The best portion being a sermon preached at the funeral of Mrs. Mary Steed, in the City of Exon, November 16th, 1699 ... / by T.W. a lover of peace and truth.
Wicked Men from hence, have hardned themselves in their Sins, Eccles. 8.11. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Wicked Men from hence, have hardened themselves in their Sins, Eccles. 8.11. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, Therefore the heart of the Sons of men is Fully Set in them to do evil.
for (saith he, Verse 16th) When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. Secondly Affirmatively: By consulting Sanctuary Counsels; Then understood he their end:
for (Says he, Verse 16th) When I Thought to know this, it was too painful for me. Secondly Affirmatively: By consulting Sanctuary Counsels; Then understood he their end:
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Thus being instructed into that most glorious Truth, of a future Retribution, declares what the end of these ungodly Wretches is like to be, Verse 18th and 19th, Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:
Thus being instructed into that most glorious Truth, of a future Retribution, declares what the end of these ungodly Wretches is like to be, Verse 18th and 19th, Surely thou didst Set them in slippery places:
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And if so understood, it is as much as if he should have said, My Flesh and my Heart do even pine and consume away, through my Soul's longing desire after thee: as Psal. 84.3. and 119.81.
And if so understood, it is as much as if he should have said, My Flesh and my Heart do even pine and consume away, through my Soul's longing desire After thee: as Psalm 84.3. and 119.81.
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the Sense, I humbly conceive, is this, Altho' my Flesh and my Heart fail, tho' I may be consumed through Misery and Affliction (whilst the Wicked prosper) yet, nevertheless I will constantly love thee,
the Sense, I humbly conceive, is this, Although my Flesh and my Heart fail, though I may be consumed through Misery and Affliction (while the Wicked prosper) yet, nevertheless I will constantly love thee,
(1.) From the Testimony of the holy Scriptures. this Truth appears. That thus it hath been, is, and shall be, Acts 14.22. We must through many tribulations, enter into the kingdom of God.
(1.) From the Testimony of the holy Scriptures. this Truth appears. That thus it hath been, is, and shall be, Acts 14.22. We must through many tribulations, enter into the Kingdom of God.
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And faith the Psalmist, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, Psal. 34.19. In this Life the People of God receive their evil things, this is not the place of their rest;
And faith the Psalmist, Many Are the afflictions of the righteous, Psalm 34.19. In this Life the People of God receive their evil things, this is not the place of their rest;
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he shews his paternal Love in chastising them for their Profit, Heb. 12.10. He sees they have need of Affliction, to wean their Hearts from this World, to manifest to them, the vanity and emptiness of Creatures, to unclog their minds from Earth;
he shows his paternal Love in chastising them for their Profit, Hebrew 12.10. He sees they have need of Affliction, to wean their Hearts from this World, to manifest to them, the vanity and emptiness of Creatures, to unclog their minds from Earth;
He hath said the Idols shall be utterly abolished, Isai. 2.18. and by Affliction he takes those Idols out of their hands which steal away their hearts from him;
He hath said the Idols shall be utterly abolished, Isaiah 2.18. and by Affliction he Takes those Idols out of their hands which steal away their hearts from him;
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and as often as need requires, they are in Heaviness, through manifold Temptations, 1 Pet. 1.6. He by Affliction tries their Graces, and puts their Faith upon a more strong and vigorous Exercise;
and as often as need requires, they Are in Heaviness, through manifold Temptations, 1 Pet. 1.6. He by Affliction tries their Graces, and puts their Faith upon a more strong and vigorous Exercise;
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whoever goes uncorrected, God will not bastardize his own Children by leaving them without Chastisement, Heb. 12.8. he deals with them, as with the legitimate Offspring of Heaven, and makes good his Covenant to them;
whoever Goes uncorrected, God will not bastardise his own Children by leaving them without Chastisement, Hebrew 12.8. he deals with them, as with the legitimate Offspring of Heaven, and makes good his Covenant to them;
his love to their everlasting welfare, will not leave them to themselves, as a Child that brings the Parent to shame, Proz. 29.15. his Holiness will not suffer Sin to go unpunished in his dearest Off-spring, Amos 3.2. his Goodness will not see them sustain any Injury, by the sharpest Affliction;
his love to their everlasting welfare, will not leave them to themselves, as a Child that brings the Parent to shame, Proz. 29.15. his Holiness will not suffer since to go unpunished in his dearest Offspring, Amos 3.2. his goodness will not see them sustain any Injury, by the Sharpest Affliction;
his Truth and Faithfulness will not leave them without Grace, Strength, and Support, to help them in all their times of need, Deut. 33.25. and his Power will not rest, until it hath brought good to their Souls, by all their Afflictions, Rom. 8.28. turned their loss into gain, their sorrow into joy;
his Truth and Faithfulness will not leave them without Grace, Strength, and Support, to help them in all their times of need, Deuteronomy 33.25. and his Power will not rest, until it hath brought good to their Souls, by all their Afflictions, Rom. 8.28. turned their loss into gain, their sorrow into joy;
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because of any great Affliction that befals them, either in Life or Death: for a Man may be afflicted in Love, Rev. 3.19. whilst others are let alone in Judgment.
