Document 6499876

ADVICE
PARENTS,
TO
THE
PERTOKM
TO
Which
fome
Motives
AND
DUTIES
Children
their
they owe
With
HOW
DIRECTIONS
CONTAINING
/
excitingthereunto.
OF
EXCELLENCY
THE
;
GOSPEL-ORDINANCES,
hinted 4
Briefor
with
Sin
tl^*
Rev.
ROBERT
Danger of neglecting
tf^na,
particularly;
o|)eoied.
Jm^^coiitemning
By
the
KINISTER
AT
RYE,
BytheRev.
Dextt*
vi. 7.
KEID,
IRELAND*!
DONNEGAL,
recommendation"*
A
WITH
and
PRINGLE.
FRANCIS
Thou
shalt teach them
to thy
diligently
Children.
Eph.
VI.
monition
Eph.
heard
1
4.
of the
i. 13.
Bring
i.
up in the Nurture
In whom
preaching
them
your
God
by
the
of
foolishness
that believe.
DUBLIN,
CARLISLE;
Ad^^
ye also trusted,afterthat ye
the Gospelof
sahatioji.
oftruth,
xxi.
It pleased
to save
and
Lord.
the word
Cos.
them
PRINTED,
RE-PRINTED
1806.
B^
Gl.O^O'E. "VwVC^
v"
!
65S5
"
.
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3
"
^^^^^jflMaaMMRaaaanMMHHBMajiBL
^
T: HE
^
,
"
'
two
"
small Treatises,not
following
in this countty,
al, and
^
seem
latelyput
were
well
calculated
to
into my
much
hands
excite
the
Icnowii
for penis-'
attention of
Christians
in them"
considered
tp the importantsubjects
gious
Jn the first,the duty of parents, in regard to the reli-
education
of
their
children, is stated in
a
number
-of
pertinentDirections, perspicuouslyexpressed, wetf
explained,and enforced by Scripturearguments and
The
and incitements
admonitions
motives.
employed
in jM-cssing
of
such vast importance, and alas!
a
duty
seasonable."
so
commonly neglected, appear peculiarly
in the dischargeof it
And
considerable assistance
very
may be derived from the serious perusalof the directions
referred to, as illustrated by the Author.
The
sutgectof
the
Second
Piece
less
important,
"nd
to it, seem
given,
equally
in
the present state of religion,
least in
at
necessary,
The
world.
this part of the
excellency of
Gospel
of
is demonstrated
from
Ordinances
a
variety
topics,
minds
of
the
such
entertain
well adaptedto impress
as
a
for the Holy Scriptures.And
the sin
due veneration
these ordinances
evinced
and danger of neglecting
are
^' by such
considerations, and exhibited in such an affectf
ing light,as will,it is hoped, reach conviction to attenof awakening many^
a
mean
l" tive readers, and prove
in a great degree, insensible to
have hitherto been
who
iif
of their souls, to
the concerns
lay to heart the things
I
which belong to their eternal peace*
is
relative
the instructions
"
A
no
'
i
Donnegal,
held
for
others,
and
much
is
memory
early
follows,
of
being
had
principal
a
of
'ii"=8s
'jiages,
th^
of
worthy
it
will,
and
terests
For
of
is
of
serious
the
of
perusal
be
hoped,
found
whose
in
(which
of
they
inlhese
judged
are
GhHstiahs-
his
plain^
great^
treated
them,
of
profit
studied
conducive
Edition,)
this
spiritual
what
In
Dedicatory,
subjects
treating
His
in
general-;
tb. the
best
'ip^
reader*
the
that
the
from
manner
the
to
of
walk*
country,
omitted
are
flock
duties
ministry.
accordingly
an4
But,
speech.
and
his
Epistles
regard
congregation,
crwn
the
this
land,
Ire-
his
the
'ill
in
in
by
exemplary
an
those
consideration,
local
Secession
reputation
under
from
the
diligence
by
spent
appears
as
in
and
revered
were
years
zeal
holy
of
and
fidelity
for
oflSce,
he
Minister
was
County
his
a
Author
The
]
4
end,
a*
may
divine
blessing
them.
attend
""
"
"
"
.
FRANC
Carlisle^
A
however
number
March
of
aiFecting
21*/,
corrections
the
sense.
I- S
PRTNG^IiEi
1806.
was
fodnd
riewssafy,
ftol
ADVICE
Tjr
uj
*n
\i/
^^
*Jf
*^
^
i^
'^
c^
J.
PARENTS,
TO
^^
n"
'^
'W'
^^
%i^
"^
^
"d,_ 1^
"c.
f"
^
^*
n"
^
^
4^
fecting
afDay, more
.to ftny serioue
observer, than to notice, the little
which
e\adence,
care
professing.Christian Parents
many
the
their
children, as
tle
Apos"or
reallyhave, of bringing up
admonition
Lord.
of
the
and
directs^ in the nurture
be very
this consideration
wonder
And
no
"ph. vu 4.
affecting,for while this continues to be the unpleasant and
is but very
litde hope of the state,
there
unhappy case
of God
in the world, tho
and
condition
of the church
church
of the several
families of professing
being made
up
christians,belonging to her ; little ground of hope
all things desired,
is to be above
concerning that, which
viz, the thriving of practicalreligionand
godliness ain
And
it
is
small
indeed,
no
us.
part owing to
jnong
of
carelessness
that
the irreligious
those who
parents,
in publick work
in the church, have
labour
daily so much
boured
ground of just complaint,with the prophet, of having lain vain, and
spent their strength for nought, and
if ever
in vain, Isaiah
xlix. 4. and
the
ground of this
8aid lanaentation
be happily removed,
parents will be, no
due and diligentconcern
about
doubt, excited to a more
the discharge of their
duties, in their several families.
How
fniits of ihis want
plain and evident are the dismal
of care
and pains in too
Families, in the conduct
many
and
is it to be
much
deportment of their children ! How
that it were
wished
who
have
otherwise, and that those
the charge and care
of a rising generation, could
be but
brought*thehappy length of laying it more
once
seriously
" R "
H
is
.
scarce
any
thing,
in
our
,
"
to
heart
!
Remember,
God
one,
hath
and
O
parents, however
committed
unto
j'ou
ought
you
Tcv'scw^'tt^^^^^^wsx^
v^^^*^^
tYv2A.\t\?.^Ntx^
you,
cowi\^"^%
to
o"ten
"^
r
solemn
and
weighty' Omr
very
of duly performingthe du*
conscience
under
are
you
to make
bligations,
ties imcurobent
of God
vows
on
are
to
before
him,
to
in the
;
you
childFen
cofttained
at
up in
our
be
you
and
men
bring them
knowledge
summed
you,
on
dedicatingyour
*
often,in
I
e
arisingfrom
;
when
you
m
angels,that
a
be
would
you
ful
care-
up in the fear and worshipof God, and
of the christian religiof the principles
on
largein the holy scripture,and
And
standards.
the
calm
most
with yourselves,
as
considering
conscience
The
of
profession
baptism, you vowed
made
you
God
to
this relation.
have
of
made,
'tisbut
reasonable
deliberate
and
briefly
manner
sightof God,
walking suitablyto
in the
what
these
engagements.
And
consider, that you
give
must
an
in the
account
of the management
of your work.
flayof jfesusj
Mind,
I say, with all possibleseriousness, that God
who
hath
the charge of
to you
given you children, and committed
of
them, will certainlyrequireof you, a strict account,
the part you
have
toward
acted
them.
the consideration
Let
importance of the business among
your
hands, of the unhappy effects of supine negligenceand
the happy and
carelessness
pleasantfruits of con;
which by the divine blessingwould
gcientious diligence,
follow, to the imspeakable gain of those to whom
you
and
stand in so near
the
a relation, your
own
comfort,
of
the
"
satisfaction of others who
you
of your
will be called to
your
xmnd, such
soul's
good
desire your
welfare, and
the
children, togetherwith
the
account
give to the great Judge of the quick
and the dead, in,that day when
(as it is expressed,2d
all appear before the judgment
Cor. V. 10.) " we
must
of Christ to receive accordingtothe deeds done in the
seat
body, whether they be good or bad ;" I say, let a thought
make
of these thing's
on
some
deep and abidingimpression
vou,
as
will have
some
the
you to the dischargeof
christian parents.
as
Allow
""orldf
can
me,
O parents ! to
give you
so
much
influence
duties
ask, "wWt
\s
towards
incumbent
\!cvet^ m
citing
ex-
on
VJkv^
jjrouadoi *Q\\O^^^XvaS^":.^Q
CM
Cons6ktion, as
lasting
and
to see
children bf ought
your
whether
usedr
institution,
and "ic"
by you, or any other, to an earlylove of religion
the
of godliness;which
quaintance with the power
is great gain, as
us
havingthd
ApostlePaul assures
promises of this life,and that which is to cotne*'* Anin"
spiredapostletells us, he had no greater joy, than to see
And
children walking in the truth*
his spiritual
can
you:
solid
comfort
thidk of any thingthat could
more
give
than
and peace,
to see
yours by nature, walking in the
thcif
: and
same
therebygivingyou and all whoseek
way
good groimd of hope concerning theif
happiness,some
more)
ever
felicity
; than whichi nothingis to be
lasting
desired,and with which no other thingconcerning them
by
the
of the Lord's
means
own
^^
is any way
to be
of troubles and
dear
so
ones,
afford
to
by
the toidst
with
in
thia
religious parents,
to
iincl
be
met
manifold
account^
tendered
to
a
on
advice,
Remember
xii, !"
blessed
EcL
Solonion
pleasurein
What
them^
that
really taking
young
?
to
difficulties,
it
world) would
those
compared
thy^
"
minding
days "pf thy youth," "c.
the things that belong to their peace, diligently
using
and
in
salvation
of
the
eternal
their
not
die means
only
5
of not
but givinggood evidence
of outward
use
means,
with
in them, but using them
a hearty concern^
trifling
obtain
that they may
the^ end, in |:hesalvation of theii^
As was
souls*
immortal
hinted, you either have laid^
ficulties,
or
reasonably lay your account, with not a few difmay
in
creator
in
world
J
some
the
bringingup
of
your
which,
nothing can tend
troubles, than
getting
there is
who
have
otherwise
may
in
ones
young
a
present evil,
And
possiblybe great*
more
some
occasioned
to
counter-balance
true
you
comfort
so
much
in
a5
these
those,
sorrow
i
some
only find it,in observing in them
you can
; thi^
pleasantand hopefulsigns,with respect to religion
and
as
immediately says, that it ought to be yOur dailycare, to
be very
diligentin doing what belongsto you^ ^Kvcfck
might tend anyway to theiradvaxit^^'^^m^.x^^^^^^^
C
And
tttore
other
or
affecting,
such
to
the
on
parents,
consideration
hand, what
be
can
ground of deep sorrow
deprived of any due thought,
greater
cause
not
are
as
]
8
hantosee
those, every way so dear
to them,
walking
of
children
after
the
ing
disobedience,
as
flesh, fulfillliving
the abominable
lusts thereof, led captiveby satan
at
his pleasure,and walking in the broad
of sin,which
ways
lead
have
could
you
Mat,
destruction?
to
the
interest
in
they
and
honours
havfe
better
no
things which
those
possible,
being possessedof all
world, having an accumulation
if
comfort,
it
were
of their
hope
in this
a^nable felicity
earthly riches, pleasure
the
And
vii, 13"
tend
to
imof
where
5
is
portion: no
make
happy,
time
in
ty
all eternideath, and to
only, but at
?
Worldly things are but for a few days ; riches
themselves
make
So
wings and flyaway. Pro, xxiii, 5.
do honours, pleasuresand all other enjoyments, in this
not
Kfe.
Moth
and
earth. Mat.
and
true
If* then
who
comfort
solid
and
enemies
concerning them
else
these
blameable,
to
in the
little,
eternal
souls benefit, and
and
and
ruin,
Touse
up
otherwise,
in time
for
and
awaken
and
those
negligent and careless,and
a
charge,
but also
only to
not
to
be
earnest
pleasedgraciouslyto
tod pains taken on,
ih
the great
able
be
to
give
of
if
and
so,
ones
young
use
of
you
any
too
many
are
found
happiness;
some
in
ever.
that
comfort of
Let
have
are
yea,
to
their
the
by
their
evil
misery
this consideration
been
excite all who
in time
have
diligencein the way
crying to GbD, that he
all
tributing
con-
on
be, what
instrumental
countenance
a
to
in
toward
means,
prevent not) like
(ifmercy
Example,
will be
exceeding high degree,
an
so
contrary
on
in them.
things
charge
the
have
laid up
treasures
I say, if your
children
ly
realare
to God
works, noby wicked
thing
This
vi. 19.
wicked,
corrupt the
rust
means
risinggeneration,for
all connected with, or
past,
so
great
of
duty,
be
may
used
their
with,
good,
concerned
C
If any ask what
tad
in the
Ae
do^ that we
children,and
iDur
for your
question,and
of the engagements
sum
childtl^n
help, I
you
haptised,in
were
be instrusien-
may
bringthem up
may
of the Lord;
in answer.
admonition
and
nurture
this
to
shall we
of
good
the
to
]
9
the
shall
lay before
when
under,
came
you
your'
followingdirections*
DIRECTIONS.
Direct.
Be
!"
concerned
God
earlyto
employed in seekingthe
ones
yotmg
dedicate
Baptism, but also be
in
divine
blessingto
your
'much
accompany
ordinance.
diat solemn
Direct.
only to
not
earlyin.
Instruct them
2.
the
knowledge
of religion,
at large in the
as contained
principles
standards.
and briefly
summed
lyscriptures,
up in our
the
Direct.
end,
the
use
good
of
the rod
do
means
correction,as
not
the
answer
for
God
appointedby
ho*
of children.
Direct.
Pray with,
4.
therefore
and
milder
When
3.
of.
worship God
well
as
in
a
as
for your
children,
evening and.
familyway,
morning.
Direct.
According
5.
knowledge, givethem
Direct.
whole
of
I shall
some
to
own
your
of
measure
useful advices
and
tions.
exhorta-
good example before them in the
conversation and deportment.
your
each of the above directions,
and
a little explain
enforce them
Direct.
Set
6.
bv
a
a
few
Not
1.
motives.
only dedicate
children
your
early
baptism,but also be much exercised in
that ordinance ; more
seeking his blessingto accompany
the few following
observe
I would
things.
particularly,
that you
1 It is necessary
duly consider the nature, end,
to
in
the Lord
"
and- divine institutionof this great otdinance, that so you
be excited to some
suitable and rightexercise sEbout
may
Ae
same,
when
you
to
many
wlmt
your
do not, with
they are,
or
make
for
application
children.
It is much
becoming
ought to b^
any
to
its
being
ministered
ad-
be feared that
cowcenv^
"i\"o"x\^X
\vj[ \a
^^
\nk*sx
"^"^^^ ^
'
I
time, when theyare called
lest they manage
their spirits,
Remember
]
10
have
to
deep concern
a
illa business of
therefore that itis not
portance.
im-
vast
ordinance of
onlyan
.
so
upon
divine
appointment, (asare likewise all other appointed
of salvation)
but it is a seal of the new
means
covenant,
wherein
Christ and all the blessingsof his purchase,are
represented,sealed,and appliedto believers.
in due .time,or
careful to have it administered
2. Be
is afforded,of doing it in a due
as
an
as
soon
opportunity
evidence too small an esteem
Some
and orderlymanner.
of grace, by too long delaying
for this seal of the covenant
'
for having their
application
any sufficient reason
is here noticed,is
without
What
of
of the conduct
on
divine
rule, or
and that
baptised,
for so doing.
not intended
as
any approbati*
such,
it can
baptised,whether
children
will
as
have
be obtained
in
their,children
agreeable
way
of the absurd
a
if
they were
opinionof the absolute necessityof baptism to salvation ;
an
by all true prptestants, aud by
opinion,justlyrejected
who has any justconceptionof the method
of
every one
to the
salvation, discovered
taught
Ebaptism;
are
"^ou
not
to
nor
to
not
as
;
in the word
of
believe
absolute
form
the
any uncharitable
fitateof those infants,who are
by death, before there be any
baptised;
be
careful
the
at
veneration for this solemn
behave,
as
degeneratinginto
as
either ascribe
may
too
removed
a
of
opportunity
same
ordinance
to
of
extreme,
to,
depend
or
of the
world
their
maintain
and
;
contrary
much
of the
out
time
when
necessityof
judgment
giveno justground
to
But
God.
being
a just
endeavour
so
suspecting
you
to
too
those who
much
on
up-
it.
As
3.
in him
mean
either by any virtue in itself,
or
doth administer the same, become
al
effectuan
baptism cannot
who
of the salvation of those
study to be much
blessing,which only
exercised
your
end,
for which
it
was
can
make
receive
who
in
earnestlyseekingthat
it
appointedby
thwiingyoii hav^ done
it ; let it be
the wVigte
to
answer
ChrhU
oi ^cw
the
Beware
great
of
\^\vs.w
^")X7^
f
you have
are
make
solemn
a
dedication
of
yoxrtf
were
required^
nothing more
he
if you
persuaded they
as
good ground
tised.
happy, merely because they are bapunquestionably
children
or
to
professed
1
"
I
to
God, as
might on
if
shall,
as
was
proposed,take
motives, for excitingto some
divine
in
blessing
this solemn
notice of the few
suitable
concern
ing
followfor the
ordinance*
already noticed, is a seal of that
the footing of which
kind
on
only, sinners of mancovenant,
therefore a seal also, of all the
be saved
can
; and
thereof. If so, how
frequent*
great and valuable blessings
ly and fervently
ought you to cry to him, who hath the
dispensation of all these blessingsin his hand, that
1.
Baptism,
as
was
in due time be
interested in
actually
your children may
those unspeakableprivileges,
by the saving work of the
of God,
spirit
in the
to
application
Christ
that
them
of the
redempti*
not
only be
they may
baptisedwith water, but also with the holy Ghost ?
be induced
2. That
to the
greater diligence
you may
in so necessary
deliberate thoughts,
exercise,have some
and that frequently,
about
the blessingsherein signified,
as
particularly
pointedout to you in divine revelation j
where you will find,that by our
being baptisedis signified
in a specialmanner,
and
union
to
our
Christy
munion
comSo
with him*
read of being baptised into
we
Rom.
vi. 3.
Christy Gah iii. 27.
our
regenerationor
beingbom again, Tit, iii. 5. Joh. iii. 5. our justification
and
ii.
Acts
o
f
and
forgiveness sin.
22, 16.
28,
the
children of
our
adoption and
being made
God, GaL iii. 26, 27. compared with Joh. iii. 5. forecited, our sanctification or death to sin ; thus the apostle
Christ
in
with
speaks of being buried
baptism
resurrection
Rom.
and holy
to
a
vi, 3. our
new
Ufe, as may be gathered from the reasoning of the
aposde, Rom. vi. 3. 4. our being incorporatedinto the
^^"""csx^\
o1 ^^
meiv^tx^
body oi Christy and so made
thus we
are
said, Cor. i. 12, IS. Xo b^Xi^^'CY^^^^vc^si
"2Pcs!^
^^^^'
^
viz.
the mystical body oi ChrWt ; vsv
^d^,
on,
purchased by
;
so
r
hereby
is
Mark
xvi.
and
can
salvation
signifiedour
O
16,
1
"
!
how
O
and
to
cry
thus be
with
blessed
places,in Christ
all
Jesus
high,
valuablje
children,niay share of tbean
yourselvesonly,but also your
and
^e|
bl^Qsmg^!
any suitable thoughtof these^
to God,
day and night,th^t not
parents, take
be excited
not
unspeakably
and
incomprehensiblygreat
you,
suid etevi^
in
spiritual
blessings
\
hcaveply
i. 3.
Epiu
it may
be your
3. That
dailycare, to be found in the
under ;
practiceof your duty, paying the vows
you came
and walking suitably
to the high profession
you made,- in
the day in which you stood before the Lokd
; often ponder
and the other ; togetherwith
the solemnityboth of the one
low
the high sin and exceedinggreat danger of going back* Alsome
time, in calmly and deliberately
reyourselves
on
fleeting
bound
what
with
profession
you made,
holy David^
all his
other
with
souls
your
I
to
to
vows
the
and,
18.
sake
the
the duties you
practise. Seek
to
cxvi,
for
so
bond
your
pay
Psalms
people.
reasons,
a
and
Lord,
as
of
for
your
grace
bcfcire
many
young
employed in fervent prayer to God
for themselves
when they cannot
for them, even
;
pray
in
their
be
that
blessed
I
they may
being
praying, say,
in
Christ
interested
time
in due
actually
jfesusjand
through him, in all the promises,and promised blessings
of which
of that covenant,
they received the initiating
seal,when they were
baptised.
the things signifiedby,
4. As baptism cannot
convey
of Christ accompaand sealed in it,without the blessing
excite you
to be venying it ; this consideratron should
in seekingit from
aloue it doth
him, to whom
r}^ diligent
of his own
insti"
belong to bless this,or any other mean
be
especially,
ones
for
tution
is
a
"zek.
salvation.
special
xxxvi.
3/.
jhrthemJ*^
sayiDir^
where
*^oh
"
Thus
consider,
that
prayer
obtaining promised blessings,
saith
enquiredof by
How
we
And
for
mean
yet for this be
S, 9^
.
the Lord
the house
of
God, I will
Isreal,to do it
encouragingis that
read, that whea
that thou
wouldesl
1 Chro* iv"
account,
yahez tiaXVe^ oxi dox^^
b\esa
\\.^^-^
tji^VaAfc^^;^
[
^
sthe God
When
icy
that heareth
you
(asmany
that
hem,
children
so
die in
may
be taken from ybuj
of doing any thingelse
opportunity
any
can
any
much
influence
*dthis
way
on
their
contribute toward
way
eter-
world, this consideration should
another
in
ikppiness
requested.'^
prayer.
that your
others have) and
consider
you have
"e
that irtiichhe
granted him
God
and
]
13
you,
for them.
they can^c^ pray
ahy thing'weknow) so
icy,
making you the more
When
they are in a
for
themselves, nor
much
as
form
con-
of
state
they
can
notion
any
of
end
or
design of
object,nature, matter, manner,
of the distinct exercise of re*.
er ; beingincapable
in an ordinaryway ; ought you not then the rather,
member
their
before
case
itself
? Nature
the Lord
to do thait
they are helplessinfants,
hem, which they are not capableof doing for themtheir natural
life;and
:s in respect of the body and
is it not equally,yea much
more
reasonable, that
,
leglectnot die duties incumbent on, and requiredof
noble and better part,
for the good of that far more
les
when
you,
soul ?
irimortal
O
child's cloaths
eareftil of the
h
valuable,viz.
more
not
you
who
foolish,yea exceedinglymad,
very
5
! parents. Would
than
would
that
its health,and
esteem
h6
which
is
life? But
so,
do ye, in very deed, act the part of a fool,
about the bodies
of your
chilmore
are
thoughtful
than about their souls
and iheir temporal happiness,
much
more
^
eternal salvation
and, in a word, as you will be exingly hiexcusab?e,if you live in the neglectof this
of your
5
duty
so
if enabled
peace,
;
;
f6r it is
to be
christian do
:
it
contrar}'wise,
to
essay
ininded, that
give
not
eof, yet they conduce
5 :
and
aht,
s
we
as
ence,
can
solid
be
cfr
in
see
certain
a
it
peace,
much
Davidy
is,that
possessedof
lasUng.
no
any
afford
may
conscientious
though the
as
a
yoit
discharge
good
works
procuringcause
this way,
in respect
and
Pcml^ Hezekiah
unfailVviwJL
true
^e^^e^
ojt
of
o-
^^'^p"xiS.
"xs?} ^orw"ssts*
r
^
r
1*
Instruct your littleones
early,in tftepiifll
in the jbcdf
contained
of the christian religion,
as
ciples
Direct. 5.
.
scriptures.
oughtto teach their children,is in itself
confessed,that there isnoneces*
clear,yea, so generally
60
be just noticed|
of staying on proof; only it may
fiity
that the charge is very
peremptory, as it is expressed,
Thou
shalt teach these thingsto thy
JDeuU vi. 6, 7.
the importance of this
And
children."
out
as pointing
That
parents
"
it is, 'tisadded,
necessary
thou risest up, and when
when
talk of them
when
down,
^*
how
work, and
thoii
shalt
liest
when
thoa
take it for
house, and
sittest in thine
thou
and
to
apostleseems
by the way." The
that parents do teach their children so, 1 7%e"
.granted,
in instructing
that church|
ii. 11. speaking of His work
adds, " as a father doth his children." See Psalm Ixxviii,
jwalkest
j},4, 5, 6, "c.
Isa. xxxviiii. 19.
and
Hezekiah
where
thy
8^th, ^^ the father to the children shall make known
them to understand
truth,"which undoubtedlyincludes teaching
and enforcingthis dut}'^
Jel
ii. For explaining
parents attend to the followingthings.
taughtto read as soon as
Timothy, that from a
2 Tim.
iii,14.
holy scriptures,
excellent example before
set an
having the charge of children,
children be
your young
in
possible.It is commended
1.
Let
child he had
And
his
known
the
piousteachers
christian parents, or any
Whatever
in all following
ages.
your
you
to
capableof readingthe
to search the
scriptures,
jfohnv.
in a capacityto do, if we
cannot
Xhem
not
enable
circumstances
other parts of literature
bestow on children^let
made
be
bible.
39.
so
It is our
which
we
much
as
ty
duare
read
them.
It is therefore
as
requisite,
some
of others do
not
the circumstances
parents omnot,
allow
teach
to
I mention
blameable
^iment
this the
in their
rather, because
too
negligencethis way,
so
ofcbildrenj
that
sufficient
them
their young
themselves
;
ones,
them
for
in places convenient
school-masters
time
many
to the
and
to
provide
to
attend
ver)
great de-
are
thepvo^r ^t^c5Qi"L\"^lx"t\"
I
1'
is
St
vAietitheycould with least disadvantage
be spared,
-lected,
-viz. when
theyare young, and unfit for being otherwise
iiseful.
But
do
not
for teacTi*
whollydepend on school-masters,
of religion.
You
knowledge of the principles
the
ing them
bound by the divine
"re
jBelves,Deut.
precept
7* fore
to
instruct
them
yourexamine
cited*
Frequently
to try, and improve their knowledge,
them,
the evening of the
Lord's
on
especially
Day. Where
this is duly practiced,the good effects are
noticeable,
in childrens progress
in knowledge ; and no less observathe unhappy fruits of negligencein this^ or
Jble are
in order
other
\u
both
like respects.
for not Improving
they may have no excuse
in knowledge, nor any- hindrance
therein, be careful to
providethem sufficient helps for that end, not only that
excellent and comprehensive composure,
the assembly's
shorter catechism,but likewise those which are necessary
for assisting
them in some
distinct understandingof
Cause
them
the Aings therein contained.
soon
as
a"
these
catechisms
heart
to
peat
by
they are capable, get
; to rebe
that
fixed
in
them frequently,
their
they may
memories, and providebibles for each of your children
It is to be lamented,
that are
capable of using them.
that too many
not
are
enough careful this way ; nor are
of excuse,
for their
in away
offered by some
the reasons
not doing so, of any sufficientweight.
It is also highlyreasonable, that you have in every faconfession,as containing
jnilya copy of the Westminster
2.
a
form
That
of sound
words, which
we
are
called
of those divide truths
excellent summary
an
of the old and new
expressedin the scriptures
imderstood
to
hold' fast
more
;
largely
Testament
;
both
by parents
Endeavour
liketvise to
jand children.
provide 5om^
divinity,as requisite
good books of doctrinal,and practical
in
for assisting
and
more
attaining
them,
yourselves
understandingof those thingsnecessary to be known ahd
and
necessary
to
believed; and
for
be
Y^^oC\q.^\sv^^^"^^^
directing
^oxjix
B
t
Winess.
]
10
spent in readingsuch books,would be tnU(Si
Time
disposedof,than when, asoftenisthteil^as^
profitably
no
it is wasted in employments, which are profitable
way,
hurtftd
cither for soul or body ; but in many
to
respects
to the soul.
hothy especially
3. As much
understanding
speculative
may be attaifivine
and saving knowledge of diied without any sanctifying
where
We
spiritual
things,as is clear from scripture,
toore
jread of such
of
knew
as
the master's will and
did it not
;
and
as
knowledge that puffethup, but doth not edify; arid
is dailyto be observed, in rfie very wicked
practices
of
some
a
that have
knowledge
therefore do
;
not
only use
for
bringingyoung ones to the knowledge of thofee
but be intent in seekingof God^
doctrines Of Christianity,
used whether
that he would
grant his blessing
upon allmeans
others
have
who
or
by yourselves,
any charge of,
means,
take any
or
pains
inwardly by his
Israel,Jsa.
on
them
;
and
that he
spirit,
according to
liv" 13.
