The mischief of sinne it brings a person low / published by Thomas Watson ... Watson, Thomas, d. 1686. 1671 Approx. 113 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 63 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A65303 Wing W1133 ESTC R38517 17542874 ocm 17542874 106550 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A65303) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 106550) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1108:7) The mischief of sinne it brings a person low / published by Thomas Watson ... Watson, Thomas, d. 1686. [10], 115 p. Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, and are to be sold at his shop ..., London : 1671. Running title: Sin brings a person low. Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York. Includes bibliographical references. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Sin. Christian life. Theology, Doctrinal. 2003-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE MISCHIEF OF SINNE , It brings a Person Low. Published by Thomas Watson Minister of the Gospel . Isa. 64.7 . Thou hast consumed us because of our iniquities . LONDON , Printed for Tho. Parkhurst , and are to be sold at his Shop at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel , and at the Bible on London Bridge . 1671. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER . Christian Reader , THE excess of impiety which hath broken down the Banks of common Civility & Modesty , did at first lead my thoughts to these subjects ensuing . The Spirits of men are leavened with Atheism , and their lives stained with debauchery . * I know not what to call them , but Baptitized Heathens . Not long since there was a complaint that the Springs grew low : Sure I am the floods of sin are risen , even to a Deluge . There is a Generation among us , of whom I may say as Oecumenius , they militate against Religion ; * they are so prodigiously prophane , that they esteem the Bible a Fable , and * would jeer all Holiness out of the world . The Prince of the Air , now worketh in the children of disobedience , Ephes. 2.2 . in our Saviours time , many mens Bodies were possessed with the Devil , but now their souls are possessed . One is possessed with a blasphemous Devil , another with a spightful Devil , another with a drunken Devil . This is one great sign of the approach of the last day , iniquity shall abound , Mat. 24.12 . Mens lusts grow fierce and insatiable , and like Imps lye sucking them . But O how direful and tremendous will the effects of sin be . My Text saith * , they were brought low for their iniquity : Sin is such a Trade , that whosoever follows , is sure to break . What got Achan by his wedge of Gold ? It was a wedge to cleave asunder his soul from God. What got Judas by his Treason ? He purchased an Halter . What got King Ahaz by worshipping the Gods of Damascus ? they were the Ruine of him and of all Israel , 2 Chron. 28.23 . Sin is first Comical , and then Tragical . I may fitly apply those words of Solomon to sin , Prov. 7.26 . She hath cast down many wounded : O what an Harvest of souls is the Devil like to have ! Isaiah 5.14 . Hell hath enlarged it self . It is fain to make room for its guests . 'T is matter of grief to think , that the Dragon should have so many followers , and the Lamb so few . Cyprian brings in the Devil insulting over Christ , thus ; As for my followers , I never dyed for them as Christ hath done for his , I never promised them so great a Reward as Christ hath done to his , yet I have greater numbers than he , and my followers venture more for me , than his do for him . Some sin out of ignorance , yet even the blind can find the way to Hell. But most sin out of choice , they know the Dish forbidden , but they lust after it , though in the day they eat thereof , they shall surely die . My design in this small Tract , is to give check to Sinners , and sound a Religious Retreat in their ears , to make them return from the hot pursuit of their impieties . If notwithstanding all admonitions , they will run counter to the Word , and prostitute themselves to their sordid lusts , they are felo de se , and their blood will be upon their own head . What remains , but that God should say in anger , as Zach. 11.9 . That that dieth , let it dye , and that that is to be cut off , let it be cut off . I have at the request of some friends , made this Discourse ( imparted formerly to my own family ) publick . I acknowledge it is not rhetorico flatu cothurnatus , embellished with flowers of Eloquence . St. Pauls preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom , but in the demonstration of the Spirit , and Power , 1 Cor. 2.4 . Plainness is ever best in beating down sin . When a wound festers , it is fitter to launce it , than to embroyder it with Silk , or lay Vermilion upon it . Reader , that God will bless these few Meditations to thee , and make them operative upon thy Heart , shall be the Prayer of him , who is , Thy Friend , studious of thy eternal welfare , Thomas Watson . THE MISCHIEF OF SIN , It brings a Person Low. PSALM 106.43 . And were brought low , for their Iniquity . IF the Scripture be a Spiritual Rosary or Garden , ( as St. Chrysostom saith ) the Book of Psalms is a Knot in this Garden , set with fragrant Flowers : Luther calls the Psalms , parva Biblia , a little Bible . The Psalms make sweeter Musick , than ever Davids Harp did : they are calculated for every Christians condition , and may serve either for illumination , or consolation . In this Psalm David sets down the people of Israels sins . First , In General ; Ver. 6. We have sinned with our Fathers . The examples of Fathers , are not alwayes to be urged . Shall we be wiser than our Fathers ? Fathers may err ; a * Son had sometimes better take his Land from his Father , than his Religion . Secondly , David makes a particular enumeration of their sins . 1. Their forgetfulness of God. Ver. 13. They soon forgat his works ; or as it is in the Original , they made haste to forget his works * . The Lord wrought a famous Miracle for them , Ver. 11. he drowned Israels enemies , and Israel drowned his mercies . Our sins , and Gods kindnesses are apt quickly to slip out of our memory . We deal with Gods mercies , as with Flowers , when they are fresh , we smell to them , and put them in our bosom , but within a while we throw them away , and never mind them * . They made haste to forget his works . 2. Their inordinate lusting , V. 14. They lusted exceedingly in the Wilderness . They were weary of the Provision which God sent them miraculously from Heaven ; they grew dainty , they wept for Quailes ; they were not content , that God should supply their Wants , but they would have him satisfie their lusts too ; God lets them have their request ; Quailes they had , but in anger ; * He sent leanness into their souls , ( i. e. ) he sent a Plague whereby they pined and consumed away . 3. Their Idolatry . Ver. 19. They made a Calf in Horeb. They framed to themselves a god of Gold and worshipped it . The Scripture calls Idolls , Bosheth , a shame , Hos. 9.10 . For this God disclaimed them from being his people , Exod. 32.2 . Thy people have corrupted themselves . Formerly God called them His people , but now he doth not say to Moses , My people , but Thy people . 4. Their Infidelity . Ver. 24. They believed not his word , * but murmured . They did not think that God would subdue their enemies , and bring them into that pleasant Land flowing with Milk and Hony ; and this unbelief did break forth into murmuring . * They wished they had made their Graves in Aegypt ; † when men begin to distrust the Promise , then they quarrel at Providence . When faith grows low , passions grow high . For these things God did stretch out his hand against them , as it is in the Text , And they were brought low , for their iniquity . The words branch themselves into two Parts . 1. Israels Misery . They were brought low ; * Some Expositors translate it , They waxed lean ; † The Hebrew and Septuagint render it , They were humbled . * 2. The procuring cause of it ; for their iniquity † . Doct. The Proposition resulting from the Text is , That sin brings a Person low . Psal. 197.6 . The wicked he casteth down to the ground . Sin is a Planet of a bad Aspect ; as Ieptha said to his daughter , when she met them with Timbrel and Dances , Judg. 11.35 . Alas my daughter , thou hast brought me very low . So a man may say to his sin , alas my sin , thou hast brought me very low . Sin is the great Leveller ; it brings a Family low : it cuts off the Arm , and dissolves the Pillars thereof . 1 Sam. 2.29 . Wherefore kick ye at my Sacrifice ? Ver. 31. Behold , the dayes come , that I will cut off thy arm ; and the arm of thy Fathers house , that there shall not be an old man in thy house . Which threatning God made good , when he cut off Elies two Sons , and put by the other Sons from the Priesthood . Sin brings a Kingdom low , 1 Sam. 15.19 . Wherefore didst not thou obey the voice of the Lord , but didst evil in his sight ? Ver. 28. The Lord hath rent the Kingdom of Israel from thee this day . Sin breaks the Axletree of Church and State , Hos. 13.1 . When Ephraim spake trembling , he exalted himself , but when he offended in Baal he dyed . The Tribe of Ephraim did carry a Majesty with it , and was superiour to the ten Tribes . When Ephraim spake , he struck an awe and terrour into others ; But when he offended in Baal he dyed . When he once fell from God by Idolatry , he did inter cuneos residere , degrade himself of his honour ; his strength and glory came to nothing . Now every puny adversary would insult over him , as the Hare will tread upon a dead Lion * . Among the many threatnings against sin , this was one , Deut. 28.43 . Thou shalt come down very low ; and in the Text this threatning is exemplified and made good , They were brought low for their iniquity . That I may amplifie and illustrate the Proposition , I shall shew 1. How many wayes sin brings a man low . 2. Why sin must needs bring a man low . 1. How many wayes sin brings a man low . 1. Sin brings a man low in Gods esteem . The sinner sets an high price upon himself , Prov. 26.16 . but God hath low thoughts of him , and looks upon him with a despicable eye , Dan. 11.21 . And in his estate , shall stand up a vile person . Who was this spoken of ? It was Antiochus Epiphanes ; he was a King , and his Name signifies Illustrious , and by some he was worshipped , yet in Gods account , he was a vile person . The Psalmist speaking of the wicked , saith , they are become filthy ; in the Hebrew it is , they are become stinking . That you may see how low a sinner is fallen in Gods account , the Lord compares him to dross , Psal. 119.119 . to chaffe , Psal. 1.4 . to a Pot boiling with scumm , Ezek. 24.6 . to a Dog , 2 Pet. 2.22 . which under the Law was unclean ; to a Serpent , Matth. 23.33 . which is a cursed creature ; nay , he is worse than a Serpent , for the poyson of a Serpent , is what God hath put into it ; but a wicked man hath that which the Devil hath put into him , Acts 5.3 . Why hath Satan filled thy heart ? Caelius Rhodiginus reports of an antient Woman , who had alwayes used flattering Glasses , by chance , seeing her face in a true Glass , fell mad ; * a sinner is well conceited of himself , while he doth dress himself by the flattering Glass of presumption , but if he knew how loathsome and disfigured he were in Gods eye , he would abhor himself in the dust . 2. Sin brings a man low in his intellectuals . It hath eclipsed the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Rational Part ; darkness is upon the face of this deep . Since the Fall , the Lamp of Reason burns dim , 1 Cor. 13.9 . We know but in part . * There are many arcana naturae , knots in Nature , that are not easie to untye . Why Nilus should overflow in Summer , when by the course of nature Waters are lowest ? Why the Loadstone should rather draw Iron , than Gold a more Noble Mettal ? What way the light is parted ? Job 38.24 . How the bones grow in the womb ? * Many of these are Paradoxes that we understand not . The Key of Knowledge * , is lost in the Tree of Knowledge . Especially , in matters Sacred , we are inveloped with ignorance , The Sword is upon our right eye , Zach. 11.16 . What a little of the Sea , will a Nut-shell hold ? How little of God will our intellect contain ? Job . 11.7 . Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? Who can fully unriddle the Trinity ? or fadom the mysterie of the Hypostatical Union ? And alas , as to salvifical heart-transforming knowledge , how are we to seek , till Gods Spirit light our Lamp ! 1 Cor. 2.14 . 3. Sin brings a man low in affliction ; * that is the meaning of the Text , They were brought low for their iniquity . Adams sin brought him low ; it banished him out of Paradise , 2 Chron. 28.18 . In those dayes , God cut Israel short . Sin makes God cut a people short in their Spiritual and Civil liberties . Sin is the Womb of sorrow , and the Grave of comfort . Sin turns the body into an Hospital , it causeeth Feavers , Ulcers , Catarrhes . — macies & nova febrium terris incubuit cohors — * Sin buries the Name , melts the Estate , pulls away near Relations as limbs from our body . Sin is the Trojan Horse , out of which a whole Troop of afflictions comes . Sin drowned the old World , burnt Sodom , Sin made Sibon sit in Babylon . Lam. 1.8 . Ierusalem hath grievously sinned , therefore she is removed . Sin did shut up Gods bowels , Lam. 2.21 . Thou hast killed , and not pitied . Israel did sin , and not repent , and God did kill , and not pity . Sin is the great Humbler : Did not Davids sin bring him low ? Psalm 38.3 . There is no rest in my bones , because of my sin . Did not Manassehs sin bring him low ? It changed his Crown-Royal into Fetters , 2 Chron. 33.11 . God for sin , turned King Nebuchadnezzar to grass , Dan. 4.33 . Sin is like the Aegyptian Reed , too feeble to support us , but sharp enough to wound us . Jer. 2.16 . The Children of Noph and Tahapanes have broke the Crown of thy head . The Aegyptians were not a warlike , but a womanish people * , imbecil and weak , yet these were too hard for Israel , and made a spoil of her . Ver. 17. Hast thou not procured this to thy self ? Is it not thy sin hath brought thee low ? Nay , Sin doth not only bring us low in affliction , but it imbitters affliction ; Sin puts teeth into the Cross. Guilt makes affliction heavy ; A little water is heavy in a Leaden Vessel ; and a little affliction is heavy in a guilty conscience . 4. Sin brings one low in Melancholy : this is atra bilis , a black humour seated chiefly in the brain . Some have strange and dismal conceits , fancying their bodies to be made all of Glass , * and that if any one touch them , they shall break . Melancholy cloaths the mind in Sable ; it puts a Christian out of tune , that he is not fit for prayer , * nor praise . Lute-strings when wet , will not sound : nor can one under the power of Melancholy , Make melody in his heart to the Lord , Ephes. 5.19 . when the mind is troubled , it is unfit to go about work . Melancholy doth disturb Reason , and weaken Faith. Satan works much on this temper : it is balneum diaboli ; he bathes himself with delight in such a person . Through the black Spectacles of Melancholy , every thing appears black . When a Christian looks upon sin , saith he , this Leviathan will devour me ; when he looks upon Ordinances , these will serve to increase my guilt ; when he looks upon affliction , this gulf will swallow me up . Melancholy creates fears in the mind , it excites jealousies ; and misprisions . I may allude to that Psal. 53.5 . There were they in great fear , where no fear was . * 5. Sin brings a man low in spiritual Plagues . It brings many an one , to a seared conscience , to final induration , Isa. 29.10 . The Lord hath poured out upon you , the spirit of a deep sleep , * and hath closed your eyes . Men are brought low indeed , when the sound of Aarons Bell will not awaken them , no Sermon will stir them . They are like the Smiths Dog , that can lye and sleep near the Anvil , when all the sparkles fly about . Conscience is in a Lethargy . * When once a mans speech is gone , and his feeling lost , he draws on apace to death : So when the checks of Conscience cease , and a man is sensible neither of sin , nor wrath , you may ring out the Bell , he is past hope of recovery . Thus some are brought low , even to a reprobate sense . This is limen inferni , the threshold of damnation . 6. Sin brings a man low in temptation . Paul began to be proud , and he had a messenger of Satan to buffet him , * 2 Cor. 12.7 . Some think it was a visible apparition of Satan , tempting him to sin ; others , that the Devil was now assaulting Pauls faith , making him believe he was an hypocrite . Satan laid the train of temptation , to blow up the fort of his Grace . And this temptation was so sore , that he called it , a thorn in the flesh * , it did put him to much anguish . Such temptations do the godly oft fall into . They are tempted to question the truth of the Promises , or the truth of their own Graces . Sometimes they are tempted to blasphemy , sometimes to self-murder ; thus , they are brought low , they are almost gone , and ready to give consent . The Devil nibbles at their heel , but God wards off the blow from their head . 7. Sin brings one low in desertion . This is an abysse indeed . Psal. 88.6 . Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit * . Desertion is a short Hell. Cant. 5.6 . My beloved hath withdrawn himself , and was gone . Christ knocked , but the Spouse was loth to rise off her bed of sloath , and open to him presently , Christ was gone . When the Devil finds a person sleeping , he enters ; but when Christ finds him sleeping he is gone . And if this Sun of Righteousness withdraws his Golden beams from the soul , darkness follows . Desertion is the arrow of God , shot into the soul. * Job 6.4 . The arrows of the Almighty are within me , the poison whereof drinketh up my Spirit . The Scythians in their Wars did use to dip their Arrows in the blood and gall of Asps , that the venemous heat of them might the more torture the enemy . So the Lord did shoot his poisoned arrow of desertion at Iob , under the wounds whereof , his Spirit lay bleeding . God is called in Scripture , a light , and a fire . The deserted soul feels the fire , but doth not see the light . So dreadful is this , that the most tormenting pains , Stone , Collick , Strangury , are but a pleasure to it . All the delights under the Sun will administer no comfort in this condition . Worldly things can no more relieve a troubled mind , than a silken Stocken can ease a broken Leg. Psal. 88.15 . While I suffer thy terrors , I am distracted . Luther in desertion , was like one giving up the ghost , He had no blood seen in his face , nor was heard to speak , but his body seemed dead ; * as one writes in an Epistle to Melancthon . 8. Sin brings many low in despair ; this is a gulf that none but reprobates fall into . * Jer. 18.11 . Thou saidst , there is no hope . Despair is devoratoria salutis , * it is a milstone tyed about the soul , that sinks it in perdition . Despair looks on God , not as a Father , but a Iudge . It refuseth the remedy . Other sins need Christ , despair rejects him : It closeth the Orifice of Christs wounds , that no blood will come out to heal . This is the voice of despair , My sin is greater than the mercy of God can pardon . It makes the wound broader than the plaister . Despair is a God-affronting sin ; it is sacriledge , it robs God of his Crown-jewels , his Power , Goodness , Truth . How doth Satan triumph to see the honour of Gods Attributes laid in the dust by despair . Despair casts away the Anchor of hope , and then the soul must needs sink . What will a Ship do in a storm without an Anchor ? Despair locks men up in impenitency . I have read of one Hubertus who dyed despairing ; he made his Will after this manner , I yield my goods to the King , my body to the grave , my soul to the Devil . Isa. 38.18 . They that go down into the pit , cannot hope for thy truth . They who go down into this pit of despair , cannot hope for the truth of Gods promise . And this despair grows at last into horror and raving , — Eheu quis intus scorpio ? — 9. Sin brings a man without repentance into the bottomless pit , and then he is brought low indeed * . Sin draws Hell at the heels of it . Psal. 9.7 . The wicked shall be turned into Hell. Not to speak of the punishment of loss , which Divines think is the worst part of Hell : ( i. e. ) the being separated from the beatifical sight of God , in whose presence is fulness of joy . The poena sensus , the punishment of sense , is bad enough . Then wrath will come upon sinners , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to the uttermost , 1 Thes. 2.16 . If when Gods anger is kindled but a little , and a spark of it flyes into a mans conscience in this life , it is so terrible , what will it be , when he stirs up all his wrath ? Psal. 78.38 . How sad was it with Spira when he did but sip of the Cup of wrath ? he was a very Anatomy , his flesh consumed , he became a terror to himself . What is it then to lye steeping in Hell ? Some may ask , where the place of Hell is ? but as Chrysostome saith , let us not be inquisitive where it is , but rather let our care be to escape it . * But to satisfie curiosity , Hell is some infernal place , it lies low , Prov. 15.24 . Hell beneath . * Hesiod saith , Hell is as far under the Earth , as Heaven is above it . † If sin then brings a man to Hell , it brings him low . Consider , 1. The plurality of Hell torments . In bodily sickness , seldom above one Disease at a time troubles the Patient ; the Stone , or Gout ; but in Hell there is a diversity of torments . There is , 1. Darkness , Jude 13. Hell is a dark Region . * 2. There are bonds and chains . 2 Pet. 2.4 . God hath Golden cords which are his Precepts , tying men to duty ; and Iron chains , which are partly his decree , in ordaining men to destruction , and partly his Power , in bridling and chaining them up under wrath . The binding the wicked in chains , notes that the damned in Hell cannot move from place to place , which might perhaps a little alleviate and abate their misery , but they shall be tyed to the stake never to stir . The wicked could go from one sin to another , but in Hell they shall not move from one place to another . 3. The Worm that never dyes . Mar. 9.44 . This is a self-accusing mind , which is so torturing , as if a Worm full of poison , were gnawing at a mans heart . Such as would not hear the voice of conscience , shall be made to feel the worm of conscience . 2. The severity of Hell torment . It is expressed by a lake of Fire , Rev. 20.15 . Fire is the most torturing Element . Nebuchadnezzars fiery Fornace , was but painted fire to this . It is called Fire prepared , Matth. 25.41 . as if God had been sitting down to devise some exquisite torment . Dives cryes out , O I am tormented in this flame , Luke 16.24 . 3. The torments of Hell shall be in every part both of body and soul. 1. The body shall be tormented . That body which was so tender and delicate , that it could not bear heat or cold , shall suffer in every part . The eyes shall be tormented with sights of Devils , * the ears with the hideous shrieks of the damned ; the tongue that was fired with passion , shall now have fire enough , Luke 16.24 . Send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , and cool my tongue . 2. All the powers of the soul shall be tormented . The mind to apprehend Divine displeasure ; the memory to remember what mercies have been abused , what means of Grace have been slighted , and what an Heaven is forfeited ; the conscience shall be tormented with self-accusations ; the sinner shall arraign himself for stifling , and resisting the motions of the blessed Spirit . 4. The wicked shall not only be forced to behold the Devil , but shall be shut up in the Den with this roaring Lion , and he shall spit fire in their faces . 5. The wicked shall hear the language of Hell , Revel . 16.9 . Men were scorched with heat , and blasphemed the Name of God. To hear reprobates cursing God , and have ones ears chained to their Oaths and Blasphemies , what an Hell will this be ? 6. The torments of Hell have no period put to them . Origen fancied a fiery stream , in which the souls of sinful men , yea , Devils and all , were to be purged , and then pass into Heaven : but the Scripture asserts , that whosoever are not purged from sin by Christs blood , * are to lye under the Torrid Zone of Gods wrath to all eternity , Revel . 