THE GLORY AND Happiness of a true CHRISTIAN. A SERMON PREACHED BY Master Rogers at Needham in Norfolk the 28 of june. 1617. ✚ THOU· SHALT· LABOUR· TILL· THOU· RETURNE· TO· DUSTE· printer's or publisher's device LONDON Printed by W. I. for T. P. dwelling in ivy lain. 1618. THE GLORY AND HAPPINESS of a true Christian. Revelation: 3. verse: 4. NOtwithstanding thou hast a few names yet in Sardis, which have not defiled then garments, and they shall walk with me in white: etc. IN this Book there is a description of the state of the Church, First, as it was present when john writ this Book of the Revelation: and this is in the three first Chapters set forth together with a description of Christ that revealed this. The first is a prophetical prediction or description of the state of the Church as it should be from that time even unto the end of the world. The Lord jesus appearing unto john in the I'll Pathmos, did command him to write seven Epistles unto the seven Churches in Asia: and here in the beginning of this third Chapter he is commanded to write unto the Angel of the Church of Sardie; and this Epistle being the first in order reacheth from the first verse to the eighth verse. In which observe a commandment given to write: In the Epistle there be three things to be noted. The preface or entrance into the same, wherein Christ himself is described by certain royalties. The matter or substance of the Epistle. The Conclusion thereof. ver. 1. 2. 3. Verses. 5. 6. In the preface there be two great royalties given to Christ, the first, that he had the seven spirits of God. The second, that he held the seven stars, and this was a fit Preface for the matter ensuing, for by having the seven spirits of God, is to be understood, that he hath the manifold graces of the spirit; and it was meet this drowsy Church of Sardie should take knowdge thereof; that had formerly so ill husbanded the graces of God which they had received, that they were in a manner lost, to the end they might know when they might restore them again. And secondly he is said to have the seven stars in his hand. as in the first Chapter, 26. 20. verses, which stars are the Ministers of the Churches, whom Christ useth as his instruments & tools to work withal, yea he hath them so, that he can punish them if they become unfaithful. Touching the matter or substance of the Epistle, it containeth a reprehension of the Minister and people of Sardie; for that having formerly received some grace and life from God, they were grown to that pass that Christ accounted them little better than stark dead: First, telling them, I know thy works, that is, thy deadness in God's service. Now little joy might they have that Christ knoweth this by them, that they were no better And so now many a man may take little joy to remember that Christ knoweth his works; he being a Blasphemer, a Sabboth-breaker, a drunkard, or a worldling etc. And little joy let them have for me till they be ashamed of these their works, and till they go to make complaint to God against themselves for their sins, and seek to have their evil conversation reform. As for the Church of Smirna mentioned in the second chapter and verse. 9 that had a name to be poor, but indeed was rich, it might be a joy to it that Christ knew their works: for though they were reproached and accounted to be Hippocrites, yet sith they did endeavour to walk Godly though in much weakness; yet this is their comfort, that Christ knoweth them, and also loveth and alloweth of them, though wicked men do both scorn and hate them. This Church of Sardie is reproved for that they had a name to be alive, but yet were dead: 1. Cor. 3. Even as Paul saith, That he could not write unto them as spiritual, but as carnal, for that th●y were more carnal than spiritual. So as this Church of Sardie languishing and decaying in grace. After this reprehension in the second verse, verse. 2. he showed them the remedy how to recover themselves from this their evil estate, and that is, by Awaking. Secondly, by watching and provoking themselves to greater zeal in God's service. verse. 4. Otherwise, He will come suddenly as a thief upon them, and that in such a sort, that they would be loath, and also to their cost unless they repent. The Second part of the matter or substance of the Epistle is a commendation of the better sort of Christians in this Church, which is in the fourth verse. For he saith yet thou hast a few names in Sardie that had not defiled their garments, as hard as the world goeth. And though he could tell them by name (they were but few) yet he knew them, and how they had not defiled their garments, but had held out in a Godly and zealous course of religion answerable to their profession. Now unto these he maketh a promise in the next word, that they shall walk with him in white, that is, in glory and happiness, for they are worthy, that is, in his account, in regard of the righteousness of Christ. Now of this verse I would speak at this time, but yet because I am a man that peradventure shall speak to you but once in my life time; yet my intent and desire is to speak unto all sorts of professors here present, for as it was in Sardie, so I suppose it is in this assembly, that there are some that walk godly, yet there be many more that have either a name to live, and yet are dead, or else dying. here be then three sorts of persons to be spoken of: and first of those who only have a name to live, that is, an opinion in themselves, and so may be in some others, (as ignorant as themselves) that they be alive, yet in truth are dead, yea stone dead. The second sort are such as having received and had some graces of the spirit heretofore, they are now decayed in grace, and those are here called a company of dead ones: these were not quite dead, for Christ doth bid them afterward to awake and strengthen themselves in the things that were ready to die; verse. 2. they had some graces decayed, and some languishing and dying in them. The Third sort of persons here mentioned were such as hold up their holy profession with a godly conversation. The first sort were dead Christians. The second cold Christians; and the third sort were godly & zealous Christians. And every one of us here present are one of these three sorts of persons. The first sort be in a damnable state & condition, yet these make the greatest show, and of it be the greatest multitude. The second sort are entered into a drowsy course and they be dying, but not dead: and being grown cold in religion and fallen from their first love, these be in a dangerous case, and such the Lord will whip and scourge, and by one means or other to drive home these straggling Christians. The third sort are happy and blessed, even such as have not defiled their garments, such shallbe with Christ in white, that is in glory hereafter, for they are worthy. Oh that I had an heart and tongue that I might so speak and you so hear; that such of you that be nought become good, and those that be decayed and cold, may become better. Touching the first sort of men to be spoken of; they have a name to live, but indeed are stark dead, that is, they boast and brag that they have that which they have not, and are that which they are not, Esa. 58. such we have now, verse 3. and such were in the Prophet Esaie his time, verse. 