"
thy children
may
teach
that
promiiseto
shall be
them
alltttught
hf
the Lord.''
And
that you
I shall
/this way,
^
may
be induced
laybefore
you,
to
d\ie
some
was
as
done
On
cohcem
the for-
motives
joier direction,
a few
of
to the discharge
exciting
do so, because
willingly
yiour duty ; and I shall the more
be dailyfound, who are not so much
:not a few;may
ignoizat of what they should
do, as they are careless about
of what they in sdme
mea*^
*ny conscientious practising,
iBure
1.
'
know.
Then,
children
nbrance.
are
to
bom
Man
that your
diligence,remember
in a state of spiritual
and
darkness
ighavinglost that part of the image of God,
excite
to
in knowledge,
4:onsisting
.
^
\
as
rcr";ated,
knowing God,
Jt
^^
Adam
himself
and
had
v/hen he
was
the duty he owed
.t^his creator, togetherwith his own
happinessin having
this spiritual
iC0tnmunion with God
:
ignoranceoccasionthe necessity,
of CAm^'^
ifi4
being vested with the office of
that
;ijprophet,
J
which
Joust
he
he
might .open
the eyes
of the blind. Biit
his people,
reiMembered, that his instructing
tbe great teacher
cOTXi^
from
God^j
doe^
noXx^vjiJi.^^^
\
r
is
ia another
and
ye^ had
you^
what
now
bringup
member
have
on
And
such
the strictness of
vi. 7. "c.
give
to
vows
you
of
never
under,
are
of
ta
Rer.
with
trifle
whom
them, and
give an account, whether or ^ot you
agreeablyto them ;. as also, who it is hathi
to GoDf
saying, when thouvowest
a vow
must
you
walked
charged you,
"
pay it!'* EccL
to
witnesses
on
your
And
to
allowing yourselves
importance ; consideringto
were
the*
and
;
God,
his command.
to
made, who
iwere
vows
defernot
comparison,o"
of
beware
thing of
a
spoken unt"
chargeablewith.
must
you
disobedience
in
none
one
account
and
come
your chilcjrenin the knowledge of God.,
his soul
that whoso
voweth
a vowbindeth
whom
to
'
or
bond.
these
t^/z.
yourselvesto forgetthe
allow
with
the
not
hand,
formerly observed, Deut.
other, the
""bedicnce
sin :"
will be found
you
charge,as
a
had
not
Remember,
4.
die
"
required^
be
shall much
given^of those
place, //T/ had
much
i^ever
I
t"
v.
4"
how
happy^ O parents, you will be in your
children,if ever they attain to that knowledge of God,
and of Jesus Christy which is life eternal,John xvii, 3"
thus
coming to know the things which now
belong ta
of that knowledge
their peace ; and havingsome
measure
5.
Think
^hich would
in the
and
charges, 2
incline them
use
of
Pet.
means^
3.
to
follow
on
growing
to
in
the
know
it^
as
the
Lord
;
apostle
18*
object,saying,that although we should be e"
in teachingthem, it is impossiblewe
can
ver
so
diligent
only \%
give ^any
saving understanding; to God
belongs to open the eyes of the blind, and translate
from darkness
to light. For, altho' it is to be always remembered,
that the blessingbelongs to God,
to
so^as
if there were
as
cause
an
you not to depend on means,
connexion
of
the
betwixt
use
absolutelynecessary
them^
t
he
them
and obtaining end ; but while you use
as
apby Cod, not to neglectto depend upon him for
is blessing
thereon.
This is never
to be considered
as
s\\o\M
in.
of
in
the
the
^njr discouragement
duty, t\ot
way
h
inder
leasts
yoxx from the practice t!h.w^ot.l*^Xivoxia^""j^
.
Do
not
Jointed
t
cause
to no
(i^^^n
to
will net;!'c
we
sh6uld
i-easotiing,
be bad
It would
m*
belong?
do the work which
instrument,therefore
cannot
we
and
me,
3
10
We
sa\,
t ')ur
si
i
big
Wei
Way of efficiency,
be*
in away
ofinsti^umentalitv. And
11 do them none
J
consider thifl obthere is ground to fear that some
use
in their WOrk^ 6f
aa
ction,either as a discouragement
1
do
cannot
good
fot
excuse
trie
if I
ind
allude
is
to
ildren
2
that while
engaged in
in which
you
,
;
you
are
called to
See Iscu xxxviii. 19"
"
the
says, yea sings^
aise thee^ the fatherto the
*re
/ truth
/*
than
sens^
!#
Unrighte-
iii
truth
another
in
Rom*
said,
sCems
are
eSsayingto bringy6tilf
knowledgeof God and divine truths,yotl
a Very special
duty to the risinggenerati-
the
to
be^
is
intended*
imediatelythere
Consider
the
them
Wouldhave
I
what
"
"hold
to
tftough
sness,''
(itmay
6.
a
hegleeting it,
may
that this
.
in
others
to
the
serve
alreadyquoted i Hezekiah
he shall
living^the tivtng^
shall mtike
dulareil
known
making
ness
with cheap-
the LokD
whereof, is
a
work
hnowrl
df
so
be continued^
will, and must
one
)m
generation to another, to the eiid of the Wof Id^
Some
it is promised, jRsa/mxxii*
31.
are
ready' to
St
importance, that
it
ink their circumstances
are
such, that they can
be little
iployedin serving GoD,usefully,in regard to the rising
neration : but whoever
of this opinion.Certain
i"
ar6
yt who have children to be taughtthe knowledgeof the
"RD,
have
ion of these
nt
3se
parents
who
em
any
to
are
think
or
should
.
say
only
not
more
faithfulness and
been
so
now
unhappy as
advanced
of families
The
so*
to
eXcite
consider-
negli-
diligence
\ bucalsd
be
bOrrt of slothful
in years, and
me
possiblyhegrosslyignofant
themselves, but
law, I sav. It should rou2d
great thingsof God's
of^knowledge. Hovf
means
also, to use all possible
christians by profession^
to be found, who
are
are
heads
the
things,
have
rents, and
to
reason
no
ofthedoc^
knowverylittleaboutthe
very firstprinciples
^i w^\
^".^
oiShrUt / how melancholy\^ tVifc
ne
c^a^
t
t
is the
unjpleasant
Bow
of the
]
20
hereby given, of
prospect
as
risinggeneration
may
of these
the serious consideration
have no hand, by your sinful
justground of
too
rouze
to
you
bringingyour
things.
Direct
the
children
the desired
gain not
! Let
things, move
this sad
over
of
use
the
milSer
When
3-
to
many
care
you
neglect,in adding
lamentation
essay
their
under
be
as
case
;
the
land
for
mean
every
knowledge of spiritual
methods
end,
to
to
Used
the rod
use
?nes,
lowever
unpleasantchastisement
young
of correction,
to
seem
may
with
children,
it also often doth to parents ; yet whoever
considers
as
much
of nature, and
how
foolishness
is
the depravity
bound
up in the heart of
children,must
acknowledge an
indispensible
necessityof usingtlie rod, in order to the
good
of those
to be
5ierefore concerningthe
iant
1
Use
of
things
this unplea^
when
the
end
you
have
in view
be to
gainedin a more
gentleway ; this would
that charge giand contrary to
itwithout necessity,
4. not to provoke their children
to parents, Eph* vu
be
may
use
Ven
wrath
to
the rod
not
management
few
be noticed*
work, may
"
due
A
corrected.
therewith
in this
;
of
case
there
could
be
ho
reasonable
pectation
ex-
divine
blessing.
S. Correct
not
unmercifully.Altho' some
parents,
of
in
the
into the
are
danger
failing
possibly greatestpart,
it would
Other extreme,
as
seem
good Eli did ; yet it is
due bounds when engaged in correctto exceed
ing
possible
of the sixth coma breach
mandment,
5 and to do so, is plainly
and carefully
is
to be guarded against
; nor
'^hat Sohmohs?dthy when he charges,saying,let not thy
soul spar ^ for fitscrying^to be understood, in opposition
a
'
to
what
is here observed.
in a tery
any time, you find yourself
of anger and rage, it is requisite
great perturbation
you
till
of
be
master
more
to
come
delaycorrecting, you
your
If,therefore,at
bassions.
You
ikuItSfwhfn
Some,
in such
will be
yovL
sl
are
unfit
so
hurry of
to
chastise others,for their
criminallyguiltyyourselves.
undue audutvTu\y^^^^\cjw^\"n^
idone what has occasioned
parent be moved
child
than
rather
;
bowels
of
the foolish and
toward
the heat
and
sorrow
therefore,the
Let
after reflection.
pn
much
them
and
of
rage
As at other times, so now
anger.
will find the great gain of having rule
fectionate
af-
an
ing
sufferled
unbrid-
an
particularly,
you
over
own
your
spirits*
of
Beware
3.
"
tfny advantageobserved
in
a
very
method
Jbut the bad effects of this
in
cither
children
dispiriting
Scarce
often.
correctingtoo
of the rod
frequentuse
have
been
often
orhardening them
;
ever
was
;
seen
such
to
of correction.
degree, that they grew
quite regardless
Let it be therefore ^ways evident,that you chastise,
not
a
of
choice,
but
Chastise
4.
of their
of
necessity.
with
profit;
not
gratifyhumour,
a
Use
10.
child^ for if thou
dte^ thou shalt beat
from
hell.^
is
ones
it,
in
a
a
it
make
obedience
^^
him
with
him
with
of childrens
^correction
the
rod^
rod^
and
of
command
good,
from
the
he shall
not
dt liver his soul
of motive.
way
all question, that correcting
of
only say by
duty,
dependance
upon
the desired
answer
not
the
the
to
mean
withhold
beatest
I shall
it is past
commanded
As
1.
tine
appointed this
hath
xxiii. 13, 14.
Prov.
a
in
correction
who
God,
desire
design and earnest
merely for your own
pleasure,or to
fault the apostle observes, Heb. xii.
them
young
warrantably do
can
blessingwhich
only
so
you
that
end.
may
Prov.
xxix.
"
15,
the
And
tho' many
plain,
comreproofgive wisdom^'*
of litde observable
without
hot altogether
reason,
there is ground to hope the cause
benefit of correcting
;
be in a great measure
of such complaints, would
ed,
removused
in
if the rod were
a more
becoming manner,
than it often is, and the true design of its appointment
and
rod
duly
attended
themselves
to.
that
So
that parents
their]children
are
are
often
to
littlebettered
blame
by^their
being chastised.
2.
looking
9xxd
that however
Consider,
upon
the business
(^Scultf yet
you
must
you
may
be
in
.oicorceoXvw^^
etvgaigi^mVt.
"
^
danger oC
xsKs^^-bssssx
"sA
Vi
^\sk53v"s'
E
much
ground
the difficulties;
overlook
to
tage yt)u
]
92
if helpafford you,
of your work ; and
of satisfaction it would
any conscietitious management
if the Lord
did bless the use of the rod
ed
to
find
comfort, you would
the rod and
gainto
be had
is
the
the
the
often observe
3.
find in
And
children^ who
wno
called
are
How
their
herein
I' He
mother
to shame
duty ?
let it be
are
beaten
comfort
be
not
better
were
terbalance
coun-
so
to
often
managed by
it.
to use
inexcusable
part of
if the rod
or
;
it would
Certainly
to
beginningand
never
to them
rod, without any profit
chastising
parent.
unpleasant
case^
those
the
Certainly
than sufficient
more
difficulty
you can
what is your
duty.
with
your great
the divine account,
that, accordingto
all the
going on with
that you
obj.ected
to
;
reproofgiveivisdom*
this way,
how
remember
will parents be iftheyneglectthis
for his omission
how did "li smart
onlyseverelyreproved, but tho' a
good man, remarkablypunishedfor his sin, in his posterity
to many
generations
warning to parents in allafter
;
milies
and their faages, not to bringjudgments on themselves
by the like omission, See 1. Sam. St and 3. chap"
found
attended
is frequently
Neglect of chastisement
with dismal effects to young
thus indulged. It is
ones
said Prov" xxix. 15, "a child left
to himself
bringethhisnot
was
,"" which
has been
experienceof
those parents
way.
Direct.
Pray
4.
and therefore
way
with
them
not
be
and
who
often found
have
been
culpablethi^
onlyfor,but also with
careful to worship God
other members
in the sad
of your
of those
chilyour dren,
in a family
families.
dear to
so
ought to seek the good
is what, I am
acknowpersuaded,you will chearfully
{rou,
seeing itis God only who can bless them
edge. And
ther
indeed, and it is he only who can give what is good, eito
you or them, it immediately follows, that you
That
you
of
This
is the best way,
ought to seek him for that end.
obt^ningthegpod thingswe need, whether temporalor
But haJEzek. xxxvi. 37.
Mat*
vii. 7, "c.
spiritual^
\s"
rm^ advised yon in a former direction to Xj^ ^xo^Vyj^i.
i
tJicm,what
fcr
prayer
J
23
is here
chiefly
designedis to
(ifpossible) essay
to
particulUu:
worship God
neglectedby many
ty too much
suade
to
yoo
to
of whom
pray
in
in
pcrs*thein, and-
with
family way
a
of families
heads
a
du^^
and
e*
;
;
better
tend
might be expected. I inin proving it to be a duty ta
not
to spend time
in families,
worship God this way, who setteth the solitary
and from whom
they enjoy all their mercies, whose
blessingthey stand daily in so much need of, in this,asM
This is sufHciendydone by
ako in every other relation*
by
ven
some
of
labours some
others, whose
handsf; besides, I have reason
it is your
that
own
duty
worship
to
of
manner
few
a
among^
believe
to
I shall therefore rather notice
the
have
you
your
you'llreadily
this way.
things,relative
God
performingthis christian
td
duty.
be careful
attend unto
all the parts of
to
Then,
the Lord, reading his word^
this exercise, as praising
1.
be
his
on
calling
and
goodness.Psalm
to know
this is
one
among
the
search
ground
other reasons,
constantlystand
both of a temporal
highlyreasonable
Mat.
7*
our
in
need,
and
that
have
rule of
why
of his
call
on
practice
;
how
daily
much
do
givingus good things,
nature
spiritual
we
our
word,
should
we
And
39.
to^
daily need,
in his
revealed
and
faith,
scriptures,
jfohnv.
we
V.
of
of God
bound
are
praisethe Lord
to
W'e
B.
cvu.
of the mind
more
touching the
prayer.
We
ought
in all these.
employed
for his
We
by
n^me
him
;
and
is it not
for these ?
Amos..
vii. 7, "c.
all in your families,who
are
capableof joinings
It is not becomings
be present in the time of worshippingGod.
2.
Let
while
to be
part is professing
engaged, that
another should, at the same
time, be employed about the
of evident necessity.
things of the world, except in case
The
One
therefor^
practice
careful
to
have
so
of such heads
all present,
at
of families,
not
as are
this part of the worship
'Bronwirv otv
the 4th. com.maTi^Tive.T".^
f Durham
on
in the 3d.ipaictol\a^S?^'^^'^^^'*
prayjsryWid
Hallybitrton
"[
that
8onai"le9
commendable*
being,
fk"m
IS- far
ofGoD,
I
34
dl who
have
read
can
And
it is
bibles,in
the
time,
.
of
present circumstance-
and reading,
singing;
except some
prevent their using thenok
that thiemost
It is requisite
for tliisemployment, both
when
the
it may
not
convenient
in the
several members
time
and
morning
best attend.
can
be takea
evenings
And
here
a littlewith
those,,
improper,to expostulate
Lord
for
who pretendto worship the
ordinaryin the e"
vening,and seldom (ifat all)observe it in the moming,To such
except perhapsin the morning of a sabbath.
I.would
put the followingquestions,
Let
1.
be
be
if worshippingGod
ask you
me
in divine
in the
morning:
revelation
in
as
clearlypointed
the
sacrifices
under
I
The
law
be
to
were
evening
well
in
the evening. And
offered in the morning, as
as
that the people of Go0'
read frequently
in scripture
we
were
employed in seekinghim early.
not
out
as
the
Is
2.
the
not
morning
servingthe Lord,
if there be any
And
be
in
season
"
every
exercises
spiritual
difference it is
as
the
as
more
then
way
eveningI
those cal*
as
so,
fit f6^
active and
more
livelyin
employed are
fit
and in that respect more
for exercise of^y
their spirits,
kind
spiritual.'J'hus your
especially for
prac"
is apparent from
to scripture,
as
tice,as it is not agreeable
neither is it reasonable,
the former question,
is evident
as
led
to
from
3.
this
so
this.
good ground,if deliberately
going on id
that you
to reckon
regard the authority
practice,
Have
you
of God, requiring
you
? If you did regard the
families
your
command
and
might
well
as
conclude, you
rationally
one
time
at one
same
as
not
at
as
well
times,
Have
ground,
Oon
^ot
^you
does
say you
take
worship
divine
would
another, viz*
him
respect the
in the
morning
you
is undeniablythe
as
on
calm
in
command,
night,ifthe duty enjoinedbe equallysuch
binding at both
4.
at
as
to
case
as
is
here ?
to think that
reflection,
of you in this conduct, seeingyou canapprove
have respect to aU his coTXiTn2"AsxvfcTv\"\ Ox
any
deliberate
about
thougVit
dJwvafc ^y^tOo^
t
for
"easoTi
immortal
4.
your
in
God,
serving
3
""
and
promatingthe good
of
yotar
soulk*
return, be very careful to attend to the frame of
when approachinginto the presence of God
spirits,
To
familyduties.
This
it is true
is
equallynecessary,
in
approachesto a holy God, but because of fre"
in this exercise,there is much
danger of format
quency
lity. How ready are we to forget that solemn charge,
Each
thou goest into the housi
1. keep thyfootwhen
V.
is it at this time of professing
to
(j/'GoD. How affecting
be employed, iitthe best work
in the world, to find some
asleep,or otherwise illemployed, and evidencingno due
to joinin divine
pleasant
rare
worship? And while this is the unall other
"
case
of the
with
familyis
it may
members,
be the head
or
mas"
in
words,
sayingover some
of the
with little or -no due impressionupon his spirits,
jnajestyof God, who is the objestof all reli^ousworship,
and will be worshipped in spirit
and in truth, yohn iv. 24.
then and watch with all possible
Remember
care
against
of
and
heart, whidi
deadness, formality,
wandering
in whose
Mind
is deceitful above all things,^er. xv" 9.
in a special
work you
are
manner
; what
presence you now
to be engaged in, the great sin, a^ well as
are
professing
and
deceitfully;
danger of doing the work of the Lord
of hiift.
well pleasedGod
seekers
is with sincere
how
seeketh such to worship hirn^ yohn iv. 23.
He de*
He
sireth truth in the inward
parts^ Psalm^ IL 7.
found
attended
with
5. As it is not
expedient,nor
profit,to be tedious in familyduties ; beware, on the
haste,
contrar}'^,of hurryngover the whole, in an undue
that you may
Thjs
get again to your secular business.
would be an evidence of grudgingtime in the service of
God, and you would herein be too like those,who sxt
compl^ned of by the Prophet as saying, when will the
ter
sabbath be
of
over
?
employed
Amos
Let
the
some
sevjeral parts'
suitable reverence.
thereof.
practice
Consider
that this is a duty clearly
warranted
in the
of CoDy and so oughtto b!"^ou^'m i^^^\A\u
^
For
9rord
5.
gone about with
motives exciting
to the
familyworshipbe
1.
viii.
dience
head
of
Jbr
in
of
And
family,ought to
a
and
me
that such
as
the Lord.
it to
own
thn
\whhy oshua^ saying,a$
serixe
j
christian whois
every
resolve
wewill
house
my
Consider
2.
on
the divine kw.
to
be
duty incumbent
a
yet live,in the
ordinaryneglectof it,either
the morning .ox^evening, are not only guiltyof sin, but
at the
sinningagainstlight; and thus stand condemned
and
them,
bar of their
conscience. Thus their sin is not only
hereby greatly aggravated, but their punishment on this
own
will
account
very
Se6
that knew
servant
beaten with
"
we
his Lord's
en
informed
are
will and
ed,
creas-
that the
did it not^
be
shall
stripes.
many
If you
3.
where
xii. 47.
Luke
prevent not)be much
(ifmercy
live from
time,
the
a duty, as
necessary
and. with them
;
to
in the
time,
worshipping of
a
duty
so
neglect of
so
milies,
fa-
in your
ed
frequentlyrecommendGod
cohfes
pressed upon you,
ye yourselves
to be incunibent, and
to the
performance of which
you
have
have so solemnly engaged ; what
to
ground
you
which
.to arid
said, that
is the love
*fAw
fnafidments^ 1. jfohnyv.
this
of God,
draw
say,
it,Psalm
expresses
near
to
Will
not
that
And
3.
neglectplainly
^to
Psalmist
seeing it is plainly
lovers ;of God,
yourselvestrue
reckon
that
do
you
kis
keep
we,
not
you
by
seem
believe
not
the
as
that it is
Ixxiii. 28.
com^
good
to
?
God
.
neglectbe reallya walking contrary
made, and to the engagement
^o the high profession
you
children
under, when
your
you did so solemnly come
it a lightthing to
were
baptised? And do you esteem
4.
your
,
vow
back
and
not
pay,
The
?
to
your
mouth
to
chargesin divine
particular
vowed,
^God
onetime
after
walk
It is
so
and
God
remember
to
amazing
to
a
suitablyto
these
C
lation
reve-
saints
be
by
gagements,
enpress
ex-
you
higlv^egree,
to
and solemnly
deliberately
another, and
go
their
togetherwith the resolutioios the
of performing their vows,
should
think
to
open
have
called tq mind.
how
can
many
concern^
to
and
many
those who
there
often
to
vow
to
trtxNKk
yetevldewct.\\^\k'i
^o
o^v^w
x^-^^-ai^^^
"^-
[
if theyhad
38
1
impression
lipOfttheir spil*
ritsof the majestyof him whom
Aey then professto wor^
that he will call them,
ship; or as if theydid not believe,
of dixties,
the performance
relative to
to
account
an
How
so
unipsolenmly engaged to.
deep, how
be the
questionably
deep ! must that sleepof^^ecurity
gag^mcnts
; as
consciences
of such
could
means
are
be used
no
fallen into ?
And
them.
To
to a^yaken
O ! that any
such it may
be
said,as the marinejhs said to Jonah^ Arise^
reasonably
O sleeper^
and call upon thy God.
Be advised^
as thfe
prophetIsaiah directeth,to seek the IaORD whHe he-istp
be founds and call upon him while he is near.
not
5. In a word, how do you wrong,
onlyyour own
souls,while you hereby sin against
God, in not singing
his praise,
I
his name
on
readinghis word, nor calling
but also the souls of your children,
others in your fa^
or
the Lord
?withthenftt
milies,in not worshipping
together
herein also givingthem a very ill esamplcjwhich often
is found to prove exceedingly
hurtful-to those whose un^
happy lot it is to have it set before. the Wi. Might hot 2^f
of these littleones,
one, who duly considers the case
and iscapableof
'families,
broughtup in such irreligious
commiseration, pityand weep over
them, praying that
God may
pitythose to whoim their own
graciously
rents
pacruel. Be persuaded,O neglecter
! of these
are
so
and other duties,
to repent of your sins,fot theyare
great.
Hear the divine call, let the wicked forsakehis xucty^
his thoughts^let him turn
and the unrighteous
to the
man
^'
'
and he xvillhave mercy on him,^^
Direct. Si* Counsel and advise your
Lord,
gee
Ihe
Scc^/^c.
children.
Iv. 7.
lean
for spendingtime in shewingthis to
necessity
considers
how many
dutydf parents. Whoever
and exhortations Solomon^ as personating
a
no
tenders
imto
young
ones
in the
book
be
rections
-di-
ther,
fa-
of the Proverbs,
that parents -should "?xhort their
children.See also 1. Thess. ii. 11. But sS many arenot
much
so
Ignorant of what duties are incunabent upon them,
will
as
they are
readilyown
\i\^\e^of\
ttve ^t?itC\c^
m
negligent
"a.'^
endeavour'
to persuades\Mi\x ol "jc5v\
careless and
J shall therefore
"'u-
t
fiave the
c"arg^of
3
^9
any part of the
to
rbing generation,
this way
for their good. But
employed in some
essays
to believe that most
as
said, though there is reason
was
longs
bein the general,that exhorting
ones
young
part know
whose
to those under
care
they are ; there is yet
be
to
cause
some
that wOrk
manage
bound
to
youDg
ones
exhort.
of $uch
as
few
I
raay be
it is
answer
1st.
And
Work
2d,
against,
be
inay
to
are
5
yet for
in
the
sake
advise
to
be
must
two-fold
a
with all care
thingsyou
other
them
be very
ticular,
parofadsucject-matter
considered
at no
litde
to.
begin with dehortation*
To
how
know
I shall take noticoloss this way,
it is to be observed, that in this
thingsyou
some
painstoexhprt
not
impossibleto
of the
account
at a
things*
;
them
do
they are
any advantage to those
If any therefore ask,what shall we advise
givingan
respect your
view
few
a
exhortation,it is so extensive
"vice or
a
not
to
J
to
in
of
fear,that
Istt advise them
against
sin.
things
ibliowidg
respecting
ihe
of all known
sija* Tell them
Againstdie practice
when
jrtiat
they sin, they transgress the law, 1 John iii.
and walking contrary
God
4. dishonour
by disobeying,
i. 4. And
to anger, ha*
to him, and hereby provoke him
1.
it is found
because
from
the
no
easy
work
to
dissuade
pursuitof those youthfidlusts,on
bent
so
aiaturaily
;
one$
young
which theyare
it is highlyreasonable, that while
.from sin, you
essay
die
favutful
and
nature
Bomethingconcerning
endeavour
dehort
to
dangerous effects
2.
Advise
tbem
is dieir
Psalm)k"
yoii
represent
exceedingly
thereof.
againstmaking lightof sin, as
in
littleonfjibharm
wer^
xiv. 9.
Provm
Let them
tio so,
to
not
4.
it.
know
Fools. make
a
mock
if there
at
sin^
that the
only reason
any
fend,
whom
knowing God, against
they ofand
assure
them^ that such
as
ever
of
-experiencedin .their souls any thorough work
of it ; that to do so, is
conviction,can nerer think lightly
inconsistent with the "av\nigVLtiox!r\$A'^"5i
^\^vss^-^
4itterly
ice'cciRX^^'^
or
an
happy stsiic trf soul. Advise \5ae.xcvVo
that afffriioxiowjmake
lightotit^wi!^Vse iJ^\%^^^^^^
C
later,to change their sentiments,
or
parableof
cdnceming the rich
from
the
lift up his eyes
he
It
1
50
will also
place of
bring
prodigalso'n
of whom
man,
it
;
all others
them
this is
;
that
neither
can
hateful
to
As
cannot
we
is
and
it,nor
he stood
the
did
and
to
be
convince
time
same
Mammon,
is so
so
exceedingly
sin,some
have ol"
exhort them
lightthereof,
againstGod^
nature, as
divine law, which
of
room
broughton
of the
elect
an
allthe
man
will suffer in
or
spiritof God
the
to
of the Lord,
sufferings
word, it is the cause
where
and brimstc"ie,
his infinite
time,
or
burning
is
'; the procuring
Jesus Christy
world, that
miserythat thereby
to
eternity
; in a
of that
lake
will for their
the wicked
holy, just
of fire
sinninga^
nightfor ever. Entreat
of sin,both in
consider the scripture
representations
their eyes opened,they
and tendancy, and were
gainstGod,
to
its nature
how
Theloveof
make
ever
in the law
which- alone hath
might
at
and
sin, which
and
to the
of all the
cause
them
sin,and
to
love of
of it,which will hold in a
practice
theymay neither
; and that ifpossible
contrary
J
ever
in hcH
than the
good, grieving
when
good
were
infinitely
good, directlyoppositeta
holiness
that
brought him (as
to. tliat
impenitent,)
God
serve
it in its abominable
consider
he
be lovers of
explainedsense
who
said, that
! Endeavour
error
him, Jer^ xliv. 4.
be in love with
to
if th^y
any love God
served, is worse
well
fatal
a
they cannot
of God,
lovers
that die
from
with all diligenceagainstthe
them
sin, or sinful pleasures,as
desired
it is
sin which
was
also
as
;
be learhc^
may
torment.
