Then & Now · 6 of 10
The Fifth Sermon
The Fifth Sermon
ISAIAH 25. 8. And all teares ſhall be wiped away from all faces.
“‸ And all tears shall be wiped away from all faces.—Isa 25:8.”
NOt only death ſhall be ſwallowed up in victory, but God will wipe away all tears from all eyes; Religion ſhall be religion, good things ſhall be good things, nothing ſhall go under falſe notions, all tears ſhall be wiped away; we have now many cauſes of teares. In the world there is continuall raiſing of clouds that diſtill into drops of teares; had we nothing without us to raiſe a vapour to be diſtil’d in teares, we are able to raiſe up miſts from our owne miſts, from our owne doubts and conflicts within.
Not only death shall be swallowed up in victory, but God ‘will wipe away all tears from all eyes.’ Religion shall be religion; good things shall be good things. Nothing shall go under false notions. All tears shall be wiped away. We have now many causes of tears. In the world there is continual raising of clouds, that distil into drops of tears. Had we nothing without us to raise a vapour to be distilled in tears, we are able to raise up mists from our own mists, from our own doubts and conflicts within.
As we ſhould weepe for our owne ſinnes, ſo for the ſinnes of others; as wee may ſee in Jeremy, where the Prophet ſaith, Oh that my head were a fountaine of teares, that I might weepe continually for the ſinnes of my people.171 And indeed good men are eaſie to weepe, as the heathen man obſerveth; they are eaſie to lament, not onely for their own ſinnes, but the ſinnes and miſery of another.
- 171. Good men eaſie to weepe. [dropped from the edition]
As we should weep for our own sins, so for the sins of others. As we may see in Jeremiah, where the prophet saith, ‘O that my head were a fountain of tears, that I might weep continually for the sins of my people,’ Jer 9:1. And indeed good men are easy to weep, as the heathen man observeth. They are easy to lament, not only for their own sins, but the sins and misery of another.
p. 73 Our bleſſed Saviour himſelfe, we never read that he laughed, wee have heard that he wept, and for his very enemies, Oh Jeruſalem, Jeruſalem; He ſhed teares for them that ſhed his bloud. Teares were maine evidences of Chriſts ſweetneſſe of diſpoſition; as that hee would become man, and a curſe, and die for us, and that he would make ſo much of little children, and call all to him that were weary and heavy laden; that hee never refuſed any that came to him. Hee that wept ſpecially for the miſeries and afflictions; this ſhewed his gracious and ſweet diſpoſition: And that in heaven, he is ſo full of ſympathies in glory, that when Paul perſecuted the Church, Why doſt thou perſecute me? So though he is free from paſſion in heaven,172 he is not free from compaſſion, from ſympathie with his Church. And ſo every child of God is ready, not onely to grieve for his own ſinnes, and the miſerie that followeth them, but the ſins and miſeries of others.173 Mine eyes guſh out with rivers of teares, ſaith the Prophet David, when hee ſaw that men brake the law of God, whom he loved.
Our blessed Saviour himself, we never read that he laughed. We have heard that he wept, and for his very enemies, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,’ Matt 23:37. He shed tears for them that shed his blood. Tears were main evidences of Christ’s sweetness of disposition; as that he would become man, and a curse, and die for us, and that he would make so much of little children, and call all to him that were weary and heavy laden, that he never refused any that came to him. He that wept specially for the miseries and afflictions, this showed his gracious and sweet disposition. And that in heaven, he is so full of sympathies in glory, that when Paul persecuted the church, ‘Why dost thou persecute me?‸’ Acts 9:4; so, though he is free from passion in heaven, he is not free from compassion, from sympathy with his church. And so every child of God is ready, not only to grieve for his own sins, and the misery that followeth them, but the sins and miseries of others. ‘Mine eyes gush out with rivers of tears,’ saith the prophet David, Ps 119:136, when he saw that men brake the law of God, whom he loved.
A true naturall child takes to heart the diſgrace of his father; if we be not grieved to ſee our father diſgraced, wee are baſtards, not ſonnes. They that make a ſport of ſinne, what are they? Alas, they have not one ſparke of the ſpirit of adoption: they are not children, who rejoyce at that at which they ſhould grieve.
A true natural child takes to heart the disgrace of his father. If we be not grieved to see our father disgraced, we are bastards, not sons. They that make a sport of sin, what are they? Alas! they have not one spark of the spirit of adoption. They are not children, who rejoice at that at which they should grieve.
So Saint Paul,174 I have told you often, and now tell you weeping, there be many enemies of the croſſe of Chriſt; When he ſaw ſome men preach againſt, and others enemies of the croſſe of Chriſt, whoſe end is damnation, hee telleth them of it weeping.
- 174. Phil. 3. 18, [dropped from the edition]
So St Paul, ‘I have told you often, and now tell you weeping, there be many enemies of the cross of Christ,’ Phil 3:18. When he saw some men preach against, and others enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, he telleth them of it weeping.
Wee have cauſe therefore to mourne for the ſinnes of others,175 and for the miſeries of others; whether we reſpect God, or the Church, or our ſelves.
