VVIth your leave Sir; if I should not be too troublesome to you, I would faine speake a word with you in pri­vate.

You are welcome, I pray you come in, and sit downe, good neigh­bour.

Sir, I humbly thank you for your kindnesse, and pray you to pardon my boldnesse.

You are not so bolde as welcome: I pray you be covered, and tell mee what is your will with me.

Sir, I haue lived in your parish, vnder your publike Ministery a good while, and yet I remaine very ignorant; therefore am I come vnto you, for some private instruction.

And I am as wil­ling to instruct you, as you are to learne; if you come not (as many doe) to aske curious questi­ons, [Page 3]which tend not to godly edification; but contention, and vaine glory.

Surely Sir, (if I may be beleeved) my com­ming is to no such end; but to learne such things, as are most chiefly and ne­cessarily to be learned.

Your intent is good, and I am as wil­ling to instruct you, as you are to be instruct­ed; but tell mee your mind yet more plainly, and fully,

I will Sir, & it is this by your favour; The whole Bible is large, it containes many bookes, chapters, and [Page 4]verses, and in each of them are comprehended many divine truthes: All these are worthy of my lear­ning, if I had either time or wit to attaine the vn­derstanding of them: but of these many, some (me thinkes) should bee more needfull to be learned than others, are they not I pray you?

Yes, that they bee: for though you must not neglect the knowledge of any truth revealed by God in the holy Scriptures; yet must you chiefly secke to know some things a­bove others.

And I pray you (Sir) may not these chiefe points be drawne to some generall heads for the help of my memory, which is but weake?

Yea. There be two generall heads of them: whereof the first is, to seek to serve God while you live; and the second is, to seeke to be saved when you die.

God forbid but we should all seeke after both these things. But I pray you (good Sir) first declare the first point vnto me at this time, and then handle the second at some other opportunity: for I would be [Page 6]loth to hold you too long at once.

I will. For the handling then of the 1. point, which is this; You must seeke to serve God while you live: you must observe that there be 3. branches of it, and that are contained in it. 1. That you must serve God. 2. That you must seek to serve God. 3. That you must seek to serve God while you live. Of the first I shall haue just occa­sion to speake, when I come to treate, how you may bee affected with the service of God; for there I shall [Page 7]speake of the necessitie of Gods service, and that it is cōmanded vs by God, and therefore we must serve God.

I pray you then, good Sir, follow your owwe minde and order: let that point alone till then, and now goe on to shew me the second branch, which is, that I must seek to serve God.

I will: and in the handling of this I would haue you to ob­serve these 5. particu­lars. 1. That wee must seeke to serve God. 2. Why we must seeke to serve God. 3. How, [Page 8]and in what manner. 4. In what measure. 5. What are the markes of them, that seeke to serve God.

I pray you prove vnto me, that I must seeke to serve God, for I would faine binde my loose heart to obedience.

It is proved by many places of Scrip­ture, specially these, 1 Chron. 28.9. wherein David in the name of the Lord, exhorts and commands Salomon, and all Israel, to seeke to serve God: So did Asa the people of Israel, 2 Chron. 14.4.

Now I pray you shew me why I must seeke to serve God.

The reasons why are these. 1. You must encourage others to seeke to serve God, Ez­ra. 4.2. therefore you must much more doe it your selfe. 2. You have many examples hereof in the Scriptures, which are patternes for you to follow, as the Israelites, 2 Chron. 14.7. & 15.15. Iehosaphat, 2 Chron. 22.9. David, Psal. 119.45. and many other. 3. The benefits of seeking to serve God should move you herunto, which are [Page 10]that God will reward thē, Heb. 11.6. that Gods hand shall bee vpon them for good, Ezra. 8.20. that they shall find God, (namely) to be gracious to them; 1 Chron, 28.9. and that they shall not be confounded, (that is) of their sinnes or afflicti­ons, Psal. 96.6. 4. You ought to bee moved herunto, by the danger of not seeking God to serve him; which dan­ger appeares: 1. in that it is a signe and marke of a man in his naturall estate, & without grace, Rom. 3.11. and 2. be­cause such as seeke him [Page 11]not, are lyable to pu­nishments temporall, that they shall not pros­per, Ier. 10.21. but be de­stroyed, Zeph. 1.3.4.6: and also eternall, be­cause Gods power and wrath is against them. Ezra. 8.20.

Shew me (I pray you) now, how I must seeke to serve God.

The manner how you must seeke to serve God is this. 1. You must prepare your heart to it, 2 Chron. 30.18. 2. You must doe it joyfully, 2 Chron. 15.15. 3. You must seeke to serve God sincerely, [Page 12]1 Chron. 28.9. Ios. 24.14.

Tell me also (I pray you) in what measure I must seeke to serve God.

The measure is, 1. Betimes, not putting it off to old age, 2 Chro. 34.3. Zech. 8.21. 2. D [...]ligently, Hebr. 11.6. 3. Earnestly, with all our soules, Deut. 4.29. Ier. 29.13. 4. Continu­ally, Psal. 16.11.

What are the marks of them that seeke to serve God?

They are these. 1. They haue pure hearts and hands, (that is) af­fections and actions, [Page 13] Psal. 24.4.6. 2. They desire to know Gods wayes, Isay. 58.2. and they shall know (and vnderstand all things, Prov. 28.5.) 3. They call vpon God, and are frequent in prayer, Zech. 8.21. Ier. 29.12, 13. Isay. 55.5. 4. They forsake their wicked wayes Hos. 7.10. Isay. 55.5, 6.5. They feare to offend God, Hos. 3.5. 6. They delight in God, Mal. 3.1. 7. They waite vpon God by faith, and stay his leisure for the accom­plishing of his promi­ses, Lament. 3.25. Psal. 69.6.

But why must wee seeke to serve God whilest we live here?

Because, this present life is the time of doing service to God, Luk. 1.74, 75. Tit. 2.12. and the life to come is the time of receiving our reward from God (in his free favour) for our faithfull service done vnto him here: Matth. 25.23, 34.

Sir, I thanke you; for these are good reasons indeed; for they shew both that we must seeke to serve God, and why wee must, and other excellent points; but I would also faine [Page 15]know, By what meanes I may seeke to serve God here in this world?

That is to bee learned also; and the meanes are threefold: 1. by seeking to know what Gods service is: 2. by seeking to desire and affect Gods service: 3. by seeking to per­forme and practise it.

I pray you (Sir) what is the service of God, and wherein doth it consist?

Serving God, is obeying his will, and doing what he bids vs, Deut. 13.4. Rom. 6.16. for to serve an ordinary Master is, to obey his [Page 16]will, and to doe as hee would have vs: Matth. 8.9. Eph. 6.5.

Wherein is Gods will obeyed for his ser­vice? and what things must they doe to that end?

That Christi­ans may serve God, and obey his will, they must doe divers duties; and these duties have respect, either, 1. to God, or, 2. to our neighbour, or, 3. to our selves.

What duties con­cerne God?

They are of 2. kindes, for they have respect vnto God, ei­ther [Page 17]1. immediately, as he is in himselfe, and in respect of some things in him; or 2. mediately by the meanes, and in respect of some things, that proceed, and come from him.

What duties con­cerne God immediately as he is in himselfe? Duties to God in re­spect of himselfe immedi­ately.

They are either 1. generall, or 2. spe­ciall.

What are the ge­nerall duties?

1. Knowledge and beleefe, 1 Chron. 28.9. Psal, 100.2, 3. 1. that there is a God, Hebr. 11.6. 2. that there is [Page 18]but one God, Eph. 4.6. 3. that in the Godhead there be three glorious persons, namely, the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, 1 Ioh. 5.7. 4. that the God of Israel is this God, Deut. 5.6.

2. The having of a God, and the taking, choosing, and acknow­ledging of the God of Israel onely for our God: Exod. 20.3. Iosh. 24.22.

And what are the speciall duties which con­cerne GOD immediate­ly?

They be such [Page 19]as concerne his Na­ture, being, and es­sence.

What is God in his Nature?

God is a Spi­rit, infinite in all perfe­ctions: Ioh. 4.24. 2 Cor. 3.17. Psal. 147.5. 1 Tim. 1.17.

What are the per­fections in God?

Certaine divine Attributes, whereby (as it were) a part of his divine nature, or some holy quality of God, is shadowed out vnto vs; and they are of two kindes, for they beto­ken either 1. his great­nesse, [Page 20]or 2. his good­nesse.

What are the At­tributes of God, Gods At­tributes of Greatnesse. which set forth his Greatnesse?

They are facul­ties, whereby he is able to worke, and doe, what hee knowes is to bee done, and what he wills shall be done; and they are these sixe: 1. Sim­plenesse, or absolute­nesse, 2. Infinitenesse; 3. Eternity; 4. Immen­sity; 5. Wisedome; 6. Almightinesse, or All-sufficiency.

What is the Ab­solutenesse, or Simplenesse of God?

Simplenesse is a faculty in God, which removeth from him all composition of parts, (as soule and body, &c) and whereby he is God of himselfe, and every thing in God, is God himselfe: Exod. 3.14. 1 Ioh. 4.16.

What is the Infi­nitenesse of God?

Infinitenesse is a faculty in God, which denieth vnto him all li­mitation, and whereby the perfections that are in God are in him with­out all measure: Io [...] 11.7. Psal. 147.5.

What is the Eter­nity of God?

Eternity is a fa­cultie in God, where­by he is vncapable, of beginning, succession, or ending: Psal. 90.2.4. 1 Tim. 1.17.

What is the Immen­sity of God?

Immensity is a faculty in God, where­by he is every where, and cannot be compre­hended in any one place 1 Kings. 8.27. Psal. 139.7.

What is the Wise­dome of God?

Wisedome is a faculty in God, where­by he perfectly know­eth himselfe, and in [Page 23]himselfe all things, that have any kinde of be­ing: Iob 9.3, 4. Acts. 15.18.

What is the All-mightinesse, or All-suf­ficiency of God?

Almightinesse is a faculty in God, wher­by hee is All-sufficient to doe whatsoever hee can will: Psal. 113.3. & 135.6. Gen. 17.1.

O Sir, I humbly confesse to Gods glory, and mine owne shame, that I was ignorant of most of these points, and I blesse God for the knowledge of them thus farre by your meanes; but proceede (I [Page 24]pray you) to teach me also what are the Attributes of God, which betoken his Goodnesse.

I will, Gods At­tributes of Goodnesse Neigh­bor; & they are vertues, whereby hee is willing and ready, to doe and worke well: and they are these foure. 1. Ho­linesse, 2. Mercy, 3. Iustice, 4. Love.

What is the Holi­nesse of God?

Holinesse is a vertue in God, where­by hee is pure from all evill and sinne in him­selfe, and vtterly dis­likes it in all others: Psa. 99.5. Habac. 1.13.

What is the Mercy of God?

Mercie is a ver­tue in God, whereby hee pittieth his chil­dren in all their mise­ries, and is ready to de­liver them out of the same: Psal. 103.8. Eph. 2.4, 5.

What is the Iustice of God?

Iustice, or righ­teousnesse is a vertue in God, whereby he ren­dreth to all, according to his promise, for the good of the godly, and according to his threat­ning, for the punish­ment of the wicked: [Page 26] Dan. 9.13. 1 Iohn. 1.9.

What is the Love of God?

Love is a vertue in God, whereby he is infinitely delighted in himselfe, and is so farre affected to his crea­tures, as he is pleased to impart any goodnesse unto them: Revel. 3.9.19.

Good Sir, I thanke you, for making me know God better than I did, by teaching mee his Attri­butes; but now also I pray you teach me to serve God in respect of them; and therefore tell me what du­ties I am to performe to [Page 27]God in respect of these di­vine faculties and powers, holy vertues and qualities in God?

The duties of ser­vice which you owe to God in respect of these Attributes of his Na­ture, are of two kindes: 1. Generall, which con­cerne them all. 2. Spe­ciall, which belong to the severall kindes of them.

I pray you what du­ties of service must I per­forme to God, in respect of his Attributes, both of Greatnesse and Goodnesse?

They are two: 1. Admiring and ado­ring [Page 28]all these perfecti­ons and excellencies that are so infinitely in God: Psal. 139.5. 2. Praising and extol­ling, commending and magnifying God, in and for them: Psal. 150.2. Revel. 5.11.

What speciall du­ties of service to God be­long vnto him, in respect of his Attributes of Great­nesse severally?

They are two: 1. an awefull reverence of the Majesty, and glo­rious presence of God, wheresoever wee bee: Psal. 89.7. 2. Feare and trembling to offend this [Page 29]great God by sinne, in any time or place: Psal. 4.4. Genes. 39.9. 1 Cor. 10.22.

And I pray you what speciall duties of ser­vice to God must I doe vnto him, in respect of his Attributes of Goodnesse?

They are two principally. 1. Faith, whereby wee beleeve whatsoever he speakes, or writes, and also wee put trust & confidence in him for all good things which hee hath promised in his word, Ioh. 20.31. 2. Love, whereby our hearts are so knit vnto, and our [Page 30]affections so set vpon God, that we desire no­thing more than him, nor delight in nothing equall vnto him: Psal. 116.1, 2. & 97.10.12.

Sir, I heartily thank you for these savoury les­sons; the Lord bend my heart to practise these du­ties of service which con­cerne God immediately in respect of some things in himselfe: Duties to God im­mediately in respect of some things that come from him: as his Ordinan­ces. you tolde me also of some other duties, that I am to doe, in respect of some things that proceede and come from him; what are these things I pray you, and what meane you by them?

They are either 1. his Ordinances; or 2. his Workes.

What meane you by an Ordinance of God?

I meane, not a civill ordinance, as foode and physicke ap­pointed by God for ci­vill and bodily vses and ends; but an holy or­dinance or meanes, ap­pointed by God, for spirituall and religious uses and ends, (name­ly) to beget and begin, to increase and con­firme grace and holi­nesse in vs.

Then I pray you, what bee these holy and [Page 32]religious Ordinances of God?

They bee either 1. holy things, or 2. ho­ly actions.

What are the holy things which God hath or­dained for holy vses?

The holy Scrip­tures, The holy Scriptures. or the holy wri­tings of the Prophets and Apostles.

What duties of ser­vice to God must I per­forme to him in respect of the holy Scriptures?

