11. 28. 31. Mat. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 16. Vse Now it is required of euery one that would receiue worthily and not eate and drinke damnation that hee discerne the Lords body that hee examine himselfe and iudge himselfe for his sinnes that he forgiue those that haue Psal 26. trespassed him and that he grow in loue to the fellowship of the Saints and in hatred of all assemblies of wicked Idolaters and prophane persons §. VII The answere of a good conscience I beleeue THe Answere of a good conscience 31 Of faith 1 Peâ— 3. 20. Ioh. 1. 1â— 12. Hab. 2. 5. Ioh. 17. 3. Rom. 10. 10 is in this word I beleeue which is the receiuing euery one for himselfe of all and euery one of these truths into our mindes to know them and into our hearts to assent to cleaue to and rest vpon them for our iustification and eternall saluâ—tion and into our mouthes to confesse and professe them and into our whole man to liue the rest of our life in the power of them so that Gal. 2. 20. we may liâ—e by the faith of the Son of God who loued vs and gaue himselfe for vs. Such is the substance of our faith The pathes of holy life which guide men as they are Christians all their daies and euery particular day follow THE SECOND PART §. I. The order THey that thus beleeue Agendâ—s this matchlesse loue of God and his exceeding kindenesse to them in Iesus Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Pâ—al 119. 9 Christ haue the loue of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost which will constraine them â—o liue not to themselues but to him that dyed for them and rose againe The rule of such a life is Gods holy word which in our language containeth Gods will concerning vs. Wherefore it is to bee diligently attended that wee may learne what this life beseeming the Gospell and a Christian redeemed at so great a price may be and vnderstanding what the will of the Lord is it is necessary that we order our conuersation aright an heart to which worke the Lord without doubt doth giue to as many as shall see his saluation Psal 50. 23 Col. 1. 10. Pro. 10. 9. 14 8 Gal 6. 16 Psal 84. 11. If we shall thus doe wee shall walke in all pleasing wee shall walke vprightly and therefore surely we shall vnderstand our way the wisedome of a prudent man mâ—rcy also shall bee vpon vs and peace neither will the Lord with-hold any thing that is good for the Lord himselfe is the sunne and shield hee will giue grace here and glory hereafter and no good 〈◊〉 will he with-hold from tâ—em thaâ— walke vprightly Vp then and be doing and 〈…〉 e Lord will â—e with thâ—e But thou wiâ—â—â—sâ—y what should I doeâ— fâ—râ—th direction I presâ—nt thâ—e our of Gods word an Abstract of speciall precepts for the right ordering of thy conuersation wherein I desire not like an hand to point it out to others but as a fellow-traueller towards heauen resâ—â—lue by Gods grace to be thy companion to tread witâ— a right foot in the way of life Come then let Esa 2. 3. vs ioyntly walke in his pathes and he will teach vs of his waies The precepts of holy life not restrained to a daily direction are first general which concern 1. The qualifying of our persons who would liue holily 2. The helpes of an holy life 3. The manner of wel-doing secondly particular which order vs towards God other men our selues First the person ought to be rightly qualified we being all by nature a serpentine generation that will bite by the heele him that passeth on this way and a swift Dromedary trauersing the waies that lead to the chambers of death but not that broode of trauellers the generation Psal 24. 6. of them that seeke the face of the God of Iacob §. II Of the qualifying of the person that would lead a godly life 1. VVHosoeuer would 1 The person qualified to walke in an holy life liue and that well must be sure that hee breake off his former sinnes by vnsaigned repentance and become a new man and must looke to his faith both to be assured of his reconciliatio â—ith God through Iesus Christ and by beleeuing to draw forth vertue and grace from him to enable him to walke in the way of life for the uncleane cannot walke in this way Esa 35. 8. 9 it is called holy but it is prepared for those that beleeue and repent and these way-faring men Eph. 2. 2. Rom. 8. 8. 9. Gal 2 10. Ioh. 15 5. though fooles shall not erre therein till this also euery man is dead in trespasses and sinnes and walkes in the flesh and therefore cannot please God It is faith by which we liue or rather Christ liueth in vs now without him wee can doe nothing but if wee abide in him and he in vs we shall bring forth much fruit Weâ— are in our naturall estate Lepers shut without the Campe and to rush into these walkes of new obedience not cleansed from this contagious leprosie is to pollute and defile all wee touch or haue to deale with The true cause why many that haue entred on the profession and practise of holy duties haue made no happy progresse and why some after long time haue fearefully fallen backe is no other then this they neuer laid a good foundation or made a good entrance by sound mortification That it may not thus fare with vs lâ—t vs know and practise what God requires of vs that wee might breake downe the power of our former sinnes and gaine some câ—mfortable assurance of Gods loue in Iesus Christ in the pardon of them and so you must 1 Examine and try thy waies and turne to the Lord not contented that thou hast heard say we are all sinners nâ—r bearing thy selfe vpon that knowleâ—ge of thy sinnes which thou canst gaine by measuring thy selfe by thy selfe lest selfe-loue and a deceitfull heart doe beguile thee But the duâ—y required is to search and try thy sâ—lfe by the word of God and thence to take a true surucy of thy naturall filthinesse by sinne and that thou maist lay it deepely to heart take a rowle or bill of such offences against each Commandement as thou canst directly accuse thy selfe withall and learne to gage thine owne heart by that perfect law and because wee are by nature ready to make a mocke Pro. 14. 9. of sinne such is our spirituall folly therefore to know the heynous and odious nature of sinne in Gods sight weigh what it is 1 By the law which sheweth thee it is the offence of an holy and infinite iustice and mâ—iesty and the breaking of a law which thine owne heart approueth as spirituall holy iust and good it is Rom 7. 12 such an euill as separates betwixt God and thee it deserues for its wages death of body of soule
him § 5. To worship him § 6. To serue him With our persons where Generall Rules of preparation and execution of all outward worship § 7. The perticuler precepts that guide in the vse of seuerall ordinances Of hearing the word read and preach § 8. Of receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs body and blood § 9. Of Baptisme § 10. Of Prayer § 11 Of Feasting and solemne thankesgiuing § 12. Of Fasting § 13. Of Singing of Psalmes § 14. Of Reading or meditation § 15. Of Vowes and swearing § 16. Of Seruing God with our good § 17. Of Keeping the Lords day where are discussed The authority and The duties of the day § 18. To men and these looke To all men for iustice and mercy For iustice in The right disposition of the heart towards them § 19. The frame of the Conuersation § 20. The gouernment of the tongue more specially § 21. The innocency of the hand § 22 For mercy § 23. To some men as the godly and the wicked where The loue of the godly § 24. Our Carriage to the godly in particuler cases § 25. The wisedome of our behauiour towards the wicked § 26. To our selues teaching how to abide with God In our callings § 27. In our Christian profession § 28. In the changes of life as In our wealth In afflictions generally considered In pouerty In sicknesse In persecutions § 29 In our death teaching The cure of diseases The care of necessary duties § 30. Thus of the precepts which ly in common for all times The precepts for the passing of euery day § 31. THE PATHES OF HOLY LIFE THAT GVIDE CHRISTIANS IN SVCH A CONDITION Where The order and vse hereof § 1. The speciall rules which concerne The more eminent relations Of Magistrate and Subiect The Magistrate both The supreme and gouernors sent of him The subiect in generall The Courtyer The Ambassador The Counsellor of state § 2. Of the Husband and wife § 3. Of Parents and chiidren § 4. Of Masters and Seruant § 5. Of Pastor and flocke § 6. Rules for the more priuate estate as Of Neighborhood § 7. Of Friendship § 8. Of Enmity § 9. Rules for those of meere priuacy as Of the aged § 10. Of the youth § 11. Of the Virgin and widdow § 12. THE PREFACE shewing the occasion order and vse of this Treatise CAsting in my The Holy dayes in the yeeres 1625. and 1626. thoghts which way I might most profitably spend this time of Assembling our selues together on those dayes set apart by our Church both for the discharge of my duty and for your edification it came into my minde to vndertake the exposition of the Scriptures but then the Lord directed my heart to resolue first to propose briefly the sum of fayth and holy life which might be both as a key to open the doore of true exposition for prophesie ought to be according to the Analogie of fayth and also a rule which you might haue alway by you nay with you according to which you might walke that peace might bee vpon you and mercy though I should noâ— accomplish among you my former intended taske We will then the good hand of our God being vpon vs proceed in this order viz. Giue 1. The summâ— of fayth 2. The pathes of holy life that guide men As they are Christians which pathes as they are Christians in such a condition lie in common for all times are applied in peculiar for the passing of euery day of relation to other as Magistrate Subiect Pastor Flocke Husbnad and wife Parent and childâ— Master and seruant Of priuate state as Neighbour friend foâ— the aged the youth the single person both maid and widow Out of these euery one may and must take to so many as may serue his owne condition and so haue before him Gods will concerning him which will we are all bound to know Ephes 4. 16. And without which we can neuer order our conuersation aright and therfore haue not the promise to see the saluation of God Psal 50. 23. This setting an order in fayth and life is the onely way to walke as wise and vnderstanding Christians to walke vprightly and so surely to walke worthy the Lord in all pleasing to liue profitably and so comfortably Which while people are called vpon to doe by the Ministers yet it is left vndone by the hearers or set vpon with little heart and oft times with lesse profit euen for want of direction You Beloued God assisting shall haue it drawen out to your hands that you may euery one come to this garden and gather so many flowers as may make vp your posie suteable to your seuerall smells yea plant your heades and heartes with them and thereby refresh your spirits and keepe in you the good sauâ—ur and sweet sent of a well-watered Garden where your beloued may take his pleasure THE FIRST PART §. 1. THe summe of faith or what it is in the profession whereof we are to liue dye respecteth the Articles the seales of Gods couenant The Articles are briefly comprized in the Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed where we consider 1 The substance of Christian doctrine which concerneth God the Father in the 1. Article God the Sonne in the 6. following God the holy Ghost in the 8. The Church in her qualities the 9. in her prerogatiues in this life the 10. in the life to come the 11. and 12. 2 The answere of a good conscience to all that God reuealeth and promiseth in the word I beleeue which is carried to euery parcell of the Creed The seales of this couenant are two Baptisme The Supper of the Lord. For the substance of Christian â—1 doctrine to be beleeued as euer we would be saued and for which faith we must lay downe our liues if God call for it I will lay it downe in words of Scripture according to the order and meaning of the Articles saue that these Articles presuppose we haue receiued the Bible for the word of God as being an abridgement of faith giuen to beleeuers not to Infidels Wee must see there what God commandeth we should blâ—eue and hold concerning the Scripture out of which the Creed was taken then what of himselfe and of his Church Credenda God commandeth that I and euery one doe beleeue in our hearts and professe with our mouthes and be ready to seale it with our dearest bloud That all Scripture is by inspiration 1 Of the Scriptures 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Their authority or the imbreathing of God namely the bookes of the old Testament as of Moses and the Prophets and the Bookes of the New Testament and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may 2 Pet. 1. 18. 19. 20. Vse be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes A more sure word for vs to take heed vnto then a voyce from heauen Further that no man
of both for euer in hell 2 By the Gospell which sheweth thee plainely that since Christ the Sonne of God dyed for all then were all dead sinne could neuer bee pardoned and God reconciled with thee a sinner in the least offence had not Christ his Sonne as thy surety become a curse for thee 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15. 3 By all other mercies of God to thee in soule and body against which they haue beene committed with many of which by thee abused they haue beene acted 4 By the curse it hath brought on the whole world the earth seas visible heauens and all their hosts Rom. 8. 20. Gen. 3. 17. Deut. 28. 23. 24. In taking thus the notice of thy sinnes bee aduised with chiefest heed to bring to light the sinnes whereto by nature thou art more addicted and haue still in thine eye some of thy notorious fals with the circumstances to aggrauate them Thou shalt not faile to make a true discouery of thy sin-guiltines if thou proceed in this order First withdrawing thy selfe in secret set thy heart and wayes in Gods presence and say what Ier. 8. 6. haue I done Aske the Question What is it I haue done all my daies which if I lay on my death bed and were summoned to the barre of Christs tribunall would strike me with terror if it were not forgiuen Let conscience now speake be still and take the Answer without hiding diminishing translating or excusing for hast thou not to deale with God spare not one no not the sin of thy bosome but in sincerity as before the Lord deale truly keepe them in memory or rather note them if thou canst then secondly take the 10. Commandements and by the help of some that haue gathered the sins against euery commandement marke out thine offences which the former way did not yet discouer Thus shalt thou see thy transgressions and this done thou hast stepped one good step towards repentance which step is required of all that wil repent as absolutely necessary and hath the promise Lam. 3. 40. Ioh. 11. 13. Gal. 6. 3. Ier. 8. 6. 2. Confesse them before God with all opennesse of heart in the best words thou hast and beseech him to giue thee words who hath commanded thee to take vnto thee words Hos 14. 2. 1 Ioh. 1. 7 9 Pâ—al 32. 3. 4. 5. 3 This doe till thou attaine Godly sorrow and thy heart be broken and contrite a sacrifice which God will neuer despise Psal 51. 17. the measure of thy sorrow is right iâ— it be such as thou hast or coldest vse for worldly crosses Zech. 12. 10. 11. 12. but thy heart will neuer melt within thee till thou â—ring thy selâ—e to looke vpon Christ the sonne of God pierced on the Crosse by thy sinnes and wounded for thy transgressions this sight will pricke thee to the heart and the beholding of such matchlesse loue will not off without the teares of loue Now this sorrow is that which causeth repentance neuer to be repented of 2 Cor. 7. 11. and hath the promise Mat. 5. 5. Esa 61. 3. Zech. 13. 1. Ier. 31. 18. 19. 20. 4 Then apply the promises to thy selfe both that in Ioh. 3. 16 and those speciall promises before mencioned Happy is that man to whom any one word from God is a word of comfort but by all the former promises those that examine confesse and mourne ouer their sins are proued Blessed for Christ dyed for them all their sins are fâ—rgiuen and their vnrighteousnesse shall be clensed Pray you ouer these promises that God would by his spirit giue thee a beleeuing heart and them a quickening vertue to put life into thee Let nothing shoulder out this worke Doit and that throughly that thou maiest see the power of thy sins abated and thy heart refreshed in the assurance of Gods loue before thou meddle with the following rules else all thy labour wil beto no end The same way let all those take that haue lost themselues and their vprightnesse or God and his fauor by heedlesse walking or presumptuous sinnes the like be spoken to all that yet haue set no order in their liues though they haue of a long time beene offering and essaying in matters of religion and to those no lesse that yet haue not the assurance of the pardon of their sinnes If thou hast done it or when thou hast then addresse thy selfe to the precepts following which precepts concerne the helpes to an holy life §. III. Of the helpes of an holy life 2 The gates of righteousnesse THere are certaine helpes to an holy life which are as the very Gates and doores of righteousnesse they lead or open fully vpon the way euerlasting come and see make entrance and know it these are they 1 To redeeme the time a precious 1 Redemption of time commodity esteemed so by the wise marchant Ephes 5. 16. sometimes thou must buy it out 1 Cor. 7 35 2 Tim. 2 4. from thy sinful works euer more from thy recreations and pleasurable works most an end and from the workes of thy calling both abstaining from the thingâ— that may intangle and interrupt thee and settling and ordering so thy outward estate that som time be gained for the seruice of God sometimes thou must exchange Neuer seeke to sell it time with thy worldly imployments as the occasions of prospering thy spirituall estate are â—ff red desiring to know obserue and serue the seasons of Esa 55. 6. Amos 5. 14 grace and the opportunities of weldoing sometimes thou must contract with the present time for recouery of lost time that is past alwaies thou must vse it well and fill it with profitable imployment Pro. 6. 6. this is to seeke good this is to haste to righteousnesse This is to prouide for a winter this is to prepare to serue the Lord without distraction All ye of this last age heare this for the dayes are euill 2 To learne the knowledge of 2 The knowledge of the holy Eph. 5. 15. 17. Pro. 10. 14 Iob 11. 12. Esa 1. 3. the holy to vnderstand what the will of the Lord is concerning him Ephes 5. 17. This euery man must haue lay vp if he would walke as a wise man else aâ— he is borne like the wilde asse colt So he may become more bruitish then oxe or asse that thou maist thriue in knowledge how to do well thou must 1 Search the Scriptures daily musing and meditating vpon them Psal 1. 2. that they may dwell richly in thee Col. 3. 16. Which word alone giueth light to our feet Esa 8. 20. Psal 119. Life to our dead hâ—rts and power to assist vs to walke 2 Be swift to heare Iam. 1. 19. not neglecting opportunities nor carelesse in the duety while thou attendest on the publike ministery especially on the Lords day the day which God hath Hallowed to thy good thy market-day for thy soule 3 In both be wise for thy selfe Pro. 9. 12.
