Heart-Treasure: OR, AN ESSAY TENDING To fill and furnish the Head and Heart of every Christian, with a soul-inriching treasure of truths, graces, experiences, and comforts, to help him in Meditation, Conference, Religious Performances, spiritual actions, enduring affl●●ctions, and to fit him for all Conditions, that he may live holily, die happily, and go to Heaven triumphantly. BEING The substance of some Sermons preached at Coley in York shire, on Mat. 12.35. By O. H. An unworthy Minister of the blessed Gospel. Prov. 10.2. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but Righteousness delivereth from death. Rom. 14.17. For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Aug De Civit. Dei Lib. I.c. 16. Sit igitur in primis positum, atque firmatum, Virtutem, qud rectè vivitur ab animi sed. membris corporis imperare, anctumque corpus usu fitri sancta voluntatis. Cyprian Tract ●. De Hab. Virg. Sciant primò illam Divitem esse, quae in Deo dives est, illam esse locupletem, quae locuples in Christo est: Bona illa esse quae sunt spiritualia, Divina, caelestia, quae nos ad Deum ducant, quae nobiscum, apud deum verpetuâ Possessione permaneant. LONDON, Printed by A. Ibbitson for ●mas Parkburst, at the Golden Bible, on London-bridge, 1667. TO THE READER. READER, SO soon as thine Eye views the title of this sreatise, do not slightly cast the Treatise itself away, but spend some time in the serious perusal of it. If any value is to be put on my poor Judgement; I do assure thee I esteem it a choice Treasure. In it, thou wilt find a most useful Subject treated on, viz. The furnishing the heart with a spiritual Treasure, an Argument necessary for these times, wherein we cannot insure outward Treasures. The pious learned Author in handling this Subject, hath approved himself a most experienced Christian, and a workman who needeth not be ashamed. Amongst the variety of good Books, which through divine indulgence are yet to be bought; it will be thy wisdom to buy those that are of general use, and such is this Book, I commend to thee; Buy it, read it often, meditate on it seriously, and lift up thy heart to God for his blessing, and thou wilt find much cause to admire his good Providence in handing this Book to thee, and wilt be incited to do that work, many Professors are too remiss in, viz. The getting an Heart treasure, which will greatly support thee under present and future trial. In the Appendix thou wilt meet with excellent helps for the discharge of the necessary and much neglected duty of Meditation, whereby thou mayest get much Treasure for holy thoughts, and so prevent that, which is the burden of many gracious souls, viz. vain thoughts, and be fitted for Duty, and enjoy much of Heaven on Earth. The good Lord bless these Papers, and the labours of all his Faithful Ambassadors to the good of his Church, so prayeth, July the 12th. 1667. The meanest of Christ's servants, and thy soul-Friend; John Chester. To my very loving and dearly beloved Friends and Neighbours, the Inhabitants of Coley and the places adjacent. My dearly beloved in the Lord, GOod Books are not the lest part of the Church's treasure and furniture, but there is not any Book to be compared to that Book of Books, the holy Bible, or Books of Canonical Scripture, which were indicted by the immediate dictates of the blessed spirit, penned by holy Men of God, and do contain the whole of Man, and open God's heart to the Sons of Men: this precious Book is the common Magazine of the Saints, the Shop of all Soul-physick, Mr. Torshe● of harmonizing Script. pag. 26. the greatest treasure of heavenly wisdom and science (saith a good Divine) that the whole Earth hath in keeping: he that eats and digests this Book cannot but be well-liking: he that digs in these golden Ours, cannot but be rich; and he that makes this Book his main study, must needs be learned, holy and happy: the best Men have delighted most in the Word of God, and they that have delighted most therein, Dr. Gouge see his life. See the life of Mr. Jordan in Mr. Clarks Collect. have become the best Men: of some famous Men 'tis recorded, that they read every day fifteen Chapters in the Bible, many years together, of others 'tis said they read it above twenty times over in their lives, with special observations of others, that by long and assiduous Meditation of the Scriptures, their breasts became libraries of Jesus Christ: and indeed 'tis the duty and property of a gracious soul to meditate in God's Law day and night: and to set an higher estimate upon it, than up●n the richest treasures of Gold and Silver, Pearls or precious Stones: it were better that all other Books were burnt (as Luther said) than that they should abate Scripture-study: yet secondarily the choice Treatises of eminent Divines in all ages are no mean part of the Church's treasure; as helps to understand and improve the treasures of knowledge contained and couched in those sacred pages: these are as so many Philipss to the studious Eunuch to take the laborious Passenger by the hand, through the deeper foards of Scripture studies: these are as tender Nurses, to lay the breasts of the two Testaments to God's babes, and feed them with milk or stronger meat, as they are able: these are those Mineralists that dig out of this precious quarry such Gold and Silver-oar, that if it have the stamp of God upon it, will much enrich the souls of spiritual Merchants; only let the spiritual Man, who judgeth all things, try the spirits, and distinguish betwixt the dross of error, and the solid Gold of saving truth, let no pason, dropping from the Pen, infect the eyes, and so bewitch the heart: 'tis a blessed thing to have a solid judgement, and an honest heart, to prove all things● and to hold fast that which is go●d: Blessed be God for good Books, which are a better treasure for the Church than the Romish stock of merits and indulgences, these are as so m●ny sweet reflections from the Sun of Scripture upon the dark and doubting s●ul, they are as pipes to ●nvey the streams of salvation from those blessed Fountains to private Houses, and troubled hearts; and there is an advantage in writing, Zecharias, cum loqui non petuit, scripsit. when Preachers are dead or cannot speak, books may remain and instruct their surviving people, and what is wanting to the ear may be compensated to the eye, (which some have called the learned Senses) and through the eye the heart may be affected, and why may not life be conveyed through the eyes to the heart? as death came in that way, so God can by his Spirit make Pen and Ink characters, to leave lively Characters, not on Paper and Parchment, 2 Cor. 3.3. but on the fleshly tables of the heart. This in part is my Apology for putting my Sickle into this Harvest, and taking this pains in composing this Treatise, whether it shall ever have the advantage of publication by an impression, I know not, but if the Lord will make any further use of it, for the good of his Church, I shall accept of that opportunity, and leave myself and these poor labours to the service of that God, to whom I have devoted myself and all that I have or can do: I look upon myself as the weakest and unworthiest of all those that wait at God's Altar, yet as the Lord hath put me in trust with the Gospel, so I have desired in my measure to be faithful to the Lord and to your souls, and having obtained help of God I continued a mirror of Providence to this day: I am not worthy to preach, much lesle to print any thing of these g●erious mysteries. I rather wonder that God hath had the patience with me thus long in his work; my God hath humbled me amongst you, Acts 10.19. you know how I have served the Lord with many tears and temptations, which have befallen me many ways, yet God is faithful who hath not suffered me to be tempted, beyond that strength he hath supplied me with, 1 Cor. 10.13. and hath at last made a way to escape: Let God glorify himself whatever become of this vile wretched worm; the good of your souls lies near my heart, God is my witness how greatly I long after your spiritual welfare; it much grieves me to think of leaving any f● your souls without a saving Treasure after all my Soul-travel over you, and serving two full Apprenticeships amongst you: Let not my sins or sufferings blemish my doctrine or practice, or be a stumbling-block before any of you: what you have seen good in me, imitate it, what hath been amiss, cover it with the skirt of Love, and beg a pardon from Heaven for me: Some may think better of me than I deserve, and others worse, but as I pass not for man's judgement, so both have tended to humble me, because I do not answer the apprehensions of the one, and my corruptions exceed any grounded censures of of the other; it were but a sorry business to undertake a vindication of myself (except wherein the Gospel is concerned); O that you and yours might be and do that which is good, though I should be as Reprobate and un-approved: 2 Cor. 13.7. Let Christ live though we die, let souls be enriched, though we be impoverished; would to God poor souls did reign as spiritual Kings, for though they should seek to exclude us as means thereof, 1 Cor. 4.8. yet we also would reign with them as sharers therein, and in thankfulness to God for their mercy: let people be truly rich in grace, and we must be full of comfort, yea, our peoples-faith shall comfort us in all our affliction; O, how much would our people's spiritual gains countervail our temporal losses? 'Tis better, infinitely better that you be rich with our wares, than we with yours, our greatest treasure as Ministers, lies in your souls Richeses, we seek not yours, but you, and it will be transcendenly more comfort if you give up your souls to Christ, than if you should give all your estates to us: we shall get richeses enough if we make you rich, (as Constantius said once) this is one of Paul's Paradoxes, o that it might be verified in our success also, as poor, yet making many rich, 2 Cor. 6.10. Concerning the birth and bulk of this Treatise I must tell you, that the occasion of it was this: I heard a godly Minister preach a Sermon upon this Text, and I was much affected with it. and resolved when I came home to search into it, I studied and preached three Sermons (as I remember) upon it, with which some were so offected, that several entreated me to give them Copies thereof, which I set myself to; but as I writ it, it swollen in my hands to this magnitude at lost; and when some had perused it, they entreated me to let it be printed, and some would be at the charges; it was a sudden, and (to me) a strange motion, for I never yet judged any labours of mine to be of so much worth as to be exposed to public view, yet I did not know what hand and end, the Lord might have in this motion: I sought God about it, and desired to search my heart, and purge it from the Leaven of vanity and ostentation, which (God knows) I found too much working in me; than I told my Friend I would communicate it to some Reverend Ministers, and should be ruled by their judgement, and and advice: I did so, and four or five eminent men in these two Counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire have moved me to publish it; and if Providence clears its way, I am freely content, the Lord do with me and it, as seems good in his eyes: The Subject I am sure, is of great importance, nor have lever seen any Treatise of this nature; if it were profitably handled it might be of singular use: what is of man. I hope God will pity and pardon the unworthy Instrument; and what proceedeth from his blessed Spirit, may through the help of the Spirit reach and teach the spirit, as this hath been (in a sort) painful, so hath it been very pleasant and delightful to me: and this I can say, I never found variety of matter so flowing into my mind at any time, as in writing this Book I have experienced: if the Lord do good by it, I have my end. Devout Bernard gins an Epistle to a great man with this Text, Bern. Epist. 123. ad Hildeb. Arch. Turon: Sanè quod ad me attinet, lego me in litteris tuis, non quod sum, sed quod esse vellem, & quod non esse pudet: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good th●ngs: and towards the close of that Epistle he hath these words, Truly for myself, I re●d myself in thy letters, not what I am, but what I would be, and that I am ashamed that I ●m no●: Just so may I say in this case, I have writ of the Heart's treasure, but alas, how little have I attained of that whereof I have aritten? the Lord grant that mine own Book may not rise up as a witness against me, but 'tis the desire of my heart to have such a Treasure, as is here described, if it set our souls on longing and praying for it, some good is done by it. I shall not any longer detain you in the Porch, I entreat you read it deliberately, and practice what you read and find backed with the Scripture of truth, and God forbidden that my preaching, or this writing should rise up in judgement against you: God forbidden that any of you should be found without this Heart-treasure of saving Grace at Death or Judgement: My dear Friends, pray for me, who have you much upon my heart, when I am upon my knees, pray for me that Utterance may be given unto me— that I Eph. 5.19. may make known the mystery of the Gospel: pray, Rom. 15.32. that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed, for the perfecting of that which is lacking in your faith, that so you may have a Treasure of grace in your Hearts laid up in you, and a Treasure of glory in the Heavens laid up for you, which is the constant Prayer of From my Study at Coley-Hall June. 14. 1666. A sinful Worm, that desires to continued with you for your furtherance and joy of faith, Oliver Heywood. The Contents of this Book, or the substance of what is contained in this ensuing Treatise. Chap. 1. COntaining the Occasion, Division, and Exposition of the Text, with Observations from it. Page 1 Chap. 2. A discovery of the nature of a Treasure: Treasuring up doth import 7 things: 1. Carefulness. 7 2. Choiceness. 7 3. Suitableness. 9 4. Sufficiency. 10 5. Secrecy. 11 6. Safety. 12 7. Readiness for supply. 13 Chap. 3. A particular account of the Treasure meant in the Text, viz. Holy Thoughts: Supplied by 4 streams, viz. 1. Scripture-truths. 15 2. Spiritual graces. 17 3. Large experiences. 18 4. Lively comforts. 20, which are promoted by 1. precious promises. 21 2. a clear conscience. 22 Chap. 4. How the treasure of holy thoughts thus laid in, is to be laid out. Which is these 4 ways:— 1. By the heart in meditating. 24 2. By the lips in speaking. 26 1. To men in conferences, 26 2. To God in performances. 27 3. By the hands in holy actions. 28 4. By the back in bearing burdens. 30 Chap. 5. Reasons, showing the necessity of laying up this Heart-Treasure. 1. From nature and humans reason. 33 2. From Christ's offices which are for supply. 34 3. from the end of ordinances & providences 36 4. from our heart's emptiness of all good. 37 5. from their fullness of an evil treasure. 38 6. from the inbred motions of all after good. 39 7. from every one's making a treasure. 40 8. from its discriminating between men. 41 9 from its assimilating the soul to God. 43 Chap. 6. The last Reason showing the advantages of a treasure, as to duty. A treasure makes a soul 1. Ready in duty. 46 2. Real in duty. 47 3. Uniform in duty. 49 4. Unwearied in duty. 50 Chap. 7. The first use of Examination handled, showing the necessity of self-tryal. 54 4. Questions concerning this treasure propounded. 1. How came you by it? 56 2. How do you value it: 57 3. How do you use it. 61 4. How do you increase it? 64 Chap. 8. The second use, for the Conviction. Of 4. sorts 1. Careless loiterers. 67 2. Vainglorious beasters. 70 3. Impious offenders. 76 4. Unprofitable Professors. 82 Chap. 9 Realsaints rebuked in 4. expostulations. 4. Do you not hereby dishonour God. 90 3. Do you know what you may need 87 2. Are you in danger of an overplus 85 1. Is not this worth looking after. 84 Cham 10. The third Use is of Instruction, 1. To graceless souls how to begin a treasure. 1. With draw thyself from the World. 93 2. Be at a point concerning thy state. 95 3. Mourn over thy empty heart. 96, 97 4. Empty thy heart of all corruption. 98 5. Be gleaning in God's field. 100 6. Study and improve free grace. 102 7 Be humble petitioners at the throne of grace this pressed from Christ's counsel. Rev. 3.17 Chap. 11. General Directions to Christians, how to get a treasure of good things into the heart. 1. Work on your heart the reality and rarity of the things of God. 115 2. Reserve your hearts for, and resign them up unto God. 118 3. Live by faith upon Jesus Christ. 121 4. Warm in your hearts the grace of love. 125 5. Walk humbly with your God. 126 6. Be much in secret Prayer. 129 Chap. 12 Direct. 7. Trade with God in every performance. 134 8. Spend time well. 137 9 Gather something out of every thing. 140 10 Maintain communion of Saints in all God's appointments. 143 Chap. 13. Moore particular directions, instructing a Christian in treasuring up these 4. sorts of divine truths viz. 1. Doctrinal truths. 151 2. Disciplinary truths. 152 3. Practical truths. 154 4. Experimental truths. 156 Chap. 14. 2. Instructions to Christians in treasuring, 4. sorts of useful graces, viz. 1. Directing graces. 161 2. Subjecting graces. 165 3. Profiting graces. 168 4. Persevering graces. 171 Cham 15. 3. Instructions concerning boarding up experiences, of 4. sorts viz. 1. Of the vanity of the World. 174 2. Of the treachery of the heart. 177 3. Of the bitterness of sin. 178 4. Of heavenly discoveries. both as to Special providences. 181 Spiritual influences. 182 Cham 16. 4. Instructions, how a Christian is to treasure up a large measure of comforts, 4. helps 1. lay up all your comfort in God alone. 186 2. Lay the stress of your comfort on freegrace in justification. 188 3. store up clearest evidences of sincerity. 190 4. Lay up 1. Tears in God's bottle. 192 2. Prayers in his book. 193 3. comforts in others breasts. 194 4. Promises in your souls. 195 Cham 17. Some Directions to help a Christian in maintaining and increasing this heart-treasure. 1. Let not Satan rob or circumvent you. 198 2. Fill not your hearts with the World. 200 3. Mortify the corruption of nature. 202 4. Observe the spirits pulses and impulses. 204 5. Carefully watch your hearts. 206 6. Be jealous after your enlargements. 209 Cham 18. 7. Be frequent and exact in an heart-search. 212 8. Timely make up spiritual decays. 214 9 Be much in laying out. 217 10. Be thankful for treasures received. 218 Cham 19 Further instructions concerning bringing forth out of this treasure, which must be done 1. Speedily. 223 2. Seasonably. 226 3. Sincerely 229 4. Suitably. 1. Vouchsafed means 2. appointed ends. 233 Cham 20. The fourth and last use of the point which is partly of encouragement, and partly of exhortation, pressing all to endeavour after this treasure. Several particulars tending to discover the necessity, excellency, and commodity of having the treasure. 1. A treasured soul is of great worth. 236 2. Such a one is fit for any condition. 239 3. He is enabled by it for noble erterprises. 242 4. He is the delight of God's heart. 245 5. He can live well in a spiritual dearth. 248 Cham 21. 6. Every thing turns to the increase of this stock. 251 7. This treasure is safely locked up; and cannot be lost. 254 8. God's owns this treasure, though sometimes hid from the possessor. 257 9 A treasured soul hath a rich treasure in Heaven. 260 10. Treasures of glory are proportioned to treasures of grace. 263 Several Objections answered. Cham 22. 1. Obj. Of ignorance in the mind, answered 266 2. obj. of a treasure of wickedness in the heart. 267 3. obj. From want of comfort, answered. 268 4. ob. from unprofitableness under means, ans. 269 5. obj. from falling short of others, answered. 271 6. ob. from unserviceableness in our place, ans. 272 7. Obj. From fears of losing, answered. 274 The exhortation urged, to get a treasure, applied to poor and rich, young and old. 281 Heart-Treasure. MATTH. 12.35. The former part of the Verse. A good man out of the good Treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things. CHAPTER I. The Introduction, containing the occasion, division, and exposition of the Text, and Observations from it. OUr Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (like a skilful Alchemist) extracts the pure gold of wholesome Doctrine, from common objects and occurrences: as from natural water, Joh. 4.10 he discourseth of spiritual water of life; from common bread, Joh. 6.27 he ascends to soul-nourishing conferences of his own flesh and blood, that living bread that came down from Heaven: As he passed thorough the Vineyards, Joh. 15.1 Assembl. An. in lot. he takes occasion to speak of the true Vine himself, and of those Saints that are really planted into him, and bring forth proportionable fruit: Christ could preach an excellent Sermon from any Text: But here he takes an occasion of uttering precious medicinal Truths, from the poysonful blasphemies of the Scribes and Pharisees; distinguishing the fruit of the lips into good and bad word, which evidence the nature of the root to be either good or bad: The occasion of the words, is this, when our soulsaving, and body-healing Redeemer had cast out a blind and dumb Devil; that glorious miracle had various effects, upon the possessed person, it wrought soundness, vers. 22. upon the people amazement, vers. 23. upon the Pharisees madness and blasphemy (though that was only accidental) whereby they charge God himself with imposture, vers. 24. to these last Christ speaks by way of Apology for himself, and confutation of their impudent slander, his answer consists of three members. 1. He refutes the calumny by clear Arguments demonstrating his Divine Power in the Miracle, Vid. Pareum in cap. from vers. 25, to vers. 31. 2. He detects the heinousness of the slander, calling it an irremissible blasphemy, to v. 33. 3. He exhorts them to repentance, by a severe and serious challenge, urging them to conceive more sound and soberly of divine works; and to speak more spiritually and profitably, since they must give an account of every idle (much more blasphemous) expression; from whence there will be drawn sufficient matter of their condemnation: This exhortation he directs in hypothesi to the Pharisees, v. 33, 34. in thesi to all, v. 35, 36, 37. to the former parabolically, to the latter properly and doctrinally. Or our Lord Jesus shows, that thoughts are the firstborn of the heart, the fountain of expressions, words are the echo of heart-language; much may be in the heart that's not vented with the lips, but there's nothing comes out, but what was first within; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, vers. 34. This is illustrated by two similitudes, Viz. 1. Of a Tree, vers. 33. 2. Of a Treasure, vers. 35. There's much ado amongst Expositors, to determine what is meant by Tree; but its clear, by Tree is meant a man or woman, who must be good, before they can do good: But the latter resemblance of a Treasure, is our present subject, which is bimembris, or consisting of two parts; The 1. Relates to good men. Bonus est, non qui talis videtur, sed qui intus cor habet bonum, h.c. 〈◊〉 matitiâ naturali. Spirit. Dei, repurgatum & regeneratum. Par. in locum. 2. Unto bad men. In both which are 1. Laying up, called a Treasure. 2. Laying out, expressed by bringing forth. A few words for explication. A good man] there's good, 1. Absolutely; so there's none good but God, i.e. essentially, perfectly, originally, independently. 2. Comparatively, so godly men are truly good, i e. sincerely, if compared with profane men, or Hypocrites: It's said of Barnabas, that he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and Faith, Act. 11.24. There's also good men, as compared with froward, 1 Pet. 2.18. or choice instruments, compared with persons of an inferior rank, Rom. 5.7. as David was worth ten thousand of the people: This good man in the Text is to be taken in the former sense, in opposition to wicked men. Good Treasure] it is a metaphor, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. quod in crastinum reponitur. and alludeth to the Husbandman and Tradesman laying up in store what must be used in aftertimes; or an Huswives provision laid up for all the year: This crosseth not Christ's prohibition, Mat. 6.19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, for that is in opposition, this in subordination to the true Treasure, and Divine Providence, as Joseph's hoarding Corn was; and it's called a good Treasure in opposition to treasures of wickedness, Prov. 10.2. Of the heart] the heart in man is the first mover of the actions of man, even as the first mover carrieth all the spheres of Heaven about with it; so doth this little thing in the little world of man, animate all his operations: by heart I understand the rational soul, with all its faculties of understanding, memory, will, and affections, the chief part of man. The Jews compare the heart, Weems his Portrait. pag. 26. 1. To the Holy of Holies, or Oracle, whence the Lord gives his answers. 2. To. Solomon's Throne, as the stateliest place where the King of Heaven sits, as his Throne of Residence. 3. To the two Tables of Stone in Moses' hands, in which the Lord writes the Law of Wisdom: and I may add, 4. The heart of a Christian is the store-house of the choicest Treasures, and Cabinet of the most precious Jewels. Bringeth forth] emits or sends out suitable emanations, for his own souls comfort, and the supply or profit of others: This is a drawing of the Fountain into several Channels, an educing the habits of grace into various acts, the exercise and improvement of what was laid up, a stirring up the gift of God, a trading with the talon, required of every Soul that hopes to give a good account at the last day. Good things] there are some things good only materially, good civilly, but these are good things spiritually, both as to matter, manner, and end, pleasing to God, profitable to man, and comfortable to him that brings them forth; these are as streams flowing from the spring of true grace in the heart, by the banks and bounds of a divine command to the infinite Ocean of God's glory. The sum of all is this, every man is, Bona opera non facere bonos, sed prius oportere bonos esse, quam faciamus bona: sic propriae mala opera non facere malos, sed malos facere mala. and acts as principles are stated in his heart; we judge of the heart by outward acts, but God judgeth of outward acts by the inward frame of the heart: and hence that of Luther is a great truth, that good works do not make good men, but first they must be made good men, before they can do good works: for habits must be before acts; yet good acts make good men better, as evil actions make bad men worse; for acts strengthen habits, as we see by experience. The Doctrines are these: 1. men's layings out are according to their layings up: That in general. 2. Every sincere Christian is truly good. 3. Every gracious soul hath a good Treasure. 4. True grace is a Christians Treasure. 5. A Saints Treasure is in Heaven, and in his heart. 6. A Treasure in the heart vents itself in the life. 7. A Treasure truly good, will sand forth good things: the heart, so far as its sanctified, and doth act like itself, produceth gracious acts and exercises. But I shall comprise all in this one Observation. Doct That a good Treasure in the heart, is necessary to good expenses in the life. No man can do good, except he first be good: there must be first a laying in, before there can be a laying out. The Dutch have a Proverb, Bonus Servatius facit bonum Bonifacium. That a good saver, makes a well-doer; I am sure 'tis so in a spiritual sense; he that lays in spiritual provision, is only fit to lay out in the exercises of Religion. I shall but give this one proof for the general, Mat. 13.52.— A Scribe [i e. a Minister] instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven [i.e. prepared to declare the mysteries of the Gospel] is like an householder [or Steward, for so Ministers are called, 1 Cor. 4.1.] which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things new and old [a plain allusion to an housekeepers old store, which makes a daily standing dish, and new supply from the market upon special occasions, Old and New Testament-dainties:] This Scripture clearly holds forth, that he had laid up what he now lays out. Joseph lays up abundance of Corn in the seven years of plenty, else there could not have been supply in time of scarcity, Gen. 41.47, 48, 49. This only for a hint in general, for more clear explication and confirmation of this Truth. I shall endeavour to discover, 1. What laying up a Treasure is. 2. What this Treasure in the Text is. 3. What this laying out implies. 4. Why laying up is thus necessary. CHAP. II. A Discovery of the Nature of a Treasure in general. A Treasure imports the laying up of things for necessary use in aftertimes, and holds forth these seven particulars, all which suit with the laying up of spiritual provision in general. 1. Laying up a Treasure, implies carefulness, anxious thoughts, solicitous endeavour; its easy to scatter, but it requires some industry to gather, yea 'tis easier to gather by filching and cheating, than by trading or working; and things easily got by evil means, are as quickly lost by strange ways, Prov. 13.11. Wealth [gotten] by vanity, shall be diminished, Malè porta, malè dilabuntur. i.e. an estate procured by base shifts, devices, and juggling tricks, comes to naught. But he that gathereth by labour [Heb. by the hand] shall increase, and in time become a Treasure. Experience tells us, that they that would get a great estate, take pains in the day, and plot in the night, Eccles. 5.12. and desires to get and keep their abundance, will not suffer them to sleep: 'tis so in Spirituals, there's hard tugging to get abiding provision; Spiritual goods are not got with a wet finger; they drop not into the mouth of a careless loiterer: Difficilia quae pulch●a. The choicer any thing is, the hardlier is it attained: an Harvest-mans' labour is hard toiling. O think not to get Heaven by laziness: The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by violence, Mat. 11.12. A resolute Christian (as it were) storms this uphil● City; as Soldiers run to get the prey, or Racers to obtain the prize. 2. It imports choiceness in the things laid up. Heb. 2.13 'Tis not all Labour that obtains a Treasure; Isa. 55.2. they labour in the very fire, that weary themselves for very vanity. Men may lay out money and labour for that which neither doth profit nor satisfy; there are many things better slighted, than sought and gained: However, stones and straws make no good treasure; no wife man will accounted himself rich with toys and trifles; A Christians treasure consists in Spirituals, which only are of worth and value; Hab. 2.6. Gold and Silver are but read and white clay, called thick clay, because more solid bodies; but compared with Divine things they are but dross: Eph. 1. ●. Spiritual blessings only make the Believer blessed; nothing can be accounted a treasure, but what comes from, and leads to Heaven, Bona throni, the good things of the Throne, are a Saints treasure, Bonascabelli, the good things of the Footstool, are a wicked-man's portion, and he may have a large measure, yea, a treasure of them; Psa. 17.14 their bellies are filled with hid treasures: Yet these do not make them happy; all under-moon comforts are but sorry trifles to make a treasure of; the whole world cannot counterbalance a grain of Grace: we accounted of things by their worth, not by their bulk; a little box of precious ointment is of more value and virtue, than whole tuns of ordinary Liquor; only Heavenly richeses make up a Souls treasure. 3. Suitableness of the things stored up: Not man will lay up what he shall never need, and accounted it his treasure: Every Tradesman lays up that which is fit for his Calling; Cloathiers, Staplers, Tanners, Husbandmen, have all their peculiar provisions, suited to their vocations: that may be a cumber to one, that is a treasure to another: Kings have their peculiar treasure, Eccle. 2.8. i e. that which none but Kings have; So all God's Kings have their peculiar treasure; which as it is different from all others, so in some respects different one from another. Moses had a treasure of meekness, Job of patience, Solomon of wisdom, John of love: 1 Cor. 1.7 As the Child of God is to come behind in no gift, so he is to excel in that which he is more especially called to exercise; 'Tis a great Duty and mystery in Religion to be wise in observation, and prudent in provision; let every Christian lay up supplies suitable to the several ages, estates, sexes, offices, burdens, duties, relations, places, trials, or temptations, through which any one may pass, in the whole course of their Lives: So shall they not be unprovided or unfurnished, but which way soever the Lord leads them in this uneven world, Psa. 26.12 yet their foot shall stand in an eeven place, and go straight to Heaven. 4. A treasure imports sufficiency. Store hath no lack; 'tis abundance that constitutes a treasure; the Granaries of Egypt afforded plenty of Corn: A scant modicum makes not a treasure. Spiritual goods are a Christians richeses, Jam. 2.5 1 Tim. 6.18. and he aught to be rich in these richeses, rich in faith, and rich in good works. What a full expression is that of St. Paul? Ephes. 3.19. where he begs to be filled with all the fullness of God. What Paul, can thy narrow vessel contain an infinite Ocean? Though he cannot hold all, yet he would have all Divine fullness; i e. Scientia quae Sp. Sancti Magisterio, non ingenii nostri acumine discitur. Marl. he would know the Love of Christ, which passeth knowledge; that's to furnish his intellectual faculty, with a treasure of heavenly knowledge; and he would be filled with all Grace, as the richest treasure of his will and affections; yea, nothing lesle than fullness will suffice. Nay further, the fullness of God; yet higher, even all the fullness of God, let the vessel be filled to the ●orim, and let it be made more capacious to receive larger incomes; never hath the believing soul grace enough, till grace be perfected and crowned with Glory, A gracious heart hath an insatiable appetite after heavenly delights, and dainties; nothing so good as Grace, and the more a soul hath of it, the better. 5. It implies Secrecy: A treasure is not exposed to the common view of all men, it was Hezekiah's pride and weakness to lead the Babylonian Messengers through his treasures. Isa. 45.3. Mat. 1 3. 1 Pet. 3.4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Occultus ille i e. cordis homo. Treasures are usually hid in secret places; hence we read of treasures of darkness, and hidden richeses of secret places, and a treasure hid in a field: So this good man's treasure is said to be in his heart, which St. Peter calls the hidden man of the heart, none can see into this, but the heart-searching God, he that knows all things only is the Anatomist of this close and hidden man● Men see the face, but they see not what lies within; hence it is that the greatest and best part of a Christians treasure, is invisible; as the roots of a Tree under the earth, or the bottom of a Ship under water; or rather as a Merchant's goods in his Warehouse. So it is with a Saints treasure; he is a Jew inwardly, his Circumcision is that of the heart; in the Spirit and not in the Letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God: Rom. 2.29. The regenerate soul is the King of Heaven's Daughter, which is all glorious within, though some sparklings of Grace appear without: the best and the worst of a Soul is hid from the view of men; happy were it for a Christian if he had no more corruption than appears outwardly, and wretched were he also, if he had no more Grace than others can take notice of. 6. A Treasure for safety: This treasure being out of men's view is therefore secured from men's reach and touch: Treasures lie not lose, but are under lock and key: those at Rome are now laid up in the impregnable Castle of St. Angelo. Treasure-Cities are always well Fenced, Guards were appointed to attend them; Dragons are fancied to wait on treasures: hence come Dragooners, say some: But sure I am, the treasure of a Christian is safe; Grace and Peace are a Saints freehold that Men and Devils cannot deprive him of: Grace is an incorruptible seed, and God hath engaged himself to maintain it: Mary's better part cannot be taken from her; As soon, saith one, may they pluck Christ out of Heaven, as Grace out of my heart: Joh. 16.22 Nay the treasure of joy can no man take from the believing Soul, for this pure stream of Spiritual Joy, grows stronger and sweeter, till it be swallowed up in the vast Ocean of our Master's joy in eternal bliss: A Christians treasure is locked up in his heart, which is a Cabinet that none can wrist open: Christ's heart was pierced, that a Christians might remain untouched; hence it becomes impenetrable, and invulnerable. A lively emblem whereof was the heart of John Husse, which remained entire, even when his body was consumed in the flames: the heart may be pulled out of the bosom, but not a Saints Treasure out of his Heart. 7. In a Treasure there's readiness for present supply, 'Tis but giving a turn with the key, and taking out provision, and making use thereof, which is as soon made ready as Abraham's Feast for the Angels, or Jacobs Venison for his Father Isaac: He that hath a treasure of food, hath it not to seek when he should use it; as the man in the Parable, that ran to call up his Neighbour, Luke 11.5, 6. to borrow three Loaves because he had nothing to set before his Friend that came unexpectedly; But the wel-furnished Christian can make God welcome in all his visits, in Mercy or Displeasure, and own him as a Friend, whether he come by day or by night; a wel-stored soul hath something in readiness for his honourable Guest. Mat. 25. v. 1 to 11. A notable resemblance hereof we have in the Parable of the wise and foolish Virgins; The Oil in the Lamp is the treasure of Grace in the heart; and though the Virgin Christian may slumber as to the Exercise of Grace, yet he is ready upon a sudden Alarm for the Bridegooms entertainment, but the foolish Virgin is the treasureless Soul; the graceless Sinner, that hath no Oil at all, but while it goes to buy, is shut out of the presence Chamber. But of this more hereafter only observe, in General, that he that hath a treasure will be quickly furnished with all accommodations, on all occasions: Thus much for the first head. CHAP. III. A particular account of the Treasure meant in the Text, and of a Christians Treasure. THe second General head is, what is the Treasure that our Saviour speaks of here? I conceive it is principally intended of the thoughts of the heart, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hareditarias posessiones cordis mei, a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jure hareditario possedit. which are called the Possessions of the Heart, Job 17.11. because these are the firstborn of the Soul, and enjoy the inheritance of it. You cannot turn of the thoughts from their freehold, you may suspend the tongue from speaking, the hand from acting, but you cannot suspend the soul from thinking, while it is a rational Soul; for this is the essential property of it, whiles it is its self. Good or bad thoughts are every man's treasure, and possession; and these centre and settle in the heart; these are the Spring and Source of Actions and expressions. Now 'tis said of a Godly man, Prov. 12.5. The thoughts of the Righteous are right, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lex, Statutum, Mensura, sive enim Secundum normam & rationem, vel in judicio. Pagnin. i e. Judgement, Law, Measure, as the word imports; the meaning is, a gracious person thinks as he is, according to the rules of rectified, sanctified Reason; his thoughts run in a right channel, to right objects, for right ends, and are therefore very precious, and may well be called a Treasure; Hence David's Exclamation, Psal. 139.17. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God? i. e. say some, how rare and dear are the thoughts I have of thee to my soul? This may be probable from what follows, in verse 18. When I awake, I am still with thee, in thoughts and Heavenly Meditations: Certainly a Godly-mans' holy thoughts are a precious Treasure; if his tongue be as choice Silver, Prov. 10.20. what are his thoughts, that feed and furnish the tongue with profitable discourses? Now as the thoughts feed the tongue, and hand, so there are four Springs that feed and furnish the heart with holy thoughts; these are like the four streams of the River of Paradise, Gen. 2. 1● which water the Divine Garden of a Christians Soul, and being followed to the head, will certainly lead the believing soul to the Heavenly Paradise. Those thought-nourishing streams are, 1. Scripture-truths'. 2. Spiritual-Graces. 3. Large Experiences. 4. Lively Comforts. The first of these; Scripture-truths', is like the River Pison, which compasseth the whole Land of Havilah, where there is Gold: So this taketh in the large Territories of the holy Scriptures, where there is such choice Gold of Divine Truths, as are able to make the Soul both wise and rich, unto Salvation; It is a choice mercy to have the understanding furnished with a treasure of saving Knowledge of Gospel-Mysteries: Prov. 23.23. Joh. 5.39 Prov. 2.4. Hence the command is to buy the Truth, search the Scriptures ●o seek for Wisdom as for Silver; to search for Knowledge as for hid Treasures: That's a notable passage, Leigh Crit. Sac. Col. 3.16. Lot the Word of God devil richly in you, [Gre. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] copiously, abundantly, the word notes two things, 1. The Measure, and so 'tis rendered plenteously, saith one. 2. The worth of the knowledge of the Word, and so 'tis rendered richly by some. And surely a great stock of Scripture-Knowledge is a precious treasure: Sacrae Scripturae sunt Sanctae deliciae & divitiae animae, Psal. 119.72. and 111.14. O what a blessed thing is it to have a man's breast the Library of Jesus Christ? The sacred Scriptures are the treasures and pleasures of a Gracious Soul: to David they were better than thousands of Gold and Silver: A Mountain of transparent Pearls heaped as high as Heaven, is not so rich a treasure as these; Hence that good man chose these as his Heritage for ever, and rejoiced in them as in all richeses. A covetous Miser could not take such delight in his bags, nor a young Heir in a large Inheritance, as holy David did in God's Word. All the Saints are Priests unto God; Now of Levi 'tis said, Mal. 2.6. that the Law of Truth was in his mouth, and his lips kept knowledge as a store-house. So it is or aught to be with God's Spiritual Priests; they have the Law of God grauin on their hearts, Rad. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Explorare, Scrutari. hinc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lex, Statutum & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 G●mmae, Margaritae. and in their tongues is the Law of kindness and holiness. The word Law, comes from a root that signifies to try as Merchants that search and prove the Wares that they buy and lay up; hence also comes the word for Gems and Jewels that are tried, and found right: The sound Christian is the wise Merchant, seeking goodly Pearls, he tries what he reads, or hears, by the Standard and Touchstone of Scripture, and having found genuine Truths, he lays them up to the great enriching of this supreme, and sovereign faculty of the understanding. 2. Another Spring that feeds holy thoughts is Spiritual-Graces, the fruits of the Spirit, which exceedingly help the fruits of the Lips; If the Will and Affections be sanctified with a Principle of true Holiness, the Lips and the Life will bring forth heavenly Expressions and Actions in the Conversation: Hence Prov. 14.27. The fear of the Lord is the Fountain of Life, i e. a gracious habit streams freely and fully into all acts of Spiritual Life, and at last is swallowed up in the Ocrean of Eternal Life. It is said of Jesus Christ, the Original of all Grace, Isa. 33.6. that the fear of the Lord is his treasure; and we may say also, it is a Christians treasure: the head full of Notions will not make the soul rich, without the heart full of Grace; 'Tis Grace that innobles the soul with heavenly Excellencies, and inables the soul to bear burdens, and do duties: without a principle in the heart, there can be no holiness in the Life; all works of Piety, Charity, Sobriety, must flow from a pure heart, 1 Tim. 1.5 a good Conscience, and Faith unfeigned; all which do contribute their influence to every good work. Manton on Judas, v. 〈◊〉 Obedience (saith one) respects the command of a Superior; Love, the kindness and merit of the Lawgiver; Faith, his bounty and reward: The first swayeth the Conscience, the second inclineth the Heart, the third giveth encouragement: Sure I am, without these there can be no spiritual actings in an Evangelical manner. He only hath a Gospel frame of spirit, that hath the Law written in his heart, and the works thereof in his hand; whose life is a continual transcript of this blessed copy; For he that doth Righteousness, is Righteous; Yea, it is he that moveth Heaven-wards, from a living treasure of gracious principles, and not from external compulsion, as Clocks and such dead artificial, yet self-moving engines do: Hence the Church (and a believing Soul) saith, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Populus & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spout moveri My Soul made me like the Chariots of Amminadab, or of a willing people, Song. 6.12. Though some say they are the words of Christ, yet in this they are applicable to every gracious soul, that is acted by a new and living principle towards God, and Goodness: Christ's People are voluntaries in the day of his power, in the way of duty, being acted by a free and Princely spirit, the renewed will being the great engine that moves the soul in a Christian course; Exod. 25.2 & 35.21.29. their own spirits make them willing for God. 3. A third spring that feeds holy thoughts is wel-gathered experiences: the Christians breast is to be a treasury of experimental observations, which may be improved as good props to uphold a tottering Faith. 'Tis said of them in Luke 1.66. that they laid up all those strange passages concerning John, in their bearts. And thus we find several Saints carefully gathering, and seasonably recollecting their former experiences; as Jacob, David, Paul, Samuel, Manoah and his Wife. Time would fail me to recount all the instances of this nature: Recording the time, place, manner of Divine discoveries, hath been of singular advantage to believers. Experience begets hope; we loose much through neglect hereof: Rom. 5.4. Signal memorials of received Mercies, help to present Duties, and quicken Faith in the greatest future difficulties. All Artists gather knowledge, by laying up Experiments; and he is the wisest Christian, that in this respect with Solomon, hath his heart filled with experience of Wisdom and Knowledge: Experience is the best Instructor, Eccle. 1.16. and helps a man best in instructing others; an experienced Physician and Lawyer, are seldom Nonplussed; an experienced Soldier comes of with honour. O Christians! lay up in your hearts, what you have seen with your eyes, and felt in your souls, of the vanity of worldly, and the excellency of Heavenly attainments, and enjoyments: You cannot be too young to collect experiences; you cannot be too old to recollect and improve them: If your green heads would use diligence, Seniores sunt Saniores, incipientes insipientes, quae labo iosa fuere juventuti Studia, ea sunt jucun. da senectu●● otia. your grey hairs would arrive to large experiences; by which means, the works and loads of old age would be easy, that were almost intolerable in your younger years. A young Carpenter is long with a little, and makes many chips, that an experienced workman dispatcheth, both more quickly, and more nearly: 'Tis so in Religion, experience facilitates every work of it. And how doth experience feed thoughts? Thus, when a soul is at a pinch, and the heart struck dead with a sudden surprisal, so that the thoughts are puzzled, Experience comes in to their relief, and represents the state as feasible, since it calls to mind as arduous a case, which yet was not insuperable; And why mayst thou not get through as well as formerly, saith Experience? And thus it Marshals the souls faculties in their proper ranks, and brings it through the present attempt with order and victory, whether the undertaking be of doing Duty, or enduring difficulty. 4. Gen. 2.14 Euphrates sie dict. ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. lastifi●andopropterea quod cireu●jacentem a. g●latum redilat, ut sequente Anno sponre ●resear. The last refreshing stream that supplies the heart with Heavenly thoughts, is the wells of consolation; this like the last, yet not the lest River of Paradise [Euphrates] doth (as the name of that imports) refresh the heart with cheering incomes, and influences: This makes the soul both cheerful and fruitful; in the midst of terrifying thoughts, these comforts delights the soul, Psal. 94.19. O the joy that these beget in the midst of sorrow! Nothing can make sad, if Divine Comforts make glad: These bright beams of Light chase away the foggy mist of darkness, and disconsolate horror; These pure streams of comfort wash away the bitter effects of despairing thoughts: These comforts infinitely exceed wine, which Philosophers have called the chief allayments of men's miseries, Miseriatum h●m tnatum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. but the sense of this love is better than wine; one drop of these divine Joys would even mitigate Hell torments. This is a treasure indeed, which, as it is of great efficacy, so it is the satisfying result of the forementioned provision; saving Truths, savoury Graces, sensible Experiences, beget solid Peace. But besides those, there are two clear streams that much promote the souls comfortable thoughts: Which are 1. Precious Promises, 2. A clear Conscience. 1. Promises are the store-house of comfort, the Charters of our privileges, the conveyances of our Heavenly Inheritance: Promises are the breasts of consolation, the [evangelica mulctralia] the milk-Pails of the Gospel; the great receptacles of that (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) sincere milk of the Word, stored up for Babes in Christ. The Promises, saith a good Divine, Manton on Judas page 152. are Bills of Exchange given you, that you may draw your estate into another Country: Nothing can cheer up the heart so much as a word of Promise. Hence David desires to hear [the voice of] joy and gladness, Psal. 51.8. i e. in a promise: There's a probatum est upon this means of Spiritual comfort, whether it concern Life or Godliness, 1 Tim. 4.8 present or future enjoyments. It is said of the Duke of Guise, that he was the richest man in France, though not in Lands, yet in Bills and Bonds, and great Friends: So is a right Christian; he is the richest man in the world, in possession and reversion, for he inherits all things, and he is Heir to a glorious Crown at death. 2 Pet. 1 4. The exceeding great and precious Promises may cheer up the heart of a drooping Saint, if it were as low as Hell; for they were made and confirmed by an Oath, that the Heirs of Promise might have strong consolation: Heb. 6.17, 18. It is strange if the Bucket of Faith do not always draw up the water of consolation, out of the Wells of Salvation. God hath ordered in Nature our feeding to be with delectation, so in Spirituals; our application and improvement of Promises is with sweetness and delight: This is the first means to beget a Treasure of comfortable Thoughts in the believing Soul-inriching Promises. 2. Clearness of Conscience, This is an help to comfortable Thoughts. Yet observe, that Peace is not so much effected as preserved by a good Conscience, and Conversation, for though joy in the Holy Ghost, will-make its Nest not where but in an holy Soul, yet the blood of Christ only can speak peace, being justified by Faith, we have peace; Rom. 5.1. An exact life will not make, but keep Conscience quiet; An easy shoe, heals not a sore foot, but keeps a sound one from crushing. Walking with God according to Gospel-Rules, hath peace entailed upon it, and that peace is such a treasure, as thereby a Christian may have his rejoicing from himself: Gal. 6. 16-4. His own heart sings him a merry tune, which the threats and reproaches of the World cannot silence: The treasure of comfort is not expended in affliction; Death itself doth not exhausted, but increase and advance it to an eternal triumph: O the excellency and necessity of it! Paul laid it up for a Deathbed Cordial; 2 Cor. 1.12. Our Rejoicing is this, the testimony of our Conscience, Isa. 38.3. — And Hezekiah dares hold it up to God, as well as cheer up himself with it at approaching Death. A Conscience good in point of Integrity, will be good also in point of tranquillity: Psal. 119.165. 1 John 3.21. The Righteous is bold as a Lion; They have great peace that love and keep God's Commandments: And saith the Apostle, If our heart condemn us not, than have we confidence towards God, and I may add, also towards men. Oh! what comfort and solace hath a clear Conscience? He hath something within, to answer accusations without: He hath such a rich treasure as will not fail in greatest straits and hazards. I shall conclude this with a notable saying of an Ancient: Laetitiae bonae conscientiae Paradisus animarum, gaudium angelorum, hortus deliciarum, ager benedictionis, templum Solomonis, Aula Dei, habitaculum Spi. Sancti. Bern. The joys of a good Conscience are the Paradise of Souls, the Delight of Angels, the Garden of Delights, the Field of Blessing, the Temple of Solomon, the Court of God, the Habitation of the Spirit of God. CHAP. IU. How the Treasure of holy Thoughts thus laid in, is to be laid out. HItherto of the laying up of a Treasure of good Thoughts by the accession of Truths, Graces, Experiences and Comforts, the third head propounded, is how this Treasure is expended, brought forth, and improved, for that treasure is (in a sort) useless, that is not made use of. Now this Treasure is exerted four ways, viz. By the 1. Heart in Meditating. 2. Lips Speaking. 3. Hands Doing. 4. Back Enduring. 1. By the heart in Divine Soliloquies, and heavenly Meditations, in warming Notions and elevating Motions, these keep the Christian good company, so that he is never lesle alone than when alone; As a very Heathen could say: Nunquam minus so lus, quam cum solus. Scripture-truths' are sweet and satisfying Companions in all conditions, places, stations; When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee, Prov. 6.22. And what can we desire more than a Guide in our way, a Guard in our beds, and a sweet Companion in our solitudes, and serious retirements? Such are Divine Truths. A Christian may live upon this Treasure in a Wilderness, in Prison, [etiam in Inferne] even in Hell itself (saith Luther.) God's Statutes were David's Songs in the house of his Pilgrimage; Psal. 119.54. Isaac went out into the fields for Recreation, and took his treasure along with him, getting a solitary and savoury repast, of Meditation, Gen. 24.63. When a man is shut out from Ordinances, his soul may be satisfied with Marrow and Fatness, Psal. 63.5, 6. when it meditates of God in the night-watches: Yea, when dull or discouraging thoughts discompose the spirit: This treasure helps to an holy spell to raise the spirit of the Believer, Psal. 39.3 Psal. 42.5 and drive away the evil spirit of deadness, and distraction. Meditation is a kind of deliberate Ecstasy; The harmonious melody of the souls faculties within itself by a mutual and musical consort; it is the souls self-conference heard only by itself: It is a fetching up meat formerly taken down, and diffusing it into the several Veins and Arteries of the soul; Meditation (in a word) is an holy concoction and digestion of Divine Truths, which fattens and ripens the soul for Heaven. O the ravishing nature of a close and fixed Meditation. ' Tisa God-injoying, and self-profiting exercise; the devout soul, that's thus furnished with a Treasure, can expatiate upon all things, and like the laborious Bee, fetch the honey of some comfort out of every object and subject: When Grace is in the heart, knowledge in the head, and Truths in the memory; the Christian through Divine Assistance will make good work of every condition and dispensation: Psal. 1.2. 'Tis both the character and the honour of a Christian to meditate of God's Law day and night; he that talks much with his own heart by meditation, and takes frequent turns in Paradise by contemplation; doth far transcend the rate and pace of ordinary Christians: Dr. Hall Solil. 3. p. 8, 9 For (saith a great Divine) commonly we are transformed into the dispositions and manners of those, whose company we frequent. And if we keep company with an holy God, by-meditation, we shall be more exactly holy in all manner of Conversation. 2. This Treasure of the Heart vents itself by the Lips in heavenly Communications; and that two ways, 1. Conferences, discoursing with Men. 2. Performances, discoursing with God. 1. A treasured soul doth discourse profitably with men: This, I think, is the chief design of this Text; a bringing forth good things in talking to men's Edification. A gracious heart freely pours out holy Expressions; Solomon saith, Prov. 16.23. the Heart of the Wise teacheth his Mouth: That inward spring feeds these sweet streams; and tipps the tongue with Divine Rhetoric. So Cant. 4.11. Thy Lips, O my Spouse, drop as the Hony-comb, Honey and Milk are under thy Tongue; not like vainglorious empty Scholars, or conceited formal Professors, that have got some scraps of confused Notions, than fet open the Pack, and expose all to open view, but are quickly drawn dry: Not, not, these well-furnished souls have an overflowing treasure of holy Matter, to produce upon occasion, and can speak a word in season upon any subject, to any soul. 'Tis said of Plato and Ambrose, that Bees swarmed in their Cradles, as presages of their future Eloquence: So the Honeycomb of Scripture-truths' drops at the Christians tongues end; his speech is seasoned with salt, Col. 4.6. Eph. 4.29 because his heart is seasoned with Grace; his discourses (like Honey) at once both purge and please the Sanctified Auditor: Prov. 16.24. When the well-guided tongue is an Interpreter of a cleansed heart, 'tis food and physic to him that improves it: For the tongue of the Wise is health, Prov. 12.18. The same word in the Heb. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Josh. 7.21. Lingua auri. that signifies tongue, is also used (joined with another word) for a wedge of Gold: The truth is, a Treasured Heart finds a precious golden Tongue; and nothing more cordial to the fainting heart, than the fruit of those choice Lips. 2. This Treasure is exercised in Religious Duties, and Holy Performances: The root of Grace in the heart, Heb. 13.15. Zech. 12.10. brings forth these Fruits of the Lips in Prayer and Praise. The spirit of Prayer fumes up to Heaven this Divine Incense: Such a soul needs not to be prompted by men, that hath this lively Liturgy in his heart; Rom. 8.26 the Spirit can help both to affections and expressions. A treasured soul hath a stock of prayers, as an able Minister hath a stock for Sermons (though he may be without a stock of written notes;) I mean, the body of Divinity in his head; which makes a ready Scribe: The more treasure a soul hath within, the more ready will it be to every good work; yea, and the more raised to God in the work: Such a one is helped very much against Distractions, the great complaint of good souls. It is a notable expression of a good Author; Cobbet of● prayer. (saith he) He that hath store of Gold and Silver in his pocket, and but a few brass Farthings, will more readily upon every draught, come out with Gold and Silver, than with brass Farthings. So he whose heart is stocked with holy thoughts, will not find carnal cogitations so rife and frequent. If the heart have indicted a good matter, Psal. 45.1 Col. 3.16 Eph. 5.19 the tongue will be as the pen of a ready Writer; If the heart be filled with Grace, it will make melody to the Lord, and music to Good men. A treasured Soul is ready to trade with God in Duty. Yet take this Caution: A true Christian having a large measure of habitual Grace, is not always in an equal actual capacity for Duty: David's heart may need tuning as well as his Harp. The key of this treasure may be lost or rusted: So that the treasure of that man after Gods own heart, was locked up in great measure, for the space of nine months, till God sent the key by Nathan to open the Sluice of Repentance, and draw out the Seeds of Grace. 3. The Treasure in the heart is also drawn out with the hands, in the works of piety towards God, charity to men, and sobriety with respect to ourselves: So the Apostle distributeth good works, Tit. 2.12. 'Tis not enough for the soul to have the Axe laid to the root of the tree, in sound Conviction and Gospel-Humiliation, Math. 3.8 but he is to bring forth Fruits meet for such Repentance, Rom. 10.10. Gal. 5.6. in a Gospel-Conversation; we must not only believe with the heart, Gal. 5.6. and confess with the mouth; but Faith must work by Love; upwards to God, by the Obedience of Faith; inwards to the Heart, by purifying it; and downwards to men, by doing good unto all: But especially to the household of Faith. Here is a large field of matter for my pen, and the Christians hand; but the furnished Christian is universal in Obedience, baulks not the hardest and most hazardous Duties; will not serve God with that which costs him nothing: And this is a grand discriminating note betwixt a treasured Saint, and a treasureless Hypocrite: The carnal person loves a cheap Religion, and is loathe to be at any cost or pains for God, in a way of commanded Duty; but to a Child of God the more spiritual a Duty is, and the more opposite 'tis to carnal ease and profit, the more freely doth the soul close with it: He is willing to cut of a right hand of a beloved Lust, pray for enemies, forgive wrongs, give to the poor; as knowing that all these (yea, Jam. 1.27 even the last) are essential parts of our religion; therefore when the heart is full of grace the hands Dorcas-like, Phil. 1.11. will be full of good works; which are called fruits of righteousness. Col. 1.10 'Tis the Christians duty and dignity to be fruitful in every good work; which cannot proceed from any other root than this Heart-treasure. A willing heart will find a liberal hand to relieve the poor; ● the Merchandise of penitent- Tire is treasured up in the bells, Isa. 23.18. ch. 32.7, 8. and upon the backs of God's holy ones: This liberal soul deviseth liberal things, and will not make use of carnal reasonings; as danger of poverty unworthiness of the 〈…〉 times, and the 〈…〉 the instruments 〈…〉, but the hugeness of a 〈…〉 treasure wil● make 〈◊〉 carefully to 〈◊〉, and objects and occasions of charity 〈…〉 ca●es, 〈…〉 power, 〈◊〉 by the freeness of his heart, enhanceth the Mite into a pound in true worth, Of this subject of , See morning Exercise at Cripplegate. Serm. 11. pag. 240 to p. 278. and God's account: Thus the readiness of the heart compensates the weakness of the hand. But I must fix bounds to this discourse; Yet a treasured Saint hath no stint of desires and endeavours to be acting for God, and the goodwill of his heart adds new vigour to his fainting hand. Naturalists observe, that when the heart more inclineth to the right side, the spirits are more lively and apt for Contemplation and Action; Eccle. 10.2 hence that of Salomons, A Wiseman's heart is at his right hand: I am sure when a Christians heart boweth God-wards, his hand is full of activity in the ways of God, and works of godliness; When the soul is filled with Grace, the hand is fitted for acts of Religion. 