PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF THE GOSPEL, OFFERED For the Help of all who desire to live Disciples of Jesus Christ.  
Printed in the Year 1700.   

THE PREFACE.  
I Offer not the following Collection, as any thing new; it has a much better commendation from the Principal Contents, which being a part of the Sacred Text, stands in need of no other Title, from which to raise its value. It is the word of God; that is enough. And as far as it contains this. I can boldly recommend it, I press, I importune all, who have a true Faith in Christ, to the Reading and Study of it; because it is that, which the Spirit of God speaks to Man, and Man can have no hopes of Life Eternal, but by hearing and following this Word of Life. But are not all provided with this, in a more Authentic Form in their Bibles, which they have by them? It is true; but while all are thus provided, and generally well-read in this Sacred volume; yet when I look upon the Method of the Christian World, and consider the common Practice of Believers, I see such a Universal Departing from what the Word of God teaches, that I cannot but fear, they either are not serious in what they profess, or do not take it for their Rule, or observe not what it enjoins, or at least do not remember what belongs to them.  
This fear (which I could wish, it were not so reasonable as it seems to me) has prevailed on me to lay this short Collection before them, wherein I not only put them in mind of the Gospel being their Rule, and of the necessity of observing it; but likewise, by reducing the Texts under particular Heads, have provided against all the Objections of Giddy Unthinking Tempers, of Sloth and Ill Memory, in the opportunity of seeing at one glance, the Principal Directions which the Gospel gives them, according to their several Duties and different Circumstances of Life. And tho' something of this has been already done by another hand; yet observing still such a general corruption among Christians, that they as boldly live on in the practice of what the Gospel condemns, as if they knew of no such Rule, I cannot but think there's Reason enough for this Repetition, in again laying their Rule before them, and putting them in mind of the necessity of their making it a Practical Rule to them.  
It is a revealed Truth, That there is no Salvation but through Christ; and it is another Truth upon the same Foundation, That there can be no Hope through Christ, but by keeping his Words and observing his Law. His Words and his Law are the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the Gospel than must be the Rule to all those who hope in Christ; and such as follow it not, observe not the condition he has proposed for having a part in his Promises. Is this true? Then what an unhappy World, what a wretched Age are we in, where the Gospel is so far from being the Rule, even to those that believe it; that it is as generally transgressed or neglected, as if there was no dependence on it: Where what it strictly commands, is no more regarded, and what it condemns, no more avoided, than if its Doctrine was fabulous, its Heaven was a Fiction, and its Hell no more than a Dream? Is not this true in all the ways of Pride, Intemperance, Prodigality, Covetousness, Love of the World and ourselves? Is not this true in all kinds of Frauds, Over-reaching, Injustice, Animosities, Detraction, Dissension, Malice? etc. Is not this too generally true in all that belongs to Eating, Drinking, Clothing and Conversing? Have not all, in these Particulars, departed from their Rule? Are not these Evils as industriously promoted and encouraged among Christians, as by any unbelieving Nation whatever? What People in the World are more Vain, Proud, Fraudulent, Malicious, and greater Lovers of themselves than they? Where does it appear, that Humility, Charity, Meekness, Self-denial, Moderation and Forsaking the World, are the Christian Law, and the conditions for obtaining everlasting Happiness? Who can say in these and infinite other Points, that Christian Practice has any regard to the Gospel? And yet at the same time our common Profession is, That the Gospel is our Rule, it teaches the way of Life, and we can have no hopes of Life, but by doing what it teaches.  
And have not Christians then great reason, with their most serious application, to study this Rule, and see what it recommends as necessary, and what it disapproves, that so they may no longer be false to their Profession, in departing from the Gospel, which they acknowledge to be the Guide to Bliss; that they may walk in all the ways of the Lord, keep his Ordinances and observe his Statutes, that they may have no confidence or peace, but in such Practices only as are approved by the Word, and therefore most agreeable to the Will of God? This is certainly, as a general▪ so the greatest interest of all, and aught therefore to be their principal business. For clearness and expedition I offer this summary of Gospel Rules; which being ranked under several Heads, may be easily consulted by all Capacities, and will positively declare to them, what is the Will of God, and in all circumstances of Life discover how far the Gospel approves or disapproves. This can be the only sure way of standing against ill Customs, and not being carried away by the authority and number of offenders, nor letting the World take place, where God only ought to be heard. If there appears any thing difficult in the following Rules, I am not to answer for that; I propose the Gospel, as I find it; and having put all Christians in mind, that this is the Rule which they profess, I here with all Charity conjure them not to despise it, but to take their Directions from thence of all that is Lawful, Just, Holy, and Wellpleasing to God; for if the Gospel be Life to those, that follow it, it must be their Condemnation, who observe it not.   

PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF THE GOSPEL.  

CHAP. I. Of the Christian's Rule.  
Q. WHAT is a Christian?  
A. A Christian is one, that believes in Christ, and professes to live according to the Doctrine of the Gospel.  
Q. What then is the general Duty of a Christian?  
A. To do what he professes; that is, to consider in every thing that the Gospel is his Rule; to examine diligently, what it teaches, and make it the general Endeavor of his whole Life, to do in all things, as this directs.  
Q. Is this a strict Obligation upon all, or may it be omitted without a Fault?  
A. It is such an Obligation, that it cannot be omitted wilfully, without Sin; and to live in the general Neglect of it, is to be out of the way of Salvation.  
Q. Why so?  
A. Because the Gospel is the new Law, which Christ has left for all to keep, that believe in him; and to neglect this, is to neglect Christ; to despise it, is to despise him.  
Q. And is there not Salvation for such, as do thus?  
A. They are certainly out of the way of Salvation.  
Q. How so?  
A. Because Christ is the only Mediator of the new Testament, through whom alone we can hope for Mercy; and how then can they be in the way of Salvation, who live in the Neglect and Contempt of him? 2dly, Christ is the Light of the World, and by his Gospel he communicates his Light to Men; they then, who neglect and despise this Light, walk in Darkness, and this Darkness cannot lead to Life everlasting. 3dly, Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life; and in his Gospel is manifested this Way, this Truth and this Life; they then, who neglect and despise the Doctrine of the Gospel, cannot be in the way; they follow a Lie, instead of Truth, and must meet with Death, instead of Life. 4thly, It is by the Spirit of Christ every one must live, that belongs to Christ, and expects everlasting Happiness; and without this Spirit, all Hopes are vain; If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. 8. 9 He that saith, he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walked, 1 Joh. 2. 6. Now if this Spirit of Christ be necessary; how can they be supposed to have it, who walk not by the Gospel, in which this Spirit is taught; but by despising or neglecting it, give Demonstration of the Spirit of Christ being not in them?  
Q. What does this prove?  
A. It proves, that no Salvation can be expected, but through Christ; that none can have a part in Christ, but such only, as observe his Law; that his Law being delivered in the Gospel, there can be no Salvation, but for those, who sincerely make it their Endeavor to live, as Christ has prescribed in the Gospel.  
Q. Then the Gospel must be observed; but what is it to observe or follow the Gospel?  
A. It is to make the Gospel our Rule, for discerning the Will of God, and knowing what is pleasing or displeasing to him. It is to take Direction from that, What we are to desire, and what to fear; what we are to value, and what to despise. It is to consult that, in all we propose or do. It is to take from thence the Determination, of Right and Wrong; of what we are carefully to perform, or with Solicitude to avoid.  
Q. Then they, who do not thus, do not follow the Gospel?  
A. No, they do not: They may have a Faith in what the Gospel teaches; but if they do not the Works of the Gospel, their Faith is dead, Jam. 2. 26. It is such Faith as is in Hell, and even the Devils have, Ib. v. 19 These may know the Will of God; but they do it not; these may honour God with their Lips; but their Heart is far from him: And what will this avail; or how is this following the Gospel, when the Gospel teaches, That the Servant who knows his Lord's Will, and does it not, shall be beaten with many Stripes, Luke 12. 47. And not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he, that doth the Will of my Father, who is in Heaven, Mat. 7. 21?  
Q. Then there is to be no Confidence of Salvation, upon a Faith in Christ only, or in being a Member of his Church?  
A. Faith is necessary to Salvation; for without Faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11. 6. But a Faith in what God teaches, without doing the Will of God, can never bring any to the Possession of God. Bliss is promised to such only, as Hear the Word of God, and keep it, Luke 11. 28. It is not enough therefore to be called by Faith; for many are called, but few chosen, Matth. 20. 16. It is not enough to be planted in Christ's Vineyard: For every Tree, that brings not forth good Fruit, is cut down, and cast into the Fire, Mat. 7. 19  
Q. Then you think, many of those, who have a Faith in Christ, and believe all that he teaches, are lost eternally?  
A. As many of these, as do not the Will of God, in following the Gospel, but depart from it, and live in a general Disobedience to his Law. Such as these must expect no Favour in Consideration of their Faith; but rather a deeper Damnation for their Ingratitude and Abuse of God's Blessings, for knowing (through Mercy) the Will of God, and not doing it.  
Q. What now is this Chapter in short?  
A. That the only Means of Salvation, is to Believe and Do, as Christ teaches in his holy Gospel. All his Disciples are to hear him, Ipsum audite, Hear ye him; as the Voice from Heaven published it on the Mount, Mat. 17. 5. All of his Flock hear his Voice; My sheep hear my Voice, and follow me, Jo. 10. 27. As many, as do thus, are in the way to Salvation, having Christ their Teacher, and the Shepherd of their Souls. And they, who do not thus, cannot have their hopes in him.   

CHAP. II. Of our own Inclinations.  
Q. MAY we not follow our own Inclinations?  
A. Christ is to be the Christian's Rule; if then our Inclinations are according to what Christ teaches, we may safely follow them; but if they are contrary to what Christ teaches, then to follow them, is to forsake our Rule, who is Christ.  
Q. And what are our natural Inclinations?  
A. They arise from a corrupt Nature, and therefore are generally corrupt; they are the Effect of Sin, and therefore are generally either sinful, or leading to Sin.  
Q. Then a Christian is not to follow them?  
A. No; he is to be so far from following, that it must be his daily Care to stand against them.  
Q. Why so?  
A. Because being corrupt and sinful, if they are not resisted, they draw Persons from Christ, and that is to forsake their Rule.  
Q. Is it the evident Duty of a Christian to stand against these Inclinations?  
A. It is; for so Christ himself teaches, in requiring Self-denial, as a necessary Condition for becoming his Disciple: If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, Luk. 9 23.  
Q. Is not this pressed more particularly in holy Scripture?  
A. Yes; by St. Paul, who styling these Inclinations, the Old Man, Concupiscence, the Carnal Man, the Desires of the Flesh, etc. positively declares the necessity of resisting them, and that, otherwise, it is not possible to please God.  
Q. As where?  
A. Put off the old man, which is corrupt, Eph. 4. 22. We are debtors, not to the Flesh, to live after the Flesh; for if ye live after the Flesh, ye shall die: But if you, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the Body, ye shall live, Rom. 8. 12, 13. To be carnally minded is Death; because the carnal Man is Enmity against God, ib. v. 6, 7. The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh; and these are contrary to one another.— They that are Christ's, have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts, Gal. 5. 17, 24. With the mind, I myself serve the Law of God; but with the Flesh, the Law of Sin. But I keep under my Body, and bring it into Subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway, 1 Cor. 9 27.  
Q. What does all this show?  
A. It shows, that through the Corruption of our Nature, we have many Inclinations, which are contrary to the Law of God; that if we follow them, they lead to Death; that therefore every one, who professes himself a Follower of Christ and his Gospel, is absolutely obliged to stand against them; to mortify, crucify, and bring them into Subjection; for that otherwise he cannot be a Disciple of Christ. Christians then, whose Profession it is, to make Christ their Rule, must not indulge their natural Inclinations, much less, make them their Rule.   

CHAP III. Of the World.  
Q. MAY it be allowed a Christian to follow the World?  
A. The Ways of the World are so generally contrary to the Gospel, that a Christian must forget his Profession, if he follows the World; if taking that for his Rule, he walks in the Ways of the World.  
Q. What do you mean here by the World?  
A. I mean the Lovers of the World, and their general Practice of seeking to please themselves and the World.  
Q. Why does this lie under such an ill name with you?  
A. Because in this Practice there is no regard had to the Gospel; but the great business is to comply with that Corruption, which Man brings with him into the World; it is all in Favour of Vanity, Ambition, Sloth, Idleness, Intemperance, Sensuality, Concupiscence, Covetousness, Envy, Passion, Revenge, etc. And these being the very Evils, which the Christian is strictly obliged, by the Gospel, to overcome, how can the World have a better Name with him, which by many arguments recommends these, as the only things, that are to be valued, as the only Satisfactions and Comforts of Human Life.  
Q. If this be so, it must be confessed, that it is not a Christian's Part to Fellow the World. But what if some are not willing to believe so ill of the World, as this?  
A. If they are not willing to believe it; let them but open their Eyes, and they cannot help seeing it. The World indeed endeavours to conceal some scandalous Extravagancies; but as for all these, it Publicly owns them.  
Q. But the Gospel being the Christian's Rule, would it not make a more convincing Impression, if this would give him the Character of the World? And then too, those would be left without excuse, whose Passion makes them unwilling to believe it.  
A. Nothing is more fully delivered in Scripture than this. Hear what Christ's says of the World; Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil, Joh. 7. 7. The Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive, because it seethe him not, neither knoweth him, Jo. 14. 17. I have manifested thy Name unto the Men, which thou gavest me out of the World.— I pray not for the World, but for them, which thou hast given me, for they are thine, Joh. 17. 6, 9 I have given them (the Apostles) thy word; and the World hath hated them, because they are not of the World, even as I am not of the World, Ib. v. 14. If the World hate you, ye know that it hated me, before it hated you. If ye were of the World, the World would love his own: But because ye are not of the World, but I have chosen you out of the World, therefore the World hateth you, Joh. 15. 18, 19 Here you see Christ declares the works of the World to be evil; that the World knows not the Spirit of Truth: That those, whom Christ has chosen, are not the World; that He himself is not of the World; that the World hates both them and him; and is not this enough to convince any one, who believes in Jesus Christ, that the World is not to be followed; since he here shows, that such as God has chosen, and those who are of the World, are like Two extremes contrary to one another; so that they, who are of the One, do not belong to the Other?  
Q. Does the Scripture speak farther upon this Subject.  
A. Yes, the Apostles preach the same Doctrine with their Master: Hear what they say: Be not conformed to this World; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, Rom. 12. 2. Christ, who gave himself for our Sins, that he might deliver us from this present Evil world, according to the Will of God, Gal. 1. 4. Know ye not, that the friendship of the World is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a Friend of the World, is the Enemy of God, Jam. 4. 4. The whole World lieth in Wickedness, 1 Joh. 5. 19 Love not the World, neither the things, that are in the World. If any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the World, the lust of the Flesh, and the lust of the Eyes, and the pride of Life, is not of the Father, but is of the World, 1 Jo. 2. 15, 16. Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the World, 1 Jo. 5. 4.  
Q. Add no more; for this must be owned Evident from Scripture, that the World is contrary to God, and that whoever loves the World and its ways, in this gives demonstration of the Love of God being not in him. But tell me now; how must all this be applied, that has been hitherto said in this and the foregoing Chapters?   

CHAP. iv Application of the Foregoing Chapters.  
A. THE Application of what has been hitherto said, is very Plain. For if it be the Essential or Necessary part of a Christian, to Believe in and Fellow Christ; then he must not Fellow that which is contrary to Christ. And it being evident from the Gospel itself, that both our Natural Inclinations and the World are contrary to Christ; hence it becomes certain, that whoever designs in earnest to be a Christian, as he Professes, must neither follow his own Natural Inclinations, nor the World; and whoever follows them, is so far false to his Profession.  
Q. I see the necessity of owning this; but what a strange Christian World then is ours, which Professing Christ and a zeal for the Truth of his Gospel, so as even to devour one another, upon the account of its Speculative Doctrines; do yet all so generally agree in forsaking the Practice of it, as if they had no Faith in Christ or his Gospel.  
A. There is too much ground for your surprise: For certainly, whoever looks upon the general Practice of Christians, will have much ado to distinguish them from Heathens; since they are as strongly bend upon following their own Inclinations and the World, as if they had no caution against them, nor any Law to forbid them.  
Q. Instead of enlarging Complaints, rather tell me, what a Christian is to do, that desires in earnest to satisfy the Duties of his Profession, and have no part in this general Corruption?  
A. I have already told you: He must follow the Gospel, which is the Rule, Christ has given him; he must study what the Spirit of the Gospel is, and with all solicitude endeavour to live according to this Spirit. Whatever is there commanded, he must observe: Whatever is there forbidden, he must avoid: Whatever is there approved, he must approve: Whatever is there declared the Character of things, whether as Good or Evil, as Honourable or Dishonourable, as Edifying or Scandalous, as Profitable or Dangerous, accordingly he must esteem them, and hence taking the true Measures of all things, by these Measures he must govern his Life.  
Q. But if Inclination or the World put in their Plea, and give very different notions of things, from what is delivered in the Gospel?  
A. As often as they do so, they are not to be Regarded, ●nd much less Followed. The Christian is to be True to his Profession; and all such Suggestions are to be looked upon as Trials of his Fidelity, and as Temptations, which he is bound to resist. And this he must do with resolution.  
Q. But if Custom and Example be pleaded?  
A. If they be; What Authority can there be in these against the manifest Will of God? These cannot make void what God has said, or evacuate his Law. Let the Gospel then be consulted, and as this determines, so it must stand good, whatever it be, that appears against it. If we could suppose it to be an Angel from Heaven, yet in this case, he is not to be regarded; how much less therefore the Custom or Example of Weak and Sinful Men?  
Q. If Company undertakes to Persuade?  
A. Whatever Power there be in this; yet no Christian can think it reasonable, to hearken to Man, rather than God. In a Case, where God has spoke, there can be no Appeal to Man. All such Persuasions therefore, as far as they are disagreeable to the Gospel, are to be looked upon as Snares, such as the Christian is bound with all Diligence to avoid.  
Q. Then you will allow of nothing to prevail in this Case?  
A. No, of nothing: There is no Authority here in Number; the Reputation of Learning, Exemplarity or Piety can authorise nothing, which the Gospel condemns or reproves. All must stand, as it is there delivered, and to set up for other Notions, is to attempt against God.  
Q. And now for the Practice of this Doctrine, how must this be?  
A. For Practice, a Christian must seriously examine all the General Concerns of Human Life, and having discovered how far the Gospel encourages or allows in each, and how far it disapproves, he must take this for his Standard, and endeavour to come as near it, as he can, without taking notice of whatever is pleaded by the World or Inclination to the contrary. A Life thus regulated will certainly be a Christian Life, such as I hearty recommend, and will certainly at our Dying hour be the greatest of all Comforts. But now to offer some help in it, I must make an Essay of bringing all things to the Balance, and seeing how they weigh by the Weights of the Sanctuary; so to discover, how far the Christian walks by this Rule, and in what Particulars departs from it.   

CHAP. V Of .  
Q. WHAT direction does the Gospel (the Christian's Rule) give concerning Clothing?  
A. Several Particulars are there mentioned, which give sufficient light in this Point, for all such, as truly desire to walk by its Spirit.  
Q. What are these?  
A. First, in the Commendation of S. John Baptist, who being set above all, that are born of Women, has this particularly remarked of him, That he had his raiment of camels hair, and a leathern Girdle about his loins, Mat. 3. 4. And this very thing is taken notice of by Christ himself, who in his Praises of him to the multitude, observes, that he was not clothed in soft raiment, Mat. 11. 8.  
2dly, In the Particular of the Disorders found in the Rich Glutton, who was tormented in Hell: Amongst which this is distinctly observed; That he was clothed in Purple and Fine linen, Luk. 16. 19  
3dly, In S. Paul's Epistle: Where he gives in this Advice; We brought nothing with us into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6. 7, 8. I will therefore— that women adorn themselves in Modest Apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety: Not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly Array; but (which becometh women professing Godliness) with good works, 1 Tim. 2. 9, 10.  
4thly, In the charge given by S. Peter to Wives; Whose adorning, says he, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of Gold, or of putting on of Apparel: but let it the hidden man of the heart, in that, which is not corruptible, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4.  
Here you see, in a few words, what the Gospel approves, and what it disapproves in this Point; so that whatever constructions are put upon the Words, yet still it is evident, what method they are to follow, who resolve, that, not the World, but the Gospel shall be their Rule.  
Q. This must be confessed even by the World and Vanity itself, tho' they cannot follow it. But is there any thing more upon this Subject?  
A. The same may be still farther pressed from other Heads; as,  
First, Vanity, Pride, Ambition and Envy, are contrary to the Gospel; therefore such Christians, as desire to live by the Gospel, must not permit these to have any part in buying their , or putting them on; but, instead of Following, must not Fellow what these suggest; and such as do otherwise, have not the Gospel for their Rule.  
Secondly, All, that falls under the Heads of Excess, Immoderateness, Prodigality or Wasting what should be the Provision of Family, is reproved by the Gospel: Therefore all such expensive Clothing, as falls under any of these Heads, is departing from the Spirit of the Gospel.  
Thirdly, The Gospel prescribes seeking First the Kingdom of God, Redeeming the time, Giving alms, not Seeking to please the World: Therefore all that must be condemned as disagreeable to the Gospel, where the solicitude is greater for complying with a vain World, or a vain Humour, than for seeking Heaven; where the Time and Money, which are Blessings given for better uses, are wasted in setting forth a rotten and sinful Carcase.  
Lastly, Justice is absolutely required by the Gospel; therefore all that Care, Solicitude and Expense, must be contrary to the Gospel, which is in the service of Injustice. And is not all that so, which is applied to the Gratifying, Flattering and Exalting the Body, which for its Unworthiness and manifold Sins against God, deserves nothing but Contempt and Punishment?  
Here now having Considered all, that belongs to Clothing, by the Gospel, you see, what is approved, and what is disapproved. Clothing for necessity is approved; corpse Apparel is commended in the Baptist; a Modest Dress is recommended to Women, accompanied with Shamefacedness, Sobriety, and a Meek Spirit: Outward Adorning with Gold, Pearls or Costly Apparel is reproved; Inward Adorning with Virtue is required. All that is suggested, in Dressing, by Vanity, Pride, Envy, or for pleasing the World, is forbid. All that is Immoderate, whether as to the Expense of Time or Money, is not allowed. In this, it is very easy to discern, what is the Spirit of the Gospel: And if it be discerned, than all those, who desire in Truth to be the Followers of Christ, know what they are to do. They must approve only that, which their Rule approves; and as for all, whatever Inclination or the World recommends beyond that, they must shut their hearts against it, and say; the Gospel is our Rule, and this only we must follow.   

CHAP. VI Of Eating and Drinking.  
Q. WHAT direction does the Gospel give as to Eating and Drinking?  
A. There is enough mentioned, to serve for a Christian's Rule.  
First, Gluttony and Drunkenness are positively Forbidden; Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with Surfeiting and Drunkenness, Luk. 21. 34. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in Rioting and Drunkenness, Rom. 13. 13. woe unto you, that are full; for ye shall hunger, Luk. 6. 25. Drunkard's shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 10. The Works of the Flesh are manifest— Drunkenness— Revellings— of the which I tell you, that they, which do such things, shall not inherit the kingdom of God, Gal. 5. 19, 21. Be not Drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit, Eph. 5. 18.  
Secondly, It is particularly observed in the Rich Glutton, that he Fared sumptuously every day, Luk. 16. 19 It is a good thing, that the heart be established with Grace, not with Meats, which have not profitted them, that have been occupied therein, Heb. 13. 9 The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, Rom. 14. 17. Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their Belly, and whose Glory is their Shame, Phil. 3. 18, 19  
Thirdly, Temperance and Sobriety are recommended; Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2. 12. Wherefore gird up your loins, be sober, and hope to the end, 1 Pet. 1. 13. Be sober, be vigilant, 1 Pet. 5. 8. Let your Moderation be known to all men, Phil. 4. 5. He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, Luk. 1. 15. His Meat was Locusts and wild Honey, Mat. 3. 4. Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch, and be sober. Let us, who are of the day, be sober, 1 Thess. 5. 6, 8. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31. Having Food and Raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6. 8.  
Fourthly, Fasting is commanded: Jesus Fasted Forty Days and Forty Nights, Mat. 4. 2. Anna departed not from the Temple, but served God with Fast and Prayer, Night and Day, Luk. 2. 37. This kind (of Devil) can come forth by nothing but by Prayer and Fasting, Mar. 19 29. The Days will come, when the Bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those Days, Luk. ●. 35. They administered to the Lord, and fasted. And when they had fasted, and prayed, and laid their Hands on them, they sent them away, Acts 13. 2, 3. When they had ordained them Elders in every Church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, Act. 14. 23.  
In this may be discerned the Spirit of the Gospel in this Point; that while it approves Eating and Drinking for the Support of Nature, it requires, that this be done Soberly, and with Moderation, and to the Glory of God. It commends Abstinence and Fasting. It reproves Faring Sumptuously. It condemns the Solicitude of pleasing the Appetite, and making the Belly a God. It declares Surfeiting, Rioting, Revelling and Drunkenness, to be such Crimes, that their Gild excludes from Heaven.  
If these be the Dictates of the Christian's Rule, than it is very easy to observe, how far the Gospel allows, as to Eating and Drinking, and how far it disapproves. And hence it is obvious, what they are to do, who follow the Gospel. They are to think nothing allowable, but as it is here approved; and must not, by deceitful Constructions, pretend to justify that, which is here condemned. Especially where the Sentence is so positive, and the Gild shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God, Rom. 8. 13, 14. Put off concerning the former Conversation, the old Man, which is corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts, Eph. 4. 22. I beseech you, as Strangers and Pilgrims; abstain from fleshly Lusts, which war against the Soul, 1 Pet. 2. 11. If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his Life, shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his Life, for my sake, shall find it. For what is a Man profitted, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own Soul? Or what shall a Man give in Exchange for his Soul? Mat. 16. 24, 25, 26. He that loveth his Life, shall lose it: and he, that hateth his Life in this World, shall keep it unto Life eternal. If any Man serve me, let him follow me, Jo. 12. 25, 26.  
By this shall all Men know, that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another, Jo. 13. 35. I say unto you, love your Enemies, bless them, that curse you, do good to them, that hate you, and pray for them, which despitely use you, and persecute you, Mat. 5. 44. Love not the world, neither the things, that are in the world, 1 Jo. 2. 15. Put on (as the elect of God holy and beloved) Bowels of mercies, Kindnesses, Humbleness of mind, Meekness, Long-suffering; Forbearing one another, and Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all things put on Charity, which is the bond of perfectness; and let the peace of God rule in your hearts: And be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom; and whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Col. 3. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ: Yea doubtless, and I do count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that, which is through the Faith of Christ, the righteousness, which is of God by Faith; that I may know him, and the power of his Resurrection, and the fellowship of his Sufferings, being made conformable unto his death, Phil. 3. 7. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress—? I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,— nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8. 35, 38. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, Phil. 1. 21. I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4. 11. Seek those things, which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth: For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3. 1, 2, 3.  
These are some, amongst infinite other Directions, which the Gospel gives for regulating of the Inward Man. Were they prescribed to the Apostles only, or to some Particular Persons or States, there might be a just excuse for such as observe them not; but being writ to the Faithful of all States and Conditions, they are to be observed by all, that believe in Christ: And in this may Christians make the truest Judgement of the state of their Souls. For if this be prescribed to all, all are bound to labour, in bringing their Souls to this happy disposition; and they, who are not solicitous in this, whatever their Faith be, have not the Spirit of a true Disciple.   

