Sermon XIII

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. - Isaiah 54:10

    Shewing what a Glorious Trade is opened to Heaven for poor Sinners by the Covenant of Peace.

    Neither shall the Covenant of my Peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

    Doct. THAT there is a Covenant of Peace, made or agreed on, and stands firm in the behalf of all God's Elect.

    I Am upon the Fourth General Head of Discourse; Namely, to shew you what is given, granted, or vouchsafed to all those that are brought into Covenant with God.

    I have passed through an Induction of twelve Particulars, upon this account.

    Thirteenth, The last Privilege, or Blessing that is hereby procured and granted, which I shall speak to now, is that of a Free Trade to Heaven: This, you know, is one of the great and chiefest Blessings that follows a Peace made between Princes and States on Earth.

    I. War stops up, or interrupts all Trade and Commerce betwixt those Kingdoms and States that are at War one with another, (the sad and bitter Effects of this we in this Nation have lately felt, by means of the late War, which now is happily ended;) even so, my Brethren, all Spiritual Trade and Commerce betwixt God and Man, was stopped, and utterly interrupted by that fearful War, which was occasioned by our Sin and Rebellion against God in the first Adam; The Flaming Sword that turned every way, was a Token of this: Poor Man could not now make any approach to God, no Trading to Heaven any more for Mankind, until his Peace is made, or procured.

    1. God will not admit Sinners to receive any of his Special, Spiritual, Saving, and Soul-enriching Commodities, tho through his great Bounty and Goodness he doth give forth common Gifts, or Earthly good things to his Enemies.

    2. Nor will God receive of Man any thing that he hath, or can do, or offer to him, until his Peace is made, and his Person accepted in his sight, for Sinners Hearts being departed from God, their very Prayers, and all their Services are Abomination unto him, and hateful in his Sight: So that all ways of Blessed Intercourse betwixt God and Man, were stopped up, and the Streams of that River, by which all Spiritual Blessings must come to them, are stayed, viz. the Holy Spirit: besides Thieves, Pirates, and Robbers were let out upon them, I mean Satan, and all the Powers of Darkness; and thus was Mankind brought to utter Beggary, for all their original Riches, or Righteousness, and Blessed Treasure was utterly consumed by means of that first Act of Rebellion; nor was there any ways left to Mankind to get one Penny to help or relieve themselves in their Necessity.

    But no sooner was there News brought of this Covenant of Peace, or it was published to our first Parents in that Promise; The Seed of the Woman shall bruise the Serpent's Head.

    But there was a Free Trade opened again for all Believers, tho it was then but darkly discovered. Now in speaking unto this great Grant, Blessing, and Privilege, I shall endeavour to do four things.

    1. Shew you what I mean by this Free and Open Trade to Heaven.

    2. Prove that this Privilege is granted as the Effects of the Covenant of Peace.

    3. Shew you that this is the best Trade or Traffick in all the Earth, viz. our Spiritual Trading to Heaven by Jesus Christ.

    4. Apply it.

    1. By this Trade or Traffick to Heaven, I mean, our free Intercourse or Access to the Father.

    2. God's free and kind distribution, or giving forth the best of Heaven unto us, when we come or approach unto him by Jesus Christ, or in this new and living way, and that to the enriching of our Souls; not only, my Brethren, barely to supply our Wants, and pinching Necessities, but also to the making of us very Rich and Great.

    3. I mean by it, God's Gracious Acceptance of our Persons, Duties, and all our Holy and Spiritual Performances, or Services, which is no small Favour and Blessing, but one of the greatest we can partake of; for this must always be premised, that God will never accept of any Man's Duties, till he first accepteth of his Person; for thus he first accepts of Abel; that is, of his Person, The Lord had a Respect unto Abel, and to his Offering; he offered his Offering in Faith, he was a Believer, and God accepted of his Person in Christ, and so he doth of the Persons of all True Believers, Wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved—in whom we are united and made Members of his Body, and it is in him that God looks upon us.

    Secondly, I shall endeavour to prove,that this Trade, or Blessing of free Access unto God, is the Effects of the Peace made by Jesus Christ.

