The spiritual watch, or Christs general watch-word A meditation on Mark. 13. 37. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.The spirituall vvatch, or Christs generall watch-word A meditation on Mark. 13. 37. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by Edward Griffin for William Bladen, 1619
[8], 130 p. · 36k words · STC 11677 · ESTC S102924
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 43. A fifth Help to further us in our spiritual1 Watch, and a mean to keep this fear of God fresh in our souls, is to be throughly persuaded, and oft seriously to consider, of Gods continual presence about us and with us, wheresoever we are, and whatsoever we are about. dI have set the Lord always before mine eyes, saith David: For he is at my right hand: therefore shall I not fall. And it would be indeed a sovereign preservative to keep us from falling into this spiritual slumber, and a singular means to make us watchful of our ways, if we could at all times remember and did seriously consider, that eThere is an eye of God in every place viewing both good and bad: yea that ⟨p. 76⟩that God who is fall eye, and gwhose eye seeth all, hthat seeth all himself unseen of any, is present in all places; inot penned up in heaven, but kfilling heaven and earth; as lwithout all things, and yet not excluded from any, so within all things, and yet not included in any; being like ma sphere, as the Heathen man sometime said, whose Centre is every where, and its Circumference no where. So that as David said sometime of himself, nThere is no flying for any man from the face of God; no shunning of the Spirit or presence of God: if we climb up into heaven, we are sure there to find him: and if we creep down into hell, we shall not miss of him there neither; (full glad would those damned wretches be, if they could) if we could take the wings of the morning, and fly as far as the world is wide, yet there should we be sure to find the hand of God ready to catch hold of us. Or if we imagine that the darkness and the nightly shade may cover and conceal us from his sight, he is able to turn
darkness is no darkness with him; but the night is as clear as the day; light and darkness, day and night are with him both alike.
§. 43. A fift Helpe to further vs in our spirituall1 Watch, and a meane to keepe this feare of God fresh in our soules, is to bee throughly perswaded, and oft seriously to consider, of Gods continuall presence about vs and with vs, wheresoeuer wee are, and whatsoeuer we are about. dI haue set the Lord alwaies before mine eies, saith Dauid: For he is at my right hand: therefore shall I not fall. And it would bee indeede a soueraigne preseruatiue to keepe vs from falling into this spirituall slumber, and a singular meanes to make vs watchfull of our waies, if we could at all times remember and did seriously consider, that eThere is an eye of God in euery place viewing both good and bad: yea that ⟨p. 76⟩that God who is fall eie, and gwhose eie seeth all, hthat seeth all himselfe vnseene of any, is present in all places; inot penned vp in heauen, but kfilling heauen and earth; as lwithout all things, and yet not excluded from any, so within all things, and yet not included in any; being like ma spheare, as the Heathen man sometime said, whose Center is euery where, and its Circumference no where. So that as Dauid said sometime of himselfe, nThere is no flying for any man from the face of God; no shunning of the Spirit or presence of God: if wee climbe vp into heauen, wee are sure there to finde him: and if wee creepe downe into hell, we shall not misse of him there neither; (full glad would those damned wretches be, if they could) if we could take the wings of the morning, and flie as farre as the world is wide, yet there should we be sure to finde the hand of God ready to catch hold of vs. Or if we imagine that the darkenesse and the nightly shade may couer and conceale vs from his sight, he is able to turne oas the day into darke night, so the dark-night into day. Yea pdarknesse is no darknesse with him; but the night is as cleare as the day; light and darknesse, day and night are with him both alike.
1Help 5.Helpe 5.
dPsalm. 16. 8. •quaecunque capesses, Testes factorū stare arbitrabere divos. Silius bell. Pun. l. 15. In omnibus quae agis, Deū praesentem cogites. Cave itaque ne vel signo vel facto offendas, qui ubique praesens cernit quicquid facis. B•rn. medit. •. 6.Psalm. 16. 8. •quaecunque capesses, Testes factorū stare arbitrabere diuos. Silius bell. Pun. l. 15. In omnibus quae agis, Deū praesentem cogites. Caue itaque ne vel signo vel facto offendas, qui vbique praesens cernit quicquid facis. B•rn. medit. •. 6.
fDeus totus est sensus, totus vis•, totus audit•. Plin. hist. not. l. 1. c. 7. Totus auris, totus oculu•. Iren. l. 1. c. 6.Deus totus est sensus, totus vis•, totus audit•. Plin. hist. nat. l. 1. c. 7. Totus auris, totus oculu•. Iren. l. 1. c. 6.
g[Greek or Hebrew]. Herod. oper. •.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. He•od. oper. •.
h[Greek or Hebrew]. Eurip. apud Clem. Alex. [Greek or Hebrew] quod tamen Philemoni tribuit Justin. [Greek or Hebrew]. Qui & ibid. [Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Eurip. apud Clem. Alex. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 quod tamen Philemoni tribuit Iustin. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Qui & ibid. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
It is the argument that Solomon useth with the incontinent person to withdraw him from his loose and licentious courses; qWhy shouldest thou delight, saith he, in a strange woman, or embrace a strangers bosom? Since the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord; and he pondereth all his paths. Yea not his ways alone, but rthe secret motions of his mind, and the inward intentions of his heart, they ⟨p. 77⟩are all snaked and broken up, as the inwards of a beast that is cut up and quartered, to him that we have to deal with. For tthou hast possessed my very reins, saith David, and thou understandest all my thoughts: yea, uthou understandest them afar off, or long before: xhe seeth them ere they are, they are conceived of him, ere they be conceived in us, he knoweth as well what we will either think or do, as what we have already thought or done. And yHell and destruction, saith Solomon, are before the Lord: and how much more then the hearts of the sons of men? And it is the argument that Elihu useth to dissuade and debtor men from wicked practises; zGods eyes are upon the ways of man; and he eyeth every step he taketh: And there is no darkness, nor deadly shade, that can shadow wicked workers from his sight.
