Sighs from hell, or, The groans of a damned soul discovering from the 16th of Luke the lamentable state of the damned : and may fitly serve as a warning-word to sinners, both old and young, by faith in Jesus Christ, to avoid the same place of torment : with a discovery of the usefulness of the Scriptures as our safe conduct for avoiding the torments of hell / by John Bunyan.

Verse 19.

THis Scripture was not spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ , to shew you the state of two single persons onely , ( as some through their ignorance of the drift of Christ in his Parables , do dream ) but to shew you the state of the godly and ungodly to the Worlds end ; as is clear to him that is of an understanding heart . For he spake them to the end , that after Generations should take notice thereof , and fear , lest they also fell into the same condition .

Now , in my discourse upon these words , I shall not be tedious , but as briefly as I may , I shall pass through the several Verses , and lay you down some of the several truths contained therein : and the Lord grant that they may be profitable , and of great advantage to those that read them , or hear them read .

The 19 and 20 Verse also , I shall not spend much time upon , onel● give you three or four short hints , and so pass to the next Verses ; for they are the words I do intend most especially to insist upon .

The 19 ▪ 20 , and 2● , Verses ●un thus , There was a 〈◊〉 rich man ▪ which was cloathed in Purple and s●●e 〈◊〉 and fared delici●●sly 〈◊〉 sumptuously everyday . And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus , which was laid at his Gate full of force , &c.

1. If these Verses had been spoken by Jesus Christ , and no more all the World would have gone 〈◊〉 to have cast a wrong interpretation on 〈…〉 , if Jesus had said onely thus much , There was a certain rich man that fared sumptuously daily and a certain beggar laid at his Gate full of sores . The World would have made this conclusion of them , the rich man was the happy man. For at the first view , it doth represent such a thing . But take all together , ( that is ) read the whole Parable , and you shall find , that there is no man in a worse condition then he , as I shall clearly hold forth afterward .

2. Again , if a man would judge of men according to outward appearance , he shall oft●●●●● take his mark ●miss . Here is a man to outward appearance , appears the only blessed man ; bet●e● by half then the beggar , in as much as he is rich , the beggar poor ; he is well cloathed , but peradventure the beggar is naked ; he hath good food , but the beggar would be glad of Dogs meat ( And he desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich mans Table ; ) the rich man fares well every day , but the beggar must be glad of a bit when he can get it . Oh! who would not be in the rich mans state ? A wealthy man , sorts of new Suits , and dainty dishes every day : enough to make one , who minds nothing but his belly , and his back , and his lusts , to say , Oh that I were in that mans condition ! Oh that I had about me , as that man had ! Then I should live a life indeed ; then should I have hearts ease good store ; then I should live pleasantly , and might say to my soul , Soul , be of good chear , eat , drink and be merry , Luke 12. 19. thou hast every thing plenty , and art in a most blessed condition .

I say this might be , I , and is the conclusion with them that judge according to outward appearance . But if the whole Parable be well considered , you will see , Luke 16. 15. That that which is had in high estimation with men , is an abomination in the sight of God. And again , Joh. 16. 20 , 21 , 22. that condition that is the saddest condition , according to outward appearance , is oft times the most excellent ; for the beggar had ten thousand degrees the best of it , though to outward appearance , his state was the saddest ; from whence we shall observe thus much .

1. That those who judge according to outward appearance , do for the most part judge amiss . Joh. 7. 24.

2. That they who look upon their outward enjoyments to be tokens of Gods special grace unto them , are also deceived , Rev. 3. 17. For as it is here in the Parable , a man of wealth , and a child of the Devil may make but one person ; or a man may have abundance of outward enjoyments , and yet be carryed by the devils into eternal burnings , Luke 12. 20. But this is the trap in which the Devil hath caught many thousands of poor souls , namely , by getting them to judg according to outward appearance , or according to Gods outward blessings .

Do but ask a poor carnal covetous wretch , how we should know a man to be in a happy estate ; and he will answer , Those that God blesseth , and giveth abundance of this world unto ; when for the most part they are they that are the cursed men . Alas , poor men ! they are so ignorant , as to think , that because a man is increased in outward things , and that by a small stock , therefore God doth love that man with a special love , or else he would never do so much for him , never bless him so , and prosper the work of his hands . Ah poor soul ! it is the rich man that goes to hell . And the rich man dyed , and in hell , mark , in hell , he lift up his eyes , &c.

Methinks to see how the great ones of the world will go st●n●●ing up and down the streets sometimes , it makes me wonder . Surely they look upon themselves to be the only happy men , but it is because they judg according to outward appearance ; they look upon themselves to be the only blessed men , when the Lord knows , the generality are left out of that blessed condition . Not many wise men after the flesh , not many mighty , not many noble are called , 1 Cor. 1. 26. Ah! did they that do now so br●g , that no body dare scarce look on them , but believe this , it would make them hang down their heads , and cry , O give me a Lazarus's portion .

I might here enlarge very much , but I shall not ; only thus much I shall say to you that have much of this World ; Have a care that you have not your portion in this world ; take heed that it be not said to you hereafter , when you would very willingly have heaven . Remember in your life time you had your good things , in your life time you had your portion , Psalm 17. 14.

And Friend , thou that seekest after this world , and desirest riches , let me ask this question , wouldest thou be content that God should put thee off with a portion in this life ? Wouldest thou be glad to be kept out of heaven with a back well cloathed , and a belly well filled with the dainties of this world ? Wouldest thou be glad to have all thy good things in thy life time , to have thy heaven to last no longer then while thou dost live in this world ? Wouldest thou be willing to be deprived of eternal happiness and felicity ? If you say no , then have a care of the world and thy sins ; have a care of desiring to be a rich man , lest thy Table be made a snare unto thee , Psal. 69. 22. lest the wealth in this world do bar thee out of glory . For as the Apostle saith , They that will be rich do fall into temptation , and a snare , and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts , which drown men in perdition and destruction , 1 Tim. 6. 9. Thus much in general , but now more particularly .

These two men here spoken of ( as I said ) do hold forth to us the state of the godly and ungodly : the beggar holdeth forth the godly , and the rich man the ungodly . There was a certain rich man , &c.

But why are the ungodly held forth under the notion of a rich man ?

1. Because Christ would not have them look too high , as I said before , but that those who have riches should have a care , that they be not all their portion , Jam. 1. 10 , 11 , 12. 1 Tim. 6. 17.

2. Because rich men are mostly able to the Devils temptations ; are most ready to be puft up with pride , stoutness , cares of this world , in which things they spend most of their time , in lusts , drunkenness , wantonness , idleness , together with the other works of the flesh , For which things sake , the wrath of God commeth upon the children of disobedience , Col. 3. 6.

3. Because he would comfort the hearts of his own , which are most commonly of the poorer sort , But God hath chosen the poor , despised and base things of this world , 1 Cor. 1. 26. Should God have set the rich man in the blessed state , his children would have concluded , being poor , that they had no share in the life to come .

And again , had not God given such a discovery of the sad condition of those that are for the most part rich men ; we should have had men conclude absolutely , that the rich are the blessed men . Nay , albeit the Lord himself doth so evidently declare , that the rich ones of the world are for the most part in the saddest condition , yet they through unbelief , or else presumption , do harden themselves , and seek for the glory of this world , as though the Lord Jesus Christ did not means as he said : or else that he will say more than shall assuredly come to pass : but let them know , that the Lord hath a time to fulfill that he had a time to declare , for the Scripture cannot be broken , Joh. 10. 35.

But again , the Lord by this word doth not mean those are ungodly , who are rich in the world , and no other , for then must all those that are poor , yet graceless and vain men be saved , and delivered from eternal vengeance ; which would be contrary to the word of God , which saith , That together with the Kings of the earth , and the great men , and the chief Captains , and the mighty men , there are bondmen or servants , and slaves , that cry out at the appearance of the Almighty God , and his Son Jesus Christ to Judgment , Rev. 6. 15.

So that though Christ doth say , There was a certain rich man , yet you must understand he meaneth all the ungodly , rich or poor . Nay , if you will not understand it so now , you shall be made to understand it to be so meant at the day of Christs second comming , when all that are ungodly shall stand at the left hand of Christ with pale faces , and guilty Consciences , with the vials of the Almighties wrath ready to be powred out upon them . Thus much in brief touching the 19th verse . I might have observed other things from it , but now I forbear , having other things to speak of at this time .

Verse 20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus , which was laid at his gate full of sores .

THis verse doth chiefly hold forth these things . 1. That the Saints of God are a poor contemptible people . There was a certain beggar . If you understand the word beggar , to hold forth outward poverty , or scarcity in outward things , the Saints of the Lord , for they are for the most part , a poor , despised , contemptible people . But if you allegorize it , and interpret it thus , They are such as beg earnestly for heavenly food ; this is also the spirit of the Children of God , and it may be , and is a truth in this sence , though not so naturally gathered from this Scripture .

2. That he was laid at his gate full of sores . ] These words hold forth the distempers of believers , saying , He was full of sores ; which may signify the many troubles , temptations , persecutions , and afflictions in body and spirit which they meet withal while they are in the world ; but also the entertainment they find at the hands of those ungodly ones , who live upon the earth . Whereas it is said , He was laid at his gate full of sores . Mark , He was laid at his gate , not in his house , that was thought too good for him , But he was laid at his gate full of sores . From whence observe , That the ungodly world do not desire to entertain and receive the poor Saints of God into their houses . If they must needs be somewhere near unto them , yet they shall not come into their houses : shut them out of doors , if they will needs be near us , let them be at the gate . And he was laid at the gate full of sores . 2. Observe , that the world are not at all touched with the afflictions of Gods children , for all they are full of sores ; a despised , afflicted , tempted , persecuted people , the world doth not pitty ; no , but rather labour to aggravate their trouble , by shutting them out of doors ; sink , or swim , what cares the world , they are resolved to disown them , they will give them no entertainment ; if the lying in the streets will do them any good ; if hard usage will do them any good ; if to be disowned , rejected , and shut out of doors by the World will do them any good , they shall have enough of that , but otherwise no refreshment , no comfort from the World. And he was laid at his Gate full of sores .

Verse 21. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans Table : the Dogs came also , and licked his Sores .

BY these words our Lord Jesus doth shew us the frame of a Christians heart , and also the heart and carriage of worldly men towards the Saints of the Lord : The Christians heart is held forth by this , that any thing will content him while he is on this side glory . And he desired to be fed with the Crumbs , the Dogs meat , any thing . I say , a Christian will be content with any thing , if he have but to keep Life and Soul together , ( as we use to say . ) He is content , he is satisfied , he hath learned , if he hath learned to be a Christian , to be content with any thing , as Paul saith , I have learned in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content . He learns in all conditions to study to love God , to walk with God , to give up himself to God ; and if the Crumbs that fall from a Rich-man's Table will but satisfie Nature , and give him bodily strength , that thereby he may be the more able to walk in the way of God ; he is contented . And he desired to be fed with the Crumbs that fell from the rich man's Table . But mark , he had them not , you do not find that he had so much as a Crumb or a Scrap allowed unto him . No , then the Dogs will be beguil'd , that must be preserved for the Dogs . From whence observe , that the ungodly World do love their Dogs better then the Children of God. You will say that 's strange . It is so indeed , yet it is true , as will be clearly manifested ; as for instance . How many pounds do some men spend in a year on their Dogs , when , in the mean while , the poor Saints of God may starve for hunger . They will build Houses for their Dogs , when the Saints must be glad to wander , and lodge in Dens , and Caves of the Earth , Heb. 11. 38. And if they be in any of their houses for the hire thereof , they will warn them out , or eject them , or pull down the house over their heads , rather then not rid themselves of such Tenants . Again , some men cannot go half a mile from home , but they must have Dogs at their heels ; but they can very willingly go half a score miles , without the society of a Christian. Nay , if when they are busie with their Dogs , they should chance to meet a Christian , they would willingly shift him if they could . They will go on the other s●●e of the hedge or the way , rather than they will have any society with him ; and if at any time a Child of GOD should come into an house where there are but two or three ungodly Wretches , they do commonly wish either themselves , or the Saint , out of doors ; and why so ? Because they cannot down with the society of a Christian : Though if there come in at the same time a Dog , or a drunken swearing Wretch , which is worse than a Dog , they will make him welcome , he shall sit down with them , and partake of their dainties . And now tell me , you that love your sins and your pleasures ; had you not rather keep company with a Drunkard , a Swearer , a Strumpet , a Thief ; nay , a Dog , than with an honest-hearted Christian ? If you say , No : What means your sowr carriage to the People of God ? Why do you look on them , as if you would eat them up ? Yet at the very same time , if you can but meet your Dog , or a drunken Companion , you can fawn upon them , take acquaintance with them , to the Tavern or Ale-house with them , if it be two or three times in a Week : But if the Saints of God meet together , pray together , and labour to edifie one another , you will stay till Dooms-Day , before you will look into the house where they are . Ah Friends , when all comes to all , you will be found to love Drunkards , Strumpets , Dogs , any thing ; nay , to serve the Devil , rather than to have loving and friendly society with the Saints of God.

Moreover , The Dogs came and licked his Sores . ] Here again you may see , not onely the afflicted state of the Saints of God in this World , but also , that even Dogs themselves , according to their kind , are more favourable to the Saints , than the sinful World ; though the ungodly will have no mercy on the Saints , yet it is ordered so that these Creatures , Dogs , Lions , &c. will. Though the rich man would not entertain him into his house , yet his Dogs will come , and do him the best good they can , even to lick his running Sores . It was thus with Daniel , when the World was mad against him , and would have him thrown to the Lions to be devoured , the Lions shut their mouths at him , ( or rather the Lord did shut them up ) so that there was not that hurt befel to him , as was desired by the Adversaries , Dan. 6. And this I am persuaded of , that would the Creatures do as some men would have them , the Saints of God should not walk so quietly up and down the streets , and other places , as they do . And as I said before , so I say again , I am persuaded , that at the Day of Judgment many mens Conditions and Carriages will be so laid open , that it will evidently appear , they have been very merciless , and mad against the Children of God ; insomuch , that when the Providence of God did fall out so , ●s to cross their expectations , they have been very much offended thereat , as is very evidently seen in them who set themselves to study , Psal. 31 , 13. how to bring the Saints into bondage , and to thrust them into Corners , as in these late Years . And because God hath in his goodness ordered Things otherwise , they have gnashed their Teeth thereat . Hence then let the Saints learn , not to commit themselves to their Enemies , beware of men , Matth. 10. 17. They are very merciless men , and will not so much favour you , ( if they can help it ) as you may suppose they may . Nay , unless the over-ruling Hand of God , in goodness , do order Things contrary to their natural inclination , they will not favour you so much as a Dog.

Vers. 22. And it came to pass , that the Beggar died , and was carryed by the Angels into Abraham's Bosome : the rich man also died and was buried .

THe former Verses do briefly hold forth the carriage of the ungodly in this Life toward the Saints . Now this Verse doth hold forth the departure both of the godly and the ungodly out of this Life .

Where he saith , And it came to pass , that the Beggar died , and was carryed into Abraham's Bosome ▪ and the rich man died also . ] The Beggar dyed , that represents the godly : and the rich man died , that represents the ungodly : From whence observe ; Neither godly nor ungodly must live always without a change either by Death or Judgment ; the good man died , and the bad man died ; That Scripture doth also back this Truth , that good and bad must die , marvellous well , where it is said , And it is appointed to men once to die , and after that the Judgment , Heb. 9. 27.

Mark , he doth not say it is so , that men by chance may die , which might beget in the hearts of the ungodly , especially some hope to scape the bitterness of it : But he saith , It is a thing most certain , it is appointed . Mark , it is appointed for men once to die , and after that the Judgment . God hath decreed it , that since men have fallen from that happy estate that God at the first did set them in , they shall die , Rom. 6. 23. Now when it is said the Beggar died , and the rich man died ; part of the meaning is , they ceased to be any more in this World ; I say ▪ partly the meaning , but not altogether . Though it be altogether the meaning when some of the Creatures die , yet it is but in part the meaning , when it is said , that Men , Women , or Children die ; for there is to them something else to be said more than barely a going out of the World : For if when unregenerate men and women die , there were an end of them , not onely in this World , but also in the World to come , they would be happy over they will be now ; for when ungodly men & women die , there is that to come after death , that will be very terrible to them ; namely , to be carried by the Angels of Darkness from their Death-beds to Hell , there to be reserved to the Judgment of the Great Day , when both Body and Soul shall meet , and be united together again , and made capable to undergo the uttermost Vengeance of the Almighty to all Eternity . This is that I say , which doth follow a man ( that is not born again ) after Death ; as is clear from that in 1 Pet. 3. 18 , 19. Where before speaking of Christ , being raised again by the power of his Eternal Spirit , he saith By which , that is , by that Spirit he went and preached to the Spirits in Prison : But what is the meaning of this ? Why thus much ; that those Souls who were once alive in the World , in the time , or days in which Noah lived , being disobedient in their Times to the Calls of God , by his Spirit in Noah , for so I understand it , was according to that which was foretold by that Preacher deprived of Life , and overcome by the Flou● , and are now in Prison . Mark , he preached to the Spirits in Prison ; he doth not say , who were in Prison , but to them ( in ) that is , now in Prison , under Chains of Darkness , reserved , or kept there , in that Prison , in which now they are , ( ready , like Villains in the Jayl , to be brought before the Judgment Seat of Christ at the Great Day ) : But of this I shall speak further by and by . Now if this one Truth , that men must die and depart this World , and either enter into Joy , or else into Prison , to be reserved to the Day of Judgment , were believed , we should not have so many Wantons walk up and down the streets as there do ; at least it would put a mighty check to their filthy Carriages , so that they would not , could not walk so basely and sinfully as they do . Belshazzer , notwithstanding he was so far from the fear of God as he was , yet when be did but see that God was offended , and threatned him for his wickedness , it made him hang down his head , and knock his knees together , Dan. 5. 5 , 6. If you read the verses before , you will find he was careless , and satisfying his Lusts in Drinking , and playing the wanton with his Concubines . But so soon as he did perceive the finger of an Hand , writing , then ( saith the Scripture ) the King's Countenance was changed and his Thoughts troubled him ; so that the Joynts of his Loins were loosed , and his knees smote one against another . And when Paul told Felix of Righteousness , Temperance , and Judgment to come , it made him tremble . And let me tell thee ( Soul ) whosoever thou art , that if thou didst but verily believe that thou must die , and come into the Judgment , it would make thee turn over a new leaf . But this is the misery , the Devil doth labour by all means , as to keep out other Things that are good , so to keep out of the heart as much as in him lies , the Thoughts of passing from this Life into another World ; for he knows , if he can but keep them from the serious Thoughts of Death , he shall the more easily keep them in their sins , and so from closing with Jesus Christ , as Job saith , Their houses are safe from fear , neither is the Rod of God upon them . Which makes them say to God , Depart from us , for we desire not the knowledg of thy ways , vers . 14. Because there is no fear of Death , and Judgment to come , therefore they do put off God and his ways , and spend their days in their sins ; and in a moment , that is , before they are aware , go down to the Grave , ver . 17. And thus it fared also with the man spoken of in Luk. 12. 20. the man , instead of thinking of Death , he thought how he might make his Barns bigger : But in the midst of his business in the World , he lost his Soul before he was aware : supposing that Death had been many Years off . But God said unto him , Thou Fool , thou troublest thy self about Things of this Life , thou puttest off the Thoughts of departing this World , when this Night thy Soul shall be taken from thee . O● , this Night , they , that is , the Devil will fetch away thy Soul from thee . And here it comes to pass , mens not being exercised with the Thoughts of departing this Life , that they are so unexpected to themselves and their Neighbours , taken away from the pleasures and profits ; yea , all the Enjoyments they busie themselves withall while they live in this World. And hence it is again , that you have some in your Towns and Cities , that are so suddainly taken away , some from haunting the Ale-house , others from haunting the Where-houses , others from playing and gaming , others from the cares and covetous desires after this World , unlooked for as by themselves , or their Companions . Hence it is also , that men do so wonder at such Tidings as this , There is such an one dead , such an one is departed ; it is because they do so little consider , both the transitoriness of themselves and their Neighbours : for had they but their Thoughts well exercised about the shortness of this Life , and the danger that will befal such as do miss of the Lord Jesus Christ , it would make them more wary and sober , and spend more time in the service of God , and be more delighted and diligent in enquiring after the Lord Jesus , who is the Deliverer from wrath to come , 1 Thes. 1. 10. For , as I said before , it is evident , that they who live after the flesh in the Lusts thereof , do not really and seriously think on Death , and the Judgment that doth follow after , neither do they indeed endeavour so to do ; for did they , it would make them say with Holy Job , All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my Change come , Job 14. 14. And , as I said before , that not onely the Wicked , but also the Godly have their time to depart this Life . And the Beggar died . The Saints of the Lord , they must be deprived of this Life also , they must yield up the Ghost into the hands of the Lord their God ; they must also be separated from their Wives , Children , Husbands , Friends , Goods , and all that they have in the World. For God hath decreed it : It is appointed , namely , by the Lord , for men once to die , and we must appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ. As it is 2 Cor. 5. 10 , 11.

But it may be objected , if the godly do die as well as the wicked , and if the Saints must appear before the Judgment Seat as well as the sinners ; then what advantage have the godly more then the ungodly , and how can the Saints be in a better condition then the wicked ?

Answ. Read the 22th Verse over again , and you shall find a marvellous difference between them , as much as is between Heaven and Hell , everlasting joy , and everlasting torment ; for you find , that when the beggar died , which represents the godly , He was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosom , or into everlasting joy ; Psal. 1. but the ungodly are not so , but are hurried by the Devils into the bottomless pit , drawn away in their wickedness : Prov. 14. 32. for he saith , And in Hell he lift up his eyes . When the ungodly do die , their misery beginneth ; for then appear the Devils , like so many Lions , waiting every moment till the Soul depart from the Body . Sometimes they are very visible to the dying party , but sometimes more invisible ; but always this is certain , they never miss of the Soul , if it do die out of the Lord Jesus Christ , but do hale it away to the prison , as I said before , there to be tormented , and reserved until that great and general day of Judgment , at which day they must Body and Soul , receive a finall sentence from the Righteous Judge , and from that time be shut out from the presence of God , into everlasting woe and distress . But the godly , when the time of their departure is at hand , then also are the Angels of the Lord at hand ; yea , they are ready waiting upon the Soul to conduct it safely into Abrahams Bosom . I do not say , but the Devils are oft times very busie doubtless , and attending the Saints in their sickness ; I , and no question but they would willingly deprive the Soul of Glory . But here is the comfort , as the Devils come from Hell to devour the Soul , ( if it be possible ▪ at its departure ) so the Angels of the Lord come from Heaven , to watch over and conduct the Soul ( in spite of the Devil ) safe into Abrahams Bosome .

David had the comfort of this , and speaks it forth for the comfort of his Brethren . Psal 34. 7. saying , The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him , and delivereth them . Mark , the Angel of the Lord encampeth round about his Children , to deliver them . From what ? From their enemies , of which the Devil is not the least . This is an excellent comfort at any time , to have the holy Angels of God to attend a poor man , or woman ; but especially , it is comfortable in the time of distress ▪ at the time of death , when the Devils beset the Soul with all the power that Hell can afford them . But now it may be , that the glorious Angels of God do not appear at the first , to the view of the Soul ; nay , rather Hell stands before it , and the Devils ready , as if they would carry it thither . But this is the comfort , the Angels ●o always appear at the last , and will not fa●l the Soul , but will carry it safe into Abrahams Bosom . Ah Friend● ▪ consider , here is an ungodly manupon his death-bed , and he hath none to speak for him , none to speak comfort unto him ; but it is not so with the Children of God , for they have the Spirit to comfort them . Here is the ungodly , and they have no Christ to pray for their safe conduct to glory , but the Saints have an Intercessor . John 17. 9. Here is the World , when they die , they have none of the Angels of God to attend upon them ; but the Saints have their company . In a word , the unconverted person when he dieth , he sinks into the bottomless pit . But the Saints , when they die , do ascend with , and by the Angels , into Abrahams Bosom , or into unto unspeakable glory . Luke 23. 43.

Again , it is said , that the rich man when he died , was buried , or put into the Earth ; but when the beggar died , he was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome . The one is a very excellent stile , where he saith , he was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome ; it denotes he excellent condition of the Saints of God , as I said before ; and not onely so , but also the preciousness of the death of the Saints in the eyes of the Lord , Psal. 116. 15. that after , Generations may see how precious in the sight of the Lord , the death of his Saints is , when he saith , they are carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosom .

Thus many times , the Lord adorneth the death and departure of his Saints , to hold forth unto after Generations , how excellent they are in his eyes . It is said of Enoch , that God took him ; of Abraham , that he died in a good old age ; of Moses , that the Lord buried him ; of Elijah , that he was taken up into Heaven ; that the Saints sleep in Jesus ; that they die in the Lord ; that they rest from their labour ; that their works follow them ; that they are under the Altar ; that they are with Christ ; that they are in light ; that they are to come with the Lord Jesus , to judge the World. All which sayings signifie thus much , That to die a Saint , is very great Honour and Dignity . But the ungodly are not so . The rich or ungodly die , and are buried , he is carried from his dwelling to the Grave , and there he is buried , hid in the dust ; and his Body doth not so fast molder and come to nought there , but his name doth stink as fast in the World : as saith the holy Scripture , The name of the wicked shall rot . And indeed , the names of the godly are not in so much honour after their departure , but the wicked and their names , do as much rot . What a dishonour to Posterity , was the death of Balaam , Agag , Achitophel , Haman , Judas , Herod , with the rest of their companions .

Thus the wicked have their names written in the Earth , and they do perish and rot , and the name of the Saints do cast forth a dainty savour to following Generations : and that the Lord Jesus doth signifie where he saith , The godly are carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosom . And that the wicked are nothing worth ; where he saith , The ungodly die and are buried .

Verse 23. And in Hell he lift up his eyes , being in torment , and seeth Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his Bosom .

THE form●● Verse speaks onely of the departure of the ungodly out of this life , together , with the glorious conduct that the godly have into the Kingdom of their Father . Now our Lord doth shew in this Verses partly , what doth , and shall befall to the Reprobate after this life is ended , where he saith , And in Hell he lift up his eyes . ] That is , the ungodly after they depart this life , do lift up their eyes in Hell. From these words , may be observed these things .

1. That there is an Hell for Souls to be tormented in , when this life is ended . Mark , after he was dead and buried . In Hell he lift up his eyes . 2. That all that are ungodly , and do live and die in their sins , so soon as ever they die , they go into Hell : he died , and was buried . And in Hell he lift up his eyes . 3. That some are so fast asleep , and secure in their sins , that they scarce know well where they are , till they come into Hell , and that I gather from these words , In Hell he lift up his eyes . He was asleep before , but Hell makes him lift up his eyes .

As I said before , it is evident , that there is an Hell for Souls ; yea , and Bodies too , to be tormented in after they depart this life , as is clear . First , because the Lord Jesus Christ that cannot lie , did say , that after the sinner was dead and buried , In Hell he lift up his eyes .

Now if it be objected , that Hell is here meant the Grave , that I plainly deny .

