reason profit credit and the like The contrary was found in Iohanan and his confederates who promised all this to Ieremy but secretly resolued to try what the will of God was and to obey no further then it agreed to their wils Ier. 42 43. In hearing there is required 1 Attention of the eaâ—e bowed and inclined to heare Esa 55. 3. Of the eye if it may helpe affection as it doth Luk. 4. 28. Of the whole body as Mary Luk. 10. 39. Constantine the great would stand and heare though he were admonished of his Nobles not to doe it Such a composure or posture of body as may free from distraction expresse reuerence and helpe affection is required which will easily be framed â—f we marke the rules following namely 2 To heare as in Gods presence Act. 10. 33. 3 To heare as the word of the liuing God not as the word of a mortall man it then worketh effectually when it is thus mixed with faith 1 Thes 2. 13. Hab. 4. 2. 4 Prayer Oh thou that dwellest in the gardens the Companions heare thy voyce cause mee to heare it Cant. 8. 13. 5 Intention of the minde the thoughts not rouing and the vnderstanding busied 6 Retention of the memory obseruing that rule to be wise for himselfe Pro. 9. 12. 23. 19. He that so doth hath a good if not a great memory After hearing 1 Meditation and rumination in which worke three things are essentiall that we try the spirits prouing all things and holding fast that which is good 1 Ioh. 4 1. 1 Thes 5. 21. And that wee compare it and our selues together Psal 119. 59. I haue considered my waies and turned my selfe vnto thy testimonies and lastly that we obserue how gracious the Lord is in his ordinances what word soeuer he is pleased to sweeten to vs with the tast of his speciall goodnesse to note that chiefly 1 Pet. 2. 3. Psal 34. 6. 8. 2 The treasuring it vp for practise vpon all occasions Psal 119. 1â— Thou must presently set vpon the doing of what thou hast heard and retaine it not for that day but for euer Which is easily done if wee turne it into action as Mat. 7. 24. else we deceiue our selues Iam. 1. 22. §. IX The second part of Gods worship viz. the receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs Body and Bloud THis holy ordinance of Of receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Christ instituted in memory of his death and passion for our sinnes doth present the grace and mercy of God the Father and of our Lord Iesus to the â—ast and sight of the beleeuer of which we may say Oh come tast and see how gracoius the Lord is Neare is our approach to the Lord of glory when we see handle taste him when we are made one with him when he liues in vs. Who is sufficient or meet for these things Yet who would not his part and lot should be in this businesse if thy question be what letteth me to bee part ker of the Lords Table I answere Thou and all other Christians baptised that are come to yeeres of discretion may and must oft euen as oft as the laudable custome of the Church in which they liue requireth communicate at this heauenly banquet and feast of fat things To all such our Sauiour saith Take Eate c. And nothing hindreth but thou maâ—st with comfort draw nigh to this ordinance if thou follow the rules giuen to make thee a worthy Communicant They concerne thy preparation and vse thereof 1 For preparation foure things are to be looked vnto by The preparation him that would come and receiue to his comfort 1 His knowledge of the doctrine of saluation by Christ Of the nature and vse of this Sacrament that his heart be not through ignorance poysoned with superstition or contempt 1 Cor. 11. 23. Sacraments are seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom 4. 11. It is then of absolute necessity to bee knowne what this righteousnesse of faith is it is the way of making sinners righteous before God by the righteousnesse of Christ the Son of God imputed to vs of God and receiued by beleeuing of vs euen the righteousnesse of Christ who being become man wrought our redemption by his bloud and was made sinne that wee might be made the righteousnesse of God in him And thus we should be iustified not by the workes of righteousnesse which we haue done Vnlesse this be knowne and beleeued in vaine shall we come to this ordinance where the seale is annexed to this and no other Couenant On the other side the nature and vse of this Sacrament must be knowne viz. that it is giuen on Gods part as a signe memoriall seale and meanes to conuey Christ and all the benefits of his death obedience and bloud shedding to the beleeuer and that it is on our parts a solemne renewing of our Couenant with God and of our intire association to the fellowship of the Saints 2 The practise of the duty of examination a reuiew of heart and waies to finde out our sins and to iudge our selues for them that we may come with true humiliation and may seeke particularly the support of Gods ordinances vnder our particular sinnes both the assurance of his loue in forgiuing them and the increase of strength against them 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 3 The forgiuing of others that haue trespassed vs in all things for any matter of reuenge malice or secret grudge a leauen that swels the heart and sowres the sacrifice and maketh it distastfull to the Almighty 1 Cor. 5. 7. 8. And here wee are bound to seeke reconciliation and offer agreement Mat. 5. 23. 24. 25. 26. 4 His hunger and thirst after the mercy of God and the grace of Christ there offered to be exhibited and assured to vs. Esa 55. 1. 3. Mat. 5. 6. 2 For the vse of this Sacrament Vse In the time of receiuing we are not onely to take to eate and to drinke the bread and wine Mat. 26. 26. but also 1 By faith to eate and drinke Christs body and bloud tendred verily and indeed in the words of promise This is my Body which Ioh. 6. 35. is broken for you and this is my bloud of the New Testament which is shed for you vnto which promise thou liftest vp the hand and openest the mouth of thy soule namely a liuely faith and thus feedest on his Body and Bloud suffering on the Crosse for thy sinnes Thy faith must discerne the Lords body that thou become not guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord esteeme not of that bread and that Cup as of ordinary bread and wine but as Sacramentall so that thou beleeue the presence of Christ and that God doth as effectually giue Christ to the soule of the beleeuer as the Minister giueth Bread and Wine to his body and exalting thy faith thou must beleeue he is giuen to thee also neither doth God delude thee 1
