The parable runs thus:--"The kingdom of heaven," the gospel, "is like unto a net which was cast into the sea," the world, "and gathered of every kind," good and bad, "which when it was full, they drew to sh.o.r.e," to the end of the world, "and sat down," in judgment, "and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." Some bad fishes, nay, I doubt a great many, will be found in the net of the gospel, at the day of judgment. (Matt 13:47,49) Watch and be sober, professors!
12. "And--many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out."
(Matt 8:11,12) The children of the kingdom, whose privileges were said to be these, "to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of G.o.d, and the promises." (Rom 9:4) I take liberty to harp the more upon the first church, because that that happened to them, happened as types and examples, intimating, there is ground to think, that things of as dreadful a nature are to happen among the church of the Gentiles. (1 Cor 10:11,12) Neither, indeed, have the Gentile churches security from G.o.d that there shall not as dreadful things happen to them. And concerning this very thing, sufficient caution is given to us also. (1 Cor 6:9,10, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:3-6, Phil 3:17,19, 2 Thess 2:11,12, 2 Tim 2:20,21, Heb 6:4-8, 10:26-28, 2 Peter 2, 3, 1 John 5:10, Rev 2:20-22)
13. The parable of the true vine and its branches confirm what I have said. By the vine there I understand Christ, Christ as head; by the branches, I understand this church. Some of these branches proved fruitless cast-always, were in time cast out of the church, were gathered by men, and burned. (John 15:1-6)
14. Lastly, I will come to particular instances.
(1.) The twelve had a devil among them. (John 6:70) (2.) Ananias and Sapphira were in the church of Jerusalem. (Acts 5) (3.) Simon Magus was among them at Samaria. (Acts 8) (4.) Among the church of Corinth were them that had not the knowledge of G.o.d. (1 Cor 15:34) (5.) Paul tells the Galatians that false brethren crept in unawares; and so does the apostle Jude, and yet they were as quick-sighted to see as any now-a-days. (Gal 2:4, Jude 4) (6.) The church in Sardis had but a few names in her, to whom the kingdom of heaven belonged.
"Thou hast a few names, even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy." (Rev 3:4) (7.) As for the church of the Laodiceans, it is called "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
(Rev 3:17) So that put all things together, and I may boldly say, as I also have said already, that among the mult.i.tude of them that shall be d.a.m.ned, professors will make a considerable party; or, to speak in the words of the observation, "when men have put in all the claim they can for heaven, but few will have it for their inheritance."
[REASONS WHY FEW ARE SAVED.]
I will show you some reasons of the point, besides those five that I showed you before. And, First, I will show you why the poor, carnal, ignorant world miss of heaven; and then, Second, why the knowing professors miss of it also.
[First, Why the poor, carnal, ignorant world miss heaven.]
1. The poor, carnal, ignorant world miss of heaven even because they love their sins, and cannot part with them. "Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19) The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they are enemies in their minds to G.o.d, his Word, and holiness; they must be all d.a.m.ned who take pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thess 2:10-12) The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they stop their ears against convictions, and refuse to come when G.o.d calls. "Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh--as desolation, and your destruction--as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you; then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me." (Prov 1:24-29)
2. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because the G.o.d of this world hath blinded their eyes, that they can neither see the evil and d.a.m.nable state they are in at present, nor the way to get out of it; neither do they see the beauty of Jesus Christ, nor how willing he is to save poor sinners. (2 Cor 4:2,3)
3. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they put off and defer coming to Christ, until the time of G.o.d"s patience and grace is over. Some, indeed, are resolved never to come; but some, again, say, We will come hereafter; and so it comes to pa.s.s, that because G.o.d called, and they did not hear; so they shall cry, and I will not hear, saith the Lord. (Zech 7:11-13)
4. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they have false apprehensions of G.o.d"s mercy. They say in their hearts, We shall have peace, though we walk in the imagination of our heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. But what saith the Word? "The Lord will not spare him; but then the anger of the Lord, and his jealousy, shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven." (Deu 29:19-21)
5. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they make light of the gospel that offereth mercy to them freely, and because they lean upon their own good meanings, and thinkings, and doings. (Matt 22:1-5, Rom 9:30,31)
6. The poor carnal world miss of heaven because by unbelief, which reigns in them, they are kept for ever from being clothed with Christ"s righteousness, and from washing in his blood, without which there is neither remission of sin, nor justification. But to pa.s.s these till anon.
[Second.] I come, in the next place, to show you some reasons why the professor falls short of heaven.
First. In the general, they rest in things below special grace; as in awakenings that are not special, in faith16 that is not special, &c.; and, a little to run a parallel betwixt the one and the other, that, if G.o.d will, you may see and escape.
1. Have they that shall be saved, awakenings about their state by nature? So have they that shall be d.a.m.ned. They that never go to heaven may see much of sin, and of the wrath of G.o.d due thereto.
