Four sermons publickly delivered at several times in Ecclesfeild Church in Yorke-shire. By Immanuel Knutton preacher of Gods word there.

SERMON II. (Book 2)

Text, GENESIS 5.24.

And Enoch walked with God.

THese words are a brief, but yet a sweet relation of that dear ser∣vant of God, Enoch, the seventh from Adam, as may be seen by the genealogy of the Patriarchs from Adam unto Noah, here in this chapter, the memory of the just is blessed, saith Solomon, so is it here, in the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Enoch is there re∣corded to his everlasting honour, that he had this testimony, that he had pleased God. Jude also in his Epistle recordeth his pro∣phecy

concerning the day of judgement to come, for the comfort of the righteous, and for the terror of the wicked: here in my Text observe these parts.

1. The person mentioned, viz. Enoch. 2. His commendation in the latter words, he walked with God. His practise and life is here propounded, as a president, for us to imitate.

For those examples in Scripture, which the Spirit of Christ commends, are obligatory, his commendings are virtual commandings, and we ought to follow whatsoever is praise-worthy, especially in Gods account.

Those examples in Scripture are obligato∣ry likewise, whose ground, reason, scope or end are obligatory, and of a moral nature, and as much concern one Christian as ano∣ther; so here Enoch his walking with God is of a moral nature, and necessarily concerns us all; he is here propounded as a pattern for us, that we should do the like; there is in Scrip∣ture sometimes the example of caution, 1 Cor. 10.5, 6, 11. such as were punished for sin; and thus we must learn to improve the bad examples of such, and make the best use of their fals and miseries for our good: There is also the example of imitation, such as are recorded in holy Writ, for us to follow, so here Enoch is set down for an example of walking with God.

Doct. Hence observe: That all true Chil∣dren of God must walk with God: verse 22. of this chapter its said, Enoch walked with God, Genes. 17.1. God said to Abram, walk before me and be thou perfect, Isaiah 38.3. Remember now I beseech thee, O Lord, how I have wal∣ked before thee in truth, and with a per∣fect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.

In handling this point I shall observe this method. 1. I will shew how many wayes a Christian must walk with God. 2. I shall give reasons. 3. I shall teach you how to use this Point. For the first head.

A Christian walks with God eight wayes.

1. By acquainting himself with God, and making his peace with him, Job 22.21. Ac∣quaint now thy self with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Amos 3.3. Can two walk together except they be agreed? and the more inward with God any Christian is, the closer he walks with God.

2. A Christian walks with God by do∣ing all his actions as in Gods sight and pre∣sence, Psal. 16.8. I have set the Lord alwayes before me. Acts 2.25. I foresaw the Lord al∣wayes

before my face: whereas an Atheist thinks God sees him not, and thinks to com∣mit his wickedness close from the all-seeing eye of God.

3. A Christian walks with God by refer∣ring all his actions to the glory of God, 1 Corinth. 10.31. Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God; for God made all things for his glory, now when you aim at this, you walk with him in aiming at the same end.

4. A Christian walks with God by a strict invitation of God according to the rules of his holy Word, Ephes. 5.1. Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children; thus he walks step by step with God, and the more he resembles God, the closer he walks with him.

5. A Christian walks with God by daily observation of the passages of his providence towards him, whether they be passages of mercy or of justice, Psalm 77.11, 12. I will remember the work of the Lord, surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy works, and talk of thy doings; when a mercy comes he observes it, and saith, this the Lord hath sent me; or if a cor∣rection be inflicted on him, he saith, God hath laid his hand on me.

6. A Christian walks with God by having his conversation in heaven, Philip. 3.20. Our conversation is in heaven, for God is in heaven, and he that would walk with him, must ascend thither in affection, and set his heart on things above.

7. A Christian walks with God by fre∣quent and fervent prayer, expecting an an∣swer to his prayers: David prayed seven times in a day, and Daniel three times: pray∣er is a sweet talking with God; though God be in heaven, and a true Beleiver upon earth, yet he can talk with God as if he was in hea∣ven with him. Yea, prayer is a corner of heaven to a gracious walker with God; like∣wise he expects a return of his prayers, Psalm 85.8. I will hear what God the Lord will speak, and this is a cheif part of walking with God.

8. A Christian walkes with God by the life of faith, Hab. 2.4. the just shall live by faith; for faith is a resting upon God and his gracious promises; now the faster a man adheres to God, the closer he walks with him.

