in this holy manner to doe the Lords worke come on and tread the pathes of the highest those euen and pleasant waies which lead to the assurance of eternall happinesse For the worke of righteousnesse is peace and the effect therof Esa 32. 17. quietnesse and assurance for euer The particular and expresse precepts of holy conuersation respect thy behauiour towards God other men thy selfe Thy duty to God is to know Thy duty to God him to worship him aright both for the inward affections of thy heart and for thy outward service 1 The knowledge of God 1 To know him desired more then burnt offerings is that which must be in some good measure found in all the true worshippers of him and that such a knowledge as natures light since the fall reacheth not vnto it being rather a sparkle whereby wee discerne that there is a God then any flaming light Rom. 1. 20. 21. that is able either to direct vs how aright to conceiue of him or to warme our hearts by liuely impressions that by the same we might be brought to glorifie him as God and not proue vnthankefull worshipping the creature in stead of the Creator Ier. 24. 7. 1 Ioh. 5. 20. who is blessed for euer Scripture then doth teach this knowledge and God by them doth giue an heart as Ieremie speaketh an vnderstanding as S. Iohn saith To know him that is true and to know him that we might worship him And concerning this grace it is required in the Scripture as euer we meane to know God that not alone wee know but also follow on to know the Lord Hos 6. 3. The precepts thereof must direct in both 1 The Rules for the guiding of our vnderstandings to know and conceiue of God aright are these 1 That we know him by no likenesse nor resemble him to any thing in the world hee is a spirit the inuisible God to whom then wilt thou compare him or to whom shall he be like God forbids images in Churches houses and thy head too Commandement 2. Deut. 4. 12. 15. 2 How shall we doe then to conceiue of him whom no man euer saw nor can see of whom none may thinke by resembling him to any thing hee doth see the Lord himselfe hath shewen the way caâ—ie glorious and able to prepare our hearts vnto him in any seruice wherein we would approach neere vnto him a way by which hee made himselfe knowne to Moses Exod 34. 6. 7. by his glorious titles and attributes the excellenciâ—s and praises of him that is I am the Almighty which is which was which is to come Therefore in prayer and all other his worship in all thy meditations fasten thy thoughts vpon him as the Lord God Gracious Mercifull long-suffering that pardoneth iniquitie transgression and sinne that will by no meanes cleare the wicked the most Holy Alsufficient eternall onely wise God with the like which shall lift vp thy heart vnto him through the glory that shines in them By this meanes maist thou haue him in thy minde through the whole day In the creatures thou beholdest inasmuch as these praises may be read plainely in that great booke If thou wilt take the benefit of this direction an helpe non contemnendum not to be despised there are three waies to gather these glories of the highest out of the booke of the creature 1 By way of deniaâ—l remouing from God in our conceiuing of him what euer argueth weakenesse or wickednesse in the creature as to know him to bee the God that cannot lye that cannot dye but is immortall that cannot repent or deny himselfe 2 By way of eminency ascribing what is good in the creature to the Creator by an excellency as see wee knowledge in men and he that teacheth men knowledge shall not he know is wisedome in men and is not hee most wise are there any drops of mercy truth or holinesse in the creature the Ocean is in him or rather he is the Ocean Doth the creature liue with him is the well of life 3 By way of causing all things so by the fabricke of this world we know him to be the Creator by wonders therein we vnderstand his eternall power and God-head by gifts bestowed on the creatures his bounty and goodnesse by their order his wisedome the God of order by their continuance in the same estate to this day his vnwearied prouidence 3 Yet all this is not sufficiâ—nt wee must know him to bee that one God who is three the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost and know God the Father as the Father of Iesus Christ his Sonne and as our Father in him by the holy Ghost The first of these namely to hold the doctrine of the Trinity distinguisheth Christians from Iewes Paynims Turkes Arrians Antitrinitarians The second which the Apostles cals the knowledge 2 Cor. 4. 6. of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ his Sonne distinguisheth true Christians from all Hereticall Papisticall and formall Christians which is called sauing knowledge by Diuines and is eternall life in the beginnings of it Ioh. 17. 3. Which hath a power to transforme the 2 Cor. 3. 18 Col 3. 10. whole man into Gods image and change him from glory to glory It is a chiefe part of Gods image in vs at which time the vaile of ignorance is said to be rent And this is when by the Gospell wee hauing first seene our misery by the law and how vile we are by sinne we vnderstand the loue of the Father set vpon vs before euer there was a world choosing vs to life and predestinating vs to the Adoption of children by Iesus Christ whom hee gaue to vs and made him to bee to vs wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption and also the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the Sonne in taking on him our nature and dying for vs to reconcile vs to God and rising againe to make vs righteous and the fellowship of the holy Ghost who vniteth vs to the Father and the Sonne and sanctifieth and preserueth in the estate of grace When I say wee know with perswasion of heart the loue of God in Christ pardoning our sinnes and receiuing vs for his sonnes and daughters so that by the spirit of the Son sent into our hearts we call him Abba Father then know we him effectually And thus must thou conceiue of him and thus conceiuing approach to him when thou worshipest him Eph. 2. 18. In Christ wee haue saith Paul accesse vnto the Father by one spirâ—t For this wee should pray on â—he bended kneâ—s of our soules euery day that God would enlarge our hearts to comprehend with all Saints what is the height depth length and breadth and to know the loue of God which passeth knowledge that we may be filled with all the fulnesse of God Ephes 3. 17. 18. 19. 2 After thou canst thus conceiue of him then follow on to know the Lord acquaint thy selfe with
