The righteous branch growing out of the root of Jesse and healing the nations held forth in several sermons upon Isai. chap. 11, from vers. 1 to 10 : together with some few sermons relating to all who live under the shadow of the branch / by William Colvill.

Circumspect walking. SERMON VI. (Book 6)

EPHES. 5.15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

VERS. 16. Redeeming the time, because the dayes are evil.

AS Salvation is the end of faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 1.9. Receiv∣ing the end of your faith, even the salva∣tion of your souls; So our walking in the way of holiness and good works, is the way to salvati∣on; the Lord Jesus Christ, is properly the li∣ving way, that leadeth and guideth believers to salvation; and good works are the meeths and evidences that we are in Christ the Cap∣tain of Salvation, Eph. 2.10. For we are the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus un∣to

good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them.

The Christian walking, is discribed here, 1. Positively, See that ye walk circumspectly. 2. Negatively, not as fools. 3. By way of op∣position to the walking of fools, in two quali∣fications required in circumspect walking, But as wise, redeeming the time. 4. The motive to a Christian and circumspect walking, is taken from the evil of the times, Because the dayes are evil.

To walk circumspectly, signifieth (as the original word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 importeth) an accurat and exact walking, like a man walking upon the ridge of a mountain, without declining to the one hand or to the other, Deut. 5.32. Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: you shall not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left. 1. In our zeal, we would walk circumspectly, not overstretch∣ing our selves to do more, than we have a calling from God to do, as Peter did in smit∣ing with the sword, without a warrand from Christ; and we must circumspectly shun the other extremity, in omitting the duty of confessing the truth, when we are called thereto by God; it was the sin of these fair professors (Joh. 12.42.) they did not con∣fess Christ, for fear to be put out of the Sy∣nagogue. 2. We would shun circumspectly all negligence and carelesness to do good works,

Gal. 6.10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith, Tit. 3.8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have be∣lieved in God, might be careful to maintain good works: because every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire, Mat. 3.10. and we would walk cir∣cumspectly, shunning the other extreme, in confiding into our own good works for justifi∣cation and salvation, because, if God enter into judgement with man, none living shall be justified in his fight by their own works, which are very far short of that exact righteous∣ness required in the law, Psal. 143.2. Yea, Abraham, Father of the faithful, was not justi∣fied by his good works: for if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God, Rom. 4.2. 3. We should walk circumspectly in using the things of this present world; not refusing the good things offered to us by the good providence of God, whether riches, liberty or preferment to a more free and plentiful condition of life, 1 Cor. 7.21. But if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. And we should walk circum∣spectly in shunning the other extreme, by abusing the good things of this present world, to pride, riot, or vain confidence, 1 Tim. 6.17. Charge them that are rich in this

world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 4. We should walk circumspectly with holy men in this world, not following them absolutly in all things; for even the best of meer men, has their own failings: they are compared to the cloud in the wilderness, that had a light side and a dark side: we must not put darkness for light, nor light for darkness: but should follow holy men with this limitation, in so far as they are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 11.1. We should follow Peter in his free confession before the Council, Acts 4. but not in his de∣nial, in the high Priests hall. 5. We should walk circumspectly with wicked men, that we be not enticed to sin by their evil counsel or example, Prov. 1.10. When sinners entise thee; consent thou not. We would walk circumspect∣ly in forbearing to speak any thing in their pre∣sence, that may strengthen them in their sin∣ful courses; or may be a snare to our selves, in giving occasion to them to procure our hurt from these, who will make a man an offender for an inconsiderat word, Psal. 39.1. I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 6. We should walk circumspect∣ly, shunning all appearance of evil, 1 Thess. 5.22. Neither doing evil, nor evil like: for, by the appearance of evil-doing, we grieve the stronger Christians, and stumble the weaker,

we do wrong and prejudice to our own good name, which being preserved entire, is bet∣ter then precious Oyntment, Eccles. 7.1. but being spoiled by the scandalous appearance of evil doing, it becomes unsavory to others, as Oyntment, corrupted by a dead flee: Jo∣seph walked circumspectly; not onely he heark∣ned not to that shameless woman, but also would not abide in the same secret room with her, Gen. 39.10. Paul was very circumspect in shunning all appearance of mal-versation and unfaithful dealing in the matter of publick collections, 2 Cor. 8.20. Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance, which is administred by us. 7. There should be a cir∣cumspect walking, in shunning all occasions and provocations to sin, especially familiarity with profane and riotous men, Prov. 4.14, 15. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men, Prov. 20.25. With a furious man thou shalt not go, lest thou learn his wayes, and get a snare to thy soul. For, evil company corrupteth good manners: can a man touch pitch and not be defiled therewith? can a man take fire in his bosom, and not be burnt? Prov. 23.20. Several sins have their own several occasions and provocations: but evil company is a magazine of evil occasions and provocations for all sins. 8. We should walk circumspectly, in abstaining from lesser sins; because such being neglected and not noticed,

are oft-times inlets to greater sins: what is said of one sin, is true of all, Prov. 17.14. The beginning of strife, is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, be∣fore it be medled with. Peter went rashly into the place of temptation, without a call; and thereafter denied first, and in end cursed if he knew the Lord Jesus Christ: it is not a super∣stitious and unnecessar, but commendable preciseness, to abstain from lesser sins. 9. This circumspect walking, is in an abstaining from every thing that would provoke our predomi∣nant sin: old sores are soon and easily rankled; therefore we would carefully keep aloof from it, as David did, Psal. 18.23. I was also upright before him, and I kept my self from mine iniquity. And we would shun also all occasi∣ons, that are apt to induce us into sin, as the occasions of superstition and idolatry in the mat∣ter of Gods worship. The Lord God forbad the people of Israel to plant a grove nigh un∣to the Altar of God, Deut. 16.21. lest pos∣sibly, in respect of the nearness, people should step aside from the Altar, and true worship of God, into a place or mannor of false worship.

