Of the Ten Commandments. to Of the Commandments.

Of the Ten Commandments.

Exod. 20.2.

The Land of Egypt, &c.

THE Second part of Preface. Who have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage. Egypt and the House of Bondage are the same, only they are represented to us under a different Expression or Notion, I begin with the First Expression, Who have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt.

Quest. Why doth the Lord mention this Deliverance of Israel out of the Land of Egypt?

Resp. 1. Because of the strangeness of the Deliverance. God delivered his People Israel by strange Signs and Wonders, by sending Plague after Plague upon Pharaoh, blasting the Fruits of the Earth, killing all the First-born in Egypt, Exod. 12.29. And when Israel march'd out of Egypt, God made the Waters of the Sea to part, and become a Wall to his People, while they went on Dry Ground; and as he made the Sea a Cawsey to Israel, so a Grave to Pharaoh and his Chariots. Well might the Lord mention his bringing them out of the Land of Egypt, because of the strangeness of the Deliverance; God wrought Miracle upon Miracle, for their Deliverance.

2. God mentions Israel's Deliverance out of Egypt, because of the greatness of the Deliverance. God delivered Israel from the Pollutions of Egypt; Egypt was a bad Air to live in, it was infected with Idolatry. The Egyptians were gross Idolaters, they were guilty of that which the Apostle speaks of, Rom. 1.23. They changed the Glory of the uncorruptible God into an Image made like to Corruptible Man, and to Birds and Four-Footed Beasts, and Creeping Things. The Egyptians Worshipped instead of the true God, First, A Corruptible Man, they Deified their King Apis, forbidding all under pain of Death to say that he was a Man. Secondly, They were Worshippers of Birds; they worshipped the Hawk. Thirdly, They were Worshippers of Beasts; they worshipped an Ox: Thus they made the Image of a Beast to be their God. Fourthly, They were Worshippers of Creeping Things, they worshipped the Crocodile, and the Indian Mouse. Therefore God mentions this as a memorable and signal favour to Israel, that he brought them out of such an Idolatrous Country; I brought you out of the Land of Egypt.

The thing I would note is this, That it is no small Blessing to be delivered from Places of Idolatry. God speaks of it no less than Ten times in the Old Testament, I brought you out of the Land of Egypt; an Idolatrous Place. Had there been no Iron Furnace in Egypt, yet there being so many Altars there, and False Gods, it was a great Privilege to Israel to be delivered out of Egypt. Ioshua reckons it among the chief and most memorable Mercies of God to Abraham, that he brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans, where Abraham's Ancestors served strange Gods, Iosh. 24.2, 3. 'Tis well for the Plant that is set in a bad Soil, to be transplanted into a

better, where it may grow and flourish. So when any are planted among Idolaters, 'Tis a Mercy when they are removed and transplanted into Sihon, where are the Silver Drops of Gods Word to make them grow in Holiness.

Quest. Wherein doth it appear that it is such a great Blessing to be delivered from Places of Idolatry?

Resp. It is a great Mercy, because our Nature is so prone to Idolatry: Israel began to be defiled with the Idols of Egypt, Ezek. 23.3. Dry Wood is not more prone to take Fire, than our Nature is to Idolatry. The Jews made Cakes to the Queen of Heaven, that is the Moon, Ier. 7.18.

Quest. Whence is it that we are so prone to Idolatry?

Resp. 1. Because we are led much by Visible Objects, and love to have our Senses pleas'd. Men naturally fancy a God that they may see, though it be such a God as cannot see them, yet they would see it. The true God is invisible; this makes the Idolater worship something that he may see.

2. 'Tis a Mercy to be delivered from Idolatrous Places, because of the greatness of the Sin of Idolatry. It is giving that Glory to an Image, which is due to God. All [gap] or Divine Worship God appropriates to himself; 'tis a Flower of his Crown; the Fat of the Sacrifice God laid claim to, Levit. 3.3. Divine Worship is the Fat of the Sacrifice which God reserves for himself. The Idolater devotes this Worship to his Idol, which the Lord will by no means endure, Isa. 42.8. My Glory will I not give to another, neither my Praise to Graven Images. Idolatry is Spiritual Adultery, Ezek. 23.37. With their Idols have they committed Adultery. To worship any other than God, is to break Wedlock. This makes the Lord disclaim his interest in a People, Hos. 2.2. Plead with your Mother, plead, for she is not my Wife. And Exod 32.7. Thy People have corrupted themselves; no more my People, but thy People. God calls Idolatry Blasphemy, Ezek. 20.27, 31. Thus your Fathers have blasphemed me. Idolatry is Devil-worship, Deut. 32.17. They Sacrificed to Devils, not unto God; to new Gods. These New Gods were Old Devils, Lev. 17.7. And they shall no more offer their Sacrifices unto Devils; the Hebrew Word Lashegnirim, is the Hairy Ones, because the Devils were Hairy, and appeared in the Forms of Satyrs and Goats. How dreadful a Sin is Idolatry; and what a signal Mercy is it to be snatch'd out of an Idolatrous Place, as Lot was snatch'd by the Angel out of Sodom?