First , Because there the Body is not sensible of torment or ease ; but in that Hell , into which the spirits of the damned depart , they are sensible of torment , and would be very willingly freed from it , to enjoy ease , which they are sensible of the want of ; as is clearly discovered in this Parable . Send Lazarus , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , to cool my tongue .

Secondly , It is not meant the Grave , but some other place , because the Bodies , so long as they lie there , are not capable of lifting up their eyes , to see the glorious condition of the Children of God , as the souls of the damned do . In Hell he lift up his eyes .

Thirdly , It cannot be the Grave , for then it must follow , that the Soul was buried there with the Body , which cannot stand with such a dead state as is here mentioned ; for he saith , The rich man died ; that is , his soul was separated from his body . And in Hell he lift up his eyes .

If it be again objected , that there is no Hell but in this life , that I do also deny , as I said before ; after he was dead and buried , In Hell he lift up his eyes . And let me tell thee , O soul , whoever thou art , that if thou close not in savingly with the Lord Jesus Christ , and lay hold on what he hath done , and is doing in his own person for sinners , thou wilt find such an hell after this life is ended , that thou wilt not get out of again for ever and ever . And thou that art wanton , and dost make but a mock at the Servants of the Lord , when they tell thee of the torments of hell , thou wilt find , that when thou departest out of this life , that Hell , even the hell which is after this life , will meet thee in thy Journey thither , and will with its hellish crew give thee such a sad salutation , that thou wilt not forget it to all eternity , when that Scripture comes to be fulfilled on thy soul , in Isa. 14. 9. Hell from beneath is moved for thee , to meet thee at thy coming : it stirreth up the dead for thee , even all the chief ones of the earth : it hath raised from their Thrones all the Kings of the Nations . All they , that is , that are in hell shall say , Art thou become weak as we ? Art thou become like unto us ? O sometimes when I have had but thoughts of going to hell , and considered the everlastingness of their ruine that fall in thither ; it hath stirred me up rather to seek to the Lord Jesus Christ , to deliver me from thence , than to slight it , and make a mock at it .

And in hell he lift up his eyes . ] The second thing I told you , was this , That all the ungodly that live and die in their sins , so soon as ever they depart this life , do descend into Hell. This is also verified by the words in this Parable , where Christ saith , He died and was buried , and in hell he lift up his eyes . As the Tree falls , so it shall lie , wh●●●er it be to Heaven or Hell , Eccl. 11. 3. And as Christ said to the Thief on the Cross , This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise . Even so the Devil in the like manner may say unto thy Soul , Tomorrow shalt thou be with me in hell . See then what a miserable case he that dies in an unregenerate state is in ; he departs from a long sickness to a longer hell ; from the gripings of death to the everlasting torments of hell . And in hell he lift up his eyes . Ah Friends ! if you were but your selves , you would have a care of your Souls ; if you did but regard , you would see how mad they are that slight the salvation of their souls . O what will it profit thy soul to have pleasure in this life , and torments in hell , Mark 8. 36. Thou hadst better part with all thy sins and pleasures , and companions , or whatsoever thou delightest in , than to have Soul and Body to be cast into hell . O then , do not now neglect our Lord Jesus Christ , lest thou drop down to hell , Heb. 2. 3. Consider , would it not wound thee to thine heart , to come upon thy death-bed , and instead of having the comfort of a well-spent life , and the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ , together with the comforts of his glorious Spirit : to have , first , the sight of 〈◊〉 ill-spent life , thy sins flying in thy face , thy conscience uttering it self with Thunder-claps against thee , the thoughts of God terrifying of thee , death with his merciless paw seizing upon thee , the devils standing ready to scramble for thy soul , and hell enlarging her self , and ready to swallow th●e up ; and eternity of misery and torment attending upon thee , from which there will be no release . For mark , death doth not come alone to an unconverted soul , but with such company , as were thou but sensible of , it would make thee tremble . I pray consider that Scripture , Rev. 6. 8. And I looked , and beheld a pale horse , and his name that sate on him was Death , and hell followed with him . Mark , death doth not come alone to the ungodly ; no , but hell goeth with him . O miserable Comforters ! O miserable Society ! here comes death and hell unto thee . Death goeth into thy body , and separates body and soul asunder ; hell stands without ( as I may say ) to embrace , or rather to crush thy soul between its everlasting grinders . Then thy mirth , thy joy , thy sinful delights will be eased when this comes to pass ; so , it will come . Blessed are all those , that through Christ Jesus his merits , by saith , do escape these soul-murthering companions . And in hell he lift up his eyes .

The third thing you know that we did observe from these words , was this , That some are so fast asleep , and secure in their sins , that they scarce know where they are , untill they come into hell . And that I told you I gather by these words , In hell he life up his eyes . Mark , it was in hell that he lift up his eyes . Now some do understand by these words , that he came to himself , or began to consider with himself ▪ or to think with himself in what an estate he was ▪ and what he was deprived of ; which is still a confirmation of the thing laid down by me . There it is that they come to themselves , that is , there they are sensible where they are indeed ; Thus it fares with some men , that they scarce know where they are , till they lift up their eyes in hell . It is with these people , as with those that fall down in a swoun ; you know if a man do fall down in a swoun in one room though you take him up , and carry him into another , yet he is not sensible where he is , till he cometh unto himself , and lifteth up his eyes .

Truly thus it is to be feared , it is with many poor souls , they are so sensless , so hard , so feared in their Conscience , 1 Tim. 4. 2. that they are very ignorant of their state ; and when death comes , i● strikes them , as it were , into a swoun , ( especially if they dye suddenly ) and so they are hurried away , and scarce know where they are , till in hell they lift up their eyes ; this is he who ●ye●h in his full strength , fully at ease and quiet , Job 21. 23.

Of this sort are they spoken of in Psalm 73. where he saith . There are no bonds in their death but their strength is firm . They are not troubled as other folk neither are they plagued like other men . And again , they spend their dayes in wealth , and in a moment , mark , in a moment , before they are aware , they go down to the grave , Job 21. 17.

Indeed this is too much known by woful and daily experience , sometimes when we go to visit them that are sick in the Towns and places where we live , Oh how sensless , how feared in their Consciences are they ? they are neither sensible of heaven , not of hell ▪ of sin , nor a Saviour : speak to them of their condition , and the state of their souls , and you shall find them as ignorant as if they had no souls to regard . Others , though they lye ready to dye , yet they are busying themselves about their outward affairs , as though they should certainly live here , even to live and enjoy the same for ever . Again , come to others , speak to them about the state of their souls , though they have no more experience of the new birth then a beast , yet will they speak as confidently of their eternal state , and the welfare of their souls , as if they had the most excellent experience of any man or woman in the world , saying , I shall have Peace , Deut. 29. 19. When as I said even now , the Lord knows they are as ignorant of the new birth , of the nature and operation of Faith , of the witness of the Spirit : as if there were no new birth , no faith , no witness of the Spirit of Christ in any of the Saints in the world . Nay , thus many of them are , even an hour or less before their departure . Ah poor souls , though they may go away here like a lamb , as the world sayes , yet if you could but follow them a little , to stand and listen , soon after their departure ; it is to be feared , you should hear them roa● like a Lyon at their first entrance into Hell , far worse then ever did Corah , &c. when they went down quick into the ground , Numb . 16. 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ▪ 35.

Now by this one thing doth the devil take great advantage on the hearts of the ignorant , suggesting unto them , that because the party deceased , departed so quietly , without all doubt they are gone to rest and joy ; when alas , it is to be feared , the reason why they went away so quietly , was rather because they were sensless and hardned in their Consciences ; yea , dead before in sins and trespasses . For had they had but some awakenings on their death beds , as some have had , they would have made all the Town to ring of their doleful condition : But because they are seared and ignorant , and so depart quietly , therefore the world takes heart at grass , ( as we use to say ) and make no great matter of living and dying they cannot tell how , therefore pride compasseth them as a chain , Psal. 73. 5 , 6. But let them look to themselves , for if they have not an interest in the Lord Jesus , now while they live in the world , they will , whether they dye raging or still goun●o the same place , and lift up their eyes in hell .

O my friends , did you but know what a miserable condition they are in , that go out of this world without an interest in the Son of God , it would make you smite upon your thigh , and in the bitterness of your souls cry out , Acts 16. 29 , 30 , 31. Men and brethren , what shall we do to be saved ? And not only so , but thou wouldest not be comforted , until thou didst find a rest for thy soul in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 23. And in hell he lift up his eyes , being in torments , and seeth Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his bosome .

Something in brief I have observed from the first part of this verse , namely from these words , And in hell he lift up his eyes . And indeed I have observed but something , for they are very full of matter , and many things might be taken notice of in them . There is one thing more that I might touch upon , as touched in this saying , and that is this , Methink the Lord Jesus Christ doth hereby signify , that men are naturally unwilling to see or take notice of their sad state , I say by nature ; but though now they are willingly ignorant , yet in hell they shall lift up their eyes . That is , in hell they shall see and understand their miserable condition ; and therefore to these words , In hell he lift up his eyes , he added , being in torment . As if he had said , Though once they shut their eyes , though once they were 2 Pet. 3. 5. willingly ignorant , yet when they depart into hell , they shall be so miserably handled and tormented , that they shall be forced to lift up their eyes . While men live in this world , and are in a natural state , they will have a good conceit of themselves , and of their condition ; they will conclude that they are Christians , that Abraham is their father , Matth. 3. 7 , 8. and their state to be as good as the best ; they will conclude they have faith , the Spirit , good hope , and an interest in the Lord Jesus Christ : but then , when they drop into hell , and lift up their eyes there , and behold , first their soul to be in extream torments ; their dwelling to be the bottomless pit ; their company thousands of damned souls ; also the innumerable company of devils ; and the hot scalding vengeance of God , not only to drop , but to fall very violently upon them ; then they will begin to be awakened , who all their life time were in a dead sleep . I say , when this comes to pass , Lo it will , then in hell they shall lift up their eyes , in the midst of torments they shall lift up their eyes .

Again , you may observe from these words , And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torment . That the time of the ungodly mens smarting for their sins , will be in the torments of hell . Now here I am put to a stand , when I consider the torments of hell , into which the damned do fall . O unspeakable torments ! O endless torments ! Now that thy soul might be made to slee from these intollerable torments , into which the damned do go . I shall shew you briefly what are the torments of hell . First , by the names of it . Secondly , by the sad state thou wilt be in , if thou commest there . First , the names : It is called a never dying worm , Mark 9. It is called an oven , fire hot , Malach. 4. 1. It is called a furnace , a fiery furnace , Mat. 13. It is called the bottomless pit , the unquenchable fire , fire and brimstone , hell fire , the lake of fire , devouring fire , everlasting fire , eternal fire , a stream of fire . Rev. 21.

First , one part of thy torments will be this , thou shalt have a full fight of all thy ill spent life from first to last , though here thou canst sin to day , and forget it by to morrow ; yet there thou shalt be made to remember how thou didst sin against God at such a time , and in such a place , for such a thing , and with such an one , which will be an hell unto thee . Psal. 50. 21. God will set them in order before thine eyes .

2. Thou shalt have the guilt of them all lye heavy on thy soul , not only the guilt of one or two , but the guilt of them altogether , and there they shall lye in thy soul , as if thy belly were full of pitch , and set on a light fire . Here men can sometimes think on their sins with delight , but there with unspeakable torment ; for that I understand to be the fire that Christ speaketh of , which shall never be quenched , Mark 8. 43 , 44 , 45 , 46. While men live here , O how doth the guilt of one sin sometimes crush the soul , it makes a man in such plight , that he is weary of his life , so that he can neither rest at home nor abroad , neither up nor in bed . Nay , I do know , that they have been so tormented with the guilt of one sinful thought , that they have been even at their wits end , and have hanged themselves . But now when thou comest into hell , and hast not only one or two , or an hundred sins with the guilt of them all on thy soul and body ; but all the sins that ever thou didst commit since thou camest into the world , altogether clapt on thy conscience at one time , as one should clap a red hot iron to thy breasts , and there to continue to all eternity , this is miserable .

3. Again , then thou shalt have brought into thy remembrance , the slighting of the Gospel of Christ ; here thou shalt consider how willing Christ was to come into the world to save sinners , and for what a trifle thou didst reject him . This is plainly held forth in Esay 28. where speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ , the foundation of salvation , ver . 16. he saith of them that reject the Gospel , that when the overflowing scourge doth pass through the earth , ( which I understand to be at the end of the world ) then saith he , It shall take you morning by morning , by day and by night shall it pass over you ; that is , continually without any intermission . And it shall be a vexation only to hear the report . A vexation , that is , a torment , or a great part of hell only to understand the report , to understand the good tydings that came into the world by Christs death for poor sinners , and you will find this to be verily the mind of the Spirit , if you compare it with Chap. 53. of Esay verse 1. where he speaks of mens turning their backs upon the tenders of Gods grace in the Gospel , he saith , Who hath believed our report , or the Gospel declared by us ? Now this will be a mighty torment to the ungodly , when they shall understand the goodness of God was so great , that he even sent his Son out of his bosome to dye for sinners , and yet that they should be so foolish , as to put him off from one time to another ; that they should be so foolish , as to lose heaven , and Christ , and eternal life in glory , for the society of a company of drunkards ; that they should lose their souls for a little sport , for this world , for a strumpet , for that which is lighter then vanity and nothing . I say , this will be a very great torment unto thee .

4. Another part of thy torment will be this , Thou shalt see thy friends , thy acquaintance , thy neighbours ; nay , it may be thy Father , thy mother , thy wife , thy husband , thy children , thy brother , thy sister , with others , in the Kingdome of heaven , and thy self thrust out . Luke 13. 28. There shall be weeping , &c. when you shall see Abraham , ( your father ) and Isaac , and Jacob , ( together with your brethren ) the Prophets in the Kingdome of heaven , and your selves thrust out . Nay , saith he , There shall come from the East , and from the West , that is , th●se that thou didst never see in all thy life before , and they shall sit down with thy friends , and thy neighbours , thy wife and thy children , in the Kingdome of Heaven , and thou for thy sins and disobedience sh●l● be shut , nay , thrust out . O wonderful ●o●ment !

5. Again , thou shalt have none but a company of damned souls , with an innumerable company of devils to keep company with thee . While thou art in this World , the very thoughts of the devils appearing to thee makes thy flesh to tremble , and thine hair ready to stand upright on thy head . But O what wilt thou do , when not only the supposition of the devils appearing , but the real society of all the devils in hell be with thee howling and roaring , screeching and roaring in such a hideous manner , that thou wilt be even at thy wits end , and be ready to run stark mad again for anguish and torment .

6. Again , that thou mightest be tormented to purpose , the mighty God of heaven will lay as great wrath and vengeance upon thee , as ever he can , by the might of his glorious power . As I said before , Thou shalt have his wrath , not by drops , but by whole showres shall it come thunder , thunder upon thy body and soul so fast , and so thick , that thou shalt be tormented out of measure . And so saith the Scripture , 2 Thes. 1. 9. speaking of the wicked , Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord , and from the glory of his power , when the Saints shall be admiring his goodness and glory .

Again , this thou shalt have , as I said before , without any intermission , thou shalt not have any ease so long as while a man may turn himself round : thou shalt have it alwayes every hour , day and night : for their worth never dyes , but alwayes gnaws , and their fire is never quenched . As it is written in Mark 9.

7. Again , in this condition thou must be for ever , and that is as sad as all the rest . For if a man were to have all his sins laid to his charge , and communion with the devils , and as much wrath as the great God of heaven can inflict upon them . I say , if it were but for a time , even ten thousand years , and so end , there would be ground of comfort , and hopes of deliverance ; but here is thy misery , this is thy state for ever , here thou must be for ever : when thou lookest about thee , and seest what an innumerable company of howling devils thou art amongst , thou shalt think this again , this is my portion for ever . When thou h●st been in hell so many thousand years as there are stars in the firmament , or drops in the Sea , or sands on the sea-shore , yet thou hast to lye there for ever . O this one word ever , how will it torment thy Soul.

Friends , I have only given a very short touch of the torments of Hell. O! I am set , I am set , and am not able to u●ter what my mind conceives of the torments of Hell. Yet this let me say to thee ▪ accept of Gods mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ , lest thou feel that with thy Conscience , which I cannot express with my Tongue , and say , I am sorely tormented in this flame .

And seeth Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his Bosome ]

When the damned are in this pittiful state , surrounded with fears , with terrours , with torment and vengeance ; one thing they shall have , which is this , they shall see the happy and blessed state of Gods Children : he seeth Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his Bosom , which as I said before , is the happy state of the Saints , when this life is ended . This now shall be so far from being an ease unto them , that it shall most wonderfully aggravate or heighten their torment , as I said before . There shall be weeping , or cause of lamentation , when they shall see Abraham , and Isaac , and Jacob , in the Kingdom of Heaven , and themselves thrust out .

2. Observe , those that die in their sins , are far from going to Heaven ; He seeth Abraham a far off , and Lazarus in his Bosom . And indeed , it is just with God , to deal with them that die in their sins , according to what they have done ; and to make them who are far from Righteousness now , to stand far from Heaven to all Eternity . Hearken to this ye stout-hearted , that are far from Righteousness , and that are resolved to go on in your sins ; when you die , you will be far from Heaven ; you will see Lazarus , but it will be afar off . Again , he seeth Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his Bosome .

These are some of the things that the damned do behold , so soon as they come into torment . Mark , And he seeth Lazarus in Abrahams Bosome . Lazarus , Who was he ? Why , even he that was so slighted , so disregarded , so undervalued by this ungodly one , while he was in the World ; he seeth Lazarus in his Bosome .

From whence observe , That those who live and die the enemies of the Saints of God ; let them be never so great or stout ; let them bear never so much sway while they are in the World ; let them ●rag and boast never so much while they are here , they shall in spight of their teeths see the Saints , yea , the poor Saints , even the Lazarus's , or the ragged ones that belong to Jesus , to be in a better condition then themselves . O who do you think , was in the best condition , or who do you think , saw themselves in the best condition , he that was in Hell , or he that was in Heaven ? He that was in darkness , or he that was in light ? He that was in everlasting joy , or he that was in everlasting torments ? The one with God , Christ , Saints , Angels : the other in tormenting flames , under the curse of Gods eternal hatred , with the Devils and their Angels , together with an innumerable company of howling , roaring , cursing , ever burning Reprobates . Certainly , this observation will be easily proved to be true here in this World , by him that looks upon it with an understanding heart , and will clear it self to be true in the World to come , by such as shall go either to Heaven or to Hell.

2. The second Observation from these words . And seeth Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his Bosom , is this , They that are the persecutors of the Saints of the Lord now in this World , shall see the Lords persecuted ones , to be they that are so highly esteemed by the Lord , as to sit , or to be in Abrahams bosom ( in everlasting glory ) though the enemies to the Children of God , did so lightly esteem them , that they scorn to let them gather up the Dogs meat that falls under their Table : this is also verified , and held forth plainly by this Parable . And therefore be not grieved , O you that are the tempted , persecuted , afflicted , sighing , praying Saints of the Lord , though your adversaries look upon you now with a disdainful , surly , rugged , proud , and haughty countenance , yet the time shall come , when they shall spie you in Abrahams Bosom .

I might enlarge upon these things , but shall leave them to the Spirit of the Lord , which can better by ten thousand degrees , enlarge them on thy heart and conscience , then I can upon a piece of paper . Therefore leaving these to the blessing of the Lord , I shall come to the next Verse , and shall be brief in speaking to that also , and so passe to the rest .

Verse 24. And he cryed , and said , Father Abraham , have mercy upon me , and send Lazarus , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , to cool my tongue , for I am tormented in this flame .

YOu know I told you the 22th Verse , is a discovery of the departure of the godly , and the ungodly out of this life ; where he saith , The beggar died , and the rich man also died . The 23. Verse , is a discovery of the proper places , both of the godly , and the ungodly after death ; one being in Abrahams Bosom , or in glory , the other in Hell. Now this 24 Verse , is a discovery of part of the too late repentance of the ungodly , when they are dropt down into Hell. And he cryed , and said , Father Abraham , have mercy upon me . ]

From these words , And he cryed , we may observe , first , What a change the ungodly will have , when they come into Hell. He cried ; it is like he was laughing , jesting , jearing , drinking , mocking , swearing , cursing , prating , pers●cuting of the godly in his prosperity , among his filthy companions ; but now the case is otherwise , now he is in another frame , now his proud , flout , currish carriage is come down . And he cryed . The laughter of the ungodly will not last alwayes , but will be sure to end in a cry , The tryumphing of the wicked is short , Job 20 5. Consider , you must have a change , either here or in Hell. If you be not new creatures , regenerate persons , new-born Babes in this World before you go hence , your note will be changed , your conditions will be changed ▪ for if you come into Hell , you must cry . O did but the singing drunkards , when they are making merrie on the Ale-bench , think on this , it would make them change their note , and cry , What shall I do ? whither shall I go when I die ? But as I said before , the Devil , as he labours to get poor souls to follow their sins , so he labours also to keep the thoughts of eternal damnation out of their mindes ; and indeed ▪ these two things are so nearly linked together , that the Devil cannot well get the Soul to go on in sin with delight , unless he can keep the Thoughts of that terrible after-clap out of their minds .

But let them know , that it shall not always be thus with them ; for if when they depart , they drop down into Eternal Destruction , they shall have such a sence of their sins , and the punishment due to the same , that it shall make them to cry . And he cryed . O what an alteration will there be among the ungodly , when they go out of this World ! it may be a Fortnight or a Moneth before their departure , they were light , stour , surly , drinking themselves drunk , slighting God's People , mocking at goodness , and delighting in sin ; following the World , seeking after Riches , faring deliciously , keeping company with the bravest ; but now they are dropt down into Hell , they cry . A little while ago they were painting their Faces , feeding their Lusts , following their Whores , robbing their Neighbours , telling of Lies , following of Plays , and Sports , to pass away the time ; but now they are in Hell , they do cry . It may be last Year they heard some good Sermons , was invited to receive Heaven , was told their sins should be pardoned , if they closed in with Jesus ; but refusing his profers , and slighting the Grace that was once tendered , they are now in Hell , and do cry .

Before they had so much time ( they thought ) that they could not tell how to spend it , unless it were in Hunting , and Whoring , in dancing and playing , and spending whole hours ; yea , days , nay weeks , in the Lusts of the Flesh , but when they depart into another place , and begin to lift up their Eyes in Hell , and consider their miserable , and irrecoverable condition , they will cry .

O what a condition wilt thou fall into , when thou dost depart this World , if thou depart unconverted , and not born again , thou hadst better have been smother'd the first hour thou wast born ; thou hadst better have been plucked one Limb from another ; thou hadst better have been made a Dog , a To●d , a Serpent ; nay , any other Creature in the visible World , than to die unconverted ; and this thou wilt find to be true , when in Hell thou dost life up thine Eyes , and dost cry .

Here then before we go any further , you may see , that it is not without good ground , that these words are here spoken by our Lord , That when any of the ungodly do depart into Hell , they will cry . Cry , why so ?

1. They will cry to think , that they should be cut off from the Land of the Living , never more to have any footing therein . 2. They will cry to think , that the Gospel of Christ should be so often proffered them , and yet they are not profited by it . 3. They will cry to think , that now , though they would never so willingly repent and be saved , yet they are past all Recovery . 4. They will cry to think , that they should be so foolish as to follow their pleasures , when others were following of Christ , Luke 13. 28. 5. They will cry to think , that they must be separated from God , Christ , and the Kingdom of Heaven , and that for ever . 6. To think , that their crying will now do them no good . 7. To think , that at the Day of Judgment , they must stand at the left hand of Christ , among an innumerable Company of the Damned Ones . 8. They will cry to think , that Lazarus , whom once they slighted , must be of them that must sit with Christ to judge , or together with Christ , to pass a Sentence of Condemnation on their Souls for ever and ever , 1 Cor. 6. 2 , 3. 9. Cry to think , that when the Judgment is over , and others are taken into the everlasting Kingdom of Glory , then thou must depart back again into that Dungeon of Darkness , from whence thou camest out , ( ●o appear before that terrible Tribunal ) where thou shalt be tormented so long as Eternity lasts , without the least intermission or ease .

How sayest thou , O thou wanton proud , swearing , lying , ungodly Wretch , whether this be to be slighted , and made a mock at . And again , tell me now , if it be not better to leave sin , and to close in with Christ Jesus , notwithstanding that Reproach thou shalt meet with for so doing , than to live a little while in this World in pleasures , and feeding thy Lu●●s , in neglecting the welfare of thy Soul and refusing to be justified by Jesus , and in a moment to drop down to Hell , and to cry ? O consider , I say consider bet●●es , and put not off the Tenders of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , lest you lift up your Eyes in Hell , and cry for anguish of Spirit .

And he cryed and said , Father Abraham have mercy upon me , and send Lazarus , &c.

These words do not o●●●●●old forth the lamentable Condition of the Damned , and their lamentable howling and crying one under their anguish of spirit , but also they do signifie to us ( as I said before ) their too late Repentance ; and also , that they would very willingly , if they might , be set at liberty from that everlasting ●●●ery , that by their sins they have plunged themselves into . I say , these words do hold forth a desire that the Damned have , to be delivered from those Torments that they now are in : O Father Abraham , saith he , have mercy upon me , and send Lazarus , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , and cool my Tongue , for I am tor●●●ted in this flame . These words , Father Abraham may have some difficulty in them . It is possible , that some may think them to be meant of Abraham , and those ; or him that ctieth out here , to be the Jews . Or it may be some may understand it to be GOD , or Jesus Christ his Son , which I rather suppose it may be , that is here cried out unto , because you find the same Cry to him , as it were uttered by the ungodly in other places of the Scripture ; as in Luke 13. vers . 25 , 26. Then shall they say , Lord , Lord , we have eat and drunk in thy presence , and thou hast taught in our streets . Nay more , In thy Name have we cast out Devils , and in thy Name done many wonderful Works . This was just at their rejection . And again in Matth. 25. 11. They cry again to him , even to Jesus , Lord , Lord , open to us . And he there again gives them a Repulse , as also in this Parable . But however , or whosoever Abraham is , yet these Truths may be observed from the words .

1. That the Damned , when in an irrecoverable estate , will seek for , or desire deliverance from the Wrath that they are , and shall be in for Eternity , Surely , in the Floud of great Waters , they shall not come nigh unto him .

2. That they will pray ( if I may so call it ) earnestly for deliverance from their miserable estate . These two Things are clear from the words . For mark , He not onely said , Father Abraham , have mercy upon me . But he cried , and said , Father Abraham have mercy on me . From whence , take a third observation , and that is , There is a time coming , wherein though men shall both cry and pray , yet they are like to have no mercy at the Hands of God ; for so was this man served , as I shall further shew by and by when I come to it .

Some People are so deluded by the Devil , as to think that God is so merciful , as to own or regard any thing for prayer ; They think any thing will go for currant and good satisfaction , while they are here in this World , through ignorance of the true nature of the Mercy of GOD , and the knowledge in what way God is satisfied for Sinners . Now I say , through ignorance they think , that if they do but mutter over some form of prayers , though they know not what they say , not what they request , yet God is satisfied , yea , very well satisfied with their doings ; when alas ! there is nothing less . O Friends , I beseech you to look about you , and seek in good earnest for the Spirit of Christ , so to help you now , ●o strive and pray , and to inable you to lay hold of Christ , that your Souls may be saved , lest the time come , that though you cry and p●ay , and wish also that you ●ad ●●●d hold on the Lord Jesus , yet you must , and shall be damned .

