Works

they died. They died in the favor of God, reconciled to him through the death of the Mediator. The Castle of their souls was not taken by storm or in a state of enmity and opposition, but by a quiet voluntary s • rrender, or in a state of peace and amity.

2. The manner of their deaths; They died in the fear of God; they exercised grace as well in sickness as in health, and when dying as when living; their spiritual motions were quick, when their natural motions were slow.

Plutarch reports of Lucius Metellus high Priest of Rome, that though he lived to a great old age, his voice did not fail him, nor his hand shake in his sacrificing to the God's. Its said of Moses when he was a hundred and twenty years old and died, that his natural sight did not fail him, neither was his heat abated ; So it may be said of the Christian, that though he die old, his spiritual sight doth not fail him, nor his divine heat abate. As Caleb, he is as strong in regard of grace, his inward strength, when he is entering into the promised Canaan, as he was when he first went forth as a spy by faith, to search the land flowing with milk and honey. The Heathen counted him happy that died either in the midst of the goods of fortune, (hence they say, if Priamus had died a little before the loss of his Town, he had died the greatest Prince in all Asia, ) or in the exercise of their moral virtues ; Hence they so highly extol Seneca and Socrates, who seemed to dare even death itself, out of resolution and fortitude; Though those seeming virtues were but as Austin terms them, Splendida Flagitia, Famous Vices, and their confidence arose not from any grounded knowledge of their good estates, but from their blindness and ignorance of their depraved, wicked, and woeful estates. He is the happy man indeed, that dieth in the faith, that sleepeth in Jesus, that goeth to his grave in the exercise of grace. The Master of Moral Philosophy, commendeth that Pilot whom a Ship-wrack swalloweth up at the Stern, with the Rudder in his hand. The most high God commendeth that person whom death seizeth, doing the work for which he was sent into the world. Even the blind Mole, if Naturalists may be credited, opens his eyes when he comes to die; and the crooked Serpent stretcheth out herself straight, when she is going to fetch her last breath; and shall not the Saint be best at last?

Reader, Observe how careful the Saints have been to do their last work well, and to go out of the world like some sweet spices, perfuming the room in which they fetch their last breath, with holiness, and leaving a sweet savor behind them. Jacob when dying, worshipped, leaning on his staff, Heb. 11. 21. What a Character doth he give of the Angel of the Covenant, and what blessings doth he pray for, and prophesy to come on his children, when he was going from them? How was his heart enlarged in pantings after the Lord Christ? Gen. 48. 16. and 49. per tot. The living waters of his graces ran with the greater strength, when they were emptying themselves into the Ocean of glory. Moses like the dying Swan sings most sweetly, being to go up to Mount Nebo to die there. What excellent doctrines, reproofs, instructions, doth he deliver to the Israelites ? How pathetically, rhetorically, divinely doth he dictate his last legacies to his Political children? who can read and not be ravished with wonder and delight! Deut. 32. & 33. Joshua like the morning star, shines brightest at last; He gives his people so strict a charge to serve the Lord, such gracious counsel, when he was going the way of all the earth, that it could not but be remembered many days after. Dying Joseph will lay his bones at stake for God's faithfulness, and that he will visit Israel and deliver them out of Egypt. Sampson did the Church of God much service, in slaying more of her enemies at his death, then in his life. Julius Caesar among the Romans, and Olympia the Mother of Alexander among the Grecians, were famous for their care to die handsomely, and not to commit at last any ill beseeming action, whereby their memories should have been rendered inglorious; But the Christians care hath always been, to die holily, and to do their God most service when they are going to that place where they shall do him no more in a proper sense. Philosophers tell us, that the soul upon deaths approach is more divine and supernaturally inclined; certain it is, the soul of a Saint only doth then more aspire heavenward, when its returning 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , to its original divinity, according to Plotinus his phrase of death. As his Savior he brings out his best wine at last, and his last works are more then his first, Rev. 2. 19.

The blessed Prince, and Lord of life, should be our pattern at death. He got his Father most glory, he did his Church most good, by his death, though he was eminently serviceable to both all his life time. Its said of him, He was obedient (Phil. 2. 7.) to the death ; Which may import,

• 1. His continuance in well-doing ; His obedience lasted to the last moment of his life; so should ours. Elisha would not leave his Master, till taken from him into Heaven, and we should not leave our Lord till taken to him into Heaven. Polycarp in his old age being urged by the Proconsul to deny Christ, answered, I have served him eighty six years, and he never once hurt me, and shall I now deny him?
• 2. His obedience in his death ; His death was a Free-will offering in obedience to his Fathers command. Not only his birth and life was an answer to his Fathers call; A body hast thou prepared, &c. Then said I, Lo, I come (to put on that body, to take upo • 〈◊〉 that nature, and thereby and therein) to do thy Will, O God ; but also his death was in pursuance of his duty; This commandment received I of my Father ; Thus the Christians death must be offered up as a sacrifice to God, in obedience to his command. The Sinners soul is Prest to this War, in which there is no discharge; This night thy soul shall be required of thee. The Saint understanding the orders from the Lord of Hosts, is a Voluntier; He gives up the Ghost; Into thy hands Lord I commend my Spirit.
• 3. The gracious manner of his dying. The Sun of righteousness, when setting, did shine most gloriously. Though at his death he had such infinite disadvantage, being to wrestle with the frowns of an incensed God, the fury of earth and Hell, and met with clouds, black, and thick enough to have obscured the graces, and hindered the holiness of any but himself, from shining at all, yet how brightly did they break forth in the midst of all those Fogs, and Mists, and Darkness! What holy counsel and comfort did he give his Disciples to prepare them for his departure, in his last (and one of his longest) Sermon! John. 14, 15, 16. What an heavenly prayer doth he put up to his Father for them, and all his elect! to give them both a taste and a pledge of that intercession which he was going to Heaven to make for them. When he was hanging on the Cross, under such an heavy weight as the sins of the whole World, Grace was not depressed. His love to his Mother is observable; Woman, behold thy Son; And from that hour that Disciple took her to his own house, John 19. 26. But his love to his membren • though enemies, was wonderful; Father forgi •• them, they know not what they do. His Faith in his Father; Father into thy hands I commend my spirit. His pity to one of the Thieves. His Patience in bearing the scoffing words and taunts, more bitter then Worm-wood, of them that passed by, reviling him, as well as in suffering the wracking of his bones, and whole body, and the anger of an infinite God, in his soul, without any murmuring, may well call for our admiration. Reader, he hath set thee a pattern, that thou shouldst follow his steps. Some tell us the Phoenix of Saba, in Arabia Felix (so called from Phoenicea, or the Purple color of her wings) liveth six hundred and sixty years, at the end of which time, she buildeth her a nest of Cassia, Calamus, Cinnamon, and other precious spices and gums, which the Sun by the extremity of his heat, and the wavering of her wings, fires, and she taking delight in the sweetness of the savor, hovers so long over it, that she burns herself in her own Nest. Thus did the blessed Jesus, and thus ought his followers to expire in a Nest of sweet Spices, the exercise of the graces of the holy Spirit. It was a poor farewell to the world, which even Octavius Augustus gave when at the point of death he called for his Looking-glass, commanded to have his Head and beard combed, and his shriveled Cheeks smoothed up; then asking his friends if he had acted his part well; Cum ita responderint, vos omnes igitur inquit Plaudite. It is a dreadful conclusion which Pliny relates the Hyberboreans to make, who when they have lived to one hundred years or more, make a great feast, to which they invite all their friends, and after their jollity and mirth, throw themselves down a steep rock and so perish.

Ungodly men are always worst at last; when they come to the bottom, they are flat and dead, and nothing but grounds and dregs. How often in the eyes of the world, do wicked persons go out like a Lamp, leaving a stench behind them! The scandalous sinner, usually, like the Goats beard, or star of Jerusalem, closeth up the flower of his presumptuous hope at high noon, he is cast in his own conscience long before his death. The Hypocrite ordinarily, as the Daysie and Dandelion, declares the approach of the evening, by shutting up before its approach; If he be gold in the morning, and silver at noon, yet (as we say of Butter) he is lead at night. What is the hope of the Hypocrite, when God shall take away his soul! As its storied of the Pardora, a people in India, that in their youth they have silver hairs, but in their age, their hairs are quite black ; Or as the She Wolf hath a yearly defect in generation, the first time she hath five, the second time four, then three, then two, then one, then barren ever after. So the Hypocrite d • clines and decreaseth in goodness, faster then the Moon in its last quarter, and is commonly worst at last. But the sincere Christian hath his best at the bottom, and hath his daintiest dish reserved to be served in at the last course • Naturalists tell us of Honey, that that is the thickest and best Honey, which is squeezed last out of the Comb. O what excellent periods and endings, both in regard of the exercise of grace and comfort, have many of the Children of God made! The Death-bed to some Saints, hath been like Tharah to the Israelites in the Wilderness, where after many journeys growing near to the Land of Canaan, they rested themselves, and it was called Tharah, from Roah and Tarah, which signifieth a breathing time. The Sun when it declines into the West, hath even then much more light then any of the Stars ; The meanest upright Christian when he is near setting, hath more joy and comfort then a specious Hypocrite any day of his life. When some asked Oecolampadius, lying on his death-bed, whether the light did not offend him, he answered, pointing to his breast, Hic sat lucis, H • re is abundance of light, of joy ; He asked one of his Friends, What news? His Friend told him, None ; Then saith he, I will tell you some news; I shall presently be with my Lord Christ.

I shall give thee two or three quickening Motives, and then direct thee about the work • of exercising thyself to Godliness on a Dying Bed ; and because its the last time of a Christians working for his God, I shall in the third place annex some brief helps to this duty.

In reference to the Motives, Consider,

First, What a serious thing Death will be to every Man and Woman in the World. Its ill and dangerous for any to cozen themselves, and undertake to mock God in their health and life; but its worst of all, and desperate, for any to do this on a sick and dying Bed. The Heathen hardened in sin, and wholly under the power of Satan, ignorant of the evil of their hearts and lives, and of the sad consequence of a wicked end, made light of death. Flavius Vespasian, none of the worst of the Roman Emperors, died (as Sir Thomas Moor, ) with a jest in his mouth. Vt puto Deus fio. Methinks I am going and growing to be a God. Augustus Caesar esteemed the best of them whose death the people so much lamented, that they said, Vtinam aut non nasceretur, aut non moreretur; Would he had never been born, or never died, went off the Stage of the World with a Complement; Livia, Nostri Conjugii memor, Vive & Vale; Farewell and Live Wife, mindful of our Marriage. Galba died desperately, crying out, Feri si ex re sit Populi Romani; Strike if it be for the common good. Tiberius died dissemblingly, of whose death Tacitus wittily, I am Tiberium vires & corpus, non dissimulatio, deserebant; Now strength and life hath lest Tiberius, but not dissimulation. But Christians who understand the holiness and justice of God, the infinite demerit of sin, the certainty of an unchangeable condition in the other World, either in joy or torment, know that death is no jesting matter, that to die is one of the most serious searching things, that they can possibly do.

Two or three Particulars will show what a serious thing death is.

• 1 • Death will try men. When the Bridegroom comes, it will appear who have Oil in their Vessels, and who have none • As soon as ever thou takest thy leave of temporal good things, thy spiritual riches will be known. A scorching Summer discovers what streams are fed with Ponds, and what with Springs. The Wind showeth which Clouds have Rain in them, and which have none. Death will anatomize every soul, and reveal all that is in it; Conscience will then bring in a true Verdict, in despite of all those bribes and frights which formerly kept the Bill in suspense, or caused it to write on it an Ignoramus. There are marks by which Saints and Sinners may be distinguished whilst they live, as great men's servants are by the Liveries that they wear but these characters; being most inward, and known to none but themselves, and the Lord they serve, it is their dying only, that will reveal infallibly what they are, and to whom they belong. This World is as a common Inn, wherein all are lodged, and no difference is made between the good and bad, only that the worst men have the best usage; but the very moment of men's dissolution makes a plain and vast distinction. Death is the way of all the earth, according to Joshua 's Periphrasis of it; but this way hath two turnings; one on the right hand to joy and bliss; another on the left hand to misery and horror; now as when the attendants of two Lord's, travail together on the road, their servants cannot easily be distinguished, especially if the Servants of the one, counterfeit the livery of the other; but when they come to the Bivium, the parting way, then its clearly known who belong to the one, and who to the other, for each then followeth his own Master, waits on him to his house, stayeth and abideth there with him; So though whilst men live, all professing themselves Christians, and most for a show at least, putting on the livery of Christ, it is not known who belong to the Prince of Life, and who to the Prince of the powers of the Air, but death will discover it to themselves, and the Elect Angels.
• 2. It will appear that Death is a serious thing, in that it stateth the creature for Eternity • When thou diest, thy condition will be like the Law of the Medes and Persians, such as cannot be altered. At death thou goest the way that thou shalt never return. David speaking of his dead Child, saith, I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me ; And Job by asking the question, denieth it; If a man die, shall he live again ? God will never trust thee with a second life, or give thee leave for second thoughts, or better purposes, or more serious and sober actions, when thou art once landed in the other world. He will not offer thee a Christ, and Grace, and Heaven, when thou art gone from this earth. Think of it seriously; is not that work to be done well, which can be done but once? Shouldst thou not use thine utmost care, and strength, and diligence, to die well, when thy everlasting making or marring dependeth on it? Ah Friend, If thou failest now, thou failest for ever ; if thou dalliest now, thou art undone eternally; There is no wisdom nor knowledge in the Grave, whither thou art going, Eccles. 11. 7.
• 3. Death will appear to be a serious thing, in that all the powers of Hell, will then assault thee. Thou mayst say of it (in some respects, as Christ did) to wicked men, and the Wicked one; This is your hour, and the power of darkness. The Devil its observable, is most busy at the conclusion of a duty, as of prayer, that the Christian might be hindered and distracted, when he closeth up all in the name of Christ, and so all his desires be frustrated; so he is most busy in the conclusion of our days, adding fearful dreams to our slumbers, strong distractions to our fancies, increasing our pains with terrors, driving the good if possible, to despair, and intoxicating the bad with presumptuous conceits, and all because his time is little. The Devil is come down, having great rage, knowing that his time is short, Rev. 12. 12. At the approach of death, through pain of body, and perplexity of mind, men are least able to resist, and therefore this cowardly enemy will then be most ready and fierce to assault; When the Christian is down, then if possible, he will • rample upon him. The last persecutions of the Church under Dioclesian, and Maximinian, were the soarest. The last messenger the Devil sent to Job, concerning the sudden violent death of all his Children, pierced his heart deepest. The subtle serpent reserved that great Ordnance for the last, hoping the former small guns of the loss • of his Cattle, and Estate, and Servants, would have done some execution, in making some breach upon his faith and patience; and this great gun playing, when he was before tired in defending, must needs shatter him in pieces. He may fitly be called the Wolf of the Evening (Jer. 5. 6.) that devoureth. This roaring Lyon walketh in the night to seek his prey. There have been few eminent Saints, but have found their Death-bed, a Bed of Thorns, in regard of temptations. Mr. Knox said, when he came to die, In my life time, the Devil tempted me to despair, casting my sins in my teeth; but now in my sickness, he tells me, I have been faithful in the Ministry, and so have merited Heaven; but blessed be God, who brought those Texts into my mind; Not I, but the grace of God in me; What hast thou that thou hast not received? The Israelites never met with so much opposition, as when they were to take possession of the Land of Canaan, then all the Kings of Canaan combined together, and came out and fought them. When Satan was to be cast out of the possessed person, and never to enter into him more, he rent him, and tore him, that the people thought he was dead.

