A gospel-church, or, God's holy temple opened wherein is shewed from the scriptures ... / by Stephen Ford ...

CHAP. XI.

Shewing how Church-members ought to walk, and what Sins and Temptations they are obnoxious to in their Church-state; with Rules and cau∣tions against them; Arguments and motives to perswade to practice the one, and avoid the o∣ther.

Quest. HOw ought Believers to walk in Church-fellowship?

Answ. I have shewed already what their du∣ties are, and how they should carry themselves towards their Officers, and towards one another in a Church-state, and therefore shall not men∣tion them here: but shall answer the questi∣on in these following particulars.

First, Church-members must walk exemplarily:

they should be like so many Stars in the Firma∣ment of the Church. They of all persons in the world ought to be burning and shining lights. Their graces, gifts, words, deeds, and carriages should shine so clear and bright, so gloriously and conspicuously, as that they should have the force and prevalency of Laws on the minds of beholders, so as that they may safely & securely imitate & follow them. The Churches of Christ in the world, are as so many Sea-marks, Pilots, & Guides, to Men; they live more in the glory of Heaven (as the Church is called in Rev. 13.6.) & in the beams of the glorious Son of Righteousness than others do, and therefore they should give better and clearer light, than others can.

They are much more eyed, minded, and ob∣served than others are, and men expect, and look for more good in, and choice fruits from them, than they do from other men: They do, or may converse more with Christ, and Christ with them, than other men do, and they are par∣takers of greater things from him than other men are; and therefore they must be a singular People in all manner of holy Conversation and Godliness. Church-members are highly digni∣fied, and greatly priviledged; their holy Pro∣fession gives out, & bespeaks them to be a pecu∣liar Treasure unto God; and therefore they must declare before all men, that they are such indeed, and not in pretence only. Their frames of heart, words, deeds, and deportments, must speak for them, & manifest them to be the same in Truth which they pretend to be. Church-mem∣bers words, works, and carriages, must praise them in the Gate.

1. They should be shining lights in Humility

and Meekness, Col. 3.12. Put on therefore as the Elect of God, humbleness of mind, meekness, 1 Pet. 5.5. and be Cloathed with Humility, Phil. 2.3. But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other bet∣ter than themselves, Matth. 11.29. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. Church-mem∣bers must not be high, proud, and lofty; they may not think highly of themselves, Rom. 12.3. nor cloath and deck themselves as others do; They may not carry themselves strangely or dis∣dainfully towards men; but be meek and hum∣ble towards their Brethren, and all men in their Apparel, Words, Deeds, and Carriages; for if this part of Christ's Image do not appear in some good measure on them, they cannot have any at all. A meek spirit, carriage, and deportment is one of their Ornaments, It is in the sight of God of great price, 1 Pet. 3.

2. They must shine in Zeal & Fervency of spi∣rit; this holy fire should burn among them. They must not be of dull, stupid, heavy, and lumpish spirits; worship God, appear before him, and hold Communion one with another, indifferently, coldly, dully, regardlesly and hea∣vily, as if they were rather driven to their work and duty against their wills, than with their choyce, love, and desire; but they must be fer∣vent in spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. 12.11. for which some of the Corinthians were com∣mended, 2 Cor. 7.11 and Phinchas, Numb. 25.11.13. and David, Psal. 69.9. To this they are redeemed, and for it they are purchased, Tit. 2.14. not only to do good works, but to be Zealous in and for them. The Lord Jesus charges his Churches to be Zealous Churches, Rev. 3.19. in imitation of himself, whose Zeal

to God did eat him up, Joh. 2.17. Much holy Zeal governed and guided by much spiritual Wisdom makes a man an excellent, shining, useful, acceptable, and desirable man indeed. This should be another of the Churches beauties and comely Ornaments, wherewith they should still be cloathed, decked, and adorned in this world. If this Diamond do not shine; if they are not adorned with this rare Jewel; what are they worth? and what are they good for? They will be like fire without heat and light, as to their duty, work, and usefulness: They will be like Drones, or like Bees without stings, name∣ly, of no considerable use in the world. All, that they do for God, Men, and their own Souls, will be of little or no esteem and account.

3. They must shine in Love and Charity too. Love is the bond of perfectness, Col. 3.14. the liga∣ment and sinew, the cord and instrument that tyes us fast to God, and to one another. See that ye love one another with pure hearts, fervently, 1 Pet. 122. and let Love be without dissimulation, Rom. 12.9. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and strength, Matth. 22.37. The internal motive, or moving cause of all obe∣dience and service to God, must be love to him and our duty. Joh. 14.15. 1 Joh. 5.3. It is true that men cannot certainly discern this Love to God in one another, but God and our own Consciences may, and must: Churches of Christ must be Churches of Love; they should be acted and animated, drawn and constrained to every good work by Love, 2 Cor. 5.14. All the ways and workings of Jesus Christ to us, all that he doth to, or for us, is Love. Doth he in∣struct

us? or doth he correct us? it is all in, and from love. Love to us is the bottom, spring, and cause of all his dispensations towards us. His anger is provoked Love. Love should knit our hearts fast to our God and Head, to our du∣ties and services, and to one another in Church-fellowship. But of this already else-where.

4. Churches must shine in that great work and duty of Self-denyal, when need requires. He that will be my Disciple (saith Christ) must deny him∣self, Mark. 8.34. Matth. 16.24. Luk. 9.26. They should be eminent and singular in Self-de∣nyal, or in denying themselves of many things for Christ, for their Brethren, and for their own souls sakes. Their Lord Jesus is the great co∣py, pattern, and examplar of Self-denyal, and that for them, to serve them, and promote their happiness, Phil. 2.5, 6, 7, 8. Acts 20.28. and without this we cannot be his Disciples. If we will not deny our selves for him and his people, he will not own us for his true Friends and Sub∣jects. Churches must deny themselves of (1.) Their worldly Businesses and Interests, that they may wait on God, and celebrate his Ordi∣nances of divine worship together. They must not be in their Shops, in the Fields, or about their worldly Businesses and Recreations, when the Church meets to worship God. They may not, must not be about, and doing other things, when providence calls them to worship God: Neither may they stay at home to get the world, and serve themselves, when they should be in the Ordinances of God with their Brethren, serving God, and enriching their souls with his Spirit, Grace, and Truth. But then God calls