    1. The Navigable River, by which we Trade to Heaven, by virtue of this Peace, is opened, viz. the Holy Spirit is poured forth; This is that River that makes glad the City of God, &c. and this it doth not only, in that it supplies God's People, or his Holy City with Water to drink, (which is indeed Water of Life) but also in that it is by it we Trade to Heaven, all our Spiritual Trade and Traffick, is in and through this River: Our Trade, my Brethren, is a Trade of Merchandise—For the Merchandise of it,is better than the Merchandise of Silver, and the Gain thereof than fine Gold. Now this River proceeds from the Throne of God, and the Lamb, and that this River is opened by the Sacrifice of Christ, or by that Peace he hath made: See Acts 2.31. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all Witnesses—Therefore being by the Right Hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father, the Promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear, Vers. 32.

    Moreover, Jesus Christ promised the Spirit to his Disciples upon his Ascension, and this Promise he graciously made good; Therefore (saith the Apostle) being Justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by Faith into this Grace, &c. Again he saith, And came and Preached Peace to you that were a far off, &c. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father; that is, through the Mediator and Peace-maker, who hath reconciled us to God: We are now admitted or introduced into the presence of the Father, and this with boldness; In whom we have Boldness and Access with Confidence, by the Faith of him: And this not only in Prayer, but also in all Holy Fellowship, Commerce, and Heavenly Communion; Having therefore, Brethren, Boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus: It was the Blood of Christ that opened this Trade, or procured this Access to Heaven for us, By a new and living way,which he hath consecrated for us through the Veil, that is to say, his Flesh. Hence our Blessed Lord saith, I am the Way, no Man cometh to the Father but by me. Except this River had been opened, we could never have Traded to Heaven, and that this is done by Jesus Christ, or by the Peace which he hath made, I have thus fully proved.

    Thirdly, I shall shew you that this is the best Trade, or there is no Trade like unto it in all the World.

    1. Because the Word of God declares it so to be; The Merchandise hereof is better than the Merchandise of Silver, and the Gain thereof than fine Gold. Now what Merchandise of this World, do Men account to excel that of Silver and fine Gold? But Spiritual Merchandise the great God declares, is better than these, or whatsoever else you can think, or speak of. Now this I shall further endeavour to make appear in this Method following.

    1. In respect of the Subject, these Merchandises enrich.

    2. In respect of the Nature of the Things Traded in, or for.

    3. In respect of that Blessed Correspondent, who manages all our Affairs in Heaven, and that makes us Returns of all we venture.

    4. In respect of the Terms upon which we Trade.

    5. I shall apply the whole—I shall speak briefly to each of these.

    First, The Subject that these Merchandises enrich is the Soul, the Precious and Immortal Soul of Man, which all other Trades and Merchandise cannot in the least degree relieve the Wants of, much less enrich; but these Heavenly Merchandises doth this.

    1. It is hereby the Soul of a Believer, or a Spiritual Merchant, comes to have God again; God to be his God, yea, a God in Covenant with him, and to be his Portion for ever (as you have heard.) 'Tis through Jesus Christ, or by the Peace he hath made, that this Blessing is obtained; God is hereby our Father, and Christ is our Saviour, and the Spirit is our Sanctifier; whosoever will venture out by Faith, and Trade in these Seas, or on this Voyage, shall obtain a sure Interest in Christ, and in God through Jesus Christ for ever.

    2. Because this Trade answers all the Necessities of the Soul, or all its Wants; My God shall supply all your need, according to his Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus: Graciously, nay, Gloriously, or according to his own Fulness, or rich Mercy, or Riches in Glory. Nay,

    3. Not only supply the Needs of our Souls, but these Merchandises tend to enrich the Soul with Grace; yea, with all Grace. This Trade, or this Merchandise, puts a Crown better than that of Gold on its Head, and Chains about its Neck; They shall be an Ornament of Grace unto thy Head, and Chains about thy Neck. This, my Brethren, makes the Soul amiable and honourable in the sight of God, and all good Men; A meek and quiet Spirit is in the sight of God of great price. No other Ornaments are of any worth in the esteem of God, but are hateful to him when the Creature is lifted up with Pride thereby. What are the Curled Locks, and Chains of Gold, and Glistening Robes in the sight of God? Poor Lazarus was far more lovely before his Eyes.

