sincere because it is constant hee desires the Word at all times and as his appointed foode daily as it is in the bodily appetite though after feeding the stomack may seeme to bee full and satisfied yet the hunger reuiues againe euery day so is it with the heart of a Child of God whereas wicked men regard the Word but by fits and in a passion and then at length fall cleane away from the affection to it Psal. 119. 20. Iob 23. 12. 3. By his loue to them that loue the Word 4. By his sorrow because other men keepe not the Word Psal. 119. 136. 5. By his vnfained estimation of the Word aboue all worldly things accounting it to bee an happy portion to enioy the word in the power and profit of it Psa. 119. 14 72 111. 6. By his desire and delight to exercise himself in it day and night that is constantly Psa. 1. 2. 7. By his griefe either for the want of the m◅ans by which the Word might be taught vnto him with power accounting such want of the meanes to be a sore famine or for want of successe in the vse of the meanes when he doth enioy it Psalm 42. 3. Amos 8. 12. 8. By the extent of his loue to all the Word of God euen the Law that with threatning shews him his sin and searcheth out his most secret corruptions being most affected with that ministery that doth most sharply rebuke sinne 9. By his resolution to labour as hard for the food of his soule as men doe or he would doe for the food of his body Iohn 6. 27. Amos 8. 12. 10. By the cōstant sweet taste he finds in it especially when it is powerfully preached Psal. 19. 10 2 Cor. 2. 15. 11. By the end hee propounds vnto himselfe in the vse of the word which is that hee might not sin and that his wayes might be pleasing to God hiding the word in his heart to this purpose Psal. 119. 11. 12. By his willingnesse and resolution to deny his owne reason and affections his credit his carnall friends his profites or his pleasures in anything when God should so require it of him and vpon any occasion to shew his heartie respect of the Gospell Marke 10. 29. 1 Cor. 1. 18. 13. By the effects of it as 1. When for the loue he bears to the Word hee will seperate himselfe from the wicked that might any way with-draw his heart or endanger his disobedience Ps. 119. 115. 2. When he accounts the Word to be his chiefe comfort in affliction and finds it to be the maine stay and solace of his heart Psal. 119. 23 24 50 51 54 143. 3. When it workes in him effectually the redresse of his wayes and freedome from the dominion of sinne Iohn 8. 32. Psalme 119. 45 9 59 1 Thessalonians 2. 13. 4. When it workes in him certaine and sensible assurance of heart before God This assurance is an infallible signe of the right vse of the Word 1 Thessalonians 1. 5. And thus of the second gift The third gift is the spirit of praier or supplication as the Prophet Zachary cals it Zach. 12. 10. and this gift hee hath aboue all wicked men which hee shewes many wayes as 1. Hee askes according to Gods will 1 Iohn 5. 14. 2. He prayes with perswasion that God will heare him Hee beleeueth in some measure that hee shall haue what hee prayes for Hee prayes in faith Marke 11. 24. Iames 1. 6 7. Psalme 6. 9. 1 Iohn 3. 22. 3. He prayes in the Name of Christ and is affected with the sense of his owne vilenesse and relies vpon the merits and mediation of Iesus Christ Iohn 14 13. Psa. 86. 1 2. and 143. 1 2. 4. He will pray at all times Iob 27. 9. Psal. 106. 3. 5. He is feruent in prayer his heart praieth he hath the affections of prayer Iames 5. 16. Psalm 6. 8. 6. Praier makes him exceeding weary of the world it giues him such a taste of his owne sinfulnesse and of Gods goodnesse and of the glory of Heauen that he is vehemently carried with desire to bee absent from the body that hee might be present with the Lord Psa. 39. 12. 7. When he knowes not how to pray as hee ought the Spirit prepares his heart excites in him holy desires supplyes him sometime with words sometime with affections and sometimes worketh inward vnexpressable groanes which yet it presents to God as effectuall prayers Romans 8. 26 27. 8. Hee findes an holy rest and quietnesse in his conscience and heart with spirituall boldnesse and confidence of trust in God if he heare him graciously and answer him in mercy Psalme 3. 4 5 6. and 116. 17. and 91. 15. Ieremiah 33. 3. 9. He loues the Lord exceedingly for hearing his prayer and desires to keepe himselfe in the loue of God Psalme 116. 1. Iude 20. 21. 10. His prayers proceed from an heart that loues no sinne but desires to depart from iniquitie and to doe that which is pleasing in Gods sight 2 Tim. 2. 19. 1 Ioh. 3. 22. 11. He loues prayer in others 2 Tim. 1. 21. 12. Hee striues against deadnesse of spirit and distractions as an heauie burthen Psalme 86. 3. 4. 13 He makes praier his chiefe refuge and he will pray though prayer bee in neuer so much disgrace Psalme 69. 10 13. and 142. 25. And thus of the third gift The fourth gift is the loue of his enemies Any Christian may loue such as loue him but to loue his enemies is onely to be found in the true Christian which he proues by these tokens of the sinceritie of his loue 1. He can pray heartily for them yea in some cases he can mourne and humble his soule before God for them in their distresses Psal. 35. 13 14. 2. Hee desires their conuersion so vnfainedly that hee is sure if they were conuered hee could reioyce in them as heartily as in those hee now much delights in 3 Hee can likewise forgiue them their particular trespasses against him being more grieued for their sinnes against God then for the wrongs they doe him Math. 6. 14. 4 He can freely acknowledge their iust praises 5 He cannot onely patiently endure their reuilings but can forbeare when he could bee reuenged by bringing shame or miserie vpon them 1. Peter 3. 9. Rom. 12. 14. 1 Sam. 24. 18 19. yea he doth as he hath occasion striue to ouercome their euill with goodnesse being willing to helpe them or relieue them in their miserie and doe th◅m any good for soule or body The last gift which is found in the true Ch◅istian while he is in the way in this life is His loue of the appearing of Christ which hee shewes 1 By the longing after the time of Christs comming whether by death or iudgement 2 By his gladnesse at the promises or signes of his particular or generall commings 3 By his often meditations of that day and his hearty prayers for the
Confâ—…ssion of sinnes Petition for grace and thanks-giuing for mercies receiued Nâ—…w the weakest Christian may be through Gods blâ—…ssing comfortably furnished for his owne particular if hee take such a coâ—…e as this to goe aside and with all sâ—…cie and attention of heart before the Lord aske himselfe these three Questions 1 What sinnes haue I committed which either now do trouble me or if I were to dye would make mee afraid Let him set them downe in a paper or in his memory distinctly till hee can can bethinke himselfe of no more It is no great matter for the order how hee sets them downe so hee be sure he haue the chiefe sinnes in which hee daily offends or hath offended 2 What would I haue the Lord doe for me if I might haue what I wish let him set the particulars downe till he can remember no more As for example I would haue him forgiue mee my sinnes and I would haue him giue mee strength against such and such sins and I would haue him giue mee faith and assurance and I would haue him giue me Heauen when I dye and so goe on with all the things he feeles a desire in his heart to seeke of God till he can remember no more and if at any other time hee remember some speciall thing which hee would further haue which hee hath not in his Catalogue let him set it downe as from time to time he sees cause 3 What speciall fauours hath God shewed to mee which I see I ought to take special notice of Let him set them downe distinctly whether they be deliuerances or such and such spirituall or outward mercis preseruing the memorie principally of the chiefest of them Now when hee hath thus furnished these three heads with things that in particular concerne himselfe they being all matters of weight hee must now carry these things or the chiefe of them in his mind and frame his heart to speake to God in the best words he can get to signifie his detestation of those sinnes his humble requests for those graces and his vnfained thankefulnesse for those blessings Howsoeuer hee may be rude or vnperfect in his Language about these at the first yet exercise will bring him to a ripenesse and by this course hee shall be sure to speake of things that concerne himselfe neerely and that God which hath taught Parents to regard the vnperfect language of their little Children when they begin to speak vnto them will himselfe much more delight to heare the desires of his Seruants that are grieued that they cannot speake in a better sort vnto him The profit and comfort of this course will appeare by experience to be exceeding great besides it is an easie way where there is in any a true desire to bee at the paines to learne this Language of speaking to God by prayer and Gods Spirit will helpe and teach the poore Christian and draw his petitions for him and prompt him both with words and affections And the Christian must know this that when hee hath confessed his sinnes and shewed what hee should haue God doe for him with the best words hee could in the truth of his heart he hath made a most effectuall prayer to God Thus of prayer The awefull of God and the reuerent dreading of God may bee begotten and increased in vs if we throughly remember and deepely ponder vpon 1. The surpassing glory and transcendent excelleÌ„cie and perfection of his Nature his absolute purity and exact lustice and Holinesse 2. The wonderfull workes of God especially those standing miracles shewed in the hanging of this mighty earth and those huge heapes of water in the cloudes and the bounding of these mighty Seas and such like 3. His fearefull threatnings of all sorts of woes against the transgressions of men 4. The terrour of the last day and the dreadfulnesse of death and Iudgement 5. The fearefull and sudden iudgements which haue fallen vpon wicked men either recorded in Scripture or reported in Histories or obserued in experience 6. Especially if wee thinke much and seriously of the great goodnesse of God to vs how hee hath striuen with vs to ouercome vs with his mercies Thus of the feare of God We should striue to stirre vp in vs affection and loue to our very enemies by such considerations as these 1. Because Christ to whom we are infinitely bound hath expresly charged vs to look to this That we doe loue our enemies and therefore for his sake wee should deny our selues and our owne corrupt desires and affections and striue to shew the truth of our loue euen towards them that hate and persecute vs. 2. There is none so wicked but they haue something good in them and worthy to be respected 3. Our enemies doe vs good though they intend it not wee ought to like the very rod that mends vs and regard the water that washeth vs white and make much of the stone that tries vs and the glasse that shewes vs our spots and not mislike the tents that search our wounds 4. If euer God turne their hearts they will be effectuall instruments of our praise Gods glory in the day of their visitation they will not willingly beare the shame of their owne sinfull oppositions I forbeare to set downe the directions for the attainement of the loue of the appearing of Christ because I haue at large handled that point in the Treatise of the Cure of the feare of Death CHAP. VIII Thus of the directions that concerne the first sort of gifts concerning the attainement of the other graces the directions now follow AND first for the attainment of sauing knowledge and the increase ofâ—… these directions are of excellent vse 1. In hearing or reading the Scriptures hee must bee wise for himselfe that is marke distinctly what he heareth or readeth that may especially concerne himself Prou. 〈◊〉 12. 2 He must study those things exactly which most concerne him auoiding vaine questions and fruitlesse contemplations and vaine ianglings and controuersies he must especially labour to know Gods Nature aright and the distinct manner of Gods true worship how he may serue him he must studie to know his owne particular offences and Christ crucified as his Sauiour with the benefits of his mediation and the necessary things that concerne his owne Iustification Sanctification and finall Saluation 3. He must redeeme the time and by forecast and order prouide so that some time may be daily allowed for holy studies to recouer his former time lost 4. Hee must enquire and take counsell hee must take heed of smothering his doubts but must carefully seeke satisfaction to his conscience as occasion ariseth There is more profit in this rule then many Christians are aware of 5. Hee must take heede of consulting with flesh and blood he must not regard other mens opinions or his owne carnall reason but resolue to giue the glory to Gods Word so