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
take hold of those things that fit thine owne particular For when we heare what we are to doe wee shall finde somethings abutt full vpon our selues somethings we are extreame faulty in somethings would maruailously encourage vs in righteousnesse now let thy wisedome appeare in marking those things chiefely retaine them though all the rest runne out 4 Auoide vaine iangling and Pro. 4. 26. Ier. 31. 32. keepe close to profitable knowledge Tit. 3. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 23. 1. Tim. 6. 20. Let thine eyes looke right on and let thine eye lids looke streight before thee Beware of going about lest thou heare from God the terme of Backslider 5 Goe vnto the wise and aske the way to Sion with thy face thitherward Pro. 15. 12. Ier. 50. 5. Stifle not but propound thy doubts Gods people are an inquisitiue people 6 Pray teach me thy way O Lord. Psal 27. 11. with a speciall lifting vp of heart seeke this way of him Hee is the God which teacheth thee to profit and leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest goe Psal 143. 10. Esa 48. 17. 3 The society of the righteous 3 To abandon the needlesse society of wicked and prophane persons and get into the way and company of good men that make conscience of their waies a rule of speciall note Away from me ye wicked for I will keepe the commandements of my God Psal 119. 115. Pro. 4. 14. Psal 1. 1. Rowles of such whose familiarity thou must eschew are giuen in 1 Cor. 5. 10. 11. 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2. 4. 5 Pro. 23. 19. 20. 21. be enwrapped in their society thou shalt be infected with their euill and then what winding out of their destruction But to sort thy selfe with discreet and sincere Christians hath in it vnknown gaine Pro. 2. 20. their path is as the shining light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Pro. 4. 18. 4 To shunne the false and 4 True guides take to true guides and rules These are false guides of liuing 1. the example of the multitude Exod. 23. entertaine Ioshuahs resolution Iosh 24. 15 1 Cor. 9. 24. I and my house will serue the Lord runne as if thou wert alone to obtaine runne though thou runne alone 2. Great and learned men if thou be a seruant forget not that thou art Christs freeman Let no mans humor be thy guide in religion 1 Cor. 7. 23. 3 Flesh and bloud carnall reason sense or carnall friends are not competent Iudges in diuine things with them consult thou not Gal. 1. 16. 4 A false faith as the Turkes their Alcoran the Papists Popes Decrees 5. Thy lusts which haue a three fold fronte the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye the pride of life 1 Ioh. 2. 16. These are true guides and rules 1 Gods word Gal. 6. Psal 119. 9. 2 The Holy example of the Godly Heb. 12. 1. Which will be like that cloud of the Lord to the trauellers in the Wildernesse of this world that walke in the day light of the holy precepts the way of Gods people is diligently to be sought Ier. 12. 16. 3 A setled ministery they aâ—e Starres in Christs right hand they are the light of the world the salt of the earth obedience is charged vpon vs to those that watch for our soules their Directions in the Lord must be followed Heb. 13. 17. and their holy conuersation is a Patterne giuen of God Phil. 4 9. 5 To keepe the heart withall 5 The guard of the heart diligence both in respect of secret hypocrisie of the beginnings of sinne Pro. 4. 23. the issues of life come therout if they be defiled with sin or tainted with hypocrisie such must al the streams be of necessity Eye eare hand and tongue shall be ouerflowne with that polluted spring aboâ—â— all keepings keepe the fountaine cleare 6 To repaire daily to the 6 Triall of all our deeds light of Gods word to see whether our deeds be wrought in God or no Ioh. 3. 21. O excellent rule worthy the Sauiour the light of the world 7 To obserue our owne defects 7 The obseruation of our defects and thinke on with holy earnest couering all those gifts that are more excellent 1 Cor. 12. vlt. He that would euer grow and goe forwards now not to goe forwards is to goe backwards must obserue what is wanting what is weake what is out of the way what is crooked what corruptions preuaile where Sathan gets most aduantage that those things may bee supplied strengthened straitened subdued preuented and so the whole recouered and wee pressing on still for the price of our high calling to the marke Phil. 3 12. 4. 8 9. Is there any thing true honest praise-worthy of good report louely let that be thought of 8 To keepe aliue the affections 8 The preseruation of our first loue of godlinesse lest wee lose our first loue bee daily mortifying thy corruptions plowing vp thy fallow ground circumcising thine heart that thou maist keep it euer low tender and thankefull in all things 9 To auoid the snares which 9 The auoidance of snares catch most of Adams sonnes and fold them in a heap of euils and weaken if not destroy their vigor Vpon the bare discouery of them your hearts shall acknowledge it 1 Medling with others businesse 1 Thes 4. 11. 2 Desire of superfluities as to haste to be rich 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Pro. 23. 4. 28. 20. 3 The beholding of vanitie Psal 119. 37. 4 The sinnes of the time which the world accounts but spots Iam. 1. 27. 5 Carnall confidence relying vpon our wit memory praise-worthy parts dignity vertues and the like As if either power to doe good or reason why God should accept vs were found in any of these carnall things whereas in this new-created world of regenerate men Christ is all and in all Col. 3. 11. 6 Carnall feares which mightily beslaue The heart is no sooner set within to the desires after wel-doing but many a feare befals it that he shall neuâ—r bee able to doe this duty that God will not accept him and his worke Such a man will deride such friends will frowne vpon him there is also a meere counterfeit of humility which some delight in because it fauours much their lazy flesh presse to any duty and they plead their desires and their loue to it and now they wish they could so doe and what griefe it is to them they faile therein but they are flesh and bloud they dare not be so confident of their strength or and in very deed all is to saue their labour and keepe their old sinfull course or at least their former easie pace yea these feares are accompanied with vile mistrust of God and strange pleaes that he is not so good to them as to giue them that measure of grace that power of resolution and thus sticke not to charge God foolishly yet he giueth to him that
