deliuer my soule from the wicked one Bee thou my strength in trouble encline thine care vnto my prayer and saue mee for I flie vnto thee for succour I am ready to halt Psal 38.21 and my sorrow is continually before me Forsake mee not O Lord O my God bee not farre from mee Hide not thy face farre from mee put not thy seruant away in anger thou hast beene my helpe Psal 17.9 leaue me not neither forsake me O God of my saluation Verse 11 Teach me thy way O Lord and lead me in a plaine path because of mine enemies Shew me the path of life guide me in the wayes of peace giue thy strength vnto thy seruant and saue mee for thy mercy sake Psal 17.5 Hold vp my goings in thy paths that I be not turned aside by the malice or sleights of Satan I am fully resolued to depend vpon thy grace and keepe thy Commandements Lord haue mercy vpon me raise me vp and strengthen me vnto the end By this I know that thou fauourest me Psal 41.11 12. because mine enemy doth not triumph ouer me Vphold me in mine integritie and set me before thy face for euer And here if the distressed Christian haue wasted his Spirits with violent and continuall sorrow hee must bee admonished not to thinke that presently hee should recouer former liuelinesse and abilitie Satan will not cease to suggest that this course hee hath now set vpon is vaine and fruitlesse because he finds more dulnesse and loggishnesse then formerly But he must tell himselfe that naturall powers once weakened are not soone repaired and in such case when stirrings be lesse the worke of grace may be more sound then heretofore Liuelinesse and actiuenesse is greatest in youth but the truth of grace greater in age Therefore hee must not scrupulously question his state because he feeles himselfe more feeble and lesse actiue then in former times CHAP. VII How to liue by faith in the times of trouble and aduersitie specially when we be exercised with many and long afflictions Psal 34.19 AFflictions are not more ordinarie then burdensome and heauie to be borne Many are the troubles of the righteous and manifold the infirmities of the righteous in their troubles Sometimes they take carnall counsell sometimes they fret and murmure 1. Sam. 27.1 sometimes they faint and despaire for a fit Dauid said in his heart I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul there is nothing better for me then that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines Psal 31.22 Psal 77.3 Verse 7. Verse 8. We stand in need to bee holpen against discouragements in affliction I I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes I remembred God and was troubled I complained and my spirit was ouer-whelmed Will the Lord cast off for euer and will hee be fauourable no more Is his mercie cleane gone for euer doth his promise faile for euermore which frailtie of the Saints doth lesson vs what need we haue to bee strengthened against all discouragements and hinderances which in afflictions we shall meete withall that we neither grow wearie nor be turned aside in our Christian course And the Lord our most mercifull and louing Father knowing it to be most necessarie hath for the comfort and encouragement of his children plentifully signified that he will correct them in wisdome God correcteth in great wisdome Heb. 12.9 10. loue and tender compassion to the purge and refine them and gratiously promised to aide comfort and direct and in fittest time to deliuer them out of aduersities We haue had Fathers of our flesh who corrected vs and we gaue them reuerence shall we not much rather be in subiection vnto the Father of Spirits and liue For they verily for a few dayes chastened vs after their owne pleasure but hee for our profit that we might be pertakers of his holinesse Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him Measure Esay 27.7 8. Or is he slaine according to the slaughter of them that are slaine by him In measure when it shooteth forth thou wilt debate with it Ier. 46.28 30.11 he stayeth his rough winde in the day of the East winde Feare thou not O Iacob my seruant saith the Lord for I am with thee for I will make a full and of all Nations whither I haue driuen thee but I will not make a full end of thee but correct thee in measure yet will I not leaue thee wholy vnpunished This is that which the Prophet so earnestly begged of God O Lord Ier. 10.24 correct me but with iudgement not in thine anger lest thou bring me to nothing Hee corrects but for awhile For a moment Psal 30.5 For his anger endureth but a moment in his fauour is life weeping may endure for a night but ioy commeth in the morning He will not alwayes chide Psal 103.9 Ier. 3.12 Psal 125.3 neither will he keepe his anger for euer The rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the righteous lest the righteous put forth their hands vnto iniquitie For yet a very little while Esay 10.25 and the indignation shall cease and mine anger in their destruction For a small moment haue I forsaken thee Esay 54.7 8. but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with euerlasting kindnesse will I haue mercie on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Esay 57.16 For I will not contexd for euer neither will I be alwayes wroth Mich. 7.18 for the spirit should faile before me and the soules which I haue made Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquitie and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage in loue and He retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercie Whom the Lord loueth he correcteth euen as a Father the Sonne in whom he delighteth Prou 3 12. Heb. 12.5 6. Reuel 3.19 Tendernesse Esay 63.9 Psal 103.13 As many as I loue I rebuke and chasten In all their affliction he was afflicted and the Angell of his presence saued them in his loue and in his pitie he redeâ—med them and he bare them and carried them all the dayes of old Like as a Father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that feare him For he knoweth our frame Verse 14. hee remembreth that we are dust How shall I giue thee vp Hosea 11.8 9. Ephraim How shall I deliuer thee Israel How shall I make thee as Admah How shall I set thee as Zeboim Mine heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger I will not returne to destroy Ephraim for I am God and not Man the holy one in the midst of thee To proue Deut. 8.2 Thou shalt remember all the way which the
then sinne doth harbour in our bosome And if faith bee not ouercome and vanquished with dayly and continuall conflicts against corruption why should it faint vnder the burden of long during crosses Sinne is more opposite to faith more perillous to the soule then any fatherly Chastisements though sharpe and cutting as the disease is worse then the physicke ministred to expell it Secondly Faith in the greatest extreamities suggesteth that we are vnder the hand of God Psal 31.25 Esay 27.8 Heb. 12.8.11 Jer. 46 28. 1 Cor. 10.13 Psal 103 10. who correcteth in measure and for our profit who hath determined the time and weight of our afflictions and by his blessing will turne them to our good who doth proportion our euils according to the strength we haue or which hee will giue not according to our deseruings and also continue our afflictions in great wisdome faithfulnesse and mercy Euen as the Physition only can prescribe what quantity of physicke is to be taken with what change how long the course or diet is to be continued so the Lord only doth appoint the measure varietie and continuance of troubles wherewith hee is pleased to exercise vs. Wicked men cannot set the time nor measure out the quantitie of such measures whereof they are instruments to the godly for they would know no meane nor euer make an end They may be fit executioners of Gods will herein when they be set too and taken off according to his appointment but vnfit determiners what is to be inflicted or how long it must be endured Nor are wee our selues to appoint the qualitie of our Chastisements or the termes and seasons wherein and how long they shall be continued for we would tast onely if at all of the milder physicke or sap but lightly of bitters potions when necessitie requires we should take deepe The patient is not to bee trusted with the searching and dressing of his owne wound if painfull to be handled Now seeing it is the Lord great in mercy infinite in wisdome aboundant in loue and tender in compassions who doth mingle our cup why should we feare or faint If Iacob had held or tended Ioseph in prison would he haue vsed him roughly Esay 49.1 5. or kept him ouerlong No no much lesse will God who is more mercifull then any Father and more pittifull then any Mother hold vs ouerlong or deale rigorously with vs but ordering all corrections by his Fatherly prouidence hee will in his good time make them worke together for good Lam. 3.32.33 Math. 10.30.31 not for euill vnto vs. But the very haires of your head are all numbred Feare yee not therefore yee are of more value then many sparrowes Thirdly faith setteth a man about his worke that is seriously to make inquirie into his heart and wayes deepely to humble himselfe before God and feruently to 〈◊〉 meâ—cy for sinne past wisedome to make vse of â—resent miserie and fauour and mercy to be deliuered â—nd set free Sinfull men if well aduised strike not â—ithout cause the iust God when hee correcteth hath euer iust reason And forasmuch as our consciences for the most part are blinded with ignorance and selfe loue or ouer clouded with sinfull lusts as looking-glasses couered with dust that wee cannot finde out of our selues much that is out of order nor amend what we espie to be amisse faith directeth to seeke vnto God by heartie prayer who can throughly acquaint vs with our selues and teach vs to reforme what he would haue vs to amend Why doth the Lord giue his children the repulse when they cry vnto him in their calamities Iudg. 10.13.14.15 but that he would haue them search more narrowly into their courses and more vnfainedly prepare themselues to seeke and returne vnto him And if they pray vnto him he will instruct what is to bee done Hos 14.2 Math. 11.19 Hee who will haue sinfull men to ioyne instruction with correction yea and putteth into man such regard of dumbe creatures that he will not strike a dogge but he will make him see so well as hee can what it is for which hee striketh him shall not hee instruct vs when his hand is now vpon vs for want of dutie to him But when wee see our faults and smart for them in such sort as wee account greiuous there is no power in vs to redresse and set straight what is crooked and out of frame It is God only who is able to blesse afflictions and make them profitable we of our selues are like little children who being taken in the fault and fearing the rod promise to doe no more but presently forget both the fault and danger This we learne by faith which soundly lessoneth vs to denie our owne wisedome and strength and in all purposes resolutions and endeuours to begge wisedome and strength from God aboue and wholy to relie vpon his power and grace In vaine should iron be beaten did not fire soften it in vaine should affl ctions which are Gods hammer strike on our heâ—rts shoulâ— nor God holy Sp rit which is compared to fire both soften our hearts and enlighten vs to see our duties towards him and teach vs to make vse of the affliction wherewith we are exercised Moreouer faith importuneth the Lord for mercie and deliuerance 2. Cor. 12.8 Psal 31.15.16 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me My times are in thy hand deliuer me from the hand of mine enemies and from them that persecute mee Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant saue mee for thy mercies sake Psal 40 13. Psal 88.13.14 Be pleased O Lord to deliuer me O Lord make hast to helpe me Vnto thee haue I cryed O Lord and in the morning shall my prayer preuent thee Lord why castest thou off my soule why hidest thou thy face from me 4. Act. Fourthly Faith raiseth the heart to expect abundance of mercy from God Psal 69. â—9 Phil. 1.19 2. Cor. 1.5 and through prayer and supply of the Spirit to reape profit and tast comfort answerable to the sorrowes it hath felt and endured Great afflictions make place for abundant mercy from God to vs which cannot bee receiued without singular ioy on our part An hard frostie winter makes a fruitfull summer an afflicted state causeth a mellow heart if our sufferings be from God wee must looke for profit by euery trouble vnlesse wee will deny Gods wisedome and challenge his truth or shew our selues as if we were not his children nor truely godly Psal 90.15 and louing of God If God throw vs downe we must waite to be comforted of him according to the yeares wherein we haue felt afflictions To say we cannot thinke that such a thing shall euer doe vs good that euer we shall escape ouâ— of â—uch a danger that euer we shall see good dayes after th se and these tryals Psal 85.6 doth argue great weakenesse and
God will prouide for vs in this life raise vp our bodies vnto life at the last day of Iudgement and bestow vpon vs that euerlasting kingdome and inheritance which he hath prepared p. 424. 425. 426 2. It is a seale of our dutie promised 1. It is a spurre to repentance and mortification p. 426 2. It is a prouocation vnto faith and a pledge thereof p. 426. 427 3. It is an incitement vnto new obedience a pledge thereof p. 427. 428 4. It is a pledge and pawne of loue and vnitie pag. 428 The new exercise of faith is requird in the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper ibid. The acts of faith in receiuing the Lords Supper 1. By it we discerne the Sacrament to be the holy Ordinance of God instituted for our speciall good and benefit sealing vnto vs the promises which God of his free mercy hath made in Iesus Christ p. 428. 429 2. By it wee see what the Lord doth offer vnto vs therein how excellent and pretious it is with what assurance it is freely tendered and may be receiued p. 429 3. It sharpeneth spirituall appetite and stirreth vp hungring and thirsting after Christ and his benefits ibid. 4. It earnestly contendeth for mercy confessing sin with griefe and hatred c. ibid. 5. By faith we receiue Christ offering himselfe freely to be contracted vnto vs. p. 429. 430 6. By faith we resigne vp our selues vnto Iesus Christ and willingly yeeld soule and body vnto him p. 430 7. Faith feedeth vpon Christ and sucketh vigour from him ibid. 8. Faith assureth of that spirituall contract which hath passed betwixt Christ and the Christian soule and is sealed in the Sacrament p. 430. 431 9. It stirreth vp ioy and thankefulnesse with serious remembrance of the manifold blessings which in Christ Iesus are vouchsafed p. 431. 432 Meanes to stir vp our selues to receiue the Lord Supper in faith 1. We must bewaile our vnbeliefe dulnesse earthly-mindednesse the distemper of our spirituall taste c. ibid. 2. Consider how freely the Lord doth tender Christ to be receiued in his Word and Sacrament ibid. 3. Weigh and consider the blessed state and condition of them who be reconciled vnto God c. p. 433 4. Hauing troth-plighted our selues to Iesus Christ vnfainedly we must awaken and rowse vp our soules to reioyce in him ibid. CHAP. XII THe faithfull are bound and it is behouefull for them to belieue the threatnings p. 434 The godly man is not slauishly to feare falling away or running into destruction but wisely to belieue the threatnings to preuent falling into sinne and so into condemnation ibid. 1. The threatnings are part of the Word of God ibid. 2. In the state of innocencie there was vse of threatnings so is there in the state of grace p. 434. 435 3. Promises and threatnings mingled fit our state and serue to keep the heart in the best temper ibid. The acts of faith in respect of the threatnings 1. It worketh humblenesse of mind and heart p. 435 2. It bringeth forth awfulnesse reuerence and feare p. 436 3. It stirreth vp continuall watchfulnesse to shunne whatsoeuer might breed danger or procure Gods displeasure p. 437 4. The threatnings mingled with faith cause sorrowfull melting or relenting of heart for sinne committed ibid. 5. When we see by faith from what miseries wee are deliuered of the free grace and mercie of God our hearts are enlarged in prayse thanksgiuing p. 437. 438 This life of faith is most excellent and comfortable for 1. By faith we are directed to seeke and follow after Christ till wee come to be assured that he dwelleth in vs as the fountaine of life and that in him we are deliuered from the guilt and punishment of all our sins p. 438 2. By this faith wee may come to sound rest and holy securitie about our saluation from time to time ibid. 3. If God lead vs into the darke by this faith we are enabled to hold him by the hand ibid. 4. Hereby the rage of sin is weakened and we haue grace to walke in newnesse of life and all the parts of it with ioy and chearefulnesse p. 439 5. By it we walke in our callings chearefully honestly painfully c. ibid. 6. This faith teacheth vs to pray at all times as our necessities require ibid. 7. If the affliction be very grieuous and of long continuance faith doth neither quaile nor cease to seeke helpe p. 439. 440 8. The life of faith shall end in ioy and comfort p. 440 9. He that hath learned to liue by faith shall also die in faith ibid. FINIS Errata PAge 3. l. 8. r. profession of faith p. 9. l. 23. more r. mere p. 22. l. 34 eased r. saued p. 44. l. 24. r. grace for p. 61. l. 1. r. distinction p. 67. l. 9. r faith receiueth p. 73. l. 26. l. 27. insert the more sincerely it worketh p. 75. l. 4 dele for p. 76. l. 30. r. confirmed p. 87. l. 36. dele themselues p. 91. l. 17. dele the p 92. l. 26. r. change p. 94. l. 3. r assured p. 96. l. 4 r. arise not l 26. r. with contrary effects p. 97 l 14. r. wauer as p. 104. l 24. r. they may be p. 116. l. 28. verde r. weede p. 118. l. 18. before thinke del I. p. 120. l. 4. liue r. lie p. 128. l. 11. r. faith yeeldeth p. 136. l. 13. r. this resting l. 36. r. possession of p. 143. l. 21. r. and receiueth p. 144 l. 18. r. seate faith p. 156. l. 5. r. liue in l. 7. r. how the Lord p. 174. l 12 r good will p. 175. l. 31. for r. or p 196. l. 31. r. walke heauily p. 201. l. 2 r. enliues it p. 221. r. But when the p 223. l 1. r. with a 1 p. 248. l. 26. 27. r. so long as p. 251. l. 5. r. deriueth p. 253. l. 9 10. r. resisteth p 292 l. 5. but r. we 296. l. 11. r. frowardnesse l. 17. r. are poore p. 302. betwixt l. 34. 35. insert after also of no strength p. 307. l. 23. we r. he p. 309. l 19. r. what might hurt him p. 313. l. 21. r. set open p. 315. l. 2 r. couering sin p. 328. l. 28 r would be 329 l. 4. vp r. vpon p. 344. dele from delight l. 6. to in l. 7. p. 345. l. 2. 3 r. persecuters p. 348. l. 9. r. such miseries p. 374. l 28 r. drinke and not be satisfied p. 393. l. 25. r. the Lord God p. 417. l. 29. r. It giueth p. 423. l. 14 r. the lauer p. 455. l. 10. r. tartnesse Errata in Margine PAge 4. de prae r. in prae p. 5. Acts 6. r. Acts 9. ibid r. preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ibid. r. particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 13. Heb. r. Hab. p. 34. Mat. r. Mal. p. 50 r. § Sanctus Augustinus p. 133. Iohn r. Jonah p. 139. r. 1. Pet. 1.5 p. 144. Iohn 24 r.
The conclusion is The Word of God is the generall obiect of Iustifying f ith the speciall promises of mercie and forgiuenesse in Christ Iesus is the speciall obiect of faith as it iustifieth § 3. This beliefe in the rich mercie of God frameth the Image of God in our hearts §. 3. Faith in Gods special mercy frameth his Image in the Heart and imprinteth the vertues of Christs death vpon the soule as by application the seale doth set it stampe vpon the waxe A man cannot walke in the Sunne but he must beare it hue no more can he belieue in the grace and mercie of God to the pardon of his offences but he must beare the Image of Gods mercie vpon his soule And so faith in Christ doth incite to the vniforme studious practice of pietie towards God who of his gracious free vndeserued loue and mercie is pleased to repute Belieuers as his Sonnes by adoption and compasse them with his fauours and of mercie kindnesse long-suffering forbearance forgiuenesse towards men looking to God for it patterne whom it must and ought to follow The Belieuer cannot put on Christ as a Iustifier but he must put on the bowels of mercies kindnesse humblenesse of minde meeknesse long-suffering forbearance c. and the closer he putteth on Christ vnto righteousnesse the moâ—e quicke and operatiue bee these graces of thâ— Spirit more liuely the operations theÌ„selues that issue from theÌ„ as quickned animated by that faith CHAP. VII Iustifying faith is a particular and certaine confidence resting vpon the mercie of God in Christ for pardon and forgiuenesse not an assured perswasion that our sinnes be alreadie pardon d and forgiuen §. 1. Iustifyi g f i th is a particular and certaine confidence § 1 IVst fying faith doth not onely belieue the promise of mercie in generall as that there is foâ—giuenes for them that lay hold vpon it but it relieth vpon the promise for our owne particular and dâ—pends wholly thereupon looking after no other helpe For trust or confidence importeth the application of some good to him that trusteth and so he that casteth himselfe vpon the promises of mercie drawes neere vnto Christ throwes himselfe into his armes and graspes about him with all his might Looke how the poore Infant affrighted with the apprehension of some danger clinges close to the parent for succour and defence or a man in danger of drowning layes hold vpon some willow that growes vpon the bank and hangs thereon for safetie so doth the soule pursued by the terrours of the Law and affrighted with the vgly sight of sinne flie with speed vnto Iesus Christ as hee is held forth in the Gospell hang vpon him and to die for it will neuer loose his hold For in him it apprehends plentifull redemption and out of him it knowes no succour is to be â—ound In this sence faith applyeth the promise of grace to a mans selfe in particular that is it particularly relieth vpon the grace of God in Iesus Chrâ—st to obtaine pardon and forgiuenesse Numb 21.9 Iohn 3.14 15. Euen as they that were stung with the fierie Serpents did come and looke to the brazen Serpent belieuing to find the healing of those deadly stings that were fastened in them Thus a soule stung with sin and feare of damnation commeth by faith to Christ relying on him trusting to finde in and through him cure of those deadly euils wherewith it is wounded If a Prince should offer a generall pardon to Rebels causing it to be proclaimed that if they would lay downe armes submit themselues and flie to his mercie they should be receiued to fauour and wee should see many heereupon cast downe their weapons and sue for mercy would wee not presently know that they belieued the promise that they should bee pardoned So when Christ saith to sinners come vnto mee or belieue on mee and I will ease you what faith thinke we haue sinners who resort vnto him Is it not a beliefe that he will according to his word deliuer them from sinne and death and restore them to life eternall If there bee a particular word or that which is equiualent then there is a particular faith But there is a particular word or that which is equiualent For the thirstie and barren soule that is stung with the terrours of the Law they that labour are heauie laden Math. 11.28 Esay 55.1 2. 1. Iohn 3.24 Iohn 3.16.36 Acts 10.43 13.39 Rom. 10.9 10. are inuited to come vnto Ch ist and exhorted intreated perswaded commanded to belieue the promise is Whosoeuer belieueth in him shall not perish but haue euerlasting life which is as much as Thomas thou art burdened and doest labour thou art wearie and thirstie come thou vnto mee behold I inuite belieue thou for vnto thee doe I reach forth the promise of mercie receiue it and thou shalt â—iue Foâ— the particulars are euer in their generals How can we proue Gal. 3.10 that Iohn or Iames are by nature vnder wrath and the curse otherwise it cannot be proued then thus Cursed is euery one that continueth not in all things that are wâ—itten in the booke of the Law to doe them How can we proue that Thomas or Peter are bound to loue the Lord and to abstaine from murther fornication theft but because it is said to all men Thou shalt loue the Lord Thou shalt not steale Deut 6.5 Iohn 7.37 c. And thus it is said to all Let euery one that is a thirst come vnto me and drinke Belieue in the Lord Iesus Acts 16 31. and thou shalt be saued whence euery thirstie and burdened soule may conclude I ought to bâ—lieue God calleth and commandeth me to belieue he hath giuen me his promise and offers mercie and belieuing I shall be saued The faith of true Belieuers goeth further then the faith of Deuils can doe But thâ—y may and doe belieue or know that Christ died in generall for sinners and that they shall be saued who belieue in him If Iustifying faith haue not in it some particular confidence then it is not opposed to despaire so as to expell it For things that will not endure the one the other most haue contrarietie as fire and water if the one doe not fight and driue forth the other then may they dwell together But true faith and vtter desperation cannot stand together Iames 1.6 Math. 6.30 1â— 31 Rom. 4.20 Heb. 10 2â— but doe expell each other Moreouer true faith in Christ doth breed confidence and boldnesse according to that Let vs enter with confidence and boldnesse through faith on him True faith therefore hath in it particular confidence in the grace of God For as nothing can make hot which hâ—th not heate in it selfe â—o can nothing make confident which after some manner hath not confidence in it To a Math. 1.20 2.20 John 17.8 receiue is to take in particular to a mans selfe or
belieued as out of the Word of God which is not found in the Word of God expressely Bellar. de Iustif l. 3. cap. 8. §. 1. or by consequence but whatsoeuer is found there expresly or may euidently by direct consequence be deduced thence that may be belieued as out of the Word of God Now howsoeuer it be not said in so many syllables Peter Thomas Cornelius thy sinnes are remitted to thee belieuing yet euidently so much may be concluded out of those generall promises Euery man that belieueth shall haue eternall life for the vniuersall doth include it particular Therefore the messengers of the Lord of Host doe giue notice to their Congregations that the matter which they proclaime in the Name of the Lord doth concerne them and euery of them saying in effect Acts 13.26 3.26 2.38 2. Cor. 5.20 To you is the word of this saluation sent What they say to all men they say to euery man what to penitents to euery penitent what to Belieuers to euery Belieuer what to sinners and vngodly to euery sinner God gaue his Law to all Israel speaking to all as if hee had spoken namely and particularly to euery one Thou shalt haue no other Gods c. Exod. 20.1 2. May not ought not a man to inferre thence I must haue none other Gods c. The promise of the Gospell runnes thus If thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Iesus Rom. 10.9 and belieue in thy heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalâ— be saued Is not this spoken to euery man particularly May not hee as out of the Word inferre If I belieue I shall bee saued Our Sauiour Christ had said nothing namely to Paul and Silas as touching the Iailer that if hee did belieue he should be saued But out of that vniuersall Iohn 3.16 Act. 16.31 Whosoeuer belieueth shall bee saued they proclaime comfort to him in speciall Belieue thou and thou shalt be saued There is nothing found in Scripture expressely touching this or that mans resurrection in particular is it not then to bee belieued out of the Word The Scripture saith to him that belieueth Thou shalt inherit eternall life as much as it doth to any particular man now liuing Thou shalt rise againe Because our Sauiour said to the Apostles Iohn 20.23 Whosoeuer sinnes yee remit they are remitted our Aduersaries though falsly would collect that their Priests haue power to absolue a man from all his sinnes Doe they know assuredly that what was spoken to the Apostles was spoken also to their Priests though there bee no particular mention of them in the Gospell and will they not allow vs to inferre a particular from a generall Psalm 23.1 Iob. 19.25 Dauid could say The Lord is my shepheard Iob I know that my Redeemer liueth which they belieued out of the Word grounding themselues vpon the promises of mercie And wee now liuing by the same faith hauing the same pretious promises being led by the same Spirit may out of the word of life be assured that our sinnes are forgiuen and couered Moreouer euery faithfull soule in particular doth finde Psalm 103.3.4 heare and reade in the word Who forgiueth all thine iniquities and healeth all thine infirmities To euery faithfull soule in speciall the Lord saith Isay 43.25 Psalm 103.17 Mica 7.19 Ier. 31.34 Rom. 11.22 Eph. 5.10 Math. 19.17 I euen I am hee that blotteth out thine iniquities for mine owne sake and remember thy sinnes no more This hee speaketh to singular belieuers not to some persons only as it is euident in that the Scripture doth in vniuersall repeate the same thing What our Sauiour said to the young man If thou would'st enter into life keepe the Commaundements the papists teach that is spoken to all men and if a man fulfill that condition hee may belieue to be saued Looke how they know the words spoken to the young man so many hundred yeares past to be directed vnto them by the same rule may euery faithfull soule interest himselfe in all the gracious and louely speeches wherewith God from time to time hath comforted his people and take vnto himselfe those promises answers and assurances that God hath at any time made and giuen vnto them resoluing of all the rest that which in one case the Apostles exemplifyeth of that that was written of the Iustification of Abraham that those things were not written for them onely but for theÌ„ also who belieue as they had done Rom. 4.23 The word then speaketh in particular to them that belieue but can a Christian know be assured that he doth truly belieue Such as truly belieue may know they belieue as hee that hath a iewell in his hand may know that hee hath it Paul did know on whom he had belieued 2. Tim. 1.12 the poore man in the Gospell cryeth Lord I belieue Dauid saith I belieued Marke 9.24 Psal 116.10 2. Cor. 4.13 and therefore I spake Hezekiah prayeth Lord remember mee how I haue walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart Iohn concludeth thus Esay 38.3 4. 1. Iohn 3-24 Hereby wee know that he abideth in vs euen by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. How could we say euery one we belieue if wee might not know it Can wee speake that truly whereof wee can haue no certaintie When I see one or trust to a mans word promising me this or that I know I see him trust to him and rest on him for that hee hath promised Shall I by faith see Christ the Sonne and rest on him and yet know no such thing 1. Iohn 3.19 1. Cor. 2.11 Carnall confidence may be discerned why then should it be impossible for a true Belieuer to know that hee doth belieue The Spirit of man discerneth what is in man he knoweth what is in himselfe though not euer the measure or quantitie thereof Hee that loueth his Brother knoweth the loue wherewith he loueth him and he that belieueth in God may know the faith wherewith he belieueth Many beguile themselues while they stand in opinion they doe belieue and belieue not at all What then Shall hee that belieueth vnfainedly be altogether vncertaine whether he belieue or no There is that boasteth when his soule hath naught yet men whom God hath blessed with abundance may know that they be rich Many are deceiued in matters of faith and true worship of God shall not a Christian then bee certaine of his Religion A man that dreameth of honoâ—r promotion plentie and abundance may liue in infamie and disgrace penurie and hunger and yet they that bee promoted to honour and liue in plentie may assuredly bee perswaded of what God hath giuen them Some mens senses are deluded shall euery man therefore bee in suspence of whatsoeuer hee seeth or heareth He that is falsly perswaded of his good estate and strong faith deceiueth his owne soule shall he therefore that
encouraging our selues to striue against feares or shutting our eyes against the euidences of grace that God hath bestowed vpon vs or m stâ—king what the testimonie of the Spirit is whereby God witnesseth to vs that wee are his children For whiles wee take it to be some vocall testimonie which certifyeth vs against feares and doubts euen in the middest of temptations and in a manner whether wee will or no we fall into no small perplexities Oftentimes God causeth his Children to seeke long before they finde comfort 2 Cor. 12.8 not finding any such certificate in our selues whereas the witnesse of the Spirit is cleane of another nature This is no new thing that God should cause his children to seeke long before they find comfort The Apostle in like extremitie besought the Lord thrice that is often before hee receiued answer And though God delay either to chasten neglects or to kindle affection or that graces hardly obtained may be valued according to their worth yet will he not alwayes despise his children that cry vnto him day and night The ardent desire shall at length bee satisfied the panting soule bee refreshed with the waters of consolation Comfort and ioy is the reward of our obedience but patient waiting is a pleasing and acceptable seruice to God It is Gods worke to giue comfort it is our dutie to waite for it in the wayes of holinesse Let vs bee contented to serue God freely without wages and in the end we shall be no loosers Remission of sinnes and peace of conscience are fauours worth waiting for If the Lord should keepe vs on the racke euen till the last gaspe and then impart vnto vs the least drop of his mercie or sence of his loue in Iesus Christ his grace were vnspeakeable towards our soules let vs not then thinke much to waite in patience a little while We haue not waited so many yeares in the meanes of grace for comfort as God hath waited for our conuersion If wee haue made him to stand knocking at the doore of our hearts long before wee gaue him entrance let it not seeme tedious if the Lord doe not forthwith open to vs the doore of his priuie chamber admit vs to the sweete fellowship and communion with him Comforts when they come are vsually proportioned to the measure of tribulation and multitude of feruent prayers powred out before the Lord. Much trouble receiues in the end plentifull consolation § 12. Satan molesteth some Christians with feare of of falling into some fearefull extremitie §. 12. 13. They are afraid of falling into some fearefull extremitie How this temptation is to be resisted Luk. 22.32 Rom. 8.24.35 Phil. 1.6 Rom. 11.29 Psal 37.24 By which temptation it pleaseth God to acquaint men with their owne weakenes and to chasten or preuent pride securitie rash censuring of others that haue fallen into such discomforts or the like But for the remedie thereof let them labour to fortifie faith in the gracious promises which God hath made to his children of sustentation perseruation As faith increaseth so feare abateth as it ebs so feare flows And let them to this end consider that Christ hath prayed for preseruation against all seperating extreames And God that cannot lie hath promised to keepe his children from vtter declining and to establish them that be feeble and readie to fall The Lord hath made it knowne to be his will and pleasure that hee will neuer take away that grace which once he hath giuen but increase it rather till it be perfected and accomplished and when we are assured of his will wee may relie vpon his power for the effecting of it and inferre he will keepe vs safely because he is able to estabish and confirme vs. The greater our weakenesse is in grace and the more grieuous our sicknesse through sinne and the noysome humours of corruption the more carefully will he watch ouer vs with his Almightie power The strong cannot stand by their owne might if God withdraw his hand and the weakest shall bee able to ouercome their mightiest enimies being vnderpropped by the Lord. What flouds of trouble soeuer doe flow ouer vs wee shall escape drowning if the Lord hold vp our chinne Feare is a deceitfull and malitious passion tyrannicall rash and inconsiderate proceeding oftentimes from want of iudgement more then from the presence or approach of euill to be feared tormenting with the dread of what shall neuer come we were neuer in danger of It is therefore valiantly to be resisted not to bee belieued or reasoned withall Feare in our owne strength is by all meanes to bee cherished but diffidence in Gods power mercie goodnesse truth and prouidence is to bee abandoned The strong must not presume in himselfe though more excellent then others in grace nor the weake distrust in the Lord though feeble and not able to goe high-lone The hope of preseruation staying vpon inherent grace is selfe confidence and the feare of falling arising from the sence of weakenes is diffidence in God In holy Scripture we shall finde that the strongest haue fallen when the weake haue stood and they haue beene foiled most grieuously not in the greatest assaults but when they haue giuen way to their lusts neglected their watch or were growen secure and dreaded no danger The Lord best knowes the strength of his childe and will not suffer him to bee ouertaken with those vncomfortable falls out of which he shall not recouer § 13. Sundrie Christians through the malice of the §. 13. 14. They shall neuer hold out to the end Deuill bee vnsetled with feares that notwithstanding all their care they shall neuer hold out in faith and an holy course of life vnto the end but by persecutions or other afflictions and prouocations shall bee turned backe specially considering that they are maruellous apt to slip and coole in time of peace and whilest they liue vnder the meanes of grace This feare is to be remoued by calling to Minde the promises of God so plentifully and richly set downe in the word of grace How this temptation is to be remooued And they must consider that the same God who keepes them in time of peace and blesseth the meanes of grace whilest they doe inioy them is able and will vphold them in the time of trouble and when meanes be wanting of our selues wee stand not at any time by his power wee may ouercome at all times And when wee are sorest assaulted he is euer ready at our right hand to support and stay vs that wee shall not fall Psal 16.8 Hee hath well begun and shall happily goe forward in his worke who hath in truth begun For true grace well planted in the heart how weake soeuer shall hold out for euer All total decaies come from this that the heart was neuer truly mollified nor grace deepely and kindly rooted therein And as for present weakenesses it is good to acknowledge bewaile theÌ„ Luk.
God and put Satan to flight Neither let them after this bee still obiecting that they feele small strength of faith and hope for thereby the enemie may take encouragement to their disaduantage when feare setteth open the heart to his malitious temptations and binds the hands of the distressed that he cannot resist but let them stirre vp their courage and resolution to waite vpon the Lord not listening any more to their strong but deceitfull feare And what though they feele not that sweetnesse wh ch sometimes they felt will they therefore iudge their state to bee naught What sweetnesse can the soule taste when it is ouer-whelmed with feares perplexed with temptations troubled with doubts Physicke is vnpleasant and bitter to the taste Temptation should not be temptation if it did not affect If the soule bee now sicke and tasteth not the sweet meates of consolation which it was wont as the bodie which is in a course of Physicke will they iudge themselues to be starke dead or in a condition irrecouerable Wee haue experience how diuers times the disease preuaileth ouer the sicke person that actions faile and faculties seeme quite to bee spent neither hand nor foot is able to doe their dutie the eye is dimme the hearing dull the taste altered and the tongue distasteth all things euen of most pleasant rellish and the weake and feeble patient seemeth to attend the time of dissolution when yet notwithstanding there remayneth a secret power of nature and a forcible sparke of life that ouer-commeth all these infirmities and consumeth them like drosse and rendreth to the body a greater puritie and firmenesse of health then before the sicknesse it did enioy Euen so it is in this spirituall estate the soule is sicke and not dead faith is assailed but not ouercome and if in patience the finâ—shing of this secret worke which passeth all conceit and capacitie of man bee attended these bu ning feauers of temptations shall appeare to bee flaked and cooled by the mercie and grace of Christ and that sparke of faith which now lieth hid and ouer-whelmed with heapes of temptations to breake forth againe And as nature after a perfect crise dischargeth herselfe to the recouery of former health so shall all doubts and feares and terrours be remoued and strength of faith restored with such supply as it shall bee able to make euident proofe what secret vertue lay hid and yet not idle in all this vncomfortable plight Againe as in outward sences we see sometimes and feele and heare when wee doe not perceiue it so we may also haue faith and not alwayes haue the sensible perceiuing thereof Yea such as most hunger and thirst after righteousnesse and are poore in spirit and broken in heart as they doubt and feare in euery action lest God bee dishonoured by their conuersation so are they iealous of their precious faith lest it bee not in such measure as they desire or in truth be none at all wherein they may easily bee deceiued first in the discerning then in the measure and portion For when the inward feeling thereof doth not answere their desire and the actions proceeding there-from doe not satisfie their thirst of righteousnesse whereby reliefe may rise to the nourishment of faith and the satisfying of that holy appetite they are discouraged and intangled with spirituall cares from which a more aduiced consideration agreeable to Gods Word might easily deliuer them And touching the portion it is a fault to measure the excellencie of faith and power thereof partly by quantitie and vnseasonable fruits so to call them and not by vertue kind plantation soueraignetie and seasonable fruit which errour in temptation the distressed are apt to runne into and so to trouble themselues without cause Men looke not that Corne should spring in haruest or be ripe in spring that trees should bud or beare fruit in winter because it â—s not the season for such things Neither ought wee to expect such strength of memorie and liuely operatiue actions of grace in age sicknesse great sorrowes and temptations as at other times in young yeares free from such assaults The fruits of faith fit for the season may bee discerned by them that can rightly iudge when sweet refreshings forme ly enioyed bee lacking The effects of faith in great temptations and cloudie seasons are to looke vp for helpe sigh groane complaine to God prize his fauour draw nigh vnto him and cast himselfe vpon God though hee seeme to be angry at this time faith is incumbred with many strong feares wherewith it is burdened against which it laboureth ouer which it doth not easily nor speedily preuaile Ioy peace sweet refreshing and sensible tasting of Gods mercie be the fruits of well growne faith in the times of victorie and freedome Those Summer fruits are not to bee gathered in the depth of winter It is an errour to measure the truth of grace in age by the effects proper to youth or the soundnesse of faith in temptation by the effects peculiar to the dayes of triumph Neither are we to account the nature of any thing according to our sence or the shew it maketh For then should the most fruitfull tree in winter bee taken for barren and the lustie soyle for drie and vnfruitfull whilest it is shut vp with the hard frost But reason being guided by the Word of God must lead vs rightly to iudge of the presence and life of faith in our soules which being the shield in this our spirituall warfare endureth much battering and many brunts and receiueth the fore-front of the battaile and oftentimes fareth as if it were pierced through and worne vnfit for battaile yet is it indeed of nature inuincible and repelleth whatsoeuer engine the enemy inforceth against vs and standeth firme rooted whatsoeuer storme Satan raiseth for the displacing thereof How then are the distressed to behaue themselues in this temptation when both the sence of faith is dulled in them and the fruits minister discontentment They must rightly consider what bee the winter fruits of faith and not expect such things in themselues as agree not to that season and withall remember that the gifts and mercy of God is wâ—thout repentance and so take courage vnto themselues confidently to cast their soules vpon the mercie of the Lord in Iesus Christ For as hee knew them when they were strangers from him and loued them when they hated him and had nothing which might prouoke his mercy but sinne and misery so is his goodnesse continued still vpon them for his owne sake and not at all for their deseruing And though they feele their abilitie weake the enemy strong their strength tired and cleane worne their corruption vpon the point to pâ—euaile the fruits and branches of faith thâ—ough these stormy tempests nipped and shaken yet the sap of faith shall neuer be dried vp in the root neither can any winde of Satan so blast that the immortall seed bee at any time quite withered
labour to see the necessitie and preciousnesse of faith 2. See the necessitie and pretiousnesse of Faith and these seene will make a man hold hard ere he part with it A man that hath a great charge his whole state about him will as soone lose his life as part with his treasure Of what excellencie and vse is this grâ—ce of faith which subdueth passions ouercommeth allurements maketh things impossible to the flesh easie and delightsome inableth to stand fast when we are buffeted by Satan lifteth vp the head amidst all the surges of temptation remayneth victorious in all combats raiseth vs vp when we are laid along and our weapons beaten on our Heads knitteth the heart fast to the heauenly Commandements quickeneth in deadnesse and holdeth the Lord fast when he leadeth vs into the darke Who would not preferre the custodie and increase of such a grace before life it selfe Nay what is our life without it If faith liue in vs we liue blessedly whatsoeuer misery compasse vs about if faith decay we die if it die we perish Thirdly We mâ—st consider whom we trust and meditate on the grounds of faith to wit the grace 3. Meditate on the grounds of Faith power goodnes truth vnchangeablenes of God for this will strengthen beliefe Wee must consider the promises of God that we may see what his good will and pleasure is what a Fatherly care of our welfare hee hath and not only how able but how willing also he is to helpe and succour vâ— what promises he hath made and how faithfull hee is in performaâ—ce for his owne names sake and of free vndeserued loue The Mother of vnbeliefe is ignorance of God his faithfulnesse mercie and power Psal 9.10 Those that know thee will trust in thee This confirmed Paul Abraham Sarah in the faith 2. Tim. 1.12 Heb. 11.11 Rom. 4.21 I know whom I haue beliâ—ued and that hee is able to keepe that I haue committed vnto him vntill that day Hee is faithfull who hath promised and able also to performe The free promises of the Lord are all certaine his Commandements right and good the recompence of reward inestimably to bee valued aboue thousands of gold and siluer Trust therefore in the Lord O my soule and follow hard after him Thou hast his free promise who neuer failed who hath promised more then possibly thou couldst aske or thinke who hath done more for thee then euer he promised who is good and bountifull to the wicked and vngodly thou doest his worke who is able and assuredly will beare thee out there is a Crowne of glory proposed vnto thee aboue all conceit of merit sticke fast vnto his Word and suffer nothing to diuide thee from it Rest vpon his promises though hee seeme to kill thee cleaue vnto his stâ—tutes though the flesh lust the World allure the Deuill tempt by flatteries or threatnings to the contrarie 4. Feeling weaknesse of faith looke on on Christ Fourthly When wee feele our faith weake we must looke vp to Christ the beginner and finisher of faith in vs. A fainting bodie will taste some thing that is cordiall and restoratiue and a fainting soule must baite it selfe with looking to Iesus who is our cordiall and restoratiue 5. Pray for the spirit of faith Fiftly Faith is a grace that is giuen from aboue and commeth downe from the Father of lights vnto whom wee must fly by feruent prayer humbly begging that he would by his Spirit both reueale vnto vs what be those pretious promises which he hath made vnto his people and giue vs wisdome rightly to iudge of them and firmely to receiue them in euery estate and aboue all to moue our hearts so to belieue them that wee may assure our selues of all needfull helpe in due time seeing God alsufficient and faithfull hath promised it and waite vpon him in the way of his Commaundements Mercifull Father it is my sincere desire and vnfained resolution to draw nigh vnto thee and put my trust in thy mercies for euermore But of my selfe I haue no abilitie to stand in faith or to follow hard after thy Commaundements I am full of doubtings when I can see no meanes to put me in hope of helpe and ready to sinke downe in despaire vpon euery small occasion I am readie to stagger and slip aside Take pittie vpon me O Lord for thy mercie sake for I fly vnto thee for helpe Thou hast commanded mee to belieue hold mee by thy right hand that I shrinke not reueale thy promises vnto my vnderstanding giue mee a sound iudgement establish me in the faith more and more vnite my heart close vnto thee that all the darts of the Deuill may fall off not be able to wound my conscience Thou hast giuen me to see my weakenesse in faith and to bewaile it to see the necessitie and excellent vse of faith and to desire it giue me also stedfastly to belieue according to the riches of thy grace that I may glorifie thy name CHAP. II. What it is to liue by faith in particular touching the promises of pardon and forgiuenesse and how to stirre vp our selues thereunto THE vse of faith which is as large as the word of God must be distinguished according to the arts and seuerall branches of it promises What the promisâ—s bee and the kinds thereof Commaundemets threatnings By promises vnderstand all those declarations of Gods will wherein hâ—e signifies in the Gospell what good he will freely bestow And these be either Spirituall or Temporall concerning this life or the life to come of things simply necessarie to saluation or of things good in themselues but not alwayes good for vs all which are receiued possessed and inioyed by faith according as they be promised of God either with or without limitation Amongst spirituall promises absolutely necessarie without which there can be no saluation the first and chiefe is concerning pardon or forgiuenesse of sinnes and Iustification The promise of forgiuenes of sinnes God of his rich grace and mercie in Iesus Christ doth make offer of free and full forgiuenesse of all sinnes to euery burdened thirstie and peniâ—ent soule Isay 55.7 Deut. 30.1.2 1. Reg. 8.35 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord and he will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Ier. 3.12 Returne thou backe-sliding Israel saith the Lord and I will not cause mine anger to fall vpon you for I am mercifull saith the Lord and I will not keepe mine anger for euer I will clense them from all their iniquitie wherby they haue sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned and whereby they haue transsgresed against me Ier. 33.8 and 1.34 The promise is free This promise is made of free and vndeserued mercie not for any merit that is or possibly could bee in vs.