The causes of uncircumspectness in our wal∣king, are, 1. Want of knowledge, and igno∣rance, as men for want of light, to discover dangers in the way, cannot walk circumspect∣ly, Joh. 12.35. He that walketh in darkness,

knoweth not whether he goeth. Through want of knowledge, the Jews walked in a way of cruelty against our blessed Lord; and the Ephesians through the ignorance that was in them, gave themselves over unto lacivious∣ness, to work all uncleanness with greediness, Ephes. 4.19. 2. The impetuous and vehe∣ment desires, even in the godly and orthodox, hath made them in their eagerness of opposi∣tion to one errour, through an immoderate desire of counterpoising, (which Basil calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) to walk uncircumspectly toward another extremity of errour: some ancient Fathers, in their great zeal to oppose Manicheism, in asserting a fatal necessity of all humane actions, did incline too much to Pe∣lagianism, and the extolling of the liberty of mans free will, above the sphere of its activi∣ty, as gardeners do bend a crooked branch too much sometimes to the other side. 3. Pride and self-confidence, maketh even the godly some∣times rash and uncircumspect in their walking: Peter from self-confidence in his own strength, was rash and uncircumspect in his going into the High Priests hall. 4. Forgetfulness of death and judgement, and the accompt we must make to God of our walking in the time of our sojourning here, doth make men walk at ran∣dom in their evil wayes, as Jerusalem some∣time did, Lament. 1.9. Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end,

Amos 6.3. Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near.

Means and Helps for a circumspect walking, are, 1. Sound knowledge of the good and ac∣ceptable will of God from the word of light and salvation; because the word of God, is the rule and measure, according to which we walk circumspectly in obedience to the holy commandments, like children walking in one step after another, according to their grounds and elements in learning, Gal. 6.16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them. When we walk according to this rule, we walk circumspectly; for we need not be asham∣ed, when we have respect unto all his com∣m••ndments, Psal 119.6. This rule keeps us from wandering rashly into the paths of wicked and profane men, Psal. 17.4. Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips, I have kept me from the pathes of the destroyer. 2. As ye would walk circumspectly, look to God in all your wayes; he is now a witness, and one day will be thy judge, Gen. 17.1. Walk before me, saith the Lord, and be thou upright. He seeth in secret, therefore walk circumspectly in secret; although no man did see thee, yet the Lord ponders and considers all thy wayes, Prov. 5.21. The wayes of man, are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponder∣eth all his goings. The all-seeing wise God,

pondereth all the steps of humane actions in their desires, intentions and courses: though thy profession be never so fair before the world, yet he ponders the intention of thine heart; he saw the hypocrisie and crooked walking of Jehu, notwithstanding his fair and large profes∣sion of zeal for the Lord: He ponders the time of thy sinning and unrighteous walking, if it be after mercies received, Deut. 32 13, 15. Jer. 5.7. When I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery. The Lord ponders if thy unrighteous walking be in a time of affli∣ction, when thou should walk humbly and cir∣cumspectly; he observed wicked Achaz in his trespassing more and more in the day of his distress, 2 Chron. 28.22. he ponders the place where thou walks in thy ungodly way, Isai. 26.10. In the land of uprightness, will he deall unjustly: that is, in a place of uprightness, where he might have seen the good example of some men, walking uprightly and circumspectly be∣fore God and the world, yet he will walk in the way of injustice. 3. Walk circumspectly in re∣spect of the holy Angels, 1 Cor. 11.10. The Apostle will have women in the Church-assem∣blies, to carry themselves decently in respect of the Angels, who are frequently there to be∣hold and admire the wisdom and mercy of God, revealed to his Saints in the holy Word: they ••re ministring Spirits to the heirs of salvation; ••nd our uncircumspect conversation and walk∣ing,

is very displeasing unto them; as the rash speeches and actions of an inconsiderat pu∣pil, doth much grieve his Governour and Tu∣tor. 4. Walk circumspectly in respect of the godly, because by thy rashness and failings, thou wilt make the hearts of the righteous sad: Paul was much grieved with Peters dissi∣mulation at Antioch: by thy rashness and fail∣ings, through uncircumspect walking, thou stumbles the weak, who by thy evil example are drawen from the way of righteousness: Many were drawn away by the example of Pe∣ters dissimulation, Gal. 2. and how fearful and dangerous a sin it is, to give offence to the weak, we may clearly see, Matth. 18.6. Paul would rather never eat flesh, than he should stumble his weak brother by eating thereof, 1 Cor. 8.13. Walk circumspectly in respect of wicked men, who watch for thy halting, who will magnifie themselves, when thy foot slip∣peth, and speak evil not only of thee alone, but also of thine holy profession, and of all the Saints, as if they were all hypocrites: David, by his uncircumspect walking, opened the mouths of adversaries, 2 Sam. 12.14. There∣fore pray thou daily, as David did, Psal. 27.11▪ Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me i•• a plain path, because of mine enemies, or ob¦servers. 5. As ye would walk circumspectly▪ remember frequently the Lords former mer¦cies, toward you, that so ye may not depar••

from his wayes, and so sin against the God of your mercies: This consideration Ezra holds forth to the people of God, that in time coming they may walk more circumspect∣ly, Ezra 9.13, 14. Seing thou our God, hast given us such deliverance as this; should we again break thy commandments, and joyn in affinity with the people of these abominations? The re∣membrance of former mercies, made Heze∣kiah, after his recovery from a dangerous sick∣ness, to walk softly and circumspectly all his years, in the bitterness of his soul, Isai. 38.15. And our blessed Lord, holdeth forth this con∣sideration to the man that was healed of a longsome disease, Joh. 5.14. Behold thou art made whole, sin no more, &c. 6. Fear of thine own weakness, and fears from the many temp∣tations and snares in this present evil world, is a special mean to make thee walk circum∣spectly: fear to slip and fall, maketh men walk circumspectly in slippery places, Rom. 11.20. Be not high-minded, but fear: there∣fore walk circumspectly and humbly with thy God in the remembrance of his former mer∣cies, in the remembrance of thy former sins; in the conscience and sense of thy present weak∣ness, and in the fear of many and manifold temptations in this evil world; as a man walk∣eth circumspectly, looking well to every step in the midst of snares. 7. As ye would walk cir∣cumspectly, be not rash to venture upon temp∣tations:

