submit themselues vnto him There are many walke in this world saith Paul whose God is Phil. 3 19. their belly whose glory is their shame whose end is damnation The wretchednes of this worlde made Salomon say the day of death is better then the day one is borne Eccle. 7. 3. made Iob say My soule is cut off Iob. 10. 1. though I liue made Paul say I desire to bee loosed from this life Phil. 1. 23. What should wee so account of this world seeing the fashion of it goes away The wisdome of it is meere foolishnesse The amity of 1. Cor. 7. it is enmity with God Vse this world as though ye vsed it not saith Paule These three thinges may withdraw Note three things a man from desiring long life in this world The wretchednesse of his life because it is but a continuall temptation and full of misery The grieuonsuesse of his sinnes because they will more increase by continuance The greatnesse of his Accompt because it will be the more fearefull at the yeelding vp The Godly desire to bee out of Godly their desire this world because it is variable and nothing but vanity because of the innumerable euills they are subiect vnto because they long to bee clothed with the heauenly habit Life is very sweete and so sweete that it hath prouoked the Godly to Life sweet M. Dodd prolonge the safety of it by shifts Dauid doubting of euill dealing fained himselfe mad to saue his life Paule perceiuing their cruelty that would kill him had rather in the night bee let downe in a Basket then abide Peter fearing death did forsweare his Master The faithfull and Godly in this world doe daily Fight by reason of their aduersarie Faint by reason of their Infidelity Fall by reason of Psal 37. 24. their infimity yet the shall not bee cast away These three thinges are worthy to bee considered hee that liueth three things to be considened best doth daily sinne Hee is happy that hath grace to repent Hee is blessed to whom God imputeth no sinne Although euery man is a sinner yet euery sinne is not of like consideration for some sinne of Ignorance 1. Tim. 13. 2. Sam. 11. 2 Dan. 3. 1. as Paul did some of Infirmity as Dauid did some of Malice as Nabuchadnezzar did Euery sinner must beware of Sinners to beware of 3. things Mat. 24. 50 Rom. 6. 1. these three things of Procrastination In delaying the time of repentance Of Presumption In presuming still vpon hope Of Prouocation In sinning obstinately against the holy Ghost Sinne is nothing else but a sweete poyson a flattering death and a destruction Sinne two sorts of the soule whereof there bee two sorts Originall and Actuall ADAM did further his fall and increase his sinne in the Garden 3. Adams fall waies by Ambition because hee Gen. 3. 6. thought to be as GOD knowing good from euill By Hypocrisie because Gen. 3. 10. he hid the cause of his nakednesse which was the breach of gods Gen. 3. 12. Commaundements By Impenitency because hee was so farre from acknowledging his transgression that hee burdened God with his fault in that he had giuen him a wife It appeareth by this that sinne is Execrable because it repented God Sinne execrable Gen. 6. 6 Zepan 1. 3. that he had made man on the earth Detestable because hee destroyed dumme creatures for our cause Intollerable because he would not spare his onely Sonne for our sinnes It is an exceeding comfort to a sinner to consider That God is as An exceeding comfort M. Rog. well a Father as a Lord. That Christ is as well a Sauiour as a Iudge That the Scriptures includ as well a Gospell as a Law Sinners should not despaire of Gods mercy if they did but perceiue Sinners not to despaire his goodnesse which appeareth vnto them by his readynesse in calling before they cry saith the Lord I will answere and whilest Esa 65. 24. they are yet thinking what to speak I will heare By his worthynesse in Wis 11 20. sparing hee maketh as though hee saw not the sinnes of men because they should amend By his vnwillingnesse in stricking hee taketh Ezek. 18. 23. no pleasure in the destruction but in the conuersion of Sinners What greater comfort can sinners haue sith Christ himselfe saith Sinners comfort Aske and ye shall haue Seeke and yee shall find Knocke and it shall be opened vnto you I stand at the doore and knocke c. Hee that will obtaine mercy by Apoc. 3. 20. true repentance must acknowledge his sinnes sorrowfully with the Prodigall Sonne Must shew a hearty contrition for the same and loath them Must doe good workes worthy Acts 26. 20. amendment afterward Hee that is fully perswaded of the forgiuenesse of his sinnes it behooueth him to remember these three Remembrance of 3. things things The mercy of God that he be thankefull vnto him for his gratious goodnesse shewen vnto him by remitting his offences and receiuing him into his fauour The Subtilty of Sathan that hee watch and pray continually for the Deuill 1. Pet. 5. 8. goeth about like a roaring Lyoâ— seeking whom he may deuoure The frailty of himselfe that seeing his owne infirmity hee may the rather depend vpon God and craue his mercy to increase his faith and strengthen his weakenesse or else he shall not bee able to withstand the opposite euils he is subiect to God sheweth himselfe to all his people Mercifull to the Elect In M. Pe. pardoning their sinnes Good to the Reprobate Albeit they cannot feele the sweete comfort of the same Iust to both of them In giuing Iudgement The Lord will not reiect the suit of a sinner neither accept of it vnlesse in asking he hath a speciall regard of these three thinges Of the time For the Lord will not bee found at all times but requireth opportunity Heereof saith the Prophet Esay Seeke the Lord while hâ— Esa 55. 6. may bee found and call vpon hiâ— while he is neare The Fiue foolish Virgins comming to late were excluded Mat. 25. 12. Of the manner For the Lord will not onely haue such as call vpon him depart from iniquitye but will also haue their prayers proceede from the very hart Then shalt thou call saith the same Prophet to the Hypocrites Esay 58. 9. and the Lord shall answere thou shalt cry and hee shall say heere I am Of the end For God requireth not onely opportunity of vs in asking as appeareth by the woman of Canaan but also respecteth the Mat. 15. 28. end of our requests in asking according to his will otherwise wee may aske and receiue not because wee aske amisse to consume it on our Iam. 4. 3. lusts Hee that will reclaime a sinner Obseruation of 3. things D. King must obserue three thinges in handling of him which the
