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world as Micah did with his gods-What have I | world is a good step towards our victory over it. We
more?

Secondly, He is not profited, but prejudiced, by
worldly gain, in the day of judgment. He that
has gained the whole world, but abandoned all
thoughts of his soul, what is he profited by it when
he must appear before the judgment-seat of Christ?
All his gains will do him no good, for the Judge is too
just to be bribed. Nay, it will make against him ;
for the more men had of this world, the more they
will have to account for in that day of reckoning.
The things of the world are talents to be traded with,
and we must give account of our stewardship, Luke
xvi. 2. What we had under our hand in the world
must come into the account then; both how we got it,
and what we did with it. It is good for us to be often
calling ourselves to an account of these two things
now. All that carnal mirth and sensual pleasure,
which worldlings are so taken up with, will make
against them then, Eccl. xi. 9. For all these things,
God will bring them into judgment.--Hence we
find the rich men seeking shelter under the rocks,
Rev. vi. 15-17.

Thirdly, He is not profited, but prejudiced, by it,
in his eternal punishment ;-
;-so the punishment of sin
in hell is called, Matt. xxv. 46. What is a man
profited by all the wealth of this world, when he
comes into that lake which burns eternally with fire
and brimstone? The gain of the world will not re-
cover a lost soul, it will not open the gate when once
shut, and it will not remove that great gulf, when
once fixed; the gates of the shadow of death can-
not be unlocked by a golden key, nor will it give any
relief or abatement to the misery. He that had fared
sumptuously every day, and drunk wine in bowls,
could not there get a drop of water to cool his tongue;
nay, he is prejudiced by it. Hell is hell indeed,
misery with an emphasis, to those that go thither
from the midst of this world's abundance.-Son, re-
member, Luke xvi. 25. How art thou fallen! Isa.
xiv. 12. 16. What pleasure has he in his house? Job
xxi. 21; xiv. 21, 22. Hell flames will show what
a bad bargain they have made for themselves, that
to gain the world lost their souls.

II. I shall improve this truth, and very instruc-
tive it is, if God give us wisdom and grace to con-
sider it.-Mix faith with this word of Christ, medi-
tate upon it, and digest it. We have reason to take
his word in these things, and to rely upon it; and
let us from hence learn three good lessons:

1. A holy contempt of this world, especially when
it comes in competition with our souls. Our Lord
Jesus is here weighing the world and the soul, and
on the world, he writes, Tekel, Dan. v. 27. See the
insufficiency of the world to make you happy if you
had never so much of it, and do not overvalue it.
Let not that be upon the throne in your hearts, which
God has put under your feet. A contempt of the

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must be thankful for what we have in the world, and
diligent about what we have to do in the world, but
we must not place our happiness in it.

it.

(1.) In pursuing the world, we must not overvalue
It rectifies and sanctifies our worldly pursuits,
when we put a right estimate upon the things of the
world.-Seek them not as your end, but as the
means; not as precious stones to be laid up in your
cabinets, but as stepping-stones, to help you through
this land of your pilgrimage. Look upon this world's
goods as good in their place, but bad out of it; good
servants, but bad masters; good things, but not the
best things. Do not pursue the world as your por-
tion, Ps. xvii. 14. neither as your reward, Matt. vi.
2. nor as your consolation, Luke vi. 24. Value them
as good things, but not as your good things, your
chief good. Those overvalue the world, that seek it
for itself, and that seek it inordinately, and that seek
much of it. The same divine penman that says, The
hand of the diligent makes rich, says, Labour not to
be rich, Prov. xxiii. 4. In valuing the world, go ac-
cording to God's book of rates. Other things are
valued according as they are more or less profitable
to us. Think whether the world be profitable to our

souls or no.

