A Watchword for Kent

Section 1. Prepare for the Cross.

IT is good wisdom in God's people to make ready for a Judgment. A wise Pilot seeing a storm in the Clouds, striketh sails, putteth into an harbor if he can, and doth all he may to avoid the danger. And a wise General, having a vigilant enemy in the field, standeth carefully upon his guard, and prepareth for a battle. Sin hath made the Lord our Enemy, and raised a black storm against us: and Wisdom requireth we stand in a preparedness for the evil, And this is good:

1 To prevent the evil if it be possible. As these Jews who are here bid to Prepare for a stroke that was coming, yet afterward are encouraged in seeking God's favor. Amos 5.4. Seek ye me, and ye shall live: and verse 6. Seek the Lord, and ye shall live, least he break out like fire, &c. Nineveh upon humiliation and reformation, against an express sentence was spared. Israel, standing naked before God, as ready to receive the lash, obtained favor, and God's presence to go before them in Canaan, Exod. 33.5.6.14.

2 To prepare an Ark against the flood comes: that though the most escape not, yet thou mayest, as Noah when the world was drowned.

3 To make the Judgment the lighter. Darts which are seen before they come, either hit not, or do the less harm. Job became the mirror of patience in his great afflictions because he bethought himself beforehand of a change that might come: c. 3.25. The things which I greatly feared, is come upon me.

4 To make it a short trial, though sharp. God hath Chambers of love for them that wa • te for him in the way of his judgments, to hide themselves as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past, Esa 26.8, 19, 20, 21.

5 To get it well with posterity, though ourselves should miscarry in the judgment. Though the Jews were cut off in the Wilderness, entered into Canaan, Num, 14.31. The Captivity could not be avoided, yet the children returned out of the captivity. Many godly Christians are slain nowadays, whose children nevertheless may enjoy Peace and the Gospel. And it is a great mercy, not to be left to the will and power of Idolaters.

6. To escape eternal Judgments, though not temporal: as those that were judged according to men in the flesh, that they might live according to God in the spirit. 1 Pet. 4.6.

Now there be many Reasons, which evince this preparation to be necessary, and a point of wisdom.

First, It is a fearful thing to be surprised unawares and unprepared: Heb. 10.31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the the living God. God will not meet such as a man, Esa 47.3. but as a Bear, or a Lion.

Secondly, we may work wisely, so as to avoid all, or most of the evil, or the Worst of it we have a merciful God to deal withal: thy God, O Israel: a God in Covenant with thee, and will keep Covenant faithfully, though thou be not so faithful as thou shouldest be.

Thirdly, God doth much to stir us up out of our sencelesnes: by his Word written and Preached, wherein are terrible comminations for sin, and sweet allurements to himself: by lighter judgments, which tell sinners the Lord is not well pleased with them in their wickedness: and by revealing his glory, both in his Attributes, and in his Works, and here the Prophet doth, v, • 3 Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel: for loe, he that formeth the mountains, and created the wind, &c

Fourthly, when we meet, it is not to salute as a fellow, but do homage and service as to a King: great and glorious, the Lord the God of Hosts is his name, saith the Prophet there: and the greater the person is for whom we prepare, the greater and more careful must the preparation be. Yet here this great Personage offereth himself to us in love: as a Bridegroom: and we should prepare ourselves as a Bride, Revel. 21.2.

Fifthly, we are not fit for meeting so holy a Majesty. Our sin makes us unfit, & hath armed him with wrath against us. And how should two such contraries agree at their meeting?

Sixthly, God prepares to meet us: as Esau to meet Jacob, Jacob wisely see him self to appease his enraged Brother: so should we, to appease an enraged Father. And if we duly prepare, he will meet us with good: we shall be saved, Esa 64.5. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth, and worketh Righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways.

Section 2. Rules of preparation for the Cross.

THese things so being, it might be asked, what should we do to prepare to meet our God? whereto I answer:

First, get within him, and make sure of his love in Christ, the Peace-maker: that if thou must die, thou mayest die in the bosom and hand of a Father, and mayst be able to say with Job, Though he kill me, yet will I trust in him: and if I die a violent death, I shall go to heaven so much the sooner. The rule is to be seen in Isaiah 27.4, 5. and 2 Pet. 3.14. And the thing is feasible, if time be taken, and gracious means well improved. Wherefore have we had the Gospel 85. years, in much Peace and prosperity, but that we should get hold of the love of God, and thereby be well provided against a rainy day? And ye know the course which the Gospel prescribeth to bring God and a sinful soul together; namely, a course of humiliation and prayer: to go forth of it self, and sue for a part in Christ, by whom alone reconciliation is to be had. And what if it be a troublesome and perplexive course? yet it is good to take, as always, so especially in times of danger & public calamity. Habakkuk trembled in himself, at the report of judgments coming, that he might rest in the day of trouble, C. 3.16. In Christ there is peace still, though the world be full of tribulations, and the greatest enemy rage up and down in a Kingdom: see John 16. ult. with Micah 5.5. When moralities and formalities will come short of comforting ( all our righteousnesses being as filthy clouts ) a part in Christ will afford strong consolation. Much less comfort in armies, stratagems, victories: all these are uncertain, and accompanied with great miseries: even the victor is a loser: and especially the loss of souls, if they be not reconciled to their God.