These foure. 1. Beleeving that the 39 Bookes of the Olde Testament, and the 28 of the New, were endi­ted [Page 33]by Gods Spirit: 2 Tim. 3.15. 2 Pet. 1.21. and that they con­taine all truthes neces­sary to Gods service, & our salvation: 2 Tim. 3.15.17. 2. Reading, searching and perusing them, 1 Tim. 4.13. Ioh. 5.29. 3. Praise and thanks to God for gi­ving and keeping them vnto, and in his Church: Psal. 147.19, 20. 4. Desire and en­deavour to vnderstand, and make a right vse of them for our direction, conversion, consolati­on, and satisfaction: Acts. 8.34. Psal. 119.

What are the holy actions ordained by God for holy vses, in the doing of which I must serve God?

Holy ex­ercises. They are certaine religious exercises, or­deined, and specially appointed by God, for holy vses, (namely) the honour of God, & edi­fication of his Church, and for Gods publike service; and they are these foure specially: 1. Hearing the word, 2. receiving the Sacra­ments; 3. praying to God: 4. praising God. We serve God in per­forming any or all [Page 35]these holy exercises, for God hath comman­ded that they be done: But (besides the doing of them) we are also to performe them in a manner prescribed by God, and this manner of performing is ser­vice to God also; and the duties that are to be done for this end, are such as are either 1. common to all the four exercises; or 2. peculiar to each of them.

What are the du­ties, common to them all?

They are three­fold; for they concerne the time, either 1. be­fore [Page 36]wee come unto them; or 2. when we are in doing them; or 3. after wee haue done them.

What dutie is to be done, before wee come to these religious exercises?

Wee must pre­pare our selves to them and not come hand o­ver head: Eccles. 5.1. and this wee shall doe, by considering, 1. that we which performe them are but dust and ashes, yea miserable sinners, and vnworthy to per­forme them: 2. that herein wee have to doe with the great God of [Page 37]heaven and earth, Heb. 4.13: that we are in his speciall presence taking notice of vs, and our behaviour, Acts. 10.31: and that he will not hold vs guiltlesse, if wee take his name in vaine, Exod. 20.7.

What dutie is to be done in the instant time we performe these religi­ous exercises?

Generally wee must performe them as God hath commanded both for substance and circumstance, Exod. 25.9. Hebr. 8.5. Specially we must performe them with worship, and reve­rence [Page 38]to God, 2 Chron. 29.29.

What duties are to bee done after wee have beene at these religious exercises?

When wee have done and performed them, we must endea­vour to be bettered by them, and remember to keepe our Covenant with God of serving him, (which wee pro­fesse to renew by our daily resorting vnto them) and not returne to our former sinnes a­gaine, 1 Sam. 7.3. 2 Pet. 2.20, 21. Ezra 9.14.

Oh Sir, you tolde [Page 39]me even now, that when I serve God in doing religi­ous exercises to him, that I must also worship God at the same time; I would faine better vnderstand what it is to worship God?

What it is to worship God. To worship God is to performe a religi­ous exercise to God immediately, with an humble affection of our soule, and reverent ge­sture of the body, Ioh. 4.24. Psal. 95.6. Or, to humble the soule, and to bend the body im­mediately to God for his honour, though we bee not in doing any such speciall religious [Page 40]exercise, Gen. 24.52. Exod. 4.31.

But I haue heard that to serve God, and to worship God are all one, are they not?

How it dif­fers from the service of God. In cōmon speech amongst many, the ser­vice of God is taken for Gods worship; but in propriety of speech, and in the nature of the thing they are not: for Gods service is a more generall duty, and it is as much as obedience to God, and it reacheth unto all things that are to bee done, whether they be naturall and ci­vill, or holy and reli­gious, [Page 41]for in all these things wee must serve God. But the worship of God is but a parti­cular duty, & it is vsed onely in holy and reli­gious actions and exer­cises; and it is but o­bedience to one parti­cular commandement. 2. All worship com­manded by God is ser­vice to him, in as much as it is an obedience to God which hath com­manded it: But all ser­vice to God is not wor­ship to God, as will ea­sily appeare by this. Faithfulnesse in our ci­vill calling is service to [Page 42]God, because it is obe­dience to God, who hath commanded it, Mat. 25.21. but it is not worship to God: because worship to God is per­formed in religious a­ctions only, & unto God only, & that immediat­ly only; but faithfulnes in our calling is perfor­med in civill actions, and mediately to men, our selves, or others.

I pray you good Sir, make this a little more plaine unto me.

I will: you may better vnderstand it, by a familiar comparison, taken from the service [Page 43]of men. To serve a Ma­ster is to doe as he bids him, Matth. 8.9. Eph. 6.5. But to worship or reverence him, is to doe obeysance to him, and to give him an humble and submissiue respect, in looks, words and gestures, of putting off the hat, making a leg, or the like: 1 Chron. 29.20. Dan. 2.46. Mat. 18.26. Luk. 14.10.

Sir, I thanke you; I now perceive cleere­ly the difference betwixt Gods service, and worship: But now I pray you pro­ceede to the duties of ser­ving God, which are pe­culiar [Page 44]to each of these foure religious exercises even now named, and be­cause the hearing of the word was the first, there­fore tell mee what is that exercise?

Duties in respect of hearing the word read and preached. The hearing of the word is a part of Gods publike service wherein wee diligently hearken and attend vn­to it, whensoever it is read, or preached and published, (that is) ex­pounded and applyed vnto vs: Act. 16.14.

What duties of ser­vice to God are we to per­forme at the hearing of the word?

They are of two kindes, for they belong to the hearing of it, ei­ther first both read and preached, or preached onely.

What duties belong to the hearing of the word, both read and preached too?

These sixe. 1. Ear­nest heeding, marking and minding of it, Deut. 32.46. 2. Beleeving or assenting to the truth of it, Ioh. 5.47. 3. Loving and delighting in it, Psal. 119.127.159. 4. Laying it vp in our hearts, Deut. 11.18. 5. Keeping it in our hearts [Page 46] Luke 8.15. Luke 2.51. 6. Calling of it againe to minde and memory, and meditating vpon it, Iam. 1.25. Iosh. 1.8.

And what duties be­long to the hearing of the word preached onely?

They are of two kindes, for they be ei­ther 1. common to all, and every part of the word preached; or 2. peculiar to some parts onely.

What duties are com­mon to the hearing of any and every part of the word preached?

These two: 1. re­ceiving it not as the [Page 47]word of man, but of God, 1 Thess. 2.13. 2. Examining our selves how wee profit by it, (that is) whether we be converted and saved by it, and whether wee be guilty of the sins which it reproves, or doe the duties which it com­mands, or be refreshed with the comforts it af­fords, or bee terrified from sinne, with the threatnings of it?

What are the se­verall parts of the word that we must performe du­ties vnto, when they are preached?

They are foure [Page 48]chiesly: 1. the comman­dements of the word: 2. the promises: 3. the threatnings: 4. the good examples of the godly doings and sufferings of godly persons re­corded in it.

What are the Com­mandements of the word?

The comman­dements of the word, The com­mande­ments of God. are those parts thereof which binde and en­joyn the doing of good actions, and which for­bid the committing of evill actions, in thought word and deede.

And what duties of service to God, doe pro­perly [Page 49]concerne the com­mandements of the word preached?

These three. 1. Obedience in doing the good actions com­manded, and in leaving undone, and forbearing to doe the evill actions forbidden, Rom. 2.13. Ioh. 13.17. Matth. 7.24: and that for conscience sake, Genes. 39.9. Iam. 2.11: and constantly, Rom. 2.7. Gal. 3.10. 2. Vsing al good means whereby wee may be furthered in our obedi­ence, Psal. 119.10.11. 3. Refraining all means occasions and opportu­nities, [Page 50]whereby wee may be hindered in our obedience, Psal. 119.101.

What are the pro­mises of the word? The pro­mises of the word.

Gods promises are those parts of the word, wherein God covenants with his people, to bestow upon them, (upon their faith and repentance) the things of this life, (that may be good for them) and of the life to come, 1 Tim. 4.8. Psal. 34.10.

And what duties doe properly belong to the promises of the word prea­ched?

These foure. 1. Faith whereby wee beleeve the truth of them, and trust in Gods power, goodnesse and faithfulnes, for the per­formance of them, 2 Tim. 1.12. 2. Hope in God assuredly to looke for the perfor­mance of them, Psal. 119.81. & 42.5. 3. Ioy or rejoycing in the good things promised and hoped for, Psal. 119.162. 4. Patience to waite Gods leisure, till we be made parta­kers of them, without limiting God, the time or meanes, Heb. 10.36. [Page 52] & 6.12. Rom. 8.25. Psal. 130.6. & 123.2. Isay 28.16.

What are the threat­nings of the word?

Gods threat­nings are parts of his word, The threatnings of the word. wherein God de­nounceth to bring vp­on sinners, for their in­fidelity and impeniten­cy, temporall, spiritu­all, and eternall judge­ments.

And what duties of service to God, doe properly concerne these threatnings?

These two. 1. Trembling and asto­nishment, at the very [Page 53]hearing of them, Ier. 36.16.24. 2. Feare to sinne against God, lest the evills threatned in them, doe come vpon vs, Revel. 18.4.

What are the ex­amples of the word?

Certaine presi­dents, The exam­ples of the word. and particular patternes of the faith, obedience and pa­tience of Gods servants and children, recorded in the Bible.

And what du­ties properly concerne these holy examples?

These two. 1. An honourable me­moriall of them, and of [Page 54]their good name, seeing God was glorified by them, Matth. 28.13. & 5.16. 2. A sincere purpose and endeavor, to imitate and follow their patternes, in the practise of the like du­ties, Luke 10.37. Heb. 6.12.

Sir, I thanke you for your labours touching my service to God, in re­spect of the first religious exercise, and part of Gods publike service: I pray you goe on now with the second, which is the recei­ving of the Sacraments: and first tell me what the receiving of the Sacra­ments is?

Receiving the Sacraments, Duties in respect of receiving the Sacra­ments. is a part of Gods worship, where­in by taking certaine creatures, and using certaine actions about them, (appointed by God) and by setting them apart, by the word and prayer (from common and civill use to a sacred use) there is thereby signified and remembred, Christ his death; and also the be­nefits and merits there­of, are sealed and assu­red to all true belee­vers, 1 Cor. 11.28. Rom. 4.11. & 6.2, 3.

How many be there [Page 56]of these Sacraments, that are to be received?

Two: 1. Bap­tisme, 2. the Lords Supper.

What duties of o­bedience and service to God, belong to the recei­ving of these Sacra­ments?

They be of two sorts. 1. Some which be common to the re­ceiving of both the Sacraments. Some that bee proper to each of them.

What be the duties that be common to the re­ceiving of both the Sacra­ments?

These two.

1. In respect of our bodies, wee must looke vpon the creatures and actions about them, ap­pointed by God to be used in the admini­string of them for the remembring of Christ, and for the setting forth of his death; and wee must permit the Mini­ster, to administer vnto us those creatures and actions to this end; and also receive them from him, when they are ad­ministred to vs by him, Act. 8.38. Mark. 16.16, Ezra 6.21.

2. In respect of our soules; 1. wee must me­ditate [Page 58]on the nature and parts, use and end, be­nefit and comfort of the Sacraments. 2. We must remember with thankfulnesse the death and blood-shedding of Christ shewed and set forth therein. 3. Wee must by faith apply to our selves the merits of Christs bloody death, to the washing away of our sinnes, and to the nourishing of our souls in the life of grace, to the life of glory, 1 Cor. 10.16.

What duties to God are proper, to the recei­ving of the Sacrament of Baptisme?

These two. 1. Duties in respect of praying to God. Desire and endeavour, by prayer and exami­nation, to finde in our selves the efficacie and benefit thereof to the cleansing of vs from the power and punish­ment of our sins, Rom. 6.3, 4.2. Conscience to doe what wee have professed, and to per­forme what wee have promised, (when wee were baptized) namely, to renounce the service of sinne, and to conti­nue Gods faithfull ser­vants. For hereby we shall manifest to our selves and others, that [Page 60]our soules are inward­ly and spiritually bapti­zed with Christs blood and Spirit, as well as our bodies are out­wardly by the water and Minister, Ioh. 3.5. 1 Pet. 3.20, 21.

And what duties are proper to the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper?

The duties pro­per to that Sacrament have beene (as you know) plainely and largely delivered, by me in a Booke, cal­led Spirituall exercise, to procure a good appetite un­to, and a good digestion of [Page 61]the Lords Supper; to which I referre you for more particular instru­ction.

Sir, I blesse God for these your directions, tou­ching the receiving of the Sacraments, which is the second religious exercise of Gods publike service: I pray you proceede to the third, which is Prayer, and therein first tell mee what it is?

Praying to God is a part of his publike service, wherein we call vpon him, and beg of him, either the bestow­ing of good things up­on us, or the removing [Page 62]of hurtfull things from us, Psal. 50.15.

What duties of service concerne prayer to God?

They are of three kindes; for they be­long either 1. to the matter of our prayers, or 2. to the manner; or 3. to the end of them.

What duties con­cerne the matter of our prayers, or the things wee pray for?

Two. 1. Wee must pray for such things as bee in them­selves lawfull, and be warrantable by Gods word, Iam. 4.3. 2. We [Page 63]must pray according to Gods will, (that is) for such things, as may stand with Gods secret will in giving of them, 1 Ioh. 5.14. Matth. 26.39.

What duties con­cerne the manner of our praying?

These foure: we must pray, 1. with humility in conscience of our unability and unworthinesse to aske or receive, Luke 18.13. 2. with fervency in a sensible feeling of our want of the things wee beg, and in an earnest desire to enjoy them: [Page 64]3. with faith trusting in God, through Christ, for receiving what wee pray for, Iam. 1.6.4. with patience waiting Gods leisure and plea­sure, till wee be made partakers of that wee desire and beg, Ps. 40.1

And what duties concerne the end of our praing to God, or the cause why we pray?

These three. 1. In respect of God, wee must aime at this, that hee may bee glorified by his giving, and our receiving, & u­sing of the good things which we pray for, e­ven [Page 65]as hee is glorified by our seeking to him for them; for thereby wee acknowledge him to bee the giver of all, which is an honour to him, Iam. 1.17. 1 Cor. 10.31.

2. In respect of our selves, wee are to pray for Gods bles­sings, not that we might spend them upon our sinnes; but that in the use of them wee might bee furthered in Gods service, Iam. 4.3. Rom. 2.4.

