To make them more able to winne and hold others Rom. 14. 1. 3 To acquaint them with the deepenes of Satan Apoc. 2. 24. 4 To prepare them to greater glory Dan. 12. 3. 5 To humble them in the sense of their extraordinary graces 2. Cor. 12. Thirdly it is fit for men in prosperity and that 1 To preuent security Esai 5. 12. 2 To humble them in regard of those temporall things Luc. 12. 48. 3 To teach them how to vse them to Gods glorie their owne and their neighbours good 1. Tim. 6. 17. 4 That they may part with them willingly Pil. 4. 12. 5 That all may be counted as dung in respect of heauen Philip 3. 8. Fourthly this practice also will be very necessary in the time of affliction And that 1 To prepare vs thereunto Pro 28. 14. Iob 3. 25. 2 To qualifie the sharpenes of it 3 To be conquerors in our troubles and ouer them Rom. 8. 4 To be deliuered finally from them Psal. 34. And therefore though doe what wee can some corruptions shall still remaine yet this labour is not vnprofitable 1 Because God accepts herein the purpose of our hearts 2. Corrinth 8 12. 2 The Lord will haue some infirmities still left in vs to humble 〈◊〉 withall â— Cor. 12. 3 Our hatred of sinne shall bee perfited hereby though it remainâ— in vs. 4 The strength of sinne shal also much be abated in vs. 5 Our edge to eternall happines shall be still sharpened and ouâ— desire enflamed to fit vs thereto Rom. 7. Neither is this labour vncomfortable For 1 We encrease hereby an assurance of our saluation 2. Peter 1. 9. 10. 2 Wee grow more setled and resolued in godlinesse and get the masterie of inconstancie Ephes. 3. 18. 19. 3 We performe holy duties more easily Ps. 119. 32. Ioh. 4. 34. Mat. 11. 24. 4 We haue more neere sweete fellowship with our blessed God and his holy spirit 1. Tim 4 10. Mat. 10. 30. Ps. 1. 3. Rom. 8. 31. Ps. 2. 12. 5 We preuent many noysome lusts which otherwise would fasten on vs. Psalme 119. 10. 11. Iohn 15. 15. Exod. 19. 5. Pro. 19. 23. 6 We are freed from many temporall iudgements which vnstaied soules are subiect to Psalme 91. 11. Psal. 32. 10. 11. 7 Our score shall be the lesse and our reckoning more easie at the day of iudgement 8 Hereby wee shall haue our conuersation in heauen Philip. 3. 21. 9 Our heart and the inordinate lusts thereof shall be keept at a bay 10 We shall be armed against all temptations and secured in the midst of them Ephes. 6. 13. 11 We shall be weaned from the loue of this wretched world 12 Yea led forward constantly to obtaine the end of our faith which is the saluation of our soules Ephes. 6. 2. Tim. 4. 13 We shall approue our selues not to be of the world by our contrary fashion to it Rom. 12. 14 We shall recouer our first Image in being holy as God is holy 1. Pet. 1. 15 And readie to meete our Sauiour whensoeuer hee shall come Ephes. 6. Math. 24 25. c. 16 We shall see our daily weaknesse and inability to serue God and so acknowledge vnfainedly our vnworthines of the least mercies and so happily preuent spirituall pride 17 We gaine hereby a certaine knowledge of our estate in grace and by the light hereof we know whither we walke 1. Iohn 3. 1. 18 Wee shall be raised vp from our fals into sinne 1. Ioh. 2. 2. 19 Wee shall vse prosperity aright Iob 3. 1. 24. Ier. 8. 4. 6. 20 And ouercome all troubles Rom. 8. 36. 21 Yea we shall be fitter to win others Gal. 6. 1. 22 And so grow forward to perfection Col. 1. 9. Ioh. 7. 52. 23 And happily be continued to the end CHAP. V. IT being now apparent that there is a daily sacrifice of obedience to be performed vnto God And that it is neither impossible nor vnprofitable but very necessary fit and behoosefull vnto vs let vs consider further these two points 1 What duties we are necessarily bound in conscience to performe daily 2 How we are to entertaine the seuerall occasions of the day as vsually they fall out in this holy and constant manner CHAP. VI. That which we are necessarily bound to doe daily is FIrst to bee humbled before the Lord in the sense of our owne or others sinnes by true and vnfained repentance And that because 1 The best seruice we shall doe must be sanctified by repentance 2 Hereby we giue glorie vnto God and offer a daily sacrifice acceptable vnto him Psal. 51. 18. 3 Hereby wee deny our selues and daily take vp our crosse Math. 16. 4 We approue our right and estate in Christ Iesus in that we confesse our selues to be sinners and such as haue daily neede of his mercie and so daily fit our selues vnto the same Math. 11 28. 5 Wee iustifie the truth of our religion against all the imaginarie perâ—ection of Popery and securitie of Libertines and Atheists whomsoeuer and so do daily giue an account of our faith 1. Pet. 3. 15. Now this dutie is conscionably performed First By taking a strict view and account of them by the glasse of the law Psal. 19. 