Sermons upon several texts of Scripture by George Barker ...

Proverbs, 3. 5. 6.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and leane not unto thine understand∣ing: In all thy wayes Acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

THis Book was writ by one of great natur∣all parts, who had all imaginable ad∣vantages, whereby to improve them to the height, besides those Supernaturall Endowments of Knowledge and wisdom, he begg'd of God and obtained. It containes in it severall usefull directions, learned and tryed by Experience, for the ordering of ones wayes in the fear of God, with discretion, so as to decline the snares of this present life, comfortably to wade through all its troubles, profitably to make use of all the Occurrences of it; so as daily to get ground of Corruption, to grow in purity and Heavenly mindedness, fear of, Love to, faith in God, submission to him, meekness and holiness of heart, ingenuity and goodness towards men, to provide for and make sure of peace, Joy and Glory to the Soul, unto all eternity.

In the begining of this Chapter he falls upon

his instructions with a winning insinuating com∣pellation, a temper expressing much tender Love, and serious care; My Son. He enforces them with very powerfull perswasions from the reall advantages, they bring along with them. If a long Comfortable and honourable life be of any worth, the rules, which point out the certain way to these, are of weight.

But what are these? In generall Two.

1st. Make Conscience of all thy ways, and keep thine heart Continually in Exercise, to find out what is thy duty in every particular case, that thou mayest set about the serious practice of it. Ver. 3. Know that mercy and truth, good∣ness & reality are the main things, ye ought to addict your selves unto, you must get your hearts purged, your lives Reformed from all malice, and guile, filled and adorned with what ever is akin to tender Love and honest sincerity.

But how shall one know what is Duty, and what will really promote mercy and truth in the heart and life?

This is wisely inquired, for one may be easily mistaken, though one never so truly desire to Act every way for the best, In order hereunto, that may seem to be the best, which will not really prove so, and therefore it is not good to be too Confident of ones own apprehensions, to lean to ones own understanding. What but if I may not trust my own Judgment, what other light have I to steer my selfe by? Would you have

me to act rashly, or follow my lusts? No, there is no necessity for that neither, though thine Understanding be shallow and easily Imposed upon, Gods is not so, he is able to give thee a true and through information, what thou maiest, what thou oughtest to do, what is most conveni∣ent for thee so that, though being left to thy self thou easily mayest do Foolishly, nay, it is an hundred to one but thou wilt, yet being in∣structed and directed by him, there is no fear, but thou wouldest do otherwise. Yea, but the question is not, whether God be able to satisfy what is fit to be done in every case whatsoever, but whether he will or no? There is no doubt of that neither, do but thou trust him, and he will direct thee. Ye have.

1st. A word of sober counsell to all who desire to Act for the best at all times, especially in difficult cases, and such as are of Importance too, where observe 3. Things 1st. To place all thy Confidence in God, as having a through Know∣ledge of all Circumstances, wisdome to discerne conveniencies and inconveniencies, and to order things accordingly, goodness to give wholsome Advice to those, who desire it, faithfully to make use of all his skill, power and interest for the advantage of those that trust in him.

2ly. To be cautious how thou so much as leanest to, much less wholly Reliest on, thine own understanding: how thou presnmest to act because thou thinkest all is lawfull, right, good, fit, not

being sensible how Ignorant and Foolish thou art, how unable to discerne or Judge, not being aware, how many Conveniencies or inconveni∣encies may be concealed from thee, how many misrepresented, how many misapprehended and misjudged, although thou hast helped thine own understanding, as much as may be, by taking the Advice of those, who are the most apprehen∣sive, Experienced, Judicious, reall and faithfull, yea and somewhat sought God too in the case, as being a little distrustfull of thine own Know∣ledge, prudence, intelligence, and that of others too, 3. To acknowledge, to lay it down to thine own Soul as an Undoubted Truth, that business will not be carried on, with thy will, thy must and shall; It shall not be according to thy wishes, and desires, be they never so vehe∣ment, not according to thy Contrivances and designes, be they never so sure laid, so closely pursued; But the Counsell of the Lord shall stand, and his pleasure shall prosper.

2ly. A word of suteable encouragement, to in∣duce unto the embracing of this counsell. Men Dubious what to do, and uncertain of Events, especially in matters of concernment, are desirous of two things.

1st. To be determined what to do.

2ly. Resolved, what to expect. Both these are assured in this case of trusting.

1st. They shall be directed what to do.

2ly. Prospe••ed and their way made plain.

And that with a double advantage.

1st. They shall not onely have a Generall direction as to their way, but even a particular one as to their path, their endeavours shall not onely Succeed as to the main, but as to the manner too, they shall come at it in the way, they do desire.