Now Reader, What need hast thou to be serious and holy on a dying Bed, to the utmost of thine ability, and to fetch in all the strength thou canst from Heaven, when thou hast such cruel powerful enemies to encounter with? Its was one of the most quickening prevalent arguments, that Alexander used to the Macedonians, before their third and last fatal Battle with Darius, That t • ey were to fight with all the strength of Persia at once. What an awakening argument should it be to thee, that thou art to fight with all the Powers of Hell at once ?

Secondly, Consider, Its a special season wherein thou mayst glorify God. A Saint by his death may bring God more honor then by all his life. The Actions and Speeches of dying men, make a deep impression on the hearts of those that are about them. The wicked themselves, who have mocked at the purity and strictness of the Saints lives, have admired their patience and cheerfulness in their deaths. Though they look on the believers words in health, as savouring of self and sinister ends, and humor, and so neglect them; yet when they hear a dying Saint commend the love and faithfulness of God, the pleasantness, and excellency of his ways and worship, and to bless the time, and pains, and strength, that ever they spent in his service, they esteem his language and begin to have other thoughts of Holiness and Heaven; for they consider, that surely now the man is entering upon the borders of eternity, he is serious and in earnest. Hence the Patriarchs, knowing the prevalency of such words, urge Joseph with Jacob's dying charge; Thy Father, when dying, said, Forgive I pray thee, the iniquity of thy servants, Gen. 50. 16. That Ru •• ian that would live with his fellow Riotors, beholding the holy behavior of Ambrose on his Death-bed, would choose to die with Ambrose. The enemies of Christ, beholding at the death of Christ how the Rocks were rent, darkness covered the face of the earth, how the veil of the Temple was torn in sunder, the graves were opened, the dead raised, were forced to cry out, Doubtless this man was the Son of God: So when the adversaries of God's people, see them on their Death-beds, and behold their patience in bearing their sickness, their Faith in relying on their Savior, their charity in forgiving their enemies, their zeal for the honor and interest of their Master, their constancy in defending the Gospel they did before profess, they are compelled in their consciences to acknowledge, Doubtless these are the Servants, the Sons and Daughters of God. Much more will a holy behavior on a Dying-bed benefit such as fear God. It convinceth sinners, that they, whether they will or no, must have other thoughts of holiness and holy men then formerly, and it confirmeth Saints in their gracious practices, and makes them more diligent in their preparation.

Mr. Bilny, the day before he suffered death, being told that though the fire was hot, God's Spirit would cool it, to his everlasting refreshing, answered, putting his hand in the flame of the Candle, I feel by experience, and have known by Philosophy, that Fire by God's Ordinance is very hot; but yet I am persuaded by God's holy Word, and by the experience of some spoken of therein, That in the flame they felt no heat, and in the fire no consumption; and I constantly believe, howsoever the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by it, yet my soul and spirit shall be purged thereby; a pain for the time, whereon followeth joy unspeakable. And then he most comfortably treated on Isaiah 43. 1, 2. But now, Thus said the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Which words he applied both to himself and his friends then present. Of which some reaped such fruit that they caused the words to be fair written on Tables; The comfort whereof, in several that were with him, was never taken from them to their dying day. O tis very profitable to others, when a Saint so behaveth himself on his Death-bed, that he may say to his Friends and Relations, as Sir Robert Harleigh did to his Children, I have formerly taught you how to live, and now I teach you how to die.

Thirdly, Consider, Its the last opportunity that thou shalt ever have to do any work for thy God and Savior, and thy own soul ; When thou diest thou goest to the place where thou shalt receive thy reward, and shalt never never more have any season to sow to the Spirit in, to serve thy Redeemer in, and to manifest thy thankfulness to him for his love to thee; I must work the work of him that sent me, whilst it is day, saith Christ, for the night cometh wherein no man can work, John. 9. 4. Thou mayst when dying, say to thy friends, as the Crier of the Ludi seculares, which happened but once in a hundred years, did at Rome; Come see that which ye never saw before, nor shall ever see again. He that hath but one Arrow to shoot, but one throw to cast, but one opportunity left him to work out his salvation in, may well improve it to the utmost. A certain Martyr going to suffer, expressed his sorrow that he was going thither, Where he should do his God no more service. Our God is so good, that his work is desirable, and were it possible for any grief in Heaven, saith Dr. Sibs, it would arise from a Christians consideration, that he did no more for his God, and that it cost him so little pains and labor to be saved. When Sampson was nigh his death, and should have no more opportunities to exalt his God, and advantage his Church, he lifted up his heart to Heaven; Assist me this once, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes. So Reader, when thou enterest thy Chamber, and art betaking thyself to thy dying bed, what weighty reasons hast thou to pour out thy soul, and wrestle with God for Divine strength! Lord, I am now come, in my own apprehension, to the close of my days, after which, I shall never more enjoy a season to glorify thy Majesty, or further my own account; I am going to do a great work, which I never did before, nor shall ever do again; I acknowledge that I have been guilty of too much slothfulness, and unfaithfulness in my life, and have given these Philistines that are enemies to my soul, too much advantage against me, and occasion to mock and deride me. O assist me now this once, that I may do thee and thy Church some eminent service, that I may be strong in faith, an example of patience, humility, heavenly-mindedness and charity, and be the death of those uncircumcised ones, my cursed corruptions, and be avenged on them, for all the dishonor they have done to thee, though I die with them.

I come now to show wherein thou oughtest to excercise thyself to Godliness, on a Dying Bed.

First, In Commending God and his ways to others. The Words of dying men, are living Oracles, and do not die with them. It is the unhappiness of worldlings and wicked men, that when they come to die, they cannot commend the work that they have followed, the wages which they have merited, or the Master whom they have served; but its the privilege of Christians, that they have cause to praise the sweetness of that love which they have tasted, the equity of those Laws which they have obeyed, the grace, and mercy, and bounty, and faithfulness of that Lord whom they have prayed to, and delighted in, and worshipped, and the vastness, and richness, and certainty, and eternity of that reward which they are going to possess. The men of this earth, when they are dying, do often cry out and complain of the falseness and unfaithfulness of the world, and the flesh, how they have cozened, the cheated, and deceived them; and of their own folly and madness, in toiling, and moiling, and drudging night and day, to please and gratify that which now in their extremity turns them off. O how should the Children of God extol their Father, and his care of them, and kindness to them, magnify their Redeemer, and his passion for them, and affection to them, exalt the Word and Ways of the Lord, as those which they have found by experience to be the most comfortable and gainful ways. The last breath of a Saint, should be spent in his God's service. Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori, was Vespasians Motto. Oportet Episcopum, concionantem mori, was holy Jewels Motto. Oportet Christia num glorificantem Deum mori, should be every Saints Motto.

Dying Jacob will speak highly of God's providence, though he bring it in (as it were) in a Parenthesis. The God which fed me all my life long to this day, Gen. 48. 15. Dying Joseph will praise the Lord's faithfulness to his promise, and pawn his body for its performance; I die, and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land; And Joseph took an Oath of the Children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence, Gen. 50. 24, 25. Dying Moses ascribes greatness to his God, tells the Israelites, He is a Rock, his work is perfect, all his ways are judgment, a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he, Deut. 32. 3, 4. Dying Joshua will appeal to the consciences of his hearers, whether God had not kept touch with them to the least title; I am going the way of all the earth, and ye know in all your hearts, and in all your souls, that not one good thing hath failed, of all that the Lord our God hath spoken, Josh. 23. 14. As Moses and Joshua did sound forth the praises of their God, so also, when dying, they did persuade and exhort the Jews to godliness, Deut. 32. 23. Josh. 23. per tot. So Paul meeting with those Ephesian Elders, that should see his face no more, doth solemnly charge them to take heed to the Flocks, over which the Holy Ghost had made them overseers.

I remember, saith Senarclaeus, concerning Alphonsus Diazius, his Friend and Bed-fellow, when He and I were at Newburg, the night before he was Murdered, he prayed before he went to bed more ardently, and somewhat longer then ordinary; after which he spent a good part of the night in discourse concerning the Works of God, and exhorting me to the practice of true piety, and truly, I found myself so inflamed, when I heard him, that I thought I heard the Spirit of God speaking to me.

Mr. Knox gave good advice to all his Visitors; among the rest, the Earl of Morton came to see him, to whom he thus spake, My Lord, God hath given you many blessings; Wisdom, Riches, and many great Friends, and now is about to prefer you to the Government of the Realm ; (The Earl of Mart, the late Regent, being newly dead;) In his name I charge you, use these blessings better then formerly you have done; Seeking first the glory of God, the furtherance of the Gospel, the good of his Church and Ministers; Be careful of the King, to procure his good, and the welfare of his Realm; If you do thus, God will be with you, and honor you; if otherwise, he will deprive you of all these honors, and your end shall be shame and ignominy. These words the Earl called to mind nine years after, at the time of his Execution; saying, that he had sound John Knox a true Prophet.

Mr. • gnatius Jordan of Exeter, one famous in his generation for Godliness, was observed in his sickness, to take all occasions to exhort others to constancy in the truth, Zeal for God, and to make sure of Heaven; and when the Mayor of the City sent to visit him, he said to the Messenger, Remember me to Mr. Mayor, and tell him • rom me, that he make sure of Heaven, be careful to do justice, and provide for the poor.

We should when dying, in a special manner mind this work of commending God and Godliness to our Relations ; They are more affected then others with our sickness, and so also with our sayings ; Our Counsel may probably do them good, when we are turned into corruption; Jacob calleth his Children together to bless them; David layeth a strict command on his Son Solomon; And thou Solomon my Son, know the God of thy Fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart, and a willing mind. Cyrus upon his death-bed conjures his Sons to peace, lest they should lose the Kingdom he left his heir. The Saint must conjure his Children to purity in the first place, lest they lose their souls and the Kingdom of Heaven. Mr. Robert Bolton, on his Death-bed, called his Children together, Wisht them to remember the counsel he had formerly given them, and he verily believed none of them durst meet him at the great Tribunal in an unregenerate estate.

Mr. Sanders a little before his death, in a Letter to his Wife, writeth thus, Dear Wife, riches I have none to leave behind me, wherewith to endow thee after this worlds manner, but the treasure of tasting how sweet Christ is unto hungry consciences' (whereof I thank my Christ, I feel part, and would feel more) I bequeath to thee, and to the rest of my beloved in Christ, to retain the same in sense of heart always. O how pathetically, how earnestly, should dying Christians, who know somewhat of the worth of grace and holiness, and of the evil and end of sin and sinners, persuade their Children and Relations to love and fear, and serve the Lord, when its the last time that ever they shall advise or counsel them! How hard should they woo, that the souls of their Kindred may be married to Christ!

Secondly, In commending thyself and others to God by prayer. When the body breaths shortest, it breaths quickest. Though the Christian on his death-bed may want strength for long solemn devotion, his short ejaculations should be both fervent and frequent. The first thing a Child of God doth, when new born, is to breath, to pray, Act. 9. 27. And its one of the last things he doth, Act. 7. ult. He entereth praying into the place of praise. Paul the Hermit was found dead, saithe Jerome,, with his hands and eyes lifted up to Heaven, that the dead corps seemed to pray. Demus operam ut moriamur in precatione ; Let us endeavor to die at prayer, saith Austin.