3. It is a Mercy to be delivered from Idolatrous Places, because Idolatry is such a silly irrational Religion; I may say as Ier. 8.9. What Wisdom is in them? Is it not Folly to refuse the best, and choose the worst? The Trees of the Field in Iotham's Parable, despised the Vine-Tree which chears both God and Man, and the Olive which is full of Fatness, and the Fig-Tree which is full of Sweetness, and choose the Bramble to reign over them; this was a Foolish Choice, Iudge 9. So for us to refuse the Living God, who hath power to save us, and to make choice of an Idol, that hath Eyes and sees not, Feet but walks not, Psal. 115.6. What a Prodigy of Madness is this? therefore to be delivered from committing such folly is a Mercy.

4. It is a Mercy to be delivered from Idolatrous Places, because of the sad Judgments inflicted upon Idolaters. This is a Sin enrageth God, and makes the Fury come up in his Face, Ezek. 38.18. Search through the whole Book of God, and you shall find no Sin God hath followed with more Plagues, than Idolatry, Psal. 16.4. Their Sorrows shall be Multiplied, that hasten after another God. Psal. 78.58, 59. They moved him to Iealousie with their Graven Images. When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel, ver. 60. So that he forsook the Tabernacle of Shiloh. Shiloh was a City belonging to the Tribe of Ephraim: There God set his Name, Ier. 7.12. But for their Idolatry God forsook that Place; gave his People up to the Sword, caus'd his Priests to be Slain; his Ark to be carried away Captive, and it never returned to Shiloh any more. How severe was God against Israel for Worshipping the Golden Calf, Exod. 32.27. The Jews say, that in every Misery that befals them, there is Uncia Aurei Vituli, an Ounce of the Golden Calf in it, Rev. 18.4. Come out of her my People, that ye be not partakers of her Sins, and that ye receive not of her Plagues. Idolatry liv'd in, cuts Men off from Heaven, 1 Cor. 6.9. So then it is no small Mercy to be delivered out of Idolatrous Places.

Use 1. See the goodness of God to our Nation, who hath brought us out of mystical Egypt, delivering us from Popery, which is Romish Idolatry, and hath caused the light of his Truth to break forth gloriously among us. In former times, and more lately in the Marian days, England was over-spread with Idolatry; we worshipped God after a false manner: That is Idolatry, not only to worship a

false God, but the true God in a false manner. This was our case formerly, we had Purgatory, Indulgences, the Idolatrous Mass, the Scriptures lock'd up in an unknown Tongue, Invocation of Saints and Angels, Image-worship: Images are Teachers of Lyes, Hab. 2.18. Wherein do they teach Lyes? Because they represent God in a Bodily shape, whereas he cannot be seen, Deut. 4.12. Ye saw no similitude, only ye heard a voice. Quod invisibile est, pingi non potest, Ambr. God cannot be pictur'd out by any Figure: You cannot Picture the Soul, being a Spirit, much less God, Isa. 40.18. To whom then will ye liken God? The Papists say, they worship God by the Image; which hath a great Absurdity in it; for if it be absurd to bow down to the Picture of the King, when the King himself is present, then much more to bow down to the Image of God, when God himself is present, Ier. 23.24. What is the Popish Religion, but a bundle of ridiculous Ceremonies? Their Wax, Flowers, Pixes, Agnus Dei, Cream and Oyl, Beads, Crucifixes: What are these but Satans Policy, to dress up a carnal Worship fitted to carnal Minds? Oh what cause have we to bless God for delivering us from Popery! It was a Mercy to be delivered from the Spanish Invasion, and the Powder Treason, but a far greater to be delivered from the Popish Religion, which would have made God give us a Bill of Divorce.

2. If it be a great Blessing to be delivered from Egypt, Popish Idolatry, then it shews their Sin and Folly, who being brought out of Egypt, are willing to return into Egypt again: Having put off the Yoke of Rome, would fain put it on again: The Apostle saith, Fly from Idolatry, 1 Cor. 10.14. But these rather fly to Idolatry: Herein we are like the People of Israel, who notwithstanding all the Idolatry and Tyranny of Egypt, yet longed to go back to Egypt, Numb. 14.4. Let us make a Captain and return into Egypt. But how shall they go back into Egypt? How shall they have Food in the Wilderness? Will God rain down Manna any more upon such Rebels? How will they get over the Red Sea? Will God divide the Water again by Miracle, for such as leave his Service, and go into Idolatrous Egypt? Yet say they, Let us make a Captain. And are there not such Spirits amongst us, who say, Let us make a Captain, and go back to the Romish Egypt again? And if we do, what shall we get by it? I am afraid the Leeks and Onions of Egypt will make us Sick. Do we ever think, if we drink in the Cup of Fornication, we shall drink in the Cup of Salvation? O that any should so Forfeit their Reason, as to enslave themselves to the See of Rome! That they should be willing to hold a Candle to a Mass-Priest, and bow down to a strange God. Let us not say, we will make a Captain; but rather say as Ephraim, Hos. 14.8. What have I to do any more with Idols?