Reas. The first reason is, because if we walk with God, then he will take us to him∣self when we die, so its said, Enoch was not, for God took him, that is, to heaven; at our

death we shall change our place, but not our company; walking with God is the way to heaven, such as are strangers to him, how can they hope to be with him? its better being with God in heaven, then here below. David accounted, that a day in the Lords Courts were better than a thousand else∣where: Oh then how infinitely far sweeter is it to be in heaven eternally then to be here on earth a few dayes? as ever you desire to go to heaven when you shall depart this world, walk with God whilest you live upon earth.

2. Because this will be an extraordinary comfort and honour to us, both here and hereafter, Hebr. 11.5. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him, for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God: Its a great comfort to a friend to walk often with his dear companion, much more to walk intimately with God. Jacob after he had wrestled with Christ com∣forted himself thus, I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Likewise its the greatest honour in the world to walk with God, it made Enoch his memory to be blessed until this day, and so it will be to the end of the world. So it was to Hezekiah in

his sickness, he said not, remember, Lord, that I have been a man honourable, rich and fa∣mous in the eyes of the world, that I have been an earthly King, but that, I have walked before thee in truth; as ever you desire to have solid joy in your consciences, and everlasting renown, make it your daily care and study how to walk strictly with God.

3. Because God is Almighty and Al∣sufficient, therefore walk with him, Gen. 17.1. if thou shalt straggle from him like a wan∣dering sheep, he is Almighty, and so able to correct thee severely, as he did with the Is∣raelites very often, which you may read in Psal. 78. if thou keepest close to him, he is Almighty, and so able enough to reward thee, as he did with Enoch, Abraham, Job, David and others.

4. Because this will keep one from the common errors and corruptions of the times. Psalm 119.1, 3. Blessed are the undefiled in the way; who walk, in the Law of the Lord, they also do no iniquity, they walk in his wayes; that is, they make not a trade of sin, they get no habit of it, they do it not with their whole heart, and full consent of will. Philip. 3.19, 20. Who mind earthly things: for our conver∣sation is in heaven; as if he had said, that is our preservative against earthly mindedness.

In the time of pestilence if one could live high in the fresh air, he might be free from the infection; now to walk with God is to live in heaven, high above the earth, and such as do so escape the pollutions of the world; this will keep the pure in an impure generation, like fish that is fresh in the salt water of the Sea: for God is a pure and an holy God, and the nearer and closer any walk with him, the more he imparts his di∣vine nature to them, infusing his blessed Spi∣rit into their soules; now his grace is suffi∣cient enough to fence and fortifie them a∣gainst the contagious corruptions of the times; as ever you desire to escape the in∣fection of those sins which others daily run into, walk with God all your dayes.

5. Because God is our best friend and guide, Ps••lm 73.24, 25, 26, 28. Thou shalt guide me with thy councel, and afterward re∣ceive me to glory: whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee: my flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever: but it is good for me to draw near to God. We meet with many false hearted in the world, but we shall find God a faithful fast friend for ever. We have followed false guides to long, but follow God, and you will

find him a sure guide, he will never leave you till he hath brought you to heaven: None of us, but we desire to walk much with a dear friend whom we love as our own soul; What friend have we like to God? Who can do that for us which God hath done, and doth daily, and will do for ever, if we can walk constantly with him?

6. Because this will make us walk up∣rightly and justly towards one another, as becometh Christians, Micah 6.8. The Lord doth require of thee to do justly, and to love mer∣cy, and to walk humbly with thy God: This last is the ground of the former, for a man can∣not do justly, nor love mercy, in obedience to God requiring these, nor with respect to his own soules eternal good (which is there meant) until he walk with God; for such as walk with him, to them he shews his secret will, and teacheth them, by walking with him, to walk uprightly towards men: Now this is profitable, comfortable, and commenda∣ble for us. What is the reason that many live so unjustly, care not whom they abuse by fraud, violence and other wicked wayes? its because they walk not with God; God ne∣ver taught them to do thus: exact walking with God would prevent this; sometimes Gods own Children some of them fall into

some acts of injustice and cruelty towards others; as David gave Mephibosheth his estate to Ziba; caused Ʋriah to be set in the place of greatest danger: Lot abused his Daughters; but this was not because they walked with God, but because they walked no closer with God. As ever you desire your memory should be blessed by upright carriage and just walking towards men, be sure while you live to walk with God, then your memory shall be blessed, when the name of the wicked shall rot.