12. 16. By fretting with enuy at the gifts and respects of others Num. 1â—… 2 8 9. By being ouer-confident of our owne innocency Iob 34. 5 6. By desire to prie into the secret things of God being not content with things reuealed Deut. 29. vlt Rom. 12. 3. 4. Pride in sinning and so he is guilty That dares commit great euils against his knowledge That seemes wise in maintaining sinne Prou. 3. 7. Psal. 52. 7. That hardens his heart against repentance 1. Sam. 15. 22 23. Numb 15. 30 31. Ierem. 16. 12. Iob 34. 37. That sinnes with affectation that glories in it as he that takes a pride in drunkennesse Isai. 28. 1 3. That frets because he is croâ—… in sinne Prou. 19. 3. And thus 〈◊〉 Pride The sixt sinne is the neglect 〈◊〉 Gods mercy and this is the morâ—… grieuous offence because mercâ—… is the most eminent attribute 〈◊〉 God For the sinnes of this kind worlds of men are damned iâ—… hell Iohn 3. 19. And against Gods mercy hee offends That askes wherein God hath loued him Mal. 1. 2. That abuseth Gods blessings Hos. 10. 1. 11. 3 4. That obserues not the mercy of God in his prouidence Hosea 2. 8. That in aduersitie saith God cares not for him or hath passed ouer his iudgements or hath forsaken him Isaiah 40. 28. and 49. 14. That enquireth not after God Zeph. 1. 6. That beleeues not Gods premises through neglect or despaire That blesseth his heart against Gods threatnings Deut. 29. 19. That forsakes his owne mercy by trusting to lying vanities Ionah 2. 8. That scoffes at the signes of Gods mercy Isai. 7. 12 13. That sacrificeth to his owne net ascribing the praise to himselfe Hab. 1. 16. That seekes not to God in his distresse 2 Chron. 16. 12. That sayes God cannot deliuer 2 Kings 6. 33. and 7. 2. That answers not when God calls Isai. 50. 2. That limits God Psal. 78. 41. That hath a spirit of bitternesse through discontent Hosea 12. 14. That dishonours God by his euill life Rom. 2. 24. Thus of the sins against Gods mercie The seuenth sinne is resorting to witches Isai. 8. 19 20. Leuit. 20. 6. Deut. 18. 11. Eightly hee offends that disregards Gods Workes Isaiah 5. 12. Ninthly that lies against God hauing professed to haue God to be his God Isai. 29. 13. And so he doth That opposeth the truth and objects against it That performes not what hee promised in his sicknesse or aduersity or at the Sacraments That falleth away from the truth Tenthly that feares not God or not in a right manner and so he sinneth That feares God onely for reward Iob 1. 9. That feareth God onely because of punishment Hos. 3. 5. That is not afraid of Gods presence or threatnings Psal. 36. 1 2. Isaiah 66. 1. Ierem. 6. 10. That comforts not men in misery Iob 6. 14. That meddles with changers or the seditious Prou. 24. 21. That in matter of sinne is wise in his owne eyes and will not depart from iniquitie Prou. 3. 7. That sins because God doth forbeare to punish Eccles. 8. 13. Psal. 50. 19 21. That feares the signes of Heauen Ierem. 10. 2. That finds an hardnesse of heart against Gods feare Isaiah 63. 17. Thus of the sinnes against the feare of God Eleuenthly That trusts not in God and so he offends That asketh not counsell of God Isaiah 31. 1. and 30. 1 2. but vseth carnall helpes That saith there is no hope Ierem. 3. 23. That trusts in man and makes flesh his arme Ierem. 17. 5. That puts his confidence in his wealth Prou. 10. 15. Iob 31. 24. That leanes to his owne vnderstanding Prou. 3. 5. That drawes not neere vnto God in aduersitie Zeph. 3. 2. That impatiently desireth death Iob 7. 15. Thus of the sinnes against trust in God Twelfthly That neglects communion with the godly he hath not God for his God that is noâ—… ioyned to Gods people and this is aggrauated against him That in contempt of godlinessâ—… goeth in the company of the wicked Iob 34. 8 9. That reprocheth Gods people Psal. 74. 10 18. Esay 57. 3 4. That accounts the godly as signes and wonders Esay 8. 18. That reioyces in their disgraces Ezechiel 25. 6. That forsakes their fellowship either through carelesnesse and aposâ—…y Heb. 10. 25. or through â—…hisine Esay 65. 2 5. That for malice persecutes them or casts them out of the Church Esay 66. 5. And thus of the sinnes against the nature of God CHAP. V. Shewing how men offend against the meanes of Gods worship THe sins against the meanes of Gods worship follow and these are of three sorts 1. Not worshipping 2. Will-worshipping 3. Idoll worshipping For the first he offends in generall That worships not God Zac. 14. 17. That calls not vpon the Name of the Lord Ps. 14. 4. Esay 64. 7. That comes not to the Church 2. Chron. 29. 6 7. That prayes not in his family Ier. 10. 25. That receiueth not the Preachers of the Gospel Mattheâ—… 10. 14. The aggrauations are when a man is so far from worshipping atight That hee offers the blind and the lame for the maintenance 〈◊〉 Gods seruice Mal. 1. 8 14. That he deuoures things sanctified that should be employeâ—… for the furtherance of Gods seruice Prou. 20. 25. That forbids Gods faithful Ministers to preach in the Name of Christ Acts. 4. 17. 1. Thes. 2. 16 That disswades men from Gods worship vpon pretenâ—… that it is either polluted Malâ—… 7 12 13. or vaine Mal. 3. 14. That is wayward or neueâ—… pleased with all or any part 〈◊〉 Gods worship or the meanâ—… thereof Math. 1â—… 16. Thus of sinnes of irreligiousnesse or not worshipping Will-worship followes and so he offends 1. That deuiseth any thing of himselfe to the intent to serue God by it Numb 15. 38 39. 2. That serues God for custome or after the old manner making the example of Fathers or fore fathers the rule of his seruice 2 Kings 17. 34. Ier. 9. 13 14 Amos 2. 4. 1. Pet. 1. 18. 3. That feares God after the precepts of men Esay 29. 13. 4. That being not a Minister doth the worke of a Minister vpon pretence of necessity or deuotion 2 Chron. 26. 16. 5. That vrgeth the lesser things of the Law and neglects the greater Math. 23. 23. The aggrauations are To vrge menstraditions with opinion of necessity and with neglect of Gods Law Matthew 15. 2 3 9. To desire to bee taught vaine things Esay 30. 9 10 11. To borrow rites and obseruations from the professed enemies of God to adde them as parts of Gods worship 2 Kings 17. 34. Deut. 12. 3 4 13. Ezech. 11. 12. Idoll worship followes and so men offend either first inwardly or second outwardly Inwardly he offends that conceiues of God in the likenesse of any thing created and manifests his offence If he direct his worship to that likenes Comman 2. Acts 17.
faults in others and to be guilty of great offences himselfe Mathew 7. 5 In vain-glorie and minding too much our owne praises And so also he offends That boasteth of a false gift Prou. 27. 1. That iustifieth himselfe ouermuch Iob 35. 2. That boasts of to morrow Prou. 17. 1. That measures himselfe by himselfe 2 Cor. 10. 12. 6. In flatterie Psalme 12. 3. Prou. 27. 14. and 26. 26. 7. In iustifying the wicked Prou. 17. 15. and 24. â—…4 CHAP. XIII HItherto of the sinnes with consent of the will The sinnes before consent of the will are 1. To want desire of the good and well-fare either of himselfe or other men 2 To conceiue euill thoughts Matth. 15. 19. or couer euill 3. To delight in the inward contemplation of euill whether in dreames or awake though it bee without purpose to act them outwardly Iude 8. Iames 1. 14. Hitherto of the sinnes against the Law CHAP. XIIII Shewing how many wayes men offend against the Gospel THe sinnes against the Gospel may bee referred to foure heads as they are sinnes Against Christ. Against Repentance Against Faith Against the graces of the Spirit 1. He sinnes against Christ That saith he is Christ Math. 24. 5. That denyeth directly or by consequent that Christ is come in the flesh 1 Iohn 4. 3. and 2. 23. That hath base thoughts of Christ Esay 53. 3. That saith hee hath no sinne 1 Iohn 1. 7 8 10. That worships God without Christ Iohn 17. 3. 1 Iohn 2. 23. That vseth not Christ as his own and onely Aduocate 1 Ioh. 2. 2. 1. Tim. 2. 5. That loues not the Lord Iesus Christ with inflamed affections 1 Cor. 16. 22. Eph. 6. 24. Philip. 3. 8. 2 Hee sinnes against repentance That confesseth not his sinnes without hiding distinctly Prou. 28. 13. Psalme 32. 5. That mourns not for his sins Ier. 5. 3. That forsakes not his sinnes Prou. 28. 13. Yea hee sinnes against repentance That repents fainedly Ieremi 3. 10. That repents desperately as Cain and Iudas That repents too late Iob 27. 8 9. That repents by halues and in some things onely as Ahab and Herod That falls away from his repentance 2 Peter 2. 19 20. The aggrauations are To be wise to do euill Ier. 4. 22 To pursue euill Prou. 11. 19. To reioyce in doing euill and make a mocke of sinne Prouerbs 2. 14. and 14. 9. To be without shame and to declare his sin like the Sodomites Esay 5. 9. Ier. 3. 3. To be incorrigible Ier. 5. 3. To fret because hee is crossed in sinne Prou. 19. 3. To blesse himselfe against the curses of the Law Deut. 29. 19. To freeze in security Zephan 1. 12. To refuse to returne 3. He sinnes against Faith That beleeues not in Iesus Christ for his iustification and saluation Iohn 3. 17. Yea he offends That is carelesse and neglects the assurance of Faith Heb. 6. 12. Rom. 1. 16. That in affliction doubts of Gods fauour and goodnesse Esay 41. and 49. 14 15. The aggrauations Not to seeke after God at all Zeph. 1. 6. Not to stir vp our selues to take hold on God when mercy is offered Esay 64. 7. Not to answer when God calls Esay 50. 2. To forsake our owne mercy or scoffe at the signes of it Iohn 2. â—…8 4. He sinnes against the graces of the Spirit 1. That receiues the grace oâ—… God in vaine 2 Cor. 6. 1. 2. That turnes the grace of God into wantonnesse Iude 4. 3. That falls away from the grace of God either wholly by forsaking the acknowledgement of the truth 2 Peter 2. 20. Or in the same measure by losing his first loue Reuel 2. 4. 4. That tempts grieues or quencheth the Spirit Eph. 4. 30. 1 Thess. 5. 19. 5. That despites the Spirit of grace and of malice persecutes the knowne truth which is the sinne against the Holy Ghost Hebrewes 10. 26. FINIS THE SPIRITVALL TOVCH-STONE OR THE SIGNES OF A GODLY MAN Drawne in so plaine and profitable manner as all sorts of Christians may try themselues thereby Together with directions how the weake Christian by the vse of these Signes may establish his assurance By N. BIFIELD late Preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in MIDDLESEX 2. Cor. 13. 5. Examine your selues whether ye be in the Faith proue your selues Know ye not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except yee bee Reprobates LONDON Printed by Iohn Legatt and are to bee sold by P. Stephens and C. Meredith at the golden Lyon in Pauls Church-yard 1630. TO THE MVCH HONORED LADIES the Ladie Ruth Scydamore increase of peace and ioy in beleeuing HOw great the benefit of assurance of Gods fauour and of our owne saluation is those onely know that are either scourged with the conflicts and terrors of their owne doubtings or that are solaced and established with the sweet dewes of refreshing that arise from a rooted â—…nd well grounded Faith If men studie assurances so much for their outward possessions in this world how much more earnest and diligent should men be to assure Gods loue and the inheritance of the glory to come There is not a clearer signe of a prophane heart then to account these cares needlesse nor doe I know a iuster exception against any religion then that it should teach that when a man hath done what he can to obserue the directions of that Religion yet he cannot be sure he shall goe to Heauen But since I know that all that are possessed of the grace of Iesus Christ doe account assurance great riches I therefore conceiue hope that my paines about this subiect will not be altogether vnacceptable and the rather because in this present Treatise I haue endeauoured to expresse the signes of triall in a much more easie way then before and besides haue added directions that shew how a weake Christian may establish himselfe in his assurance I make bold to dedicate my new assay herein vnto your Ladiship You haue heard the substance hereof preached and receiued it with much gladnesse and in the priuate vse of these signes you haue beene pleased to professe to the glory of God that you haue found much contentment and establishment of your owne assurance Your eminencie in the sincere profession and practise of true Religion and the shining of the graces here treated of long acknowledged by many witnesses haue made you worthy to bee publikely obserued and praysed in the Churches of Christ and your great respect and fauour shewed to mee hath made this way of testifying my thankefulnes but as a small pledge and assurance of my desire to doe your Ladiship any seruice in the things of Iesus Christ. Thus beseeching God to enlarge the comforts of his Spirit in your heart and to prosper you in all things that concerne the blessed hope of the appearing of Iesus Christ our mighty God and Sauiour â—…end and rest Your Ladiships to be commanded N. BIFIELD CHAP. I.