Because of any great Affliction that befalls them, either in Life or Death: for a Man may be afflicted in Love, Rev. 3.19. while Others Are let alone in Judgement.
The things of this life may be denied to some in mercy, whilst they are granted to others as a curse, Psal. 69.22. Job 's friends erred in Judgment on this very account;
The things of this life may be denied to Some in mercy, while they Are granted to Others as a curse, Psalm 69.22. Job is Friends erred in Judgement on this very account;
and drop their hard Censures, to the grief of his holy Soul. Therefore make no judgment of your Estate for Heaven, by any thing you have, or are denied of Earth;
and drop their hard Censures, to the grief of his holy Soul. Therefore make no judgement of your Estate for Heaven, by any thing you have, or Are denied of Earth;
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And as a strong Wind shakes the Roots of young and thriving Trees, and opens the Earth about them, to give them the advantage of taking the deeper and faster Root;
And as a strong Wind shakes the Roots of young and thriving Trees, and Opens the Earth about them, to give them the advantage of taking the Deeper and faster Root;
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God loves his Children nevertheless, tho' he make them even black with smiting them, Job 30.30. 'tis his love to their Souls, that en gageth him to afflict their Bodies;
God loves his Children nevertheless, though he make them even black with smiting them, Job 30.30. it's his love to their Souls, that en gageth him to afflict their Bodies;
and 'tis his desire of receiving them to the comfortable Embraces of his glorious Arms, that makes him hurry them out of a sinful World in haste, Isai. 57.1, 2. And which way soever he takes to translate his Children from Earth to Heaven, he is faithful and able to make all things to work together for their good, Rom. 8.28.
and it's his desire of receiving them to the comfortable Embraces of his glorious Arms, that makes him hurry them out of a sinful World in haste, Isaiah 57.1, 2. And which Way soever he Takes to translate his Children from Earth to Heaven, he is faithful and able to make all things to work together for their good, Rom. 8.28.
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Tho' some are carried (as it were) to Heaven in a fiery Chariot, as Elijah, 2 Kings 2.11. and others, with old Jacob, gather up themselves in their Beds and give up the Ghost, Gen. 42.33. Some come to the Harbor of Heaven with their Sails fully spread;
Though Some Are carried (as it were) to Heaven in a fiery Chariot, as Elijah, 2 Kings 2.11. and Others, with old Jacob, gather up themselves in their Beds and give up the Ghost, Gen. 42.33. some come to the Harbour of Heaven with their Sails Fully spread;
and with good old Simeon say, Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Lu. 2.29. whilst others, like weather-beaten Vessels, come to the Harbor with their Sails rent and torn;
and with good old Simeon say, Lord now Lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Lu. 2.29. while Others, like Weather-beaten Vessels, come to the Harbour with their Sails rend and torn;
how-ever they live in pleasure, and die secure, their end is, and shall be, miserable, Isai. 3.10. In some, the actions of their rational Soul continue in their strength and vigor, until their Breath is just expiring;
however they live in pleasure, and die secure, their end is, and shall be, miserable, Isaiah 3.10. In Some, the actions of their rational Soul continue in their strength and vigor, until their Breath is just expiring;
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as all things are, yet they wanting a capacity for moral Obedience (which can't be performed without Understanding and Will) the Morality of their Actions must by just consequence cease at that time;
as all things Are, yet they wanting a capacity for moral obedience (which can't be performed without Understanding and Will) the Morality of their Actions must by just consequence cease At that time;
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But 2dly, Afflictions do not drive a Believer from God, but brings him nearer to God; Psal. 119.71. It was good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.
