THE RACE SET BEFORE US, Showing the Necessity laid upon Gospel-Believers, to run with diligence thorough all Gospel-Duties. A SERMON Preached in London, May 11. 1665. AT MERCERS-CHAPPEL, Unto that most Eminent Company, THE Company of the Mercers. Incipere multorum est, perseverare perpaucorum. Bernard. By Giles Oldisworth, Master of Arts, and Rector of Burton on the Hill, in Gloucester-shire. Oxford, Printed by A: & L: Lichfield, Printers to the University. 1666. To the Right Reverend Father in God, My singular good Lord, HERBERT, By Divine Providence, Lord Bishop of HEREFORD. My Lord, THE more careless present times are, the more vigilant your Lordship is, to make and keep people zealous of good works: The same was mine endeavour in this following argument; which when I pressed, I sought, not applause, but souls: nor do I now publish it, to have it praised, but practised. Mine easy stile and familiar method (I hope) none will condemn; since plainness is the excellency of every race, but much more of this, for this is spiritual. The more spiritual our race here set before us is, the less it despaireth of your good Lordship's implored Patronage: In very truth, there is no small affinity between our Apostles divine precept, and your Lordship's Apostolical pattern; in as much as your Lordship is made unto us a daily example how so to run that we may obtain. For instance: Goodly are those heritage's, great are those revenues, pleasant are those mansions, ancient are those honours which the bounty of God hath derived unto your Lordship; but although all these ennoble your quality, they no whit (1) entangle your goodness: So doth your Lordship overrule Temporal Blessings, that they do only administer unto your Lordship's spiritual Dignities and Duties; in them and by them serveing the Church and the glory of Christ Jesus; for whose sake your Lordship most professedly advanceth as well godliness as excellent gifts, and as well holiness as learning. This is one principal cause why, with such obsequious confidence, I am bold to dedicate unto your Lordship not only this mean Sermon, but it's undeserving Author; who ceaseth not to pray for increase of sanctified blessings, both upon your Lordship, and upon your Lordship's Family: for this becometh; this delighteth From my Study, Nou. 7. 1665. Your good Lordships most obliged Servant, & most devoted Chaplain, Giles Oldisworth. Perlegi hanc Concionem cui Titulus (The Race set before us) in quâ nihil reperio, quo minus summâ cum utilitate imprimatur ROB. SAY, S. Th. D. Vicecan. Oxon. THE RACE SET BEFORE US, Showing, The Necessity lay d upon Gospel-Believers, to run with diligence throrow all Gospel-Duties. 1 Cor. 9.24. So run that ye may obtain. COrinth was a city of Greece; the Grecians were a people hostile and Warlike; in fight, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he made the best Warrior who was, 2 Sam. 2.18. like Asahel, swiftest of foot; to encourage a swiftness of foot, at set Places, at set Times, were ordained, were instituted, solemn raceing; crowns of bays, or some other prizes, were publicly produced; for which run the race who so would, run swiftest who so could; he, and he only, who was the speediest runner, wore the bays and won the prize: Unto these solemnities S. Paul here alludeth, The Text Saith he, vers. 24. I appeal from my practices unto your own customs, I report myself unto your Olympic games, unto your Isthmian races 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Do ye not see, that they who are running a race, do indeed run all, but one only receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. Paraphrased. Beloved, while our ready writer thus appar relleth his Argument with similitudes borrowed from Isthmian races, Note (I pray you) as well his language as his exhortation; The sense, the meaning, of his exhortation urgeth, Know ye not, that many are called, but few are chosen? So obey the Gospel that ye may, with fear and trembling, work out your salvation. This (you see) is our Author's sense and meaning; but, while to express this his meaning, this Master of Eloquence fetcheth about forms of speech from Persons running in races, his phrase importeth more than his precept. wherefore Observation. 1 From this very phrase, Learn how to win on men's capacities: Perceive. ye not, that there is no better way to silence gainsayers, than by assaulting them with matters from within their own knowledge? Oh, convince the disputer of this World by things so evident, that there-unto he himself must be forced to allow his assent: Sirs, As people are not easily estranged from their old acquaintances, so they are soon reconciled unto what they know; Things already known, (if once they are mentioned) as they leave a just impression upon the memory, so they set an edge upon the understanding; A word thus spoken how good is it? 1 Cor. 13.1. If I want charity I become as sounding brass; Full well raiseth the Holy Ghost unto these Corinthians a comparison from brass, since no one City was so famous for Brass as was this City of Gorinth; Fitly also doth he here in my Text speak unto them of running, since these Corinthians excelled in the races at Isthmus. (This is, then, the first instruction.) If ye would be able to convince others, be able to allude unto instances within their own knowledge. Observation. 2 Next, in that this form of speech so immediately relateth unto histories of former times, even unto sports and customs anciently used amongst the Grecians of old; Observe secondly, how ill-advised all such persons are, who cry down humane learning for either needless, or worse: True, 2 Tim. 3.15, God's written word is able to make us wise unto salvation; mean while it seemeth good unto the same blessed Spirit which indicted it, that humane learning should make us wise in this written word; I say, If we would find the Holy Scriptures able to make us wise unto salvation; either we must contemn the good gifts of Gods good Spirit, else we must acknowledge humane learning to be that which maketh us wise in these Scriptures. But, contra rationem nemo sobrius, as for those of our times who appear such haters of knowledge, S. Aug: de Trir. their folly is already manifested unto all men; so manifested that (I trust) they them-selves shall proceed no farther: Nor will I; Wherefore, in the third place, Observation. 3 In that our Apostle maketh so profitable a use of these races whereunto he here refers us, Observe thirdly, To the pure all things are pure: A holy mind can spiritualise secular transactions; The whole creation is, or at least ought to be, every whit as serviceable to the inward, as unto the outward, man; There is a kind of a religious chemistry in a devout soul; Gen. 24.63. Send Isaac into the field, and he will meditate; Once let the Greeks solemnize raceing, and S. Paul will give them the starting word" So run that ye may obtain. But (distillatio favi) that which, without any the least straining, most naturally droppeth from my whole Text, is this twofold Doctrine. 