3. In respect of our brethren, we must aime in our prayers that wee [Page 66]may bee helpefull to them, and enabled by receiving good things from God, (through prayer) not to heape vp all for our selves and ours; but to distribute it amongst Gods poore servants and children, that are in want, accor­ding to their neede and our ability,

These are indeede holy and heavenly dire­ctions, concerning my du­ty in praying to God, which is the third religious ex­ercise and part of Gods publike service: But I pray you, let mee bee be­holden to you, for further [Page 67]instruction in the fourth and last, which is praising of God; and to tell mee first, what praising of God is?

Praising God, Duties in respect of praising God. is a part of Gods pub­like service, wherein we magnifie, commend and extoll God, for those excellent perfe­ctions of greatnesse and goodnesse that are in him, Psal. 150.2: and also give him thankes for his benefits besto­wed upon us, Revel. 7.12.

What duties of o­bedience to God concerne our praising him?

They are of two kindes; for they belong either 1. to the parts of our praising God; or 2. to the meanes where­by it is performed, (namely) singing of Psalmes.

What duties con­cerne the parts of praising God?

They are these foure. 1. An high e­steeme and opinion (be­yond that which wee are able to expresse) of the holy and happy perfections that are in God, Psal. 8.1.9. 2. A free acknowledgement of the receipt from his [Page 69]bountifull hands, of all the good things we en­joy, 2 Chron. 29.16. 3. An humble confes­sion of our unworthi­nesse to receive any good things from God, or to returne any praise or thankes unto him, for the things we have received, Gen. 32.10. 4. A full resolution to use & imploy all Gods blessings which hee gives vs, to his glory, Prov. 3.9. to the good of others, 1 Tim. 6.17. and our owne furthe­rance in godlines, Rom. 2.4, 5.

And what duties [Page 70]of servīce to God, doe con­cerne our singing of Psalmes?

Three especial­ly. 1. For the matter which we must sing, it must be holy and spiri­tuall; not foolish and profane songs and bal­lads, made by wicked men; but hymnes and psalmes of Gods ma­king, or according to them, Col. 3.16. 2. For our manner of singing, it must be with the spi­rit, and with an holy and sanctified heart and affection, with grace in our hearts, Col. 3.16. 3. For our end in sing­ing, [Page 71]it must bee, not to take pride in our owne sweete voice and brest, nor to please o­ther mens eares, who are more delighted in the sound and musicke, than in the matter: but to make melodie in our hearts to God, and to comfort our selves in him, Col. 3.16.

I cannot but ac­knowledge, (good Sir) that you have beene ve­ry large and profitable in your Instructions con­cerning my duties of service to God, concer­ning the first sort of things that proceede from God, [Page 72]namely his ordinances, there remaines the second sort of things that proceed from God, and that is his workes, in respect whereof also I must serve God: I pray you therefore direct me herein also, and first tell me what these workes of God be?

Gods workes are either 1. generall, which have respect to all the world, as the creating, preserving, and governing of all things therein, Rom. 11.36: Or 2. they are spe­ciall workes of his, which concerne our selves, and which pro­ceede [Page 73]either from his mercy, as blessings; or from his justice, as cros­ses and afflictions.

What duties of ser­vice to God belong to him in respect of these his workes?

They are of 3. Duties in respect of Gods workes. kindes; for they con­cerne either 1. Gods generall workes on the whole world; or 2. Gods speciall workes of mercy on our selves and others: or 3. Gods speciall workes of ju­stice on our selves and others.

What duties con­cerne Gods generall works [Page 74]of creating, preserving and governing the whole world?

These three. 1. We must looke upon them with our eyes, Psal. 19.1. Iob 36.24. 2. Wee must talke of them with our tongues, Psal. 26.7. 3. With our mindes wee must take notice, and observe in these his workes, his infinite wisedome, po­wer and goodnesse, Rom. 1.20: and magnifie God for them accor­dingly, Psal. 148.5. &c.

What duties con­cerne Gods speciall workes [Page 75]of mercy, or his blessings, on our selves or others?

1. Thankfulnesse, Eph. 5.20. 1 Thess. 5.18. wherof you have heard in the ordinance of praising God. 2. Re­joycing in God, and in the use and enjoying of his blessings, Rom. 12.15. Deut. 12.7.

And what duties concerne Gods speciall workes of justice, or affli­ctions on our selves and o­thers?

These follow­ing.

First, in respect of all afflictions on our selves, we must 1 meek­ly [Page 76]subject our selves with patience to beare them, in consideration, 1. that they are Gods hand on vs, 1 Sam. 3.18. which we cannot resist Psal. 39.9. 2. That they are justly deser­ved by our sinnes, Mi­cah 7.9. 3. That we are not alone therein; but have many fellowes in temptations common to men, 1 Cor. 10.13. 1 Sam. 7.14. 4. That after them there is a rest pre­pared for them that en­dure them, Hebr. 4.11. Revel. 14.13. 5. That God will either give us assistance in the tryall, [Page 77]or deliverance out of it, 1 Cor. 10.13. 2. Wee must wisely endeavour to profit by them to a­mendment of life, and new obedience, Ioh. 5.14. Hebr. 12.11.

Secondly, in respect of all afflictions on our brethren, wee must 1. have a fellow-feeling of the same upon them, as if they were on our selves, Rom. 12.15. Heb. 13.5. 1 Pet. 3.8. 2. We must pray for them, for their ease, remedy and deliverance, if it bee Gods will; or a sancti­fied use of them, Iam. 5.14. Psal. 35.13. 3. [Page 78]We must helpe to re­leeve them in the same (as we are able) and to deliver them out of the same, Matth. 14.14. Iob 31.20.

Thirdly, in respect of some temptations and afflictions that have beene sanctified to us, or our bretheren, so that wee have received from them, (through Gods good grace) some holy fruit of righteous­nesse, wee must 1. ac­knowledg Gods good­nesse in them, Psal. 73.1. & 119.69.71. 2. We must blesse God for them, Iob 1.21. 3. We [Page 79]must rejoyce and com­fort our selves in them, Iam. 1.2, 3. because 1. they are not Gods ven­geance, but chastise­ment, Hebr. 12.5. 2. They come from God not as an enemy, but as a father reconci­led in Christ, 2 Sam. 7.14. Hebr: 12.5. 3. God is moved to send them in love, Rev. 3.9. and that they shall not separate us frō the love of God in Christ, Rom. 8.38, 39. 4. God aymed in these afflicti­ons at some spirituall good, Hebr. 12.10. Phil. 3.10. 5. The event of [Page 80]them shall be their and our furtherance in grace, Psal. 119.71. & 37.37, unto salvation, Phil. 1.19.28.

Sir, you have beene very large and long, (to your great paines) in tea­ching mee how to serve God, with duties that have respect to himselfe in consideration of his divine Attributes that bee in him, and also of his Ordi­nances and workes procee­ding from him: I pray you proceede to my duties unto my Neighbour.

They are of 2. kindes; 1. such as are common to all and e­very [Page 81]one: 2. such as are peculiar to some.

What are those du­ties that are cōmon to all?

They are 1. ge­nerall, namely 1. to love our neighbour as our selves, Matth. 22.39: 2. to doe unto him as we (being guided by true reason) would have him to doe to us, Math. 7.12. 2. special, which are five.

Which are they?

The first is to maintaine his place and authority, office and preheminence, in com­mon-wealth, Church or family, Exod. 20.12. [Page 82]which is the 5. Com­mandement.

The second is to preserve his life, health, and bodily strength, Exod. 20.13. which is the 6. Commande­ment.

The third is to che­rish the chastity of our neighbour, and neither by lookes or gestures, words or actions, to assault or violate the same, Exod. 20.14. which is the 7. Com­mandement.

The fourth is, to fur­ther the profit and law­full gaine of our neigh­bour, and in nothing of [Page 83]the least worth to seeke his losse and dammage, Exod. 20.15. which is the 8. Commande­ment.

The fifth is, to up­hold his credit and good name, and not to disgrace him, by word or action in the least manner or measure, Exod. 20.16. which is the 9. Commande­ment.

What are those du­ties that are peculiar to some of our Neighbours?

1. Such as are due to godly and sin­cere Christians, as namely, 1. brotherly [Page 84]love and religious af­fection, Hebr. 13.1: when wee therefore love them, not because they are men, or our kindred, or beneficiall to us; but because of their graces, and Chri­stian vertues eminent in them. 2. Patience to beare with their weak­nesses, and cover their infirmities, Gal. 6.2. 1 Pet. 4.8. 2. Such as are due to some, name­ly, as they are tyed to us by any bond of na­ture, or law, as hus­bands and wives, pa­rents or children, Ma­sters or Servants, or the [Page 85]like: of which duties you may reade at large in a booke made by D. Gouge, D Gouge of Houshold duties. who hath writ­ten fully, and to excel­lent purpose thereof.

Sir, my desire is to know and doe the whole revealed will of God, and therefore as you have in­structed mee in my dutie, 1. in respect of God, and 2. in respect of my Neigh­bour: so I beseech you al­so to tell mee in the third place, what is my dutie of service unto God, in re­spect of my selfe?

I will: and be­cause you consist both of a body, and of a [Page 86]soule, Duties in respect of our selves. and have a dou­ble calling to live in, namely a civill calling, and a Christian calling; therefore will I briefly shew you the summe of your dutie in respect of all foure.

Sir I thanke you, I pray you then shew me my duty in respect of my bo­die.

It is this, to pos­sesse your vessel in holi­nesse and honour, (that is) in chastity, tempe­rance and sobriety, without pride or lux­ury, chambering or wantonnesse, continu­ally restraining the sen­ses, [Page 87]parts and members thereof, from being weapons and instru­ments to let in, or let out sinne; and withhol­ding them from the oc­casions and opportu­nities of doing evill, 1 Thess. 4.4, 5. Tit. 2.12 Rom. 13.13.

What is my dutie in respect of my soule?

To be watchfull over it, and over all the powers and faculties thereof, that you grow not loose or secure in sinne; yea to bee cir­cumspect in all your wayes, that you be not deceived by your own [Page 88]deceitfull heart, the worlds vanities, and Satans subtleties, Prov. 4.23. 2 Tim. 4.5. Eph. 5.17. & 6.13. to 19.

What duties apper­taine to me in my Christi­an calling?

These seven chiefly.

1. To bee zealous and discreete, humble and sincere, in the pro­fession of Christian re­ligion, Revel. 3.19. Rom. 12.3. Iam. 3.17. Tit. 1.16.

2. Daily to repent of our sinnes, and to cry God mercie by faith in Christ, as wee [Page 89]sinne daily, Matth. 6.12.

3. So to live, as those that looke to die, and to rise unto judgement, at the second comming of Christ, Acts 17.30, 31. & 24.17, 18. Deut. 32.29.

4. To mortifie our sinfull and corrupt na­ture, 1. by applying to our selves the com­mandements, promi­ses and threatnings of the word, Col: 3.5: and 2: by denying to our selves all occasions, meanes and opportuni­ties of sinne, Matth. 5.29, 30.

5. To moderate our desires to the profits, pleasures and honours of the world, (conside­ring the vanity of them Eccles: 1.2) and not to be discontent with our present state, nor to co­vet our neighbours, Hebr: 13.5. Tit: 2.12. Exod: 12.17. Rom: 7.7.

6. To make sure un­to our selves, our cal­ling, election and sal­vation, by growing in the number and mea­sure of Christian gra­ces, 2 Pet: 1.5. & 10.

7. To strive and en­deavour to continue [Page 91]and persevere in well-doing, and patient suf­fering for conscience sake, Matth: 10.22. Iam: 1.25. Rev: 2.25. 2 Tim. 4.7, 8.

And I pray you (good Sir) what duties appertaine to mee in my civill calling, course, and trade of life?

These seven prin­cipally.

1. Diligence & pain­fulnesse without idle­nesse, 2. Thess. 3.7, 8.

2. Cheerefulnes and joyfulnes, without be­ing weary of well-do­ing, Deut: 12.7.2 Thess. 2.13.

3. Moderation, with­out plodding and moy­ling, carking and caring (through distrust) to the neglect of our bo­dily health and salvati­on, Hebr. 13.5. Matth: 6.33.

4. Honesty and righ­teousnesse, without wronging others, or de­ceiving them, 1 Thes: 4.6.12.

5. Charity, in seek­ing not our owne pro­fit and good onely, and to be all for our selves, but the benefit of o­thers, Phil: 2.4. 1 Cor: 10.33.

6. Sincerity, in per­forming [Page 93]the duties of our callings, not as be­fore men onely, and to be seene of them; but as unto God, to ap­prove our selves to him Col: 3.22, 23.

7. Piety in going a­bout them, not in con­fidence of our owne wisedome, Prov. 3.5; but with praier to God in affiance of his bles­sing, Genes: 24.42.48. 1 Cor: 3.6.

Oh good Sir, this is abundantly enough to teach mee to know what Gods service is, & where­in it doth consist: now I pray you affect mee with [Page 92] [...] [Page 93] [...] [Page 94]Gods service, and teach me how to be affected, and in love with it?

I will: Seeking to be affected with Gods service. for what good will it doe you to know what Gods ser­vice is, except you de­sire to serve God. For this end therefore you must know & beleeve, consider and lay to heart, certaine motives concerning his service, that may stirre you up to desire, love and af­fect it; and they are these five; 1. the pos­sibility of serving God; 2. the necessity of it; 3. the excellency of it; 4. the equity of it; and [Page 95]5. the reward of it.

How may the pos­sibility of Gods service ap­peare, and that it is possi­ble for us to serve God here in this world?

Two wayes: 1. by the promise of the Spirit to be given to them that seek it, wher­by hee will put Gods lawes in their hearts, and write them in their inner parts for his obedience and service, Luke 11.13. Ezek: 11.19. Ier. 31.33. 2. By the many exam­ples of godly men, who have beene called by God himselfe, his Ser­vants, as Moses, Iosh. 1.1. [Page 96] Ioshuah: ch. 24.29: Iob, ch. 1.8: David, Psal. 18.1: Isaiah, ch. 20.3: Zerubbabel, Hag: 2.23: and others.

How may the ne­cessity of the service of God bee made plaine unto me?

By considering 1. the commandement of God, which enjoyns it often and earnestly in his word, Deut: 10.12.20. & 6.13. & 13.4. Iosh: 24.24. 2. The danger of not serving God, for they who neglect it are guiltie of great sinnes, Iudg. 10.6. Nehem: 9.35. and are [Page 97]lyable to greater pu­nishments. Deut, 28.47. Rom. 2.8. and 6.21.

How may the ex­cellency of the service of God be proved?