CHAP. IX. Of loving our Neighbour.  
Q. WHAT directions does the Gospel give, as to the Love of our Neighbour?  
A. Such as are very particular and strict in the Charge. Hear some of them.  
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart— Thou shalt love thy Neighbour, as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets, Mat. 22. 37, 39, 40. A new Commandment, I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know, that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another, Jo. 13. 34, 35. These things I command you, that ye love one another, Jo. 15. 17. This is my commandment; that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Ye are my Friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you, Jo. 15. 12, 14. Let love be without dissimulation. Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another, Rom. 12. 9, 10. By love serve one another; for all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thyself. But if ye by't and devour one another, take heed, that ye be not consumed one of another, Gal. 5. 13, 14, 15. Own no man any thing, but to love one another: For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law. For this, thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other Commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his Neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law, Rom. 13. 8, 9, 10. As touching brotherly love, ye need not that I writ unto you; for ye yourselves are taught of God, to love one another. And indeed ye do it towards all the brethren, which are in Macedonia: But we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, 1 Thes. 4. 9, 10, 11. Above all things have fervent Charity among yourselves: For Charity shall cover the multitude of sins, 1 Pet. 4. 8. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, 1 Jo. 2. 10. Whosoever doth not righteousness, is not of God, neither he, that loveth not his brother, 1 Jo. 3. 10. We know, that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren; he that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer; and ye know, that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 Jo. 3. 14, 15. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. This Commandment have we from him, that he, who loveth God, love his brother also, 1 Jo. 4. 12, 20, 21. Tho' I have the gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries, and all Knowledge; and tho' I have all Faith, so that I could remove Mountains, and have no Charity, I am nothing. And tho' I bestow all my goods to feed the Poor, and tho' I give my Body to be burned, and have not Charity, it profitteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; Charity envieth not; Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, 1 Cor. 13. 2, 3, 4, etc.  
Thus the Christian's Rule directs as to this Point. Whoever expects Salvation through Christ, must hear his Word, and make it his daily business to observe it. Christ himself has said it: Ye are my Friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you, Jo. 15. 14.   

CHAP. X. Of loving our Enemies.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to the love of our Enemies?  
A. It speaks positively, in this Point.  
I say unto you, Love your Enemies, bless them, that curse you, do good to them, that hate you, and pray for them, which despitefully use you, and persecute you: That ye may be the Children of your Father, which is in Heaven; for he maketh the Sun to rise on the Evil, and on the Good, and sendeth Rain on the Just, and on the . For if ye love them, which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the Publicans the same? And if ye salute your Brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the Publicaus so? Be ye therefore Perfect, even as your Father, which is in Heaven, is Perfect, Mat. 5. 44, etc. I say unto you, which hear, love your Enemies, do good to them, which hate you: Bless them, that curse you, and pray for them, which despitefully use you. And unto him, that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbidden not to take thy coat also. As you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them, which love you, what thank have ye? For Sinners also love those, that love them. And if ye do good to them, which do good to you, what thank have ye? For Sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them, of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For Sinners lend to Sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the Children of the Highest; for he is kind unto the Unthankful, and to the Evil. Be ye therefore Merciful, as your Father also is Merciful, Luk. 6. 27, 28, etc. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, Luk. 23. 34. Stephen kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice; Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, Act. 7. 60. Dear beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay it, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine Enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink: For in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good, Rom. 12. 19, 20, 21. Bless them, which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Recompense no Man evil for evil, Rom. 12. 14, 17. See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that, which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men, 1 Thes. 5. 15. Be Pitiful, be Courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise, blessing; knowing, that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing, 1 Pet. 3. 8, 9  
Here is the Rule, and it must be followed: To dispense with it, is to break it; to hearken to Inclination, is to forsake it. The Difficulty of its Practice must be owned, and this more particularly in some Tempers; but Difficulties must not carry us against the Commands of God; in our undertaking to serve him, there was no Proviso made for our Ease or Inclination; but our Profession was Absolute; how then can we pretend to follow Nature, when God's Will is known to us? If the Lord be our God, it is mockery, if we do not follow him.   

CHAP. XI. Of Forgiving Injuries.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to Forgiving Injuries?  
A. It speaks plainly to the Point: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our Debtors, Mat. 6. 12. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my Brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus said unto him; I say not unto thee, until seven times: But until seventy times seven, Mat. 18. 21, 22. Then his Lord said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desired'st me: Shouldst not thou also have had compassion on thy Fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the torments, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye, from your hearts, forgive not every one his brother their trespasses, Mat. 18. 32, etc. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him; Luk. 17. 3, 4. Let all Bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, Eph. 4. 31, 32. Put on therefore (as the Elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye, Colos. 3. 12, 13. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses, Mat. 6. 14. 15. And when ye stand praying, Forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also, which is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father, which is in heaven, forgive your trespasses Mar. 11. 25, 26. Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:— for with the same measure, that ye meet withal, it shall be measured to you again, Luk. 6. 37. He shall have Judgement without mercy, that hath showed no mercy, Jam. 2. 13. Charity suffereth long,— is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil,— beareth all things,— endureth all things, 1 Cor. 13. 4, etc.  
Thus says the Christian's Rule, and there are no Promises, but what requireth the Observance of it. Let then all degrees of Malice, Revenge, Hatred, Ill-will, Animosities, Resentments, Provocations, Grudge, Want of Neighbourly Correspondence, with all the train of such like Interior Disorders, be examined by the Gospel; and, upon the evidence of their being not allowed upon any account, but absolutely condemned, the Christian must conclude, that either he must make this his Rule, or else have no part in the Promises of the Gospel. What then, O God, must I fear of myself, who am so easy in admitting, and so careless in overcoming, what is thus contrary to my Profession! I profess the Gospel, but follow Inclination; and is this to be a Christian?   

CHAP. XII. Of making and keeping Peace.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to avoiding Contention and keeping Peace?  
A. It speaks so plain in this Point, that no Christian can be ignorant of his Obligation.  
Blessed are the Peacemakers; for they shall be called the Children of God, Mat. 5. 9 If thou bring thy Gift to the Altar, and there remember'st, that thy Brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy Gift before the Altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy Gift, Mat. 5. 23, 24. A new Commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another. By this shall all men know, that ye are my Disciples, if ye have love one to another, Jo. 13. 34, 35. Have salt in yourselves, and have Peace one with another, Mar. 9 50. Be of the same mind one towards another. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dear beloved, avenge not yourselves, but give place unto wrath, Rom. 12. 16, 18. I beseech to walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are called: With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit, in the Bond of Peace, Eph. 4. 1, 2, 3. For God is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace, 1 Cor. 14. 33. He that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil,— let him seek Peace, and ensue it: Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love, as Brethren, be Pitiful, be Courteous; not rendering Evil for Evil, or Railing for Railing, but contrariwise, Blessing, knowing, that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing, 1 Pet. 3. 10, 11, 8, 9 Fellow Peace with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the Grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled, Heb. 12. 14, 15. Let us walk honestly as in the day,— not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 13. 13. Let nothing be done through strife.— Do all things without murmur and dispute; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, Phil. 2. 3, 14. By love serve one another; for all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt thy Neighbour, as thyself: But if ye by't and devour one another, take heed, that ye be not consumed one of another. The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit: Now the Works of the Flesh are manifest, which are these;— Hatred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Heresies, Envyings, Murders— and such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they, which do such things, shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Fruit of the Spirit, is, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Meekness:— against such there is no Law. And they, that are Christ's, have crucified the Flesh.— Let us not be desirous of Vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another, Gal. 5. 13, etc. Bear ye one another's Burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ, Gal. 6. 2. If ye have bitter Envying and Strife in your Hearts, glory not, and lie not against the Truth: This Wisdom descendeth not from above, but is Earthly, Sensual, Devilish: For where Envying and Strife is, there is Confusion, and every evil Work. But the Wisdom, that is from above, is first, Pure, then Peaceable, Gentle, and easy to be Entreated, full of Mercy, and good Fruits, without Partiality, and without Hypocrisy: And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them, that make Peace, Jam. 3. 14, etc. Be y● also patiented, establish your Hearts;— Grudge not one against another, Brethren, lest ye be condemned, Jam. 5. 8, 9 The Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink, but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost, For he, that in these things, serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of Men. Let us therefore follow after the things, which make for Peace, and things, wherewith one may edify another, Rom. 14. 17, etc. Wherefore laying aside all Malice, and all Guile, and Hypocrisies, and Envies, and all evil Speakings; as newborn Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word, 1 Pet. 2. 1. If any Man seem to be contentious, we have no such Custom, neither the Churches of God, 1 Cor. 11. 16.  
Thus the Rule, and this, Christians say, they follow; and if so, then who would not expect to find Christians all living in a free Correspondence of Charity and Peace, exempt from the Confusions of Passion, Provocation, Contention and Revenge; all mutually bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, according to the Example Christ has given them, and for the securing their Eternal Peace? Thus certainly it ought to be; and those, who live not according to this Method, it is certain, they transgress their Rule. See then what thy Practice is, and learn to follow Christ. Remember, that the Gospel forbids all Contentions, Quarrelling, Uncharitable Debates, Reproaching, Grudging, and all the other Effects of Passion, Malice, Ill-will, or Dislike: It commands thee to study Peace, and keep it with all Men, as much as is possible; and that for this end, thou art to be Gentle, Patient, Compassionate, forbearing all Provocations, and receiving all that are given thee, with Mildness, without returning Evil for Evil, or Railing for Railing; but overcoming Evil with Good. Thus thou art commanded; labour daily to bring thyself to this Temper of the Gospel, and then thou mayest hope for the Rewards of the Gospel.   

CHAP. XIII. Of Anger and Mildness.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to these Points?  
A. These have been already mentioned in the foregoing Chapters. But hear again how expressly they are spoke to.  
I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his Brother without a Cause, shall be in danger of the Judgement: and whosoever shall say to his Brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the Council: But whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of Hell-fire, Mat. 5. 22. Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the Sun go down upon your Wrath, neither give place to the Devil, Eph. 4. 26. But now you also put off all these, Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Communication, out of your Mouth: Lie not to one another; seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds, Col. 3. 8. Let all Bitterness, and Wrath, and Anger, and Clamour, and evil Speaking, be put away from you, with all Malice: And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, Eph. 4. 31, 32. My beloved Brethren, let every Man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to Wrath; for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God, Jam. 1. 19, 20. I say unto you, that ye resist not Evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek, turn to him the other also, Matth. 5. 39 Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto Wrath: For it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay it, saith the Lord. Be not overcome of Evil, but overcome Evil with Good, Rom. 12. 19, 21. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man; but ever follow that, which is good, 1 Thess. 5. 15. Be at Peace among yourselves,— warn them, that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patiented toward all Men, Ib. 14. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness,— Meekness; against such there is no Law, Gal. 5. 22. I beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are called; with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Long-suffering, forbearing one another in Love, Eph. 4. 1, 2. Thou, O Man of God, flee these things, and follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness, 1 Tim. 6. 11. Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the Earth, Mat. 5. 5. Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in Heart; and ye shall find rest unto your Souls: for my Yoke is easy, and my Burden light, Mat. 11. 29, 30. Put on therefore (as the Elect of God, holy and beloved) Bowels of Mercies, Kindness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness, Long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any Man have a Quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye, Col. 3. 12, 13. Put them in mind— to speak evil of no Man, to be no Brawler, but Gentle, showing all Meekness unto all Men, Tit. 3. 2. And the Servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all Men, apt to teach, patiented, in Meekness instructing those, that oppose themselves, 2 Tim. 2. 24.  
Thus speaks the Rule, and by it are commended to us Gentleness, Meekness, Moderation, Patience; and by the same are forbid all Passion, undue Anger, Roughness, Quarrelling, Impatience with our Neighbour, etc. These are Evils; the former are to be our Ornaments. What then must be judged of all such, as take Exceptions at every accident, who easily Fret, fall into Passion, use reproachful Language, will bear nothing, excuse nothing, but let every trifling Occasion be enough to disturb their own Peace and their Neighbours? Do these follow the Gospel? It is too evident, they do not, and therefore are under a strict Obligation of daily labouring to bring themselves to a more Christian Temper. If Nature be difficult, yet Grace is more powerful, and by this all Difficulties may be overcome; and those, who strive not to gain this Victory, are without Excuse.   

CHAP. XIV. Of Humility and Pride.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to Humility and Pride?  
A. It declares the great Value of the one, and the Mischiefs of the other; so that whatever be the Judgement of the World, yet 'tis plain, what is the Judgement of the Gospel; and there can be no Excuse for those, who do not follow it.  
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5. 3. Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in Heart; and ye shall find Rest unto your Souls, Mat. 11. 29. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little Child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 18. 4. They, which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles, exercise Lordship over them; and their great Ones exercise Authority upon them: But so it shall not be among you: But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your Minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be Servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his Life a Ransom for many, Mar. 10. 42, etc. All their Works they (the Pharisees) do, for to be seen of Men: They make broad their Phylacteries, and enlarge the Borders of their Garments; and love the uppermost Rooms at Feasts, and the chief Seats in the Synagogues; and Greetings in the Markets; and to be called of Men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are Brethren. Neither be ye called Masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you, shall be your Servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself, shall be exalted, Mat. 23. 5, etc. He hath regarded the low Estate of his Handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all Generations shall call me blessed.— He hath scattered the Proud, in the Imagination of their Hearts; he hath put down the Mighty from their Seats, and exalted them of low Degree, Luk. 1. 48, 51. The Pharisee stood, and prayed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other Men are, Extortioners, , Adulterers, or even as this Publican: I fast twice in the Week, I give Tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his Eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his Breast, saying, God be merciful to me a Sinner. I tell you, This Man went down to his House justified, rather than the other; for every one, that exalteth himself, shall be abased; and he, that humbleth himself, shall be exalted, Luk. 18. 11. And thou Capernaum, which art exalted to Heaven, shalt be thrust down to Hell, Luk. 10. 15. Be not high minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural Branches, take heed, lest he also spare not thee, Rom. 11. 20. Mind not high things, but condescend to Men of low Estate: be not wise in your own Conceits, Rom. 12. 16. That ye might learn in us not to think of Men, above that, which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou, that thou didst not receive? Now, if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?— We are made a Spectacle unto the World, and to Angels, and to Men. We are Fools for Christ's sake; but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised:— We are made as the Filth of the World, and are the Off-scouring of all things unto this Day, 1 Cor. 4. 6, etc. Let nothing be done through Strife, or Vainglory, but in Lowliness of Mind let each esteem other better than themselves.— Let this Mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it no Robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no Reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of Men; and being found in fashion as a Man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto Death, even the Death of the Cross; wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a Name, which is above every Name, Phil. 2. 3, 5, etc. Now, that he ascended, what is it, but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the Earth? Eph. 4. 9 Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) Bowels of Mercies, Kindness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness, Long-suffering, Col. 3. 12. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with Humility: for God resisteth the Proud, and giveth Grace to the Humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty Hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 1 Pet. 5. 5, 6. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up, Jam. 4. 10. In the last Days perilous times shall come; for Men shall be Lovers of their own selves— Boasters, Proud,— Unthankful,— Fierce, Despisers of those, that are Good,— Heady, , 2 Tim. 3. 1, etc. I beseech you to walk worthy of the Vocation, wherewith ye are called: with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Long-suffering, Eph. 4. 1, 2. God hath chosen the foolish things of the World, to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things, which are mighty; and base things of the World, and things, which are despised, hath God chosen— that not Flesh should glory in his Presence:— He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord, 1 Cor. 1. 27. For not he, that commendeth himself, is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. 10. 18. Ye are they, which justify yourselves before Men; but God knoweth your Hearts: for that, which is highly esteemed amongst Men, is Abomination in the Sight of God, Luk. 16. 15. How can ye believe, which receive Honour one of another, and seek not the Honour, that cometh from God only? Joh. 5. 44. For they loved the Praise of Men, more than the Praise of God, Jo. 12. 43. Let us not be desirous of vain Glory, provoking one another, envying one another, Gal. 5. 26. Tho' I give my Body to be burned, and have not Charity, it profitteth me nothing;— Charity envieth not, Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, 1 Cor. 13. 3, etc.  
Thus plainly speaks the Rule: And now, if upon a serious weighing of these Particulars, it does appear, that a Universal Humility is most pressingly recommended, and Pride is condemned in all its Branches; than it must be owned, that in whatever way we seek Glory with Men, and desire to be raised in the Opinion of the World; in whatever way we labour to magnify this unworthy Clay, give ourselves the Preference to others, and, in our Hearts, despise our Neighbour; so often we forsake our Rule, and by a just Judgement upon Pride, are rendering ourselves eternally contemptible by the very ways, in which we unduly seek Esteem.  
If this be so, then, I think, Christians have Reason to consider, and reform the general Method of their Lives. For, if looking upon themselves, they see the great Business of their Thoughts, their Study, their Contrivance, their Expenses, is in the Service of Pride; that in this they place their Happiness, for this they deny themselves, suffer many Inconveniencies, hazard their Health, exhaust their Estates, etc. must not they, in this, see, they make Idols of themselves, and for this self-worship, despise all the Instructions Christ has given them, and forsake his Gospel? And can this way, this Martyrdom of Self-love ever bring them to Heaven? What then do they do? Believe in Christ and his Promises, and yet live in Contradiction to both! This is, in Fact, to renounce both our Reason and Faith; Heaven can never be the Reward of such insolent and wilful Madness: They must either follow the Ways of the Gospel, or lay by the Hopes of its Promises. Christians are a People, that make Profession of following the Law of Christ: And yet in this Point, all are striving to outdo one another in departing from it; in forsaking the Ways of Humility, and following those of Pride.   

CHAP. XV. Of Detraction, Reviling, or Speaking Evil of our Neighbour.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to these Points?  
A. They are all forbidden: For since the Gospel commands us to love our Neighbours as ourselves, and to do to all Men, as we would, that Men should do to us; it is evident, what Judgement we are to make of Detraction or speaking Evil of our Neighbours, which is so contrary to these Two great Precepts of the new Law. Detraction then is the Transgression of all, that it is so positively commanded us in the Love of our Neighbour, abovementioned, c. 9 and is yet more expressly forbid.  
God gave them over to a reprobate Mind, to do those things, which are not convenient; being filled with— Maliciousness; full of Envy,— Debate, Deceit, Malignity; Whisperers, Backbiters,— Despiteful, Proud, Boasters, Inventors of evil things,— Covenant-Breakers:— Who knowing the Judgement of God, (that they, which commit such things, are worthy of Death) not only do the same, but have Pleasure in them, that do them, Rom. 1. 28, etc. I fear, lest when I come, I shall not find you such, as I would;— lest there be Debates, Envyings, Wraths, Strifes, Backbitings, Whisper, Swell, Tumults, 2 Cor. 12. 20. Wherefore laying aside all Malice, and all Guile, and Hypocrisies, and Envyings, and all Evil-speakings, 1 Pet. 2. 1. Speak not Evil one of another, Brethren. He that speaketh Evil of his Brother, and judgeth his Brother, speaketh Evil of the Law, and judgeth the Law: But, if thou judge the Law, thou art not a Doer of the Law, but a Judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; who art thou, that judgest another? Jam. 4. 11. Nor Thiefs, nor Covetous, nor Drunkards, nor Revilers, nor Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 10. Not to keep Company; if any Man, that is called a Brother, be— a Railer,— with such an one, no, not to eat, 1 Cor. 5. 11. Put them in mind— to speak Evil of no Man, to be no Brawler, but Gentle, showing all Meekness unto all Men, Tit. 3. 2.  
Thus speaks the Rule; and while it sets Detraction, or Backbiting, and Reviling, and Whispering, among those Sins, which exclude from the Possession of God; what must be said, but that they, who do these things, either know not their Rule, or think that by Custom 'tis made void? If something of this were not, how should those, who profess to believe and follow the Gospel, live on in the open Breach of it, and make that their general Entertainment, which is here declared a Forfeiture of Happiness? This seems a strange Blindness or Delusion; and so much the greater, that it is not the Practice only of such, who, by their Wickedness, live at Defiance with Heaven; but even of those, who by their pious Endeavours, and stricter Discipline, seem in earnest in what they profess. Here's the Surprise. And to these I make it my Petition, that they would take more Pains in knowing, what their Rule teaches; and since this declares Backbiting and Whispering to be so criminal, that they would remember it, and no more make these their Sport. For that Piety cannot be true, which has not this Regard to the Will of God, and the Observance of his Law.   

CHAP. XVI. Of the Watchfulness and Industry of a Christian Life, in Reproof of a slothful and idle Life.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give as to the Points of Watchfulness and Idleness?  
A. It speaks plain enough.  
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into Temptation, Matth. 26. 41. Let your Loins be girded about, and your Lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto Men, that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the Wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those Servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching.— And if he shall come in the second Watch, or come in the third Watch, and find them so, blessed are those Servants. And this know, that if the good Man of the House had known what Hour the Thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his House to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of Man cometh at an Hour, when ye think not.— Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing: of a Truth I say unto you, that he will make him Ruler over all that he hath. But, and if that Servant say in his Heart, my Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the Man-servants and Maidens, and to eat, and drink, and to be drunken: the Lord of that Servant will come in a Day, when he looketh not for him, and at an Hour, when he is not ware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his Portion with the unbelievers, Luk. 12. 35, etc. Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your Hearts be overcharged with Surfeiting, and Drunkenness, and Cares of this Life, and so that Day come upon you unawares. For as a Snare shall it come on all them, that dwell on the Face of the whole Earth: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things, that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man, Luk. 21. 34. Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a Man taking a far Journey, who left his House, and gave Authority to his Servants, and to every Man his Work, and commanded the Porter to watch. Watch ye therefore (for ye know not, when the Master of the House cometh; at Even, or at Midnight, or at the Cock-crowing, or in the Morning) lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping: and what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch, Mar. 13. 33, etc. Watch therefore, for ye know, neither the Day nor the Hour, wherein the Son of Man cometh. For the Kingdom of Heaven is as a Man travelling into a far Country, who called his own Servants, and delivered unto them his Goods.— Then he, that had received the Five Talents, went and traded with the same, and made them other Five Talents.— But he, that had received one, went and digged in the Earth, and hid his Lord's Money. After a long time, the Lord of those Servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received Five Talents, came and brought other five Talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me Five Talents; behold I have gained besides them Five Talents more. His Lord said unto him; Well done, thou good and faithful Servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee Ruler over many things; enter thou into the Joy of thy lord— Then he, which had received the one Talon, came.— His Lord said unto him; Thou wicked and slothful Servant;— Take therefore the Talon from him, and give it unto him, which hath Ten Talents,— and cast ye the unprofitable Servant into outer Darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth, Mat. 25. 13. And now also the Axe is laid unto the Root of the Trees: therefore every Tree, which bringeth not forth good Fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the Fire, Mat. 3. 10. A certain Man had a Figtree planted in his Vineyard, and he came and sought Fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the Dresser of his Vineyard; Behold, these Three Years I come seeking Fruit on this Figtree, and find none; Cut it down, why cumbreth it the Ground? And he answering, said unto him, Lord, let it alone this Year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it; and if it bear Fruit, well; and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down, Luk. 13. 6. Not every one, that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doth the Will of my Father, which is in Heaven, Mat. 7. 21. Strive to enter in at the straight Gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able, Luk. 13. 24. Enter ye in at the straight Gate; for wide is the Gate, and broad is the Way, that leadeth to Destruction, and many there be, which go in thereat: because straight is the Gate, and narrow is the Way, which leadeth unto Life, and few there are, that find it, Mat. 7. 13. Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you, Mat. 7. 7. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, Mat. 6. 33. The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth Violence, and the violent take it by force, Mat. 11. 12. If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his Life, shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his Life, for my sake, the same shall save it, Luk. 9 23. If any Man come to me, and hate not his Father, and Mother, and Wife, and Children, and Brethren, and Sisters, yea, and his own Life also, he cannot be my Disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his Cross, and come after me, cannot be my Disciple.— Whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all, that he hath, he cannot be my Disciple, Luk. 14. 26, 33. A certain Man made a great Supper, and bade many; and sent his Servant at Suppertime, to say to them, that were bidden, Come, for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. Then the Master of the House being angry, said;— I say unto you, that none of those Men, that were bidden, shall taste of my Supper, Luk. 13. 16, etc.  
Watch ye, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like Men, be strong, 1 Cor. 16. 13. Let him, that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10. 12. Awake to Righteousness, and sin not, 1 Cor. 15. 34. Be Sober, be Vigilant; because your Adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist, steadfast in Faith, 1 Pet. 5. 8. My Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the Power of his Might; put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the Wills of the Devil: For we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood; but against Principalities, against Powers, against the Rulers of the darkness of this World.— Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil Day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your Loins girt about with Truth, and having on the Breastplate of Righteousness; and your Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all, taking the Shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all Perseverance, Eph. 6. 10. Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thess. 5. 6. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee, as a Thief; and thou shalt not know, what Hour I will come upon thee, Rev. 3. 3. Therefore, my beloved Brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know, that your labour is not in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For whatsoever a Man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his Flesh, shall of the Flesh reap Corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap Life Everlasting: And let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due Season we shall reap, if we faint not, Gal. 6. 7. Brethren, be not weary in well-doing, 2 Thess. 3. 13. God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of Love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the Saints, and do minister. And we desire, that every one of you do show the same Diligence, to the full Assurance of Hope unto the end: That ye be not Slothful, but Followers of them, who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises, Heb. 6. 10. Work out your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling, Phil. 2. 12. Know ye not, that they, which run in a Race, run all, but one receiveth the Prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every Man, that striveth for the Mastery, is temperate in all things: Now they do it, to obtain a corruptible Crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly: So fight I, not as one, that beateth the Air: But I keep under my Body, and bring it into Subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a Castaway, 1 Cor. 9 24, etc. Many are called, but few are chosen, Mat. 22. 14. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1. 19 See, that ye walk circumspectly, not as Fools, but as Wise, redeeming the time, because the Days are Evil, Eph. 5. 15. She, that liveth in Pleasure (or delicately) is dead while she liveth, 1 Tim. 5. 6. The time passed of our Life may suffice us to have wrought the Will of the Gentiles, when we walked in Laciviousness, Lusts, Excess, of Wine, Revellings, Banquet, and abominable Idolatries: Wherein they think it strange, that you run not with them to the same Excess of Riot, speaking evil of you, 1 Pet. 4. 3. They shall receive the Reward of unrighteousness, as they, that count it Pleasure to riot in the Daytime: Spots they are, and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceive, while they feast with you, 2 Pet. 13. How much she hath glorified herself; and lived deliciously, so much Torment and Sorrow give her, Rev. 18. 7.  
Thus speaks the Rule, and so Positive and Large it is, in pressing all to be Watchful, and to take Pains in working out their Salvation, that there must be owned a Necessity of a Christian Life being an Industrious and Laborious Life. Let but these Heads be duly reflected on; First, The Life of Christ and the Example he has given us, both in what he did and what he suffered. 2dly, The Great Perfection of those Virtues, which God demands of us. 3dly, The Corruption of our Nature, which renders us averse to all these, and strongly inclines us to Evil. 4thly, The Variety of Temptations, which draw us out of the way. 5thly, The great Encouragement to Evil from Authority and Custom. 6thly, The industrious Subtlety of the Devil. 7thly, The Uncertainty of the time granted us for doing this great Work. 8thly, The irrecoverable Ruin, attending a Miscarriage. Lastly, The variety of Delusions, to which we are exposed, through the Violence and Contrivance of our Passions. Let but these Heads, I say, be duly reflected on, and it must be confessed, that Salvation is a Work of Difficulty, such as requires a constant Watchfulness, persevering Endeavours, and the best of our Care; and that, as for those, who live on, as if they had nothing to do, but to contrive, how to drink, sleep and play away their Time, and leave Salvation to the Chance, follow not the Directions so often pressed to them in the Gospel; and therefore, whatever their supposed Innocence may be, are not in a way of of doing the Work of the Gospel. What hopes then can they have from hence, where they see unprofitable Servants, not rewarded, but condemned: Where they see great Crimes charged upon them, and eternal Wo's prepared in Punishment of their reputed Innocence? It must then be remembered, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ requires of all his Followers a Watchful Life, and that Idleness, Sloth, and a constant Dissipation of Mind are contrary to it, and therefore to be avoided.   