them to Self-denyal. (2.) They must deny themselves to reprove and admonish Offenders, and adventure on their displeasure in doing it. There are many difficulties in the way of this work within and without, and it will require Self-denyal to do it as we ought. Our hearts are averse to it, our worldly interests are against it; for we may lose a Friend as often as we do it to purpose. (3.) They must somtimes deny themselves to help and relieve their poor Bre∣thren, Eph. 4.28. The Rich to talk and hold friendly, and intimate converse and communion with their Inferiors in gifts and worldly things▪ Rom. 12.16. and others to supply the wants of the Poor and Needy, which they are bound to provide for. (4.) They must deny themselves of the Garbs and Fashions of the times and places wherein they live, when they may prove stum∣bling blocks unto the weak, Rom. 14.1. Cor. 8. They must not please themselves only, but their Brethren, (with the denyal of themselves) for their good to edification, Rom. 15.1, 2, 3. They must somtimes deny themselves of their own li∣berty, lest the use of it prove a snare to others. (5.) They must deny themselves somtimes of living up to the height and top of their Estates, especially when they have risen up from a low mean condition, to a high and rich condition; for their doing so is usually very offensive. (6.) They must somtimes deny their own na∣tural tempers and dispositions also. There are some persons very much disposed to talk much in Company; they will have most, if not all the talk; they must (as they think) talk, and others must hear them; because they have a greater

volubility, and fancy that they can express them∣selves better, and talk to better purpose than o∣thers can. But in this they ought to deny them∣selves, and to be (as James speaks, chap. 1. v. 19.) swift to hear, and slow to speak, especially young Men and young Converts. 2. Women, especially with and before men. 3. Inferiors with and before their Superiors; for their much speaking to and before them, gives great offence. And here let me caution Wives to take heed and be∣ware of that too much practised evil, namely, their too liberal and shameful talking before, or in the presence of their Husbands: For although they think they do thereby lay open their Wis∣dom, yet their Auditors are satisfied, that they do too imperiously lay open their shame; and the like do other inferiors towards their Superi∣ors. So there are some Church-members who are naturally addicted to much Jesting, and take much pleasure therein: But they are called to, and commanded self-denyal in this also, Eph. 4.29. Eph. 5.4. Col. 4.6. They ought to be very sober and serious, and to curb and restrain their natural bent, inclination and disposition in this & other matters. (7.) They must deny themselves somtimes of their own just rights and dues, to avoyd scandal and reproach to the Gos∣pel, Jew, Gentile, and Church of God, 1 Cor. 10.32. They must not be too severe on such as do them wrong, either by detaining from them their dues of money, or other things, especially if they be poor, or much decayed in their E∣states, Matth. 5.39, 40, 41. They must suffer wrong somtimes, yea, and that in many things, rather than strive, contend, or dispute; they

must put up Injuries, and sit down with loss for the preventing of greater evils, to shew the ex∣cellency of their spirits, and manifest before all men, what their special grace can do.

5. Churches must shine in Patience and Con∣tentation; they must learn in every state, there∣with to be content, Phil. 4.11. and run their race with patience, Heb. 12.1. Church-members may not shew a murmuring disquiet spirit, or a contentious quarrelling spirit any way, under a∣ny providence whatsoever, Phil 2.14. but take all things well that God doth, either by his own, or the Creatures hands; thus did Job, Eli, Aaron, David, Paul, for which they are re∣nowned. Let your Conversation be without Cove∣tousness, and be content with such things as you have, Heb. 13.5. and with patience possess ye your souls; a meek and a quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price, 1 Pet. 3. An impatient, dis∣contented, murmuring, quarrelsome spirit, is ve∣ry hateful and abominable to God and Men. They are great scandals to men, and make the guilty persons lothsome and undesirable. Cer∣tainly this should be another of the Churches Ornaments and Jewels, wherewith they should be clothed, and wherein they should shine in the world, and adorn their holy profession.

6. Church-members should shine in Peace and Concord; they must be Peace-makers, not Peace-breakers, where, and with whom they live and converse. They must not be Brawlers, or sowers of discord, but be lovers of Peace, and follo∣wers of Peace, and that with all men: Stirs and strifes are most pernitious and hateful evils a∣mong Church-members; they are the Devils

Seeds-men, and his Servants, to sow his Seed for him, Prov. 6.16, 19. Peace-breakers are common Plagues, and very scandalous and of∣fensive to all sorts of men. Oh! how often doth the God of Peace, and Prince of Peace command and charge us to do the things that make for peace, to follow peace with all men, to be at peace among themselves, and as much as in them is, to live peaceably with all men? They must be men of peaceable spirits, carriages, words, and deeds, that they may be blessed, Matth. 5.9. and because God hath so commanded, 2 Cor. 13.11. Rom. 14.19. Heb. 12.14. 1 Thes. 5.13. Rom. 12.18. I have mentioned this before a∣mong the duties of Church-members to one a∣nother. But now I have a further aim, namely, to shew what spirits and practices should be found in Church-members towards all men, but especially towards their Fellow-members and their Relations with whom they live.

7. Church-members must shine in Ʋsefulness to men, or in Fruit-bearing. They should all of them bear Twins, and there ought not to be a barren Member among them, Cant. 4.2. They are not set in this world as reasonable Creatures, and maintained in it, to live unto themselves; much less are they Created again in Christ Jesus, called to, and set in a Church-state, enriched and dignified with all the priviledges and advanta∣ges thereof, to live for, and unto themselves. No, but they are united to Christ, and one to a∣nother in a Church-relation, that they might live to God, and be useful to men, 2 Cor. 5.15. Gal. 6.10. Do good to all men, especially to the Houshold of Faith. Barren Church-members

are Incumbrances in the world, and are dead while they live; they live undesired, and dye unlamented; they are like withered Trees in an Orchard, good for nothing, but to be out down, and cast into the fire, Joh. 15.6. Heb. 6.7, 8. They must follow every good work, 1 Tim. 5.10. in the Churches, Families, and places where they live, They must not s••ck their own things, but every one anothers wealth, 1 Cor. 10.24. Phil. 2.4. Theya re indispensibly bound to promote the welfare, holiness, and happiness of their Chur∣ches, Families, Relations, and all other Persons so far as they can, and that zealously, diligent∣ly, faithfully, and constantly. They are Crea∣ted in Christ Jesus unto good works, Eph. 2.10, and they are set in the Church for the same.

