his worke alone and such as none but hee can doâ— it is also one speciall part of his office as he is our Prophet to giue comfort to distressed consciences and to speake a word in season to the weary soule Hee is consecrated a Priest for 11 Priestly Psal 110. 34. euer to his Church after the order of Melchisedech Our Lord He is the King and law-giuer 15 Kingly Esa 33 22. Luc. 1 33. Ioh. 18 36 Psal 2 8. whose kingdome is spirituall and not of this world and perpetuall and such as reacheth to all Nations Now that wee may know how the Sonne of God became flesh we beleeue and professe to the death Which was conceiued by the Holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary That in the fulnesse of time for 16 Of his Iâ—e rnation Gal. 4 4. Heb. 2 16 4 15. vs men and for our saluation the Sonne of God tooke on him the true nature of man and was in all points lâ—ke vs sinne onely excepted He was conceiued not as other men but by the Holy Ghost and was borne of the Virgin Mary Mat. 1 18 20. vpon whom the Holy Ghost came and whom the power of Luc. 1 30 31 3â— Esa 7. 14. the most High did ouer-shadow This is that great mystery of godlinesse God manifest in the flesh Hee is God and man in one person This is that lambe of God without 17 Of his actiue obedience 1 Pet. 1 19 Rom. 5 19 8 3 4 10 4. spot or blemish who for vs and for our sakes who doe or shall beleeue in his name kept the law that he might be the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto such He suffered vnder Pontius Pilate Who suffered also vnder Pontius 18 Of his pâ—ssiue Gen. 49 10. Act. 4 27 28. Mat. 26. Pilate an heathen Gouernour the Scepter failing from Iudah but for this Shiloh to which suffâ—rings he was deliuered by the determinate counsell of God Was crucified dead He was wounded for our transgressions Esa 53 4 5 6. and on him were laid the Rom. 3 25 Ephes 5 2. Phil. 2. 8. Gal. â— 13. Heb. 1 3 9. 26 28. iniquities of vs all and hereby he appeased Gods wrath and made expiation for all our sinnes For hee became obedient to the death euen the death of the Crosse and was made a curse for vs thus hee alone trode the wine-presse of Gods wrath and once for all by the sacrifice of himselfe tooke away sinne And buried he descended into hell He was buried and laid in the graue three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth yet his soule was not left in hell neither did God suffer his holy One to see corruption The third day hee rose againe For hauing ouercome the 19 Of his resurrection Rom. 4. vlt. power of death hell and Sathan he rose againe the third day from 1 Cor. 15. 3 the dead for our iustification He ascended into heauen And went vp into heauen the 20 Of his ascension Pal. 68 18 Mar. 1â— 19 Acts 1 9 10 11. 3. 21. Heb. 6 20. Ioh. 14 3. third heauen farre aboue all these heauens that are visible whom in respect of his bodily prâ—sence the heauens must receiue till the time of the restitution of all things and hee ascended as oâ—â— fore-runner to prepare a place for vs. And sitteth at the right hand of God And sits at the right hand of 21 Of his session and interecession God the Father Almighty exercising the office of King and Iudge for his Church being as God-man made Lord of all and crowned with glory and honour and ruling in all fulnesse of Maiesty power and Soueraignty being Act. 2. 34. 35. 36. Phâ—l 2. â— Heb. 8. 1. 1. 3. Rom. 8. 34. Ioh. 17. 9. 20. set farre aboue all principality and power and euery thing that is named all things whether in earth heauen or hell being in subiection vnder his feet sauing alone that God did put all things vnder him Where also he euer liueth to make request for vs that are not of the world but haue beleeued through the word taught by his Apostles From thence hee shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead This Iesus Christ shall come 2â— Of the last iudgment Act. 1. â—1 17. 31. Mat. â—4 30 from thence that is from heauen into which he ascended after his râ—surrection and not from thence that is from sitting at the right hand of God for nâ—uer shall his kingdome and power be more manifest then at this day to iudge the world at the last day for wee beleeue the world shall haue an end and at the last day Christ as hee is the Sonne of man shall iudge the world descending from heauen in the same visible forme in which hee went vp and comming in power and great glory at which day all shall be iudged 2 Tim. 4 1 Mat. 12 36 Eccles â—2 14. both those that shall be found then aliue and remaining till that day and those that haue beene dead from the beginning of the world to that day and they shall be iudged of all that they haue done in their bodies while they liued in them of euery idle word and of euery secret thing and euery one shall receiue without respect of persons according to 2 Cor. 5. 10 that he hath done while he liued here whether it be good or bad §. IIII. Wee beleeue also and professe and ought to hold till death I beleeue in the Holy Ghost THat the Holy Ghost is God 23 Of the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1â— 26 2 Pet 1. 21. Esa 59 21. Gal 4. 1 Cor. 12 12 13. Ioh. 14 26. â— Ioh. 2 27 equall with the Father and the Sonne proceeding from the Father and the Sonne who spake by the Prophets in the Old Testament and by the Apostles in the New Testament and still worketh in and by that word who is also sent into the hearts of Gods children and is that one spirit that knitteth all Christians to Christ their head and sanâ—â—ifieth them by applying the verâ—ue of Christs death and resurrection and comforteth and preserueth in the estate of holinesse the true members of Christ and abideth with them for euer This sanctification is to dye 24 Of Sanctification Rom. 6. 1 2 3 4. 1 Thes 5. 1 Ioh. 1. 8. Esa 64. 6. 1 Ioh. 3. â— Ioh. 3. 5. 2 Cor. 5 17. Ioel 2. â—8 Act. 2. 10 to sinne and rise againe to newnesse of life it is a work wrought in the whole man in soule and body and spirit yet but vnperfect in this life neuerthelesse the graces of this spirit wrought in vs at our new birth can neuer wholly or finally be lost and it is of absoluâ—e necessity that wee haue this spirit of Christ and find the worke thereof in regenerating vs and making vs a new or else we are not Christs nor
11. 28. 31. Mat. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 16. Vse Now it is required of euery one that would receiue worthily and not eate and drinke damnation that hee discerne the Lords body that hee examine himselfe and iudge himselfe for his sinnes that he forgiue those that haue Psal 26. trespassed him and that he grow in loue to the fellowship of the Saints and in hatred of all assemblies of wicked Idolaters and prophane persons §. VII The answere of a good conscience I beleeue THe Answere of a good conscience 31 Of faith 1 Peâ— 3. 20. Ioh. 1. 1â— 12. Hab. 2. 5. Ioh. 17. 3. Rom. 10. 10 is in this word I beleeue which is the receiuing euery one for himselfe of all and euery one of these truths into our mindes to know them and into our hearts to assent to cleaue to and rest vpon them for our iustification and eternall saluâ—tion and into our mouthes to confesse and professe them and into our whole man to liue the rest of our life in the power of them so that Gal. 2. 20. we may liâ—e by the faith of the Son of God who loued vs and gaue himselfe for vs. Such is the substance of our faith The pathes of holy life which guide men as they are Christians all their daies and euery particular day follow THE SECOND PART §. I. The order THey that thus beleeue Agendâ—s this matchlesse loue of God and his exceeding kindenesse to them in Iesus Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Pâ—al 119. 9 Christ haue the loue of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost which will constraine them â—o liue not to themselues but to him that dyed for them and rose againe The rule of such a life is Gods holy word which in our language containeth Gods will concerning vs. Wherefore it is to bee diligently attended that wee may learne what this life beseeming the Gospell and a Christian redeemed at so great a price may be and vnderstanding what the will of the Lord is it is necessary that we order our conuersation aright an heart to which worke the Lord without doubt doth giue to as many as shall see his saluation Psal 50. 23 Col. 1. 10. Pro. 10. 9. 14 8 Gal 6. 16 Psal 84. 