2ly Their direction shall not onely be such as may serve, But it shall be the best, that could be wished or hoped for, such as the wise, good & faithfull God can give; their successe will not be such as may Content onely, but such as will Satisfie, such as they shall not know, how to wish amended.

Doct. It is the duty and Concernment of the People of God, to relie on the Lord for counsell and successe in every thing, they set about. The words run either in the form of Command, or of Counsell; here is double emphasis to be taken notice of.

1st. With all thine heart, Look thou unto the Lord, without any doubt or fear, as one able to Advise thee for the best, to prosper thine endeav∣ours, & willing and ready too. Suffer no thoughts to Arise in thee, as shall dare to question, whether he either can or will.

2ly. In all thy wayes, not only in matters of great∣est concernement, but even in those of small im∣portance: Not onely in Affairs of difficult reso∣lution, where thou thy selfe art at a nonplus, but even in those of greatest evidence and facility,

where every one almost is ready to presume, he is wise enough to advise himselfe.

What is it to trust in the Lord? It is,

1st. To be perswaded, the Lord is able to coun∣sell thee, what thou Lawfully mayest do, what thou necessarily oughtest to do in the business thou art about. whatever it be. He knowes thee and all thy Circumstances, understands what will more or less please or Cross thee, what will promote thy spirituall and eternall welfare, what impede it. Hee sees what is for the present, he sees what probably may be, what certainly will be, if he prevent it not. All this he knowes throughly and none else, not the quickest, the most Experienced, the most obseruant, not he that has the greatest Advantages to prie. God is able to prosper thy Endeavours, so as they may best make for thy true content, thine everlasting wel∣fare. He can blast or succeed enterprizes, in∣cline hearts this way or that way, as he pleases, turn them to what they are most Averse from, take them of from what they are most bent upon, he can cast in obstacles, or remove them; all these, and many of the Like nature, are easy with him, he has Wisdome, Power, authority, wayes, in∣struments enough to incourage unto the vse of the means, he directs to, notwithstanding the severall difficultyes, which Present themselves, by either shewing or hinting the ways, how they may be declined or overcome.

2ly. That he is very willing and ready to give

wholesome Advice (for I shall not mention the other two particulars, which are not so plainly in the text) to those that need it, desire it, Relie upon him for it; To represent unto him conveniencies and inconveniencies, this way and that way; To shew him which are more considerable, which like to last, which like to increase, which like to lessen and vanish; to give him a true discerning, and a right Judgment in all things, so that, what he resolves upon, the Course he shall take, shall be no way prejudici∣all to him, as to his convenient Comfort, and reall welfare, every way Advantageous, Thou hast found him good, thou hast heard he is good, thou Beleevest him to be so, one that Considers what may grieve or please, hurt or help the least of his little ones; one that Loves not to Suffer any of his People inconsiderately to plunge themselves into any Sorrow or trouble, they have no need of; to run upon any snare or danger, which he cannot bring them through without losse.

3ly. To look unto God for Counsell in the case; Out of a reall sense, the business, we have in hand, needs to be managed with wisdome, especially when it is of difficulty and importance▪ for the best wisdome of a Creature, the most Improved and deliberate is not to be trusted to, but shortsighted, easily imposed upon, sub∣ject to mistakes. Be therefore often lifting up the heart to him in Sincere breathings, earnest desires for his Counsell.

4ly. To rest quietly, in a confident Expectat∣ion of seasonable directions from him, notwith∣standing the perplexity of the Case, our own present darkness, and irresolution; Making it our only care and endeavour to walk before him in the uprightness of our heart, and to do those things, which are most pleasing in his eyes.

Now thus to trust in the Lord, is

1st. The duty of Gods people, what the•• ought to do, and they safely may. He is be able to counsell, none like him, a wonderful•• Counseller, Es. 9. 6. He is furnished with Knowledge, Wisdome, Faithfullness, he see, observes, considers, understands all things with their consequences and causes: he is engaged to Counsell, his goodness engages him, this will not suffer poor ones hoodwinked to run upon their own ruine; His truth engages him, he must be as good as his word; He has promised to guide the meek &c. Psal, 25. 12. To bring the Blind by a way, they know not &c. Es. 42. 16. Thine eare shall heare a word behind the &c. Es. 30. 21. He has used to Counsell and help, he is unto us wisdom.

2ly. They necessarily must, he Commands them to do it. If any lack wisdome, let him ask it of God, Jam. 5. He blames them, that they will not, but my People would not hearken, Ps. 81. 11. They would have none of my Counsell, Prov. 1. 30. Wo to them, that take Counsell, but not of me &c. Es. 30. 1.