4. This inward Heart-Treasure helps the back and shoulders to bear the Christians burdens: The time of affliction is a spending time; Rom. 5.3. if there be any Grace within, tribulation will draw it out. Hence it is said to work patience; not that it creates what was not in the soul before; but educeth and evidenceth that which before lay hid in the heart: The fiery Furnace will prove and improve the souls spiritual strength; for if it faint in the day of adversity, its strength is small, and treasure poor. Now, shall it be clearly known, whether the Conscience be sound or foundered, if it will place well in rough ways: Twice is it repeated in Revelations, Rev. 13.10 & 14.12. when mention is made of Anti-christ's tyranny and ruin; Here is the patience, here is the patience, and faith of Saints: q. d. Here's the trial of it, here's room for it, here's the root and fruit of it, even Antichrists desolation, which they have been so long waiting and praying for; surely a glorious sight worth beholding; Rome flaming, Saints triumphing, yet in the mean time, they have need of Faith and patience: For immediately before both these passages, we have a description of Rome's rage; the Devil will come down with the greater wrath, Rev. 12.12. Morientium ferarum, violentiores sunt morsus. Heb. 10.36. Eph. 6.13 when he hath a shorter time, and the last bitings of this dying Beast, will be the fiercest, which may bring forth all the Saints Graces, and all little enough in times of trial; we have great need of patience after we have done God's will, that we may also endure his will, till promises be performed. We must buckle on the Armour of God, that we may be able to withstand in an evil day; and having done and endured all, to stand on the Field as Conquerors. In personal conflicts all our stock of suffering Graces may be put too't; Poverty will try our Faith; disgrace our self-denial; sickness our patience; delay of return of prayers in a long expected Mercy, will try our hope;— and all these Graces must have their perfect work, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 totu●, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sors, haereditas tota sorte constans. that the Christian also may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, Jam. 1.4. He should have the whole heritage of a Christian, the complete accomplishment of a Saint; every Grace in its height and due proportion. Job, David, Eli, and Hezekiah had laid in a large stock of bearing Graces, and they found enough to do with them in affliction; they had no more than they needed. Love bears and breaks through all things; Faith holds up the head and heart above discouragements: Nature hath furnished the Camel with a bunched back, to bear huge burdens, and a tractable bowing of his knees to the ground, that he may be the better loaded: So will the well-taught and accomplished Saint meekly stoop to take up, and cheerfully carry Christ's Cross, during his pleasure● That's a sound-hearted Christian indeed, that like the Nightingale can sing most sweetly when the thorn is at his breast; that like Spices, the more they are bruised, the better is the savour of their Graces. But a carnal man wanting this treasure of Grace, kicks at, yea, kicks of his burden; yet though it be possible that the Spirit of a man, (as a man of a masculine temper naturally, or by acquired magnanimity) may possibly sustain his infirmity, and not succumb under outward burdens of sorrow, yet there's a vast difference betwixt a gracious and graceless heart in enduring afflictions, both as to their carriage thereunder, and advantage thereby: Hear Austin elegantly discovering the difference; There is (saith he) a dissimilitude of Sufferers in a similitude of sufferings, and though they be under the same torment, yet is there not the same virtue and vice, as under one fire, gold brightneth, chaff smoketh; and under the same Flail stubble is crushed, Corn purged; Hence also the Leeses mingle not with the Oil, though pressed together; so one and the same onset proves, purifieth, and sweetly melteth the good, condemneth, wasteth, rooteth out the bad: Hence in the same affliction the wicked hate and blaspheme God, the Godly prey and praise: So great is the consequence, not what things a man suffereth, but of what a Spirit is the Sufferer? For with the same motion may the channel stink abominably, and the ointment smell most * Manet enim dissimilitudo passorum in similitudine passionum, & licet sub ●odem to mento, non est idem virtus & vitium, nam sicut sub uno igne, aurum rutilat, palea fumat, & sub eadem tribuld stipulae cemminuuntur, frumenta purgantur, nec ideo cum olco, amurca confunditur, quia eadem praelii pondere ita una eadem● vis, irruens bones probat, purificat, eliquat; Malos damnat, vastat, exterminat. unde in eâdem afflictione mali Deum derestantur, atque blasphemant; boni autem precantur, & laudant: tantum interest. Non qualia sed qualis quis● patiatur: Nam pari motu exagitatum &, exhalat horribiliter coenum, & suaviter fragrat unguentum— August. De. civet. Dei. lib. 1. cap. 8 p. [mihi] 16. sweetly: Thus he, with which I shall conclude this head: What are the ways of laying out this Treasure. CHAP. V Reasons showing the great necessity of laying up this heart-treasure. AT last we come to the confirmation of this Doctrine; That a good treasure in the Heart, is necessary to good expenses in the life, and the 1. Ground is taken from Nature and Reason, which prompteth to us, those undoubted maxims, Operari sequitur esse. Nihil dat quod non habet. Qualis causa talis effectus. Ex nihilo nihil fit. that a thing must first be, before it can act, nothing can give what it hath not, such as the cause is, such are the effects: Of nothing, nothing can be made, without a Miracle of Creation, and we cannot expect to be fed by Miracles, where ordinary means are proposed, and supposed to be used: If we wilfully neglect to lay in provision while we have a season for it, we are guilty of groundless presumption, if we conceit we can lay out in a necessitous condition: How can any expect liquor from the Still, meat from the Cupboard, garments from the Wardrobe, where none of these were laid in? What mad man would think to reap without sowing, or teach others when he hath no learning himself? Was there ever a bringing forth without a conception? Is it not fond dotage in a Shopkeeper to think to cell wares, that hath none? And is this preposterous in Naturals, and can it hold in Spirituals? Joseph could not supply the Country with Corn without a store. A Tree cannot bring forth good fruit, except it be good: The Scripture saith, Jam. 3.12. Can a Figtree bear Olive-berries, or a Vine Figs? And can we think men can act graciously without a principle of Grace? 2. Reason is drawn from the Offices of Christ, the second person in the sacred Trinity, was filled with a treasure, that he might fill the Saints with a Treasure of Grace: In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge. Col. 1.3, 9 The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ. And for this very end hath God stored Christ, that he might supply his Members, that of his fullness we may receive, and Grace for Grace, John 1.16. Simplex Sensus esse videtur, quascun● in ●os gratias cumulat deus peraeij, ex hoc fonte manare: rectè ergo sentiunt qui nos irrigari dicunt essusis in Christum grat●is. Calv. in Loc. The plain simple sense of which Text, saith Calvin, is that, what Graces God heaps on us, they all flow from this Fountain, therefore are we watered with the graces that are poured upon Christ. For observe it, this is the nature of Gospel-dispensations; What spiritual good things the Saints receive, they have them not now from God as Creator, so much as through the hands of Jesus Christ as the great Mediator of the new Covenant, he is the Channel or Cistern, or rather Fountain of all Grace, that our souls expect or receive: He is our Aaron anointed above his fellows, that the Oil of Grace might in its proportion fall from the head to the Members. Hence it is that he is called Christ, and we Christians, from this holy unction: For this end was our Lord Jesus advanced to be the head of the Church, that he might fill it with all gracious supplies: and hence it is, that the Church is called his Body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all, Eph. 1.23. i e. the effect of Christ's fullness, who filleth all the Saints, in all Ordinances and means of conveyance of gracious Influences: Truth of Grace is from him, growth and strength of Grace are from him; both the lest measure and a large treasure are to be had in him; Joh. 10.10. I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. i e. the Essence and Abundance are both from him. So than we see Christ is designed to be our Joseph, to furnish our souls with a treasure, and therefore he that neglects to stock his heart from this store-house doth undervalue the great Office of Christ, and doth what he can, to frustrate God of his end in souls-supply: This is horrible ingratitude. 3. Reason is drawn from the end and design of all Providences and Ordinances: They are given to be helps to promote this Heart-Treasure: God puts a price into our hands that we may have Grace in our hearts; He gives us a summer season to lay up for this pinching Winter. Naturalists say, that while the bird called Haltion sitteth on her nest, there's calmness and serenity upon the Sea: Such Halcion-days of tranquillity, and Gospel-opportunities have we enjoyed in this tempestuous Sea of the world, not to feather our nests below, much lesle to hatch the Cockatrice-eggs of sin, but to warm and ripen the brood of Grace in our souls, and to lay up a precious treasure for the evil days of Old-age, Sickness, or Persecution, and for the long day of Eternity. When God affords a season, he expects things should be done in that season, and if man neglect it, Eccls 8.6, 8 ●ev. 6.6 Prov. 10.5 ●ermi●a, atis & ●ic●, s●nt vere ●nram 〈◊〉. his misery will be great upon him. The very. Antony's lays up for Winter, and reads a Lecture to man, of good husbandry: Gathering in summer is a token of wisdom, but sleeping in harvest, is a sinful, shameful, beggaring practice. God expects that we should work in the light, and walk in the day, while this day of Grace lasts; John. 12.35, 'Tis a sad astonishing thing, that God should hold men a Candle for them to play by; especially, when time is short, uncertain; death and eternity are so near, and of such vast consequence. O what a confounding question will that be one day? Prov. 17.16. Wherhfore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? Observe it, God takes a strict account of our helps, and of our hoard, and expects a due proportion. O what a sad reckoning will many make, whose negligence will be condemned by the diligence of bruit creatures, Nullus mihi per atium exit dies, part● etiam noctium Studiis vendico. Senec. and Heathen Philosophers in moral studies? Yea, by the light of their own Consciences. 4. Another Reason is taken from our hearts natural emptiness of a treasure of good: In me (saith Paul) that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing, Rom. 7.18. This barren soil hath the more need to be Manured; this empty house to be well furnished, lest the heart continued still destitute of all saving good, and the soul departed out of this world as naked of saving-Grace, as it entered: 'Tis pity so brave an house should stand empty of Inhabitant, and Furniture. The souls of God's people are vessels that are to be wel-fraught with the Liquor of all saving-graces, that they may be fitted for, and filled with Eternal Glory, Rom. 9.23. The Christian is to be holily covetous of these richeses of Glory, that amendss may be made for his natural vacuity. O the vast Chaos of an unregenerate heart! A long time, and great pains must go to the replenishing of it: There's many waste corners to be filled, even after the truth of grace is planted, before the soul be enlarged to a due capacity of service here, and heaven hereafter: The soul of a Believer, Mr. Good. w●n. saith one, is a house well-built, where faith lays the foundation: hope helps up the walls, knowledge sets open the windows, and love covers the roof, and this makes a room fit for Christ; And I add, there must be every day a sweeping, and watching, and decking of this House with further degrees of grace, embellishing it with divine Ornaments, and furnishing it: and every Room, I mean every faculty, with a rich treasure of heavenly blessings: it will be some cost and toil to hung every room of the heart with lively pictures of the divine Image: for it is altogether empty of that which is truly and spiritually good, or may be called a Treasure: But that's not all; for 5. The soul is by nature filled with an evil treasure: the heart is desperately wicked, Jer. 17.9. every imagination of the thoughts of man's heart is only and continually evil, Gen. 6.5. the mind, will and affections are stuffed with a world of blindness, hardness and wildness: the soul is naturally propense to evil, averse to good, and therefore a treasure of good is necessary to preponderate and extrude this treasure of wickedness: to season and seize upon the soul for God, as sin did for Satan; the love of God is to be shed abroad into those veins and Channels of the heart, Rom. 5.5. Rom. 2.29 where sin did run with a violent current; the Christian is to be circumcised in the most polluted part: and certainly, 'tis not a little grace that will obstruct the active motions of sin, for though grace be of greater worth, yet its disputable, whether it attain to greater strength than corruption, even in the hearts of the sanctified, in this life: But certainly, the greater measure of grace and treasure of sanctifying truths, the more power against corruption: the whole Armour of God, (which is also the Saints treasure) resist inward lusts and Satan's assaults, Eph. 6.12, 14. The Spirit is compared to wind, now some have called the winds, John 3. Scop●s mundt: Because they serve to sweep the air & the world clean from infectious vapours. the besoms of the world. But I am sure the spirit of grace with the fruits thereof, are choice besoms to sweep the filth of sin out of the soul, and also to adorn it with divine Jewels, and assist ●t with notable Antidotes against corruption, these are as water to wash the heart from filthiness: the smallest measure helps against sin, but the more grace, the lesle sin in the heart; grace is a principle of life and opposeth dead works, which otherwise will lead the soul to the chambers of death: therefore this treasure is of absolute necessity, and the same might we say of the word, Psal. 119.11. which being hid in the heart helps against sin in the life. 6. Another reason is taken from the inbred motions of human nature: All men on earth seek after a treasure, it is the harmonious inquest of all rational creatures, who will show us any good, Homo est. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. any thing to make a treasure of? Man hath a capacious soul an active and laborious spirit; the whole world is not a morsel big enough for his capacious swallow: our covetous desires, saith one, are a long sentence without a period: Finite things are dry meat to an hungry soul, they sooner glut than fill: nay, they put on this busy Bee to buzz about one Flower after another, till it hath weatied itself in vain, and sit down in utter despair of comfort and satisfaction; only interest in the God of Heaven, and the image of the God of Heaven make up all defects: See Psalm 73.25, 26. A Christ alone to justify, and a Christ within to sanctify, make the soul completely happy; Col. 1.27. Phil. 3.8, 9 Col. 3.11. for Christ within is the hope of glory; a glorified and a gracious Redeemer, is the Christians only treasure, his all in all; God hath furnished man with an immortal soul, learning may widen it, but grace fills it: nothing else will reach its large dimensions: Homo est universi orbis Epitome, & abbreviata mund tabella: Mat. 16. Man is a little world himself, nay bigger and better than this greater, by Christ's own verdict, who is truth itself; the soul itself is better than the world, and it must have something better than itself to be a treasure for it. Philosophy seeks, Christianity shows, the sound Believer only finds true happiness, Matth. 13.44, 45, 46. which the wise Merchant fetched out of the field of the Gospel, into the Cabinet of his own heart. 7. Whatsoever men have or love, they desire a treasure thereof, no man but would have a large treasure of a precious Commodity, he that hath Gold and Silver would heap it up to a treasure: he that hath wisdom and learning would still have more: Men join house to house, and field to field to procure for themselves and heirs, a fair demain, a large estate. How many rich men are still as eager for more, as if they had not enough to purchase a meals meat? yet these seek for earth, as if abundance thereof would purchase heaven; like the Partridge, they sit close on these eggs, though they hatch them not, Jer. 17.11. nor are ever likely to bring them to their desired maturity; Auri saera fames. O the unhallowed thirst after filthy lucre! Many think to fill their souls with wealth, whereas they cannot fill one of the lest members of their body: Eccle. 1● 8, the eye which yet a Nutshell will cover; the world at the best is like Pasotes' Banquet, which when the guests begun to cat, vanished into nothing: And shall so many men set their eyes (and hearts too) on that which is not? Pro. 23.5. And shall not Gods children make a treasure of that which is enduring substance? Shall men think to make a treasure of coals, and chaff, and empty shadows? and shall not the Christian gather store of Pearls and Jewels for his treasure? Shall the children of the world be more wise and wary for earth, than the children of light for Heaven? God forbidden. Surely the Christian hath as great reason to heap up as any; these commodities are more rare, rich and necessary than any other, and why than should they not get an heart-treasure? For in these reasons I would both convince the judgement, and persuade the affections; these are the chief motives I have: for I would spend most time in Direction. 8. This, and only this doth discriminate betwixt persons and persons: my meaning is, this heart-treasure puts a difference betwixt Saints and Sinners, betwixt weak and strong Christians: as the treasure in the heart is, so is the Professors state, as Solomon saith in another case, Pro. 23.7. As he thinketh in his heart, so is he; not as he speaks with his lips: Formalists will speak God as fair as any, they honour him with their lips, 3.19 13. psalm 78.36, 37● and flatter him with false and fawning fashions, as though he were an Idol; But the heart-searching God is not pleased, except the heart be upright with him, it is the upright in whom he delights: nor is a person as he acts with his hands, or walks with his feet, in many passages of his life; A man may with Ahab walk softly: with Herod do many things: with Simon Magus make large professions of faith: yea, it's possible a man may suffer many troubles, and even death itself in a good cause, yet, except he have a heart treasured with grace, he is rejected, and may go to hell at last: God judgeth of the fruits by the Root, though men judge of the Root by the fruits: a heart after his own heart is better than the tongue of men and Angels: Pius homo numisma est a Deo cusum, imp●us adulterinum, non a Deo sed a Diavolo effectum: Ignat. Epist. ad magn●●. the distinction of persons, is in respect of inside principles and workings: a good man may sometimes do an evil work, and a bad man may do a good work, but how are their hearts? the best conferences or performances are not currant coin with the God of heaven, except they issue out of the mint of an heart where God's Image is stamped: a little good is accounted much when there's a treasure within, much seeming good is looked on as nothing when there's no treasure: this also puts the difference betwixt a strong and weak Christian: let their gifts and outward seem be what they will, yet the greater or lesser degree of real grace distinguisheth their attainments; and accordingly these measures have different influences upon their lives, duties, comforts, or preparedness for death. 9 This treasure doth assimilate the soul to God: the great Jehovah is the only self-existent, and self-sufficient good; He is the absolute, complete, and independent Being, and needs no accession of Creatures or created Powers to make him happy: nothing can add to, or detract from his infinite and incomprehensible blessedness: He is a treasure of all * Et Deum ipsum verum recte dicimus divitem, non tamen pecunia, sed omnipotentia: dicuntur pauperes pecunia carentes, sed interius divites si sapientes: Aug. the civet: Dei l. 7. c. 12. p. 395. good, in and to himself; and needs neither Gold nor Silver to make him rich: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Satiatus est abundavitiquidam conferunt oum parallel to this in some proportion is the Saints sweet and secret heart-treasure, and solitary recesses: The Christian is a little world, and is purely independent upon the creature to make him happy: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, septem, quod 7. sit numerus plenitudinis: i e. What he hath within, shall be as seven witnesses, or many. he can through grace live comfortably without the world, though not without, but upon God: yea God is so much in him, as well as to him, that he can live comfortably when other things are dead, a good man is satisfied from himself, Prov. 14.14. i.e. he shall have sufficient content from his own conscience: th●s but one word there for a back-slider, being filled with his ways of sin and guilt, and a gracious soul's satisfaction from the sweet result of his own heart, to show that a man's own conscience, is either his heaven or hell, his greatest comforter or tormentor: the World cannot altar the joy or sadness of the heart: a through-paced well-tryed Child of God, hath his rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another, Galat. 6.4. 'Tis a peddling beggarly life to wander abroad for morsels, but that's a noble kind of living, when a man hath all within doors, and needs not creatures sorry contributions: I speak not of the fancied Familistical deification, which is nothing less than blasphemy, but certainly the sound Christian in a sound sense bears some resemblance of the Divinity in this [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] selfsufficiency; and the more treasure, the more like God; for such a soul is elevated above the creature, and fixed in an higher Orb, whither storms and tempests cannot reach; nay, a soul whose conversation is in Heaven, hath no dependence upon, nor intelligence with the creature, in order to completing his felicity: no more than the Sun needs the glimmering light of the Stars to make day: who than would not have this treasure? I might also add herein, the Christians resemblance to the infinite Jehovah, because he hath a principle of motion within himself, and not from without, for as God is a free agent, yea a pure act, so in a sense are the Saints acting from an inward principle: hence those Scripture-expressions of a man's Spirit, making him willing, and the heart smiting a man or witnessing for him, Exod. 35.21. 2 Sam. 24.10. Rom. 9.1. 2 Pet. 2.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. or with him: And in the exercise of Repentance, 'tis said of Lot, he vexed his righteous Soul; or put himself upon the Rack. Wicked men are dead, but Grace is a principle of life, and resembles the Author of it; For that which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit; John 3.6. The decayed liberty of the will is in part by Grace restored; and so far as the soul is Spiritual, the soul of a Saint is a flame of fire ascending to, and acting for God, and the greater treasure of this a man hath in his breast, the liker he is to God. CHAP. VI The last reason, showing the advantages of this treasure. THe tenth Argument to evince the necessity of this Heart-Treasure, is drawn from the profit and advantage in having it, and that principally in facilitating the hardest duties of Religion, 2 Tim. 3.17. and furnishing the Soul for every good work: And here I shall keep close to the Treasure of holy Thoughts, fed with those four streams, of Truths, Graces, Comforts, Experiences: not only a saving principle, but such a measure thereof, as will make up a Treasure. Now the frame of a treasured soul for duty, is, 1. Ready. 2. Real. 3. Uniform. 4. Perpetual. 1. A treasured heart is ready for Duty, like a wel-stored Housekeeper, you cannot take him unprovided; a wel-accomplished Scholar that's never nonplussed; and a watchful Soldier, that's always fit for service: The Christian hath prepared materials to build the house, and wants nothing but its setting up in actual performance; Yea, the house is built and furnished in some degree for the entertaining of this Royal Guest; Let my Beloved come into his Garden, and eat his pleasant fruits, Cant. 4.16. The bow is stringed, the heart fixed, the fire glowing in the Cinders upon the Hearth, and one blast of the Spirits breathing heightens it to a flame: Yet suppose the heart be not in actual readiness, yet habits are sooner educed into act, than new habits infused, and this the foolish Virgins knew by sad experience. But observe it, the more of this treasure, and the more readiness; the reason why we are not so free to Prayer, Conference, Meditation, is because we are not so filled with Grace; otherwise, gracious acts would flow from us, as naturally, as streams from the Spring; had we a treasure, we should never want suitable matter, and lively affections, we should not need to force ourselves to offer Sacrifice, as Saul in another respect, nor with main-strength to bind the Sacrifice to the horns of the Altar, but we should come of freely, cheerfully, delighting in God's ways as in our proper element, and running with enlarged hearts; The glorious Angels, and glorified Spirits of the Just made perfect, have a perfect treasure of divine perfections, and are therefore ready pressed to do Gods William. Now we pray that Gods will may be done on earth, as it's done in Heaven, and that will never be, without this living treasure. But O how quickly shall we hear, a command, and how swiftly shall we obey; if we have a treasure? A good soul is like the Centurion's Servant, half a word will make him run. When God said to David, Seek my face; Psal. 27.8, his heart quickly echoed, Thy face Lord, will I seek; his warrant carried the force of an Argument: He needs no persuading when he knows his Master's pleasure. This is one choice advantage of having a treasure. 2. A Treasured soul is real and serious, not complimental and forced; Israel of old made Covenants and seemed very religious, and God himself attested that they had well said, but wisheth: Deut. 5.28, 29. O that there were such an heart in them—! We have a strange passage in Jer. 5.2. Though they say, the Lord liveth, surely they swear falsely; Why? Is not that a truth? Yes, a great truth, God alone is the Living God, but that they say so, yet their heart gives the lie to their Lips; they say it with a deceitful heart, and that they may deceive, though it be a truth in itself, yet they speak it not as a truth, wanting an heart to assert the same: 'Tis but a fond and frolic ostentation, to invite a friend to dinner, when nothing is prepared: It's a mocking of God to bring Cain's Sacrifice, a body without an heart, a carcase without Spirit, it's as if a Jew had brought the skin of a beast for Sacrifice and not more: But where the treasure is in the Heart, there the essentials of the Service are made up, the work is filled up, or complete before God, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rev. 3.2. i e. it is not lame or defective in any considerable constitutive part thereof; 'Tis such as may be truly called a real good work. This is the chief thing that God expects; and if a good Heart be wanting, the Work is as undone still: But a sincere Christian finds his prayer in his Heart, which he utters with his Lips, 2 Sam. 7.27. Thy Servant hath found in his heart to pray this Prayer;— He found it not only in his Book, but in his Heart; he fetcheth his Prayer from a Treasure: Such a man will pray a prayer, (as David here) and not only say a prayer, that finds it in his Heart; What cares God for a little Lip-labour: He may say, Who required these things at your hands? Did I not require them of your hearts? A mock-Feast or Fast will not content me; I shall not be put of with an empty show; I will have your hearts, or nothing; and I must have a Treasure in your hearts, or all you bring is worth nothing. The truth is, God takes principal notice of the heart, and observes how that stands affected: If Idols be set up in the heart. Ez●k. 14● 3, 4. God takes no notice of a people's prayers: Therefore we had need look to the frame of the heart. 3. An heart-treasure makes the Christian uniform and universal in the duties of Religion, he takes a Christian-course as it lies, carries on Religion before him without halting or halving, he practiseth all righteousness at all times. There's a sweet harmony and exact Symmetry in a Saint's performance of duty. Some can frame to some easier duties, not to more difficult, but the treasured soul can frame to any thing which God in the word hath made his duty, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. and hence it is that he is complete in all the will of God, Col. 4.12. the Law of God in his heart carries an aspect to every part of his 〈◊〉 in the written Word; Graces and Duties are concordant one to another, like a company of horses in Pharaohs Chariot: their cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, their necks with chains of gold, Song. 1.9, 10. i e. the sou●e handsomely adorned with a comely train of graces and duties: yea, such a soul will at all times act like itself, so that one part of his life will not cross another, as a Liars tales, and hypocrites carriage do; he doth not serve God by fits and starts, in good moods and motions, so as to be of and on in Religion, Psa. 51.10. but he hath a constant. settled spirit, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spiritus consta is, firmus, dispositus: (which David prays for, and the Translators call a right Spirit, and truly so it is) disposed for God, fitted for duty, bringing forth good fruit in due season: like a constant good Housekeeper, that is never so s●d len●● surpriz●d, but can make a prudent shi●● to treat his friend according to his degree: the truth is, man in his fallen estate is uncertain, intricate and multiform in all his ways, you cannot tell where to find him, Jer. 2.36. gadding about to change his way; but being renewed, he is in part reduced to that original rectitude, simplicity, and stability of spirit and practice, that was in Adam, in some proportion; so that according to the degree of grace received, he hath a constant uniform frame and tenor of spirit, and holds one strait, direct, and even course towards heaven: in all this suitable to the motion of the wheels in the Prophet Ezekiels Vision, Chap. 1.17. when they went, they went upon their four sides [there's their squareness and suitableness to all God's will] and they returned not when they went, [there's their constant, permanent, and un-repentant motion]: that will lead us to the next Head; only consider, what an excellency and beauty there is in uniformity in religious duties: when works of Nature or Art are uniform, what lustre have they? We are much taken with a Building that's compact and proportionable. A Garden drawn exactly, an Army marshaled in complete ranks and postures are comely sights; just such are the fruits of holiness, proceeding from a wel-treasured Heart; and indeed, without this Treasure there can be no such harmony in holy: performances, but the actings will be like the legs of the lame, very unequal: That's the third. 4. A treasure makes holy duties constant and perpetual, though there may be some temporary intermissions, yet never a total cessation in acts of Religion; Will an hypocrite pray always? Job 27.10. not verily: the water riseth no higher than the Spring, and waters fail that have no Spring, like Jobs Snow-waters, which when it waxethwarm, vanisheth away: Job 6.16, 17. but a little brook supplied with a constant spring, holds out in Winter and Summer: just such is the differences betwixt the performances of a treasured and treasureless heart: Two men perform duties, the one from gifts, the other from Grace; the former in time withers, the latter daily increaseth. The King of France shown Spain's Ambassador his rich Treasures, the Ambassador looks under the Treasure-Chests, saying, Have these a Spring? my master's treasures have, meaning both the Indieses: just so 'tis here, let natural men's attainments be never so excellent, you may come to see an end of all their perfections, their eye of knowledge may be darkened, and their arm of natural and acquired abilities clean dried up: for, how can a Well be always giving out water that receives none? How can a Rose keep fresh without a Root? But they that are planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the Courts of our God; yea, they shall bring forth fruit in old age, Psalm 92.13, 14. For a lively principle, is the seed of God that will never dye, and this spring of grace is fed with supplies from the fullness of Jesus Christ, who is the fountain of Gardens, and Well of living Waters; In summa, hic tam perpetuitas donorum spiritus, quam affluentia nobis promittitur, Marl. in loc. hence he saith, John 7.38. He that believeth in me— out of his belly shall flow Rivers of living Water, i.e. he shall have a perpetual supply of grace, and shall sand forth constant emanations of gracious a●ts: A wel-furnisht Christian shall never be drawn dry, his Saviour and treasure ever live, and because Christ lives, the Saints and their graces shall live for ever; O friends, what would you give in these backsliding times to hold out to the end? that you may not make shipwreck of Faith and a good conscience. Behold, I show unto you an excellent way, heap one grace upon another till you possess a Treasure; tie a chain of these Pearls together, and lay them up in the Closet of your hearts, and you'll never be spiritually impoverished; be holily covetous after all graces that are attainable: Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly-kindness, charity, for if you have these, you'll not be barren or unfruitful in good duties; and if you do good duties according to that treasure, you shall never fall; See 2 Pet. 1.5. to vers. 11. These are a chain that link the soul to God, and reach as high as Heaven: But do not think you can endure to the end without a Treasure, for he that hath not root in himself, dureth but a while; Mat. 13.21. no wonder if many drop of like leaves in Autumn, they have not any thing to bea● them out, they spend upon themselves, as the Spider which spins her webs out of her own bowels, but they are swept away as the Spider's web: But the gracious soul hath no lesle than an infinite God to supply the treasures of grace; so that let a Christian fall of to many acts of sin, carelessness in Duty, and a course of looseness, yet this Treasure will work him of: as a Spring clears itself from mud in time, so he shall be reduced to God; there is something in the heart of a back-sliding Saint that makes him restless in that estate, and moving towards the Centre; David saith, I have gone astray like a lost sheep, [there's his acknowledgement] Seek thy servant [there's his request,] for I do not forget thy Commandments [there's the argument to enforce it] q. d. there is yet something in my heart that owns thee, though I be fallen far, yet not so far but that I am still reaching after thee, and I am not fallen below thy reach: the truth is, a Child of God hath more holdfast of God in his lowest ebbs than another sinner hath; as the Spinster leaveth a lock of wool to draw on the next thread, so there is something left in the heart, the seed of God that ascends Heaven-words: though a Saint be in a very dead frame, yet he is not twice dead, as wicked men are: there is yet the root of the matter in the heart, that by the sent of water (the heavenly dew of divine Grace) will sprout again, and bring forth fruit: I dispute not how far men may fall, and whether a true Saint may not be brought back to the bore habits of grace as they were at first infused, and loose degrees of grace obtained: But sure I am Christ prayed for Peter, (and so for all Believers) that his faith should not fail, Vid. Suff. Brit. de quin. Artic. thes. 6. p. 189. In Sanctorum cordibus secundum quasdam virtutes semper manet Spiritus: Secundum quasdam recessurus venit, & ●●●turus recedit, in his virtutibus, sine quibus ad vitam non pervenitur in elcolorum suorum cordibus permane● Gr.g. Moral. Luke 22.32. and God always heareth him: therefore our Divines have determined, That the seed of Regeneration, with those fundamental gifts, without which spiritual life cannot consist, are kept safe and entire: for the same Holy Ghost that infused that seed of Grace, hath imprinted in it an incorruptible virtue, and perpetually cherisheth and maintaineth it: Mary's better part shall not be taken away. This fear in the heart, keeps them from departing from God, Jer. 32.40. They have [constantiam in proposito, & perseverantiam in opere] constancy in their hearts, and perseverance in their hands. Holy resolutions produce successful performances: and thus doth the treasured Christian hold on in a Christian course, till these smaller measures of grace end in the vast Ocean of Glory: Thus much for the Reasons of the Point. CHAP. VII. The first lise is for Examination, whither we have this Treasure. NOw for a more close application of this to our own souls: is it so, that a good treasure in the heart, is necessary to good expenses in the life? than 1. It stands us all in hand to try ourselves, and dig into our own hearts to see if we can find a treasure there, both in respect of sincerity and degree of grace: Know it, You are beggarly souls unless you have truth of grace; graceless souls are the only treasurelesse souls, and I fear there is more than a good many, that could never experimentally distinguish betwixt Nature and Grace, and therefore are increasing guilt, and treasuring up wrath: O Christians! See whither you have the true Richeses, try what proficiency you have made to grace, and in grace; you have long had a day of grace, and you must be accountable for all opportunities. Cheat not yourselves with Counters instead of Gold; Bristol-stones may make as fair a show as Pearls; true grace is a rare and rich Commodity. Thousands conceit to themselves a treasure, that are empty; Proud, conceited Professors are apt to boast of their attainments, whilst some selfdenying humble souls, are apt to bear false-witness against themselves, by denying what they have: Solomon saith, There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great richeses, Prov. 13.7. Sounding Vessels are often empty, and stil-running waters are usually deep: Vapouring Tradesman jingle their money in their hands, whilst sober Chapmen keep it in their Chests: You shall find more of a Merchant's goods in his Warehouse, than in his Shop-window. So it is with a sober, serious and judicious Christian: his glory and treasure is most within, whilst vainglorious Mountebanks in Religion set all upon the Stage. I entreat you read those Books, that lay down marks of true grace, hear and attend the most heart-searching Ministry, take much pains in descending frequently into your own hearts, and the God of Heaven make you serious in a through search. Moore particularly, that I may help you in a discovery whether you have laid up a treasure of holy thoughts; flowing from truths, graces comforts, experiences. Ask, I beseech you your own hearts these four questions. 1. How came you by it? 2. How do you value it? 3. How do you use it? 4. How do you increase it? 1. Let me ask you, and do you ask yourselves if you pretend to such a treasure, how you came by it? Men usually know how they get a treasure, the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Prov. 10.4. i.e. the blessing of the Lord upon diligent endeavours, vers. 22. men that would be rich ply the oars, run to markets and fairs, Jam. 4.13. travel from City to City, to buy and sell and get gain, they travel by Sea and by Land, compassing the World to possess a small portion of it: Why now, what do you in spirituals? Where are your thoughtful cares and painful hands? though labour will not get this treasure ('tis a free gift) yet it will not be had without labour. God's Ordinance must be honoured; 'tis the immtitable decree of Heaven since the fall: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread, G●. 19 yea this holds good for the Soul. Joh. 6.27. Labour — for that meat which endureth to everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: mark it, Man's endeavours are very consistent with God's freegrace, and Christ's dear purchase. God will be found in his own way, he ordinarily conveys the first grace, in and by his own institutions, but seldom shall a soul grow up to a treasure without a long trading in the royal exchange of holy duties, and diligence hath the promise of increase. Mark 4.24.— And unto you that hear, shall more be given: Well sirs, hath the care of your hearts put labour into your hands, and travel into your feet, to repair to the Markets and Fairs of public, private and secret performances, to get a solid treasure? have you both digged and begged for it? where is your sweat and ageny? hath Jesus Christ sweat blood to fit you for Heaven, and have not you gone through a bloody sweat to get interest in him? and possession of his grace? O the pangs of conscience, and sad pant of a convinced sinner to obtain a portion in these richeses of grace! 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proprie est sanguis, fed apud Chald. notat petuniam, quta sa●guine at surore pauperum parain. byth'. never did a poor labourer roil so hard for his days wages as an humbled soul to be f●ed with Christ: a treasure of money is got with sweat and blood; or to be obtained of alms with weary steps, and l●ud cries: but if thou be'st too idle to dig, and too proud to beg, thou art without a treasure, and mayst pine away in everlasting poverty. 2. How do you value this treasure? Where the treasure is, there will the heart be also. Mat. 6.21. The thoughts, cares, affections will centre upon a Man's treasure, for he accounts his treasure the best thing he hath; yea worth all his other possessions; no Man would willingly part with his treasure. As Naboth did tenaciously adhere to his haereditary possession: Mat. 13.44 Phil. 3.7. the wise Merchant parts with all to purchase this: Paul accounted his gain to be not better than loss for Christ, nay it stunk like dung and Dogs-meat in comparison of his sweet and satisfying Saviour: all the World is a Christians prejudice, when it obstructs or obscures the grace of Christ: Is it thus with your souls? do you accounted your spiritual portion your only richeses? the truth is, the richeses of the soul, and the richeses in the soul, are the very soul of richeses: Meretricius est amor, plus annulum, quam sponsum amare. I confess that's a meretricious love, that prizeth receipts from Christ more than the Person of Christ! but here I understand Jesus Christ to be the marrow and treasure of this treasure, and all these as insuring evidences of interest in him: for all that the soul hath is wrapped up in him, well than, let me pose the most dark and doubting (if sincere) Christian, what fairest thou, poor soul, wouldst thou quit thy share in Christ and spiritual treasures, for a Crown and Kingdom? wouldst thou not answer, no? wouldst thou cast away thy trembling hopes of acceptance with God, to be delivered from the infamy, poverty and persecution that attends the powerful profession of Christianity, that thou mayst live in honour, pleasure, & worldly delights? surely thou wouldst answer, no: wouldst thou change thy present, low, afflicted, and conflicting state with thy former carnal but confident condition, or with the pompous, prosperous state of graceless sinners? I dare say thou wilt answer, negatively; yet again, art thou not willing to part with thy dearest bosome-lust, and earthly enjoyment, for a true immortal treasure in Heaven, and in thy heart? I am confident an upright heart will answer, yes: And if I mistake not, this (if not only, yet chief this) is the very parting point betwixt a sound Christian, and a rotten-hearted hypocrite, the one chooseth Martha's many things, the other Mary's one thing needful: this is indeed a discriminating note, for a gracious soul will cry out, none but Christ, none but Christ, give me Christ, Christus meus est omnia. or else I die, give me Christ, and I shall live: Christ is my life, my crown, my joy, my all, if I may have him I have enough, without him I have nothing: when one asked Alexander where his treasure was, he answered, where Hephestion my faithful friend is, just so will a good soul say: Song 5.10. Christ is the chiefest of ten thousands. I prise him above my life, who loved me unto the death; I accounted that of great value that doth evidence my interest in him: As the Mari-gold opens to the Sun in the Firmament, so doth the heart of a sincere Christian to the Sun of Righteousness; take an instance of Moses, who chose the bitterest Cup of affliction, rather than the sugared cup of sensual pleasures, that he might enjoy Jesus Christ: see Heb. 11.25, 26. Observe the strange disparity that appears to carnal reason in that choice: on the one side there was suffering, on the other enjoying, affliction on the one hand, pleasures on the other, the despised people of God were companions on one side, ruffling Gallants in Pharaoh's Court on the other, yet on the one side it was for a season, on the other but for a season, and that But, cast the scales in his choice: those were pleasures, but treasures may prevail; the last yet not the lest of Satan's assaults of Christ, Mat. 4.8, 9 not, good Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater richeses than the treasures of Egypt: the worst of Christ is better than the best of the World: the noble Marquis Galeacius Caracciolus, in imitation of him, being tempted with large offers to departed from Zion to Babylon, resolutely replied, Let their money perish with them that accounted all the treasures of the World worth one hours' communion with Jesus Christ: if all the Mountains were gold, the Rocks Pearls, and the whole World stuffed with the sweetest delights of the Sons of Men, and these offered to the Christian to be his proper inheritance for ever, he would with an holy scorn trample upon them, and look on them as not worth one glance of his eye, in comparison of one taste of the love of Christ, and a grain of saving grace in his Heavenborn soul: But a carnal heart sees no such beauty in Christ, wherefore he should be so desired, nor is he taken with the comeliness and excellency of grace, a sad yet lively emblem whereof we have in the hopeful young Gentleman that bade fair for Heaven, yet when he saw it would cost him so dear, Mat. 19.21, 22. as to part with all, he would rather go without it, than forego his estate for it: O sirs, this is a pinching point, look to it, this one mark will discern betwixt joint and marrow, and a day of trial will discover what you accounted a treasure. 3. How do you use and improve this treasure? Habits of grace are no otherwise known but by their acts: what's a Man better for that he useth not? A talon of grace of the right stamp will not be confined to a Napkin, though gifts may: exercising is as necessary and evidential, as having sincere grace: things that are not, and things that appear not, De non entibus & non apparentibus eadem est ratio. are both alike: He is a wicked Man that boasteth of his hearts desire, and he is a fool that trusteth in his heart: yet many will say I have as good an heart as the best, though I do not talk so well with my tongue, or work so much with my hand, I have as good a meaning as any of them all, though I cannot make so great a show, I love to keep my religion to myself, none knows how good I am: Let such know (though I deny not but degrees of modesty, fears of vainglory, and jealousies of apostasy, may restrain some Christians profession, yet there may be a temptation on that hand also yet) that where fire is, it will bewray itself by hear or smoke, Isai. 42.3. 'tis impossible grace should be hid or stifled: though there be a smoking flax (even the week of a Candle that affords little light, much offensive smell) yet it will appear: Truths and graces in the heart will be (as the word was to Jeremiah) as a burning fire shut up in the bones and bosom, that cannot be concealed. Jer. 20.9. He that is full of matter, is constrained by the internal workings of the Spirit to vent it, else it is like Elihu's new wine that hath no vent, Job 32.18, 19 it bursts the new bottles: the truth is, it's as natural for a gracious heart to talk and walk holily, as for a living creature to breathe and move, so far as gracious: thus it cannot be otherwise, and also observe it, it must not be otherwise. Your treasure within aught to be laid out, what have you it for else? Profession with the mouth is as necessary in its kind, as believing with the heart, Rom. 10.10. Our Light must not be hid under a bushel, but shine before men, that it may reflect comfort to ourselves and influence to others, as well as have approbation from the Lord: So than, if thou hast a treasure within, thou dost witness a good confession, and thy conversation will be suitable to thy profession: Thy Trading will answer thy stock. The Text tells you, a good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things: and I told you the manner of laying out was in holy meditations, savoury expressions, suitable actions, and comfortable bearing, and profitable improving of afflictions: Why now, Lay judgement to the Line, and compare your own course of life with these practices of Religion: How do you trade with heaven, and for heaven? What do you more than others? where's the life and power of Religion? Do you indeed exercise yourselves to godliness? What large expenses do you lay out for that God from whom you have such liberal incomes? When we see rich men lay out abundance of money in household goods, house-keeping, building, Recreations, we guess, certainly such have a good stock beforehand, a great yearly Revenue; Thus it is here, though many make a great show of what they have not, yet a ready, real, uniform, and constant performance of duty. A serious, sensible course of walking with God, and exercise of grace in all conditions, do evidence a suitable inward Treasure. What say you to these things? Can our hearts witness with us that in simplicity and godly sincerity, 2 Cor. 1.12. by the assistance of grace we have had our conversation? Can our Relations & Neighbours witness for us, that we have served the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears and temptations? Can our Closets, Chambers, Shops, and Fields testify our secret groans, meditations, self-examinations? Have we performed our relative duties with all care and conscience? As Magistrates punishing sin, as Ministers faithfully preaching at all seasons, suitably to all persons: as Householders instructing, correcting, and leading a good example; as Husbands, Wives, Parents, Children, Masters, Servants, that man is not good at all, that's not good in all relations: Doth the treasure of grace and truths prompt our tongues, act our hands, guide our feet? Do these principles in our head, and that principle in the heart dictate to us our duty, and assist us in doing of it? Are we fruitful in good works, words, and meditations? and are we useful in our generations? let's not deceive ourselves, it's not a conceit of some good meanings within that will serve our turn; but the Apostle tells us roundly and plainly, He that doth righteousness, is righteous, 1 John 3.7. Acts do evidence the state, and a man cannot be good unless he do good: That's the third trial. 4. How do you increase this Treasure? To him that hath shall be given; truth of grace is the Prologue to growth in grace: and growth in grace arrives at full strength of grace; the Saints go from strength to strength, Psalm 84 7. The true Christian, like his Master, increaseth in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man; Luk. 2.52. These waters of the Sanctuary, rise up to the ankles, knees, loins, neck, till the soul come to the Head Christ, and so be swallowed up in the unfathomable Ocean of Glory; ☞ 'Tis monstrous in Grace as well as Nature to grow none, but continued as a Dwarf; 'Tis a sad shrewd sign you have no grace, if you think you have grace enough: Minime bonus est qui m●lior sieri non vult Ber. he was never good that desires not to be better: They are Hypocrites, and sure to be Apostates that are contented with a taste; The true Believer is unsatiable, still hungering and thirsting after Righteousness, daily adding one cubite after another to his spiritual stature, that he may be a tall man in Christ; and at last attain to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, Habet enim au●ment● sua fides, habet suam infantiam, habet atatem viritem, habet Senectam. Mar ●n loc. Eph. 4.13. That is, not so much with respect to the complete stature of our bodies at the resurrection, proportionable to Christ's full age upon Earth, as some expound it, though that may be true, but we must be increasing, till Christ his mystical body grow to ripeness and persection, both in respect of all the members to be added thereunto, and also particular members growth in grace till they advance to a full maturity in knowledge and holiness: what say you to this? are you any better than you have been? are your last works more than your first? what light of knowledge in saving truths? what heat and warmth in sanctifying graces? what heart-refreshing-experiences and comforts have you laid up? are you grown more solid, humble, holy, watchful, faithful and fruitful? do you get more power against your lusts? more ability to walk with God? do you forget what is behind, Phil. 3. Eph. 3.16. and press forwards to perfection? are you stirred up more to holiness? and strengthened with all might by his spirit in the inward man? are you still sensible of defects, craving for more spiritual richeses, as a beggar for alms? I confess I have sometimes wondered at this strange paradox in Christianity, that there is nothing doth so fill the soul as grace, and yet nothing makes the soul so hungry for more grace as a principle of grace; nothing conten●s but a dram of grace, yet a dram of grace will not content: more knowledge, more faith, more love, and accordingly a gracious soul is still perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Thes. 1.3. So that, as the Apostle saith of some, their faith groweth exceedingly, and charity, aboundeth, even till it become a treasure: for observe it, this spiritual treasure is made up, and increased by accumulation, or by augmentation, by adding more graces, or strengthening graces already conferred. See Symonds deferred souls case and cure, page 416 to 421 Manton on Judas, v. 2. pag: 122. to 127. Barlow's Sermon 2 Pet. 3.18 Several good Divines have done worthily in satisfying scrupulous souls in this great case about growth in grace: let such as doubt of sincerity, read them, it would be a digression here to speak fully to this point: only take this note, the more life you have added to your light, the more humility to your graces, the more watchfulness to your lives by your experiences; and the more tenderness of conscience, and cheerfulness in holy performances by your comforts, the more have you grown in grace, and increased your treasure: and thereby have given a clear evidence that you have a spiritual treasure in your hearts. CHAP. VIII The second use is for Conviction of four sorts of Persons. IF it be so necessary to have a treasure within, that a Christian may be fit to walk, speak and act holily, than this falls with weight upon the head of four sorts of persons, viz. 1. Careless loiterers. 2. Vainglorious boasters. 3. Impious offenders. 4. Unprofitable Christians. 1. Careless loiterers, that sleep out a fair Summer's day of grace, and forget the day of their Visitation; many poor Ministers have cause to weep over their dear people, as Christ over Jerusalem, and say, If thou hadst known, at lest in th● thy day, Luk. 19.41, 42. the things that belong to thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes: If any soul be without grace, under precious means of grace, let such tremble at present providences, lest they lead on to the loss of Ordinances: if thou hast sat under the droppings of the Sanctuary, and art yet barren, be afraid, jest God either command the Clouds to rain no rain on thee, or the curse of the barren Figtree be pronounced against thee, Mat. 21.19 Luk. 13.7. Let no Fruit grow on thee hence forward for ever, or else, cut it down, why cumbreth it the ground? O sirs, have your souls been yet empty of grace, under Ordinances, which are the Channels of grace? have you lived thus long in Goshen, and are you yet in Egyptian darkness? where's the fault, what can you say for yourselves? Suppose God should put you to it, to bring forth your strong reasons, (as he expostulated with the Man that wanted the wedding Garment,) and should say, Mat. 22.12 friend (for so wilt thou needs be accounted, and as such thou wast invited) where hast thou lived? in my Church? and didst thou not there hear of a rich Wardrobe provided for naked souls, even the fine white linen of Christ's perfect righteousness? was there not a well-furnished shop and store-house of the gifts and graces of the spirit to fill and adorn the house of thy heart? how comes it than that thou art so devoid and destitute of what is good? hadst thou lived in Turkey or India, where I did not set up such an office of mercy, thou mightest have more to say, but now what apologies can you make? what Fig-leaves can you find to cover your shameful nakedness, or colour your wretched negligence? how camest thou hither? qua front? what canst thou say to excuse thy brazen Impudence, that darest approach such a presence in so sordid an habit, or rather miserably naked? the truth is, though witty sinners can find shifts enough to put of Ministers arguings, and silence the bawl of conscience, yet how can their hearts endure, or hands be strong, when God shall deal with them? their mouths shall be muzzled up in speechless, yet self-condemning astonishment: they must needs be condemned out of their own mouths: O consider, if yet you be without a treasure of grace, and rather ask thine own heart some heart-awakning, than that God should ask thee such astonishing interrogatories: as thus, say to thy soul, my poor pining soul, How is it with thee? What hast thou been doing? and what wast thou sent into the World for? what must become of thee? what provision hast thou made for an eternal state? where must thou lodge, if thou die this night? and let me propose to you these Considerations: 1. If thy soul be yet without a true treasure of a gracious Principle, thy condition is miserable, for thou hast no assurance of any more means to obtain it, nor to live another day, to hear another Sermon, or of Grace, to make the means effectual for thy souls good: Remember Esau; hast thou stood out so long, and dost thou now presume upon a longer day? Must the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall God leave his ordinary road 〈◊〉 thee good, step aside to meet with thee? ●od sometimes doth so, but what ground hast thou to expect it, that hast abused Grace so long? 2. Is not this emptiness of good a dreadful sign of rejection? Solomon saith, He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: Pro. 17.20. nothing doth him good, Word, nor Rod; but he saith, the heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; Pro. 18.15. may not you sadly fear judicial hardness, to punish wilful negligence? One would have thought, if any good had been intended for you, that you should have been possessed of it before this: it's a black brand of reprobation to live long under melting Ordinances, and be still hard and dead. 3. Wilful neglect is an act of dis-ingenuity to God, cruelty to your own souls, & the ready way to banish Ordinances from posterity: What? Must God always hold you the Candle to play by? Pro. 17.5. Wherhfore is there a price in the hand of a fool, when there's no heart to improve it? Be sure, if Satan find you idle, he will set you a work; Negligence is a sad prognostic, and preparative for eternal torment, and so much ease now, so much torment hereafter: Shall the God of Heaven always threape kindness upon offending Grace-abusing and refusing wretches? Not, not, when Love hath said its errand, Justice will act its part: And 4. Your lost advantages will prove your bitterest torment, all men must be judged according to their receipts, and wilful Loiterers shall be punished according to their contempt of Gospel-opportunities: Gospel-despisers shall accounted poor Heathens comparatively happy, though their Companions in eternal misery: their bright Sun of Gospel-grace shall set in more utter darkness, and greater treasures of wrath shall be poured into those Vessels, that shut out treasures of Grace. 2. Another sort to be reproved, are empty and vainglorious boasters, guilded Hypocrites that pretend to a great Treasure, but are sorry beggars: Some devout Papists there are, which will tell you they have merit enough, both for themselves and others, that out of the abundant treasure of their good works, can furnish defective souls on earth, and deliver tormented souls out of Purgatory: But believe them not, they would make merchandise of souls, and draw them to delusions and damnation; Jesus Christ is our only Treasury, there is nothing like merit in a mere Creature. Angels in Heaven stand by Grace, having their confirmation by Christ; Sure I am, they have no merits to spare, the wise Virgins could not furnish others, but a boasting Friar pretends he can: the most of his seeming good works will rather prejudice himself, than profit others, since they are generally that vain will-worship, that's coined in the mint of a wanton superstitious Brain, and so make the Commands of God to be of none effect, and provoke the Lords wrath against the promoters and practisers thereof. But suppose a man could obey positive Commands, in practising all Scripture-duties, and avoiding all prohibited sins, yet wherein hath he to glory? Is he not still an unprofitable servant? Doth he give God any thing but his own? Is it not due debt? and is it by his own strength, or by the strength of God? And can he do what he doth perfectly without the lest tincture or stain of imperfection, or of defect? Let any mere creature show such good works as these, and let him climb up to Heaven upon Acestu's rotten Ladder, we are resolved to ascend on Jacobs Ladder; let others seek their own merit, let right Christians study grace. I hope we shall be so wise to choose Bellarmine's dying safe●way, Quaerant ali●, si●elint meritum, nos grattam studeamus: Bern. Serm. in Nat. Mat. Col. 2.13. Isa. 64.6. rather than his Disputing politick-way to Heaven, to repose all our trust in the mercy of God, and merits of Christ, rather than the tottering foundation of man's best righteousness, which is but a filthy rag, and will rather defile than cover our nakedness. But I principally design to lash such persons, as hypocritically and histrionically act the part of Kings and Emperors, but are poor despicable Mushrooms, that pretend upon the stage of their fair profession to Coffers of gold, and precious treasures of Grace; But alas, follow them into withdrawing-Rooms of privacy, and you shall find them woefully destitute of all saving good; these poor soul's conceit with sergeant graces to purchase Heaven! and by making lies their refuge to be secured from wrath: But alas, the God of Heaven sees their false coin and self-flattering hearts; Prov. 16.2. All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes, but the Lord weigheth the spirits. O, how many hearts and ways would be found light, and wanting, if weighed in an even balance, even in the balance of the Sanctuary? At the last day it will be seen that there are wondered self-cheating conceits and confidences: there's many false hearts under fair Vizors, but when these Vizors are plucked of, all shall appear in their colours: and o, what strange sights will than be seen? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Signifies both a deceitful man, and an Usurer See Prov. 29.13. ●●●g. ●or Usurers are ●●ually fraudulent. 〈◊〉. When wicked men's foul insides are turned out, certainly they will be very abominable, though now every cunning Hypocrite carries so closely, that none can detect him, or say black is his eye, yet a time shall come that shall bring every secret thing to light, and discover the guile of the deceitful Usurer in Religion; who thinks to truck for Heaven with his stolen wares: O, how much better is a poor soul than such a self-deluding Richling! that thinks he is something, yet he is nothing, and so deceives his own soul, plays the Sophister, and puts a false Syllogism upon himself, as the Apostle James speaks: How many are in a golden dream? that build Castles in the Air, and fancy they are Kings; but, when they awake out of their frantic dreams do find themselves miserably mistaken! Solomon saith, Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift, is like Clouds and wind without rain, Prov. 25.14. i e. He that pretendeth to give or receive what is not real, but counterfeiteth either, renders himself ridiculous to men, and odious to God: Our Lord Jesus cursed the barren Figtree, to manifest his displeasure against hypocrisy; Hypocrites are the most hateful of all persons, they are hated of wicked men for seeming good, they are hated of God and good men, for But seeming, and not Being truly good: As Hypocrites fruit is like the Apples of Sodom that look fair with a beautiful skin, but touch them, and they are dust: so are Hypocrites ends likely to be like that of Sodom, which God overthrew as in a moment: yea, these must be patterns to others of a more dreadful destruction; hence the phrase of appointing a portion with the Hypocrites. Matth. 