Then 〈…〉 ▪ th●● though God be willing to save Sinners at some time , yet this time do●h not always l●st . No , he that can find in his 〈◊〉 to turn hi● back upon Jesus Christ now , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon him hereafter , when he may cry and pray for mercy , and yet go without it . God will have a time to meet with them , that now do not seek after him : They shall have a time , yea , time enough hereafter to repent their Folly , and to befool themselves , for turning their backs upon the Lord Jesus Christ. I will laugh at their Calamities , saith he , and mock when their fear cometh , Prov. 1. 26 , 27.

Again , this should admonish us to take time while it is proffered , le●t we repent us of our unbelief and Rebellion , when we are deprived of it . Ah Friends ! Time is precious , an hours time to hear a Sermon is precious : I have sometimes thought thus with my self , Set the case the Lord should send two or three of his Servants , the Ministers of the Gospel , to Hell among the Damned with this Commission ; Go ye to Hell , and preach my Grace to those that are there : Let your Sermon be an hour long , and hold forth the Merits of my Sons Birth , Righteousness Death , Resurrection , Ascension , and Intercession with all my Love in him , and proffer it to them ; telling them ▪ that now once more , and but once , do I proffer the means of Reconciliation to them . They who are now roaring , being past hope , would then leap at the least proffer of Mercy : Oh they that could spend whole Days , Weeks , nay Years , in rejecting the Son of God , would now be glad of one Tender of that Mercy . Father , saith he , have mercy on me .

Again , from these words you may observe , that Mercy will be welcome , when Souls are under Judgment : Now his Soul is in the fire , now he is under the Wrath of God , now he is in Hell , there to be tormented ; now he is with the Devils and damned Spirits , now he feels the Vengeance of God : Now , oh now , have mercy on me . Here you may see , that Mercy is prized by them that are in Hell , they would be glad if they could have it . Father have Mercy on me ; For my poor Souls sake send me a little Mercy .

And send Lazarus , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , and cool my Tongue .

These words do not onely hold forth , that the ungodly have a desire of Mercy , but what those Mercies are , that these poor Creatures would be glad of .

As first , To have the company of a Lazarus , granted to them , Father Abraham have mercy upon me , and send Lazarus . Now Lazarus was he that was beloved of God , and also he that was hated of them . Therefore ,

2. Observe , That those Saints that the World in their Life-time could not in●ure , now they are departed , they would be glad to have society with them . O now send Lazarus , though the time was when I cared not for him , yet now let me have some Society with him .

Though the world disregard the society of Gods children now , yet there is a time coming in which they would be glad to have the least company with them . Nay , do but observe , those of the Saints that are now most rejected by them , even from them shall they be glad of comfort , if it might be . Send Lazarus ; he that I slighted more than my dogs , he that I could not endure should come into my house , but must lye at my gate , send him : Now Lazarus shall be welcome to me , now do I desire some comfort from him ; but he shall go without it .

From whence again observe , That there is a time coming , O ye surly dogged persecutors of the Saints , that they shall slight you as much as ever you slighted them . You have given them many an hard word , told many a lie of them , given them many a blow : And now in your greatest need and extremity they shall not pity you . The Righteous shall rather rejoyce when he seeth the vengeance of God upon thee , Psal. 58. 10.

Again , Send Lazarus . From whence observe , That any of the Saints shall then be owned by you to be Saints . Now ye look upon them to be of the Sect with Hymeneus and Philetus , but then you shall see them to be the Lazarus's of God , even Gods dear Children . Though now the Saints of the Lord will not be owned by you , because they are beggerly , poor , low , contemptible among you , yet the day is coming that you shall own them , desire their company , and wish for the least courtesie from them .

Send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , and cool my tongue , for I am tormented in this flame .

Thus shall the souls that abide in their sins , cry out in the bitterness of their spirits , with wonderful anguish and torment of conscience , without intermission ▪ that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue . That he , namely , the man who before I scorned should eat with the dogs of my flock , that before I slighted and had no regard of , that I shut out of door , send him , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue .

Now these words , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , &c. do hold forth the least friendship , or favour ; As if he should have said , Now I would be glad of the least mercy , now I would be glad of the least comfort , though it be but one drop of cold water on the tip of his finger . One would have thought that this had been a small request , a small courtesie , one drop of water , what is that ? Take a pail full of it , if that will do thee any good . But mark , he is not permitted to have so much as one drop , not so much as a man may hold upon the tip of his finger . This signifies , That they that fall short of Christ , shall be tormented even as long as eternity lasteth , and shall not have so much as the least ease , no not so long as while a man may turn himself round , not so much leave as to swallow his spittle , not a drop of cold water .

O that these things did take place in your hearts , how would it make you to seek after rest for your souls before it be too late , before the Sun of the Gospel be set upon you .

Consider , I say , the misery of the ungodly that they shall be in , and avoid their vices by closing in with the tenders of mercy , lest you partake of the same portion with them , and cry out in the bitterness of your souls , One drop of cool water and cool my tongue .

For I am tormented in this flame .

Indeed the reason why the poor world do not so earnestly desire for mercy is , partly because they do not so seriously consider the torment that they must certainly fall into if they die out of Christ. For let me tell you , did but poor souls indeed consider that wrath that doth by right fall to their shares because of their sins against God , they would make more haste to God through Christ for mercy then they do . Then we should have them say , it is good closing with Christ to day before we fall into such distress .

But why is it said , Let him dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue ? Because that as the several members in the body have heir share in sin , and committing of that , so the several members of the body , shall at that time be punished for the same . Therefore when Christ is admonishing his disciples , that they should not turn aside from him ; and that they should rather fear and dread the power of their God than any other power , he saith , Fear him therefore , that can cast both [ body ] and soul into hell , Luke 12. 4. And again , Fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell . Here is not one member only , but all the body , the whole body , of which the hands , feet ; eyes , ears , and tongue are members . And I am perswaded , that though this may be judged carnal by some now , yet it will appear to be a truth then to the greater misery of those who shall be forced to undergo , that which God in his just Judgment shall inflict upon them . O then they will cry , one dram of ease for my cursing , swearing , lying , jearing tongue . Some ease for my b●agging , braving , flattering , threatning , dissembling tongue : Now men can let their tongues run at randome ▪ as we use to say , now they will be apt to say , Our tongues are our own , who shall controle them ? Psal. 12. 4. But then they will be in another mind . Then O that I might have a little ease for my deceitful tongue .

Methinks sometimes to consider how some men do let their tongues run at random , it makes me marvel . Surely , they do not think they shall be made to give an account for their offending with their tongue . Did they but think they shall be made to give an account to him who is ready to judge the quick and the dead , surely they would be more wary of , and have more regard unto their tongue .

The tongue , saith James , is an unruly member full of deadly poyson , it setteth on fire the whole frame of nature , and is set on fire of hell , Jam. 2. The tongue , how much mischief will it stir up 〈◊〉 a very little time ? How many blows and wounds doth it cause ? How many times doth it ( as James saith ) curse man ? How oft is the tongue made the conveyer of that hellish poyson that is in the heart , both to the dishonour of God , the hurt of its neighbours , and the utter ruine of its own soul ? And do you think the Lord will sit still ( as I may say ) and let thy Tongue run as it lists , and yet never bring you to an account for the same ? No , stay ; The Lord will not alwayes keep silence , but will reprove thee , and set thy sins in order before thine eyes , O sinner . Yea , and thy Tongue , together with the rest of thy members , shall be tormented for sinning . And I say , I am very confident ▪ that though this be made light of now , yet the time is coming , when many poor souls will rue the day that ever they did speak with a tongue : O , will one say , that I should so disregard my tongue . O that I , when I said so and so , had before bitten off my tongue ! that I had been born without a tongue ! my tongue , my tongue , a little water to cool my tongue , for I am tormented in this flame ; even that flame that my tongue , together with the rest of my members , by sinning have brought me to . Poor Souls now will let their tongues say any thing for a little profit , for two pence or three pence gain . But , O what a grief will this be at that day , when they together with their tongue must smart for that which they by their tongues have done while they were in this world . Then you that love your souls , look to your tongues , lest you bind your selves down so fast to hell with the sins of your tongues , that you will never be able to get loose again to all eternity . For by thy words thou shalt be condemned , if thou have not a care of thy tongu . For I say unto you , that for every idle word that men shall speak , he shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment , Matth. 1● . 36.

Verse 25. But Abraham said , Son , remember , that thou in thy life-time hadst thy good things , and likewise Lazarus evill things , now he is comforted , and thou art tormented .

THese words are the answer to the request of the damned . The Verse before ( as I told you ) is a discovery of the desires they have after they depart this world . Here is the answer , Son , Remember , &c.

The answer signifies thus much , That instead of having any relief or ease , they are hereby the more tormented , and that by fresh recollections , or by bringing afresh their former ill-spent life , while in the world , into their remembrance : Son , Remember , thou hadst good things in thy life-time ; As much as if he had said , Thou art now sensible what it is to lose thy Soul , thou art now sensible what it is to put off repentance ; thou art now sensible that thou hast befooled thy self in that thou didst spend that time in seeking after outward , momentary , earthly things , which thou shouldest have spent in seeking to make Jesus Christ sure to thy soul ; and now through thy anguish of spirit , in the pains of hell thou wouldst enjoy that which in former time thou didst make light of ; but alas , thou art here beguiled and altogether disappointed , thy crying will now avail thee nothing at all , This is not the acceptable time . 2 Cor. 6. 2. This is not a time to answer the desires of damned Reprobates ; If thou hadst cryed out in good earnest while grace was offered , much might have been , but then thou wert careless , and didst turn the forbearance and goodness of God into wantonness : wert thou not told , that these who would not hear the Lord when he did call , should not be heard ( if they turned away from him ) when they did call , Prov. 1. 24. to 28. But contrariwise he would lough at their calamity , and mock when their fear did come .

Now therefore instead of expecting the least drop of mercy and favour , call into thy mind how thou didst spend those days which God did permit thee to live ; I say , remember , that in thy life-time thou didst behave thy self rebelliously against the Lord , in that thou wert careless of his Word and Ordinances , yea , and of the welfare of thine own soul also : therefore , now I say , instead of expecting or hoping for any relief , thou must be forced to call to remembrance thy filthy waies , and feed upon them to thine everlasting astonishment and confusion .

From these words therefore which say , Remember that thou in thy life time hadst thy good things . There are these things to be taken notice of .

1. They that by putting off repentance , and living in their sins , lose their souls , shall instead of having the least measure of comfort , when they come into hell , have their ill-spent life alwayes very fresh in their remembrance . While they live here , they can sin and forget it , but when they depart they shall have it before them , they shall have a remembrance , or their memory notably enlightened , and a clearer , and a continual sight of all their wicked practices , that they wrought and did while they were in the World. Son , remember , saith he , then you will be made to remember . 1. How you were born in sin , and brought up in the same .

2. Remember how thou hadst many a time the Gospel preached to thee for taking away of the same , by him whom the Gospel doth hold forth .

3. Remember that out of love to thy sins and lusts , thou didst turn thy back on the tenders of the same Gospel of good tidings and peace .

4. Remember that the reason why thou didst lose thy Soul was , because thou didst not close in with free grace , and the tenders of a loving and freehearted Jesus Christ.

5. Remember how near thou wast to turning at such and such a time , only thou wast willing to give way to thy lusts when they wrought , to drunkards when they called , to pleasures when they proffered themselves , to the cares and incumbrances of the world , which like so many thorns did choak that or those convictions that were set on thy heart .

6. Remember how willing thou wast to satisfy thy self with an Hypocrites hope , and with a notion of the things of God without the real power and life of the same .

7. Remember how thou , when thou wert admonished to turn , didst put off turning and repe●●ng till another time .

8. Remember how thou didst dissemble at such ● time ●●e at such a time , cheat thy neighbour at such a time , mock , slout , scoff , taunt , hate , persecute the people of God at such a time , in such a place , among such company .

9. Remember that while others were met together in the fear of the Lord to seek him , thou wast met with a company of vain companions to sin against him ; while the Saints were a praying , thou were a cursing ; while they were speaking good of the name of God , thou wert speaking evil of the Saints of God. O then thou shalt have a scalding hot remembrance of all thy sinful thoughts words and actions , from the very first to the last of them that ever thou didst commit in all thy life time : Then thou wilt find that Scripture to be a truth , ( Deut. 28. 65 , 66 , 67. ) The Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart , and failing of eyes , and sorrow of mind . And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee , and thou shalt fear day and night , and shalt have none assurance of thy life . In the morning , thou shalt say , would God it were even : and at even thou shalt say , would God it were morning ; for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear , and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see . Nay , thou wilt find worse things to thy wo then this Scripture doth manifest . For indeed there is no tongue able to express the horrour , terrour , torment , and eternal misery , that those poor souls shall undergo , without the least mitigation or ease and a very great part of it shall come from that quick , full , and continual remembrance of their sins that they shall have . And therefore there is much weight in these words , Son , remember that thou in thy life time hadst thy good things .

From these words you see this is to be observed , that the ungodly shall remember , or have in remembrance the mispending their lives , Remember that in thy life time thou hadst thy good things . You may take these words good things either simply , for the things of this world , which in themselves are called , and may be called good things , or else with these words , namely , ( the things of this life ) all the pleasures , delights , profits , and vanities , which the ignorant people of the world do count their good things , and do very much cheer themselves therewith . Soul , soul , eat , drink and be merry ▪ for thou hast much goods laid up for many years , Luke 12. 20. Now I say , God , according to his glorious Power and Wisdome , will make poor Creatures have alwayes in their minds a fresh and clear remembrance of their ill-spent life ; he will say unto them , Remember , remember , that in thy life-time , it was thus and thus with thee , and in thy life-time thy carriage was so and so .

If Sinners might have their choice , they would not have their sins and transgressions so much in remembrance ; as is evident by their carriages here in this Would : for they will not endure to entertain a serious thought of their filthy life , they put far away the evil day , Amos 6. 3. Ezek. 12. 27. but will labour by all means to put the thought of it out of their mind : but there they shall be made to remember to purpose , and to think continually of their ungodly deeds . And therefore it is said , that when our Lord Jesus comes to Judgment , it will be to convince the ungodly world of their wickel and ungodly deeds . Mark , To convince them , Jude 14 , 15. They will not willingly take notice of them now : But then they shall hereafter in spite of their teeth . And also between this and then , these that die out of Christ shall be made to see , acknowledg , and confess , do what they can , when they lift up their eyes in hell , and remember their transgressions . God will be a swift witness against them , Mal. 3. 5. and will say , Remember what thou didst in thy life-time , how thou didst live in thy life time . Ha Friend ! If thou dost not in these days of light remember the days of darkness , Eccles. 11. 8. ( the days of Death , Hell , and Judgment ) thou shalt be made in the days of Darkness , Death , Hell , and at the Judgment too , to remember the days of the Gospel , and how thou didst disregard them too , to thy own destruction , and everlasting misery . This is intimated in that 25. of Matthew .

Remember that in thy life-time thou hadst thy good things . ]

The great God , instead of giving the ungodly any ease will even aggravate their Torments , first , by slighting their perplexities , and by telling of them what they must be thinking of : Remember , saith he , O ye lost Souls , that you had your joy in your life-time , your peace in your life-time , your comforts , delights , ease , wealth health , your Heaven , your Happiness , and your Portion in your life-time .

O miserable state ! Thou wilt then be in a sad condition indeed , when thou shalt see that thou hast had thy good Things , thy best Things , thy pleasant Things ; for that is clearly signified by these words , Remember that thou in thy life-time hadst thy good things , or all the good things thou art like to have . From whence take notice of another Truth ( though it be a dreadful one ) which is this ; There are many poor Creatures , who have all their good , sweet , and comfortable Things in this Life , or while they are alive in this World : Remember , saith h●● that in thy life-time thou hadst thy good things , Psal. 17. 14.

The Wickeds good Things will shortly have an end ; They will last no longer with them than this Life , or their Life-●●ne . That Scripture was not written in vain , It is like the crackling of Thorns under a Pot , make a little blaze for a suddain , a little heat for a while , but come and consider them by and by , and instead of a comfortable heat , you will find nothing but a few dead Ashes ; and instead of a flaming fire , nothing but a smell of smoak .

There is a time coming , that the ungodly would be glad of a better portion , when they shall see the vanity of this ; that is , when they shall see what a poor thing it is , for a man to have his portion in this World. 'T is true , while they are here on this side Hell , they think there is nothing to be compared with Riches , Honours , and Pleasures in this World ; which makes them cry out , Who will shew us any good , Psal. 4. 6. that is comparable to the pleasures , profits , and glory of this World ? But then they will see there is another thing that is better , and of more value then Ten Thousand Worlds . And seriously Friends , will it not grieve you , trouble , perplex , and torment you , when you shall see that you lost Heaven for a little pleasure and profits in your Life-time ; certainly , it will grieve you and perplex you exceedingly to see what a blessed Heaven you left for a ▪ Dunghil World ▪ Oh! that you did but believe this , that you did but consider this , and say within your selves , What , shall I be contented with my portion in this World ? What , shall I lose Heaven for this World ? I say , consider it while you have Day-light , and Gospel-light , while the Son of God doth hold out Terms of Reconciliation to you , least you be made to hear such a voice as this is , Son , remember , that in thy life-time thou hadst thy good things : Thy comforts , thy joys , thy ease , thy peace , and all the Heaven thou art like to have : O poor Heaven ! O short pleasures ! what a pitiful thing it is to be left in such a case . Soul consider , is it not miserable to lose Heaven for 20 , 30 , or 40 Years sinning against God ? When thy Life is done , thy Heaven is also done ; when Death comes to separate thy Soul and Body , in that day also thou must have thy Heaven and Happiness separated from Thee , and Thou from That . Consider these Things betimes , lest Thou have thy portion in thy Life-time . For if in this life onely we have our portion , we are of all people the most miserable , ● Cor. 15. 19. Again consider , that when other men ( the Saints ) are to receive their good things , then thou hast had thine : When others are to enter into joy , then thou art to leave and depart from thy joy : When others are to go to God , thou must go to the Devil . Oh miserable ! thou hadst better thou hadst never been born , than to be an Heir of such a portion ; Therefore , I say , have a care it be not thy condition .

Remember , that thou hadst thy good things , and Lazarus evil things .

These words do not onely hold forth the misery of the Wicked in this Life , but also great consolation to the Saints , where he saith , And Lazarus evil things ; That is , Lazarus had his Evil Things in his Life-time , or when he was in the World.

From whence observe ,

1. That the Life of the Saints , so long as they are in this World , is attended with many Evils or Afflictions , which may be discovered to be of divers Natures , as saith the Scripture . Many are the troubles of the Righteous , but the Lord delivereth him out of all .

2. Take notice , that the Afflictions or Evils , that accompany the Saints , may continue with them their Life-time , so long as they live in this Vale of Tears ; Yea , and they may be divers , that is , of several sorts ; some outward , some inward , and that as long as they shall continue here below , as hath been the Experience of all Saints in all Ages ; and this might be proved at large , but I onely hint in these Things , although I might enlarge much upon them .

3. The Evils that do accompany the Saints will continue with them no longer than their Life-time : and here indeed lies the comfort of Believers , the Lazarus's , the Saints , they must have all their bitter Cup wrung out to them in their Life-time : Here must be all their Trouble , here must be all their Grief . Behold , saith Christ the World shall rejoyce , but you shall lament ; but your mourning shall , mark , it shall be turned into joy , Joh. 16. 2. You shall lament , you shall be sorrowful , you shall weep in your Life-time , but your sorrow shall be turned into joy , and your joy no man ( let him be what he will , no man ) shall take away from you . Now if you think , when I say the Saints have all their Evil Things in their Life-time , that , I mean , they have nothing else but Trouble in this their Life-time , this is your mistake : For let me test you , That though the Saints have all their Evil Things in their Life-time , yet even in their Life-time they have also joy unspeakable , and full of glory , while they look not at the things that are seen , but at the things which are not seen . The joy that the Saints have sometimes in their hearts , by a believing consideration of the good Things to come when this Life is ended , doth fill them fuller of joy , than all the Crosses , Troubles , Temptations , and Evils , that accompany them in this Life , can fill them with grief , 2 Cor. 4.

But some Saint may say , My troubles are such as are ready to overcome me . Answ. Yet be of good comfort , they shall last no longer than thy Life-time .

But my Trouble is , I am perplexed with an heart full of corruption and sin , so that I am much hindred in walking with God.

Answ. 'T is like so , but thou shalt have these Troubles no longer than thy Life-time . But I have a cross Husband , and that 's a great grief to me .

Well , but thou shalt be troubled with him no longer than thy Life-time , and therefore be not dismaid , be not discomforted , thou shalt have no Trouble longer than this Life-time .

Art thou troubled with cross Children , cross Relations , cross Neighbours ? They shall trouble thee no longer than this Life-time .

Art thou troubled with a cunning Devil , with unbelief ; yea , let it be what it will , thou shalt take thy farewel of them all ( if thou be a Believer ) after thy Life-time is ended . O excellent ! Then God shall wipe away all Tears from your Eyes ; There shall be no more Death , nor Sorrow , nor crying , nor any more pain ; for the former Things are passed away .

But now , on the contrary , if thou be not a right and sound Believer ; Then though thou should'st live a Thousand Years in this World , and meet with sore Afflictions every day ; Yet these Afflictions , be they never so great and grievous , they are nothing to that Torment that will come upon thee , both in Soul and in Body , after this Life is ended .

I say , be what thou wilt , if thou be found in unbelief , or under the first Covenant , thou art sure to smart for it at the time when thou dost depart this World ? But the Thing to be lamented is , For all this is so sad a condition to be fallen into , yet poor Souls are for the most part sensless of it ; yea , so sensless ( at sometimes ) as though there was no such misery to come hereafter . Because the Lord doth no immediately strike with his Sword , but doth bear long with his Creature , waiting that he might be gracious : Therefore , I say , the Hearts of some of the Sons of Men , are wholly set upon it to do mischief , Eccles. 8. 11. And that forbearance and goodness of God , that one would think should lead them to Repentance ; the Devil hardening of them by their continuing in sin , and by blinding their Eyes , as to the end of God's forbearance toward them , they are led away with a very hardned and sensless heart , even until they drop into Eternal Destruction .

But poor hearts , they must have a time in which they must be made sensible of their former Behaviours , when the just Judgments of the Lord shall flame about their Ears , insomuch that they shall be made to cry out again with anguish , I am sorely tormented in this flame .

But now he is comforted , and thou art tormented .

As if he should say , Now hath God recompenced both Lazarus and you , according to what you sought after , while you were in this World : As for your part , you did neglect the precious Mercy and goodness of God , you did turn your Back on the Son of God , that came into the World to save sinners : You made a Mock of preaching the Gospel ; You was admonished over and over , to close in with the loving kindness of the Lord in his Son Jesus Christ. The Lord let you live 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , Years ; all which time , you , instead of spending it , to make your Calling and Election sure , Job 21. 29 , 30. did spend it in making of Eternal Damnation sure to thy Soul. And also Lazarus , he in his Life-time did make it his business to accept of my Grace and Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. When thou wast in the Alehouse , he frequented the Word preached ; when thou wert jearing at goodness , he was sighing for the sins of the times , Eccles. 9. 4. While thou wert swearing , he was praying : In a word , while thou wert making sure of Eternal Ruine , he , by Faith in the Bloud of the Lord Jesus Christ , was making sure of Eternal Salvation . Therefore , Now he is comforted , and thou art tormented .

Here then you may see , that as the Righteous shall not be always void of comfort and blessedness ; so neither shall the ungodly go always without their punishment . As sure as God is in Heaven , it will be thus : They must have their several portions . And therefore , you that are the Saints of the Lord follow on , be not dismayed , For asmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord , 1 Cor. 15. last Verse . Your portion is Eternal Glory . And you that are so loath now to close in with Jesus Christ , and to leave your sins , to follow him , Your day is coming , Psal. 37. 13. in which you shall know , that your sweet morsels of sin , that you do so easily take down , Job 20. 12 , 13 , 14. and it scarce troubles you , will have a time so to work within you to your Eternal Ruine , that you will be in a worse condition , than if you had ten thousand Devils tormenting of you : Nay , you had better have been plucked Limb from Limb a thousand times ( if it could be ) than to be partakers of this Torment , that will assuredly , without Mercy , lie upon you .

Vers. 26. And besides all this , between us and you , there is a great Gulf fixed , so that they which would go from hence to you cannot , neither can they come to us , that would come from thence .

THese words are still part of that Answer , that the Souls in Hell shall have for all their Sobbings , Sighing ●grievous Cries , Tears and Desires , that they have , to be released out of those intollerable pains they feel , and are perplexed with . And O , methinks the words at the first view , if rightly considered , are enough to make any hard-hearted sinner in the World to fall down dead . The verse I last spake to was , and is a very terrible one , and aggravates the Torments of poor sinners wonderfully . Where he saith , Remember , that thou in thy life time hadst thy good things , and Lazarus his Evill things , &c. I say , these words are very terrible to those poor Souls that die out of Christ. But these latter words do much more hold out their sorrow . They were spoken , as to the present condition then upon the sinner : These do not onely back the former , but do yet further aggravate their misery , holding forth that which will be more intollerable : The former Verse is enough to smite any sinner into a swound , but this to make him fall down dead . Where he saith , And besides all this : There is still something to aggravate thy misery yet far more abundantly ; I shall briefly speak to the words , as they have relation to the Terrour spoken of in the verses before . As if he had said , Thou thinkest thy present state unsupportable , it makes thee sob and sigh , it makes thee to rue the time that ever thou wert born : Now thou findest the want of Mercy ; now thou wouldst leap at the least dram of it ; now thou feelest what it is to slight the Tenders of the Grace of God ; now it makes thee to sob , sigh , and roar exceedingly , for the anguish that thou art in . But besides all this , I have other Things to tell thee of , that will break thine heart indeed . Thou art now deprived of a Being in the World ; Thou art deprived of hearing the Gospel , the Devil hath been too hard for thee , and hath made thee miss of Heaven : Thou art now in Hell among an innumerable Company of Devils , and all thy sins beset thee round ; Thou art all over wrapped in flames , and canst not have one drop of water to give thee any ease ; Thou cryest in vain , for nothing will be granted ; Thou seest the Saints in Heaven , which is no small trouble to thy Damned Soul ; Thou seest , that neither God nor Christ takes any care to ease thee , or to speak any comfort unto thee . But besides all this , There thou art , and there thou art like to lie , never think of any ease , never look for any comfort ; Repentance now will do thee no good , the Time is past , and can never be called again ; look what thou hast now , thou must have for ever .

'T is true , I speak enough before to break thine heart asunder , But besides all this , there lye and swim in flame for ever : these words , Besides all this , are terrible words indeed . I will give you the scope of them in a similitude . Set case you should take a man , and tye him to a stake , and with red hot pincers , pinch off his flesh by little pieces for two or three years together , and at last , when the poor man cryes out for ease and help , the tormentors answer , Nay , but besides all this , you must be handled worse .

