CHAP. I. That there is a GOD is manifest:

FIRST, By the Light of Na­ture, And that by the goodly frame, and beautifull order that is held in the world, Reasons of [...]he Deity. not possibly to bee begunne, or continued in it constant course, but by a most wise and omnipotent Nature. Psal. 81.9. Act. 1. Rom. 1.

Secondly, The excellency of the minde of man euinceth no lesse, both in that being so excel­lent, it must needs proceed from a more excellent cause then it selfe, which must bee GOD, and seeing no earthly thing can satisfie the same, what other cen­ter can it haue to rest in, then it blessed Creator. Iob. 32.8. Psal. 94. Act. 17.

Thirdly, And whence can the notions of good and euill and differences betweene them, [Page 3] proceed if not by chance, or from sense, or vse? then surely by some intelligent Nature, and perfect Good, Rom. 2.15.

Fourthly, Nay, haue not all Na­tions concur'd in this Principle, that there is a GOD?

1 Both by experience in the conscience,

2 By publicke confession, and

3 Generall consent Rom. 1.19. so that what may be knowne of GOD, is manifest to them; and why, euen because GOD hath reuealed it vnto them.

Fiftly, whence shall the terrors of conscience arise in men, that in regard of their places neede not feare man; if not from a supe­rior Iudge, that both beholdeth the inward man, and smiteth it with this plague? Esay 66.24. Deut. 4.24. Rom. 2.15.

Sixthly, And are not the Mighty mightily tormented, and singled out in this life to most exquisite and fearefull torments, from an immediate Hand, which can bee [...] [Page 6] yet they would not worship.

Ninthly, And can wee imagine that the wise and constant Gouerne­ment of Common Wealthes could otherwise bee established and pre­serued, then by some Diuine Pow­er, seeing Sathan, the author of confusion, hath alwaies oppugned mankind, especially laboured the dissoluing of such Societies, Prou. 8.15.

Tenthly, What shall wee con­ceiue of those Heroicall Instincts wherby with extraordinary wise­dome, and courage, great busi­nesses haue beene vndertaken, and accomplished, exceeding the common capacity, as namely

1 The inuention and polishing of Arts and Sciences, by Plato, Aristotle, &c.

2 The finding out of strange deuises, and conceits.

3 The couragious acting of Great conquests in that speedy and happy manner. Alexander.

Hath not the ground of these beene some Superiour Power, [Page 7] inspiring and prospering the same? Deut. 31. Esr. 1.1. Iud. 14.19.

Eleuenthly, And seeing that euen the world hath beene ac­quainted with the certaine and cleere demonstration of future euents. Could this proceed from any but from the All-seeing GOD, who in mercy hath re­uealed these things for the com­fort of His Church, and confusi­on of His enemies? Esay 41.23. Ezech. 12.21.

Twelfthly, And doe wee not see things graciously and cer­tainely attaine their proper ends and vses, notwithstanding con­trary meanes, and strong opposi­tions: And is there any but the LORD that can bring light out of darkenesse? 2. Cor. 4.6. Is not this to bee ascribed to some supreme Power?

Thirteenthly, Especially if we consider that the ends of causes and effects are finite, must there not be some First and Principle cause either Immediately or Me­diately, [Page 8] producing the rest on whom all other causes may de­pend, and to whom, as to their center, they may returne againe, Eccl. 1. euen as the Riuers vnto the sea?

And therefore

Vse.1 As this shall bee sufficient to make the Athiest without excuse. Rom. 1.20.

2 So let it teach, not to despise the voyce of nature; Natures vse for the knowledge of GOD. because, though heereby wee shall not at­taine to perfite knowledge, 1. yet shall these notions both bridle much euill, 2. and also further the performance of much morall good.

3 Yea, they shall aduance the Iustice of GOD in the gouerne­ment of the world:

4 And seeing they are insuffi­cient: therefore shall they pro­uoke to seeke GOD in the right meanes: And

5 Hereby shall such as are con­uicted, as by a generall consent of witnesses, bee better confir­med [Page 9] in the truth thereof: And

6 Lastly, this ignorance shall hereby be acknowledged, and so Gods meere mercy aduanced in sauing his Elect, especially; see­ing this knowledge, if it bee not sanctified, is enmity against GOD, leading from obedience of GOD, euen while it leads to the knowledge of Him. Rom. 1.23.24.25. 1. Cor. 1.20.

3 Let this comfort vs, that what is impossible to Nature, the LORD hath reuealed in His Word, And therefore

4 Here, let vs search the know­ledge of GOD: Let this bee the Touch-stone of all the other meanes, let them all haue their reference hereto, not resting in them, or the effects thereof, but renouncing and condemning vt­terly the same, that wee may know GOD alone in IESVS CHRIST, by which wee may attaine Life Euerlasting, 3. Phil. 8.9. Ioh. 17.1.

5 Discerning herein the Insuf­ficiency [...]

[Page 12] Ʋse. And wee must conceiue thus of GOD.

1 Least wee conceiue that which is vnworthy of his Maiesty

2 That wee may renounce sence, in seeking of Him, and so

3 Seeke Him in His Word and Workes.

4 That wee should not dare to represent Him by any bodily shape.

5 That wee should not thinke Him sufficiently worshipped with the gestures of the body, or members onely, but with the minde and spirituall motion of the heart. 1. Tim. 4.8.

6 And seeing the SPIRIT alone proceedeth from Him, therefore 1. Wee should acknow­ledge the gift both to proceed from Him, 2. Onely seeke the happinesse of the minde, from this Fountaine: and 3. Wholly referre it to His Glory.

Intelli­ [...]ent.Thirdly, t [...]is GOD is, Intelli­gent; as being:

1 The cause of the minde of [Page 13] man, and of all the notions therein: 2. And of that order which is in the nature of things, and Common-wealthes.

2 All Intelligence or Vnder­standing of the creatures, comes from Him; both Psal. 94.9.

1 In respect of the Faculty, and also

2 The operation thereof.

And this serueth

1 To condemne those that ascribe the variety and order of Nature, Ʋse. and things therein to proceed from it matter, and the inclination thereof to it forme:

2 To ascribe all knowledge and gifts naturall, to bee the meere gifts of GOD.

3 And so to vse them for the glory of the Giuer.

Fourthly, this God is Eternall. Eternall.

1 Neither hauing beginning, Ps. 30.2.

2 Nor ending, Ps. 48.13.

3 Giuing eternity to Man­kind, and that because Hee is

[Page 14]1 Absolutely, and Infinitely Perfect, and

2 Of power accordingly, yea

3 Infinitely good, and there­fore Hee is euerlasting in His Protection, Couenant, Reward, &c.

And this serueth

Ʋse.1 To reproue 1. The doctrine of doubting and despaire: 2. the malice of the world, that thinks to roote out GODS Church, As al­so Psal. 85.2.

2 Our infidelity, that com­plaine as if GOD had forsaken vs: Psal. 22.

3 It teacheth vs to ground our faith, not vpon present time, or things, but Eternity 2. Pet. 1.8. Heb. 11.26. Ps. 119.

4 And comforteth vs in our greatest eclypses and decayes, that once loued, and euer loued: Ioh. 13.1. Ioh. 17. 2. Tim. 2.19.

Fifthly, this GOD is Other from all creatures:

1 Because Hee is the Creator of them.

[Page 15]2 Hee is of a different Nature without comparison, farre ex­celling, as being

1 Perfectly Wise, whereas the world hath many parts vnreaso­nable.

2 Indiuisible and Vnchange­able, and therefore Immutable, and dimensiue substances cannot bee deriued out of GOD, being indiuisible.

3 There can neither bee, nor imagined any similitude of a fi­nite nature, and an Infinite.

And this serueth

1 To conuince Phylosophy, who will haue Nature, Ʋse. or the world, to bee GOD.

2 To condemne the Maniches and Seruetus, who hold that the creatures spring from the Essence of GOD.

3 To exclude all prophane, and idolatrous cogitations of GOD, as if Hee were like the creature.

4 Heereby wee are resolued

1 That though all things are [Page 16] said to bee of GOD, It is not meant of His Essence, but because Hee makes them of nothing. Rom. 11.36. Rom. 4.17.

2 Though the soule bee said to bee Diuine, and wee perta­kers of the Diuine Nature; this is not to bee vnderstood of the communication of the Sub­stance, but of the similitude of Properties, as being adorned with heauenly gifts, being but created qualities, though they be a certaine shadow of the Di­uine Nature 2. Pet. 1.3.

3 So are wee to vnderstand, when the Elect are said to bee the sonnes of GOD, and that it is not so by Propagation of the Essence, but by similitude of the Properties. Ioh. 1.13. & 8.47.

4 So are wee to conceiue what is ascribed to the Saints, that they are one Spirit with GOD 1. Cor. 6 17. 2. Pet. 1.4. to imply onely our conformity with GOD, and the inhabitation, by Grace, in vs, of His blessed Spirit.

[Page 17]5 And so when CHRIST is said to bee GOD, thereby is not meant a permutation of the Di­uine Nature into the Humane, and so contrary? but an insepa­rable conioyning of two Na­tures, reteining their Properties distinct, into one Person, and a glorifying of the Humane Na­ture, which though it agreeeh to a Nature which is Ruler and Go­uernour of all things, yet not­withstanding it is but Made and Created.

Sixthly, This GOD is incom­presible. And that

1 In our cogitation, or the conceite of any creature.

2 In the vnmeasureablenesse of His Essence, not to bee cir­cumscribed in space or place, or any limits.

And that

1 Because His Power is Infi­nite.

2 Hee is euery where, and so must His Substance bee, Ierem. 23.24.

[Page 18]3 In the Essence of His Diuintty, because there is one and the same whole substance of the three Persons, Ioh. 16.32 & 3.13. & 14.10.

3 In the Communication of His Essence, seeing the Whole is in such sort common to the three Persons of the Diuinity; as not onely it is in them as in the crea­tures; But also, is Their very Substance, and yet remaineth still One, and the very same.

1 Because it is impossible that any creature should bee, or bee made equall to the Creator.

2 GOD Himselfe by this marke distinguisheth Himselfe from the creatures, Ierem. 23.14.

3 CHRIST proueth His Di­uinity by this argument, Ioh. 3.13. that Hee is in heauen, when His Body is on the earth.

4 The ancient Fathers haue by this Argument, defended the [Page 19] Diuinity of the Holy GHOST, because It Substance is not li­mited as of the creatures; whom though the Angels cannot be cir­cumscribed by place, yet are they limited by the property of their substance: But the Holy GHOST being in many, hath not a limited and finite Substance.

And this

1 Condemneth those that would haue the Holy GHOST to be a creature. Ʋse.

2 Instructs in the difference between the Spirituall Nature of the Angels, and the DEITY.

3 Confirmeth our Faith in the Prouidence of GOD, that Hee is with vs in euery place.

4 Informeth our obedience to doe all things as in His pre­sence, because Hee is incompre­hensible.

5 To moderate our pride of knowledge in searching into that which is incomprehensible.

6 To comfort our want of comprehension, and weakenesse [Page 20] of faith, seeing, though the DEITY bee incomprehensible, yet wee doe and shall compre­hend, nay wee are comprehen­ded; and so it shall suffice so farre to know, and beleeue, as the Word reuealeth.

7 Adoring with reuerence what wee cannot conceiue.

Seuenthly, this GOD is most perfect in Himselfe.

1 Because hee onely hath all things which may be desired vn­to perfect felicity.

2 And that in Himselfe and of Himselfe.

3 And that with sufficiency al­so, to replenish all other things.

And therefore

Ʋse.1 Though Hee made all things, yet this was not to aide Himselfe by them, but to commu­nicate Himselfe to them, Prou. 16.2.

2 Neither doth Hee vse the creature in the accomplishment of this worke, as needing, but honoring the creature therein.

[Page 21]3 And though we worship and giue Him glory, yet this is our debt, and His due, the issue and benefite being ours alone, no­thing hereby being added to His happinesse.

4 Though Hee reioyce in our obedience, yet it is not as cause, but as an obiect of His reioy­cing.

5 And we are bound in Iustice to performe the same.

6 And therefore are much more bound to GOD to accept our imperfect obedience which otherwise doth dishonour Him.

5 And comforted, that seeing it is for our good, therfore He wil perfect it, for His Glory.

Eightly, this GOD is Vnchange­able.

And that, 1. In His Essence, which can neither bee augmen­ted, nor diminished.

2 In His Will, which cannot bee altered:

3 In place, because Hee is Immense and filleth all things.

[Page 22] And the reason hereof is:

1 Because there is neither outward, seeing Hee is the first mouer, or inward cause of His changing, in that Hee is not di­uisible.

2 Hee cannot bee changed neither to the worse, for then He were not perfect; nor better, which is impossible; nor into a like estate with the former, for this is needlesse.

3 Hee can neither bee made greater, because Hee is infinite; nor lesse because incomprehen­sible.

4 Neither can Hee moue from place to place, as a creature, seeing by His immensity Hee fil­leth all places.

5 Hee is most Wise, and hath most perfectly, from euerlasting, decreed and fore-seene all things, and therefore they can­not, or neede not, bee changed.

Ʋse.And therefore though Hee be said to repent, yet this doth not imply a change of His Will, but [Page 23] because Hee entendeth the amending of the creature by re­pentance; and so the LORD assu­meth our affectiōs to teach vs the holy practise of them, that hereby wee may bee conformable to GODS reuealed Will and there­by bee pertakers of, His secret Will.

And therefore though the Pro­mises and Threatning of the LORD, are not performed, yet seeing these imply a condition, either expressed, Ier. 18.28. (which though it bee vncertaine and changeable, in respect of mans will, yet are they certaine in the Counsell of GOD,) or necessa­rily vnderstood; therefore doe they serue to the accomplishment of His secret Will; Namely, to bestow happinesse, vpon the per­formance of the condition of Faith and Obedience, or other­wise.

And though the LORD hath changed many Precepts, and Or­dinances, and Workes, as Moses [...] [Page 26] so we may attaine to the end.

Comforting our selues that we are kept by the mighty power of God to saluation, 1. Pet. 15. And therefore shall vndoubtedly at­taine, because this power is made perfect in our weaknesse, 2. Cor. 12.8.

1 Both in that hee knoweth all things perfectly in one act and view, for euer, with all circum­stances.

2 And is the fountaine of all knowledge and vnderstanding to all his creatures, Eccles. 3.1. Isa. 44.7. Iob. 5. Psa. 147. Rom. 11.33.

And therefore,

Ʋse.1 Howsoeuer Phylosophy had some glimpse of this knowledge, yet was it darkned, and maimed; and so must bee renued by the word: And without this heauen­ly light, howsoeuer thy might apprehend generall prouidence, yet could they neuer conceiue that especiall wisdome, whereby [Page 27] the Lord saueth his Church, Mat. 11.25.

2 Blesse wee God for Iesus Christ, the wisedome of his Fa­ther; that hath reuealed these hidden things vnto vs, Math. 11. Esay. 9.

3 And labour we to resemble our heauenly Father in this spiri­tuall gift.

1 By diiscerning betweene things that differ. Phil. 1.10

2 Redeeming of time, Ephes. 5.16.

3 Seeing the plague, and hi­ding our selues, Pro. 22.2.

4 Abounding in all good workes. And

5 Therein watching and wai­ting for the appearance of our maister, Math. 24. And

6 Hastning his comming, by conuerting our brethren, Dan. 12. And

7 Hastning our selues therto, by casting away euery thing that presseth downe, and the sin that hangeth so fast vpon vs. Heb. 12.1.

And that

1 Both in regard of his Gene­rall Iustice and Righteousnesse, whereby he willeth and worketh vnchangeably such things as hee hath commanded in his law.

2 In respect of Particular Iustice, whereby he immutably disposeth aright rewards and punish­ments.

3 He is the Rule and Squire of righteousnesse in his creatures.

And therefore,

1 Though he doth good to the euill, Ʋse and heapeth euils on the good, yet this is in great Iustice, for the making of the wicked in­excusable, and purging out his childrens corruption; as also to try their faith, and confirme it in them. And this is not alwayes, but for a time, to fit them there­by to their seuerall ends.

2 Though hee punish not the wicked out of band, yet he defer­reth so, as to ripen their sin, that [Page 31] so they may be prepared to grea­ter vengeance.

3 And therefore he doth vs no harme when he doth correct vs to make vs better: if wee were per­fect we should not be afflicted.

4 And if he seeme to do some­what contrary to his law, it is but an abridging of somewhat from his generall will by his speciall will.

5 Giuing to each, what is no way their due, howsoeuer he giue to men of equall condition, vne­quall rewards.

6 Yea though he hath promised, and promise is debt, and so due vnto thē euen in iustice: yet is he not simply bound by man, but by his owne will; and so, though the promise of creatures may be debt, yet the Creators promise is not so.

7 And therefore learne we to be iust in all our wayes, as the Lord our God is.

8 And condemne we all iniu­stice either in word or deed.

9 And comfort wee our selues, [Page 32] that seeing our God is iust, there­fore hauing laid the chastice­ment of our peace vpon his Son, hee hath acquitted vs from the curse of the law, and hauing pro­mised in Christ vnto vs happi­nesse, hee will performe it, and giue vs patience to expect the same, Heb. 10.

Thirteenthly, this God is True.

1 Because he hath the true and certaine knowledge of all things. Heb. 4.13.

2 He neither willeth nor spea­keth things repugnant, nor con­trary. 2. Cor. 2.19.

3 He faineth nothing, nor de­ceiueth any man, Rom. 3.4.

4 He neuer changeth his mind, Psal. 89.33.34.

5 He ratifieth his sayings by the euent, Math. 24.35.

6 He loueth and commandeth truth to be kept in all, Iohn. 14.17.15.26. & 16.13. Pro. 12.22. Math. 24.51.

And therefore

1 This condemneth Philoso­phie [Page 33] that acknowledgeth God to be true, but they are to seeke where to find this Truth.

2 This resolueth that if God foretell what hee meanes not to do, he doth it not but conditio­nally. Luke 24.28.29.

3 If he bee said to deceiue the Prophets, Eze. 14. It is not by in­fusing any euill quality, but by giuing them vp in iustice to bee deluded by Satan. 1. Reg. 22.22.

4 And therefore that wee may not be seduced, let vs obey the truth which we know, and cleaue alone to the word for our infor­mation therein, comforting our selues.

3 That if the word bee taken away, yet the spirit shall not bee denied, if we shall waite vpon our God in conscionable obedience, euen to leade and keepe vs in all truth, and howseeuer

4 The world is full of faire words, yet our God will alwayes ratifie his word by his deedes. 2. Cor. 1. And perfect the worke hee [Page 34] hath begun in vs.

Fouretenthly, our God is Chast.

1 Because he is the most pure and vndefiled husband of his Church. Ose. 2.19.

2 His nature is most pure and free from all mixture.

3 He is the louer and authour of chastity. Malach. 2.

4 He doth most seuerely punish all vncleanesse, both inward and outward. Leuit. 18 24.

5 Hereby hee distinguisheth himselfe from vncleane spiris, & filthy diuels. 1. Thess. 4.

And therefore this

1 Condemneth the Atheist & filthy person that cōceiues vn­reuerently of God, & vnseemly of his word. Psal. 50. So do some of the Canticles, and other places and plaine speeches in the word.

As also those that iustifie for­nication, and condemne chaste mariage. 1. Tim. 4.

2. It instructeth to imitate God in this holy grace, and to vse mariage as a meanes thereto and [Page 35] an image thereof.

3 It con [...]meth vs in our neere communion and fellowship with God. Ephes. 5.

4 And comforteth vs that this bond shall neuer be dissolued. Ose. 2.19.

5 And withall aduiseth vs to auoide all Idolatrie and spirituall whoredome, whereby especially we violate the diuine chastity.

6 And resolueth vs why out­ward fornication and vncleane­nesse, do abound, euen because of inward and spiritual whoredoms. Amos. 7.

Fifteenthly our God is mercifull.

1 In that he will haue all men to be saued, that are saued, and reiecteth none but those that ex­clude themselues.

2 And therefore deferreth pu­nishment, and inuites all to re­pentance. Eze. 33. Exod. 35.

3 And to this ende applyeth himselfe to our infirmities, both by inward and outward supplyes, as his Spirit, Word, Oathes, Sacra­ments [Page 36] and Miracles.

4 Hee embraceth and deliue­reth his Elect from sin and trou­bles. Reuel. 7.17. and 21.4. Isa. 49.15.54.

5 And to this end, when no o­ther means could be found, gaue his Sonne for vs. Iohn 3.16.

6 And performeth all his pro­mises freely, notwithstanding our dayly failings. Exod. 33.19.

7 Yea, he is exceeding compas­sionate and bountiful euen to his very enemies. Rom. 5.10.

8 And sanctifieth the affliction of his children to their excee­ding good. Rom. 8.29.

9 Yea, brings light out of dark­nesse. 2. Cor. 4. turning our very sinnes to profit.

And therefore

Though this doth not imply a­ny carnall affection in God, but rather an vnspeakeable liking or disliking of the Obiect: Ʋse. yet doth it not chalenge the Lord to bee vnmercifull, because he somtimes is sayd to reioyce in auengement, [Page 37] seeing he onely reioyceth; not in the punishing of the creature, but in the execution of diuine Iustice. Pro. 1.26. Isa. 1.24.

And though his Free and Great mercies be denyed to the wicked, Psal. 51.1. Though his euerla­sting mercy doth not belong vn­to them, yet is he more mercifull then they do deserue, yea, hee is more patient and bountiful then they do desire. Psal. 73.7.

And howsoeuer hee doth not saue all, seeing he might do it, yet is it his mercy that he saueth any, and his mercy must not hinder his iustice, and therefore he may not saue all. Nay it is his mercy to offer meanes of saluation, though the wicked may refuse them: be­cause, howsoeuer, hereby they shall not attaine saluation, yet shall they bee partakers of such outward blessings whereby they measure chiefly the mercy of God, and wherein they do repose their principall happinesse.

Againe, though the Lord ac­cept [Page 38] none into fauour, without the satisfaction of his Sonne, and there­fore it may seeme he doth it not freely: yet doth he both freely giue vs his Sonne, and also giues vs faith to beleeue in him, yea, freely continues vs to bring forth more fruite, that we may be per­fect and entire, wanting nothing.

1 Let the mouth of iniquitie be stopped that blasphemeth his mercy by conceiuing it to bee v­niuersall.

And reiecteth Gods mercy in reiecting the word, and meanes thereof.

Or abuseth, and traduceth the mercy of God by presumption, & apish imitation therof, in sparing the wicked, becaue the Lord spa­reth them.

2 Let the mouth of misery be opened to praise the Lord, in em­bracing his mercy in the meanes and that in time when it is offered freely, let him approue himselfe [Page 39] to haue his portion therein, by louing the Lord, and shewing mercy to his brethren, yet by renouncing his righteousnesse, and so holding meerely of mercy. Let him mea­sure Gods mercy not by time present, but eternity. And so let him forget all present measure, in comparison of what is to come, that so hee may bee partaker of Gods euerlasting mercies. Yea let him freely loue God, as God free­ly loues him, not as an hireling for his wages, but as a sonne in obedience, not for what God will giue, but what he hath comman­ded, that so he may rightly inti­tle himselfe into the mercies of his God when hee preferres his glory, euen aboue his own good.

3 Comforting himselfe, that he can bee no looser, where the Lord gaines glory.

1 Because he createth and go­uerneth all things. Psal. 95.

2 He is the onely fountaine of [Page 40] all good things, Zach. 13.1.

3 Euen which befall to all Creatures.

4 Yea to his enemies. Math. 5.

5 And that of his owne meere loue, goodnes, and free mercy to the creature.

6 But especially to mankind.

7 And among them especially to his Church.

8 And herein to Angels and the Elect principally.

9 Yea, euen in his anger he is exceeding good, as ayming onely thereby at the defect and corrup­tion of the creature to amend & purge it, still louing the substance and nature it selfe.

10 And though he inflict ma­ny euils vpon the creature, yet doth he withall sustain it, in those euils, and bestoweth many excel­lent blessings vpon it to inuite to repentance, and if it do repent remoueth the euils, and perfiteth the good.

And therefore,

1 This reproueth the pro­phane [Page 41] person that despiseth the bounty of God by continuing in sinne: and also.

2 The proud person that chal­lengeth this bounty as due vnto him.

3 And is not the weake Chri­stian here taxed that doubts of, and distrusteth this bounty of the Lord, especially in afflictions.

4 And this condemneth the wicked, that measure Gods fauor by prosperitie. And therefore cō ­demne the generation of the iust because of their afflictions, as if God had forsaken them. Psal. 71.11. Psal. 7.3.

5 And also they are here iustly reproued that complain of Gods bounty, and condemne him of cruelty, as if he delighted in their destruction, and made a sport at their torments, laying the falt on God that they are iustly condem­ned, seeing themselues are the choosers and executioners there­of.

2 This instructeth to obserue [Page 42] the bountie of God wisely in all his workes, as not to neglect it in the least, seeing the least may be an hand to lead vs to greater: & therefore we must often meditate on our creation & preseruation, and so especially to take notice of the works of his speciall proui­dence in the Church: and so to confirme our faith thereby as that wee rest not so much vpon what is performed, neither mea­sure the fauour of God by any present or particular action, but rather looke forward, yea a farre of, into that which is promised: laboring if by any means we may attaine the resurrection of the dead. Pil. 3.13. 2. Pet. 1.8. Psal. 119.

3 Hereby we are comforted.

4 That as all this bountie pro­perly belongs to vs, so wee must liue by faith in the discerning and enioying of the same, preparing our selues thereto, by emptying our hearts of al s [...]fe-loue and cō ­ceite of our owne righteousnes, and assuring our selues then to [Page 43] haue the greatest measure when we haue haue most need, when the world seekes most to strippe vs thereof.

Seuenthly our God is most Free,

1 Because his nature is free from all 1. misery, 2. bond, 3. sub­iection, 4. constraint.

2 He doth will and execute all things most freely and iustly, when, as much, and in what man­ner he will.

3 Neither can hee bee con­strained by any law of others, nay his Will is the Rule euen of his owne Law.

And therefore,

1 Though second causes worke necessarily, Ʋse. yet

1 Because this necessity is not absolute, but conditionall, accor­ding to the good pleasure of God, therefore are they freely ordered from him, though necessarily they worke in themselues.

2 And though our God him­selfe be necessarily good, yet is this necessity not of constraint, [...] [Page 46] our mindes we delight in the law of God: yet in the law of our members we are still led captiue vnto sinne; yet so, as that wee daily discerne the weakning of this body of sinne, and hunger daily the putting off therof, com­forting our selues, that our head Christ Iesus is ascended vp on high, and shall in due time drawe vs vp after him, that we may en­ioy perfect liberty in his glorious kingdome.

Lastly, our God is a Iealous God, hating sinne, being angry against it, and in his Iustice will certain­ly punish the same both with temporall and eternall plagues.

And therefore,

1 Though the wicked cannot discerne hereof,

1 Because they neither can, nor indeed desire to know sin.

2 Neither are acquainted with that price of the bloud of the son of God: yet both doe they for the present partake thereof, Rom. 1. in that they are Iustly giuen vp to a [Page 47] reprobate sence, and to their owne lasts, Psalm. 81.1 to commit sinne with gree­dinesse, that so they may be pre­pared thereto, and are not with­out some present pangues of con­science, and outward plagues concerning their estate; and shall when sin is ripe, drinke the full vials of Gods indignation▪ by the worme of conscience, and those endlesse torments that are pre­pared for them in hell.

2 Labour we therefore to dis­cerne the power of this wrath, Psalm. 9.10▪ euen in the death of Christ, that so wee may hide our selues therein to auoyd the same.

3 And neglect we not the least checks of conscience within, or outward stroakes vpon our selues or others, that so we may auoyde the entrance thereof.

4 Assuring our selues, that seeing the anger of th'Almighty is spent vpon his Sonne, therefore the waight thereof shall not lie vpon vs.

5 And therefore comforting [Page 48] our selues, that though our God may seeme to be angry with vs if we measure him by such outward meanes, as are common to the wicked; yet doth he in anger re­member mercy because mercy pleaseth him, yea his tokens of anger are meanes to preuent the same, and so proue occasions to prepare vs to his mercy, to make vs capable thereof.

6 Yea he doth not in any thing more reueale his loue vnto vs, then by these corrections, which vnto the wicked are messengers of hell, because when we are iud­ged, we are chastened of the Lord that we may not bee condemned with this wolrd. 1. Cor. 11.31.32.

CHAP. IIII. Of the knowledge of God in Vnitie.

THus is Iehoua knowne by his Attributes and hence a­riseth this necessary con­clusion:

[Page 49] That there is but one God,

As appeareth not onely by Te­stimonies of the word, Deut. 6.4. & 32.39. Isai. 44.6. 1 Cor. 8.4. Ephes. 4.5. 1 Tim. 2.5. Deut, 4.31. Psal. 8.31 Isay 37.16. & 45.21. Hos. 13.4. Ma­lach. 2.10. Mark. 12.32. Rom▪ 3.30. Gal. 3.20.

But also by such euidences as none else can performe.

1 As beeing reuealed in the word, to worke miracles, to fore­tell things to come, which cannot be done by any, but an omnipo­tent nature, Isa. 44.7. Psa. 86.8.

2 He alone raigneth ouer all, & alone gouerneth all things, ha­uing sole and supreme Maiesty; and therefore can bee but one, Esay, 42.8. 1. Tim. 1.17 Reuel. 4.11.

3 He hath greatest perfection, as hauing the whole, and all a­lone; and therefore must needes be but one. Psal. 89.7.

4 Hee is onely Omnipotent: therefore one, Dan. 4.3. Because, were there many, they should [Page 50] haue power to hinder each other.

5 Multitude of Gods, either im­plies that each would be imper­fect to rule all; or else, if one will suffice, as being perfect, the rest are superfluous.

6 There can bee but one In­finite.

7 Neither but one First cause.

8 Neither but one Chiefe good.

And therefore.

Ʋse.1 As this condemneth the vani­ty of the Gentiles and Papists, that haue multiplied their Gods, ac­cording to their Citties, yea Houses, yea Necessities, yea Sinnes.

2 So it reproueth our confusi­on and diuisions in diuine wor­ship; seeing as he is one God, so must he haue one forme of diuine worship for substance; Note. though for outward manner and circum­stance, wee may vary according to difference of times, places, oc­casions, necessities.

3 As also it condemneth all hy­pocrisie in diuine worship, when [Page 51] either the man is diuided, seruing God with the body, and keeping the heart to it lusts; or it is presu­med that we may serue God suf­ficiently with the heart alone, though wee serue the Diuel and the time with the outward man. Or else the heart is diuided in the seruice of God, one part in­tending Religion, and yet with the other the World is aymed at. And

4▪ This instructeth to vnity & vni­formity in Religion, according to the truth, and to maintaine the vnity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, Ephes. 4. submitting variety of opi­nions to the rule of the word, Gal. 6. And by variety of circum­stance, commending & aduancing the vnity of the Church.

5 As also it iustifieth the vnity in mariage, that so there might be an holy seed, Mal. 2.7. And so cō ­demneth Poligamy, howsoeuer it might be tolerated in the Church of the Iewes for some priuate re­spects which now are ceased.

[Page 54] [...] our God more easily and freely.

Especially seeing this God lo­ueth truth in the inward parts; therefore he will accept the pur­pose of our hearts, not imputing our failings.

Yea seeing he is one, therefore he will not onely sanctifie the di­uisions and differences of the members for the good of the whole; but further also will heale euery member, and cure euery infirmity, that so wee may serue this one God wholly and perfectly.

And as this one God hath but one people, as one faith, and one baptisme; Eph. 4.1.2. yea one Sauiour for them, and therefore will not giue his glorie to another: so will hee shew himselfe still wonderfull in the preseruation of this his one Doue, his loue, and vndefiled, ga­thering his stil frō out the cōtagi­ons of the world, & bridling the world that it shall not roote his out; yea, ripening the world to it iust condemnation, that so he [Page 55] may be all in all in his Saints, and his Saints may bee possessed wholly of their full inheritance.

CHAP. V. Of the knowledge of God in Trinity.

WEll, thus may wee knowe God by his Attributes,, and so it appeareth that there is but one God.

Now the second meanes to know him, Sect. 1. What a person is. and whereby hee reueales himselfe vnto vs; is the Distinction of Persons.

Now a Person is a thing▪

[ Subsisting] no accident, or co­gitation, decree, vanishing sound, created quality, or motion.

[ Indiuiduall] not any generall, but a particular One indiuide­able.

[ Liuing] not inanimate with­out life and vnderstanding, not onely hauing sence.

[ Incommunicable] not the Diuine Essence, which is common to the [Page 56] three; not the substance of mans na­ture, or any other thing created, which is communicated to the thing begotten therof, or thence deriued.

[ Not sustained in another] And so it is neither the humane nature of Christ; because, though this be Subsisting▪ Indiuiduall, Vnderstan­ding and Incommunicable, yet is it no Person, because it is personally sustained in the word; so that it, together with the Word, is the sub­stance of one Christ, & except it were subsisting in the word, should not at all be.

[ Neither part of another] there­fore not the soule of man is a person, because it is part of man, though otherwise it be subsisting by it selfe, intelligent, and not sustained by another.

And therefore,

Ʋse.Hence, first appeareth the dif­ference btweene the Essence of God, and the Persons of the Di­uine Essence. As

1 By the Essence we vnderstand [Page 57] whatsoeuer is common to the three persons in regard of their nature and absolute being, consi­dered seuerally by themselues, and in themselues.

2 By Person we must vnderstand that relation which is betweene them, being compared together, and the maner of their existence therein. Briefly thus:

The Essence signifies that God is, or rather that there is one, and that eternall Deity.

The person is the manner, by which that diuine Essence subsi­steth in each seuerally. As

The Father is that Essence which is of himselfe, and not of another.

The Sonne is the same Essence but not of himselfe, but of the Father.

The Holy Ghost is the same Es­sence, not of himself, but of the Father and of the Sonne: so that

The diuine Essence is one & the same, to, and in these three: but

To be of it selfe, or, of another, [Page 58] to bee either of One, or of two: that is, to haue that one diuine essence, either of it selfe, or com­municated from another; either of one, or two: this is the manner of subsisting, which is three-fold:

• 1 To be of it selfe.
• 2 To be generated.
• 3 To proceede. And by this Are those three persons which are signified by the name of Trinity.

3. The essence is absolute and communicable, but the person is relatiue & incommunicable. And this differēce is to be maintained

1 That the vnity of the true God be not distracted: or that

The distinction of persons bee not confounded: or that

Any other thing be foisted in­to our beliefe, vnder the name of person, then what the truth of the word doth allow.

And therfore here first we must beware.

1 That by the person wee vn­derstand not simply either a bare Relation or Office, as Sa­bellius [Page 59] dreamed.

2 Much lesse as Seruetus did, a forme or visible representation of anothers shape and gesture. But by Person

1 Must bee vnderstood a thing subsisting from others, to which it is referred, distinguished truely from them by an incōmunicable propriety, as 1 begetting, 2 begot­ten, or proceeding, & not the of­fice or dignity, or degree of be­getting, begotten, or proceeding.

2 The person is not a thing ab­stracted or separated from the es­sence, which is common to them; neither is the essence a fourth thing separated from the persons; but euery person is the same en­tire essence of the Deity, onely the persons are distinguished from each other: the essence is common to the three.

3 The diuine essence▪ hath not that respect vnto the persons, as the 1 Matter to the effect, because God is not compounded of matter and forme; and therefore it is not [Page 60] well said, that the three Persons cō ­sist of one essēce. Neither 2 as the whole vnto his parts; because God is indiuisible, and therefore it is not well said, that the Person is a part of the Essence, or that the Essence doth consist of three per­sons: for euery person is the whole diuine Essence. 3 Neither as the Genus, or kinde, vnto the Species. For the Essence is not the Genus of the three persons, neither the person the Species of the Essence. But God is a more common name; because the Es­sence of the Diety is common to the three persons; and may bee affirmed of each alike. And the name of Father, Sonne, and Ho­ly Ghost is more straight, because the the persons are truly distinct, & cannot bee affirmed of each o­ther. And therefore it is not well said; the diuine essence is the Father, is the Sonne, is the Holy Ghost. Againe, the three persons are one GOD, or in one GOD. Againe, they are one & the same [Page 61] Essence, Nature, Diuinty; again, They are of the same Essence, Nature, &c. And yet it is not well said they are of one God, because there is none of these Persons which is not very God, whole and perfect. Wherfore the diuine Essence hath such relation to the persons as it communica­teth it selfe after a singuler manner to those vnto which it is common. Trinitie what. So that

The Trinitie signifieth these three persons distinguished by a threefold manner of existence in one essence of the Deitie.

And though this name of Tri­nitie be not expresly in the word yet is the thing 1. there expres­sed, Math. 28.19. 2. Corinth. 13.13. Math. 9.17.

2 And the name is not contra­dicted.

3 And the sence thereof is expres­sed so by a necessary cōsequence.

4 And the word Three, whence Trinitie is deriued is expressed. 1. Ioh. 5.7. And so it is a sound col­lection [...] [Page 64] of the Deitie, as Eternitie, Im­mensitie, Omnipotencie, Wise­dome, Goodnesse, &c.

3 All the outward workes of the Deitie respecting the crea­tures, either wrought in them, or by them as Creation, Conser­uation, &c. ‘ 2 Wherein the person differ:’ Namely in the works, which each Person exerciseth betweene themselues, Persons how they differ. as the Father exi­steth of himselfe and none other, The Sonne is begotten of the Father from all Eternitie, 1. hath his diuine Essence communica­ted vnto him of the Father won­derfully: and so the holy Ghost proceedes eternally from the Father and the Sonne, that is, Hath the same diuine Essence communicated from the Father and the Sonne, after an vn­speakeable manner, Iob. 1. v. 1.14 vers. 18. Ioh. 15.26.

[Page 65]The Father is the First Person, because hee is the Fountaine of the Diuinitie, of the Sonne, Order of Persons. and Holy Ghost.

The Sonne is the Second Per­son, because the Deitie is com­municated vnto him, of the Fa­ther by the eternall genera­tion.

The Holy Ghost is the Third Person, because the Deitie is com­municated vnto him from the Father and the Sonne by Eter­nall inspiration. Matth. 28.19. Ioh. 1.5.7.

And yet the Father is not be­fore the Sonne, nor the Father and the Sonne before the Holy Ghost in time, but in the manner of existence.

For though they are done by the common will, Order of workes. and ope­ration of the Father, and the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost: yet is [Page 66] the same order of Persons kept in the doing thereof, which the Per­sons haue in their existence: So

The Father is the Fountaine, as of the Person, so of the operation of the Son, & of the Holy Ghost; and doth all things, not as if ano­ther wrought by him, as if the will of another went before, com­municating power and efficacie vnto him, but as of himselfe as existing, so vnderstanding and working of himselfe.

Now the Sonne and the Holy Ghost worke not of themselues, but the Sonne of himselfe, so as that the will of the Father goeth before, and the Holy Ghost so of himselfe, as that the will, both of the Father and of the Sonne pre­cedeth. The Father worketh by the Sonne, and holy Ghost; so, as that he sendeth thē, & is not sent of them. The Sonne worketh by the holy Ghost, sends him into the hearts of the beleeuers from the Father, and is not sent of him: but of the Father. The Holy Ghost wor­keth [Page 67] and is sent of the Father and of the Sonne, not of himselfe, Ioh. 1.3. Col. 1.16. Heb. 1.2. Ioh. 5.19. Ioh. 8.42. Ioh. 14 26. Ioh. 15.26.

And yet when the Sonne and Holy Ghost are said to be sent, this is not meant of any locall motion, or any mutation in God. But 1. of the Eternall Will & decree to per­forme some thing by the Sonne and holy Ghost. And 2. of the Reuealing and execution of that will, by the working of the Sonne and Holy Ghost: so saith the Sonne, That he is sent of the Father into the world, that he came downe from heauen, and yet that he is in hea­uen, euen when hee was vpon the earth. So is the Holy Ghost saide to be sent vnto the disciples at Pentecost, when as yet he was be­fore, and dwelt with the Apostles. So both are sent into the world; not as if they had receiued their existence elsewhere, where they were not before, but because they accomplished in the world the will of the Father, which was [Page 68] not done before, and so, accor­ding to that will, expressed their presence and effectuall wor­king.

This is the doctrine of the Trinity.

And it is to bee retained in the Church.