By knowing and laying to heart, 1 That it is no base or meane thing, to be Gods ser­vant: but that it is an honour, and a great fa­vour, Rom. 9.4. Iosu. 1.2. 2. That Gods service is not a bondage but a li­bertie, 1 Cor. 7.22. 3. That God is the best Lord and Master to serve, and that his wa­ges is the best reward, & [...]st pay, Deu: 10.20 [...] Col. 3.24.

How may the equity of Gods service appeare?

It will easily ap­peare, that it is equall & just you should serue God if you consider: 1. That God, deserues it of you by his many benefits bestowed vp­on you, as namely your creation, Psa. 100, 2. and your preservatiō: Ios. 24 17: but specially your salvation: Luk. 1.74.75 2. That before your conversion unto him, you haue made God to serue with your sinnes, Isai, 43.24. 3. That before your cōversion you served the world, [Page 99]the Devill, and your owne lusts for the grea­test part of your life, & too long; and that now you know not how lit­tle tyme you haue to serve him, 1 Pet. 4.4. Ezech. 44.6.

What is the reward of Gods service?

It is this: God will not onely graci­ously accept of our ser­vice, Ezech. 40.41. pas­sing by the failings of it, 2 Chron. 30.18: But will also bestowe upon his faithfull servants, 1 Temporall things: as long life, health, wealth, children, and a good [Page 100]name, Iob. 1.9. & 42.10 Deut: 28. Psal. 112. and 128.

2. Spiritual, as increase of grace, and peace, joy, and comfort of a good conscience: Prov: 15.15: Ps: 119 Isai 56.6: 7. 2 Cor. 1.21. Gal. 6.16.

3 Eternall, which is deliverance from all e­ternall misery, and par­ticipation of all like happinesse and glory, Rom. 2.7. Math: 25.34.

These are indeede powerfull mot ves to per­swade Christians to be af­fected with Gods service, and (I blesse God) I am much moved therewith: [Page 101]but one thing is yet want­ing whereof you told me [...], which is the third and last th ng in seeking to serve God, namely, Seeking to performe and practise it; I pray you instruct mee therein also.

I will, and in­deed there is good rea­son you should learne this lesson too, Seeking to practise the service of God. because the end of your desire of Gods service is to practise it, and it had beene better for you ne­ver to have beene affe­cted with the love and liking of Gods service, if you do not performe it to God accordingly. [Page 102]Now then in the per­formance and practise of Gods service, these foure things are to be considered and hand­led: 1, the manner how: 2, the measure where­in: 3, the end where­unto: and 4, the meanes whereby it is to bee done.

Sir I thanke you, and I pray you further instruct mee in each of them, for they are materi­all points indeed; and first tell mee in what manner the service of God is to be performed.

The manner of performing service and [Page 103]obedience to God, con­sists in these sixe parti­culars chiefly:

1. Vnderstandingly, with knowledge and judgement, 1 Chron: 28.9. Psal: 47.7. 1 Cor: 14.15.

2. Humbly, in re­gard of our unability and unworthinesse to serve him, Act. 20.19.

3. Faithfully, with affiance and trust in Gods mercy through Christs merits for ac­ceptation, laying holde on the covenant of grace, Col: 1.17. Isay 56.6.

4. Conscionably, in [Page 104]obedience to God, who in his word wills and commands us to serve him, Acts 23.1. Iam: 2.11.

5. Holily, with a religious, godly and heavenly mind in new­nesse of spirit and life, Rom: 12.1. & chap: 7.6.

6. Sincerely, and with an upright and honest heart, 1 Chron: 28.9. Iosh: 24.14. Gen. 17.1.

In what measure is our service to God to bee performed?

The measure in which the service of [Page 105]God is to bee perfor­med, may thus be laid downe on this manner:

1. Generally, wee must serve God with all our might, (that is) with all the parts and members of our bodies & with al the powers & faculties of our soules, Deut: 6.5. & 10.12. Iosh: 14.8. Num. 14.24.

2. And more speci­ally wee must serve God, as touching the measure:

1. Cheerfully, & with a willing mind, Isay 58.13. 1 Chron: 28.9. Psal: 40.7, 8.

2. Ioyfully, and with [Page 106]a glad heart, Psal: 100. 2. & 119.132.

3. Zealously, and with earnest affection, and devotion, Acts 21.20. Tit. 2.14. Acts 10.2.

4. Constantly, con­tinually, and with per­severance unto the end, Luke 1.74, 75. 1 Chron: 28.7.

Oh this constancy and perseverance is a rare grace indeed, but I feele my heart very fleeting and unsetled; I pray you how may I get to continue in the serving and obeying of God?

For this pur­pose [Page 107]you must do these things:

1. You must give & consecrate your selfe to Gods service, Rom: 6.19. & 12.1. Set your heart and soule to seeke God, Deut: 32.46. and to obey his Commande­ments, Deut: 32.46. Yeeld your selfe to the Lord, 2 Chron: 30.8. and subscribe unto him, Isay 44.5.

2. You must be roo­ted and grounded in the knowledge & love of Gods service, Deut: 10.11. & 11.13. Isay 56.6. Eph: 3.17. 2 Thes: 2.10.

3. You must often renew your promise and purpose, vowe, co­venant and oath of ser­ving God, Psal: 119.106. & 39.1. & 17.3. & 61.8. Ezra 10.3. 2 Chron: 15.32.

4. You must not be formall and ceremoni­all onely in Gods ser­vice, to doe it publike­ly in the Church one­ly, or privately in the family onely, where o­thers may see you; but secretly in your closet, where none is present but God; and you must serve God with the in­tention of your minde, [Page 109]and affection of your heart, carefully & con­scionably, 2 Tim: 3.5. Tit: 1.16. Acts 23.1. & 26.7.

5. You must be jea­lous and suspicious of your selfe, lest there be in you a deceitfull and an vnfaithfull heart to withdraw you from Gods service, Hebr: 3.13.

6. You must seri­ously consider the dan­ger of apostacy, and the benefit of perseve­rance in Gods service, 1 Pet: 2.20, 21. Heb: 6. & 10. chapters: Matth: 10.22. Revel: 2.10.

7. You must pray to God to keepe you in his name, Ioh. 17.11. Iude 24 2 Cor: 12.8, 9.

I pray you good Sir, now shew me the end why I must serve God.

Not to be ju­stified and saved there­by, for this is to worke for wages as a base ser­vant, and not as a good sonne; nor yet out of any carnall worldly ends or respects, as vaine glory, and the good opinion of men, or worldly profit; but for a threefold end.

1. In respect of God, that hee may be glorifi­ed [Page 111]thereby, whose ser­vice it is by appoint­ment, and to whom it is to bee performed, Matth: 5.16. 1 Cor. 10.31.

2. In respect of o­thers, that they may be either wonne to the same service with us, or confirmed in it, 1 Pet: 3.5.

3. In respect of our selves, that wee may make good proofe of the truth of our faith, and thereby make sure unto our selves the good will of God to­wards us, and that hee meanes to save us, Rom: 12.1, 2.

Now in the last place I pray you shew me, the meanes whereby I may come to practise this ser­vice of God.

That you may indeede practise Gods service which you knowe and affect, you must doe these things: 1. You must put away, renounce and wholly leave, & shake off your former service of sin, the world, and Satan: 1 Sā: 7:3: else you can­not serue God: Iosua 24 19: You must be pur­ged from dead works: Heb 9:14. you must dye to sinne, 1 Pet. 2.24. Put off [Page 113]the old man. Eph. 4.22.23. 2 You must seeke to God for grace to en­able you to serve him. Heb: 12.28. 3. You must stirre up the grace of God in you, & when you have received it, you must use it well, 2. T [...]m. 1.6. Matth. 25.20.22.

How may we bee moved to leave the ser­vice of sinne, Satan, & the world?

By beleeving, and laying to heart, remembring and con­sidering the sinneful­nesse, and damnable­nesse of that service, [Page 112] [...] [Page 113] [...] [Page 114]together with the ex­cellency of Gods ser­vice, & remedy, where­of wee have heard be­fore in the motives to Gods service.

How may I be moved to seek to God for grace, to enable me to his service?

1. By knowing and feeling your neede of grace, and that with­out it you are unable to serve God, Luke 17.10. 2 Cor: 3.5. 2. By beleeving, and consi­dering the sufficiency and essicacie of grace, to enable you to serve God, and to abide in you, and to keepe you [Page 115]in his service, 2 Cor: 12.9. I Ioh: 2.27. Ioh: 4.14.

How may I be stir­red up, well to use the grace of God when I have received it?

By considering, 1. that the grace of God is given to you for this end, namely, that you might serve God with it, Heb. 12.28 Luk. 19.13. 2. that God is worthy to be served with the grace which himselfe hath given; for without him we can doe nothing that good is, Revel: 4. 3. That if you will use a little [Page 116]measure of grace, and stirre vp your selfe to serue God with it, then shall your talent hereof increase, Mat. 25.20.21

Sir I humbly thanke you for your paynes with me, and patience towards me. I am loth to be over­bold with you at once, and to interrupt your studies too long: I hope it will not bee offensiue to you if when I haue suff [...]ciently thought vpon these your instructions touching see­king to serue God, (which is the first thing you pro­pounded unto me:) if at another time. I repaire un­to you, in the second, which [Page 117]is, seeking to be saved.

You shall bee welcome, if you come at the beginning of the weeke, at which time, I haue most lea­sure. In the meane time, the Lord be with you, and blesse my labours, for the furtherance of you, & the rest of my people, in the ser­vice of God, un­to salvation, by Iesus Christ. Amen.

VVEll met (good Neighbour:) how have you done, since you were with me last, and how doth your family?

The beter for you (Sir, I praise God) and for your [Page 120]good [...]nstructions you gaue me.

Much good may they doe you. I desire, that God may haue the praise of them, and you the profit: I hope, that at least, you remember what was the summe of our conference then.

I were much to blame, if I should forget that, being a point that so neerely concerned me, and which you handled so largely: (By your favour) it was this, that I ought to seeke to serve God, while I live in this world. But (good Sir) [Page 121]you mentioned there ano­ther duty like unto this, which I greatly desire you would instruct mee in at your convenient leisure: If I should not be too tedi­ous, I would resort unto you at the beginning of the weeke for further in­struction in that also.

You shall not bee troublesome, but welcome; I would I had in my Parish more of your minde, for then should I conceive hope that they minded good things, seeing they in­quired after them, and repaired unto mee for private information, o­ver [Page 122]and above my pub­like Ministery. If you will (Neighbour) goe home with mee now, and wee will conferre together about it. But can you tell mee, what that second point of Christian duty was?

Yes that I can, I thanke God; though my memory be bad enough: It was this, I take it; I must seeke to be saved when I die. Me thinkes it is a necessary duty, and it is good reason I should practise it: but I would faine have some good ar­guments, to binde mee to the practise of it, that I [Page 123]might not faile to doe it, being so needfull.

I will satisfie your desire, and the rea­sons that I shall pro­pound unto you to per­swade you to the pra­ctise of this duty, shall be drawne into some heads, for the helpe of your memory. The heads are foure: where­of the first concernes God; the second your selfe; the third other men; and the fourth hath respect unto sal­vation it selfe.

Which bee those reasons that concern God, and which may perswade [Page 124]me to seeke to bee saved?

They are three. That Chri­stians must seeke to be saued, and why.

The first is taken from Gods comman­dement, that biddes Christians to seeke the Kingdome of God, and his righteousnesse; yea to seeke it first, (that is) be­fore & above al world­ly things, Matth: 6.33: To strive to enter in at the strait gate, Luke 13.24: To labour for the meate, that endures to eternall life, Iohn 6.27: and to labour to enter into that rest, Hebr: 4.11.

The second reason is drawne from Gods promise, Why Chri­stians must seeke to be saued. which is 1. in [Page 125]generall, that they which seeke shall finde, Matth: 7.7. 2. in speciall, that they which seeke the Lord shall finde him, Ier: 29.13. 3. and in particu­lar, that they which seeke Gods Kingdome, it will be their Fathers pleasure to give it unto them, Luke 12.31, 32.

The third argument is taken from Gods dealing with sinners, in his seeking that they might be saved. For 1. God the Father ex­postulates with sinners, why they will dye, and not be saved, Ezck: 33.11: yea he intreates (by his [Page 126]Ministers) that they would bee reconciled to God, 2 Cor. 5.20. 2. Ie­sus Christ came to seek and save lost sinners, Luk: 19.10: yea hee invites them to come unto him, (that is) to beleeve in him, that they may be eased, and saved, Matth: 11.28. Ioh: 6.35. And 3. the Holy Ghost strives with them by exhortations, Gen: 6.3: and testifies to them, (that is) forewarnes and chargeth thē by threat­nings, that they would bee converted, to the end they may be saved, Nehem. 9.30. 1 Thess: 4.6. [Page 127]Now there is no rea­son that God should seeke to us to be saved; and not we to him.

What is the reason that concernes our selves, that may move us to seeke to be saved?

It is this: wee must seeke to be saved, because wee neede to seeke it, and we neede to seeke for salvation; partly, because we are (by nature) ignorant of the way thereunto, 1 Cor: 1.22, 23. & 2.14: (and the Divell seekes to keepe us in this ig­norance, 2 Cor: 4.4:) partly, because salvati­on [Page 128]will not be obtai­ned without diligent seeking, for the violent take it by force, Matth: 11.12: and partly also, because, if we doe neg­lect to seeke salvation, we sinne fearefully, and cannot escape condemna­tion, Hebr: 2.4. Iohn 3.19.

What is the reason to perswade me to seeke for salvation, that is taken from other men?

It is this. First, Gods Ministers doe seeke us, that we might be saved, 2 Cor: 12.14. for they beseech us to bee reconciled to God, 2 Cor: [Page 129]5.20: they exhort us to save our selves from the wicked generation of this world, Acts 2.40: yea their hearts desire and prayer to God for us is, that we might bee saved, Rom: 10.1. And there is no reason, that Mini­sters should bee more carefull of our salvati­on, than wee of our owne. Secondly, the Church of God in all ages, hath afforded ma­ny memorable exam­ples of holy people that have sought for salvation, and found it, Acts 2.37. & 16.30. Hebr. 11.6.

What is the fourth and last reason, taken from some consideration concerning salvation it selfe?

It is this: You ought to seeke for sal­vation, because it is worth your seeking; for it is called by way of excellency, so great sal­vation, Hebr: 2.4: the salvation of God, Acts 23.28: yea salvation with eternall glory, 2 Tim: 2.10

These indeed are good arguments to prove, both that I must seeke it, and why I must: but when must I seeke it?