But 2dly, Afflictions do not drive a Believer from God, but brings him nearer to God; Psalm 119.71. It was good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might Learn thy statutes.
Oh! how many can speak the same Language by sweet experience? There's not a Saint in Heaven (that hath had time on Earth to pass through Trouble and Affliction) but is praising God for the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness gained thereby The Winds and Storms of Affliction, that usually blow down the rotten and unstable Professors, makes the sincere Believer look the more green and florishing.
Oh! how many can speak the same Language by sweet experience? There's not a Saint in Heaven (that hath had time on Earth to pass through Trouble and Affliction) but is praising God for the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness gained thereby The Winds and Storms of Affliction, that usually blow down the rotten and unstable Professors, makes the sincere Believer look the more green and flourishing.
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when we go astray from him; Psal, 119.67. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word They are God's great Ordinance to bring his People nearer to himself, to put them upon Prayer; Psal. 50.15. Call upon me in the day of trouble.
when we go astray from him; Psalm, 119.67. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word They Are God's great Ordinance to bring his People nearer to himself, to put them upon Prayer; Psalm 50.15. Call upon me in the day of trouble.
But Oh! how good is God, when by them he takes away our Tin and Dross? Isai. 27.9. By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit to take away his sin.
But Oh! how good is God, when by them he Takes away our Tin and Dross? Isaiah 27.9. By this Therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit to take away his since.
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We are apt to dread Afflictions, not only because of the smart of them (which makes Nature shrink) but because we are insensible of God's gracious end in them.
We Are apt to dread Afflictions, not only Because of the smart of them (which makes Nature shrink) but Because we Are insensible of God's gracious end in them.
and their Iniquities with Stripes, Psal. 90.33. Nevertheless his loving kindness will he not utterly take from them, nor suffer his faithfulness to fail;
and their Iniquities with Stripes, Psalm 90.33. Nevertheless his loving kindness will he not utterly take from them, nor suffer his faithfulness to fail;
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the more troublesome the World hath been to them, the greater delight they have taken in the contemplation of that rest which remains for the People of God.
the more troublesome the World hath been to them, the greater delight they have taken in the contemplation of that rest which remains for the People of God.
then his Souls ascends on the wing of holy desires to God? Verse 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I desire besides thee.
then his Souls ascends on the wing of holy Desires to God? Verse 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I desire beside thee.
Ʋse. 1. From hence we should learn, not so much to fear Suffering, as Sin. Let us make Moses 's choice, Heb. 11.25. rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God, than to enjoy the Pleasures of Sin, that are but for a season.
Ʋse. 1. From hence we should Learn, not so much to Fear Suffering, as Sin. Let us make Moses is choice, Hebrew 11.25. rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God, than to enjoy the Pleasures of since, that Are but for a season.
But how impatient are we to have them removed? and how little concern'd to have our Souls better'd by them? But dot this savor of a christian Spirit? alass! 'tis far from it.
But how impatient Are we to have them removed? and how little concerned to have our Souls bettered by them? But dot this savour of a christian Spirit? alas! it's Far from it.