1 For the glory of God, that the true God may be discerned from Idols, Ʋse. and may bee worshipped as he hath reuealed himselfe.

2 For our comfort and saluation, which ariseth hence, that wee know the Father whom we can­not know, but by the Sonne, Ioh. 1.18. 1. Iohn 2.23. and by confi­dence in him. 1. Iohn ▪ 5.20. Rom. 10.24. And wee can haue no knowledge of Christ, but by the Reuelation of the Spirit. 1. Corin. 2. neither any sanctification from Christ, but by the Spirit. And therefore wee must beleeue God, as hee is thus manifested in the Trinitie, that wee may be sa­ued eternally.

3 This serueth, for confutation of all heretickes, that deny the Tri­nitie, [Page 69] and the order of Persons &c. and of the Iewes, And

4 Also for instruction, that wee be acquainted with the scriptures whereby wee may attaine to this knowledge of God, not resting in the light of nature, or Tradition of the Elders.

CHAP. VI. God is to be worshipped.

THus are wee to know God in the Trinitie and this know­ledge necessarily inferreth, that

We must worship this God:

1 Not onely because euen by the light of nature each nation worshipped somewhat in the place of God, after their owne vaine imaginations, which neces­sarily enforceth that God is to be worshipped.

2 But the Lord hath comman­ded that he should be worshipped

3 Yea, as he is thus reuealed in the Vnitie and Trinitie, he [Page 70] deserueth to bee worshipped in many respects: As

First, As he is Iehoua our Lord, so he requireth worship of vs as his seruants; Malach. 1.7. So we are his creatures, and owe him all ho­mage.

Secōdly, as he is God our Father, so are we his children, and there­fore owe him all spirituall loue and holy reuerence.

3 As he is Redeemer, so he hath both deserued our worship, & en­ableth vs hereunto, and therfore wee cannot but worship him the Restorer of our life, and Recoue­rer of our happinesse.

4 As he is God the holy Ghost, san­ctifying, and preseruing of vs: so are we bound to worship him, in Spirit and Truth. So can we not, but glorifie him in our bodies & spirits, because they are his, wee we must needes, being led by the Spirit, abound in well-doing to the praise of our glorious God.

And therefore

Ʋse.1 This condemneth all Athiests, [Page 71] and prophane beasts, that make no conscience of this worship of the Lord: seeing the Gentiles & the Diuels shall one day con­demne them.

2 As also this reproueth all Ig­norant and idle persons, that wor­ship they know not what, nor how, seeing none can worshippe whom they know not, they can­not worship him aright whō they cannot discerne by the Vnitie in Trinitie, and Trinitie in Vnitie.

3 And so it vtterly condemnes all Popish worships, which is igno­rance, and voluntary deuotions, not onely, not from any sound knowledge, but euen in defiance and detraction of it, as if it were the greatest enemy to deuotion.

2 This instructeth: that wee [...]hould labour after this know­ledge of God as he is reuealed in the word, not contenting our selues with generall notions and Traditions▪ concerning the di­uine nature.

3. And so commendeth and en­ioyneth [Page 72] that most excellent and necessary dutie of Catechizing wherby we attaine to this particular knowledge.

4 And withall condemneth the neglect and contempt of this dutie, especially in the elder sort, laying it onely on Children which can yet make little vse thereof, and accounting it their shame to bee taught the grounds of religion, & so dwelling and dying, in palpa­ble and obstinate ignorance.

5 And comforteth vs, that wee haue both a certaine rule to wor­ship by, to preuent distraction, & so worthie a God to worship, as that we need not bee a shamed, nor repent of his seruice.

Thus it appeareth, That God is to be worshipped. Let vs now fur­ther consider, Of whom hee is prin­cipally to be worshipped.

CHAP. VII. Of whom God is to worshipped.

Howsoeuer the Lord created all things for himselfe: so [Page 73] that euery inferiour Creature in it place and nature yeeldeth ho­mage vnto the Creator, in doing his will, and by the same attai­neth his preseruation and perfe­ction, yet neither is this seruice competent to the nature of God, as being carnall and vnreasona­ble, neither can it bee accepted of him, as being without Christ, without faith in his blood.

Onely man is that Creature who as he was 1. Created of God, fit to performe this acceptable wor­ship: so was he 2. restored by Christ to renue and continue the same: and so is 3. kept by the mightie power of God to saluation, that so hee may attaine the benefite of his true and constant ser­uice.

And therefore,

Howsoeuer the Angels behold alwaies the face of God, and do perform acceptable seruice vn­to him in Iesus Christ, by whom thogh they are not redeemed frō sin into which they neuer fell: Note. [Page 74] yet are they preserued through Christ in their happy estate: and by him are gathered together and vnited to their head: yet seeing these haue already attai­ned their perfection, therefore as they are aboue the compasse of our direction, so are wee rather to admire and propose them as pictures for imitation then a­ny way to admit them in compa­rison herein.

Onely man is that Creature who being redeemed by Christ Iesus, from the guilt, power and punishmēt of sinne, hath yet the tainture and corruption of sin re­maining in him.

1 That the vertue of his sauiour might dayly appeare in the hea­ling thereof.

2 And the free mercy of his God might be aduanced in the pardon thereof.

3 That the might be dayly exer­cised in the worke of repentance, and so haue truely experience of the true worke of grace.

[Page 75]4 That hee might maintain the fellowship in hauing more com­passion of others, out of the sence of his owne infirmities, & so make sure, & encrease his consolation in plucking others out of the fire.

5 That his corruptions may be a means to quicken and prouoke to the performance of faith, pati­ence, humility, & many excellēt graces, which heerby are maruel­lously exercised and increased.

6 That hee might haue expe­rience of the admirable wisedom of God, in turning about al to his good, bringing light out of dark­nesse. Rom. 8.29. 2. Cor. 4.6.

7 That the power of God may be manifested and perfited in his infirmities, as preseruing so won­derfully contraries by contraries.

8 And vsing some corruptions to preuent, or purge out others. 2. Cor. 12.7.8.

9 That the Lord might haue the onely glory of all his meanes, in the experience of our owne ina­bility and disproportion.

[Page 76]ence whereby our growing in grace, and following hard after the marke: and thereby hunger more earnestly after perfection.

11 And seeing in this life wee cannot be perfect, therefore wee might, by the dayly sence of cor­ruption, be weaned from the loue hereof, and so

12 Prouoked to hunger after our dissolution.

13 To looke vp still to that Citie which is aboue.

14 And to prepare therto.

15 And in all these performe a constant and spirituall worship vnto our God.

16 Vsing the holy means of the word, and to discouer & conquer such corruptions. And so

17 Approue our hearty obedi­ence to our God, who hates ini­quitie, that we serue him of loue, because wee would not displease him, subduing and weakning sin, that wee might in all things bee conformable to him, then either for feare of any punishment due [Page 77] to, or any benefite may redound vnto vs for the same; aboue this, that wee endeauour to obey our God in all things.

18 And so might haue herein experience not onely of the ad­mirable bountie and wisedome of our God in accepting our wil­ling mind, euen aboue our out­ward abilitie. 2. Cor. 8.12. but also might haue triall of the sinceritie of our obedience, as being rather inward and spirituall in our pur­pose, and striuing against sin, then any glorious outward shew of per­fection which we can attaine vn­to.

Thus hath the Lord disposed of the manner of our sanctificatiō and to this ende haue I framed this daily direction, that wee may the better be led forward in the worke of grace. And seeing to this end the Lord created man euen for his glory. Therefore now in the next place let vs consider of This Creation.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Creation of Man.

AS the Lord created al things for his glory, so especially to this end created hee man, Ends of Creation. as to manifest in him, 1. His free Ele­ction, and absolute power, and will Rom. 9. & 11.

2 To aduance in him the great­nesse of his iustice. So also Rom. 9.

3 The riches of his mercy, 1. Cor, 10.31. Ephes. 2. in bestowing saluation on him.

4 And also to aduance his boun­tie in communicating his good­nesse vnto him. And so

5 To manifest and reueale his wonderfull wisedome and power and goodnes in the preseruation and gouernment of him, and

6 Thereby to procure the glo­ry and praise hereof to bee giuen to him alone.

And therefore,

1 As wee must not thinke that we were made to serue our owne turnes, Vse. to eate and drinke, and [Page 79] so let vs labour to answer these ends of our creation, 1 in striuing to aspire to our first estate by be­ing recreated in Christ, 2 & sancti­fying all things vnto vs by the word, 3 & returning the strength in obedience to our God.

The manner whereof, was this,

1 In respect of the workeman the whole Trinitie consulted of, and concurred therein, thereby implying the excellence of the worke.

2 Concerning the work, Time. consider

1 The Time euen when God had made all the rest for mans vse, then the Lord made him to partake thereof.

2 And when he had made him, rested from all his workes of creating any thing anew, that it might ap­peare, how the Lord would euen repose and quiet himselfe in this worke; and communicate him­selfe especially thereto. Pro. 8.

[Page 82] [...] the world were laid, 1. Cor. 2. such as eye neuer saw, neither can enter into the heart of man to bee enioyed of vs in an eternall kingdome.

And comforting our selues in our choyce of God and heauen (howsoeuer if wee measure it by the present, we may stumble) as looking not onely behind to what was prouided for vs before wee were, but also looking before vs to what we do enioy, nay looking a far off to what is set before vs, that so we may not be weary, nor faint in our minds.

And so vsing all good blessings in this life, as to lay vp a good foundation by them against the day of Christ.

Labouring still if by any meanes we can attaine to the resurrecti­on of the dead.

Thus of the time. 2. Obserue we the Authour of our Creation which was the holy Trinitie, hee it is that made vs: not wee our selues Psalm. 95. no we cannot so much as make one haire of our [Page 83] heads. Math. 6.

And this

1 Reproueth naturall wise­dome which not apprehēding the omnipotency of God, who could make all things of nothing: out of that false conclusion▪ that no­thing could bee made of nothing. inforced a more absurd, that the world and man was eternall, and so denyed the Creation.

As also the Atheism of the world, which out of these false grounds, place onely happinesse in this life, denying the resurrection and condition of a better.

2 This teacheth to worship this God alone, and to haue rela­tion & dependance onely to him as being the worke of his hands.

2 As also to be implyed in our selues for his glory who of no­thing made vs for the same.

3 And so depend vpon him for our preseruation and perfection.

3 Consider wee the matter of our Creation.

Which was generally of nothing [Page 84] such is properly Creation.

Particularly of nothing, like to what we are (such is properly ge­neration when like begets like) as being made of the

1 Dust of the earth concer­ning our bodies.

2 But touching our soules: the Lord breathed into vs the breath of life, and so man became a li­uing soule. Genes. 2.

Such diuers matter,

Reproueth 1 the Anabaptist, which▪ Ʋse vnder pretence of spiritu­all liberty, denieth subiection to earthly gouernors, seeing, concer­ning the body, & outward earth­ly things we are bound to man. As also the

2. Liberine, that onely dreames of such an vse of the soule which might serue to satisfie the flesh, as if the happines therof cōsisted on­ly in this, as to serue the body for the cōmitting of sin, whereas the [Page 85] soule was principally created to serue the Lord, and so to informe the body, as that the members al­so thereof might bee giuen as wea­pons of righteousnesse to serue the li­uing God. Rom. 6.

2 This teacheth a diuersity of subiection of the same creature; as in regard of the body, and such things as belong thereto, he is, & ought to be subiect to man; but in the soule, onely, and imme­diately to the Lord; and to man for his sake; and yet so, as these may not be diuided in either re­spect; wee cannot so giue man the Body, but from, and by the Soule, euen for conscience sake. Neither can wee so reserue the Soule vnto God, but that it obe­dience must be expressed in, and by the body, Rom. 12.2. least our seruice be plaine hypocrisie: only the mater is, in the diuersity of or­der & respect, as the body to man, immediatly by the soule: the soule to God, immediatly expressed in the body, yet both immediatly & [Page 86] intirely from God, and for God, Rom. 11.

As also this comforteth, in this diuersity of subiection,

1 That what is yeelded vnto man for Gods sake, Body. is not lost, but safely put to keeping to the Lord, and so by him profited, ei­ther here to be restored better, or to be repaied so at length, as to bee onely in subiection to the Lord, to be for euer with him.

2 What is reserued intirely vn­to God in truth, though it be not for the present, answered with that correspondency of the out­ward man, Soule, yet shall this neither be imputed, if there bee a willing minde, as to challenge the since­rity of the inward man, but rather to try and aduance the sound­nesse thereof; and it shall further still be a meanes of more grati­ous conformity of the outward, that so both at length may con­curre in perfect obedience to the Creator.

Thus of the composition.

[Page 87]Now if we particularly yet fur­ther weigh the seuerall matter of each,

First, that man was made of no­thing, that is, of no pre-existent substance. This

1 Confoundeth infidelity, that we cannot depend on God with­out meanes. And

2 Informeth faith, to restore God beyond, without, and con­trary to meanes.

3 Confirmeth the faith of the Resurrection, though all may seeme to bee resolued [...] no­thing. And

4 Instructeth in the discerning of the nature, practise, & growth of sanctification, in regard of the A­nalogy be­tweene the Crea­ation and Regenera­tion. 2. Cor. 12.11. which as it be­gan of nothing in vs, as of our selues, so it is daily led forward by denying of our selues; that in vs, that is in our flesh, dwelleth no goodnesse; discerning that wee haue, to be as nothing; both in cō ­parison of what we shall haue, as also in respect of any thing, as of our selues, furthering there­to: [Page 88] but especially emptying our selues of all confidence therein, or glory thereby, that the Lord a­lone might bee honoured in his onely worke.

Secondly, in that man was made of the dust of the earth, we learne,

1 Not to be puffed vp in regard of nature, seeing it came from no better then the earth.

2 Neither to despise the most vnlikely & contemptible meanes for our good, seeing the Lord made vs of such.

3 Neither to seeke after great matters in the world, seeing our originall was so meane.

4 Neither to set vp our hearts in this life, but rather to prepare to death, seeing to the earth we must.

5 Comforting our selues, that our misery in this life is not eter­nall, seeing we are of the earth.

6 And seeing this corruption must put on incorruption, there­fore learne we to follow hard af­ter [Page 89] the marke, if by any meanes we may attaine to the resurrecti­on of the dead: looking by faith a farre off for the changing of these vile bodies. And comfor­ting our selues in our better part; that the soule is immortall, and therefore labouring to haue our conuersation in heauen, and to be made meete for that glorious inheritance.

Thirdly, that man was made a liuing soule, immediatly breath­ed from the Lord, eternally to liue with him.

This teacheth

1 That the soule is immediatly subiect vnto God, ought onely to bee bound by him, principally must depend on his blessed will.

2 That it must be exercised in heauenly things, agreeable to the nature and end thereof.

3 That it is subiect to eternall punishment for sinne, and there­fore ought to saue it selfe from that fearefull vengeance, Matth. 3.

[Page 90]4 That eternall hapinesse is due thereto for wel-doing; and there­fore should not faint, nor be wea­ry thereof.

5 That as the creation is imme­diate from God, though the body be from man: so also is the Re­creation and Renuing of the soule immediatly from his meere mercy in Christ, without any help or concurrence from man.

6 And therefore we are not to rest in any naturall faculties of the soule, as if they were suffici­ent to saluation, or could further thereto: but rather discerne wee wisely, That the wisedome of the flesh is enmity against God.

7 And so let vs deny our selues, that we may be found in Christ, not hauing our owne righteous­nesse, Phil. 3.8.9. Yet so

8 As that seeing we haue free­will in naturall and morall acti­ons, concerning the outward act, though not for the truth, or man­ner, or end of well-doing; there­fore do we what is ours, in enter­taining [Page 91] the meanes of saluation: As, come wee to the word; and though we cannot discerne it na­turally, neither propose the right end therein, least if wee forsake God in not doing so farre as wee may, he may iustly forsake vs in denying a blessing to the means, that so our condemnation may be iust and inexcusable.

9 That the soule was breathed into the nostrels, not into the eares, or mouth, or eyes, this ar­gueth the imbecillity and frailty of our life, as if it depended on our nostrels, Esay, 2 22.

Thus of the matter..

Fourthly, consider we the man­ner of our creation, and therein the Excellencie and ends there­of.

For the manner, we were crea­ted in Gods Image, not that ei­ther wee were made of the Es­sence of God, or that God must bee like to vs, hauing humane shape (although if we respect the second person in Trinity, it might [Page 92] wel be, that as he was to take flesh in the fulnesse of time, so euen at the present when man was made, hee assumed extraordina­rily an human forme; and so also after that forme and Archetype made man. But we were created after the Image of God, in holi­nesse and righteousnesse: that is,

The soule being breathed into the body from the Lord, was in­dued with diuine and heauenly qualities. As

1 Immortality.

2 Excellent light of reason and vnderstanding, acknow­ledging God, and his will, dis­cerning the nature and essence of things.

3 True righteousnesse of the minde and heart, and all the fa­culties thereof; in which was in­flamed true loue, and feare, and confidence in God.

4 Most absolute consent of the will, obeying the iudgement of right and reason, from compulsi­on, bondage and misery.

[Page 93]5 Excellent strength and vigor of body, free from all infirmitie, diseases, troubles, death. And

6 Admirable glory and maiesty.

7 Destinated to eternall life in heauen.

8 Which should haue propaga­ted an immortall kinde, accor­ding to the Image of God.

9 Yet all this mutably,

1 That so if Man had ouercome the Tempter, his glory had beene the greater.

2 That way might bee made hereby to the reuelation of the eternall mercy of God to his e­lect in Iesus Christ, as also of his Iustice in the condemnation of the wicked for the refusall of the Messiah, and in him of their saluation.

And hence ariseth the excel­lency of Man; 1 By the consi­deration of his creation, espe­cially that in respect of the mutability thereof: hee was to be interessed in the Messiah, & so to be restored & preserued by him [Page 94] vnto saluation.

Hence also arise the ends of mans creation.

1 To aduance the goodnesse and bounty of the Lord, in or­daining saluation for him by his sonne.

2 That the Lord hereby might haue the onely glory of all his mercies.

3 That Man might haue the dominion ouer all the Crea­tures.

4 That also he might bee, as it were, a sweet Companion with the Lord in eternall glory and happinesse. And

5 That hee might bee made meete hereunto by the know­ledge of his Creator and Redee­mer, Ioh. 17. And by spirituall and bodily worship, according to his knowledge. 1. Cor. 6.

Whence we may learne

1 To admire and conceiue worthily of this loue of God, Ʋse. in making vs thus like vnto himselfe and so to expresse our loue vnto [Page 95] him, in striuing to bee like vnto him. 1. Ioh. 4.

2 To magnifie his admirable wisedome in making our estate such, as in regard of our free-will to be subiect to change; and so to rest content with the will of God in things more contrary to na­ture and vnlikely for our God, seeing the Lord out of this muta­ble estate raised so much good, e­uen to aduance his holy sonne Iesus; and in him to renue and e­stablish our formerly mutable condition.

3 And seeing the Lord did or­daine this condition to be there­fore mutable, that so man, being left to himselfe, might bee the chooser and author of his owne fall, therefore learne we to iusti­fie God, and to condemne our selues, that so we may not be iud­ged of the Lord.

Lastly, seeing the Lord, as hee ordained the fall of man muta­ble, so hee ordained a Redeemer before the fall to recouer the [Page 96] same. Therefore let this comfort vs in all our troubles, whether vpon vs, or expected, that vn­doubtedly we may expect a good issue therein; seeing we were first apointed to glory, & so to deliue­rance from thē, and so appoynted to afflictions to make vs sit for glory: And we are here taught to loue the person of man, as bea­ring Gods Image, though we may hate the sinne.

Thus of the Creation.

CHAP. IX. Of the fall of Man.

WHerein man continued not; as being left to him­selfe, and so fell away from God: in obeying the suggestion of the Serpent, and so fell away from his former estate of Innocencie and happinesse, through disobedience of the Commandement, & plun­ged himselfe and his whole poste­rity (as hauing receiued en e­state for it) into a most fearefull [Page 97] bondage of sinne, and Satan, and to all such punishments as were due to the breach of the Com­mandement. The occasion here­to was the righteous law of God, which the more indifferent it was, and easie to be obeyed, did

1 The more discouer the malice of Sathan against the Comman­dements: And 2 the more con­uince the breach of man: and so 3 aduanceth the more the mercy of God, in prouiding a redeemer.

The instrument of this fall, and manner therof, was the suggesti­on of Satan, enuying mans happi­nes, & working in him distrust of the word, tickling him with the outward obiect [ the Apple] but e­specially with a conceit of a more excellent estate. And setting vp­pon the weaker vessell when she was alone.

Breeding discontent of the pre­sent estate, and hatred of God, as if he did enuy their happinesse, & did not therfore loue thē: so be­ing distracted in their iudgment,

to redeeme vs, Math. 4. Luk. 2.49.

2 In taking our nature vpon him. Mat. 2, Luk. 1.

3 To the Law, in fulfilling it perfectly which we had broken, Esay. 53.

4 In vndergoing the punish­ment, when hee had fulfilled the Law, Rom. 5.19. & 10.4.

And by these his sufferings, our redemption was secondly wrought out.

Sect. 6. 2. By suffe­rings, where what they were. These sufferings of Christ: were

First, either in the humility of his Natiuity: or his whole life, such miseries as sin had drawne vpon vs, that hee might sanctifie them vnto vs: 1 In whole life. as in the body, Hunger, Cold, Pouerty, &c. Heb. 2.18. Heb. 4.15.

2 In the soule,

• 1 Ignorance, Mat. 11.13. Mar. 13.32
• 2 Tentations, Matth. 22.35. Matth. 4.1.
• 3 Sadnesse, Ioh. 12.
• 4 Ignominies, Mat. 12.

2 In death.Secondly, or at his Death, such [Page 101] paines as we had deserued: and here he suffered,

First, in his body, 3 In body. as

• 1 Preparations to death,
• 1 Accused of Blasphemy,
• 2 Buffetings by the Souldiers, Mat. 27. & 28.
• 3 Whipping and scourging.
• 4 Crowning with Thornes.
• 5 Carrying of his Crosse.
• 6 Nayling to his Crosse. Ioh. 19.

Secondly, death it selfe: heere consider,

1 The ignominious manner, vp­on the Cursed Tree. Gal. 3.

2 The cruelty vsed vpon his dead body, as being pierced to the heart by that mercilesse Souldier, Ioh. 10.34.

3 His ignominious buriall, and de­taining for 3 daies in the graue.

These were his sufferings in body.

Secondly he also suffered for vs in his soule, & that 1. In his whole life. 4 In soule.

1 Griefe for the sin of the world, & especially of his own country­men, who refused him, Ioh. 1.

2 The mockings of the wicked, [...]

[Page 104]7 That by his death hee might ratifie the eternall Testament of grace, Heb. 9.

8 That hereby sinne and death might be destroyed, and the Di­uell that had the rule of death, Heb. 2.14.15. Rom. 6.20.

9 As also taking away the feare of death.

10 That sinne might not rule o­uer vs: but

11 That we might die thereto.

12 That we might liue onely to Christ.

13 And liue for euer with him.

14 And lay downe our liues for him.

Now, because it was not possible that the Sonne of God should be holden of the sorrowes of death; for then had he not been iustified and acquitted from our sins: ther­fore by the power of his God-head he raised vp himselfe; & so accom­plished yet further the work of our redemption. Sect. 7. Conquering and how. Rom. 4.25. Act. 2.24.

And so Christ Iesus our redeemer obtained a glorious conquest by his [Page 105] resurrection from the dead: & that,

First, ouer the law, in abolishing the curse, dominion, & rigor therof.

Secondly, ouer Satan & hel, chai­ning vp Satan, & destroying for e­uer the powers of hell. Vse of his death. 1. Cor. 15.57

Thirdly, ouer sinne, and that

1 In taking away the sting and guiltinesse thereof.

2 Abating the rage & fury of the same, Rom. 7.24.25.

3 Healing in some measure the corrupt fountaine of the same.

4 Weakning the force, and daily eating out the very corruption thereof, Rom. 6.12.13.

Fourthly, death is also conquered and subdued; and that

1 By taking away the sting therof.

2 By destroying the dominion of the same, Rom. 5.14.

3 Sanctifying it to the Godly, to whom it is the gate to euerlasting life. 1. Thess. 4.

4 Raising vp our flesh from the graue. 1. Cor. 15.

And thus by this glorious con­quest of our captaine Iesus Christ, [Page 106] is recouered vnto vs, Heb. 12.2·

Sect. 8. The benefit of our Re­demption.First, the fauour of God our Fa­ther, whose children we are now become in Iesus Christ, 2. Cor. 5.18 1▪ Ioh. 3.1. Col 1.20.

Secondly, the fruits of this fa­uour, which are

1 Faith in the Sonne of God, whereby being iustified before God, we haue,

2 Peace of Conscience with God and man, Rom. 5.1. Rom. 7.4.

3 Ioy vnspeakeble in the Holy Ghost. 1. Pet. 1.8.

4 We become fruitfull in all good works, and so therby become meet partakers of saluation, Col. 1.12.

The earnest whereof we haue in this life: first, by the inward testi­mony of the spirit, 2. Cor. 1. Eph. 4.

Secondly, by our outward simi­litude & conformity to our head Christ Iesus, being changed into the same Image from glory to glory, as by the spirit of the Lord, 2. Cor. 3.18,

And wee shall fully enioy it in the life to come, where shall be

• 1 Ceasing of all sinne, infirmities & [Page 107] sorrow. Reu. 7.17.
• 2 Perfect knowledge of God.
• 3 Perfect righteousnesse and holi­nesse not to be changed, Eph. 5.27.
• 4 Fulnesse of ioy. Psa. 16.
• 5 Excellent glory.
• 6 Immediate fruition of, and con­iunction with God. 1. Cor. 13.12.
• 7 Continuall praising of God.
• 8 God shall be all in all. 1. Cor. 15.
• 9 Perfect loue to each other, though in diuersity of glory.
• 10 Knowledge spirituall of each o­ther, as they haue had fellowship in this life in good.
• 11 Triumph ouer all enemies.
• 12 Eternall happinesse and blisse for euermore. 1. Pet. 1.4.

All these hath the sonne of God pur­chased for vs

CHAP. XI. Of the Appliclication of this benefit by faith, how it wrought in vs.

THe meanes whereby all these are made ours.

[Page 108]This faith is wrought in vs by the preaching of the word, Rom. 10.17. And that first of the Law.

First, discouering our misery vn­to vs in particular, both

1 By sence of our mi­sery, & fall from our first estate.From what a blessed estate wee are fallen, Rom. 3. Rom. 7. as also

Into what a woful and desperate condition we are now plunged, not onely by reason of our sinne:

Being able to do nothing but displease God. Gen. 6.5,

And that in regard

1 Of the trangression of Adam, which lies vpon vs, Rom. 5.

2 The fruit of this transgression, euen a generall infection & cor­ruption of all the powers and fa­culties of soule and body. The great­nes therof, 1 By sinne. As

First, the substance of the soule, 1 before being simple, is now be­come double through hypocrisie. 2 Before being mortall naturally and spiritually, is now spiritually dead. Eph. 2.

Secondly, the gifts of the soule: As 1 the minde, through igno­rance, become vaine in it dis­courses, [Page 109] Eph. 4. Rom. 2.21.

2 Of the vnderstanding, filled with blindnesse and darknesse: and not sauouring the things of God, Eph. 4.17.

3 The Conscience wounded, sea­red, defiled, neuer soundly peace­able, Tim. 4. 1. Cor. 1.2. Esay. 57.1.

4 The Memory fit to retaine e­uill, & to forget good, Heb. 10.22.

5 The Will captiuated to euill, & yet running headlong thereto: but to choose, or do good, altoge­ther auerse, Rom. 8.5.6. Ioh. 8.39. Rom. 6.16.17.20. & 7.14.

6 And so the Affections led vio­lently after the sway thereof. As also,

7 The Conuersation most loth­some to God and Man. 1. Tim. 1.15.

8 The Thoughts impotent, and vnsatiable to euill, and infinite therein.

9 The Members seruants of Ini­quitie.

10 His best actions greatest abo­minations. Prou. 28.9. Io. 3.31. [Page 110] Psalm. 50.16.

11 His glory also lost, 1. In that he hath lost his soueraignetie o­uer the Creatures.

2 And that reuerend maiestie of his Person.

2 By fruite of sin what they are.Namely; that

First, He is most odious to God and most iustly accursed of him, Col. 1.21. and this curse is mainfest,

First, vpon his Person which is subiect to all infamy.

2 Vpon his Body by those feare­full and innumerable plagues, di­seases, iudgements of famine, &c. which lie vpon men and consume them in this life. Deut. 28.15. Gene. 3.17.

3 By that horrible abuse of Gods blessings, which are bestowde on him: making the creature to grone vnder this bondage of cor­ruption, and so to increase the score against the life to come. Ro. 8.19.

Secondly, Vpon his Soule, and [Page 111] that first in this life: 1 In this life.

1 In being giuen vp to a repro­bate sence. Rom. 1.23.

2 Depriued of the knowledge of God, but so farre as shall make him without excuse. Psal. 49.15.

3 To bee past feeling through the hardnesse of his heart. Ephes. 4.19.

4 Thence to commit sin with greedinesse, and so to make vppe the measure thereof.

5 Thence to fall into wofull and irrecouerable despaire, Gen. 4. and to discouer the same by mad­nesse, blasphemies, &c.

Secondly, In the life to come, 2 In the life to come by

1 Vtter separation from the pre­sence of God, and happinesse for e­uer. 2. Thess. 1.21.

2 Perpetuall communion with Satan and the infernall spirits: & so of all torments, Esay 34.

Especially

First, 3 Particu­lars of hell torments. Desperate sorrow for an ir­recouerable losse.

Secondly, Insufferable waight of the wrath of God.

[Page 112]Thirdly, Sensible torment, yet not to be expressed. Math. 3.

1 Without intermission, Reu. 14

2 Without end. Apoc. 20.

Fourthly, the worme of conscience accusing and gnawing continual­ly, Esay. 66. Esay 50.

Fifthly, Bitter enuy at the happi­nesse of the elect, expressed by gnashing of teeth, Mat. 13.22.

Sixthly, vnsatiable desire of sinne, without hope or ability to com­mit the same.

Seuenthly, Restlesse content in this fearfull condition.

First, it is to be preached to sin­ners, 2, Tim. 4.2.

Secondly, Men are to be acquain­ted with the particulars of it.

Thirdly, And to yeeld to the power thereof; that so driuing men out of themselues, it may lead them to Christ, who is properly reuealed vnto vs in the preaching of the Gospell, which doth especially beget and perfect the worke of [Page 113] iustifying Faith, and that

1 Because the Gospell reueales God in Christ, not as he is in the law, auenging sinne, but reconci­ling the world vnto him, by not imputing sin thereunto.

2 Hence a sinner is enabled to iustifie Gods righteousnesse and mercy in pardoning sin.

3 And so hence proceedeth to apprehend in particular the par­don of his sin:

And that in this manner,

1 By making vs to beleeue our miserie, through a particular appli­cation thereof vnto our selues, Rom. 7.9. Rom. 15.4. Mat. 9.12.

2 By working anguish and sorrow in spirit for the same. Act. 2.37. Ier. 21.18. Iudg. 2.3.10.

3 Aduising what to do, Luk. 15.17 Ierem. 8.6.7. and considering deepely what we haue done, Reu. 7.24.

4 Submitting to Gods will, to be guided hereafter according to the same. Luk. 17.9. Eze. 36.2. Act. 9.6.

[Page 116]9 Heauenly conuersation, Phi. 3.20

10 Readinesse and patience, to, and vnder the crosse. Rom. 5. Phil. 1.27

11 Desire to bee dissolued, and to be with Christ, Phil. 1.23.

Thus is Faith wrought in vs: thus may we discerne the work therof.

And this is properly iustifying faith, & it differs from all the rest,

1 Because it onely is the cer­taine confidence, whereby we ap­ply Christs merites vnto our selues, that we may bee esteemed righteous before God. 1 Cor. 1.11.

2 It onely concernes spirituall gifts, & such as belōg to saluation.

3 It comprehendeth all other kindes of faith, but is not com­prehended by them.

4 It only obtaineth the inheri­tance, which the rest may see, though not apprehend, nor at­taine vnto, Rom. 3.28. Rom. 4.5. And this faith is thus effectuall, and discerned by these markes.

1 Acknowledging what is in the Scriptures to be true.

2 Finding our selues bound to beleeue them.

[Page 117]3 Applying principally the pro­mise of grace. Ioh. 8.36.

4 Boldnesse on this confidence to rely on this present grace.

5 Ioy in the present blessing, but especially in the saluation to come.

6 Desire to bring forth the fruit of an holy life, whereby wee are made partakers of the diuine na­ture, and so made meete to that happines, wherinto no vncleane thing shall enter. Iam. 2. 2. Pet. 1.3. Col. 1.11. Reu, 21.27.

Hence we may learne,

1 That there is no holinesse in na­ture, and therefore no happinesse from thence, Rom. 3.9.

2 Though Christ be offred to al, yet all do not receiue him. Rom. 5.

3 No man knoweth iustifying faith, but he that hath it.

4 Our righteousnes is of faith, lay­ing hold on Iesus Christ. Phil. 3, 9

5 Being redeemed by Christ, we must be zealous of good works, which God hath ordained vs to walke in.

6 That wee may not erre in wel-doing, nor be weary thereof, [Page 118] we must haue a Guide to direct vs therein. Ioh. 11.9.

7 Certainty, vpon the assurance of Gods promise, that, though his faith may languish, and be ecclip­sed, yet it shall neuer faile fi­nally.

8 And therefore still striuing with doubts and tentation, and getting the conquest ouer them.

CHAP. XII. This Guide is onely the perfect word of God.

1 BEcause it is the briefe of Gods reuealed will. Sect. 1. The word the guide of this di­rection. Psalme 40.7.

2 It reacheth not onely to the outward, but inward man also, & is a discerner of the secret thoghts and reins. Heb. 4.12.

3 It is that will of God, which the Lord would haue to this ende communicated vnto all. Colos. 1.6. Ioh. 5.35.

4 It is sufficient and absolutely [Page 119] perfect to accomplish whatsoeuer concernes our entrance or perfe­ction to eternall life. 2. Tim. 3.16.

5 It is a sure and euerlasting word able to accomplish that which it promiseth or threatneth, and gi­uing grace to perform that in some measure which it enioyneth. Eph. 6.17. 1. Pet. 1. 2. Pet. 1.19. Psal. 19.7. Psal. 119.93.

6 It is most plaine and easie to be apprehended, as being a light shining in a darke place. 2. Pet. 1. Pr. 8.2. 2▪ Cor. 4.4.

Hence it followeth.

1 That whatsoeuer is not war­ranted by the word, is sinne, Sect. 2. Apoc. 22 18. Deut. 4.2. Prou. 30.6. Ʋse.

2 That the Law of nature writ­ten in our hearts, is no sufficient rule of life. 1. Cor. 2.14. Mat. 16.17. Rom. 2.12.

3 Much lesse the Lawes of nati­ons are perfect rules to liue by. Deut. 4.6.

4 No wil-worship is accepted of God. Matth. 15.9. Colos. 2.23. Deu 12.8.

[Page 120]5 Nither a good intention makes a good action. 2. Sam. 6.6.

6 Nor an erroneous conscience ex­cuseth an euill fact, or maketh that which is doubtfull good, Rom. 14.23.

7 No not Ignorant Deuotion a­uailes in Gods worship. Rom. 10 2. Act. 13.50.51.

8 Much lesse the lawlesse lusts of our hearts, which tend to the de­struction of life, Eph. 1 22.

9 Neither is the Multitude a iu­stifiable warrant for our actions. Exod. 23.

10 No not the examples of any, further then they square with the word. 1. Cor. 11.1.

11 Neither the word it selfe in the letter, but in the spirituall mea­ning thereof. Math. 5.

12 And the meaning of the word to be fetcht not from any other but the Word, comparing spiritual things with spirituall things, 1. Cor. 2.13.

13 Yea, the true meaning must be appplied by faith, before our [Page 121] actions can be warranted therby. Rom. 14.

CHAP. XIII. What this direction is namely to serue God daily and constantly.

THis direction is a daily and con­stant endeuour to serue God. Sect. 1. And

1 Because the Lord requires such a dayly and constant course. Philip. 3.15. Gen. 17.1. Iob. 1.5.

2 The Lord giues grace and ap­points means for the performance thereof, as the continuall inhabi­tation of his spirit, and the fruite therof, the holy seed that remains in vs. 1. Iob. 3.8.

3 The Saints of God haue practi­sed such a course. Psal. 1. Genes. 18. 1. Cor. 15.

4 To this ende were we redeemed that we should serue God in holi­nesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of ous life. Luk. 1.

5 God doth dayly bestow bles­sings vpon vs, therefore wee [Page 122] must dayly serue him. Lam. 3.23. Psal. 103.2.

6 Christ Iesus maketh continuall intercession for vs: that wee should daily, yea hourely and continually performe acceptable seruice vnto God. 1. Iob. 2.2.

7 Satan is neuer weary of temp­ting vs: therefore wee should haue our loines girt, and bee alwaies vpon our watch to resist him. 1. Pet. 5.8.

8 Wee haue not a daies warrant, no not an houres certaintie of life, therefore we are at no time to be vnprepared, because we know not the houre when our master com­meth. Math. 24.

9 We are pilgrims and trauellers in this world, and therefore wee must trauell each day homeward to our country. Heb. 11.12. 1. Pet. 2.11.

10 By our calling we are watch­men, souldiers, &c. and therefore we must daily be exercised in this spirituall▪ warrefare. 2. Timothie 2.6.

[Page 123] Hence it followeth.

1 That to fancie any such ser­uice out of the word, Sect. 1. Ʋse. which is not daily and constant, is sinne. Ho­sea. 6.4.

2 To thinke that the seruice of the Sabboth is all that God requi­reth is also sinne. Esa. 1.13.

3 It is in vaine to serue God at randome, and not in an holy and constant order.

4 To put off the seruice of God to the end of our life; is most pre­sumptuous. Psal. 95.7.

5 To thinke I haue any libertie or time to serue sinne; is Atheisticall. 1. Pet. 4.2. Ephe. 5.16.

6 That it is not wil-worship, to performe this seruice, seeing it is warranted by the word.

7 That it is no nouelty, to serue God after this manner.

8 Neither is it precisenesse, to tie our selues hereunto, seeing it is reuealed and therefore bee­longs vnto vs. Deut. 29.29. Ephes. 5.15.

[Page 124] Therefore▪ that we may serue God ac­cording to his word, we must perform dayly, and continuall obedience to to him, Coloss. 10.

CHAP. XIIII. What this dayly course is, namely a constant purpose to serue God, & how

ANd this is, first, a purpose of the heart, to serue God, as God: wholly and continually. He. 13.18. Act. 11.13. Sect. 1.

2 This purpose is setled and roo­ted in the heart, and bringeth forth some constant fruit of obedience euery day. Col. 1.23.

3 It is also sincere, and generall, hauing respect vnto al Gods com­mandments, in all things desirous to please him dayly, and to bee fruitfull in euery good worke Psa 119.6. Col. 1.10.

4 It is in wisedome, both auoi­ding all occasions which may hin­der, as also vsing the best meanes may further the execution there­of.

5 It is constant and earnest, not [Page 125] giuing ouer though it be preuen­ted, and interrupted, but hereby is more kindled and enflamed, to weldoing.

Fifthly, it is spirituall, and re­spects the ends, which are two:

1 Gods glory, not any worldly or vaine respects. 1. Cor. 10.31.

2 The eternall saluation of my soule not any trāsitory or outward bles­sing. Phil. 3.8. 1. Pet. 1.9.

3 It enioynes these so farre, as God shall inwardly enable; and out­ward means permit, rather to put vs in minde what we should bee, then what we can bee in this life. 2. Cor. 8.12. Hence it followeth.

First, that though this course were impossible, Sect. 2. This course to be known though im­possible to be kept. yet were it necessary to be known, and indeauored of vs.

1 That it might bee a dayly rule of our life.

2 That it might continually humble vs vnder the mighty hand of God.

3 That it may daily driue vs to Christ

4 That it might weane vs from the world, & fit vs to eternal happines

[Page 126] Hence it followeth.

Secondly, that it is not impossible in some good measure, Sect. 3. It is not impossible to keepe such a course and trade of holines

1 Because he presumes not abso­lute perfection; which indeed were folly for any to dreame of in this life, but is onely a following hard to the make, and furtherance to perfection. Phil. 3.13.

