           ,
           that
           the
           
           Dedication
           of
           this
           Book
           could
           contribute
           to
           produce
           as
           kind
           an
           Effect
           for
           me
           ,
           Your
           Grace
           would
           be
           intituled
           to
           it
           by
           a
           manifold
           Claim
           and
           Right
           :
           Since
           as
           I
           began
           my
           growth
           in
           a
           Seminary
           of
           Learning
           planted
           by
           the
           late
           Memorable
           Duke
           of
           Ormond
           ,
           so
           I
           have
           continued
           it
           under
           the
           benign
           Influences
           of
           his
           Family
           ,
           and
           the
           House
           of
           Beaufort
           ,
           in
           YourGrace's
           Service
           ;
           and
           to
           the
           Advantages
           I
           have
           received
           from
           that
           ,
           owe
           the
           All
           that
           I
           pretend
           to
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           Madam
           ,
           I
           could
           never
           hope
           that
           so
           mean
           a
           Present
           as
           this
           Treatise
           ,
           should
           find
           Acceptance
           with
           Your
           Grace
           ,
           as
           a
           Testimony
           of
           my
           profound
           Respect
           and
           Gratitude
           ,
           did
           not
           your
           eminent
           Practice
           of
           the
           Duty
           which
           it
           recommends
           ,
           give
           me
           the
           assurance
           that
           a
           Subject
           so
           agreeable
           to
           your
           Inclination
           ,
           will
           
           prevail
           with
           you
           to
           excuse
           the
           weakness
           of
           my
           Performance
           ,
           and
           that
           I
           am
           as
           happy
           as
           just
           ,
           in
           my
           Application
           to
           your
           Patronage
           .
        
         
           For
           ,
           Madam
           ,
           the
           refined
           Purity
           of
           your
           Life
           ,
           which
           renders
           it
           the
           Subject
           of
           our
           Praise
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           a
           Pattern
           for
           our
           imitation
           ,
           confirms
           us
           ,
           that
           your
           Thoughts
           have
           been
           successfully
           employ'd
           in
           the
           Care
           and
           Regulation
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           ,
           because
           you
           want
           no
           Admonitions
           to
           remind
           you
           of
           a
           Business
           so
           pleasing
           and
           familiar
           ,
           you
           will
           encourage
           those
           Endeavours
           that
           tend
           to
           make
           it
           as
           much
           the
           World
           's
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           Your
           Grace's
           Practice
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           Piety
           ,
           as
           exalted
           as
           your
           Quality
           ,
           you
           make
           as
           glorious
           a
           Figure
           in
           the
           Church
           as
           in
           the
           Court
           ,
           and
           are
           equally
           the
           Blessing
           and
           the
           Ornament
           of
           those
           Illustrious
           
           Families
           from
           which
           you
           are
           derived
           ,
           and
           to
           whicd
           you
           are
           united
           ;
           but
           Your
           Grace
           is
           withal
           so
           studious
           to
           avoid
           the
           Applause
           which
           you
           deserve
           ,
           that
           unless
           I
           could
           as
           easily
           excuse
           my self
           to
           your
           Modesty
           and
           Humility
           ,
           as
           those
           and
           your
           other
           Vertues
           would
           justifie
           me
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           I
           must
           not
           attempt
           your
           Character
           ,
           but
           pass
           in
           silence
           the
           Perfections
           which
           endear
           you
           to
           all
           who
           have
           the
           Happiness
           to
           know
           you
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           as
           zealous
           to
           divulge
           your
           Excellencies
           ,
           as
           Your
           Grace
           is
           to
           conceal
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           though
           thus
           I
           seem
           unjust
           to
           Your
           Grace's
           Merit
           ,
           I
           shall
           best
           consult
           my
           own
           interest
           ,
           by
           this
           means
           ;
           since
           the
           most
           successful
           Measures
           I
           can
           take
           to
           obtain
           your
           Pardon
           ,
           and
           Acceptance
           of
           this
           
           Address
           ,
           will
           be
           not
           to
           mention
           the
           extraordinary
           Qualifications
           that
           require
           it
           from
           ,
        
         
           
             MADAM
             ,
          
           
             Your
             Grace's
             Most
             Dutiful
             Chaplain
             ,
             Edm.
             Arwaker
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             THE
             Introduction
             .
             
               Page
               1
            
          
        
         
           
             FIRST
             HEAD
             .
          
           
             What
             the
             Ways
             are
             which
             must
             employ
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             viz.
             The
             Way
             of
             
               
                 The
                 Heart
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Tongue
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Actions
                 .
              
            
             
               16
               ,
               17
            
          
        
         
           
             SECOND
             HEAD
             .
          
           
             What
             it
             is
             to
             think
             upon
             our
             Ways
             .
             19
          
        
         
           
             THIRD
             HEAD
             .
          
           
             What
             we
             are
             to
             think
             on
             in
             our
             Ways
             ,
             viz.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 quality
                 of
                 our
                 Ways
                 ,
                 whether
                 good
                 or
                 evil
                 .
                 23
              
            
          
           
             This
             distinguish'd
             by
             four
             Characters
             ,
             viz.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Opposing
                 close
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 open
                 sins
                 .
                 24
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Care
                 to
                 destroy
                 sin
                 in
                 its
                 very
                 conception
                 .
                 27
              
               
                 
                 3.
                 
                 Regard
                 to
                 the
                 manner
                 of
                 performing
                 religious
                 Duties
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Not
                 acquiescing
                 in
                 any
                 present
                 attainments
                 of
                 Grace
                 .
                 33
              
            
          
           
             The
             second
             thing
             to
             be
             thought
             on
             in
             our
             ways
             is
             their
             Tendency
             ,
             viz.
             whether
             we
             so
             run
             our
             Race
             ,
             as
             that
             we
             shall
             obtain
             the
             Prize
             .
             37
          
           
             The
             third
             thing
             considerable
             in
             our
             ways
             is
             their
             Equality
             ,
             
               viz.
               42
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 How
                 they
                 suit
                 with
                 God's
                 Dispensations
                 to
                 his
                 Church
                 and
                 People
                 .
                 43
              
               
                 2
                 How
                 they
                 agree
                 with
                 God's
                 Ways
                 and
                 Dispensations
                 towards
                 our selves
                 .
                 48
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 How
                 correspondent
                 our
                 present
                 course
                 of
                 life
                 is
                 with
                 the
                 primary
                 Actings
                 of
                 Grace
                 and
                 Holiness
                 in
                 us
                 .
                 54
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 How
                 consistent
                 our
                 ways
                 are
                 with
                 our
                 hopes
                 .
                 59
              
            
          
           
             The
             fourth
             thing
             considered
             in
             our
             ways
             is
             their
             safety
             ,
             viz.
             whether
             they
             are
             such
             in
             which
             we
             may
             acquiesce
             .
             66
          
        
         
           
             FOURTH
             HEAD
             .
          
           
             What
             are
             the
             most
             seasonable
             Times
             for
             the
             Exercise
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             in
             this
             Employment
             ,
             viz.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 When
                 we
                 fear
                 some
                 Iudgment
                 .
                 72
              
               
                 
                 2.
                 
                 When
                 we
                 feel
                 the
                 Rod.
                 75
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 When
                 we
                 implore
                 God's
                 favour
                 .
                 78
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 When
                 others
                 are
                 inconsiderate
                 .
                 83
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 At
                 all
                 times
                 and
                 seasons
                 .
                 87
              
            
          
        
         
           
             FIFTH
             HEAD
             .
          
           
             What
             Motives
             and
             Inducements
             oblige
             us
             to
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
             ,
             viz.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Because
                 God
                 is
                 a
                 strict
                 Observer
                 of
                 them
                 89
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Because
                 Satan
                 is
                 a
                 curious
                 Inquisitor
                 into
                 them
                 .
                 94
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Because
                 wicked
                 Men
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 103
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Because
                 we
                 shall
                 repent
                 the
                 neglect
                 of
                 this
                 Duty
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 be
                 insupportable
                 .
                 107
                 
                   
                     When
                     we
                     think
                     on
                     the
                     Happiness
                     of
                     those
                     who
                     performed
                     it
                     .
                     108
                  
                   
                     When
                     we
                     call
                     to
                     mind
                     for
                     what
                     we
                     forfeited
                     our
                     interest
                     in
                     Heaven
                     .
                     110
                  
                   
                     When
                     we
                     consider
                     that
                     our
                     lost
                     Happiness
                     can
                     never
                     be
                     recovered
                     .
                     113
                  
                   
                     When
                     we
                     find
                     we
                     shall
                     live
                     unpitied
                     in
                     our
                     misery
                     .
                     114
                  
                
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 We
                 must
                 think
                 upon
                 our
                 ways
                 ,
                 because
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 deceived
                 in
                 a
                 wrong
                 Estimate
                 .
                 118
              
            
          
           
             No
             Age
             excus'd
             from
             this
             Employment
             .
             
               
                 Not
                 the
                 young
                 .
                 125
              
               
                 Not
                 the
                 old
                 .
                 131
              
            
          
           
             
             Obstacles
             that
             divert
             our
             thoughts
             from
             this
             Employment
             ,
             are
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Vnworthy
                 constructions
                 and
                 improvements
                 of
                 God's
                 Patience
                 .
                 137
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 difficulty
                 and
                 trouble
                 we
                 find
                 in
                 reforming
                 our
                 ways
                 .
                 140
              
            
          
           
             Two
             Considerations
             assist
             us
             towards
             this
             Work
             ,
             viz.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 Enemies
                 with
                 whom
                 we
                 engage
                 ,
                 cannot
                 give
                 us
                 any
                 long
                 disturbance
                 .
                 143
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 more
                 advantageous
                 and
                 honourable
                 to
                 fight
                 withCourage
                 now
                 ,
                 than
                 to
                 be
                 condemned
                 to
                 everlasting
                 Torments
                 for
                 Cowardise
                 .
                 144
              
            
          
        
         
           
             SIXTH
             HEAD
             .
          
           
             The
             result
             of
             this
             Employment
             of
             our
             thoughts
             must
             be
             the
             turning
             our
             feet
             unto
             God's
             Testimonies
             .
             146
          
           
             By
             which
             is
             meant
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Our
                 examining
                 and
                 judging
                 of
                 our
                 ways
                 ,
                 by
                 comparing
                 them
                 with
                 God's
                 Commandments
                 .
                 148
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Our
                 amending
                 them
                 ,
                 by
                 making
                 them
                 conformable
                 to
                 those
                 Directions
                 .
                 ibid.
                 
              
            
          
           
             In
             this
             Turning
             consists
             the
             whole
             business
             of
             Repentance
             to
             Salvation
             .
             149
          
        
      
       
         
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           PAge
           17.
           
             lin
             ..
          
           4.
           for
           were
           read
           was
           ,
           l
           ,
           8.
           r.
           thoughts
           ,
           p.
           32.
           l.
           6.
           r.
           ardor
           ,
           p.
           48.
           l.
           18.
           r.
           so
           we
           have
           ,
           p.
           86.
           l.
           25.
           r.
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           p.
           89.
           l.
           21.
           put
           V
           in
           the
           beginning
           .
           p.
           96.
           l.
           7.
           r.
           accuse
           ,
           p.
           113.
           l.
           14.
           r.
           unpassable
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           Thoughts
           well
           Employ'd
           :
           OR
           ,
           THE
           DUTY
           OF
           SELF-Observation
           .
        
         
           The
           Introduction
           .
        
         
           AS
           God
           ,
           by
           creating
           Man
           
             after
             his
             own
             Image
          
           ,
           did
           manifest
           ,
           a
           design
           of
           exalting
           him
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           his
           Bliss
           ;
           so
           he
           furnished
           him
           with
           means
           ,
           and
           chalked
           him
           out
           a
           way
           to
           arrive
           at
           the
           Sublime
           Enjoyment
           .
        
         
           And
           lest
           the
           Everlasting
           
             Pleasures
             at
             God's
             right
             Hand
          
           ,
           should
           not
           prevail
           on
           Man
           to
           entertain
           his
           Appetite
           with
           its
           proper
           Object
           ,
           and
           persuade
           him
           to
           employ
           
           his
           time
           in
           the
           pursuit
           and
           acquisition
           of
           it
           ;
           What
           in
           itself
           was
           his
           Interest
           ,
           became
           his
           Duty
           too
           by
           a
           Divine
           Sanction
           ,
           and
           was
           enjoyned
           him
           under
           the
           severe
           penalty
           of
           Miseries
           to
           punish
           his
           disobedience
           ,
           as
           great
           and
           lasting
           as
           the
           Joys
           that
           were
           to
           reward
           him
           for
           obeying
           .
        
         
           But
           Man
           ,
           though
           assur'd
           that
           his
           eternal
           Happiness
           ,
           or
           Ruine
           in
           a
           future
           state
           ,
           depends
           upon
           the
           
             ordering
             his
             Conversation
          
           ,
           or
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           Original
           ,
           
             the
             disposing
             his
             Way
             aright
          
           ,
           in
           this
           present
           World
           ,
           which
           alone
           can
           qualifie
           him
           for
           
             seeing
             the
             Salvation
             of
             God
          
           ;
           is
           yet
           ,
           too
           often
           ,
           so
           stupidly
           inconsiderate
           ,
           and
           brutishly
           insensible
           ,
           that
           he
           never
           makes
           any
           inquiry
           into
           his
           course
           of
           life
           ,
           never
           takes
           his
           Ways
           into
           serious
           Consideration
           ,
           or
           at
           best
           ,
           very
           rarely
           thinks
           and
           reflects
           upon
           himself
           ,
           what
           he
           does
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           rode
           he
           travels
           ,
           whether
           his
           feet
           are
           in
           the
           
             Way
             of
             Life
             or
             Death
          
           ,
           or
           whether
           Heaven
           or
           Hell
           will
           be
           his
           Journey
           's
           end
           ,
           and
           happiness
           or
           misery
           his
           Portion
           ;
           but
           goes
           on
           still
           without
           looking
           back
           upon
           his
           past
           life
           ,
           or
           forward
           to
           that
           which
           is
           to
           come
           ;
           thus
           
             he
             walks
             in
             darkness
             and
             knows
             not
             whither
             he
             goes
             ,
          
           and
           while
           like
           
           Solomon's
           Fool
           ,
           his
           eyes
           ,
           which
           should
           be
           
             in
             his
             
             head
          
           ,
           are
           employ'd
           
             in
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
          
           he
           is
           a
           stranger
           at
           home
           ,
           and
           unacquainted
           with
           himself
           .
        
         
           This
           Inconsideration
           and
           Incogitancy
           occasion'd
           that
           assertion
           of
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           
             Man
             that
             is
             in
             Honor
             and
             understandeth
             not
             ,
             is
             like
             the
             Beasts
             that
             perish
             .
             Ps.
          
           49.20
           .
           Nay
           it
           degrades
           him
           to
           a
           state
           below
           the
           level
           with
           Brutes
           ,
           since
           
             the
             Ox
             knows
             his
             owner
             ,
             and
             the
             Ass
             his
             Master's
             Crib
             ,
          
           but
           the
           unthinking
           animal
           Man
           
             doth
             not
             consider
          
           .
        
         
           Of
           this
           lethargick
           temper
           and
           condition
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           lively
           representation
           in
           the
           Prodigal
           Son
           ,
           St.
           Luke
           15.
           
           He
           demands
           his
           Portion
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           not
           considering
           that
           it
           was
           in
           better
           hands
           ,
           where
           it
           would
           be
           managed
           to
           most
           advantage
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           could
           not
           trust
           it
           with
           a
           worse
           Steward
           than
           himself
           ;
           he
           leaves
           the
           ease
           and
           plenty
           of
           his
           Father's
           House
           ,
           not
           foreseeing
           what
           different
           usage
           he
           shall
           find
           in
           a
           Stranger
           's
           Family
           ;
           he
           
             takes
             his
             journey
             into
             a
             far
             Countrey
             ,
          
           not
           caring
           how
           he
           shall
           return
           ;
           and
           
             consumes
             his
             Substance
             in
             riotous
             living
             ,
          
           regardless
           whence
           he
           shall
           receive
           supplies
           :
           Nay
           ,
           he
           takes
           up
           at
           last
           with
           the
           sordid
           and
           despicable
           employment
           of
           
             feeding
             Swine
          
           ,
           without
           observing
           how
           like
           his
           charge
           he
           was
           ,
           or
           rather
           
           more
           filthy
           and
           detestable
           .
           And
           had
           he
           been
           admitted
           to
           their
           Mess
           ,
           and
           allow'd
           to
           fill
           himself
           with
           the
           husks
           that
           were
           thrown
           to
           them
           ,
           he
           had
           perhaps
           continued
           in
           that
           wretched
           state
           ,
           without
           hope
           ,
           or
           design
           of
           altering
           his
           condition
           .
           But
           when
           Hunger
           pinched
           him
           ,
           and
           no
           man
           offer'd
           to
           relieve
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           could
           not
           among
           all
           those
           
             Whorish
             Women
          
           ,
           who
           had
           reduced
           him
           to
           want
           a
           
             Morsel
             of
             Bread
          
           ,
           find
           one
           to
           entertain
           him
           with
           that
           poor
           repast
           ;
           this
           brought
           him
           
             to
             himself
          
           ,
           to
           reflect
           on
           his
           folly
           and
           his
           misery
           ,
           to
           think
           how
           many
           hired
           Servants
           of
           his
           Father
           had
           
             meat
             enough
             and
             to
             spare
          
           ,
           while
           he
           perished
           for
           want
           of
           necessary
           food
           ,
           and
           yet
           was
           forced
           to
           a
           most
           Servile
           drudgery
           to
           earn
           what
           would
           not
           satisfie
           a
           moderate
           Appetite
           .
           This
           remembrance
           of
           his
           Father's
           House
           ,
           begets
           in
           him
           a
           resolution
           to
           be
           no
           more
           a
           stranger
           to
           himself
           ,
           or
           that
           ;
           but
           to
           arise
           and
           return
           thither
           ;
           to
           acknowledge
           his
           transgression
           ,
           and
           beg
           his
           Father's
           pardon
           ,
           and
           re-admission
           to
           his
           favour
           ,
           and
           his
           family
           ,
           though
           in
           the
           capacity
           only
           of
           a
           menial
           Servant
           .
        
         
           This
           return
           met
           with
           success
           beyond
           his
           expectation
           ,
           he
           no
           sooner
           
             came
             to
             himself
          
           ,
           and
           within
           his
           Father's
           sight
           ,
           but
           the
           indulgent
           Parent
           took
           compassion
           on
           
           him
           ,
           fell
           on
           his
           neck
           and
           kissed
           him
           ,
           called
           for
           the
           best
           Robe
           to
           cloath
           him
           ,
           ordered
           a
           Ring
           to
           be
           put
           upon
           his
           finger
           ,
           and
           shoes
           upon
           his
           feet
           ,
           and
           kill'd
           the
           fatted
           Calf
           to
           entertain
           him
           ,
           to
           rejoyce
           and
           make
           merry
           for
           his
           recovery
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           we
           pitied
           his
           misery
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           congratulate
           his
           good
           fortune
           ,
           our
           grief
           to
           see
           him
           among
           the
           Swine
           ,
           must
           be
           turned
           to
           joy
           to
           find
           him
           at
           his
           Father's
           Table
           .
           And
           then
           if
           a
           worse
           stupidity
           than
           his
           ,
           has
           not
           invaded
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           learn
           to
           
             go
             and
             do
             likewise
          
           ,
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ,
           inquire
           and
           look
           into
           our selves
           ,
           that
           making
           a
           timely
           discovery
           of
           the
           errors
           and
           corruptions
           there
           ,
           we
           may
           seriously
           address
           our selves
           to
           reform
           and
           cleanse
           them
           ,
           by
           an
           early
           application
           of
           the
           most
           apposite
           remedies
           .
           For
           sure
           the
           great
           danger
           of
           neglecting
           this
           duty
           ,
           of
           Self-reflection
           ,
           and
           the
           as
           great
           benefit
           of
           putting
           it
           speedily
           into
           practice
           ,
           will
           prevail
           on
           us
           not
           to
           dismiss
           it
           to
           
             another
             opportunity
          
           ,
           but
           awake
           and
           rouze
           us
           from
           
             the
             sleep
             of
             death
          
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           be
           turned
           from
           
             darkness
             ,
             into
             light
          
           ,
           from
           the
           
             power
             of
             Satan
             ,
             unto
             God.
          
           If
           we
           would
           no
           longer
           continue
           in
           the
           impiety
           ,
           nor
           incur
           the
           punishment
           ,
           of
           close
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           or
           unmasked
           prophaneness
           ,
           but
           triumph
           in
           the
           Vertue
           and
           the
           Reward
           of
           
           righteousness
           and
           true
           holiness
           ;
           we
           must
           
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
             ,
             and
             turn
             our
             feet
             unto
             God's
             Testimonies
             .
          
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           Bethesda
           to
           which
           they
           ,
           whose
           Souls
           are
           under
           Spiritual
           declensions
           ,
           must
           come
           ,
           to
           
             lift
             up
             the
             hands
             which
             hang
             down
             ,
          
           to
           
             confirm
             the
             feeble
             knees
          
           ,
           and
           to
           
             strengthen
             the
             things
             that
             are
             ready
             to
             dye
          
           ;
           that
           shaking
           off
           their
           laziness
           or
           formality
           in
           holy
           duties
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           
             quickned
             in
             righteousness
          
           ,
           and
           recover
           their
           former
           vigour
           and
           activity
           ,
           nay
           the
           benign
           light
           and
           influence
           of
           God's
           Spirit
           ;
           which
           by
           alienating
           themselves
           from
           him
           ,
           they
           had
           provok'd
           him
           to
           withdraw
           .
        
         
           Thus
           by
           making
           
             streight
             paths
             for
             their
             feet
          
           ,
           that
           which
           is
           lame
           shall
           be
           healed
           ,
           and
           no
           more
           
             turned
             out
             of
             the
             way
          
           .
        
         
           This
           was
           the
           course
           and
           method
           taken
           by
           the
           
             Man
             after
             God's
             own
             heart
          
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           it
           from
           himself
           ,
           Ps.
           119.59
           .
           
             I
             thought
             upon
             my
             ways
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             feet
             unto
             thy
             Testimonies
             .
          
           What
           the
           ways
           were
           that
           employ'd
           his
           thought
           and
           recollection
           ,
           we
           may
           learn
           from
           his
           wish
           that
           they
           were
           made
           so
           direct
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           keep
           God's
           Statutes
           ver
           .
           5.
           
           Meaning
           an
           exact
           adjustment
           of
           his
           life
           to
           the
           perfection
           of
           that
           Rule
           ,
           from
           which
           he
           had
           never
           greatly
           swerved
           ,
           but
           in
           his
           iniurious
           
           dealing
           with
           Vriah
           ;
           since
           the
           sacred
           Oracles
           have
           given
           him
           this
           Character
           ,
           that
           
             he
             did
             that
             which
             was
             right
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             turned
             not
             aside
             from
             any
             thing
             that
             he
             commanded
             him
             ,
             all
             the
             days
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             save
             only
             in
             that
             matter
             ,
          
           1
           Kings
           15.5
           .
           which
           we
           find
           to
           be
           the
           chief
           Subject
           of
           his
           complaint
           ,
           and
           the
           penitential
           acknowledgments
           of
           his
           frailty
           ,
           with
           which
           the
           Psalter
           does
           abound
           .
        
         
           He
           took
           no
           care
           to
           
             make
             a
             Covenant
             with
             his
             Eyes
             ,
          
           or
           desire
           God
           to
           
             turn
             them
             away
             from
             beholding
             Vanity
             ,
          
           but
           from
           the
           roof
           of
           his
           Pallace
           saw
           Bathsheba
           washing
           herself
           ,
           and
           finding
           the
           Woman
           was
           
             very
             beautiful
             to
             look
             upon
          
           ,
           feasted
           his
           sight
           with
           the
           unlawful
           object
           ,
           not
           foreseeing
           what
           a
           penance
           it
           should
           undergo
           for
           that
           excursion
           .
        
         
           Nor
           were
           his
           eyes
           more
           eager
           in
           looking
           ,
           than
           his
           tongue
           in
           inquiring
           after
           
           Vriah's
           Wife
           ,
           and
           he
           takes
           her
           to
           his
           House
           and
           Bed
           ,
           without
           considering
           how
           injurious
           he
           was
           to
           God
           ,
           his
           Neighbour
           ,
           and
           himself
           ,
           by
           his
           lascivious
           dalliance
           there
           ,
           or
           that
           the
           Scene
           would
           soon
           be
           changed
           from
           that
           diversion
           ,
           to
           
             water
             it
             with
             his
             tears
          
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           the
           effect
           of
           his
           unchaste
           embraces
           was
           ready
           to
           discover
           the
           Adultery
           ,
           he
           adds
           Murder
           ,
           to
           prevent
           it
           ,
           not
           considering
           
           how
           much
           of
           his
           ease
           and
           quiet
           he
           must
           Sacrifice
           to
           expiate
           the
           guilt
           ,
           and
           still
           the
           crying
           of
           
           Vriah's
           bloud
           .
           But
           when
           Nathan
           ,
           in
           a
           Parable
           ,
           had
           brought
           him
           to
           a
           sense
           and
           abhorrence
           of
           the
           injustice
           and
           impiety
           of
           such
           doings
           ,
           and
           to
           pass
           sentence
           on
           the
           Offender
           ,
           and
           then
           inform'd
           him
           that
           he
           was
           the
           guilty
           Person
           ,
           whom
           his
           own
           mouth
           had
           condemn'd
           to
           dye
           ;
           then
           he
           began
           to
           make
           a
           sharp
           reflection
           on
           himself
           ,
           and
           cry
           ,
           
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             the
             Lord
          
           ;
           and
           then
           he
           receives
           this
           Absolution
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             also
             hath
             put
             away
             thy
             sin
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             not
             dye
             ,
          
           2
           Sam.
           12.13
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           alas
           !
           what
           would
           it
           have
           availed
           him
           to
           
             think
             upon
             his
             ways
          
           ,
           unless
           that
           reflection
           had
           produced
           the
           happy
           result
           of
           
             turning
             his
             feet
             unto
             God's
             Testimonies
             ?
          
           he
           might
           think
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           be
           never
           the
           farther
           from
           persisting
           in
           them
           ;
           nay
           ,
           he
           might
           think
           upon
           them
           so
           as
           to
           repeat
           in
           his
           thoughts
           the
           impiety
           of
           his
           actions
           ,
           and
           feed
           his
           lustful
           fancy
           by
           chewing
           the
           Cud
           with
           pleasure
           ;
           but
           it
           was
           not
           so
           he
           thought
           upon
           them
           ,
           not
           slightly
           or
           superficially
           ,
           not
           with
           complacency
           and
           satisfaction
           ;
           but
           he
           thought
           upon
           the
           great
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           the
           fatal
           destructive
           consequences
           of
           them
           ;
           he
           thought
           upon
           them
           with
           sorrow
           and
           regret
           ,
           with
           detestation
           
           and
           abhorrence
           ,
           and
           with
           resolutions
           of
           forsaking
           them
           ,
           and
           taking
           better
           courses
           ;
           and
           as
           soon
           as
           he
           conceives
           the
           thought
           ,
           he
           puts
           it
           in
           execution
           ,
           and
           
             turns
             his
             feet
             unto
             God's
             Testimonies
             .
          
        
         
           Here
           then
           we
           have
           a
           pattern
           for
           our
           performing
           the
           great
           duty
           of
           Self-reflection
           ,
           so
           absolutely
           necessary
           and
           so
           hugely
           advantagious
           ,
           that
           without
           it
           ,
           we
           cannot
           be
           approved
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           or
           rewarded
           in
           the
           next
           .
        
         
           And
           indeed
           such
           is
           the
           general
           corruption
           of
           our
           ways
           ,
           so
           filthy
           and
           abominable
           are
           we
           become
           ,
           in
           vain
           and
           extravagant
           thoughts
           ,
           in
           light
           and
           
             unseason'd
             Speeches
          
           ,
           and
           in
           sinful
           and
           wicked
           Actions
           ,
           that
           the
           complaint
           may
           be
           as
           seasonable
           now
           ,
           as
           ever
           ,
           
             there
             is
             none
             that
             doeth
             good
             ,
             no
             not
             one
             .
             Ps.
          
           14.3
           .
           So
           that
           unless
           we
           will
           run
           on
           in
           sin
           ,
           to
           ruine
           and
           destruction
           ,
           with
           the
           same
           irrational
           rage
           and
           confidence
           that
           makes
           the
           
             horse
             rush
             into
             the
             battel
          
           ,
           we
           
             must
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
          
           ,
           and
           
             understand
             and
             seek
             after
             God.
          
           That
           famous
           celebrated
           saying
           ,
           
             Know
             thy Self
          
           ,
           was
           not
           without
           reason
           said
           by
           Iuvenal
           to
           have
           come
           down
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           is
           worthily
           recommended
           to
           Mankind
           ,
           to
           be
           deeply
           imprest
           upon
           our
           Memories
           ,
           and
           frequently
           revolved
           within
           our
           thoughts
           .
           For
           this
           
           intimacy
           and
           familiarity
           at
           home
           ,
           will
           not
           only
           shew
           us
           what
           is
           amiss
           and
           out
           of
           order
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           lead
           us
           to
           reform
           and
           rectifie
           it
           ;
           but
           will
           prevent
           our
           future
           failings
           ,
           and
           inlist
           us
           in
           the
           number
           of
           the
           Wise
           ,
           who
           fear
           and
           
             depart
             from
             Evil
          
           ;
           but
           without
           it
           we
           shall
           be
           assimilated
           to
           the
           fool
           ,
           who
           
             rages
             and
             is
             confident
          
           ;
           who
           like
           Balaam
           not
           seeing
           the
           error
           of
           his
           ways
           ,
           nor
           the
           drawn
           Sword
           pointed
           at
           his
           breast
           ,
           presses
           forward
           to
           his
           ruine
           :
           Whereas
           did
           we
           take
           the
           Wise
           man's
           counsel
           ,
           and
           
             in
             every
             thing
             remember
             the
             end
             ,
          
           Eccles.
           7.36
           .
           we
           should
           not
           
             go
             astray
          
           .
        
         
           This
           would
           not
           allow
           us
           to
           entertain
           such
           thoughts
           as
           would
           accuse
           us
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           which
           afterwards
           we
           should
           strive
           in
           vain
           to
           banish
           ;
           nor
           to
           utter
           inconsiderately
           any
           words
           ,
           which
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           recal
           ,
           but
           insuccessfully
           ;
           nor
           to
           be
           guilty
           of
           such
           Actions
           ,
           as
           we
           should
           too
           late
           begin
           to
           wish
           undone
           .
        
         
           This
           reflection
           and
           care
           of
           themselves
           Moses
           wishes
           Israel
           would
           undertake
           ,
           as
           an
           argument
           of
           their
           prudence
           ,
           Deut.
           32.29
           .
           
             O
             that
             they
             were
             wise
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             think
             on
             these
             things
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             consider
             their
             latter
             end
             !
          
        
         
           An
           unthinking
           Person
           is
           a
           term
           synonymous
           for
           a
           Fool
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           one
           is
           by
           the
           
           Psalmist
           herded
           with
           the
           beasts
           ,
           nor
           is
           he
           injured
           in
           the
           comparison
           ,
           since
           he
           is
           transformed
           into
           their
           resemblance
           ,
           while
           being
           honour'd
           by
           God
           ,
           above
           other
           creatures
           ,
           with
           the
           endowments
           of
           a
           rational
           and
           immortal
           Soul
           ,
           he
           remains
           as
           insensible
           of
           these
           advantages
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           never
           granted
           him
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           never
           had
           receiv'd
           the
           means
           of
           knowing
           them
           ;
           and
           like
           a
           Brute
           ,
           is
           so
           intent
           on
           the
           present
           poor
           enjoyments
           ,
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           suited
           to
           his
           sensual
           Appetite
           ,
           that
           he
           never
           looks
           forward
           to
           the
           unspeakable
           felicities
           of
           a
           better
           ,
           design'd
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           his
           more
           refined
           desires
           ;
           nor
           thinks
           in
           what
           a
           dangerous
           path
           he
           treads
           ,
           but
           makes
           himself
           a
           slave
           to
           those
           Lusts
           and
           Passions
           which
           it
           is
           his
           Right
           to
           govern
           ,
           and
           so
           slights
           the
           true
           and
           lasting
           Good
           ,
           for
           the
           possession
           of
           counterfeit
           and
           transitory
           Pleasures
           ,
           and
           is
           punish'd
           for
           his
           neglect
           ,
           with
           endless
           sufferings
           and
           torments
           that
           are
           ineffable
           .
        
         
           Now
           it
           's
           an
           unpardonable
           ignorance
           for
           a
           man
           to
           have
           acquainted
           himself
           with
           foreign
           Nations
           ,
           and
           never
           take
           notice
           of
           his
           native
           Country
           ;
           to
           be
           curious
           to
           impertinence
           in
           prying
           into
           other
           mens
           lives
           and
           actions
           ,
           and
           yet
           never
           make
           an
           inquiry
           into
           his
           own
           ,
           which
           is
           of
           more
           importance
           
           to
           him
           .
           This
           our
           Saviour
           resembles
           to
           spying
           a
           
             Mote
             in
             another's
             Eye
          
           ,
           while
           the
           
             Beam
             in
             our
             own
          
           escapes
           our
           observation
           ,
           St.
           Matt.
           7.3
           .
           and
           advises
           us
           to
           look
           at
           home
           ,
           and
           clear
           our
           own
           sight
           first
           ,
           before
           we
           attempt
           our
           brother's
           cure
           or
           reprehension
           .
           Now
           we
           should
           truly
           look
           into
           our selves
           ,
           and
           think
           effectually
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           would
           we
           inspect
           our selves
           as
           nicely
           as
           we
           do
           our
           Brethren
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           dismiss
           that
           partiality
           in
           our
           self-love
           ,
           which
           shews
           us
           our
           own
           failings
           thro'
           the
           reverse
           of
           the
           Perspective
           ,
           where
           they
           seem
           minute
           and
           distant
           ;
           and
           look
           on
           them
           through
           that
           end
           ,
           that
           brings
           them
           nearer
           to
           our
           view
           ,
           and
           represents
           them
           in
           their
           just
           dimensions
           .
        
         
           For
           while
           we
           are
           
             lovers
             of
             our selves
          
           ,
           we
           are
           unfit
           to
           be
           judges
           of
           our
           actions
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           difference
           in
           our
           affection
           that
           makes
           a
           difference
           in
           our
           Judgment
           ,
           between
           our
           own
           ways
           and
           our
           Neighbours
           ,
           and
           such
           
             diverse
             Weights
             and
             diverse
             Measures
             are
             an
             abomination
             to
             the
             Lord.
          
           But
           if
           we
           would
           as
           impartially
           
             judge
             our selves
          
           as
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           censure
           others
           ,
           we
           should
           escape
           being
           
             judged
             by
             him
          
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           one
           of
           the
           Choicest
           rules
           in
           the
           Golden
           Verses
           of
           Pythagoras
           ,
           and
           has
           not
           the
           least
           contributed
           to
           gain
           them
           that
           Splendid
           
           Epithet
           ,
           That
           we
           should
           not
           give
           way
           to
           sleep
           ,
           or
           close
           our
           Eyes
           to
           rest
           at
           night
           ,
           before
           we
           examine
           our selves
           ▪
           and
           enter
           on
           a
           strict
           inquiry
           how
           we
           have
           liv'd
           the
           preceding
           day
           ,
           what
           evil
           we
           have
           committed
           ,
           what
           good
           we
           have
           left
           undone
           ,
           and
           wherein
           we
           have
           performed
           our
           duty
           as
           we
           ought
           .
           For
           hence
           we
           shall
           receive
           these
           benefits
           ,
           that
           as
           by
           the
           frequency
           of
           this
           practice
           ,
           our
           judgments
           will
           become
           unbyassed
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           not
           partially
           overlook
           or
           extenuate
           our
           failings
           ;
           so
           we
           shall
           find
           a
           sweet
           complacency
           in
           reflecting
           on
           our
           good
           deeds
           ,
           for
           our
           encouragement
           to
           perseverance
           in
           well
           doing
           ;
           and
           a
           remorse
           for
           our
           evil
           actions
           ,
           to
           deter
           us
           from
           repeating
           them
           .
           As
           Iob
           pleased
           himself
           with
           the
           declaration
           ,
           that
           
             the
             blessing
             of
             him
             that
             was
             ready
             to
             perish
             came
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             caused
             the
             Widow's
             heart
             to
             sing
             for
             joy
             .
          
           Job
           29.13
           .
           Or
           as
           St.
           Paul
           exults
           and
           triumphs
           in
           the
           knowledge
           that
           he
           had
           
             fought
             a
             good
             fight
             ,
             and
             finished
             his
             course
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             was
             laid
             up
             for
             him
             a
             Crown
             ,
          
           2
           Tim.
           4.7
           .
           While
           the
           Wicked
           
             lye
             down
             in
             their
             shame
             ,
             and
             their
             confusion
             covers
             them
             because
             they
             have
             sinned
             ,
             and
             not
             obeyed
             the
             voice
             of
             the
             Lord
             their
             God.
          
           Jer.
           3.25
           .
           While
           ,
           like
           Ephraim
           ,
           they
           
             smite
             upon
             the
             thigh
             and
             are
             confounded
             because
             
             they
             bear
             the
             reproach
             of
             their
             Youth
             .
          
           Jer.
           31.
           19.
           
           And
           when
           we
           find
           the
           remembrance
           of
           our
           sins
           thus
           grievous
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           burden
           of
           them
           thus
           intolerable
           ,
           no
           privacy
           shall
           tempt
           us
           to
           a
           wickedness
           in
           hope
           of
           its
           concealment
           ,
           since
           it
           cannot
           escape
           our
           own
           scrutiny
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           the
           severest
           censurers
           of
           our
           ways
           ;
           which
           will
           make
           us
           blush
           as
           much
           to
           do
           evil
           ,
           by
           our selves
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           most
           grave
           ,
           authoritative
           Person
           ,
           and
           as
           scrupulous
           of
           sinning
           in
           our
           Closets
           and
           retirements
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           places
           of
           greatest
           resort
           and
           concourse
           ;
           because
           we
           bear
           about
           us
           a
           strict
           observator
           of
           our
           actions
           ,
           whose
           clamorous
           reprehensions
           we
           can
           neither
           silence
           ,
           nor
           avoid
           ;
           which
           will
           not
           suffer
           us
           to
           make
           a
           wrong
           estimate
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           
             rejoyce
             to
             do
             evil
          
           ,
           through
           an
           opinion
           that
           all
           we
           do
           is
           well
           ,
           because
           we
           do
           not
           consider
           and
           
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
          
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           reason
           that
           our
           hearts
           are
           in
           the
           
             house
             of
             mirth
          
           ,
           when
           they
           should
           be
           in
           the
           
             house
             of
             mourning
          
           ,
           and
           we
           go
           chearfully
           on
           in
           our
           wickedness
           without
           saying
           
             what
             have
             we
             done
          
           ?
           and
           thus
           is
           our
           
             strength
             devour'd
             ,
             and
             we
             know
             not
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           But
           if
           we
           wou'd
           consider
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           that
           God
           remembers
           all
           our
           wickedness
           ,
           we
           would
           be
           more
           wary
           and
           circumspect
           ,
           
           would
           
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
             and
             turn
             our
             feet
             unto
             his
             Testimonies
             .
          
           And
           for
           our
           better
           encouragement
           to
           employ
           our
           thoughts
           in
           this
           weighty
           business
           ,
           and
           to
           this
           great
           advantage
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           Royal
           Example
           given
           us
           ,
           and
           it
           were
           to
           be
           wished
           we
           would
           be
           as
           ready
           to
           imitate
           this
           King
           in
           so
           good
           a
           Work
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           to
           follow
           others
           ,
           in
           things
           not
           so
           commendable
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           our
           better
           help
           in
           going
           through
           this
           Employment
           ,
           let
           us
           exercise
           our
           thoughts
           on
           the
           following
           Considerations
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             What
             the
             ways
             are
             on
             which
             we
             must
             employ
             our
             Thoughts
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             What
             it
             is
             to
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             In
             what
             respect
             our
             thoughts
             must
             be
             employed
             :
             what
             we
             are
             to
             think
             on
             in
             our
             ways
             .
          
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           
             What
             is
             the
             most
             seasonable
             time
             for
             undertaking
             this
             Employment
             of
             thinking
             upon
             our
             Ways
             .
          
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           
             What
             are
             the
             motives
             and
             inducements
             ,
             that
             oblige
             us
             to
             this
             duty
          
           ;
           and
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           
             What
             must
             be
             the
             result
             of
             our
             performing
             it
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           I.
           What
           the
           ways
           are
           that
           must
           Employ
           our
           Thoughts
           .
        
