THE Weavers SHUTTLE DISPLAYED; And the Swiftness thereof Unfolded: Or, the Words of a Dying man, to a Dying People, in the midst of a Dying Nation.  
Wherein is held forth,  
I. That the time is short, the way is narrow, the Prize is great, the Runners are many, the Obtainers are few.  
II. That Repentance and turning to God, is not in one Call or Command; wherefore wait upon the means appointed by God to work it, and that diligently and constantly; this Work deferred will be still greater; the Time to do it in will be shorter; the strength to do it by will be less.  
III. If we endeavour to the uttermost to improve the present opportunity and ability that the Almighty gives us, we shall, for aught I know, live with more comfort here, and die in full assurance hereafter: for the greatest evil threatened or feared, may through wisdom be timely prevented.  
By Robert Purnel.  Job 14. 1. 
Man that is born of a Woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.  Psal. 39 5. 
Verily every man at his best estate, is altogether vanity.  Job 7. 6. 
For his days are swifter than a Weavers Shuttle.  
London, Printed for Giles Calvert, and are to be sold at his Shop at the black spread Eagle near the West end of Paul's, 1652.   

The Epistle to the Impartial READER▪  
Courteous Reader.  
AS death is the King of Terrors to Christless Souls, who have made the World their portion, and Lies their Refuge, etc. To Christians it is but a Servant sent from their Father to put them to Bed, or sleep for a little time, till Corruption put on Incorruption, and Mortality Immortality; to the first, Death comes in full Power, Force, and Virtue to execute all the Plagues written, & so puts a period to all his good things. But to the latter it puts a period to all his Troubles, of what kind or nature soever they are; for Christ hath born all their griefs, iniquities, transgressions, sorrows, stripes, and chastisements, etc. Fear not me, saith death to a Saint, I come from your Father who hath taken away my sting; I am come to tell you that God and Christ doth love you: and they love you so well, that they can not suffer you any longer to be out of the full enjoyment of their love; I have but one thing more in my Commission, and that is only to crack the clay Walls which is the Prison, that you may fly home and be at rest: and this will be to the advantage both of thy body and soul: thy body shall be healed of all its diseases, of what nature or kind soever. Death puts an end to all hunger and thirst, cold or nakedness, labour and weariness; and then thy soul shall be taken up into the perfection of God's eternal Love, free Grace, full Glory, and everlasting Purity, and so be for ever with the Lord; in a word, Death comes to put an end to a dying life, which finisheth that work which gins so soon as we begin to live; for the whole life is but a progress of death: all the time we live we die invisibly; and when we die indeed, it is but a completing of what we have been doing all our life long. So that all the sons of men may say, as once jacob to Pharaoh, Gen. 47. 9 Few and evil have the days of my life been; few in comparison of his forefathers, evil in the respect of his manifold crosses: first, in his Infancy: secondly, in Youth: thirdly, of Manhood: fourthly, of old Age; each of those states accompanied with as many miseries as an hour is with minutes, as doth appear by those words of Christ, Mat. 6. 34. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof, etc. And as for the things of this life, when we have taken all the pains we can to rake and scrape them together, it will be with us as with the children of Israel; they that gathered little had no lack, and those that gathered much had nothing over. The Scripture tells us that the World was made of nothing, Heb. 11. 3. and job telleth us it doth hang on nothing, job 26. 7. Therefore to depend upon it, is to depend on nothing, Prov. 24. 5. Will't thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? I have endeavoured in this Treatise to hold forth the frailty of man, and the miseries that do accompany all men and women that do take up their rest in any thing beneath God. I have exhorted all to improve the present opportunity, and ability to the best advantage, that all their good meanings and purposes might end in speedy performances: in all which I do not say, or mean, that man should or could act without the Lords enabling him: for we cannot get life by any action as it is man's, without God: for there is a flaming sword, so that there is no coming to the Tree of Life, but by jesus Christ, the new and living Way, the true and only way. We may assoon stand upon the Earth and touch the Sun in the Firmament, as perform any Spiritual action without him, or have any Acceptance either of our persons or performances but only in him. Look upon whatsoever I have written, as my thoughts or judgement, who am a man knowing but little; I must confess, I rather lisp then speak plain in the things of God: wherefore cover all my imperfections with a Mantle of Love; this Piece is the only Work of a few redeemed hours, compiled in the midst of many personal trials: if thou find any imperfections, yet let not the Truth of God suffer through my weakness; but ascribe them to me, even to me, to whom of due they belong: wherefore to the Law and to the Testimonies; wherein I come short of speaking according to that Rule, it is for want of light. I am content to decrease, so the glory of God may increase: let my name perish, so his may flourish: let me cut off like a Weaver, and die, so his Name and Glory may live.  
R. P.   

THE Weavers Shuttle Displayed. And the Swiftness thereof Unfolded.  Job 7. 6. My days are swifter than a Weavers Shuttle. 
THE Book of Job, whereof this Text is a Part, in general lays before us these things, viz.  
1. God's Omnipotency.  
2. Man's uncharitableness.  
3. Jobs Patience and Thankfulness, arising from his living in the will of God; He giveth and takes away, blessed be his name, Job 1. 21.  
Now there were many things very eminent in Job.  
1. Uprightness of life, in these words, And Job was an upright and just man, one that feared God, and hated evil, Job 1. 1.  
2. Patience in Affliction, Shall we receive good at the hands of God, and not evil? Job 2. 10.  
Job further holds forth, viz.  
3. The vanishing frailty of man's Nature.  
4. The envy of the Devil, Job 1. 11.  
5. The mercy of Almighty God in these words, He maketh the wound, and bindeth it up, Job 5. 18.  
In the first of these (to wit) the Uprightness of his Life, there are these things considerable.  

1. His Holiness towards God, in his Uprightness toward the World.  
2. His Sobriety toward himself.  
3. His Patience, in bearing the mutability, and change of his state.   
1. Of the first, his Holiness towards God in his Uprightness toward the World. He was the eye of the blind, and the feet of the lame; he fed the hungry; he clothed the naked; he harboured strangers, job. 31. 17, 19 and job 31. 32. and job 31. 16, 17, 21.  
2. In sobriety toward himself, his heart was not infected with lust, job 31. 7. Nor suffered he his feet to walk in deceit, job 31. 5. Nor made he gold his hope, job 31. 24.  
3. Here also have you his Patience, in bearing the mutability and change of his state, viz.  
1. He lost his children, and then his wealth; then his body became leprous; his friends also upbraided him, his wife forsook him, his own servants despised him, job 19 15, 16.  
job was in affliction, and he expected pity from his friends; but all his friends proved like a River that in Summer was dry, and in Winter frozen, job 6. 15.  
Next, here is the vanishing frailty of man's age, viz.  
1. He compares it to the vanishing and consuming of a cloud, job. 7. 9  
2. He compares it to the swiftness of a Post, job 9 25.  
3. He compares it to the sailing of a Ship, job 9 26.  
4. He compares it to a flower, that springs in the morning, and withereth before night, job 14. 2.  
5. He compares it to a shadow, job 8. 9, 12  
6. And lastly, He setteth forth the shortness thereof, by its being swifter than a Weavers Shuttle, saying, My days are swifter than a Weavers Shuttle: and here I will fix.  
What the Weavers Shuttle is, most men do know.  
What the swiftness thereof is, a few do know.  
But the swiftness of man's days being swifter than the Weavers Shuttle, there be but few, yea very few do know or consider.  
Now the Weavers Shuttle is an Instrument of a very swift, and sudden motion, which passeth the Lomb or Web with such speed that it is grown a Proverb, What is swifter than a Weavers Shuttle? Now as the Shuttle flies to and again, forward and backward, until the Cloth is fully wove, which for the most part is done in a few days; so nights and days passeth this Shuttle of our life, forward and backward, to and fro again. The night casts it to the day, and the day to the night, and the night to the day; and so from one to the other, forward and backward, to and again; and between these two, time quickly wears off the thread of our life, the Cloth comes to be filled or cut off, and just so is our life, Isa. 38. 12. I have cut off like a Weaver.  
Our days fly away swift, and our time is short, that man is not master of one day; and yet how slow are we to take notice of the swiftness of time! It is a wonder that such a plain familiar Doctrine as this should be handled so often, and that the Holy Ghost should, as it were, endeavour by so many similitudes and comparisons to hold it forth to us, and fetch in all things that are more than ordinarily transitory in nature, to teach us the mutability of our condition: yet how few believe it? When the Weavers Shuttle is once out of his hand it is gone presently; so our time flies away swiftly, and passeth away irrecoverably. A Weavers Shuttle flies swift, but our days are swifter than a Weavers Shuttle, Psal. 78. 39 Oh remember that my life is but wind, saith David; this is a Proverbial speech, like that before of the Weavers Shuttle.  
Now the life of man is like the wind in two things.  
1. The wind passeth away speedily, so doth man's life.  
2. The wind when it is past, returns no more: so man passeth away, and shall not return again: they whose heads are highest must lie down in a bed of earth, and rest their heads on a pillow of dust. Most sleep in the dust while they live; but all must sleep in the dust when they die. Earthly men have earthly minds, and they cannot rest but in Earth, for it is their Centre: only take notice, that he who hath laid up his heart in Heaven can comfortably think of laying down his head in the dust.  
We no sooner come into the World, but we are going out again; and as soon as we begin to live, we begin to die; as soon as we begin to breathe, our breath is departing. Yea, all the Prophets and Apostles, that have written any thing for our learning, have more or less written of the mutability and uncertainty of of our life: As to instance;  
Gen. 18. 27. I which am but dust and ashes (said Abraham) have taken upon me, etc.  
1 Chron. 29. 15. All our days are on the earth as a shadow, & there is no abiding.  
2 Sam. 14. 14. For we must needs die; we are as water spilt upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.  
Job 16. 22. When a few years are come, than I shall go the way whence I shall not return.  
Psal 102. 3. For my days are consumed like smoke.  
Psal. 70. 9 We spend our days like a tale that is told.  
Job 7. 7. Oh remember that my life is but wind! mine eye shall no more see good.  
Prov. 27. 1. Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.  
Isa. 4. 6, 7. All flesh is grass, and the goodliness thereof as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, and the flower thereof fadeth away.  
Isa. 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities as a wind have taken us away.  
Isa. 51. 6. Lift up your eyes to the Heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the Heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the Earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die; but my salvation shall be for ever, & my righteousness shall not decay.  
Hos. 10. 7. Our life is cut off as the foam upon the water. At the best we are but a Bubble; and it is no wonder to see a Bubble break.  
And so in the New Testament we have it frequently laid before us. I shall instance in one or two places for all.  
Jam. 4. 14. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  
1 Pet. 1. 24. For all flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass: the grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.  
Now all these Scriptures being well considered, we may all break forth in the words of job, My days are not only swift, but swifter than a Weavers shuttle.  
Now to avoid all curious and nice division of the words, which for the most part doth darken the truth rather than discover it, & set up the wisdom of man rather than the wisdom of God; we will take the words as they lie, without any division or subdivision, etc. My days are swifter than a Weavers shuttle. From which words we may naturally draw this Conclusion or Doctrine:  
That such is the swiftness of man's days, and shortness of man's life, and frailty of his nature; that the swiftest, shortest, and frailest things for the most part that we read of in Scripture, are not swift, short, and frail enough to compare man's life unto.  
This Observation might be proved by Scripture and Reason abundantly: but I shall endeavour to contract what I understand in it in few words. job tells us, job 16. 22. When a few years are come, than I shall go the way whence I shall not return. But as if a few years were too long a time, the Prophet Isaiah saith, Isa. 64. 6. We all do fade as a leaf. But as if that were too long a resemblance, the Prophet tells us, 2 Sam. 14. 14. We are as water spilt upon the ground, that cannot be taken up again.  
Now as if this were too long a Comparison, (for water may lie in the Pool a pretty distance of time before the ground drinks it up) Job tells us, that Man that is born of woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.  
Now as if a few days were too long a time to set forth the short life, David brings it within the compass of one day. Psal. 90. 6. Our life is as grass, which flourisheth in the morning, and in the evening is cut down and withered.  
But as if this were too long a resemblance, David tells us, Psal. 102. 11. Our days are like a shadow that declineth, and I am withered like grass.  
But none of these are swift, short, and frail enough to compare man's life unto: wherefore James saith, Jam. 4. 14. For what is your life? it is even a vapour that appears for a little time, und then vanisheth away.  
But as if this were too long, we find it written for our further learning, Ps. 102. 3. My days are consumed like smoke. Now smoke will appear as a cloud in the air, but speedily consume away.  
But this is yet too durable a thing to compare man's frailty unto; therefore another Scripture tells thee, it is but a span long.  
But as if a span was too much, the Holy Ghost tells us, it is but a hand-breadth, Ps. 39 5.  
But a hand-breadth is too large a thing to compare man's little time unto: and therefore Job tells us, Job. 7. 7. that our life is but as a puff of wind, which flies away as swift as lightning.  
But this is yet too permanent a thing to hold forth our life by: therefore David says, Mine age is nothing before thee.  
Let us a little lay these things together, and we shall soon conclude with Job, My days are swifter than a Weavers Shuttle. Lo here is the Anatomy of our life; it is a shrub, a leaf, a reed, a rush, a grass, a smoke, a Post, a cloud, a wind, a water, a bubble, a vapour, a shadow, a nothing; it is swift, yea more swift than a Weavers Shuttle. We no sooner have our Being, but we are going to our End; and our strength is but as the grass, and our beauty is but as the flower; the grass fadeth, and the flower withereth; and so our glory is gone; and life is uncertain, but death is certain; for we are more sure to die then live; for what is more certain than death? and what is so uncertain as life?  