thy wings They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatnesse of thy house and thou shalt make them drinke of the riuer of thy pleasures For with thee is the fountaine of life in thy light shall we see light It is a pleasure to him to want other pleasures who is oft and euery day serious in the meditation of the remission of his sinnes the free grace and eternall loue of God towards him in Iesus Christ He that is euery day busied to fetch out a pardon of course for his daily infirmities and to make euen reckoning betwixt God and his Soule that nothing remaine on the score to interrupt his peace shall neither be idle nor vnprofitable neither want imployment nor comfort This course can open no gap to licentiousnesse libertie in sinne Psal 19.12 13. or carnall securitie for he is euer most studious not to runne into arrerages who is most desirous to haue his debts cancelled and blotted out Faith is of the nature of souereigne purifying waters which so wash off the corruption of the vlcer that they coole the heate and stay the spread of the infection and by degrees heale the same And of Cordials which so comfort and ease the heart as also they expell noxious humours and strengthen nature against them Iustifying faith takes kindly rooting in a cleane heart and being rooted purifieth it more and more Faith that pleads for mercie doth cleaue to the Commandements stirre vp to holinesse ouer-rule the affections delight in purity and diffuse the vertue of the word into euery facultie of the soule It may be obiected If faith certifie that our sinnes be pardoned and there be such ioy in belieuing how comes it to passe that many good Christians liue so long in feare and doubt Wence it is that many good Christians liue so long in feare and doubâ— who would bee contented to take any paines to bee setled in assurance of Gods loue The common causes of this slownesse of beliefe are many First an immoderate aggrauation of their sinne and continuall thought of their vnworthinesse Thus the case stands with many poore Christians faine they would belieue as they acknowledge but they are vnworthy they haue beene sinners These must knowe it is good they should see their owne vnworthinesse but not that they should be hindred thereby from comming to Christ it is good to denie themselues but not to doubt of the mercy of the Lord. Christ came to seeke that which was lost Math. 18.11 Esay 61.1.2 Math. 9.13 1. Pet. 3.18 Rom. 5.10 Math. 11.28 to binde vp the broken hearted and to saue sinners He died for his enemies for the vnworthy He inuiteth the burdened to come vnto him and makes sute to the poore and worthlesse that he might ease and inrich them If they were not vnworthy what neede had they of Gods mercy or how should God glorifie the riches of his mercy in pardoning their offences The feeling of their vnworthines makes them fit to receiue mercy from God who doth vâ—uchsafe it freely seeing besides their sinne which makes them vnworthy they haue a sence of it and an heart broken for it If they were not vnworthy they could noâ— belieue If their case had not beene desperate what neede was there that Christ should come from the bosome of his Father Esay 43.25 and 44.22 Hos 14.3.4 Pardon is offered freely of grace the more vile they be in themselues the fitter to receiue this vndeserued kindnesse Oh but their sinnes are grieuous and notorious scarlet crying scandalous sinnes This detestation of sinne is greatly to bee commended if they remember withall Ezra 10.2 that there is hope in Israel concerning this if they will set one eye vpon the mercy of God as they set the other vpon the vilenesse of their iniquities If their sinnes be many and great Eph. 2.4 Psal 3â— 5 Psal 51.1.2 Exod. 34.6.7 Esay 55.9 God is rich in mercy abundant in goodnesse hath a multitude of tender mercies His mercie reacheth aboue the Heauens he forgiueth iniquitie transgressioÌ„ sin rebellion All faults are easily pardonable to his infinite mercy which exceeds Mans as Heauen doth Earth which can readilier forgiue seuentie then Man seuen offences Was not Adam Manasses Paul the sinfull woman commonly called Mary Magdalene 2 Chron. 33.12.13 1. Tim. 1.13.15 Act. 2.37.38 Luk. 7. â—7 the Cretians and Iewes who imbrewed their hands in the bloud of Christ receiued of him to mercie Doth not â—e delight to forgiue much that he may binde to loue much Shall not his fauour superabound to the sence of faith where sinne hath abounded to the wounding of Conscience It matters not what the wound is so Christ be the Physitian Iohn 1.7 Esay 1.18 The bloud of Christ cleanseth vs from all sinne Nothing but the bloud of Christ can wash away the guilt of the least sin and his bloud is sufficient to purge the most polluted Conscience But they haue felt no extraordinary measure of sorrow for sinne they are rather dull and sencelesse Are they weary of sinne haue they sorrowed to selfe-deniall and to renounce their interest in whatsoeuer might seperate betwixt Christ and them To such is the word of Reconciliation sent But they haue often slipped into the same sinnes There is a difference of offences There be sinnes of ignorance infirmity forgetfulnesse and sudden passion whereunto the heart yeeldeth not aduised consent and from which the faithfull by reason of their frailtie can neuer be free in this life in some degree or other Now vnto these God of his mercy is pleased to grant a pardon of course 1. Iohn 1.8 1. Iohn 2.2 notwithstanding his seruants step oft into them through weaknesse prouided they humble themselues seeke mercy and labour the mortification of their infirmities Abraham twice denied Sarah to be his wife saying Shâ— is my Sister Of Dauid it is recorded that though hee were a man after Gods owne heart in all things except the matter of Vriah yet of frailtie hee offended many times in the same particular There bee foule enormious notorious sins which wound the conscience and stop and hinder the liuely operation of grace and these mâ—st be repented of and aduisedly left and forsâ—ken before we can belieue to the pardon and forgiuenesse of them Neuerthelesse if a man haue often fallen into these offences he is not to despaire but seriously to confesse and to forsake hiâ— sinne that he may obtaine mercy For the Lord inuiteth the obstinate and rebellious to repent and by word and oath assureth them of forgiuenesse if they will returne And if wee looke vpon examples we shall finde many such who vpon humiliation and earnest prayer haue beene receiued vnto mercy But they haue fallen grieuously since conuersion So did Dauid and Peter who yet recouered by grace and vpon repentance were forgiuen A foule offence after grace receiued is not vnpardonable The bloud of Christ which washeth away the guilt of sinnes
before conuersion is sufficient to purge the conscience from sins after conuersion likewise We are commaunded to repent of taught to pray for the pardon of sinnes without exception It is of free mercy that former sinnes are couered and by the same mercy of God this trangression may be pardoâ—ed The mercy of God is euerlasting his couenant vnchangeable though we be vnfaithfull yet he cannot forget himselfe He delighteth to shew mercy and reioyceth in the soule that hath sinned but now lamenteth saying I haue sinned and it did not profit me The commaundement of god inioyning vs to forgiue our brother not seuen times but seuentie times seuen times if he repent is an expression of his readinesse to shew mercy to them who do oft and grevously offend if they returne by vnfained repentance and sue for mercy Oh then take heede that to other great and many sinnes infidelitie be not added Doubting begets deadnesse whereas lookâ—ng vp vnto the promises of mercy will both ease and soften the heart But they cannot belieue Indeeâ—e they thinke there is no promise of mercy made to them vpon which they should ground their confidence Therefore they must know that God calleth them in his word to come vnto him as if he did particularly name them and promiseth to receiue them vnto mercy and then they must consider of the frâ—e grace of God in promising and his faithfulnesse in making good whatsoeuer he hath promised that neither want of feeling nor conceit of vnworthinesse dis-hearten them from drawing nigh vnto him They must thinke seriously with themselues I neede mercy and the Lord hath promised it I thirst after it and the Lord will grant vnto mee my desire according to his promise I am vtterly vndone if I obtaine not helpe and helpe is not to bee found but in the Lord Iesus who louingly inuiteth me to come vnto him that I may be refreshed Seeing therefore I long for mercy the Lord makes offer of it in his dearely beloued Sonne I will goe vnto him and humble my soule before the throne of his grace I will entreate mercy and rolle my soule vpon the promise of saluation All my helpe is to looke off my selfe an obiect of confusion and looke vpon Christ an obiect of consolation therefore I cleaue vnto him as mine onely Sauiour and trust in him though he should kill me It doth not please God that I should stand alooffe and straine courtesie now he encourageth mee to come with confidence or giue way to doubtings now I haue his promise who neuer failed any that trusted in him who hath done more for me then euer he promised therfore I will goe vnto him in the mediation of Iesus Christ and importune his grace if I perish I will perish in his bosome to die for it nothing shall s perate me from his mercy A second cause of this slownesse may be ignorance of the way how this assurance is to be sought vpon what foundation it is to be laid in what ordeâ— they come vnto it Sometimes they mis-conceiue the promises as if they were offered only to Belieuers and not laid as the foundations of faith and thereupon falsely conclude that no promise is made vnto them because they cannot finde that they doe belieue Sometimes they mistake the nature of faith taking it to be a perswasion or assurance that their sinnes are pardoned and so conclude that they haue no faith because they want assurance when in the order of nature faith is precedent to actuall remission And many times Christians are herein deceiued that they feare to receiue and apply the promises of grace till they can finde in themselues such a measure of sanctification as is scarce if at all attaineable in this life These and such like blockes must bee remoued by good information acquainting themselues out of the word of God what faith is the order in which wee must climbe vp to assurance how the promises are to be receiued and what is the true vse of sanctification But two things are specially to be learned for their direction First that assoone as euer a man feeles sinne as a burden Isa 55.1 Ioh. 7 37. Numb 21.9 and doth truely earnestly feruently thirst to be eased of it he hath a calling to come vnto Christ to aske obtaine and receiue mercy He that was bitten with the fierie serpent was appointed to looke vp to the brasen Serpent that he might recouer Oh then delay no longer bee not held backe with vaine obiections and causelesse scruples Math. 11.28 1. Ioh. 3.24 Behold he calls thee to come why shouldest thou feare in respect of thy vilenes Faith is obedience and obedience is more acceptable then courtesie and complement The sooner thou commest the better welcome It is rudenesse and not good manners not to doe as thou art bidden to doe yea and so earnestly perswaded intreated and charged to do To doe the worke of God is to belieue in him whom he hath sealed and sent to be thy Sauiour Ioh. 6.29 And shâ—lt thou not tenne times more honour and please him in trusting vpon his mercies and sealing to his truth then in fearing his iustice and dreading his power Secondly hee that finds himselfe plunged into the gulfe of miserie by sinne and destitute of the sappe and fruite of grace is inuited to come vnto Christ that hee may receiue from him the grace of sanctification as well as remission Oh euery one that thirsteth Reu. 22.17 Isay 55.1.2 Ioh. 7.37.38 come yee to the waters Hee that belieueth out of his bellie shall flow riuers of water of life The barren in grace must come vnto Christ to be supplied of his fulnesse Gal. 3.14 By faith wee receiue the promised Spirit He that walloweth in sinne is not fitted to belieue for iustifying faith can neuer take sound rooting in the heart which is not resolued to forgoe the practice and hast cast off the loue of all sinne but when a man is wearie of sinne and finds emptinesse of grace as hee is commaunded to pray for mercy and the gifts of grace so is he to belieue in Christ for the obtaining of both Wherefore study striue endeuour to belieue and lay hold on the Rocke as in danger of drowning a man will doe on the tree or post that comes next to hand When thou hast in thy conceite most cause to despaire labour against it When thou hast no reason in thy apprehension to belieue belieue with all thy power when the fauour of God is lost to thy feeling it may be present to thy faith which discerneth what is promised though to sence it haue no being And for thine encouragement set before thine eies Christs freedome to all suiters in the time of his flesh repelling none who truely desiâ—ed the price of his bloud There be other causes of this weakenesse Directions to the weake to stirre vp themselues to bee when they feele no comfort which haue beene
mentioned and answered before Now if any poore and weake Christian desire to know as he desires nothing more how he should stirre vp himselfe to belieue the promise of forgiuenes when he wants the comfort of it yea when to his owne sence he feeles the contrarie First he must vnfainedly humble his soule before God in the confession of sin with earnest prayer for pardon For he that acknowledgeth his sins shall be receiued into fauour Ier 3.13 O Lord I haue sinned and thou art iustly displeased I haue cast off thy law and thy wrath is kindled against me My heart trembleth at the apprehension of thy sore dispeasure and I am afraid of thy iudgements All this is come vpon me by reason of my foolishnesse Psal 38.5 my smart and sorrow is bred in mine owne bosome I haue no rest in my bones because of my sinne Psal 38 3. But deare Father I looke vnto thee for mercy in Iesus Christ I beseech thee take away the transgression of thy seruant 2. Sam. 24 10. It is thy propertie to shew mercy it is thy free promise to pardon the iniquities transgressions and sinnes of thy people that turne vnto thee and pray for thy Names sake be fauorable to mine iniquities and remember my sin no more cast them behind thy backe Exod. 34.6.7 1. Reg 8.33.34 Isa 43.25 and 44.22 Isal 38.17 Mic. 7.18 Psal 52.2 doe them away as a mist and burie them in perpetuall obliuion I haue gone astray like a lost sheepe but now my desire is to returne home vnto thee With my whole heart I desire thy fauour O suffer mee not to perish vnder the burden of my sinne Remember not to my reuoltings from thy Commandements but according to the multitude of thy tender compassions remember me for thy goodnesse sake O Loâ—d Truth it is I am not worthy to be called thy sonne or to be pertaker of the least crumme of thy mercy But thou art a most louing and compassionate Father who dealest not according to the iniquities of thy children that trespasse against thee Num. 14.19 Psal 103.10 nor rewardest them according to their deserts who retainest not thine anger for euer because mercy pleaseth thee If thou wilt be mercifull to my sin then shall thy glory appeare my heart shall bee enflamed with thy loue I shall walke in thy feare and my tongue shall sing of thy goodnesse Secondly He must rowse and stirre vp himselfe to belieue with reasons drawne from the promises and couenant of God made in Iesus Christ considerations taken out of the Word and experience of his dealing with other his seruants in former times Psal 4â— Why art thou cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within mee Trust in God and cast thy burthen vpon him for hee will ease thee Math. 11.28 Esay 55.1 2. Mic. 7.19 Psal 65.3 Psal 85.2 Esay 1.18 2 Cor. 5.19 20. 1 John 3.23 Thou hast his promise confirmed by oath and couenant that hee will cast thy sinnes into the bottome of the Sea purge away thy transgressions foâ—giue thine iniquities couer all thine infirmities and neuer remember them any more Behold hee perswadeth intreateth beseecheth commandeth thee to belieue why art thou afraid It is the will of God that thou shouldst rest on his mercy hee cannot bee offended for that which himselfe commandeth nor denie that which he hath promised Rom. 5.20 Eph. 5.2 1.7 If sinne abound mercie shall abound much more His burning wrath is pacified in Iesus Christ who hath giuen himselfe an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweete smelling sauour that grace might glorifie herselfe in the pardoning of thy offences Hast thou nothing to bring before him but sinne and impietie that hee abhorreth Hee looketh vpon thee in his deare Sonne Iesus Christ Rom. 3.25 Hosea 14.3 whom hee hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his bloud and loueth freely Doest thou require testimonies of his vndeserued kindnesse God so loued the world Iohn 3.16 that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer belieueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Esay 54.8 Ezek. 16 60. He hath entred into a free and euerlasting couenant with thee and waited long for thy conuersion when thou wentest astray and will he not much more haue mercie vpon thee now thou prayest Why art thou dismayed at the sight of thy great vnworthinesse Miserie is the obiect of mercy Acts 9.11 the greater thy distresse the more glorious will bee the grace of God in thy deliuerance The baâ—er thou art in thine owne sight the fitter to belieue for faith excludes all conceite of worth and receiueth pardon as a meere gift of grace Sinfull men whose compassions are not as the drop of a bucket to the huge Ocean if compared with the infinite Sea of mercie which is in our God must forgiue their Brethren till seuentie times seuen times Luke 17.34 if they sinne against them and repent Our God who requires so much of vs who haue nothing but what he giueth will hee not deale tenderly with the poore soule which hath sinned and repenteth God hath done more for vs then for shame we could desire before we asked any thing at his hand yea when wee sought to excuse our disobedience and charge the fault vpon his Highnesse what will he not doe when we accuse our selues and pray for mercie My soule nothing can hurt thee but vnbeliefe Thou art wounded by sinne Belieue in Christ and by his bloud thou art healed God is angry Belieue and thou art reconciled All variance ceaseth when thou art knit vnto Christ Wherefore shake off dâ—strust hearken no longer to the assaults of Satan but roll thy selfe vpon the Lord and sticke fast vnto his mercie If thou want the sence of his loue thou hast his promise that hee will be good vnto thee cleaue vnto it aboue all thou canst feele see or comprehend O my God I will trust in thee though thou shouldest kill me I will belieue thy fauour when thou frownest vpon me and expect comfort when I lie groaning vnder the heauie weight of thy displeasure Thou causest man for a time to possesse the sinnes which thou hast pardoned and I will belieue the pardon of my sins when thou seâ—mest to set them in order before my face Thirdly Hee must bee instant with the Lord to giue him both strength of faith and the sight of his beliefe that he may know he doth belieue vnfainedly Giue me Gratious Father to belieue as thou commanded mee to relie vpon thee Thou stretchest forth thy hand in loue and offerest rich treasures of goodnesse to them that lay hold vpon them create in mee the hand of faith that I may effectually receiue what in mercy thou reachest forth The knowledge of faith is of thee as is the gift it selfe giue me the Spirit of reuelation that I may discerne truly what thou hast giuen me
that my lips may sing of thy prayse all the day long Fourthly He must comfort his heart in the certaintie of Gods Word though for the present he feele no comfort Returne vnto thy rest O my soule for the Lord will deale bountifully with thee His Word is gone forth in truth waite a little while and thou shalt behold the light of his countenance The Lord deferreth to grant the comfort of forgiuenesse Why God deferreth to grant the profit of forgiuenesse that hee might confirme faith traine thee vp in obedience trie thy patience preserue his graces and doe thee good in the later end Thou art alreadie blessed because the grant of pardon is sealed and receiued the sence of deliuerance pertaineth to the execution which for a little season is deferred that it may bee perfected with greater glory to God and comfort to thy selfe Blessed bee the Lord who hath turned away his eyes from my transgressions but hath not turned away his mercy from me Reioyce in the Lord O my soule againe I say reioyce for he hath couered thine iniquities and purged away thy sinne that thou shalt not die Oh the blessednesse of that man whose iniquities are forgiuen to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne Fiftly Thus faith is daily to be preserued and quickened vnto which it is not vnprofitable to adde some thoughts concerning the blessednesse of the Man whose debts are cancelled out of Gods Booke the grace and loue of God who vouchsafeth to shew compassion herein the price that was payed to diuine Iustice that grace might iustly conferre this blessing vpon them that belieue These things may serue to quicken the heart in the consideration of this mercie CHAP. III. What it is to liue by faith touching the promises of Sanctification and how to stirre vp our selues thereunto Of the promises of sanctification THe next spirituall promises of things absolutely necessarie to saluation are concerning Sanctification or the killing of sinne and quickening vs to newnesse of life by the continued infusion of holinesse and renouation of our hearts according to Gods Image and to the enabling vs to walke in new obedience according to couenant And this is signified by the generall tearmes of subduing sauing washing cleansiâ—g and purging from sinne and iniquitie Mic 7.18 19. Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquitie and passeth by the trangression of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because hee delighteth in mercy He will turne againe he will haue compassion vpon vs hee will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea Math. 1.21 He shall saue his p ople from their sinne which as it is true in the matter of our Iustification for the forgiuenesse of our sinne so also in the point of Sanctification for deliuering vs from the power of sinne And so are the like generall speeches to be vnderstood Iohn 1 29. 1 Iohn 2.2 1 Iohn â— 7 that Christ is the Lambe of God which takâ—th away the sinnes of the world that he was manifested to take away our sinnes that the bloud of Christ clenseth vs from all sinne Apoc. 1.5 that hee loued vs and washed vs from our sinnes in his owne bloud And this is that which the Lord of his free mercie promised to effect for his Church and people Esay 4.3 4. And it shall come to passe that he that is left in Zion and he that remaineth in Ierusalem shall be called holy euen euery one that is written among the liuing in Ierusalem When the Lord shall haue washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and shall haue purged the bloud of Ierusalem from the midst thereof by the Spirit of Iudgement and by the spirit of burning Now seeing we haue such promises from God it followeth necessarily that a Christian is allowed to belieue A Christian is allowed to beleeue these promises that God of his free grace in Christ will purge him from the filthy remainders of sinne and renew him more and more after his owne Image in righteousnesse and true holinesse In the couenant of grace which God made with his people hee promiseth to take away their hearts of stone Ezek. 11.19 Ier. 31.33 32.40 Ezek. 36.26 27 and to giue them hearts of flesh to put his law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts to put his feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from him and to giue them a new heart and to put his Spirit within them But what God promiseth faith receiueth It is no presumption but true obedience to assure our selues from God of whatsoeuer hee hath past his promise and entred into band and couenant freely to giue The burdened are inuited to come vnto Christ for ease and the thirstie for refreshing Is any man dried withered and burnt vp for lacke of the sap and moisture of grace the fountaine is set open vnto him hee may come and drinke to the satisfying of his soule If any man thirst Reuel 22.17 Iohn 7.37 Verse 38. let him come vnto me and drinke He that belieueth on me as the Scripture saith out of his belly shall flow riuers of liuing water Christ is the fountaine of grace and the well of life euer-flowing and euer full John 1.16 Col. 1.19 Ephes 1 23. Col. 3.10 11. Col. 2.10 of whose fulnes euery Belieuer doth receiue grace for grace who filleth all in all who is all in all in whom wee are compleate filled with all heauenly graces which serue to remoue euill or set vs in state of blessednesse There is no grace but from Christ no communion with Christ but by faith From Christ we receiue to belieue and from him belieuing we daily sucke the life of grace Christ is made vnto vs of God Wisdome and Sanctification 1. Cor. 1.30 as well as Righteousnesse and Redemption and as it is our dutie to belieue in Christ for pardon of sinne so to embrace him by faith for sanctification and to bee filled with his gifts of grace in our measure Christ by his bloud hath purchased for his people all spirituall blessings in heauenly things Apoc. 1.5 Ephes 1.3 2. Pet. 1.3 euen all thâ—ngs that pertaine to glory in the world to come and to liue godly in this present world But what Christ hath purchased that we may assuredly belieue God will bestow He will not with-hold any thing that he hath gratiously giuen to our Sauiour on our behalfe We are taught to aske of God in Iesus Christ increase and strength of grace that wee may be inabled to walke before him in new obedience Col. 1.9 10. We cease not to pray for you and to desire that yee might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdome and spirituall vnderstanding That yee might walke worthy of the Lord vnto all pleasing being fruitfull in euery good worke and increasing in
will not suffer that roaring Lion aboue measure to discharge vpon them This faith assures of 1. Cor. 10.13 and perswades quietly to waite for Ninthly If Satan renew his assaults faith stands prepared through the power of God to make resistance afresh When Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan he besought the Lord often in that thing 2. Cor. 12.8 Thus when wee are led into darknesse without light wee leane vpon God and cry vnto him for saluation If a childe haue his Father by the hand though he be in the darke or otherwise see what hurt might him approach and make often at him yet he is not afraid and so it is with vs whilest by the eye of faith wee see that inuisible one at out right hand to support and saue vs. Neither are wee scarred at this that Satan doth shift his temptations and returne againe after hee had left vs for a season But hauing experience of Gods gratious dealing and tender compassion we flie vnto him and shrowd our selues vnder the shade of the Almightie If wee haue in some fits found case by this or that meanes we know if wee come into like case how to helpe our selues it is wee say but doing such a thing or taking such a matter thus hauing once found in distresse and temptation strength and deliuerance by recourse to our God in Christ we know what to doe when such like state returneth on vs. Satan will not cease to assaile though hee bee ouercome nor the Belieuer faint though he be set vpon againe and againe but hauing once returned with victory through the power of God hee will abide in the secret place of the most High for euer Why the godly sometimes want the sight of Gods graces Tenthly The faithfull are the Lords vessels which he vseth to scoure by temptations True it is that in the time of triall the graces of the Spirit doe not so much appeare to the notice of the belieuing heart but by the ouer-ruling prouidence of God they serue for the increase of grace as the truth teacheth faith belieueth and experience can testifie Thus faith ministreth comfort in the most bitter agonies if it bee rightly vsed and stirred vp But what if the child of God be brought so low that he can discerne no sparke of faith no fruit of grace no marke of Gods loue in himselfe It is not to be doubted but the seruants of Christ through their weaknes are oft brought by extremity of temptation into wofull desolation which yet the Lord doth wisely order for the glory of his Name and the good of his deiected seruants And as in other things so in this that they cannot discerne any fruit of the Spirit wherewith through the mercy of God they are comfortably replenished For the blustering Tempests which the enemy raiseth against them cause such disturbance in the soule and fill the heart with such confusion feare and terrour that for the present they are altogether vnable to iudge of their owne estate For when the Mind is ouer-clouded with the mists of Temptation as the eye with the rising of dust and the heart tossed too and fro with vnquietnesse as the waues of the Sea when the winds are boisterous conscience by recoiling vpon the soule cannot conceiue or giue right notice of it true state and temper Troubled water will not giue backe the reflection of the countenance nor an afflicted Spirit the true disposition of the inner man When the poore Christian makes search into himselfe the temptation first puts forth it selfe wherewith the heart is daunted and thereupon concludeth that no grace doth lodge or abide in him because at first sight it doth not appeare Vnto these may be added that good men are sometimes pertishly disposed to cast away all they haue as nothing because they haue not what they desire or imagine others to enioy herein resembling little children who for want of some small trifle that they desire or some of their fellowes haue throw away many things much more pretious But not to inquire further into the causes of this mistaking The Remedie of this the remedy is First hee must know that as in sicke persons we see it commeth to passe they thinke there is no hope of life when the Physician and standers by see certaine and vndoubted tokens of health So it is oftentimes in these spirituall sicknesses Secondly It is the wisdome of a Christian in this case to obserue the marke that Satan driues at which is to hide from his sight the graces of the Spirit that he might bring him to despaire This being the Deuils aime hee must stirre vp himselfe to belieue and roll his soule vpon Christ for saluation For when he can see no grace in his soule he cannot but see himselfe to be miserable and so called to come vnto Christ the fountaine of liuing waters that by him hee might be replenished in him hee might find refreshing Againe taking courage to belieue hee disappoints Satan who intendeth not so much to draw him into security as to force him to cast away all hope of mercie Oh but a Christian is to examine and try himselfe whether hee be inriched with the graces of the Spirit or no True it is that the examination of our hearts is a necessary duty but to be done in due order so as we be stirred vnto not driuen froÌ„ the practice of other duties no lesse needfull But when the soule is distempered with the assaults of Satan and vnable to iudge of it owne state it is vnseasonable to make search into our hearts and preposterous is to giue place to doubtings because wee cannot find what wee desire Wee haue a commandement to belieue as well as to proue our selues both which must bee coupled together otherwise neither can be done as they ought and it is a plaine case that he who finds himselfe to be poore and naked is called to come vnto Christ that hee might receiue of his fulnesse bee inriched with his plentie If thou canst not find in thy selfe what thou seekest after come vnto Iesus Christ and belieue in him that thou mayest receiue what thou seekest and is to bee found in him Thirdly The distressed soule must learne that the grace of God worketh not alwayes alike in his children When we walke in the fields in winter we see not only no good fruit but not so much as a leafe on the trees in some also the very trunke or stocke appeareth to be dead yet is the sâ—p hidden in the root which in due time will shew that the tree was neuer dead When fire is raked vp there appeareth oftentimes a sort of cold dead ashes when there are vndeâ—neâ—th certaine sparkes of which you may afterward make a fire Yea many times the fruits of grace may shine in the conuersation to the eyes of others when the powers and stirrings of grace inwardly being hindred with temptations cannot be felt Fourthly The
long and manifold temptations of Satan wherewith hee seekes to throw Christians head-long into despaire is to them a testimonie of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts For the power and strength whereby those assaults are repelled Math. 12.43 44 Luke 11.24 25 26. is it not of God The vncleane spirit might easily enter into the house with seuen other spirits worse then himselfe and dwell there if he found it swept and garnished that is empty and destitute of grace The strong man armed might well breake into the house if a stronger then hee did not keepe possession As the children of God are conquerours ouer many temptations so one only temptation and that of no long continuance is able to sinke the stoutest among the Reprobates who are meere drosse and refuse into the bottomlesse pit of Hell The strong assaults whereby the Deuill laboureth the ouer-throw of the poore seruant of God is to him an argument of strength receiued or that God will strengthen him For if he looke vnto God in the tentation he calleth not forth his seruants to the conflict vntill they be furnished nor will he let Satan loose vntill he haue inabled them to make resistance He will not lay waight vpon greene Timber nor crush the tender youngling with burdens vnsupportable whom God doth imploy in his warre either hee hath or will make them able for the seruice If he haue an eye vnto Satans malice why doth he muster all his forces to besiege if there bee no strength to withstand The long continued furious tentations of Satan doe make proofe that the heart is well fortified against him Meanes to stirre vp our selues to liue by faith in time of dreadfull temptation The way and meanes to stirre vp faith in these perplexities and times of grieuous temptations is First the distressed Christian must vnfainedly humble his soule for former ignorance vanitie of Minde disesteeme of mercy timorousnes discontent vnbeliefe misinterpreting the Lords doings solitary musings on the temptations of Satan selfe confidence and such other sinnes which may seeme to set vpon the soule to the fierce and dreadfull assaults of Satan and in that acknowledgement and humiliation hee must vnfold his present misery before the Lord. O my God I am ashamed and confounded and blush to lift vp my face to thee my God Ezra 9.6 for my sins are multiplied exceedingly and mine iniquities are risen vp against me I was conceiued in sinne I I haue liued in vanitie my thoughts are loose mine affections boisterous I haue disesteemed mercy regarded lying vanities giuen way to doubtfull reasonings pettishly taken on when my carnall desires haue beene crossed distusted thy promises disputed with thee of thy iudgements giuen way to thoughts of vnbeliefe harboured vnquietnesse and discontent and so exposed my soule to the most violent horrible and fierie tentations and assaults of Satan My soule which should be seasoned with sweete meditation on thy goodnesse mercie and grace manifested in Iesus Christ delighted in the promises of mercie and rauished with the ioyes of Heauen is continually pestered and assailed with the blacke and hellish thoughts of Atheisme despaire blasphemie discontent and extreamely tortured with soule-vexâ—ng feares O my God looke mercifully vpon the miserie of a poore distressed sinner I am brought into great darkenesse and can see no light There is no soundnesse in my flesh nor rest in my bones nor quiet in my soule My heart trembleth my strength faileth me my life is spent with griefe my spirit within mee is ouerwhelmed and preuailing feares so tyrannize ouer me that I cannot speake My Minde is full of disorder and confusion my heart of terrour my soule refuseth comfort In the day I am terrified with thoughts in the night affrighted with dreames Psal 38.8.10 Psal 32.4 I am sore wounded and broken I goe mourning and desolate all the day my moisture is like the drought of summer and in this deepe discomfort the Tempter ceaseth not to suggest Psal 3.2 That there is no helpe for me in my God Secondly hee must complaine of the malice of the Deuill and instantly intreate the Lord to pardon sinne bridle restraine and tread Satan vnder foote Whiles I declare mine iniquitie and am sorry for my sinne the Deuill rageth with incredible fury seeking to deuoure and swallow me vp He fighteth against me continually night and day is my soule vexed with temptations to be abhorred If I say I will remember the mercies of the Lord and thinke vpon his Name I will vnloade my soule into the bosom of my heauenly Father and waite vpon his grace then he suggesteth impious thoughts and horrible blasphemies to the great annoyance miserable distraction astonishment and vexation of my poore soule Remember me O my God according to the multitude of thy tender compassions and blot mine iniquities out of thy remembrance for thy Names sake Psal 130.5 There is mercy with thee concerning sinne pardon the trespasses of thy poore seruant and impute not vnto mee those hellish thoughts suggested by Satan which through thy grace I detest vnfainedly vnder which I desire to be sincerely humbled and from which I heartily begge to bee deliuered Returne O Lord Psal 31.16 cause the light of thy countenance to shine vpon mee refresh my parched soule with the sence of thy mercy dispell the mists of tentation rebuke Satan and restraine his malice Thou art the God of peace tread Satan Rom. 16.20 I beseech thee vnder my feete shortly that with a quiet and chearefull Spirit I may sing of thy praise and serue thee in holinesse and righteousnes all the daies of my life Thou art my strength and portion my rocke and towre of defence vnto thee doe I flie for succour Oh plead my cause against the enimie of my soule and thy glory I am purposed through thy grace to sticke and cleaue fast vnto thy mercy neuer to assent vnto or approue his horrible suggestions 1. Ioh. 5.18 Psal 35.17 Ps 22.21.22 Oh keepe mee that the euill one may neuer touch me Lord how long wilt thou looke on rescue my soule from the fierie assaults of that wicked one my darling from the Lyon I am sore troubled I am bowed downe greatly Psal 31.10 I walke in heauinesse all the day long My heart panteth my soule is exceedingly disquieted with tentations Ps 35.22 23. This thou hast seene O Lord keepe not silence O Lord bee not farre from mee Stirre vp thy selfe and awake to my iudgement curbe and chaine vp Satan that he may molest no longer and strengthen thy poore seruant that through thy might I may conquer and tryumph ouer him And my soule shall reioyce in the Lord Psal 35.9.10 it shall reioyce in his saluation All my bones shall say Lord who who is like vnto thee which deliuerest the poore from him that is too strong for him yea the poore and needie from him that spoyleth him Thirdly hee must
cease to muse on the tentations of Satan and stirre vp himselfe couragiously valiantly to trust in the mercies of the Lord and relie vpon his grace Why art thou cast downe Psal 43.5 O my soule and why art thou disquieted within mee why dost thou harbour perplexing doubtfull thoughts and in much pensiuenesse tosse too and fro the tentations of Satan Psal 39.3 This musing kindles the fire the more thou thinkest vpon the tentat on and art disquieted with doubtings the greater libertie hath the Deuill to tempt the lesse able are thou to with-stand his malice If thou bee deiected he will be insolent if thou be affâ—ighted he will bee the more furious Trust therefore in the Lord and waite vpon his grace for hee hath seene thine aduersitie he will heare thy prayers the sinnes cleauing to the tentations which thou so much fearest are pardoned forgiuen vnto thee Euill thoughts conceiued with delight pleasure and purpose are most displeasing vnto God dangerous vnto the soule but euen hellish tentations which neuer found consent or approbation vnder which thou art humbled from which thou earnestly crauest to bee deliuered doubt not but vpon thine vnfained suite they are freely remitted and done away Be strong and of good courage feare not nor be dismaied for the Lord will be thy defence and vnder the shadow of his wings thou shalt be safe Satan cannot tempt longer then God shall giue him leaue and hee will neuer suffer thee to be tempted aboue measure but will giue a good issue vnto the tentation 1. Cor. 10 13. Thou art called to fight vnder the banner of Christ Iesus and in the name of the Lord thou shalt be inabled to doe valiantly and ouercome Psal 60.12 2. Cor. 12.9 If Satan continue his assaults Gods grace is sufficient for thee If thy strength be cleane gone Gods power shall be magnified the more in thee and he hath brought thee low that thou maist not trust in thy selfe 2. Cor. 1.9 but in the liuing Lord and that the whole praise of the victory might bee ascribed vnto him If thy strength did remaine it was not to be leaned vnto and now it is decayed and gone there is no cause of feare for the Lord w ll be thy stay In the most difficult assaults and tedious encounters wee are exhorted Ephes 6.10 to bee strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Be of good courage and God will grant thee an easie a ioyfull victorie Satans drift in tempting is to turmoile dis-hearten perplexe with feares and driue into despaire and if thou take heart and courage to rest quietly vpon Gods grace and flie vnto his Name thou shalt put him to flight thou hast alreadie got the day Waite but a while and these darke mists and terrible stormes shall be dispersed By these temptations the Lord hath taught thee to see thy weaknesse and the malice of Satan to denie thine owne wisdome and prize his fauour lightly to esteeme all things here below and highly to value mercy reaching to the pardon of sinne and heauenly communion and fellowship with God And if this bitter potion hath wrought so kindly for thy spirituall good why shouldst thou bee dismayed Trust in the Lord bee of good courage and hee shall strengthen thee Psal 31.24 27.14 Psal 34.22 The Lord redeemeth the soule of his seruants and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate Fourthly He must exercise himselfe in wel-doing harbour holy and heauenly meditations nourish the motions of Gods Spirit bee zealous and diligent in Prayer reading and hearing the Word of God chearefull and industrious in the workes of his honest calling For idlenesse and deiected lumpishnesse and excessiue feare prepare for all temptations but serious and good imployment is a speciall meanes to preuent or diuert them In this case constant proceeding in a course of godlinesse and continuall exercise of Minde and Bodie in that which is good and pleasing in the sight of God doth much more auaile then direct opposition I haue too long vexed and turmoiled my selfe with the temptations of Satan broken off the exercise of godlinesse directly to answere and oppose them yeelded to thoughts of vnbeliefe giuen way to discouragements as if it had beene in vaine to pray omitted the dutie vpon conceit of vnfitnesse dulnesse vnworthinesse accounted the duties of my calling tedious and burthensome set open my heart to intangling scruples and distracting feares questioning the loue of God towards me vpon euery false suggestion and concluding oft through vnbeliefe that God had shut vp h s louing kindnesse for euer in displeasure So foolish haue I beene and ignorant euen in this point a beast Pardon O Lord the infidelity doubting deiectednesse and carnall excessiue feares of thy poore seruant deliuer my soule from the snares of Satan acquaint me with his Methods in tempting and how I may preuent him and strengthen me in the combate that I neuer faint nor breake off the course of godlinesse through vnbeliefe I am purposed through thy grace to cast my soule vpon thy tender mercies to seeke thy face continually to waite vpon thee in thine ordinances and to exercise my selfe in the workes of Pietie Mercie and an honest calling If Satan tempt to distrust raise feares seeke to discourage my soule or break off my prayers by his hellish suggestions I will striue to maintaine my faith lay faster hold vpon the promises of mercy stop mine eares against scruples and doubtings take greater courage to draw nigh vnto God belieue the acceptance of my willing though weake seruice and by how much the Deuill shall seeke to oppose or hinder my comfort courage or constancie so much the more will I stirre vp my selfe to goe forward and continue therein The Lord will heare a sigh or groane bottle vp a teare and gratiously accept poore and meane seruice from a sick childe I perceiue the maine scope of Satan in suggesting hellish temptations is to driue me into despaire disquiet the soule with feares cast me into deepe vnprofitable sorrow and discourage in euery holy dutie that I might altogether neglect it or with great heartlesnesse go about it as if it were vnprofitable should neuer be accepted And I shall then preuent Satan and put him to flight when I take occasion by his temptations to sticke closer vnto the word of promise stirre vp my selfe zealously to seeke the fauour of God turne my thoughts from disputing about his suggestions pray that I may be fitted to pray waite vpon God for helpe begge the pardon of daily infirmities and take heart and resolution to commit my soule vnto him in wel-doing striuing daily to reforme what is amisse and grow in grace but not questioning acceptance because of my infirmities present dulnesse and distemper of soule being wasted and spent Psal 17.13 whiles I struggled with the temptations of the Deuill Arise O Lord disappoint Satan cast him downe
Lord thy God led thee these fortie yeares in the wildernesse to humble thee and to proue thee to know what was in thine heart Psal 66.10 Purge For thou O God hast proued vs thou hast tried vs as siluer is tried And I will turne my hand vpon thee and purâ—ly purge away thy drosse Esa 1 25. 4.4 Esay 27.9 Refine Dan. 11.35 12.10 Zech. 13.9 and take away all thy sinne By this therefore shall the iniquity of Iacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sinne And some of them of vnderstanding shall fall to trie them and to purge and to make them white And I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as siluer is refined and will try them as gold is tried and they shall call on my Name and I will heare them 1. Pet. 1.6 7. Now for a season if need be yee are in heauinesse through manifold temptations That the triall of your faith being much more pretious then gold that perisheth though it bee tried with fire might bee sound vnto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Iâ—sus Christ 1. Pet. 4.12 Thinke it not strange concerning the fiery triall Iob 33.16 17 18. Hosea 2.6 7. which is to try you as though some strange thing happened vnto you He openeth the eares of men and sealeth their instruction That he may with-draw man from his purpose and hide pride from man He keepeth backe his soule from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword He openeth also their eare to discipline Iob 36.10 16. Confirme grace Deut 8.16 Iames 1.2 3. and commandeth that they returne from iniquitie Who led thee through that great and terrible wildernesse and that hee might proue thee to doe thee good at thy latter end My brethren count it all ioy when yea fall into diuers temptations knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience We glory in tribulations also Rom. 5.3 4 5. knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience Iohn 15.2 Saue and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed Euery branch that beareth fruit hee purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit When we are iudged 1. Cor. 11.32 we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for vs a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory Behold 2. Cor. 4.17 He will deliuer them Iob 5.17 18. out of trouble happy is the man whom God correcteth therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty For he maketh sore and bindeth vp he woundeth and his hand maketh whole He shall deliuer thee in sixe troubles yea in seuen there shall no euill touch thee Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest Psal 94.12 13. O Lord and teachest out of thy law That thou mayest giue him rest from the dayes of aduersity vntill the pit bee digged for the wicked Iames 1.12 Is tender ouer them in trouble Psal 56 8. Psal 31.7 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when hee is tried hee shall receiue the crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him Thou tellest my wandrings put thou my teares in thy bottle are they not in thy booke I will be glad and reioyce in thy mercy for thou hast considered my trouble Psal 33.18 19. thou hast knownâ— my soule in aduersities Behold the eye of the Lord is vpon them that feare him vpon them that hope in his mercy To deliuer their soule from death and to keepe them aliue in famine The righteous cry Psal 4.17 18. and the Lord heareth them and deliuereth them out of all their troubles The Lord is nigh vnto them that are of a broken heart and saueth such as be of a contritâ— spi it Psal 9.9 Verse 18. The Lord also will be a refuge for the opprâ—ssed a râ—fuge iâ— times of trouble The needy shall not alwayes b e fâ—rgotten â—sal â—6 1. and present so their help Esay 41.10 11 12. the expectation of the poore shall not perish for euer God is our refuge and strength a very pâ—esent helpe in trouble Feare thou not for I am with thee bee not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will helpe thee yea I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse Behold all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded they shall be as nothing and they that striue with thee shall perish Verse 14. Feare not thou worme Iacob and yee men of Israel I will helpe thee saith the Lord and thy Redeemer Esay 49.13 14 1â— 16 17. the holy One of Israel Sing O Heauen and be ioyfuâ—l O Earth and breake forth into singing O Mountaines for God hath comforted his people and will haue mercy vpon his afflicted But Zion said The Lord hath forsaken me and my God hath forgotten mee Can a woman forget her sucking babe that she should not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe yea they may forget yet will not I forget thee Behold I haue grauâ—n thee vpon the palmes of my hands thy wals are continuaâ—y before me Psal 91.14 15. Because he hath set his loue vpon me therefore will I deliuer him I will set him on high because he hath knowne my Name He shall call vpon me and I will answere him I will be with him in trouble I will deliuer him and honour him In these and such like passages of holy Scripture wee see with what loue and tendernesse the Lord doth correct his children for the glory of his great Name and their exceeding great benefit that they might know themselues their frailâ—es and graces bee purged from their drosse emptied of selfe-conceitednesse confirmed in hope patience humilitie quiâ—kened vnto prayâ—r and fitted for his kingdome how gâ—atiously he doâ—h protect and comfort them â—n hâ—auinesse l ghten their daâ—kenes heale their wounds kâ—epâ— their feete from falling couer them with his fâ—athers hide them in his pauilion and set them vpon high from such as rise vp against them He is the saluation of the righteous and their strength in time of trouble Psal 37.39 Ier. 29.11 His thoughâ—s towards them are thoughts of peace and not of euill to giue an expected end Esay 43.1 2. Psal 73.23.24 Hee is continually with them and holdeth them by their hand hee will guide them with his counsell and afterward receiue them vnto glory These promises so often repeated bee firme grounds wheâ—eupon to builde our faith that we shall not be hindred by afflictions in our Christian course but rather furthered till we attaine vnto the end of our course in Gods Kingdome And surely it is most necessarie that we learne to liue by faith in afflictions It s necessary to learne to liue by faith in affliction
They are spots in the feasts of Charitie Inde verse 12. Matth. 24.38 â—9 who feed without feare Eating drinking building matter of marriage the world shall be drowned in these when Christ comes to Iudgement How many times doe the best offend in lawfull things The pleasure we take in these things Iob 1.5 how insensibly doth it steale the heart away from spiâ—ituall delights how doth it indispose the frame of the soule to heauenly exercises how doth it cherish wrath Prou. 23.1 2 3. and foster vnbridled passions Daintie meates are very dangerous and deceitfull for the sensible delight they giue whereby the appetite is inordinately moued after them doth presse downe the soule that it cannot mount aloft in spirituall contemplation These euils faith doth wisely foresee and watch to preuent Sixtly It lifteth vp the soule in thankesgiuing Our Sauiour blessed the Table as well by praising God for his mercie Deut. 8.10 1 Tim. 4 4 as by prayer for a blessing The creatures are not ours but the Lords we must not meddle with them before wee haue craued leaue and when we haue made vse of them for supply of our necessitie we must not forget to returne praise If men borrow ought of their neighbour when they bring it home they forget not to giue thankes Great is the misery of man if hee want these outward comforts and the greater our miserie without them the more â—ncomprehensible is the Lords mercie in supplying our nâ—cessitie The prouidence of God in ministr ng daily food is no lesse wonderfull then was his feedâ—ng of Israel in the wildernesse with Mâ—nna and Quailes from Heauen for as we are not fed as they were so â—re we preserued from their necessitie That the earth should yeeld her increase for our daly sustenance so as wee feele no extremitie is it not as great a blessing as to bee supplied from Heauen when we are brought into distresse who would not chuse rather neuer to be sicke then to recouer by miracle what man would noâ— rather enioy the constant benefit of eye-sight then to bee restored after long blindnesse Besides they bee not simply fauours which for the present sustaine nature but they are some small pittance of our childs portion pawnes of our heauenly inheritance which doth adde much vnto their sweetnesse If friends be absent a letter a token serues much to maintaine loue and kindnesse now these be some of those loue-tokens which our heauenly Father sendeth vnto vs that he might draw our loue vnto him Seuenthly Faith is frugall compassionate industrious After wee haue beene refreshed it suffers not the meate which remâ—ineth to be lost but reserueth it for good vse At greater feasts it is mindfuâ—l of the poore Iohn 6.12 Amos 6.6 Esay 5.12 at ordinarie meales it remembers the affliction of Ioseph regardeth the worke of the Lord and consiâ—ereth the operation of his hâ—nds For the mercies of God receiued by faith doe leaue an imp ession of his mercie vpon the soule and so our compassion towards others is increased as the mercies of God are multiplied vpon vs. Daily refreshing renueth the continuall remembrance of our infirmities and begetteh a liuely sense of the miseries oâ— them that want and stand in neede And when vigour of Mâ—nde anâ— body is repaired it setteth vs about the worke and businesse whereunto wee are â—ppointed of God God giues none food to liue idle Men looke for work from them to whom they giue meate drinke and wages and shall not wee labour in the work of God who liue daily on his allowance CHAP. IX What it is to liue by faith touching the Commandements which God hath giuen for direction of our liues according to which wee ought to walke IN the word of grace the Lord calleth for vniuersall voluntarie sincere vniforme constant obedience and promiseth both to â—nable his Children to doe what is pleasing and to accept of their willing though weake seruice The first of these branches is apparent and well knowne to them thâ—t be any whit exercised in the word the second hath beene proued at large alreadie neuerthelesse that weake Christians might haue in readinesse some grounds of faith in these particulars it will not be sâ—perfluous to point to some passages of Scripture where they may see them confirmed The Lord calls for willing chearefull vniuersall vnfained constant obedience Gen. 17.1 Exod. 19.5 That Christians are bound to serue God willingly and cheerefully without constraint vniuersally in holines and righteousnes vnfainedly as in his sight al the dayes of their life constantly in all estates vnto the end these few texts may be sufficient to pâ—oue I am the Almighty God walke before me and be thou perfect If yee will obey my voyce indeede and keepe my couenant then yee shall be a peculiar treasure vnto mee aboue all people Deut. 5.29 and 6.2 O that there were such an heart in them that they would feare me and keepe my commandements alwayes that it might bee well with them Deut. 6.17 and with their Children for euer You shall diligently keepe the Commandements of the Lord your God â—f thou shalt hearken diligently vnto the voyce of the Lord thy God Deut. 28.1 to â—bseruâ— and to doe all his Commandements which I commaund thee this day the Lord thy God will set thee on high aboue all the nations of the earth Take diligent heede to doe the commaundement and the lâ—w which Moses the seruant of the Lord charged you Josh 22.5 and 23.8 24.14 1 Chro. 28.9 to loue the Lord your God and to walke in all his wayes and to keâ—pe his Commandements and to cleaue vnto him and to serue him with all your heart and withall your soule Blessed are they that keepe iudgement Psal 106.3 and he that doth iustice at all times To this end are we deliuered out of the hâ—nds of our enemies Luk. 1.74.75 that we might serue him without feare in holinâ—sse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes our life Pro 23.17 Be thou in the feare of the Lord all the day long And looke what seruice the Lord doth expect and call for Psal 25.12 that he will enable his people in couenant to performe What man is he that feareth the Lord him will he teach in the way that he shall chuse Deut. 30.6 The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to the loue Lord thy God with all thy heart and withall thy soule that thou maist liue Verse 8. Ieremi 24.7 And thou shalt returne and obey the voyce of the Lord and doe all his commandements which I commaund thee this day And I will giue them an heart to know mee that I am the Lord Ezek. 11.19 and they shall be my people and I will be their God for they shall returne vnto me with their whole heart And I will put a new Spirit within you and I will