8. Churches should shine in, and with cour∣teous and affable spirits, words, and carriages too. For they should be like their Head, and Hus∣band in this excellency also. Church-members must not be of harsh, sowre, crabbed, & churlish spirits and behavior towards men, for that will render them odious and contemptible; but they must imitate and conform to the Lord Jesus in a holy sweetness, kindness, courteousness, and af∣fability towards Saints and Sinners, that they may adorn the Gospel of Christ in all things, Tit. 2.10. 1 Pet. 3.8. A kind, courteous, and affable car∣riage and behaviour is a very comely and beau∣tiful Garment for all such to wear about them; for it commends their Persons and Religion un∣to men, and makes them exceeding lovely, de∣sirable and acceptable in all Societies; as also the good ways of God which they do profess to love, and in which they walk.

9. They should shine with sympathizing and forgiving spirits and practices. Their fallen Bre∣thren, or Neighbours, who have sinned by wreng∣ing them, may stand in need of their Pitty, Par∣don, and Sympathy; and then they should vouch∣safe it to them, and not be rash and severe unto them. They must not lay on another load on their backs, & pursue them with rash Censures, shews of Cruelty and Vengeance in words or deeds, in wrath and displeasure; but pitty them, pray for them, and give them the hand to raise them up again, and bring them to Conviction and Repentance, until they appear obstinate and stubborn in their sin. The Servant that took his fellow Servant by the throat, saying unto him, pay me my dues, is branded for a wicked man, Math. 18.28.35. It is such a kind of cruelty as God abhors, and all holy men hate, and the world are stumbled at. Persons, as soon as they sin against us, or any way wrong us, are not presently to be the objects of our Contempt and Cruelty, or of our Wrath & Fury; no, but they ought to be the objects of our Pitty and Com∣passion, of our Sympathy and Assistance; and when they do seriously repent of any wrong they have done us, although they cannot make any o∣ther restitution or satisfaction, we ought to for∣give them, help, and comfort them, Eph. 4. ult. Col. 3.13. Math. 18 ult. 2 Cor. 2.7.10.

10. Churches should shine in their orderly and dutiful Walkings in the Churches, as also in the Families where they live, and in, and towards their several Relations. Next to that mysteri∣ous and glorious Union and Relation, that is be∣tween the Lord Jesus and his people, that

which is between his People in Church-fellow∣ship and Relation, is the nearest and greatest; because (1.) It is a spiritual Relation and Uni∣on. 2. Because it is a Union and Relation on Christs account, and with respect to him as their Head and King. 3. Because it is an everlasting Union and Relation. Therefore in this Com∣munion and Relation we should be most precise and exact in our walkings, and performing all the duties of it. They must keep their places in the Church, and constantly attend unto all the duties therein. They should never neglect their Church-meetings, excepting in extraordinary cases, but be present at the Celebration of all di∣vine Worship & observation of all the Ordinan∣ces of Christ in the Church, and demean them∣selves before God and Men as becomes the Gospel of Christ. They must endeavour so to walk in the Church, in their Families, among, and to∣wards their Relations, as that they may be blameless, giving no offence, Phil. 2.15, 16. Col. 2.5. 2 Cor. 6.3.

11. Church-members must shine in Diligence and Faithfulness. Slothfulness & Unfaithfulness are scandalous sins; but Diligence and Faithful∣ness in our trusts and businesses, are Ornaments to our persons and professions, and to the Gospel and Holy Name of Christ, which we do profess to love and believe. Church members are eyed and much observed, and therefore they had need walk circumspectly, Eph. 5.15. and beg of God to lead them in plain paths, (as David did) because of their Enemies; as (or 'tis in the Mar∣gin) those which observe me, Psal. 27.11. They should be diligent in their work and business,

and what their hands find to do, to do it with all their might, Eccle. 9.10. 2 Pet. 3.14. Heb. 6.12. And as they should be diligent, so like∣wise faithful and trusty to all that are concerned with them, so as to answer every ones reasona∣ble expectation from them; they must be faith∣ful and true to one another in buying and sell∣ing, in borrowing and lending, in work and busi∣ness, and in counsel and friendship. Whatever Trusts they commit to one another, or is by any committed to them, they are indispensibly bound to be as faithful and true to such as to themselves. They must render to all their Dues, Rom. 13.7, 8. and not in any thing purloyn, Tit. 2.10. Are they Buyers or Sellers, Lenders or Borrowers, or such as are intrusted by any men in any thing? they must be faithful to their Trusts, or they will reproach the Lord Jesus, scandalize men, and greatly dishonour their Profession. These are some of the many good things, wherein they should be as so many burn∣ing and shining Lights in the world, and in the Churches.

Secondly: They must design, aim at, and pro∣secute all the ends of God in appointing such a state and condition for them, their cleaving to, joyning with, and walking therein. God and they must joyn Issues and carry on the same ends and inte∣rests. I have shewed you what ends persons should have in their eye, in joyning themselves to the Churches of Christ; or in walking in Church-fellowship; and now I say, that in this State they must practically pursue them, and that with all possible diligence, seriousness, and faithfulness. The Honour and Glory of God

the Father, and Jesus Christ their Head and King, the happiness and salvation of their own souls, are the two, or rather (as free grace hath laid it) the one great end of their so doing; for these ends are no more two, but one, and so to be believed and respected by us. This Ge∣neral includes many particular and subordinate ends, which in pursuance and obtaining of the General, we must have in our eyes and hearts in our walking in this state and relation. I shall not mention them here, but refer you to the next foregoing Chapter, where you may find several of them. Onely I shall add, that you must sin∣cerely and unfainedly keep these and all other, Gods holy Ends, in your eyes and hearts, and pursue them with all your might, until you have obtained them to the highest degree you may. You must hold Communion together for these ends, and you must discourse one with a∣nother, hear the Word Preached, Pray, Sing, and receive the Lords Supper together for these ends. You must wrestle with God in secret, quicken, and provoke one another, and prepare your hearts that you may so enjoy Ordinances, and worship God together, as to obtain them in the House of God,