1. Doctrine: The whole duty of Man resembleth a race. 2. Doctrine: We should all of us more earnestly strive to run thorough our whole duty, than they strive who run a race. That the whole duty of Man resembleth a race, I shall endeavour to illustrate, Doctrine 1 1. From the Holy Ghosts usual way of speaking; and so infinitely wise is the Holy Ghost, proved. that He (at all times) well knoweth how to shape his Discourse. 2. From his own descants upon this his own dialect; and of all Expositors which, either may, or can, be consulted, he is ever the best Interpreter of himself. 3. From the Spirit and Life of this metaphorical Precept," So run that ye may obtain; and when I have represented this, you will yet more perfectly understand my Text. Proof; 1 viz: from the phrase itself. Cantic. 1.4. That the whole duty of Man resembleth a race, will appear, first, from the Holy Ghosts usual way of speaking; In the Old Testament, Draw me (by thy good Spirit) we will run after thee (in thy ways;) When thou hast enlarged my heart, Psal. 119.32. I will run the way of thy Commandments: In the New Testament, this Penman (to name none else) can scarcely point at our Gospel-duties and escape this metaphor: He might have spoken his mind to the Philippians, by saying, Phil. 2.16. I have not laboured in vain; nevertheless, he prefixeth, I have not run in vain: Gal. 2.2. To the Galathians he might have said, Lest I should or had failed of my purpose; but he phraseth it, Lest I should or had run in vain: And instead of saying, Gal. 5.7. Ye did sincerely obey the Gospel, he telleth them, Ye did run well: Neither doth he vary his language to the Romans, when he avoucheth, Rom. 9.16. It is not of him that willeth (not of him that endeavoreth) nor of him that runneth (of him that performeth) but of God who showeth mercy both unto him that willeth, and unto him that runneth too. Sirs, Think not these, or other like instances, wide and too too general; you will find them all pertinent and home to our purpose, when at length ye consider how (in all these expressions) St. Paul ever intimateth a race set before us: yea, (as if he there did it once for all,) Heb. 12.1, he most plainly so expresseth himself. Proof: 2 viz. From what the Holy Ghost enlargeth upon this phrase. If the phrase suffice not to evidence, that the whole duty of Man is a race set before him; yet the Holy ghosts large descants upon this phrase will sufficiently prove it, Heb. 12.1. where St. Paul adviseth, Heb. 10.36. Let us run the race set before us, there see how he descanteth upon this advice: Like a partner in the bets, he instructeth, Let us lay aside every weight (for Sin is burdensome;) and (since we have need of patience if ever we will endure to the end) he addeth, Let us run with patience; Gal, 6.9. If we would obtain the prize for which we run, though we be faint, though we be weary, hold on we must; persist we must, weary of well running we must not be; therefore he exhorteth, Let us run with patience: Again, one running a Race doth himself as little, and load himself as light, as, saving the Articles, he may; accordingly St. Paul counselleth, Let us lay aside every sin, every weight; Phil. ●. 13.14 And striving, if by any means, he might attain unto the resurrection of the dead: he affirmeth, This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those before, I press toward the mark. Beloved, so palpably would he have us run over our whole duty, as over a Race set before us; that he speaketh just, (just for all the world) like one in the heat of his course: Pectora nostra duas non admittentia curass therefore, Ovid. saith he, Hoc ago, This Gospel-conversation I ply, work out my salvation I do, and for this only I work; forgetting (the mileposts already bypast) the Graces already attained, and reaching forth unto (that part of the Race yet before me) the Virtues not yet perfected; I press forward (might and main) toward the mark for the prize. Brethren, such a continued exercise, such a life, is, beyond all scruple, a Race; a Race, in every respect. Proof: 3 viz. from the present Text. This is yet more plain from the spirit and life of this precept" So run that ye may obtain; the spirit and life of which words, is easy to him that understandeth; so easy, that it requireth more of your remembrance than of mine interpretation: all of you will soon conceive their full intent and purpose, if you call to mind, 1. What race that is which is here set before us, 2. What it is, to run this race, 3. What that is, which is, by running, to be obtained, 4. What it is, so to run that we may obtain. 1. Ye know the race here set before us, is, not simply life, (for, although we sit still, the days of our pilgrimage still run on;) I say, the race here set before us is, not simply life, but living; not living, but leading a life; it is our demeanour during this life: once for all, 2 Cor. 1.12. it is our conversation in this world. 2. Our running of this race, is the guiding of our feet, the ordering of our conversation. 3. That which by running may be obtained, is, Heb. 13.7. Pet. 1.9. Esa. 35.10. Phil. 3.14. Psal. 50.23. The end of our conversation; The end of our faith; it is here v. 25, a crown incorruptible, Everlasting joy upon our heads; it is, in a word, The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 4. Our running, our so'running, that we may obtain this prize, is, The ordering of our conversation aright. Put all this together, and from all this put together, more than manifest it is, that the duty set before us, is a race required of us; which race so run that ye may obtain the prize. Doctrine 2 Now, as the Gospel-duties set before us make up a spiritual race, so we must more earnestly strive to perform every Gospel-duty-th●n they strive who run to win a prize: proved. This is a hard saying; never the less, I doubt not to prove the truth of it, from both text, and context. Proof: 1 viz. from the preceding verses. Our salvation is 2 Tim. 2.10 in Christ Jesus; but if ever we will obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, we must more vehemently strive to obey the whole Gospel, than they strive who run to win a race; This you will soon discern, 1 Cor. 9.24. if you first perceive that immediate dependence which this 24th verse hath upon the preceding verses; If ye account so much upon your Christian liberty, (saith St. Paul) consider, Am I not an Apostle v: 1, and therefore One more, much more, privileged than any private Christian can be? Have not we? v: 4, have not Barnabas and I, as lawful power to eat and drink things sacrificed to idols, as have any of you? Hath not