Christ the Christians choice. Or A sermon preached at the funerall of Mr John Cavvs one of the magistrates of the famous corporation of Plymouth. March the 29. Anno Dom. 1645. By Alexander Grosse. B.D. and pastor of Bridfoad.
         Grosse, Alexander, 1596?-1654.
      
       
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             Christ the Christians choice. Or A sermon preached at the funerall of Mr John Cavvs one of the magistrates of the famous corporation of Plymouth. March the 29. Anno Dom. 1645. By Alexander Grosse. B.D. and pastor of Bridfoad.
             Grosse, Alexander, 1596?-1654.
          
           24 p.
           
             Printed by R.B. for Iohn Bartlet at the Gilt Cup under St. Augustines Gate,
             London :
             1645.
          
           
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "June 3d".
             Imperfect: cropped affecting imprint.
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Bible. -- N.T. -- Philippians I, 23 -- Sermons.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
           Funeral sermons -- 17th century.
        
      
    
       A85734  R200080  (Thomason E286_19).  civilwar no Christ the Christians choice. Or A sermon preached at the funerall of Mr John Cavvs one of the magistrates of the famous corporation of Plym Grosse, Alexander 1645    12384 53 0 0 0 0 0 43 D  The  rate of 43 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           CHRIST
           THE
           CHRISTIANS
           CHOICE
           .
           OR
           A
           Sermon
           preached
           at
           the
           Funerall
           of
           Mr
           JOHN
           CAVVS
           one
           of
           the
           MAGISTRATES
           of
           the
           FAMOVS
           CORPORATION
           of
           PLYMOVTH
           .
           
             March
          
           The
           29.
           
           Anno
           Dom.
           1645.
           
        
         
           By
           ALEXANDER
           GROSSE
           .
           B.D.
           and
           Pastor
           of
           Bridfoad
           .
        
         
           
             Phil.
             1.21
             .
          
           
             To
             mee
             to
             live
             is
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             dye
             is
             gaine
             :
          
           
             Psal.
             73.24
             .
          
           
             Thou
             shalt
             guide
             me
             with
             thy
             Counsell
             ,
             and
             afterward
             receive
             me
             to
             glory
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             73.25
             .
          
           
             VVhome
             have
             I
             in
             heaven
             but
             thee
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             none
             upon
             earth
             ,
             that
             I
             desire
             besides
             thee
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             73.26
             .
          
           
             My
             heart
             and
             my
             flesh
             faileth
             ,
             but
             God
             is
             the
             strength
             of
             my
             heart
             ,
             and
             my
             portion
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
          
           Printed
           by
           
             R.
             B.
          
           for
           
             Iohn
             Bartlet
          
           at
           the
           Gilt
           Cup
           under
           St.
           
             Augustines
          
           Gate
           .
           1645.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           
             Philippians
             
               Chapter
               .
            
             1.
             
             
               Vers
               .
            
             23.
             
          
           
             Having
             a
             desire
             to
             depart
             ,
             and
             be
             with
             
               Christ
            
             which
             is
             farre
             better
             .
          
        
         
           
             NOah
          
           left
           the
           earth
           to
           enter
           into
           the
           
             Arke
             ,
          
           The
           children
           of
           Israel
           left
           the
           land
           of
           
             Egipt
          
           for
           the
           fruition
           of
           the
           land
           of
           
             Canaan
             :
          
           Every
           santified
           and
           beleeving
           soule
           is
           willing
           to
           leave
           all
           that
           it
           may
           fully
           enter
           into
           Christ
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           have
           a
           compleat
           fruition
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           
             all
             in
             all
             .
          
           Better
           then
           all
           ,
           infinitely
           more
           then
           all
           to
           every
           regenerate
           ,
           and
           gracious
           soule
           .
           No
           prisoner
           but
           is
           willing
           to
           leave
           the
           prison-house
           ,
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           his
           owne
           house
           ;
           No
           excile
           but
           is
           willing
           to
           leave
           the
           land
           of
           banishment
           for
           the
           repossession
           of
           his
           owne
           Country
           :
           No
           soule
           that
           knowes
           its
           owne
           bondage
           under
           corruption
           ,
           it
           s
           owne
           alienation
           ,
           and
           exilement
           from
           Christ
           ,
           (
           in
           part
           at
           least
           ,
           )
           during
           the
           dayes
           of
           its
           abode
           in
           this
           earthly
           tabernacle
           .
           but
           with
           Paul
           ,
           hath
           
             a
             desire
             to
             depart
             and
             be
             with
             Christ
             which
             is
             farre
             better
             .
          
        
         
           This
           our
           deceased
           Brother
           making
           use
           a
           little
           before
           his
           death
           of
           these
           words
           to
           his
           wife
           ,
           almost
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           Saint
           Paul
           made
           use
           of
           them
           to
           his
           Philippians
           .
           
             Haveing
             a
             desire
             to
             depart
             and
             to
             be
             with
             Christ
             which
             is
             farre
             better
             ;
             Neverthelesse
             to
             abide
             in
             the
             flesh
             is
             more
             needfull
             for
             you
             .
          
           Is
           that
           which
           invited
           and
           moved
           me
           ,
           to
           treat
           of
           these
           words
           ,
           in
           this
           houre
           of
           his
           funerall
           ,
           and
           from
           them
           to
           deduce
           some
           instructions
           for
           the
           proffet
           and
           consolation
           of
           the
           living
           .
        
         
           The
           words
           propound
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           present
           before
           us
           ,
           the
           choyse
           of
           a
           gracious
           soule
           the
           
             Paradise
          
           wherein
           it
           desires
           to
           
             dwell
             ,
          
           the
           
             Sun
          
           which
           it
           desires
           to
           
             behold
             ,
          
           the
           
             Pearle
          
           which
           it
           desires
           to
           
             possesse
             ,
          
           the
           
             Haven
          
           wherein
           it
           desires
           to
           
             harbour
             ,
          
           the
           
             Tree
          
           whereon
           it
           longs
           to
           
             feed
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Fountains
          
           whereof
           it
           doth
           desire
           to
           draw
           and
           drinke
           a
           full
           and
           everlasting
           
             draught
             ,
          
           even
           Iesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           nothing
           else
           ,
           
             Haveing
             a
             desire
             to
             depart
             and
             to
             be
             with
             Christ
             which
             is
             farre
             better
             .
          
        
         
           In
           the
           words
           there
           is
           .
           1.
           
           
             Motus
             ,
          
           a
           motion
           ,
           the
           internall
           moving
           ,
           stirring
           ,
           longing
           ,
           and
           working
           of
           the
           soule
           ,
           excited
           ,
           assisted
           ,
           inabled
           ,
           acted
           ,
           moved
           ,
           framed
           ,
           and
           disposed
           ,
           bent
           ,
           and
           inclined
           ,
           thereunto
           by
           the
           gracious
           presidentiall
           ,
           active
           ,
           and
           mighty
           power
           of
           the
           holy
           spirit
           ;
           Like
           the
           motion
           and
           stirring
           of
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           prisoner
           ,
           longing
           after
           ,
           and
           looking
           out
           at
           the
           prison
           windowes
           for
           some
           tidings
           of
           liberty
           and
           freedom
           -
           :
           like
           the
           motion
           of
           a
           man
           in
           darknes
           ,
           waiting
           for
           the
           appearance
           of
           the
           light
           ;
           like
           the
           motion
           of
           a
           wife
           ,
           in
           the
           time
           of
           
           her
           husbands
           absence
           ,
           looking
           for
           ,
           and
           expecting
           her
           husbands
           returne
           :
           a
           motion
           raised
           ,
           excited
           ,
           quickned
           ,
           and
           strengthned
           ,
           by
           a
           collation
           and
           comparison
           of
           the
           soules
           future
           felicity
           ,
           with
           its
           present
           misery
           .
           as
           the
           husbandman
           compares
           ,
           the
           joy
           of
           his
           future
           
             harvest
             ,
          
           with
           the
           
             labour
          
           of
           his
           present
           winter
           .
           The
           souldier
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           future
           
             Crowne
          
           with
           the
           difficulty
           of
           his
           present
           
             battle
             ;
          
           The
           traviller
           the
           comfort
           of
           his
           future
           
             Paradice
             ;
          
           with
           the
           sadnes
           of
           his
           present
           
             Wildernes
             :
          
           lively
           sence
           of
           present
           misery
           ,
           sweet
           and
           powerfull
           apprehension
           of
           future
           ,
           and
           ensueing
           glory
           ,
           fill
           the
           soule
           truly
           gracious
           with
           longings
           of
           unwearied
           ,
           and
           sacred
           vehemency
           .
           Assurance
           of
           future
           happines
           makes
           a
           good
           man
           restles
           under
           the
           presant
           burthen
           of
           his
           corruption
           .
        
         
           
           Here
           is
           
             Movens
             .
          
           The
           party
           longing
           desiring
           to
           depart
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           Paul
           a
           chosen
           vessell
           ,
           afaithfull
           servant
           of
           God
           a
           liveing
           member
           of
           Christ
           .
           
             None
             can
             truly
             desire
             to
             be
             dissolved
             but
             he
             that
             is
             sure
             to
             be
             saved
             .
          
           No
           man
           willingly
           leaveth
           his
           present
           habitation
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           is
           assured
           of
           a
           better
           dwelling
           .
           No
           wise
           man
           willingly
           to
           cast
           of
           his
           present
           garment
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           hath
           another
           ,
           a
           better
           to
           put
           on
           :
           No
           man
           can
           be
           upon
           right
           grounds
           willing
           to
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           but
           only
           that
           man
           who
           is
           truely
           fanctified
           :
           he
           who
           is
           not
           throughly
           interested
           in
           Christ
           ,
           cannot
           willingly
           leave
           all
           for
           Christ
           :
           Eleazar
           Abrahams
           servant
           ,
           
             put
             a
             jewell
             upon
             Rebeccaas
             face
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             bracelets
             upon
             her
             hands
             ,
             and
             gave
             her
             jewels
             of
             silver
             and
             jewels
             of
             gould
             and
             rayment
             ,
          
           and
           then
           shee
           was
           willing
           to
           goe
           with
           him
           ,
           willing
           to
           leave
           all
           ,
           and
           enjoy
           Jsaac
           for
           her
           husband
           .
           That
           soule
           alone
           which
           Christ
           beautifieth
           with
           the
           saveing
           gifts
           of
           his
           spirit
           ,
           the
           love
           tokens
           of
           Christ
           ,
           better
           gifts
           then
           jewels
           of
           silver
           ,
           and
           gold
           .
           Js
           the
           soul
           ,
           the
           only
           soule
           ,
           that
           can
           forsake
           the
           dearest
           things
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           that
           can
           readily
           leave
           its
           habitation
           in
           this
           mortall
           flesh
           ,
           and
           take
           up
           its
           everlasting
           abode
           with
           Christ
           .
        
         
           
           Here
           is
           
             Termin●s
             ,
          
           the
           terme
           whereunto
           this
           gracious
           foule
           moves
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           
             double
          
           the
           one
           
             Privative
             ,
          
           the
           other
           
             Positive
          
           the
           first
           
             Privative
          
           a
           desire
           to
           depart
           or
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           exprossing
           the
           nature
           of
           death
           not
           an
           
             Annihilation
             .
          
           but
           a
           
             dissolution
             ,
          
           a
           seperation
           of
           the
           foule
           and
           body
           ,
           the
           foule
           is
           now
           in
           the
           body
           as
           a
           bird
           in
           the
           cage
           ,
           a
           prisoner
           in
           the
           prison
           house
           ;
           a
           traviller
           walking
           under
           a
           cloud
           ,
           and
           therfore
           much
           desires
           a
           discharge
           ,
           and
           exemption
           from
           his
           fad
           and
           burthensome
           condition
           ;
           No
           child
           of
           God
           desires
           death
           under
           the
           naked
           and
           simple
           notion
           of
           death
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           it selfe
           ,
           the
           
             King
             of
             terrours
             ,
          
           repugnant
           ,
           and
           disstructive
           to
           nature
           ,
           a
           thing
           never
           desired
           for
           it selfe
           ,
           but
           for
           some
           other
           thing
           ,
           therfore
           here
           is
           Secondly
           a
           
             Positive
          
           terme
           wherein
           this
           motion
           ,
           and
           desire
           of
           the
           foule
           ends
           ;
           that
           is
           in
           the
           
             fruition
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           that
           he
           may
           be
           fully
           and
           everlastingly
           with
           Christ
           ;
           that
           he
           may
           come
           out
           
           of
           the
           prison
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           to
           be
           clad
           with
           glory
           to
           sit
           downe
           ,
           and
           raign
           with
           Christ
           as
           
             Joseph
          
           came
           out
           of
           prison
           haveing
           his
           prison
           garments
           taken
           from
           him
           ,
           a
           Gould
           ring
           put
           upon
           his
           finger
           ,
           royall
           apparell
           put
           upon
           his
           backe
           ,
           and
           made
           the
           second
           person
           next
           to
           the
           King
           in
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           Egypt
           :
           that
           he
           may
           come
           out
           of
           all
           the
           servitude
           and
           slavery
           bondage
           and
           troubles
           of
           this
           life
           to
           triumph
           with
           Christ
           leaving
           sinne
           ,
           Satan
           ,
           and
           the
           world
           behind
           him
           ,
           conquered
           ,
           subdued
           ,
           distroyed
           ,
           as
           
             Israel
          
           came
           out
           of
           the
           waters
           of
           the
           red
           Sea
           ,
           triumphing
           ,
           leaving
           
             Pharaoh
          
           and
           the
           Egiptians
           ,
           
           there
           drowned
           behind
           them
           .
           The
           fruition
           of
           the
           Lord
           Iesus
           makes
           death
           desirable
           ,
           and
           lovely
           in
           the
           eies
           of
           al
           truebeleevers
           .
        
         
           
           Here
           is
           ,
           
             Motivum
             .
          
           The
           
             motice
             ,
          
           which
           sets
           the
           soule
           on
           worke
           ,
           thus
           to
           desire
           to
           be
           with
           Christ
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           drawne
           
             Ab
             V●●●
             .
          