14.11 . The smoak of their torment , ascendeth up for ever and ever . This word ever burns hotter than the Fire . At death all our worldly sorrows dye ; but the torments of Hell are as long-liv'd as Eternity , Rev. 9.6 . They shall seek death , and shall not find it . Alwayes dying , but never dead . * Here the wicked thought a Prayer long , a Sabbath long , Amos 8.5 . But how long will it be to lye in Hell for ever . — Vestigia nulla retrorsum — 7. The pains of Hell are without intermission . If a man be in pain , yet while he is asleep , he doth not feel it . There is no sleep in Hell. What would the damned give for one hours sleep , Rev. 4.8 . They rest not day nor night . In outward pain there is some abatement ; the burning fit is sometimes off , and the sick Patient is more at ease than he was . But the damned soul never saith , I have more ease ; those infernal pains are alwayes acute and sharp ; no cooling fits in those inflammations . 8. In Hell the wicked shall see the godly advanced to a Kingdom , and themselves devoted to misery , Luke 13.28 . Then shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth , when ye shall see Abraham , and Isaac , and Jacob , and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God , and you your selves thrust out . When sinners shall see those whom they hated and scorned , to be set at Christs right hand , and crowned with glory , and themselves cast out to the Devils ; nay , when the ungodly shall see those whom they censured and persecuted sit as their Judges , and join with Christ in condemning them , * 1 Cor. 6.2 . Know ye not , that the Saints shall judge the world ? How will this aggravate the misery of those hellish Caitiffs , and make them gnash their teeth for envy . 9. In Hell the wicked shall have none to sympathize with them . It is some comfort to have friends condole with us in our sufferings , but the damned have none to compassionate them . Mercy will not pity them , mercy abused turns to fury . God the Father will not pity them , he will laugh at them Prov. 1.26 . I will laugh at your calamity . Is not this sad , for a damned soul to lye roaring in flames , and have God sit and laugh at him ? Jesus Christ will not pity the wicked , they slighted his blood , and now his blood cryes against them . The Angels will not pity them ; it is a desirable sight to them , to see Gods Justice glorified . * The Saints in Heaven will not pity them ; they were continually persecuted by them , and they shall rejoyce when they see the vengeance , Psalm 58.10 . Nay , such as were their nearest Relations on Earth will not pity them ; the Father will not pity his Child in Hell , nor the Wife her Husband ; the reason is , because the Saints glorified have their wills made perfectly subject to Gods will , and when they see his will is done , they rejoyce , though it be in the damning of their near relations . Doth not sin then bring men low , when it brings them to Hell ? Ezek. 32.27 . They are gone down to Hell , they have laid their swords under their heads , but their iniquity shall be upon their bones . Thus I have shown you how many wayes sin brings one low . 2. Why sin must needs bring a man low . 1. Because sin is a Disease , and that brings low . Take the healthiest Constitution , the most sanguine Complexion , yet if sickness get into it , it brings the body low , the beauty withers , * the Silver Cord begins to be loosed . So it is in spirituals , the soul which was once of an Orient brightness , the mind angelified , the will crowned with liberty , the affections as so many Seraphims burning in love to God , yet by sin is become diseased , * and this disease brings it low . The soul is fallen from its pristine dignity , it hath lost its noble and sublimated operations , and lyes exposed ( without Grace ) to the second death . 2. Sin must needs bring a man low , because the sinner enters a contest with God. — invadunt Martem clypeis , pugnamque lacessunt — He tramples upon Gods Law , crosseth his will ; if God be of one mind , the sinner will be of another ; * he doth all he can to spight God , Jer. 44.16 . As for the word which thou hast spoken to us in the name of the Lord , we will not hearken to thee , but we will do whatsoever thing proceedeth out of our own mouth , to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven * . The same Hebrew word for sin , signifies rebellion * . Now can the Lord endure to be thus sawcily confronted by proud dust ? God will never let his own creature rise up in arms against him , he will pull down the sinners plumes , and bring him low . * Psal. 18.26 . With the froward , thou wilt shew thy self froward ; In the Hebrew it is , thou wilt wrestle ; and if God once wrestle with the sinner , he will throw him to the ground . When the Angel wrestled with Iacob , he touched only the hollow of his thigh , Gen. 32.25 . But when God wrestles with a sinner , he will rent the caul of his heart , * Hos. 13.8 . The Apostle saith , It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God , Heb. 10.31 . 'T is good to fall into Gods hands when he is a friend , but it is ill falling into his hands when he is an enemy . 3. Sin must needs bring a man low , because the sinner labours what he can to bring God low . 'T is true , God cannot lose any of his essential glory , he is so high that no strength of Mortals can reach him , but a wicked man doth what in him lies to bring God low . He hath low thoughts of God ; he slights his soveraignty , questions his truth , looks upon all Gods Promises as a forged deed . The sinner therefore is said to despise God , Numb . 11.20 . Again , the sinner lessens God , and brings him low in the thoughts of others . Ezek. 8.12 . They say , the Lord seeth us not , the Lord hath forsaken the earth . Do but secure your selves from mans eye , and as for Gods taking notice of sin , you need not trouble your selves , the Lord seeth you not , * he hath forsaken the earth . Zeph. 1.12 . They say the Lord will not do good , neither will he do evil . If you serve him you must not look for reward , and if you do not serve him , you need not fear punishment . Mal. 2.17 . Ye say , every one that doth evil , is good in the sight of the Lord , and he delighteth in them : or where is the God of judgement ? Here they blemish Gods Sanctity ; God is not so holy , but he bears as much favour to the wicked , as to the good ; and , Where is the God of judgement ? Here they tax his justice ; as if they had said , God doth not order things right , he doth not weigh matters impartially in an equal ballance ; Where is the God of judgement ? Thus a sinner eclipseth the glory of the Godhead , and labours to bring God low in the thoughts of others . And besides , he doth what in him lies to extirpate a Deity ; he wisheth there were no God ; he saith , * Cause the holy One of Israel to cease , Isa. 30.11 . A wicked man would not only unthrone God , but unbee God ; if he could help it , God should be no longer God. Now if a sinner be thus impious , as to endeavour to bring God low , no wonder if God brings him low . Nahum . 1.19 . I will make thy grave , for thou art vile . I will bring thee ( O Sennacherib ) from the throne to the tomb . I will kick thee into thy grave , Obad. ver . 4. Though thou set thy nest among the Stars , thence will I bring thee down saith the Lord. 4. Sin must needs bring a person low , because sin is the only thing God hath an antipathy against . The Lord doth not hate a man , because he is poor , or despised ; you do not hate your friend , because he is sick ; but that which draws forth the keenness of Gods hatred , is sin , Jer. 44.4 . Do not this abominable thing that I hate . Now for any one to espouse that which Gods soul hates , it must needs undo him at last . Is that subject like to thrive , whom his Prince hates ? The cherishing countenancing of sin , makes the fury come up in Gods face , Ezek. 38.16 . And if his wrath be once kindled , it burns to the lowest Hell. The Psalmist saith , Who can stand before his cold ? Psal. 147.17 . But rather , who can stand before his heat ? Isa. 33.14 . 5. Sin must needs bring the sinner low , because it exposeth him to Gods curse , and Gods curse blasts where ever it comes , Deut. 28.15 , 16. If thou wilt not harken to the voice of the Lord , all these curses shall come upon thee . Cursed shalt thou be in the City , and cursed shalt thou be in the field , cursed shall be thy basket and thy store . The curse of God haunts the sinner where ever he goes ; if he be in the City , it spoils his Trade , if he be in the Countrey , it destroyes his Crop ; Gods curse drops poison into every thing . It is a Moth in the Wardrobe , Murrain among the Cattel , Rot among the Sheep . If the flying Roul of curses enters into a mans house , it consumes the timber and walls of it , Zach. 5.4 . * When Christ cursed the fig-tree , it presently withered , Mat. 21.19 . Mens curses are insignificant , they shoot without bullets , but Numb . 22.6 . He whom thou cursest , is cursed . Gods curse kills , Psal. 37.22 . They that are cursed of him , shall be cut off . If all Gods curses are levelled against the sinner , then he must needs be brought low . Use 1. Informat . 1. Branch : See then from hence , that Gods punishing either a person or a Nation is not without a cause . A Father may chastise his Son out of an humour , when there is no cause , but God doth never punish without a just cause . He doth it not purely to shew his Soveraignty , or because he takes pleasure to bring his creature low , Lam. 3.33 . He doth not willingly afflict ; or as it is in the Hebrew , from the heart , * but there is some impellent cause , They were brought low for their iniquity . Cyprian writes thus , concerning the Persecution of the Church under the Emperour Valerian , We must confess that this sad calamity , which hath in a great part wasted our Churches , hath risen from our own intestine wickedness , whilst we are full of avarice , ambition , emulation , &c. * Jer. 4.17 . As keepers of a field , are they against her round about . Like as Horses or Deer in a field , are so enclosed with hedges , and so narrowly watched , that they cannot get out . So Ierusalem was so besieged with enemies , and watched , that there was no escape for her , without danger of life . Verse 18. Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee , this is thy wickedness . As we use to say to Children when they are sick , this is your green fruit ye have eat , or your going in the Snow : So saith God , This is thy wickedness . Jer. 30.15 . Why cryest thou for thy affliction , because thy sins were encreased , I have done these things unto thee . The Sword that wounds thee , is of thy own whetting ; the cords that pinch thee are of thy own twisting ; thank thy sin for all . 1 Cor. 11.30 . For this cause many are sick , and weak , and many fall asleep . The Church of Corinth was punished with corporal death , because of coming unworthily to the Lords Table , and prophaning the body and blood of the Lord. * The abuse of holy things incenseth God. Nadab and Abihu found the flames of wrath hot about the Altar . * So that still there is a propter hoc , a cause why God brings any person low . There is no reason why God should love us , but there is a great deal of reason why God should punish us . They were brought low for their iniquity . 2. See from hence , what a mischievous thing sin is , it brings a person , and a Nation low . * Hos. 14.1 . Thou hast fallen by thy iniquity . Sin laies men low in the Grave , and in Hell too without repentance ▪ Sin is the Achan that troubles . † It is the Gall in our Cup , and the Gravell in our Bread. * Sin and punishment are linked together with Adamantine Chains . Sin is the Phaeton that sets the world on fire . It is a Coal that not only blacks but burns . Sin runs men into the briars , Job 30.7 . Among the bushes they brayed . Sin conjures up all the winds ; * all the crosses which befall us , all the storms in conscience , sin raiseth them . Never let any one think to rise by sin , for the Text saith , it brings him low . Sin first tempts and then damns . 