Though I say [Page 131]you must seeke to bee saved when you dye; I doe not meane, you must seeke when you dye; but that you must seeke to bee saved, while you live. You must seeke God while hee may be found, Isay. 55.5: and God will be found in this life; for now is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time, 2 Cor: 6.3: for now the means of grace are afforded unto us, in the use of Gods ordinances, ap­pointed for that end. Dives was carryed to hell when he dyed; and out of it there is no re­demption, [Page 132] Luke 16.23.26. The foolish vir­gins wanting oyle in their lampes, when the bridegroome came, were shut out of the bride-chamber, though then they desired to get oyle, Math. 25.12.

But I pray you (good Sir) how, and by what meanes may I seeke for salvation?

Even in the same manner, How Chri­stians must seeke to be saued. and by the same meanes, that I taught you to seeke to serve God; namely by seeking 1. to know the chiefe points of the do­ctrine of salvation: 2. to [Page 133]affect and desire it: 3. to get and obtaine sal­vation.

I pray you then Sir in the first place tell me, what are the chiefe poynts of the doctrine of salvati­on, that are to be knowne.

They are three, To know the chiefe points of salvation. for we must knowe & beleeue: 1. What it is to bee saved, and this wee may knowe, for God hath ordayned meanes to giue vs know­ledge of salvation, Luk. 1.77. And to shew us the way of it. Act, 16.17.2. The severall degrees, by which sal­vation is attayned, [Page 134]which is not all at once: 3. The meanes whereby it is effected and brought to passe, in these severall de­grees.

Sir, (I thinke) I knowe already the first poynt, which is, what it is to be saved, (namely) it is to bee freed from hell and damnation.

It is some thing which you say; but that is not all. For to bee saved is not onely to bee freed from all eternall curssednesse, which is to escape the damnation of hell: Math. 23, 33. to be delivered [Page 135]from the wrath to come, 1, Thes. 5.10: to haue your soule saved from death eternall: Iam: 5.20: and to be kept that yee perish not, nor be con­demned, Iohn 3:16, 17. But to bee saved is to partake of all eternall blessednesse in another life and world, which is, to obtaine eternall glo­ry: 2. Tim: 2:10: to inherit the kingdome of God, Math: 25:34: to enter into our Masters joy: Math: 25.34: to bee ever with the Lord Christ: 1 Thess. 4.17. Ph [...]l: 1, 23: namely, to behold and partake of [Page 136] his glory, Iohn 17.24.

I perceive now my failing, and it must needs be so, as you say, touching the nature of salvation: but I pray you also proceed to the second general point of the doctrine of salva­tion, to shew me what are the degrees, by which it is attained.

They are three. The de­grees of saluation. 1. In this life, Luke 19.9. 2. At the end of this life, Acts 7.59. 3. At the end of the world, Hebr: 9.28.

What degree of sal­vation is attained unto in this life?

It hath three branches.

1. Iustification, wher­by the faithfull are ful­ly acquitted and dis­charged, from the guilt and punishment of all their sinnes, by free pardon and forgive­nesse of them all, and whereby also they are accepted as righteous in Gods sight by the merit of Christs righte­ousnes, both of his life & death imputed unto them, Mat: 9.2. Rom: 3.25. & 4.6, 7. 2 Pet. 1.1.

2. Reconciliation, whereby sinners being freed from Gods anger and displeasure, justly incurred and provoked [Page 138]by their sinnes, they are againe received into his love, favour, and friendship, Matth: 3.17. Col: 1.21.

3. Adoption, where­by of the children of dis­obed [...]ence, of wrath, and of the Divell, (which they were in Adam, and by their sinnes, Ephes: 2.2. & 5.6. Ioh: 8.44) they are made the children of God, and heires of the Kingdome of heaven, Gal: 4.4. & 5.6. Eph: 1.4, 5, 6.

What degree of sal­vation doe the faithfull attaine at the end of this life?

It is this. First, and generally, they de­part in peace, Luke 2.29: for their soules are par­ted from their bodies in Gods favour; they are carried to heaven, Luk: 16.22. and received thither, Acts 7.50: They dye in Christ, 1 Thess: 4.16: they sleepe in Iesus, verse 24: they dye in the Lord, Revel: 14.13: they dye the death of the righ­teous, Num: 23.10: they depart to the Father, Iohn 13:1. As soone as they are departed this life, their soules are with Christ in Paradise, which is Christs Kingdome, [Page 140]Luke 23.42.43: even when their bodies are unburied, or lye in the grave: and therefore this salvation is cal­led the salvation of the soule, 1 Pet: 1.9. Heb: 10.39: for the spirits of just and perfect men are in heaven, Hebr: 12.25. And well may the faithfull depart in peace when they dye, seeing when they lived they were justified by faith, and had peace with God, Rom. 5.1: Good cause have they, (if they for­get not to consider it) not to feare to dye, see­ing they know, that the [Page 141] sting of their death is ta­ken away, 1 Cor: 15.55, by Christ, who through his death hath overcome him that had the power of death, (that is) the Di­vell, Hebr: 2.14: and see­ing they are perswaded that death shall not sepa­rate them from the love of God which is in Christ Ie­sus, Rom: 8.38, 39.

Secondly, and more specially: 1. The bo­dies of the faithfull at the end of this life, are at rest from their labours paines and diseases, and are free from sense of all miseries and vexati­ons, Revel: 14.13. Isai: [Page 142]56.1, 2. 2. Their soules are wholly freed from originall and na­turall corruption; for the flesh which was therein while they liv­ed, is wholly killed & destroyed. For they are carryed into hea­ven Luk: 16, 22. into which no uncleane thing can enter: Revel: 21:27. 1 Cor: 15.50.

And what de­grees of salvation doe the faithfull attaine unto at the end of the world?

It consists of 2 branches, whereof the first concernes the bo­dy; the second belongs [Page 143]to the soule and bodie too.

What happines re­ceives the body at the end of the world?

It is this: Of a naturall, dead, weake, corruptible, and mor­tall body, (which it was when it was alive in the world, and lay in the grave) it is raised a spiritual, living, strong, incorruptible, and im­mortall body; and be­ing raised from death to life, it is restored to its former being and shape, complexion and proportion, yet with­out any defect or ble­mish, [Page 144]in a most comely manner; for it is a glo­rified body, 1 Cor: 15.42. to 46.

Yea but it seemes to naturall reason an im­possible thing, for a dead body to rise and live a­gaine?

True: but Chri­stians know by the light of the holy Scrip­tures, that the dead bo­dy shall rise from death to life, not by any po­wer in it selfe, or by the meanes of any naturall cause; but by a super­naturall, even the power of God, Matth: 22.29. Iosh: 22.1 Thess. 4.16.

How may I bee drawne better to beleeve the Resurrection from the dead?

By these sea­ven Reasons.

1 The testimony of Christ, who sayd, that all that are in the graves shall heare Christs voyce, and come forth unto the Resurrection: Iohn 5, 28 29.

2 The promise of it made by God unto the Patriarks, Act, 26:6:7:8.

3 The faith & hope of Gods children, who in all ages beleeved it, hoped and lookt for it, [Page 146] Acts 23:6: & 24:15. Iohn 11:24.

4 The practise of many Heathen, who in hope of the Resurre­ction, washed the dead bodyes of their freinds departed, before they buryed them, 1 Cor: 15:29. & Acts 9:36.

5 The proofe and experience of many re­corded in the Scrip­tures, who have risen from death to life, Mat. 27:52:53. Ioh. 11:35.

6 The appoynting of a day of iudgment, at the second comming of Christ: Act: 17.30, 31, 32. Ioh: 5:28:29. Dan: 12.2.

7 The Resurrecti­on of Christ himselfe from death to life, to be the first fruits of them that sleepe: 1 Cor: 15: 20. 1 Thes: 4:14. 1: Pet: 1.3. For the ga­thering in of the first ripe fruites, doe giue hope to the husband­man, of ripening & ga­thering in of the rest afterwards.

Indeed these Rea­sons cleerely and unan­swerably doe prove that the dead shall rise againe, and that there shall bee a Resurrection from the dead. But you sayd it was a branch of happines unto [Page 148]the faithfull, that their bodyes rose from death to life, how may this bee prooved?

This also may be sufficiently proved out of the Scripture, and that, by these 7 rea­sons also.

1 Because it is said that they are counted wor­thy of the Resurrection: Luke 20, 35. Therefore the Resurrection is a favour, & consequent­ly a branch of happi­nesse unto them.

2 Because they are called the children of the Resurrection, Luk: 20: 36. and they are so cal­led [Page 149](as in other respects so in this) because they rise Gods children, (as they lived and dyed) & are in his favor, which is a great happinesse.

3. Because they are said to be equall to the Angels, (when they are raised) Luke 20.36: and the Angels are happy, for nothing but happi­nesse can befall them.

4. Because the Apo­stle saith, that if the faithfull did not rise, they were of all men most miserable, 1 Cor: 15.19: therefore because they doe rise againe, they are happy.

5. Because when they are raised from death to life, they are called blessed: for Christ will call unto them, and say, Come ye blessed of my Fa­ther, Matth: 25.34.

6. The resurrection from the dead is a de­gree of happinesse, be­cause (as it hath beene said before) the natu­ralnesse, weaknes, cor­ruption and morrality of the body is abolish­ed and destroyed; and by the resurrection, it is made a spirituall, strong, incorruptible, and immortall body; yea it is raised a glorifi­ed [Page 151]body, to be made fit to enter into and enjoy the glory of heaven, 1 Cor: 15.41.50.

7. And lastly, the resurrection of the bo­dy from death to life, is a degree of happines because the assured ex­pectation of it did work in the faithfull, both more grace, and also more peace and com­fort in their conscien­ces, Acts 24.15, 16. Psal: 16.9. 1 Thess. 4.17.

Sir, I cannot deny, but these reasons doe prove the point most cleerely: but one thing there is, that [Page 152]I am not as yet resolved of, namely, I would faine learne, how the resurre­ction from the dead should be a happines to the faith­full, more than to the wicked and unfaithfull; for all both good and bad arise.

It cannot be de­nied, but all both good and bad, just and unjust, must arise from death to life, Iohn 5.28. Acts 24.15: but though this be true, yet there is a great difference in their rising, and this diffe­rence shewes the hap­pinesse of the one, and the unhappinesse of the other.

Wherein, I pray you, is the difference betwixt the resurrection of the godly and of the wick­ed?

It appeares spe­cially in three things.

1. All arise not the same manner of per­sons, for some rise just, and godly, as they li­ved and dyed, Luke 14.14: yea they rise Gods children, Luke 22.36: but others rise unjust, unrighteous and wick­ed, as they lived and dyed, Acts 24 15.

2. All arise not by the same meanes; for the godly arise by [Page 154]Christs mediation and resurrection, as his members, 1 Thess: 4.14. 1 Pet: 1.3, 4. 2 Cor: 4.14. But the wicked arise from death to life onely by Gods power, and as his creatures.

3. All arise not to the same end, for the godly arise to the re­surrection of life, and e­ternall blessednesse, Ioh: 5.29. Matth: 25.32.34: To shine as the bright­nesse of the firmament, and as the starres for e­ver and ever, Dan. 12.2. Whereas the ungodly arise to the resurrection of condemnation, Iohn 5.29: [Page 155]and to shame and e­verlasting contempt, Dan: 12.2.

Some also have thought, that there is a fourth difference be­tweene the resurre­ction of the just and unjust, (namely) that the dead in Christ shall arise before them that have dyed out of him: and for that they alledge a place in S. Paul, 1 Thess: 4.16.

But I answer, though it be not a thing impro­bable, that the godly shall arise before the wicked, yet doe I not thinke that that place [Page 156]proves it; because that place speakes not of an order betwixt the ri­sing of the godly and wicked; but of an or­der betwixt the dead in Christ, and the living in Christ at his second comming: and that or­der is, that the dead in Christ shall not pre­vent, (or goe before unto heaven and hap­pinesse) the living, or them that shall be alive at Christs second com­ming.

But I pray you for­get not that degree of hap­pinesse, whereof both the soules and bodies of the [Page 157]godly partake at the end of the world.

This happi­nesse hath 6 branches:

1. Both soule and body shall bee joyned together, even the very same, Iob 19.25, 26.

2. They shall bee freed from ever dying any more, Luke 20.36.

3. They shall be per­fectly sanctified with that measure of grace whereof a creature can be capable for the fit­ting of him to enjoy the heavenly glory, 1 Cor: 15.49.

4. Being sanctified, they shall be translated [Page 158]and received into the kingdome of heaven, Matth: 25.34.

5. Being translated, they shall partake of glory with God and Christ, Iohn 17.24.

6. Partaking of hea­venly glory, they shall enjoy it for ever, 1 Thes: 4.17.

These indeede are excellent degrees of hap­pinesse, (the Lord fit us to partake of them.) but I pray you remember to shew mee the third gene­rall point necessary to be knowne in the doctrine of salvation; which was, the meanes whereby it is effe­cted, [Page 159]and brought to passe in the severall degrees thereof.

I will, The means whereby saluation is effected. (by the grace of God:) These meanes are certaine a­ctions of God.

What are the acti­ons wrought by God, that bring to passe mans sal­vation?

They are actions that properly belong to the severall Persons of the sacred Trinity, namely 1. God the Fa­ther; 2. God the Sonne; and 3. God the Holy Ghost.

What were the actions of God the Father, where­by [Page 160]mans salvation was ef­fected?

Twofold: 1. In respect of Christ, his appointing and sending him into the world to save it, Iohn 3.16: and his setting him in the office of his Mediator­ship, Ioh. 6.28. Matth: 3.17. 2. And in re­spect of the faithfull, his justifying of them, his being reconciled unto them, and his a­dopting of them to be his children, and heires of heaven, whereof you have heard before in the degrees of salvati­on.

What were the a­ctions of God the Sonne, which hee did to bring to passe our salvation?

They were those, whereby hee merited and procured, that the Elect should be surely brought into Gods fa­vour againe, and safely carried to heaven; for he is called the Au­thour of our salvation, Hebr: 5.9: and the Cap­ta [...]ne of our salvation, Hehr: 2.10. And hee is called a Saviour, and our Saviour, 23 times in the New Testament. And these actions of Christ concerned ei­ther [Page 162]1 his conception and birth: or 2. his life: or 3. his death: or 4. his resurrection: or 5. ascension: or 6. his sitting on Gods right hand.