take the stonie heart out of their flesh and will giue them an heart of flesh I will saue them out of their dwelling places Ezek. 37.23.24 whâ—rein they haue sinned and will cleanse them so shall they bee my people and I will be their God And Dauid my seruant shall be king ouer them and they shall all haue one sheepheard they shall also walke in my iudgements and obâ—erue my statutes and doe them In that day sing yee vnto her A vineyard of red wine I the Lord doe keepe it and will water it every moment lest any hurt it I will keepe it night and day Isay 27.2.3 Surely shall one say In the Lord haue I righteousnes and strength Isay 45.24 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God They shall still bring forth fruite in old age Psal 92.13.14 Rom. 6.14 they shall bee fat and flâ—urishing Sinne shall not haue dominion oueâ— you Now we are dâ—liu red fro the law that being dead wherein we were held Rom. 7.6 that we should serue in newnâ—s of Spirit and not in oldnes of the letter I can doe all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Phil. 4 13. The Christians obedience is imperfect but pleasing Pro. 12.22 Psâ—l 147.11 Psal 149.4 The obedience of the faithfull which through the power of grace they performe is weake imperfect but pleasing acceptable vnto God The Lord taketh pleasure in them that feare him in those that hope in his mercy The Lord taketh pleasure in his people he will beautifie the meeke with saluation In euery nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousnesse is accepted of him The Lord by Moses did often times tell his people that they offering vp their sacrifices Act. 10.35 such as he commanded they should be accepted which is often repeated by the pâ—ophets Leu. 1.3.4 and 22.21 and 23.11 Thou shalt makâ— a plate of pure gold and graue vpon it like the engrauings of a sâ—gnet Holines to the Lord and it shall be vpon Aarons forehead that Aaron may beare the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shal hallow in all their holy gifts Exod. 28.36.38 and it shall be alwayes vpon his forehead that they may bee accepted before the Lord. Esay 60.7 All the flockes of Kedar shall be gathered together the Rams of Nebaioth shall minister vnto thee they shal come vp with acceptance on mine altar The Priest shall make you burnt offerings vpon the alter and your peace offerings Ezek. 43.27 20 40 41. and I will accept you saith thâ— Lord God Then shall the offerings of Iudah and Ierusaleâ— be pleasant vnto the Lord as in the dayes of old and as in former yeares Mal. 3.4 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousnes with burnt offering and whole burnt offering Psal 51.19 Hereunto may be referred the prayer of the prophet Let the words of my mouth and the meditation oâ— my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength Psal 19.14 and my râ—deemer Accept I beseech thee the freewill offerings of my mouth O Lord and teach mee thy Iudgemâ—ntâ— Psal 119.108 Deut. 33.11 There bee many other testimonies to the same purpose I b seech you therefore brethren by the mercies of Goâ— that yee present your bodies a liuing sacrifice holy acceptable vnto God Rom. 12.1 Phil. 4.18 I am full hauing receiued of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you an odour of a sweete smell a sacrifice acceptable wel-pleasing to God But to doe good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased Yee also Heb. 13.16 1. Pet. 2.5 as liuely stones are built vp a spirituall house an holy Preisthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifice acceptable to God by Iesus Christ Children obey your parents in all things Col. 8.20 Heb. 11.5 for this is well pleasing Before his translation Enoch had receiued this testimonie that he pleased God And this faith is most necessarie to the leading of a Christian life Faith is necessary to the leading of a Christian life scil to adhere and sticke fast vnto the commandements rest vpon God for abilitie to do what he requireth and that he will accept what sincere and vnfained seruice though weake and imperfect is tendered vnto his Highnesse For the word of grace which commandeth to belieue the free mercie of the Lord to the pardoning of sinne Tit. 2.11.12 teacheth vs to denie vngodlinesse and worldly lust and to liue godly iustly and soberly in this present euil world Such as giue vp their names to Christ must not looke to bee lawlesse but they come to take a yoâ—ke vpon them Math. 11.28.29 Ioh. 13.34 and stand obliged to fulfill the law of Christ called the new Commaundement Want of belieuing the precepts is the cause why many doe still continue in the practise of diuers things inconuenient and suffer inordinate passions to hold them vnder Ignorance or carelesnesse in this point is the cause why some of the better sort of people are off and on now forward then backward scarce setled or stayed at any time not knowing how to set vpon the practice of repentance how to begin or to proceed therein Whereas this faith much auaileth to the furthering of the deare Children of God in a godly course the shâ—ning of euill and the practice of holinesse True faith is an obsequious confidence which carrieth a man whither soeuer he shâ—ll see the Lord to gâ—e before him Heb. 11.5.7.8.9.10 c. By faith Hâ—noch walked with God Noah builded an Arke Abraham offered vp his sâ—nne Isaac Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter Our present faith or trust in God is but commensurable to our fideliâ—ie in his Commaâ—ndements ere we can make a faithfull plea for mercie Gods will neglected must bee executed either in act if the obâ—ect be present and may be prosecuted or in sincere and constant resolution if abilities and opportunities required to execution of what we resolue vpon be altogether wanting or our endeauours vpon ineuitable occasions hindred Gal. 5.6 Faith worketh by loue which constraineth men to doe the will of God and submit themselues to his holy Commandements The strength of faith to it seuerall obiects is vniforme that assurance of forgiuenesse cannot be greater then care of obedience The very consciousnesse of any one sin wherevnto we haue beene indulgent will be of like force to withdraw our assent from Gods mercy as the delight or pleasure of that sensuall obiect was to cause vs to transgresse any part of his wil reuealed The same strength beautie had to allure vnto adulterie will that foule sinne vnrepented of haue to diuorce our soules from Christ Nor can wee faile in practice of this or other Commandement without a precedent defect of that faith which onely
as an euil he shall fall into but which he shall escape by the constant study and practice of holines For our assurance to escape damnation through the death of Christ Phil. 2.12 Math. 10.28 Luke 12.4.5 is no greater then our care to auoyd sin which leadeth thereunto Worke out your saluation with feare and trembling Feare not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soule but rather feare him which is able to destroy both soule and body in hell Thirdly It stâ—rreth vp continuall watchfulnesse to shunne whatsoeuer might bâ—eed danger or procure Gods displeasure When sleepinesse beginneth to come vpon vs faith ioggeth our elbow and telleth the Lord is at hand with a whip to awaken vs. The approach of perill apprehended will rowse vp the sluggard to looke about him Faith also teacheth so to acknowledge the anger of God as that it draweth the heart aboue all things to take heed not to prouoke him by carelesnesse and securitie Who knoweth the power of thy anger 2. Cor. 5.10 11. Psal 90.11 Euen according to thy feare so is thy wrath Fourthly The threatnings mingled with faith cause sorrowfull melting or relenting of heart for sinne committed When the King of Nineueh belieued the preaching of Ionah Ionas 3.6 7 8. that within fortie dayes that gâ—eat Citie should be destroyed hee rose from his throne put on sackcloth and proclaimed a Fast vnto the Lord. And when the Lord testified his displeasure against the Israelites by sending thunder and lightning in Wheate Haruest all the people feared greatly and said vnto Samuel 1. Sa. 12.18 19. Pray for thy seruants vnto the Lord thy God that we die not for we haue added vnto all our sinnes this euill to aske vs a King Now the threatnings belieued worke the same effect Iudges 2.3 4. that the iudgements seene When Iosiah heard what the Lord spake against Ierusalem and against the inhabitants of that place his heart was tender 2. Kin. 22.18 19 and hee humbled himselfe before the Lord. Fiftly When wee see by faith from what miseries wee are deliuered of the free grace and mercie of God our hearts are enlarged in prayse and thanksgiuing In distresse faith powreth out supplications when the calamitie is ouer-past it setteth forth the goodnesse of the Lord and singeth of his glorie When the Israelites were in safetie on the shoare looking backe vpon the danger escaped when they passed through the red Sea Exod. 15.1 2. they make a ioyfull noise to the God of their saluation their songs are answerable to their fore-conceiued feare And so when the Lord brought backe the captiuitie of Babylon Psal 126.2 their mouthes were filled with laughter and their tongues with ioy The due consideration of our deserts manifest by the threatnings contained in the Word of God doth maruellously affect the heart with desire to publish and spread abroad the louing kindnesse of the Lord when by faith in Christ wee see our selues to bee set free from the dreadfull curses of the Law and mercifully saued from the righteous iudgement of our sinnes By this which hath beene said it is manifest that this life of faith is most excellent and comfortable and by good proofe and experience wee should be able to say so if wee would be perswaded but to take a taste of the benefit and sweetnesse that it bringeth For by this faith we are directed to seeke and follow after Christ Ephes 3.17 till wee come to be assured that he dwelleth in vs as the fountaine of life and that in him we are deliuered from the gilt and punishment of all our sinnes 2. Cor. 5.19 whereas others who liue not by it wauer are oft distracted and know not where to begin the foundation of that great worke nor how to build thereon By this faith we may come to sound rest and holy securitie about our saluation from time to time enioying the comfort of it still more and more with incredible ioy whereas others euen the best are oft vnsetled and much disquieted If the Lord lead vs into the darke and exercise vs with manifold afflictions and temptations by this faith we are enabled to hold him by the hand to cast our selues vpon the promises of grace and so relying vpon his power faithfulnesse and mercy to promise safetie vnto our selues aboue likelihood and appearance yea when wee feele the contrarie The rage of sinne is weakened and wee haue strength against it though not alwayes to preuaile which were not expedient yet at least to be in combate with it which is euer a good testimonie of our safetie for hereby we proue our selues to bee liuely members of the Church Militant Also by this we are preserued against fearefull sinnes and haue grace to walke in newnesse of life and all parts of it with ioy and chearefulnesse If we liue by faith we haue deliuerance from mâ—ny sharp bitter afflictions beare those which we must go vnder more meekly patiently because it makes vs depend vpon Gods promises not stinting him to any set time maner of deliuerance or measure of afflictioÌ„ By it we walk in our callings more chearfully honestly painfully with lesse distractioÌ„ toile vexatioÌ„ but with more profit then they that flow in with wealth haue all shifts cunning slights to gaine by Psal 127.1 2. For whiles we see God euer going before vs in al our earthly dealings and actions as we should more looke to it that we find it so then to our greatest profits weightiest dealings this faith shall vphold vs in the quietest estate and most sweet peace such as all the carnall wisedome of man shall neuer find nor enioy This faith teacheth vs to pray at all times as our necessities require with feruency coÌ„fidence euen in the depth of afflictions when the graue is readie to swallow vs vp and shut her mouth vpon vs Psal 69.13 14 15 16. it enableth to look vnto the Lord with strong arguments to implore his aid O Lord God of my saluation Psal 88.1 2 3. I haue cried day and night before thee for my soule is full of troubles and my life draweth nigh vnto the graue Out of the depths haue I cried vnto thee O Lord Lord heare my voice Psal 130.1 2. My spirit within me is ouer-whelmed my heart within me is desolate I stretch forth my hands vnto thee Psal 143.3 6. my soule thirsteth for thee in a thirsty land O remember not against vs former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily preuent vs Psal 79.8 for we are brought very low If the affliction be very grieuous and of long continuance faith doth neither quaile nor cease to seek helpe but looketh vp to the Lord expecting saluation in due time to be reuealed O God Psal 74.1 2. why hast thou cast vs off for euer Why doth thine anger smoake against the sheepe of thy pasture Remâ—mber thy Congregation which thou hast purchased of old the rod of thine inheritance Psal 69.29 Psal 68.35 Verse 22. which thou hast redeemed I am poore and sorrowfull let thy saluation O God set me vp on high for God is the strength of his people who will brâ—ng them againe from the depths of the Sea The life of faith shall 〈◊〉 in ioy comfort He that trusteth in the Lord shall r◠〈◊〉 in his holy Name I am a wonder vnto many but the 〈◊〉 my strong refuge Psal 71.7 8. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day Our heart shall reioyce in him Psal 33.21 because we haue trusted in his holy Name Loe this is our God we haue waited for him and he will saue vs this is the Lord Esay 25.9 we haue waited for him we will be glad and reioyce in his saluation The expectation of them that hope in the Lord Psal 68.19 69.30 shall not be frustrated therefore they shall reioice in him and sound forth his praises He that hath learned to liue by faith Heb. 11.13 shall also die in faith All these died in or according to the faith If we know how to walke with God by faith as Henoch did all the daies of our life amidst the manifold temptations changes that we meet withall in this world we shal the better encounter with death when the agonies therof be vpon vs. Death is many waies terrible and the assaults of Satan at that time are vsually most strong as being his last but hee that hath taken out this lesson To liue by faith shall easily quench the fierie darts of the Deuill manfully conquer this strong enemie renew his repentance and confidence in Gods mercy vpon the sight of sin willingly resigne himselfe into the hands oâ— God This is the ordinary course Liue in faith die in faith Liue holily and die blessedly Therefore let vs leaue late repentance to them that think it but a sport to venture a soule and take that course that is sure to speed To say no more it is exceeding dangerous to put off repentance from day to day though some few haue obtained mercie at their latter end But this is sure he that liueth in faith shall die in faith and liue in glory for euermore Amen FINIS
that be necessary but the act and exercise of faith is required § 5. p. 6. 7 CHAP. II. WHat Iustifying faith is § 1. p. 7 God the Father in his Sonne Iesus Christ by the holy Spirit is the authour of faith § 2 p 7. 8 Faith is a gift in a speciall manner most free and profitable ibid. How we are said to receiue the Holy Ghost by Faith ibid. How the Spirit is obtained by prayer p. 9 Faith is imperfect though a worke of the Spirit § 3. p. 9 Faith is a powerfull worke of God ibid. How God produceth faith § 4. p. 10. 11 The increase of faith is of God p. 12 Faith is the gift of God and the act of Man § 5. p. 12 Faith is wrought by the Word § 6. p. 13 Encreased by prayer and vse of the Sacraments p. 14 Why all doe not belieue that heare the Word ibid. Though faith be the gift of God men must vse the meanes to obtaine it p. 14. 15 CHAP. III. FAith presupposeth knowledge Chap. 3. § 1. p. 16 17 It captiuates our vnderstanding vnto the obedience of Christ but is not ignorant of Christ p. 17. 18 This knowledge must be distinct sound certain p. 18. 19 In what respect faith may bee called implicite or vnfolded p. 19 Faith is an assent § 2. p. 19. 20 Beliefe hath reference to some vttered word or reuelation but may be sustained by other motiues and inducements p. 20 Faith is a firme assent yet sometimes accompanied with doubtings p. 21 Faith is an absolute and vnlimited assent and yet through ignorance and infirmitie a Christian may misbelieue many things without the danger of damnation p. 22. 23 Faith is an assent in a sort euident p. 23. 24 Faith also is an assent in some sort discursiue p. 24. 25 Faith is an affiance or confidence § 3. p. 25. 26. c. Confidence as it doth embrace Christ with a certaine affiance is the forme of faith as it begetteth in vs quietnesse of conscience and confidence of libertie it is an effect of faith p. 32 Confidence is opposed both to Doubting and Distrust p. 32 Faith is an obedientiall affiance § 4. p. 32. 33. 34 Faith is opposed not only to doubting and diffidence but to wauering double-mindednesse and disobedience p. 35 Affiance must be wel-rooted § 5. p. 35. 36 It must be sound and permanent p. 36. 37 Faith is an ouer-ruling affiance p. 37. 38 Of all graces faith is the most humble p. 38 Faith is a spirituall taste § 6. p. 38. 39 Faith admits many interruptions p. 39. 40 CHAP. IIII. LOue is not the life or soule of faith § 1. p. 40. 41 c. It is faith and not charitie that giues influence to all other graces euen to charitie it selfe ibid. The goodnesse of God cannot bee the obiect of our charitie but by being first the obiect of our faith ibid. Charitie is an instrument vnto faith for mouing and stirring abroad in the performance of all duties recommended vnto vs but the inward or essentiall forme of faith it is not pag. 42. 43. In what respects charitie doth excell faith and faith charitie § 2. p. 44. 45 How faith is perfected by workes p. 46. 47 Iustifying faith cannot be without loue § 3. p. 47. 48 How the acts of charitie are said to be of faith p. 48 Faith temporarie and iustifying differ in radication soueraignetie and working p. 51 The first and radicall vnion with Christ is made by faith only the secondarie vnion is by meanes of the affections p. 54 They that worke iniquitie haue no faith to belieue assuredly that they shall be saued p. 55 The faith of Deuils comprehends the fulnesse and perfection of that which the Romanists call Catholicke or Christian faith p. 57. 58 Faith alone iustifieth but that faith which iustifieth is not alone p. 59. 60 CHAP. V. What doctrines are called matters of faith § 1. p. 60 Iustifying faith is two wayes considered § 2. p. 61 According to the twofold consideration of iustifying faith the obiect of it is two-fold p. 61 True faith respecteth the whole Word of God p. 62 As the doctrine of Creation § 3. p. 63 Prouidence ibid. Mans misery by sinne ibid. Mysteries of godlinesse p. 64 The promises concerning Sanctification and things of this life § 4. p. 64. 65. 66 Why faith doth put forth it selfe to embrace whatsoeuer the Lord promiseth p. 64 It is very necessary to belieue the promises concerning Sanctification p. 65 It is necessary to belieue the temporall promises p. 66 Faith belieueth the threatnings § 5. p. 67 Beliefe of the threatnings is necessary p. 67. 68 Faith belieueth the Commandements § 6. p. 68. 69. 70 In particular practices the faithfull may faile p. 70. 71 The obedience of faith is vniforme entire and constant § 7. p. 71. 72 The faithfull soule may find it selfe more prone to one sinne then another but if right comparison bee made faith inciteth to hate all sinne one as well as another p. 72. 73 CHAP. VI. THe speciall obiect of iustifying faith are the free promises of mercy and forgiuenesse in Iesus Christ § 1 p. 73. 74 Abraham belieuing the promise of seed did apprehend that blessed seed which from the beginning had beene promised p. 74 Remission of sinnes doth presuppose the mercy of God p. 74 Beliefe of Gods power is not the act of faith iustifying as it iustifieth but the consideration of Gods power is a prop and stay to faith against manifold temptations p. 76 Christ is euery where in Scripture made the thing◠which faith embraceth to saluation p. 77. 78. 79 Faith in Gods speciall mercy frameth his Image in the Heart § 3. p. 81. 82 CHAP. VII IVstifying faith is a particular and certaine confidence § 1. p. 82. 83 The thirstie and burdened soule is inuited to come vnto Christ and commanded to belieue p. 83. 84 Iustifying faith is opposed to despaire so as to expell it it breeds confidence and boldnesse and receiueth Christ for the conueying of his benefits particularly vnto vs p. 84. 85. Faith is certaine in the euent not euer in sence § 2 p. 85. 86 Things are to vs according as wee conceiue them which is not euer answerable to the euidence of the thing in it selfe or to the certaintie in regard of euent p. 86. 87 A Belieuer who hath a sure beliefe doth not alwayes know that he so belieueth p. 87. 88 Faith as it iustifieth is a resting vpon Christ to obtaine pardon not an assured perswasion that our sinnes bee already pardoned and forgiuen § 3. p. 88. 89. 90 Before Iustification faith seeketh and receiueth the promise of forgiuenesse after Iustification it comfortably assureth of the blessing obtained p. 91. 92 Election is manifested by faith as by its effect but wee are iustified by faith as the instrument thereof § 4 p. 92 CHAP. VIII HOw faith assureth of saluation § 1. p. 94. 95 This assurance is such as is shaken
with many doubts and difficulties § 2. p. 96 The particular certaintie of remission of sinnes is not equall in certaine and firmenesse of assent to that assurance which we haue about the common obiect of faith § 3. p. 96. 97 There be seuerall states of Belieuers but all subiect to manifold temptations § 4. 98. 99 Beliefe in Christ for remission is stronger and more necessary then particular assurance of our saluation § 5. p. 100 Not only some vncertaine hope but euen infallible assurance of saluation is to bee sought and may bee obtained § 6 p. 101. 102. c. There is a word testifying thus much that my particular person beholding the Sonne and belieuing on him shall haue eternall life p. 101. 102. 103 Such as truly belieue may know they belieue p. 103 In respect of the exact measure of grace and strength the regenerate are oft deceiued but of the truth of grace they may be assured p. 104. 105 What it is to belieue with the whole Heart § 7. p. 105 In what sence wee must continue daily to aske of God forgiuenesse of sinnes notwithstanding former assurance of pardon p. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110 How iustification is full and entire p. 110 God hath said as to Abraham so to euery one of the seed of Abraham I will be thy God p. 111 How euery faithfull man may and doth make God his in particular ibid. The Apostles and other faithfull haue beene assured of their saluation by ordinary faith p. 111. 112 The saluation of a belieuer is infallible in it selfe and in euent but not euer in his apprehension and feeling § 9 p. 113. Assurance of faith in things extraordinarily is not altogether free from assaults p. 114 The benefits that come vnto vs by temptations p. 115. 116 The Commandements are laid before belieuers not as the cause for obtaining of eternall life but as the way to walke in vnto eternall life § 10. p. 117 Vpright walking is necessary but not the cause of Iustification p. 118 The belieuer relyeth not vpon his workes though hee exercise himselfe therein with all diligence p. 119 What infirmities may stand with assurance of faith § 11 p. 120. 121 What sinnes hinder assurance § 12. p. 123 The absolute raigne of sinne will not stand with the state of grace § 13. p. 124 True assurance breeds encrease of resolution and care to please God § 14. p. 125. 126 CHAP. IX THe authority of the Church cannot bee the ground of faith § 1. p. 128. 129 Whatsoeuer credit the Church hath it receiueth the same from the Scriptures p. 139 The authority of the Pope whom they call the Church virtuall is the first ground and last resolution of the Romanists faith § 2. p. 129. 130 Faith resteth not vpon the Saints but vpon Iesus Christ § 3. p. 132. 133 The Rhemists in defence of their Saint-inuocation are driuen to say that we are to trust in the Saints departed p. 133. 134. 135 CHAP. X. THe benefits and effects of faith § 1. p. 136. 137. 138 139. 140 Faith doth not effect and performe those things by any excellency force or efficacy of it owne aboue other graces but in respect of the office whereunto it is assigned in Couenant of grace p. 140 Of all creatures Man only is capable of iustifying faith § 2. p. 140 Faith is proper vnto Man in this life in his iourney towards his perfect home and eternall habitation p. 141 All men haue not faith p. 141 The subiect of Iustifying faith is man a sinner called according to the purpose of God acknowledging his offences hungring thirsting after mercy § 2. p. 141 The seat of faith is the heart but the heart contrite humbled bewailing sinne denying it selfe and affected with desire of remission § 3. p. 142. 143 In Scripture the heart is taken for the whole soule with all its powers and operations p. 144 Faith is common to all and peculiar to them only who bee called according to the purpose of God § 4. p. 145 All haue not the like measure of faith § 5. p. 146 Faith perfect in none p. 146. 147 The faith of the weakest Christian is sufficient to saluation § 6. p. 148 The degrees of faith may be considered according to the diuers growth which God bringeth his children vnto p. 148. 148 Foure degrees of faith § 7. 149 Faith is weake foure wayes 1. Knowledge 2. Assent 3. Confidence 4. Fruits and effects p. 149. 150 Ordinarily belieuers are weake at the first p. 150 Some priuiledged aboue others p. 151 Faith weake in one respect may be strong in another p. 151 The benefits of the weakest faith if true and liuely § 8 p. 151. 152 Weake faith if sound will grow and encrease ibid. We must striue to be strong and rich in faith p. 152. 153 Faith somewhat growne § 9. p. 153 Strong faith p. 153. 154 Full assurance gotten by degrees p. 154 The benefits of full assurance p. 154. 155 The strongest faith is subiect to sundry infirmities § 10 p. 156 The strong belieuer doth sometimes shrinke when the weake stands fast p. 156 CHAP. XI MOtiues and encouragements to belieue § 1. p. 157 158 Meanes for the right planting of faith § 2. p. 159. 160 161. c. Faith once obtained is seriously to be regarded § 3. p. 164 165 Meanes whereby faith is strengthened and confirmed § 4. p. 166. 167. 168. 169 CHAP. XII VVHy Satan endeuours by all meanes to hinder as the kindly taking so the growth of faith § 1 p. 170. 171 The first Temptation is taken from our worthlesnesse § 1 p. 171 Remedie The sence of vnworthinesse must not discourage vs from beleeuing because 1. The mercy fauour promises and benefits of God are all free p. 171 2. Wee are not more desirous to belieue then God is we should so doe p. 171. 172 The second Temptation They know not whether they bee elected § 2. Remedie 1. Hold such suggestions to arise from the Spirit of errour and lend no eare to such whisperings of the old Serpent p. 172 2. If God make offer of mercy and forgiuenesse in the Ministery of the Gospel 〈…〉 â—â—nd to receiue it ibid. The third Temptation They 〈…〉 of doubtings § 3 Remedie 1. Faith may be true 〈◊〉 liuely that is weake p. 173 2. It is not the excellency and measure of faith that doth make vs righteous before God but Christ whom faith doth receiue ibid. 3. It is not faith but Christ receiued by faith that nourisheth to eternall life ibid. 4. We reade that Christ reproued some for their small faith but neuer reiected any that came vnto him in weaknesse desiring to be confirmed p. 174 The fourth Temptation They cannot keepe their faith strong and stedfast § 4 Remedie 1. There is no shadow of change with God p. 174 2. Labouring after and groaning to rest their wearied soules vpon the promises of mercy being neuer satisfied till their doubtfulnesse be remoued
protection from all hurtfull euils so much are wee lacking to sound peace and stable tranquillity of Mind and Conscience p. 287. 288 The godly are allowed to belieue their perseuerance For 1. God hath confirmed it by promise and couenant vnto his children p. 288 2. They haue allowance to belieue the obtayning of that which Christ hath prayed for and they aske of God in the Name of Christ according to his will p. 289 3. What one belieued vpon ordinary and common grounds that is the priuiledge of all belieuers ibid. 4. It is a great glory to God that we liue by faith on him concerning our future estate p. 289. 290 The acts of faith concerning perseuerance 1. It makes a man sensible of his owne frailtie p. 290 2. It stirres vp holy iealousie and suspition least wee should coole decay start aside or fall backe ibid. 3. Faith instantly cryeth vnto the Lord for helpe and strength and continuall supply of grace p. 291 4. Faith desireth digesteth and feedeth vpon the wholesome food of life ibid. 5. It putteth forth it selfe to performe all duties of holinesse and loue with life and feruour p. 292. 293 6. It coueteth increase of grace and sanctification p. 293. 294 7. It receiueth new supply of grace continually from Iesus Christ the fountaine of grace ibid. 8. It assureth of perseuerance through the promises of grace p. 294. 295 Meanes to stirre vp our selues to belieue these promises of perseuerance 1. Wee must heartily bewaile our pronenesse to sinne aptnesse to decline inabilitie to withstand any one temptation or set one step forward in the way to Heauen p. 295. 296 2. Wee must stirre vp our selues to rest vpon God through Iesus Christ for establishment and confirmation p. 296. 297 3. Wee must pray instantly that God would vphold vs and make vs to see that hee will establish vs vnto the end p. 297. 298 CHAP. VI. THe seruants of Christ are all souldiers and haue continuall warre not with flesh and bloud but with principalities and powers and spirituall wickednesses p. 299 Encouragements to resist Satan ibid. Promises of victory p. 299. 300 In this state of temptation the godly are allowed to belieue the promises of victory For 1. The God of peace hath promised to tread Satan vnder our feet shortly p. 300 2. Faith doth glorifie God and is most profitable vnto vs our treasure strength and victory ibid. 3. We haue a charge to resist the Deuill strong in the faith p. 301 4. Faith is one of the first things that is formed in a Christian and wherewith God furnisheth him when hee prepareth and calleth him forth to the encounter ibid. 5. The faithfull cannot better prouide for their owne ease and safetie then confidently to hope in the Lord. p. 302 It is necessary a Christian should liue by faith in this condition For 1. True valour cannot be had without faith in Christ p. 302 2. All our strength lyeth in Christ whose Almightie power subdueth all things for vs. p. 302. 303 3. Faith is of force to keepe vs against all assaults of the Deuill ibid. 4. The Deuill will renew his assaults and wee must renew our courage and strength ibid. The acts of faith in respect of these promises of victory in temptation 1. Faith makes sensible that wee cannot resist of our selues but assureth that Satan is chained vp by the power of Almighty God p. 303. 304 2. It discouereth the Methods of Satan and his Ends in tempting p. 304. 305 3. It lifteth vp the heart to cry and complaine vnto God of the cruelty and malice of that Spirituall Aduersary but suffers it not to muse vpon his blasphemous temptations ibid. 4. By faith the poore soule eying the promise betakes it selfe vnto the Lord for succour promised p. 305. 306 5. It stirreth vp courage and resolution to set vpon the practice of godlinesse and the duties of our particular calling as the meanes sanctified of God to procure freedome p. 306. 307 6. It fortifieth the soule against all inuasions ibid. 7. Faith is vigilant and watchfull at all times in all places vpon all occasions p. 307. 308 8. In the most forcible tempests which the enemy rayseth against vs faith tels the heart that a calme is at hand p. 308. 309 9. If Satan renew his assaults faith stands prepared through the power of God to make resistance afresh p. 309 10. Faith assureth that by the ouer-ruling prouidence of God temptations serue for the increase of grace p. 310 The godly are sometimes brought so low that they can discerne no sparke of faith no fruit of grace no marke of Gods loue in themselues For 1. An afflicted spirit tossed with feare and terrour cannot conceiue or giue notice of it true estate p. 310 2. Good men in temptation are pettishly disposed p. 311 The Remedy in this distresse is 1. Grace may appeare vnto others when in temptation a godly man cannot discerne it in himselfe p. 310 2. It is the wisdome of a Christian in this case to obserue the marke that Satan driues at which is to hide from his fight the graces of the Spirit that he might bring him to despaire and so stirre vp himselfe to belieue For 1. When he can see no grace in his soule hee cannot but see himselfe to bee miserable and so called to come vnto Christ ibid. 2. Taking courage to belieue hee disappoints Sathan ibid. 3. Wee haue a commandement to belieue as well as to proue our selues both which must bee compleate together ibid. 4. If thou canst not find in thy selfe what thou seekest after come vnto Iesus Christ and belieue in him that thou mayst receiue what thou seekest p. 312 3. The distressed soule must learne that the grace of God worketh not alwayes alike in his children p. 312 4. The long and manifold temptations of Sathan wherewith hee seekes to throw Christians head-long into despaire is to them a testimony of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts p. 312. 313 Meanes to stirre vp faith in these perplexities and times of grieuous temptations 1. The distressed Christian must vnfainedly humble his soule for former ignorance vanity of mind disesteeme of mercy timorousnes discontent vnbeliefe c. p. 313. 314 2. He must complaine of the malice of Sathan and instantly intreate the Lord to pardon sinne bridle restraine and tread Sathan vnder foot p. 314. 315 3. He must cease to muse on the temptations of Satan and stirre vp himselfe couragiously valiantly to trust in the mercies of the Lord and relye vpon his grace p. 316 317 4. He must exercise himselfe in wel-doing harbour holy and heauenly Meditations nourish the motions of Gods Spirit c. p. 317. 318. 319 If the distressed Christian haue wasted his spirits with violent and continuall sorrow hee must bee admonished not to thinke that presently hee should recouer former liuelinesse and ability p. 319. 320 CHAP. VII AFflictions are not more ordinary then heauy and burdensome to
holden without perill of damnation because he discerneth it not to be of God Faith is an euident assent 3. Euident perspicuitie of truth in the obiect apprehended and certaintie of perswasion are two twinnes that liue and die together In this life it is impossible for vs fully to comprehend any one point of Christian faith yet are they plaine and perspicuous in a sort to the spirituall not to the naturall man There is a manifestation of things by reason and by reuelation and there is an euidence direct an euidence by consequence an euidence of the thing in it selfe and by the effect an euidence to the naturall man and an euidence to the spirituall man Matters of faith are manifest by reuelation but to reason vnsearchable incomprehensible seene by faith to the naturall man inuisible incredible The Diuinitie of the Scripture is in it selfe euident to the spirituall man so is it that there is a Prouidence other things are euident from this ground That all truth contained in Scripture is to bee imbraced though with opposition to all other professions and that the profession of Religion is not to be relinquished nor good successe to be despaired of for all the arguments the Deuill the World and the Flesh can oppose against them The apprehension of the ioyes of Heauen cannot be distinct and euident in this life but that God hath prouided such ioyes for his Elect as it is certaine from testimonie of Scripture so it is euident from the present peace of conscience which the faithfull enioy 1. Iohn 3 2. Beloued saith the Apostle now we are the sonnes of God and yet it doth not appeare what we shall be but we know that when he shall appeare we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is The ioyes which be prepared for the godly of which the Apostle stedfastly hoped to be pertaker are as yet vnseene but that they shall actually be accomplished is confirmed by the faithfull promise of God whereof we haue euident and full assurance The Apostle describing faith to bee the euidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 doth it not to disparage the euidence but rather to set forth the excellencie of that heauenly grace which includes an euident knowledge and apprehension of some things present which the world sees not 4. Discoursiue Faith also is in some sort an assent discoursiue as from manifest experiences of Gods works and fauors wrought and vouchsafed according to the word of promise the Saints inferre a possibilitie or certaintie of like to ensue Thus Dauid The Lord that deliuered me out of the paw of the Lion 1. Sam. 17.37 and out of the paw of the Beare he will deliuer mee out of the hand of this Philistine Nothing is more ordinarie in the Booke of the Psalmes then for the seruants of God to draw conclusions of future protection deliuerance helpe and comfort from present or former blessings Psal 3.3 I call to remembrance my song in the night I commune with mine owne heart Psal 77.6 143.4 and my Spirit made diligent search We receiued the sentence of death in our selues because we should not trust in our selues but in God who raised the dead 2. Cor. 1.9.10 Who deliuered vs from so great a death and doth deliuer vs in whom we trust that yet hereafter he will deliuer vs. I feruently looke for and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed but that with all confidence as alwayes so now Phil. 1.20 Christ shall be magnified in my bodie whether it be by life or death I was deliuered out of the mouth of the Lion 2. Tim. 4.17 18. And the Lord will deliuer me from euery euill worke and will preserue me vnto his heauenly Kingdome § 3. Moreouer Iustifying faith is an obedientiall confidence §. 3. Faith is an affiance or confidence or affiance conioyned with affection of pietie simply and in comparison cleauing to the mercie of God in Iesus Christ as better then life and to the Commandements of God as necessary good worthy to bee stucke vnto not only whilest considered in themselues or in generall or without such encumbrances and occurrences as doe often interpose or hinder practice but euen whilest actually compared with present losse of any sensuall good thing or infliction of any temporall euill wherewith the World the Deuill or the Flesh can oppose their price That faith is an affiance or resting vpon the promises appeareth by the seuerall words vsed to expresse the nature of that faith or beliefe which the Lord requireth of his people to the end they might receiue any blessing from him or haue his protection or assistance The first word is translated Belieue 2. Chron. 20.20 Gen. 45.26 Psal 27.13 but signifieth such a beliefe as is opposed to fainting I had fainted vnlesse I had belieued to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the liuing And it implyeth trust in the Word of God as sure and stable it is sometimes translated stedfast or constant Psal 78.37 Psal 78.22 and expounded by trust They belieued not in God and trusted not in his saluation The second word is opposed to feeblenesse of Mind feare and doubt and imports a 1. Chron. 5.20 to trust securely Psal 78.53 146. Pro. 28.17 25. Ps 4.8 22.9 25.2 Isay 12.3 Psal 112.7 118 8. Psal 125.1 Prou. 3.5 Psal 118.8 Psal 2.12 Psal 11.1 Psal 36.7 Ru h. 2.12 Psal 64.10 Nah. 1.7 I will trust and not be afraid Hee shall not be afraid of euill tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. They that trust in the Lord shall bee as Mount Sion which cannot be remoued but abideth for euer The third is rendred to trust but signifieth to betake himselfe to one as to his b castle or hiding place Blessed are all they that put their trust in him How excellent is thy louing kindnesse O Lord therefore the children of men put their trust vnder the shadow of thy wings The Lord recompence thy worke and a full reward be giuen thee of the Lord God of Israel vnder whose wings thou art come to trust The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust in him The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble and hee knoweth them that trust in him Hence God is called our protection or hiding place to which wee may flie in trouble and finde shelter Psal 46.1 Ioel 3 16. God is our refuge and strength a very present helpe in time of trouble The fourth is to leane vpon euen as a man would stay himselfe on a staffe wherewith he is vnderpropped c 2. Chron. 16.7 8. 2. Chron. 14.11 Prou. 3.5 Isay 31.1 2 Chron. 13.18 Because thou hast relied vpon the King of Syria and not relied on the Lord thy God therefore is the Host of the King of Syria escaped out of thy hand Were not the
doubting the sense runneth plainly By faith wee haue so free and full accesse that wee doe not doubt but we shall obtaine what we aske § 4. Faith is a liuely obsequious affiance §. 4. Faith is an obedientiall affiance ioyned with an affection of pietie for as it makes plea for mercie so it thrusteth forward in obedience as it vniteth the heart to the promise so it glueth fast to the Commandements Psal 119.66 as Dauid saith Psal 119.66 Teach mee good iudgement and knowledge for I haue belieued thy Commandements By faith Noah moued with reuerence prepared the Arke for the sauing of his houshold Heb. 11.7 Gen. 12.1 Heb. 11.8 9. Gen 13.8 14.19 By faith Abraham left his Countrie and Kindred and forsooke all strange Religions and Idols to follow God By faith he contentedly abode in the land of Canaan as in a strange land c walking from place to place remained in tents and in euery place shewed his godly deuotion in making an Altar and calling vpon the Name of the Lord He kindly yeelded to his Nephew Lot for auoyding of contention charitably rescued him when he was taken prisoner Gen. 24.1 Gen. 1â— 23 20.27 carefully prouided a wife for his sonne Isaac feruently intreated for the Citie of Sodome and meekly prayed for him that had taken his wife He is honourably commended by God himselfe for his good instruction to his household children and posteritie Gen. 18.19 that they might walke in the wayes of the Lord But aboue all other hee approued his faith in this that vpon Gods Commandement he so readily offered vp his Sonne Isaac being after Ismaels expulsion his onely Sonne his beloued sonne and concerning whom hee had receiued the promise of life and saluation Heb. 11.17 and the establâ—shment of the Couenant Moses consent in this doctrine may be found where God pronounceth the Law of the ten Commandements teaching all duties of good workes to God and Man saying I am the Lord thy God Exod. 20.1 2. Rainol Apol. Thes Sect. 4. Zanch. de Redempt lib. 1. cap 12. de praecept he thereupon inferreth all their obedience to those Commandements For what is I am the Lord thy God but the couenant of faith to bee their God in the promise of Christ vpon this he requiring obedience in a godly life doth insinuate a Tilen Syntag. part 1. cap. 36. §. 18 19 28 29. Perkins golden Chaine cap. 20 Vrsin explic catech c. Deut. 6.12 that they which belieue God to bee their God must declare the same by obedience to his Commandements And therefore hee saith in another place Beware thou forget not the Lord thy God not keeping his Commandements which sheweth plainly that where disobedience is there is no faith for how can hee haue faith that forgetteth him in whom hee should belieue And this doth Moses ayme at when he saith Deut. 26.17 Thou hast auouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walke in his wayes and to keepe his Statutes and his Commandements and his Iudgements and to hearken vnto his voice Whereby it appeares that vnto faith in couenanting with God this is an inseperable consequent that if wee embrace God by faith wee must and ought to follow his Commandements by our deeds and hee that doth not this latter bewrayeth that he hath not with a true heart and faith receiued the former To belieue is not only to giue credence to what the Scripture saith but to embrace what is said with an entire adherence of soule and to cleaue vnto it 2. Chron. 6.8 9 He that leaneth vpon the Lord his heart is vpright before him and he whose spirit cleaueth not stedfastly vnto the Lord is incredulous Therefore the Prophets which expound the Law Psal 78.9 in the person of God say thus A Sonne honoureth his Father and a Seruant his Master Mat. â— 6 If then I be a Father where is my honour and if I be a Master where is my feare Now we know that we are Sonnes no way but by faith Therefore this Prophet intendeth Gal. 3.26 that wee are not ioynâ—d to the Lord by faith either as his people children or seruants or that he is our God Father and Lord except our faith be vnfained and operatiue in honour and feare And another Prophet saith Psal 116.10 I belieued therefore I spake making it a most assured thing that a liuely faith will shew it selfe by outward deeds and namely profession Mercie and obedience are linked Christ is both a Lord and Sauiour and that faith which maketh a plea for mercie doth embrace the Commandements that which receiueth Christ as a Sauiour submitteth vnto him as a Soueraigne The strength of faith is equall to the promises of life and to the offices of pietie and loue or if there be any difference it is weakest to lay hold vpon the promises because they are most spirituall and furthest remoued from sence Confidence and relying vpon the mercie of God in Christ for saluation may bee lesse then care and abilitie to walke in obedience greater it cannot bee The word that in the Old Testament signifieth to seeke is by the seuentie translated Hope Isay 11.10 Rom. 15.12 which interpretation the Apostle alloweth whence it followeth that true confidence the mother of hope doth lift vp the heart to seeke the Lord in the way of his Commandements Moreouer saith is opposed not only to doubting diffidence and fainting but to wauering double-mindednesse halting disobedience stubburnnesse by reason of the necessarie connexion of those parts in both opposites Aske in faith and wauer not Jam. 1.6 A double-minded man is vnstable in all his wayes Through vnbeliefe thou art broken off Rom. 11.20 Heb. 3.12 and thou standest by faith Take heed brethren lest at any time there bee in you an euill heart and vnfaithfull to depart away from the liuing God They professe that they know God but by workes they denie him and are abhominable and disobedient or vnfaithfull Tit. 1.16 Iohn 3.36 Hee that belieueth in the Sonne hath euerlasting life but hee that belieueth or obeyeth not the Sonne shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Now if incredulitie be not without diffidence disobedience true faith in God is not without confidence affection of obedience Hereunto may bee added that the manifold rebellions of Israel in the Wildernes are called vnbeliefe They belieued not in God Psal 78.22 32. and trusted not in his saluation For all this they sinned still and belieued not for his wondrous workes I will therefore put you in remembrance though yee once knew this how that the Lord hauing saued the people out of the land of Egypt Iude 5. afterward destroyed them that belieued not And beliefe in Christ inferreth the keeping of Gods Commandements whereunto the soule is inclined by faith And this is his Commandement 1. Iohn 3.23
was not mixed with faith in them that heard it where the doctrine of saluation is compared to wine which profiteth not vnlesse it be drunken that is receiued by faith and to belieue is spiritually to drinke the cup of saluation My soule thirsteth for thee saith Dauid Because thy louing kindnesse is better then life my lips shall prayse thee Psal 63.1 3 5. My soule shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatnesse c. To belieue in Christ Iohn 6 35 50 51 53 54. is to eate the flesh of the Sonne of man and to drinke his bloud Temporarie faith tasteth the word as men doe meate which they spit out againe receiueth it as a raw stomacke doth meate which it vomiteth vp and cannot hold Heb. 6.5 but it neuer feedeth kindly vpon the seuerall parts of the Word of life nor standeth affected towards it as a good stomacke doth to wholsome nourishment which is euident in that the weeds of earthly-mindednesse pride pleasure are not stocked vp by the rootes and where these abide the soule is not rightly tempered to apprehend the worth and qualitie or feed vpon the iuyce of heauenly mysteries But where true and liuely faith hath residence the soule is tempered to symbolize with diuine goodnes and standeth affected to the seuerall branches of the word as a good appetite doth to wholsome food of diuers qualities Faith admits many interruptions This is the nature of Iustifying faith but it admits many interruptions in acts or operations The Minde is sometimes darkened with mists arising from our naturall corruptions sometimes our passions stirre violently that we cannot doe as wee would nor continue our adherence vnto the Word of life as better for the time being then the prosecution of some sensuall good that for the present doth moue our affections and is stolne into them Naturall taste is distempered with sicke humours that abound in the bodie so is the spirituall with temptations from without and spirituall diseases from within Thus it is with the best oftentimes in this life whilest the minde is clouded with earthly thoughts and the heart assailed with carnall lusts which through weaknesse or neglect of watchfulnesse creepe vpon and disturbe them for a time but in their right temper and good plight they are much better they taste and feed vpon the Word of truth and the fauour of God is sweeter to them then all the delights of the sonnes of men We conclude then that Iustifying faith is a firme absolute vnlimited assent and wel-rooted al-seasoning soueraigne affiance whereby we rest vpon Christ for saluation embrace the mercies of God as better then life and feed vpon the Word with sweet refreshing and delight CHAP. IIII. Loue is not the soule of faith yet Iustifying Faith cannot be without Loue. § 1. FRom that which hath beene spoken of the nature of faith § 1. Loue is not the soule of Faith these two things doe plainly follow First That loue is not the life and soule of faith Secondly That Iustifying faith cannot be without loue As light and heate in the Sunne be inseparable so is faith and loue being knit together in a sure band by the Holy Ghost but loue cannot be the forme or soule of faith Liuelihood is the qualification Loue the companion Workes the fruites or effects of that faith that iustifieth but faith receiueth not it vertue life or efficacie from Charitie or any other vertue but from the Spirit of whom it is breathed into vs from whom also it receiueth that it may giue force to all other vertues and good works whereby they are vertues and good workes It is faith and not Charitie that giues influence to all other graces euen to Charitie it selfe as faith increaseth so other graces increase as faith decreaseth so other graces decrease the l fe of faith is our life the strength of faith is our strength if our faith be weâ—ke there is nothing else whereby wee can bee strong It is the essentiall forme or act of faith to accept of the promises of mercie Heb. 11.33 Gal. 3.14 22. Math. 8.13 Rom. 4.16 Rom. 3.27 whereby wee obtaine them also God hauing appointed that as a condition that the promise might be sure to all the seed to exclude boasting and to set forth his free grace and fauour But Charitie cannot serue for that vse because I cannot presume of that that is anothers vpon any conscience of my loue towards him but vpon confidence only of his loue towards me Be it that all things are common amongst friends before we can build the cupon we must haue it resolued vnto vs that God takes vs for his friends which can bee no otherwise but by faith only Faith must first receiue embrace Rom. 3.25 and hold the merit of the bloud of Christ before there can be any assurance of friendship betwixt God and vs. And although being now in friendship with Christ our loue may giue vs encouragement and comfort to make vse to our selues of that that is his yet it is not by our loue that wee take it to make vse thereof For the act of loue is done only by issue and passage from him that loueth to the thing that is loued as from vs to Christ and therefore it must be somewhat else whereby we receiue from Christ to vs. How should the goodnesse of God bee the obiect of our charitie but by being first the obiect of our faith For therefore fore doe we loue the goodnesse of God or loue God for his goodnesse towards vs because first wee belieue the same neither can we so loue but by belieuing For charitie consisting simply in affection apprehends nothing in God of it selfe but receiueth all from faith The forme is the beginning of actions and that that giueth influence and life to another thing must needes haue a prioritie to that that receiueth it But charitie is not the beginning of the actions of faith specially of the act of belieuing the act of loue hath no prioritie to beliefe but followes after it and is quickened by it For by faith we embrace the Word and receiue Christ when as charitie compelleth vs to loue him whom we know embrace and hold by faith Wee first taâ—â—â— our meate and then loue it faith is the spirituall taste of the soule which feedeth vpon the sweet and tender mercies of the Lord before the heart bee enflamed with loue Faith and loue are different gifts and graces and some effects are attributed to faith which agree not to charitie as faith is said to iustifie to purifie the heart to ouercome the world to receiue the promises Charitie may be called an accidentall forme of faith that is it is an instrument vnto it for mouing and stirring abroad in the performance of all duties recommended vnto vs both to God and Man but the life and soule of faith it is not or the inward and essentiall forme whereby it hath life and being
which to faith are meerely accidentall The godly and deuout affection and willing submission to the rules of faith which is in Christians being an act of charitie and not of faith differenceth not true faith in it selfe from the faith of Hypocrites but distinguisheth faith and charitie from faith only And thus our Aduersaries make the Deuill a Catholike against his will Or if they will say that true Christian faith doth alwayes actually and necessarily imply this godly affection and willing submission of vnderstanding to the rules of faith then because this cannot bee without charitie let them say as the truth is that true Christian faith cannot bee separated from loue and good workes It is impertinent to dispute whether the faith of Deuils be naturall coact and dishonest or the faith of wicked men supernaturall voluntarie and Honest as if these things distinguished the faith of vngodly men from the faith of Deuils For if the maiestie of Gods infallible truth command the assent of Deuils to that which they loue not doth not the same cause also preuaile with vngodly men who beare no affection to God or goodnesse And as for the honestie or dishonestie of the act there can no circumstance bee named why it should bee honest in wicked men and dishonest in the Deuils for it is fearefully abused in both And if it be granted that faith without workes or grace is in men the gift of God but the faith of Deuils not so this argues a difference only in the cause not in the essence nature or qualitie And though it bee his gift yet being without grace and charitie and without these of necessitie as vnfruitfull as the faith of Deuils both which our Aduersaries grant it is no more auaileable to make a Christian then the faith of Deuils is It is further obiected if faith cannot be without charitie then faith alone doth not iustifie This followeth not Bellar. de Iustis lib. 1. cap. 15. §. At si §. postremâ— for it is one thing to say faith alone doth not iustifie another that faith which iustifieth is not alone This latter wee yield vnto the first wee denie Faith alone doth iustifie that is priuatiuely considered without hope or charitie as causes concurring therewith in iustification but this faith cannot really be seperated from or negatiuely considered without hope and charitie For though it be true that the total cause of any thing being in act the effect must needs follow yet from the totall cause we cannot separate those things together with which it hath in nature it existence and beeing and without which it cannot be in act for the producing of the effect though they conâ—erre nothing thereto because that is to denie the being of it and to destroy the cause The eye alone seeth the eare alone heareth but it must be a liuing eye and hearing eare not separated from the head or broken off from the rest of the bodie Faith alone iustifies without other graces not in regard of their presence but in regard of their co-working with faith to this effect of our Iustification It is one thing to say the eye is in the head without other senses and another thing to say the eye doth see alone no other sense seeing with it Liuelihood is the qualification of that faith that iustifieth and workes at least a preparation and promptitude of heart to good workes is an effect of faith as immediate as Iustification So then faith cannot bee withot loue and yet wee apprehend not the promises of eternall life by workes but by faith alone although truly they cannot be apprehended by parties destitute of workes at least of sincere resolution to walke in obedience Nor doth faith alone apprehend the truth or deriue the benefit of diuine promises to our selues but by it alone though accompanied with all other sanctifying graces and attended with the whole traine of good workes wee expect and pray the promises may be fulfilled not for our sakes or for any righteousnesse wee haue in vs or can hope for in this Life but only for the merit of Christ by his sole mediation and intercession In briefe the faith which iustifieth is operatiue attended with good workes of all sorts accompanied with all graces of the the Spirit but we liue by it as it vnites vs to the Lord of life yea by it alone not by it and other parts of grace in as much as by it wee trust in Gods mercies offered in Christ wholly relying on them not partly on them and partly on our workes or righteousnesse CHAP. V. Of the generall obiect or matter of Faith Iustifying §. 1. What doctrines are called matters of Faith § 1. MAtter 's of faith strictly and properly those are called which pertaine to the nature and essence of faith first and by themselues as are the points of faith contained in the Gospell the ignorance whereof is damnable and the deniall hereticall But in a more large acceptation all truth reuealed by God in his holy Word is a matter of faith and to bee belieued as God hath reuealed it Hence is that rule of Diuines There are many integrall parts in the Word of God which are said to bee of the word of faith but not propeâ—ly a matter of faith For there are many historicall domesticall and particular matters set downe for example not properly for faith which wee belieue not because they pertaine to sauing faith but for that they appertaine to the Word written by the Spirit of God And not much vnlike hereunto is that distinion that some things are necessarie to bee belieued to saluation by themselues and the authoritie of the Scriptures as the substantiall points of faith and manners others for the authoritie of the Scripture only as those which are not so necessarie and some neither by themselues nor the authoritie of the Scripture as are things in themselues indifferent so long as by circumstance they bee not repugnant to faith truâ—th loue and edification § 2. Iustifying faith is considered §. 2. Iustifying faith is two wayes considered either according to it most eminent effect which is to iustifie or according to it full and adequate act For that faith which iustifieth doth imbrace the Commandements belieue the threatnings looke to all the promises of God made in Iesus Christ concerning this life or the life to come and receiue the good things promised it sustaineth in aduersities worketh by loue as an instrument conioyned with it guideth all our actions and giueth firme assent vnto euery article of faith and euery part of diuine truth but as it iustifieth it is conuersant about Christ obeying to death that we may find righteousnesse and forgiâ—enesse of sinnes to life in him or it cleaueth vnâ—o Gods mercies manifested in that eteâ—nall sacrifice alwayes breathing out life to men renouncing all trust and confidence euen in such graces as we haue receiued from God The trueth mercie fidelitie and power of God
begun in them from day to day This is the couenant which God hath made with his people Ier. 32.40 Ezek. 36.26.27 I will put my feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from my wayes This promise is very necessarie to bee beleiued Phil. 1.6 1. Cor. 1.8 2. Tim. 1.12 for if people be not well grounded in belieuing that God will build them vp more strongely from day to day and perfect the good worke in them which hee hath begun euen to full sanctification in the feare of God they shall verie much stagger and goe backe coldly set vpon the practice of godlines be off and on now forward now backeward not knowing how to begin or to proced in the way of holinesse Beliefe that God will inable them to euery dutie he doth require and strengthen them against enemies that doe oppose is a maine post in the Christian building an exceeding furtherance vnto godlinesse without which they shall be oft shaken and dismaid These promises be of great price for if a Christian were allowed to aske of God whatsoeuer he would next vnto the pardon of his sinnes and saluation of his soule what would hee desire but to bee assured from God that he will establish him in grace and teach him the good way which he ought to goe that hee will sanctifie him in soule spirit and body and keepe him blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus vnto iudgement And when he discerneth any such promise to be made it is not hard to conceiue with what deare affection and strong adherence he doth receiue it how close hee layeth it vp in his soule and sweetly feedeth vpon it This promise is sweete and beliefe thereof stirring and operatiue for it hearteneth to the practice of mortification and new obedience with greate courage chearefulnes and stayednes it quickeneth encourageth to pray as necessities shall giue cause it preserueth from fainting and dismayednes when strength is not very great and if at any time through weaknesse and infirmitie securitie catch hold vpon vs saith in the promiseâ— that God will be our strength and helpe is that which raiseth vs againe and putteth courage into vs to fight against the aduersaries of our soule Things temporall Many gracious and free promises concerning the blessings of this life are dispersed in the Word of life which faith receiueth as true and certaine because they come from the God of Truth Gen. â—5 5 â—os 1.5 Heb. 13.5 1. Tim. 4.8 Rom. â— 2 who is faithfull sincere and constant in all his promises Godlinesse hath the promises both of this life and that which is to com He that spared not his owne Sonne but deliuered him vp for vs all how shall hee not with him also freely giue vs all things As health maintenance credit prosperous successe in our callings and lawfull dealings deliuerance out of troubles and such like This is the assurance that God hath giuen euen his faithfull promise often repeated many wayes ratified and confirmed that he will make competent prouision for his children which is to faith better then many bils of securitie from men yea then large possessions in hand for the present The worth and goodnesse of earthly blessings promised is apparent specially when they bee giuen in loue and mercie as gifts of the couenant tokens of free grace and by a supernaturall prouidence eleuated to spirituall vse in which sence they are promised and vouchsased vnto them that feare God and walke in his wayes And therefore when the belieuer is rightly informed that God hath made any such promises he putteth forth the hand of faith to lay fast hold vpon them and boxeth them vp safe as his best and only euidence for the things of this life and the sanctification of them For want of this faith many vertuous and godly men are greatly staggered and perplexed plunged into deepe vncomfortable dumps and â—edious troubles about the things of this life But when once these promises be well riuitted into and haue taken root in the heart by a liuely faith beliefe hereof bringeth forth contentment comforteth in the multitude of perplexities encourageth to diligence in our places quickeneth in aduersities and strengthens to the workes of righteousnesse as knowing that to bee the surest way for the gaining of durable riches and trusting more to the faithfull prom ses of God though aboue likelihood then to their owne carnall deuices though in shew and appearance probable § 5. As faith requireth what God promiseth §. 5. 3. The threatnings because God is faithfull the promises of great worth and goodnesse so it belieueth the threatnings denounced in the Word not barely apprehending them as true and certaine but also declining them as euill For the whole Scripture breathed from God and euery part therof is Gods Word of infallible truth deseruing absolute credit God is as well iust as mercifull faithfull and true as well in his threats as in his promises and equally to bee belieued in both so farre as by his Word he hath assured vs of both Hee that belieueth the one as hee ought belieueth both and he that belieueth not bo h giues sound credit to neither Beliefe of the threatnings is necessarie Rom 15.4 For whatsoeuer things are written whether precepts promises threatnings examples are written for our learning and as the promises of thiâ— life and the life to come are sharpe spurres to quicken vs vnto godlinesse so the threatnings are strong bridles to keepe from naughtinesse Firme assent to the certaine accomplishment of diuine threatnings â—oth beget humiliation for sinne past and vigilancie to shâ—nne sinne and escape danger it strengthens against base carnall feares and the threats of men that oppose the â—ruth and reuiueth care to serue and please God at all tâ—mes and in all things Wherefore doe the terrours of men so much affright but because sleight beliefe is giuen â—o the threatnings of the Lord The grace and mercie of God belieued breeds loue of God and consequently â—rue feare which is opposed to sencelesse stupiditie and carnall presumption though it casteth out feare which proceedeth from vnbeliefe But what need Belieuers feare the threatnings seeing there is no condemnation or cause of feare to them that belieue The Apostle saith indeed there is no condemnation to such Rom. 8.1 but wee cannot therefore conclude that there is no cause of feare to them vnlesse no other euils but final damnation need to bee feared But whilest the soule is subiect to bring vpon it Gods temporarie wrath sicknesses spirituall hellish anguish to the sense of it there is still cause enough to feaâ—e Seeing that concerning temporall threats and punishments God dealeth as sharpely Amos 3.2 2. Sam. 12 14 or rather more sharpely with his children then any other why should they not dread his Fatherly correction Would a childe that had but one sparke of wit or common reason prouoke his Father to scourge and whip