created the meates 2 Because they ouerthrowe with their decrees the end wherfore they were made of God to wit that wee should vse them 3 Because by this meanes they rob Christ of his glorie who will be honoured in the vse of them Our behauiour ought to be vsed Behauiour to be vsed To our Betters reuerently To our Equals louingly To our vnderlings lowly We ought to call our Elder Father our Younger Brother euery man our Neighbour Marriage was instituted for three ends Mariage 1. For a remedy against Incontinencie It is allowed of the Patriarkes 2. For the propagation of Children It is condemned by the Prophets 3. For the consolation of Man Woman It is followed by the Apostles Men are made three manner of Mat. 19. 12. waies 1. By Nature such are borne of Chastitie their mothers belly 2. By Art such as be made chast by men 3. By Grace such as haue made themselues chaste for Heauen Wee haue great cause to reioyce at these daies more then our predecessours had 1. Because Christ hath made easie Mat. 11. 31. vnto vs that importable yoake they were subiect to 2 Because hee hath brought vâ— the glad tydings of saluation which Rom. 16. 17 they longed to see 3 Because many Prophets and Mat. 13. 17. righteous men haue desired to see these daies Although honest Mirth bee tollerable yet foolish or excessiue mirth Mirth is Vaine 1 Because such mirth shall bee mingled with mourning and the end of such ioy is Lamentation Wicked Because thereby wee cleane forget the meanes that shold make vs remember our misery Eccle. 7. 4 Dangerous Because our Sauiour saith Woe bee to them that now Luk. 16. 25 laughe for they shall wayle and weepe There are three kind of Fooles 1 Such as are naturally borne Fooles three kindes Pr. 17. 21. 25 without witt and those as Salomon saith are a griefe to the father and a heauinesse to her that bare them 2 Such as become fooles and 1. Cor. 3. 18. are so contented to bee counted in this world that they may be wise in the world to come 3 Such as are giuen ouer to their owne lusts and follow all kind of filthinesse these are they whom Dauid called Fooles who lewdly say in their hearts as they falsly think Psal 53. 1. there is no God A wise man is noted and discerned three manner of waies 1 By discreet Silence for as Salomon Pro. 27. 28. A wise man noted three waies saith his peace is counted wise not that any should be restrained of speech but that they should obserue opportunitie in speaking Heereof saith the Philosopher Qui nescit taâ—â—re nescit loqui 2 By modest Speach For it is proper to fooles to bee full of friuolous talke but hee that hath knowledge saith the wiseman spareth his Pro. 17. 27. words 3 By sober Life For hee that is heauenly wise indeede will as St. Iames saith shew by conuersation Iam. 3. 13. his works in meeknes of wisedome Sickenesse is very necessary for Eccle. 7. 4. Sickenes necessary 2. King 20 2. Heb. 12. 6. man for three causes 1 Because thereby hee is put in mind of his owne frailtie 2 Because thereby hee shall bee better incited to call vpon God 3 Because it is a testimony vnto him of the loue of God Loath to die Hee that is loath to frame himselfe to die especiallie in sickenesse Heb. 11. 13. doth shew himselfe Vnnaturall Because hee so little desires to bee at home with his heauenly Father considering hee is heere but as a stranger and a Pilgrime Vnwise 1. Cor. 7. 13. Because hee taketh felicitie in the vanitie of this world considering the fashion of it goes away Wretched Because hee had rather still liue to augment his misery then frame himselfe by a Godly end to embrace eternall blessednes In our sicknesse wee ought to remember M. Dent. three things 1 To seeke to God to purge our sinnes which are the cheife cause of all our diseases 2 To vse the helpe of the Phisitian as a meane by whom God worketh 3 To dispose our temporal goods where they may make most to his glory that gaue them For a man to make his Will in Will made sicknesse or health it is Lawfull because the Lord willed Hezekiah to 2. King 20. 1. put his house in order before he died Godly because his mind being quiet in worldly matters hee shall the better apply it to heauenly motions Necessary because a good stay being made it shall cut off occasion of contention that may happen afterward The mindes of men are very mutable M. Rodg and their opinions especially such as be perueâ—se are very scripulous to please For he that did well offended some and yet was an Apostle Hee that did worse pleased many and yet was but a Beast He that did best of all could not please all and yet was a God ENLAND hath three special Enland thankfull for three causes causes to bee continually thankefull to God for 1 The free passage of the Gospell 2 The blessed time of Peace 3 The Godly Gouernour thereof Which Passage Peace and Prince The Lord for his mercy sake still prosper preserue and protect Amen FINIS A Morning Prayer to bee vsed in Priuate Families O Lord our God and heauenly father we thy vnworthy Children do here come into thy most holy and heauenly presence to giue thee praise and glory for all thy mercies manifold blessings toward vs especially for that thou hast preserued vs this night past from all dangers and feares therof hast giuen vs quiet rest to our bodies and brought vs now safely to the beginnig of this day and dost now afresh renew all thy mercies vpon vs as the Eagle reneweth her bill giuing vs all things aboundantly to enioy as food raiment health peace libertie freedome from many miseries diseases casualties calamities which we are subiect vnto in this Citie euery minute of an houre not onely so but also for vouchsafeing vnto vs many good things not only for necessity but euen for delight also But aboue all deare Father wee praise thy name for the blessings of a better life especially for thy most holy word sacrament all the good we enioy thereby for the cotinuance of the Gospell amongst vs for the death of thy son all that happinesse which we haue therby Also because thou hast chosen vs to life before we were that of thy meere goodnes and vndeserued fauour towards vs hast called vs in thine appointed time iustified by thy grace sanctified vs by thy spirit and adopted vs to be thine own children heires apparent to thy great Crowne O Lord open our eies euery day more more to see consider of thy great marueilous loue to vs in all these things that by the due consideration therof our harts may be
