The Royal Presence, OR, GOD'S Tabernacle with MEN: IN A FAREWELL SERMON Preached the 17. of August 1662. at Beer Regis in the County of Dorset; By that painful and faithful Minister of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST.  
Mr. PHILIP LAMB.  
And committed to public view, for the Instruction, Support, and comfort of others.  Isa. 30.20. 
Though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy Teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers.  John 10.27. 
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  2 Epist. John ver. 9 
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  1 John 2.5. 
Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the Love of God perfected.  
LONDON Printed in the Year 1662.   

To the Reader.  
Courteous Reader,  
We the Inhabitants of Beer and Kingston in the County of Dorset, who have lived under the Rich Droppings, Plentiful Soul-searching, Enlivening and Refreshing Dews of Heaven, which HE who promised to be as the Dew unto Israel, 
Hos. 14.5.  hath conveyed to us, by one of his Eminent and Faithful Messengers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, th●… for many years amongst us hath endeavoured (as the Apostle speaks of himself) to be pure from the blood of all men, and to declare All, and Only the Counsels of God: 
Acts 20.26,27.  And was instant in Season, and out of Season, diligent in the work of the Lord, according as the same Apostle doth strictly exhort unto, taking heed to himself, and to the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost made him Overseer; 
See 2 Tim. 4.1,2.  And of whom we can truly say, (and to which many can bear witness) that he was, and is, an example of the Believers, in Word, in Conversation, in Charity, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity. 
1 Tim. 4.12.  His Life and Conversation adorns his Profession, and Doctrine; And having received much Benefit and Comfort by his Ministry, have endeavoured to Communicate to thee, some of those Spiritual advantages, and Consolations, we have enjoyed, through the Blessing of God, upon his diligent and faithful Labours, in his last public Exercise, which he deliverod amongst us; Wishing the like Benefit and Comfort to thee, and more also, than we have had. Because of our Non-improvement of such choice Mercies, and rich Privileges, which we have sufficient cause to be Humbled for; And continually to lament that we are now deprived of them, by his removal from us.  
And had this following discourse been set forth to public view by the Author himself (whose Modesty would conceal his worthy Labours) It would have been more large and perfect, and so rendered more acceptable. We must therefore desire thee (Christian Reader) with a charitable Censure, to cover over verbal or literal mistakes, and in Love to Correct with thy pen, what may be found amiss by thee, in this following Treatise, wherein are contained, Things of the most weighty concernment, and which are Exceeding useful at all time, for Edification and Instruction to All; and will Administer matter of sufficient Comfort under any Condition to them that have the Special Abode of God and Christ with them.  
The Lord Jesus Christ by his Spirit; lead thee into all Truth.  
So Prays Thine in Christ.  VINCENTI DABITUR.  

The Royal Presence, OR God's Tabernacle with Men.  JOHN XIV. XXIII. 
Jesus answered, and said unto him; If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our Abode with him.  
THE Departure of Jesus Christ unto his Father, from whose bosom he came into the World, was very sadly resented by his Disciples; whose mixed passions produce a very great disturbance, and trouble upon their Spirits.  
The inward Anxiety, and unconcealed grief of the Disciples, move the Bowels of their more affectionate Lord, to pity their case, and provide for their relief, and gives them instructions how to express their love unto him in his absence, not so much in carrying blubered eyes, and heavy hearts, as by remembering, and observing the Counsels, and Instructions that he had give to them, while he was present with them; So that this whole Chapter is filled up with Counsels, and Comforts, Directions, and Consolations.  
First, Directions and Counsels, especially in the 1, 13, 15. verses.  

1 Faith.  First, To the exercise of Faith, verse 1. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. And this is the life, even a life of Faith, which we must live, till we come to enjoyment of Christ, by which we fetch comforts in all troubles, and strength against all tentations from Jesus Christ.  

2. Prayer.  Secondly, To the duty of Prayer, vers. 13. which is the proper duty of an afflicted State, as Jam. 5.13. Is any afflicted? let hi● pray. By prayer the Soul empties his complaints into God's bosom, and finds ease, by telling him of all the trouble and grief that attends his state; Prayer hath that Divine excellency, that like a Heavenly Charm, it speaks away trouble, and speaks in comfort; as 'tis said of Hannah 1 Sam. 1.18. She prayed, and went away, and did eat, and her Countenance was no more sad; And thus our prayers always speed, when they be made by the help of the Spirit, and offered up to God in the name of Christ, 13, 14. verses. Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that you shall receive.  

3. Obedience.  Thirdly, To Obedience, in the 15 vers. to do the work committed to them; If ye love me, keep my Commandments. You cannot better express your love to me, then in keeping my words; Nor is there a more certain way for men to find comfort, than this; 
3 Pr●. 17.  by keeping his Commands, for then, though they cannot enjoy his person, yet they shall not miss his promise.  
Secondly, The Consolations which he gives them in the 2 vers. etc. the 16 verse. etc. and 23 verse. etc.  

1. The place to which he goes.  First, In the 2, 3, 4, verses, etc. From the place whether he was going, To his Father, and their Father, his Home, and their Home; whence he did intent to come again to them. So that his going from them, was but a Recess, or withdrawing for a time, until he came, for in the 3 vers. I will come again, and receive you to myself, rendered in the Greek. 
a Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the presentense.  I come again, in the presentense, to intimate the certainty of his coming to them again, as if he were already come; which in the 28 vers. of this Chapter, Christ tells them, should be matter of great Joy to them. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father.  

The promise of his Spirit the Comforter.  Secondly, From the 16 v. The promise of the Spirit, which shall supply his absence, such a Spirit, as shall teach them, comfort them, and be ●…ead of all to them, give them such Joy, Courage, and 〈◊〉, as the world can neither give, nor take away, 27 verse. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, etc.  

The abode of God and Christ with them.  Thirdly, In the 23. verse, in the Text, We will come, and makeour abode with him, while you keep my words; which is the great promise here.  
If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  
The words of the Text are an answer to the question of Judas, (not Iscariot) Lord how is it, that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus Christ gives the answer. If a man love me, he will keep my words, etc. To him the promise is made, That the Father will love him, They love him that keep his words, and to these he hath said, he will manifest his love to them, and make his abode with them; In which words there are three parts considerable.  