Exhort
3.
the
as
thus
be tormented
get
day
and
affecting
discovery of
ai"
unhappythey are
who
either love
or
it, and
see
deliberately
tise
prac-
it.
As
2.
evil company
to
nythat
mfecting,having unhappy
on
for it is said,that
troyedy I'rov. xiii. 20.
ger
so
for ensnaringthem
into sin; be
ones,
young
advise them
againstit,and shew them the dan^
influence
aure
is
;
mort
^^rgeoftbem,
care
to
had
companion affools shall be des"
How
good had it been for mabeen
taken by liwo^e \m\T^^ ^^
a
keep
them
from
sudvcom^^vm^
t
]
31
provedexceedinghurtful to them, corrupting theif
strict is the charge,Prov, iv. 14, 15. to
how
maimers?
t Some
have not without
guard againstwicked company
and k
made
such company
a comparisonbetween
reason,
of both.
pest-house,because of the infectious nature
and advise young ones
3. Counsel
against
mis-^spending
precious time ; which all are called to redeem, Eph^
have
is put
esteem
It is sad
by
much
How
16.
V*
to
on
time, on
think how
what
when
of
much
?
which
is
small
an
and old.
litde is it
How
afforded
this hath
to
membered
re-
ma*
deathbed, grapplingwith the kingof
a
How
so
t
depend so vast concerns
it is exceedingly
ill spent
dreadfiil work
lyingon
terrors
lamented, that
which
part, both young
most
ny
is it to be
ardently
have
for
wished
some
tfiat
^
to have time called back, when
come
impossible,
How
to an end ?
unpleasantis the case of an awakened
look back on
soul, when it must
mis-spenttime, when
to the evening of it,andforward
on
come
eternity
; and
that,without any present hopes of enteringon a state of
under
awful
never-endinghappiness
; but rather
hensions
appreof the wrath
of feelingthe power
^
to
come
altho' it is certain,that God
hath sometimes
And
fied
magni^at the elethe riches of his grace in callingsome
venth
hour i yet you ought to remember,
and beseech
ces,
to mind, that he doth so
only in rare instanyoung ones
not to be depended on, in any
way of encouraging
of preparationfor another
work
to delay the necessary
world,
till their
repentance
ways
many
who,
in
have
been
have
been
at
;
Tell them
dying moments.
such
a
time
is
be trusted
to
if it is
especially
their
on
own,
and
brink
the
allowed
in
of
in, as
that
not
little
appears
few,
others,
a
opinion of
eternity, and
in the world
with the
returned
seeming penitence,
vomit, walking as formerly,in the broad
ways
;
yet
have,
dog
to
of sin*.
ved
(itiisto be feared,)who have liin pleasure,
mis-spendingthe tiriieof health Jltidseaof grace, altho'theyhave tlvcu^ottiL^i
^^tW!k:^5:a\^^
The
sans
the
time
more
after much
his
minded
how
case
with many,
C
2
t
}
"2
sirf,
of unspeakablemisery,
that happinessthey are
tions, is,that tho' they neither love
yet rather than
theywould
enter
on
share of
to
willing
be
state
a
indifferent about.
otherwise
But
God
it
were
hate
nor
at
their
own
e.
rather choose
to live in the world,
lection,they would
wallowing in the pleasuresof sin, than go to a place of
eternal
that that or never
happiness,not considering
ing.misery,must be their portianat last. Advise
therefore
seek
number
end^
young
their
days, that
And
to wisdom*
as
they
itliey
applytheir
may
ought to be minded in generalof the danger of mis-spend*
of spending it in any
abomina^
ing time, so particularly
of unlawful diversions-;or
ble scenes
too
even
large a
ones
to
to
grace
hearts
It, in those recreations,which
be innocent ; in both of which
ways
quantityof
In danger of
are
bringingmuch
in themselves
may
ones
young
themselves
guiltupon
and those parents are
exceedingly blameable, who
littlecareful to prevent their so doing.
of
to beware
generation,
about
those
thoi\ghtles^ness,
things which
of
to mind, viz* the
hi^h concerns
ought chiefly
4*
Advice the young
never-dyingsouls.
byspme^ to
Mat.
destruction.
The
be
of due consider^ion
want
of those
one
them
dangerous it is, to live in such a
if they had not immortal
souls, to be
if they were
to die, or had no
never
eternal
as
be
to
for want
children
to
of
account
to
peace,
Charge them
and
Luhe^
x.
if a
so
as
give
to
state
of
small importance
ordeis dangerous,
his people
i. 3.
Desire your
think of those thingswhich now
to
them
view
as
of the
matters
42.
againsttoo
perishingthings of this
MaU
^^/^^j^ directions.
to
;
the least calm
Isa"
consideration,
begin earlyto
for
concerned
complainsof
God
their
lead
be inconsiderate
to
as
likewise sinful.
belongto their
Highestmoment,
5.
But
they
exceedingly
thoughtlessway, as
the
worthy of
scarce
liberate consideration.
so
in
pid
stu-
a
how
body, or as
or
misery, "were thingsof
happiness
of the deeds done
Gop,
are
i" observed
broadways which
Tell
vii. 14.
"
atdent
world.
yi, \%
a
Desire
ao.
pursuitof
them
^ohn
n\,
to
the
mind
1i*(^^d
[
34
]
of short duration, iand is followed with
^
the end of that mirth is heaviness. ^^
let them
And
form
'
such
be
that
mmded,
false
an
those
unhappy
of whom
being in
end
;
they
a manner
opinion;
lest
turningreligious, tiieymust
immediatelyjoin such
change
mourning companions; would not for all the world, exsorrowful hours, with the highestde*
their most
of such
gree of carnal mirth, and the imaginarypleasures
If theyseem
as are
not
strangers to the life of religicsm.
in a nori^
to credit what
you hint this way ; but to persist
and unhappy for them, you may pos^
on
so false in itself,
them if ever
they heard of any when lyingon a sick-bed,
in prospect of enteringinto another world ; (a time when
be supposed to be in earnest
men
;) I say, if ever
may
they heard of any at this time, lamentingthat they minded religion,
or
spiritual
thingstoo much ; or signifying
that it repented them, tiiatthey sorrowed
much
for
so
in Ratifying
tiiemselves too little,
ain,atul for indulging
their vitiated incli"ations,in the pursuit of sensual
ever
pleasures* Certain it is,no such complaints were
heard from dying persons, except such as
have been divested
And
of reason.
as mocking at serious
Godliness,
make
it than
and those who
any greater professionof
such mistaken
ons
notion
others, is an effect often following
selves
theymake themones, what ever
5 charge your young
such awventure
with, that they never
on
ful
merry
in our
work : a sin too common
degenerate and unhappy
a
afraid of
times.
word, charge them againstmaking free with
vain
and
a common,
things sacred, especially
againts
7m
In
a
unnecessary
use
of God's
word, usingit in any
of God, as
with the word
undue
Exod.
way.
if it deserved
xx,
7.
or
of his holy
Many, alas,jest
to be treated
with
which is not
convenient,a
jesting
condemned
sin particularly
by the apostie,Eph. v. 4.
sdso against
them
Warn
making too free with holytime,
hath
that day God
set apart for himself, Exod.
xx.
8.
Z.et them
how
know
severelythis ain of sabbath profanj'n^isthreatened by the Lokd VaYaswox^^ ^kw^\v^^ V^
contempt,
but this is a
name,
hath often
in time, those guilty
remarkaWy punished,even
These
of like nature,
others
thereof.
things with many
often observe
desire
a
necessity,as you would
may
you
their
welfare, of warning them of, and advisingthem
mind
that another
against. But you must
part of your
is to exhort and
advise
work,
them, to those things
tend to their spiritual
which
good.
1. You
to be diligent
yea ought, to advise them
may,
of all means
of God's
in the use
on
appointment for salvatisuch as reading,^ hearing, prayingandmeditation,
;
ii. 12. and to^ impress them
"c"
Isa. Iv. 6. PhiL
with a
of their need
of a divine blessing on them
deep sense
;
which
without
become
And
effectual.
as
they can never
them
to have
ought to endeavour
engaged in secret
you
in
duties, especially
evening and mom*
prayer to God
them
attend
to
ing, so also to cause
public ordinances,
them
the
of
to
recommending
necessity seekingthat they
by the divine blessing, become
thcpow^rofGoD
may,
-
to
their
how
sahatitmy
parents without
some
dren
tabe
grace
done
;
these
sacred
py
i. !""
Rom.
a
sin in such
children
thds^
who
institutions
;
from
absent
parents,
an
are
and
strange
observe
to
necessity allow
any
frequendy
so
It is
these
their chiU
exceeding great
allowed
thus
often attended
of
means
to
wrong
contemn
with
unhap-
effects.
Advise
2.
and
your
in them
children
not
only
to
the
use
of
means
worship God^ but also to consider
kow
requisiteit is, that they be frequendy enquiringif
by them ; and to have often so^ie
they are reallyprofiting
due thought both of the sin and danger of being as barren
figtrees in.God's vineyard; minding that at length,such
cumberers
of the
will be cut down,
as
ground, and cast
xiii. 7, 8, 9. Entreat
iiito the fh-c of divine wrath, Luke
them
solidlyto believe that a preached gospel, to all wha
grace,
hear
unto
it, is either the savour
death, 2 Cor. ii. 15.
the difference
of those
mteraad
to
to
betwixt
whom
life I and.
and
how
these effects
it becomes
how
of life
tVve
unto
of death
life,,
or
unspeakably great
\ Viov?\\^YS .^^
is
^"2"s-'^
tae^a
o1
"^vc\X"s^
?^w
inconcelvabVy \ TOASfix^^^
^^
"
the
of those
state
whom,
to
unbelief,it becomes
3nd
J
36
the
by
their
misimprovenletit
of jieath unto
savour
death !
often beseech
that you
It iisexceedinglyreasonable,,
tiiem to reflect on their state by nature
as
3.
of sin
state
a
much
misery they are ac"^
spiritual
misery, how
under, wl"ile unregencr^e ; and what temporal
.tually
and eternal miserythey are
liable unto.
Essay so to re*
these thingsto them, diat^if possible,
they may
resent
the
and
their
with
affected
see
necessityof sale
case,
it
of all th^t misery* And
the cause
T^ion from
,sin^
and
J
expedientto exhort them
of the high value of their immortal
woith than the
more
inconceivably
be
vtr^aaild
3Lvi. 26.
as
jof what
appears
1
consideratioo
souls, which are of
some
;
world, Mah
whole
gatheredfrom
easily
after whose image they
be
may
iCftheir ^ture
to
a
consideration
created i
were
a3
happiness
they are capable; and especially
fr^m the price
by Christy
paidfor their redemption,
JPct. i. 18.
onlyto mind tHc high value of
4"eir souls ; but to be much
employed in enquiringafter
acquaintancewith the oiilyway whereby they can be sa""
them to
yed out of an estate of sin a^d misery ; desiring
consider tihatas itis only through Christy Acts iv. 12. so
Counsel
Ah.
'
liiose who
in
to
them,
not
obtain salvation
through him,
are
of infinite power
to
to him. Psalm
come
for salvation.Acts x^u
his name
31.
believe
on
a
day
in Christ
of believing
dream
"because many
ceive themselves
; beseech
who
".
in him
are
17. and
by
where
faith,are
true
the
them
to
new
how
who
much
graceoffaith is,itis always
ground there is to
fear,that
fees Christianity,
satisfythemselves
too
And
diat
2
creatures,
knowledge,fear, love,repentance and
l^ut them also sometimes
of the holy spirit,
3.
ex,
yet de*i
remember,
edwith
"^es
determined
afl
Cor*
attends
other ]gr"*
in
mind,
who
many
prowidi a speculative
redemption,in the purchase
thereoif; never
Seriouslyenquiring,if they have any
to their own
true
souls,
acquaintance with its appdication
Va. idntto. ^ \%
of Gob
Sj^ the saving wotk of the spirit
knowledge of
cermin
if
we
"e
method
betxot
of
acquednted v.idMi5cve \aA""^
-^^
-cw^
[
receive
'
1
37
benefit
saving
my
by
former
the
5"
111*
them, therefore,to spend some
Advise
their
time
inre*
examining themselves, 2w Corm
experimentally
".
tryingif they know
any thingof
savingchange made in the souls of them that believe^
of savinggrace, in that good work be5 implantation
the d^y o" yesu^m
will be performed unto
which
it is requisite
that they enquireif Aey
have known
onviction of sin and misery, which ordinarily
preunion to Christ by faith,in effectual cs^ing. And
noticed, the other graces of the spiritdo
as was
ig
on
state,
I
accoQCipany
rg
desire
;
uptakingof the
that so they may
some
ivour
faith
true
al graces,
d in that necessary
nature
be
an
undations
Too
such
will
build
many
in the
to
as
day
when
unwise
not
the
to
trial,Jfat.
whose
set
And
where
vii. 26,
will
work
not
will be the
surelythere
?
how
of resting satisfi*
of building
such san*
on
this way,
it is tried.
builders
knowing
Ma*
beware
abide
not
signsof these
capableof being em*
and
of self-examination.
work
unspeakableloss in
this importantbusiness.
Frequentlyadvise them to
ncerningtheir state in away
at
e
them, therefore,t"
will be
none*
contrary, the loss will be
unspeakable! in being
of their hopes, at a time when they will have
)A out
need of some
reatest
end\irlngground of confidence*
about
when
twill it profit
to pass out
of this
a man,
that he hath been pure in
I,into a world of spirits,
le
} own
eyes,
if he hath
ities ?
Prov.
:hat he
did approve
xxx.
12
not
?
cleansed
been
or
what
himself,if God
will
from
his
it then avail
doth
not
so
like-
their enjoyment of
value themselves]" upon
:h privileges,
like those mentioned, yer. vii. iv. or
? Some
professionof the christian faith^
Some
CAm^, Lord,
Lord, Mat,viu21.
g unto
of their kwovfl^d^ c^^a^nr;
"n
they are safe, because
^
ines contained
in the scriptures^ oS. ^^
xsv^"^^^
ise
:
they make
sinnera
a
of mankind
thro?
a.
ta^^vaacot
%
tloVts^^-
[
there
ingtliat
reformation
outward
some
in their
absolutelyconnected
not
those
certain seasons,
fall away^
as
may
at
and
other like
OB,
and
find themselves
themselves
because
of
privilege
dered,
that many
;n this
respect..
are
a
covenant
a
which
;
believer.
deed
in-
Advising
it is cojisi^
necessary,
mistake exceedingly
dangerpuS|
it may
therefore,(tho'
to
gospel;
theyimaginetliemselveS'
when
a
libertyof expostulating
inclined
believen
convgrsali-
libertyinaregard"
true
every
more
in
their
to
undue
any
hopes
deceived.
the doctrine of Ae
adorn
the notion of
will appear the
the
build their
sandy foundations,
many
hereto
I shall
beea
Those
it under
is the
they have
the
did
that
freed from
because
yet such
by it they may
not
allowing themselves
lessness df the holylaw,
;
; or
hearingthe word,
stony-gioundhearers.
7
on
of sin, which
conversion
If young
ones
begin to esteem
to take heed
in Christy advise them
'.
it may
or
affected in
in the end
so
with
of in the xiii. of Math,
read
we
practice;
convictions
some
be, they have- experienced
with
saving,Luhe
not
flatter themselves, that they are
may
and in a fair way to
ichristians,
happiness,because
good
are
is
which
knowledge
a
Others
xii.48.
of
is
]
S8
think that there
is
seem
a
take
digressioi^)
little with
great danger
no
who
those
in
not
are
tending
at-
great strictness of conversation,from
any
opinion of their faith in Christy and interest in histo
an
the
righteousness,as
ground
of their
beforC|
justification
and acceptance with God.
.The danger of thi? opinion
the few followingthings.
will be apparent by noticing
"
1.
Let
electfrom
"
it be remembered
their
bondage to
by Christy in
what
redemption;
so
He
saves
read
we
not
the believing
delivering
intended
sin, was particularly
he did for
because he shall save
21.
that
his
shall be
name
purchase of
the
called
Jesas^
peoplefrom their sins, Mat. u
only from the guiltof sin,but also
the power
and dominion
hcYievei from it,Acts iii. 26.
yrc^m yacod, jRom.
in
his
from
rea^einer s/iall come
them
out
of
It
of Zion
xii. 27.
it,so
is
turns
said
to turn
them
who
do
therefore,the
trway
uug^^dKness
{
39
]
of the
it. It is one
ends of that callmgof whicfc
special
believers in Christ are partakers,that they may be holy.
Thus the aposde speaks expressly of God's
callingthe
holiness,See 1 Thess, iv. 7*
lielievingThessaloniansunto
And the vocation wherewith
they are called,and of which
ttityought to walk worthy, is holy,2 Tinin i. 9. They
likewise said to be elected,or chosen in Christythat
are
they might be holuj Eph. i. 4. " caxordingas he hatk
the foundationsof the worlds that
chosen us in him before
shotttd be hoiy^and without blame
ive
beforehim in love.'^
And it is evident that those who are chosen
to salvation^
and
brought in the day of eiFectual callinginto a state of
-
be students
grace, must
no
shall
man
3.
and
see
the
of that
IaOKD^
Heb*
holiness,without
which^
xii. 14.
every believer bound to an imitation of Christy
walk accordingto that pattern he hath set before
Is not
to
fiiis
people,and
yesusf
1
to
yohn
tejttjitis caHed
a
walk
in this world
ii. 6"
Col, ii. 6.
as
In
follower
a
the
walking in Christy which
last
of
cited
bly
unquestiona-
of converstudyingholiness in all manner
How
^tion.
emphaticis the expressionin the former,
trhere the aposde says, he that saith he abideth in him
If therefore
mustfnmseff^walias he also walked*
any
in
feiith
should
allow
themselves
who pretendto
to
Christy
time evidence
vrallow in sin,theywould at the same
by
their conduct,that they do not abide in him by a true and
livelyfaith,whatever they vainlyimagine. Thus there
of being destitute of saving
be no stronger evidence
can
faith,than a loose practice;seeingfaith always w^r/^^A
hy lave,Gcd. v. 6. And this is the love o/'God, that we
ieep his commandments^ 1 jfohniii. 5. Faith can never
without die native fruit thereof,viz. good
be evidenced
works, asappears from the reasoningof the Aposde James
in the 2d. Chap, of his Episde ; and it not only hatii a
conversation,but also
happy influence on the outward
tends to purifythe heart. Acts xv.
9.
includes
a
When
we
4.
are
commanded
to
believe
on
Christ
for
t\iTo'Vvitaii!tv^T^\!KL^'sv^^
and obtaining
justification,
D
r
40
];
J
of
taughtto improve him as made
lieve
beCan we
God
1 for. i. 30.
unto
us
Sanctification?
and not em*
him as our
on
sacrificing
high priest,
brace him as a kingto rule us
by his righteousand hcfy
laws f how vain and imaginarywould such a pretence bei
And
if we profess
the doctrine of those Armini*to reject
of that
who
venture
boldlyto rob Christ of the glorj^
ans,
righteousness,
whereby he hathiiilfilled the law, andsa*,
tisfied the justice
of God
therefore embrj^e^
we
; must
the abominable
of the Antinomians, in denying
tenets
of holiness of heart and lifein its "1^ place;
the necessity
Aldio' we
holiness as procmiDg oorpix
not
to seek
are
we
rejectit,^as a nj^cess^,
; must
ceptance with God
qualification,
wrought in the souls of allwho shall see tlus
Lord, Heb. xii. 14 ? Or, while we
pretendto avoid
dashingourselves on a very dangerous rock, on the opi^
another equal^
hand, shall we shipwreck ourselves
on
ruining,on the other hand ? Surelythere is a hap^y ini^
these two.
dium between
Whatever
high and fine pre"
Antinomiaos
the grace iof
make of exalting
tences
; CSpD,.
service
and glorifying
tome,
ChrUL^ they do in i^ality
no
inta
grace, but rather ^abuse it,turningthe grace of God
wantonness,
allowingthem8elve3- in an acvpwed cpnt^empt
of the moral law as a rule of life,and so, siii because
their
They sdso, nQlwithstan4ing
grace doth abovmd.
of vanity,do indeed dishoxiour
great swellingwords
Christy while they do not receive and improve rhim^ in
not
luro We
likewise
-
"
'
all his offices ; whidi
; 1 Car*,
every true believer mustdo
the minister of sin. StraingeJ
L 31. Yea, theymake C%m^
hath magnifiedthe riches of his grace, in,
because God
of salvation ; shall we,
the method
for that very reason,^
disobey, and
to
act
a
walk
part very
^vation,
and
the
influence
purifying
contrary
to
him?
inconsistent both
would'be
the method
of
of
that grace, thtathadisuch
a'
those to whom
it is communica^
nature
ofn
with
This
ted.
.Consider,that theywho are believers in
Jhis spirit
unto, them, and it is his work
given
5.
Melwvers
;
we
read
therefore
of teingchosen
Christ have
to
to
sanctify
saVoaViotv
f
f
*8
Earnestlybeseech thess,
of their nature:
to consider this holiness as the perfection
the image of God, whereby they are made
partakersof
the divine nature
to, and imitation of the
; a conformity
ilesgedjfesus
sJlthose who arc chosen to
; that to which
the saving .work of the
:
salvation,are
predestinated
in the souls of his people, making them
of God
spirit
in itselfgood and
l"
meet
partakersof
be
to
light:
amiable.
conformity
a
the
the
to
the hand
righteousnessin
inheritance
of
of
holy law,
mediator
the saints
in
rule
of
as
and
a
the
shining
soul,
beauty and
'^miableness in the sightof God, and of Christy a beauty
desireth :
holiness which is glo"
which he greatly
|)iat
and adorningto the doctrine of the gpSi^
to God,
rifying
"el,and a conversation becoming it : that which is the
him
from
"adgeof every true christian,distinguishing
a
of the immortal
ornament
;
giving it a
t
which
world
the
In the world,
-(bythe
which
to
will,in
are
imhappy
in
kind
we
of
here
they attend
to
is
it :
that faith
this holii*
danger
no
high
very
be allowed
of
ex-
encom*
in its com*
experienceof
that kind
faith
of faith
directly
site
oppoi?om.
iii.
31.
aposde,'
a
so
"
is
much
need,
at
danger which not a
if once
tliat,,
theyhave
an
sometimes
commend
to
have
to
as
of the
for
and
by faith make void the law ? and replieswith
I have
holyindignation,
saying,God forbid
somewhat
because
I am
more
apsirticular,
fraid,there
the
i;llin^
conversion
the woeful
any such tendency ;
that of God's elect.
The
asks, do
done
so
useful
so
them, that such a faith as
is,nor indeed can be saving:
hath
to
ing
assure
law, neither
the end, be found
those who
which
conviction,and
praiseof
hyperbole,
may
also
is
encouragement,
There
ones.
void the
makes
their
in the
And
mendation.
been
for their
young
iums, w^ithout any
a
godly for
for their
blessing)
producethiu Endeavour
ceeding bounds,
as
wickedi^ess,which
divine
much
ness
the
to
the wicked
to
even
lieth in
this very time, for
few
believed
law in all itsdemands,
elect
not
world,)there
very
in
be in of imagining,
as fulChristy
(which indeed
is
to
carefully
to
seem
no
iXaa
wami^
he
hath
^\Xvo*
^e^tV"teTcv^
a
t\A^ oI"l\^^\"
t
if indeed he had
3
43'
while yet this would
careleslyij
more
How
berty.
Christ did
so
is it,so
great
thingsfor
sinners
; or
no
li*
true
imagine,
that
for
way
satan, in servingdivers lusts J
continuingslaves to
Chrises suflferingfor
sin, never
nature
to
as
IiVe
peopleto
have been
much
absurd
their
its
his
purchaseda libertyto
make
intended
was
that it should
cause
to
be
no
to
change
esteemed
more
its
guiltof sin, and to flestroy
power, which he doth in the day of conversion, and will
and more,
more
bring\t
by the working of his spirit,
evil
but
;
the
to remove
down, tillthat blessed work of sanctlfication be compleatsin
ed, and their begun holiness consummated, when
shall be
Eph,
more,
no
itshould
And
v.. 27.
never
gotten,
be for-
of the valuable
that sanctification is.one
blessings
pf the new
same
price,with
covenant,
purchasedat
with which
or
justification,
any odier of these privileges,
believers are blessed in Christ jfestis^
Eph. i, 3. 1 Pet^
the
u
It is to be feared, that many
18.
nor
look
really
on
otherwise
they could
not
in this view,
;
thereof.
do
it,as
have
an
so
not
consider
inestimable
mistaken
it
nefit
be-
notions
convinced
gospel hearers were not onlyfully
of itsnecessity,
with its shining
but also captivated
beauty. How happy were the case of the world, if true
were
more
prevalent, accordingto that
gospel-holiness
how
much
promise, Zech. xiv. at the close ? And
renaarkable
should we
plishment
accomearnestly
long for a more
of that,with
other promises of/ like import
O
that
?
8.
You
to
come
who
have
engagements,
sparedwith your children,till they
the designof renewing their baptismal
by partakingof the other seal of the covenant
are
ordinance of the Lord's
of grace, viz. the solemn
sary
necesemployed in giving them
Supper, be then much
is
This
advice and
exhortations.
a time, in which
they need
other
any
on
hand
well
all the assistance which
friends
can
they
have
now.
happy for them, if it be
-,
theyget neces^w^ Y^^^^'^'oti.^'QPtS
is great, and
managed; and
give.
parents, ministers,or
ITie work
it will be
D
%
r
the other hand,
"11
rery
have
also
3
44
danger of marringit, h
importantwork than ever they
great. It is a more
And
been yet engaged in.
as it is weighty, it is
to travel a way
new
theyhave not
theyare now
;
heretofore.
Advise them not
the sin and
gone
it ; to remem*
on
precipitantly
her what theyare engagingin ; and to have many
deli*
berate thoughtsconcerning the nature
of this divine or*
dinance
|o which
who
; to
to
run
covenant^
new
of
any right,in the sight God,
faith in the mediator, interested in that
none
can
not, by
covenant, of which
are
have
itis
frequent consideration
vizm to shew
seal of the
considerthat it is a
a
of the
forth the death of
remembrance
Recommend
seal.
of' his
design of its
;
and
hath done for perishing
sinners,1. Cor* xi. 23,
them
therefore,that they oughtto
their mite
toward
tius
intend
a
institution,
Christy and keep
dying Love
them
to
up
a
what
24.
voury
sa-
h^
Tell
tributing
honestly,con-
end.
is requi-*
forget,what preparation
site,for a work of so vast importance; there is small
it to any advantage,if
ground to hope they will manage
theyare thoughdess of their great need of preparation.
Let them
consider the necessity of know-'
particularly
ledge,to discern the Lord's body ; of faith,to feed upi
him, at his own table ; of repentance, love and new
pn
It is now,
obedience.
they need grace to
especially,
and godly
the Lord
serve
acceptably,with reverence
fear,Ileb.idu 28. Beseech them also,before theymake
of a holyand
such a- solemn approachinto the presence
in sel^'examination ;
time
jealousGod, to spend some
with all care, if they know
I. Cormxi. 23. enquiring
any
of
and
evidence dt
thing,savingly, the nature, effects,
those graces, without which there can be no worthy partaking.
