him § 5. To worship him § 6. To serue him With our persons where Generall Rules of preparation and execution of all outward worship § 7. The perticuler precepts that guide in the vse of seuerall ordinances Of hearing the word read and preach § 8. Of receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs body and blood § 9. Of Baptisme § 10. Of Prayer § 11 Of Feasting and solemne thankesgiuing § 12. Of Fasting § 13. Of Singing of Psalmes § 14. Of Reading or meditation § 15. Of Vowes and swearing § 16. Of Seruing God with our good § 17. Of Keeping the Lords day where are discussed The authority and The duties of the day § 18. To men and these looke To all men for iustice and mercy For iustice in The right disposition of the heart towards them § 19. The frame of the Conuersation § 20. The gouernment of the tongue more specially § 21. The innocency of the hand § 22 For mercy § 23. To some men as the godly and the wicked where The loue of the godly § 24. Our Carriage to the godly in particuler cases § 25. The wisedome of our behauiour towards the wicked § 26. To our selues teaching how to abide with God In our callings § 27. In our Christian profession § 28. In the changes of life as In our wealth In afflictions generally considered In pouerty In sicknesse In persecutions § 29 In our death teaching The cure of diseases The care of necessary duties § 30. Thus of the precepts which ly in common for all times The precepts for the passing of euery day § 31. THE PATHES OF HOLY LIFE THAT GVIDE CHRISTIANS IN SVCH A CONDITION Where The order and vse hereof § 1. The speciall rules which concerne The more eminent relations Of Magistrate and Subiect The Magistrate both The supreme and gouernors sent of him The subiect in generall The Courtyer The Ambassador The Counsellor of state § 2. Of the Husband and wife § 3. Of Parents and chiidren § 4. Of Masters and Seruant § 5. Of Pastor and flocke § 6. Rules for the more priuate estate as Of Neighborhood § 7. Of Friendship § 8. Of Enmity § 9. Rules for those of meere priuacy as Of the aged § 10. Of the youth § 11. Of the Virgin and widdow § 12. THE PREFACE shewing the occasion order and vse of this Treatise CAsting in my The Holy dayes in the yeeres 1625. and 1626. thoghts which way I might most profitably spend this time of Assembling our selues together on those dayes set apart by our Church both for the discharge of my duty and for your edification it came into my minde to vndertake the exposition of the Scriptures but then the Lord directed my heart to resolue first to propose briefly the sum of fayth and holy life which might be both as a key to open the doore of true exposition for prophesie ought to be according to the Analogie of fayth and also a rule which you might haue alway by you nay with you according to which you might walke that peace might bee vpon you and mercy though I should noâ— accomplish among you my former intended taske We will then the good hand of our God being vpon vs proceed in this order viz. Giue 1. The summâ— of fayth 2. The pathes of holy life that guide men As they are Christians which pathes as they are Christians in such a condition lie in common for all times are applied in peculiar for the passing of euery day of relation to other as Magistrate Subiect Pastor Flocke Husbnad and wife Parent and childâ— Master and seruant Of priuate state as Neighbour friend foâ— the aged the youth the single person both maid and widow Out of these euery one may and must take to so many as may serue his owne condition and so haue before him Gods will concerning him which will we are all bound to know Ephes 4. 16. And without which we can neuer order our conuersation aright and therfore haue not the promise to see the saluation of God Psal 50. 23. This setting an order in fayth and life is the onely way to walke as wise and vnderstanding Christians to walke vprightly and so surely to walke worthy the Lord in all pleasing to liue profitably and so comfortably Which while people are called vpon to doe by the Ministers yet it is left vndone by the hearers or set vpon with little heart and oft times with lesse profit euen for want of direction You Beloued God assisting shall haue it drawen out to your hands that you may euery one come to this garden and gather so many flowers as may make vp your posie suteable to your seuerall smells yea plant your heades and heartes with them and thereby refresh your spirits and keepe in you the good sauâ—ur and sweet sent of a well-watered Garden where your beloued may take his pleasure THE FIRST PART §. 1. THe summe of faith or what it is in the profession whereof we are to liue dye respecteth the Articles the seales of Gods couenant The Articles are briefly comprized in the Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed where we consider 1 The substance of Christian doctrine which concerneth God the Father in the 1. Article God the Sonne in the 6. following God the holy Ghost in the 8. The Church in her qualities the 9. in her prerogatiues in this life the 10. in the life to come the 11. and 12. 2 The answere of a good conscience to all that God reuealeth and promiseth in the word I beleeue which is carried to euery parcell of the Creed The seales of this couenant are two Baptisme The Supper of the Lord. For the substance of Christian â—1 doctrine to be beleeued as euer we would be saued and for which faith we must lay downe our liues if God call for it I will lay it downe in words of Scripture according to the order and meaning of the Articles saue that these Articles presuppose we haue receiued the Bible for the word of God as being an abridgement of faith giuen to beleeuers not to Infidels Wee must see there what God commandeth we should blâ—eue and hold concerning the Scripture out of which the Creed was taken then what of himselfe and of his Church Credenda God commandeth that I and euery one doe beleeue in our hearts and professe with our mouthes and be ready to seale it with our dearest bloud That all Scripture is by inspiration 1 Of the Scriptures 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Their authority or the imbreathing of God namely the bookes of the old Testament as of Moses and the Prophets and the Bookes of the New Testament and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may 2 Pet. 1. 18. 19. 20. Vse be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes A more sure word for vs to take heed vnto then a voyce from heauen Further that no man
of both for euer in hell 2 By the Gospell which sheweth thee plainely that since Christ the Sonne of God dyed for all then were all dead sinne could neuer bee pardoned and God reconciled with thee a sinner in the least offence had not Christ his Sonne as thy surety become a curse for thee 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15. 3 By all other mercies of God to thee in soule and body against which they haue beene committed with many of which by thee abused they haue beene acted 4 By the curse it hath brought on the whole world the earth seas visible heauens and all their hosts Rom. 8. 20. Gen. 3. 17. Deut. 28. 23. 24. In taking thus the notice of thy sinnes bee aduised with chiefest heed to bring to light the sinnes whereto by nature thou art more addicted and haue still in thine eye some of thy notorious fals with the circumstances to aggrauate them Thou shalt not faile to make a true discouery of thy sin-guiltines if thou proceed in this order First withdrawing thy selfe in secret set thy heart and wayes in Gods presence and say what Ier. 8. 6. haue I done Aske the Question What is it I haue done all my daies which if I lay on my death bed and were summoned to the barre of Christs tribunall would strike me with terror if it were not forgiuen Let conscience now speake be still and take the Answer without hiding diminishing translating or excusing for hast thou not to deale with God spare not one no not the sin of thy bosome but in sincerity as before the Lord deale truly keepe them in memory or rather note them if thou canst then secondly take the 10. Commandements and by the help of some that haue gathered the sins against euery commandement marke out thine offences which the former way did not yet discouer Thus shalt thou see thy transgressions and this done thou hast stepped one good step towards repentance which step is required of all that wil repent as absolutely necessary and hath the promise Lam. 3. 40. Ioh. 11. 13. Gal. 6. 3. Ier. 8. 6. 2. Confesse them before God with all opennesse of heart in the best words thou hast and beseech him to giue thee words who hath commanded thee to take vnto thee words Hos 14. 2. 1 Ioh. 1. 7 9 Pâ—al 32. 3. 4. 5. 3 This doe till thou attaine Godly sorrow and thy heart be broken and contrite a sacrifice which God will neuer despise Psal 51. 17. the measure of thy sorrow is right iâ— it be such as thou hast or coldest vse for worldly crosses Zech. 12. 10. 11. 12. but thy heart will neuer melt within thee till thou â—ring thy selâ—e to looke vpon Christ the sonne of God pierced on the Crosse by thy sinnes and wounded for thy transgressions this sight will pricke thee to the heart and the beholding of such matchlesse loue will not off without the teares of loue Now this sorrow is that which causeth repentance neuer to be repented of 2 Cor. 7. 11. and hath the promise Mat. 5. 5. Esa 61. 3. Zech. 13. 1. Ier. 31. 18. 19. 20. 4 Then apply the promises to thy selfe both that in Ioh. 3. 16 and those speciall promises before mencioned Happy is that man to whom any one word from God is a word of comfort but by all the former promises those that examine confesse and mourne ouer their sins are proued Blessed for Christ dyed for them all their sins are fâ—rgiuen and their vnrighteousnesse shall be clensed Pray you ouer these promises that God would by his spirit giue thee a beleeuing heart and them a quickening vertue to put life into thee Let nothing shoulder out this worke Doit and that throughly that thou maiest see the power of thy sins abated and thy heart refreshed in the assurance of Gods loue before thou meddle with the following rules else all thy labour wil beto no end The same way let all those take that haue lost themselues and their vprightnesse or God and his fauor by heedlesse walking or presumptuous sinnes the like be spoken to all that yet haue set no order in their liues though they haue of a long time beene offering and essaying in matters of religion and to those no lesse that yet haue not the assurance of the pardon of their sinnes If thou hast done it or when thou hast then addresse thy selfe to the precepts following which precepts concerne the helpes to an holy life §. III. Of the helpes of an holy life 2 The gates of righteousnesse THere are certaine helpes to an holy life which are as the very Gates and doores of righteousnesse they lead or open fully vpon the way euerlasting come and see make entrance and know it these are they 1 To redeeme the time a precious 1 Redemption of time commodity esteemed so by the wise marchant Ephes 5. 16. sometimes thou must buy it out 1 Cor. 7 35 2 Tim. 2 4. from thy sinful works euer more from thy recreations and pleasurable works most an end and from the workes of thy calling both abstaining from the thingâ— that may intangle and interrupt thee and settling and ordering so thy outward estate that som time be gained for the seruice of God sometimes thou must exchange Neuer seeke to sell it time with thy worldly imployments as the occasions of prospering thy spirituall estate are â—ff red desiring to know obserue and serue the seasons of Esa 55. 6. Amos 5. 14 grace and the opportunities of weldoing sometimes thou must contract with the present time for recouery of lost time that is past alwaies thou must vse it well and fill it with profitable imployment Pro. 6. 6. this is to seeke good this is to haste to righteousnesse This is to prouide for a winter this is to prepare to serue the Lord without distraction All ye of this last age heare this for the dayes are euill 2 To learne the knowledge of 2 The knowledge of the holy Eph. 5. 15. 17. Pro. 10. 14 Iob 11. 12. Esa 1. 3. the holy to vnderstand what the will of the Lord is concerning him Ephes 5. 17. This euery man must haue lay vp if he would walke as a wise man else aâ— he is borne like the wilde asse colt So he may become more bruitish then oxe or asse that thou maist thriue in knowledge how to do well thou must 1 Search the Scriptures daily musing and meditating vpon them Psal 1. 2. that they may dwell richly in thee Col. 3. 16. Which word alone giueth light to our feet Esa 8. 20. Psal 119. Life to our dead hâ—rts and power to assist vs to walke 2 Be swift to heare Iam. 1. 19. not neglecting opportunities nor carelesse in the duety while thou attendest on the publike ministery especially on the Lords day the day which God hath Hallowed to thy good thy market-market-day for thy soule 3 In both be wise for thy selfe Pro. 9. 12.