         
           The
           Holy
           Ghost
           doth
           frequently
           in
           Scripture
           veile
           our
           conversation
           upon
           earth
           under
           the
           Metaphor
           of
           a
           Way
           ,
           to
           inform
           us
           that
           here
           we
           have
           
             no
             abiding
             place
          
           ,
           but
           are
           only
           Strangers
           and
           Sojourners
           in
           this
           
             Vale
             of
             Misery
          
           ,
           and
           during
           our
           continuance
           therein
           ,
           are
           travelling
           the
           road
           to
           another
           country
           ,
           in
           search
           of
           an
           
             Eternal
             Rest.
          
           This
           is
           the
           way
           which
           all
           flesh
           had
           so
           
             corrupted
             upon
             earth
          
           ,
           that
           God
           repented
           he
           had
           made
           a
           Creature
           so
           rebellious
           as
           Man
           proved
           ,
           and
           sent
           a
           deluge
           to
           destroy
           ,
           what
           he
           once
           created
           with
           delight
           .
           This
           is
           the
           
             Way
             of
             Man
          
           upon
           which
           
             God's
             Eyes
          
           are
           still
           intent
           ,
           and
           of
           which
           the
           Psalmist
           says
           ,
           
             thou
             compassest
             my
             path
             ,
             and
             art
             acquainted
             with
             all
             my
             ways
             .
          
           Psal.
           139.
           3.
           meaning
           his
           course
           of
           life
           and
           conversation
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           the
           several
           particulars
           of
           it
           ,
           his
           thoughts
           ,
           words
           ,
           and
           actions
           .
           For
           ver
           .
           2.
           he
           says
           ,
           
             thou
             understandest
             my
             thoughts
             afar
             of
             ,
          
           and
           ver
           .
           4.
           
             there
             is
             not
             a
             word
             in
             my
             tongue
             but
             thou
             understandest
             it
             altogether
             ,
          
           and
           ver
           .
           2.
           
             thou
             knowest
             my
             down-sitting
             and
             my
             up-rising
             .
          
        
         
           So
           that
           by
           our
           ways
           is
           intended
           ,
           First
           ,
           the
           Way
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           purposes
           
           and
           intentions
           ,
           it
           being
           part
           of
           the
           corruption
           of
           Man's
           way
           ,
           which
           occasion'd
           the
           flood
           ,
           
             that
             every
             imagination
             of
             the
             thoughts
             of
             his
             heart
             〈◊〉
             only
             evil
             continually
             ,
          
           Gen.
           6.5
           .
           And
           this
           Holy
           David
           calls
           the
           way
           within
           ,
           when
           he
           desires
           God
           to
           
             search
             him
             and
             know
             his
             heart
             ,
             to
             try
             him
             and
             know
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             see
             if
             there
             be
             any
             wicked
             way
             in
             him
             .
          
           Which
           teaches
           us
           that
           all
           our
           appetites
           and
           affections
           ,
           all
           our
           desires
           and
           inclinations
           ,
           are
           our
           ways
           ,
           and
           the
           proper
           objects
           of
           our
           thought
           ,
           which
           will
           find
           it
           no
           easie
           task
           to
           observe
           the
           multitude
           of
           devices
           in
           our
           
             deceitful
             hearts
          
           .
        
         
           Then
           there
           is
           the
           way
           of
           the
           Tongue
           ,
           to
           which
           the
           Psalmist
           said
           he
           would
           
             take
             heed
             ,
             to
             avoid
             offending
             with
             it
             ,
          
           Ps.
           39.1
           .
           So
           that
           our
           discourses
           ,
           words
           and
           expressions
           are
           our
           ways
           too
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           seriously
           thought
           on
           and
           remarked
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           
             keep
             our
             tongue
             from
             evil
             ,
             and
             our
             lips
             that
             they
             speak
             no
             guile
             ,
             since
             by
             our
             words
             we
             shall
             be
             justified
             or
             condemned
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           way
           of
           the
           actions
           ,
           as
           we
           find
           it
           in
           Iob
           34.11
           .
           
             the
             work
             of
             a
             man
             shall
             he
             render
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             cause
             every
             man
             to
             find
             according
             to
             his
             ways
             .
          
           For
           which
           reason
           we
           are
           exhorted
           to
           
             make
             our
             ways
             and
             our
             doings
             good
             .
          
           So
           that
           all
           our
           performances
           ,
           deeds
           ,
           and
           actions
           are
           our
           
           ways
           ,
           and
           fall
           equally
           under
           our
           care
           and
           thought
           ;
           if
           we
           would
           obtain
           the
           blessing
           promised
           to
           him
           that
           is
           
             undefiled
             in
             the
             way
          
           .
        
         
           Now
           we
           find
           mention
           made
           of
           a
           twofold
           way
           ,
           
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Righteous
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Vngodly
             ,
          
           Ps.
           1.6
           .
           and
           these
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           are
           called
           the
           perfect
           way
           ,
           and
           the
           way
           that
           is
           not
           good
           .
           Thus
           David
           says
           ,
           
             I
             will
             behave
             my self
             wisely
             in
             a
             perfect
             way
             ,
          
           Psal.
           101.2
           .
           which
           he
           explains
           immediately
           by
           adding
           ,
           
             I
             will
             walk
             with
             a
             perfect
             heart
             .
          
           And
           in
           Psal.
           36.4
           .
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             the
             wicked
             deviseth
             mischief
             upon
             his
             Bed
             ,
          
           which
           he
           calls
           
             setting
             himself
             in
             a
             way
             that
             is
             not
             good
             .
          
        
         
           In
           reference
           to
           our
           Words
           ,
           they
           are
           called
           the
           
             way
             of
             Truth
          
           and
           the
           
             way
             of
             Lying
          
           ,
           the
           one
           of
           which
           David
           declares
           he
           hath
           made
           his
           choice
           ,
           and
           desires
           to
           have
           the
           other
           
             removed
             from
             him
          
           ,
           Ps.
           119.29
           ,
           30.
           
        
         
           As
           they
           regard
           our
           Actions
           ,
           they
           are
           called
           the
           way
           of
           peace
           ,
           and
           the
           stubborn
           way
           .
           Thus
           in
           
           Isaiah's
           account
           of
           the
           evil
           doings
           of
           the
           Iews
           ,
           that
           
             their
             works
             were
             works
             of
             Iniquity
             ,
             and
             the
             act
             of
             violence
             was
             in
             their
             hands
             ,
             that
             their
             feet
             did
             run
             to
             evil
             ,
             and
             made
             haste
             to
             shed
             innocent
             bloud
          
           ;
           he
           comes
           to
           this
           conclusion
           ,
           
             the
             way
             of
             peace
             have
             they
             not
             known
             .
          
           Isa.
           59.8
           .
           And
           in
           the
           history
           of
           their
           Impieties
           under
           
           the
           Judges
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             they
             ceased
             not
             from
             their
             evil
             doings
             ,
             nor
             from
             their
             stubborn
             way
             ,
          
           Judg.
           2.19
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           ,
           being
           informed
           what
           is
           intended
           by
           our
           ways
           on
           which
           we
           are
           to
           imploy
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           let
           us
           proceed
           to
           consider
           ,
        
      
       
         
           II.
           What
           it
           is
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           .
        
         
           This
           will
           occur
           to
           us
           from
           the
           several
           Scripture-Phrases
           that
           are
           expressive
           of
           this
           duty
           .
           Such
           as
           
             considering
             our
             ways
             ,
             Hag.
          
           1.5
           .
           
             Searching
             and
             trying
             them
          
           .
           Lam.
           3.4
           .
           
             cleansing
             them
          
           ,
           Ps.
           119.9
           .
           
             taking
             heed
             to
             them
          
           ,
           Ps.
           39.1
           .
           and
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           
             thinking
             on
             them
          
           .
           The
           force
           of
           which
           expressions
           will
           appear
           from
           their
           general
           use
           and
           acceptation
           in
           the
           Sacred
           Writings
           .
           As
           in
           
           Iob's
           affirmation
           ,
           that
           
             God
             knoweth
             vain
             men
             ,
             he
             seeth
             wickedness
             also
             ,
             and
             will
             consider
             it
             ,
          
           Job
           11.11
           .
           Which
           implys
           that
           God
           looks
           critically
           on
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           imports
           more
           than
           a
           bare
           sight
           and
           knowledge
           ,
           even
           a
           weighty
           and
           judicious
           observation
           .
           For
           too
           many
           live
           
             without
             God
             in
             the
             World
          
           ,
           regardless
           whether
           their
           ways
           tend
           to
           life
           or
           death
           ,
           and
           therefore
           inconsultly
           run
           into
           any
           way
           that
           is
           before
           them
           ,
           especially
           if
           there
           is
           an
           appearance
           of
           pleasure
           or
           advantage
           in
           it
           .
           Nay
           though
           
           they
           see
           the
           evil
           of
           their
           doings
           ,
           and
           know
           the
           way
           they
           walk
           in
           is
           the
           high
           road
           to
           Destruction
           ,
           and
           that
           
             they
             who
             do
             such
             things
             are
             worthy
             of
             death
             ,
          
           yet
           are
           so
           far
           from
           having
           
             their
             own
             wickedness
             correct
             them
          
           ,
           or
           their
           
             back-slidings
             reprove
             them
          
           ,
           so
           far
           from
           thinking
           seriously
           on
           the
           hazard
           ,
           nay
           the
           certain
           ruine
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           that
           they
           not
           only
           
             do
             the
             same
             ,
             but
             have
             pleasure
             in
             those
             that
             do
             them
          
           :
           Which
           argues
           them
           of
           the
           number
           of
           those
           fools
           who
           make
           it
           not
           their
           business
           to
           consider
           ,
           whose
           
             ways
             are
             right
             in
             their
             own
             Eyes
             ,
          
           and
           therefore
           they
           go
           on
           and
           perish
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           't
           is
           not
           a
           slight
           superficial
           knowledge
           ,
           a
           transient
           cursory
           view
           of
           our
           conversation
           ,
           but
           a
           laying
           it
           to
           heart
           ,
           that
           is
           required
           ;
           and
           accordingly
           the
           Command
           given
           by
           God
           to
           Israel
           to
           
             consider
             their
             ways
          
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           original
           and
           all
           the
           readings
           and
           criticisms
           ,
           apply
           your
           hearts
           and
           minds
           to
           them
           .
           So
           the
           Wiseman
           sends
           the
           Sluggard
           to
           be
           instructed
           by
           the
           Ant
           ,
           to
           
             consider
             her
             ways
             ,
             and
             be
             wise
             ,
          
           Prov.
           6.6
           .
           and
           the
           question
           God
           put
           to
           Satan
           ,
           
             hast
             thou
             considered
             my
             Servant
          
           Job
           ?
           is
           in
           the
           Hebrew
           ,
           Hast
           thou
           laid
           him
           to
           thy
           heart
           ?
           and
           the
           word
           there
           used
           ,
           is
           observed
           to
           be
           very
           comprehensive
           ,
           including
           the
           mind
           ,
           the
           understanding
           ,
           Will
           and
           Affections
           ,
           
           the
           study
           ,
           counsel
           ,
           motions
           ,
           and
           the
           very
           strength
           of
           the
           heart
           .
           Which
           argues
           that
           this
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           is
           to
           be
           the
           business
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           be
           intent
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           not
           satisfie
           our selves
           with
           a
           glimpse
           of
           our
           ways
           in
           the
           glass
           of
           our
           reflection
           ,
           and
           immediately
           forget
           what
           the
           representation
           was
           ,
           for
           then
           our
           goodness
           will
           be
           but
           as
           a
           
             morning
             cloud
             ,
             or
             early
             dew
          
           ;
           but
           we
           must
           
             search
             and
             try
             them
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           make
           a
           strict
           scrutiny
           and
           judicious
           examination
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           the
           words
           import
           .
           And
           when
           upon
           this
           inquiry
           ,
           we
           find
           we
           have
           contracted
           any
           sullages
           or
           pollutions
           ,
           then
           we
           must
           cleanse
           them
           from
           that
           filth
           ,
           and
           
             take
             heed
             to
             them
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           keep
           a
           continual
           watch
           over
           them
           ,
           and
           be
           still
           upon
           our
           guard
           ,
           that
           we
           be
           not
           surpriz'd
           by
           any
           new
           Temptation
           ,
           or
           enticed
           after
           we
           have
           been
           wash'd
           ,
           to
           
             return
             to
             the
             mire
             again
          
           .
        
         
           And
           to
           this
           end
           we
           must
           
             think
             on
             them
          
           ,
           call
           them
           often
           to
           remembrance
           that
           by
           reveiwing
           our
           past
           miscarriages
           ,
           we
           may
           shun
           all
           occasions
           of
           them
           for
           the
           future
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           take
           our selves
           in
           the
           act
           of
           Deviation
           ,
           
             wandring
             from
             the
             commandments
          
           ,
           that
           we
           presently
           
             refrain
             our
             feet
             ,
             and
             return
             into
             the
             right
             way
             ,
          
           and
           walk
           in
           it
           with
           greater
           diligence
           and
           Accuracy
           .
           The
           conclusion
           of
           all
           which
           is
           ,
           that
           this
           employment
           
           of
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           or
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           is
           a
           judicious
           observation
           of
           our selves
           ,
           which
           induces
           us
           seriously
           to
           weigh
           and
           intensely
           to
           regard
           our
           course
           of
           life
           ;
           to
           ponder
           and
           meditate
           on
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           words
           ,
           and
           actions
           ;
           to
           inspect
           them
           nicely
           ,
           and
           with
           discerning
           apprehensions
           ;
           since
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             the
             heart
          
           ,
           requires
           our
           utmost
           diligence
           and
           most
           penetrating
           judgment
           ,
           in
           making
           a
           true
           discovery
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           since
           the
           Tongue
           ,
           though
           but
           
             a
             little
             member
          
           ,
           is
           yet
           such
           an
           
             unruly
             one
          
           ,
           that
           the
           taming
           it
           is
           a
           task
           not
           easily
           performed
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           generally
           more
           eloquent
           in
           condemning
           its
           exorbitancies
           ,
           than
           successful
           in
           reforming
           them
           .
           Lastly
           ,
           since
           our
           actions
           are
           so
           light
           and
           petulant
           ,
           that
           they
           oftentimes
           escape
           our
           greatest
           caution
           and
           advertency
           ,
           and
           therefore
           had
           need
           of
           such
           a
           Guardian
           to
           restrain
           and
           check
           their
           numerous
           irregularities
           .
        
         
           For
           this
           considerate
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           separates
           and
           discriminates
           things
           that
           are
           confusedly
           huddled
           up
           together
           ;
           it
           gathers
           and
           collects
           those
           that
           are
           scattered
           and
           dispersed
           ;
           it
           traces
           and
           finds
           out
           truth
           ;
           examines
           likelyhoods
           and
           appearances
           ;
           and
           discovers
           and
           explores
           pretences
           that
           are
           feigned
           and
           varnished
           .
           This
           is
           it
           that
           preordains
           what
           is
           to
           be
           
           done
           ,
           revolves
           what
           is
           already
           acted
           ,
           governs
           the
           Affections
           ,
           restrains
           excess
           ,
           and
           betters
           and
           improves
           our
           lives
           in
           all
           respects
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           if
           we
           take
           the
           measure
           of
           this
           excellent
           Christian
           duty
           and
           employment
           of
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           we
           shall
           easily
           perceive
           its
           vast
           extent
           ,
           that
           it
           's
           an
           Act
           of
           the
           practical
           understanding
           ,
           whereby
           it
           surveys
           and
           dwells
           upon
           its
           own
           intentions
           ,
           and
           comparing
           them
           with
           the
           rule
           by
           which
           they
           are
           to
           be
           directed
           ,
           lays
           a
           command
           on
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           to
           put
           them
           in
           execution
           .
        
         
           Now
           from
           the
           knowledge
           of
           what
           it
           is
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ,
           let
           us
           pass
           on
           to
           enquire
        
      
       
         
           III.
           What
           it
           is
           that
           we
           are
           to
           think
           upon
           ,
           and
           consider
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           shall
           find
           our
           thoughts
           are
           to
           be
           exercised
           about
           these
           four
           particulars
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
             
               The
               Quality
               Of
               our
               Ways
            
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             
               The
               Tendency
               Of
               our
               Ways
            
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             
               The
               Equality
               Of
               our
               Ways
            
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             
               The
               Safety
               Of
               our
               Ways
            
             .
          
        
         
           By
           the
           quality
           of
           our
           Ways
           is
           meant
           their
           being
           good
           or
           evil
           ;
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           
           our
           Conversation
           ,
           whether
           it
           's
           
             in
             Heaven
          
           or
           on
           Earth
           ,
           whether
           our
           
             feet
             run
             the
             way
             of
             God's
             Commandments
             ,
          
           or
           
             stand
             in
             the
             way
             of
             sinners
             .
          
           Now
           ,
           
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Iust
             is
             the
             way
             of
             Vprightness
             ,
          
           says
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           Isa.
           26.7
           .
           And
           if
           ours
           are
           such
           ,
           we
           shall
           discern
           them
           to
           be
           so
           by
           four
           distinguishing
           Characters
           .
        
         
           First
           .
           We
           shall
           vigorously
           oppose
           not
           only
           those
           sins
           that
           are
           more
           gross
           and
           heinous
           ,
           more
           open
           and
           bare
           faced
           ,
           and
           have
           such
           a
           loathsome
           deformity
           in
           themselves
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           frightned
           by
           the
           ugly
           Visage
           from
           committing
           them
           ;
           but
           we
           shall
           as
           heartily
           strive
           and
           labour
           against
           those
           which
           admit
           of
           extenuation
           ,
           and
           are
           more
           close
           and
           latent
           ,
           nay
           which
           with
           fair
           and
           specious
           appearances
           ,
           allure
           us
           to
           be
           fond
           ,
           and
           dote
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           Some
           Sins
           lie
           open
           and
           exposed
           to
           the
           view
           of
           all
           men
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           conversant
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           others
           admit
           no
           witnesses
           ,
           but
           God
           and
           our
           own
           hearts
           ;
           those
           being
           committed
           in
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           are
           made
           a
           publick
           subject
           of
           discourse
           ;
           these
           ,
           concealed
           within
           the
           privacy
           of
           a
           Closet
           ,
           or
           some
           close
           retirement
           ,
           or
           sever'd
           from
           the
           grossness
           of
           an
           external
           Act
           ,
           escape
           the
           Observation
           ,
           and
           the
           Censure
           of
           Mankind
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           a
           principle
           of
           Moral
           Prudence
           is
           sufficient
           to
           engage
           us
           against
           those
           of
           the
           former
           rank
           ;
           for
           either
           a
           tenderness
           of
           our
           Reputation
           ,
           and
           a
           regard
           to
           that
           Credit
           and
           Esteem
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           acquired
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           aspire
           to
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           or
           if
           not
           that
           ,
           yet
           a
           dread
           and
           apprehension
           of
           the
           cognizance
           and
           severity
           of
           the
           Laws
           ,
           will
           restrain
           us
           from
           the
           guilt
           of
           Actual
           Theft
           ,
           Adultery
           ,
           or
           Murder
           ,
           lest
           we
           come
           within
           the
           reach
           of
           the
           Sword
           of
           Justice
           ,
           and
           betray
           our selves
           to
           such
           rigors
           as
           will
           add
           corporal
           punishment
           to
           reproach
           ,
           and
           force
           the
           blood
           out
           of
           our
           backs
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           bring
           it
           into
           our
           faces
           .
           But
           it
           is
           a
           noble
           and
           more
           exalted
           Principle
           which
           shall
           enable
           a
           man
           to
           sit
           in
           judgment
           on
           himself
           ,
           severely
           to
           observe
           his
           own
           failings
           ,
           remark
           and
           criticise
           upon
           his
           imperfections
           ,
           and
           pass
           an
           impartial
           condemnatory
           Sentence
           upon
           the
           pride
           and
           haughtiness
           of
           his
           own
           heart
           ,
           and
           the
           lewd
           dispositions
           of
           his
           Soul
           to
           vicious
           and
           unbecoming
           practices
           ,
           which
           are
           liable
           to
           no
           scrutiny
           but
           that
           of
           his
           own
           Conscience
           and
           the
           all-seeing
           Eye
           of
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           We
           know
           the
           Pharisee
           could
           boast
           ,
           even
           at
           the
           Altar
           ,
           and
           to
           God's
           very
           face
           ,
           that
           his
           life
           was
           free
           from
           the
           notorious
           blots
           and
           scandals
           that
           stained
           the
           conversation
           
           of
           other
           men
           ,
           and
           made
           them
           black
           and
           infamous
           ,
           and
           while
           he
           pleas'd
           himself
           with
           the
           thoughts
           of
           his
           being
           no
           Extortioner
           ,
           or
           Adulterer
           ,
           he
           overlooked
           the
           Pride
           and
           Arrogance
           that
           sate
           enthron'd
           within
           his
           Soul
           ;
           and
           had
           swoln
           him
           to
           that
           excess
           of
           Vanity
           ,
           and
           made
           him
           forget
           that
           he
           was
           endeavouring
           to
           recommend
           himself
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           by
           the
           same
           methods
           by
           which
           the
           Angels
           lost
           its
           favour
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           more
           he
           exalted
           his
           own
           perfections
           ,
           the
           more
           he
           should
           be
           abased
           ;
           and
           the
           nearer
           he
           justled
           up
           to
           the
           Altar
           ,
           
             God
             would
             behold
             him
             the
             farther
             of
             .
          
        
         
           But
           the
           true
           Candidate
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           the
           Soul
           that
           desires
           to
           be
           espoused
           to
           its
           Saviour
           ,
           will
           not
           take
           so
           much
           care
           ,
           or
           be
           so
           solicitous
           for
           
             garments
             of
             Needle-work
             and
             Embroidery
          
           ,
           as
           to
           appear
           to
           him
           
             all
             glorious
             within
          
           ;
           will
           be
           busier
           to
           cleanse
           and
           purifie
           the
           heart
           ,
           than
           to
           
             wash
             the
             hands
             and
             platter
          
           ,
           and
           no
           more
           indulge
           Spiritual
           ,
           than
           carnal
           vices
           and
           corruptions
           .
           For
           such
           a
           one
           knows
           that
           though
           the
           one
           may
           make
           him
           more
           infamous
           among
           men
           ,
           the
           other
           will
           render
           him
           as
           criminal
           and
           as
           hateful
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           
             who
             does
             not
             see
             as
             Man
             sees
             ,
             but
             tries
             the
             very
             heart
             and
             reins
             ,
          
           and
           through
           the
           Varnish
           of
           a
           
             painted
             Sepulchre
          
           ,
           discerns
           the
           
             rottenness
             
             within
          
           ;
           and
           hates
           the
           Impostor
           that
           would
           abuse
           him
           with
           a
           specious
           outside
           only
           ,
           and
           obtrude
           the
           Devil
           upon
           him
           in
           the
           
             resemblance
             of
             an
             Angel
             of
             light
             .
          
        
         
           And
           for
           this
           reason
           it
           was
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           told
           his
           Disciples
           that
           
             their
             righteousness
             must
             exceed
             the
             righteousness
             of
             the
             Scribes
             and
             Pharisees
             ,
          
           if
           they
           would
           not
           fall
           short
           of
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           A
           Second
           evidence
           of
           the
           Righteousness
           of
           our
           ways
           will
           be
           our
           care
           to
           destroy
           sin
           ,
           even
           in
           its
           very
           conception
           ;
           or
           if
           
             lust
             hath
          
           already
           conceived
           ,
           to
           prevent
           as
           much
           as
           we
           can
           ,
           its
           bringing
           forth
           .
           We
           shall
           think
           our selves
           disloyal
           and
           unjust
           to
           God
           as
           well
           as
           injurious
           and
           cruel
           to
           our
           Souls
           ,
           if
           we
           favour
           the
           growth
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           oppose
           the
           increase
           of
           the
           greatest
           enemy
           to
           both
           .
           We
           shall
           not
           divide
           our
           service
           between
           God
           and
           Mammon
           ,
           nor
           give
           up
           our selves
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           like
           Naaman
           ,
           with
           reserves
           .
           Nor
           shall
           we
           ,
           like
           Saul
           ,
           disobey
           his
           positive
           commands
           ,
           under
           a
           pretence
           of
           Sacrificing
           to
           him
           ,
           when
           indeed
           it
           is
           to
           our
           lusts
           .
        
         
           Should
           Sin
           assume
           
           Lot's
           plea
           for
           Zoar
           ,
           in
           its
           own
           excuse
           ,
           and
           urge
           its
           littleness
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           ready
           to
           remember
           that
           the
           Majesty
           against
           whom
           it
           is
           committed
           is
           great
           ,
           and
           so
           will
           its
           punishment
           be
           〈◊〉
           ;
           
           that
           the
           cloud
           whose
           first
           appearance
           was
           no
           bigger
           than
           a
           
             hand
             breadth
          
           ,
           before
           time
           had
           much
           encreased
           its
           age
           ,
           was
           so
           enlarged
           ,
           that
           it
           became
           a
           Vizard
           on
           the
           face
           of
           Heaven
           ;
           And
           the
           Devil
           who
           tempted
           the
           Woman
           in
           the
           less
           terrible
           resemblance
           of
           a
           Serpent
           ,
           proves
           a
           Dragon
           in
           the
           Revelation
           ready
           to
           
             devour
             her
             off-spring
          
           .
        
         
           Nor
           need
           we
           have
           recourse
           to
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           our
           own
           reading
           and
           experience
           to
           inform
           us
           what
           consuming
           fires
           are
           kindled
           from
           little
           sparks
           ,
           or
           how
           a
           whole
           
             lump
             of
             dough
             is
             soured
             and
             tainted
          
           by
           a
           
             piece
             of
             Leaven
          
           .
           And
           therefore
           we
           shall
           call
           with
           the
           Spouse
           to
           
             take
             the
             little
             Foxes
             that
             spoil
             the
             Vines
             ,
          
           Cant.
           2.15
           .
           knowing
           how
           great
           the
           danger
           is
           of
           indulging
           petty
           sins
           ;
           for
           a
           child
           received
           into
           a
           house
           may
           open
           the
           door
           to
           those
           that
           are
           adult
           in
           villany
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           years
           ,
           and
           while
           we
           are
           tender
           of
           giving
           a
           repulse
           to
           sin
           in
           its
           first
           address
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           consider
           by
           what
           insensible
           approaches
           it
           may
           gain
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           engage
           us
           beyond
           the
           power
           of
           giving
           it
           a
           Divorce
           .
           Nor
           do
           we
           know
           when
           once
           our
           feet
           begin
           to
           slip
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           going
           down
           the
           precipice
           ,
           with
           what
           an
           impetuous
           motion
           we
           shall
           fall
           ,
           and
           how
           unable
           we
           shall
           be
           to
           stop
           till
           we
           are
           at
           the
           bottom
           ,
           
           and
           from
           a
           leisurely
           gradation
           in
           sin
           at
           first
           ,
           be
           hurried
           on
           in
           time
           to
           
             commit
             all
             impiety
             with
             greediness
          
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           man
           of
           God
           told
           Hazael
           with
           tears
           what
           evil
           he
           would
           do
           to
           Israel
           ,
           he
           replyed
           ,
           
             Is
             thy
             Servant
             a
             Dog
             that
             he
             should
             do
             this
             great
             thing
             ?
          
           and
           then
           abhorr'd
           the
           thought
           of
           what
           soon
           after
           he
           had
           no
           reluctancy
           to
           act
           ,
           2
           King.
           8.13
           .
           And
           there
           have
           been
           many
           whose
           chaste
           ears
           would
           be
           grated
           with
           the
           sound
           of
           an
           immodest
           word
           ,
           and
           yet
           afterwards
           have
           not
           only
           listned
           to
           ,
           but
           took
           delight
           in
           such
           discourses
           ,
           and
           fallen
           into
           a
           practice
           of
           debauchery
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           vyed
           Lewdness
           with
           the
           most
           common
           Prostitute
           .
        
         
           Now
           would
           such
           but
           think
           upon
           their
           ways
           ,
           look
           a
           while
           into
           themselves
           and
           consider
           what
           an
           alteration
           they
           find
           there
           ,
           they
           would
           be
           astonished
           to
           discover
           from
           what
           modest
           and
           virtuous
           beginnings
           they
           have
           arrived
           at
           such
           an
           extream
           of
           Impudence
           .
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           a
           deplorable
           Instance
           in
           King
           David
           ,
           had
           he
           strenuously
           opposed
           this
           Sin
           in
           its
           infant
           weakness
           ,
           when
           it
           betray'd
           it self
           only
           in
           a
           wanton
           glance
           on
           naked
           Bathsheba
           ,
           he
           had
           not
           proceeded
           to
           defile
           
           Vriah's
           Bed
           ,
           nor
           his
           own
           Soul
           ,
           by
           an
           adulterous
           
           Act
           ;
           he
           had
           not
           stained
           his
           hands
           ,
           nor
           made
           his
           Conscience
           foul
           ,
           with
           the
           guilt
           of
           blood
           ;
           he
           had
           not
           entailed
           a
           Sword
           upon
           his
           family
           to
           succeeding
           generations
           ;
           nor
           been
           the
           unhappy
           example
           to
           caution
           ,
           and
           inform
           the
           world
           how
           far
           Sin
           will
           improve
           its
           conquests
           ,
           and
           our
           yielding
           to
           Satan's
           first
           temptations
           ,
           give
           him
           a
           power
           over
           us
           to
           
             lead
             us
             Captive
             at
             his
             will.
             
          
        
         
           If
           then
           we
           would
           preserve
           our
           liberty
           ,
           and
           maintain
           our
           Innocence
           ,
           we
           must
           keep
           us
           
             far
             from
             an
             evil
             matter
          
           ,
           and
           shun
           not
           only
           the
           occasions
           ,
           but
           the
           very
           
             appearances
             of
             Evil.
          
           But
           if
           we
           cannot
           keep
           at
           so
           desired
           a
           distance
           from
           sin
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           exempt
           from
           a
           sense
           of
           its
           first
           motions
           in
           us
           ,
           yet
           let
           us
           believe
           our selves
           obliged
           as
           well
           to
           dash
           in
           pieces
           the
           
             Children
             of
             Edom
          
           as
           to
           incounter
           with
           the
           mighty
           
             Sons
             of
             Anack
          
           .
        
         
           A
           third
           Character
           of
           the
           Righteousness
           of
           our
           ways
           ,
           will
           be
           ,
           that
           when
           we
           are
           imployed
           in
           holy
           Duties
           and
           the
           Service
           of
           Religion
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           only
           regard
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           the
           manner
           too
           ,
           in
           which
           we
           should
           perform
           it
           .
           That
           we
           do
           not
           content
           our selves
           with
           the
           labour
           of
           our
           lips
           when
           we
           pray
           ,
           and
           so
           honour
           God
           only
           with
           them
           ,
           while
           our
           hearts
           are
           
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           him
           :
           but
           that
           we
           pray
           with
           all
           humility
           and
           devotion
           ,
           considering
           our
           addresses
           are
           made
           to
           an
           Omnipotent
           Being
           ,
           whose
           seat
           and
           residence
           
             is
             in
             Heaven
          
           ,
           and
           who
           knows
           our
           thoughts
           as
           perfectly
           ,
           as
           he
           sees
           our
           actions
           ;
           that
           we
           endeavour
           therefore
           to
           add
           faith
           and
           fervency
           to
           our
           prayers
           ,
           that
           being
           raised
           upon
           those
           wings
           they
           may
           be
           able
           to
           ascend
           to
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ;
           that
           we
           pray
           as
           those
           who
           have
           a
           deep
           sence
           and
           feeling
           of
           the
           necessities
           with
           which
           we
           are
           press'd
           ,
           and
           are
           weary
           of
           the
           burden
           under
           which
           we
           groan
           ;
           as
           those
           that
           know
           the
           inestimable
           worth
           of
           Souls
           ,
           and
           value
           them
           in
           proportion
           to
           it
           ;
           that
           we
           put
           up
           strong
           cries
           and
           earnest
           supplications
           ,
           as
           knowing
           that
           while
           we
           are
           in
           our
           journey
           to
           the
           spiritual
           land
           of
           promise
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           Sea
           and
           a
           Wilderness
           to
           pass
           ,
           thirst
           and
           hunger
           to
           endure
           ,
           and
           enemies
           ,
           and
           those
           Giants
           too
           ,
           to
           conquer
           ;
           since
           
             we
             wrestle
             not
             against
             flesh
             and
             blood
             ,
             but
             against
             Principalities
             and
             Powers
             ▪
             against
             the
             Rulers
             of
             the
             darkness
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             against
             Spiritual
             Wickednesses
             in
             high
             places
             ,
          
           and
           therefore
           must
           not
           relye
           on
           our
           own
           strength
           and
           abilities
           ,
           but
           should
           interest
           Heaven
           in
           the
           quarrel
           ,
           which
           of
           our selves
           we
           are
           not
           able
           to
           maintain
           .
           Or
           
           when
           we
           come
           into
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           hear
           his
           Sacred
           Oracles
           deliver'd
           ,
           that
           we
           give
           our
           attention
           to
           them
           with
           affection
           and
           hearty
           Zeal
           ,
           having
           our
           Souls
           exalted
           to
           meet
           the
           pleasing
           Embassie
           for
           which
           they
           thirst
           ,
           with
           such
           ardor
           and
           allowable
           transports
           ,
           as
           are
           fit
           for
           the
           reception
           of
           a
           message
           sent
           from
           heaven
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           greatest
           importance
           to
           our selves
           ;
           a
           message
           wherein
           we
           are
           invited
           to
           participate
           of
           the
           joys
           and
           glories
           of
           life
           Eternal
           ,
           and
           called
           to
           the
           possession
           of
           
             an
             inheritance
             with
             the
             Saints
             in
             light
             .
          
        
         
           And
           as
           in
           praying
           and
           hearing
           ,
           so
           in
           all
           other
           duties
           of
           Religion
           ,
           we
           must
           take
           care
           to
           worship
           God
           
             in
             Spirit
             and
             in
             truth
          
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           only
           render
           the
           summ
           and
           number
           in
           our
           devotional
           performances
           ,
           without
           endeavouring
           after
           sincerity
           of
           intention
           ,
           heat
           and
           vigour
           ,
           life
           and
           strength
           in
           their
           discharge
           ,
           this
           is
           not
           worshipping
           God
           in
           truth
           ▪
           but
           mocking
           him
           with
           a
           false
           appearance
           .
           For
           externals
           in
           Religion
           ,
           the
           labour
           of
           the
           lip
           and
           lungs
           ,
           are
           all
           dead
           works
           ,
           if
           separate
           from
           that
           holy
           frame
           and
           temper
           of
           mind
           which
           animates
           and
           enlivens
           them
           ,
           and
           prayers
           though
           offered
           with
           
             the
             tongue
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             ,
          
           are
           as
           insignificant
           as
           the
           noise
           of
           
             sounding
             Brass
             ,
             or
             tinkling
             Cymbals
             ,
          
           without
           
           the
           fervour
           of
           divine
           Charity
           to
           actuate
           and
           inspirit
           them
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           Character
           of
           the
           righteousness
           of
           our
           ways
           will
           be
           our
           not
           acquiescing
           in
           any
           present
           attainments
           of
           Grace
           ,
           or
           the
           heighth
           and
           measure
           we
           have
           already
           reached
           ,
           but
           that
           
             forgeting
             those
             things
             which
             are
             behind
             ,
             and
             reaching
             forth
             to
             those
             which
             are
             before
             ,
          
           we
           
             press
             forward
             towards
             the
             mark
             ,
             for
             the
             prize
             of
             our
             high
             calling
             in
             Christ
             Iesus
             .
          
        
         
           Men
           too
           frequently
           betray
           a
           canine
           insatiable
           appetite
           in
           the
           pursuit
           and
           acquisition
           of
           the
           things
           below
           ,
           they
           are
           
             Greedy
             Dogs
             that
             can
             never
             have
             enough
             :
          
           nor
           is
           it
           strange
           ,
           since
           the
           encrease
           of
           their
           enjoyments
           ,
           serves
           but
           to
           render
           them
           more
           Ravenous
           .
           We
           find
           many
           ,
           who
           ,
           like
           the
           rich
           Fool
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           want
           stowage
           for
           their
           abundance
           ;
           but
           few
           or
           none
           that
           even
           then
           think
           of
           
             taking
             Rest
          
           ,
           but
           are
           as
           anxiously
           busie
           and
           solicitous
           as
           ever
           .
           Such
           is
           their
           impatience
           and
           eagerness
           to
           
             add
             field
             to
             field
          
           ,
           and
           enlarge
           the
           bounds
           of
           their
           possessions
           ,
           that
           no
           Geometry
           can
           measure
           the
           vast
           extent
           of
           their
           desires
           .
        
         
           Were
           it
           possible
           to
           find
           a
           man
           so
           satiated
           with
           pleasures
           ,
           so
           glutted
           with
           honours
           ,
           as
           to
           own
           he
           had
           enough
           ,
           the
           world
           
           could
           not
           present
           us
           any
           thing
           so
           strange
           and
           rare
           ,
           so
           worthy
           of
           our
           admiration
           ;
           But
           we
           find
           many
           of
           his
           temper
           ,
           who
           thought
           the
           limits
           of
           the
           world
           too
           narrow
           for
           him
           ,
           and
           wept
           that
           they
           did
           not
           allow
           him
           to
           extend
           his
           conquests
           farther
           :
           and
           it
           is
           not
           novel
           to
           hear
           others
           rail
           at
           Nature
           ,
           and
           vainly
           spend
           their
           time
           in
           quarrelling
           with
           the
           shortness
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           serving
           only
           to
           tantalize
           the
           Appetite
           with
           a
           view
           of
           pleasures
           not
           to
           be
           enjoyed
           ;
           to
           give
           them
           a
           Pisgah
           prospect
           of
           the
           Land
           
             flowing
             with
             Milk
             and
             honey
          
           ,
           but
           to
           cut
           them
           off
           before
           they
           arrive
           to
           taste
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           shall
           such
           empty
           vanities
           ,
           calculated
           only
           for
           a
           day
           ,
           like
           
           Ionah's
           Gourd
           ,
           and
           which
           
             perish
             in
             the
             using
          
           ,
           put
           our
           thoughts
           upon
           the
           tenters
           ,
           and
           rack
           our
           desires
           with
           restless
           and
           unsatisfied
           longings
           ,
           while
           we
           easily
           content
           our selves
           with
           the
           minutest
           portion
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           never
           are
           at
           the
           trouble
           of
           endeavouring
           to
           encrease
           our
           stock
           ?
           Shall
           we
           think
           all
           the
           mean
           ,
           ignoble
           methods
           of
           acquist
           neither
           too
           many
           ,
           nor
           too
           difficult
           to
           procure
           some
           little
           wealth
           that
           does
           impoverish
           ,
           or
           some
           petty
           honour
           that
           enslaves
           us
           ;
           and
           yet
           believe
           a
           lazy
           wish
           ,
           a
           faint
           and
           languishing
           velleity
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           prodigal
           
           expence
           ,
           an
           unreasonable
           price
           for
           Heaven
           ?
           
             The
             path
             of
             the
             Iust
             is
             as
             the
             shining
             light
             ,
             which
             shineth
             more
             and
             more
             unto
             the
             perfect
             day
             ,
          
           Prov.
           4.18
           .
           The
           good
           man
           is
           ever
           in
           progression
           ,
           bettering
           himself
           ,
           improving
           his
           Graces
           ,
           and
           advancing
           daily
           towards
           the
           height
           and
           Meridian
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           he
           gives
           diligence
           to
           
             add
             to
             his
             faith
             virtue
             ,
             and
             to
             virtue
             knowledge
             ,
          
           and
           so
           goes
           on
           
             from
             strength
             to
             strength
          
           ,
           till
           he
           grows
           to
           
             a
             perfect
             man
          
           ,
           and
           attains
           
             the
             measure
             of
             the
             Stature
             of
             the
             fulness
             of
             Christ.
          
           He
           cannot
           allow
           himself
           to
           be
           a
           Stationary
           in
           his
           Christian
           Race
           ,
           and
           believes
           he
           is
           retrograde
           ,
           if
           not
           in
           a
           progressive
           motion
           .
           But
           apply's
           
           Seneca's
           expression
           of
           Philosophy
           to
           Grace
           ,
           and
           thinks
           there
           is
           no
           difference
           between
           intermission
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           ,
           since
           from
           the
           moment
           of
           its
           interruption
           ,
           it
           will
           recur
           ,
           like
           a
           Spring
           ,
           to
           its
           first
           state
           .
        
         
           We
           should
           be
           modest
           to
           impiety
           ,
           to
           suffer
           others
           to
           outstrip
           us
           in
           this
           course
           ,
           the
           very
           example
           of
           whose
           speed
           ,
           should
           teach
           us
           to
           mend
           our
           pace
           ,
           and
           follow
           in
           our
           own
           proceedings
           ,
           the
           pattern
           we
           receive
           from
           theirs
           .
           And
           by
           
             so
             running
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           
             obtain
             the
             Crown
          
           that
           is
           set
           before
           us
           .
        