All Creatures observe their time but man; and yet man is the most noble of Creatures, having time and all things attending him to mind his Creator: but alas poor Creatures! we do countenance our greatest Enemy; for we are a friend to our Flesh, and it is an enemy to God: How much time do we take in clothing it? what cost do we bestow on it to  it, and to make it fine? we rob, or at least borrow of every, Creature to adorn ourselves, viz. we go to the Sheep, and take his wool, and from another Creature his skin, from another his fur; then we go down to the ground for gold and silver; and turn up the Sands for precious stones; and having borrowed all this of other Creatures, we jet up and down, and look so big and so lofty, as if all this were our own; when the stone shineth upon our finger, we will seem forsooth thereby to shine; when the silver and silk doth glister upon our backs, we look big, as if all that beauty came from us: and as we walk in the Streets and meet with men that be not so richly arrayed as ourselves, we expect Cap and Knee, as Haman did of Mordecai, or else we will seek their ruin as he did, Esther 3. 5. How oft do we change our habit, and how bravely do we endeavour to adorn ourselves? How careful are we of our diet? how softly do we lay us down? In a word, we seek to save that which doth seek to destroy us, and so we are a friend to our flesh, and it is an utter enemy to God; and so we come to be carnally minded, which is death, Rom. 8. 6. The word, Fashion not yourselves according to this world, is forgotten: and also that of Christ is slipped out of our memory, Matth. 6. 31, 32. Take no thought, saying, what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed; for after all these things do the Gentiles seek: It is a wonder to consider the different proceed of God and the World herein; the Almighty was the first that ever made apparel in the World, Gen. 3. He made it for the most noble of all our Ancestors in Paradise, and yet he made it but of Beasts skins. And Saint Paul testifies of the noblest Saints of old, Heb. 11. how that they were clothed with Goat's skins and Camels hair: what vanity is it then for us to be so curious in apparel? and to take such Pride therein, as most do at this day; never considering those words, Isa. 40. 6, 7. The voice said, Cry. And he said, what shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass. Psal. 90. 9 We spend our days as a tale that is told; but a tale is sometimes longer in telling then a man is dying. Let them that have wives, be as if they had none, saith Paul: there is the Doctrine.  
My days are swifter than a Weavers Shuttle, saith Job: there is the Reason.  
Oh teach me so to number my days, saith David, Psal. 90. 12. that I may apply my heart to wisdom: there is the Use.  
Oh earth, earth, earth, hear the voice of the Lord, Jer. 22. 29.  
Why doth the Prophet mention the earth three times; is it not for this cause? viz.  

1. Because we came from the earth.  
2. Because at the best we are but earth.  
3. Because we shall speedily return to the earth, which is our proper Centre.   
Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward; and all these troubles come in thick one after another, like jobs Intelligencers, job 1. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19  
And each of these summons the soul to come forth of that rotten house the body: when thy tooth doth ache, one of the best beams in thy house doth begin to crack; and soon after, some incurable disease or other fastens upon thy body; and then the Spirit ascends upward, and thy body downward, even to the earth thy mother, Job 17. 14. I have said to corruption, thou art my father; & to the worm, thou art my mother, sister and brother. So the earth returns to its earth, the fire to its centre, the water to its water, the air to its own place: and so that which was dust at first, becomes dust again. Gen. 3. 19 For dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return: And that speedily; for thy days be not only as swift, but swifter than the Weavers shuttle.  
Consider, how many thousand souls had their being in this life many weeks, yea many months, yea many years since thou hadst thy being, and they be already turned to the dust from whence they came, and thou dost yet remain going up and down thy Mother the Earth: Let this teach thee two things.  
First, Admire the pleasure of God; and say, What should be the cause that I remain upon the earth? surely the Lord expecteth something to be done by me: Oh let me do it speedily, before I die, and be no more seen!  
Secondly, consider, That although thou art yet alive, thy time is even at an end: for thou must cut off like a Weaver, and be no more seen, Isa. 38. 12.  
Now if if it be so, that our days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle; and our life so short, that the swiftest and shortest things we read of in Scripture, are not swift, short, and frail enough to compare man's life unto: I say, if this be true, then by way of Use there be many considerable things for us to know and do.  
Use 1. First then, the serious consideration of these foregoing things doth bespeak our care and diligence immediately to setabout the doing of that which most men do wish they had done when they lie a dying; saying, Oh that I were to live again, how circumspectly would I walk! how careful, vigilant, and diligent would I be! saith the dying soul. Wherefore whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it quickly with all thy might. If ever you will give attendance to Reading, Exhortation, and Doctrine, do it faithfully, throughly, and presently. If ever you will be pitiful and charitable to the poor, sow plentifully and presently. If ever you will declare yourself to be a true Disciple of Christ, by manifesting your love to Saints and Siners, do it presently. If ever thou intendest to examine whether thou art in Christ, and to give all diligence to make thy calling and election sure, or to run the race that is set before thee, or to strive to enter in at the straight gate, set about it presently; do not so much as eat or drink or sleep, until thou hast begun the work: for thou dost not know whether ever thou shalt live one year, one month, one day, one hour, one minute. Time past cannot be recalled; Time to come is uncertain; Time present is only thine: To day then if thou wilt hear his voice, harden not thy heart; before the silver-cord be loosed, or the golden-bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, Eccl. 12. 6. Work while it is day, the night cometh in which thou canst not work: Turn, turn presently to the Lord with thy whole heart: while it is called to day, harken to his voice, lest thou art hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, as in Heb. 3. 13.  
Lest it be said to thee and I, as in Rev. 22. 11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still. Oh jerusalem, jerusalem, saith Christ, Luk. 13. 34. how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a Hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and you would not! Behold your house is left unto you desolate. So again, Prov. 1. 24, 25, 26. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh: when they shall call upon me, I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but shall not find me, ver. 30. They would none of my Counsel, they would none of my reproof. ver. 31. Therefore shall they eat of their own do, and be filled with their own devices. For the further confirmation of this, see Heb. 12. 16, 17.  
Nay further, if thou lookest upon thyself as one elected by the Father, Redeemed by the Son, sanctified by the Spirit, and so canst not fall finally from God: yet if thou improve not the present inch of time, thou wilt lose abundance of thy sweet consolation, and bring thyself into great straits, and it may be die in despair of mercy, and so lose the manifestion, apprehension, and enjoyment of thy interest in God for many days at least, Cant. 5. 1. 2. Christ he comes, and calls, saying, Open to me my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled one: well the Spouse answereth, I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet, how shall I defile them: well, Christ immediately withdraws himself, than the Spouse sought him, but could not find him; she called him, but he gave no Answer. Well, what follows? she seeks him sorrowing, but could not find him; ver. 7. The watchmen that were about the City smote her and wounded her, as in Cant. 5. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 So also one of the Apostles, Thomas by name, would not embrace the present opportunity, neither believe the report that he heard of the Resurrection of Christ, Joh. 20. 25. well, Thomas he lost the sight of Christ for many days, Joh. 20. 26, 27, 28. If ever thou intendest then to believe in Christ, and to relieve Christ in his Members, do it presently, for if thou stay till to morrow, either thy house and all that thou hast may be burned, or it may be thou mayst not have an opportunity to give, or else thou wilt have but little mind to do it; thou mayst not live till to morrow, seeing thy days are swifter than a weaver's Shuttle; surely this relieving of poor Saints, is acceptable with God, although it be so neglected by men; this duty would not be so slighted, if these four things were well considered.  
1. First make their case thy case, their necessity thy necessity. Matth. 7. 12. Whatsoever that ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them.  
2. Secondly, Consider, whatsoever ye do for them, the Lord takes it as done to himself, Matth. 25. 40. Forasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me.  
3. Thirdly, Consider, that whatsoever we give, it shall be paid us again with interest. Luk. 6. 38. Give, and it shall be given to you again, good measure, pressed down and shaken together, 2 Cor. 9 6. He which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully.  
4. Fourthly, Consider, that which you have in your Possession is not your own, thou and I are but Stewards; and we must give an account of our Stewardship, Prov. 3. 27, 28. Withhold not good from him to whom it is due, when it is in the Power of thy hand to do it, etc.  
5. Fifthly, Consider, that in Scripture phrase, he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver that man in the time of trouble, Ps. 41. 1. Also consider that Scripture, 2 Cor. 8. 2, 3. How that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality: For to their power, I bear record, they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the ministering to the Saints. Therefore as you abound in every thing, in Faith, and Utterance, and Knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this also, and set speedily about the work, make no delay, for the time is short, our days are very swift, yea swifter than the Weavers Shuttle: It will be said shortly, that Time shall be no more; so Revel. 6. 7. And the Angel lifted up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven and earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things that are therein, that there shall be time no longer. But in the days of the seventh Angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be finished, as he hath declareth to his servants the Prophets.  
Methinks I see the words of Christ come to pass, Mat. 24. 29. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the Sun be darkened, and the Moon shall not give her light, and the Stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and all the Tribes of the earth shall mourn, for they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory. Then he shall send his Angels with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the one end of the earth to the other, Mat. 24. 30, 31. O let all the inhabitants of the earth tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, lo it is nigh at hand: A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall there be the like again: A fire devoureth before him, and behind him a flame burneth: before his face the people shall be much pined, all faces shall gather blackness; the Earth shall quake before him, the Heavens shall tremble, the Sun and Moon shall be dark, and the Stars shall withdraw their shining. Oh this day of the Lord is great and very terrible, who can abide it? yea, where will you find a man that can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a Refiners fire, and Fuller's soap. Oh what a terrible day will this be to most of the sons and daughters of men! 2 Pet. 3. 12. The heavens shall be on fire and dissolve; the earth shall melt with fervent heat. If the rocks and mountains would fall on thee, thou wouldst think it a favour, to hid thee from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, Rev. 6. 16, 17. All, both small and great shall be gathered together before the Judgment-seat of Christ, Mat. 25. 32, 33, 34, etc. yea, the Sea shall give up her dead, and the grave shall give up their dead, death and hell shall give up their dead, Rev. 12. 13, 14, etc. So we shall all appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ, and all that ever we have done, good or evil, shall be laid open before all the world: yea, all our sins shall be brought to light, and each man shall give an account of himself to God, and be judged according to his works, Mat. 25. 32, 33, 34. & Rev. 20. 12, 13.  
If ever thou wilt improve time, do it presently. Luk. 21. 34, 35, 36. Take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For thy days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle: and as a snare shall it come upon all them that dwell upon the earth. Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things, and to stand before the Son of man. This day will come as a thief in the night.  
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for, and hastening to the coming of that day, wherein the heavens shall be on fire, and the lements shall melt with fervent heat. Seeing then that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found in him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  
But if any say, I will be diligent hereafter: Let me tell thee, If ever thou intendest to do any thing for the glory of God, the good of thyself, and the benefit of others, do it presently, for the time is short.  
Oh then get oil in your lamps, grace in your hearts, that you may not be like the foolish Virgins, Mat. 25. 7, 8, 9, 10. The wise Virgins considered that their time was short, and their days swift; and so made it their present work to get oil in their lamps, which was grace in their hearts: But the foolish Virgins put it off from day to day, never minding that their days were swifter than the Weavers shuttle.  
Our time is short, wherefore bid adieu to the world. For what is the World, but vanity? All the Honours are but as so many dishonours; all the Riches but poverty; and all the Joys but sorrows; and all the Pleasure is but pain: And if in this life only thou and I have hope, we are of all men most miserable. Our days are but as a bubble: we no sooner have our being, but we are going to our end: All our strength is but as grass, and all our beauty is as the flower of the field: the grass fadeth, the flower with ereth, and our strength and beauty is gone: Death will bring us to the grave, and our deeds to judgement; and as death doth leave us, so shall judgement find us.  
All creatures observe their time but man; the Stork, the Crane, the Swallow, the Pismire, these observe their time: and yet Man, the most noble of all creatures, none above or higher than himself but only the Lord God Almighty, who hath given to man time and all things else to attend him to bring him to glory: but most men turn Prodigals, and spend their little inch of precious time with Harlots, and hope to return to their Father hereafter, not considering that death stands in the way to put a period to his days, which fly away swifter than the Weavers shuttle.  
Oh what a dreadful day will that be, when thee and I shall stand before the Judgement seat of Christ, if not prepared for it: If we look about us, beneath us, on the right hand, or on the left, all will increase our misery: above us shall be our Judge, offended with us; beneath us, Hell open, and the Furnace ready burning to receive us; on our right hand, shall be our sins accusing us; on our left hand, the Devils ready to execute Gods eternal Sentence upon us; within us our conscience gnawing; without us millions of damned souls bewailing: on every side the World burning, what way shall we take, to go back is impossible; to go forward is intolerable: what then shall we do? If we seek death, death shall fly from us; if we cry to the Hills to fall on us, they will refuse to do us so much pleasure: and then immediately the Judge will say to all the Goats, Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels. Then there will be the greatest separation that ever was upon the earth: the husband and wife, the fathers and sons, the mothers and daughters, masters and servants, Priest and people, friends and companions, the one to glory, and the other to confusion, without ever seeing one the other again. Oh what an eternal separation will this be! Whose heart can read these lines, and not melt? whose eyes can behold these words, and not weep? Nay it may be these be the last lines that ever thou shalt read: for thy days be swifter than the Weavers shuttle. 1 Cor. 7. 29, 30, 31. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away. Wherefore be without earthly carefulness.  
But as Peter & Judas speak, there are a generation of Scoffers, which lately went under the name of Levellers, and now have taken to themselves the name of Ranters: These men, for the most part of them, say that there is no Hell, neither day of Judgement, nor Devil; but all is God, and God is all things. And to these men I have but these two words to say.  
First, that although they will not see or believe there is a Hell and a Devil here, they are most like to know it by woeful experience hereafter. The second word is this:  
When thou turnest over the leaves of the Bible, and findest mention made of Hell, and of the day of Judgement, and of evil Angels, called Devils, and yet wilt not be persuaded that there is any such thing; thou mayst as well raze out those Scriptures for untruths, for thou art wise above what is written.  
And to the rest of that heady, highminded, unbelieving, and vainglorious Crew, I say as in Eccles. 11. 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and follow the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, for all these things God will bring thee to judgement. Oh miserable is that man, whose life is almost wasted, and daily wasting, and he thinks not of it: often saying, I thought no more of this that is now fallen out, then of my dying day. Never minding what Job saith, My days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle. Neither doth he mind that, Heb. 9 27. It is appointed unto all men once to die, and after death to judgement.  