as did the blessed Virgin and hiding it there for practise as did Dauid Psal 119. 11. 4. Prayer alone or with others Neh. 13. 22. These duties hâ—ue reference to the publique The duties seuerally required are foure first familiar conference of things pertaining to the kingdome of God not speaking our owne words that day Esa 58. 12. secondly the catechising of our families thirdly the singing of Psalmes Psal 92. 2. fourthly meditation on the word and the workes of God as vpon the workes of Creation of Redemption of Prouidence for his Church against the enemies therof Ps 92. of the riches of his house and the flourishing in righteousnesse of all that are planted in his coures Psal 92. the latter end this for piety The workes of mercy are eyther for the publique or the priuate In the publique are collections for the poore 1 Cor. 16. 1. In priuate mercy respecteth the temporall life as the workes abâ—ut sicke persons almes the meating of cattell the preseruation of things that otherwise would perish or it respecteth the spirituall life as to teach the ignorant reclaime the erronious admonish the backward exhort and perswade the delinquent rebuke the offender comfort the distressed giue counsell to them that need and seeke it and to reconcile them them that are at variance These are the workes of sanctity but when are they done in a Sabboth like manner I answere when they are done 1 With readinesse and delight louing to be his seruantâ— and to doe his worke vpon his day Esa 56. 6. 58. 13. calling the Sabboth a delight the holy of the Lord honourably without which God takes himselfe not honoured this delight is to bee expressed in the publique duties 1. by being there with the first Esa 2. 3. Ezek. 46. 10. 2. by auoyding all vnseemely gesture sleepinesse drowsinesse and all wandring thoughts 3. by waiting for the blessing to be put vpon vs by the Minister Numb 6. 23. 27. But chiefly see thou solace thy heart in the inward rest which is the Sabboth Sabbathum secretum of the true Israelite who worships God in spirit These call this day desiderium dierum the desire of dayes 2 With speciall obseruance not onely to the rest but also to the sanctification of the day that no duty be omitted nor the day any way prophaned tending our hearts and words 3 With sincerity obseruing it in our dwellings as well as in Gods house within our gates as well as within his doores Leu. 23. 3. spending the whole day morning and euening on Gods worke Psal 92. 2. Doing all with as much diligence and earnest labour for the meat which perisheth not as we doe on the weeke day for the meat which perisheth and as we looke our seruants should not serue vs an houre or two in the day or slightly 4 With beliefe that God will blesse that day and the duties thereof to the increase of grace Gen. 2. 2. Ezek. 20. 20. 46. 2. 5. resting on the promises he hath made in Esa 56. 5. 7. 58. 14. The third thing respects the meanes of sanctifying the Sabboth and so there is required 1 A place to assemble together Leuit. 19. 30. Psalm 132. 1. 2. 5. 2 Persons fit for the duties such as are able and apt to teach 1 Tim. 3. 2. For where vision faileth the people perish Pro. 29. 18. And prophecying or preaching that is giuing the sense and applying the word for instruction correction comfort and reproofe is the gift of the spirit that should be vsed in christian assemblies 1 Cor. 14. 3. 4. 5. 24. 28. What alterations haue beene for want of prophecying see in these places Iudg. 17. 7. 1 Sam. 14. 2 Chro. 15. 3. 2 King 17. 15. Therefore let vs be so farre from enuying the increase of their number and gifts that rather Moses wish be ours Would God all the Lords people could prophesie Numb 11. 19. 3 The maintenance of both the places and persons Thus we see what is charged on whom it is charged followeth 2 These duties are charged Thou thy sonne and thy daughter on all but chiefly on the Magistrates and Masters of families who must nor onely doe the duties of the Sabboth themselues but cause others to obserue them in respect of all outward conformity that none within their gates that is within their precincts iurisdiction power habitation or charge be suffered to violate the rest or prophane the day The example of Nehemiah is worthy imitation of all in authority of which you reade Neh. 13. 16. 19. where wee may see especially these two thiâ—gâ— that it belongs to all Gouernours of Families Townes Cities and Countries to prouide that the whole day be kept and all occasions as neere as may be of the prophaning of the day he cut off and that the preparation for the Sabbath bee not neglected much lesse then may any in place impose such harâ— labor and so extreame on the day before or the euening of the Sabboth as disableth for the duties of that day Againe that he offendeth exceedingly that hauing power reformeth not the abuses of this day Hitherto of our duty to God our duty to other men followeth §. XIX Of our duty to all men as it concernes the right dâ—sposition of the heart THe order of our conuersation Thy duty to man to God-ward hath beene shewed now wee come to lay line and lâ—uell to our hearts and liues that they may be ordered aright to man ward without which God himselâ—e râ—ckons of all duties of his seruice but as impâ—ety and vile hypocrisie saying of these duties we owe to man is not this to know me Ier. 22. 15. 16. And againe pure religion and vndefiled Iam 1. 27 before God and the Father is this Such is the absolute necessity of discharging these duties one to another that if your hearts deuoted to serue the Lord should frame this question wherewith shall I come before the Lord and how my selfe before the high God the Lord himselfe giueth this answere by his Prophet Micah Hee hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe iustly and to loue mercy Mâ—c 6. 6. 7. And here I beginne to set the Compasse and lay the Plummet for what euer wee owe to man is either carried to all men or to some certaine men considered as nearer to God Such are the regenerate renewed in Christ after the image of him that created thâ—m or as further off from God as wicked men that liue in their sinnes and serue sinne To all men vniuersally considered as men the duty we owe is comprized in this excellent speech Doe iustly and loue mercy In these two viz. Iustice and Mercy the Lord hath a bridged them and taught vs how to fadome them That thou maiest doe iustly To doe iustly and walke righteously towarâ—s all men two things are to bee heeded 1 The disposition of thy
loines may blesse vs and their cry drowne not the voyce of our singing Nay that the poore may tast of our goods whereby their heart may be brought to the loue and seruice of so gracious a God that delighteth in the prosperity of his seruants and their penury may bee relieued Hest 9 22 3 Obserue a rest from labors else cannot our hearts be lifed vp with that spirituall ioy and freedome from distractions as beseemeth so Angelicall a worke Rest take not for Idlenesse they are Idle whom the painefulnesse of action causeth to auoid labors whereunto God and nature bindeth them they rest which either cease from their worke when they haue brought it to perfection or else giue ouer a meane labour because a worthier and better is to be vndertaken God hath created nothing to be idle or ill imployed §. XIII The Sixt Fasting THe next duety is religious Of Fasting fasting What this is our age knoweth not almost to fast the poore either by their owne Idlenesse or by the rich menâ— vnmercifulnesse are compelled to fast religiously is our of vse with poore and rich Our Sauiour often stiled the Iewes this euill and adulterous generation sure now would he adde concerning vs this euill adulterous drunken and gluttonous generation We feast oft but not to God we fast neuer but when riot first hath assubiected vs to the prescript of the Physitian Thus it is come to passe that first we neede some direct proofe of the necessity large Encomium of the profitable vse of fasting before we gaue directions for the right manner of performance The former is not my particuler ayme yet receiue this in briefe 1 That Christians owe this as a duty Matth. 6. 16. Mat. 9. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 5. 2 And this duty is then to be performed when 1 Wee vndertake warre 2 Chro. 20. 3. 4. the example of Iehoshaphat 2 Or eminent iudgements are begunne or ready to fall on vs 1 Sam. 7. 6. 2 Sam. 12. 1 Chro. 21. 16. 1 Sam. 31. vlt. be they publike or priuate 3 Or greiuous sinnes are scandâ—lously committed Lev. 23 28. Whether our owne or the sinnes of-the times Ezra 10. 6 1 Sam. 7. 6. 4 Or the Afflictions of Gods people by enemies are vpon them or decreed against them Neh. 1. 4. Hest 4. 5 Or the accomplishment of some remarkeable promise is expected to bee fulfilled to the Church Dan. 9. 1. 6 Or iudgements are threatned by Gods Ministers according to a wise parallel of neuer-failing truth in Scripture and ruine-threatning sinnes in a common-wealth Ion. 3. 5. 1 King 21. 7 Or some are designed to some great functions in Church or common-wealth Act. 13. 4. 8 Or in case of spirituall desertions when the bridegrome is gone then is it time to mourne and fast in those dayes Matth. 9. 14. These are the seasons of this duty when the Lord calls to weeping and to mourning and to baldnesse and to girding with sackcloth Let not that be verified any longer vpon vs that it should be said and In that day behold ioy and gladnesse slaying Oxen and killing sheepe eating flesh and drinking wine let vs eat and drinke to morrow we shall dye then wee may feare lest that follow in the euent which followeth in the Prophesie And it was reuealed is mine eares by the Lord of hosts surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you dye saith the Lord God of hosts Esa 22. 13. 14. 3 Now for the prayse of this holy Action the saying of Ambrose shall suffice in his booke De Helia et Ieiunio c. 8. Ieiunium continentiae magisterium est pudicitiae discipliâ—a humilitas mâ—ntis castigatio carnis forma sobrietatis norma virtutis purificatio animâ— miserationis expensa lenitatis institutio charitatis illecebra senilis gratia custodiâ— iâ—â—uentutis Ieiunium et alleuamentum infirmitatis alimentum salutis Fasting is the chiefe rule of continence the discipline of shamefastnesse the lowlinesse of the minde the chastising of the flesh the forme of sobriety the square of vertue the purifying of the soule the cost of 〈…〉 passion the instruction of gentlenesse the allurement of charity the grace of age the custody of youth the lightening of infirmity the food of health But rules for the right discharge of this worke is that agreeth to my purpose and here all shall be cleare if this distinction be premised A fast religious is either publike or priuate the publike is that which is appointed by the ciuill Magistrate and by the Church on great weighty and publike occasions and obserued by many families assembling in one or many congregations we haue no waâ—rant for such assemblies but with the leaue commande of our gouernors Ioel 3. 7. 8. 2 Chro. 20. 3. the priuate is such as is taken on right grounds mouing thereto either by one man alone or by a priuate familie Hest 4. 16. Mat. 6. 17. 18. for priuate fasts to be kept by more families of Christians Scripture knoweth not nor alloweth If our gouernors see not the occasions or hid their eyes from the necessity of the duty when God calls for it priuate men and families apart may mourne and mourne for this iudgement in the midst of iudgements and if God call them at any time that by vertue of their places they may speake they ought modestly to intimate the necessity humbly craue the proclaiming of it freely rebuke the â—ayling Be not lesse carefull but better aduised to take vp this duty as God commandeth And for religious fasting be it Publike or priuate be it thus ordered 1 Let there bee abstinence from all the necessaries much more delights of this life for a â—ay at the leâ—st as from food and sleepe 2 Sam. 12. 16. 20. Ornaments Exod. 34. 4. 5. Matrimonial beneuolence â— Cor. 7. 5. Ioel. 2. 16. and workes of our calling that it be a Sabbath for rest Lev. 23. 32. delights of life Dan. 10. 3. recreations Esa 58. and workes of gaine in all these vse such abstinence as may afflict the body Lev. 23. 30. but yet with these two caueats 1 That the flesh bee tamed by our abstinence not killed or disabled for Godâ—â— seruice 2 That we do not these to be seene of men Mat. 6 16. 17. in a priuate fast eschewing wholly the shew in a publike not performing to the shew or to this end that we might be seene 2 Let the time bee spent in religious duties especially in humbling the soule for sinne Ioel 2. 12. 13. Psal 69. 10. I humbled my soule with fasting for thus religious fasting is differenced from all other by the end for which we abstaine viz to stir vp our zeale in prayer to confirme our attention in meditation to manifest our grief for displeasing God and to take spirituall reueng vpon our selues for offending 3 There must bee a râ—linquishing and breaking off of our former sinnes especially of vnrighteousnesse and oppression of others Esa 58. 6. Such
duty 4 When thou hast vowed a vow to God deferre not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fooles pay that which thou hast vowed better it is that thou shouldest not vow then that thou shouldest vow and not pay Eccles 5. 4. 5. Swearing also is a speciall seruice of God Deut. 6. 13. 10. 20 Of an Oath Thou shalt feare the Lord thy God him shalt thou serue and to him shalt thou cleaâ—â— and sweare by his name Wee must vse it in this manner 1 Thou must not sweare in thy communication Mat. 5. Iam. 5. 12. but must be one that fearest anoath Eccles 9. 2. 2 Thou art then called to sweare when some necessary truth is in question concerning Gods glory thy neighbours safety and thiâ—e owne good which may bee determined by thy witnesse and cannot otherwise be determined but by this testimony of thy conscience Heb. 6. 16. 3 Then thou must sweare by the Lord onely Ier. 4. 2. 5 7. how shall I pardon thee for this thou hast sworne by them that are no gods 4 In truth lest thou forsweare for thy oath must not be against thy conscience nor must thou wittingly and willingly sciens volens depart from what thou hast lawfully sworne Psal 15. 5. He that sweareth and dâ—sappointeth not though it be to his owne hinderance 5 In iudgement not rashly or for a trifle taking deliberation to weigh the nature of God who is called to witnesse to whose diuinereuenge thou subiectest thy selfe if thou willingly dost deceiue the truth of thy speech the weight of an oath and the matter about which thou swearest that it bee well-knowne to thee and not vncertaine The Romans vsed that most considerate word Arbitror I thinke when the Iurors said those Ambros in Psal 119. things which they knew most certainely rightly saith Ambrose Nemo benè iurat qui non potest scire quod iurat iurare est indicium scientiae testimonium conscienciae He sweareth not rightly that hath not knowledge of that he sweareth Swearing is the disclosing of our knowledge the testimony of our conscience 6 In righteousnesse first in things lawfull about things possible and with such words in the forme of the oath as may expresse due reuerence and be no waies contumelious to God Thus of sâ—ruing the Lord with our persons With our â—ods followeth §. XVII Of seruing God with our goods THis is required of all Pro To serue him with our goods 3. 9. Not as the most doe to honour wealth as our God but as all ought to doe God with our wealth so that it is not enough to be good husbands of our owne and liue frugally and honestly without endamaging others or to giue some contemptible portion to the poore but wee owe part of our substance to maintaine his immediate worship and of this we haue examples from Abel the righteous to those godly women that ministred to our Sauiour of their wealth And here is charged vpon vs 1 That we build him an house where his honor may dwell Exod. 15. 2. a place for his publike seruice Dauid maketh that mournfull complaint they haue burnt vp all the houses of God in the land Psal 74. 8. the Iewes commendations of the ruler was Master he is worthy for he hath built vs a Synagogue Luke 7. 4 5. 2 That we erect the Schooles of the Prophets as our abilities may reach 3 That we pay the tenth of all we enioy you haue the law of God for it and Abrahams example and Iacobs Gen. 14. 20. 21. 22 28. Heb. 7. 4 5. 6 7 8. 9. as if you say that concerned the Iewes onely hard will it be to proue it but I answer the free grant of the Church formerly and the obligation into which shee hath entred thereby to giue God the tenth binds vs all and cannot be reuoked though before it had beene in our owne power 4 That we if necessity should require make them that instruct vs partakers of all our goods Gal. 6. 