past finding out Eph. 1.11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the Counsel of his own will Prov. 21.1 The Kings heart is in the hands of the Lord as the Rivers of water he turneth it whithersoever he will Ezra 7.27 Blessed be the Lord God of our Fathers which hath put such a thing as this in the Kings heart to beautifie the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem Dan. 5.23 But thou hast lifted up thy self against the Lord of Heaven and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee and thou and thy Lords thy wives and thy Concubines have drunk wine in them and thou hast praised the Gods of silver and Gold of Brasse Iron wood and Stone which see not nor hear nor know and the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy waies hast thou not glorified 1 Sam. 3.18 And Samuel told him every whit and hid nothing from him and he said it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good Psal 39.9 I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it Job 1.21 And said naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away Blessed be the name of the Lord. Psal 97.1 The Lord reigneth Let the earth rejoyce Let the multitude of Isles be glad â—hereof 〈◊〉 1.13 Let no man say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man V. 14. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed CHAP. II. Concerning Man COncerning Man we are to know and understand these three things 1. The happy Condition in which he was made 2. His Fall 3. The way of his Recovery by Christ 1. The Holy and happy estate in which God created man at first Namely after his own Image in Knowledge Holinesse and Righteousnesse with Dominion over the Creatures here below writing his Law on mans heart requiring perfect obedience from him and giving him power to perform it promising the continuance of him in that happy estate if he obeyed and threatning him with death if he disobeyed which is called the Covenant of works Psal 8.4 What is man that thou art mindful of him and the Son of man that thou visitest him V. 5. For thou hast made him little lower than the Angels and hast crowned him with Glory and Honour V. 6. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands thou hast put all things under his feet Gen. 1.26 And God said let us make man in our Image after our likenesse and let them have dominion over the fish of the Sea and over the fowle of the aire and over the Cattle and over all the earth and over every Creeping thing that Creepeth upon the Earth V 27. So God Created man in his own Image in the Image of God Created he him male and female Created he them V. 28. And God blessed them and God said unto them be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the Sea and over the fowl of the aire and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth Eccles 7.29 Lo this only have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Col. 3.10 And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that Created him Eph. 4.24 And that ye put on the new man which after God is Created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Gen. 2.7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul V. 16. And the Lord God Commanded the man saying of every tree of the Garden thou maist freely eat V. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Gal. 3.12 And the Law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Rom. 10.5 For Moses describeth the righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Rom. 2.14 For when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves V. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their consciences also hearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another 2. The miserable Condition into which man threw himself by sin Our first Parents by the temptation of Sathan disobeyed God broke his righteous Law and Commandement and thereby cast themselves out of the Favour of God became the Slaves of Satan and liable to the curse of the Law and brought a great depravation of soul and body upon themselves And such as our first Parents were such must their posterity needs be For who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean says Job Chap. 14.4 They having lost the Image of God themselves the holinesse and happinesse in which they were made could not conveigh it to their posterity So that the nature of man is now become corrupt prone to evil backward to good And this miserable condition is derived to us from Adam by our immediate Parents and as men come to be born in several Ages and generations so they actually participate of the sap that comes from the first root we being therefore all of us in so bad a Condition by nature and by custome and practice in sin having made our selves much worse and more abominable in the sight of God more guilty and liable to his wrath we are to know and consider that this woful state of sin and misery is by no means to be rested in But seeing we are fallen into so lamentable a condition we must speedily endeavour to get out of it And therefore let us remember that without Conversion there is no hope of Salvation Except a man be born again and made a new Creature he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God Joh. 3.3 Gen. 3.6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she tooke of the fruit thereof and did eate and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eate V. 7. And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons V. 8. And they heard the voyce of the Lord God walking in the Garden in the coole of the day And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the Garden V. 13. And the Lord God said
is a Lyar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ He is Anti-Christ that denieth the Father and the Son V. 23. Whosoever denieth the Son the same hath not the Father but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also Rom. 9.5 Whose are the Fathers And of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Phil. 2.6 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God Acts 7.59 And they stoned Stephen calling upon God and saying Lord Jesus receive my Spirit V. 60. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice Lord lay not this sin to their Charge 2 Thess 2.16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himselfe and God even our Father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting Consolation and good hope through Grace V. 17. Comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work Concerning God the Holy Ghost Acts 5.3 But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost V. 4. Thou hast not lied unto men but unto God John 14.16 I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever V. 26. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you John 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send to you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his son into your hearts crying Abba Father Phil. 1.19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ Rom. 8.9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed to the day of Redemption 1 Cor. 2.13 Which things also we speak not in the words which mans wisdome teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spiritual things with spiritual Acts 7.51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears ye do alwaies resist the Holy Ghost As your Fathers did so do ye 2 Pet. 1.21 For the Prophecy came not in old time by the will of Man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Rom 8.26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered V. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Acts 13.2 As they ministred to the Lord and fasted the Holy Ghost said Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have Called them Titus 3.5 Not by works of righteousnesse which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and Renewing of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 3.6 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 6.19 What know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own Rom. 5.5 And hope maketh not ashamed because the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Mat. 12.31 Wherefore I say unto you all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men V. 32. And whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man it shall be forgiven him but whosoever speaketh a word against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world neither in the world to come Secondly His PROPERTIES or ATTRIBUTES God is Eternal or without any Beginning or End Omnipotent or Almighty Omnipresent or every where present Omniscient or All-knowing Infinitely Wise Holy Just Mercifull Eternall Psal 90.2 Before the Mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth or the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God Deut. 33.27 The Eternal God is my refuge and underneath are the everlasting armes Omnipotent Gen. 17.1 And when Abram was Ninety years old and nine the Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him I am the Almighty God walk before me and be thou perfect Isa 40.17 All Nations before him are as nothing and they are counted to him lesse than nothing and vanity Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending saith the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty Rev. 19.6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude and as the voice of many waters and as the voice of mighty thunderings saying Allelujah for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth Omnipresent 1 Kings 8.27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth behold the Heaven and Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee how much lesse this house that I have builded Jer. 23.24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Psal 139.7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither shall I flee from thy presence V. 8. If I ascend up into Heaven thou art there If I make my bed in Hell behold thou art there V. 11. If I say surely the darknesse shall cover me even the night shall be Light about me V. 12. Yea the darknesse hideth not from thee but the night shineth as the day the darkness and the light are both alike to thee Omniscient 1 Chron. 28.9 And thou Solomon my Son know thou the God of thy Father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts understandeth all the Imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever 1 King 8.39 Then hear thou in Heaven thy dwelling place and forgive and do and give to every man according to his ways whose heart thou knowest for thou even thou knowest the hearts of all the children of men Heb. 4.13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do Psal 139.2 Thou knowest my down-sitting and my up-rising thou understandest my thoughts afar off V. 3. Thou compassest my path and my lying down and art acquainted with all my waies V. 4. For
of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the Truth Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit V. 9. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Col. 2.11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God Rom. 6.5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likenesse of his resurrection V. 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin V. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under Grace Eph. 5.26 That he might Sanctifie and Cleanse it with the washing of water by the word Gal 5.24 And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Rom. 8.13 For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die but if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Eph. 3.16 That he would grant you according to the riches of his Glory to be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love V. 18. May be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height V. 19. And to know the Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulnesse of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the fear of God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord 1 Thes 5.23 And the very God of peace Sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Gal. 5 16. This I say then walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh V. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would V. 25. If we live in the spirit let us also walk in the spirit 1 Pet. 2.11 Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul 2 Pet. 3.18 But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to him be Glory both now and for ever Amen 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure He commanded his Disciples to preach the Gospel and instituted the two Sacraments viz. Baptism and the Lords-Supper Mark 16.15 And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature V. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 4.1 Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God John 4.1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more Disciples than John V. 2. Though Jesus himself baptized not but his Disciples Mat. 28.19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost V. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and Lo I am with you alway even to the end of the world Amen Mark 1.4 John did baptize in the wildernesse and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins Rom. 6.3 Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death V. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newnesse of life Mat. 3.11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier than I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire John 1.33 And I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which baptizeth with the holy Ghost Tit. 3.5 Not by works of righteousnesse which we have done but according to his mercy he saveth us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost 1 Pet. 3.21 The like figure whereunto even baptisme doth now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 12.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit 1 Cor. 10.1 Moreover brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud and all passed through the Sea V. 2. And were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea V. 3. And did all eat the same spirituall meat V. 4. And did all drink the same spirituall drink for they drank of that spirituall Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ Rom. 4.11 And he received the signe of Circumcision a seal of the righteousnesse of the Faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the Father of all them that believe though they be not Circumcised that righteousnesse might be imputed to them also V. 12. And the Father of Circumcision to them who are not of the Circumcision onely but also walk in the steps of that faith of our Father Abraham which he had being yet uncircumcised Col. 2.11 In whom also ye are Circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ V. 12. Buried with him in baptisme wherein also ye are
Gospel heartily to repent of all their sins seriously to give up their souls unto him resting and relying on the Redemption and Ransome of his Blood for their Pardon and Reconciliation with God And taking him for their onely Lord Saviour and yielding themselves up in sincere obedience to him and to be guided and governed by his Grace and Holy Spirit they do depend on him alone for Justification Sanctification strength to persevere in the ways of Holinesse and at last to be brought to eternall Life And to as many as are thus drawn by the Holy Ghost savingly to repent of their sins and believe in Christ being truly united to him and made branches in him the true Vine and members of his mystical body the true Church whereof himself is the Head God hath promised pardon and Remission of all their sins to write his Law in their Hearts to subdue their Corruptions by his Grace that sin shall not have Dominion over them to bestow on them all such outward blessings as he in his infinite wisdome shall see good for them And when they die their souls shall be received into everlasting blisse and their bodies shall be raised again by the power of Christ at the last day and made partakers of the same Glory And this is Called the Covenant of Grace But such as go on in their sins refusing to accept of Christ for their Lord and Saviour Redeemer and Sanctifier and to give up themselves in sincere obedience to him when they die their Souls shall be adjudged to everlasting punishment and their bodies shall be raised again at the last day and made partakers with their Souls of Everlasting Torments Concerning effectual Calling Rom. 1.6 Among whom are ye also the Called of Jesus Christ Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the Called according to his purpose V. 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also Called and whom he Called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and Called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the Heavenly Calling Consider the Apostle and high Priest of our profession Christ Jesus Eph. 1.18 The eyes of your understanding being inlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his Calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the greatnesse of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power Acts 16.14 And a certain woman named Lydia a seller of purple of the City of Thyatira which worshipped God heard us whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royall Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darknesse into his marvellous Light Eph. 4.1 I therefore the Prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called 1 Thes 2.12 That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you to his Kingdome and Glory John 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day V. 45. It is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh to me V. 65. And he said therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out John 5.25 Verily verily I say unto you the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God and they that hear shall live 2 Thes 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth V. 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ Ezek 36 16. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me saying V. 17. Son of man when the House of Israel dwelt in their owne Land they defiled it by their owne way and by their doings their way was before me as the uncleannesse of a removed woman V. 26. A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you a heart of flesh V 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgements and do them Eph. 2.13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who somtimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ Rom. 8.2 For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death V. 9. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his John 3.8 The wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth so is every one that is born of the Spirit Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to Light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by Faith that is in me Concerning believing the Gospel 1 Cor. 2.12 Now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God V. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Eph. 1.16 Making mention of you in my prayers V. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his Calling and what the riches of the Glory of his inheritance V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power John 8.24 I said therefore unto you that ye shall die in your sins for if ye beleeve not
that I am he ye shall die in your sins Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved John 14.6 Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me John 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Gal. 1.6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the Grace of Christ unto another Gospel V. 7. Which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the Gospel of Christ V. 8. But though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed Eph. 1.13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise V. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his Glory Eph. 2.4 But God who is rich in mercy for his great love where-with he loved us V. 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ by Grace ye are saved 2 Cor. 4.13 We having the same Spirit of Faith according as it is written I beleeved and therefore have I spoken we also beleeve and therefore speak Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 1.23 But we preach Christ Crucified unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishnesse V. 24. But unto them which are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 3.11 For other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ Concerning Repentance Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand for to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgivenesse of sins Mat. 4.17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say repent for the Kingdome of Heaven is at hand Mark 1.14 Now after that John was put in prison Jesus came into Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdome of God V. 15. And saying the time is fullfilled and the Kingdome of God is at hand repent ye and believe the Gospel Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 20.20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and have taught you publikely and from house to house V. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 26.19 Wherefore O King Agrippa I was not disobedient to the Heavenly vision V. 20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus and at Jerusalem and throughout all the Coasts of Judea and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy 1 John 1.9 If we confesse our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse Josh 7.19 And Joshua said unto Achan my son give I pray thee Glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession unto him and tell me now what thou hast done hide it not from me Acts 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life Ezek 18.30 Therefore will I judge you O house of Israel every one according to his waies saith the Lord God repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruine V. 31. Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye have transgressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O House of Israel Ezek. 36.31 Then shall ye remember your owne evil ways and your doings that were not good and shall loath your selves in your owne sight for your iniquities and for your abominations V. 32. Not for your sakes do I this saith the Lord God be it known unto you he ashamed and confounded for your owne waies O house of Israel Joel 2.12 Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning V. 13. And rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil 2 Cor. 7.11 For behold this self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a Godly sort what carefulnesse it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things ye have approved your selves to be clear in this matter Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do thy first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy Candlestick out of his place except thou repent Luke 13.3 I tell you nay but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Acts 17 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at but now commandeth all men every where to repent V. 31. Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Isa 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Isa 1.16 Wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil c. V. 18. Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like Crimson they shall be as wool Luke 15.7 I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance Heb. 6.1 Therefore leaving the principles of the Doctrine of Christ let us go on unto perfection not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of Faith towards God Luke 17.3 Take heed to your selves if thy brother trespasse against thee rebuke him and if he repent forgive him V 4. And if he trespasse against thee seaven times in a day and seaven times in a day
armour of Light Eph. 5.15 See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise Rom. 13.13 Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkennesse not in chambering and wantonnesse not in strife and envying V. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts therof Psal 63.1 O God thou art my God early will I seek thee my soul thirsteth for thee my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty Land where no water is Psal 59.16 But I will sing of thy power yea I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble Psal 35.28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousnesse and of thy praise all the day long Psal 3.5 I laid me down and slept I awaked for the Lord sustained me Psal 91.1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty V. 4. He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust his truth shall be thy shield and buckler Psal 4.6 There be many that say who will shew us any good Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance upon us Psal 32.8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go I will guid thee with mine eye Psal 86.11 Teach me thy way O Lord I will walk in thy Truth unite my heart to fear thy Name Psal 17.5 Hold up my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not Psal 90.17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us establish thou the work of our hands upon us yea the work of our hands establish thou it Secondly Omit not daily to poure forth thy Soul in secret and fervent prayer before the Lord humbly confessing and bewailing thy sins with a deep sense and feeling of the evil danger and desert of them begging earnestly as for thy life a ful and free pardon and discharge of them all in the blood of Christ and humbly imploring the aid and assistance of the holy Spirit to enable thee to mortifie thy corruptions to resist temptations and to perform in a right manner all the duties required of thee Be much in this duty of secret prayer if ever thou intendest to save thy soul to honour God here or to be happy with him hereafter And remember that to pray unto God in an acceptable manner is not to say over a few prayers or to utter a few petitions Patrat-like in a formal cold customary manner where there is not a true sense and feeling of sin and misery and where the desires of the soul are not carried out earnestly to seek for mercy and relief from God through Christ there can be no true hearty praying such as God will accept though the outside and external part of the duty be performed never so speciously God more regards the sighes and tears and broken expressions of a truly contrite and humble heart that are powred forth in secret before him than the most set and exactly form'd devotions that proceed either from formality or hypocrisie If thou wouldest therefore pray aright beg the assistance of the holy Spirit of God to help and enable thee for we know not how to pray as we ought except the Spirit help our infirmities Beg therefore the assistance of the Spirit to work and quicken in thy heart those apprehensions affections and Graces which are requisite for the right performance of this duty And with that gracious assistance labour to pray 1. With humility and reverence having an high and awful apprehension of the Majesty of God 2. With a deep sense and feeling of thy wants and necessities and with brokennesse of heart and true contrition for thy sins 3. Offer up thy prayers and supplications to God in the Name of Christ the only Mediatour between God and man not barely mentioning his Name but drawing thy encouragement to pray and thy hope of acceptance in prayer from his Merits Mediation and Intercession 4. Pray in Faith humbly trusting in Gods Power Goodnesse Faithfulnesse and gracious promises made in Christ not so much a Christians prayer as his Faith in prayer prevaileth with God And 't is a great encouragement to Faith to consider there is not only bounty in God but bounty engaged by promise O how great are the priviledges of Saints God is their Father willing to hear their prayers Christ is their Advocate willing to present their requests the holy Ghost is their helper and assister to draw up their requests for them 5. Lift up pure hands without wrath as the Apostle adviseth 1 Tim. 2.8 Before thou settest thy self to this duty labour to get thy heart purged of all malice wrath ill will and desire of revenge if there be any such vile affection in thee towards any body When thou goest to pray thou goest to beg forgivenesse of thy manifold sins from God which thou canst not reasonably expect if thou art not willing to forgive others Our Saviour hath taught us to pray forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespasse against us And this is very remarkeable he resumes this petition of all the rest to explain and by a strong reason to enforce Mat. 6.14 15. For if you forgive men their trespasses your Heavenly Father will also forgive you but if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses Remember therefore that it is thy duty heartily to forgive those that have done thee any wrong and to pray for them that God would pardon them in his Son and give them such a frame of heart that they may please him and be blessed by him both here and hereafter This is a good signe of Grace to pray for a blessing on our very enemies 6. Pray in sincerity Looke that thy end be right and that thy aim be at the Glory of God There is a great deal of difference betwixt a carnal desire and a gracious supplication Jam. 4.3 Ye ask and have not because ye ask amisse to spend it on your lusts Praiers that want a good aim do usually want a good issue When thou findest thy heart running out by a perverse aim check it and disclaim it the more solemnly If our praiers be not directed to the Glory of God there is little hope that when we receive the talent we pray for we shall employ it to our Masters use They that cannot ask a mercy well seldome use it well 7. Labour to pray with zeal fervency warmth and holy importunity with sensiblenesse and strong workings of affection 'T is easie to say a prayer in a formal cold manner when the heart is nothing affected with it but possibly wandring while the lips are praying But that is true prayer when the soul reaches out after those things it praies for in holy ardent and spiritual
not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is Godly pray unto thee in a time that thou maist be found surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him Psal 17.1 Hear the Right O Lord attend unto my Cry give ear unto my Prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God Psal 65.2 O thou that hearest Praiers unto thee shall all flesh come Mich. 7.18 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his Heritage He retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in Mercy Psal 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth V. 19. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him he also will hear their cry and will save them Psal 50.15 And call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me Dan 9.14 Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil and brought it upon us for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doth for we obeyed not his voice Mat. 7.7 Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you V. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdome of Heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven 1 John 5.13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternall life and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God V. 14. And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us V. 15. And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions we desired of him Psal 10.17 Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear Eph. 6.18 Praying alwaies with all praier and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications praiers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men V. 2. For Kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godlinesse and Honesty Jam 5.16 Confesse your faults one to another and pray one for another that ye may be healed the effectual fervent praier of a righteous man availeth much Maâ— 5.44 But I say unto you love your enemies blesse them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you 2 Sam. 7.29 Therefore now let it please thee to blesse the House of thy Servant that it may continue for ever before thee for thou O Lord hast spoken it and with thy blessing let the House of thy servant be blessed for ever 1 John 5.16 If any man see his Brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto unto death there is a sin unto death I do not say he shall pray for it Gen. 18.27 And Abraham answered and said behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord which am but dust and ashes Luke 18.13 And the Publican standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eies unto Heaven but smote upon his breast saying God be merciful to me a sinner V. 14. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Psal 51.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Job 22.27 Thou shalt make thy praier unto him and he shall hear thee aad thou shalt pay thy vowes 1 Sam. 1.15 And Hannah answered and said no my Lord I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 1 Cor. 14.15 What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the understanding also Mark 11.24 Therefore I say unto you what things soever ye desire when ye pray beleeve that ye receive them and ye shall have them Jam. 1.6 But let him ask in Faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed Psal 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth 1 Tim. 2.8 I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting Mat. 26.39 And he went a little farther and fell on his face and praied saying O my Father if it be possible let this Cup passe from me neverthelesse not as I will but as thou wilt Luke 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your Children how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Rom. 8.15 For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Acts 12.5 Peter therefore was kept in prison but praier was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Mat. 6.9 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Luke 11.2 And he said unto them when ye pray say Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdome come Thy will be done as in Heaven so in earth Thanksgiving Col. 3.17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13.15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his Name Psal 67.2 That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations V. 3. Let the People praise thee O God let all the People praise thee Psal 86.12 I will praise thee O Lord my God with all my heart and I will glorifie thy Name for evermore V. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest Hell Psal 103.1 Blesse the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me bless his holy Name V. 2. Blesse the Lord O my Soul and forget not all
must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalmes concerning me Rom. 3.2 Much every way chiefly because unto them were committed the Oracles of God Gal. 1.8 But though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed V. 9. As we said before so say I now again if any man preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received let him be accursed 2 Pet. 3.15 And account that the long suffering of the Lord is salvation even as our beloved Brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you V. 16. As also in all his Epistles speaking in them of these things in which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction Mat. 22.29 Jesus answered and said unto them ye do erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God V. 31. But as touching the resurrection of the dead have ye not read that which was spoken to you by God saying Col. 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in psalmes and hymnes and spiritual songs singing with Grace in your hearts to the Lord. Fourthly Live continually as in the view of God as in his sight and presence being careful to approve thy heart and all thy waies unto him Remember there is a broad and a pure eye of Glory alwaies fixed upon thee God sees hearts as we see faces There are three things in the heart of man to be especially heeded and observed Principles Projects and Ends. God sees what Principles thou actest from Hee sees all the projects and contrivances that are forging in thy breast and he sees what are the ends thou aimest at in all thy undertakings That is pure Religion that eies God rather than man In all thy actions therefore whether natural moral or spiritual be carefull still to designe the Glory of God 1. In naturall Acts labour to have supernatural aimes 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all the Glory of God 2. In civill Acts such as the discharge of the duties of thy relations be careful so to walk as designing that God may have Glory by thy Faithfulnesse For so the Apostle adviseth Eph. 6.1 Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right V. 5. Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling in singleness of heart as unto Christ V. 6. Not with eie-service as men pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart And Titus 2.9 10. Exhort Servants to be obedient to their own Masters and to please them well in all things not answering again V. 10. Not purloyning but shewing all good fidelity that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things 3. In spiritual Acts such as praying praising God and worshipping of him be especially careful that thy aimes be spiritual Do ye fast to me even to me saies God by the Prophet Zach. 7.5 He makes no account of any of our Acts of Piety except we aim at his Glory in them What an excellent frame of Spirit was there in holy David who professeth Psal 16.8 I have set the Lord alwaies before me Did we but keep this one common Principle warm upon our hearts that God sees how would it keep us sincere and upright How would it deter us from heart sins and the closest hypocrisie and from warping into any sinful practise This was that which kept Joseph so upright Gen. 39.9 How can I do this great wickednesse and sin against God Ask thy self therefore often this question Will this be pleasing to God that I am now going about If credit or shame will restrain thee from sin how much more should Gods eie Nothing more feeds maintains and preserves Piety than a constant awe of God David gives the reason the wicked are so bad They have not set God before them Psal 86.14 Abraham was afraid of himself in Gerar Gen. 20.11 And what was the reason why saies he the fear of God is not in this place Men durst as well run their heads into a hot flaming Oven as sin against God so impudently as they do if they thought he saw them and would call them to an account The fear of God is a Grace of continual use If that be not before our eies we are exceeding apt to grow carelesse and secure We cannot be alwaies praying unto God nor praising of him nor worshipping of him nor emploied in Acts of special communion with him Yet we ought to be alwaies in his fear and to remember that we are alwaies under his eie Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long 't is Solomons advice Prov. 23.17 Right thoughts of God are the fewel that maintaines the life of Religion which otherwise would be soon extinguished Remember therefore Gods Omnipresence and that will make thee upright and careful to approve thy heart unto him Sincerity 't is the life of all our Graces and puts life into all our duties Faith unfeigned Love without dissimulation a plain Spirit in which there is no guile these are Gods delight The clearer therefore thou standest in thy own thoughts concerning the uprightness of thy heart in the tenure of thy Christian course incomparably the more joy and comfort thou wilt have Let integrity and uprightness preserve me was Davids praier Psal 25.21 Keep thy integrity and thy integrity will keep thee A good man next to his care that he give not God any occasion against him will take care that he give not his Conscience any occasion against him Be afraid therefore of giving thy Conscience any just occasion to reproach and rebuke thee Conscience 't is Gods Magistrate within that is appointed to be a terrour not to good works but to the evil Wouldst thou then not be afraid of this power do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same to allude to that in Rom. 13. O! it is exceeding sweet no man knowes how sweet but he that has it to have the testimony of a good Conscience upon good grounds A good Conscience 't is the best pillow to sleep upon the best dish to feed upon a dish said I nay 't is a feast a continual feast Prov. 15.15 Wouldst thou fare deliciously every day keep a good Conscience Heb. 4.13 Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eies of him with whom we have to do Psal 119.168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies for all my waies are before thee Psâ—l 139.3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down and art acquainted with all my waies