(2.) In possessing the world, we must not value
ourselves by it. Every man has something of a
value for himself, and most men measure themselves
by the standard of the world-value themselves ac-
cording to the smiles or frowns of the world. We
must not value ourselves as high, because so ad-
vanced, nor as safe, because so guarded. When the
world flows in plentifully upon you, think, Alas what
good will this do me, if my soul should be lost after
all? What a base and miserable wretch am I, if in
the midst of all, I be a bond-slave to sin and Satan!
We must take heed what that is which we bless our-
selves in, whether in the deceitful world, Ps. xlix.
18. or in the God of truth, Isa lxv. 16. Reckon your-
selves happy in the favour of God, rather than in the
smiles of the world. See by what measures we are
to value ourselves, Jam. i. 9-11. Nothing conduceth
more to the peace and the purity of our own souls,
than this contempt of the world.

Learn, 2. A holy concern about our souls. You
see where your great interest is not bound up; see
then where it is; and since you cannot make the
world sure, nor a happiness for yourselves in the
world, make that sure that will be made sure the
welfare of your souls. You see what an irreparable
loss the loss of the soul is. Men and brethren, look
well to your souls. A man would, if it were but to
please his fancy, run the hazard of losing some
small matter, but this that is your care is not a small
thing, for it is your life, Deut. xxxii. 47. Be con-
cerned about them, that is, be desirous of their wel-
fare, diligent in the use of means for the further-

ance of their welfare. Keep thy soul, Deut. iv. 9. What shall I do for my precious soul? Two things should be our concern about our souls:

| profit's sake-tempted to tell a lie, or defraud, or oppress, or do any wrong, for mammon, think, What will this gain be at last? That gain is dear bought that is purchased by sin;—the gain will soon be gone, Prov. xiii. 11. Jer. xvii. 11. but the guilt will remain, and we must repent of it, or do worse. Those who lose more than they get, will soon become bankrupt. Impress this upon your hearts in an hour of such temptation.

(1.) Their serviceableness to God in this world. That soul is in a manner lost that God has no honour and glory from. Be more solicitous how to honour God with your spirits, than how to honour yourselves with your estates. True religion is inward work, the work of the heart, Rom. ii. 29. The soul rules the body, and guides all the actions.-O see that the tree be made good-see it to be much more for your true advantage to worship God in the Spirit, than to follow after the things of this world. Be solicitous to keep yourselves clean from sinfully possessions, then remember this text;-see the pollutions, fixed for gracious exercises, Prov. iv. 23. Learn to honour God with your spirits, and then you will know how to honour him with your substance.

(2.) Their salvation with God in the other world. Be concerned what is likely to become of you to eternity. Let your future unchangeable state be much upon your hearts-the salvation of the soul, Heb. x. 39. 1 Pet. i. 9. Look upon this as the great and most desirable good, and pursue it accordingly prefer this before all other cares. Is there any thing which more deserves or more needs your care than this? It is your great business in this world, that for which you were sent into the world. It is your great interest as to the other world. Is not this the one thing needful? Had we but a powerful belief of the reality of invisible things, how would that drown all other concerns, in our prayers, in our cares, and in our endeavours.

3. A holy conduct of ourselves according to these principles. Let this word of Christ, that has come to us so fully, dwell in us richly; let this truth reside in our hearts, and rule there. Abide by this principle, that the gain of the world is nothing if the soul be lost; that our worldly interests, how near soever, are not worthy to be compared, not fit to be named the same day, with the great interests of our souls.—Be delivered into the mould of this truth. Remember this truth, and make use of it,

(1.) When you are tempted to sin for worldly

(2.) When you are tried by persecution for rightcousness' sake-when the world is not to be gotten, but saved, (and there is a fairer pretence for that,) when we must either deny Christ or lose our world

verse before the text. If I should lose my soul to save my preferment, I should make but an ill bargain; this consideration carried the martyrs through the fiery trial. Life is sweet, but eternal life is more sweet, said Bishop Hooper in the prospect of martyrdom: see Acts xx. 24. 2 Cor. iv. 16, 18.

(3.) In the great turns of your lives. Let this Scripture prevent all worldly, sensual choices, which prove so fatal to many. Do not, to get or save in the world, go out of the way of opportunities for your souls: see Ps. cxix. 72. Lot chose for the fat land, but what did it profit him, when in the enjoyment of his choice he had like to have lost his own soul? Postpone the world to the soul. When these interests part, remember this text.

