OVr blessed Sauiour, hauing by the Ministerie of his Apostles planted diuers Churches in Asia: directeth his seruant Iohn the Euange­list, to write vnto each of them, for their fur­ther strengthening in the faith. And, be­cause Occasion and coherence. the Church of Ephesus, was both famous for the out­ward glorie, and inward graces thereof, as also in a sort the peculiar charge of the Apostle Iohn, therefore doth he first Verse 1. send greeting to that Church; giuing very iust and true te­stimonie vnto her of the great graces of God bestowed vpon her, and her profitable vse of them, in the second and third verses. And that she might not be ouercome of spiri­tuall pride, to which in regard of such excellent graces she might be subiect; yea, was so tainted therewith, as that it wrought in her some securitie, and thereupon remissenesse: he therefore giues her notice of this her decay and coo­ling in the fourth verse: telling her that He had somewhat against her, because she had left her first loue; both, therein expressing the greatnes of her fall, by the excellencie of the thing wherein she failed, namely, her first loue; as also, ag­grauating this her fall, by the iust esteeme thereof in the iudgement of her Sauiour Christ: namely, that it gaue oc­casion for him, that was her aduocate, now to come against [Page 2] her, and to haue a controuersie with her, as an enemie; and Ose 4. 1. Lament. 2. thereby giuing her to conceiue in what a fearefull case she stoode, hauing him now to be against her; who if he were Rom. 8. 31. on her side, she need not feare who were against her; who being against her, all other things, though with her, must necessarily serue to her further condemnation.

So that these words, doe containe a description of some Summe and sense. declination in this Church of Ephesus, with some argu­ments, to lay this her estate more closely to her heart, that so she might by repentance recouer her selfe againe.

Wherein first, that this Church of Ephesus, though o­therwise endowed with excellent graces, and hauing so prospered in the holy vse of them, that she receiues a testi­monie from the trueth himselfe, of such great faithfulnesse, as to haue endured patiently, and not fainted; is yet not­withstanding, charged by the same Lord Iesus, to be de­fectiue, and to haue some failings and imperfections in her, wee may learne here this lesson. That as the best Church, so the best Christian hath, and may haue some in­firmities 1. Doctrine. The best haue their infirmi­ties. and corruptions; as appeareth by these places: 1. Ioh. 1. 9. Iames 3. 2. Chron. 8. 36. and by the examples of the best: Dauid, 2. Sam. 12. commits murder and adul­terie; Peter denies his master, Matth. 27. Moses did not giue glorie to God in beleeuing his word; Noah was drunken, Salomon idolatrous, &c. Numb. 20. Gen. 38. Gen. 9. Thus haue the saints of God been subiect to infir­mities, and that not before their conuersion only, but euen after also; as the Apostle Paul in the name of all the rest, acknowledgeth for himselfe in the seuenth to the Romans 19, 20, 21, 22.

And surely, seeing the Lord Iesus hath satisfied the Ephes. 2. Col. 2. Rom. 5. 1. Iohn 1. 8. Ephes. 5. 23. wrath of his father for vs, in fulfilling the lawe, and vnder­going the penaltie thereof: and so continues daily our in­tercessor and suertie to answere vnto the iustice of God for our offences, and to obtaine pardon for them: so that there is no necessitie that we should be freed quite from sinne, and so perfit, as to fulfill the law of God, seeing the Lord [Page 3] Iesus hath performed this already, and therefore for vs to vndertake the same, were to intrude into Christs office, and so to rob him of his glorie. Therefore that some infirmities Rom. 6. 12. Rom. 8. 1. and corruptions doe remaine in vs, seeing now the guilt and punishment, yea the dominion and rage of sinne is ta­ken away by Christ. It is very conuenient and profitable, and that first:

1. That Gods free mercie, may be daily aduanced in Reasons. Why infirmi­ties remaine in the Saints. Ephes. 5. 1. Ioh. 1. 8. Rom. 4. the pardoning of sinne, Psalm. 51. 12, 13.

2. That the merit of Christ Iesus, may be glorified, in satisfying for sinne, Iohn 9.

3. That our saluation may be better assured vnto vs, in the daily experience of Gods loue, in the forgiuenesse and healing of our particular corruptions, 2. Pet. 1. 8.

4. That the graces of the spirit may be exercised in the daily resisting and conquering of sinne, Ephes. 6. 11, 12, 13. 1. Pet. 4.

5. That the power of God may be perfited in weake­nesse, 2. Corinth. 12. 8, 9. 2. Cor. 4. 7, 8.

6. And the Lord onely might haue the glorie of his works in vs, Rom. 4. 2. Cor. 12.

7. That we may be daily humbled in the sense of our infirmities, and so preuenting pride and securitie, we may forget that which is behinde, and hasten to that which is before, Phil. 3. 13.

8. That we might be more compassionate towards our brethren, as being subiect to like temptations with them, Galath. 6. 1. Genes. 38. Iudah.

9. That y ^e wicked may hereby take offence, who seeing the infirmities of the Saints; and from thence, their cha­sticements: take hence occasion, to condemne the genera­tion of the iust, and to ripen their sinne by adding affliction to affliction, Zach. 1. Psal. 73. &c.

That Gods children might daily renounce their owne righteousnesse, and flie vnto Christ, liuing the life of faith, and contenting themselues with the sufficiency of Gods grace: 2. Cor. 12. Abac. 2.

[Page 4] And seeing, that as long as they liue, they shal be subiect to infirmities: therefore also hereby are they weaned from the loue of this life, and the pleasures thereof, which are no better then fuell to their sinne.

And also, prouoked to hunger and sigh after their disso­lution, that so they may bee deliuered from this bodie of sinne: Rom. 7. 24.

And this serueth first for reproofe, and that first of the Vses. 1. Of reproofe: 1. of the Papist. Papist, that boasteth of merit and perfect obedience, not acknowledging that to bee sinne which is, and counting that good which is euill, robbing thereby Christ of his glorie, and himselfe of the assurance of his saluation.

2. Of the prophane Protestant, that flatters himselfe in 2. Prophane Protestant. his sinne, with this, That all haue their faults, and the best hath some infirmities, and therfore he will liue in his sinne; he hopes to be saued as well as others: what need we make so much adoe?

3. The ignorant Protestant is heere condemned; who 3. The ignorāt Protestant. though in generall hee confesse that hee is a sinner, yet de­nieth that hee hath in particular broken any of the com­mandements; he is no whore, no theefe; deceiuing himself by the letter of the law, and in truth thereby denying that he hath any sinne at all.

4. The carnall Protestant is heere also conuinced, and 4. The carnall Protestant. that in many respects:

• 1. In that he hates to be reproued; whereby hee would be conceiued righteous, and without fault.
• 2. That hee will not striue against his corruptions, be­cause he cannot wholly be rid of them: pleading it to bee impossible, and so in vaine to be attempted. Whereas it is:

• 1. The commandement of God to striue against sinne,
  Sinne to be striuen against, though we can not fully and wholly subdue it in this life.
  though it still remaine.
• 2. By striuing we conquer some grosse sinnes, as swea­ring, whoring, &c. so that wee neuer fall into them a­gaine.
• 3. We by this spirituall fight doe weaken and diminish the force of all sinne, and so daily get ground thereof.
• [Page 5] 4. We by taming of sinne, make it seruiceable vnto vs; by outward corruptions, purging out secret abominations; so that all doth turne to our exceeding good.
• 5. And so continuing in this spirituall warfare to the end, wee fight the good fight of faith, and finish our course with ioy: 1. Tim. 6. 2. Tim. 4.

5. The weake Protestant is reproued that esteemes his 5. The weake Protestant. case singular, when he is ouertaken with any grosse sin.

Secondly, this serues for instruction, and that many 2. Vse, of in­struction. waies: as,

1. To teach vs to rest wholly on Christ in the matter of 1. To rest only on Christ. our saluation, and to esteeme all as dung in regard of him; to desire to be found in him, not hauing our owne righte­ousnesse, but the righteousnesse which is of faith: Philip. 3. vers. 8. 9.

2. Wee may hence learne to bee abased and truly hum­bled; 2. To be hum­bled with in­ward corrup­tions. not with our outward afflictions, which may breed worldly sorrow, but with our inward corruptions, which may cause godly sorrow to repentance: 2. Corin. 2. Iames 4. 8, 9.

3. And seeing the best hath his infirmities, here is a no­table meanes, to teach the proudest to haue compassion, to 3. To be com­passionate to others. put on meekenesse of spirit, and tendernesse of heart; in relieuing and raising vp his afflicted brother, that so the communion of Saints may be maintained by the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace: Galath. 6.