7. Because this will move God to bless you with multitude of mercies, which you may see promised to Abraham, Genes. 17. I am the Almighty God, walk before me, and be thou perfect, and I will make my Covenant be∣tween me and thee, and I will multiply thee ex∣ceedingly; and so forward in the rest of the Chapter, he is very bountiful and liberal, and if we have hearts to walk with him, he cares not what mercies he bestows on us: we give special tokens of love to such as be our dear friends, the like will God do to his.

Ʋse. I told you in the first place, that a Christian walks with God by acquainting himself with God, and being at peace with him: This Use serves to reprove such as make no peace with God, but run into all wicked∣ness,

provoking and offending the Majesty of heaven; their care is how to curry favour with the world, but peace with God they undervalue.

Consider this you ungodly sinners, that if great good shall come unto such as are at peace with God, then great vengeance shall come to such as be his enemies; what will you doe in the day of judgement, when God shall summon you before his dreadful Tribunal?

2. I told you in the second place, that a Christian walkes with God by doing all his actions as in Gods sight and presence: This Use still serves to reprove all such as walk not with God this way; they are most prophane Atheists, thinking God sees them not, there∣fore they rush presumptuously into sin, as the horse rusheth into the battel, because God is not in all their thoughts; Job 24.15. The eye of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, no eye shall see me, and setteth his face in secret: but know this you ungodly Atheists, that the all-seeing eyes of God are ten thou∣sand times brighter than the Sun, they are like to flames of fire, and will espie out your naughtiness, for he is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity; though you foolish Atheists say in your

hearts, there is no God, and therefore are cor∣rupt and do abominably, yet the Lord looks down from heaven upon you, and will re∣ward you accordingly.

3. I told you in the third place, that a Christian walks with God by referring all his actions to Gods glory: This Use still serves to reprove such as walk not thus with God; very few aim at this most noble end, though they were made for it; the most look at their own ends, at their own profit, own pleasure, at their own credit and honour, to be seen of men, and to be commended by others: doubtless this is one reason why there is so much hypocrisie, and so little sincerity, if all men would earnestly seek the glory of God in all their wayes and actions, there would be no hypocrites, for this is a sure mark of an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile; doubtless this disrepect of Gods glory is the cheif cause of so much contention and divi∣sion about Religion and worldly matters, this is it that hinders reformation every where; if Gods glory were dearer to all of us, we should agree better in points of godli∣ness, we should not so easily rush into such frivolous sutes and quarrels about a little white and yellow earth.

Consider this you self-seeking hypocrites,

who look onely at your own ends, because you seek not now to glorifie God, he will (except you amend) curse your posterity, he will cause your name and memory to rot, you shall have no solid comfort here, nor eternal peace hereafter. Remember Jeroboam the Son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, he sought his own ends in setting up Calves at Dan and Bethel, but this renderd him odious ever after. Remember John in throwing down Baals Idolatry, he sought his own ends, he aimed not at Gods glory, his hypo∣crisie was at last detected and accordingly rewarded. Remember Balaam went with Balacks Messengers, nay he went in pretended obedience to Gods Command, but he aimed at his own ends, he went for the wages of unrighteousness, then the Lords anger was kindled against him, and afterwards he pe∣rished by the sword. Remember Judas ser∣ved Christ, but it was for his own ends, to get money, he repined at Mary when she an∣nointed Christs feet, pretending that oint∣ment might have been sold for much, and be given to the poor, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a theif and bare the bag, but his hypocrisie could not long lurk in secret, at last he sold his Master for thirty sil∣verlings, which amounts to three pounds and

fifteen shillings, then fell into despair and hanged himself, and his belly burst, and his bowels fell out, signifying, that such a wretch∣ed miscreant was unworthy to be born into this world, and because he had no bowels of love to his Master, his bowels burst and fell out. Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come; wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed least he fall.

