be acquainted with God in Christ you must acquaint your selves with the Scriptures Read the Scriptures daily and search them Ioh. 5.39 read not only the history of the Word but labour to understand the mystery of Godliness therein revealed 1 Tim. 3.16 endeavour after a spiritual discerning of the things of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.14 when you meet with Doctrines in your reading the Word labour to understand and believe them when you meet with Precepts labour to obey them when with Prohibitions and Threatnings be cautioned against sin by them when you meet with promises labour to apply them to draw vertue from them Read this Book as the Word of God and hide it in your heart lay it up there as a choice treasure get your hearts cast into the mould of it get it written upon your hearts and let it have an influence upon your whole conversation and that you may the better understand and apply the truths of the Word read as you have time other good books which open the Scriptures and treat of needfull points of Religion especially such as direct in the great work of Conversion and give Rules out of the Word for the ordering of your whole conversation but above all Books read and study the Scriptures Means 3. Hearing the Word Preached It is by the foolishness of Preaching that God saveth such as do believe 1 Cor. 1.21 however the preaching of the Word is to them that perish foolishness yet unto Believers it is the power of God unto salvation therein God doth put forth his power and maketh bare his arm in bringing salvation to lost souls Hear and thy Soul shall live Isa. 55.3 Faith cometh by hearing Rome 10.17 Lydia's heart was opened whilest she attended upon the Word preached by Paul Act. 16.14 Attend therefore diligently upon the Word preached by Christs Ministers as an Ordinance of his own institution for the working and increase of Grace Look upon Ministers as Christs Ambassadours he that heareth them heareth Christ and he that turneth away his ear from hearing them turneth away his ear from Christ who by his Spirit in them speaketh from Heaven unto men and how impossible it is for such to escape the wrath of God see Heb. 12.25 Much more shall not they escape that turn away their ear from him that speaketh from Heaven Hear the Word with reverence as the Word of God as if the Lord should speak to you from Heaven with an audible voice hear the Word with diligence and attention as for your lives as for the salvation of your Souls hear the Word with faith and love without which it will not profit and work effectually in your hearts and in hearing look not so much for those things which may please as for that which may edifie I mean do not regard so much mens fancies as the wholsom Truths of the Word which tend most to conviction edification to the killing of sin quickning and increase of Grace and nourishment of the spiritual life Means 4. Meditation The Word like Food must be digested by Meditation that it may turn to spiritual nourishment you must ponder and consider in your mindes the Truths of the Word that you may both understand them and get your Hearts affected with them and your Lives ordered by them Meditation is a great help in Heavens way such as are remiss herein cannot walk so steddily nor chearfully accustome your selves unto this duty set apart time for it I know that some complain of barrenness in their thoughts when they endeavour to meditate such I would advise if they have not that fruitfulness of thoughts themselves to supply them with matter that they would make use of others help let them meditate on the Scriptures they read on the Sermons they hear moreover I would offer some general heads for Meditation which you may make use of 1. Sometimes meditate on God his Attributes his infinite Majesty power holiness omnipresence omniscience eternity unchangeableness his infinite wisdom truth faithfulness justice goodness mercy and loving-kindness his Councels especially his eternal decree of Election which is of most sweet consideration to Believers his works of Creation and Providence 2. Sometimes meditate on Christ his near relations of Friend Brother Husband his needfull Offices of Priest Prophet and King 3. Sometimes meditate on the Spirit his way and workings on the minde and heart how he enlighteneth enliveneth strengtheneth comforteth c. 4. Sometimes meditate on the Covenant of Grace and the rich free suitable sure Promises of pardon grace salvation therein 5. Sometimes meditate on the Gospel and its priviledges Justification Adoption Sanctification Assurance of Gods love peace of Conscience Joy in the Holy Ghost communications of grace c. 6. Sometimes meditate on the four last things namely Death Judgement Heaven and Hell 7. Sometimes meditate and that frequently daily of such Arguments as tend to the mortifying of your particular sins which are most strong and prevalent and to the strengthening of your graces which you finde most weak and deficient Means 5. Prayer Pray secretly retire your selves from company into your Closets or some private place and there confess your sins and make known your requests to God that seeth and heareth in secret and hath promised an open reward to such as secretly and sincerely seek him Pray frequently be often upon your knees give your selves unto Prayer begin the day conclude the day with Prayer and recover some other time to visit and speak to God at least mingle ejaculatory Prayer with every other work and labour that your minds may be always in a praying frame and do not withdraw but be glad when an opportunity offereth it self to come to the throne of grace Pray fervently pour forth your