Parts of the Text. 3.  First, A Supposition. If a man love me, he etc.  
Secondly, A Position. Which is the effect of that love. He will keep my words.  
Thirdly, A Promise. Which is twofold.  
First, Of the Father's love. My Father will love him.  
Secondly, The Co-habitation of the Father and Son with such a person. We will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  
The Observations that I intent to insist upon, are two;  
Doct. 2 First, That it is the duty and special property of them that love Jesus Christ in sincerity, to keep the words of Christ.  
Secondly, That God and Christ will make their abode with them that keep his words.  
First, Of the first of these, That it is the duty and special property of them that love Jesus Christ in sincerity, to keep the words of Christ.  
If any man love me, he will keep my words, he will do my will, walk in my ways, treasure up my truths and Counsels.  
This Doctrine requires three things to be spoken to in their order.  
First, That Jesus Christ must be truly loved.  
Secondly, What it is to keep his words.  
Thirdly, Why it is both the duty and property of them that love him, to keep his words.  
First, That Jesus Christ must be truly loved; there is such an indispensible necessity of this, that the Apostle says 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus, let him be Anathema Maranatha, let him be cursed.  
But because every one pretends highly to love Jesus Christ, and but few that love him indeed, I shall show two things more briefly;  
First, Who he is that truly loves him.  
Secondly, Why we should all truly love him.  
First, Who he is that truly loves Christ.  
First, He truly loves Jesus Christ, who upon the discovery, and tender of Jesus Christ in the Gospel, as King, Priest, and Prophet, can willingly deny all for him; as the Merchant, Mat. 13.45.46. sold all that he had for the goodly Pearl. And so Paul, Phil. 3.8. accounts all Dung, his parts, his righteousness by the Law, his greatest excellencies; He loves Christ in Deed, and not in Show only, who can leave the world, his dearest lusts, his best righteousness for Christ.  
This is a true conjugal love, Psal. 45.10. Harken O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear, forget also thine own people, etc. When Christ sees that we have such a love to him, that we will part with all for him, than he sees a beauty in us that delights him.  
Secondly, He truly loves Jesus Christ, who having received him, will rather lose all, than part with him again; who accounts Jesus Christ better than his best things, as he says in Mat. 10.37. He that loves Father or Mother more than me, is not worthy of me, etc. therefore says the Spouse, Cant. 8.6. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: let me be so united to thee, that I may never be severed from thee. It is a very hard lesson, and an irksome duty for the best of men, to part with friends, liberty, peace, life; all these, or either of these sweet mercies; but to part with Christ, nothing can persuade, or enforce the Soul that truly loves him; that's a thought more cruel than the Grave, witness the holy Martyrs, a whole cloud of witnesses; that notable and eminent Galeacius, Marquis of V●…, etc.  
Thirdly, He that truly loves Jesus Christ, takes abundance of delight in Communion with him. No pleasure like the kisses of his mouth, no sweetness like that of his bosom, all his ways are peace, and his paths pleasantness; Christ makes every condition Comfortable, there is no comfort of life, but in that little enjoyment of Christ, that the Soul hath in his life, 'tis Communion with Christ, converse with him, that is all my comfort and pleasure in the world. O how doth the Spouse take care that he be not disturbed, in Cant. 2.7. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the Roes, and by the Hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my Love, till he please. The words are an allusion, to one that would not have her Friend disturbed, and speaks to her Companions, and charges them by all that is dear and pleasant to them, not to break the rest of her best Beloved, and shows the wonderful delight the Soul takes in Communion with Jesus Christ; and the special care that it always hath, that no Tentation break in, nor corruption break out, to interrupt that sweet Communion, or occasion Christ's departure, who will not for any profit, commit any sin, or cause Jesus Christ to departed from him.  
Fourthly, He that truly loves Jesus Christ, having lost the sight of him, is never satisfied, till he come to the re-enjoyment of him, is always at loss, and is never quiet, till he enters into a fresh acquaintance and communion with him, as in that of Joseph and Mary, they having lost their Son, went seeking till they found him; So Cant. 3.1,2,3. etc. By night on my Bed, I sought him whom my Soul loveth, I sought him, but I found him not, I will rise now and go about the City, in the Streets, and in the broad ways, etc. I said to the Watchmen, Saw ye him whom my Soul loveth? etc. By all which, is expressed the sedulous care and industry of a living Soul seeking after Christ.  
First, By night in her bed. Jesus Christ hath her bed thoughts, (i) in her Closet and private duties, of Prayer, serious Meditations, Spiritual Ejaculations, and secret self Examinations; in all these the Soul inquires. As one that loves the World, by night his Meditation is of the World; so the man of pleasures, and honours, is pursuing his lusts in the night season; The wicked man is contriving mischief upon his bed. So the Soul that loves Christ, his thoughts are still at work after Christ.  
Secondly, I will rise now and go about the City, etc. (i.) I will betake myself to all public Ordinances, and show more zeal and life in my duties, and in these will I make enquiry.  
Thirdly, I asked the watchmen, (i) the Ministers of the Gospel, which are or should be as faithful watchmen, that watch for our Souls, and be able to speak a word in season, etc. So nothing will satisfy the Soul that truly loves Christ without him; and no means shall be neglected till she enjoy Him.  
Secondly, Why must he be thus beloved?  
Reason. 1 First, Because he is lovely, altogether lovely.  
First, Lovely in his life, observing all the will of God; there was a wonderful beauty upon him, if we behold, and can understand, that hidden glory of an untainted Holiness, and exact conformity to the will of God.  
Secondly, Lovely in his death, never more lovely and amiable to the believing Sinner, then when he was most despicable in the eyes of Rebellious Sinners. O then, he appears most beautiful and , when he hangs on the Cross, there making our Peace, procuring our Pardon, obtaining Life and Glory for us, by that shameful death.  
Thirdly, Lovely in all his Graces, each Grace a matchless Jewel. Rocks of Diamonds, Mountains of Pearl, not worthy to be mentioned with the least of his Excellencies; If he put but a little of this Grace upon any Soul, though he be never so vile, clothed with corruption; as in Ezek. 16. from the 9 to the 16 verse. yet may be made beautiful by his Comeliness.  
Fourthly, Lovely in all his Ordinances, in which the more immediate sight the Soul hath of him, the more he is taken with his Beauty; No wonder he is called in Hag. 2.7. the desire of all Nations.  
Reason. 2 Secondly, Because of his deserving love; we loved him, because he first loved us.  
Consider in his love, these four particulars.  
First, He laid down his life for us, such a Love, will deserve love, and life too; Joh. 15.13. Greater Love, hath no man, than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.  
Secondly, He lives now in Heaven for us, 7 Heb. 25. He ever liveth, to make intercession for them. He is there minding our necessities, agitating our affairs; by his sitting there, we have Liberty of coming thither; by his sitting there in glory, we have our standing here in Grace.  
Thirdly, He accounts that as done to himself, that is done to them, that are his, Zach. 2.8. He that toucheth you, toucheth the Apple of his eye, and Mat. 10.40,41,42. etc. He that receiveth you, receiveth me, and so he said to Saul, Acts 9.4. why persecutest thou me? when he was with Commission from the High Priest, dragging the poor Professors of Jesus Christ to the Prison.  
Fourthly, He longs to have us with him. Joh. 17.24. Father I will that where I am, there they may be also, to behold my Glory. He is not (q. d.) satisfied without their company; and is always imparting his most secret Counsels to them, Joh. 15.16. Henceforth I call you not Servants, for the Servant knoweth not what his Lord doth, but I have called you Friends, for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you.  
Reason. 3 Thirdly, Because otherwise we shall not regard his words; which is intimated in the Text, If we love him, we shall keep his Words, but if we love him not, we will not keep his Words; It is want of love to Christ, that is the cause of the abounding of every sin, for if we did love him, we should keep his Commands, which is the second particular.  
Secondly, What is it to keep the words of Christ?  
First, There is a Natural and Mental keeping of the words of Christ; and so we must keep them, that is, Remember his Words, his promises, Counsels, and Appointments.  
The Memory is man's Storehouse, or Cabinet, that should be kept Sacred for the Truths of Christ; So the Disciples kept the word of Christ, when they remembered his say; and David Psal. 119.93. I will never forget thy Precepts, for by them thou hast quickened me, (i) I will keep thy Precepts; for what we forget, we lose, and what we remember, we keep; And thus, as Friends take pleasure to look sometimes on the Love-tokens of their absent Friends. So may we have singular comfort and refreshment, to see the Heart of Christ in the Counsels, Promises, and Appointments left with us.  
Secondly, There is an Evangelical and Practical keeping of the words of Christ. When we do believe promises, and obey commands; Promises not believed, and Precepts not obeyed, are as water spilt on the earth, besides the vessel that should receive it, Heb. 4.2. but when they are believed, they be as liquour put into the vessel for its proper use. Hence says Christ, Luke 11.28. Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. Then we keep the words of Christ, when we believe his promises, observe his precepts in all our conversation, and walk by his appointments and institutions in all our duties.  
Thirdly, Why 'tis their property and duty that love Jesus Christ to keep his words.  
Reason. 1 First, Because true love is comprehensive; He that love Christ truly loves all that is his; He that loves him that begat, loves him also that is begotten: The nearer any thing is to Christ, the better it is beloved; and then we love the word when we keep it, as a special pledge of his love; To have his word, and a heart to keep it, is a double blessing; and indeed, such a gift as the word of Christ is, is worthy to be loved for itself, and kept for the giver's sake.  
Reason. 2 Secondly, Because true love is Operative, 'tis the principle of Gospel obedience, 2 Cor. 5.14. The love of Christ constraineth us. Where there is the disposition of a Son, there will be obedience to the Father's commands; so where there is a spiritual love to Christ, it will set the soul on work, and quicken it to keep the words of Christ, as is said of Faith, Show me thy Faith by thy works. So show thy love to Christ by thy works; as Faith without works is dead, so is love without obedience.  
Reason. 3 Thirdly, Because keeping the words of Christ gives the clearest and surest testimony of the truth of our love to Jesus Christ. Probatio delectationis est exhibitio operis; 
Greg. Hom.  Obedience is the most lively testification of love, as Christ said to Peter, Lovest thou me? etc. show it in this, in doing thy duty; Feed my sheep. So Christ tells us in the Text, Where the fire of love is in the breast, there the flame of duty and service is in the hands. Joh, 15.14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. In the 1 Joh. 5.3. In this is the love of God, that we keep his Commandments.  
Use. 1 Use 1. For Exhortation.  
First, To a mental keeping of the words of Christ, according to that word, Heb. 2.1. We ought therefore to give the more diligent heed, to the things which we have received, lest at any time we let them slip. And that we may not forget, but keep in our memories the words of Christ.  
First consider, That all the promises and counsels, which Jesus Christ hath made known to us, are not only for present, but for future use, Isa. 42.23. Harken and hear for the time to come. We should hear as if we were to hear no more. The Cordial which hath some time revived us, must not be laid aside, lest for want of it another time, we faint quite away. The reason why they were ready to faint under afflictions, Heb. 13.5. was, because they had forgotten the exhortation, which speaketh to them as to Sons. For this cause Jesus Christ often bids his Disciples remember the word he had spoken to them, and knowing their frailty, promises his spirit, Joh. 14.26. and that (says he) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, shall bring to your remembrance.  
Secondly consider, Not to remember the words of Christ, is a sad sign of our  of Jesus Christ. We usually remember Precepts, Counsels, and Say, according to the authority which the person hath with us, from whence they come. It is a very great dishonour to Jesus Christ, when we shall cast his words behind our backs. Did we honour Jesus Christ as our King, Lord, and Lawgiver, we should be more careful to remember what he hath spoken to us. We often blame our heads, as if the fault lay only there, that we do not remember the words of Christ, when indeed the fault lies most in the hearts, that we have not more love and esteem of Christ there.  
Thirdly, The time will come, when we shall dearly repent every truth forgotten, that we did not endeavour to seal instruction upon our hearts.  
First, When God shall withhold instruction from us, because we have refused it; the time may come, when as Amos 8.12. Men shall run to and fro, and seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it; and then we shall see the worth of the word, that now we prise not.  
Secondly, When God shall call us to an account for all the Sermons, and Instructions we have received, as he will certainly do; though we forget, yet he will remember, and he will ask how we have kept, and improved the Word he hath spoken to us.  
To help us in keeping, or remembering the words of Christ.  
Directions. First, Let your hearts be affected with the worth and excellency of the word, that it is more precious than Gold or Silver: and then we shall keep it as choice treasure. That which a man prizeth, he will keep in safe custody, and have often in his eyes, as David says of the word, Psal. 119.97. O how I love thy Law, it is my meditation all the day long. It a man account the word as his treasure, he will not forget it, as Jerem. 2.32. Can a Maid forget her Ornaments, or a Bride her Attires? This they forget not; Yet because we account not the word as excellent and necessary as these, therefore it follows, Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.  
Secondly. Apply every word of Christ to your own souls, though men will not keep what is another's, yet usually they keep what is their own; while men carve away the word to others, as if it concerned them not, 'tis no marvel if they keep it not, but if we accounted every word as spoken to us, and our portion, we should hear and keep it. Men remember the news which concerns themselves. We should hear Christ speaking, as Job 5.27. Hear thou this, know it for thy good.  
Thirdly, Meditate often upon what you have received, as Mary pondered the say which she heard, in her heart The way to keep any thing safe, is to have a constant eye upon it. Meditation is the Souls serious retiring into itself, to take a view of all that of God, that is laid up within itself.  
Fourthly, Hasten to do all that you have heard and learned, Psal. 119.60. It is said by David, I made hast and prolonged not the time to keep his Commandments. A man will not easily forget his Trade; so if we daily obey commands, and believe promises, we cannot easily forget the commands and promises given to us: which last direction leads to the second exhortation.  
Exh. 2 Secondly, It may exhort us to keep the words of Christ with an Evangelical and Practical keeping. Keep the word as a man keeps his Rule or the Soldier keeps his Weapon; let not the word depart from thee, and do not thou departed from it, by forsaking the appointments and commands of Christ.  
First, consider, That if we do not keep the words of Christ, by obeying, and a suitable walking, we do but in vain pretend love to Jesus Christ, as they that had no more of Christ, but to call him Lord, (Mat. 7.21.) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, etc. So, not every one that says he loves me, but he that doth my word, he is my friend.  
Secondly, consider what a sin it is to pretend love to Christ, and not so truly to love him, as to keep his words; 'tis Hypocrisy; they be Christ's false friends, an open enemy is less dangerous than they, Ezek. 33.31. They hear thy words, but they will not do them, their heart goes after their covetousness; They be false to themselves, and delude their own souls with a bare profession and hearing, Jam. 1.22. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls.  
Secondly, consider what judgement they incur, and who can tell how great it is? 'tis called a beating with more stripes, when the least stripe from that hand can break the loins, Luke 12.47. He that knoweth his Master's will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.  
Secondly consider, This is the clearest evidence of our interest in Christ, of his love to us, that we keep his Commandments. By this we know that we have him as our Christ, when we do not only love him as a Jesus, a Saviour, but obey him as a Lord, and follow his Law. When God shall write his Law in our hearts, Is not this an evidence that Christ is ours?  
Thirdly, Great and many are the encouragements which he hath promised to them that keep his words. There be many blessings in the word, but they only have the blessings for theirs, who keep his word, Jam. 1.15. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed; he shall ask what he will, and have it, Joh. 15.7. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.  
Direct. That we may do the words of Christ.  
First, Let it be the aim and intentions of our souls, when we come to hear, to turn hearing into doing. Say as Paul did, Acts 9.6. Lord what wilt thou have me to do? and Cornelius, Acts 10.33. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.  
Secondly, Beg of God to give you such a heart, that you may not only say, as the people in a good humour, once to Moses; All that thou shalt speak unto us, that will we observe and do; but find your hearts such as in Deut. 5.29. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my Commandments always, etc. It is he by whom the word is made (as James hath it) 
● Jam. ● 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. engrafted.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, A fruitbearing word. Begin all your hearing with prayers, and conclude them with prayers, because 'tis of the greatest concernment.  
Use. 2 Lastly, A use of comfort.  
First, If we keep this word, the word will keep us. It will keep us in the worst of times, yea at all times, Pro. 6.22. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. If you keep his Commands, his Commands will keep you; If you keep his Promises, his Promises will bring you to Glory.  
Secondly, If we keep his word, we shall not want present comforts. The present gratuities which we have from Christ, should be enough to encourage us, if there were no future reward, Psal. 19 In keeping of them there is great reward. 
1 Tim. 4. ●. verse.   
Thirdly, Jesus Christ hath promised a blessedness to such persons; they be a blessed people, Rev. 1.3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; and so in Luke 11.28. Blessed are they, etc. and with the best of blessings doth be crown them in the Text, My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him; which is the second observation.  
Obs. 2 God and Christ will make their abode with them that keep his word.  
In which Observation, we shall take notice of these three particulars.  
First, How God and Christ do make their abode with them that keep his word.  
Secondly, Why God and Christ will make their abode with such.  
Thirdly, What an excellent blessing it is to have God and Christ abiding with us.  
First, How God and Christ do make their abode with them that keep his word; in which these three particulars must be shown.  