2 It is no harder a taske, then what the Saints of God do desire to attaine, Psal. 90.12. haue volun­tarily vndertaken, and in most com­fortable measure performed Genes. 5.22.

3 It may stand well with our or­dinary callings. 1. Tim. 4.8.

4 Neither doeth exclude our lawfull comforts 2. Tim. 4.8.

Hence it followeth.

Sect. 4. It is ne­cessary.Thirdly, That it is no more then needs must to take this course.

1 Because hereby we shew our selues obedient to Gods commande­ment. Gen. 17.1.

Secondly, Wee do also approoue the soundnes of our obedience: as

[Page 127]1 That it is hearty, not Hypocri­ticall. 3 To en­crease in righteous-

2 Not by halfes but generall.

3 Not temporary, but continuall.

4 Not indifferent, but conscio­nable.

5 Not enforced, but free & cheere­full. Deut. 28.47.

6 Not vncertaine, but constant.

7 Not carnall, but spirituall.

Thirdly, Heereby we increase in righteousnes and holines: as being

First, Confirmed in well doing, and that

1 By the knowledge of our hea­uenly thrift. 1. Thes. 4.10. Mat. 25.16.

2 Thanfulnesse vnto God for it.

3 Commending the successe to God.

4 Crauing his further supply. 4 To reco­uer out of euil:

4 Recouered also we shall bee out of euill:

1 By seeing our escapes. Ieremy 3.13.

2 Iudging them. 1. Cor. 11.32.

3 Denying our selues. Math. 16

[Page 128]4 Casting our selues vpon Christ. Math. 11.

Fifthly, Hereby also our outward callings are furthered, 5 To fur­ther our callings. as

1 Being sanctified by this spiri­tuall exercise 1. Tim. 4.5.

2 Moderated, least we be drun­ken with them. Deut. 17.18.

3 Ordered to the right end, least they mislead vs. 1. Cor. 10.31

4 Seasoned, lest we be weary of them.

5 Blessed, in seeing a happy re­turne by them Ps. 128.

Hence it followeth.

Fiftly, that this duety is most conuenient for all sorts. Sect. 5. It is most conuenient for all sorts.

Both for all persons, as well 1 babes in Christ, as 2 Strong men.

And for all estates, as well in prosperity, as in aduersity.

1 For BabesFirst, for Babes in Christ: that

1 They may beginne well.

2 Th [...]y may go forward with­out griefe, vncertainty, wearisomnes.

3 That they may obtaine a more glorious Crowne. 2 For strong men.

Secondly, For strong men and that

[Page 129]1 To keepe them constant from backe-sliding Collos. 2.7.

2 To make them more able to winne and hold others. Rom. 14.1

3 To acquaint them with the deepnes of Satan. Apoc. 2.24.

4 To repaire them to greater glory. Dan. 12.

5 To humble them in the sense of their extraordinary graces. 2. Cor. 12.

Thirdly, it is fit for men in pros­peritie: and that

1 To preuent securitie. Isa. 5.12. 3 For men in prosperi­ty.

2 To humble them in regard of those temporall things. Luk. 22.48.

3 To teach them how to vse them to Gods glory, their owne and their neighbours good. 1, Tim 6.17.

4 That they may part with them willingly. Phil. 4.12.

5 That all may bee counted as dung in respect of heauen Phil­lip. 3.8.

Fourthly, This practise also will be very necessary in the time of afflicti­on: And that. 4 For the time of of­fliction.

[Page 130]1 To prepare vs thereuto. Prou· 28.14. Iob. 3.25.

2 To qualefie the sharpenes and tediousnesse of it.

3 To sanctifie them vnto vs.

4 To be conquerors in our tro­bles, and ouer them. Rom. 8.

5 To be deliuered finally from them. Psal. 34.

And therefore though doe what we can, Sect. 6. And pro­fitable. some corruptions shall still re­maine, yet this labour is not vnprofi­table:

1 Because God accepts herein the purpose of our hearts. 2. Cor. 8.12.

2 The Lord will haue some in­firmities still left in vs to humble vs with all 2. Cor. 12.

3 And so enable vs to make bet­ter vse of our society, by walking more tenderly with them & win­ning them more comfortably. And yet

4 Our hatred of sinne shall be perfited hereby, though it remain in vs.

5 The strength of sinne shall [Page 331] also much he abated in vs. Sect. 7. And plea­sant, where

6 Our edge to eternall happi-shall be still sharpened & our de­sire enflamed to fitte vs thereto. Rom. 7.

Neither is this labour vncomforta­ble. For

1 We increase hereby an assu­rance of our saluation. The bene­fite of con­stant godli­nes & there in the pri­uiledge of Christians. 2. Peter 1 9.10.

2 Wee grow more setled, and resolued in godlinesse, and get the maistery of inconstancy. Ephe. 3.18.19.

3 Wee performe holy duties more constantly, and easily. Ps. 119 32. Ioh. 4.34. Mat. 11.24.

4 Wee haue more neere and sweete fellowship with our blessed God, and his holy Spirit. 1. Tim. 4.10. Mat 10.30. Ps. 1.3. Rom. 8.31. Ps. 2.12.

6 Wee preuent many noysome lusts which otherwise would fa­sten on vs, Ps. 119.10.11. Io. 15.15. Exod. 19.5. Pro. 19.23.

6 Wee are freed from many temporall iudgements, which vn­staied [Page 132] soule, are subiect to. Psal. 91.11 Psal. 32.10.11.

7 Our score shall bee the lesse, and our reckoning more easie at the day of iudgement.

8 Hereby wee shal haue our cō ­uersation in heauen Phil. 3.21

9 We shall labor to a m [...] [...]e ex­cellent measure then wee lost in Adam.

10 Our heart & the inordinate lusts thereof shall be kept at a bay

11 We shall bee armed against al temptations, end secured in the midst of them Ephes. 6.13.

12 Wee shall bee weaned from the loue of this wretched world.

13 Yea led forward constantly to obtaine the ende of our faith, which is the saluation of our souls Ephes. 6.2. Tim. 4.

14 We shall approue our selues not to be of the world, by our con­trary fashion to it. Rom. 12.

15 Wee shall recouer our first I­mage, in being holy as God is ho­ly. 1. Pet. 1.

16 And ready to meete our Sa­uiour [Page 133] whensoeuer he shall come. Ephes. 6. Math. 24.25. &c.

17 We shall see out daily weak­nesse and inability to serue God, and so acknowledge vnfaignedly our vnworthinesse of the least mercies, and so happily preuent spirituall pride.

18 We gaine hereby a certaine knowledge of our estate in grace, and by the light hereof wee know whither wee walke 1. Iohn. 3.1.

19 We shall be raised vp from our falles into sinne, 1. Ioh. 2.2.

20 Wee shall vse prosperity a­right, Iob. 31.24. Ier. 8.4.6.

21 And ouer-come all trou­bles. Rom. 8.36.

22 Yea, we shall bee fitter to winne others. Gal. 6.1.

23 And so grow forward to perfection, Col. 1.9. Ioh. 7.52.

24 And happily bee continued to the end.

acceptable vnto him, Psalm. 51.18.

3 Hereby wee deny our selues, and daily take vp our Crosse, Math. 16.

4 We approue our right and estate in Christ Iesus, in that we confesse our selues to bee sin­ners, and such as haue daily need of his mercie, and so daily fit our selues vnto the same, Math. 11.28.

5 We iustifie the truth of our Religion against all the imagina­ry perfection of Popery, and se­curity of Libertines, and Athe­ists whomsoeuer, and so doe daily giue an account of our Faith 1. Pet. 3.15.

6 As also wee maintaine the peace of our Conscience, Psalm. 32.5. And so

8 Continue, and renue the as­surance of our saluation, 1. Ioh. 3.10. And so

8 Proceede, and follow hard af­ter the marke. Phil. 3.13.

First, by knowledge of sinne, not onely by the law, but also by the Gospell, Psalm. 19.11. Ierem, 3.13. 1 By know­ledge. And that voluntarily, accor­ding to the conuiction of con­science.

Secondly, 2 Sorrow. by mourning before the Lord in the sence of them, Psal. 6. & 38. And that,

1 Not for a spurt, but euen all our life long, Psalm. 51.5.6.

2 Neither with a few hypocri­ticall teares from the eyes, but e­uen with Deepe sorrow from the heart, expressed euen with plen­ty of teares, and bitter lamentati­on, 2. Sam. 7. Matth. 27. Esra. 1.9.

3 And that not so much for feare of the punishment, as that wee haue offended so good a God, Luk. 15.21.

4 And not so much, that wee are knowne sinners a­mong men, which happily may [Page 138] discredit vs, as that we feele not our sinnes pardoned with God.

5 This is accompanied with an astonishment for sinne, in respect of Gods infinite Maiesty. Esra. 9.4.

Thirdly, repentance is perfor­med by Acknowledging and confes­sing of sinne, 3 By confes­sion Pro. 28.13.

And that first for the matter.

• 1 From the fountaine, which is,
  • In generall.
    1 Originall sinne, Psa. 51.5.
  • 2 Our corrupt hearts, Psalm. 19.12.
• 2 From the streames, both our
  • 1 Thoughts, so farre as we may, Esr. 9.
  • 2 Our Idle words, Iob. 42. And
  • 3 Prophane actions. Psalm. 19.12.

Secondly, for the manner.

1 Aggrauating them against our selues, Lam. 3.43.

2 Cleering others, as righteous in comparison of our selues, 1. Sam. 14.

3 Against our selues vnto the Lord, Psal. 32.5. Not

• 1 Excusing. Nor
• [Page 139]2 Diminishing: Nor
• 3 Posting off to others.

And here, both

1 What Good wee haue omit­ted.

2 What Euill we haue commit­ted.

3 How wee haue sinned of Igno­rance, Psa. 73.22.

4 How of Knowledge wee haue transgressed, 2. Sam. 24. Luk. 12.48.

1 The sinnes we haue beene sub­iect vnto, Psa. 51.14. In particu­lar.

2 Those which for the present we grone vnder.

3 Those which wee feare most. Psalm. 19.13.

4 The sinnes of our Fathers, Ne­hem. 9.

5 The sinnes of the Land, and state where wee liue. Dan. 9.

6 Those which accompany wel-doing. Math. 8.

7 Yea such as in particular we know not, wee are notwithstan­ding to yeeld vp to bee searched by [Page 140] the Lord: and by his mercie ei­ther to be brought to our remem­brance, or to be graciously passed ouer, Psa. 19.12.

4 By iud­gingFourthly, wee must proceede to iudgement against sinne: And that,

1 Remembring and producing the law that conuinceth our sin, Esr. 9.11.12.

2 Pleading guilty therto, Esr. 9.10

3 By abhorring of our selues, Iob. 42

4 Stripping our selues of all com­forts.

5 Imposing volunatry afflictions vpon our selues. Ioel. 2.

6 Acknowledging our selues worthy to be cut off Eze. 20.

7 Yeelding to temporal cha­sticements, 2. Sam. 16.

8 Iustifying Gods iustice in his former chasticements vpon our fathers for sin, Esr. 9.7.

9 Feeling our sinne a burthen which we are not able to beare, Act. 12.37. Psa. 38.4. Hereupon,

Fiftly, By faith we flye unto Christ.

5 By flying to Christ.1 Hungring after the least drop of mercy.

[Page 141]2 Preferring it before all earth­ly comforts.

3 Begging it boldly and con­stantly.

4 Waiting patiently till the Lord answere.

5 Meditating on Gods former mercies. Esr. 9.8. 5 Forsaking sin, & how.

6 In Christ we gaine strength to forsake sin: And that

1 In heart, wee throughly pur­pose neuer to commit the like a­gaine. Esr. 10.3.

2 To this end we are Fearfull of the occasions, and wisely decline from them.

3 We bend our strength especi­ally against our beloued sin.

4 We complaine of our Inabili­ty, and labour to be strengthned by the Word, Conference, &c.

5 Hereupon we finde our loue encreased to all Gods Comma [...] [...]dements, and so more consciona­bly intend the performance of [...]hem.

6 Especially wee endeauour to bee found in CHRIST, and to [Page 142] feele the power of his death, and resurrection in the subduing of sinne; and so exercise our meditati­ons more often, and seriously there­on.

7 And so wee endeuour, that the life of Christ may appeare in our mortall bodies: and that not wee, but Christ may liue wholly in vs, Galat. 2.19. &c.

8 To this end labour wee the practise of some one speciall vertue, to which we find our selues most auerse, and which we see, that we haue especiall need of.

9 And so by Gods mercy, we at­taine such conquest ouer our most grieuous tentations, and former e­uils, as hatred of the word, and the Saints, &c. as that wee neuer fall into them againe.

10 And though wee finde apt­nesse to fall into some former sinnes, yet wee earnestly striue a­gainst them, and grone vnder the burthen of our corruptions.

11 And so, do hunger and sigh for our dissolution. Rom. 7.

[Page 143]12 Submitting our selues to the power of the word, to haue cor­ruption discouered and purged out.

13 Auoiding all occasions that entice to sin.

Now that wee may the bettter performe this duty of Repen­tance; consider wee in the third place, these preparatiues and helpes thereto. Section 3. Helpes to repentance.

1 That Repentance is the gift of God, and therefore if we want it, let vs aske it of him in faith, Iam. 1.6.

2 That by nature wee cannot re­pent, and therefore wee had more need to renounce our selues, and flye vnto God.

3 That the time of repentance is this life: and therfore while we may, let vs set vpon it.

4 The longer we deferre it, the harder, and more doubtfull it will proue.

5 That the fittest time is imme­diatly after sinne committed, Psal. 95.8.

[Page 144]6 To this end meditate we on the shortnesse of life, Psalm. 91.12.

And withall,

7 Weigh wee the greatnesse of our sinne, how infinite in number, how dangerous and deadly to our own soules, how offensiue to Gods children▪ &c.

8 And submit wee our selues wil­lingly to such rebukes and chastice­ments, as are laid vpon vs to the humbling of the flesh, Iam. 4.9.10. Iob. 33.17.18. Leuit. 26.41.

9 Yea, intreat we the Lord to cor­rect vs, Psa. 61. and that the righ­teous may smite vs, Psalm. 141.5. Psa. 6.1.

Hitherto serueth further,

1 The due contemplation of the Maiesty of God, whom we haue so highly offended, Psalm. 51.4. Gen. 39.9.

2 The vilenesse and abiectnesse of Man, that durst commit such wic­kednesse against God.

3 How fearefull (by reason of sinne) our condition is vnder Sa­than.

[Page 145]4 The dangers we haue incur­red hereby, euen all the plagues that are written in Gods Booke, Deut. 29.27.

5 The riches of Gods mercy, in prouiding so excellent a remedy against sin, as the pretious blood of his onely and deerely beloued sonne, when nothing else in the world was available thereunto, 1. Pet. 1.12.

6 The effectualnesse of this Sacri­fice, daily preuenting sinne, and furthering, yea sanctifying our repentance, and leading to per­fection. 1. Ioh. 1.7. Eph. 5.22.23.

7 The excellency of our estate in Ie­sus Christ, with the manifold bene­fites and priuiledges thereof: and so meditate we on his Death, Re­surrection, Ascention, &c.

8 Consider wee the end of our Creation, Redemption, Iustification, &c. All which doe call for repen­tance.

9 And on the other side, im­partially discerne wee our Vn­thankfulnesse against the blood of [Page 146] the Couenant, in not walking wor­thy of the same. Ephes. 4.1. yea in as much as lieth in vs.

10 Making the same of none effect vnto vs. Heb. 10.

11 Adde we hereunto, How we haue grieued the spirit of God, E­phes. 4.30.

1 And dulled, if not quenched the graces of God in vs, 1. Thess. 5.19.

13 Consider what dishonour we haue done vnto our God, all this while, that we haue liued in sinne.

14 And wonder at the patience of the Almighty, that hath spared so long, such notorious rebels, La­ment. 3.23. Rom. 2.4.

15 Consider wee the small number of those that shall bee sa­ued. And

16 That many shall striue to en­ter in, and shall not be able, Luk. 13.23.

17 Treasure we vp the Word in our hearts, which daily prouokes to repentance, Matth. 3.

[Page 147]18 And meditate wee on Gods Iudgements inflicted on the world for sinne, Psal. 119.

19 Consider we how hardly, e­uen the righteous, shall bee saued, 1. Pet. 4.13.14.

20 Sort wee with the Godly, that so wee may learne their waies.

21 Enter wee into the house of Mourning, and this will bring sin to remembrance.

22 And thinke wee often of our ends, and of the day of iudge­ment, so shall sinne haue little rest with vs.

1 Care, not to sinne againe, 2. Cor. 7.11. Luk. 9.

2 Clearing and approuing of our selues, to the Church of God.

3 In the euidence of the par­don [Page 148] of our sinne, being able to make our defence against sin and Satan. 2. Cor. 7.

And so

4 Giuing the Lord no rest, till by praier we haue obtained this as­surance.

5 An holy indignation, and dis­pleasure at our selues for offen­ding so good and gratious a Fa­ther. Psal. 73.22.

6 A feruent affection to Gods word, and spirituall things, Psal. 51. Psalm. 32.

7 Zeale of Gods glory; and in regard thereof, a iudging of our best graces, and mourning for our failings in them.

8 A spirituall execution, and ta­king vengeance on our selues, by cleering of others in affli­ction, and condemning our selues, Esay 30.21. 2. Sam. 16.17. Ier. 31.19. 2. Sam. 24.

9 Yea desirous to bee more vile, 1. Timoth. 1.13.14. and ex­posing our selues to confusion for the same.

[Page 149]10 And because wee cannot bee so abased as wee should: Mourning and complaining of the hardnesse of our hearts, Esay. 63.17.

11 Prouoking deeper sorrow for our owne, by mourning for the sinnes of others, Psal. 119.136. Dan. 9. Eze. 9.

12 Trembling at the word, and yet louing the sharpest blowes thereof, Psalm. 119.120. And so melting at the sweet promi­ses therein.

13 Submitting our selues wil­lingly to Gods chastisements, Psal. 39.9. Mich. 7.9.

14 Labouring vnfaignedly the conuersion of others, Psalm. 51.17. And admonishing them to take heed by our example, Ezech. 18.30.

15 Shame of humane society, E­zech. 16.61. Ier. 3.3.

16 Feare of the wrath of God. Psal 119.120.

17 Strong cryes for mercy, Io. 2.17.

18 Desire of the restoring of [...] [Page 152] for sin, though we alwayes shed not teares for it.

4 And though we forsake not sinne wholly, yet out ende­uour is accepted with God; so that wee finde the power of sinne weakned in vs, and relapse into former sinnes breed greater feare of our selues and humility.

5 Considering that our repen­tance is not to purge out our sinne, or deferre pardon: but onely,

Vse of Re­pentance.1 To testifie our thankfulnesse vnto God.

2 To assure vnto our selues the renued life of grace.

3 And to proceed and goe for­ward therein.

6 As also, resoluing that in all these things, whosoeuer will lead a godly life in CHRIST, the power of God is to bee made perfect by their infirmities, 2. Cor. 12.9.

7 Comforting our selues, that if being in our wayes, wee bee kept from sinne, Note. this is the mer­cie of GOD; but if out of [Page 153] our wayes, we seeme to maister sinne, this is in Iustice, and de­ceiuable.

8 As also, beeing assured, that what we faile in at one time, will be supplied at another; and God will accept the measure of his worke in vs.

9 And lastly, accounting it a good measure of forsaking sinne, if wee see what wee can­not do, and grone vnder the bur­then, desirous to bee dissolued, Rom. 7 24.

1 That our sorrow for sinne neither vnfits vs for our callings, nor excludes from such com­forts as are tendered in Christ Iesus.

2 That wee so iudge our selues, that we iudge not either peremptorily of our owne estate, to preiudice Gods mercy, or cen­sure our brethren vncharitably, [Page 154] who stand or fall to their Mai­ster.

3 Yet neglect wee not reproofe for sinne, seasonably and conscionably, that either others, or at least our selues, may bee kept from security, and kept in the tendernesse and true iudgement of the conscience.

4 That wee are more grieued, that wee haue not serued God longer time, then that we haue for the present dishonoured him by sin. And yet

5 Are more grieued by this, that the name of God is blasphe­med, and his spirit grieued by our sin; then that any hurt hath, or for any that shall redound to vs hereby.

The benefite hereof is as before.

CHAP.. II. Of the raising vp of a sinner by a true and liuely faith.

THe soule beeing thus humbled, must bee raised vp againe by [Page 155] a true and liuely Faith. And this is the second duty daily to be per­formed.

Obiect. But cannot we bee truly humbled without faith? Is this a worke of nature, and so a prepa­ration to grace? Or else ra­ther a worke of Sanctificati­on.

Answer. 1 Some kinde of hu­miliation and sorrow for sinne, Ahab. may be naturall, as being forced from the conscience accusing na­turally, Rom. 2. and furthered by the spi­rit of illumination. So that

2 In the outward act, the Hypocrite may bee like the sound Professour: yea, in some measure, in regard of the power of conscience let loose, exceed him in outward humiliation; e­specially if wil-worship sway for our owne credit.

3 But the truely humbled Soule, expressed in those Markes and Rules before, is so wrought by faith, apprehending the pardon of sinne in Christ [...] [Page 158] our sinnes.

This is performed,

1 By a serious meditation on the promise of the Messiah. Iohn 3.16.

2 By exercising our selues more conscionably in the reading, and hearing of the word taught. Iohn 5.39.

Secondly, Faith is quickned by reuiuing our apprehension of the promise; and this is is done. 2. Chr. 17. vers 16.17.18.19. and to the end of the Chapter.

1 By earnest prayer vnto God for the renuing of his Spirit in vs. Psal. 51.12.

2 By an hearty acknowledge­ment, that we haue iustly grieued the Spirit of God, and so are de­seruedly depriued of the feeling thereof. Psalme 51.4. Lamentation. 3.22, 37.

3 Meditating of our former comfort and assurance herein. Ps. 77.

[Page 159]First, Sect. 2. The degrees of this worke. A liuely sense what need I haue of Christ, and that without him I must certainly perish. Rom. 7.24, 25.

Secondly, Hope of pardon, whereby though we yet feele not our sinnes certainly pardoned yet we beleeue that they are pardo­nable; not in respect of thēselues, as if they were lesse heinous, but in respect of God, whose mercies are aboue them. Esay 1.18.

Thirdly, An hungring and thir­sting after grace offered in Iesus Christ. Ioh. 6.35.7.37. Reu. 21.6.

And this is discerned,

1 By our prizing and prefer­ring it aboue all other comforts. Phil. 3.

2 By our fainting and langui­shing after it. Psal. 42▪

3 By our strong cries and en­deuours for the same. Psalme 51.12, 13. &c.

Fourthly, Wee approch to the throne of grace, and flying from the terrour of the law, wee take hold on Christ, and find fauour in [Page 160] God. Heb. 4.16. Heb. 10.19.

And this is performed.

1 By an humble confession of thy sinne in particular, wherupon followeth a full remission of them Psalme 32.5.

2 Crauing pardon of some spe­ciall sins, with vnspeakeable sighs and perseuerance. Luk. 15.21. Act. 8.21.

Fiftly, Hereupon followeth a particular perswasion imprinted in the heart by the holy Ghost, whereby euery faithful man doth particularly apply vnto himselfe those promises which are made in the Gospell. Mat. 9.2. Math. 15.28. Psal. 143.12.

1 It goes before experience, Mat. 15.23. and so our faith is su­pernaturall and contrary to all reason. Heb. 11.1.

2 It holds beyond experience. Iob. 13.15. Heb. 11.1. and is aboue all feeling.

3 And neuer leaues vs till wee [Page 161] haue obtained the ende thereof, which is the saluation of our soules. 1. Pet. 1.9.

This perswasion hath these degrees

First, it takes hold weakely, Sect. 4. The degrees thereof. Weakenesse of Faith. not without doubting, and yet sound­ly and truely, so that it is accep­ted of God. Luke 17.5. Mat 8.

And it is discerned.

1 By an earnest desire and en­deauour to obtaine Gods fauour. How knowne. Math. 5.6.

2 By a continuall complaining of our vnbeleefe, and mourning for it. Marc. 9.24. Yet

3 By an earnest striuing against it, in vsing all good helps, as pray­er, the word, conference, &c. Mat. 8.25. Luke 17.5.

This weakenesse proceeds.

1 From want of knowledge in the mystery of saluation. The grounds hereof. Rom. 14.2. Math. 16.16. Ioh. 6.69.

2 For want of application to our selues of the particular pro­mise. 2. Tim. 1.12.

3 By relying on sense, and sub­mitting faith thereto. Ioh. 20.

[Page 164] [...] a farre off.

5 By resting vpon the power of God, and so building on his pro­mises. Rom. 4.21. In

6 Consideration of our own vn­worthinesse, and imperfection, which still sends vs to Christ in whom we are strengthned in faith

7 By long experience of Gods fauour and loue in many deliue­rances. Psalm. 23.5.

8 By ripenesse and dexteritie in the meanes: as power in prayer, the word, &c. Ephes. 6.18.

9 Daily examining and trying our selues. Psalm. 4.34.

10 Renouncing the especiall sinne which hangeth so fast vpon vs. Heb. 12.1.

11 Renuing daily our couenant with God, and charging a fresh vpon our hearts to constancie.

CHAP. III. The preparing and furnishing the heart to the seruice of God.

AND this is the third duty daily we must performe, namely; to re­nue [Page 165] our vowes, and stirre vp our hearts to the seruice of God.

1 Because the hart is that which God principally delights in. Prou. 23.25.

2 The heart is the fountaine of euery action, if it be cleansed, the actions will be sutable. Luke 8.

3 The infirmity of the action shall not be imputed, if the heart be ordered aright. 2. Corinthians 8.12.

4 As the bodie sleepes, so the heart sleepes too, and therefore the one must bee awaked as the other. Esay. 29.10. Sect. 1. The heart a sleepe, and by what meanes.

Now the heart may be cast into a sleepe. 1. Thess. 5.6.

1 By ignorance of it selfe. Ephes. 5.14.

2 By selfe-loue, and ouerwee­ning of it owne perfections.

3 By neglecting the meanes.

4 By corrupt meanes in stead of the pure fountaines.

5 By the ceasing of Gods Spi­rit to worke.

6 By some grosse sinne commit­ted. [Page 166] 2. Sam. 11.

7 By securitie in prosperitie and sinne.

8 By presumption of Gods mer­cies or it owne merits. Matthew 26.33.

9 By stupiditie and sensles­nesse.

10 By spirituall blindnesse and hardnesse of heart.

First, it must be awakened and roused vp, Sect. 2· The heart to be awa­kened, and how. and that

1 By meditating.

1 What it was by nature. Ierem. 17.9. Math. 15.19.

2 What it is now by grace. Rom 6.2. Ephe. 4.23.

3 How vnsearchable and bot­tomlesse a gulfe it is. 1. Cor. 4.4.

2 By yeelding it vp to God, and exposing it naked before him, & that

1 Both confessing its corrup­tion, and deceitfulnesse.

2 And also submitting it whol­ly to his gouernment.

3 Reforming the occasions whereby [Page 167] it was laid a sleepe, as

1 Ignorance, by the glasse of the word. Iam. 1.25.

2 Selfe-loue, by viewing our selues in the glasse of the consci­ence examined by the Law. Ro. 7.8, 9.

3 Vsing the meanes consciona­bly.

4▪ Especially not closing with corrupt meanes.

5 Renue the Spirit by vnfained repentance. Psal. 51.10.

6 Forsake not onely grosse sins but euen all, yea all apparance of sinne. 1. Thess. 5.22.

7 Be we alwaies watchfull ouer our selues. Luk. 22.

8 Auoide wee presumption by meditation of Gods iustice. Iude 5.6.7.

9 Remedie wee stupidity by quicknesse in apprehension, and forwardnesse to iudge our selues 1. Cor. 11.31.

10 Breake wee our hard hearts with the hammer of Gods word. Iere. 23.29. 1. Cor. 9.27.

Sect. 3. The heart a­wakened, must be exa­mined. And how.First, By a true rule.

1 Not by it selfe, but by the law of God. Heb. 4.12.

2 Neither by the world, but by the conscience informed by the word. Ierem. 6.14.

1 By a true rule.3 Not by opinion, but by the e­uidence of the Spirt. Roman. 8.16. Rom. 14.5. Pro. 14.12.

4 Neither by the lawes of men, but by the rule of faith. Matth. 15 9. Act. 4 19.

5▪ Neither by the letter of Gods Law, but by the spiritual meaning thereof. Matth. 5.

6 Not by the outward conditi­on, but by the inward experience Eccles. 9.1. Pro. 14.13.

7 Neither by outward actions, but by inward purposes. Ierem. 17.10. Ioel. 2.13.

8 Not by the examples of the most, but of the best. Luk. 18.1. Cor. 11.1.

Secondly, Wee must examine the [Page 169] heart after a true and holy manner. 2. An holy manner.

Not once or seldome, but dayly Psal. 119.

Not slightly but seriously, euen from the bottome. Psal. 119.12.

Not on the oneside, but on both as well what euill wee haue done, as what good. Esay. 1. Psal. 34.

Neither in generall, but in par­ticular, concerning the chiefe good or euill. Psal. 51.

And that not partially but con­scionably and indifferently, both concerning it weakenesse and al­so it strength. Psal. 42. & 43.

Thirdly, We must herein aime at a right ende. 3. To a right end.

1 Not vain glory, but the praise of God. 1. Cor. 10.3.

2 Neither for selfe-loue, but to denie our selues. Mat. 16.22.

3 Not for loue of the world, but to the renouncing thereof. Rom. 13.11.

4 Neither for feare of death, but to be prepared to it. 2. Cor. 5.9.

5 Not to remit of our sincerity, but to increase in holines. Ps. 119.

[Page 170]6 Not to preferre our selues before others, that are behinde vs but to be humbled in regard of those that haue out-stript vs. Heb. 12.1.

7 Not to bee approued of the world, but to the conuincing, or conuerting thereof. Gal. 1.9.

8 Not to make vs distrust God, but to increase our confidence in him. Sect. 4. The heart examined must be e­stablished in the wor­ship of God.

9 And so to hunger more con­stantly after him. Phil. 3.13.

The heart being thus tryed and examined, must bee established and confirmed in the seruice of God. Psal. 51.12. Pro. 4.

And that by these meanes.

First, by resigning it vp to the guidance of the Almightie. And how. Psal. 119.

This is performed, by

1 Acknowledging him to bee greater, then the heart, who kno­weth all things. 1. Iohn 3.20.

2 Yeelding the heart to bee dayly searched by him. Psalm [...] 19.12.

3 And submitting the priuie [Page 171] corruptions of the heart not one­ly which we know, but which are hidden from vs, to be iudged of him. Psal. 19.12. Iob. 9.

4 Doing al things as in the pre­sence of his Maiestie. Genes. 17.

5 Confessing dayly vnto Him the inward rebellions and deceit­fulnesse of the heart, and com­plaining of it backewardnesse to the worship of God.

6 And so renouncing the best testimony of it sinceritie, as to be iustified thereby in his presence. 1. Cor. 4.4.3.

7 And yet comforting our selues in the testimony thereof, so farre, as thereby to haue boldnesse, and assurance before him in Christ. 1. Ioh. 3.20.

8 And yet submitting, contrary to all carnal wisedome, to his bles­sed will. Galat. 2.

9 And so resting on his promi­ses by faith aboue all sence and feeling whatsoeuer. Iob. 13.15 Ion 2.

10 Not tying the prouidence [Page 172] of God simply to any meanes. And yet

11 Not despising the proui­dence of God inhibited in the weakest, and most vnlikely means And yet

12 Depending on the mightie power of God, beyond and con­trary to all meanes.

13 And so dayly labouring to discerne the true estate thereof, by the word.

14 Deny we our selues, and la­bour to be found of him onely in Christ Iesus, and so

15 In Christ offer wee vp our hearts as a dayly sacrifice of obe­dience vnto his maiestie.

16 Accounting all things as dung, in regard of his fauor. And

17 Being ready to forsake all, in comparison thereof.

18 And so hungring after his glorious fellowship, and commu­nion in heauen.

19 Prepare we our selues daily to our ends, that we may for euer be with the Lord. Thus shall wee [Page 173] resigne vp our selues to his holy gouernement.

Secondly, by renuing our vowes & binding vs to the performance of them. And that

1 By publicke protestation.

2 By subscribing with the hand Esay. 44.

3 By solemne and conscionable oaths. 2. Chron. 15.

4 By the curse of the law. Nehe. 10.31.

5 Calling others to witnesse, as the Church of God.

Thirdly, wee must continually feare our selues, and haue a holy iealousie of our best actions. Prou. 28.14.

And that in regard.

1 Of the maiestie and righteous­nesse of God, able to censure, that which wee haue best testimony of. 1. Cor. 4.5.

2 Of the vnsearchablenesse of our hearts. Ierem. 17.9.

3 Of the priuie corruptions that do assault vs. Psal. 19.

4 In respect of the infirmities [Page 174] that do accompany our best acti­ons. Iob. 4.18.

5 In respect of the treachery of our flesh, ready to betray vs to e­uery tentation. Rom. 7.

6 And the continuall readinesse of Satan to set vpon vs. 1. Pet. 5 8.

7 As also especially in regard of the presence of our gracious God, beholding, and approuing all our actions. Psalme 33.13.

And this feare is discerned,

1 By an earnest striuing against our corruptions.

2 By a desire to approue our selues to the Church of God.

3 By tendernesse of conscience in all our actions.

4 By lowlynesse in our carriage, euen towards our inferiors.

5 By an holy care to prepare our selues to spirituall duties.

6 Making conscience of the least sinnes.

7 Keeping our selues from the occasions, and appearance of sinne.

8 Restraining our selues in our Christian libertie.

[Page 175]9 By humilitie in the sence of great graces.

10 Charitable censuring of our brethren and couering their infirmities. And by

11 A dayly examination of our wayes.

12 Especially complaining of and striuing against our secret corruptions.

13 By choyce of our company and care therein.

14 Meditation of our ende and preparation to the day of iudge­ment.

Fourthly, There must be a con­stant watching ouer the outward man, auoyding both the occasions of euill, & the least appearance therof. Ps. 39.1. Iob. 31.1. of which herafter

Fiftly, We must moderate our selues in our Christian libertie. Galat. 5.13. and that by these rules:

1 Of our callings, that wee ex­ceed not them. 1. Corinth. 7.20.

2 Of the times, that wee bring forth fruite in due season. Psa. 1.3.

3 Of the place, that in outward [Page 176] things we cōfirm therto. 1. Co. 9.20

4 Of the persons, that wee giue no iust offence. 1. Cor. 10.33.

Here our guides must be.

Loue, which seeks not our own. 1. Cor. 13.

Wisedome, to become all vnto all. 1. Cor. 13. And our ends.

1 Expediencie, what may bee fitting. 1. Cor. 9.

2 Order that which may bee seemely. Col. 2.

3 Edification, that which may be­nefit our selues and other. 1. Cor. 10.

4 And principally the glorie of Almighty God. 1. Cor. 10.31.

Sixtly, We must entertaine, and cherish the motions of the Spirit of God. 1. Thess. 5.19. 2. Tim. 1.6.

This is performed.

1 By a wise discerning of them. 1. Tim. 4.14.

2 By an high esteeme of them.

3 By reioycing in them, as if wee had found the greatest treasures. Mat. 13.44.

4 By putting them speedily in [Page 177] execution. Psal. 45.1.

5 By offering vp an extraordinary sacrifice of praise for them, abasing our selues in regard of such excel­lent graces, and acknowledge­ing the free mercy of God in so gracious a fellowship. Psalme 116.7, 12.

Seuenthly, If the Spirit of God shall lie a sleepe in vs. Psal. 119.

This we shall discerne:

1 By great terrours in the con­science.

2 A kind of loathing of holy du­ties.

3 Great coldnes and deadnesse in the vse of them.

4 Little sensible comfort when we haue performed them. Psalme 77.2, 3.

5 Much discontentment in the minde, and blindnes in the same. Psalme 6.3.

6 Aptnesse to rush into the sinnes we haue heretofore conquered.

7 Vnwillingnesse to die, &c. Here then we must at no hand blesse our soules in this estate, but

[Page 178]First, rouse vp the Spirit, and labor to be quickned, and that by vsing the holy meanes: as

1 The powerfull Ministerie of the word. Psal. 6.6. that so our iudgements may be kept sound.

2 Priuate and strong crying vnto God. Psalm. 51. Psalm. 40 1.

3 Crauing the effectuall praiers of the Saints. Iames. 5 15.

4 Vsing more conscionably their fellowships, and opening our state vnto them.

5 Racking our hearts by a se­rious and impartiall examination and committing our most speciall tentations to record.

6 Promising more faithfulnes for the time to come. Psal. 80.18.

7 And binding our selues more constantly to the conuersion of others. Psal. 116.18. Psal. 32.8.9. Ps. 34.3.8.11.

8 Exercising a dayly course of repentance. Psal. 51.4.

9 Not neglecting also to humble our selues in this behalfe in some priuate fast vnto God Psal. 35. in [Page 179] our closets or families.

Eightly, make we some experi­ment vpon some chiefe lust of the heart, to get the mastery ouer it: for by an experimentall conquest ouer one, we shall learne in time to conquer all the rest.

Here learne we:

How to know the master and most beloued sinne. How to know the beloued sin. As

1 That which before conuersion we were most subiect to, that will now hant vs, seeking to re-enter againe.

2 That we most feare, And

3 Feele our selues most weak in.

4 That which most interrupts vs, when we are about to do most good.

5 That which hath most excu­ses, & pretences to defend it self.

6 And also that, which wee can cry most earnestly against in our selues.

7 And which we most discerne, and condemne in others.

8 That which we haue most foyled, and gloriously subdued.

[Page 180]9 That which our carnall affe­ction will be yet most vnto, that so our soundnesse may be appro­ued, especially in the conquest thereof.

And this must be done:

1 By obseruing the deepnesse of Satan in his varietie of baits, How to con­quer it. to draw vs into the snare.

2 Considering the deceitful­nesse of the heart, how gladly it it would close with Satan.

3 Remembring our former tripping by the like tentation.

4 Thereupon confesse wee in humble prayer vnto God that we haue deserued to bee ouertaken with it.

5 Detest we our selues that sin hath got such ground of vs. Iob. 42.

6 Hereupon vow wee reuenge against our treacherous flesh. 2. Cor. 7.11.

7 And practise wee the same by the former rules of humiliati­on, and such as hereafter shall bee laid downe.

[Page 181]8 And so being wise to feare our selues in regard of the said tenta­tion we shal happily get the con­quest of it, Pro. 14.

9 We must daily recount how wee haue profited in godlinesse. Psal. 119.

10 We must prepare our selues continually to afflictions, Luk. 9.23.

11 Wee must bee plentifull in good workes. 2. Pet. 1.9.

12 In all our actions, specially extraordinary, we must not trust to that soundnesse of heart which hath beene, but try them by that which is, Sect. 7. Trial hereof that so from the sense of the purenesse of the fountaine the streames may flow more cer­tainly and purely. Luk. 6.43. Mat­thew. 13.

13 Though the heart may appeare to bee sound, yet the goodnesse of the action must not so much depend vpon the sound­nesse of the heart appearing, as vpon the free mercies of God accepting the same.

[Page 182]14 Wee must prouide a com­pleat Armour for the heart, be­ing prepared to preserue it, E­phes. 6.13.

CHAP. IIII. Of the spirituall Armour, and ar­ming of the Heart.

ANd this is the fourth duty of ne­cessity to bee performed daily by vs; Namely, to arme our hearts a­gainst all tentations. And that

1 Because such an Armour is commended vnto vs in the word. Ephes. 6.

2 Our enemies are mighty prin­ces, and armed wickednesses. E­phes. 6.16.

3 The heart without it lies o­pen to all tentations.

4 By it wee shall bee able to cast downe all strong holds, 2. Cor. 10.4. which stand in our way to happinesse, 1. Tim. 6.11.

5 And so shall lay hold on eter­nall life, and finish our course with ioy, 2. Tim. 4.6.

[Page 183] Here consider these three poynts:

• 1 What this Armour is.
• 2 How it is to be put on.
• 3 How to be kept on.

