world but they cannot deceiue Hypocrites these three GOD For hee seeth their secrets and will one day reueale all DEATH For hee commeth of a suddaine and will destroy them with all The DEVIL For he waites for their Soules to reward them for all An Hypocrite is resembled to these three thinges A sheepe in Wo to you Hipocrits skinne Hee talketh smoothly A Foxe in subtiltie Hee intendeth craftily A Wolfe in crueltie He attempteth villany Truth is a most excellent treasure Truth excellent and worthy to bee Honoured Because it ouercommeth all thinges Embraced Because it defendeth all things Aduanced Because it indureth for euer Such as delight in Lying should but remember the Author of it It Lying is a seed of the Deuills sowing The euill of it It is abhomination before the Lord And the end of it It procureth sorrow to his owne soule at the last This discommodity commeth of lying when one doth accustome it hee shall seldome leaue it when Lying the discommodity hee saith truth hee shall hardly bee beleeued when hee is knowne to be such a one the better sort will abhorre him Hee is happie that in his communication hath an eye in feare to Heb. 10. 3. Feane of God Gods Maiesty because it is fearefull to fall into his handes To his Brothers frayltie Because it is the easiest thing of a Thousand to offend him To his owne safetie because he must giue accompt of euery Idle word Our Communication ought to Communication what Esa 19. Heb. 6. 16. bee yea and nay yet wee may lawfully Sweare For the glory and worship of God For confirmation of truth and equity For discharge of our conscience being lawfully called The Magistrate may lawfully require Oathes an oath so it bee done for the manifestation of Iustice Iudgement and Truth But wee ought not to sweare vainely when there is no cause at all Lightly vpon euery smal occasion Rashly without good consideration Who shall inherit heauen saith Psal 24. Dauid He that hath cleane hands a pure hart He that hath not lift vp his mind to vanity He that hath not sworne to deceiue his neighbour The Mischeifes that insue of Lechery Lechery are many if we confer the beginnig with the end at first it tickleth the flesh with touching afterwards it poisoneth the mind with filthy delights and last of all by consenting to sin both body soul are ouercome The sin of Lechery is the pleasāts to the deuill because it hurteth body soule because he was neuer touched with it being a spirit because it bringeth a heape of other sinnes withall The Lecherous man in this life Lechery tormented is three waies tormented with the heat of the Harlot with the paine of his hurt with the worme of his owne conscience The Sonne of Syrach saith there Eccle. 25. Sirach his hatred are three thinges which his soule hateth A poore man that is proud A rich man that is a lyer An old Adulterer that doteth There bee three speciall reasons that fornication should be eschewed Because it defileth the body with a peculier kind of filthinesse Because Fornicators Sacriligious persons a fornicator is sacriligious for that our bodies are consecrated to God Because we ought both in body and soule to serue him who hath saued vs. This briefly is to bee obserued in Eccle 26. A Whores Comparison a Whore Shee brings a man to a morsell of bread therefore compared to a Dogge Shee hunts for the precious life of him therefore compared to a Sowe Shee leades him the high way to Hell she is therefore compared to Dung A whore is to bee abandoned if A Whore abandoned Deut 23. 17. Pro. 23. 28. 2. Esd 16. 42. it were but for these causes because God hath forbidden any such to be suffered Because shee increaseth the transgressors among men Because shee enuieth honest and vertuous women There bee three thinges may terrifie A Theife terrified by 3. things Bradford a Theife in his lewd attempts the precept GOD hath set downe that is Thou shalt not steale The Positiue Law of this Land that is Death of body The ymportable iudgement to come destruction both of body and soule A theife by following one that is the Deuill hee offendeth three Hee displeaseth God by breaking his commaundement Hee hurteth his neighbour by taking away his right He hateth his owne soule Pro. 29. by following sinne This inconuenience commeth of Idlenesse when one is rooted in it Idlenesse the inconuenience it will hardly be◠remoued when he hath the end of his lust it will bee most loathsome when he is so idle the deuill is most occupied There be 3. things that grieued the wise man A man of warre that Eccle 26. 29. Wiseman grieued suffered pouerty Men of vnderstanding that are not set by When one departeth from righteousnesse to sinne God punisheth his people for their sinnes with 3. kinds of plagues Plauges 3. kinds which commonly goe together Warre Famine and Pestilence And where hee blesseth there followeth three benefits Peace Plentie and Blessings 3. kinds Salubrity Christian Souldiers fight but faintly if they want these weapons Ephe. 6. 