receiued the gift hee minister the â—â—er 4. 10 same to others Hee that would attaine to an efectuall knowledge of God must remember his precepts his promises and his threatnings The eternall power of God may be knowne by the reuelation of his Word by the creation of the world and by the consideration of all his Workes The infaillible prouidence of God may appeare vnto vs by the Dan. 6. 6. Ionas 1. 15 preseruation of Daniell in the Lions Denne of Ionas in the Whales belly and of the three Children in the fiery Ouen The prouidence of God is wonderfull Gods prouideâ—â—â— wonderfull M. P. for he worketh by means For meate is a meane to serue â—is prouidence for the preseruation of health and life here hee that contemneth to eate because his prouidence is infallible doth contemne his prouidence without meanes For if it were so that meate could not be had then should wee not tie his prouidence to this meane for without meate God can helpe and giue health and life here Against meanes for his power and wisedome is infinite and therefore wee should depend vpon his prouidence euen when all is cleane against vs. The exceeding mercy of God is made manifest vnto vs in the Gods 〈◊〉 manifest Scriptures by the miraculous examples of compassion by the manifold words of consolation and by the death of his onelie Sonne for our propitiation Hee that mistrusts the mercy of God denyeth him to bee Loue Gods mercy must not beâ— mistrusted wherein consisteth all the hope of poore sinners because of his great loue he sent his onely Sonne to suffer death for the remission of our sinnes Truth because hee promised for the loue of his Sonne pardon to all poore sinners so oft as they require it in faith with a contrite heart Power because hee is as true of his promises as hee is able to performe them and as hee is of power so will hee doe whatsoeuer pleaseth him The super-aboundant loue of God appeareth vnto vs in this that Gods super-aboundant Loue. he sent his owne Sonne for our redemption for our iustification and for our sanctification The ioyes of Heauen prepared for those that loue God are such Ioyes of Heauen 1. Cor. 2. 9. as the eye hath not seene the eare hath not heard and the heart cannot conceiue Euery man ought to know the difference in beleeuing A God is to be belieud he is the only true almighty Difference in beleeuing M. P. God this faith is Historical for so Diuells beleeue as well as the wicked of God All is true that he saith in the scriptures of him so do the euill Christians as wel as the good vnlesse they bee Heretickes In God is to loue him and to trust in his goodnesse and in beleeuing to ioyne our selues to him by loue and obedience this Faith is Euangelicall onely propper to the elect who liue by Faith It is not sufficient for vs to say we know God loue God and feare 1. Iohn 2. God vnlesse wee keepe his commandements God sheweth vpon earth mercy Iere. 9. 24. c. wherein consisteth our saluation Iudgment wherewith he punisheth the wicked Iustice whereby he preserueth the godlie God often times crosseth and Iohn 9. 3. Luke 13. 3. punisheth man vpon earth for his owne glorie as appeareth by the Blinde-man for example to others as appeareth by the Galilean for triall of his faith as appeareth by Iob that patient man God in times past spake and preached to his people by dreames by visions and by reuelations God hath apointed three places Three places apointed for all persons the ioyes of Heauen for the godlie the paines of Hell for the wicked the vse of the Earth â—or all persons for both God is worthilie said to bee Rich in mercy in that hee respecteth the â—od rich in â—ercy humble freelie Mightie in Iustice in that hee iudgeth the wicked iustlie Bountifull in grace in that hee saueth Barnard sinners pittifully God requireth no more at our hands but these three things Feare Deut. 10. 12. Obedience and Loue. God ought to bee beloued of vs with all our hearts with all our souls Deut. 10. 12. Rom. 8. 28. and with all our strength all things worke for the best to them that loue God God is loued effectually three God loued three waies manner of waies entirelie in hauing a good will to him reioycing greatlie hee is such a one as hee is orderlie in referring our selues and all that we haue to him in such manner and measure as he willeth Loue is the end of the Commandement â— Tim. 1. 5. Loue cannot be without a good conscience A good conscience cannot be without Faith Faith cannot bee without the word of God Wee ought continually to bee thankefull to God because of him Rom. 11. 3. through him and for him are all things True thankefullnesse consisteth True thankfulnesse M. R. in three thinges commemoration because in recounting Gods exceeding benefits hee hath done for vs wee shall finde the better occasion if we will consider to bee the more thankefull for them as Dauid did which made him in feruencie of spirit burst forth into these speeches What shall I render vnto the Lord for all Psal 116. 12. 13. 14. his benefits bestowed vpon me Abiection because if we measure Gods benefits with our deserts wee shall finde our selues not worthie of the least but in respect of our imperfections wee are no better then abiects which we should not onely acknowledg and say with the same Prophet Lord what is man that 〈◊〉 114. 