offer vp soule and body to God a whole burnt offering and yeeld thy selfe vnto him as one aliue from the dead and thy members weapons of righteousnesse to holinesse consecrating thy selfe as a couenant seruant to righteousnesse euen as euer thou didst or any man doth yeeld himselfe and his members as â—eruants to vncleannesse and to inquity vnto iniquity so shalt thou haue thy fruit vnto holinesse Rom. 12. 1. and 6. 13. 19. 22. In speciall Looke you doe all 1 With vprightnesse Psal 18. 22. Euen with a perfect heart 1 Chro. 28. 9. which is expressed 1 In the sincerity and truth of the heart this is that vnleauened bread wherewith we must all our daies keepe our Christian Passeouer 1 Cor. 5. 8. The contrary to this is hypocrisie and guile of spirit when men aduance a profession of religion for 〈…〉 nall ends that they might seeme onely but God hates a powerlesse shew let thy holinesse bee holinesse of truth Ephes 4. 24. 2 In giuing the whole of the heart without diuision entirely cleauing to all the workes of righteousnesse without halting without expostulating 3 In doing all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10. 31. 4 In vniuersall obedience To all Gods commandements not putting any of his statutes from vs nor hiding our eyes from them Say not in the words of Lot is it not a little one nor in the words of Naaman the Syrian onely in this the Lord be mercifull vnto mee but without ifs and ands reseruations and exceptions giue thy selfe with Dauid to doe all the wils of God and resolue Act. 3. 22. vpon the forsaking of all sinne At all times in aduersity as well as prosperity In all places obeying absent from their Ministers as well as present In euery company as well as in any company Phil. 2. 12. 2 With ioy and cheerefulnesse accounting ourselues happy when the Lord openeth a dore and giueth any strength for holy duties louing to be his seruants Esa 56. 6. Lex voluntarios quaerit Ambros in Psal 1. Gods people are all voluntaries they cast off those foule vices of procrastination and security 3 With feruency not slothfull in businesse but glowing in spirit seruing the Lord Rom. 12. 11. doing all we put our hands vnto with all our might Eccles 9. 10. with all diligence 2 Cor. 8. 7. We must be all zealots for cursed is hee that doth the Lords worke negligently Ier. 48. 10. 4 With feare 1 Pet. 1. 17. Blessed is the man that feareth alway Pro. 28. 14. There is a feare to be expressed in all parts of holy life and it is that reuerence tendernesse modesty and carefulnesse should be in all our waies fearing Gods presence who should be euer set before vs beâ—ring reuerence to the Angels to Gods Ministâ—rs fearing our deceitfull hearts and the offâ—nce of the godly the infection of the wicked and the ruine of those whom we might helpe fearing lest the day of Christ should come vpon vs before we are prepared and thus working out our saluation with feare and trembling all wretchlesnesse rudenesse rashnesse precipitation conceitednesse and pride laid aside with all hardning of the heart in euil no no feare and depart from euill 5 With faith for what so is not of faith is sinne Rom. 14. This takes Gods will for the warrant of our actions raiseth vp the heart to beleeue Gods assistance trusts God for the succeâ—â—e rests on the promise for acceptation makes vs neglect the scornes and oppositions of the world keepes vs from being iust ouermuch conceiting too highly of our selues for what wee doe or wicked ouer much in thinking too vilely of Gods worke in vs Eccles 7. This cuts off all carnall feares as the feare of men and the superstitious feare of Gods displeasure for breaking mens traditions or the commandements of our owne hearts 6 With simplicity and godly purenesse 2 Cor. 1. 12. 11. 3. expressed in these things 1 A faithfull retaining of the pure word of God without mixtures looking onely thereto for the formes of holinesse and happinesse no way lending eare to false teachers that would impose more vpon vs then God requires as doe the Papists 2 An ignorance of the depths of Sathan simple concerning euill Rom. 16. 19. not skilled in wily distinctions excuses to maintaine sinne 3 Godly integrity opposed to fleshly wisedome and fraud which is when in plainenesse of heart wee desire to doe what God requires though it bee neuer so much derided in the world Ambros in locum without man-pleasing or respect to our owne lucre 4 The loue of holinesse for it selfe and the hatred of sinne as it is sinne 5 The desire to be what euer wee are in the sight of God making Caluin in locum his allowance our glory 7 Precisenesse circumspectnesse accuratenesse Eph. 5. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Making conscience of lesser sinnes as well as greater auoiding the appearance of euill and the occasions as well as the euill it self obseruing the circumstances of time â—â—ace and persons in doing duty 8 Meekenesse of wisedome Iam. 3. 13. which consisteth in these particulars 1 A calmenesse of heart from turbulent and violent passions out of which springs gentlenesse of carriage so thâ—t a man is not easily prouoked 2 A sense of our owne vilenesse which maketh vs not wise in our selues and to doe good in the deepe apprehension of our vnworthinesse to doe any seruice to God â—r man and to auoid bit 〈…〉 s 〈…〉 ifes and enuyings Iam. 3. 3 Easinessâ— to be intreated Iam. 3. 17. 4 Corrigiblenesse teachablenesse 9 A Conuersation in heauen which is so to be in the world as to let our hearts runne still vpon God and his kingdome and righteousnesse hauing God in all our thoughts and waies and directing all our actions some way to further our holinesse here and hope of happinesse to come Phil. 3. 20. Earthly men may haue earthly minds but heauenly mindednesse beseemes Christian men whose God Sauiour and happinesse is aboue 10 Patient continuance and perseuerance in wel-doing Abounding in good workes filled with the fruit of all righteousnesse Perfecting holinesse and hauing our works full before God Increasing so that our last workes may be better then our first Doing all without wearinesse Gal. 69. Without dismayednesse and faintings Heb. 12. 12. 13. Notwithstanding all impediments That so we may escape fearefull Apostacie both inward that our hearts cast not off the care of godlinesse the feare to offend nor restraine prayer Outward that we relapse not to the violent coâ—rses of the world nor liue in grosse sinne Both totall in falling from all godlinesse partiall in falling from some ordinances of God or to some transgressions Such are the generall precepts of an holy life §. V. Of our duty towards God and first of the knowledge of God NOw when thou art rightly qualified by faith and repentance and hast set foote within the gates of righteousnesse and art fully resolued
him doe not indure to spend thy time without God in the world this is done 1 By remembring him in thy waies and setting him euer before thine eyes walking before him as Abraham with him as Henoch and Noah did Gen. 17. 1. 2 By vsing thy selfe to soliloquies and meditations and to this end beseeching the Lord to open thine eyes that thou mightst see his glory in his word and works that thence thou mightst extract matter of frequent meditation 3 By seeking after him in the meanes wherein hee vseth to reueale himselfe familiarly vnto men for we know but in part and wee haue the promise that then we shall know if we follow on to know the Lord now these meanes are two 1. Gods Ordinances Hos 6. 3. 2. Houshold 1 Ioh. 1. 3. Hitherto of the knowledge of God the worship of God followes §. VI. Of the worship of God THe worship of God is either 2 To worship him inward or outward the inward is the life and soule of the outward the acts whereof no tyrannicall force can hinder no duâ—geon can intercept it is that whereby we come nearest vnto God and which is most acceptable to him who is a spirit That thou maist know how to set vp this worship of the true God in thy heart and spirit these rules direct 1 Thou must with full purpose of heart cleaue vnto the Lord placing all the affections of thy soule vpon him Act. 11. 23. Iosh 23. 8. and fâ—llow hard after God Psal 63. 8. by the helpe of these feet of thy soule 1 By beleeuing in him receiuing euery part of his word so as to feele the power of it in thine heart of the Commandements to incite thee of the threats to tâ—rrifie and humble thee of the promises to comfort thee the promises both of heauenly and of earthly things no comming to God but by this beleeuing Heb. 11. 6. 2 Chro. 20. 20. 2 By affiance and trust in God resting on him and making him our portion shewed 1 In committing our selues and our waies to him at all times Psal 37. 5. 10. 14. And in distresse 2 In rowling our cares and burdens on him Psal 55. 22. 3 In relying vpon his aide not Trusting to our owne hearts Pro. 3. 5. Hasting to ill meanes Esa 28. 16. Fretting at the prosperity of the wicked Psal 37. 1. But marke if thou wouldest haue God take the care of thee commit the keeping of thy soule to him in wel-doing and then is not hee the faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. 1â— 3 By hope in God which is a patient looking for the performance of good things to come which God hath promised and faith beleeued exprâ—ssed in a quiet and constant waiting vpon God encouraging the heart in him Lam. 3. 26. Psal 27. 14. Hos 12. 6. and then doe our soules waite when denying our selues wee resigne vp our selues keepe silence to him abide his leisure expect his saluation and the waies of escape which he shall offer without limiting tempting presuming or staying in second causes 4 By the loue of God aboue all testified in honouring him Mal. 1. 6. Longing after his presence both in his ordinances Ps 42. 1. glory to come 2 Cor. 5. 8 5 By delight in God Psal 37. 4. which hath in it 1 A sweetnesse in the meditation of his mercies and prouidence Psal 104. 34. 2 A ioyfull entertainement of all passages of his loue especially in the vse of his ordinances Cant. 1. 2. As being the very kisses of his mouth whose loue is better then wine 3 A spirituall replenishing and satiating arising from the sense of his loue and allowance in which the heart of the Christian resteth when all others disallow As a childe thinkes it enough if the father commends him cares not then for others dislike or cheeke Psal 63 5. 4 The extolling and commending of his praises and mighty acts by discourse and by singing of Psalmes Psal 105. 1. 2 5 A glorying in him 1 Cor. 1. 31. The height of this grace when the soule can climbe so high aboue all inferiour things and delights as to make her boast in the Lord all the day Psal 34. 1. 2. 6 By the feare of God which Timor Cuâ—tâ—s Culpae is two-fold 1 the feare reuerentiall whereby wee beare awfull regard to his name Deut. 28. 58. his iudgements and iustice Psal 90. 11. his goodnesse Hos 3. 5. his word Esa 66. 2. his mighty and meruailous acts Reu. 15. 3. 4. Ier. 5. 22. his maiesty in all his worship Psal 5 7. 2 the feare to offend Pro. 8. 13. 7 By humbling our soules Gen. 32. 1â— continually in his sight Mic. 6 8. as lesse then the least of all his mercieâ— and all the truth he sheweth to vs. 8 By powring out our hearts before him on all occasions Psal 62. 8. In prayers praises Confessions and complaints Psal 142 2. 9 By obeying him the soule euer yeelded vp to submissiue obedience to what he shall command 2 Thou must abhorre all Idols as being the images of iealousie Ezek. 8 5. and the abomination of Desolation oh neuer set them vp in head or heart 3 The affections of thy soule must bee placed on him onely and on no creature any otherwise then as thou seâ—st God in it and by it mayst be brought to cleaue to him the more be it father or mother brother or sister wife or childe 4 The affections of thy soule Deut. 6. 4. 5. must bee set on him in the full and vtmost vigor and force of them Thou must loue him with all thine heart with all thy soule with all thy might §. VII Of the seruice of God in generall HIthâ—rto of the inward worship 3 To serue him of God or how thou maist aright worship him for the inward affections of thy heart The outward worship may bee called the seruice of God and it is charged vpon thee in Deut. 10. 20. and in Mat. 4. 10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serue Now God is serued with thy person and goods first with thy person and for direction herein the Lord in his word hath laid downe certaine rules some generall which guide thee in all his seruice some speciall these pertaine to the seuerall parts of his seruice or to a special time of With our persons his seruice The generall are rules of Preparation Execution 1 For preparation the approach Where rules of preparation in all seruice to Gods holinesse needs particular addresses our hearts are naturally auerse from holy duties and require a speciall fitting and preparing when wee come to the ordinances of God Which is done when before all seruice of God whatsoeuer 1 Wee commune with our owne hearts and cast out the loue of all sinne washing our hands in innocency and preseruing our vprightnesse Psal 26. 6. 24. 4. 66. 18. Otherwise our solemne meetings our prayers all we doe