1. The sick man should pray especially for himself; Lord Jesus receive my Spirit, saith Stephen; Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit, saith Christ; Lord, saith dying Beza, Perfect that which thou hast begun, that I suffer not Ship-wrack in the Haven. Children desire to die in their Fathers bosom, or on their Mothers lap. Mr. Perkins died begging remission of sin, and entreating mercy at God's hands. Bishop Usher was often heard to desire the like end that Mr. Perkins had, which he obtained, for the last words which he was heard to utter, were; But Lord in special forgive my sins of omission, not long after which he expired. Luther's prayer a little before his death, or rather thanksgiving, was; Pater mi caelestis, Deus & Pater domini nostri Jesus Christi, ago tibi gratias quod filium tuum Iesum Christum mihi revelasti, cui credidi, quem sum professus, quem amare, &c. My Heavenly Father, the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I thank thee for revealing thy Son Jesus Christ to me, whom I have believed, whom I have professed, whom I have loved.

Others must not be forgotten by us; but our own souls must in a special manner be remembered. Bellarmine tells us of a desperate Advocate in the Court of Rome, who being exhorted on his death-bed to pray to God for mercy, made this speech, Lord, I have a word to say to thee, not for myself; Ego enim propero ad inferos; neque enim est ut aliquid pro me agas; For I am hastening to Hell, neither is there anything that I would beg on my own behalf, but for my Wife and Children ; This he spake, (saith Bellarmine, who was then present) as boldly, as if he had been taking his journey only to some neighbouring Village.

2. For his Relations. The more hot our affection is to any, the more fervent our petitions should be for them. Praying Parents are the most loving Parents; When dying, chiefly they should bless their Children in the Name of the Lord. So Isaac did, Gen. 28. 1. Thus Jacob, Gen. 48. 15, 16. Godly Parents may plead the Covenant made to them and theirs, unto God on their Dying Beds with comfort. They are best acquainted with their Children's conditions, conversations, wants, weaknesses, and so fittest to open their cases to God, and to beseech grace on their behalves, that they may be an holy seed, a generation arising to show forth his praise. Christ when nigh death, committed his spiritual Children to his Father, and earnestly begged his care of them, and favor for them; Holy Father, I come to thee; I am no more in the World, but these are in the world; Keep them thr • ugh thy name, keep them from the evil, sanctify them through thy truth. So should a godly Father or Mother when dying; Lord, I am leaving my poor Children in the midst of snares, and temptations, and miseries; I am coming out of the world to thy Majesty, where I shall be above all frights and fears, and beyond all malice and mischief; but my children are in the world, and will daily be environd with allurements, and affrightments, with assaults and batteries from their spiritual enemies; thou knowest the power and policy of the world and the wicked one, the treachery and deceitfulness of the flesh within them, and their weakness and inability to wrestle with, and overcome the flatteries of the World, and the suggestions of the Devil. O keep them through thy name, that they may look beyond the World, live above the World, and expect and eye their portion and happiness in a better World. Though they live in the World, let them not live as the World, but walk all their days as heirs of another World. Keep them from the evil of • in, however it please thy Majesty to deal with them about the evil of Suffering. Give them the Shield of Faith, whereby they may quench the fiery Darts of the Devil. Let thy Covenant of grace be their portion, thy love their cordial, and thy Mansion-house their eternal possession. Be thou their Father to direct, protect, govern, and provide for them, and give them a name in thy house, better then of Sons and Daughters; O sanctify them through thy truth, that they may be saved, and may meet me with joy at the great day. Luther when dying, made this Will for his Wife, great with Child, and his little Sons, O Lord God I thank thee, that thou wouldst have me to be poor in this world; I have no House, Land, or money, that I should leave them. Thou hast given me Wife and Children, I restore them to thee. Do thou O Father of Orphans, and judge of Widows, nourish, teach, keep them, as thou hast hitherto me.

3. For the whole Church of God ; Its good to pray by ourselves, but its ill to pray only for ourselves ; When we are dying, and going to the Church triumphant, we should be sure to put up some requests for the poor members of Christ, and the Church militant. Calvin was heard before his death often to sigh out; How long Lord, How long will it be ere thou avenge the blood of thy Servants • The people of God are the purchase of Christ, and of the same family and body with the dying Christian, and therefore must needs be dear to him.

4. For his Benefactours, and those that have done good to him and his. Paul had received some kindness from Onesimus, he refreshed him in his bonds, and in the (2 Tim. 1. 8.) which was the last of his Epistles, and thought to be written but a little before his death, for he tells us in it, I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, how pathetically doth he pray for him! The Lord grant that he may find mercy at that day.

5. For our enemies ; This is to follow God's pattern, who doth good for evil ; and to obey his Precept, who commandeth us to pray for them that despitefully use us. Stephen when departing out of the World, intreats mercy for them who were cruel to him; Lord lay not this sin to their charge, Act. 7. 60. Our blessed Savior dying, begs hard for their eternal lives, who were the instruments and authors of his bloody death; Father forgive them, they know not what they do, Luk. 23. 34.

Thirdly, In an holy exercise of Faith, Courage, Repentance, Charity, and Patience.

1. Faith ; Its the Character of God's Children, that they live by Faith, and they die in the Faith, Hab. 2. 6. Heb. 11. 31. The waters, say some, of the Pool of Bethesda (wherein the Priest washed the sacrifices before he offered them) was of a reddish color, to note that men must be washed by faith in the blood of Christ, before they are ready to be offered a Peace-offering to God by death. The dying Christian must expect strong assaults against the bulwark of his faith; but whatever he let go, he must keep his hold on Christ. I know no grace that the Devil is such a sworn enemy to, as Faith ; and I know no season that he is more diligent in to overthrow their faith, then when they are under some dangerous sickness; therefore its the observation of a good man, that he seldom seeth a sick Saint followed close with temptations, to recover of that sickness; for Satan knowing he hath but a little time, useth all his craft and strength to separate the soul from the Rock of his salvation. Upon a dying bed, reflect upon former experienes of God's love to thy soul, and recollect the former evidences of of thy title to Christ, and thereby to Heaven. I must tell thee, though the certainty of thy salvation depend upon the truth of thy Faith, the comfort of thy dissolution will depend on the strength of thy Faith. Faith is the shield of the soul, and therefore above all (in thy encounter with thy great enemy Satan, and thy last enemy death) take the Shield of Faith, Eph. 6. 14. Epaminondas after his victory at Lo • ctrum, wherein he was mortally wounded, understanding that his Buckler was safe, bid his Surgeon, boldly to pluck out the Dart that stuck in his side, and died cheerfully. The Saint, the Soldier of Christ, who is wounded, even to death, and keepeth his Shield of Faith safe, may leave the world with courage. The Apostle Paul, who knew whom he had believed (2 Tim. 1. 12.) rings a challenge in the ears of death; O death, where is thy sting! and sings a triumphant ditty at the approach of death; The time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith; Henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. When Jacob had believed the report of Joseph's life, his heart was revived; Is Joseph yet alive ? saith he; I will go down and see him before I die. When the true Israelite can firmly credit the testimony which God hath given of Jesus the Son of Joseph, how he being an enemy, was reconciled to God by the death of his Son, and shall much more, being reconciled, be saved by his life, and by faith can cling on him, his heart, though dying, is then enlivened; O with what comfort can he take his journey into the other world! When Philip viewed his young Son Alexander, Now, saith he, I am content to die. Old Simeon springs young again, at a sight of Christ, and having embraced his Savior in the arms of faith, as well as in the arms of his body, he begs a dismission out of this valley of tears, being assured thereby of an admission into fullness of joy; Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Having with an eye of faith beheld Christ, he counts his life but a bondage, and desires to depart or be loosed from fetters, as the word signifieth, and is taken, Mat. 27. 17. We read of the Lord's worthies, that by faith they stopped the mouths of Lions ; Death is a fierce and cruel Lion, but faith will pull out its teeth, that it cannot hurt us; or stop its mouth, that it shall not devour us. This grace, like the Angel sent from Heaven, when Daniel was cast into the Lions Den, will save the Christian from being torn in pieces.

O Friend, The Robes of Christ's righteousness, is the only Coat of Male, which can defend thy soul against the shot of death. If thou canst with Moses go up to Pisgah, and take a view by faith of the Land of promise, thou wilt comfortably with him lay down thine earthly Tabernacle. Job desired death as eagerly, as the Labourer in an hot summers day desires the shadow. Paul longed for it as vehemently, as the Apprentice for the expiration of his Indentures, and all because they had first beheld Christ by faith. Its no wonder that many of God's Children have called earnestly to be laid to bed, knowing that it would prove their everlasting happy rest, and when their bodies are carried by mortal men to their Mother Earth, their souls should be conveyed by glorious Angels to their Father in Heaven.

2. Courage ; A Christian should be a Voluntier in death; Many of the Martyrs were as willing to die as to dine ; went to the sire as cheerfully as to a Feast, and courted its pale and gastly countenance, as if it had be a beautiful Bride. When King Lysimachus threatened Cyrenaeus Theodorus with Hanging; Istis quaeso (inquit) ista horribilia minitare purpuratis tuis ; Thedori quidem nihil interest, humine an sublime putrescat; Threaten these terrible things to thy brave Courtiers, Theodorus cares not whether he rot in the Air, or on the Earth. Cyprian said Amen to his own Sentence of Martyrdom. Jerome reports of Nepotianus, that he gave up his life so cheerfully, that one would have thought he rather walked forth then died. When Ignatius was led from Syria to Rome, to be torn in pieces of wild Beasts, he often wished by the way, that he were in the midst of those Beasts that were to devour him, and that their appetites might be whetted to dispatch him ; fearing lest it should happen to him, as to some others, that the Lions out of a kind of reverence, would not dare to approach them, being ready, he said, rather to provoke them to fight, then that they should suffer him to escape. Bradford being told by his Keepers Wife, that his Chain was a buying, and he was to die the next day, pulled off his Hat and thanked God for it. When some wondered that Adam Damplip could eat his food so well when his end was so near, he told them, Ah Masters, Do you think that I have been God's Prisoner so long in the Marshalsey, and have not yet learned to die? Yes, yes, and I doubt not but God will strengthen me therein. Ann Askew subscribed her Confession in Newgate, thus, Written by me Ann Askew, that neither wisheth for death, nor feareth his might, and as merry as one that is bound towards Heaven. Indeed its said of a wicked man, that his soul is required of him, and that God takes away his soul, Luk. 12. Job 27. 10. but of a godly man that he giveth up the Ghost, and he cometh to his grave, Gen. 25. 8. Job 4. ult. Nature will teach the Heathen, that death is the end of all outward miseries to all men, hence some of them drank of its cup with as much constancy and courage, as if it had been the most pleasant Julip; but grace will teach the Christian that death is not only a remedy against all his bodily and spiritual maladies, as Sir Walter Rawleigh said of the sharp Ax that should behead him, this will cure all my infirmities, but also an inlet into fullness of joy and felicity; Reverend Deering said on his death-bed, I feel such joy in my spirit, that if I should have the sentence of life on the one side, and the sentence of death on the other side, I had rather a thousand times choose the sentence of death, since God hath appointed a separation, then the sentence of life. Ti • us Vespation, the mirror of mankind, being a stranger to Christ, was very unwilling • o leave the world, being carried in an Horse-litter, and knowing that he must die, looked up to Heaven and complained pitifully, that his life should be taken from him who had not desired to die, having never committed any sin, as he said, but only one. Socrates and some of the wiser Heathen • comforted themselves against the fear of death, with this weak Cordial, that it is common to men, the way of all the earth ; Hence it was when the Athenians condemned Socrates to die, he received the Sentence with an undaunted spirit, and told them, they did nothing but what nature had before ordained for him. But the Christian hath a greater ground for a holy resolution, and a stronger Cordial against the fear of death, even his hopes of eternal life, and surely if he that exceeds others in his Cordials, be excelled by them in Courage, he disgraceth his Physician. Aristippus told the Sailors who wondered that he was not as well as they afraid in the storm; Ye fear the torments due to a wicked life, and I expect the reward of a good one. Its no marvel that they who lived wickedly, should die unwillingly, being frighted with the guilt of their past sins, and with the fears of their future torments; therefore the holy Ghost saith of such a one, The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, as a Beast that is driven out of his den, to the slaughter, or as a Debtor driven by the Officers out of his house, wherein he lay warm and was surrounded with all sorts of comfort, to a nasty loathsome prison; But that the righteous who hath hope in his death, should even die almost with fear of it beforehand, is matter of wonder. Lots soul is exceedingly vexed with Sodom, yet he is loath to leave it. This world is a wilderness, a purgatory, a step-mother, a persecutor to all the Saints, and yet some of them when called to leave it sing loath to depart, and would linger behind; partly from nature which dreads a dissolution, and partly from the weakness of grace; To fear death much, argueth sometimes wickedness, always weakness.

3. Repentance ; Its said of St. Augustine, that he died with tears in his eyes, in the practice of repentance; and Posidonius saith of him, that he heard him often say in his health, that it was the fittest disposition for dying Christians and Ministers.