Consider, and study this reconciliation. It may be, these fears and troubles are brought upon us, to make us do what we did not in times of more freedom and security: which generally are as standing waters, that gather much mud and vermin. Think of it: when so many enemies are let loose; it were not good to have God thine enemy too: and to have an accusing conscience fly in thy face, which is as bad as a thousand witnesses, or enemies. And Satan will be doing in a time of straights and difficulties no way to be non-suited, but only in and by Christ, Rom. 8.38, 39. Principalities & powers cannot separate from the love of God which is in Christ. And though he be troublesome for a while, yet the God of Peace will tread him under our feet shortly, C. 16.20.

So of renewing thy peace and covenant with God: which is broken by fresh sins: everyone knows what baulk he hath made in his course, as an husband or wife, a parent or child, a Mr. or servant, or in any other relation: what scandal he hath given, or what formality of religion he hath discovered: Now remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works: Return O Shulamite, return, return: Do it on this day of humiliation, which is not appointed to hang the head like a bul-rush for a day, but to break the bands of wickedness. &c. When we have not the first part, that is, of innocence, yet be sure to get the second, of humility and modesty. It would be a terror in an evil day to be found in the guilt of any one sin: as Iosephe brethren felt, saying, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, &c. Gen. 42.21, 22. Now we shuffle and cut, and justify our froward ways, or will not confess a fault: but then all will appear afresh, and conscience will be heard: Our sin will come home to us, sooner or later, Num. 32.23, Be sure your sin will find you out. And certainly we need no such addition to our sorrows: at best weak enough, much more if our spirit be wounded by our guiltiness: A wounded conscience who can bea • e.

Look to it therefore in time. Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way, before the mischief come: Mat. 5.25 To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart. The work is a work of a great consequence, and your time to do it uncertain: and the evil day no fit day to do this work: and if ye should then set to do it, conscience may say, it is self-love. Now in extremity ye seek the Lord, it is only for your own sake that ye pray and humble yourselves, &c. With what terror would it be for a while, though in the conclusion ye should do well enough? Beside, ye look for comfort before that time: if ye should be sick, or otherwise afflicted. Or ye would look to escape such and such troubles. Then come to God's terms: put yourselves into such a posture, as ye may be capable of mercy and deliverance. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Can ye have comfortable communion with the great God in afflicted times, unless ye first make and maintain peace with his Majesty.

This is the chief rule of preparing for the Cross: Justification.

Secondly, grow up more and more toward entireness in the way of holiness: to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord: not only to be right in the main, but in particullers: to make thy way to heaven a fair way, as well as to be in the way to heaven: to get thither with as little dirt and soil as may be (for some there will be.) This will be a great comfort in the evil day: as to Paul, in his great affliction, 2 Cor. 1.12. This is our rejoicing, even the testimony of our conscience. Such shall be able to look up to God, and not be ashamed as Moses, when slandered by Korah: and Samuel, when rejected by the people. The more grace, the more evidence for heaven, and hold of the promises and testimony of God's Spirit, that ye are his children. Communion will now appear, what sweet fruit it can yield to the good soul. See Psame 91.14, 15, 16.

In this rule two branches.

1. Take in hand the mortifying of thy special lust. Commonly there is one blemish or other even in good Christians, to blot all their good. And everyone knows what his special corruption is: pride, or passion, or idleness, or earthliness, &c. Examine now, & censure it, it will be a token of sincerity in thee, to wage war with it: as in David, Ps. 18.23. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. The most carnal man can see and hate sin in another, though it be but as a mote to his own beam: and can cast off some sins in himself, namely, which are least liked. But sincerity hateth every false way, Psal. 119.104. And so it getteth boldness; as it were of a Lyon: whereas one Achan troubled all Israel: Special sins will be a gall and terror one day: sins of youth affrighted aged Job. Art thou come to call my sins to remembrance this day?

2. Quicken up thyself to a lively performance of holy duties: which sometime begin to grow toward a form: Stir up the gift of God that is in th • e, 2 Tim. 1.6. As fire it stirred from under the ashes. Know it is a sin, not to stir up thyself, Isaiah 64.7. There is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee. There is much virtue in Ordinances, if well improved: as in honey-combes, much sweetness: And there is great comfort, when affliction finds us in a good way: Blessed is the servant whom the Master at his coming findeth well-doing. Such are blessed, though in dying, of what kind soever the death be: Rev. 14.13.

This of the second rule of preparing for the Cross: Sanctification.

Thirdly, hold thy worldly comforts loosely, weignedly, indifferently, not setting thy heart on them: use, as not using. What I lightly love, I can lightly leave: but that which hath gotten into my heart, how can I part with it? We read of some that suffered with joy the spoiling of their goods: and of others, who over-loving their goods, did leave Christ and the Apostles: for they had great possessions: and their possessions had them: Go therefore, and learn what that meaneth, hate all for Christ: lands, houses, friends, all. Not that all must be forgone actually, and ye should turn Mendicants (to better purpose is worldly wealth held humbly, then forsaken proudly:) but only in preparation of your mind, to let all go when God calleth away, as seeing the weakness, emptiness, and uncertainty of the creature, and what little worth it hath in comparison of better things. Now there needs much ado with earthly hearts, to bring them to it. But remember, it will be worse to be rent from those comforts as in a moment. A hard lesson must be long in learning. Begin quickly, and thou mayest yet grow up to great contempt of the world.