CHAP. XVII. Of Immodesty.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to this point.  
A. It shows it to be very displeasing to God, and strictly cautions all against it.  
Ye have heard, that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit Adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a Woman, to lust after her, hath committed Adultery with her already in his Heart. And if thy right Eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy Members should perish, and not thy whole Body should be cast into Hell, Mat. 5. 27. Let not Sin therefore Reign in your mortal Body, that ye should obey it in the Lusts thereof, Rom. 6. 12. When they knew God, they glorified him not as God;— wherefore God also gave them up to Uncleanness, through the Lusts of their own Hearts, to dishonour their own Bodies.— For this Cause God gave them up unto vile Affections, Rom. 1. 21, 24, 26. I beseech you, Brethren, by the Mercies of God, that ye present your Bodies a living Sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable Service; and be not conformed to this World, Rom. 12. 1. To be carnally minded, is Death;— because the carnal Man is Enmity against God.— We are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to live after the Flesh; for if ye live after the Flesh, ye shall die: But if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the Body, ye shall live, Rom. 8. 6, 7, etc. They that are Christ's, have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts, Gal. 5. 24. This I say therefore and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not, as other Gentiles walk, in the Vanity of their Mind, having the Understanding darkened, being alienated from the Life of God;— who being past feeling have given themselves over unto Lasciviousness, to work all Uncleanness with greediness: But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him;— that ye put off, concerning the former Conversation, the Old Man, which is Corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts.— Let no corrupt Communication proceed out of your Mouth, Eph. 4. 17, etc. But Fornication and all Uncleanness, or Covetousness, let it not be once named amongst you, as becometh Saints; neither Filthiness nor foolish Talking, nor Jesting, which are not convenient, but rather giving of Thanks: For this ye know, that no Whoremonger, nor unclean Person, nor Covetous Man, who is an Idolater, hath any Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ, and of God.— Have no Fellowship with the unfruitful Works of Darkness, but rather reprove them; for it is a shame even to speak of those things, which are done of them in Secret, Eph. 5. 3, etc. Mortify therefore your Members, which are upon the Earth, Fornication, Uncleanness, inordinate Affection, evil Concupiscence, and Covetousness, which is Idolatry: For which things sake, the Wrath of God cometh on the Children of Disobedience:— But now you also put off all these; Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Communication out of your Mouth, Col. 3. 5, etc. For this is the Will of God, even your Sanctification, that ye should abstain from Fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honour; not in the Lust of Concupiscence, even as the Gentiles, which know not God.— For God hath not called us unto Uncleanness, but unto Holiness, 1 Thes. 4. 3, etc. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the Lust of the Flesh.— Now the Works of the Flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Laciviousness— and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they, which do such things, shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, Gal. 5. 16, 19 Dear beloved, I beseech you, as Strangers and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly Lusts, which War against the Soul: Having your Conversation honest among the Gentiles, 1 Pet. 2. 11. Let us live honestly, as in the Day; not in Rioting and Drunkenness, not in Chambering and Wantonness, not in Strife and Envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not Provision for the Flesh, to fulfil the Lusts thereof, Rom. 13. 13. Dear Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all Filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7. 1. If any Man love the World, the Love of the Father is not in him. For all, that is in the World, the Lust of the Flesh, and the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life, is not of the Father, but is of the World: And the World passeth away, and the Lust thereof, but he, that doth the Will of God, abideth for ever, 1 Joh. 2. 15, etc. Every Man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own Lust, and enticed: Then, when Lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Sin; and Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth Death, Jam. 1. 14. Now I have written unto you, not to keep Company, if any Man, that is called a Brother, be a Fornicator, or Covetous, or an Idolater, or a Railer, or a Drunkard, or an Extortioner, with such an one, no not to eat, 1 Cor. 5. 11. Be not deceived, neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Effeminate, nor Abusers of themselves with Mankind,— shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 9 Marriage is honourable in all, and the Bed undefiled: But Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge, Heb. 13. 4. As you have yielded your Members Servants to Uncleanness and to Iniquity, unto Iniquity; even so now yield your Members Servants to Righteousness, unto Holiness.— What Fruit had ye then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is Death, Rom. 6. 19, 21.  
Thus speaks the Rule: And is not here expressly declared, how criminal all kind of Impurity is in the sight of God, whether it be in the Heart only or Desire, or by Inordinate Affections, or in the Eyes, or in the Tongue, or in Actions? All kind of Sensuality and Uncleanness, both of Mind and Body, are here forbidden, and marked with the Infamous Character, of being the Sins of the Gentiles or Heathens, who knew not God, who for their unworthiness were given up to a Reprobate Sense. It is evident then, that all such Offences are an Absolute transgression of the Christian's Rule; and that to live in the Practice of them, is to live as a Heathen. What then must be done? The Christian must remember, that the Promise of seeing God, is made to the Pure and Clean of heart; that without this, he can have no part in this Promise: That therefore he must dailyl labour to bring his Heart to this happy disposition: He must resist evil, avoid Ill company, keep a watch upon his Eyes, upon his Tongue, and upon his Heart; he must put a restraint upon himself as to all kind of dangerous liberties; and avoid all, that can defile, if he truly desires, that his Heart should be Clean. And is this the Gospel? How few than are Chosen? Examine thyself by what the Apostle has said; The Lust of the flesh, the Lust of the eyes, the Pride of life, are not of the Father, 1 Jo. 2. 15. Dost thou belong to him?   

CHAP. XVIII. Of Self-denial.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as in this Point?  
A. The Gospel declares it to be absolutely necessary for all Christians.  
Jesus said to his Disciples; if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: And whosoever will lose his life, for my sake, shall find it, Mat. 16. 24. Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, Mar. 8. 34. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross daily, and follow me, Luk. 9 23. If any man come to me, and hate not his Father, and Mother, and Wife, and Children, and Brethren, and Sisters, yea, and his own Life also, he cannot be my Disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his Cross, and come after me, cannot be my Disciple. For which of you intending to build a Tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?— So likewise, whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all, that he hath, he cannot be my Disciple, Luk. 14. 26, 33. If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Hell, Mat. 5. 30. He, that loveth his life, shall lose it; and he, that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal, Jo. 12. 25. Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto Sin; but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness, unto sin, Rom. 6. 11. I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man, that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death! Rom. 7. 23. Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: But if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live: For as many, as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God, Rom. 8. 12. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution?— Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us, Rom. 8. 35. If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our Old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.— Now, if we be dead with Christ, we believe, that we shall also live with him, Rom. 6. 5, 8. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living Sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service: and be not conformed to this world: But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, Rom. 12. 1. Every man, that striveth for the mastery, is temperate in all things: Now they do it, to obtain a corruptible Crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one, that beateth the air: But I keep unto my body, and bring it under subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway, 1 Cor. 9 25. Always bearing about in the body, the dying of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body, 2 Cor. 4. 10. He died for all, that they, which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him, which died for them, and rose again.— Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new, 2 Cor. 5. 15, 17. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: And the life, which I now live in the Flesh, I live by the Faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2. 20. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; and the Spirit against the flesh.— If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. They that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts, Gal. 5. 16, 24. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus, Gal. 6. 17. I do count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ:— That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death, if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead, Phil. 3. 8. Put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4. 22. The Grace of God, that bringeth Salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, Tit. 2. 12. Mortify therefore your members, which are upon the earth; Fornication, Uncleanness, inordinate Affection,— in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them: But now you also put off all these— and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him, that created him, Col. 3. 5. Flee also youthful lusts: But follow righteousness, Faith, Charity, Peace, 2 Tim. 2. 22.  
Thus speaks the Rule; whence it is plain above all dispute, that those, who follow their Inclinations, do not follow this Rule. We have all an inheritance of Corruption, which bends us to sin; this is entailed on us from Adam▪ and is called the Old Man; this the Gospel commands us to put off; all such then, as strictly examine their Inclinations, Affections and Desires, and resolutely stand against those, which they perceive to be sinful, or can suspect as leading to sin, are the Persons, who live by the Rule, which they profess; and if they study to improve those better Impressions, which are the effects of Grace, it cannot be questioned, but they will be clothed with the New Man, and, while in the Flesh, even live by the Spirit. But this cannot be their Character, who being subject to great variety of Worldly and Sensual Inclinations, who finding no Relish in their Souls, but of what is in favour of their Pride, Vanity, Idleness and of Self-love in all its Shapes, are so far from using due means for suppressing them, that their whole Life is an Obedience to their demands; for certainly these have no regard to what the Gospel prescribes; their Life is a Contradiction to its Rules; they indulge their Corruption, which God commands them to resist; and therefore being found under the Subjecti- of the old Man, can never expect, while under this Slavery, to come to the Liberty of the Children of God. Either do what the Gospel requires, or else look for no other Portion, but with Unbelievers.   

CHAP. XIX. Of Suffering, Affliction or Persecution.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to these Points?  
A. It speaks very largely of them, and shows, with what Spirit a Christian ought to submit.  
Blessed are they, which are persecuted for Righteousness sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye, when Men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your Reward in Heaven: For so persecuted they the Prophets, which were before you, Mat. 5. 10. Ye have heard, that it hath been said; an Eye for an Eye, and a Tooth for a Tooth; but I say unto you, that ye resist not Evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek, turn him the other also, Mat. 5. 38. He, that taketh not his Cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He, that findeth his Life, shall lose it; and he, that loseth his Life for my sake, shall find it. Fear not them, which kill the Body, but are not able to kill the Soul; but rather fear him, which is able to destroy both Soul and Body in Hell. Are not two Sparrows Sold for a Farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the Ground, without your Father: But the very Hairs of your Head are all numbered: Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more Value, than many Sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before Men, him will I confess also before my Father, which is in Heaven.— Think not, that I am come to send Peace on Earth, I came not to send Peace, but a Sword, Mat. 10. 38, 28. Behold, I send you forth as Sheep in the midst of Wolves.— But beware of Men, for they will deliver you up to the Counsels, and they will Scourge you in their Synagogues; and ye shall be brought before Governors and Kings, for my sake.— And the Brother shall deliver up the Brother to Death, and the Father the Child: And the Children shall rise up against their Parents, and cause them to be put to Death. And ye shall be hated of all Men, for my name's sake: But he, that endureth to the end shall be saved. The Disciple is not above his Master, nor the Servant above his Lord. It is enough for the Disciple, that be be, as his Master, and the Servant, as his Lord: If they have called the Master of the House Beelzebub; how much more shall they call them of his Household, Mat. 10. 16. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you; and ye shall be hated of all Nations, for my name's sake, Mat. 24. 9 They shall put you out of the Synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think, that he doth God Service.— Verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall Weep and Lament; but the World shall rejoice and ye shall be sorrowful; but your Sorrow shall be turned into Joy.— And ye now therefore have Sorrow; but I will see you again; and your Heart shall rejoice, and your Joy no Man taketh from you, Jo. 16. 2, 20. If the World hate you, ye know, that it hated me, before it hated you, Jo. 15. 18.  
Every Branch, that beareth Fruit, he (my Father) purgeth it, that it may bring forth more Fruit, Jo. 15. 2. Master, who did sin, this Man, or his Parents, that he was born Blind? Jesus answered; neither hath this Man sinned, nor his Parents: But that the Works of God should be made manifest in him. Jo. 9 2. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his Glory? Luk. 24. 26. And when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded, that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go: And they departed from the presence of the Counsel, rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer Shame for his Name, Act. 5. 40. We rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God; and not only so; but we Glory in Tribulations also, knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience, Rom. 5. 2. Heirs God, and Joint-heirs with Christ; if so be, that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon, that the Sufferings of this present Time, are not worthy to be compared with the Glory, which shall be revealed in us, Rom. 8. 17. For we know, that the whole Creation groaneth, and traveleth in Pain together, until now.— What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?— Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall Tribulation, or Distress, or Persecution, or Famine, or Nakedness, or Peril, or Sword? (As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter:) Nay, in all these things, we are more than Conquerors, through him, that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other Creature, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8. 22, 31, 35.  
I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last, as it were appointed to Death: For we are made a Spectacle unto the World, and to Angels, and to Men. We are Fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ: We are weak, but ye are strong: Ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present Hour, we both Hunger and Thirst, and are Naked, and are Buffeted, and have no certain Dwelling-place; and labour, working with our own Hands: Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: We are made as the Filth of the World, and are the offscouring of all things unto this Day, 1 Cor. 4. 9 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies, and the God of all Comfort; who comforteth us in all our Tribulations;— for as the Sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our Consolation also aboundeth by Christ.— For we would not, Brethren, have you ignorant of our Trouble, which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of Measure, above Strength, insomuch that we despaired even of Life: But we had the Sentence of Death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God, which raiseth the Dead, who delivered us from so great a Death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us, 2 Cor. 1. 3, 8. And our Hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as you are Partakers of the Sufferings; so shall ye be also of the Consolation, Ib. v. 7. We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the Body, the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body. For we, which live, are always delivered unto Death for Jesus sake, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh. So then Death worketh in us, but Life in you.— For which cause we faint not; but tho' our outward Man perish, yet the inward Man is renewed day by day. For our light Affliction, which is but for a Moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory; while we look not at the things, which are seen, but at the things, which are not seen: for the things, which are seen, are Temporal; but the things, which are not seen, are Eternal, 2 Cor. 4. 7, 16.  
I am filled with Comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our Tribulation. For when we were come into Macedonia, our Flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were Fightings, within were Fears. Nevertheless, God that comforteth those, that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 2 Cor. 7. 4. Ye suffer, if a Man bring you into Bondage, if a Man devour you, if a Man take of you, if a Man exalt himself, if a Man simite you on the Face.— Are they Ministers of Christ? I am more: In Labours more abundant, in Stripes above measure, in Prisons more frequent, in Deaths oft. Of the Jews, five times received I forty Stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with Rods, once was I Stoned, thrice I suffered Shipwreck; a Night and a Day I have been in the Deep: In Journeying often, in Perils of Waters▪ in Perils of Robbers, in Perils by my own Countrymen, in Perils by the Heathen, in Perils in the City, in Perils in the Wilderness, in Perils in the Sea, in Perils among false Brethren.— In Damascus the Governor under Aretas the King, kept the City of the Damascens with a Garrison, desirous to apprehend me; and through a Window in a Basket was I let down by the Wall, and escaped his Hands, 2 Cor. 11. 20, 23. Lest I should be exalted above Measure through the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a Thorn in the Flesh, the Messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above Measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might departed from me. And he said unto me, my Grace is sufficient for thee: For my Strength is made perfect in Weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my Infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take Pleasure in Infirmities, in Reproaches, in Necessities, in Persecutions, in Distresses for Christ's sake: For when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Cor. 12. 7. What things were Gain to me, those I counted Loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I do count all things but Loss, for the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the Loss of all things, and do count them but Dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, Phil. 3. 7. I have learned, in whatever State I am, therewith to be content: I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: Everywhere and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound, and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me, Phil. 4. 11. Whereof (of the Gospel) I Paul am made a Minister; who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and fill up that, which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh, for his Body's sake, which is the Church, Col. 1. 23.  
We ourselves glory in you in the Churches of God, for your Patience and Faith in all your Persecutions and Tribulations, that ye endure: which is a manifest Token of the Righteous Judgement of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer; seeing it is a righteous thing with God, to recompense Tribulation to them, that trouble you; and to you, who are troubled, rest with us, 2 Thess. 1. 4. I suffer Trouble, as an evil Doer, even unto Bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things, for the Elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the Salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with Eternal Glory. It is a faithful Saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us, 2 Tim. 2. 9 Thou hast fully known my Doctrine, manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Long-suffering, Charity, Patience, Persecutions, Afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what Persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me: yea, and all, that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer Persecution, 2 Tim. 3. 10. We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffering of Death, crowned with Glory and Honour; that he, by the Grace of God, should taste Death for every Man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many Sons unto Glory, to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through Sufferings, Heb. 2. 9 Tho' he were a Son, yet learned he Obedience, by the things which he suffered: and being made perfect, he became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them, that obey him, Heb. 5. 8. It is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the living God, but call to Remembrance the former Days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of Afflictions: partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock, both by Reproaches and Afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became Companions of them, that were so used. For ye had Compassion of me in my Bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your Goods, knowing in yourselves, that ye have in Heaven a better, and an enduring Substance. Cast not away therefore your Confidence, which hath great Recompense of Reward. For ye have need of Patience; that after ye have done the Will of God, ye might receive the Promise. For yet a little while, and he, that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by Faith: but if any Man draw back, my Soul shall have no Pleasure in him. But we are not of them, who draw back unto Perdition; but of them, that believe, to the saving of the Soul, Heb. 10. 31. By Faith, Moses, when he was come to Years, refused to be called the Son of Pharoah's Daughter; choosing rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God, than to enjoy the Pleasures of Sin for a season; esteeming the Reproach of Christ, greater Riches, than the Treasures of Egypt; for he had Respect unto the Recompense of the Reward— What shall I more say— of the Prophets, who, through Faith subdued Kingdoms, wrought Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the Mouths of Lions, quenched the Violence of Fire?— Others were tortured, not accepting Deliverance; that they might obtain a better Resurrection. And others had Trial of cruel Mockings and Scourge, yea, moreover of Bonds and Imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the Sword; they wandered about in Sheepskins and Goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: (of whom the World was not worthy) they wandered in Deserts, and in Mountains, and in Dens and Caves of the Earth, Heb. 11. 23, 32. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the Sin, which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with Patience the Race, that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith; who, for the Joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despising the Shame, and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God. For consider him, that endured such Contradiction of Sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your Minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto Blood, striving against Sin. And ye have forgotten the Exhortation, which speaketh unto you, as unto Children; My Son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint, when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son, whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with Sons: for what Son is he, whom the Father chasteneth not? But if ye be without Chastisement, whereof all are Partakers, then are ye Bastards, and not Sons. Furthermore, we have had Fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them Reverence: shall we not much rather be in Subjection unto the Father of Spirits and live? For they verily for a few Days chastened us, after their own Pleasure; but he for our Profit, that we might be Partakers of his Holiness. Now, no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness unto them, which are exercised thereby. Wherefore, lift up the Hands, which hang down, and the feeble Knees, and make strait Paths for your Feet, lest that, which is lame, be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed, Heb. 12. 1.  
Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel— confirming the Souls of the Disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the Faith, and that we must, through much Tribulation, enter into the Kingdom of God, Act. 14. 22. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every City, saying, that Bonds and Afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my Life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my Course with Joy, and the Ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, Act. 20. 22. Then Paul answered; What mean ye to weep, and to break my Heart? For I am ready, not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the Name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 21. 13. My Brethren, count it all Joy, when ye fall into divers Temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your Faith worketh Patience. But let Patience have her perfect Work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.— Blessed is the Man, that endureth Temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them, that love him, Jam. 1. 2, 12. Take, my Brethren, the Prophets, who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an Example of suffering Affliction, and of Patience. Behold, we count them happy, which endure. Ye have heard of the Patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord: that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy, Jam. 5. 10. This is thankworthy, if a Man, for Conscience toward God, endure Grief, suffering wrongfully. For what Glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your Faults, ye shall take it patiently? But, if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently; this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no Sin, neither was Guile found in his Mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him, that judgeth righteously: who his own self bore our Sins in his own Body on the Tree, that we being dead to Sin, should live unto Righteousness; by whose Stripes ye were healed, 1 Pet. 2. 19  
Who is he, that will harm you, if ye be followers of that, which is good? But, and if ye suffer for Righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their Terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your Hearts:— for it is better, if the Will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins, the just for the unjust, (that he might bring us to God) being put to death in the Flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, 1 Pet. 3. 13, 17. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as tho' same strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, in as much as ye are Partakers of Christ's Sufferings; that when his Glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding Joy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory, and of God, resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a Murderer, or as a Thief, or as an evil Doer, or as a Busybody in other Men's Matters. Yet if any Man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come, that Judgement must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them, that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved; where shall the  and the Sinner appear? Wherefore, let them, that suffer according to the Will of God, commit the keeping of their Souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator, 1 Pet. 4. 12. What are these, which are arrayed in white Robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me; These are they, which came out of great Tribulation, and have washed their Robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him Day and Night in his Temple:— and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes, Rev. 7. 13.  
Thus speaks the Rule; so full and plain, that a Christian must hence see, what Judgement he is to frame of all the Afflictions of this Life, and what use he is to make of them. He is to consider them as the Effect of the Divine Will, as the Trial and Improvement of Virtue, as the Exercise of Patience, as the Portion, which Christ chose for himself, and for his best Servants; and hence, that by a due Submission to them, they may be very serviceable in the gaining an eternal Crown. Therefore in practice, he is neither to murmur, nor sink in Spirit under them, as under Misfortunes; but first endeavour to submit with Resolution, as to the certain Ordinance of the Divine Will, and then even to receive with Comfort, what God knows to be best for him, and may be very advantageous to him for obtaining Mercy and Glory. Thus the Gospel directs. Such then, as sincerely desire to be Followers of it, must labour to compose their Spirits in this manner, under all kind of Afflictions; that is, with Meekness, Patience, Humility, Submission and Comfort, for this is the Spirit of the Gospel; and they, who take no Pains, or very little, to come into this Method, but yield to the Inclinations of Nature, in grieving, fretting, murmuring, etc. it is plain, as far, as they wilfully or affectedly follow Nature in this Point, so far they depart from the Gospel.   

CHAP. XX. Of Temptations.  
Q. Does the Gospel give any Directions in this Point?  
A. It does; and such, as aught to be observed.  
The Devil taketh him up into an exceeding high Mountain, and showeth him all the Kingdoms of the World, and the Glory of them; and saith unto him; All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the Devil leaveth him, and behold, Angels came and ministered unto him, Mat. 4. 8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your Adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about, seeking, whom he may devour: Whom resist, steadfast in Faith, knowing that the same Afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren, that are in the World. But the God of all Grace, who hath called us unto his eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you, 1 Pet. 〈…〉 Devil, and he will flee from you▪ Draw nigh to God; and he will draw nigh to you.— Humble yourselves in the Sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up, Jam. 4. 7, 10. Peter said; Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine Heart, to lie to the Holy Ghost, and keep back part of the Price of the Land? Act. 5. 3. Let him, that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall. There hath no Temptation taken you, but such, as is common to Man: But God is Faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will, with the Temptation also make a Way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10. 12. Lest I should be exalted above Measure, through the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a Thorn in the Flesh, the Messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above Measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might departed from me. And he said unto me; my Grace is sufficient for thee: For my Strength is made perfect in Weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my Infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.— For when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Cor. 12. 7. We glory in Tribulations also, knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience, and Patience, Experience; and Experience, Hope, Rom. 5. 3. My Brethren, count all Joy, when ye fall into divers Temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your Faith work th● Patience; but let Patience have her perfect Work, that ye may be Perfect and Entire, wanting nothing.— Blessed is the Man, that endureth Temptation; for▪ when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them, that love him. Let no Man say, when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: For God cannot be tempted with Evil, neither tempteth he any Man. But every Man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own Lust, and enticed. Then when Lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Sin: And Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth Death, Jam. 1. 2, 12. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, tho' now for a Season (if need be) ye are in Heaviness, through manifold Temptations: That the Trial of your Faith, being much more precious than of Gold that perisheth, tho' it be tried with Fire, might be found unto Praise, and Honour, and Glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; whom having not seen ye love, 1 Pet. 1. 6. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of Temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgement to be punished, 2 Pet. 2. 9  
Fear none of those things, which thou shalt suffer: Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison, that ye may be tried: And ye shall have Tribulation Ten Days: Be thou Faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life, Rev. 2. 10.  
Thus speaks the Rule: Whence many Particulars are made evident: First, That Good and Holy Persons are not exempt from Temptations; but that even these may be assaulted by the worst and most abominable of all Temptations, as appears in the Person of Christ and his Apostle. 2dly, That God tries his best Servants with many and great Difficulties, which Trials are often called Temptations; not Temptations to Sin, but for the Trial of Fidelity and greater Improvement in Virtue. 3dly, That a Christian ought not to grieve, when under such Temptations or Trials, but rather rejoice, because he knows this is the Effect of God's Love, and that an eternal Crown is promised the Reward of his Patience. 4thly, That therefore, under all such Trials he ought to have his Hope fixed on God with an entire Confidence of being ever supported by his Grace, that he will give him Strength proportioned to his Trials, and either continue or take them away, as he knows to be best for him. 5thly, That the Devil, taking the Advantage of his natural Corruption, lays many Temptations before him, and by these provokes him to Sin; and in this Way. God tempts no Man, it being wholly Inconsistent with his Goodness. Lastly, That with great Watchfulness he is to observe these Designs of his Enemy, and with Resolution stand against them; and that upon so doing he cannot fail of being Conqueror through God's assisting Grace.  
These being Truths delivered in the Christian's Rule, he must carefully observe them. He must receive all Trials, which come from the Hand of God, with great Patience, Courage and Fidelity, and daily endeavour in Spirit to rejoice under them. He must not be dejected at the most malicious Assaults of the Devil, but either despise or resist them. He must bear such Temptations as are common to our Nature, with Humility; and never Wilfully, Carelessly or Presumptuously put himself into Temptation. They, who do thus, may confide in the Grace of God, which will be sufficient for them. And they who do otherwise, forsake their Rule, and there can be no Surprise, if they are forsaken by him, who has given it them, for their Direction and Security.   