12. Souldiers weapons The Sheild of Faith The Helmet of Hope The Sword of the Spirit Euery Christian Souldier hath 3. Souldiers enemies Iam. 4. 1. Ephe. 6 12. enemies to incounter with the lewd affections of themselues The euill prouocations of the people The dayly suggestions of Sathan There were three persons spared Persons spared from the Warres Deut. 20 7. Deut. 24. 5. Deut. 20. 8. in the old Lawe from going on warfare hee that was betrothed to a maid he that was but new married he that was faint hearted God sendeth Raine Cold Heate Tempest and such like oftentimes Iob. 37. 13. Weather to punish man to profit the earth to declare his fauour towards man One may eate flesh at all times so it be done without scruple or doubting Flesh without offence of our brother without breach of Godly orders For euery creature of God is good and nothing ought to bee refused if 1. Tim. 4. 4. it bee receiued with thanksgiuing Our meats are sanctified vnto vs Beza 1. Tim. 4. 5. Meates by the word of God and prayer because wee confesse and acknowledge that God is the maker and giuer of those creatures which wee vse because we are of the number of those who through Christs benefits haue recouered that right ouer al cretures which Adam lost by his fall Because by our Prayers wee craue of the Lord that wee may vse those meates with a good conscience which wee receiue at his hands Such as by their Doctrine will Difference made of meates Fox make difference of meates the same may bee called Deuillish or deceitfull in three respects 1 Because the teachers of them make lawes of thinges which are not their owne for God
sanctification Election Beza 2. Thes 10. 11 and according to the truth truth is gathered by calling throgh the preaching of the Gospell The Gospell assureth vs of a certaine hope of glorification Touching Election and Reprobotion Elestion and ReprobatioÌ„ M. Deut. this is to be considered That the only will and purpose of God is the chiefe cause of both That his free mercy in Christ is an inferior cause of saluation That the hardnesse of heart is an inferior cause of damnation This vndoubted perswasion wee ought generally to haue Euery one is elected or reiected at the begining Euery one is an vnprofitable seruant when hee hath done his best Euery one shall haue reward according to his worke Wee ought not to condemne or Condemne not Psal 64. 4. iudge any to bee Reprobate albeit to be without feare of God and reuerence of man are signes of reprobation Because it is a secret onely reserued to God and therefore hee Mat. 7. 1. Iam. 4. 12. hath said iudge not that ye be not iudged Because the Lord is not so mercifull in forgiuing as hee is miraculous in calling making of a persecutor Acts. 9. 3. an Apostle as hee did by Paul Because the very Godly haue 1. Kin. 19. 10. beene very greatly ouer gone in this matter as that great Prophet of the Lord Elias in iudging the people of Israell These three steps do lead vs into Barnard Destruction 3. steps destruction The dissembling of our weakenes The ignorance of our wretchednes The excusing perseuering in our wickednes The Scriptures are written for vs Scriptâ—res writteo That we might know the will of god and follow it That wee might beleeue that Iesus is Christ the Sonne Ioh. 20. 31. of God That in belieuing we might haue life through his name The whole Scriptures are diuided Barnard Scriptures deuided into three parts Lawe Prophets Gospell The Law consist in doing the Gospell consist in belieuing This may perswade vs to belieue the authority of the scriptures to be true The secret testimony of the Bib holy Ghost in our heartes which causeth vs to consent thereto The incomprehensible Maiestie of God appearing in the simple and sincere doctrine therein The godly agreement of all parts together with the orderly disposition certainty and successe thereof The Scriptures doe set forth vnto vs amongst many other three speciall matters which wee ought to remember The frailty of man and his prone inclination to euill The Iustice of God and his seuere punishment apointed for obstinate transgressors The mercy of God and his free pardon promised to penitent sinners Euery one ought effectually to know and search the holy scriptures for knowledge because the ignorance of them is the cause of all error for confirmation because we must belieue nothing but that which is approued by them for consolation because in them is Acts 17. contained eternall life We may gather knowledge in the scriptures three manner of waies by attendant hearing of the same well preached By diligent reading of the Acts. 8. same with vnderstanding By continuall conference with such as can open them The word of God then draweth vs vnto him when it is so preached and heard as wee vnderstand and learne what is taught therby When we receiue thankfully that which is giuen promised and assured therin When we be moued with desire and diligence to doe that which it commandeth Word of god perfect word 1. Peter 4. 