hearts before God in the duty wrâ—stle with God in Prayer like Iacob be earnâ—st in your Petitions as for your lives be instant and importunate take no denyal follow hard after God stir up your selves to take hold on him use arguments in Prayer to plead with him Pray believingâ—y mingle your prayers with Faith make use of the name and mediation of Jesus Christ and make application of the Promises which God hath made to his People which he hath made to Faith and which he hath made to Prayer Means 6. Christian Conference Take heed of the company of the wicked from such turn away if â—â— and when you are there labour to mourn for sin which hath pierced the Lord to hunger after his righteousness to receive him by Faith to apply the Promises of the Covenant of Grace whereof the Sacrament is a Seal endeavour after a burning love to him whose love hath been so great as to dye for you and let your hearts be filled with joy and your mouths with Praises and deliver up your selves in Covenant unto the Lord in this Ordinance After you come from the Lords Table reflect upon your carriage towards the Lord if you have been straitened endeavour to find out the cause mourn and by after-pains and application of Christ endeavour to get some benefit and prepare better against the next time if you have been enlarged be humble be thankfull be watchfull live up to Obligations draw vertue from Christs death for the crâ—â—cifying more and more of your flesh with its affâ—ctions and lusts and fetch influences of grace and spiritual nourishment that you may encrease with the encreases of God Finally be diligent in the use of these and all other means and helps and so at length you shall attain the ultimate end for which they are appointed even your Salvation and Eternal Happiness FINIS Motive 3.
own lusts They are blinded and deluded the Devil putteth the greatest cheat upon them and beguileth them worse than children are beguiled of such things that when their eyes are opened at the last and they perceive what they have lost by their sins which the Devil hath drawn them unto and that their loss is irreparable and when they are awakened to feel the pain and torment which the Devil by sin hath brought them unto and they see that now it is unavoidable and though so intollerable yet will be eternall they will then be ready to tear themselves to pieces for their folly and madness that they should hearken to the Devil and not hearken to Christs Ministers that when the Devil proffered only Counters but Ministers Gold that which is more precious than fine Gold when the Devil proffered Pebbles Ministers the Jewel of the greatest price when the Devil proffered Pictures such as all worldly vanities are but Ministers proffered Deeds of Conveyance to a great Inheritance even a conveyance of the eternal Inheritance by the deed of the King of Heaven O the folly and sottishness of sinners that they should choose the former and refuse the latter that they should sow the windes all their dayes grasp a shaddow pursue a Fâ—ather follow lying vanities through Satans perswasions and hereby not only neglect and miss of mercy which Ministers brought to their doors but also run headlong into the flames of everlasting burnings when Ministers warned them so frequently hereof and entreated them so earnestly to close with Christ who alone could deliver them they will then perceive too late and rue to no purpose their desperate madness in complying with Satans temptations and neglecting the calls and counsels of Christs faithfull Ambassadours 2. It reproveth such as hearken to the Devil when he perswadeth them unto damnable errours and will not hearken to Christs Ministers who would teach and establish them in the soul-saving truths of the Word Satan doth appear many times like an Angel of light 2 Cor. 11.14 not as the Angel did to Cornelius to direct men unto Christs Ministers but to draw them away endeavouring the subversion of the Ministry and Ordinances of Christs Institution Satan hath his Ministers who appear like Ministers of righteousness when indeed they are Wolves in Sheeps cloathing who by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple Rom. 16.18 who are deceived themselves and labour to deceive others First endeavouring to prejudice them against Christs Ministers and then privily bringing in damnable heresies wresting the Scripture to their own and others destruction Where people do turn away their ears from the truth and open them to their errours and delusions when they forsake and cannot endure the sound teaching of Christs Ambassadours but with itching ears are delighted with the pretended new discoveries of false Teachers and greedily drink in the poyson of their false doctrines and follow the pâ—rnicious waies of such as are given up to the efficacy of errour to believe lyes they chuse the Devil for their Teacher instead of Jesus Christ by his Ministers and then you may easily guess whither he is like to lead them SECT III. Vse 2. FOR Exhortation 1. Of Ministers 2. Of People 1. For exhortation of Ministers Doth God make use of Ministers to preach the Gospel rather than Angels It is a great honour the Lord hath put upon us and there is great duty which the Lord doth expect from us Let this consideration 1. Qâ—icken us to diligence and faithfulness in Preaching 2. Engage us to a blameless and exemplary conversation 1. Let us be diligent and faithful in preaching the Gospel Let us be instant in season and out of season to reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine 2 Tim. 4.2 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if peradventure the Lord will give them repentance 2 