    4. Because these Merchandises enrich the Soul with Choice and Blessed Experiences. Hence David saith, The Law of thy Mouth, is better to me than Thousands of Gold and Silver. And again he saith (speaking of his Experiences) Thou hast put Gladness into my Heart,more than in the time when their Corn and Wine increased.One Day in thy Courts,is better than a Thousand— And from hence it is that he cries out, Whom have I in Heaven but thee?Neither is there any on Earth I desire besides thee. Again, saith he, O taste and see how good the Lord is: He is so Good, yea, so Precious, so Sweet in his Love and Favour, that I am not able to express it, (as if he should say) Therefore pray taste your selves, and then by experience you will find it to be as I say: Solomon also found by experience, this was the best Trade; Wisdom is better than Gold,and to get Understanding, rather to be chosen than Silver— Yea, better than Rubies; all things that may be desired, are not to be compared to it. Solomon had the experience of all other Things, he had Riches in abundance, Honours beyond all Men on Earth, and Pleasures of all sorts, and such Wisdom also, which no mere Man ever attained to, yet he cries out, Vanity of Vanity, all things are Vanity: Doubtless God might let him try the Nature of all Worldly good, or whatsoever the Heart of Man could desire, that by him all Men might know, even by his Experience, the emptiness and vanity of them; no Man ever decried the Vanity of all things under the Sun, more than he did—And in the close of all, by that experience he had, how doth he commend Spiritual Things, or the Merchandise of Wisdom, i e. the Love and Favour of God in Christ, or our Lord Jesus Christ himself, whom he sets forth under the Name of Wisdom. Moreover, Moses chose rather to Trade in these rich and rare Commodities than in all the Treasures and Glories of Egypt, or of Pharaoh's Court; nay, he esteemed the Reproaches of Christ greater Riches, or much better than all the Riches and Treasures of Egypt, or all the Pleasures of Sin for a Season. Also you may take Paul's Experiences on this account: What says he? But what things were Gain to me, those things I counted Loss for Christ; yea, doubtless I account all things but loss for the excellency of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but Dung, that I may win Christ. In his Judgment all things in comparison of Christ were but as Dung, or Dogs-meat. O! that every Soul that hears me this Day, would but endeavour to play such a Game as Paul did, or get such Experiences as he had.

    5. By this Trade also, the Soul is enriched with all the Promises of God, precious Promises, exceeding great and precious Promises; Whereby are given unto us, exceeding great and precious Promises: Whereby, that is through the Knowledge of God in Christ; That by these ye may be Partakers of the Divine Nature. Those Promises by which we partake of the Nature, or Image of God, must needs greatly enrich the Soul, it is by and through them we attain to an Impress of the Divine Nature, or Divine Qualities and Dispositions, as Knowledge, Righteousness, Mercy, Goodness, Holiness, &c. They are full Promises, suitable Promises, suited to every Condition, and seasonable Promises, and also sure and certain Promises.

    6. Because this Trade enriches both the Soul and Body too, they that drive this Trade in a right manner shall have their vile Body changed and made in likeness to Christ's Glorious Body, and be Crowned with Glory for evermore.

    7. This Trade, through Faith in Jesus Christ, gives the Soul full Satisfaction, it fills it with Joy and Comfort; for as hereby we come to have a likeness to God, so also to have Communion with God and Jesus Christ, it is therefore a most sweet and honourable Calling; it makes us happy while we live, and happy at Death also: Thus, in respect of the Subject, these Merchandises do enrich, it appears it is the best Trade in all the Earth.

    Secondly, This will further appear, by considering of the Nature of the things about which the Soul Spiritually Trades.