4. I told you in the fourth place, that a Christian walkes with God by an exact imi∣tation of God, according to the rules of his Word: This Use still serves to reprove all such as walk not with God this way; the most follow the multitude to do evil, but alas how few follow God? the vain customs of the countrey, and the idle traditions of many of our ancestors are in greater request with many than the Scripture; reprove di∣vers people for notorious vices out of the Scripture, yet they alledge, they do but as the most, and according to the fashions of the times, but know, that if you will do as the most, you are like to be hereafter where the most must be, and that is not in heaven I am sure: exhort divers to necessary duties of godliness with Scripture Arguments, tell them

they must be followers of God as dear chil∣dren in these and these graces: they alledge that this is not in request with many, there are but few that take this way, they think they may save all this pains, and yet do well enough: Oh what enemies are the most to themselves! they follow the devil and know it not, he leads them hoodwinkt to destructi∣on: Look about you notorious sinners, ma∣ny of you have followed Satan forty, fifty; or sixty yeares, by living in ignorance and all manner of prophaneness; you cry, God forbid. But I say, whom do you serve and follow when you swear, lie, steal, are drunk, prophane the Sabbath, prate against godli∣ness? I appeal to your consciences; do you think you serve God and imitate him? where did the Lord ever teach you these sins? flat∣ter not your selves, you follow Satan, and to him you must go at last, if you repent not in time.

5. I told you in the fifth place, that a Chri∣stian walks with God by daily observing the passages of his providence to him, whether of mercy or justice: this Use still serves to reprove all such as walk not with God this way; when the hand of God is lifted up they will not see, neither will they behold the Ma∣jesty of the Lord; if he send them many

blessings, they sacrifice to their net, and burn incense to their drag; they thank their own wit, strength, industry and care; if God afflict them with miseries, they impute all to luck, chance, and fortune; this Atheistical blockishness keeps them from true repen∣tance, for they turn not to him that smites them: understand ye brutish among the people, and ye fools when will ye be wise? If now ye will not take notice of divine pro∣vidence, you shall hereafter be forced to ac∣knowledge the hand of his justice, when you shall lie perpetually under the weight of his wrath.

I told you in the sixt place, that a Christi∣an walks with God by having his conversa∣tion in heaven: This Use still serves to re∣prove all such as walk not with God this way, many men have some cold lazy wishes after heaven, desiring to be thereafter death, but they have no heart after heavenly things now in their life; its to be feared they have no treasure in heaven, because their hearts are not there, for where their treasures are, their hearts will be there also; they desire heaven for the happiness of it, but if they were there a while, they could not long endure to be there for the extraordinary holiness of it a unworthy are many to be men and women,

to have reasonable soules, because they pitch their thoughts daily upon this worldly pelfe, the world ingrosseth their thoughts, worde and deeds, they have no leasure to meditate on Gods Law, nor to discourse about spiritu∣all things: how skilful are they to drive a trade? and how eager are they in pursuit of worldly profit, but in heavenly matters they are as silly as little Infants: such as these are penny wise and pound foolish, and if they look not to it in time, they will one day la∣ment their folly, in that they had no more care over their soules, when they come to find this true by their own experience, that it will be no profit to gain the world and to loose ones soul.

7. I told you in the seventh place, that a Christian walks with God by frequent and servent prayer, expecting an answer to it: This Use still serves to reprove all such as call not upon the Lord; they performe some lip-labour, uttering some cold wishes, but they know not how to pour out their soules in zealous suites, it seems their hearts were ne∣ver broken with greif and sorrow for sin, because they never had the Spirit of grace and supplication poured upon them; if they draw neer God with their lips, their heart is farre from him; oh how weary are they of

prayer and other holy duties? Certainly they will never indure to be in heaven, for there is everlasting singing of Hallelujah without ceasing; if the Lords service here tire them out in two or three houres, much more will they be weary of being in heaven so holy a place.

Consider this you ungodly wretches, who have opened your mouths in swearing, and cursing, and ungodly talking against the way of holiness, and blaspheming of God, but could never to this day pour out a fervent prayer to God; doubtless God will not hold you guiltless for these sins, but in the day that he visits, he will visit these sins upon you, you hypocrites, you generation of vipers, how hard will it be for you to escape the damna∣tion of hell! you are quickly weary of the Lords service, and cry, what a weariness is it? but you are not weary of your sins; look to it betime, and have a care to amend, or else these great sinnes will burden your soules, and lie very heavy upon them when you die.

8. I told you in the eighth place, that a Christian walks with God by the life of faith. This Use still serves to reprove all such as walk not with God this way; this life of faith is a riddle and a mystery to the most, few un∣derstand

and practise it; the most men live by their wits, shifts and policy, but to live by faith in God they know not; they say they beleived ever since they could remember; but that was not in God; for if God deprive them of his blessings, and afflict them with miseries, they presently distrust, repine and run to unlawful meanes; they can trust God no farther than they see him helping them with second meanes, but if outward meanes be gone, their faith is gone also, so they trust not God but the meanes: these do much of∣fend God by distrust and unbeleif, as the Is∣raelites did in Psal. 78.

