S a C T. IX. ofCónverfon, or Turrairogunto God . all ona fire, anda contention ? This feemeth tobe little credit to his Doctrine. But it will be thus, notfrom the Nature of Chrits Doctrine, for that is a Doctrine of peace with God , andpeace with men : but wherefoever his Truth is received in the practical power of it, fuels is the violentoppofrcion even ofthe deareft, friends egainft is that are not godly, that it raifeth up all their hatredand violence againft it. Hence we read inEcclefialtical hiftory, that fometimes even children have been perfecutors oftheir Fathers : Let not then thySpirit fink under this , That by thy turning to God, and condemning the wicked wales that the family liveth in where thou art, thou (halt make muchcontention, flit up an hornets mil; for this is no more then Choll hath foretold. Conidering the venemous, and malicious difpoG- ons menhave naturally againft Godand his truth , it cannot be otherwife; onely let this teach thee wifedome, and courage to prepare for a [form. Sixthly , Howmany times do evil and wickedmen, though neverfogreat one with áa another , falloat in deadly enmity about worldlyMAOmatters I For although there Swine and Bears do many times agree well among themfelves , efpecially againfl. godlinefs, which they look atas the common enemy,yet there is no ttue love among wicked men ; they hang together as ropes offund, any matter of profit, lull, or pride, willprefetxly make them rage at one another. Now what flwuldlt thou care for the love and friendfhip offuch men, whocan loveno body bat for felf.re- fpe&s? The Heathens haveexcellentlydebated this, that there is no friendfhip mgng wicked men, butonely good men ; for when profit or pleafure is the knot that tyeth them, that is cafilybroken ; when wicked men agree, is is not peace,but confpfracy.Ncveethen lec that difhcarten thee :Oh if I Set my face for godlineffe, be once accounted in the number of chafe that walkaridly, all my neighbours will reproach me, every ones mouth will beopen, Art thou fo weak a Creature to re. gaol this? their love is not worththe owning ; no wicked man canlove another , but for carnal ends; and therefore they are very hypocrites,and ferret back. biters ofone another where it makesfor their advantage: fo that in this thou (heweft thy felfunworthy of Chofe : there aremany men that its a glory tobe fpoken againit by them, and it wouldbe a mans difhonour tohave their good word , yea, a man Should prefently fayas the heathen, nungaiámali feci? what evil haveI done that inch a man commends mc? Seventhly, Confider this thou whoart hindredbynewel friends and carnal 7à acquaintance, that ifthou forfakefttheft tocleave toGod, Thou wilt never repent of shy lore. For Chü[t will be in (leadof a Father,Husband, or the moll neceffary friend that can be. Thou wilt finde thou haft made an happy exchange ; for what friend could quiet thy confcience, forgive thy fin, fupporc thy (pint, fill thee with Spiritual joy? NowChrift will do all thefe i imbrue that promile, for it rs worthy of all acceptation,Mat.t9. 29. Svery one thatforfaketh Haafet, Sifters, Father, or Motherfor myfake,&c. Thal receive an hundredfoldin this life,andfball inheritever_ lofting life. Here willbe a two-fold fatisfacttion, thouwilt have in this life an hun- dred foldcomfort for that one comfort thou haft forfaken, though indeed Mark addetti, it will bevide perfecurion Oh then never think thou (halt beundone,tlrbu 'haft lofeall the favour and loveof thy friends, for thoudolt but part with a drop to have anocean ; and confider that comfortable place alto, Mat 12.5o. For who. foever f all do the willof my fatherwhich Winheaven, thefame is my brother, and andmother: fuppofe thy friends will never own thee more never take thee forbro- ther,or fitter more, yetfie Chrift will be thefe, thou wilt be ina More comfortable relation. Eightly,Confider that all thy merry company Will befops-from eating thyt orment, g that they willencreafe it the morewhen thou cameo indeed to beforfaken byGad.When thou lyeft a dying, ready togive a dreadful account to the great God, What will thycompanions fay ? They will come and (landby the bed fide, and take thee by the hand, remember wehave been thusmerry together, we have plaid theftpranks; Ohmiferable and wretched comforts! thou wilt cryout, What doth all this avail Ihkk ä refe 431
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