Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize

1: To be constant in the use of the means that are appointed to this end. God hath written his mind unto us in the Holy Scriptures, but we must be sure to read it there, if ever we intend to come by the knowledge of it: he hath also set up his Holy Ordinances; and in them hath appointed his Ambassadors to present men with the mysterious Truths of the Gospel; but if we have a desire to get any good by such an advantage as this, we must come to them, yea, we must ⟨p. 129⟩wait at the posts of his doors, such the blessing is pronounced upon. Prov. 8. 34. which waiting implies constancy. The Truth is too bulky a thing to be all set to view at once or displayed in one Ordinance, it is therefore given Line upon Line, Precept upon Precept, here a little, and there a little: Some Truths at one time, some it another, and therefore if we would miss none, we must come continually: Truth is bound up in several bails (there are divers heads to which the points of Religion are reduced) and if we would have the advantage of seeing all, we must come when they are opened, Hos. 6. 3. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord.

2. We must add diligence and attention unto this constancy, if we will make any work of it. It is not enough to be frequent in our coming to the means, but we must take a great deal of pain with our selves when we do come, Isa. 15. 3. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear and your Souls shall live: and this is an hard work, which requires labour. It calls for a wakeful body: God doth nor ordinarily in these days reveal his mind to his people in dreams, to be sure not in his house where they are called to hear him speaking ⟨p. 130⟩to them: It would be a ridiculous thing to find men sleeping in the market place and at market; and yet how many such sights doth this heavenly mart present us withal? as if men expected visions instead of instructions; and there must also be an attentive ear, and that accompanied with a mind intent upon the present business: he that brings his body to the House of God, and leaves his heart behind him, or sends it abroad from thence, to be wandering in the corners of the earth, and roving after vain objects, is like to make but a poor purchase of it, and might ever as well have tarried away, for any benefit that is like to accrue to him by coming: the purchase of the Truth requires the intense activity of the whole Soul about it, Psal. 110. 10. With my whole heart have I sought thee.