(4.) In the constant tenor of your conversation. Go by this principle, That the saving of the soul is of much greater consequence to you than the gaining of the world, and let your cares be engaged accordingly-much more for your eternal happiness, than for your temporal convenience. Let this govern your aims and intentions, your actions and endeavours, your thoughts about your children, and all other things. Let this moderate worldly pursuits, and invigorate spiritual pursuits. Let Christ be your gain living and dying, Phil. i. 21. and then all is well, and well for ever.

[These sermons were preached in 1696.]

SERMONS AND CHARGES.

[It does not appear upon what occasion the following Sermon was delivered, though probably it was connected with some ordination service.]

NUMBERS xv. 39.

| DOCT. That we ought always to remember the commandments of the Lord our God, that we may do them. God's will concerning our duty ought to be had in remembrance by us.

1. That which is to be remembered is the commandments of the Lord. God is our ruler, his will revealed a law to us, and he has laid his commands

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may upon us, both negative and affirmative precepts; look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them.

OLD-TESTAMENT institutions are New-Testament instructions, though, thanks be to God, not New-Testament impositions. Those carnal ordinances are capable of a spiritual improvement; particularly this appointment of the fringes which they were ordered to make on the borders of their garments. Observe,

1. The sign appointed, a fringe upon the borders of their garments, and a riband of blue upon it. This was a law agreeable enough to their peculiarity; they were not to be reckoned among the nations; they were to be distinguished in garb as well as diet. Some think Christ wore these fringes, Matt. ix. 20; xiv. 36. In this as in other things he was made under the law. These fringes the Pharisees enlarged, Matt. xxiii. 5. that they might seem more holy than their neighbours.—See another law, Deut. xxii. 12.

2. The thing signified by it. It was to be a memorandum to them that they were a peculiar people, and that God had given them laws by which to be governed. We need all possible helps to stir up our obedience, 2 Pet. iii. 1. The phylacteries were distinct from the fringes. They must look upon the fringe. Many look upon their ornaments, and are proud: this is a sin to be carefully watched against. This was to be looked upon as a memorial. The Lord's supper is an ordinance of commemoration, that we may look upon it and remember-in sight, in mind.

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those we must remember: see Mal. iv. 4.

(1.) We must not only remember divine histories to talk of, but divine commands; not only Scripture stories, but Scripture statutes, see Heb. xii. 17. Ye know the story, and yet, v. 5. ye have forgotten the exhortation.

(2.) Not only divine truths to dispute of, but divine commands; not only doctrines, to fill our heads with notions, but plain precepts, to direct our hearts and lives. These we are to hold fast in faith and love, 2 Tim. i. 13.

(3.) Not only divine promises, to take comfort from, but divine commands. Many love to hear of comfort that do not care to hear of duty. They must have smooth things prophesied to them.

2. Our duty concerning the commandments is, to remember them, keep them always in view, and bring them on every occasion to mind.

(1.) It is implied that God has made known his commandments to us; we cannot plead ignorance, if we forget it is our own fault. They are revealed, they are revealed to us, Mic. vi. 8. revealed by natural conscience, and much more clearly by the written word. He has not left himself without witness.

(2.) That though we have known the commandments of God, yet we are apt to forget them, and lose their power, Heb. ii. 1. If God's truths be forgotten, and the duties he has commanded be out of sight, their practical influence and solid consolation cannot be enjoyed. The forgetful mind will be accompanied by the unsanctified heart, and by the I unholy walk.

(3.) That therefore we must endeavour always to these commands, God will remember all those who member them, that is, remember him, and treasure up his commands.

Our memories must retain the remembrance of od's commandments, as-what the will of God is in ich and such cases, what is the evil that God has rbidden, and the good that he has commanded. We ust make them familiar to us, Prov. iii. 3; vii. 3, 4. ey must be much the objects of our meditation. Our consciences must be ready to apply the comands of God to particular cases, we must have ose precepts at hand that are suited to our preent duty, opportunity, and temptation.

When tempted to sin, we must remember the comand that forbids that particular sin, Jer. xliv. 4. t is written so and so.