3. If it be a Mercy to be brought out of Egypt, then it is not desirable or safe to plant ones self in an Idolatrous place, where it may be a capital Crime to be seen with a Bible in ones hand. Some for secular Gain thrust themselves among Idolaters, and think there is no danger to live where Satan's Seat is: But do you pray God would not lead you into Temptation, and do you lead your selves? You are in great danger of being polluted: It is hard to be as the Fish which keep fresh in Salt Waters: A Man cannot dwell among the Black-a-moors, but he will be discoloured: You will sooner be corrupted by Idolaters, than they will be converted by you: Ioseph got no good by living in an Idolatrous Court; he did not teach Pharoah to Pray, but Pharoah taught him to Swear, Psal. 106.35. They were mingled among the Heathen, and served their Idols. I fear this hath been the undoing of many; they have seated themselves amongst Idolaters, for the advancing their Trade, and at last have not only traded with them in their Commodities, but in their Religion.

Use 2. Is it a Mercy to be brought out of Egypt, places which are defiled, and where Sin reigns, then it reproaches such Parents as shew little love to the Souls of their Children, whether it be in putting them out to Service, or in matching of them. 1. In putting them out to Service; Their Care is chiefly for their Bodies that they may be provided for, but care not what becomes of their Souls: Their Souls are in Egypt, in Houses where there is Drinking, Swearing, Sabbath-breaking, and where Gods name is every day dishonoured. 2. In matching their Children, they look only at Mony, 2 Cor. 6.14. Be ye not unequally yoaked: If their Children be equally yoaked for Estate, they care not whether they be unequally yoaked for Religion. Now to such Parents, 1. Think how precious the Soul of your Child is, it is Immortal, it is capable of Communion with God and Angels, and will you let this Soul be lost, by placing it in a bad Family? If you had an Horse you loved, you would not put him into a Stable with other Horses

that were Sick and Diseased: And do you not love your Child better than your Horse? 2. God hath intrusted you with the Souls of your Children, you have a Charge of Souls. God saith, as 1 Kings 20.39. Keep this Man, if he be missing thy Life shall go for his Life. So saith God, If the Soul of thy Child miscarry by thy Negligence, his Blood will I require at thy hand: Think of this all ye Parents, take heed of placing your Children in Egypt in a wicked Family: Do not put them in the Devils Mouth; find out a Sober Religious Family, such a Family as Ioshua's, Cap. 24.15. I and my House will serve the Lord. Such a Family as Cranmer's, which was Palaestra pietatis, a Nursery of Piety: Such a Family as is a Bethel, of which it may be said, as Col. 4.15. The Church which is in his House.

Use 3. Let us Pray that God will keep our English Nation from the Defilements. of Egypt; that it may not be again overspread with Superstition and Idolatry O sad Religion! not only to have our Estates, our Bodies enslaved, but our Consciences: Pray that the true Protestant Religion may still flourish among us: That the Sun of the Gospel may still shine in our Horison. The Gospel lifts a People up to Heaven; it is Columna & Corona Regni: The Crown and Glory of the Kingdom: If this be removed, then, Ichabod, the Glory is departed: The top of the Beach Tree being cut off, the whole Body of the Tree withers apace: The Gospel is the top of all our Blessings, if this top be cut, the whole Body Politick will soon wither. O pray that the Lord will continue the visible Tokens of his presence among us, his Ordinances, that England may be called, Iehovah Shammah, The Lord is there, Ezek. 48.35. Pray that Righteousness and Peace may kiss each other, that so Glory may dwell in our Land.

Of the Commandments.

Exod. 20.2.

Out of the House of Bondage.

EGypt and the House of Bondage are the same, only they are expressed be under a different Notion. By Egypt is meant a place of Idolatry and Superstition, by the House of Bondage is meant a place of Affliction. Israel while they were in Egypt were under great Tyranny, they had cruel Task-masters set over them, who put them to hard labour, and set them to make Brick, yet allowed them no Straw; therefore Egypt is called the Iron Furnace, Deut. 4.20. and here the House of Bondage: From this Expression, I brought thee out of the House of Bondage, two things are to be noted. 1. Gods Children may sometimes be under sore Afflictions, in the House of Bondage. 2. That God will in his due time bring them out of their afflicted State, I brought thee out of the House of Bondage.

1. Gods Children may sometimes be under sore Afflictions, In domo servitutis, in the House of Bondage: Gods People have no Writ of Ease granted them, no Charter of Exemption from Trouble in this Life: While the Wicked are kept in Sugar, the Godly are oft kept in Brine: And indeed, how could Gods power be seen in bringing them out of trouble, if he did not sometimes bring them in? Or how should God wipe away the Tears from their Eyes in Heaven, if on Earth they shed none? Doubtless God sees there is need that his Children should be sometimes in the House of Bondage, 1 Pet. 1.6. [gap], If need be, ye are in heaviness: The Body sometimes doth more need a bitter Potion than a Julip.