Let your Life be pleasing to God, and be sure Death will be your gain; Phil. 1.21. Let us mind to honor God whilst we live, and leave him to dispose of us when we die;
Let your Life be pleasing to God, and be sure Death will be your gain; Philip 1.21. Let us mind to honour God while we live, and leave him to dispose of us when we die;
when he takes away the desire of your Eyes, and the joy of your Hearts, doth he take any more than his own? What reason then have Creatures to complain? If we did but duly consider, that by Sin we have forfeited our Right to every good thing;
when he Takes away the desire of your Eyes, and the joy of your Hearts, does he take any more than his own? What reason then have Creatures to complain? If we did but duly Consider, that by since we have forfeited our Right to every good thing;
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and that all we enjoy on this side Hell, is from Mercy: we should bear our Afflictions with greater patience and with the Church, Mich. 7.9. remember that we have sinned against him;
and that all we enjoy on this side Hell, is from Mercy: we should bear our Afflictions with greater patience and with the Church, Mich. 7.9. Remember that we have sinned against him;
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but put you upon the search of your own hearts and ways, Lam. 3.40. and say with holy Job, Tho' he slay me, yet will I put my trust in him, Job 13.15. Think not the worse of the ways of God, because Afflictions do attend them;
but put you upon the search of your own hearts and ways, Lam. 3.40. and say with holy Job, Though he slay me, yet will I put my trust in him, Job 13.15. Think not the Worse of the ways of God, Because Afflictions do attend them;
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and for ever, The rock of my heart, and my portion for ever, saith our Text. The great God hath by a most free and gracious grant, made over himself to true Believers, in an everlasting Covenant, to be their God, their Portion,
and for ever, The rock of my heart, and my portion for ever, Says our Text. The great God hath by a most free and gracious grant, made over himself to true Believers, in an everlasting Covenant, to be their God, their Portion,
and Inheritance for ever, Jer. 31.33. I will be their Goe. Lam. 3.24. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him; and Psal. 16.5. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance.
and Inheritance for ever, Jer. 31.33. I will be their Go. Lam. 3.24. The Lord is my portion, Says my soul, Therefore will I hope in him; and Psalm 16.5. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance.
yet this Gist of God himself, is infinitely more than all this: wicked Men have their portion in this Life, Psal. 17.14. but Believers have theirs in God.
yet this Gist of God himself, is infinitely more than all this: wicked Men have their portion in this Life, Psalm 17.14. but Believers have theirs in God.
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Whatever Men have of the things of this Would, they are all perishing Vanities, corruptible Things, uncertain Riches, that a Man may have to day, and be strip'd of tomorrow; 1 Cor. 7.29. But this I say brethren, the time is short.
Whatever Men have of the things of this Would, they Are all perishing Vanities, corruptible Things, uncertain Riches, that a Man may have to day, and be striped of tomorrow; 1 Cor. 7.29. But this I say brothers, the time is short.
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let me ask you, What is that doth satisfy your Souls? Can Riches do it? Can Possessions or Relations? Are they not empty and unsatisfying, without you enjoy God in the possession of them? Are you not uneasy in every place and state, without some well-grounded hope, that the Lord is your God? I am satisfied, that a Soul who hath tasted that the Lord is gracious, cannot be content without a Christ; Psal. 142.5. I cried unto thee, O Lord, I said, thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living;
let me ask you, What is that does satisfy your Souls? Can Riches do it? Can Possessions or Relations? are they not empty and unsatisfying, without you enjoy God in the possession of them? are you not uneasy in every place and state, without Some well-grounded hope, that the Lord is your God? I am satisfied, that a Soul who hath tasted that the Lord is gracious, cannot be content without a christ; Psalm 142.5. I cried unto thee, Oh Lord, I said, thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living;
as the Hart panteth after the Water-brooks, Psal. 42. 1, 2, 3. and when deprived of his Ordinances, (those means of Communion with God) cries out, When shall I come and appear before God? His Soul longeth,
as the Heart pants After the Water brooks, Psalm 42. 1, 2, 3. and when deprived of his Ordinances, (those means of Communion with God) cries out, When shall I come and appear before God? His Soul Longeth,
his Heart and Flesh crieth out for the living God, Psal. 84.2 What can satisfy the Soul, that hath a principle of divine Life in him, short of the heavenly Manna? Hence it is, that when a Believer goes to the Throne of Grace, falls down on his knees,
his Heart and Flesh cries out for the living God, Psalm 84.2 What can satisfy the Soul, that hath a principle of divine Life in him, short of the heavenly Manna? Hence it is, that when a Believer Goes to the Throne of Grace, falls down on his knees,
when he acquaints us (after the greatest search that ever was made, to find out the sweetness and excellency of Creature-enjoyments) That all is vanity and vexation of spirit, Fccles. 1.2.
when he acquaints us (After the greatest search that ever was made, to find out the sweetness and excellency of Creature enjoyments) That all is vanity and vexation of Spirit, Fccles. 1.2.