'T is first a Fox , and then a Lyon. Sin doth to a man , as Iael to Sisera , she gave him Milk , but then she brought him low , Judg. 5.26 , 27. She put her hand to the Nail , and with the Hammer she smote Sisera , she smote off his head , when she had pierced and stricken through his Temples , at her feet he bowed , &c. Sin first brings its pleasures with delight , and charms the senses , and then comes with its Nail and Hammer . Sin doth to the sinner , as Absalom to Amnon , when his heart was merry with wine , then he killed him , 2 Sam. 13.28 . Sins last act is alwayes Tragical . How evil a thing is sin , that not only brings a people low , but it makes God delight in bringing them low , Ezek. 5.13 . I will cause my fury to rest upon them , and I will be comforted . God doth not use to take delight in punishing , Judg. 10.16 . His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel . Like a Father that with tears chastiseth his Child ; but God was so provoked with the Iews , that it seemed a delight to him to afflict ; I will cause my fury to rest upon them , and I will be comforted . * O what a venemous accursed thing is sin , that makes a merciful God take comfort in the destruction of his own creature . 3. See then what little cause any have to wonder that they are brought low . As the Apostle saith , 1 Pet. 4.12 . Think it not strange * concerning the fiery tryal . So , think it not strange , if you be as full of Eclipses and Changes as the Moon . * Wonder not , if you are under the black rod. A sick man may as well wonder that he is in pain , as a sinful man wonder that he is afflicted ; do not Vapours cause Thunder ? Is it a wonder after the hellish vapours of our sins have been sent up , to hear Gods thundring voice ? Sin is a debt , it is set out in Scripture by a debt of ten thousand talents , Mat. 18.24 . Is it a wonder for a man that is in debt , to be arrested ? Never wonder God doth arrest thee with his judgements , when thou art so deeply in arrears . Sin is a walking Antipodes to God , and if men walk contrary to God , is it a wonder God walks contrary to them ? Levit. 26.17 . If ye will walk contrary to me , then I will also walk contrary to you , and I even I will chastise you seven times more for your sins . O sinner , do not wonder it is so bad with thee , but rather wonder it is no worse . Art thou in the deep of affliction , it is a wonder thou art not in the deep of Hell. If Jesus Christ was brought low , is it a wonder that thou art brought low ? Christ was brought low * in poverty . The Manger was his Cradle , the Cobwebs were his Curtains . He was brought low in temptation , Mat. 4.1 . He was led into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil . No sooner was Christ out of the water of Baptism , but he was in the fire of temptation . Only his Godhead was too strong a bulwark for Satans fiery darts to enter . He was brought low in his agonies ; he swet blood in the Garden , he shed blood on the Cross. If Christ was brought low who knew no sin , dost thou wonder thou art brought low , who art so full of sin ? Lam. 3.39 . Why doth a living man complain , a man for the punishment of his sin ? What a sinner , and wonder or murmur that thou art afflicted ? Sin doth as naturally draw punishment to it , as the Loadstone draws the Iron . 4. See the Text fulfilled this day in our eyes ; sin hath brought our Nation low . We are Cadent , if not Morient ; we do not want for sin ; there is a Spirit of wickedness in the Land. Ours are mighty sins , Amos 5.12 . bloody sins , Hos. 4.2 . The sins of Denmark , Spain , France , Italy , are translated into English ; we have many Sodoms among us , and may fear to have the line of confusion stretched over us . By our impieties and blasphemies , we have sounded a Trumpet of Rebellion against Heaven . Were our sins engraven upon our fore-heads , we should be ashamed to look up . Men invent new sins , Rom. 1.30 . Inventers of evil things . * Some invent new errors , others invent new snares : this Age exceeds former Ages in sinning . As it is with Trades , there may be old Trades , but there are some Tradesmen now , who are grown more dexterous and cunning in their Trade , than they were in former times : So it is with sin , sin is an old Trade , but there are persons now alive , who are more skil'd in the Trade , and are grown more expert in sin , than those who are dead and gone . Sinners in former times , were but bunglers at sin , to what they are now . They are cunning at self-damnation , Jer. 4.22 . Wise to do evil . The Devils Mint is going every day , and sin is minted faster than money . People sin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ with greediness , Ephes. 4.19 . They drink iniquity like water , Job 15.16 . They are grown Rampant in wickedness , having laid aside the vail of modesty , Zeph. 3.5 . The unjust knows no shame . We read Nebuchadnezzar had the heart of a beast given him , Dan. 4.16 . If all who have the hearts of beasts , should have the faces of beasts , men would grow very scarce . And if sin be so high , well may it bring us low . While the body is in an Hectick Feavor , it cannot thrive . The Body Politick being in this Paroxysme or burning Feavor of sin , must needs waste . Hath not sin brought us low ? What Wars , Pestilences , Fires have broken forth among us ? The Splendour and Magnificence of the City was brought low , and laid in the ashes . Sin hath brought us low in our Repute , Prov. 14.34 . Sin is a reproach to any people . Time was when God made the sheaves of other Nations do obeysance to our sheaf . * But our pristine fame and renown is eclipsed , Mal. 2.2 . I have made you base and contemptible . Trading is brought low ; many mens estates are boiled to nothing ; their gourd is withered , their cruse of Oyle fails , Ruth 1.21 . I went out full , but the Lord hath brought me home empty . Sin hath brought other Nations low , and do we think to scape better than they ? Salvian observes , that in Affrica , when the Church of God had degenerated from its purity , the Land abounded in Vice , and was sick of a Pleurisie of sin , then the Vandals entered Affrica , and the enemies Sword let them blood . Num. 32.23 . Be sure your sin will find you out : as a Blood-hound it will pursue you . It may be enquired , what are those sins , that have brought this City , and Nation so low ? 1. The first sin that hath brought us low , is Pride , Prov. 29.23 . A mans pride shall bring him low . Pride is ex Traduce , it runs in a blood . Our first Parents aspired after a Deity ; they did not content themselves to know God , but they would be knowing as God. St. Austin calls pride , the mother of all sin . The Persian Kings would have their Image worshipped of all that came into Babylon . * Sapor , writes himself Brother to the Sun and Moon , and Partner with the Stars . Caligula the Emperour commanded himself to be adored as a God ; he caused a Temple to be erected for him , he used to have the most costly Fowls sacrificed to him : Sometimes he would sit with a golden Beard , and a Thunderbolt in his hand like Iupiter ; and sometimes with a Trident like Neptune . Some persons would be more deserving , if ( as Solon saith ) we could pluck the Worm of Pride out of their head . Pride discolours our Vertues , envenomes our mercies . The higher we lift up our selves in pride , the lower God casts us down . Prov. 15.25 . The Lord will destroy the house of the proud . There is , 1. A Spiritual Pride ; which is threefold . 1. Some take a pride in their parts . The Lord enricheth them with Wit and Parts suitable to the places he calls them too , and Pride fumes from their heart into their head , and makes them giddy . Herod was proud of the Oration he made , and assumed that glory to himself , which he should have given to God , * and his pride brought him low ; he was eaten of worms , Acts 12.23 . 2. Some take a pride in their duties . This Worm breeds in sweet fruit . * They have said so many prayers , heard so many Sermons ; Luke 18.12 . I fast twice a week , * and now they think they have made God amends , he is beholding to them , and they shall be accepted for their Religious performances . What is this but pride ? Is not this to make a Christ of our duties ? The Devil destroys some by making them neglect duty , and others by making them idolize duty . Better is that infirmity which humbles me , than that duty which makes me proud . 3. Some take a pride in their Graces . This seems strange , that seeing Grace is given to humble , any should be proud of his Grace . But Pride is not from the Grace in us , but the corruption ; not from the strength of holiness , but the weakness . Christians may be said to be proud of their Grace , 1. When they lay too much stress upon their Grace ; Thus Peter , Mat. 26.33 . Though all men shall be offended because of thee , yet will not I. Here was a double pride . First , That he thought he had more Grace , than the rest of the Apostles . Secondly , In that he did lay such weight upon his Grace , making it like the Tower of David , on which did hang the shield of his hope . * He leaned more upon his Grace , than upon Christ. 2. Men are proud of their Grace , when they slight others which they think are inferiour to them in Grace . Instead of the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak , Rom. 15.1 . They are ready to despise the weak . Our Saviour saw this pride breeding in his own Disciples , therefore cautions them against it , Mat. 18.10 . Take heed , that ye despise not one of these little ones . 2. There is a carnal pride . I call it carnal , because it is conversant about carnal objects . As , 1. Some are proud of their bodies . Pride is seen in long and tedious dressings : people spend that time between the Comb and the Glass , which should be spent in prayer and holy meditation . Pride is seen in painting of their faces , overlaying Gods work , with the Devils colours * * . — Gratior est pulchro veniens è corpore virtus — Pride is seen in spotting themselves . Pimples in the face , shew that the blood is corrupt ; spots in the face , shew that the heart is corrupt . Cyprian saith , they who paint and spot their faces may justly fear that at the resurrection their Creator will not know them . * And how terrible is that word , I know you not . Pride is seen in the strange antick fashions wherewith some people do dress , or rather disguise themselves . * They cloath their flesh like the Rain-bow with divers colours . Adam was ashamed of his nakedness , these may be ashamed of their cloathing . They are so plumed and gawdily attired that they tempt the Devil to fall in love with them . 2. Some are proud of their estates . Riches are fuel for pride * Ezek. 28.5 . Thy heart is lifted up because of thy riches . Mens hearts rise with their estates , as the Boats on the Thames rise higher with the Tyde . Now all this pride will bring a person low . For this sin God strikes many with Phrensie , and so levels the Mountain of pride . God hath stained the pride of Englands glory , Isa. 23.9 . He hath stript us of our Jewels , Prov. 16.8 . Pride goes before destruction . Where pride leads the Van , destruction brings up the Rear . — Tolluntur in altum , ut lapsu graviore ruant — 2. Another sin which hath brought us low , is Sabbath-prophanation . The Sabbath is given as a distinctive Sign between the people of God , and the prophane . Exod. 31.17 . And among the Primitive Saints , when the question was asked , Hast thou kept the Lords Day ? * the answer was , I am a Christian , and dare not omit the celebration of this day . The Lord hath commanded the observation of the Sabbath under a sub poenâ . He hath enclosed this day for himself : He hath set an hedge about it . Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day . But how is this enclosure made common ? This blessed day which is made purposely for communion with God , is become a day of perambulation . People frequent the Fields or Taverns , more than the holy assemblies . O that our head were waters , and our eyes a fountain of tears ! That we might weep , * To see men pollute what God himself hath consecrated . If they are to take Physick , it must be on the Lords Day ; if they are to make Feasts or Visits , it must be on this day . And so in a prophane sense , they call the Sabbath a delight . * Sabbath-breaking is Sacriledge ; 't is a robbing God of his due . * People take that time which should be dedicated wholly to the Lord , and spend it in the service of the Devil and their lusts : and hath not this sin brought us low ? God threatens Jer. 17.27 . If ye will not hearken to me , to hallow the Sabbath Day , then will I kindle a fire . I observe , the devouring Fire which brake out in London , began on the Sabbath Day ; as if God would tell us from Heaven , he was now punishing us , for our prophaning his day . 