8. The word of God hath then his perfect worke when it is Preached truely Belieued faithfully Followed effectually Such as will not belieue the word of God what followeth If the righteous searcely be saued where shall the vngodly and sinners appeare Euery vnfaithfull shall dye in his vnfaithfullnesse saith Esdras Euery Esdras 15. 4. Ioh. 3. 18. 2. Thes 1. vnbelieuer is condemned already And shall bee punished with euerlasting perdition Ignorance can no way be excusable Ignrance vnexcusable Rom. 1. 19. for that which may be knowne of God is made manifest vnto vs For those that know not the Lawe shall perish without the law For the offering for ignorant sinnes in the Leuiticall law argueth no excuse to Leuit. 4. 12. be admitted Our Sauiour Christ describeth Mat. 13. A description by the parable of the Sower three vnprofitable hearers of the word Such a one as heareth it and vnderstaÌ„deth it not by reason the euil one commeth and catcheth it away out of his heart Such a one as heareth it and receiueth it presently with great ioy but when persecution or tribulation commeth by reason of the word he is offended Such a one as heareth it but the cares of this world and the deceitfullnesse of riches choake it and the same is made vnfruitfull We ought to resort to the Church of God because his holy ministeries Church of God must be vsed M. Fox are there laid open which are hid and obscure to many because wee may be vnited and copled together by receiuing the Sacraments because if the Lord hath promised to grant our requests where two or three bee gathered together in his name how much more will hee bee mindfull of a multitude that so assemble themselues The Church of God hath three Church 3. Ornaments ancient and excellent Ornaments Preaching Prayer Sacraments Preaching ingendreth Faith Prayer increaseth it Sacraments confirme it The Church or Congregation Congregation must pray without difference ought to pray for all men without any difference of Nation kind age or order because the Lord by calling of all sorts yea sometimes those that are the greatest enemies to the Gospell will haue his Church gathered together after this sort and therefore prayers to be made for all because God should not else be manifested to bee the onely God of all men vnlesse hee should shew his goodnesse in sauing of all sorts of men because his sonne Christ Iesus should not be seene to be the only mediator betweene God and of al sorts of men by hauing taken vpon that nature of man which is common to all men and made intercession for all Sacraments are signes or badges Sacraments of Christianity seales or pledges of our faith assurance of our saluation whereof there be two Baptisme and the Lords supper The sacrament of Baptisme teacheth Bib Baptisme vs to put on Christ that his righteousnesse may couer our sinfulnesse assureth vs that wee are grafted in Christ that all our corruption is cleane washed away chargeth vs to mortifie and dye to sinne that wee may become his seruants and liue in mutuall amity The sacrament of the Lords supper Bib Lords supper sheweth vs that the body and blood of Christ crucified is the only food for the regenerate assureth vs that Christ is wholy ours and that by faith our soules are fed and nourished in him vnto euerlasting life requireth a thankfull remembrance of his death with
〈…〉 Manured By Siâ—e 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Dressed and Maintained Printed at 〈…〉 for Thomâ—◠〈…〉 SALOMON that most renowned royal King weighing the wretchednesse of this world by the weight of his wonderfull wisedome could no lesse but redouble his words and say Vanitas vanitatum Eccle. 1. 2. vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas Which seing it is so Right 〈…〉 it behooueth euery one of vs not somuch to auoid the causes that may prouoke vs to vanity as to practise all the means that may procure vs to piety and to walke with such foresight in this terrestriall pilgrimage as we may haue fruition of felicity in the Celestiall Paradise according to the counsell of our Sauiour Christ who willeth vs first to seeke the Kingdome of God and his Mat. 7. 33. righteousnesse and not dissenting from the saying of the Apostle who perswadeth vs to set our affections on things that are aboue Col. 3. 