he? Have not I, v: 5, as much right to lead about a Wife for mine own enjoyment, as have James and John, yea as Peter himself hath? We labour with our hands for our livelyhoods v: 6; but have not we a power to forbear working? Verily, as it is, v: 7, unjust that one should war for another at his own charge; as it is, v: 9, unreasonable to muzzle the Ox which treadeth out the Corn; so v: 14, the Lord hath ordained that they (and therefore I) which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel; yet v: 15, I have used none of these liberties: In short, my business is, not to please myself in whatsoever I may, but to edify others wherein soever I can; and this I do v: 23, that I may, with you, partake, not of destructive liberty, but of a Gospel-reward. A Objection. Quest: How falleth in this v: 24th? Answ: While our Author hitherto gave himself for an example, carnal hearts would quickly object" What is St. Paul's example unto us? His self-denial is no tye upon other persons; he, because a grand Apostle, preferreth severity of life before, either freedom, or profit; but, they who abide private Christians, they who mind not high things, they who affect no such popularity, may even leave St. Paul to His strictness; while they, for their parts, stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free. Removed. Thus, thus men of corrupt minds would be apt to argue; but this objection our v. 24th preventeth; this sort of gainsayers our Apostle undeceiveth: saith he, Never mistake yourselves; this strictness of mine, is no more than what is necessary; Know ye not, that many profess the Gospel, but few obey it as they ought? So run thorough every Gospel-duty, that ye may at last obtain the hope which is set before you: Ye see now, we can none of us be followers of St. Paul, as he here giveth himself for an example, unless we more earnestly strive to perform our duties, than they strive who run to win a race. (That, my first proof.) Proof: 2 viz. From the present verse, But wherefore should we dwell upon the Context, since the Text itself so plainly confirmeth this truth? Know ye not, that they which run in a race run all, but one only receiveth the prize? Beloved, that race was a vain sport, that prise a corruptible crown; but the race set before us, is spiritual; and the crown after which we press, is eternal: Now, if none could receive that corruptible crown but he, and he only, which outran all others, neither can we receive the high prize of our calling in Christ Jesus, unless we strive more earnestly to obtain it, than they did strive who ran that race. Application. By this time, these say have sunk deep into your ears: For who can call this Precept unto his remembrance, and not understand for time to come? or, Who can wisely understand these saving Truths, and neglect to work out that salvation which is in Christ Jesus? Nevertheless, that each of you may, not only be, but continue, wise unto salvation; that all of you may, not only run, but so run that ye may obtain; unto me it will not be grievous, to press forward unto Application. Reproof. 1 Christians, Ought we to perform all Gospel-duties with so great a watchfulness? Must we so run as if we were running a race? yea, and so run this race too, as they who are running for a prize? Doth the Holy Ghost command us to run, and to run so? Then is this commandment a Reproof unto those inconsiderate, careless, stupid, Creatures who heed not whether there be any such race set before us, or no: Alas! although truth be the adequate object of the understanding; yea, although the more considerable any truth is, the more (in reason) it should work upon the understanding; yet, by some idle-minded persons, the weightiest points are lightest set by; Death, Judgement, Hell, Eternity, how unquestionable (these?) Yet (the Lord forgive us) seldom do we meditate upon these things. Know we not, that we have every one of us as well a soul to be saved, as a body? yet (to their shame 〈◊〉 speak it) some among us more frequently cleanse from filthiness, the nails of our fingers, or the hair of our head (I had almost said, the hair of our Perywigs) than these precious, these immortal souls of ours! If with fear and trembling we must strive to run, and so to run that we may obtain; blame worthy are all such (and such are most among us) that neither care to obtain, nor strive to run. (That is the first.) Reproof. 2 Secondly, seeing we should all of us run, and run to obtain, This reproveth presumptions Reprobates, who instead of running from the torments of hell unto the pleasures of heaven, that is, instead of running from a state of nature to a state of grace, from a heart of unbeleif to a lively faith, from a dunghill of dead works unto fruits of righteousness, do run from bad to worse: Such harden themselves in their own natural corruptions! Such give themselves over unto a perpetual backsliding! whatsoever looketh toward godliness and true holiness, that they despise! wicked miscreants, (but desperately wicked!) Is it not enough that you neglect to run, unless instead of running forward, ye lie down in your shame? Can you not be content that ye desert the race, unless you trample under foot the prize which is set before you? Our gracious and merciful God desireth, that even you would obtain an inheritance with the Saints in light, and do you take a vain glory in selling yourselves unto the Prince of darkness? O ye fools, when will ye understand? Reproof. 3 Thirdly, Since there is no obtaining salvation in Christ Jesus, unless we so run as we ought; inexcusable are multitudes, who, although they do not deliberately harden themselves in running contrary to God, yet (if they do but run at all) heed not whether they so run that they may obtain. You (lukewarm Professors) will you account that a good fight, which is only a beating the air? will you esteem that a well running, which is only a running in vain? He is more than stupid, who slumbereth in the midst of his race! As good never a whit, as never the better: Know ye not, that they which run in a race, run all, but one only receiveth the prize? No affections, no feet; if ye cut off the feet of your affections, be ye sure, ye shall reap damage: It is said of Idols, legs have they and walk not; will you be such? Run not, like them whose feet are out of joint; but so run that ye may obtain: And, if obtain you would, receive these instructions, Instruction. 1 First, Let every man discharge the duty of his own calling, Cor. 7.24. Our conversation can never be as becometh the Gospel, except every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God Rom. 12, He that ministereth let him wait on his ministering; he that teacheth, on teaching; and he that ruleth, let him rule with diligence: (Bear with me) Of late, there is too great a want of this diligence in rulers; Profaneness threatneth, if not the chief City, yet many chief places, within this Kingdom! It evil becometh a Christian Magistrate, to bear the sword of his God in vain. Instruction. 