iâ— wee giue our selues to the prosequution of some good works because we receiue and embrace the word which coÌ„mandeth them then shall we giue our selues to the performance of euery good work which the same word doth call for at ou hands If wee doe this or that good worke coÌ„manded because it is sutable to our disposition passing ouer others that bee crosse thereunto wee obey not the Lord but please our selues The Word of God doth worke effectually as it is embracâ—d and the consideration of what Christ hath done for vs will bring forâ—h in vs the same minde that was in him a minde to doe his Fathers will in euery point alike sincerely but with greater intentions feruour and chearefulnesse as the weightinesse of the dutie or opportunitie and season shall require For true faith assenteth to euery diuine truth as certaine and infallible cleaueth to euery promise and commandement alike sincerely and vnfainedly sticketh fastest to them that bee of greatest worth and necessitie or vpon speciall occasion may most tend to the glorie of God the comfort of the soule and good of our brethren and so teacheth the affections to rise and fall swell and asswage whether in admiration or detestation in embracing or loathing and to put themselues forth in practice according to the different excellencie or indignitie goodnesse or vilenes of obiects presented to them It teacheth vs absolutely and intirely to submit our wils vnto Gods will to affect whatsoeuer hee approues to hate whatsoeuer he disallowes to loue that best which his Word assureth vs to be most excellent and deare to him and to detest that most which is most odious and abominable in his sight though otherwise pleasant to our naturall disposition or not so distastfull as many other matters would be did we take care for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Indeed the faithfull soule may find it selfe more prone to one sinne then another and more dull to some good duties then other by reason of naturall inclination state of life custome or some other occasion but if right comparison be made faith inciteth to hate all sinne and to affect all duties of holinesse one as well as another A man sick of diuers diseases but one predominant may be cured of it as much as of any of the rest and yet be more troubled with the remainders of it because it had deepest root and greatest head and so euery member of corruption may be truely mortified and yet the stronger passions before though in proportionable degree tamed and brought into subiection as much as the rest may be the most troublesome which the faithfull doe ackowledge bewaile and endeuour to redresse keeping them vnder with greatest care and striuing against them with all earnestnes This fight against corruption is constantly mainâ—ained by faith and constantly it cleaueth to the word of grace as much better then all carnall or worldly allurements whereby we might be drawne aside into sinne and so it bringeth forth constant obedience to the will of God The good ground are they which with an honest and good heart hauing heard the word keepâ— it and bring forth fruite with patience Luk. 8.15 CHAP. VI. Of the Speciall obiect of Iustifying Faith § 1. FAith seeketh not life and saluation in the threatnings §. 1. The Speciall obiect of Iustifying faith prohibitions or commaundements though it worke by loue and earnestly contend against corruption but acknowledging its imperfection in working 2. Cor. 5.19 Rom. 15.25.26 Rom. 10.8 and 1 17. and renouncing all confidence in workes or in our selues it resteth vpon the promises of mercie in Iesus Christ or word of reconciliation which is called the word of faith The more firme and liuely our faith is the more sincerely it worketh the better wee discerne and vnfainedly acknowledge our imperfections and disclaime all affyance in our owne righteousnesse and the more faithfully we renounce all confidence in our workes the more earnestly wee seeke for saluation only by Christ Faith resteth vpon Christ as Mediatour or as God and Man obeying to the cursed of of the crosse that from the grace o God weâ— might obtaine pardon of sinne and be accepted as righteous vnto life For this wee are alway s â—o haue in Minde that Christ is the obiect of fai h not abstractly and nakedly considered but Christ with his benefits Christ lifted vp as the brason serpent Christ set forth as a propitiatorie sacrifice for our sinnes Christ as our redeemer from sinne and death Christ as he is set forth to the belieuer and thus to receiue Christ and belieue on him is to belieue and receiue in him ransome from sinne and death Mark 1.15 Act. 20.24 Luk. 24.47 1. Pet. 1.21 2. Cor 5.19.20 Psal 32 5. and 51.1.2 and 103.3 Dan. 9 17. Hos 14.3 and 2.19.20 Luk. 1.71 and 18.19 Act. 15.11 Christ and his Apostles testifie that this is specially to bee preâ—â—hed viz remission of sinnes in and through Iesus Christ This the faith of all the Sainâ—s through it haue respected euery part of the word hath in speciall manner respected craued embraced But that which is specially to be preached and belieued that which the faith of all the Saints hath alwayes in speciall manner respected desired craued and obtained that is the speciall obiect of Iustifying faith If at any time wee read a Gen. 15.6 that the beliefe of a temporarie promise was accounted for righteousnesse it is because it doth in belieuing the thing temporall apprehend him b Gal. 3.8.16 in whom all the promises are yea and Amen who is at least the remoued obiect of iustifying faith in euery thing it apprehendeth Thus Abraham belieuing the promise of seed did apprehend that blessed seed which had from the beginning beene promised Iohn 8.56 and saw his day Neither did he looke at the power of God but to sustaine his beliefe of a seed before promised against the temptations wherewith he w s exercised Expresse mention of the speciall mercy of God we finde not in the sermons of the Apostles but it doth euidently follow of those things which are preached by them For remission d Ps 103.3.13 and 130.3.4 Mic. 7.19 Titus 3 5. of sinnes doth presuppose the mercie of God and the speciall subiect of their preahing e Act. 2.38 and 4 1â— and 10.43 and 1â— 39. and 8.37 is remission of sinnes by and for the death and resurrection of Iesus Christ That which first pricketh and spurreth the soule to Christ that giueth vs to vnderstand what the soule principally reacheth at and receiueth in Christ But sinne and death vrge the soule for mercy and life to bee obtained pricke and spurre the soule to goe forth of it selfe and receiue Christ and rest vpon him as he is offered in the Gospell Popish obiections answered Therefore it principally layeth hold on the free promise of mercie couering sinne and deliuering from death The confession of
10. it hath this proposition concerning the present or time past To me belieuing in Christ my sinnes are forgâ—ued And thus the horned argument of the Iesuite Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap 10. Sect. ratio secunda Idem de Eccl. lib. 4. cap. 11. §. Sectary nostri whereby he would proue the speciall mercie of God not to be the obiect of faith Iustifying and our doctrine in that point to b e grosse and absurd is easily vntied For thus he reasoneth Iustifying faith goeth before Iustification But faith in the speciall mercie of God followeth Iustification For hee that belieueth the pardon of his sinnes is either iust before or not iust if iust before then faith iustifyeâ—h not if vniust then belieuing that his sinnes bee pardoned he belieueth a lie Our answere is that speciall faith hath the sundrie acts but to this purpose specially two The first heartily to desire earnestly to thirst after D. Field of the Ch lib. 3. cap. 44 Bolton of walking with God pag. 321. 322. To belieue that my sinne is now forgiuen in Christ is rather an act of experience in a Belieuer now iustified then that beliefe which is required to Iustification P. Bayn Helpe to true Happines part 2. qu. 9. humbly to intreate for acceptation and confidently to rest vpon the promise of free remission The other comfortably to assure and perswade that that is granted which was desired and receiued in promise Faith by her first act obtaineth and receiueth pardon and doth not finde vs iust when wee begin to belieue by her second act shee doth not actually iustifie but finding the thing done certifyeth and assureth vs of it So then speciall faith in her first act is before Iustification and procureth obtaineth and receiueth pardon but then shee hath not the perswasion of it as alreadie done in her second act shee presupposeth the thing done and alreadie obtained and so truely perswadeth the belieuer of it but procureth not the doing of it Before Iustification faith seeketh and receiueth the promise of forgiuenesse after Iustification it comfortably assureth of the blessing obtained in both it hath for it obiect the speciall mercie of God in Christ Faith receiueth Christ offered in the Gospell and it perswadeth and assureth of pardon in Christ receiued both these bee the acts of faith sometimes expressed a Iustifiing faith hath some acts as a cause disposing preparing and fittiâ—g vs to the receit of that gracious sauour whereby God doth iustifie vs and other as a susceptiue cause receiuing embracing and enioying the same In the former respect faith consists not in a perswasion that wee are the sons of God but in the latter Feild appendex to the fifth Booke second part in the definition of Iustifying faith but if we speake of faith as it iustifyeth it peculiarly embraceth Christ with his benefits as he is profered in the word and Sacrament For faith which is required to Iustification is not a perswasion or knowledge of things alreadie possessed but a confidâ—nce of things promised and vpon belieuing to bee obtained which in the order of causes not in time doth goe before remission of sinnes Who knoweth not that we must belieue that we might be iustified Iustified I say and not certified of Iustification by the benefite of faith The Scripture is cleare Belieue and thou shalt be saued God iustifieth the circumcision by faith and the vncircumcision through faith Doe not these and many the like passages shew that Iustification and not onely the sense and manifestation of Iustification alreadie obtained doth depend on faith § 4. It may bee said we are iustified before in Gods decree Indeed whom God doth iustifie them he decreed to iustifie from all eternitie but whereas election is manifested by faith as by its effect iustification doth depend vpon faith as its cause and wee are iustified by faith as the instrument thereof For election is an act immanent and eternall §. 3. Act. 16.31 Rom. 3.30 but iustification transient and in time inferring some change in the person iustified not physiciall but morall in respect of state §. 4. whereby it comes to passe that the person is in another condition and account then he was before In briefe the act of faith preswading of the pardon of sinne alreadie obtained by belieuing and glorying in the sense of Gods mercie must bee distinguished from that act of faith which iustifieth and is a leauing or staying vpon Christ to obtaine remission the priuiledge of grace and comfort which comes to the soule by belieuing must be distinguished from the condition of the couenant which is required on our parts before wee can obtaine pardon This is the rather to be noted Fishers answere to certaine articles because the maine cauils of the papists against our doctrine touchâ—ng particular confidence in Gods mercie and certainetie of saluation are grounded vpon this surmise that wee make that faith which is an assured and certaine perswasion of our particular election iustificâ—tion and saluation to be the sole cause to wit on Mans part of Iustification whereas Iustification it selfe must goe before the assurance of it and such persons onely can haue true assurance and certaintie of their Iust fication election and Saluation who doe vnfainedly belieue and know assuredly that they belieue as they ought And it makes much for the comfort of many faithfull people who commit their soules vnto Christ Iesus and depend vpon him and no other for saluation who yet are much perplexed as if they had no faith nor could doe ought pleasing vnto God because they want this certaine assurance of the remission of their sinnes whereas if they had learned what it is to belieue vnto Iustification and trust vnto the promise for pardon they might for the present take comfort in this that notwithstanding their feare they relie vpon Christ â—nd commit their soules vnto God as to their faithfull Redeemer and might with more ease and speed grow vp vnto the desired comfort and assurance when they should distinctly perceiue and discerne the groundâ— of faith and assurance by what steps and degrees they must clime from the one vnto the other CHAP. VIII By faith a true belieuer may bee certaine and infallibly assuredly of the remission of his sinnes and eternall saluation §. 1. How Faith assureth of saluation § 1. IT is a Principle common amongst our Aduersaries that eueâ—y conclusion issuâ—ng from one proposition reuealed expressely in Scripture another clearely and certainely knowne otherwise and by euident and good consequent added vnto it b longs to faith and is belieued by no other habit then of faith As for example All the dead shall rise Peter is dead therefore Peter shall rise The conclusion is Theologicall and belongs to faith though it be not expressely written that Peter is dead or that he shall rise againe So it is in this present matter All that belieue shâ—ll bee saued this proposition is
and laboureth therein he resembles his Father the Deuil whose chiefe delight is in doing mischiefe Which is further confirmed by that of our Sauiour Christ to the Iewes Iohn 8.34 Verily whosoeuer committeth sinne is the seruant of sinne and the seruant abideth not in the house for euer but the Sonne abideth foreuer If the Sonne therefore shall make you free yee shall be free indeed He that committeth sinne with delight wilfull indulgence to transgressions and vnrelenting opposition to the cleare truth he is the seruant of sinne but they that are made free by the Sonne are free from the raigne of sinne 1. Iohn 5.18 not from euery act of sinne He that is borne of God keepes himselfe that the wicked one cannot come within him to endanger him the gates of hell can haue no preuailing power oâ—er him hee sinneth not as the world doth which lieth in iniquitie but altogether free from sinne hee is not nor euer shall be so long as hee carrieth about with him this bodie of death To sinne habitually wilfully indulgently with full consent and greedinesse is not compatible with the hope and profession of a Christian This spot is not the spot of Gods children Deut. 32.5 but they haue their blemishes they sinne of infirmitie though not of wilfulnesse Sinne in it owne nature is opposite to grace but all sinnes are not altogether incompatible with grace that is they hinder not the gracefull operation of faith hope and loue The remainders of Originall corruption vnder which the regenerate must labour so long as they liue sinnes of simple ignorance and of vnauoidable infirmitie which through weaknesse the faithfull runne into euery day these doe not stop the liuely worke of faith in receiuing the promises of mercie but euen at the very instant when these haue abode in the soule faith can and doth make faithfull plea for mercie or otherwise none could plead for mercie before the throne of Grace For in many things we sinne all Iames 3.2 Sinnes of forgetfulnesse inconsideration and passion whereunto there is not aduised consent these are as moates in the eye which doe somewhat trouble the cleare sight of faith but notwithstanding them the heart principally adheareth vnto God and though now and then through infirmitie a Christian bee ouertaken with them yet may hee vpon good grounds be assured of Gods loue Anger pettishnesse impatience inordinate feare are sinnes which the godly ought and doe watch against and for which they ought and must iudge themselues but if through infirmitie they be ouer-taken to speake an hastie or vnaduised word they must not therefore cast off their confidence notwithstanding such slips they may cry in faith and be heard in their supplications If any man sinne 1. Iohn 2.1 2. to wit of infirmitie as they doe who walke in the light and addict themselues to the serious studie of holinesse wee haue an Aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sinnes What answere the Lord gaue to Paul touching his temptations My grace is sufficient for thee 2. Cor. 12.7 8. that may be said of the infirmities of the Saints such sinnes as be meere and absolute infirmities God of his Grace reuealed in the couenant of grace is pleased to grant vnto them a pardon of course Such sinnes as in regâ—rd of their matter are not repugnant to the maine offices prescribed by the Commandements of God being oâ— frâ—iltie committed through vnaduisednesse or sudden passion these doe not denominate a man a Law-breaker nor so weaken the power of faith as that it should not be able to receiue the promise of forgiuenesse nor suspenâ— the actuall claime of eternall life These frailties may be â—n the godly without any notable defect of faith they debarre not the soule from cleauing vnto God Gen. 1â— 13 Abraham said of Sarah She is my sister this was an infirmitie but did not extinguish faith Sarah laughed at the promise Gen. 18.10 11. and then denied it through feare Iacob beguiled his Father saying I am thy Sonne Esau Gen. 27.19 Exod. 4.10.14 Iob 40 5. Math. 16.22 2 Chron. 35.22 2. Chron. 30.18 19. and many such like infirmities of the Saints are recorded which argue their faith to bee weake not to bee deposed from it soueraignetie The reason heâ—eof is not to be taken from the matter or outward act wherein they offended but from their heart and affection which was more inclined to good then to euill and did sticke fast vnto God euen when through weaknesse they transgressed By faith Rahab receiued the spies with peace Heb. 11.31 when through infirmitie shee offended in the meanes of their safetie The Prophet Dauid was regenerate without question and had sure hope that his prayers for mercie should be heard when he vttered this complaint of himselfe Psal 19.12 13. Who can vnderstand his errours Cleanse thou me from secret faults Kâ—epe backe thy seruant also from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion ouer me then shall I be vpright and I shall be innocent from the great transgression So that a faithfull man stepping aside thâ—ough infirmity in the forenamed offeÌ„ces I say through infirmitie and not oâ— habit custome grosse carelesnesse or delight doth retaine his integritie and faith though somwhat shaken doth keep it standing and continue liuely to beg embrace pardon But he that sinneth of meere frailty doth humble himself for his daily offences labour to represse and mortifie his inbred lusts seeketh forgiuenesse by vnfained confession and heartie prayer renueth his purpose and resolution to be more circumspect and setteth vp his watch to shunne and auoid the like sins for the time to come And if he be ouertaken at vnawares he is warned by that slip to looke more heedfully to his wayes beging pardon and seeking helpe from aboue that hee may bee able to stand fast so that the slip which did seeme somwhat to loose him is an occasion of his sticking faster and closer vnto God § 12. But if a godly man fall into a foule and enormous crime wasting conscience §. 12. What sinnes hinder assurance Psa 51.10 14. 1. Reg. 11.4 for the time hee loseth some degree of newnes of Spirit cleannesse of heart comfort of the holy Ghost integritie in a sort and peace of conscience Hee plungeth himselfe into the sence of Gods wrath and displeasure and by his grieuous transgression the power of faith is so weakened that he can neither belieue the pardon of any one sinne formerly pardoned nor lay actuall claime to any priuiledge of grace formerly enioyed The fauour of God towards his children is vnchangeable the sentence of pardon granted shall neuer bee reuersed euen after some grieuous fall Psal 37.24 Ioh. 10.28.29.30 Iohn 8.35 1. â—ohn 3.9 the seeds of grace abide in them and they remaine in the state of Iustification but whilest they continue in such an estate of sinne
they can make no actuall claime to the promises of eternâ—ll life The seeds of grace abiding in them they still retaine their right and title to eternall life to be giuen of free and vndeserued grace but they are suspended from actuall claime vntill they rise againe by true repentance and then they recouer not a new right or title but a new claime by vertue of the old title For it is the perpetuall ordinance oâ— God that if his children str ke out of the way by sinne they m st rise againe and renue their faith and repentance before they can haue any sound or true hope of saluation There can be no Christian assurance which doth not fully consent and accord with these and such like passages of holâ— S ripture Psal 66.18 Ezek. 18.4 If I regard iniquitie in my heart the Lord will not heare me The soule that sinneth shall die Know yee not that the vnrighteous shall not inherite the kingdome of God Be not deceiued neither fornicatours 1. Cor. 6.9 Eph. 5.5 Col. 3.5.6 Reu. 21.8 nor idolat rs nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselues with mankinde Nor theeues nor couetous nor drunkaâ—ds nor reuilers nor extortioners shall inherite the kingdome of God If therefore a godly man as Dauid tu nâ— asi e into sinne of this kinde hee can haue no assurance of mercie till this iniquitie bee broken off by vnfained repentance For faith cannot receiue what the word of grace doth not promise Isay 1.16 Pro. 28.13 1. Ioh. 1.6.7 But pardon of sinne is promised to them onely that confesse and forsake their iniquitie that forsake all sinne in habit delight and indulgence grosse sinne vtterly and vpon good aduice § 13. The raigne and absolute dominion a Rom. 6.12.13.14 of sin doth vtterly exclude grace and hee that is so guiltie §. 13. The absolute raigne of sinne will not stand with the state of grace hath nothing in him that can cry or call for pardon or forgiuenes In whom sinne hath this dominion he as yet is vnder b Ioh 3.36 Deut. 9 24 Mat. 7.23 Num. 15.30 the curse of the law and the wrath of God abideth on him for the presence of grace infused is a necessary qualificato the pardon of sinne and where sinne doth beare such sway as to shut forth whatsoeuer in vs should intreate mercie it doth him vp vnder wrath Were it possible for a man regenerate which shall neuer befall them that are called â—ccording to the purpose of God after grace receiued to sinne wilfully with full consent delight and contentment to the vtter extinguishing of the Spirit of grace or finally to abuse any extraordinary measure of inherent grace by indulgence to knowne sinnes secret or open he should fall from the state of Iustification and be called to a strict account as well for all his former sinnes as this abuse of his talent § 14. Assurance of saluation if true §. 14. True assurance breeds resolution and care to please God 1 Ioh. 3.22 is euer ioyned with a religious and conscionable desire to walke before God in all well-pleasing and to doe the things that are acceptable in his sight and assured standing in grace depends vpon a like certaintie of not continuing indulgence to knowne offences or grosse negligence in repenting or bewayling secret sins Where this priuiledge is possessed the heart is most tender and sensible of sinne most watchfull to shunne and auoide whatsoeuer is displeasing vnto his Highnesse greiued with holy indignation for former loosenes and vntowardlines Luk 7.47 1. Ioh. 4.19 Cant. 5.8 and 8.7 1. Pet. 1.8 Psal 103.1.2.3 1. Cor. 14.1 Col 3.1.2 Phil. 3.9 there flourisheth vnfained loue to God for his mercie and to the brethren for the Lords sake sound humilitie and free submission to the Lords will and commaunde in euery thing sincere and continuall thankefulnesse to God for all his gifts both in prosperitie and trouble health and sickenesse holy couteousnes after spirituall things ioyned with sound delight in the word of God and base account of all things in comparison of Christ holy and reuerent admimiration to see his state thus changed from so low a depth of miserie to so great an height of glory Psal 4.6.7 and 63.3 1. Pet. 1.8 Act. 8.39 Rom. 5.4 Ier. 9.23 sweete contentment ioy vnspeakeable with continuall care and constant resolution to better his obedience and mercifull zealous desire both by edifying speech and godly example to draw on and build vp others in faith and godlinesse How can it be conceiued that a man should be assured of the pardon and forgiuenesse of many and great offences committed by him but it will worke a greater loathing and detestation of sinne vnfained abasement for former wickednesse continuall watchfullnesse to keepe himselfe pure ardent loue with inward ioy that cannot be expressed How can a man be perswaded that greater happinesse is giuen him of God then all the world is worth that more sinnes are pardoned him then he hath haires on his head the least whereof is sufficient to plung him into the nethermost Hell but hee must needs loue the Lord who hath gratiously looked vpon him in his distresse reioyce with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious and keepe continuall watch against the baites and allurements of sinne that hee loose not his comfort nor dishonour God who hath done so great things for him The Malefactour is glad of his Princes pardon specially of his Highnesse fauour whereby he is aduanced into great honour and dignitie When the Iewes heard of the proclamation of King Cyrus by which they were set free from their long and tedious captiuitie they were rapt with ioy and wondring Psa 126.1.2 that they were like to men that thinke they rather dreame then indeede possesse the thing that their soules longed after how much more will certaine assurance that we are set free from the perpetuall bondage of sinne and restored to the euerlasting freedome of righteousnesse and life make vs wonder at the infinite wisedome and vnspeakeable goodnesse of our Heauenly Father The Saints considering the goodnesse of God towards Man in his creation breke forth into holy admiration Psal 8.4.5 Ioh. 7.17 Psal 144.3 Lord what is man that thou art so mindfull of him The Prophet calling to Minde long after what God had done for his soule in deliuering him from the terrour of death and power of the graue cannot passe it ouer without feruent thankes and praise Psal 116.12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefites towards me And when Peter came to himselfe and saw indeede that he was deliuered from the tyrannie of Herod from the deepe dungeon and bitter death prepared for him he entred into a religious and thankefull admiration of the great power and mercie of the Lord Act. 12.11 saying Now I know for a truth that the Lord hath sent his Angell and hath deliuered mee from the
is weake in foure respects Rom. 14.1 15.1 Heb. 5.11.12 1. Cor. 8.10 Math. 16.16 Luke 9.45 Marke 9.9 Iohn 20.9 Marke 16 11. Iohn 14.5 Him that is weake in faith receiue you but not to doubtfull disputations The Disciples had true faith when they were very weake in knowledge For though they belieued that Christ was the Messiah yet they were ignorant of his Death and Resurrection and Ascension When he told them of his sufferings they vnderstood not that saying when Mary told them of his Resurrection they beleued it not when hee spake of his tarrying with them a little and then of going vnto his Father they knew not what it meant Secondly faith is weake in assent when a Christian giues credit to the principles of doctrine and promises of life not only as true and certaine but as much better then life it selfe yet not without much reasoning and disputing in himselfe Lord I belieue helpe mine vnbeliefe Marke 9 24. Thirdly In confidence it is feeble when the Belieuer rolls himselfe vpon Christ and the promises of mercie made in him purposing to adhere and cleaue vnto him though he feele that he hangeth but weakly discerne not the certaintie of his estate nor the stablenesse of Gods promises cannot assure himselfe that he doth belieue is soone discouraged in troubles and readie to faint if helpe come not presently Math. 8.26 14.31 But when the minde is perplexed with temptations feares and doubts and the heart ready to faint not able with cleare euidence to receiue the promises yet then this true Belieuer is habitually resolued not without great dread and wauering that it is good to trust and waite vpon the Lord. Psal 73.28 And this must be remembred for certaine that howsoeuer faith bee often shaken oppressed with feares or turned aside with oppositions that be made against it for a time as the Disciples did all forsake our Sauiour and flee Math. 26.56 when he was apprehended yet the weakest faith is aduisedly resolued to sticke fast vnto the promises of life as much better then the pleasures or profits of this life and to embrace Christ notwithstanding any opposition by allurement or terrour that the Deuill the World or the Flesh can make against it Fourthly In the fruites and effects thereof faith is weake as in the sence of Gods loue assurance of his grace and fauour power to subdue vnruly passions contempt of the world patience and ioy in tribulation and the constant Ordinarily belieuers are weake at the fiâ—st liuely practice of holinesse Ordinarily this is the state of Belieuers at their first conuersion and who can expect it should bee otherwise Wee doe not looke that a new borne babe should bee able to goe alone if strength come with age wee thinke it is well And thus it fareth with them also who are not conscionable to gaine knowledge subdue their corruptions cherish faith nourish the motions of Gods Spirit pray earnestly watch narrowly get resolution of their doubts tie vp their passions renue their repentance and purpose to better obedience Some priuiledged aboue others But some there are whom God in speciall manner doth priuiledge at one time and in one day to receiue that grace and gift of assurance which others are long labouring and trauelling for before they attaine it As our Sauiour Christ pronounceth of Zacheus Luke 19.9 This day is this Man become the Sonne of Abraham and saluation is come into his house So Lydia her heart was opened Acts 16.14 that she attended to the preaching of Paul the Iaylour and the Iewes who were pricked in conscience at the preaching of Peter Acts 16.34 2.38 Math. 9.9 Luke 22.43 Faith weake in one respect may be strong in another Heb. 11.31 were quickly comforted after they were throwne downe The like may be said of Matthew and the thiefe who was conuerted vpon the Crosse Againe faith may be weake or small in one particular when it is great and strong in another The measure of knowledge may bee scant when affiance is strong according to that a man doth know as in Rahab where there is small assurance of pardon there strength of faith may discouer it selfe by striuing against doubting bitter complaining for want of feeling comfort feruent seeking to be setled in belieuing earnest longing after and vnsatiable desire of grace high prizing and valuation of Iesus Christ and mercie promised in him selfe-deniall contempt of the world care to search out the sinne that may possibly hinder comfort and expell it continuall watchfulnesse and holy iealousie lest they should bee deceiued and faithfull labouring to subdue corruption These and such like fruits of sound liuely wel-rooted affiance may bee seene in many that bee troubled with manifold feares and doubts of their owne saluation though they themselues doe not euer perceiue how God hath enriched them § 8. A weake and strong faith differ not in speciall nature and plantation but in degree §. .8 The benefits of the weakest faith if true and liuely Rom. 11.20 and the fruites of weake and strong faith are the same though not in like measure fulnesse and comfort More distinctly the benefits of the weakest liuely faith be these By it the Belieuer is firmely and inseperably knit vnto Christ as a liuing member vnto the Head A true Belleuer though neuer so weâ—ke Iohn 14 17. 6.35 â—phes 3.17 1. Iohn 5.20 Heb. 1â— 1 doth possesse Christ with all his benefits and all sufficiencie in him for knowledge of faith is neuer without pâ—ssession And so he is iustified sanctified adopted and made free by Christ By faith he apprehendeth things inuisible he doth see God and is made wise vnto saluation Iohn 17.3 6 54 Col. â— 12 13. Rom. 6.4 5. Eternall life is alreadie begunne in euery Belieuer weake and strong euen that life which shall neuer fade The weakest faith giues will and abilitie in some sort to walke vprightly and to liue honestly in the sight of God and Man it is also strong through the power of Christ to vanquish Satan and ouercome the world 1. Iohn 5.4 with whatsoeuer is therein that maketh head against the soueraignetie of grace Iohn 7.37 38. Rom. 11.29 Rom. 1.17 The weakest faith is euer ioyned with the gift of perseuerance and cannot vtterly bee broken off And weake faith if found will grow and increase as a childe now feeble in his ioynts may in time become strong by nourishment Yet should wee striue to bee strong and rich in faith and able to runne about It is no wisdome therefore for any man to content himselfe with a little faith though the weakest faith shall neuer faile nor be ouercome by Satan seeing God hath prouided and doth afford meanes whereby we may be builded forward It is a shame to be a man in yeares and a bâ—be in knowledge to be an Infant in faith when God vouchsafeth time and meanes of
excell our selues In earthly things men are willing to better their condition and shall wee bee careles in heauenly things to prouide well for our selues In faire weather the Traueller will carrie his Cloake because the season may change before his returne A strong faith is euer of vse most needfull in temptations of long continuance and grieuous to be borne and though now we liue peace we know not how soone we may be called forth to tryall what seruice we may bee put vnto or the Lord will exercise vs. § 10. But here wee must remember the strongest faith hath infirmities §. 10. The strongest faith is subiect to sundry infirmities Iob 3.3.8 Num. 20.10.11.12 1. King 19.4 vnder which it groaneth and is subiect to temptations both on the right hand and on the left euen strong temptations whereby it is shaken for a time Iobs faith was shakâ—n when he cursed the day of his birth Moses his Faith quailed at the rocke Eliah that famous belieuer who had raised the dead would bee dead in a passion Long delayes did both trie and shake the faith of Abraham Gen. 15.2 In one and the same belieuer faith is sometimes greater and stronger another time more weake and infirme Psal 3.5 with 31.22 1. Sam. 27.1 stronger in a great assault weaker in a lesse The gift of faith is without repentance and being once kindly planted in the heart there it remaineth for euer but in regard of greatnesse or meanesse it hath many alterations increasings and decreasings yea the strong belieuer doth sometimes shrinke and draw backe like a coward in small temptations and the weake doth quit himselfe valiantly in great tryals The strong must not bee carelesse as if hee should neuer doubt againe or be brought into straits The stronge belieuer doth sometimes shrinke when the weake stands fasts The weake must not bee dismayed as if they should vtterly bee ouerthrowne Both weake and strong must looke for tryals and bee carefull to preserue and grow in faith For the state of grace in this life is such as hath still reliques of sinne dwelling with it and the Deuill and the world still lay siege against the castle of our faith to batter it and preuaile much when they finde vs secure and carelesse but are preuented by diligence and watchfulnesse the Lord assisting CHAP. XI Of the right plantation of faith and meanes whereby it is confirmed § 1. THE necessarie vse and excellent fruites of faith §. 1. should incite men if they want to seeke it with all diligence and if they be pertakers of that heauenly gift to hold and keepe it to increase and growe therein Motiues and encouragements to belieue 2. Cor. 5 20. And this the rather because wee haue many encouragements to belieue God doth beseech men to bee reconciled vnto him Should not this wonderfull clemencie of God encourage vs with boldnesse and confidence to come vnto him Christ himselfe doth graciously inuite all that be poore Isay 55.1 Math. 11 28. needie wearie and heauie laden to come vnto him and the Lord maketh a generall proclamation of libertie to all distressed soules that will come and receiue it without exception of any in particular which should the rather affect if wee consider who it is that proclaimeth inuite h beseecheth namely God who is able to helpe and readie to forgiue and succour If a couetous man should offer vs any greate kindnes Deu. 7.9 wee might doubt of performance because it is contrarie to his nature but it is not so with our God his name is gratious and his nature is to be faithfull in performance and true in offer and promising In the couenant that God of his rich grace and mercie hath made with his Church and people seâ—led with Sacraments and confirmed by oath Ier 31.34 Heb. 10.16 Psal 32.10 Esay 55.7 Ezek. 18.21 and 33.11 Math. 3 17. Esâ—y 1.18 Tit. 2.14 1. Ioh. 1 7. remission of sinnes secret and open great and small of what qualitie soeuer is promised and assured to them that repent and belieue And when life and saluation is promised to them that will receiue it by faith no man is excluded from that mercie but hee that shuts forth himselfe by infidelitie Wee haue a Sauiour who came into the world to saue sinners Mar. 16.16 Ioh. 3.15.16 and 6 34.40 Act. 10.43 Math. 1.21 and 18.11 Luk. 19.10 and is able to deliuer vs out of the hands of all our enemies his redemption being both pretious and plentifull And therefore though the multitude and grieuousnesse of our sinnes should encrease our repentance yet they should not diminish our faith and diligence in seeking assurance of forgiuenesse For though our debt was neuer so great our suertie Christ Iesus hath paid it to the vtmost farthing The Lord who is best acquainted with his owne loue merc e and compassion and knoweth what is pleasing and acceptable vnto him 1. Ioh. 3.23.24 hath straightely charged and commaunded vs to belieue in him and belieuing will bestow vpon vs eternall life according to promise And can there be any fraud in Gods word or danger in yeelding obedience to his Commaundement What neede we feare to commit our soules to him 2. Tim. 1.12 who is able to keepe them and hath bound himselfe to saue them if we relie vpon him Our Faith is directed to God in and through Iesus Christ our neere kinsman who hath taken our nature and is become flesh of our flesh Though wee feared some great man yet were hee maried to our house very neare vs this circumstance would animate vs not a little the same should wee thinke of our God maried as aforesaid to our flesh Heb. 7.25 Christ our Sauiour and high Priest euer liueth to appeare in heauen before his Father and to make intercession for vs. Math. 9.6 The Father who hath committed all iudgement to the Sonne hath giuen vnto him power to remit and pardon sinne 2. Cor. 5.19 and he as our suretie hauing all our debt laid vpon him hath by one oblation of himselfe once offered purchased for vs eternall redemption and by vertue of his obedience hath receiued for vs whatsoeuer he distributeth vnto vs. By belieuing wee glorifie God both in his truth power wisedome loue grace and mercie Rom. 4.20 whom before wee dishonoured by our sinnes For the grace of God is manifested by faith in Iesus Christ Rom. 3.24.28 in the declaration and acknowledgment whereof standeth the chiefe praise and glory of the Lord as the the last end of all his workes Mercie and compassion in Man is but as the drop of a bucket in comparison of that huge Ocean of grace that is to be found in our God Math. 18.21.22 But God requires that wee should forgiue our Brother seuentie times seuen times if hee did repent after hee had trespassed against vs and wil not our God who exacteâ—h such compassion in vs
Hope Loue Iustice Temperance which it is to be brought vnto In which regard as liuing bodies need daily food that they might grow vnto perfection of nature so soules hauing grace haue need to goe ouer with the vse of the meanes as well as others that the diuine nature may be more and more enlarged getting vp as the light of the Sunâ—e doth in the aire which it inlightneth Seuenthly It is good to call to minde the experience of the faith and ioy which wee haue had at any time before 2. Cor. 10. remembring that former comforts are as a bill obligatorie vnder Gods hand to assure that hee will not forsake vs. For whom God loueth hee loueth to the end Iohn 13.1 because he is vnchangeable the same for euer which consideration may serue to settle vs in assurance of Gods loue towards vs more then a childe can bee of his Fathers good-will or a wife of her bodily Husbands fauour for they are mutable Eightly Obserue the opportunities when it pleaseth God in speciall manner to draw nigh vnto vs and make vse of them God visiteth his children sometimes in tender compassion and knocketh at the doore of their hearts inuiting them to diuine and heauenly communication with him Sometimes he inclineth their soules to fresh sorrow for sinne sometimes hee refresheth them with more liuely apprehension of the ioyes of Heauen sometimes they feele the motions of the Spirit quicke and liuely vpon what occasions soeuer or in what manner it shall please God to offer himselfe vnto vs it stands vs vpon to make vse of that for our quickning to nourish the motions of his Spirit and by feruent Prayer to entreat the continuance of his presence Ninthly Faith increaseth by exercise and groweth by continuall vse If wee learne to liue by faith in matters of this life both when wee haue and when wee want the meanes and rest vpon God for successe in our lawfull calings without distracting care we shall with more facilitie and ease depend vpon the free promises of grace for mercie and forgiuenesse CHAP. XII Of the temptations whereby Satan seeketh to batter downe our faith and how he may be resisted §. 1. Ephes 6.16 1. Pet. 5.8 § 1. THe Deuill knoweth right well that faith is the band whereby we are knit vnto Christ the shield whereby wee quench the fierie darts of the Deuill the ground-worke of a godly life and the safe castle of a Christian soule If faith bee weakened our zeale cooleth our courage abateth our life is tedious our Prayers faint the exercises of Religion vncomfortable and all the graces of Gods Spirit pine and languish Also by doubting and distrust wee dishonour God lay open our hearts to temptations discourage others and tie our owne hands that we cannot fight against our deadly enemies For these causes Satan endeuours by all meanes to hinder as the kindly taking so the growth of faith that such as he cannot hold in the chaines of sinne he might make their liues dead Temptations against Faith wearisome vnprofitable by doubting and discomfort First Satan suggesteth 1. Worthlesnesse that it is horrible presumption for such vile sinners and worthlesse wretches to perswade themselues of Gods speciall loue and fauour And to this end he spareth not to set forth the maiestie iustice and puritie of the Lord that it might strike the greater terrour into the wounded conscience For the repelling of this temptation Remedie The sence of our vnworthinesse must not discourage vs from belieuing it is to be knowne and remembred that Gods mercie fauour promises and benefits are all free which hee vouchsafeth offereth bestoweth without any respect of worthinesse or deserts of his meere grace and vndeserued loue in Iesus Christ And therefore as when wee are most worthy in our owne conceit there is no reason wee should presume the more so when wee find our selues vnworthy there is no cause why wee should hope the lesse For the ground of our confidence is the promise of free and vndeserued mercie made in Christ Iesus to miserable forlorne sinners who see and acknowledge themselues to be more vile then the mire in the street And this sets forth the prayse of Gods mercie so much the more that it is afforded to such base abiects who deserue nothing but to bee cast forth and trodden vnderfoot Should the prisoner doubt of his Princes mercie when hee heareth his pardon read and seeth it sealed because he hath merited no such kindnesse Againe it is good to call to minde and seriously to consider what strong encouragements wee haue to receiue the promises and how wee are not more desirous to belieue then God is wee should so doe For God doth through loue intreat vs of friendship counsell vs 2. Cor. 5.19 20. 1. Tim. 1.15 1. Iohn 3 23 24. and of his authoritie being able to performe commandeth vs as if hee would hereby shew that none hath authoritie to hinder or forbid the same And therefore wee must be warned to beware of all occasions that may darken or put out the light of our confidence as reasoning or questioning against our selues for yeelding to this truth lately receiued c. § 2. Satan will here obiect to the weake and timorous Christian that hee knowes not whether he bee of the number of Gods elect §. 2. 2. They know not whether they be elected and therefore hath nothing to doe with the promises If the Deuill set vpon vs in this sort wee must hold such suggestions to arise from the Spirit of errour Remedy 1. Ioh. 3.23 1. Tim 6.12 Heb. 10.35 Math. 13.31 Ioel 2.6.7 Ioh 10.27 Satan is not to be hearkened vnto nor reasoned with when he tempteth to Infidelitie Gen. 3.1.2.3 because they are contrarie to the voyce of God who saith to the afflicted conscience that is wearie of sin Belieue lay hold on eternall life cast not a way thy confidence Be established confirmed and abound in faith Therefore we must lend no eare to such whisperings of the old serpent but cleaue fast to the word of the Lord and cut off all contrarie inchantments It was the first degree to the vtter vndoing of her selfe and posteritie in our Grandmother Eue that shee opened her eare to a false and lying spirit in the mouth of a Serpent which vnder a faire colour perswaded or rather couertly inticed and drew her to eate of the forbidden fruite The decree of God which is secret in the bosome of the most High is not the rule according to which we must walke but the word of life reuealed in holy Scriptures wee must take for our direction Eph. 1.13 If God make offer of mercie and forgiuenesse vnto vs in the ministerie of the Gospell which is the word of truth the word of saluation wee are bound to receiue it without looking into the booke of his election and if wee receiue them truely we shall bee saued as the Lord hath spoken
§ 3. If Satan be driuen from this hold hee sollicites to feare because many doubts and motions of distrust arise in the heart §. 3. 3. They are full of doubtings Psal 2â— 1.2 and 77.10.11 as if there could bee no faith where there are so many doubts And it cannot be denied but motions to distrust argue faith to bee weake which is a want that many of Gods people doe bewaile in themselues and for which they doe well-nigh despaire in themselues Remedie Faith may bee true that is weake Ioh. 4 39 41.52 Math. 20.20.18 Luk. 9.45 Mar. 9.32 Luk 24.11 Iohn 13.38 and 14.5 Act. 1.6 Notwithstanding let not any bee out of heart for the small and scantie measure of his faith if he huae true faith wel-rooted For faith may bee true and liuely that is but weake and small For difference in degrees doth not varie the nature of wel-rooted affiance And God requireth the truth of faith but it is not necessarie that it bee perfect in degree If a Prince should proferre a pardon to a malefactor vpon this condition onely that hee receiue it would hee question his Soueraignes bountie and grace because he put forth a palsey-shaking hand To doubt of Gods mercy because our faith is feeble is rather to relie vpon our faith then vpon the Lord. It is not the excellencie and great measure of faith that doth make vs righteous before God but Christ whom faith doth receiue and apprehend which a weake faith can doe as well as the strongest They that did looke on the brasen serpent but with one eye yea but with halfe an eye were as well and fully cured of the deadly stings of the fierie serpents as those which beheld it with both As a small and weake hand is able to receiue an almes as well as a stronger and greater so our faith though feeble doth receiue Christ as truely and effectually for the saluation of the belieuer as the greatest and most strong In the manner of receiuing there is some difference for the more firme our confidence the gâ—eater is our comfort but in the truth none at all Againe it is not faith but Christ receiued by faith that nourisheth to life eternall Meate reached to the mouth by a trembling hand sustaineth the body no lesse then if it were applied by an arme of strength the goodnes of the nourishment receiuing no change or alteration from the externall instrument of application so here Christ is the same to them that receiue him truly though it be done in one with more in another with lesse strength of affiance We read in Scripture that Christ reproued some for their small faith that they might stirre vp themselues more confidently to relie vpon him but wee haue not heard Math. 12.20 Esay 42.3 Mark 9.24 that he euer reiected any that came to him in weakenes desi ing to be confirmed The least grainâ— of faith if true is acceptable vnto the Lord Hee will not quench the smoaking flaxe His dislike of our weaknes is an argument of his loue care for our good who would haue vs to be setled in the assurance of his fauour and not to wauer in vncertainties to our great discomfort The strait charge he hath laid vpon vs to belieue the seuere threatnings annexed to that his CoÌ„mandement if we obey it not is a manifest euidence of his bountie will good towards vs who is pleased thus to binde vs vnto himselfe to confirme vnto vs his loue so vndoubtedly to assure vs of his mercie that it is to him a matter of vnkindnes if we shall once make doubt or scruple of it Doth any man mistrust the affection of his friend because hee hath oft charged him not to be strange to make bold with him in any matter of importaÌ„ce need hath rebuked him because he stands aloofe as though he shold not be welcome § 4. Some are dismaid for that they cannot keep their faith for any continuance strong and stedfast §. 4. 4. They cannot keepe their faith strong and stedfast but they feele it wauering inconstant flitting so that they fall into great sorrow feare and doubtings For their comfort they must know that there is no shadow of change with God Remedy Iames 1.17 Psal 77.10.11 Rom. 11.29 and that it is their weaknesse so to thinke Men are variable in their affections whom they dote vpon this day they detest to morrow But such lightnesse and vanitie is farre from our God His loue mercie and gifts of grace are all vnchangeable Also they must be perswaded that labouring after and groaning to rest their wearied soules vpon the promises of mercy being neuer satisfied till their doubtfullnesse be remoued will bring a good end Want of feeling argueth not want of faith so that they shall neither miscarrie nor be fo saken of the Lord in the lowest depth of their distresse And though for a time they feele not that they haue faith or life they may truely be aliue vnto God as it is euident by sunâ—rie testimonâ—es and properties of the new birth which may bee diâ—cerned in them who doe most complaine of their estates A man suddenly striken to the ground and amazed with some violent blow wanteth not life altogether though hee perceiue it not Breathing and mouing are infallible tokens of life in the body which by many likelihoods appeareth to bee deâ—d so painting breathing after the consolations of the Lord and the l ght of his countenance be vndoubted signes of the new birth though they bee not easily discerned especially in the houre of temptation by them in whom they are Wherefore the weake in faith must be wise in heart and not measure themselues by their present faintings and infirmities but wait vpon God and vse the meanes which hee hath prescribed in his word As child en first learne to goe by a stoole or forme sicke folke recouer their tast or strength by little and little plants shoote not vp suddenly and at once but by degrees corne suffers many a sharpe storme before it come to râ—penes so faith hath it beginning growth and confirmation calmes and stormes to ripen it If it be demaunded why doth God deale thus with his children and suffer them to fall into such depth of doubting sorrow and feare The answer is that in regard of the belieuer himselfe this doubting is a weakenesse Why the faithfull are subiect to such doubts and want of feeling which must be with-stood and ouercome For the attaining whereto the occasion of this doubting in him who hath once belieued must bee searched out and so remoued which ordinarily is our owne infirmitie neglect of dutie and sleightnes in the manner of performing the same or some particular sin fo pronesse to sinne and nourishing the same or long lying therein whereupon the tender conscience feareth that his former comfort was but deceitfull and vaine and so doubteth of his good
Apostle saith your care beginneth to spring againe belike they had their winter whom a new spring reuiued It is true the Lord hath promised that Hell gates shall neuer preuaile vtterly to ouerthrow the faith of his chosen or any other grace radically accompanying saluation but to preserue continuall sensible exercise of any grace he hath no where promised The graces of God doe ebbe and slow in his seruants and that by the wise disposition of God lest if we had attained facilitie in all things wee should thinke that our owne which is meerely his worke Who amongst the faithfull doth alwayes heare with equall attention reuerence chearefulnesse c. or pray with like earnestnesse of desire feeling of wants assurance to be heard or submission to Gods will or doe any thing at all times so as at some The Lord many times withdrawes the vse of some particular grace that some other may in greater measure shew forth it selfe in vs. Ioy and reioycing in his mercie hee withholds that he might bring to the practice of humiliation § 9. What if a Christian cannot finde no not after search and examination any liuely sence or feeling of faith §. 9. 9. They cannot find any liuely sence of of faith nay he cannot discerne any faith at all in himselfe Hereby the Lord may correct our vnthankfulnesse for mercies formerly receiued Remedy or that presumptuous licence we took to our selues in sinning or in questioning with our selues of his graces All which things wee are heartily to confesse and bewaile But for the comfort of the distressed hee is to know that sometimes graces may lie hid yea and worke in respect of our acknowledgment insensibly Wee may not conclude there is no truth of grace in vs because we cannot perceiue and feele it The seed of faith cannot be lost after it is once planted in an honest and good heart by the holy Spirit but the sight thereof may bee hid from our knowledge and the liuely functions thereof intermitted The child liues in the mothers wombe though it know not so much Life remaines in a man fallen into a dead swound wherein he is depriued for a time of vnderstanding reason memorie sence motion and all apparant vitall functions The tree liues in winter though nipped with frosts and weather-beaten with tempests dead in appearance Coales raked close vnder the ashes that they giue neither heat nor light doe yâ—t retaine both though they shew not forth themselues There is a generation pure in their owne eyes who are not purged from their iniquities Prou. 30.12 the most holy are not priuie to all their secret sins nor throughly acquainted with the deceitfulnesse of their owne hearts And the graces of the Spirit may lie hid in the hearts of the regenerate Psâ—l 19.12 and worke insensibly to their feeling and discerning as well as corruption lurke secretly and worke priuily in the soule both of regenerate and vnregenerate An argument drawne from his sence and feeling may haue some colour in the conceit of a distressed minde but in truth it is a deceitfull reasoning to conclude That they haue no faith because they haue no sence or feeling thereof in their apprehension In the agonie of conscience none are more vnfit to iudge of our estate then wee of our owne Though at other times we be sicke of selfe-loue and too partiall in our owne case yet in this state towards our selues wee are most vncharitable and being out of loue with our selues wee are apt to derogate from the worke of Gods Spirit in vs. In time of temptation the godly doe erre many wayes in examination of themselues It is most certaine also that in the examination and triall of our estates we commit no small errours in the time of temptation the minde being clouded with the mists of Satans suggestions and the heart so distempered with feare that we cannot discerne the graces of God in vs nor acknowledge boldly what in a sort we see Suggestions we take to be sinnes of consent and purpose failing in the purposed measure of seruing God or in some particular we distinguish not from falling from our generall purpose to cleaue vnto God in the performance of all duties of holinesse and righteousnesse we put not difference betwixt absolute falling from purpose and failing in execution of purpose in some particular Common infirmities wee iudge presumptuous sinnes or such blemishes as cannot bee in the Saints of God passions we esteeme as deliberate purposed resolutions and motions to distrust which are euidences of weaknesse are supposed pregnant tokens of totall infidelitie Certaintie of adherence is not distinguished from certaintie of euidence if we find not assurance of pardon we conclude there is no faith though possibly at the present wee resolue to roll our selues vpon the faithfull promise of God and powre out our soules for mercie The Lord diuersly giues euidence of his Spirits presence in vs. Sometimes a childe of God perceiues little difference in practice betwixt himselfe and very aliens yet let him view his affections he may see grace there sometimes againe more may be seene in practice then in the affection When the heart is ouer-whelmed with feare and doubt a man cannot finde loue ioy or delight in the Word of God but then his frequenting the house of God his priuate reading and conference are testimonies that his will is bent to the Law of God But these things are not obserued in the times of distresse and bitter anguish whence it followeth that God may euidence his presence with vs by the Spirit of grace when by reason of our frailtie we cannot discerne it Furthermore if a man can discerne no sparke of grace If a man can discerne no spark of grace in himselfe for the present he is not to despaire nor feele any good thing in himselfe he is not to despaire But as the sence and feeling of his present state ought to humble him vnder Gods hand and moue him to enter into a serious examination of himselfe and to vnfained repentance for his sinnes so must hee take comfort vnto himselfe and prop vp his weake declining faith by calling to minde former times Psal 77.3 9 10 11. and wherein the Lord hath caused his mercifull and gracious countenance to shine vpon him and wherein hee hath glorified God by an holy life and conuersation For if euer he hath discerned the graces of Gods Spirit by the fruits of sanctification they are not vtterly taken away though for a time they bee buried from his sight that hee cannot find them The seed is not dead that lyeth all winter vnder the clods and appeareth not by fruit aboue ground If hee bee not able to gather comfort from former experience but be readie to question that also yet must hee not giue way to vncomfortable and deading sorrow because the thirstie soule who neither feeleth inward sap Esay 55.1 2. Math. 11.28 nor findeth outward