           From
           the
           fruit
           ,
           and
           benefit
           thero
           :
           
             It
             is
             fore
             better
             .
          
           To
           be
           with
           Christ
           then
           live
           here
           ,
           to
           enjoy
           Christ
           then
           all
           things
           else
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           only
           better
           ,
           but
           
             farre
             letter
             ,
          
           a
           thousand
           degrees
           better
           ,
           for
           the
           
             sa●ctity
             ,
          
           for
           the
           
             liberty
             ,
          
           for
           the
           
             Safety
             ,
          
           for
           the
           
             Satie●y
             ,
          
           for
           the
           sweete
           
             Society
          
           and
           for
           the
           
             Fulnes
          
           of
           all
           
             Glory
          
           there
           to
           be
           enjoyed
           .
           The
           present
           felicitie
           of
           Gods
           children
           is
           very
           little
           ,
           even
           nothing
           ,
           incomparison
           of
           the
           future
           glory
           which
           shal
           be
           put
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           J
           cannot
           ,
           time
           will
           not
           give
           me
           leave
           ,
           to
           insist
           upon
           all
           the
           perticuler
           branches
           of
           these
           words
           ,
           though
           every
           one
           of
           them
           present
           ,
           before
           us
           and
           offer
           to
           us
           respectively
           ,
           variety
           of
           usefull
           ,
           sweet
           ,
           and
           comfortable
           fruit
           ;
           had
           we
           time
           and
           leasure
           but
           to
           gather
           them
           ;
           I
           shall
           therfore
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           give
           you
           one
           generall
           observation
           from
           them
           .
           St.
           
             Paul
          
           so
           
             Loved
          
           Christ
           ,
           so
           
             Prized
          
           Christ
           ,
           so
           
             Delighted
          
           in
           Christ
           ,
           so
           
             Longed
          
           after
           Christ
           ,
           and
           
             Apprehended
          
           the
           fruition
           of
           such
           a
           plenitude
           and
           sweetnesse
           ,
           such
           duration
           ,
           and
           continuance
           of
           all
           foule
           ravishing
           ,
           and
           heartcontenting
           excellencies
           in
           the
           full
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           ;
           that
           he
           was
           willing
           to
           leave
           all
           ,
           to
           depart
           with
           all
           ,
           even
           with
           his
           very
           life
           ,
           for
           the
           full
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           .
           whence
           observe
           .
        
         
           
             That
             there
             is
             nothing
             so
             deare
             and
             precious
             to
             Gods
             faith
             full
             servants
             ,
          
           
           
             noe
             not
             their
             very
             lifes
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             willing
             to
             leave
             and
             lay
             them
             all
             downe
             for
             Christs
             lake
             ;
             for
             the
             present
             ,
             and
             future
             enjoyment
             of
             Christ
             :
          
           thus
           it
           was
           with
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           thus
           it
           is
           in
           proportion
           ,
           in
           degree
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           grace
           received
           ,
           with
           every
           child
           of
           God
           :
           the
           wife
           leaves
           all
           to
           enjoy
           matrimoniall
           communion
           with
           the
           husband
           ;
           
             Sarah
          
           left
           all
           ,
           
           and
           went
           with
           her
           husband
           
             Abraham
             .
          
           True
           beleevers
           are
           the
           Bride
           and
           spouse
           of
           Christ
           :
           
             they
             forget
             their
             owne
             people
             and
             their
             fathers
             house
          
           to
           enjoy
           their
           husband
           Christ
           :
           they
           so
           love
           ,
           they
           so
           remember
           ,
           they
           so
           delight
           in
           ,
           and
           so
           long
           after
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           love
           nothing
           
           remember
           nothing
           ,
           delight
           in
           nothing
           ,
           prize
           nothing
           ,
           desire
           nothing
           in
           comparison
           of
           Christ
           Iesus
           ;
           
           be
           it
           otherwise
           never
           so
           deare
           &
           precious
           :
           the
           merchant
           in
           the
           parable
           
             sold
             all
          
           that
           he
           had
           for
           the
           precious
           
             pearle
             ,
          
           true
           beleevers
           are
           spirituall
           marchants
           ,
           they
           trade
           ,
           and
           traffick
           for
           Christ
           ;
           Christ
           is
           to
           them
           a
           pearle
           of
           that
           price
           ,
           that
           they
           joyfully
           sell
           all
           ,
           leave
           all
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           and
           future
           enjoyment
           of
           him
           :
           this
           truth
           is
           carried
           by
           way
           of
           command
           in
           the
           Iniunction
           laid
           by
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           upon
           the
           Angel
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Smyrna
           .
           
           
             Be
             thou
             faithfull
             unto
             the
             death
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             give
             thee
             the
             crowne
             of
             life
             .
          
           Whatsoever
           
             trouble
          
           doe
           arise
           ,
           whatsoever
           
             storme
          
           doe
           tosse
           and
           shake
           thee
           ,
           whatsoever
           
             cloud
          
           of
           contumely
           doe
           seize
           upon
           thee
           ,
           whatsoever
           
             band
             of
             violence
          
           be
           stretched
           out
           to
           rob
           and
           spoile
           thee
           ,
           yet
           be
           thou
           saithfull
           in
           thy
           
             covenant
          
           with
           Christ
           ,
           in
           thy
           
             profession
          
           of
           christ
           in
           thy
           
             undertaking
          
           for
           Christ
           in
           thy
           
             dependance
          
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           in
           thy
           
             love
          
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           in
           thy
           
             defence
          
           of
           the
           cause
           of
           Christ
           
             be
             thou
             faithfull
             to
             the
             death
          
           let
           life
           ,
           and
           all
           goe
           ,
           rather
           then
           let
           goe
           Christ
           ;
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           the
           
             Crowne
             of
             life
             ,
          
           for
           the
           sweet
           ,
           the
           full
           ,
           and
           everlasting
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           .
           Thus
           the
           Apostle
           peter
           haveing
           declared
           the
           vanity
           and
           mutability
           of
           the
           whole
           frame
           of
           the
           creature
           ,
           argueth
           and
           urgeth
           from
           thence
           the
           necessity
           of
           looking
           out
           for
           Christ
           ,
           of
           hastning
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           of
           making
           Christ
           sure
           unto
           our
           soules
           .
           
           
             Seeing
             then
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             that
             all
             these
             things
             shalb●
             dissolved
             ,
             what
             manner
             of
             persons
             ought
             ye
             to
             be
             in
             all
             holy
             conversation
             and
             Godlynes
             .
             Looking
             for
             and
             hastning
             unto
             the
             comming
             of
             the
             day
             of
             God
             .
          
           Looking
           for
           the
           coming
           of
           and
           full
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           as
           a
           husbandman
           looketh
           for
           the
           coming
           ,
           
           and
           gathering
           in
           ,
           of
           the
           harvest
           ;
           Looking
           and
           preparing
           for
           Christ
           as
           a
           good
           servant
           
             waiteth
             ,
          
           and
           prepareth
           for
           the
           coming
           of
           his
           Lord
           and
           Master
           :
           thus
           have
           the
           servants
           of
           God
           ever
           lively
           expressed
           the
           sadnes
           of
           their
           condition
           without
           Christ
           ,
           their
           high
           prizing
           of
           Christs
           gratious
           presence
           in
           his
           ordinances
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           though
           they
           enjoy
           him
           herein
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           a
           farreof
           ,
           and
           obscurely
           ,
           as
           we
           enjoy
           a
           friend
           in
           his
           letters
           ,
           the
           Son
           in
           the
           starres
           .
           A
           birde
           the
           bridgroome
           in
           his
           love
           tokens
           .
           Yet
           when
           Christ
           hath
           at
           any
           time
           in
           his
           behalse
           estranged
           himselfe
           from
           them
           ,
           
           they
           have
           beene
           as
           
             drie
             ground
          
           without
           water
           ,
           in
           an
           
             Incessant
             thirst
             ,
          
           as
           a
           chased
           
             Hart
          
           without
           the
           
             water
             brookes
             ,
          
           full
           of
           restles
           motions
           ,
           and
           ardent
           cries
           after
           Christ
           :
           
             As
             the
             hart
             panteth
             after
             the
             water
             brookes
             so
             panteth
             my
             soule
             after
             thee
             O
             God
             .
             my
             soule
             thirsteth
             for
             God
             ,
             for
             the
             liveing
             God
             .
          
           When
           shall
           I
           come
           and
           appeare
           before
           God
           .
           They
           follow
           him
           as
           sttai
           David
           
             whether
             in
             life
             or
             in
             death
             ,
          
           
           the
           
             Virgins
             follow
             the
             Lam
             wheresoever
             hoe
             goeth
          
           whether
           in
           a
           codition
           of
           honour
           ,
           or
           ignominy
           ,
           of
           perce
           or
           trouble
           of
           losse
           or
           gaine
           they
           follow
           him
           :
           
           David
           accounts
           
             One
             day
             in
             the
             Courts
             of
             God
             better
          
           
           
             a
             thousand
             ,
          
           and
           prizes
           the
           place
           of
           a
           doore
           keeper
           in
           the
           house
           of
           God
           above
           the
           choyfest
           habitation
           among
           the
           tents
           of
           wickednesse
           Preferring
           the
           poorest
           condition
           with
           Christ
           ,
           above
           the
           highest
           condition
           without
           Christ
           :
           what
           was
           
             Moses
          
           his
           choise
           ?
           did
           he
           not
           chuse
           
             to
             endure
             affliction
             with
             the
             people
             of
             God
             rather
             then
             to
             enjoy
             the
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             for
             a
             season
             .
          
           Did
           not
           he
           refuse
           to
           be
           called
           the
           sonne
           of
           
             Pharaohs
          
           daughter
           ?
           did
           not
           he
           esteeme
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           communion
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           members
           ,
           though
           in
           the
           wildernesse
           ,
           above
           the
           fruition
           of
           fellowship
           with
           the
           greatest
           profane
           worldly
           Nobles
           .
           though
           in
           a
           Paradise
           of
           all
           earthly
           pleasures
           ?
           did
           not
           the
           primitive
           Christians
           take
           the
           
             spoyling
             of
             their
             goods
             joyfully
             knowing
             they
             had
             an
             abiding
             substance
             in
             heaven
             :
          
           were
           not
           they
           contented
           to
           be
           spoiled
           of
           all
           ,
           rather
           then
           to
           be
           spoiled
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           the
           glory
           of
           Gods
           deare
           servants
           ,
           but
           this
           
             They
             loved
             not
             their
             lives
             unto
             the
             death
             ;
          
           If
           they
           doe
           all
           this
           for
           the
           present
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           ,
           where
           they
           enjoy
           him
           a
           farre
           off
           ,
           and
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           how
           much
           more
           will
           they
           do
           it
           ,
           for
           an
           immediate
           and
           compleat
           enjoyment
           of
           him
           in
           the
           next
           life
           :
           
             having
             their
             conversation
             now
             in
             heaven
             ,
             from
             whence
             also
             they
             look
             for
             the
             Saviour
             the
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             being
             turned
             unto
             God
             from
             Idols
             ,
             to
             serve
             the
             living
             and
             true
             God
             :
             and
             to
             waite
             for
             his
             Sonne
             from
             heaven
             .
          
           By
           all
           which
           it
           plainly
           appeares
           that
           
             there
             is
             nothing
             so
             deare
             and
             precious
             to
             Gods
             faithfull
             servants
             no
             ,
             not
             their
             very
             lives
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             willing
             to
             leave
             and
             lay
             them
             all
             downe
             for
             Christs
             sake
             ,
             for
             the
             present
             and
             future
             enjoyment
             of
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           For
           the
           fuller
           understanding
           ,
           and
           clearer
           discerning
           of
           the
           extent
           and
           latitude
           of
           this
           truth
           there
           be
           foure
           things
           considerable
           ,
           first
           the
           
             matter
          
           left
           ,
           secondly
           the
           persons
           leaving
           it
           .
           Thirdly
           the
           
             manner
          
           how
           they
           leave
           it
           .
           Fourthly
           the
           
             end
          
           or
           finall
           cause
           for
           which
           they
           leave
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           the
           
             matter
          
           left
           things
           most
           deare
           and
           precious
           to
           them
           ,
           things
           of
           greatest
           price
           among
           the
           men
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           things
           in
           their
           kinde
           for
           their
           
             quality
          
           most
           eminent
           as
           
             riches
             ,
          
           
           honours
           ,
           pleasures
           favour
           credit
           countenance
           and
           applause
           amongst
           men
           :
           
           they
           are
           contented
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           to
           be
           men
           of
           no
           name
           ,
           of
           no
           repute
           ,
           of
           no
           wisedeme
           ,
           
           of
           no
           authority
           ,
           of
           no
           wealth
           among
           men
           :
           things
           for
           their
           
             use
          
           most
           necessary
           as
           calling
           station
           and
           instruments
           of
           Livelyhood
           ,
           
           things
           for
           their
           
             relation
          
           very
           sweete
           and
           pleasant
           as
           friends
           father
           ,
           mother
           ,
           and
           things
           for
           their
           
             number
             ,
          
           the
           very
           
             all
          
           which
           they
           possesse
           ,
           
           things
           for
           their
           
             Intimacy
          
           and
           nearenesse
           the
           most
           deare
           and
           precious
           ,
           as
           life
           it selfe
           ,
           so
           
             Paul
          
           here
           the
           traveller
           willingly
           leave
           all
           lamps
           ,
           
           candles
           ,
           torcher
           ,
           the
           greater
           and
           the
           lesser
           starres
           to
           enjoy
           the
           Sunne
           :
           the
           true
           travellers
           in
           the
           way
           to
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           willingly
           leave
           
           all
           other
           comforts
           to
           enjoy
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           Sunne
           of
           all
           true
           consolations
           :
        
         
           Secondly
           the
           
             persons
          
           leaving
           all
           ,
           laying
           downe
           all
           for
           Christ
           ,
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           such
           as
           have
           the
           spirit
           of
           
             Paul
             :
          
           none
           have
           these
           desires
           besides
           the
           truely
           gracious
           :
           none
           but
           the
           bride
           leaves
           all
           for
           the
           bridegroome
           ,
           It
           is
           not
           
             Orpah
             ,
          
           
           but
           
             Ruth
          
           that
           cleaves
           to
           
             Naomi
          
           in
           the
           day
           of
           her
           distresse
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           
             Demas
          
           but
           
             Paul
          
           that
           esteemes
           all
           but
           
             dung
             and
             drosse
             in
             comparison
             of
             the
             excellency
             of
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           it
           is
           not
           the
           Coward
           but
           the
           valiant
           souldier
           ,
           that
           willingly
           layes
           downe
           his
           life
           for
           his
           Captaine
           in
           the
           battell
           ;
           
           
             Hyminoeus
          
           and
           
             Philetus
          
           are
           no
           sooner
           shaken
           with
           a
           tempest
           ,
           but
           they
           forthwith
           make
           shipwracke
           of
           
             faith
             and
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
          
           onely
           
             Paul
          
           is
           the
           man
           that
           fights
           the
           
             good
             fight
             ,
             that
             finisheth
             his
             course
             and
             keepes
             the
             faith
             :
          
           he
           alone
           that
           is
           a
           true
           partaker
           of
           Christ
           is
           the
           man
           that
           will
           leave
           all
           for
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           
           the
           
             manner
          
           how
           they
           leave
           all
           
             willingly
             ,
          
           it
           is
           their
           desire
           it
           is
           their
           choise
           ,
           the
           bird
           willingly
           leaves
           his
           cage
           ,
           to
           soare
           and
           fing
           aloft
           in
           the
           aire
           .
           