Tim. 2.25 Let us fulfill the Ministry the Lord hath entrusted us with Col. 4.17 serving the Lord and the souls committed to our charge with all humility of mind and faithfulness keeping back nothing which is profitable for them that we may keep our selves pure from the blood of all men Let us testifie repentance towards God and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ and open the treasures of the Gospel and mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven with all plainness and perspicuity dealing forth wholesome food unto hungry souls as faithful Stewards of the manifold grace of God Let us not use deceit or guile or flattering words or a cloak for covetousness or uncleanness or boasting words but as we are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel so let us speak and preach not as pleasing men but as pleasing God who searcheth the heart being so affectionately desirous of the salvation of souls as to be willing to impart unto them our souls with the Gospel if we could and it would do them good And let us not count estate or liberty or life it self dear to us that we finish our course with joy and the Ministry we have received from the Lord Act. 20. 1 Thes. 2. 1 Pet. 4. 2. Let the honour the Lord hath conferred upon us engage us unto a blameless and exemplary conversation Let our conversations shine with holiness as well as our Sermons shine with truths Let us teach by our life as well as by our doctrine Let us be examples to the Believers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity 1 Tim. 4.12 Let the way to Heaven be read in our steps Let us be blameless and harmless the Sons of God and Ministers of Christ without rebuke in the midst of a crooked generation amongst whom let us shine as lights as we hope hereafter to shine like stars We are employed to preach rather than Angels let us live as if we were Angels on earth and as those who hope to live with Angels in Heaven 2. For Exhortation of People Doth God make use of Ministers to preach the Gospel rather than Angels Be exhorted then 1. To love and esteem Your Ministers 2. To Hear Your Ministers 3. To Believe Your Ministers 4. To Obey Your Ministers 1. Esteem and love your Ministers 1 Thes. 5.12 13. We beseech you Brethren that you know them which labour amâ—â—gst you and are over you in the Lord that you esteem them very highly in love for the works sake How beautiful should the feet of them be that bring glad tidings of good things How welcome should their voice be that preach the Gospel of peace Rom. 10.15 We read of some who had so great love to the Apostle that they could have plucked out their eyes and given to him yet his affection was greater for he could have plucked out his heart and given to them How should people love their Ministers who are their spiritual Fathers and Nurses and Physitians Love them they are your soul-friends and therefore your best friends Esteem them
death for it or discovereth our death and utter insufficiency of our selves to obey its injunctions and have instead thereof their necks put under the sweet and easie yoak of the Law of Christ which is called the Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus because life and strength is given by the Spirit of Christ to yield obedience thereunto As Rom. 8.2 For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Iesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death And vers 3 4. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit The Law could not give strength against sin because of the strength of the flesh the Law discovered sin but it could not subdue sin but God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh in which flesh he suffered and offered a sacrifice for sin by which sin or sin-offering as the word sin doth elsewhere signifie as Hos. 4.8 They eat the sins of my people that is the sin-offerings of my people he condemned sin in the flesh sin was hereby judged and condemned to lose its power in his people it was condemned to death which death or sin-offering of Christ hath vertue and influence upon sin to kill it to crucifie it like as Christ was crucified for it and so Gods people are said to be delivered from the Law from the irritating and provoking power of it unto sin that being dead wherein they were held and whereby the Law did stir up such motions that they might serve in newness of spirit Rom. 7.6 that they might yield the fruits of new obedience that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in them sin having lost its strength they have strength from the Spirit of Christ to yield such obedience to the Law as through Christ shall be accepted And with this deliverance of people from the rigour and irritation of the Law is conjoyned their deliverance also from the curse and malediction by Jesus Christ who was made a curse for them instead whereof the blessing of Abraham the father of the faithfull is given unto them as it is expresly said Gal. 3.13 14. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us as it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through Faith 4. When they are saved from the eternal damnation of Hell all unbelieving sinners are under the sentence of damnation Ioh. 