whipping from him In patience therefore possesse thy soul Solomon saies If the Iron be blunt put the more strength to it Eccles 10.10 So say I if the affliction be strong put the more patience to it Let patience have its perfect work not only its half work in thee Patience meets God in such an humble way as discreet Abigail met David let not my Lord be angry Impatience and fretting against the Almighty is just as if a man should beat his shinnes against an iron bar or as if he should throw a stone against Heaven that will be sure to fall on his owne head And further consider the way to have what thou desirest is to submit to God and lay thy self at his feet When thy soul is wrought to that perfect submission that thou canst truly say here I am let the Lord do with me what seemeth him good Let the Lord please himself and he shall please me thou hast conquered the difficulty of living in this world Thou hast got that precious art of chimistry that will extract gold out of any thing Thou wilt be able in some measure with blessed Paul to say I have learned in all estates to be content O labour and pray for this happy posture of Spirit and that thou maist attain unto it be especially careful to secure thy interest in his favour who is the great Governour of the world and disposer of all events What a strong consolation will it be to thee if this God be thy God thy reconciled Father in Christ thou maist then be assured all things shall work together for thy good Let the wind blow from what point of the compasse it will it shall blow thee on towards thy haven Thou needst not fear the bitterest potion if it come from the hand of a loving Father The Cup that my Father hath given me shall I not drink it saies our Saviour John 18.11 What my Father prescribes I have no reason to fear any hurt from If God be thy Father and thou his adopted child th u maist comfort thy self with this that whatever he takes from thee or deprives thee of he will supply to thee again as one saies either in kind or in kindnesse some way or other he will make it up to thee Kindnesse is Gods sure pay to his children if he takes all and gives himself to thee he makes thee an abundant amends 'T is want of Faith that we cannot find all in God And as this consideration will exceedingly becalm thy mind in afflictions so when God dispenses himself in a way of mercy to thee it will exceedingly raise and quicken thy heart to thankfulness Thou wilt give God the Glory of all his mercies Thou wilt not sacrifice to thine own net to thine own wit wisdom industry friends or any second cause much lesse to chance fortune or good luck as ignorant people speak but thou wilt cast the Crown of all thy mercies at his feet humbly ascribing all Honour and Glory unto him He will be owned and acknowledged by thee as thy chief Lord. Thou wilt look upon thy self as holding all from him and to be but his tenant at will and therefore obliged to pay him his rent duly and faithfully And what is the rent he requires of thee but only to give him the Glory of all his mercies and to honour him and magnifie him in the use of them In a word to love him and thank him to serve him and obey him and to walk humbly before him all thy daies Psal 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in Heaven and in Earth in the Seas and in all deep places Isa 5.12 And the harp and the viol the tabret and the pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the work of the Lord neither consider the operation of his hands Psal 10.4 The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God God is not in all his thoughts Mat. 10.29 Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father V. 30. But the very haires of your head are all numbred V. 31. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many Sparrowes Prov. 16.33 The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Prov. 21.1 The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord as the rivers of water he turneth it whithersoever he will Jer. 10.23 O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps Hab 1.16 Therefore they sacrifice unto their net and burn incense unto their drag because by them their portion is fat and their meat plenteous Lam. 3.37 Who is he that saith and it cometh to pass when the Lord commandeth it not Isa 45.7 I form light and create darknesse I make peace and create evil I the Lord do all these things Amos 3.6 Shall a Trumpet be blown in the City and the people not be afraid Shall there be evil in the City and the Lord hath not done it Psal 46.11 The Lord of Hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our refuge Selah Psal 39.9 I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it Micah 7.9 I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him untill he plead my cause and execute judgment for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse 1 Sam. 3.18 And Samuel told him every whit and hid nothing from him and he said it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good Job 1.21 And Job said naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the Name of the Lord. 2 Sam. 16.10 And the King said what have I to do with you ye sons of Zerviah so let him curse because the Lord hath said unto him curse David who shall then say wherefore hast thou done so 2 Sam. 15.25 And the King said unto Zadok carry back the Ark of God into the City if I shall find favour in the eies of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation V. 26. But if he thus say I have no delight in thee behold here am I let him do to me as seemeth good unto him Deut. 8.10 When thou hast eaten and art full then thou shalt blesse the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee V. 11. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God in not keeping his Commandements and his Judgments and his Statutes which I command thee this day V. 12. Lest when thou hast eaten and art full and hast built goodly houses and hast dwelt therein V. 13. And when thy heards and thy flocks multiply and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied and all that thou hast is multiplied
V. 14. Then thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage V. 15. Who led thee through that great terrible wildernesse wherein were fiery Serpents and Scorpions and drought where there was no water who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint V. 16. Who fed thee in the wilderness with Manna which thy Fathers knew not that he might humble thee and that he might prove thee to do thee good at thy latter end V. 17. And thou say in thine heart my power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth V. 18. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish his Covenant which he sware unto thy Fathers as it is this day Prov. 10.22 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it Psal 75.5 Lift not up your horn on high speak not with a stiff neck V. 6. For promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South V. 7. But God is the Judge he putteth down one and setteth up another Deut. 8.3 And he humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger and fed thee with Manna which thou knewest not neither did thy Fathers know that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread onely but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live Prov. 16.9 A mans heart deviseth his way but the Lord directeth his steps Jam. 4.13 Go to now ye that say to day or to morrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year and buy and sell and get gain V. 14. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow 1 Cor. 4.19 But I will come to you shortly if the Lord will c. Psal 127.1 Except the Lord build the house they labour in vain that build it except the Lord keep the City the watchman waketh but in vain V. 2. It is in vain for you to rise up early to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrowes for so he giveth his beloved sleep Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe V. 6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousnesse as the light and thy judgment as the noon day V. 7. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him fret not thy self because of him who prospereth in his way because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to passe V. 16. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked V. 23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way V. 24. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand V. 25. I have been young and now am old yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread V. 35. I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a green bay-tree V. 36. Yet he passed away and Lo he was not yea I sought him but he could not be found V. 37. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace 1 Sam. 2.6 The Lord killeth and maketh alive he bringeth down to the grave and bringeth up V. 7. The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich he bringeth low and lifteth up V. 8. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill to set them among Princes and to make them inherit the Throne of Glory for the pillars of the earth are the Lords and he hath set the world upon them V. 9. He will keep the feet of his Saints and the wicked shall be silent in darkness for by strength shall no man prevail Phil 4.11 Not that I speak in respect of want for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content V. 12. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need Seventhly Charge upon thy self with all seriousnesse that great and necessary duty of daily watchfulnesse Be not like those whose manner is to spend a little time in praier in the morning and then to take their leave as it were of God for all the day after but unto earnest and fervent praier adde serious watchfulnesse And for thy better direction herein I shall here first give thee a short draught or scheme of the several particulars I treat of under this head First There are foure things thou must watch over Namely 1. Thy Thoughts 2. Thy Affections 3. Thy Words 4. Thy Actions Secondly Six things thou must watch against Namely 1. Against those sins thou art most inclined to by temper and natural constitution 2. Against the sins thou art most obnoxious to by reason of thy particular calling condition state and course of life 3. Against the sins of the times and places wherein thou livest 4. Against all occasions and temptations that thou foreseest are likely to endanger thy soule 5. Against dishonouring God in the use of lawful things 6. Against Errour and seduction of mind Thirdly One thing thou must watch for Namely For opportunities to glorifie God to do good to others and to receive good to thy owne soule The Motives to quicken thee to this duty are these three 1. Most of the sins we commit we fall into through carelesnesse and want of watchfulnesse 2. The Devil the tempter is alwaies watchfull to betray us 3. The necessity of perseverance whereunto a concurrence of our care and diligence is required First The first thing I would advise thee carefully to watch over is thy thoughts Be very careful not to lodge or entertain any sinfull thoughts in thy mind Sinful thoughts are the Reubens the first-born of originall sin and the beginning of its strength They exceedingly defile the soul and are the first movers to evil and very abominable in the sight of God Oh what reason have we to be humbled for the vain wanton foolish proud wrathful covetous blasphemous idle useless unconcerning thoughts that do many times annoy us Let us therefore consider of some remedies against sinfull thoughts 1. Settle in thy mind a strong and deep apprehension of Gods Omni-presence and Omniscience and over-awe thy thoughts with this that they are all seen and observed and taken notice of by him 2. Remember that though in the worlds wicked proverb thoughts are free because man cannot discern them nor punish them yet they are not free from Gods observation nor from his Law which being spiritual blndes the thoughts of the heart as well as the outward man nor from his Justice which will call us to account for our sinful thoughts
discern their failings Not with eye service Eph. 6.6 Good servants when their Masters eye is not upon them see him that is invisible and desire to perform the duties of their places carefully and conscientiously that they may escape not only their Masters but Gods anger who will call them to account So much of the duties of servants The Motives to incourage them to a cheerfull performance of them are these two 1. By performing their duties in this manner they will adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour Tit. 2.10 The world will then see True Religion is not meerly a Name but a powerfull thing rendring men good in all their relations It will render Religion amiable to the World 2. They shall not lose their reward God will plentifully reward them if out of conscience to his command they be faithfull Eph. 6.8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free Col. 3.24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ. Let servants therefore set these two motives alwaies before their eyes to make them faithfull and cheerfull in their duties Eph. 6.5 Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart as unto Christ V. 6. Not with eye-service as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart V. 7. With good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men V. 8. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free Col. 3.22 Servants obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh not with eie service as men pleasers but in singlenesse of heart fearing God V. 23. And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men V. 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ. V. 25. But he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done and there is no respect of persons 1 Tim. 6.1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own Masters worthy of all honour that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed V. 2. And they that have believing Masters let them not despise them because they are brethren but rather do them service because they are believing and beloved partakers of the benefit These things teach and exhort Tit. 2.9 Exhort Servants to be obedient to their own Masters and to please them well in all things not answering again V. 10. Not purloyning but shewing all good fidelity that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things 1 Pet. 2.18 Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward V. 19. For this is thank-worthy if a man for Conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully V. 20. For what Glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your faults ye shall take it patiently but if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God Mat. 8.9 For I am a man under authority having Souldiers under me and I say to this man go and he goeth and to another come and he cometh and to my servant do this and he doeth it Luke 16.2 Give an account of thy Stewardship c. Prov. 30.21 For three things the earth is disquieted c. V. 22. For a Servant when he reigneth c. CHAP. XIII Of the Duties of Parents and Children FIrst Of the Duties belonging to Parents which are these Nine I. To dedicate their children to Christ in their infancy and by the Sacrament of Baptism to enter them into his Family This is a Duty Parents ought not to delay It being most reasonable that they who have been instruments to convey the stain and pollution of sin to their poor Infants should be careful early to bring them to Christ and give them up to him to be washed with his blood and to be sanctified by his holy Spirit For Infants stand in need of Christ for their Saviour They are capable of Grace and the principle of a new life as well as of Original sin They are capable of the Spirit of Christ of being united to him of being blessed by him They are capable of receiving a Sacrament viz Baptism the Circumcision made without hands Col. 2.11 12. as well as the Infants of the Jewes who were Circumcised and thereby admitted visible members of that Church and seal'd and marked as it were for God And 't is plain the Covenant of Grace stands now in force to the Children of Believers under the Gospel Act. 2.39 The promise is to yâ—â— and to your Children Were it not so the converted Jewes should have losse by believing in Christ if their children should be excluded from the promise who stood in it two thousand years before under the other administration And how then could the blessing of Abraham come on the Gentiles According to Galat. 3.14 Which blessing was I will be a God to thee and to thy Seed Gen. 17.7 How could Believers be Heirs according to the promise as 't is Gal. 3.29 if their Children should be excluded from the promise For the Childrens right to the promise is part of the Fathers inheritance The promise is I will be a God to thee and to thy seed Further consider how the Covenant of Grace for substance though not for manner of administration hath alwaies been one and the same And in the Old Testament it took in Children And can we think it leaves them out now under the Gospel Therefore seeing the Children of Believing and Christian Parents are within the Covenant they ought to partake of the Seal of the Covenant and to be admitted visible Church-members by Baptisme the only way under the Gospel of admitting members into the Church Gods Seal is to be put upon them in their Infancy and when they come to riper years they are to ratifie and confirm their engagement If they will own that Master and faithfully serve him into whose Family they were listed when young they may enjoy many happy priviledges thereby if not they shall be sure to smart for their falling off and Apostacy Therefore Christian Parents should early bring their Children to Christ and by Baptism enter them and enroll them into his Family humbly beseeching him to receive them into his Favour and Love into his Care and Protection to unite them to himself by his holy Spirit to regenerate them to destroy the old Adam the corrupt nature in them and to renew them after his own Image in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse and lastly to strengthen them by his Grace that they may resist and prevail against the world the flesh and the Devil and
Ministers sow Spirituals the people should not begrudge them if they reap some of their temporals 1 Cor. 9.14 God hath ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live upon the Gospel 'T is but just and reasonable that they who by undertaking that holy Calling are taken off from the waies of gaining a livelihood in the world shouâ—d be provided for by them whose souls they watch over And seeing the people receive Spiritual things from them viz. Instruction and Assistance towards the obtaining eternal life 't is agreeable both to reason and Scripture they should receive temporals from the people Yet this ought not to be a Ministers chief end and aim in setting his hand to this plow but to Glorifie God in the saving of Souls For what will it profit a Minister to gain his peoples Tithes and by negligence and carelesnesse to lose his peoples Souls Ministers are to be Lights to their Flocks and both by their Doctrine and life to shew them the way to Heaven What a horrible ingratitude and unworthinesse is it then in those men who endeavour to extinguish those Lights either by withdrawing the Oyl of maintenance or blowing them out with the wind of persecution Prov. 29.18 Where there is no vision the people perish Hos 4.6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge Jer. 3.15 And I will give you Pastours according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding Mal. 2.7 For the Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his mouth for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts Isa 30.20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more but thine eies shall see thy teachers Mat. 13.52 Then said he unto them therefore every Scribe which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man which is an Housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasury things new and old Eph. 4.11 And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastours and Teachers V. 12. For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12.28 And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then Gifts of healings helps Governments diversities of Tongues 2 Cor. 3.6 Who hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit 2 Tim. 2.15 Study to shew thy self approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth Col. 1.28 Whom we preach warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus 1 Pet. 5.1 The Elders which are among you I exhort who am also an Elder and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ and also a partaker of the Glory that shall be revealed V. 2. Feed the Flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind V. 3. Neither as being Lords over Gods Heritage but being ensamples to the Flock Col. 4.17 And say to Archippus take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received from the Lord that thou fulfill it 1 Thes 2.4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing men but God which trieth our hearts V. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words as ye know nor a Cloak of Covetousness God is witness V. 6. Nor of men sought we Glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensom as the Apostles of Christ V. 7. But we were gentle among you even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children V. 8. So being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God only but also our own souls because ye were dear unto us V. 10. Ye are witnesses and God also how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that beleeve V. 11. As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children V. 12. That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom Glory V. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the Word of men but as it is in truth the Word of God which effectually worketh also in you that beleeve V. 19. For what is our hope or joy or Crown of rejoycing Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming V. 20. For ye are our Glory and Joy 1 Cor. 16.15 I beseech you Brethren ye know the house of Stephanas that it is the first fruits of Achaia and that they have addicted themselves to the Ministry of the Saints V. 16. That ye submit your selves unto such and to every one that helpeth with us and laboureth Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you V. 24. Salute all them that have the rule over you and all the Saints They of Italy salute you 1 Tim. 5.17 Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine 2 Cor. 12.15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the lesse I be loved 1 Cor. 9.7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges Who planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof or who feedeth a Flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock V. 8. Say I these things as a man or saith not the Law the same also V. 9. For it is written in the Law of Moses thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn. V. 11. If we have sown unto you Spiritual things Is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnall things V. 13. Do ye not know that they which minister about Holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar V. 14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel Rom. 15.27 For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their Spiritual things their duty is also to minister to them in carnal things Gal. 6.6 Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things V. 7. Be not deceived God is not mocked whatsoever a man sowes that shall he reap c. Mat.
to perish came upon me and I caused the widows heart to sing for joy I was eies to the blind and feet was I to the lame I was a Father to the poor c. Job 29.13 15 16. This is the best way for rich men to improve their estates Prov. 19.17 He that gives to the poor lends to the Lord and he will repay him again Though the poor man cannot pay thee yet God becomes his surety and will pay thee assuredly yea fully and abundantly No man shall be a loser by God 'T is good therefore to lay up treasure where it may be sure to be forth-coming to put it into Christs hands by relieving his poor members here on earth But alas though God hath made so many gracious promises to the charitable yet strange it is to see how hardly people are perswaded to the practise of this Duty They can spend freely on their pride or lusts or pleasures and sacrifice liberally to the Idol of their Credit but what niggardize and pinching is there when it comes to a work of mercy Let them meet in an Inn or Tavern upon businesse or in a way of kindness then what striving is there who shall pay and who shall pay most What throwing down their Money on the Table c. But how backward and dull and close-fisted are they when it comes to a work of Charity Certainly at the day of judgment this will be a better account Item so much spent to relieve the poor and needy so much laid out for the advancement of Religion or good Learning so much expended for publick good uses Rather than this Item so much spent on pride so much spent on lust so much in gaming and in Luxury and riot c. And therefore it concerns those that have this worlds goods to consider how they use and employ them And here it will not be amisse to perswade rich men not to defer and put off their Charities till their death out of an Infidel fear they should want themselves before they die They should as one well advises make their own hands their executors and their own eies their overseers 'T is better to be like the sheep to do good while they live than like the Swine to be good for nothing till they die I shall conclude this Head with some few Directions as to the manner how we should exercise our Charity 1. Do it in sincerity Do it in obedience to Gods Command and with an eie to his Glory Take heed the praise of men be not thy Motive He that giveth saies the Apostle Rom. 12.8 let him do it with simplicity Mat. 6.1 Take heed ye do not your Almes before men to be seen of them otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in Heaven 2. Cheerfully God loveth a cheerful giver 2 Cor. 9.7 Deut. 15.10 Thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest to thy poor Brother c. 3. Liberally according to the proportion of thy estate 2 Cor. 9.6 He that sowes sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully We should think him a very imprudent Husbandman that to save a little seed at present would sow so thin as to spoil his crop And the same folly 't will be in us if by the sparingness and niggardize of our Almes we make our selves a lank Harvest hereafter â—nd lose the reward God hath provided for the liberall Almes-giver Now liberality is to be measured not so much by what is given as by the ability of the giver 'T is not how much but out of how much that God looks at In 1 Cor. 16.2 The Apostle advises Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him Surely it were very expedient to lay by somthing in bank for good uses either weekly monethly quarterly or yearly as may best suit with the variety of mens conditions that so they may not be unprovided of somwhat to give when occasion offers it self and then their Charity would flow more steely without any regret or grudging of heart which those that leave all to occasional Charity are many times in danger of 4. Humbly and thankfully Let thankfulness to God attend thy Charity to men Blesse God thou art not the needy person thy self Blesse him for giving thee both an ability and a heart to distribute and communicate Though God hath lifted thee up in this world above those thou relievest yet let not thy heart be lifted up but be low in thine own eies I shall conclude this with that Divine and affectionate thanksgiving of holy David in 1 Chron. 29.11 Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power V. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee V. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy Glorious Name V. 14. But who am I and what is my poeple that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort for all things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee Deut. 8.12 When thou hast eaten and art full and hast built goodly houses and dwelt therein V. 13. And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply and thy silver and thy Gold is multiplied and all that thou hast is multiplied V. 14. Beware lest thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God V. 17. And thou say in thy heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth V. 18. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth 1 John 3.17 But whoso hath this worlds good and seeth his Brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him Prov. 29.7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor but the wicked regardeth not to know it Eccles 11.1 Cast thy bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many daies V. 2. Give a portion to seven and also to eight for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth Isa 58.6 Is not this the fast that I have chosex V. 7. Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him and that thou hide not thy self from thine own flesh V. 10. And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfie the aflicted soul then shall thy Light rise in obscurity and thy darkness as the noon day Acts 10.4 And he said unto him Cornelius thy Prayers and thine Almes are come up for a memorial before God Heb. 13.16 But to do good and to communicate forget not for with such Sacrifices God is well-pleased Prov. 22.9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed forbe giveth of his bread to the poor Prov. 28.27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack but he that hideth his eyes shall
I confesse 't is a very sad thing to see any that seemed Lights in the Firmament to prove Meteors and falling stars But though some fall yet through Grace many stand and continue faithful to the end There was a Judas among our Saviours own Disciples and yet it followes not from thence that any of the rest were such The fals of some professors should teach us not to be high-minded but continually jealous over our own hearts We should be exceeding humble and cease from trusting in our selves and put all our trust in God to be kept by his power through Faith unto Salvation The Devil aimes all he can to foil professors If he can but foil one of them he blurs their profession makes others shie of it and so advances his own Kingdom mightily Therefore the fall of some should not discourage us but make us more humble and watchful and cause us often to examine our hearts whether Gods Glory be our aim and end and whether we do in humility and integrity walk before him Obj. 8. God is merciful We see Mercy was afforded to the thief on the Crosse a little before his death Sol. 1. 'T is an example without a promise Here is an example of a late repentance but where have we a promise that God will give repentance at last to such as go on in a long course of sin 'T is not examples but the promises of God that is a foundation for Faith to build upon 2. This was an extraordinary time What if our Saviour on this extraordinary occasion was pleased by this rare Miracle of Mercy to honour his Crosse will this afford any ground of hope that he will do so ordinarily and especially to wilfull sinners 3. We do not find that this thief had ever known Christ before or had ever neglected or refused any offers of Grace made unto him Thou hast little reason to plead this who sittest daily under the calls and intreaties of the Gospel This case will minister little comfort to thee if thou goest on in thy sins I come now in the third place to give some Directions to such as are willing to be advised in this matter of so much concernment to them I Let them take heed of those things that usually undo young people Such are 1. Carelesnesse want of consideration and laying to heart the things that most concern them going on in a dissolute negligence without ever asking themselves what their state and condition to God ward is 2 An eager following youthful lusts and sensual pleasures Therefore the Apostle exhorts 2 Tim. 2.22 To flee youthful lusts 1 Pet. 2.11 As pilgrims and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul Let them consider that the feet of those lusts that have carried away and buried millions of other young persons in perdition stand ready to carry them the same way if preventing Grace come not in to deliver them 3. Pride of wit parts strength beauty c. 4. A headinesse and wilful obstinacy against good counsel Carnal reason flesh and blood are usually young mens counsellors and very bad Ones 5. Slighting religion and whatever is serious as too strict for them 6. Putting the day of death far from them and flattering themselves with hopes of long life 7. Ill company that great snare of the Devil 8. Comparing themselves with such as are worse than themselves thinking that an excuse for them that others are worse II. Let them be especially careful to be well grounded in the Principles of Christian Religion If there be a good foundation of saving knowledge laid in their minds betimes so that they throughly understand how the Religion they professe is grounded on the Scriptures they will not be like children easily tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine as too many now a daies are And for this purpose I refer them to the first Part of this Treatise containing the Principles of right Knowledges III. Let them labour to understand betimes wherein the chief happinesse of man consists namely in the pardon of his sins a gracious frame of heart and communion with God Every one naturally desires to be happy but people commonly mistake the way to it Therefore it highly concerns all young persons to be early acquainted and deeply possessed how they may steer a right course both to be happy here and hereafter IV. Let them acquaint themselves well with the Scriptures be much in secret prayer and self-reflexion keep close to the publick Ordinances and listen to the awakenings of Gods Spirit they shall meet with in them V. Let them take heed of sinning against Conscience When Conscience saies do it not let them listen to that voice let them labour to keep their Consciences tender VI. Let them decline such occasions and temptations as they foresee are like to ensnare them and especially ill company which hath ruin'd Thousands VII Let them acquaint themselves with serious sober minded and experienced Christians From such they may reap exceeding great benefit VIII And Lastly Let them take heed of Spiritual pride which hath thrown down many young professors from a great hopefulnesse Let them remember the Devil will attempt if it be possible to foil them by drawing them either into some erroneous Doctrines or some scandalous practices Let them therefore be sure to set the Glory of God before their eyes and endeavour to walk humbly with God suspecting themselves and leaning on his goodnesse to preserve them from falling Eccles 12.1 Remember now thy Creatour in the daies of thy youth while the evil daies come not nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them Prov. 8.17 I love them that love me and those that seek me early shall find me Prov. 22.6 Train up a child in the way which he should goe and when he is old he will not depart from it Psal 119.9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy Word Tit. 2 6. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded 2 Tim. 2.22 Flee also youthful lusts but follow righteousness faith charity peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart 1 Kings 18.12 But I Obadiah thy servant fear the Lord from my youth 2 Chron. 34.3 For Josiah in the eighth year of his reign while he was yet young began to seek after the God of David his Father c. 2 Tim. 3.15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation 2 John v. 4. I rejoyced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the Truth as we have received a Commandment from the Father Psal 32.9 Be ye not as the Horse or as the Mule which have no understanding whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle lest they come neer unto thee Jer. 22.21 I spake unto thee in thy prosperity but thou saidst I will not
disposition in every man We are very prone to harden when the storm is over 3. Let them renew often upon their souls the remembrance of the sharpness and bitterness of their afflictions Let them call to mind their sad discourses and reasonings their fears and tremblings the mis-givings of heart and sad apprehensions they had in time of their distresse Let them remember their aptnesse to impatience and to hard thoughts of God Let them recall how happy they thought those that were free from their troubles and paines These remembrances kept alive will make them humble and thankful 4. Let them remember their vowes and promises made to God in time of their sicknesse and distresse Let them labour to be such out of sicknesse as they promised God themselves and possibly others they would be when they were in it The Emperor Sigismond demanded of King Alphonsus what was the directest course to be happy Perform saies he when thou art well what thou promisedst when thou wert sick 'T is very remarkable what is recorded of the mariners Jonah 1.15 16. And the Sea ceased from her raging then the men feared the Lord exceedingly and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord and made vowes Then when the Sea ceased here is the wonder Had they made vowes in the midst of the tempest the matter had not been great but now when the tempest was over then to make vowes is worthy of our observation and worthy of our imitation One vow made and kept after the tempest is worth a thousand promised in the same 5. Let them pity and pray for those that are under affliction Lord teach them as well as correct them that they may be blessed let them come forth out of affliction as Gold purified seven times let them lose nothing in that furnace but their drosse let them be purified from their sins and purged from their iniquities strengthen their Faith and Patience and in thy due time if it be for thy Glory and their good vouchsafe them a gracious deliverance Psal 119.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I have kept thy Word V. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy Statutes Isa 27.9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sin Zach. 13. ult And I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as silver is refined and will try them as Gold is tried they shall call on my Name and I will hear them I will say it is my people and they shall say the Lord is my God Heb. 12.11 Now no chastning for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous neverthelesse afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse unto them which are exercised thereby Prov. 24.10 If thou faint in the day of adversity thy strength is small Rev. 13.10 Here is the patience and the Faith of the Saints Heb. 6.12 Be ye followers of them who through Faith and patience inherit the promises Psal 9.10 And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee Lam. 3.26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. V. 27. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth Psal 146.5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help whose hope is in the Lord his God Psal 56.3 What time I am afraid I will trust in thee Psal 112.7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. 2 Cor. 5.6 Therefore we are alwaies confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. V. 7. For we walk by Faith not by sight John 18.11 The cup which my Father hath given me shall I not drink it Luke 21.19 In your patience possesse ye your souls Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him 2 Chron. 16.12 And Asa in the nine and thirtieth year of his reign was diseased in his feet untill his disease was exceeding great yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord but to the Physitians Psal 41.4 I said Lord be merciful unto me heal my soul for I have sinned against thee Psal 107.17 Fools because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted Neh. 9.33 Howbeit thou art just in all that thou hast brought upon us for thou hast done right but we have done wickedly Psal 119.75 I know O Lord that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted me Micah 7.9 I will hear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him Hab. 3.2 O Lord in wrath remember mercy Job 34.31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God I have born chastisement I will not offend thee any more Psa 94.12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord and teachest him out of thy Law Job 34.32 That which I see not teach thou me if I have done iniquity I will do no more Heb. 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Prov. 3.12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth even as a Father the son in whom he delighteth Rev. 3.19 As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent 2 Cor. 4.16 For which cause we faint not but though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day V. 18. While we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal Psal 41.1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble V. 3. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of his languishing thou wilt make all his bed in his sicknesse 2 Chron. 32.24 In those daies Hezekiah was sick to the death and prayed unto the Lord and he spake unto him and he gave him a sign V. 25. But Hezekiah rendred not again according to the benefit done unto him for his heart was lifted up therefore there was wrath upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem Jonah 2.6 Thou hast brought up my life from corruption O Lord my God V. 7. When my soul fainted within me I remembred the Lord and my prayer came in unto thee into thine holy Temple V. 9. I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving I will pay that that I have vowed salvation is of the Lord. Psal 50.14 Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows unto the most High Psal 66.13 I will go into thy House with burnt offerings I will pay thee my vows V. 14. Which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble Psal 56.12 Thy vows are upon me O God I will render praises unto
