N01905:83
A vision in the temple. The Lord of Hosts, adored; and the King of Glory proclaimed; on a day of prayer kept (May 10. 1721) at the opening of the New Brick Meeting House in the north part of Boston, by the ministers of the city, with the Society which built it, & this day swarmed into it. / By Cotton Mather, D.D. and F.R.S. ; [Two lines from Isaiah]
Boston: printed for Robert Starkey. And sold, 1721
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
1. That he is wakeful and watchful, Walking, is not a posture of Sleepiness or Drowsiness, Psal. 121.3, 4 He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold he that keepeth Israel, shall neither slumber nor sleep.
1. That he is wakeful and watchful, Walking, is not a posture of Sleepiness or Drowziness, Psal. 121.3, 4 He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold he that keepeth Israel, shall neither slumber nor sleep.
2. That he critically observes his Churches, all of them, all Persons in then▪ and all things that concern them. The Eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good, Prov. 15.3. He says unto the Churches, I know thy works ▪ He says, All the Churches shall know, that I am He which searcheth the Reins and the Heart, Rev 2.19, 23. ⟨p. 21⟩He knows the means they have, the privileges and advantages they have for Spiritual Good▪ and observes how they Improve them. He observes whether they are Ignorant or Knowing in the things of God; whether they are sound or erroneous in their belief; whether they are sincere or hypocritical in their Profession; whether they seek him in due order; whether their external and internal Worship, be according to the Rules of the Gospel; whether their Conversation be Loose and Irregular, or such •s becomes the Gospel of Christ. He observes, whether they keep the Faith and Order of the Gospel; he observes the good they enjoy, the good they do, & evils they do; also the evils and afflictions which they suffer. He walks among them, and critically observes and views every thing (of one nature or another) which concerns them.
2. That he critically observes his Churches, all of them, all Persons in then▪ and all things that concern them. The Eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good, Prov. 15.3. He says unto the Churches, I know thy works ▪ He says, All the Churches shall know, that I am He which searcheth the Reins and the Heart, Rev 2.19, 23. ⟨p. 21⟩He knows the means they have, the priviledges and advantages they have for Spiritual Good▪ and observes how they Improve them. He observes whether they are Ignorant or Knowing in the things of God; whether they are sound or erronious in their belief; whether they are sincere or hypocritical in their Profession; whether they seek him in due order; whether their external and internal Worship, be according to the Rules of the Gospel; whether their Conversation be Loose and Irregular, or such •s becomes the Gospel of Christ. He observes, whether they keep the Faith and Order of the Gospel; he observes the good they enjoy, the good they do, & evils they do; also the evils and afflictions which they suffer. He walks among them, and critically observes and views every thing (of one nature or another) which concerns them.
3. His taking pleasure in them; if behave themselves well. Persons often walk for pleasure and delight, in those places which are agreeable and desirable ⟨p. 22⟩to them. The Lord takes pleasure in his people, and in their graces; as was showed under the head of their preciousness, being more precious than Gold. Cant. 4 16. Awake, O north wind, and come thou south, blow upon my Garden; that the spices thereof may fl•w out: Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Never did any take so much pleasure in his Garden, and in eating the best fruits of it; as the Lord does in his sincere Saints, and their sincere duties.
3. His taking pleasure in them; if behave themselves well. Persons often walk for pleasure and delight, in those places which are agreeable and desirable ⟨p. 22⟩to them. The Lord takes pleasure in his people, and in their graces; as was shew'd under the head of their preciousness, being more precious than Gold. Cant. 4 16. Awake, O north wind, and come thou south, blow upon my Garden; that the spices thereof may fl•w out: Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Never did any take so much pleasure in his Garden, and in eating the best fruits of it; as the Lord does in his sincere Saints, and their sincere duties.