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Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee, Psal. 116.7. (3.) A true Believer can be content with the enjoyment of God, tho' the be denied other things;
Return unto thy rest, Oh my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee, Psalm 116.7. (3.) A true Believer can be content with the enjoyment of God, though the be denied other things;
Oh! how sweet is it to a Child of God, when the Light of God's Countenance is lifted upon his Soul? Psal. 63.3. Because thy loving kindness is better than life.
Oh! how sweet is it to a Child of God, when the Light of God's Countenance is lifted upon his Soul? Psalm 63.3. Because thy loving kindness is better than life.
Life is the most valuable thing in Nature (the Father of Lyes in this spake a Truth) Skin for skin, and all that a man hath, will he give for his life, Job 2.4. yet a gracious Soul values the enjoyment of God more than Life:
Life is the most valuable thing in Nature (the Father of Lies in this spoke a Truth) Skin for skin, and all that a man hath, will he give for his life, Job 2.4. yet a gracious Soul value's the enjoyment of God more than Life:
and Believers prefer the worst of Christ, before the best of the World, Heb. 11.26. and do esteem the lowest place in the House of God, above the highest station in the Tents of Wickedness, Psal. 84.10.
and Believers prefer the worst of christ, before the best of the World, Hebrew 11.26. and do esteem the lowest place in the House of God, above the highest station in the Tents of Wickedness, Psalm 84.10.
How content is a gracious Soul, when God doth feast him with the Bread and Water of Life? when he eats of the hidden Manna, and drinks of the Water which springs from the Throne of God;
How content is a gracious Soul, when God does feast him with the Bred and Water of Life? when he eats of the hidden Manna, and drinks of the Water which springs from the Throne of God;
What is it that hath made Believers rejoyce in Tribulation, but the sweet Experience of the Love God, shed abroad in their Hearts, Rom. 4 •, 5. Paul and Silus sang in the Stocks when Christ was present with them, Acts 16.25 Ah! Sirs, did you but taste the sweetness of Communion with God,
What is it that hath made Believers rejoice in Tribulation, but the sweet Experience of the Love God, shed abroad in their Hearts, Rom. 4 •, 5. Paul and Silas sang in the Stocks when christ was present with them, Acts 16.25 Ah! Sirs, did you but taste the sweetness of Communion with God,
Even when all other things fail us, when Riches fail, Friends fail, and all the World can afford us no relief, Oh! then to have God to be our Portion, is enough to give the Soul the highest satisfaction;
Even when all other things fail us, when Riches fail, Friends fail, and all the World can afford us no relief, Oh! then to have God to be our Portion, is enough to give the Soul the highest satisfaction;
when our Hearts witness for us, that we have resigned up our Souls to the Lord for ever, What quiet of Mind and rest of Conscience will this afford? What comfort is Faith in a living Redeemer, to a poor dying Peliever? Job 19.25. This is the best Cordial to revive his fainting Spirits, when he can say with holy Job, I know that my redeemer liveth.
when our Hearts witness for us, that we have resigned up our Souls to the Lord for ever, What quiet of Mind and rest of Conscience will this afford? What Comfort is Faith in a living Redeemer, to a poor dying Believer? Job 19.25. This is the best Cordial to revive his fainting Spirits, when he can say with holy Job, I know that my redeemer lives.