And let me tell thee, thou art in a thousand thousand casualties here every moment, ready to take away all the comforts of the earth from thee. When Nabuchadnezzar was blessing himself in the Palace that he had built for his honour, then there comes a Messenger from the Lord, and he was presently outed of all his comforts. The wheel is turning, the grass is withering, the flower fading, the smoke consuming, and the shuttle swiftly flying; and yet thy days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle. We have but a little time, and a great deal of work to do: let us work then while 'tis day, for the night cometh in which no man worketh.  
If we did but know what Eternity means, and if the fear of Eternity did but once fall on us, we should clearly see it had been better for us that we had never been born, or that we had been made Toads or Serpents, or the vilest beast that creeps upon the earth, then Reasonable creatures: Seeing we were born in sin; & as if that was not enough, we live in sin, and at last die in sin: and so as Death leaves us, the Judgement finds us. There depends upon our little short uncertain inch of time, matters of more consequence than all the world is worth. I do not say, upon the spending or misspending this inch of time depends our eternal being either in blessedness or misery: but this I say, that our well-being, whiles we remain here, depends much upon it. See Joh. 14. 21. & 2 Pet. 1. 11. Oh then consider, such is the swiftness of man's days, shortness of his life, and frailty of his nature, that the swiftest, shortest, and frailest things for the most part that we read of in Scripture, are not swift, short, and frail enough to compare man's life unto.  
Use 2. And if so, in the second place by way of use, this doth teach us to carry ourselves towards all in a way of love, as if this were the last opportunity that ever thou shouldst have to be helpful to them either in spirituals or temporals. Hast thou a Father or Mother yet alive? If ever thou wilt obey the command of God in honouring them, do it presently; for before one day is past, they may be taken from thee, or thou from them: and then how will thy heart smite thee, and thy conscience accuse thee, and thy carelessness often trouble thee? Let me tell thee, I know some that can speak this by woeful experience, whose hearts do even bleed for their omissions herein. And as for you Parents that have Children, if ever you will express your love to God in bringing them up in his fear, teach your Children their duty both towards God and man: If there be ever a word of God within you, endeavour to fasten it upon them. Prov. 22. 6. Train up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not departed from it. And what thou intendest to teach them, do it speedily, make no delay; for they are but as a flower of the grass, alive and green in the morning, and many times cut down and withered before night: your children's days are short, and swifter than the Weavers shuttle. And so likewise for Husbands and Wives, Masters and Servants, superiors and inferiors, old and young; if there be any Grace in your Heart, and power in your hands, improve both to the best advantage. Be pitiful, as your heavenly Father is pitiful; make it your business as Christ made it his business, to take all opportunities to do good, both to Saints and Sinners, Matth 5. 45, 48. Oh let all your good intentions end in actions, and all your Resolutions in speedy performances; for the glass is almost run, the day of our life is even done, and thou must cut off like a Weaver, as in Isa. 38. 12.  
Verily every man at his best estate is altogether vanity: Oh all ye Parents, then look upon yourselves and children, as upon a Flower that quickly withereth: endeavour to acquaint yourselves of one Lord Jesus Christ, who is the portion of his people, Psal. 16. 5. compared with Psal. 17. 14. Walk with God yourselves, and so apply those promises that he hath made to his Seed; they will live more comfortably with one grain of Grace in the want of the abundance of these outward things, than they could with the King's Ransom if the other be wanting: cleave closer unto Christ, hang loser to your children, that so nothing may be able to separate the one, though death will separate the other: And let not your lives, O ye Parents, be bound up in the lives of your children, but let your wills be resigned up unto God's Will, that if your children cut off like a Weaver, ye may say as once Job in the same case said, joh 1. 21. The Lord giveth, and the Lord takes away, bleßed be the name of the Lord; and endeavour by your further care and diligence in training them up in the way of Christ, instructing them in the way which they ought to walk. Shall I appeal to your consciences now O ye Parents! hath your care been, to provide in a suitable way for the souls of your children, for their Spiritual estate as you have for the earthly? you are loath to die before you can bring your estate so clear, that you may leave it to your children: but rather you should be loath to die before such time as you see some work of Grace wrought in their hearts; verily, these would your thoughts be, if you were spiritual. It is reported of Augustine's Mother, that the great thing she desired to live for, was to see her son converted, and the Lord granted her desire, and then she found herself willing to die. One Mr. Staughton a Minister, in his Epistle to the Reader, prefixed to the Treatise called David's love to God's word, affirms upon his own knowledge, that there was a young Gentlewoman in Kent, but ten years old, could say all the New-Testament by heart; yea at that Age she was so perfect therein, that being asked where any word were, she would presently name Book, Chapter and Verse. Master Staughton writeth this upon his own knowledge and examination of her, in above forty places at one time, wherein she never miss Book, Chapter, and Verse. Truly if we would have the word of Christ dwell richly in us, we must ever and anon call home our wand'ring thoughts, and unprofitable desires and disordered affections, and gather them up, and establish them upon something that Moth and Rust cannot corrupt, nor Thiefs break through and steal; for most of us are like unto Peter, we toil all night and catch nothing, because we do not cast down our nets at Christ's Command: which that we may do, let us stand upon our guard, and guard our Thoughts, our Hearts, our Wills, our Affections, our Judgements, our Memory, our Lips, that we speak considerately, advisedly, and not so vainly.  
Use 3. By way of Use. If our days be so swift and short, let us endeavour to be in a continual readiness, that we may have nothing to do, but to resign up our souls into the hands of our Creator, in the name of our dear Saviour, by the help of the blessed Spirit: and although death doth look ghastly upon us when he comes to Summon us to appear before the Tribunal Seat of Justice, there to give an account of all our Actions; yet let us smile upon Death, for he will but destroy our last Enemy; Christ hath tasted death for us: It is true, Death is a dark entry that we must pass through: but all trouble on the other side death is taken away: the worst thing it can do for one prepared to die, is but this, namely, to shut up the door of earthly comforts, and open the door of Heavenly: to deprive us of temporals, that we may be invested with Spirituals: to deprive us of the society of a few imperfect Friends, that we might enjoy the society of all the Saints and Angels in a state of perfection; and that which is ten thousands time more than all the rest, we shall enjoy the presence of the Almighty God, whose glory and excellency is such, that the tongues of men and Angels are not able to express. It is life to know him, it is melody to hear him, it is heaven to behold him, it is endless happiness to enjoy him. Oh then improve the present opportunity and ability that the Lord hath lent to the uttermost: that when thou comest to die, and to cut off like a Weaver, thy days being swifter than a shuttle, thou mayst be in some good measure so prepared; That,  
1. If thou canst not say with thy Lord Christ, Joh. 17. 4. I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work that thou gavest me to do.  
2. If thou canst not say with thy brother Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: there is laid up a Crown of glory not for me only, but for all those that wait for his appearing:  
3. Yet thou canst say with Simeon, Luk. 2. 29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servants depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.  
4. Or else, if thou canst not say in the sincerity of thy soul with Hezekiah, Isa. 38. 3. Remember, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart:  
5. Yet thou canst say with David, Psal. 39 13. Oh spare me a little, that I may recover my strength before I go hence and be no more seen.  
6. There are but few men saying with the Prophet, Psal. 90. 12. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.  
7. But most men and women, when they are cutting off their life like a Weaver, fall a praying with Balaam, Numb. 23. 10. Lord, let me die the death of the Righteous, and let my latter end be like his. Never considering that none can die the death of the righteous, but only those that live the life of the righteous. It is true, we read of one, as the Thief upon the Cross, that no man might despair; and we read but of one, that no man may presume.  
Surely, Death sends many messengers to you and me, to tell us that he is coming. One while in comes the Ague, after that the Fever; and before we can shake them off, many times in comes the Headache, and it may be the Toothache, raging, and shaking the best beam in thy natural building. Well, after a while thou and I have, it may be, shaken them off, and now it is pretty well with us again, we begin to smile, and to feather our nests: and while with Martha we are troubled about many things, Death sends another Pursuivant, and he terrifies us with Crosses and Losses, troubles within and without. Well, we have scarce got over these torments, but in comes Sir Thomas Gout, or Sir William Cramp, or both; and these unwelcome guests will sit at the table with us, and lie in the bed with us, and night and day lie trouble us: when we think to sleep, than they will be talking, & saying, Our days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle. Well, if all these be shut out of doors, through long patience & great charges, and thou begin to cheer up, in cometh another Pursuivant, and turns thy nearest and dearest Friend into thy greatest Enemy; and so this cross in thy nearest Relation from whom thou didst expect thy greatest assistance and help, now proves thy greatest enemy. So that put all thy Crosses, Losses, Sicknesses, Persecutions, etc. that ever befell thee, in one balance, and this Cross in thy nearest Relation in the other balance, and this latter will weigh down the former ten times over.  
In a word, I do know a man that lost his tender Father, and after that he lost his Estate that his Father gave him; then he was in a banished condition at least 26 months; then he lost some of his Children; not long after he lost his tender Mother, and a little before he lost one of his dearest Brethren: since that he lost his only Son: not long after he lost his dearest Sister: and between each of these Losses, for the most part he was visited with Sickness, and often brought even to the gates of death▪ Then a little after this, some of his most intimate Friends, with whom he had sweet converse about S●ul-work, these turned Ranters: besides these, at least an hundred Crosses more came in the one upon the neck of the other. And yet this man doth profess, that all these, put them together, are but a Flea-biting to that one Cross in his nearest Relation, and that but in her little member, to wit, the Tongue. See Jam. 3. 5, 6. & Eccles. 7. 26.  
Death doth often summon us to be in a continual readiness to lay down these crazy, brittle, dusty Bodies in their own Centre the Earth. And for my own part, I must confess, that the Weavers Shuttle hath been preaching to me almost these 25 years; still telling me, that my days fly away faster than my shuttle. And now at last it having prevailed with me a little for my attention at least, I had no sooner silenced my own thoughts, but I heard a voice from Heaven saying, All flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the field. And when I lift up mine eyes to the Heavens, (as in Isa. 51. 6.) and look upon the Earth beneath; the Heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the Earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die: but my Salvation shall be for ever, and my Righteousness shall never be abolished.  
Men and women are like a bubble upon the water: they would fain get above their element, and swim a loft; but they shall be cut off as the foam upon the water. Man's life is like a Candle in a Paper-lanthorn, full of crannies: there comes on a sudden but a little puff of wind, and blows the Candle out. Oh then, let this little inch of Time be improved to the best advantage: seeing Time is one of the most precious herbs in the garden of the World. And yet by most men there is not one thing more slighted in the World; surely, if we did see time so precious as it is, we should take the counsel of the Holy Ghost, and redeem the time, because the days are eull, Eph. 5. 16. And if in truth, thou and I did redeem the time, there would be no room or time for so many idle words; there would be no room or time for so many idle thoughts and unprofitable muse: our thoughts are the eldest, and most noble off spring of our souls, and so are too worthy to be cast away upon base objects; did we indeed see time precious, short, and swifter than the Weavers Shuttle, we should redeem a little from our ordinary sleep, and a little from our worldly business; and to make all our deal in worldly business, subservient to Religion, and not to grasp so much of the world, as to distract our head with cares, or engage our heart in sin: we should redeem a little time from our usual lawful recreations, and so from all things else that drink up our time: and improve this redeemed time to the best advantage, for the glory of God, and thy own good, and benefit of others.  
Let me tell thee what I know upon found ground, we shall find all little enough.  
I once read of a man that did trifle away his time as most of us do, not seeing the worth of it, until he was about thirty years of age; and then hearing a Sermon of the shortness of man's life, being a little troubled, makes his request to a Godly man, whom he looked upon as a Prophet, to tell him how long he should live, that so before death came he might repent of his sins, and make his Peace with God. The Minister asked him how long he desired to live: and he said he would fain live sixty years at least: well, the Minister told him that there were more did die before they came to fifty, then there was that did live to fifty; yet, saith he, thou shalt have thy request, thou shalt live till sixty: Well, with that the man was very thankful, conceiving he had time enough to take the pleasures of the World, and to repent hereafter. The Minister asked him how old he was? he answered thirty; then says he, take out thirty of sixty, and there remains but thirty years that thou hast yet to live; then consider, that half of this thirty years will be slept out, and then there remains but fifteen years; and the half of this fifteen years will be spent in pains and care to provide for thyself and Family, and then there remains but seven years and a half; and in the half of this thou wilt have some unexpected sickness, and weakness which man that is born of a woman is subject unto, and then there remains but three years, three quarters: and the half of this will be spent in mourning for some losses or crosses, in thy Wife, Children, Kindred and Friends: and so there doth not remain so much as two years of peace and quiet, for thee to mind thy soul: this struck the man into such a damp, that he went away sorrowful, as the young man in the Gospel did from Christ, Matth. 19 22. Oh let us redeem that precious jewel of time which we have formerly lost: Travellers that have stayed a little too long at their Inn, when they do find the night approaching they mend their pace, and go as many miles in one hour as they did before in two; so let us do, we have stayed too long in doting upon the things of this life, and in setting our eyes and hearts upon that which is not: the World, it was Created of nothing, saith the Lord, and it hangs upon nothing saith Job; Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? saith Solomon, Pro. 23. 5. I remember a passage that many years since I read in a little Book, called, Good News from Heaven, between Wealth and his worldly Master, at the point of death.  
1. First, Wealth seeing his Master dying, saith, Well Master, thus long have I served you, or rather you have served me: for you have loved me too much, and doted upon me, and therefore now you be like to speed the worse; you was my Master in show, but I was yours indeed: for you did what I would have you do; thus far have I gone with you, but further I will not; I have nothing to do in another world; now therefore Master, shift for yourself; if you go to Hell, I cannot help it, I will go seek me a new Master: adieu.  