Thus Armour hath many peeces. Sect. 1. The parts of the spiritu­all armour; and first of the girdle of Truth. Its parts are:

Fist, the Girdle of Truth & Sin­cerity, Ephes. 6.14. And this consi­steth of these parts:

The first is a rectified Iudgement, proceeding from an illightned and sanctified vnderstanding, wrought by a liuely Faith, through the Word of God, Sect. 2. 1 A rectifi­ed Iudge­ment. Eph. 4.13.

And it hath these properties.

1 Is is sound in what it knowes. Coloss. 1.6.9.

2 It retaineth safely what it knowes. Psa. 119.11.

3 It is wise to distinguish be­tweene things that differ, Phil­lip. 1. And so to try the Spirits, 1. Iohn. 4.1.

4 It discernes all things. 1. Cor. 2.15.

5 It comprehends the height, and bredth, and depth, and length Ephes. 3.

[Page 184]6 It knowes no man after the flesh. 2.5.16.

7 It knowes but in part, and so is subiect to errour. 1. Cor. 13.

8 It is not obstinate in errour, but willing to bee reformed in what it hath beene mis-infor­med. 2. Tim. 2.16.

9 It is apt and desirous to re­ceiue further illumination. Col. 1.10. 2. Tim. 3.7.

10 And daily increaseth in this sauing knowledge, Heb. 5.12.

11 It maintaines perfection of godlinesse, and resolues that we cannot be too righteous.

12 In our failings of practise, it remaines sound, and giues no warrant to any decay.

13 And cleaues to the word for it further establishing, how­soeuer wee may bee humbled in our contrary practise.

14 Yea, it iustifies God, and the truth, though it bee to the temporall confusion of our pre­sent practise.

15 It laboureth to enlighten [Page 185] and informe others.

1 A discerning of our owne in­ward blindnesse, Psal. 119.28.

2 A daily meditation in the word and workes of God. Psalm. 1.

3 A faithfull recording and comparing of things past with things present; and so colle­cting for the time to come. Luke. 2.51.

1 To condemne the blinde­nesse of nature, 1. Cor. 2.14. Matth. 16.17.

2 To discerne between the light of nature and grace, the illight­ning and sanctifying Spirit. Col. 1.9. Eph. 5.8.

3 To direct all our actions: for as wee know, so wee doe. Rom. 14.5.23.

4 To make triall of them: for if they haue not the light, it is be­cause there is no truth in them. Ioh. 3.21.

[Page 186]5 To informe and instruct o­thers, Psal. 34.

1 By this, that it excuseth for all sinnes, as our persons are accep­ted in Christ, Sect. 3. The sancti­fied consci­ence, and how discer­ned. 1. Cor. 4.4.

2 It checkes for the least sinne, before actuall repentance be per­formed. 1. Ioh. 5.17.

3 It feares falling in regard of the weaknesse of the flesh, though repentance be performed.

4 It endeuours in all things to please God. Act. 20. Heb. 13.18.

5 It is not suspicious, but iud­geth charitably, where it knowes not the contrary.

6 It stands only bound by Gods word, and to his glory.

7 It so stands vpon it cleering, that it relies wholly on Christ.

8 It applies particular cha­sticements, to particular and se­cret sins.

9 It approues our vpright wal­king in the whole course of our [Page 187] life. Act 23.1. Psa. 26.1.

10 It procures vs peace with God, Rom. 5.1. and with men so farre as it is possible and expedi­ent, Rom. 12.18.

11 It breedes contentment in the life, and all occasions. Phil. 4.12.

12 It procures cheerfulnesse in the countenance, and readinesse in all our businesse. Pro. 28.1.

13 It makes vs couragious for the truth, and willing by all meanes to defend the same. Act. 4.13. Act. 6.15. Act. 18.26.

14 It makes vs victorious in troubles; and

15 Ready to yeeld vp our liues to the hands of God, Act. 21.23.

And it is put on and preserued, How put on

1 By making conscience of all things commanded,, Psa. 119.6.

2 By keeping it tender and sensible of the least euill, Hebr. 13.18.

3 To this end view wee it dai­ly in the glasse of the world; that so the iudgement may bee kept [Page 188] cleere, to preuent security.

4 Examine we, and censure the daily errors thereof, by calling it before the Lord, to auoid spiritu­all blindnesse.

5 Auoid wee, aboue all things, doubtfulnesse and distraction in our actions. Rom. 14.5.

6 Especially keepe wee our selues from wilfull fighting a­gainst the light thereof, in com­mitting grosse and presumptuous sinnes, Psa. 19.12.

7 Haue wee alwayes more re­gard of it in the sight of God, then of our owne credit with men. 1. Cor. 4.4. Rom. 2.29.

8 Flye wee into the bosome thereof when outward things crosse vs Act. 23.1.

9 Rest we not so vpon the iusti­fication thereof, but that we re­ferre it [...]o the mercie of God, 1. Cor. 4.4.

The measure of this sincerity is:

1 Because we know but in part, therefore either wee may not make conscience of some things [Page 189] which others are bound to: and so not only dissent from them for a time, but euen afflict them. Or else,

2 We may, through ignorance, bee scrupulous, and suspicious in some things wherein others ha­uing knowledge, are free, and so afflict our selues vnnecessarily in not taking our Christian liberty.

3 Or because wee know but in part, therefore make we account to be subiect to error, and so to distraction, and anguish of spirit.

4 As also, to curiousity, and sear­ching after speculations.

5 And so to pride, and negli­gence in well-doing.

6 And so to hardnesse of heart.

7 And so to fearfull terrors and soundings of spirit.

1 It procures and maintaines true inward ioy. 2. Cor. 1.12.

2 Hereby wee haue alwayes boldnesse before God. 1. Iohn. 3.20. to obtaine good things at [Page 190] his hands, Heb. 10.

3 And are enabled and furnish­ed against all the reproches and euils of men, Pro. 18.

4 By this wee are alwayes cer­taine of the things we do, and the acceptance of them in the sight of God. Psa. 51.6.

5 Hereby we are comforted in the greatest Buffetings of Satan, and our cowardly and vnbelee­uing hearts, 1. Ioh. 3.21.

6 We attaine to extraordinary sweetnesse and ioy in the Holy Ghost. 1. Pet. 1.8. Rom. 5.1.2.

7 And led along in most cheer­full manner throughout all diffi­culties to the receiuing of the re­ward. Heb. 11.26.

8 we encrease in sanctification and holinesse. 1. Tim. 1.18.19.

9 We put to confusion the pride and practises of our enemies. 1. Sam. 26.21.

10 we receiue hereby a pledge of eternall life, and haue our conuersation in heauen, Rom. 8.16. Phil. 3.20.

1 By cheerfulnesse in well-do­ing, not by compulsion, but of a willing minde, 1. Cor. 9. 1. Pet. 5.

2 Subiecting it owne will to the will of God in all things.

3 And so yeelding it daily to the information of the word, and binding it thereto.

4 Aiming at the full accom­plishment of Gods will in earth, as it is in heauen. Mat. 6.

5 Not consulting with flesh and blood in heauenly things.

6 Nor proposing our owne glo­ry in the performance thereof.

7 Complaining daily of the re­bellions thereof. And so

8 Resisting sin, and the occasi­ons thereof, Psa. 119.104.

9 Yeelding to sinne with griefe. Rom. 7.15.

10 Rising by repentance out of the same. Prou. 28.14.

The state and measure hereof, is: It measure.

1 That it is not free to good or [Page 192] euill, but freed to doe good, Phil. 2.13.

2 And therefore of it selfe can will no good thing.

3 Yet so freed to good, as that it is in bondage to sinne, Rom. 7.18.

4 And therefore while we are about any good, euill is present with vs, and we are led captiue thereto.

Yet so in bondage, as that it striues against that slauery, and gets daily ground thereof. Rom. 7.25. Eph. 2.3.

The benefit hereof is:

The benefit hereof.1 To enable vs to doe good. Rom. 7.18.

2 To comfort vs in our outward failings, 2 Cor. 8.12. Rom. 7.19.

3 To discerne of our state in sanctification. Ephes. 2.3. 1. Cor. 12.2.

4 To keepe our iudgments sin­cere and vpright. 1. Tim. 6.5.

5 To kindle and order our affe­ctions in the seruice of God.

Sect. 5. And this is a fourth part of this [Page 193] Girdle, euen the well ordering of our affections. The well ordering of the affecti­ons, & how discerned. 1. Thess. 5.23. Rom. 7.24.

And this is discerned,

1 By a right mouing of them to their proper obiects. Rom. 7.22.25.

2 By their contentment in the same.

3 That what is in the iudgment we haue also in the affection.

4 In that wee can more ioy or grieue for spiritual causes, then for carnall. Psa. 4. Psa. 119.

5 That they tend to the crucify­ing of the flesh, and building for­ward of the New man. Coloss. 3.1.

6 That we labour more for af­fection then for knowledge.

7 Make wee them as little knowne in company as may be, Genes. 45. especially if the compa­ny and occasion be ordinary and ciuill.

8 Suspect wee our owne affe­ction when the case concerneth vs.

[Page 194]9 And that our affections can send and encourage vs to spiritu­all duties.

10 That indeed by them we are wholly emptied in our selues in respect of God, 2. Cor. 5.16. Gen. 5.22. Rom. 12.1.

Helpes hereunto are:

1 Knowledge of the right ob­iect, Mark. 3.5. 2 Cor. 7.

2 Weaning and abating them from the false. 1. Ioh. 2.15.

3 Triall of our selues in the pra­ctise of some one of our afflicti­ons. Deut. 6.5.

4 Conscience to vse them in all their seuerall times and measure. Eccles. 3.1. Rom. 12.16.

The benefit thereof. The benefit hereof is:

1 We shall attaine hereby a gra­cious conquest ouer our most vn­ruly thoughts. Eph. 4.25.

2 Wee shall finde much sweete peace and contentment in our Christian callings.

3 We shall be more ready prest to good actions, 2. Cor. 7.

4 And saued from many noy­some [Page 195] tentations, which otherwise would assault vs. 2. Ephes. 4.26. Ioh. 19.12.

5 We shall haue gracious fellow­ship with God. Col. 3.1.

6 And be better enabled to the conuersion of our brethren. Ioh. 21.15.

1 Being the sterne of the shippe, and the certaine Image of the minde. Iam. 3.5.

2 In the well-gouerning where­of is the triall of sincerity, Psal. 34. & note of perfection, Iam. 1. Iam. 3

3 The misgouernment whereof is confusion to the owner, Prou. 18.7.21. and others.

4 By keeping the same, we a­uoyd trouble, Pro. 21.23.

5 And make the world serue our turne.

And it is discerned:

• 1 In holy speech. Eccles. 3.7.
• 2 In wise and seasonable silence.

• [Page 196]1 Preparation to speech.
• 2 The matter of it.
• 3 The manner thereof.
• 4 The end of the same.

We shall be prepared to speech,

1 By praier to God to guide our tongue; and that because

Sect. 7. Of speech, and, 1 Of the preparation to it. 2 And bee hath pro­mised to blesse this meanes to this end. 3 And the Saints haue practised this duty profitably.First, the Lord is Ruler of it. Prou. 16.1.

Secondly, by an holy conside­ration of these things,

1 That we are to speake in his presence. Psal. 33.15.

2 That there is no liberty for idle talke. Math. 12.36.

3 That all speech must tend to edification. Ephes. 4.29.

4 What the matter is we meane to speake of.

5 That what is once out cannot be recalled.

6 That we must giue an account for euery idle word. And thus we shall be prepared to speake. Now The matter of our speech concernes either Persons, Sect. 8. The matter of speech. or Things. The persons

1 Almighty God and his workes.

2 Our neighbour, and what [Page 197] concernes him.

3 Our owne persons and occa­sions.

1 That we take not the names of Gods Maiesty in our mouthes, Sect. 9. How to speake of God. but vpon most serious and waigh­ty occasions. Exod. 20.

2 That in the occasion we finde our hearts liuely affected with a true knowledge and holy reue­rence of God, before whom wee speake, and before wee vse his great and fearfull name, least o­therwise, though the cause be waighty, yet we take it in vaine.

3 That wee finde our selues comforted and established in our faith, by taking of this great and glorious name, as beeing hereby drawne neerer vnto God, and setled more constantly in our loue to his Maiesty. To this end vse not the name of God without some addition of his at­tributes, as the Liuing Lord, the [Page 198] Glorious God, My God, &c. E­phes. 1.3.

4 Yea, that it may appeare that wee haue not onely know­ledge of the Deity, but also expe­rience of his nature and proper­ties, we are to giue him such at­tributes as concerne the occasion wherof we speake. Genes. 43. Rom. 16. 1. Cor. 16. &c.

5 Take we heed that the name of God become not ordinary, and for custome.

6 Publish we the works of God not onely for the present, but to posterity. Sect. 4. How to speake of our neigh­bour. Exod. 14.26.

Concerning our neighbour, our speech may be either good, or euill.

If wee are to speake good of our neighbour, then we must doe it:

1 Cheerfully, and vpon euery fit occasion. Luk. 5.29.

2 Wisely, rather in his absence then in his presence.

3 Indifferently, as well if he bee our foe as friend.

4 Constantly, maintaining the same testimony without any cor­ruption [Page 199] or gain-saying.

5 Truly, that wee giue him no more nor lesse then his due.

6 Charitably, if the matter bee doubtfull, rather with the better. 1. Cor. 13.7.

7 Preserue we his good name, by answering for him in a case of slander. 1. Sam. 20.32. Sect. 15. What heere to be auoy­ded.

8 If he be fallen, raise wee him vp with the spirit of meeknesse, Gal, 6.1

Here are to be auoided these extreames.

First, those that are in defect: As

1. Deprauing of the actions of our brethren from the intent. Iob. 1.9.11. as if we knew their hearts.

2 Extenuating of them in the measure.

3 Mistaking them in the quality, which is the common practise of the world, to call good euill, and euill good. Esa. 5.19.

4 Out-facing and bearing men downe in their sincerity, and if it were possible, to driue them from the same. Iob. 4.8.11 &c.

5 Mis-iudging of it, by the out­ward [Page 200] euent. Iob. 27.

6 Conuincing thereof by false witnesse and periury. 1. Reg. 20. &c.

7 Disgracing spirituall gifts for want of natures complement. 1. Sam. 1.14.

Secondly, We must here take heed of the other extreame in excesse: As

1 Commending them to their faces.

2 Ascribing that vnto them which is not theirs. Act. 12.

3 Yeelding more vnto them in­deed then is theirs.

4 Daubing vp their sinnes with vntempered morter. Ezek. 13. as presumption of Gods mercie, or such like.

5 Crying peace, peace, and put­ting farre off the euill day. Ier. 6.

6 Approuing them for the gifts of nature, though they bee not sanctified. Pro., 1.30,

7 Flattring them, as if what they had came by their owne industry.

8 Saying as they say, be it true or false. Mich. 2.11.

If we haue occasion to speake the contrary of him, let vs consider these bounds:

First, wee must not speake what we certainly know not, but haue by reports, surmises, &c.

We may speake that to himselfe which we must not speake of him to another. Math. 18.15.

Secondly, wee must not speake all what wee know, vnlesse wee haue an especiall calling hereunto.

And that is,

1 When the Magistrate requires it.

2 When his case by admonish­ment needs it.

3 When danger to others there­by is preuented, as in case of mur­ther, treason, &c. 2. King. 6.8. Gen. 37.2. Est. 2.

Hence it followeth,

First, that auricular confession is abominable, which bindeth to the concealement of such wickednes.

[Page 202]Secondly, that it is sinne to dis­couer where wee are bound to conceale.

As in cases hereafter laid downe.

Thirdly, We must not speake that of our neighbour which we know, and is necessary to be knowne to all per­sons; as neither,

To the weake, lest they stumble at it; nor to the wicked, lest they insult in the infirmities of others. Gen. 8. 2 Sam. 1.

Fourthly, Some may speake that e­uill of their brethren which is not lawfull for others, As the Magi­strate, or Minister in reprouing of sinne, may abase the persons with names sorting with their sins, Gal. 4.1. Matth. 3. which priuate men may not do.

5 If it be thought fit to mention the euil which we know by any mā: here

1 It must be done onely in a ge­nerall manner, the person and all circumstances which will descrie the person concealed. 1. Cor. 6.11. 2. Sam. 12.1.

2 We must speake of his sinne [Page 203] not with delight or contentment, but with griefe. Psalm. 119.

3 Vnlesse we perceiue obstina­cy, and scorning of the meanes, then we are in an Ironicall man­ner to leaue them to their owne lusts. 1. Reg. 22. Eccl. 11.7.

6 The party also in some cases may be discouered, but yet with a double respect:

First, if his sinne be of infirmity, here we may in some sort conceale the sinne: As

1 That it might bee mistaken, in regard of the person, Actes 3.17.

2 That the fact may bee mis­reported, and falsely conceiued, &c.

If we see the party ashamed, and cast downe for his sin, here we are bound much more to couer it, And that

1 From God by hearty prayer, that it may be forgiuen, Actes 7. Math. 27.

Secondly, from our selues: and that

1 By not taking notice of it wil­lingly.

[Page 204]2 Not beleeuing it.

3 Interpreting it to the best.

4 Forgiuing it, if it be apparent.

3 We must also bide the sinne from the sinner. And that

First, if we see him vnfit to bee reproued for the present, 1. Sam. 25.

Secondly, if wee see him suffici­ently checked already by his cō ­science, then we must also hide his sinne from him. And that

1 By opposing his contrary in­tent, Act. 3.17. Rom. 10.2.

2 Comforting him, with his for­mer course of holinesse.

3 From the occasion, that it was in his heate, or prouoked thereto in his defence.

4 From the quality, that it was in ignorance, not wilfulnesse, in­firmity, not presumption.

5 From Gods mercy, which is aboue all his sinne. Rom. 5.20.

6 Age, that it was done in his youth, Psal. 25.7.

7 The time of life, that yet there is hope to recouer. Psal, 95.2. Tim. [Page 205] 2.25. & that it was but the first in that kinde.

8 From the examples of the Saints, the best of whom haue had their slips. Iam. 3.2. Psal. 19.

9 From his person, opposing o­ther good parts to counteruaile that euill. 1. King. 15.5. ‘Thus may we hide the sinne from the sinner, and thus also may we hide his sinne from the world.’ If the sinne bee grieuous, and cannot bee excused, yet here wee must mode­rate our speech.

1 And prepare mercy for the party.

2 Acknowledge wee it might haue been our case, if God should haue left vs, and so may be. Gal. 6.1.

3 Intimating his sorrow and de­testation of the fact, as the truth shall be, 2. Cor. 2.6.7.

4 Recounting circumstances that induced thereunto, though not to excuse altogether, yet to diminish the same, or at lest to make known [...] [Page 208] our selues. 1. Cor. 15.10.

5 Our speech must rather tend to the defect, then to the excesse.

6 Wee must do it soberly and sparingly, rather shewing that we are compelled thereunto then of our owne accord. 2. Cor. 11.

7 We must here especially re­gard how we are made manifest to the conscience of the Saints. 2. Cor. 5.9.10.

8 And lastly wee must herein especially aime at Gods glory. 1. Cor. 10.31.

How to speake in dispraise of our selues.3 We are also bound to speake euill of our selues, in these cases,

1 We must confesse our sinne vnto man, in that hereby we may cleare others, and giue glory to God. Ios. 7.

2 Hereby also we ease our own soules. Psal. 32.45. Iam. 5.

3 Wee magnifie the mercies of God in recounting how vnworthy we are. 1. Tim. 1.

4 We stay vp others that haue [Page 209] beene ouertaken with the same tentations, &c. 2. Cor. 1.4.

But here obserue these cautions.

1 We are not bound to accuse our selues to the betraying of our in­nocency, or the truth of God, or his children. Math. 17.

2 Wee may not open our infir­mitie to the disgrace of our cal­ling, or offence of others.

3 Wee must take heede of hypo­crisie, as if by acknowledging our vilenesse, wee would be counted conuerts, as Esebolius did:

4 That we labour to hide what we haue laid open, by casting our burthen vpon Iesus Christ. 1. Tim. 1.

1 That we cannot speake of all, because we know but in part, and thereof it is vanitie to presume thus. 1. Cor. 13.

[Page 210]2 That we may not speake of al we know: Because,

1 Some things are knowne to vs which are neither fit to be done nor spoken, as the vaine thoughts of our owne hearts. 2. Cor. 12.

2 Some things are lawfull to bee done, which it is not lawfull to speake of, as the secrets and ne­cessitie of nature. Iudg. 3.24.

3 Some things are lawfull, but not fit to be spoken: such as either exceed the capacities of those to whom we speake, or are not suta­ble to them. 2. Cor. 12. Hebrew. 5.11. 1. Cor. 14.

3 We must speake what we know but with these conditions:

How to speake of what wee know.1 That wee keepe our selues within the compasse of our cal­lings.

2 That we speake from the ho­ly purpose of the heart.

3 That wee labour herein the glory of God. 1. Cor. 10.31.

4 And also the good of our neighbour. Ephes. 4.29.

5 Yea our owne increase both [Page 211] in knowledge and holines. 1. Cor. 14 26.40.

6 Obseruing the fitnes of time, place, persons, &c.

Thus may we speake of such things as do occurre. And thus farre concer­ning the matter of our speech.

Touching the manner therof.

First, Sect. 15. The maner of speech, & 1 It must be gratious. Our speech in generall must bee gratious, which is, when the graces of God imprinted in the heart, are truely pictured in the tongue. Col. 4.6.

Hence it followeth.

1 That all rotten and vngrati­ous speech is disclaimed.

2 No vice must bee spoken of, but with dislike. Reuel. 2.

3 No gratious speech, but from a gratious heart.

Secondly, Speech is then grati­ous, when it is seasoned with wisedome Act. 2.4

And this is when our speech is applyed:

1 Fitly to times, places, persons circumstances. Prou. 19.11. Pro. 10.31. Esay. 50.5.

[Page 212]20 When it profits most to the good of mens soules.

3 When it turns not to the hurt of the speaker. 2. Tim. 2.16.

4 When it proceeds from a wise and vnderstanding heart. Eccles. 12.11.

Hence is disclaimed,

1 All foolish talke, wanting rea­son and conscience. Eph. 5.

2 All carnall counsell of world­lings, whatsoeuer shew of wisdom it hath in it. 1. Sam. 17.

3 All vnseasonable and vndi­screet communication.

4 All mysticall, or curious con­ference, &c. 1. Tim. 6.20.

A second holy property of speech is:

Sect. 16.2 Our speech must be true.1 Truth and fidelitie. Ephes. 4 25. And it is discerned;

1 When wee know what wee speake vpon a sure ground.

2 We speake as the thing is, the whole truth, and no more.

3 And as himselfe thinketh, plainly thereof, not out of others conceits.

4 And also to the minde and [Page 213] purpose of him that asketh.

5 And that to haue the trueth boulted out, not obscured.

6 When wee stand to that wee haue spoken and promised, which that we may doe,

First, A simple assertion, which is either,

1 A simple affirmation, Yea, Yea. Math. 5.

2 Or, a bare negation, Nay, Nay

Here obserue

1 That in a doubtfull case wee must adde vnto our affirmations (these qualifications: ( As I thinke, How to af­firme in doubtfull cases. As I take it,) because wordes thus spoken, if they proue true, they shew the modesty of the speaker: If false, yet they saue his credite, as shewing that there is not a pur­pose to deceiue, but onely that we were deceiued.

2 Another euidence of Truth, is, an asseueration, wereby we doe vehemently deny or affirme a [...]

[Page 216] 3 The mat­ter.3 Consider wee the matter of an oath.

1 It must not onely be true, but so knowne to vs. Ier. 4.2.

2 It must bee honest that wee sweare to.

3 It must bee a truth of great importance.

4 The manner.4 Obserue wee the manner of an oath, as

1 It must be made in the onely name of God.

1 By inuocation of his name, to witnesse the truth of what wee sweare.

2 And to blesse vs therein.

2 By imprecation against our selues, wherby we bind our selues if we deceiue, to the vengeance of God.

3 It must be done, not rashly, but with great aduisement.

4 And also with great reuerence and feeling, not without prayer vnto God to guide the heart. Ec­cles. 9.2.

Fourthly, The true and lawfull swearer is, indeede

[Page 217]1 The regenerate man, who hath right in this seruice, 5 He that may sweare and knowes how to vse it aright. Rom. 2. and none other.

2 And he must also haue a par­ticular calling to this seruice.

3 Here learne, that though the party in regard of his generall calling might not sweare, yet his oath being made, is lawfull, if hee haue a ciuill calling thereto, and may be takē, hows [...]euer the swea­rer herein be not iustified.

6 The right vse & end of an oath is: 6 The ende and causes of an oath.

1 To end controuersies between man and man, and free those that are wrongfully accused.

2 To cleare our innocency be­fore men. Heb. 6.16.

3 To prouide for the infirmities of men. 1. Sam. 12.5. Gen. 31.53.

4 To witnesse a truth vnto men And to

5 Binde our selues more con­stantly to the seruice of God. Neh. 10.1. Chron. 15.23. 6 Before whom we must sweare

Sixtly, Consider we the parties be­fore whom we may sweare, which are;

[Page 218]1 The Magistrate, who may law­fully exact an oath.

2 To a priuate man we may al­so sweare to bind contracts.

3 The Master may require an oath of the seruant. Genesis 24· and so the father of the sonne, the husband of the wife, &c. one friend of another.

Seuenth, Obserue we the time of an oath, 7 When which is:

1 In a case of necessitie, when witnesse faile, or words will not be taken.

Hence it followeth:

8 How an oath binds.1 That we need not sweare when the partie to whom we sweare, is not willing to accept it.

2 And neither also, if the mat­ter may bee cleared by any other lawfull meanes.

Eightly, Learne we how an oath binds.

1 If it be imposed by him, that may lawfully giue it.

2 If it be made of things lawfull.

3 If it tend to our owne and neighbours good.

[Page 219]4 When Gods glory also is pre­serued thereby.

9 Wisely consider we the abuses of an oath, which are: 9 The abu­ses of an oth

1 Vsurping such attributes as onely belong to God, as: As I liue &c.

2 Swearing by Images, trifles, Saints, nullities, &c. Zep. 1.5.

3 Swearing ordinarily, in com­mon speech, or vpon heate in ga­ming, &c. Ier. 5.7. Mat. 5.

4 Rash swearing, when we know not the cause, or haue no calling thereto, or aduise not wisely in the action.

5 Murthering of oathes, when wee say cods for God, fecke for faith, swounds for wounds, &c. where hoping to escape the im­putation of swearing, we are more guiltie thereof.

6 Outragious and blasphemous swearing, the badge of ruffians, & rake-hels.

7 Cursed swearing, with feare­full imprecations against our selues and others. Mat. 26. Peter.

[Page 220]8 Wicked swearing, when wee bind our selues by oathes to mis­chiefe. Act. 23.

9 False swearing, when wee sweare to that ignorantly, which proues false.

10 Periurie when wee know a thing to be false, & yet wil sweare to it: of set purpose to do mischief Zach. 5.4.

11 Swearing for hire to any pur­poses. Act. 6.

12 When we sweare to impossi­bilities, as when the Priest is sworne by the Bishop to the vow of continencie, &c.

Consider wee the danger and punishment of vnlawful speaking as that hereby,

1 We lie open to Gods curse.

2 Expose our selues to periury.

3 Shall not be credited neither for word, nor oath.

4 Make the land mourne vnder this burthen. Ier 23.

5 Shall finde our selues disena­bled, to take the name of God ho­lily and conscionably.

[Page 221] Generally here is condemned:

First, al kind of lying, vpon what pretence soeuer: Now a lie is then made,

• 1 When welspeake falsly.
• 2 And are willing so to doe. 2. King. 5.
  Sect. 21. Of flattery.
• 3 Purpose to deceiue thereby, Act. 5.

Hence it followeth, that all

1 False speaking of ignorance, is no lie.

Secondly, Here is condemned all smoothing and dissembling of a matter, with purpose to deceiue. Eeither

1 By extenuating of it.

2 By excusing the fact.

3 By vsing pretexts and shifts to auoyd it.

4 By mentall reseruation & such like Iesuitical, & Atheistical tricks

Thirdly, Also, all concealing of truth, when we are bound to speak is here forbidden.

4 All ambiguous and doubtfull speeches. Sest. 22. Concealing of truth.

5 To speake vntruthes, though [Page 222] not with purpose to deceiue.

6 All promise-breaking, when the promise is lawfully made.

A third bond of truth, is impre­cation, that is a binding of our selues to the performance of ttuth by imposing on our selues, for de­fault the curse of the Law. Neh. 10 29. 1. Sam. 25. This now is abroga­ted because we are not vnder the curse, onely comparatiuely wee may rather wish our selues accur­sed then God may be dishonored. Rom 9. Wee may confesse we haue deserued the curse that so we may flie to Christ: 3. In stead of the curse we should rather binde our selues by the sweete and sure pro­mises and by our interest therein, as better fitting our condition vnder grace.

Sect. 23. The third grace of speech.A third grace of holy speech is Reuerence. And this is in regard, ei­ther of

First God, of whose name and [Page 223] titles wee must so speake that wee both, Reuerence, and that 1. In respect of God.

1 Shew reuerence our selues, and▪

2 Mooue reuerence in others Deut. 28.58.

And this we shall doe:

1 If we know God a right.

2 And feare him as our father: Malach. 1.

3 Behold him in his iudgments vpon the wicked. Psal. 119.120.

4 Thinke often and meditate vpon him.

Secondly, we must vse reuerence in speech in regard of man, and that either generally, 2. Of man. as hee beares Gods image. So we must,

1 Giue holy names vnto our chil­dren: But here with sobriety, Sect. 24. To giue ho­ly names to to our chil­dren. not the names of God, as Iesuits, &c. but such as, Michael.

1 May shew our thankfulnesse to God Gen. 41.

2 May shew our true humiliati­on vnder his corrections. Ruth. 1.

3 May put vs in mind of his pro­mise. Israel. Ge. 32.

[Page 224]4 May remember vs, of our own frailty, and wretchednesse, Adam Gen. 33.

5 May intimate our true estate and condition in this life. Est. 2.5.

6 May encourage vs to the hope of the life to come.

7 May minister comfort in our troubles, and such like.

2 We must not name professors by the names of prophane men.

3 We may change names vpon iust occasion, as when any are conuerted frō Gentilism to Chri­stianitie, and so baptized, &c. but

1 Not not to deceiue withall, neither

2 To deny Christ in the time of trouble.

2 We are to vse reuerence in more particular manner vnto man, Sect. 25. Reuerence to our supe­riour. as he is our superior either in calling or gifts 1. Cor. 12.13. prouided,

1 That we giue him not the ti­tles of God, as Iehoua, &c.

2 Giue him the titles of his of­fice, though he bee euill, Acts 26.25.

[Page 225]3 And yet here so carrie our selues, as that we may humble him in the performance thereof.

Therefore here is forbidden. Here for­bidden.

1 All manner of blasphemy; which is either, 1. Blasphe­mie. First by detracting ought from God.

2 Or ascribing to him that which beseemeth him not.

3 Vsing his great and fearefull names in our fumes and rage.

4 Inuocating him also in slight and customary matters.

5 Vsing the names of God to sorcery, witch-craft. 2. All abuse of scripture

2 All abuse of Scripture: And this is either,

1 When we haue no calling to vse it. 1. Cor. 14.34.

2 We speak of the things of God in a prophane and carnall maner. 1. Cor. 2.

3 When wee make iests there­of.

4 When wee keepe backe any of Gods counsell, and clip the word of God. Math. 4. Act. 20.

5 When we vse it to sorcery.

[Page 226] 2. Abuse of our selues.6 And when we reason and ca­uill about the truth thereof.

3 All abuse of our selues or others:

Either,

1 By reuilings and barbarous speeches. 1. Sam. 16. dead dogge.

2 Cursing or banning. Colos. 3.8.

3 Scoffing and scorning each other. Psal. 1. 2. King. 2. especially for our profession and religion.

4 Not vsing titles of honour, &c. Gen. 39. He hath brought in

5 Not calling by their names, but rather by such attributes as may tend to disgrace. Gen. 39.14. Hebrew seruant. 1. Sa. 25.10. The sonne of Ishay, &c. as by country, base parentage, &c.

6 Currish & dogged speech, &c.

Sect. 26. A fourth grace of speech So­brietie, and Modestie. A fourth grace of speech is sobrie­tie, modesty, or meeknes. And this is seene.

1 In praising others, and that rather behind their backes then before their faces.

[Page 227]2 In praysing and dispraysing our selues, as before. And where in.

3 In speakeing of things secret which may moue blushing, fairly Gen. 4.11. 1. Sam. 24.4.

4 Conferring with inferiors ten­derly and humbly.

5 Saluting kindly and reuerent­ly. And that,

1 By name. Rom. 16.

2 By profession. Rom. 16.3. Sect. 27. Of saluatiōs

3 Calling or office.

4 By the way of blessing. Rom. 16 24.

5 Praying for the blessing of God vpon them.

Here obserue,

1 That it is lawfull for children to inuocate the blessing of their paren [...]s Gen. 27. Gen. 48.

2 That wee may salute gene­rally though the person bee euill, so farre as wee may conuerse with him, giuing the titles of his pro­fession, calling, &c. Ge. 34. Act. 26.

3 That we auoide such blessing and charitable speeches (as we ac­count them) when the cause is [Page 228] not necessary, as in neesing, &c.

Popish bles­sing to bee moderated.4 Whereas it is common with the Popish and ignorant to inuo­cate the name of God ouer their cattle so often as they speak ther­of, this is to bee moderated and re­frained. And that

1 Because the ground thereof was sorcery.

2 They vse it more often for their cattle then themselues.

3 It maintaines that Popish customary abusing of such holy names.

4 It shewes our infidelity, for if we were perswaded that God hath receiued vs into grace, then sure­ly also all ours; and therfore what neede such often inuocations?

This meeknes of speech is seen in soft answering. Sect. 28. Of soft an­answering. Prouerbes 15.25. And that,

Secondly, not a foole accor­ding to his foolishnesse. Prouerbes 26.3.

Thirdly, in a iust defence of our selues. 1. Sam. 1.15. Anna.

Fourthly, commending our cause [Page 229] to God. Psal. 26. Sect. 28. Of reproofe of sinne.

Secondly, this grace of speech is especially seene in reprouing of sin. Here obserue these Rules.

1 We must try all other gentle meanes before we reproue.

1 We must performe it general­ly, that so the party may willing­ly acknowledge the particular. 2. Sam. 12.

3 Wee must doe it in a parable.

4 By way of exhortation, insi­nuating an oblique reproofe. 1. Tim. 5.1.

5 Wrapping vp the reproofe in some sweet protestations of loue and griefe. Gal. 5.9. Rom. 9.

6 Yeelding vnto them their due, that so they may acknowledge their wants, Act. 25. reprouing in the person of another.

6 Ioyning our selues with them, and in our own person reprouing their sinne. 1. Corinth. 4.6. Genes. 43.

7 By preuention; as, Though Is­rael play the Harlot, yet let not Iudah sinne, Hos. 4.15.

[Page 230]8 Wishing that such things bee not found among them. 2. Cor. 12.20.

9 Speaking to them as conside­ring our selues. Gal. 6.1. That we are in danger of the same tenta­tions.

10 Framing the reproofe out of the word, that the party may see himselfe rather reproued of God then of vs.

11 Adioyning to our reproofe holy example of our conscience in the thing which we reproue in another. And

12 Commending the reproofe to the blessing of God.

Sect. 30. A fit grace of speech is cheerfulnes and ioy. It conditi­ons. And thus farre of the fourth grace of speech, which is meeknes & modesty.

A fifth grace of speech is cheerfulnes and ioy, when we vse delightfull speech for recreation. Eccles. 3.4.

Here is to be obserued:

1 That it must be seasoned with Gods feare. Eccles. 2.2.

2 It must bee with compassion for those that are in affliction. A­mos. 6.6.

[Page 231]3 It must be sparing and mode­rate. 2. Tim. 3.

4 It most not be mixt with sin. Heb. 11.25.

5 It must tend to edification. 1. Cor. 10.

6 It must bee sutable to the time.

7 It must also bee fitted to the place, which is either the boord or bed.

For the boord obserue, How fitted to the boord

1 The intent, the which is to hin­der other idle and prophane talke.

2 To season the company with better.

3 To preuent gluttony.

4 A desire to catch spiritually.

5 To sanctifie the creatures.

2 Consider the matter of Table-talke. Which,

1 Especially must bee of religi­on. Luk. 11.35.

2 That which is incident here­vnto, As

1 Of our vnion with God: As the meate is made one substance [Page 232] with vs; so we after an vnspeake­able manner are made one with God.

2 Of our liberty in Christ, that all is ours, and that we may safe­ly and freely partake there­of.

3 Of our miserable condition; for were wee not sinfull, we need not eate, nor finde such loath­somnesse, or want of content thereby.

4 Of our estate in glory, where this Manna shall cease.

3 Of sobriety, and such ex­amples.

4 Gods speciall prouidence and bounty in making a dead crea­ture meanes to preserue life. Ioel. 2.26. Haggai. 1.6.

5 Contentation in our estate, with praier for other that haue fulnesse or want. 1▪ Tim. 6.

6 Death, how that we shall be wormes meate.

7 Of the heauenly food, Ioh. 4.

8 Misery of the poore, which want in our fulnesse.

[Page 233]9 Of our life by faith, because both these vnlikely doe nourish, and we weake, vnthankfull, rio­tous, are nourished.

10 Change of things and states, but within our bounds. Iob. 1.

11 The punishment of sin, the case of Diues. &c. Luk. 16.

1 Wee must conferre of the graue. Act. 7. How for bed.

2 Of the occasions passed in the day. Cant. 3.1.

3 Of the security of the Church. 2. Cant.

4 And watchfulnesse in the night. 3. Cant.

5 Of the ignorance of the land. And

6 The continuall night in hell.

7 Of the Resurrection.

8 Of worldly occasions, so farre as to humble vs.

9 In our comforts of our sweete fellowship with Christ.

10 Generally, not to prouoke, but [Page 234] to mortifie the flesh. Gal. 5.13.

Here to bee auoyded. Here is to be auoided generally,

• 1 All offence to the weake.
• 2 All occasion to the wicked.

As in

First, Iesting, which is a quipping of some to delight others, 1 Iesting with it bounds. where­in a man had rather loose his friend, then his iest: offend God, rather then not please man.

1 The matter be indifferent.

2 The measure modest.

3 The season conuenient.

4 Offence remoued.

5 Our selues and others bene­fited.

6 We thereby, when other re­proofes will not preuaile, in an holy maner do deride and scorne sinners. 1. Reg. 19. Eccles. 11. gi­uing them vp to their own coun­cels.

Secondly, laughter, which though in it selfe it be not simply vnlawfull, 2 Laughter yet it is moderately to be be vsed, and seldome; but sor­row [Page 235] more often, and more plen­tifully. Eccles. 7.4.5.

The sixth grace of speech is, Sect. 31. A sixt grace of speech, care of our neighbours good name. 1 How per­formed. 2 What a­uoyded. Care of our neighbours good name. Pro. 22.

This is performed as before, and farther,

1 By being not suspicious in vnlikely, or vncertaine occasions. Ier. 40.

2 By priuate reprouing him.

4 Publiquely answering for him if he be slandered.

Here is to be auoided,

1 Secret whispering abrode of what we suspect or know, behind his backe. Psal. 50.20.

2 Adding to, or changing the thing said or done. Mat. 26.60.61.

3 Open traducing and reuiling to his face. 2. Sam. 16.

4 Telling that was neuer done. Ier. 37.13.

5 Colouring their reports with pretences of griefe or necessity, or publicke profit, inioyning se­cresie by the party to whom hee telles it, &c.

[Page 236]6 Rash censuring, before eui­dent knowledge.

Therefore here we are,

• 1 To interrupt such talke.
• 2 To giue no heed to it.
• 3 Not to beleeue it.
• 4 To reproue it.

Sect. 32. The seuenth grace of speech: slownesse & briefnes.The seuenth and last grace of speech is Slownesse and Briefenesse.

Slownesse is seene either in

First, prouoking; or

Secondly, answering.

Herein obserue:

1 That it is better to bee pro­uoked to speech, then prouoke; especially if wee bee inferiour.

2 Not to take a Tale out of ones mouth; but to heare it throughly.

3 To consider whether it be to be answered, or no.

4 To ponder on it before wee answere, what answere is to bee made thereto.

5 To answere to the poynts, o­mitting partiall respects.

6 To cut off idle interruptions, and vaine cauils.

[Page 237]7 Not to powre out all our mindes at once, but to keepe some what till afterwards, Prou. 29.