What was Christs conception and birth, and the merit of them to our salvation?

Christs concep­tion and birth was his incarnation, whereby he tooke into the unity of his Person, (being the Sonne of God) the man then in framing in the wombe of the Virgin Mary: By this (being a great abasing [Page 163]to him, Phil: 2.6, 7. Hebr: 2.14:) he merited and procured, that our originall sinne, wherein we were conceived and borne of our parents, should be pardoned and purged, Psal: 51.3.

What were the acti­ons of Christs life, where­by hee wrought our salva­tion?

They were these principally.

1. In his life hee was just & righteous, 1 Pet. 3.18: for hee knew no sinne experimentally, 2 Cor. 5.21: But was holy, and separate from sinners, Hebr: 7.26: Hee [Page 164]was Gods righteous ser­vant, Isay 53.11: He was made unto us righteous­nesse, 1 Cor: 1.30: That by the imputatiō of the merit thereof to all true beleevers, their imper­fect righteousnes might be covered, and they therein accepted, and presented as faultlesse, Iude verse 24: holy and without blame, Eph: 5.25: Yea that hee might establish them unblamea­ble in holines before God, 1 Thess: 3 13.

2. In his life, Christ made many heavenly prayers to God his Fa­ther, [Page 165]for his Elect; and by them Christ meri­ted, that their faith might not faile, Luke 22.32: nor they fall from grace; but be brought safe to glory in heaven, Ioh. 17.11.24.

3. In the life of Christ 1. hee endured much poverty, Mat: 8.20: ha­ving not a house to put his head in of his owne, though he were Lord of all, Acts 10.36. 2. Hee was much shamed and disgraced, being revi­led and rayled upon, Mat: 27.30. And 3. he was put to much paine, be­ing buffeted and scourged, [Page 166]Matth: 27.26. Ioh: 19.1. Matth: 26.6, 7. But Christ merited and procured for us here­by, that by his povertie we might be made rich, 2 Cor: 8.9: that by his disgrace wee might be honoured with this pre­rogative of being Gods children, Iohn 1.12: that by his stripes we might be healed, 1 Pet: 2.24: And that all our afflictions might be sanctified and seasoned, to our refor­mation and consolati­on in Christ.

What was Christs action at his death where­by he merited our salva­tion?

He willingly la [...]d downe his life, when (by his divine power) hee might have held it, and none could have taken it from him, Iohn 10.17. 1 Iohn 3.16. Hereby Christ offered up him­selfe a propitiatory sa­crifice to God his Fa­ther, for the ransome of mankind, Gal: 4.5. Heb: 10.6, 7, 8: and here­by hee redeemed the Elect from the second death, which is dam­nation, and from the tyranny of the Divell, Hebr: 2.14. Iam: 5.20. Acts 26.18.

What was Christs [Page 168]resurrection, and the me­rit of it for our salvati­on?

Christs resurre­ction was the freeing of himselfe from the power of death, under which hee was held in the grave, some part of three dayes; and the u­niting againe of his soule which was in hea­ven, to his body which lay in the grave: Christ merited hereby, that the faithfull should rise againe from death to life, as members of his mysticall body, and be begotten to a lively hope of their owne resurre­ction [Page 169]by the power of his, 1 Cor: 15.19, 20. 1 Pet: 1.3. 1 Thess: 4.14.

What was Christs Ascension, and what did he merit thereby, tending to our salvation?

Christs Ascen­sion was his leaving to live any longer on the earth as man, and his entring into heaven both in soule and bo­dy, there to continue till the end of the world, Acts 1.9, 10, 11. Hebr: 4.14. By Christs Ascension into heaven, he tooke pos­session of it for the [Page 170]faithfull, that at the end of their lives, he might receive their soules thi­ther, Acts 7.59: and at the end of the world he might receive into it both their soules and bodies, Iohn 14.2. Heb: 6.20.

What was Christs sitting on the right hand of God the Father in hea­ven? and what did hee merit thereby for our sal­vation?

Christs sitting on the right hand of the Father in heaven, is his partaking (as man) of heavenly glory, farre above all creatures, [Page 171] Hebr. 1.3. The merit thereof, is his Interces­sion for us, Hebr. 7.24, 25: for in heaven hee continually appeares in Gods presence for us, Heb: 9.24: to present all his merits unto God his Father, for our benefit; that God beholding the worth of them, hee might continually ap­ply the vertue and be­nefit of them, to the conversion and salva­tion of his Elect, suc­cessively to the worlds end.

Now you have shew­ed mec, what were the a­ct ons of God the Father, [Page 172]and God the Sonne, which they wrought for the effe­cting of mans salvation; I pray you also tell mee, what were the actions of the Holy Ghost for that end?

They were of two kindes: The acti­ons of the holy Spi­rit for ef­fecting mans sal­uation. 1. Such as he wrought in Christ, that was to be the Savi­our of the world: and 2. such as hee wrought in them that are to bee saved by him.

What were the a­ctions, wrought in Iesus Christ by the Holy Ghost, for the bringing to passe of mans salvation?

They were three: [Page 173]1. the sanctifying of the seede of the woman, for the framing of his body thereof, as hee was man, Luke 1.35. 2. The declaring of him to be the Saviour of the world, by descen­ding upon him like a dove, Matth: 3.16. Iohn 3.33. 3. The filling of him with the gifts and gra­ces of the Spirit above measure, Iohn 3.34: and above his fellowes, Hebr: 1.9.

What are the acti­ons of the Holy Spirit, which he workes in them that are to bee saved, for the effecting thereof?

They are two. 1. Regeneration, or bringing them into the state of grace. 2. Pre­servation, or keeping them therein.

Sir, I have heard much of Regeneration, but I doe not well understand it: I pray you therefore cause mee to understand better what it is?

Regeneration is an action of the holy Spirit, The Rege­neration of the ho­ly Spirit. whereby Chri­stians are begotten again, borne againe; and re­newed, or made new a­gaine, 1 Pet: 1.3: Iohn 3.5. Tit. 3.5.

Wherein doth the [Page 175]holy Spirit regenerate Christians?

Not in making new the substance of their soules, nor in en­duing their soules with new parts, powers and faculties: But Rege­neration consists in healing and recove­ring, rectifying and a­mending, purging and sanctifying (with a new supply of grace) the former parts, powers and faculties, that were wholly depraved, and corrupted with sinne, through Adams diso­bedience, Ecclefiast: 7.29.

To what end doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians by his grace?

For a twofold end, in respect of them­selves.

Which is the first?

To enable them to serve God sincerely and acceptably in this world, Hebr: 12.28: in newnesse of spirit, Rom: 7.6: and in newnesse of life, Rom: 6.4. For they are created (anew) in Christ Iesus unto good workes, which God had be­fore ordained that they should walke in, Eph: 2.10. This they could not doe, as they were be­gotten [Page 177]of their parents, for so they were begot­ten in sinne, Psal: 51.5: and borne of, and after the flesh, Iohn 3.3. Gal. 4.29: which cannot please God, Rom: 8.8. And therefore to the end, they may bee fitly dis­posed, and effectually enabled, to doe the ho­ly duties of Gods ser­vice, they must be made new men and women: for the image of God, which (through A­dams sinne) was defa­ced in them, as touch­ing right knowing, wil­ling and doing Gods will, must againe be re­newed [Page 178]in them, Col: 3.10. Eph. 4.24.

What is the second end, why the holy Spirit doth regenerate Christi­ans?

It is, to order them, and to set them in the way to heaven; which is, to make them meete partakers of that inheritance, Col: 1.12. For without holinesse no man shall see the Lord, Hebr. 12.14. Into the new Ierusalem of heaven, shall in no wise enter a­ny uncleane thing, Revel. 21.27. And flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God, 1 Cor. [Page 179]15.50. Now they can not goe to heaven as they are begotten of their naturall parents; for so they are the chil­dren of disobedience, Eph. 5.6: the children of wrath Eph: 2.3: and the chil­dren of the Divell, Iohn 8.44. And therefore to the end they may be made capable of salva­tion, they must by the holy Spirit bee turned from darkenesse to light, and from the power of Sa­tan unto God, that they may receive an inheri­tance with them that are sanctified, Acts 26.18, 19. For holinesse is the [Page 180]way to happinesse, and grace unto glory.

But by what meanes doth the holy Spirit rege­nerate Christians, and make them new?

By the incorrup­tible seede of the word of truth, Iam: 1.18: which is the word of God: 1. Pet. 1.23. which is the Gospell, 1 Cor. 4.15. 1 Pet. 1.23. which is the Preaching of Iesus Christ: Rom. 16.25: and of salvation: Act. 13.26. In whom they are begotten againe: 1 Pet. 1.3. and created anew: Eph. 2.10. And there­fore you ought care­fully [Page 181]to attend upon this ordinance, which is the power of God to salvation to them that be­leeve: Rom. 1.16.

I pray you Sir, What is Preservation, which, you said, was the second act on of the holy Spirit, which he workes, to bring to passe mans sal­vation?

Preservation, The Pre­seruation of the Spi­rit is an action of the holy Spirit, whereby he up­holdeth them that are regenerate, that they fall not away from grace, but be kept to continue therein.

That the regenerate [Page 182]are kept in the state of grace, is plaine by S. Peter; who saith, that they are kept unto salva­tion, 1 Pet: 1.3.5. And that they doe receive the end of their faith, which is the salvation of their soules, verse 9. And that they are kept thereunto by the holy Spirit, is as plaine by the same A­postle, where he saith, they are kept by the pow­er of God, 1 Pet: 1.5: which is the power of the holy Ghost, Rom: 15.13. For they are led by the Spirit, Gal: 5.18: They walke in the Spirit, Gal: 5.16. Rom: 8.14. [Page 183]They live in the Spirit, Gal: 5.25: They are sealed by the Spirit, Eph: 1.13: strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man, Eph: 3.16: And they are sanctifyed by the Spirit wholly, and preserved blamelesse unto the com­ming of our Lord Iesus Christ, 1 Thess: 5.23. 2 Thess: 2.13. And if the regenerate bee kept by the holy Spirit un­to salvation, then (in respect of Gods keep­ing) can they not fall from grace, to misse sal­vatiō in the event & end

I know the strongest Christian is not able to [Page 184]stand of himselfe, for even hee that standeth must take heede lest hee fall, 1 Cor: 10.12: And therefore hee must not be high-minded, but feare, Rom: 11.20.

I acknowledge also, that there is nothing in grace it selfe, (as it is mans) but that it might faile; for it is received but in part in this life, 1 Cor: 13.9. And that which is but in part, is imperfect; and that which is imperfect, may (of it selfe) faile. Neither is there any thing in the particular grace of faith, but that [Page 185]it might faile too; for Peters faith might have failed, if Christ had not prayed that it might not faile, Luke 22.32: (and Peters faith was the same, (for nature and kinde) with the faith of all that are regenerate.) But though both these be true, both of grace generally, and of faith particularly; yet for all this the truely rege­nerate do not fall from grace; but are preser­ved therein: for first, touching grace in gene­rall, I say, that it failes not; for it is the anoyn­ting which they receive, [Page 188] [...] [Page 189] [...] [Page 186]and which abides in them 1 Iohn 2.27: and that which abides, failes not: for by it they are strengthened and preser­ved to Gods heavenly kingdome, 2 Tim: 4.18. Secondly, touching the particular grace of faith, I say, that that failes not neither: 1. be­cause Christ prayed not onely for Peters faith, that it might not faile; but for the faith of all the Elect and Regene­rate, that theirs might not faile; for he prayed that they might all bee kept by the Father in his Name, that they may bee [Page 187]one in God, as the Father and the Sonne are one, Iohn 17.11.15.20, 21: And Christ was heard and answered in all his prayers, Iohn 11.42. 2. The faith of the re­generate failes not in the end, because they are kept by the power of God through faith, 1 Pet: 1.5. Now if they bee kept through faith, then must they keepe the faith, and be kept in it also, else they cannot attaine salvation in the end: for if the regene­rate doe receive the sal­vation of their soules as the end of their faith, [Page 188]1 Pet: 1.9: then must they by some meanes keepe their faith to the end.

I know and confesse, that there bee many which thinke of them­selves, that they have indeede the true faith and grace, (and so are thought by others to have it) when indeede they have it not; and these (after a sort) may be thought to fall from faith and grace, because in time they discover their hollownesse; for their faith workes not by love, Gal: 5.6: nor their love by obedience, Iohn [Page 189]14.15: Nor is their o­bedience a sincere en­deavour to keepe all Gods cōmandements, Iam: 2.10. But this can not be called truely fal­ling from grace; (be­cause they had not grace indeed, and they cannot fall from that they had not:) but from the profession of grace and faith. And there­fore for all this, they that have true grace, doe by Gods power keepe it, and persevere in it; for Paul did fight a good fight, he finished his course, and kept the faith, 2 Tim. 4.6. They doe not [Page 190]withdraw themselues, but beleeve to the salvation of their soules: Heb, 10, 28: therefore they be­leeve to the end.

Mee th [...]nkes you prove this poynt so direct­ly by the word, that I can­not tell what to say to the contrary: but there bee many learned men of a contrary mind, and there­fore I pray prove it unto me by some reason also.

I will, and it shall be by this which shall include diverse branches.

If the regenerate be not preserved by God in the state of grace, so [Page 191]as they shall certainely bee saved in the end, then it is either, 1 be­cause God cannot keep them, or 2 because he will, not keepe them; or 3 because they haue no neede of his keep­ing: or 4 Because God thinks it best, to leaue every man to himselfe, to keepe himselfe; and to the use and choice of his owne freewill, to persevere in grace, and faith, or to fall from it.

But neither of these are true, as shall ap­peare in the particu­lars.

Therefore the Re­generate are preserved by God, in the State of grace unto the end.

These foure particu­lars, on which the truth of this argument doth stand; shall all be proved in order.

1 That God is able to keep the regenerate in the state of grace, is plaine by Paul who saith, that God was able to keep that which he had committed unto him: 2. Tim. 1.12: By the Apo­stle Iude, who saith that God is able to keepe them from falling: Iude v. 24. And no marvell seeing [Page 193]they are in his Fathers hands and in his, Christ saith none is able to pluck them out of his, or his Fa­thers hands, Iohn. 10.28 29: and therefore they shall never perish, ibid.