Ans. Master. Nay, saith his Master, I hope thou wilt not serve me so now I have most need of thee; many a night's rest have I broken for thee, many an hour have I bestowed on thee, many a good Feast; yea, many a Sermon and good opportunity for my soul have I lost for thee, Wealth.  
Wealth. The more fool thou Master: who bid you do so? not God I am sure, but the Devil; and therefore to him you are like to go that set you on work: or whither you go I know not, nor care not; but further to go with you I will not.  
Master. Nay Wealth, I pray thee say not so, that goeth to my very heart; go answer for me, or at least speak a good word for me.  
Wealth. Not I, nay I am sure you shall answer for me, and yourself too; and to tell you the truth, I doubt the place is too hot for me where you are going; but go try Master first how you shall speed, and if you do not like the place, if you can get leave to come back again, I may chance to serve you again, believe it who list; look, look, here comes death quivering in your lips, quaking in your joints, staring in your eyes: I cannot endure the sight of him; oh draw the Curtains, shift for thyself Master: I will shift for one.  
Master. What dost thou mock me to increase my misery and dolour? What wilt thou leave me thus in the straits? Oh that I were to live in the World again, I would care as little for thee as thou dost now for me: Oh base Vagrant! have I thus entertained thee like a Prince for this? Oh all ye People of the World! be admonished by me a dying man, take heed how you give entertainment as I have, to this Vagabond cheating Wealth, that wanders up and down the World; but lay up treasure in Heaven, not on the earth, and that speedily: For man that is born of a woman is of few days, saith David; and they pass away faster than the Weavers Shuttle, saith job; & thou shalt cut off thy life like a Weaver, saith the Prophet Isaiah: and then if thou hast improved thy talon, redeemed thy time, and given all diligence to make thy Calling and Election sure; for aught I know thou mayest die in full assurance of true blessedness, which consisteth, not in honour, for then Pharaoh had been blessed: not in wit, for then Achitophel had been blessed: not in wealth, for then Ahab had been blessed: but herein will thy blessedness be, that thou indeavourest to be found clothed with the Robe of Christ's righteousness, in comparison of which thy own is as dung, Phil. 3. 8, 9 Looking upon thyself as thou art in thyself, as a Tree, the body where of is iniquity, the Leaves of it is Atheism: the Rind pretends perfection: the Sap thereof, is Humane Reason: the Buds swelling words: the Fruit of it uncleanness: but as thou art taken off from the old stock the first Adam, and grafted into the new stock the second Adam, thy blessedness lies here in this Root, from whence thou receivest sap, and becomest a new Tree, which may be known by its Root, which is Christ: by its soil in which it grows, which is Freegrace, planted in the House of the Lord: and by its body which is Faith: by its Bark, which is Hope: by its Boughs which is Charity: by its Leaves, which is Spiritual Virtues: by its Branches, which is good words: by its Fruit, which is good works: This Tree shall stand up with boldness, when the other Tree shall fear and shake: if he look up, there is his Judge offended with him: beneath him Hell open, and the Furnace boiling ready to receive him: on thy right hand thy sins accusing: on thy left hand the Devils ready to execute God's Sentence upon thee: within thee, thy conscience gnawing: without thee, all damned souls bewailing on every side: the World burning: and this dreadful day will come suddenly, as a thief in the night, 2 Pet. 3. Therefore while thou hast thy legs, let them carry thee to the Assemblies of Zion: run to and fro that thy knowledge may be increased: thy legs may be taken from thee. While thou hast thy hearing, listen diligently: thou mayst speedily be deaf, as many be already. While thou hast thy hands, let them minister to the necessity of the Saints: while thou hast any estate, give something of it, lest thou dost repent too late. All these things be mutable and fleeting; thy days be swifter than the Weavers shuttle; and thou mayest lose these before thou dost lose thy life. All men had one entrance into life, and shall have the like going out.  
In a word, thou and I have forfeited our lives many times: The wages of sin is death; Every sin we commit, we make a forfeit of our life. Here is the sad condition of the sons of Adam. O Adam, what hast thou done! For though it was thou that hast sinned, yet thou art not fallen alone, but all we that come of thee, as being then in thee, and so infected by thee: And we become guilty not only of original, but also of actual transgression; and so many of us have forfeited our lives ten thousand times over: from which there is no redemption but by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and it is to be feared, that not one of twenty do truly believe in him, and make it their work to follow him: hence it is that death finds us so unprepared; we never considering, that there is but a breath between us, and Heaven or Hell.  
Use 4 If our days be so short and swift, let us so account of it, that when death comes and sweeps away some of our nearest Relations, it may not be so tedious unto us, as to cause us to mourn excessively; because we saw their days to be short and swift before: So that in stead of grieving that they be gone so soon, we should give thanks to God that he did spare them to us so long; and say with David, I shall shortly go to them. The consideration of these ensuing things will much abate our mourning, and take off the edge of our excessive grief for Friends of any Relation that are deceased.  
1. Let us consider, that whatsoever doth come to pass, is by the sovereign will and pleasure of God, 1 Sam. 3. 18. And Eli said, it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. In the foregoing verses, the Lord had told Samuel, that the iniquity of Eli's house should not be purged, because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. Well, saith Eli, good is the word of the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good: as if he had said, The Lord is infinitely wise, and therefore knoweth better than I how to dispose of me and my family, for his own glory, and our everlasting good: And although those Judgements be very heavy which he hath denounced against me and my family, yet we have no just cause to complain; for doubtless he will bring glory to his name, and good to us by it, according to his promises.  
So said David, 2 Sam. 15. 26. Behold here I am, let him do to me as seemeth him good. So again, Psal. 39 9 I was silent and opened not my mouth, because thou didst it. So said Hezekiah, Isa. 39 8. the Lord had told him by the Prophet Isaiah, that all his goods should be carried to Babylon; and his sons that did issue from him, they, though near & dear to him, should also be carried to Babylon: Well, saith he, good is the word of the Lord. So our dear Saviour himself, Mat. 26. 39 O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me! Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. Psal. 68 20. He that is our God, is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death. Job 30. 23. I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living; and that speedily too, for my days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle.  
2. Let us consider that we ourselves and our friend or friends that now we grieve for; I say, we and they received our lives from God, and must be accountable to him for them again. Eccl. 12. 7. & Job 1 21. & 1 Tim 6, 7.  
3. Consider, All men have one entrance into the world, and the like going out: Death is certain and appointed to all; the greatest Kings and Emperors under the Sun must taste of this cup; nay the Lord Christ himself, if he will be vailed in flesh, must die. And that it is certain and appointed to all, will appear by these Scriptures. Heb. 9 27. & Job 30. 23. & Job 7. 1. Gen. 3. 19 & Psal. 90. 3.  
4. Let us consider the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ, answering every relation; and the many & excellent promises that are suitable to our particular condition. He is bread to the hungry, water to the thirsty,  to the naked, eyes to the blind, legs to the lame, strength to the weak, life to the dead; he is peace in trouble, joy in sorrow, health in sickness, riches in poverty; he is a friend to the friendless, a husband to the widow, a father to the fatherless: I had thought to have brought chapter and verse to have proved each of these to thee: but I would have thee to search for them thyself, that so thou mayst find many more sweet Promises, suitable to thy present state and condition; for he is all thy tongue can ask, thy heart can wish, or thy mind conceive; he is light in darkness, and Heaven in Hell; if thou canst but see thy Interest in him, and Relation to him, thou wilt be ready to say within thee in the midst of all thy troubles, Let friends forsake me, let enemies deride me, let all worldly comforts leave me; nay the plagues of Egypt, the botches of job, the enemies of David, the imprisonment of joseph, the poverty of Lazarus, the bands of Paul cannot hurt me : for the Lord is my portion; his grace is sufficient for me; wherefore I will even say with David, Psal 18. 2. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower, etc.  
5. Consider, though I have lost a near and dear Husband, or Wife, Father, or Mother, Son or Daughter, Brother or Sister, Kinsman or Neighbour; yet I cannot say as once Jeremy did, Was ever sorrow like unto my sorrow? but I can say, There is nothing hath befallen me, but what is common to man: nay God hath dealt more favourably with me, than he did with Job, Job 1. 19 20, 21. for he lost all; and he hath dealt more kindly with me than he did with his servant Eli, 1 Sam. 4 17. For he lost at once his two Sons, and the Ark of God, which went nearest to his heart: and at last his own life too.  
6. Let us consider, that many of the Saints have desired death; and if we love our friends departed, shall we grieve that their desire is answered? Read and well consider, Phil. 1. 23. and Job 14. 14. & 2 Cor. 5, 1, 2, 3, 4. Again in another Scripture, we find these and the like words, Now let thy servant departed in peace: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. 1 Kin. 19 4. Take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers. For such as die in the faith, we should not mourn for as men without hope, 1 Thes. 4. 13. But I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not as others that have no hope. ver. 14. For if we believe that jesus died and risen again, even so them also which sleep in jesus will God bring with him. The Holy Ghost in this place forbiddeth not Christian sorrow for the dead, but Heathenish sorrow; not moderate, but excessive and immoderate, either in respect of time, or measure of our grief; we may water our plants for our deceased Friends, but not drown them.  
7. Let us consider the privileges of Believers after death: for death is unto them but a Porter opening a door into a dark entry, or a servant of thy Fathers sent to put thy dear friend to bed for a little while, till corruption shall have put on incorruption, and mortality shall have put on immortality. Death is but a sleep, and the grave a bed, and all things that be on the other side death are taken away by jesus Christ; Death openeth the great gate that leadeth to thy Father's house, that so thou mayest go home: for we are but Sojourners, Pilgrims, and Strangers here in this World: it is true, unbelievers are at home whiles they live here: they be called the inhabitants of the earth, and dwellers upon the earth; when they die, they do not go home as thou dost: it is true, they go to their own place, and to their own Father: so that death to them is the King of Terrors: but to thee and thy believing deceased Friend, death should be looked upon as the Messenger of glad tidings, which is come only to crack the clay walls, which is our Prison, that you may fly home and be at rest; and when thou comest home, to enjoy the presence of thy Father and Saviour Christ, and to be filled with the Spirit, and to be with all the holy Saints of Heaven; thou wilt then rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.  
8. Let us consider, that although I and thee be like to lose our own lives, or else have lost some of our nearest and dearest friends, yet let this comfort us, this also shall work together for our good, Rom. 8. 28. Wherefore let us not so fear death: but harken what death doth whisper in thy ears, saying, fear not me, I came from the Father, and have no Commission to hurt you; although my countenance be grim, my message is sweet and pleasing: Christ your beloved husband hath taken my sting from me before he would let me come to you: I am come without a sting, to tell you, that God and Christ loves you, and hath sent me on purpose to invite you into their presence, where is fullness of joy and pleasures at his right hand for evermore; only you must put off your filthy garments, that the earth may return to its earth, the fire to its fire, the water to its water, the air to its air: for these were the Elements thy body was made of, and so thou must endure a little pain in putting off these ; they be somewhat little and straight, but thou must with Paul put off this earthly Tabernacle; for that must be dissolved before thou canst be with Christ, in whose presence there is fullness of joy, where all relations will be made up in God: there is no complaining in the Streets of this new jerusalem, no want of Relations: God will be a Father, Christ will be a Husband, Saints glorified our Brethren, Sisters and associates: so we shall want no Relation, neither shall any Relation want Perfection. There is but a breath between thee and this condition.  
9 Let us consider, that the Scripture doth pronounce them blessed that die in the Lord, Rev. 14. 13 For from henceforth they rest from their labours. See Eccles 4. 2. & Job 3. 17. The greatest evil death can bring unto us, is but a more speedy way to happiness.  
Lastly, let us consider, that our dear beloved brother David, although he mourned, fasted, and prayed whilst his Child was sick, yet as soon as it was dead, he arose and began to comfort himself, saying, I shall go to it ere long: for my days are swifter than the Weavers shuttle, saith Job. Then shall the dust return to its earth, saith Solomon, Eccles. 12. 7. The dust, that is the body, to show the original of it, Gen. 2. 7. and the weakness of it; Dust is the weakest part of the earth, Psal. 103. 14. the basest and vilest of it, Job 4. 19 & Phil. 3. 21. & Job 30. 19 Our original from the dust; our return unto the dust; This should humble us in our own eyes, and should warn us to improve all our ability, and every opportunity to make our calling and election sure, that there might be nothing wanting in us to secure a better life before this be ended; and not to put off the endeavours towards it, as most do, unto old age, which haply we may never attain unto; and if we do, it will bring itself work enough for us to do. Death comes swift and uncertain: Sin, the longer lived in, doth the more harden: Repentance is not in our call or command when we please; it is a work of the whole man, and of the whole life: this work deferred will be greater, the time to do it in will be shorter; the strength to do it by, will be less; bodily infirmities will disinable spiritual actions: God will have less honour and service from us, and we ourselves shall have more sorrow, and less comfort.  
For my own part, I can speak something by woeful experience, of the sad effect of not embracing the present opportunity and ability that God hath given me: I am assured that I have lost much of my comfort here, for harkening to the motions of my own spirit, and slighting the motions and strive of the Lord's Spirit; by which means I have deprived myself of manifestations and apprehensions of heavenly and spiritual things that the Lord begun to pour out upon me. And now, if I would give all the world, I cannot recall one day that is past, nor one of those blessed opportunities that I have lost. Only I desire, if the Lord will, to redeem this little inch of time yet remaining, like an idle servant that hath loitered all the forenoon, gins to work twice as hard in the afternoon.  
I have two Requests within me to make unto thee, whosoever thou art, that readest these lines.  
If there be in thee any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercy; then my first Request is: I do beseech thee & beg thee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, if thou mindest his glory, or thy own good, that thou wouldst seek the Kingdom of Heaven in obedience to his command, in the first place; for in so doing, the Lord will be glorified, thy light shining before men, that they seeing thy obedience to him, may glorify thy Father which is in heaven: that so while the whole World, with Martha, are troubled about many things, thou mayst with Mary choose the better part: That so while some are giving all diligence to get earthly treasure, thou mayst give all diligence to get heavenly: And while some are spending their time in vanity, one endeavouring to exceed another in folly, thou mayst redeem precious time for spiritual ends, endeavouring to excel others in piety: That so while others that have great possessions, are with the Young man in the Gospel going from Christ sorrowful, thou mayst with Zacheus receive Christ joyfully, and be willing to part with some of thy goods cheerfully.  