11. If we shall thus doe wee shall walke in all pleasing wee shall walke vprightly and therefore surely we shall vnderstand our way the wisedome of a prudent man mâ—rcy also shall bee vpon vs and peace neither will the Lord with-hold any thing that is good for the Lord himselfe is the sunne and shield hee will giue grace here and glory hereafter and no good 〈◊〉 will he with-hold from tâ—em thaâ— walke vprightly Vp then and be doing and 〈…〉 e Lord will â—e with thâ—e But thou wiâ—â—â—sâ—y what should I doeâ— fâ—râ—th direction I presâ—nt thâ—e our of Gods word an Abstract of speciall precepts for the right ordering of thy conuersation wherein I desire not like an hand to point it out to others but as a fellow-traueller towards heauen resâ—â—lue by Gods grace to be thy companion to tread witâ— a right foot in the way of life Come then let Esa 2. 3. vs ioyntly walke in his pathes and he will teach vs of his waies The precepts of holy life not restrained to a daily direction are first general which concern 1. The qualifying of our persons who would liue holily 2. The helpes of an holy life 3. The manner of wel-doing secondly particular which order vs towards God other men our selues First the person ought to be rightly qualified we being all by nature a serpentine generation that will bite by the heele him that passeth on this way and a swift Dromedary trauersing the waies that lead to the chambers of death but not that broode of trauellers the generation Psal 24. 6. of them that seeke the face of the God of Iacob §. II Of the qualifying of the person that would lead a godly life 1. VVHosoeuer would 1 The person qualified to walke in an holy life liue and that well must be sure that hee breake off his former sinnes by vnsaigned repentance and become a new man and must looke to his faith both to be assured of his reconciliatio â—ith God through Iesus Christ and by beleeuing to draw forth vertue and grace from him to enable him to walke in the way of life for the uncleane cannot walke in this way Esa 35. 8. 9 it is called holy but it is prepared for those that beleeue and repent and these way-faring men Eph. 2. 2. Rom. 8. 8. 9. Gal 2 10. Ioh. 15 5. though fooles shall not erre therein till this also euery man is dead in trespasses and sinnes and walkes in the flesh and therefore cannot please God It is faith by which we liue or rather Christ liueth in vs now without him wee can doe nothing but if wee abide in him and he in vs we shall bring forth much fruit Weâ— are in our naturall estate Lepers shut without the Campe and to rush into these walkes of new obedience not cleansed from this contagious leprosie is to pollute and defile all wee touch or haue to deale with The true cause why many that haue entred on the profession and practise of holy duties haue made no happy progresse and why some after long time haue fearefully fallen backe is no other then this they neuer laid a good foundation or made a good entrance by sound mortification That it may not thus fare with vs lâ—t vs know and practise what God requires of vs that wee might breake downe the power of our former sinnes and gaine some câ—mfortable assurance of Gods loue in Iesus Christ in the pardon of them and so you must 1 Examine and try thy waies and turne to the Lord not contented that thou hast heard say we are all sinners nâ—r bearing thy selfe vpon that knowleâ—ge of thy sinnes which thou canst gaine by measuring thy selfe by thy selfe lest selfe-loue and a deceitfull heart doe beguile thee But the duâ—y required is to search and try thy sâ—lfe by the word of God and thence to take a true surucy of thy naturall filthinesse by sinne and that thou maist lay it deepely to heart take a rowle or bill of such offences against each Commandement as thou canst directly accuse thy selfe withall and learne to gage thine owne heart by that perfect law and because wee are by nature ready to make a mocke Pro. 14. 9. of sinne such is our spirituall folly therefore to know the heynous and odious nature of sinne in Gods sight weigh what it is 1 By the law which sheweth thee it is the offence of an holy and infinite iustice and mâ—iesty and the breaking of a law which thine owne heart approueth as spirituall holy iust and good it is Rom 7. 12 such an euill as separates betwixt God and thee it deserues for its wages death of body of soule
Ministeriall sentence and testimony concerning thy estate in Christ Know the ordinance of the keyes is of no small vse and comfort Ioh. 20. 23. 2 The profligation of temptations looking with a stedfast eye on the reward through the promise 3 The excitation of that Christian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or desire to be dissolued that thou maiest say with good old Iacob Lord I haue waited for thy saluation Gen. 49. 18. In the very agony of death and deposition or laying downe of thy body how glorious is it To dye in the faith To excite our hope and desire of heauen To commit our soules into the haâ—ds of him that redeâ—med them the Lord God of truth Psal 31. 6. saâ—ing Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and Lord Iesus receiue my spirit Amen Euen so be it §. XXXI Peculiar rules applyed for the passing euery day BY Gods assistance the rules Rules applyed for the pâ—ssing of the day of holâ— liâ—e haue hitherto beene taught rules not now and theâ— to be looked vnto but constantly nor generally but particularly in all our actions euery day and throughout the day that we might serue the Lord in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life blesse him euery day of our life and thinke of him all the day long But this it may be such is our weakenesse and the backwardnesse of our hearts to good hath scarce found a place in our thoughts as yet and where it hath yet know they not how to order them handsomely to a daily direction To helpe this also I now apply my self making a draught of certaine rules out of Gods word by which you may be inabled euery day to passe the day according to Gods will with sound peace for this vndoubtedly is required of vs a faithfull and constant endeauor to please God in all things euery day of our liues to the peace of our consciences and the glory of God And because some thinke it The warrant of it strange it should be required of them to be kept in compasse euery day some thinke the â—abbath is enough to attend to a religious holy conuerâ—atioâ— some say I hope we be no children to be appointed what wee should doe some thinke it is not to be thought the Lord should direct a man to euery various action which meeteth him in the day some can be content to receiue the thing of the day in his day from Gods hand but neuer thought of doing the duety of the day in his day to God againe and so neuer passed a day in all their liues of which they could in all actions or euer did depend on God in those particulars abide with him by faith therefore I haue selected that place in Pro. 6. 20. 21. 22. to take off all these conceits and to proue the necessity the excellency of this course if euery day through the whole day we passe it according to the warrant of Gods word The words of the text are these Pro. 6. 20. My Sonne keepe thy Fathers Commandement and forsake not the law of thy mother 21 Binde them continually vpon thine heart and ty them abouâ— thy necke 22 When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keepe thee and when thou awakest it shall talke with thee 1 Here first it is fully charged euery day to haue the commandements bound vpon our hearts for continuall remembrance tyed about our neckes as Iewels for esteeme and ornament and for vse to lead vs in our goings to keepe vs in our sleeping to talke with vs in our awaking accommodated and fitted in all to our owne particular in euery moment of times changes verâ— 21. 22. 2 Therefore the Sabbath though it haue its more speciall attendance on Gods Seruice in his ordinances and that onely yet is not all the time God requireth for an holy conuersation nay all times hâ—lily though not all time in the duties of reading hearing prayer and the like vers 21. 3 And I hope you will be and are Wisedomes children who in these words speaketh to you as to children My Son vers 20. and offers her selfe as a mother and God aâ— your father yea I hope you will be children to learne of wisedomes maydens euen your Ministers instructing you from Gods mouth You must be appointed else are you bastards and not sonnes 4 And for specialty of direction the word if thou remember and price it will guide the day and night awake asleepe at thy going out and at thy comming in vers 22. 