2 Secondly, If we would obtain that for which we run; let every one of us mind the present duty: Friends, As every promise to us made, implieth a duty requisite from us, so every place, every moment, requireth from us a present duty too: Mat. 11.25 At that time Jesus answered and said, Object. No body spoke to him; Answ. jesus answered the then present opportunity; viz. Unto every instant of time there is an answer due; I do not answer my duty now, except I so speak as for edification, and that too, as from the Lord; neither do ye now answer your duties, except ye now hear as persons desirous to inform, awaken, and strengthen your souls. [You of this Eminent Society, you the Honourable Company of Mercers, will answer Your duties, if you (this day) show yourselves faithful stewards of those blessings in behalf of pious and charitale uses, wherewith the liberal hand of your God hath entrusted you; you will (this day) answer your duties, if your Feasting this day be among you an occasion, not unto disorder and gluttony, but unto love unfeigned and unto a rejoicing in the Lord; I trust, you will (this day) unite your hearts, not only to delight in one another, but to fear the Lord and his goodness. (Right Worshipful) You are the chief and most eminent of the chosen Companies of this most famous City, wherefore, if at all times ye would answer your duties; as your God hath placed you the first in order, so endeavour ye (I beseech you) to lead and go before others in good examples, & in good works.] In a word, every one of us than answereth present duty, when he considerately endeavoreth to perform that at every present season wherein he may, at every present season, best glorify his God: We must do good, and Gal. 6.10 good we must do as we have opportunity. 1 Sam. 10.7. Do as occasion shall serve; a good runner mindeth every step, he will not lose, no not one footing: Whether mud or sands, whether hills or meadows, limit their banks, toward their Sea rivers run; they run and run continually; and John 4.14 living Waters are ever springing upward: We Christians, throughout our Spiritual race, must be like Soldiers, ever upon duty. (This is my second instruction.) Instruction. 3 Thirdly, If we would so run that we may obtain, what duty soever we do, let us do it hearty, as unto the Lord: Then the diligent hand maketh rich, when it maketh Religion its business. Acts 11.23. We must cleave unto the Lord with a full purpose of heart. Leu. 11.42. Whatsoever multiplieth feet is an abomination: Why? Answ. It can but creep. It is then a sign that we run well, when we breath and pant; viz. when we breath after holiness, and when we pant after God. Lovers have a language of their own; their feet talk, their hands talk, their eyes talk; so thou, (when bystanders, when worldlings are not ware of it) have a foot for thy God, a hand for thy God, an eye for thy God. Psal. 16.8. They that would not greatly fall, do set the Lord always before them; much more they that would run well. Then we run our best, when the desire of our soul is toward the name of our God. Instruction. 4 Fourthly, If obtain ye would, Duly frequent Ordinances: It is good being there where Princes scatter gifts: It is good being there where the power of the Lord is present to heal. Esa: 64.5. Thou meetest them who remember thee in thy ways. Quest. Where are the ways of God? Answ. Psal. 77.13 Thy way, O Lord, is in the Sanctuary. Gospel-blessings accompany Gospel-Ordinances: Joh: 5.4. While the good Angel moveth the waters of Life, we should not absent ourselves from the Pools of Bethesda. John 13.30 When Judas forsook the disciples of Christ, he left Christ as well as them; but John 20 28. When Thomas was assembled with the rest of the Disciples, he was then no longer faithless, but believing. Unto this hour Jesus Christ teacheth daily in the Temple; though not by himself, yet by his chosen Ministers. That is (then) a fourth Instruction, Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is. Instruction. 5 Fifthly, If ye will so run that ye may obtain; In the use of all Gospel-Ordinances, wait for the Spirit accompanying those Ordinances. Jer: 10.23 It is not in Man that walketh (much less in man that runneth) to direct his own steps; but Esa: 58.11, The Lord he shall guide us continually; Psal. 143.3 Our soul is like a barren and dry land, it is God that (Esa: 58.11) maketh us like a watered garden. Psal. 143.10 Led me, but lead me with thy good spirit; now this spirit is given, Luk 11.13 to them who thorough very hunger ask for it. If in every exercise of godliness, we thirst after a communion with our God, a communion we shall partake; for our God hath told us, Esa: 44.3 I will pour water upon him that is thirsty. Matth. 7.7 Seek grace, and find grace. Of old time, they who ran races, did first anoint themselves with oil, and we (in this spiritual race) should, 1 John 2.27 use the ointment of the Holy Ghost. 1 Sam. 10.9 When Saul was anointed, God gave Saul another Spirit: (Beloved) as Royal Unction, so Holy Unction, not only declareth a right, but enableth for duty. Cant: 1.4 We will run after thee, Qu: How so? Answ: v. 3, Thy name is as ointment poured forth: Once get the Ointment of the Holy One, you will then so run that ye may obtain. Instruction. 6 Lastly, Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Among other Excellencies in our English Liturgy, this is not the least, That almost every Prayer concludeth in Jesus Christ his name: Jesus Christ he is, as well the Omega, as the Alpha; he is the Amen: Beloved, the graces of God's spirit are living-waters; but Zech. 13.1 Jesus Christ is that Fountain from which these waters of life are drawn: 1 Pet. 1.11 The Spirit which was in the holy Men of God, was the Spirit of Christ: Col. 3.3 Our life is hid in God but with Christ. 2 Tim. 2.1, Be strong in grace. Qu. In what grace? Answ. In that grace which is in Christ Jesus. Micah 5.5 That Man shall be the peace. Qu. What Man? Answ. 1 Tim. 2.5 The Man Christ Jesus. Ye obtain Salvation, Qu. What salvation? Answ. 2 Tim. 2.10 The salvation which is in Christ Jesus. Ephes. 6.10 If ye would be strong to run this race, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; lean upon him, trust in him, make him your stay, your strength, and your good speed: Yet this ye cannot do, until ye first stir up yourselves to lay hold on him. I exhort therefore, Exhortation. 