Quest. 1. Why God lets his People be in the House of Bondage, in an afflicted State?

Resp. He doth it: 1. For Probation for Trial, Deut. 8.16. Who led thee through that terrible Wilderness that he might humble thee and prove thee. Affliction is the Touch-stone of Sincerity, Psal. 66.10, 11. Thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us as Silver: Thou laidest Affliction upon our Loyns. Hypocrites may imbrace the true Religion in Prosperity, and court this Queen while she hath a Jewel hung at her Ear: But he is the good Christian, who will keep close to God in a time of Suffering. Psal. 44.17. All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee: To love God in Heaven is no wonder, but to love God when he chastiseth us, this discovers Sincerity.

2. For Purgation: To purge out Corruption, Ardet palea, purgatur aurum, Isa. 27.9. And this is all the Fruit to take away his sin. The Eye though it be a tender part, yet when it is sore we put sharp Powders and Waters into it, to eat out the Pearl: Though the People of God are Dear to him, yet when Corruption begins to grow in them, he will apply the sharp Powder of Affliction to eat out the Pearl in the Eye. Affliction is Gods Flail to thresh off our Husks: It is a means God useth to purge out Sloath, Luxury, Pride and Love of the World: Gods Furnace is in Zion, Isa. 31.9. This is not to consume, but refine: What if we have more Affliction, if by this means we have less Sin?

3. For Augmentation: To increase the Graces of the Spirit: Grace thrives most in the Iron Furnace: Sharp Frosts nourish the Corn; so do sharp Afflictions Grace: Grace in the Saints is often as Fire hid in the Embers, Affliction is the Bellows to blow it up into a Flame: The Lord makes the House of Bondage a Friend to our Grace: Now Faith and Patience act their part: The darkness of the Night cannot hinder the Brightness of a Star: So the more the Diamond is cut the more it sparkles: And the more God afflicts us, the more our Graces cast a sparkling Lustre.

4. For Preparation: To fit and prepare the Saints for Glory, 2 Cor. 4.17. Those stones which are cut out for a Building are first hewen and squared: The Godly are called, [gap], living stones, 1 Pet. 2.5. And God doth first hew and polish them by Affliction, that they may be fit for the heavenly Building: The House of Bondage prepares for the House not made with Hands, 2 Cor. 5.1. The Vessels of Mercy are seasoned with Affliction, and then the Wine of Glory is poured in.

Quest. 2. How the Afflictions of the Godly differ from the Afflictions of the Wicked?

Resp. 1. These are but, [gap], Castigations, those on the Wicked are, [gap], Punishments; these come from a Father, those from a Judge.

2. Afflictions on the Godly are Fruits of Covenant-Mercy, 2 Sam. 7.14. But Afflictions on the Wicked are Effects of Gods Wrath, Eccles. 5.17. He hath much wrath with his Sickness. Afflictions on the Wicked are the Pledge and Earnest of Hell: They are like the pinnioning of a Malefactor, which doth presage his Execution.

3. Afflictions on the Godly make them better, but Afflictions on the Wicked make them worse: The Godly pray more, Psal. 130.1. The Wicked Blaspheme more, Rev. 16.9. Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the Name of God. Afflictions on the Wicked make them more Impenitent: Every Plague upon Egypt increased the Plague of Hardness in Pharoah's Heart: To what a prodigy of Wickedness do some Persons come after great Sickness? Affliction on the Godly is like bruising of Spices which are more sweet and fragrant: Affliction on the Wicked is like stamping of Weeds with a Pestle, which makes them more Unsavory.

Use 1. It shews us that we are not to wonder to see Israel in the House of Bondage, 1 Pet. 4.12. The Holiness of the Saints will not excuse them from Sufferings: Christ was the Holy one of God, yet he was in the Iron Furnace: Christs Spouse is a Lilly among Thorns, Cant. 2.2. His Sheep, though they have the Ear-mark of Election upon them, yet may have their Wool fleeced off: The Godly have some Good in them, therefore the Devil afflicts them, and some evil in them, therefore God afflicts them. While there are two Seeds in the World, expect to be under the Black Rod. The Gospel tells us of reigning, but first of Suffering, 2 Tim. 2.12.

2. It informs us that Affliction is not always the Sign of Gods Anger: Israel the Apple of Gods Eye, a peculiar Treasure to him above all People, Exod. 19.5. Yet these were in the House of Bondage: We are apt to judge and censure them who are in an afflicted State. When the Barbarians saw the Viper on Paul's hand, they said, No doubt this Man is a Murderer, Acts 28.4. So when we see the Viper of Affliction fasten upon the Godly, we are apt to censure them, and say, These are greater Sinners than others, and God hates them: This rash censuring is for want of Wisdom. Were not Israel in the House of Bondage? Ieremy in the Dungeon? Paul a night and a day in the Deep? Gods Afflicting is so far from evidencing Hatred, that his not afflicting is, Hos. 4.14. I will not punish your Daughters when they commit Whoredom. Deus maxime irascitur cum non irascitur, Ber. God punisheth most when he doth not punish; his Hand is heaviest when it seems to be lightest: The Judge will not burn him in the Hand, whom he intends to execute.