him who lies but a few daies sick and has strength of nature to make resistance That Christian whose love to his life and the contentments of it hath been for many years consuming and dying will more easily part with them than he whose love is stronger to them As the Reverend Mr. Gurnal excellently expresses it in his Christian Armour We should consider we are but pilgrims and strangers here Heaven is the proper countrey of holy Souls We should therefore be providing for our removal out of this strange countrey We should pack up and send our best things aforehand namely our love our hearts our delights our joyes before we set out our selves for those Heavenly mansions Fifthly Consider what great reasons there are that those that are truly Godly should not much fear death I confesse nothing can sweeten death and make it desirable to a Christian but only an interest in Christ Things that are in their own nature sour and sharp will ask much Sugar to make them sweet Death is one of those things that hath the most harsh and ungrateful tast to a creatures pallat that may be Believe it a man cannot think with any comfort of putting his head into another world if he hath no solid ground to hope Christ will own him there for his But if he have there are many reasons why he should not dread death 1. They that are truly godly shall die but once i. e. a natural death only The wicked die twice not only a natural but a spiritual death The natural death stands in the separation of the soul from the body The spiritual in the separation of soul and body from God Rev. 20 6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power He that is born but once namely naturally shall die twice naturally and spiritually He that is born twice i. e. besides his natural birth hath been spiritually regenerated and born again shall die but once namely a natural death 2. Death is not a destruction or annihilation either of soul or body but only an alteration and change of the condition of them both and that for the better to all those that have an interest in Christ Such may say with Paul Phil. 1.21 To me to live is Christ to die is gain For 1. Though death separate soul and body yet it can separate neither of them from Christ. As in Christ's death his soul and body were separated each from other yet neither of them from the second Person in the Trinity in which both of them did subsist at that time in the personal Union so though when the Saints die soul and body be separated yet after this separation both remain united to Christ in the mystical Union because their bodies as well as their souls are part of the mystical body of Christ who is the Head and Saviour of the whole person consisting of soul and body And when Christ who is their life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in Glory Col. 3.3 4. We see then that though body and soul be sever'd each from other at death yet as to all those that die in the Lord neither of them are severed or disjoyned from Christ but the conjunction which is begun in this life remaines for ever Which must needs be matter of exceeding joy and comfort to them that by a lively Faith are united to him here 2. The body being resolved into dust is freed from all sicknesse and pains from all the miseries troubles and calamities of this life 3. It ceaseth to be either an active or a passive instrument of sin whereas in this life 't is both Sin and the temptations to it are the great grievances and burdens of the servants of God which they groan to be delivered from As sin therefore brought death into our bodies so death carries sin out of them 4. The bodies of the Saints shall be raised in a far greater glory at the general resurrection and be joyned again to their souls to live an everlasting life of glory and happinesse with them So that we may from hence conclude the body will be no loser by this change Neither will the soul for it will gain this threefold advantage thereby 1. It will change its place and be remov'd from a prison to a palace from a Tabernacle of clay to a Heavenly Mansion 2. Its qualities Here 't is infested with sinful and unruly passions and affections of all sorts which are a great annoyment to it But there it shall be freed from all these and made perfectly holy 3. It s company It leaves the company of sinners and gaines the company of Saints and Angels Yea shall have fellowship with the blessed Trinity in whose presence there is fulnesse of joy and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore Psal 16.11 Let all such therefore as have an interest in Christ look upon death not in the glass of the Law but of the Gospel Death in the Law is a curse and a downfal to the pit of destruction In the Gospel it is an entrance into Heaven Christ hath taken away the sting and mischief and destructive power of death He hath altered the property of it and in stead of being a door to Hell hath made it a gate to blisse and happinesse for all those that are his Let the truly Godly and serious Christian therefore not fix his mind so much on the pangs and torments of death as upon the blessed estate that is to be enjoyed after it and so fortifie his heart against the fear of it See the Reverend and Worthy Mr. Baxters considerations against the fear of death in the 4th Part of his Saints everlasting Rest Chap. 2. Heb. 9.27 It is appointed unto men once to die but after this the Judgment Job 30.23 For I know that thou wilt bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living Job 17 14. I have said to corruption thou art my Father to the worm thou art my mother and my sister Jam. 4.14 For what is your life it is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away Isa 40.6 The voice said cry and he said what shall I cry All flesh is grasse and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field V. 7. The grass withereth the flower fadeth because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it Surely the people is grass Psal 90.12 So teach us to number our daies that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom Psal 39.4 Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my daies what it is that I may know how frail I am V. â— Behold thou hast made my daies as an hand breadth and mine age is as nothing before thee verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity Selah Job 14.2 He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down he fleeth also as a
KNOVVLEDGE PRACTICE Or a PLAIN DISCOURSE of the CHIEF THINGS necessary to be Known Believ'd Practised in order to Salvation Drawn up and Principally intended for the Use and Benefit of NORTH-CADBVRY in SOMERSETSHIRE By SAMUEL CRADOCK B. D. PASTOR there Sometime Fellow of Emmanuel Colledge in CAMBRIDGE August lib. 15. de Trin. cap ult Domine Deus quaecunque dixi de tuo agnoscant tuit Siqua de meo tu ignosce tui LONDON Printed by J. Hayes for John Rothwell at the Fountain in Goldsmiths-row in Cheapside 1659. John 17.3 This is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent 1 Cor. 3.11 Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid Jesus Christ Act. 20.20 21. I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and have taught you publickly and from house to house Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ Eccles 12.13 Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord. John 13.17 If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them 2 Pet. 1.12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you alwaies in remembrance of these things though ye know them and be established in the present truth John 5.39 Search the Scriptures 2 Tim. 3.15 Which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation V. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse TO THE REVEREND Doctor DILLINGHAM THE Master and his worthy Friends the Fellowes OF EMMANVEL-COLLEDGE in CAMBRIDGE Honoured Sirs IT may seem strange that I should adventure to dedicate so plain a Discourse calculated for this meridian to so Learned a Society But the Providence of God having by your free choice placed me in this Charge wherein I stand I take my self obliged to render an account to you above any others of this my undertaking I have found by sad experience in those few years I have here lived what extream need my people have of some such help as this to be ready at hand to admonish them of those things they are to Know Believe and Practise in order to their salvation As also to acquaint them with such Scriptures collected together under severall Heads as declare Gods mind and will concerning those particulars I could not therefore satisfie my self without endeavouring to minister to their necessities in this kind according as I was able especially being perswaded that a Book of this nature left in every family might through the blessing of God be a very proper means of their instruction for the present and might teach them also hereafter when my mouth will be stopp'd with dust This consideration among others engaged me in this work in which at first I did not intend to be so large but handling such variety of Subjects it hath swelled to the bulk you see You may perceive by the whole that the great Master-Builder hath appointed me to labour in the foundations And blessed yea for ever blessed be his Holy Name that he hath accounted me worthy to be employed any way about his spirituall building I shall not need to make any apology for the plainnesse of my work if it be but sure and well laid Such as it is I humbly present unto you as an evidence of the great desire I have according to my poor ability to feed the people committed to my care with knowledge and understanding and to guide them in the way wherein they should go As also to testifie to the world my great Obligations to that Religious and Eminent Society God Almighty blesse your Colledge with his choicest blessings and grant that Reall Piety and all Vseful Learning may flourish within your wals from Generation to Generation This is the earnest Prayer of Honoured Sirs Your much obliged Servant SA CRADOCK North-Cadbury May 5th 1659. TO THE INHABITANTS OF NORTH-CADBVRY in SOMERSETSHIRE My loving Neighbours and Friends OUR Blessed Saviour intending to give Peter a charge of his Lambs and Sheep enquires first concerning his sincere love to him John 21.15 16 17. Simon son of Jonas lovest thou me more than these he saith unto him yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee He saith unto him feed my Lambs V. 16. He saith to him again the second time Simon sonne of Jonas lovest thou me he saith unto him yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee he saith unto him feed my Sheep V. 17. He said unto him the third time Simon sonne of Jonas lovest thou me Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time lovest thou me And he said unto him Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee Jesus saith unto him feed my Sheep Which words plainly intimate thus much unto us that Ministers who are called to take charge of Christs Flock had need of much love unto him no service about them being approved if it flow not from this fountain but be undertaken for by-respects and there being no possibility without this love well to endure the many blasts and storms they will meet with from without in the discharge of their calling nor the much toil they will have even from the flocks themselves The truth is the paines and labour and sufferings of the Ministerial Function are so great where 't is conscientiously discharged and there are so many other waies wherein we might make our lives more comfortable as to worldly contentments that he must needs be a man of great ignorance and inexperience or intends not to be over-diligent and faithful in his Ministry that takes on him that sacred Calling meerly for temporal advantages But whoever lifts up his heart to think how much our dear Lord and Saviour hath done for him who endured the Crosse and despised the shame to redeem mankind and shall consider what glorious rewards he propounds to those who turn many to righteousnesse surely cannot grudge to be employed in the work of so gracious a Redeemer or to spend and be spent in his service This consideration hath drawn me often to think with my self by what means I might best promote your everlasting welfare And after many serious thoughts I have judged it exceeding expedient for your benefit to draw up a discourse of this nature and to give to every Family among you one of them And I blesse God that hath put it into my heart to set about it and hath enabled me to perform it 'T was your benefit and the winning of your souls to Christ that was the grand motive to this undertaking And if that great businesse through the blessing of God may be any way advanced thereby I shall never repent of my pains but shall very much rejoyce that the
of Learning even in time of health that great art and skill how to die well Next what the Scripture declares concerning the day of judgment and the everlasting state both of the righteous and the wicked And methinks the serious consideration of these weighty matters should hugely affect us O did people oftener think and consider of those things they would live at another rate than usually they do All the businesses of this life would seem small and little even like childrens play in comparison of securing the soul to all eternity Thus My Loving Neighbours and Friends I have given you a short draught and scheme as it were of my whole Book What entertainment it will find with you I know not I can in some measure of sincerity say that an hearty desire of your eternal happiness first set me upon this work And now throw the assistance of God it is finished my prayers shall not be wanting that it may do you good yea much good If any of you will not afford leisure to read it nor time to consider of the things therein contained but after you have had it a little while shall throw it aside then I desire you seriously to think before hand what account you will be able to give to God of this your wilful neglect when you shall stand at his dreadful Tribunal For my part I have no other design upon any of you but that you may attain eternal life My great desire is that true Plety and Godlinesse that that Religion that saves souls may flourish among you My desire and endeavour is that where the saving work of Grace is begun upon any of your hearts it may be carried on daily and that you may encrease and abound more and more in the fruits of holinesse and righteousnesse to the praise and glory of God And where this blessed work of conversion is not yet begun my hearts desire and prayer to God is that it may be wrought if it be his holy will You see the plot and design I have upon you is of so innocent a nature that you have no reason in the world to go about to defeat me in it 'T is my duty to shew sinners the evil and danger of ignorance and ungodlinesse 'T is my duty to perswade intreat and be earnest with them to leave the tents of sin and Satan and to come in to Christ that by him they may have pardon and life And O that I could even compel them to come in Luke 14.23 Were it in my power not a soul among you should refuse or stand out But if notwithstanding all my prayers intreaties and endeavours many among you will still prefer a life of bruitish sensuality before the life that consists in righteousnesse peace and joy in the holy Ghost If Satan that cursed murderer who you know labours to ruine you soul and body for ever must still be preferr'd before that blessed Saviour who suffered and endur'd so much to redeem mankind and offers you salvation on so fair terms If neither the joyes of Heaven nor the torments of Hell can affect you but the pleasures and profits of this world must still ingrosse your minds and hearts remember what I say unto you it will one day cut you to the very soul to consider that you were shewed the way to eternal life and invited perswaded and intreated to walk in it but you would not O Neighbours think with your selves I beseech you that 't is but a short time and your souls must be either among Saints or Devils Does it not concern me therefore to be earnest with you and in all seriousnesse to call upon you to work out your salvation now while you have time For the Lords sake as ever you intend to see Gods face with comfort remember these few following directiōs 1. Take heed of a loose conversation of living to the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof If ye live after the flesh ye shall die Rom. 8.13 Now the works of the flesh are manifest Gal. 5.19 Which are these Adultery fornication uncleannesse lalciviousnesse idolatry witchcraft hatred variance emulations wrath strife seditions heresies envyings murders drunkennesse and such like Of the which I tell you before as I have told you in time past that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Never comfort your selves with the hopes of Gods mercy in Christ if ye live in known and wilful sins The holy nature of God will never be reconciled to sinners while they go on in their sins And Christ came to destroy the works of the Devil He came not to save men by bringing them to Heaven in their ungodlinesse or to Glory in their sins but to destroy their sins that would keep them out of Glory If he save us his Grace must have dominion in our hearts Without holinesse no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12.14 2. Take heed of worldly-mindednesse I do not go about to perswade you to idlenesse or negligence in your Callings but to take you off from the eager and inordinate love of this world which duls and deads the heart to Heavenly things Beware lest ye be the thorny ground Look to it that the cares of this life do not choak the good seed that is weekly sown among you Some people give up themselves wholly to the world and thrust God out of their hearts and houses Take you heed of that Believe it that man that hath the main bent of his heart set upon pleasing God and whose great end is to be happy with him for ever will be careful only so to converse with this world and only so to mind things temporal as he may not lose things eternall He will first and chiefly seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousnesse He will look upon all outwartd things as accomodations only in his passage but at Heaven as his home and happinesse He will cordially desire and endeavour so to walk in his particular Calling as he may be faithful also in his general and may secure his soul to eternal life 3. Be careful to get a distinct and clear knowledge of the things that concern your salvation Ignorance will not excuse any man when 't is caused by his own negligence The main things that concern salvation you may know if you will give your minds to it God hath not left you in darknesse take heed of shutting your eyes 4. Take heed of neglecting or slighting the publick Ordinances and means of Grace To have no appetite to the Word to apprehend no great need of it and to find no profit by it is a mark of a dead and gracelesse heart 5. Take heed of formality and resting in a meer outward performance of religious services Learn to distinguish between Religion the end and Religion the means Religion the end is To attain a gracious frame of Spirit to enjoy God to fear him love him and have our natures conform'd unto him
a malicious thing to endeavour to save a soul from sin and Hell 10. Take heed of prejudices against a strict and holy walking with God The Lord deliver you from that mad opinion of the world that like not serving God so much nor making so much ado to be saved Consider is there any thing in the world doth better deserve your care and diligence and will better pay you for it I know carnal people think the way of Religion a melancholick and sad way But I must not spare to tell them the truth They will never live a truly safe peaceable and comfortable life till they are converted and have engaged their hearts in an humble holy walking with God They ignorantly flee from Godlinesse as from sorrow and trouble but the truth is they flee from joy and peace What should trouble that man that is a member of Christ and has escaped out of the power of Satan and is freed from the wrath of God and the danger of everlasting misery O Neighbours let not the ignorant scorns and senselesse reproaches of wicked men discourage you He that hath good grounds to believe that he shall live for ever in Glory With God and his holy Angels as soon as his soul parts from his body I think is a happy man and so will be acknowledged by every one that has not lost his reason and understanding There is a time coming when the proudest and most stubborn sinner will be glad to change condition with the meanest Saint Let me therefore intreat all those that have entertain'd any hard thoughts of the waies of Godlinesse but to make triall what a holy life is and if they do not find more comfort in a serious turning unto God and in a sincere endeavour to approve their hearts unto him then in the waies of sin let them take their course let Heaven go 11. Nourish and maintain a tendernesse of Conscience Be very circumspect in your daily walking Look upon sin as the greatest evil Make up every breach between God and your souls betimes Pray earnestly for the guidance of the Spirit of God and to be kept from Temptations 12. Have a care of your Families that true Piety and Godlinesse may be countenanced encouraged and promoted in them Let your houses be Bethels houses of God and not Beth-avens houses of iniquity If you neglect family-duties and the religious observation of the Lords day and private instruction and so let those under your care be nuzled up in ignorance prophanenesse and ungodlinesse provide to answer it to God when he shall call for you Remember I faithfully warned you of the sin and danger of such neglects I cannot expect Religion should ever much thrive among us till Governours of Families be careful to train up those under their Government in the Principles of true Piety and in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord. Lastly Labour to maintain peace and love among your selves Mark 9.50 Have salt in your selves and peace one with another Labour to get your hearts seasoned with the graces of humility self-denial and true Charity and this will keep you in peace among your selves Let there be no heart-burnings contentions brawlings backbitings or defamings heard of among you Help one another on towards heaven Imitate that which is good wherever you find it but learn evil of no man Encourage one another in the waies of Godlinesse Abhor to draw or intice one another to any sinfull course or practise Do all offices of kindnesse and humanity one for another As you have opportunity let it be your desire and endeavour to do good to every body hurt to no body Learn that hard lesson of forgiving wrongs and injuries and praying for and wishing well to those that are your enemies 'T is a hard lesson but Gods Spirit can teach it you Remember our Saviours Words in Matth. 6.14 15. For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses And the words of the Apostle Col. 3.12 Put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercy kindnesse humblenesse of mind meeknesse long-suffering V. 13. Forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye V. 14. And above all these things put on Charity which is the bond of perfectnesse V. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body and be ye thankful I shall conclude with that divine and affectionate exhortation of the same Apostle Phil. 4.8 Fâ—nally brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things And now O Lord thou who hast put into the heart of thy unworthy servant to write these things for the good of this people be thou pleased by the gracious and effectuall working of thy holy Spirit to make them useful to them and to all others into whose hands they shall come for the promoting knowledge Faith and obedience among them and the furthering of their salvation What is here agreeable to thy holy Will write upon their hearts O let it not be in vain that this help is afforded them Grant successe I humbly beseech thee to this poor endeavour and take thou all the Glory Good Lord give this people a right understanding in all things Guide them in the way wherein they should go to attain eternal life Open the eyes of the ignorant among them turn the hearts of the prophane reduce the erroneous and encrease thy Graces daily more and more in the hearts of those whom thou hast savingly wrought upon O let thy blessing be on this people God Almighty blesse them Let Truth and Holinesse reall Piety and the power of Godlinesse Let soundnesse of mind and uprightnesse of heart and life let true Faith and fervent love let charity and good works through the operation of thy holy Spirit abound among them That so living here in thy fear and serving their generation according to the Will of God they may at last through thy infinite mercy and the merits of our blessed Lord and Saviour be received into thy Heavenly Kingdom This is the earnest and hearty Prayer of Your very affectionate though unworthy Pastor Samuel Cradock Dr. Reynolds his EPISTLE TO THE READERS AS in humane bodies some parts are vital others only integrall some necessary to the being others to the well being integrity and beauty of them So it is in Theologicall Doctrines some are more fundamental and immediatly necessary to life and Godliness others such as do greatly accomplish and adorn Christians that have attained unto them and are of singular use for the edification of
unto the woman what is this that thou hast done And the woman said the Serpent beguiled me and I did eate V. 16. Unto the woman he said I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children and thy desire shal be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee V. 17. And unto Adam he said because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee saying thou shalt not eate of it cursed is the ground for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eate of it all the dayes of thy life V. 18. Thornes also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee and thou shalt eate the hearb of the field V. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eate bread till thou return unto the ground for out of it wast thou taken for dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return 1 Tim. 2.13 For Adam was first formed then Eve V. 14. And Adam was not deceived but the woman being deceived was in the transgression V. 15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in Child-bearing if she continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety 2 Cor. 11.3 For I feare least by any meanes as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ Gen. 5.3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty yeares and begat a Son in his own likeness after his Image and called his name Seth. Gen. 6.5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was onely evill continually Gen. 8.21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savour and the Lord said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evill from his youth neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned V. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one Judgement came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life V. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous Psal 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Job 15.14 What is man that he should be clean and he which is borne of a woman that he should be righteous V. 16. How much more abominable and filthy is man which drinketh iniquity like water Job 14.4 Who can bring a Clean thing out of an unclean Not one Rom. 3.9 What then are we better then they no in no wise for we have before proved both Jewes and Gentiles that they are all under sin V. 10. As it is written there is none righteous no not one V. 23. For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me 2 Tim. 2.26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devill who are taken Captive by him at his will Rom. 8.6 For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace V. 7. Because the carnall mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be 1 Cor. 2.14 But the naturall man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Rom. 7.14 For we know that the Law is spirituall but I am carnall sold under sin V. 18. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to performe that which is good I find not V. 23. But I see another Law in my members warring against the Law of my minde and bringing me into Captivity to the Law of sin which is in my members V. 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death Jer. 17.9 The Heart is deceitful above all things and Desperately wicked who can know it Jam. 4.5 Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vaine The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy Eph. 2.1 And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins V. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the Aire the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience V. 3. Among whom also we all had our Conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the Children of wrath even as others Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Gal. 5.17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would Eph. 4.18 Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart 1 John 1.8 If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a liar and his word is not in us Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all if any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Eccles 7.20 For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Hos 14.1 O Israel return unto the Lord thy God for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity Eph. 4.22 That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts V. 23. And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind V. 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is Created in righteousnesse and true holinesse 1 Cor. 15.49 And as we have born the Image of the earthly we shall also bear the Image of the heavenly John 3.3 Jesus answered and said unto him verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdome of God V. 4. Nicodemus saith unto him
heart of flesh V. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my Judgements and do them Luke 22.20 Likewise also the Cup after Supper saying this Cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you Micha 7.18 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in mercy V. 19. He will turn again he will have compassion upon us he will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea Rom. 6.14 For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under Grace Jer. 32.40 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Psal 84.11 For the Lord God is a Sun and a shield the Lord will give Grace and Glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are called according to his purpose Concerning the state of men after death and the Resurrection of the body Eccles 12.7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the spirit shall return to God who gave it Luke 23.43 And Jesus said unto him verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Heb. 12.23 To the general Assembly and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God not made with hands eternal in the Heavens V. 6. Therefore we are alwaies confident knowing that whilest we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1.23 For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart â—nd to be with Christ which is far better Luke 16.22 And it came to passe that the beggar died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosome the rich man also died and was buried V. 23. And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in Torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome V. 24. And he Cried and said Father Abraham have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this Flame Acts 1.25 That he may take part of this Ministry and Apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his owne place Jude 6. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their owne habitation he hath reserved in everlasting Chaines under darknesse unto the Judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodome and Gomorrah and the Cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire 1 Pet. 3.19 By which also he went and preached to the Spirits in prison 1 Cor. 15.42 So also is the Resurrection of the dead it is sowen it corruption it is raised in incorruption V. 43. It is sowen in dishonour it is raised in Glory it is sowen in weakness it is raised in power V. 44. It is sowen a natural body it is raised a spiritual body There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body V. 52. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed Job 19.26 And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my selfe and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Acts 24.15 And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust John 5.28 Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Mat. 25.21 His Lord said unto him well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithfull over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Heb 6.2 Of the doctrine of baptismes and of laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead and of eternal Judgement Mat. 16.27 For the Son of man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels and then he shall reward every man according to his works Mat. 13.40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire so shall it be in the end of this world V. 41. The Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdome all things that offend and them which do iniquity V. 42. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth V. 43. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father who hath ears to hear let him hear 2 Pet. 3.11 Seeing then all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness V. 14. Wherefore Beloved seeing that ye look for such things be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse Mat. 10.28 And fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell Rev. 2.7 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God V. 11. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death V. 17. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white stone and in the stone a new Name written which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath
we hate sin as sin we hate all sin Now the reason why there is such an universal hatred in the true penitent against all sin is 1. Because his judgment is altered his mind is changed he sees with other eies than he did before He sees the evil and danger of sin in those particulars before mentioned He sees plainly that sin is but like a cup of sweet wine that hath rank poison in it 2. His heart and affections are turned against it He hath a new heart put into him If God should offer him his choice of these two things either a liberty to go on in sin or power and Grace and strength against it he would readily close with the latter The remembrance of sin is bitter and grievous to him not so the remembrance of afflâ—ction he blesses God for afflictions that have weaned his heart from sin He is sick of sin weary of it 't is a burden to him his heart rises against it he had rather God should exercise him with any affliction than give him up to a hardned course in sin Fourthly Confession of sin Every true penitent is bound to make private confession of his sins to God praying earnestly for the pardon of theÌ„ For 1. By this meanes the soul is brought into a dislike of sin Confession 't is an act of mortification 'T is the spiritual vomit of the soul it breeds a dislike of the sweet morsels of sin when they are thus cast up again with loathing Sin though sweet in commission is bitter in remembrance and confession 2. By a free ingenuous confession of sin we accuse our selves unto God take shame to our s lves judge and condemn our selves before him humbly acknowledging we are worthy of all his curses all his judgments Now self accusing will prevent Satans accusing of us He can lay no more to our charge than we in our confessions are willing to charge our selves with And self-judging will prevent Gods judging of us 1 Cor. 11.31 If we would judge our selves we should not be judged We are not to judge others but we may and must judge our selves Concerning Confession of sin take these Rules 1. Confesse all thy particular known sins particularly Take thy self in private and open the case of thy soul clearly and without guile of spirit before the Lord make private confession of all thy sins unto him not that thou canst acquaint God with any thing he did not before know but that it may appear thou thy self knowest and art acquainted with the plague of thine own heart and art sensible of thy sins iniquities and defects in obedience And seeing every one is guilty of many more sins than he can remember though he examine his heart and life never so seriously Therefore when thou hast humbly confessed and bewailed all thy particular known sins to God then with a general confession acknowledge the rest namely all thy secret unknown undiscovered sins saying as David Psal 19.12 Lord cleanse me from my secret sins Cleanse me O Lord not only from those particular sins I do remember and humbly confesse before thee but from all other sins also that I am any manner of way guilty of though I do not now remember them 2. Remember that 't is not only words and handsome expressions God regards in confession of sin but there must be shame a deep sense and feeling of the evil of sin a heart hatred against sin a true sorrow for all our offences against God that must accompany our confessions else they are no way pleasing unto him 3. Besides conâ—essing unto God there are some cases wherein confession also unto man is requisite as 1. Under deep wounds of Conscience 'T is requisite then to open the true state and case of thy soul to some Godly Minister or some faithful experienced Christian that so they may give advice and counsel and suit their prayers to thy particular Case 2. When some eminent judgment seizeth on any for some eminent provocation Here as Joshuah said to Achan Josh 7.19 My son confess and give glory to God That Gods justice may be cleared for hereby God receiveth a great deal of Glory and men a wonderful confirmation of the care and justice of Providence 3. He that by any notorious offence really sâ—andalizeth his Brother or the Church of Christ ought to be willing by a private or publick confession and sorrow for his sin to declare his repentance to those that are offended who are thereupon to be reconciled to him and in love to receive him Fifthly Forsaking sin leaving off whatever appears to be displeasing unto God The true penitent 1. Forsakes the acting of known sins for the present 2. Resolves against sin for the future I. Forsakes all his former known sins secret sins as well as open profitable sins as well as those that are not True and sincere obedience is universal especially in respect of the purpose of the heart He that out of Conscience of duty to God forsakes one sin will for the same reason fear to offend in another there being the same Divine authority awing and binding the Conscience in one sin as in another To pick and chuse here to obey there to dispense with our selves is a shrewd sign of hypocrisie II. Resolves against sin And his resolutions come 1. From solid reasons and not only from some sudden affections 2. Are accompanied with earnest and fervent prayers to God He that is strong in resolution and weak in supplication is quickly foil'd 3. Are made not in his own strength but the strength of Christ which he humbly implores and rests upon Sixthly Conversion whereby the bent of the heart is turned towards God choosing him for its chief delight and portion desiring to walk with him and approve it self unto him in sincere obedience A true and real penitent does not content himself with a meer negative holinesse and leaving off his former sinful waies 'T is not enough for such an one to be no drunkard no swearer no unclean person c. But as he hates every evil way so he makes Conscience of every known duty required of him The Commands that require duty are as binding to him as those that forbid sin There will be a visible change in such a person and that 1. In reference to God He will love God more and delight in his waies and worship now more than formerly 2. In reference to men He will be careful to discharge his relative duties He will labour to walk exactly and righteously to observe a strict integrity in his dealings with men And in these two things he will manifest the reality of his conversion 1. If he remember he has wronged any man formerly in his goods or estate either by defrauding or unjust detaining what is due to him he will endeavour to make him restitution or other satisfaction He that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall find mercy Prov. 28.13 He that restoreth not ill gotten
goods liveth still in his sin Restitution being an inseparable fruit of true Repentance 2. If he be at variance with any he will desire and seek reconciliation being willing to forgive injuries done to him and desiring forgivenesse of those he has any way injured 3. In the Government of himself he will endeavour to he sober and temperate and watchful over his heart and waies his words and actions See more concerning watchfulnesse in the fifth Chapter Thus much of the nature of true Repentance I come now to some Directions concerning it I. Remember Repentance though never so serious is not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin or any cause of the pardon thereof that being the act of Gods free Grace in Christ yet it is of such necessity to sinners that none may expect pardon without it 'T is necessary for these three Reasons 1. Because God hath commanded it and the Gospel enjoynes it as a condition of the new Covenant 2. That we may tast something of the bitternesse of sin that so we may the more carefully avoid it for the time to come 3. To prepare and fit us to receive pardon to dispose us into such a frame as is sutable to such a blessing 4. To make us set a higher value on Gods pardoning Mercy and Christs Merits and Blood How dear and precious is Christ to a soul truly humbled for sin II. Consider As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent 'T is not the falling into the water drowns a man but continuing in it not getting out again No sin damnes a man but as it is accompanied with finall impenitency and unbelief Therefore the sin against the Holy Ghost is unpardonable because those that commit that sin do never repent or flie to Christ for pardon III. Look to it that thy Repentance and sorrow for thy sins spring from Evangelicall Motives such as are before mentioned and not meerly from shame or fear of Hell wrath IV. Labour that thy sorrow for sin may bear some proportion to the greatnesse of thy sins Every small touch of sorrow may not be sufficient As sin is the greatest of evils so our sorrow for it should be the greatest sorrow Betake thy self therefore to a more solemn mourning and renting of heart for the great sins of thy life refusing to be comforted with any worldly comfort till thou hast obtained thy pardon But remember Godly sorrow is not alwaies to be measured by plenty of tears and vehemency of expressions but by the weight of it on the heart by the deep displeasure of the soul against sin There may be a deep rational sorrow for sin where there is no such outward passionate expressions of it V. Content not thy self with a general repentance but know that it is thy duty to endeavour to repent of thy particular sins particularly Do not slubber over this great duty which so much concerns thee with a slight formal general repentance as too many are apt to do Many sins long ago committed by thee may still lie at thy door if not repented of Review therefore thy life past Suffer thy Conscience to speak freely to thee and to set thy sins in order before thee and labour to be heartily humbled both for the vileness and depravednesse of thy Nature and for all the particular actual sins failings and miscarriages which thou findest thy self any way guilty of Repent of all sin that lies upon thy Conscience VI. Let thy sorrow for sin be accompanied with a real forsaking of all known sins and amendment of life Content not thy self with a partial reformation VII Set upon the practise of this great duty speedily now while thou art in health before sicknesse surprize thee Without repentance no hope of pardon or peace with God here no hope of Glory hereafter Now Consider that by repentance the Scripture does not mean a sudden fit of confession contrition and promising amendment at last cast when a man can live no longer in sin and is now afraid of Judgment but a real change of the mind a turning of the heart from the love of sin to God Take notice that hereby we do not go about to limit the Almighty or drive any to utter final desparation but to shew what is mans duty and what is Gods ordinary way oâ— working upon the hearts of those whom he does conveâ—t For God can work a â—eal gracious change upon mens heaâ—â—s at last Though to defer repeâ—tance upâ—n that ground iâ— exceedâ—ng dangerous a durable state of new obedience and a life of holy walking which takes up some space length and continuation of time giving a sinner thereby competent opportunity to mortifie evil dispositions and habits to break off sinfull courses to set up the dominion of Grace within and by an holy behaviour in his place and condition of life to manifest the sincerity of his repentance and by a steddy course of Godlinesse to give some proof of his real conversion To put off repentance therefore to the death-bed is exceeding dangerous to say no more VIII When thou hast through the assistance of the Spirit of God humbled thy soul and repented seriously of all thy sins do not rest in thy repentance as was said before but go out of thy self to Christ for thy pardon Rest not on this side Christ Not thy tears but his blood only can cleanse thy Conscience from all guilt But of this more in the next Chapter IX After thou hast laboured according to these directions to revoke reverse and undo again all the sins of thy life past by a serious repentance then be very watchful lest thou fall knowingly and deliberatly into any sin again The true penitent allowes not himself in any sinfull course yet through infirmity possibly he may fall Sins of infirmity are such as a man is overtaken with contrary to the purpose of his heart either through ignorance incogitancy violence of temptation or suddennesse of surprizal which when he comes to consider he confesses and bemoans strives and prayes against and by Gods Grace ordinarily gets more and more victory over If therefore contrary to the fixed purpose of thy heart thou dost at any time sin endeavour speedily to recover thy self by a serious repentance and be more watchful over thy heart and waies for time to come Motives to Repentance 1. 'T is highly pleasing to God Ezek. 33.11 Say unto them as I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live turn ye turn ye from your evil waies for why will ye die O House of Israel 2. 'T is the Doctrine Christ himself first preached as we read Mat. 4.17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say repent ye for the kingdome of Heaven is at hand And when he left