1 Since we should so run that we may obtain, Let your loins be girt: Every one of us have, at the best, been ill-advised; we have started too late, we have run too slowly, we have fallen too often: Yet, yet the prize abideth before us; as yet the Crown is within view; Oh, while we have yet daylight, let us workout our salvation, let us not fail of obtaining, let us lay hold of eternal life, even, of that salvation which is in Christ Jesus: Let every one of us redeem the time, let us all run, and so run, as knowing the terrors of the Lord: If we press not forward to apprehend, that for which also we are apprehend, the terrors of the Lord they set themselves in array against us: For, Terror. 1 First, It is a Duty incumbent upon us, that we run this race: Other races are left unto the spectator's liberty; spare the prize, and spare to run, This not so: This so run, is, not a permission, but a command. We are brought into this world, not to be bystanders, not to be gazers or lookers on, (that is the the Angel's lot, that,) but to be runners: We are enjoined, we are commanded to run. Terror, 2 Next, Were there no command, yet there is a necessity laid upon us: Of them that do run, others if they so run that they do not obtain, they have their labour for their pains; or, if suffer they do, yet is it at most but some small loss, some corruptible crown, some little shame which will soon over: With us not so; To turn back is death, (behind us is hell;) to stand still is death, (beneath us is hell;) If we will not lay it to heart to give glory to God's name, Mal. 2.3. God will even bring a curse upon us. Heb. 2.3. It is not how shall we obtain, but how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? It is with us, as 1 Sam. 14.13, it was with jonathan (climbing the rock with his hands) if we get not up, we fall and perish; if we reach not the height of Zion we are cast out into the Valley of Hinnom. It is with us as with pretenders unto supremacy; if not a Throne, a Scaffold; if not a Crown, a block; if we obtain not the salvation which is in Christ jesus, we shall everlastingly abide under the condemnation of the Devil. Terror. 3 Thirdly, Consider the quality of the race here set before us: It is another kind of task to run thorough all Gospel-duties, than it was to run over the race at Isthmos: 2 Pet. 3.11, What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness? So much ado to cleanse from vain thoughts, from evil intaginations, from all filthiness of the Spirit! To watch against every idle word which we sure to answer for; to lay aside every sin, to put away the evil of our do, to purge ourselves from dead works, to put off the old man! For a mind, naturally alienated from God, to acquaint itself spiritually with God; to bring every thought into the captivity of Jesus Christ, to be renewed in the spirit of our mind; to have our speech seasoned with Salt, good for edifying, & setting forth the praises of our God To bring forth much fruit, not to lose our first love, to grow in grace, to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect! multum fecitque tulitque Horat. — sudavit & alsit, who is sufficient for these things? To make what is (for continuance). a walk, (for swiftness) a race; to walk with God, to follow God fully, nay to run after him till we overtake him, hic labour, hoc opus est! He that would at all times deny himself, and at all times exercise himself in godliness, must strive more vehemently, than they strive who run a race. Terror. 4 Fourthly, View the trouble some place wherein we run: Other races are run upon chosen hills, upon champain plains, upon carpetground; but this is run Gal. 1.4 in this present evil world: Whether we regard prosperity or adversity, we have little good turf here. Every one of us, as well as Magor-missabib jer. 20.3, may be named Fearround-about: If adversity make the world go heavy with us, we are then apt to slip and fall like Abraham, who Gen. 20.2 stumbled and equivocated; like David, who 1 Sam. 21.5 stumbled and lied down-rightly; like job, job (3.1) stumbled and fell a cursing. If prosperity heap worldly blessings, though blessings they be, they cumber the new man; Hezekiah stuck presently when 2 Chro. 32.25 the world went well with him; when Dives fared deliciously every day, Luke 16, Dives forgot that there was a hell; In stead of making friends by it, many stumble at Mammon and Prov. 30.9 deny God; Most, how uncertain soever riches are, set their hearts more upon wealth, then upon their God who gave it. In short, dust would to dust; and the more it is watered the more dirt it maketh: Now, to tread well in ill ground, to run among thorns and not tear the feet; to run ways of holiness in a world of wickedness! In disadvantagions groung to run at all; yea so to run as to obtain, this is more difficult then to run a race. Terror. 5 Fiftly, Cast up how small a pittance of time is here allowed us for the obtaining of this prize: To one running for a prize, what space of time is allotted? Answ: Not a minute to spare; Span the length of our days; 60, 70, 80, years are soon passed over; yea none can assure to himself so many hours of life, no not so many minutes; and yet, if (during life) obtain we can, well; after death there is no further running. Look we for, and hasten to the prize, what we are able; if, if we run not the faster, our grave preventeth us. Sirs, were Methusalem now alive, to work out his salvation were a project which would cost him every hour of his long life; As for many of us, we have scarcely found time enough to set our houses in order, much less our hearts: To perfect holiness, is a task for Paul the aged; David, as he was full of grace, so was he full of days; but none among us can boast. himself of to morrow: Up, let us be running, the day is far spent. Terror. 6 Sixthly, Examine well thine insufficiencies, and thou mayest be a terror to thyself In other trials, the racers singled out are men naturally agile and active, men breathed and exercised, men as light of foot as a wild Roe; but, we, like Mephibosheth are lame of both our feet. Psal. 19.5. It is for a strong man to run a race; but, we are weak, our souls are aguish, made up of infirmities: (Impar congressus!) Our performances are as nothing, if compared with our duties. Look on the things behind, on that part of our race which we have already run; it will prove, not hastening towards, but a running from the prize. Alas, our inability is manifest, even, in our (once) perfection; (I speak as to wise men) If Adam, when he could stand, fell; how shall we, who are fallen, stand? Beloved, the more our duties do over mach our strength, the greater is the difficulty to obtain this high prize. Terror. 