may adde Perfection Reu. 22. 18 19. 2 Cor. 4. 4. Psal 119. 130. Perspicuity ought thereto or take ought therefro and that they are plaine and cleare to all Gods elect in all truths absolutely necessary to saluation the very entrance into them giueth light yea vnderstanding to the simple §. 11. Thus of the Scriptures out of 2 Of God these the Creed was taken according to the order thereof our faith is carried vnto God as the chiefe obiect and first it lookes vpon God the Father on this wise I beleeue in God the Father Almighty HE that commeth vnto God Heb 11. 6. must beleeue that God is and that he is a rewarder of them Deut. 6. 4 1 Ioh 5. 〈◊〉 Esa 48. 16. 17 that diligently seeke him that hee is one onely Lord who is three in persons the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost the Father God the Sonne God the holy Ghost God yet not three Gods but one onely Notwithstanding the Father is not the Son the Sonne is not the Holy Ghost nor is the holy Ghost the Father or the Sonne the Father is of himselfe the Sonne is begotten of the Father before all worlds the Holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne altogether worshipped and glorified That this one God who is Father Sonne and holy Gen. 17. 1. Ioh. 4. 24. 1 Tim. 6. 15. 16. Exod. 34. 6. 7. Ghost is the Almighty a spirit eternall al-sufficient al-knowing vnchangeable infinite in wisedome iustice holinesse truth and mercy and therefore most Glorious Blessed and onely good Maker of heauen and earth Who alone created all things 3 Of the creation Gen. 1. Col. 1. 16. Reu. 4. 11. visible and inuisible heauens and their hosts earth and their hosts in the beginning of nothing by his word onely and all of them very good his owne will moouing him thereto and not any need he had of them Who also made man after his 4 Of mans innocency Eccles 7. 29. Gen. 1 27. Ephes 4. 24. 5 Of Gods prouidence 1 Pet. 4. 19 Pro. 15 3. Heb. 1. 3. â—ol 1. 17. Pro. 16. 1. 33. 1 Tim. 4. 10. Lam. 3. 37. 38. 2 Sam. 16 1â— owne Image and likenesse both male and female in knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse of truth Who likewise is that faithfull Creator still that seeth and ruleth vpholdeth and disposeth all things from the greatest to the least hauing care especially for man among men now chiefly for the righteous and beleeuers so that neither good nor euill befals any man without Gods prouidence yea hee disposeth of euen the euill actions of men yet all this most wisely powerfully Act. 4. 27. Ephes 1. 11 Eccles 3. 14 The necessity of a â—â—edeemer 6 Of the Fall Gen. 3â— Eccles 7. 29. 7 Of sinne Originall Rom. 5. 19. 3. 12. 13. and righteously Then was man made righteous but Christian faith compels vs to beleeue That our first Parents Adam and Eue by their owne voluntary disobedience fell from that happy estate wherein they were created thus by the disobedience of one all were made sinners and are defiled and depriued of the glory of God from their conception and birth being blinde in their vnderstandings vaine in their imaginations defiled in conscience rebellious in their wil fraile in their memories corrupt in heart and life and alienated from the life of God And if they come to yeares 8 Of sinne Actuall Eccles 7. 20. Psal 19. 1â— 13. 14. Eph. 2. 1. Rom. 8. 7. guilty of many transgressions that make them abominable in the eyes of God and not able to doe any thing that may please God dead in trespasses and sins whose mindings are not subiect to the law nor indeed can bee Now by 9. Of the punishment of sinne Rom. 5. 12. 6. 23. sinne death entred into the world and is the wages of sinne both the first and second death In God the Father Man in this estate the childe of wrath God so loued the world that hee 10 Of â—le 〈◊〉 Ioh. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1 â—0 Ephes 1. 4. 5. 6. gaue his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeued in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life This Sonne of his loue before euer there was a world he sore-ordained to be our Sauiour and Redeemer and in him chose some men called therefore his elect that they should bee holy and without blame before him in loue hauing predestinated them to the Adoption of children by Iesus Christ that Sonne of his loue according to the good pleasure of his own will to the Rom. 8. 29 30. praise of the glory of his grace wherin he hath made them accepted in his beloued for whom he foreknew them he predestinated to be conformed to the Image of his Sonne whom he predestinateth them hee calleth whom he calleth he iustifieth whom hee iustifieth hee glorisieth §. III. Secondly our faith looketh vpon the Sonne of God the Messiah concerning whom we are to beleeue and professe and to liue and dye in that profession and beliefe And Iesus his onely Sonne THat Iesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and Sauiour of the world being very God the onely 11 Of Christs person natures Ioh. 11. 27. 6. 6. begotten Sonne of the father and true and very man yet but one Christ Who is Iesus Iesus The alone Sauiour of his people 12 Of his office in the whole Matâ— 21. 1 Tim 2. 5. 2 Tim. 1 9. Tit. 3. 5. Ephes 2. 8. 9. Esa 49. 8. Gal. 3. 18. 22. Ier. 31. 3â—â— from their sinnes and the onely mediator betweene God and man in whom we are saued according to the grace of God and not according to our workes or ought in vs â—or through this our Mediator a new couenant God made with vs wherein he of his free grace promiseth to be a God and to giue remission of sinnes and life euerlasting to euery one that beleeueth in Christ and repeâ—teth of his sinnes Who is the Christ also Christ our Lord That is this Iesus is the annointed 1 Of his offices in the parts 13 Propheticall Deut. 18. 15. of God to be Prophet Priest and King to his people He is that great Prophet of the Church in whom are all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Act. 3. 22. Col. 2. 3. Ioh. 1. 18. Eccles 12. 11. Eph. 4. 9. 10. Mat. 28. 10. Esa 48. 17. 1 Cor. 3. 6. Esa 50 4. Mat. 11. 28 who hath plainely opened and reuealed the whole counsell of his father touching our saluation and hath instituted and ordaiâ—ed a ministery of men in the Church for the building vp thereof and for the perfecting of the Saints whom he will be with to the end of the world in this worke by his spirit through their ministery teaching to profit for to teach the heart within by inlightning the minde and working a beliefe of the doctrine recorded in Scripture or thence taught vnto men is
take hold of those things that fit thine owne particular For when we heare what we are to doe wee shall finde somethings abutt full vpon our selues somethings we are extreame faulty in somethings would maruailously encourage vs in righteousnesse now let thy wisedome appeare in marking those things chiefely retaine them though all the rest runne out 4 Auoide vaine iangling and Pro. 4. 26. Ier. 31. 32. keepe close to profitable knowledge Tit. 3. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 23. 1. Tim. 6. 20. Let thine eyes looke right on and let thine eye lids looke streight before thee Beware of going about lest thou heare from God the terme of Backslider 5 Goe vnto the wise and aske the way to Sion with thy face thitherward Pro. 15. 12. Ier. 50. 5. Stifle not but propound thy doubts Gods people are an inquisitiue people 6 Pray teach me thy way O Lord. Psal 27. 11. with a speciall lifting vp of heart seeke this way of him Hee is the God which teacheth thee to profit and leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest goe Psal 143. 10. Esa 48. 17. 3 The society of the righteous 3 To abandon the needlesse society of wicked and prophane persons and get into the way and company of good men that make conscience of their waies a rule of speciall note Away from me ye wicked for I will keepe the commandements of my God Psal 119. 115. Pro. 4. 14. Psal 1. 1. Rowles of such whose familiarity thou must eschew are giuen in 1 Cor. 5. 10. 11. 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2. 4. 5 Pro. 23. 19. 20. 21. be enwrapped in their society thou shalt be infected with their euill and then what winding out of their destruction But to sort thy selfe with discreet and sincere Christians hath in it vnknown gaine Pro. 2. 