But Horror and Amazement will it be to you, that are impenitent and unbelieving Sinners? (Tho' you have great Portions in this lise) when you come upon a dying Bed, to have all your Sins stare you in the face,
But Horror and Amazement will it be to you, that Are impenitent and unbelieving Sinners? (Though you have great Portions in this lise) when you come upon a dying Bed, to have all your Sins stare you in the face,
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when Conscience shall be awakned, and bring to your remembrance your past Follies, and tell you how often you have quenched and resisted the Motions of the blessed Spirit, What a sad condition will your Souls be in? What will become of you that have not God for your Portion? when Death comes to arrest you, Who will or can relieve you,
when Conscience shall be awakened, and bring to your remembrance your past Follies, and tell you how often you have quenched and resisted the Motions of the blessed Spirit, What a sad condition will your Souls be in? What will become of you that have not God for your Portion? when Death comes to arrest you, Who will or can relieve you,
and they begin to espy the glorious Hoasts above, Oh! VVhat ravishing Joys will fill their Souls? VVhen their Angel-Guardians usher them into the general Assembly,
and they begin to espy the glorious Hosts above, Oh! What ravishing Joys will fill their Souls? When their Angel-Guardians usher them into the general Assembly,
and Church of the Firstborn in Heaven, then shall they with the heavenly Quire, the Spirits of just Men made persect, sing everlasting Hallelujah's unto God,
and Church of the Firstborn in Heaven, then shall they with the heavenly Choir, the Spirits of just Men made persect, sing everlasting Hallelujah's unto God,
and continually live in the pure Light of an endless Felicity, beholding Christ the Lamb, and be ever with the Lord, 1 Thes. 4.17. Where there shall be no more a scratching Bryar, nor a pricking Thorn;
and continually live in the pure Light of an endless Felicity, beholding christ the Lamb, and be ever with the Lord, 1 Thebes 4.17. Where there shall be no more a scratching Briar, nor a pricking Thorn;
Now put these things together, and you may see our first Proposition cleared and confimed. I now proceed, with all convenient Brevity, to apply this Truth.
Now put these things together, and you may see our First Proposition cleared and confirmed. I now proceed, with all convenient Brevity, to apply this Truth.
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and exceeds our most raised Apprehensions, insomuch, that David, Psal. 8.3, 4. considering the Glory of God in his Works of Creation and Providence, breaks forth into an holy Admiration, saying, What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man that thou visitest him? How much more may we admire (when we reflect on the moral distance Sin hath made between God and us fallen Creatures) and that the most High should stoop so low for our Redemption;
and exceeds our most raised Apprehensions, insomuch, that David, Psalm 8.3, 4. considering the Glory of God in his Works of Creation and Providence, breaks forth into an holy Admiration, saying, What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man that thou visitest him? How much more may we admire (when we reflect on the moral distance since hath made between God and us fallen Creatures) and that the most High should stoop so low for our Redemption;
for if you, or I, or any of us, are brought to Heaven, and delivered from Hell, which we have deserved, it is Grace, Grace, self-moving Love in God, to make over himself to us, as our Portion.
for if you, or I, or any of us, Are brought to Heaven, and Delivered from Hell, which we have deserved, it is Grace, Grace, self-moving Love in God, to make over himself to us, as our Portion.
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you have no cause at all to envy him, his appearing Happiness is but like a Dream, which when a Man awaketh, he finds to be nothing but the vagrant wandrings of meer Fancy and Imagination; Psal. 73.20. So, O Lord when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
you have no cause At all to envy him, his appearing Happiness is but like a Dream, which when a Man awakes, he finds to be nothing but the vagrant wanderings of mere Fancy and Imagination; Psalm 73.20. So, Oh Lord when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
VVhat advantage had Dives, by all his sumptuous Fare, Honor, and Riches, when in Hell he list up his Eyes, being in Torments? Luke 16.23. What shall it profit a man (saith our Lord Jesus) to gain the whole world, and to lose his own soul? Matth. 16.26.
What advantage had Dives, by all his sumptuous Fare, Honour, and Riches, when in Hell he list up his Eyes, being in Torments? Lycia 16.23. What shall it profit a man (Says our Lord jesus) to gain the Whole world, and to loose his own soul? Matthew 16.26.
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Do you see the Righteous under Affliction, sitting alone, crying to God for help; of whom it may be said, as the Prophet speaks, Jer. 30.17. This is Sion, whom no man regards. And they as a Beacon on the top of a Mountain? desolate and forsaken!