24.51. But here comes in a carnal, sensual sot, and applies all this to the zealous Professor, and will needs condemn him for an hypocrite, because he makes so great a show, and accounted himself a sincere Saint, because he conceits his heart to be good; the former censure is contrary to Scripture, and this latter is contrary to their own sense and experience: for they may find, and Gods children do feel that the heart is the worst part of the whole man; 'tis a man's ignorance of it that makes him imagine it is the best: the truth is, no man will commend this common Cheater, but he that knows it not, for it's known to be desperately wicked, and 'tis deceitful, or a Supplanter (as the word imports) that will trip up the heels of the Christian, Jer. 17 9 and cheat him of his prize and reward: if ever thou be undone, 'tis thy heart that will undo thee; thou dost brag of thy heart, alas poor soul, thou hast cause to bewail it, and be afraid of it; and if conviction open thee a window to look into it, thou shalt see a monstrous dreadful sight, that will make thee out of love with thyself, and 'cause thy heart to ache, if it do not break with godly sorrow; As for the Children of God whom wicked men condemn, for making so great a show, I shall say but this, that it is the most unreasonable, uncharitableness in the world, to judge contrary to what we see, yea, 'tis a blasphemous assuming to a man's self the property of God's Omniscience, to pretend to search the heart, in saying, the thoughts of the heart are opposite to the professions of the Lips, and practices of the Life: the Lord rebuke such railing Rabshekahs, as condemn all the generation of God's Children, and that because of their holy world-condemning conversations; these Moles cannot endure the light of Saints paths: hence they say, I warrant you these precise walkers are no better than their Neighbours; if the truth were known, they are a company of dissemblers, and are rotten at the heart, Pharisee-like they make clean the outside of the Cup, and condemn others as profane, and than bind it with an Oath, they are as bad as themselves: and if a Professor slip into an open sin, than they are confirmed in their censures, and conclude, they are all alike, a pack of dissemblers: and now the holiest Saint (that hates such sins, and mourns for it, as his greatest burden) shall have his brother's miscarriage dashed in his teeth for ever: But if a man might argue with these sottish, yet censorious souls, in a rational way, what could they answer? Are not they themselves worse than the losest Professors? and how far short do they fall of close-walking Christians? Should all be condemned for the sake of one? and should we not judge according to what we see, or can attain to the knowledge of? Is not the Tree known to us by its fruits, and not by its Roots, which are invisible to us? Lord, set these vain boasters a work in searching their own hearts, and examining their own selves, 2 Cor. 13.5. whether Christ be within them (as Paul directs the Corinthians in this very case) and this will cure their censorious spirits, and find them work enough to do at home; for as the Eye that looks most abroad sees lest within, so the most uncharitable Censurers are the most empty, unprofitable Professors: when as a Christian that hath most grace himself, judgeth best of others: and observe it, they that groundleslie judge others to be worse than they see apparent cause, Matth. 7.8, 2. will be judged by others in like manner in this world, and are in danger of a sad and just censure and sentence at the dreadful day of judgement: Job 27.8. What than is the hope of the Hypocrite when he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? 3. Another sort to be reproved, is the impious offenders, impenitent sinners, that verify the latter part of the Text, and run a course directly contrary to this good man: An evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil things: How should it be otherwise? Men must needs act as they are: It was a Proverb of the Ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked, 1 Sam. 24.13. such as the Fountain is, such must needs be the Streams, the Fruit is answerable to the nature of the Root and Tree: The working Forge of men's wicked hearts, Jam. 3.10.11. Gen. 6.5. doth sparkle forth suitable imaginations: Why are men so wicked in their lives? its because they have more naughty hearts, for the cause hath more in it than the effects: O, how many vassals of Satan and vessels of sin are replenishing and preparing for wrath? for as a good man's treasure prepares him to do the more good, so, too many are filling their souls with guilt; and harden their hearts by custom in sin, that they may be vile with less remorse, and swallow down iniquity, as the fish drinks in water: they cauterize their consciences, and twist a strong cord of customary sinning, that they may draw iniquity with Cart-ropes, and do evil with both hands earnestly, that their hearts may not smite them with sense of remorse: As the Scholar that Dr. Preston speaks of, who having committed a scandalous sin, that he could not rest by reason of terrors of conscience, the Devil persuaded him to commit that sin again, and he should be quiet, he did so, and afterwards could sin without remorse: just so do many persons, who have woaded an impudence in their foreheads by constant sinning, so that at last they are past feeling, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qui non amplius laborare volunt ant possunt. Vid. Hein's Excercis. in lot. having given themselves over to all lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness: Eph. 4.19. The Word passed feeling, imports remorselesness, senselesness, like a member benumbed, scared, and this comes with custom in sinning: according to that, Consuetudo peccandi tollit sensum peccati, i e. The custom of sinning takes away the sense of sin: We are apt to wonder at the horrid abominations that break out, but if we do consider the prodigious wickedness of an Atheistical heart, we may rather wonder that there is no more profaneness in the World: Jam. 3.6. If the tongue be a World of iniquity, how many Worlds of wickedness is there in a wicked heart? the thousandth part of corruption breaks not out, of that which is within: Surely did not God fet bounds to men's raging lusts, the World would not be habitable for the Saints: God restrains that wrath which shall not turn to his praise, and Saints advantage, and when wicked Men have belched out as much rage as they can, there is a remnant yet behind, Psal. 76.10. We are fallen into the dregss of times, and iniquity doth abound, there is a World of Atheism, pride, uncleanness, swearing, drunkenness, gluttony, blasphemy, Sabbath-breaking, contempt, and scorning of Religion, men break out, and blood toucheth blood: But, were there a Casement or prospective, whereby a man might look into a carnal heart; O what a filthy sink of un-heard of sin, and full nest of odious vipers might he behold? certainly it would be the dreadfullest sight in the World, far worse than to see the Devil in the ugliest hue: we may stand wondering at the fathomless, bottemless depth of wickedness in the heart of man, Cor●est thesaurus malorum, fons venenorum caput et origo omn is iniquitatis. Luth. Tom. 4. fol. 335. 2 Kin. 8.13 it is, saith Luther, the treasure of evils, the fountain of poison, the head and original of all iniquity? Every man hath that in his heart which he cannot believe is in him; but yet may and will break out in its season upon occasion: as in the known instance of Hazael: the truth is, the seed and spawn of all heresies, impieties, blasphemies, are in our nature. Reverend Mr. Greenham saith, that if all errors, and the memorial of them were annihilated by the absolute power of God, so that there should not the lest remembrance of them remain, yet there is enough in the heart of one man to revive them all again the next day: And I may add also as to profane practices: so that the wickedness that is in the World, doth not proceed from imitation of Adam's first sin (as Pelagians dream) at lest not from thence only, but also, and chief from the propagation of original corruption to all his posterity, for there is an habitual pravity entailed upon us, and transmitted to us from our first Parents, which hath its regency in the heart, and activity in the life: Romans 5. will stand firm against all Pelagian and Socinian adversaries, that both Adam and Christ our second Adam, Vide Calvin Instit. lib. 2. cap. 1 sect. 5, 6, etc. do communicate to their seed that which is their own both by imputation and propagation, only the first Adam distributes filth, guilt, death, the second gives grace, righteousness and eternal life: See M. Perk Exposi. on Creed, fol. 162. Adamus fuit humanae naturae non modo progenitor, s●d radix, ideo millius corruptione merito, vitiatum fuit hominum genus: Calvin, ubi supra. Conferas hac de re Baron. de orig. Anim. Excer. ●a Art. 6,7,8. pag. 91. ad p. 104. it will remain as an undoubted maxim and sad experiment, that there is an habitual depravation, and deviation of our whole nature from the Law of God: So that there's an universael corruption of the whole man, understanding, conscience, will, affections, and all the members of the body: Now this propagation (Divines commonly say) is two ways. 1. By divine appointment and designation whatsoever Adam received or lost should be not only for himself, but for his posterity, being a public person, so God leaves the soul in respect of his image, and hence follows defect of original righteousness, this, he doth not as Author of sin, but as a righteous Judge. 2. By natural generation, as sweet Oil poured into a fusty Vessel loseth its pureness, being infected by the Vessel, so the soul created good, and put into the corrupt body, receives contagion thence: this putting a pure soul into a corrupt body is a just punishment of the sin of all Men in Adam: So some: But this is generally agreed upon, that original sin is not in some Men more, in some lesle, but in every man equally, as all men do equally from Adam participate the nature of man, and are equally the Children of wrath: and the reason why some are more civil, others outrageous, proceedeth from Gods bridling some and leaving others: and truly restraining grace is a choice mercy in its kind, else what would not men do? or rather, what would they not do? the truth is, the original of sin is within, every man is tempted when he is drawn away, Jam. 1.13, 14, 15. See Capel on Tempt. p. 38. to 43. and p. 55. to 70. its excellently and fully hand led. Reynolds Sinf of sin. p. 151. 152, etc. and enticed of his own lust, saith the Apostle, there lust is the father, and lust when it hath conceived bringeth forth sin, there lust is the mother too: hence saith one, there's no sin but might be committed, if Satan were dead and buried— original sin is (virtually) every fin, and could one kill the Devil, yet you cannot name the sin that original lust would not entice a man to: Suppose it possible for a man to be separated from the contagious company of wicked men, and out of the reach of Satan's suggestions, nay to converse in the midst of renowned Saints, yet that man hath enough in himself to beget, conceive, bring forth, and consummate all actual sins: Well than, sirs, let all men behold the foul face of their hearts in the pure glass of the Law of God, and they shall see a strange and astonishing spectacle; which would end either in evangelical Repentance or final despair, as one saith, — If apparitions make us sad, By sight of sin we should grow mad. Herbert. there is a necessary and profitable sight of sin, which drives the soul out of itself to Jesus Christ: O labour for that, take the Candle of the Word, and go down into the dark Dungeon of your hearts, search yourselves, jest the Lord search you as with Candles, know and acknowledge the plague of your own hearts, be not afraid to know the worst of yourselves, 'tis better we should set our sins in order before us (while there is hope of pardon) for our humiliation, than that God should set them in order before us, at the great and last day, for our eternal condemnation: we may say of an impenitent soul, as the Prophet of his Servant, Lord open his eyes, and surely he shall see a troop of lusts. The mountain of his proud heart is covered with monstrous armed sins, that fight against the soul: O that the thoughts of your hearts may be discovered, pardoned, and purged out, jest by wilful sinning, Rom. 2.5. you heap up wrath against the day of wrath, and your souls perish for want of a treasure of grace, and by reason of this dreadful treasure of sin and guilt. CHAP. IX. Unprofitable Christians reproved. THe fourth and last sort of persons, that fall under the lash of a sharp and just reproof, is, unprofitable Christians, who, though they be sincere for the main, and have the root of the matter, yet have not yet arrived to this treasure: Alas, Sirs, there's none of us, but we have too much bad, and too little good treasure in our hearts. We cannot but know all the wickedness that our hearts are privy to, and cannot our consciences discover an emptiness & vacuity of good? O what a Chaos and confusion is in our hearts! and whence comes this? Have we not had means of gathering a large treasure? What have we done with all our Ordinances, Sermons, Sacraments, Mercies, Afflictions? If we had been diligent, we might have furnished our souls with truths, graces, comforts, and experiences: What could have been done more for us? And have we a treasure proportionable to our enjoyments? whence than are we so unfit for, and untoward in duties? so flight, dead, and trifling in performances? so unprepared for, and unprofitable under Ordinances? so unthankful for mercies, discontented under crosses? so weak in resisting temptations, subduing corruptions? so unwilling of, and unsuitable to communion of Saints? O whence is it, that we are so apt to sit lose from God? so little fit for fellowship with him, and so much at a distance from him? certainly the reason is obvious, we have not such a treasure as becomes Saints: Especially, the great reason why we are so little skilful in the heavenly duty of meditation, is the want of a treasure of holy thoughts, when we are alone, we cannot fix our minds upon an heart-affecting subject, or at lest cannot pursue it, till our hearts be deeply affected, but our thoughts are of and on, very inconsistent, incoherent, independent, like the rambling discourses of a Madman, or the ranging motions of a Spaniel, or like the eyes of a fool, Pro. 17.24 that are in the ends of the Earth: We run from object to object in a moment, and one thought looks like a mere stranger on another, should our thoughts be patent, or an invisible notary that's acquainted with them, writ them down, and repeat them to us, how should we blush and be confounded in the rehearsal? M. Clark's life of Dr. Potter p. 393. as it's recorded of Dr. Petter, that hearing the fellows of the College talk of trivial things, said nothing, but after they had done talking, he thus bespoke them. And now my Masters, will you hear all your extravagant discourses, for I have strictly observed and marked what you said, and he told them every whit: So suppose some should present to our cares or eyes a relation of our wild imaginations in one hours' time, what a strange medley of nonsense would there be? we may say the Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity, Psal. 94.11. When we have summed up all the traverses, reasonings, and discourses of the mind, we may writ this at the bottom, as the total sum, All is vanity: nothing but vanity, yea vanity in the abstract. And what is the reason of all this, but a want of the forementioned treasure, a stock of truths, graces, comforts, experiences. I shall propound these four considerations, briefly for the Saint's conviction and humiliation: 1. Are not these spiritual things worth hoarding up? look about you, through the whole Creation, and see if you can find any thing better to make a treasure of; David saith, I have seen an end of all perfection, Psal. 119.96. All outward enjoyments are a scant Garment that cannot cover us, or rotten rags, and are soon worn out; but one part of this treasure, i e. God's Commandments, is of a large extent, hence saith that good Man; thy Commandments are exceeding broad, they reach from Heaven to Earth, from great to small, to all sorts of sinners, to all the faculties of the soul, to and through all eternity, thus long and broad is the Christians treasure, where than can you mend yourselves for a treasure? spiritual blessings have all dimensions of perfection, these are the cream and flower of all blessings, no other treasures avail in the day of wrath; if heavenly things be not worth looking after, what are? should not spiritual persons set their hearts on spiritual richeses? Are not these most suitable to your immortal souls, and spiritual principles? Have not you been married to Christ, Rom. 7.4. and can you be content to be without any part of your dowry? Are not you risen with Christ, and should you not than seek after things above? Col. 3.1, 2. Are not the things of God Magnalia, great things of eternal concernment? and did you not prise them at an high rate at your first conviction? And was not that your Motto [non est mortale quod opto] I seek not, I pursue not mortal things, temporary, fading enjoyments? And are not these as much worth enquiring after now, as formerly? Yes certainly, these do not decay through age. Heb. 8.13. It was the matters belonging to the old Covenant, or Legal-dispensation that decayed and waxed old, and so by degrees did vanish away. New-covenant mercies, are the sure mercies of David, Isa. 55.3. and they are always fresh and green. Hence saith the Church in Cant. 1.16.— Also our bed is green, i e. Our mutual delights in each other are lively, sweet and satisfying, never glutting, as earthly delights are; Joh. 4.14. He that drinks of these living waters shall never thirst, i e. After muddy waters of earthly comforts, but shall more ardently thirst and pant after the living God; Well sirs, look to it, there's nothing worth desiring, but these heavenly Treasures: if you can find any better, take it, much good may it do you, yet brag not of your bargain, till you see the issue. 2. Are you in any danger of having too much of these things? Surely there's no [nimium or] superfluities in the internals of religion: in the outward part too much may be done (though not if a man keep to the Rule) so that in some respects one may be righteous overmuch, Eccl. 7.16. i e. in either a self-willed superstitious way, or else in an unseasonable or unmeasurable performance of religious duties, to tyre out a tempted soul, and run the Christian of his legs: But for inward Graces, sanctified Knowledge, and real Holiness, there can never be an overplus, or excesse● whiles you are on this side the Line, you'll be short of perfection; Acts 26.24. Let Festus-like sots say, that much learning makes professors mad; let us study to increase and abound more and more in knowledge, faith, love, humility, experience; as Paul pressed forward, if by any means he might attain to the resurrection of the dead, forgetting what was behind, Phil. 7.11, 12, 13, 14. and reaching forth to what was before. Moses's Ark had staves for removing further. Jacob's Ladder had stairs for ascending higher. Christian's must sing the Song of degrees in this world, and should seek to be renewed day by day. 〈…〉 We must not sit upon and be satisfied with our measure, but work hard to make it a Treasure: We must strive both for fullness of grace, and fullness of joy. It's possible a Christian may attain to a full assurance: yea, that joy unspeakable, and peace that passeth all understanding, that be may think he hath enough, as I have heard of a good s●ul that enjoyed such abundant side of comfort, that he desired the Lord to stay his hand, lest the Vessel should 〈◊〉 (though this is ●or ordinary for every Believer, not at a● times for any) so that some may possibly have as much comfort as they can desire. But I never read, or heard of that Saint that had too much grace, or so much as they desire: All have bewailed their defects, living and dying: and the best men have been most covetous of divine things, young and old; 'Tis said of good Mr. Herbert Palmer, when he was of the age of four or five years, that he would cry to go to his Lady-mother, that he might hear something of God. And of old Grynaeus (that savoury German Divine) 'Tis recorded, that when some persons were discoursing by his Deathbed, he lift up himself, saying, I shall dye with more comfort, if I may dye, learning something for the good of my soul. Now Sirs, who, or what are you? Are you wise enough, good enough? Are you afraid of being too like God? or of having too much of God in and with your souls? Are you loathe to get too ready for, or too readily into Heaven? S●dixisti satis est, ●●ri●sti: Alas, alas, You may call your estate into question, if you say you have grace enough, or are good enough, or if you slacken your endeavours to get more grace upon a conceit you have enough: 'tis as natural for a living Saint to call for grace, as for a lively Child to cry for food; insatiable desire after grace, is a clear test of the truth of grace; O shame thyself than for thy neglect, and humble thy soul for thy non-proficiency. 3. Do you certainly know what treasure you may need? When you go a journey, you take money enough, because you cannot tell but you may be put to extraordinary expenses: and truly, in your journey to heaven, you may be put to unexpected charges: You little know what a day may bring forth: it may bring forth a burden for thy back; God may call you to sharp service in a way of duty and difficulty: You are sure to go through a Purgatory to glory; the way to Heaven is straight and narrow, and you must crowd hard to get in, and thrust through: through manifold temptations, and tribulations you must enter into Heaven; It's an irrevocable Decree of Heaven, that he that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution. We have had fair weather hitherto, but the greater storm is behind: we have not yet resisted to blood, Contra quos deinceps, bellum geretur, ●odieque du●at, nec finictu●, don●c, Best●a in exitium i●rit: M●de, come. in Apoc, p. 198. but we may be put to it: Be you sure, as long as the Devil is in Hell, and Antichrist on earth, there will be persecutions raised against the Church in some part of it or other, yea, and his dying blows may prove the heaviest to the Reformed Churches: Woe to those that are unprovided for that sharp day; O, what piteous shirking will there be to save the skin, and damn the soul? O Christians, get furnished for this Encounter, we little know whom it may reach, or how long the storm may last: You had need get strengthened with all might— unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness, Col. 1.11. lest if your patience be short, and sufferings long, you fail in the way, and fall short of your Crown; What a sad plight are those Seamen in that made but a scant provision, and meet with a long Voyage: Mr. Clerk in his Life. It was a good saying of Reverend Mr. Dod; That this is the difference betwixt a Christian thats provided for troubles, and one that is not; that the one are but blows on the Harness, but the other are blows on Flesh: Aelian saith, That in Lybia men slept with their Boots on because of the Scorpions, that they might not sting them: We had need also be well shod, or booted with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, Eph, 6.15. i e. with a disposition and resolution to walk in the most thorny way, and stinging company of wicked men, that we may follow the Lamb which way soever he goeth: We had need to count the cost in the profession of Religion, we do not know what God may call us to do, or to endure. Great services require great strength, that we may neither be weary of, nor weary in the Lords work, we must lay in much, that we may lay out much for God, we know not what God will call us to use: When Israel was to go out of Egypt, Moses would take the , and not leave an hoof behind: For, saith he, we know not with what we must serve the Lord till we come thither, Exod. 10.26. Therefore must they also borrow Jewels to be throughly furnished; Exod. 11.2. Dr. Lightfoot Glean. on Exod. p. 24. and the Egyptians were more willing to lend them, saith a Learned Man, because themselves were decked with Jewels, that they might be more acceptable to their fine-decked Deities; so you do not know with what sort of graces, or truths you must serve the Lord: only let us get furnished with all instituted qualifications, that we may be so adorned and armed as the Lord may take pleasure in us, and that we may get through-services and sufferings with glory to God, credit to Religion, and comfort to our own souls: Those are unwise Christians, that loose their time, and are not furnished for the Tempests of a Sea; since no man knows what he must need. 4. Neglect herein is a dishonour to God, and disparagement to the Treasures of Grace; Why art thou being the King's Son, lean from day to day, said Jonadab to Ammon, 2 Sam. 13 4. So say I, whence proceeds this leanness? Is there not meat enough at your Father's Table? Store sufficient in your Master's Treasury? Do not you disparage the means of your supply? and bring an ill report on the good Land? God is not an hard Master, but distributes liberally an abundant dole of Grace: why than are your souls not better liking in Religion? the reason is not in God, but in yourselves: You are not straitened in him, but in your own bowels, 2 Cor. 6.12. as Paul in another case. Now, as a recompense of his Love and Munificence, be ye also enlarged: Indeed, it doth (as it were) ease God's heart to be communicating, Prov ●. 3● of his goodness; It did please him infinitely from Eternity, to think of expending richeses of grace upon Sinners in time: But he can be perfectly and perpetually happy without you, it doth chief concern you to fetch all from Him; that you also may be happy in the enjoyment of Him: Are you afraid of being happy? who, Jonah 2.8. out foolish man would forsake his own mercies? Shall God set up an office of Grace in Christ, and will indigent souls take no notice of it? You cannot grieve him worse than to neglect his infinite condescension, and tender affection. If a mighty King should open his Treasure●, and bid men come, and bring their bags, and take as much as they desired, do you think they would neglect this occasion of enriching themselves? Surely no, they would rather fetch bag after bag, (for scarce is any weary of taking money) and with the poor woman in sacred story, borrow Vessels that may contain larger Treasures: The God of Heaven hath made a glorious Proclamation of scattering precious Treasures; Do you question, whether he intends as he speaketh? God forbidden; Or, do you fear being welcome? Why, you are most welcome when you come for the greatest share; Do you fear unworthiness will hinder you? I say, sense of unworthiness will help you to be capable of greater Receipts: Do you fear these Treasures of Heaven will be exhausted by the Myriads of souls that are supplied therefrom? Know it Sirs, the Royal Exchequer is as rich this day, as it was when Christ was first promised, or the first man saved; these are richeses of grace, an in-exhaustible Spring: distribution doth not impair its fullness, not more than the Suns shining doth rob it of its innate and native light; O than, why are our souls so poor and pining? The Lord humble us that we have not more, when there is so much to be had in our All-sufficient Treasury. CHAP. X. Instructions, showing how a graceless heart may obtain a Treasure of good. A Third Use is of Direction, how a poor soul may be furnished with a rich and suitable heart-treasure. Now this is useful to sinners and Saints, 'tis the latter to whom I shall principally address myself. But because the treasure of true grace is absolutely necessary, I shall lay down some few directions for the graceless soul, that it may have a right principle, without which it cannot bring forth one good thought, word, or work: this is the habit without which there can be no gracious acts, this is the root, without which there can be no fruit unto God, this is that stock to trade with, without which there can be no trading with God, Aquin. Sum Prim. Sec. Qu. 51. Art. 1, 2, 3, 4. Qu. 109 Ubi videas 10 quest. de gratiâ agitatas. or true heaping up of the forementioned treasure of sanctifying truths, spiritual graces, heart-melting experiences, or heart-chearing comforts: I know the Schoolmen have large disputes about the generating, acquiring, or infusing of habits, as whether there be any habits from nature? or caused by acts, or by one act? or whether habits be infused by God? but we must distinguish betwixt inferior habits, that are merely natural, and spiritual, gracious habits that are supernatural, these are of an heavenly extract and original, yet we are to wait upon God in the use of his appointed means, What persons may do towards their own conversion see Morn. Lect. Case of Consc. p. 33— so saith the Apostle, Phil. 2.12, 13.— Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his own good pleasure: This text both confuteth the speculative free-willer, and convinceth the practical loiterer, grace is to be had from God in his way, though 'tis not purchased by man's working. I purposely wave the School-mens voluminous disputes concerning grace, and shall propound these seven directions to poor graceless souls: and they are plain and practical duties. 1. Withdraw thyself from the World: at some times learn to sequester yourselves from the cares, affairs, comforts, cumbers, and company here below. Do not think you can hoard up in a crowd, Satan loves to fish in troubled waters, but so doth not Christ: the noise of Cains hammers in building Cities, drowns the voice of conscience: A man shall best enjoy himself alone: Solitary recesses are of singular advantage, both for getting and increasing grace: Prov. 18.1. Through desire a man having separated himself, seeketh, and intermeddleth with all wisdom: in this you may and must be separatists: let me advice you (and O that I could prevail at lest thus far) to treat and entertain yourselves by yourselves: he is a wicked man, and resolves to continued so, that dare not entertain himself with discourses about spiritual subjects and soul-affaires; it were more safe to know the worst, before you feel the worst: let your solitary thoughts be working about things of eternity, however accustom yourselves to secret and serious pondering: I read that the father of a prodigal left it as his deathbed charge, Morning Lect. at Cripl-Case of Consc. page 9 unto his only Son to spend a quarter of an hour every day in retired thinking, but left him at liberty to think of what he would, the Son having this liberty to please himself in the subject, sets himself to the performance of his promise; his thoughts one day recall his past pleasures, another contrive his future delights, but at length his thoughts became inquisitive, what might be his Father's end in proposing this task, he thought his Father was a wise and good man, therefore surely he intended and hoped that he would sometime or other think of Religion; when this leavened his thoughts, they multiplied abundantly, neither could he contain them in so short a confinement, but was that night sleepless, and afterwards restless, till he became seriously religious. By all means use sometimes to be alone, Salute thyself; Herb. Church-porch, p. 6. see what thy soul doth wear, Dare to look in thy Chest; for 'tis thine own: And tumble up & down what thou findest there: Who cannot rest till he good fellows find, He breaks up house turns out of doors his mind. O sirs, you little know what good effects a serious consideration may produce. God propounds it, & men have practised it, as the great expedient to begin and promote repentance: Consider, what you came into the World for, whither you must go if you die this moment, what a state you were born in, what is the need and nature of Regeneration, what is the worth and price of your immortal souls: and through God's blessing, these thoughts may leave some good impressions. 2. Be at a Point concerning your state be exact, and impartial, in searching your hearts to find out your state, trifle not in this great work of self-examination, be not afraid to know the worst of thyself: make a curious and critical heart-anatomy, Try whether Jesus Christ be in you, 2 Cor. 13.5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. do as the Goldsmith, who brings his Gold to the Balance? So do you weigh yourselves in the balance of the Sanctuary; judge not of your state by the common opinion of others concerning you, but by Scripture-Characters, and bring your virtues to the Touchstone: pierce them through, to try whether they be genuine Graces, or moral Endowments: See whether your Treasure be that Gold that's tried in the fire, i.e. in the fiery Furnace of affliction and persecution. O, how many are deceived with imaginary felicities, and empty flourishes? Take heed of being put of with gifts, instead of Grace; Conviction, instead of Conversion; outward Reformation, instead of saving Sanctification; which is the damning and undoing of thousands of souls: Why will you not use as much diligence for your souls, as you'll do for your bodies, or estates? If your Body be in a dangerous disease, or your Estate at hazard in an intricate suit, you'll run and ride, and make friends, and pay any money to know, what shall become of them, and to secure them: and are not your souls more worth than a stinking Carcase, or Dunghil-estate? Sirs, pose yourselves with serious questions: Heart, how is it with thee? Art thou renewed? What life of grace is in thee? Are thy graces of the right stamp? Wither art thou going? and get distinct and positive Answers to such questions as these: Let not thy treacherous heart dally with thee; be not put of with general hopes and groundless conjectures: a man is easily induced to believe what he would have to be true, but rest not there; try further, make it out, how it comes to be so, detect, and answer every flaw in thy spiritual estate: if thou canst not do this thyself, make thy case known to some able Minister, or experienced Christian; tell them how things are with thee, beg advice; ask them how it was with their souls, and thou shalt find much help this way. Psal. 139.23. Yet after all, suspect thine own heart: call in help from Heaven, desire the Lord to search thee, and be willing to be sifted to the bran, searched to the bottom. David is so intent upon it, and so afraid of a mistake, that he useth three emphatical words, in that challenge he makes for his soul's disquisition, P●o●avit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exploravit, tentavit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sig●● agnoscere conslavit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 def●●avit, M●t●pr●●avit ●de Sa●●●●a, civ●t●s ●et●●l●ca, nomen habet ab officinis quibus metalla ex●oquuntur. Psalm 26.2. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me, try my reinss and my heart: The first word imports a viewing us as from a watchtower; the second word imports a tempting, or finding out a thing by questions, inquiry by signs, the last word imports such a trial, as separates the dross from the gold, The dregss from the wine; so the Christian would be tried, purged, that grace may appear true, sincere, solid: and indeed, it's as much as your souls are worth: Therefore take the most effectual course to clear your state to yourselves, and be not put of with any answer, but what will be accepted by God at the great day. 3. Mourn over thy empty heart: if you find things not right in your own hearts lament your state, cry out with a loud and bitter cry, as Esau did when the blessing was gone; lament and say woe and alas that ever I was born! that I have lived thus long without God in the World, at first entrance into it a Bankrupt, and ever since a spiritual beggar. O what will become of me, if I die in this estate? there's but a step betwixt me and death, and the next breath I breathe may be in everlasting burn. It is a wonder I am not hurled into Hell before this, what shall I do to be saved? Is there any hope of such a wretch as I am? O that I could bathe myself in briny-teares of evangelical repentance! O how shall I believe in Jesus Christ, that I may receive remission of sins! truth it is, sirs, you'll never be filled till you be sensible of soul-emptiness; spiritual poverty is the Prologue and preparative to true soul-plenty: Gospel-sorrow widens the soul, and so capacitates it for grace: Deus oleum non infundit nisi in vas contritum. Bern. Mat. 5.3. Rom. 14.17 the Oil of grace is poured only into a contrite heart: the Kingdom of God belongs to the poor in spirit, and we know, the best benefits of this Kingdom are internal, as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost: and these as a rich treasure replenish the penitent soul: for it is the sorrowful soul whom God doth replenish. Jer. 3●. 25. Therefore, you are to endeavour to discover the nature of sin, and danger therein, the wrath of God hanging over your heads for it: if you were pricked in your hearts, with a pinching pain, you would be restless till you had obtained an interest in Jesus Christ, if your souls were weary and heavy laden, you would not be content till you had laid the stress of all upon an infinite Saviour: if the Lord would help graceless sinners these two steps, to see that they are yet graceless, and discern their misery in being so, that were an hopeful gradation towards conversion: did you see your state, you could not but bewail it, and make out for a change: and did you see the precious nature of the soul, and that grace that is to fill it, you would not be another day without it. 4. Empty thy heart of all corruption; o cleanse that filthy sink of all sin, purge yourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit: shake hands with that sin that forbids the banes of marriage betwixt Jesus Christ, and thy soul: lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset you, Heb. 12. and than lift up your eyes and heart to Jesus Christ: Cleanse your hands ye sinners, purify your hearts ye double-minded: Jam. ● empty this dirty house of thy heart, that the King of Glory may enter in; throw out the Devil's household stuff, and make room for a new Inhabitant: the Vessel must be emptied, or it can never be filled with saving good: Intus existens prohibet extraneum. for that which is within, hinders any thing else entering: and alas the heart is full of vain conceits, and worldly thoughts, and filthy lusts, which keep of good motions, keep out good dispositions. Now if a Man purge himself from these, he shall be a Vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Tim. 2.21. Let me entreat you for the Lords sake, and for your own souls sake, to search and sweep every dusty corner of your filthy hearts. Let not this train of graces and treasure of truths be always waiting your leisure, whiles you are wallowing in the puddle of sin, and swallowing down the Devils sweet, but dangerous, Pills of soul-murdering temptations; O be willing to make this blessed exchange, to part with thy base lusts for a precious Christ, to forgo soul-damning corruptions for soul-perfuming dispositions: if you cannot put of the whole body of sin, yet you are to cut of the members thereof, you aught indeed to stub up sin by the roots, but you may lordship of its branches: you may abate sin in part, by contrary actings, knowledge doth remove ignorance, as light doth darkness, grief abates pleasure, and fear boldness in sinning, patience daunts passion, and fasting tames unruly lusts, these you may do, and these may be good preparatives to this treasure: See Morn. 〈◊〉. p. 41. Serm. 2. For as one saith, when the strength of a Fever is abated by physical means, a Man is disposed towards health; and ploughed ground is (at lest) materially prepared for seed; though God is not bound than to sow the seeds of saving grace, yet thou hast encouragement, that thy labour shall not be in vain; use these means, and try the issue, endeavour to cast of these works of darkness, Rom. 13.12. Ephes. 4.22, 23. and to put on the armour of light, yea labour to put of the old Man, and to put on the new, at lest do what you can to wash your hearts from filthiness, that your vain thoughts may not lodge within you, Jer. 4.14. That you may have a saving treasure of holy meditations. 5. Be gleaning in God's Field, be filling your sacks in the divine granary of Ordinances; Ruth 2.8, 17. The way for Ruth to be well laden was to glean in Boaz's Field, among the Sheaves near the Reapers: the Patriarches must have recourse to Josephs Storehouses for provision; and where may we expect supply, but in Gospel-Ordinances? those [canales gratiae] Channe's of grace; the Posts of wisdom, the Garden where such precious Spices grow, the Orchard where the soul may be loaden with the fruits of righteousness, Ordinances are the Lords Camp, where this Heavenly Manna falls; they are the green pastures, Song. 7.5. where we may fill and feasts our souls, the Galleries where the King of Heaven takes his walks, and here the Christlesse soul may meet with him: this is like Solomon's House of the forest of Lebanon, builded for an Armoury, where the naked soul may be furnished with Shields and Spears; offensive and defensive weapons to fortify the soul against the fiercest on-sets of the great Abaddon: If your souls be sick of love, Song. ●. 5. here you may find Flagons of precious liquor to revive your fainting spirits, dispensed by the Lords Stewards: Verse 2. If you sit under this Appletree, you shall be under its shadow with great delight, and the fruit thereof will be sweet to your taste: Chap. 3.2. Chap. 1.8. O than seek Christ in the broad-wayes of public Ordinances, and go your ways forth by these footsteps of the flock. Search this Pearl in the field of Gospel-dispensations, and your souls shall be truly enriched thereby: 'tis by these Ordinances, through which, as by golden Pipes, Z●ch. 4 12. that precious oil is conveyed to us from that fruitful Olive, Jesus Christ. O do not leave of Ordinances, as some conceited Professors that boast they are above them: for if you set the Cistern above the Cock, it will never be full; and therefore you must have a reverend esteem of the Lords appointments: prepare yourselves, and frequent soul-filling Ordinances: live still within the sound of Aaron's Bells, and beg of God that Aaron's Rod may bring forth the buds of grace in your immortal souls: Mr. Lee, on Solomon's Temple: cap. 9 pag. 266. Num. 17.8. The Rod of Aaron (as one well observes) may signify the Ministry [Effectiuè] as to the effects it produceth, by the blessing of God bringing forth buds, blossoms, and ripe Nuts all at once, i e. saith he, precious buds of grace, blossoms of heavenly joy, and holy fruits of righteousness, and new Obedience: Only let me entreat you to wait upon an heart-searching Ministry, that the secrets of your heart may be manifest, and conscience may be pricked; Be not afraid of a Boanerges, but gladly welcome the sharp rebukes of your Soules-friends, it may be fittest for your sleepy or seared Consciences. 'Tis said of the Almond-tree (of which Aaron's Rod was) that the Rind thereof is bitter, Ubi supra but the Kernel is very delicious, and the oil pressed out of it very Physical, and of much virtue; just such are the chastising words of a round-dealing Ministry, bitter at present, but profitable afterwards: and observe it, they are ordinarily the soundest Christians that are trained under the most plain and piercing preaching; therefore I entreat you, lay yourselves directly under the Hammer of the Word, to be framed by the Lord according to his will: 6. Study and improve Free grace; O let your thoughts dwell much upon God's infinite condescension and unlimited invitation of poor sinners: See what you suck out of Isa. 55.1. and John 7.37. and Rev. 22.17. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely; there's no bar to your admission, but what yourselves make: Christ Jesus includes you in Gospel-tenders, O do not exclude yourselves: the Great Shepherd calleth his sheep by name, John 10.3. How is that, but by speaking expressly to their Case? as if he should strike the troubled heart upon the shoulder, and say, here's comfort for thee; what if thy name be not there, yet the proposition is universal, he that believeth, shall be saved: thousands of poor sinners have ventured their souls upon such a word, and never any miscarried that cast themselves into the arms of Christ: you have no reason to suspect acceptance, if you come to him, you have all the grounds of encouragement imaginable. A Physician offereth cure to all that will come, it were madness to stand of, and say, I know not whether he intendeth it for me or no: if men were ready to perish in deep waters, and a Boat should be offered to carry them to land, that would come into it, it were an absurd thing to dispute, whether it be for us? If a pardon come from the King for a company of condemned prisoners, and they shall all have benefit by it, if they will but accept of it, what mad man would refuse it and question, whether the Prince intent him particularly. Since his name is included in the general grant; Surely men would not so fondly cast away themselves in temporals: and who would be such a fool in the everlasting concernments of his precious soul? The way here is not to Dispute, but Believe: Is not Jesus Christ out souls Physician? and are not we sick? Is not the Gospel-design of Grace, a plank after shipwreck? and are not we drowning? Are not we condemned Malefactors at the Bar of God's Justice? and doth not God graciously tender to us the Redemption so dearly purchased by our precious Saviour? and why than should we forsake our own mercies? why will you be cruel to your own souls? If it were in temporals, you would put out the hand and be very ready for receiving. Isa 2●. 6 Pro 9.1.2. Cant. 5.1, 2. The Po●ch of the Temple was open and without doors on all sides, on which it was not annexed to the body of the Temple-to she● the openheartedness of God's Grace under the Gospel. See Mr. Lee on Sal. Temp. ●a● 9 f●l 21●. If you sit at a Feast, and there stand a dish upon the Table that you affect, though all the company be free to make use of it, yet you say, here's a dish for me, and you think it good manners to feed heartily upon it, without scruples and disputes of being welcome, since you were freely invited by your noble Friend; Our Lord Jesus hath made a Feast of fat things, and hath bidden his Guests: he invites you to eat and drink abundantly: O do not you make Apologies for your absence from this Gospel feast; when he invites, do not you question whether he means as he speaks, but fall to, and make a long arm, and take your share of this Provision; I can assure you, he hath not an evil eye, he doth not grudge you this heavenly Manna; Nay, rather than your souls shall famish, he freely gives you his flesh and blood to nourish your poor immortal souls: O you that have torn his flesh with the teeth of cruel persecution, of himself and his members! You that have trampled upon his blood with the feet of an odious and abominable conversation! You he calls to eat his flesh and drink his blood by faith in him, and improvement of him, that your souls may live; You that have despised richeses of grace, Treasures of grace are opened for you: You that have fought against Jesus Christ all your days with all your might, he invites you to be his Soldiers, and he will lovingly entertain you, as if you had never been in rebellion against the King of Kings: will not this melt and move you to yield yourselves unto your dear and loving Lord? I beseech you, take these things into your serious thoughts, and accept of Jesus Christ: only presume not by dreaming of application of Christ without separation from sin: take a whole Christ to sanctify thy heart as well as justify thy person, to purify conscience as well as pacify wrath: Take Christ aright, mistake him not, lest you be woefully mistaken to your eternal undoing: You need a whole Christ, and a broken heart will not be content with a divided Saviour; 'tis the whorish heart that will divide, a sincere soul must have all, he needs grace as well as peace: indeed there's nothing of Christ useless, every part of this Lamb of God is of absolute necessity to the indigent soul: and true faith takes him in all his mediatory Latitude: 'tis as dangerous to divide Christ believed on, as the heart believing: therefore stir up yourselves to a due consideration of free Grace, and application of it in the right Gospel-way of Believing. 7. Be humble Petitioners at the Throne of Grace; Beg hard at the Gates of Mercy for a large dole of Heavenly Richeses: Ask, if that will not do, Seek; if seeking avail not, Knock, and you shall be sure to prevail: the choicest richeses of Heaven may be had for ask, and if they be not worth that, they are worth nothing; God loves importunate Beggars: there's liberty of petitioning in the Court of Heaven; 'tis no bad manners there to heap suit upon suit: the oftener you come, the welcomer you are: Compare Mat. 7.11. with Luke 11.13. He will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask it, and that's a good thing in God's account, and should be in ours; for it enricheth the Soul with an abundant Treasure. O beg the Spirit of God, open your mouths wide and he will fill them: We should think ourselves made for ever, if we might but have what we can ask: But the truth is, we cannot ask so much as God is able and willing to give us, Ephes. 3.19, 20. Therefore Sirs, stir up your hearts to desire Grace, open these windows of your Souls: lift up yourselves to God upon these wings of Desires, and fetch a Treasure from Heaven into your hearts: Mens orat, lingua loquitur. Strong desires are real Prayers, and shall prevail, for they not only capacitate the soul for grace, but lay it directly under the Promise, Matth. 5.6. Desire is the Souls pulleys, that wind it up to Heaven, and 'tis the Soul's stomach, that receives Heaven into the Christian: therefore pray hard; Do not you see and hear the pathetical cries of poor Beggars, backed with Rhetorical arguments of sores, and nakedness, at your doors, and in the Road? Go you and do likewise, fill the ears of God with mighty cries, take no denial, give God no rest, till you have your share in spiritual Blessings: tell God you will not be put of with the transient good things of this wicked world: tell him he hath better things than these to bestow upon Children: Crowns & golden Ours are but crumbs cast to Dogs; tell him thou comest to him for a Child's portion: and if he will but give thee a treasure of grace in thy heart, and reserve a treasure of glory for thee in Heaven, thou wilt refer matters of the world to him, and he shall do for those things as he sees good; whether he give thee less or more of the Mammon of unrighteousness, any thing or nothing: tell the Lord he hath betrusted these talents of grace with unworthy Creatures and great Sinners, and if thou be worse than any that ever yet partaked thereof, yet tell him, he doth not cell these precious Commodities to men deserving, but give them to craving sinners, and thou art one, that needs as much as any: tell him thou never yet heardest that he refused to give them to any that sought them for Christ's sake, with a broken heart above wordlie treasures: tell him, that himself hath promised, his Son hath purchased, his Spirit will freely convey these Gospel-riches into thy heart, and if he will but speak the word, the thing shall be quickly done. Tell the Lord, yet once again, what a Monument he will thereby raise to his own glory, if he will fill thy soul with this Treasure, he will thereby make known the richeses of his glory on a poor Vessel of Mercy: Rom. 9.23. And whereas now thou art an useless Vessel, wherein the Lord can have no pleasure, by whom he can have no profit or honour; Yet if he will be pleased to own and crown thy soul with saving grace, he may than take delight in thee, and rest in his love towards thee: and when he hath blessed thee with spiritual blessings in Heavenly things— Than thou wilt be to the praise of the glory of his grace. Eph. 1.3.6. Thus come, thus pour out your hearts like water before the Lord, lie day and night at the Throne of Grace, it's worth all this pains in seeking; will not you do as much as Esau for this blessing? he took pains to hunt for Venison, Gen. 27.34, 38. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Isaac's soul might bless him, and missing of it, he lift up his voice, and cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, redoubling his request with an affectionate Echo. Bless me, even me also, O my Father: the words are very remarkable, and have as notable an Emphasis, as almost is to be found in Scripture, and will you be worse than profane Esau? O sirs, if you knew your souls want, and the worth of divine things, your prayers would have an other accent, and be put up with more fervency than usually they are: and you might have hopes to speed: so saith the wise Man, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hidden treasures, than shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, & find the knowledge of God: Prov. 2.3, 4, 5. Before I break of this subject, let me press a little upon you the wholesome council of our dear Saviour, Revel. 3.18. I council thee to buy of me, Gold tried in the Fire, that thou mayst be rich, etc. Consider 1. What is your estate naturally, and without Christ, you may imagine great things, but God knows there is no such matter, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (Sync. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) suffero et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 luctus. as he saith to this self-conceited Church of Laodicea, Verse 17 Thou sayest I am rich— and knowst not that thou art wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked: he heaps up many words to aggravate their beggarly state: the graceless soul is 1. wretched, i.e. pressed with sickness, misery and calamity, overwhelmed with reproach, overthrown in conflicts, cannot stir hand or foot for God, being always overborn by his Master, Satan: 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He is miserable, i.e. though he stand in absolute need of divine help and mercy, yet he is unworthy and destitute of it; God will have no mercy on this woeful object, Isai. 27.11. Hosea 1.6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qui ostiatim petit El●emosynam. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so that the forlorn soul may be called Lo-ruhamah. 3. The sinner is poor, i.e. in extreme necessity, hath not a bit or morsel of brown Bread, but begs from door to door, these poor souls are ready to famish and pine, and shall have no relief. 4. Blind, this is a sad aggravation, when a Man must wander for bread to relieve his soul, yet knows not whither to go, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Solam cutem hab●nt nay knows not that he needs to go, is miserable, and knows it not; Yea further he is, 5. Naked, exposed to the injuries of weather, and lashes of Men; thus is the poor soul destitute of the wedding Garment. Christ's righteousness having only a naked skin to fortify against the wrath of God, the curse of the Law, and torment of conscience, and what can this avail the wretched miscreant? Let a man be the richest Potentate under Heaven, yet if he be graceless, he is thus wretchedly poor; no tongue can express the misery of an unregenerate Person; There are seven words in Hebrew that signify poor, and they are all applicable to a poor Creature without Christ and grace. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pauper 1. He is straitened in the abundance of outward sufficiency, with a griping conscience; and greedy grasping after shadows. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Perditus His goods are diminished, and he is grown a bankrupt in Adam, vain inventions have wasted a fair estate, and daily weaken the relics of natural light. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Attritus 3. He is oppressed with intolerable labour, grinding in the Devil's Mil, toiling in worse than Egyptian thraldom, without any relief for his famishing soul. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Attenuatus 4. He is of a dejected mind, like the Serpent, going with his belly to the dust, a degenerate Plant, the worst part of the Creation, the basest of Creatures, the tail, and not the head. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Afflictus. 5. Besides all this he is afflicted spiritually with suits, hatred, exile, imprisonment, God himself commenceth suit against him, hates him, banisheth him from his presence, delivers him over into Satan's hands, by whom he is led Captive, at his pleasure. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●g●nns He is always needy, desires all things, but hath nothing, cannot be content, snatching on the right and left hand, yet is never satisfied, boundless in motion towards a wrong object, that increaseth his thirst. 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 V●●uus He is empty both of virtues, which are the richeses of the mind, for though he may have some moral accomplishments, yet they are but [Splendida peccata] more splendid and shining sins, without grace; and also he is destitute of the World, for having a curse and not God's blessing therewith, it doth him no good; nay it is his bane, being both a snare, and a poison, and aggravating sin, and increasing his torment, having a sadder account to make another day: this and much worse is the condition of a graceless heart, out of which it is counselled! O who would tarry one hour in such a wretched state, the Lord be merciful to you, and pluck you out of the Sodom of unregeneracy, jest you perish eternally. 2. Consider the state into which you are counselled, for this end observe, 1. Isai. 9.6. Who is your Counsellor, Jesus Christ, who indeed is the only Counsellor, the wisdom of the Father, who best understands the Law of heaven, and what will stand you in stead, in the Court of God; he that might command you into Hell, doth council you for Heaven; he that died for you, opens his heart to you; he that will speak to the Father for you, entreats you to make use of him as your only Advocate. 2. Consider what and who you are and have been, that are thus counselled, enemies to his grace, in whom he might glorify his justice, and cast you headlong into the Pit, and there's an end of you, persons that have been a provocation all your days, that have resisted, quenched, grieved, vexed his holy spirit, trampled Christ under foot, served Satan and yourselves; behold he pours out his words unto you, Prov. 1.23. yea he offers to pour his spirit into you: it is the voice of an infinite God, to a mortal sinful Man, Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the Sons of Men. Prov. 8.4. And 3. Consider, what he counsel to, 'tis to a rich and precious purchase: O ye great purchasers, here's a bargain for you, not of a piece of Land, but the Kingdom, not an Earthly but an Heavenly Kingdom, not a fair House to live in here, but eternal mansions in the Heavens: come, strike up the bargain, Isa. 55.1, 2. Jubet em●re non precio, sed mendicorun more, precibu● emendicare abud Deum. Par. in Loc. bid freely, but what must you give? money, or moneys worth? no, worldly treasures are dross here, money bears no mastery, the price is fallen to just nothing, shall I say nothing? you are to give away your sins, and give God yourselves, yet that's no price, because it bears no proportion to such receipts: grace and glory are God's gift, yet God puts this honour upon such as honour him by believing, as though they buy what they enjoy: Let every soul make this cheap purchase: But if it be so cheap, is it not of little worth? will it not prove accordingly? what is the purchase, and what is it good for? That brings in the four things, viz. the things purchased are absolutely necessary & beneficial. 1. Gold. 2. Raiment. 3. Eve salve. 4. Every one accomplisheth a notable end, to make rich, cloth and recover sight: we cannot be without any of these: I cannot enlarge, take a touch: 1. This gold tried in the fire is Scripture-truths, P●●. ●3. ●3. and w● 〈◊〉 by all means buy truth, Psal. 12.6. by no means 〈◊〉 it, and the words of God are as silver tried in a furnace of Earth, Psalm 119. 1●7. purified seven times, therefore David loved the Word above fine gold; I told you we must make a treasure of this refined Gold of Scripture-truths, 1 Pet. 1.7. but I rather understand this of the tried gold of precious graces, especially faith, which being tried in the Furnace of affliction is much more precious than gold that perisheth: Hoc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est Christi, extra quod nulla ●s● salus; this indeed makes the soul truly rich, as money answers all things, so this will bring us through all conditions, and this is to be had of Christ, therefore buy or beg it of him, and believe in him for obtaining more of the Richeses of grace. 2. White raiment is the Robes of Christ's Righteousness, the garments of our elder Brother, fine Linen clean and white, for whiteness is a token of purity, and 'tis an allusion to the Roman Candidates, that seeking Dignity or Magistracy, come forth conspicuously into the Assembly, thereby signifying that integrity which bec●me those honourable Offices: So the Saints must have the upper garments of imputed Righteousness, and closer raiment of inherent Holiness, of both which 'tis said, Rev. 16.15— Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, jest he walk naked, and they see his shame, i e. the filth and guilt of sin: 3. Eyesalve, an Ointment that purgeth away the dregss and dimness of the Eyes, this grace banisheth the dark mists from the soul, and makes it see clearly the state of our hearts, the evil of sin, and excellency of the things of God: a right understanding of divine Mysteries is a mercy worth praying for and prising: This is the only learning, book-learning and brain-knowledge are not worth naming in comparison of this, 1 John 2.27. for this annionting will teach you of all things: Well, Sirs, I am loathe to leave this Subject till I have prevailed with you, to make it your main business to look after this divine Treasure. O that Jesus Christ were form in your hearts, and the life of grace were begun in your souls, if that be wrought you'll be fit for all conditions, without it, you'll be fit for nothing, and nothing can suit you, you will make no shift in a hard time, and you know not how to improve happy times, a day of affliction will swallow you up, temptation will overthrew you, mercies will increase your guilt, judgements drive you to despair; you cannot buckle to the easiest Duties, nor apply the sweetest Promises, and how will you come of in the great day of Accounts? whether will you go for help, and where will you leave your glory? CHAP. XI. General Directions, to help Christians how to get a Treasure of holy Thoughts. MY principal design is to lay down a Directory for the people of God, and because this is a business of great moment, consequence, and concernment, to have, keep, use, improve, and increase an Heart-treasure. I shall be the larger upon it, and rank what I have to say under these four Topics or Heads, Viz. 1. How shall a soul be furnished with a Treasure of good thoughts. 2. How shall a Christian lay up Truths, Graces, Comforts, and Experiences? 3. How may a Christian preserve and increase this Treasure? 