Describing the godly man by such signes as discouer him to the obseruation of other men THe signes of the true Christian that hath true grace in this world and shall be saued in Heauen when he dies may be cast into two Catalogues The one more briefe the other more large The one Catalogue of signes describe him by such markes as for the most part doe outwardly distinguish him amongst men The large Catalogue 〈◊〉 intend especially as a more infallible and effectuall way of triall as containing such signes as for the most part are not obserued by other men or not fully but are knowne to himselfe and can bee found in no reprobate For the first Catalogue the true Christian vsually discouers himselfe by these markes First he will not haue fellowship with the vnfruitfull workes of darkenesse he will not walke in the counsell of the wicked nor stand in the way of sinners He will not sort himselfe with workers of iniquity Psalme 1. 1. and 26. 4 5. 2 Cor. 6. Secondly Hee will afflict and humble his soule for his sinnes mourning and weeping for them till the Lord be pleased to shew mercie and forgiue him He doth account his sins to be his greatest burthen He cannot make a mock of sinne c. Thirdly He labours to be holy in all parts of his conuersation watching ouer his owne waies at all times and in all companies Ps. 50. 23. Esay 56. 1. 2. Peter 3. 4 Fourthly he makes conscience of the least commandements as well as the greatest auoyding silthy speaking and vaine iesting and laciuiousnesse as well as whoredome lesser oathes as well as the greater reprochfull speeches as well as violent actions c. Fiftly hee loues and esteemes and labours for the powerfull preaching of the word aboue all earthly treasures Sixtly he honours and highly accounts of the godly delights in the company of such as truely feare God aboue all others Psal. 15. 4. Seuenthly hee is carefull of the sanctification of the Sabbath neither daring to violate that holy rest by labour nor to neglect the holy duties belonging to Gods seruice publike or priuate Esay 56. and 58. Eighthly hee loues not the world neither the things thereof but is more heartily affected in things that concerne a better life and so doth in some degree loue the appearing of Christ. Ninthly He is easie to be intreated hee can forgiue his enemies desires peace and will doe good euen to them that persecute him if it lye in his power Mat. 5. 44. Tenthly Hee goeth on in the profession of the sinceritie of the Gospel and doth such duties as he knoweth God requires of him in businesse of his soule notwithstanding the oppositions of prophane persons or the dislike of carnall friends c. Eleuenthly He setteth vp a daily course of seruing God and that with his family too if hee haue any and exerciseth himselfe in the word of God as the chiefe ioy of his heart and the daily refuge of his life calling vpon God continually c. CHAP. II. Shewing the generall diuision of the signes and the wayes how the signes were found out THus of the shorter Catalogue of signes Now it followes that I proceed to those infallible markes of Election and Saluation And whereas I haue diuers yeeres since published a Treatise which I called Essayes or Signes of Gods loue and mans saluation Hauing obserued that diuers haue accounted the manner of setting the Signes downe somewhat obscure in diuers parts of the Booke I will now by Gods assistance for the helping of the weakest Christians in this Treatise endeauour to expresse my selfe in this Doctrine of the tryall of a true Christian estate in a more plaine and easie course of exâ—…mination and leaue both the former Treatise and this new Catalogue vnto the blessing of God and the free choise of the godly Reader to vse which hee findeth most agreeable to his owne taste being both such as are warranted and founded vpon the infallible euidence of Gods vnchangeable truth In this proiect then I consider of the triall of a true Christian sixe wayes First in his humiliation Secondly in his faith Thirdly in the gifts of his minde with which he is qualified Fourthly in the workes of his obedience Fiftly in the entertainment he hath from God Sixtly in the manner of his receiuing of the Sacraments In all which hee differs from all the wicked men in the world so as neuer any wicked man could finde these things in his condition which are true of the weakest Christian in each of these signes And that the true Christian may not doubt of his estate hauing found these signes in himselfe let him consider the proofes annexed to each signe and that nothing may bee wanting to his aboundant consolation I will tell him how I found out these signes and by what grounds I proceeded There are three sorts of places in Scripture as I conceiue which do point out the grounds of infallible assurance in those that can attaine vnto them as first such places as expresly doe aâ—…firme that such and such things are signes As for example 1 Ioh. 3. 14. Hereby we know that we are translated from death to life because we loue the brethren Here the holy Ghost shewes vs expresly that the loue of the brethren is a signe by which a Christian may know that he is translated from death to life and so the Apostle Paul giues signes to know whether their sorrow were after God or no 2 Cor. 7. 11. So doth the Prophet Dauid Psalme 15 giue diuers signes by which the man that shall dwell in Gods holy hill may be knowne So the Apostle Iames tells vs how wee may know the wisedome from aboue by reckning the fruits and effects of it Iames 3. 17. So doth the Apostle Paul tell vs how we may know whether we haue the Spirit of Christ in vs or no Rom. 8. 9 15 c. Gal. 5. 22. and 4. 6 7. Secondly I find out signes by marking what graces in man the promises of God are made vnto For thus I reason Whatsoeuer gift of God in man brings him within the compasse of Gods promises of eternall mercie that gift must bee an infallible signe of saluation But such are such and such gifts as the instances in diuers Scriptures shew And therefore the man that can finde those gifts in himselfe shall bee certainly saued As for example The Kingdome of heauen is promised to such as are poore in spirit Mathew 5. 3. From thence then I gather that pouerty of spirit is an infallible signe The like I may say of the loue of the Word and of vprightnesse of heart and of the loue of God and the loue of the appearing of Christ c. Thirdly I finde out other signes by obseruing what godly men in Scripture haue said for themselues when they haue pleaded their owne
therfore thy case is the more comfortable because thou feelest the weight and burthen of thy sinnes as the places of Scripture following most euidently and comfortably shew namely Psalme 34. 15. The eyes of the Lord are vpon the righteous and his eares are open vnto their cry Math. 11. 28 29. Come vnto me all ye that are wearie and heauy laden and I will ease you Takemy yoke on you and learne of me that I am meeke and lowly in heart and you shall find rest vnto your soules Ierem. 31. 25. For I haue satiate the wearie soule and I haue replenished euery sorrowfull soule And their soule shall bee as a watered garden and they shall haue no more sorrow the latter part of the 12. verse c. Esay 63. 9. In all their troubles he was troubled and the Angel of his presence saued them In his loue and in his mercy hee redeemed them and he bare them and carried them alwaies continually Psalm 31. 21 22. Blessed be the Lord for hee hath shewed his maruellous kindnesse towards mee in a strong Citie Though I said in my haste I am cast out of thy sight yet thou heardest the voyce of my prayer when I cryed vnto thee Psal. 103. 9. He will not alwayes chide neither keepe his anger for euer Ob. But I offend daily Sol. That is cleerely answered in Gods promise For he saith he will multiply pardon or abundantly pardon Esay 55. 7. Ob. But I find I grow worse then I haue beene my heart is much out of order Sol. If there be an heart in thee desirous to returne there is comfort also against this distresse The Lord will heale thy backe-stiding if thou take vnto thee words to confesse thy falling away Hosh. 14. 2 3 4. Behold saith the Lord I will bring it health and cure and I will cure them and reueale vnto them the abundance of peace and truth Ieremie 33. 6. There is healing in the wings of the Sonne of righteousnesse and yee shall goe forth and grow vp as the Calues of the Stall Malachy 4. 2. Ob. But I am extremely burthened with my ignorance this is a continuall grieuance vnto mee Sol. There are many comforts against ignorance 1. It is a speciall promise of God in the new Couenant that he will write his Laws in thy heart and hee will make thee to know the Lord Thou maist goe boldly to the Throne of Grace to beg further illumination of the Spirit of God This is one of the suits God cannot deny 2. God hath promised to leade thee by a way which thou hast not knowne Hee will preserue thee by his knowledge though thou bee vnacquainted with the way thy selfe He that lede his people from Babel to Sion when they scarce knew a foote of that long way wil leade thee in the straite way from Earth to Heauen if thou seeke a way of God as they did Esay 42. 16. 3 We haue such an High Priest as knowes how to haue compassion on the ignorant He that required that propertie of the High Priest in the Law will much more expresse it himselfe Hebrewes 5. 1 3. 4. This must be thy glory and the crowne of reioycing that though thou be ignorant of many things yet thou knowest God and Christ crucified and this is eternall life Iohn 17. 3. 5 The Ministers of the Gospel are ours and therefore if wee attend vpon the Word and continue in it we shal know the truth their instructions shall bee daily distilled into thy heart like drops of raine 1 Cor. 322 23. 6 The anointing thou hast receiued shall teach thee all needfull things and leade thee into all truth 1 Iohn 2. 27. 7 There is a seed of heauenly doctrine cast into thy heart which shall euen remaine in thee It is indelible it cannot be blotted out 1 Iohn 3. 9. 8 Lastly Knowledge is the gift of Christ and as wee know that he is come so we beleeue that he will giue vs vnderstanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true euen in his Sonne Iesus Christ this is the true God and eternall life I Iohn 5. 20. Ob. But we want or haue lost the meanes of knowledge our Teachers are taken frem vs. Sol. It is true Where vision faileth the people faint but yet 1 After God hath giuen you the bread of affliction and the water of aduersity hee will restore Teachers and no more restraine instruction Esay 30. 20. 2. Though thou see no way of helpe yet thou knowest not how God can prouide He can open Riuers on the tops of mountaines and he maketh the wildernesse a standing poole when his people thirst and cry vnto him Esay 41. 17. 18. 3. If ordinary meanes faile and bee denied God will then supply of his Spirit make that meanes which is left to suffice for thy preseruation and building vp Philip. 1. 19. Now that there may bee the more abundant support vnto our hearts in this case of infirmities I will open two places of Scripture that doe meet with the most obiections of our hearts The first is Exodus 34. 6 7. where the Lord proclaimeth the goodnesse of his nature that all men may take notice of it and giue him the praise of his rich grace where hee so describeth the Lord that in his titles hee giueth an answer to many obiections 1. If thou say thy infirmities may alienate the Lord from thee He answers that he is Iehouah alwayes the same vnchangeable Hee will not alter his loue towards thee but loue thee to the end and for the more assurance he repeated that title twice because he knowes we most doubt of that and haue most need to be succoured with that argument as the foundation of all our comfort 2. If thou say thou hast strong inclination to sinne or strange temptations or great impediments or many aduersaries and discouragements Hee answers that hee is God or strong to signifie that nothing shall hinder the worke of his grace towards thee but hee will keepe thee by his power and maketh his grace sufficient for thee 3 If thou say Hee is of pure eyes and cannot but discerne thy faults and sinne is sinne in the sight of God He answers That he is mercifull 4 If thou say Thou deseruest no such mercy He answers That he is gracious and doth not stand vpon desert He will shew mercy not because thou art good but because he is good 5. If thou say The daily repeating and renewing of thy sinnes may prouoke him though hee be mercifull and gracious He answers That hee is long-suffering 6 If thou say Thou hast many defects and wants to bee supplyed He answers That he is full of goodnesse 7 It thou say Thou art ashamed of thy ignorance which is more then can be conceiued Hee answers That he is abundant in truth to supply thy defects and to performe his promise though thou haue but a little faith 8.