Cyprian saith truly, Nemo periculo proximus, est diu tutus, no man near to the temp∣tation and danger is long safe: his advice is good, that men would be circumspect, like mariners at Sea, who in time of a calm, do not cast anchor beside a rock, because they know not how soon a storm may arise, and dash the Vessel against the rock: so a Christian would be circumspect, though his affections be quiet and still for the present time, yet if he venture upon the place of temptations and snares, he cannot tell how soon the wind of temptation may arise, and bring the shipwrack of peace and a good conscience. 8. As ye would walk circumspectly at all times and in all places, remember often the necessity of our compearance after death before the tribunal of Jesus Christ; this consideration made Paul cir∣cumspect, both in his personal and ministerial conversation, 2 Cor. 5.9, 10. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent we may be accepted of him: for we must all appear be∣fore the judgement seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, accor∣ding to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Not as fools: The Apostle speaketh more par∣ticularly of our Christian walk, and that nega∣tively, that we walk not as fools. 1. Not as the atheistical and profane fool, who walketh without any serious thoughts of God in his

heart, Ps. 14▪ 1. The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God: they are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doth good. Ezek. 8.12. They say, the Lord seeth us not. Psal. 94 8, 9. Ʋnderstand ye brutish among the peo∣ple, and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, &c. Therefore be not profane and godless fools, but fear God and depart from evil, Prov. 3.7. 2. Be not vain and arrogant fools, walking in the imaginations of your own evil hearts, Prov. 12.15. The way of a fool, is right in his own eyes. 3. Walk not in the way of the licentious fool, a••ter the lusts of unclean∣ness or drunkenness, Prov. 7.7. The young man that followed the strange woman, is said to be simple and void of understanding: he is a mad fool, running in the way of riot and uncleanness to his own destruction. Walk not in the way of drunkenness and excess: for the Scripture saith, that drunkards are benummed and besot∣ted fools, Hos. 4.11. Whoredome and wine take away the heart. 4. Walk not in the way of worldly-minded and covetous men, who set up their rest upon the things of this world, and make no conscience of their purchase, for the Scripture calleth such men, fools, Jer. 17.11. As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not: so he that getteth riches and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his dayes, and at his end, shall be a fool. Luk. 12.20. But God said unto him, Thou fool, &c. 5. Walk not in the way of strise and contention, for such men

are, in the Scripture-phrase, fools, Prov. 20.3. Every fool will be medling. Prov. 26.17. He that passeth by and medleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears: he doth at first rashly engage himself into the quarrel, and is afraid how he shall come off fair∣ly without prejudice to his credit or estate. 6. Walk not in the way of malice; for the Scri∣pture calleth malicious and wrathful men, fools, Eccles. 7.9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosome of fools. 7. Walk not wilfully and obstinatly in any evil custom or way, for such men the Scripture calleth fools, who will not be reclaimed by the rods of God upon their backs, Prov. 27.22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a morter among wheat with a pestel, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. Jer. 5.3, 4. But they have refused to receive correction; they have made their faces harder than a rock, they have refused to return; therefore I said, surely these are poor, they are foolish. 8. Walk not in the way of malicious dissimulation; though such dissemblers may be esteemed witts, and active men in this pre∣sent world; yet in Gods account they are fools, Prov. 10.18. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth slander, is a fool. 9. Walk not in the way of slothful men, who delay from time to time to go about the great business and work of their own salvation; such persons in holy Scripture, are compared to the foolish

Virgins, Mat. 25. 10. Walk not in the way of bare formality, resting upon the performance of some outward duties only; because such men are compared to the foolish builder, who built upon the sand: such fools are these who rest on the hearing of the Word, but prepare not themselves to do it, Mat. 7.26. 11. Walk not here and there, departing from a known and received truth in the matter of Religion; for such wavering and unconstant men, are cal∣led fools, Gal. 3.1. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

But as wise: The Apostle (1 Cor. 3.18.) speaketh of a twofold wisdom; an heavenly wisdom, when a man preferreth his duty to God unto all things worldly; such was the wis∣dom of Paul, Act. 20.23, 24. The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me: but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto my self; so that I might finish my course with joy, and the Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God. This wisdom is thought foolishness to the worldly man, whose mind and heart is fixed on things earthly. And there is a worldly wis∣dom, when men in their practice and endea∣vours, do prefer the good things of this life unto the best things of the life to come, as

Demas did: this wisdom is foolishness in Gods account; for, what avails it a man to gain all the world, and lose his own soul?

This Christian Heavenly wisdom, standeth, 1. In mens proposing to themselves a good and happy end of their actions: when they propone to themselves, as the great and supreme end of all their actions, the glory of God, of whom, through whom, and for whom are all things, 1 Cor. 10.31. Whether ye eat or drink, do all to the glory of God: when in the next place, they propose to themselves that subordinat end, to wit, the salvation of their own souls, Phil. 3.14. I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus: and when they propose to themselves the good of others, by following their own example in well-doing, Mat. 5.16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven. 2. True Chri∣stian-wisdom, stands in a serious deliberation and search out of Gods Word, what are the fit∣est means for attaining these ends; as by well-doing, and suffering for well-doing, to glorifie God, 1 Pet. 4.14. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glori∣fied. When we search and consider from the Word of God, that true repentance, lively faith, and sincere obedience, are the means,