11. Secondly by mourning before the Lord in the sense of them not so much for feare of the punishment as that we haue offended so good a God Luke 15. 21. Thirdly by acknowledging our sinnes vnto the Lord. Prou 28. 13. and that 1 From the fountaine originall sinne Psal. 51. 5. 2 From the streames both our thoughts so farâ—e as we may our idle words and prophane actions Psal. 19. 12. 13. And here both 1 What good we haue omitted 2 What â—uil we haue coÌ„mitted 3 How we haue sinned of ignorance Psal. 73 22. 4 How of knowledge we haue transgresâ—ed c. Especially and more particularly we must acknowledge 1 The sinnes we haue bin subiect to Psalme 51. 14. 2 Those which for the presenâ— we grone vnder 3 Those which we feare most Psal. 19. 13. 4 The sinnes of our fathers Nehem 9. 5 The sinnes of the Land and State among whom we liue Daniel 9. 6 Yea such as in particular wee knowe not we are notwithstanding to yeeld vp to bee searched by the Lord and by his mercie either to be brought to our remembrance or to be gratiously passed ouer Psal. 19. 12. Fourthly Sinne being thus acknowledged wee must further proceede to a detestation thereof Iob 42. and of our selues for the same Fiftly Then we must feele them a burthen which wee are not able to beare Act. 2. 37. Psal. 8. 4. Lastly Wee must flie vnto Iesus Christ by faith to be eased of this burthen Matth. 11 28. Helpes hereunto are 1 The due contemplation of the Maiesty of God whom we haue so highly offended Psalme 51. 4. 2 The vilenes and abiectnes of man that durst commit such wickednes against God 3 The danger
22. Rom. 8. 38. And it is discerned 1 By cheerefulnes in troubles and so in all occasions Rom. 5. 3. 2 Boldnes in the cause of God Act. 5. 3 Wisedome in our Christian callings Ephes 3. 4 Crucifying our selues to the world and the world to vs. Gallath 5. 5 Preparation to suffer Act. 21. 6 Desire longing after death 1. Phil. 22. And it is obtained 1 By constancy in our callings 2 Combatting with many troubles especially those of our owne vnbeleeuing hearts Luc. 22. 32. 3 Comforting others and raising vp afflicted consciences 1. Phil. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 4 By long experience of Gods fauor and loue in many deliuerances Psal. 23. 5. 5 By ripenes dexterity in the meanes as power in prayer the word c. Ephes. 6. 18. 6 Daily examining and trying our selues Psal. 4. 34. 7 Renouncing the especiall sinne which hangeth so fast vpon vs He. 12. 1. 8 Renuing daily our couenant with God charging it afresh vpon our harts to constancie CHAP. VIII AND this is the third duety daily we must performe namely to renue our vowes and stirâ—e vp our hearts to the seruice of God 1 Because the hart is that which God principally delights in Prou. 23. 26. 2 The heart is the fountaine of euery action if it bee clensed the actions will be sutable Luke 8. 3 The infirmity of the action shall not be imputed if the heart be ordered aright 2. Corinthians 8. 12. 4 As the bodie sleepes so the heart sleepes too and therefore the one must be awaked as the other Esay 29. 10. Now the heart may be cast into a sleepe 1. Thess. 5. 6. 1 By ignorance of it selfe Ephes. 5. 14. 2 By selfeloue and ouerweening of it owne perfections 3 By neglecting the meanes 4 By corrupt meanes in steade of the pure fountaines 5 By the ceasing of Gods Spirit to worke 6 By some grosse sinne committed 2. Sam. 11. 7 By security in prosperitie and sinne 8 By presumption of Gods mercies or it owne merits Matthew 26. 33. 9 By stupiditie and senselesnesse 10 By spirituall blindenesse and hardnes of heart The preparing of the heart hath these degrees First It must be awakened and roused vp and that 1 By meditating 1 What it was by nature Ierem. 17. 9. Matth. 15. 19. 2 What it is now by grace Ro. 6. 2. Ephes 4. 23. 3 How vnsearchable and endles agulfe it is 1 Cor. 4 4. 2 By yeelding it vp to God and exposing it naked before him and that 1 Both confessing its corruption and deceitfulnes 2 And also submitting it wholly to his gouernment 3 Reforming the occasions whereby it was laid asleepe as 1 Ignorance by the glasse of the word Iam. 1. 25. 2 Selfe-loue by viewing our selues in the glasse of the conscience examined by the Law Rom. 7. 8 9. 3 vsing the meanes conscionably 4 Especially not closing with corrupt meanes 5 Renue the Spirit by vnfained repentance Psal. 51. 10. 6 Forsake not onely grosse sins but euen all yea all apparance of sinne 1. Thes. 5. 22. 7 Be we alwaies watchfull ouer our selues Luk. 22. 8 Auoyde we presumption by meditation of Gods iustice Iude 5. 6 7. 9 Remedie wee stupidity by quicknes in apprehension and forwardnes to iudge our selues 1. Cor. 11. 31. 10 Breake we our hard hearts with the hammer of Gods word Iere. 23. 29. 1. Cor. 9. 27. The heart being awakened must be throughly sifted and examined and that First By a true rule 1 Not by it selfe but by the law of God Heb. 4. 