We die groaning, i • regard of our bodies, why should not our souls sigh that ever they sinned against so good a God! Beasts bite their enemies with more venom and indignation, when they are ready to die; Maxim mortiferi solent esse morsus morientium animali • m. The Christian should give sin his most deadly bite, his greatest abhorrency, and grief, and shame, when he is dying, and shall never see sin, or sorrow, or shame more. As its noble and excellent to die, forgiving sinners, so also taking revenge upon sin. Moses a little before his death, is commanded to avenge the Children of Israel of the Midianites ; and then he is gathered to his people, Numb. 31. 1, 2. Samuel takes vengeance on Agag, when he was old, and knew not the day of his death; David could not die with comfort, till he had charged Solomon to execute that justice on Joab which he had omitted. The last time the Judge seeth the Felon, he passeth sentence of death upon him. O how should the soul of a dying Saint be inflamed with anger against sin, when he considers the rich love that it abuseth, the glorious name that it dishonoreth, the blessed Savior that it pierceth, and that vast happiness which he is going to possess, of which without infinite grace and mercy it had deprived him! Some persons when they have been to take their last revenge on their enemies, have done it to purpose. The believer on his dying bed, takes his last revenge on sin, he shall never have another opportunity to show his love to his God and Savior in, his spite at, and hatred of sin; therefore then he should do it to purpose, as dying Sampson put forth all his strength, and beg divine help, that he may utterly destroy it, and be avenged on it, for all the defilement and bondage it hath brought on his soul, and dishonor to his Savior. Dying Jacob cursed the sins of his own Sons, Cursed be their wrath, for it was fierce, and their anger, for it was cruel; O my Soul, enter not thou into their secrets. The dying Child of God should curse his passions, his pride, his unbelief, his selfishness, even all his lusts, for disobeying such righteous Laws, and displeasing such a gracious Lord. When David Chrytaeus lay a dying, he lift up his head from his Pillow, to hear the discourses of his friends that sat by him, saying, I shall die with the more comfort, if I can die learning something. The Christian both by his painful sickness, and approaching death, may learn something of the evil of sin, and certainly he may die with the more comfort (for godly sorrow and joy may be contemporaries, as the Heavens shine and shower at the same time) if he die in a flood of tears for his unkindness to Christ.

4. Charity in a double respect.

1. In forgiving them that have wronged thee. If the natural Sun should not go down upon our wrath, muchless should the Sun of our Lives. Its bad to bear anger or malice one hour in our hearts against any, but its worst of all to carry it with us into the other world. How can he expect to die in peace with God, who dieth in war with men, when God himself hath said, Except ye forgive others their trespasses against you, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses? Amilcar the Father of Hannibal, when he was dying, made his Son take a solemn Oath to maintain a perpetual War with the Romans. Edward the first, adjured his Son and Nobles, that if he died in his expedition against Bruce, King of Scotland, they should not inter his Corps, but carry it about with them, till they had avenged him on that Usurper; But certainly its a desperate thing to leave Children Heirs to the Parents wrath and rage, as well as to his riches; O how dreadful is his estate, who takes his enemy by the throat, when God by death is taking him by the throat, and ready to thrattle him forever. If thou hast wronged others, either in name, or goods, or body, seek reconciliation, and make satisfaction, for this is righteous and just; If thy brother hath ought against thee, thou hast never more need of reconciling thyself to him, then when thou art approaching the Altar of death, there to offer up the last sacrifice to God in this world. If thy Brother have wronged thee in any sort, remit it, this is charity; to do otherwise, is to give place to the Devil, Eph. 4. 16, 17. and thou hast least cause to give him ground when his rage is greatest, and his barteries strongest, in thy last conflict with him. O! imitate that blessed Martyr Stephen, and the incomparable Savior, in begging God's love for them who hate thee, Act. 7. 60. Luke 23. 34.

2. In remembering the poor and afflicted, if God hath made thee able ; its best to be merciful in our life-time, to make our own hand our Executors, and our own eyes our Overseers ; for the payment of our Gifts and Legacies to our spiritual Kindred, for such have a particular promise that God will make all their bed in their sickness, but its good to be charitable when we are dying; True friends show most love at parting. Though justice must be blind, not to see persons, yet charity must be quick-sighted, to pick out the fittest objects, viz. the poor, and the pious, poor in the first place. Our Goods will not extend to God, therefore they must to the Saints. When Jonathan was beyond the reach of David's charity, he doth for his sake manifest it to his Son. God is beyond all our gifts, therefore for his sake we must bestow them on the Godly that are his Children; Make you friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness, that when that faileth, ye may be received into the everlasting habitations ; Hereby men lay up a good foundation against the time of need. Godly Parents are ignorant how their Children may employ the estate they leave, whether as fuel for corruption, or as oil to keep the Lamps in God's sanctuary burning; its good therefore for themselves with prudence to dispose of what they may to God's Servants and Service.

Some men have estates dropping on them, out of the clouds, as it were, large inheritances, fair patrimonies, like Canaan, both in regard of their fruitfulness, and abounding with all sorts of comforts, and in regard of their easiness of obtaining them without sweat or labor; they inherit, a • the Israelites, Houses which they built not, Wells which they digged not, and Vineyards which they planted not, upon both these accounts, such persons are engaged to do good, and distribute, and to be rich in good works. God expects a return of his Talents with advantage; How liberal, nay, lavish, have many Papists been upon their death-beds, to Friars and Monks, even to the wronging their Wives and Children, that some States, as Venice, have been forced to make Laws to restrain men, lest the Church should in time swallow up all the revenues of the Common-wealth, and all this upon a foolish vain conceit, that they should the sooner pass through Purgatory? It is certainly a great disgrace to the Disciples of Christ, and no mean dishonor to Christ himself, that so many, and such large gifts, have proceeded from the false faith of Merit-mongers, when the faith of his most glorious Gospel doth not work the like in true believers; How will Christians answer it, that an idle Dream, and fancied Fear of an imaginary Purga • ory, should do more them the sure persuasion of the love of God, and the certain hope of eternal life?

4. Patience and Submission to the will of God, both as to our death or life, and also as to our pain or ease in sickness; As to our life and death we must know God is wise, and will never gather his fruit but in the best season. None, ununless a fool, but will be willing God should choose for him. Its excellent for a sick • person to be wholly at God's disposal, as knowing that whilst he is here God will refresh him with the first fruits, and when he goeth hence, receive him into that place where he shall enjoy the whole harvest. It was the speech of dying Julian, he that would not die when he must, and • e that would die when he must not, are both of them Cowards alike. To desire to live when one is called to die, is a sign of Cowardice, for such a one is afraid to enter the list with the King of terrors; To desire to die, when one is called to live, speaks a faint-hearted creature, for such a man dares not look an affliction or disaster in the face, therefore would take shelter in death • Cato, Cleombrotus, Lucretia, shown more cowardice then courage, in being their own Executioners; The Romans commended Terentius for his resolution to live, after his Army was routed by Hannibal. He is the most valiant person that can die willingly, when God would have him die, and live as willingly, when God would have him live. He that is weary of his work before the evening, is an unprofitable servant, and is either infected with idleness, or with diseases. When Dr. Whitaker was told, death was approaching, he answered, Life or Death is welcome to me, which God pleaseth. Mr. Robert Bolton, being told that it would be better for the Church of God, if God pleased to spare his life, said, If I shall find favor in the eyes of God, he will bring me again, and show me both it and his habitation; if not, Lo here I am, let him do with me what he pleaseth. Another pious soul in his sickness cried out, Domine si tibi sim necessarius, non recuso vivere; Lord, if I may be further serviceable to thee, I am willing to live. Lucius Cornelius, Lieutenant in Portugal, under Fabius the Consul, was infamous to following ages, for his impatience in complaining of his Physician, and railing at Esculapius, for not accepting his vow and passionate desire, of having his life spun out to a longer thread. We cannot blame them who have their portion in this life, for their unwillingness to leave it, and to become beggars in Hell forever. Mori timeat qui ad secundam mortem, de hac morte transibit (saith Cyprian de Moral. ) Let him fear death, who must pass from this death to the second death. To such a one indeed, death is a Murderer, like Jehoram's messenger, comes to take away the life of his soul, and all his happiness, and therefore he may well call, as Elisha did, shut the door and keep him out.

Many Saints who died violent and cruel deaths, yet gave their very enemies cause to admire their patience; They wearied out their bloody Persecutors by their meekness and patience. Bonner said of the Martyrs in Queen Marys days, A vengeance on them, I think they love to burn. When that old Disciple Policarp came to the stake at which he was burnt to death, he desired to stand untied, saying, Let me alone, for he that gave me strength to come to the fire, will give me patience to endure the flame without your tying. Cassianus with admirable meekness, suffered a cruel Martyrdom from his own Scholars, who at the command of the barbarous Tyrant, became his Executioners, some with their Pen Knives, pricking and lancing his flesh, others casting stones at him, till they had killed him. Eulaliae a chaste virgin, of a noble Family in Portugal, being for a time kept close by her Parents, for fear her bold Profession should cause her death; one night getting from them, and appearing before the Tribunal of Maximnus, she was for refusing to sacrifice to his Idols, Executed in this manner, first two Hangmen with all their might, rent her joints in sunder, then her flesh was scratched from her sides, with the Talons of Wild Beasts, and hot burning Torches were set to her sides, which ended her life.

A Christian should also exercise patience and submission to God's will, under his pain; It is the rule of Hippocrates, that that sickness is most dangerous in which the sick man alters his countenance. Undoubtedly its ill and unbecoming Christianity, when men who in health are mild and meek, in sickness are altered to be peevish and passionate, that their relations and attendants who pity their pain, and pray for their ease, and watch, and work night and day to serve them, are requited with harsh words, and fretful returns. Cajus Marius, suffered the veins of his legs to be cut out for the cure of his Gout, and never shrunk for it. The Grecians were cowardly in their encounters with men, but valiant and patient in their conflicts with diseases. Master Jeremiah Whitaker, who on his death-bed had dreadful fits of the stone, bore them with ma • vellous patience, often turning up his eyes to Heaven, and saying, Blessed be God, this is not Hell. The Saint who is in covenant with God, and hath engaged himself to God to submit to all his providences, and hath God engaged to him, to lay no more upon him then he will enable him to bear, may well with patience endure the divine pleasure.

Vincentius a Spaniard, who was Martyred at Valence, under Dacianus the President of the cruel Tyrant Dioclestan, was used in this manner; first he was laid upon the wrack, and all the joints of his body distended till they cracked again; then all the members of his body were pierced and indented with deadly wounds; then they vexed and tore his flesh with Iron Combs sharply filed; then they laid his body on an Iron grate, and when they had opened his flesh with Iron Hooks, they seared it with fiery Plates, sprinkling the same with hot burning Salt; last of all, they cast him into a vile Dungeon, the floor whereof was first thick spread with the sharpest shells that might be gotten, his feet then being fast locked in the stocks, there he was left alone till he died, all which he endured without murmuring or complaining, and according to his name ( Vincentius ) was over all a Conqueror. And shall not Christians, who die in their Beds in peace, with much less pain, be patient! Many who knew not God, did look on death as a favor, and one of the greatest which their God's could bestow on them. Agamedes and Trophonius, having built the Temple of Apollo, asked of that God a reward for their service; They were answered; that within seven days they should be bountifully paid for their pains, at the end of which time they died in a sleep. One of Caesar's crazed Soldiers, desired the favor of the Emperor, to have leave to kill himself.

Especially the thoughts of the happy issue of the most painful sickness and death to a Child of God, may as the wood thrown into the bitter waters of Marah, make them sweet unto him. Some choose to be cut, rather then to be daily tortured with the stone, though they know that cutting will put them to much pain, because they hope that cutting will cure them of their distemper. When a Gaoler knocks off a Prisoners Fetters and Bolts, though it puts him to much more pain then the constant wearing them, though every blow goeth to his heart, yet he flincheth not, he complaineth not, because he knoweth his future ease will make amends for his present pain. Christians are here fettered with sin and misery, which constantly grate upon their spirits. Death is the Gaoler to knock of their shackles, and let them into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God, what though it put them to much pain, they may bear it with much patience, knowing that it will end in eternal pleasures.

Though an Hypocrite like a piece of Brass, when stricken with the Hammer of Sickness or Death, maketh a sharp and irksome noise, with impatience, and breaketh in pieces, is undone forever; yet the sincere soul, as a piece of Gold, when so smitten, may sound sweetly, and be pliable; True Gold may be stretched out in length and breadth, in thin and fine leaves, as you please.

Now Reader, that thou mayst thus glorify thy God, credit thy profession, further thine account, and advantage others by thy death, it is requisite that thou be always ready for it. The Q • arter-day never comes amiss to him that hath always his Rent ready by him. The loving Husband, let him come when he will, is ever welcome to a faithful Spouse; The actual unpreparedness of some holy persons, hath caused their Petitions for a longer stay, when God seemed to call them hence, Psa. 39. 13. As a Nobleman who is a Loyal Subject, and affectionately desires his Princes presence and company at his house, may wish that it may be deferred when his house is out of repairs, till it is in a better order. The habitual unpreparedness of sinners, I mean their predominant impenitency and unbelief, hath made death cutting to them indeed. The Pismire fears not the Winter, having laid in her provision against that season; but the Gra • hopper being unprepared, is starved therein.