1. How God abides with his People.  
2. How Jesus Christ abides with them.  
3. How both God and Christ will make their abode with them that keep his word.   
First, How God, the first Person in the Trinity, is said to make his abode with them that keep his word.  
And this will be two ways seen.  
First, It is not here to be understood of his common or general presence, as he is the infinite God, and being Omnipresent, fills Heaven and Earth: for so he abides with all the works of his hands; yea, so he is with them that fear him not.  
Secondly, It is here properly understood of God's abode by way of special presence, as he is a gracious Father; there fore Jesus Christ doth first express the Father's love, and then his abode, as the product and fruit of his love, My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, etc. He will come and abide with his, as a God in Covenant with them, therefore hath he put it into a promise, in the 2. Cor. 6.16. I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  
Secondly, How Jesus Christ will make his abode with them that keep his word? which will be shown also, First, Negatively. Secondly, Affirmatively.  
First Negatively, It is not to be understood of a carnal or corporeal presence of Christ (as the Papist imagine) as if the flesh of Christ could be in all places, whom the Heavens must contain till the time of restitution of all things: for says the Apostle, 2. Cor. 5.16. acknowledging, If he had known Christ after the flesh, yet so, he knows him no more.  
Secondly, Affirmatively, He makes abode with his people after a spiritual manner, God the Father makes his abode with his Servants, as a Father to them; Jesus Christ abides with them, as the Head of his Church, as it is in Ephe. 5.23. He is the Head of his Church, and the Saviour of his Body. God abides with us in Christ, Jesus Christ abides with us by his Spirit.  

Corn ● lap.  A learned Author shows four ways of Christ's abode with Believers.  