3. thou art so mindefull of him But also in regard thereof say with him I will not die but liue to this end to declare works goodnes of god â—sal 118. 17. he hath done for mee Narration because it is not enough for vs to receiue Gods benefits and be mindfull thereof but also wee are bound to make others to profit thereby and praise God as the same Psalmograph Psal 6â— 16. did come saith he and hearken all yee that feare God and I will tell you what hee hath done to my Soule Wee ought continually to haue the feare of God before our eyes Pro. 9. 10. Pro 19. 23. Luke 1. 15. because it is the beginning of wisedome because it causeth vs to depart from euill because his mercy is on such from generation to generation It was the treasure of Hezekiah Esay 33. 6. There be three kindes of feares Feares three â—â—ndes childelie feare this appertayneth to the godlie who feares God onelie for his goodnesse without any finister Acts 9. 31. respects Seruile feare this is proper to the wicked who feare 2. Kings 7. 3â— God onelie for his punishment Naturall feare this is common to Mat. 14. 26 both for faith often times faileth the very elect The feare of God as Saint Barnard saith is
remember our selues to be farre off from God vnlesse we lift vp our hearts also on high and therefore saith the same Psal 25. 1. Prophet To thee haue I lifted vp my Soule Our hearts that thereby we should know if our hearts be not farre from terrestriall cogitations we shall hardly receiue any celestiall consolations We may lawfully in prayer aske corporall benefits of God because Corporall benefits we should thereby know that he is the author and giuer thereof and should not onelie be thankefull to him for it but thereby to seeke loue and worship him because we should Ios 7. bee perswaded of his good prouidence towards vs in that hee hath Ios 7. not onely promised hee will neuer faile vs but also hath an outstretched hand to helpe them that call vppon him Because our faith of recociliation and remission of sins shold bee exercised through the asking of these corporall things The feruent prayer of the righteous Prayer availeth Exod. 8. much aualyeth not onely for them but for others At Moses prayer the plague ceased Elias great 1. King 17. plenty of raine Queene Hester deliuered Hest 14. her and her people We ought to referre all our prayers Prayers c referred requests and doings to Gods good pleasure following the example of Christ when he was crucified Mat. 26. 4 without cause by the Iewes Of David when he was dispossessed of his 2. Sam. 15. 26 Kingdome by his sonne and of Iob Iob. 2. 7 13 when hee was afflicted most grieuously by Sathan The meanes whereby wee are Saluation drawne to saluation is Faith 〈◊〉 and Charity The chiefest of these is loue because it serueth heare and Co. 13. 13 in the world to come The worke of a true faith is builded True faith builded vpon things past we belieue the death of Christ is past things present wee belieue at this present hee sitteth at the right hand of his Father and things to come we belieue that Christ shall come to iudge the August quicke and the dead Faith doth grow and increase in vs three manner of waies By the hearing of the word of God preached Faith increaseth 3. wayes M. P. because it layeth before our eyes the promises which God in his Gospell hath made vnto vs in his Sonne By the reuerent receiuing of the Sacraments because they being rightly receiued of vs are as pledges and seales of the promises of God made vnto vs in his word And by prayer and inuocation because God hath made an especiall promise to vs thereby that hee will heare whatsoeuer we aske according to his will A true and liuely faith must bee A description of true Faith M. S. Simple in belieuing the word of god without inquiring or searching in Gods mysticall matters by humane reasons Sound in defending the truth thereof with inclyning or leauing to the erronious opinions of the aduersaries of the same Constant in following the same word without doubting for any reason of mans blame that seemeth contrary nor to be drawne away from it by temptations promises or threatnings either of torment or of death Such as will know whether they Faith the knowledge haue an effectuall faith must consider the fruis of it is good works for Iam. 2. 17. faith without workes is dead The triall of it is Affliction for it is not sufficient Phil. 1 29. for vs to belieue in Christ but also to suffer for his sake The end of it is Saluation for he that continueth to the end hath this comfort Mat. 24. shal be saued A Iustifying Faith is knowne by these effects It bringeth foorth Mat. 7. 18. Iam. 3. 18. Galat. 5. 6. fruits It worketh by loue It apprehendeth Gods mercy offered in Iesus Christ Faith differeth from Hope and Faith the difference yet wee hope in thinges present as when I hope I am in Gods fauour things past as when I hope my sins be forgiuen me things to come as when I hope to haue eternall life Charity is a singular vertue for Charity a vertue without it what is Faith It auayleth little though it moue mountaines Knowledg it profiteth little though I speake with tongues of men and Angels Martirdome It helpeth little though I offer my body to be 1. Cor. 13. burned Wee ought to liue in loue charity How to liue 1. Tim. 1. 5. because it is the effect and fulfilling of the Commandement and whole Law Because it is a testimony vnto vs of our translation from 1. Iohn 3. 14. death to life whereby we are made 1. Iohn 4. 8. the Children of God and heires in heauen Because it worketh the cause in vs for God is loue and hee that dwelleth in loue dwelleth in God and God in him Workes of superarrogation are Workes of superarrogation very friuolous for our works are in no wise availeable to saue vs by reason of their Imperfection because all righteousnes is no better then filthy Esa 64. 6. clouts or as some writ menstruous Rom. 11. 