20. their path is as the shining light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Pro. 4. 18. 4 To shunne the false and 4 True guides take to true guides and rules These are false guides of liuing 1. the example of the multitude Exod. 23. entertaine Ioshuahs resolution Iosh 24. 15 1 Cor. 9. 24. I and my house will serue the Lord runne as if thou wert alone to obtaine runne though thou runne alone 2. Great and learned men if thou be a seruant forget not that thou art Christs freeman Let no mans humor be thy guide in religion 1 Cor. 7. 23. 3 Flesh and bloud carnall reason sense or carnall friends are not competent Iudges in diuine things with them consult thou not Gal. 1. 16. 4 A false faith as the Turkes their Alcoran the Papists Popes Decrees 5. Thy lusts which haue a three fold fronte the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye the pride of life 1 Ioh. 2. 16. These are true guides and rules 1 Gods word Gal. 6. Psal 119. 9. 2 The Holy example of the Godly Heb. 12. 1. Which will be like that cloud of the Lord to the trauellers in the Wildernesse of this world that walke in the day light of the holy precepts the way of Gods people is diligently to be sought Ier. 12. 16. 3 A setled ministery they aâ—e Starres in Christs right hand they are the light of the world the salt of the earth obedience is charged vpon vs to those that watch for our soules their Directions in the Lord must be followed Heb. 13. 17. and their holy conuersation is a Patterne giuen of God Phil. 4 9. 5 To keepe the heart withall 5 The guard of the heart diligence both in respect of secret hypocrisie of the beginnings of sinne Pro. 4. 23. the issues of life come therout if they be defiled with sin or tainted with hypocrisie such must al the streams be of necessity Eye eare hand and tongue shall be ouerflowne with that polluted spring aboâ—â— all keepings keepe the fountaine cleare 6 To repaire daily to the 6 Triall of all our deeds light of Gods word to see whether our deeds be wrought in God or no Ioh. 3. 21. O excellent rule worthy the Sauiour the light of the world 7 To obserue our owne defects 7 The obseruation of our defects and thinke on with holy earnest couering all those gifts that are more excellent 1 Cor. 12. vlt. He that would euer grow and goe forwards now not to goe forwards is to goe backwards must obserue what is wanting what is weake what is out of the way what is crooked what corruptions preuaile where Sathan gets most aduantage that those things may bee supplied strengthened straitened subdued preuented and so the whole recouered and wee pressing on still for the price of our high calling to the marke Phil. 3 12. 4. 8 9. Is there any thing true honest praise-worthy of good report louely let that be thought of 8 To keepe aliue the affections 8 The preseruation of our first loue of godlinesse lest wee lose our first loue bee daily mortifying thy corruptions plowing vp thy fallow ground circumcising thine heart that thou maist keep it euer low tender and thankefull in all things 9 To auoid the snares which 9 The auoidance of snares catch most of Adams sonnes and fold them in a heap of euils and weaken if not destroy their vigor Vpon the bare discouery of them your hearts shall acknowledge it 1 Medling with others businesse 1 Thes 4. 11. 2 Desire of superfluities as to haste to be rich 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Pro. 23. 4. 28. 20. 3 The beholding of vanitie Psal 119. 37. 4 The sinnes of the time which the world accounts but spots Iam. 1. 27. 5 Carnall confidence relying vpon our wit memory praise-worthy parts dignity vertues and the like As if either power to doe good or reason why God should accept vs were found in any of these carnall things whereas in this new-created world of regenerate men Christ is all and in all Col. 3. 11. 6 Carnall feares which mightily beslaue The heart is no sooner set within to the desires after wel-doing but many a feare befals it that he shall neuâ—r bee able to doe this duty that God will not accept him and his worke Such a man will deride such friends will frowne vpon him there is also a meere counterfeit of humility which some delight in because it fauours much their lazy flesh presse to any duty and they plead their desires and their loue to it and now they wish they could so doe and what griefe it is to them they faile therein but they are flesh and bloud they dare not be so confident of their strength or and in very deed all is to saue their labour and keepe their old sinfull course or at least their former easie pace yea these feares are accompanied with vile mistrust of God and strange pleaes that he is not so good to them as to giue them that measure of grace that power of resolution and thus sticke not to charge God foolishly yet he giueth to him that
baptisme as it is a vow and promise on our parts and a dedication of our soules and bodies there to the worship and seruice of that one God who is the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost renouncing all others now let this vow and profession of thine teach thee 1 To abandon all impenitency and vnbeliefe lest thou become a Couenant-breaker with God one that makest void the death of Christ one that crucifiest him afresh one that sinnest against the spirit of grace that grieuest that holy spirit disgracest the family Gospel and name of God and depriuest thy selfe of that saluation set forth by the Father wrought by the Sonne applyed by the holy Ghost assured by all three to thee in thy baptisme haddest thou looked to the condition and not put a barre to such surpassing mercy 2 To fight against the flesh the diuel and the world thereby remembring whose thou art and vnder whom thou warrest 3 To acknowledge the communion of Saints and know that thou art by baptisme bound to preserue brotherly loue with them as with the members of the body as with sonnes of the same father and seruants of the same lord 1 Cor. 12. 13. Ephes 4. 3 4. 5. No diuisions should arâ—se 1 Cor. 1. 13. All names of sectes should be abolished wee should deuote our selues to no mans rule were we baptized into the name of Paul Whose seruants soeuer wee are wee are Christes freemen and whose freemen soeuer we are Christs seruants 4 To worship him in vnity and vnity in Trinity drawing neere to the Father in the Son by the holy Ghost giuing the distinct glory to each person the Father that elected and loued the Sonne that redeemed the holy Ghost that sanctified vs. The forme of baptisme requireth this §. XI The fourth Prayer THis rightly performed is Of prayer the soule of the soule because it causeth it to liue in God the exercise of all the graces of the spirit at once as faith hope loue feare to offend vprightnes of heart delight in God and the like the Christians armouâ— the incense acceptable to God the very key of heauen In this seruice of the liuing God these speciall rules must be heeded 1 Thou must pray with thy vnderstanding that it may not be sayd to thee thou knowest not what thou askest It is the prime thing to be looked vnto that thy vnderstanding bee not vnfruitfull for it is not the tumbling ouer a few wordes without regard of the sense in them and knowledge of the thing prayed for that is of any moment but the powring out of the soule in those wordes which alone giues being to our prayers 1 Sam. 1. 