It is the argument that Salomon vseth with the incontinent person to withdraw him from his loose and licentious courses; qWhy shouldest thou delight, saith he, in a strange woman, or embrace a strangers bosome? Since the waies of a man are before the eyes of the Lord; and he pondereth all his paths. Yea not his waies alone, but rthe secret motions of his minde, and the inward intentions of his heart, they ⟨p. 77⟩are all snaked and broken vp, as the inwards of a beast that is cut vp and quartered, to him that wee haue to deale with. For tthou hast possessed my very reines, saith Dauid, and thou vnderstandest all my thoughts: yea, uthou vnderstandest them afarre off, or long before: xhe seeth them ere they are, they are conceiued of him, ere they be conceiued in vs, he knoweth as well what we will either thinke or doe, as what wee haue already thought or done. And yHell and destruction, saith Salomon, are before the Lord: and how much more then the hearts of the sonnes of men? And it is the argument that Elihu vseth to disswade and deterre men from wicked practises; zGods eies are vpon the waies of man; and he eieth euery step hee taketh: And there is no darknesse, nor deadly shade, that can shadow wicked workers from his sight.
xE longinquo, i. longi antequam animo insederint meo. Jun. Intra hominū mentes non solum tractata, sed etiam voluenda cognoscit. Ambr. offic. l. 1. c. 14.E longinquo, i. longi antequam animo insederīt meo. Iun. Intra hominū mentes non solum tractata, sed etiam voluenda cognoscit. Ambr. offic. l. 1. c. 14.
yProu. 15. 11. Sic certè vivendum est, tanquam in conspectu vivamus: sic cogitandū tanquam aliquis in pectus intimum inspicere possit. Quid enim prodest ab homine aliquid esse secretum? Nihil Deo clusum est. Interest animi• nostris, & cogitationibus medijs interuenit. Sen. ep. 83.Prou. 15. 11. Sic certè viuendum est, tanquam in conspectu viuamus: sic cogitandū tanquam aliquis in pectus intimum inspicere possit. Quid enim prodest ab homine aliquid esse secretum? Nihil Deo clusum est. Interest animi• nostris, & cogitationibus medijs interuenit. Sen. ep. 83.
§. 44. This was that that kept David in compass: aI have kept, saith he, thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are in thy sight. As ball Gods laws in his sight: so all his ways in Gods sight▪ Gods laws in his sight by dutiful regard; his ways in Gods sight through his all-seeing providence, whereby clike a well-drawn picture, that eyeth each one in the room, he eyeth in that manner each one in the world, and all the ways of each one, das if his eye were upon none but him alone.
§. 44. This was that that kept Dauid in compasse: aI haue kept, saith he, thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my waies are in thy sight. As ball Gods lawes in his sight: so all his waies in Gods sight▪ Gods lawes in his sight by dutifull regard; his waies in Gods sight through his all-seeing prouidence, whereby clike a well-drawne picture, that eieth each one in the roome, hee eieth in that manner each one in the world, and all the waies of each one, das if his eie were vpon none but him alone.
c[Greek or Hebrew]. Greg. Naz. epitaph. Athanas. & Potter funner. ser.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Greg. Naz. epitaph. Athanas. & Potter funer. ser.
dSic curat universos quasi singulos, sic singulos quasi solos. Ang. confess. l. 3. c. 11. Sed & sic spectat, &c. Hinc Greg. mor. lib. 25. cap. 19. Sic intendit singulis, a•si vacet à cunctis, & sic simul intendit omnibus, ac si vacet à singulis.Sic curat vniuersos quasi singulos, sic singulos quasi solos. Ang. confess. l. 3. c. 11. Sed & sic spectat, &c. Hinc Greg. mor. lib. 25. cap. 19. Sic intendit singulis, a•si vacet à cunctis, & sic simul intendit omnibus, ac si vacet à singulis.
This was it that made Joseph so vigilant and watchful, that he would not yield unto sin, though he were solicited and urged thereunto, when ⟨p. 78⟩there was both opportunity and secrecy withal, none by to see them or to bewray them, and so to incense his Master against him: eHow can I, saith he, do this great wickedness, and sin against God? It was the fear of God arising from the consideration of his presence there, that kept Joseph at that time from that sin. As if he had said; Though there be no creature by to see what we do, yet fthere is a God that over-looketh us. And, as he saith, gWhat availeth it to have none privy to our evil acts, when we have our own consciences privy thereunto? so what availeth it to have no creature privy to them, when hwe have him privy to them who must one day be our Judge, and who as he abhorreth them, and icannot brook or abide them, so khath threatened to punish and take vengeance upon us for them.
This was it that made Ioseph so vigilant and watchfull, that hee would not yeeld vnto sinne, though he were solicited and vrged therunto, when ⟨p. 78⟩there was both opportunity and secrecy withall, none by to see them or to bewray them, and so to incense his Master against him: eHow can I, saith he, doe this great wickednesse, and sinne against God? It was the feare of God arising from the consideration of his presence there, that kept Ioseph at that time from that sinne. As if hee had said; Though there be no creature by to see what we doe, yet fthere is a God that ouer-looketh vs. And, as he saith, gWhat availeth it to haue none priuie to our euill acts, when we haue our owne consciences priuy thereunto? so what auaileth it to haue no creature priuy to them, when hwe haue him priuy to them who must one day be our Iudge, and who as he abhorreth them, and icannot brooke or abide them, so khath threatned to punish and take vengeance vpon vs for them.
g[Greek or Hebrew]. Isocr. ad Demonic. Quid autem prodest non habere conscium, habenti conscientiam? Ex Seneca Lactant instit. l. 6. c. 24.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Isocr. ad Demonic. Quid autem prodest non habere conscium, habenti conscientiam? Ex Seneca Lactant instit. l. 6. c. 24.
hQui• fur •deret furari, si sciret à Juice see videri? Author oculi moral. c. 5. propr. 2.Qui• fur •deret furari, si sciret à Iu•ce se videri? Autor oculi moral. c. 5. propr. 2.