CHAP. XXI. Of Virgins.  
Q. HAving seen, what the Gospel directs in these General Duties, which belong to all, that profess the Name of Christ; let me now hear, what it says to the Particular States of Christians; that so, having this drawn under several Heads, every one may have the Opportunity of seeing, what is the Will of God in regard of them, and what Instructions Christ has laid upon them. And First, What does the Gospel say of Virgins?  
A. It speaks very particularly of them.  
There are some Eunuches, which were so born from their Mother's Womb: And there are some Eunuches, which were made Eunuches of Men: And there be Eunuches which have made themselves Eunuches, for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it, Mat. 19 12. The Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened unto Ten Virgins, which took their Lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom. And Five of them were Wise, and Five were Foolish. They, that were Foolish, took their Lamps, and took no Oil with them: But the Wise took Oil in their Vessels, with their Lamps.— The Bridegroom came, and they that were ready, went in with him to the Marriage, and the Door was shut. Afterward came also the other Virgins▪ saying, Lord, Lord, open to us: But he answered and said; Verily, I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the Day nor the Hour, Mat. 25. 1. It is good for a Man not to touch a Woman. Nevertheless, to avoid Fornication, let every Man have his own Wife, and let every Woman have her own Husband.— But I speak this by Permission, and not of Commandment. For I would that all Men were even as I myself: But every Man hath his proper Gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the Unmarried and Widows, it is good for them, if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them Marry: For it is better to Marry than to Burn.— But, as God hath distributed to every Man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk; and so ordain I in all the Churches.— Now concerning Virgins, I have no Commandment of the Lord: Yet I give my Judgement, as one, that hath obtained Mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore, that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a Man so to be. Art thou bound unto a Wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a Wife? Seek not a Wife.— But I would have you without Carefulness. He, that is Unmarried careth for the things, that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he, that is Married, careth for the things that are of the World, how he may please his Wife. Thee is difference also between a Wife and a Virgin: The unmarried Woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy, both in Body and Spirit: But she, that is Married, careth for the things of the World, how she may please her Husband. And this I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a Snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without Distraction. But if any Man think, that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his Virgin, if she pass the Flower of her Age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: Let them Marry. Nevertheless, he that standeth steadfast in his Heart, having no Necessity, but hath Power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his Heart, that he will keep his Virgin, doth well. So then, he that giveth her in Marriage, doth well: but he, that giveth her not in Marriage, doth better, 1 Cor 7. 1, 6, 17, 25. I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's Name written in their Foreheads.— And they sung as it were a new Song before the Throne, and before the four Beasts, and the Elders: And no Man could learn that Song, but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the Earth. These are they, which were not defiled with Women; for they are Virgins: These are they, which follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth: These were redeemed from among Men, being the First-fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. And in their Mouth was found no Guile: For they are without Fault before the Throne of God, Rev. 14. 1, 3.  
Thus the Rule: In which these Particulars are declared: First, That it is lawful and good to Marry; but that it is better to remain Unmarried: 2dly, That the Unmarried State has much the Advantage of the other, for tending upon the Lord with less Distraction. 3dly, That there are Persons, which remain Unmarried for gaining the Kingdom of Heaven. Lastly, That if such are not duly watchful in preparing for the coming of the Spouse, they are not Wise, and will be shut out with Unbelievers.   

CHAP. XXII. Of Married Persons, Husband and Wife.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to the State of Marriage, and to those, which are engaged in it?  
A. It speaks very particularly upon this Subject, and what ought to be well considered by all concerned. First, That it is not to be dissolved.  
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him: Is it lawful for a Man to put away his Wife for every Cause? And he answered and said unto them; have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning, made them Male and Female? And said, for this Cause shall a Man leave Father and Mother, and shall cleave to his Wife, and they twain shall be one Flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one Flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not Man put asunder. — Moses, because of the Hardness of your Hearts, suffered you to put away your Wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you; whosoever shall put away his Wife, except it be for Fornication, and shall Marry another, committeth Adultery; and whoso marrieth her, which is put away, doth commit Adultery, Mat. 19 3. Unto the Married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the Wife departed from her Husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her Husband: And let not the Husband put away his Wife, 1 Cor. 7. 10. The Woman, which hath an Husband, is bound by the Law to her Husband, so long as he liveth: But if the Husband be dead, she is loosed from the Law of her Husband. So then, if while her Husband liveth, she be Married to another Man, she shall be called an Adulteress: But if her Husband be dead, she is free from that Law; so that, she is no Adulteress, tho' she be Married to another Man, Rom. 7. 2. The Wife is bound by the Law, as long as her Husband liveth: But if her Husband he dead, she is at Liberty to be Married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier, if she so abide, after my Judgement: And I think also, that I have the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 7. 39  
2dly, As to difference of Religion in Man and Wife, S. Paul thus gives his Judgement. To the rest speak I, not the Lord, if any Brother hath a Wife, that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the Woman, which hath an Husband, that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving Husband is sanctified by the Wife, and the unbelieving Wife is sanctified by the Husband: Else were your Children unclean; but now they are holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him departed. A Brother or a Sister is not under Bondage in such Cases: But God hath called us to Peace. For what knowest thou, O Wife, whether thou shalt save thy Husband? Or how knowest thou, O Man, whether thou shalt save thy Wife? But as God hath distributed to every Man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk: And so ordain I in all the Churches, 1 Cor. 7. 12.  
3dly, As to one part of their mutual Obligation: Let the Husband render unto the Wife due Benevolence: And likewise also the Wife unto the Husband. The Wife hath not Power of her own Body, but the Husband: And likewise also the Husband hath not Power of his own Body, but the Wife. Defraud you not one the other, except it be with consent for a Time, that ye may give yourselves to Fasting and Prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your Incontinency. But I speak this by Permission, and not of Commandment, 1 Cor. 7. 3.  
4thly, That they may and aught to live holily: There was in the Days of Herod the King of Judea, a certain Priest, named Zacharias, of the Course of Abia: And his Wife was of the Daughters of Aaron, and her Name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord, blameless, and they had no Child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years, Luk. 1. 5. This I say, Brethren, the time is short. It remaineth, that both they, that have Wives, be as tho' they had none; and they that weep, as tho' they wept not; and they that rejoice, as tho' they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as tho' they possessed not; and they that use this World, as not abusing it: For the fashion of this World passeth away, 1 Cor. 7. 29. We beseech you, Brethren, and exhort you, by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us, how ye ought to walk, and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know, what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the Will of God, even your Sanctification, that ye should abstain from Fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honour; not in the Lust of Concupiscence, even as the Gentiles, which know not God, 1 Thess. 4. 1. Marriage is honourable in all, and the Bed undefiled: But Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness: and be content with such things, as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 4.  
5thly, That there are great Duties of mutual Love and Support belonging to them; and that Order is to be observed, which God has appointed between them. I would have you know, that the Head of every Man is Christ; and the Head of the Woman is the Man; and the Head of Christ is God.— A Man indeed ought not to cover his Head, (praying) for as much as he is the Image and Glory of God: But the Woman is the Glory of the Man. For the Man is not of the Woman; but the Woman of the Man. Neither was the Man created for the Woman; but the Woman for the Man. For this Cause ought the Woman to have Power on her Head, because of the Angels. Nevertheless, neither is the Man without the Woman, neither the Woman without the Man in the Lord. For as the Woman is of the Man, even so is the Man also by the Woman; but all things of God, 1 Cor. 11. 3, 7. Submitting yourselves one to another in the Fear of God.  
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord. For the Husband is the Head of the Wife, even as Christ is Head of the Church: And he is the Saviour of the Body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing.  
Husband's love your Wives even as Christ loved the Church, and also gave himself for it: That he might sanctify and cleanse it.— So ought Men to love their Wives, as their own Bodies: He that loveth his Wife, loveth himself. For no Man ever yet hated his own Flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: For we are Members of his Body, of his Flesh, and of his Bones. For this Cause shall a Man leave his Father and Mother, and shall be joined unto his Wife, and they two shall be one Flesh. This is a great Mystery: But I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless,  
Let every one of you in particular, so love his Wife, even as himself; and the Wife see, that she reverence her Husband, Eph. 5. 21, 28.  
Wives submit yourselves unto your own Husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  
Husbands, love your Wives, and be not bitter against them, Col. 3. 18.  
Ye Wives, be in Subjection to your own Husbands; that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the Conversation of the Wives, while they behold your chaste Conversation coupled with Fear. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the Hair, and of wearing of Gold, or of putting on of Apparel: but let it be the hidden Man of the Heart, in that, which is not corruptible, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which is in the Sight of God of great Price. For after this manner in the Old Time, the holy Women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in Subjection unto their own Husbands, even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord: Whose Daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any Amazement, 1 Pet. 3. 1.  
Likewise ye Husbands, dwell with them according to Knowledge, giving Honour unto the Wife, as unto the weaker Vessel, and as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life; that your Prayers be not hindered, 1 Pet. 3. 7.  
Teach the young Women to be sober, to love their Husbands, to love their Children, to be Discreet, Chaste, keepers at Home, good, obedient to their own Husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed, Tit. 2. 4.  
Young Men likewise exhort to be Sober-minded, Tit. 2. 6.  
That the aged Men be Sober, Grave, Temperate, Sound in Faith, in Charity, in Patience, Tit. 2. 2.  
The aged Women likewise, that they be in Behaviour, as becometh Holiness, not false Accusers, not given to much Wine, Teachers of good things, Tit. 2. 3.  
I will that Men pray every where, lifting up holy Hands, without Wrath and Doubting, 1 Tim. 2. 8.  
In like manner also, that Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel, with Shamefacedness and Sobriety: Not broidered Hair, or Gold, or Pearls, or costly Array; but (which becometh Women professing Godliness) with good Works. Let the Women learn in silence with all Subjection. But I suffer not a Woman to teach, nor to usurp Authority over the Man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first form, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the Woman being deceived, was in the Transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in Childbearing, if they continue in Faith, and Charity, and Holiness with Sobriety, 1 Tim. 2. 9  
Let your Women keep silence in the Churches: For it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under Obedience, as also saith the Law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their Husbands at Home: For it is a Shame for Women to speak in the Church, 1 Cor. 14. 34.  
Thus speaks the Rule, and so particularly, that there can be no need of repeating it. Let all then, who engage in this State, remember the Charge here given, and distinguish themselves from Heathens, by endeavouring to be punctual in it. The State is what God has ordained for the Propagation of Mankind, and filling up the Number of the Elect. Thus it becomes sanctified to the Faithful, and aught to be undertaken, not in the Spirit of Brutes, or of the World, but in the Fear of God, and the Spirit of true Holiness; so as to hope for the Blessing of a manifold Grace, such as may be necessary for satisfying all the Obligations belonging to their State. For a help in this, I wish they would often read, what the Word of God here speaks to them, that so being frequently reminded of their Duty, they may be solicitous, in complying with it. In undertaking this State, they have undertaken these Obligations; and if they are not careful in satisfying them, they are faithless and unjust; and what then will it avail them to be just in other Duties, if they are unjust in these, which are annexed to their State? Custom may seem to lessen the Gild; but this is a Snare for such, as are willing to be deceived; for certainly it cannot be a Lessening, but an Aggravation of Sin, to live always in it.   

CHAP. XXIII. Of Widows.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give, as to this State?  
A. It speaks very particularly of it.  
There was one Anna a Prophetess, the Daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with an Husband seven Years from her Virginity. And she was a Widow of about fourscore and four Years; which departed not from the Temple, but served God with Fast and Prayer Night and Day, Luke 2. 36.  
I say to the Unmarried and Widows, 〈…〉 for them, if they abide, even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry, than to burn.— But, as God hath distributed to every Man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk: and so ordain I in all the Churches, 1 Cor. 7. 8, 17.  
The unmarried Woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in Body and in Spirit: but she, that is married, careth for the things of the World, how she may please her Husband. And this I speak for your own Profit, not that I may cast a Snare upon you; but for that, which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without Distraction.— The Wife is bound by the Law, as long as her Husband liveth: but if her Husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier, if she so abide, after my Judgement: and I think also, that I have the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 7. 34, 39  
Honour Widows, that are Widows indeed. But if any Widow have Children or Nephews, let them learn first to show Piety at home, and to requite their Parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she, that is a Widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in Supplications and Prayers night and day. But she, that liveth in pleasure, is dead, while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own House, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel. Let not a Widow be taken into the number, under Threescore Years old, having been the Wife of one Man, well reported of for good Works; if she have brought up Children, if she have lodged Strangers, if she have washed the Saints Feet, if she have relieved the Afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good Work. But the younger Widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry, having Damnation, because they have cast off their first Faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from House to House; and not only idle, but Tattlers also, and Busybodies, speaking things, which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger Women marry, bear Children, guide the House, give none Occasion to the Adversary to speak reproachfully, for some are already turned aside after Satan. If any Man or Woman, that believeth, have Widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them, that are Widows indeed, 1 Tim. 5. 3.  
Thus speaks the Rule to Persons of this State, plainly showing, what are the Advantages to be made of it, and what the Exercises, by which they may recommend themselves to the Favour of Heaven. Such then, as desire the Comforts of his Protection, who reckons Widows a particular part of his Care, may here see how they may be of this number, since they have him for their Informer, who offers his Help. Thus than they may be Happy, and even Gainers by their Loss, in the tender Offers of a Heavenly Father. But if they look not for this Privilege; but still have their Hearts full of the World, and still follow its Ways, they have the Name of Widows, but are not Widows indeed; they seek Earthly Comforts, and such they may have.   

CHAP. XXIV. Of Parents.  
Q. WHAT Direction does the Gospel give to Parents?  
A. He that loveth Son or Daughter more than me, is not worthy of me, Matth. 10. 37. Their Love then ought to be prudent and moderate.  
Then came to him the Mother of Zebedee's Children, with her Sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him; Grant that th●se my two Sons may sit, the one on thy Right Hand, and the other on the Left, in thy Kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the Cup, that I shall drink of? Mat. 20. 20. Ambition is to be avoided in the disposing of Children, and in seeking Preferment for them: Due Care is to be used, in teaching them to do the Will of God, and embrace his Appointments.  
When the Days of her Purification, according to the Law of Moses, were accomplished, they brought him (the Infant Jesus) to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, Luke 1. 22. A good Practice of Parents to offer their Children daily to God, for obtaining his Grace and Protection upon them.  
And they sought him among their Kinsfolk and Acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him, Luke 2. 44. It is the Parents Care, to seek their Children, and to omit no Industry in regaining them, when they are lost. How often is it necessary to follow them amongst their Relations and Acquaintance, and to observe their ways!  
He arose, and came to his Father. But when he was yet a great way off, his Father saw him, and had Compassion, and ran, and fell on his Neck, and kissed him. And the Son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and in thy Sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy Son. But the Father said to his Servants, Bring forth the best Robe, and put it on him, and put a Ring on his Hand, and Shoes on his Feet; and bring hither the fatted Calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: For this my Son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found, Luk. 15. 20. Parents are to receive their Children with Tenderness and Love, when they return from their ill Ways.  
Ye Fathers, provoke not your Children to Wrath: but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6. 4. Fathers, provoke not your Children to Anger, lest they be discouraged, Col. 3. 21. Parents are to treat their Children with Mildness, avoiding all that causes Dejection and Discouragement, and yet bringing them up in the Knowledge and Fear of God.  
These are some principal Duties belonging to Parents; which, if duly observed, will bring Peace of Conscience, and cannot fail of good Effects. But however, in this important Concern, it cannot be amiss to add something out of the Old-Testament.  
Abraham said unto his eldest Servant of his House, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy Hand under my Thigh, and I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of Heaven, and the God of the Earth, that thou shalt not take a Wife unto my Son of the Daughters of the Canaanites, amongst whom I dwell: but thou shalt go to my Country, and to my Kindred, and take a Wife unto my Son Isaac, Gen. 24. 2. It ought to be the Solicitude of Parents, to see that their Children be well married; the Choice of the Person is of great Concern.  
And they (the Parents of Rebekah) said, we will call the Damsel, and inquire at her mouth. And they called Rebekah, and they said unto her, wilt thou go with this Man? And she said, I will go, Gen. 24. 57 Children ought not to be disposed of in Marriage by their Parents, but with their own free consent.  
Isaac called Jacob, and Blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a Wife of the Daughters of Canaan, Gen. 28. 1. And Joseph said to his Father, they are my Sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.— And he blessed Joseph, Gen. 48. 9, 15. It belongs to Parents to be very careful in the choice of Persons for the Marriage of their Children; and likewise to give them their Blessing.  
These Words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine Heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children, and thou shalt talk of them, when thou sittest in thine House, and when thou walkest by the Way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up, Deut. 6. 6. Good Instructions to be given by Parents, and to be often repeated to their Children.  
In that Day I will perform against Eli, all things, which I have spoken concerning his House: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him, that I will judge his House for ever, for the Iniquity, which he knoweth: because his Sons have made themselves vile, and he restrained them not, 1 Sam. 3. 12. Children are to be corrected for the Evil they do. If Reproofs are not regarded, some other Expedients must be resolved upon; for an Indulgence in case of Crimes is the Provocation of Judgements.  
And the King commanded Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, Deal gently, for my sake, with the young Man, even with Absalon, 2 Sam. 18. 5. Parents ought to retain the Bowels of Parents towards their Children, even when they are wicked.  
And his Sons went and feasted in their Houses, every one his Day, and sent and called for their three Sisters, to eat▪ and to drink with them. And it was so, when the Days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent, and sanctified them, and risen up early in the Morning, and offered Burnt-Offerings, according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be, that my Sons have sinned, and cursed God in their Hearts. Thus did Job continually, Job 1. 4. An excellent Example of Parents, to be watchful over the Conduct of their Children, and to be solicitous in preventing their falling under God's Displeasure, and daily praying for them.  
My Son, hear the Instruction of thy Father, and forsake not the Law of thy Mother.— My Son, if Sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us;— My Son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy Foot from their Path, for their Feet run to Evil, Prov. 1. 8, 15. Parents are to be very careful in preventing their children's falling into ill Company, and industrious i● withdrawing them from it, if once engaged.  
He that spareth his Rod, hateth hi● Son: but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes, Prov. 13. 24.  
Chasten thy Son, while there is hope, and let not thy Soul spare for his crying, Prov. 19 18.  
The just Man walketh in his Integrity: his Children are blessed after him, Prov. 20. 7.  
Train up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old he wil● not departed from it, Prov. 22. 6.  
Foolishness is bound in the Heart o● a Child; but the Rod of Correction shall drive it far from him, Prov. 22. 15.  
Withhold not Correction from the Child: For if thou beatest him with the Rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the Rod, and shalt deliver his Soul from Hell, Prov. 23. 13, 14.  
The Rod and Reproof give Wisdom; but a Child left to himself bringeth his Mother to Shame.— Correct thy Son, and he shall give thee rest: Yea, he shall give delight unto thy Soul, Prov. 29. 15, 17.  
From these Instructions may Christian Parents know, what is the Will of God, and how to satisfy those Duties, which God has imposed on them, in regard of their Children. These Duties are great, and on the due discharge of them depends no less, than (as Solomon says) delivering their children's Souls from Hell. Nature therefore is not to be a Rule to those, who have undertaken to be directed by the Will of God. To consult Nature then, either in the Indulging or Punishing of Children, is to forsake the Rule. Both are to be regulated as God has prescribed.   

CHAP. XXV. Of Children to Parents.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give in this Point?  
A. I am come to set a Man at Variance against his Father, and the Daughter against her Mother, and the Daughter-in-law against her Mother-in-law. And a Man's Foes shall be they of his own Household. He that loveth Father or Mother more than me, is not worthy of me, Mat. 10. 35. Parents are to be loved, honoured, and obeyed in all that is lawful; but not in things contrary to the known Will of God.  
He answered and said unto them; why do ye also transgress the Commandment of God by your Tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy Father and Mother: And he that curseth Father or Mother, let him die the Death. But ye say, whosoever shall say to his Father or his Mother, it is a Gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me, and honour not his Father or his Mother, he shall be free: Thus have ye made the Commandment of God of none Effect by your Tradition, Mat. 15. 3. The Precept of God commanding all to Honour Father and Mother is not to be transgressed under the Cover of pretended Piety. Such Glosses are a Violence to the Law of God.  
His Mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy Father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it, that ye sought me? Witted ye not, that I must be about my Father's Business? Luk. 2. 48. God is the first Father, and to be obeyed in the first place. All that is created must give place to his Will; whatever is not consistent with this, must yield. He said unto another, follow me: But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my Father. Jesus said unto him, Let the Dead bury their Dead; but go thou and preach the Kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee: But let me first go bid them farewel, which are at Home at my House. And Jesus said unto him, no Man having put his Hand to the Plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God, Luk. 9 59 Domestic Duties are to give place to greater.  
And he (Jesus) went down with them (his Parents) and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them, Luk. 2. A good Example of Obedience.  
And when he came to himself, he said,— I will arise and go to my Father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, Luk. 15. 17. Children sensible of their undue Ways ought to have recourse to their Parents, with Confidence and Humility, according to the Example of the Prodigal Son.  
When therefore Jesus saw his Mother, and the Disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his Mother, Woman, behold thy Son. Then saith he to the Disciple, behold thy Mother. And from that Hour, that Disciple took her unto his own Home, Jo. 19 26. Children ought to be mindful of their Parents, especially at the Hour of Death, with a Recommendation to their best Friends.  
Children, obey your Parents in the Lord: For this is right. Honour thy Father and Mother, (which is the first Commandment with Promise) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the Earth, Eph. 6. 1. A general Duty of Children to obey and honour their Parents in all that is not Sin: With a Blessing annexed to it.  
Children, obey your Parents in all things: For this is wellpleasing unto the Lord, Col. 3. 20.  
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with Sons: For what Son is he, whom the Father chasteneth not?— We have had Fathers of our Flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them Reverence: Shall we not much rather be in Subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? For they verily for a few Days chastened us after their own Pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be Partakers of his Holiness, Heb. 12. 7, 9 Children, even when chastised by Parents after their own Pleasure, ought not to lose the Reverence due to them, but submit with respect.  
If any Widow have Children, or Nephews, let them learn first to show Piety at Home, and to requite their Parents: For that is good and acceptable before God, 1 Tim. 5. 4. An express Duty of Children to be Respectful and Dutiful at Home, and by such Arguments of Gratitude to make some acknowledgement of the great Obligation to their Parents. This cannot be expected from little Ones, who are not capable of these Sentiments, and therefore this must be spoke to Children, when now grown up and at an Age of giving this Comfort to their Parents.  
Here it cannot be unseasonable to make some Additions out of the Old Testament.  
Honour thy Father and thy Mother: That thy Days may be long upon the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, Exod. 20. 12.  
He that smiteth his Father or his Mother, shall be surely put to Death, Exod. 21. 15.  
Ye shall fear every Man his Mother, and his Father, and keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God, Levit. 19 3.  
Every one, that curseth his Father, or his Mother, shall be surely put to Death: He hath cursed his Father or his Mother; his Blood shall be upon him, Levit. 20. 9  
Honour thy Father and thy Mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy Days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, Deut. 5. 16.  
And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the Men of Israel with a loud Voice;— cursed be he, that setteth Light by his Father or his Mother: And all the People shall say Amen, Deut. 27. 14, 16.  
Notwithstanding, they, (the Sons of Eli) harkened not unto the Voice of their Father, because the Lord would slay them, 1 Sam. 2. 25.  
Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah? And the King risen up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his Throne, and caused a Seat to be set for the King's Mother; and she sat on his right Hand, 1 Kin. 2. 19  
Esther had not yet showed her Kindred, nor her People, as Modecai had charged her: For Esther did the Commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him, Esth. 2. 20.  
A wise Son maketh a glad Father; but a foolish Son is the Heaviness of his Mother, Prov. 10. 1.  
A Fool despiseth his Father's Instruction: But he, that regardeth Reproof, is Prudent, Prov. 15. 5.  
A foolish Son is a Grief to his Father, and Bitterness to her, that bore him, Prov. 17. 25.  
He, that wasteth his Father, and chaseth away his Mother, is a Son, that causeth Shame, and bringeth Reproach. Cease, my Son, to hear the Instruction, that causeth to err from the Words of Knowledge, Prov. 19 26.  
Harken unto thy Father, that begat thee, and despise not thy Mother, when she is old, Prov. 23. 22.  
Whoso robbeth his Father or his Mother, and saith, it is no Transgression; the same is the Companion of a Destroyer, Prov. 28. 24.  
The Eye, that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out, and the young Eagle shall eat it, Prov. 30. 17.  
Jeremiah said unto the House of the Rechabites, thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, because ye have obeyed the Commandment of Jonadab your Father, and kept all his Precepts, and done according unto all, that he hath commanded you: Therefore, thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, Jonadab the Son of Rechab shall not want a Man to stand before me for ever, Jer. 35. 18.  
Thus speaks the Rule; the Will of God is manifest in it, and the doing his Will, being the only Secure Way, wherein a Christian is to walk; Children have no other Means of coming to their Heavenly Father, but by doing his Will here on Earth, and with a particular Care observing whatever charge he has given them in Relation to their Parents. The Precept is repeated so often, that there can be no dispute of it. And yet to see with how little Respect some Parents are treated; how much others are slighted and neglected; and that many have no greater affliction in the World, than what is given them by the Children of their own Bowels; and this at an Age, when Parents stand most in need of Comfort, and Children being at years of Discretion, cannot be Ignorant of their Duty: To see this, I say one would think, God had never spoke in the Case, or not manifested his Will. What then must be said but that Christians have a Rule, but have little concern in following it, and that, upon this account, they cannot rationally expect the Blessings God has promised to the Observers of it? This is the First Commandment, as the Apostle says, with Promise, and it cannot be questioned, but as the Observance of it is so particularly enforced with a Promise of God's Favour; so the Contempt of it must be the Forfeiture of all such Expectation, must provoke God's Displeasure, and be followed with Judgement.   