             Israel
          
           willingly
           left
           
             Egypt
          
           to
           free
           their
           shoulders
           from
           
             Pharroahs
          
           heavy
           burthens
           :
           the
           Lords
           faithful
           servants
           ,
           the
           
             Israel
          
           of
           God
           indeed
           :
           willingly
           hazard
           ,
           leave
           and
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           to
           case
           themselves
           of
           the
           burthen
           of
           corruption
           ,
           and
           to
           enjoy
           communion
           with
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           this
           they
           doe
           with
           
             desire
          
           as
           
             Paul
             desired
             to
             depart
             ,
          
           and
           this
           desire
           carries
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           a
           sensible
           apprehension
           of
           the
           miserie
           and
           troublesomnesse
           of
           their
           present
           condition
           ,
           the
           sence
           and
           feeling
           which
           Israel
           had
           of
           the
           sadnesse
           of
           their
           estate
           under
           the
           heavy
           burthens
           which
           
             Pharaoh
          
           imposed
           on
           them
           ,
           
           and
           cruell
           Task-Masters
           which
           he
           set
           over
           them
           made
           them
           willing
           to
           leave
           the
           land
           of
           
             Egypt
             ,
          
           
           and
           desirous
           to
           goe
           to
           
             Canaan
             :
          
           
           sence
           of
           the
           burthensomnesse
           of
           mans
           owne
           
             corruption
             ,
          
           and
           of
           the
           violence
           and
           bitternesse
           of
           the
           
             buffettings
          
           of
           Satan
           ,
           fills
           the
           soule
           with
           sad
           complaints
           of
           its
           present
           miserie
           and
           ardent
           prayers
           ,
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           full
           freedome
           from
           them
           and
           intire
           rest
           ,
           and
           acquiescence
           in
           Christs
           bosome
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           an
           
             high
             prizing
          
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           onely
           glorious
           and
           shining
           
             Sunne
             ,
          
           whence
           discend
           all
           the
           beames
           of
           spirituall
           consolation
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Apple-tree
             ,
          
           
           whereon
           growes
           all
           sweet
           and
           desirable
           fruit
           for
           the
           noufishment
           of
           the
           soule
           ,
           and
           under
           whose
           shadow
           it
           can
           repose
           ,
           and
           rest
           it
           sell
           with
           much
           delight
           :
           as
           the
           
             store-house
          
           whence
           is
           derived
           all
           celestiall
           treasure
           for
           the
           fouls
           inrichment
           :
           as
           the
           
             fairest
             of
             ten
             thousand
          
           in
           whom
           all
           soul
           ravishing
           ,
           and
           heart
           admiring
           excellencies
           are
           discerned
           :
           he
           alone
           that
           takes
           the
           true
           measure
           of
           the
           worth
           of
           Christ
           ,
           is
           the
           man
           that
           can
           leave
           ,
           and
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           Christ
           .
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           servent
           and
           unfained
           
             love
          
           to
           Christ
           ,
           
             She●h●ms
          
           love
           to
           
             Dinah
          
           made
           him
           willing
           to
           undergoe
           the
           paine
           or
           Circumcision
           for
           her
           ,
           
           
             Jacobs
          
           love
           to
           
             Rachel
          
           put
           him
           upon
           a
           hard
           service
           ,
           in
           the
           heate
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           cold
           ,
           in
           the
           day
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           night
           for
           her
           ;
           servent
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           
           puts
           the
           gracious
           soule
           upon
           a
           ready
           
             undertaking
          
           of
           the
           hardest
           servie
           or
           Christ
           ,
           a
           
             patient
             toleration
          
           of
           the
           greatest
           difficulties
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           a
           
             che
             refull
             effusion
          
           of
           its
           dearest
           blood
           for
           the
           exaltation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           for
           the
           fruition
           of
           full
           communion
           with
           Christ
           :
           true
           love
           to
           Christ
           resteth
           in
           nothing
           ,
           
           but
           in
           the
           fruition
           of
           Christ
           ;
           all
           desires
           after
           Christ
           which
           spring
           not
           from
           unfained
           love
           to
           him
           ,
           are
           fruitlesse
           have
           no
           acceptance
           with
           him
           never
           reach
           him
           ,
           
           never
           worke
           the
           soule
           into
           the
           possession
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           
           vehement
           
             longings
          
           after
           Christ
           ,
           a
           holy
           restlinesse
           of
           the
           soule
           ,
           and
           spirit
           untill
           it
           doth
           come
           to
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Bee
          
           untill
           it
           comes
           unto
           the
           
             Hive
             :
          
           the
           
             River
          
           untill
           it
           emptieth
           it self
           into
           the
           
             Ocean
             :
          
           and
           as
           the
           
             Dove
          
           did
           fly
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           and
           found
           no
           rest
           for
           the
           sole
           of
           her
           foot
           untill
           she
           entred
           into
           the
           
             Arke
             .
          
           The
           soule
           which
           truely
           defires
           Christ
           meetes
           with
           contentation
           no where
           but
           in
           Christ
           ;
           the
           thirst
           thereof
           is
           never
           satisfied
           untill
           it
           drinks
           a
           full
           draught
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           heavenly
           
             Oecan
             ,
          
           in
           whom
           are
           all
           soule-refreshing
           waters
           ;
           the
           motion
           thereof
           is
           never
           terminated
           untill
           it
           comes
           fully
           home
           to
           Christ
           ,
           the
           paradise
           in
           whom
           dwell
           all
           spirituall
           comforts
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           
           diligent
           
             Inquisition
          
           after
           Christ
           ,
           carefull
           use
           of
           all
           meanes
           to
           enjoy
           Christ
           ;
           these
           desires
           are
           no
           lazy
           ,
           sluggish
           ,
           weake
           feeble
           ,
           and
           fleeting
           desires
           ;
           
           but
           strong
           ,
           active
           ,
           and
           stirring
           desires
           ,
           desires
           
             knocking
          
           at
           the
           doore
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           awakening
           it
           as
           a
           loud
           sounding
           trumpet
           rouseth
           a
           man
           out
           of
           his
           sleepe
           ;
           desires
           
             quickning
          
           man
           ,
           like
           spurres
           in
           his
           motion
           unto
           Christ
           ;
           desires
           
             drawing
          
           a
           man
           like
           a
           loadstone
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           
           
             David
          
           desired
           to
           drink
           of
           the
           water
           in
           the
           wells
           of
           
             Bethel
             ,
          
           and
           his
           
             Worthies
          
           brake
           through
           the
           army
           of
           the
           
             Philistines
             ,
          
           and
           brought
           waters
           thence
           :
           true
           desires
           after
           Christ
           neglect
           no
           meanes
           leading
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           breake
           thorow
           all
           oppositions
           betweene
           them
           and
           Christ
           :
           their
           soules
           are
           set
           upon
           an
           unwearied
           inquiry
           after
           him
           ,
           a
           constant
           use
           of
           all
           meanes
           to
           enjoy
           him
           ,
           when
           
             Joseph
          
           and
           
             Mary
          
           had
           lost
           Christ
           they
           went
           up
           and
           downe
           ,
           and
           
             sought
             him
             sorrowing
             ,
          
           never
           ceasing
           from
           their
           inquiry
           untill
           they
           found
           him
           ;
           
           the
           soule
           which
           knowes
           what
           it
           is
           to
           loose
           Christ
           ,
           what
           the
           sadnesse
           of
           the
           soule
           is
           without
           Christ
           :
           never
           ceaseth
           seeking
           untill
           he
           hath
           found
           him
           ,
           never
           ceaseth
           from
           his
           mourning
           ,
           till
           Christ
           returnes
           with
           sweete
           consolations
           againe
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           Sixtly
           ,
           
             delight
             ,
          
           he
           that
           ardently
           desires
           Christ
           ,
           joyfully
           leaves
           all
           
           For
           Christ
           ,
           accounts
           it
           
             all
             joy
          
           to
           fall
           into
           m
           nifold
           temptations
           for
           the
           cause
           of
           Christ
           :
           
           takes
           the
           spoyling
           of
           all
           
             joyfully
             ,
          
           sings
           in
           prison
           ,
           is
           cheerefull
           in
           the
           wildernesse
           as
           in
           a
           paradise
           :
           walkes
           like
           the
           three
           children
           in
           the
           fiery
           furnace
           of
           great
           adversities
           as
           in
           a
           Palace
           :
           and
           comes
           when
           God
           calls
           him
           to
           the
           stake
           and
           fiery
           tryall
           as
           the
           hungry
           to
           a
           feast
           ,
           the
           souldier
           to
           the
           crowne
           :
           or
           Bride
           to
           the
           marriage
           of
           the
           Bridegroome
           ,
           and
           unto
           death
           it selfe
           through
           many
           temptations
           ,
           weaknesses
           and
           disasters
           as
           Mariners
           to
           the
           haven
           thorow
           a
           violent
           and
           stormy
           tempest
           The
           way
           of
           the
           soule
           to
           Christ
           Jesus
           is
           not
           such
           a
           way
           of
           sorrows
           ,
           but
           that
           it
           is
           mixt
           with
           man
           ,
           sweet
           and
           secret
           pleasures
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           a
           confident
           
             Resignation
          
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           Christ
           ,
           he
           that
           truely
           and
           unfainedly
           desires
           Christ
           ,
           doth
           not
           dye
           as
           a
           man
           uncertaine
           where
           he
           shall
           goe
           ,
           ●●t
           commeth
           as
           a
           Bride
           to
           the
           Bridegroom
           ,
           as
           an
           obedient
           childe
           to
           his
           loving
           fathers
           house
           ,
           with
           much
           assurance
           of
           gracious
           acceptation
           ,
           of
           a
           sweet
           and
           everlasting
           entertainment
           and
           welcome
           ,
           though
           he
           sometimes
           feel
           the
           winde
           of
           temptation
           blowing
           with
           much
           violence
           upon
           him
           :
           and
           dismall
           feare
           now
           and
           then
           furprizing
           him
           ,
           yet
           with
           
             Teter
          
           in
           another
           case
           he
           cries
           
             Mast
             r
             save
             me
             ,
          
           and
           immediately
           see
           Iesus
           stretching
           out
           his
           hand
           ,
           
           and
           saving
           him
           from
           sinking
           in
           the
           waters
           ready
           to
           swallow
           him
           :
           he
           beholds
           the
           winde
           ceasing
           ,
           and
           an
           everlasting
           calme
           ensueing
           ,
           upon
           the
           fall
           of
           this
           house
           of
           his
           flesh
           he
           sees
           a
           glorious
           habitation
           provided
           for
           him
           ;
           
             he
             knowes
             that
             if
             his
             earthly
             house
             of
             this
             Tabernacle
             be
             destroyed
             ,
          
           
           
             he
             hath
             a
             building
             made
             of
             God
             ,
             an
             house
             not
             made
             with
             hands
             ,
             but
             eternall
             in
             the
             heavens
             .
          
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           here
           is
           the
           
             end
          
           or
           finall
           cause
           ,
           why
           the
           gracious
           soule
           doth
           leave
           all
           ,
           and
           desires
           to
           goe
           hence
           :
           it
           is
           for
           
             Christs
             sake
             ,
          
           that
           it
           may
           have
           the
           full
           fruition
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           mount
           aloft
           and
           come
           to
           Christ
           :
           as
           the
           bird
           when
           the
           cage
           is
           broken
           or
           the
           prisoner
           when
           the
           prison
           house
           is
           beaten
           downe
           ,
           and
           throwne
           into
           the
           dust
           have
           liberty
           ,
           the
           one
           to
           fly
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           to
           walke
           abroad
           and
           meete
           their
           companions
           .
           
           Thus
           the
           Lords
           servants
           desire
           to
           depart
           ;
           to
           leave
           this
           mansion
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           
             meet
             the
             Lord
             and
             so
             be
             ever
             with
             him
             ,
          
           the
           ultimate
           end
           of
           every
           good
           mans
           desires
           and
           endeavours
           is
           the
           full
           fruition
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           Having
           seene
           what
           it
           is
           that
           this
           observation
           carries
           in
           it
           ,
           let
           us
           now
           descend
           to
           the
           reasons
           conducing
           both
           to
           the
           further
           illustration
           ,
           and
           confirmation
           thereof
           ;
           
           now
           the
           reason
           why
           Gods
           servants
           doe
           so
           willingly
           leave
           and
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           is
           .
        