lWe read of two religious men that took two contrary courses with two lewd women, whom they were desirous to reclaim from their lewd manner of life. The one came to the one as desirous of her company, so it might be with all secrecy: and when she had led him from room to room, and he made still many doubts, as very shy and fearful, lest at this window, that key-hole, this crevice, or that cranny, some or other might chance to peep in and espy them together, at length she brought him to the inwardest room in the house, where she said she was full sure that none upon her life could possibly come to pry in or see ought: but mthen he told her that all the bolts and bars that were could not keep God out, all the walls ⟨p. 79⟩and doors that were could not hinder his eye-sight: and what should they gain by shunning mans eyes, when they lay open still to Gods eye?
lWe read of two religious men that tooke two contrary courses with two lewd women, whom they were desirous to reclaime from their lewd manner of life. The one came to the one as desirous of her company, so it might be with all secrecie: and when shee had led him from roome to roome, and he made still many doubts, as very shie and fearefull, lest at this window, that key-hole, this creuice, or that crany, some or other might chance to peepe in and espy them together, at length shee brought him to the inwardest roome in the house, where she said she was full sure that none vpon her life could possibly come to pry in or see ought: but mthen he told her that all the bolts and bars that were could not keepe God out, all the walles ⟨p. 79⟩and d•ores that were could not hinder his eye-sight: and what should they gaine by shunning mans eyes, when they lay open still to Gods eye?
lCassian. in collat.
mIllum time cui cura est ut videat te, & timendo casius sis: aut si peccare vis, quaere ubi te non videat, & fac quod vis. Aug. de verb. Dom. 46. Parietibus oculi hominū submoventur; numen divinum nec visceribus submovetur, quo minus totum hominem perspiciat & norit. Lactant. instit. l. 6. c. 24.Illum time cui cura est vt videat te, & timendo casiꝰ sis: aut si peccare vis, quaere vbi te nō videat, & fac quod vis. Aug. de verb. Dom. 46. Parietibꝰ oculi hominū submouentur; numen diuinum nec visceribus submouetur, quo minus totum hominem perspiciat & norit. Lactant. instit. l. 6. c. 24.
The other of them came to another of like condition in like manner, as desiring her company, but nso as she would go out at doors and company with him openly in the street: Which when oshe seemed to reject as a mad mans request; he thereupon told her, that Better and safer it were to commit that or any other sin in the eyes of a multitude of mortal men, then in the sight of God alone the immortal Judge of mankind; in the eyes of the whole world, then in the sight of pthe Judge of the whole world, qbefore whom one day we must all be judged. How warrantable the course was, I stand not to discuss: and▪ what effect it had with them, I remember not now: But sure I am that it would be very effectual unto us to keep us vigilant and watchful, and so to preserve us from many over-sights, which for want hereof we are oft overtaken withal, if we could ever seriously consider of this presence of God with us.
The other of them came to another of like condition in like manner, as desiring her company, but nso as she would goe out at doores and company with him openly in the street: Which when oshe seemed to reiect as a mad mans request; hee thereupon told her, that Better and safer it were to commit that or any other sinne in the eies of a multitude of mortall men, then in the sight of God alone the immortall Iudge of mankinde; in the eies of the whole world, then in the sight of pthe Iudge of the whole world, qbefore whom one day we must all be iudged. How warrantable the course was, I stand not to discusse: and▪ what effect it had with them, I remember not now: But sure I am that it would be very effectuall vnto vs to keepe vs vigilant and watchfull, and so to preserue vs from many ouer-sights, which for want hereof wee are oft ouertaken withall, if wee could euer seriously consider of this presence of God with vs.
nSi honest• sun•. quae facis, omnes sciant: si […], quid refert▪ neminē scire, cùm tu scias? O •e miserum, […] con temnis hunc testem. Sen•c. epist▪ 43. Populo teste fieri credam, quicquid me conscio facium. Idē de beat. c. 20.Si honest• sun•. quae facis, omnes sciant: si 〈…〉, quid refert▪ neminē scire, cùm tu scias? O •e miserum, 〈…〉 cō temnis hunc testem. Sen•c. epist▪ 43. Populo teste fieri credam, quicquid me conscio facium. Idē de beat. c. 20.
oNullu• for• […] auderes in oculis homin•, […] magis confundi▪ deberet aliquid turp• committere ante Domini conspectū? Ocul▪ moral. c. •5.Nullu• for•〈…〉 auderes in oculis homin•, 〈…〉 magis confundi▪ deberet aliquid turp• committere ante Domini conspectū? Ocul▪ moral. c. •5.
pGenes. 18. 25. Magna tib• custodia necessaria est, magna tibi necessitas indicta probitatis, qui ante cuios judicis vivis cuncta cernentis. Bern. medit. c. 6. & Boet. consol. l. 5.
§. 45. This would keep us within the bounds of Sobriety and Temperance in the use of Gods good creatures, in our recreations and disports; if we remembered, that we eat and drink in Gods presence; that we feast and make merry together, yea that we play and sport us in Gods presence: that as well, when we are playing, as when we are praying, we are ever still in Gods eye. Children, though they take more liberty to be wanton and waggish, when they are out of their Parents eye, ⟨p. 80⟩yet are they more careful commonly to carry themselves more decently even in their sports, when they play in their presence. And so would we do, were we assured that we were in Gods presence, and that God over-looked us even at our game.