6. not to a tenth only but to such a supply as that Gods worship may be vpheld according to this rule is that worthy worke of those who being destitute of an able Godly Pastor thrâ—ugh either the sinne of those that giue entrance and open the doore to them or the sinne of the parties that after their comming is manifest but went not before hand vnto iudgement do of their own charges maintaine some godly Minister for their Lecturer with the allowance of authority 5 For the quality of that we Purum probum profanum suum giue it is required that it bee the choise and of the best Mal. 1. 13 that it bee lawfull and lawfully gotten God hateth robbery for burnt offerings Esa 61. 8. that it be that which hath not beene already consecrated to God Pro. 20. 25. and that it bee a mans owne 6 For the end giuen as a Testimony of our affections to God and his seruice and an acknowledgement of his Lordship ouer all and as a meanes to vphold religion to perpetuity and therefore directed to this end as neare as may be Thus of the seruice wee owe to God without limitation to a certaine time we owe him next a seuenth part of our time to be employed in his immediate seruice as the fourth commandement sheweth §. XVIII Of keeping the Lords day IN this point Sathan hath filled On the Lords day the hearts of many with poysonfull opinions gainesaving the Authority and so reiecting the Dutie of this day wee must therefore briefly see to the establishment of the first that so none may be able to speake of the charge of the latter The Authority of the Lords day is fully cleared if two things be prooued That the fourth commandement is morall That the charge of the day from the seuenth to the first day of the weeke is Diuine 1 The Morality of the Commandement is proued thus It was instituted in Paradise before there was sinne or neede of a Sauiour or Ceremony and figure of a Sauiour Gen. 2. 1. it was giuen to Adam and his posterity not to Abraham therefore bindeth Iewes and Gentiles the vse of it is morall and hath nothing of Ceremony in it Psal 92 Such it the singing of Gods mercies morning and Euening the meditation of his righteous iudgements in rewarding the godly though afflicted in cutting off the vngodly in their greene florishing aduancement in viewing the riches of his house the florishing of his seruants vnder the meanes of grace and in learning to know God in his word and workes It is giuen as a signe or document that the Lord doth sanctifie his people if they would try their estates this is a note wherby they may know the truth of their Sanctification the conscionable obseruance of this Commandement Exod. 31. 13. It is put for the whole worship of God and entirenesse in religion Esa 56. 2. 6. and the vtter euersion of piety is
called the polluting of the Sabbath Ezek. 22. 26. Esa 58. but what neede wee goe further then the commandement it selfe It is one of the lawes giuen immediatly from God not mediately by Moses as the Ceremonies were Deut. 4. 13. 14. it was written with Gods owne finger in Tables of stone Exod. 31. 18. Put into the Arke Couered with the mercy seate as containing part of the sinnes nayled to Christs Crosse and therefore not any that serued to the expiation of sinne in the shadow one of the ten words or precepts which if you teare out you can make of the rest but nine and so giue God the lye Deut 4. 13. Let the words of the precept speake for its authority The word Zacor is indefinite is in English to remember because we are bound for euer to remember this matter as saith R. Elias Remember shewes also that this as the other commandements was ingrauen in the hearts of the fathers and that it was inioyned before and obserued though easily neglected by corruption Exod. 16. Remember to keepe it holy the end of the commandements is moral Sixe dayes shalt thou labor if the permission of the sixe dayes labor appertaine to vs do not the sanctifying of a seuenth We are no lesse charged on the Sabbath to worship then permitted on the sixe dayes to follow our ordinary calling if the Commandement be Ceremoniall Idlenesse is the best Christianity in the sixe dayes It is the day blessed sanctified now so long as wee need the meanes with the blessing of God on them for our recouery out of sinne and our continuance in grace so long we neede some speciall day to which God hath promised a blessing in speciall But you will say the Iewes Sabbath was blessed but where find ye our Sabbath blessed I Answer in the Commandement which saith not the Lord blessed the seuenth day but the Lord blessed the Sabbath day be it the seuenth or the first day of the weeke which hee shall giue in charge and hallowed it in a word this commandement was giuen and charged vpon the strangers and I doe remember that a stranger was bound to obserue the Ceremoniall law If any say can you shew where this is Commanded or confirmed in the New Testament I Answer I can Mat. 5. 18. One iot or one title of the law shall not perish and verse 19. Whosoeuer shall breake one of the least Commandements and shall teach men so shall be called the least in the kingdome of heauen I will close this with the saying or Irenaeus in his 4 booke agaiâ—st heresies the 31 Chapter God needed not the loue of man but man was destitute of the glory of God of which by no meanes he could partake but by that obseruance which is owing towards God for this cause Mâ—ses saith choose life c vnto which life prepaâ—ing man the Lord himself by himselfe spak the words of the Deâ—alogue to all like therfore they remain with vs in like maner receiuing extent and increase but not dissolution by his comming in the flesh But the precept of bondage he commanded the people by Moses apart fit for their disciplining These precepts which were giuen to them for bondage and a signe he hath girt about with the New Testament of liberty but whatso are naturall and common to all he hath increased our knowledge of God as father our adoption our loue our obedience to his word without turning away the face abstaining euen from the lusts of euill workes our feare child-like So our liberty is not giuen as a cloke of maliciousnesse but to the propitiation and manifestation of faith To plead Christs comming to this and to blot out one of the ten commandements is to vse Christian liberty for a cloke of wickednesse according to this man of God 2 For the change of the day The first day of euery weeke is the Christans Sabbath it is easily prooued to be diuine it is called in Scripture The Lords day Rev. 1. 10. as the Holy Supper of the Eucharist is called the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 20. First instituâ—ed by the Lord and in its vse râ—ferred to the Lord for who could change the day of the Sabbath but hee that is Lord of the Sabbath that is Christ Mark 2. 28. the practise of our Sauiour and the Apostles who appâ—ared on this day hâ—ld their assemblies on this day conuinceth it sufficiently to bee commanded by our Lord and Sauiour Ioh. 20. 19. 26. Act. 2. 1. and 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2. and reasons strong and many may bee giuen the Commandement that a seuenth part of our time be consecrated to God is morall as we haue before prooued therefore the Institution of the Lords day could not be deferrâ—d one whol weeke for the Iewes Sabbath in respect of the determination thereof to the seuenth day was abrogated de iure in Christs death if it were deferred to the Apostles ordination though then also it were diuine for they had the spirit of Christ yet the Church must haue beene â—eft destitute of a Sabbath for a time and onâ—ly nine precepts haue stood in force for that space Againe it is not â—asie to cast off what some Ancients haue vrged from that place Psal 118 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made for Christ himselfe tells vs that his resurrection is handled in that place Matth. 21. 42. and who should appoint the day of worship in the New Testament but he that instituted the ordinances of the Nâ—w Testament and from whom all blesâ—ing vpon all worship is to be expectâ—d We will therefore in obedience to our Sauiours institution with the Ancient Church call this day the Lords day the day of bread the Dies dominicus dies panis dies Lucis day of light and wish that neuer any should reckon of the fourth Commandement as otherwise then morall Thus of the Authority I pray you hide not your eyes from seeing it that so you may receiue the Duties of this day The duties of the Lords day are the duties of the Sabbath both for the matter and manner of performing Take then your duty thus it is referred to these two Considerations 1 What is charged on vs. 2 On whom it is charged For the first wee are charged to Prepare for the Lords day or the Sabbath Keepe it For preparation we are bound 1 To Râ—member it before it come and to obâ—erue it as the word is vsed in the repetition of the Law Deut 5. that is both to informe our iudgâ—ments of the Authority of the day and to be mindfull in euery respect to keepe the precept aswell as any of the other watching against our naturall corruption which nor cares to vnderstand nor minds to obsâ—rue this Holy rest 2 To fiâ—ish our workes on the sixe dayes as God did his doing all we haue to doe Gen. 2 2. For if through our negligence a necessity be contracted of
doing some worke on that day then though the worke must be dâ—ne yet thou offendedst in thy negligâ—nt preparation Thou mâ—st so contriue thy worldly affaires that they trouble thee not with cares nor call thee to labour but on the other side remember so to laâ—our that the day before the Sabbath may haue lesse imploymâ—nt then any other so thy worldly affâ—yres shall no way incroach vpon the bounds of that day which the Lord hath 〈…〉 t aâ—art for himselfe nor breake into the Lords inclosure 3 To examine our selues for our sinnes especially those of the weeke repent washing euen our garments and drawing neare with the best holinesse we can get Gen. 35. 2 3. Psal 26. 6. Neh. 13. 22. We finde a fiue sold triall layed vpon the Christian He that would obserue this duety must keepe his Christian watch 1 Daily Psal 4. 2 Before the Communion 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 3 In time of humiliation publike or priuate when any heauie iudgement is sought to be remooued Lam 3. Zeph 2. 4 In the time of sicknesse when wee are summoned to leaue this world Esa 38. 5 Weekely before the Sabbath this here 4 To reforme all household iarres betweene husband and wife Parents and children Master and seruant for these hinder our prayers and Leauen our hearts and our Sacrifices Lev. 19. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 7. 1 Cor. 5. 8. Can God bee worshipped aright in his house when people liue not quietly dutifully and louingly in their houses Domesticall grieuances extend their infection to the pollution of Gods Sabbath Doe this thou dost prepare For the obseruation of the day when the Sabboth is come it must bee kept to this end there are charged vpon vs three duties first rest secondly the sanctification of the day thirdly the meanes of sanctifying the day 1 The first duty is that wee rest that day and so there is required a three-fold rest the rest of the body from workes of labour and worldly businesse in our particular callings and from workes of pleasures and recreations Esa 58. 13. the Lord saith that the Sabboth is then consecrated as holy when we neither doe our owne waies nor finde our owne pleasure nor speake our owne words vnder those words the finding our owne pleasure is condemned all recreations though they be honest and lawfull at other times vnlesse you call those onely recreations of which the Apostle Iames speaketh chap. 5. verse 13. If any be merry let him sing Psalmes To carry burdens and buy and sell on the Sabbath is to keepe the Sabbath of the men of Sabbathum Tyriorum Ashdod and Tyrus Neh. 13. 16. 20. 10. 31. God forbid it should bee heard of in Israel it would kindle an vnquenchable fire in our gates and deuoure our pallaces Ier. 17. 27. To rise vp to play and sit Sabbathum aureivituli downe to eate and drinke on that day were to keepe the Sabbath of the golden Calfe Exod. 32. 6. Obserua diem Sabbathi non carnaliter non iudaicis delicijs qui otio abutuntur ad nequitiam melius enim vtique tota die foderent quam tota die saltarent obserue the Sabbath day not carnally not with Iewish delights who abuse their leisure to naughtinesse for better it were no doubt they would digge the whole day then dance the whole day If you hold it vnfit to digge this holy Father S. Augustine holds it worse to dance that day The rest of the soule is required Sabbathum satanâ— from the workes of sinne which are euery way our owne workes Heb. 4. 10. and euery way seruile Esa 56. 2. Euill actions on this day are double iniquities such a Sabbath kept is a Sabbath for the Deuill The rest of cattell is required Sabbathum Boûm Asinorum that mercy may be shewed to the Beast and all occasions of mans labour may bee cut off for that day 2 The second duty is the keeping of the rest to sanctifie the day in workes of holinesse otherwise as bodily exercise profiteth little so bodily rest will profit as little What is rest enough is this a Sabbath or acceptable day to the Lord to goe fine and doe nothing Thine Oxe and Asse may keepe a Sabbath then as well as thou Diues himselfe could affoord that this precept should be morall Adde holinesse then to thy rest and rest that thou maiest be bound for the workes of sanctity but what are they They are the duties of piety and the workes of mercy The duties of piety are either publique or priuate the publique duties are these to heare and preach the Word with application to sing Psalmes to pray with the congregation catechising receiuing and administring of the Communion to be present at the administration of Baptisme and discipline this latter is a worke for the Sabboth though not for euery Sabboth The priuate duties haue either reference to the publique or are seuerally required those that haue reference to the publique are duties to be done before we come to the congregation or after Before wee come 1. wee ought to reade or heare the word read or to meditate on some part of it Blessed is the man in whose heart are thy wayes they goe from strength to strength euery one of them in Syon appeareth before God in thy walke to Gods house if thou wouldest be blessed Gods waies must be in thy heart 2. Wee must pray both for our selues and for the Minister for our selues our requests should be chiefly for these three things 1. for pardon of sinnes confessing and bewailing and laying aside malice guiles hypocrisies enuyings euill speakings and all superfluity of naughtinesse 1 Pet. 2. 1. 2. Iam. 1. 21. These sinnes will dis-sauour and dis-relish the milke of Gods word and keepe vs for feeling the sauing power and ability that is therein 2. For increase of grace 3. For Gods blessing on the meanes For our Minister our prayer should bee that hee may come to vs in the fulnesse of the blessing of the Gospell of Christ Ephes 6. 19. Rom. 15. 29. these duties before After the publique assemblies is required 1. examination of our selues and our charge for our selues that practise of Dauid must bee ours I thought on my waies and turned my feet vnto thy testimonies Psal 119. 59. For our charge we should whet the doctrine vpon their hearts and set an edge on the word deliuered by familiar conference Deut. 6. 7. True it is conference with others may be betweene teachers and hearers Mat. 15. 16. and betweene hearers whether equals as in Mal. 3. 16. or superiours and inferiours as the King and the Subiect 2 King 3. 11. and master and seruant 2. The searching of the Scripture vpon that wee haue heard not receiuing the doctrine of a Paul vpon trust Act. 17. 11. 1 Ioh. 4. 1. 1 Thes 5. 21 But prouing all thiâ—gs and holding â—ast that which is good especially good for vs 3. Pondring it in our hearts