Thirdly: Church-members must walk humbly with God, Micah 6.8. They must have a watch∣ful eye against Heart-pride, and being great in their own eyes, because of their greatr Pivi∣ledges & high Dignities, their nearness to God, and the distinguishing Character that is upon them. All your glorying must be in God, not in your selves or Priviledges, 1 Cor. 1. ult. for all you have is but lent you. A humble heart, and

lowly spirit, is a Jewel of great account in Hea∣ven. To such a person God looks with delight and complacency, Isa. 66.2. To him he gives more grace, and fills his soul with good things, 1 Pet. 5.5. Luk. 1.53. The meek and humble-hearted he will teach, Psal. 25.9. The lower any are in their own eyes, the higher is God there: The more humble-hearted any man is, the more ex∣cellent and glorious he is; the more like the most renowned Worthies in Scripture; yea, the more like Christ himself, Matth. 11.29. The more humble and lowly any man is, the more capable he is of Communion with God, and of being enriched with his Grace and Truth. If you indulge the Pride of your hearts, or counte∣nance Self-conceitedness in your selves, you will grieve the holy Spirit, and cause him to for∣sake you. For as a humble heart gives God his due, so a proud heart robs him of it, and takes it. to himself. A humble heart is a growing, thriving, and profiting heart; it will make hap∣py earnings of all Gods Dispensations. He that is of a meek and humble spirit, is a gainer by all Providences, & is bettered by all Occurrences: He gains by the Rod, and also by the Word; he gains by Losses, Crosses, Tryals, Temptati∣ons, Poverty, Reproaches; so likewise by Pro∣sperity, Honour, Riches, and all other smiling Providences. If he loose without, he gains with∣in; therefore you ought to put on, as the Elect of God, holy and beloved, humbleness of mind towards God, 1 Col. 3.12. as well as humble carriages towards men, (as you heard before). For God loves to keep company with humble per∣sons.

Fourthly: Live by Faith on your God and Fa∣ther, on your Head and King; and expect (in the way of your duty and obedience to his Com∣mands) all the fulness of Christ, and blessings of the Covenant. Do not give place to distrusts, doubts, and fears, or imagine that God will for∣get you, or deny you that which he hath pro∣mised, because of your personal unworthiness. Consider, that he hath called you into fellow∣ship, and formed you into holy Corporations, put you under his Ordinances, and made you his Housholds, brought you into Order, and set you near unto himself, that he might visit you and walk with you, that he might impart his Coun∣sels to you, distribute his Covenant-favours to your souls, perform his Promises, and fill you with all the fulness of himself: Therefore do you hang about him, and cleave to him, for he is faithful that hath promised, Heb. 10.23. and is able to perform all his Promises, Rom. 4.21. yea, and he is most freely willing to do it also, Micah 7. ult. Remember that God hath not brought you into his House to famish you, or deal se∣verely with you: No, but to nourish and feed you, to strengthen and sanctifie you, to comfort and refresh you, to teach you, build you up, care for you, and prepare you for eternal life. God is ever mindful of his Covenant; therefore do you remember to make him your stay and trust, live upon him, and expect all promised good from him; He would have you do so, he hath commanded it, and therefore do it in obe∣dience to his will, Psal. 37.3.5.7. Rom. 1.17. Heb. 11.38. 1 Pet. 5.7. His hand and heart will be open to you, and from his Fountain of

Love & Graces shall flow Rivers of living waters into your souls, Zach. 13.1. He will always care for, and watch over you for good; he will wa∣ter you every moment; he will keep you night and day, Isa. 27. 3. Oh! then trust in him at all times, and in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will not fail to direct your steps, Prov. 3.6. cast all your care on him, for he careth for you, and the peace of God shall keep you, Phil. 4. Expect, and look for your purchased and promised por∣tions in your Fathers House, in walking in his Family-order, and under the Government there∣of, under the Laws and inspection of the great and gracious Lord thereof. In all your waitings on him in every Ordinance of his, be sure to be∣lieve, hope, and wait for his Presence and Bles∣sings. When-ever you ascend the Mountain of the Lords House, to meet the God of Jacob, and to present your King with a Thank-offering, be sure to carry Faith with you, go with much Faith and Hope unto him, and do as Children do, whilst in their Fathers House; they live on their Father for Food, Raiment, and all other bodily supplys. So do you in your Fathers spi∣ritual House, live on him for all provisions, mind your duty, and trust him with your promised all.

Fifthly: Let your Praise wait for your God and King in Zion, Psal. 65.1. and do not neglect to go up to his Temples with your Sacrifices, when the Tribes go, or are called up thither; then, I say, do you be sure to go up with them; stay not behind, nor tarry at home, when others go up; go with your Brethren when they go, that it may be said, as in Psal. 84.7. Every one (namely,

of the Church) appeareth before God in Zion; and be sure that when you go, you go not empty-handed, Exod. 23.15. Exod. 34.20. If you cannot present your King with a Lamb for a Thank-offering, carry him two Turtle Doves with you; if not able to carry two Doves, then carry with thee two Mites, as the Widdow, the poor Widdow did, Mark. 12.42, 43, 44. But if thou hast not two Mites to carry with thee, to present to thy God for a Free-will or Thank-offering, then go abegging to him for one; but in any wise go to your Church-meetings with your Brethren, tarry not behind them: For if you do neglect to do so, you rob God, break your Covenant, offend your Brethren, and wrong your own souls. You must go up, because you are called to go, and that you may meet God in Zion, and receive his blessings, for there he commands them, Psal. 133. ult. Oh! it is sad indeed, when persons shall pretend to enter into Churches, take upon them the observation of all the Laws and Ordinances of Christ there, so∣lemnly and publickly promise and engage to walk in all the Commandments and Ordinances of God with his people, and yet shall dare wil∣fully to neglect their place and duty therein, and to pay their Vows to their God and King, Psal. 65.1. Psal. 61.5.8. Such as are good Gover∣nours of Families and Corporations will care∣fully mind if all within them do answer to their calls, and perform their duties, when called so to do. So doth the Lord Jesus Christ in his Chur∣ches, He summons them by his Ministers to ap∣pear before him, wait on, and worship him to∣gether, and bring him a Church-offering and

service, and narrowly observes who comes, and who neglects it; how thy come, and with what frames of hearts, & to what ends, as the 2. & 3. Chap of Rev. shew. And if he find any wanting that might come, or see them come carelesly and superficially, he accounts himself slighted & dis∣obeyed, and his Love and Grace contemned and undervalued. God expects that you should be constant in Church-meetings, and not decline them at any time, but when his hand obstructs and impedes you; but that there you should come with your Free-will offerings, and do your Duty & Homage to him, as he commanded you. Believe it, this is a matter of great moment, and not to be slighted or disregarded by you.