grace and free fauour of God that we shall haue whatsoeuer is expedient to bring vs safely thither giuen vs freely by the Lord in this life so farre as hee knoweth it good for vs. God hath made promise of all good things more then we could aske or thinke Psal 34.9 10. Rom. 8.28 that no good thing shall be wanting that whatsoeuer commeth shall bee for our good all which the Iust man possesseth by faith and is aswell satisfied when in temptations and trials he hath no meanes of helpe as if hee had all that his heart could desire To the burdened God hath promised ease Math. 11.28 Esay 55.1 Ier. 31.34 Esay 26.1 â—ro 10.28 Zech. 1.8 1. Cor. 10.13 Psal 91.2 3. 84.11 Esay â—3 28 Math 6.33 refreshing to the thirstie pardon to the penitent comfort to them that mourne perâ—ect peace to them that waite vpon the Lord assistance comfort deliuerance to them that be tempted preseruation and protection from euill with comfortable supply of all blessings temporall and spirituall so farre as shall be good all these faith embraceth possesseth feedeth vpon and so resteth contented and comforted as if all helpe that could be deuised were present and comfort inioyed The word of grace teacheth vs to denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts Titus 2.12 and to liue godly iustly and soberly in this present world from this word of command faith cannot be wholly turned aside by allurement or terrour but resteth vpon God for abilitie and sweetly inclineth the heart with delight and chearefulnesse to follow after the Lord. Thus to liue by faith is firmely to relie vpon the Word of God in all estates and conditions with full purpose to bee guided by it vntill the good things contained theâ—ein be fully accomplished This is to be seene in that honourable company of Worthies summed vp by the Apostle as patternes of faith Heb. 11.1 2 3 4. c. who in all estates and straights whatsoeuer they were brought into in all temptations wherewith they were tried and in all difficulties wherein they were exercised yet so liued by faith that nothing could dismay them much lesse to ouerthrow them By whose example we may learne so to rest vpon Gods Word and promise for all needfull helpe assistance comfort and deliuerance what danger or difficulty soeuer befall vs that we be neither dismayed with terrour nor turned aside with worldly allurements nor wearied with delayes nor faint in the combate What is to bee done that wee might liue by faith Iob 22.21 22. Psal 85.8 Now for the attaining hereof these two things are carefully to be performed First to acquaint our selues familiarly with the Word of God that we might haue it in readinesse for direction and comfort Secondly to exercise faith aright in the Word of God The Word of God is the ground of all our faith wherby we liue be directed maintained and vpheld in all our trials 2. Pet. 1.4 The promises of mercy are as so many legacies bequeathed vs by our heauenly Father and by his Sonne Iesus Christ Psal 119.105 in his last Will and Testament The Commandements are so many directions to guide in the way of blessednesse Iohn 5.39 vntill wee be full pertakers of the good things promised It is therefore most necessary and behouefull for vs to search this Will and Testament for all such legacies as may concerne vs Prou. 6.21 22. and to binde this law continually vpon the heart that it might leade keepe counsell and comfoâ—t vs as occasion requires Faith is the liâ—e of our soules the Word is the ground life guide and moderator of our faith If God shall leade vs into the darke at any time or bring vs into any straight that wee see no way of escaping or meanes of reliefe will it not be a great stay and comfort to our soule if then wee can call to minâ—e the good Word of God formerly laid vp in store whence we can raise such hope of helpe in due time as may quiet and content vs till we doe enioy in effect the good desired Psal 94.19 When the heart is perplexed with thoughts distractâ—d with feares and vnsetled with temptations is it not a great refreshing that wee can call to minde the commandements of God directing what wee must doe or leaue vndone instructing in the way of peace wherein our feet shall neuer stumble Psal 119.24 If wee would bee ready and skilfull practitioners in the great art of liuing by faith wee must exercise our selues in the Word of God and get into our hearts and memories at least the principâ—ll promises and Commandements that we may haue them in readinesse for direction and comfort vpon all occasions Col. 3.16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdome And here it is to be obserued that besides expresse Commandements and direct promises generally offered there be spâ—ciall promises and Commandements by consequent which we are to note and make vse of As whatsoeuer God promiseth to any one of his children not in any speciall or proper respect only concerning such a person and for such a time but as a common fauour belonging to all his children that wee may and ought to receiue as a promise made to vs Thus the Apostle diswading from couetousnesse applieth that promise to all the faithfull which in speciall was spoken vnto Ioshuah I will not leaue thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13.5 Whensoeuer wee find that any of Gods people haue prayed for any good thing and haue bin heard if it were not by special prerogatiue peculiar to them we may take it as a promise to vs. I sought the Lord and he heard me and deliuered me from all my feares Psal 34.4 5 6 They looked vnto him and were lightned and their faces were not ashamed This poore man cried and the Lord heard him and saued him out of all his troublâ—s Wh t fauour God hath shewed vnto any of his children according to promise and couenant of grace the same mâ—y â—ll that be in couenant with him expâ—ct and looke for For all the faithfull haue the same God to be their God liue vnder the same couenant and haue inâ—erest in the same promises of mercy Thus Iames exhorting to patience in trouble alledgeth the example of Iob Yee haue heard of the patience of Iob James 5 11. and haue sâ—ene the end of the Lord. As for extraordinarie fauours or deliuerances granted vnto some persons by speciall priuiledge and not by verâ—ue of common couenant wee cannot promise our selues the same in particular from their example nor did the Lord vouchsafe the same to the same persons at all times but as such peculiar mercies imply a common ground or reason they are vnto vs arguments of comfort and incouragement God doth not ordinarily send his Angels to open the prison doores nor stop the mouthes of Lions nor quench the force of the fire for the preseruation
of his people but from such extraordinary examples wee may conclude that God will bee with vs in the fire and in the water to deliuer or comfort vs Psal 91.15 Esay 43.2 2. Cor. 4.8 7. to succour or support vs that wee shall not be forsaken much lesse ouercome Also in the practice of the seruants of God we may learne our dutie for whatsoeuer they did vpon common grounds and reasons pertaining to vs no lesse then vnto them that dutie belongeth vnto vs as wel as vnto them and their example is for our imitation Phil. 3.17 Pro. 2 20. Speciall Commandements by priuiledge giuen to some peculiar persons belong not vnto them who haue receiued no such warrant but if the immediate ground be common the dutie it selfe reacheth vnto vs. Beiâ—g acquainted with the Word if wee would liue by faâ—th we mâ—st exercise it aright therein and that conâ—isteth in diuerâ— acts First Faith doth firmely and vniuersally assent to the whole Word of God The acts of Faith Acts 24.14 and set a due price and value vpon it as that which containes the chiefe good of Man The Gospell is that pearle of price in comparison whereof the merchâ—ndise of siluer and gold are of no worth Secondly It ponders the Word seriously and treasures it vp safe Earthly men keepe the conueyances and assurances of their Lands very circumspectly Math. 13.45 46 lay vp their bils and bands write vpon them know when they expire and what to challenge by them The promises of God vnto the faithfull soule are insteed of all assurances Psal 119.11 bils and bands for his liuelihood maintenance protection assistance deliuerance comfort and euerlasting happinesse therefore hee is carefull to view them often lay them vp sure meditate vpon their stablenesse and certaintie and cast with himselfe what profit comfort they will bring in fittest season Thirdly It preserueth and keepeth in the way of the promises it perswadeth inciteth and strengthens therein All the promises of God are free his fauours of meere grace but this free fauour is in speciall bequeathed vnto the penitent meeke humble vpright that walke in the vndefiled way and doe none iniquitie and faith in these promises expecting the Lords helpe al-sufficient in due season carrieth a man forward in the path Pro. 19.16 Psal 119.1 2 3. wherein hee shall find rest and peace and will not bee turned out of the right way then which it acknowledgeth none safe or pleasant Fourthly It plies the throne of grace with earnest and continuall supplications intreating helpe and succour according vnto promise Faith hearkeneth what the Lord speaketh and speaketh backe againe in feruent groâ—nes and desires It hath the promise of God 2. Sam 7 27. and therefore is bold to pray and will not keepe silence Fiftly It looketh vp directly vnto God his wisdome power mercie and faithfulnesse If meâ—nes bee present faith beholdeth Gods hand in them if meaneâ— bee wanting the eye is lifted vp vnto the Lord who can prouide meanes or worke without meanes and against meanes and most certainly will performe what he hath promised when it shall be for our good Psal 5.3 My voice shalt thou heare in the morning O Lord in the morning will I orderly addresse vnto thee and will looke out Sixtly It resteth quietly obseruing the effects of Gods promises and triumpheth before the victorie Psal 13.5 I haue trusted in thy mercy my heart shall reioyce in thy saluation But of these more at large in the particulars following Meanes to stir vp our selues to liue by faith Now for the better stirring vp of our selues to liue by faith First Wee must find and ferret out the Infidelitie that lurketh in our bosomes condemne it and make it odious Ah how is my heart fallen by vnbeliefe Find out thy vnbeliefe What a masse of infidelitie harboureth in my breast O Lord I am grossely ignorant of thy wayes doubtfull of thy truth distrustfull of thy power and goodnes disobedient to thy Commandement Thou hast giuen rare and excellent promises in thy holy Word but I enquire not after them reioyce not in them cleaue not vnto them in truth and stedfastnes settle not mine heart vpon theÌ„ make them not mine own keepe them not safe that I may know what to challenge by them prize them not according to the worth and value of the good promised Because by a ciuill faith men belieue men therefore they seeke to get their securitie and if they haue a man of credit his word for what was desperate they are glad If they haue bonds or specialties they boxe them vp they know when they expire what to challenge by vertue of them they will doe nothing that may be preiudiciall to themselues therein But as for the promises of life made in thy Word I seeke them not build not vpon them hide them not carefully in my heart cast not seriously with my selfe what good I may assâ—redly looke for by vertue of them keepe them not continuâ—lly in thought to cut off all carnâ—ll reasonings and dâ—stractions am not wary to preuent what may bring preiudice to my soule and state Thou threatnest in thy Word but I doe not feare am not carefull to decline sin Who is so hardie as to thrust his finger into the fire But I haue suffered my selfe often to bee carried aside with lusts through vnbeliefe How many wicked motions haue I entertained what sinfull passions haue I nourished how vainly rashly wickedly haue I spoken though I haue bin warned by thy Word of threatning to the contrarie True and righteous are thy precepts according to which thou hast commanded me to walke But I haue followed the customes examples and traditions of men the suggestions of Satan and allurements of the World Lust and pâ—ssion haue oft come betwixt my heart and thy holy precepts whereby I am turned aside from the straite way of peace I can find small rellish and sauour in the Word of life I digest it not feed not vpon it hunger not after it am not changed into the nature of it I receiue not the truth or it abides not in me for substâ—ntiall nourishment I belieue no further then I see feare no more then I feele start aside in temptation The Symptomes of vnbeliefe are euident Symptomes of vnbeliefe From this root springeth that vnmeasurable deadnesse that presseth downe If a man of authority threaten with racke or gibbet I quake and feare but when I heare the Iudgements of God denounced against my sinnes I am scarce moued at all From this ariseth impatience murmuring discontent vnquietnesse when outward things are wanting Psal 78.19 21 22. Numb 14.27 For did the heart cleaue fast vnto God it would rest quiet in his promise if all other things were lacking Selfe-confidence resting in meanes and leaning vpon them as lands riches Rom 10.3 Ier. 17.5 Psal 40.4 52.7 Phil. 3.3 Ier. 9.13 fâ—iends c. are effects
of vnbeliefe Hee that reioyceth in Christ Iesus can haue no confidence in the flesh As wee grow downe denying our wisdome and all strength wee can make so doth faith in our great God grow vp as we swell or be puffed vp in conceit of our wisdome or strength so doth faith languish or decay So much as the heart stayeth vpon the creature it is by sinne with-drawne from the Creator But my heart is much poysoned with selfe-sufficiencie I feele my selfe apt to leane vpon mine owne deuices to presume vpon mine owne strength and so wickedly to depart from God If meanes be at hand I grow secure forgetting that further then God doth send forth his Word they can doe nothing If meanes be wanting I faint or at least am greatly distracted not remembring that it is all one with God to saue with many as with few with small or no meanes as great If I enioy the things I would I thinke much vpon the meanes ascribe little to Gods blessing my affections do worke more liuely on this or that which fell out as men speake more luckily then on the blessing of God which is all in all In any matter of weight concerning liueli-hood or state I am readie to plod what friends I can make what meanes be present what likelihoods of good successe and here I rest not seeking to the Lord Prou. 29.26 though all iudgement come from him But if this or that requisite in my iudgement cannot bee obtained though I be neuer so diligent seeke neuer so earnestly still I distrust and suspect the euent saying in heart that it cannot proue well And when my desire is accomplished the meanes are still in mine eye I thinke my selfe indebted to such or such friends neuer able to requite their kindnesse when the chiefe cause vpon whom all things depend is much forgotten not affectionately remembred In trials I am very tottering and like a poore creeple who leaneth vpon his crutches easily brought to the ground when sensible helpes are taken away Carnall delights Math. 6.30 Iohn 12.43 5.44 Math. 14 31. Marke 8.16 17. couetousnesse loue of praise double diligence about eâ—rthly things and excessiue care these are euill accidents of this disease Did we possesse the spiâ—ituall comforts of the Word the heart could neither couet nor take pleasure in the transitorie things of this life Did wee assuredly belieue that our Heauenly Father will prouide for vs wee would not disquiet our selues with troublesome thoughts about liuing maintenance and successe of our labours But ah how is my heart taken vp with distracting cares drawne away with carnall pleasures and aspiring desires after great things If riches increase I reioyâ—e in them if troubles or crosses come on my head is wholly busied about them I can keepe no measure in casting discoursing contriuing how things will goe The many thoughts that I spend about these things to no purpose vpon no occasion doe more then sufficiently conuince the earthly distemper of my heart Partiall obedience indulgence to any sinne sleightinesse in the performance of holy duties and rashnesse in the vndertaking of ordinary workes without feare reuerence and due consideration is the euill fruit of vnbeliefe For the strength of faith is vniforme it fighteth against all sinne feedeth vpon the dainties that God hath prepared for them that loue him and teacheth in naturall and ciuill actions to hold Christ that his Spirit may guide vs in the doing of them But I haue beene too fauourable to boisterous passions euill lusts vaine rouings idle speeches neglect of holy duties I haue prayed without intention feruencie or care to speed I haue heard the Word but not attended vnto it with diligence not laboured to get it into possession nor to be changed into the nature of it I haue feasted without feare or thankfulnesse I haue laid me downe to sleepe and risen againe not minding the promise of God who giueth sleepe to his beloued not acknowledging him who is my liâ—e and the length of my dayes nor fearing the grin that is set for me in euery creature and businesse of this life What shall I say O Lord I haue sinned against thy goodnesse power mercy and truth against the Mediation and bloud of Christ 1. Iohn 5.10 He that beliâ—ues not in God â—akes him a liar then which what can be more reprochfull Hee that resteth not vpon Christ maketh his bloud of none effect then which what is more abominable To feare the threats of Man to rest on his Word to obey his Commandements when the will and pleasure of God is neglected what is this but to rob Goâ— oâ— his glory and set vp Man in his roome or steed If a great Man should threaten would I not bee carefull to decline his wrath Shall my God threaten and I be secure and carelesse If I haue a mans word or bond that is of worth I write vpon the matter as if I had it Shall I not ioyfully rest in the word seale and oath of my God If a Man of great place should bee asked a pawne and not credited on his word he would take it in euill part what a shame is it that I should not beliâ—ue God further then I haue his caution The seruants of Noblemen attend on their Lords pleasure at an Inch come at their call goe at their command doe euery thing exactly that is giuen them in charge What wretchednesse is this in me that I haue obâ—yed the Lord by the halues beene sleightie in his worshâ—p most negligent where all diligence is no more then duty most praise-worthy As I haue dishonoured God Titus 1.15 Esay 7.9 Numb 20.12 Luke 1.20 so I haue hurt mine owne soule If it were not for vnbeliefe nothing could harme mee this doth all the mischiefe for it reiecteth the medicines which taken would cure all maladies and pulleth off Gods pla sters which lying on would salue our miseries it defileth our best workes doubleth the bitternesse of crosses pulleth downe many iudgements vpon vs disinableth in the combate against Satan is the nurse of spirituall idlenesse and hindreth the sweetnesse of all holy duties It were iust with thee Deare Father to cast mee off for euer and giue me ouer to the vanitie of mine vnbelieuing heart I haue drawne backe from thee by infidelitie Heb. 10.38 39. cleauing to the lusts of the flesh and allurements of the World trusting in vaine deuices and thou mightst iustly forsake me vtterly for this mine hypocriticall starting aside from thy testimonies O Lord I am not more full of infidelitie by nature then of my selfe vnable to remoue it vnto thee therefore doe I lift vp my soule O tame in mee the fiercenesse of infidelitie and teach mee to belieue as thou hast commanded then shall I cleaue vnto thee inseperably waite confidently on thy saluation and serue thee chearefully as long as I liue Thus are we to find out and make infidelitie odious Secondly We must
I Isay 43.25 and 44.22 euen I am hee that blotteth out thy transgrssions for mine owne sake and wiâ—l not remember thy sinnes I will loue them freely for mine anger is turned away from him Hos 14.4 Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquitie and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage Mic. 7.18 hee retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercy Heb. 8.12 Ier 31.34 Deut. 21.8 I will be mercifull to their vnrighteousnes and thâ—ir sinnes and their iniquities will I remember no more Bee mercifull O Lord vnto thy people Israel whom thou hast redeemed Numb 14.28 Yet obtained through Christ only Ioh. 1.29 But when we heare of grace we must remember Christ in and through whom God is gratious vnto vs. Christ is the lambe of God which taketh away the sinnes of the world and this great benefit of forgiuenes of siâ—ne is plentifully proclaimed vnto vs miserable sinners in nâ— through him Thus it is written Luk. 24.46.47 and thus it behoued Christ to suffer and to rise againe from the dead the third day and that repentance and Remission of sinnes should be preached among all nations beginniâ—g at Ierusalem Bee it knowen vnto you thâ—refore Act. 13.38 Men and bretheren that through this Man meaning Christ is preached vnto you the forgiuenes of sinnes Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ 2. Cor. 5.10 as though God did beseech you by vs we pray you in Christ steed be yee reconciled to God Hereunto agreeth that inuitation of our Sauiour Come vnto mee all yee that labour and are heauen laden and I will giue you rest This promise of grace is receiued possessed and enioyed by faith alone Math. 11.28 And receiued and possessed by faith but by an operatiue and liuely faith To him giue all the prophets witnesse that through his Name Act. 10.43 Act. 13.39 whosoeuer belieueth in him shall receiue remission of sinnes And by him all that belieue are iustified from all things from which yee could not bee iustified by the Law of Moses Though faith bee accompanied with other graces yet Man liueth by it alone And by it alone Rom. 1.17 Gal 2.16 and 3.11.24 not by it and other parts of grace as ioynt supporters in as much as by it alone he trusts in Gods mercy offered in Christ wholly relying on it not partly on mercy partly on righteousnes inherent We are iustified freely by his grace Rom. 3.24.25.26 though the redemption that is in Iesus Christ whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousnes for the remission of sinnes that are past The Scripture foreseeing that God would iustifie the Heathen through faith Gal. 3.8 Gen. 12.3 Gen. 15.6 Rom. 4.16 preached before the Gospell vnto Abraham saying In thee shall all nations be blessed And thus the Lord hath ordained for diuers reasons First this promise is of faith that it might be of free grace which cannot stand with the dignity of workes If it bee by grace then is it no more of workes otherwise grace is no more grace Rom. 11.6 But if it be of workes then is it no more grace otherwise worke is no more worke Faith answeres the promise and receiues the pardon of grace as a poore begger vtterly denying all worthinesse in the subiect whereas other graces had they beene assigned to this office would haue challenged something to themselues Secondly it is of faith that it might be stedfast and sure to all the seed why so because the promise is of grace Faith and grace doe sweetly consent mutually vphold each other Faith leaneth vpon grace alone and grace or mercy is promised freely that we might belieue and vouchsafed to him that doth belieue and accept it Without faith therefore the promise doth fall And if the promise of remission of sinnes did depend vpon any worthinesse in vs to receiue it wee should not onely wauer and bee vncertaine but euen vtterly despaire of euer speeding Thirdly that only is the true manner of Iustification which shuts forth all boasting in the dignitie of our workes Ier. 9.23 But faith excludes all boasting in our selues and teacheth vs to glory in the Lord our righteousnesse Where is boasting then it is excluded By what Law Rom. 3.27.28 Of works Nay but by the Law of faith Therefore we conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law For if Abraham were iustified by workes Rom. 4 1.3 Eph. 2.8.9.10 1. Cor. 1.30 31. he hath whereof to glory but not before God For what saith the Scripture Abraham belieued God and it was counted vnto him for righteousnes As God inuites vs to receiue the promise of pardon offered in the Gospell It s necessary to seeke pardon of sinne by faith so it is necessarie that wee embrace it by a liuely faith For in our selues we be sinfull and cursed no way able to make any satisfaction wher by we might be deliuered and remission which is of grace can be obtained by no other meanes but onely by faith n Iesus Christ To him that worketh not Rom. 4.5.6.7 Psal 32.1 but belieueth on him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse euen as Dauid also describeth the blessednesse of the Man vnto whom God imputeth righteousnes without workes Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen and whose sinnes are couered Gal. 1.16 and 3.22 Blessed is the Man to whom the Lord will not impute sinne Faith goeth directly vnto Christ that by him wee might be Iustified and embraceth the promises of God concerning Iustification which is the maner by which alone God hath ordained to iustifie vs. No man can be heire according to the hope of eternall life vnlesse he be iustified from sinne by the free grace of God Isay 59.2 for sins not blotted out by the free pardon of grace seperate betwixt God and vs and hide his face from vs. Tit. 3.5.7 Not by workes of righteousnesse which wee haue done but according to his mercy hee saued vs c. That being iustified by his grace wee should be made heires according to the hope of eternall glory But no pardon is obtained vnlesse the promise of pardon be receiued by faith Faith in the promises of mercie that wee might be acquitted from sinne and accepted as Iust and righteous doth commend and maintaine the glory of Gods grace intyre and in this respect also it is the more necessary As a penitent malefactor if hee were to pleade his cause before the Prince himselfe would not stand vpon termes of innocencie or present integritie because he had his pardon vnder seale seeing that was giuen him to pleade for mercie not for iustice so the faithfull soule relyeth vpon the free mercie of God and promise of pardon proclaimed indefinitely to all burdened and penitent sinners
and sealed to euery belieuer in particular by the pledges of the Spirit not vpon those sanctified graces which are giuen vnto him that he might be qualified and fitted to plead for grace and mercy The acts of faith about promises of pardon The acts of Faith concerning this promise of forgiuenes be diuers First it generally belieueth the promise true and thereby disceâ—nes that sinne is pardonable through grace Psal 130.4 Luk. 15 18. The knowledge of this that our sinnes may bee pardoned or that there is mercy with the Lord to couer sin is a worke of faith For whatsoeuer cannot be conceiued or found out by sence or reason that is manifested by reuelation and assented vnto or iudged true and certaine by faith or else it remaines as a mysterie vnknowne When the Apostle defines Heb. 11.1 faith to bee the euidence of things not seene doth hee not intimate that things vnseene to sense or naturall reason are discouered and made euident only by faith But that God will pardon iniquitie transgression and sinne is a truth that can neuer bee comprehended by the light of nature flesh and bloud hath not reuealed it vnto vs. Supernaturall truthes which exceed all humane capacitie cannot be discerned or receiued by any power of nature 1. Pet. 1.12 Rom. 16.25.26 Eph. 1.8 9. Isay 40.13 14 But that God will be mercifull to our sinnes is a truth supernaturall hidden from the Angels themselues vntill it was reuealed in the Gospell Who hath knowne the Minde of God or beene acquainted with the mysteries of his wisedome In the dayes of securitie whilest men sleepe in sinne without all sence of euill or knowledge of Gods iustice it is an easie matter to say God is mercifull Christ died for sinners But whence the conscience is awakened with the terrors of Gods wrath and the fearefull sight of sin Gen. 1.13 Math. 27.5 Psal 77.3.7 8. the experience both of wicked men and of the Saints of God can testifie that it is a difficult thing to looke beyond the cloud of iustice and contrarie to the naturall sentence of conscience comninations of the Law and present feeling to belieue that there is forgiuenesse with God Secondly faith stirreth vp earnest desires and longings to be made pertakers of this mercie of God and to bee refreshed with his gracious and free fauour All holy and feruent desires are both kindled nourished by it As our assent to the Diuine and heauenly promises is more or lesse firme certainea bsolute euident so are our desires more or lesse fierie constant vnsatiâ—ble yea in respect of heauenly things vnquenchable As faith languisheth these faint as faith encreaseth these gather strength And no maruell for appetite followeth knowledge Ioh. 4.10 and desire is answereble to that certaine cleare iudgement that we haue of the necessitie and worth value and digniâ—y of the obiect apprehended Now faith discouereth both the necessity and excellencie of the good certainely contained in the word of promise which act of faith is signified by the opening or piercing of the eare and seriously meditateth vpon the singular benefits offered therein so raiseth the heart vncessantly to hunger and thirst after them And these desâ—res will be the greater and more constante the more faith is exercised in the meditation of the goodnesse freenes and certaintie of these promises Many things are neglected which are most pretious only because the value of them lyeth hid or is not apparant or the preiudice of sensible but deceiuable experience doth ouersway No marueile then if the pardon of sinne be neglected though the benefite be probably knowne when it is but sleightly thought vpon superficially looked into custome hauing iniured the Minde by long practice to the pursuite of earthly delights or profits wherewith it is besotted But with the true belieuer it fareth much better for he seeth how happy it should be with him if his sinnes were couered and his soule eased of the burden of them how euer it fare with him in matters of this world and withall he pondereth the truth and faithfulnesse of the promise made of meere grace whereby the heart is stirred vp to desire and long after this blessing aboue all good that can be imagined And yet such is our corruptioÌ„ we must oft breathe our selues in the meditation of these things or else we shall find our esteeme of pardon to decay and our desire to grow cold and dull Thirdly It draweth vs forward to seeke mercy of God Math. 13.45.46 The wise Merchant first discouers the pearle of price and then seeketh to get possession of it The desire of a belieuer is not a dead or sluggish wish Oh that my sinnes were pardoned when hee neuer stirreth vp himselfe to receiue the promise But it is a deliberate desire of a benefite knowne possible to be attained attended with much comfort and freely promised by him that cannot lie which is euer accompanied with proportionable care to get and possesse the blessing desired Faith will not suffer a man to smoother or conceale his desires nor desires themselues to die but it perserueth and kindleth desires constraineth with an holy violence to lay them open before the Lord. Thus by faith a man commeth freely to renounce his title and interest in the world and to part with any thing that might hinder mercy The wise Merchant hauing found the pearle of price Math. 13.44 for ioy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath not as if he could merit pardon but that he might be capable of pardon and make a faithfull plea for mercy To this end also he humbleth himselfe before the throne of grace in true and vnfained confession of his sinnes freely iudging and condemning himselfe before God which a broken and contrite heart I will declare mine iniquitie I will bee sorie for my sinne Psal 38.18 So the prodigall sonne comming home to his Father doth bewaile his former lewdnesse saying I haue sinned against Heauen and before thee Pharaoh and Saul being euidently conuinced of sinne Luk. 15.18 Psal 32.5 may be constrained in conscience to make some confession to men I haue sinned this time and the Lord is righteous I haue played the foole and erred exceedingly Exod. 9.27 1. Sam. 26.21 1. Reg. 21.29 Ahab humbleth himselfe before God putteth on sackecloth in hope to preuent the temporall euill denounced against him and his house But the confession of true and vnfained faith is free and voluntarie in hope of free pardon and forgiuenesse Temporarie belieuers may make confession of there sinnes with some griefe and sorrow but as they confesse their sinnes so they belieue their confession is maimed and their faith superficiall they renounce not their interest in the world which inferres the willing choice of some inferiour good before the fauour and loue of God and their beliefe of the promises is shallow and subordiâ—ate to their base earthly passions But
the confession of faith vnfained is heartie and sincere ioyned with a true detestation of all sinne as that which hath and would make seperation betwixt God and him if it be not renounced by him and pardoned of God And to them that confesse their sinnes in this manner is the promise made If wee confesse our sinnes God is faithfull 1. Ioh. 1.9 and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteousnes Pro. 28.19 Hee that couereth his sinnes shall not prosper but who so confesseth and forsaketh them shall haue mercy Onely acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God Ier. 3.13 1. Cor. 11.31 If wee would iudge our selues we should not be iudged I said I will confesse my transgressions vnto the Lord and thou forgauest the iniquitie of my sin Psal 32.5 Which is most liuely to be seene in the parable of the prodigall before mentioned where the Father resembling God is said to haue met his lost sonne before he came at him Luk 15.20 and to haue embraced and kissed him after hee was resolued in himselfe to acknowledge and confesse his faults As faith teacheth the poore sinner to humble himselfe in vnfaâ—ned confession of his manifould offences so it stirreth anâ— encourageth him to power out his soule in eaâ—nest and heartie prayer vnto God for pardon and forgiuenesse Act. 8.22 through the mediation of Iesus Chrâ—st Thus hee is taught of God Take with you words and turne to the Lord Hos 14 2. say vnto him Take away all iniquity and receiue vs gratiously so will we render the calues of our lips Both these may be seene in the poore Publican who durst not lift vp his eyes to Heauen Luk. 18.13 but smote himselfe vpon the breast saying God bee mercifull to mee a sinner And so the Church prayeth O remember not against vs former iniquities lâ—t thy tender mercies speedily preuent vs. Ioel. 2.17 Psal 79.8 This prayer of faith is not presented before God in assurance that his sins be already pardoned but to obtaine pardon of the rich mercy of God by and through the merits of Iesus Christ And the pâ—omise is to him that prayeth vnfainedly that he shall be forgiuen 2. Chro. 7.14 If my people whâ—ch are called by Name shall humble themselues and pray and seeke my face and turne from their wicked wayes then will I heare from Heauen and will forgiue their sinne Aske and it shall be giuen you Math. 7.7 Ioel. 2.32 Rom. 10.13 seeke and yee shall finde Whosoeuer shall call vpon the name of the Lord shall be deliuered vizt from sinne and death Fourthly Faith receiueth the promise of mercy made in Christ and embraceth or resteth vpon the speciall fâ—ee mercy of God in Chrâ—st for pardon and hereby we are iustified that is of sinners made Iust and Righteous not by infusion of holinesse but by free condonation and acceptation of grace Christ is euery where made the thing which faith embraceth to saluation and whom it lookeâ—h vnto and respecteth as it makes vs righteous in the sight of God and faith iustifyeth Ioh. 11.25.26 Act. 15.11 Rom. 10.4 Gal. 2 16. Eph. 1.15 Phil. 3.9 not by any vertue or dignitie of it owne but as it receiueth and resteth on Christ our Righteousnes our Sauiour our Redeemer from sinne and death It is the good pleasure of God reuealed in the Gospell to pardon and iustifie them from all their sinnes that belieue in Christ and faith iustifieth as it leaneth vpon him to receiue speciall mercie through him or which is all one to obtaine forgiuenesse of sinners of the meere and rich grace of God through him and this is the most formall act of faith as iustifying Fifthly It doth certifie of pardon granted and sealed vnto vs It doth obtaine receiue and assure of forgiuenesse in particular I know that my Redeemer liueth Iob. 19.25 Psal 32.5 Isay 38.17 Psal 65.3 Gal. 2.20 1. Ioh. 3.14 Thou forgauest the iniquitie of my sinne Thou hast cast all my sinnes behind thy backe As for our transgressions thou shalt purge them away Christ hath loued me and giuen himselfe for me We know that we are passed froÌ„ death vnto life because we loue the brethren These are diuine conclusions of a liuely faith But this perswasion or assurance that our sinnes are already pardoned is not an act of faith iustifying as it iustifyeth but an act of faith following iustification a priuiledge granted of grace to a sinner now set in the state of grace or an act of experience in a sinner now iustified by faith Forgiuenesse of sinnes in and through Christ is offered in the Gospell to euery burdened and wearie soule that will receiue it as the ground of faith vouchsafed to euery one that belieueth but pardon of sinne is apprehended as already granted when wee come to be assured that wee doe belieue Faith in order of nature is precedent to Iustification but Iustification it selfe goeth before the sence thereof As faith obtaineth and receiueth the promise of speciall mercie it doth not finde vs Iust when we begin to belieue but maketh vs Iust by embracing the Righteousnesse of Christ as it certifyeth and assureth of fauour it doth not actiuely Iustifie but findeth the thing dâ—ne already Faith assureth of the pardon of sinne by a double act First it layeth hold vpon the generall promises made to Belieuers such as these Iohn 3.18 Acts 13.39 Iohn 3.36 He that belieueth shall be saued By faith euery one that belieueth is iustified Hee that beliâ—ueth hath euerlasting life Secondly it concludes vndoubtedly from them That hee belieuing is alreadie receiued into fauour and hath obained remission of sinnes Now betwixt these two comes the testimonies of the renewed Conscience 1. Cor. â— 11 working vpon the soule by reflexion whereby the true Belieuer is made priuie to his owne estate and assured that he doth belieue The whole is collected thus He that belieueth in Christ is alreadie Iustified or hath receiued pardon and forgiuenesse This is the voice of faith grounding it selfe vpon the expresse testimonie of God speaking in holy Scripture But I belieue This is the witnesse of the renewed conscience enlightened by the Spirit and directed by the Word whereby the Belieuer comes to know what God hath wrought in him For no man can be said to Belieue that hee doth Belieue but he belieueth the promises by faith and knoweth himselfe to bee a Belieuer by the wâ—tnesse of his Conscience renewed by the Spirit The conclusion of faith grounded vpon the former propositions the one expressed in Scripture the other euident by the witnesse of Conscience is Therefore my sinnes are forgiuen or I shall be saued The order of climbing to this assurance is the rather to bee marked that weake Christians who want the comfortable sence and feeling of this mercy might learne to seeke it in due order as the way is laid
downe before them in the Word and not deiect themselues without cause as though they were vtterly destitute of faith in Christ because they want the sence of this assurance and so could doe nothing acceptable because it is not done in faith nor tire themselues in a preposterous course not knowâ—ng where to lay the foundation or beginne their worke Three prerogatiues doe euer accompany this confident assurance of our Reconciliation with God Three prerogatiues that accompany coâ—fident assurance First Peace with God or stable tranquillitie and sweet calmnesse of Minde Sinne had broken off our friendship and peace with God but being iustified by faith wee haue remission of sinnes and so the cause of enmitie being taken away peace is restored Esay 59.2 Phil 4.7 Euen that peace of God which passeth vnderstanding and is in stead of a guard to keepe our hearts and minds in Christ that golden Legacie which Christ bequeathed vnto his Disciples when hee left the World Iohn 14 27. Ephes 2.16 17. Rom. 5.1 Peace I leaue with you my peace I giue vnto you Being iustified by faith we haue peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ And from this peace begins liuely consolation against the temptations of sinne Satan and the World from the sence hereof the faithfull soule may triumph with Dauid The Lord is with mee Psal 56.4 Rom 8.33.34 I will not feare what man can doe vnto me and with the Apostle Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth Secondly Free accesse vnto the throne of grace with boldnesse and confidence Christ as it were leading vs by the hand into the presence of God that we might enioy his grace in presence When wee were enemies wee fled from the throne of God but being reconciled by his grace we haue free accesse to come into his presence to aske what we will with assurance it shall be done vnto vs. Rom. 5.2 Ephes 2.8 By whom sc Christ also wee haue accesse by faith into this grace wherein we stand Thirdly Ioy in the Holy Ghost vnspeakable and glorious 1. Pet. 1.8 which doth so lift the faithfull aboue the Heauens that being cheared with the Essence of Gods fauour and contented with Christ alone they despise the world and the base things therein Rom. 5.2 3. We reioyce in hope of the glory of God And not only so but we glory in tribulations also Thus Dauid prayed Psal 51.8 12. Make mee to heare ioy and gladnesse Restore vnto me the ioy of thy saluation All these rare and pretious priuiledges spring from faith for without faâ—th no man can please God Heb. 11.8 by faith wee haue peace with God by faith we come vnto him by faith we reioyce in him Rom. 15.13 Phil. 1.25 The God of Hope fill you with all ioy and peace in belieuing In whom wee haue boldnesse and accesse with confidence by the faith of him But this faith which highly aduâ—nceth the Belieuer to boast in God all the day long lifteth not vp it selfe waxeth not proud towards the Lord. Free remission sweet peace assurance of Gods fauour familiar and heauenly communion with him and whatsoeuer rich token of speciall and intire good will God bestoweth these cannot puffe vp but abase the Belieuer in himselfe the higher hee is exalted by the free mercy of God the lower hee humbleth himselfe before God Ezek. 16.62 63 36.31 32. I will establish my couenant with thee and thou shalt know that I am the Lord That thou mayest remember and be confounded and neuer open thy mouth any more because of thy shame when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done saith the Lord God Sixtly By faith we continue in this blessed state in sweet peace and fellowship with God We can neuer take the eye from Christ but immediately the remembrance of former sinnes doth trouble and vexe the conscience and daily weaknesses and infirmities will breed no small disturbance if we doe not sue forth a daily pardon Therefore as we belieue to Iustification so must we continue in belieuing for the actuall pardon of our daily trespasses The Apostle saith Rom. 4.5 God iustifieth the vngodly but by vngodly in that sentence of Paul he is meant who doth not bring his workes or merits nor looke to his graces qualities acts or vertues in the matter of Iustification but doth bewaile his impietie and flie to the throne of grace for pardon being conuinced of guiltinesse Thus Abraham was all his time comprehended in this Catalogue and is made by the Apostle as a perpetuall so a principall instance of that finall resolution Rom. 3.28 Therefore wee conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the workes of the Law For if belieuing in him that iustifieâ—h the vngodly was imputed for righteousnesse vnto Abraham afâ—er hee had beene for a long time more righteous then the ordinary sort of Gods Saâ—nts or chosen Abraham all this while vnfainâ—dly belieued himselfe to be a sinner no way iustified in himselfe but seeking to be iustified by him who if hee shew not mercy to sinners whilest they bee sinners all mankind should perish vtterly The drift and scope of Paul in the third and fourth to the Romanes is only this That although men may bee truly iust and holy in respect of others and rich in all manner of workes as Abraham was thus farre knowne and approued not by men only but by God yet when they appeare before Gods Tribunall who best knowes as well the imperfection as the truth of their integritie they still acknowledge themselues to bee vnprofitable seruants alwayes praying Lord forgiue vs our sinnes and be mercifull to our offences So that all men euen the most holy are sinners in themselues and in the sight of God in the Apostles sence and are iustified by grace not of debt after the infusion of supernaturall holinesse The sincere and vpright man in whose spirit there is no guile Psal 32.1 2. Rom. 4.4 5 6. is iustified not because of his sinceritie but because the Lord imputeth not that sinne vnto him which he still vnfainedly acknowledgeth to be in him continually praying Lord enter not into iudgement with thy seruant alwayes confessing Lord in thy sight no flesh liuing can be iustified Psal 143.2 to wit otherwise then by not entring into iudgement or by non-imputation of his sinnes And faith that layeth hold vpon the promise of mercie offered in Christ causeth a man euery day to humble himselfe for sinne and to seeke pardon by earnest prayer euery day it receiueth and feedeth vpon the promises made in Christ and so assureth that his sinnes are done away as a mist And thus a Christian may liue by faith for many dayes or rather all the dayeâ— of his life in sweet peace and communâ—on with God if hee will leaâ—ne to maintaine and tâ—ke paines to
vse his faith aright It is to bee lamented that amongst Christians who desire to liue honestly and keepe a good conscience so few know so many neglect the ordinary vse and improuement of their faith as if it serued only to giue them comfort in the remâ—ssion of sinnes at their first conuersion and then had finished all it should or could doe except till they fall into some notable decay if not great offence or bee plunged into deepe doubts or bee exercised with some great afflictions whereas the daily vse and improuement of faith for the continuance and increase of assurance of forgiuenesse peace accesse vnto the throne of grace Ioy and communion with God is as necessarie should be as constant as is the vse of Fire and Water of the Light of Meate or Drinke or whatsoeuer is more ordinary for the comfort of the Bodie Serues faith for entrance and beginnings and not for continuance progresse and encreasings Is faith the breeder and bringer forth of Ioy and Peace and not the Nurse and foster Mother of them cherishing and feeding them till we come to a full and perfect age in Christ All fruits the neerer they câ—me to ripenesse the sweeter they be so is the fruit of faith sweeter in the eare then in the blade If the sence of pardon be pleasant delightsome at the first must it not increase as strength of faith spiritual acquaintance with God encreaseth Is it not easier to preserue peace then to recouer out of dumpes and distresses Euery day to reckon with our soules and get our debts cancelled then to doe it now and then when we haue runne farre behind hand not knowing which way to turne our selues Fire once kindled is kept burning with lesse paines then being oft quenched it can be kindled The labour of maintaining health is much lesse then the toyle of recouering out of sicknesse Let vs then learne to make vse of our faith euery day As euery day to humble our selues before the throne of grace and begge the pardon and forgiuenesse of our sinnes euery day to looke vnto the grounds of comfort and meditate thereupon that we may find ioy and sweetnesse therein euery day to renew our faith in belieuing the pardon of such particular offences as we haue espied in our selues that day and confessed before the Lord with sighes and groanes for mercy Let vs thinke seriously with our selues how excellent a thing it is to be in league of amitie with God how blessed and pleasant a state to bee freed from the feare of death and Hell how rich and comfortable a thing to bee Heire of Glorie Let vs often stirre vp our selues to conuerse with Christ the better we know him Psal 139.17 18 36.7 2. Tim. 1.6 the more delight and contentment we shall take in fellowship and communion with him This is to liue by faith and to stirre vp the grace that God hath giuen vs. This is to maintaine faith that it may serue vs. Fire in the embers glowes not heats not the house Faith in the heart not vsed doth neither increase nor comfort A man may well be said not to haue the wealth he vsâ—th not for his benefit surely he wants the benefit of faith who exerciseth it not Vse limbes and haue limbes The beautie and benefit yea the very increase and perfection of all gifts vertues and graces consisteth in vse and action Exercise perfecteth vnderstanding and memorie strengthens the disposition of the soule increaseth vigour begetteth promptnesse the more thou doest the more thou maist The oftner the liberall man giues Almes and doth good turnes the more his liberalitie growes and shines Let any man diligently and â—hroughly improue his faith and great will bee his faith and great the ioy it will bring in It is our fault if we suffer Satan with light temptations ordinarily to interrupt our spirituall mirth or to detaine vs in dumps and pensiuenesse Did wee but carefully maintaine our faith it would doe away all d stuâ—bance which is within vs agâ—inst our selues and tame the rebellion of lust against the spirit of the minde renewed it would secure vs against the power of enemies inward or outward that they should not be able to hurt vs much lesse to preuaile agaiâ—st vs and represse or vanquish all perturbations which spirituall wickednesses vnbeliefe want of godly contentaâ—ion defects in our condition might occasion it would expell vnquietnesse keepe vnder passions allay feâ—res and griefes and calme the boisterous stormes of discontent Let vs keepe our faith and it will keepe our Ioy It will keepe it an euen euer-flowing current without ebbe flow cloudes and eclipses let vs increase our faith it will increase our ioy But to what measure of Ioy may a growne Christian attaine To what measure of ioy a Christian may attaine if hee be carefull to pâ—eserue and stirre vp his faith It is a small thing for him to come to an ordinarie pitch of chearefulnesse except his ioy exceeds the mirth of a worldling in the qualitie and quantitie of it If his mirth be not a sweeter and more rauishing mirth of an higher kind of a more pure nature of a most constant tenure then any carnall mans what-euer he disparages faith The Christians ioy 1 Pet. 1.8 Rom. 14.17 is ioy vnspeakable and glorious ioy in the Holy Ghost another manner of Ioy then euer entred into the heart of a naturall man So is that text to be construed 1. Cor. 2.9 10. eye hath not seene c. not chiefly of the ioyes of Heauen which here the spirituall man himselfe cannot tell what they shall bee but of the Gospels ioy Calu. in 1. Cor. â— 9 Iun. par lib. 2. pa. 31. of the wine and fatlings alreadie prepared and now reuealed to the Belieuer by the Spirit which if the carnall man scorne and scoffe at it is because hee cannot comprehend it It is a more pure and constant ioy which needs not the support of earthly delights his ioy is within he ioyes in the fauour of God which is vnchangeable It beseemes not a Christian to be merrie in one estate dumpish in another as if their ioy depended vpon their outward condition No no the fauour of God alone is sufficient to vphold a good mans ioy Iohn 16.22 Rom. 5.3 Iames 1.2 Your ioy no man taketh from you We glory in tribulations also And great reason for if sinne bee pardoned euery thing causeth a progresse of saluation Were it not odious to see one professing some l berall Science to liue by lewd and dishonest shifâ—ing No better fight is it to see a Christian hanging his ioy vpon course and earthly pleasures who hath more noble and generous yea Angelicall delights then which what hath Heauen better but in degree only and manner of fruition Psal 36.7 8 9. How excellent is thy lâ—uing kindnesse O God therefore the children of men put their trust vnder the shadow of
Iohn 2.25 My sheepe heare my voice and I know them and they follow me And I giue vnto them eternall life and they shall neuer perish In the Gospell wee find eternall life promised vpon condition of faith in Christ Belieue on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saued and what God promiseth of free grace that faith doth certainly receiue Life is promised vpon condition of faith and by faith wee are quickened entitled vnto and made pertakers of life euerlasting Iohn 3.36 Hee that belieueth on the Sonne hath euerlasting life Hee that heareth my Word and belieueth on him that sent me hath euerlasting life Iohn 5.24 and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death to life This is the record 1 Iohn 5.11 12 13. that God hath giuâ—n to vs eternall life and this life is in his Sonne He that hath the Sonne hath life and he that not the Sonne hath not life If once we be bâ—ought to belieue in Christ life etâ—rnall is then begun in vs. This is life eternall Iohn 17.3 to know that is with the knowledge of faith thee to be the onely true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent Col. 3.4 Ephes 3.17 For Christ is our life who dwels in our hearts by faith and therefore whosoeuer belieue in him haue life through and with him And this life is not another but one in substance with that blessed and glorious estate which the Saints enioy in Heauen though different in degree Againe when first we belieue then wee are intituled to life euerlasting and so haue the accomplishment of glorie in respect of right and proprietie 1. Pet. 1.3.4 Blessed bee the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten vs againe vnto a liuely hope by the resurrection of Iesus from the dead To an inheritance incorruptible and vndefiled and that fadeth not away That being iustified by his grace wee should be made heires according to the hope of eternall life For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God Titus 3.7 by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled wee shall be saued by his life They which receiue abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnesse Rom. 5.10 Verse 17. shall raigne in life by one Iesus Christ To an earthly inheritance title followeth vpon the birth to the spirituall vpon our Adoption But when wee belieue in Christ wee are then made the Sonnes of God by Adoption yea sonnes accepted To as many as receiued him Ephes 1.6 John 1.12 to them gaue he priuiledge to become the Sonnes of God euen to them that belieue on his Name Behold what manner of loue the Father hath bestowed vpon vs that wee should bee called the Sonnes of God Beloued 1. Iohn 3.1 2. now are wee the Sonnes of God Gal. 3.26 29. and it doth not yet appeare what we shall be For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus c. And if yee be Christs then are yee Abrahams seed and heiâ—es according to the promise Gal. 4.4 5. When the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Sonne made of a woman made vnder the Law to redeeme them that are vnder the Law Verse 7. that wee might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Wherefore thou art no more a seruant but a sonne Rom 8 14. and if a sonne then an heire of God through Christ. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sonnes of God Verse 17. Heb. 12.23 Therefore wee must belieue it c. And if children then heires heires of God and ioynt heires with Christ And for this cause the faithfulâ— are called the Church of the first begotten whose names are writt n in Heauen Now if eternall life be promised in the Gospell purchased by Christ and in right and title belong vnto the faithfull wee may conclude it is our part and dutie to belieue in God through Iesus Christ as well for the obtaining of eternall life to be giuen of grace as the forgiuenesse of our sinnes It is very necessary to belieue it And this is is necessarie that we might with the more quietnesse of Minde beare the afflictions and worldly losses the troubles and persecutions which befall vs in this world Heb. 10.35 36. Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward for yee haue need of patience that after yee haue done the will of God yee might receiue the promise Abraham is commended in Scripture that he left his friends his natiue Countrie and all earthly hopes there whiâ—h were not small and came to dwell in a strange Land as a Pilgrime where he suffered many iniuries Heb. 11.8 9 10. anâ— was exercised with many troubles of sundry kinds all which he endured with inuincible patience by the hope and desire of eternall life and that heauenly Countrie whereunto hee was called The hope of Heauen is the firme and sure anchor of the soule to sustaine and stablish it that it bee not tossed vp and downe and ouer-whelmed with reproaches and indignities Heb. 6 19. offered with the worldly losses miseries of this life It serues also to establish our hearts against sundry worldly cares and feares affectation of earthly greatnesse and carking for earthly necessaries For why should we admire the glory of this life when most excellent glory riches and happinesse ioyned with it is prepared and giuen vs through faith in Christ Why should we doubt of earthly necessaries when God hath bequeathed vnto vs an heauenly kingdome Faith in Christ to receiue an incorruptible crowne of glory will moderate desires of earthly things that wee shall neither admire nor aspire after great things below nor basely dist ust the Lord for supply of what he knowes meete and conuenient for vs. Feare not little flocke Luk. 12.32 for it is your Fathers good pleasure to giue you the Kingdome If wee keepe Heauen in our eye and looke to the high price of our calling wee shall fight couragiously and runne with paâ—ience notwithâ—tanding all opposition What can daunt him in the wayes of godlinesse or make him slaâ—ke his pace who runnes to obtaine not a corruptible but an incorruptible crowne 1. Cor. 9.25 By faith some were tortured not accepting deliuerance Heb. 11.35 that they might obtaine a better resurrection Let vs runne with patience vnto the race that is set before vs Looking vnto Iesus Heb. 12.1.2 the Author and finisher of our faith who for the ioy that was set before him endured the crosse despising the shame and is set downe at the right hand of the throne of God The acts of faith concerning these promises be these The acts of faith concerning these promises First As an humble petitioner it receiueth and layeth hold vpon saluation it selfe promised which wee haue of Gods
grace as well as any benefite tending thereunto As we are iustified by faith so wee are saued by faith Eph. 2.8 not in respect of present saluation or redemption whereof here we are pertakers but in respect of glorification to come in due time to be reuealed Belieue on the Lord Iesus Act. 16.31 and thou shalt hee saued By faith wee haue accesse into this grace Rom. 5.2 wherein wee stand and reioyce in the hope of glory When the Apostle saith With the heart Man belieueth vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.10 and with the mouth confession is made vnto saluation Hâ—e doth not so distinguish these two as if faith were the cause of righteousnes confession of saluation or as if faith were sufficient to righteousnes but not to saluation for hee had often said Rom. 4 16. that wee are saued by faith that the promise is by faith But he describes the qualification of that faith which iustifyeth and saueth namely that it is a stedfast affiance that flyeth to God by heartie supplication and breaketh forth into profession of Gods name The promise is Rom. 10.11 Whosoeuer shall call vpon the name of the Lord shall be saued and faith herein flyeth to the throne of grace with ardent supplications and layeth hold of saluation promised of grace Secondly Faith doth not begin to apprehend life and then leaue it it to works that we might attain the accoÌ„plishment by theÌ„ but it doth euer rest vpon the promise vntill we come to enioy it Heauen is an inheritance freely vouchsafed to the adopted sonnes of God whose interest vnto it commeth by belieuing not by working Rom. 6.23 The gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord if it be a gift of meere fauour it cannot be of workes Eph. 2.8.9.10 Gal. 3.18 If the inheritance be of the Law it is no more of promise but God gaue it to Abraham by promise And that which God will doe about his children in the day of iudgement is called mercy 2. Tim. 1.18 The Lord shew mercy to Onesiphorus in that day The immediate cause of life is Gods grace as the immediate cause of death is sin Rom. 5.21 But if life be of grace it is by faith We are kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation 1. Pet. 1.5 So that our faith neuer giues ouer till wee come to bee actually possessed of the immortall and vndefiled inheritance reserued for vs in Heauen Thirdly By faith we receiue the promised Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession Gal. 3.14 Because ye are sonnes God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into your hearts crying Ezek. 34.29 Gal. 4 6. Rom. 8.15 Abba Father The holy Ghost doth first infuse the grace of faith into our hearts whereby we belieue but belieuing and being made the sonnes of God wee receiue the Spirit more fully and manifestly dwelling in vs to sanctification and assurance of our Redemption By the benefite of the holy Ghost faith springeth in vs by which faith the abundance of the selfe-same spirit is increased and so of a greater faith is still made a greater increase of the Spirit In whom after yee belieued Ephe. 1.13 yee were sealed with the Spirit of promise He that belieueth Iohn 7.38 out of his belly shall flow riuers of liuing water And these gifts of the Spirit which we receiue by faith from Christ our Head are the beginnings of that glorious life we expect and looke for one in substance different in degrees and according to the measure of grace receiued so is the life of glory begunne in vs. Fourthly Faith in the promises of euerlasting life leadeth forward in the pathes of peace and righteousnes It mortifyeth corruption studyeth holinesse Math. 6.21 raiseth the heart to things aboue and directeth the conuersation according to the pollicie of the new Ierusalem Life eternâ—ll is not giuen for workes but it is the good pleasure of God that his children should be holy and exercise themselues in all good workes Rom. 8.13 Gal. 6.8 If yee through the Spirit doe mortifie the deeds of the body yee shall liue He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reape life euerlasting Blessed are the pure in heart Math. 5 8. for they shall see God Follow peace with all men and holinesse Heb. 12.14 without which no man shall see the Lord. Charge them that be rich in this world that they bee not high minded nor trust in vncertaine riches but in the liuing God who giueth richly all things to inioy That they doe good that they be rich in good workes ready to distribute willing to communicate 1. Tim. 6.17.18.19 Laying vp in store for themselues a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternall life But yee beloued building vp your selues in your most holy faith praying in the holy Ghost keepe your selues in the loue of God Iude verse 20.21 Iam. 1.12.25 Math. 35.34.35 looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ vnto eternall life Come yâ—e blessed of my Father inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world For I was hungred and yee gaue mee meate c. These and such like passages of Scripture shew not the cause why but the qualification of the persons vnto whom not how it is deserued but what doth precede the bestowing of life eternall And faith that looketh for that blessed hope and layeth hold vpon the promise of that heauenly and incorruptible inheritance lifteth vp the heart into Heauen kindleth loue inflameth with zeale encourage h against difficulties and inciteth to run the way of Gods Commandements If probable hope of great aduantage drawes on the Merchant to vndertake a long and tedious voyage by Sea notwithstanding the many casualties and perils wherewith it is beset faith in the assured promises of God concerning saluation will set a man forward in his Christian iourney hold hâ—m on in his way with courage and chearefulnesse and hearten him to the workes of godlinesse notwithstanding the temptations of Satan the allurements of the world or oppositions of the flesh to the contrarie Phil. 3.20 Our conuersation is in Heauen from whence also wee looke for the Sauiour the Lord Iesus Christ Col. 1.3.4.5 Wee giue thankes to God and since wee heard of your faith in Christ Iesus and of the loue which yee hau to all the Saints For the hope which is laid vp for you in Heauen Heb. 11.13 14.15.16 By faith Abraham Isaâ—c and Iacob confessed that they were pilgrimes and strangers on the earth and hauing oportunitie would not returne into their owne countrey because they desired a better countrey that is an heauenly Fiftly It seeketh to get our title confirmed and assured to the conscience by euidence and earnest or pawne it exerciseth it selfe vpon the
many gratious promises whereby God doth freely passe it vpon vs Ps 119.5.6 and earnestly beggeth the powerfull effectuall inhabitation of the Spirit to stampe and imprint the Image of Christ more and more vpon the soule it peruseth it euidence againe and againe and nourisheth the motions stirreth vp the graces of the Spirit which is the earnest pennie and seâ—le of the promised inheritance If Men make an earthly purchase they wil spare no cost or labour to get it assured they will haue good euidence fine and recouerie and take what course in time may exempt it from claime and faith receiuing the promise of this purchased inâ—eritance will not rest in vncertainties or presumption but doth trauaile to haue it assuredly passed and made vpon the soule Sixtly It striueth to enter the possession of this heauenly kingdome by degrees Phil. 3.10.12.13 Men that purchase an inheritance to come in hereafter they are glad if any part fall into their hands for the present or if they can get some by parcels before the whole be possessed Fulnesse of glory is reserued to the life to come but beginnings of glory peace of conscience ioy in the holy Ghost and sanctification of the Spirit are vouchsafed here Grace is the beginning of glory and glory the perfection of grace According to the measure of grace receiued and as we grow vp in Sanctification so wee enter vpon the possession of our eternall inheritance And true liuely faith doth couet grace more and more and draw vnto it selfe from Christs fulnesse Seuenthly It earnestly desires and longeth after the full accomplishment of glory Rom. 8.13 Our selues also which haue the first fruits of the Spirit euen wee our selues groane within our selues waiting for the Adoption to wit the redemption of the Body I desire to depart and to be with Christ which is farre better Phil. 1.23 Saluation is the end of faith Heauen the habitation or home of the faithfull For in this we grone earnestly 2. Cor. 5.2 desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from Heauen Naturall bodies moue to their proper place all liuing things couet perfection in their kind heauen is the proper place and condition of the faithfull life eueâ—lasting the perfection of faith therefore if faith bee liuely it longeth after the fruition of glory and full possession of the promised inheritance Eightly It assureth that wee are made heire of euerlasting life to which God of his grace will bring vs in his time appointed 1 Iohn 3.1 Behold what loue the Father hath bestowed vpon vs that we should be called the sons of God Beloued Verse 2. now are wee the sonnes of God and it doth not yâ—t appeare what we shall be Verse 14. We know that we haue passed from death vnto life because we loue the brethren Neither doth the manner of speaking sauour of ought but certaintie neither could it agree with the grauitie of the Apostle to speake so indefinitely so indeterminately of that whereof hee had no certaine ground no firme resolution but onely some likely guesse or coniecturall hope And grant it of Iohn the Apostles that they knew their owne Adoptâ—on and we may inferre that this knowledge is a priuiledge of all belieuers in their measure as well as theirs 2. Pet. 1.1 Rom. 8.34.35.36 37. 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 5.1.2.3 For the faith whereby they were assured was ordinarie the grounds of assurance common to them with all true belieuers the benefite it selfe generall not in any speciall manner appropriated What promises soeuer concerning life and happinesse were made to the Apostles the same are made to all belieuers and confirmed and sealed vnto them after the same manner For they haue all one God Eph 4.4.5.6 one Christ one Spirite they are vnder one Couenant and liue by the same faith The Adoption of Belieuers is confirmed on Gods part vnto them by his word seales oath pledge and witnesse of his Spirit with the graces thereof And what God so sufficiently confirmeth we by faith may receiue it for faith inableth vs to belieue what God reuealeth Faith giueth assurance but euery belieuer is not assured in himselfe Psal 31.22 and 77.7 Psal 42.5 and 43.3 Exod. 19.5 Psal 135.4 Cant. 7.6 Psa 16.5 Deut 32.9 Psal 83.3 Mal. 3.17 Zech. 2.8 Psal 108.6 and 127.2 Cant. 8.6 Esay 49.16 Ioh 14.23 Iâ—s 1.9 Psal 109.31 and 12.5 Psal 73.23 Psal 27.5 1. Sam 2.9 Psalm 56.8 Math. 10.30 Psal 38.9 Ier. 31.20 Deut. 33.29 1. Pet. 5.10 Phil. 4.19 Psal 62.2.6.7 and 71.5 Ioel 3.16 2. Cor. 1.3 Psal 25 12. Heb. 13.21 Exo. 29.46 Reue. 21.3 2. Chron 16.9 Psal 37 4. and 145.19 Prou. 10.24 nor is any assurance in this life so certaine that it is neuer intermixed nor disturbed with doubtings There is a state in which faith sheweâ—h it selfe rather in earnest longings and paintings after mercy then in certaine apprehension of it there is a state of infancie a state of temptation and spirituall conflict in which the soule cannot attaine this certaintie and assurance And euen in the growen and confirmed state the belieuer must not looke to walke on smoothly without any rubs or to enioy perfect assurance without doubtings and assaults The assurance of this belieuer is an assurance aiming and striuing after assurance an assurance wrestling and combating with many assaults an assurance which labours wiâ—h continuall weakenes and lookes not to come to perfection but by temptations But of this before God in great mercy doth vouchsafe to his Adopted sonnes many excellent royalties in this life They are most pretious vnto him His chiefe treasure His loue for delights his peculiar people the lot of his inheritance his chosen his hidden ones his iewels Hee that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye They are his Beloued as the signet vpon his right hand Hee dwelleth with them he followeth them whither soeuer they goe hee stands at their right hand and holds them vp by it Hee coueâ—s them vnder his pauillion hee keepes their feete hee counts their wandrings hee numbreth their heires hee obserâ—es their sighes is moued with compassion vpon their complaints hee is the shield of their helpe the sword of their excellencie and the God of all grace who will fulfill all their necessities Hee is their hope their helpe their health their rocke their refuge the Father of mercies and God of all consolation Hee will teach them in the way that they should choose and make them perfect in good workes He will establish them in euery good word and worke he will walke with them his eye is euer vpon them for good and he will giue them their hearts desiâ—e They haue the Angels of God to minister vnto them for theâ—r safeguard and protection Heb. 1.14 Psal 34 7. 1. Cor. 3.22.23 Heb. 2.7.8 1. Tim 4.2.3 they haue dominion ouer the creatures of the earth and the free vse of them both for necessitie and
delight This is a true saying The charter anciently giuen by that great Lord of all at our first conuersion touching the vse of his creatures was forfeited into the hands of the Doner by Adams fall But it is restored and renewed by Christ to them who aâ—e honoured with the Adoption The heires of heauen are the right inheritors of the earth The Sonnes of God by Adoption are Brethren and Coheires with Christ whom the Father hath appointed heire of all things Rom. 8.17 and hence ariseth vnto them the holy vse of â—he creatures Heb. 1.2 and ministerie of the Angells Are chastisements needfull or behooffull for them Iere. 46.28 Esay 54.8 Heb. 12.10 11. Ier. 24.5 Esay 27.9 Psal 89.31.32 1. Pet 4.14 Rom. 8.28 Acts of Faith that arise from the priuiledges of the godly He will correct them in measure for a moment fâ—r good to take away sinne but his louing kindnesse he will not take from them nor suffer his faithfulnesse to faile Are they loaded with reproaches for righteousnesse sake The Spirit of glorie and of God shall rest vpon them In a word whatsoeuer may happen All things shall worke together for the best vnto them And seeing God hath prepared and promised such excellent priuiledges vnto his children in this life hence it is that faith resteth vpon his grace to receiue from him whatsoeuer may be good and profitable for them O how great is the goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee Psal 31.19 which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sonnes of men Verse 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man thou shalt keepe them secretly in a pauilion Psal 36.7 from the strife of tongues How excellent is thy louing kindnesse O Lord therefore the children of men put their trust vnder the shadow of thy wings verse 8. They shall bee abundantly satisfied with the fulnesse of thy house and thou shalt make them drinke of the riuer of thy pleasures The Lord is my shepheard Psal 23.1 I shall not want He shall leade his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme Esay 40 11. and cary them in this bosome and shall gently lead those that are with young What can they want Psal 146.5 6 7 8 9. Leuit. 26.12 2. Cor. 6.16 Prou. 10.24 Esay 49.15 16. Deut. 14.2 who haue god to be their Father to prouide for them and protect them to blesse them and dwell with them to succour them and supply them with all needfull blessings spirituall and bodily in fittest season whose eare is open to their desires whose compassions exceed the tendernes of a mother to her sucking babe who hath chosen them to be his owne proper good which he loueth and keepeth in store for himselfe and for speciall vse Thou Israel art my seruant Iacob whom I haue chosen the seed of Abraham my friend Esay 41 8 9. Thou whom I haue taken from the ends of the earth and called thee from the chiefe men thereof and said vnto thee Thou art my seruant I haue chosen thâ—e and not cast thee away Feare thou not for I am with thee Verse 10. bee not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse Verse 17. When the poore and needie seeke water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will heare them I the Lord of Israel will not forsake them Verse 18. I will open riuers in the high places and fountaines in the midst of the valleyâ—s I will make the wildernesse a poole of water and the dry land springs of water Secondly It petitioneth instantly for succour For it seeth in God whatsoeuer it needeth or desireth and will neuer cease to seeke reliefe The more confident it is to obtaine the more importunate it will bee in suing Oile put to the fire causeth the flame to ascend and the promises of helpe and succour receiued by faith put life and vigour into the petitions of faith Heare O Lord Psal 27.7 8. Verse 9. when I cry with my voice haue mercy also vpon mee and answere me Hide not thy face farre from me put not thy seruant away in anger thou hast beene my helpe leaue me not neither forsake me O God of my saluation Vnto thee wiâ—l I cry Psal 28.1 2. O Lord my rocke be not silent to me lest if thou be silent to me I become like them that goe downe into the pit Heare the voice of my supplications when I cry vnto thee when I lift vp my hands towards thy holy Oracle With-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me O Lord Psal 40.11 let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth continually preserue me Thirdly It receiueth earthly blessings as gifts of the couenant and part of his childes portion God vouchsafeth outward things to wicked men of common bountie but to his children the blessings of this life bee tokens of his loue and speciall good-will and so receiued and embraced by faith For substance the gift is one both to the Iust and vniust but in respect of the cause possession and vse there is great difference which is discerned by faith though it cannot be seene with the eye Hosea 2.20 21 22. I will euen betroth thee vnto me in faithfulnesse and thou shalt know the Lord. And it shall come to passe in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will heare the Heauens and they shall heare the Earth and the Earth shall heare the Corne and the Wine and the Oile and they shall heare Iezreel Fourthly Faith in these and the foresaid promises doth greatly enlarge the heart towards God and stirreth vp to a serious and earnest studie of holinesse If a Christian be much in the meditation of Gods singular goodnesse towards him euery manner of way aboue all that he could possibly aske or thinke it will euen constraine him to yeeld vp himselfe wholy vnto God in all manner of godly conuersation Psal 26.2 3. Examine me O Lord and proue me try my reines and my heart For thy louing kindnesse is before mine eyes and I haue walked in thy truth Fiftly It doth inwardly quiet and cheere the heart in the midst of manifold outward discouragements troubles and persecutions in the world Hope of glorie in due time to be reuealed and of continuall supply of all good th ngs from God in the meane space to bee freely giuen will stâ—blish the heart with strong consolation and cause in outward pâ—ofession of Ioy to the glory of God the encouragement of other faithfull people and the amazement of the wicked Heb. 10.34 This is to bee seene in the liues and deaths of Gods faithfull seruants who tooke ioyfully the spoiling of their goods knowing in themselues that they had
in Heauen a better and an enduring substance who for this hope endured the crosse and despised shame Heb. 12.2 as is testified of our Sauiour himselfe By faith Moses when he was come to yeares refused to be called the sonne of Pharoahs daughter chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season Heb. 11.24 25 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt for he had respect vnto the recompence of reward Heb. 11.35 By faith others were tortured not accepting deliuerance that they might obtaine a better resurrection The way or meanes to stirre vp faith in these promises The meanes to stirre vp faith in these promises is First to humble our selues vnfainedly in respect of our miserable and accursed estate by sinne and former carelessenesse to seeke mercie enter possession and get assured euidence of that euerlasting inheritance Woe is mee how I am fallen from that state of blessednesse wherein I was first created into a most miserable and accursed condition I haue grieuously sinned and God is highly prouoked the sentence of the Law is alreadie gone forth I am shut vp vnder wrath and if I haue my desert I can expect nothing but the terrible execution of fearefull vengâ—ance denounced Mortalitie as a worme corrupteth my bodie ignorance and lust tyrannize in my soule my condition is exposed to a thousand vanities and wearisome courses and through feare of death the vpshot of euils Heb. 2.15 I am subiect to bondage all my life In my first estate I was made far aboue all visible Creatures and by free bountie lifted vp to bee the Fauourite of the most High God but by wilfull disobedience I am fallen into Gods displeasure and lie prisonâ—r vnder the reuenging iustice of the law Nor is my wretched condition worse then my carelesnesse to be deliuered from it The bruite beasts take it as a grieuous thing to bee ensnared and taken but I haue delighted in bondâ—ge and counted it a libertie to liue a slaue to Satan and to follow things and courses pleasing corrupt nature Thou Lord of thine infinite grace hast proclaimed libertie published peace and made offer of a better state and condition in Christ then what I formerly lost in Adam But I preferred spirituall thraldome to libe tie death to life and chose rather to follow the temptations of Satan and to fulfill the lusts of the flesh then to come vnto Christ that I might be saued The men of this world are wise in their generation to accept of earthly commodities when they bee offered and not to put by the opportunitie but when the Lord hath made promise of euerlasting life if I would renounce the pleasures of sinne and foregoe the vanities of this world I haue followed vanitie and neglected mercie I haue dispised the great saluation and walked in the paths of death and condemnation O Lord it is thine owne worke of grace in me that euer I did bethinke my selfe of the danger of my course and repent to lay hold vpon the promises of life Nor hath my slouth and negligence to seeke euidence get assurance and enter possession of that glorious inheritance by growing vp in peace ioy holinesse and sanctification been lesse odâ—ous then former carelessenesse Since I haue been enlightned and tasted of the heauenly gift I haue sleighted the promises of mercy which should haue been my continuall meditation I haue neglected to get and keepe the holy spirit holy in it selfe making them holy in whom as temples it dwelleth the seale and earnest of the promised inheritance Ah what a dwarfe am I in holinesse and sanctification for these many yeares how little haue I gained My spirituall sight is exceeding dimme my passions boisterous my heart vnquiet my thoughts euill my nature corrupt I am dull to good apt to sinne feeble and of no power to withstand temptations shaken with many feares touching my saluation soone vnsetled and remoued from stedfastnesse by any contrarie opposition farthest to seeke for euidence and assurance when I stand in greatest need All this is come vpon me through mine owne foolishnesse because I haue not acquainted my selfe with the promises of grace nourished the motions of the Spirit carefully improued the gifts receiued endeauoured after perfection and laboured to bee sealed more and more with the promised Spirit What might I haue growen vnto in Christ if I had instantly desired the Spirit of Grace of him who giueth it heeded the inspirations and suggestions of it and by all conscionable meanes sought increase of grace and assurance of saluation Long ere now I might haue attained fulnesse of spirituall wisdome and vnderstanding strength of faith power of grace sweet communion and fellowship with God libertie and freedome to walke with God comfortable possession in part and good assurance of eternall life in due time to bee accomplished whereas by reason of sloth and negligence the powers of grace are so enfeebled that I can scarce breathe sigh crawle in the way to Heauen my heart is desolate I am a stranger to the comforts of godlinesse terrified with the remembrance of death readie to faint at the apprehension of trouble and danger and continually disquieted with feares and doubts touching mine owne saluation if the world with the things thereof haue not cast mee into the sleepe of securitie for a season The slothfull man is iustly condemned who had rather starue in Summer for lacke of bread then plough in winter because of the cold Wee censure him that had rather go lame and crooked as long as hee liueth then bee at a little paine to moue an aking ioynt He is worthily accounted improuident who neglecting to gather in his writings or sue out fine and recouerie will hâ—zard the losse of his whole inheritance My folly hath exceeded herein who to liue in peace and quiet with sinne haue impouerished my soule inâ—paired my stocke of grace wounded my conscience depriued my selfe of many rich priuiledges of grace which I might haue enioyed weakened my title to mine euerlasting inheritance and beene contented to creepe feebly towards the heauenly Canaan thinking it better to keepe where I was with quiet then to make my condition by still dealing with my selfe too too restlesse The sluggards shamelesse excuse hath fearefully bewitched me Better is an handfull with ease Eccles 4.6 then both hands full with trauell and vexation of Spirit The more excellent the inheritance I hope for is the more detestable is my sluggishnes and folly that I haue not earnestly sought to make it sure vnto my selfe and entred possession thereof so farre as in this life is giuen of grace Secondly We must incite and stirre vp our selues to receiue the promises of euerlasting life by consideration of the free and rich grace of God his truth and faithfulnesse the sufficiencie of Christs merits and greatnesse excellencie and worth of the benefit
in part which may bee increased by a daily addition to the graces and comforts of the Adopted why should I be negligent to seeke it confirmed and sealed Euerlasting life is the only true life full of ioy peace and contentation a durable treasure which can neuer fade a crowne that neuer withereth and shall base things take vp the heart when God calleth to seeke a most glorious and euerlasting inheritance Oh the inestimable loue and fauour of God who makes offer of an Adoption and immortall Inheritance to the most contemptible wretches that liue vpon the face of the earth The man that toiles hard all day long for a small piece of siluer or lies at the rich mans gate waiting for an Almes the scraps that come from his Table he is inuited to come vnto Christ that hee might obtaine a kingdome an eternall kingdome that hath none end an inheritance abundantly glorious surpassing the glory worth of all earthly treasures inheritances laid together much more then all earthly treasures doe exceed the worth of one pin What an heart-break is it to a man when he finds that by some default he hath forfeited some earthly matters which he might haue held had he bin warie but what griefe and confusion will this cause when he shall see that through folly sloth carelessenesse matchlesse crueltie vnthankfulnesse he hath lost an euerlasting inheritance of glory which he might haue obtained Meere possibility of coÌ„passing some great extraordinary good is of more weight in swaying mens actions inciting endeuours then certaintie of accomplishing pettie desires But certainty coÌ„modity do here concurre in one There is no good to the possession of eternall life no successe certaine but this that he who vnfainedly belieueth in Christ shal inherit the crown of glory It is good for me to draw nigh vnto God and put my trust in his mercy to lay fast hold vpoÌ„ the promises of life protectioÌ„ to get the spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father and fly vnto his grace in Christ to get my title made sure and strengthned vnto my conscience and while time serueth earnestly to seeke the kingdome of God Thirdly Wee must pray earnestly that God would increase our faith seale vs by his Spirit lead vs in the way of peace cause vs to grow vp in holinesse make vs wise to prize and value to tast and relish the ioyes of Heauen and assure our consciences of right and title to that euerlasting inheritance For it is God that sealeth vs and makes vs to read the sealing that promiseth Heauen and affecteth the heart with the goodnesse and worth of the thing promised that by the pledges of his fauour and the earnest of his Spirit doth sufficiently testifie our Adoption and cause vs certainely to apprehend what he doth testifie and assure As the beginnâ—ng so the progresse comfort and assurance of life is from him and instantly is to be begged of him Faith receiueth the promise of life and giues assurance of what is receiued as it prayeth Who am I O Lord that thou shouldst make such ample and free promises vnto thy poore seruant concerning his euerlasting happinesse Of thy free mercy and according to thine owne heart hast thou spoken all these great things to make thy seruant know them And now O Lord God establish I beseech thee the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy seruant gratiously accept me for thy childe by the earnest of thy Spirit and pledges of thy fauour seale vnto me the promised inheritance and make me assuredly to know what great things thou hast done and what those hopes be which are reserued for me in Heauen My sight is dimme not proportioned and fitted to so high an obiect my affections carnall that I cannot set my selfe to purpose about this contemplation the Deuill labours nothing more then to keepe me hood-winked this way O Lord I beseech thee inable mee to know this good and blessed hope the matter of mine inheritence abundantly glorious that my heart may bee still in Heauen and by thy Spirit lead mee into all truth and holinesse 1. Thess 2.12 2. Thess 1.12.14 that in due time I may possesse the Kingdome of glory whereunto I am called Col. 1.5 Of thy free grace thou hast called me by the Gospell to this blessed hope which is laid vp for me in Heauen therefore is thy seruant bold to entreate the sence of thy loue the knowledge of this Hope the increase of grace and assurace of thy mercie for euermore Fourthly Wee must quicken our selues to reioyce in God waite patiently and walke chearefully before him Oh the incomprehensible loue and fauour of the Lord. Was it euer found that any man of rancke or place did adopt the blind lame deafe dumbe or otherwise deformed to be heire to succeed him in his inheritance My soule reioyce thou in the Lord and blesse his holy Name for he hath looked vpon my base estate and visited me with mercy from on high Of a stranger and forreiner I am made a free denizon of the new Ierusalem of the bondslaue of Satan the friend of Christ of the childe of wrath and damnation the sonne of God and heire of saluation My Name is registred in Heauen an eternall weight of glorie is reserued which the most righteous God hath promised and in fittest season will giue vnto me Why should I doate on earthly braueries who haue an eternall life that hath most excellent glory honour riches and happinesse aboue all the heart can comprehend ioyned with it prepared and giuen through faith in Christ It were notable basenes if an heire of sumptious and stately pallaces should couet the poore cotages of beggars that stand by the high way side Psal 16.5.6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen vnto me in pleasant places yea I haue a goodly heritage My studie and care should be to know my heauenly hopes better and more fully that I might weane my selfe the more willingly from all earthly vanities Heauen is my home my hope mine inheritance and where should my heart be but where my treasure is where my thoughts but where my hope is In this life I receiue only the first fruites of the Spirit the earnest of the inheritance but I will waite patiently for the full possession thereof and walke charefully in the way that leadeth thereunto In earthly things men are contented to waite for a good lease in reuersion and to lay out their money for that which shall not come to their hands till some liues be expired and should not I waite for the accomplishment of glory there being but one life betwixt it and mee and that is mine owne CHAP. V. What it is liue by faith touching the promises of of perseuerance and how to stirre vp our selues therevnto GOd of his infinite mercy hath made further promises the necessitie of
his seruants so requiring God hath made many promises of perseuerance that his mercie shall neuer depart from them that hee will confirme and strengthen them to the end notwithstanding their owne weaknesse and the malice of their spirituall enemies and that nothing shall seperate them from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus Gen. 3.15 This is implied in the first promise which God made It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele where Satan is stinted to the heele of the true Christian seed In many passages of Scripture the same is most clearely and manifestly expressed Psal 1.3 Psal 92.13 14. He shall be like a tree planted by the riuers of water that bringeth forth his fruite in his season his leafe also shall not wither and whatsoeuer he doth shall prosper The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way Though he fall Psal 37.23.24 hee shall not be vtterly cast downe for the Lord vpholdeth him with his hand For this God is our God for euer and euer Psal 48.14 Psal 73.24 Verse 26. he will be our guide euen vnto death Thou shalt guide me with thy councell and afterward receiue me to glory My flesh and heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer The mercie of the Lord is from euerlasting to euerlasting vpon them that feare him Psal 103.17 A good man sheweth fauour and lendeth Psal 112.5.6 hee will guide his affaires with discretion Surely he shall not be moued for euer Psal 125.1.2 the righteous shall be in euâ—rlasting remembrance They that trust in the Lord shall bee as mount Zion Esay 42.3 which cannot be remoued but abideth for euer A bruised reede shall he not breake and the smoaking staxe shall hee not quench Esay 46.4 And euen to your old age I am he and euen to the hoare haires will I carrie you Esay 54.10 I haue made and I will beare euen I will carrie and will deliuer you For the mountaines shall depart and the hils be remoued but my kindnesse shall not depart from thee neither shall the couenant of my peace be remoued Esay 59.21 saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee As for mee this is my couenant with them saith the Lord My Spirit that is vpon thee and my words which I haue put in thy mouth Rom. 9.8 Gal. 4.28 shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seede that is such as be effectually called according to the purpose of God Hereunto may be added those passages which testifie that the loue which God beareth to his people is an euerlasting loue and the couenant which he hath made with them effectually and shall be kept assuredly is an euerlasting couenant Ier. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old vnto me saying yea I haue loued thee with an euerlasting loue therefore with louing kindnesse haue I drawne thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with euerlasting kindnesse will I haue mercy on thee Esay 54.8.9 saith the Lord thy Redeemer For this is as the waters of Noah vnto mee for as I haue sworne that the waters of Noah should no more goe ouer the earth so haue I sworne that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new Couenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Iudah Ier. 31.31.32.33 Heb. 8.8.9 and 10 16.17 Not according to the Couenant that I made with their Fathers in the day that I tooke them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Aegypt which my couenant they brake although I was an husband vnto them But this shall bee the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts And they shall be my people and I will be their God And I will giue them one heart Ier. 32.38.39.40 and one way that they may feare me for euer Heb. 13.20 for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an euerlasting couenant with them that I will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from mee Heb. 8.10 In which couenant or Testament God freely promiseth to giue what hee requireth of his people and to effect in them what he calleth for at their hands If the benefits giuen be compared amongst themselues one is as it were a coÌ„dition to another but they be all effects in respect of the grace and free fauour of God certainely conferring them vpon whom he will Righteousnes and life are promised vpon condition of faith but the condition of the couenant is promised in the couenant it selfe A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you Ezek 36.26 27 and I will take away the stonie heart out of your flesh And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements Hos 2.19.20 and doe them And I will betroth thee vnto me for euer yea I will betroth thee vnto me in righteousnesse and in iudgement and in louing kindnesse and in mercies I will euen betroth thee vnto me in faithfulnesse and thou shalt know the Lord. The externall betrothing by outward couenant so as God betrothes himselfe to all professing the true faith Rom. 9.24 25. 1. Pet. 2.8 9 10 Math. 7.24 25. may be broken for though God offer them mercie if they will belieue yet hee giues not faith to them but the internall by effectuall disposition of which the Prophet speaketh in this place is indissoluble Whosoeuer heareth these sayings of mine doth them I wil liken him vnto a wise man which built his house vpoÌ„ a rock And the raine descended and the flouds came and the winds blew and beat vpon that house and it fell not for it was founded vpon a rocke But all the faithfull are built vpon the rocke not vpon the rocke now and anone vpon the sand Math. 16.18 but once built vpon the rocke they remaine vnmoueable Thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against it assaile it they may preuaile against it they shall not Iohn 10.27 28 29. Ezek. 34.15 16. My sheepe heare my voice and I know them and they follow me And I giue vnto them eternall life and they shall neuer perish neither shall any man plucke them out of my hand My Father which gaue them me is greater then all and no man is able to plucke them out of my Fathers hand Who shall seperate vs from the
loue of Christ Shall tribulation or distresse or persecution or famine or nakednesse or perill or sword Rom. 8.35 37. Rom. 11 29. Nay in all these things we are more then conquerours through him that loued vs. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance Blessed bee the God and Father of our Lord Iâ—sus Christ who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten vs againe vnto a liuely hope by the resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead To an inheritance incorruptible 1. Pet. 1.3 4 5. and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in Heauen for you Who are kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation ready to be reuealed in the last time 1. Iohn 3.2 Beloued now we are the sonnes of God and it doth not yet appeare what wee shall be but we know that when he shall appeare wee shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Iude â— 24 25. Now vnto him that is able to keepe you from falling and to present you faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy To the onely wise God our Sauiour be glory and maiesty dominion and power now and euer Amen Doth God in these places promise to protect vs against forraine enemies not against domesticke perfidiousnesse The texts doe respect no condition as the cause of fulfilling these promises but plainly affirme that God himselfe doth promise and will giue the condition which hee requires For to what end doth he write the Law in the heart vphold with his hand and giue a good issue to the temptation but that the will prone to wickednesse should not yeeld and altogether start backe from grace receiued Whosoeuer is borne of God 1. Iohn 3.9 1. Iohn 5.18 doth not commit sinne for his seed remayneth in him and he cannot sinne because he is borne of God And if the seed abide in the faithfull as an indeleble character and pledge of their inheritance that they cannot sinne in the Apostles sence then are they fenced against the treachery of their owne hearts remayning in them Iohn 4.14 7.38 39. Whosoeuer drinketh of the water that I shall giue him shall neuer thirst but the water that I giue him shal be in him a wel of water springing vp into euerlasting life where thirst is opposed to a totall want of grace not to the earnest desire of increase in grace The thirst of totall indigencie is taken away by the participation of grace 1 Pet. 2.2 3. the thirst of complacencie or more ample fruition of grace is increased The Holy Spirit who is sent into the hearts of the Sonnes of God is not there as a guest to tarrie for a night or two but as an inhabitant to dwell and remaine for euer yea as an earnest of their inheritance Rom. 8.11 Hag. 2.5 1. Pet. 4.14 1. Iohn 2.27 John 14.16 vntill the redemption of the purchased possession I will pray the Father and he shall giue you another Comforter that he may abide with you for euer Now he which stablisheth vs with you in Christ and hath anointed vs is God who hath also sealed vs 2. Cer. 1.21.21 Eph. 1.14 and 4.30 and giuen the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession vnto the praise of his glory 1. Pet. 1.23 The seede whereof the faithfull are begotten is incorruptible the life which they liue by faith in Christ is an euerlasting life Iohn 5.24 Iohn 17.3 Iohn 6.47 Verely verily I say vnto you Hee that heareth my word and belieueth on him that sent mee hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death vnto life And this is the record that God hath giuen to vs eternall life 1. Iohn 5.11.12 and this life is in his Sonne He that hath the Sonne hath life and he that hath not the sonne hath not life Now the Scripture saying He that belieueth hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation doth import that faith and the fruites thereof be such from which the godly through the power of God neuer fall Luk 22.32 Iohn 17.15 And for further confirmation the Scripture testifyeth that Christ hath prayed for his people that their faith should not faile that they should be kept from the euill This cannot be restrained to the Apostles Vers 20. but it is the coÌ„mon priuiledge of all the faithfull Neither pray I for these alone but for all them also which shall belieue on mee through their word And the intercession of Christ euen for this particular blessing of the not failing of faith neuer ceaseth is euer effectuall and speedeth alwayes And that nothing might bee wanting to full consolation in this point we are assured from God that he will perfect the the worke of grace which he hath begun 1. Cor. 1.8 Who shall also confirme you vnto the end that ye may be blameles in the day of our Lod Iesus Christ Being confident of this very thing Phil. 1.6 that he which hath begun a good worke in you will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ Faithfull is hee that calleth you 1. Thess 5.24 who also will doe it that is as goeth immediately before preserue your whole Spirit and soule and body blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ 2. Thess 3 3. The Lord is faithfull who shall establish you and keepe you from euill Now seeing God hath bin pleased by so many promises to assure the faithfull of their sure and stedfast estate By serious meditation on these prâ—mises wee must settle our selues in belieuing which is very necessary it is necessarie seriously to learne and thinke vpon them that they might be setled in belieuing their perseuerance Had it not beene a point of great weight and necessitie wee cannot thinke the Lord would haue mentioned it so often and confirmed it so many wayes which will soone appeare to any man that shall consider his owne frailtie and the strength and malice of his spirituall enemies how potent and vigilant they bee to assaile how weake and feeble hee is to withstand and make resistance Nor is our weaknesse greater then our backwardnesse to belieue the promises of perseuerance when wee stand in most need of them When corruptions stirre and tentations be hot fierie we find our selues ready to fâ—int then are we to seeke of a promise that might vphold against the feare of falling away or if the promise be at hand we cannot lay hold vpon it some mist or other comes betweene it the eye of our vnderstanding Many good Christians are kept vnder with this temptation They are afraid they shal neuer hold out if persecution shold come they stand in doubt lest they should fall away as many haue done who made greater shewes seemed to haue gone further then euer they did
And whilst they distrustfully question their perseuerance all present fauours seeme lesse then otherwise they would all other promises be held the more weakly Satan takes aduantage to fill their hearts with manifold discomforts God I denie not doth order these temptations to the best will do his children good by them for hereby they are driuen to distrust themselues run vnto God relie vpon him in all their necessities neuerthelesse the many perplexities wherein they are entangled for want of faith in the promises of perseuerance doth sufficiently conuince how necessary it is wee should labour to haue our hearts established in this confidence that the Lord will neuer leaue vs nor forsake vs. Confidence in the promises of perseuerance doth encourage and quicken in a Christian course stablish in wel-doing and hearten against the greatest difficulties Preuention of an obiection Or old it hath beene obiected against the doctrine of assurance of not falling away that it doth set open a doore to all licentiousnesse for if men cannot fall from their estate of happinesse why should they feare to commit all kind of wickednesse But he that hath faith in-deed will not nay hee cannot take courage to goe on in sinne vpon this pretence that faith once had cannot vtterly bee lost The belieuer knowes himselfe bound to the obedience of the Gospell though he be freed from the damnation of the law and certaine it is that faith which knits to Christ doth leade vs forth in all holinesse Psal 130 4. Mercie couering sinne doth beget reuerence the more assurance of saluation in a mans soule the more feare and trembling in a mans course Hee who is best assured hath most power of Gods Spirit and the stronger the Spirit of God is within the more holinesse and fruits of grace without Paul was assured that nothing should seperate him from the loue of God in Christ 1. Cor 9.27 2. Tim. 4.7 8. Peter was assured that his faith should not faile did this make them the more carelesse Nay rather the more carefull to runne their race the more couragious to fight out their combate 1. Iohn 4.19 The load-stone of loue is loue Loue in the superiour doth draw loue from the inferiour is it then possible for vs to apprehend such vnspeakable loue of God in choosing vs to such an excellent happy vnchangeable condition and not bee affected to loue the Lord againe Of necessitie the faith which continueth must be liuely nor can it imbrace the promises of perseuerance but whilest it is liuely The more operatiue faith is the greater our assurance of future standing if faith be dormant or languish for a time for that time wee are to seeke of this comfort nor can it be recouered till faith recouer and put forth it selfe valiantly in combating against Satan subduing corruption and working righteousnesse Looke how much we come short in belieuing the faithfull promises of God concerning our future protection from all hurtfull euils the greatest whereof is falling away so much are wee lacking to sound peace and stable tranquillitie of Minde and Conscience The better we haue learned to liue by faith in Christ as the Authour and finisher of our faith and raiser of vs vp at the last day the greater and more stedfast is our comfort The men of this world be not satisfied with the possession of their purchased inheritance but they seeke to strengthen and assure their title against future claimes before they can be quiet When a Christian is acquainted with the promises of pardon and forgiuenesse belieueth in Christ for saluation and is reconciled vnto God When his conscience is purged that there remaineth no more terrible remembrance of sinnes past his lusts subdued and vanquished his heart quieted from all perturbations and all inward disturbance which was in man against himselfe done away and when these things are knowne vnto the Conscience yet one thing is wanting to sound and full peace that is holy securitie for time to come against all enemies both inward and outward that they shall not hunt vs much lesse preuaile against vs. For if what we possesse may vtterly be lost or what we hope and expect be meerely vncertaine and coniecturall built vpon the good vse of our free-will and not vpon the free and vnchangeable grace of God what rest or quiet in respect of his future estate can any man finde in himselfe But let the heart be established in this that God will carrie him forward from grace to grace till hee haue brought him to his euerlasting Kingdome that his faith shall neuer faile the graces of the Spirit shall neuer wither and decay Satan with all his malice the world with the manifold allurements thereof shall neuer preuaile against him this freeth from much heart-griefe perplexitie distrustfull sorrow and vnprofitable trouble when he feeles his owne weaknesse thinkes of Satan and the worlds power heares of the falls of some who haue gone farre in the profession of godlinesse and casts with himselfe what persecutions may be raised against him for the truth and Gospell This also refresheth the heart with sweet and heauenly comfort in the midst of those many trials and incumbrances which we doe and must make account to meet with all and this our heauenly Father knew to bee no more then necessarie for our chearefull walking before him For the which cause I also suffer these things 2. Tim. 1.12 neuerthelesse I am not ashamed for I know whom I haue beliued and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day The Godly are allowed to belieue their perseuerance And seeing God hath promised to perfect the worke of grace begun and bound himselfe by couenant to confirme strengthen and stablish his children vnto the end and in the end to giue them eternall life such as find any true and liuely worke of grace wrought in them are allowed from God to belieue that they shall neuer perish nor quite be broken off from Christ nor those liuing waters cleane be dried vp but notwithstanding their owne infirmities and the sore temptations wherewith they are oppressed they shall be preserued vpheld and kept vnto saluation For what God hath confirmed by promise and couenant vnto his children vndertaken to effect by his Almightie power and ratified by earnest and pawne that they are allowed to belieue and expect from him of his vnchangeable grace and loue This is the golden and indissoluble chaine which the Apostle speakes of Rom. 8.30 Whom he did predestinate them also he called and whom he called them he also iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Luke 22.32 Math. 6.13 so that effectuall vocation is a pledge and token of glorification to ensue Christ hath prayed for his people that their faith might not faile the faithfull pray instantly Iohn 16.23 Lead vs not into temptation and that no man
towards Heauen keepe my standing or withstand the least assault In paine I am pettish vnder crosses faint heartlesse discontent readie to flie at the sound of persecution secure in prosperitie puffed vp with comforts apt to bee led away with worldly allurements My spirituall taste is distempered with carnall vanities which rellish sweeter to me then the mercies of God in Christ mine appetite to the Word and food of life is abated my zeale decayed mine affections dull to good my deuotion cooled my conscience benummed I heare but feed not vpon the Word my Prayers are cold heartlesse rouing in earthly imployments I keepe no moderation daily weaknesses and lesser sinnes goe downe without reluctation the motions of the spirit quickly die the motions of the flesh liue and get strength admonition is fruitlesse reproofe vnwelcome in my course I am ready to stumble at euery rub linger after euery baite laide by Satan or the world to catch mee and totter vpon the smallest tentation Euery day I haue greater experience of my weakenesse then other soone distempered and put out of frame if by any meanes for a little time my heart bee brought into some better order I am forgetfull of my purposes negligent of the opportunities to get good distracted with lawfull busines and wearie of the woâ—kes of my calling perplexed at the troubles I meete wâ—th giuing way to forwardnesse not looking vp to God vnthankefull for mercies trifling out the the time in foolish surmises vaine ploddings and vnprofitable speeches The poore leane thinne fruits of grace which through the mercie of God now and then I espie in my selfe these proclaime my sicke and feeble state my thoughts and meditations of good poore and few striuings agâ—inst sin weake appetite to the wholsome food of life small digestion slow obedience mâ—ruellous defectiue and in a manner liuelesse I liue vnder the powerfull meanes of grace enioy many helps in priuate am free from many great tentations wherewith others are exercised in respect of their outward condition blessed with the societie of them that feare God pruned and dressed by my heauenly Father and yet I reele wauer am tossed too and fro and ready to fall vpon euery occasion Ah wretched man that I am how shall I bee able to stand if the meanes should faile persecucutions bee raised or the powers of Hell let loose vpon mee Secondly He must stirre vp himselfe to rest vpon God through Iesus Christ for establishment and conformation Why should I feare by reason of mine infirmities or the malice of my spirituall enimies I am sicke but God is my physitian weake but God is my rocke my strength my high tower I like a lost sheepe am readie to goe astray but the Lord is my Sheepheard and will not suffer me to perish Christs intercession is euer effectuall but he hath prayed that my faith should not faile and promised that the gates of hell shall not preuaile The sons of Adam mortall by birth can neuer grow beyond the state of mortalitie the children of God borne of immortall seede can neuer fall from the state of immortalitie True faith is a neuer fading faith the life of grace an euerlasting life the water of life a well springing vnto eternall life Christ once died for sinne neuer to die any more and he that liueth in Christ shall liue for euer Indeed if faith were the worke of freewill or had dependance vpon it it might well perish but being the intire gift of God according to his purpose of grace it must needs pertake of the vnchangeable loue of God which is the fountaine whence it springeth I will walke iealous of my selfe because feeble and apt to offend but confident in Gods mercie and grace because he is faithfull who shall confirme mee vnto the end and perfect his worke hee hath begun My care shall be to feede vpon the word of life to shunne sinne and the occasions leading thereunto to cry for aide and strength and when I feele my selfe readie to sinke I will hang vpon the Lord for his power shall sustaine mee his right hand shall vphold mee and by his might I shall be keept through faith vnâ—o saluation A bruised reede shall he not breake and smoking flaxe shall hee not quench Math. 12.20 2. Cor. 12.9 till he sende forth iudgement into victorie his power shall be magnified in my weaknesse Thirdly He must pray instantly that God would vphold him and make him to see that hee will establish him vnto the end Our strength is of God and it is of him that wee know or be assured that through the power of his grace we shall stand firme and vnmoueable The state of a Belieuer is sure and it is impossible the elect should bee deceiued but as they stand by the grace of God so it is of God that they know their standing O Lord God of heauen the great and terrible God that keepeth couenant and mercy for them that rest vpon thy gratious promise and desire to yeelde vp themselues in obedience to thy Commaundements loooke mercifully vpon mee thy weake vnworthy seruant heale mine infirmities for they are many and stablish mee by thy free Spirit for I am brought very low Remember I beseech thee Ier. 32.39 40. the word of thy coâ—eâ—ant saying I will giue them one heart and one way that they may feare mee for euer for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an euerlasting couenant with them that I will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from mee Now I am thy poore creature the woâ—ke of thine hands whom thou hast made thy poore seruant with whom thou hast striken couenant vnto whom thou hast shewed this mercie that I desire to feare thy Name O Lord I beseech thee teach mee thy way make me to walke in thy truth vnite my heart to thy feare confirme strengthen stablish me vnto the end and make mee to know that by thy power I shall bee inabled to stand fast and vanish the enemies of my saluation that I may fight manfully obey cheerefully persist vndaunted and reioyce in thy saluation all the dayes of my life CHAP. VI. How to liue by faith in time of Temptation when Satan encounters and seekes to winnow the poore seruants of Christ NO sooner doth a Christian set himselfe vnfainedly to seeke the Lord 1. Pet. 5.8 but Satan with all his malice subteltie might and furie doth make out after him assaying by inward suggestions and outward tentations agaâ—ne and againe reiterated to discourage turne backe and vtterly ouer throw him The seruants of Christ are all souldiers and haue continuall warre not with flesh and bloud Eph. 6.11.12 but with principalities and powers and spirituall wickednesses This they must expect they haue sworne it and are called vnto of the Lord Encouragements to resist Satan who for
Heb. 10.35.36 Heb. 6.12 Reu. 13.10 For faith is the ground of silent and quiet expectation of saluation When Christians are persecuted for the name of Christ all men see they haue great neede of patience that after they haue suffered for a time they might enioy the promise which now they hold by faith as it weâ—e by reuersion not in actuall possession But without confidence there can be no patience Faith in God is the only stay and support of the heart in trouble and affliction Psal 27.13 I had fainted vnlesse I had belieued to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the liuing Remember thy word vnto seruant vpon which thou hast caused me to hope This is my comfort in my affiction Psal 119.49.50 for thy word hath quickened me In daily and lighter tryals a man of milde and patient temper may hold vp the Head but when one deepe calleth vnto another and the waues flow ouer our head when nature yeeldeth and the heart fainteth then to stand fast and bee of good courage that only can faith doe which is grounded vpon the rich mercie of God and relyeth vpon his Almightie power Faith is the Palme that sinkes not vnder the waightiest of burdens the Camomile that spreades the more it is trodden the oile that euer ouerswimmes the the greatest quantitie of water you can power vpon it In the most boisterous tempests it lifteth vp the chinne that we shall not drowne Heb. 11.35 36. and when a man is halfe dead it quickens and puts life into him By faith the Saints haue endured cruell mockings scourgings bonds imprisonments Eph. 6.16 tortures and death and in all these were more then conquerours Faith is the sheild of the soule whereby it is defended against all the fierie darts of the Deuill When we are afflicted we shall be tempted to impatience despaire doubting of Gods loue and the vse of wicked means to helpe our selues out of trouble Psal 3.2 and 31 11. and 35.15.36 Iob 30.1 The world will follow vs with scornes and traunts as if God had forsaken vs and would not arise for our helpe Our owne corrupt hearts will be readie to start aside repine faint question the Lords truth and mercy 1. Thess 3.5 and Satan will not be wanting to his opportunitie with all his might malice and subtiltie to seduce discourage or terrifie When our Sauiour was an hungred in the wildernesse Math. 4.3 the tempter came vnto him and saide If thou be the Sonne of God command that these stones be made bread Now seeing the burden of afflictions is made more heauie by temptations accompanying wee had neede to be well vnderpropped with a liuely faith that we might withstand and repell the force of the Enemie Faith onely supplieth all our wants in affliction Hee that possesseth all earthly things in greatest prosperitie and hath not faith hath nothing in deed much lesse the man that liueth in miserie but hee that liues by saith wants nothing that is good when miseries beset him on euery side For the present riches of a Christian are the gracious and faithfull promises of God which faith possesseth not looking to what we haue in hand but what the Lord hath laid vp in store and expecteth to receiue from God in fittest season more assuredly then if hee had it in his owne power to vse The Men of this world trust their friends with their stocke or monie and make account it iâ— as readie at hand as if they had it in their owne possession and sure it is the true belieue hath iust and good cause to trust God rather then himselfe and to relie vpon his word for whatsoeuer hee hath commited vnto him Fâ—iâ—h in time of danger doth as it were fence and compasse vs with the promises of God but without faith we are naked and lie open to the malice of our Aduersaries Behold his soule which is lifted vp Hab. 2.4 is not vpright in him but the iust shall liue by his faith The vniust man puffes vp himselfe and buildes towers of defence to himselfe bâ—t the iust man belieueth and that shall be to him in stead of all castles towers bulwarkes in the world For it brings vs vnder the wing presence Psa 18.2 Deut. 32.30 Psal 31.3 and 71.3 and protection of God it makes him our refuge and safeguard high rocke and tower of defence Afflictions profit not if they be not mixed with faith in them that beare them Bodily physicke procureth not health if naturall heate be lacking in the patient which might cause the potion to worke to the expelling of the sicke humour faith in respect of afflictions the physicke of the soule is that naturall heate wherby they are made to worke kindly to the purging of sin and the encrease of grace and comfort where it is altogether wanting their can be no kindly worke The righteous are allowed to liue by faith in the times of euill when calamities of all sorts compasse them about The Godly are allowed to liue by faith in afflictions 1. Tim. 4.8 Rom. 8.28 for godlinesse hath the promise of this life and that which is to come and the godly are to belieue both according to the word of the Lord. God hath promised that all things shall worke together for good to them that loue God 1. Cor. 10.13 Act 27.25 and that he will not suffer vs to be tempted aboue that wee are able and it is our dutie to belieue God that it shall be eâ—en as he hath tolde vs. The godly haue had this confidence in formers times whose practice is both a token of our priuiledge and a patterne of our dutie What time I am afraid I will trust in thee Psal 56.3 Psal 31.5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth yea though I walke through the valley of the shaddow of death I will Psal 23 4. feare no euill for thou art with me thy rod and thy staffe they comfort me Come and let vs returne vnto the Lord Hos 6.1.2 for he hath torne and he will heale vs hee hath smitten and he will binde vs vp After two dayes will hee reuiue vs in the third day hee will raise vs vp and wee shall liue in his sight God is hereby much glorified that wee relie vpon him as our rocke of defence al-sufficient Sauiour and trustiest friend in time of distresse It is one of the Lords most royall titles Psal 60.5 Psal â— 9 Psal 10.14 to bee the Father of the Fatherlesse and a iudge of the widowes a refuge for the oppressed and the helper of the poore Thou hast beene a strength to the poore Esay 25.4 a strength to the needie in his distresse a refuge from the storme a shadow from the heate when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storme against the wall Esay 30.18 And therefore