- 175. We have cauſe to weepe for the ſinnes of others. [dropped from the edition]
We have cause, therefore, to mourn for the sins of others, and for the miseries of others, whether we respect God, or the church, or ourselves.‸
Firſt, the love of God moveth us to weepe when wee ſee him diſhonored
First, the love of God moveth us to weep when we see him dishonoured.
:176 If we love the Church, we ſhould p. 74 mourne for any ſinnes that may prejudice their ſalvation.177
Second, if we love the church, we should mourn for any sins that may prejudice their salvation.
Doth it not pitty any man to ſee an Oxe go to ſlaughter; to ſee a man of parts otherwiſe, by ſinning againſt conſcience, going to ſlaughter; to ſee an ordinary ſwearer, an uncleane perſon, a prophane wretch, covering himſelfe with pride as a garment, ſcorning God, and the world, and all. Can a Chriſtian looke upon this, ſee fleſh and blood, like himſelf, under the Goſpell, under a curſed condition unavoidable, without ſerious repentance,178 and not be affected with it? Can a man ſee a poore Aſſe fall under a burthen, and not helpe to take it up, and yet ſee man falling to hell, and not be affected with it? Thus we ſee wee have cauſe enough of teares: And as there is cauſe, ſo we ſhould be ſenſible; we ought to take to heart the afflictions of Joſeph; hee is a dead man that hath not ſenſe in this kinde. If wee go to the body and ſtate, or any thing about a man, there is cauſe of griefe; hath not every member many diſeaſes? and is not our lives a kind of hoſpitall, ſome ſicke of one thing, ſome of another? But as there is cauſe wee ſhould bee ſenſible of it, wee are fleſh and not ſtones, therefore it is a ſottiſh opinion, to be ſtockiſh and brutiſh; as if to outface ſorrow and griefe were a glory.
- 178. Simile. [dropped from the edition]
Doth it not pity any man to see an ox go to slaughter? to see a man of parts otherwise, by sinning against conscience, going to slaughter? to see an ordinary swearer, an unclean person, a profane wretch, covering himself with pride as a garment, scorning God, and the world, and all? Can a Christian look upon this, see flesh and blood, like himself, under the gospel, under a cursed condition unavoidable, without serious repentance, and not be affected with it? Can a man see a poor ass fall under a burden, and not help to take it up, and yet see man falling to hell, and not be affected with it? Thus we see we have cause enough of tears. And as there is cause, so we should be sensible. We ought to take to heart the afflictions of Joseph. He is a dead man that hath not sense in this kind. If we go to the body and state, or anything about a man, there is cause of grief. Hath not every member many diseases? and is not our lives a kind of hospital, some sick of one thing, some of another? But as there is cause we should be sensible of it, we are flesh and not stones, therefore it is a sottish opinion, to be stockish and brutish, as if to outface sorrow and grief were a glory.
When our Saviour was ſent into the world,179 Chriſti dolor,180 dolor maximus, there were no patience without ſenſibleneſſe; away then with that iron, that flinty Phyloſophy, that thinks it a vertue to be ſtupid: And as the Apoſtle ſaith, Romans 1. 31. without naturall affections: He counteth it the greateſt judgement of God upon the ſoule, yet they would have it a vertue. Why ſhould I ſmite them any more ſaith God181? they have no ſenſe, no feeling.
Use 1. When our Saviour was sent into the world, Christi dolor, dolor maximus, there were no patience without sensibleness. Away, then, with that iron, that flinty philosophy, that thinks it a virtue to be stupid; and as the apostle saith, ‘without natural affections,’ Rom 1:‸31. ‸ He counteth it the greatest judgment of God upon the soul, yet they would have it a virtue. Why should I smite them any more? saith God; they have no sense, no feeling, Isa 1:5.
The proud Phyloſopher thought it was not phyloſophicall to weepe; a proud ſtoicall humor, but Chriſtians deſire it.
The proud philosopher thought it was not philosophical to weep, a proud stoical humour, but Christians desire it.
And therefore we ought to labour to be more ſenſible, that we might make our peace, and reverence the p. 75 juſtice of God, and be more ſenſible of him afterwards. It is moſt true,182 that Sapiens miſer, plus miſer; the more wiſe any man is, the more ſenſible of miſery: And therefore of all men, the beſt men have moſt griefe, becauſe they have moſt quicke ſenſes, they be not ſtupified with inſenſibility, and reſoluteneſſe, to beare it bravely as the world; but they apprehend with griefe, the cauſe of griefe. And as they have a more ſanctified judgement than other men, ſo they have a more wiſe affection of love, and a quicker life of grace; where life is, there is ſenſe: and where there is a cleare ſight, or cauſe of griefe, there is moſt griefe. Therefore the beſt men have moſt griefe, becauſe they be moſt judicious, moſt loving.