whereby we attain salvation, Acts 3.19. Acts 16.31. Rom. 2.6, 7. 3. It stands in a careful and timous applying of the means necessary for these great ends: So if ye be truly wise Chri∣stians, ye will be diligent and active in using the means, whereby God may be glorified, and your souls saved; Jam. 3.13. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongst you? let him shew, out of a good conversation, his works with meekness of wisdom: for God will have men to repent and turn, that they may live in his sight, Ezek. 33.11. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Ye must believe on the Lord Je∣sus Christ, for there is no salvation in any other, neither is there any other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved, Act. 4.12. And ye must walk in obedience to his will, because he became the Author of eter∣nal Salvation unto all them that obey him, Heb. 5.9. 4. True Christian wisdom standeth in foreseeing impediments, stumbling-blocks, and snares in the way wherein ••e are to walk toward eternal life, Prov. 22.3. A prudent man foreseeth evil. 5. As the truly wise Christian foreseeth the danger, so he wisely preveeneth or removeth every impediment out of the way, that would hinder him to walk or run his race with patience, 1 Cor. 9.27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by

any means when I have preached to others, I my self should be a cast-away. Heb. 12.1. Let us lay aside every weight, &c. 6. The wise Chri∣stian walketh according to right reason in his worldly desires, and not according to passion and sensual appetite, which would be at the outmost point of his carnal desires; for passi∣ons, not guided and moderated by prudence and right reason, do run into extremity of sin∣ning, as is spoken of Israel, Jer. 3.5. Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things, as thou couldest. In so doing, men become foolish to the destruction of their own souls; like the Nightingale, delighting so much sometimes in her own singing, that she bursts. 7. The truly wise Christian walketh wisely towards them that are without the Church, and adversaries to the sacred truth, Col. 4.5. Walk wisely to∣ward them that are without. 1 Cor. 10.32. Giving none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God: because in so doing, thou hinders (so far as lyeth in thee) the great end, to wit, Gods glory in their conversion to the faith and truth professed by thy self: to this end, the Apostle giveth sound advice to all who live in an outward ci∣vil society with others, of a different perswasi∣on in the matter of Religion, 1 Tim. 6.1. Let as many servants, as are under the yoke, to wit, of unbelieving masters, count their own masters worthy of all honour; that the Name of God, and

his doctrine be not blasphemed. 1 Pet. 3.1, 2. Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conver∣sation of the wives: while they behold your chast conversation coupled with fear.

Worldly and contentious wisdom, is directly opposite to true Christian wisdom, as is evident from Jam. 3.15. This wisdom that hath with it bitter envying and strife, descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual and devilish. It is called earthly from the object of it, because it is imployed chiefly about things earthly: of such wisdom speaketh Jer. 4.22. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge: wise to oppress others, as Pharaoh, Exod. 1.10. Let us deal wisely, &c. wise by wicked counsels to destroy the innocent; such was the wisdom of Achithophel in his counsel against David. It is a sensual wisdom, to fulfill their own sinful lusts, in taking the opportunities to do evil; as the young man, taking the opportunity of the twilight to go about the work of darkness and uncleanness, Job 24.15. and the vile adulte∣resse, taking the opportunity of her husbands absence for her shameful and sensual ends, Pro. 7.19. It is the earthly wisdom of a covetous man, by his speeches to deceive and defraud the simple, Pro. 20.14. It is nought, it is nought, saith the buyer, &c. It is called a devilish wis∣dom, from the Author of it, the subtile old ser∣pent;

and it is rather craftiness and subtile de∣ceit, than true wisdom.

The true signs and vive characters of the true Christian wisdom, are, 1. These given by the Apostle Jam. 3.17. It is pure without mix∣ture of deceit; peaceable, without envy and ma∣lice; gentle, without desire of revenge; full of mercy and charity, without grudging to give unto them that are in distress; and full of good fruits, to wit, of piety, sobriety and righteousness. 2. Where true heavenly wisdom is, there will be teachableness, and willingness to hear a word of reproof when we do amiss, Pro. 1.5. A wise man will hear, &c. Pro. 9.8. Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee. David loved Nathan and Gud, the faithful Prophets, who reproved him in the Name of the Lord. 3. A truly wise Christian will endeavour by his good example, instruction and admonition, to win others to God, Prov 11.30. He that winneth souls, is wise; as a wise and faithful servant, by his good example of diligence, maketh other servants diligent and faithful in his Masters service. 4. True Christian wisdom, hath honest and harmless simplicity joyned with it, Mat. 10 16. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 5. The truly wise Christian, like the wise Merchant, preferreth Christ to all things; and like the wise builder, Mat. 7.24. he builds his comfort and confidence on Jesus Christ the rock of his salvation, as Paul did, Rom. 8.33,

34, 35. Gal. 6.14. God forbid that I should glo∣ry, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 6. The truly wise Christian, is an heavenly-minded man, having his affections set upon things above, Prov. 15.24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

The means and helps for attaining this hea∣venly wisdom, are, 1. Thou must be humble and denyed to thine own wisdom, 1 Cor. 3.18. Let him become a fool, that he may be wise. Thou must captivat all thy thoughts and imaginations to the wisdom and will of God, revealed in the holy Word, 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. 2. To this end, thou must be well acquainted with the holy Scripture, which only is able to make thee wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. 3.15. 3. Thou wouldst carefully observe the experiences thou has had of Gods mercies in time by-past; this will make thee wise and resolute in times of new difficulties, to depend on God and his help, Ps. 71.17, 18. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth, &c. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not: for, experience is the school-master of fools, to make them wise: thou wilt also observe the Lords chastisements upon thy self in the former time of thy de∣boarding, and thou wilt be more wise in time coming, Ps. 119.71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Statutes. Thou wilt observe the uncertainty and vicis∣situde

of all things worldly, and there-from learn to be humble and wise, not trusting, or insolently glorying in things uncertain: but thou shouldst be wise, and learn to glory in the Lord alone, with whom there is not a shadow of change: thou shouldst observe the judge∣ments of God on wicked men, and learn to be wise in forsaking their evil wayes, Act. 19.16, 17, 18, 19. When many that believed, saw the judgement of God upon the conjurers, they burnt their magical Books, and forsook their unlawful arts. So the unclean person, observ∣ing the judgement of God upon the harlot, brought to a morsel of bread, and upon the prodigal waster, cloathed with rags, and upon the proud man, as Haman, brought to open disgrace, this should make others wise to salva∣tion, in being chast, sober and humble. Cato said truly in alledging, wise men profited more by fools, than fools did by wise men; because wise men see the faults of fools, and avoid them; but fools will neither see their own faults, nor follow the example of wise men. 4. If thou would be truly wise, frequent the company of these who are wise, Pro. 13.20. He that walk∣eth with wise men, shall be wise: but a compa∣nion of fools, shall be destroyed. 5. As thou wouldst be wise, pray to God for wisdom, Jam. 1.5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Pro. 2.3, 5. If thou

liftest up thy voice for understanding, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord.