7 Seaventhly, Note the opposition we meet with; Others, when they are running a race, are secured from interruptions, 2 Tim 2.5 If one strive, yet he is not crowned unless he strive lawfully, viz Run with me (if you will) get before me (if you can) but, justle me, shove me, bob me, ye may not; that is not fair; much less to trip up the heels: Otherwise it is with us in our spiritual race; we Psal. 17.11 are compassed in our steps: Satan he ever seeketh to foil us; either bruising our heels, like an old Serpent; else gapeing to devour us, like a roaring Lion. So spiteful is the Devil unto every Creature of God, that tather than leave his old wont, he will Mat. 8.32. torment Hogs; but, of all creatures, he is most envious at such as are most like to obtain this prize: Now Jerem: 12.5 if thou hast run with footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? If without striving thou canst not overcome thine own infirmities; how canst thou, without striving vehemently, overcome the power of Satan, that I may not say, Press forward toward the mark? we must fight (as well as run) if ever we will obtain. Terror. 8 Eighthly, Weigh the excellency of the prize: Exceeding pains, except it be for somewhat suitable, is but exceeding folly: On the other side, Great rewards deserve great industry. Josh. 14.9 Saith Moses to Joshua, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden, shall be thine inheritance: Qu. Why an inheritance so large? Answ. Caleb followed God wholly: Christians, if ever ye would obtain the everlasting inheritance, follow God fully: If others must so run for a crown corruptible? for a few fadeing bay-leaves? Know ye not, that the Crown set before you, is a Crown incorruptible? This prize is Phil. 3.14 a prize of a high calling. Terror. 9 But, that which is of greatest moment is, not our glory, but the glory of our God: All the former instances are not worthy to be named in comparison of this. Sirs, were it merely our own damnation that we feared, were it merely our own salvation that lay at stake, the worst would then light upon ourselves: But 1 Cor. 6.19. We are not our own; neither run we so much for ourselves as for our God. The start is given, and running we are, but God is he who betteth the greatest stake. If thou art 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, if thou art preserved by God, this glory be given unto the God of thy salvation; but if Men and Angels look on, if the envious devil look on, and find in the end, that (after all thy running) obtain thou couldst not; then (think with thyself) what will God do unto his great Name? You, before whom God hath set this spiritual race; You, whom the God of your praise hath singled out to run this race, if you (his chosen one's) obtain not, you will then give occasion to God's adversary and yours, to blaspheme the wisdom of that God who appointeth you to run, and the power of that God who did not enable you to obtain. Exhortation. 2 But ye, Brethren, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid: Fear hath bondage; watchful I would have you be, but not fearful: Heb. 6.18 The race set before us, is, if rightly understood, the hope set before us. Wherefore my next Exhortation is that, rejoicing in full assurance, ye hope unto the end. Stay not any longer upon mount Ebal, but pass over unto mount Gerizim: Return back again (I pray you); This once return back again by the selfsame way-marks which I did last erect; and what formerly meditated your terrors, will ever hereafter become your strong consolations. Permit that we run over them in order, and (that done) we shall have finished our course. Consolation. 1 True, It is a duty incumbent upon us to run this race, meanwhile this duty is, not our terror, but our rejoicing: Of ourselves what to do, whether we should or should not run, we neither know, nor heed; but, since our Maker instructeth us, since the Lawgiver directeth, since the Lord himself commandeth, happy, happy we! Now know we, that it concerneth us to run, and whither to run: Now know we, what is acceptable to our God, and good for ourselves; if Gospel-duties are the race set before us, the race set before us is the way of our peace. Since we have a warrant for what we do, we will run this race with cheerfulness, and with rejoicings; for the wise God, the God of truth, the God of our blessings, He, He, in free love to our souls, hath set before us this race. Consolation. 2 The necessity laid upon us (that) maketh for our comfort too; viz. Periissem, nist periissem. Foelix necessitas quae cogit ad deum. Hebr. 13 14 If we have here no abiding city, we seek that to come; If the Law condemneth us, it scooleth us to Christ; In this case, desperation begetteth courage: Necessity was it which made Hannibal victorious. The farther we run from death and hell, the nearer we approach heaven and glory. Be it (Job 21.6.) be it, that when I remember I am afraid, yet, Sine periculo friget animus; Blessed is the man that thus feareth always; Parents provide rods for their children, as well as Books. Psal. 23.4 Thy rod doth comfort me; for fear of this it is, that we love our own good the better. Of that Isthmian race unto which our Apostle here alludeth, One side was bounded with the River Alpheus, the other with naked swords: Why this? Answ. That they which run this race might make straight paths to their feet. Friends, the Lord of hosts would never place hell behind his chosen men of War, were he not well able to conduct them into Heaven: If the Captain of our salvation break down the Bridge over which we came hither, while he preventeth us from turning back, he maketh us more than conquerors. (And this is our second consolation.) Consolation. 3 The quality and nature of the race itself, (that) may likewise be our encouragement. The ungodliness which we should renounce, What is it? It is (we know) mere silthiness, mere drudgery; a good rid of it. Who (in the good name of our God,) who would be fond of shackles? fond of being a slave? of being a slave unto the tyrannies of the accursed devil? This sinfulness which corrupt nature once delighted in, (Oh!) What a deadly trouble it brought with it? There is no peace to him that delighteth in wickedness, saith my God. Secondly, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord jesus Christ; if we may be but allowed to hate every false way; to lay aside every sin, and to deny all ungodliness: yea and blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we are allowed to exercise ourselves unto godliness, and to imitate and resemble the Image of God's glorious Holiness. Godliness is great gain, if we account all. A new life is a new creation, and a new creation is a recreation: The wit of Man can not contrive a sort of life more desirable than is this which the Wisdom of the only Wise God hath chalked out unto us: For, although the flesh be indeed infirm, yet it rejoiceth in hope; and, as for the Spirit, that is willing and obedient. Verily new obedience is, not only profitable, but pleasant; if it be a yoke, it is an easy one; and the blessing of the Lord resteth upon it: To seek holiness, is, to exchange curses for blessedness, death for life, shame for glory, guilt for peace, darkness for light, and vexation for joy. However, Why, ah why, should Gods Commandments be grievous unto him, who hath a love for his God? As for the wicked, if righteousness be an abomination unto him, it is because he knoweth no better: Of itself, (Esa. 64.5) it is all one to work righteousness, and to rejoice: A godly conversation is Phil. 3.20 a heavenly conversation! No such liberty, as (is) the Gospel liberty; and if the Son and Heir of all things maketh us free, then are we free indeed John 3.36. (This is our third comfort.) Consolation. 