Sixthly: You must walk with God in Church-fellowship, in Sincerity, and with Ʋprightness of heart to. Without this, all your performances are in vain. The Lord Jesus is very curious and critical in searching your hearts in your Church∣state, Rev. 2.23. And all the Churches shall know that I search the reins and the heart. And in Jer. 17.10. saith God to the inchurched Jews, I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins. Then surely it must very much concern you to see, that you draw night to God (continually) with true hearts, Heb. 10.22. and that without all allow∣ed Guile and Hypocrisie. A little of this Leaven will quickly leaven the whole lump of duties, Gal. 5.9. It will so corrupt and sowre them, as that they will be all stark naught, and good for no∣thing, but to kindle and encrease the flames of God's Wrath and Vengeance against you. Therefore take heed and beware of Hypocrisie, and do not connive or wink at the least grain of

it in your hearts or duties, but be sure to walk with God in the performance of all duties, in Integrity and Uprightness: Be sure, that your God expects it from you, and requires it of you, Joshua 24.14. Gen. 17.1. The Eyes of the Lord run to and fro through-out the Churches, to see whose heart is perfect with him, and whose is hypocritical, 2 Chron. 16.9. He requires Truth in the inward parts, Psal. 51.6. and that all Church-members should walk before him in Truth, and with perfect hearts, 2 King. 20.3. You must worship God, and serve him with your all, for your little all is but too little for him, Prov. 23.26. Math. 22.37. Psal. 119.10. You must not leave one hoof behind, when you do any thing for God, nor put God off with a part of your abilities for the whole; for if you do, you will lose the acceptance and re∣ward of all: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy Name (saith Da∣vid) Psal. 103.1.

Seventhly: See that you worship God, and observe all his Ordinances in the Church, in spi∣rit or spiritually. Remember that you are his holy spiritual Temples, the Temples of the Ho∣ly Ghost, Eph. 2.21. 1 Cor. 3.16. that all the Ordinances of worship in them are holy and spi∣ritual Ordinances stampt with the Image of God's Holiness and Authority; and that he will be worshipped in spirit, or spiritually, Joh. 4.23, 24. You must be very careful that you take not up with the external part and outside of your duties and priviledges, that you settle not your selves and stay (as it were) in, and upon Ordinances, and your enjoying and observing

them; but get within the Vail, seek and look for God and Christ, for Heaven and glorious things in them. Let your Faith conduct you by the hand of the Spirit into the bosom and heart of Christ, that there you may read his Love, Grace, and glorious Excellencies, have inti∣mate and close Communion with him, and be ravished and refreshed with his Person and Love. Get into his Galleries, and see the King of Glory in his beautys and transcendant sweet∣nesses, and get into the Sanctum Sanctorum, into the most holy place; for the way is opened, and the vail drawn off and removed by your Head, for you to come and meet him there, Heb. 10.19, 20▪ Therefore do not stand and worship in the outer Court of the Temple, but go and pass through Ordinances to Christ into the holiest of all; and when-ever you go and enter in, be you sure that you carry all Graces & the Spirit with you, to meet your Lord, and honour him with them. Endeavour all you can to see and feel him, to get your hearts ravished with his Per∣son and Love, that thereby they may be raised up to great delight, joy, chearfulness, adoration, admiration and praise, that they may be filled with his Savours, warmed with his Love, drawn by his Beauty, be (by all) knit and united, tyed and bound fast to him. Then we worship him in spirit, or spiritually, when we worship him, & go to meet him with all our Graces in the Holy of Holies, & when our Hearts & Graces do close up with, and hold Communion with him in these Beauties of Holiness, Psal. 110.3. I am affraid that very few Church-members are experimentally acquainted with this matter;

for if they were so acquainted with it indeed, they could not do as they do. They could not neglect the worship and Ordinances of Christ, nor cry up a Cephas, and cry down a Paul, as they do, 1 Cor. 3. They could not be so careless and formal in them as they are, nor carry about such dead, lumpish, and heavy hearts and minds as they do. Well, but however it hath been with you, let it be so no more: Do you for time to come learn so to worship God, as you have heard, that so you may please and honour him, and he may delight to meet with, and bless you.

Eightly: You must walk in Church-fellow∣ship, chearfully, comfortably, and joyfully. You must not be Whiners and Complainers; you must not be sad, lumpish, and melancholly in your Father's House: No, for that will greatly reflect on your Father, and on your Head and Hus∣band. You will raise suspicions in the minds of men on the good ways of God, and in a sense you will contradict his Gospel, his Truth, and Faithfulness, his Love and Care to and o∣ver his Churches. For God hath promised to make his People joyful in his House of Prayer, Isa. 56.7. and to satisfie them with Bread, Psal. 132.15. But by the sad and heavy walkings of his People in his House, they declare that they are not satisfied, nor find such Provisions in his House as he promised, and they expected. Such sad, lumpish, and melancholly Church-mem∣bers do greatly dishonour Christ and his good ways, offend their Brethren and scandalize the World. For when they see them walk so, what will they think and say of the waies and Ordi∣nances

of God? will they not falsely accuse and condemn them, despise and loath them, yea and harden their hearts against Religion it self? or else they will judge and censure such for Hy∣pocrites and Dissemblers. We ought to com∣mend Religion and the good wayes of God, wherein we walk, to the Conviction and Ac∣ceptance of all that behold us: and that in one thing or way, as well as another. We should walk with a holy, serious, chearfulness, and plea∣santness, and be joyful, chearful and pleasant be∣fore and towards all men; and that for Christ's, Religion's, our own and others sakes; that by this carriage we may honour God, commend his Gospel-Religion, and holy wayes, his easy, sweet and pleasant yoke and wayes: Matth. 11. ult. Prov. 3.17. encourage and strengthen the hearts and hands of our Brethren; and con∣vince the world of the Goodness; Pleasantness and Profit of them, and perswade them to fall in love with and imbrace them. You must so walk also, because God hath inchurched you, and put you under his Ordinances, and promised to make you joyful, pleasant and chearful: yea he charges and commands you to be and do so, Phil 3.1. Phil. 4.4. Psal. 32. ult. Remember, and lay to heart, how many Causes & Objects you have to make you chearful, pleasant and joyful. Therefore make use of them, for the enabling you to walk joyfully.

Quest. What are the Evils, Sins and Temp∣tations, that Church-members are Subject to? pray shew us them, that we may know and avoid them.

Answ. Church-members are subject or lya∣ble to many Evils, Sins and Temptations in their Church-state. For Believers being form∣ed up together in one body, profess to be one, and to be entirely concerned and included with and in one another, & so are said to be one Lump; Gal. 5.9. and one House or Temple. The Devil doth set on them the more furiously, and with greater strength and diligence, that so he may wound and mischief many with his fiery Darts together, and kill a whole Church by stabbing one or two Members thereof. For he knows that if he can tempt one to sin openly and scandalously, he may thereby reproach the whole body, and put them to grief and shame. For a little Leaven, leavens the whole Lump, 1 Cor. 5.6. Gal. 5.9. Therefore, I say, he will be more busy with Church-members, than with others in this matter: which should great∣ly provoke them to arm the more carefully, watch the more diligently, and fight the more manfully, that they be not deluded and con∣quered by him, to the grief and shame of their Fellow-members. It is true, that Church-mem∣bers have more helps and advantages against Sin and Temptation, than others have, as I have elsewhere shewed; and it is as true, that they shall be mostly assaulted and tryed; and yet (if they will) they are and will be on the advan∣tage ground against all these Evils: as they will find by experience, if they will mind their duty; I will name a few of the Evils they will be tempted to.