Redeeming the time: To redeem the time, doth sometimes signifie to gain time by delay∣ing and shifting of hard and difficult questions, which might bring the answerer into great dan∣ger; So, Dan. 2.8. the King said to the Chal∣deans, who could not tell him the interpreta∣tion of his dream, but desired that he would shew them first the dream, he said, I know of certainty, that ye will gain the time. To gain the time, is rendered by the seventy Interpre∣ters, in the same word that is used here: But we take the expression here to be borrowed from Travellers or Sojourners, who sleeping too long in the short winter day, do hastily rise and walk the faster, redeeming the time that was lost by sleep, and amend their pase all the rest of the day: or it may be borrowed from Mer∣chants, preferring the opportunity of a good Mercat, and of buying precious wares, even to the time of their ordinary refreshment, by eat∣ing and drinking, Prov. 23.23. Buy the truth, but sell it not; that is, with the hazard of any loss worldly, lay thou hold upon the occasions and opportunities of learning the sacred Truths of God, but upon no terms sell thou, or alienat the truth: or, the expression is borrowed from frugal men, who retrench their Retinue, Dyet and all Superfluities, that by so doing they may

redeem Houses or Lands, morgaged formerly through misgovernment or prodigality.

It is a chief point of Christian wisdom, to im∣prove the time well; for it is said here, Be wise, redeeming the time, as were, the wise Merchant, the wise Builder, and the wise Virgins, spoken of in holy Scripture, because time is precious, Pro. 25.11. A word fitly or timously spoken, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Esther spoke in time, in behalf of the Jews, and Jacob sought the blessing in time; and the wise Vir∣gins provided oyl in time: time past cannot be brought back again, like the running of water, that doth not return; and it is wisdom for tra∣vellers to take the opportunity of the tide be∣fore it be spent: as our time is spent here, so will it be with us in eternity: it will be evil with them for ever, who spent the time of their life in following their lusts and sinful pleasures, and did not redeem lost time, by repenting in time, Luk. 16.25. But Abraham said, Son, re∣member that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Gal. 6.7, 8. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap: for he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

There be three differences of time, as it is commonly taken; to wit, the time past, pre∣sent,

and to come: we should walk wisely in reference to all these differences of times.

1. When we look back to the time past, that hath been mis-spent in the vanities and follies of sin, we should be humbled as holy Job was, Job 13.26. Thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth: as holy David was, Psal. 25.7. Remem∣ber not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressi∣ons. Cato, though an Heathen, repented (as he said) that he had mis-spent one day in idle∣ness: but all of us may say as Psal. 90.9. Our years are spent as a tale that is told: we are like some careless hearers, who scarce know the subject and purpose of a tale, before it be near an end; so we know not the main end and pur∣pose of our life, which is to know God, and to glorifie him, when we have known him; and the life of many is near to an end, before they consider the great intendment of God in giving them life. We may say (as Eccles. 11.10.) Childhood and youth are vanity: mis-spent idle∣ly in doing little or no good, and oft-times in doing evil; and we may say (as 1 Pet. 4.3.) The time past may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, &c. When we remember this mis-spent time, we should mourn, and resolve by the grace of God, by amendment, to redeem lost time, and say and do as Job 34.32. That which I see not, teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. How

many opportunities of well-doing have we sloathed and neglected? As of thanksgiving to God for benefits received, like unthankful Is∣rael, Hos. 2.8. She did not know that I gave her corn, &c. Of prayer and calling upon the Name of God, as Israel in the time of oppressing one another, Psal. 53.4. Have the workers of iniqui∣ty no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread; they have not called upon God. How have we neglected the opportunities of hum∣bling our selves by fasting and prayer in a time of imminent or incumbent judgements? Yea, we have walked in revelling and riot, contrary to the Lords sad dispensations, Isai. 22.12, 14. We have neglected the opportunities of hear∣ing the good Word of God, Prov. 1.24, 25. We have refused the gracious invitations of the Gospel, like these men, who made light of the Kings invitation to the Marriage-feast, Mat. 22.5. We have abused the time of Gods pa∣tience, that should have led us to repentance, as it is said, Rev. 2.21. Not only have we been negligent, to lay hold upon the opportunities of well-doing; but also we have been forward and hasty to take the occasions of evil-doing: How many have been so malicious, that like the cruel old Priest Annas, they could not sleep till they had done evil? How many have taken op∣portunity, from the weakness of others, of their cruel revenge, as Simeon and Levi did? How many have taken occasion from the sim∣plicity

of some, or from the desolat condition of others, as of Widows and Orphans, to op∣press them, and by their ruines build up an estate to themselves? Such men should redeem the time by repentance and restitution in time, Prov. 23.10, 11. Remove not the old land-mark, &c. for their Redeemer is mighty. Job 20.19, 20. Because he hath oppressed, and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not: surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.