Ʋse. The next Use is for comfort to all such as walk with God.

1. I told you in the first place, that a Christian walks with God by acquainting himself with God, and being at peace with him: This Use serves to comfort all such as walk thus with God; happy are you in any condition God shall lead you into, you may look upward with joy, for though men frown at you, yet the Lord from heaven smiles up∣on you, you having peace with God shall have peace in your own consciences, which will do you more good than millions of gold, you shall have peace with the blessed Angels, they shall pitch their Tents about

you for your safety: as when one is at peace with the Master of a family, his servants are ready to do him good: you shall have peace with other creatures, Job 5.23. Thou shalt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the portion of all such as are at peace with God, this honour have all the Saints.

2. I told you in the second place, that a Christian walkes with God by doing all his actions as in Gods sight and presence: This Use still serves for consolation to all such as walk thus with God: two priviledges be∣long to all such, Psalm 16.9, 11.

The first is in verse 9. Therefore mine heart is glad, and my glory (that is my tongue) re∣joyceth: This will be a matter of great joy unto thee, to have God thy dearest freind ever in thine eye. Jacob had enough when he saw Joseph: thou hast enough in seeing thy heavenly father; thou livest as do the glori∣ous Angels, for they continually behold the face of our Father in heaven: God is ever within the sight of your faith, and within the cry of your prayers. Jacob having seen Christ, and wrastled with him, was filled with joy, saying, I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved: he had special assurance

of protection against Esau his fury, by the clear sight of Christ, which made him ex∣ceeding joyful.

The next priviledge is verse 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: God is the good mans guide, the closer you walk with him, the surer he will guide you to glory: as the Star led the wise men to Christ, and as the Cloud conducted the Israelites from Egypt to Ca∣naan, so God will never leave thee untill he hath brought thee to heaven; the wicked wander in the darkness, and stumble, but you that walk with God, walk uprightly and surely, you avoid many sins and punishments which others run into, blessed are you, dear souls, that ever God inclined your hearts to walk with him.

3. I told you in the third place, that a Christian walks with God by doing all his actions to Gods glory: This Use still serves to comfort all such as walk with him after this manner: you blessed Christians, who look at this noble end, you may confidently expect a noble end of your lives, even glory, honour, and immortal life in another world: so did our blessed Saviour, John 17.45. I have glorified thee on the earth, and now, O Fa∣ther, glorfie thou me with thine own self: God will honour you that honour him, both here,

but chiefly hereafter: the men of this world will speak all manner of evill of you falsly, but God, with whom you walk, will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgement as the noon day: you are here defamed and reputed as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things; yet by advancing the glory of God, your memo∣ry shall be blessed, when the name of your enemies shall rot.

4. I told you in the fourth place, that a Christian walks with God by a strict imitati∣on of God according to his word: This Use still serves to comfort all such as walk with God this way; herein lies your happiness, in that you resemble God the most perfect example, which will move him to love you most dearly, for likeness is the cause of love; this is the reason, why the righteous is more excellent than his neighbour, as Solomon speaks, Prov. 12.26. because he is so like to God, he is made a partaker of the divine na∣ture, which is the highest priviledge in the world, by vertue whereof a godly man being a god-like man, is worth ten thousand re∣probates, Christ would not part with such an one for all the wealth in the world.

You heaven-born Saints, who walk with God by imitating him, his heart stands most

to you, and he will own you for his at the last day, when others shall be rejected and condemned.

5. I told you in the fifth place, that a Christian walks with God by his daily ob∣serving the passages of divine providence, whether of mercy or justice: This Use still serves to comfort all such as walk with God this way; happy are you that are thus quali∣fied, God hath opened your eyes to see the holy One of Israel, you may see many tokens of Gods favour to you, which will confirm your faith in his promise and providence, Isai. 26.8. In the way of thy judgements have we waited for thee: you wait for God in the way of his judgements, therefore he will meet you in every cross, and sanctifie it to you, that it shall leave you better than it found you, he will mitigate the smart of his rods to you, and enable you to bear them, and at last he will give a gracious issue out of all crosses, Psalm 123.2. So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, untill that he have mercy upon us: you gracious Christians, wait for the Lord in the way of his mercies likewise, doubtless mercies shall be mercies indeed to you, you may see love in a little, you may perceive the love of God in small favours, because the mercies of God come to you by

the merit of Christs bloud, and through the conduit pipe of divine promises, you walking so exactly with God, he sends you many blessings in his special providence to main∣tain you in your journey until you come to heaven, where you shall have enough.