If thou say Thou doest beleeue that God is all this vnto some men and that Abraham and Dauid and others that were in great fauour with God haue found all this But for thy selfe thou art so vile a creature and so meane a person as it is not for thee to expect such great things of God He answers That hee keepes mercy for thousands He hath not spent all vpon Dauid or the Patriarks or Prophets or Apostles or Martyrs or Ministers but he hath an Ocean of goodnesse still to be shewed without respect of persons to al that come vnto him for mercy 9. If thou yet say Thou art guiltie of diuers sorts of sinnes and that it is not one offence onely but many that lye vpon thee and some of them such as thou darest not name they are so vile He answers that he forgiues iniquitie transgression and sinne that is all sorts of sinnes of nature of weaknes or of presumption 10. If any other should say this is a doctrine of liberty and may embolden men to sinne Hee answers to that hee will by no meanes cleare the wicked those are fauours onely hee will declare to the penitent that are weary of their sinnes and would faine â—…ffend no more 2. The second place is Ezek. 36. 25. to the 37. where many obiections are euidently answered the consolations being fitted of purpose so as euery word almost preuents some doubt might arise in mens minds as 1. Ob. I am exceeding lothsome and a creature extremely filthy in respect of my sinnes Sol. I will powre cleane water vpon you that is I will wash your soules in the fountaine of my grace and both forgiue you and sanctifie you 2. Ob. Oh it cannot bee that any meanes should doe me good I am so totally defiled Sol. Ye shall be cleane it is easie for God to cleanse vs it is our owne vnbeleefe hinders vs God hath promised our cleansing 3. Ob. O but my sins are great and grosse sinnes I haue offended more grieuously then other men Sol. From your Idols and from your filthinesse will I cleanse you though thy sinnes were as great as idolatry in the first Table or whoredome in the second yet God can forgiue and sanctifie thee 4. Ob. But my nature is so bad that if I were forgiuen I should offâ—…nd againe Sol. A new heart will I giue thee Where God forgiues our sinnes he giues vs another disposition and change our natures verse 26. 5. Ob. O but I am so ignorant I cannot but offend Sol. A new spirit will I put within you Hee will giue vs vnderstanding and wisedome 6. Ob. But I am so dull and hard-hearted that I am not sensible of my owne distresse and wants and cannot bee affected with the excellency of the goodnesse or promises of God Sol. I will take away the stony heart out of your body God will cure vs of hardnesse of heart 7. Ob. But if my heart were softned and that I had some feeling it would grow hard and senslesse againe Sol. I will giue you an heart of flesh 8. Ob. O but if all this were done for me yet I know not how to order my selfe and what to do to goe on in a religious course of life Sol. I will put my Spirit within you verse 27. 9. Ob. If the Lord do giue me his Spirit yet I feare I shall not be ruled by it but offend and grieue the Spirit of God through ignorance and want of strength Sol. I will cause you to keepe my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and doe them The Lord will worke our workes for vs and teach vs to obey and giue vs power to doe what hee commandeth 10. Ob. I finde a maruailous vnfitnesse in the very things of my outward estate Sol. Yee shall dwell in the land the Lord will blesse vs in outward things as well as in spirituall 11. Ob. But when I come to vse the creatures me thinks I see such vnworthinesse in my sâ—…e that I am almost afraid to meddle with them Sol. I gaue the land to your fathers you hold these outward blessings not by your deserts but by my gift and my gift is ancient I bostowed these things on your fathers 12. Ob. It may be so our fathers were in couenant with God and more eminent men and more worthy then we Sol. Ye shall be my people and I will be your God Gods couenant of grace is with the fathers and their generations after them if he haue bene the fathers God he will be thy God also and thou shalt be of his people 13. Ob. O but I finde such daily sinnes and I am polluted in euery thing I do I am many waies vncleane Sol. I will also saue you from your vncleannesse God will multiply pardon he will forgiue vs and comfort vs against our sinnes after calling 14. Ob. But how shall I beleeue all this for I see God hath plagued vs by famine scourged vs with great want which still lies vpon vs. Sol. I will call for the corne and increase it and lay no more famine vpon you and I will multiply the fruite of the trees and the increase of the field c. 15. Ob. But there is no condition on our part Sol. Yes for all this shall bee done vnto you when you remember your owne euill wayes and your doings that were not good and shall lothe your selues for your iniquities and for your abominations These comforts belong to vs when we are throughly displeased with our selues for our faults And besides for all this must the Lord be sought vnto we shall obtaine all or any of these but we must aske first verse 31. 37. CHAP. XIII Shewing how a godly man may comfort himselfe against the feare of falling away HItherto of the comforts against our daily infirmities The consolations against the feare of our falling away follow We may three wayes comfort our selues against this feare namely if we consider God or Christ or our selues 1. In God there are two things of excellent obseruation both of them exprest in the Scriptures The first is that he hath vndertaken to preserue vs from falling away The second shewes vs distinctly how he will performe this For the first that God will keepe vs from falling away wee haue foure things to assure vs. First the promises of God directly to that end for he assures vs that his Elect shall enioy the worke of their hands and shall not labour in vaine Esay 65. 22 23. The smoking weeke shall not bee quenched nor the bruised reed broken Esay 42. 3. Not one of them shall bee lacking in the whole flocke Ierem. 23. 4. God will build them and not plucke them downe he will plant them and not pull them vp Ier. 24. 6. He will confirme vs in and to the end that wee may bee blamelesse in the day of our Lord Iesus Christ for God is faithfull who hath called vs to the fellowship of his
and hee shall heare thee and thou shalt render thy vowes Iob 33. 26. He shall pray vnto God and he will be fauourable vnto him and he shall see his face with ioy for he will render vnto man his righteousnesse Psal. 34. 15 17. The eyes of the Lord are vpon the righteous and his eares are open vnto their cry The righteous cry and the Lord heareth them and deliuereth them out of their troubles Psal. 50. 15. Call vpon mee in the day of trouble so will I deliuer thee and thou shall glorisie mee Iohn 15. 16. That whatsoeuer ye shall aske of the Father in my name he may giue it you Iohn 16. 23. And in that day shall ye aske me nothing Verily verily I say vnto you whatsoeuer ye aske the Father in my name hee will giue it you For the second it may much comfort vs if we consider that God will not onely heare our praiers in generall but our voice Psal. 5. 3. Our very desires Psal. 10. 17. Our teares Psalme 29. 12 The very naming of Christ shall not be done without regard 2. Tim. 2. 19. Our groaning Psal. 102. 20. When we are destitute of words to expresse our selues our groaning our teares yea the very desires of our hearts is an effectuall prayer to God He doth not looke what wee doe say but what wee would say If we come like little children and but name our Fathers name and cry making moane it shall bee heard 3. But in the third point appeares the wonder of his compassion For 1. God will heare without despising their prayer Psalm 102. 17. 2. He will not reproach them nor hit them in the teeth with what is pâ—…st or their present frailties Iam. 1. 5. 3. He will prepare their hearts too he will as it were helpe them to draw their petitions Psal. 10. 17. 4. He takes delight in hearing their prayers Prou. 15. 8. 5. Hee lookes from heauen of purpose to heare their groanes Psal. 102. 19 20. his eares are open there is not the least impediment in his hearing Psal. 34. 15. It is his very nature to be a God that heareth prayers It is not contrary to his disposition Psal. 65. 1 2. 6. Hee thinkes thoughts of peace to giue an end expectation Ier. 29. 11 12 13. 7. He will be plenteous in mercy to them that call vpon him Psal. 86. 5. Iam. 〈◊〉 5. He giueth liberally 8. He will answer them and sometimes shew them wonderous things which they know not Ier. 33. 3. 9. Hee will refresh them also with much ioy and comfort of heart He will be many times as the dew vnto their hearts Iob 33. 26. 10. It is a singular compassion that he will heare euery one that comes with petitions to him he will except no man all shall bee heard whosoeuer asketh shal haue Mat. 7. 7. Luke 11. 10. 11. It is yet more compassion that God will heare them in all they aske whatsoeuer they desire of him in the Name of Christ They may haue what they will Marke 11. 24. Iohn 15. 7. 12. The Spirit shall helpe their infirmities when they know not what to pray for as they ought Rom. 8. 26. 13. God will crowne the praiers of his Seruants with this honour that they shall be the signes both of their sanctification and of their saluation Iohn 9. 31. Rom. 10. 13. If God heare their prayers hee will receine them vp to glory 14. Lastly The Lord shewes a wonderfull compassion in the very time of hearing prayer he will heare in the morning Psa. 5. 3. In the very season the due time when wee are in trouble yea so as hee will in our affliction in a speciall manner let vs know that hee is our God and that hee will deliuer vs Zach. 13. 9. Psa. 50. 15. and 91. 15. He is ready to be found Psal. 46. 1. Daniels praiers were heard from the very first day he made them Daniel 10. 12. Yea God will heare vs while we speake vnto him and answer vs before we can expresse our selues vnto him many times Esay 65. 24. Yea the Lord heareth the prayers of his people euen when they thinke they are cast out of his sight Psalme 31. 22. FINIS THE RVLES OF A HOLY LIFE OR A TREATISE CONTAINING the holy order of our liues prescribed in the Scripture concerning our carriage Towards God Towards men Towards our selues With generall Rules of Preparation that concerne either the helpes or the manner of a holy conuersation By N. BIFIELD late Preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in MIDDLESEX Psalme 50. vlt. To him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the saluation of God LONDON Printed by Iohn Legatt for Robert Allot at the signe of the Beare in Pauls Church-yard 1630. TO THE NOBLE AND RELIGIOVS Lady the Lady Mary Vere increase of ioy and peace in beleeuing MADAM IT was most truely said by the Apostle of the Gentiles Godlinesse is great gaine Importing thereby that if a man would be incited to the care to get any thing for the profit might come thereby it should bee godlinesse No skill in the world being comparable to that skill of beeing able to lead a godly life for the sure and speedy and matchlesse gaine it will bring vnto a man For besides that it only hath the promise of a better life godlinesse were to bee desired and with all possible diligence to be sought after for the very gaine of it in this life For to omit the consideration of the fauour it breeds with God and the vnspeakeable treasures of the grace of Christ which alwayes goe with it it were to be desired for the immediate effects it workes vpon men in it selfe For if men loue themselues what should they desire more then that which tends to make themselues perfect What should it aduantage a man to haue all things good about him if himselfe bee ill and vile If men that were onely guided by the light of nature could some of them see clearely that nothing was so good for a man as to liue well when yet they knew no other liuing well then what was prescribed in their naked and naturall Ethickes then how much more happy must it be for a man to liue a Religious life by which he is brought more neere to God himselfe and farre aboue the condition of any naturall man Yea if there were no more to be had by it but the peace and rest it brings vnto a mans heart it were aboue all outward things to bee desired For no man walkes safely that walkes not religiously nor can any actions of men produce any sound tranquillity and rest of heart but such actions as are prescribed by true Religion What shall I say If for none of these yet for it selfe were a godly life to bee had in singular request For if men with much expence of outward things seeke but the skill of diuers naturall and artificiall knowledges and thinke it worth their cost but