will be but a wearinesse to God such as hee cannot away with Esa 1. 13. God will not regard his seruice who will regard iniquity in his heart But if thus thou prepare thy heart thou shalt lift vp thy face before God Iob 11. 13. 14. 15. 2 We follow Dauids example before we take vp the duty say vnto thee O Lord doe I lift vp my soule For the corruption of nature which we alwaies beare about vs is as a weight pressing vs downe and doth easily beset vs with vnâ—hearefulnesse distractions security fashionablenesse and the like vnderminers of holy affections Psal 25. 1. Heb. 12. 1. And when before all seruice Especially in Gods house in the publique assemblies in Gods house 1 Wee looke to our timely comming to bee present with the first flying thither with hunger and thirst after the meanes and resolue on the continuance there till the blessing be put vpon vs by the Minister Gods people are a willing people in the day of assembling of his armies in holy beauty Psal 110. 3. Esa 60. 8. Num. 6. 23. 24. 25. Ezek. 46. 10. 2 We encourage and call on others to goe with speed to seeke the Lord prouoking them by our owne readinesse Zach. 8. 22. Esa 2. 2. Prophecies that fore told of the Christians praise herein In these two duties the shew is good though not to doe it for shew in both thou shouldest secretly grieue for the neglect and contempt of others Psal 119. 136. 3 We looke to our feet when we enter into the house of God that our soules be not lifted off from that reuerence we should beare to the Lords most holy presence either by distractions or by any pompous and stately shewes of pride in apparell or gate which doth take off the affections from the feare wherewith wee ought alwaies to serue the Lord yea and others affections too no looke to both thy feet Eccles 5. 1. And let the Lord see and all others too that thou art ready and commest for that purpose to offer an obedient heart and eare to God and not the fooles sacrifice euen a seruice which they thinke must please God though they obey him not yea must buy at Gods hands a liberty to disobey a pardon to liue as they lust 2 For the execution or right discharge of all duties of Rules of right execution seruice to God we must remember 1 To doe all to God onely Of all seruice Angell-worshippers hold not the heâ—d Mat. 4. 10. Col. 2. 18. 2 To doe all in the name of Christ seeing our daily fraâ—â—ties and the euill of our best workes and therfore relying on the merits and intercession of Christ to couer them and present them to God perfumed with the incense of his obedience Col. 3. 17. 3 To seeke the face of God and his strength resting in his approbation and taking heed wee doe not our seruice for the praise of men or for fashion-sake Psal 105. 4. Mat. 6. 1. 2. 4 To worship him with his owne worship according to the patterne receiued from God not according to the custome of the time or traditions of men Heb. 8. 5. 2 Chro. 17. 4. Mat. 15. 5 Not to worship him in an Image Commandement 2. This euill was noted to remaine in the time of Manassehs reformation the people did sacrifice still in the high places though to the Lord their God onely 2 Chro. 33. 17. Especially in his house And in discharge of all seruice to God in his house adde these rules to the former that thou mayest know how to behaue thy selfe in the house of God 1 Let all be done with one consent bee of one heart one mind one iudgement Zeph. 3. 11. saying The Lord will teach vs of his wayes and we will walke in his pathes with one mind and one mouth gloryfying God Rom. 15. 6. Esa 2. 2. 2 Let a speciall zeale and ferueÌ„cy of spirit fire thee as it were eate thee vp expressed not so much in shew of outward gesture as in loue to that place and the ordinaÌ„ces of God in the publike And an hearty ready performance of all duties there with more then ordinarie attention and intention of heart and mind bee there as a greene Oliue tree flourishing in the affections of godlines glorying in this mercy of God more then any worldly Doeg doeth in his wealth and flourishing in Kings fauors and courts Psal 69. 9. Psal 26. â— and 52. 8. 9. And further watching against all decayings of these ioyes in Gods Ordinances that we may be fat in our old age and well liking to shew that the Lord is vpright and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 13. 14. 15. These are the Rules of preparation and execution of Gods outward worship in the whole The seuerall partes are such as follow §. VIII The first the hearing of the word read and preached THe Precepts that guide vs Of hearing the word herein respect vs before in after hearing Before hearing 1 Wee must lay aside these sinnes malice guile or deceit in our dealings with men hypocrisies or guile of spirit in our dueties to God enuy and euil-speakings as backebiting iudging grudging complaining slandering with all bitternesse of speech yea all maliciousnesse and all guile as the Apostle Peter exhorteth 1. Pet. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 1. and the Apostle Iames more generally All filthinesse and superfluity of naughtinesse Iam. 1. 21. These corruptions of heart and life must bee mortified if euer we would thriue by the word and all of them for a little leauen will sowre the whole lumpe a small roote of them will much infect 2 Wee must seeke meekenesse and lowlinesse meekenesse to calme our hearts from waiwardnesse passions and perturbations and humility that wee be not wise in our owne eyes and conceited of our gifts or abilities but set our selues down like schollers at the feet of God to receiue of his words Iam. 1. 21. Deut. 33. 3. 1 Cor. 3. 18. 3 Wee must be like children in our affections to the word to loue it and long for it delight in it and haue our hearts set on iâ— as affectionately as children doe naturally thirst after the Brest 1 Pet. 2. 2. esteeming it as our appointed food as the honey or the honey combe Psal 19. 10. Iob 23. 12. renuing daily these our affections so shall we grow by it as by sincere milke 4 Prayer is required for our selues looking to the Lord that teacheth to profit Psa 25. 1 Cor. 3. 6. 7. Esâ— 48. 17. and for the Minister Col 4. 3. 5 Knowledge of the Catechisme that we vnderstand the doctrine of the beginnings of Christ without which we shall be euer but dull of hearing Heb. 5. 11. 12. with 6. 1. 6 Resolution to obey in all things that are spoken to vs of God Act. 10. 33. To heare all his words not putting any of his statutes from vs though contrary to our
doing some worke on that day then though the worke must be dâ—ne yet thou offendedst in thy negligâ—nt preparation Thou mâ—st so contriue thy worldly affaires that they trouble thee not with cares nor call thee to labour but on the other side remember so to laâ—our that the day before the Sabbath may haue lesse imploymâ—nt then any other so thy worldly affâ—yres shall no way incroach vpon the bounds of that day which the Lord hath 〈…〉 t aâ—art for himselfe nor breake into the Lords inclosure 3 To examine our selues for our sinnes especially those of the weeke repent washing euen our garments and drawing neare with the best holinesse we can get Gen. 35. 2 3. Psal 26. 6. Neh. 13. 22. We finde a fiue sold triall layed vpon the Christian He that would obserue this duety must keepe his Christian watch 1 Daily Psal 4. 2 Before the Communion 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 3 In time of humiliation publike or priuate when any heauie iudgement is sought to be remooued Lam 3. Zeph 2. 4 In the time of sicknesse when wee are summoned to leaue this world Esa 38. 5 Weekely before the Sabbath this here 4 To reforme all household iarres betweene husband and wife Parents and children Master and seruant for these hinder our prayers and Leauen our hearts and our Sacrifices Lev. 19. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 7. 1 Cor. 5. 8. Can God bee worshipped aright in his house when people liue not quietly dutifully and louingly in their houses Domesticall grieuances extend their infection to the pollution of Gods Sabbath Doe this thou dost prepare For the obseruation of the day when the Sabboth is come it must bee kept to this end there are charged vpon vs three duties first rest secondly the sanctification of the day thirdly the meanes of sanctifying the day 1 The first duty is that wee rest that day and so there is required a three-fold rest the rest of the body from workes of labour and worldly businesse in our particular callings and from workes of pleasures and recreations Esa 58. 13. the Lord saith that the Sabboth is then consecrated as holy when we neither doe our owne waies nor finde our owne pleasure nor speake our owne words vnder those words the finding our owne pleasure is condemned all recreations though they be honest and lawfull at other times vnlesse you call those onely recreations of which the Apostle Iames speaketh chap. 5. verse 13. If any be merry let him sing Psalmes To carry burdens and buy and sell on the Sabbath is to keepe the Sabbath of the men of Sabbathum Tyriorum Ashdod and Tyrus Neh. 13. 16. 20. 10. 31. God forbid it should bee heard of in Israel it would kindle an vnquenchable fire in our gates and deuoure our pallaces Ier. 17. 27. To rise vp to play and sit Sabbathum aureivituli downe to eate and drinke on that day were to keepe the Sabbath of the golden Calfe Exod. 32. 6. Obserua diem Sabbathi non carnaliter non iudaicis delicijs qui otio abutuntur ad nequitiam melius enim vtique tota die foderent quam tota die saltarent obserue the Sabbath day not carnally not with Iewish delights who abuse their leisure to naughtinesse for better it were no doubt they would digge the whole day then dance the whole day If you hold it vnfit to digge this holy Father S. Augustine holds it worse to dance that day The rest of the soule is required Sabbathum satanâ— from the workes of sinne which are euery way our owne workes Heb. 4. 10. and euery way seruile Esa 56. 2. Euill actions on this day are double iniquities such a Sabbath kept is a Sabbath for the Deuill The rest of cattell is required Sabbathum Boûm Asinorum that mercy may be shewed to the Beast and all occasions of mans labour may bee cut off for that day 2 The second duty is the keeping of the rest to sanctifie the day in workes of holinesse otherwise as bodily exercise profiteth little so bodily rest will profit as little What is rest enough is this a Sabbath or acceptable day to the Lord to goe fine and doe nothing Thine Oxe and Asse may keepe a Sabbath then as well as thou Diues himselfe could affoord that this precept should be morall Adde holinesse then to thy rest and rest that thou maiest be bound for the workes of sanctity but what are they They are the duties of piety and the workes of mercy The duties of piety are either publique or priuate the publique duties are these to heare and preach the Word with application to sing Psalmes to pray with the congregation catechising receiuing and administring of the Communion to be present at the administration of Baptisme and discipline this latter is a worke for the Sabboth though not for euery Sabboth The priuate duties haue either reference to the publique or are seuerally required those that haue reference to the publique are duties to be done before we come to the congregation or after Before wee come 1. wee ought to reade or heare the word read or to meditate on some part of it Blessed is the man in whose heart are thy wayes they goe from strength to strength euery one of them in Syon appeareth before God in thy walke to Gods house if thou wouldest be blessed Gods waies must be in thy heart 2. Wee must pray both for our selues and for the Minister for our selues our requests should be chiefly for these three things 1. for pardon of sinnes confessing and bewailing and laying aside malice guiles hypocrisies enuyings euill speakings and all superfluity of naughtinesse 1 Pet. 2. 1. 2. Iam. 1. 21. These sinnes will dis-sauour and dis-relish the milke of Gods word and keepe vs for feeling the sauing power and ability that is therein 2. For increase of grace 3. For Gods blessing on the meanes For our Minister our prayer should bee that hee may come to vs in the fulnesse of the blessing of the Gospell of Christ Ephes 6. 19. Rom. 15. 29. these duties before After the publique assemblies is required 1. examination of our selues and our charge for our selues that practise of Dauid must bee ours I thought on my waies and turned my feet vnto thy testimonies Psal 119. 59. For our charge we should whet the doctrine vpon their hearts and set an edge on the word deliuered by familiar conference Deut. 6. 7. True it is conference with others may be betweene teachers and hearers Mat. 15. 16. and betweene hearers whether equals as in Mal. 3. 16. or superiours and inferiours as the King and the Subiect 2 King 3. 11. and master and seruant 2. The searching of the Scripture vpon that wee haue heard not receiuing the doctrine of a Paul vpon trust Act. 17. 11. 1 Ioh. 4. 1. 1 Thes 5. 21 But prouing all thiâ—gs and holding â—ast that which is good especially good for vs 3. Pondring it in our hearts