As for the present time, we should improve it to well-doing without delay; God, in holy Scriptures, urgeth the opportunity of the pre∣sent time, Joel 2.12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart. Psal. 95.7. To day if ye will hear his voice, &c. 2 Cor. 6.2. Now is the accepted time, &c. The husband-man takes opportunity of the season, for plowing and sowing; so should we of plow∣ing up and renting our hearts by repentance, and of sowing in righteousness: the sea-faring∣man, taketh the opportunity of a fair wind; so should we take the opportunity, when the Spirit of God breatheth upon us by the Word, without delay to depart from our sins, and to advance toward the Port of eternal Salvation: Because, 1. The neglect of the opportunity given us for well-doing, doth provoke God to withhold the like opportunity in time coming,

Joh. 7.34. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me. Esau came not in time to get the blessing; and he never got another opportunity for it. Jerusalem would not in time know those things that belonged to her peace, and therefore in time coming they were hid from her eyes, Luk. 19.42. Felix made not good use of the oppor∣tunity he had for hearing Paul preach; and he never got another convenient season, Act. 24.25. 2. Though thou may have afterward an oppor∣tunity of the outward Ordinances, yet through thy former neglect of them, thou provokes God to reject thy offerings, and outward duties; the Lord would not accept of the people of Israel their offer to come up the hill afterward, because they had neglected the former oppor∣tunity of Obedience, when he had commanded them to come up, Numb. 14.40, 41, 42. 3. The time is uncertain, in respect of the opportunity of the means of grace; for thou cannot tell how short a time the mercat and offer of free grace may endure: the Lord may send a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord, Amos 8.11, 12. The time of thy life is uncertain; how many have been well and in health the one Sabbath, but removed by death before the other? 4. Consider seriously, though the Lord may be found of thee on thy sick and death-bed, after the many slightings of opportunities in the dayes of thy health and prosperity; yet shall it be to thee with much pain and wrestling; as

the people of Israel, were put to the pains of fourty years abiding in the wilderness, which might have been saved by the timous pains of fourty days, Num. 14. As a man that neglects the opportunity of a fair and favourable wind for sailing, may possibly wait on a long time, before he have the like opportunity: Yea, though a man may repent truly and sincerely upon his death-bed; yet it is not without much fear and jealousie, that he hath not so much forsaken sin through any true spiritual aversness from it, as from a meer want of power to act sin in the bo∣dy, as he was wont formerly to do.

A wise Christian, should redeem and improve the time in order to time coming: he should make timous provision for the time to come, as Joseph in the time of plenty, laid up pro∣vision for the time coming of famine. There be four things especially we would make provi∣sion of, 1. Of the word of the holy command∣ment, and threatning against the time and hour of future temptations, Psal. 119.11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. And when we are tempted to this or that sin, we would make use of the commandment forbidding it, and of the threat∣ning against it: we would lay up provision of the Word, of gracious promises, against a time of temptation to doubts and fears of accep∣tance, as these promises, Is. 55.1. Mat. 11.28. Joh. 6.37. and against the fears of final Apostasie;

we would lay up provision from the word of promise, Joh. 4.14. Joh. 10.28. We would lay up provision of gracious promises against temptations in an hour of da••kness and deser∣tion, as that, Heb. 13.5. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Isa. 49.15. Can a wo∣man forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. Psal. 89 31, 32.33. If they break my statutes, &c. Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes: nevertheless, my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. And lay up the word of admonition against a time of sense∣less security, 1 Cor. 10.12. Let him that think∣eth he standeth, take heed lest he fall. Lay up that word, Phil. 2.12. Work out your own sal∣vation in fear and trembling, and that of, 1 Joh. 5 18. He that is born of God, keepeth himself. 2. Make provision of good works, though not as a ground of confidence, yet as a matter of comfort for time coming, Luk. 12.35. Provide for your selves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not. 1 Tim. 6.18, 19. Charge them that are rich, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distri∣bute willing to communicate: laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. For, although good works do not make way,

and usher us into glory, (for Christ the Forerun∣ner, only doth that by the merit of his death, Heb. 6.20.) Yet they are attendants, accompa∣nying persons justified, even unto eternal life, Rev. 14.13. Blest are the dead, which die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them. 3. Lay up provision of thy observations of Gods sad dispensations upon men going on obstinatly in their sins, Job 9 4. Who hath hardned himself against him, and pro∣spered? as on Pharaoh, Senacherib, Antiochus Epiphanes, Herod the great, and Julian the Apostat. Lay up this observation as provision against temptations to walk on in any course of rebellion against the known will of God: Hezekiah advised the people of Israel well, from the sad experience of great desolation, brought upon their Ancestors by their great sins, 2 Chron. 30.8. Now, be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were; but yeeld your selves unto the Lord, and serve the Lord your God, &c. Lay up provision of thy own personal experience of sad afflictions upon thy self in a time of thy former strayings from God; and of the good such afflictions did to thee, in stopping thy course of defection, Psal. 119.67. Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word. And in a time of renewed afflictions, be patient, and submit to God, who chastiseth his own children, to this end especially, that

he may make them partakers of his holiness, Heb. 12.10. In time of great affliction, lay up provision from thy experience of his strength supporting thee, and of his wisdom and power in delivering thee, that in time coming thy heart may be established by confidence and de∣pendence on him in new troubles, Psal. 42.6. O my God, my soul is cast down within me; there∣fore will I remember thee from the land of Jor∣dan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 2 Cor. 1.9, 10. But we had the sentence of death in our selves, that we should not trust in our sel∣ves, but in God which raiseth the dead: who de∣livered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us. 4. Lay up provision of self-denial and resoluti∣on for evil times of persecution to come, Mat. 16.24. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, &c. And he must be reso∣lute as Paul, Act. 21.13. I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus.