men for as for mee I will behold thy face in righteousnesse while I liue here and when I awake at the resurrection of the iust I shall be satisfied with thy likenesse Psalm 17. 14. 15. 16. 4 Oppose to the thoughts of the good thou mightest doe these sâ—uory meditations that God hath set thee thy time and he knoweth how long it is fit for thee to worke that he can prouide men endowed with spirit and power to effect what good he will haue wrought that thou maiest wound thy soule by miscarriage of weighty employments as well as honour God by the well-managing of them beware that vaine-glory or some vncleane affection put not forward this desire and know thy holinesse is not hindred but perfected by going to heauen 5 And for thy misâ—e in thy familie I beware thou be not guilty of ascribing ought to thy prouidence wit poines or hand but to Gods blessing which can by thee and can without thee sustaine them in tâ—eâ—r necessitie 2 see that thou rest on the promises of God and referre them to him the faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. vlt. that heauenly father who knoweth wee haue neede of all these things of life Mat. 6. 32. That father of the fatherlesse and iudge of the widdowes cause 6 Oppose to the thoughts of the vilenesse of thy body the glory of the resurrection when this vile body of thine shall bee made like the glorious body of thy Sauiour Phil. 3. 21. whom thou shalt be hold not with other but with these same eyes though now thy reines should be consumed within thee by some loathsome disease When this corruptible shall put on incorruption this mortall shall put on immortality this naturall be raised spirituall this weake body raised in power and this body sowne in dishonour raised in honour 1 Cor. 15. 43. 53. Iob 19. 25. 26. 27. And to thy lying in the graue set 1 our Sauiours buriall who hath by his owne body laid in the graue perfumed thine and turned it from an hole of contempt into a garner to reserue the Lords purest graine 2 The nature of it what is it else saue a sweet rest in our bed Esa 57. 2. 3 The vnion and communion we haue with Christ is most neare and indissoluble Rom. 8. 38 He is now the God of Abraham Our very dust is yet in couenant with God and not dismembred from Christs body Mat. 22. 32. 7 For paines agâ—nies and the kinde of death 1 Remember that all these were sâ—nctified to the Christian in the ignomini us and paineâ—ull death of the Crosse there they all lost their sting and poyson 2 All is yours life death by famine persecution sword 1 Cor. 3. 22. 3 God is your God and guide vnto thâ— death Psal 48. 14. 4 Take heed â—hou offend not against the generation of Gods children if by prosperity or aduersity thou conclude any man happinesse or misery before God How goeth it with the vngodly they prosper in the world they haue no bands in their death their strength is firme they are not in trouble as other men neither are they plagued like other folke In the meane while what is the estate of a Dauid let himselfe teâ—l All the day long haue I beene plagued and chastened euery morning Psal 73. 4. 6. 14. Being then setled in this perswasion that the Lord is thy shepheard say yea though I walke through the valley of the shadow of death I will feare no euill for thou art with me thy rod and thy staffe they comfort me Psal 23. 1. 4. 8 For temptations terrors and angors know 1 That the Anointing abideth with vs for euer 1 Ioh. 2. 27. 2 Now is thy faith proued not to be temporary if thou canstrest on the word of promise when thou hast no sense and feeling but of terrours Heb. 11. 1. Iob 13. 15. 3 Thou hast heard of the patience of Iob Oh see what an end the Lord gaue to his trials for the Lord is very pittifull and of tender mercies Iam. 5. 11. 9 For the vizarâ— if death present it selfe as the depriuer of happinesse it is cleane contrary rather is life so to the godly who while hee is present in the body is absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 8. 9. And all in life is full of vanity and vexation of spirit while we liue we are lyable to Gods corrections to the preuailing of sinne to the bewitching enticements of the world to the buffetings of Sathan But looke vpon death in Christ and not in Moses and it is comfortable as the finall close of all miseries to soule and body and as the doore and gate of all heauenly refreshings 2 Cor. 5. 1. 2. Thus of the eare to bee â—râ—ugâ—t vpon vs that we may â—â—e happily the duties follow 2 Secondly when these diseases 2 By the care of duties are cured estampe on thy hâ—are the care of these duties which will keepe thy soule alwaies in an holy temper 1 Mediâ—ate seriously and frequently on death that thou maiest aâ—tâ—ine to that pitch of perfection to dye daily This produceth sixe rare effects 1 The flight â—f sinne Lam. 1. 9. 2 The contempt of the world 1 Cor. 7. 30 31. 3 Selfe-denyall 4 The right guidance of the present liâ—e 5 The true moderation of present ioyes 6 The right diuident dijudicaâ—ion of a present and future life This shouâ—d bee beganne in our youth Eccles 12. 1. Iob 14. 14. 2 Meditate oftâ—n iudgement and hell and the glory of the heauen of the blessed 3 Practise the three theologicall vertues as they are called in Schooles â—aith in the premises hope of good things to come charity in making you friends of the vnrighteous Mammon 4 Haue alwaies an eye to those three gracious directions giuen by our Sauiâ—ur Luk. 12. 35 36. 1 To haue your loynes girt â— corruption of nature and inward â—uâ—ls thence issuing so striuen against with strength of resolution that they may not hang about the feet of our soules in running the race of godlinesse 2 To haue your lampes in your hands burning that is our holy profession adorned with the shining light of good workes 3 To watch to prayer to the opportunities of wel-doing to the seasons of grace and against our corruptions 5 Remember Pauls Ethickes euery day to pracâ—iâ—e them â—â—â—t 2. 12. To deny vngodlinesse and worldly lusts To liue godly righteously soberly Practise them with three duties 1 Prayer in speciall for preparation for death and deliuerance from the former diseases 2 Almesdeeâ—s 3 Fastings as occasions shall be offered 6 Looke to the casting vp of thine accounts there chiefely order thy selfe for these two things Forgiuenesse of wrongs done to thee Satisfaction of wrongs done by thee When thou art in the very confines of death death standing before the doore then see these three duties of speciall moment 1 Thy reconciliation to God and here present the grounds of thy hope to thy able Pastor requiring his
auoiding cares and abhorring the sinnes of deceit and fraud 5 Walk with God Gen. 5. 22. remembring his all-eying presence approuing thy heart to him that seeth in secret obseruing his way in his workes his blessing on thy workes and prouidence for thy preseruation that thou maiest walke with an enlarged heart in thankefulnesse ready prest to obedience and â—kept in his feare all the day Pro. 23. 17. 6 When occasion of speech is let thy words be gracious alwaies Col. 4. 6. witnessing the grace of thy heart ministring good to the hearer Bridle thy tongue that thou be not guilty of the vsuall vices thereof lying swearing filthy speâ—ch foolish talke iesting raising whispering standering with all light vnsauory speeches call to thy minde those two Texts By thy words thou shalt be iustified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned and againe of euery Idle word that a man shall speake hee shall giue account at the day of iudgement 7 For thy company keepe company with the godly choose them and in other company when thy calling leadeth theeâ— haue with thee the salt of Mortification and Discretion and be ready to doe or receiue some good abide in such company no longer then thy calling requireth 8 For thy meales looke vp to heauen and giue thankes Mat. 14. 19. be not oppressed with drunkennesse and surâ—etting Luk. 21. 34. Forget not the worke of the Lord the end why he giueth vs food that we might liue to him Esa 5. 12. Gather vp that which is left that nothing be lost Ioh 6. 12. remember the poore that dwelleth by thee 9 And because recreations may be vsed sometimes and are an honour wee owe to our bodies See 1 That thy sports bee not onely lawfull but of good report 2 That they be not Costly nor cruell nor ingrossers of time nor incroachers vpon heauenly comfort nor diminishers of our delight in God or in our callings nor deuourers of spiâ—ituall ioy 10 And because many haue much time that may be spared all some time Redeeme the time to holy duties Ephes 5. 16 11 In thy solitarinesse spend 〈…〉 me well watching thy thoughts 12 In prosperity let thy heart grow more cheerefull in all duty and forget not that God that giueth it 13 In aduersitie Consider prepare for it ponder thy waies search thy heart turne to the Lord from the sinnes whereby thou dost offend receiue it mâ—ekely and patiently accepting in good worth the chastisement of thy sinne 14 Examine thy selfe at night and be still view thy actions Gods blessings in the day let them administer to thee matter of deprecation supplication and thankesgiuing which doe thou offer vp to God as thy euening sacrifice then thy feeling will make the feruent 15 Be not giuen to sleepe thinke of God in the night watches desire of him that thy reines may instruct in the night season and muse not mischeife vpon thy bed as the wicked doe that feare not God Psal 16 7. 36. 4. Then â—et thy heart say I will blesse the Lord who hath giuen me Counsell Psal 16. 7. So farre the rules that forme vs as Christians THE THIRD PART §. 1. The Order and vse hereof ALl the rules The order foregoing respect vs as Christians and forme vs so far forth but wee both as borne and as borne-againe are placed in conditions and states of respect one to another and none of vs absolute and of our selues All men that liue on the earth are made of one bloud propagated from one roote and from thence haue flowen into families common-weales and Churches and liuing in them are members of them and partake necessarily of their wealth or woe now wert thou fashioned in some measure to the former doctrine yet there râ—maines a further polishing that thou maiest be on all hands prepared to euery good worke rules that may direct in these bonds of relation are euery way necessary We therefore shall proceed to these of this nature they guide a Christian Magistrate a Christian subiect a Christian Husband a Christian Wife a Christian Parent Christian Children a Christian Master a Christian Seruant a Christian People to their Pastor the Pastor of Christ to the flocke to right Christian demeanor each to other Moreouer vpon a further inâ—ent view we shall finde some conditions men are placed in not so expressely contained within those forenamed bounds and of euery of them question will be mooued what shall ye doe in this estate These conditions are partly of more priuate state tâ—â—n the former yet relatiue as neighbourhood friendship enmitie partly of more priuacy or loâ—enes as of the aged the youth the maid the widdow euen to these hath the Lord Condescended The vse in his word giuen some speciall though briefe direction I desire for my part to withhold nothing from you willingly lest you should be left men halfe qualified * Men of halfe perfected vertue Semiperfecta virtutis hoyes as Philo calls them and you should be found in any respect Ephraim-like as a Cake not turned Hos 7. 8. Giue leaue a little and silence whateuer gainâ—aying thoughts might arise against this obedience know that Gods law is an absolute rule not onely for matters of piety but also for an holy policy the eternall law giuer interposeth as mens frowaâ—d hearts will tearme it but in very deed proposeth and of right imposeth vpon vs these following duties neuer was Oâ—conomickes Ethickes and Politickes perfected till the God of order gaue Theology Let this gâ—ue law to them and then Solon Lycurgus and Numa may lay their hands vpon their mouthes I wonder not at wise king Dauid who made Gods statutes the men of his counsell Psal 119. 24. hereby he became wiser then his enemies But I cannot but admire the folly of those that preferre the meane shallow reaches of their owne braines and let Gods law stand before the doore who fetch the master-pieces of their policies from Machiauell and not from the word and mouth of him who is wonderfull in counsell yet these dreame of a wel-ending loose to those proceedings that thwart the law of the most high Such wily foxes how oft haue wee seene caught in their own craftinesse And what folly is it in masters of families in husbands and ministers to rest in directions of their owne when they might haue rules so cleare from Gods word to presse and perswade you let me informe you in two things first that it is not left as arbitrary but it is commanded that we obey in these not feare nor custome but conscience must strike the stroke as the Apostle Paul tells vs in one of these for tâ—e rest Rom. 13. 5. secondly that dueties to man perfoâ—med in obedience to Gods law are acceptable and well-pleasing seruices Sacrifices to God Heb. 13. 16. Col. 3 24. on the contrary duties to man neglected or iniury done to man is not only a trespasse against man but a sinne against God himselfe
THE LIGHT OF FAITH AND WAY OF HOLINESSE Shewing What to belieue and for what to striue together earnestly contend and suffer for in this contending age And how to liue in all estates conditions and degrees of relation according to this faith In both deliuering as neere as might be in the life of Scripture phrase only things necessary as we meane to be saued and auoiding vtterly things arbitrary that distract rather then direct a Christian Collected out of holy Scripture by an vnworthy labourer iâ— Gods vineyard RICHARD BIFIELD Pastor in Long-Diâ—ton in Surrey Esa 35. 8. And an high way shall be there and a way and it shall be called the way of Holinesse the vncleane shall not passe ouer it but it shâ—ll be for those the way faâ—â—ng men though soâ—les shall nâ—◠〈◊〉 therein London Printed by T. H. for Ph. Stephens and Ch. Meredith 1630. TO THE RIGHT Worshipfull and religious Knight my most bountifull Patrone St. Thomas Euelin and to the vertuous Lady the Lady Anne his Wife R. B. wisheth Grace here and Glory hereafter Right Worshipfull AFter prayer to GOD that these first fruits of my labours in this kinde offered to the glory of his Name for the good of his Church may be acceptable to him being sanctified by the Holy Ghost I present this ensuing Treatise to your worthy selues as to a most excellent Theophilus and an elect Lady It had indeed its birth in another place but its polishing if yet it may bee tearmed polished vnder your supportation I would therefore it should in the entrance acknowledge for it selfe and for mee those large fauours both I and it doe enioy But while it speakes let none impute the folly of flattery or acceptation of mans person for should I so doe my Maker would soone take me away Three things shall make your name your memory sweet and sauory in the Church of Christ and among the Saints First your free bestowing of that ecclesiasticall preserment the Lord intrusted you with without so much as suite or seeking on my part or any on my behalfe who yet was a stranger to your Noble selfe family and kindred respecting nothing but the discharge of your conscience the good of the people and the glory of the Lord Christ which was abundantly shewed when your Worship was pleased to require at my hands these three things alone residence like paines as I had bestowed where bands of duty were lesse and plaine teaching with the pressing of the law throughly to prepare for the Cordials of surpassing grace discouered in the Gospell What Christian that knoweth this will not say Remember him O my God for good concerning this and wipe not out this good deed which he hath done for the house of his God Secondly your vnwearied attendance on the ordinances of Christ with reuerence on the Lords day and on the weeke dayes entring the assemblies with the first abiding there with the last so that your deeds speake effectually in Iacobs phrase surely Gen. 28. 16. 17. the Lord is in this place How dreadful is this place This is none other but the house of God and this is the gate of heauen The Lord the God of Iacob the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ shew you in that place for euer Iacobs Ladder and the Angels of God ascending and descending on it and himselfe standing aboue it and giuing Oracles from the top of it Thirdly your life led in this wanton proud age in such a way as is free from all the vices of our times Others of our Gentry spend their dayes in Hawking Hunting Bowling in Carding Dicing Bowzing while you seeme alone among many to haue learnt that which God hath made the calling of a Gentleman Goe on still Noble Sir to make a further escape from the corruptions that are in the world through lusts it shall be your immortall praise to distinguish in deedes betweene Gentility and effeminatenesse Generosity and prophanenesse frugality and couetousnesse lâ—berality and prodigality grauity and vanâ—ty power and shew of godlâ—nesse Speake I this to exalt you in your thoughts aboue measure or speake I it not to mooue the hearts of our Gentry to consider it In as much as God hath set me thus in my place I magnifie my calling if by any meanes I might prouoke all Patrones to emulation and might saue them from their iniurious practises and ill offices done thereby to the house of God By whose Gehizing hands Symonizing Wolues prey vpon themselues and make a prey for Sathan thousands of soules But what seeke I herein to my selfe surely this that as oft as I looke on these lines I might fetch a renewed strength for the improuement of my Talent to the good of your godly family of this people ouer which the Lord hath placed me though vnworthy an ouerseer and of the whole Church according to my line and measure And that if I should bee negligent I might haue many say to mee that which Paul charged the Church of Colosse Col. 4. 17 to say to Archippus Take heede to the Ministery which thou hast receiued in the Lord that thou fulfill it For the Treatise it selfe you shall haue matter but words are not to bee expected from him who professeth not himselfe a master of speech The matter is intended for the through furnishing of a Christian in onely necessary things to all turnes at all times large I confesse is the promise what is performed reade and see I shall the meane while pray for both your Worships increase in grace and all gifts of the spirit with length of dayes to see your sweet Children the Lords reward your chiefe riches flourishing and spreading into families with grace and fauour from GOD and man that the few dayes of my pilgrimage ma also bee made thereby the more comfortable and happy who am Your Worships in the seruice of your faith humbly deuoted Richard By field The Contents of this Treatise in an Analiticall Table The Preface to the whole The Parts which are three THE DOCTRINE OF FAITH Or what it is in the profession whereof we are to liue and die this respects The Articles of Gods Couenant conteining the substance of Christian truth which concernes The Scripture § 1. God the Father § 2. God the Sonne § 3. God the Holy Ghost § 4. The Church § 5. The seales of the Couenant Baptisme and the Lords Supper § 6. The answere of a good Conscience § 7. THE PATHES OF HOLY LIFE THAT GVIDE MEN AS THEY ARE CHRISTIANS The order § 1. The Precepts which are Precepts which lie in common for all times Precepts for the passing of euery day The Precepts which ly in common for all times are Generall and concerne The qualifying of the person that would lead a Godly life § 2. The Gates of righteousnesse that open vpon these pathes § 3. The enliuing qualities of all holy duties § 4. Perticuler and they order vs. To God and so To know