to bee our God 2. By prouiding him a place to dwell with vs. 3. By louing Iesus Christ. 4. By walking with him which hath fiue things in it 5. By honouring God and we honour him By seeking his kingdome first By open profession of his Truth By grieuing for his dishonour By directing all our actions to his glory By suffering for his sake By honouring such as feare him By hating his enemies By speaking of his truth with all reuerence By free-will offerings By praising him where diuers Rules 6. By trusting in him and this trust in God we shew By relying vpon his mercie for our saluation By committing all our workes to his blessing By beleeuing what he saith By staying vpon him in all distresses praying to him and casting our care vpon him and relying vpon his helpe Without leaning to our owne vnderstanding Without murmuring Without feare Without care Without vsing ill meanes 7. By obeying him In the manner also of our manifesting our loue to God wee must doo it 1. With feruencie 2. With feare and our feare of God we shew By awfull thoughts of God By departing from euill By all reuerence of minde By not fearing men By remembring his presence By trembling at his iudgements By humilitie in the vse of his Ordinances By the reuerend vse of his very Titles Chap. 7. p. 515. to 522. THus of the manifestation of our loue to God for the preseruation of our loue to God 1. We must separate our selues from all others to be his 2. We must beware that we forget not God 3. Wee must edifie our selues in our holy faith 4. Wee must pray in the holy Ghost 5. We must waite for the comming of Christ. 6. Wee must seeke his speciall presence in his Ordinances 7. We must preserue the Truth he hath deliuered to vs. 8. Wee must studie his praises 9. Wee must study to reioyce in God which containes in it 4. things where eight rules to obtaine this ioying in God Chap. 8. p. 522. to 525. THus of our loue to God his seruice followes and the rules about the seruice of God concerne either the parts of his seruice or the time of it The rules that concerne the parts of Gods worship and either generall to all parts or speciall Nine things to be remembred in all parts of Gods worship 1. Preparation 2. Godly feare 3. Penitencie 4. Griefe that others serue not God 5. That all be done in the name of Christ. 6. Precedencie before other businesses 7. That wee serue him with all our hearts 8. Desire to please him 9. Detestation of what might draw vs from his seruice Chap. 9. p. 525 to 531. THe speciall Rules concerne either his publike seruice or the particular parts of his seruice Vnto the publike seruice All must come With speciall reuerence And zeale and this zeale to be shewed sixe wayes And with our consent With speciall gladnesse before God And trusting in his mercie And thankefulnesse for all successes Chap. 10 p. 531. to 536. THe speciall parts of Gods worship are 1. Hearing where the rules concerne vs. 1. Before hearing A resolution to deny our owne wits and affections A meeke and humble spirit 2. In the time of hearing Speciall attention Prouing of the doctrine 3. After hearing 1. Meditation 2. Practice Chap. 11. p. 536. to 543. 2. THe Sacraments which are either Baptisme or the Lords Supper Concerning Baptisme wee haue diuers things to doe 1. About our children to present them to Baptisme In due time In faith With thankefulnesse 2. About our selues to make vse of our owne Baptisme In case of doubting In the case of temptation to sinne where our Baptisme serues for vse three wayes In the case of doubting of our perseuerance 3. About others to acknowledge the Baptized Chap. 12. p. 543. to 546. COncerning the Lords Supper we are charged with 1. Examination 2. The discerning of the Lords Body 3. The shewing forth of the death of Christ. 4. The vowes of louing the godly 5. Reconciliation 6. Vowes of holy life Chap. 13. p. 547. to 550. 3. PRayer about which the Rules are 1. Thy words must be few 2. Thy heart must be lifted vp which hath three things in it vnderstanding freedome from distractions and feruencie 3. Thou must vse all manner of prayer 4. Thou must perseuere in prayer 5. Thou must be instant without fâ—…inting or discouragement 6. With supplications for all sorts 7. In all things thou must giue thankes Chap. 14. p. 550. to 554. 4. REading the Scriptures the rules are 1. Reade daily 2. Meditate of what thou readest 3. Conferre vpon it 4. Resolue to obey Chap. 15. p. 554. 555. 5. Singing of Psalmes the rules are 1. Teach one another by Psalmes 2. Sing with the heart 3. Sing with grace 4. Make melody to the Lord. Chap. 16. p. 555. to 558. 6. VOwes the rules are 1. Before thou vow consider 2. When thou hast vowed defer not to pay 7. Swearing the rules are 1. Sweare not by any thing which is not God 2. Sweare in truth 3. Sweare in iudgement 4. Sweare in righteousnesse Chap. 17. p. 558. to 560. 8. FAsting the rules concerne 1. The strictnesse of the abstinence 2. The humbling of the soule Chap. 18. p. 560. to 566. HItherto of the parts of Gods worship The time followes which chiefly is the Sabbath and the rules about the Sabbath concerne 1. The preparation to it End thy worke Auoide domesticall vnquietnes Cleanse thy selfe 2. The celebration of it where is prescribed 1. Rest from all worke 2. Readinesse and delight 3. Care and watchfulnesse 4. Sinceritie to be shewed By doing Gods workes with as much care as our owne By obseruing the whole day By ausiding the lesser violations of the Sabbath 5. Faith by trusting vpon his blessing 6. Discretion Chap. 19. p. 566. to 570. HItherto of the Rules that concern our carriage towards God Towards man followes and so either towards all men or towards some men The Rules that order vs in our carriage towards all men concerne either righteousnesse or mercy The Rules that concerne righteousnesse either order vs in company or out of company In company we must be ordered either in respect of Religion or the sinne of others or the way how to carry our selues inoffensiuely For matter of Religion looke to it 1 That thou take not vp the name of God in vaine 2 That thou auoid vaine ianglings about doubtfull disputations or curious questions or vnprofitable reasonings 3 If thou be asked a reason of thy hope answer with all reuerence and meekenesse 4. Let thy communication bee yea yea and nay nay Chap. 20. p. 570. to 574. AS for the faults of others 1. Iustifie not the wicked nor condemne the righteous 2. Conuerse without iudging 3. Walke not about with tales 4. Reprooue but hate not 5. Passe by frailties 6. Giue soft answers Chap. 21. p. 574. to 582. THat thou mayest conuerse inoffensiuely thou must looke to three things
cease praying till God heare and shew mercy It is basenesse of minde not humilitie to be quickly discouraged if God entertaine vs not according to our expectation or liking we must not be weary of seeking to God but set vpon prayer with a resolution to take no nay Luk. 18. 1. Iam. 1. 6. 6. Thou must remember supplication for all Saints especially to pray heartily for Magistrates and Ministers especiall those vnder whose charge thou art Eph. 6. 18 19. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 7. Thou must looke to it that in all things thou giue thankes Let the Lord see the truth of thy heart herein that what thou obtainest from God especially by prayer thou wilt with all gladnesse remember and acknowledge this Rule must by no meanes be forgotten 1 Thess. 5. 18. Col. 4. 2. CHAP. XIIII Rules about reading the Scriptures THus of the Rules that concerne prayer There remaines the reading of Scripture and singing of Psalmes as the other part of the ordinary worship of God Concerning the reading of the Scriptures I will instant in one place of Scripture onely which containes the charge giuen to Ioshua Cha. 1. 8 9. which comprehends the substance of the necessary directions about priuate reading I say necessary for godly men may and haue aduised diuers courses for reading of Scripture which are not absolutely necessary but arbitrary as may stand with the leasure and capacity of the persons that will reade such are those directions that shew how many Chapters may be read in a day and what things may be obserued in reading c. which as they may be profitable to many Christians and expedient too yet they must not bee vnderstood so as that those persons sinne which reade not so often or so many Chapters or the like The things therefore that must necessarily be obserued by such as can reade the Bible I take to be these First they must exercise themselues therein daily they must constantly be employed therein and if their occasions interrupt them at some time they must redeeme it at other times This is the praise of the blessed man That he exerciseth himselfe in Gods Law day and night that is constantly Psal. 1. 2. Secondly in reading they must meditate therein that is they must obserue profitable things as they reade attending to reading and marking what the Lord saith vnto them by that part of the Word which they reade This is that meditation which is chiefly required of Christians to get into their hearts good thoughts from the matter they reade of so as they may the better be enabled to employ their thoughts all the day after Thirdly the Word of God must not depart out of their mouth they must make the best vse of it they can in conference to speake of it to others for the edification of themselues and others Fourthly they must obserue in their reading what the Lord saith vnto them that concernes their practice They must obserue to doe according to those holy directions they reade of They must bring a mind desirous and resolued to let the Word of God both informe them and reforme them making conscience of it to let God direct them by his holy Word read and not onely by the word preached to them their liues must bee bettered by their reading and to that end they must obserue the chiefest things they can out of their reading to remember them in their practice CHAP. XV. Rules about singing of Psalmes THe rules that concerne the singing of Psalmes are summarily comprehended in that place Coloss. 3. 16. and they are these First they must teach one another by their Psalmes and Hymnes and spirituall songs They must learne to profit and make good vse of the holy matter contained in the Psalmes they sing Secondly they must sing with their hearts they must attend to the matter they sing of and lift vp their hearts as well as their voices Thirdly they must sing with grace in their hearts they must employ the graces of Gods Spirit in singing of Psalmes as well as in praier or any other ordinance of God Fourthly they must make melodie to the Lord They must direct their songs to God and to his glory and not vse them as meere ciuill employments but as parts of Gods seruice CHAP. XVI Rules about Vowing and Swearing HItherto of the Rules that concerne the most vsuall part of Gods seruice there are other parts of Gods seruice which are to be vsed but at certaine times and vpon speciall occasions and these are Vowes and Oathes and Fasting The rules about Vowing are briefly comprehended in that place Eccl. 5. 4 5. and they are chiefly two First before thou vowest consider consider I say thine owne strength whether thou be able to doe it and consider also the end that it be to Gods glory and consider the matter that thou vow not things vnlawfull and consider what may be the euents of thy vow for all vowes being made before the Angell that takes notice of all couenants it will be in vaine afterwards to pleade It was an errour thou wast mistaken God may bee angry at thy voice and destroy the worke of thy hands Be not rash therefore to cause thy flesh to sinne therein Secondly when thou hast vowed thy vow to God deferre not to pay it be sure thou performe it it is a grieuous offence to breake a lawfull vow Better it is thou shouldest not vow then that thou shouldest vow and not pay Thus of vowing Concerning the Oath when thâ—…u art called to sweare thou must obserue these rules First that thou sweare not by any thing which is not God Ier 5. 7. Secondly that thou sweare in truth that is that thy conscience know what thou swearest is true Thirdly that thou sweare in iudgement that is with due consideration of the nature of God and with sound deliberation not rashly diligently weighing all things that belong to the matter thou swearest about Fourthly that thou sweare in righteousnesse that is about lawful things and iust matters Thou must not sweare to doe vniust things as Dauid sware to kill Nabal nor must thou sweare about impossible things or about things that are doubtfull and vncertaine nor in the forme of thy oath must thou vse such words as bee contumelious to God or expresse not sufficient reuerence to the Diuine Maiesty as they that wickedly sweare by any part of Christ or such like CHAP. XVII Rules about Fasting THus of Vowes and Swearing Fasting followes Now if wee would keepe a religious Fast vnto God we must obserue these two Rules First wee must looke to the strictnesse of the abstinence of the day of our Fast for so we must abstaine from all sort of meate as well as one and from our costliest apparell and from recreations and vsuall delights We must keepe the day as we keepe the Sabbath in forbearing our owne workes Ion. 3. 6 7. 1 Cor. 7. 5.