Let thy whole life be but a preparation for death ; He that would die but once, I mean, escape the second death, must die daily, live in a constant expectation of it, and preparation for it. Pliny calleth a sudden death, the greatest fortune of a man's life. Julius Caesar, the day before his death, in discourse with Marius Lepidus, upon that point, what was the best end of a man's life, preferred that which was sudden and unlookt for, which was his fate the next day. Augustus his Successor, was of the same judgment, and desired, Mortem celerem, & insperatem ; But the Christian findeth by experience, that death to be the best, which was most expected and prepared for. Meditatio mortis, vita perfectissima, The Meditation of death, is the holiest life, • aith the Father. Tota vita, meditatio mortis, & discendum est mori, The whole life is but a learning to die, saith the Philosopher. Wise Princes lay up ten years for one days Battle. A wise Christian will lay up every day somewhat for his last day, knowing that if he win that combat, he is made forever. Invasions or Insurrections, like a sudden breach of the Sea, carry all before them, when pitched Battels give equal advantage, and cause less terror on each side. Evils premeditated, are often prevented, always mitigated, the mind gathering reason and strength together, wherewith to encounter them. But unthought of troubles, like fire in the night, are most frightful, startling the secure sinner from his quiet repose.

In order to this preparation, I shall mention two or three particulars, but briefly, having spoken to them else-where.

• 1. Keep a clear conscience in thy health ; Remember that sin is the sting of death; therefore be afraid of sin, if thou wouldst not be afraid of death. Twas Nero's answer to Seneca, when he advised him to desist his wicked courses, that he might please the God's, Ver • or ego deos, cum talia facio, Do you think I fear the gods, who dare run upon such actions ! But he who did not dread the God's, found death dreadful to him; for the Historian observeth that he cried pitifully, like a Child, when he was called forth to be killed. It is the righteous only, that is bold as a Lion, because the rig • teous only hath a conscience sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb, and a conscience void of offense towards God and Man. When Hilarion was nigh death, Depart my soul (saith he) depart, what dost thou fear? thou hast served Christ almost seventy years, and art thou afraid of death? Bernard observeth of Gerrard, I beheld him, exultantem in morte hominem, & insultantem morti, exulting in death, and insulting over death. St. Ambrose undauntedly encountered his last enemy, saying, I have not so lived, that I am afraid to live any longer, neither do I fear to die, because we have a good Lord. The Testimony of a good conscience was the great Apostles comfort in the midst of his trials and troubles, 2 Cor. 1. 12. It is guilt which makes us shy of a severe and Holy God's presence.

  It is no marvel that Alexander the Conqueror was struck almost dead at the sight of Cyrus Tomb; that Sigismond when dying should forbid his servants to mention the word Death ; that Lewis the eleventh should while in health, enjoin his Courtiers not to speak of Death, and when sick, prohibit the naming it upon pain of death; I do not wonder that Saul upon the news of his approaching danger and death, falls groveling on the ground, and hath no strength left in him, nor that Belteshazar upon the tidings of this Serjeants coming to arrest him, fell into an Ague Quaking, and Shivering, so violently that all the wine which he drank so plentifully in his golden Bowles, could not cheer his heart, nor fetch blood into his cheeks. The Malefactour may well dread the thoughts, much more the approach of an Assize, knowing that he is bound over to it, and must appear to be arraigned, condemned, and executed. The entry of death may well be forcible upon them whom it ejects out of all their happiness, and whole lives have been made up of unholiness; It is vice that paints death with such a formidable countenance, with a whip and flames in its hand. Friend, let thy conversation be pious, if thou wouldst die in peace.

  Such as a man's life is, usually such is his death; An unholy life is ordinarily followed with an unhappy end. A filthy Adulterer, mentioned by Luther, expired in the arms of an Harlot. So also Tigillinus, Cornelius, Gallus, Ladislaus King of Naples ; one of the Popes died in the embraces of strange flesh; A great swearer when he came to die, saith Mr. Bolton, swore apace, and as if he had been already in Hell, called upon the standers by to help him, with oaths; King Henry the second on his death-bed, cursed his Sons, the day wherein he was born, and in that distemper departed the World, saith the Historian, which himself had so often distempered. We read of one who lived well, that died ill ; and of but one in the whole Book of God, who lived ill, that died well. A sinner may presume upon peace at death, and bespeak in the language of Jehoram to Jehu; Is it peace Jehu? Is it peace death ? or as the Elders to Samuel; Comest thou peaceably? but the Answer will be the same with that of Jehu to him, What peace can there be, so long as the whoredoms of thy Mother Jezebel and her witch-crafts are so many? What peace can there be, so long as thy l • sts and atheism, and ignorance, and profaneness abound, and thy abominations are so many? Its no wonder that such persons, like Owls, are never heard but at night (the close of their days) and then they screech horribly. What shall we call a mocking of God, saith a learned person, if they do not mock him, who think it enough to ask him forgiveness at leisure, with the last drawing of a malicious breath? these find out a new God, make one a leaden one, like Lewis the eleventh of France. And again, Let us not flatter our immortal souls to neglect God all our lives, and know that we neglect him, trusting upon the peace we think to make at parting; for this is no other then a rebellious presumption, and a contemptuous laughing to scorn, and a deriding of God, his Laws, and Precepts. Unquestionably such will be grossly mistaken at last, in falling from their heights into Hell. As the Daughter of Polycrates dreamed that her Father was lifted up, that Jupiter washed him, and the Sun anointed him, but it proved to him but a sad prosperity; for after a long life, and large prosperity, he was surprised by his enemies, and hanged up till the dew of Heaven wet his cheeks, and the Sun melted his grease.

  Reader, Let me bespeak thee, as Jotham did the men of Shechem; Hearken unto me, that God may hearken unto you; Hearken unto me in this day of thy health and life, that God may hearken unto thee in the day of thy sickness and death. Make thy peace with God now, give a Bill of divorce to sin, strike an hearty Covenant with Christ, keep thy conscience clean every day, allow not thyself in any known sin, if thou wouldst leave this world in favor with God, in the love of good men, and to thy eternal gain. Nihil est in morte, quod metuamus si nihil timendum vita commisit, saith the Antient; Death hath nothing frightful, but what a profane life makes so. They who fly from the holiness of God in life, may well fear the justice of God at death. A sinner indeed, is every day carrying more Faggots to that pile in which he must burn forever, and always twisting those cords with which Devils will eternally scourge him, and therefore the guilt of his wicked life, and fear of his dreadful wages, may well represent death to him in a frightful vizard. But he who makes it his constant business to please his Maker, to mortify his earthly members, to crucify the flesh, to serve the Wills of God in his generation, and to dress his soul against the coming of the Bridegroom, shall find his latter end comfortable, and the day of his death better then the day of his birth. O Friend, if thou wouldst die comfortably, live conscientiously! An happy death is the conclusion of an holy life; God hath joined them together, and none can part them asunder. Its reported of the Dardani, that they never Wash but three times, when they are Born, when they Marry, and when they Dye ; The true Christian must be daily washing his soul by faith in the blood of his Savior, and bathing himself in the tears of repentance, and hereby his soul will be fit to be commended into the Hands of God by well dying.

• 2. Clear up thine evidences for Heaven. Be not contented to leave thy salvation at uncertainty; They who walk in the dark, are full of frights and fears; The comfort of thy death, will depend much upon the clearness of thy deeds and evidences for eternal life; The want of diligence about this, hath caused many of the Children of God to go crying to Bed, and wrangling to their eternal rest; They die and know not how they shall speed in the other world; they fall into the hands of their enemy Death, as the Lepers into the hands of the Syrians, expecting nothing but cruelty and misery, trembling every step of the way, though they find good cheer, and all sorts of comforts.
• 3. Dwell much in the thoughts of Deaths. Cicero said of Fencing, Fortissima adversus mortem, & dolorem disciplina; It was the strongest fence against the fear of death ; So I may say of entertaining death frequently in our meditations, its a good guard against the terror of death; Custom diminisheth the dread of things which to nature are so frightful. Marius before he would bring out his Soldiers to fight with the Cimbres, caused them to stand upon the trenches, to acquaint themselves with the terrible aspect of those Savages, and so brought them to contemn them, which at first sight they so amazedly feared. When we are on a sudden surprised by an unexpected adversary, we want time to unite our strength to resist the assault; but what we expect we provide for, and so are the better able to encounter with it. The old people that lived near the Riphaean Mountains, were taught to discourse much of Death, and to converse with it, and to speak of it, as of a thing that will certainly come, and ought so to do; hence their resolutions were strengthened to undergo it with patience and courage. As Cordials lose their virtue, so even Poisons their venom, by frequent use. Mithridates by constant use of it, made it so far from being mortal, that it was nourishing to him. Though Death in its own nature be venomous, the Christian by frequent meditation of it, and application of the blood of Christ to his soul, may make it profitable to him.
• 4. Wean thy heart from the earth. They who love the earth as their Heaven, will be unwilling to leave it, though for Heaven; Canst thou bear the loss of some worldly comforts, when God takes them from thee? if not, how wilt thou be able to bear the loss of all worldly comforts, in a dying hour? If running with Footmen weary thee, how wilt thou be able to run with Horsemen ? If a little loss, a little load be ready to break thy back, what wilt thou do under the weight of a great one? Paul was martyred in his affections, before he was martyred in his body ; and dead to the world, before he was slain by the world ; hence he came to dare even death itself, and to bid it do its worst; I protest by your rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus, I die daily. Should a Messenger have come to Paul and told him, you must die tomorrow, and leave all the good things of this life; He might have said, That is not now to do, for I died yesterday, and this day, and every day, and I have already taken my leave of this world and all its vanities. Those that like Eels, lie in the mud of worldly pleasures, are unfit to be sacrificed to God, as being unclean creatures, and unwilling to part with their present delights, though for those that are more excellent. The immoderate love of sublunary vanities, makes men say, as Peter at Christ's transfiguration; It is good to be here, albeit like him, they know not what they say.
• 5. Set thy house in order. After the heart is set in order, the next work is to set the house in order, according to God's counsel, Isa. 38. 1. Abraham was careful before his death, to settle the affairs of his household, as appeareth by his providing a fit spouse for Isaac, and his giving gifts to the Children of his second Wife, and sending them away, Gen. 24. 1, 2. and 25. 6. This ought to be done in the time of our health and strength, partly because we are uncertain whether we shall have time and ability in sickness to do it or no. How many have died suddenly, and why not thou and I as well as others? Some who had a mind to make their Wills, have not had a tongue to do it with; Others who have had a tongue, have lost the use of their understandings ; partly because in sickness we should have as little as may be to do with the World. All occasions of disturbance or distraction to our souls, should be prevented.

The disposition of what God hath given thee, must be with prudence for the maintenance of love among Relations, with plainness, that thy meaning may not be mistaken, and with judgment and ability for the preventing of all Quarrels and Lawsuits amongst such as are interested in it.

Reader, If thou art careful and faithful in the discharge of these particulars, thy Funeral will prove a Festival, and the Sun of thy life will set, as the natural Sun, in a clear evening, not in a cloud, but in such a red sky as to prognosticate the ensuing day to be fair, thy certain and comfortable resurrection to bliss and honor; Thy name will live when thou art dead, and thy memory be blessed amongst all that fear the Lord. Tacitus makes one of the Sempronii, not wholly to degenerate from the honor of his house, only for dying well. Constantia mortis hand indigna Sempronio nomine. Nero did tacitly wipe Claudius the Emperor, though himself were the worst of the two, when in an ambiguous phrase he mentions his death; Desinit Morari inter homines ; Every sinner goeth out like a snuff; but the just shall be had in everlasting remembrance. By practicing these duties thou shalt come to die in the Lord, to rest from thy labors, and to have thy works following thee to thine endless blessed reward.

CHAP. IX. Means whereby Christians may exercise themselves to Godliness; A good Foundation: L • ving by Faith: Setting God always before our eyes.

I Come now to the second thing promised; namely, to lay down the Means, whereby Christians may come to make Religion their business.

First, If thou wouldst exercise thyself to Godliness, be sure that thou layest a good foundation in a renewed heart and nature. I begin with this, because it is the chiefest requisite, and the ba • is of all. Godliness must first spring up in the heart, before it can overflow in the life. Other means are like those parts of the body, the want of which may be supplied by others; but this is like the heart, which if wanting, nothing can make up its want. A dead man will as soon arise and walk, as an unsanctified person make Religion his business. Every thing will act according to that principle which is predominant in it: Though for a time it may by violence work contrary to its natural inclination, yet it will endeavor the removal of that force, and return to its old course. Fire moveth upwards, and earth downwards, both str • ving to overturn what standeth in their way, because the place of fire is above, of earth beneath. A river may be stopped and hindered in its current, but it will never cease till it hath overborn the dam, and attained its former passage. Water that is naturally sweet, may be made brackish by the over-flowing of salt water; but it will not leave till it hath worked out that saltness, and returneth to his natural sweetness; so every man whether good or bad, will act according to his nature, whether gracious or vicious. A good man may be hindered in his holy course by temptations, and the violence of the flesh; but because his nature is gracious he will never be at rest till he hath forcibly broke through those impediments, and got into his former way of Godliness. An evil man may step into the path of piety through the example of others, or good education, or some slender convictions of a natural conscience, but he will quickly be weary, he will not hold out in it; he will break through those obstacles, because his nature, the stream of his heart, runs another way.