4. there were many that complained that they had ●asted, and that they had sacrificed to him, but it was not regarded. But they were told by him that they had fasted to strife etc. & their sacrifice was as much esteemed of God as if they had cut of a dogs neck. So likewise in jeremy they did much boast of the temple of the Lord, jer. 7. verse. 58. 9 & 20. and of their service done there, but yet saith the Prophet, will ye lie, steal, Murder, commit adultery, swear, & yet stand before the Lord in his house. Also john Baptist, Mat. 3. joh. 8. r. 44 he told such as boasted that Abraham was their father, that they were a generation of Vipers. And our Saviour told those that bragged they were free borne and Abraham his sons, that they were of their father the devil, for his works they did, and did so much resemble him in their conditions, & were so like him, as if they had been spewed out of his mouth. So likewise the Church of Laodicea did boast that she was rich and needed nothing, yet they were wretched, miserable, reve. 371. poor, blind and naked. They deceived their own hearts through pride and ignorance as many others do, saying, they were rich, and did not know indeed they were poor. Now besides these, the devil he cometh & tells such kind of persons that their state and case is well enough, and would persuade some of the sorwarder sort, that their condition is stark nought. But be not deceived for flesh and blood shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. 2. Cor. 15. Again, be not deceived, for no fornicator etc. 2 Cor. 6. 9 Again, Be not deceived, saith james the Apostle, in seeming to be religious, and yet canst not refrain thy tongue, jam. 1. 16. this man his religion is in vain. So I say, be not deceived, for though a man refrain many sins, and yet retain one known sin which he is loath to forsake, that man cannot be saved, till he hath repent of it also. But now to come to particulars: there be divers sorts of men that have a name to live, who in truth are but dead. The first sort, are ignorant persons that want knowledge of God, and of religion: and of this kind are many of the poorer sort, but yet you shall never hear them complain of this their wretched estate, but will rather say they hope to be saved. But how? even by their good meaning, and good prayers, and good serving of God etc. These men in their own account are fish whole. The second sort, are such as live in some gross sins as Swearing, Lying, Cursing and banning, Drunkenness and Uncleanness, Pride, Usury and covetousness, and such like damnable sins: yet they think their estate good enough, but if they be rebuked for their sins, and told of Gods condemning of them, than they hope they be not so great sinners but God can pardon them, and do make account to dispatch all in the end with a Lord have mercy upon me. The third sort of dead persons, are the worldlings, and such as d●● nothing else but busy th' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 worldly business, not respecting ●●●gion: These men are like vn●● 〈…〉 ‑ les that run in the earth, and are cunning to know every muse in the ground, but if they be taken out of it they are at their wit's end: and they be also like unto fishes when they are taken out of the water. The fourth sort, be civil men, who having some restraining grace do live in a civil manner among men, abstaining from common gross sins, which are breaches of the second table, and can say with the old phrase, I thank God I am not as their men. But yet these men make no conscience to perform the duties of the first Table, and yet are taken among their neighbours to be very honest men, but yet for hearing of the word, praying with their families they care not. Notwithstanding such men do not think that they have any need of Christ, and indeed Christ hath no need of them. Now such miserable persons which think a civil life can bring them to heaven although ignorant of the grounds of religion; these men are in a miserable condition, howsoever their neighbours have dubbed them to be fair conditioned men, yet they are far of as yet from the state of salvation, Mat. 21. 31 yea Many Publicans and sinners may go to heaven before them. The fifth sort of dead Christians, are such as though they do hear the word of God diligently, and thereby get knowledge, and make much of their ministers, yea, are able sometime to bear checks for their profession of the Gospel, yet be like the thorny ground, and do retain some vile sin, as Pride, Uncleanness, covetousness etc. They being never truly humbled, and not having the gift of saving faith, such men may fall away from their former profession, some sooner and some later, and may be without true saving grace to do them any good. All these five sorts before described shall not be severed in their several estates as sure as the Lord is in heaven, and why, because they are all borne dead in trespasses and sins, and until they be joined to Christ (who is the fountain of spiritual life for there is no life but in him) they be stark dead even as the devil, saving only their possibility to be saved: Thou art as a Toad, yea, as a rotten carrion, and till thou hast true faith, thou art stark dead. Many have common gifts, others knowledge, which may afterwards prove persecutors and fall away I can tell thee, thou wert once dead, now if thou canst tell me when thou wert made alive: If thou canst truly say thou livest the life of grace, and art dead to sin, and not in sin, then being dead, alive; take heed this life of grace do not decay in thee, nor go out like a Candle; then shalt thou go to heaven as sure as God is in heaven. Thou Ignorant man, profane worldling, civil person, or Hypocrite, thou not having true faith and the spirit of sanctification, learn to know as yet thou art in the state of damnation, and if thou diest in this condition, thou must go from this first death to the second death, which is endless. Now when you have taken these five sorts of dead Christians out of your congregations, I can tell you there will be but a few left behind. But some man may say, why do you thus search into us of our estates and of the danger of them? Why, because we must fan the chaff from the wheat: 2 Cor. 13. 5. And Paul doth bid you try and prove yourselves whether you be in the faith or no, and if ye be not in the faith, ye are no better than Reprobates, for aught as yet ye know, or we either. But we see among men how much the back and the belly is cared for, as for the poor soul that is little cared for. We are cumbered about many things, but few are careful for that one needful thing, the reason is, for few are elected. Such as come to hear God's word should pray that the Lord would raise them from the death of sin, for man nor Angel cannot do it. In the 5 of john, joh. 5. 