3ly. Accordingly we find it has been the pra∣ctice of Gods People, the Children of Israel, Judges 20. 18. 23. 28. Of David, 1. Sam. 23. 2. 11.

4ly. Nay, even wicked men enquire of him as Saul, 1. Sam. 28. 6. Ahab. 4. Kings. 22. 5. 6.

5ly. Neglect of this has brought inconveni∣encies. Joshua, 9. 14.

But why is it a duty?

1st. Every one is bound to order his affaires the best he can, to the reall and eternall advan∣tage of his Soul; Which he cannot do without the Counsell of God, who alone is able to dis∣cerne what makes for or against this: And this he is not to expect without seeking for, and none will truly seek for it, that do's not trust in the Lord for it. We little know, how much de∣pends upon a seeming small matter; How far we may lose our selves, by going a little wrong; What hazards we may run not onely of our Comforts, but of our happyness, by a little folly, a small Neglect of wisdom, how deare it may cost us.

2ly. It is a doing God right, owning his wisdome, that he is the onely wise God, only able throughly to direct, to give us wholsome Counsell, and also own his Goodness, that he may be relyed upon, his Advise Followed without dispute or danger, obeying the call of his providence, when we know not what to

do, yet to have our eyes towards him. God oft brings his People into labyrinths, where they cannot get well in, or out, that they may the more Earnestly apply themselves to him for direction.

3ly. It is following the inclination of a graci∣ous heart, which has been taught all along the desperate folly and weakness of the Creature, and trained up to live upon the Wisdome and power of God.

It is our Concernment too. for

1st. Without good Counsell, we shall not be able to order our affaires so, as to decline those cares, Troubles, snares and temptations, which will very much hinder us in the way to true life, Righteousness, peace, and Joy. And this is the main thing we ought to have Speciall care of, we have many matters to resolve on in our lives, upon which do's Exceedingly depend the comfort and welfare of our Souls; Which we may easily order so, out of our own ignorance or folly, as to gain to our selves everlasting occasion of repentance. I might instance in some particulars, but I shall chuse rather to leaue it to your understanding.

2ly. There is no Counsell safe, but what we have from God, upon serious seeking to him for direction, endeavouring to get our hearts brought wholly to this passe, to desire nothing, but what may be at least Consistent with the good of our own Souls, and of our Brethrens

if not subservient to it. We may easily deceive our selves, and may be deceived by others, but God neither can nor will deceive us, if we do but with honest hearts say, Lord, teach us to do thy will. Nay, it is usuall with God, to bring to naught the wisdome of the wise, and when they trust in their own discretion, or that of others, They will then play the fool egregiously.

3ly. However none are like to be so every way advantageous, as those that ask Counsell of God, men may stumble upon such Advice as possibly may do no great harm, But is an hundred to one whether it may do any great good, they think it is Fair, if they secure the Main; their narrow eye, can but fix upon one or two par∣ticulars, cannot survey alltogether, cannot see so far as the tendencies of matters with clearness, much less foresee the results and Consequences; But Gods allseeing eye throughly discernes all Circumstances, all that are, all that will be; his Searchingmind enquires and considers, what is not only for the main chance, but what for each ones interest, not onely what is safe, what good, but what is best; Not onely what is best for those primarily and principally concerned, but even for all others, who should be considered.

As this is our duty and Concernment at all times, so most of all in some Particular cases as.

1st. In matters of difficulty, where conveni∣encies and Inconveniencies on either side are apparent enough, But what is the most Con∣siderable,

it is not so easy to resolve, no, not when we have most seriously debated in our own thoughts, & deliberately consulted with others.

2ly. In matters of consequence.

1st. When many are concerned, not onely we our selves, but others, and that no few, and those whom our Affections and duties incline, and oblige us to consider.

2ly. And that nearely, when not onely the Cheif comforts of this life come under debate, (which are not altogether inconsiderable) and those concerned not at a distance neither; But also the everlasting Joyes of Heaven.

3ly. Lastingly, when whatever is done, be it Advantageous or prejudiciall, cannot be mended, but must continue.

Vse. 1st. Then they do not onely sinfully, but foolishly, Who do not wholly Trust in the Lord for direction in their affaires.

As 1st. Those who Act rashly, rush upon matters they have a mind to, little caring, whe∣ther this be lawfull, of good report, convenient, but like beasts led by sense.

2ly. Who consult, but not with the Lord, but either with their own lusts; their pride, their Covetousness, their Spite &c. Asking them what they would have done, or with their own under∣standings, they pore and think, lose one thought upon another, not knowing and Considering, man's thoughts are Altogether Vanity; Or with

others whom they esteem and Confide in, not considering that ignorance on the one hand and interest on the other may make them give none of the best counsell.