4 Our fourth comfort groweth in the place wherein this race is set before us, even in this present evil world: For, be it, that this world is a seducing world; be it, that it is a world of wickedness, yet, within this world, the Church of Jesus Christ is the pillar and ground of truth. Be it, that this world is a wilderness, in this wilderness (Hos. 2.14) God will allure us: Christ, as he is the way, so he setteth up way-marks; he, Psal. 5.8, will make his way strait before us. Rather than we should conform unto the evil of the world wherein we live, this Apostle (of us Gentiles) calleth upon us (cap. 11.1) Be ye followers of me: yea Christ himself hath given us an example: Wherefore not a man among us, but may say with David, Psal. 31.8, Thou hast set my feot in a large place, even (Esa. 18.7) in the place of the name of the Lordof, hosts. Beloved, wheresoever the glory of Christ his Gospel shineth, there, upon all that glory, is a defence. Secondly, Go out of the Church into the world; jesus Christ he hath overcome the world for us. Thirdly, The more dis-advantageous the ground, the greater praise unto him that runneth well: To be holy in heaven is no thanks to us; to be righteous in Sodom, to be Saints in Nero's Court, this is praiseworthy. It was 2 Sam. 15.21 the commendation of Ittai that he would accompany his Prince in a straight, he was resolved to follow David as well in death as in life. To be then on God's side when all the world sideth against God, this is Loyalty. Fourthly, The more wickedness aboundeth in the world, the more easily may Gods children learn to detest it; to abstain from sweet wines is no easy matter, but even he who is given to his appetite, may soon be dissuaded to desist from quaffing off full draughts of Vinegar doth Naturally beget in us a detestation. Again, If the whole world lieth in wickedness, it is now worthy our while to watch against this enemy; this will be, not a light skirmish, but a pitched Battle; we have now some hopes of growing victorious; Faith will find some pleasure, if it may encounter with a world so dangerous as is this wherein we live. To conclude this: The more wicked the world is, the more honour have all those Saints which keep themselves unspotted of it. Phil. 2.15 We then behave ourselves like the sons of God, when in the midst of a crooked and perverss generation we abide blameless and harmless. Therefore, so far is the world from making against us, that it maketh for us: This is then our fourth comfort. Consolation. 5 Your Fift, Consolation is, That the time wherein we run is but short. Although the spirit be willing, (I wiss) flesh and blood is weak; and although the commandment is good, corrupt nature fancieth it grievous; allow this; never the less, can we not watch with Jesus one hour? Cheer up, beleivers, this world shall not last always: Esa. 57 The righteous are taken away from that which is evil. If compared to the everlastingness of the prize, all that we do, or can suffer, is but for a moment. Yet a little while, and we shall rest from our labours; yet a little while, and the race will be ended: Know ye not, that we are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; Know ye not, that what race we run (is but stadium) is, at most, but a furlong in length? Sirs, if the race (here set before us) be in length but one furlong, how easily may we hold out? This is therefore a Fift Comfort. Consolation. 6 Our next Consolation springeth from a sense of our natural insufficiency: And here a threefold Cord strengtheneth us: For, First, God accepteth the will for the deed: Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ who died, and died for us: As Christ the head Esa. 50.8 so every member of Christ may safely say He is ne'er that justifieth me. Secondly, Psal. 94.18 When I said my foot slippeth thy mercies O Lord held me up. Prov. 2.8 The Lord preserveth the way of his Saints; He Psal. 21.3 preventeth thee with his goodness, He Psal. 58.13 sets thee in the way of his steps: Prov. 3.23 Thy foot shall not stumble, or, if it doth, He Psal. 19.11 shall bear thee up, He Prov. 3.23 will hold up thy steps in thy ways: nay, Micah 7.8 When I fall, I shall arise. Thirdly, Not I, but grace: So long as the child can not go at all, the nursing-father carrieth him in his bosom: Of ourselves we can do nothing to any purpose, therefore doth Christ strengthen us to do all things that he expecteth from us: That God might teach Israel to go, He (Hos. 11.3.) took him by the arms: Jesus Christ, he knoweth that we are altogether unable to fulfil his good pleasure, wherefore he giveth us a helping hand; he performeth our work for us: Christ he knoweth that we are altogether desicient, that we are altogether unprofitable; therefore he putteth to his own strength, and reputeth his strength ours: Jesus Christ hath stored up grace, yea and the spirit of grace too, against the times of our need: Now that we are to run this race, he furnishes us with ointment: The wind which bloweth where it listeth, listeth to set in our backs, and to blow us forward: Holy Angels they are made our ministering spirits; and the spirit of the Lord he leadeth, he draweth us on! When the spirit of the Lord came upon Elijah, Elijah ran far. What shall we more say? Never (never) had the plaindealing Holy Ghost enjoined them who obey the Gospel, so to run that they may obtain; if, having run their best, obtain they may not. Consolation. 7 Another advantage ariseth from the Opposition made against us; and this opposition is our double advantage: For, First, the that is begotten of God, foreknowing what an adversary he hath, will the more stoutly resist him: 1 joh. 5.18 he that is begotten of God keepeth himself so pure, that that wicked one toucheth him not: praemonitus praemunitus. Next, Esa. 30.10 Say ye to the righteous it shall go well with him: viz. God will with the temptation find a way for thine escape; He Psal. 91.3 will deliver thee from the snare of the fouler; He Prov. 25.15 will pluck thy feet out of the net; 2 Cor. 1.10 hath delivered, yea and will deliver: Jesus Christ was heard in what he prayed for, then when joh. 17.15 he petitioned, keep them from evil. Rom. 8.31 If God be for us, who can be against us? Psal. 22.11 If there be none to help, then will God be for us. Malicious the wicked one is, but touch thee he shall not; unless then when thou tramplest him under thy feet. (This is a Seventh Refuge.) We are strong, although not in ourselves, in the Lord; Our power, is His might. Consolation. 