1. To take up and entertain evil Surmisals of one another, 2 Cor. 12. 1 Tim. 6.4. They will

be greatly tempted to keep groundless Jealou∣sies and Suspicions one of another, which tends and leads to

2. Harsh and severe Censurings, and unchari∣table Judgings one of another, which is a most hateful sin in the sight of God, and which is ex∣presly forbidden and condemned, Matth. 7.1, 2. Rom. 14.10, 13.

3. They will be tempted to Envy one ano∣ther, which is one of the devilish sins so often mentioned and condemned in the Scripture, and frequently forbidden, Gal. 5. ult. 2 Cor. 12.20. 1 Pet. 1.1. They will be tempted to be envious at that in their Brethren, for which they ought to thank God and rejoyce, Rom. 12.15. They must not envy the prosperity of the wick∣ed, much less that of their Brethren, Psal. 37.1. Enviers eyes are evil, because God is good, Matth. 20.15. Luk. 15.25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. here you have the Pourtraiture and express Image of Envy, and of an envious Person, what draws it forth, or what is the Object of their Envy.

4. They will be tempted to be proud and lifted up with their Church-state, with the Priviledges and Dignity thereof: to think highly of them∣selves, & vilely of others, Rom. 12.3. Phil. 2.3. They are very subject to be lifted up with their Gifts and Attainments, and to affect vain∣glory, as Paul speaks; Gal. 5. ult. and to be too great in their own eyes: which is a most hateful, and pernitious Evil.

5. They will be tempted to Wrath, Strife, and Schisms; to cause and raise Divisions, Debates, Contentions and Disputings: which is a real

fruit of Pride, Prov. 13.10. 1 Tim. 6.4, 5. and very pernicious to the glory, welfare and comfort of the Church. And although this Evil be expresly forbidden and greatly condemned, yet many Church-members can too boldly and confidently practise it, and pretend that they have reason or cause so to do: yea, and that they do well in it. But take heed and beware of it: and let such know, that it is a most hateful and devilish Sin, and a most infectious Plague∣fore, that will destroy the Authours and Practi∣sers of it, if not timely repented of.

6. They will be tempted to Formality, and taking up with the form of Godliness without the power thereof, 2 Tim. 3.5. To take up with, and settle themselves on the Lees of Ordinances and external Duties and Enjoyments, with the neglect of the Heart, Soul, Life and Power of them; and heart-warming, heart-sanctifying, and heart-teaching Communion with God. Oh! how many Church-members are there, who do indulge themselves, comply with the natural Genius of their own hearts, and joyn issues with Satan in this matter? who eye not, nor look mostly unto the Spirit, Christ, Grace and good of the means they use, nor bring their hearts and graces to God in them; but rest and satisfy themselves with a cold, sapless, and lifeless form, or out-side of Religion; and therefore they do not, cannot thrive and prosper: but they wither and decay within, while they are in the Courts of God.

7. They will be tempted to the great sin and evil, of Reproaching and Back-biting one ano∣ther: to vilifie, defame and speak evil one of

another, and blast each others good Names and Reputations. This is another mischievous and abominable Sin, which is found too rife and rampant amongst them. It is a most pernici∣ous Evil and prejudicial to Christ himself, his Gospel, People, Wayes and Interests; and therefore Satan will strive the more industri∣ously to provoke them to do it; and therefore we should be the more watchful against it, 2 Cor. 12.20. Jam. 4.11. Tit. 3.2. Eph. 4.31. 1 Pet. 2.1. God abhors this Tongue-sin, this poysonous Sword, and good-name-Murthe∣ring Abomination: he cannot bear to hear his Church-members to be biting and devouring one another, Gal. 5.15. yet are they prone and often tempted to it.

8. They will be tempted to slight, underva∣lue; yea, and to despise one another; especially, such as are poor and weak; they will be temp∣ted to slight and disesteem such as are high and honourable in God's account, and such as he greatly values and esteems. But take heed and beware of it; for it is a most God-provoking sin. They are glorious in Gods thoughts, let them not be base in yours. Their names are pretious in Heaven, and let them be pretious to you.

9. They will be tempted to slight and under∣value their priviledges, and to disregard their works and duties in the Church. At first they are much taken and affected with them, but after a while they do as much slight and disesteem them; neglect and disregard them: and then they fall to omitting and neglecting them. These are dear-bought priviledges and duties,

and therefore ought to be highly accounted of and esteemed.

10. And then it follows, that they will quar∣rel with their Teachers, or be much offended at them; slight and disesteem them, and be full of objections against them and their works. But you must take heed and beware of this evil likewise; for when you have forsaken God, and he hath left you, then you are tempted to dislike your Teachers, but never till then. They are Christ's Embassadors, Jewels and Instruments of his glory, in the Churches and in the World, and they are near and dear to him: and there∣fore your sin will be very great in slighting and disesteeming them.

12. They will be tempted to leave communion with the Church, and ramble about from place to place, which is a dangerous and pernicious evil, and tends directly to the breaking of the Churches, and destruction of all Church-order. Many love to change their Place, Works and Company; and seem to be better every, or any where, than in their own Place and Work.

13. They will be tempted to neglect their Church-duties one to another, and live as persons alone, without having regard of, or respect unto one another as Brethren and Members of the same houshold. And when they have enter∣tained the Temptation into their minds, they will easily dispense with total Omissions, and not be troubled at it, nor care what becomes of one another.

14. They will be tempted to draw nigh to God in Church-Ordinances, with worldly, vain and un∣prepared hearts. The Commoness of them, and

their frequent use of them, together with the untunedness of their hearts, make them com∣mon things and matters to them: so as that they dare adventure on them with common frames of heart, which once they durst not do: But now they can dispense with it, as with some light matter.

15. They will be tempted to receive pernici∣ous Doctrines, and to entertain evil Opinions, in, and about Religion. Many Church-members have been caught in these Nets, and taken in these Snares: not because they were such, but because they walked not warily and circumspect∣ly in that state and relation. For by being Church-members, they have had great advan∣tages against them, and means to prevent their being ensnared, but that they improved them not, as they might have done, for their own se∣curity. They were not aware of him, who goes up and down in the Kingdom to sow his Tares.