- 182. The beſt men apteſt to grieve. [dropped from the edition]
And therefore we ought to labour to be more sensible, that we might make our peace, and reverence the justice of God, and be more sensible of him afterwards. It is most true, that Sapiens miser, plus miser; the more wise any man is, the more sensible of misery. And therefore of all men, the best men have most grief, because they have most quick senses. They be not stupified with insensibility‸ and resoluteness, to bear it bravely, as the world; but they apprehend with grief, the cause of grief. And as they have a more sanctified judgment than other men, so they have a more wise affection of love, and a quicker life of grace. Where life is, there is sense; and where there is a clear sight‸ or cause of grief, there is most grief. Therefore the best men have most grief, because they be most judicious, most loving.
Then they have moſt grace to beare it out of all others; therefore conſidering there is cauſe in our ſelves, and in others of griefe continually, wee ought to labour to be ſenſible of it, elſe it were no favour to have teares wiped away.
Then they have most grace to bear it out of all others. Therefore, considering there is cause in ourselves and in others of grief continually, we ought to labour to be sensible of it, else it were no favour to have tears wiped away.
So that there is cauſe of teares, and teares is a duty of Chriſtians, ſenſible of the cauſe both of ſinne and miſery, upon one, and another.
So that there is cause of tears, and tears is a duty of Christians, sensible of the cause both of sin and misery‸ upon one‸ and another.
And as it is an unavoidable griefe,183 ſo it is good wee ſhould grieve:184 we muſt ſtoope to Gods courſe, we muſt bring our hearts to it, and pray, (that ſince our neceſſities and ſins doe call for this diſpenſation, that we muſt under correction, he will make us ſenſible of his rod) that he would make good his Covenant of grace, to take away our ſtony hearts, and give us hearts of fleſh, that we may be ſenſible.
Use 2. And as it is an unavoidable grief, so it is good we should grieve. We must stoop to God’s course, we must bring our hearts to it, and pray‸ (that since our necessities and sins do call for this dispensation, that we must under correction, he will make us sensible of his rod), that he would make good his covenant of grace, ‘to take away our stony hearts, and give us hearts of flesh,’ Ezek 11:19, that we may be sensible.
Moſt of graces are founded upon affection; and all graces are but affections ſanctified: what would become of grace, if wee had not affections? therefore as there is cauſe of griefe, and teares from griefe, wee ought to grieve. It is a condition, and a duty; a condition following miſery, and a duty following our condition.
Most of graces are founded upon affection, and all graces are but affections sanctified. What would become of grace, if we had not affections? Therefore, as there is cause of grief, and tears from grief, we ought to grieve. It is a condition, and a duty: a condition following misery, and a duty following our condition.
p. 76 Take heed of that which hinders ſenſibleneſſe of troubles and judgement,185 that is, hardneſſe of heart, forgetfulneſſe, ſtudying to put away ſorrow with ſinne: For we ought to be ſenſible, and ought to labour to be ſenſible, to know the meaning of every croſſe in our ſelves, and others.
- 185. Avoid what hnders ſenſibleneſſe. [dropped from the edition]
Take heed of that which hinders sensibleness of troubles and judgment, that is, hardness of heart, forgetfulness, studying to put away sorrow with sin. For we ought to be sensible, and ought to labour to be sensible, to know the meaning of every cross in ourselves and others.
But ſuppoſe wee have croſſes, and we muſt be ſenſible of them, then it followeth, God will wipe away all teares from our eyes. Is there nothing for the preſent, no ground of comfort? yes. As we ought to be ſenſible of griefe, ſo we ought to be ſenſible of matter of joy for the preſent, ſpecially if we conſider the time to come. The life of a Chriſtian is a ſtrange kind of life;186 hee ought to grieve, and he ought to joy; hee hath occaſion of both, and hee ought to entertaine both: for that that wee ought to aime at ſpecially is joy; and if we grieve, it is that afterwards wee might joy. We muſt be ſenſible of any affliction,187 that wee might joy afterwards, and wee ought to labour for it: For is not the joy of the Lord our ſtrength? Are not we fit to doe ſervice, when our ſpirits are moſt inlarged? And is it not a credit to Religion, when we walke in comfort of the holy Ghoſt? Is it not a ſcandall, when we droope under the croſſe? Wee ought to be ſenſible, yet not ſo, as to forget matter of joy and comfort. And therefore as wee ought to grieve, ſo wee ought when we have grieved, to keep up the ſoule with conſideration of joy for the preſent as much as wee can,188 yea, to picke out matter of comfort from the very croſſe. That is the heart of a Chriſtian, not onely to joy in other matters, but to picke comfort out of griefe. God ſuffers me to fall into this or that condition, it is a fruit of his fatherly love; he might ſuffer me to runne the broad way, to be given up to a reprobate ſenſe and hard heart, but he doth not doe ſo. Picke out matter of comfort from griefe.