         
         
           But
           if
           we
           loiter
           by
           the
           way
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           reach
           the
           Goal
           ,
           for
           our
           Christian
           Course
           is
           not
           limited
           ,
           like
           the
           Sea
           ,
           with
           bounds
           which
           it
           must
           not
           exceed
           ,
           nor
           are
           there
           any
           fixed
           terms
           prescribed
           to
           the
           magnitude
           of
           the
           Spiritual
           ,
           as
           to
           that
           of
           the
           Natural
           Man
           ;
           because
           Spiritual
           Habits
           and
           Graces
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           not
           encrease
           by
           exercise
           ,
           will
           decrease
           and
           dwindle
           into
           nothing
           by
           desuetude
           and
           discontinuance
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           we
           consider
           at
           what
           an
           incredible
           distance
           they
           are
           from
           Perfection
           ,
           who
           have
           made
           the
           nearest
           approaches
           to
           it
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           room
           enough
           for
           the
           utmost
           of
           our
           endeavours
           ,
           for
           the
           way
           is
           long
           ,
           the
           journey
           is
           from
           Earth
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           besides
           other
           inconveniences
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           narrow
           and
           rugged
           path
           ,
           nor
           do
           we
           know
           how
           little
           time
           we
           have
           allotted
           us
           to
           go
           this
           Pilgrimage
           ,
           and
           cannot
           think
           that
           we
           have
           leisure
           to
           mis-spend
           in
           standing
           idle
           ,
           when
           we
           should
           be
           in
           greatest
           haste
           .
        
         
           Neither
           do
           we
           know
           but
           that
           if
           we
           stay
           to
           
             look
             back
             to
             Sodom
          
           ,
           when
           we
           should
           
             escape
             for
             our
             lives
             to
             Zoar
             ,
          
           we
           may
           be
           arrested
           in
           the
           instant
           like
           her
           that
           did
           so
           ,
           and
           not
           permitted
           to
           go
           farther
           .
           There
           is
           this
           advantage
           gained
           by
           aiming
           at
           the
           heighth
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           of
           perfection
           ,
           that
           though
           
           we
           fail
           of
           success
           in
           our
           attempt
           ,
           and
           fall
           short
           of
           the
           lofty
           flights
           of
           Virtue
           and
           Religion
           ;
           yet
           by
           endeavouring
           to
           reach
           them
           ,
           we
           shall
           soar
           to
           a
           pitch
           above
           the
           common
           Sphere
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           shall
           find
           a
           recompence
           for
           our
           labour
           ,
           like
           him
           that
           dug
           his
           field
           in
           expectation
           of
           a
           treasure
           ,
           who
           ,
           though
           he
           mist
           of
           that
           ,
           was
           inriched
           by
           the
           cultivation
           of
           his
           ground
           .
           Besides
           ,
           we
           must
           consider
           ,
           that
           though
           the
           meanest
           degrees
           of
           Grace
           want
           not
           their
           share
           of
           the
           divine
           approbation
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           only
           the
           more
           exalted
           measures
           that
           receive
           applause
           ,
           and
           are
           crown'd
           with
           extraordinary
           Encomiums
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           consideration
           should
           make
           us
           still
           dissatisfied
           with
           our
           present
           state
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           dissatisfaction
           should
           put
           us
           upon
           the
           search
           after
           more
           sublime
           perfections
           ;
           for
           if
           we
           once
           think
           we
           have
           enough
           ,
           we
           shall
           cease
           from
           endeavouring
           after
           more
           ,
           and
           ,
           like
           the
           Reubenites
           ,
           
             take
             up
             our
             rest
          
           on
           the
           wrong
           side
           of
           Iordan
           ,
           short
           of
           the
           promised
           Land.
           
        
         
           From
           the
           Quality
           of
           our
           Ways
           and
           the
           Characters
           by
           which
           we
           may
           discern
           it
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           the
           second
           considerable
           ,
        
         
           Their
           Tendency
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           whether
           we
           so
           run
           our
           Christian
           Race
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           shall
           obtain
           the
           Prize
           ,
           or
           instead
           of
           a
           
           Crown
           meet
           ruin
           and
           destruction
           in
           the
           end
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           a
           matter
           of
           no
           trivial
           consequence
           ,
           but
           of
           weighty
           moment
           and
           importance
           ,
           a
           matter
           that
           deserves
           our
           most
           serious
           thought
           and
           consideration
           ,
           for
           without
           this
           we
           may
           be
           miserably
           mistaken
           in
           our
           course
           ,
           and
           disappointed
           of
           our
           hope
           ,
           since
           that
           
             way
             may
             seem
             right
             to
             us
             ,
             the
             end
             whereof
             is
             the
             way
             of
             Death
             .
          
           Now
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           deceived
           ,
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           hath
           set
           before
           us
           
             life
             and
             death
             ,
             and
             good
             and
             evil
             ,
          
           he
           has
           chalked
           us
           out
           the
           direct
           road
           to
           happiness
           ,
           and
           made
           it
           so
           plain
           and
           discernable
           ,
           that
           unless
           we
           will
           ,
           we
           cannot
           go
           astray
           .
           Nay
           we
           have
           him
           always
           telling
           us
           ,
           
             this
             is
             the
             Way
          
           ,
           and
           exhorting
           us
           to
           
             walk
             in
             it
          
           ,
           and
           as
           he
           encourages
           us
           in
           our
           journey
           to
           keep
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           and
           quickens
           our
           speed
           ,
           by
           the
           glorious
           prospect
           at
           our
           journeys
           end
           ,
           so
           he
           cautions
           us
           to
           avoid
           the
           Path
           that
           leads
           to
           Death
           ,
           by
           a
           dismal
           representation
           of
           the
           misery
           to
           which
           it
           tends
           ,
           assuring
           us
           that
           
             the
             Vnrighteous
             shall
             not
             inherit
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
          
           and
           who
           they
           are
           ,
           appears
           in
           that
           black
           list
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           us
           of
           them
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           6.9
           .
           
             Fornicators
             ,
             Adulterers
             ,
             Idolaters
             ,
             Thieves
             ,
             Drunkards
             ,
             Revilers
             ,
             Covetous
             Persons
             ,
          
           and
           Extortioners
           .
           
           These
           he
           tells
           us
           shall
           be
           excluded
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           not
           mistake
           ,
           or
           be
           abused
           in
           a
           business
           of
           this
           consequence
           ,
           he
           ushers
           in
           his
           assertion
           with
           a
           cautionary
           admonition
           not
           to
           be
           deceived
           ;
           of
           which
           we
           are
           in
           continual
           danger
           ,
           both
           by
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           it self
           in
           imposing
           on
           us
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           own
           hearts
           too
           ,
           in
           consenting
           to
           the
           cheat
           .
           For
           we
           are
           not
           so
           much
           fooled
           and
           put
           upon
           by
           the
           specious
           pretences
           and
           delusory
           appearances
           of
           sin
           ,
           as
           by
           our
           own
           easiness
           and
           credulity
           ;
           we
           would
           have
           it
           to
           be
           that
           pleasing
           agreeable
           thing
           which
           its
           fallacious
           insinuations
           render
           it
           ,
           and
           therefore
           readily
           give
           credit
           to
           them
           .
           Nor
           could
           we
           be
           so
           soon
           betrayed
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           not
           conspirators
           against
           our selves
           ,
           the
           Tempter
           has
           no
           better
           instruments
           to
           prevail
           upon
           us
           than
           our
           own
           vicious
           inclinations
           ,
           which
           he
           employs
           on
           that
           design
           ,
           as
           he
           made
           use
           of
           the
           Woman
           that
           was
           taken
           from
           
           Adam's
           side
           ,
           and
           finds
           them
           like
           her
           ,
           too
           forward
           to
           assist
           him
           in
           his
           attempts
           to
           ruine
           us
           ;
           for
           we
           become
           unfaithful
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           by
           discovering
           ,
           as
           Sampson
           did
           ,
           wherein
           our
           strength
           consists
           ,
           the
           Devil
           comes
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           having
           deprived
           us
           of
           the
           only
           defence
           we
           have
           against
           him
           ,
           condemns
           us
           to
           a
           drudgery
           
           worse
           than
           Grinding
           in
           the
           Philistine
           Mills
           .
           Nor
           is
           it
           likely
           we
           should
           avoid
           it
           ,
           since
           though
           we
           so
           readily
           incline
           our
           ears
           to
           his
           suggestions
           ,
           we
           stop
           them
           ,
           and
           are
           as
           deaf
           ,
           as
           the
           Psalmist's
           Adder
           ,
           to
           the
           
             voice
             of
          
           a
           better
           Charmer
           :
           and
           though
           the
           positive
           Declarations
           of
           God's
           Holy
           Word
           have
           denounced
           heavy
           curses
           against
           the
           
             workers
             of
             iniquity
          
           ,
           such
           as
           exclusion
           from
           the
           joys
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           a
           perpetual
           condemnation
           to
           the
           miseries
           of
           Hell
           ;
           though
           the
           Oppressor
           hears
           a
           dreadful
           Woe
           thundred
           against
           his
           injustice
           ;
           though
           the
           Drunkard
           is
           assured
           
             that
             death
             is
             in
             the
             pot
          
           ;
           though
           the
           Reviler
           is
           informed
           that
           
             his
             religion
             is
             vain
          
           ,
           and
           
             that
             sharp
             arrows
             of
             the
             Mighty
             ,
             with
             coals
             of
             Iuniper
             ,
          
           are
           what
           his
           Tongue
           deserves
           ;
           though
           the
           Adulterer
           is
           told
           that
           he
           forfeits
           his
           claim
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           is
           of
           that
           unhappy
           company
           whom
           
             God
             will
             judge
          
           ;
           and
           though
           we
           have
           sufficient
           warning
           given
           us
           ,
           that
           these
           courses
           have
           a
           direct
           tendency
           to
           everlasting
           ruine
           ,
           and
           will
           bring
           our
           Souls
           under
           the
           just
           wrath
           of
           an
           incensed
           and
           angry
           Judge
           ,
           and
           the
           irrevocable
           sentence
           of
           damnation
           ;
           and
           that
           whoever
           hath
           his
           feet
           in
           such
           paths
           ,
           shall
           ,
           without
           a
           quick
           and
           seasonable
           return
           ,
           fall
           into
           so
           steep
           a
           Precipice
           ,
           a
           pit
           so
           fatally
           deep
           ,
           that
           he
           must
           never
           
           hope
           to
           be
           delivered
           from
           it
           :
           yet
           notwithstanding
           this
           ,
           we
           are
           so
           brutish
           and
           self-willed
           ,
           to
           prefer
           our
           own
           conceptions
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           wrong
           and
           false
           ,
           before
           the
           Sacred
           Word
           of
           Truth
           it self
           ,
           and
           to
           gratifie
           the
           lustings
           of
           our
           flesh
           ,
           to
           the
           apparent
           hazard
           of
           our
           Souls
           .
           To
           prevent
           whose
           ruine
           ,
           and
           make
           better
           provision
           for
           their
           safety
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           prudence
           ,
           in
           all
           our
           ways
           ,
           to
           revolve
           often
           in
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           something
           like
           the
           Inscription
           over
           the
           door
           of
           the
           Roman
           Senate-House
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           as
           provident
           for
           our
           Souls
           ,
           as
           that
           Assembly
           was
           for
           the
           Commonwealth
           ,
           to
           see
           that
           they
           receive
           no
           damage
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           we
           should
           not
           fail
           in
           regard
           of
           their
           greater
           excellency
           and
           worth
           above
           all
           other
           things
           that
           have
           relation
           to
           us
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           original
           and
           duration
           .
        
         
           Their
           descent
           was
           
             from
             above
          
           ,
           from
           the
           Father
           of
           
             Spirits
             and
             of
             Lights
          
           ,
           it
           was
           he
           breathed
           into
           us
           that
           
             breath
             of
             life
          
           without
           which
           our
           bodies
           are
           but
           insignificant
           lumps
           of
           earth
           ,
           and
           have
           nothing
           to
           discriminate
           them
           from
           those
           of
           
             Beasts
             that
             perish
          
           ;
           for
           they
           shall
           equally
           return
           to
           the
           dust
           from
           whence
           they
           deriv'd
           their
           beings
           ,
           and
           lye
           undistinguished
           in
           their
           heaps
           of
           ruine
           .
        
         
         
           But
           our
           Souls
           are
           subject
           to
           no
           such
           frailties
           ,
           nothing
           can
           destroy
           their
           perpetuity
           ,
           nor
           is
           any
           Republic
           so
           long
           lived
           ,
           much
           less
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           or
           the
           more
           fading
           pleasures
           that
           indulge
           them
           ,
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           our
           Souls
           ;
           yet
           we
           are
           so
           nicely
           tender
           of
           those
           mortal
           parts
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           captive
           to
           the
           grave
           ,
           and
           a
           prey
           for
           corruption
           to
           devour
           ,
           that
           we
           will
           not
           expose
           them
           to
           a
           gust
           of
           air
           that
           may
           impair
           their
           health
           ,
           or
           hasten
           their
           dissolution
           :
           how
           much
           greater
           reason
           then
           have
           we
           to
           be
           rather
           apprehensive
           of
           what
           may
           endanger
           our
           more
           inestimable
           Souls
           ,
           and
           to
           manifest
           a
           suitable
           caution
           for
           their
           safety
           ,
           since
           he
           that
           neglects
           his
           body
           is
           only
           careless
           of
           a
           frail
           and
           perishing
           house
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           worth
           his
           care
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           is
           regardless
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           is
           truly
           wanting
           to
           himself
           ?
        
         
           From
           the
           Tendency
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           the
           Third
           thing
           considerable
           in
           them
           to
           employ
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           their
           Equality
           ,
           by
           which
           is
           meant
           ,
           their
           consonancy
           and
           agreement
           with
           those
           things
           which
           ought
           to
           influence
           and
           direct
           them
           .
        
         
           We
           are
           apt
           to
           call
           the
           
             Way
             of
             the
             Lord
             unequal
          
           ,
           when
           the
           inequality
           is
           only
           in
           our
           own
           ,
           and
           it
           seems
           so
           to
           us
           (
           as
           a
           stick
           held
           in
           a
           River
           appears
           crooked
           )
           not
           through
           
           a
           defect
           in
           them
           ,
           but
           in
           our
           judgment
           and
           apprehension
           .
           Now
           to
           make
           a
           right
           estimate
           ,
           and
           pass
           a
           just
           censure
           on
           the
           Equality
           of
           our
           ways
           ,
           we
           must
           consider
           them
           in
           four
           respects
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           How
           they
           suit
           with
           God's
           dispensations
           to
           his
           Church
           and
           People
           .
        
         
           The
           Church
           is
           
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           of
           which
           ,
           if
           we
           have
           any
           part
           in
           him
           ,
           we
           are
           all
           fellow-members
           ,
           and
           should
           have
           
             the
             same
             care
             one
             for
             another
             ,
          
           so
           as
           to
           sympathize
           in
           each
           others
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           rejoyce
           in
           each
           others
           honour
           .
           That
           our
           brethren
           may
           not
           upbraid
           us
           with
           our
           careless
           disregard
           to
           their
           circumstances
           ,
           
             that
             they
             have
             piped
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             have
             not
             danced
             ,
          
           and
           when
           they
           
             mourned
             to
             us
             ,
             we
             did
             not
             weep
             .
          
        
         
           It
           was
           a
           memorable
           generosity
           in
           Vriah
           ,
           to
           refuse
           the
           necessary
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           allowable
           conveniencies
           of
           his
           house
           ,
           the
           refreshments
           of
           food
           and
           sleep
           ,
           while
           
             the
             Ark
             ,
             and
             Israel
             ,
             and
             Iudah
             abode
             in
             Tents
             ,
             and
             the
             General
             and
             the
             Servants
             of
             the
             King
             ,
          
           were
           encamped
           in
           the
           open
           fields
           ,
           exposed
           to
           all
           the
           injuries
           of
           the
           Weather
           ,
           and
           harrassed
           with
           the
           fatigue
           and
           hardships
           of
           a
           Campaigne
           .
           2
           Sam.
           11.11
           .
           And
           when
           good
           Nehemiah
           heard
           the
           tragical
           Narrative
           of
           
           Ierusalem's
           desolation
           ,
           the
           afflictions
           of
           his
           Soul
           were
           visible
           in
           
           his
           face
           ,
           and
           the
           King
           read
           in
           the
           sadness
           and
           solemnity
           of
           his
           Conntenance
           ,
           the
           legible
           characters
           of
           that
           grief
           that
           possessed
           his
           heart
           ,
           and
           he
           justifies
           the
           Mourning
           in
           his
           Visage
           ,
           by
           repeating
           the
           sad
           occasion
           ,
           thinking
           no
           signs
           of
           grief
           could
           be
           condemned
           in
           him
           ,
           when
           
             the
             City
             ,
             the
             place
             of
             his
             Father's
             Sepulchre
             lay
             waste
             ,
             and
             the
             Gates
             thereof
             were
             consumed
             with
             fire
             .
             Neh.
          
           2.2
           ,
           3.
           
        
         
           When
           the
           
             Elders
             of
             the
             daughters
             of
             Sion
             sate
             upon
             the
             ground
             ,
          
           who
           could
           blame
           the
           Prophet
           for
           making
           it
           matter
           of
           complaint
           ?
           nor
           did
           they
           unreasonably
           affect
           that
           posture
           of
           sitting
           there
           ,
           since
           the
           lofty
           Walls
           and
           stately
           Towers
           of
           Sion
           were
           levelled
           with
           it
           .
           Or
           was
           Isaiah
           in
           the
           wrong
           ,
           when
           foretelling
           
             the
             day
             of
             treading
             down
             in
             the
             Valley
             of
             Vision
             ,
          
           which
           he
           calls
           
             the
             day
             of
             trouble
             and
             perplexity
             from
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             Hosts
             ,
          
           he
           thinks
           no
           expressions
           of
           grief
           too
           pathetick
           to
           bewail
           the
           calamity
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           had
           reason
           to
           weep
           bitterly
           ,
           and
           forbid
           all
           attempts
           to
           asswage
           his
           sorrows
           ,
           
             because
             of
             the
             spoiling
             of
             the
             Daughter
             of
             his
             people
             .
          
           Isa.
           22.4
           ,
           5.
           
        
         
           If
           we
           look
           on
           Israel
           in
           Captivity
           ,
           
             by
             the
             Rivers
             of
             Babylon
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           them
           weeping
           at
           the
           
             remembrance
             of
             Sion
          
           ,
           and
           it
           was
           a
           becoming
           sorrow
           suited
           to
           their
           unhappy
           
           circumstances
           ;
           but
           how
           little
           decorum
           do
           they
           observe
           ,
           and
           how
           unsuitable
           are
           their
           ways
           to
           God's
           in
           his
           dispensations
           to
           his
           Church
           and
           People
           ,
           who
           
             lye
             upon
             beds
             of
             Ivory
             ,
             and
             stretch
             themselves
             upon
             their
             Couches
             ;
             who
             chant
             to
             the
             sound
             of
             the
             Viol
             ,
             and
             invent
             themselves
             Instruments
             of
             Musick
             ;
             that
             drink
             Wine
             in
             bowls
             ,
             and
             anoint
             themselves
             with
             the
             chief
             Ointments
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             grieved
             for
             the
             afflictions
             of
             Ioseph
             .
          
           Amos
           6.4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           
           Well
           do
           they
           deserve
           a
           Woe
           ,
           who
           are
           thus
           
             at
             ease
             in
             Sion
          
           ,
           while
           the
           Lord
           hath
           
             cover'd
             it
             with
             a
             Cloud
             of
             his
             fierce
             Anger
             .
          
           And
           are
           like
           Ahashuerus
           and
           his
           favourite
           Haman
           who
           sate
           down
           to
           drink
           ,
           while
           
             the
             City
             Shushan
             was
             perplexed
          
           .
           A
           blamable
           circumstance
           in
           their
           behaviour
           ,
           and
           an
           unseasonable
           allowance
           of
           themselves
           in
           mirth
           and
           jollity
           ,
           and
           unlike
           his
           temper
           ,
           who
           is
           
             afflicted
             in
             all
             the
             afflictions
             of
             his
             People
             .
          
           Whose
           example
           Christians
           should
           imitate
           as
           persons
           of
           publick
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           have
           so
           quick
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           calamities
           and
           sufferings
           of
           their
           brethren
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           able
           to
           say
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             who
             is
             afflicted
             ,
             and
             I
             burn
             not
             ?
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           11.
           29.
           
           It
           is
           not
           a
           season
           for
           men
           
             to
             seek
             great
             things
             for
             themselves
             ,
          
           when
           God
           is
           
             laying
             waste
          
           ,
           breaking
           down
           what
           he
           had
           built
           ,
           and
           plucking
           up
           what
           he
           had
           planted
           .
           He
           who
           sits
           an
           
           idle
           unconcerned
           spectator
           ,
           when
           his
           neighbours
           house
           is
           on
           fire
           ,
           may
           soon
           have
           occasion
           to
           imploy
           his
           greatest
           industry
           to
           save
           his
           own
           ,
           and
           therefore
           ought
           to
           give
           his
           best
           assistance
           to
           suppress
           the
           flame
           ,
           before
           it
           comes
           near
           enough
           to
           do
           him
           any
           prejudice
           .
           And
           if
           we
           are
           insensible
           and
           have
           no
           stirrings
           of
           compassion
           for
           our
           Brethren
           in
           distress
           ,
           this
           unbecoming
           disregard
           may
           provoke
           God
           to
           make
           us
           sharers
           in
           that
           misery
           for
           which
           we
           had
           no
           sence
           of
           pity
           ,
           while
           it
           was
           foreign
           to
           us
           .
           We
           are
           told
           that
           
             to
             every
             thing
             there
             is
             a
             season
             ,
             and
             a
             time
             to
             every
             purpose
             under
             Heaven
             ,
          
           Eccles.
           3.
           1.
           
           
             a
             time
             to
             weep
             ,
             and
             a
             time
             to
             laugh
          
           ;
           and
           sure
           the
           time
           to
           weep
           must
           be
           the
           time
           of
           adversity
           and
           tribulation
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           
             laughs
             in
             the
             house
             of
             mourning
             ,
          
           is
           guilty
           of
           rudeness
           and
           inhumanity
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           folly
           and
           inconsideration
           .
           What
           censure
           then
           do
           men
           deserve
           ,
           who
           have
           no
           concern
           for
           the
           Schisms
           and
           breaches
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           can
           look
           on
           its
           divisions
           without
           any
           
             thoughts
             of
             heart
          
           ?
           who
           see
           War
           and
           desolation
           threatning
           to
           invade
           their
           Country
           ,
           while
           homebred
           discords
           weaken
           and
           expose
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           
             care
             for
             none
             of
             all
             these
             things
             .
          
           But
           instead
           of
           endeavouring
           to
           compose
           the
           differences
           ,
           foment
           and
           cherish
           them
           ,
           
           instead
           of
           cementing
           the
           breaches
           ,
           widen
           and
           enlarge
           them
           ?
           Who
           while
           their
           brethren
           are
           
             jeoparding
             their
             lives
             in
             the
             high
             places
             of
             the
             field
             ,
             abide
             among
             the
             Sheep
             folds
             ,
             to
             hear
             the
             bleating
             of
             the
             flocks
             !
          
           who
           feast
           on
           the
           days
           appointed
           for
           humiliation
           ,
           and
           instead
           of
           imitating
           Israel
           in
           hanging
           up
           their
           Harps
           ,
           call
           loudest
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           entertain
           their
           ears
           with
           the
           voice
           of
           melody
           ?
        
         
           They
           must
           sure
           be
           putrid
           and
           corrupted
           members
           that
           have
           so
           little
           sense
           of
           what
           the
           body
           feels
           ,
           and
           have
           no
           more
           relation
           to
           it
           than
           a
           Glass
           Eye
           or
           a
           Wooden
           Leg
           ,
           nor
           serve
           half
           so
           much
           for
           use
           or
           ornament
           .
        
         
           But
           though
           it
           is
           nothing
           to
           these
           men
           ,
           what
           is
           done
           to
           God's
           Church
           and
           People
           ,
           and
           they
           pass
           by
           as
           regardless
           of
           the
           
             affliction
             wherewith
             the
             Lord
             hath
             afflicted
             Sion
             in
             the
             day
             of
             his
             fierce
             anger
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Priest
           and
           Levite
           did
           of
           the
           wounded
           Travellor
           ;
           It
           is
           our
           duty
           not
           to
           
             forget
             Ierusalem
          
           ,
           our
           Souls
           must
           
             cleave
             to
             the
             dust
          
           ,
           when
           we
           find
           her
           
             honour
             laid
             in
             it
          
           ,
           our
           tongues
           be
           dumb
           ,
           and
           
             our
             right
             hands
             forget
             their
             cunning
             ,
          
           if
           we
           pray
           not
           
             for
             the
             peace
             of
             Ierusalem
          
           ,
           if
           we
           
             prefer
             it
             not
             above
             our
             chief
             joy
             .
          
        
         
         
           The
           second
           thing
           we
           are
           to
           think
           on
           in
           the
           Equality
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           their
           agreement
           with
           God's
           ways
           and
           dispensations
           towards
           our selves
           .
           Which
           are
           visible
           in
           his
           Mercies
           and
           his
           Judgments
           .
        
         
           It
           was
           the
           Psalmist's
           inquiry
           
             what
             he
             should
             render
             to
             the
             Lord
             for
             all
             his
             benefits
             ,
          
           Ps.
           116.12
           .
           and
           it
           should
           be
           our
           consideration
           ,
           what
           returns
           we
           have
           made
           ,
           how
           answerable
           to
           God's
           dealings
           with
           us
           ,
           the
           mercies
           with
           which
           he
           hath
           imbraced
           us
           on
           every
           side
           ,
           whether
           spiritual
           or
           temporal
           .
           If
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           bestowod
           his
           Talents
           liberally
           on
           us
           ,
           we
           have
           made
           as
           large
           improvements
           of
           those
           plentiful
           receits
           ,
           and
           as
           we
           have
           been
           furnished
           with
           various
           ,
           excellent
           ,
           and
           continued
           means
           of
           Grace
           ;
           so
           have
           happily
           grown
           ,
           and
           made
           a
           successful
           progress
           in
           it
           ,
           not
           neglecting
           the
           opportunities
           vouchsafed
           us
           .
        
         
           Or
           if
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           set
           us
           up
           as
           so
           many
           living
           monuments
           of
           his
           mercies
           ;
           so
           we
           have
           not
           been
           backward
           to
           celebrate
           and
           proclaim
           them
           ,
           to
           declare
           what
           he
           hath
           
             done
             for
             our
             Souls
          
           :
           Again
           ,
           If
           as
           we
           have
           been
           the
           subjects
           of
           many
           unexpected
           deliverances
           and
           as
           
             Brands
             snatched
             out
             of
             the
             fire
          
           of
           that
           calamity
           wherein
           others
           have
           been
           consumed
           ;
           so
           we
           have
           made
           a
           due
           acknowledgment
           of
           praise
           and
           obedience
           :
           
           And
           lastly
           ,
           if
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           
             prosper'd
             the
             works
             of
             our
             hands
             upon
             us
             ,
          
           and
           
             blessed
             our
             substance
             with
             encrease
          
           ,
           we
           have
           bin
           
             rich
             towards
             him
          
           ,
           in
           works
           of
           Piety
           and
           Charity
           ,
           
             the
             Sacrifices
             with
             which
             he
             is
             pleased
             :
          
           then
           our
           ways
           have
           been
           equal
           in
           their
           suitableness
           to
           his
           .
           Now
           if
           we
           search
           the
           Chronicles
           of
           our
           own
           History
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           all
           these
           benefits
           upon
           record
           ,
           and
           surely
           when
           these
           favours
           and
           this
           goodness
           of
           God
           are
           there
           represented
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           pass
           them
           over
           ,
           without
           inquiring
           ,
           as
           Ahasuerus
           did
           upon
           hearing
           the
           account
           of
           
           Mordecai's
           good
           service
           ,
           
             What
             hath
             been
             done
             to
             him
             for
             this
             ?
          
           Esth.
           6.3
           .
           have
           we
           
             given
             him
             the
             honour
             due
             unto
             his
             name
             ?
          
           have
           we
           
             taken
             the
             Cup
             of
             Salvation
             and
             called
             upon
             it
             ?
          
           have
           we
           
             offered
             him
             the
             Sacrifice
             of
             thanksgiving
             ,
             and
             pay'd
             our
             vows
             unto
             him
             ?
          
           Such
           returns
           he
           looks
           for
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           do
           not
           improve
           to
           advantage
           the
           Grace
           and
           goodness
           which
           his
           bounty
           hath
           richly
           dispensed
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           frustrate
           his
           design
           ,
           and
           disappoint
           his
           expectations
           ,
           who
           requires
           a
           plentiful
           Harvest
           where
           he
           hath
           been
           a
           liberal
           Sower
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           should
           
             put
             his
             Talents
             to
             the
             Exchangers
             ,
          
           and
           return
           him
           
             his
             own
             with
             Vsury
             ,
             Mat.
          
           25.27
           .
        
         
         
           When
           he
           had
           
             fenced
             his
             Vineyard
          
           and
           
             gathered
             out
             the
             stones
             thereof
          
           ,
           and
           
             planted
             it
             with
             the
             choicest
             Vine
             ,
          
           he
           looked
           that
           it
           should
           
             bring
             forth
             Grapes
          
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           found
           that
           it
           
             brought
             forth
             wild
             Grapes
          
           ,
           was
           it
           not
           reasonable
           that
           he
           should
           
             take
             away
             the
             Hedge
             thereof
             ,
             and
             let
             it
             be
             eaten
             up
             ,
             and
             take
             away
             the
             Wall
             thereof
             ,
             and
             let
             it
             be
             trodden
             down
             !
          
           And
           when
           God
           hath
           set
           a
           hedge
           of
           protection
           and
           preservation
           about
           us
           ;
           when
           his
           hand
           hath
           been
           
             no
             way
             straitned
             towards
             us
          
           ;
           but
           his
           favours
           have
           been
           renewed
           upon
           us
           as
           constantly
           as
           the
           several
           moments
           of
           our
           lives
           have
           succeeded
           to
           each
           other
           :
           he
           waits
           for
           something
           from
           us
           that
           may
           answer
           his
           care
           and
           pains
           .
           But
           if
           we
           prove
           like
           the
           Fig-tree
           in
           his
           Vineyard
           ,
           when
           he
           came
           and
           sought
           fruit
           thereon
           ,
           and
           found
           none
           ;
           shall
           he
           not
           sentence
           us
           to
           be
           
             cut
             down
             from
             cumbering
             his
             ground
             ?
          
           What
           can
           we
           suppose
           to
           be
           the
           reason
           why
           we
           were
           
             brought
             out
             of
             darkness
             into
             his
             marvelous
             light
             ,
          
           but
           that
           we
           should
           by
           an
           extraordinary
           splendor
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           enhanse
           his
           glory
           who
           vouchsafed
           us
           that
           illumination
           ?
           By
           instating
           us
           in
           
             the
             glorious
             liberty
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
          
           he
           intended
           we
           should
           be
           so
           far
           sensible
           of
           that
           freedom
           ,
           and
           value
           it
           at
           so
           just
           a
           rate
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           repeat
           the
           Captivity
           ,
           and
           enslave
           
           our selves
           again
           to
           our
           own
           lusts
           ,
           nor
           be
           anew
           entangled
           in
           that
           intolerable
           bondage
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           in
           times
           of
           light
           and
           splendor
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           we
           live
           in
           darkness
           ,
           and
           continue
           in
           the
           practice
           of
           such
           immoralities
           as
           would
           put
           a
           heathen
           to
           the
           blush
           ;
           if
           we
           
             grope
             our
             way
          
           when
           
             the
             Day-spring
             from
             on
             high
             hath
             visited
             us
          
           ;
           and
           stumble
           when
           it
           is
           made
           smooth
           and
           plain
           before
           us
           ;
           we
           are
           guilty
           of
           a
           baseness
           which
           we
           censure
           and
           condemn
           in
           our
           fellow
           creatures
           ,
           while
           we
           think
           our selves
           defrauded
           of
           the
           benefit
           which
           we
           might
           in
           justice
           have
           expected
           from
           them
           .
        
         
           Thus
           if
           we
           have
           planted
           a
           tree
           in
           a
           fertile
           soil
           ,
           where
           its
           roots
           may
           spread
           themselves
           abroad
           in
           the
           fattest
           earth
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           vicinity
           of
           refreshing
           Streams
           to
           promote
           their
           growth
           ;
           and
           notwithstanding
           these
           advantages
           ,
           we
           find
           it
           does
           not
           
             bring
             forth
             fruit
             in
             its
             due
             season
             ,
          
           and
           only
           cloaths
           its
           branches
           with
           useless
           leaves
           ;
           we
           concludes
           it
           deserves
           the
           Axe
           for
           mocking
           our
           care
           and
           industry
           .
           Or
           if
           we
           meet
           with
           the
           leanness
           of
           
           Pharaoh's
           Kine
           upon
           those
           which
           we
           keep
           in
           our
           choicest
           Pastures
           ,
           are
           we
           not
           vexed
           at
           the
           disappointment
           of
           our
           hopes
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           deafen
           every
           ear
           with
           our
           complaints
           ?
           and
           what
           
           do
           we
           else
           ,
           while
           we
           become
           thus
           querulous
           ,
           but
           condemn
           our selves
           
             out
             of
             our
             own
             mouths
          
           ?
           and
           indeed
           if
           we
           find
           the
           same
           unfruitful
           leanness
           in
           our selves
           ,
           though
           seated
           in
           the
           same
           advantages
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           very
           partial
           not
           to
           pass
           an
           equal
           censure
           on
           a
           cause
           no
           less
           deserving
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           Spiritual
           ,
           so
           Temporal
           mercies
           require
           the
           grateful
           acknowledgment
           of
           our
           lives
           in
           obeying
           and
           praising
           the
           Author
           of
           them
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           a
           return
           which
           he
           expects
           .
           When
           he
           expostulates
           with
           David
           by
           his
           Prophet
           ,
           for
           despising
           the
           commandment
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           doing
           evil
           in
           his
           sight
           ,
           he
           enumerates
           the
           great
           things
           which
           he
           had
           done
           for
           him
           ,
           
             the
             anointing
             him
             King
             over
             Israel
             ,
             and
             delivering
             him
             out
             of
             the
             hand
             of
             Saul
             ,
             the
             giving
             him
             his
             Masters
             House
             ,
             and
             his
             Masters
             Wives
             into
             his
             bosom
             .
          
           2
           Sam.
           12.7.8
           .
           and
           he
           reminds
           him
           of
           his
           bounty
           not
           to
           upbraid
           him
           with
           it
           ,
           but
           to
           make
           him
           sensible
           how
           that
           should
           have
           influenced
           his
           actions
           ,
           and
           restrained
           him
           from
           offending
           a
           God
           ,
           who
           had
           so
           obliged
           and
           loaded
           him
           with
           benefits
           .
           And
           we
           find
           it
           recorded
           for
           an
           aggravation
           of
           the
           Israelites
           base
           ingratitude
           ,
           that
           when
           God
           delivered
           them
           out
           of
           
             Egypt
             ,
             and
             prepared
             a
             table
             for
             them
             in
             the
             Wilderness
             ,
          
           and
           fed
           
           them
           with
           a
           diet
           that
           was
           neither
           spare
           ,
           nor
           mean
           ,
           for
           he
           gave
           them
           
             meat
             enough
          
           ,
           and
           filled
           them
           
             with
             the
             bread
             of
             Heaven
          
           ;
           yet
           they
           murmured
           while
           it
           was
           in
           their
           mouths
           ,
           their
           desires
           were
           more
           to
           the
           
             flesh-pots
             of
             Egypt
          
           ,
           than
           to
           the
           
             food
             of
             Angels
          
           ,
           and
           they
           prefered
           the
           slavery
           of
           the
           Brick-Kilnes
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           the
           
             Leeks
             and
             Onions
          
           ,
           before
           the
           freedom
           of
           God's
           Service
           with
           all
           its
           advantages
           and
           rewards
           .
        
         
           By
           the
           inequality
           of
           Israels
           ways
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           we
           may
           take
           measure
           of
           our
           own
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           we
           shall
           find
           our
           carriage
           as
           reproveable
           in
           circumstances
           of
           a
           near
           affinity
           with
           theirs
           ,
           that
           though
           we
           have
           been
           freed
           from
           our
           grievances
           and
           oppressions
           under
           a
           
             King
             that
             knew
             not
             Ioseph
          
           ,
           and
           sit
           every
           man
           
             under
             his
             own
             Vine
             ,
             and
             under
             his
             own
             Fig-tree
             ,
          
           enjoying
           the
           Liberty
           and
           Property
           we
           admire
           ,
           and
           have
           no
           
             leading
             into
             Captivity
             among
             us
          
           ;
           yet
           we
           do
           not
           cease
           from
           unjust
           
             complaining
             in
             our
             Streets
          
           ,
           and
           slight
           the
           blessing
           of
           being
           
             in
             such
             a
             Case
          
           ,
           the
           happiness
           of
           having
           
             the
             Lord
             for
             our
             God.
          
           We
           may
           justly
           fear
           that
           such
           neglects
           may
           provoke
           him
           to
           recall
           his
           mercies
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           are
           not
           worthy
           ,
           and
           pour
           his
           judgments
           ,
           which
           we
           rather
           deserve
           ,
           upon
           us
           .
           And
           if
           we
           
           shouad
           at
           any
           time
           feel
           the
           lashes
           of
           his
           Rod
           ,
           which
           is
           proper
           for
           the
           backs
           of
           such
           inconsiderate
           fools
           ,
           our
           punishment
           must
           work
           that
           wisdom
           and
           amendment
           in
           us
           ,
           which
           our
           good
           usage
           could
           not
           effect
           .
           But
           if
           we
           
             turn
             not
             unto
             him
             that
             smiteth
             us
             ,
          
           neither
           
             seek
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
          
           ,
           if
           he
           hath
           
             stricken
             us
          
           ,
           but
           we
           
             have
             not
             grieved
          
           ,
           if
           he
           hath
           
             consumed
             us
          
           ,
           but
           we
           have
           
             refused
             to
             receive
             correction
          
           ;
           but
           have
           made
           our
           
             faces
             harder
             than
             a
             Rock
          
           ,
           and
           have
           
             refused
             to
             return
          
           ;
           will
           it
           not
           be
           truly
           said
           of
           us
           that
           we
           are
           poor
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           foolish
           ,
           that
           we
           
             know
             not
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             nor
             the
             Iudgment
             of
             our
             God
             ?
          
           But
           if
           we
           return
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           repent
           of
           those
           impieties
           for
           which
           we
           were
           chastised
           ,
           our
           ways
           will
           be
           equal
           and
           acceptable
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           receive
           this
           advantage
           by
           their
           being
           so
           ,
           that
           as
           
             he
             hath
             torn
             us
             ,
             he
             will
             heal
             us
             ,
          
           as
           
             he
             hath
             smitten
             us
             ,
             he
             will
             bind
             us
             up
             .
          
        
         
           The
           third
           particular
           in
           which
           the
           Equality
           of
           our
           Ways
           is
           to
           be
           discerned
           ,
           is
           the
           correspondency
           of
           our
           present
           course
           of
           life
           ,
           with
           the
           primary
           actings
           of
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           in
           us
           .
        
         
           When
           first
           God
           
             brings
             Mens
             Souls
             out
             of
             Prison
             ,
          
           and
           they
           find
           the
           Shackles
           of
           their
           Spiritual
           Bondage
           broken
           ,
           and
           the
           fetters
           of
           that
           dismal
           Captivity
           newly
           fallen
           from
           
           their
           feet
           ;
           when
           they
           are
           
             lifted
             out
             of
             the
             mire
          
           in
           which
           they
           once
           
             stuck
             fast
          
           ,
           and
           from
           an
           Egyptian
           darkness
           are
           brought
           into
           the
           light
           of
           Goshen
           ;
           and
           when
           the
           sense
           of
           this
           
             loving
             kindness
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           lies
           fresh
           upon
           their
           Souls
           ,
           they
           are
           like
           the
           fountain
           of
           the
           Sun
           in
           Iupiter
           Hammon's
           Temple
           ,
           at
           the
           first
           eruption
           of
           the
           morning
           light
           ,
           warm
           with
           love
           and
           gratitude
           ,
           but
           ,
           like
           that
           ,
           abate
           of
           their
           fervour
           ,
           as
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           day
           encreases
           .
           These
           men
           
             run
             well
          
           at
           their
           first
           setting
           forth
           ,
           and
           are
           eager
           to
           obtain
           the
           prize
           ,
           but
           the
           esteem
           of
           it
           lessens
           by
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           they
           grow
           faint
           and
           weary
           in
           the
           middle
           of
           the
           Race
           .
        
