Use 4. If he that cometh to God must believe that God is. It directs lis what to do in fierce and boisterous temptations. It is not good to leave the dispute then, in a time of temptation, to the uncertain tra- verses and debates of reason : foundation-stones must not be loosened. When our hearts are under the cloud of a temptation, the devil will be too hard for us in matter of argument ; we must believe that God is. It is a matter not only of science, but of faith : it is revealed in scripture, and therefore say. Though I could not make it good against all those fiery darts the devil casts into my soul, yet I will believe it. Though it be good to see upon what firm footing we stand at other times, yet in a time of temptation it is confutation enough to say to Satan, Thou liest ; and hold fast that principle he would wrest from us. In principles, sometimes we must answer Satan with resolution ; the world shows, and the creature shows, there is a God ; but if the world did not, it is enough that the word of God saith it. And therefore.
140 SERMONS UPON HEBREWS XI. [SeR. XXXT.
though the devil should puzzle reason and put the thoughts to a non- plus, yet whatever he should allege to the contrary, say, This is a maxim of God's word, and I will, and do, and must believe it. Doubts, which strike at first principles, are not to be scanned and examined ; for when you think to conquer atheism by your own wit and reasoning, the devil will be too subtle for you. Satan is a better disputant than many a poor christian ; therefore believe it, though you cannot dispute it out. I commend this, because it hath always been the practice of the saints, that when they have been sorely shaken and assaulted, yet they were resolved to stick to principles, and in the hour of temptation they fixed their resolutions and would not be removed from them. As David, Ps. Ixxiii. 1, he was under an atheistical temptation, and had brutish thoughts that there was no providence, because the wicked were exalted, and it went ill witli the righteous ; yet he holds fast this principle — ' Truly God is good to Israel ; ' I will never be brought off from this. So Jer. xii. 1, ' Kighteous art thou, 0 Lord, when I plead with thee;' he would lay up this principle, this truth, with great assurance at that time, I take this for a principle that God is righteous, though I cannot answer all my thoughts about his administrations in the world.
Use 5. If this be the first point of faith, to believe that there is a God, then it shows with what care we should maintain this principle. There are certain seasons when it is most assaulted.
1. There is a general season, and tliat is in the latter times. Atheism will then more abound, though it be more disguised. Mundus senescens patitur iiliantasias — the world, when it grows old, begins to dote, as old men come to dotage. There are many dreams and delusions the old world is subject to ; many errors then are set a-foot. Well then, there being a secret cognation and link between truth and truth, therefore all errors do more or less shake the primitive and supreme truth ; and also, we had need to fortify ourselves because of the many divisions which are in the church. Divisions in the church breed atheism in the world, therefore Christ prays, John xvii. 21, ' That they all may be one in us : that the world may believe that thou hast sent me;' that is, that the carnal world may know that I am no impostor. When there are divisions in religion it makes men suspect all, and then they will not believe Christ is the true Messiah. I remember, one observes, that when there is but one main division, that adds zeal of both sides ; but when we are crumbled into many divisions and fractions, then religion is exceedingly weakened ; and men grow cold and indifferent, and begin to lose all awe of religion and all sense of God ; therefore you had need to stand your ground, and be fortified against atheistical thoughts because of the scandals of religion. We are told, 2 Tim. iii. 1, 2, ' In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,' &c. ' Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof,' ver. 5. Now when they see the professors of religion so scandalous, unrighteous, turbulent, and self-seeking, and wallowing in filthy delights, and yet pretend to strict- ness in religion, and all this is carried on under a form of godliness, men will think that religion itself is nothing else but an empty pretence, or a cover for unclean intents and evil practices, and so cast off all.
VeR. 6.] SERMONS UPOX HEBREWS XI. 14.1
And they will be strengthened herein by the world's continuance ; so the apostle Peter : 2 Peter iii. 4, ' All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.' There are no preparations towards the accomplishment of the christian's great hopes and Christ's coming to judgment ; therefore it is the most needful point that can be pressed to fortify your hearts against atheism. These are the general seasons.