3. If Gods own Israel may be in the House of Bondage, then Afflictions do not of themselves demonstrate a Man Miserable. Indeed Sin unrepented of, makes one miserable, but the Cross doth not. If God hath a design in afflicting his Children, to make them happy, then they are not miserable; but Gods afflicting them is to make them happy: Therefore they are not Miserable, Iob 5.17. Happy is the Man whom God correcteth. The World counts them happy, who can keep out of Affliction; but the Scripture calls them happy, who are afflicted.

Quest. How are they happy?

Resp. 1. Because they are more Holy, Heb. 12.10. 2. Because they are more in Gods Favour, Prov 3.12. The Goldsmith loves his Gold, when in the Furnace. 3. Because they have more of Gods sweet Presence, Psal. 91.15. And they cannot be unhappy, that have Gods powerful Presence in supporting, his gracious Presence in Sanctifying their Affliction. 4. Because the more affliction they have, the more degrees of Glory they shall have. The lower they have been in the Iron Furnace, they shall sit upon the higher Throne of Glory. The heavier their Cross, the heavier shall be their Crown. So then if Affliction make a Christian happy, they cannot denominate him miserable.

4. See the Merciful Providence of God to his Children, though they may be in the House of Bondage, and smart by Affliction, yet they shall not be hurt by Affliction. What hurt doth the Fan to the Corn? only separates the Chaft from it. Or the Launce to the Body, only let out the Impostume. The House of Bondage doth that which sometimes Ordinances will not do, it doth Humble and Reform, Iob 36.8, 11. If they be held in Cords of Affliction, he openeth their Ear to Discipline, and commandeth that they return from Iniquity. O what a merciful Providence is this, though God bruise his People, yet while he is bruising them, he is doing them good. As if one should throw a Bag of Mony at another, and a little bruise him, yet it doth enrich him. Affliction enricheth the Soul, and yields the sweet Fruits of Righteousness, Heb. 12.11.

5. If Israel be in the House of Bondage, if the Lord deals so with his own Children, then how severely will he deal with the Wicked? If God be so severe with them he loves, how severe will he be with them he hates? If it be done in the Green Tree, what shall be done in the Dry? If they that Pray and Mourn for Sin be so severely dealt with, what will become of them that Swear and break the Sabbath, and are unclean? If Israel be in the Iron Furnace, the Wicked shall lye in the Fiery Furnace of Hell. It should be the saddest News to wicked Men, to hear that the People of God are afflicted; let them think how dreadful will the case of Sinners be, 1 Pet. 4.17. Iudgment must begin at the House of God, and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel? If God thresh his Wheat, he will burn the Chaff. If the Godly suffer Castigation, the Wicked shall suffer Condemnation. If he mingle his Peoples Cup with Wormwood, he will mingle the Wickeds Cup with Fire and Brimstone.

2 Use. 1. If Israel be in the House of Bondage, then do not entertain too hard Thoughts of Affliction. Christians are apt to look upon the Cross and the Iron Furnace, as Frightful things, and do what they can to shun them. Nay, sometimes to avoid Affliction, they run themselves into Sin. But do not think too hardly of Affliction, do not look upon it through the Multiplying Glass of Fear; the House of Bondage is not Hell. Consider First, Whence doth Affliction come? even from a Wise God, who prescribes whatever befalls us. Persecutions are but like Apothecaries, they give us that Physick which God prescribes. Secondly, Affliction hath its Light side as well as its Dark. God can sweeten our Afflictions, candy our Wormwood, 2 Cor. 1.5. As our Sufferings abound, so doth also our Consolation. Argerius dated his Letters from the pleasant Garden of the Leonine Prison. God doth sometimes so revive his Children in Trouble, that they had rather bear their Afflictions, than want their Comforts. Why then should Christians entertain such hard thoughts of Affliction? Do not look at its grim Face, but at the Message it brings, which is to enrich us both with Grace and Comfort.

2. If Israel be sometimes in the House of Bondage, in an Afflicted State, then think beforehand of Affliction; say not as Iob 29.18. I shall dye in my Nest. In the House of Mirth, think of the House of Bondage; you that are now Naomi, may be Marah, Ruth 1.20. How quickly may the Scene turn, and the Hyperbole of Joy end in a Catastrophe; all outward things are upon the Tropicks, given

to change. The fore-thoughts of Affliction, would make us Sober and Moderate in the use of Lawful Delights, it would cure a Surfeit. Christ at a Feast mentions his Burial, a good Antidote against a Surfeit. The forethoughts of Affliction would make us prepare for it; it would take us off the World, it would put us upon a Search of our Evidences, she would see what Oyl we have in our Lamp, what Grace we can find, that we may be able to stand in the Evil Day. That Soldier was imprudent, who had his Sword to whet, when he was just going to Fight. He who forecasts Sufferings, will have the Shield of Faith, and the Sword of the Spirit ready, that he may not be surprized.