When duty is to be done, according as the work f the day is, we must remember the command that equires that duty; whether it be daily prayer, sabath sanctification, or any other duty.

When an opportunity of good offers itself, then emember the general command of improving all pportunities.

We are to remember all God's commandments, we must not select one and reject another.

3. The intention of this remembrance is in order o obedience to God's will, Josh. i. 8. James i. 25. (1.) That the frame of our hearts may be accordng to the commandments, a copy and counterpart f the law in our hearts.

(2.) That the course of our lives may be according o them, that we may steer our course by this comass, and that we may walk by this rule.

Use. Thus remember all the commandments of he Lord, the commandments of the law and gospel. Consider,

1. You were taught them betimes. We are to renember what we learned when we were children.You were taught these with your first lessons; let not time wear out what you learned when you were children; see Prov. i. 8; iv. 1. You were taught hem by those that loved you, 2 Tim. iii. 14. and let his have weight with you.

2. They are great things and worth remembering, hey are called the great things of the law. They are the things of God, things that concern the soul and eternity. The servant is concerned to remember is master's orders, and every subject, to remember he laws of the realm to which he belongs.

3. They are not grievous, nor such as will burthen our memories, 1 John v. 3. God has not made us slaves-all his will is comprised in one word,

Love.

4. We have many remembrancers-ministers, sacraments, dispensations of providence, and conscience, are designed to fix these things in our minds, and make them ready to us. We receive God's grace in vain, if we forget them.

5. It will be much to our advantage to remember

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CHARGE I.

[The following memorandum connected with the ensuing Charge, appears in Mr. Henry's MS. Diary. Aug. 6th, 1706. An ordination fast at Knutsford, ordained Mr. Leolin Edwards, of Tinsel, Mr. Thomas Perrot, of Newmarket, and Mr. Silas Sidebottom, of Whelock.-We had a very comfortable day. I hope many were edified. Mr. Angier prayed, Mr. Lawrence preached, 2 Tim. ii. 2. The same com mit thou to faithful men. I took the confession, and gave the exhortation.-We had much comfort together-were about eighteen ministers—at night went to Winslow; many of my friends with me.]

HAVING now, my brethren, by prayer, solemnly recommended you to God, and to the word of his grace, we are in the close, to speak from God to you, and to give you a charge, as Moses gave to Joshua in the people's sight.

1. We heartily bid you welcome into our number, and bless God there are some coming in, for a great many are gone off of late. We are threatened with the making of a full end, but this is a token for good, and gives us ground to hope that God will not make a full end with us, and will not depart from us-For if he had been pleased to kill us, he would not have showed us such things as these. We rejoice that God has a seed to serve him, that the church has guides, and that we have fellow-labourers; for we need help, our hands are this day weak, and if you be faithful you will strengthen them.

2. We bid you be of good courage. Take your Master's word for it, and our experience to confirm it, that the work you are engaged in is good work. There is a present reward in it, and an eternal reward at the end, 1 Pet. v. 4. We must tell you, that you must count upon discouragements; but be faithful, and then be of good courage. If your hearts be not right with God, you have reason to be discouraged, nothing will be such a damp to you as hypocrisy, but if you be sincere, you must not be discouraged.

(1.) Be not discouraged by your own weakness and infirmities; let them humble you, but not dishearten you, for God's grace is sufficient for you. Where you are weak in yourselves, if sensible of your weakness, and relying on Christ, you shall find yourselves strong. Encourage yourselves to use means for your improvement. God's blessing can do wonders by weak endeavours.

(2.) Be not cast down by the reproaches and in

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juries you may meet with. You set out with the | If it be a weariness to the flesh, the delight of the wind in your faces, and perhaps may hear of hard spirit will make amends. things said of you; but let none of these move you, Acts xx. 24. You are not to stand or fall by men's judgment. Approve yourselves to God, and you may be easy; the smile of our Father will balance the anger of all our foes, and his well done, all their unkind censures.

(3.) Be not discouraged by the little success of your ministry; it is the case of many. Some that we have taken pains with, and of whom we said, These shall comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, are the source of grief to us. But our recompence will be according to our faithfulness, not according to our success; -Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the sight of the Lord. But recollect, it is possible that the want of success may arise from our neglect of duty, Jer. xxiii. 22.