But suppose we have crosses, and we must be sensible of them, then it followeth, ‘God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.’ Is there nothing for the present, no ground of comfort? Yes. As we ought to be sensible of grief, so we ought to be sensible of matter of joy for the present, specially if we consider the time to come. The life of a Christian is a strange kind of life. He ought to grieve, and he ought to joy. He hath occasion of both, and he ought to entertain both; for that that we ought to aim at specially is joy, and if we grieve, it is that afterwards we might joy. We must be sensible of any affliction, that we might joy afterwards, and we ought to labour for it. For is not the joy of the Lord our strength? Are not we fit to do service, when our spirits are most enlarged? And is it not a credit to religion, when we walk in comfort of the Holy Ghost? Is it not a scandal, when we droop under the cross? We ought to be sensible, yet not so‸ as to forget matter of joy and comfort. And therefore, as we ought to grieve, so we ought, when we have grieved, to keep up the soul with consideration of joy for the present as much as we can, yea, to pick out matter of comfort from the very cross. That is the heart of a Christian, not only to joy in other matters, but to pick comfort out of grief. God suffers me to fall into this or that condition. It is a fruit of his fatherly love. He might suffer me to run the broad way, to be given up to a reprobate sense and hard heart, but he doth not do so. Pick out matter of comfort from grief.
Then conſider the preſence of God in it; indeed I have matter of griefe, but I finde God moderating it: p. 77 It might be farre worſe, it is his mercy I am not conſumed: I finde God by it doing me good, I finde my ſelfe better by it, I cannot well be without it. Who would not labour to be ſenſible of a croſſe, when he looketh up to Gods croſſe, and juſtice, and mercy, he hath rather cauſe to joy, than to grieve in the very croſſe it ſelf.
Then consider the presence of God in it. Indeed, I have matter of grief, but I find God moderating it. It might be far worse, it is his mercy I am not consumed; I find God by it doing me good, I find myself better by it, I cannot well be without it. Who would not labour to be sensible of a cross, when he looketh up to God’s cross, and justice, and mercy? He hath rather cause to joy, than to grieve in the very cross itself.
But ſpecially marke what the holy Ghoſt ſaith here, wee ought not to be caſt downe overmuch with any croſſe, conſidering God will wipe away all teares from our eyes, that is, all naturall teares, and the miſeries of this life. There ſhall be no more miſery, no more ſickneſſe, no more trouble.
But specially mark what the Holy Ghost saith here. We ought not to be cast down overmuch with any cross, considering God ‘will wipe away all tears from our eyes,’ that is, all natural tears, and the miseries of this life. There shall be no more misery, no more sickness, no more trouble.
And then all teares that ariſe from conſideration of ſinne, and miſery following ſinne. Death is the accompliſhment of all mortification. It is a comfort wee ſhall not alwaies leade this conflicting life, but the warre between the fleſh and ſpirit will be taken up; the ſenſe wil be removed,189 wee ſhall be out of Satans reach, and the worlds reach one day, which is a great comfort to conſider: Whatſoever the cauſe is, the cauſe ſhall be removed ere long. If the cauſe be deſertion, for that God leaveth us comfortleſſe, wee ſhall be for ever hereafter with the Lord: If the cauſe be ſeparation from friends, why wee ſhall all meet together ere long, and be for ever in heaven: If the cauſe be our owne ſinnes, wee ſhall ceaſe hereafter to offend God, and Chriſt will be all in all; Now ſin is almoſt all in all, ſinne and corruption beare a great ſway in us: If the matter of our griefe be the ſinnes of others, and the afflictions of others; there is no ſinne in heaven, no uncleane thing ſhall enter there. The ſoules of perfect men are there, and all are of one mind, there is no oppoſition to goodneſſe, there all ſhall goe one way, there (howſoever they cannot agree here) all ſhall have mutuall ſolace and contentment in one another; they in us and wee in them, and that for ever; you cannot name them, or imagine a cauſe of teares, but it ſhall be removed there: Nay, the more p. 78 teares we have ſhed here,190 the more comfort wee ſhall have. As our troubles are increaſed here, our conſolation ſhall increaſe: That wee ſuffer here, if for a good cauſe, will worke our eternall and exceeding weight of glory: wee ſay Aprill ſhowers, bring forth May flowers; It is a common ſpeech from experience of common life. It is true in Religion, the more teares wee ſhed in the Aprill of our lives, the more ſweet comfort we ſhall have hereafter: If no teares are to be ſhed here, no flowers are to be gather’d there. And therefore beſides deliverance from trouble, here is comfort, God will take away all cauſe of griefe, and all kindes of griefe whatſoever.
And then all tears that arise from consideration of sin, and misery following sin. Death is the accomplishment of all mortification. It is a comfort we shall not always lead this conflicting life, but the war between the flesh and spirit will be taken up; the sense will be removed. We shall be out of Satan’s reach, and the world’s reach one day, which is a great comfort to consider. Whatsoever the cause is, the cause shall be removed ere long. If the cause be desertion, for that God leaveth us comfortless, we shall be for ever hereafter with the Lord. If the cause be separation from friends, why we shall all meet together ere long, and be for ever in heaven. If the cause be our own sins, we shall cease hereafter to offend God, and Christ will be all in all. Now sin is almost all in all. Sin and corruption bear a great sway in us. If the matter of our grief be the sins of others, and the afflictions of others, there is no sin in heaven, ‘no unclean thing shall enter there,’ Rev 21:27. The souls of perfect men are there, and all are of one mind. There is no opposition to goodness, there all shall go one way; there, ‸howsoever they cannot agree here, all shall have mutual solace and contentment in one another: they in us and we in them, and that for ever. You cannot name them, or imagine a cause of tears, but it shall be removed there. Nay, the more tears we have shed here, the more comfort we shall have. As our troubles are increased here, our consolation shall increase. That we suffer here, if for a good cause, will work our ‘eternal and exceeding weight of glory,’ 2 Cor 4:‸17. We say April showers‸ bring forth May flowers. It is a common speech, from experience of common life. It is true in religion. The more tears we shed in the April of our lives, the more sweet comfort we shall have hereafter. If no tears are to be shed here, no flowers are to be gathered there. And, therefore, besides deliverance from trouble, here is comfort, God will take away all cause of grief, and all kinds of grief whatsoever.