16. They will be tempted, when they have suckt in any poysonous Doctrines, and enter∣tained erronious Opinions, to help the Devil in sowing them in the minds of others, and endea∣vour to leaven them with their new Leaven also. For being deluded and seduced themselves, it is almost natural to them to seduce others likewise; as experience testifies.

17. They will be tempted to prejudice and in∣jure each others Souls, in their occasional Visits, by entertaining one another with vain, frothy and heart-deadning Discourses, instead of heart bet∣tering Discourses. They will be tempted to tempt one another to give and receive such mat∣ter,

as tends to the subverting and corrupting of each others Souls, drawing them away from God, and indisposing them for their duties, ra∣ther than to edification and profit. And this is a most pernitious Evil, though little minded and considered: and it is an Evil that is much practi∣sed and countenanced amongst Church-mem∣bers. For they that have such opportunities, which they ought to improve for the better and not for the worse, are found improving them by their Tongues and Ears for the worse and not for the better, which will cost them very dear hereafter. Such carnal and vain Communi∣cations, as are frequently found among them, corrupt good Hearts, and Manners also.

18. They will be tempted to be ungrateful to God for his mercies to them, and to account their duty and priviledges, their heavy Yoke & Burdens, as the Israelites did their Deliverance from their Bondage in Egypt. They were displeased with God and Moses for bringing them out of their house of Bondage, and it is to be feared that some Church-members now are displeased, be∣cause they are brought into the House of God: and they say in their hearts would God we had been wiser, than to have joyned our selves to the Churches; as the Israelites said, would God that we had dyed in Egypt. Take heed of this evil. We are so encumbred with Meetings, and Dis∣bursements, and with one thing and another, as that our condition is burdensome unto us, is the language of some, as I have ground to think.

19. They will be tempted to stacken their zeal, care and diligence, to grow in grace and per∣fect holiness, and to look after their gettings in

the Churches and Ordinances of Christ. So that they will grow lukewarm, careless and in∣different, what becomes of their Souls: whe∣ther they thrive and prosper, or whether they do wither and decay: whether they partake of the fatness of God's house or no.

20. They will be tempted to make carnal Ad∣vantages to themselves, of their Church-state, and to aim at, and prosecute worldly Ends therein, more than spiritual, and to subordinate and make use of their work and duty there, to pro∣mote and serve a base worldly Interest.

21. They will be tempted to desert their duty, and relinquish their Station and Priviledges in a trying time; and to conform to the world, for filthy Lucre's sake, and to enjoy their outward Peace and Liberty. Many seem to be strong and well settled in their faith, principles and practise before the Tempest blows in their faces; but when the Wind and Waves beat against them, they appear other kind of men. Therefore, let him that standeth in a calm day, take heed that he fall not in a stormy night. These are some of the Evils and Sins, that you will be tempted to in your Church-state. Therefore consider them, and make sufficient and seasonable pro∣visions against them: lest they take you una∣wares, and overthrow you.

Obj. But some may say, if all these Evils and Dangers uttend Church-members, then it is better for us to keep out of it, and not be Church-mem∣bers, that we may avoid them, and not expose our selves to Sin and Temptation therein.

Answ. That such Temptations will attend Church-members, is certain; but that therefore

Believers should keep out of a Church-state, that I deny. For 1. It is your indispensible du∣ty, (as you have heard) to walk in Church-fel∣lowship; and therefore you must do so: and it being your duty, you may be sure it is the safest and the most secure way for you, to keep you from Sin and prevalent Temptations to it. For the way of our duty, is ever the surest and safest way, as we all know.

2. What I have said in this matter, is cautio∣nary; not to affright any from their duty and priviledges; but to quicken and provoke Church-members to the more wise, watchful and exact walkings; to more Diligence and Faithfulness, in making provisions against them, that they may be ready armed and fenced against them, to resist and conquer them.

3. Although you may be more tempted to sin in a Church-state, yet you may sin less there∣in than out of it. For you have heard already, that a true Church of Christ is invested with many priviledges and advantages against Sin, and Temptations to it: which if well used and im∣proved by you, they will sufficiently defend you, and ballance all the weights that may be put into the ballance of Temptations, and abundantly store you with provisions against them, were they a thousand times as many more. For you have heard, that in a Church there is more of Christ, and of his Spirit and Grace for Believers, than out of such a State and Relation. And there∣fore it is much better and safer being there, and walking with God therein, than to be elsewhere. Wherefore let all Church-members see that they

walk circumspectly, or (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) exactly, cauti∣ously and accurately, Eph. 5.15. in their Church-state and Relation. Mind and practise what you see (before) you are bound to do; and take heed that you so walk and demean your selves towards God, Men and your own Souls; that you carefully watch against and avoid all the aforesaid Evils, and the Temp∣tations that lead you to them. And to move and quicken you so to do, be pleased to consider and lay to heart these few Considerations,

1. That in a Church-state you have many ob∣servers. There are many eyes on you, and many that watch for your halting. The world knows that you have separated from them upon the account of holiness, and that by grace you are made better than they. They know that you pretend to singular things, and that you profess to be called out of the World, and from sin to holiness and singular Righteousness, and that you left Communion with them on a Religious account. They understand that you pretend to more light and knowledge, to more communion with God, and to greater attainments and en∣joyments than they do: and therefore expect to see better things from you, than from them∣selves, and such as they are. They will tell you, that to whom much is given, of them much is re∣quired, and that you are in your profession, some of them. They will tell you, that they can no otherwise judge of you, than by your fruits, and if they be not suitable to your profession and pretences, they will think you are but Hy∣pocrites and painted Sepulchres. Be sure that you have many, that mind and strictly observe all your steps.

2. Your Lord and King expects singular and peculiar frames of hearts, words & deeds from you. He narrowly marks your steps, and observes your walkings, how you carry your selves to∣wards one another, how you walk towards and before all men, and what your frames and De∣portments are towards himself. For his eyes behold, and his eye-lids try the Children of men. Psal. 11.4. You know, and he tells you, that he hath done great and special things for you; that he hath been at great expence of blood and treasure on you; and all to make you a peculiar People unto himself. Tit. 2.14. He hath honoured and exalted you, and brought you nigh unto him∣self, and entrusted you with great Talents. He hath set you on high, and magnified you ex∣ceedingly in the sight of all sorts of men, and hath made you his golden Candlesticks, Rev. 2.1. and his living Witnesses; and therefore he may well expect and require special carriages, and singular fruits from you. Oh! then do not dis∣appoint him of his so reasonable expectations; but let the Lord Jesus see in you the fruits of his labour and toyl, of his cost and charge, and of his blood and travel. Let him find you good Ste∣wards of his house, and houshold-affairs, and meet to be trusted with more of his Trea∣sures.