3. The third sin which hath brought us low , is neglect of Family-worship . * Religion in mens families , is brought low . No reading of Scripture ; they look oftner upon a pair of Cards , than a Bible . No praying ; * 't is made the note of a reprobate , He calls not upon God , Psalm 14.4 . The Atheist will be sure his prayer shall not be turned into sin , for he never prayes at all . * The Graecians asked counsel of their feigned Gods by their Oracles , * the Persians by their Magi , the Galls by their Druides , the Romans by their Augures : Shall Ethnicks pray , and not Christians ? Creatures by the instinct of nature cry to God , Psal. 147.9 . The young Ravens which cry . Prayer hath no enemies , unless infernal spirits , and such as are near of Kin to them . Keyes that are often used are bright , but if they be laid aside and never used , they grow rusty : so it is with mens hearts , if they are not used to family-prayer , they will be rusted over with sin . For this God hath brought us low . Why did he pull down many houses in this City , but because they were unhallowed houses , there was no prayer in them . How do we think to have a blessing from God , if we never ask it ? Then God should do more for us , than he did for his own Son. Heb. 5.7 . In the dayes of his flesh , he offered up prayers , with strong cryes and tears . 4. Another sin which hath brought us low , is Covenant-violation . Psal. 78.10 . They kept not the Covenant of God. Ver. 50. He made a way to his anger , he spared not their souls from death . The Carthaginians were noted for Covenant-breaking . * O that this sin had dyed with them . Doth not this poisonful Weed grow in our soil ? Did not we make a vow in Baptism , to fight under Christs banner , against world , flesh and Devil ? Did not we solemnly covenant to be the Lords people , to shine in sanctity , going each one before another in an exemplary Reformation ? Deut. 5.28 , 29. They have well said , in all that they have spoken , O that there were such an heart in them , that they would fear me and keep my commandments ! We have much conforming , but where is reforming ? Is not Jesus Christ opposed in his Kingly Office ? This is the great Controversie , who shall reign , Sin or Christ ? for this God hath been as a Moth to us , and we may fear lest he make good that commination , Levit. 26.25 . I will bring a Sword that shall avenge the quarrel of my Covenant . 5. Another sin which hath brought us low , is the abuse of the Gospel . We are sick of Israels disease : they despised Manna , Num. 21.5 . Our soul loatheth this light bread . We did nauseate the bread of life . The Gospel is the visible token of Gods presence , it is the sacred Conduit-pipe , that empties the golden Oyle of mercy into us , it is the Glass in which we see the face of Christ , it is the Celestial banquet wherewith God doth chear and refocillate the souls of his people . * But was there not a Gospel surfeit in England ? People had itching ears , and knew not who to hear , and hath not our curiosity brought us to scarcity ? God had no better way to raise the price of the Gospel , than by abating the plenty . * God surely did bring us low , when darkness did overspread our Horison , and the Lord suffered so many hundred Lights to be at one time put under a bushel . The Aegyptian Priests of old , told the people when any Eclipse happened , that the Gods were angry , and great miseries would follow . * What sad catastrophies have ensued this spiritual Eclipse , is not unknown . 6. Another sin which hath brought us low , is Covetousness . * When mens Spirits are low , and with the Serpent they lick the dust , then God layes them in the dust , Isa. 57.17 . For the iniquity of his Covetousness , I was wroth and smote him . Covetousness is the Dropsie of the soul ; men are set upon the world , when God is plucking it from them . Covetousness is a Key that opens the door to further wickedness . — opes irritamenta malorum — 1 Tim. 6.10 . The love of money , is the root of all evil . * A covetous man wil stick at no sin . This made Absolom attempt to dethrone his Father ; this made Ahab stone Naboth . * And what is one the better for all his wealth at death ? 1 Tim. 6.10 . We brought nothing into the world , and it is certain we can carry nothing out . When the rich Miser dies , what scrambling is there ? his friends are scrambling for his goods , the worms are scrambling for his body , and the Devils are scrambling for his soul. This sin is most uncomely in those that profess better . They pretend to live by faith , and yet are as worldly and griping as others . These are spots in the face of Religion , Jer. 45.5 . Seekest thou great things for thy self ? For this sin God hath brought us low , he hath made our Fig-tree to wither , and suffered the Palmer-worm to eat our Vine . 7. Another sin which hath brought us low , is Barrenness under the Means of Grace , Hos. 10.1 . Israel is an empty Vine ; his juice runs out only into leaves . * We have had much pruning and dressing , the silver drops of Heaven have fallen upon us , but we have not brought forth the fruits of humility and repentance ; we can discourse of Religion , but this is only to bring forth leaves , not fruit : non-proficiency hath laid us low , and we may fear will lay us waste ; God may pull up the hedge , and let in a forraign Wild-Boar . Ursin tells us , that those who fled out of England in Queen Maries dayes , acknowledged that that calamity befell them for their great unprofitableness under the Means of Grace in King Edwards dayes . What man will sow seed in barren ground ? If the Lord layes out his cost , and sees no good return , the next word will be , Cut down the tree , why cumbreth it the ground ? 8. Another sin that hath brought us low , is the sin of swearing . Christ saith , Swear not at all , Mat. 5.34 . And a godly man is said to fear an Oath , Eccles. 9.2 . Truly it is a matter of tears , we can hardly go in the Streets , but our ears are crucified with hearing of Oaths and Cursings . * Chrysostom spent most of his Sermons at Antioch against swearers ; we need many Chrysostoms now adayes , to preach against this sin . This may well be called the unfruitful work of darkness , * for it is a sin hath neither pleasure nor profit in it . How do men shoot their Oaths , as chain-bullets against Heaven ? I knew a great swearer ( saith Reverend Mr. Bolton ) whose heart Satan so filled , that on his death-bed , he swore as fast as he could , and desired the standers by to help him with Oaths , and to swear for him . Will the Lord reckon with men for idle Words , what will he do for sinful Oaths ? for every Oath a man swears , God puts a drop of wrath in his Viall . Nay , usually Gods judgements overtake the swearer in this life . I have read of a German Boy who was given to swearing , * and did use to invent new Oaths , the Lord sent a Canker into his mouth which did eat out his tongue . * But saith one , it is my custom to swear , and I cannot leave it . Is this a good plea ? As if a Thief should plead to a Judge not to condemn him , because it is his custome to rob and steal ; therefore will the Judge say , thou shalt the rather dye . This sin hath brought us low , Jer. 23.10 . For because of swearing the Land mourneth . 9. Another sin which hath brought us low , and is like to bring us yet lower , is uncleanness . The adulterers heart is a Mount Aetna burning with lust . Adultery is the shipwrack of chastity , the murder of conscience . It was said of Rome of old , it was become a Stews , — Urbs est jam tota Lupanar — I wish it might not be verified of many parts of this Land. Adultery is a brutish sin , Jer. 5.8 . They neighed every one after his neighbours Wife . * It is a branded sin ; it doth not only stigmatize mens names , Prov. 6.33 . But God makes them carry the marks of this sin in their Bodies : it is a costly sin ; it proves a Purgatory to the Purse , Prov. 6.26 . By means of a whorish woman , a man is brought to a piece of bread . There is no coming to an Harlot , but as Iupiter did to Danae in a golden shower . It is a confounding sin . — laeta venire Venus , tristis abire solet — The adulterer hastens his own death . * The Romans were wont to have their Funerals at the Gate of Venus Temple : to signifie that lust ends in death . The adulterer takes a short cut to Hell. Prov. 26.23.27 . Till a dart strike through his Liver . * Creatures void of reason , will rise up in judgement against such . The Turtle-Dove is an Hieroglyphick of chastity . The Stork comes into no Nest but his own , and if any Stork leaves his Mate , and joyns with another , all the rest fall upon him , and pluck his feathers from him . God will chiefly * punish such as walk in the lust of uncleanness . 2 Pet. 2.10 . This sin hath brought us low . The fire of lust hath kindled the fire of Gods anger . 10. Another sin which hath brought us low , is our unbrotherly animosities , Mat. 12.25 . A Kingdom divided against it self cannot stand . * The Turks pray that the Christians may be kept at variance ; we have in a great measure fulfilled the Turks prayer . — rara est concordia fratrum — What seeds of dissention are sown among us , how are we crumbled into Parties ! one is for Paul , and another for Apollo , but I fear few for Christ. Our divisions have given much advantage to the Popish adversary . When there is a breach made in the wall of a Castle , there the enemy enters . If the Popish enemy enter , it will be at our breaches . These divisions have cut the lock where our strength lay . * Cut off the top of the Beech-tree , and the whole body of the tree withers . Divisions have taken away unity and amity , here is the top of the Beech-tree cut off , and this hath made us to wither apace . * These are the sins which have brought us low , and if the Lord prevent not ; are like to bring Englands gray hairs with sorrow to the grave . 5. Hence I infer , if sin brings a person low , then what madness is it for any one to be in love with sin ? 2 Thess. 2.12 . Who take pleasure in iniquity . The Devil can so cook and dress sin , that it pleaseth the sinners pallat . * But hear what Iob saith , Job 20.12.14 . Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth , it is the gall of Asps within him . * Herodotus writeth of the River Hypanis , that near to the fountain , the water is sweet , but a few leagues off it is exceeding bitter . Sin will bring one low , who would love such an enemy ? The forbidden fruit is sawced with bitter hearbs . Sin is a Serpent by the way that biteth . Gen. 49.17 . When you are about to commit sin , say to your soul , as Boaz said to his Kinsman , Ruth . 4.4 . What day thou buyest the Field , thou must have Ruth with it . So if thou wilt have the sweet of sin , thou must have the curse with it , * it will bring thee low . To love sin , is to love a disease . A sinner is perfectly distracted . Solomon speaks of a generation of men , Madness is in their heart while they live , Eccles. 9.3 . 'T is true of those who love sin , sin puts a worm into conscience , a thorn into death , yet that men should love sin , Madness is in their heart . There is no creature doth willingly destroy it self but man. Sin is a Silken Halter , yet he loves it . O remember that saying of St. Austin , the pleasure of sin is soon gone , but the sting remains . * 6. See what little cause we have to envy sinners , Prov. 3.31 . Envy thou not the Oppressor . Men are high in worldly Grandeur , God hath given them large estates , and they sin with their estates , but though they build among the Stars , God will bring them down , Ezek. 28.18 . I will bring thee to ashes . Who would envy men ▪ their greatness , their sins will bring them low . Deut. 32.35 . Their foot shall slide in due time . There is a Story of a Roman , who was by a Court-Marshal condemned to dye , for breaking his rank to steal a bunch of Grapes ; and as he was going to execution , some of the Souldiers envied him that he had Grapes , and they had none ; saith he , Do ye envy me my Grapes ? I must pay dear for them . So the wicked must pay dear for what they have . The prosperity of the wicked , is a great temptation to the godly ; David stumbled at it , and had like to have fallen , Psal. 73.2 . My steps had well nigh slip'd , for I was envious at the foolish , &c. We are ready to murmur when we see our selves low , and envy when we see the wicked high . * Sinners live in a serene Climate , under a perpetual calm , Psal. 73.5 . They are not in trouble as other men , their eyes stand out with fatness . * It is said of Polycrates King of Aegypt , that he never met with any cross in his life . And Alexander hearing that Parmenio his General had won the Victory , and his young Son Alexander was born the same day , prayed the Gods to spice his joy with some bitterness , lest he should surfeit of too much joy . But this prosperous state of the wicked is matter rather of pity , than envy , their sins will bring them low , Isa. 14.12 . How art thou fallen from Heaven O Lucifer , Son of the Morning . * 'T is spoken of the Chaldean Monarch , who though high had a sudden change befell him , Isa. 97.1 . Come down and sit in the dust . Babylon was the Lady of Kingdoms , but saith God , Sit in the dust . Go in Pistrinum into the Mill-house , Ver. 2. Take the Mill-stones and grind . So will God say to the wicked , come down from all your pomp and glory , sit in the dust , nay , sit among the damned , and there grind at Mill. The Lord will proportion torment , to all the pleasure the wicked have had , Revel . 