         
           In
           regard
           of
           the
           
             Evill
          
           adherent
           to
           the
           present
           condition
           of
           Gods
           
           children
           though
           they
           be
           a
           
             red●●ed
             people
          
           a
           people
           translated
           out
           of
           darknesse
           into
           the
           kingdome
           of
           Gods
           deare
           Sonne
           ,
           
           yet
           they
           have
           some
           fetters
           still
           upon
           them
           ,
           
           though
           they
           be
           an
           
             instructed
          
           people
           ,
           a
           people
           
             taught
             of
             God
          
           yet
           they
           have
           some
           ignorance
           remaining
           in
           them
           though
           they
           be
           a
           
             ga
             der
             inclosed
             ,
             an
             ●rchard
             of
             pomegranates
             with
             sweet
             fruites
          
           yet
           they
           have
           some
           weeds
           ,
           
           some
           thornes
           and
           briars
           ,
           there
           sprouting
           and
           spreading
           :
           there
           is
           a
           manifold
           evill
           yet
           adherent
           to
           Gods
           children
           .
        
         
           First
           an
           evill
           of
           
             darknesse
          
           the
           
             day-star●e
          
           indeed
           hath
           appeared
           ,
           
           but
           the
           
             Sunne
          
           is
           not
           yet
           fully
           risen
           in
           their
           soules
           is
           butday
           dawning
           they
           know
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           
           there
           is
           some
           ignorance
           mingled
           with
           their
           knowledge
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             bondage
             ,
          
           though
           they
           be
           not
           led
           away
           
             captive
             at
             the
             will
          
           of
           Satan
           as
           voluntary
           slaves
           without
           reluctance
           and
           resistance
           :
           
           yet
           they
           are
           
             sold
             under
             sin
             ,
          
           as
           a
           man
           led
           captive
           against
           his
           will
           .
           Like
           
             Lazarus
          
           they
           are
           risen
           but
           yet
           they
           carry
           some
           of
           their
           gravecloathes
           about
           them
           which
           doe
           in
           part
           still
           fetter
           and
           tye
           them
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             opposition
             ,
          
           sickenesse
           opposeth
           health
           in
           men
           diseased
           
             Esau
          
           opposed
           
             Jacob
          
           in
           the
           wombe
           of
           
             Rebecca
             ,
             Saul
          
           opposed
           
             David
          
           and
           made
           continuall
           warre
           against
           him
           ,
           
           the
           flesh
           opposeth
           the
           spirit
           ,
           corruption
           opposeth
           grace
           in
           Gods
           children
           :
           fleshly
           lusts
           warre
           against
           the
           soule
           in
           the
           best
           of
           Gods
           people
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             uncleannesse
             ,
          
           
           though
           they
           be
           
             washed
             ,
          
           and
           
             sanctified
          
           and
           
             instified
          
           in
           the
           
             name
          
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           and
           by
           the
           
             Spirit
          
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           
           yet
           this
           is
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           they
           are
           indeed
           perfectly
           instified
           but
           imperfectly
           sanctified
           :
           he
           saith
           our
           Saviour
           
             that
             is
             washed
             ,
          
           needeth
           not
           save
           to
           wash
           his
           feet
           but
           is
           cleane
           every
           whit
           ,
           and
           ye
           are
           cleane
           ,
           but
           not
           all
           .
        
         
           Fiftly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             Temptation
          
           Egyptian
           
             Pharaoh
          
           pursued
           
             Israel
          
           after
           they
           were
           gone
           out
           of
           
             Egypt
             ,
          
           the
           
             infernall
             Pharaoh
          
           pursues
           God
           ,
           
             Israd
          
           after
           they
           are
           escaped
           the
           plenary
           servitude
           and
           slavery
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           
           and
           their
           owne
           corruption
           ,
           
             Satan
             stands
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             Iosua
             the
             high
             priest
             to
          
           hinder
           his
           supplication
           :
           
           and
           he
           
             buffets
             Paul
          
           to
           disturb
           and
           vexe
           him
           ,
           Satan
           now
           and
           then
           obtaines
           commission
           to
           tempt
           and
           try
           the
           best
           of
           Gods
           children
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             Burthens
             ,
          
           there
           lyes
           on
           the
           shoulders
           of
           Gods
           servants
           a
           burthen
           of
           
             corruption
          
           a
           burthen
           of
           
             contumelies
             ;
          
           a
           burthen
           of
           manifold
           
             afflictions
             ,
             Israel
          
           in
           
             Egypt
          
           had
           cruell
           task-masters
           over
           ,
           and
           heavy
           burthens
           imposed
           on
           them
           :
           Gods
           
             Israel
          
           in
           this
           world
           still
           travels
           under
           heavy
           burthens
           ,
           travelling
           like
           
             Israel
          
           thorow
           the
           wildernesse
           of
           many
           troubles
           ,
           and
           red
           sea
           of
           many
           sorrows
           and
           sufferings
           ,
           afmore
           
           or
           lesse
           ,
           will
           rest
           as
           a
           burthen
           on
           Gods
           people
           ,
           as
           long
           as
           they
           carry
           corruption
           about
           them
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           an
           evill
           of
           close
           and
           
             conscience-accusations
             ,
          
           of
           heart
           smiting
           and
           selfe-judgings
           ,
           
             Davids
          
           heart
           smites
           him
           for
           touching
           
             Sauls
          
           garment
           ,
           
           
             Job
          
           sees
           enough
           amisse
           within
           him
           to
           make
           him
           abhorre
           himselfe
           below
           
             the
             dust
             and
             ashes
             :
             Esaiah
          
           is
           sensible
           of
           so
           much
           uncleannesse
           ,
           
           that
           he
           is
           forced
           to
           cry
           out
           ,
           
             wo
             is
             me
             for
             I
             am
             undone
             ,
             because
             I
             am
             a
             man
             of
             polluted
             lips
             :
          
           no
           man
           walkes
           with
           such
           exactnesse
           and
           circumspection
           ,
           but
           that
           his
           conscience
           now
           and
           then
           ,
           brings
           matter
           of
           accusation
           against
           him
           :
        
         
           Eightly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             sorrows
             ,
          
           for
           temporall
           or
           spirituall
           losses
           for
           their
           owne
           or
           others
           failings
           ,
           for
           their
           owne
           or
           others
           miseries
           :
           the
           Lords
           people
           are
           seeds
           men
           
             sowing
          
           in
           
             teares
          
           now
           
             reaping
             in
             ioy
             :
          
           
           hereafter
           Gods
           children
           like
           Israel
           of
           old
           have
           such
           
             Canaanites
          
           like
           thornes
           in
           
           their
           sides
           and
           pricks
           in
           their
           eyes
           that
           they
           are
           full
           of
           lamentation
           ,
           and
           mourning
        
         
           Ninthly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             Commerce
             and
             communion
          
           with
           profane
           people
           who
           pricke
           like
           
             thornes
             ,
          
           
           and
           sting
           like
           
             scorpions
             ,
          
           and
           pierce
           and
           wound
           like
           
             arrows
             ,
          
           vexing
           the
           righteous
           soules
           of
           Gods
           people
           ,
           and
           making
           their
           very
           lives
           a
           burthen
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           Tenthly
           an
           evill
           of
           
             Absence
             ,
          
           they
           are
           not
           yet
           come
           fully
           home
           to
           Christ
           ,
           they
           are
           at
           much
           distance
           from
           him
           ;
           have
           not
           the
           full
           enjoyment
           of
           him
           while
           they
           are
           
             at
             home
             in
             the
             body
             they
             are
             absent
             from
             the
          
           
           
             Lord
             :
          
           and
           therefore
           are
           willing
           to
           leave
           and
           lay
           downe
           all
           that
           they
           may
           be
           discharged
           from
           this
           manifold
           evill
           .
        
         
           
           In
           regard
           of
           the
           
             Termination
          
           of
           a
           gracious
           soules
           motion
           in
           Christ
           ,
           every
           thing
           terminates
           its
           motion
           ,
           in
           its
           proper
           ,
           Christ
           is
           the
           soules
           Center
           ,
           the
           rivers
           move
           and
           stop
           not
           ,
           till
           they
           terminate
           their
           motion
           in
           the
           sea
           :
           the
           gracious
           soule
           is
           restlesse
           till
           it
           commeth
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           
             Naomi
          
           said
           of
           
             Boaz
          
           unto
           
             Ruth
             the
             man
             will
             not
             be
             in
             rest
             untill
             he
             hath
          
           
           
             finished
             the
             ma●ter
             this
             day
             :
          
           the
           soule
           intending
           wedlocke
           with
           Christ
           ,
           will
           not
           ,
           cannot
           be
           in
           full
           and
           thorow
           rest
           ,
           untill
           it
           hath
           finished
           ,
           and
           fully
           perfected
           its
           wedlock
           with
           Christ
           ,
           
           the
           whole
           or
           a
           gracious
           man
           moves
           to
           Christ
           :
           the
           motion
           of
           his
           imagination
           is
           to
           the
           thought
           ,
           and
           meditation
           of
           Christ
           :
           the
           meditation
           of
           Christ
           is
           
             sweete
             unto
             him
             ;
          
           the
           motion
           of
           his
           
             und●rstanding
          
           is
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             hee
             desires
             to
             know
             nothing
             but
             Christ
             ,
             and
             him
             crucisied
             ,
          
           the
           motion
           of
           his
           
             faith
          
           is
           to
           the
           alsufficiencie
           ,
           
           worth
           and
           efficacy
           of
           Christ
           :
           
             be
             i●
             rooted
             ,
             and
             built
             up
             in
             Christ
             ,
          
           the
           motion
           of
           his
           
             love
          
           is
           to
           the
           beauty
           and
           excellency
           of
           Christ
           :
           
             he
             is
             the
             fairest
             of
             ten
             thousand
             in
             his
             eye
             ,
          
           and
           his
           soule
           is
           sicke
           o●
           love
           to
           Christ
           :
           every
           way
           the
           motion
           of
           a
           sanctified
           
           is
           to
           Christ
           ,
           the
           travellers
           motion
           is
           to
           his
           home
           ,
           the
           the
           thirsty
           mans
           motion
           is
           to
           the
           fountaine
           ,
           the
           good
           mans
           motion
           is
           to
           Christ
           ,
           he
           never
           attaines
           his
           desired
           perfection
           untill
           he
           hath
           gotten
           the
           full
           possession
           of
           him
           :
           and
           therefore
           leaves
           all
           to
           enjoy
           him
           .
        
         
           
           In
           regard
           of
           that
           
             union
          
           which
           a
           gracious
           soule
           hath
           with
           Christ
           ,
           by
           
             saith
          
           and
           
             love
             ,
          
           he
           is
           not
           so
           united
           unto
           any
           thing
           ,
           as
           to
           Christ
           ,
           he
           is
           so
           united
           to
           him
           that
           he
           is
           be
           come
           
             one
          
           with
           him
           
             boxe
             of
             his
             bone
             ,
          
           
           
             ana
             flesh
             of
             his
             flesh
          
           he
           is
           united
           to
           Christ
           with
           a
           
             separating
             and
             singling
             union
             ,
          
           with
           an
           union
           separating
           him
           from
           the
           world
           as
           a
           woman
           joyned
           in
           with
           an
           union
           separating
           him
           from
           the
           world
           as
           a
           woman
           joyned
           in
           wedlocke
           is
           separated
           from
           her
           owne
           people
           ,
           and
           her
           fathers
           house
           ,
           with
           an
           
             union
             crucifying
          
           the
           world
           unto
           him
           and
           him
           againe
           unto
           the
           world
           :
           
           he
           is
           united
           unto
           Christ
           with
           a
           
             deriving
             and
             enriching
             union
             ,
          
           drawing
           from
           Christ
           
             grace
             for
             gra●e
             ,
          
           
           filled
           with
           Christs
           fulnesse
           and
           made
           compleate
           n
           him
           :
           he
           is
           united
           unto
           Christ
           with
           a
           
             translating
             and
             transforming
             union
             ,
          
           an
           union
           transforming
           him
           into
           the
           very
           image
           of
           Christ
           ,
           making
           him
           
             pure
             as
             Christ
             is
             pure
             ;
          
           he
           is
           united
           to
           Christ
           with
           an
           
             inflaming
             and
             soule
             ravishing
             union
             :
          
           
           kindling
           a
           fire
           in
           his
           heart
           which
           no
           waters
           can
           quench
           &
           many
           floods
           cannot
           drown
           :
           he
           is
           united
           to
           Christ
           with
           an
           
             indissoluble
             union
             ,
          
           
           so
           united
           ,
           that
           neither
           the
           powers
           of
           hell
           ,
           nor
           earth
           can
           dissolve
           it
           ;
           he
           is
           united
           unto
           Christ
           with
           a
           
             victorious
             union
             ,
          
           an
           union
           overcomming
           all
           the
           proffers
           ,
           
           and
           oppositions
           of
           the
           world
           :
           
             a
             prostrating
             union
             ,
          
           casting
           a
           man
           and
           all
           his
           gifts
           and
           abilities
           downe
           at
           the
           feet
           of
           Christ
           ,
           making
           a
           man
           willing
           to
           be
           nothing
           in
           the
           eyes
           of
           men
           that
           Christ
           may
           be
           exalted
           :
           
           
             an
             aspiring
             union
          
           ascending
           unto
           more
           and
           more
           perfection
           never
           ceasing
           untill
           the
           soule
           is
           wrought
           into
           a
           full
           communion
           with
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           making
           a
           man
           willing
           and
           industrious
           to
           cast
           away
           whatsoever
           may
           hinder
           his
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           breake
           prison
           to
           come
           to
           Christ
           ,
           
           to
           leave
           all
           to
           be
           with
           Christ
           ,
           as
           
             Elisha
          
           left
           his
           yokes
           of
           oxen
           to
           follow
           
             Eliah
          
        
         
           
           In
           regard
           of
           that
           
             preheminence
          
           which
           Christ
           hath
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           gracious
           man
           ,
           above
           all
           other
           things
           he
           giveth
           Christ
           preheminence
           :
        
         
           First
           in
           his
           
             choice
             ,
          
           he
           chooseth
           Christ
           rather
           then
           all
           or
           any
           other
           thing
           whatsoever
           ,
           the
           traveller
           chooseth
           the
           Sun
           rather
           then
           any
           other
           light
           to
           guide
           him
           ;
           the
           builder
           chooseth
           the
           rock
           ,
           rather
           then
           the
           sand
           to
           build
           upon
           :
           and
           the
           wise
           merchant
           the
           pearle
           ,
           rather
           then
           the
           pebble
           to
           enrich
           him
           :
           the
           gracious
           man
           preferreth
           Christ
           as
           the
           onely
           wise
           
             Counseller
          
           able
           to
           advise
           him
           ,
           the
           ovely
           
             racke
          
           able
           to
           support
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           onely
           
             ●ear●e
          
           wherein
           is
           all
           worth
           to
           inrich
           bun
           :
           he
           chooseth
           the
           
             gifts
             and
             graces
          
           of
           Christ
           before
           all
           other
           treasures
           :
           bee
           preserreth
           the
           
             love
          
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           light
           of
           his
           countenance
           ,
           above
           all
           
           other
           pleasures
           ,
           and
           earthly
           abundance
           :
           there
           is
           nothing
           without
           this
           can
           give
           him
           contentation
           .
           