My second Request is, That in thy addresses to the Father, and approaches to the Throne of Grace in the name of the Son, by a lively faith in him, in whom are all our springs, from whom are all our supplies, that among all thy requests to the Lord of Hosts, both for a supply of spiritual things and natural things, for thyself and friends, that thou daily standest in need of, thou wouldst have one request, one ejaculation, one sigh, one breathing, or one petition for me also; That the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, would give unto me a more full, clear, powerful knowledge of his will in all wisdom & spiritual understanding, that I might walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work; that he would pour out upon me that Spirit of Faith spoken of in the Gospel, which was once given to the Saints, which we are commanded to contend for, and that Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, the Spirit of council and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord: that I might act for God, from a pure principle of love to God; that so not only sinful self might be denied in me, but that also natural self and religious self might be laid at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, as dung and dross in point of justification and salvation, which is all of free grace: That so when I come to cut off my life like a Weaver, (for my days fly away swifter than his shuttle) I may say with Simeon, Luk. 2. 29, 30. Lord, let thy servant departed in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Or at least I might say with Hezekiah, Isa. 38. 3. Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart: or else that I might say in the sincerity of my soul with Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: there is laid up for me a crown of glory.  
O that our Parliament would consider with Job, that although they have sat long; yet now their days are swifter than the Weavers Shuttle, and they shall shortly cut off like a Weaver, Isa. 38. 12. that so they might mind what David saith, Psal. 15. 4. He shall abide in God's tabernacle, and dwell in his holy hill, that keepeth his word and Promises: Oh that it might be your study so to do; and that you would yet further improve the present opportunity in discharging the Trust reposed to you by God and his People for his Glory and their Liberty; and this will bring you more comfort in the end, than all your honour and estates: which hath been, now is, and ever shall be my request to God for you.  
O that our Armies, whom God hath made so victorious, would now pay their Vows that they made to the Lord of Hosts in the day of their distress, and that speedily, because their days are swifter than the Weavers Shuttle.  
O that Magistracy and Ministry would consider, how swift this Shuttle flies, and yet their days fly swifter; that so the one might not judge for Reward, and the other teach for hire: that so the first wheel that moves them to act, might be out of conscience unto God, and faithfulness to his People, whose servants they are.  
O that all men of all Opinions, by what nickname soever they be known, viz. Episcopacy, Presbytery, Independency, Lutherans, Socinians, Arminians, Anabaptists, Antinomians, would consider, that their days are swifter than the Weavers Shuttle, and give off that excessive contending about the garment of Religion, and the Form in which they are to Worship, which is but as paying Tithe of Commin and Annis, and the while the Power of Religion is much abated, and the weighty matters of the Law neglected; Faith and Repentance, Self-denial, and an holy Conversation, these by many are shut out of doors; and so whiles we lie contending for the Form, the Power of Religion is much abated; and so the gravy, marrow, and sap of our souls is almost eaten out, so that we had need, and that speedily, to take the Council of Christ, Rev. 3. 2. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that be ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God: thou hast a name that thou livest, but thou art almost dead; for thou hast but a little strength, ver. 8.  
Now my Brethren let me tell you, that I fear most of you, instead of considering the great work that you have yet to do, and the little time allotted you to do it; and how swift that little time passeth away. I say, instead of considering this, you all fall a weaving of the Spider's Web, Isa. 59, 5. that is, you are contriving Plots as may entangle others, as the Spiders do the Flies, to their damage and detriment, or to their utter undoing and destruction: but let me tell you, as in Isa. 59 6. Your Web shall not become garments; which is, your devices, plots, and practices, though they may hurt and mischieve others, yet they shall not help or avail yourselves; all the good or gain you gather by them shall stand you in no stead; they will not be able to shelter you against God's wrath, no more than a coat of Cobweb is able to shelter you from a fierce storm, or a thick volley of shot: they shall all prove in conclusion as Cobwebs to yourselves, for any succour or benefit that you shall receive from them, or reap by them: See Isa. 28. 15. 18. 20.  
Use 5. Forasmuch, as the soul is a more excellent piece then the body, it is but reason that we should spend more time and pains in seeking the well being of the one before the other; and if men did so indeed, they would make Religion their business: In seeking first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof: knowing that all things that concern the well being of the body, shall be added unto them: But alas! we serve the world, which was made to serve us, and so we become our servants servant: Religion is not our business: but the world and the things thereof, is our business: and Religion is a thing but by the by: when we have nothing to do about our particular calling, we will a little look after our general calling: if we be called upon to hear such a Sermon, to confer with such Christians about the business of our souls, and our thriving in Spiritual things, why we have many put offs: the business concerning our souls must wait upon us from day to day, from week to week, from month to month: nay, sometimes from year to year, before we be at leisure to take that into our consideration: it is easier for a man to prefer a Petition to the Parliament, and to get a promise of taking one's business into serious consideration, and to answer our desires, than it is to get our stubborn hard hearts (so glued to the World) to be at leisure to consider the state of our souls: we think every minute spent about that to be an hour, and every hour a whole day, and every day a year.  
I remember the words of a man (now with the Lord) speaking to this, from that Gen. 27. 38, 39 You shall find there, that Isaac blessing of Jacob and Esau, he blessed them both: but see with what difference he blessed Jacob, v. 28. God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth. Then look to Esau's blessing: Behold (saith jacob's father) thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above, v. 39 Mark, they were both blessed with the dew of heaven, and fatness of the earth: but now in jacob's blessing, the dew of heaven is first, and the fatness of the earth is in the second place; but in Esau's blessing▪ the fatness of the earth is first, and the dew of heaven in the second place. Noting this, that a godly man indeed, the greatest thing that he should mind in the first place, is the dew of heaven, and then in the second place the blessing of the earth: But an earthly man in the first place seeks for the fatness of the earth, and in the next place the dew of heaven. Hence it is that the choicest of our thoughts are carried forth and busied about earthly things, etc. And in order thereunto, how will men rise early, and lie down late, and eat the bread of carefulness, and travail night and day, far and near, through heat and cold, thick and thin, deprive themselves of sleep, and many times of necessary food; and all to gather a little Moths-nest together; which once gotten, the Moths soon consume it, unless it takes wings and flies away, before the Moths can enter, as in Prov. 23. 5.  
Are not most men and women in England like Corah, Dathan, and Abiram? we read of them, that they were swallowed up of the earth: and so at this day there be many millions of souls, both rich and poor, old and young, male and female, swallowed up of the earth; for they make it their great business, and therefore the strongest endeavours of their spirits are employed to effect and accomplish their own carnal ends: yea, the whole man both soul and body is laid out to the uttermost; they will neglect no time, spare no pains to increase their earthly treasure.  
Indeed I have stood almost amazed, when I have a little considered the temper of my own heart & the state of others: wherein I find, that we are very diligent and ready to do that which we have no command for; and that which we have warrant for, we are negligent to do. As to instance; We have no command (as I can remember) to make the things of this life so sure to us and our posterity, although in a moderate sense it may be lawful and expedient so to do: but for our Evidence for Heaven, and our assurance of our interest in God, to this we have many commands. Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure, as 2 Pet. 1. 10 And again, 2 Cor. 13, 5. Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith, prove your own selves: know you not your own selus, how that jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 1 Col. 23. Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which ye have heard, etc. Now for our assurance of earthly things, men never think them sure enough; but how careful are we to make all things infallible, as there can be no way (as we think) wherein we can be deceived? And to secure this earthly treasure, how do men toil and labour, and their thoughts run in the night? and as soon as you arise in the morning, you run headlong about the world, having so many things to do, you know not which to do first: But the business of our souls and the assurance for heaven, we either think not of it at all; or if we do, we make that but a business by the by: but as for the matters of the earth, men will go from this Lawyer to another, to ask counsel, and to see whether it be sure, and to see whether there can be any thing done to make it more sure; so that most men never think it to be sure enough: but as for our assurance in spiritual things, either we are contented with none at all, or else any slender assurance will serve the turn. Go from one seat to another, and inquire of the People, what evidence have you of Peace made between God and your souls? What evidence have you that you are gone beyond any formal Professor? What assurance have you that the saving work of God is wrought in you? Why these be either Paradoxes or Mysteries: the people know not what this doth mean: many of them saying in effect, it is an impossible thing for a man upon earth to have assurance of his salvation, and so poor souls they drop into the grave one after another, having no more assurance of God's love to them, or of their interest in him, than the beasts of the field: they came first from the earth: and all the while they lived their hearts were upon it, and so they die and return unto it, never obeying that voice, jer. 22. 29. O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord.  
These men have denied Christ here while they lived in the body: now he will deny them, Mat. 10. 33. & 2 Tim. 2. 12.  
They were ashamed to own him in his people here, now he will not own them, Luk. 9 26.  
Christ called upon them to repent, and they would not; and now they shall not repent if they would.  
They would none of his ways here: and he will not accept of their persons hereafter, Mat. 7. 23.  
O then let Religion be our business: Let us seek the Kingdom of Heaven in the first place, Mat. 6. 33. And again, 3 Ep. John, ver. 2. I wish even above all things thou mightst prosper in thy body, even as thy soul prospereth. Mark, here was a soul flourishing, growing and thriving, and that in the first place; and next unto that is the moderate care of the body; and this is God's order: but man's care is most for the body first, and then a little for the soul afterwards when thou hast nothing else to do: but know God will have the first fruits or none; all thy after-services, are but like Cain's Sacrifices, procuring a curse rather than a blessing.  
In a word, we were not made to serve the world; the world was made to serve us, and we were made to serve God. Let every creature, especially Man, continue in his place; for man is the most excellent creature of all on earth: Let him then transcend all in his holy obedience to his Maker: We are not our own, we ought not to live to ourselves; we have forfeited our lives many a time; the wages of the least sin is death and cursedness, and yet our lives have been restored to us again. For what end? why, saith the Scripture, that we might not live to ourselves, but unto God.  
Oh how often times doth he call, how earnestly doth he knock at the door of our hearts? how powerfully doth he strive? how long doth he wait upon us to get us to yield unto him? namely, to have our heart's disengaged from all things beneath himself: and yet such wretches as we are, we will not yield. What is become of that frame of Spirit that was upon the Saints in former days? Nathan used but one parable to David, and he was converted: Jonah preached but few days to Nineveh, and they repent : Christ looked back once upon Peter, and he wept bitterly: but there is such a spirit of slumber fallen upon most of the people in these days, that nothing will prevail, unless it be that place, Rev. 21. 11. He that is unjust, let him be so still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: And so they make good this place, as it is spoken by way of precept, and not by way of caution; never considering what will become of them in the end thereof.  
O ye sons and daughters of men, did not our tender loving Lord God make us Lords of the Creation? and are not we become Servants unto it? Did not he make man the wisest of all Creatures? and is there any Creature under the whole Heaven so unwise as man? Did he not put a fear and a dread upon every creature, Gen. 9 2. And the fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, and upon all that moveth on the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea: into your hands are they delivered: But how is poor silly man afraid of, and become a Servant to the meanest of all these Creatures in a Spiritual sense!  
These were made our servants, and have been faithful in their service to us: we were Created in the Image of God, and appointed by him to be serviceable unto him: and yet the whole Creation are more serviceable unto him, and do not dishonour him as man doth, Jer. 8. 6, 7. I harkened (saith the Lord) and heard, but (the most excellent piece of my workmanship) man spoke not aright: no man repent him of his wickedness, saying, what have I done? So I was fain to repent myself that ever I made man: for every one runneth into sin, as the horse rusheth into the battle: Yea, the Stork in the heavens knows her appointed times, and the Turtle, and the Crane, and the Swallow observe the time of their coming; but my People know not the judgements of the Lord. Man, that was made the wisest of all, is become the variest fool of all. And oh that we saw it! 1 Cor. 3. 18. Let no man deceive himself▪ If any man among you seemeth to be wise, let him become a fool that he may be wise. We like fools take a great deal of pains to make ourselves miserable: We forsake the Fountain of living endurable waters, and ride and run through thick and thin, labour and toil, dig and hue unto ourselves Cisterns, yea broken Cisterns that will hold no water, Jer. 2. 12, 13.  
If John were to write an Epistle to the Professors of our days, as once he did to Gaius, 3 Ep. Joh. v. 1, 2. Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayst prosper & be in health, even as thy soul prospereth: I say, if he were to write to us, he would undoubtedly change his voice, and say, O ye Professors now extant in the English Nation, I wish above all things that ye may prosper in your souls, even as your bodies prosper. O thou hast a flourishing body, but a starved soul: thy eyes stare out with fatness, thou hast more than heart can wish; thou art like the green Bay tree, or the Willows by the water side; thou hast given thee thy hearts desire: but thou hast a lean, famished, starved soul; and I could wish above all things that thy soul prospered as thy body prospereth. Oh, is it not better to go to Heaven with poor Lazarus, then to Hell with rich Dives? Is it not better, O sons and daughters of men, to be often saying with our head Christ, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head; then to be saying in effect as most do at this day, with that rich man, Luk. 12, 17. 18, 19, 20. Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years: take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry? but God said unto him, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee, etc. We have forgotten those words, 1 Joh. 2. 15. Love not the world, neither the things of the world: if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. O how few such can we find in a whole Parish, in a whole City, in a whole Shire! nay how many (think you) are there in a whole Nation, that love the world, and so have not the love of the Father abiding in them?  
In this Epistle of John, the Spirit of the Lord (in the mouth of his servant) calls to all the sons of men, and craves their diligent attention: I have written to you Fathers, I have written to you Children, I have written to you Young men: Why? what is the Spirit of the Lord about to make out unto us? Only here is the sum, ver. 15. Love not the world, nor the things of the world: for if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  

Object. But some will be apt to say, We do love God, we do not love the World.  