offer vp soule and body to God a whole burnt offering and yeeld thy selfe vnto him as one aliue from the dead and thy members weapons of righteousnesse to holinesse consecrating thy selfe as a couenant seruant to righteousnesse euen as euer thou didst or any man doth yeeld himselfe and his members as â—eruants to vncleannesse and to inquity vnto iniquity so shalt thou haue thy fruit vnto holinesse Rom. 12. 1. and 6. 13. 19. 22. In speciall Looke you doe all 1 With vprightnesse Psal 18. 22. Euen with a perfect heart 1 Chro. 28. 9. which is expressed 1 In the sincerity and truth of the heart this is that vnleauened bread wherewith we must all our daies keepe our Christian Passeouer 1 Cor. 5. 8. The contrary to this is hypocrisie and guile of spirit when men aduance a profession of religion for 〈…〉 nall ends that they might seeme onely but God hates a powerlesse shew let thy holinesse bee holinesse of truth Ephes 4. 24. 2 In giuing the whole of the heart without diuision entirely cleauing to all the workes of righteousnesse without halting without expostulating 3 In doing all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10. 31. 4 In vniuersall obedience To all Gods commandements not putting any of his statutes from vs nor hiding our eyes from them Say not in the words of Lot is it not a little one nor in the words of Naaman the Syrian onely in this the Lord be mercifull vnto mee but without ifs and ands reseruations and exceptions giue thy selfe with Dauid to doe all the wils of God and resolue Act. 3. 22. vpon the forsaking of all sinne At all times in aduersity as well as prosperity In all places obeying absent from their Ministers as well as present In euery company as well as in any company Phil. 2. 12. 2 With ioy and cheerefulnesse accounting ourselues happy when the Lord openeth a dore and giueth any strength for holy duties louing to be his seruants Esa 56. 6. Lex voluntarios quaerit Ambros in Psal 1. Gods people are all voluntaries they cast off those foule vices of procrastination and security 3 With feruency not slothfull in businesse but glowing in spirit seruing the Lord Rom. 12. 11. doing all we put our hands vnto with all our might Eccles 9. 10. with all diligence 2 Cor. 8. 7. We must be all zealots for cursed is hee that doth the Lords worke negligently Ier. 48. 10. 4 With feare 1 Pet. 1. 17. Blessed is the man that feareth alway Pro. 28. 14. There is a feare to be expressed in all parts of holy life and it is that reuerence tendernesse modesty and carefulnesse should be in all our waies fearing Gods presence who should be euer set before vs beâ—ring reuerence to the Angels to Gods Ministâ—rs fearing our deceitfull hearts and the offâ—nce of the godly the infection of the wicked and the ruine of those whom we might helpe fearing lest the day of Christ should come vpon vs before we are prepared and thus working out our saluation with feare and trembling all wretchlesnesse rudenesse rashnesse precipitation conceitednesse and pride laid aside with all hardning of the heart in euil no no feare and depart from euill 5 With faith for what so is not of faith is sinne Rom. 14. This takes Gods will for the warrant of our actions raiseth vp the heart to beleeue Gods assistance trusts God for the succeâ—â—e rests on the promise for acceptation makes vs neglect the scornes and oppositions of the world keepes vs from being iust ouermuch conceiting too highly of our selues for what wee doe or wicked ouer much in thinking too vilely of Gods worke in vs Eccles 7. This cuts off all carnall feares as the feare of men and the superstitious feare of Gods displeasure for breaking mens traditions or the commandements of our owne hearts 6 With simplicity and godly purenesse 2 Cor. 1. 12. 11. 3. expressed in these things 1 A faithfull retaining of the pure word of God without mixtures looking onely thereto for the formes of holinesse and happinesse no way lending eare to false teachers that would impose more vpon vs then God requires as doe the Papists 2 An ignorance of the depths of Sathan simple concerning euill Rom. 16. 19. not skilled in wily distinctions excuses to maintaine sinne 3 Godly integrity opposed to fleshly wisedome and fraud which is when in plainenesse of heart wee desire to doe what God requires though it bee neuer so much derided in the world Ambros in locum without man-pleasing or respect to our owne lucre 4 The loue of holinesse for it selfe and the hatred of sinne as it is sinne 5 The desire to be what euer wee are in the sight of God making Caluin in locum his allowance our glory 7 Precisenesse circumspectnesse accuratenesse Eph. 5. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Making conscience of lesser sinnes as well as greater auoiding the appearance of euill and the occasions as well as the euill it self obseruing the circumstances of time â—â—ace and persons in doing duty 8 Meekenesse of wisedome Iam. 3. 13. which consisteth in these particulars 1 A calmenesse of heart from turbulent and violent passions out of which springs gentlenesse of carriage so thâ—t a man is not easily prouoked 2 A sense of our owne vilenesse which maketh vs not wise in our selues and to doe good in the deepe apprehension of our vnworthinesse to doe any seruice to God â—r man and to auoid bit 〈…〉 s 〈…〉 ifes and enuyings Iam. 3. 3 Easinessâ— to be intreated Iam. 3. 17. 4 Corrigiblenesse teachablenesse 9 A Conuersation in heauen which is so to be in the world as to let our hearts runne still vpon God and his kingdome and righteousnesse hauing God in all our thoughts and waies and directing all our actions some way to further our holinesse here and hope of happinesse to come Phil. 3. 20. Earthly men may haue earthly minds but heauenly mindednesse beseemes Christian men whose God Sauiour and happinesse is aboue 10 Patient continuance and perseuerance in wel-doing Abounding in good workes filled with the fruit of all righteousnesse Perfecting holinesse and hauing our works full before God Increasing so that our last workes may be better then our first Doing all without wearinesse Gal. 69. Without dismayednesse and faintings Heb. 12. 12. 13. Notwithstanding all impediments That so we may escape fearefull Apostacie both inward that our hearts cast not off the care of godlinesse the feare to offend nor restraine prayer Outward that we relapse not to the violent coâ—rses of the world nor liue in grosse sinne Both totall in falling from all godlinesse partiall in falling from some ordinances of God or to some transgressions Such are the generall precepts of an holy life §. V. Of our duty towards God and first of the knowledge of God NOw when thou art rightly qualified by faith and repentance and hast set foote within the gates of righteousnesse and art fully resolued
will be but a wearinesse to God such as hee cannot away with Esa 1. 13. God will not regard his seruice who will regard iniquity in his heart But if thus thou prepare thy heart thou shalt lift vp thy face before God Iob 11. 13. 14. 15. 2 We follow Dauids example before we take vp the duty say vnto thee O Lord doe I lift vp my soule For the corruption of nature which we alwaies beare about vs is as a weight pressing vs downe and doth easily beset vs with vnâ—hearefulnesse distractions security fashionablenesse and the like vnderminers of holy affections Psal 25. 1. Heb. 12. 1. And when before all seruice Especially in Gods house in the publique assemblies in Gods house 1 Wee looke to our timely comming to bee present with the first flying thither with hunger and thirst after the meanes and resolue on the continuance there till the blessing be put vpon vs by the Minister Gods people are a willing people in the day of assembling of his armies in holy beauty Psal 110. 3. Esa 60. 8. Num. 6. 23. 24. 25. Ezek. 46. 10. 2 We encourage and call on others to goe with speed to seeke the Lord prouoking them by our owne readinesse Zach. 8. 22. Esa 2. 2. Prophecies that fore told of the Christians praise herein In these two duties the shew is good though not to doe it for shew in both thou shouldest secretly grieue for the neglect and contempt of others Psal 119. 136. 3 We looke to our feet when we enter into the house of God that our soules be not lifted off from that reuerence we should beare to the Lords most holy presence either by distractions or by any pompous and stately shewes of pride in apparell or gate which doth take off the affections from the feare wherewith wee ought alwaies to serue the Lord yea and others affections too no looke to both thy feet Eccles 5. 1. And let the Lord see and all others too that thou art ready and commest for that purpose to offer an obedient heart and eare to God and not the fooles sacrifice euen a seruice which they thinke must please God though they obey him not yea must buy at Gods hands a liberty to disobey a pardon to liue as they lust 2 For the execution or right discharge of all duties of Rules of right execution seruice to God we must remember 1 To doe all to God onely Of all seruice Angell-worshippers hold not the heâ—d Mat. 4. 10. Col. 2. 18. 2 To doe all in the name of Christ seeing our daily fraâ—â—ties and the euill of our best workes and therfore relying on the merits and intercession of Christ to couer them and present them to God perfumed with the incense of his obedience Col. 3. 17. 3 To seeke the face of God and his strength resting in his approbation and taking heed wee doe not our seruice for the praise of men or for fashion-sake Psal 105. 4. Mat. 6. 1. 2. 4 To worship him with his owne worship according to the patterne receiued from God not according to the custome of the time or traditions of men Heb. 8. 5. 2 Chro. 17. 4. Mat. 15. 5 Not to worship him in an Image Commandement 2. This euill was noted to remaine in the time of Manassehs reformation the people did sacrifice still in the high places though to the Lord their God onely 2 Chro. 33. 17. Especially in his house And in discharge of all seruice to God in his house adde these rules to the former that thou mayest know how to behaue thy selfe in the house of God 1 Let all be done with one consent bee of one heart one mind one iudgement Zeph. 3. 11. saying The Lord will teach vs of his wayes and we will walke in his pathes with one mind and one mouth gloryfying God Rom. 15. 6. Esa 2. 2. 2 Let a speciall zeale and ferueÌ„cy of spirit fire thee as it were eate thee vp expressed not so much in shew of outward gesture as in loue to that place and the ordinaÌ„ces of God in the publike And an hearty ready performance of all duties there with more then ordinarie attention and intention of heart and mind bee there as a greene Oliue tree flourishing in the affections of godlines glorying in this mercy of God more then any worldly Doeg doeth in his wealth and flourishing in Kings fauors and courts Psal 69. 9. Psal 26. â— and 52. 8. 9. And further watching against all decayings of these ioyes in Gods Ordinances that we may be fat in our old age and well liking to shew that the Lord is vpright and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 13. 14. 15. These are the Rules of preparation and execution of Gods outward worship in the whole The seuerall partes are such as follow §. VIII The first the hearing of the word read and preached THe Precepts that guide vs Of hearing the word herein respect vs before in after hearing Before hearing 1 Wee must lay aside these sinnes malice guile or deceit in our dealings with men hypocrisies or guile of spirit in our dueties to God enuy and euil-speakings as backebiting iudging grudging complaining slandering with all bitternesse of speech yea all maliciousnesse and all guile as the Apostle Peter exhorteth 1. Pet. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 1. and the Apostle Iames more generally All filthinesse and superfluity of naughtinesse Iam. 1. 21. These corruptions of heart and life must bee mortified if euer we would thriue by the word and all of them for a little leauen will sowre the whole lumpe a small roote of them will much infect 2 Wee must seeke meekenesse and lowlinesse meekenesse to calme our hearts from waiwardnesse passions and perturbations and humility that wee be not wise in our owne eyes and conceited of our gifts or abilities but set our selues down like schollers at the feet of God to receiue of his words Iam. 1. 21. Deut. 33. 3. 1 Cor. 3. 18. 3 Wee must be like children in our affections to the word to loue it and long for it delight in it and haue our hearts set on iâ— as affectionately as children doe naturally thirst after the Brest 1 Pet. 2. 2. esteeming it as our appointed food as the honey or the honey combe Psal 19. 10. Iob 23. 12. renuing daily these our affections so shall we grow by it as by sincere milke 4 Prayer is required for our selues looking to the Lord that teacheth to profit Psa 25. 1 Cor. 3. 6. 7. Esâ— 48. 17. and for the Minister Col 4. 3. 5 Knowledge of the Catechisme that we vnderstand the doctrine of the beginnings of Christ without which we shall be euer but dull of hearing Heb. 5. 11. 12. with 6. 1. 6 Resolution to obey in all things that are spoken to vs of God Act. 10. 33. To heare all his words not putting any of his statutes from vs though contrary to our