And
that they may
adventure rashlyon this
not
"yrork,exhort them to consider that, unworthy communis
less
no
eatingis a sin of a very hemous nature, including
and
of the body and blood of the LoRd
than the guilt
;
and drinking
to consider the very great dangerof eating
Jut^gmcutto t/iexnseJves\ U C^r^"" W*^^^ ?ts^t.l\Qm.ott
Entreat them
not
to
t
]
*s
inexpressible
happinessof
such
are
as
wordiy partakers, havingon the wedding
with
approved of God, allowed communion
garment,
of
him, and obtsdninga sealed rightto allthe blessings
of grace ; so all thingsare theirs y U Cor.
the covenant
let them be minded, how
it is^
And
iii.21.
requisite
in
when having such work
view, that they frequently
ex*
such
ercise themselveis in readingtheir bibles,especiaUy
ends
ana
parts thereof as treat of the nature, institution,
of this ordinance ; and concerningthe sufferings
oiChrisi
And
therein commemorated*
them
neglectnot advising
of
diose treatises on the Lord's
some
to read carefully
wherein
those things, wluch yoiang intending
supper,
be thoughtfulabout,, are
should
commiimcants
largely
and
this
time
them
at
well
and
opened ;
earnestly
press
ihe other hand, in mind
of the
^
to
only give diem
can
employed in
I beseech
Gumbent
wholly
on
much
how
Under
to
90!
you
it
do
ought to
work
a
secret
of
much
so
their being
moment.
leave the' business of
it may
others, who,
their proper
as
to"ioD, who
prayer
for
preparation
siU necessary
to
ones
young
of
exercise
the necessary
work
;
exhorting
be, you reckon
mind,
it is in*
as
you at other times, so especiaUynow.
that parents were
is it to be desired,^
in this part of the
the old testament,
their children
duty they owe
dw Jews were
concerningthe passoven
And
ligent,
di-
more
their children J
to
to
with
converse
And
is it
not
as
about this ordinance
reasonable that you talk with yours,
? For excidng you
in its room
to remember
the
come
above
Consider
1"
can
and
directions.
how
for those
mind
how
to
reasonable
it is,you do all you
whom
stand
much
about
thoughtful
such
need
you
your
in
so
near
a
children hav6
their
bly
possi-
relation
"
of
being
nefit.
bespiritual
things
follows, that you should be at
plainly
much
when
painsin exhortingthem thereto ; especially
it is considered, how much
theyare naturallyinclined tor
of those thing^sthat belongto theiv
inconsideratioB^
as
concern
It therefore
peace*
"
,
[
S.
Further
]
46
consider, that
\f
hen you
arc
with
bcconiing
things to your children,
recommending
gainyourselves. As ministers of
you may receive some
the gospelhave (Idoubt not)found that while they have
imbeen warmly pressingon others, tliebelief of some
of any necessary duty, they
portsmt truth ; or the practice
have been, at the same
themselves
time, engaged t6
more
thoughtfulnessabout cither the one or the other.
So when
you givegood counsel to them, you should enu
and take the advices
deavour
to receive profityourselves;
indeed itwill be unhappy
And
you tender to them.
if you advise diem
againstwhat is evil, and to do that
is good, and at the same
which
time, neidier study yourw
the one,
selves to avoid
nor
practisethe other; thus
their duty in words, you
while you recommend
to them
should do the same
by your practice and deportment*
tion.
Which
brings me to the consideration of the last directhese
concern
Give
good example.
give a good example to others, except you
have a good conversation
yourselves, which includeth a
studying to walk in the way of those duties you owe both.
and man
to God
summarily comprehended in the ten
;
this walk
The
in a
commandments.
apostleexpresses
TiU ii. 12, viz, by living
short but comprehend vc way,
and godly in this present world.
sober It/^
righteously
^
1. Then,
pecially
studyto givea'good example to others, esin
children
to your
livinggodly, i. e. worship-i
and glorifying
God
cularly,
parti; more
ping,serving,fearing,
choice
of
live as evidencing
Gop.
your making
and portion,studyingto glorifyhim in all
as
your God
and
do, 1 Cor* 31;
guarding against every
you
include
that
a
denying^ or
thing
dishonouring
may
DirecU
You
6,
young
ones
a
cannot
him.
And
in
evidencinga
due
respect
to
all his
ordinances,
waitingon him in every one of these. It will be an ill
example to your children,if they observe you neglecting
or
a/jdjdespisingpublic ordinances, secret
privatedu-ties; and
it will
probablyhave
xwiWip^y\y""i'cw:^ "2"x
C
Aem
in
conduct
*r
3
is often seen
in the
as
your foot-ateps,
children under the care of soundutiful pa*
%Uowing
of
rents.
Study with'^ possible
a
good ex"
care, to givethem
titles,
ample Tn ^ hotyand reverent use of God's names,
allow""
attributesi,
words, and works ; never
ordinances^^
ing yourselvesin the profaningof any thing, whereby
maketh
himself known.
God
How
unhappy will it be,
if young
h^ar
ones
his
profaning
in your
common
you
whether by minced
name,
conversation,
oaths
wise
other-
or
.
the divine
? Remember
all ; and the fearful
swear
prohibition,
that God
will
threatening,
liim guiltless
that taketh his
in vain.
name
not
hold
not
How
at
pitiable
dailyhear the hellish
sound of swearingand
blaspheming,in the families in
of
which they are broiight
the soimd
seldom
up'; but
ture
psalms sung in praising God ? U parents, who vening,
boldlyon that awful practiceof blasphemousswearif jiDu'will
not pityyour own
souls, will you be moVyd to take no compassion on those of your children ? If
fast on
eternal ruin ; why
so
own
ypur
you will run
of such
is'tbecase
do what
will you
little ones
as.
lieth in you
to
also miserae-
them
make
ble?
In order
givea good example, it
to
manifest
cessary, that you
which God
hath
antients,as
set
high esteem
a-part for himself
evidence
an
a
is
of their
:
high
a
exceedinglyne*
of that holy
day, which
day"
the
thereof^
esteem
of days, that market
called the queen
day to be
tend
in tradingfor spiritual
riches, which
ed
employto
make
eternity,l^ewareof
that it is aday not to be esteemed,
sayingby your practice,
for ihe work
either in itself,
or
thereof,by you of sleeping
have
beeither in the morning or evening.How
it away,
many
that holy day, as if they were
on
gladhow short they
it ?
could make
saying,behold what a weariness is it r
rich toward
Are
n6t
And
found
many
sabbath,
as
do you
observe youj
and
God,
in
by
say
of
in their beds
they will be
not
view
to
such
seldom
your
at
the
such
whole
hours
week
on
ovex
the
-
chWdretv,or oxiwet^^^\s5i^K"...
depprtment^
tSaaX vi\"te"^N"^"i^^^'
r
48
]
pretend,you do .tiot really
prize tfie iAbbatS',
call thrsholy of the Lord, hondurablcyai^.Htliat
you
therwise
nor
GoD,...wJ^ichi^^^ P^'
is the busin^sk bf th^ sabbath ?' An
evi*
culiar manner
of the
dence that, though yo'u'csteeintbe other diyis'
week, and have dome
delightin the work of them, (a"
take litde
the
service of
is
to your inclinations)
agreeable
you
called
for those spiritual
exercises you
are
what
,
in
delight
the
in, on
culpablein
upon
your
And
day
of God
?
You
liave
no
be
to
that have
^
^
heart
ed
employ-
been
much
respect, have need to be advised to think
testimonies.
ways, anid turn
your feet to God's
this
that in'order
remember,
give agoodexp
only beware of spending
to
not
ample herein, you must
of. the duties rethe Lord's day idly,in the omission
quired,
but also of profaningit in unnecessary
employ^
of
the
the
about
which
ments
world,
thipigs
may be done
other
How
much
is it to be
desired,that many
were
evidencing greater regardto the divine command^
the sabbath to keep it holy,than they oftea
to remember
on
days"
do?
Study to ^ve a good example to those who observe
to your children,in studying
to
your conduct, especially
live rigliteously,
renderingto every one their due, owmg
nothingto any man, and lovingyour neighboursas your*
in the welfare
of others,
'selves; seekmg and rejoicing
not
nor
envying or grievingat their prosperity,
ing
rejoicbut
them
all
the
at their adversitj'^
doing
;
good in
Vour power from a principle
of true love, that love which
of the law,
-IS the fiilfilling
ordfer to give a good example, you must
also
3. In
live soberly,
in revelling
and
bering
not
drunkenness, in chamwantotmess
or
good things of the
; using the
world, as not abusingthem, minding that the fashion of I
allow
this world
to
not
iStudying
passeth away.
which
ceeding
exare
yourselvesin indulging unruly passions,
hurtful to the immortal
soul ; but, bridling
them
fv/th all possiblecare;
of
the truth of
as beingconvinced
2.
tAat divine
^/r//,
sentiment,
/f tetter than
he
that he that hath
that
tafecth
a
rule
'
oiDcr
city;
^ax^
His
o-om
x^xa^m-
^
hand,
tli6 one
what
you
that
3
50
thc'oflife
buiWtnth
painfully
when gfl
they bdi'c ve
you are in earnest,
ihg good counsel; theywill rather be temptedto think,tfe
in such
k is only acustoni-youhave got into, of talking
will
nor
manner
-,
and, it is likely,will give little attentiaa
And
what you say.
if your
indeed
advices
are
i
gow
questionmay b
affecting
that teaci
Thou thertfore
22.
jusdy put to you, Som.iu
c?c.
est another, doest thou not teach thyself?
Remember,
parents, altho' the advantageof yoiirchi
dren, or of others,ought not to be viewed by you, as th
only or chief reason, for studyingto walk circumspectly
ti
yet it should b^ considered as a powerfulargument,
therefore
"That
(
fluencing
you may
you thereunto."
the duties incumbent
be persuaded to mtnd
o
possible)
stand in to your chi
from the relation you
you, arising
dren ; I diall,-besides the motives already used for ei
conclude with a few ac
forcingthe foregoingdirections,
while your
bad,,that
is
practice
ditional considerations.
1.
Then, consider, that
to
obligations
do.
None
are
seek
so
man
of your children, asyo
relation to thbm ; they ai
the welfare
in such
stand under
none
a near
have justlynoticed)parts of yourselves,an
(as some
diereforetheir happinessis in some
respects yourowf
None
are
so
solemnly engaged for them as you, whic
i:onsideration,with others of like kind, should
excit
you can do ior their good, or tlu
thereto.
And
conduce
whoever
b
mscy any way
may
else ca
to seek their happiness,
yet none
any way bound
in every respect, have the same
an*
groimd of comfort
you
to
enquirewhat
satisfaction in
seeingit.
Nor
are
strictly
charge*
so
any
concerningdiem as you are \ as is evident
places of scriptureforecited,and many
these considerations
to
engage you
for
t
obtsdninghe end.
"ayed
2.
tions
^r
Consider,
diat
as
so
none
you are,
being useful to them
none
are
else
as
as
thezxi^ and thus have many
leave
under
have
ye have.
so
from
others.
means
no
so
oppoxtumue^
Le
unes
strong obliga
mtiny
You
seven
are
oi
advantage
often witl
4ovcv^^!c"^
C
51
]
admonition,
||9o4,by advice, exhortation,
by,instruction,example, "c.
Thus
and
in the
essay to teach them
in the evening, when lying down, and when
had
And
morning or
risingup.
may
you
.
you
their
spiritual
benefit,much
reproof,
heart, you
at
be often
would
of these many
improvingsome
oportunities.
They depend not so much on any in the world as
wise
on you
; and their dependanceon
you for ^vhat they otherwant, affords an advantage,for beinguseful to them
in tlie best
whom
fhose, on
US
We
sense*
either to
or
have
we
apt
are
attend
to
gieatest
our
than
against,
we
what
dependance,advise
to
are
to
more
attend
what
to
is
have an equal share with
by others. None
you in
if theybe reallyas they ought to be, loving
their affections,
children ; nor are any else so well acquaintedwith
md
their tempers,
are
at
or
have
such
to
access
mostUkely to prevailwith them.
2. JDeliberately
consider, that you
often
recomB"ended
other
times
in
a
to
more
know
what
have
had
in
private manner,
and
continue
M^ihstanding,
negligent,
you
your
from
that
consideration
Ughly aggravated
JDOX.
1.
also have
You
confessed
ty
du-
your
sometimes
you,
methods^
a
public,
if,
not-
sin will
;
see
be
Prov.
that these
duties,are
confessions,will you
you, and yet after such
continue from time to time, regardlessof
bniding on
puttingthem in
?
be entirely
Certainlyyou cannot
ignorantof
practice
4he sin you are
guiltyof, and the danger you expose
; consequently
unto, by such negligence
yourselves
your
that
much
and on
the
sin is against
so
light,
very account
greater*
of parents toil and labour,even
for their children,the things
Jto weariness, in providing
needful for the body ? and this if managed in moderation,
4.
and
How
much
otherwise
do
most
well, is lawful.
But
if you
are
so
careful
in
things that are perishing,
far
their nature, and perishin the ver}" using, is it not
ter
reasonable you be cqnpemed that they share of betmore
things? Their time in t\\iswot\d vj^Sl^c"^\k^ css^x^
to
supplythem
with those
E
t
^
when
and
well
fo
fe^i^"
die, they bid anfeverlastinjg
use
sublunary tlungs,which can be of no mdre
they come
all
to
3
52
foolish
How
them.
to
those
do
part then
a
act, who krc
thing ncfed-
things,while the one
I
As
ful is scarce
minded
ought for yourselvesto
you
^eei^rst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness^
JSfat,
for your
children
vi. 33. so, your chief concern
cumbered
ought
kingdom
;
have
fessingwith horror,
of what
consideration
for
in
them, in respect
doing what
and
to
a
he
of their children
be
placesof
it
do
to
seems
parables,to
world,
no
warn
small
us
now
as
this
have
to
as
their
pbr*
xvdi.
xvi.
14.
Receive
how
nor
their
an
end
;
to think
danger
in its profits
and
as
tlfeir
hiiBiy
these
on
thitigs.
scripture
part of the design of the
of the
the
goM
is
miserable
is at
as
mentioned, and bthar
's6,
yea ought yourselves,
children
persuade your
be
so,
in
they enjoy
in the world
parablejust
scripture. And,
should
the
who
in the
seen
you
parable,LuJie
their time
! w.hen
member
re-
tatter j
in respect of the
whatever
that
These
thingshere*
case
the
? I
reckon
to do
yourselvesbound
you
of the former, excite to all deligence
concern,
in
man
ad"
lose their o^
some
world, they may not be so unhappy
tion, only in this present life,Psabn
rich
be
when
dying,cohpoor worldling,
had unhappily so done.
Let tk'e
possiblycan,
you
deep
a
bodies
intierest inth^
an
things would
all other
the
of
read
by
pityis It,that
a
souls, in providingfor
to
be. happy
may
if so,
and
What
them.
to
many
be, that they
to
same
cd
about
df
ardent
too
pleasures:
apurstiitbf
yet how
many,
ter
af-
representations,of this kind, steta
resolved
if nothing else were
to behave
to be
as
mind(^d,
or
enquired after,as a portion either for thefm cr theirs ?
iDo not, alas, too many
that
say by their daily practice,
nothingbeside the enjcj-mentsof time is to be cared for,
and so daily cry r.s, F^alniiv,
xvillshnv
6. rvho
us
imy
all
good?
main
^^Ppy
warnings and
unaccountable
study,
^'n
that
you,
madness
and
hdng possessed of
!
those
that
Let
so
it therefore
near
to
gocd part
you,
which
be your
may
be
cannot
^3
r
J
of duty this
practice
prive
it is considered, that death
will shortlyde^ay, when
for your
you of every opportunityof doing more
May
^.
it not
?
children
excite
parents, and these
them,
with
or
relation
near
parts of themselves,
either for
more
no
pray
separates the
death
When
the
to
you
they
them
:
of
then
can
they
can
employed, even if they should be
derstand
destroyedfor lack of knowledge, in teachingthem to unthings: they will after this separation,
spiritual
receive no advices or exhortations against sin,however
the practiceof duties, although
in it,or
fast they run
to
on
they should ever so often neglectthem ; nor can
by any thingin your power to do for
theyafter this,profit
henceforth
be
If you
them*
more
no
die
and
first,
leave
in
you
if they die be*
behind
them
this evil world, which is inore
or
probable,
fore you, which is also possible
; in either
do
If your
for them.
more
no
children
case
can
you
dead, their
are
If it is a
of
state
eternity,unalterable.
they need no assistance from you, or any ohappiness,
of all use
of means.
thor, as being above, the necessity
of rniseiy,
K they are entered
on
a state
a
great gulph
is fixed
state
to
is fixed betwixt
them,
and
the iahabitance
of bliss,and no means
intercession will be heard
used
ons
Luke
xvi. 22, 23, "c.
not
how
let the
soon
thoughtthereof
parents,
not
only for
in their
And
in this sense,
either you
device, even
to
rouse
O
you,
careless
hands
your
gain of those, who are
If the apostlePeter
from
you.
shortness
so
many
and
find
;
gent
neglito
do,
likewise
for
ways
dear
the consideration
to
of the
to
soon
to
put off the
gi-eat diligence
whom
he laboured, put*
with those among
in remembrance
merly
againof the thingshe had for-
was
taughtthem
sition awaken
rf^
nor
j
of his time, and that he was
moved
tabernacle
of his body, was
ting them
work
no
in the grave, and as you know
or
they may be carried there
the soul's
whilst he
is
benefit,but
spiritual
own
the m?insi^
afford any help,no
behalf,as is evident,
seeingthere
whatsoever
do
your
can
of
of time
;
ought
not
the
same
or
like conslde^r-
deligencem -jowt n?o\V^^V^^'^'^
before t\ve dwrV xi\^^x^^ ^^-^^^
yet lasteth,
you
to
ground
when
jou,
on
pome
no
man
believe,that many
to
with
tormenting
reflections
the
duties
owed
has
been
And
O
they
the
to
unhappy
work.
can
tHeir death
at
their
on
case
with
why will
dancy to
were
another
one
act
to
way
every
to
come
Certainly this
dying moments*
ayou little concern
dear
children, yet,
your
in that
of
which
course,
hath
ten-
a
pale death and you,
in the face ! certainly,
to do so, is
foolish part.
Suppose then, you
cuttingthoughts,when
cause
look
hiust
continue
yoa
not
filled
been
have
?
in
some
had
is there
by-gone omission
their children
unfaithful parents, even
the
future
happinessof
bout
And
a
the
very
brink
of the
and
vast
boundless
of
ocean
the shadows
of the everlasting
eternity,suppose
evening
and
themselves
then
out
on
stretching
looking
you,
you
the many
back
by gone
evenings and mornings, in
on
knees
before
which, you neglected bowing your
God,
with your
families ; neglect*
and worshippinghim in and
ing to pray with your children, tho' many times thereunto
and at the same
of
advised
view
time, takinga serious
;
other sins both of omission, and commission;
innumerable
I say, this to be your condition, who
can
ceive
consuppose
piercingreflections
what
in such
make
this
you
when
cace.
a
Seek
grace
would
arise
therefore
to
in your
enable you
mind
so
to
of
conscience
it may
as
never
to
duty now,
come
with you hereafter,and especially
such a time, as
at
little need
of such
will have
painful thoughts ; and
find work
will
otherwise.
enough
you
6.
If you
are
no
way
desirous
bringingothers, especially
your
with
religion;
yourselvesof
it
gives too
of
being instrumental
young
much
ones,
tance
acquain-
to
to
reason
therewith
of
suspect
being
unacquainted ;
You
obser^^e
iil the
profess.
may
may
you
first of JohrCs gospel, how
had
diligentthose who
Jlessias
to bring others
for
found die
to him, and
were,
that end told them what they knew
concerning him. Audit
whatever
otherwise
is said
oi
Andrew^
that when
he
found
his
own
brother
bnought him to Jesiis^ If he having the start
ofjPeter^ ns being first acquainted witVv Christy \5r^" %"^
forward
iJcv^t"i^\:\q%
not.
to bring his brother
to \um
", is
y^Z/f/*,he
-
[
be
and
between
nearer
you
reasonable
more
what
?
children
your
And
what
happiness? It is very observable that David
experienceddivine goodness, eamesdy invites
and
taste
them
to
about
the
engage
much
God
as
;
is
God
Psalm
:
happiness of
such
acquainted;
being therewith
to
and
to
8.
and
know,
and
says
fear
elsewhere.
for the desire which
themselves,
religious
are
others
advice, he
as
account
may
having
xxxiv.
in the context
seen
considerations
who
good
with the blessed
comply
be
may
Many
those
that
see
can
than your endeavours to do this way,
the divine blessing
contribute to their eternal
by
may
]
S5
such
as
evidence
of
their love
others
others,
to
destrongest indication ; their ardent sire
of the mediator's
of the advancement
kingdom, for
this is the
of which
the
of
coming
Matt.
Christ
which,
their
vi. 10.
in
both
his honor
concern
and
influence
in
employed
every christian
these and other
happiness :
capableof.
they are
be
to
generation,which
their
CfOD
like nature,
to
taughthis disciples
them
to
Thus
it is
what
do
good
evident,
pray;
serving
esteems
thingsof
others
to
that if you
have
this way,
much
be
to
reason
you have too
sadly apprehensiveof your being yet strangers to the happy
of such as know
and love God, and
have
attainments
no
concern
of
power
souls.
experiencedthe
their
sionsin
Let
T*
are
there
you,
some
hopes
of their
giving pleasant evidences
of God
by regeneration;
happiness,in
not
of
your charge,to whom,
afford so much
satisfaction,
as
well founded
some
to
you,
its lasting impres-
under
ones
could
the world
children
ask
me
little
have
own
godlinessin
the world
causing sad
to
come
?
so,
And
thoughts, if you
them, few good-likesignsof being well
nothingin
your
ing
hav-
gious,
being reallyrelitheir being the
of
and
who
you
in the
way
is it not
observe
inclined ?
to
ing
grievabout
or
of
thought about either the present, or
future state oftheir never-dying souls ; or being littleimpressed
of being brought
of their need
with any sense
oi ^;ge^*;.'^'w^
from art estate of sin and misery,mti^i ^ ^\."3c\5i
their
takingany
due
I
3
S6
begun salvation,diro' a redeemer ; having a good work
be performed unto
the day
begun in them, which would
of Jesus. And
it wouldno
doubt exceedinglyrejoice
as
amidst
hearts, even
your
to
observe
many
in
them
difficulties and
good
earnest,
and with the
ragements,
discou-
enquiring
prodigal
they should do to be saved ;
of returningto God
fore
there; you ought not
son, thinking
in taking all painson them
structi
to faint or weary
by inand otherwise.
Nor
ought you to sink in des"
pondency,altho' you see not, so soon as you would wish,
the desired success
be upon line,and precept
; line must
what
precept.
upon
And
you should represent
wicked, who continue insin
so
without
death,
and
die in sin.
Isa.
them
the
misery
of
the
being without God, and
at
hope in the world ; being miserable in life,
if they live and
unspeakablyso to alleterqity,
Woe
to the wkked^ for it shall belli withhim^
ill. 11.
7iesSy Prov.
t""
he
as
;
shall at last be driven away
xiv.
in his 'wicked'
32.
ought also to represent to thenv,in a way, as at
and
engaging as possible,the happinessof them
fecting
who
the children
of God, by faith in Christ jfesus:
are
and tho' the tongue of men
or
angels,cannot
express the
You
of their
happiness; yet you should, at proper sea^
hint some
andbliss as
sons
thing concerningtheir felicity
the word
of GoD"
How
this
i'cpresentedin
great does
it is considered, that they are
interested in
when
appear,
GoD, as theii- portion; in Christ Jesus as their sayiour,
extent
in all his offices and
relations,"c
I in the
covenant
new
of God, in
blessings
; in the spirit
in a word, in all
and
all his savinggraces
operations,
that tend to make
happy in time, at, and after death ; for
all thingsare theirs,and they are Christ ; 1 Cor. iii. 21.
in all its promisesand
inconceivable
23.
8.
on,
Even
by
any
felicitv!
altho' your
thing you
children
can
do
should
for them
not
;
be
tho"
prevailed
they should
and contemners
all your pains,irreligious,
remain, aifter
^/godliness ; yet ifyou be found diligentin the duties
owe
jrou
them, your labgur will notbt ^\"iT7 viuy lost ;
[
valuable mercy
be
yea
than sufficient to
of comfort
How
one
sad,
how
bad
as
do
religious
a
not
sq, and
but with bitter
with water,
will
affecting
very
in
satisffactioiiotherwise
all the
will niar
more
wine
our
]
they make
;
This
?
ftense
*8
it be
gall.
if while
;
;
onlymix
they
in strength,
grow\as flowers, ad!vance in years, encrcase
and
and what is yet better,in reason
understanding,if,
after all,they continue slaves
soul and body, with the most
that which
world
;
God,
who
look
is of purer
sin, but with
on
therefore
the
in
of you
one
who
than to
eyes
hatred
and
charge of
is of much
to
a
;
And
if you
have
not
it is
be
will
feared,'
be
be
that y ou'^
present,
going
in
of
actingthe
from
which
sin
others, of
among
of the
on
they
toward
every
not
committed
Jeroboam
kingdom'of
him,
judgment
in
at
sis
the
be
vour
in danger
theirs,and
after the
come,
at
death:
many
chargeablewith
their death.
erectingthe
ten
to
individual
at that day
respect)
(in some
was
the
for many
Bethel, continuing
^le
forgetspirits
';
will be sinning
to another, you
in
generation
have judiciously
This, as some
observed, is one
of wicked
jn
;
will be much
unhappy part
same
of
particularjudgment
will
when
on,
one
them.
reason
ignoranceand
a
sin
evident, if it is considered, that if you bring up
children
so
as
but your
;
are
lying in the grave, in the landof
your
entered
and your souls
into a world
of
fiilness,
is
called
are
bodies
as
rish
flou-
reallythink.
at
not
ceedingly
ex-
red.
desi-
remembered,
you
feel it or
you
and
you
many
sin, lyingon
whether
to
When
they may
more
thing to be infinitely
thrive
neglectit,it should be
only much
and
may,
?
part thereof,to
any
importance,than
more
heavy burthen,
detestation
parents, that the work
Remember,
10.
si^htof a holy
iniquity,or
behold
that
concerned,
in the other
the
any
sense
have
vile,in
delight,behold a risinggeneration
let the sightexcite each
flourishing,
with
you,
satan, defiled in
abominable
thing in the
them
makes
sin and
to
Thus
calves
at
the
Dan
sin
sin
and
it ended
in the ruages, *till
will be justlychargetribes,
making Israelto
sm
", not
xVvo^^ \\v"
oivVj
i
2
S9
_
his
in
ped
the
ided
in
calves
Nebet
of
the
good
to
ages,
of
day
ider
f
in
the
in
time
come.
how
the
in
the
tending,
you
is
work
going
be
parents,
be
iustrumen-
of
to
the
serve
of
"rtunities
t
so
trict
d,
and
)ractice
all
;
is
let
much
have
of
account
and
the
which
work
device
nor
"97D
OJ
upon
your
in
f
AUT
die
hands
gravct
FIR8!F.
give
be
you,
recommended,
duties
to
considerations
influence
whatsoever
have
;
God
to
often
pon"
exciting
and
fin4
to
to
the
time
your
many,
are
you
peremptory
so
so
you
other
diligence,
no
charge
work
your
the
these
the
;
doing
and
short,
;
Lord
every
children.
.
d
but
hearts,
your
your
in
great,
so
to
only,
use
of
good
folin
O
affect
the
in
grace
time
own
in
their
on
of
may
thought
contra-
during
then,
your
the
to
the
reward
diligence
utmost
the
it,
their
not
On
world
of
evil,
Jertboam^
as
sin.
advised
Let
seeing
word,
in
or
world,
the
to
any
good
to
awaken
1,
Be
much
the
to
encreasing
an
in
Israel
is often
he
death,
wor-
ages
Thus
up.
effects
happy
aftcf
in
his
done
Lord.
how
doing
the
set
after
made
have
some
may,
ng
had
he
who
who
those,
scripture long
son
time
but
day,
own
to
doing
do,
for
t
ft T
P A
fe X
E
C
]
"
SECOND.
L
L
N
E
y
C
^";.
GOSPEL^ORDINANG"S,
WHENinhsft"itthethink
we
of the dismid
dark
'of thosej who
tase
placesof
the edrth, which
are
habitations
of
the
and
that
consider
of
iuH
cruelty;
they
father
of
the
wth
children
common
same
are
us, that
immortal
theyhave
,
eternal exisience
teft
I say,
;
have
willthereftxre,
souls, and
when
think
we
on
their case,
an
a"
of a gospel svax
grbpe in darkness,havingno light
shining6n them, we ought to be moved with compas"
to
^ion toward them
and
;
cry
to
God
that he would
3end
gospelwhere it is not, and enlightenthose dark plac"
But
it is e"*
as
^s of the world by the shiningthereof.
ceedinglywrong not to pitythem, so we ought to be*
deistical opinion, that they
of the dangerous and
ware
eternal happiness by an
improvement of the
may obtsun
An opinion,
of nature.
dim light
derogatoryto the grace
the
mediator
ledge to
;
whatever
the contrary
Cod
hath
redeeming
directlyoppositeto
way
of
^therefore
not
the
mediod
of salvation, thro' a
espouse and defend it,aU
they who
; derogatoryto
given of
lost sinners
what
to
staying
is said
reason
his
the
revelation,
supernatural
mind, concerningthe
of Adam's
family; yea,
:
scripture
this
L^V^SL
against o^iuiotv^
conceniingitin
any inclined to it,wlvo W\tTiCA\i^^'^i^.^^'^^
of God
the rule
of tVitVr feMfci^Vi ^^^^onr^ks.^
as
only refer
word
in
manifested
of God
r
^xts,
C6r* i. 21,
1
;
xxix. io;
/'ri?!?.