From this Doctrine of Redeeming the time, three sorts of persons are justly to be reproved, 1. Slothful Idlers, who redeem not the time, but from day to day, delay to put heart and hand to the work of their own salvation, like the sluggard, Prov. 6.10. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber. Such men are like to spend-thrifts, who neglect the appointed time for redeem∣ing their morgaged lands; and afterward when they would, they have not the opportu∣nity,

Luk. 13.24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to en∣ter in, and shall not be able. 2. Such as trifle away their time as the Athenians did, Act. 17.21. As these tatling widows did, 1 Tim. 5.17. and as these busie bodies, 2 Thess. 3.11. Such also who spend more time in their exces∣sive recreations and gamings, than in their ne∣cessary and lawful employments: especially such, who spend much of their time in dycing and carding. Such, of old, were severely fin∣ed by the laws, both of Heathen and Christian Emperours; and by the Canons of the Coun∣cil of Eliberis, were suspended from the holy Sacrament, as witnesseth the learned Ductor dubitantium: such prodigal triflers of precious time, are like to some foolish persons, who spend upon conceits and fancies the moneys that should have been imployed to redeem their morgages: so these men play away their time, which should be employed to redeem their former time, that was ingaged to their former foolish courses. 3. The debauched wasters of time in the works of darkness, as uncleanness, drunkenness, oppression, covetousness, pride, malice, &c. Such men redeem not the time, but prodigally cast it away: they are like unto profuse wasters, who do not redeem the wod∣sett, but take on more debt, and in end bring themselves to sinful, shameful and desperat poverty: So these prodigal wasters and de∣bauchers of their time, bring themselves in

end to an everlasting want of all comfort, as the rich glutton did, Luk. 16.23, 24.

Therefore, let all sorts and conditions of men, take with the warning to improve their time to the glory of God, and to the advan∣tage of their own salvation. 1. Such as are in their adolescency and growing age, they would improve their young years to the glorifying of their Creator, Eccles. 12.1. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Offer the first fruits of your age unto God, that your after∣age may be sanctified and blessed of the Lord: if the first-fruits be holy, the whole lump of your time and age will be holy, Rom. 11.16. Plato to this purpose speaketh indeed like a divine Philosoph, in his first book of his Repub.

Young age, saith he, p••st over in vertue, and in honest imployments, is a comfortable nurse to entertain and cherish their old age: but he that wasteth and debaucheth his young years, when he comes to old age, the remembrance of his former miscarriages in the time of his youth, doth greatly afright him: as infants awaked out of their sleep, by loud noises, are greatly terrified and afrighted.

In like manner, those men that sleeped sometimes securely in the sins of their youth, shall be awaked in their old age with the terrours of an accusing con∣science, and afrighted with the dreadful found of death and judgement, and shall not have rest to their souls, until they repent of the sins of

their youth, and by ••aith rest on the Lord Je∣sus Christ, whose blood cleanseth from all un∣righteousness. 2. Such as are in their prime, and meridian of their time, who are now in their full strength of body and mind, Improve your time well; honour God, with the strength of thy body: give not thy strength and the flower of thy time to uncleanness and drunken∣ness, like these cursed men, Isa. 5.22. Wo unto them that are mighty to drink wine: by so doing they weaken the spirit, and consume the body: they turn the good gifts of God unto rebelli∣on against himself, as if a souldier should employ his levy-mony to buy armes, wherewith he might fight against his King who gave it. Reu∣ben, the beginning of Jacobs strength, abused his own time and strength; therefore his dignity and excellency was taken from him: but Joseph improved well his youth and strength of body; therefore God blessed him, and his bow abode in strength, in despight of all that shot at him. Now is the time wherein your senses and judge∣ment are ripe and quick; use your time and judgement well, that ye may have comfort in old age, when senses and judgement will fail, as they did in old Barzillay: but if your quick∣ness be set on edge upon vain inventions, ye will be forced in your old age to say, as Rom. 6.21. What pleasure have we, or fruits, in those things, whereof we are now ashamed. 3. And such who are in their decrept old age, stouping

toward the earth and the grave, let them not imploy their short time and their affections wholly upon the things of the earth, when by the course of nature, they are near to be re∣moved from it: Let them not be busie in the things of the world, and careless of the work of their own salvation; I say to them, as the Lord of the Vineyard said to those, Matth. 20. Why stand ye all day idle? ye are come to your ele∣venth hour, your time is near run, the night of death is near hand, wherein no man can work: therefore, before that night surprize you, delay not to enter unto the work of sancti∣fication, which is begun salvation, and work it out in fear and trembling, that at death ye may rejoyce, and say with Paul, (2 Tim. 4.7, 8.) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, &c. Let them with old Simeon, frequent the temple, and make conscience of the holy ordinances both publick and privat, in them waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ, who will come to old expectants, as he did to old Simeon; and will put himself into the armes of their faith, that they may say at death, Mine eyes have seen thy salvation; now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.

The reason brought by the Apostle, to press the whole complex duty, is, walking circum∣spectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the

time, is set down in these words, because the dayes are evil: no day or time is intrinsecally evil, but good, being created of God together with the creatures, as the measure of the en∣durance of things created by God, which were all good in the beginning: but as man, by the abuse of his own free-will, made himself evil, Eccles. 7.29. So he himself maketh his time and dayes evil, which are the measure of his evil actions.

The holy Scripture speaks of good dayes and happy times, such as was the day of the birth of our blessed Lord, Luk. 2.10, 11. such as is the time of the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles, 2 Cor. 6.2. such as will be to the godly, the day of our Lords second coming, which is called the day of refreshment, of re∣storing all things, Act. 3.19.21. and the day of full redemption, Eph. 4.30. The Scripture speaketh also of evil dayes, wherein sin and ini∣quity doth abound; such were the dayes where∣in Noah and Lot lived; such were the dayes wherein Isaiah lived, when he complains of the decay of truth, of common honesty, and of the abounding of violence, Is. 59.15. Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil, maketh himself a prey. Such were the times wherein Jeremiah lived, who complained heavily of them, Jer. 9.2. O that I had in the wilderness a lodging-place of way-faring men, that I might leave my people, and go from them; for they be

all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men, full of falshood and dissimulation, &c. Such were the times whereof Peter foretold, 2 Pet. 3. There shall come in the last dayes, scoffers walking after their own lusts: Men blasphemous and pro∣fane, mocking at the promises of God, and at the saith of the godly for trusting to these pro∣mises. Evil dayes also are the dayes of sad and grievous calamities, Gen. 47.9. Jacob said unto Pharaoh, few and evil have the dayes of the years of my life been. Such were the dayes of Jerusalem in their first destruction by the Babylonians, and in their second destruction by the Romans.