as did the blessed Virgin and hiding it there for practise as did Dauid Psal 119. 11. 4. Prayer alone or with others Neh. 13. 22. These duties hâ—ue reference to the publique The duties seuerally required are foure first familiar conference of things pertaining to the kingdome of God not speaking our owne words that day Esa 58. 12. secondly the catechising of our families thirdly the singing of Psalmes Psal 92. 2. fourthly meditation on the word and the workes of God as vpon the workes of Creation of Redemption of Prouidence for his Church against the enemies therof Ps 92. of the riches of his house and the flourishing in righteousnesse of all that are planted in his coures Psal 92. the latter end this for piety The workes of mercy are eyther for the publique or the priuate In the publique are collections for the poore 1 Cor. 16. 1. In priuate mercy respecteth the temporall life as the workes abâ—ut sicke persons almes the meating of cattell the preseruation of things that otherwise would perish or it respecteth the spirituall life as to teach the ignorant reclaime the erronious admonish the backward exhort and perswade the delinquent rebuke the offender comfort the distressed giue counsell to them that need and seeke it and to reconcile them them that are at variance These are the workes of sanctity but when are they done in a Sabboth like manner I answere when they are done 1 With readinesse and delight louing to be his seruantâ— and to doe his worke vpon his day Esa 56. 6. 58. 13. calling the Sabboth a delight the holy of the Lord honourably without which God takes himselfe not honoured this delight is to bee expressed in the publique duties 1. by being there with the first Esa 2. 3. Ezek. 46. 10. 2. by auoyding all vnseemely gesture sleepinesse drowsinesse and all wandring thoughts 3. by waiting for the blessing to be put vpon vs by the Minister Numb 6. 23. 27. But chiefly see thou solace thy heart in the inward rest which is the Sabboth Sabbathum secretum of the true Israelite who worships God in spirit These call this day desiderium dierum the desire of dayes 2 With speciall obseruance not onely to the rest but also to the sanctification of the day that no duty be omitted nor the day any way prophaned tending our hearts and words 3 With sincerity obseruing it in our dwellings as well as in Gods house within our gates as well as within his doores Leu. 23. 3. spending the whole day morning and euening on Gods worke Psal 92. 2. Doing all with as much diligence and earnest labour for the meat which perisheth not as we doe on the weeke day for the meat which perisheth and as we looke our seruants should not serue vs an houre or two in the day or slightly 4 With beliefe that God will blesse that day and the duties thereof to the increase of grace Gen. 2. 2. Ezek. 20. 20. 46. 2. 5. resting on the promises he hath made in Esa 56. 5. 7. 58. 14. The third thing respects the meanes of sanctifying the Sabboth and so there is required 1 A place to assemble together Leuit. 19. 30. Psalm 132. 1. 2. 5. 2 Persons fit for the duties such as are able and apt to teach 1 Tim. 3. 2. For where vision faileth the people perish Pro. 29. 18. And prophecying or preaching that is giuing the sense and applying the word for instruction correction comfort and reproofe is the gift of the spirit that should be vsed in christian assemblies 1 Cor. 14. 3. 4. 5. 24. 28. What alterations haue beene for want of prophecying see in these places Iudg. 17. 7. 1 Sam. 14. 2 Chro. 15. 3. 2 King 17. 15. Therefore let vs be so farre from enuying the increase of their number and gifts that rather Moses wish be ours Would God all the Lords people could prophesie Numb 11. 19. 3 The maintenance of both the places and persons Thus we see what is charged on whom it is charged followeth 2 These duties are charged Thou thy sonne and thy daughter on all but chiefly on the Magistrates and Masters of families who must nor onely doe the duties of the Sabboth themselues but cause others to obserue them in respect of all outward conformity that none within their gates that is within their precincts iurisdiction power habitation or charge be suffered to violate the rest or prophane the day The example of Nehemiah is worthy imitation of all in authority of which you reade Neh. 13. 16. 19. where wee may see especially these two thiâ—gâ— that it belongs to all Gouernours of Families Townes Cities and Countries to prouide that the whole day be kept and all occasions as neere as may be of the prophaning of the day he cut off and that the preparation for the Sabbath bee not neglected much lesse then may any in place impose such harâ— labor and so extreame on the day before or the euening of the Sabboth as disableth for the duties of that day Againe that he offendeth exceedingly that hauing power reformeth not the abuses of this day Hitherto of our duty to God our duty to other men followeth §. XIX Of our duty to all men as it concernes the right dâ—sposition of the heart THe order of our conuersation Thy duty to man to God-ward hath beene shewed now wee come to lay line and lâ—uell to our hearts and liues that they may be ordered aright to man ward without which God himselâ—e râ—ckons of all duties of his seruice but as impâ—ety and vile hypocrisie saying of these duties we owe to man is not this to know me Ier. 22. 15. 16. And againe pure religion and vndefiled Iam 1. 27 before God and the Father is this Such is the absolute necessity of discharging these duties one to another that if your hearts deuoted to serue the Lord should frame this question wherewith shall I come before the Lord and how my selfe before the high God the Lord himselfe giueth this answere by his Prophet Micah Hee hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe iustly and to loue mercy Mâ—c 6. 6. 7. And here I beginne to set the Compasse and lay the Plummet for what euer wee owe to man is either carried to all men or to some certaine men considered as nearer to God Such are the regenerate renewed in Christ after the image of him that created thâ—m or as further off from God as wicked men that liue in their sinnes and serue sinne To all men vniuersally considered as men the duty we owe is comprized in this excellent speech Doe iustly and loue mercy In these two viz. Iustice and Mercy the Lord hath a bridged them and taught vs how to fadome them That thou maiest doe iustly To doe iustly and walke righteously towarâ—s all men two things are to bee heeded 1 The disposition of thy
heart towards men 2 The frame of thy conuersation with men Iustice would that thy heart In respect of the disposition of thy heart be thus disposed to all 1 To loue them naturally our hearts are void of this Philaâ—thropie or loue of man selfe-loue hath eaten out the loue of others yet this is a main ground of all holy conuersing with mâ—n How oft should that precept come to our mindes Thou shalâ— loue thy neighbour as thy selfe Obserue the words 1. thy neighbour must be loued euen euery man for there is Identitas originis vinculum societatis impressio Dei imaginis The selfe-same originall haue we not all one Father were not Adam and Eue the roâ—ke out of which we were hewen and the hole of the pit out of which wee were digged there is the bond of society which nature inclines vs all vnto and would haue kept inuiolable and there is a sparke of Gods owne image in all some true ground of honour and respect 2. all therefore thou must loue now loue is affectionate cheerefull and speedy and is expressed with meekenesse and softnesse freed from wrath enuy pride swelling selfe-loue it is exercised in holy things and is manifested in long-suffering and all suffering 1 Cor. 13. 4. 5. 3. thou must loue them as thy selfe is he not a kinde of other-selfe As thou wouldest others should maintaine and as thou thy selfe wilt to thy vtmost defend thy dignity life chastity goods and good name wife and possessions from the least iniury so must thou resolue with thy selfe and by all meanes fashion thy heart to tender as dearely euery other mans dignity life purity goods good name wife and possessions from the least dammage euen in the thoughts of thy heart The Lord keepe this in the imagination of the thought of euery one of our hearts for euer Labour and worke thy heart with all dâ—ligence to this thing This is the summe of the sixe last Commandements the worke and labour of true loue the least part whereof may not be denyed by any to the worst of men Name the man whom thou maiest iniure in the least kinde and yet â—e blamelesse Little is this duty thought of euen by the godly and who is it but thinketh hee may both doe many an iniury and neglect many an office of loue to many men The â—uties of the second Table are the seruice an â— debt of loue to euery man which wee must daily pay and yet daily owe Rom. 13. 8. 2 To pray for all men men of all sorts not a man whom thou maist point out and except hartily desiring their conuersion this good the poorest may doe for the richest 1 Tim. 2. 1. 3 To câ—st our estates so that our liuing in our places may be inoffensiue and harmelesse 1 Cor. 10. 32. 33. Honest in the sight of all men and peaceable without contention with any if it be possible Heb. 12. 14. Rom. 12. 18. This were to pursue peace Heb. 12. 14. 4 To cast in our mindes what things are true are venerable are iust are pure are louely are of good report If any thing there be that is vertuous if any thing that is praise worthy to thinke on those things to proâ—ect how we may expresse those things in our conuersing with men Phil. 4. 8. Here is good employment for thy thoughts in thy priuacy and lonenesse 5 To beare reuerence and honour to all men in our hearts without contempt or despising any not suffering to lodge in our breasts thoughts of dâ—sregard or neglect of any 1 Pet. 2. 17. §. XX. Of the guides that direct the particular frame of righteous conuersing with men In respect of the frame of thy conueâ—sation THe heart thus disposed is fit now to conuerse with others that he would expresse righteousnesse in his conuersation with men must heed these â—ules in the generall as guides in all particulers 1 To doe to others as he would be done vnto is there any thing which he saith or doth to his neighbour of which question is made in his own heart or by others propose it then thuâ— would I that he should so speak and doe to me Mat. 7. 12. an admirable rule of iust dealing 2 To giue to euery man his due honor to whom honour feare to whom feare custom to whom custome tribute to whom tribute Rom. 13. 7. 3 Euery man to submit himselfe to other though he neuer so honorable and the other neuer so meane knowing they are all members of one body Polâ—tike now as in the body the cheiâ—est member hath need of the least so that the head cannot say I haue no neede of thee and the cheifest careth for the least so the body of societies the greatest needeth and the greatest must stoope to do for the least And that in the feare of God that is euen of Conscience to him that requires it or fearing him who as he hath placed thee highâ—st and that other lowest so can if he please pull thee downe to the dung hill and set the other in the throne For promotion cometh not from the East nor west it is God that setteth vp one and pulleth downe another Ephes 5. 21. 4 Climbe not at all no not into the desires of thy heart into the throne of iudgement that thou shouldst take to thee power to retaliate wrongs remember him that saith vengeance is mine I will repay See that none render euill for euil to any man but euer follow that which is good both among your selues that are Godly yea to all men thus shewing our patience towards all men 1 Thes 5. 15. 14. §. XXI Of the gouernment of the tongue IN particuler righteousnesse In speciall the bridling of the tongue takes order for the tongue deeds and first for thy words set a watch before the doore of thy lippes that no wickednesse breake thorough the hedge of thy teâ—th Therefore if thou be vtterly purposed that thy mouth shall not transgresse note what Dauid said to God in his prayer by the word of thy lips I haue kept me from the pathes of the destroyer Psal 17. 3. 4 The word of his lipps for the guidance of the tongue may bee cast into these rules 1 Take not vp the name of the Lord thy God in vaine when thou speakest of God or religiâ—â— his word or workes hâ—s merâ—ies or iudgements let there bee an honourable mention of them and open thy mouth with all possible reuerence fearing that great and terrible name The Lord thy God Deut. 28 58. breake not forth hastily into the discourse of holy things till thou canst see how some way God may be glorified thereby a wise man will conceale knowledge 2 Let thy speech bee good to edifie withall such as may minister grace to the hearers without corrupt or rotten communication Auoyd filthy speaking foolish talking and iestings Remember alwayes that of our Sauiour that For euery idle word that men shall speake they must
and thee if hee mend not take two or three discreete godly persons with thee and againe rebuke him if yet hee amend not then open it tell the Church of it if he will not heare the Church hold him as an heathen Maâ— 18 15. Now in thy practice of these rules remember Thy end in all thy carriage must be to saue thy brother not to shew thy skill to find faults much lesse to traduce or blemish him Thy heart must bee affected with feare as thou wouldst be if thou sawest a man ready to bee drowned or fallen into the fire Thou must pull him out doing this duty with resolution not thinking how will he take it but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 looking on the danger hee is in there is misericordia puniens and crudelitas parcâ—ens as S. Aug. speaketh in the like case a mercy punishing and cruelty sparing Thus oughtest thou to carry thy selfe in the cure of thy brother fallen any way only there is one thing more that disposeth thee to the right vsage of these rules set downe in this place of Iude viz that thou hate the garments spotted with the flesh that is Let thy heart bee truely and throughly affected with the hatred of al sin in thy self others the words are a double similitude taken from the ceremoniall law Lev. 5. 4. Numb 9. where the infection of the Leprosy resembling the infection of sinne is such that it defiles the bed the Chaire the Leper saâ—e on the the garments â—e wore the very things he spat on â— such like poisâ—nâ—ull contagion is sinne when thou hast hereby conceiued of the infectious pollution of sin and how loathsome it maketh in the eyes of God and man euen like any Leper then shalt thou deale seriously and heartily with thy brother for his conuersion and recouery This is of great moment in all thy carriage for faith Iunius on this place personatae reprehensiones frigent plurimâ—mque interest exaâ—iâ—â— omnia vt conscientia fert animusque facias an de industria Reproofes which come from a man as hee acted a part in a play are cold and dull and it matters much whether thou doest things heartily as thy mind and conscience carrieth thee or for the nonce onely Whereby againe consider the words and see how many things ought to bâ—e hated by the godly Chrâ—stian 1 The sinne or transgressioâ— 2 The fountaine and instrument of sinne whereby it is affected and that wherin it stickes the flesh 3. The guilt of it 4. The contagion 5. The spoâ—t or blot which is as the footesteppe it leaueth behind it when the act is past 6. The occasion and appearance the very garment as 1 Thess 5. 22. so Iacob did Gen. 35. 4. with a minde thus affected and resolued proceed in the vse of the former rules Towards the weake Christian thy caâ—riage must be thus 1 Intangle him not with doubtfull disputations Rom. 14. 1. 2 Beare his weakenesses and meere frailties Rom. 15. 