3. We bid you God speed, and it seems in the primitive times that was a great matter, 2 John 10, | 11. You have our hearty good wishes. God prosper his work in your hands! We hope we have not sent you to gather the grass on the house-top, which men think not worth giving their blessing with, Ps. cxxix. 6-8. but that you will gather in a harvest of souls. Though you enter into the labour of others, yet he that reapeth receiveth wages, John iv. 36—38. We trust you will thus be rewarded, and therefore we bid you God speed.

4. We direct you to mind your work, and be true to the trusts reposed in you. You are sworn to no other canonical obedience, but to the Scriptures; so that I need only point out the rules to you.

(1.) That good thing which is committed to you, keep, 2 Tim. i. 14. the form of sound words, v. 13. the gospel truths, the knowledge of which you have signified, and in which you professed your belief, 1 Tim. vi. 12, 20. This is the true grace of God, wherein you stand. Stand to it then, and never let it go. We see you have bought the truth. Sell it not at any rate; you can never lose by the purchase, nor get by the sale. You are intrusted with the charge of the sanctuary, Numb. iii. 25. to preside in solemn assemblies, and to administer holy ordinances. Keep the charge, though you be called as they were, to war a warfare in it.

(3.) Take heed to yourselves, and to your doctrine, 1 Tim. iv. 16.—to yourselves, that you may save yourselves. Look well to the state of your own souls, that you may experience in them what you preach to others, may digest that yourselves, with which you would affect others. Keep a strict watch over your own hearts. To your doctrine--that it be sound, and according to the Scriptures, suited to the capacities and necessities of your hearers. Offer not that which cost you nothing. Take pains in all you do, that you may find out acceptable words. Let all your performances smell of the lamp; it will engage the attention of your people; they will be careless if you are so. Take heed to your doctrine, that it oppose neither God's grace nor man's duty, but take both together.

4. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, Matt. x. 16.-these two must go together. Prudence, not fleshly wisdom, but that which is by the grace of God. It will be your prudence to meddle as little as may be in secular affairs, not to entangle yourselves in the affairs of this life-Who made me a judge or divider? Also to take heed what you say of other people. There is a time when the prudent shall keep silence. With this prudence unite innocency. A dove-like spirit without gall will well become you. If others be any way injurious to you, do not meditate revenge, for that is not dove-like. Your business is to do good to all, therefore your care must be to do hurt to none.

5. Give no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed, 2 Cor. vi. 3. Preserve the reputation of your ministry. Get and keep a good name, Phil. iv. 8. avoid the very appearance of evil. The most circumspect cannot escape censure, but you should endeavour to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Let it never be said of you, that you are proud and haughty, that you are vain and trifling, that you are covetous or worldly. Deny yourselves in many things which otherwise are lawful, that you may save the credit of your ministry; it is an honour to you, be not you a reproach to it. If that be blamed, we are blamed who have set you apart to it. You have many eyes upon you, and some that watch for your halting, therefore walk accurately.

6. Feed the flock of God which is among you, tak

(2.) Give attendance to reading, 1 Tim. iv. 13. You must be laying in, or you cannot lay out. Be stilling the oversight thereof, 1 Pet. v. 2. Acts xx. 28. furnishing yourselves with useful knowledge. Read You are charged with souls, precious souls, the purthe Scriptures, and other books to help you to un- chase of Christ's blood. Every Christian that has derstand the Scriptures. It is expected that you but one soul to look after, finds enough to do; if all excel in knowledge, and a shame if others, whose had but one, it would find them work enough; but study and business is about the world, should excel you have many, feed them, and do not poison them. you. Every evening ask, What have I learned to- Do not make the offering of the Lord to be abhorred; day? Get good books, borrow them, collect out of feed them and do not starve them. Have a concern them; in all labour there is profit, and I hope there for souls, for theirs in particular ;-feed the ignorant will be pleasure. Be in study as in your element. | with knowledge, the careless with admonition, the

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