In the education of children both for nursing them and for instructing them vnder her husband Pro. 6. 20. and 31. 1. indeed her husbands authority excludes her from sole instruction in the family but vnder him it rests chiefely on her in their infancy and childhood then shall her children rise vp and call her blessed her husband also and hee praiseth her Pro. 31. 28. 2 In his temporall estate and the commodities of this present life and so there is required of her 1 That she be diligent in labour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for him and the good of the family shewed three waies In Getting laboring with her hands Pro 31. 16. not eating the bread of Idlenesse vers 27 Sarah kneaded dow Gen. 18 6 Rebecca skilfull in Cookery Gen. 27. 14. and Thamar Dauidâ— daughter 2 Sam. 13. Much more then ought our Nobles and Gentlemen be some way Employed when as the weaker sexe is thus charged And truely she is deepely charged what euer our dainty dames doe weene as 1 To seeke imployment and Prou. 31. not tary til imployment find her and somâ—thing fall out shee cold find to doe vers 13. 2 To take to any labour fit for her sexe as spinning verse 13 19. 3 To doe it willingly vers 13. 4 To rise eaâ—ly to it verse 15. 18. 5 To be constant not changing from worke to worke but strengthening her armes 6 To spend her time in profitable worke not in fine worke good for nothing but to shew skill as Carpets vers 22. Sheets vers 24. The cloathing of her family husband and children vers 21. 23. I know nâ—t which is better the bread of Idlenesse or the bread of Curiosity In guiding both what she hath got and her family what shee hath got not locking it vp in a chest not laying it out on trifles but in necessaries she considers a field and buyes it Pro. 31. verse 16. and guiding the family giuing their portion of meat to the whole houshold of worke to the Maides verse 15. Ouerseeing the waies of her houshold verse 27. In preseruing what her husband prouides so that his heart rests in her hee shall haue no spoile by her verse 11. She must not bee wastfull this is to pull downe the house with her owne hands and euer the more closely done the more sinfully Pro. 14. 1. She must not spend without consent much lesse entertainement of such as be suspected or disliked by the Husband 2 That she be carefull to aduance her Husbands reputation In adorning him in seemely and fit apparell verse 23. In seeing to his children and seruants euâ—n to the meanest of the house for their conuenient cloathing and handsomnesse verse 21. In keeping her feet within her owne house Pro. 7 11. In couering his infirmities 3 In his spirituall estate shee must bee an helpe as being an heire with him of the grace of life 1 Pet. 3. 7. By furthering all good duties as Prayer Thankesgiuing Repetition of Sermons Conference by being a comfort to him in afflictions in diseases By admonishing him wisely and submissiuely Gen. 21. 12. For shee is not bound to conceale his drunkennesse whoredoomes and the like Thus haue you a draught of a Wife and of an helpe meet for her Husband here may all married women see their duties and their failes These are the particular duties of man and wife 4 The fourth sort are such as 4 Such aâ— aâ—ise of these arise of these and they are the honour loue of one anothers friends mutually which much vniteth affections and preuenteth causes of dissentions Thus of the first couple in a family The second relation is that of Parents and Children §. IIII. Of Parents and Children THe duties of Parents and Parents and childrens duties Children are of two sorts Mutuaell and Seuerall and these either the duties of Parents both together and each apart Or of Children The mutuall duties of Parents Which are â— Mutuall and Children which both owe one towards the other are two 1 Naturall affection called by the Greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is a loue which none can feele but they It hath in it the yerning of the bowels ouer the party loâ—ed it is heathenish and more then bruitish to be without naturall affections Rom. 1. 2 Prayer for each other The duty of both Parents is 2 Seuerall Parents duty 1 Education both in religion and the true feare of God Ephes 6. 4. And in some honest trade of life and for this cause must they obserue the inclination of their children and accordingly dispose of them Prou. 20. 11. 22. 6. 2 Prouision for their estates and marriage for their estates it is their parts to lay vp for them as God shall blesse them 2 Cor. 12. 14. yet here remember that thou with-hold not thy hand from workes of charity because thou hast many children nay for this very cause let thy hand be more liberall thou hast the mâ—re to intreate the Lord for the more sinnes to be broken â—ff the more consciences to bee purged the more soules to hee dâ—liuered thus Iob offered sacrifices for his children and reckoned that as layed vp Dauid saith the righteous is euer mercifull and leâ—dâ—th and his seed is blessed Psal 37. 26. Iâ— thou study more for an earthâ—â— then an heauenly patrimony for them saith Cyprian which is to commend thy Cyprian de opâ—re Eâ—eeÌ„mosynis children to the Deuill rather then to Christ thou art in a double fault both that thou prouidest not the succour of God the Father for thy children and that thou teachest thy children to loue their patrimony more then Christ Secondly they must leaue them what they haue receiued of their Ancestors Pro. 19 14. Thirdly they must set their houses in order by Will respecting therein the first borne vnlesse by some grieuous crimâ— he hath otherwise deserued as did Reuben Gen. 49. 3. 4. Deut. 21 17. 2 King 20. 1. 1 Tim. 5 8. If hee haue and doe deserue disinheritance the Father or Mother as I take it may not doe it in that state which descended from his Ancients for God hath there made him heire and to meddle with it for time after their life is to put forth the hand to that which is not theirs but his and be it that he is like to be the ruine of the house and family yet this none knoweth and if God will ruine it thus who shall let it the way to vphold it if any is prayer good instruction reformation of our selues and the maintenance of Gods house and worship that he may say as he did of Dauid I will build thee an house 2 Sam. 7. 11. In lands of our owne purchase and all other goods thâ—â— aâ—e our owne to dispose as well as to inioy we ought to respect the deseruing children This for their estatâ—s their marriage is also to bee looked vnto by the Parents as they see their iâ—clination and necessity