4. His smiling or frowning on them, according as they do well or ill. He does not walk among his Churches merely as an idle Spectator, that only observes them, but does not concern himself any further about them. No, indeed, but he's ready to help and relieve, or chastise and punish them according to what their behaviour is. 2 Chron. 15 2. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. The more humbly and closely any Churches walk with Christ, diligently conforming themselves ⟨p. 23⟩to his holy Laws and Institutions: So much the more reason they have to expect his gracious, protecting, supplying presence with them. He said to the Church of Philadelphia, ver 3.10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will kept thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Psal. 46.5. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early. What says God of his Vineyard? Isa. 27.3. I the Lord do keep it, I will water it every moment, lest any hurt it; I will keep it night and day. Tho' it's true, that a Churches walking carefully in the ways of Christ, does not altogether exempt them from sore afflictions and trials; no fault was mentioned against the Church of Smyrna, yet they were to suffer, to have tribulation ten days, some of them must be cast into prison, Rev. 2.8, 10. Yet the more careful they are to please Christ, so much the more reason they have to expect his protection and favour, as they are a Society; but considered ⟨p. 24⟩personally as sincere Saints (if such they are) it's certain, that all things shall work together for their good.
so he'll burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire, Mat. 3.12. If Churches provoke their Holy and Jealous Lord and King, they may expect •is terrible Frowns and Judgments on them in this World; as well as the wicked persons therein his eternal Vengeance in the next, unless true faith, repentance and reformation prevent the same; for God will render ⟨p. 25⟩to every man according to his deeds. Ro· 2.6. He will bring every work into Judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl. 12.14. We must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it good or bad. 2 Cor. 5.10.
We may now proceed to some Use of these things, and from what we have heard, may Infer.
We may now proceed to some Ʋse of these things, and from what we have heard, may Infer.
That particular Churches are Societies distinct from on another. Tho' there is but one Catholic Church, the Mystical Body of Christ; who is Head over all things to the Church, which is his Body, Eph. 1.22, 23. Yet particular Churches which are parts of the Catholic, are Societies distinct from one another. They are therefore truly called Churches, in the Plural Number; as being Several or Many in Number. Christ will make the Churches to know, ⟨p. 26⟩that he searches the Reins, &c. In the Epistles sent to the Seven Churches of Asia, it's evident that they were distinct Societies, or Bodies Politic; Some are commended and no fault found with them, others are commended for some things and blamed for others. Particular Churches therefore, should observe the Laws of Society according to Scripture Rule. Tho' in general, all Christians and Ministers, as they have opportunity should do good to all men (Gal. 6.10.) yet they are under Special Ties and Obligations, to those particular Churches they are more Immediately related to. Ministers should not without Substantial, Weighty and manifest Reasons, quit those particular Churches they have taken the Pastoral care & charge of; neither should particular Members of Churches, without the like Reasons forsake the Church-Society they have voluntarily Joined themselves to. If Persons don't look upon themselves as Tied and Bound by their own free choice, and voluntary Engagements, then humane Societies may soon dissolve and vanish ⟨p. 27⟩into nothing. Some are too apt to say a Church is no Prison, therefore tho' they have solemnly Covenanted to walk with God, and the Members of this or that particular Church where they Joined, yet they are at Liberty to go when and where they please. Indeed 'tis Senseless & Ridiculous to argue after such a manner; will nothing but a Prison hold them? has Conscience no Influence to bind them to their duty? what, because a Church is no Prison, shall they therefore break their Bonds and Covenant, which of their own choice they freely and voluntarily brought themselves under? This is for Persons to have no regard to their word, to their own voluntary Engagements. Thus to Argue and Act in these matters, I think is a vain trifling with God and Men.
2. Churches and the Members of them, should Walk and Act as knowing they are under the Eye of Christ. This should restrain them from Sinning, & quicken them to duty. Very often, the presence of some Serious, Grave man, will ⟨p. 28⟩be anew & restraint to others. How much more should Christ's walking in the mi••t of the Churches, and critically Observing of them, restrain them from wickedness, and quicken them to Holiness? For his Eyes are as a flame of fire. His Eyes behold, his Eye-lids try the Children of m•n. Pal. 11.4. And he •s of purer Ey• than to behold evil, and cannot look on Iniquity. H•b 1.13. And he looks not only on the outward appearance, but also on the Heart, 1 Sam. 16.7. He searches the Reins and the Hea• & will give to every one according to his works. Rev. 2.23, •er. 17.10. He observes every one, the Heart of every one, for this end, […] give to him according to •s work. If among a considerable •r, there b• •t two or three Sincere S•nts, the Lord Knows, Loves, and will Save them: or if in such a number •re be but two or three Hypocrites, the Lord Sees, Abhors, and will Punish them, it their Repentance prevent not. We shou•d therefore Endeavour so to order the Thoughts of our Hearts, and the W•s of our Mouths, the Actions of our Lives; as ⟨p. 29⟩knowing they are under the All-seeing Eye of that Holy and Glorious Judge, who cannot be deceived and wont be mocked.