5 And thus walking thou art sure of sweet coÌ„munion wâ—th God the father and with Iesus Christ the wisedome of his father no father and mother more tendering their child theâ— the Lord will tender thee while thou seruest him vers 20 and thou art sure of preseruation in the life of grace and way of holinesse the Câ—uenant it selfe hath the power to leade thee to keepe to comfort thee as a friend Counseller and guide from thy vpâ—ising to thy downe-lâ—ing Nor iâ— the Gouerning of our liues left in our owne hands one day nor were it good for vs who are giuen to change if it were so for we were then no way assured of the protection of our heauenly father and blessed Sauiour nor of a safe footing in any of our waies This for the Text according The coppy of it to the warrant whereof I beseech you receiue the Coppy of your â—aily direction thus 1 Awake with God let thy heart sing his power and mercy in the Morning Psal 59. 16. in the Morning direct thy selfe vntâ— God and looke vp Psal 5. 3. preuent him in the morning Psal 88. 13. it matters much vpon whom thou bestowest thy first thoughts 2 Let thy apparell be such as becometh those that professe godlinesse expressing modesty shamefastnesse and sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Neither costly beyond ability or to hinder good workes nor garish for the fashion beyond modesty nor strange for new-fanglednesse there is the apparell of good works the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit likewise suffer not more time then needs to be spent about this trimming of thy carcase 3 Turne thy selfe in solemne manner to prayer with confession Thankesgiuing and petition acknowledge thy dependance on God seeke of him thy daily bread and daily forgiuenesse and renewed strength against temptations c. and if thou haue a family neglect not to call them together at the conuenientest time Ier. 10. vers 25. vse it not as a custome nor as if that one little space oâ— deuoâ—ion did buy out a pardon for the rest of the day to liue as thou listest no it is to enable thee the better to walke in the day with God 4 Follow thy calling with cheerefulnesse diligence and quietnesse 1 Thâ—s 4. 11. doe thy labour as a duty not with the desire to be rich which is both a sinne and a snare be content with Gods blessing in the successe he giueth
shall euer come to heauen This is the priuiledge of the Christian Church aboue the Iewish The graces and gifts of the Holy Ghost are powred forth on the Church in more plentifull measure in the time of the New Testament then they were in the Old §. V. Concerning the Church of God we beleeue The Holy Catholike Church THe Church is a company of 25 Of the Church Ioh. 17. 9. 14. Mat. 16. 18 Ephes 1. 3. 4. 5. men separate from the world gathered by the voyce of Christ in the ministery of his seruants which are his Cryers which company doe worship God in spirit and truth There was is and euer shall be to the end a true Church of God on earth Redemption Iustification Sanctification and Saluation with all spirituall blessings in heauenly places in Christ Iesus promised in the word belong onely to the Church This Church and euery member Esa 26. 1. 2 thereof is holy and shee is Catholique that is vniuersall so that in euery nation he that feareth Acts 10. 34 God and worketh righteousnesse is accepted of him Christ Iesus is the head of this Eph. 1. 22. 5. 23. Can. 1. 5 6 his body and the husband of this his spouse This Church on earth is militant liable to tentations crosses afflictions and oppositions of all sorts Now wheresoeuer the word of Esa 59. 21. 2. â— Eph. 5. 26. Mat. 2â— 19 20. God is truely preached and embraced and the Sacraments rightly according to Christs institution administred there the Lord hath his Church Concerning her prerogatiues in this life 1 Communion of Saints â—â— Of the communion of Saints Can. 6. â— There is a communion and fellowship of Saints they being knit all together into one with Christ by the holy Ghost that one 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4. 4. 5. spirit and by faith and one with another by loue whence ariseth a glorious partaking mutually of all good things for as members of the same body they haue alike care one for the other and a fellow-feeling of wrongs and honour and labour to be of one minde and heart that there may be no schisme in the body and they employ their gifts for the good of the whole society 27 Of the forgiuenesse of sinnes 1 Ioh. 1. 10 Psa 18. 22. 51. 5. 2 Forgiuenesse of sinnes Euery man euen of this Church while hee is in this life needs forgiuenesse of sinnes and all the members of this holy Church here doe feele this need by reason of sinne dwelling in them of sinnes committed by them and of sinnes to which by nature they are more prone The Lord for his Sonnes sake Iesus Christ forgiueth the iniquity transgressions and sinnes Exod. 34. 6. 7. Psal 32. 1. 3. 4. Iob 33. 27. 28. 1 Ioh. 1. 9. Act. 3. 19. Rom. 4. 6. 7. 3. 20. 28. of all that truely repent so that he will neuer impute them nor punish them for them in this world nor in the world to come it is Gods free mercy that our sinnes are pardoned we are iustified freely by his grace through the bloud of Iesus Christ and the redemption which is in him of which righteousnesse and bloud-shedding oâ— Christ wee are made partakers by faith onely without the workes of the law for by the deeds of the law can no flesh be iustified in the sight of God Now being iustified by faith in Rom. 5. 1. the bloud of Christ wee haue peace with God The Ministers of the Gospell are sent by Christ with this authority that whosesoeuer sinnes Ioh. 20. 23. Mat. 18. 18. they doe forgiue according to the word of God which they are sent to dispense they are forgiuen in heauen and whosesoeuer sinnes they doe retaine according to the same word they are retained The resurrection of the body and life euerlasting At the last day the dead bodies 28 Of the resurrection Act. 24. 15. 1 Cor. 15. Iob 19. 13. 26. Ioh. 5. 28. 6. 44. 29 Of life eternall Rom. 6 23 of men the very same bodies in which both iust and vniust liued here though now laid in the dust and turned to corruption shall rise againe out of the dust of the earth and their own soules enter into them againe those that haue done euill to the resurrection of condemnation and those that haue done well to the resurrection of life euen of life euerlasting which is the gift of God through Iesus Christ our Lord and not the merit of our workes or any thing in vs. §. VI. These are the Articles of our beliefe to these God hath annexed two seales viz. Baptisme and the Lords Supper For wee are to beleeue and hold THat Christ hath ordained 〈◊〉 Of the Sacraments whole number nature two Sacraments alone and these two necessary to saluation Baptisme and the Lords Supper and that Sacraments are Signes giuen of God to bee seales of the righteousnesse of Faith euen of that righteousnesse of Iesus Christ brought in by his obedience to the death made ours by faith onely Vse they are to be vsed by vs as bands and vowes and solemne professions of our desires and endeauours after the beginnings and perfecting of In speciall of Baptisme the signe our faith and repentance The outward signe in Baptisme is the Ministers washing Mat. 28. 19 or dipping or sprinkling the beleeuer with water in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost The thing signified and sealed hereby to the beleeuing The grace Eph. 5. 26. Tit. 3. 5. penitent is the washing of the new birth by the Holy Ghost and the purging of the conscience from dead workes by the sprinkling of Christs bloud thereon by the same spirit of faith assuring vs of our adoption ingrafting into Christ deliuerance from Gods wrath forgiuenesse of sinnes communion with the Saints and resurrection of our bodies to life eternall The outward signe in the Of the Lords Supper the signe Lords Supper iâ— Bread Wine blessed broken powred forth and giuen by the Minister and taken and eaten and drunke by the faithfull The thing signified and sealed The grace to vs is the giuing of Christ by God the Father and Christ himselfe willingly giuing himselfe his body and bloud broken and shedde on the Crosse for our sinnes and transgressions that they might be forgiuen vs. which we must take eate and drinke by the hand and mouth of faith spiritually as it is offered to vs in the word of promise which saith This is my Body which is broken for you This is the New Testament in my bloud which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sinnes whereby our faith is strengthened and we grow in the assurance of Gods loue in the graces of his spirit in the life of holy duties in repentance towards God in loue of the communion of Saints in assured faith and hope of resurrection to life eternall 1 Cor.