And therefore thus think of it.
And therefore thus think of it.
The next thing to be conſidered is the order.191 Firſt, we muſt ſhed teares, and then they muſt be wiped away: After a ſtorme, a calme; after ſowing in teares, comes reaping in joy. What is the reaſon of that order? The reaſon is our owne neceſſity: we are in ſuch a frame and condition ſince the fall, that we cannot be put into a good frame of grace without much paine.192 The truths of God muſt croſſe us,193 and afflictions muſt joyne with them: For the ſinnes contracted by pleaſure, muſt be diſſolved by paine: Repentance muſt coſt us teares; we may thank our ſelves if wee have brought our ſelves to a ſinfull courſe.194 For the neceſſity of this order, a diſeaſed perſon muſt not bee cured, till hee feele ſome ſmart of the wounds.
The next thing to be considered is the order. First, we must shed tears, and then they must be wiped away. After a storm, a calm; after sowing in tears, comes reaping in joy. What is the reason of that order? Reason 1. The reason is our own necessity. We are in such a frame and condition since the fall, that we cannot be put into a good frame of grace without much pain. The truths of God must cross us, and afflictions must join with them. For the sins contracted by pleasure, must be dissolved by pain. Repentance must cost us tears. We may thank ourselves if we have brought ourselves to a sinful course. For the necessity of this order, a diseased person must not be cured‸ till he feel some smart of the wounds.
Againe, conſider it is for our increaſe of comfort afterwards,195 that God will have us ſhed teares; and then to have our teares wiped away,196 becauſe we be more ſenſible of joy, and comfort after ſorrow. We cannot bee ſenſible of the joyes of heaven, unleſſe wee feele the contrary here: And therefore of all men, heaven will be the moſt heaven to them that have had their portion of Croſſes, and afflictions here. Firſt therefore ſhed teares, and then they muſt be wiped away, becauſe joy is moſt p. 79 ſenſible.197 As it is with the wickedeſt of all men, they be moſt miſerable that have been happieſt, becauſe their ſoule is inlarged by their happineſſe, to apprehend ſorrow more quickly and ſenſibly; ſo they that have been moſt miſerable here, ſhall have moſt joy hereafter.
Reason 2. Again, consider it is for our increase of comfort afterwards, that God will have us shed tears; and then to have our tears wiped away, because we be more sensible of joy‸ and comfort after sorrow. We cannot be sensible of the joys of heaven, unless we feel the contrary here. And therefore of all men, heaven will be the most heaven to them that have had their portion of crosses and afflictions here. First, therefore, shed tears, and then they must be wiped away, because joy is most sensible. As it is with the wickedest of all men, they be most miserable that have been happiest, because their soul is enlarged by their happiness, to apprehend sorrow more quickly and sensibly. So they that have been most miserable here, shall have most joy hereafter.
Now for Uſe:198 Here is not onely the mercies of God in Chriſt,199 but the tender mercy; that whereas our life is full of teares, which we have brought upon our ſelves, yet God ſtoops ſo low as to wipe our eyes, like a father or mother, his mercy is a ſweet and tender mercy: And as the Pſalmiſt ſaith, When wee are ſick he maketh our beds in our ſickneſſe. Chriſt will come, and ſerve them that watch and ſerve him; nay hee will attend them, and ſup with them. He is not only mercy and goodneſſe, but there be in him bowells of mercy; he not onely giveth matter of joy and comfort, but hee will doe like a tender hearted mother, wiping away all teares from our eyes; we cannot apprehend the Bowells in Gods love, the pitty and mercy of God towards them that be his, and afflicted in the World, ſpecially in a good cauſe: though they bee never ſo many, if they bee penitent teares, he will wipe them all away.
Use 1. Now for use. Here is not only the mercies of God in Christ, but the tender mercy; that whereas our life is full of tears, which we have brought upon ourselves, yet God stoops so low as to wipe our eyes, like a father or mother. His mercy is a sweet and tender mercy. And, as the psalmist saith, when we are sick ‘he maketh our beds in our sickness,’ Ps 41:3. Christ will come‸ and serve them that watch and serve him; nay, he will attend them, and ‘sup with them,’ Rev 3:20. He is not only mercy and goodness, but there be in him bowels of mercy. He not only giveth matter of joy and comfort, but he will do like a tender-‸hearted mother, wiping away all tears from our eyes. We cannot apprehend the bowels in God’s love, the pity and mercy of God towards them that be his, and afflicted in the world, specially in a good cause. Though they be never so many, if they be penitent tears, he will wipe them all away.