4. How must a treasured Soul draw out, and make use of his Treasure. To begin with the first, which is this: What course shall a Christian take to hoard up a treasure of holy thoughts? This is the good treasure chief intended in the Text, and I shall be the larger upon this Head. To this end I shall propound these ten Directions: 1. Work upon your hearts the reality & rarity of the things of God: get throughly convinced that there are such things to be had, & that they are worth laying up; You must look upon Divine things as infallibly certain, and incomparably excellent: those were accounted sensual and brutish Philosophers, that (following Epicurus) placed man's chief happiness in matters of sense, as profit, pleasure, honour— But those were the most sublime, and (in asort) Divine, that placed the (summum bonum, or) chief good, in what is above, or opposite to sense, as in the good things of the mind, and moral virtue; Can Heathens by the light of nature and reason see a reality & excellency in things invisible to sense, & shall not Christians much more? it is a shame for a Saint, enlightened by the Spirit, to be so blear-eyed, 1 Cor. 2.10. as not to see afar of, or view spiritual objects: 2 Pet. 1.9. 'tis the duty and property of a Christian to overlook things that are seen, and intently to behold things not seen, 2 Cor. 4.18. O Sirs, could you as really see with a spiritual eye spiritual goods, as you can with your natural eyes behold corporal objects, what an advantage would it be to you? Can you make Gospel-mysteries, and mercies as sensual to yourselves, as a rich man's Bags and Lands are to him, what an exceeding help would it be? This made Moses forsake the visible glory of Egypt, and endure intolerable things in the Wilderness, for he saw him that was invisible, Heb. 11.27. Thus Christians are to realize Divine Things, and accounted highly of them, for no man will treasure up that which he accounts not as most excellent, the making light of Gospel-grace, is the great reason why so many go without it, so 'tis said in Matth. 22.5. the bidden guests made light of it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. curam non habentes. or as the word signifies, they would not take it into their care and thoughts, they looked upon it as not worth looking after: I am persuaded unbelief, or want of a through, settled and effectual persuasion of the truth of the Gospel, and reality of what good is contained in the promises, is the root of that gross Atheism, and wilful neglect in the World; you are to give your full assent to the things of God, to venture your souls upon Scripture-principles, Gods ipse dixit must be in stead of all the demonstrations in the World, you must centre and anchor yourselves upon that impregnable Rock (Scriptum est) It is written, and though you cannot find a reason of the things believed, yet this is to be accounted a sufficient reason of your belief, viz. God hath spoken them, and you may safely trust your souls upon his word, for he cannot lie, he is wiser than to be deceived, and he is more righteous than to deceive: you may safely lay the stress of your souls upon his word: O that I could persuade you to this, do not put of these things with a slight no●●on and conjectural opinion, Col. 2.2. but advance to the richeses of the full assurance of understanding, that's an high word, but you cannot be too sure about these things, your strongest confidence may be battered, your persuasion may stagger, and therefore get as well rooted as you can, for according to the degrees of your affiance, will your graces and duties ebb and flow, rise or fall: And you must not only believe the truth of them, Rom. 8.31. but urge them upon your own hearts, as Paul saith, so say you, What shall I say to these things? are they true, or are they not? are they worth thinking of, or are they not? have I an interest in them, or have I not? O my soul let me press thee to the serious view of heavenly objects, they are choice things, and deserve our study, rare wherein few have interest, yet absolutely necessary wherein all must have a share, or they are undone for ever: That's the first direction. 2. Reserve thy heart for, and resign up thy heart wholly to God: he calls for it, My Son give me thy heart, Prov. 23.26. Let not thy dearest comforts, relations or companions have a share in thy soul, this is the chief tribute that's due to God, rob not God of any part of it, clip not the King of Heaven's coin, but you may and must let out your hearts solely and wholly to God, and things above, as the lines go to the centre; 1 Chr. 29.3 David had set his affections to the house of his God, and therefore his thoughts were vehemently carried out after those things, that made him offer so much, and offer so willingly: the same man of God prays, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Unicum fa●. Psal. 86.11. Unite my heart to fear thy Name, the word imports a making his heart one, he would not have an heart, and an heart; a divided heart is no God-fearing heart: He that would patch up a contentment both of God, and the Creature, shall go without a solid treasure, for the Creature cannot, and God will not fill such an heartless heart: Besides, love, saith one, is for one object, like a Pyramid, it ends in a point, affection is weakened by dispersion, as a River by being turned into many Channels: You cannot serve two Masters, he that would have a treasure of any thing intends that only, he contracts his affairs into a narrow compass, and makes that his [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] his only work: So must you knit your thoughts together, and fix them upon this only object: 'tis a dangerous thing to divide the affections betwixt God and the World, like judah that swore by the Lord, Zeph. 1.5 and by Malcham, or their King: But God doth make account, that, that soul is not at all for him, that is not altogether for him, and not for another: those Nations feared not the Lord that joined their serving Idols, with fearing the true God, 2 Kings 17.33, 34. There can no more be two chief delights in one heart, than two Suns in one Firmament; those spirits are winding and crooked, that are like that haven we read of Act. 27.12. Mr. Burrough ' s heart-divi. Page 7. Hos. 10.2. Lying directly towards two opposite points of Heaven: Cyrus took Babylon, by dividing the River, the Devil soon surpriseth us, if he can but divide out hearts: if our hearts be divided, we shall be found faulty: O let's take heed of being voluntary Cripples, to halt between two opinions, let us not dismember ourselves by being half, and hollow-hearted: God is infinite, Christ is complete, 1 King. 18.21. spiritual things are most excellent, and these deserve the whole heart: therefore resign up your selves unto God resolvedlie, unreservedlie and universally: Ed conditione te accipio, ut te tibi reddam meliorem. Socrat. fear not, as he findeth his life, that loseth it for God: so he only receiveth his heart as good, and worth having that giveth it to God: for he takes it to make it better, as even an Heathen could say to his Scholar, that had nothing to give him but himself: give God your hearts, and he will furnish them with a treasure, commit your souls into his hands, and he will both commit a treasure to you, and will also keep that which you commit to him, 2 Tim. 1.12. till the great day of his illustrious appearing: he will preserve both the case and the jewel, soul and body, the lest atom of dust shall not be lost; how much more will he graciously preserve that good work of grace, and fruits of the spirit, that he hath committed to you: therefore I beseech you take my council in this, keep no corner of your heart for a stranger, Isai. 6. i Heb. 3.6. 1 Cor. 6. ●9. Verum Christi ●●mplum anima credentis est, illam exor●●, illam vesti, illi os●●r don●ric, in● illa Christum susei●●. Hi●●om. a● pauli●. Tom. 1. Pag. 105. but yield yourselves to the Lord, deliver the keys of your hearts into his hands, let the King of Glory enter in, and his glorious train will fill the Temple of your souls: he is a treasure where ever he comes; Christians are called God's house, his Temple, it's therefore gross sacrilege to rob him of his house, or to keep him out of doors; the soul of a believer, saith an ancient, is the true Temple of Christ, adorn and that, offer gifts to that, receive Christ into it: herein consists the sum and marrow of our religion, viz. an heart totally dedicated unto God, and that's the second help to get a treasure in the heart. 3. Live by Faith upon Jesus Christ: the lively acting of Faith upon the Mediator of the Covenant will fill your souls with saving and savoury Incomes: God hath appointed Christ to be the Storehouse of his Church; now Faith is the hand to fetch supplies from Christ to the heart, by Faith is the soul engrafted into this true Olive, Rom. 11.17, 20. Eph. 3.17. and sucks fatness from it; Christ dwells in the heart by Faith, and still more of Christ is fetched in by Faith: all the means of a Christians life is by the exercise of Faith: therefore is the righteous said to live by his faith, because it lives, and feeds the soul upon Christ: Faith empties the heart, and so makes room for Jesus Christ, and than lays hold of him, and compels him to turn into the heart. And our dear Saviour is willingly conquered with the strength of Faith; Faith is the key that opens the Chest where treasures lie, and the hand that brings them into the heart: Faith opens the heart to receive richeses of grace, Cor clausum habet, qui clavem fidei non habet: and that man hath a shut heart that hath not the Key of Faith: O get a great measure of Faith, for the more faith you have the richer you are, for Faith itself is a precious Treasure: and it doth all for enriching the soul; Truths cannot be a treasure in our minds to profit our hearts, Heb. 4.2. 2 Pet. 1.5. except mixed with this precious ingredient, ●aith; all graces of the Spirit attend this Queen and Captain grace of Faith; Experiences cannot be gathered or improved without Faith: and that comfort is but a fancy that's not ushered in by the assurance of Faith: Faith is the great Bucket to draw water out of the wells of Salvation, Quantum illuc fidei capacis afferimus, tantum inde gratiae inundantis haurimus: Cyp. Epist. ad Horat. page 108. Rev. 3.7. and the more faith you bring, the more fullness you receive. Well than, would you have your hearts stored with a treasure, strive to increase your faith, and let the Lord Jesus be the direct object of your faith; 'Tis he alone that hath the key of David, that doth both open heaven to us, and an heavenly treasure for us: Since the fall we have no converse with God, or communication from him, but through a Mediator; It is a terrible thing, saith Luther, even to think of God out of Christ; You must honour the Son as you honour the Father, and as you believe in God, so must you also act faith upon Christ God-man; that as our nature in Christ's Person is filled with all that poor souls can want, so from that fullness we may receive all things needful for our being and well-being in grace. O stir up and awake your faith, come poor soul, reach hither thy hand of faith, Joh. 20.27. and thrust it into thy Saviour's pierced side, and there thou mayst feel, and thence fetch abundant fruits of love: be not faithless but believing: do not damn up the channels of grace by unbelief, do not forsake thy own mercies, by being shy and fearful to venture at it, thou canst loose nothing, thou mayst get much by one single act of faith. O Sirs, one pure act of a lively faith will bring you in more treasure, than many hours tugging and struggling in duties, and performances: Nothing in the world doth [ponere obicem] shoot a bar, and bolt the door betwixt Christ and the heart, but unbelief: if thou canst believe all things are possible, but unbelief hinders the working of Miracles and operations of grace. Away with all distrust, Mark 6.5. set afoot the precious grace of Faith, break through the quarrelings of thy unbelieving heart, lie low under the sad sense of thine insufficiency, and sweet apprehension of Christ's Al-sufficiency: humbly stretch forth the trembling hand of thy weak faith, though thou hast many misgivings of spirit, yet say with tears, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief: I am no more able of myself to put forth one saving act of justifying faith, than I am to fulfil all righteousness, and keep the whole Law: but the grace of the Gospel hath undertaken to do that which it requireth to be done: Lord, I roll myself upon thee, I come to thee by faith, do not cast me of, do not cast me out as a broken Vessel wherein there is no pleasure, but fill this empty Vessel of my broken heart with abundant incomes, which will redound unto thy glory, and my souls abundant comfort: this do and prospero, thus believe and be thou filled, poor wanting soul, for whatsoever you ask believing, you shall receive, Matth. 21.22. 4. Warm in your hearts the grace of love, that noble grace is of an expatiating and extensive nature; Heaven is the fittest room for its motion, and eternity for its duration; he that loves much will not be content with a little, and God will not put him of with a scantling: the more the soul is filled with love, 1 Joh. 4.8. the more it is filled with God, for God is love; and can a man have a better Treasure than God himself? Now if you love God, he will come in unto you, and make his abode with you, John 14.23. and can you wish a better treasure? Love makes room in the heart for more grace, he that loveth much, because much is forgiven him, shall have more given in: indeed that expression in 2 Cor. 5.14. seems to denote the contracting nature of Love, the love of God constraineth us [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] straiteneth, Ut non possint non velle extrema quaeque pro Christo perpeti. Aret. in locum. keeps us in, but that is from other things, that the soul may have freer scope for God; this Love diverts the affections from running in any other channel, but towards jesus Christ; it captivates the soul for Christ, and forceth it to do, and endure any thing for him whom the soul loveth. The grace of Love widens the arms to embrace jesus Christ, enlargeth the heart to entertain him, and spiriteth the hands to act for him: Christ jesus rides in a glorious triumphant Chariot, whether it mean his personal, See Ainsworth on the place: Brightman. or mystical Body, his flesh and human nature, or his Church, which he fills with his Presence, I dispute not; but sure I am, the midst thereof is paved with Love, Cant. 3.10. Certainly, a soul beset with the sparkling gems of love is the fittest receptacle for jesus Christ: He that is Love itself doth most freely commit the largest treasure to a loving Disciple, as he bequeathed his dear Mother to John, Joh. 19.26. when we was breathing out his last upon the bitter Cross, Rev. 1.1. and after his death entrusted him with the Revelation, yea, him only with a description of the state of the Church to the end of the World: O how freely do a loving Saviour, and loving soul open their hearts to each other! like entire an ancient Friends meeting that let out themselves in ample evidences, and reciprocal acts of Love: So here, the pure flame of a Saints love mounts up to Christ, and there meeting with that heavenly Element of perfect Love, brings more down into the Soul, and still these continued sallies of love to God, bring in successive incomes and increases of grace: every act of Love exhales some corrupt vapours, and dilates the soul's faculties, that it may be fit for the reception of more grace; Yea, Love sets the soul on edge for more, and makes it as unsatiable as it is unwearied in painful endeavours: Faith worketh by love, i.e. as by its hand to act for God, and indeed love, in a sort, worketh by faith, as its hand to fetch all from God, Faith sets Love on to crave, and Love engageth Faith to derive more grace from God: Love is Faith's Stomach, and Faith is Love's purveyor: And as Love helps the Soul to a treasure of graces, so of truths; Love to Truths makes the soul look upon them as a precious Depositum, to think much of them, and so rivet them and clench them fast in the heart by meditation; Love makes a man contend for the faith by disputing and dying, if God call him to it. Hence it is, that Love is one of those hands that hold fast the form of sound words, 2 Tim. 1.13. But he that receives not the truth in love, 2 Thes 12.10. will never make it a Treasure, but will cell it for a lust, and embrace a lie: See this Subject handled in M. William's transcend. of Christ's love, on Eph. 3.19. p. 73. to p. 145. Plusquam tua, plusquam tu●s, plusquam te: vid. ibid. p. 114. very fully: Morn. lect. Serm. 9 p. 186. Dr. Rein. on Psal. 110. Pinks trial. therefore sirs, I entreat you work up this grace, stir up your hearts to think of the love of Christ, blow up this spark to a flame, content not yourselves with a low degree of love to God, love him with an intensive, extensive, appreciative love, let your measure of love to him be beyond measure, let your hearts ascend to him in this holy flame of entire love, love him more than your enjoyments, more than your relations, more than yourselves: I shall say no more of this ordinary, yet very necessary subject, because many have done so worthily herein: read them. 5. Walk humbly with your God: that's another direction: walk close with God, a hint of that, but I shall speak most of that soul-inriching grace of humility: O Christians, the best means of edification is an holy conversation, God communicates secrets, and solace to them that walk with him, a soul of a wel-ordered conversation shal-see God's salvation; Psa. 50 21. a Master will betrust a faithful, careful, Mat. 25.21. painful servant, with a larger Talon; for such an one credits his Master, and promotes his designs: bringing forth much fruit glorifies God and edifies men, and surely the Lord will dignify such fruitful Vines with more care in dressing, John 15. and yet more of his blessing to help their abundant fruit-bearing: such shall have more clear discoveries of God's will, Joh. 7.17. as carefully do it: and such as do his Commandments have right to the tree of life, Rev 22.14 that they may come to it when they please and eat abundantly, and live for ever: there's an incomparable advantage in close-walking: in keeping the Commandments there's this reward, Psal. 19.11 that every act of obedience doth increase ability to obey; every step reneweth strength: Saints go from strength to strength, Psal. 84.7 for the way of the Lord is strength to the upright: Pro. 10.29 nothing evidenceth and increaseth grace so much as holiness, therefore as he that hath called you is holy, so be you holy; in all manner of conversation; And let me persuade you to be very humble, God gives more grace to the humble, Jam. 4.6. humility is not only a grace, but a Vessel to receive more; the high and holy God fills the humble and lowly heart; Isa. 57.15. the King of Heaven loves to walk upon this blessed pavement. Blessed are the poor in spirit, Mat. 5.3. for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven: and such a soul is the fittest receptacle for the precious richeses of this Heavenly Kingdom: Much of the Ancients richeses consisted in their Garments, and a Christians treasure lies much in his vesture, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 humilitatem, animi vobis infixam habete: Eras. of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Knot. vid. Leig● Crit. some whereof is his larger upper Coa● that's Christ's righteousness imputed, which covers all defects and imperfections, some are closer Garments, girded to the soul by the girdle of truth and sincerity, these are the Garments of sanctification, one choice part whereof is humility, 1 Pet. 5.5. Be clothed with humility: Some think the word imports that string or ribbon that ties together those precious pearls of divine graces, these adorn the soul, and if this spring break they are all scattered: humility is the knot of every virtue, the ornament of every grace: hence I read a quotation out of Basil, who calls humility [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] the store-house or magazine of all good: would to God we were all humble & holy walkers, & we should quickly have our hearts furnished with a treasure. Consecration in the time of the Law was by filling the hand, and he that is consecrated to the Lord shall have his heart filled, especially they that are emptied of all self-conceit, shall be filled with much of God's fullness: Vally-Soules are usually covered over with a rich harvest of precious fruits: Psalm 65.13. Jam. 1.21. Humility is likewise a fit disposition for entertaining divine Truths, these choice grafts will like best in a low ground: a meek soul will bid truths welcome: for an humble heart looks upon every truth of God as infinitely above itself, and therefore falls down under it, and saith, speak Lord, for thy servant heareth; an humble soul owns the authority of God in his word, wherever it finds it, whoever brings it, so that even a little child may lead him any whither with a twine-thred of Scripture discoveries: Isa. 11.6. But proud men and truth can never hit it, for they think scorn to put their necks under the girdle of Truth, and it will have the victory where it lodgeth; Those were proud men that would not obey truth in Jeremiahs' mouth, Jer. 43.2. and therefore must that Prophet take down their crests before they could be right Disciples of Truth, Jer. 13.15. Hear ye, give ear, be not proud; And observe this, a proud man is always of the losing hand, both in the account of God and man, and in his natural or acquired accomplishments: the more a man conceits to himself some imaginary attainments, the more he loseth: the stomach may be stuffed with noxious humours, that a man cannot eat, but that's not right fullness but a fulsome distemper, and proves dangerous, the belly may be raised with a tympany of wind, but that's not solid fatness, but a pernicious disease, and both these prejudice health: just thus is it with men's souls, the swelling disease hinders health by either truths or graces: O therefore be you humble, selfdenying souls, sensible of your own defects, be nothing in your own eyes, and you shall be the Temple, for the God of all grace to lodge in, and to walk constantly in, yea he will fill you with abundance of grace here and glory hereafter. 6. Be much in secret prayer: pray much and pray in secret, a word of both. 1 Thess. 5.17. O pray without ceasing, i.e. keep a continual praying disposition, and lay hold on every fit season for that duty: while prayer standeth still, the trade of religion standeth still, and there's nothing got: all comes into the soul by this door, 'tis good for a Christian to keep up, set and stated times of prayer: Daniel and David prayed three times a day, Dan. 6.10. Psal. 55.17. Psal. 119.164. in extraordinary cases seven times a day, 'tis not lost labour to be much on our knees, we cannot go to God too often, I am surer not oftener than we shall be welcome, if we pray aright, for the holy of holies is ever open, our high Priest ever lives to make intercession for us, prayer was made morning and evening, and we must be constant and instant in prayer: Rom. 12.12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in oratione perdurantes Beza: continued with strength: a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i.e. fortiter tolerare: Leigh. Crit. Sac. as the hunting Dog that will not cease following the game, till he have got it; so must we pursue the Lord, and persevere with strength, till we have obtained what we want: there is a kind of omnipotency in prayer, as it was said of Luther, he could do with God, even what he would: At present I would advice all Christians to keep up a constant set time of prayer: what if thou gettest little thereby? yet wait on God still: Tradesmen will go to Markets and Fairs, and set open their Shop-doors, and Windows, though there be little to be done or gotten many times: so let the Christian keep this market of holy duties, and go upon the Exchange to spy what good bargain he can meet with for his soul; learn to maintain commerce with heaven still, jest you loose your custom: keep canonical hours, (as it were) of prayer, though your hearts be often out of frame, venture upon duty, and try what the Lord will do with you: 'tis the folly of our trifling spirits to put of duty, when our hearts are not in tune, with expectation that they will be in a better frame another time, but do we think that one sin will excuse another? or that we shall be better fitted by a present neglect? no certainly we aught to stir up ourselves to take hold on God, for why should Satan be gratified by a total forbearance? will not disuse make us loather to go to God another time? yea have we not found it in Scripture and experience that a dead and discouraged entrance upon duty hath increased to sweet inlargements, and ravishments of spirit? search and see, usually an heart engagement hath ended in an heart-enlargement, and God-enjoyment: God will bring an engaged heart near himself, Jer. 30.21. None ever lost their labour in struggling with their untoward hearts: O Christians, be sure you be found in prayer though you come hardly to it; and have mun ado to keep at it, and have more hazard to get something by it: though with Jonathan and his armour bearer you clamber up the Hil on your hands and knees, and fight when you mount the top; yet you shall get the victory, and the spoils of such a conflict will be the most enriching: one Pisgah-sight of Christ in a promise will quit the cost, and hazard a thousand-fold: the evidence and advantage of such a performance will be the best, and worth all the rest; yea for aught I know though you meet not with God as you desire at that time, yet God may own and crown that undertaking as much as the most heart-melting exercise, because there is most of obedience in that, and conscience of duty is as acceptable a motive to duty as sense of present recompense. But withal, keep up a course of secret prayer, withdraw yourselves into a corner according to the Rule, Mat. 6.6. God is want to dispense his choicest blessings to solitary souls; when jacob was left alone, Gen. 32.24 he wrestled with the Angel of the Covenant & prevailed: john and Ezekiel had their visions and revelations, when with-drawn from the World: Solomon saith, Woe to him that is alone, but blessed is he that being alone hath God to bear him company: John 16.32. Our dear Saviour tells his Disples, you leave me alone, yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me; and when no creature is with us, we have converse most with God; for observe it, when persons are most secluded from other Society, they are aptest to be subject to divine impressions, or to Sathanical suggestions: Therefore Christians, learn to get alone, improve solitary hours, pour out your souls in your Closets, and he will pour in grace; think not to seek and find Christ in a crowd: the Lord Jesus and his Spouse are modest, and have the sweetest embraces when they are retired: You must invite him into the field— and there give him your loves, Song. 7.11, 12. and he also will give you his love-tokens, and fill your hearts with a treasure: an honest intent for retirement to enjoy Christ did occasion a Monastic life: but certainly there is much sweetness in secret prayer, when the soul can freely open its bosom to God, and expostulate boldly, yet humbly with him; there the Christian may use such postures, pauses, plead, as would not be convenient before others: You may tell him your whole heart, and he will deal with you as with Friends, and open his breast to you. Observe it Sirs, A Christian hath some secret errand to God, that the dearest Friend and nearest Relation must not know of, Cases that are not to be entrusted with any but God alone; here than comes in the necessity, and excellency of secret prayer; therefore again, let me earnestly request you to go alone (as you know Christ did often) and tell God your whole near, hid nothing from him, pled no excuse from worldly business: Satan and your corrupt hearts will find many occasions for diversion: but say to them as Abraham to his Servants, stay you here whiles I go and worship the Lord yonder: steal time from the world, and thy work, occasional Duties are like accidental Bargains, that make the careful Tradesmen rich: Bread eaten in secret is sweet, and such morsels make the soul well liking: Consult with such Christians as converse much with God in a corner, and you shall see their faces to shine as Moses' did after his retired conversings with God in the Mount; 1 King. 17.19, 20. When Elijah to raise the Woman's dead Son, he took him into the loft, and there prayed; When thou wouldst quicken up thy dead heart, take it alone, go into a loft, and fall on thy face or knees and pray, and see the blessed effects thereof: — Ac n● Eloquium nostrum arbiter profanus impediat, aut clamour intemperans familiae strepent is obtundat, petamus hanc sedem: daunt secessum vicina secreta, ubi dum erratici palmitum lapsus nexibus pendulis per arundines bajulas repunt, viteam porticum frondea tecta fecerunt:— Et paulo post— Accipe quod sentitur autequam discitur, nec per moras temporum long â agnitione colligitur, sed compendio gratiae maturantis hauritur, & lege totam, Epist. lib, 2. ep. 2. ad Donat, pag. (mihi) 105.106. Cyprian notably describes his sweet and solitary Recesses into a place where no hearer can hinder his Discourse, or intemperate noise of the busy family can obstruct: there he perceived, and received what he felt, before he learned it, not by a long Series of study, but by a compendious act of divine Grace: CHAP. XII. Four Directions more to help the Christians heart to this treasure of good Thoughts. A Seventh Direction to obtain a Treasure, i e. Trade with God in every performance: Rest not satisfied with a bore outside of duties, or a trudging in the common road or round of Formality: if you look not beyond Ordinances in the use thereof, you will get not more treasure than a Merchant whose ship rides to the Downs, and quickly returns again: he that would be rich must use Duties as a Bridge or Boat to bring his soul to God, and as a Chariot to bring God to his soul; every Ordinance should be like those Merchant ships that bring food or gold from afar: Pro. 31. ●4. the Christian must travel far beyond the Indieses, even as far as Heaven to fetch an heavenly treasure into his heart, the soul of the diligent shall be made fat, Prov. 13.4. It is not a show of eating, nor only a sitting at the Table that filleth: a pretence of trading makes not rich: he that stands upon the Bridge and walks not, will never get over the water, it is not the goodness of the Boat, but our motion by it that wafts us over: A golden Bucket will bring us no water except it be let down into the Well: the choicest Ordinances will bring us no spiritual or saving profit, except we have to do with God therein; Gods Institutions work not by any innate physical virtue that's in them, but morally, i.e. by a careful improvement of them, and especially the blessing of God with them: a man is not therefore a good Scholar because he went so long to School, and for saying so many Lessons: nor is an ignorant Papist a whit the better for dropping so many beads, or pattering over so many Pater-nosters: the Apostle saith, bodily exercise profits nothing, 1 Tim. 4.8. he means not only recreations or superstitious usages, but even Gods own Ordinances, saith an Expositor, Vid. Marlorat. in loc. the mere verbal complimental use thereof will not advantage the soul: But godliness is profitable to all things, the right spiritual worship of God brings along with it abundant incomes: Some observe, that religious worshippers are said in Latin [Deum colere] because thereby they sow to the Spirit and are sure to reap of the Spirit life everlasting. Besides the inward refreshments they reap in this life: and truly, Gal. 6.8. in worshipping God there is great reward; But 'tis easier to be much in duties, than to be much with God in duties: if we had been as often with God as we have been before God, we had been readier than we are: Job was persuaded that if he could find God, and come near to his Seat, he would not pled against him with his great power, but would put strength into him, Job 23. 3-6. and I dare say, if thou couldst meet God in Duty, he would meet thee in Mercy, Isa. 54 5. and if God meet thee he will bless thee, and fill thy soul with a blessed treasure, a treasure of heavenly blessings: if thou draw nigh to God, Exod. 20.24. he will draw nigh to thee. Let me therefore persuade you to make conscience of getting communion with God, and influences from him in all Ordinances and Performances; you are great losers if you miss of God in duties, you take God's name in vain and loose your labour, nay, you loose a blessing, and get the curse of doing the work of the Lord negligently; But o, how blessed a thing is it to say with holy St. Bernard, I never come to God, but I meet with God, I never go from God, but I carry God with me! therefore in all your attendance upon God, carefully prepare before, mind your work and object of worship in, and diligently examine your hearts afterwards how the Lord hath dealt with your souls, and blessed is he that can say as David in the point of obedience, Psalm 119.56. This I had, because I kept thy thy Precepts: What had he? why, he had a heart to remember God's Name in the night, holy thoughts whereby he might meditate on divine things: So say you, this I got in such a duty or Ordinance, and this doth furnish my soul with heavenly conceptions, and new matter of meditation: it is the power of the Spirit that must make Ordinances effectual, though the Gospel be the Ministration of the Spirit, yet the choicest Truths, Promises, Literae damnatoriae, aut leges mortis. Sermons, Sacraments will be but a dead letter, and law of death to the soul without the Spirit: therefore you are to wait for the Spirit to breath and blow upon the garden of your souls, that the Spices [divine graces] may be nourished, and so may flourish in our hearts and lives: Ordinances are empty Cysterns i● God be not in them, they are full and filling if the presence of God be in them, O therefore look after God in every spiritual performance: 8. Spend time well: loose not a mite or minute of this precious creature; fill up all your waste time with some profitable work in your general or particular Callings: cast not at your heels the lest Filings of these golden Seasons: you have lost too much time already, now buy up the remainder, engross this precious commodity, take the fittest opportunities, like good Merchants, for a dear time is coming, nay the days are evil, Ephes. 5.16. Imitate such Tradesmen as miss no opportunity of getting gain at home or abroad, by night or by day, by plotting or by practising: only make use of present moments, and promise' not to yourselves to morrow, Jam. 4.13, 14, 15. Front capillatâ post est occasio ●io calva. as worldly Tradesmen are apt to do, and be sure you take God along with you, whom they forget and leave behind: take time by the Forelock, for its bald behind, and you can get no hold of it: You little know what one Big-bellyed day may bring forth, it may produce a birth and burden of more duty, difficulty, or misery than hitherto you have met with: Time-redemption is an act of great discretion, but Time-neglect brings thousands of souls to a despairing, Had-I-wist: the Apostle said, above a thousand years ago, the time is short, much more may we say so, since the ship is drawn so much nearer the Harbour, 1 Cor. 7.29. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tempus contractum Met. à velis contractis: the Sails are contracted, and the end of all this is at hand; the world grows old and naught, your own days cannot be long, it may be this night thy soul may be required, and leave thy Body as a stinking carcase, O than a treasure for another world will stand you in infinite stead! O consider often, that this time, this spanlong life is the Seminary of Eternity, the praeludium of an everlasting state, and therefore lavish not away your time, cast it not at your heels in a brutish prodigality, you will have time little enough when you come to dye: A rich Gallant at death cried out bitterly, call time again, O call time again: another, would offer a thousand pounds to purchase a day. But alas, time cannot be valued with the vastest sums of money: one misspent day cannot be recalled with the gold of Ophir, that's but dross where time comes, and time and chance is upon the whole Creation: Eccl. 9.11. You have but your appointed time, and all your times are in the hands of God, and if once lost, they are lost for ever, the dead and damned can say, Job 28.22. we have only heard the fame thereof with our ears, but alas are passed the hopes of time-enjoyment or improvement: when your glass is once run, and your Sun set there's no more working or gathering time in order to Eternity: and there whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work nor device— in the grave whither you go, Eccl. 9.10. Be not you like those silly Fishes that are taken in an evil Net, because they know not their time, v. 12. Nulla dies sine linea: but ply the Oars while you have time: let no day pass without drawing some line towards your great Centre: You that are Christians had need be good Time-students, Time-Merchants, the holiest men have been most careful of Time, and they that have been the most fearful to loose an inch of time have been best treasured. See Clarks Lives of Fathers. Read Histories and observe Experiments, in all you'll find men of the choicest spirits have been most diligent Time-improvers, and some have accounted that day lost whereupon they have not done some good with either Tongue, or Purse, or Pen: yea, Heathens have bewailed that day as spent in vain, wherein they have not done some memorable action: How much more aught Christians to lament the loss of Time? I heard an eminent Minister say, He could eat the flesh of his arm in indignation against himself for his lost hours: and truly, the most of us are Epimethiuses, after-witted, we loose time and than smart for our loss, it is to our cost: Oculos incipit aperire moriendo quo● clausos habuit vivendo. Plin. We are too like the Mole, of which Naturalists say, it gins to see at death, we open our eyes when they must be shut: let us therefore improve Time while we have it, and study profitable things, and lay up every day something, so shall we find Soul-riches increase, according to that Proverb, many littles make a much: when God offers Grace do not put him of, for delay will be interpreted a denial. An ancient Christian, now with God, advised me, to be either like Christ, or Mary: the first was always doing good, the latter still receiving good: were you and I constantly thus employed, our treasure would soon be raised to a large proportion, and we should be sooner ripe for Glory 9 Gather something out of every thing: that man is likely to be rich that will not let a good bargain pass, but lay hold on it, and lay up any thing that he can get a penny by: A wise Tradesman despiseth not little things, for multiplication of small numbers amounteth to a great sum: they that wilfully contemn the smallest good, will in time look upon the greatest as contemptible: Who say, Herbert. I care not, those I give for lost: And to instruct them will not quit the cost, Hence it is that Christ saith, Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost: Thus should you make a collection of the lest things that others cast away; get something out of every word, Rod, or work of Providence, in a way of favour or displeasure; Receive not the grace of God in vain, hinder not your own proficiency by carelessness or inadvertency; Isa. 48.17. be you diligent, and God will teach you to profit: see what you can make of every thing you meet with: A wise Physician can tell you the virtue of every simple, and can extract some good out of those Herbs, that an ignorant person casts away, as useless weeds: Prov. 10.14. It's said, wise Men lay up knowledge, i e. They consider all objects occurrents, how they may hereafter stand them in stead, what use may be made thereof, and so gather from them a profitable inference, and store that up for future times: thus do you, if you would lay up a treasure, be not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is, by all that your eyes behold, or ears hear: Learn to make comments upon all the Creatures, suck sweetness out of every flower, not for sensual delight, but spiritual profit. Let not so much as a good or bad report concerning yourselves or others sound in your ears, without special observation and improvement: what ever your trade or calling be, you may and must spiritualise it for your souls good; there's never a profitable science, saith one, but it leads to the knowledge of God, or of ourselves, so that we, need not be to seek for a treasure, if we have hearts to improve objects of sense: it was a good design in the reverend Dr. Hall, and discovered an honest fancy in improving vacant hours, and visible objects in his occasional meditations: go you and do likewise, by which blessed art of heavenly Chemistry you may both please your fancy, and profit your hearts, use your wits, and exercise grace, and that's the way to increase it: the truth is, there's nothing, but may do us good, if we have good hearts, the sins of others may be of great use to us, to consider our standing, and take heed jest we fall: the afflictions of others will work our hearts to sympathy, prayer, and charity: the indignities we suffer will awaken, quicken and strengthen us, if our hearts be honest in observing and improving them: there's not a Minister that we hear preach, but we may get good by what he saith, Clark on his life. reverend Mr. Hildersham often said, he never heard any godly Minister preach, though but of weak parts, but he got some benefit by him: Church-porch. Pag. 15. Divine Herbert saith— — Do not grudge To pick out treasures from an earthen Pot; The worst speak something good; if all want sense, God takes a text, and preacheth patience. But above all, get some thing out of every Chapter you read, dig deep into these golden mines, and you shall be rich: digested Scripture is the matter of regular prayers, holy discourses, and heavenly meditations; only run not cursorily over them, but let your thoughts dwell upon them, and extract some marrow and quintessence out of them: we usually read Scriptures, as Travellers go over Mountains, that are barren on the surface, but digged into, they afford precious minerals: so the words and syllables of God's book itself, slightly considered, have no great efficacy, but the sense and purport thereof, containeth spirit and life to the intelligent and observant Reader: Joh. 6.63. Adoro scripturae plenitudinem Tertul. There is such a depth in Scripture, that if you read the same place an hundred times over, yet still you may get fresh notions, and impressions from it: O therefore learn to read, understand, and improve the word of God, this will help you to a treasure, truths are fed by Scripture-knowledge, and holiness is the counter-pain of Scripture-precepts, graces are the accomplishment of Scripture-promises, and if your comforts and experiences be not suitable to the word, Isai. 8.20. 'tis because you have no light in you. 10. Maintain communion of Saints: O forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, keep up this sweet good fellowship both in private conferences, and in public Ordinances: for the first, you must observe and obey the wise Man's council, through the Book of Proverbs, to converse with the wise: David professeth himself to be a companion of those that fear God, and he, though a great King, esteems the Saints more excellent, than all his courageous worthies, or grave Senators, and therefore professeth that all his delight was in them, Psal. 16.3. But it's not enough to be in good company, but you must improve it, by hearing and ask questions: that's a notable passage in Prov. 20.5. Council in the heart of a Man is like deep Waters, but a Man of understanding will draw it out; Profound Men are apt to be silent, — Doubts well raised do lock, Herb. Church-porch. page 11. The speaker to thee, and preserve thy stock. therefore must be pumped by profitable questions, and 'tis an evidence of knowledge to propound an useful question seasonably, as well as to answer it solidly: 'tis our great loss we can make not better use of one another: un-improved society is the bane of Christian converse: for when we meet one another, and trifle away time without advantage, it increaseth our guilt, and discourageth our hearts, for we are apt to say, we will meet not more, because our coming together, is for the worse, and not for the better, for many times our spirits are embittered by exasperating contentions: But O sirs, when you meet together purposely, or accidentally, improve your time in some holy discourses, spend not all your time about news or worldly affairs, but set afoot some religious talk; talk sometimes as Christians, as well as Men and Chapmen: let some body begin and break the Ice: many are apt enough to cast down the bone of contention, do you present the marrow of religion, that you may edify one another: Sat not together as mutes, or as Men of the World, discoursing about matters of state or trading, or of the weather, or your ages, Gen. 47. which was Pharaoh's question to jacob, and that to his Sons of the like import: But if there be ever a wise Man among you, fetch some spark from Heaven, and throw it amongst your companions, that every one may bring his stick to the fire, and by the bellowss of mutual love, it may be raised to a flame, that thereby your hearts may be warmed, and even burn within you, as the two travelling Disciples by Christ's opening to them the Scriptures: And than Record and lay up what you have got in profitable conversings: thus was the Book of Proverbs collected, and hereby you might fill Books and memories with useful observations: yet take this caution, let not your end be to hear stories, notions, nor yet only polemical discourses, to furnish your heads with arguments for all subjects and companies, but let your principal end be to get your hearts bettered, grace strengthened, lusts weakened, lives reform, consciences resolved: O the advantage you may have by Christian-society! you may get good by others, do good to others, yea observe it, your profitable discourses with others will reflect upon yourselves with advantage: Scholars find that conference rubs up their memories, revives their reading, and in a sort, gives them the mastery over their notions, and imprints them deeper within them, that were almost obliterated: hence a famous Scholar did return many thanks, to one that was many degrees below him, for affording him so fair an opportunity of private discourses: and a jewish Doctor could say, he had learned much from his Masters, more from his equals, Docendo didici. but most of all from his Scholars, hence their Proverb, I have learned by teaching: experience doth tell us that having to do in others doubts, temptations, desertions, corruptions, directs us how to deal in our own cases: therefore I advice you, be not in helping the weak, because thereby you do a double courtesy, to yourselves and to others, by one act or motion of your lips feeding others, and digesting your own meat: Besides, this Christian communion being God's institution, is seconded with his benediction, and gracious acceptation: See Eph. 4.15, 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the members of Christ's mystical body, speaking the truth in love, or truthing it in love, as the word imports, do grow up into him in all things, even Christ the head, and so that which is lacking in one joint, is made up by the usefulness of another: and for God's acceptance of the Saints holy conference, see that famous Text in Mal. 3.16. But that which I am urging is, the advantage that your souls will have by it, one live Coal laid to a dead one, kindles it, a ripe Grape put to a green one, ripens it: company is of an assimilating nature, and grace, like fire, will beget its like, and it's an advantage to trade with rich Merchants in precious commodities, for than we shall get well stocked with richeses, So 'tis here, yea observe it, when a company of Christians meet together for spiritual purposes, Jesus Christ makes one more, and he is in stead of many more, he walks from peron to person, and inquires what they want, and Joseph-like, richly fills the Sacks of their souls with a transcendent treasure. Where Christ keeps house, there's nothing wanting, he that girded himself to serve his Disciples will wait to be gracious, and satisfy hungry souls: Christ walks in the midst of the golden Candlesticks, and feeds the Lamps of the Sanctuary with Oil: go forth therefore, poor soul, by the footsteps of the Flock, Cant. 1.8. and feed the Kids, besides the Shepherd's tents; Be found in the communion of Saints, be not content to have that Article in your Creed, but let it be in your practice; wait on God in public. Ordinances, every work there will help to fill your souls; prayer, reading, singing Psalms, the word preached, the Sacraments administered, you may get good by Baptism, and the Lords Supper, faithfully used, believinglie improved, some apply those two Metaphors in Cant. 7.2. To these two seals of the Covenant, thy Navel is like a round goblet, Umbilicus venarum nodus et coitus, centrum corporis. which wanteth not liquor; that imports Baptism, because, as the Navel upholds, and knits together, the Liver Midriff, Bladder, and receives by it all the nourishment the Infant hath from the Mother in the Womb, so the feeble members of the Church are united to Christ, and supplied with food by baptism, rightly improved, which is a full goblet, crowned with plenty and comfort; the latter is the Lords Supper, which is thus expressed, thy belly is like an heap of wheat, set about with Lilies: the belly is the body's store-house, so is this blessed Sacrament, sending out to all the members of this mystical body, a due proportion of strength and nourishment, and this affords the finest purest wheat to every lilly-Saint, and milk-white soul that feeds on Christ by faith: And therefore let every soul be found in the use of these holy Ordinances that would have a treasure of grace, yet observe this caution, that though the Sacraments be necessary, and the great means of spiritual life, yet not in that manner and respect, as food is to a natural life, Hoo●er Eccles. Poli●y. Book 5. Par. 57 pag. 229. because they contain in themselves no vital force or efficacy; they are (saith a reverend Author) not physical but moral instruments of salvation.— all receive not the grace of God, which receive the Sacraments of his grace, neither is it ordinarily his will to bestow the grace of Sacraments on any, Hugo de Sacramentis lib. 1. cap. 3.4. Si●ergo vasa sunt spiritualis gratiae Sacramenta, non ex suo sanant, quia vasa aegrotum non curant, sed medicina. but by the Sacraments,— a little after, he saith, they are moral instruments, the use whereof is in our hands, the effect in his, for the use we have his express commandment, for the effect his conditional promise, and we may expect his performance of the promise upon our obedience to his command,— he quoteth Hugo comparing the Sacraments to a Vessel, and the grace therein to the medicine therein exhibited, and we should apply the spiritual good therein to our distempered spirits: but I have been too large on this head. I shall shut up this piece of the Directory for obtaining a treasure, Primo idoneus esse non potest ad martyrium, qui ab Ecclesia non armatur ad praelium: et mens deficit, quam, non accepta Eucharistia erigit, et accendit: Cyp. Epist. act Cornel. lib. 1. Epis. 2. P. 41. with an expression of Cyprians, he cannot be fit for Martyrdom, that is not armed by the Church to the conflict, and that mind faints, which is not erected and inflamed by receiving the Eucharist, or Lords-Supper: so the communion of Saints in that choice Ordinance, is a fortifying and furnishing Exercise. CHAP. XIII. What truths a Christian is to treasure up. THe second head of Directions, is to Descend more particularly to give some instructions, what the Christian is to treasure up. In opening the Doctrine I told you, he is to treasure up these four rich commodities, wherewith he may furnish his inward-man: Viz. 1. Truths. 2. Graces. 3. Experiences. 4. Comforts. I shall resume a discourse of these, and give you a particular account of something in all these, wherewith the bosom of a Christian is to be filled and furnished. 1. For the first, A Christian is to store up all truths, the filings of gold are precious, the lest star in the Firmament hath some influence, so all truths have their peculiar preciousness and efficacy: Truth is a sacred Depositum which God hath committed into the hands of Ministers and People, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Tim. 1.14. 1 Tim. 6.20. Mat. 5.19. which must not be lost at any hand, for all the world cannot give a price proportionable to the lest truth: for to this end was Christ born, yea, and shed his dearest blood, even to bear witness to the truth, and to purchase the publication of it: 'Tis very dangerous to be careless of lesser truths, for there's nothing superfluous in the sacred Canon, Jam. 2.10. and things comparativelie little may be great in their sphere, season, and consequences, and 'tis sad to break the golden chain of truths: yet we are especially to treasure up fundamental and seasonable truths; Doctrines that we are to venture our souls upon, and such as we may have a peculiar use of, truths suitable to the day we live in: hence it is that the Apostle would have Believers established in the present truth, 2 Pet. 1.12. i.e. Say some, the Doctrine of the Gospel which was at this time newly revealed: Or else (as others interpret it) such truths as are most opposed, and contradicted: For we find that every Church, and Age hath its present errors, whereby false Teachers seek to undermine the Truth, and seduce the professors of it, therefore should every soul be well stored with such truths as may antidote him against present prevailing corruptions in Principle or Practice, There are four sorts of divine Truths that I would council all Christians to get their heads and hearts well stocked with, which are these: Viz. 1. Doctrinal Truths. 2. Disciplinary Truths. 3. Practical Truths. 4. Experimental Truths. 1. Doctrinal Truths, 2 Tim. 1.13. Hold fast the form of sound words. This word [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] signifies a Model or Platform, a mould or frame of words, or things, methodically disposed, as Printers set and compose their Characters or Letters in a Table: thus Gospel-doctrine is the Mould, and Hearers are as the metal which takes the Idea & impression that into which it is cast: Rom. 6.17. A Christian is to get the body of Divinity incorporated within him: 'tis not below the most able, knowing, and judicious person to read, yea and commit to memoric Catechisms, and Systems of Divinity. I beseech you lay this good Doctrinal foundation, and you'll find infinite advantage by it, through-the whole course of life; this will teach you to discourse distinctly, hear profitably, and read Scriptures, and good books with judgement, being able to try all things, and reduce every thing to its proper place: Take a taste and touch of this sort of truths in these general Heads, 1. That the holy Scriptures are of divine Authority. 2. That God's word is the only complete Supreme Judge of all controversies: 3. That God is an infinite, simple, and immutable Spirit. 4. That there are three glorious Persons in the unity of the Godhead. 5. That all things depends upon God's eternal Decrees: 6. That man was created in perfect holiness and happiness. 7. That all mankind is polluted and ruined by Adam's Apostasy. 8. That Christ, God-man is the only Mediator betwixt God and man: 9 That Christ by doing, enduring, dying, hath satisfied Justice, and justified sinners: 10. That such as sincerely repent and believe, are justified and accepted: 11. That Baptism and the Lords Supper, are seals of the Covenant of Grace: 12. That there shall be a general Resurrection and Day of Judgement. 2. Disciplinary truths, these in their kind and sphere are to be stored up, and contended for: 'tis true, these are not so fully laid down in Scripture, nor is there so much stress laid thereupon, as on Doctrinal truths, at lest as to every Punctilio relating to circumstantials, which hath occasioned many hot disputes among the strictest Christians: yet withal, the essentials of Discipline are of great use and in a sort necessary, if not to the being, yet to the well-being of the Church; * Quamvis enim non sit nota simpliciter essentialis & reciproca, scil. ecclesiae (sicut neque reliquae duae, i.e. verbum & Sacramenta) ad completum tamen ecclesiae statum necessario debet edesse: Ames Medul. lib. 1. cap. 37. our Lord Jesus is faithful in his House, and hath not left every thing to human prudence, though possibly something may be said for a prudential application of general Rules to particular Cases: 'tis lost labour to enter into Controversies here, much precious time and pains have been wasted herein, yet Mr. Hooker acknowledgeth, that although there be no necessity it should prescribe any one particular form of Church government, yet touching the manner of governing in general, the Precepts which the Scripture setteth down are not few: and the examples many which it proposeth, for all Church-governors', even in particularities to follow: yea, that those things, Hookers Eccl. polit. Book 3d. part 4. fol. 69. finally, which are of principal weight in the very particular form of Church polity, are in the selfsame Scriptures contained: So he● Neither are these truths to be slighted, but we are to be attentive to them, and observant and retentive of them: hence when the Gospel-Church is described. God saith, Ezek. 40.4. Behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall show thee: Under correction, I conceive such disciplinary truths as these are not obscurely delivered by God; As, 1. That upon Christ's shoulders lies the government of his Church. 2. That Scripture-Precepts and Precedents, are are the rule of Church-administrations: 3. That Church-Officers are to be duly qualified and called to their work: 4. That Christ's own Officers have power to dispense Word and Censures: 5. That holy things are for holy men, Ordinances must be kept from pollution: 6. That visible, credible Profession is the ground of Church-communion: 7. That Admonition must precede Rejection and Excommunication: 8. That Heretical Persons, and disorderly walkers are to be censured: 9 That evidence of Repentance pleads for re-admittance: 10. That Magistrate's duty is to cherish, defend, and propagate the Church, Ministers to oversee, and Members to watch over, and admonish one another: 11. That at lest there may be Associations of Churches by their Officers, for mutual communion and consultation: 12. That Synods and Counsels consulting about Church-affaires, are but companies of men subject to error, are not to have dominion over men's faith, or Lord it over consciences, etc. 3. A third sort of truths to be stored up are practical truths, fundamental truths of practical concernment, are in a sort the life of Religion. Our Religion is not a Notion, Christianity lies much in the Heart and Life: the young Candidate's question in the Gospel, Mark 10.17. had mainly reference to practice; Good Master, saith he, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Socrates is accounted the wisest man, because he applied his studies and knowledge to the moral part, the squaring and ordering of men's Lives: Saith Dr. Hammond, and quotes an ancient saying, Practical Cat●ch. p. 2. The end of Christian Philosophy is to make them better, not more learned, to edify, not to instruct: The truth is, conscientious Practice is both the end of Knowledge, and the means of further knowledge; If we live up to his Will known, we shall know more of his Will that's to be done: if we give up ourselves to truth, we shall be made free by truth. Truths of a practical import, Joh. 7.17. to deliver the soul from the bondage of sin, and deliver up the soul into the liberty of the Sons God, and makes him accounted God's service perfect freedom: Some truths are to be believed, others to be lived upon, others to be lived up to, and so are more practical: such as these; 1. That all creatures are made for the glory of God. 2. That the covenant of Works cannot be kept by any mere man since the fall. 3. That true faith closeth wholly with a whole Christ. 4. That none can expect pardon without a sincere Gospel-repentance. 5. That good works are the fruits, and evidences of a lively faith. 6. That those are only good works that have a right root, rule and end. 7. That man's best duties are imperfect, and merit no good at God's hands. 8. That the moral Law is a Christians rule of obedience. 9 That God alone is to be worshipped, and that according to his William. 10. That the observation of a Sabbath is a moral and perpetual Duty. 11. That Magistrates are to be honoured, and their lawful commands obeyed. 12. That every man is to attend upon and act, by virtue of his general or particular Calling. 4. Sort of truths to be hoarded up, are experimental truths, which are vital, and vivifical, that beget and maintain good blood (as it were) in the soul: these are the sweetest solace to a sound Believer, these reach and teach the very heart, bow the will, ravish the Affections, awaken the Conscience, and influence the whole conversation, the delightful rolling of these divine truths in the mind, help the soul to walk in the sweetest Paradise of Contemplation; these mysterious marrowie truths are like that Song that none could learn but the hundred and forty and four thousand that are redeemed from the earth. Rev. 14.4. Or like that new Name which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it, Rev. 2.17. Such truths are better felt than spoken sooner experienced than expressed, indeed like those [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] unutterable words that Paul heard in Paradise, 2 Cor. 12.4. Such truths as are hid from the wise and prudent, but revealed them unto babes, Matth. 11.25. This is a right knowing of the truth as it is in Jesus, a lying under the power and impression of divine Revelations, without this Experience, Knowledge is a cold, Theologia est scientia affectiva, non speculativa. Gerson. dull, Moonlight Speculation, without the clear quickening heat of the Sun of Righteousness; nay, the choicest truths of the Gospel cannot be discerned but by Experience. Divinity is not a speculative, but affective knowledge: Treasure up such truths as these. 1. That by nature we are averse to good, and prove to evil. 2. That we have no freewill to saving good, but are passives in conversion. 3. That regeneration is a through change of the whole man, in heart and life. 4. That faith and repentance are the gifts of God's freegrace. 5. That a sinner is justified only by Christ's merits imputed, not by works. 6. That conformity to God is an inseparable companion of communion with God. 7. That every child of God hath the spirit of adoption, to help to pray. 8. That the best Saints in this life are sanctified but in part. 9 That a Christians best and bravest life is a life of faith. 10. That sincere Saints may be assured of the truth of grace, and title to glory. 11. That a justified person cannot totally and finally fall away. 12. That some spiritual good is exhibited in, and conveyed through the seals of the covenant. Such precious truths as these, Christians, you are to gather, and seal them up among your treasures, and you will find that such a treasure will furnish your minds with saving knowledge, fortify your hearts against errors and oppositions, satisfy your spirits in all doubts, and objections; teach you to profit by God's verbal and real dispensations, and prepare you for fiery trials, and hottest persecutions: you cannot stand for truths you know not, and you will not stand for those truths that you are not for, and look not upon as your treasure: you must hold fast what you have received, and therefore must you receive that you may retain, and lay up that you may live up to, and live upon them in an evil day: as a Minister, so a member of the Church must hold fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught— Titus 1.9. He must maintain truth with all his might, struggle and contend for it, fight and die in the defence of it, truth and our souls must be married, and never divorced, there are truths that we may venture our souls upon, and must venture our lives for: that's an Atheistical speech of some, that the Martyrs in Queen Mary's days died o'th' pet, and were too prodigal of their blood, and that God requires no man to be cruel to himself for his sake: but the Saints have otherwise learned Christ, than to deny him, or his truths before men, jest they be denied by him another day: Aliter amare non didici. they have not otherwise learned to love him than to lay down their lives for him, if he call them to it: and thus by being overcome they do overcome, as their Saviour before them: and as 'tis on record, Rev. 12.11. They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death; it is the duty of every Christian to lay up such truths in the close Cabinet of his heart, as he may live and die by and adhere closely and constantly unto: we must do by truths, as Caesar by his books, who being to swim through a River to escape the fury of his enemies, Mayor fuit cura libellorum, quam purpura, carried his books above water with his hand, but lost his robe, so though we should be put to swim through a Sea of trouble in following the Lamb, yet must we keep the Lords Depositum, though we should loose our Garments of earthly emjoyments, yea our lives themselves, rather than part with the sacred and saving truths of God contained in this blessed book of books, the holy Scriptures, which are to be our treasures: hence saith the wise man, P●o. 4.13. take fast hold of instruction; let her not go, keep her, for she is thy life: hence some good souls have been willing to be burnt themselves, rather than willingly to burn their Bibles, and have been racked in pieces, rather than suffer themselves to be rend from truth: it is our great duty to hold fast, and hold forth the word of truth, to be witnesses to the truth activelie, and for the truth passivelie, and if we maintain it, it shall maintain us, Revel. 