Fourthly, be mourners for the abominations, and contest against them: the way to be marked and saved from common destruction. Ezek. 9.4. Lot vexed his righteous soul daily with the unclean conversation of the wicked, and escaped in the overthrow of those Cities. The Lord had Jeremiah and Baruk. Others are saved, though by fire: and carried through the fire, to be vessels of honor for the Lord's use, Zech. 13. ult. Mourne therefore for the sins of the times: yea help forward the evil of them, at least by your sluggishness: And your Father in Heaven is grieved by those sins: And, though ye cannot amend things that are amiss, yet ye can mourn for the incorigiblenesse. Do so, and it shall be remembered for your good another day.

F • fty be well grounded in the Doctrine of God's providence: to say readily with Job, The Lord gave, and the Lord took away, blessed be the Name of the Lord: That a Sparrow falls not to the •… ound without the will of your heavenly Father, and even the hairs of your head are all numbered: That he ordereth the time, manner, and measure of the affliction. Esa 27.7, 8. and This is your hour: That he doth all in perfect wisdom and love, having said, It is expedient for you that go away: That all shall fall out for the best, Rom. 8.28. That he knows to convey comfort into the heart, at the worst, Mic. 7.8. When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me: That he will give strength to bear the burden, 1 Cor. 10.13. and open a way to escape out of the difficulty: That he rebuketh the enemies when he pleaseth, saying as to the proud waves. Thus far shall ye go, and no farther: That our cause shall gain by our suffering as Paul's, Phil. 1.12. That Antichrist and all enemies shall go into perdition, though prevalent for a while Babylon is fallen, i • fallen, &c.

Sixthly, keep close to the rules of the Word, to be as exact in your obedience as possible you can: which hath the promise to be kept in the hour of temptation which comes on all the world to by them that dwell on the earth Rev. 3.10. and Pro. 4.6. Forsake her not and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. If Salt must keep the flesh from putrifying, the flesh must keep the Salt that it fall not off: so of holy Doctrine, which is the s • lt of the earth. Loose Christians will be at a loss for comfort, when most need is: neither are like to be strong in the skirmish, being in peace so careless.

Seventhly, learn perfectly the lesson of Self-denial: so to be able to follow Christ and bear his Cross, Mat. 16.24. Conceited, willful, sensual, easy Christians will shrink in the wetting. By lesser Trials we must (as Soldiers) be inured and trained up to greater.

Eighthly, get special provisions against the evil day: as we see Ammunition provided to make war: not only bread and clothes, but swords and guns, &c.

1 Store of fortifying graces. Knowledge to answer the opponents of truth and righteousness 1 Pet. 3.15. Courage to withstand all their violence and impudency, 2 Tim. 2.1. Be strong in the grace of Christ. Faith and patience to inherit the promises and poss • sse your souls, Heb. 6.12 Humility and meekness: to suffer as a Christian: not reviling again, &c.

2 Plenty of works of love: which God will remember and requite Heb. 6.10. It is a good foundation against the time to come, 1 Tim. 6.18, 19. It hath a promise of mercy, and deliverance in time of trouble, Psal. 41.1, 2 3. The blessing of the poor shall come upon us, as upon Job who remembers it with comfort. There will be a blessed return, though after many days, Eccles. 11.1, 2. Do it therefore: for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

3. A stock of Prayers, sent before to the Throne of grace: the benefit of them to be received another day, as in casting seed into the ground. These are like Joseph, sent before into Egypt to make provision for his father and brethren. They have the promise, and shall have an answer, sooner or later: Ask and ye shall have. A book of remembrance is written for them that fear God, and that think on his Name. Are not these things noted in thy book? Psal. 56.8.

Section 3. Fondnesse of not preparing for the Cross.

IF those things be so, then numbers do not prepare themselves to meet their God, as they ought to do. Oh we hope well, say they. But this is a misuse of hope, which, where it is true and lively indeed, doth ever purge for the present, both heart, and life, and is provident for time to come, to fasten on things above. 1 John. 3.3. Heb. 6.19.

Other storms have blown over, and so may this.

Answ. Where is the fruit of former deliverances? what thankfulness? perhaps now all must be reckoned for together.

God is merciful. Answ. And too much provoked.

We have excellent provisions: Arms, men, valor, wisdom.

Answ. Heretofore all these have proved but the Reed of Egypt. And we see at this day, how these are set to clash one against another: so to be in danger of foreigners.

They will agree at last, as in the Scottish business. Answer.