18.7 . How much she hath lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her . 7. See the great difference between sin and Grace , sin brings a man low , but Grace lifts him high . Sin tumbles him in the ditch , but Grace sets him upon the Throne , Psal. 91.14 . I will set him on high , because he hath known my name . Grace raiseth a person four wayes . 1. Grace raiseth his Projects , his designs are high . He looks not at things which are seen , 2 Cor. 4.18 . His eye is above the Stars , * he aims at the enjoying of God. A clownish Rustick when he goes to the Court , is much taken with the gay Pictures and Hangings , but a Privy Counsellor passeth by those things as scarce worthy of his notice , his business is with the King. So a carnal mind , is much taken with the things of the world , but a Saint passeth by these gay things with an holy contempt , his business is with God , 1 John 1.3 . Our Communion is with the Father and his Son Iesus . A Christian of the right breed doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , aspire after the things within the Veyl , his ambition is the favour of God , he looks no lower than a Crown ; he is in the altitudes , and trades among the Angels . 2. Grace raiseth a mans Repute . It embalms his name . 1 Sam. 18.30 . Davids name was much set by ; or as the Original carries it , it was precious . * Heb. 11.2 . By faith the Elders obtained a good report . How renowned were the godly Patriarks for their sanctity ! Moses for his self-denyal , Iob for his patience , Phineas for his zeal . What a fresh perfume do their names send forth to this day . A good name is a Saints Heir , it lives when he is dead . 3. Grace raiseth a mans worth , Prov. 12.26 . The * righteous is more excellent than his neighbour . As the Flower of the Roses in Spring , as the fat of the Peace-offering , as the precious stones upon Aarons Breast-plate , so is a Saint in Gods eye . Besides the shining lustre of the Gold , it hath an internal worth , and is of great price and value : So Grace doth not only make a mans name shine , but it puts a real worth into him , he is more excellent than his neighbour . An Heart full of love to God is precious . It is Gods Hephzibah , or delight , * it is the apple of his eye , it is his jewell , it is his Garden of Spices , it is his lesser Heaven where he dwells , Isa. 57.17 . I dwell with him that is of an humble spirit . 4. Grace raiseth a mans priviledge ; it advanceth him into the heavenly kindred . By it he is born of God , 1 John 3.1 . He is a Prince in all Lands , Psal. 45.16 . ( though in this world like a Prince in disguise ) . He is higher than the Kings of the earth , Psal. 89.27 . Allyed to Angels . In short , Grace lifts a man up where Christ is , far above all Heavens . * And Grace raiseth a Nation as well as a Person , Prov. 14.34 . Righteousness exalteth a Nation . 8. If sin brings one low , see what an imprudent choice they make , who commit sin to avoid trouble . Job 36.21 . Take heed , regard not iniquity , for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction . This was a false charge against Iob , but many may be indighted of such folly ; they choose iniquity , rather than affliction . To avoid poverty , they will lye and couzen , to avoid a Prison , they will comply against their conscience . What imprudence is this , when sin draws such dark shadows after it , and entails misery upon all its heirs and successors . By committing sin , to avoid trouble , we meet with greater trouble . Origen to save himself from suffering , sprinkled Incense before the Idol , and being after to preach , as he opened his Bible , he did accidentally light on that Text , Psal. 50.16 . But to the wicked God saith , what hast thou to do to declare my Statutes , or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth ; at the sight of which Scripture , he fell into a passion of weeping , and was so stricken with grief and consternation , that he was not able to speak a word to the people , but came down the Pulpit . Spira sinned against his conscience to save his life and estate , he chose iniquity rather than affliction ; but what an Hell did he feel in his conscience , he professed he envyed Cain , and Iudas , as thinking their condition more eligible . His sin did bring him low . O what unparallel'd folly is it to choose sin rather than affliction . * Affliction is like a rent in the Coat , sin is like a rent in the flesh . He that to save himself from trouble , commits sin , is like one , that to save his Mantle , lets his flesh be torn . Affliction hath a promise made to it , 2 Sam. 22.28 . but there is no promise made to sin . * Sure then they do ill consult for themselves , who choose rather sin than suffering ; who to avoid a lesser evil , choose a greater ; to avoid the stinging of a Gnat , run into the Paw of a Lion. 9. If God brings his own people low for sin ( Israel were brought low ) then how low will he bring the wicked ? David was in the deep waters , and Ionah went down to the bottom of the Mountains , Cap. 2.6 . and Ieremy was in the deep dungeon , then what a gulf of misery shall swallow up the reprobate part of the world ? Gods people do not allow themselves in sin , Rom. 7.15 . They tremble at it , they hate it , yet they suffer ; if they that blush at their failings are brought low , what will become of them that boast of their scandals ? If this be done to the green tree , what shall be done to the dry ? If the godly lye among the pots , Psal. 68.13 . the wicked shall lye among the Devils . If judgement begin at the house of God , what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel ? 1 Pet. 4.17 . If God mingles his peoples cup with wormwood , he will mingle the sinners cup with fire and brimstone , Psalm 11.6 . If God thresh the Wheat , he will burn the Chaff . If the Lord afflicts them whom he loves , how severe will he be against them whom he hates ? They shall feel the second death , Rev. 21.8 . * Use 2. Exhortation , 1. Branch . 1. If sin brings a person low , then let us fear to come near sin ; it will bring us either into affliction or worse . It s foul face may offend , but its breath kills . Sin is the Apollyon , the Man-devourer . O that we were as wise for our souls , as we are for our bodies ! How afraid are we of that meat which we know will bring the Gowt or Stone , or will make our Ague return . Sin is aguish meat which will put conscience into a shaking fit , and shall we not be afraid to touch this forbidden fruit ? Gen. 39.9 . How can I do this great wickedness , and sin against God ? When the Empress Eudoxia threatned to banish Chrysostom , Tell her ( saith he ) I fear nothing but sin . It was a saying of Anselm , if Hell were on one side , and sin were on the other , I would rather leap into Hell , than willingly commit sin . * Love will be apt to grow wanton , if it be not poised with holy fear . No better Curb or Antidote against sin , than fear , Deut. 17.13 . They shall fear , and do no more presumptuously . If we could see Hell fire in every sin , it would make us fear to commit it . The fiercest creatures dread fire . When Moses his rod was turned into a Serpent , he was afraid and fled from it : Sin will prove a stinging Serpent , O fly from it . Most people are like the Leviathan , made without fear , Job 41.33 . They play upon the hole of the Asp. Sinners never fear till they feel . Nothing will convince them , but fire and brimstone . 2. If sin brings a person low , then when we are brought low under Gods afflicting hand , let us behave our selves wisely ▪ and as becomes Christians . I shall shew , 1. What we must not do when we are brought low . When our condition is low , let not our passions be high ; impatience is not the way to get out of trouble , but rather to go lower into trouble . What gets the Child by strugling , but more blows ? * Oh do not lispe out a murmuring word against God. Murmuring is the skum which boils off from a discontented heart , Psalm 39.9 . I was dumb , and opened not my mouth , because thou Lord didst it . * Davids ear was open to hear the voice of the Rod , but his mouth was not open in complaining . Christian , who shouldst thou complain of , but thy self ? thy own sin hath brought thee low . 2. What we must do when we are brought low . 1. Let us search the sin which is the cause of our trouble , Job 10.2 . Shew me wherefore thou contendest with me : Lord , What is that sin which hath provoked thee to bring me low ? Lam. 3.40 . Let us search and try our wayes . As the people of Israel , when they were worsted in battel , searched the cause , and at last found out the Achan that troubled them , and stoned him to death . Josh. 7.18 . So let us search out that Achan which hath troubled us . Perhaps our sin was censoriousness , we have been ready to judge , and slander others ; and now we our selves lye under an evil tongue , and have false reports raised on us : perhaps our sin was pride , and God hath sent poverty as a thorn to humble us . Perhaps our sin was remisness in holy duties , we had forgot our first love , and were ready to fall into slumbering fits , * and God hath sent a sharp cross to awaken us out of our security . We may oftentimes read our sin in our punishment . O let us search the Achan , and say as Iob , Chap. 34.32 . If I have done iniquity , I will do so no more . 2. When we are brought low , let us justifie God. God is just , not only when he punisheth the guilty , but when he afflicts the righteous . Let us take heed of entertaining hard thoughts of God , as if he had dealt too severely with us , and had put too much Wormwood in our Cup : No , let us vindicate God , and say as the Emperour Mauritius , when he saw five of his Sons slain before his eyes , by Phocas , Righteous art thou O Lord in all thy wayes . * Let us speak well of God. If we have never so much affliction , yet not one drop of injustice , Psalm 97.2 . Clouds and darkness are round about him , righteousness and judgement are the habitation of his Throne . 3. When we are brought low in affliction , let us bring our selves low in humiliation . * 1 Pet. 5.6 . Humble your selves under the mighty hand of God. When we are in the Vally of Tears , we must be in the Vally of Humility . Lam. 3.19 . Remembring the Wormwood and the Gall , my soul hath them continually in remembrance , and is humbled in me . If our condition be low , then is a time to have our hearts lye low . 4. When we are brought low in affliction , let us be low upon our knees in prayer . * Psalm 130.1 . Ex Profundis Clamavi — Out of the depths have I cryed unto thee O Lord. Psalm 79.8 . Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us , for we are brought very low . Iacob never prayed so fervently , as when he was in fear of his life ; he oyled the Key of prayer with tears , Hos. 12.4 . He wept and made supplication . One reason why God lets us be brought low , is to highten a Spirit of prayer . But what should we pray for in affliction ? Let us pray that all our Hell may be here . As Pilate said concerning Christ , Luke 23.22 . I will chastise him , and let him go . So pray that God when he doth chastise us , will let us go , that he will free us from Hell and Damnation . Let us pray rather for the sanctification of affliction , than the removal ; pray that the Rod may be a Divine Pencil , to draw Gods Image more lively upon our souls , Heb. 12.10 . That affliction may be a Fornace to refine , not consume us . Pray , that if God do correct us , it may not be in anger , Psal. 6.1 . That we may taste the honey of his love at the end of the rod. Let it be our prayer , that God will lay no more upon us , than he will enable us to bear . * That if the burden be heavier , our shoulders may be stronger . 