And whereas wee muſt ſhed teares here,200 that we may be comforted hereafter, take heed that we doe not in this life judge by ſight, but by faith: if we live by ſight, wee are of all men moſt wretched. In the world the Children of God are moſt miſerable, and of the Children of God, the beſt Saints. Who hath more cauſe of teares than the beſt Saints? It is but ſeed time here; while ſeed time continues, there be teares. The Husbandman while it is ſeed time cannot doe his office but with trouble: the Miniſter cannot doe his office, but he is forc’d to take to heart the ſinnes of the times, to ſee his worke go backward: Governours of Families and ſuch, they carry their ſeed weeping; yea, the beſt men cannot doe good ſometimes, but they doe it with trouble in themſelves, and with p. 80 conflict of corruptions. There is no good ſowne here, but it is ſowne in teares: yet take no ſcandall at this, God will wipe away all teares.
- 200. Judge not by ſight, for the godly here mourn moſt. [dropped from the edition]
And whereas we must shed tears here, that we may be comforted hereafter, take heed that we do not in this life judge by sight, but by faith. ‘If we live by sight, we are of all men most wretched,’ 1 Cor 15:19. In the world the children of God are most miserable, and of the children of God, the best saints. Who hath more cause of tears than the best saints? It is but seed-‸time here. While seed-‸time continues, there be tears. The husbandman, while it is seed-‸time, cannot do his office but with trouble. The minister cannot do his office, but he is forced to take to heart the sins of the times, to see his work go backward. Governors of families and such, they carry their seed weeping. Yea, the best men cannot do good sometimes, but they do it with trouble in themselves, and with conflict of corruptions. There is no good sown here, but it is sown in tears; yet take no scandal at this, ‘God will wipe away all tears.’
The head of the Church our bleſſed Saviour, and all his gracious Apoſtles, what a life did they live? The glorious Martyrs that ſealed the truth with their bloud. And therefore as the Apoſtle ſaith,201 If our happineſſe were here onely, we were of all men moſt miſerable. If we judge by ſight, wee ſhall condemne the generation of the righteous: we live by ſight; when wee ſee any caſt downe with ſight of ſinne, ſenſe of temptation, diſtreſſe of conſcience, wee thinke him forlorne; Oh take heed of that: For thoſe that ſhed teares here, God will wipe them all away. Woe to them that laugh now, for they ſhall mourne hereafter: Though wee weepe here, yet matter of joy enough ſhall ſpring up hereafter. Afflictions will yeeld a quiet fruit of righteouſneſſe to them that are exerciſed thereby, Heb. 12. 11. we may not ſee their fruits preſently, but afterwards: And therefore be not diſcouraged for any thing we can ſuffer here, or for the Church, if we ſee her under preſſure. As darkneſſe is ſowne for the wicked,202 the foundation of their eternall torment is laid in their joy: ſo the ground and foundation of all a godly mans joy is laid in teares.203 Bleſſed are they that mourn, for they ſhall be comforted. Yet for the preſent there is more matter of joy than griefe, if we look with both eyes: as wee ought to have double eyes, one to be ſenſible of our griefe as we muſt be, the other of our comfort, that we may not be ſurprized with griefe. There is a ſorrow to death, an overmuch ſorrow; it is unthankfulneſſe to God to forget our comforts, as it is ſtupidity to forget our ſorrow: Take us at the worſt, have not we more cauſe of joy then ſorrow? Marke Rom. 5. Being juſtified by faith, wee have peace with God, and rejoyce under hope of glory; Nay afterwards, ſaith he, we rejoyce in tribulations: And why? upon what ground? Knowing that tribulations bring experience, and experience p. 81 hope, and hope maketh not aſhamed. Now we rejoyce in God reconciled in Chriſt: So that as we ought to looke with one eye upon the griefe, that we may have ground to exerciſe grace, which we are not capable of without ſenſibleneſſe; ſo we muſt look to grounds of joy. Our life is woven of matter of ſorrow, and joy; & as it is woven of both, affections ſhould be ſenſible of both, that they may be more apprehenſive of the grounds of comforts.
The Head of the church, our blessed Saviour, and all his gracious apostles, what a life did they live! The glorious martyrs that sealed the truth with their blood! And therefore, as the apostle saith, ‘If our happiness were here only, we were of all men most miserable,’ 1 Cor 15:19. If we judge by sight, we shall condemn the generation of the righteous. We live by sight, when we see any cast down with sight of sin, sense of temptation, distress of conscience, we think him forlorn. Oh, take heed of that! For those that shed tears here, God will wipe them all away. ‘Woe to them that laugh now, for they shall mourn hereafter,’ Luke 6:25. Though we weep here, yet matter of joy enough shall spring up hereafter. ‘Afflictions will yield a quiet fruit of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby,’ Heb‸ 12:‸11. We may not see their fruits presently, but afterwards. And therefore be not discouraged for anything we can suffer here, or for the church, if we see her under pressure. As darkness is sown for the wicked, the foundation of their eternal torment is laid in their joy; so the ground and foundation of all a godly man’s joy is laid in tears. ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,’ Matt 5:4. Yet for the present there is more matter of joy than grief, if we look with both eyes; as we ought to have double eyes, one to be sensible of our grief, as we must be, the other of our comfort, that we may not be surprised with grief. There is a sorrow to death, an overmuch sorrow. It is unthankfulness to God to forget our comforts, as it is stupidity to forget our sorrow. Take us at the worst, have not we more cause of joy than sorrow? Mark Rom‸ 5:1: ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, and rejoice under hope of glory.’ Nay, afterwards, saith he, ‘we rejoice in tribulations.’ And why? upon what ground? ‘Knowing that tribulations bring experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed.’ Now we rejoice in God reconciled in Christ. So that as we ought to look with one eye upon the grief, that we may have ground to exercise grace, which we are not capable of without sensibleness, so we must look to grounds of joy. Our life is woven of matter of sorrow‸ and joy; and as it is woven of both, affections should be sensible of both, that they may be more apprehensive of the grounds of comforts.