         
           Now
           we
           must
           take
           heed
           that
           this
           be
           not
           our
           condition
           ,
           we
           must
           
             remember
             the
             days
             of
             old
          
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           find
           there
           was
           once
           a
           time
           when
           we
           could
           welcome
           all
           the
           sufferings
           which
           we
           endur'd
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           counted
           them
           a
           new
           addition
           to
           our
           honours
           ;
           when
           we
           believed
           the
           
             tryals
             of
             cruel
             mockings
             and
             scourgings
             ,
             yea
             moreover
             of
             Bonds
             and
             Imprisonment
             ,
          
           the
           greatest
           illustrations
           of
           our
           Virtue
           ,
           and
           proofs
           of
           our
           being
           such
           ,
           
             of
             whom
             the
             world
             was
             not
             worthy
          
           ;
           a
           time
           when
           our
           hearts
           were
           ready
           to
           echo
           to
           every
           command
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           cry
           ,
           
             lo
             I
             come
             to
             do
             thy
             
             will
             ,
             O
             God
          
           :
           when
           our
           love
           was
           so
           refined
           and
           perfect
           ,
           that
           it
           retained
           no
           mixture
           ,
           no
           allay
           of
           fear
           ;
           when
           no
           difficulties
           or
           dangers
           could
           make
           us
           start
           aside
           out
           of
           the
           way
           of
           righteousness
           ,
           but
           we
           
             took
             patiently
             the
             spoiling
             of
             our
             goods
             ,
          
           and
           all
           imaginable
           injuries
           and
           indignities
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           were
           ready
           to
           part
           with
           our
           dearest
           pledges
           and
           enjoyments
           ,
           to
           follow
           our
           Saviour
           to
           his
           Cross
           :
           And
           if
           we
           do
           not
           now
           perceive
           those
           holy
           fires
           still
           flaming
           in
           our
           breasts
           ;
           if
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           hath
           not
           still
           such
           a
           constraining
           power
           ,
           
             that
             many
             waters
          
           cannot
           allay
           the
           ardor
           ,
           much
           less
           quench
           the
           fire
           of
           our
           affection
           towards
           him
           ;
           we
           shall
           have
           reason
           to
           conclude
           that
           we
           are
           fallen
           into
           the
           inconstancy
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Ephesus
           and
           
             have
             left
             our
             first
             love
          
           ,
           Rev.
           2.4
           .
        
         
           But
           we
           are
           in
           no
           wise
           to
           allow
           our selves
           to
           be
           thus
           altered
           from
           our
           original
           perfection
           ,
           and
           instead
           of
           excelling
           the
           pattern
           we
           set
           our selves
           at
           first
           ,
           fail
           in
           our
           imitation
           of
           it
           .
           And
           therefore
           we
           are
           to
           
             remember
             from
             whence
             we
             are
             fallen
             ,
          
           and
           endeavour
           to
           retrieve
           our selves
           and
           regain
           our
           primeval
           Character
           by
           
             doing
             our
             first
             works
          
           .
        
         
         
           And
           to
           this
           end
           we
           must
           enquire
           by
           what
           means
           it
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           our
           Zeal
           cools
           ,
           and
           our
           desires
           run
           in
           a
           lower
           chanel
           ;
           that
           our
           activity
           and
           strength
           in
           the
           exercises
           of
           holy
           living
           ,
           is
           enfeebled
           and
           benumb'd
           ,
           into
           a
           Spiritual
           lasiness
           and
           debility
           :
           How
           we
           have
           been
           bewitched
           to
           
             forsake
             the
             Truth
          
           ,
           and
           divide
           our
           affections
           between
           God
           and
           Mammon
           ;
           and
           why
           ,
           having
           
             begun
             in
             the
             Spirit
          
           ,
           we
           should
           go
           so
           far
           out
           of
           our
           way
           ,
           to
           
             end
             in
             the
             Flesh
          
           ,
           as
           if
           that
           could
           make
           us
           perfect
           .
           And
           when
           we
           have
           found
           
             the
             weight
          
           that
           hinders
           us
           to
           run
           as
           well
           as
           we
           did
           at
           first
           ,
           let
           us
           
             lay
             it
             aside
          
           ,
           and
           
             the
             sin
             that
             does
             so
             easily
             beset
             us
             ,
             and
             run
             with
             patience
             the
             Race
             that
             is
             set
             before
             us
             .
          
        
         
           We
           must
           think
           on
           the
           unreasonableness
           of
           our
           desisting
           from
           a
           work
           in
           which
           we
           have
           engaged
           upon
           such
           grounds
           and
           inducements
           as
           are
           still
           as
           strong
           and
           as
           encouraging
           as
           ever
           .
        
         
           Why
           should
           we
           turn
           back
           since
           in
           our
           little
           progress
           in
           holiness
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           met
           with
           any
           thing
           to
           raise
           a
           suspition
           in
           us
           that
           we
           have
           mistook
           our
           way
           ,
           or
           to
           make
           us
           repent
           of
           our
           former
           forwardness
           ?
           Are
           not
           the
           Service
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           perfect
           freedom
           ;
           the
           
             continual
             feast
          
           of
           a
           
             good
             Conscience
          
           ;
           the
           
             dwelling
             under
             the
             defence
             
             of
             the
             most
             high
             ,
             and
             abiding
             under
             the
             shadow
             of
             the
             Almighty
          
           ;
           as
           profitable
           and
           pleasant
           ,
           as
           safe
           and
           desirable
           ,
           as
           they
           have
           been
           represented
           to
           us
           ?
           Is
           the
           Sample
           we
           have
           seen
           of
           the
           Clusters
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           such
           as
           gives
           us
           occasion
           to
           despise
           the
           Land
           ,
           or
           
             bring
             an
             ill
             report
          
           on
           that
           which
           is
           indeed
           so
           good
           ?
        
         
           Let
           it
           not
           be
           said
           of
           us
           that
           we
           have
           
             changed
             our
             glory
             for
             that
             which
             doth
             not
             profit
             ,
          
           or
           forsaken
           the
           
             Fountain
             of
             living
             Waters
             ,
             and
             hewen
             out
             to
             our selves
             broken
             Cisterns
             .
          
           Have
           we
           seen
           no
           form
           or
           comliness
           in
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           during
           our
           small
           enjoyment
           of
           his
           presence
           ?
           or
           could
           we
           perceive
           no
           beauty
           in
           him
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           
             desire
             him
          
           as
           we
           have
           done
           heretofore
           ?
           Why
           should
           we
           give
           him
           occasion
           to
           expostulate
           with
           us
           as
           he
           did
           once
           with
           
             Israel
             ?
             O
             my
             People
             ,
             what
             have
             I
             done
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             wherein
             have
             I
             wearied
             thee
             .
             Testifie
             against
             me
             .
          
           Mic.
           6.3
           .
           and
           if
           we
           can
           put
           him
           in
           remembrance
           of
           his
           dealing
           so
           with
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           plead
           together
           ,
           it
           behoves
           us
           to
           declare
           it
           ;
           
             that
             we
             may
             be
             justified
          
           .
           But
           he
           hath
           not
           pressed
           us
           to
           impossibilities
           ;
           nor
           exacted
           our
           usual
           
             tale
             of
             Bricks
          
           without
           giving
           us
           proportionable
           allowances
           of
           Straw
           ;
           he
           hath
           not
           
             oppressed
             our
             shoulders
             with
             heavy
             burdens
             ,
          
           which
           he
           hath
           not
           
             enabled
             us
             to
             
             bear
          
           ;
           his
           Commandments
           have
           not
           been
           grievous
           ,
           nor
           have
           the
           meanest
           of
           our
           Services
           met
           with
           disproportionate
           rewards
           ;
           But
           he
           has
           prevented
           our
           wishes
           ,
           and
           done
           abundantly
           for
           us
           above
           what
           we
           were
           able
           to
           ask
           or
           think
           .
           And
           if
           we
           seriously
           consider
           this
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           ashamed
           to
           remit
           of
           our
           endeavours
           ,
           or
           slacken
           our
           former
           diligence
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           Piety
           ,
           but
           
             gird
             up
             the
             loins
             of
             our
             minds
             ,
          
           and
           finish
           our
           course
           with
           the
           same
           alacrity
           ,
           which
           we
           shewed
           in
           our
           beginning
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           we
           come
           to
           the
           fourth
           and
           last
           thing
           wherein
           we
           must
           think
           upon
           the
           Equality
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           how
           consistent
           they
           are
           with
           our
           Hopes
           .
        
         
           And
           truly
           
             our
             hope
             is
             even
             in
             God
             ,
          
           that
           when
           
             our
             house
             of
             this
             earthly
             Tabernacle
             is
             dissolved
             ,
          
           we
           shall
           have
           
             a
             building
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             house
             not
             made
             with
             hands
             ,
             eternal
             in
             the
             Heavens
             .
          
        
         
           That
           there
           we
           shall
           receive
           
             a
             Crown
             of
             glory
             that
             fadeth
             not
             away
             ,
          
           and
           have
           an
           easie
           entrance
           into
           
             the
             joy
             of
             our
             Lord
          
           ,
           that
           
             fulness
             of
             joy
          
           which
           is
           in
           
             his
             presence
          
           ,
           and
           those
           pleasures
           which
           are
           
             at
             his
             right
             hand
             for
             evermore
             .
          
           These
           great
           ,
           these
           inconcievable
           Blessings
           ,
           
             such
             as
             Eye
             hath
             not
             seen
             ,
             nor
             Ear
             heard
             ,
             nor
             have
             entred
             into
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
          
           are
           the
           object
           of
           which
           our
           ambition
           is
           directed
           :
           
           our
           aspiring
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           towring
           hopes
           all
           aim
           at
           this
           perpetual
           felicity
           .
           And
           these
           ,
           one
           would
           think
           ,
           should
           have
           a
           sufficient
           prevalency
           to
           engage
           us
           in
           the
           right
           methods
           of
           arriving
           where
           we
           hope
           to
           be
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           
             that
             every
             one
             that
             striveth
             for
             the
             mastery
             is
             temperate
             in
             all
             things
             ,
          
           1
           Cor.
           9.25
           .
           Meaning
           thereby
           not
           only
           his
           continence
           ,
           or
           abstinence
           from
           things
           hurtful
           ,
           but
           a
           competent
           use
           of
           things
           necessary
           to
           encrease
           his
           strength
           ,
           and
           those
           too
           obtained
           by
           a
           continual
           exercise
           .
           Now
           they
           of
           whom
           he
           speaks
           ,
           took
           this
           pains
           to
           obtain
           
             a
             corruptible
             Crown
          
           ,
           and
           shall
           not
           we
           be
           more
           indefatigable
           in
           our
           endeavours
           for
           one
           that
           is
           incorruptible
           ?
           Here
           we
           have
           no
           
             abiding
             place
          
           ,
           the
           little
           satisfaction
           which
           they
           ,
           who
           make
           this
           world
           the
           centre
           of
           their
           happiness
           ,
           find
           in
           it
           ,
           argues
           that
           God
           never
           intended
           it
           for
           their
           repose
           .
           The
           vaniety
           of
           their
           desires
           meets
           with
           
             vexation
             of
             Spirit
          
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           still
           upon
           the
           inquiry
           ,
           
             who
             will
             show
             us
             any
             good
             ?
          
           though
           in
           all
           their
           search
           after
           what
           is
           substantially
           so
           ,
           they
           meet
           with
           nothing
           but
           some
           shadows
           and
           faint
           resemblances
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           only
           delusory
           phantasms
           ,
           that
           cannot
           satisfie
           them
           ,
           but
           malignant
           Spectres
           ,
           that
           invite
           them
           to
           their
           ruin
           .
           So
           that
           all
           the
           discovery
           they
           
           can
           make
           of
           happiness
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           found
           on
           earth
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           reason
           why
           we
           can
           find
           no
           real
           satisfaction
           ,
           is
           because
           instead
           of
           striving
           for
           mastery
           over
           the
           Enemies
           of
           our
           Nature
           ,
           we
           fight
           against
           our
           own
           Souls
           ,
           and
           are
           as
           well
           the
           managers
           ,
           as
           the
           seat
           of
           that
           war
           that
           is
           waged
           against
           our selves
           ,
           not
           considering
           that
           God
           hath
           intended
           higher
           things
           for
           us
           ,
           a
           Victory
           over
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           Slavery
           to
           such
           Vanities
           ,
           and
           rewards
           our
           Conquest
           not
           with
           a
           fading
           Chaplet
           made
           of
           leaves
           ,
           but
           with
           an
           immarcessible
           
             Crown
             of
             Glory
          
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Prize
           for
           which
           we
           strive
           ,
           the
           Goal
           to
           which
           we
           run
           ,
           and
           the
           exercise
           of
           Grace
           must
           be
           both
           the
           Race
           and
           Path.
           There
           is
           no
           arriving
           at
           Happiness
           ,
           but
           by
           such
           means
           ,
           whose
           purity
           shews
           they
           are
           of
           the
           same
           nature
           with
           their
           end
           ,
           as
           the
           light
           that
           directs
           us
           to
           see
           the
           Sun
           ,
           is
           congenial
           with
           the
           Sun
           it self
           .
        
         
           He
           that
           would
           find
           Heaven
           at
           his
           journeys
           end
           ,
           must
           take
           the
           way
           that
           leads
           to
           it
           ,
           must
           have
           
             his
             conversation
             there
          
           ,
           and
           make
           Grace
           his
           road
           to
           Glory
           .
           But
           if
           we
           
             embrace
             a
             dunghill
          
           ,
           who
           pretend
           to
           have
           been
           
             brought
             up
             in
             Scarlet
             ;
             if
             we
             walk
             in
             darkness
             ,
          
           who
           claim
           
             an
             inheritance
             with
             the
             Saints
             in
             light
          
           ;
           the
           degeneracy
           of
           our
           actions
           
           from
           our
           pretensions
           ,
           will
           discover
           us
           to
           be
           Impostors
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           allowed
           of
           for
           the
           
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             joint-heirs
             with
             Christ
             ,
          
           because
           we
           neglect
           to
           do
           the
           works
           which
           alone
           can
           justifie
           our
           relation
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           St.
           Iohn
           representing
           to
           us
           what
           we
           already
           are
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           may
           expect
           to
           be
           ,
           shews
           us
           also
           what
           an
           influence
           that
           hope
           ought
           to
           have
           over
           our
           conversation
           ;
           that
           
             now
             we
             are
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             it
             doth
             not
             yet
             appear
             what
             we
             shall
             be
             ,
             but
             we
             know
             that
             when
             he
             shall
             appear
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             like
             him
             :
             for
             we
             shall
             see
             him
             as
             he
             is
             .
             And
             every
             one
             that
             hath
             this
             hope
             in
             him
             ,
             purifieth
             himself
             ,
             even
             as
             he
             is
             pure
             .
          
        
         
           The
           promises
           of
           happiness
           are
           made
           upon
           this
           condition
           ,
           
             without
             holiness
             no
             man
             shall
             see
             God.
          
           He
           that
           would
           be
           translated
           to
           reign
           with
           him
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           must
           like
           
             Enoch
             ,
             walk
             with
             him
          
           on
           Earth
           .
           There
           will
           be
           no
           participation
           of
           his
           glory
           allowed
           to
           them
           who
           have
           not
           a
           resemblance
           of
           his
           purity
           .
           Nay
           the
           object
           of
           our
           hope
           ,
           the
           felicity
           which
           consists
           in
           seeing
           and
           enjoying
           God
           ,
           is
           lost
           to
           the
           impure
           .
           His
           Spiritual
           perfections
           cannot
           be
           discerned
           by
           them
           ,
           the
           purity
           of
           his
           Essence
           is
           not
           liable
           to
           their
           apprehensions
           ,
           he
           will
           seem
           to
           them
           no
           better
           than
           one
           of
           the
           Gods
           of
           
           the
           Heathens
           ,
           whom
           they
           represented
           in
           their
           own
           figure
           and
           similitude
           ,
           and
           rendred
           them
           subject
           to
           the
           passions
           and
           infirmities
           that
           were
           predominant
           in
           themselves
           .
        
         
           For
           as
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           men
           to
           raise
           their
           notions
           of
           any
           thing
           above
           what
           they
           understand
           ;
           so
           wicked
           men
           have
           mean
           conceptions
           of
           God's
           holiness
           ,
           because
           they
           make
           an
           estimate
           of
           it
           by
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           therefore
           think
           him
           
             such
             a
             one
             as
             themselves
          
           .
           But
           could
           they
           be
           admitted
           to
           the
           beatifick
           Vision
           ,
           and
           allowed
           a
           clearer
           sight
           than
           the
           dark
           enigmatical
           view
           they
           have
           at
           present
           ,
           what
           pleasure
           ,
           what
           enjoyment
           would
           they
           find
           in
           it
           ?
           alas
           none
           :
           for
           a
           Spiritual
           object
           can
           be
           no
           way
           agreeable
           to
           a
           carnal
           faculty
           ,
           nor
           can
           the
           contemplation
           of
           God's
           purity
           ,
           be
           a
           happiness
           to
           those
           whose
           delight
           is
           in
           uncleanness
           .
        
         
           Wherefore
           ,
           as
           the
           promise
           of
           this
           reward
           is
           an
           incitement
           to
           the
           love
           of
           holiness
           ,
           so
           the
           expectation
           of
           it
           can
           be
           satisfactory
           to
           none
           but
           those
           who
           are
           
             pure
             in
             heart
          
           .
           And
           for
           this
           reason
           God
           makes
           the
           perfection
           of
           holiness
           hereafter
           ,
           the
           recompence
           of
           its
           initiation
           here
           .
           So
           that
           this
           will
           be
           a
           matter
           very
           well
           deserving
           the
           employment
           of
           our
           thoughts
           and
           serious
           
           reflection
           ,
           whether
           we
           take
           the
           right
           way
           to
           obtain
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           our
           hope
           ,
           and
           lay
           aside
           all
           those
           defilements
           and
           pollutions
           which
           may
           obstruct
           it
           .
           For
           this
           
             cleansing
             our selves
             from
             all
             filthiness
             both
             of
             Flesh
             and
             Spirit
             ,
          
           is
           that
           
             perfecting
             holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
          
           which
           alone
           can
           entitle
           us
           to
           his
           
             great
             and
             pretious
             promises
          
           :
           because
           
             nothing
             that
             is
             unclean
          
           can
           have
           admittance
           into
           his
           presence
           ,
           nor
           shall
           any
           
             impure
             thing
             continue
             in
             his
             sight
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             of
             purer
             Eyes
             than
             to
             behold
             Iniquity
             ,
          
           and
           there
           is
           as
           little
           
             fellowship
             between
             Christ
             and
             Belial
          
           ,
           as
           
             communication
             between
             light
             and
             darkness
             ;
             the
             new
             Heaven
             wherein
             dwelleth
             righteousness
             ,
          
           can
           be
           no
           proper
           habitation
           for
           the
           
             workers
             of
             iniquity
          
           .
           They
           therefore
           who
           
             look
             for
             such
             a
             Heaven
          
           ,
           must
           be
           diligent
           that
           they
           may
           be
           found
           
             without
             spot
             and
             blameless
          
           ,
           the
           only
           qualification
           for
           it
           .
           2
           Pet.
           3.4
           .
           It
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           entertain
           a
           reasonable
           hope
           to
           partake
           of
           God's
           illustrious
           purity
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           to
           make
           as
           near
           approaches
           to
           it
           as
           we
           can
           on
           Earth
           ,
           by
           purging
           our selves
           from
           sin
           ,
           and
           extirpating
           our
           vices
           and
           impurities
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           become
           
             Vessels
             of
             Honour
             ,
             sanctified
             and
             meet
             for
             the
             Master's
             use
             .
          
           Nor
           will
           it
           suffice
           us
           to
           be
           transformed
           into
           the
           resemblance
           of
           our
           Lord
           only
           in
           what
           relates
           
           to
           his
           more
           exalted
           State
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           be
           assimilated
           to
           him
           in
           his
           humiliation
           and
           abasement
           ,
           upon
           all
           occasions
           for
           it
           .
           If
           we
           would
           receive
           a
           Crown
           of
           Glory
           from
           his
           hands
           ,
           we
           must
           submit
           our
           heads
           to
           be
           crowned
           ,
           like
           his
           ,
           with
           thorns
           ;
           and
           not
           startle
           at
           his
           Cross
           when
           it
           is
           laid
           upon
           our
           shoulders
           ,
           but
           bear
           the
           burden
           as
           chearfully
           for
           his
           sake
           ,
           as
           he
           carried
           it
           for
           ours
           .
           We
           must
           
             despise
             the
             shame
          
           and
           ignominy
           of
           it
           ,
           for
           the
           
             joy
             that
             is
             set
             before
             us
             ,
          
           or
           else
           we
           must
           not
           hope
           to
           
             sit
             down
             with
             him
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             the
             Throne
             of
             God.
          
           For
           if
           we
           refuse
           to
           endure
           the
           hardships
           to
           which
           his
           service
           sometimes
           exposes
           us
           ,
           we
           have
           no
           pretence
           to
           its
           rewards
           :
           for
           the
           way
           to
           accompany
           him
           in
           his
           triumphs
           ,
           is
           to
           follow
           him
           in
           his
           sufferings
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           have
           thus
           
             born
             the
             Image
             of
             the
             Earthly
             ,
             we
             shall
             also
             bear
             the
             Image
             of
             the
             Heavenly
             .
          
           St.
           Paul
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           only
           when
           
             tribulation
             worketh
             patience
             ,
             and
             patience
             experience
             ,
             and
             experience
             hope
             ,
          
           that
           is
           the
           certain
           hope
           ,
           which
           
             maketh
             not
             ashamed
          
           ,
           Rom.
           5.3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5.
           for
           it
           is
           a
           well
           grounded
           hope
           ,
           and
           shall
           not
           be
           disappointed
           :
           but
           what
           ever
           hope
           we
           entertain
           which
           is
           not
           the
           consequence
           of
           that
           Climax
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           begot
           by
           those
           degrees
           ,
           is
           
             the
             hope
             of
             Hypocrites
             ,
             which
             shall
             perish
             .
          
        
         
         
           We
           come
           now
           to
           consider
           the
           Fourth
           thing
           to
           be
           thought
           on
           in
           our
           Ways
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           safety
           of
           them
           .
           By
           which
           is
           intended
           their
           being
           such
           in
           which
           we
           may
           acquiesce
           ,
           and
           think
           our selves
           secure
           ,
           and
           be
           willing
           to
           be
           found
           in
           them
           at
           that
           day
           when
           we
           must
           pass
           an
           examination
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           We
           know
           that
           
             we
             must
             all
             appear
             before
             the
             Iudgment
             Seat
             of
             Christ
             ,
             to
             give
             an
             account
             of
             all
             things
             done
             in
             the
             Body
             ,
             whether
             good
             or
             evil
             .
          
           Now
           doubtless
           it
           imports
           us
           to
           consider
           whether
           our
           ways
           are
           such
           as
           will
           endure
           this
           Test
           ,
           whether
           we
           have
           supplyed
           our selves
           with
           Oyl
           ,
           and
           
             trimmed
             our
             Lamps
          
           against
           the
           
             coming
             of
             the
             Bridegroom
          
           ;
           or
           like
           the
           foolish
           Virgins
           ,
           in
           the
           Parable
           ,
           lose
           the
           opportunity
           of
           going
           in
           with
           him
           into
           the
           Marriage-Chamber
           ,
           while
           we
           are
           seeking
           in
           vain
           to
           buy
           ;
           and
           whether
           we
           have
           got
           on
           such
           a
           
             Wedding
             Garment
          
           ,
           as
           will
           priviledge
           us
           to
           sit
           at
           the
           table
           with
           the
           other
           guests
           ,
           or
           have
           neglected
           to
           provide
           one
           ,
           and
           for
           that
           reason
           shall
           be
           excluded
           thence
           ,
           and
           cast
           into
           
             outer
             darkness
          
           .
           St.
           Paul
           who
           had
           declared
           of
           himself
           that
           he
           was
           
             touching
             the
             righteousness
             which
             is
             in
             the
             Law
             blameless
             ,
          
           Phil.
           3.6
           .
           yet
           desires
           to
           be
           found
           
             at
             the
             last
             day
             in
             Christ
             ,
             not
             having
             his
             own
             righteousness
             
             which
             is
             of
             the
             law
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             is
             through
             the
             faith
             of
             Christ.
          
           He
           was
           able
           to
           challenge
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           did
           ,
           to
           
             convince
             him
             of
             Sin
          
           in
           the
           breach
           of
           the
           letter
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           yet
           durst
           not
           rely
           on
           his
           own
           righteousness
           ,
           to
           be
           found
           in
           it
           at
           the
           day
           of
           Accounts
           .
        
         
           He
           knew
           that
           
             God
             doth
             not
             see
             as
             Man
             seeth
             ,
          
           that
           men
           are
           too
           superficial
           in
           their
           expositions
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           more
           in
           their
           obedience
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           would
           overlook
           many
           failings
           and
           infirmities
           which
           could
           not
           escape
           the
           sight
           and
           sentence
           of
           that
           discerning
           God
           ,
           
             whose
             Eyes
             are
             on
             the
             Ways
             of
             Man
             ,
          
           and
           to
           whom
           ,
           both
           his
           inward
           thoughts
           and
           heart
           ,
           be
           they
           never
           so
           deep
           ,
           are
           open
           .
           He
           knew
           that
           no
           man
           ,
           how
           good
           ,
           how
           innocent
           soever
           ,
           could
           escape
           condemnation
           in
           that
           Judgment
           ,
           if
           he
           should
           be
           called
           to
           a
           strict
           account
           for
           the
           most
           inoffensive
           day
           of
           his
           whole
           life
           ,
           without
           the
           Merits
           and
           Righteousness
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           to
           plead
           for
           and
           excuse
           him
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           this
           great
           Apostle
           found
           in
           his
           very
           righteousness
           ,
           in
           his
           whitest
           innocency
           ,
           and
           most
           unerring
           state
           ,
           something
           which
           he
           durst
           not
           stand
           to
           ,
           what
           confidence
           shall
           weaker
           Christians
           have
           in
           their
           own
           performances
           ?
           and
           
             if
             the
             Righteous
             scarcely
             be
             saved
             ,
             where
             then
             shall
             the
             
             Vngodly
             and
             the
             Sinner
             appear
             ?
          
           What
           shall
           become
           of
           them
           ,
           who
           from
           their
           tender
           infancy
           have
           been
           imployed
           in
           the
           drudgeries
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           bending
           their
           course
           to
           Hell
           ?
           whose
           unrepented
           sins
           shall
           at
           that
           day
           attend
           them
           in
           their
           crimson
           liveries
           ,
           and
           be
           rendered
           heinous
           indeed
           by
           all
           the
           aggravating
           circumstances
           ,
           whereby
           sin
           is
           capable
           of
           being
           made
           
             exceeding
             sinful
          
           ?
           What
           then
           shall
           the
           Adulterer
           do
           ,
           who
           durst
           not
           venture
           on
           his
           darling
           sin
           ,
           without
           the
           favourable
           shelter
           of
           
             the
             twylight
          
           ,
           or
           the
           kind
           concealment
           of
           a
           disguise
           ;
           when
           his
           deeds
           of
           darkness
           shall
           be
           brought
           to
           light
           ,
           and
           his
           nakedness
           made
           a
           
             spectacle
             to
             Men
             and
             Angels
          
           ?
           If
           the
           
             morning
             was
             to
             him
             as
             the
             shadow
             of
             death
             ,
          
           and
           a
           discovery
           bred
           strange
           confusion
           in
           him
           ;
           then
           what
           guilty
           blushes
           shall
           overspread
           his
           face
           ,
           what
           anxious
           apprehensions
           shall
           terrifie
           his
           Soul
           ;
           when
           he
           sees
           his
           secret
           filthiness
           ,
           which
           he
           took
           such
           care
           to
           hide
           ,
           made
           publick
           ,
           and
           Hell
           fire
           prepared
           as
           a
           suitable
           punishment
           for
           his
           burning
           lust
           ?
           What
           then
           shall
           the
           prodigious
           Swearer
           do
           ,
           who
           bids
           defiance
           to
           Heaven
           with
           horrid
           Oaths
           and
           Blasphemies
           ,
           and
           treats
           his
           Creator
           more
           contemptibly
           than
           he
           would
           use
           one
           of
           his
           inferiours
           ,
           when
           he
           finds
           that
           God
           will
           not
           
             hold
             him
             guiltless
             for
             
             takeing
             his
             name
             in
             vain
             ?
          
           In
           vain
           indeed
           ,
           since
           it
           redounds
           so
           much
           to
           the
           dishonour
           of
           his
           Maker
           ,
           so
           much
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           without
           any
           the
           least
           procurement
           ,
           nay
           prospect
           of
           advantage
           ,
           even
           in
           his
           temporal
           interests
           ?
        
         
           What
           refuge
           shall
           they
           find
           ,
           who
           avowedly
           declare
           against
           all
           religion
           ,
           denying
           God
           with
           the
           very
           breath
           he
           gave
           them
           ,
           and
           employ
           that
           reason
           by
           which
           he
           exalted
           them
           above
           all
           earthly
           creatures
           ,
           to
           represent
           him
           lower
           than
           the
           meanest
           ?
           Would
           the
           Drunkard
           be
           found
           sitting
           at
           his
           Cups
           ,
           with
           his
           understanding
           drowned
           in
           his
           liquor
           ,
           when
           the
           woe
           denounced
           against
           them
           that
           are
           
             mighty
             to
             drink
             Wine
          
           ,
           shall
           be
           ready
           to
           be
           put
           in
           execution
           ?
           Would
           he
           who
           hath
           
             greedily
             gained
             of
             his
             neighbour
             by
             extortion
             ,
          
           be
           taken
           with
           the
           
             spoyle
             of
             the
             poor
             in
             his
             house
             ,
          
           when
           the
           Lord
           comes
           to
           enter
           into
           judgment
           with
           him
           ?
           Would
           the
           Perjurer
           be
           surprised
           with
           a
           false
           Oath
           in
           his
           mouth
           ,
           and
           the
           
             reward
             of
             wickedness
             in
             his
             hands
             ,
          
           when
           a
           severer
           curse
           than
           that
           represented
           by
           the
           
             flying
             Roll
          
           :
           Zech.
           5.2
           ,
           3.
           shall
           be
           sent
           to
           consume
           ,
           not
           his
           house
           ,
           alone
           ,
           but
           himself
           for
           ever
           ?
           Or
           would
           the
           Murderer
           be
           caught
           in
           the
           inhumane
           act
           ,
           with
           the
           
           stains
           of
           reeking
           gore
           upon
           him
           ,
           in
           that
           day
           when
           
             God
             shall
             make
             inquisition
             for
             blood
             ?
          
           Let
           the
           Hypocrite
           ,
           who
           embraces
           but
           the
           shadow
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           the
           Atheist
           ,
           who
           derides
           the
           substance
           ,
           say
           if
           they
           think
           they
           could
           consent
           that
           Judgment
           should
           overtake
           the
           one
           ,
           imposing
           upon
           Heaven
           ,
           or
           the
           other
           setting
           it
           at
           defiance
           ;
           when
           the
           one
           shall
           be
           
             cloathed
             with
             shame
          
           ,
           for
           insincerity
           in
           professing
           religion
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           condemned
           for
           impiety
           in
           not
           professing
           it
           at
           all
           ?
           when
           the
           last
           Trumpet
           's
           sound
           shall
           summon
           
             the
             dead
             to
             arise
             to
             judgment
          
           ;
           when
           
             the
             Elements
             shall
             melt
             with
             fervent
             heat
             ,
             and
             the
             Earth
             and
             all
             the
             works
             that
             are
             therein
             shall
             be
             burnt
             up
          
           ;
           would
           we
           willingly
           be
           found
           living
           in
           a
           destructive
           course
           of
           vice
           and
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           not
           rather
           in
           the
           commendable
           practice
           of
           true
           piety
           ,
           addressing
           our selves
           to
           Heaven
           by
           continual
           devotions
           ,
           and
           qualifying
           our selves
           for
           it
           by
           all
           
             holy
             Conversation
             and
             Godliness
          
           ?
        
         
           There
           is
           none
           so
           brazen-fac'd
           and
           shameless
           that
           shall
           then
           endure
           to
           look
           upon
           his
           Judge
           ,
           or
           be
           seen
           by
           him
           ;
           no
           one
           so
           hardened
           in
           iniquity
           ,
           that
           shall
           hear
           his
           Sentence
           without
           horror
           ,
           without
           begging
           the
           
             Mountains
             to
             fall
             on
             him
          
           and
           
             the
             Hills
             to
             cover
             him
             from
             the
             face
             of
             him
             that
             sitteth
             
             on
             the
             throne
             .
          
           For
           when
           
             the
             great
             day
             of
             his
             wrath
          
           is
           come
           ,
           who
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           stand
           ?
           When
           our
           Sins
           on
           one
           hand
           ,
           shall
           stand
           ready
           to
           accuse
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           Devils
           wait
           as
           officiously
           on
           the
           other
           ,
           to
           torment
           us
           ;
           when
           Hell
           shall
           open
           its
           dreadful
           mouth
           to
           swallow
           us
           ,
           and
           an
           angry
           Judge
           condemn
           us
           to
           it
           ;
           when
           we
           shall
           see
           the
           World
           in
           a
           flame
           about
           us
           ,
           and
           feel
           our
           Consciences
           burning
           us
           within
           ;
           Ah
           whither
           shall
           we
           flye
           ,
           where
           it
           is
           impossible
           to
           be
           concealed
           ,
           and
           intolerable
           to
           appear
           !
           where
           we
           shall
           seek
           refuges
           as
           vainly
           as
           we
           spent
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           the
           punishment
           of
           our
           sins
           shall
           be
           as
           unalterable
           as
           our
           inclinations
           to
           them
           were
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           our
           ways
           do
           not
           prove
           such
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           thought
           upon
           them
           ,
           as
           we
           may
           expect
           safety
           in
           at
           this
           great
           and
           terrible
           day
           ,
           we
           ought
           to
           endeavour
           quickly
           to
           make
           them
           so
           ,
           that
           when
           
             our
             Lord
             shall
             appear
             ,
             we
             may
             have
             confidence
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             ashamed
             before
             him
             at
             his
             coming
             .
          
           These
           are
           the
           things
           about
           which
           we
           are
           to
           employ
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           in
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           Ways
           ;
           from
           which
           we
           may
           proceed
           to
           what
           must
           be
           their
           business
           in
           the
           Fourth
           place
           ,
           viz.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           IV.
           What
           is
           the
           most
           seasonable
           time
           for
           the
           exercise
           of
           our
           thoughts
           in
           this
           employment
           of
           thinking
           upon
           our
           Ways
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           a
           duty
           of
           such
           weighty
           consequence
           and
           universal
           obligation
           ,
           that
           we
           cannot
           be
           
             instant
             in
             it
             out
             of
             season
             .
          
           Yet
           there
           are
           some
           critical
           times
           ,
           when
           the
           practice
           of
           it
           is
           more
           especially
           requisite
           ,
           some
           times
           that
           call
           aloud
           on
           us
           to
           exert
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           When
           
             our
             Eyes
             wait
             upon
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           not
           ,
           as
           the
           Psalmist's
           did
           ,
           in
           expectation
           of
           his
           shewing
           mercy
           ,
           but
           with
           apprehensions
           of
           his
           executing
           some
           impending
           Judgments
           on
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           they
           are
           at
           present
           
             far
             above
             out
             of
             our
             sight
             ,
          
           and
           our
           circumstances
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           most
           other
           Nations
           ,
           discover
           more
           of
           Heavens
           indulgence
           ,
           than
           its
           anger
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           has
           not
           so
           much
           
             a
             controversie
             with
             our
             Land
          
           ,
           as
           a
           kindness
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           While
           most
           other
           people
           are
           deafned
           with
           the
           alarms
           of
           War
           ,
           within
           their
           borders
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           Sword
           unsheathed
           among
           them
           ;
           we
           ,
           God
           be
           praised
           ,
           only
           hear
           the
           rumours
           of
           those
           hostilities
           by
           which
           they
           perish
           ,
           and
           are
           without
           the
           reach
           of
           the
           Weapons
           that
           depopulate
           their
           Countries
           :
           While
           the
           
             Earth
             opens
             its
             
             mouth
          
           upon
           some
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           swallows
           thousands
           as
           greedily
           as
           it
           did
           Corah
           and
           his
           Company
           ;
           we
           live
           in
           as
           much
           safety
           on
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           preserved
           for
           its
           replenishment
           :
           While
           the
           Sea
           ,
           not
           brooking
           its
           usual
           bounds
           ,
           makes
           violent
           encroachments
           on
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           overwhelms
           multitudes
           ,
           as
           it
           once
           did
           Pharoah
           and
           his
           Host
           ,
           we
           are
           secure
           amidst
           its
           waves
           ;
           and
           like
           Israel
           ,
           owe
           our
           protection
           to
           them
           :
           And
           while
           the
           Heaven
           brings
           its
           auxiliary
           forces
           from
           above
           ,
           and
           
             the
             fire
             of
             God
          
           destroys
           what
           these
           had
           spared
           ,
           as
           it
           once
           did
           Sodom
           :
           We
           are
           a
           brand
           rescued
           from
           that
           consumption
           ,
           and
           live
           to
           hear
           in
           safety
           the
           dreadful
           Narrative
           of
           these
           Calamities
           .
           But
           may
           we
           not
           apprehend
           that
           
             the
             evil
             day
          
           of
           our
           affliction
           is
           not
           so
           
             far
             from
             us
          
           ,
           as
           it
           seems
           ,
           or
           we
           would
           
             put
             it
          
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           greatly
           to
           be
           feared
           that
           we
           are
           as
           far
           from
           a
           just
           sence
           of
           the
           mercy
           that
           exempts
           us
           from
           this
           destruction
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           been
           from
           perishing
           by
           it
           ?
           or
           else
           what
           means
           the
           noise
           of
           those
           crying
           sins
           that
           are
           generally
           in
           vogue
           amongst
           us
           ,
           and
           have
           debauched
           our
           conversation
           .
           That
           professed
           Atheism
           in
           scoffing
           at
           Religion
           ,
           and
           despising
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           fearing
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           greatest
           stupidity
           and
           foolishness
           ;
           that
           close
           hypocrisie
           in
           useing
           Religion
           
           for
           a
           pretence
           to
           promote
           our
           Interests
           ,
           or
           cloak
           our
           Villanies
           ?
           That
           prophane
           swearing
           and
           blasphemy
           ;
           that
           common
           drunkenness
           and
           riot
           ;
           with
           a
           long
           Catalogue
           of
           other
           iniquities
           ,
           which
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           
             once
             named
          
           ,
           and
           yet
           are
           daily
           practised
           among
           us
           ?
           When
           we
           think
           on
           our
           unsuitable
           returns
           for
           former
           deliverances
           ;
           our
           misimprovement
           of
           present
           mercies
           ;
           our
           falseness
           to
           our
           professed
           end
           ,
           and
           declared
           intentions
           ,
           our
           cleaving
           to
           our
           old
           lusts
           ,
           and
           the
           general
           depravation
           of
           our
           manners
           ,
           with
           that
           irresolution
           and
           double-minded
           wavering
           ,
           that
           makes
           us
           
             instable
             in
             all
             our
             ways
          
           :
           When
           we
           lay
           all
           these
           together
           ,
           and
           represent
           them
           to
           our
           serious
           thoughts
           ,
           we
           may
           justly
           fear
           that
           the
           clouds
           over
           us
           are
           filled
           with
           the
           Vials
           of
           God's
           wrath
           ,
           ready
           to
           be
           poured
           upon
           our
           heads
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           less
           visible
           the
           approach
           of
           his
           vengeance
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           suddain
           it
           will
           be
           in
           surprising
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           longer
           it
           's
           defer'd
           ,
           it
           will
           fall
           the
           heavier
           .
        
         
           For
           where
           
             the
             Harvest
             is
             so
             ripe
          
           ,
           it
           is
           time
           to
           
             thrust
             in
             the
             Sickle
          
           .
           Therefore
           
             before
             the
             decree
             bring
             forth
             ,
             and
             the
             fierce
             anger
             of
             the
             Lord
             pass
             upon
             us
             ,
          
           it
           will
           be
           very
           opportune
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           and
           humble
           our selves
           after
           the
           example
           of
           Ninivie
           ,
           that
           the
           event
           may
           be
           the
           same
           to
           
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           seeing
           our
           works
           ,
           that
           we
           turn
           from
           our
           evil
           ways
           ,
           may
           
             repent
             of
             the
             evil
             thought
             upon
             ,
          
           and
           not
           execute
           his
           vengeance
           on
           us
           ,
           or
           may
           
             hide
             us
             in
             the
             day
             of
             his
             anger
             .
          
        
         
           A
           Second
           Season
           that
           should
           put
           us
           in
           remembrance
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           when
           we
           feel
           the
           lashes
           of
           the
           Rod
           and
           our
           heavenly
           father's
           hand
           is
           heavy
           on
           us
           .
           
             When
             his
             Iudgments
             are
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           it
           is
           time
           for
           the
           
             inhabitants
             of
             the
             World
             to
             learn
             righteousness
             .
          