CHAP. XXVI. Of Youth.  
Q. HAving now spoken of the Duties of Children to their Parents: Pray tell me, are there not some Instructions particularly directed to Persons while yet in their Youth; for such seem very much to want them?  
A. Yes, there are such.  
Behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal Life? And he said unto him, why callest thou me Good? There is none Good, but one, that is, God: But if thou wilt enter into Life, keep the Commandments. He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no Murder, Thou shalt not commit Adultery, Thou shalt not Steal, Thou shalt not bear false Witness, Honour thy Father and thy Mother; and, thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thyself. The young Man saith unto him, all these things have I kept from my Youth up: What lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and Sell what thou hast, and give to the Poor, and thou shalt have Treasure in Heaven; and come and follow me. But when the Young Man heard that Saying, he went away Sorrowful; for he had great Possessions, Mat. 19 16. The Commandments are to be kept by all Persons in their Youth; and even then they are to consider which is the Way to eternal Life, and whether they walk in it, and what is yet wanting to them. It is said of this Young Man, that Jesus, beholding him, loved him, Mar. 10. 21. And thus only can Youth expect the Love of Jesus. If this be true; then what is the unhappy State of those great Numbers, who have their Thoughts, Desires, Affections, so confined to Self-love, and the Love of the World, that they scarce think of another Life! Grant them, O God, a better Spirit.  
And the Child grew, and waxed strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom; and the Grace of God was upon him.— And when he was twelve years Old, they went up to Jerusalem— after three Days they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Doctors, both bearing them, and ask them questions, Luk. 2. 40, 42, 46. And Jesus increased in Wisdom and Stature, and in favour with God and Man, v. 52. Youth ought to seek the best Company, by whose Conversation, they may be advanced in Virtue and all true Wisdom. How wretchedly then do they go out of the Way, who avoiding these, seek and love none but those, from whom they can learn nothing, but Folly or Vice!  
Young Men likewise exhort to be Sober-minded, Tit. 2. 6.  
Likewise ye Younger, submit yourselves unto the Elder, 1 Pet. 5. 5.  
I here add something out of the Old Testament.  
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary Head, and honour the Face of the old Man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord, Levit. 19 32.  
My Son, forget not my Law; but let thine Heart keep my Commandments, Prov. 3. 1. Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee, 3. Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart, and lean not on own thine own Understanding, 5. Be not wise in thine own Eyes; fear the Lord and departed from Evil, 7. Get Wisdom, get Understanding: Forget it not, neither decline from the Woods of my Mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee, Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get Wisdom: And with all thy getting get Understanding, Pro. 4. 5. Take fast hold of Instruction, let her not go; keep her, for she is thy Life. Enter not into the Path of the Wicked, and go not into the Way of evil Men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away, v. 13.  
He is in the Way of Life, that keepeth Instruction: But he, that refuseth Reproof, erreth, Prov. 10. 17.  
Whoso loveth Instruction, loveth Knowledge, but he, that hateth Reproof, is brutish, Prov. 12. 1.  
A Man shall be commended  to his Wisdom, but he, that is of a perverse Heart, shall be despised, Prov. 12. 8. The way of a Fool is right in his own Eyes; but he, that hearkeneth unto Counsel, is wise, v. 15. Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord; but they, that deal truly, are his delight, v. 22.  
A wise Son heareth his Father's Instruction: But a Scorner heareth not Rebuke, Prov. 13. 1. He that keepeth his Mouth, keepeth his Life: But he that openeth wide his Lips, shall have Destruction, v. 3. Poverty and Shame shall be to him, that refuseth Instruction: But he, that regardeth Reproof, shall be honoured, v. 18. He, that walketh with wise Men, shall be Wise: But a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed, v. 20.  
He that walketh in his Uprightness, feareth the Lord; but he, that is perverse in his Ways, despiseth him, Prov. 14. 2. Go from the Presence of a foolish Man, when thou perceivest not in him the Lips of Knowledge, v. 7. Fools Mock at Sin, v. 9 There is a Way, which seemeth right unto a Man, but the end thereof are the Ways of Death, v. 12. He that is slow to Wrath, is of great Understanding; but he that is hasty of Spirit, exalteth Folly, v. 29.  
The Way of the Wicked is an Abomination unto the Lord, but he loveth him, that followeth after Righteousness, Prov. 15. 9 A Scorner loveth not one, that reproveth him; neither will he go unto the Wise, v. 12. The Lord will destroy the House of the Proud, v. 25. The Thoughts of the Wicked are an Abomination to the Lord, v. 26. He that refuseth Instruction hateth his own Soul; but he, that heareth Reproof, getteth Understanding, 32. The Fear of the Lord is the Instruction of Wisdom; and before Honour is Humility, 33.  
Every one, that is Proud in Heart, is an Abomination to the Lord, Prov. 16. 5. The Highway of the Upright is to departed from Evil: He that keepeth his Way, preserveth his Soul, v. 17. Pride goeth before Destruction: And a haughty Spirit before a fall, v. 18. A froward Man soweth Strife, and a Whisperer separateth chief Friends, 28.  
A Reproof entereth more into a wise Man, than an hundred Stripes into a Fool, Prov. 17. 10. The beginning of Strife is as when one letteth out Water: Therefore leave off Contention before it be meddled with, 14. He, that hath Knowledge spareth his Words:— Even a Fool, when he holdeth his Peace, is counted Wise, 27, 28.  
A Fool's Lips enter into Contention.— The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds, Prov. 18. 6, 8. Before Destruction the Heart of Man is haughty, 12. Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue, 21.  
The Discretion of a Man differeth his Anger, and it is his Glory to pass over a Transgression, Prov. 19 11. Slothfulness casteth into a deep Sleep; and an Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger, 15. He, that hath pity upon the Poor, dareth unto the Lord; and that, which he hath given, will he pay him again, 17. Hear Counsel, and receive Instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter End, 20. Reprove one, that hath Understanding, and he will understand Knowledge, 25.  
Wine is a Mocker, strong Drink is Raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise, Prov. 20. 1. It is an Honour for a Man to cease from Strife: But every Fool will be meddling, 3. Love not Sleep, lest thou come to Poverty, 13. He, that goeth about as a Tale-bearer, revealeth Secrets, 19  
An high Look, and a proud Heart, and the ploughing of the Wicked is Sin, Prov. 21. 4. He, that loveth Pleasure, shall be a poor Man, 17.  
The Mouth of a strange Women is a deep Pit; he, that is abhorred of the Lord, shall fall therein, Prov. 22. 14.  
Hear thou my Son, and be wise, and guide thine Heart in the Way. Be not amongst Winebibbers; amongst Rioters, Eaters of Flesh: For the Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to Poverty: and Drowsiness shall  a Man with Rags, Prov. 23. 19 Who hath Woe? Who hath Sorrow? Who hath Contentions? Who hath Babbling? Who hath Wounds without Cause? Who hath Redness of Eyes? They that tarry long at the Wine;— at the last it biteth like a Serpent, and stingeth like an Adder. Thine Eyes shall behold strange Women, and thine Heart shall utter perverse Things. Yea, thou shalt be as he, that lieth down in the midst of the Sea, or as he, that lieth upon the top of a Mast, 23, 29.  
Rejoice, O young Man, in thy Youth, and let thy Heart cheer thee in the Days of thy Youth, and walk in the Ways of thy Heart, and in the Sight of thine Eyes: But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee unto Judgement.— Childhood and Youth are Vanity, Eccl. 11. 9  
Remember now thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth, while the evil Days come not, nor the Years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no Pleasure in them, Eccl. 12. 1.  
It is good for a Man, that he bear the Yoke in his Youth, Lam. 3. 27.  
These are Instructions given by the Spirit of God, and particularly directed to Youth; which, if followed, will lead to true Wisdom; but, if neglected, the Fruit must be Destruction. The Difficulties of youthful Years are generally very great; for when the Strength of Passions carries them on, and there is neither Experience or Apprehension to Stem the Violence of them, they run as naturally into Mischief, as a Boat adrift down the Stream. Upon this Consideration is here often pressed, the Necessity of their heark'ning to Instruction, taking Counsel, admitting of Reproof, as the most effectual Means for their Security. This Advice is given them by the Spirit of God himself, who best knows what is necessary for them. Here they have his own Words, and such particular Directions, as their State requires; if they read them often, and are Solicitous to make them their Rule, they will with them find Life; but if they despise them, they despise their own Souls, and the Effects of his Goodness, who has thus mercifully taken Care of them.   

CHAP. XXVII. Of Masters and Mistresses of Families.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give to these?  
A. Such, as they ought carefully to observe, and are as follows.  
Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a Dream, saying, Arise, and take the young Child and his Mother, and flee into Egypt, Mat. 2. 13. They are to be watchful against all Dangers, that threaten their Families.  
The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a Man, which sowed good Seed in his Field: But while Men slept, his Enemy came and sowed Tares among the Wheat.— The Servants said unto him, wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, nay, lest while ye gather up the Tares, ye root up also the Wheat with them, Mat. 13. 24, 28. If they are not very Watchful, variety of Disorders will insensibly creep into their Families, both as to themselves, their Children and Servants: And it is their Sloth, Sleeping and Neglect is the general Occasion of it. For reforming such, great Discretion is necessary, and this they must earnestly beg of him, who is the Father of Light, and Fountain of all Wisdom.  
The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Man that is an Housholder, which went out early in the Morning to hire Labourers into his Vineyard. And when he had agreed with the Labourers;— when Even was come, the Lord of the Vineyard saith unto his Steward, Call the Labourers, and give them their Hire, Mat. 20. 1, 1. Three Points proper for this State. 1. To be Watchful and Early. 2. To consider and look into the Business they have to do, and prudently prepare for the effecting it. 3. To make just Payments, according to Agreement, and without delay. This last is often of so great Concern, that the Neglect of it is attended with so many Inconveniencies, as to deserve no better Name than of Injustice and Oppression.  
If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own House, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel, 1 Tim. 5. 8. How great the Obligation is of providing for Family, may be understood from the frightful Character, here given; of those, who neglect to do it. O God, how unhappy is their Condition, who lie under this Gild! I wish all Heads of Families would seriously consider it; that, terrified with it, they might be afraid 〈…〉 what should be the Comfort and Provision of their Family. Does not this want considering, when it is scarce looked upon as a Fault, to throw away Sums upon Humour and Sport, and to let Idleness and Intemperance eat out Estates? This is no less, in the Apostle's account, than renouncing Christianity and turning Heathen; and yet how common is this among those, who esteem themselves Christians?  
The Book of Proverbs describing the virtuous and industrious Woman in her Family, I here and some part of it:  
Who can find a virtuous Woman? For her Price is far above Rubies. The Heart of her Husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil, she will do him good, and not evil, all the Days of her Life. She seeketh Wool and Flax, and worketh willingly with her Hands. She is like the Merchant's Ship, she bringeth her Food from afar, she riseth also while it is yet Night, and giveth Meat to her Household, and a Portion to her Maidens.— She layeth her Hands to the Spindle, and her Hands hold the Distaff. She stretcheth out her Hand to the Poor, yea, she reacheth forth her Hands to the Needy.— She maketh fine Linen, and selleth it, and delivereth Girdles unto the Merchant. Strength and Honour are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her Mouth with Wisdom, and in her Tongue is the Law of Kindness. She looketh well to the Ways of her Household, and eateth not the Bread of Idleness. Her Children arise up and call her Blessed, her Husband also, and he praiseth her— Favor is deceitful, and Beauty is vain: But a Woman, that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised, Prov. 31. 10. An excellent Copy! I wish all would set it before them, and endeavour to come as near it, as their Circumstances will allow. Resolution and Virtue will make many things very Practicable, which Sloth and Niceness will not allow to be Possible.  

As to Servants.  
When Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a Centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my Servant lieth at Home Sick of the Palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him, Mat. 8. 5. It is a very commendable Charity in them, to be careful of their Servants, especially in time of Sickness.  
Servants, be Obedient to your Masters,— with good Will doing Service, as to the Lord, and not to Men; knowing, that whatsoever good thing any Man doth, the same shall be receive of the Lord, whether he be Bond or Free. And ye Masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening, knowing, that your Master also is in Heaven; neither is there respect of Persons with him, Eph. 6. 5, 7.  
Masters, give unto your Servants that, which is just and equal; knowing, that ye also have a Master in Heaven, Col. 4. 1.  
I beseech thee for my Son Onesimus,— which in time past was to thee unprofitable; but now profitable to thee and to me; whom I have sent again: Thou therefore receive him, that is mine own Bowels.— For perhaps he therefore departed for a Season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a Servant, but above a Servant, a Brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the Flesh, and in the Lord. If thou count me therefore a Partner, receive him, as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee Aught, put that on mine Account. I Paul have written it with mine own Hand, I will repay it, Phil. 10. See, how S. Paul shows favour to a poor Servant, and pleads for him.  
Behold the Hire of the Labourers, which have reaped down your Fields, which is of you kept back by Fraud, crieth; and the Cries of them, which have reaped, are entered into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbath, Jam. 5. 4.  
I add something from the Old Testament.  
The Hebrew Servant, which thou hast brought unto us, come in unto me, to mock me, Gen. 39 17. This was a false Accusation of Potipher 's Wife, and aught to be a Caution against laying Faults upon Servants which are not theirs.  
They did set over them Taskmasters, to afflict them with their Burdens.— And the Egyptians made the Children of Israel to serve with Rigour. And they made their Lives bitter, with hard Bondage, Exod. 1. 11, 13. To insult over Servants, to overcharge them with Labour, to give them a perpetual Uneasiness, is not a Christian, but the Egyptian Method.  
Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, let my People go, that they may hold a Feast unto me in the Wilderness, Exod. 5. 1. To hinder Servants from the Worship of God, and to think all that time lost, which, for this end, is taken from their Work, is to follow Pharaoh 's Copy.  
The Wages of him, that is hired, shall not abide with thee all Night until the Morning, Leu. 19 13.  
Six Days shalt thou Labour, and do all thy Work: But the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: In it thou shalt not do any Work, thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, nor thy Manservant, nor thy Maidservant, nor thine Ox, nor thine Ass, nor any of thy Cattle, nor thy Stranger, that is within thy Gates, that thy Manservant and thy Maidservant may rest, as well thou, Deut. 5. 13. To keep the Sabbath is the Duty of Servants, as well as Masters.  
Thou shalt not oppress an hired Servant, that is Poor and Needy, whether he be of thy Brethren, or of thy Strangers, that are in thy Land within thy Gates. At this Day, thou shalt give him his Hire, neither shall the Sun go down upon it, for he is Poor, and setteth his Heart upon it; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be Sin unto thee, Deut. 24. 14.  
If I did despise the Cause of my Manservant, or of my Maidservant, when they contended with me; what then shall I do, when God riseth up; and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? Did not he, that made me in the Womb, make him? And did not one fashion us in the Womb? Job 31. 13. The just Complaints of Servants to be heard with Patience, and Justice to be done them.  
Here are Instructions for all, that have the Care of Families and Servants, enough to let them see, what God expects from them. Those, who are Solicitous to please God, will endeavour to make these their Rule; and this is the Duty of all, who profess themselves Christians: But to follow the Inclinations of Nature, and to govern by Passion, in cases, where God has manifested his Will, is not the part of a Disciple of Christ.    

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Servants.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give to Christians of this State?  
A. It speaks directly to them, and in such a manner, that it is their great Concern to know and remember it.  
Who then is a faithful and wise Servant, whom his Lord hath made Ruler over his Household, to give them Meat in due Season? Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, that he shall make him Ruler over all his Goods. But and if that evil Servant shall say in his Heart, My Lord delayeth his Coming, and shall begin to smite his Fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the Drunken: The Lord of that Servant shall come in a Day, when he looketh not for him, and in an Hour, that he is not ware of; and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his Portion with the Hypocrites: There shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth, Mat. 24. 45. Fidelity, Prudence and Moderation, is here commended to Servants; and their Gild is here declared, who are Imperious over their Fellow-servants, deal harshly with them, or waste what belongs to those, whom they serve.  
Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord— And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, Mat. 25. 21, 30. A Reward is here promised to the faithful and industrious Servant, who is truly Zealous in his Master's Interest: And Punishment declared against the Slothful and Faithless, who are not Solicitous for their Master's Advantage.  
Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching, Luk. 12. 37. Their Fidelity is rewarded, who, in the Master's Absence, are Solicitous to discharge their Duty well.  
That servant, which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom Men have committed much, of him they will ask the more, Luk. 12. 47. The Servant's Rule is the Will of the Master in all, that is not Sin. He is the best Servant, who not only does according to his Master's Orders, but also according to his Desires. But he, that knows his Master's Will, and yet does it not, is not true to what he has undertaken.  
I am resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the Stewardship, they may receive me into their houses, Luke 16. 4. So said this Steward, and accordingly, raised himself Friends at his Master's Cost: But this being the unjust Steward, it is a thing, which Servants are not to imitate, but avoid as an Injustice.  
He, that is faithful in that, which is least, is faithful also in much: And he, that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much, Luk. 16. 10. To be Faithful in little things is an Argument of true Fidelity.  
Servants, be obedient to them, that are your Masters according to the flesh, with Fear and Trembling, in singleness of your heart; as unto Christ: Not with eye-service, as Men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to Men: Knowing, that whatsoever good thing, any Man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be Bond or Free, Eph. 6. 5. Servants, obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as Men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it hearty, as to the Lord, and not unto Men; knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: For ye serve the Lord Christ. But he, that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong, which he hath done: And there is no respect of Persons, Col. 3. 22. This Lesson thus repeated by S. Paul, aught to be considered Word by Word; if it were read every Day by Servants, this would not be too often.  
Let as many servants, as are under the yoke, count their own Masters worthy of all honour, that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed. And they, that have believing Masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit, 1 Tim. 6. 1.  
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own Masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, Tit. 2. 9  
Servants, be subject to your Masters with all Fear, not only to the Good and Gentle, but also to the Froward. For this is thankworthy, if a Man for Conscience toward God endure grief; suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But, if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him, that judgeth righteously, 1 Pet. 2. 18.  
Thus speaks the Rule, both to the Instruction and Comfort of Servants: It requires them to be Careful and Faithful in their Duty, not with Eye-service, but as serving God, is always Present, and Witness whether of their Fidelity or Sloth. It requires them to give Respect and be Obedient to their Masters, and this not only if they are Gentle and Mild, but even if they are Froward and Uneasy. It requires them to suffer with Patience, not only the Labour of their State, but likewise all Trials, as are frequent in their Circumstances, such as are Reproofs, Reproaches, or even Blows; and these, not only, when they are deserved, by their Faults, but even when they have done well, and therefore deserved them not. For their Encouragement, the Apostle lays before them the Example of Christ; and lets them know, that God is not a Respecter of Persons, and therefore, that if they serve faithfully, as to the Lord, and suffer patiently, according to the Example of Christ, they may confide in God, as their faithful Rewarder. Such, as do thus, are Christian Servants, and in as good a Way of being Great in the Kingdom of Heaven, as those, whom they serve. But then, if they follow not this Advice, are Eye-servants, are neither Careful in what they are to do, nor Patient in what they suffer, how unhappy are they! A kind of Slaves here, and little Hopes of being better hereafter.   

CHAP. XXIX. Of Merchants, Shopkeepers, and all Dealers.  
WHAT Directions does the Gospel give to Persons of this Profession?  
A. It lays down some Principles, which it is their Duty to observe.  
As ye would, that Men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise, Luk. 6. 31.  
All things, whatsoever ye would, that Men should do to you, do ye even so to them: For this is the Law and the Prophets, Mat. 7. 12.  
This is the Will of God,— that not Man go beyond and defraud his Brother in any matter; because that the Lord is the Avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you, and testified, 1 Thess. 4. 3, 6.  
He, that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong, which he hath done; and there is no Respect of Persons, Col. 3. 25.  
Thou knowest the Commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, defraud not, honour thy Father and Mother, Mar. 10. 19  
Nay, you do wrong and defraud, and that your brethren: Know ye not, that the Unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters,— nor Thiefs— shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 8.  
God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things, which are not convenient: Being filled with all unrighteousness, Fornication,— Covetousness, Maliciousness; full of Envy,— Debate, Deceit, Malignity,— Despiteful, Proud, Boasters,— Covenant-breakers, Rom. 1. 28, 29.  
Wherefore putting away Lying, speak every Man Truth with his Neighbour; for we are members one of another.— Neither give place to the Devil; let him, that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with the hands the thing, which is good, Eph. 4. 25, 27.  
Behold the hire of the Labourers which have reaped down your Fields, which is of you kept back by Fraud, crieth: And the Cries of them, which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord, Jam. 5. 4.  
Neither is he, that planteth, any thing, neither he, that watereth; but God, that giveth the increase, 1 Cor. 3. 7.  
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6. 33. No Man can serve two Masters:— Ye cannot serve God and Mammon, v. 24.  
What shall it profit a Man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a Man give in exchange for his soul? Mar. 8. 36.  
Take heed and beware of Covetousness: For a Man's Life consisteth not in the abundance of the things, which he possesseth, Luk. 12. 15.  
They, that will be rich, fall into Temptation, and a Snare, and into many foolish and hurtful Lusts, which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition. For the Love of Money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6. 9  
This I say, Brethren, the time is short. It remaineth, that— they that buy (be) as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away, 1 Cor. 7. 29, 30.  
With what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again, Mat. 7. 2.  
I here add something out of the Old Testament.  
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgement, in Mete-yard, in Weight or in Measure. Just Balances, just Weights, a just Ephah, and a just Hin shall ye have, I am the Lord your God.— Therefore shall ye observe all my Statutes, and all my Judgements, and do them; I am the Lord, Levit. 19 35.  
Thou shalt not have in thy Bag divers Weights, a great and a small. Thou shalt not have in thine House divers Measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: That thy Days may be lengthened in the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. For all, that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an Abomination unto the Lord thy God, Deut. 25. 13.  
A false Balance is Abomination to the Lord: But a just Weight is his Delight, Prov. 11. 1. He, that withholdeth Corn, the People shall Curse him: But Blessing shall be upon the Head of him, that selleth it, v. 26.  
Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike Abomination to the Lord, Prov. 20. 10.  
Hear this, O ye, that swallow up the Needy, even to make the Poor of the Land to fail; saying, when will the new Moon be gone, that we may sell Corn, and the Sabbath, that we may set forth Wheat, making the Ephah small, and the Sheckel great, and falsifying the Balances by Deceit? That we may buy the Poor for Silver, and the Needy for a pair of Shoes, yea, and sell the Refuse of the Wheat? The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, surely I will never forget any of their works. Shall not the Land tremble for this, and every one mourn, that dwelleth therein? Amos 8. 4.  
The Lord's Voice crieth unto the City, and the Men of Wisdom shall see thy Name; hear ye the Rod, and who hath appointed it. Are there yet the Treasures of Wickedness in the House of the Wicked, and the scant measure, that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked Balances, and with the Bag of deceitful Weights? For the rich Men thereof are full of Violence, and the Inhabitants thereof have spoken Lies, and their Tongue is deceitful in their Mouth. Therefore also will I make thee Sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate, because of thy Sins, Mic. 6. 9  
Thus speaks the Rule, and in such plain and positive Terms has God here manifested his Will, that there can be no doubt in such, as desire to follow it. He expressly forbids all kind of Fraud, or Over-reaching, or doing any Wrong to our Neighbour in buying or selling. He expressly forbids all kinds of false Weights and Measures. He expressly forbids all such Monopoly, as raises the price of Necessaries, and oppresses the Poor. He expressly forbids all kinds of Lying and Covetousness. Those, who in earnest hope for Salvation of God, must be Solicitous to do his Will; and since he himself has declared, that those, who do otherwise in these Particulars, do what is an Abomination to him, they cannot doubt of their being in an ill Way, even in the displeasure of God. Now examine the general Practice of Christians in all manner of Dealing with one another, and thence guests, whether God has Forbid all Fraud and Over-reaching amongst them: And if he has, whether they believe him, or have any regard to his Precepts.   