25. The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear it shall live. There be many which live in the visible Church which shall be damned. Desire that thou which art dead in the grave of sin (even as dead as Lazarus) that the Lord would speak powerfully by his word, and call thee out of this grave. Seek for the power of saving grace; for it is possible that thou which wert dead, mayst become alive, Acts. 26. 14. 34. and thou that wert a Persecutor & as cruel as the jailer, mayst become humble. Lidea and the jailor. Thou that wert covetous (as Zacheus) mayst become liberal. Thou that art an Hypocrite & but half a Christian (as Agrippa mayst become a whole Christian. And why not, we all of us once were dead, & the best of us drawn from among such as you be. Let this then be the day of your rising, if ye live the life of grace ye shall live the life of glory, but if ye go on in that natural course, ye shall miss of that glorious life. And I speak it from my heart: I call heaven and earth to witness, ye shall be surely damned, and the greater shall your condemnation be, because the Ministers of God do now rouse you up, and woe be to the Ministers that daub up your consciences: If you go on in your ignorance profane, civil, or hypocritical courses, ye shall surely be damned, and this that is spoken this day shall be for your further condemnation because ye were fairly warned, but would not take heed, or take a fair warning Now touching the second sort of Christians, namely such as had received from the Lord saving grace, but they were much abated of that they were at the first calling, or else sluggish: these may be said to be of the second sorts also, whereof the first are such as had been very zealous and forward, but now decayed. The second sort are those that be drowsy Christians, and were never much better, but stand at a stay. Concerning the first sort, there be many men that have been very zealous in the profession of the Gospel, and careful of good things, which be now fallen in tempering with the world, and into much worldly business, and follow the fashions and courses of worldlings, are much decayed in grace, and shamefully fallen from their first love. yet this, many of these at their first calling were so forward as they could not tell how to be thankful enough and zealous enough, but soon after they grew to be cold in zeal, and very careless and remiss in the practice of godliness: such men in regard of God's unchangeable love cannot quite fall away from the grace they have received, yet they do shamefully dishonour God, and give occasion of scandal and offence to others, and bring sorrow and smart to their own souls, and great shame & reproach to themselves & to other Professors▪ For as a man that hath borne skot and lot (as we say) in a town, if he be brought to such a poor estate, as that he is constrayed to take alms of his neighbours, it must needs be a great grief and shame unto him: so is it with these kind of Christians, whereas they should grow forward in the love of God: as the light doth increase after the Sun newly risen, they on the other side grow backward, and this must needs be grievous unto God; and it openeth the mouth of the wicked to the reproach of their profession; and they will say, seeing these forward men make a stay of their forwardness in their course. what need we set forward and be so hot in the spirit, and they bring a slander upon the land of Canaan. Thus many men when they were young were very zealous in religion, and being come to temper and deal in the world, than they make a stay of their forwardness; like unto a dog that at the first setting forth runneth swiftly after the game or chase till he meet with a piece of carrion, than he standeth and goeth no further: And this befalleth unto these men, either because they neglect the means, as prayer, hearing of the word and meditating upon the same, if done, yet very carelessly, so that their zeal is decayed as fire goeth out for want of tending it, or putting fit matter to it to cherish it. But indeed the chief cause of all this decaying grace is the love of this vild world which eateth up all, and hindereth greatly the growth of godliness: Even as a great high Ash will suffer nothing to thrive that groweth under it: And this cometh by reason of our plenty caused by our long peace. For every man almost now layeth about him how to make or feather his own nest, and to provide store of riches for him and his posterity. And Christians living among these worldlings, they learn to do as they do: but if we had wars every three or four years and put in fear of the enemy, we would then say, what should we gather so much goods for the enemy to spoil us and them. But oh what a shame is it for a man once to make heaven his chief treasure, shall now fall to seeking so greedily after the earth. Can God take this well at our hands? NO, such as do see▪ are like unto a man yet having a comely woman to his wife, shall forsake her, and seek after the company of some vild blouze or base harlot. Such cold Christians may well be ashamed when they do seriously consider what they once were, and now what they are fallen into. Now for the second sort of Christians which need to be awaked they are such as were evil, dull, and sluggish in the practice of the duties of godliness, they hang as it were by the eye lids, for they having received of God a little measure of faith, and of sanctifiing grace, are content to join with others in good things and company with some of the forwarder sort. But their service to God is so poor and so cold, as it is little worth, and indeed the wild love of the world eateth up these two, they hear the word, but use no meditation, good conference and hearty prayer etc. Alas, If it were not for the world, many would be far better than they are. Many Christians are like Vrching that grow not, they increase not in grace. We call such Children as do not grow and thrive, Changelings, and so are many Christians that stand at a stay, and say they hope yet Christ died for them. Do they say so? Why do they not run on cheerfully in their race, and say, what shall they render to God for their redemption? Thou art delivered as it were from the Red Sea, and seest so many behind thee scramling and scrawling in the same. Doth this deserve no better service to God and thanks? If thou hopest for salvation, is it so little a mercy that thou givest him so cold and lazy service? I would saith Christ etc., The Lord loveth not the lazy service of Christians, nor their cold hearing of his word, or cold praying. If we serve him cheerfully here, we shall have some present blessing, and a far greater hereafter, but otherwise let us be assured we shall find little comfort in cold service. Hitherto of the reprehension of the two former sorts of Christians, whereof the first were stone dead. The second decayed