asketh liberally and reproacheth no man 7 The worlds flatteries commending thee in thy vanitie or excesse chiefly if thou abound in this worlds goods which will bring thee to two errors of the wicked 1 Contempt of reproofe 2 Despising of thine owne waies auoid them or thou shalt dye 10 To retaine these Christian 10 The light of principles for practise paradoxes to be held for practise and to exclude all false principles there is nothing found in the life which is not according to some principle true or false in the vnderstanding expell the false by the light of the true and then a single eye will make thy body full of light Take in therefore these lightsome truths 1 A Christian is neither 1 Cor. 11. borne nor borne-againe for himselfe 2 There is no sinne so little Mat. 5. 19. as not worthy the auoiding euen as we woud be saued 3 Imployment is a greater fauour from God then wealth or high place without it 4 The first place in dignity Mat. 9. 34. ouer any is the greatest place of seruice vnto all 5 To suffer for Christs sake Heb. 11. 26 is greater riches then all worldly wealth 6 Affliction yea death is to Iob 36. 21 be chosen before iniquity 7 Death ought to be prouided Mat. 6. 32. for before life Christs kingdome and righteousnesse before the necessaries of life yea this is the way to thriue with a blessing 8 Euery godly endeauour receiueth Eph. 3. 20. some blessing and bringeth forth some fruit greater then man can hope for 9 When any storme of Gods wrath ariseth it is the onely safe way to runne to the place whence the storme commeth euen to God for shelter nature teacheth a man to flee from the tempest 10 It is ost times good that it goe well with the euill and ill with the good in this life 11 A wicked man neuer goeth Esa 57. 21. vnpunished there is no peace to the wicked 12 None shall euer please Mat. 5. 47. Act. â—6 24. 2 Cor. 5. 13 Christ till they appeare odde singular and strange to the common sort A Christian is not right till he seeme to the world to be beside himselfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What singular thing doe yee 13 Spirituall motions may â—e violent and perpetuall 14 The foundation of all eternall Ier. 31. â—8 19. 20. ioyes is laid in godly sorrow for sinne Ioh. 16. 20. Mat. 5. 4. Psal 126. 5. 6. 15 The vniust death of Godly persons hath more comfort in it then the iolly life of wicked men 16 The righteous liueth not Hab. 2. 4. where his faith giueth him not life 17 What God can doe that faith can doe to the beleeuing all things are possible 18 A poysonfull curse is prosperity Psal 69. 22 in wicked wayes 19 That 's thy good which doth thee good 20 It is holy wisedome to feare and not to desire abundance 21 We should study more to Mat. 26. 29 giue an account of our little then how to make it more for the improuing of what we haue is the way to haue more giuen 22 Sinne and not affliction argueth Gods absence and hindereth vs in our way to heauen 23 The infection of euill is much worse then the act 24 It is a madnesse to runne away from punishment and not from sinne 25 Pride and infidelity harden Heb. 11. 33. 4. and make men fearelesse onely faith truely valiant 26 All houres are lost wherin we enioy not God 27 Wee are guilty of all the euill we might haue hindred 28 We must be as well ready to suffer ill as to doe good 29 Remember the word of our Sauiour it is better to giue then to receiue 30 Folly and wickednesse are inseparable companions 31 A wicked man deserues ill of those he neuer liued to see 32 Good is not therefore good because it prospers but because it is commanded Euill is not therefore euill because it is punished but because it is forbidden 33 In good waies we cannot be too exact too zealous Mediocrity is not the forme of vertue but conformity to the rule of Gods word which saith it is good alwaies to be zealous in a good thing and Iukewarmenesse is a loathsome temper Gal. 4. 18. Reuel 3. 18. And Christians should indeauour to abound more more 34 An euill intent alwaies makes the action euill Cast out all false principles such as these 1 A good meaning makes the action good nay then persecutors had bin Saints Ioh. 16. 2. 2 Religion is but a policy to keepe men in awe nay it brings life and immortality to light 2 Tim. 1. 10. 3 Wee may repent time enough when age commeâ—h nay to day if you will heare his voyce barden not your hearts Heb. 3. 7. 4 That is good which is profitable Gen. 37 26. 27. nay then Iudas counselled well to sell Ioseph and Iudas the traitor did well to sell Christ 5 That which pleaseth a man is lawfull nay to doe our pleasure makes all duties of deuotion abhominable Esa 66. 2. 3. 6 Doe what euer thou art able nay how can I doe this wickednesse and sinne against God Gen 39. 9. 7 It is lawfull to make the Pro. 3. 27. best of our owne nay goods in thy hand are others due when thy ability and their necessity meet 8 Euery man for himselfe and God for vs all nav Diues for himselfe and the Deuill for him Luc. 16 19. 9 Thou canst doe no iniury to him that is willing nay thy poore brother may sue to thee carnestly to borrow of thee vpon vse yet maist thou not be to him as an Vsurer Exod. 22. 25. 10 Thoughts are free nay wash thine heart from wickednesse how long shall thy euill thoughts lodge within thee â—er 4. 14. 11 It is enough to haue a good heart to God nay thou must glorifie him in thy body 1 Cor. 6. 20. 12 A yong Saint an old Deuill nay a yong Saint with Ioseph and a Father to Pharaoh in age a yong Saint with Moses and a God to Pharaoh ere he dye Gen. 37. 2. 45. 8. Thus haue I opened the gates of righteousnesse §. IIII. Of the manner of wel-doing THe third generall concernes 3 The enlâ—uing qualities of all holy duties the manner of wel doing that the good thing we doe may be done well and acceptably these are to be receiued with all possible obseruation for they doe not onely apparell all our works of godlinesse in the sight of men but giue the inward forme and inliuing quality to the whole body of those duties in the sight of God and are the characteristicall differences to distinguish the godly from the wicked in these workes who may also doe many of them for the matter that you may not therefore present to God the carcase of a duty without the soule let all be done in this manner In all duties see In generall that thou
reason profit credit and the like The contrary was found in Iohanan and his confederates who promised all this to Ieremy but secretly resolued to try what the will of God was and to obey no further then it agreed to their wils Ier. 42 43. In hearing there is required 1 Attention of the eaâ—e bowed and inclined to heare Esa 55. 3. Of the eye if it may helpe affection as it doth Luk. 4. 28. Of the whole body as Mary Luk. 10. 39. Constantine the great would stand and heare though he were admonished of his Nobles not to doe it Such a composure or posture of body as may free from distraction expresse reuerence and helpe affection is required which will easily be framed â—f we marke the rules following namely 2 To heare as in Gods presence Act. 10. 33. 3 To heare as the word of the liuing God not as the word of a mortall man it then worketh effectually when it is thus mixed with faith 1 Thes 2. 13. Hab. 4. 2. 4 Prayer Oh thou that dwellest in the gardens the Companions heare thy voyce cause mee to heare it Cant. 8. 13. 5 Intention of the minde the thoughts not rouing and the vnderstanding busied 6 Retention of the memory obseruing that rule to be wise for himselfe Pro. 9. 12. 23. 19. He that so doth hath a good if not a great memory After hearing 1 Meditation and rumination in which worke three things are essentiall that we try the spirits prouing all things and holding fast that which is good 1 Ioh. 4 1. 1 Thes 5. 21. And that wee compare it and our selues together Psal 119. 59. I haue considered my waies and turned my selfe vnto thy testimonies and lastly that we obserue how gracious the Lord is in his ordinances what word soeuer he is pleased to sweeten to vs with the tast of his speciall goodnesse to note that chiefly 1 Pet. 2. 3. Psal 34. 6. 8. 2 The treasuring it vp for practise vpon all occasions Psal 119. 1â— Thou must presently set vpon the doing of what thou hast heard and retaine it not for that day but for euer Which is easily done if wee turne it into action as Mat. 7. 24. else we deceiue our selues Iam. 1. 22. §. IX The second part of Gods worship viz. the receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs Body and Bloud THis holy ordinance of Of receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Christ instituted in memory of his death and passion for our sinnes doth present the grace and mercy of God the Father and of our Lord Iesus to the â—ast and sight of the beleeuer of which we may say Oh come tast and see how gracoius the Lord is Neare is our approach to the Lord of glory when we see handle taste him when we are made one with him when he liues in vs. Who is sufficient or meet for these things Yet who would not his part and lot should be in this businesse if thy question be what letteth me to bee part ker of the Lords Table I answere Thou and all other Christians baptised that are come to yeeres of discretion may and must oft euen as oft as the laudable custome of the Church in which they liue requireth communicate at this heauenly banquet and feast of fat things To all such our Sauiour saith Take Eate c. And nothing hindreth but thou maâ—st with comfort draw nigh to this ordinance if thou follow the rules giuen to make thee a worthy Communicant They concerne thy preparation and vse thereof 1 For preparation foure things are to be looked vnto by The preparation him that would come and receiue to his comfort 1 His knowledge of the doctrine of saluation by Christ Of the nature and vse of this Sacrament that his heart be not through ignorance poysoned with superstition or contempt 1 Cor. 11. 