Here is to bee auoyded.

1 Pride to heare a mans selfe speake.

2 The fruit thereof, namely:

First, Obscurity.

Secondly, Affectation.

2 We must auoid tempting spee­ches, whereby wee may si [...] [...] and vndermine others.

4 As also, that spirit of contra­diction, whereby thwarting o­others and contradicting euery man, Heresie and Atheisme is bred and maintained.

5 We must also refraine bitter­nesse, and captious taking vp of our brother, a fault incident to briefenesse of speech.

6 As also, wee must beware of sottishnes and inconsequence of speech, while happily we thinke to shewe our skill in breuity.

Hitherto appertaine,

1 Restraining of our passion, by [Page 238] interrupting our selues, if by course of speech wee grow in­to an heate.

2 Correcting our selues by si­lence wherein we haue mis-said.

3 Contracting our matter into the briefest forme of words.

4 Disposing it methodically to the best capacity of the hearer.

1 That we minister a word in due season, Isa. 50. As, comfort to whom comfort belongs, and when he is fit for comfort, being throughly humbled; and so reproofe.

2 That we submit subordination to the best ends.

3 That we affect not words, but labour to expresse our matter in the fewest and plainest.

4 And also neglect not to as­cribe what in ciuility belongs to each. And

5 In charity ascribe for religion what is outwardly apparent, lea­uing the heart to God.

6 Not iudging peremptorily of [Page 239] any, though his estate bee out­wardly desperate.

7 Neither discouering our owne good or euill, but when, as be­fore, we heare a calling

1 That what is here spoken of Speech, Rules here­in. is to be vnderstood also of Writing, in which all these gra­ces are to be practised, and vices to be auoyded.

2 That in all kinde of speech, as well Latine as English, &c. ex­emplary, as wherein though the phrases of other tongues may leade vs to prophanesses, yet we must auoyd them. As in Gram­mer, Would God I did, &c.

Hitherto of speech.

Now because wee cannot speake well, vnlesse wee know also how to hold our peace, wee are therefore, in the second place, to consider of silence. Sect. 33 Of silence, and the right vse thereof.

Here obserue,

1 That the Rule of silence must be Gods word.

2 Matter of silence, concernes [Page 240] God, our Neighbour, our Selues.

3 Persons, before whom.

Things to be conceald And first, wherein si­lence is to be vsed.4 The end, wich is,

Gods glory, ours & others good.

Things concerning God, are:

1 His secrets which wee know not, and therefore are to admire them in silence. Deut. 29.29.

1 Concer­ning God.2 His strange and extraordi­nary workes, which wee may not speake boldly of, but rather in silence wonder at. Iob. 36.37. Leuit. 10.3.

3 We are to conceale the mercy of from God obstinate sinners.

4 We are to conceale his iudge­ments from humbled sinners.

5 We are to be silent at his cor­rections. Psal. 39. hereby shewing our submission to his will.

6 Wee are to yeeld to the knowne truth, and in silence to glorifie God. Act. 11.18.

2 Concer­ning our selues. Touching our Neighbour, obserue

1 That we may conceale some truth from him, not being deman­ded; yea, being question [...]d we may conceale either the whole, or part:

[Page 241] Prouided that it do not.

1 Hinder Gods glory.

2 Or my neighbours good.

Truth in the whole is to be concealed:

1 When the speaking of the least word is hurtfull: as for example, the father and sonne lieth sicke at once, the sonne dieth first, the fa­ther asketh whether the sonne be dead or no; if it bee said, No, an vntruth is told; if yea, the fathers life is endangered: therefore si­lence is best. 2. Sam. 12.

2 When the reuealing thereof indangers the life of the innocēt; 3 What to be conceald Aug. lib. ad conser. and therefore I am not to reueale my brethren in affliction, nor to be compelled thereto by oath:

Prouided, first, that the authori­ty requiring this bee vnlawfull.

2 The thing I conceale, bee not in it selfe euill; but so mistaken.

3 That in the concealing of it, I preferre not a priuate before a publicke good.

Truth in part is to be concealed; when I speake a part of the truth, but not the whole. 1. Sam. 16.1. [Page 242] 23. Ier. 38.24. Exod. 5. Act. 23.6.

Q. When I am demanded, may I answere in part?

Yea so,

1 I purpose not to deceiue.

2 Content the minde of the answerer.

Secondly, I am to conceale the infirmities of my Neighbour, vn­lesse (as before) we be called of God to speake, Prou. 17.14. Prou. 19.11.

3 All vnseemely matters,

4 Such as concerne vs not,

5 And such as are aboue our reach, are to be buried in silence.

3 Ministers must conceale the infirmities of their people, vnlesse they be otherwise vnreclaimable.

4 Magistrates secrets of state, least the enemy know them.

Concerning my selfe. I am,

1 To conceale mine owne se­crets. Iud. 14. or else, if need be, tell those that are faithfull of si­lence concerning my selfe.

2 That which thou wouldst haue no man know, tell no man.

1 The malicious enemies of re­ligion, Mat. 7.6. Mat. 27.14. Ps. 39.2.

2 Before Magistrates in open Courts, Act. 24, 10. till we be bid­den.

3 In the presence of our elders and betters. Iob. 32.8.

4 Fooles and pratlers are to bee humbled and conuinced with si­lence. Pro. 26.

Thus farre concerning the gui­dance of the tongue.

1 When they proceed from a true ground

2 And are to be performed true meanes, and a holy manner. Sect.34. Last part of the Girdle: Conformi [...]ie of outward actions.

3 When they aime, at a right end. The ground of all good actions is faith in Iesus Christ. Rom. 14. Heb. 11.6.

1 Assuring vs, that our persons are accepted of God, and so our [...] [Page 246] Gods meere mercy in Iesus Christ. Phil. 3.

12 That we bee that we seeme to bee.

13 That wee make conscience of the least as well as the grea­test.

14 That we prouide things ho­nest before men, as well as in the sight of God.

15 Distrust the goodnes of that worke in w [...]ich thou hast not a contrary tentation.

16 Especially if thou beest not rowsed with an imputation of hypocrisie.

17 That we measure not the sub­stance of wel-doing by particular actions.

18 That the rule for approbati­ons of our actions be the accep­tance of our persons in Christ, not any perfection that is in thē.

19 That in all well-doing wee discerne a kind of foolishnesse in regard of the wisedome of the world, and of the flesh.

1 To be abased in our selues.

[Page 247]2 To giue God the glory.

3 To try the sincerity thereof in regard of the opposition of the world. 1. Cor. 3.18.

The end of our actions is,

1 That whatsoeuer we do, The end what, it be done to Gods glory. 1. Cor. 10.31. and this is performed: 1 Gods glo­ry.

1 In sanctifying and auspica­ting them by prayer & inuocati­on of the name of God. 1. Tim. 4.

2 In returning the strength of them to the worship of God, in causing our light to shine before men. Math. 5.20. Prou. 5.10.

3 In all things, and in euery issue of them, giuing thankes to God the father, through Iesus Christ.

4 Being abased before the Lord in regard of our vnworthinesse to doe him any seruice, as also of the vnworthinesse of the seruice we doe performe.

5 Acknowledging that nothing is due vnto vs but shame and confusion of our faces. Dan, 9.

6 Desiring to be found in Christ, not hauing our owne righteous­nesse, [Page 248] which is of the Law, but that which is by the faith of Christ. Phil. 3.9.

2 Edificati­on how ac­complished. Secondly, we must do all things to edification both of our selues and others. Here obserue:

1 That the lesse benefite must giue place to the greater.

2 That in all things next to Gods glory, our chiefe aime must be the saluation of the soule. 1. Cor. 16.

3 That more regard be had of those which are within, thē which are without, Gal. 6.10. 1. Cor. 6. & yet the good of none neglected.

4 That of those which are with­in, we haue more respect to the weake in cases of indifferencie. Rom. 14. Rom. 15.1.

5 That our conuersation be an­swerable to our profession. Ephes. 4.1.

6 That we haue as well strong meat for men, as milke for babes; not sticking alwayes in the infan­cie of our profession, but grow­ing vp in Iesus Christ, Hebr. 6.1. Hebr. 13.

[Page 249]7 That we abound in weldoing, and make sure our Election by good workes. 2. Pet. 1.8.9.

8 That wee as well cast out the hypocrite and stumbling-blocke, as hold on the sound Christian. Ier. 1.

9 We must bring forth fruit in due season, obseruing the comeli­nesse of time, place, persons, &c. Psa. 1.3.

10 That in actions either doubt­full or deceitful, as we haue cause to suspect them.

1 If they grieue the godly.

2 If they giue occasion of the wicked to reioyce: so wee may haue comfort if the conscience approue, and the Saints allow, though the wicked condemne. &c

This Girdle is put on.

1 By continuall setting of our hearts before God, How appli­ed. for the sear­ching thereof.

2 Trying all our thoughts, words, and actions, by the word.

3 By continuall watching ouer our wayes.

[Page 250]4 By earnest prayer to God.

And it is kept on,

1 By not straining the con­science in the least euill, Hebr. 13.18.

2 By cleauing to the testimony thereof, and reioyi [...]ng especially therein. 2. Cor. 1.12.

3 By obeying the checkes of conscience.

4 Conuincing the hollownesse and hypocrisie of the world.

5 Labouring and aprouing sin­cerity in others.

6 Daily fearing our selues, and renuing our couenant with God.

7 Renouncing daily our selues, and flying to Christ. Phil. 3.12.13.

Benefite of this part of the Girdle. The vse of this Girdle is:

1 Wee are ready prest to doe Gods will. Reu. 1.

2 Wee are cleered from hypo­crisie, which is the moth of well-doing. Mat. 6. Mat. 23.

3 Wee auoyd vncertatnty, and dulnesse in good things.

4 We are preserued from cor­ruption in iudgement, and A­postasie [Page 251] in life.

5 All other gifts of God are a­dorned and approued thereby.

6 We are enabled to hold out to the end, and so obtaine the Crowne.

7 As by this rule of our actions, discerning the vnworthinesse thereof.

8 In the vnworthinesse of the action, discerning the worthines of our persons in Christ, and growing vp in him by faith to perfection.

9 The other parts of the spiritu­all Armour are compact in them­selues, and fastned to vs by it: The next whereof is the Brest-plate of righteousnes, or Innocency. And this is, 1 An inclination and resolu­tion of the heart to all good. Sect. 35. The Breast-plate of righteous­nesse

This is necessary,

1 To iustifie and beautifie our profession, and make sure our ele­ction. 2. Pet 1.10.

2 That we may be freed from many inward pangs, and outward troubles.

[Page 254]3 By abstaining from the occa­sions and appearance of euill. 1. Thess. 5.

4 By iustifying and maintaining the same, with the losse of al in re­spect thereof. Act. 21. Iob. 2.

5 By walking conscionably in the duties of our callings.

6 By trying our faith which is the life thereof. 2. Cor. 13.

7 Vndergoing continuall trou­bles for the same. ‘And to this end serues the third part of this Armour.’ This is, that our feete be shod with the preparation of the Gospel, that is:

1. What it isIn the assurance of our accepta­tion into the fauour of God, through Iesus Christ, we are ar­med and prepared:

First, to Deny our selues.

Secondly, to take vp the crosse of Christ and to follow him. Luke 9.23.

And this must be done.

1 That troubles find vs not vn­prepared. 2. The vse of this part. Iob. 3 25.

2 That the feare of them may [Page 255] not dismay vs.

3 That we be not ouerwhelmed with the waight of them. 2. Corin. 4.8.9.

4 That our minds may be quie­ted in the midst of them. Rom 5.2.

5 That we may bee more then conqueror in them. Romans 8.24.

6 That we may comforts others which grone vnder the like bur­then 2. Cor. 1.4.5.

7 And so finish our course and obtaine the crowne. 2. Tim. 4.

1 By dayly reading and medi­tating on the passion of Christ. How to bee attained, and preser­ued. Heb. 12.2.

2 Giuing all diligence to the word preached.

3 Preferring the fauor of God in Christ aboue all things. Ps. 4.6.

4 Not depending vpon things seene, but contemplating things inuisible. Heb. 11.1.

5 Hauing our eye fixed on the recompence of the reward, and comparing the momentany trou­ble, [Page 256] with the surpassing weight of glory Heb. 11.26.

Sect. 37. A fourth part of the Armour, the shield of faith.And it is a full and strong per­swasion of the loue of God in Christ Iesus, Rom. 8.38. whereby

1 We beate backe all the fierie darts of the diuell, as carnal con­fidence, presumption, security, in­fidelitie, distrust, credulitie, &c.

2 Prize all things at their true worth and prosecute them accor­dingly:

3 Wee preserue the graces of God, and increase them vnto vs.

4 Wee follow hard to the marke, and attaine perfection. Phil. 3.13.

This is requisite:

It vse.1 To giue approbation to all our actions.

2 To giue comfort in regard of their imperfections.

3 To enable vs in our suffrings Iob. 1.5.

4 To finish our course and pro­cure [Page 257] vs the crowne. Hebrew 11.13 2. Tim. 4·

5 To ouercome tentations, as despaire, & presumption of Gods mercie, &c.

6 To obtaine a comfortable life

7 To be prepared vnto death. ‘This is obtained and preserued as before. Cap. 7, Sect. 38. The fifth part the hel­met of hope.’ A fift part of this Armour is the hel­met of hope. This is

1 A constant desire of the pro­mised happinesse. Mat. 5.6. Phil. 1.23. 2. Tim. 4.8.

2 A chearefull expectation and wayting after the same.

3 A resigning our selues into the hands of God. Psal. 5.12.

And it differs from faith:

1 In the maner of apprehending faith apprehends things to come, as if they were present.

Hope discerneth them as they are in time to bee performed and so waiteth the accomplishment of them.

2 In the vse, Faith giues a be­ing to things that are not, calling [...] [Page 260] Lord when meanes faile. ibid. 5. & resting in him. Prou. 14.32 Rom. 4.

5 Reuerent obseruing of the workes of God. Psalme 40.4. Psalm 115.11.

6 Depending on the trueth of Gods promises, though we see thē not accomplished. Psal. 46.5. Psal. 130.9. Prou. 16.20.

7 Expecting the Lords leasure, contrary to sense and reason▪ Psal. 69.4. Esay 26.8

8 Abasing and renouncing our selues before the Lord. Psal. 131.3 Zeph. 3.12.

9 Submitting our selues to the ministery of the Gospel. Es. 50.10.

10 Waiting further vpon God, then this life can counteruaile. 1. Cor. 15.19.

The last part of this spirituall ar­mour, is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Sect. 39. The last part the sword of the Spirit. Hebrew 4 Psalme 149. &c

And this must be had,

First, To discerne:

1. It vse.1 The deceitfulnesse of sinne. Heb. 3.13.

[Page 261]2 The poyson of error and here­sie. 1. Tim. 6.3.

3 The corruption of our owne hearts. Heb. 12.

4 The manifold subtilties and deepenesse of Satan. Apoc. 2.24. 2. Pet. 1.19.

5 The riches of Gods mercie. Eph. 3.18. Ephes. 1.18.

Secondly, to confirme & maintain

1 Faith against infidelity and dis­contentment.

2 Hope against despaire. Ro. 15.4

3 Truth against error and hu­mane wisedome. Iames 1.18.

Christ against Antichrist.

4 God against man.

Thirdly, To captiuate and subdue:

1 Euery imagination that exalts it selfe against God. 2. Cor. 10.4.

2 To cut off the power and cords of sinne. Hos. 6.

3 To repell the impudencie and importunitie of Satan. Mat. 4.

Fourthly, To purge:

• 1 Zeale, of ignorance & selfeloue
• 2 Religion, of hypocrisie.
• 3 Profession, of vaine glory.
• [Page 218]4 Weldoing, of wearisomnesse
• 5 Faith of carnalnesse.
• 6 Afflictions, of impatiency, &c.

Fiftly, To confound:

• 1 Satans kingdome. Mat. 4.
• 2 The fleshes tyranny. Tit. 2.11.
• 3 The worlds deceitfulnesse. Ps. 119.95

Our hearts doubtfulnesse. Psal. 73.17.

2 How obtained.5 Mans inuentions. Psal. 119.113

This armour is obtained and put on,

1 By prayer.

2 Studie and meditation. 1. Tim 4.13.

3 Submitting our selues to the word preached. 3 Triall [...]ereof. Iam. 1.21.

These meanes how wrought effe­ctually:

1 When our vnderstanding is illightened, and delighted with the sauing knowledge thereof.

2 Our iudgements confirmed, & established in the same. Ep. 1.9▪

3 Our consciences conuinced, and quieted therein. Romans 5.1.

4 Our wil and affections subdu­ed & captiuated thereto. Ps. 40.6.

[Page 223]5 Our desire enflamed and vn­satiable thereof. Mat. 5.6.

6 Our minde satisfied and con­tented therewith, aboue all trea­sures. Psal. 119.97. Psalme 19.10.

7 Our liues reformed & amen­ded thereby. Psal. 119.9.

8 Our faith quickened, & daily nourished by the same. 2. Pet. 1.

9 And we enabled to ouercome tentations, & to finish our course with ioy. Psal. 119.7.9.

And this armour is kept on:

1 By recording and rehearsing the same vnto other: 4. How kept on. so to labour their conuersion. Lu 22.23.

2 By spiritual experience of the power therof in putting our knowledge into continuall practise.

3 By cleauing constantly to an effectuall ministery. Iohn. 10.5.

4 By suffring afflictions for the Gospel. Heb. 10. Act. 21.

5 By labouring to haue it to dwell plentifully among vs, & to haue the power thereof more and more abound in the mortifying of our affections and speciall sins. [Page 264] Col. 3.16. Tit. 2.11.

Thus farre of the parts of the Chri­stian armour.

Sect. 40. The general benefit of the whole armie.First, In respect of our selues,

1 Our whole life must needs be subiect to many feareful breaches and distractions, 2. Pet. 1.

2 We shall passe it very ildy and vnprofitably.

3 Wee shall bee deceiued with many false shadowes, and appa­rances of good, and bee much to seeke in that good which wee doe desire, either in the knowledge of it, or desire to the same.

4 Our course at the best will be most vncertaine. Iohn 11.10. In re­gard of others.

5 Wee shall not so shine before them, as lights by our good ex­amples. Mat, 5.16.

6 Nay, wee shall necessarily in re­spect of our euil example be stum­bling blockes vnto them.

7 We shall cause our profession to be euill spoken of. Ephes. 5.4.3

[Page 265]8 And our God, and his Religion and word blasphemed. Timothie 6.1.

1 Certaine of what we do. Iohn 11.9.

2 Enabled in some measure to do it. Psal. 119.104.

3 Strong to encounter all op­positions, and victorious therein. Psal. 119.6.

4 Assured of the acceptance of what we doe Phil. 1.21, 20.

5 Ready for all occasions what­soeuer. Phil. 4.12.

6 And willing to yeelde vp [...]his due vnto God, when hee shall re­quire it. Acts 7.1. Cor. 7.

CHAP. V. Of the pursuit of God, and the auoyding of euill.

Now being thus armed, we are pre­pared to encoūter such occasions as [Page 266] occurre in the day, which are gene­rally and necessary:

• 1 To auoyde euill, Esay 1.16, 17.
• 2 To prosecute that which is good.

First, we must labor to haue our iudgement rectified.

Concerning.

1 The euil it selfe.

2 Our owne estate in respect of it·

3 God, who hates it and yet or­ders it.

That which wee are to be informed concerning euil, Sest. 1. Difference of euill. is, that there is euil.

1 By nature, and such is whatso­euer is against or besides the law of God, and this is properly cal­led sinne.

2 By accident, so a good thing may be made euill. Psal. 69.22. Ma­lach. 2.2.

3 Opinion, so afflictions are coun­ted euils; yea, the trueth and po­wer of good in the censure of the world, vsually is counted euill. E­say 5.20.

[Page 267] The vse hereof is:

1 That we may discerne things that differ, not stumbling vpon e­uill in stead of good, nor auoy­ding good in stead of euill, not fearing afflictions whē they come for good, nor distrusting our goodnesse, though it bee accounted e­uill. Phil. 1.10.

2 We must vnderstand the true authour of euil, which is not God, but our selues, that so wee may blame none, but our selues. Iames 1.13

3 That euill is not only a meere priuati [...]n of good, Sect. 2. What the e­uill of sin is. but a qualitie inherent and defiling the soule. 1. Iohn 3.4.

4 That it is not only committed in act, but in thought; though con­sent come not thereto. Exod. 20.

5 That it is as well committed in omitting what we should do, as in doing what we should not.

6 That sinne is seene in the least that is forbidden, as well as in the greatest. 1. Iohn 3.4.

That the least sin breaketh the [Page 268] law of God, and maketh vs guilty of the whole. Iam. 2.12. Ephes. 5.11.12. Rom. 6.21.

8 That sinne is filthie and loth­some euen in the greatest pleasure and act thereof.

9 That the end thereof is bitter and the inward parts most abomi­nable Rom. 6.

Sect. 3. The vse of this know­ledge. And this knowledge serueth.

1 To conclude all vnder sinne. Rom. 3.9.

2 To lay the fault iustly where it is.

3 To preuent diminishing and encreasing of sinne.

4 To auoyde the custome, and punishment thereof.

1 That if we neuer committed sin, yet we are not free from it, as being guilta of the sinne of ano­ther, & deriuing it from the loines of our parents. Rom. 5.14. Psal. 51.5. Ephes. 2.3.

2 That hereby our nature is [Page 269] wholly tainted with corruption, and vncleanenesse. Iob. 14. Psalme 51.

3 That wee are depriued of all originall, and actual righteousnes. Sect. 4 How farre sinne hath taken hold on man. Ephes. 2. Rom. 6.

4 And prone, yea desparately set to commit all sinne with gree­dinesse. Gen. 6.

5 That we delight in sinne, and repose our chiefe contentment therein. Pro. 2.

6 That naturally we hate to be reformed and pluckt out of sinne. Rom. 10.21.

7 That we cannot but necessa­rily, and yet willingly sinne. 1. Cor. 12.2.

8 That our best actions are beau­tifull sinnes. Esay. 64.6.

9 That in our nature, sinne yet remaineth. Rom. 7.1. Iohn 1.7. And that. Reason

How farre sinne remaineth in the Regenerate, and why

1 That we might haue dayly ex­perience of the vertue of Christs sacrifice.

[Page 270]2 As also discerne the worke of sanctification by the contrary tentations.

3 That by renued repentance we might maintain the assurance of the forgiuenesse of sinne.

4 That we might be dayly hum­bled vnder the hand of God.

5 That we might giue God the glory of his freee mercy, in wor­king wholly our saluation. The benefit of this knowledge.

And this knowledge serueth:

1 To iustifie God in his iudge­ments. Rom. 3.5.

2 To confound the goodnesse of nature. Rom. 3.19.

3 To magnifie the riches of Gods mercy. Ephes. 2.3.7.

4 To send vs to Christ. Romans 3.22.

5 To prouoke vs to hunger af­ter heauen.

1 That hee hateth all euill as a righteous God. Psal. 5. and no vn­cleane thing shall dwell with him. Reuel. 21.

[Page 271]2 That he permitteth and orde­reth euill in speciall wisedome to his glory. Act. 5. As

1 In that hee presustaineth the subiect of sinne.

2 Hee denieth or withdraweth his assistance by which necessarily we fall.

3 He turneth all euill to good.

3 That he knoweth and search­eth the most inmost closet of sin. Ierem. 17.10.

4 That he is able to punish, and to take vengeance of the same. Isa 40.

5 That he punisheth sinne with sinne, and yet most righteously. 2. Thess. 2.11.

6 That though hee haue laide the chastisement of our peace vp­on on his Sonne: yet he will correct vs as his children for sinne. Isa. 53 Psal. 88.89.

7 That he leaueth to grosse and open sinnes to preuent and purge out spirituall wickednesse in his children.

8 That he giueth vp the wicked [Page 272] to spirituall wickednesse, of selfe-loue, pride, hardnesse of heart, se­curity, to preuent hereby for a time grosse euils, which might be a means to bring to repentance, whereby they are detained in a false conceit of their estates, & so are ripened to eternal vengeance

And the vse And this knowledge serueth:

1 To iustifie the perfect holines of God. Psal. 18.30. Psal. 145.17.

2 To magnifie his wisedome in disposing of euill. Rom. 11.33.

3 To giue him his prerogatiue, that he is [...], the searcher of the heart. Ier. 17.10.

4 To ascribe vnto him the glo­ry of his power and super excel­lent greatnesse, that we might be humbled before him. Psa. 86.9, 10.

5 To worke in vs an hatred of euill, & loue of righteousnes. Gen. 17.1. because god hates him. Ps. 139

6 To preuent presumption, and cause vs to worke out our saluati­on with feare & trembling 2. Co. 5.

7 To trust perfitly in him, that so gratiously orders euil, and turnes [Page 273] hem about to our good. Sect. 5. How sinne to be auoy­ded.

Secondly, Our iudgment being thus rectified, we must proceed to the pra­ctise of auoyding euill.

And this is seene, either in

• 1 Preuenting sinne, or
• 2 Recouering out of it by vnfained repentance.
  And first how preuēted 1. gene­rally.

Sinne is preuented either:

• 1 Generally, or
• 2 Particularly: Generally: by

1 A continuall watchfulnesse o­uer our heart, and outward man.

2 A feare and suspecting of our selues, as at all times, so when wee haue most experience of Gods mercy. Prou. 28.14. Iob. 1.

3 A continuall resigning of our selues into the hands of God.

4 Walking as alwayes in his presence. Gen. 5.22. Gen. 17.1.

5 To haue a continuall eye to Gods commandements. Psalme 119.

6 To meditate on Gods iudgements, inflicted on his dee­rest children for sinne. 2. Sam. 12.11, 14.

[Page 274] How to bee imployed in our callings generally.7 Consider the inestimable loue and mercy of God towards vs. Exod. 34 6.

Eightly, Imploying our selues in some honest calling 2. Thess. 3.11.12. And that

1 In faith and without distrust of Gods prouidence, with a good conscience. Mat. 6.25. Heb. 13.18.

2 With cheerefulnesse and con­tentment, without murmuring & couetousnesse. Heb. 13.5.

3 Committing the successe to God, and waiting for his blessing, without making haste to be rich, or indenting with God for these outward things. 1. Tim. 6. Gen. 30. 1. Ha. 1.16.

4 In humilitie, and lowlines, not sacrificing to our net, but giuing God the glory. Gen. 32.10.

5 In holines sanctifying the same by the word and prayer, and laying a good foundation therby towards heauen. 1. Tim. 6. 1. Tim. 4.

6 In faithfulnes and diligence, re­deeming the time, & accounting for it. Eph. 5▪16 Psal. 90.

[Page 275]Ninthly, How to vse Christian li­berty aright learning to vse our Chri­stian libertie a right.

1 Herein not so much to stand on lawfulnesse, as expedience. 1. Cor. 10.

2 That all things be done to e­dification, not offence. 1. Cor. 14.

3 That as wee remit of our li­berty in regard of such as are weak of ignorance, so we vse it in re­spect of the obstinately ignorant, lest we harden them in their sin. Mat. 15.14.

4 That we vse the things of this life within the compasse of our callings. 1. Cor. 7. 1. Cor. 10.

5 For our recreation that it be in things indifferent. Phil. 4.8

2 Very spare and sober.

3 Tending to a spirituall end, not the satisfying of the flesh. Ga. 5.13

6 That all things be done to the glory of God. 1, Cor. 16.

Tenthly; By auoyding the occasions of sinne, which are

1 Euill company. Ephes. 5.11.

2 Excesse in the vse of the crea­tures. Luk. 21.34.

3 Giuing the bridle to the outward [Page 276] man. Gen. 31.1.

4 Opportunitie and seasonable­nesse. Eccles. 3.1.

5 Appearance and shew of e­uill, &c. Thess. 5.22.

And thus sinne generally may be pre­uented, particularly, thus, when wee are assaulted by any tentation.

2 How in particular we may re­sist sinne.1 To mourne at the priuy mo­tions of sinne, and at no hand to set light by it.

2 To know that I beare a tray­tor in my bosom, & therfore here here at no hand consult with flesh nor giue away to the temptation. Iames. 1.14.

3 To choake it by strong cryes and groanes to God. Mat. 6.13.

4 To put it off by exercising the mind with contrary meditations and affecting the contrary vertue Psalme 1.

5 Examine thy heart why it is thus, & thou shalt find some cause of this tentation, Psalme 4.

6 The cause found either,

1 Want of found repentance for some former sinne.

2 Security.

[Page 277]3 Some greater euill like to follow, whereof this tentation is a messenger, or such like negli­gence, dispose thy selfe accor­dingly.

4 Forget not hartily to mourne for thy former yeelding to the like tentations, and so renue thy repentance for former sins. And strengthen thy selfe especially by the meditation of the sufficiencie of thy Sauiour, who now suffers with thee, and in whom thou shalt bee more then a conque­rour.

5 Intend thy calling more care­fully and conscionably, Eph. 5.15.

6 Renue thy repentance and vowes to God more effectually. Psa. 116. for the present motions and prouocations to euill.

7 Dispute not with Sathan, nei­ther play with the flame; but flye away with Ioseph, though thou leaue thy coat behind thee, Iam. 4.7. Gen▪ 39.12.

8 Labour not so much to auoyd the outward act, as to haue thy [Page 278] heart purged from the euill thought. Psal. 51.2.10.

9 Esteeme it thy greatest hap­pinesse in this life, to be free from the rage and slauery of sin. And,

10 Magnifie in thy iudgement their condition who are constant­ly maisters of their owne cor­ruptions.

11 Submitting thy selfe rather to any punishment (if it so please God) then to yeeld to the tenta­tion. Mat. 5.29.

12 Remembring often with feare and trembling, what thou mightst bee brought to by this [...]enta [...]ion, if God should leaue thee. And looke for one tempta­tion in the necke of another.

13 Yet faint not in thy resi­stance: but perseuer constantly, and by Gods mercy Sathan shall flye away. Iam. 4.7. Mat. 4

14 Faile not to be thankfull vn­to God for euery little occasion of auoyding the tentation, or conquering the same.

[Page 279]Here at no hand giue way to corruption, or deferre repen­tance,

1 Because thou hast no cer­tainty of thy life.

2 Nor assurance of the renuing and returne of Gods mercy, if once thou refuse it, Pro. 1.24.25.

3 The sooner thou returnest, the surer will be thy acceptance, and the more sweete and beau­tifull thy after conuersation.

4 Yea thou shalt more encrease Gods kingdome, and so gaining God more glory, prepare thy selfe to greater glory.

To this end consider:

1 Thy estate in grace, Sect. 6 How to re­couer out of sinne. which must be renued by repentance. Psal. 51.

2 Gods mercies, which are a­boue all thy sinnes. Psalm. 103.8. Exod. 24.16.

3 The effectualnesse of Christs [Page 280] sacrifice; daily cleansing thee from sinne. 1. Iohn. 1.7.

4 And that still thou liuest by faith, aboue the sence of thine owne present state, Rom. 1. yet stil refreshing thy selfe with

5 Thy former experience how thou hast recouered, Psa. 77.5.

1 By view­ing sin, and that first in the Law.First, view thine iniquity in the glasse of the Law, to bruise thine heart, and there thou shalt finde what an euil and bitter thing sin is. Ier. 2.19.

2 Secondly hereupon apply that knowledge vnto thine own soule by the power of Conscience, as­sisted by the Spirit of Bondage: and proceed to iudge thy selfe, con­cluding that thou art guiltie of eternall death. And hence will follow compunction, and woun­ding of the heart, Act. 2.37

3 The heart being thus woun­ded, that thou maist bee kept from despaire, 2 In the Gospel. view thy selfe, secondly, in the glasse of the [Page 281] Gospell, that the bruised Reede may not be broken; by conside­ring what a bitter, and yet preti­ous ransome was paid for thy sin. Mat. 20.28.

4 Hereupon make applica­tion vnto thine heart, by the worke of Conscience, renued by the Spirit of Adoption, & raise vp thy selfe with this assurance, that though thou art a sinner; yet Christ is thine, and thou hast pardon of thy sinne, and shalt haue life eternall in him. Mat. 11.28. Math. 5.3.4. Luk. 15.2. Cor. 7.

1 Thou shalt reioyce that thy sinnes are forgiuen thee in Christ Iesus.

2 Thou shalt be sorrowfull t [...]at thou hast displeased so good and gratious a Father.

And this sorrow is expressed: 2 By iudge­ing.

First, by iudging thy sinne be­fore God in the Court of thy Conscience.

And this iudgement consisteth:

[Page 282]1 In conceiuing the foolishnesse of thy sinne, to crosse the wise­dome of the flesh, and condemne the same. 2. Sam. 24.

2 In examining thy sinne, and taking a more particular notice thereof, Psa. 51.4.

2 Confessing it, Psalm. 32.5. And that,

1 With griefe and detestation. Esay 37.

2 Particularly, not generally, not onely so farre as thou know­est, confessing herein thy know­ledge to be short, and yeelding vp thy vnsearchable heart vnto God, Lord clense me from my secret sinnes. Psa. 19.

3 Against thy selfe, not excu­sing or diminishing: not laying the fault vpon God, the creatures &c. but blaming especially that corrupt fountaine of thy heart herein, Psa. 32.5. Psa. 51.

4 Vnto God, not vnto Angels, or Men, &c. who only is able and ready to forgiue. Psal. 103.

Thirdly, thou must condemne [Page 283] sinnne, and this is done;

1 By acknowleging what is d [...]e vnto thee for it, namely shame and confusion of face for euer. [...] 9.6. Da [...].

2 Professing thine owne vile­nesse and vnworthinesse of the least of Gods mercies. Iob. 39.16.

3 Iustifying God in what hee might do, and submitting thy self vnder his mighty hand Ely 2. Sam 2. Dauid, 2. Sam. 16.

4 Execute vengeance on thy selfe for thy sinne, 2. Corinth. 7. in this manner:

1 Lie downe in thy confusion, and couer thy face with shame. Ier. 3. Luk 18.

2 Abhorre and detest thy selfe in sackcloth and ashes, Iob. 42.6.

3 Haue indignation and zeale against thy selfe for offending so good a God: 2. Cor, 7. Peter wept bitterly. Psal, 73.22. So foo­lish, &c.

4 Grone vnder the burthen of thy flesh, and desire to bee rid [Page 284] of it, Rom. 7.21.

5 Possesse a broken heart for thy sinne, all thy life long, Psalm. 51.17.

6 Refraine thy selfe from law­full comforts. Ioel. 2.

7 Impose all meanes of mortifi­ing thy rebellious flesh, as feare of thy selfe, lest thou fall againe. Pro. 28.14.

8 Mingle thy drinke with thy teares, and in thy greatest secu­rity let the remembrance of thy sinne awake and rouse thee vp. Psa. 51.

9 Desire euer after more care­fully to please God. 2. Cor 7.

10 To this end preserue a record of thy sin, and retaine some mo­nument thereof with thee.

11 Consider often what punish­ments thou hast felt for sin.

12 And let the day of thy death, and appearing before the iudge­ment seate of Christ, bee alwayes in thy minde, make thou sure ac­count of it, and daily make ready for it, 2. Pet. 3.

[Page 285]13 Cease not crying out against thy corruptions, and complaining vnto God of thy rebellions, that he may strengthen thee against them. Psa. 119.49.

14 Binde thy selfe by the oath, and by the curse to forsake all sin, and to continue constant in the seruice of thy God, Ezra. 10.3. 2. Chro. 15.

15 Reproue sinne boldly in o­thers, and plucke them out of the fire: Iude 23. though thou beest scorcht for thy labour.

16 Suffer affliction as a good Souldier of Iesus Christ, and pre­pare thy soule vnto tentations. 2. Tim. 2.

Thus shalt thou cut off sin, and hap­pily preserue thy selfe in a constant course of godlinesse.

For thy better instruction herein:

1 Call to minde what before is deliuered in the sixth part of the Girdle of Truth, concerning Holy Actions; which may helpe thee both in the true knowledge of God, to informe thy iudgement, [Page 286] as also in the right and holy pra­ctise of good things, which must be part of thy Daily Sacrifice.

CHAP. VI. Of growing in grace.

BEing thus instructed in generall to auoyd euill, and doe good, the next duty that thou must performe, is to grow in grace.

Resons and motiues hereto.1 We doe approue our right in Gods blessing we haue receiued. 1. Tim. 4.

2 Wee make them profitable, and durable, Mat. 14.19.20.

3 Hereby we imitate our Saui­our Christ Iesus, who grew in fa­uour and grace with God and Men. Mat. 13.

4 Hereby we weaken daily the old man. 2. Cor. 4.

5 And draw neerer to the life of glory.

6 By growing, we haue com­fortable experience more and [Page 287] more of our corruption, that so wee may bee more humbled in our selues, and hunger after Christ.

7 Hereby we are weaned from the loue of the world, and more eased and freed from distrustfull cares for worldly things, because the more heauenly riches we en­ioy, the lesse minde haue we, the lesse need do we see our selues to haue of earthly things; yea the experience of Gods mercy en­creasing vs in spirituall riches, con [...] [...]mes our faith more in the prouidence of God for outward things.

8 And so wee obtaine also by this encrease, more confidence and boldnesse in the presence of God.

9 Yea wee shall finde our life and power miraculously quick­ned in holy duties, especially prayer, and zeale of Gods glory, humility, patience, &c.

10 And whereas before, the least afflictions were Irksome, [Page 288] now by this increase, wee shall thinke nothing strange, no not the fiery triall. 1. Pet. 4 11. wee shall be more ready to vndergoe them, and haue more comfort in them. As

11 Hauing by this encrease of grace, more liuely experience of the power of Christ raigning in our mortall bodies; by whom we shall haue strength to perseuere vnto the end.

12 And this is also the benefite of this growing, euen to assure vs that we shall hold out, and con­tinue vnto the end.

Thus shall wee bee conuinced, and prouoked to grow in grace.

Secondly, consider we now in the next place,

• 1 The meanes whereby wee must grow. And
• 2 The manner. And
• 3 The measure. And
• 4 Triall of our growth.

For the meanes, these are:

Meanes of growing.1 The powerfull preaching of the word, as being Gods Instru­ment [Page 289] to lead forward as well as to begin the worke. 1. Pet. 2.1.

2 The daily viewing of the heart therein: for as we discerne corruption, so we desire to grow. Psal. 4.5.

3 The quickning of our desires and purposes for well-doing: for as we desire and loue, so we shall practise.

1 By retaining soundnesse of iudgement so farre as we know.

2 Reiecting carnall rules for holinesse, which may coole,

1 As that we may bee too ho­lie.

2 That it is enough to be holy as others are. Carnall and false rules.

3 Flesh and blood cannot doe this.

4 That God is mercifull, and if wee doe our best, what can you haue more?

5 That we must not presume to bee so holy as Peter and Paul were. 1. Cor. 11.1.

[Page 290]6 That our fore-fathers were sa­ued with lesse adoe, and lesse meanes; and what need we stand so much vpon it?

7 That we must liue, and there­fore cannot stand vpon heauenly thrift.

8 Nay, we must be obedient, and therefore doe as the times will beare; go no further then those that are wiser then we.

Thirdly, labour we to be rooted and grounded in knowledge, that so our desires may be truly enli­ued. And this is effected:

1 By receiuing the power of the word, Knowledge how to bee rooted. vnto the roote and fountaine of corruption, euen our hearts, not so much beeing humbled with our outward fai­lings, as our inward corrupti­ons, and vnreasonable lusts; la­bouring more and more to dis­cerne the deceitfulnesse of the heart, and vnsearchablenesse thereof, that so wee may bee more inflamed to redresse the same.

[Page 291]2 Attempt we no action with­out particular knowledge both of the thing to done.

1 With the circumstances of time, person, and place belong­ing thereto.

2 As also of our right therein, that so from the certainty of re­solution, especially from the com­fort of our acceptance, our de­sires may be quickned.

3 And so receiuing strength from Christ, our endeuours shall bee quickned and confirmed in wel-doing.

Fourthly, that our desires may be enlarged, we must be enlarged in knowledge, that so as we know we may affect. Phil 1.9.

5 And seeing that variety of obiects may stumble and distract vs, therefore we also must labour to grow in spirituall wisedome, discerning betweene things that differ, that so we may know what chiefly is to be followed, what is the time, and meanes, and maner thereof: so shall we be more pro­uoked [...] [Page 294] yet gone before, that wee may neither thinke our case to bee singular, as if wee alone were put to this hard taske; neither thinke wee haue done enough, seeing those that receiued lesse meanes, yet haue gone beyond vs in obedience, and shall finde the way now much more easie, seeing it hath been so troden and traced to our hands.

