(2.) Again, theij do things to a good end, the glory of God, and the good of man. For want hereof, the alms, prayers, and fasting of the scribes and Pharisees (because they did nothing out of love to God or man, but for vain- gloiy and carnal respects), are condemned of Christ. So some are brought in at the last day, saying, ' Lord, Lord, have we not in thy name pro- phesied, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many won- derful works,' Mat. vii. 22 ; and yet Chi'ist professeth not to know them, but calleth them ' workers of iniquity.' They had gifts and calling, and delivered true docti'ine, &c. But here was then- fiiiling, ' They prophesied in his name, but not Jor his name.' Their actions were good in them- selves, and for others, but the end of them was naught, and therefore both they and their works are condemned. Yet this is not so to be understood, but that God's children have some thoughts of vainglory, which accom- panieth and creepeth into their best actions ; but they do acknowledge this * That is, ' outside of.' — Ed.
422 THE EETUENING BACKSLIDEB. [SeKMON XV.
for a sin, confess it, and desire the Lord to pardon and subdue it, and then it shall never be laid to their charge. Because having of infirmities is not contrary to sincerity, but allowing of them, and living in them ; in which case the Lord is more pleased with our humiliation for our sin, than the motions to vainglory did offend him.
(3.) Thirdly, a desire to yroiv in grace, and to become better and better, is a sign of uprightness. Christian righteousness, as it sees still need, so it still desires more grace and less sin ; because he who hath a true heart, seeth both the want and worth of grace, and feeleth his want. A man feels not the want of faith, humihty, and love, till he have it in some sort, as it is said, Philip, iii. 15, ' As many as are perfecft are thus minded,' to wit, so many as are upright: all is one.
(4.) Lastly, this just uprightness is known by Inve of the brethren. • By this we know we are translated from death to life, because we love the brethren,' 1 John iii. 14. Contrary to which is that disposition which envieth at all things which suits not with their humours : as James speaketh of those who prefer men, and have their persons in admiration, in regard of outward things, despising inferiors, James ii. 2.
Use 1. If therefore we will ever be counted righteous persons, let us keep these rules set down here, have a respect to all God's commandments, do all things to the glory of God, desire to grow in grace, and love the brethren.
2. And so it is also for consolation unto such who are thus qualified ; for unto them belongeth all the promises of this life, and of that to come. They are in a blessed estate, for ' all things are theirs,' 1 Cor. iii. 21, because they are Christ's. Therefore it is their bounden duty, having an upright heart, to rejoice in God, as the prophet speaks : ' Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, for praise is comely for the upright,' Ps. xxxiii. 1 ; Iii. 9. None have cause to rejoice but upright men.
1. Because they of all others have title and right to joy. 2. Because they have command to do it, seeing heaven is theirs. All the promises are theirs, and they are heirs of all things. It is a comely service, and the work of heaven.
Ohj. Against this some object. Oh, but I find many sins, passions, and infirmities in myself ; how then can I joy in God ?
Ans. To this we answer briefly, that the passions and infirmities of God's servants are not contrary to Christian uprightness and righteousness ; for St James saith, that ' Elias was a man subject to like passions and infirmities as we are,' James v. 17, yet he was a righteous man, though a man subject to the like passions as we are. Therefore the passions of Christians axe not contrary to Christian, but to legal, righteousness. But ' we are not under the law, but under grace,' Rom. vi. 15. The first covenant of works bids us have no sin ; the other covenant bids us allow no sin. Thus much is for that question, What is meant by just men ? It remains now that we should further inquire into that mystery, how it is that just men walk in the ways of God, and prosper therein, when yet wicked men, called ' transgressors,' fall therein. But this being a mystery, by your patience we will take time to unfold what we have to speak hereof the next time, if God be so pleased.
HOSEA XIV. 9.] THE RETURNING BACKSLIDEB. 428
THE SIXTEENTH SERMON.
The ways of the Lord are right: the just shaft icalk in them; but the trans- gressors shall fall therein. — Hos. XIV. 9.
God's children have their times of deadness and desertion, and again their times of quickening and rejoicing. Weeping doth not always remain unto them for their portion, ' but joy cometh in the morning,' Ps. xxx. 5. In the worst times the saints have always some comforts afforded them, which supporteth them against all the storms and tempests they endure. They have always a Goshen, Exod. ix. 22, to fly to. Others shall perish in that way, wherein they shall walk and escape.