CHAP. XXX. Of Magistrates and Officers of Justice.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give to Persons in this Station?  
A. There are several Particulars proper for their Instruction.  
Now the chief Priests and Elders, and all the Counsel sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to Death, Mat. 26. 59 Then the Highpriest rend his , saying, He hath spoken Blasphemy, what farther need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his Blasphemy, What think ye? v. 65. Innocence is not to be oppressed by Calumny or false Witnesses; neither is Caiphas to be imitated, who, being Judge, made himself a Party.  
The chief Priests and Elders persuaded the Multitude, that they should ask Barrabas, and destroy Jesus, Mat. 27. 20. When Pilate saw, that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took Water and washed his Hands before the Multitude, saying, I am Innocent of the Blood of this just Person: See ye to it.— Then released he Barrabas unto them: And when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified, v. 24, 26. No Party to be made against the Innocent. Passion and Violence carry away the Multitude to Injustice. The Innocent is not to be condemned in compliance with them.  
Then cried they all again, saying, not this Man, but Barrabas. Now Barrabas was a Robber. Jo. 18. 40. The Multitude blinded with Passion. Their Affection or Judgement is no direction for doing Justice.  
Jesus answered, thou couldst have no Power at all against me, except it were given thee from above, Jo. 19 11. The Power of Judges is from God.  
From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: But the Jews cried out, saying, if thou let this Man go, thou art not Cesar's Friend: Whosoever maketh himself a King, speaketh against Cesar. When Pilate therefore heard that Saying, he brought Jesus forth.— Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified, Jo. 19 12. To condemn the Innocent for fear of displeasing the Prince, is not Just, but a Weakness.  
There was in a City a Judge, which feared not God, neither regarded Men. And there was a Widow in that City, and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine Adversary; and he would not for a while, Luk. 18. 2. To neglect the Cause of the Widow, is part of his Character, who feared not God, nor regarded Man.  
One of the Company said unto him, Master, speak to my Brother, that he divide the Inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a Judge or a Divider over you? Luk. 12. 13. The Commission or Power is not to be exceeded.  
Paul said unto him (the Highpriest) God shall smite thee, thou whited Wall: For sittest thou to judge me after the Law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the Law? And they, that stood by, said, revilest thou God's Highpriest? Then said Paul, I witted not, Brethren, that he was the Highpriest: For it is written, thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People, Acts 23. 3. Magistrates not to be reviled, even when they act contrary to Justice. No Punishment just before Sentence.  
We have found this Man a pestilent Fellow, and a mover of Sedition among all the Jews throughout the World, and a ringleader of the Sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the Temple: Whom we took, and would have judged according to Law.— And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were so. Then Paul, after that the Governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Acts 24. 5. A severe Charge is drawn up against Innocence, when Malice or false Zeal influence the Informers. But a just Judge is not made a Party, but hears with Patience, and judges according to Equity.  
Felix trembled and answered, Go thy Way for this time, when I have a convenient Season, I will call for thee. He hoped also, that Money should have been given him of Paul, that he might lose him: Wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years, Porcius Festus came into Felix room: And Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound, Acts 24. 25. To prolong a Cause for Interest, is not just; to wait for Money, where Innocence pleads for a Discharge, is not just: To gratify a People by the Oppression of Innocence, is not just.  
When Felix heard these things (the Plea made by the Apostle) having more perfect Knowledge of that Way, he deferred them, Acts 24. 22. The Clamour and Violence of Accusers prevail nothing with a Judge, who has a true Knowledge of the Cause: He will not let an ill Name be enough for punishing the Innocent.  
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous Judgement, Jo. 7. 24.  
Do ye not know, that the Saints shall judge the World? And if the World shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Cor. 6. 2. Holiness an excellent Preparation for judging according to Justice.  
When Gallio was Deputy of Achaia, the Jews made Insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the Judgment-seat, saying, This Fellow persuadeth Men to worship God contrary to the Law. And when Paul was now about to open his Mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of Wrong, or wicked Lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would, that I should bear with you: But if it be a question of Words and Names, and of your Law, look ye to it, for I will be no Judge of such Matters. And he drove them from the Judgment-seat, Acts 18. 12. Violence brings some to the Bar, who are no Criminals; the Justice of the Bench is to distinguish. Against Law, is in some Cases to be in the right. The Bench judges not of Causes, which belong to another Court.  
Something may be here inserted out of the Old Testament.  
When Moses Father in-law, saw all that he did to the People, he said, what is this thing, that thou dost to the People? Why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the People stand by thee from Morning unto Even? Exod. 18. 14. To make the People wait one Day is here reproved; what would have been the Censure of Causes delayed, with endless Expense?  
Thou shalt provide out of all the People, able Men, such as fear God, Men of Truth, hating Covetousness, and place such over them, Exod. 18. 21. Good Directions for the Choice of Magistrates.  
Thou shalt not raise (or receive) a false Report: Put not thine Hand with the Wicked to be an unrighteous Witness. Thou shalt not follow a Multitude, to do Evil: Neither shalt thou speak in a Cause, to incline after many, to wrest Judgement. Neither shalt thou countenance a poor Man in his Cause.— Thou shalt not wrest the Judgement of thy Poor in his Cause. Keep thee far from a false Matter; and the Innocent and Righteous slay thou not: For I will not justify the Wicked. And thou shalt take no Gift; for the Gift blindeth the Wise, and perverteth the Words of the Righteous. Also thou shalt not oppress a Stranger, Exod. 23. 1, 6.  
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in Judgement; thou shalt not respect the Person of the Poor, nor honour the Person of the Mighty: But in Righteousness shalt thou judge thy Neighbour, Levit. 19 15.  
I charged your Judges at that time, saying, hear the Causes between your Brethren, and judge righteously between every Man and his Brother, and the Stranger, that is with him. Ye shall not respect Persons in Judgement, but you shall hear the Small, as well as the Great; you shall not be afraid of the Face of Man, for the Judgement is God's, Deut. 1. 16.  
Judges and Officers shalt thou make thee in all thy Gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout the Tribes; and they shall judge the People with just Judgement. Thou shalt not wrest Judgement, thou shalt respect Persons, neither take a Gift: For a Gift doth blind the Eyes of the Wise, and pervert the Words of the Righteous. That which is altogether Just, shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live and inherit the Land, Deut. 16. 18.  
One Witness shall not rise up against a Man, for any Iniquity, or for any Sin, in any Sin, that he sinneth: At the mouth of two Witnesses, or at the mouth of three Witnesses shall the matter be established, Deut. 19 15.  
If there be a Controversy between Men, and they come unto Judgement, that the Judges may judge them, than they shall justify the Righteous, and condemn the Wicked, Deut. 25. 1.  
Cursed be he, that perverteth the Judgement of the Stranger, Fatherless and Widow: And all the People shall say, Amen. Cursed be he, that taketh reward, to slay an innocent Person, Deut. 27. 19, 25.  
And it came to pass, when Samuel was Old, that he made his Sons Judges over Israel.— And his Sons walked not in his Ways, but turned aside after Lucre, and took Bribes, and persuaded Judgement, 1 Sam. 8. 1, 3.  
And Samuel said unto all Israel,— Behold, here I am, Witness against me before the Lord, and before his Anointed: Whose Ox have I taken? Or whose Ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or of whose Hand have I received any Bribe to blind mine Eyes therewith? And I will restore it. And they said, thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither haste thou taken aught of any Man's Hand, 1 Sam. 12. 1, 3.  
And he (Jehoshaphat) set Judges in the Land, throughout all the fenced Cities of Judah, City by City; and he said to the Judges, take heed what ye do; for ye judge not for Man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the Judgement. Wherhfore now let the Fear of the Lord be upon you, take heed and do it: For there is no Iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of Persons, nor taking of Gifts.— And he charged them, saying, thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a perfect Heart.— Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the Good, 2 Chron. 19 5, 9, 11.  
Whoso rewardeth Evil for Good, Evil shall not departed from his House, Prov. 17. 13. He, that justifieth the Wicked, and he, that condemneth the Just; even they both are Abomination to the Lord, v. 15. A wicked Man taketh a Gift out of the Bosom, to pervert the Ways of Judgement, v. 23.  
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: Neither oppress the afflicted in the Gate. For the Lord will plead their Cause, and spoil the Soul of those, that spoilt them, Prov. 22. 22.  
To have respect of Persons, is not good: For, for a piece of Bread, that Man will transgress, Prov. 28. 21.  
Learn to do Well, seek Judgement, relieve the Oppressed, judge the Fatherless, plead for the Widow, Isa. 1. 17.  
How is the faithful City become an Harlot! It was full of Judgement, Righteousness lodged in it; but now Murderers.— Thy Princes are Rebellious, and Companions of Thiefs: Every one loveth Gifts, and followeth after Rewards: They judge not the Fatherless, neither doth the Cause of the Widow come unto them. Therefore saith the Lord— I will turn my Hand upon thee, Isa. 1. 21.  
woe unto them, that call evil good, and good evil:— Which justify the Wicked for Reward, and take away the Righteousness of the Righteous from him:— Because they have cast away the Law of the Lord of Hosts,— therefore is the Anger of the Lord kindled against his People, Isa. 5. 20, 23.  
Wo unto them, that decree unrighteous Decrees, and that writ Grievousness, which they have prescribed: To turn aside the Needy from Judgement, and to take away the Right from the Poor of my People, that Widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the Fatherless. And what will you do in the Day of Visitation, and in the Desolation, which shall come? Isa. 10. 1.  
I know your manifold Transgressions, and your mighty Sins: They afflict the Just, they take a Bribe, and they turn aside the Poor in the Gate from their Right.— Hate the Evil, and love the Good, and establish Judgement in the Gate: It may be, that the Lord of Hosts will be gracious unto the Remnant of Joseph, Amos 5. 12.  
The Good Man is perished out of the Earth: And there is none Upright among Men: They all lie in wait for Blood: They hunt every Man his Brother with a Net. That they may do Evil with both Hands earnestly; the Prince asketh, and the Judge asketh for a Reward: And the great Man he uttereth his mischievous Desire, Mic. 7. 2.  
Why dost thou show me Iniquity, and cause me to behold Grievance: For Spoiling and Violence are before me, and there are, that raise up Strife and Contention. Therefore the Law is slacked, and Judgement doth never go forth: For the Wicked doth compass about the Righteous: Therefore wrong Judgement proceedeth. Behold ye among the Heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously; for I will work a Work in your Days, which ye will not believe, tho' it be told you, Hab. 1. 3.  
These are the things, that ye shall do; speak ye every Man the Truth to his Neighbour: Execute the Judgement of Truth and Peace in your Gates. And let none of you imagine evil in your Hearts against his Neighbour, and love no false Oath, for all these are things, that I hate, saith the Lord, Zech. 8. 16.   

CHAP. XXXI. Of Subjects.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give to Persons in this Station?  
A. It expressly mentions several Duties belonging to them, and gives the Charge with great Strictness.  
When they were come to Capernaum, they that received Tribute-money, came to Peter, and said, doth not your Master pay Tribute? He saith, Yes, Mat. 17. 24.  
Render therefore unto Cesar, the things, which are Cesar's; and unto God, the things, that are God's, Mat. 22. 21.  
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the Name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them; whether it be right in the Sight of God, to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge ye, Acts 4. 18.  
They, that stood by, said, revilest thou God's Highpriest? Then said Paul, I witted not, Brethren, that he was the Highpriest; for it is written, thou shalt not speak Evil of the Ruler of thy People, Acts 23. 4.  
Let every Soul be subject unto the higher Powers; for there is no Power, but of God: The Powers, that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power, resisteth the Ordinance of God: And they, that resist, shall receive to themselves Damnation. For Rulers are not a Terror to good Works, but to the Evil. Wilt thou then not he afraid of the Power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the Minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that, which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the Sword in vain; for he is the Minister of God, a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him, that doth Evil. Wherefore, ye must needs be subject, not only for Wrath, but also for Conscience sake. For, for this Cause pay you Tribute also: For they are God's Ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their Deuce: Tribute to whom Tribute is due, Custom to whom Custom, Fear to whom Fear, Honour to whom Honour, Rom. 13. 1.  
I exhort therefore, that first of all, Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and giving of Thanks be made for all Men: For Kings, and for all, that are in Authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable Life, in all Godliness and Honesty; for this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Saviour, 1 Tim. 2. 1.  
Put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Magistrates, to be ready to every good Work, to speak evil of no Man, to be no Brawlers, but Gentle, showing all Meekness unto all Men, Tit. 3. 1.  
Submit yourselves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake: Whether it be to the King, as Supreme, or unto Governors, as unto them, that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them, that do well. For so is the Will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the Ignorance of Foolish Men: As free, and not using your Liberty for a Cloak of Maliciousness, but as the Servants of God. Honour all Men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King, 1 Pet. 2. 13.  
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgement to be punished: But chief them, that walk after the Flesh, in the Lust of Uncleanness, and despise Government: Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak Evil of Dignities; whereas Angels, which are greater in Power and Might, bring not railing Accusation against them before the Lord, 2 Pet. 2. 9  
Likewise also these filthy Dreamers defile the Flesh, despise Dominion, and speak evil of Dignities, Judas 8.  
Something may be here not unseasonably added out of the Old Testament.  
They answered Joshua, saying, All, that thou commandest us, we will do; and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we harkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: Only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. Whosoever he be, that doth rebel against thy Commandment, and will not hearken unto thy Words, in all, that thou commandest him, he shall be put to Death, Josh. 1. 16.  
Then Samuel told the People the manner of the Kingdom, and wrote it in a Book, and laid it up before the Lord: And Samuel sent all the People away every Man to his House. And Saul also, went Home to Gibeah, and there went with him a Band of Men, whose Hearts God had touched. But the Children of Belial said, how shall this Man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no Presents: But he held his peace, 1 Sam. 10. 25.  
The Men of David said unto him, behold, the Day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine Enemy into thine Hand, that thou mayest do to him, as it shall seem good unto thee.— And he said unto his Men, the Lord forbidden, that I should do this thing unto my Master, the Lord's Anointed, to stretch forth mine Hand against him, seeing he is the Anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his Servants with these Words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul, 1 Sam. 24. 4, 6.  
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine Enemy into thine Hand this Day: Now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the Spear, even to the Earth at once,— and David said to Abishai, destroy him not: For who can stretch forth his Hand against the Lord's Anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, as the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him, or his Day shall come to Die, or he shall descend into Battle and perish. The Lord forbidden, that I should stretch forth mine Hand against the Lord's Anointed, 1 Sam. 26. 8.  
David said unto him, (the Amalekite) How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine Hand, to destroy the Lord's Anointed? And David called one of the young Men and said, go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him, that he died, 2 Sam. 1. 14.  
In those Days (while Mordecai sat in the King's Gate) two of the King's Chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those, which kept the Door, were wroth, and sought to lay Hand on the King Ahasuerus: And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the Queen, and Esther certified the King thereof, in Mordecai's Name, Esth. 2. 21.  
The fear of a King is as the roaring of a Lion, whoso provoketh him to Anger, sinneth against his own Soul, Prov. 20. 2.  
My Son, fear thou the Lord, and the King; and meddle not with them, that are given to change. For their Calamity shall rise suddenly, and who knoweth the Ruin of them both? Prov. 24. 21.  
Curse not the King, no not in thy Thought, Eccl. 10. 20.  
The Nation and Kingdom, which will not serve the same Nebechadnezzar the King of Babylon, and that will not put their Neck under the Yoke of the King of Babylon, that Nation will I punish, saith the Lord, with the Sword, and with the Famine, and with the Pestilence, until I have consumed them by his Hand. Therefore harken not ye to your Prophets, nor to your Diviners, nor to your Dreamers, nor to your Enchanters, nor to your Sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, ye shall not serve the King of Babylon. For they prophesy a Lie unto you, to remove you far from your Land, and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.— I spoke also to Zedekiah King of Judah according to all these Words, saying, bring your Necks under the Yoke of the King of Babylon, and serve him and his People, and live; why will ye die, thou and thy People, by the Sword, by the Famine, and by the Pestilence, as the Lord hath spoken against the Nation, that will not serve the King of Babylon? Jer. 27. 8, 12.  
The Duty of Subjects is published by the Spirit of God: First, That they are to acknowledge the Power, that is over them, to be of God. 2dly, That they, who are vested with Sovereign Power, acting by the Authority of God, and being therefore his Ministers, Honour, Obedience, and Tribute is due to them. 3dly, That there may be an Exception in the Obedience; that is, when they enjoin what is contrary to the known Will of God; since it cannot be reasonable to obey in such things, when they command contrary to his Orders, whose Ministers they are. 4thly, That as the Orders of those in Power are to be received with Obedience, so their Punishment with a peaceable Submission: And this so far, that, whether they prosecute justly or unjustly, yet no Resistance can be made against them; all that Subjects can do in this case, is either to suffer with patience, or peaceably to withdraw; but as for lifting up hand against Power, it is resisting the Ordinance of God, and the fruit of this, as the Apostle has declared, is Damnation.   

CHAP. XXXII. Of Persons of Quality.  
Q. ARE there any Directions in the Gospel for Persons of this Rank?  
A. Some Instructions there are, which it may not be improper for these to consider, which I will set down here; but they being likewise concerned in the next Chapter, I must recommend that to their perusal.  
Ye see your Calling, Brethren, how that not many wise men after the Flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World, to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things, which are mighty; and base things of the World, and things, which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things, which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no Flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us Wisdom, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption: That, according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord, 1 Cor. 1. 26. God makes not choice of Persons from their Greatness, Wisdom or Nobility; he chose the contemptible things of this World, to confound all Confidence and Glory, except that, which is in God alone.  
My Brethren, have not the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with respect of Persons. For if there come unto your Assembly a Man with a gold Ring, in goodly Apparel, and there come in also a poor Man in vile Raiment; and ye have respect to him, that weareth the gay Clothing, and say unto him, sit thou here in a good place; and say to the Poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my Footstool: Are ye not then Partial in yourselves, and are become Judges of evil Thoughts? Harken, my beloved Brethren, hath not God chosen the Poor of this World rich in Faith, and Heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promised to them, that love him? But ye have despised the Poor. Do not rich Men oppress you, and draw you before the Judgment-seats? Do not they blaspheme the worthy Name, by the which ye are called? Jam. 2. 1. To be Partial in the Respect of Persons, the Spirit of God disapproves. Humane Greatness has no Preference with God. To be Honourable, in the Gospel-scheme, is to do that, which the Gospel most recommends, and for which a Soul shall find Honour with God. They, who do this, are truly Honourable.  
Some additions may be here made out of the Old Testament.  
David went out, whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely, 1 Sam. 18. 5. A virtuous and prudent Conduct is a sure Step to Honour; this cannot fail of being valued. But great Titles, Retinue and Riches joined with a light Head and Indiscretion, help to make a Person more remarkably Contemptible.  
The King (David) said; and where is thy Master's Son? And Ziba said unto the King, behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: For he said, to Day shall the House of Israel restore me the Kingdom of my Father. Then said the King to Ziba, behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. 16. 3. A Servant thus made his Court to the King, by falsely accusing his Master, and disgracing him with his Prince. Such a Step to Honour is base, only fit for a treacherous Servant; and cannot be attempted without Infamy.  
And Barzillai said unto the King, how long have I to live, that I should go up with the King unto Jerusalem? 2 Sam. 19 34. To retire from Court and public Business, for making a Preparation for Death, is Christian Discretion. Solicitude of Business and Variety of Engagements are not a Help for dying well. Persons so taken up do not leave the World, but are torn from it.  
Why boastest thou thyself, in Mischief, O mighty Man? The Goodness of God endureth continually. Thy Tongue deviseth Mischiefs; like a sharp Razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest Evil more than Good; and Lying, rather than to speak Righteousness. Thou lovest all devouring, O thou deceitful Tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, Psal. 52. 1. There is Meanness in Boasting, in Malice, in Detraction and Lying, which is not consistent with true Honor. Where there is Quality, there ought to be an Abhorrence of all that is thus Base; and nothing can be more degrading, than to be familiar with it. What are then Titles, State and Birth, where there is a Familiarity with Lying, Detraction, Malice and Vanity? Such may make a Show at a Distance, but more nearly examined, they are certainly Contemptible. Without Repentance, their Fate must be to be despised and trampled on by Devils.  
Seest thou a Man diligent in his Business? He shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean Men, Prov. 22. 29. Sloth is unbecoming all States; and where is the Honour of being a Drone? Industry with a low Birth, is more Honourable than useless Quality. Is he Idle and Lazy? Say no more; whatever his Blood be, he is Infamous.  
Daniel purposed in his Heart, that he would not defile himself with the Portion of the King's Meat, nor with the Wine which he drank: Therefore he requested of the Prince of the Eunuches, that he might not defile himself, Dan. 1. 8. True Greatness of Mind; not to transgress the Law of God, in Compliance with the King! Such Fidelity, proof against Interest and Flattery, is truly Honourable. But what degree then of contemptible Meanness is in all those, who knowing their Duty to God, and the Honour of their Nature, have not Strength of Mind to withstand ordinary Attempts, but surrender upon every Breath of Flattery or Reproach!  
They make the King glad with their Wickedness, and the Princes with their Lies: They are all Adulterers, Hos. 7. 3. This was the Provocation of Israel.  
Hear this word, ye Kine of Bashan, that are in the Mountain of Samaria, which oppress the Poor, which crush the Needy, which say to their Masters, bring and let us drink, Amos 4. 1. This was the Crime of the great Ones of Israel, Oppression and Excess.  
woe to them, that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the Mountain of Samaria,— ye that put far away the evil Day, and cause the Seat of Violence to come near, that lie upon Beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their Couches, and eat the Lambs out of the Flock, and the Calves out of the midst of the Stall; that chant to the Sound of the Viol, and invent to themselves Instruments of Music, like David, that drink Wine in Bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief Ointments, but they are not grieved for the Affliction of Joseph: Therefore now shall they go Captive, with the first, that go Captive, and the Banquet of them, that stretched themselves, shall be removed: The Lord God hath sworn by himself, saith the Lord the God of Hosts, I abhor the Excellency of Jacob, and hate his Palaces: Therefore will I deliver up the City, with all that is therein, Amos 6. 1, 3. The Prophet reckons up the Provocations of Israel; their Life of Ease, of Oppression, of expensive Ambition, Gluttony, Wantonness, Divertisements, Intemperance, effeminate Nicety and Softness. And was it thus, O Israel, thou didst draw upon thyself the hatred of God and Desolation? Then unhappy all they, who walk on in these Steps.  
Quality is Honourable, and has many Advantages both as to this World and the next, in the Plenty of Blessings annexed to it. But then, must not this be received, as a Christian Maxim, that nothing is truly Honourable, which God despises? And what is the Consequence of this, but, that if Persons of Quality, by their Irregularities and Sins, forsake God, they forfeit their Dignity, and tho' still saluted with Honour by Men, are not really Honourable? For tho' Man may be so unjust, as to despise what is truly Valuable; yet, not so in God; what he despises, is most certainly despicable. By this Rule, may Persons of this Degree, see the only Expedient of maintaining the Dignity of their Rank, that is, by the Practice of solid Virtue, and being Faithful in the service of that sovereign and infinite Majesty, which we confess and adore: If they forsake this Way, there is so much of Falseness, Baseness and Treachery Inseparable from a Life of Folly and Vice, that there can be no claim to Honour, where there is nothing but what deserves Contempt.   

CHAP. XXXIII. Of the Rich.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the the Gospel give to these?  
A. It speaks directly to them; showing the Danger and Abuse of Riches, as likewise the good Use, that may be made of them in order to eternal Life.  

§ I. Of the Danger and Abuse of Riches, and of Covetousness.  
Then said Jesus unto his Disciples, Verily, I say unto you, that a rich Man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of God. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a Camel to go through the Eye of a Needle, than for a rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of God. When his Disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with Men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible, Mat. 19 23.  
woe unto you, that are rich; for ye have received your consolation. woe unto you, that are full: For ye shall hunger. woe unto you, that laugh now, for ye shall mourn and weep, Luk. 6. 24.  
And he said unto them, take heed and beware of Covetousness; for a Man's Life consisteth not in the Abundance of the things, which he possesseth. And he spoke a Parable unto them, saying, the Ground of a certain rich Man brought forth plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room, where to bestow my Fruits? And he said, this will I do, I will pull down my Barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my Fruits and my Goods. And I will say to my Soul, Soul, thou hast much Goods laid up for many Years; take thine Ease, eat, drink and be merry. But God said unto him, thou Fool, this night thy Soul shall be required of thee. Then, whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he, that layeth up Treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God, Luk. 12. 15.  
There was a certain rich Man, which was clothed in Purple, and fine Linen, and fared sumptuously every Day. And there was a certain Beggar, named Lazarus, which was laid at his Gate full of Sores. And desiring to be fed with the Crumbs, which fell from the rich Man's Table: Moreover the Dogs came and licked his Sores. And it came to pass, that the Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's Bosom: The rich Man also died, and was buried. And in Hell he lift up his Eyes, being in Torments, and seethe Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his Bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the Tip of his Finger in Water and cool my Tongue; for I am tormented in this Flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember, that thou in thy Life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: But now he is comforted, and thou art tormented, Luk. 16. 19  
Go to now ye rich Men, weep and howl for your Miseries, that shall come upon you. Your Riches are corrupted, and your Garments are moth-eaten. Your Gold and Silver is cankered; and the Rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your Flesh, as it were Fire: Ye have heaped Treasure together for the last Days. Behold, the Hire of the Labourers, which have reaped down your Fields, which is of you kept back by Fraud, crieth, and the Cries of them, which have reaped, are entered into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbath. Ye have lived in Pleasure on the Earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your Hearts, as in a Day of Slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the Just; and he doth not resist you, Jam. 5. 1.  
Thou sayest, I am Rich, and increased with Goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not, that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me Gold tried in the Fire, that thou mayest be Rich; and white Raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the Shame of thy Nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine Eyes with Eyesalve, that thou mayest see, Revel. 3. 17.  
Nor Thiefs, nor Covetous, nor Drunkards, nor Revilers, nor Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 10.  
They, that will be rich, fall into Temptation and a Snare, and into many hurtful Lusts, which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition. For the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the Faith, and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows, 1 Tim. 6. 9  
Let your Conversation be without Covetousness; and be content with such things, as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 5.  
Mortify therefore your Members, which are upon the Earth, evil Concupiscence, and Covetousness, which is Idolatry: For which things sake, the Wrath of God cometh on the Children of Disobedience, Col. 3. 5.  
Some additions out of the Old Testament.  
He hath swallowed down Riches, and he shall vomit them again: God shall cast them out of his Belly.— That which he laboured for, shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: According to his Substance shall the Restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein. Because he hath oppressed, and hath forsaken the Poor; because he hath violently taken away an House, which he builded not.— In the fullness of his Sufficiency, he shall be in Straits: Every Hand of the Wicked shall come upon him, Job 20. 15.  
Is not thy Wickedness great, and thine Iniquities infinite? For thou hast taken a Pledge from thy Brother for nought, and stripped the Naked of their Clothing. Thou hast not given Water to the Weary to drink, and thou hast withholden Bread from the Hungry.— Thou hast sent Widows away empty, and the Arms of the Fatherless have been broken. Therefore Snares are round about thee, and sudden Fear troubleth thee, Job 22. 5.  
Some remove the Landmarks: They violently take away Flocks, and feed thereof. They drive away the Ass of the Fatherless, they take the Widow's Ox for a Pledge.— They turn the Needy out of the Way: The Poor of the Earth hid themselves together.— They pluck the Fatherless from the Breast, and take a Pledge of the Poor.— They are of those, that rebel against the Light; they know not the Paths thereof, Job 24. 2.  
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the Glory of his House is increased. For when he dieth, he shall carry nothing away: His Glory shall not descend after him. Tho' whilst he lived, he blessed his Soul: And Men will praise thee, when thou dost well to thyself. He shall go to the Generation of his Fathers; they shall never see Light. Man, that is in Honour, and understandeth not, is like the Beast that perish, Psal. 49. 16.  
God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling-place, and root thee out of the Land of the Living. The Righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him. Lo this is the Man, that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his Riches, and strengthened himself in his Wickedness, Psal. 52. 5.  
Trust not in Oppression, and become not vain in Robbery: If Riches increase, set not your Heart upon them, Psal. 62. 10.  
Wealth gotten by Vanity shall be diminished; but he, that gathereth by Labour, shall increase, Prov. 13. 11.  
He, that oppresseth the Poor, reproacheth his Maker: But he, that honoureth him, hath Mercy on the Poor, Prov. 14. 31.  
Whoso stoppeth his Ears at the Cry of the Poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard, Prov. 31. 13.  
Remove not the Old Landmark; and enter not into the Fields of the Fatherless: For their Redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their Cause with thee, Prov. 23. 10.  
He, that by Usury and unjust Gain increaseth his Substance, he shall gather it for him, that will pity the Poor, Prov. 28. 8. He, that hasteth to be rich, hath an evil Eye, and considereth not, that Poverty shall come upon him, v. 22.  
woe unto them, that join House to House, that lay Field to Field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the Earth, Isa. 5. 8.  
I the Lord love Judgement; I hate Robbery for Burnt-offering, Isa. 61. 8.  
They abhor him, that speaketh uprightly. Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him Burdens of Wheat; ye have built Houses of hewn Stones; but ye shall not dwell in them.— For I know your manifold Transgressions, and your mighty Sins: they afflict the just, they take a Bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their Right, Amos 5. 10.  
woe to them, that devise Iniquity, and work Evil upon their Beds: when the Morning is light they practise it, because it is the Power of their Hand. And they covet Fields, and take them by Violence; and Houses, and take them away; so they oppress a Man and his House, even a Man and his Heritage: Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold, against this Family do I devise an Evil, from which ye shall not remove your Necks, Mic. 2. 1.  
Whoever gives ear to what the Spirit of God here speaks, must be convinced: First, That the Love of Riches is a great Obstacle to Salvation. 2dly, That 'tis an Abuse of Plenty, to prostitute it in the Service of our own Corruption, in gratifying Pride, Inclination and Appetite. 3dly, That the desire of growing rich is a great Snare, attended with many violent and deceitful Temptations. 4thly, That to get Riches by Fraud, Oppression, or any kind of Injustice, highly provokes the Anger of God. Lastly, That to take the Advantage of Riches, for doing wrong to the Poor, or to any Neighbour, is a Crime, which obliges God to be the just Revenger of it. If these Truths be evident, than the Rich must see, what they are to be afraid of and avoid. And those, who follow not this Rule, let them put their Hands upon their Consciences, and examine, Whether they in earnest believe God, and fear him.   