1 We wish and pray, but do not know whether the bitter Cup shall not come about to us also.

2 Sincerity followeth God in the passage of his providence, to go as he leads the way: in mercies, to be the better for them, and serve him with gladness of heart in the abundance of all things: In Judgments, to work off hardness of heart, and labor to become partakers of his holiness: In threats and fears, to incline to the surer side, of assuring his love, and providing for the worst; that if creatures should fail, the Creator may be for us; and if earth cast us out, yet Heaven may receive us, into those everlasting habitations. But hypocrisy will ever halt: never right, either in fears or comforts: for a while melteth, or praiseth, but never prepares for evil, or to be thankful for good: and the best it doth, is only of self-love, to get out of God's hand, and avoid smart as much as it can.

3 If peace continue, and you prepared not for the contrary, it is ill for you howsoever: ye will settle upon your dregs and lees, and hold your sins which work wrath: ye will be more hardened and insensible, not to repent of your sins: and be more careless to make peace with God: and fly upon the creatures profits and pleasures, more violently and immoderately: and must one day answer for making no good use of God's hand stretched out against you. So it will be only a Reprive, and not peace. What peace, so long as thy wickedness remaineth? There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God, Esa 57. ult. It is a sin, to divide peace and holiness. Peace is never found, but when it is a reward of holiness, and an encouragement to holiness: nor without peace well concluded with God, Rom. 5.1.

Object. We are prepared well enough, say some, we care not if we were dead; if we were dead once, there were an end of all fear and trouble.

Answ. 1 This is quickly said, but not so soon done. It is a great work to die well: yea the hardest task that any hath to do: and should be done daily 1 Cor. 15.31. I die daily. And even to them that were well resolved, the fears of death will return now and then.

2 If ye be in leed prepared to die, yet consider, Are ye prepared to die in such a manner, as in Ireland, children first slain before your eyes, wife ravished, goods plundered, &c?

3 A worse death remains for them that die before they be prepared duly: the second death: a Lake that burneth with fire and Brimstone forever: where the Worm dieth not, and the fire goeth not out. To the wicked world in common miseries, Hell follows death, Rev. 6.8

4. There be some trials, to know whether ye be well prepared.

First, if Evangelical graces be found right upon trial. Repentance by those notes in a Cor. 7.11. Faith by purifying the heart, overcoming the world, quenching the fiery darts of the devil, and the like. Obedience by the universality of it, right aims and ends, &c. Man may be deceived with shows, as copper instead of gold: but God is a skillful Lapidary, and cannot be cheated: Be not deceived, God is not mocked, Gal. 6, 7.

Secondly, none can pass God's judging of him, who hath not first duly judged himself. All are obnoxious by sin: and must cite, arraign, confess, plead guilty, get into Christ and sue out their pardon. And the phrases of Converts are, that they loath, deny, bemoan, abhor, judge, and condemn themselves: An excellent frame of spirit in the eye of God, who hath made a Covenant, and gracious promises to such persons: Christ is a Physician to the sick, and a shelter against the storm, Esa 15.4. Not so to them that are touchie, and cannot abide trial by a searching Ministry. A fellon that gets not a pardon, is not prepared for the Judges coming, though perhaps he drink and be jovial.

Thirdly, he that shrinks in smaller trials is not likely to stand in greater: as he that cannot keep pace with a footman, is not likely to run along with a horse man. What he may do, we know not; but such a one hath cause to suspect himself. He that cannot endure persecution of the tongue, is not likely to endure persecution of the sword, or fire. He that now fears carnal neighbors, parents, Land-lords, how miserably will he fear Bonners and blood-suckers? He that will not part with a little of his goods for service of Church & Common-wealth, how will he suffer joyfully the spoiling of all his goods? He that will not submit Christianly, loosing one child at the call of God, how will he hold patience if all his children were taken away, as Job's were? Certainly such are not prepared to meet the Lord, coming in fury. There needs much preparation for this consuming fire, Esa 33.14, 15. Raw soldiers are not fit to stand in a hot battle.

Fourthly, examine how thou standest affected in the present causes of God's Church and people: what the bent of thy heart is, for the good side or the bad: for the broad way or narrow: for godly and strict Christians, or others: for the reformation of things amiss, or against it: What desire thou hast, that the good prevail, what fear lest the evil: What joy when any good is done, whereat others bite the lip, and gnash the teeth: What prayers, fasts, charges, making of friends, for advancing the work of God: Whether it be with thee as with David, whose goodness extended to the Saints on earth and to the excellent in whom was all his delight, but he hated Idolaters, Psal. 16.3.4. Only such have the promise, to prosper: and to have part in the consolation of the Church. It is not for every vain, idle, private-minded Christian to look for comfort in great calamities. They that mean to rejoice with the godly, must first mourn with the godly. God will acknowledge none for true borne children, but only such. We see what becomes of the fea of all, Rev. 21.8. and of private-minded ones, Judge. 5.23. Curse ye Meroz, &c. What then of wranglers, scoffers, enemies of good men, and good ways? Is not the coming of Ch • ist set purposely against them? Jude 14, 15.

Section 4. Benefits of preparing for the Cross.

AS many as bethink themselves beforehand, how to be prepared and fit for the Lord's visitation, we will to be of good cheare, even when terrors are round about: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord? Fear not the fear of the wicked, nor say a confederacy to them. Ye are truly wise, though befooled in in the world. Ye do well, as Joseph, to lay up Corn against a dear year. See what benefit accrewes by your preparation.