Do you see the Righteous under Affliction, sitting alone, crying to God for help; of whom it may be said, as the Prophet speaks, Jer. 30.17. This is Sion, whom no man regards. And they as a Beacon on the top of a Mountain? desolate and forsaken!
and if your Hearts and Consciences might speak it out, would they not say to many amongst us, Pleasure is our Portion, that we have chosen, Riches, Honors, Preferments,
and if your Hearts and Consciences might speak it out, would they not say to many among us, Pleasure is our Portion, that we have chosen, Riches, Honours, Preferments,
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(2.) If God be your Portion, you have the highest Esteem and Valuation for God and Christ; Psal. 73.25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the Earth I desire besides thee.
(2.) If God be your Portion, you have the highest Esteem and Valuation for God and christ; Psalm 73.25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the Earth I desire beside thee.
and Lusts thereof? How few are there, that can say, their Hearts are in Heaven? Our dear Lord saith, where your treasure is, there will your hearts be also, Luke 12.34.
and Lustiest thereof? How few Are there, that can say, their Hearts Are in Heaven? Our dear Lord Says, where your treasure is, there will your hearts be also, Lycia 12.34.
and in all distresses and straits trust in him? Can you rely on his Promises, trust in his Truth and Faithfulness? They that have large Portions of this World, live on them, 'tis what they trust and depend on, for supply on all occasions;
and in all Distresses and straits trust in him? Can you rely on his Promises, trust in his Truth and Faithfulness? They that have large Portions of this World, live on them, it's what they trust and depend on, for supply on all occasions;
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1. Should not the present Providence affect your Hearts, and lead you to consider the uncertainty of your time in this World? You have followed a young Damsel to her long Home this Evening, who, a few Days past, was as likely to live as any of you;
1. Should not the present Providence affect your Hearts, and led you to Consider the uncertainty of your time in this World? You have followed a young Damsel to her long Home this Evening, who, a few Days past, was as likely to live as any of you;
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and are ready to sing a Requiem to your selves, and with the rich Fool in the Gospel, say, Luke 12.19. Soul take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry, for thou hast much goods laid up for many years;
and Are ready to sing a Requiem to your selves, and with the rich Fool in the Gospel, say, Luke 12.19. Soul take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry, for thou hast much goods laid up for many Years;
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and God may say, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee, &c. Pray think with your selves, were you in the place and stead of the young Virgin, that you have now followed to her Grave,
and God may say, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee, etc. Pray think with your selves, were you in the place and stead of the young Virgae, that you have now followed to her Grave,
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2. Take the best Advice, that ever was given from the best Friend, and only Savior of Souls, Matth. 6.33. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
2. Take the best advice, that ever was given from the best Friend, and only Saviour of Souls, Matthew 6.33. Seek you First the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
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and remember your Creator in the Days of your Youth, Eccles. 12.1. Consider how reasonable it is, that he which made you, and is your bountiful Benefactor, should first be sought unto by you;
and Remember your Creator in the Days of your Youth, Eccles. 12.1. Consider how reasonable it is, that he which made you, and is your bountiful Benefactor, should First be sought unto by you;
and that since you derive from him your Being, and the whole duration of it, 'tis but just, that what we receive from his Bounty, should be offered up to his Glory.
and that since you derive from him your Being, and the Whole duration of it, it's but just, that what we receive from his Bounty, should be offered up to his Glory.
Remember that the time of your Youth, is the time which God calls for, to be employed in his Service, to which he hath made a gracious Promise, Prov. 8.17. They that seek me ea•ly, shall find me.
remember that the time of your Youth, is the time which God calls for, to be employed in his Service, to which he hath made a gracious Promise, Curae 8.17. They that seek me ea•ly, shall find me.
With what comfort and confidence may those go to the Throne of Grace, who have devoted to God, the first and best of their time? And with what satisfaction may they in the Hour of Death, resign up their departing Souls into the Hands of God, who have offered to him the early Dew of their Youth.