8 The Excellency of the prize, that is (worthily) our next Comfort. First, It would never anger one to hazard his life for a Diadem of beauty: mean while, should we never obtain, we are but where we were; Sons of death we were, and should we fail of our Crown, we should still be but sons of death. Quae si non potuit, magnis tamen excidit ausis. Next, Let us strive to obtain, and suppose we could fail, yet, since what we could, we did, we shall not be beaten with so many stripes as negligent runners shall; I say, suppose we could not avoid but die we must, yet we shall not die so great a death. Thirdly, Were it so that our labour could be in vain in the Lord, yet let none of us betray our trust: serviamus lieet non liberati; Let us continue honest, let us continue loyal, although we abide neglected. But, Fourthly, have a respect, as well unto the assuredness, as unto the recompense of the reward; our crown is laid up, and it is laid up for us; great is our reward in Heaven; rich is the prize of our high calling! The lips of an Angel would want words heavenly enough, and the tongue of an archangel would stammer, were it now attempting to set forth that everlasting joy, that eternal weight of glory, which (when we have run, when we have so run as we ought) we shall all of us most assuredly possess. View the prize, and desist from running who so can. This transcendent excellency of the prize may very well pass for an eighth comfort. Consolation. 9 But our last and greatest Consolation is, The glory of our God. First, Since the glory of our God is concerned, as well in our running, as in our obtaining, let none of God's Elect doubt, but that, as certainly as they run, so assuredly they shall obtain. Know, it is out of love, out of free love, that Almighty God appointeth us both to obtain, and to run: Nor need I tell you, that this God of love changeth not: Ye all acknowledge, that for whom the gracious and merciful Lord hath a Fatherly love, them (as a Father) he loveth unto the end: Account upon it, that the same God, which for the glory of his free mercy enjoineth us to run, will, for the glory of his free goodness, enable us to obtain. Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom: For this very cause he doth single you out to run this race, that he may hereafter glorify himself in exalting you unto an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. How infinitely infinite is the unsearchable glory of that great God, who, unto every one that obtaineth, can bestow so rich a prize, and can make, whomsoever he pleaseth, so to run that he shall be sure to obtain? Next, As God therefore causeth us to obtain the prize, that he may take delight (by glorifying himself) in advancing us; so his glory will he not give to another. From what time the old Serpent fooled and foiled Adam, that Serpent hath not ceased to blaspheme and revile our God; as if make us he could, but preserve us he could not: But let the malice and the subtlety, and the power, of Satan speak and do, their worst; whomsoever the Lord reserveth to himself, preserve them he can, exalt them he will: when Satan hath laid all the snares which his revengeful malice can invent, the elect of God shall run, and (running) shall obtain. True, should not the chosen of the Lord obtain the prize for which they run, the Devil would then vaunt it indeed; but, assure yourselves, God standeth more upon his honour then so. Esa. 43.21 This people have I form for myself, they shall show forth my praise: Of every one which runneth his best, God saith, For mine own sake, even for mine own sake I will do it; I have brought him, and he, shall make his way prosperous, Esa. 48.11. Look back upon the glory of God in that Text; It is not I the omnipotent God will, but he (he whom I have brought) shall, make his way prosperous. A Giant can make a child overcome a strong man. The Conclusion Hear me (ye that despair of this heavenly prize); In our obtaining, our God is interested as deeply as are we: He is not only of our side, but of our party: Are ye resolved to win the prize, if ye can? Know, it is God's determination that ye shall win it, if you will: That Jesus Christ made the lame to walk, Mat. 15.31. Mark. 7.37. Jer. 33.9. it was the glory of God the Father; it is likewise the glory of God the Father, that Jesus Christ enableth lame believers, so to run that they may obtain. Revel. 4.11 Saints and Angels cry Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory, honour, and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were, created; they were created at first, and are still created, that is, preserved. Friends, if the housekeeper will not give way that any idle busybodies shall by any means disappoint him of his full retinue, and of his full number of servants and attendants; then of all those whom the great God hath chosen to fill up the number of his hoavenly Choir, he will lose none: 1 Pet. 1.5. (None) maugre all that sin or Satan shall or can do. Only take ye heed that ye exclude not yourselves from being Kingly Priests unto our God: Revel. 1.6. The Devil, he seeketh our pendition; but, as for Jesus Christ, the same mind is ever in him towards us, Phil. 4.1. Joh. 17.10, 23. which was once in St. Paul toward the Philipians; we are his dearly beloved, his longed for, his joy, and his crown: He died for us, he layeth up for us. an eternal weight of glory; Oh let him see of the travail of his soul: It is our Master's joy, Matt. 25, 21 as well as ours, if we so run that we do obtain. Joh. 14.21. To him it is, to him it will be, a praise, a delight, Ephes. 1.6, 12. 1 Pet. 1.7. a rejoicing, is we day by day so run through every present duty, as in sincerity we ought. Let them cease form running, Heb. 11.26. who forsake their own mercy; but let us (who have an eye to the recompense of reward), 1 Pet. 1.2. let us (through sanctification of the spirit to obedience) so run on unto perfection, 2 Thes. 2.13, 14. that we may obtain everlasting joy to ourselves; and (what is more defireable) everlasting glory to our Lord God. To him, even, to God the Holy Spirit, which worketh in us to will and to do; Phil. 2.13. unto God the Son, who hath given us of his Spirit; 1 Joh. 3.24. unto God the Father, who hath given us his Son, Esa. 6.9. and (with his Son) all things pertaining to life, and godliness; 2 Pet. 1.3. be, the perfection of the Race set before us, the daily comfort of daily well running, Rom. 8.32. and the prize which we shall everlastingly obtain, with due humility, and with unfeigned thankfulness, for ever and ever ascribed; Amen, and Amen. FINIS.