3.10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation— The word of his patience may be taken either effectivelie, for such a word as works a quiet, composed, submissive frame of spirit, or eventuallie, for that word that may put a man upon the exercise of patience, so that he may suffer great hardships for it, and lay down his life, as a sacrifice on the behalf of it, yet must not a Christian flinch back, but in the strength of God run the greatest hazard for approved experienced truths of God: I know there is a difference in truths, and the value we are to set upon them, as in coins, saith a reverend Divine, See D. Hall's Peacemaker, sect 1. P. 1. read it thorough. whereof one piece is a farthing another no lesle than a pound; only take this rule in general, despise not the meanest truth, prove all things by Scripture-rules, lay up and hold fast what is consonant thereunto, but above all lay the greatest stress upon fundamental points of Religion, and be not beaten from your hold, through fear or favour. So much for treasuring up Scripture-truths. CHAP. XIV. What sort of Graces the Christian is to treasure up. THe second head of precious commodities that a Christians breast is to be stored with, is, Divine graces, every grace is of vast worth, and excellent use, yea the lest degree of sincere grace is worth a Mine of Gold, or a Prince's Crown and Kingdom, 'tis said of the grace of faith, that the trial of it (or faith tried in the furnace of affliction) is much more precious than gold, that perisheth— 1 Pet. 1.7. None can set a right estimate upon a grain of true grace, which is no other than the offspring of Heaven, the purchase of Christ's blood, and the blessed fruit of the spirit of grace: it is part of the divine nature, the Image of God, and seed of immortality, grace is the muniment and ornament of the soul, 'tis the only emolument and accomplishment of a Christian; let the World be hurried to gather great estates, filling their houses with goods, their barns with grain, and bags with gold, let the good soul get filled with the fruits of righteousness, the graces of the spirit. There are four sorts of graces, that I shall advice all Christians in a special manner to treasure up in their hearts. Which are these 1. Directing graces 2. Subjecting graces 3. Profiting graces 4. Persevering graces I. The believing soul is to lay up, with diligence, directing, conducting, resolving, and satisfying graces, that is, abundance of knowledge, wisdom, prudence, and judgement, that he may have light and sight, about the things of God: Days are coming, Mat. 10. 1● when Christians may need the wisdom of the Serpent, as well as the innocence of the Dove: a Christian in his journey is often puzzled with various paths, and intricate Maeanders, O how much worth is a spirit of understanding, whereby we may choose the good, and refuse the bad, and keep the straight road to Heaven? hence the Apostle prays for his Philippians, that their love might abound more and more in knowledge, and in all judgement, that they might approve things that are excellent, Phil. 1.9, 10. The means to keep us from failing about [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] things indifferent, is to have a solid apprehension concerning these [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] things that are excellent, or differenced from others as the word imports, i.e. those things that tend to sincerity and innocence of life, therefore he adds, that ye may be sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ, that's the best policy that helps on piety, a spirit of discerning is useful to exact walking, an enlightened conscience helps the soul to be without offence: Eph. 5.15. Eccl. 2.14. no man can walk circumspectly, but he that hath his eyes in his head; he that walks in darkness with a blind eye knows not whether he goeth; the eye of the mind is the light and guide of the will and affections, and if that be blind, those blind faculties fall into the ditch of error, terror, apostasy and misery: the Christians eyes must be full of light, we cannot have too much knowledge if it be sanctified, in one act of Religion, a Christian is to look many ways, inwards at his principle, upwards, to the pleasing of God, forwards at the reward, and his end, downwards at the profit of men, etc. There are many eyes upon us, and our eyes must be upon many, some long to see our welldoing, others watch for our halting, we had need get wisdom to carry usefullie towards the good, and wisely towards those that are without: there's great necessity of true solid knowledge, to discern our own duty and exercise charity, to mind our own business, and yet to do good offices to Saints, and sinners, and to keep within our place and station: we shall find some difficulty so to carry ourselves as not to give offence carelessly, or to take offence causelessly: we should learn to see with our own eyes, and not be led by multitudes, or wise, or learned; or godly: Rom. 16.19. O what a blessed thing is it to be wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil? with how much more ease may a Christian go through his Christian course with, than without, Eccl. 10.10. Chap. 7.19. Chap. 2.13. a solid knowledge? for wisdom is profitable to direct: yea it strengtheneth the wise more than weapons of war: therefore it excelleth folly as far as light excelleth darkness: practical wisdom is infinitely beyond speculative, hence saith Solomon, the wisdom of the prudent, is to understand his way, Prov. 14.8. this treasure of directing graces is practical, it helps the tongue to answer discreetly, the feet to walk exactly, the hands to work completely, to spend no time or pains in byways, or by-blows: and it also concerns a man's self it doth not range abroad, and forget home, the greatest Politician is a very fool that cannot order his own affairs with discretion, he that is not wise for himself is not wise at all, God will accept, and men will praise that man that doth well to himself: Paul prays for the Saints at Coloss, that they might be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, Quicunque ad h●nc scopum non dirigunt studia sua, fieri potest ut multum su●n● a● laborent, sed nihil quam vagantur per ambages nullo profectu. Calv. in loc. Col. 1.10. Col. 1.9. For what end? why not to talk, but to walk worthy of the Lord, vers. 10. That's the only knowledge that ends in holy practice: soul-profiting is the end of spiritual understanding: they that aim not at this end, and by their studies are not furthered in this work, may have the repute of learned men, but shall never pass for judicious Christians. O sirs, take much pains to lay up these graces that may direct you; certainly there is a vast difference betwixt a Christian of a solid judgement, and another of a weak head, though both sincere, the one knows duty, and lawful liberty, the others conscience is woefully perplexed with nice and needless scruples, which tender him a burden to himself, and offence to others, and expose him to a World of temptations: An unsettled soul, that yet is well-meaning but ignorant, is a Theatre upon which Satan and seducers do act dreadful Tragedies: 2 Pet. 3.16 Jam. 1.8. Eph. 4.14. it is unstable souls that wrist and pervert the Scriptures, that are only constant in inconstancy, and are tossed to and from with every wind of Doctrine: Alas, these receive a new impression by every Sermon or Company, and as quickly part with, as they speedily close with a new notion, so that you cannot tell where to find them: But now a sober solid, well-taught Christian hath fixed the Staff, and you may know where to find him, and he knows where to find his own Principles, he moves always upon the solid Axletree of Scripture-truths and Duties, and by the help of this Sun can ordinarily find his way in the dark mists of Error, and by the hand of the Spirit he is led through the dark entry and narrow passage of Duty to rest and satisfaction: hence it is said, that a spiritual man judgeth all things. 1 Cor. 2.15. i.e. that are doubtful, and is by this stock of directing graces assisted to behave himself wisely in a perfect way: Psalm 101.2. 2. Treasure up subjecting graces, that may help you to bear Gods will, and freely to submit to his dispose: Such as patience, humility, self-denial, weanedness from the world, heavenly-mindedness, and that Rare Jewel of Christian contentment in all conditions: O what a happy soul is that to which nothing can come amiss, that is furnished for every storm? Paul was a brave Scholar in this suffering School, Phil. 4.11, 12. he had learned in all estates to be content: It's an hard task, and long Trade, but what cannot grace undertake and overcome, through the help of assisting grace? The truth is, a treasured Christian may say with David, Psal. 26. 1●. My foot standeth in an even place, and so is stayed for all assays, as 'tis in Meeter: come what can come, the gracious soul will light upon his feet, and stand upright, and not wrench his foot by turning aside into crooked ways: as a good man lies square to every command of God, so he doth righteousness at all times: Wicked men's design is to push away the feet of the godly from their standing in holy paths and outward comforts, Job 30.12. therefore must they make straight paths for their feet, jest that which is lame be turned out of the way, Heb. 12.13. i e. Get a principle of health and rectitude in opposition to that wayward and wand'ring disposition of heart that is naturally in all men, that you may not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, but hasten with a right foot in a strait course to the goal of Glory: Grace strengthens the souls joints and helps against halting, Courage and holy resolution is a shooing of the Saints feet that they may walk steadily in slippery places: the whole Armour of God, even the precious stock of Christian graces will fortify the believing soul against the sharpest Encounters: Above all preparative for sufferings, there's none doth so bow the spirit to bear burdens, subject the heart to the Lords pleasure, help the soul to wait his leisure, and secure from danger, so much as that Heart-quieting grace of Faith: Psal. 125.1. Pro. 18.10. this is the way to strength and safety, a believing soul is fit for any condition, and will live by his Faith when all things fail, Invictus ad labores, fortis ad pericula, rigidus adversus vol●ptates, d●r● adversus illec●bras: Ambr. nothing can daunt him, all things are easy: He is, saith an Ancient, invincible in labours, strong for dangers, rigid against pleasures, hardened against the alluring baits of the world: O the excellency and necessity of Faith, courage, and a Christian magnanimity, a believing soul moves in an higher Orb than other Saints, as one saith, and leads up the van of the Militia of Heaven: Faith sets the soul as an impregnable Rock in the midst of the Sea, and splits the waves of men's malicious threats and hot revenge, so that it can say, as David, in God have I put my trust, I will not fear what flesh, what man can do unto me, Psalm 56.4, 11. Amongst other subjecting graces be sure you lay up a good treasure of that incomparable grace of meekness, which captivates the understanding to the obedience of Faith, and moderates the will to a due submission to the Lords dispose, and silenceth the lips against all murmuring expostulations: this precious grace takes all well that God doth, See Meekness largely discussed in Dr. Hamonds Pract. Catec. p. 107. to 118. this precious grace take all well that God doth, and doth not rage against the Instruments, it yieldeth active or passive obedience to Superiors with cheerfulness, though it dares not yield up its judgement to the guidance of any mortal man, or Church on earth, yet it meekly lies under the censures and punishments of men, committing all to him that judgeth righteously, as Christ did, 1 Pet. 2.23. These and such like suffering graces, and dispositions must Christians store up, that they may suffer according to the will of God, both for cause and call, and carriage in the sharpest conflicts they may meet with upon earth: The truth is, Sirs, You little know what lies betwixt you and the grave, you have not yet resisted unto blood, but you may: you little know what Religion may cost you, you may go through a long Vale of the shadow of death, to death, and fight with beasts at Ephesus, Luke 14.26. to 34. and than mount up in a fiery Chariot to Heaven: Sat down than and reckon the charges in building the Tower of Religion, and whether you have armour of proof to carry you through an Army of dangers and difficulties: Luke 14.26. to 34. Stock yourselves for a storm, frame your backs for a burden, melt your wills into God's Will, as you desire to hold out against fainting and despair, and as you desire to heat that blessed Eugè, and sweet Encomium, from Jesus Christ, in Revel. 2. 3-7— And hast born, and hast patience, and for my Names-sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted— to him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. 3. Endeavour to treasure up profiting graces, I mean such as will help you both in doing and receiving good: For the first, lay up such graces as will tender you serviceable in your places, Rom. 14.19.— Let us follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another, such as brotherly-love, or kindness, charity, meekness, forbearance, gentleness, condescension, mutual Sympathy, compassion to souls, and zeal for God's glory, a public Spirit, and an heart to lament the sins and sufferings of the Church; 'tis a blessed thing to be of public use, it adds lustre to what is truly good to be diffusive, and communicative. Some Christians have those useful gifts and graces, that others (though truly good) may want: the more good you have, the more good you may do; the Administration of the Spirit is given to eve-man to profit withal, 1 Cor. 12.7. God lays in, that we may lay out, and we are to lay up great treasures on purpose that we may do the more good: that's an excellent expression of Luther's, Omnia libera per fidem, omnia serva per charitatem, Luth. that all things are made free by Faith, and all things are made serviceable by charity or love; It is the property and pleasure of a good soul to be doing good: Living Springs sand forth streams of water, dead Pits must have all that they afford drawn out with Buckets; the fuller a gracious soul is, the more freely will he communicate: there is as much comfort in doing, as in receiving good: you must be fitted for both, therefore pray for, and put on (as the Elect of God) bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, Col. 3.12, 13. that you may be disposed to glorify God, edify others, and serve your generations according to the will of God, and at last give a good account of your Talents and Stewardship: Blessed is the man that hath his Quiver full of these blessed shafts, Boxes full of Cordial Receipts, whereby he may both wound sinners by admonition, and heal them by the sweet words of consolation. And than 2. You had need treasure up profiting graces, i e. such as will help you to get good to your own souls by all Gods deal with you: Mix the Word and Rod with Faith, receive all with meekness, bring forth fruit with patience: All that God doth is for our profit, even tokens of his anger is for our advantage, Corrections are for our instruction, Heb. 12. 6-10. partaking of his holiness is the peaceable fruit of righteousness that God aims at in all our troubles: All things would work together for our good, if we had a receptive principle, to him that hath a treasure shall more be given, according to the proportion of grace received and improved: Ordinances would do us more good if we had grace to get good by them; an heart sanctified and stored with improving graces, is like Tinder, which soon takes fire, and is apt to keep it, till it be forced out: Naturalists observe, that Transmutation is easy in Symbolical Elements, such as agreed in some prime qualities: Water is more easily turned into Air than into Fire: even so, an holy and spiritual heart will be easily wrought on by holy and spiritual Ordinances: for here is an agreement in qualities, gracious qualities make the soul both receptive and retentive of heavenly impressions: grow in grace every day, and than you'll get good by all that God doth: There are several graces that dispose the soul to spiritual proficiency, as sensibleness, brokenness, and tenderness of heart, fit to receive divine impressions, which ploughs up, Jer. 4.3. and prepares the ground for the seed: and than apprehensivenesse of spiritual wants, burdened with sin, breathing after God and grace with longing hungering desires, which capacitates the soul for both sanctifying and satisfying incomes: strength of Grace is usually seconded with sweet discoveries, 1 John 2.14. I writ unto you young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you: Strong and stored Christians have many precious Epistles from Heaven; That's the third. 4. Treasure up persevering, perfecting and crowning Graces, furnish your hearts with such Graces as may help you through this world, and through death, and land you safe on the shore of Eternity, such as these, sincerity, humility, faith, hope, love, the fear of God, delight in him, resignation to him, resolution for him, contempt of the world, desire of Heaven; if you have these Graces you shall never fail or fall: unsound Professors may and will fall away, but such as are thus rooted shall grow up as high as Heaven, Hypocrites may ascend many steps towards Heaven, but he that hath sincerity at the bottom and perseverance at the top of this Ladder shall not miss of Glory: O see to the uprightness of your hearts, and truth of your Graces, be not mistaken about your state, build high by laying the foundation low, if the root of the matter be in you, it shall not be eradicated; saving grace will end in eternal Glory: the girdle of Truth, the breastplate of Righteousness, Eph. 6.14, 15.16, 17, 18. the shoes of Heroic Resolution, the shield of Faith, the Helmet of Hope, the Sword of Scripture-truths, and constant fervent prayer, will help the conflicting soul to a glorious Conquest, and God will set an inaccessible Crown upon the conquering Head of a persevering Saint: if you lay up persevering Graces, you shall hold on and hold out, if your love abound in knowledge and in all judgement, your souls shall be without offence till the day of Christ, Phil. 1.9, 10. What would you give Sirs, to come safely to Heaven? Why! Do but lay up a good foundation for yourselves against the time to come, and thereby you do (as it were) lay hold upon eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6.19: Press foward, and be aiming at perfection, take heed of (so much as) seeming to fall short: heap up such Graces, so many, and such degrees and measures of them, that an abundant entrance may be made for you into the Kingdom of Christ, 2 Pet. 1.11. the great direction there prescribed is an addition of one degree of Grace to another, or rather of one sort of graces to another, and the word in Greek that's translated add ye [vers. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proprie significat chorum ducere, ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, duco. Beza. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Allude to Psalm 45.14, 15. 5.] is an elegant allusion to Virgin's dance, who link themselves hand in hand, and observe a decent order in their recreating exercises: and 'tis observable that the same word is used in ver. 11. to express the adding or ministering to such a soul the entrance into Glory: to note to us, the nearness and propinquity betwixt the highest degrees of Grace and the state of Glory, the link and chain of divine Graces, reacheth from the first uniting Grace of Faith, to the God-injoying grace of perfect love, these Virgin-graces going hand in hand in a believing soul, lead it higher and higher, till they bring it into the Prince's presence, and Bridegroom's Chamber: O how merrily will you dance to heaven, with these concatenated graces! the Lord still taking by the end of this golden Chain, and drawing your souls every day nearer to glory, for the same Apostle saith, We are kept by the power of God, through faith, to salvation, 1 Pet. 1.5. So that the soul is happy, by the Lords keeping and acting the grace of faith; we shall persevere, by the assistance of God, as the efficient cause, and in the exercise and increase of all graces, especially faith, as the means: thus are Christians to treasure up all persevering graces, that they may not faint by the way, but hold out, and that their last may be more than their first, and this brave fabric of grace may be raised up as high as Heaven: only I entreat you, be sure that you lay Christ for a foundation, and dig deep in humiliation; you'll never have a perfection of degrees, except you have a perfection of parts in integrity of heart; and you'll never reach glory, unless Christ draw you with him, in his ascension by his merit, and spirit, therefore see to your interest, and than grow in grace, and if you do these things, you shall never fail. CHAP. XV. What experiences are to be treasured up. THe third sort of precious useful goods, that the Christian is to lay up, is those various experiences, he hath in all passages of his life; certainly a Christian may be a great gainer this way, this is a grand duty, a Character of solid wisdom, and a means of more: So saith the Psalmist, concerning the various acts of divine providence, in Psal. 107.43. Who so is wise, and will observe those things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord: q. d. Such as set their hearts to consider of the Lords blessed and embroidered workmanship in the World, have wise and observant spirits, and shall grow still wiser, and see more of God in his dispensations than other men: Psal. 25.14 Isai. 5.12. God opens his secret Cabinet to observant Christians, but he is much offended with those that regard not his works, and threatens to destroy them, and not to build them up: Psal. 92.5, 6, 7 Psal. 28.5. But this is too high a work for brutish so●tish souls, it is the good soul that lays up experiences, the righteous man, saith Solomon, wisely considereth the house of the wicked. Prov. 21.12. i e. He takes notice what becomes of it, how the Lord deals with wicked men, and their houses: and so in all other affairs, both public and private, Jer. 9.12, 13. Hos. 14.9. God's carriage to both good and bad, in mercy and judgement, as Scripture testifies. But I shall rather keep close to the Christians personal experiments that relate to himself, and desire every child of God to treasure up experiences of these four sorts.— VIZ. 1. Of the vanity of the World. 2. Of the treachery of his heart. 3. Of the bitterness of sin. 4. Of Heavenly discoveries. 1. Lay up experiments of the World's vanity, Solomon made such a Collection all his life long, and recollects it in his Ecclesiastes, in his declining old age: he had great opportunities, and large faculties that did capacitate him for such an experiment, he knew better than any man breathing, what the flattering World could do for her beloved minions, yet cries out at last, all is vanity, yea vexing vanity: Eccl. 2.12. and the whole book is an Induction of particulars, to prove this assertion: And what can the man do that cometh after the King? alas, sirs, if you make the like disquisition, you must needs make the same conclusion; you cannot search more into, nor make more, of the creature, than Solomon, yet he found vanity engraven upon the choicest enjoyment: and have not you also found the like in your time and observation? Well than Christian, rub of the rust and dust of old experiences, read the wiseman's last and soundest lectures on the whole Creation, and let your dear-bought experiments comment thereupon, and lay up both text and comment in your hearts for aftertimes; poor soul, consider, didst thou ever trust the World, but it deceived thee? Hath it not failed thee at such a time? and disappointed thee in such a case? O how didst thou bless thyself in such an expectation? but alas, thou didst but grasp the sand or smoke: hast thou not found richeses uncertain? 1 Tim. 6.17 friends inconstant, relations vanishing? have you not seen the World passing away, and the triple en'oyments of it, pleasure, profit, and preferment, 1 John 2.16, 17. (just like the sliding stream of a swift River) hastening towards their primitive Chaos of vanity and confusion? However men may be bewitched with the World's bravery, yet the spirit of God judgeth of it, Act. 25.23. 1 Cor. 7.31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but as a mere fantasy, or Pageant-shew, or as a Mathematical figure, which is but a notion, an Idea in the fancy or imagination: at the best 'tis but an accidental figure without substance: what solid content have you ever found in it? when you have sought to the Creature, hath it not answered, 'tis not in me to fill the soul, or do you good? or at best but like a dream of the night-vision, when the hungry and thirsty think they eat and drink, Isai. 29.7, 8. but are faint when they awake: have not your souls found this too true by sad experience? why now, lay up these things, produce them out of your store, and learn thereby to trust the World not more: O what good may these do you upon a temptation to carnal confidence! tremble to pierce and prejudice thy soul again, never lean upon this broken reed, that will run into thy hand and heart, and pierce thee with many sorrows here, and be in danger to drown thee in eternal perdition, 1 Tim. 6.9, 10. Nihil aeque adeptis et concupiscentibus gratum. Plin. The truth is, there's nothing answers our desires and hopes in this World, nothing pleaseth us so well in the fruition, as in the expectation, we find the World but a lie, and the sweetest comforts, lying vanities, and (as one saith) our leaning-staff becomes a knocking Cudgel: well than, since you have found it so, look upon it as so, and lay up that experiment. 2. Lay up experiences of the treachery of the heart, read over Mr. Dykes Treatise of the deceitfulness of the heart, and compare your own experiences with that book: But especially read and study well this multifarious book of a base heart, consider and remember those ways of guile and guilt, that have cost thy soul so dear: as thus, in such a duty my heart gave me the slip, in such a temptation my heart led away my hand or foot, and caused my flesh to sin, in such an enjoyment my perfidious heart was stolen away, in such an affliction I had discontented rise of heart, and my tumultuous quarrelsome spirit made me to speak unadvisedly with my lips, I'll never trust this deceitful heart again; who but a fool will venture his whole estate with a known Thief? what wise man will trust a known Juggler? Pro. 28.26 Solomon saith, He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: and I shall be the most errand fool that breatheth, if after so many cheating tricks, I should confided in this perfidious Traitor. Ah Christian, I appeal to thine own experience, how many a woeful instance hast thou had of the heart's deceitfulness? It is apt to deceive, and as easy to be deceived, and self-deceit, is the most dangerous: the heart, since the fall, is naturally of a vafrous, subtle, and fickle temper, and is still made worse and worse, by the deceitfulness of sin, Heb. 3.13. which is as it were woven and twisted in the frame and constitution thereof, and so those two cheats conspire to undo the poor soul: and were not God a more fast friend to the Saint, than he is to himself, there were no salvation for a sorry sinner: Quisque sibi Satan est. for every Man is a Satan to himself, and the sincere Saint will pray most (with Divine Austin) to be delivered from that evil man himself; A ma●o homine meipso libera me Domine and is more afraid of the folly that is bound up in his own heart, than of assaults from without: and indeed the reason of a souls self-confidence, is self-ignorance, or not laying up experiences of the heart's deceitfulness; ●Ut nemo in sese tentat descendere nemo. the truth is, a poor self-deceiving sinner dares not look into his heart, jest he find not things there as he fancieth, or would persuade himself, but puts all to the venture, like a desperate bankrupt; but a child of God cannot but see this treachery that others hid or sergeant, and willingly sees it, and as sadly laments it, and as watchfully avoids those deceits: observe it, though deceive by the heart be bad, yet observing and laying up such sad experiments is certainly good, and of singular use to the sincere and serious soul: the Lord help us all so to note, and be afraid of our naughty spirits, that we may trust them lesle, and God more, while we live. 3. Lay up experiences of sin's bitterness: consider what were the insinuating ways of sin and Satan to entangle you, and the sad effects of sin, what tears, and groans, and bitter bicker it cost your captivated souls, to extricate yourselves, and regulate your state: O the intricate wind of that crooked Serpent? what strange and subtle methods and devices did Satan use, to trap and overtake you with his fresh and furious assaults! how often hath he presented the bait and hid the hook, hath he not set before your credulous souls, the pleasure or profit of a base lust? hath he not extenuated sin at first to bring you to commit it, and afterwards aggravated it to drive you to despair? sin doth cheat us with golden Mountains, as one saith, but leaves us in the suds at last: Jam. 1.14, 15. See the slights of sin opened in Capel on Temp. pag. 21. to 36. the first act of delightful conception ends in painful or mortal travel under divine indignation: though sin was delightful at the first, yet it always proved bitterness in the end: ask your own hearts, what fruit had you of those things whereof you are now ashamed? the awakened conscience will answer the end of those things is death, deadly pain, or eternal death, Rom. 6.21 Job 20.12 13, 14. Deut. 32.33. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Et caput, per metonym. Venenum, quod capiti aut dentibus serpentis vel aspidis inest; venenum capitale et mortiferum repentance, or vengeance: your wild Oats sown in youth with delight, risen up in bitter Hemlock and Wormwood; though wickedness was sweet in the mouth, yet it is turned to be as the gall of Asps within: yea the cruel venom of Asps, as Moses testifies, i.e. capital, deadly, biting poison, so it proves: O the dreadful stings and pangs that sin left behind it! with what fears and tears, terrors and horrors did it fill the poor penitent soul! what broken bones and affrighting cares had the offending prodigal before he was admitted into his father's sweet embraces! how long did the humble suitor lie at the gates of mercy before he could get admission! or see the King's face, or obtain the joy of God's salvation? not that God is so hard to be entreated, or delights in a poor Creatures malady or misery, but that he may affect the heart with the evil of sin, stir up more long after grace, prize Christ and pardon, and learn to sin not more; therefore he keeps the soul long in suspense, even when his bowels yearn upon it, as Joseph's did upon his brethrens, upon the like ground, as he dealt with Miriam in healing her body of the Leprosy, if her father, saith he, had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days, Num. 12.14. Thus God would have us to know, the worth of his favour, by the want of it for a season: surely, sirs, if you would lay these sad experiments in store, it would prove a notable Antidote against the next assault: the child will dread the fire: O what sin-abhoring resolutions had the penitent soul in its deep humiliations? if you had come to David whilst he was bathing himself in briny tears, and said, what sayest thou now to murder? how dost thou like thy fleshly lusts? wilt thou buy repentance at so dear a rate? and fall again into uncleanness? would he not have answered, O not, God forbidden that I should sin again? I will be racked or torn in pieces, rather than dishonour my God, grieve his Spirit, and fill my poor soul with such tormenting troubles: Certainly, when poor David was roaring, Psal. 38.3, 8. by reason of the disquietness of his Spirit, when there was no rest in his bones because of his sin, he had other thoughts of his sin now, than when he was entering and adventuring upon the act, or engaged in it: there's no man so brutish scarce, but will abstain from that which experience tells him hath done him hurt: a wise man will forbear stale-drink when he knows infallibly it will cast him into a fit of the stone: So the Christian that hath laid up experiences how dear sin hath cost him, will thus argue, I remember what an ill condition sin brought me into, I had need sin not more jest a worse thing come unto me: Sin broke my bones, but now if I sin again I fear it will break my neck, sin filled my soul with heart-shaking fears; but I may expect it will now fill me with heart-desolating despair: it brought a● hell into my Conscience before, but now I fear it will cast my soul into hell: Lay up and make use of these sad experiments, and I may than almost say, Sin if you dare: 4. Lay up divine Discoveries, which your souls have had sweet and satisfying experiences of: if you be Christians, such you have had, I dare say, and you dare not deny: I found very many precious Saints that have kept a Diary of God's deal with their souls, Clarks Collect. page 21. as Reverend Mr. Carter, and many others: there are two sorts of Experiences that I shall commend to you to treasure up: 1. Special Providences; 2. Spiritual Influences: 1. You are to lay up Experiments of Gods gracious Providence about you; the Wise God hath so disposed of affairs concerning his People, that one part of our lives may help us in another, the Van and former part of our days may contribute to bring up the Rear and remainder of them: as thus, the soul argues, The Lord hath helped in such a straight, directed in such a doubt prevented such a fear, broken such a snare, and he is the same God still; and will help for the future: Let the Saints set up some [Eben●ezer] stone of help, as a memorial of former goodness: Let souls make use of the excellent Scripture-Logick, Hath, Doth and Will Deliver; Writ down Signal Providences, or lock them up in the safe Chest of a sanctified Memory, and produce them when you are nonplussed, and have your back to the wall: Sweet experiences of bypast deliverances are not the lest part of a Christians treasure: though I would not have you dote upon them, or imagine that God can go not further than he hath gone, which may more daunt you in new and greater troubles, yet withal, Isa. 51.9, 10. chap. 64.1, 2, 3. do not despise them, and slight them, but lay them up and pled them with the Lord as the Church often doth: One part of Psalm 74. is a sad complaint of God's anger, and the Church's affliction; the other part is an encouraging rehearsal of former Providences: Thus the assistance formerly vouchsafed proves an argument for the Saints future encouragement: 2. You must also lay up Experiences of soul-inlargement and refreshing Comforts: as thus, In such an Ordinance I met with God, and beheld his Reconciled Face: In such a Duty my graces were quickened, exercised, increased: In such a Chamber or Closet my heart was warmed, melted, satisfied: In such a Company, with such a Society was my soul enlarged, resolved, and sweetly transported beyond myself: O what a blessed day or night was that unto me, when I had the kisses of God's mouth, the smiles of his Face, and had a clear acquittance sealed to my conscience of the remission of my sins! I well remember it, and my heart danceth within me to think of the sweet days of mutual intercourse that God and I have had together! These are not always to be expected, such Sweetmeats of divine Joy are not a Christians constant common fare, a pining time may come, I'll make much of, and long store up such sweet & secret hints of Love against a time of need. God forbidden that I should loose this Token for good, this broken Ri●●, this Pledge from Heaven: this may stand me in stead in a dark & gloomy day, when the Lord shall frown upon me as an Enemy, and put me from him as though he would forsake me, than will I say unto God, as Job, Thou knowest that I am not wicked, Lord, Job 10.7. dost thou use to deal so with wicked men, or reveal thyself thus to them that know thee not? Art thou want to stir up in the careless world, such penitent bemoanings, such ardent breathe, and such vehement pant after thyself? And hast thou ever given in such familiar discoveries to unregenerate souls, as my heart hath had experience of many a time? and is this the manner of man, O Lord? Are these thy ways with unsanctified souls? Wilt thou hold communion with those that never were united to thee? Doth not such communion pre-suppose an union? either these Experiences are false and sergeant, or I am thine, for whom thou lovest once, thou lovest to the end: though I be fickle and inconstant yet thou art the same, and unchangeable in thy love; now I dare not say that all these sweet Experiences are mere fictions, dreams and shadows, not, God forbidden; I humbly hope they were genuine evidences of thy special Love, arising from and built upon the Word and Spirit, yea they carried their evidence along with them, and left such stamps upon my soul as can never be forgotten or worn of: I can appeal to thyself, O Lord, if such passages were not betwixt thyself and my heart, which no creature upon earth hath known of; and since thou canst not deny thine own Name engraven on my heart, and sealed sweetly to me, I commit the matter wholly to thee, though now thou seem to carry strangely towards me, as though thou hadst quite cast me of, yet thou art my God still, my loving Father, and only Friend, I cannot part from thee, I will not let thee go; there was once love betwixt us, and though now in wisdom and faithfulness thou seem to smother thy bowels of Mercy, and restrain the effects of thy Love, yet thou hast the same heart now as thou wast want to have, I know it by the workings I feel in mine own breast towards thee; And therefore Lord I hung upon thee, and pled (with David) Where are thy former lovingkindnesses which thou show'dst to me? Psalm 89.49. Thus, Christians, thus lay up, and thus draw forth your sweet Experiences in such a time of need, in this Night of desertion, as Thamar once did produce Judah's Staff, Gen. 38.25. Signet, and Bracelets, as her Pledge when she was brought out to be burnt. O Sirs, when God deals graciously with you, cast not these precious Love-tokens at your heels, as whorish spirits do, but lay up these testimonies of of Love, sent from your Husband Christ, among your choicest treasures, that you may produce them as occasion serves. CHAP. XVI. How a Treasure of Comforts is to be laid up in the Heart. A Fourth Treasure to be hoarded up in the breast of a Believer, is the sweet and satisfying comforts of the Spirit. 'Tis true, these are the Arbitrary and immediate effects of the sanctifying and sealing Spirit, yet ordinarily comfort is dropped from Heaven into the believing Soul in a way of Duty and holy endeavour, the nearer we approach to the Sun, and the more light and heat, now exercises of Religion are a souls approaching to the Sun of Righteousness, and for this cause 'tis good for us to draw near to God, that we may anchor and centre our souls upon him, where only we shall have Rest: This present Reward we may find in keeping Gods Commandments, Grace and Peace, Holiness and Comforts go usually hand in hand, for her ways are ways of pleasantness, and her paths are peace, Pro. 3.17. And great peace have they that love thy Law, Psalm 119.165. Every gracious act hath some degree of comfort annexed to it, Gal. 6. peace is in them, as well as on them, that walk according to Rule, and these good old ways bring us to rest in God, Jer. 6.16. and produce a blessed Sabbath of Rest in our spirits: if you keep God's Commands, Christ will sand the Comforter to you, nay, himself will come unto you, and make his abode with you John 14.15, 16-23. Be much in the performance of holy Duties, and enjoyment of God in Ordinances, and therein you may behold his beautiful Face, and hear his pleasant Voice: here you may suck and be satisfied at these breasts of Consolation, through these blessed Pipes you may derive solid Joy, and enjoy ravishing sweetness: improve Scripture-truths, act spiritual Graces, lay up reviving Experiences, and the result of all will be refreshing Comforts. But besides these, I counsel you to hoard up and make much of such thoughts as may be streams to feed and fill the well of solid, settled comforts in your hearts: Take only these four Directions: 1. Lay up all your comfort in God alone: God is the father of Mercies, 2 Cor. 1.3. and the God of all consolation; there's not a beam of Light or stream of Joy, but what proceeds from this Sun and spring of Grace and happiness: the great God that made all things with a word, can speak and make peace in the confused heart, 'tis one of his Royal incommunicable Prerogatives, Isa. 51.12. I, even I am he that comforteth you,— If God comfort, Job 34.29. who can sadden? and if God afflict, who else can comfort? The Air lights not without the Sun, the fuel heats not without the Fire, neither can any Instrument cheer up a drooping heart, where God suspends his influence; 1 Sam. 30.6. but God's Children have been encouraged and comforted in God in the absence of other comforts, Hab. 3.17, 18. as David and Habakkuk: O Christians, learn this divine Art of fetching all your comforts from God, lay up your stock of comfort in the Rock of Ages, this will be as honey out of the Rock, as water from the fountain, that comes freely, sweetly, purely and abundantly: if you lay up all your comfort in the streams, what will you do for comfort when the streams are cut of? if you hung your comfort on every hedge, it will be far to seek in a day of need: but if God be your portion, the Antidote is at hand, so that you need not fear poisoning or perplexing evils, for his very Rod and Staff shall comfort you; Old Chytraeus had this only and all-sufficient Medicine and Remedy in his troubled affairs, to support his fainting heart, the Father's heart, the faithful Word and powerful hand of Jehovah, and thus he sings, Unae est in trepidâ mihi re Medicina Jehovae, Cor Patrium, os verax, omnipotensque manus: Hence it was that holy David disclaims all the world, and saith, he hath none in Heaven, or earth besides God, Psalm 73.25, 26. and when all was gone he had still a sufficient portion in the absence or opposition of all the world; hence it is that the Saints have been like mount Zion, and remained impregnable in the midst of waves, being settled upon the Rock of Ages: O Sirs, could you accounted God your exceeding Joy, how sweetly and cheerfully would you go to his Altar upon all occasions, Psalms 43.4 And if you lay up your comfort in God, you may know where to find it when you have lost it, and none can take your joy, because they cannot take your God away from you: That's the first: 2. Lay the stress of your Comfort on free Grace in justification: here only is the spring of all your comfort, Rom. 5.1. being justified by Faith we have peace with God— Yea, peace within, in our own consciences, for we glory in tribulations, ver. 3. Gratuitous justification is the ground of all Consolation: Christ's righteousness imputed is the sweetest word in all the Scriptures, which is ten times repeated in Rom. 4. though Papists make a mock of it, let Protestants make much of it, it is the sweetest Flower in our Garden, the Jachin and Boaz of our Gospel-Temple, the Ladder whereupon souls ascend to Heaven, our only comfort is bound up in the Covenant of Freegrace, not in that of works: Stick to this, stickle for this, let all go, rather than let this go, it is the chief Article and principle of our Religion, Articulus stantis a●t cadentis Ecclesiae. upon which the Church stands, without which it falls, as Luther saith: O therefore let no mud defile this blessed stream, study free grace, ascribe all to freegrace, lay up thoughts of undeserved distinguishing grace. Remember what our blessed Redeemer hath done and endured, let the dolours of his soul be the solace of your hearts: fetch your only comfort from his bitter cross: consider, how fully Christ hast satisfied divine justice, how large and liberal the Gospel-proclamation is, how our dear Redeemer opens his arms and bosom to embrace repenting prodigals, how he bids all welcome, and never yet cast of any that came unto him: how he hath pardoned infamous sinners, and hath received gifts even for rebellious: roll these in thy mind, clap the promises warm to thy heart, let the hyssop of faith sprinkle Christ's blood upon thy conscience, for generals afford no comfort; particular application is the only means of consolation: an hungry man takes little pleasure in gazing upon a feast, while he tastes not of it, David's Table spread with dainties in the midst of his Enemies, rather vexed than pleased those envious Spectators: 'tis a blessed thing to think of pardon of sin, justifying grace, adoption, reconciliation, but what comfort can we take therein, except we can say, Gal, ●. 20. Joh. 20. Job 19.26. 2 Tim. 4.8. he loved me, and gave himself for me: my Lord, and my God, my Redeemer liveth, a crown of life is laid up for me? O this, this is the life of our lives, the support of our souls! yet if you cannot always say, that grace is yours, Christ is yours, and Heaven is yours, yet be much in the thoughts of freegrace, poor not upon your vileness and unworthiness, but ponder upon that which can answer all in one word, I will have mercy, because I will have mercy, and on whom I will have mercy: Lay up such Scriptures as these, Rom. 3.24. Isai. 53.4, 5, 6. & 43, 25. Heb. 8.12. That by the comfort of these and such like Scriptures you may have hope: they may be worth Ours of Gold, and all the World, in a day of darkness to the doubting Christian. 3. Store up your clearest evidences of sincerity: the spirit ordinarily conveyeth comfort by shining upon its own work; and by helping the soul to make practical syllogisms, as thus, whosoever doth sincerely call on the name of the Lord shall be saved, Rom. 10.13 but saith the soul, I do sincerely pray and perform other Christian duties, therefore I shall be saved; or thus, grace is with them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. 6.14. but saith the soul, I love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, therefore I have the grace or favour of God; the mayor proposition is a Scripture-assertion, the minor, or assumption is from a souls inward experience of sincerity, and the spirit of God witnessing with an upright heart and conscience, helps the soul to this demonstrative inference and conclusion, that he is a Child of God, in God's favour, and shall be saved: and thence ariseth satisfaction and consolation: the poor soul by a reflex act doth view the seeds and sproutings of a sincere faith and love, and saith, though these have not purchased my husband's love, yet are they sweet effects thereof; these divine Ornaments of saving graces do satisfyingly evidence that my soul is betrothed to Jesus Christ: if your souls be all glorious within in sanctification, 'tis a good sign your clothing is of wrought gold in justification● make sure and clear your effectual vocation, 2 Pet. 1.10 and than you clear up your eternal election: the sanctifying spirit witnesseth with the sanctified soul that it is a child of God: Rom. 8.16 and thus some understand those three that bear witness in Earth, the spirit, water and blood, 1 Joh. 5.8. to be the cleansing acts of the spirit, evidencing the souls interest in our Saviour's efficacious merits: but this I desire of you, to clear up the truth of grace, fall upon the old trade of enquiring after marks of sincerity, yet do not think the bore hearing of them, or having such notes in your Books or memory, will be sufficient means of comfort, but lay your hearts by them, in a close and convincing application, improve them by a self-posing examination, and than fetch inferences therefrom, in a rational way of argumentation, and lay up those deductions against a time of need, writ it down that thou mayst have it to show under thy hand against the quarrels of an unbelieving heart: treasure up the means and instruments of your peace and settlement, the time when, and place where your souls were satisfied, the low and hopeless state your souls were in before the Lord did visit you from on high: O lay up carefully the various circumstances about your satisfying comforts, the seasonable incomes thereof, their powerful entrance, and self-discovering, soul-recovering evidence: lay up the gradual progress, or sudden illapses of comfort into your hearts, with the strong abiding impression they left upon your spirits: finally lay up the sweet result and strengthening effects of those your consolations, that so for the future, in the multitude of your disquieting thoughts within you, these comforts may again delight your souls: Psal. 94.19. 4. Lay up tears in God's bottle, prayers in God's book, comforts in others breasts, and promises in your own; I put all under one head, for brevity sake. 1. Lay up many tears in God's bottle, Mat. 5.4. Isai. 61.2, 3 comfort is the portion of mourners, it is promised by God, purchased by Christ, applied by the spirit of comfort, & only suitable to weeping mourning souls, 2 Cor. 7.6. Psal 147.3. Isai. 57.15. it is the usual constant design of God to comfort those that are cast down, to heal the broken in heart, to revive drooping souls, and contrite hearts; Do you mourn for your sins, and God will comfort you in your mourning, the sorrows of the Saints are like the pangs of a travelling Woman, that tend to and end in comfort, John 16.21. Repentance is the ready road to contentment: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Doluit, Paenituit, 1 Sam. 15.35. the same word in Hebrew, that signifieth first to repent, doth also denote comforting or ceasing from sorrow, because true comfort belongs only to the penitent: the Jews fable, Niph. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dedoluit, dolore desiit, vel consolationem dat, invenit, Isa. 40.1. that with such as weep in the night, the stars and planets weep, and if they let the tears fall down their cheeks, God is ready with his bottle to receive them, which he pours (say they) upon the Enemy's Edicts to blot the writings that the Jews shall receive no hurt thereby: But sure I am, God is much affected with his Childrens tears, and comes (as it were) with an Handkerchief to wipe away those tears, Psal. 56. ●. or rather (as the Scripture speaks) puts their tears into his bottle, and reserves them as a precious Liquor for their future comfort: shedding penitential tears is a spiritual seedtime, Psal. 12● 5.6. and they that sow in tears shall reap in joy; even sheaves of comfort are the harvest of this precious seed-plot: this briny water shall be turned into refreshing wine: according to the depth of your sorrow, will be the height of your comfort: not a tear shall be lost that's of the right stamp: every gracious groan is set before the Lord as delectable incense, and every drop distilled from a broken heart, shall in time multiply to a flood of joy: who was more dissolved into tears than holy David? and who had a heart more full of joy, or a tongue so full of the high praises of God, as that sweet Singer of Israel? O sirs, grieve much for sin, and you shall rejoice in, and for your grief: plenty of tears prepares for, and ushers in plenty of joy: But 2. Lay up many prayers in God's book, as well as tears in his bottle, be much in approaching to the Throne of Grace: the sighs of your spirits will be echoed with the sweet gusts of God's spirit: the spirit of grace will be a spirit of peace; as prayer goeth up, comfort comes down; God makes Children joyful in the duty of prayer, as well as in the house of prayer: for this (saith the Psalmist) shall every one that is godly prey unto thee,— surely than in the Floods of great Waters they shall not come nigh unto him, Psal. 32.6. Prayer reacheth to Heaven, and fetcheth heaven into the heart: prayer seeketh, and the soul by faith in prayer seethe God's face, See Psal. 34.4, 5. which is a heart rejoicing sight: it scattereth fears, lighteneth the soul, and preventeth shame and sorrow: ask, saith Christ, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full, Joh. 6.24. Therefore, Christians, pour out your heart to God, and he will pour in comfort to you: And than, 3dly. Comfort others, as you are able, empty yourselves of experiences, by communicating them to afflicted souls, and they shall recur and retreat upon you with double advantage: there is much pleasure in opening our hearts to Christian friends: when you say, come and I will show you what he hath done for my soul, God will do more for your souls: if you help others, God will help you: you little know how it may comfort you to impart comforts to others: Mr. Knox risen of from his sick and deathbed, and would needs go to the Pulpit, that he might impart to others his sweet Meditations on Christ's Resurrection, and the solacing consolation he felt in his soul: there's no envy in spiritual things, it's the property of a Child of God to long, that others might taste of that which his soul feels comfort in: and indeed, God makes the breasts of some, to be the store-house of comfort for others, 2 Cor. 1.6. Whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation, and salvation: not only by way of sympathy and affection, but by way of intercourse and communication: Besides, the more you comfort others, the more you have to pity and comfort you, the law of gratitude will engage them, and the treasure you have laid up in them will dispose them to be helps to you in the day of your sadness. 4. Lastly, store up Scripture-cordials, Covenant-promises in your souls: Psal. 119.50. This is my comfort in affliction, thy word hath quickened me: this was David's portion, heritage, and his Song in the house of his Pilgrimage; especially improve and apply Gospel-promises, these are (fasciae Christi) the swadling-cloaths of Christ, these are like Aqua vitae to the fainting soul: the Scripture is full of them, some have observed that the Covenant of grace is mentioned directly an hundred times, but by clear and necessary consequence a thousand times in the book of God: God hath laid in all these promises for our comfort, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope: Rom. 15.4. to this very end is it, that God hath not only spoken but sworn, that we might have strong consolation, Heb. 6.18. Promises are the breasts of consolation, Promissiones sunt sacrae Anchorae, vela candida, mulctralia evangelica, coelestes uteres, spirituales Aurifodinae: See Dr. Spurst. of Promises. at which you may suck and be satisfied: promises are sacred Anchors, to fasten the soul upon the Rock of Ages, white sales for the blessed spirit to waft over souls by, to the haven of rest; they are Gospel-pailes, bowls and breasts to suckle and feed the Lords Lambs, and rich Ours to make the Christian rich in grace, and rich in comfort: therefore let Christians always have these divine Antidotes at hand, for the help and support of their fainting souls: only look to your right to, and improvement of the promises: Divines observe a twofold right to promises: 1. An hereditary right, [jus haereditarium] as we are coheirs with Christ, so an interest in, and union to Jesus Christ, gives us this right. 2. A right of aptitude, fitness, disposedness, [jus aptitudinale] and this is by having holy dispositions, Gospel-qualifications, and the required conditions of conditional promises; this is necessary as well as the other, look you after both, and than you shall have the comfort of the promises, and a sure foundation of lively hope. Thus I have endeavoured to help you to hoard up these four precious and necessary treasures of truths, graces, experiences and comforts, let none of your souls be found destitute of these, or of a large share thereof particularly, for this last: O let not the consolations of God be small in your eyes, Job ●5. 11. set an high price upon them, store them up, they are not the lest part of your treasures; these will fit you for God's service, qualify you for enduring afflictions, fortify your spirits against temptations: you that at present are dandled upon the knee of God's fatherly indulgence, satisfied with favour, and sit at the high Table eating and drinking in God's presence, feasting your souls with the dainty-meates of Assurance. Consider how soon may the Lord turn the Tables, give you bore commons and water of gall to drink, and fill your souls with bitterness, be sure, you shall not always live by this kind of spiritual sense, a time of heaviness may come, when you must cast anchor in the dark, and act a faith of adherence upon an unseen Redeemer; yea, Job 13.15 trust in that God whom your souls do also fear as one that is ready to kill, you: and you'll find it an hard thing, to hung about an angry, chiding, scourging Father; therefore lay up the comforts your souls do now partake of, give God the glory of them, and recollect them in a time of darkness, pled them before the Lord, and upon a due sense of those, though now you see him not, yet love him, and believe in him, and in due time you shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1.8. CHAP. XVII. How a Christian is to maintain and increase his Treasure. THus I have largely handled Directions for obtaining a Treasure, and particular instructions about particular Treasures to furnish the poor soul. Now 'tis also necessary to take heed of losing or diminishing this Treasure, Non minor est virtus quam quaerere parta tueri. 'tis a piece of wisdom to keep as well as get, to maintain as well as obtain a Treasure: a little negligence loseth that suddenly which had been got with much diligence: Solomon saith, there's a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together, but there's no time to cast away these precious Treasures, you must keep what you have and still be gathering more: Now to help you herein, take these ten practical Directions: 1. Let not Satan rob or circumvent you: he is that evil One that envies a Saints treasure, he steals away the seed of the Word, jest it become a treasure of divine Truths; He it is that most grudgeth our growth in Grace, the better the soul is treasured, the more assaults must he suffer from the evil one, a Pirate makes most at a rich laden Ship, a Thief breaks not into the Beggar's Cottage; the Devil lets his sworn Vassals live in peace, but raiseth an hurry in the Believers heart: This Juggler will transform himself into an Angel of light, that like a Famili● he may pick our pockets with more ease and lesle suspicion; as he foists in dangerous Errors under the notion of truth, so he allures to damnable sins under the paintings of Virtue: take heed of both, observe it, new Notions may eat out the heart-root of Religion as well as corrupt practices: Satan may rob us of our treasure by subtle insinuations of new light as well as grosser temptations to apparent works of darkness: for these drink up the marrow of those spirits that should be laid out otherways: therefore take Paul's advice, refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourselves rather to godliness, 1 Tim. 4.7. Strive, though they should be even about Scriptures and the Law, may come to be unprofitable and vain, Tit. 3.9. Great Triflers are no good treasurers, and many great Disputers have argued away much of their Religion; or at lest have filled their heads with Notions rather than their hearts with saving truths or savoury affections: Precious Saints have complained that even necessary Disputes have put their spirits out of tune: You have zeal little enough for the vitals of Religion, let none run in by-channels: the Lord help you to prise more a fundamental truth, and a degree of saving grace, than a fine Notion or victory over an Antagonist: take heed jest Satan cast into you a spark of false zeal and blow it up to an eager dispute for an opinion, to divert or excuse you from meddling with the more weighty matters of Christianity. 2 Cor. 2.11. chap. 11.2, 14. O Christians, be not ignorant of Satan's various methods to get an advantage against you, that he may rob you of your treasure: you know the old Serpent when he was young out-witted our first Parents in their best estate: now he is grown more cunning by almost six thousand year's experience, and we more foolish in this dotage of the world, we are in great danger of undoing: O let's watch and pray that we enter not into temptation, keep out of Satan's Road, hold him at staves-end, suspect his wiles, resist his power, that neither his seven heads by plotting, nor his ten horns by pushing, may deprive our souls of our precious treasure. 