6. I told you in the sixth place, that a Christian walks with God by having his conversation in heaven: This Use still serves to comfort such as have their conversation there; you sweet soules, you may expect your Saviour confidently to come from thence to change your vile bodies, and to make them like to his glorious body: oh blessed are you that ever you were born, but especially, that ever you were born again, you shall flourish like the tree planted by the water side, you shall bring forth fruit in season, your leaf shall not wither, and whatever you do it shall prosper; you live more like blessed Angels than men upon earth, your life must needs be the sweet∣est life of all, for you converse with Christ, and are most inward with God; you taste those sweet comforts and have a glimpse of those glorious joyes, which the earth-worms of this world never see: I am perswaded you would not change conditions with the weal∣thiest worldling upon earth; I honour your holiness, I admire your happiness.

7. I told you in the seventh place, that a Christian walks with God by fervent and frequent prayer, expecting an answer: This Use still serves to comfort all such as walk thus with God, you may take much comfort to your selves, in that God hath given you the spirit of supplication, your prayers are sweet musick and delightful melody in Gods eares; so Christ speaks to his Church, Cant. 2.14. O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the staires, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely: A father delights more to hear the pratling of his little child, than the bawling of many beggars at the door; God regards not the howling of hypocrites, but for you that walk with God, your prayers are as sweet incense in his nostrils, though you chatter like a Swallow, and cruttle like a Turtle, yet the Spirit helps your infirmities, and God, who knows the meaning of the Spirit, accepts of your desires, though you can utter but non-sense in words, and broken English, yet God will make good sense of your suits, because he delights in them. Prayer is a corner of heaven to you, your petitions shall not come weeping home for want of answer, but God will fulfill the desire of them that fear him,

he will hear their cry, and will save them, for he is nigh unto them that call upon him in truth.

8. I told you in the eighth place, that a Christian walks with God by the life of faith: This Use still serves to comfort all such as walk with God after this manner. You blessed Christians, that live by trust and con∣fidence in God, you live the surest life for comfort of all people in the world, you are seated upon the Rock of eternity, let the world be changed, and turned upside down, yet you stand safe, you may see the rising and falling of many, but you shall hold your hold, for you have the surest hand hold by the hand of faith upon Gods all-sufficiency that is in the world; when the creature is drawn dry, and these broken cisterns can hold no water of consolation for you, then shall your faith find super-abundant comfort in God the fountain of living waters, Habak. 3.17.18. Although the fig-tree shall not blossome, neither shall fruit be in the vines, the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yeild no meat, the stock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no heard in the stals; yet I will rejoyce in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation: the holy Prophet fore∣seeing, by the Spirit, the fearful desolation

that the Babylonians should make in the Jews Nation, comforts himself and other true beleivers in this, that when all livelihood is wasted, and outward maintenance perish∣ed, when the Babylonian had plundered their Nation, had not left them an house to dwell in, nor any provision to nourish and releive them, yet by the strength of his faith, he as∣sures both himself and others of comfort, provision and nourishment enough in God. The life of faith is a most secure life, when a man by reason of want is ready to sink, then faith holds the head above water, and makes one to see contraries in contraries, as fulness in want, health in sickness, life in death, vivitur ingenio, is the life of worldly men, but vivitur fide, is the life of righteous Saints.

Ʋse. The last Use serves for exhortation to stir us up to walk with God as Enoch did.

1. I told you that a Christian walks with God by acquainting himself with God, and being at peace with him: This life serves to exhort us all to walk with God this way: con∣sider the pathetical motives the Holy Ghost useth in Job 22.24. &c. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brook. Ophir was a place in