6. clothes Gods election because we should then chose God rather by our works then he should elect vs of his meere grace and then grace were no grace Christs passion because his sonne should haue suffered in vaine if we had any sufficiency of our selues Although works are not the cause of our saluation yet partly they are the effects of it good works are very necessary to bee vsed amongst Christians That thereby God may glorified That by their good examples Mat. 5. 16. 1. Peter 3. 1. 2. Peter 1. 10. others may be wonne to the word That by them they may make their Election sure Dauid numbred three degrees of our saluation Gods mercy whereby Psal 40. 10 Degrees of saluation he fatherly pittieth vs His righteousnesse wherby he continually protecteth vs His truth whereby appeareth his constant fauour towarâ—s vs. There be three causes of our saluation The efficient cause God the Saluation 3. causes M. P. Father is the begining of our saluation The materiall cause Christ Iesus is he in whom our righteousnes is resident The Instrumentall cause faith is the meane whereby wee apprehend the same S. Paul approueth the formall cause of our saluation to be the free mercie of God for whom hee predestinateth Rom. 8. 30. he calleth whom hee calleth he iustifieth and whom he Ephes 2. 8. iustifieth he glorifieth By grace yee are saued through faith Although there be many reasons whereby we may assure our selues to be elected yet we may briefly gather our election by the holy Ghost which testifieth with our spirit that Rom. 8. 15. we are the Children of God by the fruites of the spirit in hauing good workes or will to doe well By remorse of conscience ioyned with the loathing of sinne and loue of righteousnesse Election is knowne by these testimonies Faith is gathered by
sanctification Election Beza 2. Thes 10. 11 and according to the truth truth is gathered by calling throgh the preaching of the Gospell The Gospell assureth vs of a certaine hope of glorification Touching Election and Reprobotion Elestion and ReprobatioÌ„ M. Deut. this is to be considered That the only will and purpose of God is the chiefe cause of both That his free mercy in Christ is an inferior cause of saluation That the hardnesse of heart is an inferior cause of damnation This vndoubted perswasion wee ought generally to haue Euery one is elected or reiected at the begining Euery one is an vnprofitable seruant when hee hath done his best Euery one shall haue reward according to his worke Wee ought not to condemne or Condemne not Psal 64. 4. iudge any to bee Reprobate albeit to be without feare of God and reuerence of man are signes of reprobation Because it is a secret onely reserued to God and therefore hee Mat. 7. 1. Iam. 4. 12. hath said iudge not that ye be not iudged Because the Lord is not so mercifull in forgiuing as hee is miraculous in calling making of a persecutor Acts. 9. 3. an Apostle as hee did by Paul Because the very Godly haue 1. Kin. 19. 10. beene very greatly ouer gone in this matter as that great Prophet of the Lord Elias in iudging the people of Israell These three steps do lead vs into Barnard Destruction 3. steps destruction The dissembling of our weakenes The ignorance of our wretchednes The excusing perseuering in our wickednes The Scriptures are written for vs Scriptâ—res writteo That we might know the will of god and follow it That wee might beleeue that Iesus is Christ the Sonne Ioh. 20. 31. of God That in belieuing we might haue life through his name The whole Scriptures are diuided Barnard Scriptures deuided into three parts Lawe Prophets Gospell The Law consist in doing the Gospell consist in belieuing This may perswade vs to belieue the authority of the scriptures to be true The secret testimony of the Bib holy Ghost in our heartes which causeth vs to consent thereto The incomprehensible Maiestie of God appearing in the simple and sincere doctrine therein The godly agreement of all parts together with the orderly disposition certainty and successe thereof The Scriptures doe set forth vnto vs amongst many other three speciall matters which wee ought to remember The frailty of man and his prone inclination to euill The Iustice of God and his seuere punishment apointed for obstinate transgressors The mercy of God and his free pardon promised to penitent sinners Euery one ought effectually to know and search the holy scriptures for knowledge because the ignorance of them is the cause of all error for confirmation because we must belieue nothing but that which is approued by them for consolation because in them is Acts 17. contained eternall life We may gather knowledge in the scriptures three manner of waies by attendant hearing of the same well preached By diligent reading of the Acts. 8. same with vnderstanding By continuall conference with such as can open them The word of God then draweth vs vnto him when it is so preached and heard as wee vnderstand and learne what is taught therby When we receiue thankfully that which is giuen promised and assured therin When we be moued with desire and diligence to doe that which it commandeth Word of god perfect word 1. Peter 4. 8. The word of God hath then his perfect worke when it is Preached truely Belieued faithfully Followed effectually Such as will not belieue the word of God what followeth If the righteous searcely be saued where shall the vngodly and sinners appeare Euery vnfaithfull shall dye in his vnfaithfullnesse saith Esdras Euery Esdras 15. 4. Ioh. 3. 18. 2. Thes 1. vnbelieuer is condemned already And shall bee punished with euerlasting perdition Ignorance can no way be excusable Ignrance vnexcusable Rom. 1. 19. for that which may be knowne of God is made manifest vnto vs For those that know not the Lawe shall perish without the law For the offering for ignorant sinnes in the Leuiticall law argueth no excuse to Leuit. 4. 