1. 3 Please him and not thy selfe in the vse or restraint of thy Christian liberty Rom. 15. 2. 1 Cor. 9. 20. 21. 22. Gal. 5. 15. 4 Offend him not nor put any stumbling blocke in hiâ— way Mat. 18. 1 Cor. 10. 32. 5 Comfort and support him 1 Thes 5. 14. 6 Despise him not in his weakenesses Rom. 14. 2. Towards the strong be thus ordered 1 Iudge him not in the vse of his Christian liberty Rom. 14. 2 Acknowledge such 1 Cor. 16. 18. 3 Set them as patternes for imitation Heb. 12. 1. Phil. 3. 17. 4 Submit your selues to them to be aduised and admonished and your iudgement to theirs in doubtfull things 1 Cor. 16. 16. 1 Pet. 5. 5. So farre of our carriage towards the godly §. XXVI The rule for our behauiour towards the wicked NOw for our behauiour towards Thy duty towards the wicked the wicked the holy Ghost hath abridged it in one plaine rule deliuered in Col. 4. 5. walke in wisedome or wisely towards them that are without In Scripture all men are cast into two rankes those that are within without the Church without the pale of it as Infidels without the true faith of it as heretickes without the path of holy life as the openly wicked and prophane To them that are within the pale the saith the path-way of the Church is this precept giuen ordering them in their carriage towards them that are without the pale the faith the righteous path of the true Church that whereas most an eâ—d or alwaies the report and fame of their conuersation will be carryed abroad to them and sometimes necessary commerce will enforce those within the Church to conuerse with them nothing might be done by the Christian which might giue scandale but all things that might winne to the loue of the truth therefore it is said walke wisely A direction of great vse by the practise whereof wee might winne them to glorifie God or silence them from reuiling the truth or at least force their consciences to blesse vs and the good way of God But this is a point of diuine and heauenly skill for the wisedome here â—equired in our liues is not the wisedome of the flesh which is earthly sensuall deuillish but of the spirit the wisedome that is from aboue which God hath taught and not man deuised Harken then yee Christians and as you haue beene taught as the truth is in Iesus what you owe to God and what to your neighbours and what to the godly or fallen or weake or strong so receiue from the same master Christ Iesus how you may behaue your selues towards them that are without and for your direction note two things 1 The manner of conuersing as it respects them without it must be towards them not with them 2 The grace which should shine in all our waies wisedome this is the predominant vertue as charity is the predominant in our conuersing with the godly the summe of thy carriage towards the one is walke in loue the summe of thy carriage towards the other is walke in wisedome 1 To walke towards them noteth a well framed behauiour when through necessity or calling we haue to doe with them to walke with them notes a voluntary sorting our selues with them and the choosing of them fâ—r our companions hence the first rule is gathered That needlesse society may not be held with them that are without such as are Infidels Heretickes or wicked men neither wâ—lking in their counsell nor standing in their way nor sitting in their chaires they are as leauen among the Lords sweet bread and cakes Psalm 1. 1. 1 Cor. 5. 7. Pro. 23. 20. Much more should we shunne all vnequall yoking with them by marriage leagues of amity contracts of friendship and the like 2 Cor. 6. 14. the sinne of the old world Gen. 6 1. the sinne of Esau Gen. 26. the preamble of his disâ—inheriting Caluin Abdicationis suâ— praeludium the sinne of Iehosaphat for which his workes were broke
Cor. 5. 20. To vse our liberty for a cloake or â—ccasion for Maliciousnesse Gal. 5. 13. Licentiousnesse 1 Pet 2. 16. Vnbeleife an euill heart in departing from the liuing God a soule that doth with draw in whom the Lord saith his soule doth take no pleasure Ioh. 3. 18. 36. Heb. 3. 12. and 10. vlt. Impenitency Mark 1. 15. Apostacy 1 From the truth Heb. 6 4. 2 From the practice of godlinesse 2 Pet. 2. 29. 3 To the world from which we were redeemed had made an escape 1 Ioh. 2. 15. Demas his sin 2 Tim. 4. 10. The Prophanesse of Esau Heb. 12. 16. For one morsel of meat he sold his birth-right Feare to confesse Christ Mat. 10. 32. 33. To liue without Christ and common with him Ephes 2. 12. To haue a forme but deny the the power of godlines 2 Tim. 3. 6 To speake euill of the good way of God Act. 9. 9. To bee euer learning and neuer come to the knowledge of the truth 2 Tim. 3. 7. To waxe worse and worse 2. Tim. 3. 13. Not to receiue the loue of the truth 2 Thes 2. 12. Not to walk worthy our high calling and Christ Iesus that hath called vs Câ—l 1. 10 Ephes 4. 1 2. To sleepe out the day of grace and time of our visitation Luc. 19. 42. Heb. 3. 7 8. Ephes 5. 14. Fiftly against his vertues of His virtueâ— life so he sinneth that doth not imitate Christ in his praises 1 Pet. 2 9. Mat. 11. 29. Sufferings 1 Pet. 2 21. Heb. 12. 2. Sixtly against his ordinances His ordinance as whether against any of them seuerally or all of them ioyntly Against any of them as against prophecying or preaching and so in the minister it is sinfull To preach with wisedome of Preaching words 1 Cor. 2 1. To preach in an vnknowne tongue or a stile that passeth the capacity of the auditory 1 Cor. 14. 19 28. To preach of enuy vaine-glory or couetouâ—â—esse 1 Thes 2. 5. 6. Phil. 1. 15 16. To runne before hee is sent and crastily to creepe in vnawares Ier. 23. 21. Iude 4. To teach lyes in hypocrisie and doctrines of deuils and not to bring the doctrine of Christ and God in him 2 Tim. 4 1 2 3. 2 Ioh. 9 10. To daw be with vntempered morter to prophesie visions of peace when there is no peace To be women-Prophets to sew pillowes to all armeholes with lyes to make the heart of the righteous sad whom God hath not made sad and to strengthen the hands of the wicked by promising him life the misapplying and vnskilfull diuiding of the word of God and true doctrine Ezek. 13. 14 16 18 22. To be as a dumbe dogge that cannot barke or will not barke or hunts vp and downe for his couetousnesse but waâ—cheth not for soules Esa 56. 10 11. Phil. 2. 21. Heb. 13. 17. Against preaching in the hearer it is sinfull To despise prophecying 1 Thes 5 20. Not to receiue Christs Ministers nor beleeue their report Esa 5. 3 1 Mat. 10 14 15. To put it from them Act. 13 46. this is to iudge our selues vnworthy of euerlasting lifâ— To gainesay contradict and blaspheme Rom. 10 21 Act. 13 45. To loue the Minister the lesse by how much the more hee loueth them and can spend and be spent for them and to reckon him their enemy because hee tels them the truth 2 Cor. 12. 15. Gal. 4. 16. To haue itching eares that will indure sound doctrine but after their lusts to heape to themselues teachers 2 Tim. 4 3 4. To withstand the passage of the Gospell and enuy the spreadâ—ng of it and to forbid preaching 1 Thes 2 16 Act. 13 8 17 5. To receiue to house or bid God speed to him that bringeth not with him the doctrine of Christ 2 Ioh. 10. To neglect or forsake the assemblies of Christians Heb. 2. 3 10 26. Against hearing he offendeth hearing That taketh not heed how he heareth Mark 4 24. To this duty is required speciall preparation That receiueth the word as into the high way or into stony ground or among thorneâ— Math. 13 3 to 8. which is expounded in verse 18 to 23. See the place That heâ—reth but is forgetâ—ull and doth not practise which is the best art of memory Mat. 7 26. Iam. 1 23 24. That marreth his taste with enuy malice guile hypocrisies euill-speakings and bringeth not the desires of a babe new-borne 1 Pet. 2 1 2. That humbleth not himselfe at Gods feet to receiue his words laying aside all superfluity of naughtinesse and receiuing it with meekenesse Iam. 1 21. Against prayer in the Holy Prayer Ghost and so he sinneth That neglecteth the priuiledge purchased by Christ who â—y his bloud hath opened the â—oly of holies and made way to the Father Heb. 10 22. That asketh and wauereth â—am 1 6. That asketh to spend on his lusts Iam. 4 3. That in asking is weary and faint not pressing with holy importunity and perseuerance Luc. 18. 1 2 3 4. That prayeth but not all manner of prayer nor watcheth thereto Ephes 6. 18. That is not much in asking till his ioy be full Ioh. 16 24. Against Baptisme and so hee Baptisme sinneth That is ignorant of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost of their loue grace and Communion into whose name hee was Baptised That beleeueth not the operation of God in that Sacrament Rom. 4. 11. That resteth in the outward washing without the answer of a good conscience 1 Pet. 3. 18. That liueth in sinne Rom. 6. 2 3. The Lords Supper Against the Lords Supper and so he offendeth That examineth not himself nor iudgeth himselfe before hee come 1 Cor 11. 28 31. That discouereth oâ— hath any pride against the poore Saints despising them not tâ—rrying for them or any way breaking fellowship and communion â— Cor. 11. 20 21 22 23. This is not to eate the Lords Supper That discerneth not the Lords body 1 Cor. 11. 29. through ignorance or otherwise That neglecteth to receiue as oft as he may 1 Cor. 11 26. That commeth to the communion and goeth to masse or hath any fellowship with Idole worship 1 Cor. 10. 21. 22. That come together for the worse and not for the better 1 Cor. 11. 17. That eateth with leauen in his vessell 1 Cor. 5 7. That come one hungry and another full 1 Cor. 11. 21. 34. That keepeth not a solemne faithfull and feeling remembrance of Christ and his death for him Luke 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 25. Against all of them it is a All. sinne For the man in the Assemblies to haue his ordinary couâ—ring on his head 1 Cor. 11. 4. For the woman in the assemblies to be without a couering and to goe in her haire 1 Cor. 11. 5 6. 7. These are the sinnes against Christs ordinances Seuenthly against his spirit it is sinnefull His spirit To grieue the spirit Ephes 4. 34. To quench it in the motions
our troubles is troubled with vs Act. 9 4. Col. â— 24. Esa 63. 9. We are sure of the supply of the spirit of Iesus Phil â— 19. 20. who wiâ—l also rest vpon vs as the spirit of glory and of God 1 Pet. 4. 14. He that created formed and redeemed thee will be with thee Esa 43. 1. 2. 2 Cor. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. and as the dying of the Lord Iesus is borne in thy body so the life also of the Lord Iesus shall be manifest in thee Right deare in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his Saints Psal 116. 15. The first man that came to heauen was Abel the iust Crowned with the crowne of Martyrdome Digest these and euery of these rules that thou maiest walk with God in all changes of thy condition in life §. XXX Preparations for death or how to dye THere remaineth yet one Hâ—â— dy thing of no small moment that concerneth his abode with God in or about his last worke he hath to doe in this world which is the laying downe oâ— this his earthly Tabernacle the change of changes here beloâ—e truth it is that an holy life such as hitherto hath beene pourtrayed euer ends in an happy death and againe How to dy whoso hath learned hath learned also how to liue yet there are specialties of direction which the Christian aboue all before sayd cannot well want and there is a speciall preparation for the vndergoing so terrible a change Take them thus they concerne 1 The curing of the diseases 1 By the curing of diseases of our Soules of which wee are all sicke to the death and all about this point of death 2 The estamping on vs the care of necessary duties 1 The diseases which our hearts are oppressed withall and subiect vnto are these fiue 1 Forgetfulnesse of our latter end Deut. 32 29. 2 Desperate resolutenesse vpon the memory of it 1 Cor. 15. Esa 22. 14. 3 A Couenant with death and hell making lyes and vanity our refuge Esa 23. 15. 4 The choosing of death to be rid of the miseries of life the impatient desire of death Ier. 8. 3. Iob. 3. 5 The feare of death which bringeth into bondage Heb. 2. 1â— 15. The cure of forgetfulnesse For our forgetfulnesse it is cured 1 By information of our selues in these things the brâ—uâ—â—y and vanity of life and of all things in the world the certainty vncertainty of death of the breuâ—â—y of life we haue three â—estes Nature Experience and Scripture but Scripture witnesseth it most liuely where the basest things and of least continuance are taken to as bearing the fittest resemblance thereof it is a vaporâ— a weauers shuttle a post a ship in the Sea a bubble a flower of the field grasse a shadow a dreame a thought Of the vanity of all things vnder the Sunne Salomon hath sufficiently spoken in his Ecclesiastes or booke of the Preacher the certainty of death depends vpon decree and statute Law it is appointed that all shall dye Heb. 9. 27. and we know death hath reigned from Adam to this day we haue three nuntioes sent by death casuality infirmity and old age nay death hath already seized on vs in changes of our age in aches in sorrowes in sicknesses so certaine is it â—et not so certaine to be as vncertaine in what kinde at what time in what place it shall be 2 By watching against the causes of incogâ—ancy which are cheifely two the naturall security of our hearts and surfetting on earthly things Luke 12. 19. and 21 34. these both must be shaken off 3 By Prayer God onely can teach this lesson we must come to his schoole and our prayers must be to him for this thing Thus did Dauid Psal 39. 6. and 90. 