India, where the purest gold in all the world was gotten; Merchant-ships coming to the foot of the cheifest hill in Ophir waited their opportunity, when the Lions and other wild beasts in it were gone to seek for prey, then they went a shore and got much pretious gold. Now if thou beest at peace with God, God will not let thee want, if thou canst eat gold thou shalt have it, he thinks the gold of Ophir too little for thee, thou shalt not want, for the Lord Jehovah shall be thy Cator, ver. 25. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver: thou needst not fear any danger whilst the Lord is thy defence: verse 26. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God: its a sweet thing to solace ones soul in God, and to bath ones Spirit in the streames of his love, such have comfort which is not to be found in the creature: verse 27. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vowes: This is a mercy worthy gold, to pray, and be heard, to unlock heaven gates by the key of prayer, and fetch mercies thence: verse 28. Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee, and the light shall shine upon thy wayes: God will fulfil thy de∣sires, and not frustrate thy expectation, and

the light of his countenance and precious providence shall shine upon thy wayes: verse 29. When men are cast down, thou shalt say, there is lifting up, and he shall save the humble person: Though good men may be cast down sometime by the hand of violence, yet thou by the strength of thy faith, having peace with God, shalt be assured of rising up again. Let these golden priviledges of a Christian incite thee, with all earnest care and pains to be inward with God; make peace with him though you have little peace with men, for this is the ground of your hope and happi∣ness, this is that will afford you the greatest security and sweetest contentment in the evill day.

2. I told you in the second place, that a Christian walks with God by doing all his actions as in Gods sight and presence: This Use still serves to exhort us all to walk with God after this manner, whatever you take in hand, ever set God before your eyes; his eyes are alwayes upon you, let yours be al∣wayes upon him, this will keep thee from re∣volting and apostatizing from him, Psalm 16.18. I have set the Lord alwayes before me, be∣cause he is at my right hand, I shall not be mo∣ved: as if he had said, neither by Satan, nor by the world, but I shall stand fast against all

mine enemies, nothing shall draw me away from him: if the most would eye God in their wayes, they durst not rush into pre∣sumptuous sins so oft as they do, but because they do think that God sees them not, there∣fore they wax bold to break his Lawes: in every way and work be sure to consider Gods omnipresence, and his all-seeing eye, and it will restrain thee from many slips.

3. I told you in the third place, that a Christian walks with God by referring all his actions to the glory of God: This Use still serves to exhort you all to walk with God after this manner; let this glory be dearer to you than your own ends, then will you be more firmly united in the bond of peace, for then the glorious Spirit of God will tie your hearts together in spiritual unity; self-seek∣ing is the greatest cause of most dissentions both in Church and Common-wealth: let it be your chiefest study and care how to pro∣mote the glory of God, and then your parti∣cular ends shall sooner be attained, 1 Sam. 2.30. Them that honour me I will honour: God there promised; David endeavoured to honour God, so did Hezekiah, Josiah, Job, Joseph, Daniel and others; and in holy Writ you may find recorded how much God

honoured them with blessings spiritual and temporal; this is the surest way to eternize your good names, and to render your me∣mory blessed, by seeking to advance Gods glory.

4. I told you in the fourth place, that a Christian walks with God by a strict imita∣tion of God according to the rules of his Word: This Use still serves to exhort you all to walk with God this way; nature teacheth thee to imitate thine earthly pa∣rents, and hast thou not so much grace as to imitate thy heavenly Father? thou hast imi∣tated the sinners of this world too long, thou hast wearied thy self to commit iniquity with them; what fruit had you in those things whereof you shall be ashamed, if you be not already? for the end of those things is death: read the Word, search the Scriptures, and they will teach thee what a One God is how holy, merciful, wise, just and perfect, let him be thy daily pattern, and thou shalt sooner attain unto perfection; the less you imitate him, the more imperfect you are, and the more you imitate him, the more perfect you are: Ephes. 5.1. Be ye therefore follow∣ers of God as dear children: he will not lead you to any thing hurtful and dangerous to your soules, but follow and imitate him as

exactly as you can, and he will lead you at last into fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.

5. I told you in the fifth place, that a Christian walks with God by daily observati∣on of the passages of his providence to him: This Use still serves to exhort us all to walk with God this way, this is a sign of a wise man so to do: Hosea 14.9. Whose is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? that is, the promises and passages of his providence and love: this will much confirm thy faith, and comfort thy heart. Much water runs by the Mill that the Miller never sees, so there are many pretious passages of divine providence which pass by divers that they never take notice of; look therefore at God in every mercy and cor∣rection, look higher than second causes, and say within thy self, here is a token of my hea∣venly Fathers love, here is a gift from hea∣ven, this mercy, or this correction, comes from my God: so did the godly formerly, Genes. 48 9. Joseph said to Jacob, they are my sons whom God hath given me. Job. 1.21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Learn to say and do therefore as the godly did in Psalm 123. Ʋnto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens: Let

no passage of divine providence go by thee without diligent observation.