23. Sacraments are seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom 4. 11. It is then of absolute necessity to bee knowne what this righteousnesse of faith is it is the way of making sinners righteous before God by the righteousnesse of Christ the Son of God imputed to vs of God and receiued by beleeuing of vs euen the righteousnesse of Christ who being become man wrought our redemption by his bloud and was made sinne that wee might be made the righteousnesse of God in him And thus we should be iustified not by the workes of righteousnesse which we haue done Vnlesse this be knowne and beleeued in vaine shall we come to this ordinance where the seale is annexed to this and no other Couenant On the other side the nature and vse of this Sacrament must be knowne viz. that it is giuen on Gods part as a signe memoriall seale and meanes to conuey Christ and all the benefits of his death obedience and bloud shedding to the beleeuer and that it is on our parts a solemne renewing of our Couenant with God and of our intire association to the fellowship of the Saints 2 The practise of the duty of examination a reuiew of heart and waies to finde out our sins and to iudge our selues for them that we may come with true humiliation and may seeke particularly the support of Gods ordinances vnder our particular sinnes both the assurance of his loue in forgiuing them and the increase of strength against them 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 3 The forgiuing of others that haue trespassed vs in all things for any matter of reuenge malice or secret grudge a leauen that swels the heart and sowres the sacrifice and maketh it distastfull to the Almighty 1 Cor. 5. 7. 8. And here wee are bound to seeke reconciliation and offer agreement Mat. 5. 23. 24. 25. 26. 4 His hunger and thirst after the mercy of God and the grace of Christ there offered to be exhibited and assured to vs. Esa 55. 1. 3. Mat. 5. 6. 2 For the vse of this Sacrament Vse In the time of receiuing we are not onely to take to eate and to drinke the bread and wine Mat. 26. 26. but also 1 By faith to eate and drinke Christs body and bloud tendred verily and indeed in the words of promise This is my Body which Ioh. 6. 35. is broken for you and this is my bloud of the New Testament which is shed for you vnto which promise thou liftest vp the hand and openest the mouth of thy soule namely a liuely faith and thus feedest on his Body and Bloud suffering on the Crosse for thy sinnes Thy faith must discerne the Lords body that thou become not guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord esteeme not of that bread and that Cup as of ordinary bread and wine but as Sacramentall so that thou beleeue the presence of Christ and that God doth as effectually giue Christ to the soule of the beleeuer as the Minister giueth Bread and Wine to his body and exalting thy faith thou must beleeue he is giuen to thee also neither doth God delude thee 1
authâ—r of the action and this is when thou teachest or approouest euill doctrine whether hereticall or superstitious when thou committest grosse sinne as did Dauid and when thou abusest thy Christian liberty 1 Cor. 8. 12. and it is abused when in things indifferent left free by the Magistraâ—e thou vsest thy liberty and the weake are wounded and offended But if the command of the Magistrate be vpon it thou must obey though a brother be oâ—fended Sin may not be done to please any 1 Pet. 2. 13. §. XXV Our carriage to the Godly in somâ— particuler case of falling weaknesse or strength THe former rules that concerne Our duty to the brethren in cases of falling weakenesse oâ— strength the affection and offices of brotherly loue belong to the brethren in euery estate there remaine such directions to bee deliuered as respect our carriage towards them as set in some certaine condition as if they bee weake or strong or fallen into some offences We take the last first and for our help in so hard a taske we find our text in the Epistle of Iude verse 22. 23. of rare vse wherein the Christian is admonished that hee is set in the Church for an helpe a Phisician and an Instrumentall Sauiour of his brother if hee see him ouertaken with any fault and that hee is indowed with gifts and graces for the edification of those with whom he conuerseth and because there is required in euery one that vndertaketh so great a worke some competent skill and good affection for if ignorance to distingnish of patience and medicines and wreâ—chlesnesse be vnfit for a Physician to the body much more to the soule the words doe fully direct vnto the rules of cure And of soâ—s haue compassion and others saue with feare plucking them out of the fire The maner of vsing them Putting a difference Hating euen the garments spotted with the flesh The maner of vsing these rules of cure concerne the Christian that would recouer his brother fallen or support him in falling where he is directed How to begin the cure he must put a difference How to be disposed in the whole he must hate the garments spotted with the flesh 1 First then thou must learne to put a difference it is Christian wisedome to distinguish between sinne and sinne offender and offender For as all patients are not alike diseased so all transgressors doe not alike offend is thy brother fallen into any sinne thou art bound to put forth thy hand to saue him but first consider aright the nature of his fall obserue then that Christians offend either in opinion or in parctice In opinion and these 1. In the foundation 2. In matters of lesse moment In the foundation and that first of ignorance and blind zeale both the seducer and seduced Secondly of malice and obstinately In matters of lesse moment and there making a rent or schisme or holding the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace In practice so some sinne 1 Of ignorant and infirmity in lesse in greater points 2 Of habit and presumption grossely and so fall into foule vices or extrem omissions Some sinne publikely or priuately 2 Thou hast then rightly put a difference in thy iudgment when thou hast dâ—scerned hereby how thy brother is falleâ— Now proceed to apply the rules of cure if thy brother haue offended in matters of opinion that are of lesse moment and haue made no rent or be it he hath offended in practise of ignorance or infirmity then see the rule of meckenesse and Christian softnesse haue Compassion on him If in matters fundamentall whether of blind zeale or â—bstinate heate or in other lesser points yet making diuisions if in practise grossely whether into fowle vices or extreame omissions be his faults publike or priuate see the rule of Christian sâ—uerity they are in the fire in danger of burning Oh saue them with feare pulling them out Aduice right Christian and diuine behold the rules of cure and apply them againe to each part that thou maist see how to expresse thy meekenesse and seuerity putting also therein a difference aswell as to whom and when for so the words are put indifferently into the midst as being the life of the whole worke and euery part of it 3 For thy meekenesse consider 1 In what things to be expressed towards each or the rules 2 How or with what affection with compassion The rules are these If hee offend in matters of opinion which rase not the foundation and disquieteth not the peace of the Church walke with â—im in the vnity of the common faith and pathes of holy life which both haue already attained vnto and doubt not but God will reueale vnto him that thing wherein he is otherwise minded Phil. 3. 15. If â—e haue fallen in matters of holy life through ignorance or infirmity restore him by the spâ—rit of meekenesse Gal. 6. 1. considering thy selfe lest thou also be tempted beare his burden and so fulfill the Law of Christ The affection with which thou must bee touched in the practice of these rules is Compassion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to vse Saint Austines words when there is compassio miseriae non simulatio misericordiae a feeling of their misery not a feigning of mercy this will giue the due â—incture to thy carriage herein 4 For thy seuerity consider 1 The rules 2 The right carriage in the practice of them for The end to saue them The affection of the heart feare The holy violence where the cause also is intimated they are in the fire plucke them out The rules are these If hee offend in the fundamentalls of blind zeale and ignorance or being seduced 1 In meekenesse instruct him if God peraduenture will giue him repentance to the acknowledging of the truth 2 Tim. 2. 25. 2 Be carefull to maintaine good workâ—s for necessary vses Tit. 3. 8 14. 3 Pray earnestly and heartily for him Rom 10. 1. 2. If as a seduce◠〈◊〉 or of malice and obstinaâ—ely â—â—e is then an heriticke and thy rule is that in 2 Ioh. 9. receiue him not to house neither bid him God speed in his euill work Tit. 3. 10. If the error be in matters of lesser moment and the party make a rent and scisme thy rule is that in Rom. 16. 17. marke those which cause diuisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye haue learned and auoid them If it be in practice that they are guilty of soule vices or extreame omissions such as that of Idlenesse among the Thessalonians 1 Warne them in the beginning reprooue them sharply 1 Thess 5. 14. 2 If they amend not restraine thy familiarity be no companion for them that all may see thou approouest not their vice and if the offendors may be ashamed 1 Cor. 5. 11. 2 Thes 3. 6 14. yet not counting them as enemies but esteeming them as brethren If the fault be secret obserue our Sauiours rule tell it him betweene him