Ron*
strange
to believe
is it
what
to
that
observe
to
yet
as
to
openly deny them,
in an ordinaryway
salvation even
who
God
of; for what
doth
way,
not
or
may,
belong to
us
not
their sentiment
so
assert
profess
in
do
thfe aid
there-
extraordinary
an
determine.
to
who
far agree with those
the possibility
of
without
can
in his word.
few
a
and
^many otiier
hath said
CtOd
scriptures,do
the
also from
fully
convinced,that
be
directly
contrary,
How
14, 15, Acts iv. \%
x.
'Frottt'whfch, as
places,they may
is
J
"
How
absurd
is
of those,
the opinioiji.
who, though they pretend to com*
that jt gives
plUnehtdivine Tevdation, so far as. tp own,
^
privilegedwith
those
who
the
only enjoy
that those
maintain
it,
lightof
may
if they improve what
?
nature
doubt
no
above
advantage,
some
dim
at
the
those^
time,
same
eternal
procure
ness,
happi-
lightthey have*
mistaken, notion they form of divine mercy
and
goodness^ and the want of just uptakingofthe evil of
The
of a holy Qod,
justice
lead^ntothis opinion. Yet
sin, and of
to.
manner
the
is, they are
their sentiment
in
seem
however
ready to'cry out
in
a
special
aosurd
a
manner
blasphemous ; that a judgment oppositeto theirsk
numbers
of
chargesGod with making such numberless
them ; than which
rational creatures
only to damn
thing
noabsurd
is more
by no means, the
; damnation, was
end of givingbeing to any creature, as is sufficiently
clear*
eminent
writers.
But if any will be so
cd by many
cha^
almost
ritable
them
to
the heathen
to
be,
may
them
givento
are
saved
must
be
or
allow, that it
nations,as
to
believe that
some
of
they ought ^t the same
time,
revelation
by some
supernatural
;
of the device
of
salvation,thro'
a
tor,
media-
declared that there is no salvation
seeingit is plainly
in any other ; and indeed,for us to determine
what God
discoveries to any without the
doth in such supernatural
outward
means
Our
over
weep
take
of the
he
would
;
would
be
is, as
duty plainly
the
same
of those
case
nature
bless them
be wise above
to
the
what
is written.
hand, to pityand
in darkness,who
sitting
paron
with
with the
us,
one
av\d cry
to
God^
that
ahming\\^\.oi^^^'Cix\o\"
[
]
63
gospel: so that the kingdoms of this trorld,may becomefilekingdoms of our Lord
and of his Christ ; likewise,
the
on
other, to bless God, while
in their
have
unhappy condition.
live,that
we
When
we
not
are
consider this,we
we
the
to
cvii, 8.
highestreason
cry out, as in Fsalm
would
O that men
for his goodness !
praisethe Lord
How
blameable
in being so
are
tle
litgospel-hearers,
many
affected with a sense
of divine goodness, in so highly
them
above many
nations of the world ? But
privileging
ou^t at thie same time, to be deeply,yea very deepwe
ly
with
both
of
an
sin and
our
impressed
affecting
sense,
misery, if we misimprove our talents. Tho' our mercy
in a land
of light,yet if wc
is great, in being bom
and walk in the dark
dai'kness rather than light,
love
pathsof sin ; the punishment of heathen nations will be
tolerable
light compared with ours ; it will be more
for them in the day of Judgment than for us.
how
And
of those
aniazingis it,to think of the case
vho, either despisegospel-ordinances
by not waitingon
outward
them
or
at*
although, they give some
;
that theymay
become
tendance, yet are no way concerned
of God
the power
to their salvation ? The
case
and the other call aloud for pityand compasboth of the one
sion,
them
to
from
sympathy from
to do
what
in them
belong, for
G
to
have
any bowels
of
pity,and are not
hardened
unnatural
as the
ag^nst their fellow-creatures,
And their case not only calls
Ostrich againsther young.
for
all who
all,but also cries aloud to every
lies,and what to their sphereand
the recovery
(ifthe Lord
could be used, in order
that any means
of thosesinners, from
the
error
from death.
any of their souls
of such
express the sin and danger
as
tion
sta-
will)of such:;
to
the
of their way,
What
one,
ing
convert-
and
ting
sa-
tongue is able
neglector
misin-
having noticed the
are
groping in midnightwe
darkness ; the high and inexpressible
privileges
take
parGod
hsaik
of that lamp which
of,in having the light
Vv2twX)a" vsL-^sA^asacordained for his anointed j toged\e.T
of salvation ?
pro\-e the means
condition of such
as
pityable
F
But
C
64
3
I proceeJl
and misimprovingthat light,
gcr of neglecting
is particularly
soiqu
iutended,viz. 1st. To noUce
to what
high value of public ordinances, 2diyw
the sin of despising
few particulars
In some
to pointout
the consideration of either^
But before I enter
them*
on
I shall premise a few things.
I speak of divine ordinances, I particularly
When
1
have an eye to that great ordinance of heaven, a preaclw
ed gospel,with which is ordinarily
joinedprayer to Gk"D
of hun for his goodness. I
for his blessing,
and praising
evidences
of the
.
.
shall
not
now,
however, trouble you wid^
my
reasons
of
eying other divine institutions* .And
particularly
I intend speakingsome
when
thingsfrom which may be
of that divine ordinance ; it is not
gatheredthe excellency
from the value of other
to be understood, as
detracting
appointedmeans'^ of salvation.
2. When
any thingis noticed, tendingto pointout the
these ordinances, or their
and despising
Bin of neglecting
own
minded, that littiei"
excellency
; itis to be carefully
said of either,in comparisonof what mightjustlybe ofc
is rather cause
There
in the
served.
t" fear,especially
last of these, viz. essaying
to hint any
thing concerning
the great worth of publicordinances,lest there be * darkening
wisdom
by words without knowledge.
3. As the sin of cohtemning, or misimproving them,
is of a ver}^ henious nature, so what is said,demonstrating
their highvalue, if duly considered, may
somewhat
tend
of that sin in a clearer light.
to
pointout the aggravation
As the more
worthy any person is, the crime of despising
him with contempt is stillthe greater ; so likeor
wise,
treating
the more
valuable any thingis, the evil of slighting
It will be the more
sidered
aggravated,which should be duly consuch
this
as
are
by
guilty.
way
When
hint
is
4.
any
gr\xn, of the very unhappy case
of such as do not attend these means
of God's
ment
appointfor the salvation of perishingsinners,it doth not
immediatelyinfer,that all who give an external attendance, are certsdnlytherefore true cVvt\?.U2iiv^
is
\ ixvore
required f than only a professing
to vrorAi^Ooii mxJftfitti.
not
.
as
f
ficom^mount
Sinai, is
to
and
alarmed
,
till
(ifthe
their
danger
they cannot
see
footingof a broken covenant,
Man
is naturallyproud and
holy God.
an
high opinionof himself, till the law
convincing;power
alive without
vii. 9, I was
commandment
the law
sin revived
came,
and
;
that
Paul
to
with
Rom*
says
when
but
I died.
a
have
home
come
the
on
before
stand
once^
and
will)
Lord
inclined
his conscience*
on
fioai
loudef
and
louder
wax
burning mountain,
that dreadful
they be
I
66
the
So the law
man's
duty, wherewith
clearly see his sin ;
by comparing his practice,he may
and in the terrible tbreatenings
of it,his misery : for "aS
of
of the works
the
under
the
are
law, are
as
many
in its divine
precepts discovers
t:urse.'^
altho^'itis neitberiiecessary,
nor
And
sd^solute
;
of the
Christy being in respect
various
very
yohn
xvi.
and
it Is the
;
the law
itcnt
2.
f
and
have
7 his is
intended
to
therebysounding a
sinners,
ordinances
;
in
all,nay, nor the
therefore,conversion
not
in conviction
dispensing
of
be
curse
from
are
sin
impen*
miser}^. And
but
had
inform
him
of
/earful,as
it
is
saldoi
a
other
saviour
ed
employto
news
histransgrersing
that
tW
informed
of
therebyrenderinghimself
in this life and
is
ter
school-mas-
those
ordinances, no
to
a
God
to
therefore
their need
see
may
divine
sinful man,
the law of God, and
and
Sinners
they
bring to
would
to
design of public
main
itself; so the law is
Christ.
bring to
wrath
faithful alarm
But
of their state, that
from sin, the cause
case
sick
he shall reprove
the
need of a
physician;
come
diseased,,will apply to
only as find themselves
The
prophets,.
John baptist,and Christ himself,
his apostles,were
all employed
in preaching
as
well
^hls
he is
saitb,when
8,
of bondage to fear,
spirit
ordinaryway with them all,
Christ speaking of the spirit,
such
him.
as
of sin.
them
of sin
world
yet it is his
;
convince
to
the
of any certain degree of a work
of the law
the Lord's
with those,,
he brings to
way
need,
conviction
m
safe toassert
to
obnoxioui
come
V\cVt^
;
m
the
^Jaa
r
it were
sinners
of mankind
desperatecreatures
of another
art
sed
so,
thou
to torment
come
be God
]
"y
might cry
rank, who
out, with those
s^d
to
Christy
before the time ?
us
that it is otherwise
But
bles*
informed
healing,not
that they have
tended
wounding here is infor killing
when
sinners are^
;
destroyedthemselves,they aro
likewise
told that
condition,tho'
for
their
;
the
at
present
gerous,
dan-
is not
desperate; and that there is help laid on
that \s mighty to save
ing
Christ is revealed, as havone
: so
from
eternityengaged in the law place,of all those
given to him by his eternal fether,to do all that was ne-*
for their salvation
cessary
from
Prov.
everlasting,"
thus he
;
viii.
23.
I
saith,"
and
so
came
fulness of time, into the world, taking man's
a
nature
set
up-
in tho
inta
the divine nature, that he
might
of God, in the same
the justice
and satisfy
personalunion
ftdfilthe
was
law,
with
nature, of which
those
broke-
who
the
law and offended
being cloathed therewith,
he fulfilled all ri^teousness in it ; paying man's
double
and
debt of obedience
sufferings.He offered himself
thro' the eternal spirit,
smelling
sa*
a sacrifice of a sweet
ix. 14.
Heb,
to God,
vour
Eph. v. 2.
And
in a preached gospel,he is held fourth as cloath
cd with all necessary mediatorial
as
a priest to
offices,
sacrifice of himself^
make
attonement,
by the propitiatory
of that sacrifice,
Heb. vii"
and intercession on the footing
As a prophet to teac^h the great things of God's
27.
justice,were
and
partakers:
believe,X Cor. i. 30. and
them to himself, and to rule them
as a king to subdue
by
from
his holy and righteous
all
laws, and to save them
In a preached gospel they*
ii. 6.
their enemies. Psalm
of Christ*s glory and fulness,and that he
informed
are
law, made
wisdom
to
them
that
^
is able
to
to
save
by him, Heb.
being able, but
declared, to
"
to
seek
blessed
and
the
all that
uttermost
vii. 25.
and
not
that he is also
be the very end
save
of his
those that
design! Hence
only of
willingto
many
Fa
unto
come
his
save
God
fulness,and
;
thus
it is
coming into the worlds
lost,"O graciousand
were
ciWs^mk Y^^'?b"vw^\jKs'"x
tiona
v3Pt
to come
given to gospel-hearers,
to
hixn, and
to
says himself,MaL
all ye that labour and
xi. 29. ^ come
unto
me
are
heavy
the
I
will
and
and
laden,
g^veyou rest ;"
highest
gives
believe
his
on
that him
assurance,
cast
He
to him
he will in
God, in his designsof mercy
when
accompanies
the outward
soul convinced
"
that cometh
:
wise
no
out*
And
"
for salvation
name
very
in the
his
chosen
irresistable power
;'the
misery,and gettinga disco-
call with
of its sin and
of Christ
to
word
of
grace,
is
determined
to
accomplishment c^ th^
divine promise, Psahn
will*
3. ^^ ^y people shall be
ex.
in the day of thy power." O happy day ! and those made
never
willing,are united to Christy by an union that can
be dissolved, not
by death itselfwhich separates llie soul
from the body ; now
the believer is joined to the Lord
the footingof the eveiiasting
the good
and
on
covenant,
shall be performed unto
work
is begun, which
the day c^
yesus; Phil. i. 6.
to
come
him
3. These
carryingon
so
that
ness,
by
and
;
then, there is
divine
that
means
comfort
ordinances
an
likewise
intended, tat
begun good work, tillit be compleated ;
of
ar^
them, believers
thro' faith
unto
built up in holi*
salvation : therefore in
are
to
,theywho have received Christyare tau^t how
ii.
how
walk
in him, CoL
to make
6 ;
dailyuse of him^
for carrying on the work
of sanctification,
that is begun
in regeneration; and to depend constantlyon Christ jf.e^
susy as the author and finisher of faith,that by receiving
Aem,
of the spirit
of grace, they may
supplies
mortify the
viii. 13.
deeds of body, andUve
; Pom*
Here
they learn the way of growing in grace, in kno^"
ledge, in faith,in love, in hope, in repentance to salvati*
"c.
Believers know, that they are called to hold on
on,
in their journey,
their way,
to persevere
to the Canaan
a^
for
the
of
the people
bove ;
rest remaining
God, Ileb. iv.
sit down
And
that they are
if their work
not
to
9.
as
finished,when it is but begun. They entered
were
on
their journey, in the day of believing,
and must
hold on,
isJi they come
before Gop \ivZ\oii v ^^^^^^^
to appear
new
tD
in Christ
of God
for the
Hit mark
frtss toward
the
high calUng,
iii. 14.
Jtsus^ PhiL
.
prizeof
enemies
in their
^ey have many
to ii^t
way
agupst, they are here also instructed,how to put on the
of Ood,. that they may
whole
be able to stand,
Anopur
affdnst ikll
these foes ; in wliose
and war
strength they
the field of battle ; and what ground they
to
^re
go mto
have to eiEpect a complete victory. And
that they
may
of
time
faint
in
the
these
with
act
engagement
spiritual
adveraariea, who are many,
subtle, and strong, they have
in a preached gospd,
many
encouragements
proposed.
of the streng^promised to aU
from
the consideration
auch as are engaged in this war
with them^
; the presence
of the captain of their salvation ; and
the inconceivably
to all who
in the 2d#
overcome
: as
^[reatpromises made
other places; and the
and
3d. chaptersof Rev. and many
hopes of a full and final victoryat length ; when they
their heads, and palms in their
shall receive
on
crowns
hands, and sing an endless song of triumph. Thus by
the discovery of the high prize, at the end of their race
;
And
.".
and
90
victor's crown,
the
is
which
exposed
to
wheni
open
view
their warfare
is finished ;
pole of the gospel
the
on
;
the race
to run
set before
them, and to
they are animated
fightthe good fightof faith.
altho' the Jordan of death lieth in the way,
And
here
learn how
to be
also they may
prepared for passing over
^
For
thy victory X
death,
overcome
He
vanquished
believer
of this
/
is
at
death
the
world,
him
and
end
he
the
that
in its own
of his
may,
captaii
had
the power
territories. So
journey
by nuth,
thereof.
when
the
thro' the wilderness
hear
a
voice, saying,
lay : and need be
place where the Lord
in
under
no
gloomy apprehensionsof harm or danger thererather hear the voice of his beloved, saying,
; he
may
for the rest prepared for
arise and
come
away^
19
yoU)
come
en
see
the
the other side of this
Jordan*
[
Christ
hy this
messenger
]
W)
address thebelieter
to
seems
gospelgrace, in a day of ihfiirf
*' nite
to part with evedrawingpower, made you willing
**
formerlypos*
ry lover, and every rival of mine, which
"
in thy heart ; willing
sessed my room
to forgetthy fa"thers
house and come
to me,
settingwide open the
**
the king of glory;
doors of your soul to me
everlasting
*' I
to bring you
to these
mansions, of
am
come
now
thus
I in the field of
As
"
"
which
^
house
I told, you,
and
;
death
it no
*'
reallyis
*'
who
"
ence
as
more,
have
entrance
in my
father's
many
shall be administered
un"'
to
darkest aspect it can
but rather as
enemy,
,an
all who
believe
encountered
and
;
it, have
come
as
found
put
a
on
all my
in
view
:
friend,
as
it
followers
their
for lo !
away,
fear
Therefore
heavenlykingdom.
therefore rise and
;
were
in the very
*'
"
an
into the
*'toyou,
*^ not
now
there
experithe win-
is past, the rain is over
and gone."
In a word, in this glassof gospel-ordinances,
the dis*
ter
ciplesof
of the privileges
of
dsdly discover more
of the gloryof the Lord, by a view
his followers ; more
of which, theyare changeilvitito
the same
image from glory
iii.
Cor.
'Tis
therefore
18.
to
plain and
glory,i2
of espousingsinners to
evident,that those blessed means
Christy whereby, they are not onlyunited to him, by.
tliat faith,which cometh
by hearing; but whereby they
also dailytaughtto improve him, to receive
of his
are
out
in
fulness,and to grow in grace tillgrace be made perfect
glory";I say, it is evident, they must be of great value,
and therefore to be highlyesteemed.
2 The
great and ultimate end of divine ordinances,is
of the glory of God,
the manifestation
which radiantly
C%m^
shines in the salvation
does the
in this device
a
glory of
of
in
the
of
a
children of
mercy
takingcompassion
creatures
wrath
all the divine
savingsinners
specialmanner,
clared,
of mankind-sinners.
;
holy, and
who
as
thro'
and
a
How
nently
emi-
attributes,appear
mediator
grace
of God
?
But
in
is de--
serving
miserable, and ill deof the
sinners, are the objects
on
God, and, are by nature
sin-hating
\^V^\^ ^"^
wra(/i,Efh% \\% 8* Hi^ sc^?"XV"n^
:
[
J
n
in giving his onlybegotten
manifested
l^cially
son, (Of
that
whosoever
believeth on himshould
tmspeakablegift)
Here
not
life,jfohniii. 16.
perishbut have everlasting
rich displays
of the love of the blesaed jfestt^y
evU
are
in hi^ engaging for, and representing
denced
those that
chosen
were
in, and given to him, before the foundation
world ; and in coming according to that engagement^
into this world, becomingBjan, and undergoinga
of the
of all kinds in hWUfe
and at length
sufferings
;
of the cross
humbling himself to death, even the de^
;
of
the
the
drunk
brook
that
in
Psalm
and having
run
way,
of
scene
finished his
7. and
pc.
disciples;he
scended
a
rose
heaven, as a forerunner
placefor them, johwAy, 2"
into
up
prepare
Thus
in the name
of
work
sufferingagain for their justification
; and
sacred institutions
these
a-
before,tO
gone
intemled
are
hia
for manifesting
.
glory of
the
Therein
to
reason
God
the
;
his love
so
the
O
cry out,
diator.
grace of the meshines,that there is the highest
gloryand
breadth,
length,
and
and
height, of the love of Christ that passeth
We
ought therefore,
knowledge! Eph. iii.18, 19.
and
ledging,
in them, to worship
not
God,
glorify
only acknowthat we owe
our
being to, and have all our enjoyments
depth,
and
of lifefrom
a
him,
by
special
manner,
giverof
die
as
humble
an
and
all
good
thankful
;
but
in
ledgment
acknow-
and mercy
of the riches of his grace
in
shewn
that is ordered in all things and sure, %
that covenant,
xxiii. 5.
Sam.
3.
in
The
if we
will ^pear,
all ages of the
be
to
phets,and
way
he hath
done,
in
beginningof
in the
and
of what
view
ment
appoint-
dispensingthem ; under the
and extraordinary
levites,priests,
prCf
the
before him
a
of God's
and furnishing
instruments
church, in calling,
messenger,
pasters,
take
employed
old testament,
Lord's
of the ordinances
high value
:
other
qualifyinstruments
the new,
before
his
and afterwards
the
sent
teachers
to
be
end otihe world i to whom
;
and
face, to
prepare
his
evangelists,
apostles,
cQrvtm\i\w^t" ^'^'aKsAt
employed
h^
the
John baptist,
Va
"Jwi.OwvxxOc^x.Ok'^^
''''^^
5|^v^^ co\".T5iv%i^^'^v
t
his
|"rOmi8et^
to
even
I-
"
presence, saying,
the end of
appear, when
die
world.
it is considered
them,
ployedin dispensing
lo I
But
am
with you
alWiayi
this wil
especially
that Christ himself
was
em
preachingthe everlastinj
an
only often read of his teaching,
but the apostle
by the evangelists,
in
gospel,"c. so we not
preaching,as recorded
ffeb* iu 3" speaking of
at
first began to be
Jlhd dearer
testament
must
the great
spokenby the
of vast
be
only so
many
worth,
eminent
revelation
salvation,saith,whici
Lord, viz. in the nei
thereof.
Surely
thesi
dispensing of which, no
instruments,in all ages, have beei
in the
employed as their proper work ; but in which he* wlw
fron
spake, the great teacher come
spake as never man
God, was
employed*
of God
4. The
t
charges,givenin the word
many
keep them pure, and not corrupt them, which is the scop
of the second
precept of the moral-law,is a plainevidenc
of their highvalue.
The priests
to be careful to offer nothingin sacri
were
fice,but what was allowed, and prescribedby God ; an"
the false prophets were
severelyrebuked, for their cor
the pasturec
ruptingthe doctrine they taught,and fouling
that God's peoplecould not feed in them.
The
apostl
GaL
i.
tho'
curseth
Paul,
8even
an
angel fron
any,
heaven, that would preach any other gospel; he also so
lemnly chargesTimothy ^ot only to take heed to himseli
but to his doctrine ; and ^hat he charges Timothy an"
others to take heed to, he himself carefully
observed
; s"
he saith, 1 Cor. ii. 2. and I, brethem, when
I came
t(
I determined
know
not
to
you,
any thingamong
you
Christ
and
him
crucified
and
when
he
save
:
Jesus
wa
of
the
church
his
farewell
of
taking
Ephesus, Acts xx. 28
He
pure
takes
from
declare
had
the elders of that church
unto
the blood
them
to
record, that he
wa
of all men,
not
as
t"
having shunned
the whole counsel of God
thua
: and
destroyedthem with any impure, or corrupt doc
How
trines.
it for those
happy were
employed i]
^'Si'afi
^X
teaching others, when takingleave di \!tie.m^
not
t
4"i
IT bro(*s, so panteth
my
Ihirsteth for God,
the
appear before God
of his desire,to appear
when
he
how
;
shall I
when
;
strong
the
are
expressions
deprivedof.
now
was
come
in the tabema^
before the Lord,
he
soifl
This wad
representedin that other psalm,
wilderness of Judah. In how
pathe-
in the
was
Gob*-,tny
soul for thee O
living God
and
cles of his-gmce which
also his mournful
case
1
r4
as
languagedoes he there express his earnest lon^g
he
for his returningagainto that place,where
might,
and
with other Israelites,
behold God's
gloryas hepower
had formerlydone ! thus he cryethout, my soul thirsteth
tick
for
thee, my
flesh
longeth for thee,
thirsty
dry and
a
in
christians have
Some
is.
land where
water
longed
no
for the coming of the sabbath, that they might have access
go into the house
to
of God,
and
worship at
to
his
footstool.
They not onlylongfor them, but are grievedin tfieir
when they are banished from the house of CrOD.
spirits,
do the captives
How
in Babylon lament and W^ep,
bitterly
2.
Ivhen
they had
Psalm
cxxxvii.
"atdown,
affected
tribes
yea,
them
were
in that
once
holy and
no
By
1.
at
I remember
they considered, that their
beingallowed to worship God
happy in
beautiful
this,my
soul is poured
gone with the multitude, I
of God
;" but as if he had
was
banished
are
as
encomiums
ing-
they
theyseem
bestow
formerlysingthetemple-songswere
xlii. 4.
in
out
to
his
them.
on
How
delightthemselves
representations oftliem
^tJonof
a
me
;
"
when-
for I had
into the house
said, it is now
otherwise,I
desart,mourning there.
a
jt, that
into
as
v/ith them
went
laid v^ste,
now
lonelyowl in the
3. The
high esteem, the people of God
ordinances, may be likewise gathered from
am
It-
when
much,
songs ; then these ifielodious
into bowlings.David
saith.Psalm
turned
Zion.
remembered
we
house, that
with fire ; but now
they
yea burned
where
could
not
foreignland,
they
Lord's
God
of
the rivers
wept when
we
Jerusalem ;
Babylon there we
worship
to
access
?
us
GotT
house, the place where
a
have
the
of his
pleasant
observable
in various
is
afFect-
vVvt\\8hvt\\o\\^^^
\ua \v.owo\xr^^^^'^'^
I
Hit
of his
house, his tabernacles,"c. It is put by
question,Psalm Ixxxiv. 1. How amiable are thy
courts
of
way
}
rs
"
V^ And
O Lord
,tal|^rnax;les,
iu the 10th
the
ver.
Psalmist
is better than a thousand."
cn^tti out, "a day in thy courts
O how
highlydid he prizethem, declaringthat he would
rather have
than
the
employment
meanest
dwell in the
tents
amidst all their worldlypomp
and
of Mount-Zion
sings pleasantly
because
Lord
the
of God
in the house
of wickedness,
wicked,
with the
or
.
splendor. Tlie
as
standingmost
chuich
tiful,
beau-
worshipped there, Psalm
was
iklviii.2.
4L The joy and delight
ship
theyexpress when called to worin divine ordinances, doth plainly
God
signifytheir
high opinionof them.
"
unto
let
me,
us
I
,
gladwhen
was
of the Lord,"
feet shall stand
do .the
Jerusalem." How cheerfully
of worshipping him
peopFeof God embrace opportunities
in his tabernacles ? Thus it is a note in their high song,
will go into his tabernacles,
cxxxii. T.
and
Psalm
we
will worship at his foot-stool."
Now, when we are happy
habitation
of
for
the
in having found out a place
ty
mighbow ourselves,and worof Jacob, where
God
we
ship
may
before him, and be blessed in the enjoyment of hi^
in beholding the beauty of the Lord,
and
quiring
enpresence,
into his holytemple.
will go to that place,the tribes of God
We
go thither;
within
'
1.
go into the house
with holyboasting,
saying,"our
glories
they said
He
a^^u
Psalm
thy gates,
O
"
in company,
will go with them
even
walk thi;o'the dry and sandy valley of
we
tho'
shauld
we
.
Baca;
we
will
will'mglyvmdertake all toil,and go from strength to
before God
in Zion.
tillwe
Can
sti'ength,
appear
any
and not
be
read, at least duly ponder these expressions,
of the very high esteem,
convinced
which believers hiive
of God's house ? And, O careless siraer,
for the courts
who
art djiily
-not a high esteem,
but, on the
evidencing,
contraiy, a contempt of them, by thy conduct ; doth no
fear
ever
seize
thee, lest
thou
be
an
entire
stra;iger
to
o^^jx^t ^^T^i\"5i^.\^^RJ":ss^
these divipeenjoyments
v;hic\\w\\!Iv\
G
[
the
cause
his house
sery ? And
"
to
which
5.
But
peopleof God,
so
too
to
long so ardently
indeed, who
can
express
dvrel! ii
thy
mi
the piercing
not
questionbe put fe you
may
of the saints wilt thou turn ?"
those
the presence,
in his
if
And
?
]
7"
who
and
with'^hjo^nj
privifeged
beholdingthe gloryof the Lord
have been
tabernacles,evidence^ their great
estefem
of them
of the work
andbusiries
speakingso affectionately
of those attending
the Lord, and payin|
there in serving
thanks
his name
this they observe
the work o
unto
:
as
in
the tribes
of
God,
in the
forecited
cxxii JPsalm "
her
joinin exaltinghis namfe tpgiether
indeed reasonably,that theyat^ happ;
of their being eiioployed,
from the consideration
in tha
as
woric, of givingpraiseto God;
pleasant
expressedii
Ixxxiv, 4. where you hear them
that song, Psalm
singing
^
blessed are they that dwell in thy house, they will bl
thee.'
stillpraising
6. That the peopleof God
have^a( very highbstiniati
of his ordinances, will appear,
if we copisideri'
ho\i
on
much
those
who arie eftiployed
itidispehsin^
they esteem
them.