12. be admitted Our Sauiour Christ describeth Mat. 13. A description by the parable of the Sower three vnprofitable hearers of the word Such a one as heareth it and vnderstaÌ„deth it not by reason the euil one commeth and catcheth it away out of his heart Such a one as heareth it and receiueth it presently with great ioy but when persecution or tribulation commeth by reason of the word he is offended Such a one as heareth it but the cares of this world and the deceitfullnesse of riches choake it and the same is made vnfruitfull We ought to resort to the Church of God because his holy ministeries Church of God must be vsed M. Fox are there laid open which are hid and obscure to many because wee may be vnited and copled together by receiuing the Sacraments because if the Lord hath promised to grant our requests where two or three bee gathered together in his name how much more will hee bee mindfull of a multitude that so assemble themselues The Church of God hath three Church 3. Ornaments ancient and excellent Ornaments Preaching Prayer Sacraments Preaching ingendreth Faith Prayer increaseth it Sacraments confirme it The Church or Congregation Congregation must pray without difference ought to pray for all men without any difference of Nation kind age or order because the Lord by calling of all sorts yea sometimes those that are the greatest enemies to the Gospell will haue his Church gathered together after this sort and therefore prayers to be made for all because God should not else be manifested to bee the onely God of all men vnlesse hee should shew his goodnesse in sauing of all sorts of men because his sonne Christ Iesus should not be seene to be the only mediator betweene God and of al sorts of men by hauing taken vpon that nature of man which is common to all men and made intercession for all Sacraments are signes or badges Sacraments of Christianity seales or pledges of our faith assurance of our saluation whereof there be two Baptisme and the Lords supper The sacrament of Baptisme teacheth Bib Baptisme vs to put on Christ that his righteousnesse may couer our sinfulnesse assureth vs that wee are grafted in Christ that all our corruption is cleane washed away chargeth vs to mortifie and dye to sinne that wee may become his seruants and liue in mutuall amity The sacrament of the Lords supper Bib Lords supper sheweth vs that the body and blood of Christ crucified is the only food for the regenerate assureth vs that Christ is wholy ours and that by faith our soules are fed and nourished in him vnto euerlasting life requireth a thankfull remembrance of his death with
Apostle saint Peter practised with the Iewes 1 Demonstration of the matter in shewing him by the word of God it is a sinne that it may so appeare vnto him whereby hee may the better acknowledge it before God 2 Reprehension of the Offence In reprouing him by the Iudgements of God pronounced against the same that hee may both heare the punishment hee hath worthily deserued and also thereby bee the more terryfied from attempting euill 3 Exhortation to the sinner In perswading him by the promises of Gods mercy that he may not only bee driuen from despaire but also by that meanes bee drawne to amendment The same notable example of Manasses in his conuersion doth A notable example minister singular matter to euery sinner wherein hee may note three speciall causes for his comfort Note three speciall causes 1 That God will punish the wicked that hee intendeth to saue that by this meanes they may seeke him by repentance according to that same saying of the Psalmist when hee slewe them hee sought theÌ„ and Psal 78. 34 returned and sought God earely 2 That the mercy of God is very great who although hee will not suffâ—r sinne to passe vnpunished yet he is ready to forgiue though it bee very grieuous as hee hath promised by the Prophet Esayas to such as Esay 55. 7. 8 9. hartily repent 3 That those whom God hath Luke 1. 75. thus called are not to returne to their sinnes as the dogge to his vomit but as becommeth new borne Children to liue in holynesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of their life God keepeth his Children commonly in this world sparingly that they may not be to proud with prosperity that by this meanes they may the better see their owne misery that thereby they may the rather depend on his mercy Godly care of time The Godly thinke that day to be ill spent wherein they Doe nothing that may make to the glory of God Wherein they Say nothing that may make to the comfort of themselues Wherein they Thinke nothing that may make to the edyfiyng of others Tribulations and affliction are to the Godly and faithfull a confirmation A confirmation of Gods loue M. Dent. of Gods loue Because he will not suffer them to bee condemned with the world and therefore hee chastiseth those whom hee loueth A probation of their faith and patience Because he will see if they will stand as strict to him now as they promised in prosperity not that God is ignorant of the issue but because hee would haue it appeare to others that hee doth Crowne such Mat. 24. 13. with his glory as continue constaÌ„t A purgation of their liues Because he vseth these crosses to make them remember their miserable estate that by these meanes they may bee made perfect against the day of restauration The Godly doe reioyce in Tribulation knowing that Tribulation bringeth forth Patience Patience Experience Experience Hope And hope maketh not ashamed The afflictions of the Godly differ from the wicked because the Beza 1. Peter 4. Godly communicate with Christ in their afflictions and therefore shall in time also be pertakers of his glory because in suffering these crosses their adoption is sealed in them by the spirit of God although the Infidels thinke farre otherwise who in afflicting the Godly blaspheme God Because they are not afflicted for their euill doings but for righteousnesse sake which ministreth vnspeakeable ioy to them The faithfull in their afflictions The faithfuls confidence 1. Cor. 10. 13 haue this confidence in God that hee will laâ— no more vpon them then hee will make them able to beare That hee will deliuer them out of their troubles in a good time Apoc. 2. 10. That hee will giue them a Crowne of life in the end Such as suffer affliction may take Comfortable saings Act. 14. 22. comfort by the consideration of these sayings Wee must by many afflictions enter into the Kingdome of Heauen All that liue 2. Tim. 3. Rom. 8. 