3. Churches should Endeavour to be Golden Candlesticks. They should Receive all the Light they can from Jesus Christ, by studiously and diligently Reading his Holy Word; Hearing of it Preached, attending on all his Holy Ordinances, Praying earnestly and constantly for the Influences of his Spirit, & Living up to the Light they have. They should also Exhibit and hold forth Light to all about them, by conforming themselves to the Rules of Christs word. They should Endeavour to have, maintain, and manifest Purity in Doctrine, Worship, Conversation and Discipline, Shining as Ligh •s in the World. If you desired the presence of some kind Friend, would you have those things in his view, which you knew to be offensive to him? surely no, if therefore you would have the presence of Christ as your Friend, Favourer, Protector; then put away Sin, allow of ⟨p. 30⟩nothing among you that is justly offensive to the pure Eyes of his Glory. Churches should Endeavour to be Golden Candlesticks; and should be Humble that they have been no more so. May we not here lament and say, as Lam. 4.1. How is the Gold become dim! How is the fine Gold changed! Alas, if particular persons are considered, is there not much Darkness instead of Light, in many? How Loose, Ungirt, Unguarded is the Conversation of many; instead of that Purity, that Light and Holiness which should appear therein? We all have need to look about our selves, to search and try our ways, to Repent and do the works God requires of us; lest he come quickly and remove our Candlesticks out of their places.
3. Churches should Indeavour to be Golden Candlesticks. They should Receive all the Light they can from Jesus Christ, by studiously and diligently Reading his Holy Word; Hearing of it Preached, attending on all his Holy Ordinances, Praying earnestly and constantly for the Influences of his Spirit, & Living up to the Light they have. They should also Exhibit and hold forth Light to all about them, by conforming themselves to the Rules of Christs word. They should Indeavour to have, maintain, and manifest Puritie in Doctrine, Worship, Conversation and Discipline, Shining as Ligh •s in the World. If you desir'd the presence of some kind Friend, would you have those things in his veiw, which you knew to be offensive to him? surely no, if therefore you would have the presence of Christ as your Friend, Favourer, Protector; then put away Sin, allow of
4. Those who are about Embodying themselves into a Church state; should Endeavour to approve themselves to Christ therein. If they are about to become a Candlestick of the Lord, they should strive to be a Golden one; they should approve themselves to the Lord Jesus in the business before them. So it behoves ⟨p. 31⟩you to do, w•o are the occasion of our thus Assembling at this time.
4. Those who are about Imbodying themselves into a Church state; should Indeavour to approve themselves to Christ therein. If they are about to become a Candlestick of the Lord, they should strive to be a Golden one; they should approve themselves to the Lord Jesus in the business before them. So it behoves ⟨p. 31⟩you to do, w•o are the occasion of our thus Assembling at this time.
