fall fhort of the main end of religion; being not truly and thoroughly changed; but are only almoft perfuaded to be Chriftians : and only not altogether fo far from the kingdom of heaven as others. This being premised, I proceed, and, 1. I will inquire into the caufes from whence lukewarmness, and all abortive attempts after virtue, flow. 2. I will fhew the folly, guilt, and danger of a Laodicean ftate. §. 1. Of the caufes, &c. Thefe are generally four. 1. Men finding themselves under great difficulties in coming up to holiness, in the true genuine and gofpel-notion of it, have endeavoured to enlarge the way, and widen the gate that leads to life; and have therefore formed to themselves more foft and pliant notions of vice and virtue: fuch as may be more eafily accom modated, either to their particular inclinations, or to the modes and fashions of the world, than thofe of Chrift and the apoftles can. Hence it is, that amongst fuch as pretend to fome regard for religion, hu mility, poverty of fpirit, felf-denial, abftinence and mortification, are fo far from being visible in their practice, that we seem to to have almoft loft the notion of them. And the pride of life, and the luft of the eyes, are fo univerfally practifed, that tho' we know, that thefe in St. John are the names of vices, we fcarce know what the things themselves are. We have confounded the mears and bounds of vice and virtue; and fuch are the freedoms, I will not fay of those who profefs debauchery, but Chriftianity, that if they be confiftent with the fanctity and purity of the gospel, 'twill be hard to determine what excefs is. And, in a word, how many are there, who, making a profeffion of living by faith, and looking for the bleffed hope and the glorious appearance of Chrift, do yet live, as if all the buffnefs of life were to get and enjoy as much of this world as they can; who, profeffing themselves the difciples of Christ, whose heart was lowly, his fortune mean, and his appearance humble, do yet lay out their time, their labour, their wealth on this one defign, to make fuch a fhew, fuch a figure in the world, as may render them the gaze and envy of their neighbours? And, as our indulgence to our felves in these things, which relate to the pride and vanity of life, and the eafe and appetites of the body, is very great; fo on the fame ground, and for the fame reafon, is our seal for the in tereft tereft of virtue, and the honour of God, very little, faint, and remifs. Converfation has very little favour, very little grace in it; and we are fo far from being refolute and induftrious to awe or fhame vice abroad, that we our felves fhould be almoft out of countenance, if we should be observed to pay any particular respect to religion or virtue in company. The government of our families is fo lax and eafy, that it favours more of coldness and indifferency, than fervency of fpirit. 'Tis true indeed, thefe I am fpeaking of do generally frequent the house of God; and they fit before him as his people; and delight to hear his word: But fo did the Jews, when God tells them, in the prophet Ezek. xxxiii. 31. that their hearts went after their covetousness: And in the prophet Ifaiah, we have but an odd character of the morals of these people; of whom God faith, Yet they feek me daily, and delight to know my ways: Nay, further, they delight in approaching to God, Ifa. lviii. 2. Now though fuch, as I am fpeaking of, may not be guilty to this degree, fo as to be chargeable with open wickedness; yet I am very much afraid, that even in this duty they but promote the cheat and impofture they put upon themselves; and make their diligence in this point minister to quiet their confciences in their Laodi cean cean ftate; for 'twere easy to prove, that fuch as thefe do more generally aim at the entertainment of the ear, than the reformation of the heart. And we may fay of preachers now, as God did of Ezekiel; And lo, thou art unto them as a lovely fong, of one that has a very pleasant voice, Ezek. xxxiii. 32. The mufick of the voice; the gracefulnefs of delivery; a flow of words; the furprize of novelty, and notion; the beauty of sentences; and the sparkling of wit and fancy, or an appearance of learning: these are, I doubt, too often the things that draw together and charm an auditory: and fo all are pleafed, but none converted or edified; for who fweats or blushes, who trembles or grows pale at these fermons? Who goes away from them wounded or ftruck through, ferious and penfive, full of pious fears and devout defires? 2. A Laodicean ftate fprings from floth and pufillanimity, or the want of a thorough and well-grounded refolution. This was one cause of the Ifraelites fluctuation and uncertainty; they were indeed defirous of a Canaan, but were not forward to purchase it, by tedious marches, hazardous encounters, and the hardship of hunger and thirft, and fuch like: they were ever and anon willing to have pre ferred ferred the difhonour and fervitude of Egypt, with fecurity and fulnefs, before a Canaan on thefe terms. And thus it is, this day, with Chriftians of a Laodicean fpirit, and a doubtful ftaggering allegiance. An heaven they would have, but would not purchase it at too dear a rate; they would be accounted the difciples of Chrift, and fhare in the merits of his fufferings, but they would not take up his crofs, in any fenfe, and follow him. But, alas! Ifrael might as well have gained their liberty, without going out of Egypt; or a Canaan, without travel, and hardship, and blood; as these, virtue, and heaven, without watchfulness and industry: we may as well hope to fupport and encrease the health and ftrength of the body, without food or exercife; as that of the foul, without meditation and prayer: we may as foon conquer our enemies without difcipline, expence, and blows; as mafter our corruptions, and become virtuous, without fpiritual watchfulness, travel, or contention. There is indeed force and efficacy enough in the word of God, to enlighten the mind, and purify the heart; if we would but frequently and feriously read and meditate it. The grace of the Spirit is fufficient to conquer our corruptions, and ftrengthen and establish us in faith and obedience, if we did but earnestly |