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
shall euer come to heauen This is the priuiledge of the Christian Church aboue the Iewish The graces and gifts of the Holy Ghost are powred forth on the Church in more plentifull measure in the time of the New Testament then they were in the Old §. V. Concerning the Church of God we beleeue The Holy Catholike Church THe Church is a company of 25 Of the Church Ioh. 17. 9. 14. Mat. 16. 18 Ephes 1. 3. 4. 5. men separate from the world gathered by the voyce of Christ in the ministery of his seruants which are his Cryers which company doe worship God in spirit and truth There was is and euer shall be to the end a true Church of God on earth Redemption Iustification Sanctification and Saluation with all spirituall blessings in heauenly places in Christ Iesus promised in the word belong onely to the Church This Church and euery member Esa 26. 1. 2 thereof is holy and shee is Catholique that is vniuersall so that in euery nation he that feareth Acts 10. 34 God and worketh righteousnesse is accepted of him Christ Iesus is the head of this Eph. 1. 22. 5. 23. Can. 1. 5 6 his body and the husband of this his spouse This Church on earth is militant liable to tentations crosses afflictions and oppositions of all sorts Now wheresoeuer the word of Esa 59. 21. 2. â— Eph. 5. 26. Mat. 2â— 19 20. God is truely preached and embraced and the Sacraments rightly according to Christs institution administred there the Lord hath his Church Concerning her prerogatiues in this life 1 Communion of Saints â—â— Of the communion of Saints Can. 6. â— There is a communion and fellowship of Saints they being knit all together into one with Christ by the holy Ghost that one 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4. 4. 5. spirit and by faith and one with another by loue whence ariseth a glorious partaking mutually of all good things for as members of the same body they haue alike care one for the other and a fellow-feeling of wrongs and honour and labour to be of one minde and heart that there may be no schisme in the body and they employ their gifts for the good of the whole society 27 Of the forgiuenesse of sinnes 1 Ioh. 1. 10 Psa 18. 22. 51. 5. 2 Forgiuenesse of sinnes Euery man euen of this Church while hee is in this life needs forgiuenesse of sinnes and all the members of this holy Church here doe feele this need by reason of sinne dwelling in them of sinnes committed by them and of sinnes to which by nature they are more prone The Lord for his Sonnes sake Iesus Christ forgiueth the iniquity transgressions and sinnes Exod. 34. 6. 7. Psal 32. 1. 3. 4. Iob 33. 27. 28. 1 Ioh. 1. 9. Act. 3. 19. Rom. 4. 6. 7. 3. 20. 28. of all that truely repent so that he will neuer impute them nor punish them for them in this world nor in the world to come it is Gods free mercy that our sinnes are pardoned we are iustified freely by his grace through the bloud of Iesus Christ and the redemption which is in him of which righteousnesse and bloud-shedding oâ— Christ wee are made partakers by faith onely without the workes of the law for by the deeds of the law can no flesh be iustified in the sight of God Now being iustified by faith in Rom. 5. 1. the bloud of Christ wee haue peace with God The Ministers of the Gospell are sent by Christ with this authority that whosesoeuer sinnes Ioh. 20. 23. Mat. 18. 18. they doe forgiue according to the word of God which they are sent to dispense they are forgiuen in heauen and whosesoeuer sinnes they doe retaine according to the same word they are retained The resurrection of the body and life euerlasting At the last day the dead bodies 28 Of the resurrection Act. 24. 15. 1 Cor. 15. Iob 19. 13. 26. Ioh. 5. 28. 6. 44. 29 Of life eternall Rom. 6 23 of men the very same bodies in which both iust and vniust liued here though now laid in the dust and turned to corruption shall rise againe out of the dust of the earth and their own soules enter into them againe those that haue done euill to the resurrection of condemnation and those that haue done well to the resurrection of life euen of life euerlasting which is the gift of God through Iesus Christ our Lord and not the merit of our workes or any thing in vs. §. VI. These are the Articles of our beliefe to these God hath annexed two seales viz. Baptisme and the Lords Supper For wee are to beleeue and hold THat Christ hath ordained 〈◊〉 Of the Sacraments whole number nature two Sacraments alone and these two necessary to saluation Baptisme and the Lords Supper and that Sacraments are Signes giuen of God to bee seales of the righteousnesse of Faith euen of that righteousnesse of Iesus Christ brought in by his obedience to the death made ours by faith onely Vse they are to be vsed by vs as bands and vowes and solemne professions of our desires and endeauours after the beginnings and perfecting of In speciall of Baptisme the signe our faith and repentance The outward signe in Baptisme is the Ministers washing Mat. 28. 19 or dipping or sprinkling the beleeuer with water in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost The thing signified and sealed hereby to the beleeuing The grace Eph. 5. 26. Tit. 3. 5. penitent is the washing of the new birth by the Holy Ghost and the purging of the conscience from dead workes by the sprinkling of Christs bloud thereon by the same spirit of faith assuring vs of our adoption ingrafting into Christ deliuerance from Gods wrath forgiuenesse of sinnes communion with the Saints and resurrection of our bodies to life eternall The outward signe in the Of the Lords Supper the signe Lords Supper iâ— Bread Wine blessed broken powred forth and giuen by the Minister and taken and eaten and drunke by the faithfull The thing signified and sealed The grace to vs is the giuing of Christ by God the Father and Christ himselfe willingly giuing himselfe his body and bloud broken and shedde on the Crosse for our sinnes and transgressions that they might be forgiuen vs. which we must take eate and drinke by the hand and mouth of faith spiritually as it is offered to vs in the word of promise which saith This is my Body which is broken for you This is the New Testament in my bloud which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sinnes whereby our faith is strengthened and we grow in the assurance of Gods loue in the graces of his spirit in the life of holy duties in repentance towards God in loue of the communion of Saints in assured faith and hope of resurrection to life eternall 1 Cor.