    I. They are Things of great Worth, Riches, or of an Inestimable Value. This appears,

    1. In respect of the great Price by which they were bought, which was the Blood of Jesus Christ, they cost an Infinite Sum of rich Treasure, 1 Pet. 1.18, 19. Who would not highly account of Things bought with such a Price, and part with all things for them, as Paul did? The Merchant-Man sold all he had, and bought the Pearl of great Price; The Redemption of the Soul is precious, &c. That which is most costly, is commonly most preferred. My Brethren, Jesus Christ did not over-buy them, he never repented that he laid down so great a Price to purchase them for us. O costly Ware! (saith one) O dear bought Goods! For which the Pearl of great Price went. Will you not value those things highly which the Son of God bought with his own Heart's Blood?

    2. They are Heavenly Things, Heavenly Riches: What are the Nature of all Earthly Things to Heavenly Things? Alas, God gives the Things of this World to his Enemies, to such that hate him: What said Luther of all the Turkish Empire, It was but a Crust that God casts to a Dog. Brethren, we shall never fully know the Worth and Nature of Heavenly Things till we come to Heaven.

    3. They are Incorruptible Things, (and Things that Thieves can't steal) and Things that corrupt not, perish not, they are not the worse for keeping, their Nature changes not, all other things perish in the using; and as our Lord shews, Moth and Rust corrupteth them: But God is unchangeable, and Christ is the same Yesterday to Day, and for ever:The Word of God is incorruptible, which liveth and abideth for ever.

    4. They are Unsearchable Riches, no finding out perfectly either the Quality, or Quantity of this vast Mine of rich Treasure, To me who am less than the least of all Saints, is this Grace given: That I should Preach among the Gentiles, the Unsearchable Riches of Christ: What are the Spanish Gold Mines, or the Riches of Mexico or Potosi, to Christ's Riches. Mines of Gold may be exhausted, or such that have those Mines may be poor, as the Spaniard is. Brethren, Millions of Millions live upon Christ, yet his Treasure is full, the Riches of Christ are permanent, abiding Riches, With me are durable Riches and Righteousness.

    5. The Riches procured by this Covenant in this Trade, are not only Soul-satisfying, but also Soul-fattening Riches; Eat that which is good, and let your Soul delight it self in fatness: These were those Riches that satisfied Divine Justice, and appeased Divine Wrath, and that quiets a guilty and wounded Conscience; they fill the Soul, fatten the Soul; They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy House, and thou shalt make them drink of the Rivers of thy Pleasures—They shall be fat and flourishing, &c.

    6. They are certain Riches, the Riches of this World are called Uncertain Riches,they make themselves Wings and fly away: Besides, they will not avail in the Day of Wrath, they will stand in no stead then, nor any ways profit the Wretched Sinner at Death, nor in the Judgment Day—But Godliness is profitable for all things,'tis great gain, every ways profitable, at all times, in all States, and profitable to the Soul and Body too.

    7. The Things that Believers Trade in, are the best Things of Heaven, the best Things of God, he has no better Things to bestow, as you have heard, all good is comprehended in these Riches; and hence these Things are only given to his own People, to his Beloved ones, as a Pledge of his Eternal and Special Favour in Christ. What exceeds himself? His Son, his Spirit, his Love, his Grace, his Peace, Peace with God, Peace of Conscience, and Joy in the Holy Ghost, and Eternal Happiness in Heaven?

    8. They are Eternal Things; The Things that are seen are Temporal, but the Things that are not seen, they are Eternal. These are Everlasting Wares, you shall carry them out of the World with you; These things have I spoken, that my Joy might remain in you, and that your Joy might be full. O! what a Trade by this Peace is opened to Believers?

    Thirdly, This is the best Trade in respect of our Blessed Correspondent whom we Trade with, or who manages all our Affairs at the Court of Heaven; namely, Jesus Christ.

    I. Consider that the Father hath put the Management of all our Affairs into Christ's Hands as our great Trustee: Moreover every true Believer has committed himself and all his Concerns to Jesus Christ; The Poor committeth himself unto thee.

    II. Consider his Power, he is the King of Heaven and Earth, All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth, he is the Mighty God, this made Paul say, For I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that Day. I have committed my self to him, my Soul to him, my Life and all I have, and hope to receive, to him; and I doubt not of his Power and Ability to keep it.