8 And seeing the world will not sticke to hinder our growth by pressing vs downe euen with our owne weight: Therefore though wee haue attained a glo­rious liberty in Christ to take comfort in things lawfull and ne­cessary, yet let vs take heede that we vse not this liberty as an occasion to the flesh, and so it proue a burthen to presse vs downe. Gal. 5.

How to mo­ [...]erate in [...] Christi­ [...]n liberty.To this end moderate we our selues in Christian liberty, by these rules:

1 That all tend to Gods glory, emptying our selues thereof.

[Page 295]2 That wee keepe our selues within the bounds of our calling, not onely Ciuil, doing what may stand with the ability and conue­niencie, yea decorum thereof, but Christian principally,

1 What may bee warranted thereby.

2 What may further the same.

3 Subordinating the ciuill cal­ling to the iudgement and mea­sure thereof.

3 That in the vse of our liberty, we containe within the bounds of charity, and that

1 Towards God, doing all things rather in loue to his Ma­iesty, and zeale to his glory, then our owne saluation.

2 And yet so, as that beleeuing his promises, and applying them to our selues, wee make our selues fitter to loue God, by being made conformable to him, and so follow hard after the ac­complishment of the promise, by obedience to the Comman­dement, that so we may expresse [Page 296] yet more and more our loue vnto God.

2 That wee may prepare our selues hereby to the full enioy­ing of his loue.

3 That wee may attaine at length that perfection, when wee shall wholly and fully loue and glorifie our God.

3 And yet seeing without others we shall not be profited, Heb. 11. therfore in the vse of our Christian liber­ty we must also shew our loue to­wards others: And that both first superiours: as

• 1 Magistrates,
• 2 Ministers.

1 Acknowledging the authori­ty of the Magistrate to be of God; howsoeuer the person be.

2 Obeying that Authority in the Lord: As

1 To bee restrained thereby in the vse of things indifferent.

2 To bee ordered thereby for the vse thereof.

3 To be punished for the abuse.

[Page 297]4 Yea to bee ordered for the outward circumstances of time, place, decency concerning the worship of God.

5 And to bee censured for de­fault therein, both in our goods and bodies, enduring patiently, and amending thereby.

Secondly, in our Christian li­berty we must haue regard to the Ministers: As

1 Being wise to try the Spirits, and so to affect accordingly.

2 Reuerencing their persons.

3 Receiuing them as Gods Em­bassadours, yea as Iesus Christ. Gal. 4. 2 Cor. 5.

4 Embracing their message as the counsell of God, 1 Thess. 2. whatsoeuer the vessell may be.

5 Yeelding them maintenance cheerefully, and bountifully, 1. Tim. 5. 1 Cor. 9.

6 And submitting to the censure of the Church with all humility and good conscience, as to bee reformed by the same. 1. Cor. 5.

[Page 298]Secondly, in our Christian li­berty wee must haue respect to our equals, and that to such are equall either in the

• Ciuill or calling.
• Christian calling.

Towards our equal in the Ci­uill calling, wee are to order our selues thus:

1 To deale truly and iustly with them in our commerce, that so they may either iustifie and loue religion, or else haue their mouthes stopt, and bee made in­excusable.

2 We are to communicate vn­to them by occasion of worldly commerce, some heauenly riches, labouring to bring them to Christ, Ioh. 4.1. Ioh.

3 To this end faile wee not to conuince and represse knowne corruptions by the word: and to bring forth secret, by searching and launcing, resoluing rather to loose our gaine, then to be par­takers of his sin.

[Page 299]4 And here we must euen re­fraine in our liberty in diet, ap­parel being an example of mode­sty, &c. that so we may weane him the rather from the loue therof, and by our example may iustifie our profession. 1. Cor. 9.

5 And so with all meeknesse of wisdome and long suffering, wait vpon him if at any time God may giue him repentance, that hee may bee saued. 2. Timoth. 2.24.25.

6 Choosing to this end what may most edifie, what least giue offence, and exasperate; ta­king opportunity from his natu­rall inclination, from his present afflictions and temptations to worke vpon him.

7 And labouring to roote out Distrust and Couetousnesse, that so setting bounds to his earthly de­sires, by true cōtentation, he may haue more scope for heauenly.

Thus are we to order our li­berty towards our equall, in his ciuill calling.

[Page 302] [...] him to sence of inward corrupti­on, and purge wee out hypocrisie and spirituall pride.

9 Preparing him to this purpose to endure the crosse.

10 Informing him to discerne the raigning sinnes of the time.

11 Especially the corruption that most hangs vpon him, the sin that hee hath or is most subiect vnto.

12 And so prouoke we him stil to perfection, not to liue by ex­amples, nor to stint himselfe in religion, but to follow hard after the marke for the high price of his calling in Iesus Christ.

Thus are we to carry our selues in our liberty towards our equals in their generall callings.

1 Labouring to be equall with them in affection, To inferiors though superi­ors in gifts.

2 Not to despise or disgrace or discourage, or separate from thē: but rather to take vnto vs him [Page 303] that is weake, and wee which are strong to support him that is weake.

3 Not contemning or measuring his inward estate by the out­ward condition, but rather hel­ping the outward estate, that it may further the inward.

4 Not being aduanced in our selues because we haue more, but rather fearing, because, we haue a greater burthen, a greater account to make, & so easing our selues by communicating vnto o­others, yet correcting our selues by scattring our ouer-plus. Prou. 11.

5 Yea submitting our selues for the Lords sake vnto meanest con­ditiō in al lawful things, to bring them vnto Iesus Christ, 1. Cor. 9.21 2. Cor. 11.29.

6 And as a tender Nurse cheri­shing and dandling of them, not to pamper them in their weaknes but to leade them on to perfe­ction. 1. Thess. 2. Heb. 6.1.2.

7 And yet not alwaies enduring [Page 304] their weaknes, but by seueritie to compell to what lenitie could not perswade vnto, at least to pre­uent obstinacie, and infection of others.

8 And thus behauing our selues in the conuerting of others, wee shall by this meanes encrease Gods graces in our selues.

9 If we neglect not withal con­scionable walking in our ciuill cal­lings. And

10 Labour to maintaine the fellowship by exhorting & prouo­king to loue and good works. Heb. 10.

11 Not neglecting to take no­tice of, and offer vp vnto our bles­sed God, euery mercy vouchsafed vnto vs in a dayly sacrifice of o­bedience and so renuing our re­pentance for our failing therein. And

12 So considering the short­nesse of our liues and sodainnesse of Christ Iesus comming: vse we [Page 305] all diligence to make our electi­on sure, and redeeme wee the time, because the dayes are e­uill.

Now that wee bee not deceiued nor discouraged herein: obserue we in the next place, the manner of this encrease, which is,

1 A comming forward in euerie part together, Manner of spirituall groweh. as when the first wheele of a clocke moues, it car­rieth about all the rest: so the heart being enlarged, the con­science and wil, and affections, yea the members of the body, in some measure are enli­ued. As

2 Yea so, as that this growing is not alwayes sensible, by reason of the different working of the Spirit.

1 Sustaining and cherishing some­times inwardly, sometimes put­ting forth the sap into the branch and bud.

[Page 308]4 Seeing the power of God must bee made manifest in weak­nesse, therefore resolue wee, that the manner of this growth at the best must be in great weakenesse. Yet so

5 That wee shall by Gods mer­cie dayly weaken corruption, more clearely discerning it, loa­thing it more hartily, more meek­ly groane vnder it, more sighes to be deliuered from it.

6 And therefore though the grace of God shall not be in vaine in vs for the subduing of corrup­tion: Yet shall our encrease in grace, rather appeare in discer­ning the greatnesse of corrup­tion, and deceitfulnesse of sin, then in any manifest conquest o­uer the same.

7 And seeing the best wee can­can doe, is subiect to much mix­ture of corruption; therefore shall wee best discerne the manner of our growth by the right vse of grace: yea herein shall wee haue best euidence thereof, because [Page 309] we finde aboue the worke of wel­doing our persons accepted of our gratious Father in Iesus Christ.

Thus are wee to conceiue of the maner of our growth.

Now for the measure.

1 Wee are dayly growing vn­till the moment of our death. Measure of growth.

2 In holinesse howsoeuer wee may come short of many of the e­lect, yet we shal exceed our selues yea the most vaine glorious Pha­risees in the power and conscience of well doing, though happily not in the shew. Mat. 3.

4 Wee purpose the most abso­lute patterne, and not onely for the truth of holinesse, but for such a measure as we are capable of, we follow hard thereafter. 1. Cor. 11. 1. Pet. 1.18.

5 Though wee faile in practise yet wee stand firme in iudgement what should be done, and iudge our selues, especially for failing herein.

[Page 310]6 And are so farre from excu­sing our selues in any such stinted measure as the world approueth: either that wee may not presume to be as such haue beene, or else that it is needlesse, because we haue not the like imployment, or vn­reasonable, because wee haue not the like gifts, or it will be suffici­ent if wee attaine to such a mea­sure, as the time, multitude, exam­ples of leaders do prescribe.

These leaden rules I say, and carnal pretences, are so far from preuailing with the saints in their measure proposed: that they are bold so farre to endeauour as the meanes are supplyed, though in their practise they are short of their endeauour: and howsoeuer the world shall be contēted with such a measure as may serue to commit sinne more greedily, and hide it more dangerously.

Yet doth the vpright heart still cleaue to the word, for the scant­ling of his sincerity, he submits to the word; for his failing therein; [Page 311] he encreaseth in knowledge, that he may still grow in grace, and so by a further sight of his corrupti­on, is dayly sent out of himselfe, that so hee may obtaine new strength in Christ to goe forward in weldoing.

And so the child of God growes strong in the grace of God. 2. Tim 2.1.

1 And that by being dayly bro­ken by the power of the law, Meanes. see­ing his damnable estate, and so driuen out of himselfe vpon the meere mercy of God.

2 By enduring afflictions pati­ently, that in the experience of the changings in himselfe he may haue more experience of the vn­changeable loue of God.

3 To this end he must dayly di­scerne his inabilitie to any good that so hee may interest himselfe in the merit of Christ.

4 And he must renounce all o­ther strength of wisedome, riches, and that he may finde more com­fortably the power of God. Ier. 9.

[Page 312] And to this end he hath many gra­tious helpes. Helpes to grow. As especially

The vertue and power of his head and Captaine Iesus Christ who grew in grace, and is now perfected in glory to make vs perfect. Ioh. 17. Heb. 12.2.

2 The example and furthe­rance of the Saints which haue gone before, and do accompany him therein. Heb. 12.1.

3 The continuall light of the word and spirit, both informing in the present estate, truth of our as also discouering what wee should, and shall be.

4 The experience of former grace, quickning faith and so sen­ding to Christ.

5 As also experience of former failings, spurring forward throgh an holy shame and indignation, to recouer and redeeme the time

6 The time lost before, and therefore now much more to bee redeemed. The time to come not in our power, vncertaine.

7 The encrease of glory an­swering [Page 313] the encrease of grace.

1 If we haue fully subdued some sinnes, so that wee neuer fall into the purpose or act of them again, as harted of God, expressed by hatred of his word, and Saints, re­iecting of Christ, and his merite, and the effects thereof.

2 If wee finde such sinnes most weakened, vnto which hereto­fore we haue bene most addicted.

3 The more we grow, wee shall be sure to haue more tentations, more oppositions of the world.

4 The more wee discerne and are humbled in the sence of cor­ruption the more wee grow in faith, and so in grace.

5 The more we are enlaged for the good of others soules, the more is the loue of God shed a­broad in our hearts.

6 The more lowly, and meeke, and patient we are, the more hath the spirit of grace and compassion preuailed in our hearts.

[Page 316]4 That for the vse thereof, wee haue deserued to be vtterly strip­ped of the blessing. Yea

To be cut off finally from euer enioying any further mercy of our God. Yea

To haue deserued all contrary plagues to encrease our damna­tion.

Yet still ascribing vnto Iesus Christ the glory of his sacrifice.

That through him we haue ob­tained right in all Gods blessings.

And grace so to vse them, as that in Christ they are accepted.

That our persons are accepted a­boue the worth of our obedience

That in Christ wee shall grow, and so attaine to perfection.

1 To testifie and renue our right in each blessing.

2 To gaine thereby assurance of heauen:

3 We condemne the wisedome of the world which thinks it base­nes to be thankful, or some impu­tation [Page 317] of ill desert & vnworthines

4 We encrease them, and make them pledges of heauen. Psal. 67.6

5 We do ease our selues of much begging, and so approch to the life of glory.

6 We acknowledge God to bee the giuer, and blesser of them.

7 We do answer the ende, why God bestowed them on vs. Deu. 8.

8 And do by this duty performe a most principall part of worship & glory to our God, Psal. 50.23.

9 Security and hardnesse of heart is hereby preuented.

10 Our faith in God is confir­med and encreased.

11 Spirituall pride and hypo­crisie is ouer-mastered.

12 The certaintie of our salua­tion hereby pledged and confir­med.

13 Wee haue our conuersa­tion in a most speciall manner in heauen.

14 Our account made readie, and so we prepared to meete the Lord.

[Page 318]15 It is hardest to be performed and therefore most excellent.

16 We are hereby humbled, & so fitted for further blessings.

17 This is the end to which all other exercises of religion are di­rected.

18 Hereby wee glorifie God as God. Rom. 1.22.

19 And so being dayly abased in our selues we are prepared vn­to glory.

And it is to be performed dayly.

1 Because we dayly receiue good at the hands of God. Lam. 3.23.

2 And by this means shal preuent many euils which daily do assault vs And this duty is performed on this manner. Sect. 3.

First, The heart must be prepared: And that

1 We must be rauished with the greatnes & goodnes of the Lord.

2 With sound notice of the bles­sing, both concerning the truth thereof, as also the woorth of the same, conceiuing more excellent­ly of God then we possible can see [Page 319] him by his blessings. Ps. 47.7.

3 True humility for the same, by serious meditation, both of the Maiesty, power and goodnesse of God, and also of it owne vnwor­thinesse. Gen. 32

4 As also it must be purged by a setled purpose of not offending so bountifull a God.

5 And with an holy perswasion, that we haue receiued the benefit in the fauour of God, through Ie­sus Christ.

6 And lastly with an holy desire to set forth the glory of God.

7 As also it must so bee filled with the present blessing, as that still it hunger after greater graces

1 Reuerently and holily, not lightly or loosely.

2 Particularly, as neere as wee may recounting the same. Gene. 32.10. And as dayly and howerly occasions are offered, 1. as by deli­uerance from euils. 2. Preserua­tion in good, 3. acceptance of [Page 320] vnperfect seruice, 4. and renuing encrease of spirituall and tempo­rall blessings, as also 5. preuention of sin, and so suiting, and renuing our thanksgiuing accordingly.

3 Publikely, euen in the great congregations vnto the Church of God, yea to the generations to come. Psal. 66. and 102. Psal. 34.

4 Priuately betweene God and our owne soules to auoyde hypo­crisie. Mat. 6.

5 Wisely and orderly for spiri­tuall blessings, and then for tem­porall. Eph. 1.3.

6 Faithfully, aswell for blessings promised & to come, as for those we haue receiued. 2. Chron. 6.

7 Constantly, aswell when God takes, as when he giues. Iob. 1.21.

8 Humbly, acknowledging our selues to be vnworthy of the least of them. Iacob. Gen. 32. Aswel con­fessing our wants & desiring sup­ply, as acknowledging Gods gra­ces in vs. Luke 18.

9 Speedily, if it bee possible to preuent the Lord. Ge. 24. Ps. 59.16.

[Page 321]10 Continually, euen all our life long. Psal. 75.9. Psal. 79.13.

11 Charitably prouoking others to the like duty. Ps. 34.3. Ps. 92.18.

12 Acknowledging Gods graces in others, & without enuy or de­tractiō aduancing the same Nu. 11

13 Yea, wishing that all may be partakers of the same graces with vs. Num. 11.

14 Impartially, aswell for the least, as for the greatest:

15 Spiritually, referring all pre­sent blessings, to the Fountain, our redemption by Christ, and confir­ming our right, & vse from thence yea from thence, building assu­rance of perfection.

16 Sensibly, apprehending Gods goodnes more to vs then to any other. De. 17. receiuing euery pre­sent blessing as in our right to he­uen. Frequently, remēbring often what God hath done for vs, & by many and diuers words couenan­ting with our God, to pay this ob­lation, 1 both to preuent the vnto­wardlines of our nature, which is so vnwilling.

[Page 322]2 To this, as also to shame our selues the more, if happily wee grow negligent herein. Psal. 107. Psal. 146. &c.

3 Wee must praise God in our life and actions. 3 Thanke­fulnes must be perfor­med in life. Here obserue these prin­cipall actions of thankefulnesse. Psal. 3.1. Psal. 50.23.

1 To renue our obedience, and encrease our seruice of God. Psal 116.

2 Continuall mortification of the old man. Psalme 106.3. Ezra. 10. Rom. 12.1.

3 Casting out the speciall and beloued sinne. Mat. 5.29.

4 Making much of the meanes wherby Gods blessings are sancti­fied, and so continued vnto vs, namely, the preaching of the Go­spell, &c. Rom. 10.15.

5 Labouring heattily the con­uersion of others. Psal. 51 Psal. 34.4.5.

6 Releeuing, and forgiuing, & praying one for another. Eph. 4.

7 Beleeuing Gods promises, & waiting patiently the full accom­plishment [Page 323] of them. Psal. 40.1. Heb. 11. Psal. 64.10.

8 Erecting monuments and trophes of Gods benefites to po­steritie. Gen. 22.15. &c.

9 Writing and registring the noble acts of the Lord. Psal 102. Psal 45.

10 Imposing fit names unto our childrē, in remembrance of Gods mercies. Gen. 41.

11 Paying our vowes vnto God and men. Psal. 65.1. Ion. 2.9. Ps. 50.

12 Being content with whatso­euer God bestoweth vpon vs. Phi. 4. Giuing thanks in al things at al times to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ Ephes. 5.20.

13 To imploy the blessing wee receiue to the best behoofe of our Maister and our owne com­fort. Math. 25.26.27.

14 Confessing the name of God constantly. Psal. 44.

15 Hatience in waiting the accō ­plishment of Gods promise.

16 Seeing by faith into the ful­nesse [Page 324] of happinesse, yea

17 Apprehending light in dark­nesse and seeing that to bee good which the world esteemes euill,

18 And reioycing in a litle good though there be matter of mour­ning for much more euill.

19 So honouring the instrument as not to make an Idol thereof.

Thus are wee to performe thanke­fulnesse vnto God.

Which that wee may performe more happily: Sect. 3. What euils to be auoi­ded.

First, Let vs beware of these euils which are maine enemies to this duty As,

1 To imagine, that we deserue any thing. Luke 17.10.

2 That wee haue any thing meerely, by our owne labour and industry. Psal. 127.

3 That wee harpe more vpon our troubles, then Gods fauors & benefits.

4 Take we heed that we grieue not immoderatly for euils present for this will steale from vs all re­membrance of former blessings.

[Page 325]5 That we be alwayes begging, but neuer recounting what wee haue receiued.

6 That we consider what others haue, rather then what we haue need of.

7 That we be not secure in the blessings of God, but rather feare our estate most when wee haue most fauours. Iob. 1.

8 That we tie God vnto these outward things, or to the conti­nuance of any particular.

9 That wee dote and rest vpon these, not rather forget them in regard of the things of the life to come. Phil. 3.

10 That we conceiue basely & meanly of Gods mercies, and do not see and worship God in the least of them.

11 Auoid we slauish feare, and desperate pride, as if because we are vnworthy of any, therfore we will acknowledge none.

12 Nay, lest wee bee accounted hypocrites, wee will not declare what God hath done for vs.

[Page 326]13 Take wee heede here also of Spirituall pride, that while wee should acknowledge our thanke­fulnesse for what we haue recie­ued, we rather repine at our own condition, that wee had neede thereof.

Secondly, Let vs vse these helpes to thankfulnesse: As

1 Rest we vpon God, as the gi­uer of all good blessings.

Sect. 6. Helpes to thankfulnes2 Vse wee all holy meanes for the obtaining of them.

3 Leaue wee the successe to GOD, depending on his proui­dence.

4 Thinke we not what God can giue, but what is fit for vs to re­ceiue.

5 And thinke we not so much on what wee want, as what wee haue, aboue many of t [...]e deere children of God.

6 Yea, consider we not so much what we haue, as how we haue v­sed it.

7 And further, remember wee not so much what wee haue, as [Page 327] what we may haue, if we doe be­leeue, and offer the sacrifice of praise.

8 Yea, let vs wisely lay to our hearts what we haue lost by our former vnthankfulnesse.

9 Consider we how small a tri­bute the Lord requires for all his blessings. Psa. 116.12.

10 What a prerogatiue wee at­taine by thankesgiuing, that God is the receiuer, and wee the gi­uers vnto God, and how much better it is to giue, then to re­ceiue.

11 Let the creatures prouoke vs hereto, lest otherwise they con­demne vs. Heb. 6.

12 Let our commodity per­swade vs, either if we will haue, or vse, or hold Gods fauours com­fortably.

13 And lastly, consider we the account to be made in the life to come, which is made vp by thankfulnesse vnto God in this life, Ioh. 3.

14 Labour we in each particu­lar [Page 328] blessing to see a pledge of hea­uen, and a step thereto.

15 And that all the sence and sight of present and future bles­sings, be swallowed vp in our de­sire to glorifie God.

The chiefe vse and benefite thereof, is, to keepe vs in a con­stant course of obedience vnto God in the enioying of his bles­sings. Sect. 7. Benefit thereof.

And this is the next duty daily to be performed of vs.

CHAP. VIII. Of Constancie and Perseuerance.

NAmely, to labour constancy, and perseuerance vnto the end.

Sect. 1. It is most necessary.And that because:

First, hereby wee approue the soundnesse of our calling and gifts, which otherwise if we faile, were but temporary, giuen rather for others then for our owne good.

[Page 329]2 We doe vphold and confirme others.

3 Wee doe also iustifie the power of our profession, and aduance it before all other cal­lings.

4 We obtaine the promise and the crowne that is set before vs. Heb. 11. which otherwise by fal­ling away we shall lose. Reu. 3.6.

5 Wee approue the truth of God, and giue him the glory of his faithfulnesse, 1. Thess. 5.24.

6 We ouercome Satan and all our enemies, Eph. 6.13.

First, The establishing of our faith, Sect. 2. Grounds of perseuerāce that the children of God shall continue to the end; and that because,

1 Our God is faithfull and Al­mighty, Rom. 11. and his gifts are without repentance who hath promised it.

2 Iesus Christ makes conti­nuall intercession for vs. Luk. 22.33.

[Page 330]3 The Holy Ghost shall abide with vs to the end of the world. Iohn 16. to preserue vs. Iohn 14.

4 We are the beloued of God: and therefore,

1 Whom he loues once, he will loue to the end. Iohn. 13.

2 Whatsoeuer wee aske in his name, the father will giue vs, if it bee agreeable to his will. 1. Iohn. 5.14.

3 All things shall turne vnto our good. Rom. 8.29.

4 Wee are married to him for euer in holinesse and righteous­nesse. Ose. 2.

5 Gods Couenant with vs is euerlasting Ier. 30. Eze. 11. Psa. 89 & Ose 2.

6 Wee are vnited vnto Christ our head, Col. 2. and giuen to him of the Father: and therfore none shall take vs out of his hands. Ioh. 10. Ioh. 17.17.

7 Wee haue the Word and Sa­craments, which shall continue with vs to the worlds end, to vp­hold [Page 331] vs in our righteousnesse, Mat. 28. Eph. 4, 8.

8 Wee haue strengthning grace to continue vs in wel-doing. Eph. 3.16.

9 Our slippes and fallings are meanes to perseuerance.

Here consider: Sect. 3. Remouing the hinde­rances here,

1 That the childe of God be­ing regenerated, may, and doth fall; and that because,

1 God leaues him often to him­selfe, Ose. 5. Ps. 30. and that 1 of the fall of Gods children and the cause thereof.

1 To let him see his owne strength to be humbled thereby. Hos. 14.4.

2 To driue from that hold, to relye onely vpon God, Cantic. 3.4. Luk. 22.32.

3 To make him more compas­sionate and helpfull to others in their infirmities.

2 Sathan is continually sifting of him. Luk. 22.

3 He carries about him a Trai­tor ready to betray him hourely. 1. Pet. 2.11.

4 His falles may well stand with [Page 332] his estate in grace, yea do much make for the triall and encrease thereof, 1. Pet. 1.7.

As in his fall,

2 The bene­fite thereof.1 He discernes his imperfection, and so is prouoked to take stron­ger hold. Canti. 3.4.

2 In his, recouerie hee feeles the vndouted grace of God, Psa. 32.

3 In both hee hath experience of the combats between the flesh and the spirit, all which are vn­doubted signes of regeneration. Luk. 11.21.

4 He is made more acquainted with the deceitfulnesse of sin, and so more skilfull to preuent the same. Heb. 3.13.

5 He is shamed by his fall, and driuen from the hold of the world, and such like baits of sin, Hos. 14.4.

6 He is prouoked more eagerly to follow after the marke, by how much he hath been cast behinde. 2. Cor. 11.

7 He becomes more fearfull of [Page 333] himselfe, and will not be so ven­turous vpon the occasions of sin. Math. 26 75. Consider therefore,

2 How farre a regenerate man may fall.

First, In his Faith, by doubting of Gods fauour and the assurance of his saluation, 3 How far the regene­rate fall. Psal. 22. Psal. 51. Psal. 77. Hence procedes,

1 Proud and foolish reasonings against God, Ier. 12.1.

2 Vaine and vncharitable spee­ches & wishes against our selues. Iob. 3.

3 Rash and hard censuring of others.

4 Distasting of the means, and furtherances to saluation.

5 The graces of God may bee lessened in them. Psal. 51.

6 They may be couered.

7 Losse of some graces of God all his life long, as the measure of the comfortable euidence of saluation.

2 Erring through ignorance in some maine point of saluation, so the Apostles, Act. 1.6.

[Page 334]3 He may dwel in his ignorance for a time, and maintaine the same. Gal. 2. Peter.

Secondly, in his life. And that,

1 By falling into some grosse sins. 2. Sam. 11.2. Sam. 24.

2 To lie a sleepe in them till he be roused vp.

3 To fall into them againe after repentance, and so may commit rebellion against God. Lament. 3.45.

Hence will follow:

1 That the light of Gods coun­tenance shall bee taken away. 4 Danger of the falles of the Elect. Psa. 51.

2 The horrours of hell shall as­sault and buffet him, and so hee may despaire both in himselfe, and also concerning any present feeling of Gods mercy. Psa. 77.11.

3 Some grieuous outward af­flictions shall follow him to the graue. Dauid.

4 His life shall bee a burthen and irksome to him. Iacob. and he shall bee impatient vnder the crosse. Iob. 3.7.

[Page 335]5 Yea through violence of ten­ration he may happily offer vio­lence to himselfe. And so

6 Hee shall cause the name of God to bee blasphemed by the wicked, 2. Sam 12.

7 His first loue shall be cooled, and zeale in godlinesse abated. Apoc. 2.4.

8 The weake shall be offended at him.

9 Gods Spirit shall be grieued. Eph. 4.

10 He shall feele a weaknesse in him, in regard of such sinnes as haue got strong hold often ouer him. Psa. 6. Ier. 13.23.

Thus farre may a regenerate man fall, and yet remaine in the state of grace, and differ from a reprobate, or hypocrite, As thus:

1 The Reprobates temporary faith is the chiefe cause of his falling, and prophanesse of life; Sect. 5. Of the dif­ference be­tweene thē and the wicked in their falles. but the elects erro [...]r in life is the occasion of the decay of his faith.

2 The hypocrite is vsually [Page 336] sencelesse in his fall, and so conti­nues, 1. Tim. 4.2. but the regene­rate at length hath the true sight of it. 2. Sam. 24.10.

3 The hypocrite if he fret and grieue, it is for feare of punish­ment, or losse of the temporall blessing, not for the losse of Gods fauour, &c. Psalm. 51. Gen. 27. But the sorrow of Gods seruant is for the offence against God princi­pally.

4 They both fall into the same sins againe, but yet the hypocrits after sinnes are committed, with more strength and securitie, those of the regenerate with more resistance, feare, griefe, and in great weaknesse. Psa. 19.

5 They both are impatient, and speake foolishly against God, but the hypocrite speakes as he thin­keth, and wisheth in the aduised­nesse and purpose of his heart: the regenerate speakes in folly, rashnesse, not as he thinketh or wisheth; but as his corruption and tentation ouer-ruling him, [Page 337] doth mislead: and comming to himselfe, condemnes himselfe for it, and cleares the Lord, Psal. 7.3. Iob. 42.

6 They both decay, and loose their first loue, but yet the hypo­crite counts this to be his wise­dome, and the true measure of holinesse, esteeming his former zeale to be rashnesse, &c. where­as the regenerate acknowledgeth it was better before then now, and mourning vnder his estate, la­bours the recouery, and in some measure obtaines it. 2. Sam. 12. Mat. 26.2. Hos 7

7 They both may refuse the means also, but yet the hypocrite in pride and obstinacie, falles at length, from loose meanes, to none, and so to a despising and persecu­ting the same: the elect, though he leaue in his heart, yet he returnes with shame, and cleaues more conscionably to the meanes, and is profited thereby.

8 They both may be loosers by their fall, and not recouer all [Page 338] their life long: But with these dif­ferences,

1 The reprobate looses all gra­ces, and becomes a very beast, Psa. 49. without knowledge, ciui­lity, &c. The regenerate recouers necessary graces, as faith in some measure of vse and feeling: but that full perswasion, ioy in the Spirit, &c. hee happily recouers not a­gaine, all his life long.

2 The reprobates losse is with­out feeling, causing him to set vp his rest more securely in this life, and so prepares him to suddaine destruction: that of the elect, humbles him in all things, causes him to worke out his saluation with feare and trembling; to goe downe with sorrow to his graue, and to bee weary of the world, and to desire to bee with Christ, Phil. 2.12.

Sect. 5. Vse hereof.1 To preuent wrong iudge­ment concerning the falles of [Page 339] our brethren. And so

2 To labour with all meeke­nesse their recouery. Gal. 6.1.

3 To condemne the world that makes no difference herein betweene the Saints and the wicked.

4 To prouoke the Saints to re­pentance.

5 To preuent repining, and murmuring at Gods wisedome, leauing corruption in vs. As also,

6 To esteeme more highly of Christ our Sacrifice.

7 To try vs in our decayes, and to comfort vs in the same. Prou. 24.16.

8 To iustifie Gods faithfulnesse who neuer forsakes his children. 1. Cor. 10.13.

9 To stop the mouthes of the wicked, who reioyce at our falles. Mich. 7.8.

10 To assure vs of constancie and perseuerance to the end. 2. Tim. 4.18

11 And to hunger after heauen.

[Page 340] Helpes hereunto are,

1 The keeping of the light of iudgment, Sect. 6. Helpes to perseuerāce cleare and sound, Phi. 2.8

And that because,

1 Hereby the exorbitant pra­ctise is eft-soones reformed.

2 The true state and mea­sure of sanctification is dis­cerned, and so finding our short­nesse, we are prouoked to go for­ward, Phil. 2.9.

3 The conscience hereby is as­sertained of the truth of it well-doing, and so faith is confirmed, and sanctification therby renued.

4 Repentance also is hereby re­nued, in that the conscience, by the light of iudgement, discer­ning it daily failings, is thereby conuinced, and so prepared to repentance.

And how And this is obtained and preserued,

1 By submitting the iudgement in all things to the rule of the word. Esay. 8.

2 Hearkning to the voyce of conscience checking for sin, and approuing for wel-doing.

[Page 341]3 Labouring a daily encrease of knowledge, Philip. 1.9.10. E­phes. 3.

4 Yet auoyding curiosity, and vnnecessary speculations. 1. Tim. 4.

5 Submitting to reproofe, and continuall afflictions.

6 Resoluing that sin is foolish­nesse to God, and holinesse foo­lishnesse to the world.

A second helpe to perseuerance, is,

The wel-ordering & guiding of the heart ( of which heretofore) And

Thankfulnesse for what wee haue receiued. Col. 1.12.

A third is, the daily maistering and subiection of our affections. Of which also before.

A fourth is the continuall re­membrance of Gods mercies to­wards vs. Ios. 24.1.2.3.

A fift is a continuall feare of our selues, Rom. 11.

6 We must also labour the esta­blishing & confirming of others.

7 Meditation of the shortnesse of our life, and vncertainty of the [Page 342] comming of Iesus Christ.

8 As also waiting patiently the accomplishment of the promises. Col. [...].

9 Spirituall wisedome in auoy­ding troubles, and disposing af­faires, Col. 1.9.

10 consid [...]r we the Saints, who haue finished their course, and yet without vs shall not be perfe­cted, Heb. 11.

11 Look we vnto Iesus the Au­thor and finisher of our faith; who hath finished his course, and wee shall follow him. Hebr. 12.1.2.3.

12 Comfort wee our selues in our former experience; and if we haue ouercome the Lyon and the Beare, we shal also ouercome the Philistim. 1. Sam. 17. 2. Cor. 1.10. 2 Tim. 4.17.18.

13 Looke we by faith vnto the recompence of the reward, so shall wee swallow vp and ouer­come all difficulties and tedious­nesse whatsoeuer. Hebr. 11.25.26.

CHAP. IX. Of Watchfulnesse.

A Notable helpe to Perseue­rance, 1. It vse. is Watchfulnesse ouer our hearts, and wayes, that they may continually be acceptable to God. Eph. 6.15.

And that because,

1 Hereby wee are prepared to tentations. Luk. 21.34. Mat. 13.25.

2 Enabled to vnder-goe them. Eph. 6.11.12.

3 And also to haue a good issue out of them, Luk. 21.36.

4 Without this, our whole life and best actions are either rash­nesse, vncertainties, or security, Prou. 28.14.

5 By it we attaine certainety and resolution in well-doing, E­phes. 6.13.

6 We preuent some euil which may make all other comforts vn­sauoury, which wee are sure to looke for in well-doing, Math. 26.41.

[Page 344]7 Hereby the other graces of God are much beautified and in­creased in vs.

8 And our infirmitie very hap­pily auoided, or couered, Ps. 119.9

9 The best without it, haue been deceiued, as Adam, Dauid, Gen. 3.6. 2. Sam. 12.

10 Hypocrisie in well-doing, and spirituall pride is preuented, or maistered.

11 Dulnesse and wearisomnesse also in good things, is much hol­pen and preuented.

12 Especially hereby we are en­abled to powerfull prayer, Math. 26.41.

13 As also kept sober and hum­ble in well-doing. 1. Pet. 5.7.

14 The whole body of sinne is hereby daily weakned.

15 The Spirit of God is kept liuely in operation.

16 And so we prepared happily to perfection.

First and principally by obser­uing [Page 345] the heart, and yoaking it.

2 Keeping vnder also the out­ward man.

3 And this not for a spurt, but all our life long, Psal 101. Psal. 119.73. most fearing our abuse of Christian liberty, and so boun­ding the same within it true com­passe, Gal. 5. especially that wee be not brought in subiection to a­ny thing.

4 And that obseruing and suspe­cting our greatest strength, 1. Cor. 10.12.

5 Aiming especially at the sins which we haue most delighted in. Psal. 19. Psal. 25.

6 Looking especially to the sins that do most annoy vs.

7 Examining the best graces of God in vs, left some dead flye bee in them. Prou. 28.9. Mat. 6.

8 Behauing our selues in all things as weaned childrē, Ps. 131.3.

9 More depēding on the watch­fulnesse of our God ouer vs, then in any thing we can do.

10 And therfore continually re­nouncing [Page 346] our selues, and resigne­ing our selues into the protecti­on of the Almighty.

11 In performance of holy du­ties, suspecting especially the shew and colour, watching ouer our naturall corruption, and the sinnes of our Calling.

12 Also labouring to discouer and conquer the contrary tenta­tion: as in affliction, impatiency, and distrust.

Helpes hereunto are:

3 Helpes to it.1 Consider wee, that the best doe faile in watching as they should.

2 That it is no bondage, but a blessed liberty thus to looke to our selues.

3 Looke we our selues d [...]ily in the glasse of the word, Psalm. 119. Heb. 11 6.

4 Suspect wee also our selues, and feare we alwayes. Pro. 28.14.

5 Let the feare of God be con­tinually before our eies, 1. Cor. 7.1

6 Vse we sobriety in our know­ledge and vse of outward things. [Page 347] 1. Pet. 4. Rom. 12.3.

7 Prouoke we each other cheer­fully to holy duties, Psal. 122.

8 Consider wee, how watchfull worldlings are to obey the pre­cepts of men.

9 If we haue slipped, let vs re­turne againe in feare and trem­bling.

10 Obserue we the checkes of conscience for euery action.

11 And let not the motions of the spirit be vnrespected.

12 Extraordinary and speciall mercies of God be we catefull to record.

13 And tremble we at his iudg­ments, wisely laying them to our heart.

14 Let the day of our death be alwayes in our eye.

15 And make we full account to come to iudgement. 2. Cor. 5.

CHAP. X. Of Prayer.

A Further helpe to Constancy, is, Earnest and constant Prayer vnto GOD, to vphold vs by his mighty hand, Ephes. 6.14 15.

And that,

1 Publicke in the Congregati­on, Psa. 92. Psa. 122. Mat 6.

2 In priuate, as well with our families, as in our closets and se­cret recourse, Mat. 6. Psa. 4.6.

And this is necessary,

1 Because the Lord hath com­manded it, 1 It vse. Psalm. 50.15. Matth. 6. Luk. 11. to oppose against our vnworthinesse.

2 Hereby wee approue our selues to bee louing membes of Christs body; and the truely a­dopted sonnes of God, Rom. 8.13. Psa. 14.22.

3 We performe a speciall part of worship vnto the Almighty, Psa. 50.15.23.

4 We vse the especiall meanes, [Page 349] whereby all Gods blessings are enioyed, and sanctified. Luke 11.13 1. Tim. 4.5.

5 And, though the Lord know what we haue need of before wee aske, yet hereby wee acknowledge and discerne the same. Isa. 65.24.

6 Hereby we are also humbled vnder the mighty hand of God.

7 Wee do also performe thanke­fulnesse vnto God for al his mercies.

8 As also we giue vnto God this prerogatiue, that he is the searcher of our hearts, and also

9 We acknowledg his speciall proui­dence, that he careth for vs. Psal. 34

10 Heerby our faith and patience is gratiously exercised and confir­med.

Now that we may pray aright:

1 Our prayer must bee in faith without doubting. How per­formed. Iam. 1.6. to God not to Saints or Angels. Rom. 10.

2 In loue forgiuing one another, and praying for each other Luk. 1. Math. 6. yea for our enemies.

3 In wisdome, praying first for the fauor of God, whē we would haue [Page 350] blessing, Note. and when we would haue any euill remoued, praying for the forgiuenesse of sinne, which is the cause thereof. As also 2. di­uiding the times wisely, for pray­er, and our callings.

4 In zeale, and feruency, 1. from the heart, and affections, principally aiming at Gods glory, &c. 1. Cor. 14. Iacob. 5.16.

5 In constancie and patience, wai­ting the Lords good leasure. Psa. 40.1. Psal. 135. Psal. 147.

6 In sinceritie, from our right in Christ Iesus; and out of the holy purpose of our heart denying our selues.

7 In an holy order, 1. for those that concerne Gods glory: 2. such as concerne saluation: 3. such as respect this life. And so on the con­trary, we are to pray against such as crosse these things in their or­der.

8 Our minds must be free from all worldly and carnal respects.

9 In humilitie, abasing our selues before the Lord, Dan. 9. Gen. 32.

[Page 351]10 With thankesgiuing vnto God for all his mercies. Psal. 116.12.