2. Fill not your hearts with the world: Carnal men have the world set in their hearts, and are therefore called, Eccl. 3.11. Psalm 17.14. the men of this world; that have their portion therein, and that is totally inconsistent with this heavenly Treasure: and the more you admit the world into your hearts, the more you thrust out divine things: As the shining Sun eats out the burning fire, or as the abundance of weeds sucks up the virtue of the earth that should nourish the herbs and fruit-trees, just so do Richeses choke the Word by a wicked encroachment they have upon the heart: the love of the world justles out the love of God, Religio p●perit divitias sed filia devoravit matiem: 1 John 2.15. Love and Royalty can endure no Corrivals: 'Tis true, Religion begot wealth, but the daughter devours the mother, as the Proverb hath it, worldly-mindedness is directly opposite to heavenly treasures: O let not your hearts be in the world, though your heads and hands be in it: the heart is to be reserved for God; if Richeses be placed in that Closet, Christ must be thrust into the Stable: Psal. 62.10. Acts 4.35. if Richeses increase set not your hearts thereon; in the Apostles times, the Saints cast their money and estates at the Apostles feet, thereby signifying, saith an Ancient, that they were fit to be trodden upon, than doted upon, or rather to be a step-stone to divine things, than a burden on our backs: but the truth is, these outward things are too many, rather a stumbling block to cast them down, than a footstool to lift them up: it is better be without great Estates, than to have them for a snare: tremble jest you be overcharged with the cares of the world, or be bewitched with the delights here below: Be not like that carnal Cardinal, that preferred his part in Paris to his part in Paradise: But say, as that noble Commander to a common Soldier, Thou art not Themistocles, take this trash to thee, for so he called and accounted the Persian spoils, of richest Jewels and goodliest Ornaments: So do thou scorn to load thy noble soul with such unworthy baggage, cast out those wares that will sink the ship of your souls: One staff will help in your journey, but a bundle will be burdensome carriage; a garment fit for the body is nimble and useful, but one that's too wide, or with a long train, is in danger to be troublesome to the party that wears it and others: not that I would have you to cast away the good mercies of God (though you must cast your bread on the waters) but cast the world out of your hearts; Let not your precious souls be like the Serpent's belly, joined to the dust: if you possess much of the world, let it not possess you, fear yourselves in this most: How many Demas' are hereby shipwrecked? How many Sampsons have lost their best strength by the embraces of this Dalilah? Alas, thousands have been cheated of their spiritual Richeses by its Siren Songs, and bewitching charms: And therefore let our souls stand at a distance from it, make no friendship with it, let us more suspect its fawn, than fear its frowns, a false Friend will prejudice us more than an open Foe, let no earthly treasure take of our spirits from an heavenly treasure, jest we abate of the divine stock that our precious souls are furnished with: 3. Mortify the corruption of your hearts: cast out intestine enemies, carnal affections. Sin & Grace are like two Scales, as one goeth up, the other goeth down, or like two Buckets, as the one mounts up full, so the other falls down empty: the more full the heart is of sin, the more empty it is of goodness: Sin is the thief in the Candle that dims our light and comfort, it is as dirt in the channel that stops the Current of Grace: Sin is a great Prodigal that wastes a fair Revenue; Adam by one fall lost all: Sin is the Canker and Moth that mars all our enjoyments, it is a Pul-back to high attainments, 'tis the only Make-bait betwixt God and the soul, Isa. 59 2. which hinders communion with God and communications from God: The Devil, the World, and the flesh are the souls mortal and mischievous enemies, but the flesh is nearest and worst, 1 Pet. 2.11. Mr Herl in Treat. of Polit. p. 11. therefore these fleshly lusts are said peculiarly to fight against the soul: Divines distinguish of three sorts of temptations, Ascendent, Objected, and Injected: Ascendent temptations are such as fume up from some stirred humour or lower faculty within us, that borders next upon the sense or affection. Objected, are such as reflect from some outward object, baited and suited to the Organ: Injected, are such as the Tempter immediately affects the faculty itself with, this last proceeds from Satan, the second from the World, but the first from our own hearts, which is of all others most dangerous: Joh. 14.30. Except the wicked one find something in us he can have no advantage against us; Our base hearts entertain little Thiefs within, which open the door to Satan without, that comes to spoil us of our treasure: Therefore take heed of this wily beguiling thing, touch not the forbidden fruit, admit no parley with lust, commit no sin, though never so secretly, a secret way of spending hath exhausted large Estates; Heart-sins dallied with, delighted in, will do your souls a deadly mischief: a privy stab may let out your Heartblood: an unsuspected leak may sink a well-laden Ship: And therefore let a Christian say as good Joseph, who might have committed filthiness with his Mistress secretly and safely as to man, yet cries out, How shall I do this wickedness and sin against God? O Sirs, consider how unsuitable and incongruous it is for a Vessel of Mercy to admit iniquity, it is as if a Cup of gold were filled with men's Excrements: O let not your precious souls be filled with the loathsome excrements of sin, remember your dignity and Duty, and keep yourselves from an evil matter: Eph. 5.11. Col. 3.5. 1 Thes. 4.4. 2 Cor. 7.1. have not any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, mortify earthly members, possess your Vessel in sanctification and honour, purge out filthiness of flesh and spirit, and thereby you will not only maintain, but increase your souls treasure. 4. Observe the Spirits Pulses and impulses: yield to the genuine motions of God's blessed Spirit, Eph. 4.30. grieve it not, jest it grieve or leave you, it's a delicate thing, and will deal with you as you deal with it; Christ Jesus hath left the Holy Ghost to supply his place, and now the Spirit is Gods great Factor in the World, if it knock at your doors it hath a good bargain for you; O slight not such a Chapman jest you dally away your market: the Spirit never puts you upon Duty, but it calls you to some profit, now its good making Hay when the Sun shines, and sailing when you have wind and tide to help you: take this advantage jest if you miss it, you be left to your own strength, and than what can you do? Rom. 8.26. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. the Spirit is that gentle Nurse, and strengthening Hand that helps the infirmities of the dead or daunted child of God in Prayer, O refuse not its assistance: the Spirit is that holy Fire, 1 Thes. 5.19. that sets the soul in a flame for God, O do not quench it: This Holy Spirit is a Queen that comes attended with a goodly train of graces and comforts, Gal. 5.22. Eph. 5.18. called the fruits of the spirit; and therefore labour you to be filled with the spirit, and than you have this blessed treasure: 'tis true you cannot expect it as Christ had it, Joh. 3.34. beyond measure, yet your larger measure will be a treasure, and help you to maintain and increase that heavenly treasure in the heart: the incomes of the spirit promote renewed acts of grace: as the Sea ebbs and flows according to the influence of the heavenly bodies, so doth grace in the heart move, according to the operations of the spirit: the more you yield up yourselves to the guidance of the spirit, the more you shall feel the assistance of the spirit: this will be a preservative from sin, See Gal. 5.5. ver. 16, 18. a preparative to duty, an evidence of your state, and an entrance into glory: yea, than the peace of God aswel as the God of peace, shall keep your hearts & minds through Christ jesus, Phil. 4.7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shall keep as with a guard in a Garrison, i e. shall stand centinel for you to prevent the furious assaults of your spiritual enemies, and be a safe convoy to the ship of your souls against Rocks and Sands, Storms and Pirates, till you come to the haven of Heaven: therefore O ye Christians, make much of the spirit, maintain familiarity with it, and it shall maintain your treasure, keep up intercourse with it, and it shall keep its interest in you, allies and confederates have the same friends and foes, and if you have the Holy Ghost to take your part, you shall be kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, if received faith cannot keep you, yet supporting power is able, never did any fall out of the hands of God; therefore I beseech you give up yourselves to the Spirits guidance, and governance, and it shall be your guard and defence: that God that preserves his people's bones, will preserve their souls, and he that keepeth the feet of his Saints, will also keep the fruits of his love, in the souls of his servants: and if you thus do, he that is able to keep you from falling, will present you faultless before 〈◊〉 presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Judas 24. 5. Carefully watch your hearts; though God hath undertaken to guard you, yet you are bound to watch your own hearts: that's the command, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prov. 4.23. Keep thy heart with all diligence, in the Hebrew 'tis very full and emphatical, in or above all keep, take care of thy heart: thou mayst and must look to other things, but above all, let thy eye be most intent upon, and study be most about the frame of thy heart, But why so? What great need of industry about the heart? why he tells us, out of it are the issues of life, i e. all our treasure is there, our greatest stock and store, if that be neglected, our wealth is exposed to apparent hazard; therefore keep thy heart with all diligence, lock up thy treasure, and set a guard upon it, admit no strangers into this Closet, let not other things make an inroad upon thee, or at lest a thoroughfare of thee: there's no keeping a treasure in a common room, a Man that fears his Purse in a strange place, hath always an eye upon it, dare not let it go out of his sight, in a time of great robbing a stranger suspects every one, and goeth not forth unarmed: O Sirs, consider you are strangers in this Earth, many Thiefs are abroad, they aim at you, they have plundered many of their treasures, 〈…〉 and cast down many strong men wounded, therefore look about you, keep strict watch, be not found asleep on the Centinel, as the ten Virgins, or Christ's own Disciples, but gird up your loins, watch and be sober, and if drowsiness at any time seize on you, rub your eyes, shake of sloth, and awake out of sleep, and when any motions knock at your door; boldly ask who is there? whence comest thou? art thou a Messenger sent from God, or from Satan? art thou for me, or against me? what's thy end or errand? make your thoughts stand still, and go not further till they have under-gone an impartial trial, whether they have a pass and commission under the great seal of Heaven, and be warranted by the Word, and tend unto the glory of God, and the souls eternal good: and though vain thoughts may step into thy heart, yet suffer them not to lodge there, for thy heart is not thine own, thou dost but keep it for thy Lord and Master, there he hath laid up a treasure, and if any thing be wanting through thy default, thou canst not give a good account, but be exposed unto shame, and grief, and loss: principally and particularly watch thy heart when thou art before God in duty, take heed of distractions, diversions, and excursions of spirit from God Quando animus dividitur ad multa fit minor ad fingula. these will waste and weaken thy treasure, by running out in a wrong Channel, and spilling or spoiling the souls activity, for the narrow shallow spirit cannot mind many things at once; Besides, wandering thoughts are as a dead fly to 'cause this box of precious ointment to stink, Ec●. 10.1. and putrify; these vain cogitations obstruct the operations of grace, and insensibly steal away the affections from God; even dust may hinder the Clock from going, as well as dirt; raise up your affections Heaven-wards, centre and settle your hearts upon God, say to distractions, as Nehemiah to his Enemies, I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down, or as 'tis storied of John Baptist, who being asked of his companions to play with them, when he was a Child, yet answered. I am not born for sport; thus do you say to your trifling hearts, it is not fit that I should leave the work of God, to attend upon toys; I must mind my business, or I shall go behind in my spiritual trade; that Man is in danger to be on the losing hand, that stands gazing at others, or runs playing at football on the Market-day, when others are busy making bargains, and getting money; O Christians you either gain something, or loose in every performance, if the heart be not fixed on God, you are on the losing hand: every thing is beautiful in its season, do what you do with all your might, pray when you pray, work when you work, but let not these things interfere; set not up any Idols in your hearts, drive away that which may interpose betwixt God and thy soul, as Abraham drove away the Fowls that sat upon the Carcassses: Lightfoots Miscell. page 26. the Jewish Rabbins say, that if a Serpent by't a Man by the heel, while he is at his Devotions, he must not stop, nor stoop to shake her of: and Heathens have recorded instances of some that have rather suffered their Arms or Legs to be burnt, with a Coal from the Altar, than move whilst sacrificing: and do not Christians blush upon consideration of their slight occasions of diversion from God in duty: O learn from hence to be more instant and intent in worshipping God, whereby your treasure will be maintained and promoted: That's the fifth. 6. Be most jealous after the sweetest enlargements: there's greatest danger after you have been with God, and loaded your souls with choicest treasures of refreshing incomes: I have observed almost a score of Scripture-instances of Saints saddest falls, suddenly after Gods doing some signal thing for them, or their doing some notable thing for God: and I appeal to experienced souls, if they have not sustained saddest shake and losses, after the sweetest gains: dear Years usually come after great plenty, a great spending follows a time of gaining, a long journey after a good bait, and a sharp Winter after a pleasant Summer; God in wisdom usually lets Satan lose, upon such as he hath armed to the combat: Paul must have Satan's Messenger to buffet him after abundant revelations; Peter acts Satan's part in dissuading Christ from suffering, after he had acted an Angel's part in acknowledging him for the Messiah: the French often got that again by craft, that the English had obtained by Prowess: and we know in all Wars, supine negligence hath undone many an Army, after famous victories: this Pugna Os●ulana (as Historians call it) is when the conquered gathered strength, and so returned upon the Conquerors, when they were dividing the spoils: just thus doth Satan with God's Children, when the soul hath been with God, and got its Vessel well fraught with spiritual richeses, than it's in greatest danger of Pirates: than Satan doth bestir himself most, his malice and policy takes that as the fittest season to foil and spoil the wel-laden soul: and than the soul is most apt to grow secure and carnally confident, and so gives Satan greatest advantage; as a man that hath run fast, or worked hard, sits down and cools suddenly, after much sweeting doth thereby endanger his health, and life too, by a dangerous surfeit: so when the heart hath been sweetly warmed with the love of God, and is powerfully chaffed in an holy duty, it's than most in danger of a spiritual Ague, a I'll fit of deadness; for such an one blesseth himself, and thinks now he may sit still, and take his ease, and than comes a fall: this is the believers round, this is his wheeling condition in the World: Peter confesseth Christ graciously, than magnifies himself too confidently, than denies his Master shamefully, and at last goeth out, and weeps bitterly, and so was kindly received by his loving Master: this, this is the Christians round, ebbing and flowing state, uphil and down-hil condition in this howling Wilderness: But how sad is it, that a Christian should so soon forget his inlargements? and so soon return into folly, after his heart is broken, Psal. and peace is spoken to him? O why should the soul so quickly turn out of the way, Exod. 32. ● wherein so lately it had such encouragements? why should we give Satan such occasion to bid defiance to the God of Heaven, that his Servants will not be hired to continued with him, for all his present rewards, and promises of future happiness? Ah sirs, is there not much reward in keeping Gods Commandments? is there not more pleasure in holiness, than any sin? why should you think to eke out your spiritual delights with sensual pleasures? think seriously of it, be afraid to slain your milk-white souls, that are newly washed in the blood of the Lamb, by wallowing in the mud of sin: be ashamed to dishonour God, torment yourselves, gratify your grand Enemy, and loose that in an instant, that was so hardly obtained: Be not high minded, but fear, be jealous over yourselves with godly jealousy, rejoice with trembling, cast not of fear, nor restrain prayer before God, keep conscience tender, eyes open and hearts resolved for God: pray over David's prayer for the continued settlement of those affectionate impressions upon your own hearts, in 1 Chron. 29.18. For alas, the best Man on Earth, is no more than the Lord makes him hourly, we are like a staff, that must fall, if the hand be removed, or a stone that descends, if not carried or cast upwards, Nos nihil sumus, Christus solus est omnia, qui si avertat faciem suam nos perimus & Satanas triumphant, etiamsi aut Petri aut Pauli simus: sicut deo sacrificium est spiritus contribulatus, ita haud dubiè Diaboli sacrificium spiritus praefractus & securus: Luth. Tom. 1. Lat. fol. 522. if we were as good as Paul or Peter, we should fall foully, without supporting grace: therefore be jealous of yourselves, after inlargements, and take heed, jest by security, you become a sacrifice to the Devil; as Luther speaks. CHAP. XVIII. Four more Directions for maintaining an Heart-Treasure. 7. ANother Help for continuing and increasing this good treasure of the Heart, is, Be frequent and exact in the search of your hearts: be much in reviewing the frame of your Spirits, common with your heart, ask it what it getteth or loseth every day; wise Tradesmen often cast up account, and provident Housekeepers look into their provision to see how it holds out, and wherein there is most danger of want: O Christians be serious in this self-sifting work, and keep a distinct account how things are with you, whether you get or loose ground: take the advice of a Royal learned Writer to his Princely Son, thus: K. James, Basil. Doron, pag. 16, 17. Censure yourself as sharply as if you were your own enemy,— a little further, therefore I would not have you to pray to be delivered from sudden death, but that God would give you grace so to live, as that you may every hour of your life be ready for death: thus he. Sirs, study your hearts, try your ways, deal faithfully with your poor souls, for you must undergo a critical search at the great day, yea now in this world, Zeph. i 12. God is about to search you as with Candles, and rouse up secure sinners from of their leeses: a trying time may come, search yourselves first, you may by searching come to discern your state, and what degrees of grace you have, your spirits may know the things of man, that concern yourselves, 1 Cor. 2.10. Pro. 20.27. and descend into the inward parts of the belly, therefore make use of this reflective faculty of conscience, try your hearts, measure yourselves at this time with what you were formerly, and thereby you will understand how things are, and this will be a singular help against losing ground, prevent Apostasy, prepare you for, and engage you in a work of thankfulness or repenting suitable to what you find in your hearts: only be clear and distinct about your state, that you may deplore or congratulate your condition as you find cause: thereby God will have great glory, your souls much comfort, and if you find things amiss, that self-tryal will be a step to Reparation: O Friends, take some time to pose and search your own hearts, Dr. Hall Sol. 13. called Bosom discourse. For this Subject of self-exam. See Baxt. Saints rest. 3 part. in the multitude of businesses abroad be not strangers at home, you will find work enough there, I shall conclude all with the words of a contemplative Divine. The varieties of an ever-changing condition whiles in this vale of misery cannot want the perpetual employment of a busy soul, therefore, saith he, O God let me be dumb to all the world, so as I may ever have a tongue for thee and mine own heart: Take yet a Verse from divine Herbert; Sum up at night what thou hast done by day And in the morning, what thou hast to do, Dress and undress thy soul, mark the decay And growth of it; if with thy watch, that too Be down, than wind up both, since we shall be Most surely judged, make thy Accounts agreed: Thus for the seventh Direction: 8. Timely make up spiritual decays: This seconds the former, if you find yourselves declining, do not rest satisfied, let not an ill matter go on, decays and delays therein are dangerous, the further you proceed the worse will things be: a little rent in a Garment, if neglected grows vast and incurable: a breach of water upon banks is quickly repaired at first, but afterwards in protract of time is widened to unavoidable inundations: Suits in Law are easily taken up in the beginning, and fall out amongst Friends may be soon composed at first, but when contentions beget animosities, and than a grudge, the agreement is more unfeasable, and the offended party more unreconcilable: If you miss your way upon the Road, how suddenly may you at the first step back, and rectify your error? but the further you go in a wrong way the more is your danger, and labour in returning: Many diseases might have been cured had they been looked to in time, Prin●ipi● obsta, fero medicina paratur● cum mala per long as invaluere moras. that have proved mortal in the issue: and therefore the Rule is [obsta principiis] hinder the first beginnings of a disease: We know its easier to keep of an Enemy, than turn him out when once he is entered: the juice of a Lemon is soon wiped of a Knife when first sprinkled on it, without impression left, but its abiding thereon corrodes into the metal, and leaves an indelible character: Even so, guilt is sooner removed immediately after it is contracted, than when it's long delayed, deferring doubles the guilt and makes the wound deeper: Davids long absence from God procures to his back a heavier burden and broken bones, but Peter got the breach made up quickly by a speedy Repentance: therefore David learned by sad experience to make more haste to God, and not to delay his Repentance and course of obedience, Psalm 119.59, 60. Psal. 132.2, 3, 4, 5. O Christians, fall presently about this work, Vow this day unto the mighty God of Jacob, and you'll not find a room for yourselves in your Houses or Beds, till you have found a place for the Lord in your hearts, make not up the day till you have made your peace with God: give not sleep to your eyes till you can through grace say, your souls rest in the Lord and, God rests in his love to you; and if you die in that sleep, you shall sleep in Christ: Go to God poor sinning, pining soul, tell him, Lord, I feel, my heart growing out of order, thou dost not grant to me thy wont presence, sin is encroaching upon me, temptations prevailing; grace-weakening, my spirit cooling, all things go to wrack within me, but I am not satisfied in this declining state, I cannot live at a distance from thee, I dare not neglect the means of my Recovery, O revive thy work, restore thy quickening Spirit, repair and redintegrate in my precious soul thy glorious Image, which consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; renew in my heart former affections, and return unto my soul thy wont favour: And thus, Sirs, do you betake yourselves first to your hearts, and than to God, and use your utmost endeavours to recruit with speed your treasure of truths, graces, comforts and experiences, and as a Candle newly extinguished will quickly catch fire, so the smoking flax of your languishing graces shall quickly be restored, and revived, and your fainting spirits if taken timely shall suddenly be recovered: Say than with sweet Herbert in his Poems,— Sin is still hammering my heart, unto a hardness voided of love, Let suppling grace to cross his art drop from above. 9 Be much in layings out: mental and spiritual treasures have this strange property, that the more you lay out the more you increase therein: here that Text takes place, Luke 6.38. Give, and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men [or God] give it into your bosom— We see in other things use makes prompt and perfect: 'tis Use chief that makes the right hand stronger than the left: a Key much used is bright, dis-use makes it rusty: a Pump much used brings forth water easily and abundantly: Instruments of Iron and Steel are brighter with use; Thus it is in human learning, gifts and graces, expense enricheth the Possessor, and Solomon saith, the liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself, Prov. 11.25. a liberal soul is a soul of blessing, as the Hebr. hath it, because it is a blessing to others, and the more blessed by God, for to him that useth well shall be given more, as that is usually interpreted, Matthew 25.29. (though that must be referred to Talents of the same kind, for improving common grace doth not necessarily procure special grace); God doth not infuse these Habits to lie dead in you, but you must stir up the gift of God, employ your stock, lay out your money to Exchangers: be not either non-resident or non-Agents, Christianity requires activity; the truth is, all excellencies in the World are worthless if they be useless, there's much good ground in the World that's neither cultured nor owned, a world of precious Metals in the bowels of the Earth which shall never be coined, 'tis the constant use of money whereby it answers all things: Soliloq. 20. Stock-employed-pa. 72.73. Improvement, saith a Reverend man, gives a true value to all blessings, A penny in the Purse is worth many Talents in an unknown Mine, that is our good that doth us good, and that whereby we do good, and the more we do good, the more we are good: therefore Sirs, be active for God, read, pray, meditate, confer, and do all with your might, as men that are bound strait for Heaven, and will do all the good you can upon earth, and draw with you as many as you can to glory; O how this will enrich you, and increase your store? but this I have enlarged upon before: only observe, that 'tis the property of true grace to be communicative, and a blessing annexed to its exercise to be aggragative: a Christian gets most by laying out, God helps those that are ready to help the souls of others. 10. Be thankful for treasures received, give God praise and God will give you more grace: as our duty ascends, mercy descends; man's blessing God, brings down more blessings from God: Adore Freegrace, and you shall have more fruits of Freegrace: you are bound to bless God for worldly comforts and earthly treasures, much more for heavenly Richeses: Should we bless him for filling our Houses with goods, and B●llies with food? and shall we not bless him for filling our heads with truths● and our hearts with grace? must we bless him for a Crust, and shall we not much more for a Christ? Will we thank God for earth, and shall we not for Heaven? I fear Christians are much defective in this Angelical and Evangelical duty of praise: they are much in complaining of their defects and imperfections, and that's good in it its due place, and season, and measure, so as to humble them and promote endeavours: But withal you aught to be thankful for what you are or have; Self-denial and gratitude are very consistent, and contribute mutually to each other: You may and aught to bewail your barrenness, though you must also thank God for the degrees of fruitfulness: for what you have attained is the fruit of special grace; from God alone is your fruit found: he alone hath tilled, and sown, and given the increase, let him have all the crop and harvest: to him is this debt of thanks owing, pay for the old, and fetch new: admire his Freegrace that you have any divine incomes, though you have not what you desire, yet you have more than you deserve, and so much as deserves your thankfulness: that's a churlish creature that drowns past kindnesses in a Sea of desires after more: I do appeal to thine own conscience, hast thou not something in thy soul worth thanks? hast thou not seen thy sin and misery? laid them more to heart than outward troubles? dost thou not prize Christ above the world? long after communion with him? You cannot deny but you have received sweet impressions of divine truths, and various experiences, and as for graces and comforts, deal but faithfully with your own hearts, and see what they will say to you: begin to enumerate your mercies, and you'll see further occasion of gratitude; especially recount your spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Jesus Christ: Thus doth holy David, Psal. 103.1 2, 3. He stirs up all within him to praise God, and reckoneth up spiritual mercies first, and canst not thou say, he hath satisfied thy heart, & replenished thy soul with good things? Lay thy hand upon thy heart, and ask it whether thou hast not abundant cause of thankfulness? and give God praise according to thy convictions: This is one great end God hath in bestowing mercy, and returning an answer of Prayer, that the soul may praise him, which is the tribute of glory that's due from the creature to our Creator: See Psalm 50.14, 15, 23. Mr. Greenham observes, Joel 2.26. inter opera, fol. 8.13. That in our Liturgies, among an hundred prayers scarce one is found, and yet in civil matters, either by a natural Logic or cunning Rhetoric, we have learned to begin a new suit, with a thankful commemoration of receiving the old: Thus he▪ But I beseech you show not yourselves ingrateful, praise God for what you have received, yea bless him for your certain grounds of hope perform your duty, and trust God for the performance of his promise ● Bless God that he hath laid up so large a treasure in Christ for indigent souls● Bless him that he hath laid out so much thereof upon the many thousands that are now filled brimful of grace and glory, and bless him for the sweet overflowings of distinguishing grace to your languishing souls. Sirs, you are much questioning the truth of Grace, but exercising yourselves in this duty of thankfulness will evidence sincerity, and preserve your stock, and be a means of further proficiency: Unthankfulness and Unholiness are linked together in Scripture, 2 Tim. 3.2 and the more thankful you are, the more holy you are and shall be: God loves cheerful worshippers: the great variety of Musical Instruments in God's worship of old, should be echoed with cordial praises in Gospel-times: praise is comely in God's account, and thankful souls have largest incomes: what Saint was ever loaded with such richeses of Grace as the chosen Vessel, blessed Paul? and who was fuller of thankfulness, or sounded out the praises of God so much as he? he had it much in his lips, that had so much in his heart; and the more he speaks of it, the more he is filled with it: every breath, let out in praises, draws in new supplies of grace: do you glorify God, and he will satisfy you: pay this rent, and God will not turn you out of doors: give him this tribute, and you shall have your freehold: praise God for your little here, and you shall have fullness of grace, and richeses of glory to praise him in and with to all Eternity. I shall close all these Directions to maintain a treasure, especially this last of thankfulness with a sweet Poem of Divine Herbert's, called gratefulness. Thou that hast given so much to me, Herb. the Church, page 116. Give one thing more, a grateful heart, See how thy beggar works on thee, By Art. He makes thy gifts occasion more, And says, if he in this be crossed, All thou hast given him heretofore Is lost. But thou didst reckon, when at first Thy word our hearts and hands did crave, What it would come to at the w●rst To save. Perpetual knockings at thy door, Tears sullying thy transparent rooms, Gift upon gift, much would have more, And comes. This notwithstanding, thou wentest on, And didst allow us all our noise, Nay thou hast made a sigh and groan, Thy joys. Not that thou hast not still above, Much better tunes than groans can make; But that these Country airs thy love, Did take. Wherhfore I cry, and cry again; And in no quiet canst thou be, Till I a thankful heart obtain, Of thee. Not thankful, when it pleaseth me; As if thy blessings had spare days, But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise. CHAP. XIX. A fourth Head of Directions, instructing the Christian in bringing forth good things out of this good Treasure. THere remains yet another part of this Directory. How a good Man is to bring forth good things out of the good treasure of the heart: in the Explication, this hath been largely insisted upon, that a Christian must lay out, and make use of his treasure in the great duties of meditation, religious performances, spiritual conferences, and in doing, and enduring much for God: no more of them: I shall only add something of the manner of improving this treasure, in the duties. A Christians treasure must be drawn out— 1. Speedily. 2. seasonably. 3. Sincerelie. 4. Suitablie. 1. The Christian is to bring forth things new, as well as old; lately obtained, as well as long since hoarded: you are to improve truths at the first rebound: many good convictions, conceptions, impressions are lost for want of speedy use; and many souls are undone by neglect and delay: Pro. 12.27. The slothful Man roasteth not that which he took in hun●ing, i.e. he lets it lie by, and mar upon his hands, he takes pains to hunt for it, but will not take pains to roast it, that meat is best, that's fresh and new, and quickly used, 'tis but a folly to keep it till it be old and good for nothing: O how many such sluggards are there in spirituals! how many have I seen travel far to hear a Sermon, and be affected under it, yet loose all before they come home, for want of following it home! many hunt after the means of grace, and take abundance of pains to run to Ordinances, (which is to be commended) but alas, make little improvement thereof, to their present advantage: their hearts were full of desires before, and of delight under the droppings of the Sanctuary, but in a little time, these things grow stolen, and by degrees wear out, for want of a sudden improvement: the Jews were not to keep any of the Manna, till the morrow, if they did, it stank, and God's people must not so lay up the Word, as to neglect the present use thereof, for that will hinder the Operation thereof; many a choice notion is lost for want of rubbing it up in a speedy recognition: many a powerful conviction of sin and duty dies, for want of speedy observation and application: the Preacher lays on the Plaster, but the wound is not cured, except it be kept on by the souls voluntary consideration; when blossoms are knit, though the flourish be gone, yet they are more secured from injury, by frosts, and winds, than before, good motions speedily brought into act, are knit, and have a due consistency, and settled continuance: O Sirs, your work is not done, when public Ordinances are at an end, you must (as the well-bred Beraeans) try by Scripture what you hear, and see how it suits your case; a Man will try a pair of Gloves or Shoes, how they fit him, when he first receives them, and use them afterwards, as he hath occasion: and will not Christian's honour the Word so far? David can do nothing with the Armour that he had not proved, nor can you manage that Word that doth not fit you, therefore you must first prove, than approve, and than improve truths, as you have occasion: yea, you must take the first season you can for it, as soon as you come home, draw out this treasure, lest a days neglect wear it out, 1 Cor. 15● and so you have heard and believed in vain, as the Apostles hearers, who was like him, Jam. ●. that looked his natural face in a Glass, and than quite forgets his own Physiognomy, and than the Word is as Water spilt upon the ground: Remembrance hath in it apprehension, reposition, retention, and production; as a Man takes a shaft in his hand, puts it in his quiver, retains it there a season, and when he would recreate himself, draws it out again, just so is treasuring any thing in the memory; the end of laying up is laying out, Heb. 2. ● only let not our hearts be as leaking Vessels to let slip what we hear, but let us lay hold on, lay up, and lay out for our own and others good: the best help to preserve, is to improve truths: speedy exercise helps to spiritual dexterity: Speculation will never make a Man an Artist, a few hours practise, will do more than many day's contemplation, and set on the work betimes, the next opportunity make it appear what you got from God the last season of grace: let your deeds speak what David in words professeth, Psal. 119.56. This I had because I kept thy precepts, so in such a conflict, let your practice and success say, this I got from God in such a duty, this I had in such an Ordinance, this is by the sweet help I had in such a performance, methinks I feel the virtue of that repast: O what good will this do you? it will excite thankfulness, engage you to the like performance, accustom you to this divine trade of fetching from God and acting for God: this is the first direction, make speedy use of spiritua profit, draw out the treasure speedily. 2. Seasonably, S●nt aliqui quorum fructus q●●a nimis properè. minus pr●sperè oriuntur. Bern. the sanct. Ben. Ser. 1. All things are beautiful in their season, though you must draw out of your treasure speedily, yet not unseasonably you must not be so hasty as to be preposterous let your Summer fruits be also ripe Grapes: A Christian must learn to time all his actions and expressions, circumstances much vary cases, that may be a duty at one time, that is not so at another: Divines lay down this rule in expounding the Commandments. Negatives bind at all times, and to all times. Affirmatives bind at all times, yet not to all times, Brotherly admonition is a Christian duty, yet it's not a duty to reprove a Man, when he is drunk, or in a passion: Here Christian prudence interposeth, and is of singular use: though David was full of a treasure of holy thoughts, yet he knew there was as well a time to keep silence, as a time to speak, therefore he kept his lips with a Bridle, while the wicked were present, Psal. 39.1. David here did not bind himself to perpetual silence but to a constant watch: so we must consider, when speaking may do good, and when hurt: Isal. 50.4 Our Lord Jesus knew how to speak a word in season, and though he was always full of an heavenly treasure, Mat. 27.14 Joh. 11.16 yet sometimes he answered not a word, and waved doing a good work, until he saw a fit season; that God might be more glorified, souls edified, and his designs furthered: some Companies at some times may not be fit for holy discourses, and we must not cast Pearls before Swine, jest in stead of receiving them, Mat. 7.6. Prov. 8.5. Psal. 1.3, they rend us, a wise Man's heart discerneth time, and judgement, saith Solomon, and a godly Man brings forth fruit in due season, saith David: Prov. 25.11. A word fitly spoken, is like Apples of Gold in pictures of Silver; in Heb. 'tis a word spoken upon its wheels, fit times are wheels to carry words at greater advantage: there is a nick of time, into which, if a word or work fall, it becomes sweet and successful, and because most Men miss of this, their misery is great upon them: Amb. Christi offic. 〈◊〉 Lib. 1. ●ur: Cap. 2, 3 fol. Ambrose observes that very many by speaking, scarce any by keeping silence fall into sin,— and quotes the Son of Syrach, saying, a wise man will first spy his opportunity before he opens his mouth— and concludes, let thy words be under the yoke and balance, i e. in humility and measure, and so thy tongue shall be subject to thy mind: thus he, so also for self-conference, as well as discourse with others, you should draw out truths, and press them seasonably upon your own consciences, threaten, and promises, precepts and prophecies. O what stead may these stand you in? to check for sin, or to cheer your hearts in the ways of God, to kerb or conduct you in your motion, they may come in opportunely, as Abigail to David to prevent a rash attempt, to rouse up your drowsy or drooping spirits, calm your quarrelsome or troubled hearts: how seasonable was Austin's, take up and read, putting into his hands a pat and pertinent Scripture, and effecting his ends thereby? Do you awaken your own spirits, call to remembrance your experiences and comforts at a dead lift, Psal. 77. Joh. 14.26. as David did in a like case, and the spirit of God will bring truths also to your remembrance, in a fit juncture of time; and certainly, in those dubious workings and ambiguous debates, betwixt the carnal and spiritual part; seasonable thoughts carry it and cast the scales for God: a small grain may help to preponderate in an equal poise; Christians know what this means. O what good hath a seasonable thought done many a sinking soul? On the contrary, unseasonable thoughts (though good in their own nature) have much prejudiced and distracted the soul, as when a Christian is at Prayer, to have a motion to read or meditate, when hearing to confer, etc. See Mr. Cobbet, of Prayer, part 3. chap. 3. pag. 416. how to discern them, pag. 423. this is to make religious duties to interfere, God's Spirit is a Spirit of Order, and this is not a Methodical, or seasonable, bringing forth, or laying out of this Treasure: All Divines conclude, that thoughts, though about good Objects, if they be impertiment do become vain thoughts, and weaken the worship of God: Take heed of those, but nourish pertinent thoughts, and make seasonable use of this Heart-treasure: That's the second: 3. Sincerely, Jer. 23. Arbores a●●m qu● fructum faciun● sed non suum hypocriae sunt, cum Simone Syrenzaeo crueem portantes non suam: qui religiosa intentione carentes angariantur; & qua non amant, am●re gloriae quam desiderans, facere compelluntur: Bern. Serm. fol. 1ST. be upright in your layings out, my meaning is, make show of no more than indeed you have, profess not to have that to which you never attained: take ●eed of Hypocrisy, there are many forth-putting Professors, that talk of many things they understand not, that brag of many truths, graces, comforts and experiences, which they never felt in their own hearts, like the false Prophets, that are said to steal the word every one from his neighbour: So, many steal Phrases, Passages, and observations, that they glean up from other Christians, which they know nothing of, but learn them by rote, and speak them like a Parrot: these are just like some Scholars that pretend to much learning, and acquaintance with many books, which they never saw, and though they talk much, yet if they be well-sounded, are found very shallow: Herein appears a great difference betwixt a child of God, and an hypocrite, the latter cares not how good he makes men believe he is: the former is jealous, jest others should think too well of him, and is afraid he shall fail their expectation: his heart is broken with this one thought, that he is not such a one as Christians accounted him to be, he hath not such a treasure as men think he hath: O thinks the poor soul, by my Discourses, Prayers, Carriage, I have given occasion to my dear Friends to imagine that there is more good in me than indeed there is, they see the better side, but God and my conscience know much rottenness in these garnished Tombs: this made Mr. Bradford subscribe his name with the Epithe of a very painted Hypocrite: Nay, this is it that lays many a good soul under a temptation, not to appear well to others, jest his treasure within him should not answer, or bear out his prayers or professions: though that may be a temptation, yet 'tis a good token of sincerity, when a good report even of the truth itself, doth promote self-abasing humility: But that I urge to, is uprightness in words and works, let your heart and tongue be tied together, rather be good than seem good, approve your heart to God, that your praise may not be of men, but of God, profess to be what you are, and be what you profess: be sure you have that within you, which you pretend unto: Uprightness is a good means to Evidence and increase your Treasure, Pro. 28.10. The upright shall have good things in possession: Alas Sirs, what will fair words, and a false heart advantage you? fine flourishes and a filthy Inside will tender you odious: groundless brags end in woeful disgrace; God knows what you have, and men shall know in time: Prov. 29.23. Bur●ing lips and a wicked heart, are like a Potsherd covered with Silver-dross: this guilded earth makes a fair show of seeming zeal, but a●as, he shall be detected, his wickedness shall be showed before the Congregation, vers. 26. Some men's Religion is like Pepper, hot in the mouth, but cold in the stomach: or like a man in a Fever, whose face and outward parts burn, but his heart shakes and quivers for cold: and o what zeal have some in external profession? but alas, want either a principle at all, or at lest want that treasure or measure of grace they pretend to; Dr. Hall in Medit. & Vows. cent. 1. pag. 77. Dr. Hall tells of one, that said, it's good to inure the mouth to speak well, for good speech is many times drawn into affection: But, saith he, I would fear that speaking well without feeling, Ex duobus imperfectle multo est m●lius habere rusticitatem sanctam, quàm eloqueatiā peccatricem: m●gis ven●rand● est sanctae rusti●●as, quam verbosa loquasitas: Soror in Christo dilecta, si nostra intentio est simple● apud Deum, in judicio ejus nostra operatio tenebrosa non erit: qui cast● esse per j●stitiam nesciunt, nequaquam esse innocentes per simplicitat● possant. Dr. Bern. Serm. 56. fol. 1299. were the next way to draw a man to habitual hypocrisy: thus he. But let me earnestly persuade all to sincerity and simplicity, for as Bernard saith, of two imperfect things, its better to have an holy rusticity, than an offending eloquence,— If our intention be upright to God-wards, our work will not be dark and dangerous in God's account; but they that are not chaste by Righteousness, cannot be innocent by Simplicity. 4. Draw out of your treasure suitablie that is, not only acting answerably to what you have within, Ne promus fit fortior condo: that your layings out be not more than your layings up, which was the last Head. But you must produce holy Actions, Expressions in some degree proportionable— unto Gods— 1. Vouch-safed Means, 2. Appointed Ends: 1. Let your treasure within, and performances without be suitable to your Receipts and advantages: where God lays out much, he looks for much, the more pains he takes, the more fruit he expects: You must bring forth good fruit, John 15.5, 8. and much fruit that you may glorify God, and edify others; wicked men express a prodigious contrariety to the Lords Tillage, but Godly men should not express any disparity betwixt their Receipts and returns: Enclosed grounds must not be like the barren Wilderness; God's Garden should be more fruitful than the common Field: Trees of Gods planting and watering, are not to be like the trees of the Forest: well-tilled souls should abound in fruits of Righteousness: the Scripture compares the Church to a Vineyard, and particular souls to Vine-trees that must bring forth grapes: Ezek 15.3. and indeed a Vine is good for nothing if it be not fruitful: not so much as to make a Pin of, to hung a Vessel upon: Now let us consider, if God have not done as much for his Vineyard amongst us as for that in Isa. 5. and have not our returns been parallel to theirs? the most part have brought forth wild grapes, the best have not brought forth full grapes, ripe grapes, at lest not sweet grapes, but legal acts of too too constrained obedience: Have not Gods Children often rather acted from a spirit of bondage, than of liberty? Well now, God hath a controversy with his Vine, justly may he command the Clouds to rain not more upon it, nay, he will cast the wild Vines into eternal fire, and his own own chosen Vines into the fiery Furnace of sharp affliction: therefore be fruitful, bring forth abundantly, answer Gods Call and cost, as the Heavens hear the Earth in sending down fructifying showers, and the Earth hears the Inhabitants in bringing forth abundant fruits, so let us bring forth much fruit, hear we the Lords Summons, and echo back answerable fruitfulness to the droppings of the Sanctuary and the sweet showers of divine grace: Fructus isti, profectus nostri,— & nostros pr●●fectus suos fructus de putat. Bern. Su● Cant. Serm. 63. the fruits you are to bring forth are those fruits of the Spirit, mentioned in Gal. 5.22. Love, Joy, Peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, these fruits are our proficiency, as Bernard speaks, and God accounts our proficiency to be as his own fruits: that's the former, Answer the means. 2. Answer Gods designed and appointed Ends: that is, God's glory, and the edification of your own and others souls: Be not self-seeking, but selfdenying in all your layings out, else 'tis a sign you are barren, and you loose your labour; Israel is but an empty Vine, if he bring forth fruit to himself, Hos. 10.1. The Vine of Esheol will commend the land of Canaan; Clusters of ripe grapes will glorify God, the chief Husbandman, and evidence the fatness of the soil, even the Courts of our God, Gospel-Ordinances: God takes himself to be glorified by our bringing forth much fruit, john 15. and is it not a blessed thing to be an Instrument to glorify God? this was the end of our Creation, of our Redemption, of all the motions and operations of the sanctifying Spirit; awake therefore to much fruit-bearing, and let Cod's glory be the main thing in your eye and aim: Let the observant Christian that takes care of the Vineyard of his own soul reap some comfort, but let our Solomon (Jesus Christ the Prince of peace) have the thousand pieces of silver, all the glory to himself, to whom only it belongs: Psal. 115.1. A Christian must speak the language of his Mother, not unto us, not unto us, Isa. 42.8. Acts 12.23. but to thy Name be the praise, for God will not give his glory to another: Herod was eaten with worms, because he made a fine Oration, and gave not God the glory; it's gross sacrilege to ascribe any thing to ourselves: let him that glorieth glory in the Lord; If you be called to make a confession of your faith, and to produce your treasure before Courts, and Judgement-seats, speak out, be not afraid of men, or ashamed of the Gospel, yet take those two Rules with you, 1 Pet. 3 15. In the middle of the Verse you have a profession required, in the beginning and the end, there's the dispositions necessary. 1. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, there's the Principle and End, see that you have grace, and do it to God's glory. 2. Be ready to give an answer with meekness and fear, there's the manner, Cheerfulness, Humility, without vain-boasting or ostentation. Some may speak confidently, and carry it highly, even to suffering for a good cause, and yet be the Devils Martyrs, by seeking to get a repute among men, or to bear up an opinion, or please a Faction, or gratify an Humour, or merit something at the hands of God; the end makes or marts the action: Vae portantibus crucem & non scquentibus Christum. Bern. Vainglory spoils great Achievements: yet it's a miserable thing to bear the Cross, and not to follow Christ So I may say of Prayer, , or mortifying acts, or any other excellent ways of laying out of a Treasure, if they be only to be seen of men, the work is as if it were not done, and the doer in danger to be undone. Another subordinate end is, our own souls good, and the good of others, I do all things, saith Paul, for your edification, so must we. God hath inter-woven his glory and the good of souls, so nearly that they are both promoted together: You must make God's glory the ultimate end of all your actions and expressions in all things natural, as eating, and drinking: Civil, in buying and selling, and spiritual in praying and confering. Take that notable Text in, 1 Pet 4.10, 11.— As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold grace of God— that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. CHAP. XX. The fourth use, discovering the necessity, excellency, and commodity of having in the Heart the before-described Treasure. THe last use to be made of this point concerning this Heart-treasure is partly of Consolation, and partly of Exhortation, wherein I shall both encourage those that have it, and provoke to emulation those that have it not, that they may labour to attain to it, and obtain it. And for the better urging this, I shall further illustrate the usefulness of this Heart-treasure in these ten Particulars. 1. A treasured soul is of great worth: a gracious Christian is the rarest piece of all God's workmanship, called [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] Eph. 2.10. It is a word that's no no where else used, it signifieth an artificial facture, fabric or structure, that notable Artifice, wherein the God of Heaven shown singular care and skill, as well as love and grace: this new Creature in one soul is a greater work, and of more worth, than this goodly frame of the World: a renewed soul is the Epitome of the Creation, the clearest Image of Divinity upon earth, the true Portraiture of God in man, and a blessed treasury of spiritual perfections; Animus cujusque●st quisque tantus quisque est, quantus est apud deum. the soul of the Man, is the man, and grace is the Ornament of the soul, every Man, is so far excellent, as he is religious, a Christians greatest glory, is, in what he is God-wards: gracious souls are truly precious. and such as are precious in God's sight are honourable, Isai. 43.3, 4 and of more worth than the richest Princes, and largest Kingdoms: well may they be the Lords jewels, that have a treasure of jewels locked up in their breasts: these precious Sons of Zion are comparable to fine gold, Lam. 4.2. though Men esteem them as Earthen Pitchers: 'tis true, they seem to be of little worth to the outward view of a carnal eye, like their dear Redeemer, of whom 'tis said by his despisers, he hath no form nor comeliness, Isai. 5 3.2. and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him; so the Saints seem squalid and sordid, but if you could see all, you would find them all glorious within: the Servants of God are like unto the Tabernacle under the Law, whose outside was Rams skins, Goat's hair, and Badgers skins, course stuff, but the inside was Gold, Silver, precious stones, and curious work-manship: Just so are the Saints, compared therefore to the Tents of Kedar, See Ainsworth in locum▪ to the Curtains of Solomon, Song. 1.5. The word Kedar doth signify blackness, and Kedarens (Ishmaels' second Sons posterity) dwelled in Tents made of hair-cloath; thus the Church and particular souls are dwelling in Tents, and through afflictions, persecutions, and many corruptions in this howling Wilderness, and weary Pilgrimage, are black and unlovely to look upon, but if you could open the Tent door, and see into the secret Cabinet of a believers heart, you would discover a treasure of rarest graces truths, experiences, and comforts, that ever mortal eyes beheld; you should behold them as glorious as the beautiful hang about Solomon's Bed, as comely, saith the Text, as the Curtains of Solomon: Take but another familiar resemblance, suppose you see all Earthen Pot full of Gold, let him that only sees the outside, and knows not what's within, be asked the price thereof, possibly he will answer, not many pence, but the Pot with the treasure in it, may be worth many thousand pounds, a sorry Canvas Purse may contain a vast sum of money, nor must the whole be rated, according to the poor facing, but rich lining: A Christian hath an excellent treasure in an Earthen Vessel, you must not censure him, before you see him fully anatomised at the great day: his life is hid at present, but when Christ who is his life, Col. 3.3, 4. appears, he shall appear with him in glory: the Saints here are as Princes, walking in disguise in a strange Country, and it doth not yet appear, who or what they are, but God hath his time to unveil their glory, and reveal their excellency: the Pearl cannot be found, till the shell of the fish be broken, and when these vile bodies are turned to dust, than this precious treasure shall be made manifest: O the excellency of a poor Child of God, it would make him holily proud to consider what he is, the honour God hath put upon him, and treasures laid up in him, as a Man is a little World, so a Christian is a commonwealth, a Church, and a Heaven (as it were) within himself: he hath a monopoly of the best commodities, a rich magazine of precious things for the delight of God, profit of Men, and comfort of his own soul: though wicked Men do accounted them not worthy to live in the World, (as though this Earth were too good for them) yet God saith of the Saints, of whom the World was not worthy, they are too good to breathe in this dirty Air, and shall be translated to Heaven: here I might far exceed bounds, for a close take brave Luther's Character of a Saint, he is, Christianus est filius Dei, haeres regni, frater Christi, Socius Angelorum, Dominus mundi, particeps divina naturae. Tom. 1. Lat. 106. saith he, a Child of God, an Heir of Heaven, the brother of Christ, the Companion of Angels, the Lord of the World, and partaker of the divine nature: Be cheered therefore o thou trembling Christian, be provoked o thou careless soul to look after a large treasure, who would not be of this number? me thinks it should excite all rational and intelligent Creatures to an holy covetousness and ambition to be filled with these treasures, and to be clothed with all this glory. 2. The treasured soul is fit for any condition: nothing can come amiss to the Christian thus furnished, he is prepared for all dispensations: nothing can make him miserable; Let Paul and Sila● have their treasure with them, and they can sing in the stocks at midnight; Let David be in a Pilgrimage, his treasure will make him both company and melody; a Christian cannot be banished from his treasure, he may say more truly than the Philosopher (omnia mea, mecum porto) I carry all my estate with me; when the Proconsul told Cyprian he would banish him, he answered, he is no exile that hath God in his mind, separate God from a Child of God, and than you undo him, if you could rob him of his treasure, you might make him miserable; but not otherwise: he that is out of Hell, and hath an Heaven in his heart, hath no cause of shame or terror; when he is under sharp trials, and others condole him, he may say, as Christ to the Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves; and of himself, he can say as Paul, I am ready, not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus: Act. 21.13. God hath laid in a treasure in his heart, and he is willing to lay it out, which way soever the Lord shall call for it: by this way of laying out, the treasure is not impaired, but increased, by afflictions, truths are improved, graces exercised, experiences added, and comforts wonderfully enlarged, and these advantages countervail the smart of the affliction, Mercature est quaedam amittere, ut majora lucr●ris. Tertul. this is an holy merchandise, saith an Ancient, to loose some things, that we may gain the greater: the believing Hebrews took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing in themselves that they had in Heaven a better, and an enduring substance: Heb. 10.34. Observe it, they know in themselves, i e. They had experience thereof in their own hearts, and now by this loss of their estates this experience was more cleared, increased, confirmed than ever before: O blessed exchange! to part with Earth, and get Heaven, to get richeses of the heart, and to get better richeses into the heart: I must tell you that one grain or degree of grace is more worth than heaps of worldly riche●, and happy is that soul that endures the loss of these, to get a good share of the former: Read the 11. of Hebrews, and follow that blessed Army of Martyrs, that fruitful Cloud of Witnesses, and fear not Man, for you shall be gainers in the result of all: a treasured soul is still gathering more to himself in every dispensation, in word spoken, rod laid on, works done for him, the honest heart makes a good use of, and is qualified for all disposals, and satisfied with, as well as edified whatever the Lord doth with him: But more of this anon, only observe, that a treasured soul can pick that out of a Sermon, or providence that another cannot, that's worth nothing, we read of Mr. Ignatius Jurdain (that zealous Magistrate in Exeter) that a formal Man having once preached a Sermon at the Cathedral, about Heaven, Mr. Clark's Collect. in the life of Mr. Ign. Jurd. page 481. the discourse was for the most part frothy, and beneath the dignity of such an Argument: after Sermon Mr. Manton having occasion to visit Mr. Jurdain, after many good instructions he asked Mr. Manton if he had heard the Sermon that morning, he answered, yes, and did you not, said he, hear those wondered things which God hath provided for them that love him? and than readily picked out all those passages that were any way subservient to use and profit: It was wondered to me, saith Mr. Manton, to see an holy heart could, draw comfort out of any thing: the Sermon as Mr. Jurdain repeated to me, saith he, was another kind of Sermon, and seemed to be savoury and spiritual: I remember with what warmth, and vigour he spoke of it, even till this day, and hope that I shall never forget it: thus he, O sirs, if you had a treasure, you would hear Sermons with profit, endure troubles after another manner than you ordinarily do. 3. This divine treasure enables the Sai● for noble erterprises: the People that 〈◊〉 know their God shall be strong, and do exploits, Dan. 11.32. When as unsound persons may be corrupted by flatteries; or ch●sed away by threats: the greater treasure yo● have, and the more singular things may y●● do for God, the Lord will own you to 〈◊〉 much for him, and you shall glorify God i● suffering much for him: Acts 9.15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Est Hebra ismus. A Vessel of choice. Paul's Vessel w●● well fraught with this treasure (and it may 〈◊〉 for this cause he is called a chosen Vessel and he only is so called, though doubtless 〈◊〉 there's were so also) and what mere Man d● more for God than blessed Paul? who ev●● traveled over so much of the World to prea●● the Gospel, as this unwearied Apostle? Rom. 15.19. he preached all along from Jerusalem round about to Illyricum, which is, saith Par●us Sclavonia, in Europe, in a direct line 350 German miles: See Hen. Bunting, in the Travels of Paul. but he went [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] in a Circuit, visiting circumjacent places to preach the Gospel; yea, a good Author reckons up Paul's travels in the Lords work to be above ten thousand miles, so that he may be called, as George Eagles, that good Martyr in Queen Mary's days Trudge-over-the World, 1 Cor. 15.10. 2 Cor. 11.23. for he laboured more abundantly than all the rest: and whence was it that Paul was in labours more abundant? it was, because he had a large stock to ex-spend, a well-furnished head and heart, and the Lord made his labours very successful: and observe it, treasured souls are very instrumental for God: Such God calls out to be as Captains in the Warfare, and leaders in his Field to go before others in the sharpest service and most hazardous undertake, these he puts to the trial and brings them of victorious; It was a fine speech of Queen Elizabeth's, when she was locked up close in the Tower, Mr. Thom, Heywoods Engl. Elizab. p. 100L. desiring God not to suffer her to lay her foundation upon the sands, but upon the Rock, whereby all blasts of blustering weather might not prevail against her: Whereunto she added, The skill of a Pilot is unknown but in a Tempest, the valour of a Captain is unseen but in a battle, and the worth of a Christian is unknown but in a trial and temptation: This earthly Globe, O Lord, is but a Theatre on which thou hast placed us, to get some proof from hence of our sufficiency: Thus proceeds that Peerless Princess: O the advantage of a well stored Christian● such a little David thus furnished with a scrip full of smooth stones of the Brook, I mean, an head and heart full of Scripture-truths and saving graces, will be able to vanquish the proud Goliath, or chiefest spiritual Adversary: How did silly women encounter and conquer the Learned Doctors in the Marian days? the subtlest Jesuits have been puzzled and nonplussed with the solid answers of savoury Christians: that precious Promise is sweetly performed to God's Children, Matth, 10.19, 20, dictating to them what they must speak, the reason there given is, the Spirit of your Father speaketh in you; yea, so full of matter have the treasured Saints been, that when bodily Organs have ceased, their full hearts have found a miraculous vent. Read the Church's Histories: Take a taste of wonders, when Romanus (that noble Martyr) had by the Tormentors his tongue plucked up by the Roots, Acts and Mon. fol. 90 91, 92. he praised God, and said, He that speaketh of Christ shall never want a tongue; when his cheeks were sore rend with Knives, he said, I thank thee, O Captain, that thou hast opened to me many mouths to preach my Lord Christ; So 'tis recorded of Barlaam a Martyr, that having Fire and Frankincense put into his right hand, wherein yet he had some strength, laying him on the Altar, his enemies thinking that he by the heat of the fire would scatter some Incense on the Altar, yet the flame eat a●bout his hand, which kept fast closed, he singing, blessed be the Lord my God, which teacheth my hands to war and my fingers to sight, &c: Sirs, if you have a treasure, fear not, it shall be produced, though you cannot expect such Miracles, yet in such a manner, and at such times as may most glorify God, silence the wicked, and comfort your hearts: I know 'tis the discouraging fear of trembling souls, if God call me to sharp Encounters, I shall deny my Lord, betray his truths, bewray my weakness: But poor Christian, fear not, God's grace shall be sufficient for thee, See Revel. 