First, ye may assure your hearts, that God is and will be yours: prepare to meet thy God: though your children be not yours or goods, or husbands, or any of these comforts: I will not leave thee nor forsake thee, saith the Lord: but his own whom he loveth, he loveth to the end. His Covenant and promises are everlasting, and he knows who kept covenant faithfully; He knows and remembers exactly; as if all were written in a book. So that thou mayst say boldly, My fl • sh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

Secondly, ye may promise yourselves a grace and strength sufficient for you: as to Paul. Hear the song appointed for the faithful in evil times, Isaiah 26.1, 2, 3, 4. And may be a good stay for sad thoughts, what shall ye do if the Wars come even unto you. Upon this rock the Martyrs stayed themselves, of themselves poor, weak, simple, helpless creatures. A brother is borne for adversity: and God much more. He is a bad friend who loveth no longer then all goes well.

Cheere up therefore: it is not your own strength wherein ye must stand against Goliath's. No, in Christ ye shall be able to do all things, Phillip. 4.13. And the joyce have in and by Christ, will be your strength, Neh. 8.10. Your faith, which Satan would blow away by winnowing will be your victory, 1 Joh. 5.4. So of patience, and the Spirit of Christ abid • ng in you, &c. And every promise remembered hath abundant strength in it: to give strong consolation, Heb. 6.18.

Thirdly, ye may promise yourselves victory in the main, though yourselves die in the battle. The cause shall outlive all the enemies, yea and be furthered by your sufferings, Phil. 1.12. Posterity shall see the good of it, and get into Canaan, Numb 14.3. Enemies shall be all foiled, sooner or later, and cast into hell if incurable, Rev. 20.10. Everyone cannot say so of his cause and enemies, &c.

Fourthly ye may promise yourselves a place in heaven, when the earth casteth you out or swalloweth you up: and say, Yet they cannot keep me out of heaven, yet I shall land at those fair havens. There remaineth a r • st for the people of God, he hath prepared well for them that prepare their hearts to seek him, 1 Cor. 2.9. Thus lift up your heads in evil times, as knowing the day of your redemption draweth nigh. The Lord in judgment remembereth mercy, and makes good provision, even for them that perish temporally. Remember the riddle of bearing Christ's Cross, He that loseth his life, shall save it, and he that saveth his life shall lose it.

Object. 1. If I were right in the main, I know there were comfort enough in the worst times: but that is the question, &c.

Answ. 1. This indeed is a thing to be well looked unto: for all the promises are made to Believers, to them that love and fear God, and obey his voice. Only his children do inherit: Rom. 8.17.

2. It is a sin, not to acknowledge the grace of God in thee, as for another to presume of mercy. There is that maketh himself poor (in grace) having great riches. And it is abhominable to condemn the righteous, as well as to justify the wicked. An humble notice of the work of God's Spirit is as necessary, as to take notice of sin for thy humiliation.

3. The main may be assured by trying Evangelical graces, as before: And, how camest thou to Christ and profession? whether humbled, sick, contrite in spirit? And, what sweetness yieldeth Christ now to thy soul? whether above children, riches, pleasures, other contentments? And, what judgment hast thou of Christ and the things of Christ? which is to be left, he, or those thy worldly contentments? And, what vehemency is in thy desires, to leave all for Christ? is it a flame, which much water cannot quench? Now thou comprehendest, or rather art comprehended of Christ: and art known of God. And Christ will take notice of thee for good, though thou take no notice of good in thyself. The root of the matter is in thee: the substance in the Oak, Esa 6.13.

Object. 2. My graces are weak, if I have any at all: as is seen too often, even intrifling occasions. I doubt they will not suffice me in those great occasions.

Answ. 1. Being sound, they shall not miscarry. The Gold-smith throws not away one flake or dust of his gold. So of sound graces, which are the work of God's own spirit, and have the promise of blessing and perseverance: To him that hath, shall be given, and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he seemeth to have, Luke 8.18.

2. We read that weak grace can do wonders: Faith as grain of mustard seed, can remove mountains Only we must grow daily: and he that hears the cry of young ravens, will finish that faith whereof at first he was the Author.

3. Remember the bruised reed and smoking flax: and that it is Christ's office, to heal and help: he is a merciful high priest for us in things pertaining to God: touched with a sense of our infirmities, and can have compassion of us: the Author and finisher of our faith, Hebr. 12.2.

4. Christ will proportion his grace to the sufferings he calls thee unto: that it shall be sufficient. Now less will serve the turn: but when thou needest more, thou shalt have more. The D • sciples who were weak and raw at first, were afterward filled with power from on high, to suffer anything. And Christians shall not know their own strength, till it come to the proof: lest they should be lifted up with the abundance of Revelations. Master Glover in sight of the stake cried out, O Austin he is come, he is come: lumpish before, and dejected.

Object. 3. I fear I shall fail in the combat: and then, where is all my preparation, grace, comfort?

Answ. No, it is impossible to fall totally and finally. If it were possible, they should deceive the Elect, Math 24.24.