These, as the Apostledirects,they fesfeem ven
o
highly in love for their works
sake, asth6 seWants
Christyand of his church,in their admimsti*ations ; reckon
ing the feet of those beautiful on the miountains, whc
: Their
bring good tidingsof good things.
doing so ii
ih the fol
evident, as in othe^respects, so partiiulariy
lowing.
in them, Psafmlxviiult^
1. In their rejoicing
Andil
Micah
was
glad, reckohinghimself happy in havings
how
much
Levite for his priest
have the
rtason
more'
;
*
when he givesthem
peopleof GoDto rejoice,
pa^tors'achis
shaU
heart?
feed
them
who
to
own
Vfixh
cording
knowledge and understanding,'
y^r. ii. 15* How great
is their happinesswhen
privileged,with such as feed
them with the bread of life, and, as good stewards,give
their portionin due season.
to every one
Their esteem
2,
of those appe^s^
\T^\Vveltbelrv^much
TVv
employed in praying for thena ", Psalm cx'Sltliu 7
they are allowed
they reckon, and
to
,
'
'
*
[
]
rr
Psalmist cries to God,
be clothed
saying, let thy priests
with righteousness,'
"c.
'Tis the duty of all to be so ex^
crcised ; the Aposde chargesthose
he writes,
to whom
Bayiug, brethren, pray for us ;' and without all question,
those who
hjive any sense
of the importance of the work
they are called to, will be exercised in prayingfor them,
that theymay
be made
able ministers
of the new
ment*
testa'
'
That
3.
the
in the
grief and
by
people of
of the
work
when
sorrow
death
leaveof
them, never
did theysorrow
his face
no
more
when
grief
doubt
no
no
And
altho'
cd
from
more
reckoned
and
by
this
minister
no
him,
to
had
degrees,
a
be reckoned
no
has been
he
;
'
see
their
dispens-
was
them
among
they
?
were
th"
no\T
be compar-
no
one
can
be
yet the removal
essayingto
travel
iiy
in the souls of
small trial ; and
hearers, is to
sometimes, very sorrowful
attendingthe funerals
of such
have been
as
employed during their life, in
And
gospelof Christ
preachingto them the everlasting
Christ hath
in despisingthose whom
sin much
tho' some
includes a despisinghimself ; yet others,
sent, which
much
those who
have profited
by their labours,
especially
of thinkingof them above what is
have need to beware
assemblies
have
been
they should
of
loss
great
so
were
in this world
Apostle*
days, is to
the
their
takinghis
since his
faithful pastor, who
birth, till Christ be formed
of
while
vants
ser-
ther
whe-
encreased
of which
therefore
many
Pt/w/was
preached
;
them,
afFccted
it much
^at
riches oi Christ
hear
when
any more
he told them
theyremembered
unseaixhable
much
them
ing divine ordinances, he
to
How
when
and
from
taken
are
Ephesus,
to see
?
his
ministry,is evident, by
such
of
love
and
esteem
otherwise.
or
those of die church
How
God
obser\'ed
"
meet*
7.
That
those who
love God
do esteem
the tabernacles
,
of bis grace, is very evident from
their spirits,
of their oUication
his
As
the
to
sense
they liave
praisethe Lord
on
for
tVleta^N\^\v^^i^^^x^^f^^^"^'^^
goodness, in privileging
^^"S ^^xX^-Ows*
Paalin z. ^*
they are commanded^
''
I
with
courts
as
P^Wmciii.
of the
-
praise*''Tis true they vicSr thehibound
to
praisethe Lord for every mercy ;
for the light
1, 2, 3. but in a special
manner,
of righteousness,
in a gospeldispensation,
arising
gates and
"elvcs
i
^8
sun
healing irihis wings ; for the shiningof the
brightand morning star, and the discoveries of the glory
of Christyin the glassof divine ordinances.
with
It hath
much
affected
respect, fallen
been
in
ihem
to
consideringhow
with
what
popish
What
errors.
christian
as
say,
breasts of an
Jents
devils
many
; as
one
a
and
other
to
this
day.
O
the kindness
part of the
clouds
is
it,
expresses
idols of
and
wood,
;
w
and
not
thick
fogs
taughtby
of
my
pa-
stone, yea, beasts and
inhabitants of Ameri^
are
some
with
privileged
hich
spread
Over-
considerate
a
may
that I did not suck the
done, and
that men,
is
world
it,
was
of the miserable
of God
in this
darkness, beside
mahometan
mercy
placeshave
ca
a
infidel, and that I
worship
to
great
the black
with
the lines have
pleasant
places,w^hile they have
heatJben, and
is covered
that
some,
said
such
to
tokens
of their fellow
many
do
of
crea,
by
tures,
nature
as
good
they,enjoynot,
as
;seek grace
for his goodness ; and to
praisethe Lord
to
improve their talents,minding who hatb
charged them, saying,occupy
I
know
be. prevailed
to
en
2.
would
in the
come
GoDj
so
next
tillI
place to
highlyprizethese
in part appear,
from
they take a view of
come.
enquirewhy
divine
such
at
institutions ; ahd
thingsalreadynoticed.
When
them, as appointedby God,
whom
they love, and whose authority
theyregard ; as
the high ends
of their institution,
likewise
"c.
they
but
I
shall
them.
further
esteem
cannot
add, they*
only
the
because
of
of
do
so
experiencethey have
attaining
benefits in them, and what theydaily
soul-enriching
hope
it may
for,
some
this wayr
Here
they have
found
enrichingpearl of great
to
price,making them, upon a discoverythereof, willing
i^// fill they have
and buy it ; and here they get manifestations
of the soul-captivating
gloryot Christ ; "w'VWfcVvet^
^^e^yhave been
iijade
to
the
teceWe
guXoiVi^W^^^^^sA
t
for grace ;
grace
when
3
?9
been
theyhave
times
some
plaining
com-
nances,
deadness, they have, in divine ordispiritual
mating
found anito their sensible and sweet
experience,
and
supplies
quickning communications, of new
and
who is the resurrection
the I'lfe^
of life, from him
John ii. 25. and who hath said, he that eatethme even he
shall live by me.
While
waitingat the posts of wisdom's
doors, they have experienceda restoringof their Ian-stand
making them to underguishing and drooping spirits,
what ")a1?/^/meant, in saying, he restoreth my soul.'
often have they to their satisfaction found, that
How
of
*
darkness
their
turned
them,
light?
to
such
at
hath been
a
in
While
time
sensible
a
and evident
hath
gospel-sun
a
night hath
shined
upon
into
day
turned
been
ner
man-
i
accomplishmentdiscemablyof that
'I will make
darkness
lightbefore you C
gracioaspromise,
Christ is not only their life, but
evident
that it is now
so
that their lightis also from him.
and
that
even
vexed,
and
have
been
were
made
obligedto
in their
an
cluistian is there
What
sore
found
theyhave
hath
who
while their souls within
overwhdmed
almost
made
rejoice
;
glad, when they saw
to
confess that the
hearts,
than
the
them
with
the
as
hath
they
weeping disciples
put
of the world
men
been
have
sorrow,
the Lord
Lord
served,
ob-
sometimes
not
been
and
;
gladness
more
have,
or
can
enjoy,amidst all their imaginaryhappiness arisingfrom
of the perishing
the possession
thingsof this world. "
fuUof compiaiintswhen
They likewise at some
seasons,
of spiritual
bondage, while waitingon divine ordin^ces,
"^'"
'
i
and
on
the Lord
change in the
have
that tiiey
saith)
been
thou
m
have
them,
discerned
cfftheir souls, from
case
been
made
hast loosed
to
sing
bonds^
my
with
and
such
a
bondage
to
notable
liberty,
when
David^
he
their hearts have
the way of God's
commandments
;
C7zr/W*
that, itis
tJ open
prop r work
enlargedto^run
aiid have known,
them
who
bound
and
prison-doors,
;
at
captive liberty.
May I not ask you, christians,ifyoah^v^
the
to
'
.
are
to
,
set
the chained
.
G
^
tl^V^^^^^
[
umentall/ found,
while
doors, that which
hath
i have you
tual senses
of divine power in such
evidendy,
the
an
waitingat the posts of wisdom^s
been delighting
to all your
s{^hi^
not
an
to
answer
church, drtnvme^
%ve
1
^
felt such touches
sometimes
observable
your
will
way,
as
hath
been
petitions,in cryingwith
Or have
run
afterthee ?
of that odorife^
delightedwith the savour
letter oiChrisi't
rous
ointment, which maketh
every
ointment
as
pouredforth? Or with thesmeUof
name,
hatinconceivaUyfragrai!^t
perfumeth allths
rose, which
Sharon
fields of gospel-ordinances
making theio^as
;
mountains
of myrrh^ and as hills of fraakincence.
May I againenquire,know you nothingoftastii^gthat
is good ? and of being made
the Lord
to sit down^
of that apple-tree,
under
whose fruit, the
the shadow
her taste ? Were
sweet
unto
spouse saith,was
you ner^
served up on
made
to feed on tlie rich provision,
a gos"
in
this
?
the
Lord
mountain^ hath
pel table Surely
ofho"t*
made to allpeople^a feastof fat things^
full dfrnarrorw^
often eat of the bread of
"c.
the people of God
Here
you
been
never
life which
cometh
down
heaven
;
of
that hidden
promised to give his children.
widi joy, out of the wells of sal*
draw water
Here tliey
of their souls ; and
vation,and drink to the refreshing
often observe that river running thro' the field of gos"
whereof
make
the streams
glad the cityof
pel-grace,
in green pastures,
God ; while they are made to lye down
In the courts
of God's house they
l^^id^ the stillwaters.
often hear such
things, and see so great sights,as that
is trulyapplicable
Christ^ s sayingto his disciples,
to tbem^
Mat* xii. 16, Blessed are your eyes^forthey aee^and your
They hear the voice of die son of
"ars^ for they hear*
God in divine ordinances,speakingto them as never
man
he
the
of
stands
their souk and
doors
at
'spake; while
And
"c" Rev. iii.20.
l^ocks,
they ifee the king in bU
discoveries^
beauty^Isa. xxxiii. 17. in suoh captivating
them cry out that he is altogether
as make
lovely.
make language
In Si wor^f not to insist; for who
can
^fihe attainments
of experienced
v^Vv^^wtbft
\"d\e\^i^^
manra
which
he
hath
from
C
1
82
"
0OD ; but also as means
questionmay justlybe
puts
of
those
to
put
which
persons
ii. 4.
Or
impenitentsinners,Rom.
to
The
salvation*
own
our
Paul
thou
despisest
of his goodness? Hereby, such sin against
his
refusingto hear what he doth speak unto
the riches
.
in
God,
of obtsuhingthe
people; and in contemning the means
to
knowledge of God, and of his ways, sayinghereby unthe Almighty, departfrom usy "c.
and contemn
that
with
communion
draw
Such
he
also sin
the
ag^nst
institutions,there is
natures, offices,
names,
a
to
to
come
and
him.
the proper
known
that
much
as
and
as
of him
revelation
in his person,
his righteousness,
and
and
in
mediator,
in these sacred
gracious calls
those
allows
him.
nighunto
2.
which
GoDy
relations, in
redemption-work; and in them
invitations are given to gospel-hearers
great design of gospelordinances,
The
of such
work
is
dispensethem,
as
make
to
crucified Christy 1 Cor* ii, 2. and his divine
fulness, Eph. iii.8, and by the discovery of his love,
a
and
grace,
pel sinners
fulness,"c. his
to come
iriythat
servants
to
are
his house
to
essay
com"
Luke
befUled.^
may
xiv. 23.
But,
O
those
esteem
way
kind
invitations
called,ye
case)
no
your conduct, you
of his love, or those
manifestations
despisers,ye
;
but like those
lightof
make
by
say
for none
ye care
? yet it is without
all th^e
of
\
these
any
in the
or
as
parablewho
Gallio
matters
wers
(inanother
guage
strange lan-
;
the plainlanguagt
straining,
of your
practice.
Christ may jusdy complainof
ye xviil not come
despisers,be entreated
Jews, John
have
life.O
evils
are
treat
him
v.
included
ladeuyand
who
as
you
40.
in
your
I will
giveyou
to me
to
deportment,
is saying,^come
to me^
rest^ Mat.
of the
ing
unbeliev-
that ye
might
think Jiow
while
you
.
all ye that
xi.:29.
many
thus
are
heavy
"
.
sin
of God*
ag^nst the spirit
you
your
I do not i^y it is the unpardonable sin, commonly called
the sin againstthe holy Ghost, yet to contemn
tJ:iesein3.
By
conduct
is tosia againstbimm
stltutioDp
^ywj
^^"wiiaxjB"ccA
[
Aer
;
is
I:
"3^
if it is considered,that the work
of the
apply the redemption purchased by
to
this end
conversion
and
determines
them,
to
come
i. 5.
Thes*
1
sinners of their
convinceth
only
;
to
Christ
;
of
need
and
God
for
and
eiFectual both for
divine ordinances
make
to
of
spirit
viction
con-
Thus, he not
saviour, but
a
if
But
him.
close with
time
preached gospel,you at the same
ving
declare, your not desiringany acquaintance with his saand that you
work this way,
desiring to
not
are
kuow
yourselvesin your sinful and miserable condition ;
his peoplefrom their
nor
to
Christy who is come
save
sins.
What
else can
be understood
by your despising
these means
which the holy spirit
doth
bless,for giving
discoveries
as
to
gospel hearers, of themselves
rishing
peyou
contemn
a
sinners, and
of
Christ
as
to the utt^fn^Q^t all that
to save
both
able
come
unto
ling
wil-
and
God
l"if
him.
Such
4.
refuse
to
without
deliberately,
as
go
the house
unto
in his sanctuary, are
Some
the sabbath.
a
of
God,
any sufficientreason,
and
to worship him
palpablychargeable with
may
rec
possibly
kon
this
profaning
too
heavy
ployed
charge, because they may imagine themselves well emfore
in reading, or other spiritual
exercises,and there-
cannot
far from
you
;
guiltyin this respect. I am
to bring any
inclining
unjustaccusations against
there
themselves
see
sufficient arguments
are
of this crime, without
In answer
therefore
matter.
to
the vations
aggrathe
stretching
prove
any undue
the objection,arid
to
for
ces
charge; consider, that those ordinanstitution,
to be especially
dispensedon this day are of divine inand if so, you
must
readilyown, that on this
he hath set apart for himself,
holy day of God, which
bath
sabwe
ought to worship him in them, going from one
tainly
to worshipthe Lord
at Jerusalem. Certo another
we
ought not only to do what God commands, but
proofof
to
to
the above
and manner
do it in the way
the seasons,
he hath
observe
him^
whether
in
publicor
therefore,that while you
secret
also
and
prescribes,
appointedfor worshipping
he
e^LfcTcv^^^*
\\.\^
^nW"x"s.
WjaiXixoXoxvXjaa^^^^^^^^'^'
^verjrcfiief
partofthe
Ixxxv.
Psalm
all the
2.
"God
vrorkbf;
loveth
dwellingsaf Jacob
breach
of sablxitfa.
is there
Nor,
;
the
gates.of Zion.more
thus
as
It is .s^d.v
the sabbath.
your
sin
have
some
is
than
-
evidentlya
well observed,
approbation,in a
way so contrary to divine appointment. Let every things
be done
in its season,
and
.if you reallydelightin reading
and other spiritual
employments, you may find proper
for
God
without
seasons
of.
so
doing,
robbing
that publLc worship on
he
his
calls
own
da}^ which
all unto,
who
in providence tlierefrom
detained.
are
not
5. Such
pise
as
despisedivine ordinances, iiiso doing desinstruments
employed in dispensing them, of whom
Christ saith, he that despiseth
"c"
despiseth me,
you,
and
who, if faithful,
are
willingto spend end be spent, in.
who
hearers
seetingthe salVatioii bt the eoiJ,Cf ;;Ospel
;^
good
expect divine
to
reason
.,
.
^
"
ue"
preach,exhort, admonish, rebuie luru
But
might they
seech, in order to gain that great end.
in the walls of the places
often speak to the stones
too
not
^ve of
of public worship, for any
opportunitysome
speakingtothem ? And it ought to be remembered, that
of God
the spirit
guiltyof despisingthose whom
you are
by his apostle,chargethto obey.
that as yt"u sin against God,
profane,
6. Remember
of
his sen^ants
are
his day,diespise
: so
guilty wronging
you
In neglecting the
36.
souls, JProv. viiu
yoiir own
tual
effecof saving your Immortal
souls,you take an
means
method
And, O
dcspisers, why
to destroy them.
I
will you take no
compassion on yourselves? or may
than
ask you,
do you hope to be saved, any other
way
thro' Christ ? No
deny having
questionyou willrcadily
! is this the ground o"
any other ground of hope : strange
J
mediator
do you expect salvation thro' a
your hope
study, pray,
,
widi awf true
inconsistent
a part so
very
you act
of obtMn^r
hopes of this kind contemning the very means
while
-,
ing
the
liave
knowledge of,
yoa
j^a//s/mess
J^j^oa have
nevir
re^A^
and
that
of preaching
read
ot
to
heard
interest in, this
/t
sa^e
wch
hath
mediator.
pleased God,
them
a
one
trwt
beUroe
hy
the
?
Oic
dccHa"x\oti| Ha.Kx^^ow*
85; ]
C
"
Me
for tmy to be persuaded,that
laid it:to
ever
you
it is in a preached gospel,that the
heart?
Remember,
"
"
,
of life is
"bread
broken, and
And
often
w^l you so
the table,where
'
youdo
"
'
this blessed
If therefore
you.
"'
;
yet
other
can
on
fast,on
ruin,or
that in
contenming
a
despisethe written word
are
"'
and
sense,
causingto
Foraltho-
8.
to
understand
be
duct
consome
run
so
tendeth thereunto.
much
preachedgospelyou
wiU
ly
plain-
scriptures
; for giving
all is contained
is necessary either
'
not
any
that publicordinances
considers
appear to any one who
intended for opening the
be
to
have
also^i This
of God
life,
in
in your
evils included
so
? If
up
no
prevailedup^i
that which
on
nigh
come
have
advised, to
ought to
perishingsouls; and
your
compassion
r. Consider
to
as
provkioa is served
can't be
you
gospel hearers*
be
you
their
much
bread, you
affected with any
way
do
refuse,so
of this
noteat
before,
set
the
viii*
reading,Neh.
in the written
word,
in
belieVed, or practiced,
the
that
order
happiness; yet certainly
you have need of th^ great
thingscontained in God's Jaw being opened to you ; and
those that dispensepublic ordinances, are
to
employ
in essayingtb
themselves
to
goSpel hearers, the
open
to
'
mind
of Gop
in his
revealed
word;
and
therefore.it is
tbat they be apt to teach ; the priests
lipsshould
requisite
keepknowledge^and the people should ask the law at his
mouthy MaL
Christ
employed, as at other times, so when
with the two
in
disciples
going to Emmaus,
was
company
'
pening
work
of
ii. 7"
to
all
the
them-
who
can
in
o-
it is the proper
scriptures
; and
his servants
be jusdy recl^oned
ployed.
emgospel,to be. the :same
way
Thus, while you neglect these ordinances so
never
pretendto any high
reasonably
intended, you can
in the
^teem,
work
of
of
the
the
psalmist reckoned
words
of
God's
better than
mouth,
thousands
which, the
of gold
and
siher*
^x^S^vKasxc.^^^
aad ne^ecuw^ ^^^^
In your despising
sin o^unst God, "vtou^-XC"" ohtcw^^x^s.^ ^^^
not (tidy
B.
ye
[
fiine the
]
86
sabbath, and despisethe holy scriptures,
the righteous
sin against
others, both against
but you
the wicked.
grieve'them that fear God, while t
observe
so
dishonouring unto him,
yoirr conduct
also hereby, sin aga
souls*
You
hurtful to your own
the wicked;
givingthem an evil example, which, if t
unhappilyfollow, they will in so doing greatlyendan
You also by your
souls.
their owti
deportment, bi
illreport
an
up
You
weariness
did
i. 13.
Chris fs
is not
of
so
you
and
ways
take
turn
xiii" 46.
of the
some
in
end
some
of
fore
are
they are
O
believ
conten
1
despisers,
of the
evil
have
of
y
mercy
senter
desphersyand wonder^
"
thingsconcerningthe sin ofn
consi
grace ; I shall proceedto
why many
ready to
reasons
in these
ye
true
that awful
hear
h
C%r/*^saith
the sin of such
high time,
you
Behold
are
Possiblysome
and
Christ already,
tended
what
that he may
LoRd,
the
perish*
Having noticed
the means
lecting
to
consideration
some
to
and
it is
;
were
prophet, I
the
experienceof
the
so,
nature
a
lest in the
you;
Acts
to
thingsbe
heinous
would
and
xi. 29.
these
If then
nor
easy,
if it
as
tl
say on the matter,
his burthen light: false :
You
! directly
contrary
bold assertion
self,Mat.
it.
reckon
yoke
God,
complained of by
those
as
;
the service of
on
so
means
do
so*
think
themselves
believ
have obtained
the great end
of divine appointment,and thf
to
ready to imagine,there can be no great harm
careful in attending on
them,
not
very
maybe observed, that your behavioiir -this w
far from
being a good evidence, of reallybelieving
rather gives ground very
much
to
Christ, so
8
sueh
it
pect the
need
of
"onti'ar\%
None
dependance
on
are
so
God, in
sensible
exercise
the
duties, as those who believe
discoveryof themselves, and their own
manded
of their ds
of
cc
they havinggo
And
emptiness,
wait on him at 1
Christ in his divine fulness,
willingly
If tVie^rtfott70x1 duly pone
doors.
7705^50/wisdom's
anci observe the script\M:t.te^T^^^TiXa3ci^
matters,
;
r
87
]
will
see
much
only imaginary.
persuade themselves
that
of believers,you
^exercises
lest your
Others
reason
fear,
to
faith be
may
the doctrines
with
qiiaited
contained
in
they are weU
scripture,and,
acsee-
to open
these, are
design of gospel ordinances
of
no
ready to imagine that they are guilty
great sin in
But allowing it were
absent from them.
being firequently
low
is in realityfar otherwise
the case
with you,
which
; alif there is no
tions
ask you,
to
necessity c^ your affecme
things f Are you
being niore
engaged to divine
of these great things,
enough impressed with a deep sense
df the knowledge whereof
so
are
vainly conceited?
you
under
And
of opinion you
are
cessity
neno
allowing you were
for that purpose,
of attending public ordinances
which
of your
be a strong evidence
ignorance,
yet would
in them, who
hatk
bound
not
to worship God
are
you
appointed them, for that as well as for other ends ? But
have of your
to return
to the opinion you
member
knowledge, rethat it is a high indication
of your
thing
knowing nofar
The
as
inspiredPaul was
you ought to know.
be easily
from
being of your sentiment ; as may
thered
gafrom
several of his expressions, when
writing to
the churches.
is ground to think this never
There
wa"
the least de-*
the opinion of any who
blessed
with
were
of
Such
of saving knowledge.
will see
their need
gree
of grawing in the
the Lord
and
to know
following on
and
saviour Jesus Christy Hos*
knowledge of the Lord
it is the
mg
vi.
3.
and
Again,
be
2
some
Pilfer,iii.
may
flatter
in
well
18*
themselves, that they
reading the scriptures or
employed
of divinity^ Ans.
books
Tho' it may
req^das good and useful doctrines as
take the advantage you
can
may
you
as
proper
and
convenient
seasons,
H
and
be allowed
you
have
not
would
in
this
a
way
may
othet
you
hear
way
may
;
yet
at
of sin-
r
]
88
refusingto go into his tdbema*
cles, and worship at his foot-stool.f Further, if you
the language of your
conduct, you will
calmly consider
find it draws
plainlyto a sayings
very deep, and amounts
these naeans
God might have sparedthe painsof instituting
ing against the Lord^
of
salvation,and
do
cxxxii.
that you
could
requitethe Lord^
you thus
Remember
rest^ and
in
that God
will I
here
0
ye
said of
hath
dwell^for I
them.
foolish and
But
?
unwise
Zion, Z."?,this is my
desired it^y
Psalm
have
14.
Others
think that
may
they receive
publicworship. It may
very unpleasant case, but ought
why
reason
without
do
you
be
There
should
indeed
not
continue
not
littlebenefit
to
by
tending
at-
be so, and it is
be considered
as
to
attend
on
a
a
thejn*
causes
*why you receive so litde
may
many
profit. It may be you do not prepare for them as you
should, nor wait on them with that frame of spirit
ought,
f
and
Would
tliat you
it
not
are
not
he proper for
you
the
earnestly desiring
pre?
'Uiihoexcuftthimftlvts
in n^t
thofe
by allegingthat thef employthe
Attendingon publicordinances,
time as muck, if not more,
in readingthe bible,and
to their profit^
other good books to conjider
nvhat countenance
thefejamebooks gi'Vi
tofuch a plea y or ivhethefthey may not find their conduct ther$*
What
in condemned.
be adduced
in the bible can
in defence
text
cfit f nvhile a particularftigma is exprefsly
put by the Jpiritof
God
ofthemf^l^i
together
upon such as forfakethe ajjemhling
for
""*
public'^^rhips as, faystheinfpired"writer, u the manner
Heb,
i^"
When
fome
x.
opportunity
for:/fining in public
25.
hai/e accefsto read the fcripturet,
^-f 'Wanting, to
emd
ivorship
ether books on religious
fubjects,ought to be 0eemed a precious
Such readingis an important duty, a valuable mean
pri^vilege.
too little
practised,even
cfac^uiri^g and encreafing,kno^wledge,
the Lord^s day. But
en
thing is beautiful in its feafon.
every
be suffered
One duty Tnuft
to jofile
out another,
not
Andthejpiritof
the preachingof the vjord,
the reading, but especially
God maketh
en
rjfeSfual
mea*ii
of convincing and converting finmrs, and of
arj, comfortthro"*faith unto salvati*
ibe/a up in holinefs
l//M//j^'
,
g
A
few
what
thingsfor information,may
been
hath
Are
1,
i
90
be
frotti
noticed
said.
for
.ordinances the appointedmeans
divine
the
perishingsinners ? then it is no wonder, if
the grand enemy
of man's happinessdo all he
satan
can
them.
He
doubt
endeavours
to
to oppose
no
persuade
sinners to neglectthem
knowing, that if they do so,
; as
If he
they are in danger of being ruined.
prevail not
this way, he v. illbe diligentin endeavouring to
prevent
in
their profiting
and
them
to
them,
by
ignoranceof
keep
the gospel and
the mysteries thereof,as knowing if he
do so, they are
As his kinglost,2 Cor. iv. 3, 4.
can
dom
is a kingdom of darkness, he is afraid of nothing
is thereto
than the shining of that lightwhich
so
more
And
opposite,into the hearts of ^spel hearers.
among
salvation of
accomplishing his design,he
them
endeavours, if possible,to make
forgetful
hearers,
in a gospeldispensation
and that the seed sown
not
may
in their hearts ; as we
from
that parablereremain
see
corded
in the 13th of Mathew's
gospel.
how
also learn
2. Hence
we
unpleasant, and
may
hopelessthe condition of those is, who so dishonour and
disobey God, and despisethe riches of his goodness, in
of salvation, as to negfavouringthem with these means
lect
in
What
do
theni.
God
giving
attending on
may
ly
repentance to such, is not to be enquired into, but suretho"se who
and willingly
do so,
through
deliberately,
other
he
means
carelessness
way
to
or
for
uses
contempt,
destructi"n
;
and
neglectso
thereof,
great
sinners
present
will, if mercy
is no
perish. There
through Christy Acts iv. 12.
and particularly
opened in
therefore, careless
at
are
other
and
a
in the
prevent not,
nally
eter-
of salvation
bul"
way
this way
is discovered,
gospelministry.
! that you
salvation^ Heb,
broad
cannot
ii. 3.
and
Consider
ifyou
neglect
escape
the
contemn
solongas you
plainlyevidence,^
the means.