the promise although he hath no assurance in himself how the Lord will dispose of him This is commonly called Faith of Adherence or Recumbency II. When a soul that hath thus cast himself on Christ reflects upon what he hath done and comparing it with the Gospel promises becomes by the assistance of the Spirit bearing witnesse with his Spirit confidently perswaded of his interest in Christ and that he shall be saved by him This is call'd Faith of Assurance Now the former is that Faith which is the Condition of the new Covenant by which a sinner is freely acquitted of all his sins and accounted as a righteous and just person in Gods sight To this Faith there are these six things required 1. A real firm belief of the truth of the Gospel a true historical Faith concerning Christs person undertaking and performance and that he came to be a Mediatour and Peace-maker between God and man 2. A deep sense and feeling of the heavy burden of sin with true sorrow and humiliation â—hereupon The soul is brought to see its undone condition by sin before it closes with Christ 3. A firm perswasion that there is no other way of salvation but by Christ alone 4. A clear knowledge that Christ is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him and willing to save and ready to receive such as do own him for the true Messias and unfeignedly give up themselves unto him 5. An earnest desire a real thirsting after an Interest in this Saviour 6. An actual giving up the soul to Christ depending on him wholly and alone for pardon and life firmly trusting in him to be justified sanctified and everlastingly saved by him This is the soul truly and really united unto Christ And being by Faith and Love thus joyned to the Lord as the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 6.17 is one Spirit i. e. is governed by one and the self-same Spirit The Scripture sets forth this admirable spiritual union by these four earthly resemblances By the union 1. Of the Husband and Wife Eph. 5.23 The husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body 2. Of the Head and Members Eph. 1.22 23. Hath put all things under his feet and given him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body 3. Of the stones in the bullding with the foundation whereon they rest and are built Eph. 2.22 In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit 1 Cor. 3.11 4. Of the Vine and the Branches John 15.5 I am the Vine ye are the Branches So that when we do willingly betroth our selves to Christ and consent to take him for our Lord and Husband and to be his loyall spouse when we are willing to be in subjection to him and to be ruled by him as the members of the body are by the head when we depend and rest and rely on him alone for our salvation as the stones rest on the foundation Lastly when we derive Grace and Holinesse from him as the branches derive juice vertue and sap from the root and stock and do bring forth fruits in him and to him then is there a real and spiritual union wrought between Christ and our soules Thus much concerning the Nature of saving Faith The Conclusions I shall lay down concerning it are these 1. Though Christ hath paid down a sufficient price on the Crosse for the ransoming and buying in of lost and undone sinners yet we are not justified and absolved from the guilt of our sins till we do actually close with him by Faith 2. True saving Faith is not a strong perswasion that all a mans sins are pardoned by Christ's Merits and that he is in Gods Favour and in a good state and condition For 't is evident many of Gods dear servants are exercised with doubts and feares concerning themselves and many Gracelesse wretches that never felt the burden of sin nor ever made much Conscience of walking holily are most confident of their own good condition Therefore this confident ungrounded perswasion cannot be true Faith for then hardnesse of heart would make the best Faith and he that could presume most and be most secure and free from doubts would be the truest believer For a man to be confident of his good condition while he lies under the power and reign of sin is the grossest unbelief in the world 'T is to believe the flat contrary to what God hath revealed in the Word 1 Cor. 6.9 Know ye not saith the Apostle that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdome of God Be not deceived neither fornicatours nor Idolaters nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind nor thieves nor covetous nor drunkards nor revilers nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God Therefore a confident resting on Christ for salvation if it be not a resting according to the Word will not serve the turn 3. Fiducially and savingly to believe on Christ is not an act of mans power but wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God who doth effectually enlighten perswade and draw the heart and assist and enable the soul to give up it self unto Christ Beg therefore the assistance of this blessed Spirit whom God hath promised to give to them that ask him Luke 11.9 And in the aid of his Grace give up thy self unfeignedly unto Christ to be justified sanctified and everlastingly saved by him 4. A true believer may fear and be in doubt that he hath not given up himself to Christ unfeignedly and this fear may proceed from the abundance of his love to Christ and earnest desire to be assur'd of an interest in him which makes him think he can never be certain enough of him Love is sollicitous and full of fears lest it should misse the person beloved 5. They that truly close with Christ do take him for their Lord as well as for their Saviour None come to Christ by Faith and savingly believe on him but they cleave to him by love also and live to him by obedience True Faith on Christ will beget love to Christ and love will bring forth obedience 6. The surest mark of true believing in Christ is a new and holy life 'T is the property of Faith to purifie the heart and so to work a change in the life and conversation Dost thou make Conscience therefore of all Christ's commands And art thou careful to refrain thy feet from every evil way Who ever is in Christ is a new Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 Hath the love of Christ shed abroad in his heart and that love constraines him to yeeld sincere obedience Hath the Spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 not only to comfort him but to counsel and direct him to lead him in the paths of truth and holinesse and to uphold him from taking any desperate and irrecoverable falls either in matter of judgment
by his divine power raised and quickned his own body when it lay in the grave so he conveighs a spiritual life into all his members raising them from the death of sin and enabling them to walk in newnesse of life I live saith Paul Gal. 2.20 yet not I but Christ liveth in me And the life of Jesus is made manifest in our mortal bodies 2 Cor. 4.11 He that abideth in me and I in him saith our Saviour John 15.5 bringeth forth much fruit Beg therefore earnestly of the Lord that thou maiest be sanctified throughout in Spirit Soul and Body That thy Understanding Conscience and Will thy sensual affections and desires and thy whole outward man may be put into and kept in a good order and frame that the fear of God may dwell in thine heart continually and his Law be written in thy inward man Look to the bent and frame of thy heart that it be right towards God If thy heart be once ordered aright thou wilt look that thy outward conversation be ordered aright also Let it appear therefore thou art a living member of Christ by being a new Creature by unliving and undoing thy former sinful course Live not henceforth in any known sin but speedily forsake whatever thou knowest to be evil and displeasing unto God any kind of way Labour to testifie the sincerity of thy repentance and Faith by an holy life and an unblameable Conversation Set thy self in good earnest to walk religiously and holily before God righteously and uprightly before men and soberly and temperatly in the Government of thy self Let it be thy daily exercise with Paul to keep a good Canscience void of offence towards God and towards man Be careful of the duties both of the first and second Table And read often and carefully observe our Saviours Sermon in the Mount coâ—tained in the fifth sixth and seaventh Chapters of Matthew In summe beg a continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ that though thou art to wrestle not only against flesh and blood but against Principalities and powers and spiritual wickednesses and against manifold temptations from the world yet notwithstanding through the aides of Grace the regenerate part in thee may overcome and that thou maist grow in Grace and be daily perfecting holinesse in the fear of God 2 Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature Old things are past away behold all things are become new 1 Cor 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God Eph. 4.22 That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts V. 23. And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind V. 24. And that ye put on that new man whiâ—h after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Rom. 6.5 For if we have been planted together in the likenesse of his death we shall be also in the likenesse of his resurrection V. 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin V. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under Grace 1 John 3.8 He that committeth sin is of the devil for the devil sinneth from the beginning for this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil 1 John 2.6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himselfe also to walk even as he walked 1 John 3.3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure Rom. 8.13 For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die but if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Eph. 3.16 That he would grant you according to the riches of his Glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love V. 18. May be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and heighth V. 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulnesse of God 1 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh and Spirit perfecting holinesse in the fear of God I eb 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. 1 Thes 5.23 And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole Spirit and Soul and body be preserved blamless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Gal. 5.17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would 1 Pet. 2.11 Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul 2 Pet. 3.18 But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to him be Glory both now and for ever Amen Gal. 5.19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these Adultery Fornication Uncleannesse Lasciviousness V. 20. Idolatry Witchcraft Hatred Variance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies V. 21. Envyings Murders Drunkenness Revellings and such like of the which I tell you before as I have also told you in time past that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God V. 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentlenesse Goodnesse Faith V. 23. Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law V. 24. And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Phil. 2.15 That ye may be blamelesse and harmlesse the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation among whom ye shine as Lights in the world 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence add to your Faith vertue and to vertue Knowledge V. 6. And to Knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience Godlinesse V. 7. And to Godliness Brotherly kindness and to Brotherly kindness Charity 1 Cor. 15.58 Therefore my beloved Brethren be ye stedfast unmoveable alwaies abounding in the work of the Lord forasmuch as ye know that your Labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Pet. 1.14 As obedient Children not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts in your ignorance V. 15. But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Cor. 6 19 What know ye not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own V. 20. For ye
are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your Spirit which are Gods Rom. 2.6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds V. 7. To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and immortality eternal Life V. 8. But unto them that are contentious and do not obey the Truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath V. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile Mat. 16.24 Then said Jesus unto his Disciples if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Crosse and follow me 1 Sam. 2.30 Them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed 2 Cor. 1.12 For our rejoycing is this the Testimony of our Conscience that in simplicity and Godly sincerity not with fleshly wisdom but by the Grace of God we have had our Conversation in the world and more abundantly to you-wards Isa 38.3 And said remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight And Hezekiah wept sore Acts 24.16 And herein do I exercise my self to have alwaies a Conscience void of offence toward God and toward men Tit. 2.11 For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men V. 12. Teaching us that denying ungodlinesse and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world V. 13. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ V 14. Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 3.8 This is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works these things are good and profitable unto men Mat. 5.17 Think not that I am come to destroy the Law and the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfill Mat. 22.36 Master which is the great Commandement of the Law V. 37. Jesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is the first and great Commandement V. 39. And the second is like unto it thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self V. 40. On these two Commandements hang all the Law and the Prophets Mark 12.32 And the Scribe said unto him well Master thou hast said the truth for there is one God and there is none other but he V. 33. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the soul and with all the strength and to love his neighbour as himself is more than all whole burnt offering and sacrifice Rom. 3.31 Do we then make void the Law through Faith God forbid yea we establish the Law CHAP. V. Of Communion with God 5. LAbour to maintain a daily close Communion with God in these particulars following 1. Awake with God in the morning 2. Forget not to poure forth thy soul in secret prayer and praise before him 3. Read the Scriptures 4. Live continually as in the sight and view of God 5. Live by Faith 6. Observe all the passages of his Providence towards thee 7. Be continually watchful First Awake with God in the morning When I awake I am still with thee sais holy David Psal 139.8 The morning is an embleme of the Resurrection when our bodies shall awake from the sleep of death and that long day shall arise upon us that shall never have any night O how shouldst thou then when sleep fals from thine eyes lift up thy soul in praises and thanksgivings to the Lord for his gracious Providence over thee in the night season Had not he been exceeding gracious thou mightst have slept the sleep of death and from the darknesse of the night been sent away into outer darknesse Let not the commonnesse of this mercy diminish but the continualness of it rather encrease thy thankfulnesse O when thy body awakens how shouldst thou awaken and stirre up thy soul also to some holy and pious Ejaculations such as the sweet Singer of Israel used to send up to God O Lord thou art my God early will I seek thee I laid me down and slept and thou hast sustained me I have been safe under the shadow of thy wings thy faithfulnesse and truth have been my shield and buckler And now Lord lift up the Light of thy Countenance upon me instruct me in the way wherein I should go and guid me with thine eye Teach me thy way O Lord and I will walk in thy Truth O knit my heart to thee that I may fear thy Name And hold up my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not Let me walk circumspectly this day redeeming the time Let my soul put on the Lord Jesus and be clothed with the white robe of his righteousnesse and adorn me with the saving Graces of thy holy Spirit c. After some such pious ejaculations sent up to the Throne of Grace labour to get thy heart possessed with deep strong and powerful apprehensions and impressions of Gods holinesse Majesty Omni-presence Omniscience Consider with reverence and humbly admire and adore his glorious wisdome his almighty power his gracious Providence his truth and faithfulnesse and especially his tender love and mercy in Christ Jesus And if such thoughts as these make strong and deep impressions in thy mind in the morning thou art the more like to be in the fear of God all the day after and to have thy mind possessed both with reverential and delightful thoughts of his Majesty Psal 139.18 When I awake I am still with thee Job 7.17 What is man that thou shouldest magnifie him and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him V. 18. And that thou shouldst visit him every morning and try him every moment Lam. 3.22 It is of the Lords mercy that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not V. 23. They are new every morning great is thy faithfulnesse V. 24. The Lord is my portion saith my soul therefore I will hope in him V. 25. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him to the soul that seeketh him Psal 73.25 Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none upon the Earth that I desire besides thee Eph. 5.14 Wherefore he saith Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee Light Rom. 13.11 And that knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep for now is our salvation neerer than when we believed V. 12. The night is far spent the day is at hand let us therefore cast off the works of darknesse and let us put on the
his benefits Psal 47.7 For God is the King of all the Earth Sing ye praises with understanding Col. 4.2 Continue in praier and watch in the same with Thanksgiving Psal 116.12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me V. 13. I will take the Cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. Psal 115.1 Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto thy Name give Glory for thy mercy and for thy Truths sake Psal 106.21 They forgat God their Saviour which had done great things in Egypt Psal 66.16 Come and hear all ye that fear God and I will declare what he hath done for my Soul Psal 105.2 Sing unto him Sing Psalmes unto him talk ye of all his wondrous works Psal 22.10 I was cast upon thee from the womb thou art my God from my mothers belly Luke 17.17 And Jesus answered and said were there not ten cleansed but where are the nine V. 18. There are not found that returned to give Glory to God save this stranger Psal 69.30 I will praise the Name of God with a Song and will magnifie him with Thanksgiving V. 31. This also shall please the Lord better than an Oxe or Bullock that hath hornes and hoofes Psal 50.13 Will I eat the flesh of Buls or drink the blood of Goats V. 14. Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows unto the most High Eph. 5.20 Giving thanks alwaies for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thes 5.17 Pray without ceasing V. 18. In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Psal 57.7 My heart is fixed O God my heart is fixed I will sing and give praise Psal 146.2 While I live I will praise the Lord I will sing praises to my God while I have my being Isa 1.3 The Oxe knoweth his owner and the Ass his masters Crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not Consider Psal 147.19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his Judgments unto Israel V. 20 He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his Judgments they have not known them Praise ye the Lord. Gen. 32.10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewed unto thy Servant for with my staffe I passed over this Jordan and now am become two bands 1 Chron. 29.14 But who am I and what is my people that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort for all things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee Rev. 7.9 After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all Nations and Kindreds and People and Tongues stood before the Throne and before the Lamb cloathed with white robes and palmes in their hands V. 10. And Cried with a loud voice saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb. V. 11. And all the Angels stood round about the Throne and about the Elders and four beasts and fell before the Throne on their faces and worshipped God V. 12. Saying Amen Blessing and Glory and Wisdome and Thanksgiving and Honour and Power and Might be unto our God for ever and ever Amen Rev. 19.1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven saying Alleluja Salvation and Glory and Honour and Power unto the Lord our God V. 3. And again they said Alleluja V. 4. And the four and twenty Elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sate on the Throne saying Amen Alleluja V. 5. And a voice came out of the Throne saying Praise our God all ye his Servants and ye that fear him both small and great Thirdly Be frequent and diligent in reading the holy Scriptures When thou readest the Commands the Promises the Threatnings therein contained think God speaks to thee in them And God must needs be true he cannot lie nor deceive Now there is sufficient evidence that the Scripture is his Word and written by the especial inspiration of his holy Spirit and that will appear if we consider these three things 1. The internal Light of its own perfection The holinesse and heavenlinesse of the matter the Majesty of the Stile the Consent of all the Parts the Scope of the whole which is to give all Glory to God and the full discovery therein made of the only way of mans salvation and reconciliation with God Which is a suitable way both to Gods Glory and mans Necessity 2. The many providential attestations and confirmations of the Truth of the things therein contained by real and undeniable miracles such as could not be wrought but by the power of God And surely if the Scripture had been only the device of men God would some way or other have disowned it ere this as a notorious abuse put upon him and not so constantly have preserved it in spight of the Devil and all his instruments who have laboured to banish it out of the world and to weaken the authority of it 3. The great and wonderful efficacy of the doctrine therein delivered to enlighten convince and humble sinners to drive them out of themselves and to draw them to Christ to conform them to the Image of God to subdue them to his will to strengthen them against temptations and corruptions to build them up in Grace to establish their hearts in holinesse and lastly to comfort them through Faith unto salvation As therefore the holy Ghost by special inspiration was the author of the Scripture and by extraordinary endowments was the author of the miracles wrought for its confirmation so also he is the author of the Faith of him that truly and unfeignedly believes it Yet he doth not cause us to believe by Enthusiasm without any reason or evidence but he enlightens the understanding removing the blindnesse and depravednesse thereof and shews us the credibility of the thing and the evidence of the truth that is to be believed and so perswades the heart to a belief thereof Indeed an historical belief of the Scripture which is true in its kind we may come to by rational perswasions without the special Grace or illumination of the Spirit of God but not that deep and firm belief which shall carry over the will effectually to God in Christ and captivate the whole man to the obedience of the Truth And when such a Faith and belief of the Scripture as this attended with sanctification is wrought in the soul the effect is a good argument to confirm the truth and excellency of such a Faith and belief 1. Labour therefore to work thy heart to a high and reverent esteem of the Word when thou goest to read it We should read it
Psal 16.8 I have set the Lord alwaies before me because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved Gen. 5.24 And Enoch walked with God and he was not for God took him Heb. 11.5 By Faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found because God had translated him for before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God Gen. 6.9 Noah was a just man and upright in his generation and Noah walked with God Prov. 5.20 And why wilt thou my Son be ravished with a strange woman and embrace the bosome of a stranger V 21. For the waies of a man are before the eies of the Lord and he pondereth all his goings Gen. 39.9 There is none greater in this house than I neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee because thou art his wife how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Gen. 42 18. And Joseph said unto them the third day this do and live for I fear God Job 34.21 For his eies are upon the waies of man and he sees all his goings V. 22. There is no darknesse nor shadow of death where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves Job 27.6 My righteousnesse I hold fast and will not let it go my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live Isa 38.3 And Hezekiah said remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight and Hezekiah wept sore 1 John 3.20 For if our heart condemn us God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things V. 21. Beloved if our heart condemn us not then have we confidence towards God 2 Cor. 1.12 For our rejoycing is this the testimony of our Conscience that in simplicity and Godly sincerity not with fleshly wisdome but by the Grace of God we have had our conversation in the world but more abundantly to you-wards Psal 32.2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity and in whose spirit there is no guile Psal 78.34 When he slew them then they sought him and they returned and enquired early after God V. 35. And they remembred that God was their Rock and the high God their Redeemer V. 36. Nevertheless they flattered him with their mouth and they lied to him with their tongues V. 37. For their heart was not right with him neither were they stedfast in his Covenant Gen. 17.1 And when Abraham was ninety yeares old and nine the Lord appeared to Abraham and said unto him I am the Almighty God walk before me and be thou perfect Eph. 6.24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity Amen Fifthly Labour daily to live by Faith Having given up and committed thy penitent Soule into the hands of Christ to have thy pardon and peace procur'd by his merits and intercession learn also daily to trust and depend on the goodnesse of God and his gracious promises for a supply of all such blessings both spiritual and temporal as thou standest in need of I shall shew thee what it is to live the life of Faith in these ten particulars 1. Seek unto the Lord and daily trust and depend on him for the assistance of his holy Spirit for Grace and strength effectually to enable thee to subdue thy corruptions and to mortifie all sinful vile affections in thee Luke 11.9 And I say unto you ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you V. 10. For every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh it shall be opened V. 11. If a Son shall ask bread of any of you that is a Father will he give him a stone or if he ask a fish will he for a fish give him a Serpent V. 12. Or if he ask an egge will he offer him a Scorpion V. 13. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Jam. 4.5 Do ye think the Scripture saith in vain the Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy V. 6. But he giveth more Grace wherefore he saith God resisteth the proud but giveth Grace to the humble 2 Cor. 12 9. And he said unto me my Grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me Rom. 6.14 For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under Grace 2. Trust in him to enable thee to resist and overcome the temptations wherewith thou shalt be assaulted from the Devil or the world Mat. 6.13 Lead us not into temptation 2 Chron. 32.31 Howbeit in the businesse of the Ambassadours of the Princes of Babylon who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the Land God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour V. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the Faith Jam. 4.7 Resist the Devil and he will flee from you 1 John 2.15 Love not the world nor the things that are in the world if any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him V. 16. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh the lust of the eies and the pride of life is not of the Father 1 John 5.4 Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our Faith John 17.15 I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil V. 20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word 3. Humbly depend on him to assist and enable thee to perform all the duties both of thy general and particular calling with sincerity diligence and delight 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Phil. 4 13. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me Psal 87.7 All my Springs are in thee 4. Trust in him to enable thee to bear all the afflictions he shall please to lay upon thee with patience affiance in his mercy and submission to his will Col. 1.11 Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulnesse 1 Cor. 10.13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able but with the temptation will also make a way
to escape that ye may be able to bear it Rom. 5.3 But we glory in tribulations also knowing that tribulation worketh patience Rev. 13 10. Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints 5. As thou must continually depend on God for a supply of all those Graces and comforts thy soul stands in need of so likewise thou must depend daily on his Fatherly care to be furnished and supplied with all such outward mercies as thou standest in need of for this life Mat. 6 11. Give us this day our daily bread Psal 84.11 For the Lord is a Sun and a shield the Lord will give Grace and Glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly 1 Tim. 4.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little but Godliness is profitable to all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 2 Pet. 1.3 According as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto Life and Godlinesse through the knowledge of him that hath called us to knowledge and vertue 6. Humbly depend on him for direction and guidance in all thy lawful waies and to be counsell'd in difficult cases and matters of great concernment to thee Prov. 3.5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding V. 6. In all thy waies acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths Psal 55.22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved Jer. 10.23 O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps Prov. 16.9 A mans heart deviseth his way but the Lord directeth his steps Psal 32.8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go I will guide thee with mine eie Psal 17.5 Hold up my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterwards receive me to Glory Jam. 1.5 If any of you lack wisdome let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him V. 6. But let him ask in Faith nothing wavering c. 7. Daily trust in him to be protected and preserved from dangers evils and mischiefes as far forth as he shall see it good for thee and that his holy Angels may have charge over thee and may perform all those good offices for thee which he hath appointed them to do for those who shall be heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation Psal 34.7 The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them Mat. 18.10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones for I say unto you that in Heaven their Angels do alwaies behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven Psal 91.1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty V. 4. He shall cover thee with his Feathers and under his Wings shalt thou trust V. 10. There shall no evil befall thee neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling V. 11. For he shall give his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy waies V. 12. They shall bear thee up in their hands lest thou dash thy foot against a stone 8. Trust in him to be blessed and made successeful in all thy lawful endeavours For though man do his endeavour yet successe is only his to give Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe Psal 62.5 My Soul wait thou only upon God for my expectation is from him Psal 127.1 Except the Lord build the house they labour in vain that build it except the Lord keep the City the watchman waketh but in vain V. 2. It is in vain for you to rise up early and to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrowes for so he giveth his beloved sleep 9. Look up to him and humbly depend on him to have all lawful enjoyments and possessions sanctified to thee that they may be sweetned to thee with a sense of his love and favour in Christ and then they will be blessings indeed Prov. 10.22 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it Psal 37.16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked Prov. 15.16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith Heb. 13.5 Let your conversation be without covetousnesse and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee 10. Humbly trust in him for the assistance of his holy Spirit to enable thee daily to grow in Grace and to persevere and hold out in the waies of truth and holinesse till thou attainest the end of thy Faith even the salvation of thy soul 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence adde to your Faith vertue and to vertue knowledge V. 6. And to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience Godlinesse V. 7. And to Godlinesse brotherly kindnesse and to brotherly kindnesse charity 2 Pet. 3. ult But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to him be Glory both now and for ever Amen 1 Cor. 10.12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall Rom. 14.4 Who art thou that judgest another mans servant to his own Master he standeth or falleth yea he shall be holden up for God is able to make him stand Jude 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and present you faultlesse before the presence of his Glory with exceeding joy V. 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty dominion and power now and ever Amen 1 Cor. 1.8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end that ye may be blamelesse in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation Luke 22.32 But I have praied for thee that thy Faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy Brethren Jer. 32.40 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the authour and finisher of our Faith c. John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God 1 Pet. 5.7 Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you 1 Cor. 7.35 This I speak for your own profit that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction Psal 119.49 Remember the word unto thy servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope Psal 25.10 All the paths of the â—ord are mercy and truth to such as keep his Covenant and his Testimonies Psal 112.7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Psal 89.33 Neverthelesse my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Psal 62.9 Surely men of low degree are vanity and men of high degree are a lie to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanity 2 Chron. 14.8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and speares out of Judah three hundred thousand and out of Benjamin that bare shields and drew bowes two hundred and fourscore thousand all these were mighty men of valour V. 11. And Asa cried unto the Lord his God and said Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power help us O Lord our God for we rest on thee and in thy Name we go against this multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee 2 Chron. 20.12 O our God! wilt thou not judge them for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us neither know we what to do but our eies are upon thee Rom. 4.19 And being not weak in Faith he considered not his own body now dead when he was about one hundred years old neither yet the deadness of Sarahs womb Psal 73.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Isa 26.3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staied on thee because he trusteth in thee Isa 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeieth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Psal 1â— 14 The poor committeth himself unto thee thou art the helper of the Fatherlesse Psal 62.5 My soul wait thou only upon God for my expectation is from him V. 6. He only is my rock and my salvation he is my defence I shall not be moved 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the Glory of God by us Josh 21.45 There fail'd not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel all came to passe Heb. 13.5 Let your conversation be without covetousnesse and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose Mat. 6 30. Wherefore if God so cloath the grasse of the field which to day is and to morrow is cast into the Oven shall he not much more cloath you O ye of little Faith Psal 34.9 O fear the Lord ye his Saints for there is no want to them that fear him V. 10. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing Psal 84.11 For the Lord is a Sun and a shield the Lord will give Grace and Glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Isa 54.17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousnesse is of me saith the Lord. 2 Chron. 16.9 For the eies of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him John 11.40 Jesus saith unto her said I not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe thou shouldst see the Glory of God Sixthly Observe all the passages of his Providence towards thee whether of justice or mercy Take notice of every frown and every smile from God and that will much direct thee how to order thy services of praier and praise and teach thee submission to his holy will Many duties depend on the consideration and taking notice of Gods Providential dispensations How blame worthy then are they that do not care to observe or regard the works of God Certainly it is our duty to observe and acknowledge Gods soveraignty and dominion in the world and over all events here below not a sparrow not a hair fals to the ground without our Heavenly Father And where we cannot understand the waies of God let us with an humble reverence believe and admire the wisdome of them The deep and unsearcheable waies of God are not to be judged before the Tribunal of mans reason Labour therefore to get a firm belief of this great truth setled in thy soul that God governs all humane affairs and thou wilt find it of great efficacy against those damps and dejections of mind that in afflictions we are too prone unto and it will be a singular antidote against all murmurings and repinings How did this consideration quiet and compose the heart of old Eli 1 Sam. 3.18 It is the Lord. And David on the same account saies I was dumb and opened not my mouth because thou didst it Psal 39.9 So when a sore and terrible affliction fell upon Aaron his two sons Nadab and Abihu being consumed by fire from Heaven all that the Scripture reports of his carriage and demeanour is this And Aaron held his peace Lev. 10.3 As therefore thou art dilgently to observe and mind Gods Providential dispensations towards thee so remember it is thy duty and ought to be the posture of thy Spirit that whatever he takes from thee or whatever he does unto thee perfectly and absolutely to submit to his will Remember there is no resisting the Almighty Shall a Grashopper contend with an Eagle Shall we that are wormes contend with our maker If we consider our sinfulnesse and guilt we have reason to admire he afflicts us no more If as the unjust steward in the Gospel for one hundred set down but fifty so if God for an hundred stripes due to us inflicts but fifty nay but ten have we not reason to be patient and to say He punisheth lesse than our iniquities deserve Labour therefore to be patient under his hand Murmuring and repining does but increase our guilt and provoke God to double our punishment The Parent takes up the child for whimpering and crying as well as for any other fault not patiently to let God have his will is the way to beg another