           
             Absolon
          
           thought
           it
           a
           small
           thing
           that
           he
           lived
           at
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           nay
           he
           esteemed
           his
           
             life
          
           as
           nothing
           ,
           unlesse
           hee
           might
           see
           the
           Kings
           face
           :
           a
           good
           man
           esteemes
           it
           a
           little
           thing
           to
           live
           at
           Jerusalem
           ,
           I
           meane
           to
           have
           all
           Gods
           ordinances
           ,
           unlesse
           he
           enjoy
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           with
           them
           :
           
           his
           very
           life
           without
           this
           seemes
           but
           a
           burthen
           :
           when
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           shines
           there
           is
           exceeding
           great
           joy
           and
           rejoycing
           ,
           when
           this
           is
           hidden
           there
           is
           a
           
             cry
             ,
          
           much
           mourning
           and
           lamentation
           .
           
        
         
           Secondly
           in
           his
           feare
           ,
           men
           give
           preheminence
           in
           their
           feare
           to
           their
           Soveraigne
           ,
           above
           the
           subject
           ,
           children
           to
           their
           fathers
           above
           the
           houshold
           servants
           :
           wives
           to
           their
           husbands
           above
           strangers
           :
           good
           men
           feare
           Christ
           as
           their
           
             Soveraigne
          
           as
           their
           
             fathers
             ,
          
           as
           their
           
             husband
          
           with
           an
           awfull
           ,
           a
           spirituall
           ,
           a
           filiall
           ,
           an
           affectionate
           and
           submissive
           feare
           ,
           choosing
           rather
           to
           offend
           all
           the
           world
           then
           to
           offend
           Christ
           :
           they
           feare
           the
           
             command
          
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
           more
           then
           the
           command
           of
           man
           :
           the
           
             wrath
          
           of
           Christ
           more
           then
           the
           wrath
           of
           men
           :
           the
           losse
           of
           Christ
           favour
           ,
           more
           then
           the
           losse
           of
           any
           ,
           or
           all
           men
           whatsoever
           :
           they
           chuse
           rather
           to
           expose
           themselves
           to
           mans
           greatest
           rage
           and
           indignation
           ,
           then
           to
           provoke
           Christ
           in
           the
           least
           sillable
           of
           voluntary
           and
           witting
           deviation
           from
           the
           rule
           which
           Christ
           hath
           prescribed
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           in
           his
           
             love
             ,
          
           the
           wife
           preferres
           the
           husband
           in
           her
           love
           above
           all
           other
           persons
           ;
           he
           that
           is
           married
           unto
           Christ
           loves
           Christ
           more
           then
           all
           creatures
           ,
           he
           loves
           him
           not
           carnally
           but
           
             spiritually
             ,
          
           his
           love
           ariseth
           from
           a
           seed
           of
           grace
           sowne
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           fruit
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           he
           loves
           him
           not
           constrainedly
           but
           
             freely
             ,
          
           his
           love
           moves
           to
           Christ
           like
           water
           flowing
           from
           a
           living
           spring
           :
           he
           loves
           him
           not
           with
           a
           niggardly
           but
           a
           
             bountifull
          
           love
           ,
           with
           a
           love
           moving
           him
           to
           give
           all
           that
           he
           hath
           to
           Christ
           :
           he
           loves
           him
           not
           with
           a
           sinister
           but
           a
           
             sincere
          
           love
           ;
           not
           in
           a
           shew
           but
           in
           
             truth
          
           not
           in
           word
           but
           in
           deed
           ;
           he
           loves
           Christ
           not
           with
           a
           faint
           and
           languishing
           love
           ,
           but
           with
           a
           
             strong
             and
             victorious
          
           love
           ;
           a
           love
           overcomming
           all
           opposition
           a
           love
           
             carrying
          
           him
           home
           to
           Christ
           ,
           a
           love
           causing
           him
           to
           
             abide
          
           with
           Christ
           in
           all
           changes
           ,
           
           to
           rest
           upon
           him
           in
           all
           conditions
           ,
           a
           love
           like
           the
           love
           of
           
             Jonathan
          
           to
           
             David
             ,
             Jonathan
          
           so
           loved
           
             David
          
           that
           he
           was
           contented
           to
           run
           the
           hazard
           of
           his
           fathers
           displeasure
           ,
           to
           be
           abased
           that
           
             David
          
           might
           be
           exalted
           ,
           and
           disrobe
           himselfe
           for
           
             Davids
          
           sake
           :
           the
           gracious
           soule
           so
           loveth
           Christ
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           ready
           for
           Christs
           sake
           to
           incurre
           the
           hatred
           of
           his
           dearest
           friends
           according
           to
           the
           flesh
           ,
           to
           humble
           himselfe
           belowe
           the
           dust
           for
           the
           exaltation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           oft
           this
           garment
           o●
           the
           flesh
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           honour
           and
           enjoy
           Christ
           .
        
         
         
           Fourthly
           in
           his
           possession
           ,
           he
           had
           rather
           possesse
           Christ
           then
           all
           things
           else
           ;
           all
           other
           possessions
           are
           but
           an
           empty
           vessell
           to
           the
           posessing
           of
           Christ
           :
           
           the
           King
           of
           
             Sodome
          
           sometime
           said
           to
           
             Abraham
             give
             me
             the
             persons
             take
             thou
             the
             substance
             :
          
           the
           gracious
           man
           is
           ready
           to
           say
           to
           his
           neighbour
           ,
           give
           me
           Christ
           ,
           and
           take
           the
           goods
           ,
           house
           honours
           ,
           body
           ,
           and
           whatsoever
           else
           he
           that
           will
           :
           all
           other
           possessions
           are
           but
           a
           wildernesse
           to
           this
           paradise
           :
           a
           
             b●amble
          
           to
           the
           
             vine
             ,
          
           the
           fig-tree
           and
           the
           olive-tree
           as
           
             Iotham
          
           in
           another
           case
           expressed
           himselfe
           
           in
           this
           parable
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           in
           
             Communion
          
           men
           of
           generous
           disposition
           prize
           communion
           with
           princes
           above
           communion
           with
           beggars
           :
           wives
           preserre
           fellowship
           with
           their
           husbands
           above
           fellowship
           with
           servants
           :
           fellowship
           with
           Christ
           is
           the
           longing
           desire
           of
           every
           gracious
           soule
           they
           say
           of
           this
           as
           
             Peter
          
           did
           of
           the
           mount
           
             it
             is
             good
             being
             here
             ,
          
           
           the
           desire
           of
           their
           soules
           is
           to
           dwell
           with
           Christ
           :
           to
           live
           continually
           in
           the
           blessed
           presence
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           give
           him
           preheminence
           in
           their
           choise
           ,
           feare
           love
           possession
           and
           communion
           ,
           so
           they
           are
           willing
           to
           leave
           and
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           him
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           in
           regard
           of
           that
           
             gaine
          
           which
           commeth
           to
           a
           gracious
           man
           by
           leaving
           and
           laying
           downe
           his
           goods
           ,
           liberty
           ,
           or
           life
           for
           Christs
           sake
           :
           the
           more
           he
           leaves
           for
           Christ
           the
           more
           he
           shall
           receive
           ,
           the
           greatest
           loosers
           for
           Christ
           are
           the
           greatest
           gainers
           by
           Christ
           :
           
           it
           is
           our
           Saviours
           promise
           
             whosoever
             shall
             loose
             father
             or
             mother
             or
             house
             or
             lands
             &c.
             for
             my
             Names
             sake
             shall
             bare
             an
             hundred
             fold
             more
             in
             this
             life
             ,
             and
             life
             everlasting
             hereafter
             :
          
           the
           seed
           thus
           sowne
           returnes
           with
           a
           plentifull
           harvest
           :
           this
           is
           the
           best
           adventure
           to
           make
           a
           rich
           merchant
           the
           least
           gaine
           of
           Christ
           is
           recompence
           enough
           for
           a
           whole
           worlds
           losse
           :
           
           the
           having
           of
           Christ
           make
           every
           condition
           gainfull
           ,
           Christ
           saith
           St.
           
             Paul
          
           is
           
             both
             is
             life
             and
             death
             advantage
             .
          
           Israel
           by
           leaving
           
             Egypt
             ,
          
           got
           a
           land
           flowing
           with
           milke
           and
           honey
           .
           
             Mose●
          
           by
           leaving
           the
           honour
           of
           
             Pharaohs
          
           Court
           ,
           got
           greater
           honour
           in
           becomming
           both
           a
           leader
           and
           a
           wonder-worker
           before
           the
           children
           of
           Israel
           in
           the
           wildernesse
           :
           
             Peter
          
           by
           leaving
           his
           nets
           became
           a
           fisher
           of
           men
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           many
           wayes
           to
           make
           the
           grestest
           losses
           of
           his
           servants
           most
           advantagious
           :
           by
           death
           it selfe
           a
           gracious
           man
           hath
           a
           gaine
           o●much
           
             light
          
           he
           beholds
           the
           Sun
           in
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           his
           rising
           :
           
           he
           sees
           face
           to
           face
           ,
           and
           knowes
           even
           as
           he
           is
           knowne
           :
           he
           hath
           a
           gaine
           or
           
             compleate
             purity
             ,
          
           
           like
           
             Absolon
          
           in
           another
           respect
           ,
           
             having
             no
             blemish
             from
             the
             crowne
             of
             the
             head
             ,
             unto
             the
             sole
             of
             the
             font
             ,
          
           a
           man
           
             without
             spot
             or
             wrinkle
             :
          
           he
           hath
           a
           gaine
           of
           
             liberty
             ,
          
           he
           commeth
           as
           
             Peter
          
           out
           of
           
             Herods
          
           prison
           ,
           all
           his
           setters
           smitten
           off
           ,
           as
           Israel
           out
           of
           the
           red
           sea
           
           leaving
           Satan
           ,
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           his
           owne
           corruption
           there
           drowned
           behinde
           him
           .
           Lastly
           he
           baths
           gaine
           of
           the
           greatest
           
             honour
          
           communicable
           to
           the
           soule
           of
           man
           ,
           
           
             a
             crowne
             of
             life
             and
             glory
             given
             him
             :
          
           and
           hence
           it
           is
           hat
           such
           are
           willing
           to
           leave
           and
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           leave
           the
           full
           fruition
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           This
           by
           way
           of
           
             reprehension
          
           reproves
           two
           sorts
           of
           men
           :
           
           First
           such
           as
           are
           so
           farre
           from
           leaving
           and
           laying
           downe
           all
           for
           Christ
           ,
           for
           the
           present
           and
           future
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           ;
           that
           they
           will
           neither
           lay
           out
           ,
           nor
           lay
           downe
           
             any
             thing
          
           for
           Christ
           :
           so
           farre
           from
           being
           willing
           and
           desirous
           with
           
             Paul
          
           to
           be
           dissolved
           from
           their
           bodies
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           not
           be
           dissolved
           from
           the
           least
           part
           ,
           or
           parcell
           of
           their
           possessions
           ,
           honour
           ,
           riches
           ,
           pleasures
           ,
           liberties
           or
           priviledges
           amongst
           men
           for
           Christs
           sake
           :
           but
           when
           Christ
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           church
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           course
           of
           Gods
           providence
           ,
           call
           for
           helpe
           ,
           reliefe
           ,
           supportment
           ,
           comfort
           ,
           and
           encouragement
           ,
           at
           these
           mens
           hands
           as
           sometimes
           
             David
          
           did
           at
           the
           hands
           of
           
             Nabal
          
           these
           men
           like
           the
           sonnes
           of
           
           
             Nabal
             ,
          
           answer
           Christ
           as
           
             Nabal
          
           their
           father
           answered
           
             David
             ,
             who
             is
             David
             and
             who
             is
             the
             sonne
             of
             Iesse
             ;
             there
             be
             many
             servants
             now
             a
             dayes
             that
             breake
             away
             every
             man
             from
             his
             master
             ,
             shall
             I
             then
             take
             my
             bread
             and
             my
             water
             and
             my
             flesh
             which
             I
             have
             killed
             for
             my
             shearers
             ,
             and
             give
             it
             unto
             men
             whom
             I
             know
             not
             whence
             they
             be
             :
          
           thus
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           answer
           who
           is
           Christ
           ,
           and
           who
           is
           the
           church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           there
           be
           many
           that
           rebell
           and
           without
           cause
           draw
           troubles
           and
           calamities
           on
           their
           owne
           heads
           :
           shall
           I
           then
           take
           my
           bread
           and
           water
           ,
           my
           possessions
           and
           riches
           which
           I
           have
           provided
           for
           me
           and
           mine
           ,
           and
           give
           it
           to
           I
           know
           not
           who
           :
           and
           of
           these
           may
           Christ
           truely
           say
           as
           
             David
          
           did
           of
           
             Nabal
             surely
             in
             vaine
             have
             I
             kept
             all
             that
             these
             fellows
             have
             ,
             for
             they
             have
             requited
             me
             evill
             for
             good
             :
          
           and
           as
           
             David
          
           was
           full
           of
           wrath
           against
           
             Nabal
             ,
          
           and
           resolved
           the
           utter
           extirpation
           of
           him
           and
           his
           house
           ,
           so
           no
           doubt
           the
           indignation
           of
           Christ
           is
           kinled
           ,
           and
           burnes
           like
           fire
           against
           such
           mercilesse
           and
           cruell
           caitiffes
           :
           neither
           can
           they
           expect
           a
           blessing
           but
           a
           curse
           on
           themselves
           and
           their
           posterity
           after
           them
           the
           sentence
           of
           our
           Saviour
           against
           such
           is
           very
           dreadfull
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           may
           make
           them
           act
           
             Belshazar
          
           living
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           their
           great
           possessions
           .
           