We will serve you thus these 20. years together , and after that we will fill your mangled body full of scalding lead , or run you through with a red hot spit , would not this be lamentable ? yet this is but a flea-biting to the sorrows of these that go to hell ; for if a man were served so , there would ere it were long be an end of him . But he that goes to Hell shall suffer ten thousand times worse torments then these , and yet shall never be quite dead under them . There they shall be ever whining , pining , weeping , mourning , ever tormented without ease , and yet never dissolved into nothing ; if the biggest devil in hell might pull thee all to peices , and rend thee small as dust , and dissolve thee into nothing , thou wouldest count this a mercy . But here thou mayest lye and fry , scorch and broil , and burn for ever . For ever , that is a long while , and yet it must be so long . Depart from me , saith Christ , into everlasting fire , into the fire that burns for ever , prepared for the devils and his Angels , Mat. 25. 41. Oh , thou that wert loath to foul thy foot if it were but dirty , or did but rain ; thou that wert loath to come out of the Chimney corner if the wind did but blow a little cold ; and wert loath to go half a mile , yea , half a furlong to hear the Word of God , if it were but a little dark ; thou that wert loath to leave a few vain companions to edify thy Soul ; thou shalt have fire enough , thou shalt have night enough , and evil company enough , thy belly full if thou miss of Jesus Christ ; and besides all this , thou shalt have them for ever and for ever .

O thou that dost spend whole nights in carding and dicing , in rio●ing and wantonness , thou that countest it a brave thing to swear as fast as the bravest , to spend with the greatest spend-thrift in the Countrey : thou that lovest to sin in a corner when no body sees thee ! O thou that for by-ends dost carry on an hypocrites profession , because thou wouldest be counted some body among the children of God , but art an enemy to the things of Christ in thine heart ; thou that dost satisfy thy self , either with sins , or a bare profession of godliness ; thy soul will fall into extream torment , and anguish , so soon as ever thou dost depart this world , and there thou shalt be weeping and gnawing thy teeth . Matth. 8. 11 , 12. And besides all this , thou art like never to have any ease or remedy , never look for any deliverance , thou shal● dye in thy sins , and be tormented as many years as there are stars in the firmament , or sands on the sea-shore ; and besides all this , thou must abide it for ever .

And besides all this , Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed , so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot , neither can they c●me to us that would come from thence . There is a great gulf fixed . ] You will say , what is that ? Answ. It is a nice question , therefore , first seek thou , rather to enter in at the straight gate , than curiously to enquire what this gulf is .

But 2dly , If thou wouldest needs know , if thou do fall short of heaven , thou wilt find it this : namely , The everlasting Decree of God ; that is , There is a Decree gone forth from God , That those who fall short of heaven in this world , God is resolved they shall never enjoy it in the world to come . And thou wilt find this gulf so deep , that thou shalt never be able to wade through it as long as eternity lasts . As Christ saith , Agree with thine adversary quickly , while thou art in the way with him , lest he hale thee to the Judg , and the Judg deliver thee to the Officer , and thou be cast into Prison ▪ I tell thee , thou shalt in no wise come out thence ( there is the gulf ) the Decree ; thou shalt not depart thence , till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing , or very last mite , Luke 12. 58 , 59. These words therefore , there is a great gulf fixed , I do understand to be the everlasting Decree of God : God hath Decreed , That those who go to Heaven , shall never go from thence again into a worse place ; and also those that go to hell , and would come out , they shall not come out thence again . And friend , this is such a gulf , so fixed by him that cannot lye , that thou wilt find it so which way soever thou goest , whether it be to Heaven or Hell. Here therefore thou seest how secure God will make those who dye in the Faith ; God will keep them in Heaven , but those that dye in their sins , God will throw them to Hell , and keep them there ; so that they that would go from Heaven to Hell , cannot , neither can they come from Hell , that would go to Heaven . Mark , he doth not say , they would not ; for oh how fain would these who have lost their souls for a lust , for two pence , for a jug of Ale , for a Strumpet , for this World ; come out of that hot scolding fiery Furnace of Gods eternal vengeance , if they might ; but here is their misery , they that would come from you to us , that is , from Hell to Heaven , cannot . They must not , they shall not , they cannot , God hath Decreed it , and is resolved the contrary , here therefore lyes the misery not so much that they are in Hell , but there they must lye for ever and ever . Therefore if thy heart would at any time tempt thee to fin against God , cry out , no , for then I must go to Hell , and lye there for ever . If the Drunkards , Swearers , Lyars , and Hypocrites did but take this Doctrine soundly down , it would make them tremble when they think of sinning . But poor Souls , Now they will make a mock at sin , Prov. 14. 9. and play with it as a child doth play with a rattle ; but the time is comming , that these rattles that now they play with , will make such a noise in their ears and Consciences , that they shall find , that if all the Devils in Hell were yelling at their heels , the noise would not be comparable to i● . Numb . 32. 23. Friend , Thy sins , as so many Blood-hounds , will first hunt thee out , and then take thee , and bind thee , and hold thee down for ever , Prov. 5. 22. They will gripe thee and gnaw thee as if thou hadst a nest of poisonous Serpents in thy bowels , Job 20. 14. and this will not be for a time , but as I have said , for ever , for ever , for ever .

Verse 27. Then he said , I pray thee therefore father , that thou wouldst send him to my fathers house .

THE Verses before , I told you , were spoken partly to hold forth a desire that the damned have to be freed of their endless misery . Now this Verse still holds forth the Cries of those poor souls very vehement , they would very fain have something granted to them , but it will not be ; as will more clearly appear afterward .

Then he said , I pray thee therefore Father , &c. ] As if he should say , Seeing I have brought my self into such a miserable condition , that God will not regard me , that my exceeding loud and bitter cryes will not be heard for my self , seeing I must not be admitted to have so much as one drop of cold water , nor the least help from the poorest Saint .

And seeing , besides all this , here my Soul must lie to all Eternity broyling and frying ; Seeing I must , whether I will or no , undergo the hand of eternal vengeance , and the rebukes of devouring fi●e ; seeing my state is such , that I would not wish a dog in my condition , Send him to my fathers house . It is worthy to be taken notice of , ( again ) who it is he desired should be sent , namely Lazaru● . O friend , see here how the stout hearts and stomachs of poor Creatures will be humbled , ( as I said before ) they will be so brought down , that those things that they disdained and made light of in this world , they would be glad of in the life to come : He who by this man was so slighted , as that he thought it a dishonour that he should eat with the dogs of his slock . What , shall I regard Lazarus ? sc●ubbed , beggarly Lazarus ? What , shall I so far dishonour my fair sumptuous and gay house , with such a scabbed creep-hedg as he ? No , I scorn he should be entertained under my roof . Thus in his life-time , while he was in his bravery : but now he is come into another world , now he is parted from his pleasures , now he sees his fine house , his dainty dishes , his rich neighbours and companions and he are parted asunder , now he finds instead of pleasures , torments ; instead of joy , heaviness ; instead of heaven , hell ; instead of the pleasures of 〈◊〉 , ●he horrour and guilt of sin : O now send Lazarus .

Lazarus it may be , might have done him some good , 〈◊〉 he might have been entertained in time past , 〈◊〉 might have perswaded him at least not to have gone on so grievously wicked , but he slights him , he will not regard him , he is resolved to disown him , though he lose his Soul for so doing . I , but now send Lazarus , if not to me , yet to my fathers house , and let him tell them from me , That if they run on in sin , as I have done , they must and shall receive the same wages that I have received .

Take notice of this , you that are despisers of the least of the Lazarus's of our Lord Jesus Christ : it may be now you are loath to receive these little ones of his , because they are not Gentlemen , because they cannot with Pontius Pilate speak Hebrew , Greek , and Latine . Nay , they must not , shall not speak to them , to admonish them , and all because of this .

Though now the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ may be preached to them freely , and for nothing ; nay , they are now desired to hear and receive it . Though now they will not own , regard , or imbrace these Christian profers of the glorious truth of Jesus , because they come out of some of the basest earthen vessels , 1 Cor. 1. 26. yet the time is coming when they will both sigh and cry , Send him to my fathers house . I say , remember this , ye that despise the day of small things : the time is coming , when you would be glad , if you might enjoy from God , from Christ , or his Saints , one small drop of cold water : though now you are unwilling to receive the glorious distilling drops of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus .

Again , see here the lamentable state they are in , that go to hell from their Fathers , Mothers , Sisters , Brothers , &c. While they are in this World , men delight to set their children ill examples ; and also children love to follow the wicked steps of their ungodly parents , but when they depart this life , and drop down into hell , and find themselves in irrecoverable misery , then they cry , Send some body to my Fathers house , to my Brothers house . Tell them my state is miserable , tell them I am undone for ever ; and tell them also , that if they will be walking in these ungodly steps wherein I left them , they will assuredly fall into this place of torments .

I pray thee send him to my Fathers House . ] Ah friends and neighbours , it is like you little think of this , that some of your friends and relations are crying out in hell , Lord send some body to my Fathers House , to preach the Gospel to them , lest they also come into these torments .

Here , men while they live , can willingly walk together in the way of sin , and when they are parted by death , they that are living , seldom or never consider of the sad condition , that they that are dead are descended into .

But ye ungodly fathers , how are your ungodly children , roaring now in hell ? and you ungodly children , how are your ungodly parents that lived and died ungodly , now in the pains of hell also ; and one drunkard is singing on the Ale-bench , and another roaring under the wrath of God , saying , O that I was with him , how would I rebuke him , and perswade him by all means , to leave off these evil courses . O that they did but consider what I now suffer for pride , covetousness , drunkenness , lying , swearing , stealing , wh●●●ng , and the like . Oh! did they but feel the tho●●●ndth part thereof , it would make them look about them , and not buy sin at so dear a rate as I have done ; even with the loss of my precious soul.

Send him to my Fathers house . ] Not to my Father , but to my Fathers House . It may be , there 's ungodly children , there 's ungodly servants , wallowing in their ungodliness , send him therefore to my Fathers house . It is like , they are still the same that I left them ; I left them wicked , and they are wicked still , I left them slighters of the Gospel , Saints , and wayes of God , and they do it still ; send him to my Fathers house , it is like there is but a little between them and the place where I am ; send him to day , before tomorrow , lest they come into the same place of torment . I pray thee that thou wouldst send him . ] I beg it on my bended knee , with crying and with tears , in the Agony of my soul. It may be , they will not consider , if thou do not send him ; I left them so●tish enough , hardned as well as I , they have the same Devil to tempt them , the same lusts and world to overcome them , I pray thee therefore , that thou wouldest send him to my fathers house ; make no delay lest they lose their souls , lest they come hither , if they do , they are like never to return again . O! little do they think , how easily they may lose their souls , they are apt to think their condition to be as ●ood as the best , as I once through ignorance did ▪ But send him , send him without delay , lest they ●●me into this place of torment . O that thou wouldest give him commission , do thou send him thy self ; the time was , when I , together with them slighted those that were sent of God , though we could not deny but he spake the word of God , and was sent of him as our consciences told us ; yet we preferred the calls of men , before the calls of God ; for though they had the one , yet because they had not the other in that Antichristian way which we thought meet , we could not , would not , either hear him our selves , nor yet give consent that others should . But now a call from God is worth all . Do ( thou ) therefore send him to my Fathers house .

The time was , when we did not like it , except it might be preached in the Synagogue , we though it a low thing to preach & pray together in houses : we were too high spirited , too superstitious , the Gospel would not down with us , unless we had it in such a place , by such a man ; no , nor then neither effectually : But now , Oh! that I was to live in the world again ; and might have that priviledge , to have some acquaintance with blessed Lazarus , some familiarity with that holy man ; what attendance would I give unto his wholesom words ? how would I affect his Doctrine , and close in with it ? how would I square my life thereby ? now ( therefore ) it is better to hear the Gospel under an hedge , then to sit roaring in a Tavern : it is better to welcome Gods begging Lazarus's , then the wicked companions of this world . It is better to receive a Saint in the name of a Saint , a Disciple in the name of a Disciple , Luke 10. 16. then to do as I have done . Oh! it is better to receive a child of God , that can by experience deliver the things of God , his free love , his tender grace , his rich forbearance ; and also the misery of man , if without it , then to be daubed up with untempered morter . Ezek. 13. Oh! I may curse the day that ever I gave way to the flatteries , and fawning of a company of carnal Clergy-men , but this my repentance is too late ; I should have looked about me sooner , if I would have been saved from this woful place . Therefore send him , not only to the Town I lived in , and unto some of my acquaintance , but to my Fathers house .

In my life time , I did not care to hear that word that cut me most , and shewed me mine estate aright .

I was vexed to hear my sins mentioned , and laid to my charge ; I loved him best that deceived me most , that said , peace , peace , when there was no such thing . Jer. 5. 30 , 31. But now , Oh that I had been soundly told of it ! Oh that it had pierced both mine ears and heart , and had stuck so fast , that nothing could have cured me , saving the blood of Christ ! It is better to be dealt plainly with , then that we should be deceived : they had better see their lost condition in the World , then stay while they be damned , as I have done : therefore send Lazarus , send him to my Fathers house . Let him go and say , I saw your son , your brother , in hell weeping and wailing , and gnashing his teeth : Let him beat them down in it , and te●l them plainly , it is so , and that they shall see to their everlasting misery , if they have not a special care , Send him to my Fathers house .

Verse 28. For I have five Brethren , that he may testifie unto them , lest they also come into this place of torment .

THese words are [ if I may so say ] a reason given by those in hell , why they are so restless , and do cry so loud , it is that their companions might be delivered from those intolerable torments , which they must and shall undergo , if they fall short of everlasting life by Jesus Christ. Send him to my Fathers house , for I have five brethren , &c. Though while they lived among them in the world , they were not so sensible of their ruine , yet now they are passed out of the world , and do partake of that which before they were warned of , they can I say , then cry out , now I find that to be true indeed , which was once and again told , and declared to me , that it would certainly come to pass .

For I have five brethren ] Here you may see , that there may be , and are , whole housholds in a damnable state and condition , as our Lord Jesus doth by this signifie . Send him to my Fathers house , for they are all in one state , I left all my brethren in a pittiful case . People while they live here , cannot indure to hear that they should be all in a miserable condition ; but when they are under the wrath of God , they see it , they know it , and are very sure of it ; for they themselves , when they were in the world , lived as they do , but they fell short of Heaven , and therefore if they go on , so shall they . Oh therefore send him quickly to my Fathers house , for all the house is in an undone condition , and must be damned if they continue so .

The thing observable is this , namely , that those that are in hell , do not desire that their companions should come thither ; nay , rather saith he , send him to my Fathers house , and let him testifie to them that are therein , lest they also come , &c

Quest. But some may say , what should be the reason , that the damned should desire not to have their companions come into the same condition that they are fallen into , but rather , that they might be kept from it , and escape that dreadful state .

Answ. I do believe there is scarce so much love in any of the damned in hell , as really to desire the salvation of any . But in that there is any desire in them that are damned , that their friends and relations should not come into that place of torment ▪ It appears to me , to be rather for their own ease , then for their neighbours good ; for let me tell you , this I do believe , that it will aggravate the grief and horrour of them , to see their ungodly neighbours in the like destruction with them : For where the ungodlie do live , and die , and descend into the pit together , the one is rather a vexation to the other , than any thing else . And it must needs be so , because there are no ungodlie people , that do live ungodlie together ; but they do learn ill examples one of another , as thus . If there live one in the Town that is verie expert and cunning for the World , why now the rest that are of the same mind with him , they will labour to imitate and follow his steps : this is commonlie seen .

Again , If there be one given to drunkenness , others of the Town through his means , ●un the more into that sin with him , and do accustom themselves the more unto it , because of his inticing them , and also by setting such an ill example before them . And so if there be any addicted to pride , and must needs be in all the newest fashions , how do their example provoke others to love and follow the same vanitie ; spending that upon their lusts , which should relieve their own and others wants . Also if there be any given to jesting , scoffing , lying , whoring , backbiting , junketting , wantonness , or any other sin ; they that are most expert in these things , do oft-times intangle others , that peradventure would not have been so vile as now they are , had they not had such an example , and hence they are called corruptors . Isa. 1. 4.

Now these will by their doings , exceedingly aggravate the condemnation of one another . He that did set his Neighbour an ill example , and thereby caused him to walk in sin : He will be found one cause of his friends destruction , insomuch , that he will have to answer for his own sins , and for a great part of his Neighbours too , which will still add to his destruction : as that Scripture in Ezekiel , sheweth , where speaking of the watchman , that should give the people warning , if he did not , though the man did die in his sins , yet his blood should be required at the Watchmans hand , Ezek 33.

So here let me tell thee , that if thou shouldest be such an one , as by thy conversation and practices , shalt be a trap and a stumbling-block , to cause thy neighbour to fall into eternal ruine , though he be damned for his own sin ; yet God may , nay , he will charge thee , as being guiltie of his blood , in that thou didst not content thy self to keep from Heaven thy self , but didst also by thy filthy conversation , keep away others , and cause them to fall with thee . O therefore , will not this aggravate thy torment ? Yea , if thou shouldest die , and go to Hell before thy neighbour , or companions , besides the guilt of thine own sins , thou wouldest be so ●oaden with the fear of the damnation of others to be laid to thy charge , that thou wouldest cry cut ; O send one from the dead , to this companion , and that companion , with whom I had society in my life-time , for I see my cursed carriage will be one cause of his condemnation , if he fall short of glory .

I left him living in foul and hainous offences : But I was one of the first instruments to bring him to them . Oh , I shall be guilty both of mine own , and his damnation too ! O that he might be kept out hence , lest my torment be aggravated by his coming ●ither .

For where ungodly people do dwel together , they being a snare and stumbling Block one to another by their practices , they must needs be a Torment one to another , and an aggravation of each others damnation . O cursed be thy Face , saith one , that ever I set mine Eyes on thee : It was long of thee ; I may thank thee : It was thee that did intice me and insnare me : It was your filthy conversation that was as a stumbling-block to me : It was your Covetousness , it was your Pride , your haunting the Ale-house , your Gaming and Whoring : It was long of you , that I fell short of life ; if you had set me a good Example , as you did set me an ill one , it may be I might have done better then now I do : But I learned of you , I followed your steps , I took counsel of you . O that I had never seen thy face ! O that thou hadst never bin born , to do my Soul this wrong as you have done : O saith the other , And I may as much blame you ; for do not you remember how at such a time , and at such a time , you drew me out , and drew me away , and asked me if I would go with you , when I was going about other business , about my Calling , but you called me away , you sent for me , you are as much in the fault as I ; though I were covetous you were proud ; and if you learned Covetousness of me , I learned Pride and Drunkenness of you : Though I learned you to cheat , you learned me to where to lye , to scoff at goodness . Though I base Wretch did stumble you in some things , yet you did as much stumble me in others . I can blame you , as you blame me ▪ and if I have to answer for some of your most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , you have to answer for some of mine . I would you had not come hither , the very looks of you doth wou●d my Soul , by bringing my sins afresh into my mind , the time when , the manner how , the place where , the persons with whom : It was with you , you ! grief to my Soul ! since I could not shun thy company there , Oh! that I had been without thy company here .

I say therefore , for these that have sinned together , to go to Hell together , it will very much perplex and torment them both . Therefore I judge this is one Reason , why they that are in Hell do desire , that their Friends , or Companions , do not come thither into the same place of Torment that they are in . And therefore , where Christ saith , that these Damned Souls cry out , Send to our Companions , that they may be warned and commanded to look to themselves . O send to my five Brethren : It is because they would not have their own Torments heigh●ned by their Company ; and a sense , yea , a continual sense of their sins , which they did cause them to commit , when they were in the World with them . For I do believe , that the very looks of those that have been beguiled by their Fellows , I say , their very looks will be a Torment to them : For thereby will the Remembrance of their own sins be kept ( if possible ) the fresher on their Consciences , which they committed with them ; and also they will wonderfully have the guilt of the others sins upon them , in that they were partly the cause of his committing them , being Instruments in the Hands of the Devil to draw them into . And therefore , lest this come to pass , I pray thee send him to my Fathers house . For if they might not come hither , peradventure my Torment might have some mitigation ; that is , If they might be saved , then their sins will be pardoned , and not so heavily charged on my Soul. But if they do fall into the same place where I am , the sins that I have caused them to commit will lie so heavy , not onely on their Souls , but also on mine , that they will sink me into Eternal Misery , deeper and deeper . O therefore send him to my Fathers house , to my five Brethren , and let him testifie to them , lest they come into this place of torment .

These words being thus understood : What a condition doth it shew them to be in then , that now so much delight in being the very Ring-Leaders of their Companions , into sinnes of all sorts whatsoever .

While men live here , if they can be counted the cunningest in Cheating , the boldest for Lying , the archest for Whoring , the subtillest for Covering , and getting the World : If they can but cunningly defraud undermine , cross , and anger their Neighbours ; y●a , and hinder them from the means of Grace , the Gospel of Christ ; They glory in 't , take a pride in 't , and think themselves pretty well at ease , and their Minds are somewhat quiet , being beguiled with sin .

But Friend , when thou hast lost this life , and dost begin to lift up thine Eyes in Hell , and seest what thy sins have brought thee to ; and not onely so , but that thou by thy filthy sinnes did'st cause others , ( Devil-like ) to fall into the same condemnation with thee : And that one of the Reasons of their Damnation was this , that thou didst lead them to the Commission of those wicked practices of this World , and the Lusts thereof . Then , Oh! that some body would stop them from coming , lest they also come into this place of Torment , and be damned as I am : How will it torment me ? Balaam could not be contented to be damned himself , but also he must by his wickedness cause others to stumble and fall . The Scribes and Pharisees could not be content to keep out of Heaven themselves , but they must labour to keep out others too . Therefore , theirs is the greater Damnation .

The Deceived cannot be content to be deceived himself , but he must labour to deceive others also . The Drunkard cannot be content to go to Hell for his own sins , but he must labour to cause others to fall into the same Furnace with him . But look to your selves , for here will be Damnation upon Damnation , damned for thy own sins , and damned for thy being a partaker with others in their sins ; and damned for being guilty of the damnation of others . O how will the Drunkard cry , for leading their Neighbours into drunkenness ? How will the covetous person howl for setting his Neighbour , his Friend , his Brother ; his Children and Relations , so wicked an Example ; by which he hath not onely wronged his own soul , but also the souls of others . The Liar , by lying , learned others to lie ; The Swearer learned others to swear ; The Whore-Monger learned others to whore .

Now all these , with others of the like sort , will be guilty , not onely of their own damnation , but also of the damnation of others . I tell you , that some men have so much been the Authors of the damnation of others , that I am ready to think , that the damnation of them will trouble them , as much as their own damnation . Some Men ( it is to be feared ) at the Day of Judgment , will be found to be the Authour of destroying whole Nations . How many Souls do you think Balaam , with his deceit , will have to answer for ? How many , Mahomet ? How many , the Pharisees , That hired the Souldiers to say the Disciples stole away Jesus ? Mat. 28. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. And by that means stumbled their Brethren to this day ; and was one means of hindring them from believing the Things of God and Jesus Christ ; and so the cause of the damnation of their Brethren to this very day .

How many poor Souls hath Bonner to answer for think you ? and several filthy blind Priests ? How many Souls have they been the means of destroying , by their Ignorance , and corrupt Doctrine ? Preaching , that was no better to their Souls , than Rats-bane to the Body , for filthy Lucres sake . They shall see , that they , many of them , it is to be feared , will have whole Towns to answer for ; whole Cities to answer for . Ah Friend , I tell thee , thou that hast taken in hand to preach to the People , it may be thou hast taken in hand thou canst not tell what : Will it not grieve thee , to see thy whole Parish come bellowing after thee to Hell , crying out , This we may thank thee for , this is long of thee , thou did●● not teach us the Truth ; Thou didst l●●d us away with Fables , thou wast afraid to tell us of our sin ▪ lest we should not put Meat fast enough in thy Mouth . O cu●sed wretch , that ever thou should'st beguile us thus ! deceive us thus ! flatter us thus ! We would have gone out to hear the Word abroad , but that thou didst reprove us ; and also tell us , That that which we see now is the way of God ▪ was Heresie , and a deceivable Doctrine ▪ and wast no● contented ( blind Guide as thou wert ) to f●ll into the Ditch thy self , but hast also led us thither with thee .

I say , look to thy self , lest thou cry out when it is too late : Send Lazarus to my people , my friends , my Children , my Congregation to whom I Preached , and beguiled through my folly . Send him to the Town in which I did Preach last , lest I be the cause of their damnation . Send him to my friends from whence I came , lest I be made to answer for their Soul and mine own too , Ezek. 33. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6.

O send him therefore , and let him tell them , and testify unto them , lest they also come into this place of torment . Consider this ye that live in the world , while you are in the land of the living , lest you fall into this condition . Set case thou shouldest by thy carriage destroy but a soul , but one poor soul , by one of thy carriages , or actions , by thy sinful works ; consider it now , I say , lest thou be forced to cry , I pray thee therefore that thou wouldest send him to my fathers house , for I have five brethren , that he may testify unto them , lest they also come into this place of torment .

If so , then I shall not only say to the blind guides , look you to your selves , and shut out others : no , but this doth reach in all those that do not only keep souls from heaven by preaching , and the like , but speaks forth the doom of those that shall any wayes be instrument●● to hinder others for closing in with Jesus Christ. O what red lines will those be against all these rich ungodly Landlords , that so keep under their poor Tenants , that they dare not go out to hear the word , for fear their Rent should be raised , or they turned out of their houses . What sayest thou , Landlord , will it not cut thy soul , when thou shalt see that thou couldest not be content to miss of heaven thy self , but thou must labour to hinder others also ? Will it not give thee an eternal wound in thy heart , both at death and judgment , to be accused of the ruine of thy neighbours soul , thy servants soul , thy wives soul , together with the ruine of thy own . Think on this you drunken , proud , rich , and scornful Landlords , think on this you mad-brain'd blasphemous Husbands , that are against the godly and chaste conversation of your Wives ; also you that hold your Servants so hard to it , that you will not spare them time to hear the word , unless it be where , and when your lusts will let you . If you love your own souls , your Tenants souls , your Wives souls , your Servants souls , your Childrens souls : if you would not cry , if you would not howl , if you would not bear the burden of the ruine of others for ever ; then I beseech you to consider this doleful story , and labour to avoid the soul-killing torment that this poor wretch groaneth under , when he saith , I pray thee therefore that thou wouldest send him to my fathers house .

For I have five brethren , that he may testify . Mark , that he may testify unto them , lest they also come into this place of torment .

These words have still something more in them then I have yet observed from them ; there are one or two things more that I shall briefly touch upon , and therefore , Mark , he saith , That he may testify unto them , &c. Mark I pray you , and take notice of the word , Testify . He doth not say , and let him go unto them , or speak with , or tell them such and such things . No , but let him testify , or affirm it constantly , in case any should oppose it . Let him testify to them . It is the same word the Scripture useth to set forth the vehemency of Christ his telling of his Disciples of him that should betray him . And he testifyed , saying , One of you shall betray me . And he testified , that is , he spake it so , as to dash , or overcome any that should have said , It shall not be . It is a word that signifies , That in case any should oppose the things spoken of , yet that the party speaking should still continue constant in his saying . And he commanded them to preach , and to testify , that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judg of quick and dead . To testify , Mark , that is , to be constant , irresistible , undaunted , in case it should be opposed and objected against . So here , let him testify to them , lest they come into this place of torment .