12. 2 Neither by the world but by the conscience informed by the word Ierem 6. 14. 3 Not by opinion but by the euidence of the Spirit Roman 8. 16. Rom. 14. 5. Pro. 14. 12. 4 Neither by the lawes of men but by the rule of faith Matth. 15. 9. Acts 4. 19. 5 Neither by the letter of Gods Law but by the spirituall meaning thereof Mat. 5. 6 Not by the outward condition but by the inward experience Eccles 9. 1. Pro. 14. 13. 7 Neither by outward actions but by inward purposes Ierem. 17. 10. Ioâ— 2. 13. 8 Not by the examples of the most but of the best Luk. 18. 1. Cor. 11 1. Secondly Wee must examine the heart after a true and holy manner Not once or seldome but daily Psal 119. Not slightly but seriously euen from the bottome Psal. 119. 12. Not on the one side but on both as well what euill we haue done as what good Neither in generall but in particular concerning the chiefe good or euill Psal. 51. And that not partially but conscionably and indifferently both concerning it weakenes and also it strength Psal. 42. Thirdly we must herein ayme at a right end 1 Not vaine glory but the praise of God 2 Neither for self-selfe-loue but to denie our selues 3 Not for loue of the world but to the renouncing thereof 4 Neither for feare of death but to be prepared to it 5 Not to remit of our sincerity but to increase in holines Psal. 119. 6 Not to preferre our selues before others that are behind vs but to be humbled in regard of those that haue out-stript vs. 7 Not to bee approued of the world but to the conuincing or conuerting thereof 8 Not to make vs distrust God but to increase our coÌ„fideÌ„ce in him 9 And so to hunger more constantly after him The heart beeing thus tried and examined must bee established and confirmed in the seruice of God Psal. 51. 12. Pro. 4. And that by these meanes First by resigning it vp to the guidance of the almighty Psal. 119. Secondly by renuing our vows and binding vs to the performance of them and that 1 By publicke protestation 2 By solemne and conscionable oaths 2. Chron. 15. 3 By the curse of the law Nehem 10. 31. 4 Calling others to witnes as the Church of God Thirdly wee must continually feare our selues and haue a holy iealousie of our best actions Prouerb 28. 14. And that in regard 1 Of the vnsearchablenes of our hearts Ier. 17. 9. 2 Of the priuie corruptions that doe assault vs. Psal. 19. 3 In respect of the infirmities that doe accompany our best actions Iob 4. 18. 4 As also especially in regard of the presence of our gracious God beholding and approuing all our actions Psalme 33. 13. And this feare is discerned 1 By an earnest striuing against our coruptions 2 By a desire to approue our selues to the Church of God 3 By tendernes of conscience in all our actions 4 By lowlines in our carriage euen towards our inferiors Fourthly There must be a constant watching ouer the outward man auoyding both the occasions of euill and the least appearance therof Psal. 39. 1. Iob 31. 1. Fiftly We must moderate our selues in our Christian liberty Gal. 5. 13 and that by these rules 1 Of our callings that wee exceede not them 1. Corin 7. 20. 2 Of the times that wee bring forth fruite
distractions 2. Pet. 1. 2 We shall passe it very idly and vnprofitably 3 We shall bee deceiued with many false shadowes and apparances of good and be much to seeke in that good which we doe desire either in the knowledge of it or desire to the same 4 Our course at the best will be most vncertaine Iohn 11. 10. in regard of others 5 We shall not so shine before them as lights by our good examples Mat. 5. 16. 6 Nay wee shall necessarily in respect of our euill example beeâ— stumbling blockes vnto them 7 We shall cause our profession to bee euill spoken of Ephesianâ— 5. 3. 8 And our God and his Religion and word blasphemed Timothâ—â— 6. 1. But with this Armour we shall be 1 Certaine of what we do Iohâ— 11. 9. 2 Enabled in some measure 〈◊〉 doe it Psal. 119. 104. 3 Strong to encounter all oppositions and victorious therein Psaâ—â— 119. 6. 4 Assured of the acceptance 〈◊〉 what we doe Phil. 1. 21 20. 5 Readie for al occasions whatsoeuer Phil. 4. 12. 6 And willing to yeelde vp his due vnto God when he shal require it Acts 7. 1. Cor. 1. 7. And thus much concerning the spirituall Armour CHAP. X. NOW being thus armed we are prepared to encounter such occasions as occurre in the day which are generally and necessary 1 To auoyde euill Esay 1. 16 17. 2 To prosecute that which is good Concerning the auoyding of euill First we must labour to haue our iudgement rectified Concerning 1 The euill it selfe 2 Our owne estate in respect of it 3 God who hates it and yet orders it That which wee are to be informed concerning euil is that there is euil 1 By nature such is whatsoeuer is against or besides the law of God and this is properly called sinne 2. Accident so a good thing may be made euill Psal. 69. 22. Malach. 2. 2. 3 Opinion so afflictions are counted euils yea the truth and power of good in the censure of the world vsually is counted euill Esay 5. 20. The vse hereof is 3 That we may discerne things that differ not stumbling vpon euil in stead of good nor auoyding good in stead of euill not fearing afflictions when they come for good not distrusting our goodnesse though it be accounted euill Phil. 1. 10. 2 We must vnderstand the true author of euill which is not God but our selues that so wee may blame none but our selues Iames 1. 13. 3 That euil is not onely a meere priuation of good but a quality inhereÌ„t defiling the soule 1. Ioh. 3. 4 4 That it is not only committed in act but in thought though consent come not thereto Exo. 20. 5 That it is as well committed in omitting what we should doe as in doing what we should not 6 That sinne is seen in the least that is forbidden as well as in the greatest 1. Iohn 3. 4. That the least sinne breaketh the law of God and maketh vs guiltie of the whole Iames 2. 12. Ephes. 5. 11 12. Rom. 6. 21. 8 That sinne is filthie and lothsome euen in the greatest pleasure and act thereof 9 That the end thereof is bitter and the inward parts most abominable And this knowledge serueth 1 To conclude all vnder sinne Rom. 3. 9. 2. To lay the fault iustly where it is 3 To preuent diminishing and encreasing of sinne 4 To auoyd the custome and punishment thereof Concerning our owne estate in respect of sinne we are to learne 1 That if we neuer committed sin yet we are not free from it as being guilty of the sin of another deriuing it from the loynes of our parents Rom. 5. 14. Psal. 51. 5. Ephe. 2. 3. 2 That hereby our nature is wholly tainted with corruption and vncleanenesse Iob 14. Psalme 51. 3 That we are depriued of all originall and actuall righteousnesse Ephes. 2. Rom. 6. 4 And proone yea desperately set to commit all sinne with greedines Gen. 6. 5 That we delight in sinne and repose our chiefe contentment therin Pro. 2. That naturally we hate to be reformed and pluckt out of sinne Ro. 10. 21. 7 That we cannot but necessarily and yet willingly sinne 1. Cor. 12. 2. 8 That our best actions are beautifull sinnes Esay 64. 6. And this knowledge serueth 1 To iustifie God in his iudgements Rom. 3. 5. 2 To confound the goodnes of nature Romans 3. 19. 3 To magnifie the riches of Gods mercy Ephes. 2. 3 7. 4 To send vs to Christ. Roman 3. 22. Concerning God we are thus to conceiue of sinne 1 That he hateth al euil as a righteous God Psa. 5. and no vncleane thing shall dwel with him Reuela 21. 2 That he permitteth and ordereth euill in speciall wisedome to his glory Act. 5. 3 That he knoweth and searcheth the most inmost closet of sinne Ierem. 17. 10. 4 That he is able to punish to take vengeance of the same Isaiah 40. 5 That he punisheth sinne with sinne and yet most righteously 2. Thess. 2. 11. 6 That though hee haue laide the chastisement of our peace vpon his Sonne yet hee will correct vs as his children for sinne Esay 53. Psalme 88. 89. And this knowledge serueth 1 To iustifie the perfect holines of God Psal. 18. 30. Psal. 145. 17. 2 To magnifie his wisedome in disposing of euill Rom. 11. 33. 3 To giue him his prerogatiue that he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the searcher of the heart Ier. 17. 10. 4 To ascribe vnto him the glorie of his power and super excellent greatnes that we might be humbled before him Psal. 86. 9 10. 5 To worke in vs an hatred of euill and loue of righteousnes Gen. 17. 1. 6 To preuent presumption and cause vs to worke out our saluation with feare and trembling 2. Cor. 5. 11. Phil. 2. 12. Secondly Our iudgment being thus rectified we must proceed to the practise of auoyding euill And this is seene either in 1 Preuenting sinne or 2 Recouering out of it by vnfained repentance Sinnes is preuented either 1 Generally or 2 Particularly Generally by 1 A continual watchfulnes ouer our heart and outward man 2 A feare and suspecting of our selues as at all times so when wee haue most experience of Gods mercy Pro. 28. 14. Iob 1. 3 A continuall resigning of our selues into the hands of God 4 Walking as alwaies in his presence Gen. 5. 22. Gen. 17. 1. 5 To haue a continuall eye to Gods commaudements Psal. 119. 6 To meditate on Gods iudgements inflicted on his deerest children for sinne 2. Sam. 12. 11 14. 7 Consider the inestimable loue and mercy of God towards vs. Exod. 34. 6. Eightly Imploying our selues in some honest calling 2. Thess. 3. 11 12. and that 1 In faith and without distrust of Gods prouidence with a good conscience Mat. 6. 25. Heb. 13. 18 2 With cheerfulnes and contentment without murmuring and couetousnes Heb. 13. 5. 3 Committing the successe to God and waiting
far concerning thankefulnes The chiefe vse and benefit thereof is to keep vs in a constant course of obedience vnto God in the enioying of his blessings And this is of the Next duety daily to bee performed of vs CHAP. XII NAmely to labour constancy and perseuerance vnto the end And that because First Hereby wee approue the soundnes of our calling and gifts which otherwise if wee faile were but temporarie giuen rather for others then for our owne good 2 We obtaine the promise and the crowne that is set before vs. He. 11. which otherwise by falling away we shall lose Reuel 3. 6. 3 Wee approue the truth of God and giue him the glorie of his faithfulnes 1. Thes. 5. 24. 4 Wee ouercome satan and all our enemies Ephes. 6. 13. Helpes hereunto are First The establishing of our faith that the children of God shall continue to the end and that because 1 Our God is faithfull and almightie and his gifts are without repentance who hath promised it Rom. 11. 2 Iesus Christ makes continuall intercession for vs. Luke 22â— 33. 3 The holy Ghost shall abide with vs to the end of the world Iohn 16. to preserue vs. Iohn 14. 4 We are the beloued of God and therefore 1 Whom hee loues once hee will loue to the end Iohn 13. 2 Whatsoeuer wee aske in his name the father will giue vs if it bee agreeable to his will 1. Iohn 5. 14. 3 All things shall turne vnto our good Rom. 8. 29. 4 Wee are maried to him for euer in holines and righteousnes Ose. 2. 5 Gods couenaunt with vs is euerlasting Ieremie 30. Ezechiel 11. Psalme 89. Ose. 2. 6 Wee are vnited vnto Christ our head Collossians 2. and giuen to him of the Father and therefore none shall take vs out of his hands Iohn 10. Iohn 17. 17. 7 Wee haue the word and sacraments which shall continue with vs to the worlds end to vphold vs in our righteousnes Mat. 28. 8 Wee haue strengthning grace to continue vs in wel-doing Ephe. 3. 16. 9 Our slips and fallings are meanes to perseuerance Here Consider 1 That the child of God being regenerated may and doth fall and that because 1 God leaues him often to himselfe Ose. 5. Psal. 30. and that 1 To let him see his own strength to be humbled thereby Hose 14. 4. 2 To driue from that hold to rely onely vpon God Cantic 3. 4. Luc. 22. 32. 3 To make him more compassionate and helpfull to others in their infirmities 2 Satan is continually sifting of him Luk. 22. 3 He caries about him a traytor readie to betray him hourely 1. Pet. 2. 11. 4 His falles may well stand with his estate in grace yea doe much make for the triall and encrease thereof 1. Pet. 1. 7. As in his fall 1 He discernes his imperfection and so is prouoked to take stronger hold Canti 3. 4. 2 In his recouerie he feeles the vndoubted grace of God Psal. 32. 3 In both he hath experience of the combats betweene the flesh and the spirit al which are vndoubted signes of regeneration Luk. 11. 21. 4 He is made more acquainted with the deceitfulnes of sinne and so more skilfull to preuent the same Heb. 3. 13. 5 He is shamed by his fall and driuen from the hold of the world and such like baits of sinne Hose 14. 4. 6 he is prouoked more egerly to follow after the mark by how much he hath beene cast behind 2. Cor. 11. 7 He becomes more fearfull of himselfe and will not be so venturous vpon the occasions of sinne Mat. 26. 75. Consider therefore 2 How farre a regenerate man may fall First In his faith by doubting of Gods fauour and the assurance of his saluation Psal. 22. Psal. 51. Psal. 77. Hence proceedes 1 Proud and foolish reasonings against God Ier. 12. 1. 2 Vaine and vncharitable speeches and wishes against our selues Iob. 3. 3 Distasting of the meanes and furtherances to saluation 4 The graces of God may bee lessened in them Psal. 51. 5 They may be couered 6 Losse of some graces of God all his life long 2 Erring through ignorance in some maine point of saluation so the Apostles Acts 1. 6. 3 He may dwel in his ignorance for a time and maintaine the same Gal. 2. Peter Secondly in his life and that 1 By falling into some grosse sinnes 2. Sam. 11. 2. Sam. 24. 2 To lie a sleepe in them till he be roused vp 3 To fall into them againe after repentance and so may sinne presumptuously Mat. 26. Hence will follow 1 That the light of Gods countenance shal be taken away Psâ— 51. 2 The horrors of hel shal assault and buffet him and so hee may despaire Psal. 77. 11. 3 Some grieuous outward afflictions shall follow him to the graue Dauid 4 His life shall be a burthen and irksome to him Iacob and he shall be impatient vnder the crosse Iob 3. 7. 5 Hee shall cause the name of God to be blasphemed by the wicked 2. Sam. 12. 6 His first loue shall be cooled and zeale in godlines abated Apo. 2. 4. 7 The weake shall be offended at him 8 Gods Spirit shall be grieued Ephes 4. 9 He shall feele a weakenesse in him in regard of such sinnes as haue got strong hold often ouer him Psal. 6. Ier. 13. 23. Thus farre may a regenerate man â—all and yet remaâ—ne in the state of grace and differ from a reprobate or hypocrite As thus 1 The reprobates teÌ„porary faith is the chiefe cause of his falling and prophanes in life but the elects errour in life is the occasion of the decay of his faith 2 The hypocrite is vsually senseles in his fall and so continues 1â— Tim 4. 2 but the regenerate at leÌ„gth hath the true sightofit 2. Sam. 24. 10â— 3 The hypocrite if he fret anâ— greeue it is for feare of punishment or losse of the temporall blessing not for the losse of Gods fauour c. Psal. 51. Gen. 27. But 4 They both fall into the samâ— sinnes againe but yet the hypocrâ—â— after sinnes committed with morâ— strength and securitie the regenerate with more resistance feare griefe and in great weakenes Ps. 19â— 5 They both are impatient anâ— speake foolishly against God buâ— the hypocrite speake as he thinketh and wisheth in the aduisednes and purpose of his heart the regenerate speakes in folly rashnes not as he thinketh or wisheth but as his corruption ouerruling him doth mislead and comming to himselfe condemne himselfe for it cleares the Lord. Ps. 73. Iob 42 6 They both decay and losâ— their first loue but yet the hypocrite counts this to bee his wisedome and the true measure of holines esteeming his former zeale to be rashnes c. whereas the regenerate acknowledgeth it was better before then now and mourning vnder his estate labours the recouery and in some measure obtaines it 2. Sam. 12. Mat. 26. 7 They both may refuse the meanes also but
these bounds 1 That these feasts be not frequented on the Sabbath day Neh. 13. 15. 16. 2 In them not the priuate but the publick good must be intended 3 Religion must be the square and moderator of them all And 4 The end must be Gods glory 1. Cor. 10. 31. And thus farre concerning set assemblies There followeth occasionall Such as are by accident Here obserue 1 That our principall desire and scope be to sort with the better Ps. 16. 3. 2 That we make not choice willinglie of euill company Prouer. 22. 23 24. 3 That if by occasion as at meate at set meetings or by fellowship in office c. we are linked with them or be bound in conscience to visit them or meete with them in our iournies c. Here we must auoyd Hardning them in their sinne by light familiarity vaine applauding or winking at them but rather we are to reproue if not by word yet by behauiour Luke 14. 7. 2 We must not deiect them by our disdaineful or imperious behauiour 2. The. 3. 15. 1. Tim. 2. 25 29. 3 Neither enrage them by vnseasonable and ouer bitter reproofes vnlesse Gods glorie presently lie in the ballance Matth. 7. 6. But that we may benefit them we are 1 To conuerse grauely and yet humbly with them Nehemiah 2 1. 2. 2 To waite some good occasion from their speech so to worke vpon it Acts 26. 3 To call to minde some present blessing or iudgement that so wee may put by idle talke Amos 6. 6. Esay 5. 12. 4 Commend we what is likely spoken of them yet with an holie drawing them on to better by graue exhortations 2. Tim. 2. 24 25. 5 In all our speech let it appeare that loue is the ground the soules good the principall end Matthew 5. 44. 6 Contrary we them not in their weakenesse alwaies but expound it to the best vnles wee see apparent contempt and desperate scorning Iud 22. 23. Rom. 14. 1. 7 If we cannot benefit by conference then let vs take heed we do not communicate with them in euill but rather breake off wisely as Sampson did by some ridle or such like and as neere as may be leaue we theÌ„ with peace thatso afterward there may be hope to winne them 2. Thess. 3. 15. Rom. 12. 18. The vse of euill company is 1 That we make the more of the better sort and labour to make the bad better Ier. 15. 19. 2 That wee long after heauen where wee shall finde none but good company Philippians 1. Heb. 12. 3 That we grow more priuate and learne to be a part with our God Gen. 5 22. CHAP. XXIII AND this is the next occasion of the day wisely to be intertained of vs. Namely to order wisely our solitarines and that because First Now we are naked and lie open to tentations Secondly And may with best aduantage and lest hinderance pursue the best things and so are capable of the greatest good or subiect to the greatest euill Here therefore obserue these rules 1 That though we be from the company of men yet we haue the presence and fellowship of the Almightie and the ministery of his holy Angels and therfore that now especially we reioyce in this fellowship Psal. 16. Psal. 139. 2 Yet so as that we neglect not our callings but be sure that we be kept from idlenes 2. Thess. 3. 3 That wee especially call to mind those ill neighbours which we shall neuer be rid of so long as wee liue namely our sinnes and in our greatest freedome of solitatines forget not our bondage vnder this tyrranny Heb. 12. 1. 4 That we take heed of idle and curious speculations feeding therby our melancholy or vaine thoughts 5 That we be carefull to order and represse the infinite wandrings of the mind which at such times is most busie and exorbitant Gen. 6. 5. Dan. 4. 2. 6 Especially that we be wise to discerne satans deepenes who now wil vsually most eagerly assault vs either taking aduantage of our security because we are freed from outward occasions or working vpoÌ„ priuatenes want of succour Mat. 4. 7 That especially we meditate on heauenly things comforting our selues with the holy protection of Angels who attend vs and reioycing in the hope of that blessed fellowship which expects vs in heauen Gen. 5. Gen. 24. 63. 8 At no hand giue we place to Satan seeking now to scare or distract vs but resist we strongly by faithful praier 1. Pe. 5. 8. 9. 2. Ch. 3. 1 9 Presume not of such solitarines either which hath no warrant as that of Monks c. or when thou art bound to society for heerein thou excludest thy selfe the protection of the Lord. Eccles. 4. 9 10. Thus behauing our selues alone 1 We shall neuer want the comfort of sweet communion Mat. 28. Apoca. 3. 20. Iohn 14. 23. 2 Readie shall we bee for such troubles when we may be driuen to be alone Apoca. 1. 9. 10. 3 Fitter also for the fellowship and communion of the saints 1. Tim. 3. 4. 5. 4 Strenghtned against satan who now wil principally assault vs. Mat. 4. Eccles. 4. 10. 5 And profitable redeemers of the time and purchasers of eternity Ephes. 5. 16. Prouided 1 That we vexe not our selues with â—iâ—ting or enuying others businesse and states lest hereby we be made vnfit for our owne 1. Tim 5. 13. 2 That we ouerwhelme not our selues with ouermuch thinking of worldly things especially of the times to come or things which may happen lest the heart bee drowned with the loue of the creature or appalled with feare of after-clapps Mat. 6. 34. Luke 21. 34. 3 Inâ— meditation of heauenly things looke we that our custome heerein cause not a vilifying or loathing of such heauenly mysteries Mat. 6. 7. Mat. 15. 9. 4 Take we heed of an ouerweening conceit of our selues if thou findest a greater furniture of Gods graces Iohn 5. 35. 5 Especially bee carefull that while thou meditatest of forsaking sin thou beest not entangled with some spice thereof either presuming further then thy present strength or by coÌ„ceit of what thou doest or by the deceitfulnes of Satan abusing thee with a contrarie colour of sin while thoulabourest to preuent him in another 6 And then in labouring to reâ—ist sin see thou beest well armed know thy strength too yet fearefull of thy selfe and so humbly cast vpon God that so thou mayest resist in the euil day Ephes. 6. Prouer. 28. 14. Psal. 16. 8. And thus much concerning solitarines CHAP. XXIIII THE next imployment of the day 〈◊〉 how to behaue thy selfe in enioying of good things and in the right vse of prosperity and the knowledge hereof is needefull First Because the best haue been tripped in this estate as Salomon Ionas c. For first heereby religious exercises haue beene coldly performed and intermitted Mat. 22. 5. 2 Liberty hath beene giuen to loosenesse and inward gifts growne
cold Hab. 1. 16. Amos 6. 5. 3 Euils that were banished haue beene recalled againe as gaming c. 1. Cor. 10. 7. 4 They weaken our trust and confidence in God Hab. 1. 16. 5 Withdraw our loue and kindnes towards inferiours with whom heretofore we haue been inward 6 Breede policy and so decei◠euen in many professors Genes 20. 11. And 7 Cause couetousnes and loue of this life Psal. 62. 10. Luc. 12. 19. Amos 6. 3. 8 Yea breed an vnwillingnesse to beare the crosse and cunning to auoid it Mat. 26. 9 Giue occasion to the world to thinke we are hers and so causing her to presūe of vs makes hir hereby being deceiued when it comes to the proofe our more heauie enemie Gen. 31. 10 Hereupon also it comes to passe that the burthen lies heauier vpon the afflicted euen because of our prosperity beeing not caried wisely and tenderly Amos 6. 5. Esay 5. 11 Yea it is the occasion that causes vs many times to censure those that are afflicted and to challenge their sincerity because of their afflictions Iob 8. Iob 4. c. 12 And not onely so but it causeth iealousie among professors and so distrust of each other when all beare not the same burthen Romanes 15. 1. Romanes 12. 13. 16. 2 This estate is very slippery and therefore wee had neede to get sure footing that we may stand vpright therein Psal. 73. 3 It is most vncertain changable and therefore it stands vs vpon to make vs friends thereof while we haue it Luk. 16. 4 The feare of the losse hereof doth much distract which the right vse therof will much abate and qualifie Psal. 112. 7. It being therefore apparant that the best may and do abuse prosperity obserue now how we may vse it a right First then let vs consider the ends why the Lorde bestowes these outward blessings in this life vpon his children which are these 1 To trie whither we wil prefer him before them and can loue him better then them Iob. 1. 2 To make vs his stewards in an holy dispensation of them Mat. 25. 3 To be pledges vnto vs and furtherances of spirituall blessings Gen. 17. 1. 4 That wee may humbled to giue him the glorie of thē Ro. 11. 36. And therefore 1 We must not set our hearts vpon them but keepe them intirely to God Psal. 62. 2 We must not be puffed vp with them Psal. 75. 3 Wee must not tie nor measure God onely by them Psalme 30. 6. 4 Wee must bee willing for his sake to part with them either for the good of others or to auoyd our owne hurt Mat. 10. 37. 5 And all this not as if they were ours but Gods to dispose wholy to his glory and the good of his church children Matt. 19. 29 13. Colos. 3. 23. Rom. 12. Secondly because the ouer high conceite of these things is no small occasion to bewitch our hearts with them therfore let vs labour to rectifie our iudgements concerning prosperity that so our ouerweening opinion thereof may be abated and our affections rectified therein To this end First consider we that though they are Gods blessings yet they are giuen for the most part to euil men become snares pits vnto them Ps. 69. and therfore if there were no other preheminence euen the wicked in these excell vs. 1. Tim. 6. 2 Acknowledg we that the best haue bin tainted and much defaced by them behold we in their example what may befal vs as Solomon and Dauid 3 That they neither haue bin nor shall be any certaine inheritance to the best but haue changed their master according to the good pleasure of the giuer 4 That we deserue not the least of thē with al our industry without Gods blessing cannot compasse them and when we haue them they are but lent vs. 5 That in the iudgement of the best they are but vanity and breed vexation of spirit Nay that indeed they are nothing yea lesse then nothing Eccles. 1. 2. 1. Cor. 7. 3 Wee must bee carefull in the right dispensation of them And that in this manner First We must principally honor God with our substance Prouer. 3. And this is done 1 By acknowledging we haue al of his free mercy Gen. 32. 2 Willingly consessing from what a low estate the Lord hath raised vs. Gen. 32. 3 By thankefulnes vnto him for the least as well as for the greatest 1. Tim. 6. 8. Ephes. 5. 20. 4 By faithfulnes in a lower state that so the Lord may increase vs. Matt. 25. and this is performed 1 By following our calling as cōtentedly hūbling our selues therin being increased as when we began with nothing De. 8. 11. Phi. 4. 11 12 2 We must now much more be open handed and that especially to the houshold of faith 2. Cor. 9. Gal. 6. 10. 3 We must not thinke it enough to comfort the body but wee must also minister to the soule which few rich men make cōscience of neither indeed are able to performe Ge. 18 2 We must honour our selues in God with thē by eating the labours of our hands Psa. 128. and that not only for necessity but for ornament also But yet with these conditions 1 That we exceede not our callings 2 That wee remember Ioseph in trouble Amos 6. 5. 3 That we be alwaies fitted to spirituall duties Luke 21. 34. 4 And readie to be abased as we haue abounded Phil. 4. 11. The triall of the right vse of our prosperity is 1 That our heauenly thirst goes forward with our earthly and exceeds it 1. Tim. 6. Mat. 6. 33. 2 That these outward things weane vs from the loue of the world 1. Cor. 7. 29 30 31. 3 That we are prepared to suffer afflictions Luke 9. 23. 4 That though wee giue these things their due yet wee account them al as dung in respect of Christ. Phil. 3. 8. 5 That we make them our seruants to our Christian callings Luke 16. 19. Helpes hereunto are 1 To consider we are but strangers and pilgrims in this life and therefore had neede to goe lightlie on our iourney 1. Pet. 2. 11. 2 We are but tenants at will 1. Tim. 6. 17. 4 Stewards for other Luke 16. 4 Must giue vp a large account at the day of Christ Iesus Luke 12. 48 CHAP. XXV AND this is the next occasion daily occurring euen to vse aduersity a right A direction very needfull 1 Because the deerest children of God haue failed herein Psalme 73. 2 Wee profit in nothing more then in an holy vse of afflictions Psal. 119. 71. 3 God sheweth himselfe in no occasion so marueilous as in this Psal. 107. 4 Satan hopes in nothing to trip vs as herein Iob 1. 5 The world hath no more effectuall meanes to condemne the generation of the iust then by their troubles Iob 8. Acts 28. 4. That we may therefore vse aduersity aright First Learne we to informe our iudgements