baptisme as it is a vow and promise on our parts and a dedication of our soules and bodies there to the worship and seruice of that one God who is the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost renouncing all others now let this vow and profession of thine teach thee 1 To abandon all impenitency and vnbeliefe lest thou become a Couenant-breaker with God one that makest void the death of Christ one that crucifiest him afresh one that sinnest against the spirit of grace that grieuest that holy spirit disgracest the family Gospel and name of God and depriuest thy selfe of that saluation set forth by the Father wrought by the Sonne applyed by the holy Ghost assured by all three to thee in thy baptisme haddest thou looked to the condition and not put a barre to such surpassing mercy 2 To fight against the flesh the diuel and the world thereby remembring whose thou art and vnder whom thou warrest 3 To acknowledge the communion of Saints and know that thou art by baptisme bound to preserue brotherly loue with them as with the members of the body as with sonnes of the same father and seruants of the same lord 1 Cor. 12. 13. Ephes 4. 3 4. 5. No diuisions should arâ—se 1 Cor. 1. 13. All names of sectes should be abolished wee should deuote our selues to no mans rule were we baptized into the name of Paul Whose seruants soeuer wee are wee are Christes freemen and whose freemen soeuer we are Christs seruants 4 To worship him in vnity and vnity in Trinity drawing neere to the Father in the Son by the holy Ghost giuing the distinct glory to each person the Father that elected and loued the Sonne that redeemed the holy Ghost that sanctified vs. The forme of baptisme requireth this §. XI The fourth Prayer THis rightly performed is Of prayer the soule of the soule because it causeth it to liue in God the exercise of all the graces of the spirit at once as faith hope loue feare to offend vprightnes of heart delight in God and the like the Christians armouâ— the incense acceptable to God the very key of heauen In this seruice of the liuing God these speciall rules must be heeded 1 Thou must pray with thy vnderstanding that it may not be sayd to thee thou knowest not what thou askest It is the prime thing to be looked vnto that thy vnderstanding bee not vnfruitfull for it is not the tumbling ouer a few wordes without regard of the sense in them and knowledge of the thing prayed for that is of any moment but the powring out of the soule in those wordes which alone giues being to our prayers 1 Sam. 1. 15. Psa 142. 2. Lift vp thy heart with thy handes Lam. 3. 41. 2 Pray with pure heart and hands 1 Tim. 2. 8. The purity of the heart giueth purity to the hands both are pure in prayer when they are lifted vp 1 Without double mindednesse hypocrisie or guile of spirit the soule not lifted vp to vanity Psal 24. 4. nor the heart set vpon the loue of any sinne purifie your hearts ye double minded and then draw nigh to God and hee will draw nigh to you Iam. 4. 8. But if thou wert Dauid himself to whom God gaue his sure mercies if thou regard iniquity in thine heart the Lord will not heare thy prayer Psal 66. 18. 2 Without wrath for if wee forgiue not neither will our Father in heauen forgiue vs Mat. 6. 14. 15. 3 Without doubting Iam. 1. 5. Aske and wauer not 3 Pray with feeling and feruency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how preuailing is the prayer of a righteous man it is as an arrow shot home to the marke Iam. 5. 16. A speeding prayer a labouring and working prayer 4 Pray in the Holy Ghost Iude 20. Set thy delight on the Almighty so cannot any hypocrite Iob 27. 10. and cry Abba Father by the spirit of adoption Gal. 4. 5. with childelike affections and confidence 5 Pray at all times pray in prosperity in aduersity pray euery day pray and restraine not prayer before God why shouldest thou cast off his feare continuing instant Col. 4. 2. Iob 27. 10. The rather since our Lord saith that this faith he shall scarce finde when he comes to iudgement Phil. 4. 7. Luk â—8 8. in no thing be careful but in all things tell to the Lord thy requests 6 Pray onely in the name of Christ Ioh. 14. 13. and in Ioh. 16. 23. 24. We are not onely commanded to aske in his name but chidden for our slownesse to aske seeing we haue the Sonne of God our spokesman 7 Pray all manner of prayer complaints confessions supplication petition thanksgiuings and remember alwayes giuing of thankes in all thy requests Phil. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 8 Pray for all sorts of men especially for all in Authority 1 Tim. 2. 1. 9 Auoide vaine repetitions God is in heauen thou art in earth therefore let thy words bee few Mat 6. 7. Eccles 5. 2. Onely see they be the true voyce of the heart and they are not long if thy desire and feeling giue them life and they are long though neuer so short if this be wanting beware of length in prayer to be seene of men approue thy selfe to thy father that seeth in secret I close vp these directions with the saying of Ambrose in his booke Dâ— Cain et Abel lib. 2. c. 6. Si tanquam pubescens adolâ—scat fides qua defectum seâ—escentis devotionis ableget spiritu fâ—râ—eat congrua distinctionâ— teneatur â—ensura legitimae diuisionis assiduitas commendet gratiam tunc fit illud pingue tanquam adipale precationis genus de quâ— dicit scriptura impinguasti in oleo caput meum Sicut nâ—agni multo lacte pinguescunt sicut oues benè pastae adipe â—â—ent ita Apostolico succo pastâ— fidelium pinguâ—scit oratio horum si desit aliquid qua suprà diximus sacrificium non probatur If faith grow vigorous as comming to ripe age so that it banish the defect of withering deuotion waxe hot in spirit and the measure of a lawfull division be held by a congruous distinction and assidiuity commend the grace of it then that wel-liking and as it were fatty kind of praying is made of which the Scripture saith thou hast annointed mine head with oyle For like as the Lambes grow fat with much milke and as sheepe well-fed shine with fatnesse euen so batteneth the prayer of beleeuers fedd with Apostolike iuice If ought of these forespoken bewanting the sacrifice is not allowed §. XII The fifth feasting or solemne Offeasting Thankesgiuing THis duety is performed aright if wee follow these three essentiall directions 1 Our feasting must be with praise to God vpon the recording of some fauor and benefit or deliuerance reioycing in the worke that he hath done considering the workes of his hands Psa 119. 24. 2 It must be with liberality to to the poore that their