18. Godly in Christ shall suffer persecution All the afflictions in this life are not counted worthy of the glory of the life to come Afflictions are very necessary for the Godly because their faith is Beza â—am 2. 3. afflictions necessary tryed through afflictions which ought to bee most pure for so it is behooueable for them because patience is a farre passing and more excellent vertue is by this meanes ingendred in them Because the Crosse is as it were the Instrument wherwith God doth pollish and fine them therefore the workes and effects of afflictions is the perfecting of them in Christ Patience is very expedient for Christians That by it their faith Patience expedient Phil. 4. 5. might be confirmed That thereby they may bee made perfect and Iam. 1. 4. Hob. 10. 36. intire That after they haue done the will of God they might receiue the promise There bee three worthy examples 3. worthy Examples of patience set foorth vnto vs. The Example of Christ himselfe Iam. 5. 10. the onely patterne of patience The Example of Iob whose patience ye haue heard of The Example of the Prophets whose patient examples appeare vnto vs. These three poynts are required of the faithfull That their talke Psal 37. 30. 31. c. bee Godly That Gods law bee in their hart That their life bee vpright There bee three thinges verie dangerous for the Godly Prosperity 3. thinges dangerous of themselues because it maketh them to forget God Heereof saith Dauid I said in my prosperity I will Psal 30. 6. not bee moued Prosperity of the wicked because it maketh them dispute with God thinking hee doth not rightly consider of them as the Psal 73. 13. same Prophet did Extremity of affliction because it maketh them dispaire of God thinking he would destroy them vtterly Insomuch as the same Psalmist burst foorth with Psal 39. 13. these sayings Stay thine anger from me that I may recouer my strength before I goe hence and be not Cornelius was a deuout man in Acts. 10. 2. three respects He feared God with all his Houshold Hee gaue much Almes to the people Hee prayed to God continually And Iob a iust man in three respects Hee feared God Hee eschewed Iob. 1. Iob. 31. 16. euill Hee did good workes Hee that will bee acceptable to God must bee Iust in word Vpright Barnard in deede Vndefiled in his thought The Iust doe reioyce at the punishment of the wicked because Psal 94. 2. therby God sheweth himselfe Iudge of the world and by this meanes continueth his honour and glory Because heereby hee sheweth hee Psal 41. 11. hath care ouer his Children in that hee punisheth their enemies Because Deut. 17. 13. 2. Thes 3. 14. by their example others may feare and bee reformed in some measure Wee ought to loue and do good to our enemies Because Christ
drawn yet neerer vnto thee euen more to loue thee feare thee and obey thee that as thou art inlarged towards vs in mercy so we may bee inlarged towards thee in thanksgiuing and as thou dost abound towards vs in goodnesse so we may abound towards thee in obedience loue And sith deer father thou art neuer wearie of doing vs good notwithstanding all our vnworthinesse naughtines therfore let the consideratâ—on of thy great mercy and fatherly kindnesse towards vs euen as it were force our hearts compell vs to come into thy most glorious presence with newe songs of thanksgiuing in our mouths We pray thee O most merci-God to forgiue vs all our vnthankfulnes vnkindnes prophane great abusing of all thy mercies and specially our abuse contempt of thy Gospell together with all other sins of our life which we confesse are innumerable moe then can be reckoned both in omission of good things commission of euill We most humbly intreat thee to set them all ouer to that reckoning which thy sonne Christ hath made vp for them vpon his crosse and neuer to lay any of them to our charge but frely forget all forgiue al. Naile downe all our sins iniquities to the crosse of Christ burie them in his death bath them in his blood hide them in his wounds let them neuer rise vp in iudgment against vs set vs free of the miseries that are vpon vs for sinne keepe backe the iudgments to come both of soule body goods good name Be reconsiled vnto vs in thy deer Son concerning al matters past not once remembring or repeating vnto vs our old abhominable iniquities but accept vs righteous in him imputing his righteousnes to vs our sins to him Let his righteousnes satisfie thy iustice for our vnrighteousnes his obedience for our disobedience his perfection for our imperfection Moreouer wee humbly beseech thy good Maiestie to giue vs the true sight feeling of our manifold sinnes that wee may not bee blinded in them through delight or hardned in them through custome as the reprobates are but that we may be euen weary of them and much grieued for them labouring striuing by all possible meanes to get out of them Good Father touch our hearts with true repentance for all sins let vs not take any delight or pleasure in any sin but howsoeuer we fall through frailtie as we fal often yet let vs neuer fal finally let vs neuer lie downe in sinne or continue in sin but let vs get vp vpon our feet againe turne vnto thee with all our harts seeke thee whilest thou mayest bee found whilest thou dost offer grace mercy vnto vs. O Lord increase in vs that true and liuely faith whereby wee may lay sure hold on thy son Christ rest vpon his mercies altogether Giue vs faith assuredly to beleeue al the great precious promises made in the Gospell and strenghthen vs from aboue to walke abouÌ„d in all the true sound fruites of faith Let vs grow daily in the sanctification of the spirit and the mortification of the flesh Let vs liue holily iustly and soberly in this present euil world shewing forth the vertues of thee in all our particular actions that we may adorne our most holy profession and shine as lights in the midst of a crooked froward generation amongst whom wee liue being gainfull to all by our liues and couersations offensiue to none To this end wee pray thee fill vs with