6. I told you in the sixth place, that a Christian walks with God by having his con∣versation in heaven: This Use still serves to exhort you all to walk with God this way, thy chiefest treasure is there, thy best friends are there, why then doest thou set thine heart here upon things beelow? God hath given thee an upright body, so as thou mayest look often up towards heaven, that thine heart may be lifted up thither; aquila non capit museas, scorn to imbase thy noble soul by doting upon things of the earth, a little meanes will suffice nature, thou needest not be so greedy after gain; hadst thou a whole Lordship, nay a whole Kingdom, yet thou canst dwell but in one house at a time; hadst thou the richest Wardrobe in the world, thou canst wear but one suite of apparrel at a time; hadst thou thy Table furnisht with all varieties, thou canst eat but a bellifull of meat at a time, enough is as good as a feast. Oh let thine heart mount up towards heaven daily upon the wings of divine contempla∣tion, then thy soul shall go thither at last; its no easie thing to get thither, the way to hell is down the hill, and down the stream, but the way to heaven is up the hill, and

against the stream, rightly said the Poet:

—facilis descensus Averni, Sed revocare gradum, superasque evadere ad auras, Hic labor, hoc opus est.

Therefore look upward often whither thy Redeemer is ascended; the sight of the out∣side of heaven here below should draw up our hearts thither, and make us less regard these worldly delights, for if the outside of heaven be so glorious, that is bespangled with the Sun, Moon and Stars, how glorious is the inside of it? you are daily within the sight of heaven your Fathers house, Oh let your hearts be there till your soules be there for ever: lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet; loose not heaven for want of paines and labour, you may buy gold too dear, but heaven you can∣not.

7. I told you in the seventh place, that a Christian walks with God by fervent and frequent prayer, expecting an answer: This Use still serves to exhort us all to walk with God after this manner, pray continually, ply

the Throne of grace hard, give the Lord no rest until he hath brought thee to sing ever∣lasting hallelujah in heaven. God hath in many places of his Word promised to hear and grant the sutes of his people, if thou beest one of his, thou mayest pray with con∣fidence to be heard. Moses talked with God in the Mount until his face shone, be thou also frequent in fervent prayer, and it will make thy soul to shine in grace. Jacob wrestled with Christ by prayer untill he halt∣ed, be thou likewise earnest with God until thou hast weakened thy corruptions and made them lame; thou that hast the spirit of grace and supplication, hast such a treasure to enrich thee, such a weapon to defend thee, as no worldling hath, thou mayest by the key of prayer unlock heaven gates and fetch mercies thence, in any place whereever thou livest, for the way to heavē is as near to a true Christian in one place as in another: its a sweet thing to talk often with God, and to be inward with him, he will give no little joy to such.

8. I told you in the eighth place, that a Christian walks with God by the life of faith: This Use still serves to exhort you all to walk with God this way, let your life be a continual dependance upon him, trust in the

Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength, he is faithful that hath promised, he never deceived any that trusted in him, this is your sure hold, true faith in his promises and providence will not fail you, you will find friends, riches, pleasures, ho∣nours and other delights of this world to be miserable comforters, but rest upon God by faith, and you will find him a fast friend, and a sure comforter; endeavour daily to rest upon him with such strength of faith, as that when all outward helpes fail, you may not doubt, nor fear, but may in patience possess your soules, and quietly rest upon God for releif and succour, not seeking after indirect meanes for your help; if you can attain to this life of faith, you will find more comfort in want, than others in their wealth, more comfort in sickness, than others in their health, it will make you better in your worst estate, than unbeleivers are in their best estate, you are better in disgrace, than they are in honour, you are better in bondage, than they are in liberty; when thou wast a little child thou couldst sport and play, and tookest no care for mainte∣nance, but didst rest upon thy earthly parents for food and rayment, and now thou art come to yeares of discretion, wherein thou

shouldest have attained to knowledge and faith, hast thou not yet learned to trust thy heavenly Father for body and soul? why do ye doubt, oh ye of little faith? cast thy care wholly upon God, and he will care for you; thou pretendest thou canst trust God for thy soules everlasting peace, and canst thou not trust him for thy present bodily mantenance? ••oul the weight of all thy cares wholly upon the Lords blessed providence, live the life of faith, and thou shalt die the death of the righteous, yea, thy last and shall be like his.