           And
           though
           we
           now
           enjoy
           at
           home
           all
           the
           ease
           and
           plenty
           of
           a
           setled
           Peace
           ,
           yet
           we
           have
           a
           destructive
           War
           abroad
           ;
           we
           have
           enemies
           to
           encounter
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           only
           envious
           at
           our
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           would
           disturb
           our
           quiet
           ,
           but
           whose
           contrivances
           and
           attempts
           are
           numerous
           ,
           and
           restless
           to
           subvert
           our
           happy
           Government
           ,
           and
           
             quench
             the
             light
             of
             our
             Israel
             ,
          
           our
           excellent
           Religion
           .
           Who
           would
           enslave
           our
           Bodies
           to
           an
           Arbitrary
           Power
           ,
           and
           our
           Conscience
           to
           an
           Implicit
           Faith.
           And
           is
           not
           this
           a
           time
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           to
           see
           that
           we
           do
           not
           joyn
           with
           our
           enemies
           against
           our selves
           ,
           and
           become
           accessary
           to
           our
           own
           destruction
           .
        
         
           The
           Signal
           and
           Exemplary
           Piety
           of
           those
           to
           whom
           God
           ,
           for
           the
           consummation
           of
           our
           happiness
           ,
           hath
           committed
           the
           
           Supream
           Authority
           over
           us
           ,
           hath
           often
           summoned
           us
           to
           this
           duty
           ,
           by
           injoyning
           several
           publick
           solemn
           humiliations
           through
           the
           Land
           ;
           the
           necessary
           work
           and
           suitable
           business
           of
           which
           days
           ,
           is
           to
           examine
           and
           inquire
           into
           the
           errors
           of
           our
           ways
           ,
           the
           many
           transgressions
           and
           enormities
           of
           our
           lives
           ;
           and
           thereupon
           to
           arraign
           and
           pass
           judgment
           upon
           our selves
           before
           the
           Lord.
           This
           was
           the
           voice
           of
           God's
           people
           in
           times
           of
           suffering
           and
           calamity
           ,
           
             let
             us
             search
             and
             try
             our
             Ways
             ,
             and
             turn
             to
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
          
           Lam.
           3.40
           .
           
             When
             he
             slew
             them
             they
             sought
             him
             ,
             and
             turned
             them
             early
             ,
             and
             enquired
             after
             him
             .
          
           When
           we
           are
           involved
           in
           trouble
           ,
           our
           thoughts
           are
           busie
           in
           contrivances
           to
           extricate
           and
           free
           our selves
           ,
           as
           
             when
             Ephraim
             saw
             his
             sickness
             ,
             and
             Iudah
             saw
             his
             wound
             ,
             then
             went
             Ephraim
             to
             the
             Assyrian
             ,
             and
             sent
             to
             King
             Iareb
             .
          
           Hos.
           5.13
           .
           We
           leave
           no
           human
           means
           untried
           ,
           but
           alas
           !
           in
           vain
           we
           seek
           to
           remove
           the
           effect
           of
           a
           continuing
           Cause
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           find
           the
           source
           and
           true
           original
           of
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           for
           we
           enquire
           for
           them
           abroad
           ,
           when
           we
           should
           look
           for
           them
           at
           home
           ;
           and
           therefore
           do
           not
           take
           right
           measures
           to
           remove
           them
           .
           The
           best
           and
           properest
           remedy
           is
           prescribed
           by
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           Eccles.
           7.14
           .
           
             in
             the
             day
             of
             adversity
             consider
             .
          
           that
           
           is
           ,
           we
           must
           consider
           ,
           that
           
             our
             destruction
             is
             of
             our selves
          
           ,
           and
           that
           while
           our
           
             spiritual
             whoredoms
             are
             many
             and
             notorious
          
           ;
           we
           enquire
           in
           vain
           for
           peace
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           the
           portion
           of
           the
           Wicked
           :
           And
           therefore
           't
           is
           no
           wonder
           if
           we
           are
           overtaken
           with
           a
           Storm
           ,
           while
           like
           Ionah
           ,
           we
           are
           flying
           fom
           the
           
             presence
             of
             the
             Lord.
             Solomon
          
           informs
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           best
           means
           of
           obtaining
           peace
           from
           God
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             by
             pleasing
             him
             in
             our
             ways
             ,
          
           Prov.
           16.7
           .
           for
           then
           he
           will
           
             make
             all
             our
             Enemies
             to
             be
             at
             peace
             with
             us
          
           :
           We
           shall
           have
           peace
           with
           God
           ,
           our
           Neighbours
           ,
           and
           our selves
           ;
           the
           Wrath
           of
           God
           shall
           be
           appeased
           ,
           the
           
             fierceness
             of
             Men
             restrained
          
           ,
           and
           the
           clamours
           of
           Conscience
           silenced
           .
           So
           that
           in
           our
           Personal
           or
           National
           Disquietudes
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           fly
           to
           the
           Creature
           ,
           and
           seek
           Redress
           from
           external
           Succours
           ,
           but
           turn
           our
           Eyes
           inward
           upon
           our selves
           ,
           and
           
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
          
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           discover
           what
           Idol-Lust
           it
           is
           to
           which
           we
           pay
           our
           homage
           ,
           that
           makes
           God
           jealous
           and
           incensed
           .
           And
           when
           we
           have
           observed
           from
           whence
           our
           Afflictions
           have
           their
           natural
           rise
           ,
           we
           must
           then
           employ
           our
           Industry
           ,
           and
           look
           diligently
           ,
           lest
           
             any
             root
             of
             bitterness
             spring
             up
             to
             trouble
             us
             :
          
           And
           we
           must
           take
           the
           same
           course
           in
           our
           Domestick
           tryals
           .
        
         
         
           If
           God
           blows
           upon
           our
           Estates
           ,
           and
           wastes
           them
           with
           a
           secret
           Curse
           ,
           and
           an
           invisible
           Consumption
           ,
           so
           that
           
             we
             sow
             much
             ,
             and
             bring
             in
             little
             ;
             we
             eat
             ,
             but
             have
             not
             enough
             ;
             we
             drink
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             filled
             with
             drink
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             earneth
             Wages
             ,
             putteth
             it
             into
             a
             Bag
             with
             holes
          
           ;
           Then
           we
           must
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           best
           Prescription
           can
           be
           given
           for
           our
           Relief
           :
           And
           if
           Disappointments
           blast
           our
           Hopes
           ,
           and
           frustrate
           our
           Expectations
           :
           If
           Relations
           prove
           unnatural
           ,
           and
           Friends
           grow
           cold
           ;
           
             if
             our
             Father
             and
             Mother
             forsake
             us
             ,
             and
             our
             Kinsfolk
             stand
             afar
             off
             ,
          
           we
           need
           not
           fear
           :
           But
           
             if
             we
             commit
             our
             ways
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           he
           will
           
             bring
             our
             desires
             to
             pass
          
           ,
           and
           will
           
             take
             us
             up
          
           ,
           if
           we
           
             think
             upon
             our
             ways
             ,
             and
             turn
             our
             feet
             unto
             his
             Testimonies
             .
          
        
         
           A
           third
           Season
           that
           requires
           this
           Duty
           ,
           is
           ,
           when
           we
           implore
           some
           special
           Blessing
           ,
           and
           would
           obtain
           some
           signal
           Favour
           at
           God's
           hands
           :
           the
           Prophet
           tells
           
             Israel
             ,
             That
             their
             sins
             had
             withholden
             good
             things
             from
             them
             ,
          
           Jer.
           5.25
           .
           And
           among
           other
           fatal
           Consequences
           of
           their
           Iniquities
           ,
           it
           was
           one
           ,
           that
           
             they
             had
             separated
             between
             their
             God
             and
             them
             ,
          
           Isa.
           59.2
           .
           Nor
           is
           it
           strange
           that
           Sins
           that
           cry
           aloud
           should
           have
           as
           much
           power
           as
           
             a
             Whisperer
          
           ,
           to
           
             separate
             chief
             Friends
          
           .
           He
           that
           
             walks
             in
             the
             
             counsel
             of
             the
             ungodly
             ,
          
           estranges
           himself
           from
           God
           ;
           he
           goes
           like
           the
           Prodigal
           
             into
             a
             far
             Country
          
           ,
           and
           hath
           reason
           to
           expect
           that
           God
           should
           pursue
           him
           with
           Vengeance
           ,
           rather
           than
           follow
           him
           with
           Mercies
           :
           for
           he
           
             draws
             nigh
          
           to
           none
           ,
           but
           such
           as
           make
           humble
           and
           devout
           Approaches
           to
           him
           ,
           unless
           it
           is
           for
           their
           Destruction
           .
           He
           that
           hath
           thrown
           off
           his
           filial
           Obedience
           ,
           cancels
           the
           Bonds
           of
           Paternal
           Love
           :
           He
           that
           renounces
           his
           professed
           Allegiance
           ,
           forfeits
           all
           Pretences
           to
           Protection
           ;
           in
           such
           cases
           ,
           we
           cannot
           rationally
           expect
           that
           God
           should
           cherish
           us
           as
           Subjects
           ,
           or
           feed
           us
           with
           
             the
             Childrens
             Bread
          
           :
           No
           ,
           our
           own
           Hearts
           will
           rather
           prompt
           us
           to
           conclude
           he
           should
           punish
           our
           Undutifulness
           and
           Rebellion
           .
           If
           therefore
           we
           would
           be
           situate
           in
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           Mercies
           temporal
           or
           spiritual
           ;
           if
           we
           would
           be
           the
           Subjects
           of
           God's
           Bounty
           ,
           and
           so
           priviledged
           with
           Blessings
           of
           the
           Right-hand
           and
           the
           left
           ;
           the
           most
           compendious
           way
           of
           obtaining
           both
           ,
           is
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           turn
           our
           Feet
           unto
           his
           Statutes
           .
           Wou'd
           we
           be
           honour'd
           with
           the
           inhabitation
           of
           God's
           Presence
           ,
           we
           must
           prepare
           our selves
           for
           his
           Reception
           ;
           and
           when
           
             our
             Hearts
             are
             clean
             within
             us
             ,
          
           he
           will
           not
           
             take
             his
             holy
             Spirit
             from
             us
             .
          
           But
           
           we
           cannot
           expect
           the
           
             King
             of
             Glory
             should
             come
             into
          
           those
           places
           ,
           where
           the
           Gates
           ,
           instead
           of
           being
           
             lifted
             up
          
           ,
           are
           shut
           and
           made
           fast
           against
           him
           .
           Nor
           will
           our
           Sins
           only
           withhold
           spiritual
           good
           Things
           from
           us
           ,
           but
           temporal
           Advantages
           too
           :
           For
           God
           declares
           ,
           that
           
             if
             his
             People
             had
             hearkned
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
          
           Israel
           
             had
             walked
             in
             his
             ways
             ,
             he
             would
             soon
             have
             subdued
             their
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             turned
             his
             hand
             upon
             their
             Adversaries
             .
          
           And
           if
           we
           will
           so
           much
           befriend
           our selves
           as
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ,
           and
           walk
           in
           God's
           ,
           we
           shall
           have
           no
           Enemies
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           conquer
           those
           that
           are
           so
           .
           God
           will
           then
           engage
           in
           our
           Quarrel
           ,
           to
           
             plead
             our
             Cause
             against
             them
             that
             strive
             with
             us
             ,
             and
             fight
             against
             them
             that
             fight
             against
             us
          
           ;
           he
           will
           array
           the
           Celestial
           Hosts
           in
           our
           defence
           ,
           and
           lead
           the
           Stars
           to
           battel
           ,
           
             to
             fight
          
           against
           our
           Enemies
           .
           Nor
           is
           this
           the
           sole
           Advantage
           we
           shall
           reap
           from
           the
           faithful
           discharge
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           in
           thinking
           on
           our
           Ways
           ,
           for
           we
           shall
           quickly
           find
           him
           
             open
             the
             Windows
             of
             Heaven
          
           ,
           and
           make
           
             his
             Clouds
             drop
             fatness
             on
             our
             Dwellings
             ,
             and
             pour
             out
             so
             large
             a
             Blessing
             ,
             that
             there
             shall
             not
             be
             room
             enough
             to
             receive
             .
          
        
         
           Such
           was
           his
           liberal
           dealing
           with
           Solomon
           ,
           because
           he
           asked
           the
           Thing
           that
           pleased
           him
           ,
           2
           Chron.
           1.12
           .
           He
           not
           only
           
           granted
           his
           request
           of
           Wisdom
           and
           Knowledge
           for
           himself
           ,
           but
           added
           Riches
           and
           Wealth
           ,
           and
           Honour
           for
           an
           Overplus
           ;
           and
           we
           shall
           not
           find
           
             his
             Arm
             shortned
          
           ,
           or
           his
           Bounty
           contracted
           towards
           us
           ,
           if
           our
           Desires
           are
           as
           agreeable
           to
           him
           .
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           we
           have
           been
           long
           in
           expectation
           of
           a
           
             blessed
             Peace
          
           ,
           and
           we
           have
           sometimes
           thought
           the
           Dove
           just
           hovering
           over
           us
           with
           the
           welcom
           Olive-branch
           in
           her
           Bill
           ;
           but
           our
           hope
           hath
           been
           deferred
           ,
           even
           to
           the
           
             making
             our
             Hearts
             sick
          
           ,
           and
           our
           pregnant
           Expectations
           have
           miscarried
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           
             put
             our
             trust
             in
             Chariots
             and
             Horses
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             remembred
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
          
           to
           call
           him
           to
           our
           
             help
             against
             the
             mighty
          
           ,
           to
           pray
           for
           the
           Peace
           of
           our
           Ierusalem
           ;
           which
           is
           not
           to
           be
           obtained
           only
           by
           a
           bare
           Address
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           but
           by
           duly
           qualifying
           our selves
           to
           become
           acceptable
           Petitioners
           at
           
             the
             Throne
             of
             Grace
          
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           receive
           a
           favourable
           Return
           of
           our
           Supplications
           .
           In
           order
           to
           which
           ,
           we
           must
           cleanse
           our
           Ways
           ,
           be
           Holy
           ,
           Just
           ,
           and
           Good
           ,
           that
           the
           Works
           of
           our
           Hands
           ,
           and
           
             the
             Meditations
             of
             our
             Hearts
          
           ,
           may
           gain
           acceptance
           
             for
             the
             Words
             of
             our
             Mouths
          
           before
           him
           :
           for
           we
           know
           the
           Lord
           is
           so
           far
           from
           
             hearing
             Sinners
          
           that
           their
           
             Prayers
             are
             an
             abomination
             to
             him
             ,
          
           
           Prov.
           15.8
           .
           and
           that
           which
           should
           prevail
           for
           Audience
           ,
           makes
           him
           Deaf
           and
           Inexorable
           .
           And
           how
           shall
           the
           Wicked
           sue
           for
           Peace
           ,
           to
           whom
           God
           hath
           declared
           
             there
             is
             no
             peace
          
           ?
           How
           shall
           they
           obtain
           his
           Pardon
           for
           their
           Sins
           ,
           when
           even
           the
           Prayers
           that
           beg
           it
           ,
           help
           to
           encrease
           their
           number
           ?
        
         
           
             But
             if
             any
             man
             be
             a
             Worshiper
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             doth
             his
             Will
             ,
             him
             he
             heareth
             :
          
           And
           it
           is
           only
           by
           such
           means
           that
           we
           can
           hope
           to
           perform
           our
           Duty
           acceptably
           ,
           to
           sollicite
           Heaven
           with
           such
           success
           ,
           as
           to
           procure
           the
           Nations
           Peace
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           pray
           for
           it
           ;
           and
           we
           should
           think
           seriously
           on
           our
           Ways
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           a
           Duty
           we
           owe
           our
           Country
           as
           our
           Political
           Parent
           ,
           and
           we
           cannot
           fail
           therein
           ,
           without
           incurring
           the
           censure
           of
           being
           of
           the
           number
           of
           those
           
             foolish
             Sons
             ,
             who
             are
             a
             heaviness
             to
             their
             Mother
             .
          
        
         
           And
           indeed
           if
           we
           make
           a
           diligent
           search
           after
           the
           true
           Cause
           why
           the
           War
           is
           continued
           abroad
           ,
           with
           the
           little
           success
           that
           makes
           us
           querulous
           and
           unquiet
           ;
           we
           may
           trace
           it
           home
           to
           our
           own
           Doors
           ,
           and
           shall
           find
           it
           lodged
           within
           our selves
           ;
           that
           our
           Unthankfulness
           for
           the
           great
           Advances
           which
           God
           hath
           made
           towards
           the
           establishment
           of
           our
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           our
           
           repining
           at
           his
           Goodness
           to
           us
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           envy'd
           our
           own
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           not
           any
           neglect
           ,
           or
           want
           of
           Care
           or
           Tenderness
           in
           those
           Powers
           ,
           which
           God
           ,
           by
           his
           extraordinary
           Protection
           hath
           declared
           to
           have
           been
           
             ordained
             of
             him
          
           ,
           hath
           been
           the
           only
           Obstacle
           that
           they
           have
           not
           as
           happily
           finished
           ,
           as
           they
           gloriously
           began
           the
           
             Restoration
             of
             our
             Peace
          
           .
        
         
           A
           fourth
           Season
           for
           thinking
           on
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           ,
           When
           we
           find
           others
           generally
           inconsiderate
           ,
           and
           negligent
           of
           theirs
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           Tenour
           of
           St.
           
           Paul's
           Exhortation
           to
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           
             walk
             circumspectly
             ,
             not
             as
             Fools
             ,
             but
             as
             wise
             ,
             redeeming
             the
             time
             ,
          
           Ephes.
           5.16
           .
           And
           the
           Reason
           he
           alledges
           as
           a
           cogent
           Argument
           ,
           for
           their
           observing
           his
           Direction
           ,
           is
           this
           ,
           
             Because
             the
             Days
             are
             evil
          
           :
           The
           Corruption
           of
           the
           Age
           in
           which
           we
           live
           ,
           must
           be
           a
           Motive
           to
           our
           greater
           Goodness
           :
           While
           others
           like
           Fools
           are
           prodigal
           in
           the
           expence
           of
           their
           precious
           irreparable
           Minutes
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           our
           Wisdom
           to
           redeem
           the
           Time
           ,
           by
           making
           the
           best
           Improvement
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           while
           they
           turn
           Libertines
           in
           a
           loose
           Latitudinarian
           course
           of
           Life
           ,
           we
           must
           walk
           circumspectly
           ,
           accurately
           ,
           and
           exactly
           ,
           keeping
           to
           the
           nicest
           Rules
           ,
           and
           aspiring
           to
           the
           most
           elevated
           
           heights
           of
           Christianity
           .
           That
           Advice
           to
           Timothy
           ,
           2
           Ephes.
           4.23
           .
           is
           much
           of
           the
           same
           nature
           ,
           with
           this
           to
           the
           
             Ephesians
             ;
             Preach
             the
             Word
             ,
             be
             instant
             in
             season
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             season
             ,
             reprove
             ,
             rebuke
             ,
             exhort
             ,
             with
             all
             long-suffering
             and
             doctrine
             :
          
           And
           the
           
             Apostle
             assigns
          
           this
           Reason
           for
           his
           Charge
           ,
           because
           the
           
             Time
             will
             come
             ,
             that
             Men
             will
             not
             endure
             sound
             Doctrine
             ,
             but
             will
             turn
             away
             their
             Ears
             from
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             be
             turned
             to
             Fables
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Evil
           of
           the
           Times
           should
           incite
           good
           Christians
           to
           an
           extraordinary
           Care
           and
           Diligence
           ,
           that
           when
           they
           see
           a
           decay
           of
           Piety
           ,
           they
           become
           most
           earnest
           to
           encourage
           and
           promote
           its
           Restoration
           ;
           that
           when
           the
           Light
           of
           Religion
           is
           darkned
           ,
           they
           may
           ,
           like
           the
           Worshipers
           of
           the
           Moon
           ,
           in
           an
           Eclipse
           ,
           be
           busiest
           to
           defend
           it
           from
           the
           Fascinations
           of
           Impiety
           that
           darken
           it
           .
           When
           the
           Preaching
           of
           
             the
             Gospel
          
           ,
           that
           is
           
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             God
             unto
             Salvation
             ,
          
           seems
           
             Foolishness
             to
             Men
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Messengers
           of
           those
           
             good
             Tydings
          
           meet
           an
           unkind
           reception
           ;
           when
           there
           is
           an
           Apostasie
           and
           falling
           back
           from
           the
           Truth
           received
           :
           This
           Negligence
           and
           Irreligion
           should
           quicken
           our
           Care
           and
           Devotion
           .
           Then
           is
           the
           
             time
             for
             Rivers
             of
             waters
             to
             run
             down
             our
             Eyes
             ,
             when
             Men
             do
             not
             
             keep
             God's
             Law
             ,
          
           then
           is
           the
           Season
           that
           our
           
             Zeal
             should
             even
             consume
             us
          
           ,
           when
           they
           
             forget
             his
             Words
          
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           ,
           
             because
             of
             Iniquities
             thus
             abounding
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             many
             shall
             grow
             cold
             ,
          
           then
           ours
           must
           be
           most
           fervent
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           then
           most
           requisite
           ,
           as
           greatest
           Fires
           are
           most
           seasonable
           in
           Frosty-weather
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           we
           
             do
             not
             follow
             the
             multitude
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
          
           nor
           run
           with
           other
           Men
           into
           
             excess
             of
             riot
          
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           be
           concerned
           that
           they
           resent
           our
           Singularity
           ,
           and
           take
           it
           ill
           to
           want
           our
           Company
           in
           that
           Carriere
           ,
           or
           speak
           Evil
           of
           us
           for
           refusing
           it
           :
           For
           as
           Jewels
           cast
           the
           greatest
           lustre
           in
           the
           dark
           ▪
           so
           Religion
           appears
           most
           amiable
           when
           surrounded
           with
           Impiety
           ,
           whose
           deformed
           Visage
           is
           a
           Foil
           to
           its
           transcendent
           Beauty
           .
           And
           they
           who
           are
           
             blameless
             and
             harmless
          
           ,
           who
           prove
           themselves
           the
           
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             crooked
             and
             perverse
             generation
             :
             shine
             as
             Lights
             in
             the
             world
             among
             them
             .
          
           The
           rarity
           of
           Things
           is
           a
           great
           enhansement
           of
           their
           Value
           .
           Lot
           had
           not
           been
           so
           eminent
           for
           his
           Righteousness
           in
           any
           other
           City
           ,
           as
           in
           Sodom
           ;
           where
           there
           were
           not
           
             Ten
             more
          
           of
           the
           same
           rank
           and
           level
           in
           Righteousness
           to
           be
           found
           .
           What
           an
           illustrious
           Figure
           did
           Obadiah
           make
           in
           the
           Court
           of
           Ahab
           ,
           or
           the
           
           
             Saints
             in
          
           Nero's
           House
           ?
           and
           what
           a
           singular
           Character
           was
           it
           of
           Noch
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           a
           
             perfect
             man
             in
             his
             generation
          
           ,
           when
           the
           World
           was
           so
           corrupt
           and
           foul
           ,
           that
           the
           Deluge
           could
           sooner
           drown
           than
           cleanse
           it
           ?
           The
           Memory
           of
           Iob
           is
           sweeter
           than
           all
           the
           Aromatic
           Scents
           that
           perfume
           the
           Air
           of
           his
           Native
           Arabia
           ,
           and
           the
           World
           will
           be
           for
           ever
           as
           loud
           in
           celebrating
           Athanasius
           ,
           as
           he
           once
           was
           in
           opposing
           it
           :
           Nor
           had
           it
           so
           much
           reason
           to
           admire
           its
           universal
           Arianism
           ,
           as
           this
           single
           Oppugner
           of
           that
           Heresie
           .
           And
           when
           we
           find
           St.
           Paul
           advising
           Timothy
           to
           
             drink
             no
             longer
             Water
          
           :
           We
           must
           admire
           such
           Temperance
           among
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           who
           lived
           in
           all
           the
           Luxury
           of
           Asia
           ,
           and
           are
           said
           to
           have
           banished
           Hermodorus
           for
           being
           Sober
           and
           Abstemious
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           memorable
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           to
           us
           instead
           of
           all
           Examples
           ,
           That
           
             when
             men
             called
             the
             Proud
             happy
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             it
             was
             in
             vain
             for
             them
             to
             serve
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           Mal.
           3.16
           .
           in
           that
           height
           of
           Impurity
           .
           
             They
             that
             feared
             the
             Lord
             spake
             〈◊〉
             to
             another
             ,
             and
             a
             book
             of
             remembrance
             was
             writ
             for
             them
             .
          
           God
           was
           so
           strangely
           pleased
           with
           their
           exemplary
           deference
           to
           Religion
           ,
           that
           he
           made
           it
           his
           own
           care
           to
           have
           the
           Names
           of
           those
           pious
           Men
           recorded
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           select
           
           them
           for
           his
           own
           ,
           
             in
             the
             Day
             when
             he
             made
             up
             his
             Iewels
             .
          
        
         
           Among
           which
           the
           Church
           of
           Pergamus
           would
           not
           be
           in
           least
           esteem
           ,
           since
           God
           himself
           declares
           ,
           
             He
             knew
             her
             works
             ,
             and
             that
             though
             she
             dwelt
             even
             where
             Satan's
             Seat
             was
             ,
          
           yet
           
             she
             held
             fast
             his
             Name
             ,
             and
             had
             not
             denied
             his
             Faith
             ;
             even
             in
             those
             Days
             wherein
          
           Antipas
           ,
           
             his
             faithful
             Martyr
             ,
             was
             slain
             ,
          
           Rev.
           2.13
           .
           Here
           was
           a
           noble
           Instance
           of
           true
           Piety
           ,
           to
           adhere
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           assert
           his
           Power
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           Satan's
           own
           Dominions
           ;
           to
           hold
           fast
           his
           Name
           ,
           though
           they
           parted
           with
           their
           Lives
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           deny
           his
           Faith
           ,
           though
           they
           had
           before
           them
           in
           the
           Martyr'd
           Antipas
           ,
           a
           dreadful
           Argument
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           professing
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           though
           there
           are
           these
           special
           Times
           that
           require
           our
           thinking
           on
           our
           Ways
           ,
           there
           is
           not
           any
           time
           wherein
           we
           can
           be
           excused
           from
           the
           performance
           of
           our
           Duty
           in
           this
           Employment
           ;
           for
           every
           present
           Minute
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           is
           a
           proper
           season
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           indeed
           requires
           it
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           no
           assurance
           of
           a
           future
           Opportunity
           .
           For
           besides
           the
           uncertainty
           of
           our
           enjoying
           Life
           ,
           there
           is
           as
           much
           of
           our
           obtaining
           Grace
           ,
           to
           put
           it
           into
           practice
           .
           Wherefore
           it
           is
           the
           
           Apostle's
           Annotation
           on
           the
           Text
           ,
           Psalm
           95.7
           .
           
             To
             day
             if
             you
             will
             hear
             his
             
             voice
             ,
             harden
             not
             your
             hearts
             :
          
           That
           
             God
             limiteth
             a
             certain
             Day
          
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           does
           not
           exceed
           the
           present
           Time
           ,
           Heb.
           4.7
           .
           And
           indeed
           it
           is
           more
           necessary
           every
           Day
           than
           other
           ,
           because
           the
           more
           our
           Days
           encrease
           ,
           the
           longer
           time
           hath
           been
           neglected
           ,
           and
           the
           less
           remains
           to
           be
           employed
           about
           it
           .
        
         
           We
           cannot
           launch
           into
           the
           Ocean
           of
           Thought
           and
           Self-reflection
           ,
           till
           we
           are
           carried
           by
           the
           motions
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           that
           
             Wind
             blows
             only
             where
             it
             listeth
          
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           neglect
           its
           favouring
           Gales
           ,
           it
           will
           shift
           to
           another
           Point
           ,
           and
           leave
           us
           becalmed
           in
           our
           inconsideration
           ,
           till
           the
           Tempest
           of
           unthought
           of
           Death
           makes
           Shipwrack
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           sinks
           us
           into
           Hell.
           
        
         
           Shall
           we
           then
           be
           ,
           like
           Antipater
           ,
           not
           at
           leisure
           ,
           when
           our
           Thoughts
           would
           present
           us
           with
           a
           Treatise
           of
           the
           Way
           to
           Happiness
           ?
           Such
           procrastination
           may
           expose
           us
           to
           the
           Fate
           of
           Archias
           the
           Theban
           ,
           who
           neglected
           reading
           the
           Account
           that
           was
           given
           into
           his
           hand
           of
           a
           Conspiracy
           against
           him
           ,
           till
           it
           was
           put
           in
           execution
           .
           What
           an
           unreasonable
           method
           is
           it
           ,
           when
           God
           commands
           us
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           to
           Day
           ,
           to
           suspend
           our
           Obedience
           till
           To-morrow
           ;
           and
           though
           that
           is
           a
           time
           of
           our
           own
           appointing
           ,
           
           it
           happens
           ,
           that
           when
           we
           live
           to
           that
           To-morrow
           ,
           our
           Thoughts
           ,
           instead
           of
           reaching
           it
           ,
           are
           by
           one
           Days
           journey
           farther
           off
           .
           And
           can
           we
           hope
           that
           after
           such
           resistance
           against
           the
           Influence
           of
           God's
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           he
           will
           put
           it
           into
           our
           power
           again
           to
           shew
           our
           spight
           ,
           and
           grieve
           him
           with
           a
           second
           refusal
           ?
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           Maxim
           ,
           that
           in
           War
           there
           is
           no
           allowance
           for
           a
           second
           Oversight
           ,
           because
           the
           first
           false
           Step
           usually
           puts
           things
           beyond
           recovery
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           hath
           once
           neglected
           the
           Opportunity
           of
           thinking
           on
           his
           Ways
           ,
           may
           never
           have
           it
           in
           his
           power
           to
           repeat
           the
           Fault
           .
           The
           sense
           of
           this
           made
           our
           Saviour
           weep
           over
           Ierusalem
           ,
           to
           find
           that
           
             the
             things
             belonging
             to
             her
             peace
             ,
             were
             hidden
             from
             her
             Eyes
             ,
          
           because
           she
           would
           take
           no
           notice
           of
           them
           
             in
             the
             Day
          
           when
           they
           were
           laid
           before
           her
           .
        
         
           Now
           having
           considered
           the
           Season
           for
           performing
           this
           Duty
           ,
           let
           us
           enquire
           into
           the
           Motives
           and
           Inducements
           that
           oblige
           us
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           one
           Reason
           why
           we
           should
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           God
           is
           a
           strict
           Observer
           of
           them
           .
           
             He
             looks
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             he
             beholdeth
             all
             the
             Sons
             of
             Men
             ,
             he
             fashioneth
             their
             Hearts
             alike
             ,
             and
             considereth
             all
             their
             work
             ,
          
           Psalm
           33.13.15
           .
           And
           it
           is
           not
           strange
           
           that
           he
           
             who
             fills
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
          
           ,
           and
           is
           present
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           should
           have
           a
           knowledge
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           since
           he
           searches
           and
           tryes
           them
           out
           :
           Not
           that
           God
           can
           be
           thought
           to
           enquire
           or
           search
           after
           any
           thing
           ,
           as
           being
           unknown
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           knows
           all
           things
           as
           perfectly
           and
           exactly
           as
           't
           is
           possible
           to
           do
           by
           the
           strictest
           scrutiny
           :
           there
           is
           nothing
           so
           minute
           in
           us
           ,
           no
           Action
           so
           mean
           and
           indifferent
           ,
           such
           as
           the
           motion
           of
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           
             our
             down-sitting
             and
             up-rising
          
           ,
           but
           God
           takes
           notice
           of
           it
           ;
           there
           is
           not
           a
           
             word
             in
             our
             Tongues
             ,
             but
             he
             knows
             it
             altogether
          
           ;
           not
           a
           syllable
           we
           utter
           ,
           but
           he
           understands
           it
           ;
           nay
           the
           thoughts
           and
           intentions
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           are
           so
           far
           from
           being
           a
           secret
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           better
           acquainted
           with
           them
           ,
           than
           we
           are
           our selves
           ;
           
             he
             understands
             them
             afar
             off
          
           ,
           even
           before
           we
           have
           conceived
           them
           :
           and
           there
           is
           a
           powerful
           Reason
           for
           it
           ,
           since
           
             he
             hath
             fashioned
             us
             behind
             and
             before
             ,
             he
             hath
             possessed
             our
             reins
             ,
             and
             our
             substance
             was
             not
             hid
             from
             him
             when
             we
             were
             made
             in
             secret
             ;
             for
             his
             Eyes
             saw
             it
             ,
             yet
             being
             unperfect
             in
             the
             Embryo
             .
          
           And
           it
           is
           no
           wonder
           that
           he
           should
           be
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Work
           of
           his
           own
           Hands
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           know
           us
           better
           than
           we
           do
           our selves
           ,
           since
           we
           are
           a
           Wonder
           to
           our selves
           ,
           the
           Structure
           of
           
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           the
           use
           and
           service
           of
           every
           particular
           Vessel
           ,
           with
           the
           Artifice
           and
           Powers
           of
           Sense
           ,
           are
           things
           beyond
           our
           Capacity
           to
           explain
           or
           understand
           ;
           much
           more
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           our
           nobler
           part
           the
           Soul
           ,
           by
           what
           secret
           and
           mysterious
           tyes
           it
           is
           united
           to
           the
           Body
           ,
           by
           what
           power
           it
           actuates
           and
           enlivens
           our
           mortal
           Clay
           ;
           
             such
             knowledge
             is
             too
             wonderful
             for
             us
             ,
             we
             cannot
             attain
             unto
             it
             .
          
           But
           with
           God
           it
           is
           no
           more
           than
           for
           a
           VVorkman
           to
           understand
           what
           he
           hath
           wrought
           when
           his
           VVork
           is
           finished
           .
           'T
           is
           in
           vain
           therefore
           to
           think
           of
           concealing
           our selves
           from
           our
           Creator
           ,
           in
           whose
           sight
           and
           presence
           we
           continually
           remain
           ;
           we
           cannot
           hide
           our selves
           in
           secret
           places
           where
           he
           shall
           not
           see
           us
           ;
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           refuge
           ,
           where
           we
           may
           shun
           
             his
             Spirit
          
           ,
           or
           avoid
           
             his
             Presence
             :
             If
             we
             ascend
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             he
             is
             there
             ;
             if
             we
             make
             our
             bed
             in
             Hell
             ,
             he
             is
             there
             also
             .
          
           Not
           that
           he
           follows
           us
           to
           either
           ,
           but
           is
           already
           there
           before
           us
           .
           And
           if
           neither
           of
           these
           can
           shelter
           us
           ,
           much
           less
           can
           
             the
             utmost
             parts
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             or
             the
             depth
             of
             the
             Sea
             conceal
             us
             :
          
           Neither
           
             can
             the
             Darkness
             cover
             us
             ,
             for
             that
             and
             the
             Light
             to
             him
             are
             both
             alike
             :
          
           So
           that
           he
           sees
           all
           things
           where
           he
           is
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           in
           several
           respects
           .
           As
           first
           ,
           by
           his
           Essence
           ,
           the
           extent
           whereof
           is
           no
           more
           
           to
           be
           measured
           by
           our
           notion
           of
           place
           ,
           than
           the
           duration
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           eternal
           ,
           by
           our
           account
           of
           Time.
           It
           was
           a
           right
           Notion
           which
           Virgil
           had
           of
           God's
           essential
           Presence
           ,
           and
           good
           Divinity
           ,
           though
           misapplied
           to
           Iupiter
           ;
           that
           all
           things
           were
           full
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           his
           Nature
           was
           not
           to
           be
           circumscribed
           by
           our
           narrow
           Apprehension
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           might
           with
           as
           much
           reason
           be
           totally
           excluded
           from
           all
           the
           Universe
           ,
           as
           from
           the
           least
           part
           or
           angle
           of
           it
           .
           Nor
           is
           he
           present
           only
           as
           an
           idle
           Spectator
           among
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           or
           employed
           in
           doing
           them
           any
           injury
           ;
           his
           Goodness
           is
           as
           largely
           extended
           as
           his
           Presence
           ,
           and
           more
           communicative
           of
           it self
           .
           Which
           will
           appear
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           ,
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           every
           where
           by
           his
           Operation
           and
           Influence
           ;
           that
           
             in
             him
             we
             live
             ,
             and
             move
             ,
             and
             have
             our
             being
             .
          
           And
           thirdly
           ,
           That
           he
           is
           every
           where
           by
           his
           Providence
           ;
           that
           care
           which
           he
           continually
           manifests
           for
           the
           Welfare
           and
           Preservation
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           in
           
             filling
             them
             with
             plenteousness
          
           ,
           which
           makes
           
             the
             Eyes
             of
             all
             things
             wait
             upon
             him
             .
          
        
         
           But
           how
           little
           soever
           we
           may
           think
           our selves
           concern'd
           in
           these
           respects
           of
           God's
           Omnipresence
           ,
           there
           is
           another
           which
           we
           must
           consider
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           his
           being
           every
           
           where
           ,
           and
           always
           present
           with
           us
           as
           a
           Witness
           of
           our
           Actions
           .
        
         
           
             He
             sees
             our
             Ways
             ,
             and
             counts
             all
             our
             Steps
          
           ;
           if
           we
           have
           
             walked
             in
             vanity
          
           ,
           or
           
             our
             Feet
             have
             hasted
             to
             deceit
          
           ;
           if
           our
           
             steps
             have
             turned
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             our
             hearts
             rambled
             after
             our
             eyes
             ;
             he
             weighs
             us
             in
             an
             even
             balance
          
           ;
           and
           there
           is
           
             no
             darkness
             nor
             shadow
             of
             death
             where
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             may
             hide
             themselves
             ,
          
           or
           their
           wicked
           deeds
           
             from
             him
          
           :
           For
           he
           is
           concerned
           to
           have
           his
           Laws
           obeyed
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           an
           impartial
           Justice
           ,
           by
           rewarding
           all
           the
           Observers
           ,
           and
           punishing
           all
           the
           Transgressors
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           therefore
           is
           present
           with
           every
           one
           ,
           and
           strictly
           notes
           his
           Actions
           ,
           whether
           good
           or
           bad
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           know
           his
           Integrity
           ,
           and
           not
           fail
           to
           give
           him
           a
           suitable
           Recompence
           .
           Now
           the
           Judgment
           that
           is
           made
           of
           any
           Action
           ,
           depends
           chiefly
           upon
           the
           Actor's
           design
           and
           intention
           in
           it
           ;
           the
           sincerity
           or
           insincerity
           of
           which
           ,
           is
           not
           easily
           discernable
           by
           Man
           ;
           since
           by
           subtle
           Reserves
           ,
           we
           keep
           our
           little
           World
           incognito
           ,
           and
           free
           from
           the
           Discoveries
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           requisite
           that
           ,
           as
           
             we
             have
             nothing
             ,
             but
             what
             we
             have
             received
             from
             God
             ,
          
           so
           we
           should
           have
           nothing
           ,
           but
           what
           should
           be
           liable
           to
           his
           Observation
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           be
           punished
           and
           rewarded
           by
           him
           ,
           not
           according
           
           to
           the
           appearance
           ,
           but
           the
           reality
           of
           our
           Deserts
           ,
           which
           can
           never
           be
           truly
           understood
           by
           Men
           ,
           or
           recompensed
           by
           humane
           Laws
           ,
           but
           can
           as
           little
           escape
           his
           fight
           and
           animadversion
           ,
           to
           whom
           all
           Hearts
           are
           open
           ,
           and
           from
           whom
           no
           secrets
           are
           hid
           .
           And
           since
           no
           place
           of
           retirement
           ,
           can
           conceal
           us
           ,
           no
           cunning
           disguise
           us
           from
           his
           knowledge
           :
           and
           since
           he
           is
           a
           Judge
           to
           punish
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           a
           Witness
           to
           remark
           our
           Ways
           ;
           how
           ought
           this
           Consideration
           to
           put
           a
           restraint
           upon
           us
           from
           entertaining
           
             wicked
             thoughts
          
           which
           
             are
             an
             abomination
             to
             him
          
           ;
           from
           uttering
           
             idle
             words
          
           ;
           for
           every
           one
           of
           which
           we
           shall
           
             give
             an
             account
             in
             the
          
           Day
           of
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           from
           working
           Iniquity
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           
             our
             ruine
          
           ,
           in
           so
           agust
           and
           terrible
           a
           Presence
           ?
        
         
           How
           shall
           we
           dare
           to
           attempt
           or
           design
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           ill
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           give
           our selves
           leave
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           how
           private
           soever
           we
           are
           ,
           how
           closely
           soever
           secured
           from
           the
           Eyes
           of
           Men
           ,
           yet
           an
           avenging
           God
           stands
           by
           and
           sees
           us
           ;
           a
           God
           who
           
             will
             bring
             every
             work
             to
             judgment
             ,
             with
             every
             secret
             thing
             ?
          