Cor. 11. 29. 2 By feeling remembrance of thy particular sins which by examination were found most burdensome and preuailing to â—ate this true Paschall Lambe with the sowre hearbs of godly sorrow Exod. 12. 8. 3 By the effectuall remembrance of the death of the Lord Iesus which ought to be shewed foorth by this action till his comming again with thanksgiuing recording his grieuous sufferings for vs the breaking of the bread and powring out of the wine doeth represent this Luc. 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 26. 4 By loue to Gods people and hearty communion with them as being one bread and one body for they all are partakers of one bread and haue all drunke into one spirit 1 Cor. 10. 16. 17. 12. 12. 13. And after Communicating we must manifest the vertue is in Christs body and bloud to nourish and cheare vs to life eternall 1 By keeping the feast in the vnleauened bread of sincerity truth auoyding all our daies all malice wickednesse and hypocrisie and society of scandalous brethren as leauen that swells and sowres all our actions and vertues before God and men 1 Cor. 5. 8. 2 By fleeing Idolatry the society of Idolaters and Idolatrous seruice 1 Cor. 10. 14 16 17. § X. The third Baptisme where rules for the vse thereof BAptisme is the washing of regeneration Of Baptisme Tit. 3. 5. the SacrameÌ„t of our new-birth which is not to be reiterated or oft receiued as that other but once only as it sufficeth to life to be often fed but once borne Yet the vertue and vse of Baptisme is of force to our liues and speaking therefore to men already initiated by Baptisme the rules of direction respect ours and our owne Baptisme Ours For our children are not vncleane 1. Cor. 7. 14. To whom also the promise is made to a thousand generations heere our duety is to present them to the Font In due time testifying thereby our high esteeme of Gods mercy to our seed and our earnest desire to haue his couenant scaled to them lest the Lord should strike vs as he did Moses for a like neglect Exod. 4. 24. 25. 26. With fayth in Gods couenant which is that hee will be our God and the God of our seed with thankefulnesse accounting the benefit of this admission greater then if a king had adopted our childe heyre apparant Our owne Baptisme which we are to make vse of all our life long both as Gods seâ—le as our vow 1. As iâ— is gâ—â—â—n of God by the ou◠〈◊〉 washing of the Minister in the name of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost to signifie as by signe to assure as by seale to conuey as by instrument Christ Iesus and all benefits spirituall with him such as are 1 Receiuing into Couenant with the Father Sonne and holy Ghost and adoption as son and daughter into his houshold and family Gal. 3. 27. 2 Ingrafting into Christ and communion with him as a member of his body Rom. 6. 5. 3 Deliuerance from the seas of Gods wrath 1 Pet 3. 17. 18. Mat. 3. 7. 4 The imputation of Christs righteousnesse and remission of sinnes Ephes 5. 26. 1. Ioh. 1. 7. Gal. 3. 27. 5 Regeneration Tit. 3. 5. which hath two parts mortification Rom. 6. 3. 4. viâ—ification Rom. 6. 4. 5. of both Col. 2. 13. 6 Communion with all Saints 1 Cor. 12. 15. 7 The resurrection of our bodies 1 Cor. 15. 29. Rom. 6. 8. Now thus we must make vse of it in diuers cases as in case 1 Of doubting of forgiuenes of sinnes and of saluation behold baptisme saueth that is effectually assures saluation it saueth as a figure now wee offend not in trusting to Gods promises made in his word and figured and sealed in baptisme 1 Pet. 3. 18. Reason then hath not God prouided the Arke of baptisme to preserue mee from the seas of his wrath Againe hath hee not cleansed away my sinnes by his sonnes bloud and presented this vnto mee in baptisme The very for me of baptisme sheweth that therein the Lord giueth the Christian right and title to himselfe heere also remember that the Father Son and holy Ghost are one in couenant making and in working thy saluation 2 Of doubting of perseuerance and of our resurrection For if Christ be raysed in vs he can die no more in himselfe or in vs Rom. 6. 9. 10. Gal. 3. 27. 28. Mark 16. 16. 1. Cor. 15. 29. Yea all the holinesse and happinesse of a Christian is sealed by three 1 Ioh. 5 7. 3 Of oppositions for in baptisme thou hast put on Christ who is a couert from the storm Esa 4. 5. 4 Of temptation to sin for debate it thus I haue the name of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost named on me shall not I walke worthy and answerable to this dignitie My baptisme is the baptisme of repentance and do I yet liue in sinne Act. 13. 14. Matt. 3. 11. I was baptized into Christes death and resurrection and therein assured of the vertue of both to kill sin in me and quicken me to holinesse shall I not beleeue the operation of God in that Sacrament Col. 2. 12. If I be dead to sinne can I liue any longer therein if aliue to God how is it I want life in the work of God Are my corruptions preuayling and shall I not seeke the strength and life of Christ Rom. 6. 1. 3. In thy security thou couldst say with the Church in the Canticles ch 5. v. 3. I haue put off my coat how shall I put it on I haue washed my feete how shall I defile them Now much more take vp this saying I haue put on the Lord Christ how should I put him off I am washed in his most precious bloud and shall I now defile my selfe I haue put on the robe of his righteousnesse it is now no time to vncouer my nakednesse and to take to the rotten ragges of the old man Rom. 13. 14. I will neuer more make prouision to fulfill the lustes of the flesh 5 Of temptation to presumption and security in restâ—â—g vpon the outward washing say with thy selfe am I not taught that baptismâ— which saueth is not the washing away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience 1 Pet. 3. 21. It is the baptiâ—me of repentance the washing of the new-birth which new-birth is by water and the sanctifying of the holy Ghost through the word Ioh. 3. 3. Ephes 5. 26. And if we bring not forth fruits worthy amendment God will rather take of these stones and rayse vp children vnto Abraham then owne a viperous generation Matt. 3. 8. The baptisme of the Minister is little auayleable where Christs baptisme is not receyued who baptizeth with the holy Ghost and with fire Trueth hee that beleeueth and is baptized shall be saued but hee that beleeueth not though hee be baptized as was Simon Magus also shall bee damned Marc. 16. 16. 2 Againe we are to make vse of our
is the fast which the Lord hath chosen when thus we cry hee will say here I am his worke also shall be as forward as his word for then shall our light breake forth as the morning and our health shall spâ—ing forth speedily our righteousnesse shall goe before vs and the glory of the Lord shall bee our rereward to gather vs vp §. XIIII The seuenth singing of Psalmes FOr the right manner of singing Of singing of Psalmes of Psalmes the approued mirth of a true Christian Iam. 5. 13. The Apostle giueth rules in two places to the same effect Ephes 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. 1 Wee must make vse to our instruction and mutuall edification of the matter conâ—eiued in the Psalmes hymnes and spirituall songs we sing remembring these songs are Gods statutes Psal 119. 54. 2 Wee must sing with the heart 1. both with the vnderstanding and with the affections lifted vp as well as with the voice Psal 25. 1. 3 With grace in the heart 1. imploying the graces of Gods spirit as our faith hope delight in Gods loue c. 4 Our melody must be directed to the Lord and his glory not vsed as a ciuill employment but as Gods seruice nor as a meane to cleare the pipes and preserue bodily health but as a meanes to cleare the soule of obstructiue humours and promote our eternall saluation §. XV. The eight Reading of Scripture or meditation THis is a duty of no small benefit Of reading or meditation to the godly life of a Christian for by it wordly cares are moderated and sanctified worldly pleasures dulled and extinguished the minde furnished with pure imaginations the iudgement inlightned and enlarged the memory relieued the heart perswaded the affections moued the whole man secretly yet sweetly drawn aboue the world aboue himselfe this is part of the benefit comes hereby and the comfort is no lesse when thou shalt know that this is one of the three duties that make vs happy Reu. 1. 3. Blessed is hee that heareth and readeth and keepeth the words of this prophesie and those things that are written therein This duty I expresse by two words reading and meditation 1. because this duty pressed in the old Testament is set downe in two words which signifie to speake with the mouth and with the heart to reade and to meditate too 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ge. 24 63. Psal 1. 2. Therefore it is vsually translated to meditate Iosh 1. 8. Psal 1. 2 2 Because the reading which is the duty is not a running ouer a Chapter vttering the words like a childe at schoole without regard of the matter but this musing thinking on pondering debating of the matters therein with our selues 3 Because many through want of education cannot reade yet the duty to meditate fasteneth vpon all That this is a duty which all are bound vnto that saying of our Sauiour Search the Scripture Ioh 5. 39 doth abundantly testifie and that command layd vpon Kings of daily reading notwithstanding their great employment of state Deut. 17. 18. 19. Besides the holy Scripture is called in the Neh. 8. 9. word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reading because it ought to be read About your reading these things must necessarily bee obserued 1 That it be daily the time such as wee can best alotte from our worldly affaires but in euery day some time must be redeemed to this worke Deut. 17. 19. He shall reade therein all the dayes of his life Iosh 1. 8. Thou shalt meditate therein night and day Psal 1. 2. 2 That we meditate vpon it or ponder what we reade storing our hearts with good thoughts liuely consolations and holy precepts by that which we reade this will helpe to direct vs all the day after and season the heart in some good measure that it be not drowned in the vaâ—ities of the world and the sinnes of the time Psal 1. 2. This is to search and diggâ— for wisedome and hath the promise Pro. 2. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 3 That we wisely apply what we reade to our selues seeing all Scripture is written for our instruction and comfort and tends to make the maâ— of God perfect and furnished to euery good worke Rom 15. 4 We ought to perswade our selues that all precepts of duty and good life are left recorded to direct vs not others onely that all the promises are to be beleeued by vs and wee finde the grace or state of life to which they are made in vs. All the threats denounced against vs as we are found in the transgressions all reproofes checke vs for faults escaped all exhortations and admonitions quicken our coldnesse deadnesse drowsinesse and lukewarmenesse 4 That wee bring a speciall and renewed delight to this worke else we shall never hold out but by fits and snatches at the best take it vp Psal 1. 2. Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord to meditate therein day and night 5 That we hide in our hearts the Commandements promises threats for direction and vse in our liues indowed with Dauids spirit who said I haue hid thy commandements in mine heart that I might not sinne against thee Psal 119. 11. that wee obseruâ— to doe as the command runnes in Iosh 1. 8. §. XVI The ninth vowes and swearing A Vow is a religious promise Of a vowe of things lawfull conducing to the exciting of our hearts to Gods worship and holy duties and that for such things as God hath promised made with prayer and payed with thankesgiuing such was Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 20. This is a duty wee owe by verrue of that command Psa 76. 11. Vow and pay vnto the Lord your God Vowes are of two sorts necessary or arbitrary Necessary which euery Christian must promise to the Lord vpon all blessings he asketh and in all suits he maketh either expresly or at least in the deuotion of his heart they are 1. The sacrifice of himselfe foule and body to God Rom. 12. 1. 2. The renewing of his couenant for reformation of sinnes which prouoked God Ier. 50. 5 3. Contribution to the maintenance of Gods worship 4. Charity to our neighbours Neh. 10. 29. 30. 32. An heart prepared to these foure should euer be with vs but the arbitrary is the vow wee speake of and here these rules must be obserued 1 Thy vow must be of things lawfull 2 It must be of things in thine owne power for if thou vow chastity when thou knowest not whether thou hast the gift of continency and whether thou haue power ouer thine owne will thou offâ—ndest 1 Cor. 7. Be not rash with thy mouth and be not hasty to vtter any thing before God Eccles 5. 2. 3 It must be some way conducing to the lawfull worship of God and such as mâ—y helpe thy repentance sobriety chastity abstinence meditations patience with the like Thus it must haue a right end the glory of God and the furthering of thy heart to
he doth it oft times but say thou liue to the gray haire yet know that is the euill day ageit selfe is a disease disabling to duties of religion youth is euery way fittest let Solomon tell thee Remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth before the euill day come of which thou shalt say I haue no pleasure in it Eccles 12. 1. For the Impatient desire of The cure of the impatient desire of death death it is cooled and tempered 1 â—â— by strength of iudgment we know and knowing resolue that affliction is to be chosen rather then transgression Iob 36. 20. 21. the contrary hereunto made Iob impatiently to wish the day of his death Iob. 3. 2 If we consider that God teacheth by his works and herein none like him Iob. 36. 22. 3 If we weigh well what Iobs speeches cost him humiliation to dust and ashes though they came out of great extremities which wrested them from his heart otherwise full of patience but now distracted almost through bitternesse Iob. 42. 6. For the feare of death it is a The cure of the fear of death disease hereditary deriued to all Adams children yet is must and may be cured it may be cured Heb. 2. 14. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 5. it must Luke 14. 26. Rev. 22. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 3. 4. the desire of heauen is a part of the seed which is cast into the furrowes of our hearts in our regeneration I know there is a feare of death which is meerely naturall a shrinking from it and shunning of it as of a thing hurtfull because it dissolues the vnion of soule and body for a time but we speake of that distempered feare which leadeth into bondage abeslauing feare which suffers not a man to thinke of death or happinesse after it and leaueth the heart impotent and void of all spirituall courage comfort and counsell Againe there are men of two sorts some that liue and dye in their sinnes haue cause to feare death in these a cure can neuer be wrought not that the medicines are vnauaileable but because they cannot bee brought to take the receipts Some that dye to their sinnes before they dye in these that beslauing feare may be cured and hath in such vsually heretofore beone cured Death is the King of terrors consider it in its reall nature and hue Its vizar assumed It s natiue huâ— is terrible 1 In the cause Sinne Gods wrath Sathan the executioner who hath the power of death Heb. 2. 14. 2 In the nature thereof in it selfe opposite to life a punishment of God a destroyer of natures fabricke a dissoluer of this earthly tabernacle 3 In the effects which are A depriuation of Friends pleasures honours riches of this world The good wee might doe in Church Common-wealth Family A deprauation of the state of the body leauing it a cadauer a car case in the graue 4 In the affrighting concomitants terriculamenta mortis which are miseries Corporall Painies Agonies sometimes which doe befall Gods children The kind of death Spirituall Terrors from Satan and from God himselfe Temptations Vnquietnesse and angor of conscience In its vizar it is fearefull as it cometh into our minds As the depriuer of happinesse as if it seperated from God As if it had no other face then that of wrath and curse from God and were in its nature no way corrected How shall these darts be quenched Briefely 1 The cause of death is to be euacuated 1 By the death of Christ and our assurance of our part therin whereby the fauour of God is established vpon vs and the Serpents head crushed Heb. 2. 15. Death is a Serpent the sting is sinne the strength of that sting is the law victory ouer it is by Iesus Christ who satisfieth the law 1 Cor. 15. 55 56. 57. 2 By mortification of our beloued sinnes by our study to keepe a conscience voide of offence towards God and man 3 By receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper oft wherein we shew forth the Lords death vntill his comming againe 1 Cor. 11. 26. 2 The nature of death in it selfe is terrible indeed but to the godly it is changed Rev. 14 13. insomuch that their condition is blessed for they rest from their labours their workes follow no losse of any good worke that euer they did no condemnation to them Rom. 8. 1. it is no other then a sleepe 1 Thes 4. 14. a day of liberty Rom. 8. 21. our returne to our home to euerlasting habitations the mansions in our fathers house our birth day the funerall of our vices the putting off our old clothes that we might be clothed vpon 2 Cor. 5. 3. 4. the remoouing out of a mudde house where we â—ere but tenants at will into the pallace of the great king Lord of heauen and earth there to dwell as in our inheritance for euer the end of our race the day of our coronation no punishment now there are three degrees of life eternall of which death is our entrance into the second in this life in regeneration Ioh. 17. 3. in the day of our departure in translation to Paradise 2 Cor. 5. 8. at the last day in the redemption of our bodyes Rom. 8. 23. 3 As for friends whose society thou loosest oppose thereto the meditation of that glorious place to which thou goest an inheritance incorruptible vndefiled that fades not the fellowship of Angels and the congregation of the first borne and the spirits of iust men and women made perfect the communion with God and with the Lord Iesus for while thou art present in the body in the best condition thou art absent from the Lord that Lord whom though thou neuer sawest yet thou louest and beliâ—uing reioycest with ioy vnspeakeable and full of glory How then shall thy soule burne with the flames of loue to him when thou shall see him 1 Pet. 1. 8. And when the thought of thy treasures and pleasures meet thee bethinke thy selfe of thy calling and profession to bee a Christian that is oâ—e conformed to Christ whose kingdome is nâ—t of this world whose life was glorious in a holy contempt of the world Say then with Paul God forbid that I should reioyce saue in the Crosse of Christ whereby the world is crucified to me and I vnto the world Gal. 6. 14. What comfort canst thou haue that thou art not a cast away if thou beat not down thy body and bring it not into subiection although thou wert a Preacher of the Word and diligent in that worke 1 Cor. 9. 24. There are two sorts of men men of this world men of God they differ herein the men of this world are such as place their happinesse in a belly full of this hid treasure and wealth and lands enough to leaue behinde them to their babes but the other are men after Gods owne heart carried with the spirit of Dauid that in the loue of righteousnesse can say Deliuer mee from these