The Heart of man is like the Spring of the Clock, which causeth the wheels to move right or wrong, well or ill; Hence it is that God's precept is to this, Make you a new heart and a new spirit ; and his promise of this, I will put my fear into their hearts, and they shall never depart away from me. The fear of God in the heart will bind thee fast to God in thy life. If the heart be thoroughly drawn to him, the tongue and hand will not depart from him. If the heart once set forward for God, all the members will follow after; the mouth will praise, the ears will attend to him, the eye will watch him, the seat will go after him; all the parts, like dutiful handmaids, in their places will wait on their Mistress. There was a great Master among the Jews, which bid his Scholars to consider and tell him, What was the best thing, or the best way, in which a man should always keep: One said, A good Companion was the best thing in the world; another said, A good Neighbor was the best thing he could wish; A third said, A wise man, or one that could for esee future things ; A fourth said, A good eye, that is, a liberal disposition; At last came one Eleazar, and he said, A good heart is better then them all. True, said the Master, thou hast comprehended in two words all that the rest have said; For a good heart will make a man both contented, and a good companion, and a good neighbor, and help him to foresee things that are to come, that he may know what is on his part to be done. Indeed without this there can be no godliness; all professions and performances are but a show, a shadow; and where there is this, there is all godliness in all manner of conversation. As the King of France said of Dover, that it was the key of England ; and if his son, who then invaded the Britain's, had not that, he had nothing; So it may be said of the heart, It is the key of the whole man ; it opens and shuts the door to Godliness and Wickedness; and if grace hath not this, it hath nothing. The Philosopher when he would persuade the King to settle his residence in the midst of his Dominions, and thereby keep all his people the better in subjection, took a Bulls hide ready tanned, upon which when he stood on any side of it, still it rose up on the other; but when he stood on the middle, he kept down all alike. The only way to subdue sin, is to do it in the heart ; that commands all; otherwise though one unruly passion may be kept down, another will rise up.

The Heart is the great Work-house where all sin is wrought, before its exposed to open view; Its the Mint where evil thoughts are coined, before they are currant in our words or actions; Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, Matth. 15.19. that is the nest in which those Hornets breed. The heart is the original of sinful words, as well as sinful thoughts; Out of the heart proceed false witness, blasphemies, Matth. 15.19. They were in the heart before ever they were in the tongue. Its said of the Weasel that it conceives at the ear, and brings forth at the mouth: Every sinner conceiveth at the heart, what he brings forth at the mouth. Such stinking breath comes from rotten inwards. The heart is the ••• sel of poisonous liquor, the tongue is but the tap to broach it; Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. The heart is the Forge also, where all our evil works as well as words are hammered out; Out of the heart proceed murders, and thefts, and adulteries, and fornica • ions, Matth. 15.19. You will say that murders and thefts are hand-sins, and that adulteries and fornication belong to the eye, and outward parts of the body; but alas, the heart is the womb wherein they are conceived and bred; the outward parts are but the Midwives to deliver the mother of those monsters, and to bring them into the world; An evil man, out of the evil treasure in his heart, bringeth forth evil things: There is no sin but is dressed in the withdrawing room of the heart, before it appear on the stage of the life.

Apollidorus dreamed one night that the Scythians had taken him and flea'd off his skin, with an intent to boil him, and as he was lifting into the Cauldron, his heart said unto him, Its I that have brought thee to all this. There is a real truth in this, that the heart brings men both to all their sins, and all their sufferings. As the Chaos had the seed of all creatures, and wanted nothing but the motion of the good Spirit to produce them; so the heart hath the seed of all evil, and wanteth nothing but the motion of the evil spirit, and a fit opportunity to bring it forth.

It is in vain to go about an holy life, till the heart be made holy. The Pulse of the hand beats well or ill, according to the s • ate of the heart, and the inward vital parts. Our earthly members can never be mortified, unless the body of sin and death be destroyed. The foul bird of sin must be killed in the nest, the heart, or it can never be thrown on the dunghill, die in the life. Therefore the Holy Ghost calls on men to take away the cause, if they would have the effect to cease. O Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness. Cleanse your hearts ye sinners, and purify your hands ye double-minded ; first the heart cleansed, then the hands, Ier. 4.14. James 4.7,8. If the chinks of the ship are unstopt, twill be to no purpose to labor at the Pump. It is not rubbing or scratching will cure the itch, but the blood, whose corruption is the cause of it, must be purified. When the water is foul at the bottom, no wonder that scum and filth appear at the top. There is no way to stop the issue of sin, but by drying up the matter that feeds it.

As Moses cast the tree into the bitter waters, and sweetened the Springs ; And as Elijah cast salt into the fountain, and thereby healed the waters; so the salt of grace must be cast into the Spring, the fountain of the heart, or the streams of the life will never be sweet. Till trees are grafted, and their nature altered, all the fruit they bring forth is wild and harsh, and little worth: Till the Christian is grafted into Christ, and a new and another nature be infused into him, all his fruit is unsavory and unacceptable to God, vain and unprofitable to himself. Such a one is like a Cypress tree, fair to look on, but barren. Like a Painter, he may make a great stir about the colors and shadows of things, the form of Godliness, and show all his wit, and art, and skill in expressing the outside, but wholly neglecteth the substance, and contemneth the inward parts, the power thereof.

There be several things which may help to make the life fair in the eyes of men; but nothing will make it amiable in the eyes of God, unless the heart be changed and renewed. Indeed all the medicines which can be applied, without the sanctifying work of the Spirit, though they may cover, they can never cure the corruption and diseases of the soul. The best man without this is like a Serpent painted as it were without, but poisonous within. As the herb Biscort, he may have smooth and plain leaves, but a crooked root. Or as a Pill, be guilded on the outside, when the whole mass and body of it is bitterness; It is one thing to be angry with sin upon a sudden discontent, as a Man may be with his Wife, whom he loves dearly; and another thing to hate sin, as that which we abhor to behold, and endeavor to destroy. A filthy heart, like a foul body, may seem for a while to be in good plight; but when the heats and colds of temptations appear, twill bewray itself. Some Insects lie in a deep sleep all the Winter, stir not, make no noise, that one would think them dead; but when the weather alters, and the Sun shines, they revive and show themselves; So though lusts may seem dead in an unregenerate man, they are only laid asleep, and when opportunity is, will revive. Shame may hide sin, but it will not heal •• n ; Corruption often lieth secret in the heart, when shame hindereth it from breaking out in s • abs and bo • ches in the life. Some court holiness as hard in show, as Saul did Samuel, to be honored before the people, when like him, they hate it in their hearts.

Fear may do somewhat to curb a vitiated nature, but it cannot cure it; The Bear dares hardly touch his desired honey, for fear of the stinging of the Bees ; The Dog forbears the meat on the Table, not because he doth not love it, but because he is afraid of the Cudgel ; Many leave some sin, in their outward actions, as Jacob parted with Benjamin, for fear they should starve if they kept it, who are as fond of it, as the Patriarch of his Child. This inward love of sin, is indeed its life, and that which is most dangerous and deadly to the soul. As an imposthume is most perilous for being inward ; and private Rocks under water, split more vessels then those that appear above water; so sin reigning only in the heart, is oftentimes more hurtful then when it rageth in the life; Such civil persons go to Hell without much disturbance, being asleep in sin, yet not snoring, to the di • quieting of others; they are so far from being jogged or awaked, that they are many times praised and commended.

Example, Custom, and Education, may also help a man to make a fair show in the flesh, but not to walk after the spirit; They may Prune and Lop sin, but never stubb it up by the roots. All that these can do, is to make a man like a grave, green and flourishing on the surface and superficies, when within there is nothing but noisomeness and corruption. It hath often appeared that those means which the great Moralists have used to bridle their lusts and passions, have rather, like strong sents to Epileptick bodies, raised them, then recovered them. Indeed if the chief fault were not in the vital parts, then outward applications might be effectual; but when the heart and lungs, and inwards are all corrupted, Plaisters applied to the face, or hands, or thighs, or sides, will do little good. When the fault is in the foundation of an house, it cannot be mended by Plaistering or rough-cast. A Leopard may be flea'd, but he is spotted still, because the spots are not only in the skin, but in the flesh, and bones, and sinews, and most inward parts. When the disease is accidental, as to lose the sight by the Small-Pox, or the like, there the Physic of morality may be advantageous; but where the disease is natural, as in the man that was born blind, there Physic will do no good; a miracle alone must restore such a one to his sight.

Unsanctified persons at best, act from themselves, and therefore for themselves. As the Kite, they may spread their wings, and soar aloft, as if they touched Heaven, when at the highest, their eyes are upon their prey upon earth. Lucullus told his guests, when he had feasted them liberally, and they had admired his bounty in their costly entertainment; Something my Friends is for your sakes, but the greatest part is for Lucullus his own sake. An unconverted person may do something, some small matter for the sake of Religion, from common gifts of illumination, &c. but the most that he doth is for his own sake, for that credit or profit which he expecteth thereby. If anything be enjoined which thwarteth his interest, he will reply with Ajax, when commanded to spare Ulysses, In other things I will obey the God's, but not in this.

Reader, Make sure of this inward change; otherwise, though thy conversation may be specious, it can never be gracious, nor thy profession durable. If the house be built on loose earth, it will never stand long. When the principles are variable and uncertain, so will the practices be. If the arguments upon which thou takest upon thee the livery of Christ, and the grounds of thy engagement in his service, be not firm and constant, the love of God, and hope of eternal life, &c. such as the world and flesh cannot over-top, thou wilt throw up thy profession, and leave thy Master, when thou art offered in thy blind judgment a better service, though it be but the pleasures of sin for a season, with eternal pains at the end of them, for thy soul, and Savior, and eternal salvation. How well may he prove a Bankrupt, who is worse then naught when he first sets up? I wonder not that many pofessors disown the Lord Jesus, when they were ignorant why they at any time owned him. He that takes up Religion on trust, will lay it down when it brings him into trouble. As the Celendine springeth and floweth at the coming of the Summer birds, but withereth at their departure; And the Corn that promiseth a good Harvest in the Blade, is blasted in the Ear, because its root is withered and naught; So the person that hath no sound foundation, though he seem to look high, will never hold out.

The Turnsel makes a show for a time, with white velvet leaves, and yellow flowers, but fadeth away without bringing forth any fruit; Christ tells us, some which heard the word, though for a season they rejoiced in it, when tribulation came because of the word, were offended at it, because they had no root.

To prevent that sad Apostasy which many are guilty of to their eternal undoing, Friend, consider serionsly beforehand, what it will cost thee to be a Christian indeed. A foolish builder, that undertakes to raise a structure as high as Heaven, and pondereth not the charge thereof, gives over before he hath half finished it, and so loseth all his expense and labor. As in marriage one that is wise, and considereth the person, his portion, and his precepts, with the cares and burdens that are incident to that condition, for such must have trouble in the flesh, and after this, upon mature deliberation, accepteth him for an Husband, will stick and cleave to him loyally and faithfully, whatever befalls him; whereas a foolish Maid that hudleth up a match in haste, hand over head, promising herself nothing but delight and pleasure, when she comes to suffer poverty or imprisonment, or disgrace with her Husband, repenteth of her bargain, and forsakes the guide of her youth ; So the Christian that hath duly pondered the excellencies in Christ; his misery without Christ, absolute necessity of Christ; what love, and joy, and peace, and endless bliss, God offereth with his Son; what Christ expecteth from all that will be married to him, even the denial of themselves, the taking up of their Cross, the contempt of Father, Mother, Wife, Children, Estate, Life, and all for him, and after he hath duly considered all this, gives himself up to Christ, will be faithful unto death, and own the Lord Jesus Christ, whatever it may cost him, when the man that followeth Christ for the loaves, or for fashion, or on a sudden strikes a league with him, expecting nothing but comforts and joy in his contract, will quickly leave him, if called to suffer with him. He that followeth Christ, he knoweth not why, will forsake him, he knoweth not how.

If thou art, Reader, to begin this work of entering thyself into Christ's Army, I would advise thee to bethink thyself upon what grounds thou engagest in his quarrel; For Christians are not called to their spiritual war for love of fighting, as Cocks that fall to it upon sight of each other. Consider, the enemies thou art to fight against, how potent, and crafty, and cruel they are, continually seeking thy destruction; the Captain thou art to fight under, how wise he is to direct and command thee, how able to protect and defend thee; how faithful, and bountiful, to crown and reward thee; the excellency of the cause ; it is for thy soul, thy God, thy Savior, thy salvation; the dangers thou must encounter, and hardships thou wilt be called to endure; the certainty of thy conquest ; how impossible it is to miscarry in so just a quarrel, under such • an Almighty Captain, and then list thyself to fight the good fight of faith, and fear not but thou shalt be more then a conqueror, through him that loves thee.

Secondly, If thou wouldst exercise thyself to godliness, Live by Faith. The life of Faith, its the only life of holiness; and unbelief is the mother of all Apostasy. When God would persuade Abraham to sincere and singular godliness, he doth it by offering him sure footing for his faith, I am God All-sufficient, or the Almighty God; Walk before me, and be thou perfect, Gen. 17. 1. knowing that unless his faith were firm, his steps could never be even; If he had not believed God's power, he could not be evangelically perfect. And hence that father of the faithful became so eminent in obedience, from the strength of his faith. Its said of him, Isa. 41. 2. that he came to the foot of God. That Child was dutiful indeed, that when his Father did but stamp with his foot, left what ever he was about, though it were never so delightful or gainful to him, and ran to his Father, to know and obey his commands. Thus truly did Abraham, when God called him to turn his back upon his relations, and the place of his nativity; nay, to sacrifice his Isaac ; the child of the promise, as well as of his love ; he did not question God's pleasure, nor quarrel with his precepts, but obeyed them presently, and all from his faith. His strong faith caused strong obedience, Heb. 11. Its observable, that all the noble and heroic acts of obedience of the Lord's Worthies, mentioned in that little book of Martyrs, were performed under the conduct and command of faith.