    III. Consider of his Faithfulness, other Correspondents oftentimes deceive and prove unfaithful Stewards, but Jesus Christ is Faithful, he never failed any one poor Soul that truly trusted in him; God is Faithful, and Christ is called, A Faithful High Priest, &c.

    IV. Consider of that great Price he gave for all those Things which we Trade with him for: Moreover, and that he bought them for us, and has opened a Blessed and sure way of Conveyance of them; and besides, he hath obliged himself by Covenant to give them down to us as we need them.

    V. Consider of that Relation Believers stand in to him, and of his Infinite Love and Affections to them; he Trades, or Intercedes for his Friends, (for such he ransomed with his own Blood) for his Spouse whom he hath betrothed to himself for ever.

    VI. Consider what Returns he makes, some venture much, and that which is great in worth, but hardly sometimes have returns of the full intrinsically value again, but thus doth not Jesus Christ deal with us.

    First, Christ makes great and vast Returns.

    1. To appoint them that mourn in Sion, to give them Beauty for Ashes: Beauty, especially Spiritual Beauty is a precious Thing, but what are Ashes worth? What are our Duties? Our Fastings and Prayer and Humiliations? Why, of no more worth then a little Ashes? Yet here is Beauty returned for Ashes; yea, Beauty on the Soul, Glorious Beauty!

    2. And the Oil of Joy for Mourning; we mourn and weep for our Sins; well, and pray what are a few Tears good for? Are these of any worth in themselves? No certainly: Yet Christ makes returns of the Oil of Joy for this Mourning, or in lieu of these Tears, even the Holy Spirit which fills the Soul with Joy and Comfort.

    3. And the Garment of praise, for the Spirit of Heaviness: Christ approves of Sadness of Heart that rises from that Sense we have of that Unworthiness that is in us, and of that Dishonour which is done to him; But how little Worth is there in this Heaviness, as in it self? But he returns the Garment of praise; i. e. he cloths the Soul in Beautiful Garments; all these Expressions shew, that whatsoever we receive is in a way of Free Grace, and that there is no Worth in our Duties; and also that Christ in a way of Grace, will make Blessed Returns: My Brethren, Rewards of mere Grace are far greater than those of Debt, as I have often told you. But further.

    4. He that gives,or ventures a Cup of cold Water to a Disciple, in the Name of a Disciple, shall not lose his Reward. This is a small thing indeed, yet here is a great Return for this, when given to a right Object, and to a right End; and if he that gives, or ventures a Cup of cold Water, has such Returns, what shall he have that ventures his All, yea, his very Life?

    5. And every one that hath forsaken Houses,or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father and Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands for my Name sake, shall receive an hundred fold, now at this time— and in the World to come Eternal Life. An hundred fold is a wonderful Return, as when a Man that ventures one Pound to Sea, to India, or to any other place, and receives a Hundred Pounds in lieu of it, 'tis a mighty Return; but this is more in Quantity, and better in Quality, and that in this Life; an Hundred fold here, and a Crown of Glory in the Life to come: Who would not Trade with such a Correspondent, or not enter into such a Calling? Will you not this Day become Spiritual Merchants? What do you say?

    II. He will fill our Treasures, and that with Riches and Honours, yea,with durable Riches and Righteousness: That I may cause them that love me to inherit Substance, and I will fill their Treasures.

    III. He hath promised to return Glory in Heaven, for Sufferings on Earth; For I reckon the Sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the Glory that shall be revealed in us: Let us weigh one against the other, and see what a vast difference there is: For our light Afflictions that are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory.

    But did I say these Returns are for what we venture? No, no; not for, but in venturing, in keeping Christ's Precepts, there is an exceeding great Reward: For all Returns are in a way of Free Grace, 'tis a Free Trade.

    1. Without Money, and without Price, without Money or Monies worth. We Trade for nothing, receive nothing for what we had, or give for it as you have heard.