           
             Depart
             from
             me
             ye
             cursed
             into
             everlasting
             fire
             which
             is
             prepared
             for
             the
             d●vill
             and
             his
             Angels
             ,
             for
             I
             was
             an
             hungred
             and
             ye
             gave
             me
             no
             meate
             thirsty
             and
             ye
             gave
             me
             no
             drinke
             :
             I
             was
             a
             stranger
             and
             yee
             tooke
             me
             not
             in
             unto
             you
             .
             I
             was
             naked
             and
             ye
             clothed
             me
             not
             :
             sicke
             and
             in
             prison
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             ye
             visited
             me
             not
             :
             verily
             (
             saith
             Christ
             )
             in
             as
             much
             as
             ye
             did
             it
             not
             to
             one
             of
             the
             least
             of
             these
             ye
             did
             it
             not
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             these
             shall
             go
             into
             everlasting
             paine
             :
          
           you
           may
           please
           to
           call
           to
           minde
           the
           story
           betweene
           
           
             Gideon
          
           and
           the
           princes
           of
           
             Succoth
             :
             Gideon
          
           and
           his
           men
           were
           weary
           and
           aint
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           their
           enemies
           ,
           and
           
             Gideon
          
           said
           unto
           the
           men
           of
           
             Succoth
             ,
             give
             I
             pray
             you
             morsels
             of
             brean
             unto
             the
             people
             that
             follow
             me
             for
             they
             be
             weary
             that
             I
             may
             follow
             after
             Zeba
             and
             Zalmunna
             Kings
             of
             Midian
             :
          
           to
           whom
           the
           princes
           of
           
             Succoth
          
           answered
           ,
           
             are
             the
             hands
             of
             Zeba
             and
             Zalmunna
             now
             in
             thy
             hands
             that
             we
             should
             give
             bread
             unto
             thine
             〈◊〉
             :
          
           to
           whom
           
             Gideon
          
           replyed
           ,
           
             therefore
             when
             the
             Lord
             hath
             delivered
             Zeba
             an
             Zalmunna
             into
             mine
             hands
             I
             will
             tear
             your
             flesh
             with
             thornes
             of
             the
             wildernesse
             and
             with
             bryers
             :
          
           which
           upon
           his
           victory
           he
           did
           accordingly
           :
           
             Gideon
          
           was
           a
           type
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Christ
           is
           the
           
             Captaine
             of
             the
             Lords
             host
             :
          
           
           when
           his
           souldiers
           his
           people
           at
           this
           day
           are
           weary
           and
           faint
           in
           fighting
           his
           battells
           ,
           in
           defending
           his
           cause
           ,
           in
           pursuing
           his
           and
           their
           enemies
           ,
           Christ
           speakes
           to
           many
           amongst
           us
           ,
           as
           
             Gideon
          
           to
           the
           men
           of
           
             Succoth
             :
          
           give
           I
           pray
           bread
           ,
           flesh
           ,
           lodging
           ,
           cloathing
           ,
           to
           these
           men
           that
           follow
           me
           ,
           that
           stand
           for
           me
           ,
           that
           fight
           for
           me
           and
           my
           truth
           ;
           that
           lay
           downe
           all
           for
           me
           and
           my
           cause
           :
           to
           whom
           many
           men
           answer
           as
           the
           men
           of
           
             Succoth
          
           answered
           
             Gilead
             ,
          
           are
           the
           
             Cavalleirs
          
           now
           in
           thine
           hands
           ?
           hast
           thou
           vanquisht
           and
           overcome
           them
           :
           it
           is
           yet
           doubtfull
           which
           side
           will
           prevaile
           ;
           why
           then
           shall
           we
           give
           our
           bread
           unto
           ,
           or
           make
           provision
           for
           thine
           army
           :
           but
           let
           these
           men
           looke
           to
           it
           ,
           when
           
             Zeba
          
           and
           
             Zalmunna
          
           when
           the
           publike
           and
           open
           enemie
           shall
           be
           subdued
           ,
           Christ
           hath
           thornes
           and
           briars
           ,
           fearefull
           judgements
           for
           them
           that
           withdraw
           their
           assistance
           in
           the
           day
           of
           the
           Churches
           distresse
           ,
           judgement
           mercilesse
           is
           the
           portion
           of
           them
           that
           shew
           no
           mercy
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
           it
           repr●veth
           such
           as
           will
           spare
           
             something
             ,
          
           but
           not
           the
           
             best
             things
          
           like
           them
           of
           old
           in
           the
           prophet
           ,
           that
           would
           spa●e
           the
           blinde
           the
           lame
           and
           the
           sick
           for
           sacrifice
           ,
           but
           not
           that
           which
           was
           sound
           and
           without
           blemish
           :
           
           they
           will
           spare
           the
           
             tongue
             ,
          
           but
           not
           the
           
             hand
          
           their
           
             bodly
             presence
          
           but
           not
           their
           hearted
           
             soule
             presence
             :
          
           they
           will
           spare
           some
           but
           not
           all
           for
           Christ
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           put
           upon
           this
           ,
           to
           leave
           all
           ,
           and
           take
           Christ
           alone
           ,
           
           they
           
             goe
             away
             sorrowfull
             :
          
           some
           will
           spare
           their
           
             goods
          
           but
           not
           their
           
             lives
             ,
          
           they
           will
           not
           with
           
             Paul
          
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           
             Peter
          
           once
           
             left
             all
             ,
          
           but
           he
           would
           not
           at
           that
           time
           leave
           his
           life
           for
           Christ
           ,
           but
           denyed
           his
           Master
           to
           save
           his
           life
           :
           now
           these
           men
           doe
           herein
           ,
           and
           hereby
           plainely
           discover
           .
        
         
           First
           an
           overprizing
           of
           the
           creature
           ,
           so
           esteeme
           it
           ,
           
           that
           they
           
             value
          
           the
           unworthlest
           of
           their
           possessions
           as
           the
           
             Gaderines
          
           did
           their
           swine
           above
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           
             so
             love
             it
             ,
          
           that
           upon
           the
           losse
           ,
           or
           likely
           hood
           of
           taking
           it
           away
           ,
           they
           goe
           weeping
           after
           it
           as
           sometimes
           
             ●haltiel
          
           went
           weeping
           after
           
             Mical
          
           to
           
             Bahurim
             :
          
           so
           
             adore
          
           and
           serve
           it
           ,
           so
           rest
           
           and
           relie
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           when
           it
           is
           gone
           they
           runne
           up
           and
           downe
           like
           
             Mica
          
           after
           his
           idole
           ,
           
           and
           cry
           out
           as
           men
           undone
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           a
           shamefull
           
             underprizing
          
           of
           Christ
           :
           he
           that
           will
           not
           leave
           a
           pebble
           for
           a
           pearle
           ,
           a
           broken
           bottell
           for
           a
           river
           ,
           a
           barren
           branch
           for
           a
           fruitfull
           tree
           ,
           under
           values
           the
           pearle
           ,
           river
           ,
           tree
           ,
           all
           creatures
           excellency
           is
           nothing
           in
           comparison
           of
           Christs
           glory
           :
           they
           very
           wickedly
           ,
           and
           shamefully
           disparage
           Christ
           ,
           that
           preferre
           or
           equalize
           any
           thing
           to
           Christ
           ;
           
           let
           such
           men
           with
           the
           invited
           guests
           in
           the
           parable
           ,
           never
           look
           to
           partake
           of
           Christ
           with
           comfort
           ,
           whose
           love
           unto
           ,
           or
           delight
           in
           the
           creature
           withholds
           them
           from
           giving
           their
           hearts
           unto
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           hereby
           they
           
             hazard
             the
             very
             losse
             of
             what
             they
             retains
             ,
          
           and
           get
           by
           leaving
           Christ
           ,
           their
           losse
           is
           ever
           greater
           then
           their
           gaine
           ,
           usually
           they
           loose
           the
           very
           thing
           which
           they
           withhold
           ;
           
           
             he
             that
             will
             save
             his
             life
             shall
             loose
             it
             ,
          
           he
           that
           will
           save
           his
           honours
           ,
           his
           riches
           ,
           his
           liberty
           his
           favour
           with
           men
           shall
           loose
           the
           same
           :
           how
           ignominious
           to
           all
           succeeding
           generations
           hath
           beene
           the
           name
           of
           the
           
             Scribes
          
           and
           
             Pharisees
          
           who
           for
           the
           maintenance
           of
           their
           owne
           name
           and
           honour
           ,
           studied
           and
           consulted
           the
           eclipsing
           and
           obscuring
           of
           the
           name
           and
           honour
           of
           Christ
           :
           how
           odious
           is
           the
           name
           of
           
             Judas
          
           who
           laboured
           his
           own
           gain
           ,
           more
           then
           gaining
           of
           honour
           and
           soules
           to
           his
           Master
           Christ
           :
           take
           this
           for
           thy
           portion
           whosoever
           thou
           art
           that
           seekest
           to
           make
           thy selfe
           rich
           and
           honourable
           ,
           with
           the
           losse
           and
           dishonour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           thy
           name
           and
           riches
           both
           shall
           be
           everlastingly
           buried
           in
           the
           dust
           of
           dishonour
           and
           reproach
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           hereby
           they
           
             draw
             a
             curse
             on
             themselves
             and
             on
             their
             possessions
             ,
          
           
           they
           having
           of
           Christ
           like
           the
           
             Arke
          
           to
           the
           house
           of
           
             Obed
             Edon
          
           makes
           all
           to
           prosper
           ,
           like
           the
           
             ●rce
          
           to
           the
           waters
           of
           
             Marah
             ,
          
           it
           makes
           the
           bitterest
           condition
           pleasant
           and
           comfortable
           :
           
           the
           deniall
           of
           Christ
           the
           losse
           of
           Christ
           turnes
           all
           into
           a
           curse
           ,
           like
           the
           evill
           herb
           that
           turned
           the
           prophets
           pot
           into
           a
           pot
           of
           death
           :
           
           all
           that
           men
           get
           against
           Christ
           ,
           all
           that
           men
           keepe
           with
           the
           dishonour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           proves
           like
           
             Achans
             golden
             wedge
          
           and
           Babylonish
           garment
           ,
           
           a
           curse
           and
           ruine
           to
           their
           whole
           possession
           ,
           therefore
           thus
           saith
           the
           Angel
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             curse
             ye
             Meroz
             ,
          
           
           
             curse
             ye
             bitterly
             the
             inhabitants
             thereof
             ,
             because
             they
             came
             not
             to
             the
             help
             of
             the
             Lord
             against
             the
             mighty
          
        
         
           Fifthly
           hereby
           they
           
             contract
             shame
             ,
          
           raise
           a
           cloud
           of
           dishonour
           upon
           their
           owne
           heads
           ,
           that
           never
           shall
           be
           blotted
           out
           :
           is
           it
           not
           the
           shame
           of
           all
           shames
           ,
           to
           a
           wise
           to
           forsake
           her
           husband
           for
           the
           love
           of
           an
           unworthy
           servant
           ;
           for
           a
           sonne
           to
           leave
           his
           parent
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Prodigall
           to
           run
           a
           rioting
           with
           loose
           and
           dissolute
           companions
           ,
           to
           a
           souldier
           to
           leave
           his
           captaine
           ,
           and
           betake
           himselfe
           unto
           the
           enemies
           quarters
           :
           
           is
           Christ
           your
           husband
           ,
           your
           father
           your
           Captaine
           ;
           will
           you
           leave
           him
           for
           the
           gaine
           the
           honour
           ,
           the
           pleasure
           of
           the
           world
           ?
           will
           you
           leave
           him
           and
           enter
           consort
           with
           profane
           people
           ;
           will
           you
           fly
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           joyne
           with
           his
           enemies
           ,
           be
           assured
           then
           your
           memory
           shall
           rot
           ,
           your
           name
           shall
           goe
           out
           like
           a
           candle
           :
           leaving
           nothing
           but
           an
           unsavory
           smell
           behinde
           it
           Your
           honour
           shall
           lie
           in
           the
           dust
           ,
           your
           name
           shall
           everlastingly
           perish
           .
        
         
           This
           by
           way
           of
           counsell
           should
           advise
           all
           men
           to
           work
           their
           hearts
           
             to
             alow
             prizing
          
           of
           their
           present
           estate
           ,
           and
           every
           thing
           they
           have
           here
           ,
           incompart
           on
           of
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           Christs
           Gods
           children
           desire
           to
           be
           dis●ed
           ,
           they
           know
           it
           to
           be
           better
           to
           be
           with
           Christ
           ,
           then
           to
           continue
           here
           therefore
           looke
           on
           all
           your
           outward
           priviledges
           ,
           and
           prerogatives
           as
           on
           
             d●gand
             drosse
          
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           excellency
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
           nay
           look
           on
           the
           gift
           ,
           and
           on
           all
           the
           best
           things
           of
           God
           which
           you
           have
           here
           in
           this
           ●●e
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           full
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           ,
           even
           a
           few
           
             gleani●●s●n
          
           comparison
           of
           the
           full
           
             vintage
          
           as
           on
           the
           
             daw●ing
             ,
          
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           
             Noon-day
             ,
          
           as
           on
           some
           small
           
             love-tokens
          
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           
             compleate
             enjoyment
          
           of
           the
           bridegroome
           :
           
           we
           have
           the
           good
           things
           of
           God
           now
           as
           waters
           in
           a
           bottle
           ,
           then
           we
           shall
           have
           them
           as
           waters
           in
           the
           fountaine
           ,
           
           now
           we
           have
           them
           as
           an
           
             earnest
             peny
             ,
          
           then
           we
           shall
           have
           them
           in
           the
           full
           summe
           .
        