§. 45. This would keepe vs within the bounds of Sobriety and Temperance in the vse of Gods good creatures, in our recreations and disports; if we remembred, that wee eat and drinke in Gods presence; that we feast and make merry together, yea that wee play and sport vs in Gods presence: that as well, when we are playing, as when we are praying, we are euer still in Gods eye. Children, though they take more liberty to bee wanton and waggish, when they are out of their Parents eie, ⟨p. 80⟩yet are they more carefull commonly to carry themselues more decently euen in their sports, when they play in their presence. And so would we doe, were wee assured that wee were in Gods presence, and that God ouer-looked vs euen at our game.
rThe Heathen man adviseth a friend of his to propound to himself and set before him some grave man or other, and so to carry himself in all his courses as he thought he should do, i• such an one were then eying him: that when he were moved to do ought that were indecent, he might think with himself, Would I do this, or do thus if such an one were in presence? And sure it is that mans […] many times, such an ones especially as we reverence and stand in some awe of, is a special mean to keep men in compass. For do we not see it by common experience, that swhen men are swearing and swaggering, or otherwise disordered, if one chance to come in whom they have some reverend conceit of, or one that they know cannot abide such behaviour, they are by and by hushed and quiet, and break off their disorders, and behave themselves more orderly so long as he is in presence. Yea if such an one be by unseen behind the back of some one of them, when he shall rap out an oath, or break a bawdy jest on some other of the company, will not the rest be ⟨p. 81⟩ready to say to him, Do not you see who is behind you? as ready it may be, otherwise to vie oaths with him, and to requite his unsavoury jest with the like. Can mans presence then so far prevail with us? And would not Gods much more, if we were assured of it; or had we the eye of our soul open to see the one, as we have the bodily eye to see the other? Or are we not ashamed of our selves, that mans presence should prevail with us more then the presence of God should? tthat what we would blush and be ashamed to do in any mans, yea uin any child's eye, that had but wit enough to conceive what we did, that we blush not, nor are abashed to commit in Gods sight.
rThe Heathen man aduiseth a friend of his to propound to himselfe and set before him some graue man or other, and so to carry himselfe in all his courses as he thought he should doe, i• such an one were then eying him: that when he were moued to doe ought that were indecent, hee might thinke with himselfe, Would I doe this, or doe thus if such an one were in presence? And sure it is that mans 〈…〉 many times, such an ones especially as we reuerence and stand in some awe of, is a speciall meane to keepe men in compasse. For doe we not see it by common experience, that swhen men are swearing and swaggering, or otherwise disordered, if one chance to come in whom they haue some reuerend conceit of, or one that they know cannot abide such behauiour, they are by and by husht and quiet, and breake off their disorders, and behaue themselues more orderly so long as he is in presence. Yea if such an one bee by vnseene behind the backe of some one of them, when he shall rap out an oath, or breake a bawdy iest on some other of the company, will not the rest bee ⟨p. 81⟩ready to say to him, Doe not you see who is behind you? as ready it may bee, otherwise to vie oaths with him, and to requite his vnsauory iest with the like. Can mans presence then so farre preuaile with vs? And would not Gods much more, if we were assured of it; or had we the eie of our soule open to see the one, as we haue the bodily eie to see the other? Or are we not ashamed of our selues, that mans presence should preuaile with vs more then the presence of God should? tthat what wee would blush and be ashamed to doe in any mans, yea uin any childes eie, that had but wit enough to conceiue what we did, that wee blush not, nor are abashed to commit in Gods sight.
rSic fac […], tanquam spectet Epicurus. Epicurus ipso. Prodest fin• dubio custodem sibi imposuisse, & habere quem respici•, quam interesse cogitationibus tui• judic•. Sic viva tanquam sub alicui• vilely, ac se•per […]; oculis. Sic […], […] feteri•, tanquā spectet Cato, aut Scipio, aut L•lius aliquis. Sen. ep. 25. Aliquis. eligendus est, & semper ant• ocul• habendus, ut sic tanquam illo spectante vi•ius, & […] tanquam illo vidente faciamus. Id••pist. 11. Et Bernard. ad fratr. de•te Dei; Elige tibi aliquem, cuius vitae exemplar sic cordituo inh•serit, reverentia insederit, ut quoties recordatus futris, ad reverentiam cogitati assurges, vitam, ordines, mores compo•as. Hic pr• sens tibi sit quandocunque v•lueris, occu•rat s•pe & cùm nolueris. Omnia facta, cogitata tua cùm ab eo videri cogita•is, a•si videat, •diat, •endare cogetis, &c.Sic fac 〈…〉, tanquam spectet Epicurus. Epicurus ipso. Prodest fin• dubio custodem sibi imposuisse, & habere quem respici•, quam interesse cogitationibus tui• iudic•. Sic viu• tanquam sub alicui• vii, ac seper ; oculis. Sic , feteri, tanquā spectet Cato, aut Scipi, aut Llius aliquis. Sen. ep. 25. Aliquis. eligendus est, & semper ant ocul habendus, vt sic tanquam illo spectante viius, & tanquam illo vidente faciamus. Id pist. 11. Et Bernard. ad fratr. dete Dei; Elige tibi aliquem, cuius vitae exemplar sic cordituo inhserit, reuerentia insederit, vt quoties recordatus futris, ad reuerentiam cogitati assurges, vitam, ordines, mores compoas. Hic pr sens tibi sit quandocunque vlueris, occurat spe & cùm nolueris. Omnia facta, cogitata tua cùm ab eo videri cogitais, asi videat, diat, endare cogetis, &c.
§. 46. Again this would keep us xfrom taking liberty to our selves of sinning in regard of secrecy and privacy, were we never so solitary, never so private. It is true that wicked wretches take occasion by such opportunities to offend the more freely. yThe eye of the Adulterer, saith Job, waiteth for the twilight; and then he disguiseth himself, and saith, No eye shall see him. Yea of God himself they think, zHe walketh aloft on the heavenly terrace, and there is many a thick cloud between him and us: How can he see or discern what we do in the dark? But aUnderstand, ye unwise ones, as the Psalmist speaketh; and ye brutish ones, will ye never be wise? He that formed the eye, shall not he himself see? he that planted the ear, shall not he himself hear? yea he that made the heart, knoweth not he what is in the heart? Or he that framed thy soul, cannot he see as much and as well as thy ⟨p. 82⟩soul? But bwhen thou art in the dark, doth not thy soul see what thou doest? And cdoth not God then dthat is far above thy soul, ethat knoweth thy soul better then thy soul knoweth it self, that fknoweth more by thee then thou knowest by thy self, doth he not much more know, and much more easily and clearly discern what thou doest in the dark? Oh how watchful and wary would we be in all our ways, were our hearts but once throughly possessed with this undoubted persuasion of Gods perpetual presence with us, of his all-seeing eye ever and every where over-looking on us? What temptation could prevail against us, were this consideration at hand with us? If we could follow that good rule though by an Heathen man given, gSo converse with men, as if God over-looked thee; so commune with God, as if men over-heard thee: If we could have that continually before the eyes of our soul that a reverend and religious man had before his eyes ever in his study; hSin not; (be thou never so secret) for God seeth thee: the good Angels stand by thee: the Devil is ready to accuse thee; thine own conscience to give in evidence against thee; and hell fire to torment thee: it would not be so great a mastery to keep us waking and watchful, as for want hereof usually it is.