lippes proceeding from the vnfaigned loue thou bearest to purenesse of heart These are the delight of Kings these draw the loue of Kings Pro. 16. 13. 22. 11. 3 Diligence in thy businesse will make roome for thee in the Kings presence Pro. 22. 29. 4 If thou haue by ignorance or against thy will offended thy Lord and master rush not headily to what may enrage him lest thou sinne against thine owne soule but by long forbearance and soft answeres shew thy patience this hath eloquence to perswade and a secret force to breake the bones Pro. 20. 2. 25. 15. Beware how thou stand in an euill thing for he doth whatsoeuer pleaseth him Eccles 8. 3. 5 Improue thy power though to hazard of place and life if the matter so require for the good of Gods Church and religion after the famous examples of Hoster chap. 4. 16. and Nehemiah chap. 1. 11. 2. 1. 2. 3 4. 5. The Ambassador If thou art an Ambassador there is requisite 1 Wisedome and prudence to know thy place and employment and how to apply it to the occasions and this wisedome guided by piety He that sendeth a message by the hand of a foole cutteth off the feet and drinketh dammage Pro. 26 6. Eleazar Abrahams seruant may be the patterne for them in this point and those that follow Gen. 24. 2 Faithfulnesse in the businesse committed to him it is health reâ—reshing to the soule of him that sent him Pro. 25. 13. 13 17. 3 Expedition and speed when the desire commeth it is a tree of life but hope deferred maketh the heart sicke Pro. 13. 12 As vineger to the teeth and as â—moake to the eyes so is the sluggard to them that send him Pro. 10. 26. Iâ— a Counsellor of State these The Councelcellor of State speciall directions 1 Let pieâ—y bee at the right hand of policy neuer giue aduice to strengthen the hands of thy soueraigne by enterprizing any euill action as did cursed Achitophel 2 Sam. 16. 21. 22. Neither aduise thou against the publique good of the people as if a King were not absolute that tendred their grieuances as did Râ—hoboams greene-headed Statesmen 2 King 12. 10. 11. 2 See thou giue a right answere and seasonable euery one then will kisse thy lippes and thy word fitly spoken will bee like apples of gold with pictures of siluer Pro. 24. 26. 25. 11. 3 Be acquainted well with the Histories of the old Testament and the menaces of the Prophets which threaten Nationall plagueâ— against Nationall sinnes that those sinnes and their spreadings may be wisely discerned and preuented and account it the chiefest part of thy wisedome not proudly or scornefully to obserue those threatnings written in Scriptures or pressed by Gods Ministers Salomon saith scornefull men bring a city into a snare but wise men turne away wrath Pro. 29. 8. Sure it is the Lord neuer brought a sweeping iudgement on a people that once he hath taken for his owne by couenant but the same might haue beene foreseene in the warrings of conscionable Ministers that ambitiously seek not themselues if their admonitions had beene obserued 4 Seeke the good of the opâ—ressed and thinke not of excuses to withdraw thy helping hand If thou forbeare to deliuer them that are drawne to death and those that are ready to be slâ—ine if thou saiâ—st behold we know not doth not he that pondreth the heart consider it and hee that keepeth thy soule doth not he know it and shall not hee render to euery man his workes Pro. 24. 11. 12. 5 In all determinations cast first for compassing the meanes readily to bring them about Prepare thy worke without and make it fit for thy selfe in the field and afterwards build thine house Pro. 24. 27. These concerne the Magistrate and Subiect the essentiall parts of a Common-wealth we descend next to the family and there first forme the Husband and Wife §. III. Of the Husband and Wife THe first couple in the family The duties of the husband and wife in order of nature and in the erection of a family is the Husband and Wife where duties of soure sorts concurre to their wel-being Officia Fundamentalia Muâ—ua Particularia Resultantia Which are 1 Fundamentall Fundamentall Mutuall in which both stand equally charged Particular which both owe a part Such as arise of these 1 The fundamentall duties concerne their holy comming together which ought primarily to bee heeded for matching together according to Gods ordinance we may depend vpon him for a blessing on his owne ordinance whereas a godlesse enterance brings necesarily vnlesse God by an high hand direct it misery and mâ—nâ—fold inconueniences together with the wrath of God what then are these duties 1 One man must haue but one woman at once nor one woman more then one man thus in the institution of marriage Gen. 2. 24. Vpon which the Prophet Malachie comments thus Did he not make one yet had he the residue of the spiritâ— and wherfore one that he might seeke a godly seede therefore take heed to your spirit and let none deale treacherously against the wife of his youth For the Lord the God of Israel saith that hee hateth putting away Mal. 2. 15. 16. and our Sauiour readeth it They two shall be one flesh and the Apostle Paul calls it the Law of the Husband or of the wise Rom. 7. 2. 2 Theremust be obserued a sufficient distance in blood by those that enter this estate that the mariage be not incâ—stuous so the degrees forbiden are set downe in Lev. 18. 3 Equality in religion is on both â—ands to be looked to that we be not vnequally yoked with vnbeleeuers and equality may be extended also to age estate and dispositions that to the being this latter to the welbeing of mariage 2 Cor. 6. 14. 4 Freedome from the law of another husband or wife as that she be not the betrothed or vniustly diuorced wife of another man 5 The Consent of parties that the match be not forced and of the Parents or Guardions that the match be not stollâ—n 6 The avoydance of persons infamous or fowly disâ—ased with the Leprosie the French Poxe or the like These rules let all obserue that would lay an happy foundation of a holy family respecting their owne or their posterities good whereas he that dare ouer-leape these bounds and breake into holy wedlecke may expect the curse of God without repentance staying his hand lifted vp 2 The mutuall duties of 2 Mutuall husband and wife are 1 Matrimoniall fidelity that he play not the baggage with the wife of his youth and that she forsake not the guide of her youth nor forget the Couenant of her God Mal. 2. 15. Pro. 2. 17. 2 Matrimoniall loue 3 Due beneuolence the one not defrauding the other vnlesse it be with consent and that for a time that they may giue themselues to prayer lest Satan tempt them for their incontinency â—