           He
           must
           be
           a
           bold
           Thief
           who
           would
           venture
           to
           steal
           before
           a
           Judge
           ;
           and
           there
           are
           no
           Men
           so
           prostigate
           and
           rude
           ,
           into
           whom
           the
           Presence
           of
           an
           earthly
           Prince
           would
           not
           strike
           an
           awe
           ,
           and
           deter
           
           them
           from
           the
           violation
           of
           his
           Precepts
           to
           his
           Face
           .
           Nay
           ,
           the
           company
           of
           some
           grave
           serious
           Person
           ,
           to
           whom
           an
           unwilling
           deference
           is
           paid
           ,
           shall
           restrain
           the
           lewdest
           and
           profanest
           Wretches
           ,
           and
           confine
           them
           within
           the
           bounds
           of
           Modesty
           and
           good
           Manners
           :
           And
           shall
           we
           have
           a
           greater
           Dread
           and
           Reverence
           for
           a
           temporal
           and
           momentany
           Authority
           ,
           and
           respect
           frail
           man
           meerly
           on
           the
           account
           of
           his
           God-like
           Power
           and
           Qualities
           ,
           more
           than
           him
           who
           is
           the
           Author
           of
           that
           Power
           ,
           and
           the
           Original
           of
           those
           Perfections
           ?
           If
           we
           are
           afraid
           to
           have
           our
           Fellow-creatures
           conscious
           of
           our
           Crimes
           ,
           why
           do
           not
           we
           stand
           more
           in
           awe
           of
           the
           most
           effectual
           Witness
           ,
           God
           himself
           ?
           Is
           it
           because
           we
           think
           he
           will
           keep
           our
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           never
           publish
           or
           divulge
           our
           Secrets
           ?
           Let
           not
           that
           unhappy
           Mistake
           abuse
           us
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           well
           for
           us
           indeed
           ,
           if
           the
           reason
           of
           God's
           continual
           Presence
           with
           us
           ,
           were
           only
           to
           be
           informed
           of
           our
           Doings
           ,
           and
           to
           satisfie
           his
           Curiosity
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           would
           be
           content
           with
           making
           Remarks
           upon
           our
           Actions
           ,
           without
           giving
           us
           any
           farther
           trouble
           ;
           but
           we
           may
           be
           sure
           the
           end
           of
           his
           Presence
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           Knowledge
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           do
           us
           justice
           ,
           which
           he
           doth
           not
           always
           defer
           till
           the
           
           Great
           Day
           of
           
             General
             Accounts
          
           ,
           when
           
             the
             secret
             of
             all
             hearts
             shall
             be
             disclosed
             :
          
           For
           we
           see
           often
           ,
           the
           closest
           Sinners
           ,
           who
           have
           committed
           their
           Wickedness
           with
           the
           greatest
           secrecy
           imaginable
           ,
           and
           thought
           themselves
           secure
           ,
           because
           no
           mortal
           Eye
           cou'd
           detect
           or
           ●●cuse
           them
           ;
           have
           been
           discovered
           purely
           by
           Providence
           :
           And
           the
           most
           exquisite
           Hypocrites
           have
           in
           time
           had
           their
           Vizards
           taken
           off
           ,
           by
           the
           hand
           of
           an
           over-ruling
           Power
           ;
           whose
           Wise
           Disposal
           is
           never
           more
           conspicuous
           ,
           than
           in
           giving
           such
           Dissemblers
           and
           Triflers
           their
           due
           reward
           .
           But
           if
           none
           of
           these
           extraordinary
           events
           should
           happen
           ,
           yet
           is
           not
           the
           Vengeance
           of
           that
           
             Day
             in
             which
             he
             will
             judge
             the
             world
             with
             righteousness
             ,
          
           to
           be
           at
           all
           rever'd
           and
           dreaded
           ?
           Is
           not
           that
           
             shame
             and
             confusion
             of
             face
          
           ,
           which
           will
           then
           come
           on
           all
           ,
           especially
           secret
           Sinners
           ;
           over
           and
           above
           the
           sentence
           of
           Eternal
           Punishment
           ,
           to
           be
           regarded
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           when
           our
           secret
           Sins
           shall
           be
           laid
           as
           open
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           Angels
           ,
           Men
           ,
           and
           Devils
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           to
           God
           before
           ?
           When
           
             whatsoever
             hath
             been
             done
             in
             secret
             shall
             be
             proclaimed
             upon
             the
             house-top
          
           ;
           and
           we
           shall
           find
           too
           late
           ,
           that
           all
           our
           dissimulation
           served
           only
           to
           expose
           us
           the
           more
           at
           last
           .
        
         
         
           If
           then
           we
           would
           gain
           Esteem
           and
           Credit
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           if
           we
           would
           escape
           Contempt
           and
           Ignominy
           both
           here
           and
           before
           the
           Great
           Tribunal
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           prove
           our selves
           true
           and
           faithful
           Servants
           of
           our
           Master
           ;
           the
           only
           way
           is
           to
           have
           this
           Thought
           always
           in
           our
           Minds
           ,
           that
           whether
           we
           are
           allured
           and
           tempted
           to
           any
           Evil
           by
           privacy
           and
           opportunity
           ;
           or
           whether
           we
           are
           moved
           to
           any
           Good
           ,
           whether
           publick
           or
           private
           ;
           we
           are
           in
           God's
           sight
           ,
           
             who
             sees
             in
             secret
             ,
             and
             will
             reward
             us
             openly
             .
          
           It
           is
           certain
           we
           do
           not
           neglect
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           on
           this
           account
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           being
           reminded
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           God
           complains
           of
           our
           little
           regard
           to
           his
           taking
           notice
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           
             that
             we
             consider
             not
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             that
             he
             considers
             all
             our
             Wickedness
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             before
             his
             Face
             ,
          
           Hos.
           7.2
           .
           He
           cannot
           but
           admire
           that
           we
           should
           forget
           what
           he
           remembers
           ,
           especially
           when
           our
           remembring
           our
           Sins
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           effectual
           means
           to
           make
           him
           think
           on
           them
           no
           more
           ;
           or
           that
           we
           should
           never
           look
           back
           to
           that
           which
           is
           still
           before
           his
           Face
           ,
           as
           if
           that
           which
           will
           expose
           us
           to
           his
           Fury
           ,
           were
           not
           worth
           our
           concern
           or
           regard
           .
           If
           then
           our
           Ways
           are
           considered
           by
           him
           ,
           who
           raised
           us
           out
           of
           the
           Dust
           ,
           and
           can
           with
           a
           Frown
           reduce
           us
           to
           our
           primitive
           Nothing
           :
           
           Nay
           ,
           if
           he
           ,
           who
           
             cannot
             only
             kill
             the
             Body
             ,
             but
             cast
             both
             Body
             and
             Soul
             into
             Hell-fire
             eternally
             ;
             sets
             our
             Misdeeds
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             our
             secret
             Sins
             in
             the
             light
             of
             his
             Countenance
             :
          
           Sure
           this
           is
           reason
           enough
           to
           prevail
           with
           us
           to
           stay
           awhile
           and
           peruse
           some
           few
           Lines
           in
           the
           Volume
           of
           our selves
           ,
           to
           employ
           our
           Thoughts
           a
           little
           in
           reflecting
           on
           our
           Ways
           ,
           lest
           by
           the
           neglect
           of
           that
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           suffer
           for
           them
           .
        
         
           A
           Second
           Reason
           for
           
             our
             thinking
             on
             our
             Ways
          
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           Satan
           is
           a
           curious
           Inquisitor
           into
           them
           :
           For
           by
           his
           Answer
           to
           the
           Question
           which
           God
           propounded
           ,
           
             Hast
             thou
             considered
             my
             Servant
             Iob
             ?
          
           It
           is
           very
           easie
           to
           collect
           ,
           that
           Iob
           was
           no
           stranger
           to
           his
           Observation
           :
           He
           cou'd
           familiarly
           recount
           what
           Disbursements
           the
           Bounty
           of
           Heaven
           had
           made
           in
           favour
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           repeat
           the
           whole
           Catalogue
           of
           the
           Mercies
           he
           had
           received
           ;
           how
           he
           was
           incircled
           in
           the
           Arms
           of
           Providence
           ,
           and
           seated
           in
           a
           Confluence
           of
           Enjoyments
           .
           For
           
             compassing
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             going
             to
             and
             fro
             in
             it
             ,
          
           is
           his
           perpetual
           business
           ,
           and
           the
           design
           of
           all
           his
           Travel
           is
           to
           make
           Discoveries
           of
           
             what
             he
             may
             devour
          
           .
           Now
           we
           know
           he
           is
           our
           professed
           Adversary
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           irreconcilable
           
             Enmity
             between
             the
             Seed
             of
             the
             Woman
             and
             the
             Serpent
             ,
          
           which
           puts
           him
           
           upon
           unwearied
           undertakings
           to
           destroy
           us
           :
           For
           as
           he
           delights
           in
           Sin
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           repugnant
           to
           God's
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           abominable
           in
           his
           sight
           ;
           so
           he
           hates
           us
           on
           God's
           account
           ,
           because
           we
           bear
           his
           Image
           and
           resemblance
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           so
           wholly
           defaced
           in
           Man
           as
           in
           himself
           .
           'T
           is
           his
           design
           therefore
           to
           destroy
           the
           least
           Representation
           of
           that
           Image
           ,
           where
           he
           finds
           it
           ;
           and
           this
           he
           endeavours
           ,
           first
           as
           a
           Tempter
           ,
           to
           entice
           us
           to
           commit
           Wickedness
           ,
           and
           then
           as
           an
           Informer
           to
           betray
           us
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           his
           whole
           business
           to
           render
           us
           as
           odious
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           made
           himself
           .
           We
           have
           an
           Instance
           of
           this
           in
           Iob
           ;
           for
           though
           God
           was
           pleased
           to
           declare
           the
           Satisfaction
           he
           had
           concerning
           the
           Vprightness
           and
           Perfection
           of
           that
           holy
           Man
           ,
           yet
           the
           Devil's
           Malice
           and
           Impudence
           was
           so
           great
           ,
           that
           he
           pretended
           to
           know
           more
           of
           him
           ,
           than
           God
           himself
           ;
           and
           he
           undertook
           to
           discover
           an
           Evil
           in
           him
           ,
           which
           was
           undeserved
           by
           his
           All-seeing
           Eye
           .
           So
           that
           to
           execute
           and
           indulge
           his
           Malice
           in
           our
           Ruine
           ,
           he
           is
           never
           idle
           ,
           but
           still
           enquiring
           into
           our
           ways
           ,
           to
           find
           how
           he
           may
           endanger
           us
           :
           And
           he
           meets
           no
           difficulty
           in
           the
           undertaking
           ,
           the
           Temperament
           ,
           Composure
           ,
           and
           Natural
           Disposition
           of
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           lye
           more
           open
           to
           his
           View
           ,
           than
           to
           
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           most
           exquisite
           Physician
           ;
           he
           can
           interpret
           the
           silent
           language
           of
           a
           Blush
           ,
           and
           shrewdly
           guess
           at
           the
           true
           Original
           of
           a
           Sigh
           ;
           and
           the
           Source
           of
           our
           Tears
           ,
           though
           to
           others
           ,
           as
           undiscoverable
           as
           the
           Head
           of
           Nile
           ,
           is
           easily
           found
           out
           by
           him
           .
           By
           the
           disturbances
           of
           our
           Sleep
           ,
           and
           those
           various
           Agitations
           whereby
           we
           do
           almost
           render
           our
           Dreams
           intelligible
           ,
           he
           is
           able
           to
           make
           very
           near
           Conjectures
           ,
           by
           what
           Methods
           he
           may
           best
           ensnare
           us
           ,
           and
           lays
           those
           Baits
           before
           us
           ,
           which
           he
           finds
           most
           agreeable
           to
           our
           Appetites
           .
           He
           is
           a
           critical
           Overseer
           of
           our
           Performances
           ,
           and
           either
           endeavours
           to
           vitiate
           and
           corrupt
           ,
           whatever
           he
           sees
           good
           ,
           or
           accuses
           us
           to
           our selves
           and
           Heaven
           ,
           for
           whatever
           he
           finds
           amiss
           .
           If
           he
           beholds
           Fervency
           and
           Devotion
           in
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           he
           fills
           us
           with
           wandring
           Thoughts
           to
           cool
           and
           interrupt
           it
           ;
           if
           he
           perceives
           in
           us
           a
           religious
           Observance
           of
           God's
           Laws
           ,
           and
           a
           consciencious
           Diligence
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           our
           Christian
           Duty
           ,
           he
           perswades
           us
           to
           believe
           that
           it
           is
           needless
           ,
           as
           he
           once
           did
           our
           first
           Parents
           ;
           and
           that
           though
           we
           remit
           of
           the
           exactness
           of
           our
           Obedience
           ,
           
             we
             shall
             not
             surely
             die
          
           ;
           and
           then
           if
           he
           prevails
           upon
           upon
           us
           to
           eat
           any
           forbidden
           Fruit
           ,
           to
           transgress
           the
           Commandments
           of
           our
           
           God
           ,
           he
           presently
           gives
           us
           the
           shameful
           Prospect
           of
           our
           Nakedness
           ,
           possesses
           us
           with
           Dread
           and
           Trembling
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           
             hide
             our selves
             from
             the
             Presence
             of
             the
             Almighty
             .
          
           Or
           if
           for
           awhile
           he
           lets
           us
           please
           our selves
           in
           a
           belief
           ,
           that
           
             we
             are
             become
             as
             Gods
          
           ,
           when
           indeed
           we
           are
           nearest
           to
           the
           state
           of
           Devils
           ;
           yet
           ,
           he
           will
           at
           some
           time
           set
           our
           Sins
           before
           us
           ,
           perhaps
           when
           we
           are
           weary
           of
           his
           bondage
           ,
           and
           begin
           to
           look
           towards
           Heaven
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           despair
           of
           reception
           there
           ;
           or
           ,
           if
           not
           when
           we
           would
           part
           with
           him
           ,
           yet
           when
           we
           are
           taking
           a
           farewel
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           Then
           he
           ,
           who
           before
           
             sewed
             Pillows
             to
             our
             Elbows
          
           ,
           will
           stuff
           our
           Death-beds
           full
           of
           Thorns
           ,
           and
           fill
           our
           Souls
           with
           the
           torturing
           recollection
           of
           our
           Wickedness
           ,
           making
           us
           to
           
             remember
             our
             own
             evil
             ways
             ,
             and
             our
             doings
             that
             were
             not
             good
          
           ;
           so
           that
           
             we
             shall
             loath
             our selves
          
           in
           our
           own
           sight
           ,
           
             for
             our
             Iniquities
             ,
             and
             for
             our
             Abominations
             .
          
           Our
           abuse
           of
           God's
           Mercies
           ,
           our
           neglect
           of
           holy
           Duties
           ,
           our
           deafness
           to
           the
           Overtures
           of
           Grace
           ,
           our
           disregard
           of
           Threatnings
           ,
           our
           incorrigibleness
           under
           Judgments
           ,
           our
           profuse
           expence
           of
           Time
           ,
           our
           breach
           of
           Vows
           and
           Resolutions
           of
           Amendment
           ,
           and
           our
           Wickedness
           and
           Rebellion
           of
           every
           kind
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           frightful
           Topicks
           to
           furnish
           
           him
           with
           Arguments
           to
           make
           us
           conclude
           against
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           lost
           for
           ever
           ,
           and
           that
           our
           Life
           and
           Hope
           is
           perished
           from
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           And
           if
           he
           shall
           not
           thus
           be
           able
           to
           affright
           and
           drive
           us
           into
           Despair
           ,
           or
           rob
           us
           of
           our
           Spiritual
           Consolations
           ;
           yet
           the
           sense
           and
           satisfaction
           of
           them
           will
           be
           much
           lessened
           and
           allayed
           .
           Nor
           can
           we
           doubt
           the
           extent
           of
           this
           our
           Adversary's
           Knowledge
           ,
           to
           be
           thus
           vast
           ,
           or
           his
           employing
           i●
           to
           this
           pernicious
           end
           ;
           if
           we
           consider
           his
           Nature
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           a
           Spirit
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Essence
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           Sublimity
           of
           that
           ,
           arrives
           at
           his
           extraordinary
           Knowledge
           ,
           besides
           the
           acquired
           Experience
           of
           long
           Practice
           .
           So
           that
           by
           his
           Power
           we
           find
           that
           he
           is
           great
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Rank
           of
           the
           first
           Creatures
           :
           But
           he
           is
           an
           evil
           Spirit
           too
           ,
           fallen
           from
           the
           highest
           Degree
           of
           Eminency
           ,
           to
           the
           lowest
           Abyss
           of
           Misery
           ,
           and
           fraught
           with
           an
           inveterate
           Malice
           against
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           Creator
           ,
           which
           he
           can
           vent
           no
           otherwise
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           ruine
           of
           his
           most
           endeared
           Creature
           Man
           ,
           that
           so
           he
           may
           affront
           God
           in
           his
           Representative
           .
           And
           if
           it
           seems
           strange
           to
           us
           that
           the
           Eye
           which
           
             runs
             through
             the
             whole
             Earth
          
           ,
           and
           surveys
           in
           an
           instant
           the
           largest
           extent
           of
           all
           Things
           ,
           should
           require
           ,
           or
           allow
           the
           
           help
           of
           an
           Informer
           ;
           we
           shall
           find
           it
           designed
           for
           our
           Advantage
           ;
           that
           the
           fear
           of
           such
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           might
           make
           us
           the
           more
           cautious
           of
           our
           Ways
           ;
           since
           it
           is
           requisite
           for
           our
           safety
           ,
           to
           have
           Enemies
           to
           upbraid
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           Friends
           to
           instruct
           us
           :
           And
           if
           we
           are
           wise
           ,
           we
           shall
           make
           an
           Advantage
           of
           the
           Devil's
           Enmity
           ;
           and
           
             the
             roaring
             of
             this
             Lion
          
           should
           make
           us
           learn
           of
           
             the
             Beasts
             of
             the
             Forest
             ,
             to
             tremble
             and
             be
             afraid
             to
             commit
             any
             thing
             ,
          
           that
           will
           give
           him
           opportunity
           to
           encrease
           his
           noise
           against
           us
           ,
           or
           get
           us
           into
           his
           power
           .
        
         
           A
           Third
           Reason
           why
           we
           should
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           Wicked-men
           take
           notice
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           The
           Psalmist
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             the
             wicked
             watcheth
          
           ,
           (
           the
           Latin
           Translation
           is
           ,
           
             considereth
             )
             the
             righteous
          
           ,
           Psalm
           37.32
           .
           for
           Wicked-men
           have
           a
           near
           resemblance
           of
           
             their
             Father
             the
             Devil
          
           ;
           and
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           fond
           of
           proving
           themselves
           his
           Sons
           ,
           are
           exact
           Imitators
           of
           his
           Works
           :
           For
           as
           
             the
             Devil
             goeth
             about
             as
             a
             roaring
             Lion
             ,
             seeking
             whom
             he
             may
             devour
          
           ;
           so
           
             the
             wicked
             lieth
             in
             wait
             secretly
             as
             a
             Lion
             in
             his
             Den
             ,
             to
             catch
             the
             poor
             .
             They
             watch
             for
             our
             Souls
             ,
          
           not
           as
           our
           Spiritual
           Teachers
           are
           said
           to
           do
           ,
           but
           as
           God
           threatens
           Israel
           he
           will
           do
           ,
           
             for
             evil
             ,
             and
             not
             for
             good
             ,
          
           Jer.
           44.27
           .
           with
           the
           same
           
           diligence
           ,
           and
           no
           less
           ill
           design
           ,
           that
           made
           the
           Prophet
           complain
           ,
           
             his
             familiars
             watched
             for
             his
             halting
             ,
          
           Jer.
           20.10
           .
           for
           the
           Wicked
           are
           delighted
           at
           the
           Failings
           of
           the
           Just
           ,
           and
           pleased
           to
           find
           occasion
           of
           
             sharpening
             their
             Reproaches
             against
             them
          
           .
           Which
           made
           David
           pray
           ,
           to
           
             have
             his
             Eyes
             enlightned
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             not
             sleep
             the
             sleep
             of
             death
             ,
             lest
             his
             Enemies
             should
             say
             ,
             they
             had
             prevailed
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             troubled
             him
             should
             rejoyce
             when
             he
             was
             moved
             ,
          
           Psalm
           13.3
           ,
           4.
           
           Nay
           ,
           such
           is
           their
           Malice
           ,
           that
           where
           they
           have
           no
           real
           Objection
           ,
           they
           will
           invent
           Pretences
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           way
           to
           blast
           us
           where
           they
           do
           not
           find
           one
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           dealing
           with
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           who
           cry'd
           ,
           
             Report
             ,
             and
             we
             will
             report
             it
             .
          
           They
           hope
           that
           a
           bold
           Calumny
           will
           gain
           belief
           ,
           or
           if
           it
           cannot
           ruine
           the
           Credit
           of
           good
           Men
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           yet
           it
           may
           at
           least
           bring
           their
           Innocence
           into
           suspicion
           .
           Nor
           is
           this
           all
           ,
           their
           Hatred
           hath
           a
           farther
           aim
           ;
           for
           the
           Reproaches
           that
           seem
           directed
           against
           the
           persons
           of
           the
           Righteous
           ,
           are
           as
           well
           designed
           against
           their
           Profession
           ,
           and
           Religion
           is
           wounded
           thro'
           the
           sides
           of
           its
           Adherents
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           by
           his
           miraculous
           Descent
           on
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           inspired
           them
           with
           the
           
             Gift
             of
             various
             Tongues
          
           ,
           to
           speak
           
           
             the
             wonderful
             things
             of
             God
          
           :
           How
           ready
           were
           the
           Iews
           to
           impute
           it
           to
           excess
           of
           Wine
           and
           Drunkenness
           ?
           And
           even
           the
           spotless
           irreproachable
           Life
           of
           the
           Holy
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           immaculate
           Lamb
           of
           God
           ,
           could
           not
           escape
           the
           evil
           Eye
           of
           the
           Pharisees
           ,
           who
           observed
           and
           
             watched
             him
          
           ,
           not
           to
           take
           example
           by
           him
           ,
           but
           to
           traduce
           and
           vilifie
           him
           ,
           to
           find
           an
           occasion
           of
           bringing
           
             an
             Accusation
             against
             him
          
           ,
           and
           mis-representing
           him
           to
           the
           World.
           For
           the
           Righteous
           
             are
             not
             of
             the
             World
          
           ,
           and
           therefore
           are
           hated
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           ground
           of
           this
           hatred
           which
           makes
           the
           Wicked
           lye
           in
           wait
           for
           them
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             because
             they
             are
             not
             for
             their
             turn
             ,
             but
             directly
             contrary
             to
             the
             ir
             doings
             ,
             they
             upbraid
             them
             with
             their
             offending
             of
             the
             law
             ,
             and
             object
             to
             their
             infamy
             ,
             the
             Transgressions
             of
             their
             Education
             ,
          
           Wisd.
           2.13
           .
           As
           the
           Piety
           of
           a
           good
           Man's
           life
           ,
           has
           no
           communication
           with
           the
           Wickedness
           of
           the
           Ungodly's
           Ways
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           a
           silent
           Reproof
           of
           their
           Irregularities
           and
           ill
           Conduct
           ,
           and
           they
           hate
           the
           Light
           of
           those
           holy
           Performances
           which
           discovers
           the
           Impurity
           of
           theirs
           :
           Wherefore
           they
           watch
           his
           Goings
           ,
           that
           if
           he
           slips
           ,
           they
           may
           reproach
           him
           with
           it
           ,
           in
           hope
           that
           the
           aggravating
           his
           errors
           ,
           will
           help
           to
           extenuate
           their
           own
           .
        
         
           And
           while
           as
           the
           Psalmist
           speaks
           ,
           
             They
             
             set
             their
             mouth
             against
             the
             Heavens
             ,
          
           Psalm
           73.9
           .
           We
           cannot
           wonder
           
             their
             Tongue
             should
             walk
             through
             the
             Earth
             ,
          
           to
           defame
           the
           Candidates
           of
           Heaven
           .
           But
           the
           less
           occasion
           they
           have
           for
           their
           Malice
           ,
           the
           less
           trouble
           it
           will
           give
           us
           ;
           and
           while
           their
           Endeavours
           are
           employed
           to
           blacken
           and
           expose
           us
           ,
           let
           ours
           be
           as
           busie
           to
           defeat
           and
           disappoint
           them
           .
           Thus
           we
           shall
           tire
           their
           Spight
           ,
           
             put
             their
             Ignorance
             to
             silence
          
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           at
           last
           
             ashamed
             ,
             having
             no
             evil
             thing
             to
             say
             against
             us
             .
          
           But
           if
           we
           find
           that
           we
           have
           given
           occasion
           for
           their
           Accusations
           ,
           we
           have
           the
           greater
           reason
           to
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           and
           look
           into
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           remove
           the
           Cause
           of
           an
           Effect
           so
           intolerable
           to
           us
           .
           And
           thus
           our
           Enemies
           may
           be-friend
           us
           ;
           nay
           Malice
           it self
           be
           as
           advantageous
           as
           the
           greatest
           Kindness
           ,
           and
           by
           upbraiding
           us
           with
           our
           Errours
           ,
           prevail
           with
           us
           to
           correct
           them
           sooner
           than
           perhaps
           we
           would
           at
           the
           instance
           of
           our
           most
           endear'd
           Associates
           .
           As
           
           Saul's
           design
           to
           ruine
           David
           ,
           by
           putting
           him
           upon
           dangerous
           Enterprizes
           ,
           made
           him
           more
           beloved
           in
           Israel
           ,
           and
           
             his
             Name
             precious
             through
             the
             Kingdom
          
           :
           So
           we
           shall
           be
           exalted
           and
           illustrated
           in
           the
           Piety
           and
           Eminency
           of
           our
           Conversation
           ,
           by
           the
           Endeavours
           of
           Wicked-men
           to
           lessen
           and
           eclipse
           
           us
           ;
           their
           nicer
           Observation
           will
           discover
           to
           us
           those
           Blemishes
           in
           our selves
           ,
           which
           have
           at
           any
           time
           escaped
           our
           own
           Inspection
           ;
           and
           while
           they
           
             wait
             for
             us
             to
             destroy
             us
             ,
          
           they
           will
           send
           us
           to
           
             consider
             God's
             Testimonies
          
           .
        
         
           A
           Fourth
           Reason
           for
           our
           thinking
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           there
           will
           come
           a
           time
           when
           we
           shall
           heartily
           repent
           the
           neglect
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           wish
           our
           Thoughts
           had
           been
           so
           employed
           .
           
             These
             things
             thou
             did'st
          
           (
           saith
           God
           to
           the
           Wicked
           )
           Psalm
           50.21
           .
           
             and
             I
             kept
             silence
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             reprove
             thee
             ,
             and
             set
             thy
             sins
             in
             order
             before
             thee
             .
          
           God's
           silence
           will
           not
           last
           for
           ever
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           a
           time
           for
           him
           to
           speak
           and
           to
           reprove
           ,
           when
           
             he
             shall
             smite
             the
             Earth
             with
             the
             Rod
             of
             his
             Mouth
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             Breath
             of
             his
             Lips
             shall
             slay
             the
             Wicked
          
           :
           for
           though
           he
           be
           a
           
             righteous
             Iudge
             ,
             strong
             and
             patient
             ,
          
           a
           God
           that
           
             will
             not
             always
             be
             chiding
          
           ;
           yet
           to
           be
           
             provoked
             every
             day
          
           ,
           to
           be
           continually
           made
           to
           
             serve
             with
             our
             sins
             ,
             and
             wearied
             with
             our
             iniquities
             ,
          
           will
           turn
           his
           Patience
           into
           Wrath
           and
           Indignation
           ;
           then
           he
           shall
           
             arise
             as
             one
             out
             of
             sleep
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             Giant
             refreshed
             with
             Wine
             :
          
           then
           he
           shall
           bring
           Distress
           and
           Anguish
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           
             eat
             the
             fruit
             of
             our
             own
             ways
             ,
          
           and
           be
           
             filled
             with
             our
             own
             devices
          
           .
           Will
           it
           not
           be
           a
           terrifying
           Scene
           ,
           
           when
           God
           opens
           the
           black
           Catalogue
           of
           our
           Sins
           before
           our
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           calls
           it
           over
           in
           our
           hearing
           ;
           when
           he
           taxes
           us
           with
           Sins
           of
           Omission
           and
           of
           Commission
           ,
           with
           secret
           and
           with
           open
           Perpetrations
           ;
           with
           Sins
           of
           Ignorance
           and
           Inadvertency
           ,
           and
           with
           wilful
           and
           deliberate
           Transgressions
           ?
           Then
           we
           shall
           be
           severely
           punished
           for
           the
           evil
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           because
           we
           would
           not
           think
           upon
           them
           time
           enough
           to
           amend
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           neglect
           of
           employing
           our
           thoughts
           in
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           will
           be
           insupportable
           to
           us
           upon
           several
           accounts
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           When
           we
           think
           upon
           the
           happy
           Condition
           of
           those
           who
           faithfully
           performed
           this
           Duty
           ,
           and
           had
           their
           
             Sins
             ever
             before
             them
          
           ,
           to
           reform
           them
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           Iews
           ,
           that
           
             there
             shall
             be
             weeping
             and
             wailing
             ,
             and
             gnashing
             of
             teeth
             among
             them
             ,
          
           when
           
             they
             shall
             see
          
           Abraham
           and
           Isaac
           ,
           and
           Jacob
           ,
           
             and
             all
             the
             Prophets
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             themselves
             thrust
             out
             ,
          
           St.
           Luke
           13.28
           .
           What
           an
           aggravation
           of
           our
           Misery
           will
           it
           be
           to
           see
           some
           who
           have
           been
           our
           Fellow-Citizens
           on
           Earth
           ,
           made
           Denizons
           of
           the
           
             New
             Ierusalem
          
           ,
           while
           we
           are
           excluded
           the
           Society
           ?
           How
           shall
           we
           afflict
           our selves
           ,
           when
           we
           see
           some
           of
           our
           
           own
           Family
           received
           into
           the
           
             Houshold
             of
             God
          
           ,
           while
           we
           are
           not
           allowed
           to
           
             tarry
             in
             his
             sight
          
           ?
           what
           Heat
           will
           it
           add
           to
           the
           unquenchable
           Flames
           wherein
           we
           burn
           ,
           to
           look
           on
           some
           who
           have
           been
           our
           Familiars
           and
           Intimates
           ,
           invited
           into
           endless
           Joys
           ,
           while
           a
           sad
           separation
           ,
           as
           distant
           and
           remote
           as
           Hell
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           is
           made
           between
           us
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           be
           sentenced
           to
           
             depart
             into
             everlasting
             Fire
          
           ?
           shall
           not
           the
           
             Sorrows
             of
             our
             Hearts
             be
             enlarged
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Rich-man's
           were
           in
           Hell
           ,
           to
           see
           
             Lazarus
             comforted
             ,
             while
             he
             was
             tormented
          
           ;
           and
           happy
           
             in
             Abraham's
             Bosom
          
           ,
           while
           he
           was
           
             miserable
             in
             the
             Flames
          
           ?
           Then
           we
           shall
           condemn
           and
           bewail
           our
           Folly
           and
           Negligence
           ,
           that
           we
           did
           not
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           
             nor
             see
             them
             in
             the
             valley
             of
             Tears
             ,
          
           but
           went
           on
           
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Sinners
          
           ,
           which
           though
           it
           was
           
             made
             plain
             with
             Stones
             ,
             had
             the
             Pit
             of
             Hell
             at
             the
             end
             thereof
             .
          
        
         
           When
           we
           hear
           the
           Hymns
           and
           Allelujahs
           ,
           the
           Praises
           and
           Acclamations
           of
           Angels
           and
           Saints
           ,
           and
           
             Spirits
             of
             just
             Men
             made
             perfect
             ,
          
           with
           which
           Heaven
           resounds
           ,
           we
           shall
           
             lament
             and
             howl
          
           ,
           as
           loud
           as
           they
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           add
           Horrour
           to
           the
           Regions
           of
           Darkness
           ,
           by
           our
           Yellings
           .
           When
           we
           consider
           what
           a
           Glorious
           Liberty
           ,
           what
           a
           Harmonious
           Quiet
           ,
           what
           a
           Full
           Felicity
           
           the
           Souls
           of
           the
           Blest
           enjoy
           ;
           and
           that
           it
           was
           once
           within
           our
           Option
           ,
           and
           might
           have
           been
           our
           Portion
           too
           ;
           when
           we
           see
           
             what
             great
             Things
             the
             Lord
             hath
             done
             for
             them
             who
             thought
             upon
             their
             ways
          
           ;
           who
           
             set
             them
             up
             Way-marks
             ,
             and
             set
             their
             Hearts
             toward
             the
             high-way
             to
             Heaven
             :
          
           And
           with
           what
           Rigours
           he
           pursues
           those
           who
           did
           not
           hearken
           to
           that
           voyce
           which
           cry'd
           to
           them
           ,
           
             stand
             in
             awe
             ,
             and
             sin
             not
             ,
             commune
             with
             your
             own
             hearts
             :
             Ask
             for
             the
             old
             way
             ,
             where
             is
             the
             good
             way
             ,
             and
             walk
             therein
             ,
             and
             you
             shall
             find
             rest
             for
             your
             Souls
             :
          
           We
           shall
           then
           be
           exceeding
           sorry
           that
           we
           did
           not
           walk
           therein
           ,
           that
           we
           did
           not
           hearken
           to
           our
           God.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           When
           we
           call
           to
           remembrance
           for
           what
           it
           was
           that
           we
           forfeited
           our
           Interest
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           we
           shall
           repent
           that
           we
           did
           not
           think
           upon
           our
           imprudent
           Courses
           ,
           to
           
             turn
             our
             feet
             from
             every
             evil
             way
             .
          
           When
           we
           perceive
           with
           what
           infinite
           Treasures
           we
           have
           parted
           ,
           how
           we
           have
           sold
           
             an
             Inheritance
             unspeakably
             great
          
           ,
           and
           yet
           
             have
             nothing
             in
             our
             hands
             to
             shew
             .
          
           Will
           not
           our
           Affliction
           be
           suited
           to
           our
           Loss
           ?
           The
           happy
           State
           of
           our
           first
           Parents
           is
           a
           Topick
           that
           affords
           us
           Arguments
           to
           condemn
           their
           Folly
           in
           forfeiting
           their
           Interests
           ;
           that
           being
           great
           in
           the
           
           Command
           of
           Eden
           ,
           and
           greater
           in
           their
           Innocence
           ;
           so
           that
           they
           were
           as
           free
           from
           the
           Inclination
           to
           ,
           as
           the
           Commission
           of
           an
           Ill
           ,
           their
           Minds
           like
           their
           Dwelling
           ,
           did
           abound
           with
           variety
           of
           Delight
           ,
           and
           wanted
           nothing
           to
           render
           their
           Joys
           equal
           to
           those
           of
           Paradise
           ;
           yet
           they
           would
           ,
           for
           the
           inconsiderable
           satisfaction
           of
           Tasting
           the
           Fruit
           of
           one
           forbidden
           Tree
           ,
           not
           only
           divest
           themselves
           of
           the
           Priviledge
           they
           enjoyed
           ,
           of
           using
           whatever
           else
           was
           in
           the
           Garden
           ,
           but
           throw
           themselves
           out
           of
           that
           happy
           Seat
           ,
           and
           the
           Favour
           of
           their
           God.
           And
           yet
           we
           daily
           split
           upon
           the
           same
           Rock
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           thinking
           on
           our
           Ways
           .
        
         
           But
           when
           ,
           like
           them
           ,
           
             we
             see
             our
             Nakedness
          
           ,
           when
           we
           find
           the
           specious
           appearances
           of
           Sin
           prove
           a
           loathsom
           Deformity
           to
           affright
           us
           ;
           when
           we
           see
           our
           Riches
           have
           found
           
             their
             Wings
          
           ,
           our
           Pleasures
           disappear
           ,
           our
           Honours
           drop
           away
           ;
           when
           we
           find
           that
           we
           have
           made
           
           Esau's
           Bargain
           ,
           and
           
             sold
             our
             Birth-right
             for
             a
             morsel
             of
             Meat
             ,
          
           and
           shall
           ,
           like
           him
           ,
           
             find
             no
             place
             for
             Repentance
             ,
             though
             we
             seek
             it
             carefully
             with
             Tears
             :
          
           Then
           we
           shall
           nauseate
           and
           abhor
           the
           Vanities
           that
           seduced
           and
           alienated
           our
           Affections
           from
           
             the
             Ioys
             above
          
           ,
           and
           made
           us
           mispend
           our
           time
           ,
           and
           wander
           
           out
           of
           our
           way
           ,
           in
           pursuing
           Shadows
           ,
           when
           we
           should
           have
           been
           employed
           in
           searching
           for
           the
           Substance
           ;
           When
           we
           consider
           that
           we
           have
           parted
           with
           
             the
             Pearl
             of
             price
          
           for
           Trifles
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           that
           of
           Glory
           too
           ,
           for
           a
           Dungeon
           ,
           shall
           we
           not
           take
           up
           the
           Prophet's
           Wish
           ,
           
             That
             our
             Heads
             were
             Waters
             ,
             and
             our
             Eyes
             so
             well
             supplied
             with
             Tears
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             weep
             Day
             and
             Night
             for
          
           the
           Ruine
           of
           our
           Souls
           .
           But
           alas
           !
           we
           need
           not
           wish
           what
           will
           be
           a
           main
           part
           of
           our
           punishment
           .
        
         
           When
           we
           are
           condemn'd
           to
           the
           Regions
           of
           Misery
           and
           Horrour
           ,
           what
           showry
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           mournful
           Looks
           shall
           we
           cast
           back
           upon
           the
           
             amiable
             Dwellings
             of
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
          
           ;
           the
           glorious
           Mansions
           of
           the
           Righteous
           ,
           which
           we
           never
           would
           believe
           were
           worth
           our
           seeking
           ,
           till
           they
           were
           past
           our
           finding
           ,
           and
           then
           perceived
           too
           late
           ,
           they
           were
           as
           much
           above
           our
           Admiration
           ,
           as
           our
           Reach
           ?
           Had
           we
           divested
           our selves
           of
           that
           Light
           with
           which
           the
           Saints
           are
           clothed
           ,
           for
           Nakedness
           or
           a
           suit
           of
           Fig-leaves
           only
           ,
           even
           that
           had
           been
           a
           matchless
           Folly
           ,
           an
           unparallel'd
           Madness
           ;
           but
           to
           be
           clothed
           with
           Shame
           and
           Confusion
           ,
           and
           vested
           with
           scorching
           Flames
           besides
           :
           to
           part
           with
           all
           the
           Joys
           
           of
           Heaven
           for
           Stripes
           ;
           which
           ,
           like
           
           Ioseph's
           Irons
           ,
           
             will
             enter
             into
             our
             Souls
          
           ,
           and
           whose
           Smart
           will
           continue
           to
           Eternity
           :
           To
           assign
           a
           Name
           to
           this
           ,
           or
           to
           express
           it
           fully
           ,
           is
           above
           the
           reach
           of
           Invention
           ,
           and
           beyond
           the
           power
           of
           Eloquence
           .
        
         
           But
           thirdly
           ,
           When
           to
           the
           Thoughts
           of
           our
           lost
           Happiness
           ,
           we
           shall
           add
           the
           dismal
           consideration
           ,
           that
           it
           can
           never
           be
           recovered
           ;
           when
           we
           see
           no
           prospect
           of
           a
           Restoration
           ,
           no
           offer
           of
           any
           terms
           for
           Heaven
           ;
           but
           find
           our selves
           ,
           nay
           our
           very
           Hopes
           shut
           out
           ,
           by
           the
           interposition
           of
           an
           unpass●ble
           Gulf
           ;
           when
           we
           feel
           our
           Condition
           so
           extreamly
           miserable
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           imposs●ble
           to
           encrease
           our
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           yet
           as
           impossible
           to
           lessen
           them
           :
           This
           will
           make
           us
           
             roar
             for
             the
             very
             disquiet
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
          
           The
           sense
           of
           this
           will
           corrode
           our
           Vitals
           ,
           and
           prove
           the
           
             never-dying
             Worm
          
           to
           gnaw
           and
           torture
           us
           eternally
           .
           Could
           we
           ,
           amidst
           these
           Terrors
           ,
           find
           any
           ground
           to
           
             hope
             in
             the
             day
             of
             evil
             ,
          
           or
           foresee
           any
           likelihood
           of
           an
           end
           to
           these
           our
           Labours
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           remote
           ;
           this
           would
           alleviate
           the
           pain
           and
           misery
           of
           them
           :
           Or
           were
           we
           condemned
           to
           any
           Flames
           but
           those
           that
           are
           unquenchable
           ,
           confin'd
           to
           any
           Prison
           but
           a
           
             Hell
             ,
             whence
             there
             is
             no
             redemption
          
           ;
           if
           our
           Access
           to
           Heaven
           was
           
           prohibited
           by
           any
           other
           Intrenchments
           than
           that
           of
           Impossibility
           ;
           or
           could
           we
           be
           freed
           from
           the
           worst
           of
           all
           the
           Fiends
           that
           torture
           us
           ,
           Despair
           :
           This
           would
           prove
           a
           Relaxation
           of
           our
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           give
           us
           ease
           amidst
           our
           Torments
           ;
           would
           make
           us
           endure
           Hell-fire
           ,
           with
           
           Scevola's
           Resolution
           ,
           and
           bear
           its
           Violence
           with
           an
           Apathy
           above
           the
           Precepts
           of
           the
           Stoicks
           .
           But
           Damnation
           hath
           no
           such
           kind
           allay
           to
           mitigate
           its
           Rigour
           ,
           and
           render
           it
           less
           formidable
           ;
           there
           is
           no
           such
           comfortable
           glimpse
           of
           Light
           arises
           in
           the
           Regions
           of
           eternal
           Darkness
           .
           When
           we
           are
           once
           consigned
           to
           this
           wretched
           state
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           no
           deliverance
           from
           it
           ;
           though
           we
           
             die
             daily
             in
             it
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           never
           die
           so
           happily
           ,
           as
           to
           come
           to
           a
           period
           of
           our
           Sufferings
           ;
           and
           what
           expectation
           can
           we
           cherish
           of
           an
           end
           of
           other
           things
           ,
           where
           even
           Death
           it self
           becomes
           immortal
           ?
        