and drowsy ones. Be awake or be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. After the reprehension for their deadness and sleepiness, he cometh now to show them the remedy that they may recover their dangerous estate, which is, by bidding them Awake, and strengthen the things that are ready to die. We know that such as cast behind their company in a journey, had need ride faster than others: And they that are cast behind hand in the world had need also rise earlier and work harder than their neighbours: Even so, these drowsy and dead hearted Christians had need now awake betimes, and rise sooner than they were wont, and fall harder to work, and use all good means for their good, and to recover their estate which once they had, or should have had: And being awaked in this sort, let them consider what it was that cast them behind hand, and rousing up themselves by earnest prayer, let them call to mind what was the hindrance of their zeal; whether it was the neglect of the means; as Prayer, hearing of the word, or else this wild world: and having found the causes thereof let them ever after shake and cast them off. Awake, God will not have men that profess religion to lie snorting in sin: Is this a time for Christians to sleep even in the midday of the Gospel? He that sleepeth in harvest time is the son of confusion. When will men be zealous for God, if not now when we have so many means to incite us thereunto, as the preaching of the Gospel, peace in our land etc. Are not they very lazy that will lie and sleep till ten or a leaven of the clock? Is this a time of sleeping when the Lord doth shoot off so many warning pieces by our ears? As namely, so many strange sicknesses and diseases; fearful fires, and inundations of waters, unseasonable weather both in winter and summer. The Lord doth not so much look at the profanes of the world, as at the deadness, coldness and drowsiness of Professors. This moveth him to anger, that they be no better, although by the Ministers of his word, and by his judgements he doth cry aloud unto us, yet most men are still a sleep. Awake for shame thou that now sleepest. The Lord seeketh to rouse us up out of this greedy love of the world, for why doth he else take away so many of our neighbour; goods; some by fire, some by water. He pincheth us of our former allowance, but not to the end we should esteem of this world. Our long peace hath brought in riches, and that hath eaten up religion. Many have a desire to be doing some good duty, but alas it is done very poorly. They pray, but it is very coldly and faintly. They hear the word, but without meditation, and so it becometh as it were in a manner unprofitable. And strengthen the things that are ready to die. Here is still more good counsel. We must strengthen then ourselves in graces received, and grow stronger therein, then when we first received them. Even as children, the older they grow, the stronger and taller, even so must Christians grow, stronger and taller in grace. The Apostle Peter wisheth us to join Virtue with Faith, 2 Pet. 1. 5. & 6. and with Virtue Knowledge: and with Knowledge Temperance. etc. And the Apostle Paul also sayeth, Covet after spiritual gifts. 1 Corin. 14. 1. We should be covetous after grace. As men are not content to have a little poor Cottage to hide their heads in, and so much as may keep them poorly to keep life and soul together, but they are more desirous to grow more wealthy, so as they may well maintain themselves and their family, yea, to have also somewhat more to relieve and help others (if need be) when they come unto them: So ought Christians to grow so in graces of the spirit, as they may have not only sufficient for their own store and necessity, but also so much as may help to further others in godliness, that they may as it were keep open house for their friends. If we have much grace, we shall the more glorify God, and draw on others towards salvation, but he that hath little grace, God shall have little glory by him. Where God vouchsafeth the means of attaining to grace abundantly, God thereby expecteth that we should grow strong and wealthy Christians. But some man may say, they hope they be God's children? but they cannot very well tell. There are a number of Christians that are so poor in grace, that if they had any less; they should have none at all. If thou hast been sick, art thou content that thou art alive, and canst only crawl up and down thy chamber? No but thou wouldst fain be so strong as thou mayst go abroad about thy work, So likewise i● we have got ten a little wealth in our souls, we should desire to become strongmen, like David's worthies. But there are many poor Christians who would do some good thing but they know not how to go about it. They have a little faith, and a little zeal. Now if persecution should arise in the Church these men would be ready to run away for all this. That being so, let us blow up the fire of our zeal, as a maid servant in the morning finding but a little fire in the hearth, doth put fit matter unto it & cherish it till it be much increased: So seeing the Lord giveth us his word, which is the means to kindle; to cherish and increase grace in us, as his word, Sacraments godly company. etc., Let us labour to blow up the fire of zeal and of godliness which was languishing and decaying in us. Many a one that cometh to a sermon being weak; becometh stronger when he goeth from it. 1. Kin. 19 8. As Elias being fed from God walked in the strength thereof forty days. Let us so profit and increase in knowledge and in other graces of the spirit, that others also may be able to drink of our cup. But alack, alack, after many years preaching the gospel, there are many that have fat bodies, but lean souls. They are rich in estate, but very poor in grace. That are ready to die. Christian's must labour to recover themselves being fallen, and to cherish the graces languishing in them, for although they have been truly called, even these feeble ones, and although we grant they may also get into heaven, yet surely it will be with them, as it was with those that got with a broken and crazed vessel to the haven, but before they come there, they shall undergo much shame, disgrace, sorrow, and grief: whereas the Bark that is strong saileth with full sail merrily into the haven: and the strong courageous Christian attaineth to more happiness with more ease. They can on their death beds speak very comfortably to their friends about them, the other sort cannot do so. The strong and zealous Christian shall partake of greater glory than the other. Now then good languishing soul, that hast professed the gospel twenty years, yea forty, and yet the most thou canst do, or say, is, thou hopest to go to heaven. Fie for shame of this hope, what hast thou yet no more strength of faith and other graces? Oh this wild world, that hath eat up all, and maketh so many to neglect these best things. It followeth: For I have not found thy works perfect before