will the Lord waite that he may be gracious vnto you and therefore will he be exâ—lted that he may haue mercy vpon you The Lord hath commanded vs to waite vpon him in the dayes of calamitie and sorrow Hab. 2.4 The Iust shalâ— liue by faith It is the ve y scope of this text to teach this one po nt of doctrâ—ne to the Iewes when they would be oppressed by the Babilonions viz that in greatest dâ—ngers the onely way is to stay our selues and establish our hearts by faith on Gods promises Confidence in God doth the more bind and oblige him Psal 37.40 as it were to doe vs good The Lord shall helpe the righteous and deliuer them hee shall deliuer them from the wicked and saue them because they trust in him Esay 26.3 Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee because hee hath trusted in thee I will surâ—ly deliuer thee Ier. 39.18 and thou shalt not fall by the word but thy life shall bee for a prey vnto thee because thou hast put thy trust in me saith the Lord. If a friend â— lie and builde vp our faithfull promise we take our sâ—ues boâ—nâ— not to frâ—strate his exp ctation in a â—ead lift Psal 141.8 the Lord will neuer leaâ—e the soule destitute which trusts in him The faithfull haue promised themselues helpe and confidently begged aide because they trusted in the Lord Be mercifull vnto me O God Psal 57.1 be mercâ—full vnto me for my soule trusteth in thee yea in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge vntill these calamities bee ouer past Cause me to heare thy louing kindnesse in the Morning for in thee doe I trust Psal 143.8.9 cause me to know the way wherein I should walke for I lift vp my soule vnto thee Deliuer mee O Lord from mine enemies for I flie vnto thee to hide me And to hope in God and to haâ—e God for our helpe are linked together in Scripture so that his helpe is reâ—die for all them who rest vpon him in truth Happy is he that hath Psal 146.5 the God of Iacob for his helpe whose hope is in the Lord his God Acts of faith in respect of these promises The acts of faith in respect of these promises be these First It looketh vnto God and acknowledgeth his hand in all afflictions whosoeâ—er bee the instruments Shall there be euill in a Citie Esay 45.7 Amos 3.6 Iob. 1 21. and they Lord hath not done it The Lord gaue and the Lord hath taken away I know O Lord that thy iudgments are right and that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted mee Psal 119.75 If yee endure chastening God dealeth with you as with sonnes Heb. 12.7 for what sonn is he whom the Father chasteneth not And this is one speciall ground of humilation patience and comfort Come and let vs returne vnto the Lord Hos 6.1 for he â—ath torne and he will heale vs. My sonne despise not thou the chastening of the Lâ—rd neither be wearie of his â—rrection For whom the Lord loueth he correcteth Pro 3.11.12 euen 〈◊〉 a father the sonne in whom he delighteth Let him curse for the Lord hath bidden him It may be that the Lord will looke on mine affliction and that the Lord will requite good for his cursing this day But of these more particularly hereafter Secondly It teacheth that wee are in such distresses out of which none cane helpe vs but the strong helper of Israel Faith speaketh on this manner We haue no might against this great companie 2 Chro. 20.21 that commeth against vs neither know we what to doe but our eyes are vpon thee And great is the benefit of this instruction for it drawes the heart from carnall repose in meanes or friends it expells vexations and distracting cares and estranges from the vse of vnlawfull meanes of deliuerance whatsoeuer Pro. 21.31 Psal 33.16.17 The horse is prepared against the day of battell but safety is of the Lord. An horse is but a vaine thing to saue a man neither is any man deliuered by his great strength And the same may be said of wisedome swiftnesse wealth or the force of any meanes whatsoeuer Eccl. 9.2 Psal 127.1 Esay 30.7 and 31.3 though neuer so lawfull or likely But as for vnlawfull meanes no good successe can be hoped from them The Egyptians shall helpe in vaine and to no purpose therfore haue I cryed concerning this their strength is to sit still Thirdly It wisely directeth vs to consider that the cause of all miserie and sorrow is sinne and thereupon driues to examine our wayes humble our selues before God for mercy renew our hope in his grace and set vpon reformation of what is out of order Faith is a good Physition Hos 5.15 that seeketh to cure the disease by taking away the cause thereof when God takes tryall of vs that wee might know our selues faith maketh search into the heart 1. Cor. 11.31 Lam. 3.40 when hee iudgeth by his chastisements faith maketh vs to iudge our selues and when God striketh for sinne faith striketh at the head of sinne Let vs search and try our wayes and turne againe to the Lord. I thought on my wayes Psal 119.59 and turned my feete vnto thy testimonies When Manasses was in affliction 2. Chro. 33.12 Iob 34.31.32 hee besought the Lord his God and humbled himselfe greatly before the God of his Fathers Surely it is meete to be said vnto God I haue borne chastisement I will not offend any more That which I see not teach me if I haue done iniquitie I will doe no more Fourthly Faith meekeneth the heart willingly to submit it selfe to the good pleasure of God Psal 37.7 Psal 62.1.5 Lam. 3.16 Esay 30.15 and patiently to beare his correctioÌ„ Rest in the Lord waite patiently for him fret not thy selfe because of him who prospereth in his way Yet vnto God my soule keepe thou silence for from him is my expectation By faith the seruants of God haue beene enabled to say The word of the Lord is good Esay 39.8 Mic. 7.9 I will beare the indignation of the Lord because I haue sinned against him vntill he plead my cause 2. Sam. 15.26 and execute iudgement for mee If he say thus I haue no delight in thee behold here am I Psal 131.2 let him doe to me as seemeth good vnto him Surely I haue behaued and quieted my selfe as a child that is weaned of his Mother my soule is euen as a weaned child I was as a man that heareth not Psal 38.14.15 and in whose mouth are no reproofes For in thee O Lord doe I hope Guiltinesse of Conscience which is euer fearefull and vntamed passions make vnquietnes when the rod of God is vpon our backes both which are corrected by faith The conscience is comforted by faith resting vpon the gracious promises
of pardon and giuing assurance that sinne is pardoned Passions are curbed and bridled by the soueraigntie of faith as hauing the affections vnder commaund which it doth season and moue according to the direction of the word and by strong potent irressistible perswasions whereby it worketh the soule to this sweete and heauenly submission And as a plaster By what considerations faith preswades to meekenes vnder Gods hand which vpon sore flesh causeth much smart vpon sound flesh stirreth no paine so troubles lighting vpon a soule healed by grace and seasoned by faith are nothing so grieuous The considerations of faith whereby it perswades vnto meâ—knesse be such likâ— The fiâ—st â—â—ken from the desert of sinne which is farre greater â—hen any thing wee suffer or can conceiue Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a liuing man complaine a man for the punishment of his sinnes The second from the hand that layeth the rod vpon our bâ—â—ke or teacheth out this b tter potion which wee are forced to d â—nke off and that is God our most wise iust gracious and louing Fathâ—r Whereas humane reason did cloudily â—nd ob curely suggest to it followers certaine broken and confused opinions Iohn 18.11 littlâ— better then dreames of destinie and prouidence Faith doth euidently and certainly assure of this ground of patience and comfort that the least ticke befals vs not without the ouer-ruling eye and hand not only of a wise God but of a tender Father and fellow-feeling Elder brother who best knoweth and can measure out exactly what is meetest Hee will not lay vpon man more then is right Leuit. 10.3 Iob 34.23 Psal 9.9 1. Sam. 3.18 that hee should enter into Iudgement with God I was dumbe and opened not my mouth because thou didst it It is the Lord let him doe what seemeth him good Thirdly Out of this principle faith extracts this infallible conclusion This Cup how bitter and wringing soeuer is a medicine to cure not a poyson to destroy mingled by him that most perfectly doth vnderstand our need our stâ—ength and the working of his owne potion ministred in great loue and tender compassion to driue out corruption confirme faith preserue from falling strengthen grace weane from the world and bring neerer to God by vnfained repentance If it be sicknesse or pouertie Esay 57.16 it is in our Fathers owne hand and he will not contend for euer lest the spirit should faile before him If hee turne vs ouer to a seruant to scourge vs yea though Satan himselfe buffet vs yet hee stands by to number and moderate the stripes that they shall not lay more vpon vs then shall be for our good Zech. 1.15 16. and he will enable vs to beare I am very sore displeased with the Heathen that are at ease for I was but a little displeased and they helped forward the affliction Therefore thus saith the Lord I am returned to Ierusalem with mercies 2. Cor. 12.9 My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse What-euer fals being in Christ it cannot bend to our vtter confusion but an issue shall bee giuen vnto it What terrible noise soeuer the storme shall make ouer our heads it shall be but as haile-stones vpon the tiled or leaded house that rattle more then hurt Wee are kept by the power of Christ 1. Iohn 5.18 that the Euill one shall not touch vs we are in safe harbour vnder the rocke and shall neuer be confounded Sicke we are and that of diuers humours which may breed dangerous diseases if they be not preuented troubles losses disgraces dangers and such like are the Lords baths and pils whereby hee rids vs of that infectious matter which would impaire our spirituall health if it were let alone his bitter potions Esay 27.9 Dan 11.35 Deut. 8.3 Heb. 12.11 Deut. 3.16 Rom. 5.3 4. Zech. 13.9 Mal. 3.3 1. Pet. 1.7 that shall worke for our health and welfare He hath said vnto Crosses purge refine try exercise breed the quiet fruits of righteousnesse giue them experience of their faith confirme their patience support their hope make them bring forth more fruit but he hath giuen them no allowance to hurt vexe confound weaken faith or waste any grace of the Spirit When we feele our bowels wring or as in a Sea-sicknesse are dead sicke for the present then faith puts vs in remembrance we shall be the better many dayes after Physicke makes sicke before it giue health so doe afflictions but the fruit is pleasant When they are a little ouer we shall be able to say Oh this was good for me I would not for any thing Lam. 3.27 Psal 119.71 but I had borne the yoke in my youth that I may liue the more comfortably in my age Wise parents doe not alwayes correct their children in measure as being ignorant of their nature and disposition The most learned Physician may bee deceiued in the disease and constitution of his patient mistake in the qualitie or strength of his Physicke and so misse of his intended cure But the spirituall Physician of our soules doth so exactly know our temper and disease doth so intirely affect our health so accurately mingle the maligne and poysonfull ingredients in our Physicke with correctors and allayes that the confection shall be good and altogether shall and must worke for the best What though they be bitter to the taste It is better with the bodie when it feedeth on sowre herbs which breed good bloud then on sweet meates which engender bitter vomits and mortall sicknesses The true soule-sicknesse viz. sinne and corruption that dwelleth in it doâ—h cleaue so fast and hath eaten so deepe that gentle purges easie corrasiues that scarce worke to sense or feeling cannot expell or remoue it Prou. 20.30 True it is that all euils in themselues are hurtfull but faith looketh vpon them as they are changed in and by Christ who hath taken away the poison which would bee in the crosses wee beare and makes them seruiceable for our good Euen as the art of the Apothecary doth make a poysonfull Viper into a wholsome Treacle A man will beare much when hee spieth this that it commeth from loue in another to him But God is loue it selfe and from loue proceedeth euery course he passeth vpon vs Heb. 12.5 6. Prou. 3.12 Iob 5.17 Apoc. 3.19 as well this of aduersitie as the other of prosperitie Whom he loueth he chasteneth and scourgeth euery sonne whom he receiueth The care and good will of Parents shewes it selfe in prouiding Medicines and Physicke which may preserue or procure the health of their children no lesse then in their allowance of meate drinke apparell or other benefits which they bestow vpon them And God is as mercifull in preparing and ministring Physicke for our soules health as in all other his daily benefits Nay herein doth appeare the most speciall and tender regard that God hath ouer vs. Esay 48.10
This dependance on the promises which faith worketh is absolute without limitation of time measure of affliction or manner of deliuerance All these it referreth to the good pleasure of Gods will Esay 28.16 and reposeth it selfe securely vpon his faithfull word and prouidence He that belieueth will not make haste Feare rides post to out-runne danger and folly turnes ouer with speed our mourning part before God delighting to be in the house of laughter but faith which leaneth vpon the promises of truth makes no haste without good speed Dan. 9.2 Daniel waited seuentie yeares for deliuerance out of captiuitie in Babylon and then finding the time of redemption to be at hand hee prayed to God for the same As for the measure of affliction or meanes of deliuerance Iob 13.15 the voice of faith may be heard in Iob and Abraham The one promised he would trust in God though he should kill him The other being commanded to sacrifice his onely Sonne Isaac Heb. 11.19 the sonne of the promise belieued that some other way he should receiue him from the dead This effect faith bringeth forth when all meanes faile yea against all oppositions in shew neuer so strong and irresistible Esay 63.5 For the meanes of themselues be of no worth and validitie and God is the same one and vnchangeable whosoeuer oppose themselues against his determinations most readie to succour when all meanes faile God is our refuge and strength Psal 46.1 2 3. a very present helpe in trouble Therefore will wee not feare though the earth be remoued and though the mountaines be cast into the midst of the Sea Psal 49.5 Psal 56.4 Though the waters thereof roare and bee troubled though the mountaines shake with the swelling thereof Wherefore should I feare in the dayes of Euill when the iniquity of my heeles that is the wickednesse my feet carried mee to shall compasse me about Ezra 8.21 For the hand of our God is vpon all them for good that seeke him but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him The Lord is my light and my saluation Psal 27.1 2 3. Psal 3 6. Psal 54.4 5. whom shall I feare The Lord is the strength of life of whom shall I be afraid Though an host should encampe against me my heart shall not feare Behold God is my helper Psal 118.7 Psal 46.5 7. the Lord is with them that vphold my soule He shall reward euill vnto mine enemies cut them off in thy truth But for support in this case faith turneth it selfe to meditate on Gods truth which neuer faileth his might which cannot be resisted his wisdome which euer effecteth his owne workes by meanes best approued Psal 116.5 7. in his counsell in the fittest season and his tender compassions whereby hee is ready to succour them that are brought low Psal 22.4 Againe it looketh to the manner of Gods dealing and to the vsuall course which he hath held with his seruants in all ages past Ex. 3.8 5.6 which is to grant deliuerance when the afflictions of his seruants be increased and send helpe when to sense and reason it is furthest off Ezek. 18.4 For euery soule is the Lords as the soule of the father so also the soule of the sonne and what fauour he hath shewed vnto any one he will vouchsafe to euery one that seeketh him diligently if it may bee for their good It is also confirmed by the experience of Gods dealing with vs in former times of distresse and danger Psal 22.9 Thou art he that tooke me out of the wombe thou didst make me hope when I was vpon my mothers breasts I was cast vpon thee from the wombe Psal 71.17 2. Tim 4.18 thou art my God from my mothers belly O God thou hast taught me from my youth hitherunto haue I declared thy wōdrous works For former mercies are as bils obligatorie vnder his hand to assure of future good things as they shall be needfull That which God hath once done for vs in sustaining quickning quieting our spirits with peace which passeth vnderstanding keeping our hearts that hee will doe euery day vnto vs if wee inforce our selues towards him Moreouer a good heart will not cease to accuse checke and condemne it selfe for the Infidelitie distrust and weaknesse of faith that it espieth to incite stirre vp and call vpon it selfe more confidently to waite and trust in the Lord and in bitternesse of heart to seeke and sue vnto him for more strength from aboue Psal 42.5 11. Why art thou cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within me Hope in God for I shall yet prayse him for the helpe of his countenance O God my soule is cast downe within me Ninthly Faith belieueth one contrarie in another 9. Act. and out of deepest distresses gathereth assurance of sweetest deliuerances For the Lord shall iudge his people Deut. 32.36 2. Kings 14.26 Psal 9.9 10. and repent himselfe for his seruants when he seeth that their power is gone and there is none shut vp or left The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed a refuge in times or due time of trouble Mans extremitie is Gods opportunitie Deepest miserie is the fittest season for deliuerance Men often like to Swallowes will be with vs in Summer but leaue vs in winter The Deuill when hee hath drawne his into the bryars will giue them leaue to looke for themselues But God hath euer stood neerest to his when their exigences haue beene greatest The experience of miserie calamitie is made the sure ground of such ioyful hopes as the Lord hath promised Psal 20.1 Exod. 14 22. Dan. 6.22 The greater sorrowes the people of God suffered the more vndoubted experience they had of diuine truth contained in Mosaicall threatnings the more vndoubted the experience of their truth vpon consciousnesse of their owne transgressions the greater motiues they had vpon heartie and sincere repentance to apprehend the stabilitie of his sweetest promises for their good No depression of this people but serued as a countersway to hasten intend or inlarge the measure of their wonted exaltation so long as they rightly weighed all their actions and proceedings in Moses ballances and compared their permanent sorrow for sin past with their wonted delight in their permanent sorrow for sinne past with their wonted delight in transient pleasures Ier. 30.13 14. This that the Lord had stricken Iacob with the wound of an enemie and with a sharpe chastisement for the multitude of his iniquities is propounded as an argument of consolation for because the Lord had killed they must belieue he would make aliue againe The present wounds inflicted contrarie to the rules of politique defence were the best pledges of their future health beyond all hope of State-Surgeons And when Ieremy more admired then distrusted Gods mercies in tendring the purchase of his Kinsmans field to
vnbeliefe For what cannot hee make for our good 2. Cor. 4.6 Rom. 4.17 in what distresse and anguish cannot he reuiue who calleth light out of darkenes and things that are not as if they were if wee will giue glorie to his Woâ—d by resting vpon it Prou. 14.10 The heart knoweth the bitternesse thereof and the stranger shall not meddle with it ioy Thus liuing by faith in times of triall and visitation doth fit and prepare the heart to thankfulnesse when light shall shine from on high and that so much the more as our afflictions haue beene the sharper or of greater continuance Returne O Lord how long Psal 90.13 14. and let it repent thee concerning thy seruants O satisfie vs early with thy mercie Psal 30.11 12. that we may reioyce and be glad all our dayes Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladnesse Psal 35.28 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee and not be silent O Lord my God I will giue thankes vnto thee for euer If one heale a trifling disease it neither so bindeth the patient nor commendeth the Physician but if one heale vs of some deadly incurable maladie O wee say then wee could neuer haue met with such a Physician not the like in the world againe Thou broughtest vs into the net Psal 66.11 12 13. thou laidst affliction vpon our loines thou hast caused men to ride ouer our heads we went through fire and through water but thou broughtest vs out into a wealthy place I will goe into thy house with burnt Offerings I will pay thee my vowes It will be obiected Preuention of Obiection That in affliction faith is weake and corruption stirring That in affliction faith seemeth to be most weake and corruption most stirring First And true it is that many doubtfull thoughts ascend into Christians hearts partly because they know not that they are allowed to liue by faith in an afflicted state partly because they iudge amisse of their afflictions taking them as arguments of wrath and displeasure rather then trials of faith and chastisements of peace As children through want of wisdome are afraid of bug-beares so the errour of our minde raiseth great feare and doubt of that which cannot hurt vs peraduenture might greatly comfort vs if rightly vnderstood This mistaking must be corrected by fâ—ith and spirituall wisdome Secondly True it is alâ—o we sometime feele more stirring of corruption in time of trouble for a while then we felt before but as Physicke then expelleth hurtfull humours when it worketh vpon them and maketh vs complaine as feeling them more then when they were let alone so doth Gods Physicke to the soule euen while it is driuing out corruption it makes vs feele and complaine of it more then euer The like may be said of faith which we feele weaker during the timâ— of triall But striking the Torch which for the presâ—nt seemeth to put it out maketh it blaze Physiâ—ke which for the time weakens doth tend to strengthen the bodie shaking the Tree which seemeth to loose the roots fasteneth them deeper and the same may be said in this case Thirdly In afflictions faith is tried the sweetnesse of it is not so much felt as it is latent which makes vs thâ—nke it to bee brought exceeding low The strength of the bodie is put forth in conflâ—cts and burthens felt when wee walke at ease and lâ—bretie A man may shew most strength in wrestling when to his owne feeling he discerneth most weaknesse and so it is in faith when the sense is lest the power may bee greatest There is an afflicted strength which cannot bee felt great though it be so in truth and there is an afflicted faith which is not discerned to be of that force of which indeed it is But strength afflicted and strength decayed faith afflicted and faith ouer-whelmed are much different Fourthly If want of spirituall refreshings doth trouble and breed scruple in vs we must remember that Physicke purgatiue and restoratiue must not bee tâ—ken at one and the same time To admit of sorrowes but on condition that spirituall consolation should drowne the feeling thereof is as it were to wish sufferings without suffering When God ministreth for the preseruation or recouerie of spirituall health it is the office of faith to receiue the potion and further the kindly working of it which cannot bee done vnlesse it giue way vnto yea stirre vp godly sorrow and wrestle painfully to driue out such corruptions as God would haue remooued by them During battell the Souldier must exercise his skill valour and strength in repelling subduing and pursuing the enemie his refreshing comes when the fight is ended and the spoile diuided In the dayes of affliction faith is conflicting with doubts allurements corruptions which shew themselues if wee doe not feele those sweet comforts of the spirit that our soules desire let vs waite with patience till the victorie be obtained And if we would stirre vp our faith to belieue and depend vpon God in the dayes of great tribulations Helps to stirre vp faith in deepe afflictions when all meanes faile when all meanes of helpe faile we must First Lay open our sorrowes before the LORD and powre out our complaint into his bosome Lord how am I beset with miseries Psal 55.2 How doe my sorrowes increase daily I am the man that haue seene affliction by the rod of thine anger Lam. 3.1 2. Thou hast brought mee into darknesse but not into light My heart fainteth my strength faileth my skinne is made old Psal 38.10 Psal 22.15 Lam. 3.7 my sight waxâ—th dimme and all my bones are out of ioynt Thou hast hedged me about that I cannot get out and made my chaine heauy My louers and my friends stand aloofe from my stroke and my neighbours stand afarre off Psal 36.11 Psal 88.8 Psal 3.1 But they that seeke my hurt doe multiply they speake mischieuous things and imagine deceit all the day long I am the reproach of men the despised of the people Psal 35.20 Psal 22.6 Psal 35.11 the song of the Drunkards False witnesses are risen vp against me who lay to my charge things I neuer knew and teare mee in pieces with their continuall slanders In mine aduersitie they reioyce they gather themselus together against me Psal 41.7 8 6. thâ—y reuile without ceasing they open their mouthes wide against me Psal 42.10 Psal 83.14 Psal 10.1 and spare not to blaspheme thy Name As with a sword in my bones mine enemies reproach me while they say daily vnto me where is thy God Lord all this is come vpon me and yet thou standest afarre off and hidest thy selfe from my trouble Lam. 3.44 I cry vnto thee but thou hearest not thou couerest thy selfe with a cloud that my prayers should not ascend Secondly Confesse our sinnes with hatred and godly sorrow The
disquietnesse of my heart and trouble of my flesh ariseth from my sinne Psal 38.18 Hosea 5.15 I will therefore declare mine iniquity I will bee sorry fâ—r my sinne I will acknowledge my selâ—e guiltie before the Lord. Psal 40.12 For innumerable euils haue compassed me about mine iniquities haue taken hold vpon me so that I am not able to looke vp they are more then the haires of my head therefore my heart fail th me Lam. 3.42 â— Sam. 24.10 17. I haue sinned and rebelled and thou hast not spared Loe I haue sinned I hauâ— done wickedly I haue sinned greatly I haue done very foolishly Behold Iob 40 4. Iob 42.6 I am vile what shall I answere thee I will lay my hand vpon my mouth I abhorre my selfe and repent in dust and ashes Thirdly Take vp our heaâ—ts for halting through vnbelieâ—e and call vpon them to rest in the promise of diuine aide Psal 49.5 assistance and deliuerance Wherefore should I feare in the dayes of euill when the iniquitie of my he les shall compasse mee about When the mightie man doth boast himselfe in mischiefe Psal 52.1 The louing kindnesse of the Lord endureth at all times Psal 35 27. Psal 54.4 Hee will not forsake his Saints although they bee afflicted for a season God is my refuge who hath pleasure in the prosperitie of his sâ—ruant and will draw neere for my deliuerance and makâ— hâ—ste for my helpe when sorrowes enuiron on euery side When all succour failes Psal 22.11.19 he careth for my soule When my spirit is contrite and my heart within mee desolate he is at my right hand to sustaine Psal 34.18 Psal 55.27 18. yea to saue my soule He will hide his mercifull-Saint vntill the calamitie bee ouer-past I am poore and needie Psal 40.17 yet the Lord thinketh on me I am sunke deepe into the myre and clay but his hand shall plucke me vp hee will set me beâ—ore his face for euer Maruellous things hath hee wrought for his people in former times Heâ— turned the Sea into dry land Psal 6â— 6 Psal 77.14 15. and made way for them through the midst thereof He led them through fire and water and by a stretched out arme brought thâ—m into a wealthy place Psal 66.11 12. Hab. 1.12 Is not our God from Euerlasting the Holy One the same for Euer His power is infinite his goodnesse incompâ—ehensible his loue as great towardes his Saints now as euer heretofore He will send downe from Heauen to saue me he will deliuer mee out of many waters Psal 57.3 When I am hemmed in on euery side the Lord will prouide some way for my escape for hee can doe more then I am able to conceiue or thinke Psal 71.20 Thou who hast shewed mee great and sore troubles shalt quicken me againe and shalt bring me vp againe from the depths of the earth When I was inclosed in the wombe my distresse and danger was great my strength weake my condition hopelesse Psal 22.9 10. neuerthelesse I was saued by thy power and by thy prouidence was brought aliue into this world and should I now doubt of thy helpe and mercy because in likelihood I cannot see them My flesh and my heart faileth Psal 7â— 26 but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer The depths of miserie are the Lords fittest seasons to rescue his afflicted ones Mercilesse men will shew compassion in great extremitie and shall not the Lord who is rich in mercy and louing kinâ—nesse extend his fauour to mee when I am reâ—die to perish Psal 85.9 Surely his saluation is nigh them that feare him Fourâ—hly Importune the Lord and direct thy supplications before him Psal 86.7 Psal 55.16 In the day of my trouble I will call vpon thee for thou wilt answere me Heare me speedily O Lord my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like vnto them that goe downe into the pit Psal 143 7 8. Cause me to heare thy louing kindnesse in the morning Psal 55.1 2 3. for in thee doe I trust Deliuer mee from mine enemies I flie vnto thee to hide me Lord how long wilt thou looke vpon the misâ—ries of thy seruant Psal 35.17 and keepe silence rescue my soule from the destruction of the aduersarie my darling from the Lions Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me Psal 40 11. Verse 13. Psal 86.14 15 16. O Lord let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth continually preserue me Be pleased O Lord to deliuer me O Lord make haste to helpe me O God the proud are risâ—n against me and the assemblies of violent men haue sought â—fter my soule and haue not set thee before them But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gratious long-suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth O turne vnto me and haue mercy vpon me giue thy strength vnto thy seruant and saue the sonne of thy handmaide How long Lord Psal 89.46 wilt thou hide thy selfe for euer shall thy wrath burne like fire Remember thy former louing kindnesses which haue beene of old remember that I am but dust and that my dayes passe away like a shadow remember the reproach of thy seruant wherewith I am reproached of them that dwell round about wherewith the vngodly and prophane haue reproached thy pure Religon and blasphemed thy holy Name Lord look vpon mine affliction and my teares for I am brought very low Fiftly Quicken thy resolution to trust in the Lord at all times euen when all other refuge faileth and none shewes himselfe for thy helpe Psal 56.3 4. What time I am in trouble I will trust in God for hee shall redeeme my soule Hee is the God of my saluation Dan. 12.1 who will send deliuerance to his people in the lowest extremitie and vouchsafe mercie to his chosen aboue all they expect and looke for Psal 55.19 Lam. 3.55 56 57. in most conuenient season I cried vnto the Lord in the day of my calamity and my prayer entred into his eares therefore will I trust in him as long as I liue Lord I will wait for thy saluation establish my heart in thy truth that I be not moued CHAP. VIII What it is to liue by faith touching the promises of earthly blessings temporall prosperitie and good successe in the things that we goe about THe Lord our God knowing that earthly blessings bee so necessary for the maintenance of this life that we cannot be without them God hath made many promises of earthly blessings hath of his infinite bountie and free grace vndertaken promised to make competent prouision for his children that being freed from the cares and troubles of these things below they might with greater freedome attend vpon his seruice and with more chearefulnes run the race of Christianitie O feare the Lord yee his Saints Psal 34 9 10. for
is he that feareth the Lord him shall he teach in the way that he shall chuse His soule shall dwell at ease Psal 25. â—2 13. Pro. 11.21 and his seede shall inherite the earth Though hand ioyne in hand the wicked shall not bee vnpunished but the seede of the righteous shall bee deliuered Pro. 14 20. Pro. 20.7 In the feare of the Lord is strong confidence and his children shall haue a place of refuge The Iust man walketh in his integritie his children are blessed after him Iob. 5.25 These and such like be the promises concerning temporall blessings which God of his infinite grace and loue hath made to the faithfull and their posterity that we might liue by faith quietly submitting our selues to the good pleasure of God in these things and expecting from him in due season such reliefe as shall bee most expediâ—nt It is necessary to belieue those promised First This is necessary for faith in these promises doth kill couetous desires distrustfull and distracting eares Let your conuersation bee without couetousnesse and be content with such things as yee haue For he hath saide I will neuer leaue thee nor forsake thee Man is priuie to his want of blessings Heb. 13.5 and will neuer cease with excessiue care deligence and vexation to hunt after them till hee come to knowe that God will prouide for him When one hath great friends which they are knowne to leane vpon wee say of them Such neede take no care they know such and such will see to them On the contrarie come to one who knowes no end of toyling and caring aske him why will you thus tyre your selfe out He will answere I must needs doe it I haue none but my selfe to trust to Math. 6.30.32 So Christ followeth his Disciples carefulnesse to this doore their vnbeliefe which did not let them consider our heauenly Father cared for them No present estate though neuer so great can free the heart from distraction 1. Pet. 5.5 because it is subiect to decay and vanish wee shall neuer cast the burden of care off our owne shoulders till we learne by faith to cast it vpon the Lord whose eye is ouer vs for good Secondly Hee will neuer renounce carnall supports who makes not God the stay of his soule for outward things Hee will trust in the abundance of his riches Psal 52.7 wisdome friends or strength that makes not God his strength The heart of man being priuie to his inability to sustaine himselfe if he be not vnderset will seeke out some prop true or false sound or rotten to leane vnto They will goe downe to Aegypt for helpe Esay 31.1 and 22 10 11 12. and stay on horses and trust in Chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong who looke not to the holy one of Israel seeke not the Lord. Thirdly Beliefe in God brings good successe The Lord will be intreated to showre his blessings plentifully vpon them that put their trust in him 2. Chro. 20.20 1. Chro. 5.20 2. Chro. 16.7 8. Belieue in the Lord your God so shall yee be established belieue his prophets so shall yee prosper Men are ashamed to falsifie the trust that is reposed in them And shall the Lord frustrate the desire of them that hope in his mercy Fourthly If we cleaue not to the promises of God made concerning temporall things we shall adhere to the promises of life with lesse assurance 2. Cor. 1.20 Both promises flow from one fountaine euen Gods euerlasting loue are stablished in the same mediatour and receiued by the same faith yea the promises of life euerlasting as more spirituall and furthest remoued from sence are in themselues more difficult to bee belieued so that our assurance of them câ—nnoâ— bâ— gâ—eatâ—r 〈◊〉 our coâ—fidence in â—od â—or the other whiâ—h conce ne thiâ— lâ—fe so fâ—rrâ— as he seeth it to be for our good and the glory of his gâ—eâ—t name if we bee instructâ—d exercised and assaâ—lted in both alike Christianâ— are of asâ—â—â—l ed touching these promises â—nd many vertuoâ—s and godly men not duly consiâ—ering and embracing them by fâ—â—th are â—â—ch perplexed in themselues Psa 116.11 Psal 31.22 I said in â—y hast said Dauid when he fled from Saul anâ— hiâ— heart began to fâ—int â—ll men are lyâ—rs euen the prophâ—ts who told me I should be king haue deceiued me Distrust in the â—emporall p omiseâ— of God hath driuen the fa thfuâ—l to mâ—ny hard dangerous shifts and bâ—ene the o casion oâ— diue â—s sl pâ— and some dangerous falls The examples of Abraham Dauid â—nd many o thers together with daily experience in all places doe sâ—fficiently testifie thus much Fiftly Faith sweeteneth â—nd sanctifieth vnto vs the vse of all outward comforts vndeâ— our hands Meate apparrell riches honours â—hough lawfully coâ—passâ—d and in abundance possessed yeeld but a sowre tast in comparison are but of small profit when they bee not vsed in faith Nay blâ—ssings not receiued and vsed in faith beâ—ome Idols Marke 10 24. or occasions of Idolatrie for either we trust in them or be lifâ—eâ— vp in our selues by reason of them The rich mans weâ—lth is his strong City hee reioyceth in his riches â—ro 10. â—5 Psal 62.10 Pro. 30.8.9 and hath in his thoughts to doe great matters by them Giue mee neither pouertie nor riches feed mee with food conu nient for me Lest I be full and denie thee and say who is the Lord. The godly are allowed to liue by faith touching these temporall promises The godly are â—llowed to liue by faith as â—â—ching these promises and the sanctified vse of Gods blessings which they â—nioy First For seeing God hâ—th giuen Christ for vs as the Apostle reasoneth how shâ—ll hee not with him also freely giue vs all things Hee hath giuen his sonne the fountaine of all good things Rom. 8 3â— what is it then that hee will d â—â—e vnto vs Esay 7.19 The p omise of Christ before his incarnation was to the Iewes a seale of all temporall good â—hings p omised But we know God hâ—th giuen his sonnâ— not onely to be borâ—e bâ—t to â—ie for vs which is an vnâ—oâ—â—eâ— t ken that he will denie vs nothing that may be for our good â—nd comfo t. Secondly The Lord by couenant hath promised to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertaining to thiâ— life He thâ—t scattered Israel will gâ—ther him Ier. 31.10.11.12 and keepe him as a sheepeheard doth his flocke For the Lord hath redeemed Iacob and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger thâ—n he Therefore they shall come and sing in the h ight of Zion shall slow together to the goodnesse of the Lord for wheat and fâ—r wine and for oyle and for the young of the flocke and of the herd their soule shall bee as a watered garden and they shall not sorrow any more at
it disposeth the heart to thankfulnes and obedience for it disposeth spirituall emptinesse which giueth a sweet râ—lâ—â—â—h to the meâ—cieâ— of God and excluding all boasting in oâ—r selues stirreth vp to glory in the Lord and willingly tâ— deuote our selues vnto his seruice from whom we hauâ— receiued whatsoeuer we enioy Psal 116.12 13. What shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies towards me I will take the cup of saluation and call vpon thâ— Name of the Lord. Men looke for thankes for a small kindnesse for a token a dinner if they write but a letter speake a word take a iourney in our behalfe Faith reades the name of God in all his mercies and seriously calleth them to remembrance what then can it doe lesse then magnifie the Name of God for all his goodnesse The mercies of God to a belieuing heart are as manure to sound and good soyle which makes it more fertile Satan himselfe will confesse that God is specially to bee serued in the dayes of prosperitie Iob 1.9 10. for when God asked him Hast thou considered my seruant Iob a iust man c. He replieth Doth Iob feare God for naught Hast thou not made an hedge about him And faith doth both remember man of his dutie and perswade him to bee so much the more seruiceable and obedient as the mercies of God are powred vpon him more plentifully I will walke before the Lord in the land of the liuing Psal 116.9 When the Churches had râ—st throughout all Iudea and Galilee and Samaria they were edified Acts 9.31 and walking in the feare of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost were multiplied Seuenthly It prayeth as earnestly for the sanctification of prosperitie and Gods blessing vpon the meanes as for the meanes themselues if they were wanting The more we prosper the more earnest be the prayers of faith For of our selues wee haue no power to weeld a good estate well nor abilitie to preserue and keepe it An high estate is subiect to many stormes and tempests in greatest ease wee lie open to most temptations In the hot Summer men quickly catch cold and if we pray not earnestly when we prosper in the world we shall coole in grace Earthly blessings bee so fraile and wee of our selues so weake that the more we haue the more we stand in need of Gods gratious assistance and support Psal 33.16 The Creatures themselues haue no power to helpe can profit nothing vnlesse God put forth his hand to blesse them for our vse This makes that the requests of faith bee not formall and perfunctorie but effectuall feruent arising from a true consideration of the weaknesse and impotencie of the creature to sustaine and vphold vs. And thus to liue by faith in the abundance of all things makes way for patience contentednesse sound peace in the depth of miserie when we be left naked and destitute of all humane aide For if when we enioy meanes we leane not vpon them but vpon the Lord when they are taken away wee shall not fall our stay remaining Eightly It makes heauenly minded in the vse and possession of a prospeâ—ous estate As it receiueth all earthly blessings from God as pledges of his speciall loue and part of their childes portion so it windeth and pulleth vp the soule to God againe Looke what loue-tokens are to linke the hearts of wel-willers and bring them together or to preserue renew and increase affection amongst friends such force haue the good things of this life to lift vp the belieuing heart to commune with the Lord. And sure prosperitie is the fittest season for heauenly contemplation the lesse trouble lieth vpon our state the more libertie we haue with freedom to thinke vpon such things as concerne our eteâ—nall inheritance Besides faith cannot sauour earthly blessings vnlesse it taste his loue and feed vpon his goodnesse in them If being inuited to a Noblemans table hee be pleased to carue a bit vpon our Trenchâ—r that is better then all the feast The loue of God giuing vs earthly things to enioy is that which giueth them the best relish And if we taste the sweetnesse of his louing kindnesse in these things wee cannot but desire and long to bee refreshed with fuller communion with him Ninthly Faith breeds godly iealousie and suspition lest the heart should bee drawne away wiâ—h the pleasing delights of things transitorie For by grace we are made conscious of our owne weaknesse and of the snare that iâ— in euâ—ry creature to take and intangle vs. Prosperitie is pleasing but dangerous Children quickly surfet on sweet mâ—ats Coezening compâ—nions giue flattering speeches Long peace begets idlâ—nesse Pouertie is more fertile of men plentie of riot nicenesse ease and such like Blustering windes cannot pull the cloake from the traueller who casts it off in the heate of the Sunne Wee haue examples of many great worthies who haue caught much hurt in prosperitie Rest hath effeminated many Captaines who could neuer be crushed or ouercome with the â—errours of warre Soft sands swallow more ships then hard rockes split asunder This makes the waking belieuer circumspect to examine his heart and watch ouer it how he performes holy duties how hee entertaines holy thoughts how his affections moue towards that which is aboue lest he should miscarrie vpon the sands Tenthly It mindeh vs of our change euen when our mountaine seemeth strongest Iob 3.25 26. The thing that I greatly feared saith Iob is come vpon me and that which I was afraid of is come vnto mee I was not in safetie neither had I rest neither had I quiet I alwayes thought vpon my change and looked for an alteration of mine estate The longest day hath night at length entring yea there is no winde which may not blow raine if God be so pleased Estates which haue the longest periods of prosperity bee at length exercised with afflictions and there is no condition so sure and peaceable but may turne tempestuous on the sudden should not God bee more gratious This being in it selfe apparant and confirmed by infinite examples cannot bee hid from the piercing eye of faith which is spiritually wise to discerne aforehand what euents we are subiect vnto in this vale of teares Nature by instinct giueth vnto vnreasonable Creaâ—ures a facultie which maketh them afore-hand apprehensiue of that which is readie to ensue The wisdome which is from aboue mâ—keth the Lords châ—ldren sensible in like kinde that as Iob so they in their gâ—eatest calme foresee how â—ods hand may change for their exercise Nor doâ—h faith only foreâ—ee danger but prepare for it Prou. 22.3 27.12 The wise man seeth the plague and hideth himselfe The belieuer hath learned by due consideration how wanting hee is in wisdome and weake in stâ—ength to stand when God trieth anâ— so renouncing his wit and strength hee flieth vnto God and holdeth him as he who hath beene is and must bee for euer
his saluation and looketh vnto Christ the Authour and finisher of our faith who hath receiued â—ommandemâ—nt of the Father that hee should not only â—all vs and bring vâ— into the state of grace but also raise vs vp at the last day who is that great God and Sauiour who will keepe his from euery euill worke vnto his heaâ—enly kingdome Th s matter may bee exemplified in some particular How to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke scil how wee are to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke First By faith we leaâ—ne out of the Word of God who haue sonne-like interest â—nd title vnto the creatures what creatures are sanctified vnto our vse and how each man must sâ—nctifie them vnto himselfe by a reuerent and holy vse As that the person must be in couenant 1. Tim. 4.5 Titus â— 16 2. Thess 3.12 resting vpon Christ for saluation and giuing himselfe vnto the studie and sincere vnpartiall practice of holinesse the food must bee lawfully gotten prouided with wise respect of our place and mâ—anes without distracting care or exquisite curiositie nicenesse receiued with thanksgiuing as from Gods hanâ— and vsed as in his sight and presence for such ends and purposes as he hath appointed Secondly It receiueth them not as the fruit of our forecast labour or desert but as gifts of Gods bountie yea Psal 104.21 145.15 Psal 23.5 Hosea 2 18 19. Ezek. 37.24 25 as gifts of the gratious couenant proceeding froÌ„ the free loue of God For in the couenant of grace God promiseth not only to write his Law in our hâ—arts and to forgiue our sinnes but also to conferre temporall blessings as they shall be seruiceable to vs in our iourney towâ—rds Heauen Men that make a great purchase desire to haue some part in present possession and our gratious God making pâ—omise of eternâ—ll happinesse doth giue earthly blessings in hand as pertaining to that heauenly possession which wee shall enioy hereafter Now as God giues temporall thiâ—gs to his people in couenâ—nt so doth faith receiue them as â—okens of speciall good-will and fauour in Iesus Christ Heb. 1.2 2.8 in and thâ—ough whom of free grace sonne-like right and tiâ—le to the creatures is restoâ—ed which by sinne and disobâ—dience was forfeited And these considerations strike the heart with reuerence inflame it with loue and raise an holy regard and care not to abuse this grant of mercie breeds an acknowleâ—gement of our vnworthinesse of any mercie Gen. 32.10 admiratâ—on of Gods prouision and contentation with the least blessing of God Thirdly By faith we are taught that man liueth not by bread only Deut 8.3 Math. 4.4 but by the prouidence of God and his blessing vpon his own ordinance It is not the nature of the thing it selfe simply to nourish if Gods blessing bee not vpon it Psal 104.15 it can afford no refreshing Bread strengthens wine comforts the heart by his ordinance and application of them to that vse but the blessing is not in the creature it comes from aboue Bread nourisheth when it is Gods hand or meanes to confer strength and vigour but if he plucke away his hand it is but a deafe nut Thou maist eate and not bee filled Hosea 4.10 Hag. 1.5 6. Mich. 6.14 15. Psal 106.15 drinke bee and not satisfied Thus it is noted of the Israelites The Lord fed them with Manna but sent leannesse into their soules This perswasion sinking deepe into the belieuing heart taketh it off the creature and lifteth it vnto the Lord in earnest and pertinent prayer that hee would of his grace vouchsafe vnto vs 1. Tim. 4.4 as leaue to vse his creatures so his blessing vpon them that the food wee receiue may doe vs good we feeling the nourishing vertue thereof and that with ioy and cheerefulnesse The prayer of faith for Gods blessing vpon the creatures when they are set before vs should be no lesse earnest then for the mercies themselues if wanting For there is no more possibilitie in meate of it selfe to nourish without Gods blessing then it is for man to liue without meate Fourthly It teacheth to be heauenly-minded labouring to taste Gods goodnesse and feele his gratious presence with our spirits at our sweetest feasts Beza annot maior in 1. Tim. 4.5 Hosea 2.9 And this is the best sawce to all meates which giueth them the daintiest rellish When we sit downe to meate we come to a liuely Sermon of Gods bountie and loue for the bread wee feed vpon is not ours but the Lords all the prouision are gifts of his mercie in Iesus Christ Caluin in Psal 8 Verse 8. Moller ibid. And the more sensible the creatures are the more pleasant and delightsome to our palate the more should we be affected with the sense of Gods loue and fauour Fiftly Faith worketh the heart to sobrietie and moderation watchfulnesse and feare lest it should be ensnared and drawne away with these delights To sobrietie in affecting and in vsing earthly things To sobrietie in thought that wee suffer not the mind to be taken vp with cogitations what we shall eate next how we may gratifie the palate Sobrietie in desire that wee long not after daintie meate for such longing effeminates the minde engenders and feeds passion and makes way to hardnesse of heart Sobrietie in receiuing them for the strengthening of nature and not to the dulling of our Spirits For faith raiâ—â—th the heart to more spirituall delights and guardeth the appetite that it range not immoderately after sensuall things The word of grace teacheth to liue soberly Titus 2.11 and faith receiuing this word worketh sobrietie in earthly things refreshing the soule with spirituall sweetnesses and watching against intemperate cherishings that they winne not ground As a man that hath tooke in the taste of the best creatures cannot forth-with feed on that which is coarse â—ant 1.2 Psal 119.72 â—0â— Psal 36.9 Ier 31 14. Psal 63.3 6. meane no way to be compar d so a Christian who by faith hath tasted the loue of God which is beâ—ter then wine the comforts of the word which are sweeter then honey to the mouth hee cannot affect as sometimes before he did those sensuall delights which carnall men who know no better follow with greedâ—nesse If earthly delights creepe vpâ—n vs it is because the exercise of faith is neglected which must conscionably be renewed againe Moreouer a Christian belieuer comes to his Table with an holy Iealousie remembring that a snare is laid for him in euery creature Satan is a cunning fowler who hath his baits laid secretly to catch vs where we least suspect The Snake lurketh in the fairest grasse and the most dangerous grins are set in our lawfull liberties And through neglect to keepe vp our watch these oft take when others misse More perish through the abuse of things lawfull then by the practice of what is simply vnlawfull
to that high delight in Gods seruice that he loued the Commandements of God more then thousands of gold and siluer the honey and the honey combe That hee rose at mid-night to meditate in them was it not by faith The grace of Christ the power of the Spirit and the Word of life doe change the disposition of the soule so farre as they enter and be receiued into it But by faith their vertue is diffused into the whole masse Fourthly Admirable in force and efficacie is the perswasion of faith aboue all the Oratorie in the world All the common inducements taken from profit pleasure honour what poore and weake engines are they to the irresistible arguments of faith by which it moueth the heart to yeeld willing and chearefull obedience Thus it goeth to worke with vs Hath Christ giuen himselfe for thee forgiuen thee so many debts conferred fauours of all kinds vpon thee and what hast thou to retribute If thou giue all thy goods to the poore thy bodie to the fire â—hy soule to his seruice were not all short of recompence Louest thou louest thou this Sauiour of thine and â—arest thou aduenture vpon any thing displeasing vnto him Is there any thing too hard to be done for his sake too deâ—re or good for him Whom hast thou in heauen or eâ—â—th worthy to be affected in comparison of thy Sauiour What is to be dreaded but his displeasure Is there any recompenâ—e to the ioyes of Heauen any danger to the torments of Hell any pleasure to the sense of his fauour O my soule why doest thou not resigne thy selfe to the pleasure of his will in euery thing runne when he calleâ—h and doe what he requireth at thy hands Whâ—t dost thou feare Wherewith art thou intangled God is thy souereigne thy Fâ—ther thy Sauiour to him thou owest thy selfe and all that thou hast thy honour wealth life or if any thing be more pretious then these Thou canst not loue thy selfe as is meete if thou â—enie not thy selfe to follow the Lord in all things For in keeping his Commandements there is great reward Can or did any Belieuer euer giue the nay to these mâ—lting commands or commanding intreaties of faith Will it take the repulsâ— Doth it not constraine or extort more then all rackes and strapadoes allure more then all wages and prizes When thou wouldst bee sure to speed and obtaine any thing of thine owne vntoward heart set faith on worke to make the motion thou shalt preuaile For the motiues of faith are certaine euident and such as cause firme assent whereby the heart is drawne to follow after the thing proposed Fiftly It disposeth and moueth the heart to absolute vniforme vnpartiall and constant obedience to euery commandement and that in one estate aswell as another In Scripture to belieue in Christ and to keepe the Commandements mutually inferre one another either capable of others properties Faith includes the compleate and practicall knowledge of good and euill inclining the faculties of our soule to auoid all commerce with the one and embrace euery branch of the other It frameth the Image of God or Christ in our minds and proposeth him as a patterne for our imitation in all our workes thoughts and resolutions Deut. 30.20 11.22 2. Kings 18.6 Iosh 23.8 Acts 11.23 Psal 119.31 Heb. 11 5.33 It acknowledgeth his soueraignetie assenteth faithfully to his will and pleasure embraceth soundly euery part of the holy truth of God and sticketh so fast that nothing can come betwixt the heart and it from whence issueth vniuersall respect to all and euery precept Faith doth not admit one part of the Word and exclude another nor receiue it barely into the Head and shut it forth of the heart but entertaineth it wholly diffuseth the â—ertue of it into euery power of the soule changeth the natural disposition into the quality of the truth And thus by faith the soule is kindly disposed to follow the Lord whithersoeuer hee goeth before vs. If the heart bee dull and vntoward the best course to redresse what is out of order is by quickening our assent to the good pleasure of his command and our confidence in his mercie Sixtly It fires the heart with such an indefatigable and vnquenchable loue Cant 8.7 8. that in comparison of obedience it contemneth the whole world For it acquainteth with the incomprehensible mercie and fauour of God towards vs in giuing his Sonne pardoning and forgiuing manifold offences lading vs with his daily blessings It representeth the inestimable ioy that is prepared for them that walke before God in holinesse and righteousnesse and this enflameth the heart to follow hard after the Lord. Psal 63.8 When by faith we discerne what loue the Lord beareth vnto vs we cannot but returne loue for loue Luke 7.47 Many sinnes are forgiuen her therefore shee loueth much And fâ—om all these acts it followeth That what a temporarie belieuer doth by the halues â—â—perficially or with an halting diuided heart that the true and vnfained belieuer takes in hand with an intire sound vpright affection What in the one is a liuelesse action the out-side or carcasse of a good worke that in the other is a good worke indeed springing from an holy wel-planted confidence in the mercie of God and resolute adherence to his Commandements which as the animall facultie impels to that exercise The selfe-same duties may be done by the ciuill man and by the belieuer for the out-side and deed done both may goe to Church heare a Sermon reade a Chapter giue an Almes make a Prayer but the one goeth as a Beare to the stake in comparison of the other who is moued by faith or let the ciuill mans delight be as it may his acts are liuelesse because they issue not from an obedientiall confidence in the Lords mercie Seuenthly Faith makes sensible of our manifold defects infirmities and failings faintings and coolings It shewes how weake wee are of our selues how farre wee come short how apt we are to decline and start aside And this consideraâ—ion of faith hath blessed effects First It causeth serious and attentiue meditation vpon the Word of God that it may sinke deepe and abide firme in the heart Acts 16.14 Psal 119.15 Psal 119.11 I haue hid or treasured vp thy Commandements in my heart that I might not sinne against thee And to this purpose a belieuer will not bee negligent to watch all opportunities when his soule is throughly affected with vnexpected matter of sorrow Luke 1.65 66. 2.51 ioy griefe feare admiration or the like and forthwith to apply such passages of Scripture as sute best to the present affections Secondly It worketh the heart often and deliberately to renew its resolution not trusting in our owne strength but in the grace of God Psal 119.106 Iohn 15.6 I haue sworne and will performe it trusting vpon thy diuine grace without which we can doe nothing that I will keepe thy
righteous Iudgements Thirdly It stirres vp earnest constant and heartie prayers to be taught in the law vpheld established and confirmed Faith leaneth vpon the Lord and cryeth vnto him for helpe knowing that we haue no strength of our selues Psal 119.18 Verse 5. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold the wondrous things out of thy law O that my wayes were directed to keepe thy statutes Verse 10. With my whole heart haue I sought thee Verse 28. Psal 17.5 1. Chron. 29.18 19. O let me not wander from thy Commandements My soule melteth for heauinesse strengthen thou me according to thy word Hold vp my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not Eightly It doth confirme in obedience and pricke forward therein though it be in manifold and bitter persecutions It puts into vs both courage and constancie to sight against the strongest lusts and set vpon the practice of the most difficult duties notwithstanding all opposition from the World or the Deuill yea though we haue beene foiled or taken the repulse Hee will not feare the subduing of the most head-strong passion who resteth vpon God for power and abilitie nor be dismayed because once hee hath receiued a foile who depends vpon God for strength to recouer nor dread the might of his greatest aduersary who knoweth that God will bee at his right hand to sustaine and strengthen him nor start aside in the most difficult dutie whose heart is fast linked vnto the Lord and relieth vpon his grace to be inabled vnto whatsoeuer hee is pleased to call him Heb. 11.9 10 11 12 13 15. By faith Abraham soiourned in the land of promise and minded not to returne to his natiuâ— Countrie though he had opportunitie By faith Verse 17 18. being tried of God hee offered vp Isaac and hee that had receiued the promises offered vp his only begotten Son By faith some were tortured not accepting deliuerance some stoned some slaine with the sword Verse 35 36. Faith encourageth to constancie in wel-doing by assuring of Gods all-seeing presence powerfull protection continuall assistance gracious acceptance good successe and euerlasting recompence Bee strong in the Lord Ephes 6.10 and in the power of his might Wait on the Lord bee of good courage Psal 27.14 31.24 Esay 50 7. and hee shall strengthen thine heart For the God will helpe mee therefore shall I not bee confounded therefore haue I set my face like flint and I know that I shall not be confounded Heb. 13.13 14. Let vs goe forth therefore vnto him without the Campe bearing his reproach For here wee haue no continuing Citie but wee seeke one to come By faith Moses did chuse rather to suffer affliction with the people of God Heb. 11.25 26. then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt for hee had râ—spect vnto the recompence of reward But faith that continually driues forward to doe good workes doth euer force the belieuer to denie himselfe and acknowledge it to be the mercie of the Lord in Christ that hee is not confounded Though a man bee plentifully laden with good woâ—kes yet faith doth euer present him before the throne of grace as poore and miserable desiring of meere mercie to bee receiued and accepted It confesseth the manifold imperfections of our best workes acknowledgeth euery grace and good worke to bee of God and neuer looketh to workes further then as they bee signes of grace effects of faith and qualifications of that subiect which makes faithfull plea to the Kingdome of Heauen through the free mercie of God in Iesus Christ Meanes to quicken our selues to the practice of obedience But how should a Christian quicken faith to the chearfull practice of that dutie whereunto hee finds himselfe dull and sluggish First Hee must acknowledge and bewaile his dulnesse and sloath make it hatefull and shame himselfe for it before God O Lord I cannot I desire not to hide from thee mine indisposition and vnfitnesse to any holy dutie how dull remisse sleightie I am in the practice of true pietie and godlinesse I find more life diligence chearefulnesse in any worldly businesse then in the woâ—kes of holinesse which thou requirest Ier 48. â—0 Mal. 1.14 Cursed is the man that doth the worke of the Lord negligently who hath a male in his flocke and offereth the halt or lame vnto the Lord. What is my portion if I should bee dealt with in iustice who haue neglected my dutie and sacrificed that which is torne and sicke vnto the great King and Lord of hosts whose name is dreadfull among the Heathen It is hatefull in a seruant to doe his worke by the halues specially if he owe himselfe vnto his Master for vndeserued kindnesses Whatsoeuer I am I haue receiued it of the Lord all possible dutie that can bee performed of a reasonable creature I owe vnto him he hath obliged mee vnto his highnesse by many great vndeserued incomprehensible mercies that I am neuer able to repay or sufficiently to acknowledge and in mee it is most abhominable that I haâ—e beene halting and deceitfull in what hee commandeth Can any man deserue that dutie from another that thou O Lord hast and dost deserue of me Can hee bee in such dependance vnto another as I am vnto thy Maiestie in whom I liue moue haue my being by whom I am preserued redeemed and called vnto life If the idle vntrustie deceitfull seruant merit stripes my sleightinesse and double dealing in the exercises of Godlinesse is worthy shame and confusion of face for euermore No maruell if I finde small comfort in life feele no power and sweetnesse in the ordinances of grace when I deale partially heare perfunctorily pray coldly labour not to feed vpon the word and sucke vigour out of it The duties of courtesie lose their worth and esteeme with men when wrung from vs by importunacie or followed with a slacke hand Lord thou louest a chearefull giuer delightest in willing and free-hearted offerings with what face then can I present vnto thy Maiestie or how shouldest thou take pleasure in that maimed corrupt vnchearefull superficiall dead seruice which I performe In former times I haue serued sinne and Satan with more willingnesse alacritie and paines I haue beene readie to run whither the Deuill droue me I am still forward to gratifie vnruly desires with this or that they stand vnto and are bent vpon What am I but a spirituall adulteresse in that I haue yeelded the members of my bodie as weapons of vnrighteousnesse to doe the will of Satan and listened to the motions of the flesh with more readinesse to leane vnto them then hitherto I could giue my selfe vnto God in all things to bee ruled and directed by him O Lord I am vile it is of thy vnspeakable mercie that thou art pleased to looke downe vpon mee or to accept of any seruice