Ioel 1. 2. Leuit. 16. 29. Secondly the time must bee spâ—…t in religious duties as a Sabbath especially in the exercises that concerne the humiliation of the soule in renewing of our repentance for the obtaining of pardon of sinne or some speciall blessing of God or the preuenting or remoouing of some great iudgement of God The former rule concernes onely the ceremony or outward exercise of the body but this rule containes the substance of the dutie without which a religious Fast is not kept vnto God who regardeth not the hanging downe of the head like a bull-rush if the soule be not humbled before God for sinne Leuiticus 16. 29. Ioel 1. 14. and 2. 16 17. CHAP. XVIII Rules about the Sabbath HItherto of the Rules that concerne the parts of Gods worship The rules that concerne the time of Gods worship follow and this time especially is the Sabbath Day Now the rules that binde vs to the good behauiour concerning the Sabbath concerne either the preparation of the Sabbath or the manner of performing holy duties on the Sabbath The preparation to the Sabbath containes in it these things First the ending of all our works on the sixe dayes as God did his Gen. 2. 2. This example of God is set downe not onely to shew what he did but to prescribe vnto vs what we should doe as is manifest by vrging this example in the reason of the commandement We must then take order to finish the works of the weeke dayes with such discretion that neither our heads bee troubled with the cares of them nor our hands tempted to worke about them on the Sabbath Day Secondly the preuenting of domesticall grieuances and perturbations Leuit. 19. 3. Ye shall feare euery man his mother and his father and keepe my Sabbath Discords and contentions and heart-burnings in the members of the family extend their infection and hurt euen to the prophaning of Gods Sabbath The Lord lookes not to be serued aright in his house if people liue not quietly and louingly and dutifully in their owne houses Thirdly we must cleanse our selues that wee keepe the Sabbath Nehemiah 13. 22. Which place though it speake of Legall cleansing yet it shadowes out that Morall and perpetuall care of cleasing our selues that ought euen to be found in vs. And thus we do cleanse our selues when we humble our selues that we may walke with God confessing our sinnes euen the sinnes of the weeke past and making our peace with God through the name of Iesus Christ. Thus of the duties of preparation Now for the manner of keeping the Sabbath the rules prescribe vnto vs these things 1. Rest from all your works whether they be works of labour or workes of pleasure Works of labour the Scripture instanceth in such as are selling of victuals Nehemiah 13. 15. Carrying of burthens Ier. 17. Iourneying from our places Exod. 16. 29. the businesse of our callings done by our selues our children seruants or cattell which the words of the Commandement forbid And as workes of labour so also workes of pleasure are forbidden Esay 58. 13. 2. Readinesse and delight We should loue to be Gods seruants on this day Esay 56. and consecrate it with ioy as a glorious priuiledge to vs Esay 58. 13. abhorring wearinesse or a desire to haue the Sabbath gone and ended Amos 8. 3. Care and watchfulnesse We must obserue to keepe it Exod. 31. 16. wee must take heed to our selues that no duty bee omitted and that wee no way prophane it attending our hearts and our words Ier. 17. 21. 4. Sinceritie and this sinceritie wee should shew diuers wayes First by doing Gods worke with as much care as we would do our owne or rather shewing more care for the seruice of God They had their double sacrifices on the Sabbath in the time of the Law and we should studie how wee might please God in especiall manner on that day choosing out the things that might delight him God hath taken but one day of seuen for his worke and shall wee not doe it willingly Further if we respect our selues shall wee not bee as carefull to prouide for our soules on the Sabbath as for our bodies on the weeke dayes 2. By obseruing the whole day as well as a part and keepe the Sabbath in our dwellings as well as in Gods house God requires the whole day and not a part As wee would be contented our seruants should worke for vs onely an houre or two in the sixe daies so neither should we yeeld lesse vnto God then we require for our selues Nor will it suffice to serue God by publike duties in his House vnlesse we serue him also by priuate duties in our owne dwellings Commandement 4. Leuit. 23. 3. 3. By auoiding the lesser violations of the Sabbath as well as the greater especially not transgressing of contempt or wilfulnesse in the least things we know to bee forbidden The Prophet instanceth Esay 58. 13. We must not speake our owne words Thus of sincerity 5. The fifth thing required of vs is Faith wee must glorifie God by beleeuing that he will make it a day of blessing vnto vs and performe that blessing he hath promised accepting our desire to walke before him in the vprightnesse of our hearts and passing by our infirmities and frailties Wee many times disturbe the rest and Sabbath of our soules by vnbeleefe Commandement 4. Gen. 2. 2. Exo. 31. 13. Ezech. 20. 20. 46. 2 5. 6. The last thing is Deprecation we must beseech God when we haue done our best to shew vs mercie and spare vs for our defects and weakenesses Thus we must end the day and reconcise our selues to God that the Rest of Iesus Christ may bee established in our hearts Nehe. 13. 22. And thus of the rules that bind vs to the good behauiour in respect of the time of Gods worship CHAP. XIX Rules that shew vs how to carrie our selues when we come into companie in respect of Religion HItherto of the Rules that concerne our carriage towards God Now it followes that I breake open those directions that should bring our liues into order in respect of men And these rules are of two sorts for either they are such as binde vs to the good behauiour towards all men or such as order our conuersation towards some men onely as they are considered to be either wicked or godly The rules that concerne all men may be cast into 2. heads as they belong either to righteousnesse or to mercy The rules that belong to righteousnesse order vs either in company or out of company The rules which wee are to obserue in company concerne either 1 Religion or 2. The sinnes and faults of others or 3. Our owne inoffensiue behauiour towards all men For the first when wee come in company we must be carefull to bee that which may become the glory of Gods truth and the Religion wee professe that weetake not vp the
them to silence and to take them in their consciences at least to thinke well of vs Such as are 2. Mortification A sound care to reforme our wayes and true hatred and griefe for our owne sinnes will cause many times wicked wretches to say of vs that wee are the people of the Lord Esay 61. 3 8. I say a sound care of reformation for to professe a mortified life and yet in any thing to shew that we can liue in any fault without repentance this prouokes them exceedingly to speake euill of the good way of God Therefore the first care of a Christian that would be rightly ordered toward wicked mâ—…n must be to liue without offence and to discouer a true mortified minde and an heart broken for sinne Secondly to speake with all reuerence and feare when we intreate of matters of Religion much amazeth the prophane conscience of a wicked man whereas cursorie discourses of such grand mysteries emptie and vaine ianglings doe exceedingly occasion a confirmed wilfulnesse and prophanenesse in such men 1. Pet. 3. 16. and Prou. 24. 26. Thirdly it is a most winning qualitie in all our carriage to shew meekenesse of wisedome to expresse a mind well gouerned free from passions and also from conceitednesse frowardnesse affectation and the vaine shew of what wee haue not in substance For each of these haue in them singular matter of irritation and prouoke wicked men to scorne and hatred and reuiling Fourthly there is an holy kind of Reseruednesse which may adorne the life of a Christian in his carriage among wicked men and this Reseruednesse is to be shewed 1. In not trusting our selues too farre with them not beleeuing euery word not bearing our selues vpon euery shew of fauour from them For as too much suspition of them breeds extreme alienation if they perceiue it so credulitie is no safe way Prou. 14. 15. Ioh. 2. 24. 2. By abstaining from iudging of them that are without It is a most intemperate zeale that spends it selfe in the vaine and bootlesse censure of the estate of those that are without Those censures haue in them matter of prouocation and nothing of edification It were happy for some Christians if they could with the Apostle say often to their owne soules What haue I to doe to iudge them that are without 1 Cor. 5. 12 13. 3. By studying to be quiet and meddle with our owne businesse casting about how to cut off all occasions by which we might bee tangled with any discord or contention or much businesse with them It is a godly ambition to thirst after this quietnesse of life 1 Thess. 4. 11 12. 4. By our silence in euill times alwayes auoyding all such discourses as might bring vs into danger without any calling for our owne edification or the edification of others Many a man hath smarted sorely for want of this bridle for his tongue when his words could doe no good to others and much hurt to himselfe Amos 5. 13. Dauid held his peace while the wicked were present Psal. 39. 1. 5. In forbearing to reprooue scorners Prou. 9. 7 8. and 23. 9. 6. In seasoning their words with salt so as they discouer no vanitie lightnesse vainglory malice or desire of reuenge or the like faults in their speeches 7. In answering the foole but not according to his follie that is not in such pride passion or reuiling fashion as the foole obiects in Prou. 26. 4 5. 8. In getting out of their companie when wee perceiue not in them the words of wisedome If wee see they grow once to be peruerse outragious or wilfull in any notorious offence of words or workes we must get from amongst them Thus of the eight wayes wherein we should shew reseruednesse they are of excellent vse if men would studie them and practise them 5. Mercie is amiable euen in the eyes of wicked men and mercifull Christians that are full of good works doe bring a great deale of honour to religion It is true Religion and vndefiled to visit the fatherlesse and widowes and to be vnspotted of the world A conuersation that is vnrebukeable and full of mercie also cannot but be very honorable whereas Religion it selfe when it is â—…ated in the brests of such Christians as haue forgotten to shew mercy and not studie how to bee doing good to others is exceedingly darkened in the glory of it and many times extremely ill spoken of A true Christian should hold it a great disparagement that any Papist or carnall man in the world in equall comparison should put them downe for either the tendernesse or the abundance of workes of mercie 1 Peter 1. 12. Math. 15. Iames 27. 6. When we haue cause and a calling to speake for the truth or to reprooue sinne it is an excellent grace to bee vndaunted and free from sâ—…ruile feares or flattery To giue place to wicked men in Gods cause or to feare their faces in the quarrell of Religion or to shew a minde that would repent of wel-doing or that basely would stoupe some way to honour vngodly persons for our owne ends is so farre from gaining true fauour with euill-minded men that it makes them to scorne and hate vs and Religion so much the more whereas a godly man that is vnmoucable and refuseth to praise the wicked or iustifie the vngodly and when he hath cause will contend with them as Salomons Phrase is and not be like a troubled fountaine or acorrupt spring hee may for the time receiue ill words from the wicked but his heart is afraid of him and his conscience doth admire him Prou. 24. 25. and 28. 4. and 25. 26 1 Cor. 16. 22. 7. The like aduantage is brought to the conuersation of a godly man when he can shew like patience and firmenes of mind in bearing all sorts of afflictions and crosses Patience in affliction makes a great shew before a wicked man that well knowes how vnable he is so to carry himselfe 1 Pet. 3. 14. Lastly to loue our enemies and shew it by our suies in forgiuing them or being ready heartily to please them and to ouercome their euill with goodnesse To pray for them when they reuile and persecute vs is a transcendent vertue euill men themselues being Iudges Luk. 6. 27. to 31. Pro. 10. 22. CHAP. XXV Rules that shew vs how to carry our selues towards godly men THus of our carriage towards the wicked How we should carry our selues toward the godly followeth to bee considered of The summe of all is that we must walke in loue If wee can soundly discharge our duty to the godly in respect of louing them vnfainedly and heartily and constantly we performe all that is required of vs toward them And this loue to the godly is so necessary as that it is imposed vpon vs as the only commandement giuen by Christ who in one word tels vs the substance of our duties Ioh. 13. 34. Eph. 5. 2. 1