§. 46. Againe this would keepe vs xfrom taking liberty to our selues of sinning in regard of secrecy and priuacy, were we neuer so solitary, neuer so priuate. It is true that wicked wretches take occasion by such opportunities to offend the more freely. yThe eye of the Adulterer, saith Iob, waiteth for the twilight; and then he disguiseth himselfe, and saith, No eye shall see him. Yea of God himselfe they thinke, zHe walketh aloft on the heauenly tarase, and there is many a thicke cloud betweene him and vs: How can he see or discerne what we doe in the darke? But aVnderstand, ye vnwise ones, as the Psalmist speaketh; and ye brutish ones, will yee neuer be wise? He that formed the eie, shall not hee himselfe see? hee that planted the eare, shall not hee himselfe heare? yea he that made the heart, knoweth not he what is in the heart? Or he that framed thy soule, cannot he see as much and as well as thy ⟨p. 82⟩soule? But bwhen thou art in the darke, doth not thy soule see what thou doest? And cdoth not God then dthat is farre aboue thy soule, ethat knoweth thy soule better then thy soule knoweth it selfe, that fknoweth more by thee then thou knowest by thy selfe, doth hee not much more know, and much more easily and clearely discerne what thou doest in the darke? Oh how watchfull and wary would we be in all our waies, were our hearts but once throughly possessed with this vndoubted perswasion of Gods perpetuall presence with vs, of his all-seeing eie euer and euery where ouer-looking on vs? What temptation could preuaile against vs, were this consideration at hand with vs? If wee could follow that good rule though by an Heathen man giuen, gSo conuerse with men, as if God ouer-looked thee; so commune with God, as if men ouer-heard thee: If we could haue that continually before the eyes of our soule that a reuerend and religious man had before his eyes euer in his study;
xNullum putaveris locum sine teste. Martin. Dum. de mor. Memineris Deum habere te testem. Ex Cicer. Lactant. instit. lib. 6. cap. 24.Nullum putaueris locum sine teste. Martin. Dum. de mor. Memineris Deum habere te testem. Ex Cicer. Lactant. instit. lib. 6. cap. 24.
§. 47. A sixth help to this spiritual watchfulness is the ifrequent consideration of our end, and of that last day either of death or doom, ⟨p. 83⟩wherein we must every one appear before God to give up our accounts to him. kThe end of all things, saith the Apostle Peter, is at hand: be sober therefore, and watch unto prayer. And our Saviour oft; lWatch therefore; for you know not in what hour your Master will come. And it is the last Argument that the Wise man useth (hoping, if by any, by it to prevail) to the unruly youngster, that will needs have his own swing; mBut know that for all these things God will call thee to account. As those therefore that are to give an account of their actions, as nat Athens most of their Magistrates did at the years end when they went out of office, are wont to be more wary and chary how they carry themselves in their affairs, then those that are not liable to account, nor look ever to come to reckoning, especially if it be uncertain how soon they may be called upon to give up their accounts: oSo ought it to be with us, since we may well remember, yea so it cannot but be with us, if we shall duly consider, that pwe must all of us one day appear at Christs Tribunal, and there qevery one give account unto God for himself. And if we shall withal take notice, what a strict account it shall be, wherein we must answer not for every wicked work only, but rfor every idle word also, and as well sfor the very Thoughts of our hearts, as for the actions of our lives; and that this we know not how soon it may be, (God hath prefixed us no set time for it; the would have the last ⟨p. 84⟩day hid from us, because he would have us every day watch for it:) it must needs make us keep a most strait watch, and that constantly and continually too, not over our feet and our hands only, but over our hearts and our minds also, as uthe Wise man doth well admonish us.
§. 47. A sixt helpe to this spirituall watchfulnesse is the ifrequent consideration of our end, and of that last day either of death or doome, ⟨p. 83⟩wherein we must euery one appeare before God to giue vp our accounts to him. kThe end of all things, saith the Apostle Peter, is at hand: bee sober therefore, and watch vnto praier. And our Sauiour oft; lWatch therefore; for you know not in what houre your Master will come. And it is the last Argument that the Wiseman vseth (hoping, if by any, by it to preuaile) to the vnruly youngster, that will needes haue his owne swinge; mBut know that for all these things God will call thee to account. As those therefore that are to giue an account of their actions, as nat Athens most of their Magistrates did at the yeeres end when they went out of office, are wont to bee more wary and chary how they carry themselues in their affaires, then those that are not liable to account, nor looke euer to come to reckoning, especially if it bee vncertaine how soone they may bee called vpon to giue vp their accounts: oSo ought it to bee with vs, since wee may well remember, yea so it cannot but bee with vs, if we shall duly consider, that pwee must all of vs one day appeare at Christs Tribunall, and there qeuery one giue account vnto God for himselfe. And if we shall withall take notice, what a strict account it shall bee, wherein we must answer not for euery wicked worke only, but rfor euery idle word also, and as well sfor the very Thoughts of our hearts, as for the actions of our liues; and that this wee know not how soone it may be, (God hath prefixed vs no set time for it; t
i[Greek or Hebrew]. Zaleucu• in legū prooemio apud S•ob. c. 42.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Zaleucu• in legū prooemio apud S•ob. c. 42.
nInde [Greek or Hebrew] dicti. Et [Greek or Hebrew] apud quos rationem quisque reddebat. Visantur Jul. Pollux & Harpoor. Sic & Dan 6. 2.Inde 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 dicti. Et 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 apud quos rationem quisque reddebat. Visantur Iul. Pollux & Harpoor. Sic & Dan 6. 2.
oSemper ita vivamus, ut rationem reddendā nobis arbitremur: putemusque nos momentis omnibus, non in aliquo orbis terrae theatro ab hominibus, sed desuper spectari ab eo, qui & judex & testis idem futu, us est, &c. Ex Citer. Verrin. 4. Lactant. instit. l. 6 c. 24.Semper ita viuamus, vt rationem reddendā nobis arbitremur: putemusque nos momentis omnibus, non in aliquo orbis terrae theatro ab hominibus, sed desuper spectari ab eo, qui & iudex & testis idem futu, us est, &c. Ex Citer. Verrin. 4. Lactant. instit. l. 6 c. 24.