Answ. How shall that appear? If I should try thy practice by the Scriptures, I shall find that thou dost love the world, and not God. 1 joh. 3. 17. Whoso hath this world's good, and seethe his brother in need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion, how dwelleth the love of God in him? That thou hast faith, show it to me by thy works; and if thou hast love, show it by its fruits. Indeed there is abundance of Faith and Love in the Nation; but I can find but little in myself and others, in the powerful operation. The Power of Godliness is but here and there in a corner: and when it doth but a little peep out, or put forth its head, the Dogs of Egypt begin to bark for a long space without any intermission; and these Dogs are as cunning as Achitophel, and as eloquent as Herod, and so make the poor ignorant people believe that they do bark at Thiefs, that would break open their Church-doors, and steal away their Religion: when indeed they bark at the Sheep, that would hear Christ's voice, and follow him. (But no more of this at present.)  
Again, consider, that the love of the world is brought in by the Apostle to be the root of all evil. 1 Tim. 6. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil, etc. Now by money we commonly understand gold and silver, which is the purest metal of all: and one would think in reason, if any thing of the world were to be beloved, than the most choice things should be the object of our love: but gold and silver, although the purest and choicest thing of all, that will buy any thing in the world; nay, Solomon said of it, Eccles. 10 19 Money answereth all things. Yet to love this (saith the Spirit of the Lord in his word) is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6. 10.  
In a word, consider, A man takes a great deal of pains in getting goods, and a great deal of care in the keeping of them, and a great deal of sorrow in losing them, and but a very little comfort in the enjoyment of them. We may look back upon them all, as Solomon did Eccles. 2. 11. Then I looked upon all the works that my hand had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured; and behold, all was (not only) vanity, (but also) vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the Sun. Here wise Solomon writ Vanity upon the Crown of all worldly treasures and pleasures: and why is this written but for our learning, upon whom the end of the world is come?  
But there are but few of us of Solomon's mind: and that will appear in our taking so much pains in gathering wealth, and then we set our affections and minds abrood upon them, until (as a hen her chickens) we have hatched them, and then a little while after they get themselves wings and fly from us. Oh why do we set our eyes upon that which is not! See Prov. 23. 5.  
In a word, the Scriptures which are written for our learning, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for correction, and for instruction, that the man of God might be throughly furnished unto every good work: These Scriptures so excellent, if you read them, you shall find there is contained in them at least ten precepts or commands to look to the being and well-being of our souls, for one command to look to our bodies; and at least ten promises for a blessing upon that, for one promise of a blessing upon us in point of a large enjoyment of outward things; and yet such fools are most of us, we take ten times the pains and care for the latter, more than we do for the former. God's order is, Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven (and then in the second place) those things shall be given unto you: but our practice is, to seek the things of this life first, and the Kingdom of heaven at last, when we have nothing else to do. The Lord saith, Lay up treasures in heaven first: but we will lay up treasures on earth first. Oh, how contrary is our practice to the Commands of our Creator! It would be endless for a man to instance in what is written in Scripture to this thing: therefore I shall instance in one Scripture for all: and that is in Mat. 6. in which Chapter from the ninth verse to the 34. our blessed Saviour draws at least ten Arguments against Covetousness.  
1. Saith he, Lay not up treasures on earth; for the moth, and rust will corrupt it, and thiefs will steal, Matth. 6. 19, 20.  
2. Saith he, If your treasure be in the world, your hearts will be in the world, ver. 21.  
3. Christ tells us, we cannot obey him and the world too: No man can serve two masters, God, and Mammon. ver. 24.  
4. He bids us, Take no care what ye shall eat, and drink; or for raiment what ye shall put on, ver. 25. And that for these Reasons, The fowls of the air do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns: Are you not better than they? (saith our Saviour) ver. 26.  
5. He demands of us, why we do take such thought for raiment : Consider (saith he) the Lilies of the field how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet Solomon in all his royalty was not arrayed like one of these, verses 28, 29.  
6. He demands this question of us, Which of you by taking thought, can add one cubit to his stature? ver. 27.  
7. Wherefore if God so  the grass of the field, shall he not much more  you, O ye of little faith? ver. 30.  
8. Therefore saith the Lord Christ, if this be true, as most true it is) Take no thought at all, what ye shall eat, or drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed; for after all these things do the Gentiles seek, ver. 31, 32.  
9 If for all this ye will be seeking these things: Be sure you seek first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof: and then ye need not seek so earnestly for these, they shall be added unto you, ver. 33.  
10. Take therefore no thought for the morrow (nor pray for no more than daily bread; for the next day shall take thought for itself) sufficient to the day is the evil thereof, ver. 34.  
Then let our conversation be without covetousness; for he hath said, He will never fail us nor forsake us, Heb. 13 5.  
Some of our humane Scholars say, that in the original of this Text, the words (I will never leave thee) is mentioned five times: but I have searched the Scripture: and I find it written in the Scriptures above five times five, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. The candle that gave me light to read it was lighted in Heaven: and the key that opened the book, for it was sealed, was the Spirit of God: the eyes by which I saw it, was the eyes of my understanding, being enlightened according to the that Eph. 1. 18.  
Also mind those words of 〈…〉 Luk. 12. 15. And he said unto them 〈…〉 heed and beware of covetousness 〈…〉 man's life consisteth not in the abund 〈…〉 things which he possesseth: nor in 〈…〉 for then Pharaoh had been able 〈…〉 in wit, for then Achitophel h〈…〉 blessed: nor in wealth, for th' 〈…〉 had been blessed: but true bless 〈…〉 from above: The blessing of the Lord 〈◊〉 ●●keth rich, and bringeth no sorrow with ●● Prov. 10. 22.  
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might: let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth, and knoweth me, that I am the Lord that exerciseth loving kindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord, jer. 9 23, 24.  
But I see the glory of most men, both 〈…〉 dear and Followers to be in this, 〈…〉 their dung mixtion is bigger and 〈…〉 then their neighbours. Oh that 〈…〉 n should be such fools to glory 〈…〉 p of dung, which doth not 〈…〉 nk, but breed noisome Crea 〈…〉 Yet if a man's Dunghill be a 〈…〉 o than his neighbours, he gets 〈…〉 op of it, and stands with one, 〈…〉 is arms on kimble, and looks 〈…〉 if any of his poor neighbour's 〈…〉 hath not scraped so much together come to speak with him, he must ●ome with his hat in his hand, and his leg scraping, and his head bowing, or else he cannot find acceptance with his rich neighbour. I have observed these things not only in the Laity, but also in the Clergy: if one of the Ministers have gotten a fatter Benefice than the rest about him: how fine will he go clothed? how daintily will he far? how big will he look? And if any of his Brethren, that hath not so much per annum as himself, come to speak with him, he must knock at the door, and if admitted in, he must stand in the Court, and it may be have a Message brought him, Sir, the Doctor is in his Chamber, or newly entered into his Study, you must stay a while: and why so? why this Minister, and many more here in the Country have but small Dunghills, and are but as so many journey men, they serve but at small Chapels of ease; but the Doctor serves, and is Curate of the mother Church; the other Churches are but the daughters, and must pay Tribute to the Mother: So that all sorts, all ranks and degrees of men, young and old; noble and ignoble; professing people, as well as profane; Clergy as Laity, are more or less laying up Treasures in the earth, and account themselves more or less honourable, not according to the measure of Grace they receive, but according to the measure of wealth they have: and yet these men would not be accounted worldly men.  
And what shall I say to these things? shall I say of you, as in Gen 6. 5. And God saw the wickedness of man was great, & that every imagination of the thoughts of his hart was only evil continually, etc. Or else shall I speak to you, as in 1 Joh 5. 19 The whole world lieth in wickedness: Or shall I not rather speak to you in the language of the Prophet, Isaiah 56. 11. Yea, they be greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they be shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter, Isa. 56. 11.  
Thus I see men be content to endure any labour, and to hazard themselves to innumerable dangers, and to suffer many and grievous miseries, that they may be assured of earthly things: and yet their strongest assurances be but uncertainties, and the best things of the world assured, but trifling vanities: the Merchant is content to compass Sea and Land, and to run many hard and hazardous Courses, and all to get some Wealth, which he is uncertain whether he shall obtain; or if obtained, whether he shall retain or enjoy it one day to his comfort.  
Oh then, why shall the choicest of our thoughts be so busied about earthly things, & so we let our hearts cleave to the earth, and so the whole man filled with distracting cares! It puts men upon great temptations, 1 Tim. 6. 9 They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare. Again, it is a dishonour to God, and a scandal to Religion: besides, it hinders our preparation for death; for we are thinking upon the world, when we should be thinking on that Text, Job 7. 6. My days are swifter than a Weavers shuttle. See Luk. 21. 34. And so in the end the World will drown thee in destruction, 1 Tim. 6. 9 It choketh all the good we have, either public or private, Mat. 13. 4. If all this be too little to set forth the sad condition of worldliness, consider, it is the root of Apostasy: when Demas embraced the world, he forsook God, 2 Tim. 4. 10. If that be too little, the Scripture calleth it Adultery, Jam. 4. 4. And if all this be yet too short, consider another Scripture calleth it Idolattie, Eph. 5. 5.   

Object. 1. What should a man do, or what means should I make use of, that I might hang lose to the world?  
Object. 2. How far is it lawful for a Christian to use the world? To be diligent in our Calling, is God's Command: and idleness is forbidden as sinful. 1. Of the first of these, what means should I make use of, to take off my heart and affections from these worldly things?  
Answ. When a man hath pitched his highest thoughts, and dearest affections upon any thing which he esteems most highly, he cannot disengage his entire love unto that thing, until he be convinced of something that there is which is more excellent: we cannot forsake a lesser, until we see a greater good. If the world or any thing in the world be highest in our thoughts, dearest in our affections, and strongest in our Wills, than our Wills will will that: our affections will affect that; and our thoughts will be upon that, and there they cannot but centre, until there is something discovered unto us, to be more excellent.  
Now if Christians, so called, had but the least knowledge of the glory of the Almighty, how excellent he is in his Attributes, as Wisdom, Righteousness, Truth, and Faithfulness, Mercy, and Justice, etc. I say, were but the back parts of the Almighty God unvailed, and did we see him, and though but at a distance, we should presently see him to be the fountain of all excellency, and the true object of all love, so that all the excellence in all the whole Creation, which we like fools had pitched our hearts upon, is but as one drop of water to the whole Ocean sea, to the beauty, sweetness, and glory of the Creator, God blessed for ever. Now this most glorious Being hath promised to manifest himself to us: and the Scripture tells us it is life to know him: it is heaven to behold him: it is melody to hear him: it is endless happiness to enjoy him: to know him, is to know all things; for they had their beings from him, and centre in him: if thou come but to know his name once; see what followeth, 1 Cant. 3. Because of the savour of thy good ointment: thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the virgins love thee. Mark, therefore do they love thee for the excellency that is in thee.  
O then, taste and see, how good the Lord is; and when thou hast seen his beauty, and tasted of his excellency, we need not bid thee love him: all the men and women in the world could not quench thy love to him: thy love would be as strong as death: many waters could not quench it: and when once thou comest to love him purely for himself, because he loved thee first, than thou wilt cease loving the world, knowing that if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him: and so while Martha is troubled about many things; thou wilt with Mary choose the better part: and as once he was satisfied and contented with the world without God, so now he endeavours to be contented with God, without the world. The world was once thy portion, now the Lord is thy portion, Psal. 16. 5. and Psal. 119. 57 Lam. 3. 24.  
The loss of the things of this world did once trouble thee; now thou canst suffer the spoiling of thy goods joyfully, Heb. 10. 34.  
The glory and excellency of all things under the Sun, are not so precious as the light of his countenance; if all the world smile upon me, and my Father seem to frown or hid his face, I shall be troubled: but, if all things frown on me, and He but a little smile, I shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Let friends forsake me, let enemies deride me, let all worldly comforts leave me, if thou hid not thy face, O Father, it is enough: I shall say with Paul, I have learned in whatsoever state I am in, to be content therewith, Phil. 4. 11.  
I was once earthly in spiritual things, I am now Spiritual in earthly things, saith the sanctified Soul: I did once hate the Saints, I do now love them: And I know that I have passed from death to life, because I love the brethren, 1 Epist. Joh. 3. 14.  
I did lately delight in the company of sinners; now all my delight is in the Saints that excel in virtue; and the more spiritual any Christian is, the more entirely do I love him, saith the enlightened soul.  
I did lately envy that man that did outstrip me in getting goods: I could hearty wish how that all the Saints would double and treble their diligence in getting this heavenly treasure: I did esteem myself better than others; I endeavour now to esteem others better than myself, according to that 2 Phil. 3.  
And so much for answer to the first Objection or Quaere.   

Object. 2. How far is it lawful for a Christian to use the world? because to be diligent in ones Calling is Gods Command, and idleness is forbidden as sinful.  
Ans. Under correction, and with submission to better judgements: I humbly conceive, that we having made it our great business to improve our Talon or Talents, in working out the manifestation of our salvation: and having given all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure, in waiting for the appearances of the love of God the Father through his son jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, in the use of all the Ordinances and appointments of Christ: having I say in the first place made this the main of our business, not so much that we might be saved by him, but rather that hereby we might appear more capable to answer that great end for which he gave us a being, namely, that his name might be glorified by Jesus Christ in us.  
In the next place we are look to our bodies, and in order thereto, to betake ourselves to labour, that so we might in a sense get our live by the sweat of our brows: this made Paul labour, working with his hands, night and day, that he might eat his own bread, and not be chargeable to others, and so make his glorying void: And the same Almighty that bids us hear, read, meditate, and pray, bids us also to be diligent in our Callings, and provide for ourselves and Families, or else we come short of Infidels: And again, Let him that hath stolen, steal no more, but work with his hands, that he may have for himself, and something over for him that needeth: This is so known a thing that no man, unless those that have renounced their reason, and made nonsense the mother of their Devotion, will deny it; wherefore it will be needless to write any more for the probation of it, only a word or two, how far it is lawful for a Christian to be diligent in it: For I suppose that a Christian may honour or dishonour the Almighty in the lawful use, or sinful abuse thereof, as well in his particular Calling, as in his general Calling.  