nor from the rebukes and scourgings of an awakened Conscience which are no small punishments 3. Let it be thy care to suppresse and crush bad thoughts at the very first rising Do not at all consent or comply with them but abhor and abandon them presently and cry out unto the Lord for help against them Take heed of representing or acting sin in thy thoughts If thou wouldst keep thy soul pure beware of speculative sinfulness 4. Be carefull to have a stock of good materials alwaies in readinesse for thy thoughts to work upon Have some good subjects ready to present and offer to thy mind to entertain thy thoughts with A good man hath a good treasure in his heart out of which he bringeth forth good things Mat. 12.35 Let thy mind therefore have alwaies some good heads to meditate on As the evil and danger of sin the necessity of conversion thy absolute need of Christ the vanity of the creature the shortnesse and uncertainty of this life the everlastingness of thy future state c. 5. Avoid Idlenesse and allow not thy self in melancholy If thou dost not employ thy mind about that which is good it will busie it self about evil The mind of man if it be not well emploied will be ranging and roving all over the world and will be intent on things it should not The spirit of man is active and restlesse 'T is like a mill it will be either grinding of that which is put into it or else working upon it self wearing and wearying it self in foolish fruitless and unconcerning thoughts Idlenesse is a grand occasion of impure and impertinent thoughts 'T is the devils hour in which he takes advantage to fill and defile mans mind with wicked suggestions and melancholy disposeth the mind to strange absurd incoherent unreasonable imaginations to many sad perplexing afflicting thoughts Man disquieteth himself in vain saith the Psalmist Psal 39.6 framing many imaginary evils and grievances to himself which God hath not really laid upon him Let it be thy care therefore to keep thy mind well employed either in the duties of Piety or the works of thy particular calling When thou dost relax thy mind at any time from being intent on serious things for thy necessary refreshment be careful to allow thy self onely in innocent cheerfulnesse When the loines of thy mind are ungirt and thy thoughts let loose to run at random and have not Conscience set over them as a Governour thou art in great danger of sinning against God 6. Do not cumber thy self with too much worldly businesse that will overcharge thy mind with solicitude and force too many earthly thoughts upon it it will fill thee with distracting disturbing thoughts and torturing cares When Martha was careful and troubled about many things she neglected the one thing necessary Luke 10.41 42. 7. Leâ—rn to spiritualize earthly objâ—cts and to raise holy meditations from them This will be an excellent and advantageous employment for thy mind This was our blessed Saviours practise and canst thou follow a better example 8. Learn to divert and put by bad thoughts by introducing and bringing in some good thoughts that are contrary to them into their roomes Thus overcome evil thoughts by good thoughts If self magnifying thoughts come in bring in self abasing If distrustful put thy soul upon thinking of Gods Faithfulness If revengefull think how much thou needest forgivenesse from God Thus let one wedge drive out another 9. Beg of God to new mould thy mind and to put it into such an holy and heavenly frame that it may be fit to produce good thoughts as a good tree doth bring forth good fruit Beg that Grace may be the Law of thy mind Rom. 7.23 Pray earnestly act Faith and put thy trust in the power and promise of God for the casting down of all sinful imaginations in thy soul and subduing thy thoughts to the obedience of Christ 10. If thou wouldst keep bad thoughts out of thy mind be ready to entertain the gracious motions of the blessed Spirit of God Rev. 3.20 Behold I stand at the door and knock if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me O do not grieve this holy Spirit do not repell so blessed a guest who knocks at thy heart in many a sermon and by many a providence and sues for entrance that he may make thee happy What! shall the devil with his wicked suggestions be let in and shall the King of glory with his train of Graces be shut out O let it not be 11. Remember that if thou willingly entertainest and lodgest in thy mind wicked thoughts now and diest in an impenitent and unconverted state thy thoughts will be thy executioners and tormenters in Hell As light as thou makest of evil thoughts now they will then prey upon thy soul as so many vultures and be a never-dying worm in thy Conscience And the more to quicken thee to practise these directions Consider This will be a great argument of thy sincerity and of the truth of Grace in thee if thou art conscientiously watchfull over thy thoughts Many restraints lie upon the outward man to over-awe it and keep it from evil but the power of Grace does then much appear when it commands the inward man and laies restraints upon our thinking faculty that we dare not allow our selves in any sinful thoughts Psal 119.97 Oh how love I thy Law it is my meditation all the day V. 113. I hate vain thoughts but thy Law do I love Mat. 12.35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things Mat. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false witness blasphemies V. 20. These are the things that defile a man Isa 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Psal 63.5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatnesse and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips V. 6. When I remember thee upon my bed and meditate on thee in the night watches Psal 94.11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man that they are vanity Jer. 4.14 O Jerusalem wash thine heart from wickednesse that thou maist be saved how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee Psal 49.11 Their inward thought is that their houses shall continue for ever their dwelling places to all generations they call their lands after their own names Psal 119.59 I thought on my waies and turned my feet unto thy testimonies Prov. 16.3 Commit thy workes unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established Prov. 4.23 Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life Secondly Watch over thy
thy words When love rules in the heart the law of kindnesse is in the tongue 14. Lastly Consider what Solomon saies Prov. 10.19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin and he that refraineth his lips is wise Due and befitting silence is many times a great preseâ—ver of innocency but when the tongue runs very fast and speaks more than comes to its share 't is ordinarily a servant either to pride or passion Psal 39.1 I said I will take heed to my waies that I sin not with my tongue I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me Psal 17.3 I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgresse Psal 141.3 Set a watch O Lord before my mouth keep the door of my lips Mat. 12.34 O generation of vipers how can ye being evil speak good things for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh V. 35. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things V. 36. But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment Prov. 13.3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction Jam. 1.26 If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart this mans religion is vain Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all if any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body V. 3. Behold we put bits in the horses mouthes that they may obey us and we turn about their whole body V. 4. Behold also the ships which though they be so great and are driven of fierce windes yet are they turned about with a very small helm whithersoever the Governour listeth V. 5. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth V. 6. And the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our members that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature and is set on fire of Hell Col. 4.6 Let your speech be alway with Grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Eph. 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister Grace unto the hearers Eph. 5.3 But fornication and all uncleannesse or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthinesse nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks 1 Cor. 15.33 Be not deceived evil communications corrupt good manners Psal 106.33 They provoked his spirit so that he i. e. Moses spake unadvisedly with his lips Prov. 15.28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things 1 Sam. 2.3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly let not arrogancy come out of your mouth for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed Prov. 10.11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked V. 19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin but he that refraineth his lips is wise V. 20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver the heart of the wicked is little worth V 21. The lips of the righteous feed many but fooles die for want of wisdome Prov. 17.27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit Psal 37.30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdome and his tongue talketh of judgment Psal 34.12 What man is he that desireth life and loveth many daies that he may see good V. 13. Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile Psal 12 4 Who have said with our tongue will we prevail our lips are our own who is Lord over us Psal 140.3 They have sharpned their tongues like a Serpent adders poison is under their lips Selah Rom. 3.13 Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues they have used deceit the poison of aspes is under their lips V. 14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse Prov. 16.27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil and in his lips there is a burning fire Prov. 15.4 A wholesom tongue is a tree of life but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit V. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge but the heart of the foolish doth not so Prov. 14.3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride but the lips of the wise shall preserve them Prov. 12.18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword but the tongue of the wise is health Prov. 17.5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his maker and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished Prov. 31.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the Law of kindnesse Tit. 3.1 2. Put them in mind c. To speak evil of no man to be no brawlers but gentle shewing all meeknesse unto all men Mat. 5.22 But I say unto you that whosâ—ever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment and whosoever shall say unto his brother Racha shall be in danger of the councel but whosoever shall say thou fool shall be in danger of hell-fire Levit. 19.16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people Prov. 11.13 A tale bearer revealeth secrets but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter Prov. 25.18 A man that beareth false witnesse against his neighbour is a maul and a sword and a sharp arrow Prov. 20.19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips Psal 15.1 Lord who shall abide in thy Tabernacle V. 2. He that speaketh the truth in his heart V. 3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour Jer. 18.18 And they said come let us devise devices against Jeremiah come let us smite him with the tongue and let us not give heed to any of his words Job 5.21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh Psal 31.20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues Prov. 6.1 My son if thou be surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger V. 2. Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth thou art taken with the words of thy mouth Prov. 12.13 The wicked is snared by the
corrupt wills no guide but their own blind passions and humours But if thou wouldst order thy actions aright take the Word of God for thy Rule 3. Look to thy aim and end Thy main and ultimate end must be Gods Glory A Christians whole life should be a living unto God Gal. 2.19 All that is done be it an act of Piety Justice Temperance or Charity it should be done with this aim that God might be glorified thereby In all thy actions therefore whether natural civil or spiritual thou must still designe the Glory of God But of this we have spoken more under the fourth particular of this Chapter Jam. 2.12 So speak ye and so do as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation 2 Pet. 3.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godlinesse Mat. 7.22 Many will say to me in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy Name and in thy Name have cast out Devils and in thy Name done many wonderful works V. 23. And then will I professe unto them I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord. Tit. 2.14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works 1 John 3.3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure Eph. 5.15 See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fooles but as wise V. 16. Redeeming the time because the daies are evil Col. 4.5 Walk in wisdom towards them that are without redeeming the time 2 Cor. 1.12 For our rejoycing is this the testimony of our Conscience that in simplicity and Godly sincerity not with fleshly wisdome but by the Grace of God we had our conversation in the world and more abundantly to you wards Isa 38.3 And Hezekiah said remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight and Hezekiah wept sore Acts 24.16 And herein do I exercise my self to have alwaies a Conscience void of offence toward God and toward men Jam. 1. ult Pure Religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this to visit the fatherlesse and widowes in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world Jam. 2. ult For as the body without the spirit is dead so Faith without workes is dead also Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Prov. 16.17 The high way of the upright is to depart from evil he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them 1 Cor 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods 1 Tim. 1.5 Now the end of the Commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of a good Conscience and of Faith unfeigned 2 Tim. 2.19 Neverthelesse the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity Eph 4.1 I therefore the Prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called Luke 3.8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad Rom. 12.2 And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Phil. 2.15 That ye may be blamelesse and harmlesse the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom ye shine as Lights in the world Phil. 4 8. Finally Brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things Having now dispatched those four things thou must watch over namely thy Thoughts thy Affections thy Words and thy Actions I come now in the second place to speak of those six things thou must especially watch against 1. Against those sins thou art most enclined to by temper and natural constitution The weakest part of the City must have the strongest guard Some Affections are predominant in one Age some in another There are youthful lusts 2 Tim. 2.22 as well as infirmities proper to old Age. 'T was a great Argument of Davids sincerity that he could truly say Psal 18 23. I was upright before thee and kept my self from mine iniquity Study therefore thy heart and consider what sins thou art most prone unto All sins fight against the soul but thy Master sin is the Goliah endeavour through the aids of Grace to slay that and the whole Army of the Philistines will be easily vanquished 2. Against the sins thou art most obnoxious to by reason of thy particular Calling Condition State and Course of life A man by reason of his calling or condition of life may have more frequent and stronger inducements to some sins than to others which he is therefore the more especially to keep watch against 2 King 5.18 In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant that when my Master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there and he leaneth on my hand and I bow my self in the house of Rimmon when I bow down my self in the house of Rimmon the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing 3. Against the sins of the times and places wherein thou livest We must be careful of being carried away with the evil of the times 'T is a description of wicked men Eph. 2.2 that they walked according to the course of this world i. e. according to the Age as the manner of the times went But of righteous Noah we have another kind of Character Gen. 6.9 Noah was a just man upright in his generation Noah walked wtih God And so in 2 Chron. 17.3.4 We read that the Lord was with Jehosaphat because he walked in the first waies of his Father David and sought not unto Baalim but sought to the Lord God of his Father and walked in his Commandments and not after the doings of Israel And the Apostle exhorts the Philippians Chap. 2. v. 15. that
they should be blamelesse and harmlesse the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and a perverse nation among whom saies he ye shine as Lights in the world 'T is a high point of Grace not to be snared with the evils of our own times 4. Against all occasions and temptations thou foreseest are likely to endanger thy soul We that pray to God not to lead us into temptation must not run our selves into it A prudent man should therefore forethink and consider in the morning what temptations he is like to be encountred with that day that so he may if possible decline them or else set his guards the stronger against them A weak temptation that takes us unawares will prevail more than a stronger forseen A prudent man saith Solomon Prov. 22.3 foreseeth the evil and hideth himself but the foolish go on still and are punished 'T is a point of true spiritual wisdom to foresee sin afar off in the occasions and temptations that lead to it and by avoiding the one to prevent the other 'T is easier and safer for the Fowl to passe by the snare while she is yet out than it is to wind her self out again when she is once in Watch and pray saies our Saviour to his Disciples Mat. 26.41 that ye enter not into temptation If ye do rashly enter the lists of temptation a thousand to one such is mans naturall weaknesse you will not come out without some foil 5. Against dishonouring God in the use of lawful things such as meat drink apparel lawful refreshments c. Remember that 't is in the use even of things indifferent that Satan most usually setteth his snares for Gods servants for here the snare is not so visible as in grosser sins and he prevaileth more often against those that be not grossely prophane and ungodly by the immoderate or undue use of things in themselves lawful than by drawing them to such things as are simply evil and unlawful The Devil knowes well that he that will do all he may do will soon be drawn to do somwhat he ought not to do 'T is dangerous to come near the borders and confines of sin Those that will go to the utmost extent of their Christian Liberty and venture themselves so near the brink do many times fall into the pit of sin All things saith the Apostle are lawful unto me but all things are not expedient 1 Cor. 6.12 and 10.23 All things i. e. not all things absolutely but all things in their own nature indifferent are lawful to me yet all such things are not alwaies expedient 'T is better for us many times to forbear many things we may do it will never be grief or offence of heart to us as was said to David in another case 1 Sam. 25.31 than be once overtaken in what we should not do 6. Watch against Errour As thou must be careful to keep thy heart from sinful lusts and thy life from being spotted and stained with sinful practises so thou must be vigilant also to keep thy judgment sound and thy mind from being tainted and fly-blown with Errour Thou must take heed of a corrupt judgment as well as a rotten heart and a wicked life 'T is a great judgment to be given up either to an erroneous mind or to vile affections Some there are that seem very strict in their lives and pretend as much tendernesse in matter of morality as Lot did of his guests Gen. 19. yet are very loose as to their judgments exposing them as he his Daughters to be defiled with any corrupt Doctrine that comes to their doors Julian the Apostate was a just temperate strict man but a bitter enemy to Christ Some that are sober in their lives are yet drunk with Errour But let such consider that as they say of fish they begin to stink at the head so a corrupt judgment is very frequently a beginner and introducer of a depraved conversation Men in this age are wanton and play with opinions but believe it 't is not of small moment what opinions we hold and whether we be sound in the Faith or no. Grace and Truth use to thrive together The way of truth is the way of life and errour tendeth to death The Apostle tels us of pernicious Doctrines and damnable Heresies 2 Pet. 2.1 that bring swift destruction Truth in the mind preserveth an awe of God in the heart But false Doctrines blind the mind harden the heart deprave the conversation destroy the Churches peace and provoke the Lord to have a controversie with a people where they are tolerated Rev. 2.14 15 20. And we should be the more watchful over our selves in this particular because Errours are so agreeable to corrupt Nature and Conscience does usually lesse regret a man for Errour than for unholinesse and many times also they sute a corrupt interest namely profit and worldly advantage and then people are in great danger to be caught by them To keep thee therefore from Errour take these few Directions 1. Labour to be well-grounded in the truth Let the foundation be laid sure else the building with every ruffling wind will be apt to totter Ungrounded Christians who never understood the true grounds of the Religion they have taken up and how it is built on the Scriptures when they meet with Arguments against it which they never heard of before and which they through their unskilfulness cannot answer they presently yield to errour and think because they cannot answer them therefore no body else can But if thou wouldst not be carried away with every wind of Doctrine Labour rightly to understand the true grounds of Christian Religion And to this end study the Scriptures with humility and be much in prayer that God would guide thee by his holy Spirit into all saving truth and keep thee from falling into errour And remember that what has been commonly received by the people of God and embraced and practised by the Saints in all ages is not lightly to be rejected and deserted Can any rational man think God would leave the generality of his people to errour and seduction of mind Consider with thy self therefore whether it be not safer to follow the footsteps of the flock of Christ than to be led away by pretenders to new light the Scripture having given so many cautions to beware of seduceâ—s 2 Pet. 3.17 18. 2. Rest not in a bare knowledge of the truth but reduce thy knowledge into practise Be sincere in the Religion thou professest and let the truths of God like leaven season thy mind will and affections and have a powerful influence on thy life When men are in love with Gospel-truths for the goodnesse sweetnesse and benefit they tast in them they will labour to hold them fast Those that have any experience in their own hearts of the comfort and efficacy of the Doctrines of Repentance Faith in Christ and daily watchfulness will not easily throw them
will give thee the Crown of life saies our Saviour Rev. 2.10 'T is to no purpose therefore for a man to do well for a spurt and then to give over break off that good course he was entred into for 't is perseverance in well doing that carrieth away the Crown 'T is true Gods called and sanctified people are preserved and kept in their state of Grace and Holiness by the power of God by their close union with Jesus Christ by vertue of his merits and constant intercession for them and also by a continued influence from the Spirit maintaining the essence life and seed of Grace in them so that they shall neither totally nor finally fall away Yet observe these four things 1. Seeming Grace may be lost Take from him that which he hath Mat. 25.28 In Luke 't is Take from him that which he seemeth to have Chap. 8. v. 18. Blazing Comets and Meteors are soon spent and fall from Heaven while true Stars keep their Orbe and Station 2. The common work of the Spirit may fail Such as is spoken of Heb. 6.4 5. viz. Illumination external reformation temporary Faith a slight tast of the comforts of the Gospel a weak glance upon the Glory of Heaven which may possibly stir up such a wish as was in Balaam O that I might die the death of the righteous Nay further there may be a partaking of the gifts of the Holy Ghost i.e. of abilities for holy duties though not of his renewing Graces And yet such plenty of blossoms as here are may somtimes be without fruit 3. True Grace may suffer a shrewd decay the leaves may fail though there may remain some life in the root We read in Scripture of a decay both of Faith Love and Obedience Some left their first Faith 1 Tim. 5.12 Others left their first Love Rev. 2.4 And as for obedience we read of the first waies of David as distinguished from his latter 2 Chron. 17.3 because David in his latter time fell into scandalous sins In temptations Gods children may be sorely shaken Their heel may be bruised as Christs was though their head be not crushed The operations of Grace may be obstructed for a time and yet a seed remain as in the case of David 4. True Grace if left to us would soon be lost Adam shewed a sad example of this in innocency But the best is our security lies in Gods power and promises and our union with Christ as was said before not in our own strength Christ hath a charge to keep the Saints safe and to conduct them safe to everlasting Glory John 10.28 I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish c. v. 29. My Father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father are one God and Christ are engaged in the keeping of them But observe it Those whom God causes to persevere he makes to persevere in the use of meanes as 't was in their case Acts 27.31 All shall come to land but except ye abide in the ship ye cannot be safe No believer is so sure of his continuance in a state of Grace as that he needeth not be very wary and watchful and jealous over himself 1 Cor. 10.12 Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall There is a fear of caution as well as a fear of diffidence and distrust 't is good to weaken and abate the security of our flesh though not our confidence in Christ Our Saviour had prayed that Peters Faith should not fail yet together with the other Apostles he bids him watch Luke 22.40 46. The fear of God is a preserving Grace Jer. 32.40 I will put my fear into their hearts that they shall not depart from me This fear will make us watchful not diffident of Gods power and goodness And in this sense Blessed is the man that feareth alwaies as Solomon saies Prov. 28.14 And as our Saviour adviseth Luke 22.46 that watcheth and prayeth that he enter not into temptation We see then that to perseverance there is a concurrence of our care and diligence required Jude v. 21. Keep your selves in the love of God Phil. 2.12 13. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God that worketh in you c. Indeed the main work is Gods he is the beginner and he is the perfecter Phil. 1 6. He is the author and he is the finisher Heb. 12.2 But may we then be idle and sit still be careless and negligent No in no wise For God worketh in us and by us If therefore there be no Grace working in us nor working by us and exciting and quickning and enabling us to sincere obedience and a careful and watchful carriage towards God we may justly suspect our state for the present to be very bad A Christians life is never exempted from care We must be watchful and diligent to the very last Satan is alwaies busie we have corruptions within and the world is full of snares And many times where there seems to be least danger there is most cause of fear Lot that was chast in Sodom miscarried in the mountaines where there were none but his own Family David's example may warn the holiest persons to the worlds end to be jealous over themselves Who would have thought that he whose heart smote him for cutting off the lap of Sauls garment should after fall into uncleannesse and murder Peter also is a sad instance of confidence in a mans own strength Upon all these considerations let me advise thee to watch and pray to pray and watch continually Hast thou begun to make profession of Religion O do not fall off and bring an ill report upon the waies of Holinesse A house begun and not finished is a habitation of shreek owles Hold out to the last that so thou maist obtain that honourable title that Mnason had to be an old disciple Acts 21.16 I shall conclude this Head of watchfulnesse and this whole Chapter of maintaining a daily close communion with God with two further Directions which with Gods blessing will much conduce to the carrying on of the whole work Direction 1. Inure thy soul besides thy daily solemn prayers to send up frequent mental ejaculatory prayers unto God These holy liftings up of the heart unto the Lord as they are very pleasing to him so they are exceedingly advantageous for the fetching speedy aid from Heaven for the quenching of a lust resisting of a temptation the better performing any service delivering us out of any present straits enabling us to bear any affliction or in case of any failing to beg mercy and pardon speedily while the heart is smitten and tenderly affected with a sense of its miscarriage As when Davids heart smote him for numbring the people 2 Sam. 24.10 we find him lifting up his heart unto the Lord in this manner I have sinned I beseech thee
take away the iniquity of thy servant These ejaculatory prayers are as it were messengers sent post to Heaven when time is not afforded for continued prayer for some speedy help And as they hinder no businesse but being duly performed further it much every way so no businesse can hinder them When a Minister is preaching and finds his heart cold and livelesse in the service or when in solemn prayer he finds his spirit indisposed dry and barren How may he speed one of these swift and silent messengers one of these fervent ejaculations to Heaven for help and assistance When a Christian is hearing the Word of how much advantage is it to send up such silent and fervent prayers that God would set home such or such a Doctrine upon his heart or help him to forsake such a sin then reproved or enable him to believe and embrace such a Truth When Christ was preaching to his Apostles that hard lesson of brotherly forgiveness we find in the 17th of Luke v. 5. They sent up that holy ejaculation Lord encrease our Faith A man that is riding or walking or employed in his lawful calling may thus converse with Heaven and yet no waies hinder his present businesse And further to perswade thee to the practise of this direction consider I. These ejaculatory prayers do very much honour God in that they acknowledge him to be a God that can understand the language of our hearts and the least movings of our desires towards him and that he is a God hearing prayers and a very present help in time of trouble II. They are a good means to keep our hearts spiritual and heavenly and in a good frame Strangenesse often growes between God and our soules for want of these And many affecting providences loose their kindly work upon us for want of a present lifting up of our hearts in some sutable ejaculations III. They are a special means to fit us for more solemn prayer We must begin duties with duties God prepares the hearts of his people to pray acceptably unto him by these preparatory ejaculations But here observe these few cautions and directions 1. Take heed of formality slightness and customariness in them Let them be serious and fervent and from thy heart Nothing more usual with many peoâ—le than God forgive me Lord blesse me God help me when the heart is nothing affected nor does it send up these as earnest requests unto the Lord looking for an answer 2. Use these holy ejaculations not only in a way of petition but also of thanksgiving Thus our Saviour Father I thank thee Mat. 11 25.26 Thus David often as may be seen in his Psalms that are full of such holy breathings and affectionate thanksgivings 3. Take heed under this pretence of laying aside or neglecting solemn prayer in a continued way For that many ignorant people are apt to do thinking a few formal short ejâ—culations to be devotion enough and begrutch God any more of their time 4. Get a deep sense of thy own Weaknesse inability insufficiency and of thy continual need of help from God and that will dispose thy heart to be ready in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to make thy requests known unto God Direct 2. Retire thy self every night and review and reflect upon all thy actions and whole behaviour in the day past We read that God himself when he created the world every day looked over his own works Surely God had no need to examine his works that were so exact and perfect but 't is written for our instruction that we should do so likewise Therefore for the keeping thy Conscience clear from guilt it will be very requisite thou shouldst take thy self in private before thou liest down to sleep and consider thy whole carriage and behaviour that day that so thou maist by a serious humiliation retract and undo whatever has been amisse and maist make all streight between God and thy soul If thou findest out thy sins when they are but a day old before they become customary and have taken root they will be more easily removed by serious and speedy repentance and applying thy self to Christ for pardon But for want of this frequent self-examining and soul-purging the heart becomes hardned sin gets root the devil gets possession and the soul is more and more alienated from God To conclude this head of Watchfulnesse Let it be thy serious and fixed purpose every morning through the assistance of Grace not willingly or knowingly to commit any sin or to do any thing thy Conscience shall tell thee is displeasing to God But if contrary to thy serious intention through infirmity sudden surprizal violence of temptation incogitancy thou dost at any time fall humble thy soul before the Lord bewail and confesse thy fault with sorrow and grief and speedily recover thy self by a serious repentance and flying to the blood of Christ for pardon When thy peace is broken with God at any time by sin rest not till it be made up again And rise from thy fall with a greater detestation of sin a stronger resolution against it with a greater love to Christ and thankfulnesse for his pardoning Grace And begging help from God be more watchful for the future Matth. 25.13 Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh Matth. 26.41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak Matth. 13.35 Watch ye therefore for ye know not when the master of the house cometh at even or at midnight or at the cock-crowing or in the morning V 36. Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping V. 37. And what I say unto you I say unto all Watch. Luke 12.37 Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching Luke 21.34 Take heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeting and drunkennesse and the cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares V. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwaies that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe and to stand before the Son of man 1 Cor. 15.34 Awake to righteousnesse and sin not Rom. 13.11 And knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed 2 Tim. 4.5 Watch then in all things endure afflictions do the work of an Evangelist make full proof of thy Ministry 1 Pet. 4.7 The end of all things is at hand be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour V. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Cor. 16.13 Watch ye stand fast in the Faith quit your selves like men be strong Col. 4.2 Continue in prayer and watch in the same with
i. e. in spiritual exercises and Meditations and by meanes thereof in spiritual raptures and elevations of soul VIII The Church succeeding the Apostles held her seâ—f obliged to the same observation For even in times of persecution before any either Imperial Edict or Canon of Council enjoyned it the observation of this day was so taken notice of by the Heathen that it became a constant interrogatory to the Christians in their examining Have you kept the Lords day To which their answer was ever ready I cannot intermit it for I am a Christian and the law of God prompts me to it Baron 30.3 Memb. 5. Now if any man shall enquire how the Sabbath came to be translated into the Lords day I answer Christ in the fourty daies he staied upon the earth after his resurrection did sundry times appear to his Disciples teaching them the things appertaining to the Kingdome of God Acts 1.3 Therefore 't is probable the Apostles were instructed by Christ concerning the change of the day from the seventh to the eighth and had special order immediatly from himself concerning it 'T is evident Christ is Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2.27 And therefore had power not only to abrogate the old Sabbath but to surrogate and substitute the new in its room But whether this day were instituted immediatly by Christ himself or by his Apostles guided and infallibly inspired by his holy Spirit after his ascention still the day will be of Divine Institution And this Act of theirs will appear but the execution of a particular Command from the Spirit of Christ to that purpose For consider how Christ sent these Apostles As my Father sent me so send I you John 20.21 He that heareth you heareth me Luke 10.16 Go Mat. 28.19 There is their mission Teach all Nations There is their Commission What Why What things I command you and to assist and help you Lo I am with you alwaies to the end of the world not in corporal presence but by my Spirit the Comforter whom I will send you John 15.26 And he shall bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you John 14.26 This Spirit of Truth shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak He shall receive of mine and shew it you Thus we see the Apostles were undoubtedly inspired by the Spirit of Christ who revealed his will unto them And that they were thus acted by the holy Ghost they themselves testifie in their first Council It seemed good to the holy Ghost and to us Acts 15.28 Thus we see there are two things whereon the Divine right of the Lords day is founded Upon the morality of the fourth Commandement and upon Evangelical Institution either by Christ himself or his Apostles And what the Apostles delivered by the dictate of the holy Ghost is as firm and indefeizable saies Cyprian de ablut pedum as what Christ himself Our Church reduceth the institution of this day as a weekly day to the fourth Commandement and as the first day of the week she foundeth it upon Apostolical practise and tradition I shall conclude this with the words of the judicious Hooker in his Eccles Pol. Book 5. parag 17. We are bound saies he to account the sanctification of one day in seven a duty which Gods immutable Law doth exact for ever although with us the day be changed in regard of a new revolution begun by our Saviour Christ yet the same proportion of time continueth which was before by way of a perpetual homage never to be dispensed withal nor remitted I come now to the second Particular The manner how we ought to observe this day 1. We ought to prepare for the Sabbath before it comes by a prudent care so disposing and dispatching our worldly businesses and affairs that they may be off our hands and out of our minds as much as is possible on that day that so our hearts may be more free and fit for those spiritual duties then required of us The Jewes before the Sabbath had a time of preparation Luke 23.54 Why should not we 2. We ought to sanctifie the Lords day not only by resting from worldly employments and recreations on other daies lawful but consecrating that rest unto God making it our delight to spend the whole time excepting so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy and such as are needful for the comfortable passing of the Sabbath in the publick and private exercises of Gods Worship and Service Such as Prayer Reading the Scripture Preparing for the publick duties Attending on the Word Singing the praises of God Private meditation on that which hath been preached Repetition thereof in the Family and religious conference to make the publick Ordinances the more profitable Take heed therefore of being found a slighter of those duties the neglect whereof cannot consist with any true vigour and power of Religion or any due care of our own or others soules that we ought to have a care of Consider God hath blessed and sanctified this day not only as a day of service to himself but as a time wherein he will confer blessings on the conscionable observers of it It is his special day of proclaiming and sealing pardons to penitent sinners 'T is a blessed day to the careful observers of it and sanctâ—fied to many gracious purposes The Sabbath was made for man said our Saviour Mark 2.27 i. e. For mans great benefit and advantage It would not be for the good and benefit of mankind to be dispensed with from the religious observation of it How much then are they to blame that make it a day of carnal rest a day of Idlenesse and jollity of feasting and pastimes which more alienate the mind from God than ordinary labours and take away the tast of spiritual things Some people if they have any visit to make or any odd businesse to do they refer them to this day Some keep the Sabbath as the Oxe they rest from their labours but serve not the Lord that day They are weary of the duties of the Sabbath they do not call the Sabbath a delight as it is Isa 58.13 Delight sweetens any labour How will people toyl at their sports and pleasures O had we spiritual hearts we should account the celebration of the Sabbath not only our duty but our priviledge By observing the Sabbath we continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgment of true Religion The Sabbath duly observed is a type of the everlasting rest that remaines for the people of God Heb. 4.9 How then can those ever think to come to Heaven and to keep an everlasting Sabbath in praising and adoring God to whom the celebration of a weekly Sabbath is so tedious and irksom here 3. Every true Christian is to take care not onâ—y to sanctifie the Lords day himself but that