me. Considering the words, they be as a reason to strengthen the former exhortation, God looketh upon thy works. As for our works, if we have no faith in us, all that we do is abominable, and if the works we do, proceed from weak faith, they are but lame. Now the works of this Church here spoken unto, were not perfect, for they were but faint in truth. God said, this is the Law, do this and live. But now seeing we are eased of this yoke of the Law, shall we do as we list? Indeed if the Children of God do their best endeavour to please him, the Lord will accept of their works & service, and will pardon their imperfections & infirmities. But yet he cannot abide that men should do such imperfect works, as to serve him by halves as some do, which will perhaps pray at Church, and when they are abroad, but not at home. They will pray at night, but not in the morning. Not perfect before God: If our works be not perfect, what do we here? If God doth not accept of our works there is then no comfort: If he doth then there is comfort, & if we strive in our hearts to obey him, he will accept both of us, & of our works. But he doth not accept of the service of such men, as hearing of the word of God, as soon as they are gone out of the Church, fall to prating of the world. Such men's works howsoever they seem to be before men yet are not perfect before God. verse. 3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard. here in this verse the Lord jesus doth still go on to show them that are cold and drowsy Christians how to recover themselves. First, he biddeth them remember how and what they had heard and received▪ inferring thereby, they had merely forgotten the same. From whence we may observe, that the forgetting of that which Gods word hath taught us, is oft times a chief cause of our staggering and going backward in religion and godliness. Examples whereof we have in Peter. who having forgotten what Christ had told him, Math. 26. 70. did fall to that fearful denying of him. Also David, Psal. 73. 13. who said, He had washed or cleansed his heart in vain, etc. The Prophet had forgotten himself, till he had entered again into the Sanctuary of the Lord. Ver. 17. Many hearers are like riven dishes, which though th●y hear much and often, they do hold or receive but little. And why do so many fall back to the world, is it because they never heard the word against it? No, but it is because they had forgotten that which they had heard. Be not (saith james) forgetful hearers of the wo●d. jam. 1. 25. Heb. 2. 1. Also the Apostle to the Hebrues saith, Take heed least at any time the world that you have heard, be l●t slip, or run out. Even as Aquavitae put into a cracked bottle, and is to be kept till one be sick, the party may die for all this, if the Aquavitae be run out at such time as he hath most need of it. The Apostle Paul wisheth us to try all things, and keep that which is good, keep it ever, as one would do a piece of silver, or gold, or precious jewel. 1 Thes. 5. 21. Now that we may the better keep and retain that we have heard out of God's word, we ought first to delight therein: For that which a man delighteth in, he will always be talking, and thinking of it; as the Huntsman will be talking of his sport and game, and he knoweth all the turns of the Hare. The second means to keep that we hear, is oftentimes to meditate thereon. Why do ye remember tales that ye have heard when ye were children? Because you have told them over a great many times. And why do many forget the Sermon they heard but yesterday? It is because they did not meditate, nor consider upon it. Oh, saith one, it is because I have an evil memory. Nay friend, that will not go for payment; this is but to blame God himself that he gave thee no better memory. Thou hast memory good enough for thy worldly business etc. Besides, many a one do rather destroy and hurt their memories by talking presently on the world after they have heard the word, and so on peg doth drive out another. There is nothing which we hear at a sermon but it may stand us in stead at on time or other, either in adversity or in prosperity; and one sermon well kept doth you more good, than ten that have been ill and negligently heard. Hold fast, or recover thyself. here is another duty for the drowsy and backsliding Christians to perform, even by repentance to labour and recover themselves from their decaying estate; whereby we may consider what a great deal of work many a man maketh for himself by reason of his sin. For having taken liberty to fall into any gross sin: as into worldliness, impatiency, frowardness, and such like, he must repent of it. But by the practising of godliness there cometh no such work of it. Particularly, what a great deal of work did David make for his two sins, Adultery and Murder. And so likewise Peter by denying his master and a man would not have the like sorrow, grief and shame, for a kingdom. But of well doing, and faithful serving of the Lord, there is nothing but joy and thankfulness that doth arise from the same. If men will take liberty to themselves to sin, and run out after their lusts, it will in the end cost them many tears, much shame and sorrow, but if it doth not make this work in them, why then they have made work for the devil himself to torment them. Many a Blasphemer and profane wretch shallbe constrained in the end to cry out against themselves, to roar and to tear their hair, and would fain vomit up their filthy sins, as ever did judas desire to be rid of the thirty pieces of silver which he had taken of the Priests to betray his Master. Math. 27. 3. Hold fast and repent. It is an excellent thing to holdfast, and to keep ourselves close unto God. David prayed, saying, Oh, be merciful unto thy servant, Psal. 119. 17. that I may live and keep thy word. It is the way to keep ourselves from much sorrow, afflictions, and other grievous trouble, to keep close to the Lord, and to keep his word, otherwise if we straggle from him, we shall find it to be bitterness in the end. Secondly, observe that it is an excellent point of wisdom to take heed by our former falls and backslidings. But there are many which for want of care and circumspection are very often overtaken with one and the self same sin: And why is this? because they being recovered did not hold fast, neither had they any resolute purpose quite to forsake that sin, not but God's Children may commit the same sins again which they had repent of. Yet surely having once smarted for it, we should learn to be more careful ever after to avoid it. And repent. Text. This is an other chief means of their recovering themselves being fallen either asleep or decayed in grace, that they should repent. It was not so much said woe unto thee Corazin for any sin they had committed, Mat. 11. 