1. Politicè ut Rex in Regno, As a King in his Kingdom; and so he gives Laws as the only Head, and King of his Church: protects them, and order all their affairs.  
2. Oeconomicè, ut Puter in Dome, As a Father in his House; and so he takes care, and makes provision for his people, as a Father doth for his Family.  
3. Ethicè, ut ratio in homine, As reason in a man, which is the light that directs man in all his actions; so Jesus Christ directs and leads his people.  
4. Phisice, us Anima in Corpore, As the Soul in the Body, which animates and acts the whole man, without which the Body is a dead, and liveless Trunk; so Jesus Christ doth quicken our souls, by whom we have spiritual life.   
And that he is the Head of his Church, and thus abides with them,  
First consider, He hath all grace and life in him; John 5.26. As the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son, to have life in himself; therefore the Psalmist says, Psal. 36.9. With thee is the Well of life, and in thy light, shall we see light.  
Secondly, From him is all grace and life conveyed out unto us, John 1.16. of his fullness have we all received, and grace for grace. Yea, whatsoever we receive from the Spirit of God, we have from him originally, as in John 16.15. For he shall take of mine and show it unto you.  
Thirdly, How God and Christ are both said to make their abode with them that keep his word. And this I shall show to be three ways.  
First, by their special Providence and Inspection with them, and so we may see them in several Scriptures, abiding with them, as in Zach. 1.8,9,10. verses, there's Jesus Christ among the 〈…〉, which represent the Church, and in Revel. 1.13. He is there in the midst of his Golden Candlesticks, and David tells us of his experience of God's presence with him, Psal. 73.23. I am continually with thee, thou upholdest me with thy right hand, and the Apostle Paul, 2 Tim. 4.17. The Lord stood by me; indeed the eyes of the Lord are upon the Righteous, and he hath said, he will not leave them.  
Secondly, They make their abode with them in the Gospel, and Gospel Ordinances, where these be continued in their power and purity, there the Tabernacle of God is among men, and when these are taken away, I-chabod, the Glory is departed; We may say God hath forsaken us. As the Ark was a Type, and Token of God; special presence with the Jews, so the Gospel, and Gospel Ordinances, are a signal, Token of God's abode with us, for in these we may see him, in these, we may enjoy him, by these, we may be made like to him, as in the 2 Cor. 3.18. But we all with open face, behold as in a Glass the Glory of God, and are changed into the same Image, from Glory to Glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  
Thirdly, They make their abode with them in the Spirit, which proceeds from the Father, and the Son; So they may both be said truly to abide with us, while we have the Spirit, the Comforter, which proceeds from the Father, and the Son, as a pledge of their Love, Joh. 15.20. When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you, from the Father, I will send him says Christ, even the Spirit of truth, which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which proceeds from the Father, there is an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a Procession of the Holy Ghost, from the Father, and the Son, to the People that keep his word; and thus Believers are said to hold fellowship with the Father, and the Son, in the 1 Epist. of John 13. It is by the Spirit we are drawn; being drawn, we come; being come we are enabled to walk with God and Christ: It is this Spirit that doth all for us. As in the Ecche, The Air being moved by the voice, returns the same sound by its own motion; So in all our Communion with God and Christ; the Soul being moved by the Spirit, returns answer, by virtue of the Spirits motion in us; Come, says the Spirit, I come says the Soul, being taught by the same Spirit.  
All the works wrought on the Souls of men, in order to Salvation, are wrought of God and Christ in us, but by the Spirit; As in these three special particulars.  
First, By the Spirit they instruct and teach; The Spirit is an enlightening Spirit, a Spirit of Judgement, and of burning. The Spirit reveals the Counsels of God, the great Mysteries of the Kingdom; Leads into all truth, makes men wise to Salvation.  
Secondly, By this Spirit they quicken & comfort the Souls of men, Rom. 5.5. It is by the Spirit that the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. Our cold and frozen Spirits are warmed and made fit for action, and by this Spirit, we are awakened; Hence the Church prays, for the breathe of this Spirit, Cant. 4.16. Awake, O Northwind, and come thou South, blow upon my Garden, that the Spices thereof may flow out.  
Thirdly, By this Spirit they do strengthen, and establish the hearts of men in the ways of Holiness, thus they are made strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; strong to resist tentations, strong to suppesse corruptions; strong to perform duties, by this Spirit they are carried through all difficulties; by this Spirit their Infirmities are healed; 
Rom. 8.26.  they are made to persevere, and kept steadfast, and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; and Sealed up to the day of Redemption.  
Thus God and Christ do make their abode with them that keep the words of Christ, till they come to make an everlasting abode with them in Heaven.  
And according to the workings of this Spirit more or less in the hearts of men, God is said to be present, or absent from his people.  
Reasons. Secondly, The Reasons why God and Christ will make their abode with them that keep his words.  
Reas. 1 First, Because of their special Love to, and Care of them that keep his words. Indeed all the Care of God, in concerning his people, that he hath in the World, therefore in the Second Commandment, he is said to show mercy to thousands of them that fear him, and keep his Commandments, that do not cast his word behind their backs, and forsaking his Appointments, follow their own Inventions; So that if we faithfully keep his word, he will abide with us in our work; And this is the Great Reason in the Text, My Father will Love him; Not but that he Loves his Elect from Eternity, but he will manifest his Love to them, and therefore he will make his abode with them, as the People of his Love; for in Deut. 32.9. The Lord's Portion is his People, and Jacob is the Lot of his Inheritance, and in Mal. 3.17. they are called his Jewels, and men will abide with their Treasure.  
Reas. 2 Secondly, Because of the near Relation that is between God and Christ, and them that keep his word. That is a very full place of Scripture for this purpose, Mat. 12.50. Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my Brother, and Sister, and Mother. What nearer Relation can there be than this? So near are they to Jesus Christ, that keep his word, observe his will, and be true and faithful to his Appointments; and sure such near Relations will desire Cohabitation on both sides.  
First, God and Christ are said to stand Related in a Paternal Relation.  
Secondly, They are said to stand Related in a Conjugal Relation.  
First, God and Christ stand in a Paternal Relation to his People.  
First, God is their Father, and they are his Sons and Daughters; And this the Church doth acknowledge in Isai. 63.16. Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not, thou O Lord art our Father, etc. And with this the Lord comforted mourning Zion, Isai. 49.14,15. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. But God says, Can a Woman forget her sucking Child, that she should not have Compassion on the Son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee on the palms of my Hands, etc. My abode is with thee.  
Secondly, Jesus Christ is their Father, Isai. 9.6. The everlasting Father. Therefore he promiseth his Disciples in this, 14. Joh. 18. I will not leave you, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Orphans, or Fatherless Children. He is the most affectionate tender hearted Father, Tam Pater nemo, tam pius nemo: None so good, none such a Father as he, (〈◊〉 Tertul.)  
Secondly, God and Christ stand related to them that keep his word, in a Conjugal relation; and God hath said a special command of co-habitation upon persons in this relation, The man must dwell with his own Wife.  
First, God is related as a Husband, And will not God dwell with his People, whom he hath espoused to himself? I have betrothed thee unto me for ever, (Hosea 2.19.) Yea I will betrothe thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgement, and in loving kindness, and in mercies; I will even betrothe thee unto me in faithfulness. And in Isai. 54.5,6. For thy Maker is thy Husband, etc. For the Lord hath called thee as a Woman forsaken, etc.  
Secondly, Jesus Christ is the Husband of his People, as we see in the whole Book of Canticles. And so in Ephe. 5. from the 29. Verse to the end of the Chapter. Now where shall God and Christ make their abode, but with their espoused Ones? Doth Jesus Christ delight to lodge any any where more than with the Wife of his bosom?  
Reas. 3 Thirdly, Because of God's faithful Covenant, he will make his abode with them that keep his word. If we keep the word of his Patience, he will keep the word of his Promise, Revel. 3.10. Because thou hast kept the word of my Patience, I also will keep thee, from the hour of temptation, which shall come on all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. It is called a word of Patience, because it teacheth patience, and especially because it requires it in all them that will observe it. And this is Gods' Covenant. Now, what is the Covenant? Jerem. 32.40. And I will make an everlasting Covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not departed from me; and such a sure and infallible promise of abode, can never be violated by a God-keeping Covenant; God may hid for a moment, turn away in a little wrath from his people (Isa. 54.8.9.10.11.) but with great mercy will he gather them, and show them everlasting kindness; Yea, his Promise shall be as the waters of Noah, that as the waters of the great Deluge shall never cover the world any more, so he will never forsake his people utterly. It shall be more possible for the Mountains to departed, and the Hills to be removed, than that he should finally departed from His. The frame of the world may be disordered, but the frame of God's heart towards his People, can never be changed. When the men of the world think God hath forsaken them, he is near to them, and cannot cast off his people; He may sometimes give them up for their sins into the enemy's hands, but cannot give them away: this gave the Church that confidence, in Micah 7.8. Rejoice not against me, O mine Enemy; when I fall, I shall arise, when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. And this did bear the head of the New-Testament-Saints above water, 2 Cor. 4.8.9. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. And whence is it, that Distress doth not follow Troubles? Despair our Perplexities? Desertion our Persecutions? Destruction our sad Dejections? sure it is, because God is faithful, always with us, and will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear, etc. 
1 Cor. 10.13.   
Partic. 3 Thirdly, What a special blessing it is, to a person, or people, to have God and Christ to make their abode with them.  
The excellency and desirableness of this abode of God and Christ with Believers, may be seen in these three particulars.  
First, It is better than all outward mercies, and earthly blessings.  
Secondly, This will more than supply the want or absence of all other comforts.  
Thirdly, All our happiness doth lie in this, God's presence with us.  
Cons. 1 First, The abode of God and Christ with a soul, is better than all outward mercies, or earthly blessings whatsoever. God was wont to tell his people heretofore, as in Deut. 28. That if they would keep his Commandments, they should be blessed in their basket, and in their store; that he would give them peace, the fat heritage of Jacob, and to ride upon the high places; all goodly mercies: But now he doth encourage them by a blessing of far greater worth, I will love you, I will make mine abode with you. It is so high and transcendent a favour, That Moses preferred it, before that goodly Land of promise, Canaan, the Land flowing with Milk and Honey, as appears by that passage in Exod. 33.15. If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. Though Canaan be never so desirable a good Land, Yet rather let me abide in this vast-howling Wilderness with God, then go without thy presence thither. A Wilderness Condition with God in the Tent, is better than all Pleasures and Honours without God in the Palace. Hence David in the midst of all his Royal Pomp, and Greatness, desired this, as the Compliment and Perfection of all, Psal. 101.1.2. O when wilt thou come unto me.  
Consider these two particulars.  
First, That there is not beauty, nor desirableness in the fairest outward prosperity, if God and Christ do not make their abode with us. If we have all the world, and cannot see the abode of God and Christ on our Tabernacle, in their special Providence, in Soul refreshing Ordinances, or by the Comforting Spirit; We may look on all, and say as Hiram did of the Cities Solomon gave him, they be Cabul, Dirty things. 
1 Kings 9.13.  If we cannot find God and Christ thus with us, in the midst of our Glory, The Glory is departed.  
Secondly, Consider, There is no misery, nor unhappiness in the worst afflictions, if God and Christ be there; in the Furnace there is no Death; in Captivity, no Darkness; in Prison, no Sadness; in Death, no Hell. Jesus Christ tells us, he will not leave us Comfortless; he never told us we should not meet with Tribulations, but says, In the world we shall have Tribulation, and as surely, that in him, we shall have Consolation. His people may be in the world Friendless, harbourless, Pennyless, but he assures them, they shall never be Comfortless.  
Partic. 2 Secondly, This abode of God and Christ with his people, will more than supply the want or absence of all other things. Jesus Christ, when he would throughly encourage his Disciples against all the hardships, and discouraging fears, they might meet withal after his departure, gives them this one precious Cordial, or Catholicon, in Mat. 28.20. Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the World, when you are cast out of the Synagogues, had before Magistrates and Rulers for my name sake, Scourged, Hated, Imprisoned; for all these things shall they do unto you, Let this comfort you; Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the World.  
Indeed, This abode of God and Christ with his people, is every thing to the Soul, which we may see in these three particulars.  
First, Their presence is a Sanctuary, and sure Hideing place.  
Secondly, It is a sure Light and Guide to them.  
Thirdly, It is a Storehouse and Treasury of all Provisions.  
First, The abode or presence of God and Christ, is instead of a Sanctuary, or sure hideing place; as Psal. 84.11. For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield, etc. and in Isai. 8.13. says the Prophet, Sanctify the Lord God of Hosts, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread, and he shall be for a Sanctuary: Do you set God before you, and he will set himself by you; and where the great God goes, there goes a Guard of Angels, Psal. 34.7. His Wings be a Covert, and his hand a Canopy, with which he hides from the Storm, and from Rain.  
And that he is a mighty Saviour.  
First, Consider his Omnipotency; He can do whatever pleaseth him; He can make the worm Jacob to thresh Mountains, and the Mountains to become a plague before Jerubbabel; Zach. 4.7. All the Nations of the Earth are but as a drop of the Bucket, or dust of the Balance, compared with him; and all hearts are in his hands; Therefore says the Prophet, in Isai. 26.4. Trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah, is everlasting strength, or the Rock of ages. He is no broken Reed, but that strength in which we may Confide; As David says, Psal. 46.1,2,3. Si fractus illabitur Orbis, If the World be dissolved, God is our refuge and strength, etc. therefore we will not fear, though the Earth be removed, and though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea, etc.  