1. God hath undertaken for his: so to put his fear into their hearts, that they shall not depart from him, Jer. 32.4. And I will be with thee in six troubles and in seven: in fire, and water: in prison, and everywhere. When note concerning the Covenant, that he undertakes not only his own part, but ours: and so indeed will be in all to us: that we may well challenge all our enemies, saying, Who shall accuse, or condemn, or separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? If we were left in our own power, to stand or fall, we were soon gone: but now we stand by the grace of the Covenant in Christ the Mediator.

2 He will bring on his Soldiers again, after flight or a foil: as Bilney and others, after their sinful recantations. By faith, out of weakness they were made strong, Heb. 11.34. Eagles by casting their bills grow young again: and Christians renew their strength by waiting on the Lord, in the renewed acts of faith and repentance: Esa 40. ult.

Object. 4. The suddenness of the thing will amaze me, and put me out of all: a dreadful alarm: the trumpet of war, &c.

Answ. 1. How can it be sudden, seeing it hath been so long fore-told by faithful Ministers from time to time? And this very doctrine of preparing for a judgment might prevent the objection. And it is the property of wise Christians to take warning, as Job, c. 14.14 All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come.

2 Our Lord prescribes us such a course, as that the evil may not be sudden: namely, by sobriety, watching, and praying. Luk. 21.34. and tells of his coming to be like a Thief who gives no warning and therefore the discreet Housholder will ever bolt, and keep all fast.

3 If a sudden surprisal should set thee off the hooks, yet were no mischief done: well it may prove an inconvenience, but no mischief. God doth not lie at the catch against his people: but as a wise Captain quickly takes the alarm, and marshalleth his men to meet an enemy, so doth God for his children in all assaults that are made upon them. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth who are his, 2 Tim. 2.19.

Object. 5. The extremity of suffering will put me quite off: to see all burnt, rifled, in confusion.

Answ. Do not discourage thyself more then needs. Remember the defiance which is bid to all enemies, both in the world and from Hel, Rom 8.33. And think not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as if some strange thing happened unto you, 1 Pet 4.12. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, 1 Cor. 10.13. And if it were above man, yet not above the Lord, as the Martyrs found.

Object. 6. The lingering and lying long upon me would tire me out. I could abide a while, and be valiant: but—

Answ. Whether long or little, it is God that must uphold thee. And he is able at last, as at first: being Alpha and Omega. He will be with thee in six troubles, and in seven: though thou be in prison ten days, Rev. 2.10. or, many days, Dan. 11.33.

Section 5. Hinderances of preparing for the Cross.

THe body hath many obstructions, which breed diseases: and the soul hath many distempers, which keep it secure in sin, that people never set to prepare to meet God in his judgments. One hindrance in Atheism: men think not of God and eternity: God is not in all his thoughts, Psal. 10.4.

To remove this: 1. Be persuaded to meditate much and often of God, as the most desirable object of thy thoughts, and the only adequate object, to give thy soul satisfaction: in comparison of whom the exactest beauty is but deformity: and, He made thee, he preserveth thee, he hath prepared Heaven for them that prepare themselves for it. Hearken therefore better to the Word, and Works of God, which testify of him: especially Earthquakes, Thunders, and the like: by which the Heathens knew the eternal power and Godhead, 1 Rom. 1.20. and will ye be worse then the Heathen? And, if God meet you before you be prepared to meet him, what a sad greeting will it be! Sin meeteth holiness, weakness Omnipotency, a Malefactor the Judge, poor stubble a consuming fire.

2 Think a little more of Eternity: whereof blind nature had some glimpse. Aeternas m • tor, and Aeternus animus, and they thought death is not to be lamented, after which eternity followeth: A reproach to Christians, if the true faith implant not as high notions, as doth infidelity, saith Jerome: A foul folly, by carelessness to lose an eternity of blessedness, where is fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore: And yet worse, to incur the eternity of misery, where the worm dieth not, and the fire goeth not out: Mat. 25.46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. These are swallowing thoughts, if weighed duly. Fear therefore, and know, Christian Heathens are the worst sort of Heathens: to profess to know God, and then deny him in works, and live as without God in the world. And it will be a woeful thing, to have faith driven into you: that is, by sad experience to feel there is a God, and eternity: in Hell none are Atheists. Better to believe it now, when a safe course may be taken, savingly to know God in Christ, and prepare to meet him in mercy.

Another hindrance of preparing is earthly-mindedness: and this, either in worldly employments, or in natural enjoyments. There is great distraction in worldly employments, when they are either immoderate, or inordinate. Cares of this life do over-charge the heart, as well as surfeiting or drunkenness, Luk. 21.34. Lawfull callings followed unlawfully can hinder much good: as Thorns which choked the good seed. Our rule is, to buy as not possessing: to leave room, time, and thoughts, and affections for better things: to be heavenly-minded in earthly affairs. It were a deadly mistake, to think ye miscarry in unlawful things only: no, there is death even in the most lawful things, not lawfully pursued, or enjoyed. A wrong Object, or inordinateness of pursuance, marreth a most useful affection. God hath limited the manner, as well as the matter: set not your heart on them: &c. So of natural enjoyments: It is a sin to be wholly in them, as the men of Sodom and the old world, They eat, they drank, they married, &c. A fearful end they came unto. Think how frail the creature is, to bear you out when God comes to reckon. Account must be given, as ye see in the unjust Steward: and that in proportion to the Talents received: Woe to the idle and unprofitable servant.