the heart Devils and wicked men have the Faith of the head but they have no such belief as affects the heart and makes it close with truth and love it and embrace it 4. That the Spirit of God would set in with the preaching of the Word and make it effectual for the beating down of thy corruptions 'T is a remarkeable expression that in Isa 8.11 The Lord spake to me with a strong hand not with a meer voice but a strong hand Pray therefore thus Lord speak to my lusts and corruptions this day with a strong hand let them feel thy power and the strength of thine arm that so they may be effectually destroyed in me 5. Labour to come with a teacheable and tractable frame of Spirit Receive with meeknesse the ingrafted Word James 1. Christ was anointed to preach glad tidings to the meek Isaiah 61.1 There are three sorts of Spirits far from this temper 1. The cavilling Spirit that is forward to cavil at the Word and to frame Objections against it 2. The wrathful Spirit that is fierce and ready to rise up in armes against the just reproofs of the Word When such are admonished or warned they revile Conviction that should humble provokes them There is a great deal of difference between those two places and expressions Acts 2.37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles Men and Brethren what shall we do And Acts 7.54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth Here is a great deal of difference between being pricked at the heart and feeling compunction for sin in their Consciences as it was with the true converts in the former place and being cut to the heart and vexed when they heard their sins reproved as it was with the malicious and obstinate Jewes in the latter A guilty Conscience thinks the Minister aims at him in particular and intends to disgrace him he thinks he commits a trespasse by treading upon his ground and coming so close to his Conscience It stuck in Herods stomack when John touched him about his Herodias But observe it those that most storm at a reproof are usually those that most deserve it 3. The earthy obdurate spirit Let the Minister say what he will he is Sermon-proof He is resolved to hold his own Indeed his sins may well be call'd his own 'T is a sad word that is spoken of the Pharisees and Lawyers Luke 7.30 They rejected the counsel of God against themselves And that of the Jewes Acts 13.46 Ye put it from you namely the Word of God and judge your selves unworthy of eternal life Lo we turn to the Gentiles But now a meek spirit is a teacheable and tractable spirit A tender heart is apt to receive impressions as you may observe in persons whose hearts are softned by afflictions How do Sermons work on such Labour therefore to come with such a frame of spirit to hear the Word as those did in Acts 10.33 Wee are all here present before the Lord to hear the things that are commanded thee of God 6. Come with an appetite with a longing desire to the Word Nothing makes wholsome food more savoury and sweet than appetite Some people come to Church as sickly people do to a Feast they sit down for company though they have no stomack 'T is in vain to come to a Sermon without a spiritual appetite Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be satisfied 'T is our Saviours own promise Mat. 5.6 O that people were such to their Ministers as those Job speaks of C. 29.23 Who waited for him as for rain gasping after the Word as the chapt earth for showers O that there were some such Divine affections in us as were in holy David that we could truly say My soul is athirst for God even for the living God My soul pants after Christ after his pardoning Mercy and sanctifying Grace as the Hart panteth after the water brooks We should then see Sermons work other effects than now we do But when people come either with no appetite no desire and love to the Word but sit down in the Congregation meerly for fashion or company sake or when they come with distempered pallats with prejudices and prepossessions against the simplicity of the Gospel the most Evangelicall Truths are to them but as a banquet of sweet meats unto swine they had rather have husks They can relish may be some witty jingling discourse but the preaching of Christ and him crucified which Paul thought so richly of is too stale a Doctrine and too flat a note for their eares 7. Having sought to the Lord and taken pains to bring thy heart into right frame come with expectation to profit 'T is often said in the Gospel Be it unto thee according to thy Faith And truly usually people profit by Sermons according to their expectations But take here this Caution Do not ground thy expectation on the parts or gifts of the Minister but on Gods promise looking for his blessing to accompany his own Ordinance Usually people speed according to their aim and expectation They that come to hear mans voice do hear it 'T is said of Pauls companions Acts 9.7 That they heard a voice Acts 22.9 'T is said they that were with him heard not the voice They heard a sound but heard it not distinctly as Christs voice Some only hear an outward sound the voice of man but not the voice of God in the Word Thus much of preparation before Hearing Secondly I come now to give some Directions how thou shouldst carry thy self in time of Hearing I. Hear with the most fixed attention thou possibly canst Attend with reverence and seriousness Many weighty Truths are lost by negligent hearing Though it cannot be expected that we should be totally free from wandring thoughts yet we ought to be watchful and not to allow our selves in them And when we perceive our hearts gone we should speedily recall them David saies of Idols they have eares and hear not Psal 115 6. We have too many such Idols in our Congregations There are three sorts of eares that are not the hearing eares I mean that hear aright 1. The dull ear When people allow themselves in drowsinesse and carelesseness What impressions is it possible the Word should make on a man that is asleep What knowest thou O sleeper but whilst thou hast slept those truths have been delivered which hadst thou duly minded might have tended to thy everlasting salvation If such a Judgment befel him that slept in the night and that at an exceeding long Sermon Acts 20.9 10. What shall we say of those that sleep in the day at a Sermon of an hour long 2. The stopp'd ear Some are resolved sinners They stop their eares like the Adder against the voice of the Charmer Charm he never so wisely
Psal 58.4 We read of some Zach. 7.12 That made their heart as Adamant stone that they might not hear 'T is a sad complaint the Prophet makes And yet many Ministers may in these daies make the same I have stretched out my hands all the day long to a disobedient and gainsaying people Isa 65.2 Rom. 10.21 3. The itching ear 2 Tim. 4.3 4. The Apostle speaks of some who having itching eares did turn away their eares from the Truth unto Fables When men affect only new things and another Gospel as Paul speaks Gal. 1. They are half gone into Heresie Plain Doctrines that tend to the conviction of sin that discover the necessity of conversion that shew mans lost and undone condition by nature his only remedy by Christ the necessity of Holinesse and new obedience these serious truths are too stale for many curious eares But remember they were carnal people who complained they had nothing but the old burden Jer. 23.33 34. II. Apply what thou hearest to thy self Job 5. ult Hear thou this and know it for thy self Do not ward off the blowes of the Word from thy self Do not say within thy self this reproof concerns such an one c. The Jewes being pricked in their hearts Acts 2.23 said What shall we do not what shall others do to be saved No plaister can do us good except it be applyed III. Lift up thy heart in frequent mental ejaculatory prayers unto the Lord to set the truths thou hearest home upon thy soul Lord help me to remember and practise this lesson Lord help me to forsake this sin Lord strengthen my Faith in the belief of this Truth As the Disciples when Christ told them how oft they should forgive an offending brother Luke 17.5 they instantly pray Lord increase our Faith IV. Mix Faith with the Word Heb. 4.2 The Apostle tels of some that the Word profited not bccause they did not mix it with Faith O cursed infidelity How many thousand souls hast thou destroyed How many thousand Sermons hast thou made unsuccesseful St. James tels us The Devils believe and tremble That is more than many a wicked man does Thus much of thy behaviour in time of hearing Thirdly After hearing practise these Directions 1. Labour to keep alive those good motions those good inclinations those Heavenly affections and stirrings of Spirit which thou foundest in time of hearing Thou wilt quickly cool when out of the Congregation if thou take not heed 2. When thou goest from the Congregation be willing to speak and confer of what thou hast heard labouring thereby to work those truths on thy own heart and on the hearts of others O how sad is it that people as soon as ever they are out of the Congregation fall a talking of any thing rather than the Sermon they have heard They are free to talk of bargains or news or any thing else But they are ashamed of such precise discourse as to speak of the truths they have heard though they concern them never so much 3. Let such as are governours of Families revive the truths they have heard in publick by repetition in their Families Our memories are weak and Commands had need be repeated to forgetful servants At first hearing many truths may be lost through distraction and wandring Paul in his Epistles does often repeat the same passages and renew the same exhortations And he tels the Philippians C. 3. v. 1. To write the same things to them was not to him grievous but for them safe 4. Retire thy self and meditate on the truths thou hast heard and labour to fasten them by prayer in thy heart Let thy Conscience in secret preach them over to thee again Luke 2.19 'T is said Mary pondered those sayings in her heart O how few will spend a secret hour on the Lords day to consider and meditate on what they have heard One main reason Sermons do no more good is because people so soon forget them And why do they forget them so soon But because they do not consider and meditate on them when they have heard them Heb. 2.1 Therefore saies the Apostle we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip And 1 Tim. 4.15 Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appear unto all 5. Be not a bare hearer but a doer of the Word Speedily set upon the practise of what thou hast learned to be thy duty Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only deceiving your own soules Jam. 1.22 Some do not care to hear because they have no mind to practise Some hear and rest in it 'T is practise that proclaims the sincerity of our profession In hearing we may look like Saints but in doing we live like Saints Practise is the best commendation of a Sermon Having thus shewed thee what thou must do 1. Before hearing the Word 2. In hearing the Word 3. After hearing the Word I come now to give thee some Motives to quicken thee to the practise of these Directions 1. Consider such as wilfully neglect to prepare their hearts before they come to hear do tempt God to withdraw the assistance and blessing of his holy Spirit from them when they are come Presume not on Gods assistance in an Ordinance if you neglect to prepare for it If the ground be not well prepared we do not expect a crop 2. Consider and remember the Devils care is not only to disturb thee at the Ordinance but to indispose thee for it before thou comest The Devil is stirring early on the Lords day morning He is at work betimes Be sure he hath a mornings draught for thee he will be presenting and suggesting something to thee to unfit and indispose thee for the duties of the day 3. Consider as thou art more or less careful to prepare so wilt thou ordinarily more or lesse tast the sweetnesse of the Ordinance Preparation is like exercise before a meal It will make thee come with the better appetite to the Word and relish it the better 4. Consider preparation is not only advantageous in order to the Ordinance but it brings advantage to us considered in it self By preparation we have communion with God We come to uâ—derstand our selves and the case of our own souls Whilst thou art preparing thy Graces are increasing the work of Heaven goes on 5. Consider If thou makest Conscience thus to behave thy self before in and after hearing of the Word as thou hast been directed thou wilt find it a great evidence of the sincerity and uprightnesse of thy heart Outward respects may make people come to Church but to take pains thus with their hearts beforehand argues a true desire after communion with God and a real willingnesse to profit by the Word and to grow in Grace 6. Consider what a choice mercy it is to enjoy the Gospel 'T is not a dish
that is set on every table God hath not done so for every Nation as for this No Island so far from Jerusalem had the light of the Gospel so soon as this And I know not any particular promise whereby the Gospel is entailed on this or any other Nation If we slight the Gospel for ought I know we may quickly forfeit it and provoke God to take it from us When the Israelites despised Manna God quickly sent serpents among them If we despise the Manna of his Word and count it light food God may justly send Serpents among us I mean such deceivers as with their pernicious Doctrines may poison many souls to their everlasting destruction 7. Lastly Consider though the Gospel may continue to the Nation yet thou or I may quickly be deprived of our personal opportunities of enjoying of it I have heard of one lying on his deathbed that cryed out Call time back Call time back Thou maist shortly cry out call Sermons back call Sabbaths back and all in vain if thou neglectest the present opportunity and season of Grace Consider the Spirit of God will not alwaies strive with the children of men Consider this may be the last Sermon that ever thou maist hear Some one Sermon will be the last And think thus with thy self such a gale of the Spirit as now I feel may never be afforded me again Shall I be so foolish then as not to yeeld to these blessed motions To day while it is called to day hear his voice and harden not thy heart Luke 8.18 Take heed therefore how ye hear Eccles 5.1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the House of God and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools for they consider not that they do evil Rom. 10.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher V. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things Jam. 1.18 Of his own will begat he us with the Word of Truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his Creatures 1 Pet. 1.23 Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever Jam. 1.21 Wherefore lay apart all filthinesse and superfluity of naughtinesse and receive with meekness the ingrafted Word which is able to save your souls V. 22. But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves V. 23. For if any man be a hearer of the Word and not a doer he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glasse V. 24. For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was V. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work this man shall be blessed in his deed 1 Pet. 2.1 Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisie and envies and evil speakings V. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby John 8.47 He that is of God heareth Gods Words ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God 1 Cor. 2.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishnesse to him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Rev. 3.20 Behold I stand at the door and knock if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Prov. 2.3 Yea if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding V. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God Mat. 13.3 The parable of the sower and the four sorts of ground Luke 8.5 The parable of the sower and the four sorts of ground Mat. 13.14 And in them is fulfilled the Prophesie of Esaias which saith by hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand and seeing ye shall see and shall not perceive V. 15. For this peoples heart is waxed grosse and their ears are dull of hearing and their eies they have closed lest at any time they should see with their eies and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them V. 16. But blessed are your eies for they see and your ears for they hear 1. Thes 2.13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us ye recieved it not as the Word of men but as it is in truth the Word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe Luke 10.16 He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me 1 Sam. 8.7 And the Lord said unto Samuel they have not rejected thee but they have rejected me that I should not reign over them 1 Thes 4.8 He therefore that despiseth despiseth not man but God who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit Luke 24.32 And they said one to another did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the Scriptures Psal 119.162 I rejoyce at thy Word as one that findeth great spoil Jer. 6.10 To whom shall I speak and give warnning that they may hear behold their ear is uncircumcised and they cannot hearken behold the Word of the Lord is to them a reproach they have no delight in it Heb. 2.1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip Prov. 4.4 He taught me also and said unto me Let thine heart retain my words keep my Commandements and live V. 21. Let them not depart from thine eies keep them in the midst of thine heart Deut. 11.18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my Words in your heart and in your soul c. Isa 48.17 Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldst go 3. Of Singing of Psalmes Neglect not that excellent and Heavenly Ordinance of singing Psalms and lifting up the praises of the most high singing with understanding and making melodie to God in thy heart Many people in this age not understanding the reasons and grounds of the duties of Religion they perform when they are questioned are apt to lay them aside I shall therefore here do these four things 1. Shew that Singing of Psalms is a Gospel-duty 2. That it is lawful and warrantable to
sing Davids Psalms 3. Answer the Objections made against it 4. Give some Rules and Directions how Christians may practise this Ordinance to the Glory of God and to their own great benefit and spiritual advantage For the First Singing of Psalms was once an Ordinance of God in the Church and a part of Divine Worship and never repealed under the Gospel Psal 95.1 2. O come let us sing unto the Lord let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise to him with Psalms And 't is sorted with other duties that are of a perpetual obligation as Prayer Hearing the Word c. v. 6. 7. 'T was practised by those eminent Saints of God Moses Deborah Barak David the sweet Singer of Israel Solomon and others whose Songs and Hymnes we have recorded in the old Testament 2. The Prophesies in Scripture that foretel the state of the Church under the Gospel do speak of Psalms to be used as a part of Gods Worship and Service then Compare Rom. 15.9 with Psal 18.49 Rom. 15.9 And that the Gentiles might glorifie God for his mercy as it is written for this cause I will confesse to thee among the Gentiles and sing unto thy Name Psal 18.49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee O Lord among the Heathen and sing praises unto thy Name 3. We have several exhortations to it in the New Testament Eph. 5.18 And be not drunk with wine wherein is excesse but be filled with the Spirit V. 19. Speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymnes and Spiritual Songs singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Col. 3.16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdome teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spirituall Songs singing with Grace in your hearts to the Lord. Jam. 5.13 Is any among you afflicted let him pray is any merry let him sing Psalms 'T is spoken generally Is any merry let him sing c. not that it is unlawful to sing at other times for then it might be argued as well that 't is not lawful to pray but when sad but as prayer is the best remedie for sorrowes so thanksgiving or singing to Gods praise is the proper duty in the time of Mercies and Comforts In Misery the proper duty is prayer In Prosperity giving thanks 4. We have Directions and Rules given us how to sing in a right manner Namely with Grace in our hearts unto the Lord Which directions were needlesse if singing of Psalms were not a duty under the Gospel 5. We find it practised by our blessed Saviour and his Disciples Mat. 26.30 And when they had sung an Hymn they went out into the Mount of Olives And by Paul and Silas Acts 16.25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them 6. In the primitive times it was frequently practised insomuch that the Heathens took notice of this use and custome among the Christians Pliny writing to Trajan the Emperor tels him of the Christians morning Hymns or Psalms to Christ and God as an usual practise in their solemn Worship I come now to the Second thing That 't is lawful and warrantable to sing Davids Psalms 1. Because no composures can be equal to those of Gods Spirit If any Psalms therefore are to be sung then surely such as are given by Divine inspiration as Davids were Those excellent composures being part of the Word of God and full of Heavenly matter tending to instruction and consolation and being consigned to the use of the Church ought to be preferr'd before the composures of private persons ordinarily gifted and not infallibly assisted Observe that 2 Chron. 29.30 Moreover Hezekiah the King and the Princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David and Asaph the Seer and they sang praises with gladness As for that extraordinary gift of composing Psalms by the sudden suggestion of the holy Ghost which was given to some of the members of the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 14. it is now ceased with other extraordinary gifts as that of Tongues and Healing c. 2. The Apostle in those two places before mentioned Eph. 5.19 Col. 3.16 by using those three words Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs does seem plainly to point at Davids Psalms for they answer exactly to those three Hebrew words Shirim Tehillim Mizmorim whereby Davids Psalms were called divided and distinguished 3. 'T was the custome of the Jewes to sing some of Davids Psalms in the night of the Passeover as Scalliger Buxtorfius and others skill'd in their customes inform us Those Psalmes were those six from the 113th to the 119th which were call'd the great Hallelujah And 't is more than probable Christ with his Disciples followed their custome herein because in other things he observed their usual Passeover Rites I come now to the Third thing to answer the Objections usually made against this duty Obj. 1. Some scruple to sing in a mixt Congregation where wicked men joyn that praise not God in a right manner Ans To render praises is a duty all men owe to God David cals on all creatures to sing praises to God Psal 145. And all the Kingdomes of the Earth are bidden to praise the Lord Psal 68.32 Though therefore wicked men do not praise God as they should yet they sin more in not doing it at all then in not doing it in a right manner 2. In Exod. 15. We find Moses and the Children of Israel sang praises to God together And yet surely there were some wicked persons among them Paul in the ship Acts 27.35 gave thanks to God before Infidels and professed Heathens If the presence of wicked men should hinder the acceptation of those that are sincere the people of God were in a most sad condition being never certain but some secret Hypocrite may be in the most pick'd Assembly But the best is God will accept us according to our integrity not our company God will hear the bleating of one sheep though in the midst of a thousand wolves If the wicked take the Name of God in vain sin lies at their own doors We warn them against it If they do not their duties as they should must we therefore neglect ours Obj. 2. Why should we sing Psalms Cannot we read them for our instruction Ans Singing will affect and raise and quicken the heart to praise God more than reading The voice is a great matter to quicken our hearts both in prayer and singing The people of God formerly did not think it enough to say what God had done for them but they did sing it that their hearts might be more affected warmed raised enlivened and lifted up in the praises of God Obj. 3. Some are offended we sing on daies of fasting and humiliation Ans All Psalms are not fit for all occasions There ought to
be a wise choice made Many of the Psalmes David penn'd and sung when his mind was full of anguish and grief and so he eased his heart by lamenting his sad condition before the Lord. Observe the Title of Psalm 102 A prayer of the aflicted when he is overwhelmed and poureth out his complaint before the Lord. Therefore our singing on fasting daies is not to make us merry but to affect and melt our hearts with a deep sense of our sins Penitential Psalms provoke to sadnesse as Eucharistical to joy and rejoycing Obj. 4. Davids Psalms do not suit our conditions Is it not absurd to give people Davids Conditions to sing and for them to tell God it is so with them as it was with David when possibly 't is nothing so Ans 1. All Scripture is profitable for doctrine reproof correction instruction c. 2 Tim. 3.16 And written for our learning and comfort Rom. 15.4 And therefore the Psalms also 2. The Psams seem principally written for a threefold use 1. For Instruction and admonition 2. For Consolation 3. For Praise and Thanksgiving Now what passage is there in Davids Psalms but thou maist accomodate to thy self one of these waies Suppose David said I am not puft in mind Psal 131. And thou findest thy heart prone to pride here is a word of admonition to thee So that whilst thou art reciting and declaring Davids humble frame and condition thou oughtest to lift up thy heart to God that he would work the like frame in thee Lord thy Servant David could truly say I am not puft in mind Good Lord grant me this Grace also Suppose thou canst not find in thy self such a love to Gods Law as was in David Psal 119. Then there is a word of Instruction to thee teaching thee what thou shouldst do Thou oughtest to pray to have such a Divine Affection to the Law of God kindled in thee So that we sing Psalms as we read them for the benefit and good use we may make of them 'T is therefore no more a lie to sing them than to read them By singing as by reading them we recite and repeat what God has revealed in his Word for our admonition and instruction And though we cannot make some passages our own by using them for our selves and in our own name as David did yet we may make them our own by a sweet meditation on them for our benefit and edification I come to the Fourth thing to give some Rules and Directions how Christians should practise this duty aright I. Sing with understanding and attention of mind to the matter sung Labour to understand the mind and meaning of the holy Ghost in the Psalm you sing Psal 47.7 Sing ye praises with understanding II. Labour to sing with Grace in â—he heart i. e. with a gracious frame of spirit Our singing must not be a lip labour an outward bodily exercise only pleasing our selves or others with the tune of a Psalm But we should look to it that our hearts be well tuned as Maries was Luke 1.46 My soul doth magnifie the Lord c. III. Labour to exercise and act those peculiar Graces which the matter sung requires and gives occasion to God looks at the heart and how a man is affected within 1. Some Psalms are laudatory and set forth the high praises of God from the consideration of his glorious Nature Attributes and Works In singing these we should stir up our hearts to love God to fear him to trust in him and our hearts should prompt our tongues to sound forth his praises 2. Some are petitionary containing supplications for spirituall blessings such as pardon Grace the favour of God or temporall such as direction protection provision c. Here we should look up to God as the only author of these mercies and humbly pray to him for them 3. Some are Eucharistical containing thanksgivings to God for mercies received private or publick spiritual or temporal 4. Some contain precepts and instructions to fear God to love him to walk in his waies being backed with promises to encourage us thereunto Some declare the evil waies of sinners and the judgments of God that attend them to deter us there-from 5. Some contain imprecations and prayers for judgments on enemies Here we are not to pray for or wish the same judgments on our private enemies But 1. We may meditate on the fearful judgments of God that hang over the heads of all wicked and impenitent transgressours that so we may fear to be like them 2. We may pray for the like judgments on all the implacable and incurable enemies of Christ and his Kingdome 6. Some contain the sad complaints of the Church under afflictions Here thou maist meditate on the sufferings of the Saints and lift up thy heart to God to give thee also suffering Graces IV. Let there be a wise choice made of Psalms to be sung according as our present necessities and occasions do require V. Let thy end in singing be that God may be honoured thy self and others edified that the Graces of Gods Spirit may be excited and exercised in thy self and others 4. Religious Conference 'T is the duty of all true and sincere Christians to labour to further one another Heaven-ward And surely religious conference rightly mannaged is a great means of increasing knowledge and Grace among Christians Communion of Saints is an Article of our Faith The Apostle tels us Rom. 12.5 We being many are one body in Christ and every one members one of another Such a body true believers are by their union with Christ and ought to be by communion and fellowship one with another for their mutual edification There ought to be a mutual serviceablenesse among Christians and helping one another on in gracious courses I shall therefore 1. Give some Arguments to perswade to it 2. Some Directions about it 1. We have many exhortations to it in the Scriptures 1 Thes 5.11 Wherefore comfort your selves together and edifie one another even as also ye do Heb. 10.24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works v. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching Heb 3.13 But exhort one another daily while it is called to day lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sin 2. We find this practised by the primitive Saints Acts 2.42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking bread and in prayers 3. To this end God hath given several Gifts and Graces to his people 1 Pet. 4.10 As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold Grace of God 1 Cor. 12.7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal 4. Where Christians are most frequent and most faithful in
usually they love not strictness nor the power of Godlinesse thinking it more ado than needs And by frequent familiar converse with such thou wilt be in danger to content thy self with a little goodnesse and seem some body in thy own eies having no better patterns before thee as he that hath but half an eie is a King among them that are blind Whereas among wise holy spiritual improv'd Christians thou wilt still have matter of imitation and provocation to aspire to a greater perfection in goodnesse He that walks with the wise shall be wiser saith Solomon but a companion of fools shall be destroyed Prov. 13.20 VI. Consider our company will be part of our happinesse in Heaven Communion of Saints here is the lower Heaven of Saints O what comfort what benefit may we reap from good society How many thousands have cause for ever to blesse God that ever they liv'd neer or came acquainted with some persons seriously Godly From such company a Christian comes away revived quickned encouraged to walk in the waies of Holinesse He finds a good relish on his Spirit and his heart drawn Heaven-ward He finds himself provoked to presse forward towards the mark of his high calling But from wicked company 't is ten to one but either a man brings away a guilty Conscience or a sad heart or both Upon all these considerations labour to make thy acquaintance and familiar converse with those here who must be thy companions in Heaven if ever thou comest thither Rom. 12.2 And be not conformed to this world c. 1 Pet. 4.4 They think it strange that you run not with them to the same excesse of riot speaking evil of you 1 Cor. 15.33 Be not deceived evil communications corrupt good manners Prov. 12.26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour but the way of the wicked seduceth them Isa 3.10 Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him for they shall eat the fruit of their doings V. 11. Wo unto the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Mal. 3.18 Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not Prov. 19.29 Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools Isa 28.22 Now therefore be not mockers lest your bands be made strong Mat. 18.6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me it were better for him that a Mill-stone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Prov. 23.20 Be not amongst wine-bibbers amongst riotous eaters of flesh V. 21. For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty and drowsinesse shall cloath a man with rags 1 Cor. 5.9 I wrote unto you in an Epistle not to company with fornicators V. 10. Yet not altogether with the fornicatours of this world or with the covetous or extortioners or with Idolaters for then must ye needs go out of the world V. 11. But now have I written unto you not to keep company if any man that is called a brother be a fornicatour or covetous or an Idolater or a railer or a drunkard or an extortioner with such a one no not to eat 2 Thes 3.14 And if any man obey not our Word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed Zeph. 1.12 And it shall come to passe at that time that I will search Jerusalem with candles and punish the men that are setled on their lees that say in their heart the Lord will not do good neither will he do evil 2 Tim. 3.5 Having a form of Godlinesse but denying the power thereof from such turn away Isa 3.9 The shew of their countenance doth witnesse against them and they declare their sin as Sodom they hide it not Wo unto their soul for they have rewarded evil unto themselves Heb. 6.12 Be not slothful but followers of them who through Faith and patience inherit the promises CHAP. VIII VVAlk conscientiously in thy particular calling according to these Directions following I. Avoid idlenesse and sloth Remember Adam in innocency had a calling appointed him by God And after the fall Gen. 3.19 't is Gods decree upon man in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread till thou return unto the ground No man has a priviledge to live idly and lazily but either by labour of body or toil of mind either by the sweat of his browes or of his brains ought to be serviceable and profitable to humane society Idlenesse exposes a man to many sins and many punishments When the Devil finds men idle and not employed in Gods service he entertains them into his If thou hast nothing to do the Devil will be ready to employ thee David when idle fell into the heinous sin of adultery A lawful calling is an excellent preservative against a multitude of sins and temptations 1 Cor. 7.20 24. Let every man abide saies the Apostle in the same calling wherein he was called When God cals us to be Christians he cals us out of the world as to our affections but not out of the world as to our employment An idle professor is a scandalous professor and walks inordinately II. Be diligent in thy calling for Conscience sake Many take pains enough but not out of Conscience to Gods Command nor with an eye to his Glory Whatever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord saies the Apostle Col. 3.23 Thou must be diligent in thy calling on a religious account performing the duties thereof in obedience to God studying both for matter and manner to approve thy self to him Think with thy self this is the calling wherein the Providence of God hath set me I am but his servant in my own shop or at my plow To him I must give an account of my diligence and faithfulnesse III. Seek and pray earnestly to the Lord for his blessing on thy lawful labours and endeavours 'T is an irreligious course to engage in any thing without prayer Thou must be fervent in prayer as well as not slothful in business All lawful businesse is sanctified by the Word and prayer 1 Tim. 4.5 When we do that which the Word of God alloweth and by prayer humbly beg his blessing upon our endeavours we take a right course to prosper 'T is Gods blessing maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it Pro. 10.22 'T is his blessing that giveth thee power to get wealth Deut. 8.18 If his blessing be wanting which thou art not like to have except thou cravest it all thy labours are to little purpose Psal 127.1 2. Except he blesse thee 't is in vain to rise early to sit up late and eat the bread of carefulnesse c. IV. In the management of thy Calling labour to exercise these Graces 1. Faith affiance in the goodnesse of God casting thy self on
his gracious promises and providence in the use of lawful means expecting successe from him alone according to that of the Psalmist Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe 2. Moderation of affections Be not over-eager nor inordinately bent on thy worldly affairs Remember our Saviours precept Let not your hearts be overcharged with surfetting and drunkennesse and the cares of this life Luke 21.34 Pursue not thy worldly business with too much anxiety and fervour of mind 3. Contentation Be content with that portion little or much which God upon thy honest labours shall please to allot thee quietly acquiesce in his wise disposal 4. Patience Be not dismaid neither fret nor repine at those crosses and troubles which befall thee in the way and course of thy calling considering God doth often exercise his own dearest children with many afflictions V. Let not thy particular calling too much incroach upon thy general The world is of an incroaching nature 'T is hard to converse with it and not come into bondage to it Worldly employments will be apt to justle out Spiritual duties if thou hast not a great care Now the true Christian should especially look to these two things 1. That his worldly businesse do not eat up and devour that time which should be set apart every day for communion with God and for the exercise of religions duties 2. That his worldly employments do not blunt the edge of his affections to Spiritual things Thou maist use the world but take heed of loving the world 1 John 2.15 16. Love not the world neither the things that are in the world if any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of this world VI. Labour carefully to avoid the temptations that thy particular calling is most liable unto Every calling and condition of life hath its peculiar temptations And a great deal of care and Christian prudence is required to foresee them and avoid them that so we be not insnared with them VII In the mannaging of thy worldly affairs endeavour to carry a Heavenly mind Be often lifting up thy â—â—â—rt in Spiritual and Heavenly meditations Think how little it will profit thee if thou shouldst gain the whole world and loose thy soul Think how Godliness is profitable for all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 Remember thou art but a pilgrim and a stranger here upon earth Heaven is the proper Country of holy souls VIII When success crowns thy faithful endeavours in thy calling let God have all the Glory If thou speed well thrive and prosper sacrifice not to thy own net to thy wit parts industry or any second cause but ascribe the Glory wholly to him in whose hands alone it is to give successe 1 Thes 4.11 Study to be quiet and do your own businesse and to work with your own hands as we commanded you V. 12. That ye may walk honestly towards them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing 2 Thes 3.11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly working not at all but are busie bodies V. 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietnesse they work and eat their own bread Prov. 18.9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a greaâ—â—aster Prov. 21.17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man he that loveth wine and Oil shall not be rich Prov. 28.19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough 1 Tim. 5.8 But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the Faith and is worse than an Infidel Prov. 26.13 The slothful man saith there is a lion in the way a lion is in the streets V. 14. As the door turneth upon his hinges so doth the slothful upon his bed V. 15. The slothful hideth his hands in his bosom it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth V. 16. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason Prov. 6.6 Go to the Ant thou sluggard consider her waies and be wise V. 7. Which having no guide overseer or ruler V. 8. Provideth her meat in the Summer and gathereth her food in the harvest V. 9. How long wilt thou sleep O sluggard when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep V. 10. Yet a little sleep a little slumber a little folding of the hands to sleep V. 11. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth and thy want as an armed man Mat. 25.26 His Lord answered and said unto him thou wicked and slothful servant c. Psal 128.1 Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord that walketh in his waies V. 2. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee Prov. 10.4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich Prov. 22.7 The rich ruleth over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender Prov. 31.27 She looketh well to the waies of her household and eateth not the bread of Idlenesse Eph. 4.28 Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to him that needeth CHAP. IX Concerning just dealing in Traffick Trading and Commerce OBserve a strict integrity and uprightness in all occasions of intercourse matters of traffick commerce and bargaining making Conscience to be true in thy words faithful in thy promises punctual in thy performances and in all things dealing justly and uprightly doing to others according to our Saviours Golden rule Luke 6.31 As thou wouldst that others should do to thee Mat. 7.12 Whatsoever ye would with a rectified judgment and an honest heart that men should do to you even so do ye to them for this is the Law and the Prophets In all contracts and acts of commerce with others 't is good to put our selves in their stead and to make frequent appeals to our own Consciences and to ask our selves Would I be thus dealt with Would I be content to have this measure measured to my self Should I if it were my own case think this fair dealing if used towards my self Paul saies Gal. 5.14 All the Law is fulfilled in one word that is all that part of the Law which concerns our duty towards man Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self This expression prescribes the manner of our love not the measure of it a parity or likenesse for kind not for degree or