First then, follow thy particular Calling, and be diligent therein, purely in obedience to the Command of God, that so if thou wert to have no profit by it yet thou wouldst follow it, because he commands it.  
2. Be diligent therein, that so thyself and Family may eat your own bread; pray and work for daily bread.  
3. Be diligent in your particular Calling, that so you may be helpful to others.  
4. Be sure that in following this earthly Calling, thou do it with an Heavenly mind in every part of it.  
I had thoughts to have been large in every one these, because there be few that have learned this Lesson; but I have a persuasion even now darted in upon my spirit to write but a little more of each.  
1. Then let us follow our particular Calling, and be diligent therein purely in obedience to the Almighty; that so, if we were but to have our labour for our pains, yet we would labour because the Lord Commands us, Exod. 20. 9 Six  shalt thou labour, etc. See again, Deut. 5. 13. and 2 Thes. 3. 11. 1 Thes. 4. 11. And to work with our own hands as we commanded you.  
2. Be diligent in your Callings, that so yourselves and families may eat your own bread. Though not in the first, yet in the second place, thou mayst have respect to the recompense of reward. 2 Thes. 3. 11, 12. For we hear that there be some that walk among you disorderly, working not at all. ver. 12. Now them that be such, we command that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread: and if they will not work, let them not eat, 2 Thes. 3. 10. etc. I have often considered what should be the cause that many men and women in some sense, are in a worse condition than the beasts of the earth, or the fowls of the air; for most times they have plenty of food and to spare; and man which is Lord of these things, is often in want, so that many steal for want: and I have at last found, that their poverty doth arise from these or the like things.  
1. Either from Covetousness, There is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty. Prov. 11. 24.  
2. Or else from wastefulness, or excess in eating or drinking, Prov. 23. 21.  
3. Or from the oppression of the rich, Jam. 5. 4.  
4. Or else, from idleness, and slothfulness in their Callings. Prov. 20. 4. The sluggard will not sow because of the cold; therefore he shall beg in harvest. The diligent hand maketh rich.  
But these are not diligent, and therefore are poor: See 1 Tim. 5. 8. He that provideth not for those of his own house (by his lawful Calling) mark that man, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.  
3. Be diligent in your particular Calling (as first and chief, in obedience to the Command of God: and secondly, that so you might provide for your own selves and families:) thirdly, so be diligent in it, that you may be helpful to others in their needs and wants, Eph 4. 28 Let him that stole, steal no more, but labour working with his hands, that he may have to give to him that needeth; or to distribute (as in the margin;) next to ourselves and families, we are to look to others; for although charity gins at home; it should spread abroad, only in giving: observe the Rule, Gal. 6. 10. Do good unto all, but especially to them that are of the household of faith: and for thy encouragement herein, read these and the like Scriptures, Luk. 6. 38. & Mat. 25. 34, 35, 36.  
Fourthly and lastly, be sure that you follow this earthly Calling with an heavenly mind: when thou lookest upon the world or any thing therein, consider it is a natural Book, wherein thou mayst read God; thou mayst see him, & learn of him something in all thou puttest thy hand unto: A man merely natural is earthly in Spiritual things: but a godly man is Spiritual in earthly things: An earthly man when he is hearing, praying, or reading, his thoughts and affections are upon the things of the earth: but a godly man when he is about his Calling, though the meanest, as Weaving, Spinning, Hedging, Ditching, or using his Axe or Hammer, he is more Spiritual then, I say, than a wicked man is, when he is praying, or hearing, or preaching, or administering, or receiving Sacraments: that it is so, I know by woeful experience; and thou whosoever thou art that readest these lines, shalt shortly know it (if thou dost not already) to be true: or else by woeful, and most woeful experience in the highest degree it will appear to thee to be so at the day of Judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed. Truly, I conceive that there is no one thing under Heaven that a man puts his hand unto, or beholdeth with his eyes, but we might behold our Creator in it, and learn something from it: I will instance in a few Callings, leaving the industrious Reader to instance in the rest, as occasion offers itself.  
I will begin with the Husbandman; as he in ploughing up the grounds to prepare it for feed, the ground doth even tell him, that the fallow ground of his heart must be ploughed up, and fitted to receive Spirital seed, Jer. 4. 3. Hos. ●0. 12.  
And as he is sowing the Corn, even the grain doth preach to him, saying, I must die before I can bring forth fruit, and so must you that sow me, die to the flesh, before you can bring forth fruit unto God, Rom. 7. 4.  
Then when a man comes to pluck up the weeds, every weed tells him, the ground was cursed for his sake, and that there be many spiritual weeds in his soul that must be plucked out, or it will undo him in the end, Mat. 5. 29, 30.  
Then when he hath reaped, and is making a separation between the Tares and the Wheat, this doth preach to him, so will the Lord of Heaven and earth shortly put a difference between the godly and the wicked, Mal. 3. 17. 18. and Mat. 3. 12.  
Come to those that spin, and inquire of them, and they will, or might tell thee, that they may see and learn by the thread they spin, as in Mat. 6. 18. & Luk. 12. 27. Consider the Lilies of the field, for they toil not, neither spin; and yet Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.  
Then the Weaver, as he is Weaving, may think as if his Shuttle running should say unto him, as in Job 7. 6. Thy days are swifter than the Weavers Shuttle: and when he hath woven out his Piece, & is cutting it off, he may thereby learn, that as he is come to the end of his piece, so he shall shortly come to the end of his life, and so cut off like a Weaver, as in Isa 38. 12. I have cut off like a Weaver my life.  
I might instance in every state, in every condition, in every particular Calling, in every particular Creature: but for brevity sake, I shall leave it to the prudent Reader.  
NOw that we may make Religion our business indeed, and so have our conversation in Heaven, whiles we live on the earth, and that we might be freed from all distracting cares, and so use the world, as if we used it not, that we might I've above the world, even whiles we are in the world, and that our chief trading might be for heaven, that so our portion and treasure might be there, that our hearts might be there also. Consider seriously these ensuing particulars, viz.  
1. That we are all in the presence of God always, who takes a view of all our thoughts, words and deeds.  
2. That we have but few days to live in the body, and they fly away swifter than the weaver's Shuttle; wherefore if there be any thing for us to do, do it whiles it is called to day, Heb. 3. 13. 15.  
3. If we make not Religion our business, we shall lose much of our comfort here, in point of our well being; for if we were not wanting to ourselves, we might live in Heaven, whiles our bodies were upon the earth. Consider, that the Lord that made us, hath undertaken the care of us; He bids us wait on him, and he will feed us and cloth us.  
5. Consider, that this God that hath taken the care of us by way of promise, is a faithful God, he cannot deny himself.  
6. If we do belive this, we shall with Job and Paul, behold a hand of Providence in, and read love under every dispensation. (First of the first of these.)  
1. That we are always in the presence of Almighty God, who takes a view of all our thoughts, words and deeds: and if this were believed by us, we should do all things as in his presence, endeavouring to behave ourselves so as is not only good and commendable in the sight of men, but of God also, who looks not only on the outward action, but at the inward intention: Also this will cause us not only to put a watch over the door of our mouth, but also to put another watch over the thoughts of our hearts; that so we may with Enoch walk with God, that is, set him before us. See Psal. 16. 8. I have set the Lord always before me, that I might not fall. There are two things to be considered for the clearing of this first point.  
1. That the Almighty God doth fill heaven and earth with his presence.  
2. That it is one of the greatest engagements to engage a Christian to walk in all wellpleasing to God, to consider he is always in the presence of God. 1. That he is present in all places, at all times, beholding all actions, will appear by these Scriptures. Prov. 15. 3. The eye of the Lord is in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Jer. 23, 23 Am I a God at hand saith the Lord) and not afar off? Can any hid himself in secret places, that I shall not see him (saith the Lord)? do not I fill heaven and earth? 2 Chr. 16. 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, etc. Psal. 139. 7. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up unto Heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in Hell, behold thou art there, v. 8. If I take the wings of the morning, and fly to the uttermost parts of the earth, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me, v. 11. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee, but the light shineth as the day, the darkness and the light are both alike to thee, &c,  
Thus we see the Lords presence is every where: and yet where is there a man or woman that doth believe it, or see him? The men and women yet in the state of darkness (which is the greatest part) these neither see it nor believe it: And then for the Saints, (which are but few, a little flock) I dare say, not one of ten of them have so set to their seals to this truth, that the Lord God Almighty is present in all places, at all times, beholding all actions whatsoever. Gen. 28. 16. And Jacob said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not. Job 9 11. Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not; He passeth on also, and I perceive him not. And as he is by us, and we do not see him, so he speaketh often unto us, and we do not hear him. Sometimes he speaketh to us by a voice, Isa. 30. 21. sometimes he speaketh to us by the motions of the Spirit within us: sometimes he speaketh to us by men in our own likeness, Luk. 10. 16. Sometimes he speaks to us when we be asleep on our beds, job 33. 14, 15, 16. God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not: In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon man, than he openeth their ears, and sealeth their instructions. Oh let us then see his face, and hear his voice; for sweet is his voice, and his countenance is glorious, etc.  
2. Let us consider, that it is one of the greatest engagements to engage a Christian to walk in all well pleasing to God, to consider he is always in the presence of God.  
I have kept thy precepts (saith David) How so, David? why, (saith he) All my ways are before thee, Psal. 119. 168. Psal. 16. 8. I have set the Lord always before me, and because he is at my right hand I shall not fall. Psal. 26. 3. Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes, so I have walked in thy truth.  
Now these men that do not behold the presence of the Lord still before them, are ready upon all occasions to rebel against him. Psal. 86. 14. The proud men, & the malicious violent men are risen against me; for they do not set the Lord before them. As of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ. 2 Cor. 2. 17. As if he had said; When we come to do any thing, we do it so, as knowing the allseeing eye of God is taking notice not only of the action that we do, but also of the principle from which we act: he endeavours in all his actions to have the same ends in all he doth, as God hath commanded him to have. When a soul apprehends itself to be in the presence of his Maker, it labours to compose itself, as beseeming the presence before whom it is. So it endeavours to make the will of God his rule, and the glory of God his greatest design, and his word and Spirit his guide: It comes to God for direction, saying, O Lord, lead me in thy way! It expects from God protection; And do thou protect me in this way of thine: And so it depends upon God for assistance in what it doth, and for a blessing upon all it doth. Exod. 33. 14, 15. The Lord said unto Moses, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Moses was so taken with that word, that he breaks forth, v. 5. If thy presence go not with us, carry us not from hence.  
In a word, the Lord, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is always present, and the holy Ghost is always present : I fill heaven and earth with my presence, saith the Father, Jer. 23. 24. So, I am with you to the end of the world; saith the Son: But the manifestation of this is by the Spirit; and there are but very few that have this Spirit; and so no wonder that men are so ignorant of God's presence; the Spirit would have discovered it; but men, what lieth in them, do either quench it, or resist it.  
My friends, we live in an Age, wherein men are talking much of perfection; behold, here is the way to attain it, to put thyself always in the presence of God, and let all thy walks be before him. Gen. 17. 1. I am God Alsufficient (or the Almighty God;) walk before me, and be thou perfect.  
If we walk not in the presence of God, than we walk in darkness, and do the works of darkness. Now God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all: those then that set the Lord always before them, are in the light, and so do walk in the light, as children of the light.  
2. The second thing to be considered, that so we might be taken off the world, and make Religion our business, is, That we have but a few days to live in this world, and they fly away faster and swifter than the weaver's Shuttle, Job 7. 6. Wherefore if we do think or judge, that there be any thing for us to do, either for God, or ourselves, do it presently, work whiles it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work, Joh 9 4. If thou wilt hear his voice, let it be as in Heb. 3. 13. 15, To day, etc.  
Thou knowest not whether thou shalt have another day; for none of us do know what a day may bring forth: but because I have written so long of this subject in the first part of this Book (called The Weavers Shuttle displayed, or the swiftness thereof unfolded,) I shall in this place only cite a few Scriptures, that speak of our frailty, and so pass this point over. Job 7. 6. & Isa. 38. 12. and Isa. 64. 6. & Isa. 40. 7. & Psa. 102. 3. & Job. 7. 7. 2 Sam. 14. 14. & Hos. 10. 7. & Jam. 4. 14. & 1 Chron. 29. 15. & Ps. 39 5.  
3. If we make not Religion our business, we shall lose much of our comfort here, in point of our well being; for if we were not wanting to our selus, we might live in heaven while our bodies were here upon earth, Phil. 3. 20. For our conversation is in heaven; and this caused the Saints exceedingly to rejoice, 2 Cor. 1. 12. For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our Conscience, that in simplicity, and godly sincerity, we have had our conversation in the world. Psa. 119. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I shall have respect unto all thy Commandments: What is the matter that one is crying, another is sighing, and a third perplexed, and a fourth in despair? why, sin is the cause; if a man made Religion his business, so that his ways did please the Lord, even his enemies should be at peace with him, Prov. 16. 7.  
Nay further, He shall deliver thee in six troubles, yea in seven, there shall be no evil touch thee: in famine he will preserve thee from death; and in war, from the power of the sword; thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue, neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh: thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the earth shall be at peace with thee: thy tabernacle shall be at peace, and thou shalt not sin, Job 5. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, etc.  
In a word, what brings all the miseries upon our bodies, and plagues upon our souls, but sin? and how shall we refrain from sin, unless we make Religion our business? which if we did do, we should  
1. Not fear the faces of men, Mat. 10. 28.  
2. When we did suffer either in our bodies or estates, we should be so far from murmuring or complaining, that our hearts would be taken up altogether with singing, praising, and rejoicing, Acts 6. 25. & Luk. 6. 22. 23. & 1 Pet. 3. 14, 17. & 1 Pet. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.  