         
           And
           then
           fourthly
           ,
           If
           such
           infinite
           Misery
           can
           receive
           an
           addition
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           one
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           live
           unpitied
           in
           it
           .
           Heaven
           that
           onely
           can
           relieve
           us
           ,
           will
           be
           deaf
           to
           all
           our
           Cries
           ,
           and
           that
           Compassion
           that
           doth
           
             never
             fail
          
           ,
           will
           not
           however
           extend
           it self
           to
           us
           .
           There
           will
           be
           no
           
             sounding
             of
             God's
             Bowels
             ,
             or
             of
             his
             Mercies
             towards
             us
             :
             And
             to
             which
             of
             the
             Saints
             shall
             we
             turn
             ?
          
           Abraham
           
           
             will
             be
             ignorant
             of
             us
             ,
             and
          
           Israel
           
             will
             not
             acknowledge
             us
          
           .
           Not
           all
           the
           rich
           Glutton's
           Oratory
           could
           move
           the
           Father
           of
           the
           Faithful
           to
           a
           Sense
           or
           Commiseration
           of
           his
           Torments
           ,
           all
           his
           Entreaties
           could
           not
           prevail
           for
           
             a
             drop
             of
             water
             to
             cool
             his
             Tongue
             ,
          
           and
           allay
           the
           intolerable
           Heat
           that
           forced
           it
           to
           complain
           ,
           and
           yet
           render'd
           it
           unable
           ;
           for
           how
           could
           he
           expect
           to
           find
           Compassion
           ,
           who
           himself
           had
           none
           ?
           Or
           was
           it
           not
           just
           ,
           that
           for
           want
           of
           
             shewing
             Mercy
          
           ,
           he
           should
           have
           
             Iudgment
             without
             Mercy
          
           ?
           Had
           he
           thought
           upon
           his
           Ways
           in
           time
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           have
           
             stopped
             his
             Ears
             at
             the
             Cry
             of
             the
             Poor
             ,
          
           nor
           denied
           his
           Crums
           to
           Lazarus
           ,
           because
           he
           would
           have
           foreseen
           the
           fatal
           Consequence
           of
           such
           an
           Uncharitableness
           ,
           the
           Punishment
           it
           brought
           upon
           him
           ,
           that
           
             he
             should
             also
             cry
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             heard
             .
          
        
         
           Our
           Friends
           ,
           who
           in
           this
           
             vale
             of
             misery
          
           ,
           sympathize
           in
           all
           our
           Sorrows
           ,
           who
           pine
           when
           we
           are
           sick
           ,
           languish
           when
           we
           are
           weak
           ,
           and
           weep
           when
           we
           are
           afflicted
           ;
           who
           feel
           our
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           resent
           our
           Sorrows
           as
           their
           own
           ,
           will
           put
           off
           all
           that
           Tenderness
           in
           the
           other
           World
           ,
           as
           they
           do
           Mortality
           ,
           they
           will
           quit
           their
           Affection
           with
           their
           Flesh
           ,
           in
           which
           alone
           vve
           are
           related
           ;
           and
           retain
           no
           Concern
           ,
           no
           Pity
           
           for
           us
           in
           that
           state
           where
           we
           shall
           want
           it
           most
           .
        
         
           Even
           the
           fond
           Mother
           ,
           by
           whose
           Indulgence
           God
           is
           sometimes
           pleased
           to
           represent
           his
           Love
           to
           Men
           ,
           and
           for
           whom
           he
           supposes
           it
           almost
           impossible
           to
           
             forget
             her
             Child
          
           ,
           that
           
             she
             should
             not
             have
             compassion
             on
             the
             Son
             of
             her
             Womb
          
           ;
           She
           may
           ,
           nay
           she
           will
           there
           forget
           him
           .
           Not
           the
           
             bearing
             on
             her
             Knees
          
           ,
           or
           the
           
             Suckling
             at
             her
             Breast
          
           ,
           will
           make
           
             her
             Bowels
             yearn
          
           ,
           or
           her
           Eyes
           shed
           one
           kind
           Tear
           to
           quench
           the
           Fire
           that
           torments
           her
           miserable
           off-spring
           .
        
         
           For
           if
           our
           Friends
           are
           happier
           than
           we
           ,
           and
           have
           their
           Residence
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           there
           
             all
             Tears
             are
             wiped
             away
             ,
             and
             neither
             sorrow
             nor
             crying
             shall
             be
             heard
             .
          
           It
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           Felicity
           of
           that
           Place
           to
           admit
           of
           any
           diminution
           ,
           and
           though
           
             the
             Conversion
             of
             one
             Sinner
          
           ,
           makes
           an
           addition
           to
           the
           joy
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           the
           
             number
             of
             the
             blessed
          
           ;
           the
           
             damnation
             of
             ten
             thousand
          
           will
           not
           lessen
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           our
           Friends
           are
           of
           that
           number
           ,
           and
           condemned
           to
           the
           same
           
             deplorable
             circumstances
          
           with
           us
           ;
           they
           will
           be
           so
           employed
           in
           bewailing
           their
           own
           Misery
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           be
           at
           leisure
           to
           consider
           ours
           .
           Nay
           ,
           perhaps
           our
           sharing
           in
           their
           Torments
           ,
           may
           rather
           lessen
           than
           encrease
           
           them
           ;
           for
           they
           will
           have
           ill
           nature
           enough
           to
           be
           pleased
           at
           the
           Tortures
           we
           endure
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           at
           their
           having
           Fellow-sufferers
           .
           At
           least
           't
           is
           sure
           the
           Saints
           in
           Heaven
           shall
           rejoyce
           at
           our
           Destruction
           ,
           when
           
             it
             cometh
             as
             a
             whirlwind
          
           ,
           and
           laugh
           at
           our
           Distress
           and
           Anguish
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           see
           us
           rooted
           out
           of
           the
           
             land
             of
             the
             living
          
           ,
           shall
           mock
           and
           say
           ,
           
             Lo
             ,
             these
             are
             the
             men
             that
             made
             not
             God
             their
             strength
             ,
             but
             strengthned
             themselves
             in
             wickedness
             :
          
           These
           are
           the
           Men
           that
           would
           not
           think
           upon
           their
           Ways
           ,
           to
           refrain
           their
           Feet
           from
           every
           
             evil
             way
          
           ,
           and
           to
           
             guide
             them
             into
             the
             way
             of
             peace
             .
          
           Thus
           shall
           they
           triumph
           at
           the
           Glorification
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           ,
           tho'
           in
           the
           ruine
           of
           their
           nearest
           Relations
           ,
           and
           praise
           God
           for
           ever
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           his
           doing
           .
           And
           can
           we
           think
           upon
           these
           doleful
           Consequences
           of
           our
           Inconsiderateness
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           frighted
           into
           a
           speedy
           Examination
           of
           our
           Ways
           ?
           What
           though
           when
           we
           rake
           the
           Dunghil
           ,
           we
           find
           nothing
           but
           Nastiness
           and
           Stench
           ;
           when
           we
           draw
           the
           Scene
           ,
           we
           discover
           nothing
           but
           Guilt
           and
           Horrour
           ;
           is
           it
           not
           better
           to
           endure
           this
           for
           awhile
           by
           choice
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           condemned
           to
           it
           for
           ever
           ,
           and
           suffer
           it
           by
           compulsion
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           more
           eligible
           to
           bestow
           a
           little
           time
           in
           this
           Employment
           ,
           with
           some
           
           prospect
           of
           Advantage
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           forced
           to
           it
           always
           ,
           with
           as
           little
           hope
           of
           mending
           our
           Condition
           ,
           as
           of
           reforming
           the
           Ways
           that
           brought
           us
           to
           it
           ?
        
         
           This
           Work
           is
           now
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           right
           performance
           of
           it
           ,
           will
           become
           our
           Advantage
           too
           ,
           and
           prove
           its
           own
           Reward
           :
           but
           the
           neglect
           of
           it
           will
           be
           severely
           punished
           ,
           in
           the
           ruine
           that
           will
           infallibly
           attend
           it
           ;
           and
           surely
           the
           not
           thinking
           at
           all
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ,
           must
           be
           very
           destructive
           ,
           since
           we
           may
           be
           deceived
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           wrong
           Estimate
           of
           them
           ,
           when
           they
           do
           employ
           our
           Thoughts
           .
        
         
           Which
           is
           a
           Fifth
           Motive
           to
           induce
           us
           to
           make
           the
           Inspection
           of
           our
           Ways
           the
           great
           Business
           and
           Employment
           of
           our
           Thoughts
           .
        
         
           Solomon
           ,
           who
           gave
           his
           Heart
           to
           seek
           and
           search
           out
           by
           Wisdom
           ,
           concerning
           all
           things
           that
           are
           done
           under
           Heaven
           ,
           discovered
           in
           his
           Survey
           ,
           a
           
             Way
             that
             seemeth
             right
             unto
             a
             man
             ,
             but
             the
             end
             thereof
             are
             the
             ways
             of
             death
             ,
          
           Prov.
           14.12
           .
           So
           that
           we
           may
           be
           in
           a
           way
           of
           which
           we
           may
           entertain
           a
           good
           Opinion
           ,
           and
           sing
           a
           Requiem
           to
           our
           Souls
           ,
           through
           a
           confidence
           of
           our
           Security
           therein
           ;
           but
           upon
           better
           search
           ,
           and
           more
           strict
           examination
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           it
           dangerous
           and
           destructive
           :
           the
           
             way
             to
             
             Hell
             ,
             and
             the
             descent
             to
             the
             Chambers
             of
             Death
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           't
           is
           our
           Misfortune
           ,
           that
           as
           there
           are
           many
           means
           to
           take
           us
           from
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           but
           one
           to
           bring
           us
           into
           it
           ;
           so
           there
           are
           several
           Ways
           to
           deprive
           us
           of
           Eternal
           Life
           ,
           and
           but
           one
           that
           can
           conduct
           us
           to
           it
           :
           And
           if
           we
           consult
           the
           Proverbs
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           that
           
             every
             way
             of
             a
             man
             is
             right
             in
             his
             own
             Eyes
             ,
          
           Prov.
           21.2
           .
           The
           Adulterer
           thinks
           his
           
             stollen
             waters
             sweet
             ,
             and
             his
             bread
             eaten
             in
             secret
             pleasant
             ,
             and
             knows
             not
             that
             the
             dead
             are
             there
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             guests
          
           of
           that
           Vice
           
             are
             in
             the
             depths
             of
             Hell.
          
           The
           Libertine
           
             rejoyces
             in
             his
             youth
             ,
             and
             walks
             in
             the
             ways
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             his
             eyes
             ,
          
           and
           considers
           not
           ,
           
             that
             for
             all
             these
             things
             God
             will
             bring
             him
             into
             judgment
             .
             The
             rich
             man's
             wealth
             is
             his
             strong
             City
             ,
             and
             as
             an
             high
             Wall
             in
             his
             own
             conceit
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             wise
             in
             his
             own
             eyes
             ,
          
           in
           preparing
           thus
           for
           his
           security
           :
           But
           alas
           ,
           
             his
             riches
             will
             not
             profit
             him
             in
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             trusts
             in
             them
             shall
             fall
             .
          
           And
           these
           are
           not
           the
           onely
           Persons
           under
           a
           mistake
           ;
           there
           is
           
             a
             just
             man
             too
             that
             perisheth
             in
             his
             righteousness
             .
          
           But
           though
           Men
           may
           be
           deceived
           ,
           who
           too
           often
           look
           no
           further
           than
           the
           out-side
           and
           appearances
           of
           things
           ,
           God
           who
           pondereth
           the
           Heart
           ,
           discerns
           their
           Errour
           :
           He
           knows
           we
           are
           partial
           
           Judges
           of
           our
           own
           Transactions
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           bribed
           and
           corrupted
           to
           pass
           a
           favourable
           Sentence
           in
           an
           ill
           Cause
           wherein
           our selves
           are
           interested
           :
           He
           sees
           those
           Failings
           and
           Corruptions
           in
           us
           ,
           which
           we
           over-look
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           so
           well
           approve
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           fond
           of
           us
           ,
           as
           we
           conceit
           .
           So
           that
           ,
           as
           nothing
           is
           more
           common
           and
           familiar
           than
           this
           Cousenage
           of
           our selves
           ,
           so
           nothing
           is
           more
           dangerous
           ;
           especially
           when
           the
           mistake
           lies
           in
           the
           Opinion
           of
           our
           Ways
           .
        
         
           What
           a
           dismal
           thing
           is
           it
           for
           us
           to
           be
           journeying
           to
           Ruine
           and
           eternal
           Misery
           ,
           and
           yet
           go
           chearfully
           on
           ,
           in
           a
           belief
           that
           we
           are
           still
           at
           a
           greater
           distance
           from
           it
           ;
           to
           conclude
           our selves
           just
           at
           the
           Gate
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           find
           at
           last
           that
           we
           are
           upon
           the
           Confines
           of
           Hell.
           We
           have
           in
           holy
           Writ
           ,
           many
           deplorable
           Instances
           of
           Men
           pleasing
           themselves
           in
           their
           conceited
           Safety
           ,
           when
           their
           Danger
           was
           imminent
           ;
           When
           
             marrying
             and
             giving
             in
             marriage
          
           ,
           was
           the
           Business
           of
           the
           World
           
             in
             the
             days
             of
             Noah
          
           ;
           as
           if
           by
           the
           encrease
           of
           their
           Posterity
           ,
           they
           designed
           it
           should
           remain
           for
           ever
           ,
           to
           inherit
           their
           Possessions
           to
           Eternity
           ;
           who
           expected
           that
           they
           should
           be
           swept
           away
           by
           a
           sudden
           Deluge
           ,
           and
           
             their
             places
             know
             them
             no
             more
             ?
          
        
         
         
           When
           
             the
             Sun
             was
             risen
             upon
             the
             Earth
          
           in
           the
           day
           of
           
           Sodom's
           Overthrow
           ,
           who
           could
           have
           believed
           that
           he
           was
           then
           to
           take
           his
           Farewel
           of
           that
           City
           ,
           that
           those
           were
           the
           last
           Smiles
           his
           Beams
           should
           cast
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           its
           Glory
           should
           decline
           before
           his
           setting
           ?
           There
           was
           nothing
           discernable
           in
           the
           Face
           of
           the
           Sky
           ,
           from
           whence
           they
           could
           presage
           the
           approaching
           Storm
           .
           Which
           made
           
           Lot's
           Sons-in-law
           ,
           as
           much
           trifle
           with
           the
           Predictions
           of
           their
           Father
           ,
           as
           they
           thought
           he
           did
           with
           their
           belief
           ;
           they
           could
           not
           fear
           that
           a
           Day
           introduced
           with
           such
           a
           glorious
           Prologue
           ,
           and
           whose
           first
           Scene
           opened
           so
           delightfully
           ,
           should
           have
           such
           a
           Tragical
           Catastrophe
           .
           But
           while
           they
           and
           their
           Fellow-Citizens
           ,
           were
           pleasing
           themselves
           ,
           as
           David
           did
           in
           his
           Prosperity
           ,
           with
           the
           fancy
           of
           an
           unalterable
           Establishment
           ,
           and
           thinking
           on
           nothing
           
             but
             Peace
             and
             Safety
          
           ,
           behold
           a
           sudden
           Destruction
           came
           upon
           them
           ,
           when
           it
           was
           not
           in
           their
           power
           to
           escape
           ,
           and
           too
           late
           they
           bewailed
           the
           Punishment
           ,
           who
           made
           a
           mock
           at
           the
           Sin
           that
           had
           occasioned
           it
           .
           Thus
           unhappily
           do
           Men
           ,
           like
           the
           effeminate
           Agag
           ,
           flatter
           themselves
           with
           an
           Opinion
           ,
           that
           
             the
             bitterness
             of
             Death
             is
             past
             ,
          
           when
           it
           is
           just
           at
           hand
           ;
           and
           with
           the
           rich
           Fool
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           promise
           themselves
           
             many
             Days
          
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           not
           a
           Night
           to
           live
           .
           These
           are
           Tragical
           Relations
           ,
           but
           we
           may
           find
           a
           more
           Melancholy
           Account
           of
           Persons
           deceived
           in
           a
           Concern
           more
           considerable
           than
           this
           transitory
           Life
           ;
           even
           in
           the
           important
           matter
           of
           Salvation
           and
           Life
           eternal
           .
           Of
           this
           number
           were
           the
           foolish
           Virgins
           ,
           St.
           Matth.
           25.11
           .
           they
           expected
           Entrance
           into
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           doubtless
           had
           fairer
           Pleas
           for
           it
           ,
           than
           many
           of
           us
           can
           make
           .
        
         
           They
           had
           Lamps
           ,
           which
           argued
           some
           Light
           and
           Heat
           in
           their
           Conversation
           ;
           they
           accompanied
           the
           Wise
           with
           the
           same
           Design
           of
           meeting
           Christ
           ,
           which
           implied
           their
           being
           of
           the
           Communion
           of
           Saints
           on
           Earth
           ;
           and
           therefore
           ,
           came
           very
           confident
           of
           Admission
           into
           that
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           cry'd
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             open
             to
             us
          
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           injured
           to
           be
           kept
           out
           at
           all
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Gate
           must
           immediately
           fly
           open
           on
           the
           notice
           of
           their
           Arrival
           .
           But
           they
           found
           themselves
           mistaken
           ,
           the
           Bridegroom
           disowned
           them
           ,
           and
           declared
           ,
           
             He
             knew
             them
             not
          
           .
           Thus
           were
           they
           disappointed
           of
           their
           Hope
           in
           respect
           of
           ther
           Final
           Estate
           and
           Station
           ,
           and
           that
           through
           a
           confident
           Opinion
           of
           their
           Safety
           .
           For
           what
           Seneca
           says
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           is
           as
           true
           of
           Happiness
           ,
           
           it
           would
           be
           easily
           attainable
           ,
           if
           Men
           did
           not
           hinder
           their
           enquiry
           after
           it
           ,
           by
           thinking
           it
           their
           own
           already
           ;
           for
           they
           who
           are
           thus
           whole
           in
           their
           own
           Opinions
           ,
           vvill
           never
           be
           perswaded
           that
           
             they
             have
             need
             of
             a
             Physician
             ,
          
           nor
           consult
           his
           Skill
           ,
           till
           they
           are
           past
           its
           help
           .
           Our
           blessed
           Lord
           tells
           us
           of
           many
           vvho
           in
           the
           last
           Day
           ,
           vvill
           come
           to
           him
           for
           Entrance
           into
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           alledge
           
             that
             they
             have
             prophesied
             in
             his
             Name
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             Name
             cast
             out
             Devils
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             Name
             done
             many
             wonderful
             works
             :
          
           But
           all
           the
           return
           they
           shall
           receive
           ,
           vvill
           be
           this
           profession
           ,
           
             I
             never
             knew
             you
             ,
             depart
             from
             me
             ye
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             .
          
           With
           vvhat
           Confusion
           can
           vve
           think
           these
           Men
           will
           be
           seized
           ,
           to
           find
           themselves
           so
           deceived
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           eternal
           Welfare
           ;
           That
           neither
           the
           Excellency
           of
           their
           
             Preaching
             to
             others
          
           shall
           secure
           themselves
           from
           being
           
             cast
             away
          
           :
           Nor
           their
           Prophetick
           foresight
           of
           Events
           ,
           prevent
           their
           impending
           Ruine
           ;
           nor
           their
           working
           Miracles
           ,
           help
           to
           effect
           their
           own
           Salvation
           ;
           nor
           their
           casting
           out
           Devils
           ,
           tend
           to
           dispossess
           Satan
           of
           his
           Interest
           in
           their
           Souls
           ?
           That
           no
           regard
           shall
           be
           had
           to
           their
           exquisite
           Parts
           ,
           their
           enlightned
           Apprehensions
           ,
           profound
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           Eminency
           in
           the
           World
           :
           But
           that
           
           notwithstanding
           these
           Pretensions
           ,
           and
           their
           being
           no
           Strangers
           to
           the
           
             Name
             of
             Christ
          
           ;
           when
           they
           come
           to
           plead
           their
           Acquaintance
           ,
           and
           to
           knock
           at
           Heaven
           ,
           they
           shall
           be
           sent
           away
           ashamed
           ,
           and
           not
           prevail
           to
           have
           the
           Claim
           they
           judged
           so
           plausible
           ,
           admitted
           ?
           What
           then
           may
           we
           think
           will
           become
           of
           us
           ,
           who
           have
           no
           such
           Arguments
           in
           our
           behalf
           ,
           if
           Men
           of
           these
           Qualifications
           can
           miscarry
           ?
           Should
           not
           we
           think
           all
           the
           Time
           and
           Consideration
           we
           are
           Masters
           of
           ,
           too
           little
           to
           employ
           in
           thinking
           on
           our
           Ways
           ;
           and
           that
           our
           most
           deliberate
           Thoughts
           would
           be
           too
           cursory
           and
           transient
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           all
           our
           Days
           too
           short
           and
           fugitive
           ,
           for
           the
           performance
           of
           a
           Duty
           that
           will
           everlastingly
           concern
           us
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           then
           time
           that
           we
           should
           with
           all
           Seriousness
           apply
           our selves
           to
           reduce
           these
           Rules
           to
           practice
           ,
           to
           think
           judiciously
           upon
           our
           Ways
           ;
           and
           while
           we
           are
           employed
           in
           
             working
             out
             our
             Salvation
          
           ,
           by
           this
           means
           ,
           to
           do
           it
           with
           
             fear
             and
             trembling
          
           ,
           lest
           we
           should
           take
           wrong
           measures
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           by
           mistaking
           the
           means
           ,
           fail
           of
           obtaining
           the
           end
           :
           and
           while
           we
           think
           
             our
             ways
             are
             ways
             of
             pleasantness
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             paths
             are
             peace
             ,
          
           go
           on
           unapprehensive
           of
           the
           Danger
           and
           Destruction
           to
           which
           they
           tend
           ?
        
         
         
           And
           now
           ,
           having
           gone
           over
           the
           Motives
           obliging
           us
           to
           the
           Performance
           of
           this
           Duty
           ;
           that
           no
           Age
           may
           think
           it self
           excused
           from
           this
           Employment
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           young
           and
           the
           old
           are
           equally
           concerned
           ;
           let
           the
           following
           Section
           be
           a
           Remembrancer
           to
           both
           .
        
         
           The
           Psalmist
           implies
           a
           necessity
           for
           
             a
             young
             man
             to
             cleanse
             his
             way
             ,
          
           in
           prescribing
           ,
           
             his
             taking
             heed
             thereto
          
           ,
           as
           the
           means
           and
           best
           Cathartick
           ,
           Psalm
           119.9
           .
        
         
           And
           indeed
           this
           is
           a
           Work
           very
           suitable
           to
           their
           Age
           ,
           because
           it
           ought
           to
           be
           begun
           betimes
           .
           As
           therefore
           they
           are
           
             to
             remember
             their
             Creator
          
           ,
           so
           they
           must
           think
           on
           the
           Correspondency
           of
           their
           Ways
           to
           his
           Commands
           ,
           
             in
             the
             days
             of
             their
             youth
             ,
          
           when
           the
           Reflection
           will
           be
           most
           easily
           made
           ,
           as
           having
           but
           a
           little
           time
           to
           look
           back
           upon
           ,
           a
           short
           History
           to
           recollect
           ;
           and
           when
           it
           will
           be
           most
           advantageous
           too
           ,
           in
           an
           early
           precaution
           ,
           directed
           to
           prevent
           their
           wandring
           in
           the
           Journey
           which
           they
           have
           before
           them
           .
           But
           perhaps
           this
           may
           not
           relish
           with
           those
           whose
           active
           Blood
           finds
           a
           free
           Circulation
           in
           their
           Veins
           ,
           whose
           quick
           and
           lively
           Spirits
           labour
           under
           no
           Oppression
           ,
           and
           therefore
           think
           themselvas
           in
           an
           Age
           fitter
           for
           Action
           ,
           than
           Deliberation
           ;
           and
           that
           
           't
           is
           a
           properer
           Season
           to
           
             crown
             their
             Heads
             with
             Rose-buds
          
           ,
           than
           to
           trouble
           them
           with
           Cares
           ,
           and
           believe
           they
           have
           Time
           enough
           in
           store
           to
           allow
           many
           Days
           to
           Mirth
           and
           Youthful
           lusts
           ,
           and
           yet
           leave
           a
           sufficient
           Space
           for
           being
           Serious
           and
           Considerate
           .
           These
           think
           they
           are
           early
           at
           their
           Duty
           ,
           if
           they
           settle
           their
           Thoughts
           when
           their
           Blood
           begins
           to
           stagnate
           ,
           and
           become
           grave
           and
           serious
           ,
           when
           they
           grow
           dull
           and
           heavy
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           fittest
           Season
           for
           
             thinking
             on
             their
             Ways
          
           ,
           will
           be
           when
           Age
           hath
           rendred
           them
           unfit
           for
           any
           but
           such
           Melancholy
           Entertainment
           .
           But
           alas
           ,
           what
           Security
           can
           they
           give
           themselves
           of
           arriving
           at
           that
           Time
           ?
           What
           Office
           is
           there
           to
           Assure
           their
           Lives
           to
           such
           a
           Period
           ?
           Is
           Youth
           any
           more
           proof
           against
           Mortality
           than
           Age
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           rather
           more
           subject
           to
           it
           ?
           We
           know
           Flowers
           are
           with
           greater
           ease
           nipt
           in
           the
           Bud
           ,
           and
           broken
           from
           their
           tender
           Stalks
           ;
           than
           when
           they
           are
           full
           blown
           ,
           and
           an
           addition
           to
           their
           Age
           ,
           hath
           withal
           encreased
           their
           strength
           .
           And
           every
           Charnel-house
           will
           present
           us
           with
           as
           many
           Skulls
           ,
           that
           still
           retain
           their
           Hair
           and
           Teeth
           ,
           as
           that
           had
           lost
           those
           Ornaments
           ,
           before
           they
           saw
           Corruption
           .
           For
           there
           are
           those
           who
           
             die
             in
             their
             full
             strength
          
           ,
           or
           
           as
           't
           is
           in
           the
           Hebrew
           ,
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           their
           perfection
           ;
           
             with
             their
             Breasts
             full
             of
             Milk
             ,
             and
             their
             Bones
             moistned
             with
             Marrow
             ,
          
           as
           well
           as
           those
           who
           go
           sapless
           to
           the
           Grave
           ,
           and
           are
           Skeletons
           before
           they
           die
           .
           The
           Life
           of
           Man
           hangs
           upon
           very
           slender
           Filaments
           ,
           and
           a
           thousand
           Accidents
           ,
           which
           no
           Wisdom
           can
           foresee
           ,
           no
           Power
           prevent
           ,
           are
           always
           breaking
           them
           .
           He
           that
           rejoyces
           in
           his
           Youth
           ,
           may
           like
           Diagoras
           ,
           be
           stifled
           with
           his
           Laughter
           :
           Nay
           ,
           the
           Passions
           he
           indulges
           may
           be
           mortal
           to
           him
           .
           Fear
           may
           kill
           him
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           Herrennus
           .
           Grief
           may
           strangle
           him
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           Plautinus
           ,
           and
           he
           may
           like
           Sylla
           ,
           vomit
           out
           his
           Blood
           and
           Soul
           together
           ,
           in
           a
           Transport
           of
           immoderate
           Anger
           .
        
         
           Nay
           Death
           armed
           with
           no
           other
           Weapon
           ,
           than
           a
           Grape-stone
           ,
           the
           Bone
           of
           a
           Fish
           ,
           a
           Fly
           ,
           a
           Hair
           ,
           or
           his
           own
           Spittle
           ;
           may
           take
           him
           from
           the
           World
           before
           he
           hath
           had
           any
           Enjoyment
           of
           it
           .
           So
           that
           there
           is
           nothing
           so
           feeble
           and
           contemptible
           ,
           but
           may
           be
           as
           fatal
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           Poles
           should
           crack
           ,
           and
           bury
           him
           in
           the
           Ruines
           of
           the
           Universe
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           he
           escapes
           these
           Casualties
           ,
           he
           hath
           an
           Enemy
           within
           ,
           much
           more
           pernicious
           to
           him
           ;
           the
           Constitution
           of
           his
           Body
           ,
           which
           consists
           of
           such
           Materials
           as
           are
           
           always
           jarring
           and
           at
           variance
           among
           themselves
           ;
           and
           in
           this
           ,
           as
           in
           all
           other
           civil
           Discords
           ,
           which
           ever
           Faction
           gets
           the
           better
           and
           becomes
           predominant
           ,
           the
           whole
           Republick
           is
           a
           Sufferer
           ,
           and
           the
           Conquerour
           ,
           like
           Sampson
           pulling
           down
           the
           
           Philistine's
           Palace
           ,
           is
           himself
           involv'd
           in
           the
           general
           Destruction
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           therefore
           a
           necessary
           Caution
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           not
           
             boast
             our selves
             of
             To-morrow
             ,
             because
             we
             know
             not
             what
             a
             day
             may
             bring
             forth
             ,
          
           Prov.
           27.1
           .
        
         
           VVe
           know
           not
           with
           what
           Births
           the
           Womb
           of
           Time
           may
           be
           pregnant
           ,
           or
           of
           what
           Events
           a
           few
           Hours
           may
           be
           delivered
           .
           And
           when
           we
           are
           not
           secure
           of
           a
           Day
           ,
           nay
           cannot
           command
           an
           Hour
           ,
           or
           arrest
           a
           Minute
           to
           wait
           for
           us
           ;
           shall
           we
           promise
           to
           our selves
           length
           of
           Days
           ,
           and
           encrease
           of
           Years
           ,
           even
           to
           old
           Age
           ?
        
         
           If
           they
           who
           depend
           upon
           To-morrow
           for
           the
           improvement
           of
           their
           Worldly
           Fortune
           ,
           fall
           under
           reproof
           ,
           Iam.
           4.13
           .
           What
           rebuke
           do
           they
           deserve
           ,
           who
           defer
           to
           employ
           themselves
           
             in
             thinking
             on
             their
             Ways
          
           ,
           to
           a
           remoter
           Day
           ,
           and
           talk
           as
           confidently
           of
           futurity
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           at
           their
           disposal
           ?
           Whereas
           they
           ought
           to
           say
           ,
           
             If
             the
             Lord
             will
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           live
           and
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           .
           For
           Faith
           unfeigned
           and
           sincere
           
           Repentance
           are
           not
           Things
           that
           grow
           within
           their
           own
           Inclosures
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           their
           Menials
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           so
           well
           commanded
           
             to
             go
             and
             come
          
           at
           a
           word
           ,
           like
           the
           
           Centurion's
           Souldiers
           .
           These
           are
           part
           of
           God's
           Prerogative
           ,
           to
           dispose
           of
           as
           he
           pleases
           ,
           and
           Men
           cannot
           determine
           the
           time
           wherein
           they
           will
           believe
           and
           repent
           ,
           and
           withal
           be
           sure
           to
           find
           acceptance
           .
           Can
           we
           think
           it
           reasonable
           that
           we
           should
           consume
           the
           Blossom
           of
           our
           Days
           in
           the
           Drudgeries
           of
           Sin
           and
           Satan
           ,
           and
           reserve
           our
           withered
           decrepit
           Age
           for
           the
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           will
           be
           contented
           with
           it
           ?
           Shall
           theStrength
           of
           our
           Parts
           and
           Spirits
           ,
           the
           best
           of
           our
           Time
           and
           Substance
           be
           spent
           in
           
             riotous
             living
          
           ,
           and
           God
           only
           be
           thought
           on
           ,
           when
           we
           can
           sin
           no
           more
           ?
           When
           our
           Liberty
           is
           restrained
           by
           some
           bodily
           Distemper
           ,
           and
           our
           Power
           suspended
           by
           some
           enfeebling
           Languishment
           ?
           When
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           our
           Lives
           hath
           been
           a
           
             Carriere
             to
             Hell
          
           ,
           will
           the
           short
           Reflection
           which
           our
           remnant
           of
           Time
           will
           give
           us
           leave
           to
           make
           ,
           suffice
           to
           think
           effectually
           on
           our
           Ways
           ,
           and
           exercise
           our selves
           aright
           in
           a
           Duty
           which
           we
           have
           so
           rarely
           practised
           ?
           Habits
           are
           the
           source
           of
           Humane
           Actions
           ,
           and
           a
           habit
           ,
           the
           Schoolmen
           tells
           us
           ,
           cannot
           be
           contracted
           ,
           but
           by
           
           repeated
           Acts
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           only
           one
           Help
           and
           Succour
           against
           a
           vicious
           Practice
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           the
           contrary
           Custom
           ;
           and
           then
           what
           will
           become
           of
           him
           who
           hath
           not
           time
           for
           second
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           a
           review
           of
           his
           past
           Life
           ?
           If
           any
           one
           shall
           object
           the
           Case
           of
           the
           penitent
           Thief
           ;
           there
           are
           Answers
           as
           obvious
           as
           the
           Instance
           which
           will
           supersede
           the
           trouble
           of
           reciting
           them
           ;
           and
           we
           may
           as
           well
           urge
           the
           necessity
           of
           being
           in
           his
           Circumstances
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           manner
           of
           his
           Death
           ;
           as
           argue
           for
           the
           Acceptance
           of
           a
           late
           Penitent
           from
           the
           time
           of
           his
           Conversion
           .
        
         
           It
           will
           be
           more
           beneficial
           to
           consider
           how
           many
           Souls
           have
           miscarried
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           than
           to
           trust
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           While
           they
           have
           adjourned
           the
           Session
           of
           their
           Thoughts
           
             for
             examining
             their
             Ways
          
           ,
           Death
           hath
           often
           interposed
           ,
           and
           called
           them
           to
           another
           Inquiry
           ,
           before
           they
           had
           begun
           their
           own
           :
           While
           they
           have
           hovered
           in
           suspence
           between
           their
           Resolves
           and
           the
           execution
           of
           them
           ;
           like
           St.
           Paul
           in
           his
           straight
           between
           Life
           and
           Death
           ,
           the
           
             fatal
             Night
             wherein
             no
             man
             can
             work
             ,
          
           hath
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           their
           Proceedings
           ,
           and
           shut
           them
           up
           in
           endless
           Darkness
           .
           And
           thus
           they
           have
           become
           like
           one
           who
           falls
           hastily
           to
           his
           Meat
           ,
           with
           design
           to
           crave
           
           a
           Blessing
           after
           he
           is
           filled
           ,
           but
           is
           choaked
           with
           the
           first
           Morsel
           ,
           for
           a
           punishment
           of
           his
           neglect
           .
           But
           we
           must
           not
           think
           to
           deal
           with
           our
           Lives
           ,
           at
           Tully
           did
           with
           his
           Orations
           ,
           and
           leave
           that
           part
           to
           the
           last
           ,
           which
           should
           first
           employ
           our
           Thoughts
           ,
           for
           it
           will
           be
           with
           different
           success
           ;
           and
           though
           he
           received
           Applause
           ,
           we
           shall
           incur
           a
           Check
           .
           Let
           it
           then
           be
           our
           Wisdom
           ,
           
             to
             know
             in
             our
             present
             day
             ,
             the
             things
             belonging
             to
             our
             peace
             ,
          
           lest
           they
           
             be
             hidden
             from
             our
             Eyes
             before
          
           the
           next
           .
           Let
           us
           think
           upon
           our
           Ways
           while
           we
           are
           young
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           have
           the
           less
           to
           do
           when
           we
           are
           old
           .
           And
           all
           such
           young
           Men
           who
           shall
           conscionably
           set
           about
           the
           practice
           of
           this
           great
           and
           necessary
           Duty
           ,
           shall
           find
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           declaring
           his
           Approbation
           of
           their
           Doings
           ;
           and
           that
           their
           being
           thus
           
             sober
             minded
          
           ,
           in
           thinking
           early
           
             on
             their
             ways
          
           ,
           will
           be
           more
           their
           Glory
           ,
           than
           all
           their
           
             Strength
             and
             Vigour
          
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           this
           Employment
           is
           so
           much
           the
           Business
           and
           the
           Ornament
           of
           Youth
           ,
           it
           is
           more
           requisite
           and
           becoming
           in
           Age.
           If
           the
           uncertainty
           of
           living
           should
           hasten
           young
           Men
           to
           perform
           it
           ;
           the
           certainty
           of
           dying
           soon
           ,
           should
           oblige
           the
           old
           not
           to
           defer
           it
           .
           Their
           having
           been
           long
           Travellers
           in
           the
           way
           of
           all
           the
           Earth
           ,
           gives
           
           them
           reason
           to
           believe
           they
           are
           near
           their
           Journeys
           end
           .
           The
           untiling
           of
           the
           Roofs
           ,
           the
           decay
           of
           the
           Windows
           ,
           the
           failure
           of
           the
           Pillars
           ,
           and
           the
           general
           impairing
           of
           the
           Fabricks
           of
           their
           Bodies
           ,
           are
           sad
           Prognosticks
           of
           their
           speedy
           fall
           ;
           and
           sure
           it
           will
           be
           high
           time
           to
           provide
           other
           Habitations
           for
           their
           Souls
           against
           their
           earthly
           Tabernacles
           are
           dissolved
           ;
           high
           time
           to
           think
           in
           what
           Way
           they
           are
           going
           ,
           because
           if
           not
           quickly
           done
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           past
           the
           advantage
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           lose
           the
           Opportunity
           of
           reforming
           their
           Errour
           ,
           if
           they
           find
           they
           have
           gone
           wrong
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           their
           Parts
           have
           been
           long
           upon
           the
           Theatre
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           have
           more
           to
           think
           upon
           ,
           than
           those
           who
           made
           their
           Exit
           sooner
           ,
           which
           makes
           it
           a
           greater
           Task
           to
           look
           so
           far
           behind
           them
           ,
           to
           their
           first
           entrance
           ,
           and
           think
           considerately
           on
           all
           the
           Excellencies
           or
           Miscarriages
           in
           their
           Action
           all
           the
           while
           ,
           wherefore
           they
           must
           begin
           this
           Business
           quickly
           ,
           lest
           they
           should
           want
           leisure
           to
           dispatch
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           rather
           ,
           because
           this
           is
           probably
           the
           time
           of
           their
           own
           prefixing
           for
           this
           Work
           ;
           for
           either
           they
           resolved
           never
           to
           think
           
             upon
             their
             ways
          
           ,
           or
           to
           do
           it
           now
           at
           least
           :
           and
           indeed
           now
           their
           Hindrances
           are
           not
           so
           great
           or
           many
           as
           in
           their
           youth
           ;
           the
           
             weakness
             
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           betrayed
           them
           then
           to
           sin
           ,
           but
           now
           with-holds
           them
           from
           it
           ;
           the
           Vanities
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           have
           now
           lost
           their
           alluring
           Charms
           ;
           so
           that
           nothing
           but
           the
           third
           Enemy
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           the
           Devil
           ,
           can
           dissuade
           them
           from
           this
           excellent
           Employment
           ,
           and
           even
           he
           hath
           not
           so
           much
           to
           work
           upon
           ,
           nor
           can
           lay
           so
           many
           Baits
           as
           formerly
           ,
           to
           withdraw
           and
           divert
           them
           from
           it
           .
        