3ly. Who enquire of the Lord, but stay not for an Answer from him, go on before they know whether he do's allow of it, approve of it, they be onely perswaded in their hearts, the Lord would have them to doe thus and no otherwise, Just like Pilate, St. John, 18. 39. Who ask••s what is truth, and never expects an Answer.

4ly. Who stay for the Counsell of God, but take it not, follow it not, as the Jewes Jer. 32. 3. C. 43. 2.

Vse. 2. Do then in all cases what duty and interest obliges thee to, trust in God for direct∣ion, do what the holy ones of God use to doe, make him thy Oracle, Counsell, Guide, this will make most for thy true comfort, thy reall ad∣vantage, he will direct thee, either Clearly shew thee what is most convenient for thee, or at least effectually incline thee to what is best; enabling thee to trust him with thy selfe in it, though otherwise thou hast many seeming grounds of fear, thou art bringing mischeif upon thy selfe; he has no designes which interfere with thine, Therefore First goe to him for Counsell, say with David, Psal. 143. 10. Teach me to do thy will, lead me, guide me. I am Foolish, apt to mistake my selfe, easily deceived by others, thou knowest my frame, my Circumstances, how it is every way with me,

Thou knowest what I can bear, what I have need of, what will do me good, what will make for my Comfort; O Suffer me not to do any thing which may be prejudiciall to my own Soul, which will make me lose Communion with thee, forfeit thy favour, pro∣voke thee to leave me to my self, to the humours or Fashions of men. And that you may speed, labour to bring your Soules to this, not to desire world∣ly advantage to your selves in what ever you are about, but onely that ye may be kept in the fear of God, in the wayes of Holiness, and Righteous∣ness and truth, so as to grow in grace, to over∣come your selves and the World, how you may be in a way of pleasing, Honouring and Serving him, relieving and bettering your Brethren; For if you come onely to learn what will make most for your ease and pleasure in the flesh, to make you rich and great in the World, to procure you outward prosperity and security; this is not to ask counsel of the Lord, this is a great abomination in his sight; and ye have cause to fear, the Lord may say of you, as of the Israel∣ites, Ezechi. 13. 34. Shall I be enquired of at all by them? I the Lord will Answer him that cometh according to his Idolls.

2ly. Stay for his Counsel, settle upon no re∣solution one way or other, before the Lord have in some measure given you to understand, what will be for the good of your Soules, and those about you; perswade you in your hearts, that this gather then the other, is so

3ly, See you follow it, stand and act in it, when the Lord ha's perswaded you, that this or the other is for the good of your Souls; be not swayed to the contrary by any worldly conside∣rations whatsoever; be not moved one way or other by conveniencies or inconveniences.

But may not one be herein mistaken? Yes ve∣ry easily.

1st. If they do not sincerely desire to under∣stand what is for the good of the Soul, that they may follow that, what ever it be, though it do not so much agree with their inclinati∣ons.

2ly. If they do not heartily rely upon God for right information. But where neither of these are wanting; God neither can, nor will, suffer you to be mistaken.

But we cannot well resolve what is for the Souls good.

Then you must suspend, wait upon God, till he satisfy you. Till you follow the leading and guid∣ing of God, ye are not safe. If you run before him, or turn out of his way, thank your selves if you miscarry.

3ly. No wonder that there is such a generall miscarriage of People in matters of highest con∣cernment; when there is so much aiming at par∣ticular ends, consulting with the customs of the World; the maxims of vulgar prudence, our own vain imaginations, vain opinions of others; and so little considering what may promote the well∣fare

of the Soul unto all eternity, seeking to, and relying upon the only wise God, the God of Judgment for his directions.

4ly. Never expect to prosper, to do discreetly, when you are not in Gods way, and truly thou art not in the way to learn wisdom, before thou be∣come a Fool in thine own eyes, and discernest the highest wisdom of the World to be foolishness, and utterly dispairest of doing any thing, but play∣ing the fool, unless the Lord teach, guide and direct thee.

5ly. How much are Gods People concerned to keep close unto the Lord, to obey him, to take heed of provoking, displeasing him; seeing it is he, from whom alone selfe profitable Counsel is to be expected, when they will find the greatest need of it.

6ly. Humble thy self, if thou hast enterprised any business without asking Counsel of the Lord, con∣sidering, that hereby thou hast both slighted God, and been wanting to the concernments of thy Soul.

7ly. Thank God for bringing thee into any difficulty and perplexity, seeing this is the like∣liest way to mind thee of thy Duty and concern∣ment, and of putting thee upon it; These are some of the courses God takes to make People know he is the Lord, thou hast no cause to be troubl∣ed at such a providence, whereby thou are taught, there is need of being wise in the wisdom of God, as well as strong in the prwer of his might.