4. Here is matter of triall in this state of infirmities, 4. To trie our estate in sancti­fication by in­firmities. which seemes common to all; whether yet we are such as are renued in Christ, to whom our sin shall not be impu­ted: namely, If

• 1. We hate all sinne indifferently with a perfect hatred.
• 2. Striue vnfainedly against all sinnes.
• 3. Iudge our selues daily for sinnes particular.
• 4. Condemne secret corruptions.
• 5. Wholly relie on Christ for pardon for sinnes.
• 6. Hunger after death in regard of sinne: Rom. 7.
• 7. Endure reproofe patiently, and amend.

[Page 6] Thirdly, this serues for comfort, & that many waies. As,

1. In that God hath left infirmities in vs: therfore haue 3. Vse. Of comfort. That we haue right in Christ. wee hence assurance of our right in Christ, who came to saue sinners, and shall haue experience of the power of Christ, in the daily subduing, and mastering of our corrup­tions. And therefore

2. Let vs not despaire in our greatest tentations, seeing To preuent despaire. the greater miserie the greater mercie. As it is God our father that hath left sinne in vs, yea in the dearest, to ad­uance his free and constant loue: so hath he giuen his Son to reueale this loue vnto vs by the operation of the Spirit, 1. Ioh. 1. 8. Eph. 5. 19. 20. 21. Rom. 5. 3. 4. Galat. 4. 6. 7. shedding it abroad in our hearts, through the daily assu­rance of the pardon of our sinnes, and continuall enabling to conquer the same: Rom. 5. 2, 3.

3. To this end let vs not thinke our case singular, seeing Not to ima­gine our case singular. the best haue not been exempted from infirmities, where­by Satan would driue vs to despaire; but rather the greater our infirmities are, the greater experience may wee looke for of the mercies of our God, who will lay no more vpon vs then we shall be able to endure, 1. Cor. 10. 13: but will giue an issue with the temptation, that so wee may be able to beare it.

4. Lastly, though we haue infirmities; yet let this com­fort vs, that our God will not let them fester in vs, but by That infirmi­ties shall not fester in vs. Iob 33. 15. Act. 2. 36, 37, 38 the power of our conscience, or ministerie of the word, by some outward chastisement, &c. wee shall know our ini­quitie; that so wee may performe seasonable repentance: and this is the next obseruation that followeth in the text, out of the practise of our Sauiour with his Church; who doth not flatter her in her sinne, by concealing the same, (as a false Prophet would haue winked at it, and onely stood vpon commendation, yea happily ascribe that which was not true) but deales faithfully with her. As hee com­mends her for her good parts: so he reproues her for that euill of her decay.

And this teacheth vs, that 2. Doctrine. Sinne to be re­proued. Leuit. 19. 17.

We must reproue our brother plainly for his sinne: so doe we testifie, and approue;

[Page 7] 1. The faithfulnesse of our calling and dutie vnto God, Reasons. in deliuering the whole counsell of God, as well reproofe for sinne, as praise for well doing. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 2. Tim. 4. 2.

2. Our loue to our brother, both in preuenting Gods iudgements by our reproofes, or else sanctifying them vn­to a sinner. At least wee iustifie God, and make the sinner without excuse: Ezech. 33. and saue our owne soules. As also hereby we prouoke him to repentance, and so by re­newed repentance to perfection: Leuit. 19. 17.

And this 1. condemneth the flatterer, that either will see Ʋse. 1. Of reproofe to the flatte­ring teacher. no euill in his brother, but is still beating vpon the good that is in him, puffing him vp, with conceit thereof; or if he see any euill, will not reprooue him plainely, but either excuse it or diminish it, or daube it vp, hardning him in his sinne, &c. Ezech. 13.

2. They are here reprooued, that iustifie the wicked and condemne the righteous: Esay 5. 21. whereas our Sauiour 2. Of the per­uerse and ma­litious that cals darkenes light, and light darknesse. 3. Of the re­specter of persons. iustifies the good, and condemnes the euill.

3. As also, they that stumble at strawes, and make mole­hils mountaines; omitting the sinnes of great ones, or the great sinnes of their brethren: for fauour and affection, but enforcing to the vtmost euery light escape in the godly, or their enemies, putting more thereto, yea, taking occasion thereby to disgrace their profession, &c.

Whereas our Sauiour Christ, heere spares not the grea­test and most famous Church, and whatsoeuer is amisse in her, lets her know plainely of it.

The people also are here condemned, that hate those, that 2. Of the people. 2. Tim. 4. Galat. 4. reprooue them, and rather heape vnto themselues such tea­chers as wil flatter them in their sinne, then intertaine those that deale faithfully in reproouing: Amos 5. 11. Micah. 2.

Secondly, here is instruction, 1. to praise God for faith­full 2. Vse of in­struction. Hos. 6. 5. Esay 58. 1. Iohn 16. [...]. teaching, when God cuts downe by his Prophets, and conuinceth the world of sin. 2. And also to mourne where the church is pestered with flatterers, that crie all is well, Peace peace; all the congregation is holy: Ier. 6. Numb. 16. Ierem. 28. Ezech. 34. 13. 14.

We learne here by our Sauiors example how to reproue [Page 8] for sinne: namely,

1. Plainly: Thou art the man, 2. Sam. 12. Sinne how to be reproued.

2. Particularly: Letting him see his particular sinne.

3. Powerfully: To humble him for his sin, by denoun­cing the wrath of God against the same. I haue somewhat against thee: that is, I haue a controuersie with thee, I am angrie, I will be auenged of thee for it.

4. Constantly and seasonably, not letting him lie in it, taking the fit time, &c. as Abigail did, 1. Sam. 25.

5. Impartially and sincerely, not sparing the greatest nor dearest vnto vs; no not the house of Iudah, Esay 58. 1. Amos 7. 8. 1. Sam. 12. 1. Sam. 2. 3. no not the most excellent Church; not Dauid, though a King; not our children, not any.

Lastly, heere is great comfort, that being reprooued for sinne, we are iudged in this life; and so by the grace of God 3. Vse, of com­fort. being brought to repentance, we shal not be iudged in the life to come: 1. Cor. 11. 31. 32.

Thirdly, in that the holy Ghost testifieth here that Christ doth come against his Church for this sin: here we learne, Doctrine. 3. The least sin in the Saints is sufficient to make the Lord to come against them as an enemie. That though God loueth alwaies the person of his chil­dren; yet hee is displeased with their sinne: he will come against them for it, and chastise them for the same: Psal. 89. 2. Sam. 8. &c. Ezech. 18. And that because he is,

1. Righteous, and hateth iniquitie, Psal. 5. 4. and there­fore will not endure it in his owne.

2. He is mercifull, and therefore will not suffer sinne to dwell in his children: but by his corrections will clense them: Esay 1. 25. Esay 27. Ierem. 19. Psal. 89.

3. The sinnes of his children doe more grieue him, and indeed are more grieuous: first, because

4. They haue more grace to resist. Secondly, doe giue more offence to the weake. Thirdly, open the mouth of the wicked more to blaspheme God and his truth.

5. That the wicked may haue their vengeance hereby sealed vp, in that the Lord spareth not his owne children: Prou. 11. 32.

6. That his children might not be condemned finally.

7. That he might weane them from the world, and pro­uoke [Page 9] them to draw neere vnto him in prayer, and so haue further experience of his loue in the issues thereof.

8. Their sinne is not theirs, but proceeds from Satan and the old man, which he therefore remoueth by his cha­stisements, Rom. 7. that so he might manifest and confirme his loue more and more to their persons in fitting them to glo­rie.

And this serueth

1. To condemne the wicked that flatter themselues in Vses. 1. Of conuictiō to those that by reason of prospe [...]y flat­ter themselues in integritie. their righteousnesse, because they prosper, and are not plagued like others, nor afflicted as the sinners, seeing they are fatted vp hereby to the day of slaughter, and the elect by afflictions prepared to happinesse: Ierem. 12. 3. Act. 14. 23, 24. Iob 21. Psal. 17 14.

2. To reprooue the sinners that prouoke the Lord by their sinne to become their enemie, and then being affli­cted, 2. Those that are impatient vnder the rod deseruing the same. complaine of wrong, and condemne the loue and faithfulnes of God, as if in chastising them he hated them, seeing of very loue and faithfulnes he doth correct them: Psal. 119. Psal. 73. Iob 6. 9.