         
           This
           ministers
           matter
           of
           
             sweet
             and
             singular
             consolation
          
           to
           the
           surviving
           friend
           of
           all
           the
           godly
           deccated
           :
           it
           was
           their
           desire
           to
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           
           it
           is
           better
           ,
           yea
           farre
           better
           for
           them
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           possession
           now
           ,
           the
           least
           mite
           whereof
           is
           better
           then
           all
           the
           possessions
           of
           the
           earth
           we
           may
           say
           of
           this
           as
           
             Gideon
          
           did
           of
           the
           gleanings
           of
           
             Ephraim
             :
             the
             gleanings
             of
             Ephraim
             are
             better
             then
             the
             vintage
             of
             Abiezer
          
           here
           they
           were
           as
           
             ●itors
          
           now
           their
           
             mairrage
             is
             consumm●●e
             ,
          
           here
           they
           were
           as
           men
           
             walking
             in
             setters
             ,
          
           now
           they
           are
           as
           men
           
             walking
             in
             chains
             of
             gold
             :
          
           here
           their
           
             bread
          
           was
           mingled
           with
           
             grav●ll
             ,
          
           and
           their
           drink
           with
           gall
           ,
           now
           they
           have
           a
           sumptuous
           and
           
             a
             costly
             feast
             ,
          
           here
           they
           were
           as
           
             souldiers
          
           in
           the
           
             Battel
             ,
          
           now
           they
           have
           a
           
             glorious
             crowne
          
           put
           upon
           them
           ,
           here
           they
           were
           〈◊〉
           
             seed-men
          
           sowing
           in
           teares
           ,
           now
           they
           are
           as
           
             harvest
             men
          
           reaping
           in
           great
           job
           :
           here
           they
           were
           as
           
             runners
          
           in
           a
           race
           ,
           now
           they
           have
           obtained
           the
           
             prize
             :
          
           here
           they
           were
           as
           
             wor●s
          
           and
           no
           men
           ,
           obscured
           with
           many
           clouds
           ,
           now
           they
           have
           a
           name
           as
           glorious
           as
           the
           
             Sun
             ,
          
           here
           their
           
             dw●lling
          
           was
           as
           in
           a
           dungeon
           ,
           as
           in
           a
           house
           continually
           dropping
           thorow
           and
           ready
           to
           fall
           ,
           now
           they
           have
           a
           
             glorious
             ●al●ce
          
           wherein
           to
           dwell
           here
           they
           had
           
             consortship
             with
             men
          
           who
           were
           as
           thornes
           in
           their
           sides
           ,
           
           now
           they
           have
           
             communion
             with
             God
             ,
          
           with
           Christ
           ,
           with
           the
           glorious
           Angels
           and
           glorified
           Saints
           :
           in
           a
           word
           now
           they
           are
           
             ceased
             from
             their
             labours
             ,
             and
             heir
             works
             follow
             them
             :
          
           therefore
           
           as
           we
           sorrow
           at
           our
           owne
           losse
           ,
           
           so
           let
           us
           rejoyce
           in
           their
           gaine
           remembring
           that
           of
           the
           Apostle
           .
           
             I
             would
             not
             brethren
             have
             you
             ignorant
             concerning
             them
             which
             are
             a
             sleep
             ,
             that
             ye
             sorrow
             even
             not
             as
             others
             which
             have
             no
             hope
             ,
             for
             if
             we
             beleeve
             that
             Iesus
             is
             dead
             ,
             and
             is
             risen
             ,
             even
             so
             them
             that
             sleep
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             will
             God
             bring
             with
             him
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           This
           by
           way
           of
           
             Excitation
          
           should
           perswade
           and
           move
           men
           to
           a
           singular
           willingnes
           to
           leave
           all
           for
           Christ
           to
           lay
           down
           life
           ,
           and
           all
           ,
           and
           be
           desirous
           to
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           suffer
           wrong
           for
           Christ
           ,
           to
           abide
           in
           any
           low
           and
           sad
           condition
           with
           Christ
           as
           
             Ruth
          
           with
           
             Naomi
             :
          
           to
           long
           for
           Christs
           coming
           ;
           to
           say
           with
           the
           Spouse
           ,
           
             come
             Lord
             Iesu
             :
          
           But
           how
           shall
           we
           work
           our
           hearts
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           be
           willing
           to
           suffer
           for
           Christ
           to
           work
           for
           Christ
           to
           lay
           down
           ,
           
           &
           leave
           all
           for
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Be
           
             experienced
             in
             the
             bitternes
             of
             sin
             ,
          
           how
           it
           
             breakes
             the
             bones
          
           How
           it
           causeth
           man
           to
           
             abborre
             his
             bread
             ,
          
           and
           his
           soul
           ,
           dainty
           meat
           ,
           how
           it
           makes
           his
           
             flesh
             to
             fail
             :
          
           
           that
           it
           cannot
           be
           seen
           ,
           and
           his
           bones
           to
           shiver
           ,
           How
           it
           
             strikes
             with
             sorrow
             ,
          
           and
           makes
           man
           to
           cry
           ,
           
             O
             miserable
             man
             that
             I
             am
             who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             from
             this
             body
             of
             death
             ,
          
           be
           experienced
           in
           the
           misery
           of
           this
           bondage
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           not
           much
           fear
           any
           prison
           whereinto
           man
           can
           cast
           thee
           ;
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           weight
           of
           this
           burthen
           ,
           and
           the
           imposition
           of
           
             Pharaohs
          
           burthens
           shall
           not
           much
           molest
           thee
           :
           know
           thou
           the
           hidiousnesse
           of
           a
           tempestuous
           and
           accusing
           consciences
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           accusations
           of
           men
           shall
           not
           much
           perplex
           thee
           ,
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           bitternesse
           of
           Gods
           wrath
           against
           sin
           ,
           and
           the
           declination
           of
           the
           wrath
           of
           men
           shall
           never
           prevail
           with
           thee
           to
           draw
           thee
           to
           do
           evill
           ,
           be
           acquainted
           with
           the
           losse
           which
           commeth
           by
           sin
           ,
           and
           thou
           shall
           be
           willing
           to
           loose
           all
           rather
           then
           fall
           into
           any
           sin
           ,
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           troublesomnesse
           of
           this
           Inmate
           sinne
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           be
           willing
           to
           go
           out
           of
           this
           house
           of
           thy
           flesh
           that
           thou
           mayest
           cease
           from
           sinne
           ,
           the
           more
           the
           soul
           is
           afflicted
           with
           the
           burthen
           of
           its
           own
           corruption
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           is
           experienced
           in
           the
           bitternesse
           of
           the
           fruits
           of
           sinne
           the
           more
           it
           longs
           to
           depart
           from
           this
           tabernacle
           of
           the
           flesh
           and
           to
           be
           with
           Christ
           .
           
        
         
           Secondly
           get
           a
           
             through
             taste
             of
             the
             goodnes
             and
             sweetnes
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           taste
           what
           Christ
           is
           to
           the
           soule
           when
           all
           is
           gone
           ,
           even
           
             all
             in
             all
             ,
          
           a
           
             Sun
          
           in
           darknes
           ,
           
             a
             〈…〉
          
           in
           drought
           ,
           and
           a
           
             stoore
             house
          
           in
           every
           want
           :
           and
           without
           Christ
           all
           worldly
           fullnesse
           is
           very
           vanity
           and
           emptines
           ,
           a
           body
           without
           a
           soule
           a
           s●mpe
           without
           oyle
           ,
           a
           bone
           without
           marrow
           .
           Every
           high
           thing
           without
           Christ
           is
           base
           ,
           every
           strong
           thing
           without
           Christ
           is
           weake
           ,
           and
           every
           full
           thing
           without
           Christ
           is
           empty
           :
           it
           is
           Christ
           that
           
             filleth
             all
             in
             all
          
           he
           is
           the
           fullnesse
           of
           our
           
             knowledge
             ,
          
           he
           that
           knowes
           not
           Christ
           is
           very
           blind
           and
           ignorant
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           fullnesse
           of
           our
           
             faith
             ,
          
           if
           wee
           apprehend
           not
           Christ
           our
           faith
           is
           all
           empty
           hand
           ;
           he
           is
           the
           fullnes
           of
           our
           
           
             Love
             ,
          
           love
           is
           never
           perfect
           ,
           never
           resteth
           untill
           Christ
           is
           imbraced
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           fullnesse
           of
           our
           
             joy
             ,
          
           if
           we
           joy
           not
           in
           Christ
           ,
           we
           rejoyce
           in
           a
           thing
           of
           nought
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           fullnes
           of
           all
           our
           
             possesions
             ,
          
           if
           we
           posses
           not
           Christ
           with
           them
           we
           have
           but
           a
           barren
           possession
           ,
           like
           the
           dry
           ground
           which
           Caleb
           gave
           unto
           his
           daughter
           Achsa
           
             without
             the
             wither
             springs
             ,
          
           
           therefore
           get
           a
           full
           and
           thorough
           taste
           of
           Christ
           ,
           of
           the
           sweetnesse
           and
           pleasantnes
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           eye
           the
           sweetnes
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           the
           palate
           the
           sweetnes
           of
           the
           wine
           ,
           satiate
           thy
           soule
           in
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           goodnes
           ,
           fullnes
           fatnes
           ,
           and
           sweetnes
           which
           cometh
           from
           him
           ,
           marry
           thy
           soule
           to
           him
           ,
           take
           up
           thine
           abode
           and
           dwelling
           with
           him
           ;
           fill
           thine
           eies
           with
           the
           beholding
           of
           Christs
           beauties
           ,
           and
           say
           as
           Peter
           when
           he
           saw
           the
           gloryous
           transfiguration
           of
           Christ
           on
           the
           mount
           ,
           
             It
             is
             good
             being
             here
             .
          
           Feed
           thy
           soule
           on
           Christ
           and
           say
           with
           them
           Iohn
           6.
           
           
           
             Lord
             give
             us
             evermore
             of
             this
             bread
             .
          
           Let
           thy
           heart
           so
           love
           him
           ,
           so
           admire
           him
           ,
           so
           choose
           ,
           so
           cleave
           unto
           him
           ,
           that
           thou
           mayest
           be
           able
           to
           say
           of
           Christ
           as
           David
           of
           Goliahs
           sword
           ,
           
             there
             is
             none
             to
             that
             ,
          
           there
           is
           none
           to
           Christ
           ;
           and
           this
           will
           make
           thee
           willing
           to
           leave
           ,
           and
           lay
           downe
           life
           and
           all
           for
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           
             got
             assurance
             of
             glory
             with
             Christ
             ,
          
           be
           sure
           of
           raigning
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           be
           joyful
           in
           suffering
           and
           laying
           all
           downe
           for
           him
           were
           the
           souldier
           sure
           of
           the
           conquest
           and
           the
           crowne
           ,
           he
           would
           never
           feare
           to
           enter
           the
           battel
           ,
           assurance
           of
           the
           crowne
           of
           life
           exceedingly
           sweetens
           mans
           passage
           through
           the
           vally
           of
           death
           .
           Get
           cleare
           and
           invincible
           evidence
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           and
           of
           intrest
           in
           the
           first
           resurrection
           ,
           and
           then
           as
           
             Joseph
          
           willingly
           put
           of
           his
           prison
           garment
           ,
           so
           shall
           you
           this
           garment
           of
           your
           flesh
           ,
           and
           as
           Israel
           went
           joyfully
           through
           the
           sea
           to
           Canaan
           ,
           so
           shall
           you
           through
           the
           deepe
           waters
           of
           all
           sorrowes
           ,
           troubles
           ,
           changes
           yea
           death
           it selfe
           ,
           unto
           heaven
           .
           
             You
             shall
             have
             a
             desire
             to
             depart
             and
             be
             with
             Christ
             which
             is
             farre
             better
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           concerning
           this
           our
           deceased
           brother
           ;
           There
           are
           in
           the
           course
           of
           divine
           providence
           ,
           some
           acts
           of
           God
           towards
           him
           worthy
           of
           observation
           ;
           and
           some
           acts
           again
           of
           his
           ,
           in
           themselves
           worthy
           of
           imitation
           ,
           If
           you
           cast
           your
           eye
           on
           God
           and
           behold
           him
           in
           the
           way
           of
           his
           providence
           and
           dispensation
           you
           may
           observe
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           An
           act
           of
           Gods
           
             liberall
             and
             bou-tifull
             communication
             ;
          
           from
           small
           beginnings
           the
           Lord
           increased
           and
           multiplyed
           his
           outward
           and
           earthly
           stock
           to
           a
           great
           abundance
           :
           he
           might
           have
           said
           as
           old
           
             Jacob
          
           did
           .
           
             I
             am
             lesse
             then
             the
             least
             of
             all
             the
             mercies
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             all
             the
             truth
             which
             thou
             hast
             shewed
             unto
             thy
             servant
             :
             for
             with
             my
             staffe
             came
             I
             over
             this
             Jordan
             ,
             I
             now
             have
             gotten
             two
             Bands
             :
          
           you
           must
           know
           that
           riches
           are
           the
           Lords
           ,
           and
           he
           doth
           with
           his
           
             own
             what
             be
             please
             :
          
           
           it
           is
           not
           the
           naked
           having
           ,
           but
           the
           well
           using
           of
           riches
           that
           makes
           them
           truely
           comfortable
           to
           them
           that
           
           have
           them
           .
           