11 As also, with true repentance renuing our vowes to the Lord. Psal. 26.6. Isa. 1.15. 1. Ioh. 3.22.

First, Much strengthened in the grace of perseuerance. Luke 22.32. as also. 3 The bene­fit of prayer

2 Kept in the vigor and power of our Christian life. Ephes. 6.

3 Experienced in our sweet fel­lowshippe with God. Rom. 8.15.

4 Our spirituall armour always fitted and exercised. Eph 6.

5 Our dayly wants supplyed or recompensed. Iames 1.5, 2. Cor. 12.

6 Tentations conquered; and happily diminished. Mat. 4.

7 All our occasions well seaso­ned, and turned to our good. 1. Tim. 4.

8 Our whole life sanctified, and wee prepared comfortably to a better. Phil. 1.19.

To this end also serueth ano­ther

omitted or sleightly performed a­ny of these.

6 Be sure so to performe these as that thou doest not neglect thy calling. 2. Thess. 3.12.

7 If thou hast performed them in some poore measure, yet rest not in it, but labor more earnest­ly with God for a further grace. Phil. 3.13.

8 And yet bee thankefull vnto God for these small grapes and fruits, acknowledging that it is his great mercie, that thou canst doe any thing, and giuing him all the glory thereof. 1. Corinth. 15.10. And thus shalt thou be sure to obtaine this peace of God.

And hauing obtained it, thou must lie downe therewith, and ca­rie it with thee to thy bed.

1 Because thou knowest not whether thy bed shalbe thy graue 1. Pet. 1.24.

2 Thy sleepe hereby shall bee much sweeter, and dreames more comfortable. Psal. 4.8.

3 Thou shalt auoyd nocturnall [Page 355] pollutions and vncleanesses.

4 Thy reines shall teach thee in the night season, and the dark­nesse shall bee as the noone day. Psal. 16.7.

And this is performed.

1 By resigning vp our selues into the hands of God. 3 How per­formed.

2 Ascribing vnto him the glory of all the good wee haue perfor­med. Psal. 115.1. Esay 26.12.

3 Acknowledging our selues to bee vnprofitable seruants, if God should enter into iudgement with vs Luke 17.10.

4 Crauing earnest pardon of our imperfections in Iesus Christ, and laying our selues a sleepe in his bosome. 1. Iohn 1.9.

5 Comforting our selues if sense of faith bee not present, yet with former experience and inward habit thereof. Psal. 22.10.

6 Yeelding vp our selues in a willingnesse to death, in ful expe­ctation of the life to come. Phil. 1.20.23. And thus guiding our selues by these former rules, we shall lie [Page 356] downe in peace, and so shall wee comfortably performe the dayly sacrifice.

CHAP. XII. How to profit in this direction.

FOR our better encouragement and furtherance heerein; obserue these rules:

1 That being conuinced in con­science with the necessity of these dueties, we purpose and solemnly vow vnto the Lord the attempting and prosecuting thereof. Psal. 119.206. Psal. 119.7.

2 That God principally respects the purpose of the heart, & if there be a willing minde, accepts ac­cording to what wee haue, and re­quires not what wee haue not. 2. Cor. 8.12.

3 That wee giue not eare to the flesh pleading noueltie, impossi­bilitie, [Page 357] &c. Gal. 1.16.

4 That we trie the Lord, who is wonderfull in blessing the vnfai­ned endeauours of his children. Hag. 2. Malach. 3.10.

5 Then let vs make trial at first in one of these, and grow readie therein, so shall wee with more willingnesse and skilfulnesse pro­ceed in the rest. Iames 2.10. Iames 3.2.

6 Let vs not faile to meete the Lord with vnfained thankefulnes, when we see him comming effe­ctually in the weake performance thereof. Psal. 81.

7 And so condemne and pro­uoke thy selfe, as before, and thou shalt see (by Gods mercy) a good encrease.

Yea, thou shalt not only be able to performe these dueties with comfort, but also thou shalt be a­ble to entertaine each seueral oc­casions of the day, to Gods glory thy exceeding profite and benefit of others.

Motiues and Helpes hereunto thou shalt find,

[Page 358] Helpes thereto.1 A dayly discerning of thine owne inabilitie. And

2 So renouncing of thy selfe to be found in Iesus Christ.

3 When thou hast found thy selfe in Christ, yet still to deny thy best righteousnesse, that thou maist wholly liue by and in the life of thy Sauiour: in whom thy person shalbe accepted, aboue all worth of thy seruice.

4 And meditate often, not so much on the ioy the Saints haue in heauen, as in the matter there, of their constant and free glorifying of God.

2 Cheering vp thy heart, that thou hast so far communion with them, in that heauenly worship, as that now thou performest that in truth, which they doe in perfe­ction: and so hast thy conuersation also in heauen: yea thou art haste­ning to that perfection, by dayly denying of thy selfe, and growing in Christ thy head, and hast both their examples to encourage, and prayers to further thee thereto: [Page 359] yea seeing without thee they shall not be perfected. Therefore thou shalt also aspire to perfection, that so the body of thy Sauiour may be fully compleate. 1. Cor. 1.24. Neb. 11.40·

6 And seeing all lets shall by Gods mercie proue furtherances hereunto, thy very sins shall pro­uoke thee, much lesse then affli­ction shall hinder: therefore learn to liue by faith in the discerning of thy estate, and wrastling with these oppositions; that so not yeelding to tentation, or not ly­ing vnder the burthen thereof, thou maist still goe forward more humbly with thy God, and bee more then conquerour through Christ that hath loued thee. Rom. 8.

7 Adde hereunto a dayly medi­tation of the time vnprofitably spent heretofore, and hence wee shalbe prouoked to redeeme it in this constant manner for the time to come. Romanes 6.22. 1. Pet. 4.4.5.

[Page 369]8 Especially if we weigh withal the wonderfull mercy of our God that hath not yet called vs to an account for our former abuse and vnprofitablenesse, surely if wee make a right vse hereof, wee can­not choose but resolue to answer this loue of God in our more ear­nest and constant endeauors, for the time to come. Rom. 2.4.

9 And if we shal now withal wise­ly lay to heart, what litle assurance we haue of any time to come: how that there is not any howre, nay moment, wherin we shall promise security to our selues, and put the euill day farre from vs, that wee may approach to the seat of ini­quitie: whereas we may say to our soule, Now soule cast care away, be bold a litle with God, remit off thy sinceritie, &c. But that, euen in that moment, it may bee said vnto thee, Thou foole, thy soule shall bee taken from thee, surely this would moue vs rather to this dayly and continuall seruing of God, to adde somewhat vpon e­uery [Page 361] occasion, to the making sure of our election. Luke 12.21.

11 Especially, if we consider that our aduersary the diuell goeth a­bout continually to entrap & de­uoure vs, 12. and our owne wic­ked and trecherous hearts are ne­uer a sleepe to sinne to entertain Satan: ought wee not continually to stand vpon our guard, that so we may resist the diuel, & preserue our soules frō bondage. 1. Pet. 5.8.

13 Surely if we did but consider that while wee do not serue our blessed God in this holy & constāt maner, we in that meane time are seruants vnto sin: & so both break the peace of our consciences, in­terrupt & hinder our sweet felow­ship with our God, grieue his bles­sed Spirit, & so expose our selues not onely to many secret wounds of conscience, but also to many outward blowes, and reproach­full buffetings, not onely tending to bring some heauie affliction vpon our selues, but especial­ly to lay reproach vppon our [Page 362] profession, & to cause the name of our glorious God to bee blas­phemed. This, if either wee loue our selues, or haue any zeale to the glory of our God, must cer­tainly constrain vs to the conscio­nable performance of this duty, e­uen daily to endeauour somewhat to maintain our peace with God.

14 And had we no other respect but this: how wee might lay our selues downe in peace, how wee should sleep sweetly, how to lay al our cares vnder our pillow, & pre­uent filthy & fearfull dreams, how to auoide feares of worldly casu­alties as fire, theeues, &c. Surely we would settle our hearts by this course in the day, that they might not be vnsetled in the night.

15 Nay must we not be guilty of despising the blood of the coue­nant, and esteeming of the Son of God as a prophane thing: If, see­ing the Lord Iesus makes conti­nuall intercession for vs at the throne of grace, that wee might dayly offer vp our soules and bo­dies [Page 363] as a liuing sacrifice in obedi­ence vnto our God, wee shall not­withstanding neglect this holy dutie, & either not serue our God at all, or serue him at our pleasure.

16 Will not this proue euen plaine wil-worship, and so abomi­nable to God!

17 And shal we not be condem­ned of horrible in gratitude, that when our God bestowes such bles­sings on vs, and renues his mercies euery morning vnto vs: especially reuiues our liues to make vs capa­ble thereof, wee shall yet despise this bountie of our God, and riote out his blessings to the dishonour of the giuer.

18 See that thou praise God for these, that walke thus constantly, not enuying their strictnesse, but imitating the same, delighting in their company, &c.

So the Lord giue vs vnderstan­ding in these things.

1 If thy conceit and iudgement [Page 364] concerning the excellencie and benefit of a christian life, be more confirmed, and comfortable.

2 If thou findest more ease and delight in the practise thereof.

3 And yet by this practise attai­nest to a greater sense of thy cor­ruption & shortnes of perfection:

4 And canst go with more bold­nesse and assurance vnto thy God to begge mercie and strength a­gainst thy corruptions.

5 If thou canst now more de­ny thine owne righteousnes, that so still thou maist bee found in Christ Iesus, feeling in him more comfortably, the acceptance of thy person.

6 And dayly drawing new ver­tue from him to walke more con­stantly with thy God.

7 If thou art desirous to prouoke thy brethren to vndertake this holy taske.

8 And art weaned more grati­ously from the loue of the world, growing more contented with thine outward estate. And

[Page 365]10 Still hungring more ear­nestly after the reuealing of the Sonnes of God.

11 If thou art more faithfull & conscionable in thy ciuill calling.

12 And art more thankfull vnto thy God for this his gratious assi­stance:

13 If now thou canst more re­ioyce in heauenly dueties and lesse, in such meanes which con­cerne onely this life.

14 Yea canst more triumph that thou art growne a master of thy former incōstancie, that thou hast now attained a constāt measure of seruing thy blessed God, then for any recompence that may re­dound vnto thee hereby.

15 If yet thou canst be more hum­bled in the sense of thy wants thē any whit puffed vp with whatsoe­uer thou hast already attained.

16 And so shalt still follow hard after the mark for the hie price of thy calling in Iesus Christ▪ Phil. 3.

17 If thou shalt grow more spiri­tuall in the vse of outward comforts. And

[Page 366]18 Shalt also grow more wise to discerne between things that dif­fer, being able

19 To trie the spirites whether they be of God or no, and yet

20 To maintaine the fellowship not iudging any before the time,

21 And yet reprouing sharpely that they may be sound, and

22 Yet reioycing in such as are be­yond thee in this glorious course.

23 If thou canst more moderate thy selfe in thy Christian libertie doing not what thou maist do, but what is expedient, not what may respect thy priuate, but the pub­licke good. And

24 Aiming at the chiefest good euen the glory of thy blessed God

25 Preferring the same, euen a­boue thine owne saluation.

26 Comforting thy selfe in the acceptance of the purpose of thy heart.

27 As that thou neglectedst no good opportunity to expresse thy conscionable endeauours in some one or more of these holy duties, [Page 367] as occasion is offered.

28 Examining thy selfe in priuat concerning the performance of them.

29 And so offering vp each duty in a sacrifice of obedience in thy priuate reckoning, & dayly casting vp of thy account, not enioying,

30 But esteeming highly of such that haue attained to some con­stancie herein. And

31 So following the examples of the best in this holy course.

By these rules maist thou trie thy selfe, whether thou hast profi­ted by this dayly direction.

As hath bin partly obserued heretofore; and further may be discer­ned in these particulars.

As first, We shall preuent hereby that secret hypocrisie which accō ­panies holy duties, & shall attaine to more sinceritie, & plainnes, not onely in all actions towards God, but in our outward dealings to­wards men: & so shal preuent much [Page 368] reproach to our profession, and gaine much glory thereto. Yea

2 We shal be a means, hereby to shine as light in a froward gene­ration, to the encrease of Christs kingdome, and so of our glory.

3 We shall also by this constant performance of these set and ne­cessary duties, preuent all vnne­cessary care & infidelity the roote therof, by keeping our selues with in the bounds of Gods protection, & quickning our faith in this liue­ly expressing of the fruit thereof.

4 And so shall be better fitted to performe any extraordinary duty of visiting of thy distressed neigh­bor; or resisting any violent tenta­tion, or entertaining of some ex­traordinary comfort of the spirit. Or expressing thy inward wants vnto thy God in prayer, or offring vp thy self, as a sacrifice of thanks­giuing vnto thy God, &c. To these I say, & such like thou shalt be bet­ter fitted by this daily sacrifice.

5 And shall not the mouth of i­niquity be stopped by this cōstant [Page 369] worship, that they shalbe conuin­ced with the power of godlinesse, they shall iustifie God, and so ei­ther brought to embrace him with vs, else fret away at our holy courses, and thereby do lesse hurt to vs, and hasten their owne dam­nation. Shall not

6 The comming of Christ be ha­stened, the means of religion held vp, the estates and kingdomes of Princes preserued hereby. Eccl. 9.

Conclusion.

The Lord giue vs vnderstan­ding in these things.

7 Shall not this constant wor­ship of God, though it be but in few, yea but in some one, keepe out the iudgement from the rest, else bee a means to saue our owne soules from a common deso­lation Gen. 18.

8 Shall not the wiseman see the plague and hide himselfe. Prouer. 22.3. Though the foole runne on still and be taken in the trap.

9 Shall not the Lord thus pre­serue one in a cittie, and two in a [Page 370] Tribe, that they may be repairers of the breach, and the restorers of the paths to dwel in, that they may build vp the olde wast places, and raise vp the foundations for many generations. Ier. 3. Isay 58.12.

10 That so the face of the church may be renued and continued till the comming of Christ. Euen so Lord Iesus allure vs to this holy dutie, and hasten thy kingdome of Grace, that thy will may be done in our perfe­ction to glory.

CHAP. I. Of preparation to each occasion.

HOwsoeuer occasions are ma­nifold and contrary, yet shall we be gratiously prepared to thē,

First, if wee consider, that they are no certaine markes of Gods fauour, neither are we ab­solutely [Page 374] to iudge of our estate by them, or in them.

2 And yet doe resolue, that whatsoeuer befall, yet all shall turne to our good.

3 And therfore that we set not vp our rest in any one of them, but prepare for such variety and contradiction as our holy God hath appoynted to manifest his more admirable power and wise­dome, and to try our faith, and patience, our industry, and wise­dome in encountring, our cou­rage in conquering the same.

4 And so bee daily ready to yeeld vp our selues vnto our bles­sed God, both resigning our wayes and liues vnto his holy hands. And

5 Preparing our selues vnto our ends: so shall nothing be strange or vnwelcome vnto vs.

And that we be not distracted, and discouraged with the multiplicity & contradictions herein, [Page 375] know we, that as it were infinite to lay downe direction for each particular; so shall it be needlesse to descend thereto, because what is laid downe for the well-mana­ging of some principall, will giue light to the better ordering of the rest: And therefore my pur­pose is onely to stand vpon some principals, and the Lord giue a blessing hereunto.

CHAP. II. Of rising with God, and awaking in his peace.

And these Principals are,

FIrst, to arise with God, 1 The neces­sity thereof. and as wee laid our selues downe in peace, so to awake with the comfort thereof. Psa. 23.6. Lam. 3.23. Psa. 139.18. Psa. 119.147. The reason whereof is: Because,

1 Wee maintaine hereby con­stancy in wel-doing.

2 Wee renue that soundnesse▪ wherewith we lay downe.

3 Wee preuent that no roote of [Page 376] bitternesse breake out at the first.

4 Wee prouide for our more setled courses all the day after, and so beginne a new to liue the daily life of grace.

5 We make our hearts merry in the Lord▪

6 Wee are made principally more apt to prayer, which is the next occasion to be entertained of vs.

This is performed,

2 How per­formed.1 By meditating of the true life of God, and day of the resurre­ction▪ 1. Cor. 1. and so our arising to iudgement.

2 By magnifying our sweete repose, and resting in the bo­some of Gods protection. Psalm. 3.5.

3 Taking occasion by the light that appeareth, to consider of the Armour of light, or by the outward darknesse that compas­seth, to blesse God for the inward light, and to mourne for the ig­norance and blindnesse that is yet in vs and others, yea to re­solue [Page 377] the casting away of the workes of darknesse, &c. Roman. 13 12.

4 Praising the mercie and pa­tience of the Lord, that yet wee liue to praise him, and are spared to make our Election more sure; and thereto especially medita­ting on the constancie of Gods loue towards vs. Iohn. 13.1. Psalm. 19.2. Psalm. 102.27. Ieremie La­ment. 3.23. as being renued euery morning.

1 By striuing euen in the night when we awake, to sigh for sinne, 3 How fur­thered. and hunger after mercy. Psal. 16.7. Cant. 3.1.

2 By opening our hearts (if occasion serue) to our Chamber-fellow, if such fellowship bee en­ioyed, and so shaming of our selues, Iam. 5▪

3 By auoiding ouermuch sleep, yea scanting & stinting our selues thereof, and rowsing vp our selues from drowsinesse, by chec­king [Page 378] our hearts, and complaining of them to our blessed God, Pro. 24, 32.33.

4 Taking occasion by our dreames, or nocturnall infirmi­ties, to magnifie Gods mercy, that it is not so as we dreamed; or to checke our infidelity, in relying superstitiously vpon dreames, or to condemne our security, and prophanesse in neglecting them vtterly. And if we haue beene as­saulted with terrors and corrupti­ons, yet either they haue not pre­uailed, or shal not be imputed vn­to vs.

5 Calling to minde some place of the word for our better stir­ring vp, as Rom. 13.11.12.13.14. Eph. 5.14. 1. Thess. 5.4.5. &c. And prouoking our selues by the ex­amples of the Saints, who haue risen early to praise the Lord, Psa. 5.34. &c.

1 By conferring of the sweete conferences and accidents that [Page 379] haue befallen in the night with our blessed God.

2 Meditating and reioycing to­gether in those gratious victories that wee haue had ouer our secret lusts and corruptions in the night.

3 Strengthning our faith in the speciall prouidence of our grati­ous father, in giuing vs such sweet and satisfying rest, &c.

4 Stirre wee vp each other to the payment of our vowes. And

5 Put wee each other in minde of our particular corruptions, to helpe each other by prayer, and to maister them. And

6 Faile we not to record, and so communicate to posterity such extraordinary feelings and acci­dents of tentations, or deliue­rance as haue befallen vs in pri­uate.

7 Examining our true content­ment in God, and labouring to confirme the same.

8 Trying our affection to death, euen now our life is renued, that [Page 380] so wee may beginne to dye daily. 1. Cor. 15.

9 And faile wee not to sa­tisfie each other in whatsoeuer doubts may distract, or not en­crease sound peace to the Con­science.

CHAP. III. Of Family and priuate Prayer.

THe necessity and right vse there­of you haue before;

Onely here obserue these poynts for direction herein: As

Sect. 1. It necessity.First, that howsoeuer this du­ty of prayer in Families bee neg­lected, and not esteemed necessa­ry, yet the not vse thereof at all, argueth irreligion, and contempt of God. Psal. 14.4.

Secondly, Sect. 2. that not once, but oftentimes in the d [...]y wee must [Page 381] performe the same. Daniel. 6·10. Often to be performed, & by whom

Thirdly, And that not onely in priuate in our Closets, &c. but publickly with our Families. Gen. 18.19. Iob. 1.5.

Fourthly, that the Maister of the Familie is fittest to bee the mouth of God for his people, as beeing therein their Priest and Prophet. Reu. 1.6.

Fiftly, that to this end, set times are to be appointed & kept con­stantly, vnlesse by sicknesse or o­ther more inuincible occasions we be interrupted.

Sixthly, And that with the soo­nest, taking the opportunity of the morning, & our reuiuing and quickning ioyes in our conferen­ces with our God, and each other concerning former comforts in the night.

Seuenthly, that wee keepe our selues in an holy temper, Sect. 3. The maner how, & peace of minde by a constant course, in all occurrents, and so prepare our selues to praier.

[Page 382]1 Fixing our hearts on God, and meditating of his Power and Maiesty, to worke reuerence in vs.

2 Looking vnto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith, to breed affiance, Heb. 12.2.

3 Considering & examining our wants, to breed humility and pa­tience. Psa. 39. Psa. 4.6.

4 Labouring not so much about the matter of our prayer, how wee are illightned with knowledge, as how we are affected,

1 With the Maiesty of God.

2 The sence of our wants.

3 Benefite by Christ.

4 Assistance of the spirit.

5 Excluding worldly cares, which may hinder deuotion. Luk. 8. Mat. 6.

6 Not fretting at the prosperi­ty of the wicked, Psa. 37.1.

7 In Patience, bearing the wrongs of enemies, and leauing reuenge to God, Rom. 12.

8 Doing all things as in Gods presence.

[Page 383]9 Auoiding euill for conscience sake.

10 Meditating stil on the day of iudgment, least we be vnfitted or interrupted in prayer. 2. Pet. 3. 2. Cor. 5.11.

7 Codsider wee the manifold blessings we haue receiued from God to prouoke vs to thankesgi­uing, without which our prayers are ineffectuall. Eph. 6. &c.

8 Here it is requisite that wee also quicken our hearts by Rea­ding and Meditating twice, (or oftner) in the day on some part of the Scriptures, either as

1 Taking the Scripture in or­der before vs. Nehemiah 8. Act. 13 Or else,

2 Vpon extraordinarie occa­sions, making choyce of fit Scrip­tures.

9 Bewaile wee seriously our neglect of closet prayer, and condemne wee our selues for our lippe-labour, and customa­rie deuotions, our wearisomnesse in well-doing, our contentment [Page 384] with little feelings.

10 Renue wee our vowes for more often and conscionable performance hereof.

11 Rest we especially vpon the continuall intercession of our blessed Aduocate Iesus Christ, who continually maketh inter­cession for vs, and is now both praying for vs, and ready to pre­sent our prayers to the Throne of grace, and to couer all the in­firmities and failings of them.

12 Stirre we vp the blessed Spi­rit (as before) which may helpe vs with sighes and grones vn­speakeable, Rom. 8.

13 And be wee well aduised of the particular thing wee desire, that it may be fit for God to giue vs, and vs to aske for the present occasion. Mat. 6. Iam. 4.2.

Auoyding here especially:

1 Constraint, and Cerimonious­nesse. Sect. 4.

[Page 385]2 Customarinesse, praying rather for the times sake, Sect. 4. What to bee auoyded therein. then for Gods glory. Psal. 119.108.

3 Conceit of the wel-doing here­of in regard of the thing done.

4 Pride and ostentation in the opinion of our wel-doing. Matth. 6.

5 Lip-labour and idle repetition of words.

6 Confusion and disorder, pray­ing for earthly things before hea­uenly. Math. 6.33.

7 Carnalnesse, when wee pray more for earth then heauen.

8 Hypocrisie, doing it to be seene of men. Math. 6.

9 Vncharitablenesse, praying for reuenge, &c. of priuate wrongs. Eccle. 10.20. Iam. 4.7.

10 Wearisomnesse and dulnesse. Gal. 6. Exod. 15.

11 Hastinesse and rashnesse, as if we would faine haue done.

12 Presumption, begging such things as are not seasonable. Luke 9.54. or beseeme vs not.

13 Impietie, praying for indul­gence [Page 386] in sin; or indenting with God, and limiting him to our wil, to helpe vs at such a time, or in such a manner. Act. 1. Dan· 4.

14 Infidelity, when wee pray without the assurance of the ac­ceptance of our persons, which is the cause of all Popish deuotion. Iam. 1.6.

Obseruing well:

Sect. 5. Directions for prayer, and triall thereof.1 That as well for the least bles­sing, as for the greatest, we sue to God in prayer, and so be thanke­full vnto him, lest otherwise wee deny God the giuer, and so hin­der our receiuing.

2 That wee measure not the prayer by the outward successe, because an euill prayer may bee heard in anger, Ose. 13. and a good deferred in mercy: Yea, a good prayer, though in much weake­nesse, may bee granted in loue, Mat 6. to keepe vs from despaire; and yet a more strong and fer­uent prayer may bee denied in greater loue, both to humble vs, that we put not confidence in the [Page 387] meanes, and to encourage vs to constancie therein, assuring our selues that the issue of our praiers shall be gracious.

3 That in the greatest feeling of Gods mercy, wee pray against tentations. Math. 16.

4 That we especially commend vnto God the afflicted state of the Church, and desire our welfare in the prosperity thereof, Psa. 122.6. Psa. 126.

5 That we redouble our sighes and prayers, not suffering any re­pulse. Psa. 119.164. Mat. 15. Gen. 32 Gen. 18. &c. Eph. 6.

6 That wee highly esteeme of the thing wee pray for, Mathew 5.6.

7 That we finde as much com­fort in abiding long at prayer, as at hearing the word.

8 That we be as ready to praise God for his mercies receiued, as to sue for the obtaining of them. Psal. 116. Luk. 17.12.18.

9 That wee rebuke our selues in our prayers, and relye onely [Page 388] vpon Christ. Further triall hereof that wee haue the spirit of prayer.

1 If we especially aime at Gods glory in doing his will.

2 That wee especially are affe­cted not with bodily, but sinfull wants.

3 That vppon good euidences and from infallible grounds wee presse the Lord to bee mercifull vnto vs.

4 That wee can single out our speciall wants.

5 And find our zeale encreased in the continuance of prayer.

6 And yet can so submit to Gods will, as by faith to assure our soules that the Lord will answer, and so quiet our soules in acceptance of our God, and vndoubted expe­ctation of that which shall turne to most good.

The benefit hereof is manifold:

Sect. 6. The benefit hereof.1 We renue our right in the day 1. Tim. 4.4.

2 Wee arme our selues against tentations. Ephes. 6.14.15.

3 Wee are ready for any good [Page 389] that shall bee offered vs, as conso­lation of the sicke, conference, &c.

4 We are prest to doe all things in the sight of God.

5 And so verie much fitted and furthered to set vpon our callings

CHAP. IIII. Of callings, and following thereof.

ANd this is the next maine occur­rent that fals out in the day, euen to following our Callings.

And here obserue:

First, that to walke in a set cal­ling for the common good, is the ordinance of God imposed on e­uery Christian. 2. Thess. 3.12. Gen. 3.19. Ephes. 4.28.

And that:

1 To communicate Gods pro­uidence in the gouernement of the world. Sect. 1. That it is Gods ordi­nance to walke in a calling.

2 To maintaine a comely order in the administration thereof.

3 To imploy such varietie of [Page 390] gifts, as God bestoweth on men aright.

4 To maintaine humane socie­ties in the bond of peace.

5 To auoyd idlenesse and curi­ositie.

6 To preuent errors and distra­ctions in religion.

7 To fit vs to the ends of Gods prouidence.

8 That God may be glorified in ordering such infinite variety of callings, both for the common, & each priuate good, and that espe­cially for the life to come.

And this serueth,

1 To teach vs to trye our cal­lings, Ʋse. by this, That they haue their warrant from the word of God, and that wee bee fitted there­to, and so to reiect the con­trarie

2 To sanctifie our callings, by bounding them in the Lord, Ephesians 6.1. because they are preserued by the same meanes, by which they were ordai­ned.

[Page 391]3 To labour in our callings, e­specially to approue our selues vnto God, Nehem. 13.

4 To looke for the recompence of our labours especially from the Lord. 2. Timoth. 4. Psalm. 127. Esay. 48.1.2.

5 To condemne such as vnfit for humane society, that will liue in no calling.

Secondly, learne we,

That howsoeuer callings be the ordinance of God, Sect. 2. Callings to be expected by ordinary meanes. yet in these dayes we are to expect them,

1 By the ministery of men. And

2 By our industry, fitting vs thereto.

3 Submitting our selues herein to the rule of the word.

And that because,

1 Extraordinary callings be­longed to the infancy of the Church, & times of extremity, And why. &c

2 We haue a sure word, better then any such extraordinary re­uelations. Heb. 1. 2. Pet. 1.

3 The prouidence of God is subordinate to meanes.

[Page 402]4 God hath ordained this labor to humble vs, and withall to com­fort vs in the right vse of Gods blessings. Eccl. 1.

And this serueth.

Vse.1 To reproue presumption vpon extraordinary callings in these dayes, and corruption in the obtai­ning of them.

2 To teach vs for outward cal­lings to depend vpon the meanes which God hath sanctified threto. Namely,

• 1 The authoritie of the Magi­strate.
• 2 Our fitnesse to the calling.
• 3 It fitnesse for vs.

3 To condemne those that vn­der pretence of religion reiect humane callings.

4 As also to reproue such who wander vp and downe, betaking themselues to no calling. And

5 To conuince also those, that thinke callings are onely appoin­ted to get blessings, whereas in­deed they both serue to get, and also to vse a right, those that are [Page 403] cast vpon vs: Wherein gentlemen are much faultie.

Thirdly obserue we:

That though it be the ordinance of God to haue a calling: Sect. 3 The right vse of a cal­ling sanct [...] ­fies the same yet it is not the hauing of a calling: but, the right vse thereof: whereby we glorifie God, & further our selues to happinesse. 1. Corint. 9.1. 1. Cor. 7

And this serueth: Ʋse.

1 For the condemnation of those, that when they are in a cal­ling, make no conscience thereof, esteeming it rather a reward of former seruice, then a place of further seruice.

2 As also they are here condem­ned, that rather busie themselues in prying into, and censuring o­thers callings, then walke faith­fully in their owne.

3 This serueth for the confir­mation of our faith when wee see our faithful labours blessed of the Lord.

4 As also wee perceiue hereby [Page 394] the especiall prouidence of God, and so are led along in a more assured expectation of euerlast­ing life.

5 Lastly, wee are here instru­cted to measure the worth of our callings by the right vse thereof, and onely in the same to expect a blessing. Sect. 4. Callings how to be vsed aright

rule 1 First, our iudgements must bee further informed concerning our callings.

And that by these directions,

1 That each one, by profession, hath a generall calling to bee a Christian, which excludes not, but orders the Ciuill calling. 1, Cor. 2.20.

rule 2 2 That the calling wich God hath placed vs in, is fittest for vs.

Vse. And this serueth,

1 Much for the maintenance of order, and the auoyding of confusion in Church and Com­mon-wealth.

[Page 395]2 To preuent idlenesse and di­straction in our callings.

3 To secure vs of good successe therein.

Thirdly, learne we,

That all our actions bee war­ranted by our Callings, as be­ing rule 3 kept within the bounds there­of.

And that because,

1 Else they are not done in faith and so cannot please God. Hebr. 11.6.

2 They are excluded out of the protection of the Almighty. Psal. 91. Math. 4.

And this serueth,

1 To condemne all busie-bo­dies, Vse. and presumptuous vsurpers of other mens callings vpon what pretence soeuer. 2. Sam. 6. Iohn. 21.21. 1. Pet. 4.

2 To discerne of the inte­grite of our actions: because euen a good Action, not war­ranted by some Calling, is sinne.

3 To instruct vs, that though [Page 406] wee see no likelyhood of doing good, yet we must not draw backe so farre as our calling requireth. Ierem. 1.20.19. Ezechiel 2.5. Esay 6.

4 To aduise vs, that wee abuse not Gods prouidence: and so ex­pose our selues to his iustice.

5 To comfort vs in the ill suc­cesse of endeauours, that our la­bour shall not be in vaine. Esay 49.3. 1. Cor. 15. &c.

Fourthly learne we:

That together with the follow­ing of our earthly callings, wee rule 4 must ioyne the generall calling of Christianitie,

1 Because we must serue man, in and for God Ephes. 6.1.

2 And in prouiding for this life, we must also store vp for hea­uen. Luke 16.

3 Hereby tediousnesse, and corruption is preuented.

4 And wee better fitted to re­turne to them againe.

5 Ye these things will not pros­per, [Page 407] vnlesse the better plough goe forward. Hagg. 1.9.10. and 2.14.15.

And this serueth.

1 To condemne those that pro­phane their callings by not fol­lowing the most necessary. Vse.

2 As also such who thinke that skill, and diligence in a ciuill cal­ling, either excuseth, or is accep­ted for religion.

3 Especially, they are reproued, that will haue no seruants, that are religious, or else giue them li­bertie of prophanenesse, that they may do them better seruice.

4 As also they that complaine, how the following of their earth­ly callings hindereth necessarily their heauenly.

5 Hereby wee are taught to trie our estate in grace, if our ciuill calling hindereth not the as in spirituall.

6 This serueth to comfort vs, in our base callings, because God may as well be serued in these, as the greatest.

7 And hereby we are taught to [Page 398] haue respect to our brethren, and to prefer their soules before their bodies.

8 As also we shall be establish­ed in our callings, not to be puffed vp when we prosper, neither to be confounded when we are crossed: but to be patterns of the right vse of the world.

9 Lastly, to humble men in e­uery calling. The mightie, who thinke their callings either must not stoope to religion or hath no leasure thereto. The Poore, who thinke their want, a priuiledge, from following their spirituall callings.

rule 5 Fiftly, obserue we,

That whatsoeuer shalbe suffici­ent for the right vse of our cal­lings, shall bee reuealed vnto vs from the word, and thence to bee warranted. Act. 9.

And that because:

1 God is as well the ordainer of the meanes, as of the end.

2 And in his loue he will haue vs certaine what to do.

[Page 399]3 And hereby presumption and destraction are happily preuen­ted.

And this serueth:

1 To trie the fitnesse, and bles­sing of our callings. Ʋse.

2 To humble vs in regard of our ignorance and presumption.

3 To comfort vs if throgh want or ignorance we may fail in some point, because all is not reuealed at once, and to assure vs of good successe therein. Psal. 73.

4 To prouoke vs to seeke after knowledge, as after treasures. Pro­uerbes 2.

5 To teach vs not to presume vpon good meanings or bare in­tentions. 1. Sam. 13.

6 To condemne all rash, and licentious actions whatsoeuer.

Sixtly, we must be resolued.

That our callings are imposed, rule 6 not to merit by them, but to bee humbled, and exercised in them, in thankefulnesse vnto God, for his loue vnto vs in Iesus Christ.

And that because,

[Page 410]1 Christ Iesus hath sufficiently deserued for vs, and so we shal de­rogate from his sufficiencie.

2 God doth not require it at our hands. Esa. 1.

3 Wee are neuer able to per­forme it, but when wee haue done al we can, we are vnprofitable ser­uants. Luk. 17.10.

Vse. And this:

1 Condemneth all Popish, and voluntarie seruice.

2 Encourageth vs in our callings seeing God requireth but what we can, nay, what he giues. 2. Cor. 8.12.

3 It comforteth in our imper­fections, and taketh away that sla­uish feare of hirelings and mer­cenaries.

4 And assureth vs of saluation.

7 Know we that each in regard rule 7 of the better meanes of his cal­ling, must be more fruitfull, as the minister, rich man, &c.

And that because:

1 Vnto whō much is giuen, much shall be required. Luke 12.48.

[Page 411]2 Herebe hee is the better ena­bled thereto. And this,

1 Condemneth such as thinke their state and play doth exempt them from a ciuil calling, or from the burthen thereof. As Gentl. &c.

2 Hereby we may trie whether our callings are sanctified.

3 As also, we are comforted, that god requires no more thē he giues

Eightly, Learne we,

That though we faile in the best rule 8 yet we must not fail to do our best in our callings. And that,

1 By this faithfulnesse we may witnesse that our callings are san­ctified vnto vs, in our obedience to God in them.

2 That they may be meanes of our enioying of heauen. 1. Ti. 6.19

3 To try and so condemne the vncharitablenes of the world.

4 That we may be also possessors of greater glory in the heauens. Mat. 25.26. &c.

And this serueth:

1 To condem al time-seruing & customarines in our callings. Eph. 6.5, 6.

[Page 402]2 To instruct the poore not to neglect their callings altogether, because they will not maintaine them fully. As also

3 To trie them whether they wil depend vpō Gods prouidence by vsing lawfull meanes.

4 Wee are prouoked to striue with the best for the best gaine, & in these things to seeke after hea­uen.

And this is done:

By walking in our callings by faith & not by sence, that so both our persons and actions may bee approued.

And this is knowne:

1 Beeing warranted from the word, in what wee do, or intend. 2. Pet. 1.

2 Our consciences conuinced from the word to the same: and also

Sect. 5. Callings how per­formed a right.3 Witnessing with vs in what we do. And that,

1 With chearefulnesse, not ma­king hast to be rich, but casting our care vpon God, and commit­ting [Page 403] the successe to him. 1. Pet. 5. Eccl. 9.9.

2 With diligence, redeeming the time, and entertaining the means of Gods prouidence, and not be­ing wilfully guilty of the neglect thereof. Eph. 3.16.17.

3 In wisedome, 1. keeping our selues in our callings within the compasse of our abilitie. 2. Doing the most necessary dutie, 3. submit­ting alwaies these earthly callings to the furtherance of the heauen­ly, 4. and expressing our spiritual calling, euen in the vse of this, and 5. so auoyding negligence that wee bee not intangled with coue­tousnesse.

4 In loue and meeknes, making others partakers of the benefit of our labours

5 In patience, not tying God so much to the outward blessing of our labours, as contenting our selues with the testimony of our good conscience therein. Hebrews 13:18.

6 With conscience, doing that [...]

[Page 406]2 If we be not supplyed, we are to yeeld to necessitie, and either

3 To submit our selues to handy labour, or if we cannot therto, de­pend vppon the prouidence of God, and so to submit our selues to the reliefe of the Church.

Thirdly, we must resigne vp our callings. And that.

1 When God cals by death.

2 When other meanes war­ranted by the conscience, guided by the word do, require: that

3 With testimonie of a good conscience. 1. Sam. 12.3.

4 By giuing vp our account for them vnto the great iudge. Heb. 13.

Thus are wee to performe our calllings.

1 Hereby we shall be sure to be fed. Sect. 8. Benefit of callings. Psal. 37. Psal. 33.19.

2 We shall eate our bread with power and much contentment.

3 We shall haue to comfort and releiue others.

[Page 407]4 We please our glorious God and performe a speciall seruice to him.

4 We shall bee better fitted to our generall callings.

5 We shall lay vp a good foun­dation for heauen. 1. Tim. 6.19.

6 We shall exercise herin many spirituall graces. 1. Cor. 7. as pati­ence, faithfulnesse, &c.

7 Hereby we shal perceiue Gods power, and holines, euen in these base and meane things, and bee prouoked to seeke him in greater blessings. Mat. 6.

8 We shall bee humbled, and so prouoked to hunger after our dis­solution.

And thus farre concerning our behauiour in our callings.

The triall of conscionable per­formance of our callings▪ Is

1 If our conscience witnesse with vs, Sect. 9. Triall. that not so much for this life, as to please our blessed God, and further vs to heauen, we haue trauelled therein.

2 That of all ploughs the spiri­tuall [Page 418] thriues best.

3 Our negligence in the ciuill calling, bewrayes some flaw in the generall.

4 That our walking in the ciuil calling shall end in a fitting, and furthering vs in our Christian calling yeelding some particular matter and occasion to more profitable exercise therein.

CHAP. V. Of the right vse of the Creatures.

THe next main incident to the day is the vse of the creatures.

And these are of two sorts.

1 Such as serue for the necessary preseruation of life, as foode, ap­parell.

2 Such as serue especially for the better being of the soule, as company.

1 That euery creature is good, and that there is no more holines [Page 419] in the one, then in the other, 1. Tim. 4.5.

2 Though each Christian hath a right to all the creatures, yet is he to bee restrained in the vse of them. Sect. 1. Rules here­in.

And that by these limits:

1 The bond of Religion, which enioynes sometimes an intire ab­stinence from the creature, that so wee might bee better fitted to spiritual duties. 1. Tim. 5.23. 1. Pet. 5.8, Ion. 3. and teacheth at all times so to vse the food of the body, as that it may quicken the spirituall appetite after heauenly graces, Iohn. 6.27.

2 The bond of Christian Pollicie may restraine vs the vse of some creatures on some dayes, for the benefite of the Common-wealth, to which wee ought to obey for Conscience sake, Rom 13.5.

3 The bond of Nature restraines vs that wee may not eate but for necessity, Eccles. 10.16. Math. 12.1.

4 The bond of Conscience & Equi­ty also enioynes vs, that wee may [Page 420] not lawfully eate, vnlesse we haue laboured for it. 2. Thess. 3.12.

5 The bond of our callings binds vs so to eate, as our Christian cal­lings may be furthered & our ciuil callings will maintaine. 1. Tim. 5.8.

6 The bond of Charity wils vs not to eat our morsels alone, but to prouide and reserue somewhat for the poore. Iob. 29.31. Psalme 16 Neh. 5. auoyding herein all maner of offence. 1. Cor. 8.