Ministeriall sentence and testimony concerning thy estate in Christ Know the ordinance of the keyes is of no small vse and comfort Ioh. 20. 23. 2 The profligation of temptations looking with a stedfast eye on the reward through the promise 3 The excitation of that Christian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or desire to be dissolued that thou maiest say with good old Iacob Lord I haue waited for thy saluation Gen. 49. 18. In the very agony of death and deposition or laying downe of thy body how glorious is it To dye in the faith To excite our hope and desire of heauen To commit our soules into the haâ—ds of him that redeâ—med them the Lord God of truth Psal 31. 6. saâ—ing Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and Lord Iesus receiue my spirit Amen Euen so be it §. XXXI Peculiar rules applyed for the passing euery day BY Gods assistance the rules Rules applyed for the pâ—ssing of the day of holâ— liâ—e haue hitherto beene taught rules not now and theâ— to be looked vnto but constantly nor generally but particularly in all our actions euery day and throughout the day that we might serue the Lord in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life blesse him euery day of our life and thinke of him all the day long But this it may be such is our weakenesse and the backwardnesse of our hearts to good hath scarce found a place in our thoughts as yet and where it hath yet know they not how to order them handsomely to a daily direction To helpe this also I now apply my self making a draught of certaine rules out of Gods word by which you may be inabled euery day to passe the day according to Gods will with sound peace for this vndoubtedly is required of vs a faithfull and constant endeauor to please God in all things euery day of our liues to the peace of our consciences and the glory of God And because some thinke it The warrant of it strange it should be required of them to be kept in compasse euery day some thinke the â—abbath is enough to attend to a religious holy conuerâ—atioâ— some say I hope we be no children to be appointed what wee should doe some thinke it is not to be thought the Lord should direct a man to euery various action which meeteth him in the day some can be content to receiue the thing of the day in his day from Gods hand but neuer thought of doing the duety of the day in his day to God againe and so neuer passed a day in all their liues of which they could in all actions or euer did depend on God in those particulars abide with him by faith therefore I haue selected that place in Pro. 6. 20. 21. 22. to take off all these conceits and to proue the necessity the excellency of this course if euery day through the whole day we passe it according to the warrant of Gods word The words of the text are these Pro. 6. 20. My Sonne keepe thy Fathers Commandement and forsake not the law of thy mother 21 Binde them continually vpon thine heart and ty them abouâ— thy necke 22 When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keepe thee and when thou awakest it shall talke with thee 1 Here first it is fully charged euery day to haue the commandements bound vpon our hearts for continuall remembrance tyed about our neckes as Iewels for esteeme and ornament and for vse to lead vs in our goings to keepe vs in our sleeping to talke with vs in our awaking accommodated and fitted in all to our owne particular in euery moment of times changes verâ— 21. 22. 2 Therefore the Sabbath though it haue its more speciall attendance on Gods Seruice in his ordinances and that onely yet is not all the time God requireth for an holy conuersation nay all times hâ—lily though not all time in the duties of reading hearing prayer and the like vers 21. 3 And I hope you will be and are Wisedomes children who in these words speaketh to you as to children My Son vers 20. and offers her selfe as a mother and God aâ— your father yea I hope you will be children to learne of wisedomes maydens euen your Ministers instructing you from Gods mouth You must be appointed else are you bastards and not sonnes 4 And for specialty of direction the word if thou remember and price it will guide the day and night awake asleepe at thy going out and at thy comming in vers 22. 5 And thus walking thou art sure of sweet coÌ„munion wâ—th God the father and with Iesus Christ the wisedome of his father no father and mother more tendering their child theâ— the Lord will tender thee while thou seruest him vers 20 and thou art sure of preseruation in the life of grace and way of holinesse the Câ—uenant it selfe hath the power to leade thee to keepe to comfort thee as a friend Counseller and guide from thy vpâ—ising to thy downe-lâ—ing Nor iâ— the Gouerning of our liues left in our owne hands one day nor were it good for vs who are giuen to change if it were so for we were then no way assured of the protection of our heauenly father and blessed Sauiour nor of a safe footing in any of our waies This for the Text according The coppy of it to the warrant whereof I beseech you receiue the Coppy of your â—aily direction thus 1 Awake with God let thy heart sing his power and mercy in the Morning Psal 59. 16. in the Morning direct thy selfe vntâ— God and looke vp Psal 5. 3. preuent him in the morning Psal 88. 13. it matters much vpon whom thou bestowest thy first thoughts 2 Let thy apparell be such as becometh those that professe godlinesse expressing modesty shamefastnesse and sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Neither costly beyond ability or to hinder good workes nor garish for the fashion beyond modesty nor strange for new-fanglednesse there is the apparell of good works the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit likewise suffer not more time then needs to be spent about this trimming of thy carcase 3 Turne thy selfe in solemne manner to prayer with confession Thankesgiuing and petition acknowledge thy dependance on God seeke of him thy daily bread and daily forgiuenesse and renewed strength against temptations c. and if thou haue a family neglect not to call them together at the conuenientest time Ier. 10. vers 25. vse it not as a custome nor as if that one little space oâ— deuoâ—ion did buy out a pardon for the rest of the day to liue as thou listest no it is to enable thee the better to walke in the day with God 4 Follow thy calling with cheerefulnesse diligence and quietnesse 1 Thâ—s 4. 11. doe thy labour as a duty not with the desire to be rich which is both a sinne and a snare be content with Gods blessing in the successe he giueth
27. 23. Pro. 31. 4 To prouide for their soules by praying with them daily Psal 127. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 4. 5. Ier. 10. 25. by training them vp in Gods feare in priuate instruction by bringing them to the publike meanes of grace compelling them thereto Gen. 35 1. 2. 3. by chusing into the family faithfull and casting out lewd seruants as the Haughty of lookes the proud of heart lyers and deceiuers Psal 101. 5. 6. 7. else by one such the whole family may be infected The dueâ—y of Seruants Sâ—ruants owe 1 An high account of their Masters 1 Tim. 6. 1. 2 Obedience for the matter in all things not simply euill for the manner so as to please them well Tit. 2. 9. not only doing the work but doing it to their minds likings with feare to offend them 1 Pet. 2. 18 Ephes 6. 5. with feare and trembling in singlenesse of heart with heartinesse heartily with good will doing seruice Ephes 6. 6. Col. 7. 23. out of conscience as to the Lord Ephes 6. 7. as fearing God Col. 3. 22 which feare of God is opposed to eye-seruice and man pleasing 2 Sam. 12. 29. and commands that they looke to God whose eye is on them and will require an account of them how they haue serued their Masters that they pray to God for their Masters and the family and the good successe of their labours after the example of Abrahams seruant Gen. 24. 12. that they shew the graces of God in their calling as they are seruants which is the very touchstone of religion that that adornes the doctrine of Christ our Sauiour Tit. 2. 10. 3 All good fidelity Tit. 2. 10. not purloining or filching but thrifty carefull that nothing be spoyled or lost or miscarry by their default after the example of Iacob Gen. 31. 36. not discouering the secrets of the family of their Masters of their calling or trade not eating the bread of Idlenesse trusty in executing their Masters directions speedy in dispatch of busines abroad a slothfull messenger is a prouocation and irkesome griefe to them that send him 4 Subiection 1 Pet. 2. 18. to their corrections by words and blowes 1 Pet. 2. 19. 20. Pro. 29. 19. thoough vniust and aboue measure so Hagar was commanded to submit to Sarah Gen. 16. 8. 9. not answering againe by way of contradiction Tit. 2 9. 5 Moderation and contentation in dyet and apparell beseeming seruants in liberty not gadding out of their place without leaue much lesse running abroad a nights a sinnefull and wicked rioting and in their company not offending their Master by bringing lewd company into the family nor keeping such company abroad And this is charged on all seruants hired seruants as strictly bound to it as bond-seruants old seruants are tyed to as much duty as those that come now to serue religious seruants aswell as Pagans men seruants aswell as women seruants not birth office gifts or meanes doe priuiledge from the strict bond of these duties And this is due to all Masters without difference of sexe as to the Mistris 1 Tim. 5. 14. Pro. 31 or of condition as to the poore aswell as the rich or of disposition be they froward or good and gentle or of religion be they vnbeleeuers or beleeuers 1 Pet. 2. 18. 1 Tim 6. 1. 2. Thus do and thy seruice is accepted as obedience to God Ephes 6. 6. and the Lord will pay thee wages aswell as thy Master Ephes 6. 8. and before God there is neither bond nor free but all are one in Christ Gal. 3. 28. Col. 31. 11. Thus farre of the seuerall societies that constitute a familie We come now to the Church and there see what God faith to the Ministers and the hearers the Pastor and flocke §. VI. Of the Pastor and the flocke THe Pastor and flocke are the integrall parts of the body of Christ both are fashiond for vse and ornament to the body by distinct precepts that it may not be iustly spoken of them who is blind as his messengers who are froward as his people The Minister must be guided The Ministâ—rs duty by these rules 1 Hee must haue a lawfull calling both inward and outward no man may take this honour to himselfe The son of God glorified not himselfe to be an high-Priest but God the father said thou art my sonne this day haue I begotten thee Heb. 5 4 that this may be vnderstood I beat it out distinctly The calling of the Minister is to be considered as it respects his calling to the Ministery or to the place where he is to exercise his Ministery The first concernes his ordination by the Church and his mission of God The latter concernes his allotting by the Church to a place for the execution of his Office and performance of his duety In a lawfull calling to the Ministery is requisite Election tryall and ordination Election is either the Lords taking and mission or the Churches selecting 1 The Lords choice and sending is primary and cheife in this calling How can they preach except they bee sent Rom. 10. 14. God is the Author of this calling Ephesians 4. 11. 12. hee raiseth vp sheepheards Micha 5. 5. Thrusts forth laborours Matth. 9. 37. sendeth workemen into his Vineyard Authoritatiue Matth. 20. 1. 1 Cor. 12. 28. I haue set thee a watch man saith This man the Lord hath taken to be his mouth to a people God Ezech. 33. 7. Which inward election or mission is knowne 1 By gifts wherewith the Lord endoweth both of Christian sanctity and Ministeriall abilities that they bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 apt to teach 2 Tim. 2. 24. 2 By sinceritie of heart whereby the Minister is conscious to him selfe that neither Ambition nor Coueâ—uousnesse nor Eâ—uy and the like corrupt affections but a sincere desire to Edifie the Church and the true feare of God mooâ—ed him to desire the Office of a Bishop yet may he that Preacheth the Gospell looke to liue of the Gospell yet this alone may not cause any to assume the worke without the Churches election 2 The Churches election is the outward calling which examining the gifts of the calling which examining the gifts of the called ratifieth and gratifieth the Lords Election and this is done by Tryall and ordination 3 Tryall is either of life or abilities of life that they haue a good report euen of those that are without and that there be no proceeding to imposition of hands suddenly or rashly 1 Tim. 3. 2. 7. 5. 21. 22. Or by partiality Of abilities also elâ—e may not the key of knowledge be committed to an Idiot a dumbe dog that cannot barke the key of heauen cannot be vsed without knowledge 4 Ordination the rite hereof was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the imposition of hands this is the outward mission done by the Ministery or presbytery alone without the people The outward calling without the inward may be of force to the Office
and worke but both requisite if the Minister himselfe will haue any comfort in the worke yet not the inward of the former force without the outward Concerning the Ministers calling to a place or charge since there now are no Apostles a charge I call a portion of people allotted for him to preach vnto besides all that forespoken there are requiâ—ed two things 1 The allotâ—ing of such a man or men to such a portion of people by the Gouernours of the Church 2 The consent of the people whose voyce is to â—ee Cyprian â— 1. Ep 4. ipsa seilt plebs maxime potâ—statem habet vâ—l eligâ—ndâ— dignos sacerdotes vel indignos recusandi looked vnto saith Saint Cyprian the people haue chiefely the power either to choose worthy Ministers or refuse the vnworthy and the Lord saith in Ezech. 33. 2. If the people of the land take a man this holdeth vnlesse it be among infidels where no church as yet is planted there the first â—lone is sufficient as if one choise Minister were by our Church-Gouernors sent to the Americans such a one deseruedly beares the name of an Euangelist as was Timothy that such a thing may come into the heart of our gouernours let vs all pray Hee then hath a lawfull calling inward and outward to speake to a particuler congregation whom God hath endowed with Christian graces of sanctity and Ministeriall abilities and an vpright desire to glorifie God and edifie the people and whom the visible Church and Gouernors there haue vpon examination of abilities and on sufficient testimony of approoued life set apart to that â—unction and ordained to execute the same and because order is to be kept and euery one know where he is to teach this man so furnished inwardly and outwardly is the watch man to that congrâ—gation to which both the Gouernors of the Church assigne him to teach that people haue testified their liking by consenting After this not euery dislike not any dislike without true cause can disanull that Ministers calling Let all Ministers looke well to their entrance that they may with comfort vndergo the temptations and troubles of their calling This is the first rule 2 He must not neglect the gift giuen to him but stire it vp and blow the coales that they may liue and glow 1 Tim. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 6. 3 He must beare a tender and fatherly affection towards them for their saluation contented to professe himselfe and indeed to be their seruant for Iesus sake becomming all things to all men by compassion that hee may winne the more 2 Cor. 4. 5. 4 He must attend on reading priuately to himselfe 1 Tim. 4. 