receiue vs into euerlasting habitations Luk. 16. An vnprofitable life is attended with a seruile feare of death 6. It would master this feare but to force our selues to a frequent meditation of death To learne to dye daily will lessen yea remooue the feare of dying Oh this remembring of our latter end and learning to number our daies is an admirable rule of practice It is the forgetfulnesse of death that makes life sinfull and death terrible Deu. 32. 29. Psa. 90. 12. And wee should begin this exercise of meditation betimes Remember thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth Eccles. 12. 1. This is that is called for when our Sauiour Christ requires vs and all men so to watch and here in lay the praise of the fiue wise Virgins Matth. 25. 3. Thus Iâ—…b will waite till the time of his change come Iob 14. 14. And of purpose hath the Lord left the last day vncertaine that we might euery day prepare It were an admirable method if we could make euery day a life to begin and end as the day begins and ends 7. Lastly because yet we may find this feare cumbersome and our natures extremely deceitful there is one thing left which can neuer faile to preuaile as farre as it is fit for vs and that is hearty prayer to God for this very thing Thus Dauid prayes Psal. 39. 4. and Moses Psal. 90. 13. and Simeon Luke 2. 19. And in as much as Christ dyed for this end to deliuer vs from this feare wee may sue out the priuiledge and by prayer striue with God to get it framed in vs. It is a suite God will not deny them that aske in the name of Christ because it is a thing that Christ especially aimed at in his owne death To conclude then wee haue prooued that it is possible to be had and most vncomely to want it and likewise the way hath beene shewed how both by meditation and practice this Cure may be effected If then it be not wrought in any of vs we may here finde out the cause in our selues For if wee would hereby be soundly aduised and ruled we might attaine to it all the dayes of our life to sing with the Saints that triumphant Song mentioned both in the Old and New Testament Oh death where is thy sting O hell where is thy victory so as we are now the conquerors through him that loued vs and gaue himselfe to death for vs euen Iesus Christ the righteous to whom with the Father and the holy Ghost bee all praise in the Churches throughout all ages for euer AMEN FINIS The Contents of this Treatise 2. The contents of the second booke 3. The Contents of the third booke 4. The Contents of the fourth booke 5 The contents of the fift booke * Touching tâ—… Treatise of the Principles reade the Aduertisement printed at the end of the Rules of Life pag 640. 6 The contents of the last booke Whom these Treatises concerne 〈◊〉 to the sâ—…y of tâ—…se 〈◊〉 Generall directions by way of preparation 2 3 4. Note The course to be rid of sinne Motiues 3 Things he must be resolued of in his iudgement 1 2 3 If we do 4 things wee are râ—…d of the danger of all sins past 1 Make a Catalogue of thy sins How our sins are innumerable Look to a things The proof 2 Secondly thou must confesse thy sinnes particularly in the best words thou canst Note The proofes 3. Thirdly thou must seek godly sorrow not giue outr till thou feele thy heart melt within thee How it may bee attained 4. Fourthlâ—… thou must thâ—… lay hâ—…ld vpon the promises distinctly 〈◊〉 Sorts of promises How this may bee done Note 1. A taste of the 〈◊〉 hapâ—…e of sâ—…ch as haue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…arte 2. 3. 4. 5. How thâ—…se promises are to bee vsâ—…d How wee may know whether our confession bee tighâ—… 1. 2. 3. 4. Note this well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. This direction concernâ—…s three sortâ—… of men Other vsâ—…s of the Catalogue Tâ—…e misery of such as will not bâ—… 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thâ—…ir 〈◊〉 1. 2. 3. 4. The first sâ—…rt of sin Originall sinne Ignorance Procrastination Vainglory Security Incorrigiblenesse Carnall feares Hypocrisâ—…e Selfe-loue Luke warmnesse Vnchearefulnesse Inconsideration Inconstancy 1. Naturall Atheisme 2. Epicurisme 3. Defects 4. 〈◊〉 of our affections 5. 4 Sorts of pride 6. How many waies men sin against Gods mercy 7. 8. 9. 10. Offences against the fâ—…re of God 11. Offences against the trust in God 12 1. Not worshipping The aggrauations 2 Will worship The aggrauations 3. Idoll worshipping Sins in any part of Gods worship 1. Sinnes in hearing 2. Sinnes in Prayâ—…r 3. Sins abouâ—… the Sacraments of â—…he Lordâ—… Supper 4. About swearing More secret offâ—…nces against the Sabbath The open breaches Note The sins 1. Of wiues 2. Of husbands 3. Of children The aggrauations 4. Of Parents 5. Of seruants The aggrauations 6. Of Masters 1. Of subiects 2. Of Magistrates 1. Of hearers 2. Of Ministers 1 By omissi on The aggrauations 2. By commission 1. Enuie 2. Anger 3. Hatred 4. Worldly sorrow Sinnes externall 1. In gesture 2. In words The aggrauations 3. In wâ—…rks Sinnes against the body Sinnes against the soule The means of vncleannesse 1. In witnesse bearing 2. Lying The aggrauations 3. Slandering The aggrauations 4 Censuring 5. Vainglory 6. Flaterie 〈◊〉 Sins against Christ. 2. Sinnes against repentance The aggrauations 3. Sinnes against Faith The aggraâ—…ations 4. Against the graces of the Spiriâ—… Two Catalogues of signes The shorter Catalogue handled in this Chapter 1 He auâ—…ides the company of the wicked 〈◊〉 Hee is sâ—…rrowfull for his sin 〈◊〉 Hee is â—…hroughly reformed â—…n his con â—…ersation 4 He maketh conscience of lesser â—…ns as well as greater 5 Hee loues preaching 6 He esteemes the goâ—… aboue all men 7 He is carefull of the sancti fication of the Sabbath 8 He is not in loue with the world 9. He loues his enemies 10. He is constant in good courses though opposed 11. He serues God in his family The occasion of this Treatise The signes refâ—…rred to six heads The infallibility of the signes 3. Wâ—…ies to find out the signes of a godâ—…y man in Scripture â—…6 Signes of true humiliation 1. Hee sees his sinnes 2. He feares Gods displeasure 3. He trusts not vpon the merits of his own workes 4. Hemours For all sorts of sins For sin as it is sinne As much as for crosses 5. And for the sinnes of others 6. And for spirituall iudgemeÌ„ts 7. And is moued 8 And â—…ee is eased onely by spirituall meanes 9 And is carefull to learne how to be saued 10 And is fearefull of being deceiued 11 And earnestly desires to lead an holy life 12 And trusts vpon Gods mercy in his griefe 13 And is in loue with God if he heare his praiers 14 And daily iudgeth himselfe for his sinne 15 And prayers in the holy Ghost 16 Desiring to be rid of
all sinne Note this 17 And is willing to suffer affliction 18 He dislikes sinne in all 19 Sinne reignes not in him 20 Hee humbles himselfe for sin euen in his prosperitie 21 And in aduersitie his heart is vpright 2â—… He accouâ—…ts of spirituall things as thy best things 23. He doth not fauour the things of the slesh and the world 24. He is much grieued if God hide himselfe 25. Of a Lyon hee becomes a Lambe 26. His spirit is without guile Why wee should try out faith The drift is to shâ—…w how faith may bee proued not how it may bâ—…e bred A second câ—…ueat Theâ—… note by way of preface The true fâ—…ith 1. Was wrought by the Word preached 2. Esteems Christ aboue all things 3. Receiues the testimony of Gods Ministers before all the world 4 Casts out by pocrisie 5. Will abide triall 6. It beleeues all things 7 Will not make hast 8. Is accompanied with a pure conscience 9. And a spirit of discerning 10. And the witnesse of the Spirit of adoptioÌ„ 11. Beareth those fruits following 1. Loue 2. Purity of heart 3. Victory ouer the World 4 Humility 5 Confession 6 Application of Christs righteousnesse 7 A very spring of grace Two sorts of graces in a Christian The holy thirst that is in the godly Christian tryed by foure signes His tryall by his loue to the Word 13. Signes to try his affection to the Word by His triall by his gift of prayer 13. Rules of tryall His loueto his enemies tried His tryall by the loue to the appâ—…aring of Christ. The triall of his knowledge And so he differs from wicked men In the things hee knowes 2. In the cause of his knowledge 3. In the effects of his knowledge 4 In the properties of his knowledge His loue to God tried by nine signes His loue to the godly tried by ten signes 5. Six fauours God bestowes vpon him which the wicked neuer feele 1. Election in time 2. The baptisme by fire 3. Much assurance 4. Ioy vnspeakeable 7. The sanctification of his afflictions 6 The answer of his prayers Sixe Rules of his trial about the Sacrament Note Why wicked men neglect the triall of their estates 〈◊〉 Because they are afraid all is noâ—… well 2. They are slothfull 3. They rest vpon the common hope Or 4 vpon their outward profession of Religion Or 5. they 〈◊〉 euâ—…l opinions 〈◊〉 assurancâ—… 6. They are lettâ—…d by their beloued sins Why soâ—…e that are godly neglect the triall of their estates 1. Euill opinions 2. Ignorance 3. Smothering of doubts and temptatioÌ„s They are wicked o uermâ—…ch 5. Melancholy 6. Passions 7. Neglect of the meanes 8. A barren life 1 Cor. 15. 58 9. Too much loue of earthly things 10. Secret sin 1 He is a wicked â—…an 1 That liues without God 〈◊〉 That auoids the societie of the godly 3. That sauours oâ—…ly earthly things 4. That iâ—… discernes not the things of God 5. That sorts with wicked men 6 Thaâ—… of malice persecuteth the truth 7. That allowes himselfe in Atheisticall thoughts 8 That cals not vpon God 9 That is not chastened of God 10 That neuer examines himselfe â—…n knowne sinnes 11 That applaudes himselfe in knowne sinne 12. That lothes the Word of God constantly 13. That allowes himselfe in hypocrisie 14. That refuseth knowledge 15. That in great distresses humbles not himselfe 16. That care not for the afflictions of the godly 17. That will not vnderstand to do good 18. That is â—…esensible of spiritual iudgemeÌ„ts 19. That is an ordinary swearer 20. That is carelesse of Gods Sabbath 21. That is a worker of iniquity 22. That beleeues not in Christ. 23. That hates to be reformed 24. That hath not the Spirit of Christ. 25. That cannot forgiue his enemies 26. That loues not God 27. That â—…ares not God â—…8 That is dead in sin 29. That is guiltie of any of his sinnes in the Apostles Catalogue 30. That cannot repent Two sorts of these signes 〈◊〉 Signes of hypocrisie 16 Signes of an vnsound Professor Note Arguments of hope 1 Gods oath 2 Gods Patience 3. The offer of grace to al 4. Suffiâ—…ient satisfaction made by Câ—…st 5. The meanes continued 6. One only sin vnpardonable 7. As grâ—…t sinners saued Quest. Answ. 1. He must consider of Gods promises 2. He must take notice of Gods commandement to beleeue 3. Hee must pray for faith 3. He must renounce his owne righteousnesse 5. He must waite vpon the Word preached 1 Gather a Catalogue of thy sins either by memory Or by booke 2. Consider Gods iustice 3 Think of his threatnings 4 Remember thy latter end 5. Obserue Gods iudg ments vpon the wicked 6. Especially Gods goodnesse to thee 7. Try thy selfe by the signes 8. Beg an humble heart of God 9. Liue vnder 〈◊〉 searching ministery 10. Wâ—…tch against the things â—…hou art naturally proud of 11 Auoide the flatterer 12 Thinke still of some of thy worst fruits Quest. Answ. 1 Consider Gods promise about a soft heart 2 Daily confesse thy sinnes to God and beg sorrow 3 Bee thankefull for euery mercie in prayer 4 Acknowledge thy faults to otheâ—… 5 Go into the house of mourning 6 â—…e heed of distraction in Godâ—… seruice 7 Study the tenth commanment 8 Remember the sorrowes of Christ for thy sinne 9. Get others to pray for thee 10. Vse fasting Quest. How the Spirit of Adoption may be had Answ. 1 He must pray for it 2 Waite vpon preaching 3 Cherish the motions of the Spirit Quest. How wee may get a loue to the Word Answ. 1 Sâ—…ttle vâ—…der a powerfull mi isterie 2 Pray God to quicken thee 3 Take heed of worldly cares 4 And of personall discord with such as feare God 5 And of vngodly companie 6. And of neglect of the increase thereof Or excesse 7. Practise what thou hearest To attaine the gift of prayer 1. Pray God to teach thee 〈◊〉 Ioyne wâ—…h such as can pray 3 How he â—…y 〈◊〉 himsâ—…lfe in euerâ—… part of prayer Three Questions How the feare of God may bâ—…â—…gotten in vs. How loue to our enemies may be excited How to increase sauing knowledge 1 He must be wise for himselfe 2 He must study only profitable things 3. He must redeeme the time 4. He must propoundâ—… his doubts 5 He must not consult with flesh and blood How the loue of God may bewrought in thee 1. Thou must auoid forgetfulnesse of God and the loue of the world 2. Thou must study Gods praises 3 Thou must frequent his house 4 Thou must study Gods mercies 5Thou must obserue thy daily infirmities 6 Thou must pray much 7 Thou must râ—…sort to experienced Christians 8 Thou must behaue thy selfe louingly towards the godly What wee must do to get the loue of the godly 1 Auoide the company of the wicked 1. Meditate much of Gods loue to vs. 3. Consider Gods Commandemét For the preseruatlon of our loue three things must bee looked to How sound sincerity of