3. If Afflictions do come, let us labour to deport our selves wisely as Christians, that we may adorn our Sufferings: That is, let us endure with Patience, Iames 5.10. Take my Brethren the Prophets for an Example of enduring Affliction and Patience. Satan labours to take advantage of us in Affliction, by making us either Faint or Murmure. He blows the Coals of Passion and Discontent, and then warms himself at the Fire. Patience adorns Sufferings. A Christian should say, as Jesus Christ, Lord, not my Will, but thy Will be done. And indeed, 'tis a sign the Affliction is sanctified, when the Heart is brought to a sweet submissive frame, and then God will remove the Affliction: He will take us out of the Iron Furnace. And that brings me to the Second thing, Gods Deliverance of his People Israel, I brought you out of the House of Bondage.

Of the Commandments.

Exod. 20.2.

Who brought thee out of the House of Bondage.

WE may consider these Words, Who brought thee out of the House of Bondage, either 1. Literally, or 2. Spiritually and mystically. 1. In the Letter, I brought thee out of the House of Bondage; that is, I delivered you out of the Misery and Servitude you sustain'd in Egypt when you were in the Iron Furnace. 2. Spiritually and Mystically, I brought thee out of the House of Bondage. So it is a Type of our Deliverance by Christ from Sin and Hell.

1. Literally, in the Letter, I brought thee out of the House of Bondage; viz. Out of great Misery and Slavery in the Iron Furnace. The thing I note hence is, though God bring his People sometimes into trouble, yet he will bring them out again. Israel was in the House of Bondage, but at last I brought you out of Bondage. First, [gap], That God doth deliver out of Trouble. Secondly, In what manner. Thirdly, When are the Seasons. Fourthly, Why God delivers. Fifthly, How the deliverances of the Godly and Wicked out of Trouble differ?

First [gap]. That God doth deliver his Children out of Troubles, Psal. 22.4. Our Fathers trusted in thee, they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 2 Tim. 4.17. And I was delivered out of the Mouth of the Lion, viz. from Nero. Psal. 66.11, 12. Thou laidst Affliction upon our Loins, but thou broughtest us out into a Wealthy Place. Psal. 30.5. Heaviness may endure for a Night, but Ioy cometh in the Morning. God brought Daniel out of the Lions Den, Sihon out of Babylon. God in his due time gives an issue out of trouble, Psal. 68.20. The Tree which in Winter seems dead, in the Spring revives: Post nubila Phaebus: Affliction may leap on us as the Viper did on Paul, but at last this Viper shall be shaked off. 'Tis called a Cup of Affliction, Isa. 51.17. The Wicked drink a Sea of Wrath, the Godly drink only a Cup of Affliction, and God will say shortly, Let this Cup pass away. God will give his People a Goal Delivery.

Secondly. Quest. In what manner doth God deliver his People out of Trouble?

Resp. He doth it like a God, in Wisdom. 1. He doth it sometimes suddenly, as the Angel was caused to fly swiftly, Dan. 9.21. So God sometimes makes a Deliverance fly swiftly upon the Wing, and on a Suddain he turns the shadow of Death into the Light of the Morning. As God gives us Mercies above what we can think, Ephes. 3.20. so sometimes before we can think of them, Psal. 126.1. When the Lord turned the Captivity of Sion, we were like them that Dreamed; we were

in a Dream, we never thought of it. Ioseph could not have thought of such a sudden Alteration, to be the same Day freed out of Prison, and made the chief Ruler in the Kingdom. Mercy sometimes doth not stick long in the Birth, but it is brought forth on a sudden. 2. God sometimes delivers his People strangely. That the Whale which swallow'd up Ionah, should be a means to bring him safe to Land. God sometimes delivers his People in that very way they think he will destroy. In Bringing Israel out of Egypt, God stirred up the Hearts of the Egyptians to hate them, Psal. 105.22. And that was the means of their Deliverance. He brought Paul to Shoar by a contrary Wind, and upon the broken Pieces of the Ship, Acts 27.44.

Thirdly. Quest. When are the times and Seasons that God usually delivers his People out of the Bondage of Affliction?

Resp. 1. When they are in the greatest Extremity. When Ionah was in the Belly of Hell, then Chap. 2.5. Thou hast brought up my Life from Corruption. When there is but an Hairs breadth between the Godly and Death, then God ushers in Deliverance. When the Ship in the Gospel was almost covered with Waves, then Christ awoke, and rebuked the Wind. When Isaac was upon the Altar, and the Knife going to be put to his Throat, then comes the Angel, Lay not thy Hand upon the Child. When Peter began to sink, then Christ took him by the Hand. Cum duplicantur lateres venit Moses: When the Tale of Brick was doubled, then comes Moses the Temporal Saviour. When the People of God are in the greatest danger, then appears the Morning Star of Deliverance. When the Patient is ready to faint, now the Cordial is given.