15. Psa 142. 2. Lift vp thy heart with thy handes Lam. 3. 41. 2 Pray with pure heart and hands 1 Tim. 2. 8. The purity of the heart giueth purity to the hands both are pure in prayer when they are lifted vp 1 Without double mindednesse hypocrisie or guile of spirit the soule not lifted vp to vanity Psal 24. 4. nor the heart set vpon the loue of any sinne purifie your hearts ye double minded and then draw nigh to God and hee will draw nigh to you Iam. 4. 8. But if thou wert Dauid himself to whom God gaue his sure mercies if thou regard iniquity in thine heart the Lord will not heare thy prayer Psal 66. 18. 2 Without wrath for if wee forgiue not neither will our Father in heauen forgiue vs Mat. 6. 14. 15. 3 Without doubting Iam. 1. 5. Aske and wauer not 3 Pray with feeling and feruency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how preuailing is the prayer of a righteous man it is as an arrow shot home to the marke Iam. 5. 16. A speeding prayer a labouring and working prayer 4 Pray in the Holy Ghost Iude 20. Set thy delight on the Almighty so cannot any hypocrite Iob 27. 10. and cry Abba Father by the spirit of adoption Gal. 4. 5. with childelike affections and confidence 5 Pray at all times pray in prosperity in aduersity pray euery day pray and restraine not prayer before God why shouldest thou cast off his feare continuing instant Col. 4. 2. Iob 27. 10. The rather since our Lord saith that this faith he shall scarce finde when he comes to iudgement Phil. 4. 7. Luk â—8 8. in no thing be careful but in all things tell to the Lord thy requests 6 Pray onely in the name of Christ Ioh. 14. 13. and in Ioh. 16. 23. 24. We are not onely commanded to aske in his name but chidden for our slownesse to aske seeing we haue the Sonne of God our spokesman 7 Pray all manner of prayer complaints confessions supplication petition thanksgiuings and remember alwayes giuing of thankes in all thy requests Phil. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 8 Pray for all sorts of men especially for all in Authority 1 Tim. 2. 1. 9 Auoide vaine repetitions God is in heauen thou art in earth therefore let thy words bee few Mat 6. 7. Eccles 5. 2. Onely see they be the true voyce of the heart and they are not long if thy desire and feeling giue them life and they are long though neuer so short if this be wanting beware of length in prayer to be seene of men approue thy selfe to thy father that seeth in secret I close vp these directions with the saying of Ambrose in his booke Dâ— Cain et Abel lib. 2. c. 6. Si tanquam pubescens adolâ—scat fides qua defectum seâ—escentis devotionis ableget spiritu fâ—râ—eat congrua distinctionâ— teneatur â—ensura legitimae diuisionis assiduitas commendet gratiam tunc fit illud pingue tanquam adipale precationis genus de quâ— dicit scriptura impinguasti in oleo caput meum Sicut nâ—agni multo lacte pinguescunt sicut oues benè pastae adipe â—â—ent ita Apostolico succo pastâ— fidelium pinguâ—scit oratio horum si desit aliquid qua suprà diximus sacrificium non probatur If faith grow vigorous as comming to ripe age so that it banish the defect of withering deuotion waxe hot in spirit and the measure of a lawfull division be held by a congruous distinction and assidiuity commend the grace of it then that wel-liking and as it were fatty kind of praying is made of which the Scripture saith thou hast annointed mine head with oyle For like as the Lambes grow fat with much milke and as sheepe well-fed shine with fatnesse euen so batteneth the prayer of beleeuers fedd with Apostolike iuice If ought of these forespoken bewanting the sacrifice is not allowed §. XII The fifth feasting or solemne Offeasting Thankesgiuing THis duety is performed aright if wee follow these three essentiall directions 1 Our feasting must be with praise to God vpon the recording of some fauor and benefit or deliuerance reioycing in the worke that he hath done considering the workes of his hands Psa 119. 24. 2 It must be with liberality to to the poore that their
called the polluting of the Sabbath Ezek. 22. 26. Esa 58. but what neede wee goe further then the commandement it selfe It is one of the lawes giuen immediatly from God not mediately by Moses as the Ceremonies were Deut. 4. 13. 14. it was written with Gods owne finger in Tables of stone Exod. 31. 18. Put into the Arke Couered with the mercy seate as containing part of the sinnes nayled to Christs Crosse and therefore not any that serued to the expiation of sinne in the shadow one of the ten words or precepts which if you teare out you can make of the rest but nine and so giue God the lye Deut 4. 13. Let the words of the precept speake for its authority The word Zacor is indefinite is in English to remember because we are bound for euer to remember this matter as saith R. Elias Remember shewes also that this as the other commandements was ingrauen in the hearts of the fathers and that it was inioyned before and obserued though easily neglected by corruption Exod. 16. Remember to keepe it holy the end of the commandements is moral Sixe dayes shalt thou labor if the permission of the sixe dayes labor appertaine to vs do not the sanctifying of a seuenth We are no lesse charged on the Sabbath to worship then permitted on the sixe dayes to follow our ordinary calling if the Commandement be Ceremoniall Idlenesse is the best Christianity in the sixe dayes It is the day blessed sanctified now so long as wee need the meanes with the blessing of God on them for our recouery out of sinne and our continuance in grace so long we neede some speciall day to which God hath promised a blessing in speciall But you will say the Iewes Sabbath was blessed but where find ye our Sabbath blessed I Answer in the Commandement which saith not the Lord blessed the seuenth day but the Lord blessed the Sabbath day be it the seuenth or the first day of the weeke which hee shall giue in charge and hallowed it in a word this commandement was giuen and charged vpon the strangers and I doe remember that a stranger was bound to obserue the Ceremoniall law If any say can you shew where this is Commanded or confirmed in the New Testament I Answer I can Mat. 5. 18. One iot or one title of the law shall not perish and verse 19. Whosoeuer shall breake one of the least Commandements and shall teach men so shall be called the least in the kingdome of heauen I will close this with the saying or Irenaeus in his 4 booke agaiâ—st heresies the 31 Chapter God needed not the loue of man but man was destitute of the glory of God of which by no meanes he could partake but by that obseruance which is owing towards God for this cause Mâ—ses saith choose life c vnto which life prepaâ—ing man the Lord himself by himselfe spak the words of the Deâ—alogue to all like therfore they remain with vs in like maner receiuing extent and increase but not dissolution by his comming in the flesh But the precept of bondage he commanded the people by Moses apart fit for their disciplining These precepts which were giuen to them for bondage and a signe he hath girt about with the New Testament of liberty but whatso are naturall and common to all he hath increased our knowledge of God as father our adoption our loue our obedience to his word without turning away the face abstaining euen from the lusts of euill workes our feare child-like So our liberty is not giuen as a cloke of maliciousnesse but to the propitiation and manifestation of faith To plead Christs comming to this and to blot out one of the ten commandements is to vse Christian liberty for a cloke of wickednesse according to this man of God 2 For the change of the day The first day of euery weeke is the Christans Sabbath it is easily prooued to be diuine it is called in Scripture The Lords day Rev. 1. 10. as the Holy Supper of the Eucharist is called the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 20. First instituâ—ed by the Lord and in its vse râ—ferred to the Lord for who could change the day of the Sabbath but hee that is Lord of the Sabbath that is Christ Mark 2. 28. the practise of our Sauiour and the Apostles who appâ—ared on this day hâ—ld their assemblies on this day conuinceth it sufficiently to bee commanded by our Lord and Sauiour Ioh. 20. 19. 26. Act. 2. 1. and 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2. and reasons strong and many may bee giuen the Commandement that a seuenth part of our time be consecrated to God is morall as we haue before prooued therefore the Institution of the Lords day could not be deferrâ—d one whol weeke for the Iewes Sabbath in respect of the determination thereof to the seuenth day was abrogated de iure in Christs death if it were deferred to the Apostles ordination though then also it were diuine for they had the spirit of Christ yet the Church must haue beene â—eft destitute of a Sabbath for a time and onâ—ly nine precepts haue stood in force for that space Againe it is not â—asie to cast off what some Ancients haue vrged from that place Psal 118 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made for Christ himselfe tells vs that his resurrection is handled in that place Matth. 21. 42. and who should appoint the day of worship in the New Testament but he that instituted the ordinances of the Nâ—w Testament and from whom all blesâ—ing vpon all worship is to be expectâ—d We will therefore in obedience to our Sauiours institution with the Ancient Church call this day the Lords day the day of bread the Dies dominicus dies panis dies Lucis day of light and wish that neuer any should reckon of the fourth Commandement as otherwise then morall Thus of the Authority I pray you hide not your eyes from seeing it that so you may receiue the Duties of this day The duties of the Lords day are the duties of the Sabbath both for the matter and manner of performing Take then your duty thus it is referred to these two Considerations 1 What is charged on vs. 2 On whom it is charged For the first wee are charged to Prepare for the Lords day or the Sabbath Keepe it For preparation we are bound 1 To Râ—member it before it come and to obâ—erue it as the word is vsed in the repetition of the Law Deut 5. that is both to informe our iudgâ—ments of the Authority of the day and to be mindfull in euery respect to keepe the precept aswell as any of the other watching against our naturall corruption which nor cares to vnderstand nor minds to obsâ—rue this Holy rest 2 To fiâ—ish our workes on the sixe dayes as God did his doing all we haue to doe Gen. 2 2. For if through our negligence a necessity be contracted of
the place where thou liuest reckoning vpon their dislike onely as worth the auoiding and not caring to runne vpon that which ministreth apparent and iust cause of distrust of thy good and louing affections to others for hee that loueth not all the Saints loueth no Saint a right neither is it here said seâ— thou loue this or that brotherhood which thou hast made by associating thy selfe with them but loue the brotherhood which God hath made by giuing these testimonies to the world that they are borne of him else in auoiding a rent from some thou maiest make a rent from many To these the duty charged vpon vs is loue Ephes 5. 2. Walke in loue the speciall commandement giuen by our Sauiour and the cognisance whereby his Disciples should be knowne Ioh. 13. 34. 35. Loue noteth the affections of the heart and the office of loue in the life 1 The affection of loue which we owe to the godly is a speciall degree of affectionate kindenesse tendernesse of hart framed in vs by the holy Ghost through the Gospell whereby wee receiue them as Christ receiued vs and respect them as our brethren in him partakers of the same grace of God and heires of the same inheritance of heauen the grace of life eternall prouided for vs knowing that there is but one body one spirit one faith one hope of our calling one Baptisme one Lord tâ—at redeemed them all one God who is the Father of them all who also is aboue all and through all and in them all Ephes 4. 4. 5. 6. Rom. 12 10. Ioh. 13. 34. And thus this loue of the brethren differeth from the loue of men we spake of before Neither is it enough that I loue them because they are men and as men but because they are Christians begotten of the Father and as Christians that are new borne The loue of men the law commandeth wils it be squared by this patterne as I loue my selfe the loue of the brethren the Gospell onely and wils it bee squared by a more excellent patterne as Christ hath loued vs As the law reuealeth not Christ the Mediator so neither doth it command the loue of the brotherhood who are gathered out of the word by Christ In this regard therefore our Sauiour saith A new commandement giue I vnto you Ioh. 13. 34. And to this loue of the brethren in our conuersion were our soules purified and still doth the Christian purifie his soule in obeying the truth through the spirit 1 Pet. 1. 22. 2 The offices of brotherly loue are these 1 To make choice of them as the onely companions of our liues associaâ—ing our selues to their communion and fellowship Psal 16. 2. 3. All our delight should bee in them that kingly Prophet saith I am a companion of all them that feare thee and of them that keepe thy precepts Psal 119. 63. 2 To vse hospitality one to another without grudging 1 Peâ— 4. 9. Hâ—b 13. 1. 2. and to be harbourers forget not this office of loue for hereby some haue receiued Angels into their houses vnawares Abraham and Lot as we reade pursued hospitality 3 To employ our gifts for their good as being members of the same body and therefore ought to haue the same care one of another All gifts are spirituall or corporall spirituall as knowledge vtterance and the like all giuen to profit withall 1 Cor. 12. 7. They must helpe others by what they haue learned when they meet together Pro 15 7. 1 Cor. 14 26 Col. 3. 16. By prayer bee they present or absent 2 Cor. 1. 11. and by admonitions prouoking to loue and to good workes Heb. 10. 24. corporall are riches friends authority all to be vsed chiefly for the good of the Saints Gal. 6. 10. Phil. 2. 4. 2 Cor. 8. 19. Rom. 12. 13. 4 To striue together for the faith of the Gospell defending with one heart the cause and quarrell of religion Phil. 1. 27. Like vowed souldiers vnder that one Generall the Lord Iesus 5 To beare one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. Their burdens are either infirmities temptations griefes for wrongs done vs or afflictions of infirmities our loue should couer them 1 Pet. 4. 8. and wee should shew our readinesse to lay their sorrowes to heart and to comfort them not by saying sinne is no sinne or calling euill good or soothing them in security but by directing them rightly to apply the consolations of God in Scripture If temptations wee should with all ten â—ernesse of heart aduise counsell and comfort If griefe for wrongs done to vs that we let them see how easily we can forgiue them and forbeare the least shew of reuenge as also Christ hath forgiuen vs Col. 3. 12 If outward afflictions that wee mourne with them that mourne and bee ready to helpe them to the vttermost of our power for we owe our liues to the brethren 1 Ioh. 3. 16. 17. 6 To confesse our faults one to another in case of dammage done to our brother yea be it wee haue not trespassed yet to open the sores of our dispositions and discreetly to tell our frailties failings and corruption of nature which as it easeth our owne hearts so it increaseth affections preuenteth loathing of vs for our infirmities and gaineth leaue with freedome to reproue them when they see wee are ready to condemne our selues Iam. 5. 16. These duties are of much intimatenesse and therefore the soule had need to be purified to this loue that it may be vnfeigned out of a pure heart and feruent 1 Pet. 1. 22. And that it may in the affections and the expression of these offices of loue continue without interruption wee must watch against these things chiefely 1 The forsaking of their fellowship Heb. 10. 25. 2 Iudging and censuring about hid things as the secrets of their hearts 2 Cor. 4 5. and things indifferent Rom. 14. 10. 3 Grudging murmuring and complaining Iam. 5. 9. Phil. 2. 14. 4 Enuy at their gifts and respects Gal. 5. 26. 5 Respect of persons Iam. 2. 1. 2. 6 Vaine-glory and conceitednesse Phil 2. 4. 5. Gal. 5 vlt. 7 Schismes rents and diuisions and running into opinions 1 Cor. 1. 10. Phil. 2. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 12. 25. 8 Inconstancy Heb. 13 1. 9 Worldlinesse looking only at our owne things 1 Cor. 13. 5. 10 Dissimulation 1 Ioh. 3. 18. 11 Vntrustinesse and vnfaithfulnesse 3 Ioh. 5. 12 Suits in law 1 Cor. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 13 Mixing our selues with a brother or brethren that proue lewd wee should restraine our familiarity and reproue them that they might be ashamed and amend yet count them as brethren not as enemies 1 Cor. 5. 11. 2 Thes 3. Rom. 14. 13. 14. 14 Scandale to lay a stumbling blocke in our brothers way Mat. 18 6. 7. All scandale is thy sinne when it is gâ—uâ—n by thee that is when thou art the cause of the hurt that comes by thy action as well as the
with him giuing to God the first of our thoughts our first words and the first fruites of the day Psal 5. 3. 4. 119. 147. Pro. 6. 22. the time neede not bee long it may be in so much space done â—elnigh as one would say the Lords prayer ouer treatably this will season the heart and remember for thy incouragement that place in 2 Chro. 19. 9. The eyes of the Lord runne to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of him whose heart is perfect towards him then after thy awaking with God it is to begin the day with solomne prayer it is to looke vp to the Lord in all thy wayes through the whole day Psal 119. 168. walking alwayes as in his sight this iâ— to remember God in thy wayes an admirable preseruatiue against all euill and it hath the promise Mat. 6. 33. 1 Tim. 4. 3. 4. Gâ—n 24. 11. 12. 26 27. desire therefore to see God in â—ll in his prouidence in his workes 2 It is to doe all our labours not for gaine and the desire to be rich but as dutie and because we are set of God in our places doe serue God in doing our duty Col. 3. 24. Ios 1. 8. from whom also we expâ—ct a reward and so liue as Pilgrimes and strangers auoiding worldlinesse not setting our hearts on riches if they increase Psal 62. 10. vsing the world not louing it not carefull any way about the successe or the after time but diligent and prouident and refering the rest to Gods blessing 1 Cor. 7. 32. Pro. 27. 1. 2 Iam. 4. 13. 14. 15. 3 It is to practice our Christian graces in our callings to the adorning of the doctrine of Christ our Sauiour in all things Tit. 2. 9. as piety the feare to offend faith patience obedience truth meeknesse innocency c that the Lord may be sanctiâ—â—ed in our hearts and glorified in our liues knowing we haue only so much and so many of these graces as we can expresse in the power and life of them in our liues If thou faint saith Salomon in the day of aduersity thy strength is small Pro. 24. 10. 4 It is to watch against the Temptations of our callings which are the sins or the crosses that meete vs in our callings 1 Sins that attend such a calling are such as wicked men the men of this world haue vsed for gaines sake â—ither out of couetuous desires to increase their estate or when they were hard bestead to get out of misery or avoid the inconueniences thou must so order thy estate that those sinnes may bee auoided 2 The Crosses and afflictions of thy calling Know that no calling is without his trouble and grâ—iuance and therfore it is not for thee to be weary of thy state and to desire change as if another calling would be freer from trouble No no But rather arme thy selfe to beare and take vp thy crosses not harkening to the ill motions of thy flesh the wicked counsel of Satan tendred to thy heart to haste to ill meanes but rest on God who giueth an issue to the temptation that wee may be able to beare it Thus of our behauiour in our particuler callings in our generall calling now followeth § XXVIII The order of our conuersation in our generall calling all our liues OVr generall calling is to be Thy duty in thy generall calling Christians the highest dignity of the sonnes of men here iâ— behooueth all to bee inquisitiue what it is we owe in answerablenesse to this our high calling all our liues and in all conditions and changes of life that former text in 1 Cor. 7. 24. giueth it in the lumpe all thy dayes abide with God to whose communion and fellowship thou art called by the Gospell of Iesus Christ his sonne and in the seuerall states of life as in affliction in pouerty in sicknesse in persecution and in death in euery of those changes of thy mortall condition abide with God therein The remainder therefore of the rules concerning our conuersation towards our selues are thus cast as they concerne our generall calling they frame vs in our abode with God 1 All our liues 2 In seuerall changes of life To abide with God alwayes as in wealth affliction generally considered pouerty sicknesse persecution the last worke wee haue to doe which is how to dye or in preparation for death For our abode with God in Where the walkes of Christianity without consideration of the seuerall alterations of life we are subiect vnto seing here we walke by faith not by sight 2 Cor. 5 7. these things attend about thy faith 1 The examination and triall Rules about thy faith of thy estate Whether thou be in the faith or no a matter so fearefully neglected almost by all We are not more miserable in the multitude of our transgâ—essions and the numberlesse swarmes of inward masterlesse passions affâ—ctions and lusts then in our wretchlessenesse about the triall of our estates wherein wee put all to hazzard and blesse our selues in our own wayes saying to our own heart surely no euill shall befall vs. Yet where the Ministery hath beene in any life and power nothing more speakes our reprobation then this Carelesse ouerture 2 Cor. 13. 5. and selfe deceit hath beguiled vs if we giue not all diligence to make our calling and election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10. Gal. 6. 4 5 7. I must from Gods owne mouth tell you that hee was neuer effectually called who careth not to be sure that hee is in the faith and in the estate of saluation The heart that was euer affected with the knowledge of his damnable estate by nature and of the way of Saluation by Christ alone cannot take quiet rest till he know in some measure out of the euidence of Scripture experience of grace wrought in his heart that Christ is in him and he translated out of that kingdome of sinfull darkenesse If now thy heart be wonne to this tryall I present thee with these two trees to behold in deepest thoughtfulnesse Note here that any one branch or fruit of either roote will proue thee enwrapped and folded in that blissefull estate or cursed condition 2 The second rule is that we build vp our selues on our most holy faith Iude 20 hauing examined and vpon examination found our selues to be in the faith and this we shall doe if 1 Wee indeauour to vnderstand more fully and to take into our hearts with more inlarged thoughts the mystery of God the Father and of Christ that our hearts may be comforted being knit together in loue vnto all riches of the full assurance of vnderstanding Col. 2. 2. and for this cause praying in the Holy Ghost that Christ might dwell in our hearts by faith c. Ephes 3. 17. 18. 19. 2 If wee inure our selues to liue by faith the onely safe happy and comfortable life for a Christian vpon earth By this the
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
thereof in our selues or others 1 Thes 5. 19. To lye against it and tempt it Act. 5. 3 9. the sinne of Ananias and Sapphira To set to saile or offer to buy the gifts of the spirit Act. 8. 13. the sinne of Sâ—mon Magus To despite the worke of it wilfully Heb. 10. 26. the sinne against the Holy Ghost Eightly against his day His day so he sinneth That reckoneth it other then the Lord Christ his day Rev. 1. 10. Psal 118. 24. Not to be a willing people in the day of assembling of his armies in the beauty of holinesse Psal 110. 3. Ninthly against his Discipline His Discpline where those sinnes are eminent The sinne of Diotrephes that loued to haue the preheminence 3 Ioh 9. The neglect of the excommunication of lewd brethren â— Cor. 5. 2. To suffer a woman to preach Rev. 2. 20. To suffer Heretikes that hold false dâ—ctrine Rev. 2. 14 15. and to admit the doctrine and willes of Balaamitish seducers To lay hands suddenly on any 1 Tim. 5 22. To câ—st out those that tremble at Gods word Esa 66. 5. Thus of the sinnes against Christ â— Against Christians 2 Sinnes against Christians are committed against them either considered as one body and members of that one body or as set in priuate or seuerall estates Against Christians considered as one body there are these sins Schisme 1 Cor. 12. 25. and Factions 1 Cor. 1. 12 13. Want of fellow feeling 1 Cor. 12. 26. Nâ—t improouing our gifts to their edification 1 Cor. 12. 7. Not to thinke soberly and deale faithfully in our places offices according to the measure of gifts and graces bestowed on vs Rom. 12. 3 4 5 6. Not striuing together for the faith of the Gospel endeauoring to be of one heart iudgement and minde and to keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace Phil. 1 27. Ephes 4. 3. Against Christians as set in seuerall estates he sinneth That despiseth one of Christs little ones Mat. 18. 6 10. Or layeth a stumbling blocke in his way That iudgeth this strong brother in the vse of his Christian liberty Rom. 14. 3. That mixeth himselfe and keepeth company with lewd disordered brethren 1 Cor. 5 11. 2 Thes 3. 14. These are the sinnes against Christians 3 The third sort of sinnes against 3 Against Christian graces in vs. as the Gospell are sinnes against Christian graces in vs such are 1 Faith 2 Hope 3 The loue of the Godly 4 Repentance 5 The affections of godlinesse Against Faith he offendeth Faith That beleeueth not in Christ for his iustification and sâ—luation Ioh 3. 17. That examineth not himselfe whether hee be in the faith or no. 2 Cor. 13 5. That esteemâ—th not of Christ aboue all and of all things else as droâ—fe that hee may be found in him Phil. 3. 8 9. That neglâ—cteth assurance Col. 2 2. 2 Pet. 1 9 10. That wants faith to hold out in Prayer Luke 18. 1 8. That calleth in question the loue of God in Christ in time of affliction fainting in himselfe Heb. 12. 2 3. Esa 49. 15. and 40 27. That buâ—ldes not himselfe on his most holy faith Iude. 20. That liues not by his faith on the Sonne of God Gal. 2 20. Against Hope he sinneth Hope That purifieth not himselfe as Christ is pure 1 Ioh. 3. 2. That abuseth the world placing his hopes below 1 Cor. 7. 30. 31. 2 Cor. 4. 18. That neglecteth the study of the promises that concerne our happâ—nesse in heauen That neglecteth preparation for death Psal 49 Luke 12. 19. this is the foole That casts away his confidence Heb. 10 35. That â—ests in the spiders webb of a presumptuous hope Iob 8. 14 15. he is an Hypocrite That doth not his diligence to attaine and keepe the full assurance of hope vnto the end Heb. 6. 10. Against loue to the godly it Loue. is a sinne To hate the brethren Caines spot Ioh. 3. 12 15. To mocke them Ishmaels blot Gal. 4. 29. Gen. 21. 9. To deride the Infirmities of the Saints Chams sinne Gen. 9. 22. 25. To persecute them though we should thinke wee did God seruice therein Ioh. 16. 2. To haue the faith of Christ with respect of persons Iam. 1. 1. 2. In doing good not to prefer the houshold of faith Gal. 6. 10. To neglect the offices of loue to Christ in his members Mat. 25. 41. to 46. To offend the weake brother by the vse of thy Christian liberty while it is left free Rom. 14. 15. To wound the consciences of the weake 1 Cor. 8. 12. To haue our charity waxe cold Mat. 24. 12. To seeke to helpe a brother fallen and not with the spirit of meekenesse Gal. 6. 1. To say I haue in vaine washed my hands in innocency because the wicked prosper and the godly are plagued euery morning Psal 73. 13 14 15. To forsake the publike assemblie and priuate fellowship of the Saints or not to hold fellowship in the Gospell though wee otherwise haue fellowship not considering one another to prouoke vnto loue and to good workes Heb. 10 24. 25 Phil. 1. 5. Against Repentance he sinneth Repentance That conâ—esseth not his sins without hiding them Pro. 28. 13. Psal 32. 34. That mourneth not for sins Rom. 2. 3. That forsaketh not his sinnes Pro. 28. 13. That repents faignedly Ier. 3. 10. That repents desperately as Cain and Iudas That repents by holues and in some things onely as Ahab and Herod That repents too late as did Esau Iob. 27. 9. Pro. 1. 26. Heb. 12. 17. That refuseth to returne That wil not frame his doings to returne Hos 5. 4. That falls into the same sins after repentance Hos 14. 1 4. That falls away from his repentance quite 2 Pet. 2. 19 20. That cloâ—kes an Impenitent hart which is done these wayes By resting on the outward worke of religious duties Mat. 3. 8 9. By resting on priuiledges Iohn 8. 33. 34. By resting on a pure profession and association to virgin professors or respect vnto or with some eminent Minister Mat. 25. 1. 2. Ioh. 5. 46. and 9 29. Against the affections of godlinesse The affections of godlinesse thus he sinneth That loueth not the Lord Iesus in sincerity Ephes 6. 24. 1 Cor. 16. 12. That resteth in the name that he is aliue but yet is dead Rev. 3. 1 2. That looseth his first loue Rev. 2. 4. That is neither cold nor hot Rev. 3. 15. That presseth not forwards but looketh backe to what hee hath attained as sufficient Phil. 3. 11. 13. These are the sinnes against 4 Against men that are not Christians that liue by vs. Christian graces 4 The fourth sort are against not Christian men that liue with vs or men without to whom the report of our profession commeth here he sinneth That spends himselfe in iudging of them 1 Cor. 5. 12. That forgets that gentlenesse and meekenesse that should be shewed to all knowing
Cause the Holy one of Israel to cease from before vs. §. VII Of Neighborhood THe most eminent relations The rules for neighbourhood wherein wee stand obliged one to another in societies haue beene bandled those of more priuate state follow and so first that of neighborhood Here I take the word neighbour strictly as wee doe ordinarily in our common talke and for our direction I haue selected some choice rules which being taken vp in practise may make our neighbourhood religious and righteous The rather should we attend to these rules because it is an imputation cast vpon religion and preaching that it spoiles all good neighbourhood yet in very deed it shall appeare that this onely formes vs hereunto and destroyes nothing but that bad good-fellowship of rude vnmortified men which is impious vnciuâ—ll and pernicious That thou maiest bee a good neighbour besides the rules of dutie to men before deliuered in the ninteenth to the 27. Section of the second part Some things must in speciall be auoyded some things must be done by thee For the things to bee auoyded they are these 1 Thou maiest not remoue the ancient Land-marke nor dare to enter into the field of the fatherlesse their Redeemer is mighty hee shall plead their cause with thee Prouerbs 23. 10. 11. 2 Thou must not thinke to lay house to house and land to land till thou hast depopulated the place where thou liuest that thou maiest bee placed alone in the midst of the land Nor bee carried with the vanity of stately buildings so that thy faire house should deuoure the timber of thy neighbours house that dwelleth by thee Woe woe to thee thou couetest an euill couetousnesse to thy house The stone shall cry out of the wall and the beame out of the timber shall answere it God shall smite thee with a curse in thine owne kinde for of a truth many houses shall be desolate yea great and faire without inhabitant yea tenne acres of vineyard shall yeeld but one bathe and the seed of an Homer shall yeeld an Epha Barrennesse and famine shall bee the scourge of such wickednesse Esa 5. 8. 9. 10. Heb. 2. 9. 10. 11. 3 Auoid the backbiting tongue Pro. 25. 23. The tale-bearer Pro. 26 10. The contentious man Pro. 26. 21. 4 When thou commest into his Vineyard or Orchard put not vp into thy vessell nor mooue a sickle to his standing corne thou maâ—est put forth thy hand and eâ—te for thy necessity Deut. 23. 24 25. 5 Despise him not nor hate him because he is poore Pro. 14. 20. 21. 6 Enuy him not for a right worke an vsuall sicknesse vnder the Sunne Eccles 4 4 7 Smite not thy neighbour secretly lest it be a curse to thee Deceiue him not and thinke to put it off by saying Am I not in sport Deut. 27. 24. Prou. 26. 18. 19. 8 Meddle not with the strife that belongs not to thee so maiest thou take a dogge by the eares Pro. 26. 17. 9 Presse not too much vpon his kindenesse lest thou shouldest seeme burdensome withdraw thy foote from his house lest he be weary of thee Pro. 25. 17. 10 Take not to pledge the instruments or tooles of his calling and trade the meanes wherby he must get his liuing as the vpper and nether milstone If hee bee poore thou maiest not sleepe with his pledge all night but deliuer it to him before the sunne goe downe if it bee any thing that appertaines to food raiment or lodging Deut. 24. 6. 10. 11. 12 13. 11 Thou maiest not call him to the Alehouse or Taueâ—ne to bibbe and drinke or play the glutton thou must not put thy bottle to him and make him drunke Woe to thee if thou doe it this is cursed fellowship which thou callest good fellowship The Lord hath a cup for thee to drinke of the cup of his right hand drinke thou also and let thy fore-skinne be vncouered and shamefull spuing shall be on thy glory Heb. 2. 15. 16. For the things to be done they are these 1 Exhort and perswade and call them to the Assemblies and holy duties the prophecies foretell such things of Christian neighbours The inhabitants of one City shall goe to another saying Let vs goe speedily to pray before the Lord and to seeke the Lord of hosts I will goe also Zach. 8. 21 2 In your meetings let there be the serious consideration of the workes of Gods hands and the remembrance of the Lords mercies in stead of the Wine and Harpe and Tabret and Pipe Esa 5. 11. 12. Breake off euill discourse and preuent it and diuert it by imitating the example of Sampson who proposed a riddle to the Philistimes when they feasted together Iudg. 14. 12. 13. 3 Bring home his stray cattell and all lost things if thou finde them and with-hold not thy helpe if his beast be downe vnder his burden Deuteronomie 22. 1. 2. 3. 4 If there arise any matter of dislike debate thy cause with thy neighbour himselfe and reueale not thy secrets to another Pro. 25. 8. 9. 10. 5 Obserue the Apostles rule speake euery one truth to his neighbour Ephes 4. 25. These concerne neighbourhood the second relation of more priuate state is that of friendship §. VIII Of Friendship COncerning friendship the Rules for friendship Lord directs thee in two things The choise of thy friend The vsage of thy friend For the choise of thy friend How to choose thy friend he requireth 1 That hee bee a religious man What agreement can there be betweene righteousnesse and vnrighteousoâ—sse thou mâ—iest not leaue the path to blessednesse set downe in Psal 1. 1. to walke in the way of friendship 2 That amongst them thou choose not thy friend by his wealth Pro 19 4. 3 That thou make no friendship with an angry man that cannot rule his spirit Prouer. 22. 24 25. 4 That thou make him not thy friend that cannot conceale a secret 5 That if it be possible thou retaine thy fathers friend to bee thine Pro. 27. 6. When thou hast chosen thy How to vsâ— thy friend friend then let thy friendship be thus carryed 1 Learne to couer transgressions and iniuries or trespasses this is to seeke loue but the repetition of old matters separateth very friends Pro. 17. 9. 2 Giue hearty counsell this is as oynâ—ment and perfume it sharpens a mans countenance Pro. 27. 9. 17. 19. and maketh them mutually the glasse where in they may see one anothers face 3 Preferre a rebuke from thy friend before a kisse from thine enemie Pro. 27. 5. 6. 4 Vse no flattery as most abhorring to the lawes of friendship affect not the praising of thy friend study it not seeme not to doe it of set purpose Pro. 27. 14. 5 Be true and intire to him as was Ionathan to Dauid the prime paire in Scripture Commended for thy imitation 6 Vâ—e thy friend in the day of thy calamity rather then thy brother a friend loueth at all