else those sinnes so spared may buffet thee a long time after thou hast finished this course and besides they may get head and preuaile against thee in practice if by this course they bee not brought vnder Now that thou oughtest thus seriously to examine and call to minde thy sinnes and that this is one of the things God requireth of thee to bee distinctly done these places of Scripture do euidently proue and withall shew that God doth take euen this beginning of thy repentance well Lament 3. 40. Psal. 4. 4. Ezec. 16. 43 61. 20. 43. 36. 31. Ier. 8. 6. 1 Cor. 11. 28. Gal. 7. 3 4. Iob 11. 13. While thou art doing this thou shalt do well to doe no other exercise of Religion at that time but onely to attend this The second thing that God requireth of thee distinctly to be done is the confession of those sins thus gathered into the Catalogue and for the performance of this dutie set sometime apart and present thy selfe before the Lord and if thy memory will not carrie all the particulars of thy offences take with thee the written enditement and as Hezechiah did with his letter spread thy Catalogue before the Lord and then take vnto thee words in the best manner thou canst to iudge thy selfe for those offences Let the Lord know that it is thy hearts desire to pleade guiltie to each of those sins and in speciall vrge against thy selfe those sinnes wherein thou hast more especially offended Be not ouer-carefull for words the Lord requireth thee but to doe it in the best words thou canst onely let thy words bee the true voice of thy heart and thou maiest bee sure the Lord vnderstandeth the meaning of thy heart Let no obiection driue thee off from the practice hereof but doe it so as thine owne conscience may witnesse with thee that thou hast done it in the best manner thou canst Now that it is a dutie necessarily required these Scriptures plainly shew Hos. 14. 2 3 4. Pro. 28. 13. Leuit. 16. 21. 26. 40 51. Iob 33. 27 28. Psal. 32. 5. Ier. 3. 12 13. Mat. 3. 6. Act. 19 18. Dan. 9. Neh. 9. 2. Rom. 10. 10 1 Cor. 11. 1. Ioh. 1. 8 9. This is the second dutie The third thing thou must labour for distinctly is to conceiue true mourning and sorrow for these sinnes thus confessed This is that sacrifice is so well pleasing to God and this is euery where in Scripture expresly required and the promises fastened diuers of them vpon this condition as these places manifestly shâ—…w Mat. 5. 4. Iam. 4. 9. Ioel. 2. 12 13. Zach. 12. 12. Isai. 1. 16. Psal. 31. 9 10. Isai. 61. 1 2 3. Ier. 50. 4. Ier. 31. 18 19. Now that thou mayest attaine vnto softnesse of heart I aduise thee to take this course Resolue with thy selfe to set some time apart at least once euery day for this businesse and when thou doest stand before the Lord with thy former mournefull inditement while thou striuest to iudge thy selfe and to keepe an assise vpon thy owne soule begge of God to giue thee that soft heart he promised Ezech. 36. 26. begge it I say of God but let thy prayers bee without limitation for the time If the Lord heare thâ—…e not the first time yet pray for it the next time againe and so the third day and so still till the Lord doe heare thee and make thee feele thy heart to melt and if it may bee teares to trickle downe thy châ—…kes before the Lord yea put on this resolution that thou wilt neuer stand before the Lord for any request while this course lasts but thou wilt remember this Petition to beseech him to giue thee secret sorrow and sensible for thy sinnes It may bee the Lord will heare thee at the first or in the beginning while thou art preparing thy selfe to speake vnto him or while thou callest vpon him at the first or second time but yet if he doe not persist thou thy sute is iust and importunity will ouercome the Lord and this very desire to sorrow being resolute is a degree of true godly sorrow But yet that thou maiest be sure of it giue not ouer till the Lord heare the letter of thy desire if it may be And withall striue against the perplexities of an vnquiet heart feare not but that time of the day which thou setst apart for religious duties bee as earnest as thou canst and when that is done goe chearfully about the works of thy calling Hang not downe thy hâ—…ad like a bulrush as if thou must do nothing else but sigh and bemoane thy selfe and shew a troubled mind in all things Euen the freer and readier thy mind is the more fit thy heart will be for this or other holy employments And further know that the vse of this Catalogue is not for euer nor do I require this speciall mourning all the dayes of thy life but in this case of first repentance by which the body of sinne may be remoued Thereforâ—… thou oughtest so long to vse the Catalogue of thy confessions of sins till thou feele in some measure this sorrow and melting of heart which when thou hast attained eithâ—…r sooner or later then addresse thy selfe to the fourth rule The fourth râ—…le concernes the 〈◊〉 of the Promises especiâ—…lly the Promises of two sorts First sâ—…ch as shew that God hath giuen Iesus Christ to make satisfaction for the sinnes of men and then in speciall such promises as shew that through the merit of Christ hee that hath thus confessed and felt sorrow for his sin shall be receiued to fauour Now for this purpose thou must get thee a distinct Catalogue of promises made to such as confesse their sinnes with sorrow and mourning and in them thou shalt see most plainly vnto how much riches and treasure thiâ—… entrance vnto godlinâ—…sse hatâ—… brought thee For the conditioâ—… of the Promises being alreadâ—… formed in thee by this grace 〈◊〉 God thou maist safely assure thâ—… soule of so much fauour froâ—… God in particular as is expresâ—… contained in those promises Marâ—… it thou as yâ—…t dar'st not claimâ—… all the prerogatinâ—…s or gooâ—… things contained in any Promisâ—… in Scripturâ—… et thou maist safely lay vp as treasure so mucâ—… as the Promises that concernâ—… confession and godly sorrow dâ—… assure and estate vpâ—…n thee anâ—… so thou shalt finde tâ—…at thâ—…u hasâ—… 〈◊〉 in Câ—…rist already for 〈◊〉 and rich fauours and maist shâ—… Gods expresse Word to warraâ—… thy claime as for example Goâ—… hath assurâ—…d thee First that thou shalt not bee damned thou maist rest vpon it thâ—…se be plaine Scriptures 1 Cor. 11. 31 32. Iob 13. 18 19. Secondly that God will haue mercy vpon thee and loue thee freely and take away his anger from thee Prou. 28. 13. Ioel 2. 12 13. Hos. 14. 3 4. Ierem. 31. 18 19 20. Thirdly that all thy
sinnes are forgiuen thee 1 Ioh 1. 7 9. Zach. 12. 10. and so forward to the 2. verse of the 13. Chapter Fourthly that God is at peace and reconciled and that thou hast a free right vnto his word and shalt finde his presence in his word Isaiah 57. 15 16 17 18. Fiftly that God will now henceforth heale the nature of thy sinfulnesse Hos. 14. 3 4. I do but instance in these few particulars but I could wish thee to make thee a full Catalogue and write out the words verbatim and learne them without booke or at least study them soundly to vnderstand them And for thy ease I haue set downe the chiefe places of Scripturâ—… as they lye in order Leuit. 26. 41 42 44. 2 Kings 22. 19 20. Iob 33. 27 28. Psal. 32. 5. and 51. 17. Prou. 28. 13. Isaiah 57. 15 16 17 18. and 61. 1 2 3. Ierem. 31. 18 19 20. Zach. 12. 10. and so forward to the second verse of Chap. 13. Hos. 14. 3 4 5 6. Math. 5. 6. 1 Cor. 11. 31 â—…2 Iam. 4. 9 10. Now when thou hast written oâ—…t thâ—…se Promises and dost vnderstand the meaning of thâ—…m then carrie them into Gods presence as thou diddest the Catalogue of sinnes and now beseech God for Iesus Christs sake to incline thy heart to beleeue these promises of Grace and to this end pray vnto God from time to time till the Lord bee pleased to let thee feele life in the Promises or a cleare perswasion and withall beseech GOD by the Spirit of Promise from heauen to seale vp thy interest herein and if thou feele the ioyes of the holy Ghost fall vpon thee in any of these promises O happy man that euer thou wast borne to such a rich estate I say the same of this sensible life in the promises that I did before of godly sorrow It may bee the Lord will heare thee at the first if not persist thou to begge this grace till thou obtainest it Thou seest forgiuenesse of all thy sins which thou hast confâ—…ssed is promised thee vrge the Lord with most humble deprâ—…cation to hâ—…are thee for the pardon and forgiuenesse of them fâ—…r the mediation sake of Iesus Christ and his merits that sits at his right hand to make request for poore sinners that seeke mercy Now when thou hast felt the Promises to bee any of them spirit and life to thee then hast thou done this most glorious exercise and thou hast cause to praise God all the dayes of thy life and what thou shouldest afterwards doe the Treatises following wil shew thee but for thy more cleare satisfaction I will answer a question Quest. Thou wilt say I could take comfort in this course hauing done these things but that I doubt whether my consession or sorrow bee right or no. For I finde that wicked men in Scripture haue confessed their sinnes and mourned too Answ. Thou maist euidently try thy confession and sorrow by these signes of difference First wicked men haue confessed their sinnes and sorrowed but both were compelled whereas thine is voluntarily and so a freâ—…will-offering Secondly Cain and Iudas confâ—…ssed sin but it was not all sorts of sinne but onely the capitall crimes knowne by them by which they had shamed and vndone themselues Thirdly the sorrowes of wicked men were more for the punishment then for the sinne nor did they sorrow for all sorts of sinnes but for the sinnes before described Fourthly their confession and sorrowes were not ioyned with an vnfained desire to forsake sinne whereas this is an infallible signe of true repentance when a man can as heartily desire that he might neuer commit sinne as heartily I say desire it as he would that God should neuer impute it When a man can say before the Lord that there is no sinne but hee doth as vnfainedly desire God to giue him strength to leaue it and forsake it as hee doth desire that God should forgiue him ' and not plague him for it I say this is such a signe as was neuer found in a wicked man in any age of the world Fifthly the confession and sorrowes of the wicked were not ioyned with any perswasion of Gods goodnesse or any constant desire to finde mercy with God in Iesus Christ. Thus haue I sheweâ—… thee the directions which concerne this first and most weighty businesse that can concerne thee There are three sorts of men whom this direction concernes First such as neuer repented Secondly such as though they haue repented yet haue not the comfort and assurance of their repentance who by following these directions may make all out of doubt Thirdly such as after calling fall into grâ—…sse sinâ—… These haue nâ—…ed to recouer themselues by the helpe of these directions The Catalogue following may serue for other vses besides this of a mans practice in his repentance at his first conuersion or after apostacie For 1. As in a small Map a man may here see the sorts of sinne and so may get knowledge quickly what euill to auoyde which hitherto he hath not taken nâ—…tice of 2. It may serue before the Communion for such as would make a generall suruey of their sinâ—…es in discharge of that examination which the Apostle mentionâ—…th 1 Cor. 11. For howsoeuer this large Catalogue be not of necessitie requisite to that examination yet vnto such as haue leasure and fitnessâ—… it is profitable for their more abundant satisfaction To conclude if any man that reades these presâ—…nts and is guiltie to himselfe that hee hath hitherto taken no sound course about his sinnes and yet will not bee perswaded to practise these directions lâ—…t him consider that so long as his sinnes be vnrâ—…pented on his part and vnremitted on Godspart the pollution of all the sins he euer committed still clâ—…aues vnto him so as he may iustly with the Lâ—…per cry Vncleane vnclâ—…ane yâ—…a all his sinnes are written as it were with a pen of iron in Gods booke of remembrance and that hee is a meere strangâ—…r from all Gods promises â—…nd liues without God and without Christ in the world and that all he doth euen his best workes are aboâ—…inable to God and that seas of wrath hang ouer his head and vnspeakable woe will bee to him in the appearing of Iesus Christ if he preuent it not by sound and speedie repentance CHAP. III. The diuision of Sinnes and the Catalogue of sinnes against the whole Law ALl the sinnes mentioned and condemned in the Bible may be cast into foure ranks For they are Either sinnes against the whole Law that is such as may be committed against any of the Commandements Or sins against the first Table of the Law Or sins against the second Table of the Law Or sinnes against the Gospell The first sort of sinnes are sins against the whole Law and thus hee sinneth that is conceiued in sinne Psal. 51. 5. That