2. The Second Season is, when Affliction hath done its Work upon them: When it hath effected that God hath sent it for. As First, When it hath humbled them, Lam. 3.19. Remembring my Affliction, the Wormwood and Gall, my Soul is humbled in me. When Gods Corrosive hath eat out the Proud Flesh. Secondly, When it hath tamed their Impatience. Before they were proud and impatient, like froward Children, that would struggle with their Parents, but when their curst Hearts are tamed, and they say as Micah 7.9. I will bear the Indignation of the Lord, because I have sin'd against him; and as Eli, It is the Lord, let him do what seems him good; Let him hedge me with Thorns, if he will plant me with Grace.

3 When they are more Partakers of God's Holiness, Heb. 12.10. they are more full of Heavenly-Mindedness. When the sharp Frost of Affliction hath brought forth the Spring Flowers of Grace, now the Cross is sanctified, and God will bring them out of the House of Bondage. Luctus in laetitiam vertetur, cineres in Corollas. When the Metal is refined, then it is taken out of the Furnace. When Affliction hath heal'd us, now God takes off the smarting Plaister.

Fourthly. Quest. Why doth God bring his People out of the House of Bondage?

Resp. Hereby he makes way for his own Glory. Gods Glory is dearer to him than any thing besides; it is a Crown-Jewel. God by raising his People, raiseth the Trophies of his own Honour: He glorifies his Attributes: His Power, Goodness, Truth, do all Ride in Triumph.

1. His Power. If God did not sometimes bring his People into Trouble, how would his Power be seen in bringing them out? He brought Israel out of the House of Bondage, with Miracle upon Miracle, he saved them with an outstretched-Arm; Psal. 114.5. What ailed thee O thou Sea, that thou fleddest, &c. It is spoken of Israel's March out of Egypt, when the Sea fled, and the Waters were parted each from other. Here was the power of God set forth, Ier. 32.27. Is any thing too hard for me? God loves to help, when things seem past hope; he creates Deliverance, Psal. 124.8. He brought Isaac out of a Dead Womb, and the Messiah out of a Virgins Womb. O how doth his Power shine forth, when he overcomes seeming Impossibilities, and works a Cure, when things look desperate!

2. His Truth. God hath made Promises to his People, when they are under great pressures to deliver them, and his Truth is engaged in his Promise, Psal. 50.15. Call-upon me in the Day of Trouble, I will deliver thee. Job 5.19. He shall deliver thee in Six Troubles, and in Seven. How is the Scripture bespangled with these Promises, as the Firmament is with Stars; either God will deliver them from Death, or by Death; [gap], he will make a way to escape, 1 Cor. 10.13. When Promises are verified, God's Truth is magnified.

3. His Goodness. God is full of Compassion to such as are in Misery. The Hebrew Word Racham, for Mercy, signifies Bowels. God hath Soundings of Bowels,

Isa. 63.15. And this Sympathy stirs up God to deliver, Isa. 63.9. In his Love and in his Pity he Redeemed them. This makes way for the Triumph of Gods Goodness. First▪ He is Tender-hearted, he will not over-afflict; he cuts asunder the Bars of Iron, he breaks the Yoaks of the Oppressor. Thus all his Attributes ride in Triumph, in the saving his People out of Trouble.

Fifthly. Quest. How the Deliverances of the Godly and Wicked out of Trouble differ?

Resp. 1. The deliverances of the Godly are Preservations; of the Wicked are Reservations, 2 Pet. 2.9. The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly, and to reserve the Unjust to be Punished. A Sinner may be delivered from dangerous Sickness, and out of Prison; but all this is but a Reservation to some greater Evil.

2. God delivers the Wicked (or rather spares them,) in Anger. Deliverances to the Wicked are not given as Pledges of Gods Love, but Symptoms of his Displeasure; as Quails were given to Israel in Anger. But Deliverances of the Godly are in Love, 2 Sam. 22.20. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. Isa. 38.17. Thou hast in love to my Soul delivered me from the Pit of Corruption; or as in Hebrew, Chashiacta Naphshi, Thou hast loved me from the Pit of Corruption. A Wicked Man may say, Lord thou hast loved me out of the Pit of Corruption. But a Godly Man may say, Lord thou hast loved me out of the Pit of Corruption. It is one thing to have Gods Power deliver us, and another thing to have his Love deliver us. O saith Hezekiah, Thou hast in Love to my Soul delivered me from the Pit of Corruption.

Quest. How may it be known that a Deliverance comes in Love?

Resp. 1. When a Deliverance makes our Heart boil over in love to God, Psal. 116.1. I love the Lord because he hath heard my Voice. It is one thing to love our Mercies, another thing to love the Lord: Then a Deliverance is in Love, when it causeth Love.

2. Then a Deliverance is in Love, when we have Hearts to improve it for Gods Glory: The Wicked, instead of improving their Deliverances for Gods Glory, improve their Corruptions; they grow worse after, as the Metal when it is taken out of the Fire grows harder: But then our Deliverance is in Love, when we improve it for Gods Glory: God raiseth us out of a low Condition, and we lift him up in our Praises, and honour him with our Substance, Prov. 3.9. He recovers us from Sickness, and we spend our selves in his Service. Mercy is not as the Sun to the Fire, to dull it and put it out; but as Oyl to the Wheel to make it move faster.