21 as for that they having the means of conversion offered them, did not repent. So now though many do hear the word of God with joy, yet until the same hath drawn them to repentance, all is in vain. Our Preaching and labour is in vain, & their hearing is in vain, unless (as before is said) men be thereby brought to faith and repentance, to become new creatures, and turned from all their sins. But happy are they that have profited so far by the word preached, and till we have repent we have as yet done nothing to further our salvation. David no doubt after committing of his two great sins (before mentioned) went to Church as he did before, and did sacrifice, but yet he could have no sound peace of conscience till he was roused up by Nathan the Prophet, 2 Sam. and so brought unto true repentance for those his great offences. After sins be committed, nothing doth make a mends, till we be penitent, and if grace be in us, then shall we be forgiven. But if thou wilt not watch, I will come upon thee as a Thief, and thou shalt not know what hour, I will come upon thee. In these words the Lord jesus doth annex a threatening or comination to the former exhortation unto watchfulness: so that you hear he urgeth to be watchful, or else he will come upon them suddenly, and that to their cost. This is a very necessary duty even to be watchful over our ways, and to be careful that we be not overcome either by Satan's temptations, or the world's baits, thereby to be drawn either by action or speech to offend the majesty of God. And this watch must be set and kept even from morning until night, as well when we are in company, as when we are alone, even all the day long, and then at night we should call to ourselves to know how we have spent the day, and what hath been done amiss therein by us, and thereupon we ought to pinch our hearts with grief for those sins our conscience doth inform us of, and to confess to the Lord, and seek reconciliation in Christ jesus, and so to lie down to our rest in peace. The Lord jesus saith three times in one Chapter, Watch. And unto Peter, james, Math. 24. Math. 26. 41. and john, watch and pray least ye fall into temptation. And the Apostle Peter bids us be sober and watchful in prayer. 1. Pet. 4. 7. Many do know what it is to pray, but few how to watch. Let us be careful over our particular actions; and not only in the gross, but to have an eye also to our lesser slips and infirmities. And although some will say, this is to imprison men and to bind their hands as it were behind them. No, it is not so irksome if we were once acquainted therewith: but it would be an excellent means to keep and restrain us from committing of much sin, and so from falling into much sorrow and grief. This is a piece of good counsel which I would further commend unto you, if time would have served. Let us then know this, that if we keep Gods watch over our hearts, we shall find much comfort by it. I will come upon thee as a thief etc. This is an heavy threatening, to say, I will come upon thee suddenly as a thief and unexpected upon such as be secure and careless, to take vengeance upon them. This is to rouse them up the more. We may consider that the Lord hath many voices: for sometime he speaketh to us by his word, at other times by his judgements. In this Land many are quite dead, and many are drowsy: he hath spoken unto us many ways, and he hath as many, or more ways to come upon us with one judgement or other, and all justly for our sins. Therefore let us in time repent and be watchful, lest the Lord come shortly as a thief upon us, and take away our peace, yea, take away likewise this candlestick, that is, the ministry & preaching of the Gospel. And indeed all this and more we may fear may befall, and that ere it belong, for we have seen him coming upon us in every year of late by smaller punishments, and of those we have made little use hitherto, so that hereafter we may justly fear he will come upon us as a thief, that is, suddenly and we know a thief never comes but to do hurt. And as this may befall our kingdom and state in general, so to ourselves, it is to be taken in particular, God may come upon us suddenly, and take us in our sins and in our security: The drowsy Christian God will awake him by his corrections, and cast sorrow and shame upon him Let every one then be watchful, lest he be taken unawares, and swept away with the common judgement which the Lord may send upon this land for the Common and general sins of the same. Yet thou hast a few names in Sardie, verse 4. Text. which have not defiled their garments etc. Hitherto of the first part of the matter or substance of this Epistle; wherein he hath spoken to the worse sort of Christians; there first, rebuking them. secondly, exhorting and threatening them in the second and third verses. Now he speaks to them of the better sort in Sardis, even to such as were neither dead nor drowsy as the former, and those he doth first commend for their integrity. Secondly, he doth promise them most excellent things, whereof the first is, That they walk with him in white, that is, partake with him in joy & happiness. The second, for they are worthy, that is, in the righteousness of Christ and not in their merits. Thou hast a few names. In these words observe, that howsoever the greatest number of these professors were very drowsy and dead hearted, yet they had some godly and zealous Christians among them, which might have been as lights unto the rest. And so he will have some ever to shine in the world, such that the world may take example by them, or else be condemned by them, and left without excuse. Examples we have hereof, first in the old world, there was a righteous Noah. In Sodom, there was a godly Lot: In Achabs' time, though Elias thought he was left alone, yet the Lord said be had seven thou and that did not follow Baal, but worshipped him. So no doubt the Lord hath some among us that do hold their own, and such If we be such, happy are we; and such as be godly & zealous christians▪ doth the Lord accept. Even as one that hath a great harvest, and hath but few to help him in with it, yet working cheerfully, they be very welcome to the owner of the field, so much the rather, because they be but few. So doth the Lord well esteem of his cheerful servants, though their name be but few. Again, let other christians, if they see such as be forward, zealous & godly learn to imitate them, whether they be Preachers or other professors. If they do not endeavour to follow them, then shall those few serve one day to condemn them, as Noah did the old world. But we see the world doth laugh, and deride at such as be zealous forward christians, as they go by their doors to hear sermons, or else, for that they have prayer in their houses, are least accounted and most in contempt. But let those mockers know, that those others whom they despise, shall one day be brought forth to condemn them. Secondly, observe that God's number is but few and small, and the multitude commonly follow the worst course. For when there was a voice to be given, Exod. 32. whither the golden Calf should be erected, yea or no; the multitude consented to it. So when there was a question propounded, Mat. 27. 