From whence observe , That it is not an easy matter to perswade them who are in their sins alive in this world , that they must and shall be damned if they turn not , and be converted to God. Let him testify to them , let him speak confidently , though they frown upon him , or dislike his way of speaking . And how is this truth verified and cleared by the carriages of almost all men now in the World , toward them that do Preach the Gospel ; and shew their own miserable state plainly to them if they close not with it . If a man do but indeed labour to convince sinners of their sins , and lost condition by nature , though they ●ust be damned if they live and dye in that condition ; Oh how angry are they at it . Look how he judges , say they ; hark how he condemns us ; he tells us we must be damned if we live and dye in this state ; we are offended at him , we cannot abide to hear him , or any such as he ; we will believe none of them all , but go on in the way we are a going ; forbear , why shouldest thou be smitten , said the ungodly ▪ King to the Prophet , when he told him of his sins , 2 Chron. 25. 15 , 16.

I say , tell the drunkard he must be damned if he leaves not his drunkenness , the swearer , lyar , cheater , thief , covet●us , railers , or any ungodly persons , they must and shall lye in Hell for it , if they dye in this condition ; they will not believe you , nor credit you .

Again , tell others that there are many in Hell , that have lived and dyed in their conditions , and so are they like to be if they convert not to Jesus Christ , and be found in him ; or that there are others that are more civil and sober men , who , ( although we know that their civili●y will not save them ) if we do but tell them plainly of the emptiness , and unprofitableness of that , as to the saving of their souls , and that God will not accept them , nor love them , notwithstanding these things , and that if they intend to be saved , they must be better provided than with such a righteousness as this ; they will either fling away , and come to hear no more , or else if they do come , they will bring such prejudice with them in their hearts , That the Word Preached shall not profit them , it being mixed , not with Faith , but with prejudice in them that hear it , Heb. 4. 1 , 2. Nay , they will some of them be so full of anger , that they will break out and call , even those that speak the truth , Hereticks ; yea , and kill them , Luke 4. 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29. And why so ? Because they tell them , That if they live in their sins , that will damn them , yet if they turn and live a righteous life , according to the holy and just , and good Law of God , that will not save them . Yea , because we tell them plainly , that unless they leave their sins and righteousness too , and close in with a naked Jesus Christ , his bloud and merits , and what he hath done , and is now doing for sinners , they cannot be saved ; and unless they do eat the flesh of the Son of Man , and drink his Bloud , they have no life abiding in them : they gravel presently , and are offended at it ( as the Jews were with Christ for speaking of the same thing to them , Joh. 6. 53 , 60. ) and fling away themselves , their souls and all , by quarrelling against the doctrine of the Son of God , as indeed they do , though they will not believe they do ; and therefore he that is a Preacher of the Wo●● , had need , not only tell them , but testify to them , again , and again , that their sins , if they continue in them , will damn them , and damn them again . And tell them again , their living honestly according to the Law , their paying every one their own , their living quietly with their neighbours , their giving to the poor , their notion of the Gospel , and saying , they do believe in Christ , will do them no good at the general day of Judgment . Ha friends ! how many of you are there at this very day , that have been told once and again of your lost undone condition , because you want the right , real , and saving work of God upon your souls ? I say , hath not this been told you , yea , testified unto you from time to time , that your state is miserable , that yet you are never the better , but do still stand where you did ; some in an open ungodly life , and some drowned in a self-conceited holiness of Christianity ? Therefore for Gods sake , if you love your souls , consider , and beg of God for Jesus Christs sake , that he would work such a work of Grace in your hearts , and give you such a Faith in his Son Jesus Christ , that you may not only have rest here , as you think , not only think your state safe while you live here ; but that you may be safe indeed , not only here , but also when you are gone , lest you do cry in the anguish and perplexity of your Souls , Send one to my companions that have been beguiled by Satan , as I have been ; and so by going on , come into this place of torment , as I have done .

Again , one thing more is to be observed from these words , Let him testify to them , lest they come into this place of torment .

Mark , lest they come in , as if he had said , or else they will come into this place of torment , as sure as I am here . From whence observe , That though some Souls for sin do fall into the bottomless pit of Hell before their fellows , because they depart this World before them ; yet the other abiding in the same course , are as sure to go to the same place as if they were there already . How so ? Because they are all condemned together , they have all fallen under the same Law ▪ and have all offended the same Justice ; and must for certain , if they dye in that condition , drink as deep , if not deeper , of the same destruction . Mark , I pray you what the Scriptures say , He that believeth not , is condemned already , John 3. 18.

He is condemned as well as they , having broken the same Law with them : if so , then what hinders , but they will partake of the same destruction with them ? only the one hath not the Law yet so executed upon them , because they are here ; the other have had the Law executed upon them , they are gone to drink that which they have been brewing , and thou art brewing that in this life , which thou must certainly drink . The same Law , I say , is in force against you both , only he is executed , and thou art not . Just as if there were a company of Prisoners at the Bar , and all condemned to dye ; what , because they are not all executed in one day , therefore shall they not be executed at all ? Yes , the same Law that executed its severity upon the parties now deceased , will for certain be executed on them that are alive , in its appointed time . Even so it is here , we are all condemned by nature , if we close not in with the Grace of God by Jesus Christ , we must and shall be destroyed with the same destruction ; and therefore , send him ( saith he ) lest , Mark , lest they come into this place of torment .

Again , Send him to my Fathers house and let him testify to them , lest they come into this place of torment . As if he had said , I● may be he may prevail with them ; It may be he may win upon them , and so they may be kept from hence , from coming into this grievous place of torment . Observe again , That there is a possibility of obtaining mercy , if now , I say , now in this day of Grace we turn from our sins to Jesus Christ ; yea , it is more then possible . And therefore for thy incouragement , do thou know for certain , that if thou shalt in this thy day accept of mercy upon Gods own Terms , and close with him effectually , God hath promised , yea , made many Promises , that thy Soul shall be conducted safe to glory , and shall for certain escape all the evils that I have told thee of ; I , and many more then I can imagine . Do but search the Scriptures , and see how full of consolation they are to a poor Soul that is minded to close in with Jesus Christ. He that cometh to me ( saith Christ ) I will in no wise cast out . Though he be an old sinner , I will in no wise cast him out . Mark , in no wise , though he be a great sinner , I will in no wise cast him out , if he come to me . Though he have slighted me never so many times , and not regarded the welfare of his own Soul , yet let him now come to me , and notwithstanding this , I will in no wise cast him out , nor throw away his Soul , John 6. 37. Again , saith the Apostle . Now ( Mark now ) is the accepted time , now is the day of Salvation . Now here is mercy good store , now Gods heart is open to sinners ; now he will make you welcome ; now he will receive any body if they do but come to Christ. He that comes to me ( saith Christ ) I will in no wise cast out . And why ? Because now is the accepted time , now is the day of Salvation , 2 Cor. 6. 2 , 3. As if the Apostle had said , If you will have mercy , have it now , receive it now , close in with it now .

God hath a certain day to hold out his grace to sinners ; Now is the time , now is the day . 'T is true , there is a day of damnation , but this is a day of Salvation . There is a day coming , wherein sinners must cry to the Mountains to fall on them , to the Hills to cover them from the wrath of God ; but now , now , is the day in which he doth hold out his grace . There is a day a coming , in which you will not be admitted to have the priviledge of one drop of water to cool your tongue ; if now , I say , if now you slight his grace and goodness which he holds out to you . Ah friends , consider there is now hopes of mercy , but then there will not ; now Christ holds forth mercy unto you , but then he will not . Mat. 7. 23. Now there are his Servants that do beseech you to accept of his grace ; but if thou lose the opportunity that is put into thine hand , thou thy self mayst beseech hereafter , and no mercy be given thee . And he cryed and said , Father Abraham have mercy on me , and send Lazarus , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water , and cool my tongue . And there was none given . Therefore , let it never be said of thee , as it will be said of some ; Why is there a price put into the hand of a fool , seeing he hath no heart to it : Seeing he hath no heart to make a good use of it , ( Prov. 17. 16. ) consider therefore with thy self , and say , It is better going to Heaven then Hell ; it is better to be saved than damned ; it is better to be with Saints , than with damned souls ; and to go to God , is better than to go to the Devill .

Therefore , seek the Lord while he may be found , and call upon him while he is near . Isa. 55. 6. Lest in thy trouble he leave thee to thy self , and say unto thee plainly , Where I am , thither ye cannot come . Joh. 8. 21.

O if they that are in Hell might but now again have one such invitation as this , how would they leap for joy . I have thought sometimes , should God send but one of his Ministers to the damned in Hell , and give him Commission to preach the free love of God in Christ extended to them , and held out to them , if now while it is profered to them they will accept of his kindness ; O how welcome would they make this news , and close in with it on any tearms !

Certainly they would say , we will accept of grace on any tearms in the World , and thank you too , though it cost life and limbs to boot , we will spare no cost , nor charge , if mercy may be had . But poor souls , while they live here they will not part from sin , with hell-bred , devilish sin : No , they will rather lose their souls , then lose their filthy sins .

But friend , thou wilt change thy note before it be long , and cry , O simple wretch that I am that I should damn my soul by sin !

'T is true , I have had the Gospel preached to me , and have been invited in : I have been preached to , and have been warned of this ; but how have I hated instruction , and mine heart despised reproof ? I have not ob●yed the voice of my teachers , nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me . Prov. 5. 10 , 11. O therefore , I say , poor soul ! I● there hope ? then lay thine hand upon thy mouth , and kiss the dust , and close in with the Lord Jesus Christ , and make much of his glorious mercy , and invite also thy companions to close in with the same Lord Jesus Christ , ●est one of you do go to Hell before-hand , and expect with grief of heart , your companions to come after : And in the mean time , with anguish of heart do si●h and say ,

O send him to my companions , and let him testifie to them , lest they also come into this place of torment !

Now then from what hath been said there , might many things be spoken by way of Use and Application : But I shall be very brief , and but touch some things , and so wind up .

And first , I shall begin with the sad condition of those that die out of Christ , and speak something to that .

Secondly , to the latter end of the Parable , which more evidently concerns the Scripture , and speak somewhat to that .

1. Therefore you see , that the former part of the Parable contains a sad declaration of the state of one living and dying out of Christ ; how that they lose Heaven for Hell , God for the Devil , light for darkness , joy for sorrow . 2. How that they have not so much as the least comfort from God , who in the time they live here below , neglect coming to him for mercy ; not so much as one drop of cold water . 3. That such souls will repent of their folly , when repentance will do them no good , or when they shall be past recovery . 4. That all the comfort such souls are like to have , they have i● in this world . 5. That all their groanings and sighs , will not move God to mitigate in the least , his heavy hand of vengeance , that is upon them , for the transgressions they have committed against him . 6. That their sad state is irrecoverable ; or they must never , ( mark ) never come out of that condition . 7. There , desires will not be heard for their ungodly neighbours .

From these things then , I pray you consider the state of those that ●ie out of Christ Jesus , yea I say , consider their miserable state ; and think thus with thy self . Well , if I neglect coming to Christ , I must go to the devil , and he will not neglect to fetch me away into those in●olerable torments .

Think thus with thy self ; What ▪ shall I lose a long Heaven for short pleasure ? shall I buy the pleasures of this world at so dear a rate , as to lose my soul for the obtaining of that ? Shall I content my self with a Heaven , that will last no longer than my life ▪ time ? What advantage will these be to me , when the Lord shall separate soul and body asunder , and send one to the grave , the other to hell , and at the Judgement-day , the final Sentence of eternal ruine must be past upon me ?

6. Consider , that the profits , pleasures , and vanities of this world , will not last ever , but the time is coming , yea just at the doors , when they will give thee the slip , and leave thee in the suds , and in the brambles of all that thou hast done .

And therefore to prevent this thy dismal state , think thus with thy self . ▪ T is true , I do love my sins , my lusts , and pleasures ; but what good will they do me at the day of death , and of judgement ? Will my sins do me good then ? will they be able to help me when I come to fetch my last breath ? What good will my profits do me ? and what good will my vanities do , when death sayes he will have no nay ? What good will all my companions , fellow jesters , jeerers , lyars , drunkards , and all my wantons do me ? will they help to ease the pains of hell ? will these help to turn the hand of God from inflicting his fierce anger upon me ? Nay , will not they rather cause God to shew me no mercy , to give me no comfort ; but rather to thrust me down into the hottest place of hell , where I may swim in fire and Brimstone .

3. Consider thus with thy self ; Would I be glad to have all , every one of my sins to come in against me to inflame the justice of God against me ? would I be glad to be bound up in them , as the three Children were bound in their clothes , and to be as really thrown into the fiery Furnace of the wrath of Almighty God , as they were into Nebuchadnezzars fiery Furnace .

4. Consider thus . Would I be glad to have all , and every one of the Ten Commandements , to discharge themselves against my soul ? The first saying damn him , for he hath broken me . The second saying damn him , for he hath broken me , &c.

Consider how terrible this will be , yea more terrible , then if thou shouldest have ten of the biggest Pieces of Ordnance in England , to be discharged against thy body ; thunder , thunder , one after another . Nay , this would not be comparable to the reports that the law ( for the breach thereof ) will give against thy soul : For those can but kill the body ; but these will kill both body and soul ; and that , not for an hour , a day , a month , or a year , but they will condemn thee for ever .

Mark , it is for ever , for ever . It is into everlasting damnation , eternal destruction , eternal wrath and displeasure from God , eternal gnawings of conscience , eternal continuance with devils .

O consider , it may be the thought of seeing the devil doth now make thine hair to stand right up on thy head . O but this to be damned , to be among all the devils , and that not only for a time , as I said before , but for ever to all eternity .

This is wonderfully miserable , ever miserable ; that no tongue of man , no nor of Angels , is able to express it .

5. Consider much with thy self , not onely my sins against the law will be laid to my charge ; but also the sins I have committed in slighting the Gospel , the glorious Gospel : these also must come with a voyce against me . As thus , Nay , he is worthy to be damned , for he rejected the Gospel , he slighted the free grace of God tendered in the Gospel . How many times wast thou ( damned wretch ) invited , intreated , beseeched to come to Christ , to accept of mercy , that thou mightest have Heaven , thy sins pardoned , thy soul saved , and body and soul glorified , and all this for nothing but the acceptance , and through faith forsaking those imps of Satan , which by their embracements have drawn thee downward toward the gulf of Gods eternal displeasure ?

How often didst thou read the promises , yea , the free promises of the common salvation ? How oft didst thou read the sweet counsels and admonitions of the Gospel , to accept of the grace of God ? but thou wouldst not , thou regardest it not , thou didst slight all ?

2. As I would have thee to consider the sad and woful state of those tha● die out of Christ , and are past all recovery ; so would I have thee consider the many mercies and priviledges thou enjoyest above some ( peradventure ) of thy companions that are departed to their proper place .

As first , Consider , thou h●st still the thread of thy life lengthned , which for thy sins , might seven years ago , or more , have been cut asunder , and thou have dropped down among the flames .

2. Consider , the tearms of reconciliation by faith in Christ , is still profered unto thee , and thou invited , yea intreated to accept of it .

3. Consider , the tearms of reconciliation are but ( bear with me though I say but ) onely to believe in Jesus Christ , with that faith that purifies the heart , and enables thy soul to feed on him effectually , and be saved from this sad state .

4. Consider , the time of thy departure is at hand , and the time is uncertain , and also that for ought thou knowe●● , the day of grace may be past to thee before thou diest , not lasting so long as thy uncertain life in this world . And if so , then know for certain , that thou art as sure to be damned , as if thou wert in hell already , if thou convert not in the mean while .

5. Consider , it may be some of thy friends are giving all diligence to make their Calling and Election sure , being resolved for Heaven , and thou thy self endeavourest as fast to make sure of hell , as if resolved to have it : and together with this , consider how it will grieve thee , that while thou wert making sure of hell , thy friends were making sure of Heaven ; but more of this by and by .

6. Consider , what a sad reflection this will have on thy soul , to see thy friends in Heaven , and thy self in hell ; thy Father in Heaven , and thou in hell ; thy Mother in Heaven , and thou in hell ; thy Brother , thy Sister , thy Children in Heaven , and thou in hell . As Christ said to the Jews of their relations , according to the flesh , so may I say to thee concerning thy friends , There shall be weeping and wailing , and gnashing of teeth , when ye shall see your Fathers and Mothers , Brethren and Sisters , Husbands and Wives , Children and Kinsfolk , with your friends and neighbours , in the Kingdom of Heaven , and thou thy self thrust out , Luk. 13. 27 , 28 , 29.

But again , because I would not onely tell thee of the damnable state of those that die out of Christ , but also perswade thee to take hold of Life , and go to Heaven , take notice of these following Things .

1. Consider , that whatever thou canst do , as to thy acceptance with God , is not worth the dirt of thy shoes , but is all as menstruous Rags , Isa. 64. 6. 2. Consider , that all the Conditions of the New Covenant ( as to Salvation ) are and have bin compleatly fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ , and that for sinners . 3. Consider , That the Lord calls to thee , for to receive whatsoever Christ hath done , and that on free-cost , Rev. 22. 17. 4. Consider , That thou canst not honour God , more than to close in with his proffers of Grace , Mercy , and Pardon of sin , Rom. 4.

Again , That which will adde to all the rest , Thou shalt have the very Mercy of GOD , the Bloud of Christ , the Preachers of the Word , together with every Sermon ; all the Promises , Invitations , Exhortations , and all the Counsels and Threatnings of the Blessed Word of God : Thou shalt have all thy Thoughts , Words , and Actions , together with all thy Food , thy Rayment , thy sleep ▪ thy Goods , and also all hours , days , weeks , Months , and Years , together with whatsoever else God hath given thee ; I say , thy abuse of all these shall come up in Judgment against thy Soul. For God will reckon with thee for every thing , whether it be good or bad , Eccles. 12. 14.

5. Nay farther , it is so unreasonable a thing for a sinner to refuse the Gospel , that the very Devils themselves will come in against thee , as well as Sodom that Damned Crue : May not they , I say , come in against thee , and say , O thou simple man ! O vile Wretch ! that had not so much care of thy Soul , thy precious Soul , as the Beast hath of his Young , or the Dog of the very Bone that lyeth before him . Was thy Soul worth so much , and didst thou so little regard it ? Were the Thunder-Claps of the Law so terrible , and didst thou so slight them ? Besides , was the Gospel so freely , so frequently , so fully tendered to thee , and yet hast thou rejected all these Things ?

Hast thou valued sin at a higher rate than thy soul ? than God , Christ , Angels , Saints , and Communion with them in Eternal Blessedness and Glory ? Wast thou not told of Hell-fire , those intollerable flames ? Didst thou never hear of the intollerable Roarings of the Damned Ones that are therein ? Didst thou never hear or read that ●oleful saying in the 16. of Luke , how the sinful man cries out among the flames , One drop of water to cool my tongue . Thus I say may the very Devils , being ready to go with thee into the Burning Furnace of Fire and Brimstone , though not for sins of so high a nature as thine , trembling say , Oh that Christ had died for Devils , as he died for Man ! And , Oh that the Gospel had bin preached to us , as it hath bin to thee ! How would we have laboured to have closed in with it ? But woe be to us , for we might never have it proffered : no , nor in the least , though we would have been glad of it . But you , you have had it proffered , preached , and proclaimed unto you , Prov. 8. 4. Besides , you have been intreated , and beseeched to accept of it , but you would not . O simple Fools ! that might have escaped Wrath , Vengeance , Hell-fire , and that to all Eternity , and had no heart at all to do it .

6. May not the Messengers of Jesus Christ also come in with a shrill and terrible Note against thy Soul , when thou standest at the Bar of God's Justice , saying , Nay , Thou ungodly one , how often hast thou been forewarned of this day ? Did we not found an Alarum in thine Ears , by the Trumpet of God's Word day after day ? How often didst thou hear us tell thee of these Things ? Did we not tell thee sin would damn thy Soul ? Did we not tell thee , that without Conversion , there was no Salvation ? Did we not tell thee , that they who loved their sinnes , should be damned at this dark and gloomy day , ( as thou art like to be . ) Yet did we not tell thee , that God , out of his love to sinners , sent Christ to die for them , that they might ( by coming to him ) be saved ? Did we not tell thee of these Things ? Did we not run , ride , labour , and strive abundantly ( if it might have been ) for the good of thy Soul , ( though now a damned Soul ? Did we not venture our Goods , our Names , our Lives ? Yea , did we not even kill our selves , with our earnest intreatings of thee to consider of thine Estate , and by Christ to escape this dreadful day ? O sad doom ! when thou shalt be forced full sore against thy will , to fall under the Truth of this Judgment , saying , O how have I hated Instruction , and how hath my heart despised Reproof ? ( for indeed ) I have not obeyed the voice of my Teachers , nor inclined mine Ear to them that instructed me , Prov 5. 11 , 12 , 13.

7. May not thy Father , thy Mother , thy Brother , thy Sister , thy Friend . &c. appear with gladness against thee at the terrible day ? Saying , Oh thou silly Wretch ! How rightly hath God met with thee ? O how righteously doth his Sentence pass upon thee ? Remember , thou would'st not be ruled , nor perswaded in thy Life-time : As thou didst not care for us , and our Admonitions then ▪ so neither do we care for thy Ruine , Terror , and Damnation now . No , but we will stand on God's side in sentencing of thee to that portion , which the Devils must be partakers of . The Righteous shall rejoyce when he seeth the Vengeance , he shal wash his foot in the bloud of the wicked , Psal. 58. 10. O sad ! it is enough to make Mountains tremble , and the Rocks to rend in pieces , to hear this doleful sound . Consider these Things , and if thou would'st be loth to be in this condition , then have a care of living in sin now . How loth wilt thou be , to be thrust away from the Gates of Heaven , and how loth wilt thou be to be deprived of the Mercy of God ?

How willingly wilt thou set foot forward towards the Lake of Fire ? Never did Malefactor so unwillingly turn off the Ladder , when the Halter was about his Neck , as thou wilt turn from God to the Devil , from Heaven to Hell , when the Sentence is passed upon thy Soul.

Oh how wilt thou sigh and groan ! How willingly would'st thou hide thy self , and run away from Justice : But alas ! as it is with them that are on the Ladder ready to be executed , so it will be with thee : They would fain run away , but there are many Halberd-men to stay them : And so the Angels of God will beset thee round , I say , round on every side ; so that thou may'st indeed look , but run thou canst not : Thou mayst wish thy self under some great Rock or Mountain , Rev. 6. 15 , 16. but how to get under , thou know'st not .

Oh how unwilling wilt thou be , to let thy Father go to Heaven without thee , thy Mother or Friends , &c. go to Heaven without thee ? How willingly would'st thou hang on them , and not let them go ? O Father , cannot you help me ? Mother , cannot you do me some good ? O how loath am I to burn and fry in Hell , while you are singing in Heaven ! But alas , the Father , Mother , or Friends reject them , slights them , and turn their Backs upon them , saying , You would have none of Heaven in your life-time , therefore you shall have none of it now : You slighted our Counsels then , and we slight your tears , cries , and condition now . What sayest thou sinner , will not this perswade thine heart , nor make thee bethink thy self ? This is now before thou fall into that dreadful place , that fiery Furnace . But O consider how dreadful the place it self , the Devils themselves , the fire it self will be . And this at the end of all , here thou must lie for ever , here thou must fry for ever , and for ever . This will be more to thee , than any man with Tongue can express , or with Pen can write : There is none that can , I say , by the Ten Thousand part discover the state and condition of such a Soul.

I shall conclude this then with a few Considerations of Incouragement .

1. Consider , ( for I would fain have thee come in sinner ) that there is way made by Jesus Christ for them that are under the Curse of God , to come to this comfortable and blessed state of Lazarus , I was speaking of . See Ephes. 2.

2. Consider , what pains Christ Jesus took for the Ransoming of thy Soul from all the Curses , Thunder-claps , and Tempests of the Law ; from all the intollerable flames of Hell ; from that Soul-sinking appearance of thy person ( on the left hand ) before the Judgment-Seat of Christ Jesus , from everlasting fellowship , with innumerable Companies of yelling , and Soul-amazing Devils . I say , consider what pains the Lord Jesus Christ took , in bringing in Redemption for sinners , from these Things .

1. In that , Though he were rich , yet he became poor , that thou , through his poverty , might be made rich , 2 Cor. 8 , 9. He laid aside his glory , Joh. 17. and became a servant , Phil. 2. He left the company of Angels , and incountred with the Devil , Luk. 4. Mat. 4. He left Heavens ease for a time , to lie upon hard Mountains , Joh. 8. In a word , he became poorer , than they that go with flail and rake ; yea , then the very Birds or Foxes , and all to do thee good . Besides , consider a little of these unspeakable and intollerable slightings , and rejections , and the manifold abuses that came from Man upon him . How he was falsly accused , being a sweet , harmless , and undefiled Lamb. How he was undervalued , so that a Murtherer was counted less worthy of condemnation than he . Besides , how they mocked him , spa● on him , beat him over the head with staves , had the hair pluckt from his cheeks . I gave my Back to the Smiters , ( saith he ) and my Cheeks to them that plucked off the hair ; I hid not my Face from shame and spitting . His Head crowned with Thorns , his Hands pierced with Nails , and his Side with a Spear ; together , with how they used him , scourging him , and so miserably misusing him , that they had even spent him in a great measure before they did crucifie h●m . Insomuch , that there was another fain to carry his Cross.

Again , not only this , but lay to heart a little what he receiv'd from GOD his dear Father , though he were his dear and tender Son. First , in that he did reckon him the greatest Sinner and Rebel in the World : For he laid the sins of Thousands , and Ten Thousands , and Thousands of Thousands of Sinners to his charge , Esay 53. And caused him to drink the terrible Cup that was due to them all : and not onely so , but did delight in so doing ; For it pleased the Lord to bruise him . God dealt indeed with his Son , as Abraham would have dealt with Isaac , I , and more terribly by Ten Thousand parts : For he did not only tear his Body like a Lion , but made his Soul an Offering for Sin. And this was not done fainedly , but really ( for Justice call'd for it , he standing in the room of Sinners ) witness that horrible and unspeakable Agony that fell on him suddainly in the Garden , as if all the Vials of God's unspeakable scalding Vengeance had been cast upon him all at once , and all the Devils in Hell had been broken loose from thence at once to destroy him , and that for ever ; insomuch , that the very pangs of Death seized upon him in the same hour . For , saith he , My Soul is exceeding sorrowful and amazed , even unto death , Mark 14. 33 , 34.

Witness also that strange kind of sweat , that trickled down his most blessed F●ce , where it is said . And he sweat , as it were , great drops or clodders of blood trickling down to the ground . O Lord Jesus , what a Load didst thou carry ? What a Burthen didst thou bear of the sins of the World , and the Wrath of God! O thou didst not onely bleed at Nose and Mouth , with the pressure that lay upon thee , but thou wast so pressed , so loaden , that the pure bloud gushed through the flesh and skin , and so ran trickling down to the ground . And his sweat was as it were , great drops of bloud , trickling or falling down to the ground , Luk. 22. 44. Canst thou read this , O thou wicked sinner , and yet go in sin ? Canst thou think of this , and defer Repentance one hour longer ? O heart of flint ! yea , harder . O miserable Wretch ! what place in Hell will be hot enough for thee to have thy Soul put into , if thou shalt persist , or go on still to adde Iniquity to Iniquity ?