what once we were Tit. 3. 2 3. That walketh not wisely to them that are without Col. 4. 5. That walketh scandalously or offensiuely 1 Cor. 10. 32. That neglecteth those things that in their eyes are winning and may adorne his profession Tit. 2. 10. 1 Pet. 3. 2. That neglecteth the study of those things that will preserue the honour of his person Phil 4. 8. Thus for our obedience in 3 Rules about thy hope which we abide with God as Christians Moreouer in asmuch as in our calling to be Christians our new birth entitleth vs to the inheritance of heauen when wee dye so that the Lord knoweth all such for no lesse then his sons and heires in Christ all the dayes of their life That the Christian may abide with God hee must bee rightly ordered about his hope And here 1 Thou must study the promises Psal 119. 49. 16. 9. 10. that concerne the glory of heauen and the resurrection of thy body at the last day for hope is of good things to come which God hath promised and faith beleeued Behold then the saluation promised and pray that the Lord would open the eyes of thy vnderstanding to see the hope of thy calling Eph. 1 18. so shall thy hope of glory cause exceeding ioyes and admired patience in greatest miseries when thou shalt vpon wise computation conclude that the sufferiâ—gs of this present time are not worthy to bee compared with the glory that shall be reuealed in vs Rom. 8 18. I le giue you but a few places for taste for the glory of the resurrection 1 Cor. 15 42 43. Phil. 3 21 for the glory of heauen Ioh. 15. 24. Psal 16 11. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. 2 Doe all diligence to the full assurance of hope vnto the end Heb. 6 11. in the labours of loue ministring to the Saints out of that loue wee beare to Christs name verse 10. and in setting before vs the faith patience and good works of those which now inherite the promise of heauen verse 12. The ground of a liuely and good hope is Christ in vs Col. 1 27. and wee may be assured our hope abuseth vs not if it presse vs to purifie our selues as Christ is pure 1 Ioh. 3 3. Desiring further conformity to his image with and through whom we are heires of glory and if it leaue vs more humble in our selues and more diligent in the vse of the meanes of grace 3 Forme in thee frequent meditations of heauen the loue of Christs appearing and the patient waiting for his comming To these the Lord direct all our hearts 2 Thes 3 4. In this manner abide with God all thy life mourning for thy failings and pressing on towards the marke for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus §. XXIX The order of our liues in the seuerall changes of our fading condition NOw for the seuerall changes To abide with God of thy mortall condition the Apostles rule in generall is Therein abide with God as 1 In thy wealth 1 Remember that thou neither 1 In wealth ascribe to thy selfe the power to get riches but acknowledge them to come from God nor forget God in thy abundance that therewith thou shouldest make prouision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh but that thou serue the Lord with more gladnesse and cheerefulnesse of heart for the abundance of things thou possessest nor yet trust in thy riches but in the liuing God who giueth richly all things to enioy and seeing the vanity and danger of riches and the vncertainty of thy life be humbled in thy selfe and carry low thoughts and diuorced affections in the midst of thy welfare It is vsuall with rich men to be swolne with pride to thinke themselues the happiest vnder Sunne to reckon they are in Gods fauour because they prosper in the world and to award all reproofes in the ministery and checkes of their consciences and thoughts of examination of their estate with God with the view of their large possessions and full bags but that prosperity is a curse which thus affecteth vs Let the brother of high degree reioyce in that hee is made low Deut. 8. 11. 12. 18. 28. 47. Hos 2. 8. Iam. 1. 10. Take hâ—ed of pride and carnall confidence 2 See that thy heart be not set on them thou maist not loue them for the loue of money is the roote of all euill but possesse the things of this world as if thou possessedst them not Psal 62. 10. 1 Cor. 7. 29. 30. Thou maiest both buy and possesse but not forget that thy abiding city is aboue nor set vp thy rest in these momentany things Psal 49. 11 So to doe were couetousnesse and doth proue vs vnder the power of folly as was that foole in the Gospell that said to his soule Soule thou hast goods laid vp for many a yeere eate drinke and bee merry Luk. 12. 19. 20. 3 Make you friends of the mammon of iniquity that when ye faile they may receiue you into euerlasting habitations Luk. 16. 9. How is this done Be rich in good workes ready to distribute willing to communicate this is to lay vp in store for our selues a good foundation against the time to come that wee may lay hold on eternall life 1 Tim. 6. 18 19. Againe buy the truth and sell it not Pro 23. 23. Aduantage thy spirituall estate hereby That dwelling is not well situated that wants the water-courses and riuers of diuine Scripture flowing by it this is the riuer that maketh glad the city of God Psal 1. 3. 46. 4. 2 In afflictions of any sort 1 Pray and cast out perplexed 2 â—â— afflictions cares role them on God who careth for thee The name of the Lord called vpon is a strong tower the righteous flee to it and are safe Psal 50. 15 55 22. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Pro. 18. 10. And in There is a voice in euery worke of God whereby God speaketh to man thy prayer 1. desire to know the meaning of the rod and to heare Gods voice spâ—aking in it Iob 34. 31. 32. Surely it is meet to bee said vnto God I haue borne chastifement I will not offend any more that which I see not â—each thou me if I haue done iniquity I will doe no more Mic. 6. 9. The Prophet teacheth that in euery affliction the Lords voyce cryeth to vs so that our wisedome is to see his name and to heare the rod and who hath appointed it 2. Aske wisedome how to behaue thy selfe vnder it Iam. 1. 5. 2 Beare it with patience and submâ—ssion taking in good part the Lords chastisement Leu. 26. 41. 1 Pet. 5 6. Humble thy selfe vnder the mighty hand of God that hee may exâ—lt thee in due time and that patience may haue her perfect worke in thee watch against â—reâ—ting at God or man Psal 37 1 7 8 39 9. â—eaâ—inesse vnder the chastising hand Pro. 3 11. the lifting vp of