Secon●ly, Consider his imme●…tability; We have standing Comfort in the unchangeableness of this God, Mal. 3.6. I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye Sons of Jacob are not consumed. And for this we have the experience of David, Psal. 9.10. They that know thy name, will put their trust in thee, for thou (Lord) hast not forsaken them that seek thee, and the Church's experience, Isai. 63.9. he bear them, and he carried them all the days of old. This great and unchangeable Saviour, saves his people, these four ways.  
First, He will save and preserve from Evils, and will be a Chamber of safety when the Indignation is abroad, to hid from the storm; Ezek. 11.6. Yet will I be to them as a little Sanctuary in the Countries where they shall come, I will be with thee; is Gods great Promise, and his People's Security; it was Joshua's Guard, and Jeremiah's Brasen-Wall.  
Secondly, He will save his people in afflictions; as he did the three Children in the burning Furnace, thus he delivers in six troubles, and also in seven; as 'tis promised in Isai. 43.2,3. When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee and thorough the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee; When thou walkest thorough the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy one of Israel, thy Saviour. Job's experience is an everlasting proof of this, that when the Lead is Consumed, the Gold is preserved in the Furnace.  
Thirdly, He will save or deliver out of afflictions, 1 Cor. 10, 13. In the midst of all temptations, he will make a way for us to escape them, Many are the troubles of the Righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of all. He is Emmanuel, God with us; Our Redeemer from Hell, and from Trouble.  
Fourthly, He will save by afflictions, and by the evils they meet withal; Prov. 29.15. The Rod and Reproof give wisdom; and as David says, It was good for me that I was afflicted. All things shall work for good, 2 Cor. 4.7. These afflictions work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory. The Vessel is usually covered with Dirt by the Clensers' hand, that it may shine with the more brightness; So by afflictions God makes us partakers of his Holiness.  
Afflictions and outward evils, come alike to all, but with much different effect; All men fall into afflictions, Good and Bad, but as the Israelites, and the Egyptians went both into the Red Sea, and the one was drowned, and the other passed throrough to Canaan: So the Righteous and the Wicked fall under Calamity, the one sinks through unbelief, and the other passes through safety, and by Faith and Patience comes to inherit the promise.  
Secondly, The Abode or Presence of God and Christ with Believers, is instead of a sure Guide and Light unto them; They can never want a Guide, who have God with them. As the Pillar of a Cloud by day, and of Fire by night, was unto Israel in all their March, The same and more is God to his People, in all their Pilgrimage.  
Consider three things.  
First, Consider, that Man cannot be without this Guide; The best of men have very great need of the presence of God to lead them; that they be not misled, and that they don't faint in the way, What can the Sheep do without a Shepherd? Such is God to his, Psal. 23.1. without God's abode with us, 'tis as Children without a Father, and none to direct them, and so left to run themselves into mischief; What is the World without a Sun? Jer. 10.23. The way of man is not in himself, it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.  
Secondly, Consider, that 'tis our great wisdom to commit our way to the guidance of this God and Christ; Every wise man will commit his way to God, and not move a step without him; as Moses in the Conduct of Israel, would not move a foot without God. That was a good Petition, or rather Resolution of David, in Psal. 73.24. Thou shalt guide me with thy Counsel, and afterward receive me to Glory. I am resolved to be guided by God's Counsel, and an excellent and imitable practice of Isaac, in Gen. 26.24,25. that where he had met God at Beer-sheba, and where God had blessed him, There he pitched his Tent; So we should move as God leads.  
Thirdly, Consider, That if God undertake to Guide us, we shall not miscarry, he will certainly bring us sa●e to Heaven. Our feet may be almost gone, but shall not be altogether gone, Psal. 73.2. My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped. So it may be with the choicest of God's Servants; but in the 23 verse, Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou hast holden me by my right hand.  
The more dark and dangerous the times be, the more we should desire God's abode with us; the nearer a night of trouble or of death is to us, the more earnestly beg his stay, as the two Disciples, Luke 24.29. They constrained Christ, saying, abide with us, for it is towards Evening, and the day is far spent.  
Thirdly, The abode or presence of God and Christ with his people, is instead of a Treasury and Storehouse of all Provisions. Where Jesus Christ is, and where God makes his abode, there is a Spring head of comforts, that cannot be drawn dry, Isa. 33.16. Bread shall be given them, and their waters shall be sure, who have God with them; So was God to Israel, Deut. 29.5.6. He fed Israel in the wilderness forty years, their clothes did not wax old. You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine, or strong drink, that ye might know that I am the Lord your God.  
Consider three particulars here.  
First, Consider God is such a store, that he is always full; He hath an Antarchy in himself, and says to his creatures, as in Psal. 81.10. Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it, ask what you will, and there 'tis to be had. There be full Treasures, of temporal and spiritual good things with them, with whom God and Christ do make their abode. As the Ark of God brought all kind of blessings to the house of Obededom, so when God comes, he brings all things; Deus meus, & omnia; My God, and all things. When Jesus Christ came to Zacheus, he tells him, This day is Salvation come to thine house; that is, both temporal and spiritual preservations and deliverances; Salvation doth consist in the total absence of all evil, and in the presence and possession of all good.  
Secondly, God and Christ have left with us the promises of the Covenant to live upon, till we come to the inheritance of the purchased Possession: These be like the Widows Cruse, that never fails; this like the Manna, will not be withheld while we be in the wilderness, till we come into Canaan, to feed on the fruits of that Land, Heb. 13.5. That's a sure Promise, in which we may by faith see present supplies, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; and in Phil. 4.19. we may possess in that Promise whatever we want; My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.  
Thirdly, God hath given us his Son, and Jesus Christ hath given us himself, as an ensuing pledge of all mercies contained in the promises, Rom. 8.32. He that spared not his own Son, but gave him for us, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things; He that hath not spared his Son, will not withhold any mercies; he that hath given us the best of blessings, will not withhold smaller mercies: He doth always tell his people, as in 2 Cor. 12.9. My grace is sufficient for you.  
Thirdly, The abode of God and Christ with Believers, is their Heaven upon Earth. All our happiness is in the abode of God and Christ with us.  
First, Consider it is a wonderful mercy of the great God, that by his common Providence, he is with the works of his hands, which is man's safety; and David admires at this, Psal. 8.4. Lord what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man, that thou visitest him?  
Secondly, Consider it is a mercy of the greatest worth, and to be for ever admired, that God and Christ do not only visit us by common Providence and Inspection, as his creatures, but make their abode with us, as with children and friends; O this is our glory; God doth not come with a short visit, for a day, for a few days, but makes an everlasting abode. The Church complained when she thought God was departed, because he had been with them, and made so short a stay, Jer. 14.8. Why shouldst thou be as a stranger in the Land, and as a way-faring man, that turneth aside to tarry for a night, etc. but when she remembered the Covenant of eternal abode, she comforts herself, in the 9 verse. Yet thou O Lord art in the midst of us. To be ever with the Lord, is all we can hope for, and it is man's contemplative happiness, to converse in his thoughts with that Glory.  
First, Consider Jesus Christ hath promised this, as our great Glory, and full reward; I will take you to myself, they shall behold my glory. 
17. Joh. verse 24.  1 Epist. Joh. 3.2. We shall be like him, 〈◊〉 we shall see him as he is.  
Secondly, This abode with God and Christ, is the highest option, and aim of all the people of God. This was Paul's press, in Phil. 3. That he might attain to the resurrection of the dead, (i) the state of them that are risen, and with God and Christ; Therefore resolves after a long debate with himself, Phil. 1.21. To be with Christ, is best of all, and David in Psal. 73. at the latter end, professes, He had none in Heaven but God, and there was none upon earth that he desired in comparison of him.  
Use 1 Use. First, of Lamentation, and laments three sorts of persons.  
First, Let us lament such as be without God and Christ in the world, all ignorant and ungodly persons; yea, this is the sad case of all the Sons of Adam, ever since he sinned, and lost communion with his God; They be brought forth into the world, with their backs upon God, and with God's face against them: What was Cain's grief? how was his heart hurried into a world of inconceivable distempers, and distracting thoughts? when he must be turned out of God's presence, from the enjoyment of God in his Ordinances, Gen. 4.14. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day, (says poor Cain,) from the face of the earth, (but this is as nothing) and from thy face shall I be hid, (and now where is my comfort and safety?) it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me, shall slay me. Such persons be as Lambs in a large place, Hos. 4.16. Without a Keeper in their most plentiful state; What hope have such to escape Hell and Destruction?  
Consider these two particulars.  
First, Consider it is a very sad case, when God and Christ withdraw, or depart but for a moment; 'tis a sad, and intolerable moment, as we see in the complaint of Christ, when God withdrew himself from him; My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? and in the example of David, Asaph and Heman, in Psal. 77. and Psal. 88 and the whole Church laments in Jer. 14.8.  
Secondly, Consider if God and Christ do never come to make their abode with us here, we are never like to make our abode with them hereafter; and than it were better we had never been born, Psal. 73.27. They that are far from thee, shall perish. And this is Hell, to be separated from God and Christ, 2 Thes. 1.8.9. They, (i) the wicked shall be punished with everlasting destruction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. It is Heaven wherever God is in his special abode, and that is Hell where He is not present in his mercy and grace.  
Secondly, Use of Lamentation.  
Let us lament over a worse sort of men, and they be such as in Job. 21.14. That say to God, depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways; That refuse the word of Christ, and be weary of God and his Ordinances, and so reject God. as if one house could not hold them both; as the peoin Isa. 30.10.11. Who say to the Seers, see not; and to the Prophets, prophesy not, etc. 'Cause the Holy one to cease from before us. They that stop the mouths of them that speak the word of Christ, or turn away their ears from harkening to that which is spoken, say in effect, Let God be gone, let Christ departed from us.  
First, Consider what an evil frame of spirit it is, for men to refuse the presence of God. Was there ever wickedness like this? that the great God should be as an unbidden guest with his own creatures, and have no better entertainment than Christ with the Gaderens, who besought him to departed out of their Coast, yea, which is far worse, rejected, as Christ was by the possessed in the Gospel, Mat. 8.29. What have we to do with thee? art thou come to torment us before the time?  
Secondly, Consider it will be a very terrible day, when God and Christ departed from such persons. God threatens it as a sore judgement upon Jerusalem, Jer. 6.8. Be thou instructed O Jerusalem, lest my Soul departed from thee; When God departs, in comes all Judgements, for it follows in the Text, Lest I make thee desolate; Desolation comes as soon as God is gone, yea, says the Lord, Hos. 9.12. Woe to them, when I depart from them. And though he depart from such by removing his Counsels, Gospel, and Ordinances: He will still be with them in judgement; when he is far from their Affections, he will be nigh to their Consciences, than he will show his terror, and his wrath; and then they shall find, that as there is not a sweeter promise than this, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee; so not a more terrible judgement than this, I will not love thee, nor abide with thee.  
Thirdly, Use of Lamentation.  
Let us lament ourselves, who have had God and Christ making their abode with us for many years in their special Providence, Gospel Ordinances, etc. Yet we have not improved so glorious a Presence, so rich a mercy: especially we have cause to lament this  neglect.  
First, That we have so little acquainted ourselves with God and Christ, so little prized and observed their Presence with us, that we have learned no more of God and Christ, but are yet strangers to them; so that Jesus Christ may say to us, as in Joh. 14.9. Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip; so he may say to us, Have I been so long time with you in my Providences, Ordinances, and by my Spirit, and yet have you not known my Goodness, my Faithfulness, my Name, my Laws and Ordinances? Sure it is with most of us, as with Jacob, Gen. 28.15.16. The Lord was with him, and he was in his Dream, and when he awaked, he said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not. So God hath been with us, but we have been in a dream, or in a sleep all this while; but when God shall awaken us, we shall say with him, God was in this place, and we knew it not.  
Secondly, We may lament ourselves that we have so little conformed to God and Christ. God hath been with us, but we have refused his company, as Ephe. 2.12. And had our conversation as without God, and without Christ in the world; O when God and Christ shall departed from us, it will be a heart-breaking to us, and we shall dearly repent the least miscarriages.  
Thirdly, We may lament, that we have not lived more upon God and Christ, to trust in them, and depend upon them for life and Salvation, and made him our Counsellor, Guide, and Strength, and lived upon his All-sufficiency; we have not made them our Sanctuary, our Treasury, our Happiness, though they have been with us, in whom are all things. Yet have we lived at so poor a rate (as to our spiritual comforts) as if we had been under the Hypocrit's Curse, Job 20.22. In the fullness of his sufficiency he is in straits, Or guilty of that vanity mentioned in Eccle. 6.2. To have Riches and Honours. etc. and not a heart to use them. To have a God and Christ, in whom are all Riches and Honours, and have had no Faith to use them for our comfort, we have even starved ourselves at the fullest Table, and Springhead of plenty.  
Fourthly, We may lament ourselves, that we have not taken more pleasure in the enjoyment of God and Christ in the Gospel, and Gospel Ordinances; accounting all Company and delights, solitariness, in comparison of the joy and comfort that is in the abode of God and Christ; especially, when God expects we should rejoice in him, and hath promised to abode with such, Isai. 64.5. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth, and worketh Righteousness, and remembreth thee in thy ways.  
Use. 2 Two Uses of Exhortation.  