           It
           is
           not
           the
           rich
           in
           worldly
           goods
           ,
           but
           the
           rich
           
             in
             faith
             are
             heirs
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
             which
             God
             hath
             provided
             for
             them
             that
             love
             him
             ,
          
           riches
           without
           grace
           and
           Holinesse
           are
           but
           as
           a
           lamp
           in
           a
           foolish
           virgins
           hand
           without
           oil
           ,
           therefore
           as
           Christ
           charged
           his
           disciplet
           not
           
             to
             labour
             for
             the
             bread
             which
             perisheth
             but
             for
             the
             bread
             which
             endureth
             to
             everlasting
             life
             :
          
           
           so
           labour
           you
           not
           for
           fading
           and
           perishing
           riches
           ,
           but
           for
           that
           riches
           ,
           
           which
           is
           an
           
             abiding
             substance
             :
          
           when
           God
           makes
           men
           not
           onely
           rich
           in
           goods
           ,
           but
           in
           true
           and
           saving
           goodnesse
           ,
           there
           goes
           the
           character
           of
           Gods
           undoubted
           loving
           kindnesse
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           You
           may
           here
           of
           serve
           Gods
           act
           of
           
             Exaltation
             ;
          
           the
           Lord
           raised
           him
           from
           a
           low
           condition
           ,
           to
           the
           highest
           pitch
           and
           step
           of
           outward
           dignity
           this
           place
           could
           afford
           him
           ;
           wherein
           you
           may
           see
           that
           of
           
             Hanna
          
           verified
           ,
           
           
             The
             Lordmak
             the
             poore
             ,
             and
             maketh
             rich
             bringeth
             low
             and
             exalteth
             ,
             be
             raiseth
             up
             the
             poore
             out
             of
             the
             dust
             ,
             and
             lifteth
             up
             the
             begger
             from
             the
             dunghill
             ,
             to
             set
             them
             among
             princes
             ,
             and
             ●o
             make
             them
             inherit
             the
             throne
             of
             glory
             :
          
           you
           may
           here
           see
           that
           of
           the
           Palmist
           made
           good
           .
           
           
             Promotion
             commeth
             neither
             from
             the
             East
             ,
             nor
             fram
             the
             West
             ,
             nor
             from
             the
             South
             ,
             but
             God
             is
             the
             Iudge
             ,
             he
             maketh
             low
             ,
             and
             he
             maketh
             high
             :
          
           Yet
           this
           observe
           ,
           that
           when
           God
           doth
           not
           onely
           exalt
           a
           man
           in
           civill
           jurisdiction
           over
           his
           brethren
           but
           in
           spirituall
           jurisdiction
           over
           his
           corruption
           ,
           Satan
           and
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           man
           whom
           God
           makes
           truely
           honourable
           :
           that
           man
           alone
           who
           honours
           the
           place
           of
           eminency
           wherein
           God
           sits
           him
           ,
           by
           his
           wise
           and
           gracious
           deportment
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           faithfull
           discarge
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           the
           man
           that
           shall
           be
           everlastingly
           honoured
           .
        
         
           
           The
           Lord
           gave
           him
           not
           only
           wealth
           and
           dignity
           among
           the
           people
           ,
           but
           also
           
             knowledge
             and
             understanding
          
           in
           the
           things
           of
           this
           life
           and
           partly
           in
           the
           things
           of
           a
           better
           life
           :
           now
           there
           is
           a
           knowledge
           Hystoricall
           ,
           and
           a
           knowledge
           my●icall
           a
           knowledge
           speculative
           and
           a
           knowledge
           experiamentall
           ,
           a
           knowledge
           discussive
           and
           a
           knowledge
           practicall
           :
           that
           man
           that
           doth
           not
           onely
           know
           the
           way
           of
           God
           but
           all
           walk
           in
           it
           ,
           is
           the
           man
           that
           shall
           be
           surely
           blessed
           ,
           that
           knowledge
           alone
           which
           is
           affective
           ,
           submissive
           ,
           and
           communicative
           argues
           a
           saving
           illumination
           i●
           them
           that
           have
           it
           ,
           much
           knowledge
           in
           the
           understanding
           without
           sutable
           obedience
           in
           the
           conversation
           ,
           doth
           exceedingly
           aggravate
           mans
           condemnation
        
         
           There
           are
           also
           some
           acts
           of
           his
           ,
           which
           in
           themselves
           are
           worthy
           of
           Imnitation
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           An
           act
           of
           Ministration
           he
           was
           not
           a
           sealed
           fountain
           ,
           he
           kept
           not
           all
           unto
           himsel●
           ,
           but
           for
           divers
           yeers
           together
           laid
           aside
           a
           certain
           some
           every
           day
           for
           the
           poore
           :
           simply
           to
           give
           of
           what
           a
           man
           hath
           ,
           is
           not
           enough
           :
           he
           alone
           that
           gives
           in
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           pity
           to
           them
           that
           
           need
           ,
           
           and
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           the
           man
           that
           shall
           not
           loose
           his
           reward
           :
           thus
           to
           communicate
           and
           to
           do
           good
           ,
           
             is
             a
             sacrifice
             wel-pleasing
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           His
           discourse
           and
           communication
           was
           often
           of
           the
           best
           things
           ,
           he
           knew
           how
           to
           speak
           to
           edification
           ;
           and
           usually
           according
           to
           that
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             out
             of
             the
             abundance
             of
             the
             heart
             the
             mouth
             speaketh
             ,
          
           and
           so
           I
           suppose
           we
           are
           to
           conceive
           it
           ,
           unlesse
           we
           know
           the
           contrary
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           was
           observed
           by
           such
           as
           were
           very
           neere
           him
           ,
           that
           hee
           seldome
           did
           set
           himselfe
           about
           any
           weighty
           undertaking
           ,
           but
           he
           first
           addressed
           himself
           to
           God
           by
           prayer
           for
           councell
           &
           a
           blessing
           :
           barely
           to
           pray
           is
           insufficient
           to
           argue
           any
           man
           to
           be
           a
           childe
           of
           God
           ;
           that
           prayer
           alone
           is
           acceptable
           ,
           and
           returnes
           with
           a
           blessing
           which
           proceeds
           from
           faith
           and
           unfained
           affection
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           you
           all
           know
           that
           he
           was
           a
           zealous
           maintainer
           and
           stout
           defender
           of
           the
           Jurisdiction
           authority
           dignity
           and
           priviledges
           of
           this
           Incorporation
           ;
           and
           as
           touching
           the
           common
           controversie
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           I
           am
           very
           confident
           by
           what
           I
           have
           heard
           him
           speake
           ,
           and
           seene
           him
           doe
           that
           he
           was
           very
           really
           and
           cordiall
           to
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           however
           some
           jealousies
           to
           the
           contrary
           were
           raised
           .
        
         
           But
           why
           or
           for
           whose
           sakes
           is
           all
           this
           spoken
           ,
           but
           for
           yours
           that
           are
           living
           :
           shortly
           to
           let
           you
           see
           the
           vanity
           of
           all
           outward
           things
           ,
           how
           then
           like
           
             Jonahs
          
           goard
           that
           came
           up
           in
           an
           evening
           
             and
             wither
          
           in
           the
           morning
           ,
           to
           let
           you
           see
           that
           
             richer
             profit
             not
             in
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             onely
             righteousnesse
             delivereth
             from
             death
             .
          
           2.
           
           To
           move
           you
           to
           a
           
             faithfull
             imployment
          
           of
           that
           talent
           wherewith
           the
           Lord
           hath
           intrusted
           you
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           your
           wealth
           and
           authority
           your
           body
           like
           this
           your
           brother
           will
           lie
           shortly
           in
           the
           dust
           ,
           &
           you
           shall
           appear
           before
           the
           Lords
           tribunall
           there
           to
           
             receive
             according
             to
             that
             which
             you
             have
             done
             in
             the
             body
             whither
             it
             be
             good
             or
             evil
             :
          
           therefore
           like
           good
           nurses
           draw
           forth
           now
           your
           full
           breasts
           to
           nourish
           the
           Lords
           hungry
           servants
           cast
           out
           the
           beams
           of
           consolation
           upon
           them
           that
           set
           in
           sorrow
           and
           sadnesse
           ,
           as
           the
           Sun
           casteth
           out
           his
           light
           for
           the
           direction
           and
           comfort
           of
           poore
           travellers
           ,
           and
           the
           clouds
           their
           rain
           for
           there
           freshing
           and
           making
           fruitfull
           of
           the
           dry
           and
           barren
           ground
           .
           3.
           
           To
           stir
           you
           
             to
             be
             men
             of
             prayer
          
           indeed
           ,
           to
           pray
           not
           like
           Mariners
           in
           a
           storme
           ,
           not
           formally
           ,
           customarily
           ,
           coldly
           ,
           and
           for
           fashion
           onely
           as
           many
           doe
           ,
           like
           a
           company
           of
           canting
           beggers
           that
           pray
           for
           custome
           and
           not
           for
           conscience
           ,
           but
           understandingly
           ,
           sensibly
           affectionately
           that
           Christ
           may
           heare
           and
           help
           you
           ,
           and
           that
           Christ
           may
           abundantly
           blesse
           and
           prosper
           you
           ,
           acquaint
           your selves
           with
           God
           by
           prayer
           daily
           ,
           sweetly
           ,
           throughly
           that
           peace
           ,
           and
           mercy
           may
           be
           
           upon
           you
           .
           4.
           
           To
           perswade
           you
           to
           
             consecrate
             your selves
             and
             all
             your
             abilities
             unto
             God
          
           to
           be
           active
           and
           lively
           indeed
           for
           God
           ,
           to
           bee
           faithfull
           in
           keeping
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           to
           bee
           full
           and
           fruithfull
           in
           every
           good
           way
           and
           worke
           of
           God
           ;
           to
           worke
           and
           keep
           your
           soul
           in
           such
           an
           understanding
           ,
           holy
           ,
           humble
           ,
           penitent
           ,
           beleeving
           ,
           heavenly
           ,
           sincere
           ,
           circumspect
           ,
           and
           universally
           gracious
           frame
           and
           temper
           ,
           condition
           and
           posture
           ,
           that
           you
           be
           able
           at
           all
           times
           and
           seasons
           ,
           in
           all
           estates
           and
           conditions
           every
           one
           for
           himself
           to
           say
           with
           the
           Apostle
           .
           
             I
             have
             a
             desire
             to
             be
             dissolved
             and
             be
             with
             Christ
             which
             is
             serve
             better
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A85734e-270
           
             Gen.
             24.53
             .
          
           
             Exo
             15
             ,
             1.
             
          
           
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             Psa.
             45.10
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             13
             44.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.1
             .
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.13
             .
          
           
             Luke
             12.36
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             63.1
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             14.4
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             84
             10.
             
          
           
             Math.
             9.
             
             ●
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             19.8.9
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             4.22
             .
          
           
             Mat
             :
             10.37
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             19.27
             .
          
           
             Luke
             :
             4.26
             .
          
           
             Ruth
             1.15.16
             .
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             
             ●
             .
             phil
             3.7.8
             ..
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             19.20
             .
          
           
             2.
             Tim.
             4.7
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom
             7
             ,
             24
             
          
           
             2
             Col.
             12.7.8
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             4.2
             .
             Cant.
             ●
             .
             3
             .
             Col.
             2.3
             .
             Cant.
             3.10
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             34.
             
          
           
             2.
             Cor.
             5.14
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             2
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.3.4
             .
          
           
             Psa.
             42.1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             3.1
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             5.3
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             23.15
             .
          
           
             Luk
             2
             46.
             
          
           
             Ia.
             1.2
             .
             Heb.
             10
             34
             Acts
             16.23
             .
             Dan.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             14.30.31
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor
             5
             ,
             1
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             4
             17.
             
          
           
             Reasons
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1.13
             .
          
           
             Esa.
             54.13
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             4.10.11.12
             .
          
           
             2.
             Pet.
             1.19
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13
             .
             1●
             .
          
           
             2.
             Tim.
             2.26
             Rom.
             7.14
             .
          
           
             10.11.43.44.2
             .
             Sam.
             3.1
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             5
             17.1
             Pet.
             2.11
             .
          
           
             Iob
             ,
             13.10
             .
          
           
             Zech
             3.1.2
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             12.7
             8.
             
          
           
             Ioh
             2
             6.
             
          
           
             Esa
             6.5.6
             .
          
           
             Psa
             126.5
             .
          
           
             Judges
             2.2
             .
          
           
             Ezek.
             2.3
             .
          
           
             2.
             Cor.
             5.6
             .
          
           
             Ruth
             .
             3.
             ult.
          
           
             psal
             104.34
             .
             1
             Cor
             2.2
             .
             Col
             2.7
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             5
             10.
             
             Cant.
             2.5
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             17.21
             ,
             Ephes.
             5.29
             .
             Ioh.
             15.19
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             6
             ,
             ●
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             1
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             3.3
             .
             Cant.
             8.6
             .
          
           
             Math.
             15.18
             .
             Ioh.
             10.28
             .
          
           
             1
             Ioh.
             5.4
             .
             Ioh.
             3.30
             .
          
           
             Ephes.
             4.12.13
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             19.
             
             ●
             .
          
           
             2
             ●
             31
             ,
             32.
             
          
           
             Psal
             ●3
             .
             3
             .
             Psal.
             4.6
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             30.7
             .
          
           
             Acts
             4
             19.
             
             Mat.
             10.28
             .
             Dan.
             3.17
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             18.1.2
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             14.21
             .
          
           
             Judges
             9
             9.
             
          
           
             Math.
             17.4
             .
          
           
             Math.
             19.29
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             1
             ,
             23.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.12
             .
             1
             Ioh.
             3.1.2
             3.
             
          
           
             Ephe.
             5.26
             .
             Act
             12.7
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             2.10
             .
             2
             Tim.
             4
             8.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             25.11
             .
          
           
             Matth.
             25
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             8
             5.6
             ,
          
           
             Ios.
             5.14
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             1.20
             .
          
           
             Iam.
             2.16
             .
             Ezek.
             33.31
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             19.21
             .
          
           
             M●t.
             8.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             18.24
             .
          
           
             Luke
             14.8
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             6.
             
             ●
             .
          
           
             Exo.
             15
             ,
             25.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             4.40
             .
          
           
             Ios.
             7.
             
          
           
             Iudg.
             5.13
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             3
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             1.22
             .
          
           
             Iudg.
             8.2
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             14.13
             .
          
           
             1
             Thes.
             ●13
             14.
             
          
           
             Answer
             1.
             Psal
             51.8
             .
             Iob.
             33.19.20
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             7.14
             .
          
           
             Col
             3.11
             .
          
           
             Ios.
             15.19
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             .
             6.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             32
             101
             
          
           
             Mat.
             20.5
             .
          
           
             〈◊〉
             2.5
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             6.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10
             34.
             
          
           
             1.
             Sam.
             2.7.8
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             7
             5.6.7
             .
          
           
             Heb
             23.13
             .