5. When we are brought low , let our faith be high . Let us believe that God intends us no hurt . That though he casts us into the deep , he will not drown us . Believe that still he is a Father ; he afflicts us in as much mercy , as he gives Christ to us . He doth by his rod of Discipline fit us for the inheritance , Col. 1.12 . O let this Star of faith appear in the dark night of affliction . Ionahs faith was never more in Heaven , than when he lay in the belly of Hell , Ionah 2.4 . 6. When we are brought low in affliction , let us labour to be bettered by being brought low . * Pick some good out of the cross ; get some hony out of this Lion. The wicked are worse for affliction . Weeds stamped in a Mortar are more unsavoury . 2 Chron. 28.22 . In the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord. This is that King Ahaz . But let us labour to be meliorated , and made better by affliction . * Christ learned obedience by what he suffered , Heb. 5.8 . If we are brought low in affliction and get no good , then the affliction is lost . When are we battered by afflictions ? When our eyes are more opened , * and we are not only chastned , but taught . Psal. 94.12 . Wormwood is bitter to the taste , but is good to clear the eye-sight ; then our spiritual eye-sight is cleared , 1. When we see more of Gods holiness . He is a jealous and sin-hating God ; he will not suffer evil in his own children to go unpunished , if they make light of sin , he will make their chain heavy , Lam. 3.2 . 2. When we have a clearer infight into our selves . We see more of our hearts than we did before ; we see that earthliness , impatience , * distrust of God , which we did not discover before . We never thought we had such a flux of corruption , or that there had been so much of the old man in the new man. The fire of affliction makes that skum of sin boyl up , which before lay hid . When our eye-sight is thus cleared , and both the rod and the lamp go together , now we are bettered by affliction . 2. When our hearts are softned . Affliction is Gods fornace where he melts his gold , Jer. 9.7 . I will melt them and try them . When our eyes are more watery , our thoughts more serious , our consciences more tender , when we can say as Job , Chap. 23.16 . God makes my heart soft . This melting of the heart whereby we are fitted to receive the impression of the Holy Ghost , is a blessed sign we are bettered by affliction . 3. When our wills are subdued . * Mic. 7.9 . I will bear the indignation of the Lord , because I have sinned against him . Why doth God bring us low , but to tame our curst hearts ? A wicked man is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , when he is brought low he quarrels with God : therefore is compared to a wild Bull in a net , Isa. 51.20 . If you go to rub a piece of Stuff which is rotten , it frets and tears : So when God rubs a wicked man by affliction , he frets and tears himself with vexation , Isa. 8.21 . They shall fret themselves , and curse their King and their God. But when our spirits are calmed , and we are wrought to a sweet submission to Gods will ; we accept of the punishment , Levit. 26.41 . and do in patience possess our souls , Luke 21.19 . When we say as Eli , 1 Sam. 3.18 . It is the Lord , let him do what seemeth him good . I know this tryal is in mercy ; God will rather afflict me , than lose me , let him hedge me with thorns , if he will plant me with flowers ; * Let him do what seemeth him good : now we are bettered by the affliction . 4. When sin is purged out . Isa. 27.9 . This is all the fruit to take away iniquity . Our hearts are dreggish and sinful , our Gold is mixed with Dross , our Stars with Clouds ; now when affliction consumes pride , formality , hypocrisie , when Gods Launce lets out our spiritual Imposthume , then we are bettered by affliction . 5. When our hearts are more unglued from the world ; What are all these under-moon things ! the cares of the world , exceed the comforts . The Emblem that King Henry the seventh used , was , a Crown of Gold , hung in a bush of Thorns . Many who have escaped the Rocks of scandalous sins , have been cast away upon the Golden sands . The Arabick Proverb is , The world is a carkass , and they that hunt after it are dogs . * Is not love of the world become almost the epidemick Disease ? If the Lord bestows a plentiful estate upon men , they are apt to make an Idol of it . And therefore God is forced to take that out of their hand , which kept him out of their heart . Now when the Lord comes and afflicts any of us in that which we most love , he hits us in the apple of our eye , and our hearts grow more dead to the world , and sick of love to Christ ; when God hath been withering our gourd , and our affections to it begin to wither , when he hath been digging about our root , and we are more loosened from the earth , then we are bettered by affliction ▪ 6. When affliction hath produced more appetite to the Word . Perhaps in health and prosperity , we and the Bible seldom meet , or if we did chance to read , it was in a dull cursory manner , but the Lord by imbittering the breast of the creature , hath made us run to the breast of a Promise ; and we can say as David , Psal. 119.103 . How sweet are thy words unto my taste ; yea , sweeter than honey . * Solomon saith truly the light is sweet . Eccles. 11.7 . But we can say , truly the Word is sweet , We have tasted Christ in a Promise , the Word hath caused an exuberancy of joy , Psalm 19.8 . This is the Manna we love to feed upon ; every leaf of Scripture drops Myrrhe , and as a rich Cordial cheers our spirit ; when it is thus , now we are bettered by our tryals , Psalm 119.50 . 7. When our title to Heaven is more confirmed . In prosperity , we are more careless in getting , at least in clearing our spiritual title . People would be loth their evidences for their Land , were no better , than their evidences for Heaven . Many a mans evidence for glory is either forged or blotted ; he is not able to read any discriminating work of Gods Spirit , he is pendulous , and hangs in a doubtful suspence , not knowing whether he hath Grace or no ; now when we are brought low in affliction ▪ and we fall to the work of self-examination , we see how matters stand between God and our souls , * we turn over every lea● of the Book of conscience , we make a critical descant upon our hearts and after a thorough survey o● our selves , we can say , We know the grace of God in truth , Col. 1. ● ▪ We have received the holy anointing 1 John 2.27 . Our Grace will bear the touchstone , though not the ballance , certainly then we have made a good proficiency in the time of affliction , and are bettered by it . 8. When we grow more fruitful in Grace . A Christian should be like the Olive-tree , fair and of goodly fruit , Jer. 11.16 . There is a tree in the Isle of Pomonia which hath its fruit folded and wrapped up in the leaves of it . An emblem of a good Christian , who hath the fruits of Grace wrapped up in the leaves of his profession . Now after pruning , what fruits have we brought forth ? The fruits of obedience , love , self-denial , meekness , heavenliness , longing to be with Christ ? If the sharp Frost of affliction hath brought on the Spring flowers of Grace , * which the Apostle calls , the peaceable fruits of righteousness , Heb. 12.11 . then we are bettered by affliction . A fruitful heart is better than a full Crop. 9. When we do really commiserate and put on bowels to such as are in a suffering condition . — Haud ignara mali miseris succurrere disco — Jesus Christ having suffered is touched with our infirmity , Heb. 4.15 . Having felt hunger and cold , he knows how to pity us . Before we have drunk of the bitter Cup , instead of pitying others in misery , we are ready to despise them . Psalm 123.4 . Our soul is filled with the scorning of them which are at ease . But when we have been under the Harrow , and can sympathize with our suffering Brethren , and weep with them that weep ; this is a sign we are bettered by the affliction . In Musick , when one string is touched , all the rest sound : so our bowels sound as an harp , Isa. 16.11 . 10. When we have learned to bless God in affliction . Job . 1.21 . The Lord hath taken away , blessed be the name of the Lord : Many can bless God , when he is giving ; Iob blesseth him when he takes away . This is excellent , not only to praise God when we are upon the Mountain of Prosperity , but in the Valley of adversity , Deut. 8.10 . When thou hast eaten and art full , then thou shalt bless the Lord. But it is a greater matter when we are empty and in want , then to bless him , 1 Thes. 5.18 . In every thing give thanks . * But what should we bless God for in affliction ? We are to bless God that it is no worse with us . He might have put more Gall in our Cup , Ezra 9.14 . We are to bless God , that he will choose rather to correct us in the world , than to condemn us with the world , 1 Cor. 11.32 . That he hath made affliction a means to prevent sin ; that he proportions our strength to our tryals ; that he gives us any support in our trouble , Psalm 112.4 . Though he doth not break our yoke , yet he lines our yoke with inward peace , and makes it soft and pleasant . We are to bless God that he deals with us as Children , setting his seal of affliction on us , and so marking us for his own ; * We are to bless God , that Christ hath taken the sting out of the Cross ; that there is an hope of better things laid up for us in Heaven , Col. 1.5 . When we can upon these considerations break forth into an holy gratitude and triumph in affliction , this is to be bettered by affliction , and it shews a Spirit of God and glory rests upon us , 1 Pet. 4.14 . To bless God in Heaven , when he is crowning us with glory , is no wonder ; but to bless God when he is correcting us , to bless him in a Prison , to give thanks on a sick-bed ; not only to kiss the Rod , but to bless the hand that holds it ; here is the Sun in the Zenith , this speaks an high degree of Grace , indeed , and doth very much adorn our sufferings . If we can find these sweet fruits of the Cross , we may assure our selves the affliction is sanctified ; * and we may say as David , Psalm 119.71 . It is good for me , that I was afflicted : and then , God will throw away the Rod , and make us glad after the dayes of our mourning ▪ * Ezek. 16.42 . So will I make my fury towards thee to rest , and my jealousie shall depart from thee , and I will be quiet , and will be no more angry . 