         
           Since
           
             Man
             at
             his
             best
             estate
             is
             altogether
             vanity
             ,
          
           and
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           his
           life
           
             is
             walking
             in
             a
             vain
             shadow
             ,
          
           should
           he
           not
           desire
           to
           
             know
             how
             frail
             he
             is
          
           ?
           Should
           he
           not
           consider
           his
           many
           Failings
           and
           Deviations
           ,
           and
           whether
           he
           hath
           already
           begg'd
           God's
           pardon
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           reformed
           his
           Errours
           ,
           or
           hath
           it
           yet
           to
           do
           ?
           If
           he
           hath
           already
           dispatched
           that
           Business
           ,
           with
           what
           Complacency
           and
           Satisfaction
           will
           he
           review
           the
           History
           of
           his
           Life
           ;
           when
           either
           he
           finds
           no
           Act
           of
           his
           upon
           that
           Record
           ,
           which
           can
           justly
           bring
           a
           Blush
           into
           his
           Face
           ,
           and
           observes
           no
           Day
           of
           his
           Life
           that
           he
           could
           wish
           forgotten
           ,
           but
           takes
           as
           much
           delight
           in
           reflecting
           on
           his
           past-time
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           in
           spending
           it
           ,
           or
           where
           he
           had
           committed
           any
           Faults
           ,
           sees
           the
           Pages
           wherein
           they
           were
           registred
           ,
           blotted
           over
           ,
           and
           no
           remembrance
           of
           them
           preserved
           
           to
           his
           disadvantage
           ;
           will
           it
           not
           be
           time
           well
           spent
           in
           so
           satisfactory
           an
           Employment
           of
           his
           Thoughts
           ?
           Or
           if
           he
           finds
           his
           old
           Iniquities
           still
           chronicled
           ,
           the
           stains
           not
           washed
           away
           with
           penitential
           Tears
           ,
           nor
           the
           Score
           wiped
           off
           by
           God's
           forgiving
           Hand
           ;
           will
           not
           this
           remembrance
           of
           his
           Ways
           make
           him
           ashamed
           ,
           and
           fill
           him
           with
           Confusion
           ?
           Will
           it
           not
           send
           him
           immediately
           to
           the
           
             Throne
             of
             Grace
          
           to
           sue
           his
           Pardon
           out
           ,
           and
           never
           let
           him
           be
           at
           peace
           within
           himself
           ,
           till
           God
           is
           pacified
           towards
           him
           for
           all
           that
           he
           hath
           done
           :
           And
           sure
           the
           guilt
           which
           was
           the
           business
           of
           many
           years
           to
           contract
           ,
           will
           cost
           some
           time
           and
           labour
           in
           its
           removal
           ,
           and
           he
           who
           hath
           at
           most
           but
           a
           few
           minutes
           left
           to
           perfect
           that
           mighty
           work
           ,
           ought
           not
           to
           mispend
           a
           moment
           ,
           but
           husband
           well
           the
           poor
           remainder
           of
           his
           days
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           All
           he
           hath
           to
           trust
           to
           ,
           and
           while
           he
           enjoys
           a
           Being
           upon
           earth
           ,
           employ
           it
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           a
           better
           life
           in
           Heaven
           .
           He
           shou'd
           
             trim
             his
             lamp
          
           while
           it
           is
           burning
           ,
           that
           if
           it
           be
           possible
           ,
           what
           hath
           hitherto
           cast
           but
           a
           dim
           and
           languid
           light
           ,
           may
           expire
           in
           a
           glorious
           blaze
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           it
           hath
           not
           been
           his
           care
           to
           have
           lived
           well
           in
           his
           youth
           ,
           he
           must
           be
           the
           more
           industrious
           to
           amend
           his
           life
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           
           dye
           well
           in
           his
           Age
           ;
           and
           that
           at
           last
           by
           following
           the
           righteous
           in
           their
           ways
           ,
           he
           may
           overtake
           them
           ,
           in
           a
           resemblance
           of
           their
           
             latter
             end
          
           .
           It
           is
           not
           for
           us
           to
           persist
           in
           our
           negligence
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           slipt
           the
           fairest
           season
           ;
           but
           we
           must
           rather
           redeem
           the
           time
           by
           greater
           industry
           ,
           that
           tho'
           we
           
             go
             forth
             weeping
          
           for
           our
           lost
           opportunities
           ;
           yet
           if
           we
           sow
           
             good
             seed
          
           in
           the
           residue
           of
           our
           days
           ,
           we
           may
           
             return
             with
             joy
             ,
             and
             bring
             our
             sheaves
             with
             us
             .
          
        
         
           Nor
           shou'd
           the
           oldest
           non-proficient
           of
           us
           be
           ashamed
           to
           begin
           to
           learn
           this
           Duty
           in
           his
           age
           ,
           unless
           because
           he
           did
           not
           earlier
           apply
           himself
           to
           the
           task
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           hath
           not
           practised
           it
           from
           his
           youth
           up
           ,
           he
           will
           find
           the
           greater
           reason
           to
           be
           studious
           in
           it
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           old
           .
           Since
           
             the
             hoary
             head
             is
             a
             Crown
             of
             glory
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             found
             in
             the
             way
             of
             righteousness
             .
          
           But
           for
           those
           who
           are
           men
           in
           years
           to
           be
           
             babes
             in
             Christ
          
           ,
           and
           (
           when
           
             for
             their
             time
             ,
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             Teachers
             )
             to
             have
             need
             of
             being
             taught
             ,
          
           this
           is
           an
           ignorance
           ,
           than
           which
           nothing
           can
           be
           more
           unpardonable
           ,
           but
           the
           persevering
           in
           it
           ;
           for
           
             shame
             shall
             be
             to
             him
             that
             refuseth
             instruction
             ,
          
           but
           
             he
             is
             in
             the
             way
             of
             life
             that
             keepeth
             it
             :
          
           and
           therefore
           we
           must
           make
           haste
           to
           
             take
             fast
             hold
             of
             it
             ,
             before
             our
             flesh
             and
             bodies
             are
             
             consumed
             ,
             lest
             we
             mourn
             at
             last
             for
             the
             omission
             .
          
        
         
           So
           far
           are
           we
           from
           having
           occasion
           to
           seek
           refuge
           in
           excuses
           for
           our
           late
           beginning
           to
           addict
           our selves
           to
           this
           excellent
           employment
           of
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           that
           it
           wou'd
           be
           inexcusable
           to
           defer
           it
           longer
           .
        
         
           The
           man
           who
           hath
           spent
           most
           of
           his
           days
           in
           folly
           and
           extravagance
           ,
           if
           at
           last
           he
           grows
           serious
           and
           reserved
           ,
           hath
           no
           reason
           to
           blush
           at
           his
           coming
           to
           himself
           ,
           but
           at
           his
           being
           so
           long
           insensible
           .
           Such
           a
           folly
           and
           madness
           is
           a
           course
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           if
           by
           a
           serious
           reflection
           on
           our selves
           ,
           and
           a
           manifestation
           given
           us
           ,
           by
           the
           
             true
             light
          
           ,
           of
           the
           reproveable
           impertinencies
           in
           which
           we
           are
           engaged
           ,
           we
           awake
           out
           of
           our
           sleep
           ,
           and
           
             arise
             from
             the
             dead
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           forsake
           our
           sinful
           ways
           ,
           and
           put
           away
           the
           evil
           of
           our
           doings
           ;
           nothing
           will
           be
           liable
           to
           objection
           in
           our
           amendment
           ,
           but
           it
           's
           not
           bearing
           a
           more
           ancient
           date
           .
        
         
           But
           at
           what
           time
           a
           sinner
           thinks
           upon
           his
           ways
           ,
           and
           turns
           his
           feet
           unto
           God's
           testimonies
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           Jubilee
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           the
           farther
           he
           is
           gone
           in
           a
           wrong
           course
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           likely
           to
           be
           irreclamable
           ,
           the
           more
           abundant
           is
           the
           Joy
           :
           and
           God's
           extraordinary
           satisfaction
           to
           find
           a
           
             Son
             that
             was
             lost
          
           ,
           will
           obliterate
           the
           remembrance
           
           of
           his
           undutiful
           departure
           .
           The
           Prodigal
           was
           young
           when
           he
           left
           his
           father's
           house
           ,
           but
           he
           had
           consumed
           much
           of
           his
           time
           as
           well
           as
           substance
           in
           living
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           he
           was
           not
           discouraged
           in
           his
           age
           ,
           to
           return
           to
           that
           place
           which
           the
           folly
           of
           his
           youth
           had
           tempted
           him
           to
           forsake
           ;
           but
           as
           soon
           as
           ever
           he
           came
           to
           himself
           ,
           he
           put
           on
           resolutions
           to
           go
           home
           ,
           and
           we
           find
           he
           was
           not
           upbraided
           for
           his
           late
           submission
           ,
           but
           the
           extravagancies
           of
           his
           youth
           rendred
           it
           more
           acceptable
           .
           To
           conclude
           this
           point
           ,
           since
           
             the
             days
          
           of
           old
           men
           
             are
             but
             few
          
           ,
           and
           their
           weaknesses
           have
           been
           great
           and
           many
           ,
           let
           them
           endeavour
           
             to
             recover
             strength
             before
             they
             go
             hence
             ,
             and
             are
             no
             more
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           that
           neither
           young
           nor
           old
           may
           be
           hindred
           in
           the
           right
           performance
           of
           their
           Duty
           in
           thinking
           on
           their
           ways
           ,
           let
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           can
           ,
           make
           a
           discovery
           of
           those
           obstacles
           and
           impediments
           that
           divert
           our
           thoughts
           from
           that
           employment
           :
           and
           so
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           remove
           them
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           find
           we
           are
           hindred
           partly
           through
           these
           following
           means
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           through
           unworthy
           constructions
           and
           improvements
           of
           God's
           patience
           and
           forbearance
           ,
           whose
           great
           design
           and
           end
           is
           to
           encourage
           us
           to
           this
           duty
           ,
           and
           to
           
             lead
             
             us
             to
             repentance
          
           ▪
           but
           the
           wicked
           make
           not
           such
           a
           profitable
           use
           and
           happy
           advantage
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           
             because
             sentence
             against
             an
             evil
             work
             is
             not
             executed
             speedily
             ,
             therefore
             their
             heart
             is
             fully
             set
             to
             do
             evil
             .
          
           Because
           the
           Atheist
           blasphemes
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           blasted
           with
           its
           Lightning
           ;
           because
           the
           Swearer
           takes
           God's
           Name
           in
           vain
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           immediately
           struck
           dumb
           ;
           because
           the
           Drunkard
           is
           not
           indeed
           turned
           into
           a
           beast
           ,
           for
           making
           himself
           like
           one
           ,
           in
           his
           excess
           ▪
           because
           the
           Adulterer
           does
           not
           always
           find
           a
           Phine●s
           to
           stab
           him
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           his
           unchast
           embraces
           ;
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           men
           become
           so
           bold
           in
           sinning
           ,
           and
           so
           daring
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           so
           inconsiderate
           and
           foolish
           ,
           that
           they
           dally
           with
           damnation
           ,
           and
           play
           upon
           the
           mouth
           of
           Hell
           ,
           as
           fearless
           as
           
             the
             sucking
             child
             on
             the
             hole
             of
             the
             Asp
             ,
             and
             the
             weaned
             child
             on
             the
             Cocatrice
             den
             ,
          
           as
           if
           they
           shou'd
           not
           
             hurt
             nor
             destroy
          
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           sin
           ,
           any
           more
           than
           
             in
             the
             holy
             mountain
          
           .
           And
           while
           they
           live
           as
           if
           there
           was
           not
           a
           God
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           find
           his
           Vengeance
           in
           the
           punishment
           of
           their
           impieties
           ,
           they
           are
           confirmed
           in
           a
           disbelief
           of
           his
           Existence
           .
           But
           if
           while
           we
           are
           boasting
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           glorying
           in
           our
           abilities
           ,
           while
           our
           
             hearts
             are
             lifted
             up
             ,
             and
             our
             minds
             hardned
             in
             pride
          
           ;
           we
           shou'd
           like
           the
           
           King
           of
           Babylon
           ,
           be
           checked
           by
           a
           Voice
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           turned
           to
           feed
           among
           beasts
           ;
           if
           when
           we
           provoke
           God
           ,
           the
           Earth
           shou'd
           swallow
           us
           up
           ,
           as
           persons
           unworthy
           to
           live
           upon
           it
           ;
           such
           Judgments
           wou'd
           teach
           others
           caution
           ,
           and
           they
           wou'd
           no
           longer
           
             be
             high-minded
             ,
             but
             fear
          
           ,
           they
           wou'd
           not
           venture
           upon
           sin
           ,
           when
           they
           found
           it
           the
           way
           to
           ruine
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           indulging
           it
           ,
           they
           made
           court
           to
           their
           own
           destruction
           .
           But
           because
           God
           is
           
             slow
             to
             anger
          
           ,
           and
           of
           
             great
             compassion
          
           ,
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           demand
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             they
             shou'd
             obey
             his
             voice
             .
          
           Because
           
             he
             doth
             not
             willingly
             afflict
             the
             children
             of
             men
             ,
          
           therefore
           they
           think
           
             he
             doth
             not
             see
          
           ,
           and
           that
           
             there
             is
             no
             knowledge
             in
             the
             most
             High.
             
          
        
         
           We
           find
           his
           silence
           made
           the
           wicked
           conclude
           him
           an
           Accomplice
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           fansie
           him
           
             such
             a
             one
             as
             themselves
          
           ,
           and
           because
           
             he
             deferred
             his
             coming
          
           ,
           there
           were
           Scoffers
           that
           asked
           ,
           
             Where
             is
             the
             promise
             of
             it
             ?
          
           Because
           in
           the
           administrations
           of
           his
           wrath
           
             he
             remembers
             mercy
          
           ,
           and
           makes
           many
           pauses
           ,
           because
           
             he
             whets
             his
             sword
          
           ,
           and
           
             bends
             his
             bow
             ,
             and
             makes
             ready
             his
             arrows
             ,
          
           and
           bestows
           so
           much
           time
           in
           preparing
           the
           instruments
           of
           death
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           flatter
           our selves
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           not
           in
           earnest
           ,
           and
           hath
           no
           design
           to
           use
           them
           .
           But
           if
           we
           had
           
           the
           least
           mixture
           of
           ingenuity
           in
           the
           temper
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           we
           shou'd
           fly
           to
           the
           embraces
           of
           those
           arms
           which
           have
           been
           so
           long
           stretched
           forth
           ,
           and
           not
           put
           that
           patience
           to
           a
           farther
           tryal
           ,
           whereof
           we
           have
           had
           such
           repeated
           proofs
           .
           God
           forbid
           we
           shou'd
           incline
           to
           so
           accursed
           and
           dangerous
           a
           Principle
           ,
           as
           to
           
             continue
             in
             sin
             ,
             that
             Grace
             may
             abound
             ,
          
           for
           if
           
             we
             refuse
             when
             he
             calls
             ,
             and
             regard
             not
             when
             he
             stretches
             out
             his
             hand
             ;
             he
             will
             execute
             his
             fierce
             wrath
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             laugh
             at
             our
             calamity
          
           under
           it
           .
        
         
           A
           second
           thing
           that
           obstructs
           our
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           is
           ,
           because
           we
           find
           some
           difficulty
           and
           trouble
           in
           reforming
           them
           .
           The
           pains
           of
           resisting
           Satan
           ,
           and
           grappling
           with
           Corruption
           ,
           are
           harsh
           and
           disagreeable
           to
           flesh
           and
           blood
           .
           When
           we
           are
           injoyned
           to
           
             mortifie
             our
             earthly
             members
          
           ,
           to
           subdue
           our
           lusts
           and
           passions
           ,
           we
           think
           the
           Command
           no
           less
           severe
           than
           that
           for
           Abraham
           to
           sacrifice
           his
           Son
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           so
           near
           a
           relation
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           we
           can
           undertake
           it
           with
           his
           readiness
           ;
           when
           we
           come
           to
           
             shew
             our
             faith
             by
             our
             works
             ,
          
           it
           scarce
           appears
           equal
           to
           a
           
             grain
             of
             mustard
             seed
          
           .
           To
           be
           
             sober
             and
             vigilant
          
           ,
           that
           we
           be
           not
           devoured
           ;
           to
           
             watch
             and
             pray
          
           ,
           that
           
             we
             enter
             not
             into
             temptation
          
           ;
           to
           keep
           a
           guard
           upon
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           our
           words
           ,
           and
           actions
           ,
           that
           they
           
           do
           not
           go
           astray
           ,
           or
           offend
           in
           any
           thing
           ;
           seems
           a
           task
           so
           toilsome
           and
           laborious
           ,
           that
           we
           soon
           grow
           tired
           of
           the
           employment
           ,
           become
           remiss
           and
           carless
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           cry
           with
           the
           Jews
           ,
           
             behold
             what
             a
             Weariness
             it
             is
             ?
          
           Mal.
           1.13
           .
           and
           for
           this
           reason
           ,
           instead
           of
           a
           
             pure
             offering
          
           which
           God
           requires
           ,
           we
           
             sacrifice
             corrupt
             things
             to
             him
             ,
             the
             torn
             ,
             the
             lame
             and
             the
             sick
             ,
          
           which
           instead
           of
           finding
           acceptance
           ,
           bring
           a
           curse
           upon
           us
           .
           The
           strictness
           and
           severity
           of
           a
           Christian
           life
           ,
           is
           the
           
             Lyon
             in
             our
             way
          
           ,
           that
           hinders
           our
           proficiency
           in
           it
           ;
           we
           cannot
           confine
           our selves
           to
           the
           restraints
           it
           lays
           upon
           us
           ,
           nor
           comply
           with
           the
           mortifications
           it
           injoyns
           ;
           we
           look
           on
           it
           as
           a
           Yoke
           ,
           without
           considering
           its
           easiness
           ,
           and
           we
           cannot
           bear
           it
           ,
           though
           light
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           a
           burden
           .
           The
           thorny
           rugged
           path
           to
           Heaven
           offends
           and
           galls
           our
           feet
           ,
           and
           we
           will
           not
           advance
           a
           step
           towards
           it
           ,
           unless
           we
           may
           have
           liberty
           to
           pass
           through
           the
           delightful
           ways
           of
           an
           Earthly
           Paradise
           .
           Fasting
           is
           an
           unpleasant
           entertainment
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           have
           used
           themselves
           to
           
             fare
             deliciously
             every
             day
          
           ;
           and
           a
           
             garment
             of
             Camels
             hair
          
           would
           but
           ill
           agree
           with
           the
           softness
           and
           effeminacy
           of
           those
           who
           have
           known
           nothing
           courser
           than
           
             purple
             and
             fine
             linnen
          
           ;
           so
           that
           ,
           we
           go
           on
           without
           interruption
           ,
           in
           a
           sensual
           course
           of
           life
           .
           And
           
           while
           we
           dare
           not
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ,
           to
           reform
           them
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           we
           are
           more
           afraid
           to
           think
           upon
           them
           ,
           to
           repent
           of
           what
           is
           past
           .
           For
           there
           we
           find
           nothing
           but
           a
           melancholy
           ,
           hideous
           prospect
           ,
           that
           fills
           us
           with
           anxiety
           and
           terrour
           ;
           to
           be
           rid
           of
           which
           ,
           we
           dismiss
           our
           thoughts
           from
           that
           employment
           ,
           and
           betake
           our selves
           to
           our
           merry
           inconsiderate
           life
           again
           ,
           to
           divert
           our
           minds
           from
           the
           remembrance
           of
           what
           so
           much
           disturbed
           them
           .
           But
           why
           shou'd
           we
           look
           so
           much
           at
           the
           hardships
           in
           our
           way
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           mind
           the
           pleasures
           at
           our
           journey's
           end
           ?
           Why
           should
           we
           be
           more
           terrified
           with
           the
           difficulties
           and
           hazards
           of
           the
           Combate
           ,
           than
           encouraged
           by
           the
           Triumphs
           that
           attend
           the
           Victory
           ?
           If
           we
           look
           to
           
             the
             Ioy
          
           and
           
             the
             Crown
          
           designed
           for
           our
           Reward
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           
             be
             weary
             nor
             faint
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
          
           nor
           fall
           under
           the
           Ephraimites
           disgrace
           of
           
             turning
             our selves
             back
             in
             the
             day
             of
             battel
             .
          
           We
           shall
           then
           
             fight
             ,
             not
             as
             those
             that
             beat
             the
             air
          
           ;
           and
           
             run
             ,
             not
             as
             uncertainly
             ;
             but
             keep
             under
             our
             bodies
             ,
             and
             bring
             them
             into
             subjection
             ,
          
           which
           will
           be
           the
           only
           way
           to
           make
           them
           and
           our
           Souls
           too
           ,
           
             free
             indeed
          
           .
           And
           when
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           acute
           pains
           ,
           and
           extream
           throes
           in
           travail
           ,
           nay
           the
           very
           remembrance
           of
           them
           too
           ,
           is
           lost
           in
           the
           satisfaction
           that
           
             a
             man
             
             child
             is
             born
             into
             the
             world
          
           ;
           shall
           not
           the
           contemplation
           of
           our
           being
           
             born
             again
             to
             an
             inheritance
             in
             Heaven
             ,
          
           enable
           us
           to
           go
           chearfully
           through
           all
           that
           is
           uneasie
           and
           pungent
           in
           our
           regeneration
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           have
           the
           assistance
           of
           these
           two
           Considerations
           towards
           the
           work
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           enemies
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           to
           engage
           ,
           cannot
           give
           us
           any
           long
           disturbance
           .
           Our
           death
           will
           free
           us
           from
           all
           their
           attempts
           ,
           and
           the
           disquietudes
           they
           occasion
           .
           Our
           sins
           shall
           be
           buried
           in
           our
           Graves
           ,
           beyond
           the
           hope
           of
           a
           Resurrection
           .
           Whereas
           we
           shall
           rise
           from
           thence
           as
           clear
           from
           the
           spots
           and
           scars
           of
           that
           nauseous
           Leprosie
           ,
           as
           Naaman
           was
           after
           his
           ascent
           from
           Iordan
           .
           Then
           we
           shall
           have
           no
           more
           rebellious
           passions
           to
           subdue
           ,
           no
           more
           unruly
           lusts
           to
           curb
           ;
           no
           more
           obdurate
           hearts
           to
           vex
           us
           ,
           no
           more
           unreasonable
           appetites
           to
           distract
           us
           ,
           but
           having
           obtained
           a
           total
           victory
           ,
           nay
           being
           
             more
             than
             conquerours
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           
             at
             perfect
             peace
          
           .
        
         
           For
           with
           our
           flesh
           we
           shall
           put
           off
           all
           the
           failings
           and
           infirmities
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           predisposed
           matter
           ,
           which
           was
           so
           easily
           wrought
           on
           to
           our
           prejudice
           ;
           and
           drop
           our
           earthly
           inclinations
           ,
           as
           Elijah
           did
           his
           mantle
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           translated
           from
           this
           world
           .
           And
           whatever
           hath
           been
           troublesom
           
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           an
           impediment
           to
           our
           pilgrimage
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           shall
           not
           retard
           our
           journey
           to
           the
           next
           ,
           nor
           interrupt
           our
           pleasures
           there
           :
           for
           whatever
           defileth
           ,
           or
           worketh
           abomination
           ,
           shall
           in
           no
           wise
           enter
           into
           our
           possession
           ,
           the
           City
           of
           the
           living
           God.
           Let
           this
           thought
           therefore
           strengthen
           and
           inspirit
           us
           ,
           to
           undertake
           the
           Combate
           resolutely
           ,
           and
           to
           fight
           under
           our
           Saviour's
           Banner
           with
           the
           chearfulness
           and
           bravery
           of
           those
           Souldiers
           who
           perceive
           Victory
           declaring
           in
           their
           favour
           ,
           and
           their
           enemies
           preparing
           for
           a
           speedy
           flight
           ,
           and
           disabled
           for
           evermore
           to
           take
           the
           field
           against
           them
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Let
           us
           consider
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           more
           advantageous
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           more
           honorable
           ,
           to
           fight
           with
           courage
           now
           ,
           where
           the
           Battel
           will
           not
           continue
           long
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           condemned
           to
           everlasting
           Torments
           for
           our
           Cowardise
           ,
           and
           have
           
             them
             that
             hate
             us
             made
             Lords
             over
             us
             .
          
           'T
           is
           better
           to
           
             enter
             into
             life
             halt
             and
             maimed
             ,
          
           than
           having
           every
           part
           and
           member
           whole
           and
           unhurt
           ,
           to
           be
           sentenced
           to
           eternal
           death
           :
           for
           this
           dismal
           punishment
           is
           decreed
           for
           those
           ,
           who
           not
           regarding
           the
           illustrious
           Original
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           meanly
           condescend
           to
           encrease
           the
           Devil's
           triumph
           by
           yielding
           themselves
           his
           Captives
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           better
           then
           to
           strive
           and
           
           take
           some
           pains
           in
           giving
           a
           repulse
           to
           his
           assaults
           ,
           than
           by
           tame
           submissions
           to
           become
           sharers
           in
           his
           condemnation
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           our
           interest
           to
           encounter
           him
           here
           ,
           though
           we
           are
           sometimes
           bruised
           and
           wounded
           in
           the
           unequal
           congress
           ,
           rather
           than
           let
           him
           carry
           us
           to
           that
           perdition
           ,
           to
           which
           he
           is
           sentenced
           irrecoverably
           ?
           The
           world
           hath
           not
           wanted
           instances
           of
           men
           who
           have
           chosen
           an
           honourable
           death
           before
           an
           ignominious
           life
           ;
           who
           amidst
           their
           Tortures
           
             would
             not
             accept
             deliverance
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             obtain
             a
             better
             resurrection
             .
          
           And
           shall
           not
           we
           ,
           being
           
             compassed
             about
             with
             such
             a
             cloud
             of
             witnesses
             ,
          
           who
           have
           led
           the
           way
           ,
           follow
           their
           great
           Example
           ,
           and
           
             wax
             valiant
             in
             this
             fight
          
           ,
           since
           we
           know
           we
           shall
           
             turn
             to
             flight
             the
             armies
             of
             the
             Aliens
             ?
          
           Have
           not
           we
           reason
           to
           prefer
           the
           toil
           and
           hazard
           of
           such
           a
           Conflict
           ,
           before
           a
           life
           more
           intolerable
           than
           death
           in
           all
           its
           terrors
           ?
           But
           why
           shou'd
           we
           apprehend
           the
           hardships
           of
           this
           spiritual
           Warfare
           ,
           which
           will
           vanish
           by
           degrees
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           grow
           more
           familiar
           ,
           become
           less
           formidable
           ?
           The
           Souldier
           by
           frequent
           use
           of
           Armour
           ,
           grows
           insensible
           of
           its
           weight
           ,
           that
           galled
           and
           wearied
           him
           at
           first
           ;
           and
           tedious
           Marches
           ,
           hungry
           meals
           ,
           short
           sleep
           ,
           and
           sudden
           Alarms
           ,
           which
           once
           fatigued
           and
           harrassed
           him
           ,
           are
           at
           last
           his
           diversion
           ,
           and
           he
           cannot
           live
           
           out
           of
           a
           Camp
           ,
           who
           once
           thought
           it
           death
           to
           continue
           in
           it
           .
           We
           think
           it
           now
           a
           Herculean
           labour
           to
           deliberate
           on
           every
           action
           ,
           to
           inquire
           into
           every
           thought
           ,
           and
           to
           examine
           every
           word
           ;
           to
           question
           all
           our
           motions
           ,
           whence
           they
           come
           ,
           and
           to
           what
           end
           they
           tend
           ,
           before
           we
           sign
           their
           Passport
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           will
           once
           try
           (
           and
           the
           Experiment
           is
           safe
           and
           harmless
           )
           we
           shall
           find
           there
           is
           not
           any
           sensual
           pleasure
           comparable
           to
           those
           sublimated
           Joys
           the
           Soul
           extracts
           from
           the
           knowledge
           of
           its
           sincere
           endeavours
           to
           recommend
           it self
           to
           God
           ,
           by
           obedience
           to
           his
           Will.
           And
           nothing
           is
           more
           necessary
           and
           conducive
           to
           this
           work
           ,
           than
           to
           employ
           the
           reflex
           and
           direct
           acts
           of
           our
           Souls
           in
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           :
           that
           we
           may
           discover
           our
           past
           errours
           ,
           and
           through
           a
           just
           sense
           and
           abhorrence
           of
           them
           ,
           avoid
           all
           future
           wanderings
           .
           For
           if
           we
           do
           not
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ,
           we
           shall
           live
           at
           random
           ,
           and
           run
           into
           a
           Labyrinth
           of
           Absurdities
           ,
           and
           pursue
           our
           own
           destruction
           :
           from
           which
           nothing
           can
           deliver
           us
           :
           but
        
         
           VI.
           The
           
             result
             of
             this
             Employment
             of
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             The
             turning
             our
             feet
             unto
             God's
             Testimonies
             .
          
        
         
           And
           for
           our
           better
           performance
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           let
           us
           consider
           what
           it
           is
           to
           turn
           our
           feet
           unto
           God's
           Testimonies
           .
        
         
           As
           the
           Sacred
           Writings
           have
           couched
           
           our
           life
           and
           conversation
           under
           the
           Metaphor
           of
           a
           Way
           ,
           so
           they
           comprehend
           our
           appetites
           ,
           inclinations
           ,
           affections
           under
           that
           of
           Feet
           ,
           they
           having
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           our
           actions
           the
           same
           office
           that
           feet
           bear
           in
           the
           motion
           of
           our
           bodies
           ,
           and
           carry
           us
           forward
           in
           all
           our
           ways
           .
           Thus
           the
           Prophet
           in
           the
           description
           of
           the
           wickedness
           of
           Israel
           ▪
           gives
           it
           for
           one
           part
           of
           their
           Character
           ,
           that
           
             their
             feet
             were
             swift
             to
             shed
             blood
             .
          
        
         
           That
           is
           ,
           their
           desires
           and
           inclinations
           had
           an
           eager
           bent
           to
           Murder
           :
           and
           that
           saying
           of
           the
           Spouse
           ▪
           
             I
             have
             washed
             my
             feet
             ,
             how
             shall
             I
             defile
             them
             ?
          
           Cant.
           5.3
           .
           implies
           her
           having
           cleansed
           and
           purified
           her
           affections
           ,
           after
           which
           they
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           again
           sullied
           and
           polluted
           ,
           by
           any
           inclination
           to
           impiety
           .
           Now
           the
           Testimonies
           of
           God
           are
           his
           Commandments
           ,
           those
           holy
           Sanctions
           that
           have
           informed
           us
           what
           is
           good
           and
           agreeable
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           what
           wicked
           and
           displeasing
           ,
           and
           injoined
           us
           obedience
           to
           his
           Will
           in
           the
           practice
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           a
           total
           abstinence
           from
           the
           other
           ,
           adding
           promises
           of
           large
           rewards
           to
           encourage
           us
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           threatnings
           of
           severe
           punishments
           to
           deter
           us
           from
           neglecting
           it
           .
           Thus
           the
           Law
           which
           Moses
           set
           before
           the
           Children
           of
           Israel
           ▪
           is
           called
           
             the
             Testimonies
             ,
             and
             the
             Statutes
             ,
             and
             the
             Iudgments
             which
             he
             spake
             
             unto
             them
             ,
          
           Deut.
           4.45
           .
           And
           in
           David's
           charge
           to
           Solomon
           on
           his
           death-bed
           ,
           the
           first
           and
           principal
           injunction
           is
           ,
           
             Keep
             the
             charge
             of
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ,
             to
             walk
             in
             his
             ways
             ;
             to
             keep
             his
             Statutes
             and
             his
             Commandments
             ,
             and
             his
             Iudgments
             ,
             and
             his
             Testimonies
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           written
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           
             Moses
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayst
             prosper
             in
             all
             thou
             doest
             ,
             and
             whither
             soever
             thou
             turnest
             thy self
             ,
          
           1
           Kings
           2.3
           .
           From
           all
           which
           we
           shall
           perceive
           ,
           that
           by
           turning
           our
           feet
           unto
           God's
           Testimonies
           ,
           is
           meant
           ;
        
         
           First
           ,
           Our
           examining
           and
           judging
           of
           our
           ways
           by
           comparing
           them
           with
           God's
           Commandments
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Our
           amending
           them
           ,
           by
           making
           them
           conformable
           to
           those
           directions
           :
           the
           word
           Turning
           being
           expressive
           of
           both
           these
           notions
           .
           And
           indeed
           if
           we
           turn
           ,
           as
           God
           commands
           us
           ,
           
             to
             the
             Law
             and
             to
             the
             Testimony
             ,
          
           we
           shall
           find
           it
           
             a
             light
             unto
             our
             feet
             ,
             and
             a
             lanthorn
             to
             our
             paths
             ,
          
           in
           each
           of
           these
           respects
           :
           for
           
             the
             Commandment
             is
             a
             lamp
             ,
             and
             the
             Law
             a
             light
             ,
          
           directing
           us
           to
           the
           knowledge
           and
           discovery
           of
           Sin.
           By
           the
           help
           of
           this
           instruction
           ,
           we
           shall
           think
           effectually
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           we
           shall
           see
           how
           exactly
           we
           have
           walked
           by
           the
           rule
           of
           life
           prescribed
           us
           ,
           or
           wherein
           we
           have
           swerved
           and
           varied
           from
           it
           .
           His
           Testimonies
           will
           be
           Evidences
           of
           his
           pleasure
           and
           our
           
           obedience
           :
           they
           will
           shew
           us
           whether
           we
           have
           walked
           
             Godly
             ,
             righteously
             and
             soberly
             in
             this
             present
             world
             ,
          
           in
           respect
           of
           him
           ,
           our
           neighbour
           ,
           and
           our selves
           ,
           or
           have
           broke
           loose
           from
           the
           restraints
           ,
           and
           over-leaped
           the
           fences
           of
           Religion
           ,
           in
           impiety
           ,
           injustice
           ,
           or
           intemperance
           .
           And
           if
           we
           turn
           our
           feet
           unto
           God's
           Testimonies
           in
           this
           sense
           ;
           we
           shall
           quickly
           turn
           them
           in
           the
           other
           .
           We
           shall
           
             make
             haste
             and
             not
             delay
             to
             keep
             his
             Commandments
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           pay
           an
           entire
           obedience
           to
           them
           for
           the
           future
           in
           doing
           all
           that
           they
           require
           ,
           and
           abstaining
           from
           whatever
           they
           forbid
           .
        
         
           Now
           in
           this
           turning
           consists
           the
           whole
           work
           and
           business
           of
           repentance
           unto
           Salvation
           ,
           such
           a
           repentance
           as
           will
           need
           no
           repenting
           of
           :
           for
           this
           includes
           Aversion
           and
           Conversion
           ,
           the
           necessary
           qualifications
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           Repentance
           (
           as
           the
           Original
           word
           imports
           )
           is
           a
           change
           of
           mind
           for
           the
           better
           ,
           such
           a
           change
           as
           prevails
           upon
           the
           actions
           to
           accompany
           it
           ,
           for
           the
           Greek
           Verb
           signifies
           to
           be
           wise
           after
           the
           commission
           of
           an
           errour
           ,
           upon
           due
           reflection
           and
           serious
           thinking
           on
           our
           ways
           ,
           as
           David
           declares
           he
           was
           .
           We
           know
           repentance
           hath
           properly
           its
           operation
           ,
           where
           there
           hath
           been
           the
           habit
           of
           some
           sin
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           mind
           ,
           if
           not
           wholly
           ,
           yet
           in
           some
           sort
           averse
           to
           Vertue
           and
           Religion
           ,
           insomuch
           that
           it
           doth
           
           not
           apply
           it self
           to
           the
           practice
           of
           it
           ,
           nor
           exert
           it
           in
           any
           action
           ;
           but
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           rather
           gives
           it self
           up
           to
           be
           governed
           by
           appetite
           ,
           and
           to
           follow
           its
           own
           inventions
           .
           Now
           when
           we
           think
           upon
           our
           ways
           ,
           and
           the
           reflection
           represents
           to
           our
           minds
           the
           evil
           of
           such
           doings
           ,
           and
           takes
           off
           the
           affection
           and
           tendency
           we
           had
           to
           them
           ,
           making
           us
           put
           on
           resolutions
           to
           forsake
           them
           ;
           this
           is
           properly
           a
           turning
           from
           them
           ;
           and
           the
           Psalmist
           means
           it
           as
           one
           part
           of
           the
           result
           and
           consequence
           of
           his
           thinking
           on
           his
           ways
           ,
           that
           he
           turned
           his
           feet
           from
           the
           evil
           of
           them
           .
           This
           is
           the
           term
           from
           whence
           we
           are
           to
           begin
           our
           progress
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           
             the
             considering
             and
             turning
             away
             from
             all
             the
             transgressions
             that
             we
             have
             committed
             ,
          
           Ezek.
           18.28
           .
           But
           then
           there
           must
           be
           the
           term
           to
           which
           we
           are
           to
           move
           our
           
             repentance
             from
             dead
             works
          
           ,
           must
           terminate
           in
           
             serving
             the
             living
             God
          
           ,
           and
           make
           
             his
             testimonies
             our
             delight
             and
             our
             Counsellors
          
           to
           direct
           our
           ways
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           we
           are
           in
           this
           good
           and
           right
           way
           to
           Salvation
           ,
           we
           must
           go
           vigorously
           on
           ;
           for
           if
           we
           once
           stand
           still
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           
             in
             the
             way
             of
             sinners
          
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           quickly
           go
           astray
           again
           among
           those
           
             whose
             ways
             are
             crooked
             ▪
             and
             they
             froward
             in
             their
             paths
             .
          
           Nor
           may
           we
           at
           all
           look
           back
           upon
           our
           former
           ways
           ,
           as
           
           Lot's
           Wife
           did
           on
           Sodom
           ,
           with
           a
           
           fondness
           and
           kind
           remembrance
           of
           them
           ,
           with
           concern
           and
           reluctancy
           for
           quitting
           them
           ;
           for
           this
           will
           be
           an
           argument
           that
           we
           are
           not
           truly
           turned
           unto
           God's
           Testimonies
           ,
           and
           if
           our
           thoughts
           and
           affections
           are
           not
           in
           a
           direct
           Act
           ,
           looking
           towards
           them
           ,
           our
           Lord
           will
           no
           more
           receive
           us
           than
           the
           Samaritans
           wou'd
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           because
           
             his
             face
             was
             as
             though
             he
             would
             go
             to
             Ierusalem
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Word
           and
           Law
           of
           God
           is
           the
           Rule
           that
           must
           guide
           our
           ways
           ,
           if
           we
           desire
           to
           
             walk
             humbly
          
           and
           acceptably
           with
           him
           ;
           
             he
             hath
             shewn
          
           us
           in
           it
           
             what
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             revealed
             his
             whole
             counsel
             to
             us
             .
          
           And
           if
           we
           
             have
             respect
             unto
             these
             his
             ways
             ,
          
           in
           the
           guidance
           and
           direction
           of
           our
           own
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           sure
           not
           to
           be
           mistaken
           in
           them
           .
           For
           
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             perfect
             converting
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             his
             Testimony
             is
             sure
             ,
             making
             wise
             the
             simple
             .
          
           The
           keeping
           his
           Precepts
           made
           
             David
             wiser
             than
             the
             aged
          
           ,
           and
           gave
           him
           
             more
             understanding
             than
             his
             Teachers
          
           .
           And
           his
           Statutes
           must
           needs
           
             rejoice
             our
             hearts
          
           to
           see
           our selves
           in
           such
           a
           certain
           way
           to
           Happiness
           ,
           when
           his
           Commandments
           have
           
             enlightned
             our
             eyes
          
           to
           find
           it
           .
           And
           if
           we
           wou'd
           be
           acquainted
           with
           all
           ,
           even
           our
           
             secret
             faults
          
           ;
           and
           keep
           back
           from
           
             the
             dominion
             of
             presumptuous
             sins
          
           ;
           and
           live
           innocent
           from
           the
           
             great
             Transgressions
          
           ;
           from
           the
           Testimonies
           
           of
           our
           God
           we
           shall
           receive
           these
           benefits
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           warned
           by
           them
           from
           our
           iniquities
           ,
           and
           
             in
             keeping
             them
          
           we
           shall
           find
           
             great
             reward
          
           .
        
         
           But
           because
           
             the
             way
             of
             man
             is
             not
             of
             himself
             ,
             neither
             is
             it
             in
             him
             to
             direct
             his
             steps
             ,
             but
             his
             goings
             are
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           We
           may
           very
           well
           put
           the
           question
           ,
           
             How
             can
             a
             man
             then
             understand
             his
             own
             way
             ?
          
           Prov.
           20.24
           .
           But
           the
           Answer
           is
           as
           ready
           ,
           that
           it
           must
           be
           by
           applying
           himself
           to
           him
           that
           giveth
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           
             out
             of
             whose
             mouth
             cometh
             knowledge
             and
             understanding
             ,
          
           Prov.
           2.6
           .
           for
           
             the
             preparations
             of
             the
             heart
             in
             man
             ,
             and
             the
             answer
             of
             the
             tongue
             is
          
           from
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           
             direct
             his
             work
             in
             truth
          
           .
        
         
           Let
           us
           beseech
           him
           therefore
           who
           knoweth
           all
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           so
           to
           direct
           and
           guide
           them
           in
           the
           knowledge
           and
           discovery
           of
           our
           ways
           ,
           that
           no
           past
           evil
           in
           them
           ,
           may
           escape
           our
           observation
           and
           repentance
           ;
           and
           that
           no
           inadvertency
           or
           neglect
           may
           suffer
           them
           to
           be
           corrupted
           by
           future
           errours
           ;
           but
           that
           he
           will
           please
           so
           to
           order
           our
           paths
           by
           the
           influence
           of
           his
           holy
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           delight
           in
           our
           ways
           ,
           and
           we
           obtain
           Salvation
           by
           them
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           our
           Lord.
           Amen
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .