by repentance therevnto but fretteth against God inueigheth against his iustice because man hath but a short time giuen him to liue Now the true Christian touched with the daily examples of humane infirmitie and corruption groaneth because of that our first fall lamenteth for his sinnes and wickednesse for the which the diuine punishment ceaseth not vpon vs Lam. 3.22.23.24.41.5 6. lifteth vp his heart with his hands vnto God in the Heauens who heareth his voyce and hideth not his eare at his breathing and crye 57. who draweth neere in the day that hee calleth vpon him and sayâ—h feare not the Lord I say who pleadeth the cause of his Soule who redeemeth his life and will say I will beare the wrath of the Lord because I haue sinned against him vntill he pleade my cause and execute iudgement for mee Mich. 7.9 Hee will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteoâ—snesse O Lord thou art wise and thy word is truth Yea Psal. 119. he attributeth the true honour vnto God for hee doth all things iustly and well and so prepareth himselfe euery houre of the day to a blessed departure Againe the Hypocrite when his heart meditateth on death is afraid for the terrible visage and countenance thereof for flesh and bloud can doe no lesse for death is our enemie and killeth vs all but the hopefull christian openeth the eyes of faith looketh vpon death not according to the Law but according to the Gospell comforts him in his Lord Iesus Christ Ioh. 11.11 who hath changed the bitternes of death and made it a sweet sleepe and beleeueth constantly that hee shall not dye but quietly rest vn-the Lord shall awake him vp by the shout of the Arch-angell and trumpet of God The wretched Hypocrite when hee considereth how that death shall after a most fearefull manner apprehend him and make him an ill fauâ—ured Corps which must be hidden from the eyes and cast in the bosome of the cold Earth Then beginneth hee to sorrow and weepe his courage is gone and can doe no more than king Xâ—rxes who hearing mention made of Earth did say Missahaec faciamus Hie. in polyh neque tristiis rerum mentionem faciamus cum iucunda in manibus habeamus Away with these things for they are sorrowfull and let vs to our iollitie and mirth But the religious Christian proceedeth plus vltra a great way further bidds feare adue looketh through the terrour of death and corruption of the graue he passeth not for the hoâ—rible dissolution of his bodie neyther that he shall be corrupt and rot in the earth for he seeth a great deale further how in the last day he shal come forth beautifull and pleasant and be made like the glorious bodie of his Sauiour Ieâ—us Christ. Besides this the Wicked and Prophane bethinkes him selfe on his death and considereth that once he must die and that he cannot chuse and here hâ—s wits faile him and in this exâ—gent and strait he knoweth not whether to turne him to what way he should betake him only he hoysteth vp courage plucketh vp a good heart that â—f it were once done and tâ—at debt payd â—o nature then were it ouer But the godlie Sâ—ule lifteneth not to temporary magnanimitie neâ—ither relieth on the flâ—shly courage and arme but vpon the consolation of the holie spirit which dwelleth in him which hee hath tasted by true faith Phil. 4.7 which passeth all vnderstanding which also wil keep his hart and mind though Iesus Christ to eternall Life Besides the Infidell when he feeles death comming is at his wits end hath no counsel that is no faith no hope yea no certayne word to anchor vpon no confidence to rest on how hee may depart from hence but is râ—plenished with feare and raging tumult within himselfe neuer casteth his eyes on the great Almightie God But on the contrarie the righteous Christian hath fraught himselfe with faith and hope Rom. 8.73 and with vnspeakeable groanes waiting for the adoption to wit the redemptâ—on of our boâ—ies to the which he ioineth the true word of God which cannot deceiue giueth it place and roome in his heart and saith powerfully and gladly Ioh. 8.12 Thou Lord Iesus art the light of the world he that followeth Thee and keepeth thy Word shall not walke in darknesse but haue the light of Life Now againe the Wicked dissembling and counterfeit Christian when he is vndâ—r the power of death complaineth that he is forsaken all his friends kinsmen and brethren doo stand from him and none will helpe But the sparke of Faith in the religious mans heart saith Lord whom haue I in heauen but Thee Ps. 73.25.26 and there is none vpon earth that I desire besides Thee although my flesh and my heart fayle God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer for he knoweth that God giueth onely helpe from â—rouble Ps. 60.11 for vaine is the helpe of Man Through God I shall do valiantly for he it is that shall tread downe my enemies for hee builds and God onely and that if hee bee with him nothing can be against him for he hath the holie Trinitie dwelling in his heart and manie holie Angells at his sicke bed attending for his Soule and abiding to carrie it into Abrahams bâ—sâ—me Now when the Infidell doth heare that his Soule is immortall that after this life there shall be another wherein the blessed of the Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for them from the foundation of the world Mat. 25.34 and that the wicked shall goe into euerlasting punishment then he trembleth quaketh and would wish it were vnâ—rue and desireth that he might neuer rise againe for his misbeleeuing heart doth instruct him that if it be so he is eternally â—ondemned and thereâ—fore he wisheth that he had neuer beene borne But the true childe of God reioycâ—th from his very heart that there is another life prepared for him Rom. 5.9 and he shall be saued from the wrath to come and therefore sighes to be dissolued Phil. 1.2 3. and to be with Christ which is far better and that this wretched life might be shortly cut off that the eternall and euerlasting mâ—ght beginne Rom. 5.15 for his expectation is constant and sure wherby he is assured of a better life to come vnto the which hee was redeemeed By such and sundry more Aâ—titheses and oppositions may bee easily seene the difference betwixt both the life and death of the faithfull and Infidell and therefore wee should daily and hourely consider and neuer be contented vntill then that wee haue Iesus Christ our Redeemer Sauiour dwelling in vs by a true and liuely faith accounting him our greatest treasure goods placing all our ioy and comfort in him and that with diligent prayer and constant meditation by faith power of the holy spirit we may euer loue that â—ternal life aboue this
the soule learning to know the cause of sicknesse Hearest thou ô Soule in this poynt thou shouldest bee singularly attentiue for when the Lord shall intend to call thee all outward meanes must obey him for wheÌ„ we his creatures will not know the diseases of our soules then doth the Lord send sicknesse of body that wee might haue greater coÌ„sideration of our soules and bee alwayes in repentance and as our children sometimes meâ—it the rod and correction so do we deseâ—ue sicknesse and punishment at Gods hands ô thou merciful God if thou shouldst visit vs so often with sicknesse as wee deserue wee should not bee one twinckling of an eye in perfect health but it is but now and then that thou chastizest vs to the intent wee should euer remember and feare thy holy name And often it commeth to passe thatinfants and young ones are chastized of the L. so that they make the elder in yeeres sorrowfull and are mooued to lament and pity the poore distressed soules 2 Sam. 12.15 for sicknesse is an Ambassadour sent of God counselling vs to rise from sinne and not to perish in our wickednesse lest it bee sayd Woe vnto their soules Esay 3.9 for they haue rewarded euilto themselues marke deare Soule how insolently and carelesly men lead their liues that are not touched with the crosse or any sicknesse at all they regard not the word of God neither the Sacraments they forget both faith in Christ and prayer then are their soules in greatest danger for the lesse a father corrects the more disobedience groweth in his children so is it with mankinde the greater health and wellfare they haue the more negligent wax they and secure A comfortable Prayer in time of sicknes Lord Iesus Christ here lie I full sicke and acknowledge that it is thy fatherly pleasure that it should bee so for there cannot perish an haire of my head without thy will how then should I lose the precious gift of my health but by thy pleasure behold Lord thou hast euen made me such an one as thou willingly wouldst looke vpon and as thou in thy passion wast a worme and not a man Psal. 22.6 â—uen so hast thou made mee like vnto thee Psal. 39 11. ô my God when thou with rebukes doest correct man for his iniquity like a moth thou makest his beauty to consume away I thank thee my God that thou hast corrected mee for I know that it is for my weale my God thou louest mankinde well and faithfull are the wounds of a friend helpe me my God Pro. 27.6 that I may bee mindefull of this chastâ—zement all the dayes of my life and may feare thee and depart from euill which shall bee the health to my nauell Pro. 3.8 and marrow to my bones make mee circumspect ouer sin that some danger or other a great deale worse then this befall not euen for my Sauiour Iesus Christ sake to whome be all honor and glory now and for euer Amen Flesh. Shew me how I may haue remission of my sinnes and be reconciled to God Spirit Secondly seeing that now thine outward sicknesse affrayes thee and thou art sicker where thou feelest it not giue diâ—igence aboue all things to apply physicke thereto thy true health is repentance and stedfast faith in Iesus Christ by which thou mayest attaine forgiuenesse of sinne and a mercifull father in heauen for by faith thy hart is purified and accouÌ„ted righteous thou receiuest peace and ioy in conscienc so that thou art reuiued although thy body be weak and diseased The sicke persons prayer and confession that his sinnes are cause of his sicknesse I confesse before thee my Lord Iesus Christ with a broken and contrite heart that I haue procured this my sicknesse by my sinnes and am greeued from my soule and heart that I haue offended thy Maiestie and brought my selfe to this mishap yet ô Lord thou settest not light by a sorrowfull soule looke therefore vnto my miserie Psal. 147.3 and heale my wounded heart â—orgiue me all my trespasses and cleanse mee from my wickednesse wherby I haue kindled thy wrath against me ô Lord my Redeemer who speakest alway peace vnto thy pâ—ople and consolation to the perplexed Comfort my Soule say vnto my hart ioyfull words Sonne be of good cheere Matth 9.2 thy sinnes are forgiuen thee how am I thereby refreshed in my soule life marrow and bones Yea Lord Iesus if thy holy word were not my trust then should I perish in my weaknesse I beleeue and am perswaded that by thee Iesus Christ attonement is made for mee reconciliation with thy father purchased and I am ordained to that heauenly blessednesse to which thou of thine infinit mercy bring mee for Christ sake to whom bee glory and honour Amen Flesh. Shew me how I may pray for a gracious departure in time of sicknesse Spirit Thirdly in time of sicknesse we should haue our recourse vnto our God Psal. 41.3 the Lord will strengthen vs vpon the bed of languishing and make our beds in sicknesse and therefore my sonne in thy sicknes be not negligent but pray vnto the Lord as did Ezekiah and he will make thee whole Esay 38.2 leaue off from sin and order thy hands aright and cleanse thine heart from all wickednes and see thou communicate thine inward sorrow and greefe Eccles. 38.9.10 vnto the congregâ—tion of the Saints of God that they may ioyne with thee in praier for many stickes make the greater fire Verily verily I say vnto thee saith our Sauiour that if two of you shall agree on earth Mat. 18.19 as touching any thing what they shall aske shall bee done for them of my father which is in heauen for where two or three are gathered together in my name Vers. 20. there am I in the midst of them and if it be that thy sicknesse bee so vehement and thou so weake that thou canst not pray with thy mouth make then sighes and groanings of a true heart to ascend vnto the Lord for the spirit helpeth our infirmities for wee know not what wee should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it selfe maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.26 with groanings which cannot bee vttered perseuer therefore in inuocating on Gods name by thy voice thoughts and cogitations and by the Church and delay not before that the Lord doe looke vpon thee and helpe thee The sicke mans Prayer O LOrd Iesus Christ thou hast sent thy messenger which is sicknesse vnto me to waken vp my repentance be hold my Lord I know it is thy will thou wouldest haue me obedient and conuerted vnto thee I haue nothing to direct vnto thee but my prayers and the poore sinfull and imperfect sighes of my heart out of the deeps therefore I haue cried vnto thee Lord heare my voice let thine eares bee attentiue to the voice of my supplications I wayte for the Lord my Soule doth waite and in
vnder the crosse will boast of his perseuerance in time of aduersity but when one deepe calleth another Psal. 42.7 by the noyse of the water-spâ—uts and all the waues floudâ— of God are gone ouer him then falleth all his courage then is heauen out of his way and the earth is sunke vnder him there is no attention to comfort but hee beginnes to sing Gedeons song with impatiency Iudg. 6.13 Ah my Lord if the Lord bee with vs why then is all this come vpon vs. But the faithfull and Christian heart maketh account that not by prosperitie and wealth but by much aduersitie and many crosses Act. 14.22 he must enter into the Kingdom of heauen therfore if it be well with him he thanketh God for his bountie towards him is no way secure but serueth the Lord in feare reioyceth in trembling Psal. 2.11 And when as it is otherwise with him then hee saith with holy Iob shall wee receiue good at the hand of God anâ— not receiue euill and layeth stedfast hold on the crosse and hath Dauids melodie in his mouth My souleâ— waiteth oâ— the Lord Psal 130. 6.7 more than the morning watch watcheth for the morning I will wait on the Lord for with the Lord is mercy with him is great redemption And if it shall be very heauy yet notwithstanding hee will say with faithfull Paul 1 Cor. 10.13 God is faithfull will not suffâ—r mee to bee tempted aboue that I am able but will euen giue the issue with the tentation that I may bee able to beare it And if flesh and bloud bee timorous and would not willingly vndergoe the crosse yet he beleeueth and is perswaded that neither life nor death Rom. 8.38.39 c. nor any other creature shall beâ— able to separate him from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord for to him that feareth God all things worke togâ—ther for the bâ—st Fourthly the chîldren of this world remembring that death shall separate them from their goods honours wiues children lands and possessions and that they shall goe naked out of this world crie out O death how bitter is thy remembranâ—e to a man that liueth at rest in his possessions Eccl. 41.1 vnto the man that hath nothing to vex him and that hath prosperity in all things and say with the Emperour Sâ—uerus I haue beene great and now it profiteth nothing but contrarily the Christian Soule doth chuse the good part which shall not bee taken away from it and euery minute iâ— ready to let slip these transitorie things and saith with that holy King Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon me thou hast giuen me more ioy of hart Psal. 4 6.7 then they haue had when their wheat and wine did abound The vnprepared Hipâ—crâ—te when hee falleth ficke bethinkes him of nothing else than how his sicknesse came to him what vnâ—holesâ—me foode he had eate by what meanes he got this drunken surfeit Mat. 10.30 where he catched that cold or too much heat is vnquiet and impatiâ—nt that such mischance should betide him But the faithfull man knoweth that all the haires of his head are numbred and that the pretious gift of his health cannot be taken away without the Lords speciall pleasure and therefore imputeth all vnto Sin My owne wickednesse hath corrected mee Ierem. 2.19 and my turnings backe haue reproued mee I know therefore and behold it that it is an euill thing and bitter that I haue forsaken the Lord my God and that his feare was not in mee And he beginneth with Paule to say Fâ—r this cause am I weake and sicke 1. Cor. 11.30.31.32 for if I would iudge my selfe I should not bee iudged of thee but when I am iudged of thee I am chastised of the Lord because I should not be condemned with the world whereby hee is taught repentance and amendment of Life The Wicked and Infidells doe neuer worke vpon their Soules vntill they be sicke then first begin they to bee holie and before that time all their dayes they haue beene enemies to the Word and Ministerie But now must the Preacher be sent for and with sugred speeches must be entreated for consolation c. But the faithfull Christian is euerie minute in preparation to a blessed death and neuer suffereth himselfe to fall into that condition and behauior of life wherin he would not die and therefore can say with constant magnanimitie Come Lord Iesus my Ioy and Comforter euery houre I attend thee come when thou â—i't I am readie And when neuer so little sicknesse ouertakes him then saith hee with mirth of heart Now let Thou thie Seruant depart in peace 2. Luk. The Infidel and Reprobate whenas he lacketh counsell and helpe in sicknsse hath recourse to Sathan Witches and to vnlawfull meanes and saith most desperately If God will not helpe then helpe Deuill But the Christian beleeuer knoweth that the Lord hath forbidden all such inconuenient meanes and vnderstandeth Sathans policie and craft Exod. 20.3 that it is not for his good but that his soule should separate it selfe from the true SAVIOVR Yea 1 Sam. 28.8 hee is assured it is an hundred times better to die in constant inuocation on Gods name then to liue vnder protection of Sathan and therefore vseth such meanes as the Lord hath appoynted hee will not tempt the Lord his God he will not seeke after the ministerie of such as God hath not promised a blessing vnto but wil say Mat. 8.2 Here am I Lord Iesus let it be vnto me according to thy will if thou wilt thou canst make me clean but Psal. 40.8 if not Loe here I am thy will be done I desire to do thy good wil O God yea thy lawe is within my heart And to be short the children of this world neuer haue memorie on Gods word for they haue not learned and cannot comfort themselues by their baptisme nor that excellent Sacrament of the Lords Supper but cause some scurrilous History and false fable to be read vnto them with such foolishnesse whereby they may dispossesse the thoughts of death and quiet their hearts but the faithful one is acquainted and exercised in gods word diuideth that word of truth puts a difference betwixt Law and Gospell reioyceth in the couenant of mercie in his baptisme seeketh comfort in the other Sacrament wherewith he was fed and refreshed and so obtaineth new trust and ioye from time to time momentanie hee esteemeth but as they are heâ— counteth nothâ—ng of any iâ—y or pleasure but that which is in Christ his redâ—emer that heauenly life and is glad of that blessed houre Sâ—condly how different is their acceptation and entertainment of death for the wicked seeing it by euident experience that he must dye as others do complaineth of mans great miserie and of the shortnesse of this sweet and pleasant life but maketh not preparation
Thess 5.17 while wee are heere call vpon the Lord in all thy actions seek for help and counsel of him in all thy redresse and sorrow feare God hope in him beleeue in him and stay for his comming so shall mercie and grace blessings and life compasse thee euerie where round about for nonâ— euer was ashamed that put their trust in him Rom. 10.10.11 or yet that had called rightly on his name Ps. 145.18.19 for the Lord is neere vnto all them that call vpon him to all that call vpon him in truth hee will fulfill the desire of them that feare him hee also will heare their crie and will saue them A most comfortable Prayer to God for receiuing and accepting our Prayers I thanke thee my Lord and my God for these thy vnspeakable benefits that thou hast not onely commaunded vs to call vpon thy name in all distresse but of thy fatherly loue and kindnesse hast giuen vs to vnderstaÌ„d that thou willingly wilt heare and graunt in conuenient season whatsoeuer is good and profitable eyther to the soule or bodie I beseech thee my good God powre out on me thy holie spirit Zach. 12.10 that Spirit of Prayer Grace and Supplications that I may delight and take pleasure in calling on thee and euery day bow the knee of my heart before thee my Father who art the right father ouer all thy children in Heauen and in Earth Helpe mee daylie to apâ—proach more and more vnto thee with all confidence and trust on the name of Iesus Christ my Lord that I may call on him as a good child doth on his beloued father Graunt I may lift vp holy hands without wrath and doubting that all my Prayers yea the meanest thought of my heart is certainely heard of thee Lend me patience whensoeuer my helpe is delayed Hab. 2.3 for I cannot prescribe vnto thee time or maner though thou tarrie I may waite for thee because thou wilt surely come and wilt not tarrie Heb. 10.38 that I doe not slide backe but still liue by faith Let mee haue thy Grace whereby I may serue thee acceptably Heb. 12.28 with reuerence and godly feare for the Lord taketh pleasure in them that feare him Ps. 147.11 in those that hope in his mercie gouerne mee my God and make mee remember by thy holie spirit daylie to bethinke mee of my mortallitie that I may euer bee in readinesse and may pray at euerie occasion from my heart for a blessed seperation from this world graunt this mercifull father for Iesus Christs sake in whose blessed name we call on thee saying Our Father c. CHAP. IIII. Containeth how a Christian man should behaue himselfe when God sends sicknesse vpon him Flesh. How then shall a Christian man behaue himselfe when God shall visit him with sicknesse Spirit Thou knowest not deare Soule whether God will visit thee by sicknesse or suddainely withoâ—â— bodily disease call thee hence The faithfull Soule should euer remeÌ„ber the vncertainetie of death Therefore often haue I aduertised thee that thou shouldest not delay repentance till thou beest sicke but daylie call on God yea the selfesame time thou art in bodily health stand stedfastly in the faith and good preparation wherein thou needest not stand in feare of safetie thinke vpon that rich foolish drunken Naball how hastily the Lord smote him that heâ— died Sam. 25.38 Remember that rich man who denied to Lazarus the crums which fell from his Table how short Luk. 16.22 his being here was Forget not that wretched wealthie man of whom it is sayd Thou Foole this night thy Soule shall bee required of Thee then whose shall all those things be which thou hast prouided Luk. 12. â—0 And what should I say more wee are daylie taught by euident eye-sight that innumerable numbers dye before euer they be diseased truly before God thou art of no better account than other nor knowest thou what chance he will permit to ouertake thee but if it shall so happen the Lord should call thee from hence by bodily sicknesse and cast thee downe on thy bed thou mayest thus learne to dispose of thy selfe 1 Learne to know the causes of thy sicknesse which is sinne 2 Seeke remission of thy sinnes and reconciliation with God 3 Pray to God for a gratious departure and cause the congregation to pray for thee 4 Contemne not the ordinarie menanes and physicke so thou canst haue the opportunitie of it 5 If thy sicknesse continue striue to be patient and beware of impatiencie 6 Haue euer this full assurence in thy heart that thou in thy greatest malladie and weakenesse art Gods deare child 7 If Sathan assault thee resist him by Faith so will he depart from thee 8 If thy time and houre be come giue theâ— ouer vnto Gods will and pleasure 9 If the Lord shall restore thee to thy health agayne bee thankefull euen from thy heart vnto his gratious Maiestie for thy recouerie A Prayâ—r against sudden death Preserue mee O Lord Iesus Christ if it bee thy will from a sudden death suffer me not to dye in my sinnes but that I may dâ—y and night bethinke mee on the hour of my death euer prepared in a sauing repentance in strong faith and stedfast hope that I may blessedly sleepe from hence when it shall please thee but if so be thou do not call mee by bodily infirmitie here am I in all lowlinesse before thee for I know thou art so mercifull and good that thou dost suffer nothing to betide mee but which shall be good and sauing for mee Graunt me but this that I may alwayes bee in readinesse as a good patient that both sicknesse and death may redound to thy glorie And this I craue at thy hands for Iesus Christs sake and in his name I call on thee saying Our Father c. Flesh. Now open vnto mee those nine fâ—resayd heads that I may bee taught how to vse my selfe in my sicknesse Spirit First remember well that as death is the wages of sinne so likewise are all sicknesses Gods punishments whereby hee brings vs to him when wee haue gone astray by sinne Doe not O soule as the couetous and vngodly and Inâ—idells doe who when they are â—icke beginne to wrastle and lament therefore that their costs are spent and they cannot haue health to earne more or else they begin to meditate how it happened them whether they haue Eat any vnwholsome Meats or Drunke any hurtfull Drinkes or if by other means their maladie hath taken them But remember what the Prophet saith Ier. 2.19 Thine owne Wickednesse shall correct thee and thy back-sliding shall reproue thee Know therefore and see that it is an euill thing and bitter that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God and that my feare is not in in thee saith the Lord of Hostes and therefore he who sinnes against his maker shall fall into the hands of his flesh A Meditation of
heart vnto God which consisteth in these three heads 1 That a man acknowledge his sinne and be sorrowfull and grieued for it from his verie hart 2 That he despaire not by reason of his sinne but beleeue in Iesus Christ who hath payed and satisfied for him and reioyce greatly therein 3 That hee witnesse his faith by a dayly and new obedience both to God and Man A Prayer for Repentance O Lord my God I know that of my owne nâ—ture and power I cannot obtayne repentance neither beleeue ô my Lord Iesus Chrisâ— I beseech thee waken my heart by thy holie spirit Eccl. 1. and grant my conuersion be not hypocriticall and counterfait nor my saith false and deceitfull but vpright and from my heart and may shew it selfe in true fruits vnto the end Mat. 13. heare mee gratious God I beseech thee that so I may attaine life euerlasting through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour Amen Flesh. Declare the three points of true repentance and make me vnderstand how I should daily behaue mee in obseruing of them Spirit The first is A knowledgement and sorrowing for sinne for without them thy faith is hypocrisie and not pure therefore learne to know thy sinnes and Gods wrath due vnto them and lament hartily for them A Prayer bewayling the corruption of nature O Lord Iesus how afraid is my heart when I remember the day I shall die my God how sorrowfull and troubled is my Soule when I bethink me of the fearefull day of Doome I may not haue graunted mee an houres respit from death and I know not what moment thou wilt call mee before thy righteous iudgement seat too little haue I been afraid for my sinnes Oh how am I astonished before thy presence for loe my God thy commaundements are before mine eyes yea written in my conscience and I know they are the rule square of euerlasting equitie whereby I should haue beene taught thy holy obedience vnder payne of losse of Saluation but O wretched corruption alas the miserable confusion and perturbation of all my sences affections and powres alas that great euil that hath ouerwhelmed vs by Adams fal my heart alas can no wayes condiscend to the performing of thy will Meditation of the Soule vpon the acknowledgment of Sinne. Ps. 51. Truly I confesse and feele in my selfe that I was borne of my mother in that hereditary wickednesse the whole head is sicke Esa. 1. the whole heart is troubled from toppe to toe there is no health in mee but I am altogether corrupted through Sinne dwelling in mee Rom. 5. fie on thee Sathan thou murderer of mankind how wretched hast thou made mee thou hast darkened my vnderstanding made my will peruerse and backward and my hart altogether obstinate and disobedient A Prayer for confession of our sinnes O my God I know and confesse that in mee Rom. 7. Esay 1. that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good but it is full of sinfull sores and biles and if I had not at any time committed any trespasse yet am I the childe of wrath by that originall pollution for the which I might and should bee eternally condemned banished from thy countanance but alas not onely this originall sinne hath borne sway in mee but also I haue from my youth despised all thy iudgements Psal. 25 7. and commandements which I haue not kept Ephes. 2.1 neither could such is the deadnesse of my nature in sinne but I haue trespassed against both the greatest and the least of them terribly and fearfully in my sinfull minde and thoughts sinnefull words and deedes in commission and omission against thee my good Lord and God and against my neighbour I knew and yet doe that no sinne is so small no transgression so meane Gen. 6. yea no imagination of my heart so little but merits eternall death and condemnation and woe is me there are yet so many sinnes I doe not remember committed in my infancie and greater agâ— which I neuer esteemed sinnes but rather good workes Psal. 19.12 oh who can vnderstand clâ—â—se 〈◊〉 from my secret faults all these will bee laid before my face in their owne colours o how blacke and will destroy mee vnawares as a thunderbolt What shall I do whither shall I flie from thy presence Psal. 139.7 if thou contend with me there is nothing but condemnation for me ô my soule thou vnfruitfull tree Matth. 3. ô drie stocke thou deseruest to be hewen downe and cast in vnquenchable fire O prodigall and forlorne sonne Luk. 15. why hast thou thus gone from thy good father and eaten huskes with swine tumbling and wallowing in all kinde of filthie and stincking sinnes what answer canst thou giue at the last day for thy whole life time Matt. 12. yea for the least idle word O wicked and hypocriticall seruant thou owest tenne thousand pound Matt. 18. and many vnspeakable thousand times hast thou sinned against the Lord thy God ô thou vnrighteous husband-man Luk. 16. how shamelesly hast thou consumed and wasted the gifts of thy minde and abused thy precious heart and vnderstanding cursed are thou Deut. 27. for thou hast not kept all that is written in the Law Woe is me miserable creature what haue I done ô how wickedly haue I done ô thou wrath of the most high fall not vpon mee ô thou rage of the most mighty Psal. 6.1 who can endure thee ô misery ô wretchednesse ô thou vncleane sinnefull and euill sauoured soule I am weary and loathsome to my selfe that I haue become so abominable to my God yea my God I am not worthy to be called thy creature nor that I should walke vpon the ground and it were no wonder if the earth should open her selfe vnder mee and swallow mee vp so that I should goe liuing downe to hell ô lament and greeue thee miserable soule ô weepe and crie thou wicked creature yea if it be possible let bloudy teares fall for thy sinne sorrow thou with thy whole power and strength ô woe to thee thou hard-heart can no feare nor dread waken thee vp from thy dead sleepe cannot the Lords lighted torch of indignation fright thee wilt thou drinke all the cup yea the dreggs of his furie Vp beloued Soule vp addresse thee to a better life least thou be ouertaken in thy sinnes behold the Lords day is at thy dore Luk. 21. and commeth vpon thee as a theefe in the night loe death snatcheth at thee and thou knowest not how soone hee shall apprehend thee therefore speake and I will not keepe silence I acknowledge confesse before my God all that is in my heart O that I had water enough in my head Ierem. 9. that mine eies were fountaines of waters that night and day I might weepe for my sins yea cause my bed euerie night to swim and water my couch with my teares ô thou deare soule lament shed thy
teares as a well cease not neither leaue off for the Almighty is angry for thy sinnes Lam. 2. pardon them ô Lord I beseâ—ch thee and grant that when I shall sleepe in death my bodie may rest temporally and my soule may liue with thee eternally for Iesus c. Flesh. Shall man then in such sorrow doubt and despaire for his sinnes Spirit No God forbid but he should embrace the second part of Christian repentance which is faith in our Lord Iesus Christ who hath satisfied for our sinnes and reconciled vs to God his heauenly father Rom. 5. in this case raise vp encourage thy selfe learne comfort after this manner ô most louing Iesus Christ thou most sweet Sauiour and Redeemer how heauy is my hart how sad is my Soule in my brest Ps. 43.5 Esa. 38. My God thou hast broken all my bones like a Lyon I beseech thee that thou wouldest not despise my contrite and broken hart my Redeemer Ps. 51.17 giue mee thy mercifull hand and draw mee out of this heauinesse and suffer me not to sinke and perish of too much sorrow O my God I thanke thee thou hast touched my heart in making mee vnderstand my sinnes and giuing mee thy mercie to bewaile theÌ„ vnfainedly O I am become godly sorrowfull not to my hurt for godly sorrow worketh Saluation 2. Cor. not to be sorrowed for where else might I haue found comfort for my disquieted Soule of what other shold I haue found rest for my broken heart but of thee onely ô most dearely beloued Sauiour for thou camest into the world to saue miserable sinners 1. Tim. 1. therefore is thy name Iesus Mat 1. to saue thy people from all their sinnes Here am I ô Sauiour although a verie great yet a Penitent sinner Loe I heare thy comfortable voyce Mat. 11. Come vnto mee all yee that are laden and we aried I will refresh you Bâ—hold my God I come and bring with mee a sorrowfull broken Ps. 51.17 and contrite heart O reuiue my dead soule O heale my sinfulâ— wounded conscience O Lambe of God that takest away the sins of the world take from mee my sinne Ps. 51.9 and the guilt thereof and forgiue all mine iniquities Thou art my Redeemer and the onely sacrifice by which God thy Father and I am reâ—conciled Ioh. 3. for as Moyses exalted the Serpent in the wildernesse so wast thou exalted on the Crosse to the end that I and all that beleeue in thee should not perish but haue euerlasting Life Mar. 9. I beleeue Lord helpe my vnbeleefe yea Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest I beleeue in thee Ioh. 21. albeit with a weake faith neuerthelesse by the same little small faith I put all my trust and confidence in thee and beleeue doubt not I beleeue and know well that all my bitter and grieuous sinnes are surely and verely satisfied for and remitted by thy bloud and death I know and beleeue I am assured and persuaded ô my Redeemer that thy pure conception cleanseth my sinfull conception thy vndefiled birth purgeth my vncleane birth thy holie life sanctifieth my sinfull life thy humiliation is my exaltation thy hellish sorrowes are my heauenly comforts thy bonds are my freedome thy contempt is my honour thy sores are my salue the expulsion of thee is the in-bringing of mee thy smart and payne is the ioy of my Soule thy desert is my Redemption thy passion and death is a sacrifice for all my sinnes thy obedience is satisfaction for all my wickednesse thy descending into hell is my deliuerance from the Deuill power and force of hell Rom. 4. thy resurrectiâ—on is my righteousnesse and thy ascending into heauen is a seale and assurance that I am heire of eternall Life and that through Thee I haue alreadie right title and possesion of the kingdome of heauen Yea Lord Iesus all these hast thou merited for me giuen and bestowed them freely vpon mee and thy heauenly Father accepts of them and accounts them to mee in such maner as if I had deserued all the same in my owne proper person and as if euerie faithfull ones Redemption had beene purchased by himselfe Mat. 9. bee joyfull therfore comfort thee thy sinnes are forgiuen and thou reighteous before God thou hast a mercifull Father in heauen thou art heire of eternall Life thou hast the earnest of thy inheritance in thy heart which beares witnesse vnto thy spirit that thou art the Sonnâ— yof God Who will craue ought here is Christ that hath payed and satisfied for thee Who will accuse thee Rom. here is God that pronounceth thee Iust and Holie Meditation of the Soule of faith in Christ. Doest thou meditate on that hurt thou incurredst by the first fall doth that corruption deriued vnto thee from Adam grieue thee O giue thankes and praise to the Lords name for thou hast obtayned more in Iesus Christ thy Redeemer than thou hast lost in Adam the trespasser ô miracle of all miracles who can comprehend such things bee glad ô my soule and consider narrowly what thou losest in the first what was gotten in the second Adam againe Behold how Sathan is disappointed of his purpose for hee minded to draw thee altogether and finally from God and to draw thee in the pit of Gods euerlasting displeasure but contrarywise Christ thy Lord hath not onely reconciled thee with thy father quenched his wrath and anger and purchased mercy to thee but also hath aduanced thee to such vnspeakable promotion Heb. 2. that thou art become Gods kinsman for he hath taken thy flesh bloud vpon him thou couldest neuer haue come to higher promotion and preferment vnlesse thou hadest beene euen God himselfe And Sathan bethought him to driue thee out of the garden of Paradise and so bereaue thee of the companie and societie of the holy Angels but quite contrarie Christ thy Sauiour not only brings thee to that healie Paradise and eternall life but exalteth thee aboue all Angels and maketh thee most honourable in that he took not the Angels but mans nature vpon him Heb 2. Sathan also intended to take from thee the food of life and it so happened for the Lord God excluded man by reason of his transgression that he should not eat of the tree of life in Paradise Gen. 3. but now Christ is that nourishment Ioh. 6. and tree of life farre more excellent and good then that first which extends and dilateth his boughes and branches whereby wee come vp to heauen hideth vs vnder him feedeth vs of him and wee are satiate and shall haue vnder his shadow quietnesse and rest for euermore Againe Sathan would haue carried thee from thy righteousnesse cast thee deepely downe into sinne spoyled thee of thy originall justice wherein without sinne thou wert first created to Gods similitude but on the other side Christ thy Lord freely giueth thee a