§. 48. Yea but that day, may some say, is not so near yet, xthe Apostle Paul himself saith so. There are some fore-running signs of it as yet unfulfilled, as ythe conversion of the Jews, and zthe subversion of Antichrist: And till these have been, it shall not be.
§. 48. Yea but that day, may some say, is not so neere yet, xthe Apostle Paul himselfe saith so. There are some fore-running signes of it as yet vnfulfilled, as ythe conuersion of the Iewes, and zthe subuersion of Antichrist: And till these haue beene, it shall not be.
To this I answer, with some of the ancients; that athere is a twofold dooms-day: a general Dooms-day, at the end of the world: and a particular Dooms-day, at the end of each mans life. Every mans Deaths-day is each mans Dooms-day. For bIt is reserved for all men, that once they must die, and then cometh judgement. And cwhen the body returneth to dust, dwhence it was taken, the Spirit goeth to God, to give account to him ethat at first gave it. And that which is wont to be said, (though, it may be, fat first spoken in another sense) gAs the tree falleth, so it lieth: has Death leaveth thee, so shall the last judgement find thee, and so shalt thou abide then for all eternity. iIf the evil servant therefore shall say in his heart, My Master will not come yet: and shall take occasion thereby either to sleep with the slothful, or to be drunk with the riotous, which he ought not to do, to give over his vigilancie, and live more remissly or more loosely; that Servants Master will ⟨p. 85⟩come when he is not aware, and by death kcut him in two, sever body and soul asunder, and give him his portion with Hypocrites, in that place of torment, where is nothing but weeping and wailing for pain and grief, and gnashing of teeth for indignation and vexation of Spirit.
To this I answer, with some of the auncients; that athere is a twofold doomes-day: a generall Doomes-day, at the end of the world: and a particular Doomes-day, at the end of each mans life. Euery mans Deaths-day is each mans Doomes-day. For bIt is reserued for all men, that once they must die, and then commeth iudgement. And cwhen the body returneth to dust, dwhence it was taken, the Spirit goeth to God, to giue account to him ethat at first gaue it. And that which is wont to bee said, (though, it may be, fat first spoken in another sense) gAs the tree falleth, so it lieth: has Death leaueth thee, so shall the last iudgement finde thee, and so shalt thou abide then for all eternity. iIf the euill seruant therefore shall say in his heart, My Master will not come yet: and shall take occasion thereby either to sleepe with the slouthfull, or to bee drunke with the riotous, which hee ought not to doe, to giue ouer his vigilancie, and liue more remissely or more loosely; that Seruants Master will ⟨p. 85⟩come when he is not aware, and by death kcut him in two, seuer body and soule asunder, and giue him his portion with Hypocrites, in that place of torment, where is nothing but weeping and wailing for paine and griefe, and gnashing of teeth for indignation and vexation of Spirit.
a[Greek or Hebrew]. Joan. Damasc. orth•d. fid. l. 2. c. 1.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ioan. Damasc. orth•d. fid. l. 2. c. 1.
hQu•tlem te invent […] cùm vocat, talem pariter & judicat. Cyprian. de mortal. Qualis quisque hinc exierit suo novissimo die, talis inuenietur in novissimo saeculi die. Aug. de verb. D•m. 21. & epist. 80. Et Greg. dialog. l. 4. c. 37. & apud Gratia•. dist. 25.Qu•tlem te inuen•t 〈…〉 cùm vocat, talem pariter & iudicat. Cyprian. de mortal. Qualis quisque hinc exierit suo nouissimo die, talis inuenietur in nouissimo saeculi die. Aug. de verb. D•m. 21. & epist. 80. Et Greg. dialog. l. 4. c. 37. & apud Gratia•. dist. 25.
§. 49. And lwhat shall it avail a man that the world standeth still, if he die, and so the whole world be as good as gone with him? if the river run still that he dwelt by, the house stand still that he dwelt in, when himself is taken away from either? Though the last day of the world be never so far off, yet may the last day of thy life be near at hand. tThough the worlds Dooms-day come not yet, thine may come long before it: though it be never so long before that come, it cannot be long ere thine will come. And if it be uncertain when the general day of Doom will be, it is no less uncertain, yea in some sort more uncertain when thy particular day of doom will be.
§. 49. And lwhat shall it auaile a man that the world standeth still, if hee die, and so the whole world bee as good as gone with him? if the riuer runne still that hee dwelt by, the house stand still that hee dwelt in, when himselfe is taken away from either? Though the last day of the world bee neuer so farre off, yet may the last day of thy life bee neere at hand. tThough the worlds Doomes-day come not yet, thine may come long before it: though it bee neuer so long before that come, it cannot bee long ere thine will come. And if it bee vncertaine when the generall day of Doome will bee, it is no lesse vncertaine, yea in some sort more vncertaine when thy particular day of doome will be.