proportion That therefore the black art of defrauding may be abhorr'd and all deceit in traffick and commerce avoided I shall give some Directions both to buyers and sellers which if carefully observed will exceedingly tend to their comfort and advantage For light and honest gains make a heavy purse whilst great and dishonest make a heavy heart Directions to buyers 1. Let not the buyer debase or dispraise a good commodity that he is about to buy to bring down the price and to get it for lesse than he knows it to be worth Prov. 20.14 It is naught it is naught saith the buyer but when he is gone his way then he boasteth 2. Let not the buyer peremptorily say he will give no more for a commodity than he offers and yet intend to give more rather than go without it 'T is too frequent with buyers to say they will not give a farthing more and with sellers to say they will not take a farthing less and yet usual with both to go from their words 3. Give good and currant money for what you buy Gen. 23.16 And Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the Sons of Heth four hundred Shekels of silver currant money with the Merchant To put away brasse or false money when you know it to be false though perhaps you took it for good except you return it to the person of whom you received it is a branch of deceit 'T is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong 4. Do not work upon the weaknesse or necessity of the seller and so give him lesse than in your Conscience you apprehend the thing to be justly worth between man and man Some will not buy except they may have that they are dealing for at their own price though the seller cannot so afford it We should be willing to give to the worth of the thing we buy according to common estimation If the buyer give a price knowingly far inferiour to the true value he is an Over-reacher If he work upon the necessities of the poor who must sell to buy bread he is an Oppressour 5. In your buying a commodity do not take any advantage of any oversight or mistake in the seller Gen. 43.12 And the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks carry it again in your hand peradventure it was an oversight 6. Buy not any thing on the Lords day except upon absolute necessity Let God have the time consecrated to his Worship Let there be no bargaining nor dealing on that day 7. Buy not any stollen goods if you know them to be stollen though the price be never so low Directions to Sellers I. Do not multiply words in selling Prov. 10.19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin Zach. 11.12 If ye think good give me my price if not forbear II. Do not highly commend and over-praise a commodity you know to be faulty nor sell that for good which you know is not so Do not lie nor equivocate How many are there that in this case to deceit add lying and too often bind all these sins together with an oath swearing their commodities are good when they know they are not And then what an heap of sin is here gathered together abundantly enough to sink any poor soul into Hell And all this to skrew a little more money out of their neighbours pockets and that somtimes so very little that it is an amazing wonder how any man that thinks he has a soul can set it at so miserable and contemptible a price III. Do not disguise and hide the faults of the commodities you sell by using some art to them to make them look fairer and better than indeed they are This is acting a lie though it be not speaking one which has surely as much of the intention of cheating and defrauding as the most impudent lying can have Hereby thou makest thy neighbour pay for somewhat which is not in the thing thou sellest him he presuming there is that good quality in it which thou knowest is not IV. Do not sell commodities by false weights or measures Amos 8.5 When will the new Moon be gene that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the Shekel great and falsifying the ballances by deceit Prov. 20.10 Divers weights and divers measures both of them are alike abomination to the Lord Deut. 25.14 15. Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures a great and a small But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight a perfect and just measure shalt thou have that thy daies may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Micah 6.10 Are there yet the treasures of wickednesse in the house of the wicked and the scant measure that is abominable V. In selling do not work upon the ignorance or unskilfulness of the buyer If you discern him to be unskilful use him rather the better than the worse Zeph 1.9 In the same day also will I punish those that leap on the threshold and fill their Masters houses with violence and deceit 1 Thes 4.6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter because that the Lord is the avenger of all such as we also have forewarned you and testified Neither take advantage of his present urgent necessity Do not make him pay unreasonably because thou seest he extreamly wants it and must have it An unreasonable price is that which exceeds the true worth of the thing considered with those moderate gains which all tradesmen are presumed to be allowed in the sale of their commodities Consider soberly what the thing is worth and for what thou wouldst afford it to another of whom thou hadst no such advantage and accordingly rate it to him Do nothing to any man but what thy self or any honest-minded man according to right reason and common justice would be content to have done to him The truth is in the whole businesse of traffick there are so many opportunities of deceit that a man had need fortifie himself with firm resolutions and have in his heart a great love of justice or he will be in danger to fall under temptation VI. Do not ingrosse corn in a time of scarcity Prov. 11.26 He that withholdeth corn the people shall curse him And that both buyers and sellers may be perswaded to make Conscience of these things let them consider 1. The commonnesse of injustice is a reproach to Christianity The Name of Christ is blasphemed among Turks and Infidels by the injustice fraud and deceit that is practised among too many that call themselves Christians And methinks this very reason should make us abhor it 2. A secret curse usually goes along with ill gotten goods and a strange unprosperousnesse for the most part attends ill gotten estates Whereas the blessing of God doth wonderfully accompany just and righteous dealing and makes that
better example Timothy was train'd up by his parents and that from a child in the holy Scriptures 2 Tim. 3.15 Want of instruction at home is one main reason of the unprofitablenesse of preaching 2. A Priest to offer up the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise for them and with them 3. A King to rule command and govern for Christ in his own house Gen. 18.19 I know Abraham that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. A Master of a Family has a greater command and authority over those in his own house than any Minister has He is more with them and has his eie more upon them He should therefore improve his power for God and be like the good Bishop described 1 Tim. 3.4 ruling well i. e. Religiously his own house having his children in subjection with all gravitie So much of the second particular the directions how Governours of Families should discharge their duties towards those under their Government I come now to the third and last to shew whence the neglect of this so great and necessary a duty proceeds There are several causes of it 1. Ignorance Some are so ignorant themselves they know not how to instruct others They know not how to pray with their Families Oh let all such presently apply themselves with all care and seriousnesse to learn the things that concern their salvation that they may discharge their duties towards their relations And let them know it is their duty to labour for ability to pray and for that gift whereby upon all occasions they may in an humble and fitting manner express the desires of their hearts unto the Lord. In the mean time till by seeking to God for his Spirit to enable them and by a faithful endeavour they have attain'd to some measure of this gift they may use some good prescribed form Only let them be exceeding watchful over their hearts for fear of that formality and meer lip-service which in such cases we are more especially in danger of 2. Carelesness Some are of Gallio's temper Acts 18.17 They care for none of these things They think this more ado than needs They will provide portions for their children look that their servants do their work but for Religion the one thing absolutely necessary they do not much trouble themselves 3. Worldly-mindednesse Some are so worldly they cannot afford time for Gods Worship and Service Not a swine about the house but shall be served morning and evening but God is not regarded 4. Prophanenesse Some are so far from having any religious care of their Families to pray with them to instruct them c. that they deride these duties and scoffe at those that make conscience to perform them They through the pride of their hearts think it a disparagement to them to set up the practise of these things in their houses Wretched worms Is God become a shame to his creatures Who are they or what is their Fathers house that they are too good to be the servants of the most High Let them make their peace with that Scripture Mark 8. ult Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the Glory of his Father with the holy Angels 5. Loose Opinions under pretence of new Light setting people at liberty from the observation and practise of those duties whereby the life and power of Religion is most maintained and preserved Let Governours of Families therefore beware of all these things and whatever else may hinder them from a Conscionable discharge of their Duties Gen. 18.19 For I know him that he will command his Children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do Justice and Judgment that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him Josh 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. 1 Sam. 1.21 And the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly Sacrifice and his vow Acts 10.2 Cornelius a devout man and one that feared God with all his house which gave much Almes to the people and prayed to God alway CHAP. XI Of the duties of Husband and Wife I Shall first speak of the Duties common to both and then more particularly of those that belong to each of them severally They owe to each other Love Faithfulnesse Helpfulnesse I. Love There ought to be a firm and inviolable love between them grounded on Gods Ordinance and their own Covenant and not meerly on natural or civil respects and being so neerly united and made one flesh they should have but one heart They should have the greatest tendernesse and kindness for each other imaginable If any unkindnesse should at any time happen to arise between them they should never sleep in displeasure but both readily agree to a speedy reconcilement The Sun should not go down on their wrath Love must sweeten all their speeches carriage and actions towards each other 'T is love will make all the duties of a married life easie and all the cumbers and crosses tolerable This love must for measure exceed and surpasse their love to any other creature There must be between them both the love of goodwill desiring heartily the welfare of each other and the love of complacency delighting in each other Want of love between man and wife is no mean sin II. Faithfulnesse and that of several sorts 1. That of the bed They must keep themselves pure chast from all strange embraces and with the greatest abhorrence detest any motion or temptation that way They must not embrace the bosom of a stranger Prov. 5.20 They must be constant to each other and confident of each other Jealousie is the pasport of love 2. They must keep each others secrets 3. Conceal each others infirmities 4. Be faithful to each other in the mannaging their worldly affairs 5. If any difference arise not let it take vext for jars concealed are half reconciled whereas if they be once divulged 't is a double labour to make up the breach and stop the mouths of people abroad III. Helpfulnesse They are to be mutuall helpers each to other both in spiritual and temporal things 1. They should endeavour to help one another on towards Heaven to promote and encrease knowledge and Holiness in each others souls designing to meet together and live together for ever in Heaven They should pray together and for each other 1 Pet. 3.7 They should faithfully wisely and lovingly admonish one another of any failings they discern in each other This is of all other the truest and most valuable love Nay indeed How can it be said they do love at all if they can contentedly let each other run on in a course that will bring them to eternal misery True
love is soul love And if the love of Husband and Wife be thus grounded in Religion and Piety and a care of each others souls it will make their lives a kind of Heaven upon earth 'T will prevent those contentions heart burnings and brawls so fatal to many Families They will like Zachary and Elizabeth labour to walk before the Lord blamelesse They will endeavour to plant Religion in their Family and be examples of Piety prudence and goodnesse to those among whom they live 2. They are to be mutual helpers to each other in natural and civil respects They are to comfort and cherish one another both in health and sicknesse in prosperity and adversity They are to advise and assist each other in a right governing their Family and in a prudent mannaging their estate and worldly affairs And in a word they are to endeavour to make their passage through this world as comfortable to each other as they can So much in general for the duties common to both I now come to speak more particularly of the duties belonging to each of them severally And first of the duties of the Husband I. The first duty the Husband owes to his Wife is love How great this love should be the Apostle intimates by the similitudes he uses in this matter The one of that Christ bears to his Church Eph. 5.25 Husbands love your Wives even as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it The other of that a man bears to himself v. 31. Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself Now every one knows and feels how he loves himself A mans love to himself hath these properties 1. 'T is cordial without dissimulation Many a man feigns love and friendship to others but no body is insincere and false in his love to himself Such a love should a man bear to his Wife As Jonathans heart was knit to David 1 Sam. 18.1 And he loved him as his own soul so ought the Husband to love his Wife The Apostle tels us 1 Cor. 13.5 Charity is not easily provoked True fervent cordial love is long suffering and beareth with many infirmities and weaknesses and covereth a multitude of offences 1 Pet. 4.8 2. 'T is constant 'T is so natural nothing can make it cease Though a man hath been handsom and is by sicknesse become deformed though he hath been healthy and is become sickly though he hath been patient and is now grown cholerick yet he still loves himself So no accidental change or defect should lessen a mans love to his Wife 3. 'T is very tender How tenderly does a man treat himself when sick If he have a sore eie How careful is he of it Such ought a mans affection be to his Wife expressing it self in a tender regard of her in sicknesse as well as health The man ought to look upon his Wife as the tenderer part of himself or as the Apostle phrases it as the weaker vessel 1 Pet. 3.7 Which must not be a cause of contempt but rather of respect and regard And the more weak she is in respect of any sicknesse or the like so much the more tender care ought he to have of her No man ever hated his own flesh saies the Apostle but nourisheth and cherisheth it Eph. 5.29 The Husband therefore must not do any thing that may be hurtful or grievous to his Wife no more than he would cut and gash his own flesh For my part I know no Law of God or man that allows the Husband a power to beat his Wife He is indeed to govern her but he is to do it by wise loving amiable counsel not by stripes The civil Law is strict against it Cod. 5. And among Heathens we read not of any except such as were mad or drunk practising this unnatural cruelty The Husband therefore should mannage that authority and superiority which God hath given him over his Wife wisely mildly amiably He should remember all Government is ordained by God for the good of the whole and not the pleasure only of the Governour Therefore all harshnesse and roughnesse and such tyrannical carriage is utterly unallowable on the Husbands part towards his Wife 4. 'T is pure Not for base and sinister ends He does not love himself because he is a healthy man a handsom man a rich man but 't is purely himself because 't is himself that he loves Such ought a mans love to his Wife to be not only because she is fair or rich or young but because she is his Wife A man may look abroad in the world and see others healthier handsomer richer wittier than himself yet I hope he does not thereupon fall in love with them and slight and neglect himself So a man is to love his wife purely for this reason because she is his Wife Though he is not bound to think her the best accomplished woman in the world yet he is to love her like her delight in her more than any woman in the world So much for the first Duty the man owes to his Wife Love and the degree of it II. The next is Instruction The Husband is to instruct the wife in the things that concern her everlasting welfare if she be ignorant of them Thus Paul bids the wives learn of their husbands at home 1 Cor. 14.35 Which supposes the Husband is to teach her This should make men careful to get knowledge themselves that so they may perform this duty they owe to others III. Maintenance He is to maintain her provide for her and allow her things convenient and fit according to his estate and to let her partake with him in those outward good things wherewith God hath blessed him And as he is not by niggardize to deny her what is fit for her so neither must he by his unthriftinesse wast his goods and so make himself unable to support her if God take him away before her he is to provide for her comfortable subsistence according to his ability and not to beat her when he is dead as one phrases it by leaving her an insufficient and too short an allowance I come now to speak of the Duties of the Wife The Wife owes to her Husband I. Subjection Eph. 5.22 Wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. Col 3.18 Wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord. 1 Pet. 3.1 Likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands c. V. 5. Being in subjection to their own husbands Besides these Scripture-Commands there are several reasons for it 1. From the Creation 1. The man was first created 1 Tim. 2.13 Adam was first formed then Eve 2. The woman was made of the man and not the man of the woman 1 Cor. 11.8 For the man is not of the woman but the woman of the man 3. The woman was made for the man not the man for the woman Gen. 2.18 And
the Lord God said it is not good that the man should be alone I will make him an help meet for him 4. Nature it self proclaims it in respect of the sex the female being inferiour to the male Man is the Image and Glory of God and the woman is the Glory of the man 1 Cor. 11.7 2. From the Transgression For the woman though the latter in Creation yet was the former in transgression Gen. 3.6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eies and a tree to be desired to make one wife she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat v. 12. And the man said the woman whom thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat 1 Tim. 2.14 Adam was not deceived i. e. first and by Satan but the woman being deceived was in the transgression not only sinning her self but drawing her husband into transgression also 3. From the titles of head and guide given to the husband in the Scriptures which declare him to be the Superiour 1 Cor. 11.3 The head of the woman is the man Eph. 5.23 For the Husband is the head of the Wife even as Christ is the head of the Church Prov. 2.17 Which for saketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the Covenant of her God II. Reverence Eph. 5.33 Let the wife see that she reverence her husband Reverence is a mixture of love and fear 1. The wife must intirely love her husband Tit. 2.4 And desire to do him good and not hurt all the daies of her life Prov. 31.12 Love must sweeten her whole behaviour towards him And this love must proceed from a due estimation of him as her Head and Guide Judgment 't is the sourse and spring of affection What the mind esteems not the heart affects not That which we highly prize we dearly value And if the wife truly esteem her husband her carriage and behaviour towards him will be with all sweetness amiablenesse and due respect and regard 2. She ought to fear not with a servile slavish but a liberal free ingenuous fear like that true Converts bear to God springing from love and joyn'd with love least she give him any just occasion of displeasure and discontent 1 Cor. 7.34 The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in body and in Spirit but she that is married careth for the world how she may please her husband III. Obedience 1 Cor. 14.34 The Apostle tels us women are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the Law What Law Why Gen. 3.16 Thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee Also Tit. 2.5 To be discreet chast keepers at home good obedient to their own husbands that the Word of God be not blasphemed And in 1 Pet. 3.6 Sarah is propounded as their pattern Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham c. Bâ—t what kind of obedience is it the wife is to render to the Husband The Apostle tels us Col. 3.18 Wives submit your selves to your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord. Which hints to us these two things 1. It must be done in obedience to God to the Commandment and the Ordinance of God It must be a religious conscientious submission A Heathen woman may do all the outward duties of a good wife for her credit sake or peace at home or from principles of natural honesty But a Christian woman besides these motives should do it out of Conscience to Gods Command out of a desire to please God and to approve her heart to him as unto the Lord as the Apostle speaks Eph. 5.22 Having a respect to the precept and enjoynment of Christ This may take away that common Objection of some women if my husband do not his duty to me Why should I do mine to him His faultinesse and neglect of his duty will not excuse thy non performance of thine For thou owest this duty not only and principally to him but to the Lord who requires it of thee whether thy husband do his or no. And further the worse the husband is the more need there is for the wife to carry her self with such gentlenesse and sweetness towards him as may be most like to win him for so the Apostle advises 1 Pet. 3.1 Likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands that if any obey not the Word they also may without the Word be won by the conversation of the wives The discreet kind loving behaviour of the wife towards her husband though a bad man may be a great means to reclaim him whereas the ill fruits of the wives unquietness are very notorious How many are there that to avoid the noise of a froward wife have fallen to company keeping and by that to drunkennesse poverty and a multitude of mischiefs Let all wives therefore be careful not to administer such a temptation 2. It must be in the Lord i. e. in all lawful commands It must not extend to any thing that is against God For otherwise 't is here as in the case of other Superiours God must be obeyed rather than man If the Husband command a thing though not unlawful yet very inconvenient and imprudent let the Wife calmly and mildy shew him the inconveniencies thereof and perswade him to the contrary but if she cannot win him by fair intreaties let her not finally refuse to obey nothing but the unlawfulnesse of the command being a sufficient warrant for that And further she must manifest her obedience in two things 1. In being willing to be admonished of her husband in case of any failing not returning a snappish answer again but readily reforming what is amisse 2. In being willing to be advised by him Not but that she may advise him in some cases and on some occasions For what a servant may do much more may a wife do as we find 2 King 5.3 1 Sam. 16 15 16. but this must be done with wisdom and discretion The admonition must be given seasonably not as Physick in a fit It must be done with that softnesse and mildness that it may appear 't is love and not anger that makes her to speak 4. And lastly She is to be a meet helper to him both in spiritual and temporal concernments 1. In the mannaging of domestical affairs the house being her proper sphear Tit. 2.5 The Apostle saies Wives should be keepers at home Not daughters of Dinah but of Sarah They must have a vigilant and watchful eye over the affairs of the Family They must guide the house as 't is 1 Tim 5.14 Every wise woman Solomon saies Prov. 14 1. buildeth her house but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands Prov. 31 27. She looketh well to the waies of her houshold and eateth not the bread of Idlenesse 2. She must bear a part
of much better value in the Kingdom above Col. 3.20 Children obey your Parents in all things for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Eph. 6.1 Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right V. 2. Honour thy Father and thy Mother which is the first Commandment with promise V. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou maist live long on the earth Prov. 23.22 Hearken unto thy Father that begat thee and despise not thy Mother when she is old Prov. 1.8 My Son hear the Instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Mother V. 9. For they shall be an Ornament of Grace unto thine Head and chains about thy neck Luke 2.51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them Heb. 12.7 If ye endure chastning God dealeth with you as with Sons for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not V 9. Furthermore we have had Fathers of our flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much more be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits and live Mal. 1.6 A Son honoureth his Father and a servant his Master If I then be a Father where is mine honour and if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of Hosts c. 1 King 2.19 Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon to speak unto him for Adonijah and the King rose up to meet her and bowed himself unto her Gen. 27.34 And when Esau heard the words of his Father he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry and said unto his Father blesse me even me also O my Father Mat. 15.4 For God commanded saying Honour thy Father and Mother and he that curseth Father or Mother let him die the death Prov. 30.17 The eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young Eagle shall eat it Lev. 20.9 For every one that curseth his Father or his mother shall surely be put to death he hath cursed his Father or his Mother his blood shall be upon him Exod. 21.15 And he that smiteth his Father or his Mother shall be surely put to death Prov. 20.20 Whoso curseth his Father or his Mother his Lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness Prov. 13.1 A wise son heareth his Fathers instruction but a scorner heareth not rebuke 1 Sam. 2.25 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voyce of their Father because the Lord would slay them Gen. 47.12 And Joseph nourished his Father and his Brethren and all his Fathers houshold with bread according to their Families 1 Tim. 5.4 But if any widow have children or nephews let them learn first to shew Piety at home and to requite their Parents for that is good and acceptable before God Mat. 15.5 But ye say whosoever shall say to his Father or his Mother it is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me V. 6. And honour not his Father or Mother he shall be free thus have ye made the Commandments of God of none effect by your Traditions CHAP. XIV Of the Duties of such as are in Office and of Inferiours ALL those that are in any Office or place of publick trust ought to be very careful to discharge the duties of their respective places faithfully diligently and patiently with an upright heart and a right tempered zeal aiming at the Glory of God and endeavouring that Piety Justice and peace may be preserved and maintained among men They should consider how much more easie it is to bear the anger and displeasure of men for the conscionable discharge than the wrath of God for the unconscionable neglect of their Duties Exod. 18.21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men such as fear God men of Truth hating Covetousnesse and place such over them to be Rulers of Thousands and Rulers of Hundreds and Rulers of Fifties and Rulers of Tens 2 Sam. 23.3 The God of Israel said the Rock of Israel spake to me he that ruleth over men must be just ruling in the fear of God Deut. 1.13 Take ye wise men and understanding and known among your Tribes and I will make them Rulers over you Rom. 12.8 He that ruleth with diligence Rom. 13.3 For Rulers are not a terrour to good works but to the evil wilt thou then not be afraid of the power do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same V. 4. For he is the Minister of God to thee for good but if thou do that which is evil be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain for he is the Minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil 1 Sam. 2.30 Them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed The Duties of Inferiours Inferiours ought to yeild all due subjection to those Magistrates and Governours God hath set over them remembring that Magistracy is Gods Ordinance and none but Libertines think that Religion freeth them from Subjection thereunto They are to consider how sharply the Apostle in 2 Pet. 2.10 Reproves those that despise Government that are presumptuous self-will'd that are not afraid to speak evil of Dignities Subjection 't is a hard duty to corrupt Nature Man naturally is like the wild Asses Colt as Zophar speaks Job 11.12 And that both for the rudeness of his mind and untamedness of his Affections He would fain be free and yokelesse Being proud he loves not the Superiority of others And being licentious loves not to be restrained by others He would neither have his heart subject to God nor his actions to man He would have none to be Lord over him as 't is Psal 12.3 But this despising of Dominions is flatly against the injunctions of Gods Word Rom. 13.1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers for there is no power but of God the powers that be are ordained of God Tit. 3.1 Put them in mind to be subject unto Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates to be ready to every good work And 't is a trespasse against the common good of humane Societies Let all Inferiours therefore in obedience to God for the honour of true Religion and for the preserving Order and good Government in the world make Conscience of these three Duties 1. To pray for Magistrates 2. To honour their Persons 3. To yield all due Subjection and obedience unto them Jude v. 8. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh despise Dominion speak evil of Dignities Rom. 13.7 Render therefore to all their dues tribute to whom tribute is due custom to whom custom fear to whom fear honour to whom honour 1 Pet. 2.13 Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as Supream V. 14. Or unto Governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the
But if he shall not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established V. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an Heathen man and a Publican CHAP. XVII Of the Duties of the Rich and Poor First Of those that concern the Rich. I Cannot better begin this Chapter than by setting down that strict charge the Apostle directs Timothy to give to rich men in 1 Tim 6.17 18 19. Charge them that are rich in this world He saies not intreat or perswade them but charge them charge it upon their Consciences that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy V. 18. That they do good that they be rich in good works ready to distribute willing to communicate V. 19. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life From this and other Scriptures we may gather that the duties that concern the rich are these following I. They ought to look to it and be especially careful that they be really religious and truly Godly They have many great engagements to it God hath dealt bountifully with them The things of this world serve them and flow in unto them When poor people must take pains and work hard to earn their bread before they eat it They have their Tables spread to their hands God hath raised them above many of their Brethren and therefore they ought to honour love and obey him from whose bounty alone they receive all their plenty And as they have greater engagements so they have greater opportunities and advantages to be religious than others have They may spend more time upon their souls than poor people can They have more leisure if they have hearts so to employ it to attend the means of Grace and to work out their salvation They should consider though they are rich in this world yet there is another world that is to be look'd after Though they enjoy the good things of this life yet there is a life to come which must be car'd for Though they are encreas'd with worldly goods yet if they have all their portion here they are most miserable Seeing 't is well with them here on earth their main design should be to secure their state in Grace and their title to Heaven They should above all things be careful to lay hold on eternal life This life they cannot hold nor their riches estates and possessions here They should therefore lay hold on that which they may hold and which will never fail them They should be so wise as to take the right course to be heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven that when they must bid farewell to this life and their estates here they may enter upon that glorious inheritance And yet strange it is to see how this one thing absolutely necessary is neglected by far the greater part of them that are rich in this world In those places where Silver and Gold are found they say there groweth neither grasse nor plant nor other thing that is any thing worth Many rich mens hearts are as barren of true Piety as those countries are of grasse Job speaking of such saies Chap. 21.13 They spend their daies in wealth and in a moment go down to the grave v. 14. Therefore they say unto God depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy waies v. 15. What is the Almighty that we should serve him and what profit should we have if we pray unto him 'T is grown almost into a Proverb a little Religion goes far in a rich man or Gentleman How do such persons usually bless themselves in a few formal outward performances of religious duties And if they live not in the grosse defilements and pollutions of the world but are of a fair and civil conversation as to men how easily can they dispense with themselves from engaging in the stricter and more serious parts of Religion Nay those things wherein the life and power of Godlinesse consists are too often matter of their scorn and slighted and neglected by them as more ado than needs And thus it often happens that they that have fulnesse of estate have leannesse of soul as 't is Psal 106.15 And they that are well provided for in this life take no due care to provide for eternity not to lay up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come 1 Tim. 6.19 They that should be examples of Piety and goodnesse to those among whom they live and by their power wealth and greatnesse should countenance and promote the power of Godlinesse prove many times the greatest discouragers of it Solomon observed this as a sore evil under the Sun Eccles 5.13 Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt And not only for their hurt but the hurt of many others round about them Many could never have been such great sinners and dishonourers of God if they had not had so great estates II. They ought to be exceeding thankful unto God The more God hath bestowed upon them the greater is their debt of thankfulnesse and the greater is their duty of obedience If the Lord hath lifted them up if he hath shined upon their Tabernacle and given them power to get wealth as 't is Deut. 8.28 Let them not sacrifice to their own net to their own wit or wisdom their own labour or industry but thankfully acknowledge his favour whose blessing maketh rich Prov. 10.23 Let them consider Promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South but from above Psal 75.6 7. 'T is reported of one of the Kings of France that he was wont to say that many thousands no doubt were born on the same day he was yet not one of them born to be a King but himself which he noted as a free favour of Divine Providence to him in that he was born to the Honour and Happinesse of a Kingdom when at the same time many others were born to mean conditions some possibly to beggery and want 'T is God alone that sets up one and puls down another He gives power riches and estate to one man and sets another in a mean condition And therefore those whom he is pleased to blesse with a rightful possession of riches should be exceeding thankful and constantly remember who hath made them in this to differ from others Gods impost on all his blessings is thankfulnesse If we neglect to pay this impost the commodity is forfeit God can quickly blow upon and blast all our blessings if we be unthankful as 't is Mal. 2.2 If ye will not hear and if ye will not lay it to heart to give Glory unto my Name saith the Lord of