    'Tis true, Buying denotes our parting with something that is our own, that we may have that we want: But what is ours which we must part with? Is it of any worth? We must (1.) Part with all our Sins, Evil Courses, Evil Habits, and old Companions. (2.) With our old Hopes of Heaven. (3.) Our own Righteousness in respect of Trust and Dependence: And what is that but filthy Rags? We have nothing to part with but cursed Filth and Pollution.

    2. Sirs, whatsoever you have which is good, it is his own; Of thine own have we given thee, saith David. 'Tis true, we must give him the Glory of our External and Internal Riches; Gifts, Grace, Righteousness, but this is but to give him what is his own; If thou art Righteous, what givest thou him? Or what receiveth he at thine Hand?

    3. He gave us Grace from whence our Tears of Sorrow proceeded: Christ Reaps nothing but what he first Sowed; it was his Grace, his Spirit that broke our Hearts; it was his Spirit that created Faith, Love, Hope, Humility, &c. in us; we only Trade with Christ's Money.

    Secondly, Christ makes sure Returns, certain Returns.

    1. They that Sow in Tears, shall Reap in Joy. Again he saith, Your Labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.

    2. Christ is our great Insurer, he keeps an Insuring Office in Heaven, and hath engaged his Faithfulness and Holiness to make us sure and certain Returns; you shall not go forth Weeping, but he assures you that you shall return Rejoicing, and bring your Sheaves with you.

    Thirdly, Jesus Christ makes quick Returns.

    1. Nay, we sometimes meet with Returns (when 'tis in our Hearts to Trade with him) before we venture out in Trading; Before they call, I will answer; and whilst they are yet speaking, I will hear.

    Object. But sometimes we do not presently receive what we ask of God in Christ's Name.

    1 Ans. God answers us sometimes, tho not in that manner, or in that thing we request of him, yet he gives us that which he sees is better for us.

    2. He gives us always quickly, or right early, that is, when he sees the Fruit is ripe and good for us, or in the proper Season; Unripe Fruit is not good, 'tis hurtful you know.

    3. When we are fit to receive the Mercy desired, and know how to improve it to his Glory and our Profit, then we shall have it; and would you have it sooner?

    4. He may forbear sometimes to give us what we ask, because we ask amiss, or to try our Faith, Love, Patience, &c. but God must be Judge, and not we, of what is best for us, and of the time when given to us also.

    APPLICATION.

    1. Bless Christ for the Covenant of Peace, upon the account it opens such a happy Trade, or procures for us such free access to God.

    2. We infer that Sinners are woefully blind, that so few will study this Trade, they will not Trade to Heaven, nor deal in Spiritual Things. (1.) Satan has blinded their Minds. And (2.) The World is got into their Hearts; they are for present Things, for sensual Things, sensual Pleasures, Profits, Honours. (3.) They know not the way how to Trade, Christ is the Way, but they know him not; they will Trade in forbidden Goods, even with their own Money, &c. They think by their Tears, by their Repentance, by their own Faith, Righteousness and Obedience, to procure all things they want, even both Justification, and Eternal Life.

    3. Train up your Children in this Trade, labour to instruct them into the Knowledge of Jesus Christ, bring them up in the Way that they should go.

    4. This also reproves such that grow weary of this Holy Calling, or that decay, or waste their Stock, and grow poorer and poorer every Day. (1.) The Price of Heavenly Commodities are fallen in their Esteem, Prayer, Reading, Meditation, Christian Converse, Church Communion, Peace with God, and Peace of Conscience too is but of little worth now with them. (2.) Their Faith is low, their Love to Christ, his Truth and People is decayed, their heat of Zeal is gone. (3.) They are but little at Home, do not watch their own Hearts, or are more abroad to find faults in others, and spying the Moat that is in their Brother's Eye.

    Quest. Can't Men Break, that follow this Trade?

    Answ. False Traders, false Professors may; nay, will Break, and come to nothing. (1.) They Set up without a Stock; I mean, without true Saving Grace. (2.) They Trade with their own Money, or have Confidence in the Flesh, and trust in their own Strength, which had almost undone Peter. (3.) They are far in Debt, and see not the way of coming out; they do not see that all their Debts are paid by Jesus Christ. (4.) They Trade not alone in Christ's Name, nor are they strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. (5.) They look one way and Row another, look Heavenward, but their Hearts are Earthly. (6.) They prize Earthly Riches above Heavenly Things; so that 'tis no wonder if these Break, but no true Christian, I have proved, can ever Break, or be Undone.