men by helping to maintaine the state of the Church or common-wealth and that it is that in which God will be serued of him then he takes it in hand not like a drudge or droile who doth his woâ—k for feare of the whip nor like an hireling who workes onely for wages nor like eye-seruants who leaue their businesse when the masters eye is turned aside but with good will diligence and singlenesse of heart he addresseth himselfe to his worke being assured of Gods assistance and furtherance therein whom hee serues in his vocation This perswasion that we serue the Lord in our callings who is a bountifull pay-master and hath promised a large blessing vnto vs forceth to goe willingly about that worke which otherwise would seeme toylesome and vnpleasant Fifthly It incourageth to the most difficult painfull and in the worlds esteeme disgracefull workes of our callings Distrust breeds nicenesse feare and sluggishnes Esay 7.4 Ios 7.5 Pro. 31.17 faith produceth hardines valour and actiuitie for it assures of diuine protection and good successe Pride makes men ashamed of many things which in the world be matters of disgrace but faith witnesseth that the truest honour is to be Gods seruant 2. Tim. 1.7.8.9 Heb. 11.7 and the greatest glory to do whatsoeuer the Lord requireth at our hands By faith Noah prepareth the Arke let the men of the old world mocke their fill By faith Iudah goeth vp to fight the Lords battels Iudg. 1.4 Heb. 11.9.10 whatsoeuer danger appeare in the voyage Faith bringeth Abraham from his natiue countrey and his fathers house to soiourne in a strange land when he is called of the Lord. Mark 6.18 Faith maketh Iohn the Baptist bold to tell Herod plainely that it is not lawfull for him to haue his brothers wife let him take it as he please Corruption will suggest such a thing beseemeth not a man of my place breeding bringing vp it would be taken ill might procure displeasure trouble disgrace danger but faith looketh to the word of God and if it bee a dutie required encourageth to set about it with speede referring the issue and euent to him that hath commaunded it and esteemeth it the greatest credit to doe the will and pleasure of the Lord. Sixtly It strengtheneth against manifold troubles disgraces oppositions discouragements that men meete withall in their places and inableth to goe through-stitch with our businesse in ill report and good report in honour and disgrace Distrust bringeth forth wearinesse and fainting faith persisteth in the worke notwithstanding all difficulties which may arise either from the dayly continuance of the labour or other impediments Fâ—ith either neglecteth or remoueth or breaketh through all lets and obstacles Worldlings and hypoâ—rites are disheartened in their businesse because no man respects their paines is well-pleased with their doings let them doe what thay can they shall not haue a good word But the sound beleiuer is aboundantly satisfied with Gods approbation and reward and goeth on chearfully Heb. 11.35.36.37 though men shew him no countenance allow noe recompence yea though he bee molested persecuted imprisoned killed for well-doing If God be pleased to vouchsafe other encouragements to take paines faith makes vse of them with thankfulnesse but if they bee wanting it will not giue place to negligence or remissenesse 1. Cor 4.3 With me it is a very small thing that I should be iudged of you or of mans iudgement Nor of men sought we glorie 1. Thess 2.6.9 neither of you nor yet of others when we might haue beene burdensome as the Apostles of Christ Phil. 3 7.8 But what things were gaine to mee those I counted losse for Christ Yea doubtlesse and I count all things but losse for the excellencie of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I haue suffered the losse of all things and doe count them but dung that I may winne Christ Seuenthly It directeth wisely to order the affaires of our calling and to goe about them in good manner that is Eccl. 2.26 in obedience to right ends and with an heauenly Minde exercising the graces that God hath bestowed vpon vs whereby it comes to passe that they are furtherances and not hinderances in the duties of pietie Thus Dauid behaued himselfe wisely in all his wayes 1. Sam. 18.14 and being called of God to the gouernment of the kingdome hee promiseth to execute his office in vprightnesse and innocencie to the praise of God I will sing of mercy and iudgement Psal 101.8 to thee O Lord will I sing Eightly As faith quickeneth to labour and doe what pertaineth to our calling so it teacheth to moderate cares confine desires of earthly things and commit our selues to God for the successe of our worke Labour is mans dutie good successe is the blessing of God Men commonly take vpon them a double care one to doe the workes of their place the other to take thought about the blessing and successe of their labours But faith in Gods Word where it raignes applieth the hearts of men to the performance of their duties and leaueth the blessing of their endeuours to the good will and pleasure of God Thus wee are exhorted to doe Psal 55.22 Cast thy burthen vpon the Lord and hee shall sustaine thee hee shall neuer suffer the righteous to bee moued A Christian is to consider the difficultie of all things pertaining to him and what danger is in them Hee is diligently to set his hand to the worke and through negligence to omit nothing that is of moment to effect and bring it to passe But hauing taken counsell and laboured painfully hee must lay aside care of the euent and roll his burthen vpon the Lord who hath promised that all things shall be well regarded And this faith hath an infallible ground namely that God best knowes our wants and will giue vs all things which in his heauenly wisdome hee knoweth to be necessarie Math. 6.32 1. Pet. 5.7 Your heauenly Father knowes that yee haue need of these things that is food and raiment Cast your care on God for hee careth for you Nothing shall bee wanting vnto them that feare God And thus faith building vpon these promises obtaineth a greater blessing of God with lesse care toile and vexation Psal 127.2 Prou. 16.3 then worldlings can by all their cunning shifts sleights and deuices Commit thy workes vnto the Lord and thy thoughts shall bee established Faith also restraineth the desires of transitory things Math. 6.33 as it lifteth vp the heart to better and more durable riches seeketh the Kingdome of Heauen hungers and thirsteth after righteousnesse Psal 42.1 Psal 16.5 feedeth vpon the mercie of God in Christ and resteth satisfied in the Lord as its onâ—y portion Ninthly It supporteth with strength patiently to beare the miseries and calamities that accompany vs in our calâ—ings Euer since the fall of Adam labour and affliction attend euery state
and condition of life both which are easily digested by faith If wee be crossed in the good things we goe about faith considereth that this commeth to passe by the good prouidence of God who sometimes crosseth our good and lawfull attempts least wee should trust in our seluâ—s despise the poore and afflicted and be glued fast to these earthly things Also it remembers vs of Gods deare and tender loue who of meere fauour doth chastice and will so order that all miseries shall in the end turne to our good And by such like meditations it worketh the soule to contentation in euery estate Phil. 4.11 12. I haue learned in whatsoeuer state I am therewith to be content I know both how to be abased I know how to abound euery where in all things I am instructed both to be ful to be hungrie both to abound and to suffer need Moreouer fâ—ith turneth crosses into aduaÌ„tage as it calleth the afflicted vnto the examination of his wayes and reformation of what is amisse worketh selfe-deniall emptieth the heart of the loue of base and transitorie things quickeneth vnto prayer causeth to rellish mercie with more sweetnesse and couet spirituall things more earnestly reuiueth hope and gaineth experience of Gods fauour and tender compassion Tenthly Faith restraineth distrustfull care concerning the successe of our labours but is not slacke to craue Gods blessing vpon our labours It wrâ—ppeth all griefes vexations and cares together and powreth them forth before the Lord in prayer Phil. 4.6 Be carefull for nothing but in euery thing by prayer and supplication with thankesgigiuing let your request be made knowne vnto God In the midst of sorrowes faith is silent from murmuring and impatience Psal 62.1 but it is neuer silent in prayer it doth continually cry vnto the Lord for succour Eleuenthly If wee finde wished successe it makes vigilant frugall humble mercifull and thankefull for it receiueth all blessings as gifts of grace to be imployed according to Gods will and appointment to the glory of his Name and comfort of his people 1. Cor. 7.31 and teacheth so to vse the world as willingly to renounce all interest in the world for the fashion thereof passeth away And with what conscience towards God we are inclined to labour with the same we are stirred vp to giue to others as need requireth The desire of the slothfull killeth him Prou. 21 25 26. Psal 112.9 for his hands refuse to labour He coueteth greedily all the day long buâ— the righteous giuâ—th and spareth not Twelfthly Fâ—ith coupleth the labours of our calling with the practice of Christianitie for God hath laid his Commandement vpon vs both to seeke his Kingdome worke out our saluation make our election sure exercise our selues in all good workes walke in loue and labour honâ—stly in our particular vocation and faith cannot seperate what God hath ioyned He that laboureth in faith looketh not only what he doth but why he doth it and hath respect to one dutie commanded as well as another the reâ—son of his obedience being one and the same namely the will and commandement of the Lord. If a man labour in faith the better he laboureth the more diligent he is in the seruice of God and workes of mercie and the more diligent he is in the duties of pietie the more faithfull in his honest labour But how should a Christian liue by faith touching the good successe and direction of that worke or businesse whereunto he is called How wee may liue by faith touching the successe of our labours which he finds to be much aboue his strength or meanes First Faith causeth selfe-deniall in respect of iudgement wisdome and power for we are blinde in chusing foolish in resoluing what is to be done Prou. 3.5 Ier. 10.23 Prou. 16.2 21.2 what is right in our eyes is abominable before God Nor is our wisdome to dispose and mannage matteâ—s resolued on of greater ripenesse and perfection Our own counsell oft leads vs awry in things corporall either we misse of the right manner or vse right meanes amisse either we leane vpon deceitfull props or take a good staffe by the wrong end And if wee bee brought into distresse then how are wee plunged in our consultations not knowing which way to turne our selues As for power to accomplish any worke Lam. 3.37 though neuer so well conceiued though meanes neuer so potent so readie at hand so well ordered though the businesse be in neuer so good forwardnesse we haue it not Alas poore impotent creatures what can we doe of our selues who cannot keepe our breath for one moment In God wee liue and moue and haue our being and hee that maintaines life must perfect all our workes for vs. In matter of profit no man can say Deut. 8.17 18. my power my labour the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth Nor in point of honour By my policie I haue builded my nest on high by the strength of my arme I haue gotten me the victorie Psal 44.3 This weaknesse is discouered by faith which in euery businesse worketh selfe-deniall knowing the beginning direction and successe of all honest labours to be of grace Secondly It teacheth submission to Gods direction and dependeth vpon his helpe and assistance Iudges 1.1 20.18.23.28 Esay 8.20 It asketh counsell at the word and followeth the determination of it It chuseth what God approueth though to humane wisdome it seeme bootlesse and improbable it reiecteth what God condemneth though to corrupt reason it promise profit and contentment For true confidence is obedientiall subiecting it selfe to the will of God as the rule of holinesse acknowledging his souereigntie subscribing to his wisdome as most absolute and to his wayes as most true iust and mercifull And as it consulteth with God so it putteth ouer all businesse into his hands and in a manner out of our owne For it trusteth to him for abilitie to the worke prouision of the meanes the disposition of them Math. 6.25 10.19 and good successe to come by them Yea though all meanes faile and all thingâ— seeme to make against the proceedings faith relieth vpon God who is euerlasting vnchangeable the same for euer The eye of faith is euer towards the Lord that hee may instruct and guide in the way that hee would be with vs to enable in the worke we take in hand And for the meanes it looketh to haue such ministred which may aduance our iust designes and esteemeth them most precious Psal 32.8 Ezr. 5.5 Iudges 6.16 Exod. 4.11 which hee shall put into our hands To prouide meanes is the worke of God it only belongs to vs to vse them which he shall grant in mercie And seeing wee haue not this wisedome and abilitie of our selues faith expecteth both from the hand of God scil to prepare meanes and make vs wise to take the opportunitie The props of this faith are these two
sincere milke of the Word that yee may grow thereby This is confirmed by the comparisons which are vsed to set forth the vse and profit of the word as it is resembled to the light raine deaw liuing water wine and milke By the titles which are giuen vnto it as it is called the word of this life the word of this saluation and by the passages of Scripture which testifie that the word is able to saue our soules And now Brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you vp and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified For after that in the wisdome of God 1. Cor. 1.21 1. Tim. 4.16 the world by wisdome knew not God it pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to saue them that belieue Take heed vnto thy selfe and vnto the doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both saue thy selfe and them that heare thee Iames 1.21 Wherefore lay apart all filthinesse and superfluitie of naughtinesse and receiue with meeknesse the engrafted word which is able to saue your soules This also is manifest of the Sacraments And Sacraments which be truly called a visible word because that which is spoken in the word to the eare is in visible signes represented to our eyes and sealed to our hearts that wee may bee the more assured of them to bee ours And were purposely ordained of God to helpe our weake faith that hauing his word and seale wee might be put out of doubt that wee shall as certainly bee made partakers of Christ himselfe and all his benefits as we are of the outward signes of his couenant What the Apostle saith of Circumcision that is true of Sacraments in generall Rom. 4.11 They are seales of the righteousnesse of faith or of the couenant of grace And for the better assurance of the belieuer that receiuing the outward signe as he ought hee shall be partaker of the thing signified very oft that which properly belongs to the thing sealed is giuen to the outward signe as that Baptisme saueth 1 Pet. 3.21 Acts 22.16 Col. 2.12 Rom. 6.3 that our sinnes are washed away in Baptisme and that wee are buried with Christ by Baptisme And the like of the Lords Supper when our Lord Iesus did ordaine it he speaking of the Bread said This is my Bodie Math. 26.26 28 and of the Wine This is my Bloud of the New Testament These promises are firme grounds whereupon the faithfull soule may build this affiance that by the sincere and conscionable vse of Gods holy Ordinances the Word and Sacraments he shall be made wise vnto saluation confirmed in faith strengthened in grace refreshed with ioy and comfort and perfected vnto euerlasting happinesse And the serious meditation and remembrance of these things is exceeding profitable to quicken and encourage vnto chearefull and constant attendance vpon God in his ordinances that so wee may in due season reape the sweet fruit thereof Prou. 8.34.35 Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting daily at the posts of my doores For who so findeth me findeth life and shall obtaine fauour of the Lord. Did Christians oft and earnestly breathe themselues in meditation on those great things that God offereth in the Gospell and his truth and faithfulnesse to make good whatsoeuer he hath spoken Did they set before them both the mercie of God in ordaining the Sacraments for the strengthening of their faith and his grace and faithfulnesse in bestowing vpon them freely that which hee offereth and sealeth vnto them in these outward seales Did they consider what he graciously promiseth in both and expect to be made partakers of them in the vse of those ordinances it would maruellously comfort and quicken to the diligent vse of all holy meanes ordained of God for our present comfort quickening and strengthening and for our euerlasting saluation It s necessarie to liue by faith in the vse of Gods Ordinances This faith is necessary for it auaileth not to liue vnder the Gospell and to be present at the administration of the Sacraments if they be not vsed in faith The word profiteth not Heb. 4.2 vnlesse it bee mingled with faith in them that heare it And the same may bee said of receiuing the Sacraments Faith is the eye the hand the mouth the stomacke of the soule by it wee see receiue feed vpon Christ Looke as at a feast though the Table be neuer so richly furnished yet if a man haue neither hand mouth nor stomacke he is not fed thereby so is it here Nor is it sufficient to haue faith but it must be exercised to receiue that grace which the word of God doth reach vs with the seale It is not the hauing but the new exercise of faith which maketh vs profitable hearers of the word worthy receiuers of the Sacrament Looke as a man may haue a hand and yet if when a thing is reached forth to him he doe not put it out nothing is receiued so we may haue the grace of faith and yet if when God reacheth vs the body and bloud of his Christ we doe not then awaken it to lay hold on the grace God offereth we shall goe away without receiuing it Or looke as at a feast though wee haue a mouth and there be plentifull prouision if we will not open it and take downe the sustenance before vs we shall rise emptie so though wee haue the mouth of faith yet if we doe not open it to God now offering to feed vs we shall not get a crume of grace The Acts of faith be these or the like The Acts of faith in the vse of Gods Ordinances First It teacheth to worship the true God purely to esteeme approue and exercise that worship and that alone which hee prescribeth for faith looketh to the reuealed will of God as the rule of all acceptable seruice and to the promises as the grounds of comfort and good successe It tenders vnto God what he requireth Esay 8.20 and looketh vnto God to receiue what he is pleased hath promised to giue But God will not accept that worship Deut. 12.32 Esay 29.13 Math. 15.9 Ier. 7.31 which he hath not appointed nor worke effectually by the diuices of men No pietie comfort or true deuotion is or can be stirred vp by humâ—ne traditions for as they are destitute of commandement for their rule so are they of promise that God will kindle or quicken by them any sparkle of knowledge faith inuocation thankfulnesse or other sauing motions of heart Secondly It delighteth greatly to behold the face of God â—n his sanctuarie Psal 102.4 1. Chron. 16.11 Psal 27.8 Psal 42.2 Psal 63.1.2 When thou saidest Seeke yee my face my heart said vnto thee Thy face Lord will I seeke When shall I come and appeare before God O God thou art my God early will
there of better hopes well instructed in the principles of religion diligent frequenters of Gods Ordinances and carefull to beautifie their profession with an holy conuersation who did neuer distinctly and in good earnest consider of this matter when yet they must needs acknowledge that it cannot be well done as it ought if it be not done in faith The acts of faith in this particular be these The acts of faith in this particular and such like First It calleth to remembrance the free and gratious couenant which God hath made with the belieuing parents and their posteritie I am thy God Gen. 17.7.9 Act. 2.39 and the God of thy seed For the promise is made vnto you and to your children and to al that are a farre off euen as many as the Lord our God shal call which couenant as it is made with the parents and their seed so doth the faith of the parent apprehend the promise of the couenâ—nt for himselfe and for his seed And this is the ground of that tender which a Christian mâ—kes of his Child vnto holy Baptisme For by naturall generation the Children of belieuing parents are defiled with sinne and so vnder wrath but the are holy by couenant and free acceptation the belieuing parent embracing the mercifull promise of God for himselâ—e and for his posteritie Infants are not borne Christians by naturall birth but made Christians by vertue of the couenant God promising to accept them vpon offer made vnto him by the parents Secondly By faith the belieuing parents must giue themselues vnto God chusing him to bee their portion and resigning themselues in all things to be guided by his word in all estates and conditions Hee that would giue his childe vnto God must giue himselfe first Is it probable that Father can truly desire and long after the preferment of his childe in the Kingdome of grace here and of glory heâ—eafter who will not enter himselfe nor submit his will to the commandement of grace The promise is made to the faithfull and that faith only which drawes a man to yeeld vp soule and body as a liuing sacrifice vnto God pleasing and acceptable vnto his Maiestie doth quicken a parent truly sincerely freely and as he ought to make tender of his childe vnto God Thirdly It prouoketh parents to offer their children vnto God by heartie and vnfained prayer assoone as euer they haue receiued them from him Gods promise to accept our children calleth for prayer and supplication on our part that he would be pleased to make good his mercifull and free promise Thus Dauid reasoneth Thou O Lord 2. Sam. 7.27 of hosts God of Israel hast reuealed to thy seruant saying I will build thee an house therefore hath thy seruant found in his heart to pray this prayer vnto thee And so should euery Father O Lord thou hast couenanted to bee my God and the God of my posteritie therefore am I bold to intreat thy fatherly acceptance of my poore Infant Fourthly It considereth what a singular prerogatiue it is to be actually admitted into couenant with God receiued into his family and to haue his name put vpon vs to be partaker of the seale of regeneration remission of sinnes adoption and euerlasting inheritance solemnely to be made free of the societie of Saints and weare the Lords badge and liuerie And what an high and incomprehensible mercie it is that God hath promised and doth vouchsafe these great and inestimable blessings not only to himselfe a miserable and wretched sinner but also to his posteritie who by naturall generation are enemies to his Highnesse dead in trespasses and in bondage vnto the curse of the law With these or the like meditations of faith belieuing parents must present their children vnto Baptisme that they might receiue the seale of regeration remission of sinnes and spirituall libertie that the Name of God might bee set vpon them and their names registred amongst the free Denisons of the heauenly Ierusalem And feruent effectuall prayer doth accompany this admission that God would bee pleased to accept the partie baptized for his childe by grace and adoption release him of his sins and make him partaker of his euerlasting kingdome Faith belieueth what God promiseth as hee promiseth it and beggeth feruently what hee giueth freely Fiftly It stirreth vp heartie reioycing in the Lord that hee hath vouchsafed in tender compassion to looke vpon them and their posteritie and thus to honour and aduance them for the truest Nobilitie is to bee made a Christian and to liue in fauour with God A worldly Father would much reioyce if his childe should bee preferred to some chiefe Office in the Princes Court assoone as it was borne A Christian Father hath much greater cause of ioy that he is admitted not as a seruant but as a sonne and heire into the Court of the great King of Heauen and Earth If parents can compasse but a Lease of some Farme for â—hemselues and theirs they are glad and shall they not reioyce that God hath by couenant and seale passed the grant of the Kingdome of Heauen to them and theirs Sixtly It stirreth vp parents to be diligent and carefull to bring vp their children in information and feare of the Lord being instant with God to blesse their endeauours for the good of their children and the glorie of his name For thus faith perswadeth Thy childe is not thine but the Lords thou hast dedicated him vnto the seruice of his Maiestâ—e and he fâ—om whom thou receiuedst him at first hath committed him to thy charge to bee trained vp in his feare It is a great honour to bee trusted with such a châ—rge and it is a fearefull sinne to neglect so great a trust Wilt thou consecrate thy childe to God this day and leaue him to the Deuill for euer after Wilt thou teach him a trade that hee might liue as a Man and not teach him the way of godlinesse that he might liue as a Christian Didst thou not vndertake for his education in the true Religion and wilt thou neglect the peâ—formance of that solemne oath Mar. 10.25 16. Christ commanded the children of Christian parents to be brought vnto him and wilt thou present them vntaught and ignorant of the Christian faith The same conscience which moued parents to offer their children to Baptisme will quicken them to endeauour their education in the true faith and seruice of God By faith wee should make right vse of our Baptisme Baptisme is a seale of the couenant betwixt God vs of Gods promise to vs that he will be our God and of our promise to him that we will be his people repent of our sins belieue in Christ walk before him in sincere obedience For signification force vse fruit it continueth not for a moment of time but for the whole course of a mans life It doth respect not only the time past and present but that which is to
of man in the houre of death II. Vse The second vse of Baptisme it is a seale of our dutie promised and so a spurre and prouocation to repentance faith new-obedience brotherly loue and vnitie First It is a spurre to repentance and mortification for Baptisme doth seale remission of sinnes to them only that repent Marke 1.4 and by Godly sorrow come home vnto God And as we expect the blessing we must looke that we faile not in the condition If wee bee buried with Christ in Baptisme it is our dutie to mortifie the flesh wâ—th the affections and lusts that it may liue no longer to bring forth fruits vnto death For a dead man cannot liue By solemne oath wee are bound to crucifie vnruly lusts which fight against the soule and shall we falsifie so great a promise Against whom should we fight if not against Satan or what will hee bee willing to spare for the Lords sake who will not part with his sinnes Why should wee feare the strength of Satan the power of sinne the rage of persecutors the losse of earthly things or despaire because of the wrath of God iustly kindled against sinne If we turne vnto God by vnfained repentance wee haue his faithfull promise confirmed by seale that he will bee mercifull vnto our sinnes enable vs to ouercome our corruptions fortifie vs against the powers of Hell support vs vnder or deliuer vs out of all trials and gratiously prouide whatsoeuer shall be needfull for vs. Secondly It is a prouocation vnto faith and a pledge thereof We haue the promise of God v der his hand and seale that he will wash vs fâ—om our iniâ—ities receiue vâ— for his children remember our necessities bestow vpon vs the Kingdome of Heauen wee shall doe great wrong and dishonour to God if wee doubt or make question whether hee will performe promise freely made and confirmed by couenant and seale Wee are bound by commandement to belieue in Iesus Christ and to commit our selues wholly vnto him as vnto a faithfull Sauiour And we haue bound our selues by promise couenant and seale that wee will belieue and cleaue vnto him as our only Sauiour shall wee then goe backe grow remisse or giue way to doubting If doubtings arise through the sight of sinne or want of sense and feeling comfort or the world begin to creepe into the heart and diuide it from Christ let vs then remember wee haue troth-plighted our selues to Iesus Christ and by faithfull promise neuer â—o bee called backe giuen our selues wholly to rest and sticke close vnto him and therefore must admit no thought whereby we should be drawne aside or diuided â—rom him Thirdly It is an incitement vnto new obedience and a pledge thereof Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him by Baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father Euen so wee also should walke in newnesse of life in which Chapter the Apostle disputeth of our actions that wee should abstaine from euill and follow those that are good Wee haue solemnely sworne to fight against the Deuill the World and the Flesh and hauing taken the presse-money of Iesus Christ it were an immortall disgrace to accept of truce with Satan Wee carrie the badge and liuerie of Iesus Christ and shall we forsake our colours and fight for the Deuill It is strange that children should leaue their parents and take part with their enemies Wee haue giuen our selues vnto God and were once dedicated vnto his seruice shall we now turne backe and offer our selues vnto Satan Honour is due vnto parents If God bee our Father wee must freely submit our selues to his will and pleasure God will strengthen vs to obey and accept of weake if sincere obedience and that shuts forth all place of excuse If wee bee engrafted into the similitude of Christs resurrection wee must expresse by our actions the power and likenesse of Christs resurrection which is done when we walke in all-pleasing before God and set our affections vpon things aboue And this as it is commanded on Gods part so it is sealed on our part in Baptisme Fourthly It is a pledge or pawne of loue and vnitie Wee must keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace for we are all baptized into one bodie We must not iarre for we are brethren Wee must not quarrell nor contend for we are members of the same bodie and haue beene sealed into the same bodie The new exercise of faith required in the worthy receiuing the Lords Supper It goeth ill with the naturall bodie when the ioynts are dissolued it is vnnaturall that the members of the bodie mysticall should bee diuided It is not the hauing faith but the new exercise of faith which maketh vs worthy receiuers of the Lords Supper The Corinthians had faith yet receiued not the grace of the Sacrament because they receiued not in faith The acts of faith in this ordinance The acts of faith in receiuing the Lords Supper are many First By it wee discerne the Sacrament to bee the holy Ordinance of God instituted for our speciall good and benefit sealing vnto vs the promises which God of his free mercie hath made vnto vs in Iesus Christ By faith wee vnderstand what promises God hath made for what cause in whom he hath made them what hee requireth and how hee hath sealed his free promises in the Sacrament And the certaine distinct cleare effectuall knowledge of this point is a matter of singular and great importance For if worldly men make good account of a sufficient mans securitie for some great summe of money in what esteeme will a Christian haue this pledge of Gods fauour when hee certainly vnderstands what it doth signifie and assure Secondly By it we see what the Lord doth offer vnto vs therein how excellent and precious it is with what assurance it is freely tendered and may be receiued The outward signes in the Sacrament are visible to the bodily eye but the inward grace signified and sealed thereby which must seriously be considered and minded of vs is not manifest but to the vnderstanding enlightened by the Spirit and seasoned by faith which only can iudge distinctly of it worth and excellencie Thirdly It sharpeneth spirituall appetite and stirreth vp hungring and thirsting after Christ and his benefits By faith we see our want by faith we taste how good the Lord is how sweet and pleasant the dainties he hath prepared which raiseth an appetite of desire and complacencie O God thou art my God early will I seeke thee Psal 63.1 my soule thirsteth for thee my flesh longeth for thee The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is a great and spirituall feast whereunto the faithfull are inuited and faith whetteth the spirituall appetite to long after and rellish the fatnesse and marrow which is there prouided Fourthly It earnestly contendeth for mercie confessing sinne with griefe and hatred iudging and
condemning it freely vnfainedly begging pardon with strength of grace to withstand sinne for the time to come Whensoeuer faith commeth to receiue the seale of pardon it pleadeth guiltie humbleth for transgression and intreateth forgiuenesse of vndeserued mercie that grace might be magnified in forgiuenesse Fiftly By faith wee receiue Christ offering himselfe freely to be contracted vnto vs. Christ maketh loue as a suiter and hath giuen the Sacrament as a token of his loue and faithfulnesse faith apprehendeth the miserie of the soule without Christ the excellent dignitie honour and beautie of Christ and the happinesse of the soule which is vnited vnto him and thereupon humbly embraceth his offer oâ— loue Sâ—xtly By faith wee resigne vp our selues vnto Iâ—sus Christ and willingly yeeld soule and bodâ—e vnto him This the natuâ—e of the matrimoniall contract which passeth beâ—wixt Christ and the belieuer requireth for as Christ promiseth to be a Sauiour Head and Husband vnto the belieuer so doth hee troth-plight himselfe vnto Iesus Christ to cleaue vnto him as his only Sauiour and in all things to bee obedient vnto his will and pleasure Wherefore my brethren Rom. 7.4 yee are also become dead to the Law by the bodie of Christ that yee should be married to another euen to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit vnto God Seuenthly Faith feedeth vpon Christ and sucketh vigour from him Iohn 6.55 His flesh is meate indeed and his bloud is drinke indeed Meate to bee eaten not with the teeth but by faith Meate indeed not in nature but in effect because it nourisheth the soule and giueth eternall life to them that eate thereof And by faith wee spiritually eate the flâ—sh of the Sonne of Man and drinke his bloud And as he that eateth wholsome food is strengthened thereby and made fit and able for the actions of this life so hee that feedeth vpon Christ spiritually and by faith is strengthened to the actions of spirituall life and made able for the exercises of pietie and holinesse Eightly Faith assureth of that spirituall contract which hath passed betwixt Christ and the Christian soule and is sealed in the Sacrament Cant. 2.16 so that he may truly say My beloued is mine and I am his As a couple who haue lawfully giuen faith to each other and confirmed the same by pledge or token in the Congregation are assured of each other so when we haue contracted our selues vnto Christ and receiued the pledge thereof we come to be assured by faith that Christ is ours and that wee haue communâ—on in all the benefits of his death and passion Thâ—s faith reasoneth God the Father hath freely promised the pardon of all sinnes in and through Iesus Christ Christ doth offer himselfe as a Redeemer to deliuer them from the power of darknesse and to bring them into perpetuall grace with his Father to wash them from their sinnes by his bloud and spirit and to preserue and nourish them vnto life eternall who will receiue and belieue in him And being so louingly called and inuited I haue receiued the mercifull promise and â—esigned my selfe vnto Iesus Christ why then should I stand in doubt I heare the word of promise I see and haue receiued the seales annexed to the Word of grace the true and faithfull testimonie of God confirmed by oath and I may not question his truth nor draw backe from mine owne promise to rest vpon and cleaue vnto him for euermore Ninthly It stirreth vp ioy and thankfulnesse with serious remembrance of the manifold benefits and blessings which in Christ Iesus are vouchsafed When men haue a lease of some good bargaine sealed they are merrie and glad much greater cause of ioy haue they who haue receiued from God who cannot lie such a pledge of his loue the seale of an euerlasting inheritance Arise O my soule and sing for ioy for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen vpon thee Thou didst sit in darknesse forlorne and miserable guiltie of sinne in bondage to the curse in feare of eternall condemnation but now God is appeased Christ hath satisfied iustice pardon is proclaimed thou hast receiued the free gracious promise and eternall blessed peace is concluded And for thy greater assurance God hath added his seale to his free grant of pardon holy bread is added and giuen to thee for a Sacrament and diuine testimonie that the body of Christ was crucified for thee blessed wine is added and giuen to thee for a certaine pledge and token that the bloud of Christ was shed for thee that righteousnesse purchased by that sacrifice is thine that eternall saluatioâ— procured by that price is thine by an irreuocable title Praise the Lord O my soule and forget not the gâ—eat â—oue of God in giuing his Sonne to die that thou mightest be deliuâ—reâ— from the feare of hell death forget not the Loue oâ— Christ in sâ—ffering death that thou mightest bâ— seâ— fâ—ee from the curse of the law and burning wrath of God deserued by sinne forget not the grace and fauour of God in calling thee to feast with him and giuing this pledge and earnest of his perpetuall loue Thou canst not forget â—hese but thou forgettâ—st thy selfe thou canst not neglect these but thou hatest thy selfe What canst thou desire more then to haue God to be thy God Christ to thy Sauiour What wouldst thou remember if thou forget the loue of Christ in suffering death for thy redemption and the earnest of his loue whereby hee doth assure that his body was crucified and his bloud shed for thee Meanes to stirre vp our selues to receiue the Lords Supper in faith Now the better to stirre vp our selues to receiue this Sacrament in faith First Wee must bewaile our vnbeliefe dulnesse earthly-mindednesse the distemper of our spirituall taste and conceite of spirituall fulnesse labouring to quicken the sense of our misery and raise the soule to an high prizing of Christ and hungring after him Emptinesse prepares to receiue meate and hunger giues it a good rellish and if wee see our miserie and nakednesse without Christ and thirst after him wee shâ—ll eate his flesh and drinke his bloud with sweete comfort and refreshing Secondly Consider how freely the Lord doth tender Christ to bee receiâ—ed in his Word and Sacrament The Lord I say faithfull in his promises plentifull in mâ—rcies who hath authoritie to giue what he promiseth offâ—reth Christ withall the benefits of his death and pâ—ssion to euery poore despised thirstie afflicted soule who doth desire and will receiue him Thirdly weigh and consider the blessed state and condition of them who bee reconciled vnto God contracted vnto Iesus Christ who are eased from their sinnes washed from their filthinesse and separated vnto glory and so quicken our soules to receiue and lay fast hold vpon these inestimable benefits offered vnto vs by name Fourthly Hauing troth-plighted our selues to Iesus Christ vnfainedly wee must awaken
with all benefits past and to come which it pleaseth God to bestow vpon his people in Iesus Christ are the matter about which faith is exercised but as it iustifieth Christ is the full and adequate obiect of beliefe as our reasonable soule doth see in the eye heare in the eare digest in the stomake but doth not reason as it doth these things but onely as it conceiueth and discourseth within vs. The Obiect of Iustifying faith two-folde 1. Generall So that according to the twofold consideration of iustifying faith the obiect of it is twofold Generall and Speciall 1. The Generall obiect is the whole truth of God reuealed vnto vs in his word containing all Histories Doctrines Commaunds Threatnings promises of what kinde soeuer True faith respecteth the whole word of God True faith respects all this and onely this Only this because diuine reuelations only be of certaine and infallible truth which cannot deceiue and whereunto men can safely giue vnlimitted and absolute credite All this because euery parte of diuine inspired truth is worthy of all Beliefe and reuerence and so there is nothing contained in Scriptures threatning promise precept admonition exhortation prophesie or historie which falls not in some degree or other within the compasse of sauing Faith God who cannot lie hath propounded to men for truth and to be belieued whatsoeuer is deliuered in Scriptures and so it is a matter of faith but so farre forth only as it is intended to be held for true by the holy Ghost the Authour of the Scripture There is no doubt to be made but whatsoeuer is registred in the Historicall Bookes of holy Scripture by way of report is to bee taken for true in respect of storie that wee may not doubt whether those things were done or said which are there reported to be done or said But in these bookes wee haue some worthy speeches of godly men and some leud and blasphemous words of profane and wretched men The former are to be acknowledged to bee for the truth of God euery way the later must be acknowledged to be truely reported As for example it is true that Iacob vttered those prophesies of the twelue Patriarks his sonnes Gen. 44.1.2 and it is also true that those prophesies of his were the very truth of God It is as true that Rabshaketh deliuered those blasphemous threatnings against the Lord and his people 1. Reg. 18.30 and 19.5.6 but it is not true that those words came from God as Iacobs did so Iacobs were to bee taken as euery way true truely related and the truth of God Rabshakeths onely as truely reported from his mouth but in themselues blasphemous § 3. Thus faith yeeldeth firme and absolute assent to all diuine historie §. 3. 1. The historicall part as the doctrine of the as containing a certaine and sure relation of those things whereof they intreate and to whatsoeuer came from God as euery way true and to bee receiued nor doth it barely assent to the thing spoken as true but moueth and stirreth affections according as the nature of the thing belieued should and ought to worke Through faith wee vnderstand that the worlds were framed by the word of God not barely giuing credit to Moses relation touching the creation of the world but looking vnto the wisedome goodnesse and power of God whereby the heart is moued to feare reuerence and submission That faith Creation Heb. 11.3 which is deepely fastened in the heart and beholdeth the true God the creatour and Gouernour of all things as his power bountie and vnderstanding shineth in his workes that saith inciteth to humilitie reuerence loue and worship of God Through faith wee vnderstand that God hath protected and preserued and blessed his people from time to time Prouidence afflicted them when they went astray deliuered them out of the hands of their persecutors when they humbled themselues and sought vnto him inclined the hearts of their enemies to shew them fauour confounded those that rose vp against them and mercifully performed all his promises in the fittest season and where this firme beliefe is planted it begetteth a constant and well-aduised resolution to draw neere to God and cleaue to him in all conditions prosperitie and and aduersitie sickenes and health freedome and trouble when religion is fauoured and when it is persecuted because saluation is of the Lord Psal 73 24 27. he will guide his people by counsell and afterward receiue them to glorie but they that are farre from God shall perish they that goe a whoring from him shall be destroyed Mans miserie by sinne What the Scripture teacheth of the miserie of all men by sinne the vanitie of Minde and corruption of nature that faith receiueth and thence followeth selfe-deniall and renunciation of all trust in worldly meanes The H gh and profound mysteries of godlinesse Misteries of godlinesse which the naturall man perceiueth not accounteth foolishenes faith imbraceth with admiration ioy delight and affection answereable to the nature of the doctrine into which we are deliuerd Beliefe of Gods power wisedome grace loue and mercie manifested in Iesus Christ doth frame the image of God or Christ in our mindes and proposeth it as a viâ—ible patterne for our imitation in all our workes thoughts and resolutions and stirreth vp to workes of pietie iustice mercie long suffering and the like § 4. Besides â—he promise of forgiuenesse of sinnes in and through the bloud of Christ §. 4. 2 The promises concerning there be many other pretious and rich promises spirituall and temporall concerning this and the life to come all which as proceeding from the same fountaine of truth faith doth rest vpon and imbrace and that so much the faster as the promises be more excellent There is a mutuall relation betwixt God promising any good blessing in Christ and the fai hfull soule putting forth it selfe to imbrace grace offeâ—ed For faith hath not only eyes by which it doth see the good promised but hands wherewith it doth lay hold vpon the good things bestowed and the more excellent the good which is reached vnto vs in the word of promise is the closer doth faith sticke vnto it the stronger doth it hold it Men are credulous in thingâ— that may concerne them in their name goods or life and the more weightie the matter the more earnest they be in seeking resolution and the stronger hope or feare it begetteth in them 2. Cor. 1.20 All the promises of God be yea and Amen sure in themselues certaine to the belieuer and therefore hee cannot but receiue them with closer and stronger repose and adherence the more he doth apprehend their goodnesse and worth Amongst the greate and more principall promises those are to bee reckoned Sanctification which God hath made concerning our Sanctification by his holy Spirit that hee will inable them that belieue to bring forth fruits of amendment and perfect the good worke
hand of Herod How much more ought and will that man who is assured of Gods fauour and loue towards him for euer admire the mightie power vnspeakeable goodnes and rich mercie of God who hath deliuered him from the pit of Hell from the power of Satan from the curse of the law and from the waiting for of all the wicked Deuils and damned Spirits and hath translated him into the kingdome of his deare Sonne And if hee daily consider his vnworthines and and renued sinnes hee shall see more cause to wonder euery day then at the first if comparison may be made in such a case and to renue his repentance care watch and resolution to better his obedience For is it not to be wondred at that God pardoneth the sinnes of his children daily and continueth his mercie towards them and the sence of his loue euen vnto the end Who can thinke vpon his slippes and infirmities which breake from him euery day for which the wrath of God is iusty prouoked against him and withall remmeber how God is pleased to spare him to grant him accesse into his presence and to afford vnto him the sence of his loue but he must needs be astonished at the enioyment of so great and incomprehensible so large and long-enduring kindnesse his heart must bee enflamed with loue and enlarged in praises still more and more his affections raised to striue against sinne and set vpon the workes of holinesse and righteousnes wherevnto they are designed euery day more and more Assurance of sauation then doth not beget securitie but quickeneth to more sincere setled and constant obedience nor it is possible that a Christian should hold his assurance longer then he doth follow cherish and feed this heauenly affection in himselfe CHAP. IX Faith is grounded vpon the word of God not vpon the authoritie of the Church and resteth vpon God in Christ not vpon the Saints militant or triumphant §. 1. § 1. TThe Schoolemen diuide the obiect of faith into the materiall obiect and into the formall The materiall are the Articles or things belieued The formall is the foundation and last maine principle whereupon faith relieth or that whereinto the assent which yeeldeth vnto the matter belieued is resolued In which sence the obiect of faith is all one with the foundation or ground work of it But howsoeuer we vnderstand it whether for the maine reason last resolution of assent or for that whereupon our confidence leaneth relyeth resteth the authoritie of the Church cannot be the ground nor the Saints tryumphant the obiect of faith diuine The Authoritie of the Church cannot be the ground of faith 1. Thess 2.13 2. Tim. 3.16 We belieue that God hath his Church but we neither belieue in the Saints militant nor triumphant The ground or foundation of faith must bee some thing which is purely and simply diuine admixt with no errour yea subiect to no errour the indubitate word and reuelation of Christ the diuine and prime veritie reuealed by inspiration But the word of God alone is purely and simply diuine admixt with no errour the Church is subiect to errour neither hath it any truth immediately or by diuine inspiration Rom. 11.20 but by second meanes the authoritie of the Church is a thing create distinct from the first veritie The immortall seed whereby wee are regenerate and made faithfull is the onely formall principle or ground of faith The word of God alone is that immortall seed Therefore the word of God alone 1. Pet. 1.13 is the onely formall principle of faith And euen as in Husbandrie although diuers instruments and meanes bee requisite and necessary to wit plowing sowing c. yet the seed is the beginning and sole immediate cause of the graine spinging vp euen so in the spiritual plantation of faith in which our soules are liuing fields the immortall seed which the Apostles first preached and afterwards committed to writing produceth faith as the sole principle immediate motiue and formall obiect of faith as the ministerie authoritie and calling of the Church produce the same as the adiuvant and instrumentall cause or as the meanes of applying the word and seales thereof but not as the first principle Whatsoeuer credit the Church hath it receiueth the same from the Scriptures as is acknowledged by some of our principall Aduersaries and confirmed by the Apostle who saith Ephes 2.20 We are built vpon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles The present faith of Christians is of the same kind with the faith of the Prophets and Apostles But the faith of these holy men was sounded vpon immediate diuine reuelation and not vpon the authoritie of the Church § 2. Herein the Romanists faith differs from the faith of ancient Christians for the Saints who liued of olde grounded their faith vpon the pure and faithfull Word of God § 2. The Papists make the Popes authoritie the only ground of Faith as vpon a sure foundation but the authoritie of the Pope whom they call the Church virtuall is the first ground and last resolution of the Romanists faith Indefinitely or indeterminately they teach whatsoeuer God hath spoken is most true in that sence wherein hee meâ—nt it But if we descend to any determinate speeches written or vnwritten either acknowledged or supposed for God Word the present Romish Church doth take vpon her absolutely to iudge of all and euery part of them If wee speake of that Canon of Scripture which wee haue the sence or interpretation of any text any article of faith concluded out of it the onely cause they doe or can belieue them infallibly is the Popes infallibilitie that commends them The Churches or Popes proposall is not only a condition requisite but the remonstratiue root the immediate cause and reason of their belieuing diuine reuelations And if it bee a reason why they belieue them and sway the minde to embrace the truth then it is the proper efficient cause of beliefe According to their doctrine the orthodoxall answere to this Interrogation Why doe you belieue the doctrine of the Trinitie to be a diuine Reuelation is because the Church proposeth it to me for such But he that admits this answere for sound and Catholike and yet den es the Churches proposall to bee the true and proper cause of his beliefe in the former point hath smothered the light of nature by admitting too artificiall subtiltie into his braines Whatsoeuer it be Cause Condition Circumstance or effect that truly satisfieth this demand Why doe you belieue this or that it is a true proper cause of our beliefe though not of the thing belieued We must here obserue that there is a twofold resolution One of the things or matters belieued or knowne into theâ—r first parts or elements Another of our beliefe or perswasions concerning them into their first causes or motiues In the one the most generall or remotest cause In the other the most immediate
that I can offer Secondly He must call vpon his soule by many powerfull and strong perswasions to awake to the worke of God with liuelinesse Arise O my soule why sleepest thou stirre vp thy selfe with readinesse to obey the charge of God in the duties of his woâ—ship and the workes of Mercie and Iustice withstand sinne subdue corruptions fight manfully against the temptations of Satan and the allurements of the world Sticke fast vnto the testimonies of the Lord and lay his iudgements before thee For the testimonies of the Lord are wonderfull Psal 119.129 Verse 9. Verse 138. his iudgements good righteous and very faithfull his word is very pure and his law is the truth The seruice of God is perfect freedome he walketh at libertie who runneth on in obedience As tâ—y loue to the law is such shall thy life be nothing is hard to a willing minde Want of affection to the word of truth makes the duties commanded to seeme irkesome and tedious Loue the Commandements aboue gold and obedience will be as pleasant as gaine to the couetous Looke vpon the Saints who haue gone before they endured imprisonment losse of libertie the spoiling of goods hazard of life with ioy looking vnto the eternall and incomprehensible recompence of reward Thou art not called to suffer but to obey at least not to suffer such grieuous torments as they did why doest thou then delay start aside or goe forth vnwillingly Wouldest thou raigne with them and not labour with them receiue the price and not runne the race diuide the spoile and not fight the battell In the affaires of this life wee loue to excell and out-goe our fellowes as to bee first vp and about our worke to exceed in fauour riches honour wisdome and in matters of Religion to be dead and lumpish is it not abhominable Obedience is no dull seruice no dead piece of worke but the way to blessednesse and the crowne of glory Esay 45.19 The Lord hath not said Seeke me in vaine The reward of obedience is certaine though our wo kes deserue nothing The Merchant vndertakes dangerous aduentures to raise his estate inrich himselfe But what is the gold of India to the ioyes of Heâ—uen a fading possession to an eternall weight of glory striue to enter and goe forward in the straiteway that leadeth vnto life Arise why tarriest thou forget not the high price of thy calling but contend forward towards the marke Heauen is worth all thy labour We are glad to be entertained of them who haue a name to be liberall bountifull to their attendants who is to be compared to the Lord our God herein He is most able 1. Cor. 2.9 and best willing to preferre his seruants Eye hath not seene eare hath not heard it exceeds all humane capacitie to conceiue what surpassing glorie and ioy the Lord hath prepared for them that loue him Thirdly He must pray to the Lord that he would reuiue and quicken him Teach me to doe thy will Psal 143.10 for thou art my God thy Spirit is good lead me into the land of vprightnesse My desire is to doe thy good pleasure Cant. 1.4 but of my selfe I haue no abilitie thereunto Draw mee and I will runne after thee Psal 119.33 34 35. Verse 135. Teach me the way of thy statutes and I will keepe it vnto the end Giue me vnderstanding and I shall keâ—pe thy law yea I shall obserue it with my whole heart Lord thou hast commanded mee to keepe thy testimonies Psal 119.36 giue mee I pray thee to doe what thou requirest Incline my heart to thy statutes and not to couetousnes Fourthly Psal 119.93 Hee must renew his resolution to walke with God trusting in his grace I will neuer forget thy precepts for with them thou hast quickened me I haue fully purposed to keepe and cleaue vnto thy Commandements for they are they ioy of my heart But Lord I leane not vpon mine owne strength but vpon thy grace Psal 119.57.112 Psal 119.133 who gâ—ueth both to will and to doe Thou art my portion O Lord I haue said that I will keepe thy words Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquitie haue dominion ouer mee CHAP. X. What it is to liue by faith in the duties of our vocation Christians are allowed to liue by faith in the duties of their vocation IT is the ordinance of God that men should labour in some honest vocation for their priuate maintenance and the common good that is the benefit and good estate of mankind And for encouragement he hath promised to protect and blesse them that keepe themselues within the limits and doe the workes of their calling with diligence The texts of Scripture are plaine for both Gen. 2.15 The Lord God tooke the man Gen. 3.19 and put him into the garden of Eden to dresse it and to keepe it In thâ— sweate of thy face shalt thou eate bread till thou returne vnto the ground Eph. 4.28 Let him that stole steale no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing that is good that he may haue to giue to him that needâ—th 1. Cor. 7.20 Let euery man abide in the same calling wherein he was called study to be quiet and to doe your owne businesse and to worke with your one hands as we commaunded you that yee may walke honestly toward them that are without 1. Thess 4.11.12 2. Thess 3.10.11 12. Pro. 10 4. and 12.27 For euen when wee were with you this wee commaunded you that if any man would not worke neither should he eate The hand of the diligent maketh rich The substance of a diligent man is prâ—tious Prou. 13.11 Prou. 12.24 Hee that gathereth by labour shall encrease The hand of the diligent shall beare rule Seest thou a man diligent in his businesse hee shall stand before Kings Prou. 22.29 Psal 91.11 hee shall not stand before meane men Heâ— shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee to keepe thee in all thy wayes Now seeing God hath commaâ—nded vs to labour in a calling prescribed the bonds of our calling and promised his protection and blessing to our honesâ— endeauours it cannot bee questioned whether wee be allowed to liue by faith in the duties of our calling Fo the exercise of faith is as large as the word whereby it is guided and moderated that it neither exceed nor come hort Whe e a worke is commanded faith puts forth â—â—elâ—e in actioâ— where a promise is made it trusteth elâ—eth and wâ—iteth for accomplishment In euery honest state and cond tion of life there is vse of faith in both respects For laboâ—r is commanded and promise of blessing is made to them that worke according to the will and pleasure of God Moreouer God is hereby much glorified that wee commit our selues wholly vnto him labouring as he hath appointed and depending vpon his grace for good successe It