The history of Lynn - Lynn Massachusetts Genealogy Project

130 HISTORY OF LYNN. [1679.3. "A Discourse of the Last Judgment, or short notes uponMatthew 25, from verse 31 to the end of the chapter, concerningthe Judgment to come, and our preparation to stand beforethe great Judge of quick and dead ; which are of sweetest comfortto the elect sheep, and a most dreadful amazement and terrourto reprobate goats." Cambridge, 1CG4, 12 mo, 160 pages.4. "Abraham's humble intercession for Sodom, and theLord's gracious answer in concession thereto." Cambridge,1666, 12 mo, 349 pages. From this work the following extractsare taken."What is it to draw nigh to God in prayer ? It is not to comewith loud expressions, when we pray before Him. Loud cryingin the ears of God, is not to draw near to God. They arenearer to God, that silently whisper in His ears and tell Himwhat they want, and what they would have of Him. Theyhave the King's ear, not that call loudest, but those that speaksoftly to him, as those of the council and bed chamber. Sothey are nearest God, and have His ear most, that speak softlyto Him in prayer." In what manner are we to draw nigh to God in prayer ?In sincerity, with a true heart. Truth is the Christian soldier'sgirdle. We must be true at all times ; much more when wefall upon our knees and pray before the Lord." We, in this country, have left our near relations, brothers,sisters, fathers' houses, nearest and dearest friends ; but if wecan get nearer to God here. He will be instead of all, moretlian all to us.He hath the fullness of all the sweetest relationsbound up in Him. We may take that out of God, tliat weforsook in foiher, mother, brother, sister, and friend, that hathbeen as near and dear as our own soul." Even among the most w-icked sinners, there may be foundsome righteous; some corn among the chaff—some jewelsamong the sands—some pearls among a multitude of shells." Who hath made England to differ from other nations, thatmore jewels are found there than elsewhere ? or what hath thatIsland that it hath not received ? The East and West Indiesyield their gold, and pearl, and sweet spices ; but I knowwhere the golden, spicy, fragrant Christians be—England hathyielded these. Yet not England, but the grace of God, thathath been ever with them. We see what hope we may haveconcerning New-England ; though we do not deserve to benamed the same day witli our dear motlier."