7 The bond of Sobriety restrains vs from faring deliciously euerie day, and from far-fetcht dainties, but to vse our libertie as if wee vsed it not, auoyding vnnecessary prouocations of gluttony. Esay 5.9.10. Luk. 16. 1. Cor. 7.23. And put­ting our knife to our throates in our greatest libertie, feasting al­waies in feare, & yet with thanks­giuing. Prou. 23.3.

8 The bond of contentment, which wisheth the seruant not to enuy at the more liberal fare of his master but each to bee content with the portion that is fit for him. 1. Tim 6 6.8.

[Page 421]Thirdly, wee are to renue our right in the creature, Sect. 3. Of the re­nuing of our right in the crea­ture. by daily san­ctifying them vnto vs by the word and prayer. 1. Tim. 5.1. Sam. 9.13.

And that:

1 By acknowledging our selues vnworthy of them: Gen. 32.10.

2 Giuing God the glory of them with thanksgiuing. Mat. 26.

3 Seasoning them with holy & religious thoughts, and chearfull yet profitable conference. Iudg. 14 Luke 14.

4 Offring the strength of them vnto God in our callings. 1. Kings 19.8.

The triall of the right vse, i [...] ▪

1 If our comforts beneath, de­scend from comforts aboue.

2 If in these finite and corrup­tible things, wee see an infinite & eternall good▪

3 And these earthly things are seales thereof vnto vs, and life vp our hearts thither.

4 If we find such contentednes in them as alwaies affords desire & fitnesse to spirituall blessings.

[Page 422]5 If in regard of their shortnes fully to satisfie vs, and our abuse of them and aptnes therto, we see in them our mortalitie, and so hunger after our dissolution.

Sect. 4. The benefit hereof. The benefit hereof.

1 We shall auoid superstition, and that damnable doctrine of diuels. 1. Tim. 4.2.

2 We shall be better enabled to spirituall duties. Mat 26.30.

3 We shall vse the Christian li­bertie aright. Rom. 14.

4 Wee shall further nature to grace.

5 Wee shall eate of our owne, and so be blessed. Psal. 128.1.

6 Wee shall prouide safely for the time of famine, & eat to liue. Psal. 33.10. Psal. 37.

7 Wee shall make vs friends of this Mammon of iniquity, & ease our selues well of an heauy bur­then. Luke 16.

8 We shall be ready to die, and prepared to the meate that shall endure for euer. Iohn 6.27.

And thus much concerning our food.

CHAP. VI. Of apparell.

WHich that wee may the ra­the vse aright.

1 Consider we that our clothing is a badge of our sinfull state, Sect. 1. How to bee informed in iudgement. and therefore let vs not reioyce in our sin, let vs not giue strength there­to, by vanitie therein.

2 That herein wee frame our selues to the guise of the countrie wherein we liue, auoyding the new fanglednesse of other nations. 1. Zeph. 9.

3 That we be constant in our gene­rall habits, and alter not the same.

4 That in the vse of apparell we are subiect to the authoritie of the Magistrate. Rom. 13.

5 That when we put on our ap­parell, we remember that excellent clothing of Christ Iesus his righteous­nes, and the fruit thereof, that clo­thing vpon in glory, and immor­talitie. 2. Ephes. 2. Cor. 5.

6 That when wee put off our [Page 424] apparell, we remember also to put off sinne, & so to lie down with peace of conscience, as not to resume sinne againe, together with our apparell.

7 Be we carefull that we disguise not our selues with the monstrous fa­shions of the world, lest together with this outward fashion, we per­take with them in their sin, and so share with them in their punish­ments.

8 Take wee heed, lest by our shamelesse disguising we so bring it to passe, that the Lord when he comes to iudgement acknowledge not his owne creature.

9 Consider we the prouidence of God herein, that apparel, that hath no heate, should notwithstanding be a meanes to get and maintain the same, that so

1 Our hearts bee not set vpon the same.

2 That we labour for that onely which may answere the right end ▪ namely, 1. to procure warmth to the body.

[Page 425]2 To adorne the same.

3 That we depend vpon the bles­sing of God therein. Psal, 127.

4 That in the want thereof, we despaire not of Gods loue: seeing 1. he which makes the cold appa­rell to be a meanes of heate: can also maintaine the heate of the body without apparell: and 2. no man knoweth loue or hatred by these things. Eccl. 9.1.2.

5 Learne wee hereby, that the body is better worth then the rai­ment, and so the soule more pre­tious then the body. Mat, 6.

6 And yet presume wee not of heate without the vse of these meanes.

7 And let this serue to humble vs, that the greatest cause of our pride, we haue from the beasts, & that which hath heate in it selfe doth yet receiue heate from that which hath none.

8 To confirm vs not to neglect the most vnlikely meanes.

9 And thus keeping our selues within the bound of necessity, so­brietie, [Page 426] religion, authority, ou [...] callings auoyding of offence, &c. we shall by Gods mercy attain to a right vse of these outward bles­sings and so

1 Shall reeiue them as pledges of the immortall cloathing.

2 Shal be assured of Gods mer­cie in the present vse of them: as being now sanctified vnto vs, &c.

10 Remember we that sin hangs vpon vs all our life long: and ther­fore let vs not set it faster on by vanitie in apparell. But rather

11 Let vs sigh and hunger for that clothing which is aboue, and especially labour to adorne the hidden man in the heart. 1. Pet. 3.

12 Consider that this glory of apparel is the shame of the wearer causing them to be counted light, wanton, proud, & consuming their outward estates, disrobing the soule of spirituall graces, and ex­posing to more grieuous tentati­ons as lust, theft, and pride,

Our iudgements being thus recti­fied and resolued, concerning our [Page 427] right and vsage of apparell, we may safely vse.

1 Euen the most pretious, Sect. 2. How in practise. as our callings do allow. Gen. 41. Gen. 24. Psalme 45.10. Mat. 6.27. 2. Chro. 9.27. 2. So there be no vanity in them. Esa. 3.

3 So we remit of our libertie to the more fit worship of God in fasting, &c. Ion. 3. Esth. 4.

4 So we more especially intend the adorning of the mind. 1. Tim. 2 9. 1. Pet. 3.3.

5 So we make them not means and ensigns of our pride, lightnes &c. Esa. 3.16.

6 So that our care be moderate for the same. Mat. 6 28. 1. Tim. 6.8.

7 As also sutable vnto our se­uerall callings and degrees.

8 Approuing our selues herein vnto the examples of the grauest and most frugall. Phil. 4.9. Mat. 3.4

9 Especially correspondent to decency and holines. Tit. 2.3.

1 So that the man must not weare that which belongs to the woman Deut. 22.5.

[Page 428]2 Our apparell must bee fit to execute our seuerall callings.

3 As also such as may expresse the seueral vertues of the mind. 1. Tim. 2.9.10.

1 Necessitie to defend vs from heat and could.

2 Honestie to couer our naked­nesse. Os. 2. Sauing onely the face and hands.

3 Honour. 1. Cor. 12.23. 1. Thes. 4.4 to adorn our persons and callings.

4 Contenting our selues with our naturall fauour and comple­xion. 2. King. 9 30.

5 Aiming herein at a spirituall vse, as before: especially, our death and resurrection.

The benefit hereof is,

1 Our outward estate maintai­ned and honoured. Sect. 3. It benefit.

2 The inward beautie and grace of the mind furthered.

3 Abuse of time preuented, which we must giue account of.

4 Gods creatures vsed to their [Page 429] right end, and in an holy manner: whereby not only their groaning is eased. Romans. 8.19. But they fitted as meanes of the wor­ship of God, and so furtherers of our eternall happinesse. 1. Tim. 6 19.

5 The iudgements of God auoi­ded. Esa. 2.11. Zeph. 3.11.

6 We better enabled to cloath and comfort others. Iob. 30. & so

7 Pride exceedingly mastered, and subdued.

8 Offence of our brother, and scorne of the wicked preuented.

9 Natures shame couered.

10 Sinne also dayly set before vs Ps. 55. and so wee prouoked to repentance.

11 And thereby prepared hap­pily to our ends. In that with ap­parell we resuming sin, are so pro­uoked to groane vnder it and sigh for deliuery therefrom.

Helpes hereunto are: Sect. 4. Helpes.

1 Consideration of our inward nakednes & filthines of the soule, whic [...] will withdraw our mindes [Page 430] from vaine tricking of the body.

2 Meditation of the inward clo­thing of Christ his righteousnes; Rom. 13. Gal. 3. As also,

3 Of that heauenly clothing wherewith we shall be fully inue­sted in heauen, 2. Cor. 5.1, Cor. 15.

4 Meditation of the graue, when all this glory, &c. shall bee laid in the dust. &c.

CHAP. VII. Of Company.

TOuching Company we are to obserue these poynts:

Sect. 1. 1 Necessary First, that society is most necessary and profitable for vs. As in that

1 By Nature wee are inclined thereto.

2 So created of God, as that we haue neede one of another. 1. Cor. 12. Gen. 2.

3 So disposed in the world, as that wee must needs sort together by reason of our particular wants, and diuersity of gifts.

4 So vnited in Christ, as that wee are bound to help each other. 1. Cor. 12

[Page 431]5 So interressed in happinesse, as that wee ioyntly labour toge­ther.

6 Hereby we communicate of the good that God bestoweth on vs, 1. Tim. 6.17.

7 As also are relieued and com­forted in the euill that is laid vpon vs.

8 We maintaine our right, and pursuite of the heauenly fellow­ship.

9 And haue daily experience of our vnion and fellowship with our blessed God. And

10 Exercise loue with each o­ther.

11 As also haue experience of his admirable power and wise­dome in keeping vs vntainted, and making vs profitable in all company.

12 Hereby we discerne the vse of the tongue, and attaine to an holy ordering thereof.

13 Hereby also wee effect the conuersion of others, and so en­crease our endlesse glory, and con­firme [Page 432] our present estate, Iam. 5.20·

14 As also we quicken and kin­dle the graces of God in each o­ther. Pro. 10.20.

15 Wee preuent hardnesse of heart, and the deceitfulnesse of sinne, as gaining a more excellent knowledge of our selues.

16 As also are prouoked to re­member them absent, by whom we haue receiued good in com­pany.

And this serueth,

1 To condemne that monstrous­nesse of nature which endures no society.

2 As also that voluntary deuoti­on which excludes from society.

3 To instruct vs to imploy our selues for the publicke and com­mon good.

4 To prepare our selues, and so to be armed against all company whatsoeuer.

5 To content vs, whatsoeuer company the Lord shall cast vs vpon.

6 And also to assure vs of good [Page 433] successe therein.

1 That wee must feare danger from all: from the euill, by being defiled with them: from the good, by being puffed vp with them.

2 That wee leaue no ill sauour behinde vs, but walke harmlesly before them, and with them.

3 That we rush not vnaduised­ly into any company. But

1 Determine before hand to doe them good. Or else,

2 To receiue good of them, as occasion shall require, and so prepare to question with them ac­cordingly.

4 Be we resolued that company is not simply necessary to saluati­on, we are to vse them, if God cast vs vpon them: If otherwise by in­firmity, or some outward affliction we are debarred, know we, that in stead of men, we haue the society of our blessed God, and his An­gels; yea we can neuer bee depri­ued [Page 434] of the company of a good conscience, Pro. 15.15.

5 Especially prepare wee the the heart by a serious examina­tion. And

6 Set wee a watch before the doore of our lips, that our tongues may not betray vs.

7 Remember that God is president in each company, to iudge of our speech, Rom. 11.36. and therefore let all bee done of him, through him, and for him, let him be accounted the best therin.

8 And consider we, that the Di­uill will be one in despite of vs, to write what we say: and therefore entertaine we not him, by vanity, worldlinesse, &c. Iob. 1.2.

9 Aime we at spirituall peace, and auoyd we brawling, conten­tions, &c.

10 And remember we, that heres no liberty for Idle talke.

Thirdly, obserue we:

The kinds of company, which are,

• Good,
• Bad.

[Page 435] Here learne,

First to discerne good and euill company, As thus,

First, they are to be esteemed good. which

1 Are of the same profession with vs, Eph 5.11. Psa. 15.4.

2 Who speake with sound iudg­ment, and power of true know­ledge, Col. 1. Phil. 1.

3 Who labour to holinesse and sincerity of life, Ephes. 5. In all things continually,

4 Who haue a sight of their in­ward corruptions, and mourne for them.

5 Labour to do good to others. Gal. 6.10.

6 Who suffer with vs for the same profession. Phil. 1.27.

7 Who loue the word, and Gods children. Psa. 16.2.

8 Long for the appearance of Iesus Christ, 1 Corinth. 1. 2 Thess. 3.14. 2 Cor. 5.1.2. &c.

9 Which can endure to bee re­proued.

10 And goe the straight way, [Page 436] contrary to the world thereto, Mat. 7. Luk. 13. Rom. 12.2.3.

Sect. 5. Who bad. Secondly, they are to be accoun­ted euill: that

1 Speake euill of the power of profession, Iud. 8. 2 Pet. 2.3.4.

2 Despise the word, and meanes of holinesse. 2. Pet. 3.5.6.

3 Disgrace profession with a prophane life. Ephes. 5.6.

4 Resolue that we may bee too holy and religious.

5 Separate themselues from the society of the Saints, Hebr. 10. E­say. 65.5.

6 Runne the broad way, follow­ing:

• 1 Examples,
• 2 Multitude,
• 3 Time.
• 4 Custome,
• 5 Opinion. &c.

7 Who hate to be reproued, and continue obstinate in their sinne, Iohn. 2.

8 Which decay in sincerity, and grow worse and worse. 2. Tim. 3.13

9 Who notwithstanding the out­ward [Page 437] forme of godlinesse, retaine the fashion of the world, and sa­uour thereof. Rom. 12.

10 Who giue occasion of griefe to the Saints, and reioycing to the wicked. Psal. 110.

11 Which betray and persecute the Saints of God, Matth. 10. Iohn. 16.1.

12 Who cannot endure reprofe.

13 Who refuse the crosse, and make choise of the pleasures of sinne for a season, 2. T [...]m. 4. Demas Hebr. 11.25.26.

14 Who are afraid of death, and set vp their rest in this life, Luk. 12.20. Amos 6.3.4.

Fourthly learne we,

Principally to make choyce of good Company: As, Sect. 6. To choose good.

1 Best agreeing with our qua­lities.

2 Those who are knit with vs in the holy and constant bond of loue and religion. Eph. 4.1.

3 Those of whom wee shall re­ceiue most good, and least hurt.

4 Those whom wee are most [Page 438] bound to doe good vnto, Galath 6.10.

5 As also with whom w [...]e shall enioy most constant and perpetu­all society. 1. Thess. 4.17. Heb. 12.

And this condemneth,

1 Those that are indifferent for all companies.

2 Instructs vs whom especially to sort with. And

3 Whom to auoyd in our ele­ction.

Sect. 7. Wicked how to be sorted withFifthly, obserue wee, that we are not to refuse the worst company vpon these conditions:

1 If thy calling require & allow thee for their good, especially be­ing sought vnto, Mat. 3.5. Luk. 14.1

2 If vpon occasion thou fall vp­pon them, or they into thy com­pany. 1. Reg. 18. Act. 17.17.

3 If they bee in any extremity, thou art to seeke vnto them. Luk. 10.33.

4 So thou doe not returne to them, but reclaim them vnto thee Ier. 15.19.

And this condemneth,

[Page 439]1 That scrupulosity that allow­eth no society with the wic­ked.

2 As also that prophanesse which vpon such pretences are compa­nions with them in euill.

3 It instructeth vs in the right of our Christian liberty, to become all vnto all, that so we may winne some vnto Christ, 1. Corinth. 9.17.18.

4 As also comforteth vs, that if wee doe them no good, yet wee shall (keeping these Rules) receiue no hurt; nay, wee shall bee the better by them. Matthew 10.3.4.

1 They doe not loue vs, Prou. 29.

2 They will defile vs with their corruptions, and hinder vs in wel-doing.

3 And draw downe Gods wrath vpon vs. Reu. 18, 5.

4 They are hated of God, Mat. 9.

[Page 440]5 And to be secluded the socie­ty of the faithfull. 2 Iohn.

And this,

1 Reproueth their prophanesse, who, to choose, sort with the wic­ked, to make them merry, and re­iect the godly, as being melancho­ly persons, &c.

2 As also, that for feare to of­fend the wicked, conuerse & close with them, or to make gaine of them, or by them.

3 Hereby we learne how to a­uoyd contagion and confusion e­uen by forsaking the company of the wicked, Reu. 18.4.

4 As also hereby we haue a pro­tection from their malice, if wee runne not into the same excesse with them.

Concerning good companie, there are these rules: Sect. 9.

1 We must prouoke each other thereto.

2 Christian salutation is to begin this society, and greeting each o­ther [Page 441] in the Lord. Ruth. 2.

3 To be large-hearted, offering the most pretious pearles vnto them, Math. 13.

4 To vse among them more cheerefulnesse and familiarity.

5 Exhortation of each other to constancy.

6 Reprouing each other for su­spected or knowne infirmities, Leuit. 19.17. Galath. 2.11.13. pri­uately.

7 Taking occasion by some pre­sent blessing or iudgement to pro­uoke to repentance, or thankful­nesse, Gen. 33.11. Gen. 4 [...].9

8 Ioyning together in prayer at least once before breaking vp, E­phes. 6. Acts 1.

9 Aduising each other for out­ward occasions but sparingly, 2. Tim. 4.13.14.

10 Commending each other to their priuate remembrances, Eph. 6.19. Act. 20.32.

11 In conference, keeping an holy order, that the grauest, and most experienced may both be­gin, [Page 442] and moderate without inter­ruption or preiudice of any other gifts. 1. Cor. 14. Iob. 32.4.

12 Not wading into matters be­yond their skill, or calling.

13 Bearing with one another, through loue.

14 Conferring especially of such things as they haue learned.

15 Reioycing together in sing­ing of Psalmes, Col. 3.15.

1 To draw vnderstanding out of them by conference, Luk. 24. Ioh. 4

2 To receiue comfort in our in­ward and outward troubles, Ruth. 2.13.

3 To increase spirituall ioy, Psal. 32.11.

4 To maintaine loue and Chri­stian vnity, Psa. 133.1.

5 To nourish our hope and vni­on in the fellowship which is a­boue. Sect. 11. Kindes of good com­pany. Col. 1.5.

Now good company is either

Set, and appointed: or

Occasionall.

[Page 443]Set company is either to

• Spirituall or
• Ciuill ends.

That which is to spirituall ends is either,

• Publicke, or
• Priuate.

The Set Publick meetings of the Saints are of two sorts.

Principall and necessary,

Accessory and occasionall.

The Principall meetings are such which doe immediatly concerne, and so are imployed in the wor­ship of God.

And therefore,

First, the weekely meetings on the Sabboth. Sect. 12. Of Sabboth societie, and the Rules thereof.

First, that wee prepare each o­ther thereto. Eccle. 4.17.

And that by 1 For Pre­paration.

1 Councell and Instruction.

2 Encouragement and prouo­cation by example, &c. reioycing that now we are freed from bodi­ly labour to serue our God more freely.

[Page 444]3 By examination, and that,

1 Of sinnes commited, especially such of neglect of Gods worship.

2 Present wants, of knowledge, desire, &c.

3 What furniture of graces wee are fitted withall, what Faith, Re­pentance, Ioy, &c.

4 Especially labouring to bee found in Christ, Phil. 3.9.10.

5 Praying vnfaynedly for the ministery of the world, Col. 4. Rom. 16. 2 Thess. 3.

6 Instructing our Families, 2. Thess. 3. Gen 18. Psal. 101.

7 Condemning our former abuse of the Saboth.

8 Renuing our vowes for more conscionable obedience for the time to come. And lastly,

9 Meditating on the eternall Sa­both, and so stirring vp our selues in a through emptying of all car­nall thoughts, &c.

2 Practise of they day.1 We are to arise early, to praise the Lord.

[Page 445]2 To stirre vp our selues & peo­ple by reading, meditating and praying, in priuate, and with the Familie.

3 That we come together to the Assemblies, and not straggle, but that wee may bee partakers of the whole worship of GOD, Actes 13.44.

4 That wee vse all holy and re­uerend gestures to further atten­tion to holy things, as to be bare, to stand vp, to looke vpon the preacher, &c. Luke 4.20. Numb. 23 18.22.

5 That wee faile not priuate­ly to stirre vp one another (as wee perceiue dulnesse) to watch­fulnesse, heede-taking, by iog­ging, &c.

6 That we ioyne with the Con­gregation in such parts of Gods worship, as then are performing, 1 Cor. 14. Act. 20.36.

7 That wee continue out the performance thereof, waiting for the blessing, vnlesse more vrgent occasion call away, Math. 24.20.

[Page 446]8 That we conferre with our fa­mily and neighbours some fewe together, of such lessons as wee haue publickely heard, desiring to bee satisfied by our Mini­ster, of doubtfull poynts, Acts 17.11.

9 That we visit the sicke, and re­lieue the poore, make peace a­mong neighbours, minister a word in due season to them that are weary, Isa. 50. Math. 7.

10 That wee meditate vpon the Meanes.

1 Accounting with our selues what things either read or prea­ched especially concerned vs.

2 What especiall comforts and feelings the Lord gaue vs in prayer.

3 What increase of faith in the promises.

4 What renuing of repentance, &c.

11 That wee take a view of the creatures, and stirre vp our hearts in the Spiritual meditation there­of to a greater loue and reue­rence [Page 447] of the Creator. Psalm. 19.1. Psal. 92.4.

12 That we count this our onely recreation for this day, to build vp the soule in knowledge and holi­nesse. Esay. 58.13.

1 We aree better fitted to the daily sacrifice.

2 And also enabled to walke profitably in our Ciuill Cal­lings.

3 We renue our heauenly con­uersation.

4 We increase in knowledge, & so are fitted to a further measure of sanctification.

5 Wee are prouoked to medi­tate on the worke of our redemp­tion which was the cause of the vnchangeable change of this day.

6 Wee are more weaned from the world, and setled in our best choyce.

7 We renue our right, and pro­secute our interest in the eternall Sabboth.

[Page 448]8 We are throughly humbled in the sence of our vnworthinesse, as discerning by the impossibi­litie of so keeping in our selues; but that in thought, word, and deede wee haue often transgres­sed the bounds of this day, how farre we are from perfection, and so are prouoked the rather to ha­sten thereto.

Sect. 13 Of thankes­giuings.A second publique meeting for Gods worship, are the Solemni­ties of Thankes-giuing for extra­ordinary blessings receiued, Exo. 15.1. Hest. 9. Nehem. 8.

1 By the lawfull authority of the Magistrate. Hest. 9.

2 They are to bee kept as Sab­boths, with

1 Like preparation,

2 Cessation from worke,

3 Contribution to the poore.

4 Spirituall exercise of the word and prayer, 1, Corinth. 16. Hest. 9.

Fasting.5 Onely here may be a more li­berall [Page 449] vse of Gods Creatures, in regard of inuitation of the poore, and enlarging of Christian li­berty vpon the occasion, 1, Sam. 9.23.24. Gen. 21.8.

6 And that the memoriall of Gods mercy may continue, we are to set a part solemne daies there­to Hest. 9. Exod. 14.15.

These are so to be kept, that we be fitted and prepared thereby to other the like duties of thankesgi­uing vpon priuate occasions, not that the performance heereof should make amends for, and cut off these, Luke 16. Hest. 1.

So that wee heerein auoyd,

• 1 Customarinesse, 2 Pet. 2.13.
• 2 Opinion of merit.
• 3 Superstition, Iud. 13.
• 4 Will-worship. Col. 2.16.21.
• 5 Vaine prodigality. &c.

For the matter and Rules of thanksgiuing before.

A third publique Spirituall meeting is that holy exercise of Fasting and Prayer: Sect. 14. Publique fasts. Luke 5.33. Act. 1. Ion. 3.

[Page 450] And here obserue,

What fasting is.

1 What it is1 Not what God imposeth, and is not willingly chosen either by the shutting of the heauen, or hardning of the earth, which is properly called famine, Genes. 12.10.41.53.

2 Neither that hunger which proceedes for want of meate, Act. 27.21 33.

3 Neither that extraordinary abstinence from meate caused by such strange visions, &c. Act. 9.9.

4 Neither that miraculous fast­ing by a diuine power, as that of our Sauiour, Moses, Elias, Math. 4.2 Exod. 34.28. 1 King. 19 8.

5 Neither that daily sobriety and temperance of Christians in moderate diet and spare, as that of Iohn Baptist, Mat. 3. 1. Pet. 5.8. Gen. 1.29.

6 Neither that extraordinary sobriety and moderation in our Christian liberty, when the iudge­ment of famine lies sore vpon the land, to shew our sence of Gods [Page 451] hand, and to bee better able, by sparing from our former liberty, to relieue others. Nehem. 5.

7 Neither that superstitious dif­ference of meats, as of fish in stead of flesh, abstaining from white-meates, and on set dayes.

8 But it is a voluntary absti­nence, and extraordinary, taken vp for a religious end.

Voluntary it is, 1 because the time and manner of fasting is not imposed or determined, but lost free to our owne liberty.

2 This is to bee vnderstood of priuate fasts, because the pub­like for the time and outward ma­ner, are at the disposing of the ma­gistrate.

2 It is an abstinence,

1 Either of all kinds of meates, wholly for so long time as nature will endure to be fitted to spiritu­all duties.

2 Or if it continue any long time, then to receiue sparingly, somewhat to maintaine life, with­out any daintinesse or excesse to [Page 452] nourish pleasure. This is also true fasting: so that it bee,

3 Extraordinary, that is, differ from our ordinary temperance in diet, which is to bee at all times: but this at certaine times, and for certaine occasions. And that

4 As also to religious ends. Of which hereafter.

And this condemneth,

1 Blasphemous fasting of such, who in imitation of the diuine po­wer haue presumed▪ The vse. to commend vnto the Church, by their wicked imitation, that miraculous fast of 40 daie, as the Montanists, Papists.

2 It condemneth generally all Popish fasting: and that,

1 Because it consists in the ob­seruation of set times, vpon paine of mortall sin, Mat. 9.

2 They make the very abstinence from flesh, a mater of conscience.

3 They place their abstinence in difference of meats, as if one were more holy then another.

4 They determine the act of fa­sting to bee a religious and holy [Page 453] worke, whereas indeede in it selfe it is but indifferent.

5 Yea, they make fasting to bee a matter of merite, whereas in­deed, at the best, it is but a helpe to a good work.

2 This teacheth vs to put a diffe­rence between religious fasts, and ciuill abstinence from some Crea­tures vpon certain week daies for the good of the Common-wealth, & mutual vse of the creatures, im­posed by the Magistrate, as the mo­derator of our liberty in these things.

3 As also, wee are hereby taught to discerne of our fasts, whether they bee warrantable or no.

1 Priuate, vpon extraordinary, 2 Kindes of Fasting. or ordinarie occasions, within the power of each particular Christi­an to dispose of, either for his own person▪ concerning time, &c. or for his family, where hee is King, Priest, and Prophet.

2 Publike, which depend on the Authority,

[Page 454]1 Of the Christian Magistrate.

2 Are celebrated in a publique place.

3 Solemnized onely for extra­ordinary occasions.

4 Continue either one or more dayes, as the occasion is more vr­gent Ion. 3. Esay 58.

Thirdly, consider the causes and occasions of these publique fasts.

1 The ouerflowing of sin, threat­ning some grieuous iudgement. [...] Causes of [...]ast [...]ng.

2 Some iudgement threatned, either by the word, or by some visible signe, 2, Chron. 20. Ioel. 3. Ion. 3. Hest. 4.

3 Some present iudgment vpon the land. Iudg. 20.

4 When any especiall good is to be done for Church, or Common­wealth, Exod. 19. Act. 14. Dan. 10.3. Luk. 6.12.

5 When we feare the remoue all of some principall blessing, as good gouernment, the Word, &c.

6▪ When we see the like occasions in our neighbors, we are for their sakes also to be humbled, Psal. 35.

1 For the solemnitie of it, it must be kept as a Sabboth. Esa▪ 58. Za. 7.

2 There must be an abstinence from all meats, so farre, that the body be afflicted. Ezra· 8.2. 1 Cor. 9

3 Yet so, as nature bee not de­stroyed, or vnfitted to spirituall duties. 2. Col. 23. Math. 6.

4 That wee continue in this ab­stinence, at the least all the time of the performance of such spiri­tuall actions of prayer and the word: and that, if nature will en­dure, euen from morning to the euening.

5 As also, we must abstain from all delights, which either may [...] [...]eare nature ordinarily, vnlesse some sudden oppresse it, or may prouoke it to sin. Da. 10.3. Ioe. 2.15

6 Yea, all persons are bound to the performance thereof, vnlesse by impotency of nature, or inabi­litie of spirituall gifts, they are vnfitted thereto: so children sicke and old folkes are excepted: a [...] [Page 456] also such, which by reason of the constitution of their bodies, can­not endure fasting. Rom. 14. Tit. 1.15.

7 Wee must also come before the Lord in our meanest attire, as a signe of our humilitie. Ion 3. Est. 4.

8 Here must be a more solemne confession of sins, both in gene­rall and particular, with more strong cries, and grones to obtain pardō for the same, as also a more publike profession of our faith, and apprehension of the fauour of God in Iesus Christ. Dan. 9.6.7

9 Lastly, concerning plenty of teares and lementation, putting on sacke-cloth, bowing of the bo­dy and going crooked, renting of garments, lying in the dust. Ioel 2. Mich. 1. couering the head with ashes, &c. These being rudiments of the Iewish Church, are now left arbitrary in Christian liberty, and are to bee vsed according to the manner of the Churches where we liue. Math. 5.27.

And this,

[Page 457]1 Condemneth Popish fasting which admitteth delicate and rio­tous dainties, howsoeuer it denie grosse meats.

2 As also teacheth vs the true manner of fasting.

1 To subdue the flesh and bring downe the bodily lusts into subie­ction to the will of God. Luk. 21.24.

2 To stirre vp deuotion and attention to holy duties. Luke. 2.37. 1. Cor. 7.5. So did Anna vse it because the heart and affections are lighter and in better order, &c.

3 To testifie the humilitie and contrition of our hearts namely, our inward sorrow for sinne, and worthinesse to bee cut off by the hand of God. Ioel. 2.12.13. To this end do we deny our selues the vse of Gods creatures▪ to signifie that wee haue deserued death, which would fall vpon vs▪ if we were not nourished by the creatures.

[Page 458]4 To put vs in minde of our guiltinesse before the Lord, that we are vnworthy to liue, breathe the aire, &c.

1 Great blessings haue bene ob­tained: and retayned to the Church.

2 Grieuous iudgements haue bene kept out and remoued, and tur­ned into blessings. Ion. 3. Iud. 20.2. Chron. 20.

3 Gods children haue beene confirmed and assured of their sal­uation. 1. Cor. 9.23. 2. Cor. 6.

4 And enabled the better to holy duties. Act ▪ 1. Act. 14. and Mat. 17.21.

5 And the like may the Church and Saints exspect in the conscio­nable performance of this duty to the worlds end.

6 Satan this meanes is especi­ally defeated and cast out. Math. 17.21.

[Page 459] And thus farre of the publicke vse of spirituall societie.

1 In the priuate exercise of religion, in our families, as Prayer Catechizing, reading of the word, Meditation, &c. Of which at large in the second part of the Dayly Sa­crifice.

2 In priuate Fasts and Thankes­giuings, for family and personall, Priuate Fasts, &c., yea, in the failing of the Church, for publike occasions also.

Wherein obserue:

1 That they are to bee perfor­med by the authoritie of the mai­ster of the familie (it being not lawfull for any priuate person therein, vnlesse hee bee free and at his owne libertie to performe these duties to the hinderance of his ciuill Calling, which is subordi­nate to the profite of his maister, without speciall licence from him [Page 460] contenting himselfe, otherwise, with his inward desires and pri­uate times, which are left him from his vocation: vnlesse his master be meerely prophane, and wil allow no libertie at all to holy duties, then is he rather to submit to the chastisement of a wicked master, then by neglecting holy duties, to incurre the wrath of God. Dan. 6. Eph. 6.1.

2 These fasts are to be kept as Sabbaoth.

3 That which is allowable in publik, may here be faulty. Name­ly, shew and ostentation of that openly, which we doe in priuate. Math. 6.

And that

1. Betweene minister & people.First betweene the Minister and his flocke.

1 To breed acquaintance, and so loue of the minister, and conse­quently of the word.

[Page 461]2 To enable vs the better to the vnderstanding of the word.

3 To the better informing of the conscience, and subduing of the affections thereto.

4 To acquaint the Pastor with the [...] of his flocke, that so hee may giue vnto each his portion in due season. Isa. 5.6.

And this:

1 Condemneth the Pride of Pastors, who (guilty to themselues of ignorance or prophanenesse) refuse to conuerse with, and re­solue their people.

2 As also the pride and security of the people, who either are strange to their Pastors, or rather vse them for worldly respects, as Law, Physicke, Craft, &c. then for the resolution of the conscience.

Here obserue

1 To auoyde high and curious speculations.

2 To reason of such things as concerne each others estate.

3 And that not so much for de­sire of knowledge as conscience sake.

[Page 464]1 That we conferre of our owne principally, and not of others e­states.

2 That we auoyd as much as may bee, speech of worldlinesse, &c.

3 That we conferre of spirituall things seasonably, and within compasse.

4 Though it be lawfull to speake of things indifferent, yet we make choyce to speake of what directly concernes holinesse.

5 That we meddle not with state, or secrete domesticall occasions.

6 That we be not discouraged if wee profite not by conference, contenting our selues in the good purpose of our hearts, that wee haue done the good will of God: and that our labour will returne into our owne bosome: or else we may do good hereafter.

7 That wee entend the glory of God, and each others profite.

8 That we be swift to heare, and slow to speake, Iam. 5.

The triall of holy conference is:

That,

[Page 465]1 If our desire of profiting others grow cold, through carnal ioy, Sect. 16. Triall of right vse. thē are we to suspect that ioy. Act. 20. Ioh. 4.

2 That either both depart bet­ter hereby, or else, we at least haue the testimony of a good consci­ence herein, and giue not ouer the hope of good successe.

3 That wee so part with compa­ny, as that wee be fit to be alone.

Thus farre of the spirituall vse of societie, Sect. 17. Of accesso­ry meetings concerning principally the worship of God.

2 The Accessory meetings concer­ning religion, follow. Namely, such as tend to the furtherance thereof.

And that:

1 In the establishing of truth.

2 Conuincing of error.

3 As also in the correction of the offend or by the discipline of the Church.

And these are either more generall.

1 Such as are the generall coun­celles, Synods, and appointed, 1. More generall. and gathered by the Christian [Page 466] magistrate, for the maintenance of true religion, and the rooting out of heresies. 2. Rules.

Here obserue these rules.

1 That the Christian magistrate is the chiefe moderator.

2 The word of God must bee the rule and Iudge. Mat. 27. Ioh. 7.

3 The end must bee to maine­the vnity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Eph. 4.

2. Lesse ge­nerall. Secondly, some are lesse generall. As

1 The nationall and prouincial Synods of particular Churches to be ordered in the same manner as before.

2 The more parti [...] Ecclesi­asticall gouernments, and Consi­stories of the Ministery, for the correcting of manners, and due execution of the discipline of the Church.

Hitherto appertaine:

3. Their ap­purtenances1 The Schooles of the Prophets as being the nurseries of religion and Seminaries of the Church and commonwealth. Ie. 1.

[Page 467] Amos 7.14. Act. 6.9. 2. Reg. 2.15.

2 Religious Feasts tending to nourish the societie of the Saints. 2. Feasts. Iud. 12.

3 Contributions and collections for the poore. 1. Cor, 16.1. 3. Contribu­tions.

1 To bee performed on the Sa­baoth.

2 And distributed according to the necessitie of the Churches.

Thus farre of the vse of spirituall societie.

1 State assemblies to determine for the good of the body politick, among which the highest and most authenticall, 1. State as­semblies. are the Parlia­ments Next to these the Coun­cell Table. Thirdly, the Starre-Camber. Fourthly, the Exchequer and Kings Bench.

2 Corporations and Brotherhoods, Cities and Towns concerning the right vse of trades and mysteries. 2. Corpora­tions.

3 Thirdly, Contracts and Bargains which must bee with these condi­tions. 3. Contracts

[Page 468]1 That we vse no deceit either in word or deede to entrap or o­uer-rate.

2 That promise be kept vnlesse with consent on each side.

3 That we sell not time, making more profit in regard thereof.

4 That we sell what is good and saleable. Amos. 8.

5 Mercy is to be shewed if wee haue our brother at an aduantage

Here obserue:

1 That these hinder not our spirituall societie in the worship of God.

2 Neither impeach other ordi­nary kindnesses which ought to passe betweene neighbours.

3 Yet rather wee should suffer wrong, then fall into these suites. 1. Cor. 6.

4 Seeke wee all meanes of pri­uate agreement before wee goe to law.

5 Delay we not suits to weary out a brother.

[Page 469]6 Much lesse by bribery seek to ouerthrow a good cause.

7 But to ouercome euill with good, seeking peace and ensuing it Rom. 12. Psal. 34.

Here obserue. 5. Society in Recreation

1 That we be as carefull to vse recreation a right, as to haue li­berty in it.

2 That we make choyce of a fit time, when we haue need, by rea­son of wearisomnesse in our cal­lings.

3 That wee make no ocupation of it, neither labour so much for skill therein, as rather to make vs more skilfull to moderate the same.

4 Looke we vp still to God for continency in the vse of our li­bertie.

5 Our kinds of recreation must be honest and of good report.

6 We must vse great moderation of our affections therein.

[Page 472]3 Neither enrage them by vn­seasonable & ouer bitter reproofs vnlesse the glory of God present­ly lie in the ballance. Mat. 7.6.

4 Take wee heed, lest by labou­ring in simplicitie to approue our selues vnto them, wee expose our selues as a prey.

1 To conuerse grauely, but yet humbly with them. Neh. 2.12.

12 To wait some good occasion from their speech, and so to worke vpon it. Act. 16.

3 To call to mind some present blessing, or iudgement, that so we may put by idle talke. Amos 6.6. Esa. 5.12.

4 Commend wee what is likely spoken of them, yet with an holy drawing them on to better, by graue exhortations. 2. Tim. 2.24.25.

5 In all our speech let it appeare that loue is the ground, and the soules good the principall end. Math. 5.44.

[Page 473]6 Contrary we them not always in their weakenesse, but expound it to the best, vnlesse wee see ap­parent contempt and desperate scorning. Iudges 22.23. Ro. 14.1.

7 If we cannot benefit by con­ference, then let vs take heede, that we do not communicate with them in euill, but rather wisely breake it we off, as Sampson did, by some riddle or such like, as ne [...]e as may be, leaue we them with peace that so afterward, there may bee hope to win them. 2. Thess. 3.15▪ Rom. 12.18.

Thus are we to behaue our selues in e­uill company, 2. Cautions herein. if by occasion they light vpon vs, &c. But purposely wee are not to make choyse of them.

Either in holy duties concerning the worship of God. Here learne:

1 That wee are to pray for the communion of Saints, and perfe­ction thereof. 1. Cor. 15.

2 Not to ioyne any otherwise with [...] in charity, partly by our owne experience we hope & guesse their fitnes to our felow­ship.

[Page 474]3 If we know otherwise, we are after priuate admonition to make knowne the offence, and our dis­like thereof, that we bee not par­taker of other mens sins. 1. Tim. 5.

4 If the partie will not refraine, or by the lamenesse of discipline is not repelled: wee are not to re­fuse our comfort, because he turns his into poyson.

5 Yet are we to eate with sowre herbes, euen to mourne, and sigh for further puritie.

2 Wee are not to admit the wicked to our priuate tables. Psal. 101. and families.

3 Nor to assume them as part­ners, in our priuate recreations.

4 Neither to employ them in our ciuill and domesticall affaires. Gen. 14.

5 Especially not to acquaint them with our secrets. Iudg. 10.

6 Generally, wherein it stands with our libertie, and their saftie, we are not purposely to sort with them.

3. Vse herofThe vse of euill company, is,

[Page 475]1 That wee make more of the better sort.

2 And labour to make the bad better.

3 That wee long after heauen, where wee shall finde none but good company. Phil. 1. Heb. 12.

4 That wee grow more priuate and learne to bee a part with our God. Gen. 5.21.