Faith is one of the best Antidotes against the poison of profaneness, and one of the greatest helps to holiness; None are more faithful to God, then they who have most faith in God. They who believe, will be careful to maintain good works, Tit. 3. 8. As the natural heat is the life of the body, and as that increaseth with the radical moisture, strength and health abound; So Faith is the life of the soul; as that is strong or weak, his godliness is more or less. He that is highest in affiance, is highest in obedience. This is the strength of the soul; According to a Mans strength, such is his walk, either straight or stumbling; According to a man's Faith, such is his life, either even or crooked.

1. Faith destroyeth sin.

2. It enableth to live to God.

1. It killeth sin; If the Pulse of a Christian • hand or life beat uneven, it is because his Faith, which is his heart, doth faulter. This is the shield of the soul, which secures it against all assaults and dangers; Other pieces of the Christians Armor, are serviceable to defend particular parts of the new man, as the Girdle of truth, the loins; right • ousness, the breast ; the Gospel of peace, the feet ; but Faith is a Shield, moveable at pleasure, and surroundeth and guardeth the whole man; With favor wilt thou compass him, as with a Shield, Psa. 5. ult. Faith secureth the head from evil • principles. What sense denieth, and reason understandeth not, Faith believeth. Aristotle reading Moses concerning the Creation, is reported to say, Egregie dicis domine Moses, sed quomodo probas? Thou speakest nobly, but how dost thou prove it? The answer to him is easy, By Faith we believe that the world were made of God, Heb. 11. 2.

Faith clears up the understanding, and scattereth the mists of error. The pesence of this Sun disperseth those Clouds. Faith secureth the heart from evil purposes. Its the besom that sweepeth out such dust, and keeps the heart clean; Having their hearts purified by Faith, Act. 15. 9. Faith entertaineth the King of Saints into the heart, it sets him on the throne, and these traitors fly before him; His presence makes these Rebels to hide their heads. Who ever could find in his heart to hug sin, whilst he was viewing by faith his bleeding Savior! Faith secureth the hand from evil practices. The Martyrs chose the flames, rather then the denial of their Master, and all because of their Faith. Those Worthies of the Lord, of whom the World was not worthy, through Faith stopped the mouths of Lyon-like lusts, quenched the violence of hellish fires, were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection, Heb. 11. 33, 34, 35. By Faith we stand, 2 Cor. 1. 24. As a Soldier under the protection of his Shield, stands his ground, and doth his duty, notwithstanding the shot that are made against him; So a Christian under the protection of Faith, keeps his place, and mindeth his work, whatsoever opposition he meets with. Faith, like Joab, stabbeth this Abner under the fifth rib, it wounds fin mortally. Hope, like Saul, hath slain its thousands; but Faith, like David, its ten thousands; Whole Armies of Lusts have turned their backs at the sight of this Warriour; By Faith the walls of Ierico fall down; Whilst unbelief liveth, no sin will die; All iniquity sheltereth itself under the Banner of infidelity. If once the banks of Faith be broken down, a flood of wickedness will rush and flow in. What made Abraham deny his Wife, and expose her to such temptations and wickedness, but unbelief ? What made Isaac tread in his Fathers steps, and leave Rebecah to the Heathens lust, but unbelief ? What made David dishonor his God, by his uncomely carriage before Achish, and injure his soul by his unholy language, that he should one day perish by the hand of Saul, but unbelief ? What made Peter deny and forswear his Master, but unbelief ? These tares were sown by the enemy, when the husbandman Faith was asleep: had they believed the power and faithfulness of God to defend them in their dangers and distresses, without their lies; and his grace and bounty to reward them largely for all their sufferings for his sake; had they believed that God when he called them to straights, would without any sinful means have brought them off safe on earth, or safe to Heaven, they would never have used such sinful shifts for their own safety. Faith would secure the soul against all those temptations, and prevent such sinister and sinful doings. He that believeth, maketh not haste. He will patiently wait God's leisure, and submit to his pleasure, and not venture upon forbidden courses, and unlawful ways, to deliver himself out of distress.

Vnbeleif is the dung which makes the soil of corrupt nature so fruitful in the unfruitful works of darkness. Whence cometh such immoderate love of a perishing world, but from want of Faith and Beleif of that transcendent glory that is to be revealed? Whence cometh such dullness and deadness in holy duties, but from unbelief, either of the holiness and jealousy of that God with whom we have to do, or of his goodness and mercy, that his reward will pay the charge of diligence in his work? Whence comes such cozening, and cheating, and over-reaching in dealings with men, that from distrust of God's power and providence, as if he could not, or would not spread a Table for his Children in the most barren Wilderness? Whence comes that impatience and murmuring in adversity, but from want of Faith, which would encourage the heart in the Lord his God, in the saddest estate, and when the Fig-tree doth not blossom, nor the Vine yield its fruit, enable the soul to rejoice in the Lord, and be glad in the Rock of his salvation. Whence cometh such pride and carnal confidence in prosperity, but because men believe not the meanness, and vanity, and emptiness of riches, and that divine mercy, not the merits of men are the original of them? There is no sin so monstrous but unbelief will venture upon it. He that believeth not, will never be allured by divine promises, nor affrighted at divine threatenings, nor obey divine precepts, nor submit to divine providences. As Cicero said of Parricide, I may say of Unbeleif, Its a tee • ing vice, a well of wickedness; many sins are bound up in it. No wonder the Apostle gives such a serious warning, and so strict a charge against Infidelity, as the mother and nurse of all Apostasy; Take heed lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, whereby ye depart away from the living God, Heb. 3. 12. The superstitious Pagans thought that their Idol Vibilia kept them from erring out of their way: The religious Christian knoweth by experience, that his faith keeps him within the limits of his duty. Faith ingrafts the soul into Christ, and into the fellowship of his death, by which the old man is crucified, and the body of sin destroyed; that henceforth we should not serve sin, Rom. 6. 5,6,7,8. For therefore did Christ bear ou • sins in his body on the tree, that we might become dead to sin, 1 Pet. 1. 24.

Faith enableth the soul to conquer sin by enabling it to overcome the three grand provocations to sin; The World, the Flesh, and the Wicked one. There is neither of these enemies but Faith hath wounded mortally.

1. Faith enableth to overcome the World ; the World indeed hath conquered millions; the greatest Soldiers have been slain by it. Alexander could subdue the Nations in it, but could not subdue his Affections to it; As great a conqueror as he was over it, he was its slave and vassal; for his ambition was still larger then his Dominions; But faith clothing the Christian with the Sun, helps him to trample this Moon under his feet, This is your victory over the world, even your Faith, 1 Joh. 6.4.

The World hath two faces, the one • ugly and deformed, to • affright the Saint; the other comely and painted to allure him to sin; but Faith seeth how pitiful (only touching the body) her threatenings are; and how poor, only skin-deep her promises are, and makes the soul to disdain both.

It was by Faith, that Luther could say, Contemptus a me Romanus & favor, & furor, I scorn both Rome's favor, and Rome's fury ; The worlds Furnace and Music • are much alike to a Beleiver; he is blind and deaf, nay, dead to both; The special object of Faith, is the Cross of Christ, whereby, saith the Apostle, I am crucified to the world, and the world to me. Tickle a dead man, or lance him, its all one, he is sensible of neither. As Fabricius the Noble Roman told Pyrrhus, who one day tempted him with Gold, and the next day sought to terrify him with Elephants, I was not yesterday moved with your money, nor today with your beasts ; So Basil when first offered preferment, and afterward threatened with imprisonment, if he would not deny Christ, and turn Arian, to this purpose answered the Messenger, Such babies of preferment are fit to catch Children with, and such bug-bears of bonds and imprisonment, may fright your tender Gallants and Courtiers. Faith enableth the Christian to mount up to heaven, and thereby secures him from the baits and shots, the snares and lime-twigs which attend him on earth. Homer, saith Vlisses, caused himself to be bound to the Mast of the Ship, and everyone of his fellows ears to be stopped with Wax, that they might not hearken to the Songs of the Sirens, and so be drowned in the Sea. Faith fastens the soul to Christ, and so ravisheth i • s ears with the glad tidings of pardon, and peace, and eternal life, that it is deaf to the worlds music.

1. Faith enableth the soul to overcome the affrightments of the world. Faith like blown bladders, keepeth the soul from sinking in deep waters; Its a Target under which a soul is free from the hurt, though not from the smart of evil; Its the Ark wherein he rides triumphing, when the windows from above are opened and pour down, and the floods from beneath are broken up. In this strong Tower, the soul finds shelter; Faith, like Joseph, layeth up in a time of plenty, against a time of scarcity; in a day of prosperity • against a day of adversity, and so feareth it the less.

Faith showeth the Christian a place of refuge in the time of trouble. He shall hide thee, saith Faith, in the secret of his presence ( i. e. cover thee with the warm wings of his providence) he shall keep thee secret in his Pavilion ; (An allusion to Princes retiring rooms, which are sacred and secure places for their Favorites.) Nature teacheth all creatures to run in distress to that which they count their defense; The Conies run to the Rocks, the Goats to the Hills, the Ravenous Beasts to their De • s, the Child to his Mothers Arms. This grace discovereth to the soul, a Rock, a Refuge, a Fort, a Fortress, an High Tower, which makes him fearless of the worlds threatenings and bugbears. The lame and the blind, those most shiftless creatures, when they had got the strong hold of Zion over their heads, scorned the Host of David, 2 Sam. 5. 6, 7. The Egyptians that dwell in the fens, are much troubled with Gnats, therefore they sleep in High Towers, whither those Insects cannot fly. The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower, the righteous run unto it and are safe, Prov. 15. Such a soul is like a strong Tree, which no wind can shake; or like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved; Therefore he can sing when unbelievers quake and tremble. Though the Earth be troubled, though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea, though the Waters roar, and the Mountains shake, yet we will not fear; The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, Psa. 46. 56. and 91. 2, 3. Faith is like the Cork in the Net, when the Lead wound sink the Net, the Cork keeps it above water. This Faith is the Anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfact, entering into that within the veil, and so stayeth the Saint against all the winds and waves of affliction. Faith or belief of the resurrection, and that happiness which then should be enjoyed, was that which enabled Paul to die daily, and to fight with Beasts at Ephesus, 1 Cor. 15. 30.

In the greatest distress, Faith can see deliverance ; and when it is at the greatest distance, salute it, as Abraham did Christ's day, afar off. When the weather is cloudy, it can see the Heaven begin to clear, and notwithstanding his present pain and poverty, cause the Christian to rejoice in his hope of bliss and glory. The eye of Faith, looking to the recompense of reward, seeth afflictions with the Israel of God, much more eligible then the pleasures of sin. Symphorianus a Christian young man, after he was almost scourged to death, being draged to Execution at Augustodunum, met his Mother, not crying, or tearing her hair, but like an Holy Lady thus comforting him, Son, my Son, I say, Remember life eternal, look up to Heaven; Life is not taken from thee, but exchanged for a better ; At which words of his Mother, he went on willingly to the Block, and exposed his Throat to the fatal Ax; One of the Dutch Martyrs feeling the flame coming to him, said, O what a small pain is this, to Heaven ! Our blessed Savior had an eye to the joy set before him, and thereby was encouraged to endure the Cross, and despise the shame; Indeed, if Faith spring a leak, then the waters break in, and the Christian sinks apace, as we see in Peters denial of his Master.

As Faith in the Promises, so also Faith in the Threatenings makes the Christian a Conqueror over the worlds affrightments, where the World threatens Bonds, and Whips, and Dungeo • s, and Death, if the Christian will not sin against God, and begins to stagger the soul. Take heed what thou dost, saith Faith, for God threateneth Fire, and Brimstone, and Chains, and Blackness of Darkness forever, as the wages of all sin. Is the Wrath of an Infinite God, not more to be feared then of weak dying Men? Is the pains of a violent death, which will quickly be over, and the most the World can do against thee, comparable to the pains of eternal death? And thus Faith by the terror of this great Ordinance, drowns the noise of those small pieces, that the soul is deaf to their report.

2. Faith enableth the soul to overcome the allurements of the world. If the world cannot terrify the Saint with its fiery Furnace, to disown and deny his Savior, it will seek to inchant him with its Music, and thereby to make him deaf to the Call and Commands of Christ. Thus it served Joseph ; When it could not prevail on the left hand, by selling him for a slave, it trieth him on the right hand, by setting a Delilah to tickle him with pleasure; but by Faith he saw the Hook under the Bait, and durst not nibble at it, much less swallow it. Though the world like Jezebel, painteth her face, and tireth her hair, to render her amiable and lovely, and as a Srumpet, showeth her naked Breasts of pleasure and profit, to entice the believer to go a Whoring after her; yet he vieweth by Faith the deformity of her person, under all her dawbery, and the dregginess and deceitfulness of her pleasures, notwithstanding their show of clearness, and so rejects them with scorn and disdain. Pliny saith of Cato, that he took as much pleasure in the Honors he denied, as in those that he enjoyed. The believer can glory more in his refusal of glory for Christ, then unbelievers in all their preferments. Indeed, if the Christian did consult with sense, or carnal reason, he would take the worlds present money, but the believer doth not consult with flesh and blood, like wise Abigail, knowing how much it will conduce to his advantage, he can part with his esta • e for God, and never make those Nabal's privy to the design, lest they should hinder it.