thy soule to ill meanes Esa 28 16. The resting on second causes as Asa did on the Physitian dismayednesse and deiected thoughts to say thou shalt not see God and his saluation promised he will not be so good to thee or to say my way is hid from the Lord my iudgement is passed ouer of my God Esa 40 27 31. Iob 35. 14 15. questioning whether he can doe for vs as hee hath done for his people formerly Psal 78 19. 20. and desperate resolutions to say with the stubborâ—e Iewes in Ezok 33 10. If our transgressions and our sinnes be vpon vs and wee pine away in them how should we then liue Hearken what God saith as I liue saith the Lord God I haue no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turne from his way and liue turne yee turne yee from your euill wayes for why will yee dye O house of Israel verse 11. 3 Learne righteousnesse this is all the fruit God looketh aftâ—r to take away thy sinne Esa 26. 11. 27. His corrections are a winde to fanne and to clâ—anâ—e Ier. 4 11. which is done 1 If thou search and try thy waies and auoide carelesnesse Pro. 14. 16. Iob 36. 8. 9. If hee smite feare and depart from euill cry when he bindeth thee lâ—st like an hypocrite thou heape vp wrath verse 13. Lam. 3. 40. 2 Walke in thy integrity Pro. 19. 1. 3 Watch against discouragements Pro. 24. 10. nor questioning Gods loue for the outward distresse nor fainting in thy good way the way is not to be iudged by the afflictions but the afflictions by the way Trust in carnall Friends and arme of flesh Pro. 27. 10 Sudden Feares Prou. 3. 25. Psal 1 12. The righteous is not afraid of any euill tydings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. 3 In Poâ—erty 1 Dâ—ssâ—mble not make not â— In po 〈…〉 thy selfe poorer then thou art Salomon had obserued such a disease as this amongst men there is saith hee that maketh himselfe rich and yet hath nothing and there is that maketh himselfe poore yet hath great riches 2 But be it so thou art poore indeed seeke to beâ— rich in faith that Christ may liue in thee who is our riches and reioyce herein that thou art exalted to bee heiâ—e of the kingdome Iam. 1. 9. 2. 5. 3 Walke in thy integrity Pro. 19. 1. 4 Liue by faith Psal 34. 5. 6. 10. Mat. 4 4. Feede on the promise and depend on Gods allowance 5 Dwell in the land and bee doing good Psal 37. 3. Abide in thy place and remoue not without thou canst in a lawfull way see the Lord himselfe thy guide and leader 6 By contentation liue without couetings and desire to see therein the gaine of godlinesse that thou maiest learne to haue want and to be hungry as well as to abound and to be full Phil. 4. 12. Heb. 13. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 6. 7. 8. 4 In Sicknesse 1 Seeke first to God and 4 In sicknesse then to the Physitian as the ordinance of God and in thy seeking to God confesse against thy selfe thy sinneâ— to the Lord imitate Hezekiah Esa 38. 1. and doe not as did Asa 2 Chro. 16. lest a disease in the feet sooner cut off thy dayes then a griefe at the heart Psal 32. 5 2 Send for the Elders of the Church that they may pray for thee Iam. 5. 14. 3 Set thy soule in order for faith in the Lord Iesus repentance towards God loue to men hope of heauen and set thy house in order that thy last will may testifie all this 4. Let thy soule sâ—lace her selfe in that Psalme of Dauid the 41. to the increase of the care of duty and of the power of comfort and support of heart 5 In Persecutions 1 Let all thy sufferings from 5 In peâ—secutions hand or tongue of the wicked be for the name of Christ and for wel-doing that thou maiest suffer as a Christian not as a malefactor that if any euill bee spoken of thee or obiected against thee it may be falsely spoken and obiected Mat. 5. 11. 1 Pet. 4. 15. And here see thou conscionably for the Lords sake reuerence dignities and obey authority in whatsoeuer is not repugnant to the word of God 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14. 15. 16. that it may bee said of thee as once of Daniel wee shall not finde any occasion against this Daniel except we finde it against him concerning the law of his God Dan. 6. 5. 2 Remember what it will cost thee to be a Christian thou must deny thy selfe and thine own life Luâ— 14. 26. 2 Tim. 3. 12 and therefore thinke it not strange if a fiery try all should happen as if some strange thing had happened 1 Pet. 4. 12. 3 Commit the keeping of thy soule to God in wel-doing as vnto a faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. 19. 4 Be not afraid of the terror of the wicked neither be troubled but sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready al waies to giue an answere to euery man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in you with meekenesse and feare 1 Pet. 3. 14 15. So shall you witnesse a good confession and shall bee acknowledged by our Sauiour at the last and dreadfull day Mat. 10. 32. 33. Thou shalt Heb. 11. 27 not feare the face of a Pharaoh if thou haue seene him that is inuisible 5 Receiue the sentence of death in thy selfe that thou maiest not trust in thy selfe but God that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 1. 8. 9. 6 Let thine eyes bee set on things that are not seene which are eternall Looke out to the better refurrection that thou maiest not passe for deliuerance thy dyings for the Lord Iesus will bee but such light afflictions as the heart may runne away with 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. This will also keepe thee from the snares of the worldâ— enticements as it did Moses Heb. 11. 24. 25. 35. 7 Leaue not till thou canst be in sufferings as a sheepe dumbe before the shearers yea let thy heart be filled with such loue to God and man that thou canst pray for thy persecutors and blesse them that curse thee Mat. 5. 44. Esa 5. 53. 7. and in all committhy cause to him that iudgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2. 21. 23. 8 To helpe thee herein behold the examples of all the heires of promise the whole clowde of witnesses which compasse thee in this way the worthies of the Old Testament Heb. 11. the Confessors and Martyrs of the New Testament Reu. â—2 11. and chiefely the matchlesse patterne of our Sauiour Heb. 12. 2. who for the glory set before him despised the shame and indured the gaine-sayings of sinners 9 Adde withall the consolations which are not small for consider We are made conformable to Christ in sufferings and death and therefore we shall in glory 2 Tim. 2. 11. 12. Christ accounts them the residue of his sufferings and iâ— all