1. To get the Presence of God and Christ with us.  
2. To endeavour to keep God and Christ abiding with us.   
The first Use of Exhortation.  
Let us be Exhorted above all desires, to desire God's presence; and above all getting, Get God and Christ to make their abode with you. O with what Ardency and heat of desire, doth David express himself; Psal. 27.4. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his Temple; and so in Psal. 42.1,2. As the Hart pants after the water brooks, so panteth my Soul after thee O God, My Soul thirsteth for God, when shall I come and appear before God? O when wilt thou come unto me? and in a multitude of such like Pathetic breathe after God.  
And that we may the more earnestly desire this mercy, the abode of God and Christ with us; Consider three particulars.  
First, Consider, the presence of God and Christ, is the special favour and honour that God bestows only upon his own people. By this was Israel distinguished from all the world, Exod. 33.16. My presence shall go with thee, and in the last verse of the last Chapter of Ezekiel. It is the Church only that is called Jehovah Shammah. The Lord is there her Founder, Preserver, and Governor.  
Secondly, Consider, that they that have God and Christ with them, dwell continually at the Fountain Head of Consolations, as David says, Psal. 23. I shall want nothing, The Lord is my shepherd, My Cup runs over. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. This Fountain keeps our Cisterns full; our Channels run shallow sometimes, but never are they dried up; Hos. 14.5. I will be as the Dew unto Israel; He shall grow as the Lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon, they shall grow up as the Lily, beautiful and fair, and as the Cedar, well rooted and established; He that hath the Sun, hath Light, He that hath the Well, must needs have Water; Ille possidet omnia, qui possidet possidentem omnia; He hath all things, who hath him from whom all things come.  
Thirdly, Consider, that when all Comforts leave us, God will not; when Friends forsake, and Riches profit not, in the evil day, God is a present help in time of trouble, and loves to show himself in Dubiis & Arduis, in the greatest difficulties, and on the Mount of straits. Jesus Christ says truly to us, what Peter said rashly to him; Though all forsake thee, yet will not I.  
Object. Object. I have found God and Christ, gone from me, says the Soul, when I have had need of him.  
Answ. Answer, First, That God and Christ may and do sometimes hid their faces from their dearest Friends.  
Secondly, Though God and Christ do sometimes withdraw from us, yet every interruption of Communion, is not a separation; The Sun doth not cease to be, when it ceaseth to shine. Grace may suspend its acting, but doth not lose its being, God will not finally forsake his People.  
Thirdly, God hath very many Gracious ends, why he sometimes withdraws; And they are always in mercy to his people, sad providences, producing sweet effects.  
Direct. Directions and helps, how to get the presence of God and Christ with us.  
First, Repent and humble yourselves, because of all your sins, that you have at any time rejected the Counsels of God, and refused Grace and Mercy, and neglected Opportunities, of doing you Souls good, and drawing near to God; Repentance and Resolution against Sin, come like John Baptist, to prepare a way, and a place, for God and Christ to come to, and make their abode in. Of the Hearts and Houses of Impenitent Sinners, we may well say God is not there. The way to have God to turn in unto us; is to turn away from sin, as Ephraim, Jer. 31.18,19,20. He bemoaned himself, and repent, and God came to him as to his dear Son, and to his pleasant Child.  
Secondly, Believe in Jesus Christ, and by faith get an interest in him; It is by faith only that we give entertainment to Jesus Christ; It is by Jesus Christ alone, that God and Man come together. No man hath seen the Father at any time, but the Son, and he to whom he doth reveal him, and he that hath the Son, hath the Father, Rom. 5.1. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.  
Thirdly, Own Jesus Christ in all his Offices, as your King, Priest, and Prophet.  
First, As your King, Let him have the Sovereignty of your Souls, that he may rule over you. If Christ be your King, God will be your Father; God loves to come, where Christ hath his Throne.  
Secondly, As your Priest, That his Righteousness may give you the advantage of Communion with God; without which we cannot come near to him, and he will not come near to us.  
Thirdly, As your Prophet, That he may show you the way; If his Spirit be your Guide, and his Word your Rule, you may be sure his Promises shall be your Portion, even this Promise in the Text, They will come to you, and make their abode with you, even God and Christ.  
Dir. 4 Fourthly, Seek earnestly after God and Christ, in the use of all appointed means, till you come to see, and enjoy their presence with you.  
Here shall be shown these two particulars.  