3. To reprooue the world that iudge of men by these 3. Those that iudge peremp­torily the e­states of men by outward things. Vse 2. Instruction how to keepe God our friend 2. To be pa­tient vnder the rod. 3. To trie our estate by the vse of y ^e crosse. outward things, seeing all things are alike vnto all men: Eccl. 9. 1.

Secondly, here is instruction: 1. To teach vs how to keep God to be our friend: namely, by keeping our selues from sinne, or else by renued repentance, daily renouncing, and reforming the sinne.

2. To beare patiently the hand of God, seeing wee haue deserued hell; and this affliction which is but for a mo­ment, wil procure vnto vs an inestimable weight of glory: 2. Cor. 5. 16.

3. To trie our estate vnder the rod, namely, if wee feele the Lord to be angrie, and so feare and depart from euill: Prou. 14.

And thus doth the holy Ghost amplifie the sinne of this Church, by signifying that the Lord is angrie with her for the same.

1. But let vs consider what this sinne is, namely, That [Page 10] she hath left her first loue, a sinne of omission, she hath fai­led in that zeale, &c.

Quest. But how may she be said to haue left her first How the saints though lea­uing their first loue, yet may be iustified that they faint not. loue, seeing she hath formerly the testimonie that she en­dured patiently, and did not faint?

Answ. She might faile in the measure of her loue, though not in the substance and trueth thereof.

2. She might faile in the outward action, though not in the inward purpose.

3. She might not be so zealous as she was, and yet haue so much zeale as not to giue ouer finally; for a time she might be cooled, but not quenched in her zeale, &c.

Whence we learne, that though the Lord accept the purpose of the heart, and will not quench the smoaking Doctrine 4. flaxe; yet would hee haue vs grow in grace, and follow hard after the marke; we must abound in grace, and be The elect must goe forward and perseuere in grace. plentifull in good works; we must thriue in well doing, ex­pressing outwardly when we inwardly desire, and subdu­ing the whole man to the obedience of the spirit: 1. Col. 1. Pet. 2. 1. 3. Ephes. 1. Phil. 2. Pet. 1. 8. Psalm. 92. Iob. 17. 9. 1. Thes. 5. perseuering with all patience and constancie vnto the end, Ephes. 6. 13.

And that, because the Lord hath commanded, 1. That Reasons. we should be holy, as he is holy, 1. Pet. 1. 13. 14. &c.

2. Hereby we make sure our election, and attaine to the certaine knowledge thereof, 2. Pet. 1. 10. Ioh. 7.

3. Hereby we make vs meete for that glorious inheri­tance, 1. Col. 11. 12.

4. Hereby we prouoke others to glorifie God, Matth. 5. 16, 17.

5. We daunt and confound the enemies of the Gospell, 1. Pet. 2.

6. And adorne and beautifie our glorious profession, 1. Phil. 27.

And this serueth,

To condemne, 1. all those that flatter their hearts Vses. 1. Of reproofe to those that de­ceiue them­selues with good intents and motions. Of such as goe backward. 3. As feare to to be noted of singularitie. with good intents, when they are vtterly voide of good fruits, Prou. 3. Esa. 29.

[Page 11] 2. As also those, that vpon presumption that they are better then others, cease to better themselues, and so stan­ding at a stay in religion, goe backward therein, 1. Cor. 4. Reuel. 3.

3 And those likewise, that feare to abound in holinesse, zeale, &c. lest they bee accounted singular noted men, pre­cise, vaine-glorious, &c.

4. And these especially, that haue not onely slacked their zeale in religion, but doe iustifie this decay, as being 4. Such as iu­stifie decaies. now more wise, sober, &c. in their profession, whereas be­fore they were fierie, rash, indiscreet, &c.

Secondly, here is instruction, and that first, we must la­bor Vse 2. Of instruction, how to in­crease. Meanes of a­postasie. 1. Corrupt iudgement. to increase and grow constant in godlinesse, and that by these meanes:

1. By auoiding the meanes of Apostasie, which are,

1. Corruption of iudgement, and that

1. We may be too holy:

2. That lesse will serue the turne, because many doe lesse, and we hope are saued, Acts 14.

3. That Gods mercie doth more abound in our fai­lings, Rom. 6. 1.

4. That we need not to be so perfect, seeing Christ hath finished all for vs: seeing Christ hath therefore perfited all things that wee might grow to perfection, Hebr. 12. 1, 2. Iohn 15.

2. Corrupt practize: 2. Corrupt practize.

• 1. When either we liue by examples of the greatest:
• 2. By the letter of the word of God, Matth. 5.
• 3. Or by the streame of the time:
• 4. Or onely by the lawes of men:
• 5. Or follow the most in religion:
• 6. Or grow spiritually proude of our well doing:
• 7. Or grow secure and dead in the performance of holy duties, performing them for custome, worldly, hypocriti­cally, &c.
• 8. Or grow inconstant in holy duties; intermitting the set times, of prayers, hearing the word, &c.
• 9 Or grow negligent in conuerting others.
• [Page 12] 10. Or admit of humaine inuentions, with the worship of God.
• 11. Or proue vnthankefull vnto God for his particular mercies, 1. Rom.
• 12. Or fall into grosse sinnes, and lie in them without repentance: Psal. 51.
• 13. Or iudge vncharitably of our brethren, withdraw­ing our compassions from them.

Secondly, practise we these meanes to make vs abound in Meanes where­by wee may at­taine constan­cie in weldo­ing. good workes, and grow constant therein.

1. Remember we the continuall seruice of the Saints in heauen, they inces [...]antly glorifie God, and also continually: 1. Thess 4. Reuel. 4.

2. Consider we the power of Iesus Christ still remaines to couer our imperfections, and to strengthen vs to perfe­ction: Heb. 12. 1. 2.

3. Know we that the Comforter doth abide with vs, to lead vs into all truth: and so forward in al holines: Ioh. 15. 16.

4. Consider we that the righteous can scarcely be saued, 1. Pet. 4. 15. & what pains the best haue takē toward heauē. 1. Peter 4. 15.

5. Remember we y ^t Iesus Christ hath taken away all the rigour of weldoing, and yet enables vs by his spirit, to per­fection, accepting our weakest endeuors, so they be sound, and enabling of vs to fulfill all his righteousnesse in due season.

6. Retaine we soundnes of iudgement, concerning the power of godlinesse.

7. Doe wee all things from the ground of the heart, as in the sight of God: 1. Thess. 1.

8. Cleaue wee still to the power of the word, and striue we to encrease in knowledge: 1. Phil. 1. Coll.

9. Practise we constantly the duties of pietie and cha­ritie.

10. Watch wee daily ouer our hearts, in a true search­ing and examining the same. Psal. 4. 5, 6.

11. See that we renue our repentance, as often as we sin.

12. Labour wee the conuersion of our brethren, and iudge we charitably of them.

[Page 13] 13. Walke we alwaies in feare of our selues, and suspect we all our workes yea then most, when wee enioy greatest graces: Prou. 28. 13.

14. Remember wee our ends, and vncertaintie of our life, and the account we must make: 2. Cor. 5. 10. 11.

15. And resigne we our selues daily into the hands of our God, resting on his prouidence: 1. Pet. 5. Matth. 6.

16. Entertaine we cheerefully the motions of the spirit, and put them in practise diligently: Ephes. 4.

Thus shall wee grow constant in weldoing, and perse­uere vnto the end. And,

3. For our comfort learne we, that our God, that com­mands perseuerance, giues grace to the same, and therfore we shall continue, and not finally decay: we shall leaue our first loue, but not lose it altogether: 1. Philip. 6. Iohn 13. Luke 22. 33.

Wherein note, That euery conuert hath a first loue, that Doct. 5. Euery true conuert hath a first loue. Rom. 5. 3. is, when God hath reuealed his loue vnto him in Christ, and by the spirit of God, it is shed abroad in his heart, then is the heart of a sinner inflamed to loue God againe, then is it inlarged with ioy vnspeakable and glorious, 1. Pet. 17. for so great saluation: then doth it striue to expresse it thankfulnesse vnto God, for so great mercie: then is loue as strong as death, much water cannot quench it: Cant. 8.

And this is called, his first loue: and it is discerned by these markes:

1. By his renouncing of all, in comparison of it, and par­ting First loue dis­cerned by markes. Matth. 13. Ioh. 6. Coloss. 3. 1. with the dearest for the enioying of it: so did the A­postles forsake all in act: so must we forsake all in affection and in act too, so farre as it may hinder our enioying of Christ: Zacheus, Luke 19. 6. 7.

2. When we endure any affliction for the Words sake, 1. Thess. 1. 9. 10, and that with great ioy in the holy Ghost: Heb. 10. Ephes. 1.

3. When wee reuerence highly the Ministers of the Gospell, Galath. 3 4. thinking nothing too deare for them. Act. 16.

4 When we cleare our conscience of all sinne, by which [Page 14] our sweete fellowship with Christ may be hindred: so Za­cheus, Luke 19, not being ashamed to confesse our particu­lar sinnes, and renouncing them vnfainedly.

5 When for Christs sake we loue his poore members, and 1. Tim. 1. 15 16. 17. impart of our worldly goods bountifully to their reliefe, Luke 19. Zacheus, 1. Ioh. 2. Ioh. 13. Psal. 16. 2.

6. When wee continue in the powerfull meanes of the diuine worship: Act. 2.

7. When wee consult not with flesh and blood, nor communicate with it, but doe vtterly renounce the same in regard of heauen, Act. 9. Gal. 2. Matth. 8 &c.

8. And being rauished with the sweetnesse of the loue of Christ, wee inlarge our selues to declare the same to our brethren, labouring to bring them to Christ, by plucking them out of the fire: Ioh 1. 18. Iude 22. Luke 22. 33.

This is our first loue, these are the markes thereof, and by the same it is graciously preserued, and encreased.

1. Whereby all those sudden flashes, and fained and inconstant affections of hypocrites are reiected: He­brewes Vse. To condemne flashes & tasts. 6. 4. and,

2. We put to the triall, for the soundnes of our con­uersion, if we haue found such a loue in our hearts: by To trie our conuersion. such euident marks.

3. The world is heere condemned, that boasts of the fa­uour of God, when it hath no argument of it conuersion by this loue: nay, esteemeth it a wonder, and madnes to be To reprooue the worlds deceit. conuerted.

4. And the saints are comforted, that seeing their loue vnto God dependeth on his loue vnchangeable to them: To comfort the Saints. 1. Ioh. 4. 1. Therefore as his is vnchangeable, Ioh. 13. 1. so shall theirs be; well they may leaue it, but they shall neuer lose it. And yet it is a great affliction that they leaue their loue: although of a certaintie,

The Saints may leaue their first loue; so did Dauid, Pe­ter, Salomon, &c. Psal. 51. Galat. 2. 1. King. 11. And the rea­sons Doct. 6. The Elect may leaue their first loue. are,

Because as the fire is slacked by two meanes, either by withdrawing fuell frō it, or putting water, or ashes thereto:

[Page 15] So there are two meanes, whereby the loue of the Saints And by what meanes. doth decay in them.

Either when they faile in such meanes as doe nourish the same: or,

Doe adde such, as may corrupt, and coole, namely, when Meanes of lea­uing first loue. either they,

• 1. Neglect the powerfull ministerie of the word, &c.
  1. Withdraw­ing that should nourish it.
  1. Thes. 5. 19. 20.
• 2. The constant practise of priuat, and publike prayer.
• 3. Or the fellowship of the Saints, Heb. 10.
• 4. Or the motions of the spirit:
• 5. Or neglect to examine their hearts daily.
• 6. Or faile in daily repentance, or,
• 7. Neglect to conuert others:

Or else doe adde that which may corrupt:

• 1. As spirituall pride of Gods graces.
• 2. Carnall policie, subiecting religion to the same.
  2. Adding, what may coole and quench it.
• 3. Prosperitie, and setting their hearts thereon through couetousnesse: Psalm. 119. Luke 18. 1. Tim. 6.
• 4. Abuse of Christian libertie, in the enioying of plea­sures, &c. 1. Cor. 10. 1. Cor. 8. and vse of things indiffe­rent.

Concerning spirituall pride, as Conuerts are subiect here­to, 1. Spirituall pride, an occa­sion to leaue our first loue, and how. in regard,

1. That now not being as others, yea, as themselues were, yea, being in some measure made partakers of the diuine nature, and aduanced to the hope of so glorious an inheritance; may they not hereby be enticed to iustifie thē ­selues, 2. Pet. 1. 3. and despise their brethren; to condemne, where they should endeuour to conuert? &c. Esay 5. 6.

2. Euen their desire to keepe themselues in this estate, may be an occasion to Satan to breede spirituall pride in them. As namely, that being now pluckt out of the common condemnation, and separated from the world and wicked ones, by their effectuall calling; may not the Saints vpon pretence to keepe themselues vnspotted and vndefiled, grow to singularitie, and so to separation, which are very dangerous branches of spirituall pride?

[Page 16] 3. The execution also of their callings is subiect to much spirituall pride.

Either they may neglect altogether their ciuill callings as too base, and derogatorie from the prouidence of God, and their Christian libertie, which is a fruite of spirituall pride, seeing the Lord hath imposed these callings to hum­ble them. Or else they may so carrie themselues in their Ecccl. 1. 9. Christiā callings, as by their morositie, discontent, &c. they shall not obscurely discouer much spirituall pride.

4. The speciall prouidence of the Almightie, in leading them to perfection, may also through the subtiltie of Sa­tan be an occasion of much spirituall pride. And that,

1. Either in regard of such chastisements which the Lord exerciseth their nature to clense the same, in the im­patient bearing whereof, pride is discouered.

2. Or else the prosperitie of the wicked, may bee an occa­sion of spirituall pride, as being prouoked by Satan to fret and repine thereat: Psal. 37. 1. Ierem. 12. Iob 1.

3. Either they may be puffed vp with those wonderfull deliuerances, which the Lord in his mercie bestoweth on them in their conduction to glorie: 2. Cor. 1. verses 9, 10. 2. Cor. 12. 7.

4. Or else they may reioyce at the destruction of their enemies, and so be tainted with spirituall pride: Iob 31.

5. Either they may be hastie, in expecting the reward, and so for want of patience, discouer spirituall pride: Heb. 10.

6. Or else desire death, in regard of their continuall trou­bles, and so discouer their pride, in not waiting the Lords leisure: Iob 3. Ionas 4.

7. Either they may be crossed in their expectations, and so preferring their credits before Gods glorie, bewray their pride: Ionas 4. 1. 2.

8. Or else, beyond their hope and expectation, they may be endued with extraordinarie graces, and so are sub­iect to be exalted aboue measure: 2. Cor. 12 7. 8.

Thus may the Saints be subiect to spirituall pride, and so thereby giue occasion of the losse of their first loue:

• 1. The Lord resisting the proud, and bringing low the [Page 17] mountaines; emptying the high minded, and giuing grace to the humble: 1. Pet 5. 5.
• 2. Their pride making them seeme vncharitable, and so not vsing their talents, they are for a time taken away.
  Matth. 25.
• 3. The spirit hereby being grieued, ceaseth to worke in
  Ephes. 4. 30.
  them, nay happily leaues them to grieuous buffetings.

Touching policie by it, I meane, that wisedome which [...]. Policie, a meanes o [...] coo­ling our first loue. ciuill gouernment discouereth in managing it affaires, for the adorning and preseruing thereof. This, howsoeuer it may be an handmaid to religion, yet carrieth some sway in the manner thereof: as,

• 1. In ordering the time, and place, and outward decen­cie
  Policie, how a friend to re­ligion.
  for the diuine worship.
• 2. In compelling the outward man, to the outward forme and meanes of religion.
• 3. As also, in executing the holy censures of the Church, vpon the refractarie and obstinate.
• 4. And in protecting the innocencie and vprightnes of the Saints, from the rage and wrongs of the wicked: and,
• 5. Punishing the enemies of the Church.

Yet may it also proue an enemie to sinceritie, and so bee an occasion (if wee be guided thereby) to leaue our first loue, and that in these respects: As,

First, when it vndertakes to iudge and authorise the rule How an ene­mie, and [...]o a meanes flea­uing out first loue. of religion: namely the word of God.

2. When it adioynes to the same, the inuentions of man, making it equall with the word of truth.

3. When it stands more vpon the forme then the power of godlinesse.

4. When it excludes the substance of religion for the outward complement thereof.

5. When it becomes a meanes to iustifie the wicked, The practize of pop [...]rie, in maintaining their religion. and condemne the righteous: Esay 5. Matth. 27.

6. When it presumes to limit sinceritie to times, per­sons: and,

7. When it insulteth and lords it ouer the conscience, by inquisition into the secrets of the heart, and violent for­cing [Page 18] the same, contrarie to the tendernes, and true infor­mation thereof.

Thus may Policie bee an enemie to religion, and so a meanes of the leauing of our first loue.

And so may also Prosperitie:

1. If either hauing much, wee set our hearts vpon it: Prosperitie an occasion to coole our first loue, and how. Psal. 62. 10. and so are withdrawne to execute the lusts of our hearts:

2. Or measure our estate in grace by our prosperitie.

3. Or, are not willing to be abased, as we doe abound.

4. Or grow secure, and vncharitable hereby, either de­spising our poore brethren, or insulting ouer thē: 1. Pet. 5. much lesse being inlarged in compassion of their affliction, or open handed to relieue them: or promise constancie of this ticklish estate vnto our selues. Psal. 30. 6.

5. And so also by abuse of our Christian libertie wee may leaue our first loue; as hereafter shall more fully bee declared.

Thus may we leaue our first loue; by these meanes may And so our a­buse of Chri­stian libertie. our zeale be cooled and abated.

And this serueth,

1. For our triall whether euer we had any first loue, or Vses. 1. Of triall. no: namely, if wee shall finde that by these meanes wee haue been cooled therein.

2. And so for our comfort and sound direction, that if 2. Of comfort. we euer had this first loue, we shall recouer it againe: and,

3. That wee may know how to recouer it, by vsing a­right 3. Of instru­ction to reco­uer. such meanes, as being abused, haue been the occasion of this decay: the manner whereof is laid downe here­after.

And this serueth further,

1. For reproofe of our times, who may be iustly charged 4. Of reproofe. to haue left our first loue, by trying our selues by the for­mer meanes, whereby this first loue is slaked.

2. And for our further instruction herein:

1. Know we, that we may be subiect to a false imputa­tion of leauing our first loue, in many respects.

[Page] As, 1. when vpon the iust consideration of the nature of The saints may be vniustly charged to haue left their first loue, and how. Matth. 2 [...]. And that, first in the true di­scerning and vse of our chri­stian libertie, whereby we submit our selues to law­full authoritie. 2. In that wee are endowed with outward prosperitie, our Christian libertie, as being spirituall, we limit our zeale within the bounds of our callings: so giuing vnto God the things that are his, that we denie not also vnto Caesar that which is his. This moderation, howsoeuer with the Ana­baptists it be traduced as luke warmnesse, and temporizing with the world, to auoid affliction: yet indeed it is an holy rectifying and ordering of our zeale by humilitie and wis­dome, that so it may hold out, and be perfited through pa­tience, and that from the commandement of the Lord our God: Rom. 13.

2. We may be falsely charged to haue left our first loue, when wee are outwardly encreased with temporall bles­sings. As if because prosperitie is apt to coole, by making vs secure, and forgetfull of our God: therefore it must needes follow, that wheresoeuer there is outward abundance, there is inward leannes and barrennesse: Psalme 106. 15. Which imputation is hereby proued to be most vniust.

1. Both because the Saints of God haue increased out­wardly, and thriuen inwardly too; as, Abraham, Dauid, &c.

2. The vertue of that promise makes hereunto: That if all things (then surely outward blessings) shall worke to­gether for the good of the elect, Rom. 8. 29. especially see­ing the Lord giueth grace to vse these gifts aright.

1. And seeing godlinesse hath the promise of this life 1. Tim. 4. 8. 2 aswell as of a better; and the more y ^e Saints partake of the mercy of God, y ^e more their thankfulnes & obedience doth encrease; and being knit vnto the Lord with more bonds, 3 4 5 6 1. Iohn 4. 20. Gen. 20. 7 8 9 2. Cor. 1. 7. 8. 10 seeing the more they receiue, the more they feare them­selues, and so by imparting liberally vnto others, doe ease themselues of the burthen; and approue their loue vnto God, by their vnfained loue vnto his Saints: as hereby they are more deeply interessed in y ^e prayers of the Saints, so is heauen more inlarged to the increase of their loue. The Lord heares the prayers of the poore, and inlargeth the hearts of his stewards, to loue y ^t God more seruently, that so inables thē to comfort others. And so being faithful in a little, they are still increased: vntill being full of grace and [Page 20] abounding in euery good worke, they are made meete par­takers See the daily sacrifice for the right vse of prosperitie. 3. Spirituall wisedome in auoiding of troubles, an oc­casiō to charge vs with losse of first loue. of that glorious inheritance: 1. Coll. 12. Matth. 25. 1. Cor. 15.

And may not our spirituall wisedome in auoiding of vn­necessarie troubles, expose vs sometimes to this false impu­tation that we haue left our first loue?

1. Yea surely, if either by wise and modest answeres we auoid troubles:

2. Or by concealing of that truth, which wee are not bound in conscience to discouer, we so escape.

3. Or by auoiding the rage of our enemies, when our time is not yet come, we are yet freed from troubles by re­mouing from our habitations.

4. Or by changing our habits and features we so auoid the furie of the aduersarie: if by any of these, through the blessing of God wee escape such troubles, which others, for want of this wisedome, are ouertaken with; presently wee are charged with want of zeale; we are condemned to be luke warme, to haue left our first loue: and, &c.

5. Especially if wee vse our goods, as a meanes to re­deeme the bodie from trouble, oh this is censured as vn­lawfull; and so auoiding troubles as by vnlawfull meanes, we are challenged of cowardize, want of zeale, corrup­tion, &c.

An imputation: how vniust and vncharitable it is, may appeare by these circumstances:

1. Because we are not bound to giue an account of our faith to euery priuate man, but only to the Magistrate, and And cleered from this im­putation. Faith how, and to whom to be giuen account of. 1. To the Ma­gistrate and Minister, and why. whomsoeuer hath lawfull authoritie to require it at our hands, as the Minister, and such as haue charge ouer vs. And that, because

Hereby they may haue comfort in discharge of their du­tie, that they haue not laboured in vaine: or,

2. May be humbled in our want of profiting and grow­ing in knowledge, and so encrease their paines and prayers for vs.

3. They are in Gods stead, and in refusing to giue an account vnto thē, we deny and renoūce euen God himself.

[Page 21] 4. They may be prouoked hereby, to perseuerance and maintenance of the truth.

5. Though they must not be Lords ouer the conscience, to make, or alter the truth, yet they are witnesses vnto the conscience concerning the trueth, yea they are appro [...]ers and maintainers thereof, to the comfor [...] of the beleeuer and furtherance of his faith. And therefore,

Though we giue not account of our faith either

1. To the scorner, that hereby will take occasion to in­sult Faith to whom [...] be giuen account of. and blaspheme our God and his sacred truth.

2. Or to the open enemie, that as he hath no calling to require, so we haue warrant to conceale it, as being bound to preserue life, and not to cast pearles to swine.

3. Or to the ignorant, that desireth not information thereby, lest we beate the aire, and runne before we are cal­led, expose our profession o contempt, &c.

4. Or to the priuate Christian, otherwise then in a case of necessitie on our parts, to remoue a false imputation; and on his part, to guide him that is in darknesse, and de­sires our helpe.

Yet doe we not herein betray our faith: but rather wise­ly maintaine the honour, and preserue the vertue thereof, both in defending the same from the reproches of the wicked, as also in reseruing the vse thereof to it fit season and occasion, when our God shal be best glorified, our pro­fession iustified, and brethren informed and confirmed thereby. And this is,

1. When we haue an especial calling to witnesse a good profession, as being inwardly furnished with gifts, and outwardly led foorth by the Spirit, to maintaine the cause of Christ Iesus our Sauiour.

The one of these we shall discerne:

1. By sound knowledge of y ^e cause in particular, which How to discern inward suffici­encie to make open pro [...]e [...] ­sion of faith in the time of trouble. we are to make good by whatsoeuer sufferings, so that our iudgements are throughly informed, and so our conscien­ces conuinced with the trueth, doe finde rest and comfort therein: Ephes. [...]. Phil. 1.

2. By our ardent loue vnto that truth which wee haue [Page 22] apprehended, and heartie desire that by any our neuer so great affliction, it may bee glorified in the hearts of the Saints.

3. By our especiall apprehension of Gods singular mer­cie towards vs, in accounting vs so worthie as to make pro­fession of that truth. 1. Phil. 27.

4. Hence wee euen long and desire to taste of that cup which the profession of that truth may cost vs.

5. Yet so, as that our most ardent desires are subiect to contrarie buffetings of feare of our owne inabilitie in our Iohn 19. selues: and therefore,

6. Rather desiring the grace of the Spirit so to conduct vs in the combat, that Gods cause may be honoured in our constancie therein; then we in any sort magnified thereby, nay that wee shall haue in respect of the flesh, any good is­sue out of them, howsoeuer we haue many gratious promi­ses, yea likelihoods for the same.