So that were
sworn
againstthe interest
you
of your
immortal
take a me-"
souls, you could not possibly
tjbod
more
you
effectual
to
expose
theiaXo
xum.
[
If the ordinances
""
ble,
his
hence
how
see
of divine
much
we
goodness, in giving
peciallywhen
we
bitable
are
world
our
talents,of which
is
light
condemnation^
that
love
rather
should
be
we
our
into
light?
as
at
account
if this be
worlds
How
much
the
our
and
the
have
we
improve
to
requirean
be,
iv.i-
mahometan
grace
case
come
that
concerned,
seek
will
than
.
heathen,
to
Lord
sad will
How
darkness
and
iljk;.''
placesof tlie
many
with
of
land
a
-
av"
orrJ:
lo
in
lot
how
darkness,
the
bound
our
overspread
antichristian
coming.
us
institution
are
consider
and
his
]
91
we
then
lightof
a
gospel-sunshiningwithout us, we may also have inward
saving illumination : and that God who commanded
light
shine
darkness
shine
into
out of
to
our
hearts^ to give
; may
the lightof the knowledge of the glory of God
the
m
us
faceofJesus Christy 2 Cor. iv. 5. Thus we should have
not
ground to praisethe Lord
only for these external
sing
enjoyments, but also for saving benefits,by his blesaccompanying the same.
also see, how much
4. Hence
we
may
ought
ever}'- one
in
their
several
for
the
to lay themselves
stations,
out,
of those, who
are
doing so much to procure
recovery
thei^ eternal ruin, by a frequent
of
neglect of the means
How
salvation.
blame-worthy will those be in the sight
of God,
who
do nothing for reclaiming,if possible,
such
of their way
sinners from the error
? Will
self-destroying
O
neglecters of your duty in this respect, when
you,
for your
calls you to J^l account
sin, cry
another
in
who
Cain
I
said. Am
as
case,
God
ther'^skeeper?
or
evidence
What
littleof that
so
fulfilling
ofthe
in the
second
to
your
or
have
cannot
The
;
and
trulylove him,
no
it that
love
sum
table of the moral
fellow creatures,
can
you
law?
ourselves
as
pityis
bowels
be. See
1
do you
is, or
while
of
to
so
many
fanely
pro-
my brO"
eibher have,
others, which
is the
of all the commandments
law
is
to
love
believe love
can
be
you
are
bour,
neigh-
our
God
to
separated?
compassion toward
John 4. 20.
Ha
out
hardened
them
or
and
that
against,
?
surelyit
[
3
92
is
reasonable and necessary
How
it,that
who
friends, neighbours,or relations,
running so
all 'engaging
destruction
own
travellers
those
another
to
go
Zion, invitingand
to
to
up
the house
pray before the Lord.
in these
tended
warm
of
And
and
?
Seb
20.
y
concerr
encouraging
the
Lord,
tho'
more
and
t"
be
may
afiectionate
and
h
are
this way,
use
in order to their recovery
with them
thods
Zech.
viii.
is promised, Isa. ii. 2, 3.
their
on
who
you
invitat
this
is evidendy conclu"
another, yet
Why do you not invite,entreat, and beseech such de
of the means
of grace, to turn to the Lord, and s
sers
of
one
while
him
he
is
to
be found
?
why do you no
lay before them
And
of their
to
refusing,endeavour
sin and dan
as
a way
as
affecting
you are able, their
and the hopelessnessof their condition, while they
?
tinue in this unhappy way
Remember
how strict
charge to Israel is. Lev. xix. 17. ThoU shalt not hate
case
in thine
hearty thou s/ialt in any
sin upon him.
neighbour^and not suffer
brother
raise
If
rebuke
were
gi'oundto hope
some
that the
happy effects
be seen,
at least in their external
could be persuaded to look
many
with
concerned
do
!
If
you
saw
others
reformation.
on
woulc
thereof
themselves
m
O
as
n
neighbours and relations,than they o
your neighbour's beast in dangei
would not you either relieve it,or
perishing,
how
is it,if you would
And
do
surprising
brother's
faitl
more
love to
true
evidenced, and more
nifested, in this,and in other respects, there
ness
"
soul, than for
his
ox
or
ass
inform
h
less for j
?
of examining ourselves,if
necessity
of salv^at
profiting
are
by attending on these means
This is a thing of exceeding great importance, seeing
in the day of the Lc
shall be called to give an account
have
whether
not
or
we
gained by trading with this
hath giveq.to us ; and
it will
lent, which the Lord
dangerous to be found standingall the day idle in the i
ket place*
5.
Hencesee
the
E
3
93
If any, enquire what are the signsof profiting
thereby^
I shall only,for answer,
questions,
propose the following
by which you ought to try yourselves.
(1.) What sense have you of divine goodnessinprivi""
lightof the gloriousgospel? When
you think of ihis,are you ready to cry out, O that meti
would
praisethe ^.ord for his goodness! Psalm cvii. 8.
See also Ps" cxlviii. 20.
fied
Surely if you have been satiswith the
legingyou
^
with
will
pel table, you
Lord.
It is
shall
df God's
the fatness
be
made
said, Psalm
shall
fed
and
at
a
give praiseunto
to
xxii. 26.
satisjied:
they
be
house,
the meek
praisethe
gos*
the
shall eat and
Lord
that seek
him.
'
(2.)What
Can
with
you
I have
Lord,
the
as
you love
he
where
to
conscience
good
Psalmist
manifests
his
here, of
the
glory?
Do
long for the enjoyment of
them,
are
fiDr waiting
on
seekingto keep
therefore
God,
attain
to
ought to
to
that
God
in them
your
feet when
doing
placeof his
so
you
careful
longing to
to
to
you
go into
when
?
exercised
in
th#
of
house
suitable frame
of soul,and
wherewith
you
reverence
to
with
come
holy
glory P
humilityinto
majesty^ in
desire
xcvi.
and
6?
earnest
Psabn
his power atid
Ixiii. 2. and
h^^ly-t
livingsacrifices^
accepta*
your bodies as
see
present
God, which
hie to
reasonable service ? Rom.
is your
go in a rash, careless,and inconsiderate
into the house of Grod, it is an unpleasantlike
If you
this case,
that
obtaining
preparation
Are
with
come
;
glad
and
honour
his presence,
are
beforewhom
whose
sanctuary are strengthand beauty^Psalm
Are
the
presence,
them
so
as
love
you
and to be
you
and
Lord,
8.
appealto
you
your
for
?
desiringsome
holy fear and
the
sen^e
Can
of the Lord
called up into the house
have you
concern
(3.)What
you
?
they are
them, because
xxvi.
of thy house^ and
dwelleth
doth
Psalm
as
say,
loved the habitation
thine honour
place'Where
God
a
for these divine institutions ?
have you
esteem
you
have
much
hearingthe
by
profiting
might sdso ask, ifyou
reason
to
gospelof
are
be
tU^
xii. 1.
manner
sign.
In
of
suspicious
^^c^
your
^
ciS. ^":"^"
careiul xYv"xX
^N^U'^^vix
^xiX^'^ss.^
[
allow thet
who
grave ? Those
external deportment, while attendii
be decent
behaviour
and
in irreverent
selves
]
94
publicordinances, to the disturbingand offendingothei
evidence
that they are only mocking God,
profaning I
souls.
How
darkli
ordinances, and ruiningtheir own
w-the
case
these
most
such
with
solemn
in the
allow themselves
as
of
parts
divine
worship,
time
viz.
pray
praise,in talkingone with another without doors,
deliberatelyand imnecessarily to the u
going away
happy employment of drinkingin public houses, wh:
in worshipping t
others are professing
to jointogether
or
.
Lord?
(4.)What
have you
layup in your hearts, ai
Is
memories, the great things of God's
by preaching the everlastinggospel?
concern
retain in your
opened
to
it your
study to
you
retain
to
those
things,so
minding Chrisfs
hearers
forgetful
;
thingssink dozv?i into your ears ?
ing, call yourselvesto any account
of those things declared
unto
you
divine
direction
the
to
according
be
and
received
have
slip,Heb.
(5.)Have
n
may
charge, let tht
you
do you, after he?
rememb
what
you
And
?
to
Surely
you
remember
heard, Rev. iii. 2. and
to them, lest at any time
heed
earnest
more
as
oug
how
to
give
y"
tl
let the
you
ii. 1, 2.
you any due
be answerable
conversation
that your
ai
practice
enjoyments,and son
concern,
to
your
?
If
gospel
becoming
you be not careful to brii
way
forth fruit to holiness, what
ground is there to belie^
the
you
are
member
by
reallyprofiting
that it is
pelministryto
righteousness;
way
Isa*
to
XXXV.
the way,
opened ; the
hear
outward
I R
very great part of the design of a gc
in the paths
guide the people of God
that
they may
If you
wherein
shall be
attend
you
duties you
owe
walk
safelyin that hij
called the ivay ''ofholinet
divine ordinances, ai
on
should
to
walk
God
and
recommended,
yet walk
sj'n,surely there is great reason
and
attendance
a
Zion, which
8.
your
before
and
in the
to
man
dark
the Lor
explains
paths
fear^that the
mea
[
ot salvation
to
are
J
.95
like to be the
not
of life unto
savour
life,
you.
I further ask you, what
time you
spendin
the
become
prayer to God, that the word of truth may
that except
own
gospelof your salvation ? You must
(6.)May
God
his
command
the external
blessing
upon
and also must
cannot
prove effectual,
be employed in prayer
to
you snould
the gospelto come
in word
not
cause
power,
and
that he may
See
testament, and have many
Psalm
cxxxii. 9.
2 Thes,
not
only on
with
God
him,
that he
but
seals
of their
iii. 1.
may
also in
in the dispensation
be able ministers
thereof,that they may
new
acknowledge, that,
only,
employed
bless those
they
means
of the
ministry.
Christians should
mornings be employed in \vrestling
and counfor his givingt'hesespecial
bleisings,
tenancing
divine ordinances for communicating them, but
sabbath
also at other times.
(7.)Do
own
set time apart to commune
you ever
hearts in examiningyourselvesif you
fitingby
hearingthe word
of God
;
if there
with your
are
are
reallypro*
any good
of your
havingobtained that faith,which comr
of the other graces
eth by hearing; and the implantation
of God, as knowledge, repentance, love,fear,
of the spirit
hope, humility,"c ? If you are at no painsto make any
to
scrutinyof this kind, there is too much cause
suspect
hearers,and standingall the day idle
your being forgetful
who
in the mai'ket-place*As a merchant
tends
diligentlyatwhat gain he is thereby
will be often considering
fairs,
mar*
n^akingvso you who are often at tiiese spiritual
if
have
gained by
enquire, you
kets, should deliberately
trading in them, and if you have found the enriching
on
pearlof great pricein this field,making you willing,
a discovery thereof,to sell all and
buy it ?
(8.)What conscience do you make of attendingon God
If you
in his sanctuary ?
are
easilydetained from-so
doing) it is no good signof having got any savingview of
evidences
the
attainments
dare you
and
say that you
f/ia/ia thousand
\ or
exercises of the saints there*
esteem
that you
a
day in
tectoiv
His
couyU
I""5^
Aa^uer
\!cv^m bUs^ed
xUo.t
[
hereby manifest any true
? Psalm
of beholding
the beautyof the Lord
Ks.\ii.
is surprizingto observe
ho)vmany often read iand
desire
It
4.
?
in his house
dwell
do you
or
longingsof
of the Jirdent
hear
]
96
those
goingsin his sanctuary,
of going into
opportunities
who
Lord's
to
new
his
are
unlike
so
them,
for such
afraid of
not
yet
and
herein
house, who
about
dinances,
attending or-
detained
excuses
trifling
being found strangers to
from
them, and
the
ments
high enjoy-
peopleof God, who have often
feedingon that provisionthat God
of the
with
been
tained
enter-
hath
made
for his
people at a gospel-table.You have much
thus careless and negligent,lest you
to fear, while
the bread, or
on
unacquainted with feeding
tirely
of the
reason
be
en^^
ing
drink-
of life.
water
(9.) What
the
eeen
privilegedwith
be
careless
so
have
have
concern
} ou
of the
about
others who
daily
are
of
means
salvation,or that
discoveringa contempt
they are not bettered by attendingon them ? Do you pity
their case, especially
such
of tht-m,
them and weep
over
in any
stand
as
God,
to
often cry
you
belong, that h^ may
power
hear the voice of his eternal
son^ and
whom
to
dead
the
make
relation
near
to
?
to
you
doth
Do
live ?
If divine
6.
then
cy,
who
hence
have
any
ordinances
we
the
see,
may
distinct
acquaintancewith
are
of such
that it is
value
no
and"cellenif those
wonder
knowledge thereof, and have
sublime
and salutary doctrines
the
gospel,be grievedin
be subverted
;
or
thereof, as may
notanotli^r, GaL
guiltyof, who
heaven,
and
viz*
^and
any
be called
i. 7.
another
How
great
John
xiv. 6.
but
//teyht/ier
J
as
if
a
be
by me.
they had
lam
the way
But do not
discovered
in
in
"
his
and
some
place
yet
is
.
those
are
wrong
in guidingmen
future
of
it should
gospel,which
profess
employed
of the only
little
yet speak
to
landing safe in the regionsof
thro' a mediator, and
faith
says,
preach
their very hearts
that
such doctrines introduced
any
to
leadingto,
way
and eternal bliss,
jaame
no
now
man
?
Christ
cometh
to
teach, an4
anotScv^T ^tAN^^Vl^x
"*ra:^
.[
'timong ten thousands'
*'
great is his beauty,
**
]
98
f
is altogether
lovely
yea he
tc
that it is a high attainment
promise, Isa. xxxiii.
shall see the king in h'fs beauty; and i
Thine
eyes
it is representedas the
in which
u
expressions,
many
beholc
44
vilegeof those that believe to see jfesusyto
from
^'
Why do we
glory,in the glassof means.
the great things of God's
*'
us
to teach
who
profess
love of the
"
hear so rarelyof the grace and immense
which passethknowl^
** of God
to sinners of mankind,
hret
**
having in it an incomprehensibleheight^depths
And
^^
we
enq
may
and length? Eph. iii. 18, 19.
in
affec
"
why you are at so litde pains,to represent
while
unbelief
''
language, the misery of ourrsiate,
and without
hope in the wo
as
being without God
and exposed top eternal d(
*'
in a state of spiritual,
as
it ;
hold
*'
is
as
that
plain from
"
''
while
"
life ; in
"
darkness
"
forever
*'
of
"
and
of
state
a
of
in
state
a
of all happiness ?
fountain
*'
of
presentations
*'
and
ers
;
to
open
if so,
them
**
"
"
''
we
may
to
that
us,
see
pose you,
our
what
See
3d. 28.
the
also Prov.
'*
Iv. 1, 2, 3, "c.
yourselvesso littlein
a
you
reasons
si
Aj
saviour?
evidences,
"
only we can
ing ourselves
CoD^s
elect*
be
saved
with
openingto
and
means,
an
Rev.
viii. 4.
wherefore
And
ha.
"
'*
while unbe
therewith
be
of
need
are
scripture
largely,and particulj
may
wc
God,
do
not
more
Mat.
"
condition
not
so
the
are
wr
free, full,and pressingcalls and invitatior
all ye
to me^
is saying,come
to Christy who
come
labour^ and are heavy laden^ and I will give you t
us
"
*'
These
ought you
of
children
so
alienation from
miserable
our
bly affected,and
"
and
and
of distance
of darki
transgressors of the
as
God,
holy and sin-hating
a
kind
worst
thef blackness
condemnation,
"
*'
of the very
doth presage
which
;
bondage
and
is the resurrection
who
him
to
strangers
us,
the
do
iii; 18,
you
em
object,nat
effects, of th^ faith
whe:
danger)of de"
imaginaryfaith,instead of th
?
as
we
are
in
r
Further,0
**
yc
]
99
teachers
(who
we
fear are
perverting
permitted ask, why
gospelof Christ)may we
sabbath days, in enypU spend your time so little on
the mystery of redemp^
to unfold to hearers,
deavouring
by the spiritof God ; without
tion, in its application
If
be saved ?
never
the knowledge of w;hich,we can
in word
the gospelcome
only, and not in power, it
be
the
*'
**
*'
**
will be the savour' of death
'^
unto
of
distincdy,
to
inform
**
misery, that illuminationof the mind
and
renovation of the jwill,
of Christ
**
more
you not
of sin and
that conviction
^^
us
Should
death.
in the
knowledge
of
determination
J
is the
saviour, which
work
of
**
the
soul, to
**
the
?
And
of "God in effectual calling
ought not
spirit
the vast difference
more
fully,
to essay representing
*'
you
between
**
come
to a
believers in
Christy and
those
who
obey not
thp misery of
and
happinessof the one
*' the other
?
frequendyinsist upWhy do you not more
saints and
^^
such things,as tend to separate between
on
find
*'
the previousand the vile ? we
sinners, between
** those
largelyopened
things often spoken of, and
testa^^ in
both of the old aud
new
the scriptures,
*'
*'
**
*'
*'
*'
"
*'
*'
**
^^
*^
*'
^^
**
^
the
gospeli
the
ment.
be pleased
grand articleof justification,
th^
to expect it only on
are
we
to inform
us, whether
foolingof our sincereobedience, or for the righteousalone ; or pardy for both.
of a mediator
ness
^^
And
"
If you
as
to
the
answer,
it is for the first of
these
; we
know
dereconcile your directions,with the many
writers who
clarations to the contrary, by the inspired
all such
grounds of de"
us. off from
to take
endeavour
got how
to
pendence ; assuringus, that by the works of the law^
and that, as
be jttstified
a"
shall no Jleshliving
;
many
GaL
iiu
are
of the works thereofare under the curse^
can
give life*
that there is no law givenwhich
10. and
their own
righteousfind the church cryingdown
We
who laboured more
abundantlythan all
ness
; and P^u/,
his,asitv
the Apostles,
^xv^ ?"^xs"fc^^^\gtws3B
disclaiming
^x^^*^
thereiore
2"c^\^ \i^^
of his hope: we
are
I
[
]
100
be fai
proudand vainlyconceited of ours, which must
be'castatthc
apostle\ lestw6
short of that eminent
If you
last,viz,
tribunal of an- holy God.
say the
do the best we
to
That we
are
can, and depend onq
**
"
*'
"
saviour
*'
**
own
to
make
obedience
up
is
what
of'
hear
can
; we
amiss, or wanting
ou|
compound]
such
no
in
tc
tremble
and we
of God
in the word
righteousness
which the scrip.
think of dependingon that,concerning
find ourselves
miserably disap"
is silent,lest we
ture
wil
pointed. Beside we are persuaded,Christ nevtr
with any.
righteousness
divide the glory of a justifying
Acts iv*. 12. I^Offh
See
jfohnxiv. 6. 1 Cor- i. 30.
*'
*^
**
"
*'
"
iv. 25, and V.
lieve there! is
"
2
1.
Cor.
21,' "c.
v.
webc-
Atidas
God.
what
danger in separating,
what he hath
in his word, hath joined,so, of uniting
to join theii
"*
separated; as all boldlydo, who venture
as the
With the mediator's,
*'
righteousness,
own
imperfect
*'
ground of acceptance.
to trust to the righteousness
But if you tellus we
are
of Christywhy do you speak so little about it ? Where*.
conceal
a
fore do ye almost
thing of so great con*
than
of our
"'
the foundation
justification?
as
^rn
need to know.
*'
which, there is nothingwe have more
Perhaps you will alledge,we arc to depend only on
to seek no
of God, that is, if spoken plainly,
^ the
mercy
^'
a ground of our
beingjustified-But
as
righteousness
that
of the
*' this is
scripture,
so
oppositeto the tenor
it ;
venture
on
wedare
not, with the least cortfidence,
is representedas veiitingto sinn^
** for divine
mercy
covenant
; and
'.* of mankind
only in the wafy of the new
*" God
declareth that notwithstandinghis being mer"clear the
he will by no
means
ciful and
gi*acious,
"guilty.
ourselves
reckon
unhappilyenter.
And
we
as
very
"
much
"
"
'
"
'^
**
'^
"
**
tained with florid discourses
'*
of the
dctnpiion,thro'
sameppiniorly as
'*
u
salutarv','
massv,
''^ c^Us
to
and
the blessed
to
our
virtue,"c. instead
of moral
sublime
mediator,
eteri\?l
so
we
ate"
of
re-
of the
pressing
^'s^ \l^'
Vv?L^\frcv^^^^
entertainment
lYoi'M forllic and
doctrines
with
t
^^
101
]"
thingthat is spiritual-*
lygood,and pleasingin the sight of God, while wc
hear so litde of the need of saving grace, and of being
of
made
to
experiencethe divine drawing power
willing in the day
God, and Christy making us
the Lord
thereof, when
mercifullysends the rod
of Zion.
And
how
of the mediator's strength out
will it be for both you and us, if
unhappy every way
"it be said,as of Israel,the leader
ofthis people have
led of them
caused them to err^ and they that are
arc
destroyed.'^
valuable and
the
are
so
Isay, if divine-ordinances
committed
as
to such
trust
dispensethem so exceeding
reasonable
than that there
great, there is nothingmore
a deep concern
thatthey
gospel-hearers,
be, among
may be
of
kept pure, and that the.word truth, the gospel of their
salvation be not
perverted,or changed into another^
the means
of bringwill never
which God
countenance
as
ing
the
'aintance
with
sinners
life
and
to a saving acr
immortalitybrou^t to lightonlyby.the everlastinggospel.had
lost allability
to
not
do any
"
^'
**
"
**
"
"
.
"
"
*
I
shall conclude
with
an
litde
or
advice
three
to
sorts
of per-
-
sons.
1.
Such
make
as
divine-ordinances.
To
of
conscience
no
I would
you
attending
oi|
of
say, beware
thinking,that ye are at present in the way to happiness^
littleregard unto, or esteem
while continuingto evidence
of the means
by God for obtainingsalvation.
"q"pointed
is exceeding great, while
Ponder duly your sin which
God'^s command,
to
worship him ; Psalm
you contemn
his great kindness in
You
sin in despising
xcyi. 6. "c.
which
on
beistowing
you, so inestimable privileges
many
sit in darkness, enjoynot.
in the world, who
that by this conduct, you evidence
Consider
seriously,
.
no
desire
of communion
with
all who
ever
longed for by
good;
PsalmrhCvLu
It is vain
to
have
1^
pretendthat
lAereo/ixi other
2.
you
God^ which
tasted
y^^
is
that
xxiii. 12*
\v\\\ ^teVL
spiritual
exercises^
the
much
so
Lord
Son^
^^
\*
is
"te-
^xC^^^xci^xjX
^
vj\v\\e cQrcv\."i^ais\\xs?^
f
J
108
"
where
he
sence;
Mat.
not
when
xxviiL20.
with
can
evidenced
obser\'e
their
ously
not
can
consist
the
Lord
with
Jesus
the
And
to
divine
were
is
revelation
hath
practice
your
of, and
love
to
without
the
in
the
world.
new
th^
and
of
rich*
supplying
miserable.
and
poor
a
fore
there-
It is in
for
be communicated
as
and
God^
.
way
him,
get
without
of his unsearchable
much
perish;
to
sinners
perishingstate
suffered, for the
of the
blessings
if so, can
those
to
innumerable
that you
Jencj
question Solomon
appliedhere j is then
When
informed
are
salvation
Here,
coming to
it is
saviour
;
covenant
there
that
.
be
Psabn
\
'
of those
h^py
thro'
and
of
him
Ixxii.
IT*
i. 3.
regard
a
.contemn^
in these, that
and
are
and
of
interest
And
as
done
ready
in all the
much
so
they
gospel-ordinances,
that
and
so.
of those who
he
an
ou^t
The
they are
hope in
fulness, to
what
Eph.
see
they hear
attendingupon
by
"
free offers of life and salvation,
of their undone
made
wants
a
them
well
is it not
present without
and
be
full and
many
of God^
house
have
gospel dispensap"
of his
many'discoveries
grace andglo^
name.
are
;
at
es
so
views
him
God
and
institutions,
saving knowledge
any
Christ ; seeing it is in a
tior,thatthereareso
some
Arid
that
consider, if it is possible
further
ry ; and
thro' his
people of
?
these
you
?
value
may
saints,that
?
cause
But
reasons
case,
Is
not
you
of this difference^and
seri*
unta
are
highly
so
in another
a
of
pre*'
15*
of them
any
the
yourselves, why
they
asks
much
esteem
you
into the
pose
what
high
to
his
13, 14,
of xht
that
ta
turn
how
unlike
how
enquire
to
confidence
remember,
you
csx%A.
Psalm
contrary
so
no
promised
specialmanner
a
conduct
your
you
has in
have
desire
of which
you
imagine
while
you
ordinances, where
others of li^e nature,
any
of the
the
true
love
to
pay
all these
are
Christy or
litde
so
things^
discovered
even
so
;
mucl"
,
knowledge
of
apostlecounted
him;, for the
all
things
but
excel;
loss*
t
Further
1
103
consider, if your way
be
not
a
sad evidence
of God,
of the spirit
with that work
unacquaintedness
for this very end, to
which is saving ; seeinghe is sent
effectual for conviction and conversion
make
a gospel-ministry
of sinners ; and for buildingthem up in holiness,and
of
thro' faith
comfort
Had
salvation.
unto
quaintance
you
any actake
therewith, is it not supposable
you would
by
wheredelight,in waitingon these blessed means,
much
the
of God^
spirit
souls of
those, who
blessingsof
Chrisf^
worketh
are
made
saving graces in the
partakers of the enriching
all
purchase ?
of Gorf manifested in
the grace
let me
ask you,
do you think to
the gospelof his son
;
be saved while you continue to be so ? If any should put
Then,
O
of
despisers
how you hope to obtain
questionto you,
profanely
city; possibly
cry o\xty
you would
the
-
in the
mercy
of God
thro* Christ
:
eternal fell*
that ye trust
happy were
exceeding
it if you
be
loth to esand I should
say
reality
;
of
foundation
shakingthe
your confidence, but would
congratulate
chearfully
you because of your hopes. But who
did
so
in
and effects that of trust
any-thingof the nature
is saving ; will give the least credit to
in Gody which
yoii
while
such
dothcon"
practice
language,
speaking
your
of
evidence
the
what
t
stantly
contrary
you say in words
Be advised therefore,to think more
of the
deliberately
inexpressible
danger you are exposing yourselvesunto*
calm reflection,
it is to be hoped, that, upon
And
you
to change your
will see good reason
serve
sentiment, and oblest ye be deceiv*
some
groundofbeingsuspicious,
Will it
ing yourselves,as too many others have done.
ill founded
such
be
dence
confiany real advantage to have
? Yea, wiU it not rather
a great
cause
ment,
disappointand that when
seeingyour hopes will leave you,
need thereof ?
have most
The hope of the hypo^
you will
crite shall perish.
it not
Would
thereforebe a more
hopefulsign, of a
despiserof publicordinances, to be found entering upon
and sayVu^, ^^ O
with himself,
a soliloquy
tccj ^ss^^Sa^"^
that
knew
la
t
J
108
"
where
he
Mat*
sence;
not
with
can
when
confidence
no
evidenced
their
obser\'e
high
unlike
how
unta
are
you
of
enquire into the reasons
yourselves, why
ously pose
what
they so highly value ?
this
to
in another
asks
not
can
consist
the
Lord
with
Jesus
him
And
to
see
present without
love
to
and
sinners get
these, that
perishingstate
without
they are
hope in
the
and
God^
world.
without
fore
there-
It is in th^
.
rich*
God^ they hear so much of his unsearchable
divine fulness, to be communicated
for supplying
and
of those who
wants
attendingupon
hath
he
that
were
is
revelation
a
an
Eph.