3. If sin brings us low , let us labour to bring our sins low . Let all our spight be at sin ; let us pursue it with an holy malice . Sin hath brought us even to the dust , and would bring us lower into the abysse of Hell , let us then shed the blood of sin , which would shed our blood , Col. 3.5 . Mortifie your members which are upon the earth , * fornication , uncleanness , &c. We are apt to plead for sin , Is it not a little one ? Who would plead for him that seeks his life ? We are ready to say to the Minister concerning sin , as David to Joab concerning Absalom , 2 Sam. 18.5 . Deal gently with the young man. So , Sir , deal gently with my sins ; Oh be not too sharp in your reproofs ; Why ? Doth not the traytor sin , seek to take away thy Crown of glory , as Absalom did his Fathers Crown ? Would it not bring thee low ? If therefore thou art wise , spare it not . Do with thy sin , as Joab with Absalom ; he took three darts in his hand , and thrust them through the heart of Absalom ; 2 Sam. 18.14 . So take these three darts , the Word of God , Prayer , Mortification , and strike through the heart of thy lusts that they dye . As Sampson dealt with the Philistins , they brought him low , they put out his eyes , and he never left till he was revenged on them , and brought them low , Judges 16.30 . He bowed himself with all his might , and the house fell upon the Lords , &c. Sampson dyed , we live by the death of our enemies . O that every day , some limb of the old man may drop off . * What is the end of all a Christians duties , praying and hearing , but to weaken and mortifie lust ? Why is this spiritual Physick taken , but to kill the child of sin he goes with ? Sin will insinuate it self , and plead for a reprieve , but shew it no mercy . Sauls sparing Agag , lost him the Kingdom , and your sparing sin , will lose you the Kingdom of Heaven . Lastly , Let this make us weary of living in the world , for while we live we sin , and sin brings us low . We eat the forbidden fruit , and then are sick after it . How should this make us long to have our pass to be gone , and cry , O that we had the wings of a Dove , to fly away , and be at rest . Then we shall shake off those Vipers which leaped upon us , 1 Cor. 3.22 . Death is yours . At death we shall have an eternal Iubilee , and be freed from all incumbrances . Sin shall be no more ; Death smites a Believer , as the Angel smote Peter on his side , and made his Chains fall off , Acts 12.7 . So death smites a Believer , and makes the Chains of his sins fall off . Trouble shall be no more ; This lower Region is full of Storms . Troubles and vexations are some of the thorns with which the earth is cursed . But in the Grave , a Believer hath his quietus est ; There the wicked cease from troubling , there the weary are at rest , Job 3.17 . God will shortly wipe away all tears . Rev. 7.17 . How should this make the Saints desire to be dissolved , Phil. 1.23 . * Israels being so oft stung with Serpents , made them weary of the Wilderness , and aspire after Canaan . The discurtesies a Prince meets with in a strange Land , makes him long to be in his own Countrey , when the Crown-royal shall be set upon his head . When we are with Christ , we shall be brought low no more . We shall never be fixed Stars , till we are in Heaven . O the felicity of glorified Saints ; they have a full-eyed vision of God , and those refulgent beams of Glory are darted from his blessed face , as delight , yea , ravish their hearts with ineffable joy . * The Birds of the fortunate Islands , are nourished with Perfumes ; after death the Saints shall be for ever nourished with the Aromaticks and Perfumes of their Saviours Love. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A65303-e140 * Homo ad Dei 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 conditus , brutis deterior evasit ; lustra sectatur , in sordibus stercoreque volutatur ; quam turpiter inversa in microcosmo nostro lex illa & politia , quâ corpus animae parêre jubetur . Mornaeus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aecum . * Non percussit Ismael fratrem gladio , sed scom mate . Calvin . * Peccatum transit actu , manet reatu . Notes for div A65303-e620 * 2 Chro. 29.6 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theodor. * Deus saepe dat iratus , quod negat propitius . Aug. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Cum Deus ipsa bonitas sit ; ipsae devitiae ; quî fit ut nemo Deo inniti possit satis ? Mornaeus . * Invalidum omne naturâ querulum . Seneca . † Exod. 16.3 . * Depressi fuerunt . Vatabl. † Marcuerunt . Fabrit . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Leoni mortuo & lepores insultant . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gen. 3.14 . * In insaniam delapsa est . Zac. 11.8 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : nondum sumus absoluti . Calv. * Eccles. 11.5 . * Luke 11.52 . * Psalm 107.39 . * H●rat . * Herodotus . * Nonnulli humore melancholico corrupti , se bruta animalia esse credunt , quorum ●oces imitantur ; nonnulli vasa fictilia , ideo cuivis obviam venienti cedunt , ne attactu frangantur . Vitam sibi acerbam faciunt , ejusque exitum accelerant . Baldw. lib. 3. c. 4. de Cas. Consc. * Animae functiones tolluntur in mania , depravantur in melancholiâ . * Qui hoc morbo laborant , valdè meticulosi sunt , nè vel aedes in quibus habitant , vel & ipsum coelum ruat , pertimentes . Baldw. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Eo insanabile vulnus , cuo insensibile . Bern. Flores . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Chrysost. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Se captivo comparat , qui in tetrum ac profundum lacum conjectus , miserrimè jacet , nec quicquam spei de vita sua reliquum habet . Musculus . * Haeret lateri lethalis arundo . * Nec calor , nec sanguis , nec vita superesset . * Desperare est in infernum descendere . Isidor . * Tertul. Sen. Trag. * Fovea omnium infima . Fabrit . Psalm 16.11 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. * Inferos credimus certum ac definitum locum esse , quem non frustrà abyssum vocarit Scriptura , horrendis & aeternis Satanae & impiorum suppliciis destinatum . Beza . † Infernum est locus subterraneus . Tertul. lib. 3. de anim . * Per tenebras , Scriptura metaphoricè horrendum horrorem designat . Calv. in Mat. * Oculi cruciabuntur aspectu daemonum . * 1 Iohn 1.7 . * Sic moriantur damnati ut semper vivant , & sic vivent , ut semper moriantur ; ubi nec qui torquet fatigatur , nec qui torquetur Moritur . Bern. Flor. * Deus tanto honore dignatus est sanctos , ut eos constituerit totius mundi judices , ( i. e. ) cum Christo assessores . Calvin . * Nec Deus , nec Angeli , ullâ afficientur sympathiâ . * — Languebant corpora morbo — Virgil. * Isa. 1.6 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Menand . * Stat pro ratione voluntas . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * God is called El Elim , the Mighty of Mighties . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pericardio , quo scisso mors obrepit . * Irridendum vero curam agere rerum humanarum illud quicquid est summum . Pliny . * Quem quisque odit , periisse cupit . * Maledictio egrediens , est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 supplicium , quod antè in coelo & arca Dei quasi absconditum latuerat . Lap. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Ergo sivit hoc flagellum Deus , &c. * Neque divinat Paulus ide● ipsos plecti , sed asserit rem sibi compertam , dicit igitur multos decumbere aegrotos , &c. ob illum coenae abusum . Calvin . * Levit. 10.1 , 2. 2. Branch * Ascensus peccati , descensus poenae . † Flagitium & flagellum sunt tanquam acus & filum . * Prov. 20.17 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Chrysost. * — Minuit vindicta dolorem . 3. Branch * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Mutat luna vices . * Nullificamen populi ; Tertul . de resur . Phil. 2.7 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; se ipsum exinanivit , gloriam non Minuendo sed supprimendo . Calvin . 4. Branch . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Gen. 37.7 . Quest. Resp. 1. * Brissonius . * Laudatas ostendit avis Iunonia pennas — * Etiam in bonis cavenda est superbia . Aug. * Gratias Deo agit , sed sibi gratulatur . Brugensis . * Cant. 4.4 . * Qui formam quam Plasmator finxit , fuco & stibio in aliam transfigurare contendit , nonne Deo dicere videtur , cur me fecisti sic ? Aug. Serm. 247. * Opus Dei est omne quod nascitur , Diaboli omne quod mutatur . Cyprian . * Non metuis ne cum resurrectionis Dies venerit , artifex tuus te non recogn●scat ? Non metuis ne judex dicat , imago haec non est nostra , cum te flavo medicamine , & pigmento polluisti , formam quam dederam tibi , mendacio deformasti ? Deum videre non poteris , quoniam oculi tibi non sunt quos Deus fecit , sed quos Diabolus infecit . Cyprian . * Quanto ornatius corpus foris excolitur , tanto interius anima foedatur . Bern. in Apolog. ad Guliel . Abb. * Divitiarum comes est superbia . * Servasti dominicum ? * Ier. 9.1 . * Isa. 58.13 . * Iustitia suum cuique tribuit . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Theodor. * Ier. 10.25 . * Homini natura insevit , ut sacrificet . Averr . Arist. * Proclus ex Platonis , Porphyrii , Plotini caeterorumque ejus notae scriptis , hoc eloquium profert , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & Dei invocationem , homini convenire , ut proprium apud Aristotelem quarto modo , & qui ea careat hominem esse aut dici non posse . * Plaut . * Isa. 25.6 . * Acriora orexim excitant embammata . * Quint. Curt. l. 4. * Pruritus avaritiae est scabies animae . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 omnium vitiorum Metropolin , prisci vocarunt . * Cui nihil satis , eidem nihil turpe . Tacitus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Evacuans ; quia scil . succum in frondes effundit , ut nil supersit , quod in Vvas transferat . Corn. lap . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Philo. * Ephes. 5.11 . * Germ. Hist. * In quo quis peccat , in eodem plectitur . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Isocr . * In Hispaniola insula arbor est , cujus fructus Pyris muscatis persimilis , jucundo odore , esui gratissimus , verum pestiferi succi ; nam Indi illo sagittas oblinunt veluti veneno . Causs . * ( i. e. ) Donec se & anima & corpore perdiderit . Cartwr . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Salva autem esse societas nisi amore & custodia partium non potest . Senec. lib. 2. de ira . c. 31. * Omne divisibile est corruptibile . * Dei maledictio Graeciae totique orienti incubuit per jugum turcicum : Angliae per discordiam . Corn. lap . 5. Branch * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Basil. * Nocet empta dolore voluptas . * Non est tantum ab hostibus armatis periculi , quantum â circumfusis undique voluptatibus . Liv. lib. 10. decad . 3. * Momentaneum est quod delectat , aeternum quod cruciat . 6. Brancb * Invidus alterius rebus macrescit opimis — Horat. Ep. 1. * Ferunt in Italiâ quaedam pascua tam esse pinguia , ut nisi pecudes interdum abigantur , saturitate suffocentur . Reyn. Orat. Segetem nimia sternit ubertas . Seneca . * Tanquam à Tarpeiâ rupe prolapsus es . 7. Branch * Instar est peregrinae illius avis , quam vocant avem Dei , reperitur in novis insulis , pascitur rore coeli , nunquam attingit terram , pedibus prorsus caret . Aldrovand . Ormitholog . lib. 12. cap. 21. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Apud mortales pietas a tergo rejicitur , nec veluti in lanceam venit ; excellentior veruntamen est justus quovis injusta nobilitate generis , ut qui Deum habet patrem ; divitiis , ut qui haeres fit coeli ; sapientia , ut qui sacrosanctam accepit unctionem ; victu , ut qui pascitur coelesti manna ; vestitu , ut qui Christi justitia induitur ; cum injustus ne viri quidem nomen meretur . Cartwr . * Isa. 62.4 . * Ephes. 4.10 . 8. Branch * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Origen . * Prov. 10.29 . 9. Branch * Horreo Vermem Mordacem & mortem vivacem . Bernard . 1. Branch * Incipiat tremor , ubi incipit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 2. Branch * Vis ferulam igni tradat pater , intumeseit vero tibi cor adhuc . Mornaeus . * Illorum est hic flagella percipere , quibus datur de aeternitate gaudere . Bern. Ser. 10. de Coen . d. * Virtus sine exercitio , similis est taciturnae lyrae . Claud. * Iustus es Domine , & rectum judicium tuum . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Chrysost. * Premuntur justi , ut pressi clament , &c. * 1 Cor. 10.13 . * Rosae suavius olent quibus umbelicus est asper . * Dolor hic tibi proderit olim . Ovid. Quest. Answ. 1. * Scholae crucis , scholae lucis . * Natura vexata prodit seipsam . * Sinite virgam corrigentem , ne sentiatis malleum conterentem . Bernard . * Adversa reddunt hominem mansuetum . Chemnitius . * Mundus cadaver est , & petentes eum sunt canes . * Dei Eloquia sic faucibus piorum indulcorantur , ut quovis mellis favo suavius afficiant . Muscul. * Totum diem mecum scrutor , facta & dicta mea remetior , nihil mihi ipse abscondo , nihil transeo . Sen. lib. 3. de irâ . * Crescit de vulnere virtus — * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in adversis aeque ac Prosperis ; quia non minus amoris Sigil●um est inopia , quam copia . C. lap . — Hinc laudat Augustinus veterum sanctorum morem , qui saepe habebant in ore hoc verbum Deo gratias . Aug. in Psal. 132. * Tertul. * Venenum aliquando pro remedio fuit . Seneca . * Luctus in laetitiam vertetur , saccus in sericum , cineres in corollas . 3. Branch * Motus carnis indies repullulant adeoque non uno ictu sed sensim resecanda . Corn. lap . * Hoc mihi satis est quotidie ex vitiis meis aliquid demere , & errores meos objurgare . Sen ▪ de vit . beat . c. 17. 4. Branch * Quisquis in Christum credit , ita debet esse animatus , ut ad nomen mortis caput attollat , laetus nuntio suae redemptionis . Calv. * Status gloriae , prae aliis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foelicissimus , quando Deus humanos angelicosque Spiritus , in suo ipsius sinu complectitur , & creati Spiritus ab increato refocillantur .