2 That God is wil­ling to keepe the truly Regenerate that haue grace indeede, is as e­vident by Saint Paule, where he saith, that God shall confirme them unto the end, 1 Cor. 1.4.8.9. He that had begun a good worke in them, will per­forme it untill the day of Christ: Philipp. 1.6. and God is faithfull, who shall stablish them [Page 194]and keep them from evill, 2 Thess: 3.3: and Paul affirmes, that God would preserve him to his hea­venly kingdome, 2 Tim: 4.18.

3. That the rege­nerate had neede to bee kept by God, in the state of grace, will ea­sily be proved, if wee consider, 1. that their corrupt nature, and in­fidelity (a fruit of it) are not quite subdued in them as long as they live, Rom: 7.17, 18. Heb: 3.12. 2. That grace is but imperfectly recei­ved in this life, as hath been shewed even now. [Page 195]3. That Sathan seekes to winnow them, that their faith might faile, Luke 22.32. And last­ly, that they are subject to many afflictions and persecutions, which make many fall away, Matth: 13.21. Luke 8.13.

4. That God doth not thinke it best to leave every man to himselfe, to keepe him­selfe, and to the use and choice of his owne freewill, to persevere in grace and faith, or to fall from it, shall bee prooved by two Rea­sons.

Which is the first?

If man were left by God to the use and choise of his owne free will to keepe himselfe, and to persevere in grace, or fall from it, then would these two great mischiefes follow thereupon: 1. that then not God, but man him­selfe, should make the difference betwixt him that perseveres, and him that fals away. But this is denyed by Paul, who saith, It is not in him that willeth, nor in him that runneth, but in God that shewes mercie, Rom: 9.16. And a­gaine, [Page 197] Who maketh thee to differ from another, and what hast thou, that thou hast not received? 1 Cor: 4.7. 2. This mis­chief will follow there­upon also, that not God, but man him­selfe must have the chiefe praise of his owne salvation. In­deed God might have some thankes: 1. for appointing and send­ing a Saviour into the world: 2. for offering grace and salvation to man by him: and 3. for moving him by his Spirit to beleeve in Christ, that hee may [Page 198]be saved. But that hee doth indeede actually consent to the motion of grace and receive it, doth indeed beleeve in Christ, and actually persevere in grace: so as to be saved in the e­vent, this proceedes from himselfe meerely, and onely from the good use and choise of his own freewill, when God left him to him­selfe to beleeve or not beleeve, and to perse­vere or not persevere: and therefore himselfe must have the chiefe praise of his being sa­ved; and not God, who [Page 199]of right is to have all the glory, of the begin­ning, proceeding, and accomplishing of the worke of our salvati­on.

I pray you giue me also the second reason, why God thinks it not best, to leave every man to himselfe, to persevere or fall from grace.

If every man were a like left to him­selfe, and to the use & choice of his owne free-will, to persevere or not persevere, and none were actually kept unto salvation, nor ef­fectually caused by the [Page 200]holy Spirit to persevere in grace to the end, so that in the event they might certainly be sa­ved, then were it uncer­tayne, whether any man should in the event be saved or no; (for it is uncertaine in respect of the event, whether any man should perse­vere in the faith or no, because it is uncerteine whether any man shold well use his freewill to persevere or no:) and if it were uncertaine, whether any mā shold be saved or no in the e­vent, then were it un­certaine, whether the [Page 201]blood of Christ shedd on the Crosse for mans salvation, should bee spilt in vayne or no. For salvation is pur­chased by Christs bloud onely, Act. 20.28, with­out it there is no remissi­on: Heb. 9.14.22. And they onely that perse­vere in the faith shall be saved: Mat: 10.22. Reve: 2.10. and there­fore the Regenerate are preserved in the state of grace by the holy Spirit, to the end, that Christ may not die in vayne, nor the salva­tion of the Regenerate be uncertaine, nor the [Page 202]chiefe prayse of their salvation redound to themselves, but to God onely and wholly.

Sir I thanke you, I am fully satisfied in this poynt: you haue sayd e­nough, touching the first point of seeking to be sa­ved; which was seeking to know the chiefe points of the doctrine of salva­tion: The last branch whereof was, the meanes whereby mans salvation is effected. I pray you now proceede to the second point, Seeking to be affected with sal­uation. which is, seeking to be affected with sal­vation.

That you may be [Page 203]moved to desire to be saved, and to affect it, you must consider these foure things chiefly: 1. the possibility of at­taining it: 2. the neces­sity of getting it: 3. the excellency of it, when it is had and enjoyed: and 4. the certainty of holding it when wee have it.

How may it be pro­ved, that it is possible for us to bee saved, if wee seeke it?

By these rea­sons.

1. Because it is re­vealed, offered, and promised in the Gos­pell, [Page 204] Luke 1.77. & 12.31, 32. Iohn 3.16. Acts 10.23. Rom: 10.10.

2. Because it is me­rited and procured by Iesus Christ, who hath done and suffered all things needfull for the purchasing of it, Eph: 1.14. Acts 20.28. 1 Pet: 1.18, 19. 1 Cor: 6.20.

3. Because salvation is already possessed and enjoyed, by infinite millions of Christians, who have sought and obtained it, Hebr: 11.3.5. & 12.1. Luke 23.42, 43. Matth: 11.12.

How may the ne­cessity of salvation ap­peare?

By these three reasons also.

1. By the comman­dement of God which bids us seeke it; and by the threatning of the word, which denoun­ceth judgement to them that neglect to seeke it; wherof you have heard more particularly be­fore.

2. By the words of our Saviour, who (spea­king of taking the pre­sent opportunity of hea­ring himselfe preach the Gospell of salva­tion) [Page 206]saith, One thing is necessary, Luke 10.42.

3. By considering and laying to heart the miserable estate of not being saved, 1 Cor: 15.18, 19. For it had beene better for them they had never beene borne, Matth: 26.24. And no mar­vell, seeing the Lord will one day pronounce that direfull sentence, Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire pre­pared for the Divell and his Angels, Matth: 25.41.

How may the ex­cellency of salvation bee shewed?

By these foure things.

1. The excellency of Gods love, and free grace, which is the foundation of it, and which moved God to appoint and provide it, 1 Iohn 3.1. Ephes. 3.18, 19. Tit. 2.8.

2. The excellencie of the price by which it was purchased and procured for us, name­ly Christ himselfe, Gal: 1.4. Eph: 1.24. His life, 1 Iohn 3.16. Rom: 3.10: His blood, Acts 20.28. 1 Pet: 1.23: His death, Hebr: 2.10: Yea a cur­sed death on the Crosse, [Page 208]Phil: 2.8. Gal. 3.13.

3. The excellency of the nature and parts, degrees and priviled­ges, benefits and com­forts of our salvation, wherof you have heard at large before in the two first points.

4. The excellency of the persons, that in the event are to bee made partakers of it, namely the Elect, and the belo­ved of the Lord, 2 Tim: 2.10. Tit: 1.1: To whom the very Elect Angels are ministring spirits, to attend upon them, Hebr. 1.14.

I pray you how may [Page 209]the certaintie of salvation be proved?

By three things.

1 The Decree and purpose of God to save true beleevers in Christ Eph, 1.5.9. which stan­deth sure: 2 Tim: 2.19. and cannot be changed, because with God there is no variablenesse, nei­ther shadow of turning: Iam: 1:17.

2 The prom se, co­venant, and oath of God, to save them that are in Christ: Luke 1.72.73. all which are immutable: Heb: 6.17.

3 The power and goodnes, righteousnes, [Page 210]& faithfulnes of God, in performing the pro­mise of salvation to them to whom it be­longs, and is intended: Rom: 4.21. Heb, 11.19. 1 Iohn 1.9.

Oh good Sir: it may bee, that salvation may in it selfe, and in the event be sure to the faith­full, but may they them­selves be sure of it?

Yea, they they may, (being truely faithfull) at one time or other, before they dye, & in one measure or other of assurance, (namely, such as shall be sutable to their tri­alls, [Page 211]and sufficient to comfort them in their afflictions, 2 Cor: 1.5:) but all have not like as­surance of salvation; neither hath any one the like assurance al­wayes, nor in the same degree, free from doubting.

How may it be pro­ved?

By these two reasons:

1. Because it is wit­nessed to their spirit by Gods Spirit, (who shedds Gods love abroad in their hearts, Rom: 5.5:) that they are Gods children; and consequently that [Page 212]they shall be saved: for none are saved but onely Gods children, Romans 8.16: And they may bee sure of that which Gods Spi­rit doth witnesse unto them, because he is the Spirit of truth, 1 Ioh: 5.6.

2. Because true be­leevers in Christ are sealed with the Spirit of promise; and receive an earnest of their inheri­tance, Eph: 1.13, 14. Now an earnest penny, it gives assurance of the bargain, and a seale con­firmes & assures a wri­ting, to which it is put.

3. Because the Apo­stles [Page 213]were assured of it; for Paul was perswaded & assured, that nothing should separate them from the love of God in Christ, Rom: 8, 38. & Iohn knew the love of God to him, 1 Ioh: 4.16. & 5.19. Now the Apostles had not this perswasiō & know­ledge or assurance as they were Apostles, but as they were Christi­ans, because they were not saved as Apostles, but as Christians.

Oh, but how can they be sure to be saved, when they cānot be sure to perse­vere to the end? for they onely are saved that perse­vere to the end.

They that onely professe to have grace and faith in Christ, (but have it not indeed) can never be sure to bee sa­ved, because they can­not bee sure to perse­vere, for they cannot persevere in that which they have not: But (for all this) they that have grace indeed, and are truely regenerate, may be sure to persevere: 1. because God loves thē to whom hee gives sa­ving grace, 2 Cor: 13.13: And whom hee loves once, hee loves to the end, Iohn 13.1. And therefore they perse­vere [Page 215]in grace to the end, that they may be loved in the end: and therefore are they lo­ved to the end, that they may persevere to the end. Iohn 13.1. 2 They may bee sure to perse­vere, because the Lord hath promised that the peace of God shall keepe their hearts and mindes in Iesus Christ: Phil: 4.7, 3 They may be sure to persevere, because the Spirit of God so assists them: that by the motion and efficacy thereof, they (that are truely & indeed borne of God and begotten [Page 216]of him, and not Sacra­mentally onely) they doe keepe themselves, and that wicked one toucheth them not: 1 Iohn 5.18. For they building up them­selves in their most holy faith, and praying in the holy Ghost for continu­all assistance, they keepe themselves in the loue of God, looking for the mer­cy of our Lord Iesus Christ unto eternall life: Iude v 20.21. 4 They may bee sure to perse­vere in grace, if the An­noynting which they have received abide in them; and if his seede remaine in them: and this hath [Page 217]God promised to the truly regenerate, 1 Iohn 2.27. & 3.9. For though in respect of some things in them­selves, (whereof you have heard in the point of Preservation by the Spirit) and as of them­selves they could not persevere, nor be sure to persevere, but fall a­way; yet in other re­spects they doe, as hath beene shewed.

Sir, I am much be­holden to you for your great paines in the teach­ing me the second point of seeking to be saved; and [...]n all the branches there­of: [Page 218]I pray you now in the last place shew me the last point, which is, seeking to get salvation.

You must get salvation, Seeking to get sal­uation. by perfor­ming some actions, which God requires, on your part to be per­formed, for the attai­ning thereof.

Me thinks it seemes strange to mee, how man can get and attaine salva­tion by any action of his, which he doth himselfe?

When I speake of some actions of men whereby they attaine unto salvation, I would have you to consider two things:

1. That I doe not meane that man doth these actions, by any absolute activity or ef­ficiency that is in, and of himselfe, or the power and dominion hee hath over his owne will: for he doth them by Gods will, and by his effectuall grace, dis­posing and enabling him thereunto, who workes in him to will and to doe of his owne good pleasure, Phil: 2.13. But I meane that these acti­ons are done by their own understanding and will; (for they are not ignorant of what they [Page 220]doe, nor are they com­pelled to the doing of them.) Mans superna­turall and godly acti­ons are Gods, as hee moves him thereunto by his grace, and pro­cures him actually to consent to the motion of grace: but they are mans owne actions, as hee is the next and im­mediate doer of them; and as they proceede from him, as a vitall, and reasonable crea­ture. And therefore it is said, that the just shall live by faith, Hab: 2.4. And therefore the a­ctions of beleeving are [Page 221]applyed to men in all the three persons: I be­leeve, Acts 8.37: Thou beleevest, Rom: 10.9: Hee beleeves, Marke 16.16.

2. When I say, man gets and attaines unto salvation by some acti­ons of his owne, I doe not meane, that there is any merit or worth, in these his actions to procure or deserve sal­vation, in the least mea­sure or degree as they come from man: But that God hath appoin­ted such actions of men to bee conditions to bee performed on their part to make their [Page 222]persons capable of sal­vation, and that these actions have this effi­cacy to this end, not as they be done by them, but as they are appoin­ted by God for them; and as he enables them to doe them according to his appointment.

Sir, I am fully sa­tisfied: But I pray you, what bee those actions of men appointed by God, as conditions on their part to bee performed for the attaining of salva­tion?

They bee of three kindes, whereof the first prepare them [Page 223]to get it: the second give them title and in­terest to claime it, and receive it: and the third give them assurance of it.

What be the acti­ons that prepare them to get salvation?

They are these:

First, they must know and acknowledg their sinne and misery, they must beleeve and feele the guilt and pu­nishment of their sins, Acts 2.37. For this will make them to feele their neede of salvation, and their unability to save themselves: Mat: [Page 224]9.13: and that they neede to repent, and cry God mercy, Luke 15.9: And this is wrought by the preaching of the law, Rom. 3.20. & 4.11.

2. They must also beleeve the Gospell, (that is) consent in their opinion & judge­ment, that there is sal­vation to be had; and that this is a truth of God, that it is possible for men to get salvati­on; and this is wrought by the Gospell, Marke 1.15. Acts 4.4.

3. They must hear­tily be sorry for their [Page 225]past sinnes, and unfei­nedly purpose to leave them, (which is Re­pentance begun in the roote) Matth: 21.32.

4. They must hun­ger and earnestly desire to be saved, Matth: 5.6. Isay 55.1.

5. They must con­sult what to doe, and enquire further into and after the way and the meanes of sal­vation, with a minde to follow those dire­ctions accordingly, Act. 2.37. & 16.30: And these three last a­ctions are wrought by the Law and Gospell, [Page 226]whereby they are both drawne and driven to seeke and get salvati­on.

What be the acti­ons of men, which give them title and interest un­to salvation: to claime and receive it of God?