3. We should have a fellowship with Christ in all our sufferings, as in Phil. 3. 10.  
4. We should be great gainers by all our sufferings, Rom. 5. 3. 1 Pet. 2. 19 20.  
5. We should account the worst of them both light and short, 2 Cor. 4. 17. For our light afflictions which are but for a moment, work for us a far more excellent and eternal weight of glory, Rom. 8. 8.  
If we made Religion our business with Paul, we should should say in our sufferings as he did, 2 Cor. 4. 8, 9 We be troubled on every side yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken: cast down, but not destroyed, etc.  
In a word, I know nothing that keeps all good things from us, and brings all miseries upon us, but sin. Jam. 4. 1. From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Oh then, let Religion be thy business, and not sin.  
1. Because sin is contrary to the nature of God; it doth dishonour him.  
2. It's most injurious to thyself, as hath been proved: for it brings all the miseries upon thee, that have, do, or shall ever befall thee: As soon as ever thou sinnest, the punishment lieth at the door. Oh then, if the love of Christ will not constrain, yet let the fear of punishment compel thee and me to refrain from sin. Rom. 2. 9 Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil, both of the jew and the Gentiles. Oh let us not do that abominable thing, which the Lord doth hate. Sin maketh a man abominable both in the sight of God and good men. Better it were to suffer a thousand wrongs, then to commit one sin: Thou mayest have comfort in thy sufferings wrongfully, thou oughtest to rejoice in it; but when thou dost sin, thou shalt suffer as an evil doer, thou art buffeted for thy faults: in this thou canst not glory, but blush with shame. Wherefore if thou art not able to say with Joseph, How shall I do this great evil, & sin against God? yet say with Thamar, How shall I do this evil, and cause my name to slink among the sons and daughters of men? Do but a little mark diligently, and thou shalt find (if thy Conscience be not feared,) as soon as ever sin is committed, thy conscience checks thee, thy heart smites thee, thy foes laugh at thee, thy friends grieve and pity thee; nay, more than this, thou dost crucify afresh Christ Jesus, and puttest him to an open shame, as Heb. 6. 6.  
What is the reason thou hast so many enemies, and so few friends? Sin is the cause; as Prov. 16. 7. & job 5. 20, 21, etc. Thou art deprived of many comforts that others do enjoy: Why? sin is the cause of it, jer. 5. 25. Doth the Almighty hid his face from thee? Why, what is the cause? Your sins and iniquities have made him to hid his face. Wherefore doth the living man so complain, but for the punishment of his sin? Lam. 3. 39  
Wherefore is there so much weeping in this Nation? One weeps for his father, another for his mother, one for his brother, another for his sister; some for one Relation, some for another: Why dost thou weep for them? Oh, they be be dead, or dying! Why, what brought this unavoidable Death into the world?  
Ans. It was sin, it was sin: The wages of sin is death, Rom. 6. 23.  
In a word; Sin hath slain our father, deceived our mother, cheated & almost undone all our brethren, and defiled our sisters, wounded our children, and plundered all our kindred to the skin, and left them as poor as job. One sin caused Adam to fall, and so infected the whole world: One sin caused the Angels to be cast out of Heaven: One sin caused Saul to be utterly cast off from being King, although he was anointed King by the Lord his special appointment: Ananias and Sapphira for one lie were stricken with present death. Besides, sin defiles a man totally: it beginneth at the understanding, and so to the will and affection: it will take in every faculty of the soul, and endeavour to act in every member of the body; it doth defile a man eternally, it robs us of the Image of God, it robs us of his presence: it will promise us peace, and bring us into trouble; it will promise us honour, and bring us into disgrace; it will promise us liberty, and bring us into bondage; it will promise us life, and bring us to death: it will hid Pride under the name of decency; it will bring in Covetousness under the name of good husbandry; it will cloth Drunkenness & Gluttony under the name of good-fellowship; it will hid Frowardness under the name of zeal. In a word, as the acts of sin be numerous, so the effects of sin are viperous: Sin was the first founder of hell, and laid the first stone thereof, and is the sole cause of all the torments therein; and yet all this is but the effect of sin; the essence of it, which is the cause of all these evils, must needs be much more abominable: hence sin is called poison, and sinners are called serpents; sin is called mire, & sinner's swine; sin & sinners are called darkness, blindness, shame, nakedness, folly, madness. In a word, whatsoever is filthy, defective, infective, painful and hurtful, proceeds from this nasty, filthy, and stinking fountain: and one sin virtually more or less, containeth in it the nature of all sin.  
No sooner did one sin sit upon our father Adam his heart, but he had all sin in him, which infected him and all his posterity, and so defiled him and all his posterity eternally; so that as I said before, nothing can wash away the stain thereof, but the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ: shall we then live in that for which Christ died? shall that be our life which was his death? shall we indeed enjoy the pleasure of sin; and Christ undergo the torment of sin? No, no, let us improve the present motions of the Spirit in us against sin; lest the Spirit of God cease striving with thee, and me, and so we shall fall to commit sin with greediness, without any reluctancy.  
O all ye sons and daughters of men, put on all the armour of God, stand on your guards; make ready for your soul-murthering enemy, whose name is Legion, never be at peace with him, maintain a continual war against him; acquaint all the men and women in the world of his base deceitful cheating tricks, that their ill savour in the nostrils of all men and women under the Sun may make them loathe it, and stand upon their guards to oppose it; and if the love of Christ doth not constrain you, yet let the fear of punishment compel you to refrain from that abominable thing called sin: If thou canst not say with Joseph, Gen. 39 9 How shall I do this great evil, and sin against my God? Yet thou canst say with Thamar, 2 Sam. 13. 12. & 13. verses. If I should commit this sin, whither should I cause my shame to go? So much shall serve at present to be written of the third particular, to wit, that if we made it our business to follow the Lord, and were not wanting to ourselves, we might have our conversations in heaven, even whiles we live upon the earth, and be more than Conquerors over those sins that do often conquer us.  
4. That Religion may be our main work, let us consider that the Lord that made us hath undertaken the care of us: He commands us to wait on him, and he will feed us and  us.  
We have but a body and a soul, and both we received from the Almighty God, who hath undertaken to provide for not only the being, but also the well-being of both: only he requires of us to seek unto him, and to wait upon him in the use of those means instituted by himself, without too much carefulness, 1 Cor. 7. 32. But I would have you without carefulness; that is, so to use this world, as if we used it not: ot not so using it as most do, by too much doting upon it, and cleaving unto it, as Martha did; but rather with Mary choose the better part: and so much the rather, because of those many promises of so many legacies left us by the Lord in his word: as to instance in a few; Psal. 37. 5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass. Commit or roll thy way upon him. Psal. 55. 22. Cast thy burther upon the Lord. Prov. 16. 3. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Cast all thy care upon him, for he careth for thee; and hath said, that He will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 5.  
Some Expositors upon this Text do affirm, that the Greek word hath five times together, I will never, never, never, never, never fail thee nor forsake thee: to assure us of the truth of this. O my friends, doth God take care for Oxen, and feed Ravens, and cloth Lilies, and take care of Sparrows? and will he not much more take care for Man, whom he hath made Lord of all these creatures? Read, and well consider from the 19 to the 34. verse of Matth. 6. There we find in that one Chapter ten arguments that Christ hath laid down to assure us that he taketh care of us. Psal 27 3. Trust in the Lord, and do good, and verily thou shalt be fed, and so shalt thou dwell in the land. See 1 Tim. 6, 7, etc.  
We brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and raiment, let us be therewith content: But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition and destruction For the love of money is the root of all evil, etc. But thou O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, etc.  
5. Consider, that this God that hath undertaken the care of us, is a faithful God, and will make good every tittle promised: He hath not only said, but sworn, and sealed that oath with his blood, to assure us that he will make good whatsoever he hath promised. Besides, that he is a faithful God, keeping promise in every tittle to a hairs breadth, both Old and New Testament doth abundantly declare and testify: so that we have not only witnesses, but clouds of witnesses, besides our own experiences and inward evidences, that we have not only read, but experimentally found him to be a God keeping covenant, a God keeping promise, yea a God giving more than we were able to ask or think: so that we can truly say, we never found him worse than his word, but often better; for he never said unto us, Seek ye me in vain: He hath often knocked at the door of our hearts, and waited upon us to show mercy to us: there is no one thing that he hath promised either for soul or body, for our being or well being, but shall be made good to us in its time. And that he hath promised to give us food and raiment, and all things necessary for us; you may see it doth clearly appear in the foregoing head, to wit, the 4. particular. And that he is faithful and true, and will make it good, doth clearly appear by these and the like Scriptures. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Heb. 10. 23. Mat. 24. 35. Luk. 16. 17. Tit. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 10. 13. Deut. 7. 9 1 Cor. 1. 9 1 Thes. 5. 24. 2 Thes. 3. 3. 2 Tim. 2. 13. Heb. 11. 11. 1 Joh. 1. 9  
6. If we consider these five things seriously, it will beget in us this unspeakable benefit, namely, To behold a hand of Providence in, and read love under every dispensation: You, and I should say with job, when we lose all, blessed be the name of the Lord; and with Paul Phil. 4. 11. I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be contented: and so we shall serve him without fear, and not be afraid of Armies of men, and Legions of Devils. Psal. 3. 6. He will not fear death and hell: Why? because he will see both overcome by Jesus Christ. Death that was the King of terrors, hath now lost his sting, 1 Cor. 15. 56. and the Devil hath lost his power, as to one that is in Christ, for he is overcome by Christ, Heb. 2. 14. Sin also, the cause of death, which did shut the door of God's mercy and grace upon us is overcome for us by Christ, upon whom it was laid, Isa. 53. 6. And so he made an end of transgression and sin.  
The world also that did so often deceive us, and perplex us, is overcome for us by Jesus Christ, Joh. 16. 33.  
The Law also which brought in many Bills of Indictment against us, is fulfilled by Christ for us, Rom. 10. 4.  
The Justice of the Almighty, that did lie in the way of our peace and quiet, until it was satisfied, is now taken away quite, and appeased towards all true Believers by the Lord jesus Christ, Psal. 85. 10 So that now, come what will come, all shall work together for the good of those that love God. If prosperity come, let us behold God smiling upon us, and trying of us: If imprisonment come, let us with Paul and Silas sing Psalms: if tribulation come, let us rejoice, knowing that tribulation shall work patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed.  
In a word, if our wills were resigned up into his will, we should be saying such words: Good is the word of the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good; for nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ, Rom. 8. 38, 39 Neither can any thing do me harm, Rom. 8. 28.  
7. This is the way to have our conversation in Heaven, whilst we live on the earth. Now what makes Heaven, but Union and Communion with God in jesus Christ: now this being attainable in this life, what hinders but a Christian may live in Heaven whilst he lives upon earth, 1 joh. 1. 3. Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son jesus Christ. Phil. 3. 20. Our conversation is in heaven: again, I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh; I live by the Faith of the Son of God, Gal. 2. 20. All these were men on earth, subject to infirmities, as we are, and yet they lived in Heaven; and these things are left written in the Scriptures for our learning, to wind up our hearts to the like frame. Let Religion be our business then; and more time spent on that, and less time on the world. For as hath been said before, the time is short: the remainder of our season is now folding up, as a Sail or Curtain into a narrow room: time is short, and life shorter, and the end of all things is at hand: Thus have I endeavoured as briefly as I could, to lay before thee whosoever thou art that readest these lines, viz. the shortness of man's life, or fewness of his days, and the many miseries that do befall him, and how a Christian might, if not escape them, yet have them lessened and sweetened unto him; so that he might walk through these Seas of troubles and winds, and floods of afflictions and fiery trials, by open & secret buffet from thy many enemies, and sometimes from pretended friends, and near relations with comfort, etc. Was not Abel murdered by his brother; Noah mocked by his sons : Job and David scoffed by their wives? was not jacob threatened by his brother, banished from his Father, abused by his uncle? in the day he was consumed with heat, Gen. 31. 40. in the night with frost: then there arose a division between his two wives, two sisters brawling for one husband; after this, they both run from their father, & now see a fresh pursuit behind him, Laban following him with an hue and cry, before him, Esau coming with four hundred men; to go forward intolerable; to go backward unavailable; then a little after his wife Rachel dies: his daughter Dinah is ravished; his son Reuben lies with his Concubines: then his son, his joseph they report is lost: and now see a man of sorrows indeed ! I will go down, saith he, to the grave, unto my sons, mourning: after this a Famine gins, and another of his sons in prison, and nothing can redeem him but his only Benjamin: here was loss of son after son: joseph is not, Simeon is not, saith he, and now ye take away Benjamin: all these things are against me: Thus every Christian more or less; though he be a few days, yet they are full of trouble, and both fly away faster than the Weavers shuttle: which if well considered will rouse up those many sleepy professors, living in these, crazy times, and slippery days, wherein both lives and liberties, health, friends, wealth, pleasures, honours, and privileges are in such extremity of extraordinary uncertainties: I say, the serious consideration hereof, might serve to rouse up all sorts of men, to improve the present time to the best advantage; that so they might have an unshaken foundation of true spiritual peace and consolation: For we must all die, and that speedily; our days fly away swifter than the weaver's Shuttle. It is said, that when the Egyptians found their first born dead in their Families, there was a great cry throughout Egypt, a great cry in every Family: Now were we as sensible of our souls as we are of our bodies, oh what a great cry would there be in most of our Families! one crying out, and saying, O Lord, I have a dead child! another, O Lord, I have a dead servant! another, O Lord, I have a dead wife in my Family, whose soul is dead: another, I have a dead husband, a dead friend; and if the Lord doth not raise them speedily, I fear they will die the second death, from whence there is no redemption: for they shall be cast into everlasting fire, which is an intolerable eternity: our life is like a candle in a paper Lantern; there's but a breath between us & heaven or hell. Wherefore, O earth, earth, earth, hear the voice of the Lord, even while it is called to day, which is swifter than the weaver's shuttle.   
FINIS.