he doth it oft times but say thou liue to the gray haire yet know that is the euill day ageit selfe is a disease disabling to duties of religion youth is euery way fittest let Solomon tell thee Remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth before the euill day come of which thou shalt say I haue no pleasure in it Eccles 12. 1. For the Impatient desire of The cure of the impatient desire of death death it is cooled and tempered 1 â—â— by strength of iudgment we know and knowing resolue that affliction is to be chosen rather then transgression Iob 36. 20. 21. the contrary hereunto made Iob impatiently to wish the day of his death Iob. 3. 2 If we consider that God teacheth by his works and herein none like him Iob. 36. 22. 3 If we weigh well what Iobs speeches cost him humiliation to dust and ashes though they came out of great extremities which wrested them from his heart otherwise full of patience but now distracted almost through bitternesse Iob. 42. 6. For the feare of death it is a The cure of the fear of death disease hereditary deriued to all Adams children yet is must and may be cured it may be cured Heb. 2. 14. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 5. it must Luke 14. 26. Rev. 22. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 3. 4. the desire of heauen is a part of the seed which is cast into the furrowes of our hearts in our regeneration I know there is a feare of death which is meerely naturall a shrinking from it and shunning of it as of a thing hurtfull because it dissolues the vnion of soule and body for a time but we speake of that distempered feare which leadeth into bondage abeslauing feare which suffers not a man to thinke of death or happinesse after it and leaueth the heart impotent and void of all spirituall courage comfort and counsell Againe there are men of two sorts some that liue and dye in their sinnes haue cause to feare death in these a cure can neuer be wrought not that the medicines are vnauaileable but because they cannot bee brought to take the receipts Some that dye to their sinnes before they dye in these that beslauing feare may be cured and hath in such vsually heretofore beone cured Death is the King of terrors consider it in its reall nature and hue Its vizar assumed It s natiue huâ— is terrible 1 In the cause Sinne Gods wrath Sathan the executioner who hath the power of death Heb. 2. 14. 2 In the nature thereof in it selfe opposite to life a punishment of God a destroyer of natures fabricke a dissoluer of this earthly tabernacle 3 In the effects which are A depriuation of Friends pleasures honours riches of this world The good wee might doe in Church Common-wealth Family A deprauation of the state of the body leauing it a cadauer a car case in the graue 4 In the affrighting concomitants terriculamenta mortis which are miseries Corporall Painies Agonies sometimes which doe befall Gods children The kind of death Spirituall Terrors from Satan and from God himselfe Temptations Vnquietnesse and angor of conscience In its vizar it is fearefull as it cometh into our minds As the depriuer of happinesse as if it seperated from God As if it had no other face then that of wrath and curse from God and were in its nature no way corrected How shall these darts be quenched Briefely 1 The cause of death is to be euacuated 1 By the death of Christ and our assurance of our part therin whereby the fauour of God is established vpon vs and the Serpents head crushed Heb. 2. 15. Death is a Serpent the sting is sinne the strength of that sting is the law victory ouer it is by Iesus Christ who satisfieth the law 1 Cor. 15. 55 56. 57. 2 By mortification of our beloued sinnes by our study to keepe a conscience voide of offence towards God and man 3 By receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper oft wherein we shew forth the Lords death vntill his comming againe 1 Cor. 11. 26. 2 The nature of death in it selfe is terrible indeed but to the godly it is changed Rev. 14 13. insomuch that their condition is blessed for they rest from their labours their workes follow no losse of any good worke that euer they did no condemnation to them Rom. 8. 1. it is no other then a sleepe 1 Thes 4. 14. a day of liberty Rom. 8. 21. our returne to our home to euerlasting habitations the mansions in our fathers house our birth day the funerall of our vices the putting off our old clothes that we might be clothed vpon 2 Cor. 5. 3. 4. the remoouing out of a mudde house where we â—ere but tenants at will into the pallace of the great king Lord of heauen and earth there to dwell as in our inheritance for euer the end of our race the day of our coronation no punishment now there are three degrees of life eternall of which death is our entrance into the second in this life in regeneration Ioh. 17. 3. in the day of our departure in translation to Paradise 2 Cor. 5. 8. at the last day in the redemption of our bodyes Rom. 8. 23. 3 As for friends whose society thou loosest oppose thereto the meditation of that glorious place to which thou goest an inheritance incorruptible vndefiled that fades not the fellowship of Angels and the congregation of the first borne and the spirits of iust men and women made perfect the communion with God and with the Lord Iesus for while thou art present in the body in the best condition thou art absent from the Lord that Lord whom though thou neuer sawest yet thou louest and beliâ—uing reioycest with ioy vnspeakeable and full of glory How then shall thy soule burne with the flames of loue to him when thou shall see him 1 Pet. 1. 8. And when the thought of thy treasures and pleasures meet thee bethinke thy selfe of thy calling and profession to bee a Christian that is oâ—e conformed to Christ whose kingdome is nâ—t of this world whose life was glorious in a holy contempt of the world Say then with Paul God forbid that I should reioyce saue in the Crosse of Christ whereby the world is crucified to me and I vnto the world Gal. 6. 14. What comfort canst thou haue that thou art not a cast away if thou beat not down thy body and bring it not into subiection although thou wert a Preacher of the Word and diligent in that worke 1 Cor. 9. 24. There are two sorts of men men of this world men of God they differ herein the men of this world are such as place their happinesse in a belly full of this hid treasure and wealth and lands enough to leaue behinde them to their babes but the other are men after Gods owne heart carried with the spirit of Dauid that in the loue of righteousnesse can say Deliuer mee from these