Besides his Soul went down to Hell , Psal●6 ●6 . 10. Act. 2. 31. and his Body to the bars of the Grave . And ●ad 〈◊〉 , D●●th , o● the Grave been strong enough ●o hol● him , then he had suffe●'d the Vengeance of Eternal Fire to all Eternity . But O blessed Jesus ! how didst thou discover thy Love to Man in thy thus suffering ? And O God the Father ! how didst thou also declare thy purity and exactness of thy Justice , in that , though it was thine onely , holy , innocent , harmless , and undefiled Son Jesus , that did take on him our Nature , and represen● our persons , answering for our sins , instead of our selves : Thou didst so wonderfully pour out thy Wrath upon him , to the making of him cry out , My God my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? And O Lord Jesus ! what a glorious Conquest hast thou made over the Enemies of our Souls , even Wrath , Sin , Death , Hell , and Devils , in that thou didst wring thy self from under the power of them all ? And not only so , but hast led them Captive , which would have led us Captive ; and also hast received for us that glorious and unspeakable Inheritance , That Eye hath not seen , n●r Ear heard , neither hath it entred into the heart of Man to conceive . And also hast given thine some discovery thereof through thy Spirit .

And now Sinner , together with this , consider ,

Fourthly , That though Jesus Christ hath done all these Things for Sinners , yet the Devils make it their whole work , and continual study , how they may keep thee and others from enjoying of these blessed Priviledges , that have been thus obtain'd for Sinners by this sweet Jesus . He labours , I say ,

First , To keep thee ignorant of thy state by Nature . Secondly , To harden thy Heart against the ways of God. Thirdly , To inflame thy Heart with love to sin , and the ways of darkness .

And fourthly , To get thee to continue herein . For that is the way , he knows , to get thee to be a partaker with him of the flaming Hell-fire , even the same that he himself is fallen into ; together with the rest of the wicked World by reason of sin . Look to it therefore .

But now , in the next place , a word of incouragement to you that are the Saints of the Lord.

1. Consider , what an happy state thou art in , that hast gotten the Faith of the Lord Jesus into thy Soul. ( But be sure thou have it ) I say , how safe , how sure , how happy art thou . For when others go to Hell , thou must go to Heaven ; when others go to the Devil , thou must go to God ; when as others go to Prison , thou must be set at Liberty , at Ease , and at Freedom ; when others must roar for sorrow of heart , then thou shalt also sing for the joy of heart .

Secondly , consider thou must have all thy well spent Life to follow thee , instead of all thy sins : and the glorious blessings of the Gospel , instead of the dreadful Curses and Condemnations of the Law. The blessing of the Father , instead of a fiery Sentence from the Judge .

Thirdly , Let dissolution come when it will , it can do thee no harm ; for it will be but onely a passage out of a Prison , into a Palace ; out of a Sea of Troubles , into an Haven of Rest ; out of a Croud of Enemies , to an innumerable Company of true , loving , and faithful Friends ; out of shame , Reproach , and Contempt , into exceeding great and Eternal Glory . For Death shall not hurt thee with his sting , nor bite thee with his Soul-murmuring Teeth , but shall be a welcome Guest to thee , even to thy Soul , in that it is sent to free thee from thy Troubles which thou art in whiles here , in this World , dwelling in the Tabernacle of Clay .

Fourthly , consider , however it goes with Friends and Relations , yet it will go well with thee , Eccl. 8. 12.

However it goes with the Wicked , yet I know , Mark , yet I know ( saith he ) that it shall go well with them that fear the Lord , that fear before him .

And therefore let this , in the first place , cause thee chearfully to exercise thy patience , under all the Calamities , Crosses , Troubles , and Afflictions , that may come upon thee : and by patient continuance in well-doing , to commit both thy self , and thine Affairs , and Actions , into the Hands of God , through Jesus Christ , as to a faithful Creator , who is true in his Word , and loveth to give unto thee , whatsoever he hath promised to thee .

And therefore to incourage thee , while thou art here with comfort , to hold on for all thy Crosses in this thy Journey , be much in considering the place that thou must go into , so soon as dissolution comes .

It must be into Heaven , to God the Judge of all , to an innumerable Company of Angels , to the Spirits of just men made perfect , to the General Assembly , and Church of the first-born , whose Names are written in Heaven , and to Jesus ( too the Redeemer ) who is the Mediator of the New Covenant , and to the Bloud of sprinkling that speaks better Things for thee , than Abels did for Cain , Heb. 12 , 22 , 23 , 24.

3. Consider , That when the time of the dead that they shall be raised is come , then shall thy body be raised out of the grave , and be glorified , and be made like to Jesus Christ , Phil. 3. 21. O excellent condition .

4. When Jesus Christ shall sit on the throne of his glory , you also shall sit with him , even when he shall sit on the throne of his glory . O will not this be glorious , that when thousands , and thousands of thousands shall be arraigned before the Judgment-seat of Christ , then for them to sit with him upon the throne , together with him to pass the sentence upon the ungodly , 1 Cor. 6. 2. 3. Will it not be glorious to enjoy those things that eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , neither hath entred into the heart of man to conceive .

Will it not be glorious to have this sentence , Come ye blessed of my Father , inherit the Kingdome prepared for you before the Foundation of the World. Will it not be glorious to enter then with the Angels and Saints into that glorious Kingdome ? Will it not be glorious for thee to be in glory with them , while others are in unu●terable torments ? O then ! how will it comfort thee to sea thou hast not lost that glory ; to think that the devil hath not got thy soul , that thy soul should be saved , and that not from a little , but from an exceeding danger ; not with a little , but a great salvation . O therefore let the Saints be joyful in glory , let them triumph over all their enemies . Let them begin to sing heaven upon earth , triumph before they come to glory , salvation , even when they are in the midst of their Enemies ; For this honour shall all his Saints have , Psal. 149. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9.

Ver. 29. Abraham said unto him , they have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them .

IN the Verses foregoing , you see there is a discovery of the lamentable state of the poor soul that dyes out of Christ , and the special favour of God. And also how little the glorious God of Heaven doth regard and take notice of their most miserable condition .

Now in this verse , he doth magnify the word which was spoken to the People by the Prophets and Apostles , They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them . As if he should say , thou askest me that I should send Lazarus back again into the World , to Preach to them that live there , that they might escape that doleful place that thou art in : what needs that ? have they not Moses and the Prophets ? have they not had my Ministers and Servants sent unto them , and coming as from me ? I sent Enoch , and Noah , Moses , and Samuel . I sent David , Isaiah , Jeremiah , Ezekiel , Daniel , Hosea , and the rest of the Prophets , together with Peter , Paul , John , Matthew , James , Jude , with the rest ; Let them hear them . What they have spoken by Divine inspiration , I will own , whether it be for the damnation of those that reject , or the saving of them that receive their Doctrine : And therefore what need have they that one should be sent unto them in another way ? They have Moses , and the Prophets , Let them hear them ; let them receive their word , close in with the Doctrine declared by them . I shall not at this time speak any thing to that word ( Abraham ) having touched upon it already ; but shall tell you what is to be understood by these words , They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them . The things that I shall observe from hence , are these , 1. That the Scriptures spoken by the Holy Men of God , are a sufficient rule to instruct to Salvation , them that do assuredly believe and close in with what they hold forth . They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them . That is , if they would escape that doleful place , and be saved indeed from the intollerable pains of Hell fire , as they desire , they have that which is sufficient to counsel them , They have Moses and the Prophets , let them be instructed by them , Let them hear them , 2 Tim. 3. 16 , 17. For all Scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof , for correction , for instruction in Righteousness ; why , that the man of God may be perfect , throughly furnished to every good work .

Do but mark the words , All Scripture is profitable : All , take it where you will , and in what place you will ; All is profitable , for what ? That the man of God , or he that is bound for Heaven , and would instruct others in their progress thither .

It is profitable to instruct him , in case he be ignorant ; to reprove him , in case he transgress ; to correct him , if he hath need of it ; to confirm him , if he be wavering . It is profitable for doctrine , and all this in a very righteous way , that the poor soul may not only be helped , but throughly furnished , nor only to some , but to all good works . And when Paul would counsel Timothy , to stick close to the things that are sound and sure , presently he puts him upon the Scriptures , saving , Thou hast from a Child known the Scriptures , which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation , through Faith which is in Christ Jesus . The Scripture holds forth Gods mind and will of his love and mercy towards man , and also the creatures carriage towards him from first to last : so if thou wouldest know the love of God in Christ to sinners , Then search the Scriptures , for they are they that testify of him .

Wouldst thou know what thou art , and what is in thy heart , then search the Scriptures , and see what 's written in them , Rom. 3. from 9. 10 18. Rom. 1. 19. 30 , 31 , 32. Jer. 17. 9. Gen. 6. 5. chap. 8. 21. Eph 4. 18. with many others . The Scriptures I say , they are able to give a man perfect instruction into any of the things of God necessary to Faith and Godliness , if he have but an honest heart , seriously to weigh and ponder the several things contained in them . As to instance in things more particular for the further clearing up of this ; And first , if we come to the Creation of the World.

Wouldest thou know somewhat concerning that , then read Gen. 1 , and 2. chapters , and compare them with Psal. 33. at the 6. Also Isaiah , 66. 2. Prov. 8. towards the end .

Wouldest thou know whether he made them of something or nothing , read Heb. 11. 3.

Wouldest thou know whether he put forth any labour in making them , as we do in making things , read Psal. 33. 9.

If thou wouldest know whether man was made by God , corrupt or upright , read Eccles. 7. 26. Gen. 1. 10 , 18 , 25 , 31.

Wouldest thou know where God did place man after he had made him , read Gen. 2. 15.

Wouldest thou know whether that man did live there all his time or not , then read Gen. 3. 23 , 24.

If thou wouldest know whether man be still in that state by nature , that God did place him in , then read Eccl. 7. 26. and compare it with Rom. 5. 16. and Eph. 2. 1 , 2 , 3. God made man upright , but he hath sought out many inventions .

If thou wouldest know whether the man were first beguiled , or the woman that God made an help meet for him , read Gen. 3. 6. and compare it with 1 Tim. 2. 14.

Wouldest thou know whether God looked upon Adams eating of the forbidden Tree , to be sin , or no , read Rom. 5. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. and compare it with Gen. 3. 17.

Wouldest thou know whether it were the Devil who beguiled them , or whether it was a natural Serpent , such as do haunt the desolate places , read Gen. 3. 12. with Rev. 20. 1 , 2 , 3.

Wouldest thou know whether that sin be imputed to us , read Rom. 5. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. and compare it with Eph. 2. 2.

Wouldest thou know whether man was cursed for his sin , read Gal. 3. 10. Rom. 5. 15.

Wouldest thou know whether the curse did fall on man , or on the whole creation with him , compare Gen. 3. 17. with Rom. 8. 20 , 21 , 22.

Wouldest thou know whether man be defiled in every part of him by the sin he hath committed , then read Isa. 1. 6.

Wouldest thou know mans inclination so soon as he is born , read Psal. 58. 3. The wicked are estranged from the Womb , they go astray so soon as they be born .

Wouldest thou know whether man once fallen from God by transgression , can recover himself by all he can do , then read Rom. 3. 20 , 23.

Wouldest thou know whether it be the desire of the heart of man by nature , to follow God in his own way , or no●-compare Gen. 6. 5. and Gen. 8. 21 with Hos. 11. 7.

Wouldest thou know how Gods heart stood affected towards man before the World began , compare Eph. 1. 4. with 2 Tim. 1. 9.

Wouldest thou know whether sin were sufficient to draw Gods love from his Creatures , compare Jer●m . 3. 7. and Micah . 7. 18. with Rom. 5. 6 , 7 , 8.

Wouldest thou know whether Gods love did still abide towards his Creatures for any thing they could do to make him amends , then read Deut. 11. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8.

Wouldest thou know how God could still love his Creature , and do his Justice no wrong , read Rom. 3. 24 , 25 , 26. Being justified freely by his Grace ▪ through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus , Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation for sin , through Faith in his bloud , to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past , through the forbearance of God. To declare , I say , at this tim● his righteousness , that he might be just , and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus . That is , God having his Justice satisfied , in the bloud , and righteousness , and death of his own Son Jesus Christ , for the sins of poor sinners , he can now save them that come to him , though never so great sinners , and do his Justice no wrong , because it hath had a full and compleat satisfaction given it by that bloud , 1 Joh. 1. 7 , 8.

Wouldest thou know who he was , and what he was , that did out of his love die for sinners , then compare Joh. 3. 16 , 17. Rom. 5. 8. with Isa. 9. 6.

Wouldest thou know whether this Saviour had a body of flesh and bones , before the World was , or took it from the Virgin Mary , then read Gal. 4. 4.

Wouldest thou know , whether he did in that body bear all our sins , and where , then read 1 Pet. 2. 24. Who bare our sins in his own body on the tree .

Wouldest thou know , whether he did rise again after he was crucified with the very same body , then read Luke 24. at ver . 38 , 39. 40 , 41.

Wouldest thou know whether he did eat or drink with his Disciples after he arose out of the Grave , then read Luke 24. 42. and Acts 10. 41.

If thou wouldest be perswaded of the truth of this , that that very body is now above the Clouds and Stars , read Acts 1. 9 , 10 , 11 , and Luke 24. toward the end .

If thou wouldest know , that the Quakers hold an errour , that say the body of Christ is within them ; consider the same Scripture .

Wouldest thou know what that Christ that died for sinners , is doing in that place whether he is gone , then read Heb. 7. 24.

Wouldest thou know , who shall have life by him , read 1 Tim. 1. 14. 15. and Rom. 5. 6 , 7 , 8. which say , Christ died for sinners , for the ungodly .

Wouldest thou know , whether they that live and die in their sins , shall go to Heaven , or not , then read 1 Cor. 6. 9 , 10. Rev. 21. 8 , 27. which saith , They shall have their part in the like , that burns with fire and Brimstone .

Wouldest thou know whether mans obedience will obtain that Christ should die for them , or save them , then read Mark 2. 17. Rom. 5. 7.

Wouldst thou know whether Righteousness , Justification , and Sanctification , doth come through the vertue of Christs blood , compare Rom. 5. 9. with Heb. 12. 12.

Wouldest thou know whether natural man can abstain from the outward act of sin against the Law , meerly by a principal of nature , then compare well Rom. 2. 14. with Phil. 3. 6.

Wouldest thou know whether a man by nature may know something of the invisible things of God , compare seriously , Rom. 1. 20. 21. with Rom. 2. 14. 5.

Wouldest thou know how far a man may go on in a profession of the Gospel , and yet fall away , then read , Heb. 6. 4 ▪ 5 , 6. They may taste the good word of God , and the powers of the world to come . They may taste the Heavenly gift , and be partakers of the Holy Ghost , and yet so fall as never to be recovered , or renewed again unto repentance : see also Luke 13.

Wouldest thou know how hard it is to go to Heaven , read Mat. 7. 13 , 14. Luke 13. 24.

Wouldest thou know , whether a man by nature be a friend to God , or an enemy , then read Rom. 5. 11. Col. 1. 21.

Wouldest thou know what , or who they are that shall go to Heaven ; then read John 3. 3. 5. 7. and 2 Cor. 5. 17. Also wouldest thou know what a sad thing it is for any to turn their backs upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ , then read Heb. 10. 28 , 29. and Mark 16 ▪ 16.

Wouldest thou know what is the wages of sin , then read , Rom. 6. 23.

Wouldest thou know whither those do go , that die unconverted to the faith of Christ , then read Psal. 9. 17. and Isa. 14. 9.

Reader , here might I spend many sheets of paper , yea , I might upon this subject , write a very great Book , but I shall now forhear , desiring thee to be very conversant in the Scriptures , for they are they that will testifie of Jesus Christ , Joh. 5. 39. The Bereans were counted noble upon this account ; These were more noble then those of Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind , and searched the Scriptures daily , &c. Acts 17. 11. But here let me give thee one caution , that is , have a care that thou do not satisfie thy self with a bare search of them , without a real application of him whom they testifie of , to thy soul , lest instead of faring the better for thy doing this work , thou dost fare a great deal the worse & thy condemnation be very much heightned , in that , though thou didst read so often the sad state of those that die in sin , and the glorious estate of them that close in with Christ , yet thou thy self shouldst be such a fool as to lose Jesus Christ , notwithstanding thy hearing , and reading so plentifully of him .

They have Moses and the Prophets , let them 〈◊〉 them . ]

As if he should say , What need have they that one should be sent to them from the dead ? Have they not Moses and the Prophets ? hath not Moses told them the danger of living in sin . Deut. 27. from ver . 15. to ver . 26. And chap. 28. 15. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. 20. &c. to the end of the Chapter : also chap. 29. 18 , 19 , 20 , 21. hath he not there told them , what a sad state these persons are in , that deceive themselves with the deceit of their hearts , saying , They shall have peace , though they follow their sins in these words . And when he heareth the words of this curse , he bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace , though I go on or walk in the imagination of my heart , to add drunkenness to thirst . The Lord will not spare that man , but then the anger of the Lord , and his jealousie shall smoak against him , and all the curses that are written in this Book , shall lie upon him : and the Lord shall blot out his name from under Heaven .

Again , did not Moses write of the Saviour that was to come afterwards into the World. Deut. 18. 18. Nay , have not all the Prophets from Samuel , with all those that follow after , prophesied , and foretold these things : therefore what need have they that I should work such a miracle , as to send one from the dead unto them ? They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them .

From whence observe again , That God doth honour the writings of Moses and the Prophets , as much , nay more , than if one should rise from the dead : Should not a People seek unto their God ? what , seek for the living among the dead ? To the Law , and to the Testimonies , ( saith God ) if they speak not according to this word , it is because there is no light in them . Isa. 8. 19 20. And let me tell you plainly , I do believe that the Devil knows this full well , which makes him labour to beget in the hearts of his Disciples and followers , light thoughts of them ; and doth perswade them , that even a motion from their own beguiled conscience , or from his own wicked Spirit , is to be observed , and obeyed before them : when the very Apostle of Jesus Christ , though he heard a voice from the excellent glory , saying , This is my beloved Son , &c.

Yet writing to the Churches , he commends the writings of the Prophets before it , saying , We have also a more sure word of the Prophets , unto which ye do well to take heed , &c. 2 Pet. 1. 17 , 18 , 19. Now if thou doubtest , whether that place be meant the Scriptures , the words of the Prophets , or no , read but the next Verse , where he addeth for a certain confirmation there of these words . Knowing this first , that there is no Prophecy of the Scriptures , of any private interpretation ▪ for Prophecy came not in old time●y the will of man , but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost .

And therefore , what a sad thing is it with those that go about to disown the Scriptures . I tell you , however they may slight them n●w , yet when they come into h●ll , they will see their folly , They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them . ]

Further , who are they that are so tossed to and fro , with the several winds of doctrine , that have been bro●ched in these dayes , but such , for the most part , as have had a light esteem of the Scriptures ; for the ground of errour ( as Christ saith ) is because they know not them , Mark 12. 24. And indeed , it is just with God , to give them over to follow their own dark blinded consciences , to be led into errours , that they might be damned into hell , who did not believe that the things contained in the Scripture were the truth , that they might be saved and go to Heaven . It cannot well tell how to have done speaking for , and on the Scriptures side , only this I consider , A word is enough to the wise ; and therefore I shall commit these things into the hands of them that are of God : and as for the rest , I shall say to them , rather than God will save them from h●ll with the breach of his holy word , if they had a thousand souls a piece , God would destroy them all ; for the Scriptures cannot be broken . John 10 ▪ 35.

Verse 30. And he said , nay Father Abraham , but if one went unto them from the dead , they would repent .

THe Verse before , you know , as I told you , it was part of an answer to such as lose their souls , so it is a vindication of the Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets ▪ They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them .

Now this Verse is an answer to what was said in the former , and such an one as hath in it a rejection of the former answer . Nay Father Abraham . Nay saith he , do not say so , do not put them off with this ; send one from the dead , and then there will be some hopes . 'T is true , thou speakest of the Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets and sayest , let them hear them ; but these things are not so well as I could wish , I had rather thou woulest send one from the dead . In these words therefore , Nay , Father Abraham , there is a repulse given . Nay , let it not be so . Nay , I do not like of that answer ; Hear Moses and the Prophets ? nay . The same expression is used by Christ , Luke 13. 2 , 3. Think you ▪ that they upon whom the ●●ower of Siloe fell , were sinn●rs above others ? I tell you nay , for except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish . So here , Nay Father Abraham , &c.

By this word Nay , therefore is signified , a rejecting the first answer .

Now observe , I pray you , the reason why he sayes nay , is , because God doth put over all those that will be saved , to observe and receive the truth contained in Scripture , and believe that . To have a high esteem of them , and to love and search them , as Christ saith , Search the Scriptures , — for they are they which testify of me , Joh. 5. 39. But the damned say , Nay ; as if he had said , This is the thing to be short , my brethren are unbelievers , and do not regard the Word of God , I know it by my self ▪ for when I was in the World , it was so with me ; Many a good Sermon did I hear , many a time was I admonished , desired , intreated , beseeched , threatned , forewarned of what I now suffer : But alas , I was ignorant , self-conceited , surly , obstinate , and rebellious . Many a time the Preacher told me , hell would be my portion , the devil would wreck his malice on me , God would pour on me his sore displeasure , but he had as good have preached to the stock , to the post , to the stones I trod on ; his words rang in mine ears , but I kept them from my heart . I remember he alledged many a Scripture , but those I valued not ; the Scriptures , thought I , what are they ? a de●d letter , a little Ink and Paper , of three or four shillings price . Alas , what is the Scripture , give me a Ballad , a News-book , George on Horsback , or Bevis of Southamp●on ; give me some book that teaches curious Arts , that tells of old Fables ; but for the Holy Scriptures I cared not . And as it was with me then , so it is with my brethren now ; we were all of one spirit , loved all the same sins slighted all the same counsels , promises , incouragements , and threatnings of the Scriptures ; and they are still as I left them , still in unbelief , still provoking God , and rejecting good counsel , so hardned in their wayes , so bent to follow sin , that let the Scriptures be shewed to them daily , let the Messengers of Christ preach till their hearts ake , till they fall down dead with preaching , they will rather trample it under-foot , and swine-like rent them , than close in with those gentle and blessed proffers of the Gospel .

Nay Father Abraham , but if one should rise from the dead , they would repent . Though they have Moses and the Prophets , ( the Scriptures ) they will not repent and close in with Jesus Christ , though the Scriptures do witness against them . If therefore there be any good done to them , they must have it another way . I think , saith he , it would work much on them , if one should rise from the dead . And this truth indeed is so evident , that ungodly ones have a light esteem of the Scriptures , that it needs not many strong Arguments to prove it , being so evidently manifested by their every dayes practice , both in words and actions , almost in all things they say and do . Yet for the satisfaction to he Reader , I shall shew you by a Scripture o● two , ( though I might shew many ) that this was , and is true with the generality of the world . See the words of Nehemiah in his 9th Chapter , concerning the Children of Israel , who though the Lord afforded them mercy upon mercy , as it is from ver . 19 ▪ to ver . 25. yet ver . 26. saith he , Nevertheless they were disobedient for all thy goodness towards them , and rebelled against thee , ( but how ? ) and cast thy Law behind their back : Slew the Prophets which testified against them , to turn them to thee ; and they wrought great provocations . Observe , 1. They sinned against mercy . And then 2. They slighted the Law , or Word of God. 3. They slew the Prophets that declared it unto them . 4. The Lord coun●s it a great provocation . See Heb. 3. from ver . 10. ver . 19. And see Zach. 7. 11 , 12. But they refused to hearken , ( saith he there of the Wicked ) and pulled away the shoulder , and stopped their ears , that they should not hear the Law. Yea , they made their hearts hard as an adamant stone , lest they should hear the Law , and the words which the Lord of Hosts sent unto them by his Spirit in the former Prophets , &c. Mark I pray you , her is also , First , a refusing to hearken to the word of the Prophets .

2. That they might so do , they stopped their ears .

3. If any thing was to be done , they pulled away their shoulder .

4. To effect this , they labour to make their hearts hard as an Adamant stone .

5. And all this , lest they should hear and close in with Jesus and live , and be delivered from the wrath to come , all which things do hold out an unwillingness to submit to , and embrace the words of God ; and so Jesus Christ which is restified of by them . Many other Scripture I might bring in for confirmation of the thing , as that in Amos 7. 12 , 13. also 2 Sam. 2. 24 , 25 ▪ 2 Chron. 25. 15 , 16. Jer. 7. 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27. and that 16. 12. Read also seriously that saying , in 2 ▪ Chron. 36. 15. where he saith , And the Lord God of their Fathers sent unto them by his Messengersrising up betimes because he had compassion on his people , and on his dwelling place . And did they make them welcome ? No , But mocked the Messengers of God , and despised his words : And was that all ? No , they misused his Prophets . How long ? untill the wrath of the Lord arose against them : Till there was no remedy . See also Jer. 29. 19. chap. 25. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. Luke 11. 49.

And besides the Conversation of almost all men doth bear witness to the same , both Religious , and profane persons ; in that they daily neglect , reject , and turn their backs upon the plain testimony of the Scriptures .

As , 1. Take the threatnings laid down in holy Writ , and how are they disregarded ; there are but a few places in the Bible , but there are threatnings against one sinner or other ; against drunkards , swearers , lyars , proud persons , strumpets , whoremongers , covetous railers , extortioners , thieves , lazy persons ; In a word , all manner of sins are reproved , and without Faith in the Lord Jesus , there is a ●ore punishment to be executed on the committers of them ; and all this made mention of in the Scriptures .

But for all this , how thick , and by heaps , do these wretches walk up and down our streets ? Do but go into the Ale-houses , and you shall see almost every room besprinkled with them , so foming out their own shame , that it is enough to make the heart of a Saint to tremble , insomuch that they would not be bound to have society with them any long while for all the world . For as the wayes of the godly are not liked of by the wicked , even so the wayes of the wicked are an abomination to the just , Prov. 29. 27. Psal. 120. 5 , 6.

The Scriptures say , Cursed is the man that trusteth in man , that maketh flesh his arm , and whose heart departeth from the Lord , Jer. 17. 5.

And yet how many poor souls are there in the world , that stand in so much aw , and dread of men , and do so highly esteem their favour , that they will rather venture their souls in the hands of the devil with their favour , then they will ●●y to Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul. Nay , though they be convinced in their souls , that the way is the way of God ; yet how do they labour to stifle convictions , and turn their ears away from the truth , and all because they will not lose the favour of an opposite neighbour . Oh! I dare not for my Master , my Brother , my Landlord , I shall lose his favour , his house of work , and so decay my calling . O saith another , I would willingly go in this way , but for my Father , he chides and tells me , he will not stand my friend when I come to want ▪ I shall never enjoy a penyworth of his goods , he will disinherit me ; And I dare not , saith another , for my Husband , for he will be a railing , and tells me , he will turn me out of doors , he will beat me , and cut off my legs . But I tell you , if any of these , or any other things be ●o prevalent with thee now , as to keep thee from seeking after Christ in his wayes ; they will also be so prevalent with God against thee , as to make him cast off thy soul , because thou didst rather trust man than God ; and delight in the embracing of man rather than in the favour of the Lord.