When the day of perſecution approacheth,204 this will make us comfortable, for our life is a valley of teares; and ſhall not wee go through this valley of teares, to this mount where all teares ſhall be wiped away from all eyes? When we be dejected with the loſſe of any friend, they ſay as Chriſt ſaid to the woman, weepe not for me: they be happy, and all teares are wiped away from their eyes. And therefore as it is matter of comfort while we live, ſo ground of comfort when wee die; for there is occaſion of ſorrow in death, parting with friends and comforts of this world, then teares are ſhed in more abundance, and then wee bethinke our ſelves of former ſinnes, and there is renewing of repentance more then at other times; yet then are we neer the time of joy, and neereſt the accompliſhment of the promiſe, that all teares ſhall be wiped away.
- 204. This is comfortable while we live and when we die. [dropped from the edition]
When the day of persecution approacheth, this will make us comfortable, for our life is a valley of tears; and shall not we go through this valley of tears, to this mount where all tears shall be wiped away from all eyes? When we be dejected with the loss of any friend, they say as Christ said to the women, ‘Weep not for me,’ Luke 23:‸28. They be happy, ‘and all tears are wiped away from their eyes.’ And therefore as it is matter of comfort while we live, so ground of comfort when we die. For there is occasion of sorrow in death, parting with friends and comforts of this world. Then tears are shed in more abundance, and then we bethink ourselves of former sins, and there is renewing of repentance more than at other times; yet then are we near the time of joy, and nearest the accomplishment of the promise‸ that ‘all tears shall be wiped away.’
And ſo you have the whole ſtate of a chriſtian life, an afflicted condition, I but it is a comfortable condition: The more afflictions here, the more comfort here, but ſpecially hereafter. The life of a carnall man is all in miſery;205 if he falls to joy, he is all joy, if to ſorrow, he is all ſorrow, hee hath nothing to ſupport him, he is like a Naball, he ſinketh like a piece of lead to the bottome of the ſea, like Achitophell downe he goeth; when he is upon the merry pinne, he is nothing but joy: But a Chriſtians ſtate and diſpoſition are both mixt, he hath ground of ſorrow for his owne ſinnes, and for the ſinnes and miſeries of the times; So he hath matter of comfort p. 82 for the preſent, in the favour of God, in the pardoning of ſinnes, in the preſence of God, in delivering him from trouble. He hath ſpeciall ground of joy in hope of glory in time to come.206 Therefore as wee have a mixt ſtate, labour for a mixt diſpoſition, and labour to be in a joyfull frame, ſo to grieve, as out of it to raiſe matter of joy: And when wee would joy, grieve before, for joy is ſowne in griefe. The beſt method of joy is for to take away all that diſturbeth our joy; ſearch the bottome of the heart, ſee what ſinne is unconfeſt, unrepented of, ſpread it before God, deſire God to pardon it, to ſeale the pardon. When our ſoules are ſearched ro the bottome, then out of that ſorrow ſpringeth joy: and out of theſe ſighs, and grones that cannot be expreſt, commeth joy unſpeakable, and full of glory. If a man will be joyfull, let him labour to weepe firſt, that the matter that interrupteth his joy may be taken away. Thoſe that will be joyfull, and not ſearch to the bottome, muſt needs with ſhame be brought backe to ſorrow. When wee will joy to purpoſe, let us judge our ſelves, that we may not be judged of the Lord; mourne for our ſinnes, and then lay hold upon the promiſe, that all they that mourne for ſinne ſhall be comforted. And bleſſed are they that ſhed teares here, for all teares ſhall be wiped away.