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already they are condemned by the great Judge unto an utter exclusion from the glorious presence of the Lord in that place of joy and happiness which is above and to endure most horrid extream and endless anguish and torment in soul and body in the place of utter darkness which is beneath where their worm shall never dye and where the fire shall never be quenched This sentence is dreadfull and all unbelievers are lyable every moment to the execution thereof upon their souls So soon as God shall give commission to the Serjeant Death to arrest them and clap up their bodies into the Prison of the grave then their souls being found guilty will be delivered into the hand of the Devil the Jailor of Hell whither he will drag them and where they must remain full of anguish through sense of Gods immediate wrath wherewith they will be filled and bound up in chains of darkness and wo untill the Judgement of the great day on which great day the Lord Jesus Christ will be sent by God to judge the whole world together and they shall be brought forth in chains to his barre and having reassumed their bodies shall be judged by him soul and body unto the flames of everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels and O the dread and horrour which will then possess them O the howlings and bitter lamentations which then they will make when the God of Heaven shall execute the fierceness of his anger upon them for their sins in the extream and remediless torments of Hell which shall never have an end The sentence of eternal damnation which all unbelievers whilest such are under here is dreadfull yet whilest here it is reversible whilest the reprieve of execution lasteth a repeal of the sentence may be obtained by an appeal from the Court of the Law to the Court of Chancery from the Barr of Gods Justice to the Throne of Grace by application of themselves unto Christ to be their Advocate and of his Righteousness to themselves by Faith whereby Justice hath been satisfied and they may be acquitted People are saved from eternal damnation when through an interest in Christ they obtain pardoning mercy and so are freed from all obligation to punishment by their sins hence it is said that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1 and they that believe are not condemned Joh. 3.18 and that because Jesus is their Saviour and hath delivered them from the wrath which is to come 1 Thess. 1.10 Believers have a title to eternal salvation here through their title to Christ it is sure and they may be assured of it but hereafter they shall actually obtain it at the day of Judgement and perdition of the ungodly when the wicked shall be condemned and thrust into the place of torments they shall be acquitted saved and received into Heavenly Mansions prepared by their Redeemer for them in his Fathers house where there is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore and so they shall march along with him unto the Zion which is above with shouting and the voice of triumph with Songs in their mouths and unspeakable delight in their hearts they shall then obtain everlasting joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away and no place be found for it to dwell where they shall take up their eternal abode This is the Salvation which is here meant and which God hath promised to shew unto them who believe and order their conversation aright And thus you see what it is for a people to be saved SECT V. 2. THE second thing is To shew what those Words are which Ministers are to tell people whereby they may be saved And here I shall for the present speak only of those words which the Apostle Peter told Cornelius whereby he and his house were saved there was great power and vertue which went along with them for it is said whilest he was speaking of them the Holy Ghost fell upon the Gentiles unto whom he preached as upon the Apostles themselves at the beginning chap. 10.44 and therefore they are worthy your serious regard possibly you that are unconverted in the hearing or reading
person who is God and man in one person that he might reconcile man unto God 2. The merit of his sufferings which as hath been shown was of infinite value and sufficient for the redemption of men 3. His alsufficient power to save those that come to him Heb. 7.25 4. His mercy and faithfulness to make reconciliation Heb. 2.17.5 His interest with the Father 6. His continual intercession at the right hand of God Heb. 7.25 4. You have encouragement to believe in Christ for salvation from the consideration of the Saints the experience which they have had of salvation by Christ some of whom have been as vile sinners as you You have as good grounds to come unto Christ and believe in him for salvation as the most holy men alive before conversion 5. If you would attain this grace of faith in Jesus Christ you must labour to act it looking up to God for help herein endeavour to cast and roll your selves upon Christ to apply Christ and his merits and to rely upon him and his righteousness It is in your endeavour that God doth work and hâ—re you must endeavour again and again against all opposition which you find from the Dâ—vil and your own evil heart of unbelief which will be ready to carry you away from Christ. So much for the 4th Direction Direction 5. You must get a new Nature if you would be saved You must be made partakers of the Divine Nature if you would be made partakers of this salvation You have brought unholy and impure natures into the world with you which must be changed and renewed after the Image of God in knowledge righteousness and true holiness before you can be in a state of salvation and see the Kingdom of God This new nature which is absolutely necessary unâ—o salvation is begun in the work of regeneâ—ation and carried on in the work of sanctification In regeneration the work of grace is begun the habits of grace are infused a new principle of spâ—ritual life is put into the soul and sin which before lâ—ved and had dominion over the man imploying all his members as instruments of