This had Cain and Judas, and yet they came short of the kingdom.
(Gen 4, Matt 27:4) The saved have convictions, in order to their eternal life; but the others" convictions are not so. The convictions of the one doth drive them sincerely to Christ; the convictions of the other doth drive them to the law, and the law to desperation at last.
2. There is a repentance that will not save, a repentance to be repented of; and a repentance to salvation, not to be repented of. (2 Cor 7:10) Yet so great a similitude and likeness there is betwixt the one and the other, that most times the wrong is taken for the right, and through this mistake professors perish. As, (1.) In saving repentance there will be an acknowledgment of sin; and one that hath the other repentance may acknowledge his sins also.
(Matt 27:4) (2.) In saving repentance there is a crying out under sin; but one that hath the other repentance may cry out under sin also. (Gen 4:13) (3.) In saving repentance there will be humiliation for sin; and one that hath the other repentance may humble himself also. (1 Kings 21:29) (4.) Saving repentance is attended with self-loathing; but he that hath the other repentance may have loathing of sin too; a loathing of sin, because it is sin, that he cannot have; but a loathing of sin, because it is offensive to him, that he may have. The dog doth not loath that which troubleth his stomach because it is there, but because it troubleth him; when it has done troubling of him, he can turn to it again, and lick it up as before it troubled him. (2 Peter 2:22) (5.) Saving repentance is attended with prayers and tears; but he that hath none but the other repentance, may have prayers and tears also. (Gen 27:34,35, Heb 12:16,17) (6.) In saving repentance there is fear and reverence of the Word and ministers that bring it; but this may be also where there is none but the repentance that is not saving; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and holy, and observed him; when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
(Mark 6:20) (7.) Saving repentance makes a man"s heart very tender of doing anything against the Word of G.o.d. But Balaam could say, "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord." (Num 24:13)
Behold, then, how far a man may go in repentance, and yet be short of that which is called, "Repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of." (a.) He may be awakened; (b.) He may acknowledge his sin; (c.) He may cry out under the burden of sin; (d.) He may have humility for it; (e.) He may loath it; (f.) May have prayers and tears against it; (g.) may delight to do many things of G.o.d; (h.) May be afraid of sinning against him--and, after all this, may perish, for want of saving repentance.
Second. Have they that shall be saved, faith? Why, they that shall not be saved may have faith also; yea, a faith in many things so like the faith that saveth, that they can hardly be distinguished, though they differ both in root and branch. To come to particulars.
1. Saving faith hath Christ for its object, and so may the faith have that is not saving. Those very Jews of whom it is said they believed on Christ, Christ tells them, and that after their believing, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the l.u.s.ts of your father ye will do." (John 8:30-44) 2. Saving faith is wrought by the Word of G.o.d, and so may the faith be that is not saving. (Luke 8:13) 3. Saving faith looks for justification without works, and so may a faith do that is not saving. (James 2:18) 4. Saving faith will sanctify and purify the heart, and the faith that is not saving may work a man off from the pollutions of the world, as it did Judas, Demas, and others. (2 Peter 2) 5. Saving faith will give a man tastes of the world to come, and also joy by those tastes, and so will the faith do that is not saving. (Heb 6:4,5, Luke 8:13) 6.
Saving faith will help a man, if called thereto, to give his body to be burned for his religion, and so will the faith do that is not saving. (1 Cor 13:1-5) 7. Saving faith will help a man to look for an inheritance in the world to come, and that may the faith do that is not saving. All those virgins "took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom." (Matt 25:1) 8. Saving faith will not only make a man look for, but prepare to meet the bridegroom, and so may the faith do that is not saving. "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps." (Matt 25:7) 9. Saving faith will make a man look for an interest in the kingdom of heaven with confidence, and the faith that is not saving will even demand entrance of the Lord. "Lord, Lord, open to us." (Matt 25:11) 10.