3.8, 9, 10. thy little strength shall do wonders, if thou hast a right treasure within, it will appear to others admiration, and beyond thine own expectation: O for such a Treasure as is before described! 4. A treasured soul is God's delight; a full treasure in the heart, of the good things of Heaven is the pleasure of the Almighty: God takes delight among the sons of men, and amongst men the Believers heart is the Lords highest Throne, next to that in the highest Heavens: and amongst sincere Christians none can make God so welcome, or give him better entertainment, than he whose heart is beautified with these blessed Ornaments: such a soul makes its Saviour a sumptuous Feast, and gives him a cheerful invitation: So in Solomon's Song, ch. 4.16. saith she, Let my Beloved come into his Garden and eat his pleasant fruits, i e. Let him enjoy content in the fruits of his own Freegrace; he hath provided himself a Sacrifice, a Feast, let the graces of the Spirit delight and solace the heart of the Author, not sooner doth she invite him, but he comes, chap. 1. and gathers his myrrh with his Spices, and eats his Honeycomb with his Honey. i e. He reaps the graces and duties of the sincere soul, with as much delight as the Grape-gatherers or Husbandmen reap their fruits in the Vineyard or Field: O with what pleasure doth the Lord accept the holy actings of a treasured Saint! but he contemneth the costly sacrifices of a graceless soul: he cares not for their thousands of Ram● or ten thousands of Rivers of Oil; Not not, a soul stored with graces is better than an house full of sacrifices; the Honeycomb of human infirmities is dispensed with, where there's store of. Honey in gracious acts, and heavenly dispositions: a little Honey is better to God than the mere comb of Duties though artificially composed, and exactly performed: Happy is the soul whom the Lord delights thus to visit, that is thus fitted to entertain the High and lofty One: O that Christians could say as the Church in Song, 7.13.— At our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my Beloved; So the Soul should say, this grace or that disposition I will lay up for my dearest Husband Jesus Christ, and bring it forth to give him content, this smell of sweet Perfume shall meet him at his entrance, I will entertain the beloved object of my dearest affections at the doors at home, in the fields abroad, I'll bid him welcome upon all occasions, I will walk closely in my Family sighing out blessed David's Option, Psal. ●01. 2. O when wilt thou come unto me! I will get upon my knees in my Closet, and there I'll seek, Matth. 6.6. and shall found my Father that seethe in secret; I will go unto his Table and partake of his holy Supper, and while the King sitteth at his Table, Cant. 1.12 my Spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof; my bruised Spices, my exercised Graces shall be as pleasant Odours to him, Gen. 8.21. Psal. 141.2. he will smell a sweet savour unto my sacrifices, and my prayers and praises shall be set before him as Incense, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ; It is not every one's happiness thus to enjoy God, to be wellpleasing to him; some may come near with Moses, when others must worship afar of: None so capable of intimate communion with God as the well-furnished Christian: ordinarily, he that hath the greatest treasure hath the sweetest visits: to such as bring out of their treasure the precious fruits of the Spirit, to such will God open the precious treasures of his Love: Observe it, there's much good laid up for them that have grace, but 'tis brought forth to them that use grace, see Psalm 31.18. Well than, Christians, lay up much grace and draw it out, sand your Lamb to this Ruler of the Land: bring your Presents to Jesus Christ: the wisemen set us an Example in that welcome they brought to Jesus in his Cradle, Mat. 2.11. they opened their Treasures, and presented to him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, answerable to his three Offices, of King, Priest and Prophet, no man was to come to the Lord empty-handed in the time of the Law: and if you come full-hearted with this treasure, and full-handed in drawing it out, be sure the Lord will be open-hearted to admit you, and openhanded to fill your hungry souls with ravishing incomes: You shall have Jesus Christ to lodge with you all the night of affliction in sweet embraces: Who would not have this Treasure that he may be welcome to Heaven? 5. A treasured soul can live well in a time of spiritual dearth, in the da●●s of Famine such shall be satisfied: when others are hungry and thirsty, Psal. 73.19. and their souls fainting; a treasured Christian hath good commons: for the Christian thus st●cked hath laid up that which stands him in stead in an evil day: Amos 8.11, 12. 'tis true, a famine of the Word is an afflictive judgement to a child of God; Ordinances are to the Saints their glory, Ezek. 14.21. and the excellency of their strength, the desire of their eyes, and that which their souls do pity, the want of the Word for a season doth more grieve them, than the total loss doth affect wicked men: though it concern them more, for God's Children have that to live upon that natural men have not, they have a stock of inward strength that will carry them to the Rock of Ages, a stream of grace in their hearts that will lead them to the Fountain of grace: Real Saints are never famished but always furnished: they can make a better shift to live than others can, they have something within doors: a treasure of Truths, Graces, Comforts, and Experiences makes the Saint a rich Feast, Joh. ●. 38. for God is where these are: the flowing Rivers of living Water, that are in the true Believers belly, Rev. 2.17. and the hidden Manna will make a good meal, when God himself sits at the Table; They that cannot go to public Assemblies may found the Lords presence a little Sanctuary, he is every where to be found, and can make amendss in private for want of public liberty: the Word opened and applied was convincing, satisfying and edifying, well they have their Lesson still before them, the Bible in their hands, and a promise of the Spirit to bring things to their remembrance: and why may not the treasured soul, whose senses are well exercised by an habit of Scripture-Knowledge and self-conference preach to himself in the want of other Preachers? A●b. 5.14. certainly an able Christian, at full age may digest strong meat though he carve for himself: one leaf of the Bible was in Luther's account worth a world; much more all a Christians treasure whereby he is enabled to improve Scriptures: Histories and Tradition tells us of some good Christians, who in dark times having got a few leaves of the Bible, run with it into a corner, and either read it themselves or hired others to read, whereby they received incredible comfort, profit, and arrived at a strange degree of knowledge and courage: So likewise the souls of God's children may seek and see God's Face in private communion of Saints, in conference, prayer, and praise, God may make it an happy exchange to them; the private lesser glass of secret duties may represent God as clearly to the eye of their souls, as the broad glass of public Ordinances. I speak not this to derogate from public, 'tis to be preferred where God grants liberty, and where God withdraws, the want of open Vision is much to be lamented, we are to be sorrowful for breaking up of solemn Assemblies, Zeph. 3. 1●. Lam. 1.4. and mourn sore when the gate● of Zion mourn: But this I speak, when by persecution public Teachers are driven into Corners; than the Lord may supply that want to his children some other way: But jest this be condemned as Novelty, I shall express i● in the words of a learned Author: Buchan●● asks the question, Institut. Theol. De Sacram. loc. 46. pag. 601. What shall they do that want the opportunity of frequenting the public Ordinances? He Answers, Such must travel abroad, and seek far and near for them, But if they cannot find them, they must exercise themselves in religious duties at home, Because, saith he, the Kingdom of God is within them, and because the word without the Sacraments may be the power of God to salvation; Re Sacramenti nunquam destituuntur fideles, e●iamfi visibilibus signis carere cogantur: — And he further adds, The the faithful can never be without the matter and marrow of a Sacrament, though they may be compelled to want the visible Sign: Thus he. O what a blessed thing is it to have a principle of Grace, and this blessed Treasure! 'Tis surely worth something to have Light and plenty in a time of darkness and scarcity. CHAP. XXI. Five more advantages of having this treasure in the heart. 6. COnsider this benefit of this heavenly Treasure in the heart of a Christian; that every thing turns to the increase of this stock: 'tis the strange attractive property of this Treasure, that it will fetch in all things to fill it up, and make it greater: like fire, it will turn every thing to its own nature: it is a divine Limbeck, that can extract pure Spirits out of all things, according to that Catholic Promise in Rom. 8.28.- We know that all things work together for good— prosperity, adversity, richeses, poverty, renown, and ignominy, thraldom and liberty, sickness and health, success and disappointment, satanical suggestions, violent temptations and victorious Conquests, all work for good: Yea, some extend this also to corruptions, yet these but accidentally, or being managed by the constant care of a wise, gracious and powerful Physician; as Poison may be turned into a Remedy, Venenum aliquand● pro remedis fuit: Sen. or (as they say) the drinking of that wine wherein a Viper hath been drowned cureth the Loprosie; even so, God can so husband even the break in of temptation, and break out of corruption as to make it turn to good, being an occasion of deeper humiliation, and a Pin to prick the bladder of spiritual pride, and a Spur to promote a holy jealousy and watchfulness, and a means to work in the soul charity and sympathy towards others, to alienate our hearts from this sinning weary world, and endear our hearts to God for pardoning grace, and make us long for a sinless state in glory: these and suchlike ends and uses God hath and makes of sin, or else he would not suffer this dead body, or rather body of death to haunt the souls of living Saints: our wise God raised a stately structure over the ruins of Adam's fall, or he had never suffered it; God doth his servants good by their sins, this uncouth Experiment made good Mr. Fox to say, That his graces did him most hurt, and his sins most good, a strange Paradox, but a gracious soul knows what this means, that hath many a time by divine assistance feucht heaven out of hell● light out of darkness, sweet advantages from sad miscarriages: Sometimes the Christian can say, I had sinned except I had sinned, the furthest way about hath proved the nearest way home, God hath suffered me to break my bones by falling, that he might set them more strongly: Mr. Capel, of Tempt. pag. 234. We cannot go to heaven (saith an experienced Divine) by Geometry, we must fetch a compass by the gates of Hell, and see what news with Satan, ere we be duly humbled, or can relish the Promises aright: Yet mistake not, no thanks to sin or Satan for this, but to Freegrace, that order all things to the best: not let any adventure upon sin with such a conceit, for this were to sin that grace may abound, that's the Devil's Logic and dangerous presumption: But when the Christian hath fallen thus, the Lord helps him to improve his falls for spiritual good; But much more all dispensations of Providence, sweet and severe, if it go well with the treasured soul, it is drawn nearer to God by these cords of Love: if ill, it is whipped further from sin and the world by these scourges of anger; he can fetch a good crop of spiritual Fruit out of the barren Heath of a wilderness-condition; if from outward poverty he get this advantage, to be poor in spirit, 'tis a rich gain, and worth a mine of Gold: and so of other afflictions: The North wind is sharp and piercing, the South wind soft and cherishing, but both blow good to the Christian, and make his Spices flow out, or Graces break forth into lively exercises, Cant. 4.16. Yet further, this Treasure doth in a sort consecrated all states, so that let a man have more or less, he hath a sufficient treasure if he have this treasure within, godliness with contentment is not only enough, but gain, yea great gain: it seasons all things: that man hath nothing that wants it, that man that hath this wants nothing: Habet omnia qui habet habentem omia: wicked men may have much, but godly men have all things; when Jacob and Esau complemented about the Present, that Jacob sent to pacify his angry Brother, Esan said, Gen 33.9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multum habeo, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 su● mihi omnia● I have enough my Brother, Jacob also said, I have enough, but in the Hebrew Esau said, I have much, and Jacob saith, I have all, or, all things are to me: intimating, that Jacobs treasure was far beyond his Brothers, even as the whole is more than the part: There's a secret blessing attends this hidden Treasure, which gives content with want or abundance, and if God see good he will increase the store: However, a Saints modicum or little, amounts to more than wicked mens multum or large Revenues, as the word of truth testifies, Psalm 37.16. 7. This treasure is safe, it's well locked up, and cannot be lost: Phil. 1.6. being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 'tis true, an external profession, and mental accomplishments may be lost, but sincere saving graces shall not be lost, 'tis also true, a saving treasure may be obscured, but cannot be destroyed; yea it may be weakened, but is never totally wasted: Psal. 16.5. the infinite Jehovah is the Keeper of Israel: he that is the portion of your cup, will maintain your lot: 'tis not so much the truth, nor yet the strength of grace that keeps you from falling, but it is God only who alone is able to keep you from falling, that supports the weak Christian: received grace will not preserve without assisting grace, faith as an habit, will not carry on the soul to death, or through death, but we are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation: 1 Pet. 1.5. The power of God as the efficient cause, faith as the instrument, God keeps faith, and faith keeps the soul steadfast: they that have Mary's part and Mary's spirit, shall never be poor: God will fulfil the desires of them that fear him, and will likewise fulfil the hearts of his Saints with a rich treasure: my God, saith Paul, shall supply all your need according to his richeses in glory by Christ Jesus, Phil. 4.19. 'tis a mighty full expression, and refers to all wants, spiritual as well as corporal: our heavenly father gives his travelling Children a sufficient stock to bear their charges through the World, and discharge every debt of duty to God and man, in some measure of sincerity: this is that twopences with which the good Samaritane furnished the wounded Man, as some Allegorise: Luk. 10. 3● 'tis true some Saints live at high rates, in great expense, in costly duties, but this very chargeable living in high and hard exercises, and erterprises of self-denial, do much increase the Christians store: a Christian is no loser, but a gainer by flesh-displeasing performances: the more strength you lay out for God, the more you fetch in: this is one means to keep a spiritual treasure from being lost: neither Men nor Devils can deprive you of it, you may take up blessed Paul's bold and triumphant challenge, Rom. 8.35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? All the powers of darkness cannot lose this knot betwixt a precious Saviour and a gracious soul: 2 Sam. 23.5 Isaai. 55. 3● the Covenant is ordered in all things and sure, it contains the sure mercies of David, 'tis a Covenant of Salt: Isai. 54.10. The Mountains shall departed, and the Hills be removed, but my kindness shall not departed from thee, neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee: grace is the seed of God that abides for ever, God may repent of bestowing common gifts, but these saving gifts and this holy calling are without repentance: All the motions and commotions in the World cannot rob the believing soul of its treasure; those flames that shall burn the World cannot dissolve, but rather cement and solder the blessed union of a Saint to his Saviour; the treasured Christian may stand upon the world's ruins, Domin●, non excrucier propter aurum & argentum, ubi enim sint omnia mea tu scis: ibi enim habebat omnia sua, ubi eum condere & the saurizare ille monuerat; qui haec mala mundo ventura praedixerat: Videses plura in lib. 1. de 〈◊〉. Dei cap. 10. ●●i tit. Quot sand. etis in amissione rerum tem●●ralium nihil per●at. and say, I have nothing of all this huge heap to loose, I shall not be a mite poorer for the stupendious conflagration of this goodly Fabric; let brutish worldlings weep and wail over their fair Houses, large domains, full bags, numerous , and gorgeous Attire, I am rich still, as rich as ever I was, and some richer, for what I had in hope & expectation, I have now in full enjoyment & possession Augustine sweetly discourseth concerning one Paulinus Bishop of Nola, who prayed thus, (having lost a great estate by the invasion of the Barbarians) Lord, I shall not be troubled for silver or gold, for where my all is, thou knowest: for saith Austin, there he had his all, where he had warned him to lay it, who had forewarned the World of these approaching evils:— a little after, he saith that some were tortured by the Barbarians to discover their richeses, but saith he, nec prodere nec perdere potuerunt bonum quo●ipsi boni erant; they could neither betray nor loose that good by which they themselves were good; that was their graces and virtues: O sirs, what would you give to have your estates secured in a losing, plundering, desolating day? here is an insuring office, the God of Heaven will secure the wel-laden Ship, that it shall come safe to shore: certainly this is a rich privilege in a day when we can be sure of nothing, that, that only that can make us happy, that and nothing else can be made sure. 8. God knows and owns that treasure which sometimes is hid from the Possessor: this is a sweet consideration; Col. 3.3. our life is hid with Christ in God, that is, sometimes it is hid from our own eyes, as well as from the eyes of others, but still 'tis hid with God, and he that hide, can find; Saints are called Gods hidden ones, and their life is hidden, both in respect of safety, secrecy, and obscurity: a Christian may have more of God in him, than he knows of; it's one thing to have grace, another to know that we have grace, a Child of God may have the seed and root of holiness, yet want the bud and blossom of actual comfort: a sincere soul hath always the solid foundation for, yet may at sometimes be without the actual possession of divine consolations; sometimes God with draws the light of his countenance, and leaves the soul in darkness and desertion, he often suspends that act of the spirit, which may evidence the souls interest and sincerity; sometimes the Christian is lazy, and useth not God's appointed means to beget assurance: or by thinking of more comfort, than God is willing to impart, may deny what he hath: or by entertaining some beloved lust, or by the prevalency of melancholy, See D. Sibs Souls conflict. Symonds deser. souls Case.— Baxters Rest. par. 3 p. 156. to 169. or impotency of natural parts, this treasure may be hid from the eyes of the believer himself; these and other reasons Divines have laid down as causes of Christians want of comfort or assurance: Every Saint knows this by too sad experience that he is often at a loss, and cannot tell what to make of his condition, he hath his nights as well as days, a nipping Winter as well as a flourishing Summer: the sap of grace may retreat into the root, the Herbs and Flowers, and Plants may shrink and disappear, and this goodly new Creation may droop and loose its glorious verdure, yet life may be there, a Summer may come at the return of the year, when the glorious Sun of righteousness shall reflect beauty upon these hidden graces, and draw them forth into lively fruits of Gospel-Obedience, whereby the Saint shall live again, and know that he lives, believe, and know that he believes: In the mean time, while such a soul doth walk in darkness and see no light, Isai. 50.7. let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay himself upon his God, let him even cast Anchor in the dark, and repose his troubled heart upon the Rock of Ages; faith is a venture, and you must venture your all in this bottom use Gods appointed means for obtaining comfort, improve free grace, study the promises, awake your graces, recollect experiences, renew your repentance, walk close with God, be importunate at the throne of grace, and certainly joy and comfort will spring forth speedily; peace is the usual result of the exercise of grace, and as the striking of Flint and Steel together produceth Fire, so the lively acting of sincere grace, upon its proper object, begetteth the light and heat of joy and warmth: Mr. Eurrough's on Hos. 2.19. pag. 606. yea 'tis the observation of a good Divine, that the comfort of letting out our hearts to God, is a greater comfort, than any comfort we can have in receiving any thing from God: But this is sure, if you have a treasure of graces, God will in due time give you a treasure of comforts; and if he do not fill you with joy and peace in believing, yet he will maintain his interest in you, and keep you from fainting, if you have not spiritual suavities, you shall have secret sustentation, if your state be not sweet, yet it shall be sure, his grace shall be sufficient for you, and that's equivalent to the mercy desired, and the lesle comfort you have in the way, the more you shall have in the end; and it matters not much whether comfort come an hour before death, or an hour after, since it will certainly come, as a Man of God once said; In the mean time, approve your hearts to God, he searcheth the hearts, and knoweth what you are and have, though neither yourselves nor others know it, he sees how your principles lie within you, and knows, Psal. 1.6. Psal. 37.37 i e. approves the way of the righteous, and though your way be troublesome, yet your end shall be peace; and though you may be ready to mis-judge your state and acts, in a hurry of temptation, yet your happiness doth not depend upon your account of yourselves, but upon God's account of you in Christ; a gracious foul may not know the acts of faith, yet may be satisfied of the object of faith; he cannot say sometimes, I know that I do sincerely believe, but yet may say, 2 Tim. i 12. I know in whom I have believed, and desire again to believe; the good soul may say, I know not how things are with me, I have lost myself in a thicket of cares and fears, yet I put my hand into his that knows the way, and can lead me out, and let him see to the safe landing of my soul in that Haven of rest, and to the lodging of it in the bosom of Abraham, that in tender care of it, shed his precious blood for it; This is the next head, God will own this hidden treasure. 9 A treasured soul hath a treasure in heaven, and indeed his best treasure is above: for this treasure in the heart is the counterpane of a treasure in the Heavens: these are always conjoined. never is any soul brought up to Heaven, but first God brings down Heaven into it; God furnisheth the soul by the operations of his grace, and than takes possession of it by the earnest of his spirit, before he fill it with glory; 2 Cor. 5.5. Hast thou a treasure laid up in thy heart? That's the first fruits of a larger vintage; light is sown for the righteous, and (I may say) in the hearts of the righteous, if gracious treasures be laid up in the temple of your souls, glorious things are laid up in the new Jerusalem for you, such things as eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived: Happy art thou, O poor soul, or rather rich soul, poor in this world, rich in faith, and heir of a Kingdom, yea, Jam. ●. ●. of the Kingdom: thou mayst both sigh and smile at the mad and frantic World, that weary themselves for very vanity, that torment themselves in caring and toiling for an earthly Treasure; which when obtained, doth rather beget torment than content, and leads at last to final desperation: It is recorded of Stigandus Archbishop of Canterbury that he lived very poorly, Mr. Fox Acts and Monum, fol. 174. saying and swearing that he had nothing, not not a penny: yet by a Key fastened about his neck, was found great treasures after his death, which he had hid under the ground: But alas that Key would not open Heaven-gates, nor would that treasure purchase Glory, but the believing soul hath his treasure above, and by Faith he hath interest in the Lord Jesus, who hath indeed the Key of David, and is already entered into the Holiest, and hath set Heaven-gates wide open to his purchased and prepared ones, and he is gone to prepare a place for them. O Sirs, fear not, you that have grace shall not miss of glory, as your flesh is in Heaven, so Heaven is in your flesh, as it were; he will open the gates of Glory to those that opened their hearts to receive the King of Glory: the treasure of grace raiseth the heart to this treasure above, and lays up provision for an eternal state, this stream runs to that Ocean, and shall at last be swallowed up therewith, Psalm 16.11. where there is fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore: And let this excite all persons to hoard up a treasure in their hearts and in Heaven, which neither moth nor rust can corrupt, Mat. 6.20. nor Thief break through and steal it: Alas, poor creatures, if you get a treasure in the world, what will you do for a treasure when you must be gone hence? your earthly treasures will not purchase eternal happiness, you cannot always live here▪ therefore lay up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that you may lay hold of eternal life, 1 Tim. 6.19. Make Friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when these fail, you may be received into everlasting Habitations, Luke 16.9. Like that provident King of the Spartans', who observing the people to dethrone their Kings at the years end, and thrust them into a foreign Isle to live in mifery, did not ruffle it out in that prodigality wherein his Predecessors lived for one year, but sent a great estate before him into that Country where he was to be banished, that he might live comfortably when he was degraded: just thus must the wise and gracious Christian do, provide in the enjoyment of all things for a day of darkness in the want of all things: as Time is the seminary of Eternity, so the soul is to lay up here for an eternal state hereafter; Blessed is that soul that is found with these treasures in his heart, a Crown of Righteousness is laid up for those in whose hearts is found the work of Righteousness, and upon whose backs is found the Robes of Righteousness: let such bless God for grace, and long for glory. 10. Consider yet further, treasures of glory, are proportioned to treasures of grace in the heart: 'tis true, they that have lest glory in Heaven shall want none, yet withal, 'tis very likely there shall be degrees of happiness, and they that have had most grace shall have most glory; my reason is, because grace doth widen and capacitate the soul for larger Revenues of glory: many Vessels of great and small quantity cast into the Ocean are all full, but some hold more, and others less, such is the immense and inconceivable happiness of the Saints above, that all shall have all, and none shall want any thing to complete their felicity: as 'tis impossible for a soul to be in Heaven and not be happy, so there shall be no nook nor corner of a glorified soul, but it shall be filled with happiness: these clean Vessels shall be filled with this new wine of glory: God shall be all in all, all good to all souls, and in all souls, Yea, such is the vast and infinite Ocean of glory that they shall enter into their Master's joy, not it into them (though they shall be as full of it as their hearts can hold): O how shall they bathe themselves in those Rivers of pleasures? the mind shall be full of Light, the will of Holiness, and the affections of Ravishment and satisfaction, when we awake we shall be satisfied with his Image, Psalm 17.15. nor shall there be any envying one another's happiness, (though one star differ from another in glory) but every one shall bear his part in the lower or higher praises of God, (as one saith) with an harmonious variety in perfect symphony: certainly that immarcessible Crown of Glory shall be as weighty upon every Saint's head, as he is able to bear, though that weight shall be their delight, nothing is heavy in its proper Element, and Heaven is the proper Element of the spirits of just men made perfect, Hence 'tis said, the four beasts (i.e.) the community of the faithful) rest not day nor night, praising God, Rev. 4.8. yet their work is their rest, only some have an Instrument of six, some of eight, others sing praise to God upon an Instrument of ten strings, having more enlarged faculties fitted to that Angelical duty: Marth. 20.15. Vid, Bez. quaest. & Resp. p. 98. Caeterum messis tum, de spirituali mercede vitae a ternae, quam terrenis benedictionibue, quibus Deus prosequit●● homines beneficos ex ●oni debet: Calv. in l●●. it may seem that as there is degrees of torments in hell (for it will be more tolerable for some than for others) so there will be degrees of happiness in Heaven, by the rule of contraries: for, saith Beza, that Scripture of sowing and reaping sparingly, and liberally, in 2 Cor. 9.6. refers not only to charity and temporal advantages, but piety and eternal incomes: Thus doth Calvin iterpret it also; and the Parable of the Talents, whose reward was proportionable to their improvement, Luke 19.16, 17, 18. 'Tis true, parabolical Divinity is not argumentative, yet the mainscope of a Parable hath a demonstration in it, and it may seem probable that those whom God honours with most grace, and that honour God with most service and suffering should be most honoured with glory: But nothing of merit in all this, for giving Heaven as wages for work is an act of commutative justice, but what equality is there betwixt finite Services and infinite Glory? none at all, not, not, eternal Life is the gift of God: Let proud Papists say, they will not have Heaven gratìs, let the real Saint look upon Gospel-blessings as fruits of Freegrace, See this Quest. answer. in Buch. loc. 36. De vitâ aeterna, pa. 446. Determined that there shall be degrees of glory from, 1 Thes. 2.19. Dan. 12.3. 1 Cor. 15.41. and the City above as built all of this Freestone, and the way paved thither with the meritorious bloodshed of our dear Redeemer; And whether there be degrees of glory, or not, be sure the treasured soul shall have his share, and we shall best be able to resolve this question by experience; Vision and Fruition will be the best determination. Now these great things are Riddles and Mysteries to us, because we look but through a glass darkly, we have but faint Emblems and poor glympses of that glory which shall be revealed, but than we shall see God as he is, and know all things fit for creatures to be acquainted with, a thousand of these hard knots shall be untied, and our souls fully irradiated with the beams of divine Light. CHAP. XXII. Some Objections answered, and the Exhortation urged. BUt here come in many doubting souls with their several sad complaints and selfpuzzling Objections. 1. Alas, saith one, I fear I have no such treasure as here is described, for I have a very ignorant head, and therefore an empty heart, these treasures enter in by the door and window of knowledge, but I know nothing yet as I aught to know; I cannot conceive aright of one truth, & how I should I than have a treasure of truths? I answer, 'Tis well thou art complaining; Unsanctified knowledge puffeth up with conceits of imaginary attainments, gracious souls are sensible of defects and lament their ignorance: David was a Saint wel-treasured, yet calls himself a beast; Agur was a wise and holy man, yet professeth that he was more brutish than any man: nay, he saith, he had not the understanding of a man, Pro. 30.2. 'Tis an hopeful sign to hear Christians bewail their ignorance, but it doth not become any man to brag of his Knowledge: the lowest humility is the highest attainment: self-denial is a sign of, and means to spiritual Richeses: 'tis a sign thou hast profited when thou discernest and bewailest thy nonproficiency: Besides, you must know, that you are not to determine of your treasure of truths, by the number of truths known, but by the manner of your knowing them, and your estimation of them; do you value the truth so, as to buy the truth at any rate, and to cell it at no rate? nay, are you not willing to part with your lives rather than truth? Hath not truth had efficacy in your hearts, authority over your consciences, and prevalency in your conversations? Do you give up yourselves to the truths you do know? and, walk with God according to light received? if so, than you have a treasure both of truths and graces: 'tis a wonder to consider how little light, and how much heat Christ's own Disciples, and zealous Martyrs have gone strait to Heaven with: I speak not this to soothe up any in ignorance, or to patronise negligence, but to quiet the poor doubting disconsolate conscience, that's affected with a sense of its ignorance. 2. Ah, saith another, Is it possible that I should have a treasure of grace that have such a treasure of sin; the Lord knows, my heart is even stuffed full of corruption, there is such a huge fardel on my back, such a monstrous body of death, that I much fear whether I have any grace at all in my heart or not, my sin bears me down like a violent torrent, lust is predominant, and can grace be prevalent? I answer, I am glad to hear these Complaints from thee, it is no new thing for a Paul to cry out of a body of death: living men feel the weight of a burden, but dead men are not hurt: Dost thou really complain of the power of sin! than 'tis a Tyrant, not a King in thy heart? Dost thou sigh and fight against sin? Deut. 22.25. bless God for that Light to see it, and Life to oppose it: the forced Damsel cleared her innocency by crying out, so doth the vanquished soul evidence integrigrity by zealous groans to God; 'tis but a Rape not a complete Conquest, while the soul is struggling with its enemy, and gives not up the Fort of the heart: But know this, that a Christian may have a large treasure of grace in his heart, and yet feel violent workings of lust, grace may be strong, yet corruption impetuous; God may give it a commission to make violent incursions upon the wel-furnished soul, for wise and gracious ends: only consider whether thy prayers be ardent, contests vehement, and mournings for it bitter and more than ordinary; if it be thus with thee, thou mayst have a treasure for all that, not only a principle of grace, but a large measure thereof, for opposites illustrate one another, and though there be strong lustings of the flesh against the Spirit, yet if there be also proportionable struggle of the Spirit against the flesh, the souls condition may be safe, and for aught I know, it may be rich in Grace; That's for the second Object. 3. But, saith the Christian, you talk much of a treasure of comforts, but alas I know not what that means, alas comfort is far away; surely if I had had any grace I should have had peace, but I have been long under sadness and in many disconsolate fears, I fear I have no treasure of grace. Answ. Grace and Peace are not inseparable, they may be dis-joined, as Scripture and Experience testify, many a gracious soul hath been in deep sorrows, a soul may have a Hell within it, and yet at last go to Heaven; a Christian may sail thorough a tempestuous Sea to a quiet Haven; Yea, further observe, that a Christian may have a treasure of grace, yet want a treasure of joy and comfort; the reason is, because comfort is an effect of God's Spirit, which acts arbitrarily, and not by necessity, for if the Spirit shine not upon the graces of the Spirit in the soul, it shall have no comfort, though it be full of grace; Now God doth sometimes suspend the comforting presence of his Spirit from the best of his servants for righteous and gracious ends: hence we find eminent servants of God (that feared God above many) complaining of the want of comfort, as Job, and David, and Heman; yea, sometimes we find our dear Redeemer (who had a treasure of grace, and the Spirit above measure) complaining of Gods forsaking him, and consequently of the absence of joy and comfort: Poor soul, do not murmur that God doth not always feed thee with these Sweetmeats, which are are the fare of the Upper-Table, and reserved for an heavenly Banquet: what though thou hast not always actual possession of comfort, yet thou hast a solid Foundation for it: what if thou be not continually dandled on thy Father's lap, and kissed with the kisses of his mouth, yet thou art a child still, and thou canst not deny but sometimes he doth visit thy soul with heart-solacing consolations, and thou mightest have a treasure of them if thou couldst be ready for them, or rightly improve them. 4. Alas, saith the troubled heart, if I knew my state were safe, I could be better satisfied in the want of comfort, but I have cause to call all into question, I have been so barren and unprofitable under means of grace, ordinances and providences, I may cry out my leanness, my leanness, woe unto me, if there had been any real good in my soul, it would have been more increased under my long-enjoyed helps. I answer, there is never a soul under Heaven, but hath sad cause to complain under ordinances and enjoyments; where is the man that can stand forth, and say he hath gathered in harvest as much as he might have done? but there is a profiting to grace, and in grace, hast thou experiences of the former? hast thou been wasted over by the boat of ordinances into Jesus Christ, unto a state of grace, I hope thou canst not deny this; well than, thou hast attained to the main proficiency, bless God for that, and for a progress in grace, examine thyself a little more strictly, is not Jesus Christ more endeared to thee? do not the things of God relish better with thee? dost thou not more scorn the World, and all preferments that it offers to thee? is not thy prevailing purpose to cleave to God, notwithstanding oppositions, more fixed and settled in thy heart, upon long experience of the ways of God? dost thou not every day see more demonstrative reasons to confirm thee in thy choice of this better part? and let me ask thee, whether thou hast not grown downwards in humility, self-denial, hatred of sin, love to the Saints? though thou canst not say thou hast grown upwards in joy, faith, heavenly-mindedness, and communion with God? do not think thou art above complaint and proficiency in this life; none have attained to a perfect treasure in this valley of tears, and shadow of death; you will have cause to complain of defects and imperfections, which in your perfect Saviour's complete righteousness, your God will graciously cover and cure. 5. But, saith the poor soul, methinks I fall very far short, not only of what I might have attained to, but what others (under the same enjoyments) have arrived to, I am outstripped by such as set out long after me, they that were converted some years after me have attained to more treasures of gifts, graces, and abilities for edification, and I lag behind, what shall I think of myself? I answer, thou hast cause to lament thy non-proficiency, and bewail that thou hast not kept pace with others, there should be an holy emulation amongst Christians, and a striving which shall be richest in these good things of Heaven; but withal, comparing yourselves with others, is no good rule, (except it be to shame your negligent hearts, and excite diligent endeavours) because some have better parts, and may sooner attain to higher degrees of knowledge, and some God intends to call out to extraordinary service or suffering, others God designs to pluck away sooner by death, and so lays up much in a shorter time.— Besides, though they may seem to have a larger treasure, yet you do not know what they may have to do with it, they may be put to it, and all they have little enough, they may have such corruptions, temptations, afflictions, desertions, as may exhausted a great treasure, possibly they put the best side out, and you see the bright side, and not the black side of the Cloud; you hear their prayers, discourses, exercises amongst others, but you know not the dolorous griefs, and bitter complaints before the Lord in secret; could you lay your ears to their Closets, you would overhear their sad sighs for their fullness of sin, emptiness of grace, and naughty frame of heart; it may be your treasure is more settled, and theirs more floating, and you see it when the tide is high; you should take in all before you judge yourselves by others, and indeed no Man is a competent judge of another's frame of spirit, you may even fall below hypocrites themselves in seeming inlargements. 6. Yea, 1 Cor. 12.4, 6. saith the soul, but I fall below others in real usefulness, if there were a treasure within, Rom. 12.4. me thinks it would appear more to the glory of God and good of others, but I do no good in my place, I cumber the ground, and bring not forth fruit as others do, that do God a great deal more service, than I do. I answer, the Apostle saith, there are diversities of gifts, and operations, so also, all members have not the same office, and consequently not the same usefulness, some move in an higher sphere, and some in a lower, but if thou be set in this heavenly orb of the Church, thou hast some influence, there is not a Finger or Toe in this body of Christ, but 'tis of some use, and cannot be spared, but it will be lame and defective, not a loop or pin in this Tabernacle of the Church, but as it fills up a room, so it bears up some weight: the body of Christ hath need of thee, nay, there's not the choicest members that can say to the meanest in the Church, I have no need of thee, Paul, though a great Apostle, stood in need of the prayers of the meanest Christian: an Iron Key may sometimes open that Lock, that a silver one cannot effect; there's never a Saint in the World, that knows the good that he doth, nor shall it be known to others the use he is of, till he be taken away, and than the place shall feel a loss of him, a City, a Country, and Kingdom may be spared upon the prayers and uprightness of one righteous person: Let not more worthy members despise the ignoble, since they cannot be without them, and let not inferior members envy the more honourable, because God appointeth every one his station, and accepteth the meanest members faithful service, a sweeper of Chimneys may honour God in his place, as well as a Pastor of souls in his: a plain Christian in a leathern Coat may (if faithful in his station) do God as much service, as a great Doctor in his purple Robes: if thou be serious in the work of God, thou mayest promote the cause of God in thy Family, which may reflect a lustre to the whole Church. 7. But alas, saith the Soul, I am so far from increasing into a treasure, that I fear I am on the losing hand; I am in spending, wasting, decreasing by sinful practices, what I gain in a Duty or Ordinance, I loose by an act of sinning, and have much ado to recover myself, o● this inconstant, unstable spirit! what shall become of me? I answer, the case is sad, and much to be lamented, but so it is with the best of God's Children, David saith, thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down, while we are tossed upon the fluctuating Waves of the Sea, we must expect Mariners motion, Psal. 107.26. to mount up to Heaven, and go down to the depths, to have rich enjoyments, and sadder abatements, that we may know both how to want, and how to abound in point of enlargement: sometimes our hearts are opened, as the heart of Lydia, to receive of that grace which becomes our treasure, than again our hearts are shut up, and we are in danger to shut out divine incomes; sometimes the Sails of our souls are spread, to entertain the lively guests of the holy spirit, but how often are they contracted, and we than resist the blessed motions thereof? let's complain of this, as our sin and shame: but thus it must be in this sublunary state, to distinguish betwixt this Vale of mutability, and the heavenly Mount of unchangeable felicity: yet take notice, that the souls treasure may be maintained, and even increased by this variety of conditions; by standing still, or falling back, he may grow more self-suspicious, penitent, vigilant, and diligent, and make the more haste after his God, to redeem the time that he hath lost, and pick up his scattered crumbs: when a covetous Man hath wasted any thing; or missed a good bargain, he will seek to make amendss, by future diligence: thus will the gracious soul, so that God may improve slips, to standing faster, stumblings to a speedy motion forwards, and falls to a greater heedfulness and sensibleness: Hast thou not found it thus? poor soul, hast thou not been a gainer by thy losses? have not these spiritual Egyptians (of raging corruptions) paid tribute to thy soul, to increase thy spiritual stock? have not these Gibeonites been hewers of Wood, and drawers of Water, to help thee in the Service of the Sanctuary? I question not, but thou hast found these bitter Enemies, as occasions at lest to put thee on to watch thy treasure better; Num. 33.55. the Canaanites were to be to Israel, as pricks in their eyes, and thorns in their sides, just so are sins to the Saints, these pricks in their eyes, make them ●eep more for sin, and these thorns in their ●ides, spur them more towards the City of refuge: there are different sorts of Christians, some are solid, sober, and more settled in their motion, that keep on a good, even pace in ●e ways of God, others are more uncertain, sometimes push forwards, and draw back again, yet these may be God's Children, as well as the former, and sometimes it is occasioned by the natural levity, and fickleness of their spirits, or other causes, yet still the almighty Arm of Jehovah is under them, and all his Saints are in his hand, and though these unstable souls may not excel, yet they shall keep their hold, and every leap they take shall set them nearer to Heaven, and lead them to that immutable state, where there is fullness of joy, and Rivers of pleasure for ever more. Thus much for answer to some Objections: I shall now conclude all with a brief and serious exhortation, and o that I could persuade and prevail with all to look after their share in the treasure, so largely opened to you, methinks it should be an easy thing to persuade Men to embrace a treasure, but o how hard is it to engage Men to look after a treasure for their souls! I see what a wretched thing a carnal heart is, and poor souls fight against their own interest, and forsake their own mercy. One would think that they, that are poor in the World, would be induced to consider of some treasure at last; I beseech you, let reason be heard, argue rationally, and let your souls be working in such thoughts as these, God hath cast my lot to be in a mean estate, and I work hard for a bore living, I toil and travel night and day, and I can scarce get course for my back, and food for myself and my Family, I would have got something beforehand, but I see it will not do, Times are hard, Trading dead, I despair of growing rich, the world is like a shadow, the more I pursue it, the further it flees from me, and have I been pursuing after that which I cannot overtake? and if I should overtake it, can do me no good, may do me much hurt, and in the mean time have I neglected my immortal soul, and getting a treasure in it to make it rich and happy? These spiritual goods are the best that can be got, and these only may be got, and nothing else: O my soul, shall I be poor in this world and poor to all eternity? must I live in misery here, and be in greater torment hereafter, o why should I be such a perfect beggar? doubly poor, of a poor estate and of a poor low degenerate spirit? O rather let me be poor in spirit that I may be an Heir of a Kingdom, a better than this Dunghill world can afford. If I want bread for my body, Lord evermore give me the bread of Life for my poor soul, the garments of Christ's Righteousness to cover my nakedness, Fine gold that I may be rich, though I be separated from my neighbour let me be united to the Lord, though I be despised by men, yet let my soul be owned by the Lord, although I have not a foot of Land, or house of mine own in this world, yet, O that I may have a right to Mansions above, and may take possession at death of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light: Thus do you that are poor argue the case, and rest not satisfied without the true Richeses; if you cannot get Earth, make sure of Heaven, and than you make no bad bargain: keep up this Trade of Religion, when other Trade's decay, live above the world, learn to act Faith, put the Bond in suit, make a virtue of necessity, and if you cannot get lefthand mercies, be sure of right-hand mercies, and than you are happy for ever. Let rich men also look after a treasure above, I know its a hard thing to persuade such as have treasures on earth, to look after treasures of Heaven, and in Heaven: it is impossible for them that trust in richeses to be saved, and most men do so; O how apt are men of great Estates to please and applaud themselves in their large possessions, especially after the malicious revile of the poor, or the awakening convictions of God's Spirit by some heart-shaking Boanerges, they go home and thus bespeak themselves, what need I regard the vain calumnies of the sons of Belial, Populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo, ipse domi simul ac nummos contemplor in arcá, Horat. or the furious invectives of these bawling Priests, 've need of none, and I fear no man, I am able to live of myself, let every man look to himself, it's an hard world, and we must look to ourselves, God hath blessed me with an estate, and I trust he loves me, and I shall do as well as others: Such workings are in rich men's breasts, the God of Heaven knows your secret self-flattering thoughts, but they shall be found to be vain another day, when you lie upon a deathbed, ready to breath out your despairing souls, what will money do in the Chest without grace in the Heart? what art thou better for hundreds and thousands a year? what art thou the better for the honourable or worshipful titles of Lord, Knight, Esquire or Gentleman? I have heard of a Person of quality that cried out upon his sickbed, ten thousand pounds for a good conscience, but alas, pardon and Heaven cannot be bought with money, purity and peace of conscience are at a higher rate, they cost the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and are not bought but given in God's way and in God's time: he was a Fool that pleased himself with conceits of filling his soul with his full bags and furnished houses, or fruitful Fields, what are these to the immortal soul, that is of a spiritual nature? Not not, Richeses profit not in a day of wrath, you cannot stop the mouth of conscience in the pangs of death with a little worldly trash: Non domus & fundus, non aris acervus & auri, agrote Domine deducunt corpore febres: Horat. try this in lesser things, and see whether money, which answereth all things will fill your hungry bellies, cure the headache, or toothache, or remove Fevers, alas it cannot, you know it cannot, how than can Richeses satisfy, or sanctify, or save the immortal soul? A time is coming when the careless and covetous Worlding would be glad to exchange earth for heaven, and would be willing to cast all his Rare commodities over Shipboard to save his precious Vessel of his never-dying soul, but he that esteemed the world his God, shall have no God to relieve him when he is leaving the world: He that spent his strength and time to compass his worldly ends, shall have nothing but his labour for his pains in the upshot, Job 27.8 what hath he gained, (let him brag of his bargain) when God taketh away his soul? Nay, this very treasure that he hath heaped up shall rise up in judgement against him, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heins Exercit. pag. 563. so Heinsius reads, James 5.3. as though their Gold and Silver should become a treasure of tormenting fire to the rich and wretched Misers: and o, what an astonishing consideration is this, that a covetous man should gather the fuel to that fire that shall torment him for ever, and that his beloved Minion the world, with which he hath committed adultery, shall be the instrument of his torment; yea, some think further, that this earth where wicked men have had their Heaven, shall be the place of hel-torments after the great day of Judgement: certainly this world which hath bewitched sensual souls shall be burnt with fire, and how just is it, that where men have acted their pleasant Comedy, they should suffer this last and everlasting Tragedy? O Sirs, think of this betimes, do but in cold blood consider whether your great Estates will screen betwixt God's flaming wrath and your sinning souls another day: Bethink yourselves betimes, whether you would have God or the world to stand your Friend at Death or Judgement, whether you would have a heart laden with this heavenly treasure, or a conscience loaden with guilt and filled with excruciating worms, whether you would hear that sad word, Woe unto you that are rich for ye have received your consolation, or, come my Friends, enter into your Master's joy: Remember you were forewarned of these things, look about you betimes: Here I might admonish all Ages and Sexes to get their hearts full of this treasure, you young men begin the world with this stock, this alone will fit you for all callings, places, Relations and Conditions; you are entering the world, and you know not what you may pass through betwixt this and the Grave, without this treasure you are fit for nothing, this will fit you for any thing: this will tender you well-accomplisht Gentlemen, Merchants, Ministers; This will carry you through all Companies with credit and profit: it will be an excellent Guide and Guard in your Journeys; This will season your younger years with gravity, policy and humility, Read 〈◊〉 1.4. c. 2.1. etc. 4.1. yea, read the first 9● Chapters in Prov. and ripe● your souls for Heaven as you are ripening for the Grave: O my Brethrens, set up with this stock, begin in Grace and you shall end in Peace, begin with this treasure, and you shall end in everlasting pleasures: And you that are ancient, look after this treasure, old men are addicted to hoarding, why here's work for you, be hoarding up in your hearts divine Truths, Graces, Comforts, and Experiences, in malice be you children, but in understanding be ye men; Give me leave to admonish old men, and Fathers, to labour to know him that is from the beginning, 1 Joh. 2.13. you delight much in Antiquity, here's an object for you to contemplate, even the Ancient of Days: O mind not toys and treasures, even the best of treasures, let your hoary heads be found in the way of Righteousness, and hearts filled with these Fruits of Righteousness: Alas, shall you be full of days and empty of grace? Shall you be drawing to a period of your lives, and continued destitute of the end of your lives? Ah Sirs, that you should be taking your leave of the world, and yet have laid 〈◊〉 Foundation, made no preparation for a better life, alas what shall become of you? the Lord be merciful to you, and lay hands on you and pluck you as brands out of the fire: it's a monstrous sight to see a wicked old man, how unbecoming is it to hear an old man swear, to see an old man drunk, or unclean, 'tis a prodigious sight, such are worse because they should be better, every grey hair which should be a crown of glory, is a testimony of sloth, and monitor of approaching wrath: Ah Sirs, think not much, if at the great Day you be set on the lefthand, that have all your days made choice of lefthand blessings: the God of Heaven awaken you to provide for Eternity, before the flames of hell awake you, when there's no Remedy. Let all and every one without fail, without dallying or delay, look after this Treasure; O let your souls be furnished with a store of holy Thoughts, you are always thinking, your minds are active, never idle, always in motion: O get it furnished for contemplation, bring some work to this Millstone, else as Luther saith, it will grind itself thinner, or as a Lamp that's soon extinct without a fresh supply of Oil: You can neither discourse profitably in Company, nor spend your time in solitary Retirements without this Treasure. But I have been too tedious, let not all these words be in vain to you, or rise up in judgement against you: A●w words to those precious souls into whose bosom the Lord hath dropped this heavenly treasure; these I might urge to bless God for it, live up to it, make much of it, maintain and increase it, and be sure you do not part with it upon any terms. As to the last, I pray you to keep this treasure, and let it not be in the lest impaired, wasted or prejudiced: I tell you its a greater loss to loose one grain of grace than a Mine of gold, or both the Indieses, the gaining of the world cannot countervail the loss of a soul, and if your treasure be gone, your souls are gone: take fast hold of Instruction, let her not go, for she is thy life, Prov. 4.13. Let all go rather than part with your treasure. Caesar swimming through a River to escape his Enemies, carried his Books above Water with his hand, but lost his Robe, so do you: though you should swim through a Sea of sorrows, yet before you keep fast the Lords depositum, make not shipwreck of Faith and a good Conscience, let neither the treasures nor pleasures of the world rob or cousin you of this glorious treasure; Acts and Mon. par. 1. fol. 63. fol. 100 Take two famous instances of constancy in the Primitive times: the one is of a Soldier, whom the Praetor could not with torments remove from his Christian profession; at last he commanded him to be laid in a soft bed, in a pleasant Garden among flourishing Lilies and read Roses, and being left alone a beautiful Harlot came to him, and embracing him wantonly, solicited him to lust, he resolutely opposed, at last for very vexation, and to prevent by his pain th● danger of pleasure, he bitten of his Tongue and spit it in her Face, as she kissed him, and so bravely overcame: This Valiant Soldier would not endanger his Treasure for the enjoyment of a little pleasure; The other Example is, of one Hormisda, a great Nobleman's Son, who, for Religion was condemned to keep the King of Persia's Elephants, and to go naked. One day the King looking out, and seeing him tanned with the Sun, commanded a Shirt to be put upon him, and to bring him before him, whom the King asked if he would now deny Christ; Hormisda tore of his Shirt, saying, if you think I will deny my faith for a Shirt, have here your gift again: See here a young man stripped naked of an earthly treasure, yea, will go stark naked, rather than loose his inward treasure: go you and do likewise, say as Job, Chap. 27.5, 6. Till I die, I will not remove my integrity from me, my righteousness I hold fast and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live: Live upon your stock, make use of it upon all occasions, draw forth the seeds of grace, bring forth much fruits, improve your treasure for maintaining constant intercourse with God; Josephus tells us that there was a tumult raised among the Jews, Joseph. de Bello Jud. lib. 2. ca 8. because their holy treasure was wasted upon a Conduit, reaching the space of 300. furlongs, but if you spend your treasure in maintaining ways of conveyance betwixt God and your hearts, it will increase your treasure, and keep up peace with God, and peace of conscience; communion with God will compose all mutinous insurrections in your own hearts; pay to God the constant tribute of duty and obedience, give him the glory of all, that he hath done for you; sweep the Temple of your hearts, free it from all dust and filth, prepare a cleanly lodging for this blessed guest; the holy spirit is compared to a Dove, and we know the Dove is a cleanly creature, and leaves its residence when it is defiled, so will the spirit: be holy in all your conceptions, and in all manner of conversation, learn that blessed round, that En●ch took of walking with God, solace your souls in him, scorn any thing that the World can offer, as a temptation to divert your hearts into another Channel, ask the World what it can give, that may be a valuable consideration, for the loss of communion with God, make such a challenge, as Saul did in another case, can the Son of Jesse give you fields and Vineyards?— so can the World give me pardon of sin, peace of conscience, grace here, and glory hereafter? if it say it can, believe it not, it's a vain brag and loud lie, like that of Satan's to Christ; if it cannot, (as certainly it cannot) why shouldest thou leave the substance, and embrace the shadow, o make not so mad, so bad a bargain; I stand the more upon this, because there is danger, jest you should be cheated out of your treasure by the World, as Dalilah beguiled Samson, or as the Maid got the Apple out of the Giants hand by fair means, which the Champions could not wrist out: Do not delight in the Creature, jest it abate your content in God, be not afraid of afflictions that accompany godliness, you may get a larger increase of your treasure by trouble, than by any other means, as 'tis storied of Tiberius, passing by a Cross that lay upon a Marblestone, and causing the Cross to be digged up, found a large treasure under the Cross, so may and do, gracious souls find treasures under their crosses. But to draw to an end, the Lord engage all your hearts to make sure of this treasure, and to make much of this treasure, lock it up in the inmost closet of your hearts, lay it out in ways of holiness, as the Lord gives opportunity, raise up your hearts heaven-wards, improve solitariness, do all the good you can in your places, sanctify the name of God in all things you do or receive, watch over your own spirits, be faithful unto death, and he will give you a Crown of life: I shall conclude all with an elegant exhortation of Cyprian: thou only whom the heavenly warfare hath sealed up in these spiritual Tents, keep incorrupt, keep sober this blessed Discipline with religious virtues, be thou diligent either in praying or reading, sometimes speak thou to God, sometimes hear God speak to thee, let him instruct thee, Tu tantum quem jam spiritualibu● castri● caelestis militia signavit, tene incorruptam, tene sobriam religiosis virtutibus disciplinam, sit tibi vel orati● assidu● vel lecti●: nunc cum des ●oquere, nunc de●s tecum: ille te praceptis suis instruat, ille dispenat: quem ille divitem fe●erit, nem● pauperem faciet: penuria esse nulla ja●s poterit, cum semel pectus cael●stis sagina saturaverit: Videas plurae in Cyp. Epist. Lib. 2. Ep. 2. ad Donatum. dispose of thee by his precepts, whom he hath made rich, let no Man make poor, thou canst not now be subject to any penury, when thy breast is satiated with variety of all heavenly delicacies; thus he, Blessed is the soul that hath this blessed treasure, and is mounting upwards to everlasting pleasures. FINIS. An APPENDIX Concerning Meditation, with some helps to furnish the thoughts with suitable and profitable Subjects. THat the vacant pages may be supplied, it will not be impertinent here to annex a Specimen or Example, to help the working thoughts, in the great duty of Meditation, yet here I shall not undertake to handle the common-place of Meditation, which you may find insisted upon, purposely by Mr. Fenner, Mr. Ball, Mr. Baxter, in his Saints Rest, and many others, and abundant examples thereof in those incomparable works of that reverend contemplative Divine, Dr. Hall; But what I shall do on this behalf, is only to pursue the design of the foregoing Treatise, in presenting some considerations, to help the Christian to a treasure of good thoughts, that he may not want any matter of Meditation, wherever he is: before I proceed to the examples, I shall speak a few words concerning thoughts, and good thoughts, and deliberate good thoughts in the duty of Meditation. Thoughts in general (according to Scripture) are the internal acts of the soul, of what faculty soever, mind, will, memory, Gen. 40.14 1 Sam. 9.5. Judg. 5.15. affections, to remember is to think on a man or thing, to take care is to take thought, to be troubled is expressed by thoughts of heart, and so thoughts denote any internal workings of reasonings, ends, desires, designs, and resolutions, as opposed to external words or works, so Isai 66.18. I know their works and their thoughts, but thoughts are also taken more strictly, as being the proper products of the understanding faculty, the immediate muse of the speculative part, and so not only opposed to words and works, but also to the motions of the soul of another ●ure, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. and thus Critics distinguish (as the word itself acts the critic) betwixt the thoughts of the heart, and the intents of the heart, in Heb. 4.12. The thoughts than are the souls self-conferences, discourses, parleys, interviews, hence there's mention in Scripture of speaking in the heart, Deut. 9.4. Communing with our own hearts, Psal. 4.4. Applied both to the godly and the wicked, Psal. 77.6. Psal. 14.1. the subjects of these discourses within, are either from without, or from within,; sometimes the subjects are fetched from abroad, as if good, the thoughts are furnished from the word of God, or otherways, Pro. 6.22.