unrighteousnâ—ss to make provision for the satisfaction of its affections and lâ—sts doth receive its deaths wound and loseth its â—â—â—ce and râ—igning power In sanctifiâ—ation the work of grace is câ—râ—iâ—d on the habits of grace are strengthned and enâ—â—eased the nâ—w man doth grow and the old man doth decline and deâ—ay there is a vivification or quickning more and more of grace by the influence of the Word and Spirit and a mortification or subdâ—ing more and morâ— of â—emâ—â—ning iniquity What our Saviour tells Nâ—â—â—demus â—â—h 3.3 Exâ—ept a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God I may tell you that unless ye be born again unless ye be regenerated ye cannot be saved no possibility of entring into the Kingdom of Hâ—aven without yoâ— get this new nature A man must be born the first time before he can possâ—ss a temporal inheritanâ—â— and a mâ—n mâ—st be born again before he can possess the eternal inhâ—ritance You mâ—st be children bâ—â—ore you can be heirs Rom. 8.17 children not only by aâ—option but also by regeneration Ye must bâ— Sunâ—â— before meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Sâ—ints in light Col. 1.12 You must have the new nature before you can enter into the New Ierusalem You must be made like to God in holiness before you can be admitted to live with God in the place of everlasting happiness God doth suffer the wicked that are unclean and unholy to live before him in the Out-house of the Earth but he will not permit any except such as are sanctified to live with him in the Palace of Hâ—â—ven O then labour after a work of Grace upon your heart be perswaded of the worth of Grace that 〈…〉 and precious Jâ—wâ—l that the lâ—â—st measure of Grace is of mere worth than ten thousand Worldâ— be sensible of your want of it that naturally you are without it that it doth not grow in Natures Garden that you have no good Nature in you before God till your Nature iâ— renewed be ready to receive the â—eed of Grace which drops down from above whilest People are attending upon Gods Ordinances be ready to hearken and yield to the Spirits motions whereby this work of Grace is effected And having the work begun O cherish the Grace you have got and as new-born Bâ—bes dâ—sire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thâ—reby and labour to cleanse your selves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit that ye may perfect holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Dirâ—â—â—iâ—n 6. You must lead a new life if you woâ—ld be saved see whâ—t kâ—nd of Life the grace of God whâ—ch briâ—â—â—th sâ—lvation doth râ—qâ—â—re and 〈◊〉 namâ—ly to 〈…〉 and wâ—rldly 〈…〉 and godly in this present world 〈…〉 You must dâ—ny ungo illness and worldly last you must put off concerning the 〈…〉 the old mâ—n which is corrupt 〈◊〉 to dâ—câ—iâ—full 〈…〉 and not fashion your selves according to the former lusts in your ignorance and unregeneracy 1 Pet. 1.14 not running with others unto the same excess of riot 1 Pet. 4.4 not walking according to the course of a profane and ungodly world Eph. 2.2 but saving your selves from an untoward generation Act. 2.40 as he that hath called you is holy so you must be holy in all manner of conversation 1 Pet. 1.15 you must live soberly righteously and godly in this present world soberly in regard of your selves righteously in regard of others and godly in regard of the Lord. 1. Soberly in regard of your selves which implyes 1. Temperance in eating and drinking you must take heed of Gluttony and Drunkenness 2. Chastity you must take heed of Adultery and Uncleanness in thought speech look and act 3. Moderation you must be sober in your desires after these earthly things and take heed of inordinate affection to any thing 2 You must live Righteously in regard of others You must give to every one their due and do to others as you reasonably can desire that they should do unto you you must take heed of unrighteousness either in regard of Commutative Justice in your buying and selling borrowing and lending and in regard of Distributative Justice in dispensing of rewards and punishments you must beware of opprâ—ssing afflicting injuring any of going beyond or defrauding any of withholding dues keeping back wages from those that have done you service knowing that if they cannot God will be the avenger of all such 3. You must live godly in regard of the Lord you must especially shew your New Life in the immediate Worship of the Lord and that publickly in his House privately in your Families secretly in your Closets you must worship God in the Ordinances of his own appointment and this you must do with reverence having an awe and dread of God upon your spirits with whom you have more
Scriptures let the Word of God be the only Rule of your Faith and having found the Truth keep it hold it fast labour to fix it in your mindes let it be as a girdle about your loins lay it up in your heart let it be rooted there apply your selves to Christ as a Prophet to lead you by his Word and Spirit into all Truth and to keep you from being deceived and deluded and keep close to the Ministery and Ordinances of Christs Institution which the Lord hath appointed to continue unto the end of the World for the edifying establishment and perfecting of the Saints Eph. 4.11 12 13 14. 2. You must be stedfast and persevere in the wayes of Gods Commandements you must patiently continue in well-doing if you would obtain immortal glory Rom. 2.7 you must endure to the end if you would be saved Matth. 