3. Then a Deliverance comes in Love, when it makes us more Exemplary in Holiness: Our Lives are walking Bibles. A Thousand Praises and Doxologies do not honour God, so much as the Mortifying one Lust, Obadiah 17. On Mount Zion there shall be Deliverance and Holiness. When these two go together, Deliverance and Holiness; when being made Monuments of Mercy, we are Patterns of Piety: Now a-Deliverance comes in Love, and we may say as Hezekiah, Thou hast loved me out of the Pit of Corruption.

1. If God brings his People out of Bondage, then let none despond in trouble; say not, I shall sink under this burden; as David, I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul. God can make this Text good, Personally and Nationally, to bring his People out of the House of Bondage: When he sees a fit Season he will put forth his Arm and save them; and he can do it with ease, 2 Chron. 14.11. It is nothing for thee Lord to help. He that turns the Tides can turn the Times: He that raised Lazarus when he was Dead, can raise thee when thou art Sick, Isa. 63.5. I looked, and there was none to help; therefore my own arm brought Salvation. Do not despond; believe in Gods Power; Faith sets God on work to deliver us.

2. Labour (if you are in trouble) to be fitted for Deliverance: Many would have Deliverance, but are not fitted for it.

Quest. When are we fitted for Deliverance?

Resp. When we are by our Afflictions conformed to Christ: Namely, When we have learned Obedience, Heb. 5.8. He learned Obedience by the things which he suffered: That is, he learned sweet Submission to his Fathers Will, Luke 22.42. Not my will, but thy will be done. When we have thus learned Obedience by our Suffering, we are willing to do what God will have us do, and be what God will have us be. Now we are conformed to Christ, and are fitted for Deliverance.

3. If God have brought you at any time out of the House of Bondage, out of great and eminent Troubles, be much in Doxology and Praise; Deliverance calls for Praise, Psal. 30.11, 12. Thou hast put off my Sackcloth, and girded me with gladness: To the end that my Glory may sing praise to thee. My Glory, (that is, my

Tongue which is the Instrument of glorifying thee.) The Saints are Temples of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 3.16. Where should Gods Praises be sounded but in his Temples? Beneficium postulat officium: The deepest Springs yield the sweetest Water: And Hearts deeply sensible of Gods Deliverances yield the sweetest Praises. Moses tells Pharaoh, when he was going out of Egypt, We will go with our Sheep and our Cattle, Exod. 10.9. Why so? Because he might have Sacrifices of Thanksgiving ready to offer to God for their Deliverance. To have a thankful Heart for a Deliverance, is a greater Blessing than the Deliverance it self, Luke 17.15. One of the Lepers, when he saw he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. The Lepers thankful Heart was a greater Blessing than to be healed of his Leprosie: Have any of you here been brought out of the House of Bondage, out of Prison, Sickness, or any Death-threatning Danger? Do not forget to be thankful; be not Graves, but Temples: And that you may be the more Thankful, observe every Emphasis and Circumstance in your Deliverance; as to be brought out of trouble when you were In articulo mortis, there was but an Hairs breadth between you and Death; or to be brought out of Affliction, without Sin, you did not purchase your Deliverance, by the insnaring of your Consciences; or, to be brought out of trouble upon the Wings of Prayer; or, that those who were the Occasions of bringing you into trouble, should be the Instruments of bringing you out: These Circumstances being well weighed, do highten a Deliverance, and should highten our Thankfulness: The cutting of a Stone may be of more Value than the Stone it self: And the Circumstancing of a Deliverance may be greater than the Deliverance it self.

Quest. But how shall we praise God in a right manner for Deliverances?

Resp. 1. Be Holy Persons: In the Sacrifices of Thanksgiving, whosoever did eat thereof, with their Uncleanness upon them, were to be cut off, Lev. 7.20. to typifie how unpleasing their Praises and Thank-offerings are who live in Sin.

2. Praise God with humble Hearts, acknowledge how unworthy you were of Deliverance: Gods Mercies are not Debts but Legacies, and that you should have a Legacy given you, be humble, Rev. 11.16. The Elders fell upon their Faces (an Expression of Humility) and worshipped and praised God.

3. Praise God for Deliverances cordially, Psal. 111.1. I will praise the Lord, Becol Levau, with my whole Heart. In Religion there is no Musick but in Consort, when Heart and Tongue joyn.

4. Praise God for Deliverance constantly, Psal. 146.2. While I live will I bless the Lord: Some will be thankful while the Memory of a Deliverance is fresh, and then they leave off. Like the Carthaginians, who used at first to send the Tenth of their yearly Revenue to Hercules; but by degrees they grew weary, and left off sending. But we must be constant in our Eucharistical Sacrifice or Thank-offering: The Motion of our Praise must be like the Motion of our Pulse, which beats as long as Life lasts, Psal. 146.1. I will sing praises to my God while I have any Being.