King 9. 22. Doe great ones offend contend euen with Nobles and let them feele the dinte of thy sword Neb. 13. dost thou thinke of the trouble Ease slaies the foolish and delicacy is not to be looked for in gouernement dost thou feare oppositions Deale couragiously and the Lord shall be with the good 2 Chr. 19. 11. So shall the wicked feare the godly loue and all reuerence thee but if not thou and thy authority will be contemned and kicked-against by euery worme 3 The Feare of God whose is the iudgement who sits with them in the iudgement 2 Chro. 9. 6. 7. Exod. 18. 21. What dost thou a Ruler in Israel without religion God sitteth in the assembly of Gods and fearest thou not him Thou canst not doe iustice that carest not for religion well is the vniust Iudge described by our Sauiour in the parable he feared not God neither regarded man Luc. 18. 4. But who is the Magistrate that feares God Hee that feareth nothing but Be not like Gallio Act. 18. 12. the offence of God not the face of man He whose care is to promote religion and to doe good to the house of God Neh. 13. 14. He whose conscience leadeth him to the duty he oweth without looking on what will follow that he refers to God He that dares not iustifie the wicked and condemne the righteous Pro 24. 25. He that dares not violate the band of his oath Hee that dares not vse his power or rather abuse it as an instrument to wrecke his priuate reuenge nor despise the poorest vnder his rule nor wry for affection nor respect a poore man in his cause nor follow a multitude to doe euill Exod. 23. 2 3. Hee that ruleth as one that must giue account of his power He to whom that is as impossible which he may not doe as that which he cannot doe Hee that thinkes nothing impossible to doe which his place requireth 4 Louers of truth they should be men of truth sifting out the truth standing for the truth hating tale bearers prompters and sycophants the false pleadings of vnconscionable Counsellors the iugling conueiances of Atturneyes and bringing iudgement to the ballance 5 Iustice which carrieth an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per medium transiens equall hand in all causes and cases it heareth causes speake not persons it knoweth not bribery against nor for the innocent it shaketh his hands from such gaines it hath both eares open but neuer an eare to lyes it dares not say with Caine Am I my brothers keeper It casts out pitty and fauour it hath a bended brow on the whisperings of a great neighbour it feares to bee accessary by admitting needlesse suits protracting iust suits and rash imposition of oathes it scornes to looke at displeasure reuenge or recompence in a word as a iust law is an hearâ— without affection an eye without lust a minde without passion a treasurer which keepeth for euery man what he hath and distributeth to euery man what he ought to haue so is a iust Ruler 6 Hatred of couetousnesse as the roote of all euill as the canker of all the former vertues a right hand full of bribes hath a left hand full of mischiefe for his companion And is it not abhominable that a slaue to Mammon should Lord it ouer men to set your hearts against it remember what Paul cals it filthy lucre 4 Remember the end of your ordination and mission which is for the punishment of euill doers and for the praise of them that doe well 1 Pet. 2. 14. Thus yee carry not the sword in vaine Rom. 13. 4. So farre the Magistrates duty now to the duty of the Subiect The Subiects duty is contained The subâ—ects duty in these 1 Honour Rom. 13. 7. For they are powers the Sunne and Starres shining in the firmament of the State they are Gods both as Gods deputies and Viceroyes and as they beare his image in authority and souerâ—ignty speake not euill then of dignities conserue their actions in the better part feare and reuerence them and bee thankefull â—or them Eccles 10. 20. 2 Obedience Tit. 3. 1. knowing that God is the author of Magistracy Rom. 13. 1. and Magistracy is euer good euen when the Magistrate is euill Great also is the good by Magistracy receiued publique peace and perfection that wee might enioy temporall things in safety and follow our callings in quietnesse and a receptacle for the Câ—urch where shee may lodge as in an Inne and if they be Gods that are in power they are the very nursing fathers and nursing mothers of the Church 3 Loyalty whereby wee resolue and endeauour to the vtmost of our power to preserue and vphold the persons rights prerogatiues crowne and dignâ—ties of Princes 4 Maintenance paying tribute Rom. 13. 7. So did our Sauiour giuing to Caesar that which is Caesars 5 Subiection and submission 2 Pet. 2 13. Rom. 13. 1. To their lawes punishments iniuries as Dauid and Christ and the Apostles submitted to the iniurious dealing of Saul Pilate and the Tyrants when perhaps they could haue made resistance 6 Prayer 2 Tim. 2. 1. And all this To all sorts of Magistrates to the King as supreame to Gouernours sent by him 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14. To euery of their ordinances though humane if not contrary to Gods word for there wee are to obey God rather then men and be it his commands bee in point of Gods worship so farre as belongs to the circumstances How and when being in things indifferent in their owne nature and that he also professe to disclaime all opinion of holinesse worship merit and necessity there must we be subiect And all this For the Lords sake and for conscience sake Rom. 13. 1 Pet. 2. and notonely for feare with cheerefulnesse Our bodies and goods at their disposing not our soules and consciences Without suspition of them or euill thoughts And all this by all subiects as Though we be Christians and the Magistrates Pagans Though we be strangers while we are wiâ—â— in their gates Though Church-men Rom. 13. 1. euen euery soule And in all be sure thou meddle not with thâ—se that are giuen to change or the sâ—ditious Pro. 24. 22. But feare thou the Lord The Courtier and the King and put not forth thy selfe in the presence of the Princâ— nor stand in the place of great men Pro. 25. 6. 7. But iâ— thou be a Courtier some particular rules must be added 1 Look after wisedom without which thou wilt bring shame euen vpon the face of Maiesty Pro. 14. 35. This true wisedome is founded on the true feare of God and is attained by meditation in Gods statutes Ps 119. 13. This wisedome will doe that which riches and diligence or remoue from his presence will not euen pacifie the wrath of a King which is as messengers of death Pro. 16. 14. Eccles 8. 3. 2 Let righteousnesse and grace be in their
times the day of aduersity is propeâ—ly the time for which he was made Pro. 27. 10. 7 And thougâ— it bee the chiefe error in friendship to goe farre from thy friend in a straight and in his pouerty and to be wanting to him when he pursueth thee with words as is noted by Solomon Pro. 19. 7. yet this one particular Solomon himselfe warnes thee of as a note of a man voyde of vnderstanding to strike and become surty in the presence of his friend Pro. 17 18. rash â—urâ—iship in as much as it ouerthroweth thy estate house and posterity is exceedingly sinfull and may not be vndertaken no not for thy friend Hee that hateth such suretiship is sure 8 He that hath a friend must shew himselfe friendly there is a friend that sticketh closer then a brother Pro. 18. 24. Thus farre also of friendship there yet remaines a third case contrary hereunto that is Enmity or how wee should behaue our selues to our enemies § IX Of Enmity Rules about enmity ABout this necessary point first thou must be warned that thou entertaine nothing that may alienate thy heart from any man if thou be angry thou must bee angry and not sinne and if a rash anger should take hold of thee thou maiest not let the Sunne goe downe vpon thy wrath that were to giue place to the Deuill Ephes 4. There is an holy Hatred of Gods enemies but that must be a perfect hatred an hatred of the vice a louing of the man not hating the man as if hee were the vice nor louing of the vice as if it were the man Now be it that thou carry thy selfe thus faire and religiously yet thou maiest haue many an enemie In Case thou hast enemies that are enemies to thee whether they be enemies to God or no for that is not the question now in hand as being decided in the 26. Section of the second part these are sound and profitable directions 1 Presently looke into thine owne heart espie all thy waies to see if thou haue in any fault willingly committed broken thy peace with God for this is vsuall we cast off the thing that is good and then the enemie is let loose to pursue vs This is Gods dealing whether it be with a nation or with a man onely Hâ—s 8. 3. 4. We fall from God and then man and creature fall from vs. If vpon search thou findest any such Achan troubler of thy peace pursue him to death let not thine eye spare set all in order that thy wayes may please the Lord for When a mans wayes please the Lord hee maketh euen his enemies to be at peace with him Pro. 16. 7. 2 Loue him blesse though he curse pray for him if he â—unger feed him if hee thirst giue him drinke for thou shalt heape coales of fire vpon his head and the Lord shall reward thee Pro. 25. 21. 22. thou maiest in a glorious manner be conqueror if thou hold the rule of the Apostle ouercome euill with goodnesse Rom. 12. 21. but it is somewhat dishonorable for a Christian to be ouercome of euill to fashion thy heart hereunto remember the loue of thy Lord Iesus who Died for thee when thou wast weake vngodly and wicked and an enemy yea nothing but enmity Rom. 5. 6. 8. 10. 3 Haue not Glosing lippes and a wicked heart this is like a pot sheard Couered with siluer drosse Seuen abominations will quickly be in thy heart and this is thy sentence from God whose hatred is couered by deceit his wickednesse shall be shewed before the whole congregation Pro. 26. 23. 25. 26. 4 If hee haue wronged thee and doe trespasse thee forgiue him till seuen times till seuenty times seuen times If the inâ—uries be such as ruine thy credit and state or indanger thy life seeke the benefit of the Magistrate not by way of reueâ—â—e that is alwayes vnlawfull but by way of defense heartily embracing euer the termes of peace and readily performing when occasion is offered the Offices of loâ—e in the midst of the neat of seeking redresse 5 Reioyce not at his fall let not thine heart secretly bee glad when hee stumbleth lest the Lord see it and it displease him and hee turne away his wrath from him Pro. 24. 