2. Again , the Scripture saith , He that being often reproved , hardneth his neck , shall suddenly be destroyed , and that without remedy , Prov. 29. 1. Yet many are so far from turning , though they have been convinced of their wretched state an hundred times ; that when convictions or trouble for sin comes on their Consciences , they go on still in the same manner , resisting and choaking the same , though remediless destruction be hard at their heels .

3. Again , thou hast heard say , Unless a man be born again , he cannot enter into the Kingdome of Heaven , Joh. 3. 3 , 5 , 7. And yet thou goest on in a natural state ; an unregenerate condition , nay , thou dost resolve never to turn not be changed , though hell be appointed on purpose to swallow up such , Isa. 14. 9. Psal. 9. 17. The wicked shall be turned into hell , and all the Nations that forget God.

4. Again , the Scripture saith plainly , That he that loveth and maketh a lye , shall have his part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone , Rev. 21. 8 , 27. And yet thou art so far from dreading it , that it is thy delight to jest and jeer , and lye for a penny or two pence , or ●ix pence gain . And also if thou canst make the rest of thy companions merry , by telling things that are false of them that are better then thy self , thou dost not care a straw . Or if thou hearest a lye from , or of another , thou wilt tell it , and swear to the truth of it . O miserable !

5. Thou hast heard and read , That he that believes not , shall be damned , Mark 16. 16. And that all men have not Faith , 2 Thess. 3. 2. and yet thou dost so much disregard these things , that it is like thou didst scarce ever so much as examine seriously whether thou wert in the faith or no ; but dost content thy self with the Hypocrites hope , which at the last God will cut off , and count it no better then the spiders web , Job 8. 13 , 14. or the house that is builded on the sands , Luke 6. 49. Nay , thou peradventure dost flatter thy self , and thinkest that thy Faith is as good as the best of them all , when alas poor soul , thou mayest have no saving faith at all ; which thou hast not , if thou be not born again and made a new Creature , 2. Cor. 2 ▪ 17.

6. Thou hast heard , That he that neglects Gods great salvation , shall never escape his great damnation , Heb. 2. 3. compared with Luke 14. 24. and Rev. 14. 19 , 20. And yet when thou art invited , intreated , and beseeched to come in , ( Luke 14. 17 , 18. 2 Cor. 5. 19 , 20. Rom. 12. 1. ) thou wilt make any excuse to serve the turn . Nay , thou wilt be so wicked , as to put off Christ time after time , notwithstanding he is so freely profered to thee : a little ground , a few Oxen , a Farm , a Wife , a two penny matter , a Play ; nay , the fear of a mock , a scoff , or a jeer , is of greater weight to draw thee back , than the Salvation of thy Soul to draw thee forward .

7. And thou hast heard that , Whosoever will be a friend of the World , is the enemy of God , Jam. 4. 4. But thou regardest not these things , but contrariwise , rather then thou wilt be out of the friendship and favour of this world , thou wilt sin against thine own Conscience , and get thy self in●o favour by fawning , and flattering of the world . Yea , rather then thou wilt go without it , thou wilt dissemble , lye , backbite thy Neighbour , and an hundred other tricks thou wilt have .

8. You have heard that the day of Judgement is near , in which you and I all of us must appear before the Tribunal of Jesus Christ , and there be made to give an account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead ; even of all that ever we did , yea , of all our sins in thought , word , and deed , and shall certainly be damned for them too , if we close not in with our Lord Jesus Christ , and what he hath done and suffered for eternal life , and that not notionally or traditionally , but really and savingly , in the power , and by the operation of the spirit , through faith ( Eccles. 11. 9. 12. 14. Heb. 9. 27. Acts 10. 42 , Acts 17. 30 , 31. 2 Cor. 5. 10. Rev. 20. 12. ) And I saw the dead small and great , stand before God , and the Books were opened , and another Book was opened , which is the Book of Life ; and the dead were judged out of those things that were written in the Books . There is the Book of the Creatures , the Book of Conscience , the Book of the Lords Remembrance the Book of the Law , the Book of the Gospel ▪ ( Rom. 1. 20. compared with Rom. 2. 12. 15. Rev. 6. ver . 19. Joh. 12. 48. ) Then shall he separate them one from another , as a Shepherd divideth his Sheep on his right hand , and the Goats on his left . ( Mat. 25. 30 , 31 , 32. ) And shall say to them on his right hand , Come ye blessed , vers . 34. But to the other go or depart ye cursed , ver . 41. Yet notwithstanding , the Scriptures do so plainly & plentifully speak of these things , alas ! who is there that is weaned from the world , and from their si●s and pleasures , to fly from the wrath to come , Mat. 3. 7. notwithstanding , the Scripture saith also , That Heaven and Earth shall pass away , rather than one jot or one tittle of the word shall shall fail , till all be fulfilled , they are so certain , Luke 21. 37.

But leaving the threatnings , let us come to the promises , and speak somewhat of them , and you may see how light men make of them , and how little they set by them , notwithstanding the mouth of the Lord hath spoken them .

As first , Turn ye fools , ye scorners , ye simple ones , at my reproof ; and beh●ld I will pour out my spirit unto you . Prov. 1. 24. And yet persons had rather be in their foolishness and scorning still , and had rather imbrace some filthy lust , then the holy , undesiled , and blessed Spirit of Christ , thorow the promise , though by it , as many as receive it , are sealed unto the day of redemption , Eph. 4. 30. And although he that lives and dies without it , is none of Christs , Rom. 8. 9.

2. God hath said , If thou do but come to him in Christ , though your sins be as red as Scarlet , they shall be as white as Snow : and he will by no meanes cast thee away , ( compare Isa. 1. 18. with Joh. 6. ●7 . ) yet poor souls will not come to Christ that they might have life . ( Joh. 5. 41. ) but rather , after their hardness and impenitent heart , treasure up unto themselves wrath , against the day of wrath , and revelation of the righteous judgement of God. Rom. 2. 4 , 5 , 6.

3. Christ Jesus hath said in the word of truth , That if any man will serve and follow him , Where he is , there shall also his servant be . Joh. 12. 26. but yet poor souls choose rather to follow sin , Satan , and the world , though their companions be the devils , and damned souls for ever . Mat. 25. 41.

4. He hath also said , Seek first the Kingdom of God , and all other things shall be added . But let who so will seek after the Kingdom of Heaven , first for them ; For they will take the first time , while time serves to get the things of this life . And if it be so , that they must needs seek after Heaven , or else be damned , they will stay till they have more leisure , or till they can better attend to it ; or till they have other things handsome about them ; or till they are older ; when they have little else to do ; or when they come to be sick , and to die . Then Lord have mercy upon them ; though it be ten thousand to one , but they perish for ever .

For commonly , the Lord hath this way to deal with such sinners , who put him off when he is stri●●●● with them , either to laugh at their calamity , and m●●k when their fear cometh . ( Prov. 1. 26. 28. ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 send them to the gods they have served , which are the devils , Judg. 10. 13. 14. ( Go to the gods you have served , and let them deliver you , saith he ) compare this with Joh. 8. 44.

5. He hath said , There is no man that forsaketh Father or Mother , Wife or Children , or Lands for his sake , and the Gospels , but shall have an hundred f●l● in this world , with persecution , and in the world to come , life everlasting . Mark 10. 29 , 30.

But men for the most part , are so far off from believing the certainty of this , that they will scarce lose the earning of a penny to hear the word of God , the Gospel of salvation . Nay , they will neither go themselves , nor suffer others to go , ( if they can help it ) without threatning to do them a mischief , if it lie in their way : Nay further , many are so far from parting from any worldly gun , for Christs sake and the Gospels , that they are still striving , by hook and by crook , as we say , by swearing , lying , cousening , stealing , covetousness , extortion , oppression , forgery , bribery , fl●ttery , or any other way , to get more , though they get together with these , death , wrath , damnation , hell , the devil , and all the plagues that God can pour upon them . And if any do not run with them to the same excess of riot , but rather for all their threats , will be so bold , and careless ( as they call it ) as to follow the wayes of God ; if they can do no more , yet they will whet their tongues like a Sword to wound them , and do them the greatest mischief they can , both in speaking against them to neighbours , to Wives , to Husbands , to Landlords , and raising false Reports of them . But let such take heed , lost they be in such a state and woful condition , as he was in , who said in vexation and anguish of soul , One drop of cold water to cool my tongue .

Thus might I add many things out of the holy W●it , both threatning , and promises , besides those heavenly Counsels , loving Reproofs , free invitations to all sorts of sinners , both old and young , rich and poor , bond and free , wise and unwise . All which have been , now are , and it is to be feared , as long as this World lasts , will be trampled under the feet of those Swine , ( I call them not men ) who will continue in the same . But take a review of some of them .

1. Counsel .

What heavenly counsel is that , where Christ saith , Buy of me gold tried in the fire , that thou mayst be rich , and white rayment that thou mayst b● cloathed , that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear Rev. 3. 17 ▪ 18. Also that , Ho every one that thirsteth , come to the waters : Yea come buy wine and mi●● without money , and without price , Isa. 55. 1. Hear and your souls shall live . Ve●se 3. Lay hold of 〈◊〉 strength , that you may make peace with me , and y●● shall make peace with me . Isa. 27. 5.

2. Instruction . What Instruction is here .

Hear instruction and be wise , and refuse it n●t ▪ Blessed is the man that heareth me , ( saith Christ ) watching daily at my gates , waiting at the posts of my doors : For who so findeth me , findeth life , and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Prov. 8. 32 , 33 , 34 , 35. Take heed that no man deceive you by any means . Labour not for the meat that perisheth , but for that which endureth unto everlasting life . Jo● . 6. 27. Strive to enter in at the strait gate , Luke 13. 24. Believe on the Lord Jesus , and thou shalt be saved . Act. 16. 31. Believe not every spirit , but try the spirits . Quench not the spirit . Lay hold on eternal life . Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works ▪ and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven . Mat. 5. 16. Take heed and beware of hypocrisie ; watch and be sober . Learn of me ( saith Christ. ) Come unto me .

3. Forewarning . What forewarning is here .

Because there is wrath , beware lest he take thee away with his stroak , then a great ransome cannot deliver thee , Job 36. 18. Be ye not mockers , lest your bands be made strong for I have heard from the Lord God of Hosts , a Consumption even determined on the whole Earth . Isa. 28. 22. Beware therefore , lest that come upon you that is written : Behold ye dispisers , and wonder and perish . For behold I work a work in your dayes , which ye shall in no wise believe , though a man declare it unto you , Act. 13. 40. 41. Let him that thinketh he standeth , take heed lest he fall . 1 Cor. 10. 12. Watch and pray , lest you enter into temptation . Luke 22. 40. Let us fear therefore , lest a promise being made , or left us , of entring into his rest , any of you should seem to come short of it . Heb. 4. 1. I will therefore put you in remembrance , though you once knew this , how that the Lord having saved the people out of Aegypt , afterward destroyed them that believed not . Jude 5. Hold fast that thou hast , let no man take thy Crown . Rev. 3. 11.

4. Comfort . What comfort is here .

He that cometh unto me , I will in no wise east out ▪ Joh. 6. Vers. 37. Come unto me all ye that labour , and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest . Mat. 11. 28. Be of good chear , thy sins are forgiven thee . I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee , ( for ) I have loved thee with an everlasting love . Jer. 31. 3. I lay down my life for my sheep ; I lay down my life , that they might have life . I am come that they might have life , and that they might have it more abundantly . I have heard thee in a time accepted , and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee . 2 Cor. 6. 2. Though their sins be as Scarlet , they ▪ shall be as white as Snow ; though they be as Crimson , they shall be as Wooll . For I have blotted out as a thick Cloud , thy transgressions , and as a Cloud thy sins ; return unto me , for I have redeemed thee , Isa. 44. 22.

5. Grief to those that fall short . O sad grief .

How have I hated instruction , and mine heart despised reproof , and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers , nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me , Prov. 7. 11 , 12 , 13. They shall curse their King and their God , and look upwards . And they shall look to the Earth , and behold trouble and darkness , and dimness of anguish : and they shall be driven into darkness . Isa. 8. vers . 21 , 22. He hath dispersed abroad , he hath given to the poor , his Righteousness endureth for ever . — The wicked shall see it , and be grieved , he shall gnash with his teeth , and m●●t away ; the desire of the wicked shall perish . Psal. 112. 9 , 10.

There shall be weeping when ye shall see Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of Heaven , and your selves thrust out . Luke 13. 26 , 27 , 28. all which things are slighted by the world .

Thus much in short touching this ; that ungodly men undervalue the Scriptures , and give no credit to them , when the truth that is contained in them , is held forth in simplicity unto them , but rather cry out , nay , but if one should rise from the dead , then they think something might be done : when alas , though signs and wonders were wrought by the hands of those that preach the Gospel , these poor creatures would never the sooner convert , though they suppose they should , as is evident by the carriages of their fore-runners , who , albeit the Lord Jesus Christ himself did confirm his Doctrine by miracles , as opening blind eyes , casting out of Devils , and raising the dead , they were so far from receiving either him , or his Doctrine , that they put him to death for his pains , though he had done so many Miracles among them ▪ yet they believed not in him . John ▪ 12. 37. But to pass this , I shall lay down some of the grounds of their rejecting , and underval●ing the Scriptures , and so pass on .

1. Because they do not believe that they are the Word of God , but rather suppose them to be the inventions of men , written by some Politicians , on purpose to make poor ignorant people to submit to some Religion and Government . Though they do not say this , yet their practices testifie the same ; as he that when he hears the words of the curse , yet blesseth himself in his heart , and saith , he shall have peace , though God saith he shall have none . Deut. 29. 18 , 19 , 20. And this must needs be , for did but men believe this , that it is the Word of God , then they must believe , that he that spake it is true , therefore shall every word and tittle be fulfilled . And if they come once to this , unless they be stark mad , they will have a care how they do throw themselves under the lash of eternal vengeance . For the Reason why the Thessalonians received the word , was , because they believed it was the Word of God , and not the word of man , which did effectually work in them by their thus believing . 1 Thes. 2 , 13 , 14.

When ye received the word which ye heard of us , ( saith he ) ye received it , not as the word of man , but as it is indeed the Word of God ; which effectually worketh in you that believe . So that did a man but receive it in hearing , or reading , or meditating , as it is the Word of God , they would be converted . But the Word preached doth not profit , not being mixed with faith in them that hear it . Heb. 4. 1 , 2.

2. Because they do not indeed see themselves by nature , heirs of that exceeding wrath and vengeance that the Scriptures testifie of . For did they but consider what God intends to do with those that live and die in a natural state , it would either sink them into despair , or make them fly for refuge to the hope that is set before them . But if there be never such sins committed , and never so great wrath denounced , and the time of execution be never so near ; yet if the party that is guilty be senseless , and altogether ignorant thereof , he will be careless , and regard it nothing at all . And that man by nature is in this condition it is evident . For take the same man that is senseless , and ignorant of that misery he is in by nature , I say , take him at another time , when he is a little awakened , and then you shall hear him roar , and cry out so long as trouble is upon him , and a sense of the wrath of God hanging over his head : Good sirs , what must I do to be saved ?

Though the same man at another time ( when his conscience is fallen asleep , and grown hard ) will lie like the Smiths Dog , at the foot of the Anvil , though the fire-sparks flie in his face . But as I said before , when any one is a little awakened , O● what work will one verse , one line , nay one word of holy Scriptures make in his heart , he cannot eat , sleep , work , keep company with his former companions ; and all because he is afraid that the damnation spoken of in Scripture , will fall to his share , Like Balaam , who said , I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord , Numb . 22. 18. so long as he had something of the word of the Lord with authority , severity , and power on his heart : but at another time he could teach Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the Children of Israel . Rev. 2. 14.

3. Because the carnal Priests do tickle the ears of their hearers with vain Philosophy and deceit , and thereby harden their hearts against the simplicity of the Gospel , and word of God , which things , the Apostle admonished those that have a mind to close in with Christ , to avoid , Col. 2. 8. saying , Beware lest any man ( be he what h● will ) spoil you , through Philosophy and vain deceit , after the traditions of men , and rudiments of the world , and not after Christ. And you who muzzle up your people in ignorance with Aristotle , Plato ▪ and the rest of the heathenish Philosophers , and preach little , if any thing of Christ rightly . I say unto you , that you will find you have sinned against God , and beguiled your hearers , when God shall in the Judgement-day , lay the cause of the damnation of many thousands of souls to your charge , and say , He will require their blood a● your hands , Ezek. 33. 6.

4. Another reason why the carnal unbelieving world do so slight the Scriptures , and Word of God , is , because the judgement spoken of in the Scripture , is not presently executed on the transgressors . Because sentence against an evil act , is not speedily executed , therefore the hearts of the sons of men , are wholly set in the●● to do evil , Eccles. 8. 11. Because God doth not presently strike the poor wretch as soon as he sins , but waits , and forbears ▪ and is patient : Therefore the world judging God to be unfaithful , go to it again , and again , and every time grow harder and harder , till at last , God is forced either to stretch out his mighty power to turn them , or else send death with the Devil and Hell to fetch them . Thou thoughtest ( saith God ) that I was altogether such an one as thy self , but I will reprove thee , and set them in order before thy face . Now consider this , ye that forget God , lest I tear you in pieces , and there be none to deliver . Psal. 50. 20. 21.

5. Another Reason why the blind world do slight the authority of Scripture , is , because they give ●ar to the Devil , who through his subtilty casteth false evasions , and corrupt interpretations on them , ●end●ing them not so point blank the mind of God , and a rule for direction to poor souls , perswading them , that they must give ear and way to something else besides , and beyond that : or else he labours to render it vile and contemptible , by perswading them that it is a dead letter , when indeed they know not what they say , nor whereof they affirm . For the Scripture is not so dead , but that the knowledge of it is able to make any man wise unto salvation through faith and love which is in Christ Jesus . 2 Tim. 3. 15. And is profitable for instruction , reproof , and correction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be throughly furnished to all good works , verse 17.

And where it is said the letter killeth , he meaneth the Law , as it is the ministration of damnation , or a Covenant of works , and so indeed it doth kill , and must do so , because it is just : forasmuch as the party that is under the same , is not able to yield to it a compleat and continual obedience . But yet I will call Paul and Peter to witness , that the Scriptures are of a very glorious concernment , in as much as in them is held forth to us the way of life ; and also , in that they do administer good ground of hope to us , Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written a foretime , were written for our learning , that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture , mig●● have hope . And again , Rom. 16. 25 , 26. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel , and the preaching of Jesus Christ , according to the Revelation of the mistery which was kept hid since the World began , but now is made manifest , and by the Scriptures of the Prophets , according to the Commandment of the everlasting God , made known to all Nations for the obedience of faith . And therefore whosoever they be that slight the Scriptures , they slight that which is no less then the word of God ; and they who slight that , slight him that spake it ; and they that do so , let them look to themselves , for God will be reve●ged on such . Much more might be said to this thing , but I would not be tedious .

A word or two more , and so I have done with this . Consider the dangers of slighting the words of the Prophets or Apostles , whether they be , correction , reproof , admonition , forewarning , or the blessed invitations and promises contained in them .

1. Such souls do provoke God to anger , and to execute his vengeance on them . They refused to hearken ▪ they pulled away their shoulder , they stopped their ears , lest they should hear the Law , and they made their hearts Adamant stone , that they might not hear the Law , and the words that were spoken to them by his spirit in the former Prophets : Therefore came a great wrath upon them . Zach. 7. 11 , 12.

2. God will not regard in their calamity . Because I called , and ye refused , I stretched out my hand , and no man regarded , but set at nought all my counsels , and would have none of my reproof : I also will laugh at your calamities and mock when your fear cometh . When their fear cometh as desolation , and their destruction , like a Whirlwind . Then shall they call , but I will not answer ; they shall seek me early , but they shall not find me , Prov. 1. 25 , 26 , 27.

3. God doth commonly give up such men to delusions to believe lies . Because they received not the love of the truth , that they might be saved , therefore God shall send them strong delusiens , that they should believe a lie . That they all might be damned . 2 Thes. 2. 11 , 12.

4. In a word , they that do continue to reject and slight the word of God , they are such , for the most part , as are ordained to be damned . Old Eli his sons not hearkening to the voice of their father , reproving them for their sins , but disobeying his voice , it is sai● , It was because the Lord would slay them , 1 Sam. 2. 15. Again , see in 2 Chron. 25. 15 , 16. Amaziah having sinned against the Lord , he sends to him a Prophet to reprove him : But Amaziah sayes , ●orbear , wherefore shouldst thou be smitten ? ( he ●id not hearken to the word of God ) Then the Prophet forbear , saying , I know that God hath determined to destroy thee , because thou hast not hearkened to my counsel . Read therefore , and the Lord give thee understanding . For a miserable end will those have that go on in sinning against God , rejecting his word .

Other things might have been observed from this verse , which at this time I shall pass by ; partly , because the sum of them hath been touched already , and may be more clearly hinted at in the following verse , and therefore I shall speak a few words to the next verse , and so draw towards a conclusion .

Ver. 31. And he said unto him , If they hear not Moses , and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded , though one rise from the Dead .

ANd he said ] That is , and God made answer to the words spoken in the verse before , And he said unto him If they hear not Moses , &c. As if he had said , Moses was a man of great Renown , a man of worthy note , a man that talked with God face to face , as a man speaketh to his Friend : The words that Moses spake , were such as I commanded him to speak : Let who will question them , I will own them , credit them , bless them that close in with them , and curse those that reject them .

I my self sent the Prophets , they did not run of their own heads ; I gave them Commission ; I thrust them our , and told them what they should say . In a word , They have told the World what my mind is to do , both to Sinners and to Saints . They have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear them . Therefore , he that shall reject and turn his back either upon the Threatnings , Counsels , Admonitions , Invita ions , Promises , or whatsoever else I have commanded them to speak , as to Salvation and Life , and to Directions therein , shall be sure to have a share in the many Curses , that they have spoken , and the Destruction that is pronounced by them . Again , If they hear not Moses , and the Prophets , &c. As if he had said , Thou would'st have me send one from the Dead unto them , what needs that ? They have my Mind already , I have declared unto them what I intend to stand to , both for saving them that believe , and damning them that do not . That therefore which I have said , I will make good , whether they hear , or forbear . And as for this desire of yours , you had as good desire me to make a new Bible , and so to revoke my first Sayings , by the Mouth of my Prophets . But I am God , and not Man , and my Word is immutable , unchangable , and shall stand as fast as my Decre●s can make it ; Heaven and Earth shall pass away , but one jot or tittle of my Word shall not pass . If thou hadst Ten Thousand Brethren , and every one in danger of losing his Soul , if they did not close in with what is contained and recorded in the Scriptures of Truth , they must even every one of them perish , and be for ever damned in Hell ; for the Scriptures cannot be broken . I did not send them so unadvisedly , to recall it again by another consideration . No , For I speak in Righteousness and Judgment , Isa. 63. 1 , 2 , 3. and in much Wisdom and Counsel . It being therefore gone out of my Mouth in this manner , It shall not return in vain , untill it hath accomplished the thing whereto I have sent it .

But again , Thou supposest that Miracles and Wonders will work more on them , which makes thee say , Send one from the Dead . But herein thou art mistaken , for I have proved them with that once and again , by more than one , or two , or three of my Servants . How many Miracles did my Servant Moses work by Commandment from me in the Land of Egypt , at the Red-Sea , and in the Wilderness ; yet they of that Generation were never the sooner converted for that , but notwithstanding rebelled and lusted , and in their hearts turned back into Egypt , Act. 7. How many Miracles did Samuel , David , Elias , Elisha , Daniel , and the Prophets , together with my Son , who raised the Dead , cast out Devils , made them to see that were born blind , gave and restored Limbs , yet for all this ( as I said before ) they hated him , they crucified him . I raised him again from the Dead , and he appeared to his Disciples who were call'd , and chosen , and faithful , and he gave them Commandment and Commission , to go and testifie the Truth of this to the World ; and to confirm the same , he inabled them to speak with divers Tongues , and to w●●k M●●acles most plentifully ; yet there was great persecution raised against them , insomuch that but a few of them died in their beds . And therefore , though thou thinkest that a Miracle will do so much with the World , yet I say , No : For if they will not believe Moses and the Prophets , neither will they be perswaded , though one should rise from the Dead .

From these words therefore take notice of this Truth ; namely , that those who reject , and believe not Moses and the Prophets , are a very hard-hearted people , that will not be perswaded , though one rise from the Dead .

They that regard not the Holy Scriptures , to turn to God , finding them to restifie of his goodness and mercy , there is but little hopes of their Salvation ; For they will not , mark , they will not be perswaded , though one should rise from the Dead . This Truth is confirmed by Jesus Christ himself : If you read Joh. 5. where the Lord is speaking of himself , that he is the very Christ ; he brings in four or five Witnesses to back what he said . First , John Baptist. 2. The Works that his Father gave him to do . 3. His Father speaking from Heaven . 4. The Testimony of the Scriptures ; when all this was done , seeing yet they would not believe , he layes the fault upon one of these two Things .

1. Their regarding an esteem among Men.

2. Their not believing of the Prophets Writings , even Moses and the rest . For had ye believed Moses ( saith he ) ye would have believed me ? For he wrote of me . But if ye believe not his Writings how can ye believe my Words . Now , I say , he that shall slight the Scriptures , and the Testimony of the Prophets in them concerning Jesus Christ , must needs be in great danger of losing his Soul , if he abide in this condition ; because he that slights the Testimony , doth also slight the Thing testified of , let him say the contrary never so often . For as Jesus Christ hath here laid down the Reason of Mens not receiving him ; so the Apostle , in another place , lays down the Reason again with an high and mighty aggravation . 1 Joh. 5. 10. saying , He that believeth on the Son of God , hath the witness in himself : he that believeth not God hath made him a Liar ; because he believeth not the Record , Mark , the Record that God gave of his S●n. The Record , you will say , what is that ? Why , even the Testimony that God gave of him by the Mouth of all the Holy Prophets since the World began , Act. 3. 20. That is , God sending his Holy Spirit into the hearts of his Servants the Prophets and Apostles , He , by his Spirit in them , did bear Witness or Record , to the Truth of Salvation by his Sonne Jesus , both before , and after his coming . And thus is that place also to be understood , which saith ; There are three that bear Record in Earth , the Spirit and the Water , and the Bloud . That is , the Spirit in the Apostle● , which preached him to the World , as is clear , if you read seriously , 1 Thes. 4. 8. The Apostle speaking of Jesus Christ , and obedience to God through him , saith thus : Now he that despiseth , despiseth not us , but God : But it is you that speak . True , but it is by and through the Spirit , He therefore that despiseth , despiseth not Man , but God , who also hath given us of his Holy Spirit . This is therefore a mighty confirmation of this Truth , that he that slights the Record or Testimony that God by his Spirit , in his Prophets and Apostles , hath testified unto us , slights the Testimony of the Spirit , who moved them to speak these Things ; and if so , then I would fain know , how any man can be saved by Jesus Christ , that slights the Testimony concerning Christ ; yea , the Testimony of his own Spirit , concerning his own Self . 'T is true , men may pretend to have the Testimony of the Spirit , and from that Conceit , set a low Esteem on the Holy Scriptures : But that Spirit that dwelleth in them , and reacheth them so to do , it is no better than the Spirit of Satan , though it calls it self by the Name of the Spirit of Christ. To the Law therefore , and to the Testimony Try them by that : If they speak not according to this Word , it is because there is no Light in them .