A third hindrance is daintiness: they hear it asks much ado, to prepare rightly and so they let it quite alone. But say I:

First, the things are good and necessary to be had, though these troubles should never come upon you: to get into Christ, to be at peace with God, to fear him, pray, prepare for Heaven, &c. And when did ye hear of excellent things, as great riches and honors, purchased easily? Yet we do not send you to Purgatory, or bare-foot in pilgrimage, to get into the fear of God: but go in the Evangelical way, namely, of humiliation and justification.

Secondly, there is a Woe to some kind of ease: that is, of them that are foolish and careless in their course toward God: not only Babylon that lived deliciously, and Agag that came forth delicately, saying the bitterness of death is past, but all that are secure in their way, so as not to prepare for changes. And think this: If the application of mercy be so tedious, what would ye do if ye must expiate your sins, and give God satisfaction?

Thirdly, think what an amazing mischief it will be, to see the evil come, and 〈◊〉 unprepared. How will ye be at your wits ends, when ye expected peace, to meet with the quite contrary? The more nice and delicate, the more perplexed. Then, oh that we had thought duly of these things beforehand! see Deutronomy. 28.56. and Lam. 4.5.

The fourth hindrance of preparing for the Cross, is presumption: people think themselves fit enough to die and go to heaven. Say I:

1 It asks a great deal of labor, to be so fitted: to be right for repentance, pardon of sin, part in Christ, joy in the Holy Ghost, faith, other graces: yea and to abound too: all would be little enough in the evil day. God will know them well, whom he means to take into Heaven: but of fruitless Christians he will say, Depart, I know you not, Mat. 7.23.

2 Even good men (those that prepared themselves) at their death find not themselves so fit as they would be: but, if they had more grace and evidence, they should pass with more comfort: and, they had not thought to have died in such a manner: and their estate by Will is not settled to their mind: and, the passage is narrower then they thought it had been: O this King of terrors!

3 If thou die before thou be fit to die, thou art undone forever, Death to the wicked is but the Jailor that casteth them into the prison of Hell. Have ye never heard of the second death? It may be, the evils feared will come: and when they be once come, there is no ease afterward. A woeful change, to be sent out of the world with a great deal of sorrow, and then find it worse in another world. To lose prosperity, is something: but nothing to what followeth.

The fifth hindrance of preparing for the Cross, is carnal confidence: in the Church among them, in armies, wise States-men, and the like.

But first, to wicked ones all shall be to no purpose: The Lord hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them, Ier. 2.37. To others those things might be useful and profitable, being means appointed of God for our good: but not to the wicked: it is but blowing upon them, and all comes to nothing.

Secondly, the like may be said specially of Church privileges, and beauties: the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence, Ier. 48.13. Yea, though they be good Churches, of God's own planting, as Shilo, fearfully destroyed for the wickedness of his people, c. 7.12. And the Churches of Asia, where are they? and the Western Churches, now brought under the Antichristian slavery? More: if Church privileges be not well improved, they will rise up in Judgment, and make a people's condemnation worse then Sodom's, Woe to thee Chorazin, &c.

Thirdly, in the day of wrath there is no help in armies, horses, vallor, wisdom, or any other means. An horse is a vain thing to save a man: nor the legs of man. And Counsel is easily infatuated, that one shall clash against another, till all come to confusion: by a perverse spirit which God will mingle in the midst of the Counselors, Esa 19.14. For valor: the hearts of the Canaanites melted before Israel. For great forces: the Lord of purpose sometimes chooseth small forces to destroy them, Judge. 7.2.4.

The sixth hindrance of preparing for the Cross, is neutrality: men are resolved to do or suffer on neither side, but reserve themselves to take part with the stronger: so thinking to glide smoothly from one estate to another. A great Sect in the world: and they think themselves wise, yea the only wise ones. Yet wise Heathens made a law against neutrality: not permitting any man in the danger of the Common-wealth to stand neuter. And nature taught them, they were borne for their Country and Parents, not for themselves alone. And those are base spirits, w ^ch are either on both sides or neither, and care not what becomes of the public, so that it be well with their own private Estate.

But know: First, in common calamities a man shall be esteemed on one side or other, in one respect or other: It may be, that fide which he hath least mind unto: For his place or riches to be called a Round-head, &c.

It was all one to the soldier, whether he met with a Trojan or a Rutilian.

Secondly, in such times to be surprised unawares and unprovided will be deadly: having all thy sins upon thee to answer for, and specially thy lukewarmness: neither hot nor cold, and thereby ready to be spewed out of Christ's mouth.

Section 6. Motives to prepare for the Cross.