3. Consider, that your Brethren and Fellow-members, and especially, your Teachers and Over∣seers, do expect such walkings, fruits and car∣riages from you. Your Teachers expect it, earnestly desire it, pray for it, and labour to make you such. Your Fellow-members they also look for it, pray for it, and earnestly desire

it: I mean such of them as are holy spiritual persons They, especially your Teachers, do long, and are in travail for it; and they greatly rejoyce (indeed) to see you a holy, humble, wise, zealous, meek, diligent, faithful, loving, and a fruit-bearing people. They are exceedingly troubled to see their labour to be in vain with, and to you: Your non-proficiency, cold, world∣ly, and carnal walkings; your barrenness and unprofitableness; your want of love to God, your own souls, and to one another are great, very great, and heart-breaking afflictions to them. They mourn for, and are grieved at you, and your ways; because you are not so serious, holy, exact, spiritual, zealous, loving, sweet, meek humble, useful, wise, diligent and hea∣venly, as you might be, and your Church-state, priviledges, enjoyments, and high professions call for, and greatly oblige you to.

4. Consider, that your own souls are greatly concerned in these things: If you walk in these ways, practise the aforesaid duties, to observe these said Ordinances of divine worship, and carefully watch against, and avoyd the said e∣vils and temptations to sin, that your souls and bodys will reap the benefit and profit of all. You will have the peace, joy, satisfaction, sweet∣ness, and consolation of your so doing. But if on the contrary, you be found negligent and careless of the holy will of God, and your duties, and disobedient unto his holy Laws: If you slight and undervalue your great and invaluable priviledges and enjoyments, and make not spi∣ritual earnings of them, but remain dead, cold, barren, and unfruitful under them; connive at,

and indulge any of the said Sins, or others like them, and dally with Temptations; you will certainly rue for it, and pull on your heads and hearts many evils, troubles, sorrows, and dis∣quietments; many fears and distresses, incum∣berances and confusions. You will drive God from you, cause him to shut up his loving Countenance from you in displeasure, and to write bitter things against you. Your own souls are very much concerned in your exact, holy, diligent, faithful, and circumspect walking with God in all his ways and Gospel-precepts in your Church-state. Therefore do you aim at, and seek their good, and do you so walk and carry your selves towards God and one another as to promote their happiness.

5. Consider, call to mind, and lay to heart the ends for which you joyned your selves to the Chur∣ches of Christ, as also the solemn profession and en∣gagement you then made to, and before God, An∣gels and Men. Remember, that they are all Witnesses for you, to what you did, when you entred in among them, and took on you the serious, diligent, faithful, and constant observa∣tion of all the Laws and Ordinances of Jesus Christ in them, when you took hold of his Co∣venant, owned the Lord Christ for your Head, King, and Law-giver, and promised to yield him all faithful subjection and obedience. For if you forget these things, neglect your duties, or walk contrary unto God; know for certain that he will remember all, and will testifie against you; yea, he will make your own Consciences Witnesses against you. Oh consider! did you not joyn in Church-fellowship, that you might

be enriched with Grace, be filled with the Spirit, built up in Gospel-holiness, and that you might perfect holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. Ask your Hearts and Consciences, did we not joyn our selves together in a holy band, and bind our selves to walk with God unto all well-pleasing, in our Church-state and Gospel-relati∣on one to another? surely we did. Well then, do we now (indeed) keep these things warm on our hearts, aim at, and prosecute them in good earnest, or do we not? Did we not aim at, in∣tend, and engage to get more Acquaintance and Communion with Christ, & more Acquaintance with our selves, and with the Laws, Waies and Promises of Jesus Christ? and did we not in∣tend and promise to obey him, wait on him, ho∣nour and glorifie him in and by our so doing? Did we not intend and aim at the profit of our own souls, the good of one another, and of all men, and that we might be made fruitful in e∣very good work? Col. 1.10. Heb. 13.21. That Lusts might be mortified, Sin subdued, Grace magnified, and our Hearts cleansed and purified?

6. Consider and lay to heart the many and great encouragements you have to further you, to strengthen your hands and animate your hearts to your duty, and so walking in your Church-fellowship. You have very many helps and in∣ducement to encourage and quicken you so to do. Some are past, some are present in your hands, and some are yet to come. O remem∣ber, how great things the Lord hath done for you, that you might be his People, and walk as you have heard. When you were accursed and

condemned to everlasting Destruction, 2 Thes. 1. He redeemed you, He gave himself a Ran∣som for you, took on him your sins and punish∣ment, your work and shame; your wrath and reproach, to take off the Sentence that was past on you, remove the Curse from you, and bring you out of Prison from the bondages in which you were, Isa. 5.3. 2 Cor. 5. ult. Zach. 9.11. He became your Surety, took on him your Debts, was arrested and cast into Prison, Isa. 53. and paid the utmost farthing for you, and there∣by obtained a general Release for you. He found you in your blood, and then he washed you, Ezek. 16. and he found you miserable, and pit∣tyed you; He found you naked, and cloathed you; dead, and quickened you; sick, and he healed you. He found you blind, and he en∣lightned you; fallen, and he lifted you up. You were weak, and he strengthned you; in pain, and he eased you; sorrowful, and he comfor∣ted you: When you were wandring out of the way of peace and happiness, he sought you out, and brought you back unto himself; he set your feet in the right way, and spake peace unto you. Ever since you were new∣born, he hath succoured, supported, supplied, and cared for you. He hath entrusted and enriched you with Gospel mercies for your maintenance and comfortable subsistance. You have had, and still have many of his choise Talents in your hand, and he never denyed you any good thing. But this is not all that you have to encourage you in the practise of holiness; but you have many of his Bonds in your hands for your secu∣rity, of what he will further be to you, and do

for you. You have many Earnests, Pawns, and Pledges of greater things that he will yet do for you. He hath engaged to you, that he will a∣bide with you, and that he will never wholly leave or forsake you, Joh. 14.21.23. Heb. 13.5. That he will care for, and water you, protect, ex∣alt, and honour you, Isa. 27.3. Psal. 37.34. and make you perfectly holy. That he will supply all your wants, Phil. 4.19. guide you by his Spirit, fill you full of joy and peace by believing; perfect the Marriage-Union, come again and receive you to himself, and instate you in eternal Glory.