The Apostle Peter , when he speaks of the glorious Voice that he had from the Excellent Majesty , saying of Christ , This is my beloved Son , hear him , saith thus to him whom he wrote unto ; You have also a more sure Word of Prophecie , ( or of the Prophets , for so you may read it ) unto which you do well that you take heed . That is , Though we tell you that we had his excellent Testimony from his own Mouth , evidently , yet you have the Prophets : We tell you this , and you need not doubt of the Truth of it ; but if you should , yet you may not , must not , ought not , to question them : Search therefore unto them , until the Day dawn , and the Day-star arise in your hearts . That is , until by the same Spirit that gave forth the Scripture , you find the Truth confirmed to your Souls , which you have recorded in the Scriptures . That this Word of Prophecy , or of the Prophets , is the Scriptures , read on . For ( saith he ) knowing this first , that no Prophecy of the Scriptures , is of any private interpretation , &c. 2 Pet. 1. 18 , 19 , 20. But you will say , What needs all this ado , and why is all this time and pains spent in speaking to this , that is surely believed already ? This is a Thing received by all , that they believe the Scriptures to be the Word of God , that sure Word of Prophecy , and therefore you need not spend your time in proving these Things , and the Truth of them , seeing we grant and confess the Truth of it , before you begin to speak your judgment of them .

Answ. The Truths of God cannot be born witness unto too often ; you may as well say , You need not preach Jesus Christ so much , seeing he hath been , and is received for the True Messias already .

2. Though many may suppose , that they do believe the Scriptures , yet if they were but well examined , you would find them either by word of mouth , or else by conversation , to deny , reject , and slight the Holy Scriptures . 'T is true , there is a notional , and historical Assent in the Head , I say , In the Head of many , or most , to the Truth contain'd in Scripture : But try them , I say , and you shall find but a little , if any , of the Faith of the operation of God in the hearts of poor men , to believe the Scriptures , and Things contained in them . Many , yea most men believe the Scriptures , as they believe a Fable , a Story , a Tale , of which there is no certainty ; but alas ! there are but few do in Deed , and in Truth , believe the Scriptures to be the very Word of God.

Obj. But you will say , This seems strange to me .

Answ. And it seems as true to me ; and I doubt not but to make it manifest , that there are but few , yea very few , that do effectually ( for that I aim at ) believe the Scriptures , and the Truths contained in , and spoken of by them . But to make this appear , and that to purpose ( if God will ) I shall lay you down the several Operations that the Scriptures have on them , who do effectually believe the Things contained in them .

1. He that doth effectually believe the Scriptures , hath in the first place been kill'd , I say kill'd by the Authority of the Holy Scriptures ; struck stark dead ▪ in a Spiritual sense , by the Holy Scripture , being set home by that Spirit , which gave them forth upon the Soul. The Letter killeth ; the Letter strikes men dead , 2 Cor. 3. 6. and this Paul witnessed , and found , before he could say , I believe all that the Prophets have spoken . Where he saith , I was alive without the Law once ; That is , in my natural state , before the Law was set on my heart with power : But when the Commandement came , sinne revived and I died , Rom. 7. 9. And that Law that was ordained to life , I found to be unto death : For sinne taking occasion by the Commandment deceived me , and thereby slew me , ver . 10. Now that which is called the Letter in Cor. is called the Law in Rom. 7. which by its power and operation , as it is wielded by the Spirit of God , doth in the first place kill and slay all those that are inabled to believe the Scriptures . I kill , saith God ; That is , with my Law. I pierce , I wound , I prick men into the very heart , by shewing them their sins against my Law , Deut. 32. 39. Act. 2. 36 , 37. And he that is ignorant of this , is also ignorant of , and doth not really and effectually believe the Scripture .

But you will say , How doth the Law kill and strike dead the poor Creature ?

Answ. First , The Letter or Law , do kill thus : It is set home upon the Soul , and discovers to the Soul its Transgressions against the Law ; and shews the Soul also , that it cannot compleatly satisfie the Justice of GOD , for the breach of his Law , therefore it is condemned , Joh. 3. 19. Mark , He that believes not is condemned already ; To wit , by the Law , that is , the Law doth condemn him ; yea , it hath condemned him already for his sins against it , as it is written , Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them , Gal. 3. 10. Now all men , as they come into the World , are in this condition , that is , condemned by the Law. Yet not believing their Condemnation by the Law really , they do not also believe really and effectually the Law that doth condemn them . For as men have but a notion of the one , that is , their condemnation , because of sins against the Law ; so they have but a notion of the condemning , killing , and destroying power of the Law ; for as the one is , so in these Things , always is the other : There is no man that doth really believe the Law or Gospel further , than they do feel the power and authority of them in their hearts : Ye erre , not knowing the Scriptures , nor the power of God. Now this Letter , or Law , is not to be taken in the largest sense , but is strictly to be tyed to the Ten Commandments , whose proper Work is onely by shewing the Soul its sins against this Law , to kill , and there leaves him stark dead , not giving him the least life , or support , or comfort , but leaves the Soul in an helpless and hopeless condition , as from it self , or any other mee● Creature .

'T is true , the Law hath laid all men for dead , as they come into the World ; but all men do not see themselves dead , until they see that Law that struck them dead , sticking in their Souls , and having struck them that fatal blow : As a man that is fast asleep in an house , and that on fire about his Ears , and he not knowing of it , because he is asleep ; even so , because poor Souls are asleep in sinne , though the Wrath of God , the Curse of his Law , and the flames of Hell , have beset them round about , yet they do not believe it , because they are asleep in sin . Now , as he that is awakened , and sees this , sees , that through this he is a dead man : Even so they that do see their state by nature , being such a sad condition , do also see themselves by that Law to be dead men naturally .

But now , when didst thou feel the power of this first part of the Scripture , the Law , so mighty as to strike thee dead ? If not , thou dost not so much as verily believe that part of Scripture that doth contain the Law in it , to be the truth of God. Yet if thou shouldest have felt something , I say something of the killing power of the Law of God in thine heart , this is not an Argument to prove , that thou believest all the Things contained in Scripture ; for there is Gospel as well as Law , and therefore I shall speak to that also ; that is , whether thou hast felt the power of the Gospel , as well as something of the power of the Law.

2. Then , thou hast found the power of the Gospel , and so believed it ; thou hast found it thus with thy soul.

1. Thou hast been shewed by the word or truth of the Gospel , in the light of the Spirit of Christ , that by nature thou were without the true faith of the Son of God in thy soul : For when He , the Spirit is come , he shall shew men that they believe not in me , saith Christ. Joh. 16. 9. Mark , though thou hast , as I said before , felt somewhat of the power of the Law , Letter , or ten Commandments , yet if thou hast not been brought to this , to see by the spirit in the Gospel , that thou art without faith by nature , thou hast not yet tasted , much less believed any part of the Gospel . For the Gospel and the Law are two distinct Covenants . And they that are under the Law , may be convinced by it , and so believe the Law or first Covenant , and yet in the mean time , to be a stranger to the Covenant of promise ; that is , the Gospel , and so have no hope in them , ( Ephes. 2. 12. ) There is not any promise that can be savingly believed , until the soul be by the Gospel converted to Jesus Christ. For though men do think never so much that they believe the things , or the word of the Gospel of our salvation , yet ▪ unless they have the work of grace in their souls , they do no● cannot rightly believe the things contained in the Scriptures .

Again , as the Law killeth those that believe it , even so the promises contained in the Gospel , do , through faith , administer comfort to those that believe i● a●ig●t . My words ( saith Christ ) my words , they are spirit , and they are life . Joh. 6. 63. As if he had said , the words contained in the law as a Covenant of works , they wound , they kill , they strike dead those that are under them . But as for me , the words that I speak unto you , they are spirit , and they are life . That is , whosoever doth receive them believingly , shall find them full of operation to comfort , quicken , and revive their soul. For as I did not come into the world to destroy mens lives , so the words that I speak , ( as I am sent to preach the Gospel ) they have no such tendency unto those that believe them . The promises that are in the Gospel , Oh , how do they comfort them ? such a promise , and such a promise , O how sweet is it ? how comfortable to those that believe them ? Alas , there are many poor souls that think they believe the Scriptures , to be the word of God , and yet they never enjoyed any thing of the life and promises ; they come in upon the heart to quicken , to revive thee , to raise th●e from the sentence of death that is passed 〈◊〉 thee by the Law. And through the faith that is wrought in thy soul , by the operation of Gods holy Spirit ( though once killed by the Law or Letter ) thou art made alive in the Lord Jesus Christ , who is presented to thy soul in the promises .

3. Dost thou indeed and in truth ▪ believe the Scriptures to be the word of God ▪ then ●he things contained in them , especially the things of the Gospel are very excellent to thy soul , as the birth of Christ , the death , resurrection , intercession , and second coming , O! how precious and excellent are they to thy soul , insomuch , that thou regardest nothing in comparison of them ! O! it is Christs birth , death , blood , resurrection , &c. according to the Scriptures , that thou dost rejoyce in exceedingly , and abundantly desire after ! whom having not seen , ye love , in whom though now ye see him not , yet believing the mercy with joy unspeakable , and full of glory . 1 Cor. 15. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. compare with Phil. 3. 6 , 7 , 8. 1 Pet. 1. 8.

4. Dost thou believe the Scriptures to be the word of God ? Then thou standest in aw●of , and dost much reverence them . Why , they are the word of God , the true sayings of God ; they are the counsel of God ; they are his promises , and his threatnings . Poor souls are apt to think , If I could hear God speak to me from Heaven with an audible voice , then sure , I should be serious , and believe it . But truly , if God should speak to thee from Heaven , except thou wert converted , thou wouldest not regard , not really believe him . But if thou dost believe the Scriptures , thou seest that they are the truth , as really believe him . But if thou dost believe the Scriptures , thou seest that they are the truth , as really as if God should speak to thee from Heaven through the Clouds , and therefore never flatter thy self , foolishly thinking , that if it were so , and so , then thou couldest believe . I tell thee , saith Christ , If they believe not Moses and the Prophets , neither will they believe though one should rise from the dead . But ▪

5. Doest thou believe the Scripture to be the word of God ? Then through faith in Christ , thou endeavourest to have thy life squared according to the Scriptures , both in word and practice . Nay , this I say , thou mayst have , though thou do not believe them all . My meaning is , that if thou believe none but the ten Commandements , thy life may be according to them , a legal holy life ; and if thou do believe the Gospel too , then thy life will be the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ ; that is , either thou wilt live in the blessed and holy enjoyment of what is testified in the Scripture concerning the glorious things of the Lord Jesus Christ , or else , thou wilt be exceedingly panting after them . For the Scriptures carry such a blessed beauty in them to that soul that hath faith in the things contained in them , that they do take the heart , and captivate the soul of him that believeth them , into the love and liking of them , believing all things that are written in the Law , and the Prophets , and have hope towards God , that there shall be a Resurrection of the dead , both of the just and unjust ; and herein do I exercise my self , to have always a Conscience void of offence , both towards God , and towards man. Acts 24. 14 , 15 , 16.

6. He that believes the Scriptures to be the word of God , if he do but suppose that any one place of Scripture doth exclude him , and shut him out of , and from a share in the promises contained in them : O it will trouble him , grieve him , perplex him , yea he will not be satisfied untill he be resolved , and the contrary sealed to his soul , for he knows that the Scriptures are the word of God , all truth ; and therefore he knows , that if any one sentence doth exclude , or bar out him , for want of this , or the other qualification ; he knows also , that not the word alone shuts him out , but he that speaks it , even God himself ; and ●●herefore he cannot , will not , dare not be conented until he find his soul and Scripture together ( with the things contained therein ) to embrace each other , and a sweet correspondency and agreement between them . For you must know , that to him that believes the Scriptures aright , the promises , or threatnings , are of more power to comfort or cast down , then all the promises or threatnings of all the men in the world . And this was the cause why the Marryrs of Jesus , did so slight both the promises of their adversaries , when they would have overcome them with pr●fering the great things of this world unto them , and also their 〈…〉 them they would rack them , ha●g them 〈…〉 Acts 20. 24. No●● of these things c●●l● pr●vail upon them or against them ; because they did most really believe the Scriptures , and the things contained in them ; as is clearly found and to be seen in Heb. 11. and also in Mr. Fox's Records of their Brethren .

7. He that believeth the Scriptures to be the word of God ▪ believeth that men must be born again , and also be partakers of that faith which is of the operation of God ( according as he hath read and believes ) he must and shall be damned . And he that believeth this aright , will not be contented until ( according as it is written ) he do partake of , and enjoy the n●w birth , and until he do find through grace , that faith that is wrought by the operation of God in his soul. For this is the cause why men do satisf●● themselves with so slender a conceited hope that their state is good ( when it is nothing so ) namely , because they do not credit the Scripture ; for did they , they would look into their own hearts , and examine seriously , whether that faith , that hope , that grace , which they think they have , be of that nature , and wrought by that spirit and power , that the Scripture speaketh of . I speak this of an effectual believing , without which all other is nothing unto salvation . Now then , because I would not be too tedious , I shall at this time lay down no more discoveries of such an one as doth savingly believe the Scriptures , and the things contained in them , but shall speak a few words of examination containing the things already mentioned . As ,

1. Thou sayest thou dost indeed and in truth effectually believe the Scriptures : I ask therefore , wast thou ever killed stark dead by the Law of works contained in the Scriptures ? killed by the Law or letter , and made to see thy sins against it , and left in an helpless condition by that Law ▪ For as I said , the proper work of the Law is to slay the Soul , and to leave it dead in a helpless state . For it doth neither give the Soul any comfort it self when it comes , nor doth it shew the soul where comfort is to be had ; and therefore it is called the ministration of condemnation , as in 2 Cor. 3. 9. the ministration of death , 2 Cor. 3. 7. For though men may have a notion of the blessed Word of God as the children had , yet before they be converted , it may truly be said of to them , Ye erre , not knowing the Scriptures , nor the power of God , Mark 12. 24.

2. You say you do believe the Scriptures to be the Word of God. I say again , examine , wast thou ever quickened from a dead state by the power of the Spirit of Christ through the other part of the Scripture ; That is to say , by the power of God in his Son Jesus Christ , through the Covenant of Promise . I tell thee from the Lord , If thou hast , thou hast f●lt such a quickning power in the words of Christ , ( Joh. 6. ) that thou hast been lifted out of that dead condition that thou before wast in , and that when thou wast under the guilt of sin , the curse of the Law , and the power of the devil , and the justice of the great God , thou hast been inabled by the power of God in Christ revealed to thee by the Spirit , through , and by the Scripture , to look sin , death , hell , the devil , and the Law , and all things that are a● enmi●y with thee , with boldness and comfort in the face , through the bloud , death , righteousness , resurrection , and intercession of Christ , made mention of in the Scriptures .

And thirdly , on this account , O how excellent are the Scriptures to thy soul ! O how much vertue dost thou ●ee in such a Promise , in such an invitation ! they are so large , as to say Christ will in no wise cast me ●ut ▪ My crimson sins shall be white as Snow . I ●ell thee friend , there are some Promises that the Lord hath helped me to lay hold of Jesus Christ th●●ugh , and by , that I would not have out of the Bible , for as much Gold and Silver as can lye between York and London piled up to the stars ; because through them , Christ is pleased by his Spirit , to convey comfort to my soul ! I say , when the Law curses , when the devil tempes , when hell-fire flames in my Conscience , my sins with the guilt of them tearing of me , then is Christ revealed so swe●●ly to my poor soul through the Promises ; that all is forced to fly and leave off to accuse my soul. So also , when the World frowns , when the Enemies rage and threa●en to kill me , then also the pretious , the exceeding great and pretious Promises , do weight down all , and comfort the soul against all . This is the effect of believing the Scriptures savingly ; for they that do so , have by , and through the Scriptures good comfort , and also ground of hope , Rom. 15. 4. believing those things to be its own which the Scriptures hold forth .

4. Examine , dost thou stand in awe of sinning against God , because he hath in the Scriptures commanded thee to abstain from it ? Dost thou give diligence to make thy Calling and Election sure , because God commandeth it in Scripture ? Dost thou examine thy self whether thou be in the Faith or no , having a command in Scripture so to do ? Or dost thou ( notwithstanding what thou readest in the Scripture , follow the world , delight in sin , neglect coming to Jesus Christ , speak evil of the Saints , slight and make a mock at the Ordinances of God , delight in wicked company , and the like . Then know , that it is because thou dost not indeed and in truth believe the Scriptures effectually . For , as I said before , if a man do believe them , and that savingly , then he stands in ●w , he looks to his steps , he turns his feet from evil , and endeavors to follow that which is good , which God hath commanded in the Scriptures of truth ; yet not from a legal or natural principle ; that is to seek for life by doing that good thing , but knowing that Salvation is already obtained for him , by the bloud of that man Christ Jesus on the Cross , because he believes the Scriptures ; therefore ( mark I pray ) therefore I say , he labours to walk with his God , in all well pleasing and godliness , because he sweet power of the loves of Christ which he feels in his soul by the Spirit , according to the Scriptures , constrain him so to do , 2 Cor. 5. 14.

5. Examine again Dost thou labour after those qualifications that the Scriptures do describe a child of God by ? that is saith , yea the right faith , the most holy faith , the faith of the operation of God. And also dost thou examine whether there is a real growth of Grace in thy soul , as love , zeal , self-denial , and a seeking by all means to attain ( if possible ) to the Resurrection of the dead ; that is , not to satisfy thy self , until thou be dissolved and rid of this body of death , and be transformed into that glory that the Saints shall be in after the Resurrection day ; and in the mean time dost labour , and take all opportunities to walk as near as may be to the pitch , though thou know thou canst not attain it perfectly , yet I say , thou dost aim at it , seek after it , press towards it , and to hold on in thy race , thou ●hunnest that which may any way hinder thee , and also close in with what may any way further the same ; knowing , that that must be , or desiring that it should be thine eternal frame , and therefore out of love and liking to it , thou dost desire and long after it , as being the thing that doth most please thy soul.

Or how is it with thy soul ? Art thou such an one as regards not these things ? but rather busy thy thoughts about the things here below , following those things that have no scent of divine glory upon them ; If so , look to thy self , thou art an unbeliever , and so under the wrath of God , and wilt for certain fall into the same place of torment that thy fellows have fallen into before thee , to the grief of thy own soul , and thy everlasting destruction .

Consider and regard these things , and lay them to thy heart before it be too late to recover thy self , by repen●ing of the one , and desiring to close in with the other . O I say , regard , regard , for hell is hot , Gods hand is up , the Law is resolved to discharge against thy soul ; the Judgment day is at hand ; the graves are ready to fly open , the 〈◊〉 is nea● 〈◊〉 ●ounding , the sentence will ●re long be p●st , and then you and I cannot call ●im● again .

But again , seeing they are so certain , so sure , so irre●●●●ble and firm ; and seeing the saving faith of the thing● contained therein is to reform the soul , and bring i● over into the things of God , really conforming to the things contained therein , both to the point of Justification , and also an impractical walking , and giving up the soul and body to a conformity to all the commands , counsels , instructions , and exhortations contained therein . This then will learn us how to judg of those who give up themselves to walk in the imaginations of their own hearts , who slight and lay aside the Scriptures , counting them but empty and uncertain things , and will live every day in open contradiction to what is contained , commanded , and forbidden therein .

As first , this will shew us that all your Drunkards , Whoremasters , Lyars , Thieves , Swearers , Back-biters , Slanderers , Sc●ffers at goodness , &c. I say , we may see by this , that they tha● live in such things , have not the faith of these things contained in their hearts ; seeing they delight to practise those things that are forbidden by , and in them . And so they continuing living and dying in this state , we may conclude without fear , that these portions of holy Scripture belong unto them , and shall for certain be fulfilled upon them ▪ He that believes not , shall be damned , Mark 16. 16. The unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdome of God , 1 Co● . 6. 9 , 10. But the abominable , the unbelieving , the whoremongers , and all lyars shall have their part in the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone , Rev. 21. 8. Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire , prepared for the Devil and his Angels , Matth. 25. 41. Depart , Depart from me , for I will not save you . Depart , for my bloud shall not at all wash you . Depart , for you shall not set one foot into the Kingdome of Heaven .

Depart ye cursed , ye are cursed of God , cursed of his Law , cursed of me , cursed by the Saints , and cursed by the Angels , cursed all over , nothing but cursed , and therefore depart from me ; and whither ? Into everlasting fire , fire that will scald , scorch , burn , and flame to purpose ; fire that never shall be quenched , Mark 9. fire that will last to all eternity . And must we be all alone ? No , you shall have company , store of company with you . Namely , all the raging , roaring devils , together with an innumerable company of fellow damned sinners , men , women , and children . And if the Scriptures be true , ( as they will one day wonderfully appear to be ) then this must , and shall be thy portion , if thou live and dye in this state , and of all them who continue in sinning against the truths com●ined in Scriptures .

As first , Dost thou delight to sin against plain commands ? thou art gone .

Secondly , Dost thou slight and scorn the counsels contained in Scriptures , and continue in so doing ? then thou art gone .

Thirdly Dost thou continually neglect to come to Christ , and usest arguments in thine own heart to satisfy thy soul with so doing , then thou art gone . Luke 14. 17 , 18. compared with verse 24. and Hebrews 2. 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation ? How shall we escape , 〈…〉 there is no way to escape .

First ▪ because God hath said we shall not , Heb. 10. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh , for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth ( that was Moses ) , much more shall not we escape , if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven .

2. Because he hath not only said , they shall not , but also hath bound it with an oath , saying , So I sware in my wrath , they shall not enter into my rest , Heb. 3. 11. To whom did he swear that they should not enter into his rest ? Answer , To them that believed not , So we see , they could not enter in , because of unbelief , verse 18 , 19.

Secondly , this will teach us what to think and conclude of such , who though they do not so openly discover their folly by open and gross sins against the Law , yet will give more heed to their own spirits , and the movings thereof , though they be neither commanded , nor commended for the same in Scripture ; nay , though the Scripture command and commend the contrary , Isaiah 8. 20. then they will to the holy and revealed will of God. I say , such men are in as bad a state as the other to the full , being disobedient to Gods will revealed in his Word , as well as they , though in a different manner ; the one openly transgressing against the plain and well known truths revealed in it ; the other , though more close and hidden , yet secretly rejecting and slighting them , giving more heed to their own spirits , and the motion thereof , although not warranted by the Scriptures .

A few words more , and so I shall conclude .

And first , take heed that you content not your self with a bare notion of the Scriptures in your heads , by which you may go far , even so far , as to be able to dispute for the truth , to Preach the Gospel , and labour to vindicate it in opposition to gain-sayers , and yet be found at the left hand of Christ at the Judgment-day , forasmuch as thou didst content thy self with a notion or a traditional knowledg of them .

2. Have a care , that thou own the whole Scripture , and not own one part , and neglect another , or slight it , is th●● : To own the Law , and slight the Gospel ; or to think that thou must be saved by thy good doing and works , for that is all one , as if thou diddest thrust Christ away from thee , or else so to own the Gospel , as if by it thou wert exempted from all obedience to the ten Commandments , and conformity to the Law in life and conversation ; for in so doing , thou wilt for certain make sure of eternal vengeance .

Thirdly , have a care that thou put not wrong names on the things contained in the Scriptures , as to call the Law , Christ , and Christ , the Law. For some having done so ( in my knowledg ) , have so darkned to themselves the glorious truths of the Gospel , that in a very little time they have been resolved to thwart and oppose them , and so have made room in their own souls for the devil to inhabit , and obtained a place in hell for their own souls , to be tormented for ever and ever .

Against this danger therefore in reading and receiving the testimony of Scripture , learn to distinguish between the Law and the Gospel , and to keep them clear asunder , as to the salvation of thy soul , and that thou mayest so do : In the first place , beg of God , that he would shew thee the nature of the Gospel , and set it home effectually with life and power upon thy soul by Faith. Which is this , That God would shew thee , that as thou being man , hast sinned against God ; so Christ being God Man , hath ●●ought thee again , and with his most pretious bloud set thee free from the bondage thou wast fallen into by thy sins ; and that not upon condition , that thou wilt do thus and thus , this and the other good work ; but rather , that thou being first justified freely by meer grace , through the bloud of Jesus , shouldest also receive thy strength from him who hath bought thee , to walk before him in all well pleasing , being inabled thereto by vertue of his Spirit , which hath revealed to thy soul , that thou art delivered already from wrath to come , by the obedience , not of thee , but of another man , ( viz. ) Jesus Christ.

Secondly , Then if the Law thou readest of , tell thee in thy Conscience , thou must do this and the other good work of the Law , if ever thou wilt be saved . Answer plainly , that for thy part thou art resolved now not to work for life , but to believe in the vertue of that bloud shed upon the Cross , upon Mount Calvary , for the remission of sins ; and yet , because Christ hath justified thee freely by his Grace , thou wilt se●ve him in Holiness and Righteousness all the dayes of thy life , yet not in a legal Spirit , or in a Covenant of Works , but mine obedience ( say thou ) I will endeavour to have it free , and chearful , out of love to my Lord Jesus .

Thirdly , Have a care thou receive not this doctrine in the notion only , lest thou bring a just damnation upon thy soul , by professing thy self to be freed by Christs bloud from the guilt of sin , while thou remainest still a servant to the filth of sin . For I must tell you , that unless you have the true and saving work of the Faith and Grace of the Gospel in your hearts , you will either go on in a legal Holiness , according to the tenour of the Law ; or else through a notion of the Gospel ( the Devil bewitching , and beguiling thy understanding , will , and affections ) thou wilt Ranter ▪ like , turn the Grace of God into wantonness , and bring upon thy soul , double , if not treble damnation , in that thou couldest not be contented to be damned for thy sins against the Law , but also to make ruine sure to thy soul ; thou wouldest dishonour the Gospel , and turn the Grace of God held forth , and discovered to man by that , into licenticusness .

But that thou mightest be sure to escape these dangerous looks on the right hand , and on the left , see that thy faith be such , as spoken of in S●●●pture , and that thou be not satisfied without th●t ▪ which is a faith wrought by the mighty operation of God , revealing Christ to , and in thee , as having wholly freed thee from thy sins by his most pretious bloud . Which Faith , if thou attain unto , will so work in thy heart , th●● first thou wilt see the nature of the Law , and also the nature of the Gospel , and delight in the glory of it ; and also thou wilt find an ingaging of thy heart and soul to Jesus Christ , even to the giving up of thy whole man unto him , to be ruled and governed by him to his glory , and thy comfort , by the Faith of the Lord Jesus .

The End.