And so you have the whole state of a Christian life, an afflicted condition. Aye, ‸ but it is a comfortable condition. The more afflictions here, the more comfort here, but specially hereafter. The life of a carnal man is all in misery. If he falls to joy, he is all joy; if to sorrow, he is all sorrow. He hath nothing to support him. He is like a Nabal, he sinketh like a piece of lead to the bottom of the sea, 1 Sam 25:37, 38; like Ahithophel, down he goeth, 2 Sam 17:23. When he is upon the merry pin, he is nothing but joy. But a Christian’s state and disposition are both mixed. He hath ground of sorrow for his own sins, and for the sins and miseries of the times. So he hath matter of comfort for the present, in the favour of God, in the pardoning of sins, in the presence of God, in delivering him from trouble. He hath special ground of joy in hope of glory in time to come. Therefore, as we have a mixed state, labour for a mixed disposition, and labour to be in a joyful frame, so to grieve, as out of it to raise matter of joy. And when we would joy, grieve before, for joy is sown in grief. The best method of joy is for to take away all that disturbeth our joy. Search the bottom of the heart! see what sin is unconfessed, unrepented of! Spread it before God, desire God to pardon it, to seal the pardon! When our souls are searched to the bottom, then out of that sorrow springeth joy; and out of these sighs‸ and groans that cannot be expressed, cometh joy unspeakable‸ and full of glory. If a man will be joyful, let him labour to weep first, that the matter that interrupteth his joy may be taken away. Those that will be joyful, and not search to the bottom, must needs with shame be brought back to sorrow. When we will joy to purpose, let us judge ourselves, that we may not be judged of the Lord; mourn for our sins, and then lay hold upon the promise, that ‘all they that mourn for sin shall be comforted,’ Matt 5:4. And blessed are they that shed tears here, for all tears shall be wiped away.
Wee are ſubject to wrong our ſelves both good and bad; for the good thinke if they be in miſery they ſhall be ever ſo: the bad if they be in proſperity they ſhall allwaies be ſo, and they bleſſe themſelves in it. Now the the joy of the hypocrites is as the crackling of thornes, and the griefe of the godly is but ſhort; and therefore let not the wicked foole themſelves with groundleſſe hopes, nor the godly vex themſelves with needleſſe feares; but put off conceitedneſſe of the long continuance of troubles: time is but ſhort, and ere long God will wipe away all teares from our eyes. No miſts, no clouds, ſhall be extended to heaven; the ſtate in heaven p. 83 ſhall be like the ſtate of heaven,207 & there is no cloud there, but all pure, all ſerene. Therefore in Chriſtianity conſider not their beginning but their ends. Marke the end of the upright, for the end of the upright is peace, Pſal. 37. 37. Wayes have their commendation from the terme in which they end. If by any meanes I may attaine the reſurrection of the dead ſaith Paul, Phil. 3. 11. Through thicke and thinne, faire and foule, rugged windes, dry, or bloudy death. If by any meanes I may come to the reſurrection of the dead, the firſt degree of glory, all is well; its a good way that ends well. Non qua, ſed quo, conſider not what way he brings us to heaven, but whither he brings bs. If he bring us to heaven through a valley of teares; its no matter, for in heaven all teares ſhall be wiped from our eyes. And therefore Chriſtianity is called wiſdome.208 And this wiſdome is juſtified of her children. What is the chiefeſt point of wiſdome? To looke home to the end, and to direct all meanes to that end: He is wiſe that is wiſe for eternity. The wicked will have their payment here; But woe to them that laugh, for they ſhall mourne ſaith Chriſt, Luke 6. 25. They will not ſtay for ground of joy hereafter, but will have preſent payment. But though the wayes of Chriſtians be foule, and wet with teares, yet bleſſed are they, for God will wipe away all teares from their eyes; comfort one another with theſe words.
We are subject to wrong ourselves‸, both good and bad: for the good think, if they be in misery, they shall be ever so; the bad, if they be in prosperity, they shall always be so, and they bless themselves in it. Now the ‸ joy of the hypocrites is as the ‘crackling of thorns,’ Eccl 7:6, and the grief of the godly is but short. And therefore let not the wicked fool themselves with groundless hopes, nor the godly vex themselves with needless fears; but put off conceitedness of the long continuance of troubles. Time is but short, and ere long God ‘will wipe away all tears from our eyes.’ No mists, no clouds, shall be extended to heaven. The state in heaven shall be like the state of heaven, and there is no cloud there, but all pure, all serene. Therefore in Christianity consider not their beginning but their ends. ‘Mark the end of the upright, for the end of the upright is peace,‸’ Ps 37:‸37. Ways have their commendation from the term in which they end. ‘If by any means I may attain the resurrection of the dead,’ saith Paul, Phil‸ 3:‸11. Through thick and thin, fair and foul, rugged winds, dry‸ or bloody death; if by any means I may come to the resurrection of the dead, the first degree of glory, all is well. It is a good way that ends well. Non qua, sed quo. Consider not what way he brings us to heaven, but whither he brings us. If he bring us to heaven through a valley of tears, it is no matter; for in heaven ‘all tears shall be wiped from our eyes.’ And therefore Christianity is called wisdom. ‘And this wisdom is justified of her children,’ Matt 11:19. What is the chiefest point of wisdom? To look home to the end, and to direct all means to that end. He is wise that is wise for eternity. The wicked will have their payment here. ‘But woe to them that laugh, for they shall mourn,’ saith Christ, Luke 6:‸25. They will not stay for ground of joy hereafter, but will have present payment. But though the ways of Christians be foul, and wet with tears, yet blessed are they; for God ‘will wipe away all tears from their eyes.’ ‘Comfort one another with these words,’ 1 Thess 4:18.