And
and
done
ready
and
poor
miserable.
in
suffered, for the
perish;
to
of
interest
in all the
are
they
gospel-ordinances,
what
by
in
is it not
of their undone
made
practice
your
of, and
of
house
the
j is then
appliedhere
gospeldispensap"
of his grace andglo^
many'discoveries
free offers pf life and salvation,
full and
many
name.
are
;
at
es
so
views
some
The
saving knowledge
any
Christ ; seeing it is in a
tior,thatthereareso
ry ; and
thro' his
.contemn^
question Solomon
that
consider, if it is possible
further
But
much
so
you
be well
may
seri*
difference^and
?
cause
a
case,
Aiid
?
the
of
esteem
saints,that
of them
any
Is
people of God have
and
these institutions,
them
not
j ou^t
you
much
remenaber, how
you
to
turn
pre*'
15*
13, 14,
of the
that
ta
contrary
so
zyxsSu
Psalm
xxviiL20"
his
promised
specialmanner
a
conduct
your
you
has in
the
and
of
way
him,
of the
blessings
as
new
a
are
informed
salvation
Here,
coming to
it is
saviour
covenant
When
and
;
\
of
of those
there
that
,
be
happy
thro'
him
Psalrn l3cxii. IT*
i. 3.
if so,
can
you
imagine
while
you
pay
all these
so
litde
regard to those ordinances, where
things^
innumerable
of
and
others
discovered ;
li^e nature, are
love to
that you have any true
so
mucl"
Christyor even
desire
of thie knowledge of him ; for the excellency
a
as
of which
the apostlecounted
all things but lo8S%
.
t
J
10*
least
possiblethat you can be saved ? or is there the
in
ground to hope obtainingeternal happiness, this thy
"
"
of contempt of Go^ and the blessed mediator, m
while I continue to under^S the offers of his salvation ;
in the gospel
^^ value
these tenders of lifeand peace made
"way
*'
?
dyingsinners
to
soul !
immortal
my
lielh in me
O
*'
*'
what
*'
therefore
I not
am
for
ruin thee
to
at
I
Have
?
ever
doing
present
not
(alongwith
the grace of God,) that terriothers who have slighted
and perish?
and wonder
ble sentence, behold ye despiser^
in this way, how just
if I continue
And
Acts xiii. 41.
**
**
shall hear
I
fear,that
reaeonto
^
**
**
will it be that it come
*'
to
this with
to
all
take venqence
on
I expect, while
what can
*'
**
I
my
thou
*'
was
no
awaken
not
in ?
O
O
to
be
soul, in refusing
ray
the
on
of
means
and
reprove
before
sins
!
conscience
my
accuse
me,
on
highlyaggravated
not
it,but
thy
salvati-
creature
publicordinances.
curityi was then
thou
gospel; and
I flattered mythat I was,
in being absent from
great harm
But how
deep was the sleepofse-
brutish
Ah
*'
*'
hear
attend
sabbath, to
a
self,there
*'
tp
neglecting
wronged thee,
'*
*'
the
cometh
that number.
among
have
How
^y many
*'
?
on
**
obey not
who
"
found
*'
Christ
me.
?
me
didst
why
me,
setting
Why
didst
for this among
the kind and merciful
other sins,in slighting
the day
and reconciliation ; profaning
nay many
offers of
to
me
summon
to
answer
God
pardon
opened in a
of the Lord,
contemning the scriptures
**.gospelministry,dishonouringGod, and wronging my
soul t
Why, O my conscience ! so very fast
own
not
didst thou
**
wisper in mine
asleep? Wherefore
*'
*'
^'
^^
**
and
*'
not
*
'^
ii
Vent
go
misery? Why
voice, saying,let the
on
a
turn
to the
the time
to
have
?
Lord
Oh
in
sin, I
all the outwiurd
the
jne^ins
not
not
Tue
es-
to
forsakehis way^^^
never
dying soul ! is
my
more
it be
.
on
could
wicked
yea,
by past, sufEcient,
done so wickedly. Let
solution, to wait
thou
mad'st
eternal
**cape
'*.hear
I did thus
that while
ears,
Lord,
in the
than suffici*
now
my
diligentuse
re-
of
whereby Chri"t^commv5i\^^\
f
];
105
*fthe benefits of redemption. Oh
*'
**
**
sabbaths, yet the Lorp,
gone
will ye die ; and
that he takes
givingthe gre^itestassurance,
yCj turn
turn
*'
in the death
"
in such
**
Had
**
been
"
"
"
"
"
illspent bythe many
is graciously
saying,
why
ye^
that die
of them
evil ways
as
he dealt with
before now,
heard the sound
gospel.
What
cy ? and
O
is
seeinghe
pleasure
no
;
let
may
procure
my
me
according to
my
I should
have
any more
of the glorious
where
of the silver
have
take
never
me
eternal death*
own
never
trumpet
anyv
I to wonder
sins, I had
sparingmerimprove the day
get grace
of salvation,
God
is
remembcj*ingthat a long-suffering
; to day ifyou xvill hear his
yet sayingto such as I am
that I may
"
voice harden
"
Ileb, iii. T."
Psabnlxxxv,
David^
made
and
to
for
a
sins.
Acts
determined
these
hear
souls be
the Lord
to
cry
to
hopeful,if
saviour^
V.
31.
How
to
wait
resolvingas
will speak in his
consider
your
suitablyaffected,and ye
him, who
give
happy
God
would
in the
means
Lay it therefore to heart
remembering, that God requiresof
and
his wrath
life,with
tution.f
unto
a
you
as
(ifyou
of
were
;
and
eternal
your
deep
;
a
remission
it be, if you
of grace
with
salvation ?
pardon
is exalted
effectual to
made, by hisblessing
means
own
;
to
you
such
with their
repentance and
to
on
he
what
provocation^
for repentance and
savingdiscovery of
prince,and
the
be somewhat
I beseech
till your
former ways,
be
8.
ordinances.
and
word
in
hearts^ as
your
It would
beginningthus to commune
think of returning to God
to
at
to
not
were
despisers
hearts, and
reason
concern,
would
cape
es-
curse)faith in Christy and repentance
of all means
of divine instiuse
diligent
the
the fin*
ufid to de^onftrate
conjiderations
and dangerof neglecting
goJpeJ
ordinances,it maybe of
fult.efs
"|-Im addition
to
the
importanceto obfefve
it not
Was
direBlytend
e^jery
one
to
native
tendancyoffucb
conduS.
Does
out of the luorld f
banijhall publicreligion
a^fucb apart, all public^
foetal,
folemn ac"
to
Does it not
knonuledgment
of Godmuftceafe at ona.
jf/Ur ^ffiruaion
ofth$church of Chrifi on cartb ?
"
tend
for
\"
t\)%
"v"H%t%
[
ft. To
but
in power,
ordinarilyattend
reallyconcerned,
not
are
who
you
well
as
attendingon
them
1
106
as
j
in word
publicordinances,
gospel may come
on
that the
:
say ye do
I would
but very illin your
well
in'
^nconcemedness
'
the luord and
facraments an uat publicly
difpenfedy
(in conformity
$
it is meant,
is no church ^ and
to the di'uine appointmentJ there
this ivould he the necejfary
of an uni'verfal
defertion
of
con/equence
^
What
ordinances*
is the
languageindeed of fuch neglecthut
a
Does it
to departout of our
Chr'tft
hefeeching
coaftsor
country.
the memory
not fend to blot out the glory,and euen
of the chriftian
and
the
and pri'vam
introdudion
fahhatbf
therebyopen a door to
lence of all manner
and
And, indeed^ for
of irreligion impietyf
that
the
live
the
in
name
profefs
negleSor in the
ofChriftto
any
does it amount
twant
to^ than fay^
of publicordinances, ivhat lefs
and the profane a ^virtualjufm
ing a confederacy'with the infidel
tiffingof them, in their contempt of f acred things,injleadof
It is Jb
maintainingan honejlprof eftagainftfuch iMickednefs
;
in the counfel
of the ungcdly,.And, by the ivay,
far a 'walking
think offo general
'what
ferious chriftian
can
a profanation
of the
holyfabbath, and of divine ordinances, as prevails among 'all^
^without
ranks
beingalarmed for the
Irftead of em*
ployingthat facredportionof time njuhich Jehovah has appro*^
priatedand fet apart for his ovjn vjorjhip,in a manner
confifient
^fh
ho-w
it tovuorld*
tledefignof the inftitution,
many proftitufe
the
lypurp fes,
affairs,travelling
tranfaBingoffecular
upon co m^
in
it
and
civil
or fpend
mon
diverfion
bulinefs
vifitSy
amufement,
like
and
the
vihile
And
f
vain
our
our
converfation,
legijlators,
and
and
tor
others, vjhofi^
fuperior
judges, magiftrates,
infer
their
has
fiationinfociety,
example,frwt
naturally
moftinfluence
the
multitude
in
the
divine
law,
on
indulge fuch difregardto
is to be expeBed ?
"what refonmztion
voho that
But
attends te
the law and the ;eflimony"or forms his judgment accordingt9'
that infallible
rule, can contentplatefuch
a ftaie of things v^itb*
out
beinggrieved, and vjithout dreading the judgementsof God'^
/
Did afuch heaven- daringvjickednefs
upon the land, to pun iflj
God irfl'Ci
defolat
ing calamities upon his ancient people
righteous
consequence
?
t
"
y
^
Lev.
for breach offahbaih accordingto his threatening^
34,
35^
yS^r/ih
r^
w//^
a
all we
'1nd ft}
heinous fin to
our felves that
flatter
he
pafsv:ith impunity,among
cUar revelation of hU
"wi/J ?
HKbat
a
a
voill
xxvi,
al"waye
people
favor*
n"bU t)cam(("
this way.
I therefore beseech
on
that
remember
\
of your souls.
As to the
it is not external attendance
f
first of
these,;
only that
worship him
xiL
Remember,
28.
bodies^ they should
your
\ holy',
to God,
acceptable
;
am
Goi"
and they that
must,
requireth; He is a spirit^
worship hitjiin spiritand in truth. John iv. 24. Mind de*
seeks
that he both
and
sees
heart, and
liberately,
your
himself
will be highlydispleased,
and reckon
dishonoured^
with your lips,while your heaitts
if you draw
to him
near
fer from
You
him.
should therefore not only profess
are
but also seek grace
it acceptto worship the Lord,
to do
ably.
Heb.
,
consider, there
the salvation
and
I
to
thingsyou ought chieflyto mind, while you attend
The
worshipping of GoPf
gospel-ordinances
; viz.
two
r
you
be
that when
presented
as
you
lirjhig
sacrijices^
is your
reasonable
service^
of
circumcision
be
the
therefore, to
which
Rom.
xii.
which
in the spirit
Clirist tells
worship God
;
thejather seeketh such to worship him.
iv.
23
Another
your
1.
Seek
thing ycu
souls.
/?r^5"i"
should
Remember
us,
Jobfl
is ths salvation of
ir.tciid,
therefore
the divine
direction
to
salvation with
But
fear and trembling-.
due
while you only attend, without
to profil;
concern
any
thereby ; you are too like those^ who goto fairs,but d""
nothing in them, nor make
any gain by trading. Why,
stand
all
I
the
day idle in the market^
gospel-hearers
ye
place. Is thpre no gain to be made at these spiritual
mar*
that suits you ?
Is there nothing to be had in them
kets ?
work
out
your
ozon
did
upright Nehtmiab
tf %ealforreformationin this particular^
-Did all unite their (fforts,
ing
accordgive? Neh. xiii. 15"22
to the dutyof their place to accompUjh a
reformation in thfs
then might ive hope to have the publictranquility
matter
prolongs
national advantages "will be nofecurity t"
But all our
ed.
hoajied
ifnnbelief^
us,
contempt of the gofpel,and profanationof the Jab'
hath, are generally
indulged* Thefe ^Tf more tr^lyalarmingthan
ivgll ^weri
How
it, if all
of external enemies.
any combination
tbt goad^fxht,
that fkar Gad, woifbthe profperityof Zion
and
laytheftthings to htdrt^
"Msmitffiiy^wU
,
f
I
f
9
r
Surelythere
Prov,
is, but
xvii. 16.
yoiirsis the sad
whereforeis there
of a foolto get wisdom^
have
need
here
is offered
to
f
108
and
come
and
a
he hath
all that tends
in time
so
you
eternity\ fne gold tried in the fire^ "c.
invited to come
You
are
andhxnj^and that on
Rev.
to
suit your condition,i. e. without money
ha.
\v. 2.
how
Consider
than
those, who
is the
profit,if
hearers, and
there
from
places,so
hearers
is
side
without
neglect the
from
that forementioned
asf
price\
the
where
outward"
getful
foru
23#
other
many
parable,concerningthe
of some
seed fa.lling
by
in stony places. Thsi
'
the state of such is miserable,v/illappear,
that
terms
^
plain,as
xiii,where we read
thorns, and
among
Mat.
sower.
the way
such
hear, and are
you
of the word ? James
doers
not
such
are
18"
\\u
while
to be
are
pitied,
you
you
of God
in the offers thereof in vain,and
Where
That
and
and
much
receive the grace
little better
are
means.
rich, and
be
may
you
make
to
it.' Ye
heart unto
no
Hon J
in the
priceput
that
buy,
complained of
case
gospeldoes
not
if it is considered,
the
prove
savour
becomes
life,
it,by misimprovement, inevitably
of death unto
death.
the savour
Consider
therefore,O
careful to bringforth fruit some
not
are
ye hearers, who
of lifeunto
answerable
way
will
case
to
when
be,
for all the
you,
your
the
enjoyments;
cometh
Lord
graciousoffers
made
dismal
how
to
unto
your
with
reckon
you
in the gospel
?
If you
in the end
such
have
eternal life. See
you, ha.
places,with others
to
as
a
Every
deep
branch
and
away
Consider
and
coDtmue
receive
^ng^remain
at
3.
1, 2,
v.
read, and duly
with
j'ou
forth fruit to holiness,you
bringnot
of like
to
what is threatened
"c.
be
that you
may
sin, and imminent
ponder,
of your
in Christ that beareth
lengthcast
not
often
affected
dangen
fruityshall be
will be the end
to, and
the rain of divine
barren.
Which
taken
into the fire.
therefore,what
come
vi. 8.
against
signification,
you ought
sense
to
Heh.
have
cannot
go from
with
you,
if
gospel-ordinanpes
doctrm^, "adxio\m\SftsXw"it
"
{
advised,to
be
Therefore
i
109
set
time a|"artfor deli-
some
sightof the Lord, communing with
God
how mattery stand between
;^our hearts, enquiring
how fearful your con-^
md your souls, seriously
thinking,
lition will be, when you must
appear before the judgment
hath appointed to judge the
God
whom
"eat of hiiii,
as
)erating,
in the
vorld, and how
able
will be
you
graciousoffers made
For exciting
iispensation.
you
so
ng
many
to
to
answer
unto
you
beware
for refusin
a
gospel
of such
un-
:oncemedness.
that your
Jffe very
privileges
great in en*
Much
is given unto
oying gospel-light.
you ; ye have
of hearingmany
thingsconcerning
opportunities
irequent
in
his
eternal
of
love
God
;he great
son
a ransom
giving
br perishing
in
sinners,and the love of the mediator
lyingfor them, that they might obtain eternal life,you
Consider
1.
^ceive
calls
many
to
him
to
come
that ye may
be
saved,
laid before
weighty motives
you
from
taken
these
the
enforce
im:o
pressingivitations,
those
that trulybelieve in,and accept
nense
happinessof
have
md
innumerable
saviour, and from
)fan offered
)fsuch
as
the
inexpressible
misery
not, "c.
do
and
are
privileges
exmany,
n
otice
of
what
takingparticular
"eedinggreat, so
mprovement
you are making ; if you are bringingforth
Vuit, answerable to your enjoyments ; or remainingas
in God's
trees
vineyard ; as you may gee in
)arren
of
husband
the
he parable
man
coming year after
the fig-tree,
he found
who, when
rear, seekingfruit on
ordered
it to be cut
down, as cumbering the
lone,
that
Mind,
2.
as
your
is
God
vround.
Reniember
3.
Nith you
that
called
are
jivewill
)";
as
to
occupy,
And
how
be great.
if found not onlywith
E^ord's
money,
)/.
Seek
but
therefore
mcms
talents wheremany
the account
so
you have to
miserable
will you
then
the slothful servant
making
a
very
make
hidingyour
ill improvement therewise
and
diligent
temporal
^s-^^^v^^ ^^
spit\lM2\,
of grace, to the gloryo5 Gou, xJw^X^wv ^xia?^
ise of all mercies
Hcse
have
you
grace
to
and
a.
[
Surelythere
Prov.
is, but
xvii. 16.
yoiirsis the sad
whereforeis there
of a foal to get wisdom^
have
need
here
is offered
to
and
come
You
to
a
he hath
how
you
make
Where
you so in time
tried in thejire^
"c. Rev.
nu
cojne
to
that
andbtry^and
than
those, who
is the
profit,if
hearers, and
That
there
from
places,so
hearers
side
18.
terms
without
and
asf
price;
you
and
outward
neglect the
from
is plain,as
that forementioned
other
many
parable,concerningthe
of some
seed falling
by
xiii,where we read
thorns, and
among
Mat.
sower,
the way
such
on
and
getful
hear, and are foryou
of the word ? James i. 23*
doers
not
such
are
rich, and
while
to be
are
pitied,
you
of God
in the offers thereof in vain,
the grace
little better
means.
be
may
Ye
much
receive
are
it.
heart unto
no
hand
in the
priceput
suit your condition,
i. e. without moneij^
Isa. Iv. 2.
Consider
complained of*
case
that
all that tends
invited
are
and
buy,
eternity; finegold
to
f
108
in stony
places.
That
"
the state of such is miserable,v":llappear, if it is considered,
where
gospel does not prove the savour
becomes
it,by misimprovemcnt, inevitably
life,
of death unto
Consider
death.
therefore,O
that
of lifeunto
the
savour
hearers, who
yc
will
case
to
when
be,
for all the
you,
not
are
answerable
way
the
your
the
bringforth fruit some
enjoyments; how dismal your
careful
to
Lord
cometh
graciousoffers
made
to
unto
with
reckon
you
i:ithe gospel
?
If you
bringnot
in the end
such
have
forth fruit to
eternal life. See
ha.
3.
holiness,you
what is threatened
"c.
Heh.
vi. 8.
v.
1, 2,
you,
of
with
others
like signification,
places,
you
to
as
read,
with
a
Every
away
and
duly
deep
branch
and
Consider
j^ou cootJDue
and receive
^ng-remain
at
to
that you
be
may
sin, and imminent
of your
in Christ that heareth
lengthcast
come
affected
danger*
fruityshall be taken
will be the end
to, and
the rain of divine
barren.
often
into the fire.
therefore,what
to
not
against
Which
ought
ponder,
sense
have
cannot
go from
with
you,
if
gospel-ordinances
doctrmt, "CiixiCA.m\5c^\38(3Dd-"
"
t
in the end
of your
obtain* the solvation
elf
great recompence
ahd
soiild,
reward, given by grace, and
happy will
at length,and
approbation
and faithful
servants
gifod
of ddbt.
'
1
11^
How
it be if you
it be said
to
into
enter
j
with
meet
the
not
divine
you, ivell doncy
the joig of your
liORD.
To
3.
you
who
conscience
mslke
otily
not
of
attending
worship the
publicordinances, but are silsoconcerned to
in spirit
You I would advise to seel
Lord
and in truth.
and glory of God
in" his
discoveries of the power
more
sanctuary : and that you may be hs^py in gettingnew
in
the
of
channel
suppliesof grace communicated
these
of
means
dailymore
goodness.
and
much
How
divine
institution
and
;
Lord
ground to praisethe
more
reason-have
to
you
bless
havt
may
for his
onlyfor
but especii
gospel-light,
God,
not
givingyou your lot in a land of
commanded
ally,that he ever
U^ht to shine into your
the glory
hearts^givingyou the lightof the knoivledgeof
these
as
o/'God, in the face Jesus Christ?
you have
uiingsrevealed
unto
you,
which
hid from the wise
are
More
I would
entreat
particularly
with
have been blessed widi any acquaintance
of GrOD, accompanying the ordinances of his
the following
tion, to remember
things:
prudent.
who
you
the power
own
instiUu
while you live,that ever
he
notice of you, or had
took any special
thoughtsof
any
pityand compassiontoward you : and that you may be
induced hereunto, consider, that you are
the more
by
1.
Be
nor
are
any
stillin
your
have
own
been
wholly by
JI2JS:
it i
state
a
Who
even
as
of death
maketh
and
thee to
that thou hast not
hast thou
GoD'mi^t
bless God
ter,
others, and are no betdeservingof divine favour, than those
more
destruction.
what
to
of wrath
children
nature
who
careful
Wtd
have
givenyou
hearts,and had
unto
grace
up
he done
;
excluded
by
this law*
broad
from
differ
way
to
f
of
another
received ?
to
walk
so,
Mind, if you
therefore,there
you.
in the
woe
are
\aivo
of
forever would
in the way
saved, it mustbe
^5co"Msdothoaat-
Ajxd ^70"3k^TOu^\"X-
[
3
"i
the earth,
bjrnature than the vilest miscreants
upon
who
are
making great haste to utter ruin in these paths
little capable of
wherein
as
destroyersgo ; so you were
helpingyourselvesas they. And had not divine drawing
ter
reached
power
you,
would
there
have
been
much
as
ing
complaintagainstyou, as againstthe unbelievJews, concerningwhom, Christ said, ye will not coma
that ye might have life.
to me
have
'the gospel
I make
known
doubt, if ever
no
you
coming in power, you are fullypersuaded that the Arminian doctrine, concerning the improvement of man's natural
is as oppositeto the experienceof christiabilities,
I8is, as it is to the rule of their faith,the holy scriptures
;
of
the
fniits
the
that all saving graces
and
are
as
spirit,
calls them, GaL
the apostle
22.
And, as a great div.
tdne well expresses it,every christian will find as
much
within himself, as is sufficient to refute that opinion.Be"
that they must,
but
lievers not onlyknow
are
heartily
debtors
rich and
to
willing,to be wholly and eternally,
ground
of
free grace, and
andj^e mediator
to
of the
uiemselves, which
from
no
those
finite mind
rob
to
God
onlyto
belongs
which
GoD.
should
excite
due
to
by nature as ill deserving
the privileges
whereby you are distinguished
who obey not the gospel,are so great, that
conceive, nor
can
comprehend the vast
^ankfulness, is,that
others,so
allow themselves
that
gloiythereof,by attributing
consideration
Another
as
dare
never
difference between
as
those
are
you
who
are
the
children
of
God
Jesus^ having God for their father,
for their sancChrist for their redeemer, the holy Ghost
and their guide to the Ij^d of uprightness,
where
tifier,
hath
enjoy all that goodness the Lord
they shall fully
How
inconceivably
preparedfor them that love him.
by
faith in Christ
great, I say, is the difference betwixt
who
are
in
a
state
of sin and
load of all their sin
burthen
\U
And
! however
SIS
at
and
misery ; under me
and actual ?
original
insensible unawakened
they are
them,
present
aitmat^
^c"X
xjuvSuct
those
insupportable
Heavy
^x^
"5fl
\"xOw^x^^^
[
weightof
alltheir transgressions,
so theyhafveyet notlmgf
for,but
tolook
the terriblfe.
prea"
the greatness of which, no 'finite,
be forever laid under
to
of eternal wrath
"ure
1
113
;
How
comprehend.
which
these things,
understandingcan
a
reflection
on
understood,
pressednor
bestowed
do
on
to
^nd how
hearts
whci|le
with your
undeserved, and
Be
also exhorted
to
his
his
to
is your sin,if you
praisethe Lord for his
great
d^y improvement of
of interesting
not onlyas means
growing in grace by a constant
wait
all fulness thereof.
God
them, worshipping
on
in
presence
desire of
with ardent
and
command,
promised
dwelleth
Ajid invite others
Lord, and be affected
go up into, the
die case
of such
"c"
holyreverence,
ample, and otherwise,to
attendingon
with
these
misimprovethem, that
is come
nation that light
shine around
them,
xhty love darkness
of
means
their
ing
enjoy-
into the
worU^
by
your
of
house
ex-
die
eitherneg-
as
salvation,or.
so
their condd"i"
it is like to become
in the
in obedience
them, 'with huntiility,
tear^
and
lect
graciously
study a
to
ordinances,intended
in Christybut also of
improvement of him, in whom
careful
hath
you
distbiguishing
goodness?
these
Be
can
ou^^bt
fullyex*
excite all that is widiin
?
you
not
2.
neither be
for isdlhis benefits he
bless the Lord
to
then
much
and
continues
of the
dispensation
to
"
gospel,and
light;and pray eamesdy
to Gody that he may
mercifullyturn theni from the darfc
paths of sin, that they may not in the end, land in -that \
darkness
which
rather
will be
than
eternal
an
punishment. Finally,
be
deeplyconcerned, because of the present awful evident
signsof the gospel's
beingto so few, the power of God un^
to salvation
;
and
that there
acquaintancewith
either in conviction
are
the
of sin, or
so
work
few
mental
evidencingexperiof the spirit
of Gody
conversion
from
it.
How
gi'oundhave we in these evil and sinningdays, to
see
our
complainwith the church, that we do not now
and
altho'
the
his
removed
n
ot
eigns,
cani^;?^hath yet
dJest'ick out of its place,
he
in
be
to
seems
a great meayet
voked
t
tiv^lvj
sure
from
to depart
so
^ Vvax ^ reason
us
pro
/"" Ac
t\v^T^^^"^asA^^^Wv*
deeplyayTected withthe^l^us^as
much
"
C
mih
id
his
ingthe
have
mediator's
free
as
a
hid
have
be
much
thereof,
means
and
courscy
be
word
^lorified^
.
r
i^N
1
8^
glory,
his
the
us^
employment
your
according
kingdom
beMeen
from
hisjace
manifesting
and
returning,
that
sins
our
separated
have
inigmties
owr
it therefore
Let
2.
for
ing,
and
Godj
our
lix.
y
tliSLt
sorrow
I
lis
to
his
of
and
ad-^
promise,
the
Lord
CONTENTS.
PART
I.
Page
Introduction
Direct.
ones
your
young
but also be
divine
only to dedicate
earlyto God in baptism,
employed in seeking the
concerned
Be
1.
much
to
blessing
ordinance.
The
Direct.
the
-
-
-
milder
children, and
-
Direct.
The
"
-4
"
6.
direction
use
20^
-
ib#
"
-
"
also
therefore
carefiil
Sl"
with
Counsel
^
to
-
-
-
-
young
ones
explained.
Motives
a
-
.
"
ib.
46"
ib.
49.
"
*
28.
45.
good example.
it.
enforcing
cWiV/oija/ considerations*
-
-
-
ib*
26.
cluldren"
explained.
Motives
enforcingit.
Give
-
-
advise your
and
22,
-
enforcingit.
Motives
.
with
only for,but
-
direction
16.
-
"
be
ib.
with them, and other members
God
5.
"
end,
-
not
"
used
the desired
14.
-
-
methods
of your families.
The
direction explained.
The
ib.
11.
-
explained
Motives
it.
enforcing
Pray
4.
worship
Direct.
"
-
When
3.
direction
your
-
Holy Scriptures.
explained.
Motives
enforcingit.
gain not
ones,
young
the rod of correction.
Direct.
",
-
explained
"Motives
enforcingit
in the
'
The
.
Insti-uct your
little ones
earlyin
of the christian religion,
as
principles
direction
Direct.
that solemn
accompany
2.
contained
The
not
-
direction
5.
"
%^
PART
Introduction.
-
of
excellency
The
-
ordinances
their
And
God's
the
appointing
them.
From
the
From
the
held
the
by
Evidences
Reasons
Great
sin and
danger
for
of
such
them
they
TS,
ib.
^
78.
-
ing
despis-
and
81.
-
-
-
72,
are
esteem.
neglecting
neglect,
pure.
this esteem.
ordinances.
gospel
Excuses
for
n.
in the
of God.
people
of this
-
given
in which
esteem
70.
-
-
keep
ib.
dispense
to
some
to
-
God.
-
of God
high
t
of
charges
many
of
-
-
word
salvation
the
gloiy
6S"
-
sinners.
mankind
From
-
end,
61.
pressed
institution.
From
Page
"
"
-
Gospel
divine
their
from
II.
invalid.
-
-"
86.
Inferences
Information,
For
-
Exambation.
Lamentation,
of the
truth
Conclusion
Such
exciting
Gospel.
-
Advice
"
little
make
as
-
three
to
or
but
persons,
of atconscience
tending
word.
them
to
come
may
-
on
in
"
-
that
the
fc
as
not
only
public ordinances,
worship
the
Lord
but
in
are
as
in
ibb
-
conscience
make
gospel
well
as
power,
,
Such
112,
-
public ordinances,
reallyconcerned
not
are
111.
of
sorts
no
attend
ordinarily
as
the
.
Divine-Ordinances.
such
for
concern
a
92.
-
-
and
90.
.
,
also
spiritaod
,
of
attending
concerned
in truth.
to