18. Hitherto of the Relations of more priuate state the estates of mere priuacy do follow and there first the aged § X. Of the aged THe choise rules that respect Rules for the aged the aged whether men or women wee finde gathered to our hands by the Apostle Paul to Titus Chap. 2. vers 2. 3. 4. those in the second verse respect aged men wherin euery Nulla aetas ad discendumsera est crubescat senectus qâ—ae se crudiri non pâ—titur Ambros ad Symmachum The men word is a rule The aged men must bee sober Graue temperate found in faith in charity in patience 1 Whereas it is too common a fault to old age to bee bibbing they are charged with sobriety for aged men conscious of their infirmity are ready to seeke strength in a more free vse of wine and strong drinke needfull therefore is this watch word and worthy to be set in the front 2 Grauity is suiteable to their age an habit gesture speech and well composed manners fauoring thereof which may winne them respect and keepe authority ouer the youth there should shine in old age a certaine Maiesticall dignity which should cause the youth to hide themselues and bring on them a kinde of bashfulnesse 3 Temperance not testinesse Temeritas 〈…〉 entis â—s aeta 〈…〉 prudentia sâ—neoÌ„tutis Cic. de senectute Demâ—alike nor hastinesse and pettish preuishnesse not wantonnesse which seene by youth maketh them more impudent in Lasciuiousnesse and what more odious then an old man playing the wanton and expressing an incontinent hart when coldnesse hath eneruated his body nor rashnesse but all prudence 4 Soundnesse in faith in charitie and patience the boary head is a crowne if it bee found in the way of righteousnesse old age is a sicknesse and full of infirmities which cannot be cured How should they then seeke a sound heart and soule these three graces are the Summe of Vidua est viâ—tus quaÌ„ non â—uiâ—n â—ia firmal 〈◊〉 Christian perfection saith to God in Christ Charity to men and patience to sustaine both and to be as salt to preserue and relish both The aged women must bee in The wo 〈…〉 behauiour as becommeth holinesse not false accusers nor giuen to much wine teachers of good things and examples to young women vers 3. 4. 1 Their behauiour must bee as becommeth godlinesse this sexe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the whole habit of the body and outward carriage expresseth a great deale of leuity and pride euen to the graue and scarse any thing saue religion and grace in the heart can perswade euen when it hath perswaded them to put it off well were it if it
of both for euer in hell 2 By the Gospell which sheweth thee plainely that since Christ the Sonne of God dyed for all then were all dead sinne could neuer bee pardoned and God reconciled with thee a sinner in the least offence had not Christ his Sonne as thy surety become a curse for thee 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15. 3 By all other mercies of God to thee in soule and body against which they haue beene committed with many of which by thee abused they haue beene acted 4 By the curse it hath brought on the whole world the earth seas visible heauens and all their hosts Rom. 8. 20. Gen. 3. 17. Deut. 28. 23. 24. In taking thus the notice of thy sinnes bee aduised with chiefest heed to bring to light the sinnes whereto by nature thou art more addicted and haue still in thine eye some of thy notorious fals with the circumstances to aggrauate them Thou shalt not faile to make a true discouery of thy sin-guiltines if thou proceed in this order First withdrawing thy selfe in secret set thy heart and wayes in Gods presence and say what Ier. 8. 6. haue I done Aske the Question What is it I haue done all my daies which if I lay on my death bed and were summoned to the barre of Christs tribunall would strike me with terror if it were not forgiuen Let conscience now speake be still and take the Answer without hiding diminishing translating or excusing for hast thou not to deale with God spare not one no not the sin of thy bosome but in sincerity as before the Lord deale truly keepe them in memory or rather note them if thou canst then secondly take the 10. Commandements and by the help of some that haue gathered the sins against euery commandement marke out thine offences which the former way did not yet discouer Thus shalt thou see thy transgressions and this done thou hast stepped one good step towards repentance which step is required of all that wil repent as absolutely necessary and hath the promise Lam. 3. 40. Ioh. 11. 13. Gal. 6. 3. Ier. 8. 6. 2. Confesse them before God with all opennesse of heart in the best words thou hast and beseech him to giue thee words who hath commanded thee to take vnto thee words Hos 14. 2. 1 Ioh. 1. 7 9 Pâ—al 32. 3. 4. 5. 3 This doe till thou attaine Godly sorrow and thy heart be broken and contrite a sacrifice which God will neuer despise Psal 51. 17. the measure of thy sorrow is right iâ— it be such as thou hast or coldest vse for worldly crosses Zech. 12. 10. 11. 12. but thy heart will neuer melt within thee till thou â—ring thy selâ—e to looke vpon Christ the sonne of God pierced on the Crosse by thy sinnes and wounded for thy transgressions this sight will pricke thee to the heart and the beholding of such matchlesse loue will not off without the teares of loue Now this sorrow is that which causeth repentance neuer to be repented of 2 Cor. 7. 11. and hath the promise Mat. 5. 5. Esa 61. 3. Zech. 13. 1. Ier. 31. 18. 19. 20. 4 Then apply the promises to thy selfe both that in Ioh. 3. 16 and those speciall promises before mencioned Happy is that man to whom any one word from God is a word of comfort but by all the former promises those that examine confesse and mourne ouer their sins are proued Blessed for Christ dyed for them all their sins are fâ—rgiuen and their vnrighteousnesse shall be clensed Pray you ouer these promises that God would by his spirit giue thee a beleeuing heart and them a quickening vertue to put life into thee Let nothing shoulder out this worke Doit and that throughly that thou maiest see the power of thy sins abated and thy heart refreshed in the assurance of Gods loue before thou meddle with the following rules else all thy labour wil beto no end The same way let all those take that haue lost themselues and their vprightnesse or God and his fauor by heedlesse walking or presumptuous sinnes the like be spoken to all that yet haue set no order in their liues though they haue of a long time beene offering and essaying in matters of religion and to those no lesse that yet haue not the assurance of the pardon of their sinnes If thou hast done it or when thou hast then addresse thy selfe to the precepts following which precepts concerne the helpes to an holy life §. III. Of the helpes of an holy life 2 The gates of righteousnesse THere are certaine helpes to an holy life which are as the very Gates and doores of righteousnesse they lead or open fully vpon the way euerlasting come and see make entrance and know it these are they 1 To redeeme the time a precious 1 Redemption of time commodity esteemed so by the wise marchant Ephes 5. 16. sometimes thou must buy it out 1 Cor. 7 35 2 Tim. 2 4. from thy sinful works euer more from thy recreations and pleasurable works most an end and from the workes of thy calling both abstaining from the thingâ— that may intangle and interrupt thee and settling and ordering so thy outward estate that som time be gained for the seruice of God sometimes thou must exchange Neuer seeke to sell it time with thy worldly imployments as the occasions of prospering thy spirituall estate are â—ff red desiring to know obserue and serue the seasons of Esa 55. 6. Amos 5. 14 grace and the opportunities of weldoing sometimes thou must contract with the present time for recouery of lost time that is past alwaies thou must vse it well and fill it with profitable imployment Pro. 6. 6. this is to seeke good this is to haste to righteousnesse This is to prouide for a winter this is to prepare to serue the Lord without distraction All ye of this last age heare this for the dayes are euill 2 To learne the knowledge of 2 The knowledge of the holy Eph. 5. 15. 17. Pro. 10. 14 Iob 11. 12. Esa 1. 3. the holy to vnderstand what the will of the Lord is concerning him Ephes 5. 17. This euery man must haue lay vp if he would walke as a wise man else aâ— he is borne like the wilde asse colt So he may become more bruitish then oxe or asse that thou maist thriue in knowledge how to do well thou must 1 Search the Scriptures daily musing and meditating vpon them Psal 1. 2. that they may dwell richly in thee Col. 3. 16. Which word alone giueth light to our feet Esa 8. 20. Psal 119. Life to our dead hâ—rts and power to assist vs to walke 2 Be swift to heare Iam. 1. 19. not neglecting opportunities nor carelesse in the duety while thou attendest on the publike ministery especially on the Lords day the day which God hath Hallowed to thy good thy market-day for thy soule 3 In both be wise for thy selfe Pro. 9. 12.