1. Where we may seek God and Christ.  
2. How, or after what manner we must seek them.   
First, Where we may seek after God and Christ?  
First, We may find them in the works of Creation; these will represent God and Christ unto us, the Power and Wisdom of God and Christ, by whom the World was made; In omnire aspectabili quaedam extant vestigia Dei; In all the visible creatures, there be some prints of the invisible God; so that he which lives altogether without God, must needs be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, without excuse, having God so near to him.  
Secondly, We may find them in the Word, 2 Cor. 4.6. The glory of God shines there in the face of Jesus Christ, and to them that are conversant in the Word, God hath promised to reveal himself, Isa. 66.2. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. And the Apostle gives this direction, Rom. 10.6.7. Say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into Heaven? that is to bring Christ down from above; or, who shall descend into the deep? that is to bring up Christ again from the dead. But what saith it? The word is night thee, even in the mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which we preach.  
Thirdly, We may find them in Prayer, Jam. 4.8. Draw night to God, and he will draw nigh to you. If you will be strangers to the duty of Prayer, to the Throne of Grace, God will be a stranger to you; he hath promised to draw nigh to them, that draw nigh to him; and so in Exod. 20.24. In all places where I record my Name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.  
Fourthly, We may find them in our Communion with the People of God. Where two or three are met together in my Name, there will I be (says Christ) in the midst of them. Therefore Jesus Christ directs us to go up by the footsteps of the Flock; and they inquire wisely, Cant. 6.1. that say to the Church of Christ, Whither is thy beloved gone, that we may seek him with thee? and when the two Disciples went to Emmaus, communing of Christ, He came and joined himself with them.  
Secondly, How, or after what manner we must seek God and Christ.  
Take these four following Directions.  
First, Affect yourselves with the worth and excellency of this presence of God and Christ; carry a high esteem of them in your hearts; think with yourselves, how safely they are Immured; how Encastled and Provided for, who have God and Christ with them; as the Prophet said to his servant, There is more for them, than can be against them, Isai. 33.16. their place of defence, is the Munition of Rocks, etc. O what sweetness and satisfaction have they within, with whom God and Christ abides● as the Spouse doth express it, Cant. 1.3. Because of the savour of thy good Ointments, thy Name is as Ointment poured forth, therefore do the Virgins love thee. Thy Name of Mercy, Wisdom, and Faithfulness; how doth this refresh their hearts, that have the presence of God and Christ? O sweetness and satisfaction beyond expression! and than conclude, Sitantus; quarentibus 〈◊〉 quantus possidentibus; If he be so good to them that seek him, how good is he to them that enjoy him.  
Secondly, Labour to affect your souls with the great want and need that you have of the presence of God and Christ; while men think in their hearts, they can be well enough without God and Christ, they will never seek after them, but say, as in Jer. 2.31. We are Lords, we will come no more unto thee, (i) We have strength enough of our own, we need no more of thy support; and thus David brings in the wicked, priding themselves, in Psal. 10.4. The wicked through the pride of his countenance (as in the original, through the pride of his Nose) will not seek after God. God is not in all his thoughts, when these proud Laodician Spirits will not sock, the poor, hungry, desolate soul, that sees a need of God and Christ, find them.  
Thirdly, Quicken yourselves to much diligence in seeking: The Prophet complains, No man stirreth up himself to seek the Lord. It is a business of the greatest concernment, and most not be attended with a cold indifferency, but as one set on by a true love, and where that is, Non quie●… 〈◊〉, sed quer●… 〈◊〉, Love will he restless in the pur●… of the thing, or person beloved. See with what heat men seek the world, with much more heat seek God and Christ. We must do as the woman that had lost her Groat; she lights a Candle, sweeps the House, seeks diligently; so we must set up the light of the Word, and to work with the 〈◊〉 of a serious repentance, and through ●…ation, and diligently enquir●… Thus David with a very vigilant eye, seeks him whom his soul loved, Psal. 130.4.5. I will not give rest to mine eyes, nor slumber to my eye lids, till I have found out a pl●… for God, etc.  
Lastly, Resolve with yourselves never to give over, till you come to the perfect and full enjoyment of them; As Job said, I 〈…〉 all the days of my appointed time. So do you seek all the days of your appointed time. If we would find God and Christ, we must seek all the days of our lives. They that will find what they seek, must seek till they find; As God in the Creation, did not rest till he had made Man, so Man should not rest till he hath found God; And as in the Redemption, Jesus Christ did never cease seeking, till he had found all the lost sheep of the House of Israel; so we should never give over, till we have made God and Christ our own.  
This should be the work of our lives, and upon this work I must leave you.  
For now I must tell you, That (perhaps) you may not see my face, or bear my voice any more in this place; yet not out of any peevish humour, or disaffection to the present Authority of the Kingdom (I call God and Man to witness this day) it being my own Practice and Counsel to you all, To Fear GOD, and Honour the KING; but rather a real disatisfaction in some particulars imposed, to which, (notwithstanding all endeavours to that purpose) my conscience cannot yet be espoused. Wherefore, I hope, in this, and in all my abode with you, I may say (without ostentation) with the Apostle in the 2 Cor. 1.12. Our rejoicing is this, The testimony of a good Conscience, that in simplicity, and godly sincerity, we have had our conversation in the world, especially to you words; And as he said in Acts 20.26.27. So, I take you to record this day, that I have endeavoured to be pure from the blood of all men; for I have not shunned to declare to you, the whole counsel of God, both by my Life and Doctrine; because I knew this very well, that (as one says,) S●… loqu●…is vita, non oratia; that the Preachers life, is the most lively preaching.  
I shall only add this (my Friends) That though my lips be sealed up, that I may not speak from God to you, yet I shall not cease to speak to God for you, as ever I have done; And though I cannot have you in my eye, yet I shall lodge you in my heart; And ask nothing of you, but your Prayers, shall hope to meet you daily at the Throne of Grace, and that at last we may enjoy one another in Heaven.  
And because they say, The word of a Dying man wake the deepest impression, before I am altogether Civilly dead, I shall give you one Exhortation more.  
Exh. 2 Secondly, Let it be your endeavour to keep God and Christ with you, that they may make their abode with your hearts and houses, that whatever you lose, you may not be undone.  
In the General.  
First, Take heed you do not slight or abuse his Providences.  
Secondly, Do not Despise or neglect his Ordinances.  
Thirdly, Be sure you do not grieve his Spirit.  
Secondly, Observe more particularly these ten directions, which I would leave with you.  
That God and Christ may make their constant abode with you.  
First, Endeavour to please God and Christ, and to walk as the Gospel commands, In all wellpleasing. And for this purpose, Observe these three Rules.  
First, Entertain God and Christ like themselves. Now they are come to you, say as Solomon did of his Temple, which he had prepared for his God; The Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee, much less, this poor Tent; so, with the most humble frame of spirit, admire his greatness, and infinite condescension, for he is the King of Glory; as in Psal. 24. And so give him suitable entertainment, for he will dwell with the humble and contrite spirit. If Elizabeth wondered at the visit which Mary gave her, with a whence is it that the Mother of my Lord is come unto me? then admire that the Lord himself should come, not only to visit your hearts, but to make such a gracious abode with you; And as the Centurion said to Christ in the Gospel, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my Roof. So acknowledge your unworthiness of so rich and unparallelled a grace, that God and Christ should come in unto you, to abide with you!  
Secondly, Wait upon God and Christ with all readiness of mind, to observe every intimation of the Will of God; to you. Stand always ready, as Servants wait upon the hand of their Master, saying in your hearts, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? or, what wilt thou have me to suffer? It is the frame and posture which Christ commends to his Disciples, Luke 12.35. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, to do his will, as it is done in Heaven.  
Thirdly, Take pleasure and delight in the company and society of God and Christ, above all the pleasures in the world. Do nothing, without first calling God and Christ into the action. Remember this in These four cases especially.  
First, Pray God and Christ along with you into all your spiritual duties, that you may be sure to perform them all according to the mind of God. None knows better what will please God, than himself; don't inquire so much what others say, but what God appoints; 'tis not what this or that man says, how we must serve God, but what God says himself; as Agustine said to the Manichee, in another case, Nec egote, nec tu me, sed ambo audiamus Apostolum; So hear what God and Christ say to us, as to the performance of all our duties: If we will entertain God and Christ, and have their company, we must set before them such savoury meat as they like, lest we be like them (Mat 15.9.) of whom Christ says, In vain do they worship me, etc. and our service be like theirs, of which the Lord said, Who hath required these things at your hands? O what was that great evil the people were guilty of, for which there comes that heavy judgement, Psal. 78.60. He forsook the Tabernacle of Shiloh, the Tent which he placed among them. Sure it was some great guilt, in the former verses we find it to be their Hypocrisy, Apostasy, and Idolatry, any taint of this kind, will make the jealous God forsake our solemn meetings.  
Secondly, Pray God and Christ into all your Civil affairs The Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with God in their entrance upon every work, was a commendable practice. It is reported of Publius Scipio the Roman, that he would always go first to the Capitol, and then to the Senate; So we should begin our Civil Employments with Spiritual duties; And do as Abraham's Servant, when he was to take a wife for his Master's Son, he took God along with him; and thus to abide with God, is to have God to abide with us. Therefore says the Apostle, 1 Cor. 7.20 Let every man abide in the same calling, wherein he was called, and in the 24 verse, Brethren let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God, And God will abide with him.  
Thirdly, Pray God and Christ to your Tables at your eating and drinking, For man doth not live by bread only. If these be Guests at your Tables, you must needs have Cheer enough; there's more sweetness in a morsel with them, then in all dainties without them; And than you may be sure also, your Tables shall not become a Snare unto you. Theophrastus' reports of the Heathens, that they did first 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, they did first Sacrifice and then Kill, lay on their meat, entertain and eat. And it is the Apostles rule, seeing all things come of God through Christ, That God and Christ should not be Unbidden Guests; but as in 1 Cor. 10.31. Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God.  
Fourthly, Pray. God and Christ along with you in Morning when you rise, and at Evening when you lie down; visit him Morning by Morning and Evening by Evening; this is the way to have a Prosperous day, and a Safe night; David took this course, Psal 4.8. I will both lay me down, and take my rest, for thou Lord, only makest me dwell in safety; and this gave Jacob such a pleasant Dream, Gen. 28. that having God with him, he was an night within view of Heaven.  
Dir. 2 Secondly, Love God and Christ above all, and then God and Christ will not departed from you; For He shows mercy to Thousands of them that love him, and hath made over Himself, and Heaven, and All, to them that love him. It is reported of Ignatius, that his Love was such to God and Christ, that he had the name of Christ, Cordi ej●…s insc●…iptum; Graven upon his heart. It is such a Heart-love that He requires; for He is a jealous God, and will have all our Love.  
If we Love any thing better;  
First, It will steal away our Hearts from God; And  
Secondly, It will take off the Heart of God from us; so that God and Christ will set themselves against us.  
Dir. 3 Thirdly, If we would have God and Christ to make their constant abode with us, Delight in the Society and Fellowship of the People of God, with whom they dwell; Never be ashamed to converse with them, whom God and Christ do own for theirs. The Apostles argument why we should entertain Strangers, in Heb. 13.2. (because thereby some have entertained Angels unawares) is but mean and inconsiderable to this Reason, why we should entertain and own the Saints of God; for thereby we are sure to entertain Christ; as in Mat. 25.40. For this cause the Gibeonites made a League with Israel; For we have heard that God is with you. And there is a promise in Zech. 8.23. That Ten men out of all Languages shall take hold of the skirt of a Jew, saying, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you, Mal. 3.16. They that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another, and the Lord harkened, and heard it, etc. He was with them, and indeed, God dwells in the Tabernacles of the Righteous.  
Dir. 4 Fourthly, If we would have the constant abode of God and Christ with us, Let us keep ourselves clean from Sin, our Hearts pure, Consciences undefiled, and as the Apostle says, void of Offence towards God, and towards Men, very careful not to Sin against God; and very circumspect not to Sin against Man; that this may be our Comfort, that the world must needs say of us, as they did of Daniel, that they could find nothing against him; save in the Law of his God, as in Daniel 6.5. Whatever others do, beware of Sin. Say as Joshuah, I and my House will serve the Lord. Watch against Sin; Choose any Suffering, rather than the least Sin.  
Consider in that choice two particulars.  
First, Consider in all your sufferings, God will be with you, but in any of your Sins, he will not abode with you; as in the example of Israel, Exod. 32.23. When the Calf was got into the Camp, God forsakes the Host of Israel; When Saul forsook the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord forsook him. That was an excellent Saying of Azariah the Son of Obed, in the 2 Chron. 15.2. and Oh that all England could hear it! Hear thou me Asa, and all Judah, The Lord is with you, while you be with him; If you seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.  
Secondly, Consider, 'Tis an Act of high presumption, reflecting much upon the Purity and Holiness of God, for 〈◊〉 to imagine that God will own, and prosper them with his Presence, while they go on to do wickedly, in their Whoredoms, Drunkenness, Blasphemy, and all manner of profaneness; which God can no more own, then disown himself. So they foolishly promised themselves Peace, Deut. 29.19. though they walk in the imagination of their Hearts, and add Drunkenness to Thirst; But the Lord will not spare, but his Anger and Jealousy shall smoak against them, till he hath brought them down from their high Mount of a Sinful and Carnal Confidence. Therefore the Prophet reproves that wicked people, Mich. 3.11. where the Judges, the Priests, and the Prophets were corrupted. Yet they say, Is not the Lord among us, none evil can come upon us, Therefore shall Zion be ploughed as a Field, etc. as Abner said to Joab, This will prove an evil thing, and a bitter in the latter end; as Galen says of Meats, Quae dulcia sunt facile in bilem & amaritudinem convertuntur; Sweet meats generate Choler and Corrupt matter; So Sin that is a sweet morsel now, will be Shame, Death, and Hell at last.  
Dir. 5 Fifthly, With an humble acknowledgement of former Barrenness, under God's gracious presence with you, resolve and endeavour to be more fruitful. God never left his Vineyard, and pulled up the Hedge, and commanded the Rain not to fall upon it, in Isai. 5. till it became Barren, or did bear corrupt fruit. The exiled Confessors in Queen Mary's days, confessed that (as Ursin says in the Preface to his Catechism) the cause of their present suffering, was their former Barrenness and unprofitableness under the Gospel; and a sad example of this is Jerusalem, over whom Christ laments. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou, etc. if thou hadst known in this thy day, etc. but now they are hid from thine eyes; and when once a people grow up to this height to reject the Gospel, then expect some fearful Judgement. Read the last Chapter of Chronicles, the Second Book, and at the 16 verse, and then you will see, when the wrath of God is like to break out upon a People without a remedy.  
Dir. 6 Sixthly, If you would have the continual abode of God and Christ with you; Let God have all your Thoughts, let Him be your meditation; this is the way to have the best Company when you be alone; David would meditate of him day and night, and professed the meditation of him, should be sweet to him.  
Here consider two particulars.  
First, Consider, that no Place, State, or Condition, can hinder the Soul of this way of secret Communion with God and Christ; This privilege could not be denied to a benighted Jacob, to an Imprisoned Jeremiah, to an Exiled John in Patmos; by this (says Jerom) Solitudo fit Paradisas, a man may turn a Wilderness into a Paradise; and therefore we read in Cant. 11.12. how the Spouse invites Christ to go with her, as Isaac did into the Fields to meditate, Come let's go into the Fields, and lodge in the Villages.  
Secondly, Consider, In these secret silent visits of the Soul, God and Christ do take abundance of delight; Our Night thoughts, our Field thoughts, our Closet thoughts. are very welcome to Them; yea, when we can do no more but think of God, our very thoughts shall be an accepted service, Cant. 2.13. He loveth the Figtree, that putteth forth her green Figs. The ripe fruit is in the ●…d; so holy endeavours in pure breathe and desires, God accepts, when our Infirmity, or the Iniquity of the Times may be such, that we can do no more.  
Direct. 7 Seventhly, If we will have God and Christ to make their constant abode with us, then let us walk humbly with God. He that beholds the proud afar off, will be nigh to them that humble their souls under his mighty hand, Isa. 57.15. Thus says the high and lofty one, that inhabits Eternity, whose Name is Holy; I dwell in the High and Holy place, with him also, that is of an humble and contrite spirit.  
God hath two Heavens in which he dwells.  
First, His Glory dwells in the high and holy place, in Heaven above.  
Secondly, His Grace dwells in the humble and lowly spirit. Here will I dwell, says God.  
Dir. 8 Eighthly, If you would have the constant abode of God and Christ with you, be sure to look to your hearts, that you walk in your uprightness; be true to the Word of God, be true to your profession. There is not in the world a more lively representation and Image of God, than the heart of the upright; therefore God loves so much, when he hath drawn his likeness upon them to walk with them; therefore David resolves, Psal 101.2. I will walk in the midst of mine house with a perfect heart; O when wilt thou come unto me? This was the comfort of the Apostle, that in simplicity, and godly sincerity, he had his conversation in the world; God will be with such, and such shall be with God, Psal. 37.37. Mark the perfect man, behold the upright, the end of that man is peace; And thus God appointed Abraham to walk, that he might be with him a God in Covenant, Gen 17. Walk before me, be thou perfect; and gives him this encouragement, I am God All-sufficient: Gods All sufficiency being sufficient to keep the Soul upright, being rightly improved.  
There be two things which usually Bias the Soul away from God, and makes it warp from its holy principles, 1. The Frowns. 2. The Flatteries of the world.  
Against both which, there is a sufficient remedy in the All-sufficient God.  
First, That which often perverts the Soul from the truth, is the fear of troubles and wants; If I keep my integrity, (says the Soul) I shall be Undone, I shall Lose my estate, embroil myself in many Troubles; perhaps a Prison, Exile, or Death comes next. But what force is there in this Tentation? If we hear on the other hand, God saying, if thou wilt be upright, fear no troubles, no wants, I am a God All-sufficient, as in Job 22.25. to the end of the Chapter, The Almighty shall be thy defence (than fear no force) thou shalt have plenty of Silver, thou shalt gather Gold as dust, and the Gold of Ophir, as the stones of the Brooks, Then fear no wants.  
Secondly, There is another thing in the world that hath a very great influence upon the spirit of a man, to pervert him, and turn him from his integrity; and that is The hopes of preferment, and greatness of the world; But this is but a poor bait, if we look upon the All-sufficiency of God: Doth the World promise thee Riches? God will outbid the world, and gives Eternal Riches. Will the World give Pleasures? God will give better; with him is fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore. Will the World give Gold? God will give Diamonds. Will the World give all its Glory? God will give thee the Glory of a better World, rather than that shall be a snare unto thee.  
Dir. 9 Ninthly, Pray much, pray continually; God will be in the hearts and houses of his Praying people, when he hath a Curse in store for Prayerless Families, in Jerem. 10. the last verse.  
First, That God will abide with you, and the Kingdom in his Gospel, and pure Ordinances; that you may dwell in Beth-el, and not in Berl-aven, a house of vanity and grief. Pray that God will not remove his Candlestick from you, nor utterly extinguish the light of the Kingdom.  
Secondly, Pray, and I shall pray with you, that God will give you a faithful Pastor after his own heart, not according to your hearts, that he may teach you by his Doctrine and his Life too; A faithful Teacher, to go in, and out before you; to show you the Word of the Lord; One that may be among you, as it was said of Athanasius, that he was Magnes & Adamas.  