§. II. Of the good use of Riches, or of .  
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain Mercy, Mat. 5. 7.  
When thou dost Alms, let not thy left Hand know, what thy right Hand doth: that thine Alms may be in secret, and thy Father, which seethe in secret, himself shall reward thee openly, Mat. 6. 3.  
Lay not up for yourselves Treasures upon Earth, where Moth and Rust doth corrupt, and where Thiefs break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves Treasures in Heaven, where neither Moth nor Rust doth corrupt, and where Thiefs do not break through nor steal. For where your Treasure is, there will your Heart be also, Mat. 6. 19  
Then shall the King say unto them on his right Hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me Meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me Drink: I was a Stranger, and ye took me in.— Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me, Mat. 25. 34.  
Whosoever shall give you a Cup of Water to drink, in my Name, because ye belong to Christ; verily, I say unto you, he shall not lose his Reward, Mar. 9 41.  
Sell that you have, and give Alms: provide yourselves Bags, which wax not old, a Treasure in the Heavens, that faileth not, where no Thief approacheth, neither Moth corrupteth. For where your Treasure is, there will your Heart be also, Luke 12. 33.  
When thou makest a Dinner or a Supper, call not thy Friends, nor thy Brethren, neither thy Kinsmen, nor thy rich Neighbours, lest they also bid thee again, and a Recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a Feast, call the Poor, the Maimed, the Lame, the Blind, and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the Resurrection of the Just, Luke 14. 12.  
Verily I say unto you, there is no Man, that hath left House, or Parents, or Brethren, or Wife, or Children, for the Kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the World to come, Life everlasting, Luk. 18. 29.  
Give Alms of such things, as you have; and behold, all things are clean unto you, Luke 11. 41.  
Make to yourselves Friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness; that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting Habitations. He, that is faithful in that, which is least, is faithful also in much: and he, that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous Mammon, who will commit to your Trust the true Riches? Luk. 16. 9  
Zacheus stood and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my Goods I give to the Poor; and if I have taken any thing from any Man by false Accusation, I restore him . And Jesus said unto him, This Day is Salvation come to this House, Luke 19 8.  
There was a certain Man in Caesarea, called Cornelius, a Centurion of the Band, called the Italian Band; a devout Man, and one, that feared God, with all his House, which gave much Alms to the People, and prayed to God always. He saw in a Vision— an Angel of God,— and he said unto him, Thy Prayers and thine Alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send Men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose Surname is Peter;— He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do, Act. 10. 1.  
There was at Joppa a certain Disciple named Tabytha, which by Interpretation is called Dorcas: This Woman was full of good Works and Almsdeeds, which she did. And it came to pass in those Days, that she was sick and died.— Then Peter arose, and went with them. When he was come, they brought him unto the upper Chamber: and all the Widows stood by him, weeping, and showing the Coats and Garments, which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed, and turning him to the Body, said, Tabytha, arise. And she opened her Eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up, Act. 9 36.  
Neither was there any among them, that lacked: for as many, as were Possessors of Lands or Houses, sold them, and brought the Prices of the things, that were sold, and laid them down at the Apostle's Feet; and distribution was made unto every Man, according as he had need, Act. 4. 34.  
Now concerning the Collection for the Saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first Day of the Week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come, 1 Cor. 16. 1.  
To their power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with much Entreaty, that we would receive the Gift, and take upon us the Fellowship of the ministering to the Saints.— Therefore as ye abound in every thing,— see that ye abound in this Grace also. I speak not by Commandment, but by the Occasion of the Forwardness of others, and to prove the Sincerity of your Love, 2 Cor. 8. 3.  
I thought it necessary to exhort the Brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, and not as of Covetousness. But this I say, he, which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly, and he, which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every Man, according as he purposeth in his Heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: For God loveth a cheerful Giver, 2 Cor. 9 5.  
Charge them, that are rich in this World, that they be not , nor trust in uncertain Riches, but in the Living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good Works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in Scorn for themselves a good Foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6. 17.  
To do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such Sacrifices God is well-pleased, Heb. 13. 16.  
Let the Brother of low Degree, rejoice in that he is exalted; but the rich, in that he is made low: Because as the Flower of the Grass he shall pass away. For the Sun is no sooner risen with a burning Heat, but it withereth the Grass, and the Flower thereof falleth, and the Grace of the fashion of it perisheth: So also shall the rich Man fade away in his Ways, Jam. 1. 9  
Whoso hath this World's good, and seethe his Brother have need, and shutteth up his Bowels of Compassion from him, how dwelleth the Love of God in him? My little Children, let us not love in Word, neither in Tongue, but in Deed and in Truth: And hereby we know, that we are of the Truth, 1 Jo. 3. 17.  
Tho' nothing can be said more fully; yet it cannot be amiss to insert something out of the Old Testament, that the Will of God may be yet more manifest in this point, which is subject to so many Abuses.  
When ye reap the Harvest of your Land, thou shalt not wholly reap the Corners of thy Field, neither shalt thou gather the Glean of thy Harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy Vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every Grape of thy Vineyard, thou shalt leave them for the Poor and Stranger: I am the Lord your God, Levit. 19 9  
If thy Brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, than thou shalt relieve him; yea, tho' he be a Stranger, or a Sojourner, that he may live with thee. Take thou no Usury of him, or Increase; but fear thy God; that thy Brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy Money upon Usury, nor lend him thy Victuals for Increase, Leu. 25. 35.  
If there be among you a poor Man of one of thy Brethren, within any of thy Gates, in thy Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy Heart, nor shut thine Hand from thy poor Brother. But thou shalt open thine Hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him Sufficient for his Need, in that which he wanteth.— Thou shalt surely give him, and thine Heart shall not be grieved, when thou givest unto him: Because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy Works, and in all that thou puttest thine Hand unto. For the Poor shall never cease out of the Land: Therefore I command thee, saying, thou shalt open thine Hand wide unto thy Brother, to thy Poor, and to thy Needy in thy Land, Deut. 15. 7.  
When thou cuttest down thine Harvest in thy Field, and hast forgot a Sheaf in the Field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it; it shall be for the Stranger, for the Fatherless, and for the Widow; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the Work of thine Hands, Deut. 24. 19  
When the Ear heard me, than it blessed me; and when the Eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I delivered the Poor, that cried, and the Fatherless, and him, that had none to help him. The Blessing of him, that was ready to perish, came upon me, and I caused the Widow's Heart to sing for Joy.— I was Eyes to the Blind, and Feet was I to the Lame. I was a Father to the Poor, and the Cause, which I knew not, I searched out, Job 29. 11.  
If I have withheld the Poor from their desire, or have caused the Eyes of the Widow to fail; or have eaten my Morsel myself alone, and the Fatherless hath not eaten thereof:— If I have seen any perish for want of Clothing, or any Poor without Covering: If his Loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the Fleece of my Sheep: If I have lift up my Hand against the Fatherless, when I saw my help in the Gate: Then let mine Arm fall from my Shoulder-blade, and mine Arm be broken from the Bone, Job 31. 16.  
Blessed is he, that considereth the Poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of Trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the Earth; and thou wilt not deliver him unto the Will of his Enemies: The Lord will strengthen him upon the Bed of Languishing; thou wilt make all his Bed in his Sickness, Psal. 41. 1.  
Is not this the Fast, that I have chosen? To lose the Bonds of Wickedness, to undo the heavy Burdens, and to let the Oppressed go free, and that ye break every Yoke? Is it not to deal thy Bread to the Hungry, and that thou bring the Poor, that are cast out, to thy House? When thou seest the Naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hid not thyself from thine own Flesh? Then shall thy Light break forth, as the Morning, and thine Health shall spring forth speedily; and thy Righteousness shall go before thee, the Glory of the Lord shall be thy Reward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, here I am: If thou take away from the midst of thee the Yoke, the putting forth of the Finger, and speaking Vanity: And if thou draw out thy Soul to the Hungry, and satisfy the afflicted Soul; then shall thy Light rise in Obscurity, and thy Darkness be as the Noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy Soul in drought, and make fat thy Bones: And thou shalt be like a watered Garden, and like a Spring of Water, whose Waters fail not, Isa. 58. 6.  
God having spoke so at large to those, who possess the Riches of this World; having made so many Promises to them of everlasting Blessings, if they let the Plenty, he has given them, be the Relief of the Poor: It must be here acknowledged, that such as have Wealth, have in this a great Opportunity put into their Hands, of engaging God to them, by making that good use of it, as he has directed. 2dly, That such, as, instead of this good Use, Hoard up their Money, either for the Love of it, or for the unreasonable Apprehensions of Want, are more Solicitous for this World, than the next, and choose to take their Chance for Hell, rather than venture the Imaginary Dangers, suggested by their immoderate Love of the Earth and themselves. 3dly, That such, as turn their Plenty to the Service of Vanity, Self-love, and seeking human Greatness, abuse the Gifts of God, and give Demonstration of their Concern being more for this World, than the next, and that Salvation is not the thing they seek. Lastly, That such, as prostitute their Plenty to vicious Extravagancies, have in Fact renounced their Faith, since they have no regard either to the Promises of God's Mercy, or to the Threats of his Justice, and hence have too much Reason to apprehend the Lot, of being cast out with Unbelievers. Riches in the right Use of them, are a certain Blessing, but abused, are a Curse.    

CHAP. XXXIV. Of the Poor.  
Q. Does the Gospel take notice of these?  
A. It does, and instructs them for their Comfort.  
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5. 3.  
Take no Thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth, that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6. 31.  
Jesus answered and said unto them, go and show John again those things, which ye do hear and see: The Blind receive their Sight, and the Lame Walk, the Lepers are Cleansed, and the Deaf Hear, the Dead are raised up, and the Poor have the Gospel preached to them, Mat. 11. 4.  
A certain Scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee, whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, the Foxes have Holes, and the Birds of the Air have Nests: But the Son of Man hath not where to lay his Head, Mat. 8. 19  
Peter began to say unto him, lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, verily, I say unto you, there is no Man, that hath left House, or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands for my sake and the Gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred-fold now in this time,— and in the World to come, eternal Life. But many, that are first, shall be last: And and the last, first, Mar. 10. 28.  
And there came a certain poor Widow, and she threw in two Mites, which make a Farthing. And he called unto him his Disciples, and saith unto them, Verily, I say unto you, that this poor Widow hath cast more in, than all they, which have cast into the Treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want, did cast in all, that she had, even all her Living, Mar. 12. 42.  
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor, he hath sent me to heal the , to preach Deliverance to the Captives, and recovering of Sight to the Blind, to set at Liberty them, that are bruised, to preach the acceptable Year of the lord— And he began to say unto them, this Day is this Scripture fulfilled in your Ears, Luk. 4. 18, 21.  
He lifted up his Eyes on his Disciples, and said, Blessed be ye Poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are ye, that hunger now; for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye, that weep now; for ye shall laugh, Luk. 6. 20.  
Then the Master of the House being Angry, said to his Servant, Go out quickly into the Streets and Lanes of the City, and bring in hither the Poor, and the Maimed, and the Halt, and the Blind. And the Servant said, Lord, it is done, as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the Servant, Go out into the Highways and Hedges, and compel them to come in, that my House may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those Men, which were bidden, shall taste of my Supper, Luk. 14. 21.  
There was a certain Beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his Gate full of Sores; and desiring to be fed with the Crumbs, which fell from the rich Man's Table; moreover the Dogs came and licked his Sores. And it came to pass, that the Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's Bosom, Luk. 16. 20.  
Ye see your Calling, Brethren, how that not many wise Men after the Flesh, not many Mighty, not many Noble are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World, to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things, which are mighty: and base things of the World, and things, which are despised, hath God chosen, 1 Cor. 1. 26.  
Moreover Brethren, we do you to wit of the Grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia: How that in a great Trial of Affliction, the Abundance of their Joy, and their deep Poverty abounded unto the riches of their Liberality. For to their Power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their Power, they were willing of themselves, praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the Gift.— Ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that tho' he was Rich, yet for your sakes he became Poor, that ye, through his Poverty, might be Rich, 2 Cor. 8. 1, 9  
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Jesus Christ; who being in the form of God, thought it not Robbery, to be equal with God: But made himself of no Reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of Men: And being found in fashion as a Man, he Humbled himself and became Obedient unto Death, even the Death of the Cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, Phil. 2. 5.  
Godliness with Contentment is great Gain: For we brought nothing into this World, and it is certain, we can carry nothing out. And having Food and Raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will be Rich fall into Temptation, 1 Tim. 6. 6.  
Let your Conversation be without Covetousness; and be content with such things, as ye have: For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that, we may boldly say, the Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear, what Man shall do unto me, Heb. 13. 5.  
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty Hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your Care upon him, for he careth for you, 1 Pet. 5. 6.  
Let the Brother of low Degree rejoice in that he is exalted:— Blessed is the Man, that endureth Temptation: For when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, Jam. 1. 9, 12.  
Harken, my beloved Brethren, hath not God chosen the Poor of this World, Rich in Faith, and Heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promised to them, that love him? Jam. 2. 5.  
Not that I speak in respect of Want; for I have learned, in whatsoever State I am, therewith to be content. I know, both how to be abased; and I know how to abound:  and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding, ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my Affliction, Phil. 4. 11.  
These things saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy Works, and Tribulation, and Poverty, but thou art Rich.— Fear none of these things, which thou shalt suffer: Behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have Tribulation ten Days: Be thou Faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life, Rev. 2. 8.  
Some additions out of the Old Testament.  
I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my Cause.— He saveth the Poor from the Sword, from their Mouth, and from the Hand of the Mighty. So the Poor hath Hope, and Iniquity stoppeth her Mouth, Job 5. 15.  
The Lord also will be a Refuge for the Oppressed; a Refuge in times of Trouble. And they, that know thy Name, will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them, that seek thee, Psal. 9 9, 10. The Needy shall not always be forgotten; the Expectation of the Poor shall not perish for ever, v. 18.  
Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Why hidest thou thyself in times of Trouble? The Wicked in his Pride doth persecute the Poor: Let them be taken in the Devices, that they have imagined.— Arise, O Lord, O God, lift up thine Hand; forget not the Humble. Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God? He hath said in his Heart; thou wilt not require it. Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest Mischief and Spite, to requite it with thy Hand: The Poor committeth himself unto thee, thou art the Helper of the Fatherless.— Lord, thou hast heard the Desire of the Humble: Thou wilt prepare their Heart, thou wilt cause thine Ear to hear: To judge the Fatherless and the Oppressed, that the Man of the Earth may no more oppress, Psal. 10. 1, 12, 17.  
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my Fears.— This Poor Man cried and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his Troubles. The Angel of our Lord encampeth round about them, that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see, that the Lord is good; blessed is the Man, that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his Saints: For there is no want to them, that fear him.— The Righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all their Troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them, that are of a broken Heart; and saveth such, as be of a contrite Spirit. Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his Bones; not one of them is broken.— The Lord redeemeth the Soul of his Servants; and none of them, that trust in him, shall be desolate, Psal. 34. 4, 6, 17.  
Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the Land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the Desires of thine Heart. Commit thy Way unto the Lord, and he shall bring it to pass.— Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently: Fret not thyself, because of him, who prospereth in his Way;— for evil Doers shall be cut off, but those, that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the Earth.— A little, that a righteous Man hath, is better than the Riches of many Wicked.— The Lord knoweth the Days of the Upright; and their Inheritance shall be for ever: They shall not be ashamed in the evil Time; and in the Days of Famine they shall be satisfied.— The Steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his Way. Tho' he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him with his Hand. I have been young, and now am old: Yet have I not seen the Righteous forsaken, nor his Seed begging Bread, Psal. 37. 3, 7, 16, 18, 23.  
Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the Health of my Countenance, and my God, Psal. 43. 5.  
Thou makest us a Reproach to our Neighbours, a Scorn and a Derision to them, that are round about us. Thou makest us a Byword among the Heathen, a shaking of the Head among the People.— All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy Covenant. Our Heart is not turned back, neither have our Steps declined from thy Ways, Psal. 44. 13, 17.  
I am Poor and Sorrowful; let thy Salvation, O God, set me upon High.— For the Lord heareth the Poor, and despiseth not his Prisoners, Psal. 69. 29, 33.  
He shall judge thy People with Righteousness, and thy Poor with Judgement.— He shall judge the Poor of the People, he shall save the Children of the Needy, and shall break in pieces the Oppressor.— He shall deliver the Needy, when he crieth; the Poor also, and him, that hath no Helper. He shall spare the Poor and Needy; and shall save the Souls of the Needy. He shall redeem their Soul from Deceit and Violence; and precious shall their Blood be in his Sight. Psal. 72. 2, 12.  
Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on High?— He raiseth up the Poor out of the Dust, and lifteth the Needy out of the Dunghill: That he may set him with Princes, even with the Princes of his People, Psal. 113. 5, 7.  
I know, that the Lord will maintain the Cause of the Afflicted, and the Right of the Poor, Psal. 140. 12.  
Better is a Little with the Fear of the Lord, than great Treasure and Trouble therewith, Prov. 15. 16.  
Better is a Little with Righteousness, than great Revenues without Right, Prov. 16. 8.  
Better is a dry Morsel, and Quietness therewith, than a Housefull of Sacrifices with Strife, Prov. 17. 1.  
Better is the Poor, that walketh in his Integrity, than he, that is perverse in his Lips, and is a Fool, Prov. 19 1.  
Thou hast been a Strength to the Poor, a Strength to the Needy in his Distress, a Refuge from the Storm, a Shadow from the Heat, when the Blast of the terrible Ones is as a Storm against the Wall, Isa. 25. 4.  
Yea, in the Way of thy Judgements, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our Soul is to thy Name, and to the Remembrance of thee. With my Soul have I desired thee in the Night, yea, with my Spirit within me will I seek thee early: For when thy Judgements are in the Earth, the Inhabitants of the World will learn Righteousness.— Lord, in Trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a Prayer, when thy chastening was upon them, Isa. 26. 8.  
It is of the Lord's Mercies, that we are not consumed, because his Compassions fail not: They are New every Morning; great is thy Faithfulness. The Lord is my Portion, saith my Soul, therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them, that wait for him, to the Soul, that seeketh him. It is good, that a Man should both hope, and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. It is good for a Man, that he bear the Yoke in his Youth. He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because he hath born it upon him. He putteth his Mouth in the Dust, if so be there may be Hope.— For the Lord will not cast off for ever. But tho' he cause Grief, yet will he have Compassion; according to the Multitude of his Mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the Children of Men.— Wherefore doth a living Man complain, a Man for the Punishment of his Sins? Let us search and try our Ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our Heart with our Hands unto God in the Heavens, Lam. 3. 22.  
Thus does the Spirit of God speak in the Case of the Poor, and Distressed; evidently discovering, that however by this World they are esteemed unhappy, yet that God has a particular Regard to them, undertakes their Protection, and makes so many Promises to them, that it cannot be questioned, but, as to the next World, they have much the Advantage above those, who enjoy themselves in plenty. But then they must observe the Conditions, which God proposes to them; of accepting the Inconveniencies of their State, as from the Hand of God; of being content with what they have; of casting their Care upon God; of waiting upon the Lord with Patience; of retaining a firm Confidence in his Promises; of living in the Fear of God, and banishing with their best Endeavours all Inclinations to Impatience, Murmuring and Distrust. If in this Spirit they live, I think, they have more solid Grounds for true Comfort, than the Enjoyment of all worldly Possessions can afford, and may have a great Assurance of God's Promises to be accomplished in them, in the Blessings of a happy Eternity.   

CHAP. XXXV. Of those, who have the Care of the Flock.  
Q. WHAT Directions does the Gospel give to Persons of this Character?  
A. It speaks very particularly to them, and is very full both in the Instructions and Charge it gives them.  
Ye are the Salt of the Earth; but if the Salt have lost his Savour, wherewith shall it be Salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under Foot of Men. Ye are the Light of the World: A City, that is set on a Hill, cannot be hid. Neither do Men light a Candle, and put it under a Bushel; but on a Candlestick, and it giveth Light to all, that are in the House. Let your Light so shine before Men, that they may see your good Works, and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven, Mat. 5. 13. They are to be Exemplar.  
If a Man have an hundred Sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the Mountains, and seeketh that, which is gone astray? Mat. 18. 12. They are to be solicitous in seeking the lost Sheep.  
There was also a Strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them. The Kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them; and they, that exercise Authority upon them, are called. Benefactors. But ye shall not be so: But he, that is greatest among you, let him be, as the Younger; and he, that is Chief, as he, that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at Meat, or he that serveth? Is not he, that sitteth at Meat? But I am among you, as he that serveth, Luk. 22. 24. They are to be Humble in Preferment.  
Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not by the Door, into the Sheepfold, but climbeth up some other Way, the same is a Thief and a Robber. But he, that entereth in by the Door, is the Shepherd of the Sheep. To him the Porter openeth; and the Sheep hear his Voice: And he calleth his own Sheep by Name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own Sheep, he goeth before them, and the Sheep follow him; for they know his Voice, Jo. 10. 1. They are to consider their Vocation.  
I am the good Shepherd: The good Shepherd giveth his Life for the Sheep. But he, that is an Hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the Sheep are not, seethe the Wolf coming, and leaveth the Sheep, and fleeth: And the Wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the Sheep. The Hireling fleeth, because he is an Hireling, and careth not for the Sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and know my Sheep, and am known of mine, Jo. 10. 11. They are to employ and give their Life, for the good of their Flock.  
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth Fruit, and that your Fruit should remain, Jo. 15. 16. They are to remember the end of their being called.  
Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon Son of Ionas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee; he saith unto him, Feed my Lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, Son of Ionas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest, that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my Sheep, Jo. 21. 15. The Love of Jesus the necessary Preparation for taking charge of their Flock.  
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the Work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their Hands on them, they sent them away, Acts 13. 2. Good Dispositions for undertaking the Care of the Flock.  
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the Flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own Blood. For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock. Also of your own selves shall Men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three Years, I ceased not to warn every one Night and Day with Tears, Acts 20. 28. Vigilance and Fidelity necessary for Pastors.  
This is a true Saying, if a Man desire the Office of a Bishop, he desireth a good Work. A Bishop then must be blameless, the Husband of one Wife, Vigilant, Sober, of good Behaviour, given to Hospitality, apt to Teach; not given to Wine, no Striker, not greedy of filthy Lucre, but Patient, not a Brawler, not Covetous; one, that ruleth well his own House, having his Children in Subjection with all Gravity; (for if a Man know not how to rule his own House, how shall he take Care of the Church of God?) Not a Novice, lest being lifted up with Pride, he fall into the Condemnation of the Devil. Moreover he must have a good Report of them, which are without, lest he fall into Reproach, and the Snare of the Devil, 1 Tim. 3. 1. Necessary Qualifications of Pastors.  
If thou put the Brethren in Remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good Minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the Words of Faith, and of good Doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old Wives Fables, and exercise thyself rather unto Godliness: For Bodily Exercise profiteth little; but Godliness is profitable unto all things, having Promise of the Life, that now is, and of that, which is to come.— Let no Man despise thy Youth; but be thou an Example of the Believers, in Word, in Conversation, in Charity, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity. Till I come, give attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrine. Neglect not the Gift, that is in thee, which was given thee by Prophecy, with the laying on of the Hands of the Presbytery. Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy Doctrine; continue in them: For in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them, that hear thee, 1 Tim. 4. 6, 12. Excellent Instructions; 1. To be nourished by Faith. 2. To avoid Fables. 3. To follow Piety. 4. To give good Example. 5. To Read and Teach. 6. Not to neglect Grace. 7. To Meditate. 8. To be watchful over themselves and their Flock. Lastly, To persevere in Duty.  
Rebuke not an Elder, but entreat him as a Father, and the younger Men as Brethren; the elder Women as Mothers, the Younger as Sisters, with all Purity, 1 Tim. 5. 1. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect Angels, that thou observe these things, without preferring one before another, doing nothing by Partiality. Lay Hands suddenly on no Man, neither be Partaker of other men's Sins: Keep thyself pure, v. 21. How strict a charge against all kind of Partiality! Them that Sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear, v. 20. Public Sin to be reproved in Public.  
O Timothy, keep that, which is committed to thy Trust, avoiding profane and vain Babble, and Oppositions of Science falsely so called: Which some professing, have erred concerning the Faith, 1 Tim. 6. 20. They are faithfully to keep what is delivered, avoid unprofitable Disputes.  
Hold fast the form of sound Words, which thou hast heard of me, in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing, which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us, 2 Tim. 1. 13.  
Thou therefore, my Son, be strong in the Grace, that is in Christ Jesus. And the things, that thou hast heard of me among many Witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful Men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure Hardness, as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ. No Man, that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life; that he may please him, who hath chosen him to be a Soldier, 2 Tim. 2. 1. They are to be strong in Grace: Faithful Deliverers of the Truths received: Courageous in all the Difficulties of their Ministry: Not engaged in worldly Affairs.  
Of these things put them in Remembrance, charging them before the Lord, that they strive not about Words, to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God; a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But eat profane and vain Babble; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness.— Flee also youthful Lusts; but follow Righteousness, Faith, Charity, Peace, with them, that call on the Lord out of a pure Heart. But foolish and unlearned Questions avoid, knowing that they do gender Strifes. And the Servant of the Lord must not strive; but be Gentle unto all Men, apt to Teach, Patient; in Meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God Peradventure will give them Repentance, to the acknowledging of the Truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the Snare of the Devil, who are taken Captive by him, at his Will, 2 Tim. 2. 14, 22. They are to banish Disputes of Words. 2. Be Irreproachable in their Lives. 3. Dispense worthily the Word of God. 4. Suppress corrupt Discourse. 5. Subdue their own Passions, and follow the Spirit of the new Man. 6. Decline impertinent Contentions. 7. Be Meek to all, and ready to give their Help. 8. Be moderate in Reproving and Arguing.  
Continue thou in the things, which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee Wise unto Salvation, through Faith, which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness; that the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good Works, 2 Tim. 3. 14. They are to be steadfast in Faith, knowing in the Holy Scriptures, make use of these for the Conduct of themselves, for instructing, correcting and leading others in Ways of Piety and Justice.  
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the Quick and the Dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: Preach the Word, be instant in Season, out of Season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all Long-suffering, and Doctrine. For the time will come, when they will not endure sound Doctrine; but after their own Lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers, having itching Ears. And they shall turn away their Ears from the Truth, and shall be turned unto Fables. But watch thou in all things, endure Afflictions, do the Work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy Ministry, 2 Tim. 4. 1. They are to employ their Preaching, Reproof, Prayer, Threats and Patience, for the Salvation of their Flock. They are to be Watchful, bear patiently the Troubles of their Ministry, and by discharging all Duties fully satisfy it.  
For this Cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in Order the things, that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every City, as I had appointed thee. If any be Blameless, the Husband of one Wife, having faithful Children, not accused of Riot, or Unruly. For a Bishop must be Blameless, as the Steward of God; not Self-willed, not soon Angry, not given to Wine, no Striker, not given to filthy Lucre; but a Lover of Hospitality, a Lover of good Men, Sober, Just, Holy, Temperate; holding fast the faithful Word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound Doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the Gainsayers, Tit. 1. 5. Qualifications of such as undertake this Charge.  
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all Authority. Let no Man despise thee, Tit. 2. 15. They are to exhort and reprove, as having Authority: Their Conduct ought to be such, as to be despised by none.  
Avoid foolish Questions, and Genealogies, and Contentions, and Strive about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A Man, that is an Heretic, after the first and second Admonition, reject: Knowing, that he, that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself, Tit. 3. 9 They are to decline unprofitable Disputes, and declared Heretics.  
The Elders, which are among you, I exhort, who am also an Elder, and a Witness of the Sufferings of Christ, and also a Partaker of the Glory, that shall be revealed. Feed the Flock of God, which is among you, taking the Oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready Mind; neither as being Lords over God's Heritage, but being Ensamples to the Flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a Crown of Glory, that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 5. 1. The true Shepherds, not for their own Interest, but for the Good of the Flock, watch over it; they lead it without lording it, and are themselves an Example to it.  
Be watchful, and strengthen the things, which remain, that are ready to die: For I have not found thy Works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee, as a Thief, Revel. 3. 2.  
Thus speaks the chief Shepherd to all those, who, under him, have taken upon them the Care of his Flock; and from whom should they learn the Obligations of their Charge, but from him? Happy they, who give ear to him.  