lEtsi concluso superessent tempor• seclo, Ut posset longos mundus habere dies: Nos tamen occasum nostrū obseruare deceret, Et finem vitae quemque videre suae. Nam mihi quid prodest, quod longo flumina cursu Semper inexhaustis prona ferū tur aquis? Multa quod annosae vicerunt saecula syluae? Quodque suis durant flora rura locis? Ista manent: nostri sed non mansere parentes. Exigui vitam temporis hospes ago. Prosper ad voeorem.Etsi concluso superessent tempor• seclo, Vt posset longos mundus habere dies: Nos tamen occasum nostrū obseruare deceret, Et finem vitae quemque videre suae. Nam mihi quid prodest, quod longo flumina cursu Semper inexhaustis prona ferū tur aquis? Multa quod annosae vicerunt saecula syluae? Quodque suis durant flor•a rura locis? Ista manent: nostri sed non mansere parentes. Exigui vitam temporis hospes ago. Prosper ad voeorem.
tLongè est quidē dies judieij; sed uniuscuiusque hominis di•s ultimus longè esse non potest; quia brevis est vita, & vitae brevitas incerta. Aug. de verb. Dom. 16. & de 10. chord. 2. & homil. 28.Longè est quidē dies iudieij; sed vniuscuiusque hominis di•s vltimus longè esse non potest; quia breuis est vita, & vitae breuitas incerta. Aug. de verb. Dom. 16. & de 10. chord. 2. & homil. 28.
There are both affirmative and negative signs of the one; there may be affirmative, but there are no negative signs of the other. Of the general day of Doom there are some affirmative signs; such as argue the near approaching of it, uas the tenderness of the bough and the sprouting out of the figtree doth the Summers approach. And there are some negative signs; such as xtill they come that day shall not be, as ythe gathering in of the Jews again; ⟨p. 86⟩and zthe destruction of the Beast and the woman that sitteth on her.
There are both affirmatiue and negatiue signes of the one; there may be affirmatiue, but there are no negatiue signes of the other. Of the generall day of Doome there are some affirmatiue signes; such as argue the neere approaching of it, uas the tendernes of the bough and the sprouting out of the figtree doth the Summers approach. And there are some negatiue signes; such as xtill they come that day shall not bee, as ythe gathering in of the Iewes againe; ⟨p. 86⟩and zthe destruction of the Beast and the woman that sitteth on her.
But of each mans particular Dooms-day, to wit, of his dying day, there may be signs affirmative, as decay of nature, old age, and some uncurable diseases; aby which it may be known that the day of death is not far off. But negative signs of it there are none, of which we may say, till such or such things be, a man shall not die: a man cannot say, I am not weak, nor sick, nor old yet; and therefore I know I shall not die yet. For our bSun may set at noon, as the Prophet speaketh in an other sense: our life may be ccut off in the middest of our years: we may be dsnatched away suddenly in the prime of our strength. eThe young goeth many times as soon as the old; and fthe strong oft before the weak. Yea as for one apple that hangeth on the tree till it be rotten or full ripe, there are twenty or more blown down or beaten down, or nipped with the frost or blasted before they be ripe: So for one man that gfulfilleth his natural course, there are an hundred intercepted and have their lives shortened, by surfeit, by sickness, by the sword, by pensiveness, by some one casualty or other.
But of each mans particular Doomes-day, to wit, of his dying day, there may be signes affirmatiue, as decay of nature, old age, and some vncureable diseases; aby which it may bee knowne that the day of death is not far off. But negatiue signes of it there are none, of which we may say, till such or such things be, a man shall not die: a man cannot say, I am not weake, nor sicke, nor old yet; and therefore I know I shall not die yet. For our bSunne may set at noone, as the Prophet speaketh in an other sense: our life may be ccut off in the middest of our yeeres: we may be dsnatcht away sodainely in the prime of our strength. eThe young goeth many times as soone as the old; and fthe strong oft before the weake. Yea as for one apple that hangeth on the tree til it be rotten or full ripe, there are twenty or more blowne down or beaten downe, or nipped with the frost or blasted before they be ripe: So for one man that gfulfilleth his naturall course, there are an hundred intercepted and haue their liues shortned, by surfet, by sicknesse, by the sword, by pensiuenesse, by some one casualtie or other.
e2 Sam. 12. 18. Mors tam juveni ante oculos deb•t esse quàm seni: nō enim citamur ex censu. Senec. ep. 12. Fata enim seriem non seruant. Ibid. 63. Quis est adolescens, cui exploratum sit se ad vesperam esse victurum? Cic. de sen. Senibus mors in januis, adolescentibus in insidijs est. Bern. de conuers. c. 14. Et sub eodem pueritia fato est. Fuscus apud Sen. suasor. 2.2 Sam. 12. 18. Mors tam iuveni ante oculos deb•t esse quàm seni: nō enim citamur ex censu. Senec. ep. 12. Fata enim seriem non seruant. Ibid. 63. Quis est adolescens, cui exploratum sit se ad vesperam esse victurum? Cic. de sen. Senibus mors in ianuis, adolescentibus in insidijs est. Bern. de conuers. c. 14. Et sub eodem pueritia fato est. Fuscꝰ apud Sen. suasor. 2.
§. 50. Could we then but seriously consider thus much with our selves, that we know hour life cannot be long, though we should live the full length of it: iOur life it is but an hand-breadth; and our whole age it is as nothing in regard of God: it is but ka point to sempiternity, lthe time after decease ⟨p. 87⟩that hath a beginning, but no ending; it is just mnothing to eternity, nGods age, that hath neither beginning nor ending: And again, that we know not how soon death may come; oit is never far off indeed; pThe day present if it be not it, yet it is not far off it: but it is nearer by much many times then we are aware of; it is very near at hand oft ere it appear so to be; qit cometh frequently without warning, and striketh a man stark-dead ere he be discerned to be dying: And lastly that when it cometh, we must instantly come to our reckoning without further respite or delay: for rno man, saith Solomon, hath power over his own Spirit, to retain it in the day of death: there is no taking or gaining of further time then; snor shifting off of the account that we are then called unto, and shall be enforced, will we nill we, then to give up: It could not choose but keep us continually waking and watching for it, as tdeath waiteth and watcheth every where for us; it would make us the mean while walk wisely and warily, as those that desire to give up a good account whensoever they shall be called to it, which they are sure they shall, but uncertain how soon they shall be.