In such evil dayes, we should walk circum∣spectly; for, the Apostle urgeth this duty from this reason, because the dayes are evil. Con∣sider, 1. God observeth the godly in their walking at such a time especially, wherein sin and iniquity doth abound; he observed the uprightness of Noah, in the midst of a crooked generation; and the righteousness of Lot, whose soul was vexed with the unclean conversation of that evil time; he observed these few in the Church of Sardis, who had not defiled their garments with the pollutions of that evil time wherein they lived, Rev. 3.4. 2 Evil dayes are critick dayes, wherein we may discern and judge of the good or bad dispositions of men living in such times; evil times are searching and trying times of the saith of the godly, not∣withstanding

the prosperity of the wicked; thus the Prophets saith was tryed, Ps. 73.28. But it is good for me to draw near to God. Such times are trying times of the patience of the godly, Heb. 10.36. Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. In such evil times, the stedfastness of the godly is tryed, when many that were fair professors in a time of prosperi∣ty, do make defection from the way of truth and righteousness, as Joh. 6.68. when many that were sometimes disciples by profession, went back and walked no more with Christ, then the stedfastness of Peter and of such as were dis∣ciples indeed, was tryed and manifested: Peter said, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 3. Evil times, wherein sin and iniquity abounds, are perilous times, 2 Tim. 3.1. This know also, that in the last dayes, perilous times shall come. They are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, times full of difficulty for the godly, to pre∣serve themselves from the contagion, or from the violence of such times, if they will not run to the same excess of riot with the wicked.

Preservatives against evil times are, 1. Sound information from the Word of God, that by the light thereof, we may discover and shun the wayes of an evil time, Ps. 17.4. Concern∣ing the works of men, by the word of thy lips, I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Ps. 119.104. By thy precepts I get understand∣ing:

therefore I hate every false way. 2. Give not consent to the beginnings of any evil course, Prov. 1.10. My son, if sinners entice thee, con∣sent thou not. Because consent at first, may just∣ly provoke God in his justice to leave thee to thy own counsel, and then thou mayest prove an active promoter, and violent driver on of the course of iniquity: Paul at first gave con∣sent to the stoning of Stephen, and afterward made cruel havock of the Christian Church. The course of iniquity is called a backsliding, Hos. 4.16. Israel slideth back as a back-sliding hiefer. And if once thou begin to slide, thou cannot tell how far thine own corruption, and the evil counsel and example of wicked men may carry thee, as it did sometimes the people of Jerusalem, Jer. 8.5. Why then is this peo∣ple of Jerusalem slidden back, by a perpetual back-sliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. At first men are deceived by their own hearts, and thereafter to excuse and strengthen themselves in their own sinful wayes, they de∣ceive and corrupt others by evil counsel and example: for no man at first comes to the hight of iniquity, according to the saying, nemo re∣pente fit pessimus: but they grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived, 2 Tim. 3.13 3. In a time wherein piety and righteousness is mocked by profane and licentious men, speak∣ing all manner of evil against the godly and upright, who will not run with them to the

same excesse of riot, 1 Pet. 4.4. labour thou the more to preserve thy self from pusilani∣mity, and base fear of their revilings against any complying with their sinful wayes, Ps. 119.51. The proud have had me greatly in de∣rision, yet have I not declined from thy Law. 4. In evil times, when a man is made an offend∣er for a rash and inconsiderat word, Isa. 29.21. then preserve thy self by silence, except thou have a call from God to speak, Psal. 39 1. I said I will take heed to my wayes, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. Amos 5.13. Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time, for it is an evil time. And pray of∣ten to God to set a watch before thy mouth, not to suffer thy heart to comply with the workers of iniquity; and that the Lord would preserve thee from being taken with their worldly baits and allurements, Psal. 141.3, 4. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, keep the door of my lips; encline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dain∣ties. 5. In evil times of wrath and imminent judgement, by reason of impiety and iniquity abounding in the land, draw near to God by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, Zeph. 2.1, 2. Gather your selves together; yea, gather together, O nation not desired: before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, be∣fore

the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lords anger come upon you. Be humble, and tremble in time at the threat∣ning of wrath, that ye may have rest in your souls in the day when the cup is poured forth, Hab. 3.16. When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entred into my bones, and I trembled in my self, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. They who tremble not in the time of a threatned judgement, yet when the judge∣ment is poured forth, even these who were stout-hearted sinners, in the day of wrath pour∣ed forth, they become like Pashur, Magor-mis∣sabib, fear round about: When thou hast re∣pented of thy sins, which together with the sins of others, have provoked the Lord to great wrath, then flee by faith in to the mercy of God manifested in Jesus Christ, who is the only Ark of Propitiation, Heb. 11.7. Noah being warned of God, of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his soul. When the evil day of wrath is come, and the judgement is incumbent, then humble your selves under the mighty hand of God, 2 Chron. 7.14. If my people which are called by my Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked wayes; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 30.8.

Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yeeld your selves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanct••fied for ever; and serve the Lord your God, that the fierce∣ness of his wrath may turn away from you. Thus Rehoboam and the Princes, did humble them∣selves; and the Lord gave them some delive∣rance, 2 Chron. 12.6, 7. 6. That thou may not faint in evil times, wherein sin, persecuti∣on and misery do abound, guard thy heart with the hope of that eternal rest, when thou shalt rest from all thy labours, 2 Cor. 4.16, 17, 18. For which cause, we faint not, &c. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. Heb. 10.34. Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your selves, that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Which is purchased to us by the merits of the sufferings of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be everlasting praise, honour and glory, for now and ever. Amen.