VeR. 25.] UPON THE EPISTLE OF JUDE. 375
dead and gone ? Gen. xviii. 19. As a merchant, hast thou promoted religion with thy traffic ? Deut. xxxiii. 18, 19. As a magistrate, dost thou take care to secure the interest of Christ to posterity, that the succession of churches may not be cut off ? Ministers, have you been witnesses for God to the present age, and behaved yourselves as trustees for the next age? have you taken care that God may be honoured then ? that we do not transmit prejudices against the ways of God, and corruptions in doctrine and worship to posterity ? Oh ! where is this affection, this wishing, * To him be glory, now and ever ? '
The last thing in this inscription is the particle, amen, which is signaculum Jidei et votum desiderii nosiri ; it signifieth a hearty consent to God's promise, and a steady belief that it will continue to all generations. This word is often put at the end of prayers and doxologies in scripture ; see Rev, v. 13, 14, Eom. xvi. 27, Phil. iv. 20, &c. ; and sometimes it is doubled for the greater vehemency, Ps. li. 13, Ixxii. 19, Ixxxix. 52 ; and it seemeth by that passage of the apostle that anciently it was audibly pronounced by the people in public assemblies at the conclusion of prayers, 1 Cor. xiv, 16, and since that Jerome telleth us that amen ecclesice instar tonitru rehoahat — that the amen was so heartily sounded out by the church, that it seemed like a crack of thunder.
Ohs. 9. Certainly it is good to conclude holy exercises with some vigour and warmth. Natural motion is swifter in the end and close ; so should our spiritual affections be more vehement as we draw to a conclusion, and when the prayer is done, put out the efficacy of our faith and holy desires in a strong Amen, that it may be to you accord- ing to the requests of your hearts, and you may come away from the throne of grace as those that have had some feeling of God's love in your consciences, and are persuaded that he will accept you, and do you good in Jesus Christ.
Ohs. 10. Again observe, there should be an amen to our praises as well as to our prayers, that we may express our zeal and affection to God's glory as well as to our own profit. Many with the lepers will say amen to ' Jesus, master, have mercy upon us ;' but we are not as ready to say amen to this, ' To whom be glory,' kc. Our hallelujahs should sound as loud as our supplications, and we should as heartily consent to God's praises as to our own requests.
Ohs. 11. Lastly, in desiring the glory of God to all ages, we should express both our faith and love — faith in determining that it shall he, and love in desiring that it may he so with all our hearts. Both are implied in the word amen; it will be so whatever changes happen in the world. God will be glorious. The scene is often shifted, and furnished with new actors, but still God hath those that praise him, and will have to all eternity. Well, then, let your faith subscribe, and put to its seal. To the glory of God in Christ ; and let earnest love interpose : Lord, let it be so ; yea, Lord, let it be so. Heartily desire it, and with the whole strength of your souls ; set to your seals without fear, it is a request that cannot miscarry, and follow it with your hearty acclamg-tions. The world shall continue no longer
376 AN EXPOSITION, WITH NOTES. [VeR. 25.
when God shall have no more glory by it. Here you may be sure you pray according to God's will, and therefore may take it for granted ; only follow it earnestly ; say, Lord, whatever become of us and our matters, yet let thy name be glorified : Amen, Lord, let it be even so. Now * Blessed be his glorious name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with his glory : amen, and amen/ Ps. Ixxii. 19.
MEAT OUT OF THE EATER;
OH,
HOPES OF UNITY IN AND BY DIVIDED AND DISTRACTED
TIMES:
DISCOVERED IN A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE HONOURABLE
HOUSE OF COMMONS, AT MARGARET'S, WESTMINSTER,
ON THEIR SOLEMN DAY OF FAST, JUNE 30, 16i7.
THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY.
To the Honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament.
That which was preached by your command is now published. When the great voice saith, Come up hither, it is an evil modesty to hide among the stufi". In these busy times they are happy to whom God hath vouchsafed the shelter of an obscure privacy ; yet, upon a call, we should not consult with our own ease and quiet. The times are violent and blasting, and this poor endeavour is likely to undergo several misconstructions ; but, I thank God, I am learning to pass through good report and evil report, 2 Cor. vi. 8, and to disvalue censure when it seizeth upon me in the way of duty. I have dealt freely and im- partially against the miscarriages of both parties, and, happily,^ my liberty may displease some ; others may look upon the things offered here as too low and trivial, and not weighty enough to reach the end of the design. Let them remember the intent of these proposals is only to engage to a further consultation about the matter. The entire discourse were fitter for a treatise than a sermon ; and yet something is offered which, by the blessing of God, may be serviceable to reduce men from their violences and extremities to some better temper and moderation. Some possibly may dislike the whole design ; spirits now are very keen and exasperated ; men think it will be a cool- ing of their zeal if we should a little take off their edge and sharp- ness : fire will not be quenched without hissing. To these I shall only profess, that if I know mine heart, I abhor all such moderation and compliances as will not stand with Christian zeal, and may disadvan- tage truth and religion : whatever become of my own party, I would be faithful and true to that interest. I know that as it is hard to be moderate without, danger, so also without sin. Men of middle interests do always displease men, and they should be careful they do not dis- please God. There are many counterfeits of Christian moderation ; a cold, or, at best, a tepid indifferency, lukewarm Christians may easily middle it. Carnally-wise neutrality ; it is no wonder to see men that observe the times neither hot nor cold. A doubtful uncertainty; Bl-yjrvxoc are aKardararot, double-minded men are unstable, James i. 8, and their compliance is promiscuously dispensed. Some possibly may have so