thy spirit and all spirituall graces as loue wisedome patience contentment meekenes humilitie temperance chastitie kindnes and affabilitie and stirre vs vp to vse prayer watchfulnesse reading meditating in thy Law all other good meanes whereby wee may grow abound in all heauenly vertue blesse vs in the vse of the meane from day to day make vs such as thou wouldest haue vs to be and such as wee desire to be working in vs both will deed purpose and power For thou O Lord art all in all thou wilt haue mercy vpon whom thou wilt haue mercie whom thou wilt thou hardnest Haue mercie vpon vs therefore deere father neuer leaue vs to our selues nor to our owne willes lusts desires but assist vs with thy good spirit that we may continue to the end in a righteous course that so at length we may be receiued into glory and be partakers of that immortall Crowne which thou hast laid vppe for all that loue thee truely call vpon thee Further we intreat thee O heauenly Father to giue vs all thinges necessarie for this life as food raiment health peace libertie such freedome from those manifold miseries which wee lye open vnto euery day as thou seest meet Blesse our stocke store corne and cattell trades occupations all the works of our hands for thy blesssing only maketh rich it bringeth no sorrows with it Grant these thinges good father vnto vs heere present and to all thine absent praying the in speciall fauour to remember our friends kinsfolks in the flesh all our neighbors wellwiller all those for whom we are bound to pray for Iesus Christs sake our onely mediator aduocate Amen An Euening Prayer to be vsed in priuate Families O Eternall God and our most louing and deare Father wee thy vnworthy children doe here fall down at the foote of thy great Maiesty acknowledging euen from our hearts that wee are altogether vnworthy to come neere thee or to looke towards thee because thou art a God of infinit glory and we are most vile and abhominable sinners such as were conceiued and borne in sinne and corruption such as haue inherited our fathers corruption also haue actually transgressed all thy holy statutes and lawes both in thoughts words and deeds before we knew thee and since secretly openly with our selues with others our particular sinnes are moe then can be numbred for who knoweth how oftentimes hee offendeth But this wee must needs confesse against our owne selues that our hearts are full of pride couetousnes the loue of this world yea the very sinckes of sin and dunghils of all filthinesse so that thou hast hast iust cause to proceed to sentence of Iudgement against vs as most damnable transgressors of thy holy Commandements yea such as are suncke in our rebellios and haue many times and often committed high treason against thy sacred Maiesty and therefore thou mayest iustly cast vs downe into Hell fire there to bee tormented with Sathan and his Angels for euer and we haue nothing to except against thy Maiesty for so doing sith therein thou shouldest deale with vs but euen according to equity and our iust deserts Wherefore deere Father wee doe appeale from thy Iustice to thy Mercie most humbly intreating thee to haue mercy vpon vs and freely to forgiue vs all our sins past whatsoeuer both new and old secret and open knowne and vnknowne and that for Iesus Christ his sake our only Mediator and Redeemer Giue vs therfore deere father euery day more more sight and feeling of our sins with true humiliation vnder the same Giue vs also that true liuely faith wherby we may lay hold vpon thy deere son Christ all his merits applying the same to our owne soules so as wee may stand fully perswaded that whatsoeuer hee hath done vpon the Crosse he hath done for vs particularly as well as for others Giue vnto vs faith good father constantly to beleeue all the sweete promises of the Gospell touching remission of sins eternall life made in thy son Christ O Lord increase our faith that wee may altogether rest vppon thy promises which are all yea Amen Yea that we may settle our selues all that wee haue wholly vpon them both our soules bodies goods name wiues children our whole estate knowing that al things depend vpon thy promises power prouidence And that thy word doth support beare vppe the whole order of Nature Moreouer we intreat thee O Lord to strengthen vs from aboue to walke in euer good way and to bring foorth the fruits of true faith in all our particular actions studying to please thee in al things and to be fruitfull in all good works that wee may shew foorth vnto all men by our good conuersation whose children we are and that we may adorne beautifie our most holy profession by walking in a Christian course and in all the sound fruits practise of Godlinesse and true religon To this end wee pray thee sanctifie our hearts by thy spirit yet more and more sanctifie our soules and bodies and all our corrupt naturall faculties as reason vnderstanding wil affections so as they may bee fitted for thy worship and seruice taking a delight and pleasure therein stirre vs vp to vse prayer watchfulnes reading and meditation in thy Law and all other good meanes wherby we may profit in grace and goodnes from day to day Blesse vs in the vse of the meanes that wee may die to sin and liue to righteousnâ—â—â— Direct all our steps in thy word â—â— none iniquity haue dominion ouer vâ— Assist vs against our special infirmitieâ— and master sins that wee may get thâ— victory ouer them all to thy glory and the great peace comfort of our owâ— consciences Strengthen vs good Father by thy grace holy spirit againâ—â— the common corruptions of the worlâ— as pride whoredom couetousnes coÌ„tempt of thy gospell swearing yinâ— dissembling and deceiuing Oh dearâ— father let vs not be ouercome of those filthy vices or any other sinfull pleasures and fond delights wherewith thousands are carried headlong into destruction Grant these things and all other needfull graces for our soules or bodies for Iesus Christs sake In whose name we further cal vpon the as he hath taught vs saying Our Father which art c. FINIS