1. Magnes, As a Loadstone, to draw your Souls with a gentle hand, and melting heart, from your sins Heaven-ward.  
2. Adamas, As an Adamant, of an invincible courage and zeal against all sin and profaneness; one that will not spare Sin. That he may save your Souls.   
Pray that God would give you a Star, a Star out of his right hand, not a Churlish Orion, that brings a Cold, Barren, and Cloudy Winter. but a Benevolent and Friendly Pleyades, that there may be many Sons brought into God, and your Souls may find a continual Spring, and that you may be as Trees of Gods own planting, and may flourish in the Courts of the house of our God, and may bring forth more fruit in old age.  
Dir. 10 Tenthly, and Lastly, If you would have the constant abode of God and Christ with you, Conform, Conform universally, and fully to the Gospel of Christ, Consent and Assent Unfeignedly, to all the Truths and Doctrines thereof, that you may walk worthy of God, and all that Grace which hath been revealed to you: for Christ hath said, If a man keep his Word, the Father will love him, and both Father and Son, will come to him, and make their abode with him. Wherefore I shall conclude this Exhortation with that of the Apostle, in Philippians 1.2.7. Only Let your conversation be such as becometh the Gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or else be absent from you, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel.  
And so shut up all with that in Acts 20.32.  
And now Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an Inheritance among all them which are Sanctified.  
FINIS.