Saving faith will have good works follow it into heaven, and the faith that is not saving may have great works follow it, as far as to heaven gates. "Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" (Matt 7:22)
Now, then, if the faith that is not saving may have Christ for its object, be wrought by the Word, look for justification without works, work men off from the pollutions of the world, and give men tastes of, and joy in the things of another world--I say again, if it will help a man to burn for his judgment, and to look for an inheritance in another world; yea, if it will help a man to prepare for it, claim interest in it; and if it can carry great works, many great and glorious works, as far as heaven gates, then no marvel if abundance of people take this faith for the saving faith, and so fall short of heaven thereby. Alas, friends! There are but few that can produce such [works] for repentance; and such faith, as yet you see I have proved even reprobates have had in several ages of the church. 17
But,
Third. They that go to heaven are a praying people; but a man may pray that shall not be saved. Pray! He may pray, pray daily; yea, he may ask of G.o.d the ordinances of justice, and may take delight in approaching to G.o.d; nay, further, such souls may, as it were, cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying out. (Isa 28:2, Mal 2:13)
Fourth. Do G.o.d"s people keep holy fasts? They that are not his people may keep fasts also--may keep fasts often--even twice a week. "The Pharisee stood, and prayed thus with himself: G.o.d, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give t.i.thes of all that I possess." (Luke 18:11,12) I might enlarge upon things, but I intend but a little book. I do not question but many Balaamites will appear before the judgment-seat to condemnation; men that have had visions of G.o.d, and that knew the knowledge of the Most High; men that have had the Spirit of G.o.d come upon them, and that have by that been made other men; yet these shall go to the generations of their fathers, they shall never see light. (Num 24:2,4,16, 1 Sam 10:6,10, Psa 49:19)
I read of some men whose excellency in religion mounts up to the heavens, and their heads reach unto the clouds, who yet shall perish for ever like their own dung; and he that in this world hath seen them, shall say at the judgment, Where are they? (Job 20:5-7) There will be many a one, that were gallant professors in this world, be wanting among the saved in the day of Christ"s coming; yea, many whose d.a.m.nation was never dreamed of. Which of the twelve ever thought that Judas would have proved a devil? Nay, when Christ suggested that one among them was naught, they each were more afraid of themselves than of him. (Matt 26:21-23) Who questioned the salvation of the foolish virgins? The wise ones did not; they gave them the privilege of communion with themselves. (Matt 25) The discerning of the heart, and the infallible proof of the truth of saving grace, is reserved to the judgment of Jesus Christ at his coming. The church and best of saints sometimes. .h.i.t, and sometimes miss in their judgments about this matter; and the cause of our missing in our judgment is, 1. Partly because we cannot infallibly, at all times, distinguish grace that saveth from that which doth but appear to do so. 2. Partly also because some men have the art to give right names to wrong things. 3. And partly because we, being commanded to receive him that is weak, are afraid to exclude the least Christian. By a hid means hypocrites creep into the churches. But what saith the Scripture? "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins." And again, "All the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." (Jer 11:20, 17:10, Rev 2:23) To this Searcher of hearts is the time of infallible discerning reserved, and then you shall see how far grace that is not saving hath gone; and also how few will be saved indeed. The Lord awaken poor sinners by my little book.
[USE AND APPLICATION OF THE WHOLE.]
I come now to make some brief use and application of the whole: and
[USE FIRST.]--My first word shall be to the open profane.
Poor sinner, thou readest here that but a few will be saved; that many that expect heaven will go without heaven. What sayest thou to this, poor sinner? Let me say it over again. There are but few to be saved, but very few. Let me add, but few professors--but few eminent professors. What sayest thou now, sinner? If judgment begins at the house of G.o.d, what will the end of them be that obey not the gospel of G.o.d? This is Peter"s question. Canst thou answer it, sinner? Yea, I say again, if judgment must begin at them, will it not make thee think, What shall become of me? And I add, when thou shalt see the stars of heaven to tumble down to h.e.l.l, canst thou think that such a muck-heap of sin as thou art shall be lifted up to heaven? Peter asks thee another question, to wit, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the unG.o.dly and the sinner appear?" (1 Peter 4:18) Canst thou answer this question, sinner?
Stand among the righteous thou mayest not: "The unG.o.dly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." (Psa 1:5) Stand among the wicked thou then wilt not dare to do. Where wilt thou appear, sinner? To stand among the hypocrites will avail thee nothing. The hypocrite "shall not come before him," that is, with acceptance, but shall perish. (Job 13:16) Because it concerns thee much, let me over with it again!
When thou shalt see less sinners than thou art, bound up by angels in bundles, to burn them, where wilt thou appear, sinner? Thou mayest wish thyself another man, but that will not help thee, sinner. Thou mayest wish, Would I had been converted in time; but that will not help thee either. And if, like the wife of Jeroboam, thou shouldst feign thyself to be another woman, the Prophet, the Lord Jesus, would soon find thee out! What wilt thou do, poor sinner? Heavy tidings, heavy tidings, will attend thee, except thou repent, poor sinner! (1 Kings 14:2,5,6, Luke 13:3,5) O the dreadful state of a poor sinner, of an open profane sinner! Everybody that hath but common sense knows that this man is in the broad way to death, yet he laughs at his own d.a.m.nation.
Shall I come to particulars with thee?