7. And therefore simply submitting our selues to the will of our gratious Father, rather to vndergo any the most grieuous extremitie, then the least disparagement may re­dound vnto his glorious truth.

8. Finding in our selues a gratious contentment in our God, arising vpon long experience of the deceitfulnesse of the world, and faithfulnes of our gratious Father: and,

9. So discerning in our selues a readines to death, as be­ing prepared thereto by daily mortification, and experience of our sweete societie with our blessed God:

10. As that withall wee especially for this end desire life, euen to witnesse a good profession, and giue glorie vnto our God, in auouching and sealing vp his eternall truth, with our momentanie sufferings. To this end,

11. Finding in our selues an abilitie of faith, relying ra­ther on Gods promise to guide vs with his counsell, then our owne experience, to wade thorow the affliction.

Thus may we discerne inward sufficiencie to make pro­fession of our faith.

And for outward calling, and leading forth by the Spi­rit thereunto, there are these markes of it:

[Page 23] First, in respect of vs: as that, How to discern an outward calling to make publike pro [...]es­sion o [...] faith in troubles.

1. We haue alreadie published and declared that truth, and so now much more (it being called in question) are to iustifie the same.

2. Are also prouoked by our people, that haue depen­ded on vs, to make good the same for the establishing of their faith; lest our suppressing, or deniall, may shake, and make shipwrack thereof.

3. Are especially called thereto by the Magistrate, who may require a reason thereof, and forced by the gainsay­ings of the enemie, to defend the same.

Secondly, in respect of the truth. And that,

1. When it is openly resisted and gainesaid of a per­uerse generation, not onely priuately and indirectly: and when

2. By the suppressing thereof the glorie of our God is necessarily impeached, the power of religion vndermi­ned, &c. otherwise in matters

1. Of difference, which reach not thus farre, we may be silent, respecting the peace of the Church, and dealing ra­ther Wherein we may be silent. with our God in prayer for the reformation of such breaches, and by all priuate and peaceable meanes, rather enduring an inconuenience or couering an infirmitie, then by any publike opposition, making a rent and diuision in the Church of God:

2. As also, if our persons rather in malice are aimed at, then the truth oppugned, we may auoide the rage, by fly­ing, concealing, &c.

3. At leastwise, though we be not altogether silent: yet so farre we may conceale the truth: 1. As it is not deman­ded: 2. And may satisfie the honest purpose of the Que­stioner: 3. Yea, may happily, by stumbling of him, and turning his edge vpon another; so thereby diuert his ma­lice from our selues. So did our Sauiour put the Pharisies and Sadduces together, and thereby escaped. So did he for a time goe aside, and walked no more openly, neither Ioh. 7. committed himselfe vnto them, because his time was not come.

[Page 24] Nay, may wee not shape such an answere to our aduersa­rie, not onely to conceale part of trueth, as Samuel did, 1. Sam 16. but euen to giue vp the wicked to their owne counsels, that will not obey the truth; bidding them goe vp and prosper, as Micha [...]h did, 2. King. 22? yea in an ho­lie dirision, vpbraiding their carnall confidence: Reioyce oh young man, and take thy fill? Eccl. 11. And seeing they will not be reclaimed, and hate to be reformed; may not the prudent keepe silence in such euill times? 2. Chron. 2. Amos 5. Or so only speake, as to leaue the incorrigible to their lusts, ceasing to rebuke a scorner, that we may wisely Prou 9. auoid his hatred, and so pronouncing the wrath of God a­gainst him, in yeelding him vp to his owne lusts; as that he may blesse his soule in this fearfull libertie, and wee by thi [...] wisedome may maintaine our holy libertie. Oh that we were wise to consider of these things and to whom the arme of the Lord shall reueale them. For the waies of the Lord are righteous, and the iust shall walke in them, but Ose 14. the wicked shall fall therein.

As for the changing of our features and habits for a Names and habits whe her they may be changed, and how farre. time, to auoid vnnecessarie trouble herein, I take it, wee may thus farre be iustified. As though

1. Not to change our names. And that because they are of a diuine institution, as well as ciuill, imposed not only to make distinction of our persons from others, but to be witnesses & pledges of our profession, and both memo­rials of Gods former mercies towards vs, as also euidences Names not to be changed. of Gods euerlasting couenant with vs, to be our protector and preseruer for euer. And therfore not to be denied, if we be demanded the same, lest therein we denie our faith: nei­ther to be changed, because our profession must not bee changed. Especially seeing by deniall, or changing, wee shall not onely not aduantage our selues to the thing wee intend: namely, not to be knowne, seeing by other markes of proportion, or complexion, wee may be bewraied: but being discouered, we shal hereby adde vnto our affliction, not only being iustly exempted out of Gods protection, by reiecting the badge thereof, our names, but exposed also [Page 25] the rather to the rage of man, as being tainted hereby with dissimulation, &c.

Adde we hereunto, that not only we haue not any presi­dent Abrahams name changed and no warrāt, because this was done by God, and the case different. in the scripture for the like in this case, but also this changing of names is practised by such as, either in their iudgements, or liues, or both, deny the Lord that hath bought them, namely, Iesuites, Seminaries, Theeues, Coso­ners, &c.

For our feature, so farre as that may be altered by chan­ging Feature. the fashion of the haire, beard, &c. this being but ci­uill, and differing according to the diuers guise of each na­tion, so no painting or disfiguring, abhorring to nature, or denied by ciuilitie, and religion, bee added; I see not but this libertie may be vsed, in a case of necessitie, for the pre­seruation of life: so it stand with our callings, and tend to Gods glorie.

The like we may determine concerning change of ap­parell, Apparell may be changed. as being a ciuill thing, and therefore both subiect to a religious end, the preseruation of life with a good con­science, and also subiect to change, according to the diuers guise of nations, callings, condition, and occasion, of pro­speritie, or aduersitie, keeping our selues within the bounds of our Christian libertie, becomming all vnto all; as, to winne others, so to preserue our selues for their good; as 1. Phil. most desirous to be with Christ, which is the best of all, and yet readie to follow the Lord in any good occasion, for the preseruation of life to benefit the Saints, and make sure our owne election: prouided that we, 1. keep our selues with­in the compasse of our religious and ciuill callings.

2. That we change not that which is vsuall to the other Deut. 22. sex.

3. That we deny not our profession, if this meanes will not conceale vs, being demanded particularly.

4. That wee simply intend, in our preseruation, Gods glorie, for the benefitting of others.

A fourth occasion of this false imputation that we haue A fourth oc­casion, is the vse of spirituall wisedom in re­prouing for sin. left our first loue, is our discretion in reprouing for sinne, when either we cease to reprooue scorners, although our [Page 26] soules doe not cease to weep in secret for thē, and our con­trary conuersation is a cōuiction of thē: or reproue priuat­ly, & generally, if in publike, making difference of persons in regard of their calling and qualitie of their sinne, sauing some with feare, and yet raising vp others with the spirit of meeknes, Gal. 6. 1 &c.

1. Which imputation how vniust it is, may appeare by the rules of the holy Ghost: 1. Tim. 5. 1. Mat. 19. And also,

2. By the practize of the Saints: Nathan, 2. Sam. 12. Paul: Compare the practize in reproouing the Church of Corinth, first epistle and 11. chap. and the Church of Galat. 3. chap. but aboue all, the practize of our Sauiour is peere­lesse, in his different reproofe of the Scribes and Pharisies: Mat. 23. Luk. 11. and of his Disciples, Mat. 8. Mat. 26. 27.

A fifth occasion of this vniust challenge that wee may A fifth occa­sion, is outward and in­ward afflictiōs. lose our first loue, is, when the hand of God lying heauily vpon vs in some outward emptying, because our estate is decaied outwardly, therfore the world concludes a decay within: especially, if wee surcease in a measure such duties of charitie, wherein, before when our cup ouerflowed, we abounded, towards others: which by this may appeare to be most vnrighteous; because it is the purpose of the heart which God respects, which may bee no lesse open to our 2. Cor. 8. 12. 13. brother, though our purse be straitned, yea being scan­ted of this outward deuotion, may be more inlarged in spi­rituall almes to procure mercie for the soule, and content­ment in all estates: Act. 3. 6.