§. II. As to Teaching the Flock.  
Jesus came, and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, Mat. 28. 19 The Commission for teaching and preaching Christ must be from Christ, and no other Confidence of teaching Truth, but from him.  
As ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at Hand. Heal the Sick, cleanse the Lepers, raise the Dead, cast out Devils: freely ye have received, freely give, Mat. 10. 7. They are to be disinteressed: Do all good, and not look for a Reward from Man, but from God.  
He, that heareth you, heareth me: And he, that despiseth you, despiseth me: And he, that despiseth me, despiseth him, that sent me, Luk. 10. 16. Christ speaks to his Flock, by those, whom he has set over it, and appointed to teach. Christ is injured in the contempt of them.  
In the daytime, he was teaching in the Temple, and at night he went out, and abode in the Mount, that is called the Mount of Olives, Luk. 21. 37. They, who teach others, are to have their time of frequent Retreat from the World.  
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, Jo. 14. 16. When the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth, Jo. 16. 13. No Security of Truth from Learning, but from the Spirit of God. What Gratitude due from the Flock to God, whilst those, who were to Teach it, were to be led by this Spirit!  
Then the Twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason, that we should leave the Word of God, and serve Tables, Act. 6. 2. To be engaged in temporal Affairs is a hindrance to those, who are to Teach.  
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small Dissension and Disputation with them, they determined, that Paul, and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question, Act. 15. 2. And the Apostles and Elders came together, for to consider of this matter, V 6. When Questions arise, they are not determined by Paul and Barnabas; but are referred to the Apostles and Elders of the Church, who assemble and consider of it.  
Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders, with the whole Church, to send chosen Men of their own company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas;— and wrote Letters by them, after this manner; The Apostles, and Elders, and Brethren, send greeting unto the Brethren, which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain, which went out from us, have troubled you with Words, subverting your Souls, saying, Ye must be Circumcised, and keep the Law, to whom we gave no such Commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen Men unto you.— For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden, than these necessary things, Act. 15. 22. The Apostles and Elders assembled having determined the Question proposed to them, send their Resolution to the Faithful, and recommend it upon the Authority of the Holy Ghost and of themselves.  
When they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: And when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the Epistle; which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation, Act. 15. 30. The Resolutions of the Apostles assembled are received by the Faithful, and this with joy and comfort.  
And as they went through the Cities, they delivered them the Decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Jerusalem. And so were the Churches established in the Faith, and increased in number daily, Act. 16. 4. The Decrees of the Apostles and Elders of the Church were delivered to the Faithful; so were the Churches established.  
Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the Flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own Blood. For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them. Therefore watch, Act. 20. 28. The Pastors of the Church, by the Ordinance of the H. Ghost, are the Overseers of the Flock, and are to Feed it, and by their watchfulness is it to be secured from the Errors of perverse Men.  
Ye know, from the first day, that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you, at all Seasons; serving the Lord with all Humility of Mind, and with many Tears, and Temptations, which befell me, by the lying in wait of the Jews. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Act. 20. 18. They that teach the Flock, are to persevere in their Duty with Patience and Humility, amidst the Difficulties of their Charge. They are not to dissemble the Truth; but give Instructions in Families, as well as in Public. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the Blood of all Men: For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the Counsel of God, v. 26. The guilt of their Blood, is upon Pastors, who perish, because they have not been put in mind of their Duty.  
And now, Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance, among all them, which are sanctified. I have coveted no Man's Silver, or Gold, or Apparel. Yea, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them, that were with me, Act. 20. 32. They, who Teach, aught to Pray for the Flock, and be as little a Burden to them as they possible can.  
I am Debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise, Rom. 1. 14. They who Teach, do well in offering their Labour to all, Partiality ought not to be mixed with their Charity. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one, that believeth, v. 16. They ought not to be ashamed of the Truth.  
Christ sent me, not to Baptise, but to Preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect, 1 Cor. 1. 17. Simplicity more becoming the Gospel, than humane Eloquence. And I, Brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of Speech, or of Wisdom, declaring unto you the Testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.— And my Speech and my Preaching was not with enticing Words of Man's Wisdom, but in Demonstration of the Spirit, and of Power, 1 Cor. 2. 1.  
We are Laborers together with God, 1 Cor. 3. 9 Let a Man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in Stewards, that a Man be found faithful, 1 Cor. 4. 1. The Dignity of Preachers is very great: their Fidelity ought to be so too.  
But with me it is a very small thing, that I should be judged of you, of Man's judgement, 1 Cor. 4. 3. They are not to be Solicitous, what Men say of them.  
Who goeth to warfare any time, at his own charges? Who planteth a Vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock? Say I these things as a Man? or saith not the Law the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the Ox, that treadeth out the Corn. Doth God take care for Oxen? or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: That he that ploweth should blow in Hope; and that he, that thresheth in Hope, should be Partaker of his Hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing, if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be Partakers of this Power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this Power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ. Do ye not know, that they, which minister about holy things, live of the things of the Temple? And they, which wait at the Altar, are Partakers with the Altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they, which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. But I have used none of these things, 1 Cor. 9 7. It is allowed Preachers to live by their Function, but not to make a Trade of it. S. Paul however made no use of this Allowance, and this is more Perfect.  
Though I be free from all Men, yet have I made myself Servant unto all, that I might gain the more.— To the Weak become I as Weak, that I might gain the Weak: I am made all things to all Men, that I might by all means save some, 1 Cor. 9 19, 22. A Condescendence of Charity proper for those that teach.  
Now, Brethren, if I come unto you speaking with Tongues, what shall I profit you? 1 Cor. 14. 6. Preaching or Teaching in an unknown Tongue can do no good to the Hearers. The Word of God ought to be delivered in such a manner, as to be understood by the Hearers.  
Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the Savour of his Knowledge by us in every Place. For we are unto God, a sweet Savour of Christ, in them, that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are the Savour of Death unto Death; and to the other, the Savour of Life unto Life.— For we are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God: But as of Sincerity, but as of God, in the Sight of God speak we in Christ, 2 Cor. 2. 14, 17. The Gospel ought to be preached by Word and by good Example. To Falsify or Change the Word of God is Sacrilegious. Where there is not true Sincerity, there is not the Spirit of the Gospel.  
Seeing we have this Ministry, as we have received Mercy, we faint not: But have renounced the hidden things of Dishonesty, not walking in Craftiness, nor handling the Word of God Deceitfully, but by Manifestation of the Truth, commending ourselves to every Man's Conscience in the Sight of God. But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them, that are lost, 2 Cor. 4. 1. To such Abuses are the most holy Things subject; but how many woe' to them, that incur this Gild!  
We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your Servants for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4. 5. What Profanation! What Prostitution of the Gospel, in those, who undertake to preach Jesus Christ, and under this Cover seek themselves!  
We have this Treasure in Earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the Body, the Dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body, 2 Cor. 4. 7. The Glory of Preachers is to be in God, from whom is every good Gift. In all Troubles, their Confidence is to be in him, whom they preach. They ought every Way to be so Religious, that the Life of Christ may be manifested in all they suffer, and in all they do.  
God hath given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation;— and hath committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation. Now than we are Ambassadors for Christ, as tho' God did beseech you by us: We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God, 2 Cor. 5. 18. We then, as Workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the Grace of God in vain.— Giving no Offence in any thing, that the Ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves, as the Ministers of God, in much Patience, in Afflictions, in Necessities, in Distresses, in Stripes, in Imprisonments, in Tumults, in Labours, in Watch, in Fast, by Pureness, by Knowledge, by Long-suffering, by Kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by Love Unfeigned, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God, by the Armour of Righteousness, on the right Hand, and on the left; by Honour and Dishonour, by evil Report and good Report: As Deceivers, and yet True; as Unknown, and yet well Known; as Dying, and behold we Live; as Chastened, and not Killed; as Sorrowful, yet always Rejoicing; as Poor, yet making many Rich; as having Nothing, and yet possessing all Things, 2 Cor. 6. 1. How great is the Dignity of those, who succeed in the Apostolic Function! And what ought to be their Sanctity, who are not others than Vicars of Christ! Their Model is here described by the Apostle, and aught to be seriously considered in every Point.  
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be Burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: For the Children ought not to lay up for the Parents, but the Parents for the Children. And I will very gladly spend, and be spent for you; tho' the more abundantly I love you, the l●ss I be loved. But be it so, 2 Cor. 12. 14. The Character of true Zeal, to seek nothing, but the good of the Flock. An Hypocrite may pretend this for a time; but none, but the true Shepherds can persevere in this Practice. To do otherwise is to be a Trader, and not a Pastor.  
Do I seek to please Men? For if I yet pleased Men, I should not be the Servant of Christ, Gal. 1. 10. Hence is the Corruption of the Gospel; they, who should seek nothing but Jesus, endeavour to please the World, and to gain Esteem. Preferment weighs more with them than Truth.  
When it pleased God, who separated me from my Mother's Womb, and called me by his Grace: To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen; immediately I conferred not with Flesh and Blood, Gal. 1. 15. Flesh and Blood are not to be Counsellors in the Cause of the Gospel and the Delivery of its Truths.  
He gave some, Apostles: And some, Prophets: And some, Evangelists: And some, Pastors and Teachers; for the Perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the Unity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every Wind of Doctrine, by the slight of Men, and cunning Craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: But speaking the Truth in Love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ, Eph. 4. 11. The Ministers of the Divine Institution: Their Charge is not a State of Idleness, but of Work. The end of this Ordinance, was for establishing the Flock in the Unity of Truth: And in all Holiness in this they ought to labour.  
Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication— for all the Saints; and for me, that Utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my Mouth boldly, to make known the Mystery of the Gospel: For which I am an Ambassador in Bonds, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak, Eph. 6. 18. They are to desire the Prayers of the Flock; they are to use a holy Liberty in preaching the Truth of the Gospel, without being awed by Shame, Fear, or Expectation: They are to do nothing unworthy of him, whose Person they represent.  
Some indeed preach Christ even of Envy and Strife; and some also of good Will. The one preach Christ of Contention, not sincerely, supposing to add Affliction to my Bonds, Phil. 1. 15. Strange Motives for preaching Christ. Unhappy they, whose Passions serve them for Steps, whereby to ascend to the Chair of Truth; which ought to have no Entrance, but by the Love of Jesus.  
If ye continue in the Faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel;— whereof I Paul am made a Minister; who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh, for his Body's sake, which is the Church, Col. 1. 23. To suffer for the Truth, aught to be the Joy and Comfort of him, that has undertaken to be the Minister of Truth. How much then do they forget their Vocation, who, upon meeting with Discouragements, lose all Comfort, and repent of their Labour.  
Whom we preach, warning every Man, and teaching every Man in all Wisdom; that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus, Col. 1. 28. The only design of an Apostolic Teacher is to form Jesus in every one of his Flock, and to make all perfect in him.  
Say to Archippus, take heed to the Ministry, which, thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it, Col. 4. 17. They, who consider not well the Duties of their Charge, will soon neglect them. Fulfil the Duties of the Ministry of Jesus Christ: What Pastor does not tremble at this Word!  
Yourselves, Brethren, know our Entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain. But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much Contention. For our Exhortation was not of Deceit, nor of Uncleanness, nor in Guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in Trust with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing Men, but God, which trieth our Hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering Words, as ye know, nor a Cloak of Covetousness, God is Witness: Nor of Men sought we Glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the Apostles of Christ. But we were Gentle among you, even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our own Souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, Brethren, our Labour and Travel: For labouring Night and Day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel of God. Ye are Witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you, that believe; as you know, how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you (as a Father doth his Children) that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory, 1 Thess. 2. 1. Every Word a Lesson to Preachers. What a Mercy to the World, if they would study and follow this Spirit!  
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord, nor of me his Prisoner; but be thou Partaker of the Afflictions of the Gospel, according to the Power of God, 2 Tim. 1. 8. Great Courage is necessary for standing by the Truth and the Ministers of it.  
Hold fast the form of sound Words, which thou hast heard of me, in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing, which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us, 2 Tim. 1. 13. Great Fidelity required of the Pastors of God's Church. The Holy Ghost promised to them for this end.  
Thou therefore endure Hardness, as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ. No Man, that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life, 2 Tim. 2. 3. I suffer trouble, as an evil Doer, even unto Bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things, for the Elects sake, v. 9 To suffer with Courage all Difficulties, is the Obligation of a Pastor: And if he suffer as a Criminal, as this is most humbling, so it brings him nearer to the Resemblance of Jesus Christ.  
They are of the World; therefore speak they of the World, and the World heareth them, 1 Jo. 4. 5. Unhappy Teachers, whose Character this is.    

CHAP. XXXVI. Of the Flock.  
Q. WHat Directions does the Gospel give to the Flock, in Regard of those, whom God has put over them?  
A. It speaks very particularly to them; but that I may end this last Chapter with such Instructions, as the Gospel gives, I will first set down some Injunctions of God in the Old Law, which, as it was a Figure of the New, so it may lead us to such Duties, as God expects from the Flock, in this better Constitution, which is the Church of Christ.  
And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of the Ethiopian Woman, whom he had married.— And they said, hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us! And the Lord heard it.— Wherefore then were not ye afraid to speak against my Servant Moses? And the Anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed, Num. 12. 1, 8. God shows his displeasure against those, who murmur at such as he has set over them.  
And all the Children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron. — And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this People provoke me?— Surely, they shall not see the Land, which I swore unto their Fathers, neither shall any of them, that provoked me, see it, Num. 14. 2, 11, 23. Great are the Judgements of God upon those, who murmur against such as are over them.  
Now Korah, — and Dathan, and Abiram, — took men, and they risen up before Moses with certain of the Children of Israel, two hundred and fifty Princes of the assembly, famous in the Congregation, Men of renown. And they gathered themselves together against Moses, and against Aaron, and said unto them; Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the Congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: Wherefore then lift you up yourselves above the Congregation of the Lord? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his Face.— And he spoke unto the Congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the Tents of these wicked Men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their Sins.— And the Earth opened her Mouth, and swallowed them up, and their Houses, and all the Men, that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.— And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty Men, that offered Incense, Num. 16. 1, 26, 32, 35. The Congregation being holy, Exempts them not from their Obedience enjoined. The Authority of Princes of the Congregation, Men Famous and of Renown, is not enough for questioning the Authority of Moses and Aaron, whom God had commanded all to hear and obey. Their offering Incense to God is not accepted, while divided from Moses and Aaron, they are under the guilt of Disobedience.  
Thou shalt come unto the Priests, the Levites, and unto the Judge, that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall show thee the Sentence of Judgement. And thou shalt do according to the Sentence, which they of that place (which the Lord shall choose) shall show thee; and thou shalt observe to do, according to all, that they inform thee: according to the Sentence of the Law, which they shall teach thee; and according to the Judgement, which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do; thou shalt not decline from the Sentence, which they shall show thee, to the Right Hand, nor to the Left. And the Man, that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the Priest (that standeth to Minister there before the Lord thy God) or unto the Judge, even that Man shall die: And thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously, Deut. 17. 9 How strict is the Discipline enjoined by God in Common Cases! How severe the Punishment of Disobedience!  
And Samuel saith, Hath the Lord as great delight in  Offerings and Sacrifices, as in obeying the Voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey, is better than Sacrifice; and to hearken, than the Fat of Rams. For rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft, and stubbornness is as Iniquity and Idolatry: Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being King, 1 Sam. 15. 22. Obedience to the Command of God the best Sacrifice. Sacrifice without Obedience is Rebellion, and Idolatry.  
The Priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth: For he is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts, Mal. 2. 7. The Minister of God is to deliver the Law of God.  

The New Law.  
Then spoke Jesus to the Multitude, and to his Disciples, saying, The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses Seat: All therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their Works: For they say, and do not, Mat. 23. 1. Those, who are in Authority, are to be obeyed, tho' they give not good Example.  
These twelve Jesus sent forth;— as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.— Provide neither Gold nor Silver:— For the workman is worthy of his meat.— And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words: When ye depart out of that House or City, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily, I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the Day of Judgement, than for that City, Mat. 10. 5, 9, 14. Christ gives Authority to teach: The Flock is to feed their Pastors. The Obligation of hearing those, whom Christ has put over the Flock, is from the Command of Christ. How strict this obligation is, may be seen in the rigour of their punishment, who refuse to hear them.  
He, that receiveth you, receiveth me; and he, that receiveth me, receiveth him, that sent me, Mat. 10. 40. How great encouragement to hear those, whom Christ has appointed to teach the Flock! To receive them, to submit to them, is to receive and submit to God.  
If he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: But if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee, as an Heathen Man and a Publican. Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth, shall be bound in Heaven: And whatsoever ye shall lose on Earth, shall be loosed in Heaven, Mat. 18. 17. See, what is the Authority of the Church in common cases: Not to Submit to her Determination, is the Crime of a Heathen, of one, who believes not in God. And is not this Authority confirmed while Heaven is declared to join with her in the Sentence she pronounces? There can be no Appeal then from the Church to God: And while both concur, one cannot be questioned, without arraigning the other.  
Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, Baptising them— Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the World. Amen. Mat. 28. 18. The Command of Hearing those, whom Christ has made the Pastors of his Flock, is to all Nations. But, What need of a Command, when the Promise of a Divine Assistance always attending them to the end of the World, is obligation enough upon all those, who desire to be taught the Truth?  
And he said unto them; Go ye into all the World, and preach the Gospel to every Creature. He, that believeth and is baptised, shall be saved; but he, that believeth not, shall be damned, Mar. 16. 15. Christ sends to the whole World, and commands the whole World to believe those, whom he sends to teach them. What must their Authority and Commission be, when Damnation is the Punishment of such as refuse to believe!  
He that heareth you, heareth me: and he, that despiseth you, despiseth me: And he, that despiseth me, despiseth him, that sent me, Luk. 10. 16. What more powerful Argument could Christ use, for obliging the World to hear those, whom he has sent? In them, God is heard or despised. Pastoral Authority (and Truth) is originally in God; it is communicated to the Son, by the Mission of the Father; to the Apostles, by the Mission of the Son; to the following Pastors, by their Succession to the Apostles.  
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive, because it seethe him not, neither knoweth him, Jo. 14. 16. Howbeit, when the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth, Jo. 16. 13. Great Mercy of God to the Flock, to deliver them from all Uncertainty of Truth, by appointing the Spirit of Truth to teach them in their Pastors!  
Verily, verily I say unto you, He, that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me: And he, that receiveth me, receiveth him, that sent me, Jo. 13. 20. They whom Christ sends, are associated in his Mission; being deputed by him, their Authority is his. How terrible their mistake, in rejecting Jesus Christ, when they think they reject nothing but Man! No true Mission, but what was given by Jesus Christ to his Apostles, and by a Succession from them, is communicated to others. If any other be pretended, it is Extraordinary, and aught to be authorised by Miracle to give it Credit.  
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose soever Sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever Sins ye retain, they are retained, Jo. 20. 21. What Authority in this Mission? As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. The Holy Ghost being Communicated, Man is only the Minister, and the Power is of God. Can such Authority, such Power be questioned by Man?  
Now send Men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose Surname is Peter: — he shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do, Act. 10. 5. An Angel from Heaven is sent to Cornelius, to direct him to Peter; tho' God inspires, yet the Pastors of his Church are to teach. This is the Ordinance of Christ, and the Practice is confirmed from Heaven.  
And he trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the City, and it shall be told thee, what thou must do, Act. 9 6. Christ calls upon Saul, stops him in his evil way; but for his Instruction, he sends him to a Disciple. If this be the Will of God, who can pretend to serve God, and yet make exceptions against doing his Will?  
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small Dissension and Disputation with them, they determined, that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem, unto the Apostles and Elders, about this question, Act. 15. 2. And the Apostles and Elders came together, for to consider of this matter, v. 6. Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders, 22. Questions of Faith are referred to the Pastors of the Church. S. Paul and Barnabas, tho' great Apostles, and particularly inspired, pronounce not in this case; but help to publish what the Pastors assembled had determined.  
And as they went through the Cities, they delivered them the Decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Jerusalem: And so were the Churches established in the Faith, and increased in number daily, Act. 16. 4. The Faithful receive the Decrees of their Pastors, and thus was the Faith established, and they perserv'd from the dangers of Novelty and Error.  
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the Flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own Blood, Act. 20. 28. It is the Ordinance of God, that the Flock be under the care of the Pastors; by these it is to be fed, and preserved from Error. This Charge is given them by the Holy Ghost: Who dare alter the Method?  
They, that stood by, said, Revilest thou God's High Priest? Then said Paul, I witted not, Brethren, that he was the High Priest: For it is written; Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy people, Act. 23. 5. Respect is due from the Flock to their Pastor; they are not to revile him.  
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal Life, believed, Act. 13. 48. Those, who are ordained to Salvation, hear and believe the Apostles. This was the way to Life.  
Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power, resisteth the Ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation, Rom. 13. 2. Have the Pastors of the Church Power from God?  
He gave some, Apostles:— And some Pastors and Teachers: For the perfecting the Saints,— for the edifying of the Body of Christ:— That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, Eph. 4. 11. If thus God has declared the design of his Goodness, in the Ordinance of Pastors, than it must be the greatest duty and interest of the Flock, to adhere to the Pastors of the Church: For thus has God appointed, for preserving it in Unity and Truth.  
Now I beseech you, Brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgement, 1 Cor. 1. 10. Thus is strictly enjoined the Flock; then they must be careful in observing the Means, which God has ordained for Unity.  
He therefore, that despiseth, despiseth not Man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit, 1 Thes. 4. 8. If the Flock despise the Doctrine of those, whom God has appointed to teach it, they despise not Man, but God.  
We beseech you, Brethren, to know them, which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love, for their works sake, 1 Thes. 5. 12. If these are to be esteemed and loved; this must be chief in their Instructions and Admonitions: then no Contentions, no setting up against them.  
Let him, that is taught in the Word, communicate unto him, that teacheth in all good things, Gal. 6. 6. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they, which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9 14. Let the Elders, that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they, who labour in the Word and Doctrine: for the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox, that treadeth out the Corn: and the labourer is worthy of his reward, 1 Tim. 5. 17.  
Remember them, which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: Whose Faith follow, considering the end of their Conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever, Heb. 13. 7. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your Souls, as they that must give account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you, v. 17. What Charge given by God to the Flock! Remember, Submit, Obey, Fellow the Faith of those, who have the Rule over you; for these must g●ve account of your Souls. But can they be any part in this account, who refuse to obey?  
He, that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Error, 1 Jo. 4. 6. Are these thus discerned? Then the Flock must here see the necessity of hearing those, whom God has appointed to feed the Flock.  
And now, having gone through the Principal Duties of a Christian Life, as likewise the Particular States, in some of which every Christian must have a part; and having seen in all these, what is the Will of God, as it is delivered in holy Writ; what better Conclusion can I make, than earnestly to recommend to all, that they would frequently read, seriously consider, and with exactness attend to what the Spirit of God says to them? It is the effect of an infinite Mercy, that God has thus left his holy Will manifested to us, that in this we might have a sure Guide: And there is no other Way to Salvation, but this alone, of doing the Will of God. Thus Christ has declared; and what greater Interest than can a Christian have, than in knowing the Will of God? This is the best Study; this the best Learning: All other, without this, are vain and useless Ornaments; but this alone, without all others, will make a Man Wise to Salvation. If the World sets up for other Ways; if it has Number and Custom to give Authority to them; yet all this makes them not warrantable to the Christian; he must consult his Rule, and whatever he finds not allowed there, he must renounce, as Antichristian; for it is Christ, and not the World, is his Guide to Salvation. How perversely blind then are all those Christians, who make it their Business to study the World, and esteeming this the best Education, are at a great Expense in training up their Children to an early Knowledge of whatever it admires? And when this is done; what is the Effect, but only to be skilled in Vanity; to be learned in those things, which lead them out of the Way? And in the mean time the only thing Necessary is neglected, and they are Strangers to that Knowledge, which can be their only Guide to that Life, for which they were born: Whereas the great Business of all that believe, is to know the Will of God, and by doing it to work out their Salvation.  
If this be the Error of such as are blind Lovers of themselves and the World, instead of God; then such as follow the Light of Faith, must follow another Business: They must make it their general Study, to know the Will of God, they must strictly inform themselves, what he commands, what he forbids, what he approves and disapproves; and this being most expressly delivered in holy Writ, they ought to esteem the particular Knowledge of this their only solid Accomplishment, and not think they have any thing valuable in them, whatever their natural or acquired Abilities be, as long as they are Ignorant of this. By this Method Christians will soon be qualified for making a true Judgement of all Things and Circumstances of human Life; they will judge the World, and all its Ways, and not be in danger of being deluded by its Specious and most Authentic Snares. This is the true Christian Wisdom; and whosoever takes another Way, tho' he may come to an eminent Degree of admired Knowledge, yet he will never be Wise to Salvation.    
FINIS.