1. Poor unclean sinner, the "harlot"s house is the way to h.e.l.l, going down to the chambers of death." (Prov 2:18, 5:5, 7:27)
2. Poor swearing and thievish sinner, G.o.d hath prepared the curse, that "every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side, according to it." (Zech 5:3)
3. Poor drunken sinner, what shall I say to thee? "Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim," "woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of--strong drink; they shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven." (Isa 28:1, 5:22, 1 Cor 6:9,10)
4. Poor covetous worldly man, G.o.d"s Word says, that "the covetous the Lord abhorreth"; that the "covetous man is an idolater"; and that the covetous "shall not inherit the kingdom of G.o.d." (Psa 10:3, Eph 5:5, John 2:15, 1 Cor 6:9,10)
5. And thou liar, what wilt thou do? "All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." (Rev 21:8,27)
I shall not enlarge, poor sinner, let no man deceive thee; "for because of these things cometh the wrath of G.o.d upon the children of disobedience." (Eph 5:6) I will therefore give thee a short call, and so leave thee.
Sinner, awake: yea, I say unto thee, awake! Sin lieth at thy door, and G.o.d"s axe lieth at thy root, and h.e.l.l-fire is right underneath thee. (Gen 4:7) I say again, Awake! "Therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."
(Matt 3:10)
Poor sinner, awake; eternity is coming, and HIS SON, they are both coming to judge the world; awake, art yet asleep, poor sinner? let me set the trumpet to thine ear once again! The heavens will be shortly on a burning flame; the earth, and the works thereof, shall be burned up, and then wicked men shall go into perdition; dost thou hear this, sinner? (2 Peter 3) Hark again, the sweet morsels of sin will then be fled and gone, and the bitter burning fruits of them only left. What sayest thou now, sinner? Canst thou drink h.e.l.l-fire? Will the wrath of G.o.d be a pleasant dish to thy taste?
This must be thine every day"s meat and drink in h.e.l.l, sinner!
I will yet propound to thee G.o.d"s ponderous question, and then for this time leave thee: "Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee?" saith the Lord.
(Eze 22:14) What sayest thou? Wilt thou answer this question now, or wilt thou take time to do it? or wilt thou be desperate, and venture all? And let me put this text in thine ear to keep it open; and so the Lord have mercy upon thee: "Upon the wicked shall the Lord rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest; this shall be the portion of their cup." (Psa 11:6) Repent, sinners!
[USE SECOND.]--My second word is to them that are upon the potter"s wheel; concerning whom we know not as yet whether their convictions and awakenings will end in conversion or not. Several things I shall say to you, both to further your convictions, and to caution you from staying anywhere below or short of saving grace.
1. Remember that but few shall be saved; and if G.o.d should count thee worthy to be one of that few, what a mercy would that be!
2. Be thankful, therefore, for convictions; conversion begins at conviction, though all conviction doth not end in conversion. It is a great mercy to be convinced that we are sinners, and that we need a Saviour; count it therefore a mercy, and that thy convictions may end in conversion, do thou take heed of stifling of them. It is the way of poor sinners to look upon convictions as things that are hurtful; and therefore they use to shun the awakening ministry, and to check a convincing conscience. Such poor sinners are much like to the wanton boy that stands at the maid"s elbow, to blow out her candle as fast as she lights it at the fire. Convinced sinner, G.o.d lighteth thy candle, and thou puttest it out; G.o.d lights it again, and thou puttest it out. Yea, "how oft is the candle of the wicked put out?" (Job 21:17) At last, G.o.d resolveth he will light thy candle no more; and then, like the Egyptians, you dwell all your days in darkness, and never see light more, but by the light of h.e.l.l-fire; wherefore give glory to G.o.d, and if he awakens thy conscience, quench not thy convictions. Do it, saith the prophet, "before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and he turn" your convictions "into the shadow of death, and make them gross darkness." (Jer 13:16)
(1.) Be willing to see the worst of thy condition. It is better to see it here than in h.e.l.l; for thou must see thy misery here or there. (2.) Beware of little sins; they will make way for great ones, and they again will make way for bigger, upon which G.o.d"s wrath will follow; and then may thy latter end be worse than thy beginning. (2 Peter 2:20) (3.) Take heed of bad company, and evil communication, for that will corrupt good manners. G.o.d saith, evil company will turn thee away from following him, and will tempt thee to serve other G.o.ds, devils. "So the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly." (Deu 7:4) (4.) Beware of such a thought as bids thee delay repentance, for that is d.a.m.nable. (Prov 1:24, Zech 7:12,13) (5.) Beware of taking example by some poor, carnal professor, whose religion lies in the tip of his tongue. Beware, I say, of the man whose head swims with notions, but "his life is among the unclean." (Job 36:14) "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Prov 13:20) (6.) Give thyself much to the Word, and prayer, and good conference. (7.) Labour to see the sin that cleaveth to the best of thy performances, and know that all is nothing if thou be not found in Jesus Christ. (8.) Keep in remembrance that G.o.d"s eye is upon thy heart, and upon all thy ways. "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord.