he doth it oft times but say thou liue to the gray haire yet know that is the euill day ageit selfe is a disease disabling to duties of religion youth is euery way fittest let Solomon tell thee Remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth before the euill day come of which thou shalt say I haue no pleasure in it Eccles 12. 1. For the Impatient desire of The cure of the impatient desire of death death it is cooled and tempered 1 â—â— by strength of iudgment we know and knowing resolue that affliction is to be chosen rather then transgression Iob 36. 20. 21. the contrary hereunto made Iob impatiently to wish the day of his death Iob. 3. 2 If we consider that God teacheth by his works and herein none like him Iob. 36. 22. 3 If we weigh well what Iobs speeches cost him humiliation to dust and ashes though they came out of great extremities which wrested them from his heart otherwise full of patience but now distracted almost through bitternesse Iob. 42. 6. For the feare of death it is a The cure of the fear of death disease hereditary deriued to all Adams children yet is must and may be cured it may be cured Heb. 2. 14. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 5. it must Luke 14. 26. Rev. 22. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 3. 4. the desire of heauen is a part of the seed which is cast into the furrowes of our hearts in our regeneration I know there is a feare of death which is meerely naturall a shrinking from it and shunning of it as of a thing hurtfull because it dissolues the vnion of soule and body for a time but we speake of that distempered feare which leadeth into bondage abeslauing feare which suffers not a man to thinke of death or happinesse after it and leaueth the heart impotent and void of all spirituall courage comfort and counsell Againe there are men of two sorts some that liue and dye in their sinnes haue cause to feare death in these a cure can neuer be wrought not that the medicines are vnauaileable but because they cannot bee brought to take the receipts Some that dye to their sinnes before they dye in these that beslauing feare may be cured and hath in such vsually heretofore beone cured Death is the King of terrors consider it in its reall nature and hue Its vizar assumed It s natiue huâ— is terrible 1 In the cause Sinne Gods wrath Sathan the executioner who hath the power of death Heb. 2. 14. 2 In the nature thereof in it selfe opposite to life a punishment of God a destroyer of natures fabricke a dissoluer of this earthly tabernacle 3 In the effects which are A depriuation of Friends pleasures honours riches of this world The good wee might doe in Church Common-wealth Family A deprauation of the state of the body leauing it a cadauer a car case in the graue 4 In the affrighting concomitants terriculamenta mortis which are miseries Corporall Painies Agonies sometimes which doe befall Gods children The kind of death Spirituall Terrors from Satan and from God himselfe Temptations Vnquietnesse and angor of conscience In its vizar it is fearefull as it cometh into our minds As the depriuer of happinesse as if it seperated from God As if it had no other face then that of wrath and curse from God and were in its nature no way corrected How shall these darts be quenched Briefely 1 The cause of death is to be euacuated 1 By the death of Christ and our assurance of our part therin whereby the fauour of God is established vpon vs and the Serpents head crushed Heb. 2. 15. Death is a Serpent the sting is sinne the strength of that sting is the law victory ouer it is by Iesus Christ who satisfieth the law 1 Cor. 15. 55 56. 57. 2 By mortification of our beloued sinnes by our study to keepe a conscience voide of offence towards God and man 3 By receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper oft wherein we shew forth the Lords death vntill his comming againe 1 Cor. 11. 26. 2 The nature of death in it selfe is terrible indeed but to the godly it is changed Rev. 14 13. insomuch that their condition is blessed for they rest from their labours their workes follow no losse of any good worke that euer they did no condemnation to them Rom. 8. 1. it is no other then a sleepe 1 Thes 4. 14. a day of liberty Rom. 8. 21. our returne to our home to euerlasting habitations the mansions in our fathers house our birth day the funerall of our vices the putting off our old clothes that we might be clothed vpon 2 Cor. 5. 3. 4. the remoouing out of a mudde house where we â—ere but tenants at will into the pallace of the great king Lord of heauen and earth there to dwell as in our inheritance for euer the end of our race the day of our coronation no punishment now there are three degrees of life eternall of which death is our entrance into the second in this life in regeneration Ioh. 17. 3. in the day of our departure in translation to Paradise 2 Cor. 5. 8. at the last day in the redemption of our bodyes Rom. 8. 23. 3 As for friends whose society thou loosest oppose thereto the meditation of that glorious place to which thou goest an inheritance incorruptible vndefiled that fades not the fellowship of Angels and the congregation of the first borne and the spirits of iust men and women made perfect the communion with God and with the Lord Iesus for while thou art present in the body in the best condition thou art absent from the Lord that Lord whom though thou neuer sawest yet thou louest and beliâ—uing reioycest with ioy vnspeakeable and full of glory How then shall thy soule burne with the flames of loue to him when thou shall see him 1 Pet. 1. 8. And when the thought of thy treasures and pleasures meet thee bethinke thy selfe of thy calling and profession to bee a Christian that is oâ—e conformed to Christ whose kingdome is nâ—t of this world whose life was glorious in a holy contempt of the world Say then with Paul God forbid that I should reioyce saue in the Crosse of Christ whereby the world is crucified to me and I vnto the world Gal. 6. 14. What comfort canst thou haue that thou art not a cast away if thou beat not down thy body and bring it not into subiection although thou wert a Preacher of the Word and diligent in that worke 1 Cor. 9. 24. There are two sorts of men men of this world men of God they differ herein the men of this world are such as place their happinesse in a belly full of this hid treasure and wealth and lands enough to leaue behinde them to their babes but the other are men after Gods owne heart carried with the spirit of Dauid that in the loue of righteousnesse can say Deliuer mee from these
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
what once we were Tit. 3. 2 3. That walketh not wisely to them that are without Col. 4. 5. That walketh scandalously or offensiuely 1 Cor. 10. 32. That neglecteth those things that in their eyes are winning and may adorne his profession Tit. 2. 10. 1 Pet. 3. 2. That neglecteth the study of those things that will preserue the honour of his person Phil 4. 8. Thus for our obedience in 3 Rules about thy hope which we abide with God as Christians Moreouer in asmuch as in our calling to be Christians our new birth entitleth vs to the inheritance of heauen when wee dye so that the Lord knoweth all such for no lesse then his sons and heires in Christ all the dayes of their life That the Christian may abide with God hee must bee rightly ordered about his hope And here 1 Thou must study the promises Psal 119. 49. 16. 9. 10. that concerne the glory of heauen and the resurrection of thy body at the last day for hope is of good things to come which God hath promised and faith beleeued Behold then the saluation promised and pray that the Lord would open the eyes of thy vnderstanding to see the hope of thy calling Eph. 1 18. so shall thy hope of glory cause exceeding ioyes and admired patience in greatest miseries when thou shalt vpon wise computation conclude that the sufferiâ—gs of this present time are not worthy to bee compared with the glory that shall be reuealed in vs Rom. 8 18. I le giue you but a few places for taste for the glory of the resurrection 1 Cor. 15 42 43. Phil. 3 21 for the glory of heauen Ioh. 15. 24. Psal 16 11. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. 2 Doe all diligence to the full assurance of hope vnto the end Heb. 6 11. in the labours of loue ministring to the Saints out of that loue wee beare to Christs name verse 10. and in setting before vs the faith patience and good works of those which now inherite the promise of heauen verse 12. The ground of a liuely and good hope is Christ in vs Col. 1 27. and wee may be assured our hope abuseth vs not if it presse vs to purifie our selues as Christ is pure 1 Ioh. 3 3. Desiring further conformity to his image with and through whom we are heires of glory and if it leaue vs more humble in our selues and more diligent in the vse of the meanes of grace 3 Forme in thee frequent meditations of heauen the loue of Christs appearing and the patient waiting for his comming To these the Lord direct all our hearts 2 Thes 3 4. In this manner abide with God all thy life mourning for thy failings and pressing on towards the marke for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus §. XXIX The order of our liues in the seuerall changes of our fading condition NOw for the seuerall changes To abide with God of thy mortall condition the Apostles rule in generall is Therein abide with God as 1 In thy wealth 1 Remember that thou neither 1 In wealth ascribe to thy selfe the power to get riches but acknowledge them to come from God nor forget God in thy abundance that therewith thou shouldest make prouision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh but that thou serue the Lord with more gladnesse and cheerefulnesse of heart for the abundance of things thou possessest nor yet trust in thy riches but in the liuing God who giueth richly all things to enioy and seeing the vanity and danger of riches and the vncertainty of thy life be humbled in thy selfe and carry low thoughts and diuorced affections in the midst of thy welfare It is vsuall with rich men to be swolne with pride to thinke themselues the happiest vnder Sunne to reckon they are in Gods fauour because they prosper in the world and to award all reproofes in the ministery and checkes of their consciences and thoughts of examination of their estate with God with the view of their large possessions and full bags but that prosperity is a curse which thus affecteth vs Let the brother of high degree reioyce in that hee is made low Deut. 8. 11. 12. 18. 28. 47. Hos 2. 8. Iam. 1. 10. Take hâ—ed of pride and carnall confidence 2 See that thy heart be not set on them thou maist not loue them for the loue of money is the roote of all euill but possesse the things of this world as if thou possessedst them not Psal 62. 10. 1 Cor. 7. 29. 30. Thou maiest both buy and possesse but not forget that thy abiding city is aboue nor set vp thy rest in these momentany things Psal 49. 11 So to doe were couetousnesse and doth proue vs vnder the power of folly as was that foole in the Gospell that said to his soule Soule thou hast goods laid vp for many a yeere eate drinke and bee merry Luk. 12. 19. 20. 3 Make you friends of the mammon of iniquity that when ye faile they may receiue you into euerlasting habitations Luk. 16. 9. How is this done Be rich in good workes ready to distribute willing to communicate this is to lay vp in store for our selues a good foundation against the time to come that wee may lay hold on eternall life 1 Tim. 6. 18 19. Againe buy the truth and sell it not Pro 23. 23. Aduantage thy spirituall estate hereby That dwelling is not well situated that wants the water-courses and riuers of diuine Scripture flowing by it this is the riuer that maketh glad the city of God Psal 1. 3. 46. 4. 2 In afflictions of any sort 1 Pray and cast out perplexed 2 â—â— afflictions cares role them on God who careth for thee The name of the Lord called vpon is a strong tower the righteous flee to it and are safe Psal 50. 15 55 22. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Pro. 18. 10. And in There is a voice in euery worke of God whereby God speaketh to man thy prayer 1. desire to know the meaning of the rod and to heare Gods voice spâ—aking in it Iob 34. 31. 32. Surely it is meet to bee said vnto God I haue borne chastifement I will not offend any more that which I see not â—each thou me if I haue done iniquity I will doe no more Mic. 6. 9. The Prophet teacheth that in euery affliction the Lords voyce cryeth to vs so that our wisedome is to see his name and to heare the rod and who hath appointed it 2. Aske wisedome how to behaue thy selfe vnder it Iam. 1. 5. 2 Beare it with patience and submâ—ssion taking in good part the Lords chastisement Leu. 26. 41. 1 Pet. 5 6. Humble thy selfe vnder the mighty hand of God that hee may exâ—lt thee in due time and that patience may haue her perfect worke in thee watch against â—reâ—ting at God or man Psal 37 1 7 8 39 9. â—eaâ—inesse vnder the chastising hand Pro. 3 11. the lifting vp of
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
is the fast which the Lord hath chosen when thus we cry hee will say here I am his worke also shall be as forward as his word for then shall our light breake forth as the morning and our health shall spâ—ing forth speedily our righteousnesse shall goe before vs and the glory of the Lord shall bee our rereward to gather vs vp §. XIIII The seuenth singing of Psalmes FOr the right manner of singing Of singing of Psalmes of Psalmes the approued mirth of a true Christian Iam. 5. 13. The Apostle giueth rules in two places to the same effect Ephes 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. 1 Wee must make vse to our instruction and mutuall edification of the matter conâ—eiued in the Psalmes hymnes and spirituall songs we sing remembring these songs are Gods statutes Psal 119. 54. 2 Wee must sing with the heart 1. both with the vnderstanding and with the affections lifted vp as well as with the voice Psal 25. 1. 3 With grace in the heart 1. imploying the graces of Gods spirit as our faith hope delight in Gods loue c. 4 Our melody must be directed to the Lord and his glory not vsed as a ciuill employment but as Gods seruice nor as a meane to cleare the pipes and preserue bodily health but as a meanes to cleare the soule of obstructiue humours and promote our eternall saluation §. XV. The eight Reading of Scripture or meditation THis is a duty of no small benefit Of reading or meditation to the godly life of a Christian for by it wordly cares are moderated and sanctified worldly pleasures dulled and extinguished the minde furnished with pure imaginations the iudgement inlightned and enlarged the memory relieued the heart perswaded the affections moued the whole man secretly yet sweetly drawn aboue the world aboue himselfe this is part of the benefit comes hereby and the comfort is no lesse when thou shalt know that this is one of the three duties that make vs happy Reu. 1. 3. Blessed is hee that heareth and readeth and keepeth the words of this prophesie and those things that are written therein This duty I expresse by two words reading and meditation 1. because this duty pressed in the old Testament is set downe in two words which signifie to speake with the mouth and with the heart to reade and to meditate too 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ge. 24 63. Psal 1. 2. Therefore it is vsually translated to meditate Iosh 1. 8. Psal 1. 2 2 Because the reading which is the duty is not a running ouer a Chapter vttering the words like a childe at schoole without regard of the matter but this musing thinking on pondering debating of the matters therein with our selues 3 Because many through want of education cannot reade yet the duty to meditate fasteneth vpon all That this is a duty which all are bound vnto that saying of our Sauiour Search the Scripture Ioh 5. 39 doth abundantly testifie and that command layd vpon Kings of daily reading notwithstanding their great employment of state Deut. 17. 18. 19. Besides the holy Scripture is called in the Neh. 8. 9. word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reading because it ought to be read About your reading these things must necessarily bee obserued 1 That it be daily the time such as wee can best alotte from our worldly affaires but in euery day some time must be redeemed to this worke Deut. 17. 19. He shall reade therein all the dayes of his life Iosh 1. 8. Thou shalt meditate therein night and day Psal 1. 2. 2 That we meditate vpon it or ponder what we reade storing our hearts with good thoughts liuely consolations and holy precepts by that which we reade this will helpe to direct vs all the day after and season the heart in some good measure that it be not drowned in the vaâ—ities of the world and the sinnes of the time Psal 1. 2. This is to search and diggâ— for wisedome and hath the promise Pro. 2. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 3 That we wisely apply what we reade to our selues seeing all Scripture is written for our instruction and comfort and tends to make the maâ— of God perfect and furnished to euery good worke Rom 15. 4 We ought to perswade our selues that all precepts of duty and good life are left recorded to direct vs not others onely that all the promises are to be beleeued by vs and wee finde the grace or state of life to which they are made in vs. All the threats denounced against vs as we are found in the transgressions all reproofes checke vs for faults escaped all exhortations and admonitions quicken our coldnesse deadnesse drowsinesse and lukewarmenesse 4 That wee bring a speciall and renewed delight to this worke else we shall never hold out but by fits and snatches at the best take it vp Psal 1. 2. Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord to meditate therein day and night 5 That we hide in our hearts the Commandements promises threats for direction and vse in our liues indowed with Dauids spirit who said I haue hid thy commandements in mine heart that I might not sinne against thee Psal 119. 11. that wee obseruâ— to doe as the command runnes in Iosh 1. 8. §. XVI The ninth vowes and swearing A Vow is a religious promise Of a vowe of things lawfull conducing to the exciting of our hearts to Gods worship and holy duties and that for such things as God hath promised made with prayer and payed with thankesgiuing such was Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 20. This is a duty wee owe by verrue of that command Psa 76. 11. Vow and pay vnto the Lord your God Vowes are of two sorts necessary or arbitrary Necessary which euery Christian must promise to the Lord vpon all blessings he asketh and in all suits he maketh either expresly or at least in the deuotion of his heart they are 1. The sacrifice of himselfe foule and body to God Rom. 12. 1. 2. The renewing of his couenant for reformation of sinnes which prouoked God Ier. 50. 5 3. Contribution to the maintenance of Gods worship 4. Charity to our neighbours Neh. 10. 29. 30. 32. An heart prepared to these foure should euer be with vs but the arbitrary is the vow wee speake of and here these rules must be obserued 1 Thy vow must be of things lawfull 2 It must be of things in thine owne power for if thou vow chastity when thou knowest not whether thou hast the gift of continency and whether thou haue power ouer thine owne will thou offâ—ndest 1 Cor. 7. Be not rash with thy mouth and be not hasty to vtter any thing before God Eccles 5. 2. 3 It must be some way conducing to the lawfull worship of God and such as mâ—y helpe thy repentance sobriety chastity abstinence meditations patience with the like Thus it must haue a right end the glory of God and the furthering of thy heart to
heart towards men 2 The frame of thy conuersation with men Iustice would that thy heart In respect of the disposition of thy heart be thus disposed to all 1 To loue them naturally our hearts are void of this Philaâ—thropie or loue of man selfe-loue hath eaten out the loue of others yet this is a main ground of all holy conuersing with mâ—n How oft should that precept come to our mindes Thou shalâ— loue thy neighbour as thy selfe Obserue the words 1. thy neighbour must be loued euen euery man for there is Identitas originis vinculum societatis impressio Dei imaginis The selfe-same originall haue we not all one Father were not Adam and Eue the roâ—ke out of which we were hewen and the hole of the pit out of which wee were digged there is the bond of society which nature inclines vs all vnto and would haue kept inuiolable and there is a sparke of Gods owne image in all some true ground of honour and respect 2. all therefore thou must loue now loue is affectionate cheerefull and speedy and is expressed with meekenesse and softnesse freed from wrath enuy pride swelling selfe-loue it is exercised in holy things and is manifested in long-suffering and all suffering 1 Cor. 13. 4. 5. 3. thou must loue them as thy selfe is he not a kinde of other-selfe As thou wouldest others should maintaine and as thou thy selfe wilt to thy vtmost defend thy dignity life chastity goods and good name wife and possessions from the least iniury so must thou resolue with thy selfe and by all meanes fashion thy heart to tender as dearely euery other mans dignity life purity goods good name wife and possessions from the least dammage euen in the thoughts of thy heart The Lord keepe this in the imagination of the thought of euery one of our hearts for euer Labour and worke thy heart with all dâ—ligence to this thing This is the summe of the sixe last Commandements the worke and labour of true loue the least part whereof may not be denyed by any to the worst of men Name the man whom thou maiest iniure in the least kinde and yet â—e blamelesse Little is this duty thought of euen by the godly and who is it but thinketh hee may both doe many an iniury and neglect many an office of loue to many men The â—uties of the second Table are the seruice an â— debt of loue to euery man which wee must daily pay and yet daily owe Rom. 13. 8. 2 To pray for all men men of all sorts not a man whom thou maist point out and except hartily desiring their conuersion this good the poorest may doe for the richest 1 Tim. 2. 1. 3 To câ—st our estates so that our liuing in our places may be inoffensiue and harmelesse 1 Cor. 10. 32. 33. Honest in the sight of all men and peaceable without contention with any if it be possible Heb. 12. 14. Rom. 12. 18. This were to pursue peace Heb. 12. 14. 4 To cast in our mindes what things are true are venerable are iust are pure are louely are of good report If any thing there be that is vertuous if any thing that is praise worthy to thinke on those things to proâ—ect how we may expresse those things in our conuersing with men Phil. 4. 8. Here is good employment for thy thoughts in thy priuacy and lonenesse 5 To beare reuerence and honour to all men in our hearts without contempt or despising any not suffering to lodge in our breasts thoughts of dâ—sregard or neglect of any 1 Pet. 2. 17. §. XX. Of the guides that direct the particular frame of righteous conuersing with men In respect of the frame of thy conueâ—sation THe heart thus disposed is fit now to conuerse with others that he would expresse righteousnesse in his conuersation with men must heed these â—ules in the generall as guides in all particulers 1 To doe to others as he would be done vnto is there any thing which he saith or doth to his neighbour of which question is made in his own heart or by others propose it then thuâ— would I that he should so speak and doe to me Mat. 7. 12. an admirable rule of iust dealing 2 To giue to euery man his due honor to whom honour feare to whom feare custom to whom custome tribute to whom tribute Rom. 13. 7. 3 Euery man to submit himselfe to other though he neuer so honorable and the other neuer so meane knowing they are all members of one body Polâ—tike now as in the body the cheiâ—est member hath need of the least so that the head cannot say I haue no neede of thee and the cheifest careth for the least so the body of societies the greatest needeth and the greatest must stoope to do for the least And that in the feare of God that is euen of Conscience to him that requires it or fearing him who as he hath placed thee highâ—st and that other lowest so can if he please pull thee downe to the dung hill and set the other in the throne For promotion cometh not from the East nor west it is God that setteth vp one and pulleth downe another Ephes 5. 21. 4 Climbe not at all no not into the desires of thy heart into the throne of iudgement that thou shouldst take to thee power to retaliate wrongs remember him that saith vengeance is mine I will repay See that none render euill for euil to any man but euer follow that which is good both among your selues that are Godly yea to all men thus shewing our patience towards all men 1 Thes 5. 15. 14. §. XXI Of the gouernment of the tongue IN particuler righteousnesse In speciall the bridling of the tongue takes order for the tongue deeds and first for thy words set a watch before the doore of thy lippes that no wickednesse breake thorough the hedge of thy teâ—th Therefore if thou be vtterly purposed that thy mouth shall not transgresse note what Dauid said to God in his prayer by the word of thy lips I haue kept me from the pathes of the destroyer Psal 17. 3. 4 The word of his lipps for the guidance of the tongue may bee cast into these rules 1 Take not vp the name of the Lord thy God in vaine when thou speakest of God or religiâ—â— his word or workes hâ—s merâ—ies or iudgements let there bee an honourable mention of them and open thy mouth with all possible reuerence fearing that great and terrible name The Lord thy God Deut. 28 58. breake not forth hastily into the discourse of holy things till thou canst see how some way God may be glorified thereby a wise man will conceale knowledge 2 Let thy speech bee good to edifie withall such as may minister grace to the hearers without corrupt or rotten communication Auoyd filthy speaking foolish talking and iestings Remember alwayes that of our Sauiour that For euery idle word that men shall speake they must
is not mercy 〈◊〉 in neeâ—lesse entertainment on the rich whereby thou â—r 〈…〉 bled to gâ—ue to the poore 〈◊〉 14. 13. He that oppresseth the poâ—re to encrease his riches â—â—d he that giueth to the rich shall surely come to want Pro. 22. 16. Nor is it mercy to lash out in prodigall maâ—ner on riotous â—uâ—e persons by seâ—tiâ—g open thy seller doores when the neâ—dy haue least share and sharkers abuse themselues and thee and thy prouision Nor is it mercy to giue to vagabonds that liue vp and downe and keepe not their place walking inordinatly against the lawes of God and the King vnlesse it be to preserue life in case of extremitie and then with admonition or correction according to the power intrusted to vs. 3 For the nature of the action not the mercy of the cruell as the mercy of the vsurer who doth good deeds in lending as the debtors call them when he garbiges and pluckes out the bowells of a mans estate but true mercy which indeed releiues and comforts Secondly we must Loue mercy it is not enough to acceptation with God that thou doe mercy which yet may releiue the distressed but thou must loue it this loue hath in it these things 1 Cheerefulnesse hearty answerable to our power and the opportunity of doing good that it may come as a matter of bounty not of couetousnesse 1 Tim 6. 18. 2 Cor. 9. 4. 5. 6. 7. Luk. 12. 33. Pro. 22. 13. 23. 2 Compassion sympathie and fellowfeeling wee should haue in vs bowells of mercy Col. 3. 12. Iob. 30. 25 1 Ioh. 3. 18. Rom. 12. 16. it may not be as a matter of vaine glory or of beholdingnesse Pro. 22. 7. 3 Seruice and labour Gal. 5. 13. Heb. 6. 10. 2 Cor. 8. 16. 22. 4 Liberality a bountifull eye Pro. 22. 9. Opening the hand wide Deut. 15 8. sowing bountifully 2 Cor. 9 6. and 8 9. and at all seasons casting our bread vpon the waters for after many dayes we shall find it giuing to seuen and also to eight Eccles 11. 2. 3. c. Luk. 6. 8. 5 The inlarging our selues to the highest degree both for liberality and compassion that we can possiâ—ly work our hearts vnto This is the powring out of the soule to the needy Esa 58. 10. 6 Speedinesse Pro. 3. 28. not hiding our selues from our own flesh Esa 58. 7. 7 Constancy in what wee purposed willed or promâ—sed 8 Continuance remembring the poore Heb. 13. 16. 9 The casting out all wicked thoughts not doing mercy with griefe of heart Deut. 7. 7. 8. to 12. Now because our corruption of nature is such that it maketh insurrection against euery good motion and breaketh forth to the defiling of euery good action we must in shewing mercy remember two rules more 1 To shew mercy with repentance which may both breake vp the fallow ground of our hard hearts that they may bee more fruitfull in this grace and may also wash away the pollution that clâ—aueth to vs euen in our best desire to distribute and communicate 2 To shew mercy with faith both beleeuing Gods gracious acceptation and the successe and reward according to those promises in Eccles 11 1. 2 Cor. 9. 9. 10. Luk. 12. 33. Pro. 22. 21. Luk 11. 41. To them that giue almes in a true faith all things are cleane without any ceremony of washing such as the hypocrisie of the couetuous pharises had invented for purification and clensing of Gods creatures §. XXIIII Of the loue of the godly OF the duties of holy life The loue of the brotherhood which wee owe to all men hitherto thereÌ„ remaine some duties of a right ordered conuersation which besides all the former we stand bound to practise towards men as considered to be nearer or farther off from God such are in Scripture cast into these two rankes godly men and wicked men these we are next to handle And for godly men all that bindeth vs to holy carriage respects them in generall or in some particular case or state In generall to all Saints wee haue our duty comprehended in one word in 1 Pet. 2. 17. Loue the brotherhood the word brotherhood directs vs to the right persons vpon whom the duty is to bee conferred and the right cause or ground why we should doe this duty because they are the brotherhood the word loue chargeth vs with the duty it selfe Loue respects the affection and the offices that expresse that affection the nature of which affection and the seuerall offices that manifest the truth thereof it is bootlesse and vnprofitable to enquire after till first we haue vnfolded the terme brotherhood which tels vs to whom we owe the same The brotherhood doth not containe all men with whom wee conuerse in societies who yet are brethren by creation for haue we not all one father did not one God make vs If so how is it that in the former words wee are commanded to honour all men and in these next words required to loue the brotherhood as a sort of men not â—â—ckoned with the rest but claiming a greater dearenesse of affections and declaration of respect then other By this is therefore meant the company of so many as are true Christians in the places of our abode and acquaintance the communion of Saints on earth the new borne who are the adopted sonnes and daughters of the Almighty which are borne not of bloud nor of the will of flesh nor of the will of man but of God resembling the image of the father in knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse of truth who are allyed one to another in a farre greater and better bond then that of naturall consanguinity Q. But how shall I know who are of this brotherhood A. By the iudgement of infallibility none can know anothers estate herein onely euery one that is of this brotherhood may know it for himselfe but by the iudgement of charity it may bee knowne such markes I now point at as helpe thee herein 1 By their fruits thou shalt know them their fruit is to holinesse and innocency in their owne way of life Rom. 6. 22. Phil 2 25. 2 By their desire after the sincere milke of Gods word and loue to the house of God 1 Pet. 2. 2. Psal 26. 8 3 By their language if pure if the language of Canaan if nor corrupt nor rotten true and pure religion is to bridle the tongue Iam. 1. 26. 3. â—1 2. 4 By the opposition of the world that is of men giuen to the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye and pride of life Ioh. 15. 19. These must thou cleaue to as thy brethren and to all whom thou canst not without breach of charity iudge or discerne from these Euery of these as well as some few with whom thou art more inward nor maiest thou thinke that thou hast not violated the bonds of this holy brotherhood when thou cleaâ—est to some of them onely with a manifest disregard of the rest in
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
thy soule to ill meanes Esa 28 16. The resting on second causes as Asa did on the Physitian dismayednesse and deiected thoughts to say thou shalt not see God and his saluation promised he will not be so good to thee or to say my way is hid from the Lord my iudgement is passed ouer of my God Esa 40 27 31. Iob 35. 14 15. questioning whether he can doe for vs as hee hath done for his people formerly Psal 78 19. 20. and desperate resolutions to say with the stubborâ—e Iewes in Ezok 33 10. If our transgressions and our sinnes be vpon vs and wee pine away in them how should we then liue Hearken what God saith as I liue saith the Lord God I haue no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turne from his way and liue turne yee turne yee from your euill wayes for why will yee dye O house of Israel verse 11. 3 Learne righteousnesse this is all the fruit God looketh aftâ—r to take away thy sinne Esa 26. 11. 27. His corrections are a winde to fanne and to clâ—anâ—e Ier. 4 11. which is done 1 If thou search and try thy waies and auoide carelesnesse Pro. 14. 16. Iob 36. 8. 9. If hee smite feare and depart from euill cry when he bindeth thee lâ—st like an hypocrite thou heape vp wrath verse 13. Lam. 3. 40. 2 Walke in thy integrity Pro. 19. 1. 3 Watch against discouragements Pro. 24. 10. nor questioning Gods loue for the outward distresse nor fainting in thy good way the way is not to be iudged by the afflictions but the afflictions by the way Trust in carnall Friends and arme of flesh Pro. 27. 10 Sudden Feares Prou. 3. 25. Psal 1 12. The righteous is not afraid of any euill tydings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. 3 In Poâ—erty 1 Dâ—ssâ—mble not make not â— In po 〈…〉 thy selfe poorer then thou art Salomon had obserued such a disease as this amongst men there is saith hee that maketh himselfe rich and yet hath nothing and there is that maketh himselfe poore yet hath great riches 2 But be it so thou art poore indeed seeke to beâ— rich in faith that Christ may liue in thee who is our riches and reioyce herein that thou art exalted to bee heiâ—e of the kingdome Iam. 1. 9. 2. 5. 3 Walke in thy integrity Pro. 19. 1. 4 Liue by faith Psal 34. 5. 6. 10. Mat. 4 4. Feede on the promise and depend on Gods allowance 5 Dwell in the land and bee doing good Psal 37. 3. Abide in thy place and remoue not without thou canst in a lawfull way see the Lord himselfe thy guide and leader 6 By contentation liue without couetings and desire to see therein the gaine of godlinesse that thou maiest learne to haue want and to be hungry as well as to abound and to be full Phil. 4. 12. Heb. 13. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 6. 7. 8. 4 In Sicknesse 1 Seeke first to God and 4 In sicknesse then to the Physitian as the ordinance of God and in thy seeking to God confesse against thy selfe thy sinneâ— to the Lord imitate Hezekiah Esa 38. 1. and doe not as did Asa 2 Chro. 16. lest a disease in the feet sooner cut off thy dayes then a griefe at the heart Psal 32. 5 2 Send for the Elders of the Church that they may pray for thee Iam. 5. 14. 3 Set thy soule in order for faith in the Lord Iesus repentance towards God loue to men hope of heauen and set thy house in order that thy last will may testifie all this 4. Let thy soule sâ—lace her selfe in that Psalme of Dauid the 41. to the increase of the care of duty and of the power of comfort and support of heart 5 In Persecutions 1 Let all thy sufferings from 5 In peâ—secutions hand or tongue of the wicked be for the name of Christ and for wel-doing that thou maiest suffer as a Christian not as a malefactor that if any euill bee spoken of thee or obiected against thee it may be falsely spoken and obiected Mat. 5. 11. 1 Pet. 4. 15. And here see thou conscionably for the Lords sake reuerence dignities and obey authority in whatsoeuer is not repugnant to the word of God 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14. 15. 16. that it may bee said of thee as once of Daniel wee shall not finde any occasion against this Daniel except we finde it against him concerning the law of his God Dan. 6. 5. 2 Remember what it will cost thee to be a Christian thou must deny thy selfe and thine own life Luâ— 14. 26. 2 Tim. 3. 12 and therefore thinke it not strange if a fiery try all should happen as if some strange thing had happened 1 Pet. 4. 12. 3 Commit the keeping of thy soule to God in wel-doing as vnto a faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. 19. 4 Be not afraid of the terror of the wicked neither be troubled but sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready al waies to giue an answere to euery man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in you with meekenesse and feare 1 Pet. 3. 14 15. So shall you witnesse a good confession and shall bee acknowledged by our Sauiour at the last and dreadfull day Mat. 10. 32. 33. Thou shalt Heb. 11. 27 not feare the face of a Pharaoh if thou haue seene him that is inuisible 5 Receiue the sentence of death in thy selfe that thou maiest not trust in thy selfe but God that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 1. 8. 9. 6 Let thine eyes bee set on things that are not seene which are eternall Looke out to the better refurrection that thou maiest not passe for deliuerance thy dyings for the Lord Iesus will bee but such light afflictions as the heart may runne away with 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. This will also keepe thee from the snares of the worldâ— enticements as it did Moses Heb. 11. 24. 25. 35. 7 Leaue not till thou canst be in sufferings as a sheepe dumbe before the shearers yea let thy heart be filled with such loue to God and man that thou canst pray for thy persecutors and blesse them that curse thee Mat. 5. 44. Esa 5. 53. 7. and in all committhy cause to him that iudgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2. 21. 23. 8 To helpe thee herein behold the examples of all the heires of promise the whole clowde of witnesses which compasse thee in this way the worthies of the Old Testament Heb. 11. the Confessors and Martyrs of the New Testament Reu. â—2 11. and chiefely the matchlesse patterne of our Sauiour Heb. 12. 2. who for the glory set before him despised the shame and indured the gaine-sayings of sinners 9 Adde withall the consolations which are not small for consider We are made conformable to Christ in sufferings and death and therefore we shall in glory 2 Tim. 2. 11. 12. Christ accounts them the residue of his sufferings and iâ— all