12. For desperate resolutenesse The cure of resolutenesse vpon the memory of our end it is a disease which wee are subiect vnto when the euill corrupt heart forced to the apprehensions of its mortality by the pursute of his owne thoughts and the daily cry of a faithfull Ministery or the constant and frequent view of death griefes face is awakened but not truely but in a phrensie as it were and concludes dy we must we are all mortall Come then let vs eat and drinke let vs take time while time serue tomorrow comes and we are not This sore and euill disease shall be healed 1 By considering the greatnesse of the sinne which is fully declared by the Prophet Esay when he saith And it was reuealed in mine eares by the Lord of hosts Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye dy saith the Lord God of hostes Esa 22. 13. 14. 2 By discouering the originall whence it springs that that may be lamented ouer namely Atheisme and an heart voide of the knowledge of God and set vpon euill with a spirituall madnesse 1 Cor. 15. 34. 3â— 3 By the contrary good a waking which is to righteousnesse not to sinne 1 Cor. 15. 33 34 For our Couenant with death mâ—king lyes our refuge it is the The cure of security reasoning of the heart that saith We haue done what wise men should doe because wee like politicians and worldlings haue fortified our selues with the best earthly helpes for body and state for our selues for ours yet no thought of serious prouision How wee might be built on the sure foundation stone Christ Iesus the Lord directs vs in this point in Esa 28. 16. That wee come as liuing stones to Christ that corner stone elect and precious and be sure wee be laied and built on him by beleeuing for hee that beleeueth in him shall not make hast nor be ashamed of his hope Or it is the reasoning of the heart that saith death is a debt we owe to nature but this must not passe for good with Christians for death in its nature is the wages of sinne death in its change is a sweet sleepe in Iesus sure of a blessed awaking at the resurrection of the iust it is then the beginning of eternall woe to him that dyeth in his sinnes but the doore to eternall blisse to all that dye in the Lord. Or this Couenant is that refuge of lyes we are not likely to dye yet strength is in our body milke in our brests marrow in our bones and age is for the sad and graue duties of deuotion and piety but let Iob speake what pleasure hast thou in thy house after thee Iob. 21. 21. 22 23. 24. 25. when the number of thy moneths is cut off in the middest Shall any teach God knowledge Seeing he iudgeth those that are high One dyeth in his full strength being wholly at ease and quiet his brests are full of milke and his bones moistened with marrow and another dyeth in the bitternesse of his soule take not vpon thee to instrect God hee can smite thee with death in the highest of thy pride and midst of thy welfare and
Ministeriall sentence and testimony concerning thy estate in Christ Know the ordinance of the keyes is of no small vse and comfort Ioh. 20. 23. 2 The profligation of temptations looking with a stedfast eye on the reward through the promise 3 The excitation of that Christian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or desire to be dissolued that thou maiest say with good old Iacob Lord I haue waited for thy saluation Gen. 49. 18. In the very agony of death and deposition or laying downe of thy body how glorious is it To dye in the faith To excite our hope and desire of heauen To commit our soules into the haâ—ds of him that redeâ—med them the Lord God of truth Psal 31. 6. saâ—ing Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and Lord Iesus receiue my spirit Amen Euen so be it §. XXXI Peculiar rules applyed for the passing euery day BY Gods assistance the rules Rules applyed for the pâ—ssing of the day of holâ— liâ—e haue hitherto beene taught rules not now and theâ— to be looked vnto but constantly nor generally but particularly in all our actions euery day and throughout the day that we might serue the Lord in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life blesse him euery day of our life and thinke of him all the day long But this it may be such is our weakenesse and the backwardnesse of our hearts to good hath scarce found a place in our thoughts as yet and where it hath yet know they not how to order them handsomely to a daily direction To helpe this also I now apply my self making a draught of certaine rules out of Gods word by which you may be inabled euery day to passe the day according to Gods will with sound peace for this vndoubtedly is required of vs a faithfull and constant endeauor to please God in all things euery day of our liues to the peace of our consciences and the glory of God And because some thinke it The warrant of it strange it should be required of them to be kept in compasse euery day some thinke the â—abbath is enough to attend to a religious holy conuerâ—atioâ— some say I hope we be no children to be appointed what wee should doe some thinke it is not to be thought the Lord should direct a man to euery various action which meeteth him in the day some can be content to receiue the thing of the day in his day from Gods hand but neuer thought of doing the duety of the day in his day to God againe and so neuer passed a day in all their liues of which they could in all actions or euer did depend on God in those particulars abide with him by faith therefore I haue selected that place in Pro. 6. 20. 21. 22. to take off all these conceits and to proue the necessity the excellency of this course if euery day through the whole day we passe it according to the warrant of Gods word The words of the text are these Pro. 6. 20. My Sonne keepe thy Fathers Commandement and forsake not the law of thy mother 21 Binde them continually vpon thine heart and ty them abouâ— thy necke 22 When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keepe thee and when thou awakest it shall talke with thee 1 Here first it is fully charged euery day to haue the commandements bound vpon our hearts for continuall remembrance tyed about our neckes as Iewels for esteeme and ornament and for vse to lead vs in our goings to keepe vs in our sleeping to talke with vs in our awaking accommodated and fitted in all to our owne particular in euery moment of times changes verâ— 21. 22. 2 Therefore the Sabbath though it haue its more speciall attendance on Gods Seruice in his ordinances and that onely yet is not all the time God requireth for an holy conuersation nay all times hâ—lily though not all time in the duties of reading hearing prayer and the like vers 21. 3 And I hope you will be and are Wisedomes children who in these words speaketh to you as to children My Son vers 20. and offers her selfe as a mother and God aâ— your father yea I hope you will be children to learne of wisedomes maydens euen your Ministers instructing you from Gods mouth You must be appointed else are you bastards and not sonnes 4 And for specialty of direction the word if thou remember and price it will guide the day and night awake asleepe at thy going out and at thy comming in vers 22. 5 And thus walking thou art sure of sweet coÌ„munion wâ—th God the father and with Iesus Christ the wisedome of his father no father and mother more tendering their child theâ— the Lord will tender thee while thou seruest him vers 20 and thou art sure of preseruation in the life of grace and way of holinesse the Câ—uenant it selfe hath the power to leade thee to keepe to comfort thee as a friend Counseller and guide from thy vpâ—ising to thy downe-lâ—ing Nor iâ— the Gouerning of our liues left in our owne hands one day nor were it good for vs who are giuen to change if it were so for we were then no way assured of the protection of our heauenly father and blessed Sauiour nor of a safe footing in any of our waies This for the Text according The coppy of it to the warrant whereof I beseech you receiue the Coppy of your â—aily direction thus 1 Awake with God let thy heart sing his power and mercy in the Morning Psal 59. 16. in the Morning direct thy selfe vntâ— God and looke vp Psal 5. 3. preuent him in the morning Psal 88. 13. it matters much vpon whom thou bestowest thy first thoughts 2 Let thy apparell be such as becometh those that professe godlinesse expressing modesty shamefastnesse and sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Neither costly beyond ability or to hinder good workes nor garish for the fashion beyond modesty nor strange for new-fanglednesse there is the apparell of good works the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit likewise suffer not more time then needs to be spent about this trimming of thy carcase 3 Turne thy selfe in solemne manner to prayer with confession Thankesgiuing and petition acknowledge thy dependance on God seeke of him thy daily bread and daily forgiuenesse and renewed strength against temptations c. and if thou haue a family neglect not to call them together at the conuenientest time Ier. 10. vers 25. vse it not as a custome nor as if that one little space oâ— deuoâ—ion did buy out a pardon for the rest of the day to liue as thou listest no it is to enable thee the better to walke in the day with God 4 Follow thy calling with cheerefulnesse diligence and quietnesse 1 Thâ—s 4. 11. doe thy labour as a duty not with the desire to be rich which is both a sinne and a snare be content with Gods blessing in the successe he giueth
auoiding cares and abhorring the sinnes of deceit and fraud 5 Walk with God Gen. 5. 22. remembring his all-eying presence approuing thy heart to him that seeth in secret obseruing his way in his workes his blessing on thy workes and prouidence for thy preseruation that thou maiest walke with an enlarged heart in thankefulnesse ready prest to obedience and â—kept in his feare all the day Pro. 23. 17. 6 When occasion of speech is let thy words be gracious alwaies Col. 4. 6. witnessing the grace of thy heart ministring good to the hearer Bridle thy tongue that thou be not guilty of the vsuall vices thereof lying swearing filthy speâ—ch foolish talke iesting raising whispering standering with all light vnsauory speeches call to thy minde those two Texts By thy words thou shalt be iustified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned and againe of euery Idle word that a man shall speake hee shall giue account at the day of iudgement 7 For thy company keepe company with the godly choose them and in other company when thy calling leadeth theeâ— haue with thee the salt of Mortification and Discretion and be ready to doe or receiue some good abide in such company no longer then thy calling requireth 8 For thy meales looke vp to heauen and giue thankes Mat. 14. 19. be not oppressed with drunkennesse and surâ—etting Luk. 21. 34. Forget not the worke of the Lord the end why he giueth vs food that we might liue to him Esa 5. 12. Gather vp that which is left that nothing be lost Ioh 6. 12. remember the poore that dwelleth by thee 9 And because recreations may be vsed sometimes and are an honour wee owe to our bodies See 1 That thy sports bee not onely lawfull but of good report 2 That they be not Costly nor cruell nor ingrossers of time nor incroachers vpon heauenly comfort nor diminishers of our delight in God or in our callings nor deuourers of spiâ—ituall ioy 10 And because many haue much time that may be spared all some time Redeeme the time to holy duties Ephes 5. 16 11 In thy solitarinesse spend 〈…〉 me well watching thy thoughts 12 In prosperity let thy heart grow more cheerefull in all duty and forget not that God that giueth it 13 In aduersitie Consider prepare for it ponder thy waies search thy heart turne to the Lord from the sinnes whereby thou dost offend receiue it mâ—ekely and patiently accepting in good worth the chastisement of thy sinne 14 Examine thy selfe at night and be still view thy actions Gods blessings in the day let them administer to thee matter of deprecation supplication and thankesgiuing which doe thou offer vp to God as thy euening sacrifice then thy feeling will make the feruent 15 Be not giuen to sleepe thinke of God in the night watches desire of him that thy reines may instruct in the night season and muse not mischeife vpon thy bed as the wicked doe that feare not God Psal 16 7. 36. 4. Then â—et thy heart say I will blesse the Lord who hath giuen me Counsell Psal 16. 7. So farre the rules that forme vs as Christians THE THIRD PART §. 1. The Order and vse hereof ALl the rules The order foregoing respect vs as Christians and forme vs so far forth but wee both as borne and as borne-againe are placed in conditions and states of respect one to another and none of vs absolute and of our selues All men that liue on the earth are made of one bloud propagated from one roote and from thence haue flowen into families common-weales and Churches and liuing in them are members of them and partake necessarily of their wealth or woe now wert thou fashioned in some measure to the former doctrine yet there râ—maines a further polishing that thou maiest be on all hands prepared to euery good worke rules that may direct in these bonds of relation are euery way necessary We therefore shall proceed to these of this nature they guide a Christian Magistrate a Christian subiect a Christian Husband a Christian Wife a Christian Parent Christian Children a Christian Master a Christian Seruant a Christian People to their Pastor the Pastor of Christ to the flocke to right Christian demeanor each to other Moreouer vpon a further inâ—ent view we shall finde some conditions men are placed in not so expressely contained within those forenamed bounds and of euery of them question will be mooued what shall ye doe in this estate These conditions are partly of more priuate state tâ—â—n the former yet relatiue as neighbourhood friendship enmitie partly of more priuacy or loâ—enes as of the aged the youth the maid the widdow euen to these hath the Lord Condescended The vse in his word giuen some speciall though briefe direction I desire for my part to withhold nothing from you willingly lest you should be left men halfe qualified * Men of halfe perfected vertue Semiperfecta virtutis hoyes as Philo calls them and you should be found in any respect Ephraim-like as a Cake not turned Hos 7. 8. Giue leaue a little and silence whateuer gainâ—aying thoughts might arise against this obedience know that Gods law is an absolute rule not onely for matters of piety but also for an holy policy the eternall law giuer interposeth as mens frowaâ—d hearts will tearme it but in very deed proposeth and of right imposeth vpon vs these following duties neuer was Oâ—conomickes Ethickes and Politickes perfected till the God of order gaue Theology Let this gâ—ue law to them and then Solon Lycurgus and Numa may lay their hands vpon their mouthes I wonder not at wise king Dauid who made Gods statutes the men of his counsell Psal 119. 24. hereby he became wiser then his enemies But I cannot but admire the folly of those that preferre the meane shallow reaches of their owne braines and let Gods law stand before the doore who fetch the master-pieces of their policies from Machiauell and not from the word and mouth of him who is wonderfull in counsell yet these dreame of a wel-ending loose to those proceedings that thwart the law of the most high Such wily foxes how oft haue wee seene caught in their own craftinesse And what folly is it in masters of families in husbands and ministers to rest in directions of their owne when they might haue rules so cleare from Gods word to presse and perswade you let me informe you in two things first that it is not left as arbitrary but it is commanded that we obey in these not feare nor custome but conscience must strike the stroke as the Apostle Paul tells vs in one of these for tâ—e rest Rom. 13. 5. secondly that dueties to man perfoâ—med in obedience to Gods law are acceptable and well-pleasing seruices Sacrifices to God Heb. 13. 16. Col. 3 24. on the contrary duties to man neglected or iniury done to man is not only a trespasse against man but a sinne against God himselfe
Iam. 1. 27. pure religion and vndefiled before God is to visit the fatherlesse and widdow This spoken wee addresse our selues to the rules of this nature and there first begin with such as concerne the Magistrate and Subiect §. II. Of the Magistrate and Subiect THe Magistrate hath his The Magistrates duty power of God Rom. 13. 1 Let him not thinke much to take his direction from him the wisedome of God saith counsel is mine and sound wisedome I am vnderstanding I haue strength By me Kings reigne and Princes decree iustice By mee Princes rule and Nobles euen all the iudges of the earth Pro. 8. 14. 15. 16. Take her aduise and she will 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. de creationâ— principis lead you in the way of righteousnesse in the midst of the pathes of iudgement that the may cause those that loue her to inherit substance she will fil their treasuâ—e Pro. 8. 20. 21. Large promises and to the heart of Princes haue they but faith to trust her of her word sure they shall neuer see that time wherein one man ruleth ouer another to his hurt Eccles 8. 9. Oh blessed are they that keepe her wayes Pro. 8. 32. Heare then the Instruction and refuse it not God hath thus ranked all in Gouernment they are The King as supreme The Gouernors sent by him 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14. Accordingly he hath ranged his precepts and Counsels to Kings Inferior Magistrates He hath Charged his king for â— The duty of the King His kingdome His court both for Pietie Policy For Piety in his Gouernment For his kingdome le plain baâ—ser Away with Antichristian pride it cannot be vailed by that text in Esa 49. 23. the ordinary glosse saith on that place Lâ—ngens puluerem pedum tuoâ—uÌ„ ô ecclesia primitiua in persona Capitis tâ—j Iesu Châ—istâ— and Basil on Psal 36. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 That he haue the booke of God with him to read in it all the dayes of his life Deut. 17. 19. 20 that neiâ—her pride may make him outragious to his brethren nor impiety disobedient to God 2 That he cast his scepter at Christs feet and giue him the kisse of subiection Kisse the Sonne lest he be angry offer him your auxiliary hands and faithfull mouth Psal 2. 12. shall ye lose by it honour him and for a recompence he will honour you 1 Sam. 2. 30. maintaine his Kingâ—ome your dominion shall â—ee siable your name shall endure for euer and be continued as long as the Sunne Psal 72. 18. 17. be a nursing father to his Church Esa 49. 23. and thy Cities shall flâ—urish like grasse of the earth and here it belong to kings To cut off false Prophets Heretickes and peruerse and incorrigible seducers and blasphemers Lev. 24. 16 2 King 23. 20. Dan. 6. 23. these are the pest of Church and state To throw downe the Altar of Baal and not to suffer Altar against Altar Gedeon â—ke erect the Lords Altar Iehouahshalom but downe with the Altar of Baal and the groue that is by it so shalt thou purchase that excellent and new name Ierubbaal and let Baal plead against thee and Balaam curse too Oh that all Princes would set for their patternes those famous kings and rulers the Lords worthies fathers in Israel Asa 2 Chro. 15. 8. 12 13. 14. 15. 16. Hezekiah 2 King 10. 4. 5. 2 Chro. 31. 1. Iosiah 2 Chro. 34. Nehemiah Neh. 13. To publish Edictes for the maintenance of true religion and to see that Christs doctrine and discipline bee preserued 2 Chro. 29. 9 Dan. 3 29. 3 That he prouideable men such as feare God to be Gouernors and iudges vnder him Exod 18 21. The wicked walke on euery side when vilest men are exalted Psal 12 8. and Salomon tels vs what experience makes good when the wicked rise men hide themselues but when they perish the righteous increase Pro. 28. 28. but who are they Encroaching Abimelecks soothing Absaloms Ambitious brambles and flattering Doegs For Policy 1 He must care for the weale Salus populi summâ— lex esio Haereditatem Caelisoli of his people to this must hee looke as to the Pole starre while he guides the ship of the common-wealth maintaining their inheritances liberties priuiledges and persons to this end it is his part to see that his people may increase their multitude is his honour their decay his destruction Pro. 14. 28. and chiefely prouide that righteousnesse may flourish among them for righteousnesse exalteth a nation but sinne is a shame to any people Pro. 14. 34. 2 He must see that iudgement may flow downe as the riuers the kings strength should loue iudgement Psal 99. 4. hereby shall he establish both the land and his owne throne Pro. 29. 4. 14. this note was the Swaâ—ne-song of the sweet Psalmist of Israel which the God of Israel the rocke of Israel spake to him he that 〈…〉 th men must bee iust ruling in the feare of God and he shall be as the light of the morning when the Sunne riseth euen a morning without cloudes as the tender grasse springing out of the earth by cleare shining after raine 2 Sam. 23. 1. 3. 4. It is his glory to sit personally on the throne of iudgment and the fruite is great he scattereth away all euill with his eyes Pro. 20. 8. Euery king is â— iudge though euery iudge be not a king 3 It is his Glory to search out a matter Pro. 25. 2. The holy Ghost recordes herein the high praise of King Salomon 1 King 3 16. to the end deciding the case betweene the two harlots And Iob saith of himselfe I was a father to the poore and the cause which I knew not I searched out Iob 29. 16. 4 Hee must abominate all wickednesse Pro. 16. 12. This is the Groundsell of the kingdome of Godâ— owne Sonne Psal 45. 6. especially 1 Harkeniâ—g to flattery and lyes Pro. 29 12. 2 The condemning of the iust Pro. 17. 26. 3 To sâ—ite Princes for equitie Pro. 17. 26. 4 Carnâ—ll confidence 5 Couetousnesse 6 Polygamie Deut. 17. 16 17. 7 Drunkennesse and Gluttony Eccles 10 17. Pro. 3. 2. 3. 5. 8 Lasâ—iuiousnesse Pro. 31. 2. Eccles 7. 28. 9. Chilâ—ishnesse Eccles 10. 26. 10 Oppression Pro 28. 16. 11 Wilfull inflexiblenesse Eccles 4. 13. 12 Allyance with the open enemies of Gods truth 2 Chr. 19. 2. 20. 35. 36 37. 5 He must looke to these vertues mercy and truth the best court of guard Pro. 20. 28. Power ouer his passions Pro. 25. 28. 16 32. Bounty as the prolonger of his dayes Pro. 28. 16. Wisedome to scatter the wicked and bring the wheele ouer them Pro. 20. 26. Temperance Valor Pro. 30. 31 Secrecy or reseruednesse Pro. 25 3. 6 He must bestow his fauors on the deseruing Pro. 19 6. and by no meanes exalt a seruant ouer Princes this is one of the foure things which the earth cannot beare Pro. 30 22. and 19
10. 7 Hee shall doe wisely and safely in peace and warre if he doe all by Counsel Pro. 24 6. For his houshold both for For his Court. piety and policy I persume not to deliuer ought of mine as neither durst I in any of the rest but shall content my selfe with what is deliuered in the Psalme 10 1. Which presents all kings of the earth with a perfect draught of heauenly Gouernment He but giue the scâ—leâ—ion or Anatome which will be found excellent to behold but much more amiable were it couered with flesh and skinne Yet if any in high place shall chance to looke on it that same God that gaue life to deaâ— and dâ—y bones that same God I say breath vpon these lineaments that life may enter into them Here is in this 10 1. Psalme a Prince taught of God For the manner of instruction 1 In a third person Dauid on whose heart was drawne this sacred plat-forme that noâ—e might conceiue it to bee some Platonicall Idea and reiect it as vnaâ—taineable nor any take it for some meane piece vnworthy a royall and braue spirit 2 In a Psalme that while it is sung and the doctrine with warbling Notes suits the heart through the eare the spirit of gouernement and of God that was on Dauid might fall on him A Psalme of Dauid For the matter taught The graces Royall mercy and iudgement which graces are caracteristicall to a King the limits of his proceedings the glory of gouernement the qualifiers of reformation The end and aime taken with a single eye the glory of God verse 1. The rules for administration of royall power whose ORDER teacheth 1 That the rise must be at his owne person and spirit An euill man cannot bee a good King That his sentence may be diuine on the throne Diuinity must be ingrauen on the doore posts of his soule in the table of his heart 2 That the next principal care must be for his house lest from thence prophanenesse wickednes goe forth ouâ—r al the land 3 Then soone shall hee set and see Church and State happy Nature respecting Integrity that it be whole sincerity that it be in truth HIMSELFE that he Keepe piety a perfect way Prudence in a wise behauiour Vprightnesse whose Seate the heart Nature integrity that it bee whole Sincerity that it be in truth Vse walking in it Place of exercise the house and of intirenesse at home as well as in forraigne dealing in his house as well as in Gods house All which must be followed with Patience neuer in ought hasting the Lords decrees or hasting to ill meanes With prayer in a lowly dependance vpon God for assistance With an eye euer to his death and the time of reckoning when account must be giuen of the stewardship verse 2. That he auoyde Presumption Idolatry the thing of Beliall which hath nothing to doe with Christ Apostacy verse 3. Frowardnesse of heart wayward against God and bitter towards man Acquaintance with lewd persons and wicked things verse 4. 2 HIS COVRT Abandoning The whispering Slaunderer verse 5. The ambiâ—ious proud man The deceitfull The Lyars vers 7. Entertaining The faithfull the plaine-hearted The godly the vpright-liued Of these will he take 1 For counsell With great choyce his eye set to the worke Looking to their fidelity and piety else wisedome is but emptinesse in heart Babling in word Folly in deed Taking of the Natiues not strangers who cannot tender so well the good of the State Men experienced in the affâ—ires of that State Giuing them liberty to sit with him in counsell and to speake their consciences freely verse 6. 2 For seruice who is so fit as a man of a good conscience that preferres vprightnesse in his wayes before all things in the world 3 HIS KINGDOME the ciuill state the Church Punishing malefactors with diligence dispatch constancy and impartiality The end of all is the good of the Church and State being the Lords rather then his verse 8. Hitherto of the supreame Magistrate 2 The duty of inferiour Magistrates all others are Gouernours sent by him the specialties of their dutie are contained in these following rules 1 They must know the power giuen into their hands that accordingly they may execute their office Some haue a greater power some a lesse conferred vpon them some in peace some in warre some Counsellâ—rs some Senators and Iudges c. Some law-keepers as Iustices what euer the power entrusted to them bee that must they vnderstand that hee aâ—rogate not what belongs not to him and that hee neglect not what he ought to see to 2 They must remember they are to giue account as to God so to the King whose mouth eyes and hands they are 3 Their characteristicall properties and the vertues they should presse vnto are these following 1 Wisedome and vnderstanding Deut. 1. 13. Gouernment is the feeding and leading of the people Hee that is Gouernour must bee prouided of the instruments of a Pastor thou must be experienced in the affaires thou wouldâ—st mannage that thou maiest leade the people by the discretion of thy hands This is the ability to apply the power that is in thy hands to the good of the State as the matter shall require Great is the good may come by such wise Magistrates By a man of vnderstanding and knowledge the state of the land shall be prolonged Pro. 28. 2. 2 Courage and zeale able valiant men must they be masters ouer their passions and stout in their places Exod. 18. 21. Masters ouer their passions else rage will transport fauour will bow and euery other passion of the heart beare sway to the peruerting of iudgement and blinding the eye of right reason Courage also needfull here if any where for it is thy part to take the prey out of the Lyons mouth to rescue the innocent made a prey to maintaine the right of the fatherlesse Iob 29. 17. It is thy part without feare of mans face equally to impart iustice to all it is thy part to rise vp against the monsters of the time Drunkards Blasphemers Swearers Fornicators Idle persons and the like What heroicke spirit hadst thou need of to stand in the streame and turne the current of the time Is it a soft timorous sheepish spirit is it not an vndaunted heart that beseemes you Stirre vp thy spirit contend for God for thy Country for thy King for thy charges good Would any stay the sweet streames of iustice from running downe in the streetes pray with Nehemiah O God strengthen my hands Neh. 6. 9. 11. Doth any offendor aske is it peace answere with that couragious what peace so long as thy wickednesse remaines and when thou findest the mistresse of disorder the mystery of the knot of wickednesse in the place where thou art if it scorne thy proceedings cry who is on my side who Let not her painted face allure or entice cry throw her downe and then trample her vnder feet 2
Cor. 7. 3. 4. 5. 3 The particular duties 3 Particular and so the duties of the Husband first are these 1 Cohabitation dwelling The husbands duty with her as a man of knowledge dwell with her not dwell with drunkards whores spend-thrifts gamesters not spend thy dayes in tippling houses and tauernes no nor euer or most an end in thy neighbours house And dwell with her as a man of knowledge for prudence beseemes him to whom dominion and rule is giuen neither is it permitted to them but on condition that they wisely gouerne them for seest thou a man not able to rule himselfe how shall he rule his wife Where should knowledge reside but in the head else may we say with the wolfe in the fable * O what a head without braines o quale sine cerebrocaput Know then thy authority ouer thy wife is not tyrannicall knowledge is opposed to tyranny passion testinesse which distempers of heart it easily suppresses but that barbarous imprudency which knowes how to define of nothing aright is the cause of arrogancy tyranny and iniurious dealing 2 Honour to the wife as to the weaker vessel and as one that is or may be coheire of the grace of life with thee as the helpe giuen thee of God thy onely like and now as by creation so by coniunction in Matrimony thine owne flesh not trampling on her because the weaker but therefore putting on her the more abundant honour this is done 1 By vsing her as thy companion thy glory with all signes of estimation according to her rancke in the family and her relation to thee respecting her as the Lord gaue her to be thy helpe thy like thy companion in life 1 Cor. 11. 7. 2 By couering her infirmities in Giuing soft Answers in her waiwardnesse and shewing her her fault afterwards Forbearing to speak to her disgrace before others 3 By pleasing her in what euer may be to her edification I Cor. 7. 33. 4 By suffering thy selfe to be intreated admonished and aduised by her in cases reasonable and good Gen. 21. 12. whose aduise would be good for God hath framed her fearefull and thee stout and resolute her suspecting all dangers and thee looking to thy attempts not to light obiections which sometimes not regarded are the greatest ouer throwes to weighty vndertakings 5 By entrusting her with such things as are meet and her gifts are fit for in the family and in thy estate not commitâ—ing them to seruants or others before her Pro. 31. 11. 6 By yeelding her freely all due praises Pro. 31. 28. 29. And that both these may bee performed heare a third duty 3 Loue the character of a good husband chiefely required wherein the man is ready soonest to erre that which maketh his authority sweet and amiable and best framing the wife to a cheerefull yeelding of her reuerend subiection to her husband Herein fashion thy heart to all affectionatenesse erre thou in her loue continually saith Solomon Pro. 5. 19. Reioyce with her all the dayes of thy vaine life Eccles 9. 9. Be not bitter to her in words quarrellous testy passionate reproachfull for her infirmities or deformities nor in deeds in discourteous vsage vniust restraint and blowes Col. 3. 19. but nourishing and cherishing her as thine own flesh and tendring her soules good by counsell and comfort 4 Prouidence in two things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vxoria 1 In maritall protection Ruth 3. 9. 2 In procuring necessaries for the wiâ—e Esa 28. 3. According to ability so laboring in his calling that hee may prouide for her while he liues and leaue her somewhat when he dyes 5 Piety going before her in all holinesse and godlinesse cheifely In prayer in the family 1 Tim. 2. 8. by which our meats and labours are sanctified and without which the family is in danger of Gods high displeasure Ier. 10. 25. and he himselfe beareth the brand of a prophane A theist Psal 14. 4. of the lets and hinderances of this duety hee must especially beware 1 Pet. 3. 7. In family instruction Gen. 18. 19. Psal 78. 2. 3. 4. Deut. 66. yet not intruding into the Ministers office as taking vpon him to expound further then the recitall of what he hath learnt and the application of plaine texts to the necessities of the family the places before alledged tell wherin this duty lieth These are the duties of the Husband more especially the duties of the wife are these 1 Obedience in all things subiection to her owne husband I The wiues duety Pet. 3. 1. Tit. 2. 5. Ephe. 5. 22. This is the Character of a good wife to be wise prudent chast rich beautifull louing yea religious without obedience is not pleasing to God nor agreeable to nature This subiection is due to him be he poore or rich if she were a Lady he an Husbandman Vashti the Empresse is not exempted in this point Hest 1. 12. 20. She must Submit to his directions 2 King 4. 22. Ephes 5 23. and to his restraints about diet apparell and companie Gen. 3. 19. so subiect that she desire to please him 1 Cor. 7. 34. 2 Honor as to her superior and head 1 Cor. 11. 3. In giuing reuerent titles 1 Pet. 3. 6. In being his image or his glory bearing forth the amiable and praise-worthy qualityes that are in him and bearing her selfe according to his degree and place at home abroad 1 Cor. 11. 7. and representing his authority in the family in his absence In liuing without suspicion making the best construction of his doubtfull actions Michal offended in misinter pâ—eting Dauids dancing before the Arke In leauing to him the secrets of his publike imploiment keeping her to her owne measure for domesticke affaires especially if he be a Magistrate or Minister 3 Feare let the wife see that shee feare her husband Ephes 5. vlt. this is shewed By reuerent behauiour before him not rude bold and audacious By avoiding what may prouoke him to anger dislike and griefe By giuing soft answeres when he is angry Pro. 15. 1. By forbearing brawling passion or frowardnesse euen with others in his sight By making him her Couering when they are abroad many women are intemperate and wilfull Pro. 27. 15. 16. and like oyle in the fist 4 A chast conuersation coupled with the former feare 2 Pet. 3. 1. rare was the seuerity of ancient times when an heathen could by Isaacs sporting with Rebecca Gen. 26. 8. 9. know they were married 5 Modesty and sobriety in Quae ad inanem pompam vel ad iâ—lecebram fermè haberi solent meritò reprehensa sunt Aug. Tom. 2 Ep. 199. apparell 1 Pet. 3. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 9. and here whateuer maketh for vaine pompe or for inticement are worthily reprooued 6 A meeke and quiet spirit 1 Pet. 3. 7 That she be an helpe to him she must doe him good and not euill all the dayes of her life Pro. 31. 12. Gen. 2. 18. and so 1
and worke but both requisite if the Minister himselfe will haue any comfort in the worke yet not the inward of the former force without the outward Concerning the Ministers calling to a place or charge since there now are no Apostles a charge I call a portion of people allotted for him to preach vnto besides all that forespoken there are requiâ—ed two things 1 The allotâ—ing of such a man or men to such a portion of people by the Gouernours of the Church 2 The consent of the people whose voyce is to â—ee Cyprian â— 1. Ep 4. ipsa seilt plebs maxime potâ—statem habet vâ—l eligâ—ndâ— dignos sacerdotes vel indignos recusandi looked vnto saith Saint Cyprian the people haue chiefely the power either to choose worthy Ministers or refuse the vnworthy and the Lord saith in Ezech. 33. 2. If the people of the land take a man this holdeth vnlesse it be among infidels where no church as yet is planted there the first â—lone is sufficient as if one choise Minister were by our Church-Gouernors sent to the Americans such a one deseruedly beares the name of an Euangelist as was Timothy that such a thing may come into the heart of our gouernours let vs all pray Hee then hath a lawfull calling inward and outward to speake to a particuler congregation whom God hath endowed with Christian graces of sanctity and Ministeriall abilities and an vpright desire to glorifie God and edifie the people and whom the visible Church and Gouernors there haue vpon examination of abilities and on sufficient testimony of approoued life set apart to that â—unction and ordained to execute the same and because order is to be kept and euery one know where he is to teach this man so furnished inwardly and outwardly is the watch man to that congrâ—gation to which both the Gouernors of the Church assigne him to teach that people haue testified their liking by consenting After this not euery dislike not any dislike without true cause can disanull that Ministers calling Let all Ministers looke well to their entrance that they may with comfort vndergo the temptations and troubles of their calling This is the first rule 2 He must not neglect the gift giuen to him but stire it vp and blow the coales that they may liue and glow 1 Tim. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 6. 3 He must beare a tender and fatherly affection towards them for their saluation contented to professe himselfe and indeed to be their seruant for Iesus sake becomming all things to all men by compassion that hee may winne the more 2 Cor. 4. 5. 4 He must attend on reading priuately to himselfe 1 Tim. 4. 13. Exhortation and doctrine among his people and this in season and out of season publiquely and from house to house day and night willingly not by constraint of a ready minde not for filthy lucre as an ensample to the flock taking the ouersight thereof 1 Pet. 5. 2. 3. 4. 2 Tim 4. 1. 2. 3. 5 He must be an ensample to the beleeuers in word in conuersation in charity in spirit in faith in purity 1 Tim 4. 12. in word that is in speech in spirit that is in feruency and zeale for God and his glory in the sauing of his hearers 6 He must hold fast the forme of sound words that hee may feed his flocke with sincere milke and may keepe the commandement without spot vnrebukeable and may bee able to conuince the gaine-sayer 2 Tim. 1. 13. 1 Tim. 6. 14. Tit. 1. 9. For as the people must bee fed so must they bee preserued from Wolues and Dogges The mouthes of false teachers must be stopped Tit. 1. 11. 7 Ecclesiasticall discipline must be vsed maintained with the strictest bands of good order 8 He must care for their good after his death 2 Pet. 1. 15. And if it lye in his power see them deliuered to some faithfull Pastor as Augustine saw Eradius his successor with ioy Tom. 2. ep 110. This is the duty of the Pastor The people owe to their Minister 1 Loue for their works sake The peoples duty they must know them which labour among them and are ouer them in the Lord and admonish them 1 Thes 5. 12. 13. Their very feete should be beautifull Rom. 10. 15. The Galathians bare such loue to the Apostle Paul that they could haue puld out their owne eyes to haue giuen them to him Gal. 4. 14. 15. 2 Double honour they should esteeme them highly as Ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the spirit the Galathians receiued Paul as an Angell of God as Christ Iesus There is required also a speciall feare in vs when we receiue the Ministers sent of God as the Corinthians receiued Titus with feare and trembling 2 Cor. 7. 15. 3 Maintenance conuenient for his person and calling remembring what the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corne and the labourer is worthy of his reward 1 Tim. 5. 18 Gal. 6. 6 To with-hold tythes is to rob God Mal. 3. 8 9. And to giue no more then what wee are bound to by law testifieth an heart void of the feare of God thou shouldest haue thy first fruits and free will offerings Deut. 14. 23. 12. 17. 18. 19. 4 Obedience to the word taught by them suffering the words of exhortation and willing to imbrace wholesome doctrine Hebr. 13. 17. 22. 2 Tim. 4. 3. Loue honour and maintenance are nothing without obedience nor doe make thy godly Minister goe on with ioy in his labours if this be wanting The greatest encouragement to thy Minister is submission and professed subiection to the Gospell of Christ in all things Now we liue saith the Apostle Paul if ye stand fast in the Lord 1 Thes 3. 8. For what is our ioy or hope or crowne of reioycing Are not euen yee in the presence of our Lord Iesus Christ at his comming yee are our glory and ioy Oh happy thing when the Minister comming before 〈◊〉 iudgement seate of Christ the great shepheard of the sheepe can say Behold here am I and the children which thou hast giuen me But shall not your countenance bee dashed when all the account he can make is this I haue spoken vnto them and they would not heare Lord who hath beleeued our report I haue laboured in vaine I haue spent my strength for nought and in vaine Esa 49. 4. Reade and peruse that one Text in Esa 30. 8. 9. 10. 11. Now goe saith the Lord write it before them in a Table and note it in a Booke that it may bee for the time to come for euer and euer That this is a rebellious people lying children children that will not heare the law of the Lord which say to the seers see not and to the Prophets prophecie not vnto vs right things speake vnto vs smoothe things prophecy deceits get ye out of the way turne aside out of the path