21 whether the Lord jesus or Barrabas the thief should be let go from death, Hosea. 2. 2 the multitude gave their voice to let go Barrabas. Israel was but a handful of people in respect of other Nations, yet but a few of that handful were saved. Though Israel were as the sand in the sea, Isay. 10. 2 yet there should be but a remnant saved. God hath but a few names, even in the world now at this time, for the greatest part thereof consists of idolaters, Gentiles, Turks, and jews, and as for the Papists they be justly excluded for their Idolatry and superstition. And then amongst those which be called christians, they be but a few of them that be alive, that is, are sanctified. Luke 12. and believing persons. Christ his flock is but small, as he saith in the said chapter verse 32. fear not little flock. verse 32. Most of those which be even christians in name do go the broad way which leadeath to destruction. Many find the broad gate that leadeth to hell. Mat. 7. 13. Now if thou be'st one of those that have found the narrow way, and art passing through the strait gate that leadeth to heaven and happiness, verse. 14. how then, what thankfulness dost thou owe unto the Lord? But if thou be'st as yet not truly called and converted, oh how greatly shouldst thou desire to tatayne unto it? The number of them that shall be saved is but small in respect of the other. For Christ is as it were dividing his own auditors into four parts, resembling his heirs to four kinds of grounds, he saith, there is but one sort that brings forth fruit to their own comfort. Again, he saith, how hardly shall a rich man be saved. Let us pray that we may be of those small number that shallbe saved. Yet if we look upon the course of the world, and consider what little pains most men take to attain unto salvation, a man may think by them the way were very easy & ready, but the world is herein deceived. Labour to be in the number of those few that shall be saved. But if you shall tell some of their faults, they will answer, they do no otherwise then their neighbours do. Oh, but if thou wilt go to heaven, thou must do as the fewest and the smallest number do, even as those few do, so much despised. If thou be'st a Magistrate, thou must not so execute thy calling as most do, but as the fewest do that be godly and faithful indeed. So Ministers that will be saved, must not do as the most do in that function, whose courses are very lamentable for the most part, either not feeding their flocks at all, or negligently, or very scandalous in their lives. No, thou must boe as the fewest Ministers do, even as those that are conscionable do, and are painful, and of a godly conversation, the like to fathers of families, and to other particular christians. Christ saith, that in Sardis there were but a few names that should walk in white, yet his partake with him in glory, as they had done in holiness. This might make many men's hairs to stand upright on their heads; considering Christ's number even among such as be called Christians, is few. Yet I would to God that you which hear me this day might be saved. As for those few names, or persons that be godly and zealous, the world doth account of them as a company of fools, and say, that they be but a few Puritans. Now herein they do grace them very much to say they be but few: for so indeed the number of God's children be but small. Well seeing the way to heaven is so strait, and the enemies of our souls be so strong and mighty, as namely Satan, the world, and our own flesh: it is a wonder that any are saved, and it is to be attributed to God's exceeding mercy that any of us escape and get to heaven, having so many lets and hindrances. But yet if a man did look from the Chancel to the Belfree, there is not one but thinketh he shall be saved: but yet I tell thee, there must be a striving, if ever thou be'st saved: & lazy & drowsy Christians shall hardly be saved. Men must take pains to hear God's word, and yet their particular callings in the would must not be neglected, so that the one needful thing be principally followed. Thirdly, observe from these words, (but a few names) that God taketh particular note of the godly and zealous Christians by name, and one of them be better than an hundred drowsy Christians. He knoweth them by name, Ezec. 9 4 as he did Noah and Lot. Before the destroyer went, the Lord caused them all to be marked on the forehead in jerusalem that mourned for the iniquity of the time. Now good people labour to be upright in heart: and though thou be never so poor, yet if thou art godly, the Lord surely hath a special care of thee, and he will in the end take thee unto himself: therefore comfort thyself in this, that God and his holy Angels do love and respect thee. What though the world and the profane sort hate thee, scoff and deride thee, thou needest not care for it. If a man be loved and graciously respected of the King and Nobles of the Court: what need he care for the scullery in the kitchen though they mock and hate him? Even so thou mayest acccunt and esteem of these ungodly mockers of God's children: though they wear a velvet coat, yet they are but as the scullion's, and in base account before God. That have kept their garments from defiling etc. In this the Lord commendeth these few godly ones in Sardis, namely, for that they had not defiled their garments, which indeed is a borrowed speech. For here is meant that either they had not spotted their souls with contagious sins▪ or else stained and blotted their profession of the Gospel by an ungodly conversation, and of this thing also we ought to be very wary and careful to bemering, or polluting of our garments. We know, we are to blame young children, if they defile their new clothes. Let not us then which profess the Gospel, and thereby to be the children of God: let us not I say, stain and blot our holy profession by a wicked conversation. But alack, alack, there be many who though they have some goodness in them, and have received some graces from God, yet now and then defile their garment: few walk as Zacharie did, justly, without reproof. Many hereby give occasion to the profane to speak evil of the profession of the gospel. But let us consider this, God hath given us new garments which we should not defile. If a man had the King's livery, he would keep it well and clean, if it were but for the King's sake that gave it unto him. It cannot be denied, but that a true christian his garments may (as it were) catch lint, that is be soiled with some infirmity, but let us take heed that our garments be not defiled, that is, our profession stained with gross sins, as Pride, Worldliness, Impudency, and such like. It is a comely thing as can be seen on God's earth, to see a Christian walk answerably to his calling. I grant that many have slanderous reports raised against them, but yet let us be careful to give no just offence, or occasion to the wicked to reproach our profession; and to say, lo such a one for