A sixth occasion there is also of this false imputation, A sixth occa­sion▪ [...] the ho­nest prouision for our fami­lies. 1. Tim. 5. when wee rectifie our charitie by wisedome to our selues, so distributing to others as that we prouide for our owne, lest we be worse then infidels, and so louing our neighbor as that we proue not cruell to our selues; so diuiding to o­thers that we preferre the household of faith, Galat. 6. 10. both doing the best good, and, as we may, continue & hold out longest therein. For which, seeing wee haue the war­rant of the holy Ghost, as wee ought to auoide all appea­rance of this euill by moderation, in our procuring and vsage of these things: so neede wee not feare hereby any [Page 27] cooling of our loue. Only make wee this vse of this vniust imputation, as to suspect our selues in regard of our carnall loue, and to trie our abiding in the loue of God, by such a loue vnto our selues, as may prouide for the flesh, to the humbling and mortifying of the same, as may further our selues and others to those durable riches, which are at the right hand of our God for euermore.

Lastly, wee may be falsely charged to haue left our first A seuenth oc­casion to this vniust chal­lenge that we haue lost our first loue, is the vse of our chri­stian libertie in things indiffe­rent. Act. 10. Rom. 14. 1. Cor. 3. 1. Tim. 4. Tit. 1. 15. loue:

When encreasing in knowledge of our right in Iesus Christ, and from him in these outward things wee take li­bertie for the vse of some things, (which before we refrai­ned, as being either not informed, or not throughly resol­ued concerning them) either because they are indifferent, and so are all ours in Christ, and being sanctified by the word and prayer may be lawfully vsed, seeing to the pure all things are pure. Or else being simply good, are now of conscience to be embraced, and cheerefully practized, that they may further vs to the chiefest good. Which how false an imputation it is, seeing the rules of the Word, and pra­ctise of the Saints haue made good: 1. Cor. 9. Galat. 2. &c. Therefore let vs feare the cooling of our loue, in the vse of this libertie, so that our consciences bee perswaded and practize warranted by these rules: namely, first,

1. That the meanes of our encrease in knowledge bee The right vse of Christian li­berty in things indifferent. Phil. 1. 9. the word of truth, not the authoritie of man.

2. That wee be able to discerne betweene things that differ: not stumbling at euill things, vnder the pretence of indifferencie; nor subiecting things simply good, to the nature of things indifferent, making the necessarie worship of God, a matter of indifferencie, as the preaching of the Gospell, catechizing, fasting, &c. yea, thrusting out the sub­stance of holinesse for the complement thereof. That as we despise not order, so it further true deuotion: so we rest not in the outside, and make an idol of bodily seruice: Rom. 14. 1. Phil. 9. 10.

3. That in this liberty we offend not our Christian bro­ther: neither the Magistrate, by refusing what he lawfully [Page 28] imposeth; nor the weake brother, by not informing him in Rom. 13. the true vse of these things; or vsing what may iustly giue occasion, either of doubting in faith, or corruption in life: 1. Cor. 8. Rom. 14.

4. That herein also we not only auoid what may hurt, but in all spirituall wisedome doe that which may further to the best good, euen the saluation of the soule: 1. Cor. 9.

5. And all this to the only praise of our glorious God, through Iesus Christ: 1. Cor. 10. 31.

Thus may wee bee falsely charged to haue left our first loue, and thus may we be established against these false im­putations.

But say, what others fasten vpon me, that I feare in my 8. Whether want of fee­ling of former comforts may be a iust impu­tation that we haue left our­first loue. selfe. I feele not that ioy and inward comfort I sometimes had: these ouerflowings, and extraordinarie sweetnesse, though I faint after them, and refresh my soule with the meditation thereof, yet I finde them not so abound and runne ouer, as in former times: may I not hereby conie­cture that I haue lost my first loue?

Surely the Lord giue thee wisedome herein, that thou doest not wrong thine owne heart, and preiudice the wise­dome and mercie of thy God.

Remember that thou liuest by faith, and not by sense: 2. Cor. 3. 7. though thou seest no outward meanes, yet thy 1 faith will assure thee that God is able and will prouide him a sacrifice, Genes. 22. Yea though thou hast no inward fee­ling Gods proui­dence discoue­red herein. Iob 13. 15. 2 of comfort, yet shalt thou trust in God, euen though he kill thee. And this is the victorie of thy faith, euen to beleeue aboue feeling: thus is thy faith perfited, euen lay­ing hold on things not seene, when it is depriued of the sense of things past, and present. And may not thy God Heb. 11. 1. 3 withdraw these comforts from thee, for the further triall of thy faith, and loue vnto his Maiestie; that though thou want that comfort which heretofore thou hast had, yet still thou canst giue glorie vnto thy God in beleeuing his word, and in large thy loue vnto his Maiestie, euen when he seemes to haue forsaken thee? And canst thou haue a bet­ter Rom. 4. 20. 4 triall of the power and purenes of thy faith, then aboue [Page 29] hope to beleeue vnder hope in the promises of thy God, subiecting thy chiefest good vnto the glorie of God? and through want of present sense being guided to forget what thou hast enioyed, lest through spirituall pride thou mightest rest therein, and rob God of his glorie, thou doest the rather make haste to that which is before, by the power of thy faith seeing a farre off, yea laying fast hold on eter­nall life by renuing thy strength in Iesus Christ? And is 5 not the Lord herein wonderful, that by withdrawing sense of present ioy, he both purgeth vs of such euils as may cor­rupt the same, namely, spirituall pride and securitie, and also causeth vs hereby to lay faster hold on Iesus Christ, who onely must perfit the worke that is begun in vs? And 6 canst thou expresse thy loue in greater measure vnto thy God, then to loue him then, when hee seemes to haue for­saken thee? then to follow after him when hee seemes to runne from thee? doth not this aduance the sinceritie of thy loue? doth not this exceedingly approue thy con­formitie to thy Sauiour, that as hee was contented to be a­based in himself, yea to become of no reputation, that thou maist be accepted; so thou art contented to be emptied, that God may be glorified, thou canst willingly want pre­sent comfort, that thy God may haue vnfained worship, Rom. 9. when now, not so much for thine owne sake, as for his glo­rie, thou doest beleeue in him, when though he kill thee, Iob 13. 15. 7 yet thou wilt trust in him? And canst thou be a loser where the Lord is such a gainer by thee? canst thou leaue thy loue when the Lord doth purpose to trie the soundnes of it; when the Lord prouoketh thee to liue by faith; when by the power of faith hee will thus enable thee to lay hold of eternall life?

Surely as this is the life of faith to exceed present sense; so this want of present comfort thus conceiued, and ap­plied, shall be both a meanes to enable thee to make bet­ter Note [...]. vse of such ioy, when the Lord shall againe turne his countenance vpon thee: and in the meane time minister exceeding comfort vnto thy soule, that thou doest con­stantly beleeue in, and vnfainedly loue the Lord thy God. [Page 30] And therefore doubt not herein of any decay of thy loue Resolution herein. vnto thy God, because the Lord in his wisedome, for thy trial, withdrawes the present pledges of his loue from thee. For neither couldest thou endure at all, in thy sense of this want of present comfort, if thy God did not secretly vp­hold 8 thee with inward and vnspeakeable consolations. And in that thou discernest want of ioy, it is not so much because thou wantest that which thou hast had, as that by 9 Note. faith thou apprehendest that vnspeakable ioy which thou hast not: which that it doth euacuate and emptie thee of sense of present cōfort, it is no more maruell, then that the glorious light of the Sunne should obscure the light of a candle, or that a drop should not be discerned being cast into the maine Ocean.

Onely for thy full satisfaction herein, examine thy heart in this case, by these rules:

First, that thou hast not giuen thy God iust occasion to withdraw these comforts from thee: either, Triall hereof.

1. By not prizing them bighly and inualuably:

2. Or by not being throughly humbled with thē: else,

3. Through beholding of the Sun when it shined thou wast dazled, and puffed vp therewith.

4. And so didst not imploy them to the best vse of thy Master, aduancing his glorie, and to y ^e good of thy brother.

5. Either thou didst measure the infinite loue of thy God by them, and so didst ouerrate these comforts.

6. Or else thou didst corrupt them by mingling them with the flesh, and making them serue the lusts thereof.

7. Either thou conceiuedst basely of the meanes, that conuaied these comforts vnto thee, namely, the ministerie of the word, dreaming of reuelations and extraordinarie meanes.

8. Or else being ouerioyed with these comforts, thou becamest presumptuous and idle, neglecting thy calling which God hath appointed to humble thee, and thereby to fit thee to greater comforts.