his appearing CHAP. XIX Directions to the Healthy and to the Sick LET such as enjoy health of body the right use of their understandings entirenesse of limbs and senses humbly blesse God for so great a mercy Few people value their health enough 'T is an ancient saying He that is in health is rich and knowes it not Want would teach us the worth of mercies Let such therefore often call to mind and consider how many distracted diseased maimed deformed people there are in the world and 't is Gods peculiar mercy that they are not such or worse Let this consideration make them very humble and thankful Let them be often lifting up their hearts to the Lord and saying with holy David What shall I render to the Lord for all his Benefits towards me Psal 116.12 Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me blesse his holy Name Blesse the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits Psal 103.1 2. Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto thy Name give glory Psal 115.1 And let their main care be in time of health to work out their Salvation to secure their state in Grace and their title to Glory and to lay a good foundation against the time of sickness 'T is sad exceeding sad when a dying person is then to be instructed in those Graces he should now exercise He that prepares not for death before his last sickness as one saies well is like him that begins to study Philosophy when he is going to dispute publickly in the faculty In health while a man has a right and steady use of his reason before the Acts of his understanding are disturbed with pain or his mind clouded or his heart annoyed with fear and amazement he should apply himself to learn this great Art and Skill how to die well Let the following Directions therefore that are given to the sick be carefully minded and regarded by them that are in health To turn to God in health to seek reconciliation with him in and through Christ to devote and consecrate our hearts then to him to walk in a steady course of sincere obedience before him and to do all this out of judgment and choice out of love to God and a desire to please him before death seem to make any neer approach unto us will be a huge argument of sincerity and a great foundation of comfort when sickness attaches us Whereas they that are negligent and carelesse of these things must needs run themselves upon such desperate hazards and such great incertainties that a wise and considering man would not for all the world be in their condition Directions to the Sick There is hardly any thing wherein a Minister is at a greater losse than what to say to sick persons the condition of most being such that they need a serious awakening and rouzing out of the deep sleep of carnal security and to be made sensible of the great danger they are in as to their everlasting state But while we do this the sick party and those that attend are apt to think we go about to drive them to despair not understanding the true nature thereof For to despair I mean utterly and finally is this when a man shall conclude that his sins are greater than cna be forgiven that God is irreconcileable to him and therefore 't is in vain to set himself to repent or humble his soul or turn from his sins but seeing his condition is desperate resolves to go on in his former course to enjoy the pleasures of sin here while he may have them seeing when this life is done nothing remaines for him but certain damnation Such a man as this may be truly said to despair But for any person to be so awakened as to see himself for the present in a lost condition and under the wrath and curse of God by reason of his sins to see his own utter inability to help himself to be enquiring and earnestly sollicitous what he must do to be saved to have his heart full of doubts and fears and troubles concerning the state of his soul this is such a despair as is usually the forerunner of a saving conversion And therefore for people that have spent their time in sin and vanity in ignorance and worldlinesse in living to themselves and to the flesh and have never felt any work of Grace upon their hearts nor ever have been truly humbled under an apprehension of the evil and danger of their sins to expect a Minister should speak comfort to them is to desire to be sooth'd and flattered to their own destruction The Directions therefore I think needful for sick persons are these following I. Let them consider that no sicknesse disease or distemper of body comes by chance but by the wise and orderly guidance of the hand of God that 't is his messenger and sent by him unto them And therefore let them hear the rod and who hath appointed it Micah 6.9 II. Let them set themselves before the Tribunal of Christ before whom they may for ought they know shortly appear And let them consider he is a Judge that cannot be deceived nor will be mocked That he is just as well as merciful righteous as well as gracious and all their sins original and actual of omission of commission against the Law and against the Gospel against mercies against judgments against promises and vowes of better obedience all their sinfull thoughts and sinfull affections and motions of their hearts all their sinful words and sinfull actions with the several aggravations of all these are known unto him yea their secretest sins are set in the light of his countenance III. Let them seriously examine themselves and put these six questions home to their Consciences First What abiding sense they have had upon their hearts in the whole course of their lives of their own vilenesse and wretchednesse by nature the odiousnesse and defilement of their sins their just desert of wrath their natural impotency and inability to good their pronenesse to evil Whether they have ever been deeply sensible of the darknesse of their minds stubbornnesse of their wils deceitfulnesse of their hearts inordinatenesse of their affections sinfulnesse of their practise If they have what effects has the consideration of these things produced what sorrow what fear has been stirred in them What course has it put them upon for remedy What industry have they used what pains have they taken to be delivered out of this miserable estate Let their Consciences have liberty to speak freely to them and to tell them the truth whether ever they have been affected in any considerable degree with these things or no. Secondly Whether they ever rightly apprehended what are the conditions of the new Covenant the Covenant of Grace Most will grant Repentance towards God and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ are necessary to salvation but then their apprehensions and conceptions are different
seems to have regard principally to that which we call the common Worship of God i. e. the right carriage of our selves for his honour in all the common affairs of our life as well as in the exercises of Religion so far forth as we have any thing to do with him therein The sins against this Commandment are 1. Light irreverent using naming the name of God Deut. 28.58 Not fearing this glorious and fearful Name the Lord thy God 2. Customary swearing and in ordinary communication 3. Swearing falsly or perjury not swearing in truth judgment and righteousnesse Jer. 4.2 when lawfully called thereunto 4. Blaspheming 5. Cursing 6. Charms and Exorcisms 7. Prophane jesting on Scripture 8. Unlawful and unwarrantable vowes 9. Calling on God with our lips when our hearts are far from him The fourth Commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a Sabbath unto the Lord. The sins against this Commandment are 1. Not preparing for it by taking care so to dispatch and dispose our worldly businesses that we may be more free and fit for the duties of the day 2. Not resting from worldly employments and servile works excepting necessary and charitable offices to men and beasts to our selves or others 3. Neglect of or a carelesse heartlesse performance of the private and publick duties that concern the sanctification of it 4. Being weary of the Sabbath not delighting in it nor the duties of it but wishing it were gone 3. Prophaning the day by Idlenesse vain thoughts worldly discourse making it a day of carnal rest of feasting jollity immoderate eating and drinking visiting a day of sports and recreations which alienate the mind more from God than the ordinary labours of our callings 6. Not taking care that those under our charge do sanctifie the day and keep it holy to the Lord but by our carelessenesse or connivance and ill example encouraging them in the prophanation of it So much of the duties commanded and sins forbidden in the first Table The second Table enjoyns the duties of Charity and Justice towards our Neighbour Against this we sin when we do not love our neighbours with such a true unfeigned love as our selves when we do not so deal with them as we desire they should deal with us The fifth Commandment requires the giving of that honour and performing those duties which belong to every one in their several places and which we mutually owe in our several relations as Inferiours Superiours Equals By Father and Mother are meant not only natural Parents but all Superiours in age and gifts and especially such as by Gods Ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family Church or Common-wealth The Sins of Inferiours against Superiours are 1. Not paying them due reverence in heart word and behaviour 2. The envying at contemning of or rebelling against their persons places lawful commands counsels or corrections 3 Not praying for them not imitating their Graces and vertues 4. Cursing mocking and all such scandalous and refractory carriage towards them The sins of Superiours are 1. Neglecting the duties of their respective places 2. Seeking themselves and their own Glory 3. Commanding things unlawful 4. Counselling encouraging or favouring that which is evil and discouraging that which is good 5. Undue correction 6. Dishonouring themselves and lessening their Authority either by too rigorous or too remisse a behaviour The sins of Equals are undervaluing the worth envying the gifts grieving at the advancement or prosperity or esteem one of another and usurping preheminence one over another The sixth Commandment requires all lawfull endeavours to preserve our own life and the life of others The sins against this Commandment are 1. Murder 2. Striking maiming or hurting the body of our neighbour 3. Sinful unadvised anger 4. Hatred envy desire of revenge 5. Railing reviling contumelious speeches quarrelling threatning scorning and provoking 6. Sowing strife and contention among neighbours 7. Drunkennesse surfetting uncleannesse or drawing any to those vices which are sins against the body and may bring diseases and death 8. Inordinate passions worldly grief immoderate carking and caring or whatever else tends to the destruction of the life of man The seventh Commandment requires chastity of body mind affections words and behaviour and the preservation of it in our selves and others It forbideth 1. Lodging or entertaining in our minds unclean thoughts and fancying unclean matters with delight 2. Unclean desires affections and lusts though they come not into act which is the adultery of the heart 3. Wanton looks 4. Not shutting our eares against unclean talk 5. Filthy discourse 6. All unclean acts and sinful pollutions 7. Idlenesse intemperance and pampering the body 8. Wanton immodest attiring 9. Light behaviour and society with light persons 10. Lascivious gestures revellings dancings plaies pictures amorous books songs or whatever else tends to foment the fleshly concupiscence which we ought to labour by all good means to quench and suppresse The eighth Commandment requires the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others It forbids 1. Violent taking or withholding from our neighbour what justly belongs unto him 2. Fraudulent dealing false weights and measures over-reaching in contracts 3. Unfaithfulnesse in matters of trust 4. Covetousnesse and inordinate love of money 5. Discontent at our own estates distrust of Gods Providence 6. Not paying what we borrow and what is justly due from us if we be able 7. Exaction extortion oppression and not making restitution of ill gotten goods where there is ability The ninth Commandment requires the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man and of our own and our neighbours good names especially in witnesse-bearing It forbids 1. Giving false evidence and suborning false witnesse and all forgery 2. Wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause outfacing and overbearing the truth 3. Credulity sinister suspitions rash belief a ready listning to tale-bearers receiving and countenancing ill reports that tend to the defaming of others misconstruing intentions words and actions and interpreting doubtful matters in the worst sense 4. Lying speaking untruth of any man a readinesse to speak ill and spread the faults of others when it does no way concern us nor is like to benefit others Slandering raising false rumours backbiting detracting talebearing whispering scoffing reviling rash harsh and partiall censuring and uncharitable judging 5. Speaking too highly or too meanly of our selves or others 6. Undue silence when we ought and may defend the innocency of our neighbour The tenth Commandment requires purity and integrity of thoughts desires and wishes contentment with our own estate and condition and the portion God hath given us and a right charitable well-wishing frame of spirit towards our neighbour and all that is his The sins against this Commandment are 1. Discontent with our own estate 2. Having and harbouring in our minds
evil fancies roving and ranging lusts and covetings of that which is our neighbours arising from our corrupted natures and accompanied with delight and pleasure though our wils do not consent to the accomplishing of them Before in the other Commandments the deed was condemned that was hurtful and injurious to our neighbour as also the setled will and resolved determination to act it but here evil thoughts and stirrings in the soul the first bublings of concupiscence the very desire and lust and loose hankering after any thing that is our neighbours is forbidden though there be no full consent given thereto 3. Envying and grieving at the good of our neighbour and rejoycing at his sufferings 4. All inordinate motions affections and desires of heart after any thing that is his 5. Not endeavouring to suppresse evil thoughts and the first motions to sin but favouring and entertaining them rouling them with delight in our minds not labouring to keep our hearts with all diligence and to subdue lust and concupiscence which is the root and fountain of all sin and wickednesse The sins against the Gospel are reducible to these two Heads Unbelief Impenitency Unbelief hath several degrees I. Not labouring to acquaint our selves with the History of the Gospel nor with the duties promises and priviledges thereof though it contains the best glad-tidings and of the greatest consequence to us that can be imagined II. Not assenting to it so firmly as we should but being apt to be carried about with every wind of Doctrine with any new erroneous phansie and so to have our minds corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ and to prove unsound in the Faith III. Not so loving esteeming and highly valuing of it as we should not sufficiently admiring that miracle of Divine bounty wherein the love of God was so wonderfully manifested towards us in sending his only begotten sonne into the world that we might live through him IV. Making light of Christ and undervaluing the great love of our blessed Redeemer treading under foot the Merits of the Sonne of Gâ—d and prophaning the blood of the Covenant and thereby labouring to render Christs passion of none effect not counting all things losse and dung in comparison of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord not counting him all in all not rejoycing and glorying in him and him crucified by whom alone we receive atonement not esteeming his favour and loving kindnesse better than life it self V. Not living by Faith in all estates and conditions not embracing the promises of the Gospel with so much readinesse and adhering to them with so much stedfastnesse as the excellency and certainty of them does require not improving nor applying this rich treasure of Gospel-promises unto the various occasions of this temporal life not looking upon them as our Heritage and esteeming them the joy of our hearts VI. Being apt to rely on our own righteousnesse our own services or Graces and thereby endeavouring as much as in us lies to deprive Christ of his Saviourship VII Not owning Christ in all his offices not being willing to accept of him as well for our Lord as our Saviour for our Prophet to guide us as well as for our Priest to make atonement for us not being willing to be obedient to his Lawes and Precepts to be sanctified by his Grace and holy Spirit as well as to be saved by his merits this heart of unbelief does prove many times a root of apostacy and departure from the living God The second sin against the Gospel is Impenitency which hath several degrees also I. When notwithstanding God hath in some measure discovered to us our miserable and lost condition by reason of the Covenant of works which admitted of no repentance we have not yet humbled our selves in any proportion to the multitude and greatnesse of our sins though the Gospel and Covenant of Grace call us to it and require it of us as that without which we are not to expect pardon II. Not being inquisitive after our sins nor endeavouring to examine and find out our particular failings but rather to hide and excuse them III. Not being humbled and grieved for them considering the great injustice folly unkindnesse we have expressed by them IV. Not resolving and striving against them not improving advantages for the avoiding and subduing of them V. Refusing to repent though God vouchsafe time and means hardning the heart by a custome and delight in sin being prone to maintain justifie or extenuate sin And thus much of the sins against the Law and against the Gospel Upon these Heads not only sick persons but such as are in health also should examine themselves when they intend more solemnly to humble their soules before the Lord. And they may have further helps herein from Dr Wilkins's discourse concerning the gift of prayer When sick persons therefore have advanced thus far let them then in the next place ask themselves Thirdly Whether they do indeed rightly understand and firmly believe the history of the Gospel who Christ was what manner of person what were his Offices what he did and suffered for what ends and purposes he came into the world Whether they understand that he came not only to save and deliver from Hell and everlasting punishment but also to destroy sin undo the works of the Devil to crucifie and subdue our lusts mortifie our earthly members turn us from darkness to light to illuminate our mind to give repentance to work Faith to make us alive to God to enable us to serve him in righteousness and holinesse to recover Gods interest in us and to bring us back to him again And let them consider how their hearts have been affected with these things Fourthly Whether they have and how long they have in truth and sincerity applied themselves to Christ to receive from him these great and glorious benefits namely to have their pardon procured by his Merits and intercession to have a supply of all Grace from him and their natures sanctified Whether they have sought to him as to a Physitian to heal their soules and rid them of their distempers Whether they have accepted him as their Prophet to guide them as their Lord and King to govern them as well as their Priest to make atonement for them Whether they do not believe in him and trust in him groundlessely and presumptuously as carnal people do only to be delivered and freed from Hell and wrath to come without yielding up their hearts in sincere obedience to him desiring unfeignedly to be guided and governed by his holy Spirit and to be sanctified by his Grace Fifthly Whether they have received power and strength from Christ by the effectuall operation of his holy Spirit to mortifie the old man the old Adamical nature to crucifie the flesh with its affections and lusts to fight with and to subdue pride earthly-mindedness sensuality self-love malice envy and other vile affections so that they
are not under the dominion of sin but of grace Whether they have put on the new man and have a new nature wrought in them which consists in knowledge righteousnesse and true holiness Whoever is in Christ is a new creature old things are past away 2 Cor. 5.17 And whoever has not the Spirit of Christ is none of his Rom. 8.9 They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit V. 5. To be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace V. 6. Let them consider therefore whether ever they found a powerful work of Grace upon their hearts whether the Spirit of Christ dwell in them whether his Law be written in their hearts whether his Glory be their end whether indeed they are alive unto God what strength they have for active and passive duties whether the Word be their delight whether they pray fervently delight in communion with God in his waies and Worship whether they obey him sincerely and walk humbly before him whether they bear afflictions patiently suffer reproaches joyfully Sixthly Whether they have for any considerable time made Religion the great businesse of their lives apprehending the chief happinesse of man to consist in reconciliation with God pardon of sin in a gracious frame of heart in communion with God and a faithful serving of him whether they have set their affections on things above have had their conversation in Heaven have pressed earnestly after the Glory of the other world have laid hold on eternal life have been treasuring up for eternity have improved their Talents for God have been serviceable to him in their generation If their Consciences upon a serious search can bear witnesse that through Grace it has been thus in some good measure with them then they have great reason to encourage their hearts in the Lord and to awaken all the powers of their soules to blesse his holy Name for working so gracious a frame of heart in them And let them still seek to the same fountain of Grace that he would please to perfect holinesse more and more in them till he bring them into the City of the living God the Heavenly Jerusalem to an innumerable company of Angels to the general Assembly and Church of the first-born to the spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediatour of the new Covenant Heb. 12.22 But if the case has not been thus in any considerable degree and measure with them but upon a serious search they find they have been ignorant and mistaken about or too negligent and carelesse of the great things that concern their salvation then let them bewail their sad condition and cry mightily to God to give them his holy Spirit to enlighten their minds to convince them throughly of their sins of the danger folly and pollution of them to give them a heart to repent in good earnest to bestow upon them a broken and a contrite Spirit to dissolve their stony hearts into that Godly sorrow which worketh repentance to salvation never to be repented of and which bringeth forth fruits meet for repentance to discover to them their great need of a Saviour to draw their soules effectually unto him that they may close with him sincerely and resolvedly for those ends and purposes for which he came into the world namely to procure our pardon by his Merits and to sanctifie our natures by his Grace and holy Spirit to mortifie our corruptions to deliver us from Satans power and to bring us back again unto God And for the better information of their minds in the things they should know and believe in order to their salvation and to direct their practise I must refer them to the three first Chapters of the first part of this Treatise and the second and third Chapters of the second part which I desire them heedfully to mind and ponder upon Besides these Directions already mentioned there are some others also very requisite for sick persons to mind and regard As I. They should settle their estates and worldly affairs if they have not already done it as in prudence they should in time of health so that their minds may be free and vacant for spiritual exercises and not disturbed with earthly cares and businesses And those that have estates let them not forget to be charitable and to dispose something to pious uses knowing that with such sacrifices offer'd in a right manner and to a right end God is well pleased II. If they remember any wrongs or acts of injustice they have done to their neighbours or those with whom they have had dealings let them make restitution or labour to give them satisfaction as they are able that the guilt of those sins remain not on their Consciences III. If they be at variance with any let them seek reconciliation and freely and heartily forgive those that have done them wrong remembring how much they stand in need of forgivenesse from God IV. Let them give good counsel to those about them and the friends that come to visit them and exhort them earnestly to mind the working out their salvation in time of health and not to set their hearts on this world on the pleasures or profits of it which will not avail them in the day of death Let them advise them now to live unto God now to lay a good foundation against the time to come The words of sick and dying persons use to be much heeded and remembred V. Let them in the intervals of sharper pains look over their life past and recollect Gods wonderful favours and blessings bestowed upon them to stir up their hearts to praise and magnifie his holy Name How many are there that if they would read over the history of their life past may find matter enough of praise and to provoke them to send up some such thankful ejaculations as these Blessed be the Lord in all my life time I never broke a bone never fell into the hands of robbers never into publick shame or noisom diseases I have not begg'd my bread God gave me a right shape of body the right use of my understanding careful and pious Parents good and bountiful friends a religious education delivered me in such and such a danger heard my prayers in such particular pressures of my spirit c. O what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me VI. Let them decline as much as they can the visits of vain and worldly persons who by their carnal and frothy discourses are like to disturb and hinder them in their preparations for death and those spiritual meditations and exercises they should be employ'd in Those that visit sick persons or attend about them should not talk to them as 't is too common of vain worldly needlesse businesses but of things that concern the welfare of their soules And to this Head I may
also refer this one thing more that at such a serious time no vain idle frothy books should be read to them or by them as is by many used to make them merry but such Treatises as may better them to God-ward and further them in the way to Heaven To meditate and seriously ponder on the four last things treated of in the next Chapter will not be unprofitable for them VII Let them consult with and take the advice of their spiritual guides while they have some strength of body and the right use of their understandings before their Spirits are so spent that there is no conversing with them VIII Let them consider Gods aim and design in sending sicknesse upon them Let them enquire into the meaning of it This Direction is usefull not only for such as are under sicknesse but under any other affliction and consider what God now cals them to let them hearken to the voice of the rod Let them consider what corruptions they are especially to mortifie what sins to leave what duties to perform what Graces to exercise And though they may and ought to use lawful means for the removing of their sicknesse seeking to the Lord for his blessing thereupon yet let them not forget to pray as earnestly to have their sicknesse sanctified as removed Blessed is the man whom thou correctest and teachest Psal 94.12 Afflictions alone are not enough to evidence a man to be blessed and in a happy condition except they prove teaching sanctifyed afflictions Evidences of Grace and the favour of God consist in inward impressions not outward dispensations 'T is not said Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest and deliverest out of trouble but whom thou corectest and teachest When God takes away the disease and does not take away the guilt and dominion of sin does not pardon and sanctifie the sick person 't is not a compleat deliverance but only a reprieval from present execution Bare deliverance is not the blessing thou shouldst desire The blessing of affliction is Divine Instruction Therefore those who are put by God into the School of affliction should seriously apply themselves to learn those lessons which in that School they ought to learn And they are such as these 1. Obediential submission to the will of God We must not dispute our Crosse but take it up Aaron held his peace Lev. 10.3 We may indeed and ought to seek unto the Lord and to use lawful means as I said before for deliverance from a sickness or other affliction but yet with resignation of our selves to his holy will Patience is not a stupidity or insensiblenesse of Gods hand but a calmnesse of mind upon wise and holy grounds And therefore if the sicknesse he sends upon us prove either very long or tedious and painful yet we must take heed of murmuring or repining or charging God foolishly For God is so just he is not to be question'd so good he is not to be suspected and so strong he is not to be resisted Impatience therefore will but augment our pain and encrease our guilt 'T is indeed a hard matter when we are afflicted in patience to possesse our souls But we should consider not so much what we feel as what we deserve Any thing on this side Hell is mercy and will so appear to a truly humbled soul 2. To pray more earnestly and fervently They that were wont before to content themselves with cold short slight sleepy formal devotions will by sanctified afflictions learn to pray better more heartily and fervently and to cry mightily unto God for pardon and Grace for help and relief 3. To be better acquainted with our own hearts Afflâ—ctions sanctified discover the unknown and secret corruptions of the heart Deut. 8.2 The Lord thy God led thee these fourty years in the wilderness to humble thee and to prove thee to know what was in thine heart 4. To understand these three things more clearly and experimentally 1 The evil and danger of sin 2 The emptinesse of the Creature 3. The preciousnesse of Christ and what a high value we ought to set upon his sufferings 5. To mind and esteem the promises of God more Through distractions without in time of health and corruptions within people many times neglect to study the promises of God But in time of sicknesse or other distress there are no cordials like unto them 6. To enquire into and examine our evidences for Heaven not to venture our soules on general ungrounded hopes and sinking foundations 7. To live by Faith Faith takes the soul off from creature-confidences and teaches it to stay it self on God alone The right course to obtain mercies from God is in the way of an humble trust When we see and apprehend our own insufficiency and Gods All-sufficiency and cast our selves on his wisdom power and goodness then he usually affords help and succour to us 8. To prize communion with God more and to be more Heavenly minded In the glaring of prosperity we are too apt to forget God and to content our selves with Creature-enjoyments But in the night of adversity and in sad dispensations Oh how delightful is a beam of his love and favour 9. To be more humble By afflictions God takes down the pride of the heart and makes it humble and soft and pliable to his will 10. To be more thankful for the mercies we enjoy We seldom are sufficiently sensible of the worth of our mercies till God begin to deprive us of them 11. To set a high value and price upon time Sicknesse cries aloud in our eares redeem time O redeem time for praying for meditating for clearing our evidences for Heaven c. How many are there who when their time is almost done have their great work then to begin O in what a sad condition are they These and such like lessons should be learned in the School of affliction But now they whom God shall please to bring forth out of their troubles to deliver from their sicknesse and renew the lease of their lives should be exhorted to these five things 1. Let them consider what they have learned in the School of affliction What the Spirit of God hath taught them If they find they have learned in some measure those lessons before-mentioned then let them study to be thankful Let them consider God hath done more for them thâ—n if he had never brought them into affliction He hath given them deliverance and instruction both He hath turned their water into wine 2. Let them take heed of forgetting the lessons they have learned Let them labour to keep alive the teachings of Gods Spirit upon their hearts Let them study to maintain that sweet gracious humble frame of spiâ—it into which God brought them by their afflictions If they be not exceeding watchful they will quickly find a great deal of difference between their hearts under afflictions and when the affliction is taken off There is much of a Pharaoh-like
into their Masters joy As the tree falleth so it lieth There is no change to be wrought in man within those flames no purgation of his sins no sanctification of his Nature no justification of his person and therefore no salvation for him Without the mediation of Christ no man shall ever enter into Heaven And when he hath delivered up the Kingdom unto God even the Father then shall the office of the Mediator cease The condition then of the damned is unalterable their condemnation irreversible their torments remediless their miseries eternal See Mr. Manton's excellâ—nt Comment on Jude p. 430. The Reasons hereof are conceived by Divines to be these 1. Because of the greatnesse of the Majesty against whom they have sinned We are finite creatures and so not fit to judge of the nature of an offence against an infinite God The Law-giver best knowes the merit of sin which is the transgression of his Law 2. With man offences of a quick execution are judged to deserve a long punishment and the continuance of the penalty is not measured by the continuance of the Act of sinning therefore no wonder if it be so with God 3. The damned sinned here as long as they could if they had to eternity been allowed to live they would have improved it altogether in sin They would have dallied with God longer grieved his Spirit longer had they lived longer yea dispositively and in respect of their inclinations did so In Hell the desire of sinning is not extinguished nor mortified The damned have not their hearts there changed 4. They despised an eternal happinesse therefore do justly suffer an eternal torment 5. Their obligations to God are infinite and their punishment ariseth according to the greatnesse of their obligations against which they sin'd As the damned therefore shall not be taken from their punishment by annihilation or destruction of their persons so their punishment shall not be taken off from them by any compassion shewed unto them III. We come to consider the dreadfulnesse of the infernal torments Hell is set forth unto us in the Scriptures under sundry dreadful notions viz. By the worm that never dieth and the fire that never goeth out by a lake of fire and brimstone by outer darkness and blackness of darknesse for ever That which is most intelligible concerning the woful state of the damned I conceive may be reduced to these four Heads 1. They shall be tormented with the pain of losse in being for ever banished from the presence of God and the joyes of Heaven 2 Thes 2.9 Being punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power 2. With the pain of sense inflicted on them by the wrath of God which abideth on them represented to us by a lake of fire In this life if his anger be but kindled a little and a spark of it fly into the Conscience the poor creature is at his wits end But how dreadful will their portion be against whom he stirreth up his fierce wrath Who knowes the power of his anger Ps 90.11 We that cannot endure the gripes of the Cholick the paines of the stone or a violent tooth-ach how can we think of enduring the paines and torments of Hell 3. They shall be tormented with the worm of Conscience that is with a cutting reflexion upon and remembrance of their former enjoyments and by past pleasures Luke 16 2â— Son remember thou in thy life time hadst thy good things or when Conscience shall repeat over the passages of their lives past and set before them their precious time wasted and mispent opportunities of Grace sleighted the folly of their own choice their turning their backs upon eternal life offered in the Gospel their grosse neglect of their souls their eager pursuit of sensual satisfactions their disregarding admonitions stifling convictions quenching the motions of the Spirit of God hating to be reformed O these will be sad woful sad remembrances The scourges of Conscience we meet with here are too great a price for the short pleasure of a brutish lust O then what a raging pain will such reflections as these cause hereafter What will they do that are tormented day and night for ever and ever 4. As they will have a sharp sense and feeling of their present woful state and a bitter discontent and vexation that by their own folly they brought it upon themselves so they will be tormented with despair of ever coming out of it They will see they must continue for ever in this remediless condition under an everlasting pain of loss because there is no hope of Heaven under an eternal pain of sense because there is no meanes to appease the wrath of God which abideth on them And this despair of ever coming out is the very Hell of Hells O wo and alas 't is for ever for ever they must be tormented Drexellius a learned Authour writing upon this Argument hath this awakening passage If God saith he should speak thus to a damned soul let the whole world be filled with sand from the earth to the Empyrean Heaven and then let an Angel come every thousand year and fetch only one grain from that mighty sandy mountain and when that immeasurable heap is so spent and so many thousand years expired I will deliver thee out of Hell and those extream torments That most miserable forlorn wretch notwithstanding that he were to lie through that unconceiveable length of time in those intollerable hellish torments yet upon such a promise would infinitely rejoyce and deem himself not to be damned But alas when all those years are gone there are thousands upon thousands more to be endured even through all Eternity O sad and woful condition O Eternity Eternity Eternity This word ever breaks the heart O Lord to depart from thee for ever to lose the sight and fruition of thy pleased countenance to be hurled down among devils and damned fiends into a lake of fire and brimstone to be alwaies burning yet never consumed ever dying yet never dissolv'd alwaies gnawed upon by the worm of Conscience yet never devoured alwaies gnashing the teeth weeping howling vexing without any glimpse of hope or one drop of comfort What heart can think on these things without splitting in pieces O Lord whatever thou deniest me for this life whatever shall be my lot and portion here yet deny me not I humbly beseech thee the effectual assistance of thy Grace to enable me to work out my salvation to enable me unfeignedly to repent of all my sins and forsake them and to give up my soul to Christ Jesus for pardon and life that by him I may be justified and sanctified and saved from this dreadful wrath to come Even so let it be O Heavenly Father for thy rich mercy and my sweet Saviours merits sake I shall conclude this discourse of Hell with a few serious meditations Let us consider 1. How great how inexcusable
appear before the judgement seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in the body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad V. 11. Knowing the terrours of the Lord we perswade men 2 Pet. 3.10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the Heavens shall passe away with a great noise and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up V. 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy Conversation and Godlinesse V. 14. Wherefore beloved seeing that ye look for such things be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet Mat. 19.28 And Jesus said unto them verily I say unto you that ye which have followed me in the regeneration when the son of man shall sit in the Throne of his Glory ye also shall sit upon twelve Thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel Mat. 16.27 For the Son of man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels and then he shall reward every man according to his works Heb. 9.28 So Christ wâ—s once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation Mat. 25.31 When the son of man shall come in his Glory and all the holy Angels with him then shall he sit upon the Throne of his Glory V. 32. And before him shall be gathered all Nations and he shall separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats V. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left V. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world V. 35. For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in V. 36. Naked and ye clothed me I was sick and ye visited me I was in Prison and ye came unto me V. 41. Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye Cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels 6. What was the End and Intent of Christs Coming into the world The chief End and Intent of his Coming into the world was to save Lost and undone sinners to procure their pardon and reconciliation with God by his Merits to Sanctifie their Natures by his Holy Spirit and to bring them to â—verlasting Life And to this end he appointed his Ministers to preach the Gospel unto the world and instituted the two Sacraments Baptism and the Lords Supper to signifie and keep in remembrance the great and inestimable benefits of his Death and Sufferings Luke 19.10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners Mat. 1.21 And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgivenesse of sins according to the riches of his Grace Jer. 33.6 In his daies Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his Name whereby he shall be called the Lord our Righteousness 1 Cor. 15.3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of Reconciliation V. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousnesse of God in him John 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his name 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of our Faith even the salvation of our souls Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous Rom. 4.25 Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but quickned by the Spirit Heb. 7.23 And they truly were many Priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death V. 24. But this man because he continueth for ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood V. 27. Who needeth not daily as those high Priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeem'd us from the curse of the Law being made a Curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree Col. 1.14 In whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins V. 21. And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled V. 22. In the body of his flesh through death to present you unblameable and unreproveable in his sight Col. 2.14 Blotting out the hand writing of Ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his Cross V. 15. And having spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it Heb. 10.11 And every Priest standeth daily ministring and offering often times the same sacrifices which can never take away sins V. 12. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God V. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified V. 18. Now where remission of these is there is no more offering for sin V. 19. Having therefore Brethren boldnesse to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus V. 20. By a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh V. 21. And having an high Priest over the house of God V. 22. Let us draw neer with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our bodies washed with pure water To sanctifie their Natures 2 Thes 2.13 But we are bound to give thankes alwaies to God for you brethren beloved