§. 50. Could wee then but seriously consider thus much with our selues, that wee know hour life cannot be long, though we should liue the full length of it: iOur life it is but an hand-bredth; and our whole age it is as nothing in regard of God: it is but ka point to sempiternitie, lthe time after decease ⟨p. 87⟩that hath a beginning, but no ending; it is iust mnothing to eternity, nGods age, that hath neither beginning nor ending: And againe, that wee know not how soone death may come; oit is neuer farre off indeede; pThe day present if it be not it, yet it is not farre off it: but it is neerer by much many times then we are aware of; it is very neere at hand oft ere it appeare so to be; qit commeth frequently without warning, and striketh a man starke-dead ere he be discerned to be dying: And lastly that when it commeth, wee must instantly come to our reckoning without further respit or delay: for rno man, saith Salomon, hath power ouer his owne Spirit, to retaine it in the day of death: there is no taking or gaining of further time then; snor shifting off of the account that we are then called vnto, and shall be enforced, will we nill wee, then to giue vp: It could not choose but keepe vs continually waking and watching for it, as tdeath waiteth and watcheth euery where for vs; it would make vs the meane while walke wisely and warily, as those that desire to giue vp a good account whensoeuer they shall be called to it, which they are sure they shall, but vncertaine how soone they shall be.
k[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. [Greek or Hebrew]. Punctum est quod vivimus; & adhuc puncto minus. Sen. epist. 60.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Punctum est quod viuimus; & adhuc puncto minus. Sen. epist. 60.
oEras si in navigation tantùm existimas minimis esse quo a morte vita diducitur. In omni loco aequè •enue interuallum est. Non ubique se mors tam prope ostendit; ubique tam prope est. Sen. ep. 49.Erras si in nauigatione tantùm existimas minimis esse quo a morte vita diducitur. In omni loco aequè •enue interuallum est. Non vbique se mors tam prope ostendit; vbique tam prope est. Sen. ep. 49.
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Genes. 18. 25. Magna tib• custodia necessaria est, magna tibi necessitas indicta probitatis, qui ante •cuios iudicis viuis cuncta cernentis. Bern. medit. c. 6. & Boet. consol. l. 5.
sSic Philippus rex cùm […] ludenti Antipatr• ven•re […], [Greek or Hebrew], alutum quo ludebat, in lectum reiecit. Athen. dip•osop. l. 10.Sic Philippus rex cùm 〈…〉 ludenti Antipatr• ven•re 〈…〉, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, alutum quo ludebat, in lectum reiecit. Athen. dip•osop. l. 10.
tQuovis loco, quovis angulo reverentiam habe Angelo qui te custodit, […] illo praesente facere audeas, quod me praesente non auderes. Bern. Hic est magni consilij Angelus, cui patensest omnis angulus. Et quidam ait; Cùm quid turpe facis, quod me spectante rubbers; Cur spectante Deo nō magis inde rubes? Ocul. moral. cap. 15. propr 2.Quouis loco, quouis angulo reuerentiam habe Angelo qui te custodit, 〈…〉 illo praesente facere audeas, quod me praesente non auderes. Bern. Hic est magni consilij Angelus, cui patensest omnis angulus. Et quidam ait; Cùm quid turpe facis, quod me spectante ruberes; Cur spectante Deo nō magis inde rubes? Ocul. moral. cap. 15. propr 2.
u- siquid Turpe paras, nec ju pueri contempseris annos, Sed peccaturo obstiterit tibi filius infans. Juven. sat. 14. per admonitionem dictum.- siquid Turpe paras, nec iu pueri contempseris annos, Sed peccaturo obstiterit tibi filius infans. Iuven. sat. 14. per admonitionem dictum.
Sinne not; (bee thou neuer so secret) for God seeth thee: the good Angels stand by thee: the Deuill is ready to accuse thee; thine owne conscience to giue in euidence against thee; and hell fire to torment thee: it would not be so great a mastery to keepe vs waking and watchfull, as for want hereof vsually it is.
gSic vive cum hominibus, tanquam Deus videat: sic loquere cum Deo, tanquam homines audiant. Sen. epist. 10.Sic viue cum hominibus, tanquam Deus videat: sic loquere cum Deo, tanquam homines audiant. Sen. epist. 10.
day hid from vs, because he would haue vs euery day watch for it:) it must needes make vs keepe a most strait watch, and that constantly and continually too, not ouer our feet and our hands onely, but ouer our hearts and our minds also, as
t[Greek or Hebrew]. Chrysost. tom. 6. orat. 67. Ultimum diem latere voluit, ut omnes obseruarentur. August. homil. 13. Dies ultimus salubrit•r ignoratur, ut semper proximus esse credatur. Gregor. mor. l. 12. & Bern. de mod. viu. ser. 69.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Chrysost. tom. 6. orat. 67. Vltimum diem latere voluit, vt omnes obseruarentur. August. homil. 13. Dies vltimus salubrit•r ignoratur, vt semper proximus esse credatur. Gregor. mor. l. 12. & Bern. de mod. viu. ser. 69.
Ecce hic ultimus dies: ut non sit, prope ab ultimo est. Ibid. 15.
Ecce hic vltimus dies: vt non sit, prope ab vltimo est. Ibid. 15.
q[Greek or Hebrew]. Basil. Sell. Indenuntiatae sort rapimur. Fuscus apud Sen. suasor 2.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Basil. Sel. Indenuntiatae sorte rapimur. Fuscꝰ apud Sen. suasor 2.
tIncertis est quo te loco mors expectet; itaque tu illā omni loco expecta. Senec. ep. 26. Mors ubique te expectat, & tu igitur, si sapis, eam ubique expectabis. Aug. de spir. & anim, c. 51. Ocul. moral. c. 7. & Bern. medit. cap. 3.Incertis est quo te loco mors expectet; itaque tu illā omni loco expecta. Senec. ep. 26. Mors vbique te expectat, & tu igitur, si sapis, eam vbique expectabis. Aug. de spir. & anim, c. 51. Ocul. moral. c. 7. & Bern. medit. cap. 3.