Secondly, examine thy affections in the want of these present comforts.

• [Page 31]1. That thou esteeme not thy case desperate for want of them. Neither,
• 2. Be so contented with this dispensation of thy God, but that it reioyceth thee vnfainedly to remember what thou hast felt, and
• 3. Thou doest vnfainedly mourne for the want of this gra [...]ious aspect, and withall
• 4. Doest vnfainedly hunger after the returne, and in­crease thereof. And to this end
• 5. Doest vse conscionably, and reioyce in, the meanes of the preaching of the Gospell, and effectuall prayer for the recouerie of the same: Cant. 1 & 5.
• 6. Yea doest labour to conferre with the Saints, and holy ones, making triall of their feelings, and quickning thereby thy dulnes, by prouoking their prayers, &c.
• 7. And waitest patiently the leisure of thy God, for the returne of comfort, as may stand with his glorie, resoluing thy selfe, that his grace is sufficient for thee.

Thus if thou art resolued in thy iudgement, and art thus established in thy affections,

The lesse thou feelest the loue of thy God, the more is the triall of thy loue towards him; and the more hee tries thy loue, the more is his loue towards thee, and therefore thy loue to him must needs be enlarged: which thou doest expresse by thy saith, in beleeuing beyond thy feeling, and hereby giuing glorie vnto God, thou doest grow in his fa­uour; by the power whereof, thou art encreased in his obe­dience, and so followest hard after the marke, to obtaine that crowne of glorie.

If yet thou art doubtfull of thy abiding in loue: As thou maist decay; so thou art iealous of thy selfe herein:

I say vnto thee, Blessed is the man that feareth alwaies.

And that thou maist be resolued, whether thou art de­caied Prou. 28. 13. How to know whether we haue left our first loue. or no, obserue for thy triall these markes thereof: which are apparent symptomes of the leauing of our first loue.

1. Know thou that if thou hast lost that peace of con­science, By these markes. whereby thou wast wont to come with boldnes [Page 32] into the presence of thy God, and powre out thy soule in strong cries and teares vnto thy God, and so canst not pray with that euidence, as in former times, with that patience and constancie ouercomming thy God.

2. If thou growest fearfull of troubles, and vsest carnall policie to preuent them.

3. If thou growest worldly, and couetous, withdrawing thy hand from the necessities of thy brother, and negle­cting the occasions of charitie, &c.

4. If thou growest negligent in hearing of the word, contenting thy selfe either with none, or an vneffectuall Ministerie.

5. If thou canst dispense with thy selfe in vaine sports and recreations, gaming, vaine talke, &c. whereof hereto­fore thou madest some conscience, wasting thy time and wit in them.

6. If thou canst frame to all companies, and temporize with each, as presuming vpon thy protection, from thy Christian calling: Ephes. 5. 1.

7. If thou art afraid of death, and neglectest the daily and constant examination of thy waies, and holie duties in priuate, vnto thy God.

8. If thou canst so ioy in these earthly things, as either not to feele a lothsomnesse in them, or not to vse them as sparkes to encrease the fire of thy spirituall ioy.

9. If thou measurest the happinesse of the life to come by that sense, which for the present thou hast thereof; thou doest not liue by faith, and therefore thou hast left thy first loue.

And for thy comfort obserue herein an especiall mercie of thy God, that there will follow this losse of loue:

1. Inward trouble of conscience, which will giue thee Symptomes that follow the leauing of our first loue. no rest till thou hast resolued thy case with God, and reco­uered: Psal. 6. 38, &c.

2. Some outward sensible stripe either in thy goods, person, children; to open thine eyes the better, and bring thee to repentance: Iob 33. 15, 16.

3. Now the world will not faile to flatter thee, and as it [Page 33] were to owne thee, that so thou maist suspect thy selfe the rather.

4. And yet that thou maist discerne the worlds loue, thou shalt not want some mocke and reproch, to cast the durt of thy decay in thy face, that so thou maist bee asha­med and confounded in this decay.

5. And happily thou maist be giuen vp to some grosse sinne, the more to discredit thee with the world, that so thou maist not be corrupted with the flattery thereof.

And therefore thus thou maist recouer out of this de­cay:

1. Rest vpon the promises of thy God, that thou shalt How to reco­uer first loue. recouer, and thy latter end shall bee better then the be­ginning.

2. Meditate on the former experience of the ioy of the spirit, that so thou maist presse the Lord from his wonted mercies: Psal. 77. 1. Sam. 17.

3. Consider the meanes that the Lord vsed to plant this ioy and loue in thy heart, and by the same know, that he will renue this worke, and therefore at no hand be dri­uen from the meanes: Cant. 1. Cant. 4. 5.

4. Resolue that thy former estate was better then now: Os. 2. 8. 9. and therfore returne to thy first loue againe, that so the Lord may renue and increase thy loue vnto him.

5. Acquaint the experienced souldier with this thy estate, that so he may be a meanes to quicken thee againe.

6. Giue wee not ouer our pursuit of these comforts: spare we no paines: thinke we all time too little: impose we extraordinarie afflictions, as fasting, and so groning vnder the burden, and detesting our selues: giue wee the Lord no rest, till he hath returned to his rest, and recoue­red our decaies: Cantic. 5.

To this end vse we the meanes before set downe to re­couer from Apostasie.

And be we comforted, that we shall not lose, though we haue left this loue.

And this is the last lesson to bee obserued out of this Scripture: Namely▪

[Page 34] That the Saints shall not lose, though they leaue their Doct. 7. The Saints shall not lose their first loue. Reason 1. Ose. 2. 19. Esa 49. Esa. 27. first loue: Luk. 11. Psal. 92. 2. Tim. 4. 19.

1. Because the Lord hath promised to continue his loue towards them: Ioh. 13. 1. Ioh. 17.

2. Their afflictions doe tend to their perseuerance, as purging out their sinnes: Esay 1. 25.

3. Their sins turne to their continuance in grace: 1. as making them afraid of sinne: 2. and more expert to con­quer the same: 3. more fit for grace, by making them more humble, and hungry after it: 4. more mercifull to others, and therefore moouing the Lord to haue more compassi­on on them.

4. Their Sauiour liueth and triumpheth, to make them more then conquerours: Rom. 8. 36. 37. Ioh. 12. 32.

5. The spirit and word shall abide in them to hold them on in grace.

And therefore

1. This condemneth the blasphemie of Papists, who teach that the Saints may fall finally, and therein doe im­peach Vse. the power and faithfulnesse of God.

2. It checketh the insolencie of the wicked that reioice at the fals of the Saints, and insult ouer them, seeing that though they fall, they shall rise againe: Mich. 7. 9.

3. As also it reprooueth the infidelity of the Saints, who doubt of their recouery, and wrong the faithfulnesse of God, and power of their faith, greeue the blessed spirit, and deny in a sort the merit of Christ.

4. Heere is first for the world to iustifie Gods faithful­nesse, seeing he doth not forsake for euer; Lam. 3. 24. 25.

5. Heere the Saints are lessoned, as to feare their falles, and not to sinne vpon presumption of recouerie; so not to distrust of Gods mercie in their greatest failings, seeing the Lord is faithfull, and they shall recouer, though not so forcible a measure as before they had, yet sufficient to the enioying of that happinesse that the Lord Iesus hath purchased for them. To this end, for the further satisfy­ing and comforting of the conscience, obserue wee these two things:

[Page 35] First, that it is one thing to leaue our first loue, and to be luke-warme, neither hot nor cold.

2. That there is great oddes betweene leauing our first loue, and losing it altogether: we may leaue, in regard of a former measure, and yet hold a true graine which shall cleere vs of luke-warmnesse: and though we leaue a mea­sure, yet wee lose not all, because the least remaining will be a meanes to recouer againe, if not so much as we haue had, yet so much as shall serue both to keepe from finall apostasie, and further to eternall glory.

6. And therefore heere is matter of exceeding conso­lation to the elect of God, not to trust their owne vnbe­leeuing hearts, much lesse Satanslies; but to rest on the faithfulnesse of God, not iudging themselues by what they are in their decay, but by what they were in their first loue: and so pressing the Lord in his faithfulnesse, and their former experience, they shall bee vpheld in their greatest failings, by a secret power; and in good time the Lord will appeare vnto them to bring foorth their righ­teousnesse as the light, and their weldoing as the noone Psal. 37. 5. Luk. 12. day, that so their latter end may be better then their be­ginning.

Glory be to the Lord Iesus.