To you therefore who have Engaged in the Building of this House, for the worship of God and administrations of his Holy Ordinances; and have in view, the Embodying into a Church state here, to you I would say, 1. Examine your selves about, and be humble for what has been amiss in your proceedings. We are but Stewards of what we possess, we should Employ our Talents, our Estates, all our Abilities as good Stewards of Gods manifold grace 1 Pet. 4.10. Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we should do all to the Glory of God. 1 Cor. 10.31. Well have you had Pure, Sincere aims at the Glory of God, in doing what you have done, and expending the cost you have been at? What you have done in this matter, has it been really a Sacrifice to God; alluding to that Heb. 13.16. Have you not been too much Swayed by resentments, & ⟨p. 32⟩by motives which should not have been so much hearkened to? Have you kept close to the Rules of Gods Word in what you have done, acted from right principles, and with a becoming Christian frame and temper? Surely it behoves you, seriously to consider these things between God & your own Consciences; and so far as you find you have done amiss in any thing, you ought deeply to humble your selves before God for it; yea, on this Occasion of coming into a new House, and setting up a New Congregation; it is very proper that you should as thoroughly as you can, search into your own hearts & ways, through the whole time of your past lives; and deeply humble your selves before God for what has been amiss in them. Ezek. 36.31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good; and shall loath your selves in your own sight, for your Iniquities and for your Abominations. Do not boast of, nor triumph in, what you have done; that you have Built your House, and brought ⟨p. 33⟩it to the present condition it's in; no, but be humble for what has been amiss, and be Thankful for the Divine smiles that have been afforded.
To you therefore who have Ingaged in the Building of this House, for the worship of God and administrations of his Holy Ordinances; and have in view, the Imbodying into a Church state here, to you I would say, 1. Examine your selves about, and be humble for what has been amiss in your proceedings. We are but Stewrads of what we possess, we should Imploy our Talents, our Estates, all our Abilities as good Stewards of Gods manifold grace
2. Heartily trust in Christ Jesus for pardon. His Blood cleanseth from all Sin. 1 Joh. 1.7. He that hath the Son hath Life, he that hath not the Son of God hath not Life. 1 Joh. 5.12. As you should heartily Repent of all your Sins, so you should as heartily and steadfastly Trust in Christ for Pardon; you must do this, or Perish. Your having a New Meeting-House, New Seats, New Pews, can never Entitle you to the New-Jerusalem, to Mansions in that House of God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; unless you have true heart-purifying Faith in Christ Jesus. For he that believeth not shall be damned, Mark 16.16.
2. Heartily trust in Christ Jesus for pardon. His Blood cleanseth from all Sin. 1 Joh. 1.7. He that hath the Son hath Life, he that hath not the Son of God hath not Life. 1 Joh. 5.12. As you should heartily Repent of all your Sins, so you should as heartily and stedfastly Trust in Christ for Pardon; you must do this, or Perish. Your having a New Meeting-House, New Seats, New Pews, can never Intitle you to the New-Jerusalem, to Mansions in that House of God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; unless you have true heart-purifying Faith in Christ Jesus. For he that believeth not shall be damned, Mark 16.16.
3. Strive after the life and power of Godliness. Never content your selves, with an outward Profession of Religion, nor with outward Performances ⟨p. 34⟩of it; such Profession and Performances are Duty, but they should be done in Sincerity. Therefore see to it, that you get and keep your hearts right with God. Possibly you'll think and be concerned, about what may be thought or said of you by these or those persons, even by men• ; but your great care and▪ solicitude should be so to act, not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth your hearts. 1 Thes. 2.4. Oh think, think most seriously with your selves; that you have to do with the Holy heart-searching God; who can't be deceived, and won't be mocked.
3. Strive after the life and power of Godliness. Never content your selves, with an outward Profession of Religion, nor with outward Performances ⟨p. 34⟩of it; such Profession and Performances are Duty, but they should be done in Sincerity. Therefore see to it, that you get and keep your hearts right with God. Possibly you'll think and be concern'd, about what may be thought or said of you by these or those persons, even by men• ; but your great care and▪ sollicitude should be so to act, not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth your hearts. 1 Thes. 2.4. Oh think, think most seriously with your selves; that you have to do with the Holy heart-searching God; who can't be deceived, and won't be mock'd.
Do as he did. Acts 24.16. Here i• do I exercise my self to have a Conscience void of offence towards God […] towards men.
Do as he did. Acts 24.16. Here i• do I exercise my self to have a Conscience void of offence towards God 〈…〉 towards men.