all his profession, he is as much given to the world as others, or bringeth up his children as proudly as others. And they shall walk with him in white, for they are worthy. here now he cometh to make an excellent promise to sincere and good Christians, whom before he had commended, which is this, that they shall walk with him, that is, live with Christ jesus in joy and happiness hereafter, which is to be understood by this borrowed speech of walking with him in white: a fit promise to those which in their life time had care to keep their garments from defiling. Such as walk after Christ in holiness, shall walk with him in glory and happiness. This is an excellent promise to them which hold out to the end, and an argument to encourage us unto this cheerful keeping our garments clean in this life, though it be somewhat painful and troublesome. Who will not be content to endure some crosses & take some pains here to live godly? Seeing such may be assured they shall one day reign with Christ in glory. Let not all the profits of the world, or flesh, or devil, make us lose our white garments in heaven, that is, eternal glory, holiness, & happiness with jesus Christ, there we shall be paid for all our pains. As for those which are ungodly, they shall not walk in white, but in black, yea, they shall go to the blackness of darkness, for that they lived here to commit the works of darkness: they shall partake of the torments in the lake of utter darkness, where shall be weeping for ever; where as they on the other side are blessed, that having clean garments do make conscience to keep them clean still, such shall be sure that their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. But let not lazy Christians think to have the like portion of eternal joy and happiness, as the other sort that be zealous Christiansas, before said. And as for such as are wholly given to walk after their lusts, they shall not walk with Christ in white, but with the devil in darkness and torment. For they are worthy. This worthiness is in regard that they are clothed with the righteousness of Christ jesus. But as for the Papists, here is nothing that will make for their meriting by works, for no works can merit, unless, first they be our own, secondly, they must be perfect in themselves. Indeed the wicked they shall have torments given them, so they are worthy, because their works are perfectly wicked. As for the godly their worthiness is only in regard of Christ his righteousness. There be many poor afflicted Christians which think they be not worthy to walk upon the ground, yet indeed they are worthy of greater things, because they are joined unto Christ, and accepted in, and for him. As for the former five sorts of dead ones, they are worthy of all pains and plagues: yet there is a way for them also to be freed from that their estate, and to become partakers of mercy: for if either thou art ignorant, or a liver still in some gross sin, or a worldling, or but a mere civil person, or an Hypocrite, canst yet bewail thy sins, loathe them, and crave pardon for them in Christ, & by faith apprehend his righteousness, than thou mayest be saved. But if the civil man, or any other stand upon his own righteousness, then wilt thou be confounded: for such can no more stand before the flaming fire. Oh, that many men had grace to see into their vildness, and how wretched they are, if they be not clothed with Christ's righteousness. First observe, if God's children be counted worthy of heaven, what then shall become of this wild world? that do justle God's children up in corners or against the walls, and hate & scorn them? Psal. 15. 3. A good man loveth them that fear the Lord, but in the wicked, wild persons are most regarded, and the godly despised. Such men are of Cain his mind that hated his brother, or of Cham's mind that mocked his father. Gen. 4. 8. Gen. 9 22. 2 Sam. 6. 20. or of Michol her mind that scoffed her husband David for his zeal. Oh say some, these hypocritical Puritans are worse than the Papists. Indeed this great and common sin of this land seemeth not as yet to be revenged, but no doubt it willbe ere it be long with some universal judgement: for now even the basest servant, and vildest Ruffian can mock and scoff at those that are professors and zealous Christians. But such do carry even the mark of the malignant Church. I would never wish a worse sign of a wicked man, then to be a mocker of professors and of God's children. The Apostle john saith, He that loveth him that doth beget, 1 joh. 5. 1. loveth them also that are begotten of him. Take, heed of crossing the Lord in mocking those upon whom he bestoweth his own image. Mat. 25. 41. 42. & 43. For if they shall be cursed that did not feed and clothe such as believed in Christ, what shall become of those which mock and persecute them? They shall in the day of judgement stand quaking & knocking their knees together like Belthazar. Dan 5. 6. Oh nay more, they shall desire that the hills might fall and cover them; and hide them from the presence of the judge. These men do take a very heavy piece of work in hand, that do so deride the godly. Acts. 9 4. Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? Acts 9, 4. I never knew but that without speedy repentance the judgements of God did take hold on such persons even in this life, if not, then after this life they shall have their reward. Well then, let us make some repetition of that which hath been spoken. Ye have heard of three sortts of Christians: whereof one sort are stark dead, as the ignorant person, one living and loving any one sin, worldling, civil person, Hypocrite: these are to desire the Lord that they may come out of their graves. The second sort were renewed, but yet lazy Christians: let these consider how God hath and doth often times cross them, to make them leave their worldliness, coldness, and security. As for the world let them leave it in affection, and let those study and look wholly after it, which have and can look for no other portion but in this world. And I am afraid if sickness or death should suddenly take these drowsy christians, it would take them even as a thief unlooked for: whereas the godly zealous Christian that hath his loins girt up, and is waiting for his masters coming, and watchful like the wise Virgins, Mat. 25. 4 he hath but one days sins to reckon for. When death comes he can bid him welcome, and say, I looked for you before this day: He is not to seek for his oil to put in his lamp, at that time as were the foolishvirgins spoken of in the parable. Now for the third sort of Christians which indeed be alive, and have kept their garments clean and undefiled: to them we say, let them that are righteous, be righteous still, such shall walk with the Lord jesus hereafter in white, that is, in perfect glory and felicity: whereas the ungodly shall walk with the devil in black torments. God grant we may with Mary choose the better part, which shall never be taken away from us. FINIS.