Besides, Faith discovers pure Rivers of pleasures, more noble and excellent delights, to be the portion of those that refuse to grate their teeth with such kennel water. As man is a rational creature, he would sell his wares to them that will give most. Now Faith showeth how infinitely God out-bids the world. Sense saith, The world offereth fair, it offereth comforts, suitable to thy flesh, such as they desire, and it offereth ready money, present possession: But saith Faith, God offereth thee better ; The comforts he offereth are more excellent, being suitable, not as the Worlds, to a carnal brutish nature, but to an heavenly divine soul, and more durable, being eternal, when the pleasures of sin are but for a season. He that hopes for no better market, will take the present money offered him; But he that is assured of greater gains, will refuse the lesser. An unbeleiver who expects no better bargain then what this life affords him, may well take up with present pay, what ever it be; but the Beleiver who seeth the glory to be revealed, and fullness of joy in Heaven, and is assured that if he be faithful unto death, he shall receive that eternal crown of life, turns his eyes off the honors and comforts of this beggarly world. Those stars of creature joys do all disappear in the presence of this Sun. Gold bears little sway with the soul that knoweth his title to the new Jerusalem, that is paved with Gold, in which gold is trampled underfoot; Those birds that fly aloft in the Firmament, are not so easily snared by the Fowlers Gins; Though the things of this world were glorious in his eyes, during his estate of unbelief, yet now he hath discerned a world beyond the Moon, and sent Faith as a spy to search and coast that Country which hath brought word back, that its a good land flowing with Milk and Honey, and in it there is want of nothing, they have no glory, by reason of that glory that doth so infinitely exceed. When a man is below, things above seem small ; the great Stars that are bigger then the Earth, seem not so big as a bushel, and things below seem great: but when a man is above, as upon the top of a Steeple, then things below seem little, he beholdeth men like Grashoppers. Were he conveyed to the highest hill in the World, men would not be discerned; great Kingdoms would be but small Cottages. Unbeleif sets a man below, here on earth, and so the things of Heaven are little in his eye; but Faith soars aloft, it carrieth the Christian up to Heaven, and then the whole earth is but a small spot in his eye. Joseph bids the Patriarchs, Regard not your stuff, for the good of all the Land of Egypt is yours: So saith Faith to the Christian, Regard not the lumber and rubbish of this world, for all the great and good things of the other world are thine. Faith gives the soul a taste, the first fruits of Heaven; And as no man, having drunk old wine, desireth new, for he saith, the old is better ; So no man, having tasted the wine of Heavens pleasures, desires carnal delights. A Pilgrim travelling to Jerusalem (saith one) came to a City where he saw a goodly Training and Mustering, there he had a mind to stay, but that he remembered that was not Jerusalem. He came to another City, where he saw gallant sports and pastimes, there he had some good will to abide, but that he remembered it was not Jerusalem. He came to a third, where were goodly buildings, Fair Ladies, curious Music, &c. where also he had some thoughts of settling, but still he remembered it was not Jerusalem: So the believer, when the world offereth him great treasures, high honors, &c. may through the subtlety of his flesh, have a mind to embrace them, only seeing by Faith Jerusalem, where are greater treasures, higher honors, he slights and rejects them; By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; esteeming the reproaches of Christ, greater riches then the treasures of Egypt; for he had an eye to the recompense of reward.

Faith makes things future, present; it looketh into • Heaven and saith as David, before he had conquered those places, Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Heaven is mine, Eternal Life is mine, fullness of joy is mine, that Kingdom in comparison of which this whole world is a dunghill is mine, because God hath sworn by his holiness, that he will not lie unto his David, and whilst the soul by faith seeth and is assured of these felicities for their sake, it can trample underfoot the worlds largest offers.

2. Faith enableth the Christian to conquer Satan ; Though the wicked one be full of power and policy, yet Faith makes him flee like a Coward. Its said of the Crocodile, that he flieth if resisted, but followeth those that fear and flee from him; Truly so doth Satan, I am. 4. 8. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. But how must he be resisted? the Apostle Peter answers that question, whom resist steadfastly in the Faith, 1 Pet. 5. 9. The Crocodile cannot endure the sight or smell of saffron, therefore in Egypt they sow saffron to keep him away. Faith is this saffron, Cant. 4. 14. which drives away the Devil. Faith like little David, wounds the great Goliath of Hell. They overcame him (meaning the Devil) by the blood of the Lamb. The Wild Bull, say Naturalists, cannot endure a red color, therefore the Hunter putteth on red garments, and standeth before a Tree, which the Bull runneth against with all his might, and the Hunter stepping aside, his horns stick fast in the tree, whereby he is taken. The Christian by Faith in the blood of Christ, overcometh those infernal spirits who thought to overcome him. This is the only holy water, that will fright away the Devil. Our blessed Savior in his speech to Peter, acquaints us how to subdue Satan; Peter, Peter, Satan hath desired to winnow thee as Wheat is winnowed, but I have prayed for thee, that thy Faith fail not. Which words imply, that whilst Peters Faith stood firm, he should not forsake Christ; whilst that was up, he could not be down ; His Faith flagged before his courage failed, or he himself fell so foully. A Tree is soon felled when the Root is once loosened; Faith roots the soul in Christ, and therein his safety consists; but as his Faith fails, so he is loosened from Christ, and thereby in danger of falling. The Christians strength lieth in his Faith, as Samson's in his Hair; if the uncircumcised one can deprive us of this, he may make sport enough with us. Hence it is that Satan's chiefest Guns are shot against the Royal Fort of Faith, knowing that that commandeth all; and if • e can make a breach there, he fears not but to enter with success. The first mine which he ever sprang, to blow up the first Adam and his Wife, and in them the whole race of mankind, was by weakening their faith; Hath God said, In the day ye eat thereof, ye shall die? When he came to the second Adam, he endeavored to slay him with the same sword; If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones, &c. And without question, his aim was more at Job's Faith, then his Cattle, or Servants, or Children ; he had a greater intent to have blown down that house of Job's conscience, then that wherein his Sons and Daughters were feasting.

Therefore Reader, Above all take the shield of Faith, whereby thou mayst quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, Ephes. 6. 16. Goats in the Island of Crete, when they are stricken with a dart, do seek for the Hearb Dittany, which will cause the dart to fall out; Truly, such juice hath Faith, that it makes all the darts which Satan shoots at the Christian ineffectual.

3. Faith enableth to conquer the flesh. The great Apostle who lived by Faith, brought under his body, and crucified the flesh. Faith seeth the safety of the body to consist in its subordination to the soul, and that the only way to save the life, is at God's call to lose it; By faith Abraham left his Kindred and Country, and obeyed, and went out, not knowing whither he went, Heb. 11. 8. Indeed, the flesh is the worst enemy of the three, partly in that it is so near us, always about us, so that we can as well fly from ourselves as from it. A Traytour in the Bed chamber, is much more dangerous then one in open arms against us in the Field. A Snake in the bosom, is like to do more hurt then one under the grass; partly in that it knoweth our minds exactly, and so can temper its poison suitable to our Pallats; but Faith can discover its secret conspiracies, and prevent their execution. Though it dig its mines never so closely, and covertly, and craftily, Faith will find them out and countermine them.

2. Faith enableth (as to die to sin, so) to live to God. The life of holiness doth so much depend on Faith, that its said to consist wholly in it. The just shall live by his Faith. Though he cannot live by sense, that upon which he lives being invisible; nor by reason, because his food is supernatural; yet he can live by faith, and make a good living of it too. As the body lives by the soul, so Religion lives by Faith. A mortal wound in faith, lets out the heart blood of all holiness. It is faith that actuates and animates the new creature. Faith puts him upon high designs, and holy enterprises for God and his own soul. David saith, I believe, therefore have I spoken ; It may be said of a Christian, He believeth, therefore he speaks so much of God, for God, and to God. He believeth the unquestionable certainty, incomparable excellency, and eternity of that reward which is set before him, and therefore he prayeth, and watcheth, and readeth, and heareth, and denieth himself, and worketh night and day that he may attain it. Ferdinando of Aragon, believing the report of Columbus, concerning the richness of the Indian Mines, and the likelihood of his possessing them, was at great cost and charge in sending out men in Ships, and made them venture their lives, and labor hard to get those Golden and Silver veins. Faith believeth the report which the Gospel makes of the glory to be revealed, and the unsearchable riches in Christ, and the likelihood, nay, certainty of his enjoying them, if he will but strive and labor, and use those means which God hath appointed, and this puts the soul upon its greatest industry and integrity, in the performance of what the word requireth, in order thereunto, and a resolution to obtain them, what ever it cost, or to die in the undertaking.

It is by the sap, which from the root is derived through the bark to the branches, that makes them fruitful. It is from • he strength which faith derives from Christ, that the Christian becomes so abundant in holiness; cut off the bark and the tree withereth. Take away faith, and no more good works. The extension of the branches, ariseth from the intension of the sap; and how shall that be conveyed but by the bark? Christ, like Joseph, keeps the granaries, wherein is abundance of soul-food, and faith unlocks those Store-houses, and takes out supplies. As Pharaoh when the Egyptians cried to him for bread, said, Go ye to Joseph, and what he saith to you do : So God saith to Christians that call on him for Grace, Go ye to Christ by Faith, and he will relieve you. It pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell ; Here is

• 1. Fulness, abundance, not a drop, or a small degree of living water.
• 2. All fullness, a redundance, the fullness of a spring, a fountain, not of a vessel.
• 3. All fullness dwelling, abiding there to eternity; running over, and running ever. But you will say, What is a Christian the better sor it? I Answer, Of his fullness, by faith, We all receive grace for grace. As a Pipe from the River supplieth the house upon all occasions, and the several offices therein with water; so doth faith supply the Christian with grace from Christ, answerable to his several exigencies and necessities. Indeed, all the graces act valiantly in their several places, under the command of this General. Hence though fear, and love and heavenly mindedness were specially operative in many of the Patriarchs actions and passions for God, yet still the crown is set upon the head of faith, under whose banner and conduct they fought, Heb. 11. per tot. When this Champion, like Goliath is vanquished, the other graces, as the Philistines, are put to the rout. As dark clouds obscure the glorious stars, so doth unbelief blemish the luster of a Christians graces. If this shepherd, Faith, be smitten, other Graces, like • heep, are scattered. If this grace keep the field, the rest always keep their ground. The length of the days depends upon the shining of the sun; as this shines more or less, so the days are longer or shorter: The degrees and measures of other graces depend exceedingly upon this grace. The branches blossom answerable to the sap which they receive from the root. Other graces bud and blow according to the sap which they receive from faith.

For example sake; Repentance is more or less according to the degrees of faith. It is the fiducial apprehension of divine love that mollifieth the stony hear • None mourn so much as they who apprehend God a father. The hot beams of divine grace and favor by faith united in the soul, thaw the most i • y heart; They shall see him whom they have pierced, ( i.e. with an eye of faith) and mourn for him as one that mourneth for his only child. Peter saw Christ's love in his look, and then went out and wept bitterly.

2. Humility ; We are never lower in our own eyes then when faith assures us that we are high in God's favor. The Centurions humility seems to keep equal pace with his faith (though Christ saith of his faith, I have not found so great, no not in Israel) Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof; neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee. When Nathan brought David word that God had a great respect for him, and would build him a sure house forever ; He presently crieth out, What am I, and what is my fathers house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? &c. 2 Sam. 7.18.

3. Love ; The fire of love flames more or less according to the fuel which faith provides; To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much. The knowledge of a pardon granted by such a Lord who hath all the reason in the world to loath the soul, turns it into a lump of love.

4. Joy ; Faith broacheth the pipe of the promises, and presenteth that wine which rejoiceth the heart of the new man; In whom believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1.7.

5. Patience ; He that believeth his bonds are good, that his estate is in safe hands, and that his forbearance doth abundantly increase it, will wait quietly for the day of payment; He that believeth, maketh not haste. None quarrel or fret but from want of faith: Run with patience the race set before you; Looking at Jesus. If the Christian be weak, faith will give him the staff of the Word to lean on; if he be weary, faith will show him his journeys end. Lo yonder is heaven, saith faith, hold out a little longer, your work is almost done. As the Eagle by stretching herself towards the Sun, through its heat hath her old feathers fallen off, new ones growing in their places, and her strength renewed; so the Christian cleaving to Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, by faith, reneweth his strength as the Eagle, runneth and is not weary, walketh and is not faint ; Its reported of the Crystal, that there is a virtue in it to quicken all other precious stones; when it toucheth them, it puts a luster and brightness on them; Its true of faith, it hath a virtue in it to enliven and quicken all other graces. These stars have the greatest influence, when in conjunction with this Sun.

As the Philosopher saith of water, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , It is of all things the best, most sovereign and precious, because its of universal influence in the life of man; so I may say of faith, it is of all graces most excellent, in regard of the universality of its influence, upon all duties, graces, providences, ordinances.

It is by Faith that prayer becomes so prevalent; Whatsoever ye ask of the Father believing, ye shall receive,