— When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee, i e. Thou shalt find the word as a sweet companion affording thee matter of self conference; Gen. 6.5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 omne figmentum. so also the matter of thoughts may arise from within, but they are ordinarily evil, and so every imagination of the thoughts of Man's heart is evil, the word signifies every Figment, Creature, or workmanship that the mind hammers within itself, as in a Forge, Mint, or on an Anvil; for thoughts are as it were spun out of our own bowels, they are Eggs of our own laying, Webs of our own weaving, for thoughts can work of themselves when there's no outward objects presented. Now my design is to furnish and rectify these internal operations of the heart, and to help the soul with such subjects and objects as may find it profitable work when it hath no creature to converse with, that the thoughts may be holy, sweet, savoury, and heavenly; Now there are four qualifications essentially requisite to the constitution of good thoughts. 1. They must be materially good, not employed about sinful or trifling things, that do either prejudice, or not at all profit the soul, but exercised in some spiritual, suitable meditations about God, Christ, the Word, o● what may tend to edification. 2. They must be formally good, i e. regulated by the Word of God, as the Rule thereof, to square and order the thoughts, both for Principle, Manner, and End. 3. They must be seasonably good every thing is beautiful in its season: a thing may be good in its own nature, yet not good as to those circumstances of time and other respects wherewith it may be clothed. 4. They must be eventually good, as to the fruit, effect, impression of these thoughts, he that thinks, should aim at God's glory and his own souls good; and the fruit of the thought must be good, tending to quicken or strengthen some grace, kill and crucify some lust, ●●large or encourage the straitened or sadened ●eart: Alas, this is not a mere exercise of the mind and memory about good things, but a working them upon the heart, the sinking of these things into the will and affections: 'tis not merely speculative, but practical and experimental, it must be a set and solemn acting all the powers of the soul upon divine things in order to spiritual advantage, or raising the heart Heaven-wards. And now I shall present to your thoughts ●o. useful Subjects to meditate upon, which may by the Lord's assistance, become in your souls a sacred Treasure of heavenly thoughts. 1. Let your thoughts insist upon the infinite, eternal and incomprehensible Majesty of God, here you may soon loose yourselves in the vast Ocean of his blessed essence, yet launch not too far, but bound your thoughts by the sure Card of Scripture-discovery; thus think, 1. O what an holy omniscient, omni present Spirit is the Almighty maker and possessor of heaven and earth! What transcendent mysteries are locked up in the Trinity of Persons in the unity of Essence! how impossible is it for a mortal eye to approach that inaccessible Light! none can see God and live, yet have poor sinners a glorious reflection of the Godhead in the Person of our dear Redeemer, and in his sweet proclaiming his blessed Name, and displaying his glorious Attributes of Wisdom, Power, Holiness, Justice, Goodness and Truth to the Sons of men: by these we taste and see what a One the Lord is: O how great is this Jehovah whom we worship? the heaven of Heavens cannot contain him, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He sitteth upon the Circle of the earth, and the Inhabitants thereof are as Grasshoppers, He is clothed with honour and Majesty, thousand thousands minister unto him, ten thousand times ten thousand stand before him, He is the God in whose hands my breath is, the searcher of hearts, the hearer of Prayers, the Lord of Hosts, and King of Saints: O my soul admire him for his greatness, fear him for his Justice, love him for his Goodness, trust him for his Faithfulness, worship him in the beauty of holiness, and delight thyself in his transcendent Perfections: 2. Fix your thoughts upon the works of Creation, study this large voluminous Book, every page thereof will find you fresh matter of meditation and admiration: every creature hath a tongue to tell us of the power and wisdom of its Maker: and thus let your thoughts be working; surely this goodly Fabric of Heaven and Earth speaks aloud the glory of the great Creator; if this vast Globe of the Earth be above twenty thousand miles in compass, than what a vast extent are the Heavens of? which are stretched out as a Curtain; how admirably hath God laid the beams of his Chambers in the waters, and hanged the earth upon nothing? how firmly hath God builded his stories in the Heaven, and fixed the glorious Constellations as fountains of Light? o what beauty is there in the Father of Lights that hath set up resplendent Luminaries? these great bodies were created of nothing by the word of God's power, and yet there is deep mysteries in the lest and lowest creature, every Herb, Flower, Plant, spire of grass, Twig and Leaf, Worm or Fly, Scale or Feather, Billow or Meteor, hath enough in it to puzzle the most profound Philosopher, and speaks the power and wisdom of our great Creator: how much more the curious piece of man's Body? I am fearfully and wonderfully made, but much more may I stand admiring the strange nature of my immortal soul: and still reflect with thankfulness and admiration upon the power and goodness of my omnipotent Creator. 3. Think on the capacity, excellency, and immortality of the precious Soul, you cannot think without it, and should you not spend some thoughts upon it, this distinguisheth you from beasts, thus than meditate, what divine spark is this that God hath breathed into this lump of clay? this immortal soul which God immediately created is greater and better than the world, and cannot be satisfied with the world, 'tis of a spiritual being, and of the same nature with the Angels: 'tis of an active nature, and can make quick excursions to the creatures, and sallies through this vast Universe, and must return with Noah's Dove, that there's no place to rest her weary foot of affections upon, God alone, is the anchor and centre of this tossed Wanderer: this soul is capable of communion with God in spiritual Ordinances and eternal happiness, it must return at last to God that gave it, to receive from him a sentence of absolution or condemnation; O my soul, thou art in constant motion, whether art thou moving? what art thou doing? what condition art thou in? and what must become of thee when thy body shall be left a stinking carcase? Soar aloft my soul, and mind things above, debase not thy noble nature with pursuit of things that are below thyself: get well adorned with the graces of the Spirit, and enriched with an interest in Jesus Christ, make God thy portion, lay up lasting treasures in Heaven, and than return unto thy Rest, and God will deal bountifully with thee. 4. Think much upon the sacred Word of God, meditate of it day and night, let the Word of God devil richly in you, and let your thoughts be furnished with, and devil much upon it what is in your Bibles is Gods, but what is in your hearts is your own; thus than let your thoughts be working: O the infinite condescension of the great Jehovah! What 〈◊〉 worthless man that God himself should writ so large an Epistle from Heaven to him with the hand of his blessed Spirit! What care hath God taken to direct, move, incite, encourage fallen sinning man to the attaining of eternal happiness? What Precepts, Promises Threaten, Examples are sprinkled up and down in this blessed Book! O the Antiquity, Authority, Excellency and Efficacy, Power and Purity, Perfection and sufficiency, verity and perpetuity of the sacred Bible! Methinks when I take up this holy Book, I take wonders into my hands, and when I look within it I meet with Mysteries, that the wisdom of the greatest Clarks can never reach, and yet the meanest capacity by the help of that Spirit which indicted them, may wade this deep foard of divine secrets: how plainly held forth therein are necessary truths and duties that lead the soul to God and eternal happiness! How familiarly and affectionately doth God converse with man therein? how pat and proper to my state are the precious Promises in these blessed pages? every word hath its weight, and comes as pertinently as if the Lord had named me; methinks, there's no such virtue or savour in any other Writings, what reviving doth it bring into my heart! O blessed be God for the holy Scriptures. 5. Let your thoughts be employed about the glorious works of Providence: o how sweet are they? who so is wise will consider them: pause after this manner, O my soul, take a view of this beautiful Checker-work of divine Providence; consider the days of old, and the years of many generations, recollect what the Scripture records, of drying up the Sea, driving back Jordan, the standing still, and going back of the Sun in the Firmament, reflect upon the miracles of Mercy for the Church, and of judgement upon the Enemies: nay, consider O my soul what wonders God hath wrought in thy days, in thine eyes: O what national, domestical, personal deliverances hast thou seen? even such as may astonish the Atheist, and silence Unbelief for ever: thou needest not want matter of holy musing, if thou take a strict survey of the course of thy life, and particular providences about thy Soul, Body, Estate, Name, Relations, and all thy Concernments, which may afford a vast Field of devout Meditation: those ways of Providence that seemed uncouth and unlovely whilst seen but in their birth and parts, how comely now are they in their mature product and perfection? I saw not than, but I have fully seen since what the Lord aimed at in his strange Dispensations: O the happy composure, symmetry, and contexture of all things, conspiring together by the concurrence of Providence to accomplish, and to centre in the grand end of all things, viz. the glory of God. How wondered are his Judgements, and his ways passed finding out? 6. Think sadly upon man's Apostasy: let your thoughts be sometimes taking a view of the original of all our present sinfulness and wretchedness in such thoughts as these: Woe is me, whence and whether are we fallen! God made man upright, but he sought out many inventions, once man was created after the Image of God, now is he defaced after the Image of the Devil: once was man entire and strait, now deformed and crooked in all his faculties, once was he holy and happy, now filthy and subject to all sin and misery: once he was the darling of God, Lord of the world, and a fit companion for the blessed Angels now he is God's enemy, the Devil's slave, and the basest part of the whole Creation: O mutable freewill that chose to fall, that might have chosen to stand! surely man in his best estate was subject to vanity: O how little was the pleasure, and how lasting is the pain! But O my soul, find not fault with Adam, if thou hadst been in his stead, thou wouldst have done as he did, yea, thou dost the same every day, too too voluntarily, and of choice, sin is a transgression of the Law, and this holy Law thou breakest every moment, O my soul, what miserable case art thou in! what enmity to God, antipathy to good, and constant tendency to all evil is in thy depraved nature! Woe is me, where's the light in my understanding, the rectitude of my will, the regularity of my affections: where is the tenderness of my conscience, the tenacity of my memory, and the victory over my lower unruly passions! Lord, where am I, and what will become of me, except Freegrace interpose for my deliverance? 7. Think, O think much upon the stupendious work of man's Redemption: here the ransomed of the Lord may and must expatiate in the heart-melting meditations of the way of their recovery. Thus, here stand and pause, my soul, upon the sweet transcendent contrivance of saving lost man: O why, wherefore was it, that the heart of God was working for men, and not for devils? they were as near and dear to God (when standing) and as perfect in their natures, was it because man had a Tempter, and they had none? no certainly, though that may be a truth, yet no reason of choosing man, and leaving devils to be reserved in chains of darkness to the judgement of the great Day; not, not, Freegrace alone made the difference: But, what was the way of man's Redemption? why surely, the Son of God, the second Person of the glorious Trinity must become man, and put himself into the sinner's stead, to do and endure, be, and bear what man must have gone through and under-gone: O stupendious mystery, o transcendent Mercy? who could have devised such a way? who durst have desired such a thing, that God should part with his only and beloved Son for such an end? O the manifold wisdom of God O● the inconceivable love of the Father to sand his Son, and of his Son to come upon such an Errand 〈◊〉 Great is the mercy of God great is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh etc. O the wonders in the strange hypostatical union! the completeness of his Person, the usefulness of his Offices! O the bitterness of his temptations, travels, trials, reproaches, agonies, desertions, death, sharp to him, sweet to us: these will be the subject of Saints thoughts and praises in Heaven, to all Eternity. 8. Think upon the terms and tenor of the Gospel, how and upon what conditions Christ and all his benefits may be made over to you, and that is a Cordial accepting of Christ in his mediatory latitude, as be is tendered in the Gospel, to justify, sanctify, and to save, thus than conceive thereof. O strange mercy, boundless love, God might have appointed the conditions of salvation to have been travelling tedious journeys, conquering Kingdoms, or lying so many years in misery; he might have said, thou must either keep the moral Law exactly or die eternally; but he saith, believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, nor hath he left thee, O my soul, to do this by thine own strength, (which had been as impossible as the form) but he that requires faith of thee, promiseth to give faith to thee; faith is in the Covenant as well as forgiveness, Jesus Christ hath purchased strength to believe, as well as salvation for believers. O blessed contrivance, all is laid upon the back of our sweet and solid surety, he is exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, he is the way, the truth, and the life, the Author and finisher of our faith, he saves to the utmost, all the Elect shall have faith, and none of them shall miscarry; this, this is the kernel and marrow of the Gospel, that Christ is the surety for all the Elect, and hath undertaken to bear them all to Heaven by the power of his spirit, and by the virtue of his merit, and he wants neither ability nor fidelity to bring about this glorious enterprise for poor souls. 9 Think and think again what interest you have in this Redeemer and redemption, for all are not sharers in it, all shall not be saved by it, nay, but few of those that hear the tidings of it: think thus, o my soul, what is thy state? where is thy standing? what interest hast thou in Christ? what title to the promises of the Covenant? hast thou a sound and saving faith, a through heart-shaking, heart-breaking repentance? I hear in the word that Christ becomes the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, o my soul, hast thou given up thyself to him in the obedience of faith? what operations of the spirit hast thou felt for thy effectual vocation? what regenerating work, hath passed upon thee? art thou translated from death to life, from darkness to light? art thou indeed trasplanted out of the old stock, into the new and living Vine? what particular application hast thou made of this general redemption? hast thou viewed a bleeding Christ with a bleeding heart? and looked on him whom thy sins have pierced with a repenting believing frame of spirit? hast thou accepted of Jesus Christ in his mediatory latitude, as Prophet, Priest, and King, to subdue thy lusts, to guide thee by his Sceptre, and save thee in his own way? o my soul, be serious in this inquiry, it's no trifling matter, it's as much as thy soul is worth, it's of great concernment to all eternity, the way is straight and narrow, thousands are deceived and spend no thoughts upon it, till they be passed hopes or remedy: the stroke of death will suddenly determine the business, o look to it before that blow be given, jest it be too late. 10. When thou hast cleared thy state, than think with comfort; o the rich privileges of believers! here thou mayst have a spacious field of contemplation, God allows thee to solace thy soul in such thoughts as these, o the inestimable, incomparable, invaluable advantages of the Saints! what sayest thou, o my guilty weary soul, is it nothing to have sin pardoned, thy debts paid, the Bond canceled? certainly to a soul heavy laden under the sense of guilt, the sense of pardon is the most joyful tidings in the World: and shall my filthy naked soul be clothed with this blessed robe of Christ's perfect righteousness? o the richeses of free grace? shall such a base and bankrupt beggar become the beautiful spouse of the King of Heaven? it was infinite mercy that kept me thus long out of Hell, but will the Lord also make this sinful soul an heir of Heaven? shall Jesus Christ be my elder Brother, the spirit my Comforter, and God himself my Father's oh boundless and bottomless richeses of free grace! moreover, o my soul, thou hast interest in all the promises, the assistance of the spirit in prayer, and free access to the Throne of Grace: the providences of God are working for thy good, the protection of Heaven shall be on thy person, and the blessing of the Almighty shall be upon thy undertake; thou hast, o my soul, sweet fellowship with God, the benefit of communion of Saints, and the presence and service of the holy Angels: he will guide thee with his counsel, and at last receive thee to glory: and is not this a ne plus-ultra of preferment? can thy covetous or ambitious thoughts reach any further, o my soul? no, not, God hath done for thee beyond thy expectation, even to admiration. 11. Now than, my soul, let thy thoughts be working upon some returns; what doth God require of thee in lieu of all these rich and royal favours? o set thy heart to study duty, lie under the sense of the Law of thankfulness, desire the Lord to writ that blessed Law upon the Tables of thy heart, consider what thou hast to do, but here my soul is nonplussed, alas, what returns can I make unto my God for all these benefits? what can a poor worthless worm do, in requiting infinite kindness? myself, and all I am, or can do, are the Lords due, and here I offer up all, to thee, o Lord, as a whole sacrifice, which is most reasonable, o that it may be acceptable through Jesus Christ; my heart, my lips, my life shall praise thee, b●ess the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name: o that my heart were well tuned to sing the song of Moses, and of the Lamb, alas my soul, how low and dull art thou? how short and shallow in thy poor returns for these rich receipts, surely my soul will sing a new, and another kind of song amongst the heavenly Quite of blessed Saints and Angels in eternal Mansions; in the mean time, o my soul, be winding up thy heart, skruing up thy faint affections, be much in the work of thankfulness, lay out thyself for the glory of thy Redeemer, sin not more, serve him better, walk with God, wait upon him, worship him with all thy heart, do all the good thou canst in thy place, high apace towards Heaven, and lift up thy head with expectation, desire, and exultation, till the day of Redemption draw near, 12. Think much and seriously of the evil of sin, how offensive it is to God, how destructive to the soul, that so you may eschew and abhor the very rise and appearance thereof, thus let your thoughts be employed, what a monstrous, prodigious, venomous thing is sin! it is the very Epitome of all evil, worse than the Devil himself, the most loathsome Creature that crawls is very good, if compared with sin, 'tis a heart-Plague, more evil than all the Plagues and diseases that are incident to the body of man, 'tis worse than Hell itself: o sin, what hast thou done? was it not sin that cast the Angels out of Heaven, Adam out of Paradise, and thousands, yea, thousands of millions of souls headlong into Hell? was it not sin that drowned the old World, burned Sodom, and will set the whole World in a flame at the last day? is it not sin only that provoketh the eyes of God's glory, grieveth his spirit, breaketh his Laws, and bringeth swift destruction on impenitent sinners? nay, o my soul, consider, was it sin that betrayed, arraigned, accused, condemned, crucified and buried the Lord of life and glory? o than who would have any thing to do with these unprofitable, pernicious works of darkness, what fruit hast thou poor soul of sin, but shame, and grief, and death? o what hurt hath it done thee? what griefs, and tears, and sorrows, and dolours hath it cost thee? and all these better than the proper product of it, even eternal damnation: O my soul, hate sin with a perfect hatred, God only hates it, or with respect unto it, sin not more, jest thou offend a good God, gratify Satan, and damn thy soul for ever. 13. Think much upon the vanity of the World, and uncertainty of all things here below, read to yourselves sometimes Lectures of the instability of all worldly excellencies, and knock of your own fingers from playing with them, jest God use some severer course to loosen your hearts from things below, thus think, o my sensual soul, what is it that thou seest in this garish strumpet to allure and entangle thy affections? how comest thou to dote upon her painted beauty? what real good, what solid comfort hast thou ever found therein? what are the profits of it, but a little white and read earth, of the same nature and original, with thy vile and perishing body, and far inferior to thy noble soul? what are the sorry honours of the World, but froth and some, hanging on the slippery tongues and ears of mutable men, that can kiss and kill with a breath and beck? and what are the sordid pleasures here below, but swinish epicurism, that debase the best part of man, transform Men into Beasts, and leave a stinging guilt behind them? Alas, my soul, why wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? what will richeses avail thee in the day of wrath? where is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained the whole World, when God taketh away his soul? what was Cain better for all his fair Cities, or Nimrod for his large Dominions, or Absalon for his beauty, or Achitophel for his policy, or Judas for his bags, or Dives for his delicate fare? Hell-fire burns up all these, and Heaven cannot be purchased with them: alas, the fashion of the World passeth away, and when it's gone, what's a Man better for being a Gentleman, a Knight, a Lord, a Prince? Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat. 14. Let your thoughts be exercised about the present, and final state of all the Children of Men, the vast difference betwixt the good and bad, the godly and the wicked, in this World, and the World to come, and thus let your hearts be musing, what though the wicked flourish like a green bay-tree, and do enjoy the World at will? they are not in trouble as other Men, but eat and drink, and laugh and play, and change their sports for more delight, and wash their steps in butter, and have more than heart can wish: in the mean time, the godly are daily afflicted by God, tempted by Satan, persecuted by the world, they are chastened every morning, and lie down with sorrow every evening, they eat their bread, and water their beds with tears: O the bitter heart-breaking griefs, by reason of the with-drawing of God, the unkindness of men, but especially from corruptions within! Well now, my soul, wilt thou call this the only wretched man, and the former the only happy person? God forbidden, so shouldst thou offend against the generation of God's Children, thou must not acquit the wicked or condemn the Righteous: Not, my soul, look not with carnal, but with spiritual eyes, judge righteous judgement, he is not happy that hath the world at will, but he is only happy whose God is the Lord, search the Scriptures, and see there who is called and accounted happy: Mark the perfect man, the end of that man is peace, whatever be his trouble in the way, observe the wicked, it cannot be well with him in the end: Crassus at last found Solon's words true, there's no man happy before death; O my soul, wisely consider the stare of the godly and the wicked, and it will beget strange effects up-thee for thy encouragement and astonishment: 15. Sometimes let your thoughts run out upon the state of the Church and people of God, that you may joy or sorrow, pray or praise God, with or for Zion, and the Saints: upon blessed Paul's heart lay the care of all the Churches, and shall we cast away the thoughts thereof? Well than, my soul, art thou a member of the Church, and wilt thou not spend some thoughts of it and for it? let me feel the pulse of Christ's mystical body, how fares it with her? is she in health, or is she sick? what diseases is she labouring under? Do her sacred lungs move fast in prayer to God? Doth she flourish in her pure and powerful administration of divine Institutions? Is she fair as the Moon in the holiness of her members? clear as the Sun in the soundness of her doctrine, especially in that fundamental point of Justification by Christ's Righteousness imputed? (hence the Woman, the Church, is to be clothed with the Sun) and is she terrible as an Army with banners, in the due administration of wholesome discipline, and execution of the Censures; Do the lights shine clear in the Candlesticks? Are Ministers in their places burning and shining Lights, and do the Faithful walk in the light of the Lord? Have the Saints communion in all Ordinances, walking together in mutual edification? Or, are they broken in pieces by persecutions or separations? How is it with this militant Church? O my soul, take a full view thereof, that thou mayst rejoice with her, or mourn for her. 16. Think, O think often upon Death, your own death, O that you were wise to consider your latter end, amongst all your thoughts, spend some upon your dying day, set a Deaths-head before your eyes, and think to this purpose, o what a dying, fading creature am I? I devil in a tottering Tabernacle, in a House of clay, that's ready to be crushed every moment like a moth, this vile body of mine is made of perishing ingredients, and my life is like a vapour; O my soul, thou lodgest in a brittle case, how certainly shall, how suddenly may it be broken? and than thou lanchest forth into the vast Ocean of Eternity: Death will shortly lose the knot betwixt these old companions soul and body, Nature abhors a dissolution, but what saith Grace? is the sting of death plucked out by the death of Christ? Hath the Lord of Life warmed and perfumed the Grave for thee? Canst thou, O my soul, look through death at Glory? and own it as thy Father's Porter that takes thee by the hand to lead thee into his Palace and Presence-Chamber? surely if thou have a grounded sense of God's love, thou wilt with the wearied Traveller long to be at home, and go to bed to take thy rest, thou wilt desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, which is best of all: only be sure, poor soul, that thy work be not to do when thy time is done; get ready for that fatal stroke, it is a solemn business to dye, it is but once to be done, and it must be well done, or thou art undone for ever: look upon every day as the last day, defer not another day to repent and make thy peace with God, that thou mayst be found of him in peace. 17. Pass on a little further in thy meditations, and let thy thoughts thus be acted about the great things of the Resurrection of the dead, and the solemn day of Judgement; O my soul, consider what an illustrious day will that be, when the great Trumpet shall sound, the Graves shall be opened, the dead shall be raised, and the living shall be changed, the holy Angels shall gather from the ends of the earth the scattered bodies and bones of all the Saints, from righteous Abel to the last Convert on earth, & again marry the the blessed pair of soul and body together, and hoist them up to meet their blessed Saviour in the air, that they may with him judge the world of ungodly sinners: methinks I hear on the contrary the wretched howl of despairing souls, whose bodies, will they, nill they, are dragged out of their cursed holes, and are forced to come trembling before the just Judge; feign would they skulk in holes and not appear, being convicted of their consciences, and not able to stand in judgement, but appear they must, and yet they dare not: Methinks I see the Judge set, the Books opened, and myriads of rational creatures set before the righteous Judge to receive their final Sentence: on the right hand stand the blessed Saints in white Raiment, lifting up their heads to their beloved Husband, who absolves them, saying, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you; welcome home from a weary world, here's mansions ready for you; sit upon these Thrones; take these victorious Palms into your hands, I set these Crowns upon your heads, and you shall be with me for ever: On the left hand lie the filthy Goats, despairing wicked wretches expecting the dreadful sentence of, go ye cursed, wishing they had never been, or that now they might not be, calling to the senseless Rocks to fall upon them, but all in vain; appear they must, and yet they dare not; the despised Saviour is their angry Judge, Devils are attending the pronouncing of the Sentence, ready to hurry them to the execution of the Sentence. 18. Let this than carry thy thoughts, O my soul, a little further to the serious meditation upon the intolerable torments of Hell, as soon as that sentence is out, than take them Devil, surely the punishment of loss is inconceivable; O how bitter is it to a poor Child of God in this World to endure the short with-drawing of Gods pleasant Face from their souls: what bitter lamentations and expostulations hath it wrung from them? and yet what is that in comparison of being banished from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power? Cains mark of trembling proceeded from the dreadful sense of this formidable expulsion: though wicked men care not for God's presence here, yet they shall feel to their cost what it is to want his presence hereafter: together with God they loose all that is comfortable, they shall never have good day hereafter, they loose Ordinances, mercies, hopes of Heaven, they shall never hear Sermon more, nor enjoy a day of grace again; above them is the wrath of the Lamb, whose melting bowels are turned into a consuming fire to them; under them is the devouring Lake of fire and Brimstone gaping to receive them; on their right hand are the blessed Saints whom they despised, triumphing in the execution of Justice on them, and entering into their Master's joy; on the left hand stands that cursed Fiend who drew them into sin, now as ready to draw them into Hell to be tormented with himself for ever; behind them are their short and sorry pleasures in this World, and multitudes of abominations in wicked life; before them is a sad Eternity of never-ceasing torments; within them is a gnawing conscience; without them the saddest objects that ever eyes beheld; old Companions in sin roaring under wrath, legions of Devils blaspeming God, and scourging their fellow prisoners, their beloved Minion the World all in a flame, and themselves firebrands therein for ever: O my soul, think on these dolorous subjects sometimes, and let it work kindly on thy heart, to make thee eschew the way to Hell, and to walk in the way to Heaven: 19 On the contrary, O my soul, mount up to Heaven in thy contemplations, soar above the Clouds, and take a view of Paradise, as soon as the Bridegroom of his Church hath admitted his beloved Spouse into his Presence-chamber; O the ravishing joys, and sweet embraces at this blessed meeting; Heaven echoes again at the triumphant Hallelujahs of all the Redeemed ones: how shall sorrow and sighing flee away? Sin and sickness shall be known not more, Satan with his fiery darts, and wicked men with their drawn swords cannot reach thither; there shall be no more complaints of ignorant and erroneous heads, of dead and hard, unbelieving and distracted hearts, of lame decrepit feet, there shall not be a tear upon a Saint's cheek, for God will wipe away tears from all Faces, not one complaint heard, nothing but joy and triumph, solace and satisfaction, the blessed presence of the eternal God shall be all in all to these happy souls: O what is a sight of God worth! but what will it be above, where it is immediate, constant and uninterrupted? no need there of Ordinances, God himself will be instead of all, it will be another kind of enjoying of God than poor souls felt in this World, though that was sweet, yet this shall be infinitely sweeter: now at the best we see but through a glass darkly, than face to face; communion with God is the Heaven of that Heaven, yet shall there be every thing beautiful and desirable: there my soul shall be filled with all perfections, and Grace shall be complete, the mind shall in an instant have as large a comprehension, as Solomon, or Adam in innocency, my will shall be conformed to the divine Will in a perfect rectitude and integrity, my affections shall be spiritually and regularly fixed on the Lord my God with fullness of delight and joy, my body shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament, yea, it shall be made like unto the glorious body of Jesus Christ, my whole man shall be fit for the high employment in Heaven, and enjoiment of God: there shall I meet with Abraham, and all the Patriarches, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and all my Christian Friends that died in the Faith; and o the spritful joys that will arise from such a blessed sight! There we shall meet, and part not more, agreed, and fall out no more, rejoice together, and be sad not more: O blessed Day! my soul, be thou revived in the fore-thoughts and fore-tasts thereof. 20. Once more, than, O my soul, and but this once, fix thy thoughts upon Eternity; how canst thou forget it? What is this sorry point of time in comparison of the vast Ocean of Eternity? Alas poor mortals, act a part upon this Stage a while, and than are gone into another World, that must endure for ever; this little inch of time is a seed-plot for Eternity, upon the well or ill improving of this time depends an everlasting state in weal or woe: O what wretched folly is it to loose eternal happiness for a transient draught of sensual delight! O what would not any endure here a short moment, to escape eternal torments! Methinks nothing hath weight in it, but as it relates to Eternity; Eternity is the only accent and emphasis of joy and sorrow; this is that which makes the joys of Heaven joys indeed, and the torments of Hell torments with a witness: O for a poor damned soul that hath been, as it were, a thousand years, thousand thousands of Ages roaring in Hell, to think that it is not one moment nearer an end than at first instant when it was cast into that devouring fire: This cuts to the heart, this adds new terrors to the despairing soul: here must I abide for ever. O that I might be consumed so as not to be, cannot, may not I poor wretch be once at last annihilated, and be as if I never had been? Not not, once in Hell and for over in Hell, the great Gulf of God's Decree once fixed is irrevocable: so on the contrary, Eternity increaseth every moment the joy of the glorified, here I am, and here I shall be for ever, saith the happy soul, my estate is better than Adam's in the earthly, or the fallen Angels in the Heavenly Paradise, I shall never loose these joys: O what a durarable reward have I for a little temporary service, my sorrow is past, my joy remains: how comes it to pass that those light afflictions that were but for a moment have wrought out for me this exceeding and eternal weight of Glory? Surely because it was my Father's good pleasure to give me this Kingdom, this Eternal Life is the gift of God: O, who would not do or endure any thing for this eternity of joys? Thus the soul will bathe itself in these Rivers of pleasures at Gods right hand for evermore. I have now dispatched these set and solemn subjects for your thoughts to work upon; I shall but briefly add some occasional grounds for holy thoughts, which (if you have a right frame of spirit) you may gather much from, to be a sufficient Treasure for heavenly Thoughts. Take some instances in such as these: 1. When you awake in the morning, think the great Jehovah can, and will as easily raise our mortal bodies at the general Resurrection, as my frail body now; this sleep is the Image of death, Death is but a sleep, the Grave my Bed, the Resurrection the Morning; O that when I awake, I might be still with God, and than at my last awaking, I shall be satisfied with his likeness, and the upright shall have dominion in that blessed Morning. 2. When you have had a good night, think, blessed be the keeper of Israel, that neither slumbers, nor sleeps, the Lord only makes me devil in safety, even thus he gives his beloved sleep; and if natural sleep be so refreshing, O, what is it to lie in the arms of my best Beloved Christ? what soft and sweet embraces have those souls that walk all the day in the Light of his Countenance? and sleep all the night of affliction upon the lap of his Love! 3. When you are putting on your Apparel, Think, how came I to the necessity of covering my nakedness? By Adam's fall, sin ushered in shame, and these garments hid our shame, shall I than glory in my shame, or be proud of that for which I should be humbled? O rather let me be truly sensible of my spiritual nakedness, and look after the Robes of Christ's Righteousness to cover my souls deformity, that the shame thereof may not appear: 4. When you see the Morning sky, or rising Sun, than think, truly Light is sweet, and it's a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold this Sun; blessed be God that hath set up this Candle by which poor mortals may see to walk or work, what a dark Dungeon, and confused Chaos would this World be without it! But o the blessed Mercy we have in the light of the glorious Gospel! without which we should be in the darkness of ignorance, and go to utter darkness: 5. When you pray in your Chambers, think now my Father in Heaven sees me in secret, darkness or closeness hides not from him, my God sees the motions of my body, and imaginations of my heart, O for an upright frame of spirit! O that my heart were now seasoned for God all this day? the searcher of hearts will have his eye upon me whether soever I go, o that I could set the Lord in my sight in all places, companies, occasions. 6. When your Families are together, think how sadly and suddenly might a breach ha● been made! O that God should make this Image of death, a means of life! we are alive, that's rich mercy, we are in health, that's more, we are called together, so will God gather his Saints together, how many of this Family shall be of that number! Lord, that none under my charge may be an Ishmael, an Esau, O that we may all meet in Heaven. 7. When you are to read the word, or go to prayer in your Families, think, o what mercy is it, that I may read this blessed book! Lord open mine eyes, that I may understand the wonders of the Word: what an infinite, glorious, gracious God is this, to whom I am to pray, o for a suitable frame of heart! o the mercy of a throne of grace, of a blessed Advocate! who knows but some soul may be touched now, if I pray aright? 8. When you go out of your houses to work or travel, think, the World is full of snares and temptations, and my heart as full of sin and treachery, little, ah little do I know what corruptions may break out, or afflictions break in upon me before my return, the lest occasion of sin will overturn me, the lest accident will overthrew me, the Lord bless and preserve my going out, and my coming in from this time forth and for ever more. 9 When you are travelling by the way, think, my life is a journey, I am in constant motion towards eternity, every action is a step, Heaven is my home, I cannot get thither without diligent travel; Lord let me not miss my way, or miscarry in the end, take me by the hand, support me by thy spirit, keep me from fainting, give me some good baits, and bring me to the end of my faith at last, even the Salvation of my Soul. 10. When you see various objects before your eyes, deduct some holy matter therefrom, as thus, what a vast World is this? and yet what is this to the Heavens? and what are both Earth and Heavens to the immense and infinite God? what multitudes of people are there in this City? but o what assembly will meet at the great day? o my soul, art not thou too like yonder hard Rock, or fruitless Tree, or barren Mountain? look about thee, make something of these objects. 11. When you are discoursing with others think, of every idle word I must give an account, and in multitude of words there wanteth not sin; O my soul, think twice before thou speak once, will this be to the glory of God and others edification? let no corrupt communication proceed from thee, what if Jesus Christ stood by in his human nature? speak here as thou must speak in Heaven, or wouldst be sound speaking at death. 12. When you are alone, o think, I am now in the presence of the omni-present God, these are precious hours that go over my head, why should I squander away my time and thoughts about trifles? o my soul, thou hast a noble faculty of reflection, find work at home, busy thyself about thy soul, thou may'st find work enough, o that I might be never lesle alone than when alone: when thou hast no Creature to converse with, my soul, converse with God. 13. When you eat, think, o how officious are the Creatures to us living, and how serviceable, being dead? they accomplish the end of their Creation and appointment; o my soul, sit thou as Queen-regent over thy sensual appetite, take heed of excess, put a Knife to the throat of intemperate desires, be not brutish in a sinful abuse, be Saintlike in a sanctified use of the Creature, look up to God for a blessing, else these dead things cannot preserve life. 14. When you rise up well fed, think, if the Creatures be so nourishing and refreshing, what is the Creator! o the sweetness of the blessed Feast of fat things in the Gospel? o the delicacy of the Wine in my Father's Kingdom? why should I abuse the gifts, forget the donor, eat and drink, and rise up to play? many better than I want these refreshments: O for a thankful heart! what a bountiful Master do I serve! what a great housekeeper is the Lord? that provides for so great a Family in Heaven and Earth! 15. When you go to public Ordinances, think, o how glad am I when people say, Come let us go up to the House of the Lord! what a mercy is the Sabbath, this sweet day of rest? what a blessed thing to have the benefit of these public places, and solemn Assemblies! 'tis a comely sight to see people flock to Ordinances, as Doves to the Windows: Lord, that some Soul may be catcht this day in the Net of the Gospel: o for a prepared and profiting heart? this may be the last day of grace. 16. When you are to hear a Sermon, think, the Preacher comes as an Ambassador, from God to me, 'tis God that speaks, the great Jehovah that can command audience and attendance, and with a word can command us into Hel-torments; the truths, o my soul, thou art to hear, are words of eternal life, and do nearly concern thy everlasting peace: prepare thyself for the receipt of them, slight them not, for aught thou knowest, life or death may depend upon this Sermon: Heaven and Hell is now before thee. 17. When you are to partake of the Lords Supper, think, I am this day to sup with Christ, and have I on my soul a Wedding Garment? have I an interest in Christ the maker and matter of this blessed Feast? where's thy stomach, o my soul? dost thou rightly discern the Lord's body? rouse up thy faith, and love, thy hope and desire, his flesh is meat indeed, his blood is drink indeed, his love is better than Wine, Lord fill and fatten my famishing soul with spiritual repasts. 18. When you departed from public Worship, think thus, o my soul, thy, work is not done when public work is over; when that is ended, thou must now begin, ruminate upon the Word, what hast thou got? What light to thy understanding? What conviction to thy will, what direction unto thy affections? O my soul look to it, thou art either a step nearer to Heaven or to Hell this night for this day; get good, be good, do good, or all these helps will tender thee inexcusable. 19 When you meet with, or part from your acquaintance, think, if it be so sweet a thing to meet with my dear and ancient friends, how much better is it to meet with God, my best beloved, most loving friend, God is a friend that's nearer than any brother or neighbour, I meet now with friends, o that I knew how to improve them, to get good by them; or do good to them, we must part once for all, on that we may meet in Heaven at the Resurrection of the just? 20. When you are busy in your particular callings, think, who sets me a work? is it not God? whom do I work for? is it not for God? do I seek myself, or strive to grow rich? than I am carnal: o my soul, be moderate in the pursuit of the World, let not the cares of the World drown thee: drive on evenly, both thy general and particular calling: let nothing interpose betwixt thy God and thee, or hinder thee in spiritual worship, abide with God in thy calling. 21. When you reflect upon the nature of your callings, gather something in your Meditations therefrom; as thus, am I Magistrate? I judge not for Man but for God, who will judge the unrighteous Judge, and now sits among the Gods: am I a Minister? the charge of souls is upon me, that cry out we are perishing, study, travel, pray for us: o what account shall I give? if I be a Merchant, Trades-man, Husbandman, Weaver, Lawyer, Soldier, Scholar, o the spiritual improvement I may make of all these? 22. When you consider your relation, think, am I am husband? I must dwell with my Wife, as a Man of knowledge: am I a Wife? I must be an help to my Husband in all things: am I a Parent? I must not provoke, but profit my Child, and train it up for God: am I a Child? I must yield all reverence and obedience to my Parents, as unto God, in whose stead they are; am I a Master or Superior? my Master in Heaven, sees how I carry and respects no persons; am I a Servant? o for a submissive spirit. 23. When you hear any news, good or bad, o what blessed tidings is the Gospel? good news from Heaven, glory to God in the highest, on Earth peace, good will towards Men, the best message that ever Angel brought, or Man received: Let God say, I am thy salvation, I am fortified against bad news, the righteous is not afraid of evil tidings, his heart is fixed, trusting in God: let Christ be advanced, Anti-christ destroyed, and I am satisfied. 24. When you see or hear of any Prodigies, think, who knoweth the power of God's anger? o the dreadful Majesty of the Lord of Hosts, who made the Sea and dry Land, who commands all the Elements, and works his wonders in the Fire, Water, Earth, and Air; they that dwell in the uttermost parts of the Earth are afraid at his tokens, Lord, what mean these things? what wilt thou do with us? our sins cry for vengeance, prevent it, or hid thy Saints till thy wrath be past. 25. When you hear or see the sinful acts of Men, think, o, what are the best of us by nature? who makes me to differ? free grace stops my course, else I had been reeling with the Drunkard, blaspheming with the swearer, revelling with the wanton, Lord, let me not bless myself in morality, but arrive at sincerity, never leave me to ways of mine own heart: ah, how is God dishonoured? what long-suffering doth he exercise? but justice will awake. 26. When your own corruptions break out, think, o the vileness of this naughty heart, o wretched Creature that I am, Who shall deliver me from this body of death? little did I think to have been thus beguiled, and surprised, God is just, and I am vile, I grow secure, and God hath left me, o how might he have taken me in the act of sin and cast me headlong into Hell! my soul, defer not to humble thyself, and make thy peace with God. 27. When any sad crosses befall you in body, estate, name, relations, think, o, what sin is it that God now whips me for? Lord, bore mine ears, to hear the voice of the rod, bow my heart in obedience to thy will; o that instruction might come along with correction, my soul, search thy heart and ways, this hand of God is either a token of God's love, or the beginnings of his wrath: o that I may see a Father's heart, and feel a Father's hand, and attain my Father's end therein. 28. When you are delivered out of apparent danger of death by sickness or sad accidents, consider, o my soul, what if thou hadst now been snatched away, and thy body left a stinking Carcase! where hadst thou been? waste thou ready for glory? what assurance hadst thou of a better state? didst thou not than wish thy soul had been in a better posture: mend the matter now, give God the glory of thy deliverance, serve him better, be more prepared against another time. 29. When night approacheth Candles are brought in, and the bright Sky is full of Stars, think there's one day more of my life n●w past and gone, I am thus far nearer Eternity; Lord, set up the Candle of thy Grace in my soul in this night of darkness, error and terror, show me the light of Life, let the blessed Day star arise in my heart, O when shall my soul be translated above yonder twinkling Stars, to shine as a Star in the Firmament of glory. 30. When you put of your , and go to bed, think thus, even thus, must thou my soul, put of thy body at death, thou must be unclothed, that thou mayst be clothed upon with a House from Heaven; O my soul, be daily undressing thee of the body of sin, and lay thyself in the Grave of Christ, be buried with him in spiritual Baptism, give up thyself into his hands, and lay thyself to sleep as thou wouldst be found at Death, or be raised at the great day of Resurrection. These, and such like Occurrences must put you in mind of such meditations, and thus may your thoughts both have, and be a blessed Treasure. I shall now conclude all with a few considerations to move us all, thus to employ our thoughts upon profitable Subjects: 1. Consider the strictness of God's Command, Josh. 1.8. Thou shalt meditate therein, (i.e. in the Book of the Law) day and night, Col. 3.1. Set your affections on things above: how dare you neglect a positive Duty: the same God that commands thee to pray and believe, forbids thee to steal, murder, doth enjoin thee to meditate: it's not a thing indifferent. 2. Remember God's Omniscience and Omni-presence, when David had du●y considered that God did search and know him, sitting down, rising up, understand his thoughts afar of, and was acquainted with all his ways, etc. He tells God that his thoughts were precious, Psalm 139.17. and vers. 18. When I awake I am still with thee: Let God's Omni-presence produce in you the like meditations: 3. The Saints of God have thus employed their thoughts, and the better the Saints, the more holy have been their thoughts: Isaac went into the fields to meditate, Gen. 24.63. Psal. 119.15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148. David meditated in the Night-watches, Psalms 63.6. on the Word, on the works of God, Psalm 143.5. O be not unlike the Saints, resemble your Brethrens, follow them to Heaven. 4. This is a true Character of a Child of God, Mat. 6.21. all Saints are described to be such as have thought upon his Name, Mal. 3.17. for indeed they that are of the Spirit, do mind the things of the Spirit, Rom. 8.5. Holy thoughts are proper fruits of a sanctified mind: none sees the thoughts but God, a good heart approves itself to the searcher of hearts. 5. Holy thoughts help against Satan's temptations: these are as cool water to quench Satan's fiery Darts: these are a precious Antidote against the poisonous allurements of the world; for these find the soul something else to do than to mind toys, the best way to silence scolding Women, Non vacat exiguis rebus addesse mihi. and barking dogs, is to mind our work and way, and let them alone; will a Judge go of the Bench to play with boys? Give them Nehemiah's answer, Chap. 6.3. 6. This exercise of the thoughts will help against corruptions, See Psalm 119.11. thereby you'll see more of the evil of sin, and in vain is the Net spread before any Bird, Prov. 1.17. and it lifts the soul Heaven-wards, a Bird in the the air is not taken by a Net on the ground: yea, when the heart is taken up with divine Dainties, it cannot relish the husks of sin: the child will not part with the apple, while the taste of it is in his mouth. 7. This is the highest excellency and improvement of our Spirits: it is the noblest employment of the soul, and advancement of its faculties: the soul is of an high birth, it's a debasing of it to mind low things: the Saints are of an high and generous extract by their second birth, must and will mind the things of Heaven, in all things besides excelling others, in this excelling themselves, as 'tis said of Bucholzer. 8. This is the best way for the exercise and increase of grace; gifts are promoted by verbal, but grace by mental discourses: If the thoughts feed on Christ, the soul becomes comes spiritual, like its food; the Air, Food and Climate hath great influence upon bodies, conversing with wise and Learned Men makes persons such, Exercise increaseth Habits, h●ly thoughts increase Faith, Love, Joy, sorrow for sin, etc. 9 Holy thoughts excite heavenly affections; While I was musing the 〈◊〉 burned, Psalm 39.3. Thoughts are the bellowss of the soul, and stir up suitable motions in the heart: Would a Christian have an humble, tender, melting heart? let his thoughts be acted upon the Law and love of God, or on such subjects as are proper to beget such affections, and try what impression they will make. 10. Holy thoughts are a good preparative to holy duties, and help in performances, Psa. 19.14. Psal. 49.3. Divid joins prayer and meditation together, Psalm 5.1, Give ear to my words, consider my meditation: when the heart is meditating a good matter, the tongue is as the Pen of a ready Writer, Psalm 45.1. Meditation fixeth the heart, and tun●th the Instrument for Prayer, Hearing, Reading: o how it composeth the Spirit! 11. Yea, holy thoughts are a great piece of a Christians devotion, and such a part of it, when public Ordinances are obstructed, private Societies interrupted, yet the holy soul may sally out to its God, upon the wings of holy thoughts, in the presence of the most spiteful adversaries, thoughts are free from men, no bolts can hinder this access to God. 12. This is an excellent part of Time-redemption, when we are walking or riding by the way, working in our Callings, shut up in prison, deprived of Pen, Ink and Paper, still our thoughts may be busy, we may have good thoughts wherever we are, though we can do nothing else, yet we may think of God and good Subjects: and that's the way to obey that excellent Precept, To redeem our time. 13. This exercise of the thoughts is indeed a Christians walking with God, as Enoch and Noah are said to do: 'tis the way to have our conversations in Heaven: 'tis a Communion with God; a walking in Paradise, an enjoying of God; 'tis indeed an Angelical Life, the life of Heaven, an anticipation of Glory, and a taking possession of Heaven in our thoughts: O blessed Frame! 14. This helps the Christian in sad pressures, Soul conflicts, good thoughts counter-work bad. David could out-argue his dis-quieting thoughts, Psalms 42.5. so may the Christian; Thoughts fed and furnished from the Word, will encounter and conquer the saddest trials, Psalms 119 92. Unless thy Law had been my delights, I should have perished in mine affliction; These Thoughts are an Antidote that keep sufferings from the vital spirits. 15. Holy thoughts help the Christian to rivet and retain divine Truths in the Memory, ruminating on Truths, turns them into blood and Spirits, juice and nourishment: our heads and hearts are like riven Vessels, all runs out, unless the Vessels be well soaked by heavenly Meditation. O, what a tenacious memory, large understanding, and vast abilities have some attained to by this means? 16. Holy thoughts prepare the tongue for profitable discourse, and tender Christians useful: He that hath his thoughts best employed when alone, will have his tongue best exercised in Company: if you converse with such a one in your Houses, in Trading, on a Journey, upon any occasion, still his thoughts will prompt his tongue to profitable conference; and o the good that such a One may do! 17. Holy thoughts answer Gods thoughts, I know the thoughts, saith God, that I think towards you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil,— Jer. 29.11. and can we approve our heart to God, that he knows the thoughts we have towards him, not evil, but good thoughts, how acceptable will it be to God? On the contrary, what gross ingratitude will it be if our thoughts be not God-wards? 18. Divine things are only worth thinking of; other matters are not worth a glance of our eye, or a thought of our mind, what ever relates not to the soul and to Eternity is not worth minding; We look not, saith the Apostle, at things that are seen, but at things which are not seen, 2 Cor. 4.18. These latter are things of great moment, and nearest concernment to our immortal souls. 19 Thinking upon these heavenly Subjects helps the soul to the end of its Creation and Redemption, the supreme and ultimate end is God's glory, the subordinate End, (yet involved in the former) the souls salvation; the God of Heaven takes himself to be highly honoured by the heavenly-minded Christian, this is a sanctifying, (and so a glorifying) God in our thoughts or hearts, 1 Pet. 3.15. 20. Lastly, This is an actual preparing the soul for Heaven, the heart is there already, and this is a part of making meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in Light, Col. 1.12. Blessed is the soul, whom its Lord, when he comes shall found thus thinking and welldoing: O the blessed change they shall make! They may say, as sweet Dr. Sibs, Going to dye, I shall change my place, but not my Company; and when the poor soul arrives at Glory, the thoughts shall be fixed, grace completed, and the soul ravished with those everlasting Embraces. I have been the shorter in hinting only these Motives, because Mr. Baxter hath fully driven this Nail to the head in such like Arguments to Heavenly-mindedness in his Book of Saints Rest, part. 4. page 51. to page 96. Read them seriously. I have done with this Subject also. O▪ that God would undertake to writ all these things with Power upon the tables of your Hearts, and elevate your thoughts to Heavenly Subjects, and bring suitable things to your minds to meditate upon, and work them upon your souls, and keep alive those impressions upon your hearts, that you may not loose the divine Savour of the things of God, after your working and awakening Meditations, but pray with holy David, in 1 Chron. 29.18. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel our Fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee. I shall conclude all with a Poem of divine Herbert's in his Temple, called, The Temper. How should I praise thee Lord, how should my Rhymes Gladly engrave thy loves in steel, If what my soul doth feel sometimes My soul might ever feel! Although there were some f●rty Heavens, or more, Sometimes I peer above them all, Sometimes, I hardly reach a score Sometimes to Hell I fall. O rack me not to such a vast extent, Those distances belong to thee, The World's too little for thy Tent, A Grave too big for me. Wilt thou meet Arms with Man, that thou dost stretch, A crumb of dust from Heaven to Hell? Will great God measure with a wretch? Shall be thy stature spell? O let me, when thy roof my soul hath hid, O let me roost and nestle there, Than of a sinner thou are rid, And I of hope and fear. Yet take thy way for sure thy way is best, Stretch or contract me, thy poor debtor, This is but tuning of my breast, To make the Music better. Whether I fly with Angels, fall with dust, Thy hands made both, and I am there, Thy power and love, my love and trust, Make one place every where. FINIS. Books to be sold by Thomas Parkhurst, at the Golden Bible, on London-bridge. MR. Sedgewick's Bowels of Mercy. fol. Tho. Taylor's Works, the 1st vol. fol. 2. A Commentary on Titus, 3. David's Learning, a Comment upon 32. Psalm. 4. The Parable of the Sour, and of the Seed, upon Luke 8th. and 4th. Divine Characters, in two parts, distinguishing the Hypocrite in his best dress, by Sam. Crook B. D. These six Treatises next following, are written by Mr. George Swinnock. 1. The Christian Man's Calling; or a Treatise of making Religion one's business, in Religious Duties, Natural Actions, his Particular Vocation, his Family Directions, and his own Recreation; to be read in Families for their Instruction and Edification. The first part. 2. Likewise a second part; wherein Christians are directed to perform their duties, as Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, in the conditions of prosperity and adversity. 3. The third and last part of the Christian Man's Calling, wherein the Christian is directed how to make Religion his business; in his deal with all Men, in the choice of his Companions, in his carriage in good company, in bad company, in solitariness, or when he is alone, on a weekday from morning to night, in visiting the sick, on a dying Bed; as also the m●●ns how a Christian may do this, and some motives to it. 4. The Door of Salvation opened, by the Key of Regeneration. 5. Heaven and Hell Epitomised: and the True Christian Characterised. 6. The Fading of the Flesh, and the flourishing of Faith: or, One cast for Eternity, with the only way to throw it well; all these by George Swinnock, M. A. A Wedding Ring fit for the Finger; together with the Non-such Professor; by VV. S●●ker. Books in large Octavo, The burning of London in the year 1666. in 110. Meditations, in 4. Parts. 1. The Sins procuring that Judgement. 2. The natural causes of Fire. 3. The most remarkable passages of that dreadful Fire. 4. Comfort and council to such as a● sufferers by the said Judgement, by Sam. roll. A Glimpse of Eternity, by A. Caley. Of Quenching the Spirit, the evil of it in respect both of its causes and effects, discovered, ●y Theophilus Polwheile. The greatest Loss, upon Matth. 16.26. y James Livesey. Moses unvailed, by William Guild. The Protestants Triumph, being an exact answer to all the sophistical Arguments of Papists, by Charles Drelincourt. A Defence against the fear of Death, by Z. Crofton. God's Sovereignty Displayed, by William Jeering. A sober Discourse concerning the Interest of words in Prayer. Joh. Am. Comeniischola, Ludus, seu Encuclo paedia viva, i.e. Januae Linguarum praxis Comica. The Godly Man's Ark: or City of refuge in the day of his distress, in five Sermons; with Mrs. Moor's Evidences for Heaven; by Ed. Calamy. A Practical Discourse of Prayer; wherein i● handled the nature and duty of Prayer; by T. Cobbet. The Almost Christian Discovered; or, the false Professor ●●red and cast, by M. Mead. Spiritual Wisdom improved against temptation, by M. Mead. A divine 〈◊〉. A word of comfort for the Church of God. A Plea for Al●s, in a Sermon at the Spittle. The godly Ma●●s Picture, drawn with a Scripture-pensi●. These four last, were written by Tho. Watson. The Spiritual Chemist, or Divine Meditation, by VV. Spu●s●ow, D. D. FINIS.