4. Do your utmost, to maintain and promote true Religion in your Family Be Religious in your Houses, as well a• in this House Built for Public Worship. Don't be so wicked as to live without Secret Prayer any of you• ⟨p. 35⟩Mat. 6.6. Enter into thy Closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray unto thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Don't be so wicked any of you, as to Live without Family Prayer. The pouring▪ out of Gods fury, may be expected on the Families that all not on his Name. Jer. 10.25. Expose not your selves to such Divine Displeasure, but Worship God by Family Prayer Morning and Evening; and say with him, Josh. 24.15. As for me and my House, we will Serve the Lord. Instruct your Families, and Govern them well; bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, Ephes. 6.4. Like Abraham, Command •our Children and Household after you, •at they may keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18.19.
4. Do your utmost, to maintain and promote true Religion in your Familie Be Religious in your Houses, as well a• in this House Built for Publick Worship. Dont be so wicked as to live without Secret Prayer any of you• ⟨p. 35⟩Mat. 6.6. Enter into thy Closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray unto thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Dont be so wicked any of you, as to Live without Family Prayer. The pouring out of Gods fury, may be expected on the Families that all not on his Name.
4. His smiling or frowning on them, according as they do well or ill. He does not walk among his Churches meerly as an idle Spectator, that only observes them, but does not concern himself any further about them. No, indeed, but he's ready to help and relieve, or chastize and punish them according to what their behaviour is. 2 Chron. 15 2. The Lord is with you, while ye bewith him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. The more humbly and closely any Churches walk with Christ, diligently conforming themselves ⟨p. 23⟩to his holy Laws and Institutions: So much the more reason they have to expect his gracious, protecting, supplying presence with them. He said to the Church of Philadelphia, ver 3.10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will kept thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Psal. 46.5. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early. What says God of his Vineyard? Isa. 27.3. I the Lord do keep it, I will water it every moment, lest any hurt it; I will keep it night and day. Tho' it's true, that a Churches walking carefully in the ways of Christ, does not altogether exempt them from sore afflictions and trials; no fault was mentioned against the Church of Smyrna, yet they were to suffer, to have tribulation ten days, some of them must be cast into prison, Rev. 2.8, 10. Yet the more careful they are to please Christ, so much the more reason they have to expect his protection and favour, as they are a Society; but considered ⟨p. 24⟩personally as sincere Saints (if such they are) it's certain, that all things shall work together for their good. Rom. 8.28. And if God be for them, who can be against them? v. 31. Again, the Lord Jesus walks among his Churches, to testifie against, and to punish those things that are displeasing and provoking to him. He says, Rev. 2.16.22, 23. Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit Adultry with her into great tribulation.—I will give unto every one of you according to your works. The Lord Jesus has his fan in his hand, he'll thro'ly purge his floor: as he'll gather the wheat into his garners;
2. Churches and the Members of them, should Walk and Act as knowing they are under the Eye of Christ. This should restrain them from Sinning, & quicken them to duty. Very often, the presence of some Serious, Grave man, will ⟨p. 28⟩be an•w & restraint to others. How much more shoul• Christ's walking in the mi••t of the Churches, and critically Observing of them, restrain them from wickedness, and quicken them to Holiness? For his Eyes are as a flame of fire. His Eyes behold, his Eye-lids try the Children of m•n. Pal. 11.4. And he •s of purer Ey• than to behold evil, and cannot look on Inniquity. H•b 1.13. And he looks not only on the outward appearance, but also on the Heart, 1 Sam. 16.7. He searches the Reins and the Hea• & will give to every one according to his works. Rev. 2.23, •er. 17.10. He observes every one, the Heart of every one, for this end, 〈…〉 give to him according to •s work. If among a considerable •r, there b• •t two or three Sincere S•nts, the Lord Knows, Loves, and will Save them: or if in such a number •re be but two or three Hypocrites, the Lord Sees, Abhors, and will Punish them, it their Repentance prevent not. We shou•d therefore Indeavour so to order the Thoughts of our Hearts, and the W•s of our Mouths, the Actions of our Lives; as ⟨p. 29⟩knowing they are under the All-seeing Eye of that Holy and Glorious Judge, who cannot be deceived and wont be mocked.