    5. Be exhorted to Trade for Heaven, and to buy of Christ; Buy of me Gold tried in the Fire, &c.—Buy the Truth and Sell it not: Do not only Cheapen his Wares, but resolve to buy: Do you not love Gold? O! Buy presently, you hear how, without Money: What, are all Things here free? And yet do you not like the Terms? Alas, Proud Man would fain pay for all he has, this Plague reigns amongst those of this Generation.

    Directions to Trade to Heaven.

    (1.) Trade with God by Christ, make use of this Blessed Correspondent, come to God by him, or you will get nothing, obtain nothing; Hitherto you have asked nothing in my Name; and therefore received no more. (2.) Know and be assured, that by the Peace Christ has made, you may freely Trade and come to God, but be sure see, that 'tis in Faith you come to him, or you will never speed; plead the absolute Promises. (3.) Observe the Motions of the Spirit, Mariners set out with the Wind and Tide, so must you, The Wind blows where it listeth: God's Spirit will not always strive with Men. (4.) Mind the Exchange-time, Merchants will not fail here: O! see you do not neglect God's Publick Worship; no, lose not one Opportunity, if it be possible; one Neglect in this case had almost ruined Thomas:

    When Ministers Preach, you ought to hear; nay, you must hear. (5.) Be sure you keep up Closet Prayer, much of this Spiritual Trade lies in this Duty; also you must labour to pray in Faith, and also fervently, cold Prayers will never prevail with God. (6.) Keep up your Acquaintance with Jesus Christ, you that are Believers see to this; and you that are Sinners see that you get Union with him, Acquaint thy self with him, and be at Peace,thereby good shall come to thee; without Union there can be no Communion with Christ: Brethren, here is great Complaint of Badness of Trade, may be 'tis a Judgment, because this Trade is slighted, or so much neglected: O! remember this is your general Calling, and it must have the preference, whatever business is neglected, this must not: How did God blast the Jews in Trading, because his House lay waste? They minded not this Trade. Also know the more you venture the greater Returns you will have, the more you do or suffer for Christ, the greater your Reward of Grace will be; They that turn many to Righteousness,shall shine as the Stars for evermore: There are no doubt degrees of Glory in Heaven.

    Quest. Who are Rich Traders, Rich Christians?

    Answ. All Believers are rich, yet some are richer than others, richer in Faith, Love, and Holiness than others. (1.) They that can Trust most, are rich Dealers, the Poor you know can't Trust, they live upon their Labour, so some too much fetch their Comforts from their liveliness in Duties, and lively Frames, or from their own Labour, but this is not to live by Faith, but such are rich that can Trust, or Believe, tho they with Thomas see and feel not. (2.) Such that are rich live high, they keep a Noble Table; I mean, eat the fat and drink the sweet of the Ordinances and of the Promises; and also they dwell above, they dwell on high, or enjoy Blessed Communion with the Father and the Son. (3.) They that are Spiritually poor, poor in their own Eyes, are rich; I know thy Poverty, but thou art Rich. (4.) Such that are more Heavenly than others, are the richest Saints. (5.) Such that are most rich in good Works. (6.) Such that can best bear Burdens, when Taxes or Burdens are laid on poor Men, they can't bear them, but the Rich can. (7.) Commonly the Rich are envied; so Satan and wicked Men envy such Christians that are most rich, Thieves seldom beset a poor Man's House; the more thou art tempted, O Soul! the greater sign it is that thou art rich. (8.) Rich Men feed others, they feed the Poor; so such that are rich in Grace, and Experiences, feed other Christians; The Lips of the Righteous feed many. (9.) The Rich are better clothed and adorned than others; so rich Believers are more Holy, more Humble, Meek and Lowly than others are: But I cannot enlarge on these Things, but must leave what I have said to the Blessing of God.