10.22 you must be faithfull unto the death if you would gain the Crown of life Rev. 2.10 It is absolutely necessary unto salvation that you hold out in the wayes of God none but such which come to the end of the race will obtain the prize the Gate of Heaven lyeth at the further not the hither end of the Holy Path therefore you must stedfastly persevere in this way if you should fall down you must rise again and go on if you should fall back or through mistake turn aside you must return again and make the more haste but if you should fall off if you should fall away as some have done who have seemed very zealous and forward Christians as to the outward Profession you are lost you are cast-awayes and you will tumble and fall down into the bottomless Pit from whence there is no returning Be not then followers of them that draw back to perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul Heb. 10.39 Be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promises Heb. 6.12 It is a glorious Inheritance that is before you that is promised and prepared in Heaven let this encourage you to diligence and perseverance unto the end I shall conclude with the words of the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.58 Therefore my beloved Brethren be stedfast unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord for asmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Thus I have given you Directions What things you must do that you may be saved SECT XIX II. THE Second and last thing for your guidance in the way of Salvation is To shew you what Means you must make use of to help you in these things There are Ten Means to be used in order to the attaining of Salvation 1. Self-examination 2. Reading the Word of God and other good books 3. Hearing the Word Preached 4. Meditation 5. Prayer 6. Christian-conference 7. Watchfulness 8. Sanctification of Fasting-dayes 9. Sanctification of Sabbath-dayes 10. Improvement of Sacrament-dayes Means 1. Self-examination You must examine your selves if you would see your selves lost you may read the mistake of the Laodiceans Rev. 3.17 Thou sayest I am rich and encreased in goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched miserable and poor and blinde and naked You must examine and prove your spiritual state that you may have a right judgement thereof that you may perceive how poor and wretched and miserable you are whilest you are in a state of Nature You must examine your selves that you may get a sight and sense of sin Ier. 8.6 I hearkned and heard but they spake not aright no man repented him of his wickedness saying What have I done every one turned to his course as the Horse rusheth into the battel You must examine what you have done if you would repent of your sins you must search and try your wayes if you would turn from your evil wayes you must commune with your hearts and come to your selves with the Prodigal if you would return unto God and turn your feet unto his Testimonies Be serious then in this great duty of Self-examination and that you may be so I would advise that you would set apart time for it when your thoughts are most free and affections most sedate and quiet get out of the hurry of the world and lay aside other business for a while and withall separate your selves from company and retire into secret where you may be free from external disturbances and interruptions whatever indispositions and withdrawments of heart you finde force your selves to the work resist Satan who will endeavour to divert and discourage you Set your selves in the presence of God desire him to search you beg his help in the duty labour to keep your minde close to it if vain thoughts arise and would hurry you away look up to Christ to rebuke them and to bring them into captivity and obedience unto himself And then sit down and seriously consider what you have done ever since you came into the World and withall think with your selves what you will do when your life and this world shall come to an end Take a review of your sins they are noted down upon the book of your Consciences peruse this book and if you extracted a Catalogue of your sins it might be a help to you Note down your original sin your actual sins your transgressions of Gods Law in the first and the second Table thereof your disobedience to the Gospel the aggravations of your sins Means 2. Reading the Word of God and other good books The rule whereby you are to examine your selves is the Word this is like a Candle which will give light in dark corners this is like a Glass which will discover spots in the face you must search the Word and try your selves herâ—by if you would have knowledge of sin and your spiritual state and you must search the Word if you would have knowledge and acquaintance with God and his will You may arrive to some knowledge of God by reading the Book of Nature the whole world is full of God and every Creature doth represent him but the world is full of sin too and the more immediate representations of the Creatures are sensitive things which our sense layeth hold on first and is apt there to stick without further piercing and searching to finde out God and where we have one provocation from the Creatures to love and serve him through the bewitching temptations of the world meeting with the worldly lusts of our hearts we have a thousand incitements and allurements from them to sin against God but the Word is full of God and no incitement there to sin full of perswasives to holiness and obedience God is to be seen more easily and he setteth forth himself there most conspicuously In the Book of the Scriptures you have the most glorious discoveries of God in his greatness majesty power holiness love mercy and the like and the way made known of acquaintance and communion with him if you would