13. Exhortation and doctrine among his people and this in season and out of season publiquely and from house to house day and night willingly not by constraint of a ready minde not for filthy lucre as an ensample to the flock taking the ouersight thereof 1 Pet. 5. 2. 3. 4. 2 Tim 4. 1. 2. 3. 5 He must be an ensample to the beleeuers in word in conuersation in charity in spirit in faith in purity 1 Tim 4. 12. in word that is in speech in spirit that is in feruency and zeale for God and his glory in the sauing of his hearers 6 He must hold fast the forme of sound words that hee may feed his flocke with sincere milke and may keepe the commandement without spot vnrebukeable and may bee able to conuince the gaine-sayer 2 Tim. 1. 13. 1 Tim. 6. 14. Tit. 1. 9. For as the people must bee fed so must they bee preserued from Wolues and Dogges The mouthes of false teachers must be stopped Tit. 1. 11. 7 Ecclesiasticall discipline must be vsed maintained with the strictest bands of good order 8 He must care for their good after his death 2 Pet. 1. 15. And if it lye in his power see them deliuered to some faithfull Pastor as Augustine saw Eradius his successor with ioy Tom. 2. ep 110. This is the duty of the Pastor The people owe to their Minister 1 Loue for their works sake The peoples duty they must know them which labour among them and are ouer them in the Lord and admonish them 1 Thes 5. 12. 13. Their very feete should be beautifull Rom. 10. 15. The Galathians bare such loue to the Apostle Paul that they could haue puld out their owne eyes to haue giuen them to him Gal. 4. 14. 15. 2 Double honour they should esteeme them highly as Ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the spirit the Galathians receiued Paul as an Angell of God as Christ Iesus There is required also a speciall feare in vs when we receiue the Ministers sent of God as the Corinthians receiued Titus with feare and trembling 2 Cor. 7. 15. 3 Maintenance conuenient for his person and calling remembring what the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corne and the labourer is worthy of his reward 1 Tim. 5. 18 Gal. 6. 6 To with-hold tythes is to rob God Mal. 3. 8 9. And to giue no more then what wee are bound to by law testifieth an heart void of the feare of God thou shouldest haue thy first fruits and free will offerings Deut. 14. 23. 12. 17. 18. 19. 4 Obedience to the word taught by them suffering the words of exhortation and willing to imbrace wholesome doctrine Hebr. 13. 17. 22. 2 Tim. 4. 3. Loue honour and maintenance are nothing without obedience nor doe make thy godly Minister goe on with ioy in his labours if this be wanting The greatest encouragement to thy Minister is submission and professed subiection to the Gospell of Christ in all things Now we liue saith the Apostle Paul if ye stand fast in the Lord 1 Thes 3. 8. For what is our ioy or hope or crowne of reioycing Are not euen yee in the presence of our Lord Iesus Christ at his comming yee are our glory and ioy Oh happy thing when the Minister comming before 〈◊〉 iudgement seate of Christ the great shepheard of the sheepe can say Behold here am I and the children which thou hast giuen me But shall not your countenance bee dashed when all the account he can make is this I haue spoken vnto them and they would not heare Lord who hath beleeued our report I haue laboured in vaine I haue spent my strength for nought and in vaine Esa 49. 4. Reade and peruse that one Text in Esa 30. 8. 9. 10. 11. Now goe saith the Lord write it before them in a Table and note it in a Booke that it may bee for the time to come for euer and euer That this is a rebellious people lying children children that will not heare the law of the Lord which say to the seers see not and to the Prophets prophecie not vnto vs right things speake vnto vs smoothe things prophecy deceits get ye out of the way turne aside out of the path
Cause the Holy one of Israel to cease from before vs. §. VII Of Neighborhood THe most eminent relations The rules for neighbourhood wherein wee stand obliged one to another in societies haue beene bandled those of more priuate state follow and so first that of neighborhood Here I take the word neighbour strictly as wee doe ordinarily in our common talke and for our direction I haue selected some choice rules which being taken vp in practise may make our neighbourhood religious and righteous The rather should we attend to these rules because it is an imputation cast vpon religion and preaching that it spoiles all good neighbourhood yet in very deed it shall appeare that this onely formes vs hereunto and destroyes nothing but that bad good-fellowship of rude vnmortified men which is impious vnciuâ—ll and pernicious That thou maiest bee a good neighbour besides the rules of dutie to men before deliuered in the ninteenth to the 27. Section of the second part Some things must in speciall be auoyded some things must be done by thee For the things to bee auoyded they are these 1 Thou maiest not remoue the ancient Land-marke nor dare to enter into the field of the fatherlesse their Redeemer is mighty hee shall plead their cause with thee Prouerbs 23. 10. 11. 2 Thou must not thinke to lay house to house and land to land till thou hast depopulated the place where thou liuest that thou maiest bee placed alone in the midst of the land Nor bee carried with the vanity of stately buildings so that thy faire house should deuoure the timber of thy neighbours house that dwelleth by thee Woe woe to thee thou couetest an euill couetousnesse to thy house The stone shall cry out of the wall and the beame out of the timber shall answere it God shall smite thee with a curse in thine owne kinde for of a truth many houses shall be desolate yea great and faire without inhabitant yea tenne acres of vineyard shall yeeld but one bathe and the seed of an Homer shall yeeld an Epha Barrennesse and famine shall bee the scourge of such wickednesse Esa 5. 8. 9. 10. Heb. 2. 9. 10. 11. 3 Auoid the backbiting tongue Pro. 25. 23. The tale-bearer Pro. 26 10. The contentious man Pro. 26. 21. 4 When thou commest into his Vineyard or Orchard put not vp into thy vessell nor mooue a sickle to his standing corne thou maâ—est put forth thy hand and eâ—te for thy necessity Deut. 23. 24 25. 5 Despise him not nor hate him because he is poore Pro. 14. 20. 21. 6 Enuy him not for a right worke an vsuall sicknesse vnder the Sunne Eccles 4 4 7 Smite not thy neighbour secretly lest it be a curse to thee Deceiue him not and thinke to put it off by saying Am I not in sport Deut. 27. 24. Prou. 26. 18. 19. 8 Meddle not with the strife that belongs not to thee so maiest thou take a dogge by the eares Pro. 26. 17. 9 Presse not too much vpon his kindenesse lest thou shouldest seeme burdensome withdraw thy foote from his house lest he be weary of thee Pro. 25. 17. 10 Take not to pledge the instruments or tooles of his calling and trade the meanes wherby he must get his liuing as the vpper and nether milstone If hee bee poore thou maiest not sleepe with his pledge all night but deliuer it to him before the sunne goe downe if it bee any thing that appertaines to food raiment or lodging Deut. 24. 6. 10. 11. 12 13. 11 Thou maiest not call him to the Alehouse or Taueâ—ne to bibbe and drinke or play the glutton thou must not put thy bottle to him and make him drunke Woe to thee if thou doe it this is cursed fellowship which thou callest good fellowship The Lord hath a cup for thee to drinke of the cup of his right hand drinke thou also and let thy fore-skinne be vncouered and shamefull spuing shall be on thy glory Heb. 2. 15. 16. For the things to be done they are these 1 Exhort and perswade and call them to the Assemblies and holy duties the prophecies foretell such things of Christian neighbours The inhabitants of one City shall goe to another saying Let vs goe speedily to pray before the Lord and to seeke the Lord of hosts I will goe also Zach. 8. 21 2 In your meetings let there be the serious consideration of the workes of Gods hands and the remembrance of the Lords mercies in stead of the Wine and Harpe and Tabret and Pipe Esa 5. 11. 12. Breake off euill discourse and preuent it and diuert it by imitating the example of Sampson who proposed a riddle to the Philistimes when they feasted together Iudg. 14. 12. 13. 3 Bring home his stray cattell and all lost things if thou finde them and with-hold not thy helpe if his beast be downe vnder his burden Deuteronomie 22. 1. 2. 3. 4 If there arise any matter of dislike debate thy cause with thy neighbour himselfe and reueale not thy secrets to another Pro. 25. 8. 9. 10. 5 Obserue the Apostles rule speake euery one truth to his neighbour Ephes 4. 25. These concerne neighbourhood the second relation of more priuate state is that of friendship §. VIII Of Friendship COncerning friendship the Rules for friendship Lord directs thee in two things The choise of thy friend The vsage of thy friend For the choise of thy friend How to choose thy friend he requireth 1 That hee bee a religious man What agreement can there be betweene righteousnesse and vnrighteousoâ—sse thou mâ—iest not leaue the path to blessednesse set downe in Psal 1. 1. to walke in the way of friendship 2 That amongst them thou choose not thy friend by his wealth Pro 19 4. 3 That thou make no friendship with an angry man that cannot rule his spirit Prouer. 22. 24 25. 4 That thou make him not thy friend that cannot conceale a secret 5 That if it be possible thou retaine thy fathers friend to bee thine Pro. 27. 6. When thou hast chosen thy How to vsâ— thy friend friend then let thy friendship be thus carryed 1 Learne to couer transgressions and iniuries or trespasses this is to seeke loue but the repetition of old matters separateth very friends Pro. 17. 9. 2 Giue hearty counsell this is as oynâ—ment and perfume it sharpens a mans countenance Pro. 27. 9. 17. 19. and maketh them mutually the glasse where in they may see one anothers face 3 Preferre a rebuke from thy friend before a kisse from thine enemie Pro. 27. 5. 6. 4 Vse no flattery as most abhorring to the lawes of friendship affect not the praising of thy friend study it not seeme not to doe it of set purpose Pro. 27. 14. 5 Be true and intire to him as was Ionathan to Dauid the prime paire in Scripture Commended for thy imitation 6 Vâ—e thy friend in the day of thy calamity rather then thy brother a friend loueth at all
in this holy manner to doe the Lords worke come on and tread the pathes of the highest those euen and pleasant waies which lead to the assurance of eternall happinesse For the worke of righteousnesse is peace and the effect therof Esa 32. 17. quietnesse and assurance for euer The particular and expresse precepts of holy conuersation respect thy behauiour towards God other men thy selfe Thy duty to God is to know Thy duty to God him to worship him aright both for the inward affections of thy heart and for thy outward service 1 The knowledge of God 1 To know him desired more then burnt offerings is that which must be in some good measure found in all the true worshippers of him and that such a knowledge as natures light since the fall reacheth not vnto it being rather a sparkle whereby wee discerne that there is a God then any flaming light Rom. 1. 20. 21. that is able either to direct vs how aright to conceiue of him or to warme our hearts by liuely impressions that by the same we might be brought to glorifie him as God and not proue vnthankefull worshipping the creature in stead of the Creator Ier. 24. 7. 1 Ioh. 5. 20. who is blessed for euer Scripture then doth teach this knowledge and God by them doth giue an heart as Ieremie speaketh an vnderstanding as S. Iohn saith To know him that is true and to know him that we might worship him And concerning this grace it is required in the Scripture as euer we meane to know God that not alone wee know but also follow on to know the Lord Hos 6. 3. The precepts thereof must direct in both 1 The Rules for the guiding of our vnderstandings to know and conceiue of God aright are these 1 That we know him by no likenesse nor resemble him to any thing in the world hee is a spirit the inuisible God to whom then wilt thou compare him or to whom shall he be like God forbids images in Churches houses and thy head too Commandement 2. Deut. 4. 12. 15. 2 How shall we doe then to conceiue of him whom no man euer saw nor can see of whom none may thinke by resembling him to any thing hee doth see the Lord himselfe hath shewen the way caâ—ie glorious and able to prepare our hearts vnto him in any seruice wherein we would approach neere vnto him a way by which hee made himselfe knowne to Moses Exod 34. 6. 7. by his glorious titles and attributes the excellenciâ—s and praises of him that is I am the Almighty which is which was which is to come Therefore in prayer and all other his worship in all thy meditations fasten thy thoughts vpon him as the Lord God Gracious Mercifull long-suffering that pardoneth iniquitie transgression and sinne that will by no meanes cleare the wicked the most Holy Alsufficient eternall onely wise God with the like which shall lift vp thy heart vnto him through the glory that shines in them By this meanes maist thou haue him in thy minde through the whole day In the creatures thou beholdest inasmuch as these praises may be read plainely in that great booke If thou wilt take the benefit of this direction an helpe non contemnendum not to be despised there are three waies to gather these glories of the highest out of the booke of the creature 1 By way of deniaâ—l remouing from God in our conceiuing of him what euer argueth weakenesse or wickednesse in the creature as to know him to bee the God that cannot lye that cannot dye but is immortall that cannot repent or deny himselfe 2 By way of eminency ascribing what is good in the creature to the Creator by an excellency as see wee knowledge in men and he that teacheth men knowledge shall not he know is wisedome in men and is not hee most wise are there any drops of mercy truth or holinesse in the creature the Ocean is in him or rather he is the Ocean Doth the creature liue with him is the well of life 3 By way of causing all things so by the fabricke of this world we know him to be the Creator by wonders therein we vnderstand his eternall power and God-head by gifts bestowed on the creatures his bounty and goodnesse by their order his wisedome the God of order by their continuance in the same estate to this day his vnwearied prouidence 3 Yet all this is not sufficiâ—nt wee must know him to bee that one God who is three the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost and know God the Father as the Father of Iesus Christ his Sonne and as our Father in him by the holy Ghost The first of these namely to hold the doctrine of the Trinity distinguisheth Christians from Iewes Paynims Turkes Arrians Antitrinitarians The second which the Apostles cals the knowledge 2 Cor. 4. 6. of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ his Sonne distinguisheth true Christians from all Hereticall Papisticall and formall Christians which is called sauing knowledge by Diuines and is eternall life in the beginnings of it Ioh. 17. 3. Which hath a power to transforme the 2 Cor. 3. 18 Col 3. 10. whole man into Gods image and change him from glory to glory It is a chiefe part of Gods image in vs at which time the vaile of ignorance is said to be rent And this is when by the Gospell wee hauing first seene our misery by the law and how vile we are by sinne we vnderstand the loue of the Father set vpon vs before euer there was a world choosing vs to life and predestinating vs to the Adoption of children by Iesus Christ whom hee gaue to vs and made him to bee to vs wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption and also the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the Sonne in taking on him our nature and dying for vs to reconcile vs to God and rising againe to make vs righteous and the fellowship of the holy Ghost who vniteth vs to the Father and the Sonne and sanctifieth and preserueth in the estate of grace When I say wee know with perswasion of heart the loue of God in Christ pardoning our sinnes and receiuing vs for his sonnes and daughters so that by the spirit of the Son sent into our hearts we call him Abba Father then know we him effectually And thus must thou conceiue of him and thus conceiuing approach to him when thou worshipest him Eph. 2. 18. In Christ wee haue saith Paul accesse vnto the Father by one spirâ—t For this wee should pray on â—he bended kneâ—s of our soules euery day that God would enlarge our hearts to comprehend with all Saints what is the height depth length and breadth and to know the loue of God which passeth knowledge that we may be filled with all the fulnesse of God Ephes 3. 17. 18. 19. 2 After thou canst thus conceiue of him then follow on to know the Lord acquaint thy selfe with