Actions that g [...]ue title to claime and receiue sal­uation. They are belee­ving or trusting in Iesus Christ: Rom, 10: 9. Eph. 1:13. whereby weary and heavy laden sinners come to Christ for sal­vation, Math: 11, 28. Iohn 6, 35: and rest onely upon the merits of the righteousnes of his life and death, for salvation in all the se­verall [Page 227]degrees thereof. For by this faith, they get and lay hold upon the Saviour himselfe, even the Lord Iesus Christ, and are engras­fed and united to him: Rom, 11: 19.20. for by faith, Christ is in true beleevers, 2 Cor: 13, 5. he liues in them: Gal: 2 20 and dwells in them: Eph. 3.17.

What reasons may be brought from the Scripture to prooue this which you say, concerning the action of beleeving in Christ?

These:

1 Beleeving in Christ [Page 228]is the action appointed by God, to be perfor­med by man for recei­ving salvation, because it is requyred of him as the condition to ob­taine forgivenes of sinnes Act, 10, 43. reconci­liation and peace with God: Rom: 5, 1. & 3:25. justification: Act: 13, 29. adoption: Iohn 1.12. blessednes, Gal. 3, 9: eternall life: Iohn 3, 16. ease from the burden of sinne: Matth: 11, 28. quenching all Satans fie­ry darts, Eph: 6, 16. not being confounded of our sinnes: Rom. 10.11. and of pleasing God: Heb. 11.6.

2 Beleeving in Christ is the action requyred by God, to be perfor­med on mans part for receiving salvation; be­cause by this meanes, salvation comes to him by the free grace and mercy, loue & fa­vour of God: Rom, 4: 16. Eph, 2, 8.

3 Beleeving in Christ is the action and condi­tion required on mans part, for obtaining sal­vation; because hereby the promise of salvation will be sure to the faith­full, Rom: 4.16: which by the action of obey­ing the Law it could [Page 230]not bee, because hee could not performe it, Acts 13.39. Rom: 8.3.

4. Beleeving in Christ is the action and con­dition required, to be performed by man, for the getting of salvati­on; because it makes a man renounce his own righteousnesse, and to goe out of himselfe to another for it, (name­ly) to Iesus Christ, to be saved by his righte­ousnesse, Matth: 11.28. Ioh: 6.35. Phil: 3.9. Gal: 2.19.

What are the acti­ons, which Christians [Page 231]must performe to make their salvation sure unto themselves?

They are di­vers: Actions that as­sure salua­tion. for they concerne either 1. God, or 2. our brethren; or 3. our selves.

What actions con­cerne God?

They are such as belong either 1. to God the Father; or 2. to God the Sonne: or 3. to God the holy Ghost.

What actions be­long to God the Father?

They are three principally.

1. Fearing to offend [Page 232]God, and caring to please him, 1 Pet. 1.17. 1 Cor: 7.32: For unto such, and for their comfort is the word of salvation sent, Acts 13.26: and such may worke out their salvation, (that is) the assuming (not the procuring of it) un­to themselves, Phil: 2.12. And no marvell, seeing Gods mercy is on them that feare him for ever, Luke 1.50. Such know that they are redee­med with the precious blood of Christ, 1 Pet: 1.17, 18: and such are blessed, Psal: 128.1.

2. Loving God, and [Page 233]setting our hearts and delight upon him; for such may know that they are of the truth, and shall assure their hearts before him, 1 Iohn 3.18, 19: And that they may have boldnesse in the day of judgement, 1 Iohn 4.16, 17. And no mar­vell, seeing their love to God will assure them that they are borne of God, 1 Iohn 4.7: that they dwell in God, and God in them, 1 Iohn 4.19: that they are knowne and acknowledged, and approoved of God: The first to the Corinthians, the 8 chapter, 3 verse: [Page 234]that all things shall worke to their good, (that is) to the furtherance of their sanctification and sal­vation, Rom. 8.28: And that the crowne of life e­ternall, and the Inheri­tance of the kingdome of heaven is promised to such as love God, Iam: 1.12. & 2.5.

3. Christians must hope in God, (that is) as­suredly expect & looke for, yea patiently abide and waite for the ac­complishment of all Gods promises, speci­ally that of the resurre­ction of the body, and of eternall life; for they [Page 235]are saved by hope, Rom. 8.24: And Hope is a hel­met of salvation to them, 1 Thess. 5.8: And an an­ker to the soule both sure and stedfast, and which entreth into heaven, whi­ther the forerunner is for us entred, even Iesus, Heb: 6.19, 20. And no mar­vell, seeing their hope will not deceive, nor make them ashamed, Rom: 5.5: Because into the hearts of such as hope in God, the love of God is shed abroad by the ho­ly Ghost, Rom: 5.5: And they rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God, Rom: 5.3.

What actions of Christians concerne Iesus Christ, that will assure them of their salvation?

They are these two principally.

1. They must obey him in all his Evangeli­call precepts and com­mandements, which belong to the hearing and beleeving of the Gospell preached; and to the administring and receiving the Sacra­ments in remembrance of him, Matth: 28.20. Marke 1.15. Luke 10.16. Matth. 26.26, 27. 1 Cor: 11.24, 25. For unto such as obey him [Page 237]herein, Iesus Christ is become author of eternall salvation: Heb: 5.9. & no marvell, seeing they are blessed of God: Luk 11.28. Revel. 1.3. they are of God (that is) cho­sen & beloved of him: Iohn 8, 4.7. and they are the sheepe of Christ, to whome hee will give e­ternall life: Iohn 10:27.28.

2 They must love & long for, looke and waite for, the second appea­ring or coming of Christ. For such beleeve that there is layd up for them a crowne of righteousnes, which the Lord the righte­ous [Page 238]judge shall give them at that day: 2 Tim. 4.8. Titus: 2.13.14. Such the Lord Christ will deliver from the wrath to come: 1 Thess. 1.10: and to such he will ap­peare the second time un­to salvation: Hebr. 9.28.

What actions of Christians concerne the holy Spirit, that will assure them of salvation?

These. Not to resist, or vexe the holy Spirit: Act, 7, 51. Isai 63.10. not to quench or grieve it: 1 Thess. 5.19. Eph. 4.30: but to be led thereby, and to [Page 239] walke after the directi­on and guidance there­of; for such are sealed to the day of Redemption, Eph: 4.30. They are Gods children: Rom. 8.14. and unto such there is no condemnation, for they are in Christ Iesus: Rom. 8.1: and in them the righteousnes of the Law is fulfilled: Rom. 8.4: (namely) sincerely, & in Gods favorable ac­ceptation.

What actions that concerne our neighbour, must Christians doe to assure them of salvation?

Loving him; which is manifested, [Page 240]chiefely in giving, Heb. 13, 16. and 9, 10. and forgiving: Eph: 4.32. & is exercised toward all men, but specially toward the houshold of faith, and all sincere Chri­stians: Gal. 6: 10. For these loving affections and actions accompa­ny salvation; Heb: 6, 9. and they which are ex­ercised therein with di­ligence unto the end, doe attaine the full assurance of hope: Heb, 6.11. Here­by Christians that love in deed and in truth, doe know that they are trans­lated from death to life: 1 Iohn 3.14: and that [Page 241]they are of the truth, and shall assure their heartes before God: 1 Ioh. 3.19. and unto such God wil one day say, Come yee blessed of my Father, re­ceive the kingdome prepa­red from the beginning of the world; because when I was hungry yee fed mee, when I was naked yee clo­thed me, and when I was sicke and in prison ye vi­sited me in my members Math. 25.34.35.36.

What actions bee they, that concerne our selves, the doing whereof will assure us of salvati­on?

They are these [Page 242]Nyne chiefely.

Which is the first?

Daily repenting of our daily sinnes, with purpose and pra­ctise of amendment, and crying God mer­cy in Christ. For such godly sorrow for sinne causing amendment, is unto salvation: 2 Cor. 7 10. Such departing from iniquitie, is a seale un­to them, that the Lord knoweth they are his, & belong unto him. 2 Tim 2, 19: and such purg­ing of themselves from sinne, is an assurance unto them, that they are vessels of honour: 2. [Page 243]2 Tim: 2.21: and ves­sels of honour are ves­sells of mercy, prepared unto glory, Rom: 9.23.

Which is the se­cond?

Giving and con­secrating our selves to the service of God with an upright heart, 1 Chron: 28.9. For such prove what is that good, that ac­ceptable, and perfect will of God, Rom: 12.1: that is, they understand thereby that it is Gods will and purpose to save them: and no mar­vell, seeing Gods ser­vants have the fruit of their service in holinesse [Page 244]here, and the end eter­nall life hereafter, Rom: 6.19.22.

Which is the third?

Mortifying the old man, (that is) sub­duing and weakening the power of our cor­rupt nature by the word, prayer, and fast­ing, and by denying to our selves the occasi­ons and opportunities of sinne; specially of those sinnes to which wee are most inclined by nature or custome, Col: 3.5: For such shall live in heaven, Rom: 8.13: such may with re­joycing looke for that [Page 245]blessed hope, and the glo­rious appearing of that great God, and of our Saviour Iesus Christ, Tit: 2.12.13: And no marvell, seeing such are Christs, and mem­bers of him, Gal: 5.24.

Which is the fourth?

Strengthening the new man, or the in­ner man by the word, prayer, and Sacraments, 2 Cor: 4.16. 1 Pet: 2.2: And thereby growing in the number & mea­sure of their Christian vertues and graces; for thereby they shall make their calling and election [Page 246]sure; and an entrance shall bee ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, 2 Pet: 5. to 12. And such shall bee able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height of the love of God toward them in Iesus Christ, Eph: 3.16.18: Yea God will e­stablish their hearts un­blameable in holinesse be­fore God even the Father, at the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ with all Saints, 2 Thess: 3.12, 13.

Which is the fifth?

Moderating our desires to the pleasures, profits and honours of this world, 1 Cor: 7.29, 30, 31: and setting our affections upon holy and heavenly things, Col: 3.1. For such have their conversation in heaven, and that their end is salvation, Phil: 3.19, 20: Yea it is a signe, that such as be thus so­ber, 1 Thess: 5.5.8: and are not besotted and drunke with the things of this life, they have not their portion in this life, as the wicked have, Psal: 17.14: but that [Page 248]God hath appointed them to obtaine salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ, 1 Thess: 5.8, 9.

Which is the sixth?

Professing Chri­stianity, the Gospell and godlinesse before men, zealously and sin­cerely, discreetly, & de­voutly, Rom: 14.11: For Christ will confesse, and acknowledge such before the Angels of God, Luke 12.8: such lay hold on eternall life, 1 Tim: 6.12: Yea such confesse unto salvation, and shall bee saved, Rom: 10.9, 10.

Which is the se­venth?

Getting and kee­ping a good conscience, being in all things desi­rous and endeavorous to please God, Hebr: 13.18. Acts 23.1. For such may draw neere un­to God with full assurance of faith, Hebr: 10.22: such have hope toward God of a ioyfull resurre­ction to eternall life, Acts 24.15, 16: and may have considence to­ward God, and assure their hearts before him, 1 Iohn 3.19 21.

Which is the eighth?

Striving and en­deavoring to persevere in right beleeving, well [Page 250]doing, and patient suf­fering, 1 Cor: 15.1. Gal: 5.1 Hebr: 4. & 10.22. For such shall be saved, Matth: 10.22: shall have the crowne of life, Rev: 2.11: When Christ shall appeare, they shall have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his comming, 1 Iohn 2.28: And they may as­sure themselves, that there is laid up for them a crowne of righteousnes, which the righteous Iudge will give unto them at that day, 2 Tim: 4.8.

Which is the last action, whereby Christi­ans may assure them­selves [Page 251]of salvation?

The proving, and trying, approving and warranting of our Christian vertues and graces: 2 Cor. 13.5: For by the proofe of them, namely works of faith, labour of loue, and patience of hope, by these effectes S. Paule knew that the Thessalonians, were elected of God, and that consequently they should be saved: 1 Thes. 1.3. and what he knew of thē by this meanes, they might also know of themselves by the same.

How may wee try [Page 252]and prove our graces, so as to approve of them for good?

On this manner.

1 Our faith or be­leefe of the Gospell is good, when in our judgement we do not joyne the workes of the Law with faith in Christ for salvation, but stand fast in this beleefe, Gal: 5.2. 1 Cor: 15.1, 2. Acts 15.5. to 24.

2. Our repentance is good, when wee are sorry for sinne, not one­ly as it is dangerous to our soules, but as it of­fends God by breaking his Law, Psal: 51.4: and [Page 253]when being rooted in the heart, it shewes it selfe in the actions of the life, by leaving for­mer sinne, and amend­ing our lives, 1 Sam: 7.3. Matth: 3.8. Acts 26.18.

3. Our faith or be­leefe in Christ is good, whē it works in us by love to God and our neigh­bour, Gal: 5.6: and is shewed by good workes, Tit: 3.8. Iam: 2.18: and when it stirres us up to sincere obedience to Gods commandements Hebr: 11.8.

4. Our feare of God is right, when we feare [Page 254]him as much for his mercy as for his ju­stice, Psal: 130.2: and feare more to sinne a­gainst him, than to be punished by him, Psal: 4.4. Gen: 39.9.

5. Our love of God is good, when it stirres us up to keepe his Com­mandements, Iohn 14.15.23: when wee love him for those excellent per­fections of wisedome and goodnesse that are in him, as well as for the benefits that come from him; and when it stirres us up to hate e­vill and sinne, Psal: 97.9, 10.

6. Our hope in God, namely, for the resur­rection to eternall life, and for Christs second comming, is right; when being grounded on the Scriptures, Rom: 15.4, wee comfort our selves in our afflicti­ons with it, 1 Thess: 4.13.18: when wee pa­tiently waite Gods lei­sure for the obtaining of things promised, 1 Thess: 1.3. Rom: 8.23: and when it puri­fies our hearts, 1 Iohn 3.3: and makes us de­ny all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts, and to live [Page 256]righteously and godlily, and soberly in this pre­sent world, Titus 2.12, 13.

Good Sir, I hum­bly acknowledge my selfe beholden to you, for your care over me, and paines with mee; I hope I shall never forget it; but en­deavour to shew my selfe thankefull. The Lord re­quite your labour of love to me in private, by a grea­ter blessing upon your mi­nistery in publike; and by prolonging your life, health and strength, for Gods glorie, and the good of his Church in Ie­sus [Page 257]Christ. The Lord bee with you (Sir) and with your studies.