With what Comfort and confidence may those go to the Throne of Grace, who have devoted to God, the First and best of their time? And with what satisfaction may they in the Hour of Death, resign up their departing Souls into the Hands of God, who have offered to him the early Due of their Youth.
when Death stares you in the Face, and all the World can give you no relief or comfort, to be able to say, I have chosen God for my Portion, Christ for my Lord and Redeemer, the Holy Spirit for my Guide, the Word of God for my Rule,
when Death stares you in the Face, and all the World can give you no relief or Comfort, to be able to say, I have chosen God for my Portion, christ for my Lord and Redeemer, the Holy Spirit for my Guide, the Word of God for my Rule,
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Come Sirs, young Men, young Women, will you be perswaded to make this happy Choice? And to press you hereto, be pleased to consider,
Oh death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Come Sirs, young Men, young Women, will you be persuaded to make this happy Choice? And to press you hereto, be pleased to Consider,
(1) What a miserable condition you are in, whilst out of Christ. Children of Wrath by Nature, and of Disobedience by Practice, Heirs of Hell and Damnation;
(1) What a miserable condition you Are in, while out of christ. Children of Wrath by Nature, and of Disobedience by Practice, Heirs of Hell and Damnation;
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the Judg of all the World hath irreversably pronounc'd it, Joh. 3.3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. See Matth. 18.3. Lude 13.3. without Regeneration, there is no Salvation.
the Judge of all the World hath irreversably pronounced it, John 3.3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. See Matthew 18.3. Lude 13.3. without Regeneration, there is no Salvation.
3. If you have seriously thought of these things, why may not this be the time? that there may be a blessed Marriage-union between Christ and your Souls.
3. If you have seriously Thought of these things, why may not this be the time? that there may be a blessed Marriage union between christ and your Souls.
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yea, all of you, to come and embrace Jesus Christ? Shall all that Christ hath done and suffered for Sinners Salvation, be always slighted by you? Shall the Antient of Days, whose Hairs are white and woolly with Eternity, come down in our assumed Nature,
yea, all of you, to come and embrace jesus christ? Shall all that christ hath done and suffered for Sinners Salvation, be always slighted by you? Shall the Ancient of Days, whose Hairs Are white and woolly with Eternity, come down in our assumed Nature,
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and the blessed one be made a Curse, and make his own precious Blood a Fountain to wash poor Sinners from all their Uncleaness, be any longer slighted and rejected by you? Shall he stand at the Door and knock, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled, Cant. 5.2.
and the blessed one be made a Curse, and make his own precious Blood a Fountain to wash poor Sinners from all their Uncleanness, be any longer slighted and rejected by you? Shall he stand At the Door and knock, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled, Cant 5.2.
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and with a wooeing and beseeching Goodness, pray you to be reconciled to God, 2 Corinth. 5.19. 20. And will you yet continue in open Rebellion against him? and rather hearken to the foolish Delusions of your own evil Hearts, the Temptations of Satan,
and with a wooing and beseeching goodness, pray you to be reconciled to God, 2 Corinth. 5.19. 20. And will you yet continue in open Rebellion against him? and rather harken to the foolish Delusions of your own evil Hearts, the Temptations of Satan,
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and choose rather the Slavery of Sin, than by Christ to be made the free Denizens of Heaven? Have you not contracted Guilt enough already to sink you down to Hell,
and choose rather the Slavery of since, than by christ to be made the free Denizens of Heaven? Have you not contracted Gilded enough already to sink you down to Hell,
and your Souls Salvation, too long already? Pray consider, what Fruit have you had in those things, whereof you have now cause to be ashamed? Have not your guilty Consciences, many times rebuked your carnal Confidence,
and your Souls Salvation, too long already? Pray Consider, what Fruit have you had in those things, whereof you have now cause to be ashamed? Have not your guilty Consciences, many times rebuked your carnal Confidence,
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And to the Children, what you saw good in your dear and deceased Sister, imitate; follow her in her Love to Jesus, and lovely Tenderness and Obedience to her Mother;
And to the Children, what you saw good in your dear and deceased Sister, imitate; follow her in her Love to jesus, and lovely Tenderness and obedience to her Mother;
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Finally, let us all Labor to make sure of God for our Portion, and entirely give up our selves to the Conduct of his Counsel here, that afterward we may be received to his Glory.
Finally, let us all Labour to make sure of God for our Portion, and entirely give up our selves to the Conduct of his Counsel Here, that afterwards we may be received to his Glory.