FIrst, God hath afforded all means of preparing yourselves; his Word, Ministers, Fasts, as fair warning as can be: Whose fault is it, if ye be unprovided? When husbandmen have a fine season to sow, they will bestir themselves lust • lie: & so should Christians. When the market is past, who can make proviosin to his mind? Beware of neglecting your provision for the soul. To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your heart. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.

Secondly, what is our course in other things, though of less moment? We prepare answer in a trial of law. In Summer we lay up provisions against winter. And not only we, but unreasonable creatures, the pismire &c. What in the great matters of the soul.

Thirdly, it will be wisdom, and a sign of sincerity, to prepare whether ever there be need (by War and its calamity) or no. It is good husbandry to look to the main cha • os. And reason teacheth, in a doubtful matter to make sure work: to fear when the Lyon roareth, and work with God for the everlasting good of our souls: to fear the displeasure of our angry Father, who showeth some love in warning us: to fear the signs of the times, as a lowering cloud, which threateneth a great evil. What, all for self? no yielding, but by present smart? did not Pharaoh do as much as this comes unto.

Fourthly, graces and comforts prepared will be of use another way, though public calamities come not. Death mu •… come, and judgment: and fevers may come, stone, gout, plurifie, other disaeses: with grievous crosses and losses, which will be altogether intolerable without a good stock of grace and comfort. Yea, common calamities of the family: in children, servants, chapmen &c. Yea, while ye are in health, peace, sweet unity among yourselves, all handsome accommodations, it is only grace, that preventeth sin: and the more grace, the more unblamable ye will be in your way: and the more profitable, according to duty. And it is only holy comfort that keepeth out melancholy: as is seen in some rich ones, who have contentment little enough. Howsoever, this is the only full and satisfying comfort: believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: and a strengthening comfort, Neh. 8.10. the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Fif • lie the best prepared have found all little enough in fiery trials. The •… e kin • eat up the fat, and looked ill-favored as before. And oh that they had more knowledge, more faith, more grace, more hold of heaven and of God's love! If better clothed, they had better kept out the shour of rain. And in death, oh the rebellion of flesh and blood! oh what difficulty to pass through the straight gate! oh the sturdy corruption which they thought mortified! oh what weakness of faith, which they thought far stronger! And they thought death, and they had been better acquainted. And a deal of work they have to do, when they have but an hour or two to do it. Oh that others would amend their pace, and take warning by their brethren! Take victuals enough for your voyage: ye may be wind-bound, and pusled more then ye are aware.

Sixthly, God prepares to meet you: both hereafter, to give glory, 1 Cor. 2.9. and in this life, to give you mercy and comfort, the father went forth to meet his prodigal Son, the Lord waiteth to be gracious, Esa 30.18. preventeth us with loving kindness, and prepareth a gracious answer. Consider: should the King prepare to meet a subject, and the subject not prepare to meet the King? Many a man hath made a journey in vain to meet his friend, or lost all the preparation he made for his entertainment: but so it will not be between a good God, and a good soul which hath prepared to meet him.

Seventhly, in all probability a judgment is coming. Let alone matters of State, and consider these things.

1 Sins against the holy law of God, so aggravated by circumstances: in a good land, against great mercies, after many fatherly corrections, in the midst of glorious means of grace, &c. Add the great security in those sins: the generality of sinning: audaciousness, impunity, and the like arguments of ripeness for vengeance.

2. Sins against the Gospel, now that the seven-fold light is come, yet men love darkness rather then light, this is the condemnation, Joh. 3.19, Christ is now crucified afresh great salvation neglected, the offer of grace rejected. Generally people are very unthankful for the Gospel, and yield but little fruit: therefore in danger. When the Son was stain, the vineyard was let to other husbandmen.

3. Restraint of the Spirit: who hath almost ceased to strive with people for their amendment: as before the flood came, Gen. 6.3. My spirit shall no more strive with man: few converted by much powerful preaching: in a great Congregation few smitten in heart, as Acts 2.37. The Lord may even seek and look for a man that repenteth of his evil ways.

4. Men & women generally are either without natural affection, the father against the son, the son against the father, &c. which brings a curse upon the earth, Malac. 4.6. The earth was filled with violence, and so drowned, Gen. 6.13. Or all for self, neglecting the public: so that it be well with them no matter for the Church of God, the Commonwealth, Plantations: all seek their own things, not the things of Jesus Christ: and then comes a curse, as upon Meroz, not helping the Lord against the mighty, Judge. 5.23.

5. Persecution to those few that swim against the stream. He that abstaineth from evil, maketh himself a prey, Esa. 59.15. Every varlet thinks himself good enough to scorn religion in the best servant that God hath. And for men of fashion, of all sorts of people they think none fitter for their contempt, then faithful Preachers and professors of the Gospel.

6. The best Ministers have a long time cried out of such a thing, and still do. Many a Lot and Noah hath told of a flood coming, or some other judgment, And to this day we see little sign to the contrary. 7. Lighter afflictions have been slighted: Hos. 5.12.13.14.

8. Great deliverances have been to no purpose: that the Lord may well say as to Israel. I will deliver you no more, Judge. 10.13. Ask men's lives, and it appears, that men live as if they were delivered to do still all their abominations, Jer. 7.10.