2. not on thinges that are on the earth Insomuch that all our knowledge is but vaine that is seduced with vanity all our wisedome is but meare folly that is carried away with earthly cogitations yea al our doings detestable that tend onelye to temporall dispositions for there is none to bee deemed wise indeede that will not bestow his talent in the treasure of Gods word considering it is so precious that it ought more to be desired then Gold yea then much fine Gold and it is so delectable that in sweetnes it excelleth the hony and the hony combe wherein Psal 19. 10. Dauid did oppose his whole Psal 119. 97. delight And it is so expedient for vs to profit therin as he that hath much may yeeld somewhat sithence that he that hath lesse shall not bee excused with nothing the Lord will looke for ten Talents where hee Mat. 25. 22. left fiue and wil punish him that maketh no profit wher he bestowed one Heereof it is I haue proceeded in this enterprise and bestowed my time to the benefit of others which although it bee not comparable to any commeÌ„dable worke yet that is not excusable for any to detract his duty seing God will accept of a Mite of a willing mind neither ought to bee contemptible amongst others though all bee not currant for the building is furthered by inferiour helpes though it be framed by finer heads Againe the world is now growne into his last age wherein Sects Schismes and errors doe spread and sinne and iniquitie aboundeth Insomuch as I feare mee it is with many of vs in ENGLAND as it was with the people of ISRAEL they loathed Exod. 16. Manna that fell from Heauen for the sustenance of their bodies and too too many of vs doe little regard that spirituall Manna the word of GOD that is sent for the succour of our soules Heereof it I haue made choice of your good 〈…〉 and presented my labours to your Godly patronage assuring my selfe as you be fauourers and followers of Gods word so you will be defenders of the fruites of the same and rather bee preferrers then defacers of a forward action not doubting but your 〈…〉 will well accept of it as a worke ymporting and proceeding of good will by the consideration of that example of the poore widdow preferring the simplicitie of the giuer before the sufficiency of the gift knowing that the imperfection of the present may bee couered by the presumption of the Poet and I may say in the want of well doing Est voluisse satis Thus being loath to bee too tedious in my Epistle hauing obserued breuitie in all my said book I referre the consideration thereof to your graue censures submitting my selfe to your good curtesies and committing your to the protection of the Almightie Your to command To the Christian READER HEE that doth publish a matter to the iudgement of many the same requireth to bee done not lightly but deliberately considering it is a subiect to sundry censures and in reading and iudging all are not Candidi Lectores In regard wherof good Christian Reader I haue published my paines to thy profit and presented thy liking of it to thy looking ouer hauing as nigh as I may not onely cut off all such occasions as might cause cavillation but also ministred such matter as concernes our consolation and although it bee not pollished precisely for the expectation of the curious yet it is finished plainely for the information of the simple Now it may bee there be many that will vse obiectioÌ„s against the Triple forme of this Treatise because no art hath reduced althings and rightly to Dicotomies True but wisedome may contriue much compendiously and yet profitablie besides although I haue framed it as an easie entrance for the erudition of the ignorant I haue not excluded what may further bee added by the consideration of the learned abiect much more might bee inserted in many places for prolixitie yet much lesse I feare mee is obserued of the most part for their vtilitie Some will require a more direct placing of thinges in their order Certes that is well placed that is well applied And those that doe more respect the manner of placing then the matter it selfe may bee noted in the number of those who would haue the Psalmes of DAVID to proceede and not to follow the Booke of IOB making a scripulous question without cause when wee all know they are both included in the Scriptures and containe comfortable matter for our saluation Some will not like so many diuers sortes of sundry things congest together in one heape other will require more prospycuitie some one thing some another Insomuch that hee that expecteth to please the opinions of all people must either refraine from open Publication of any thing or referre himselfe to their generall dispositions in iudgement And this is the common successe of acceptance many will commend it most will mislike it few will follow it But as my meaning was to profit the simple by the setting foorth of it so I shall perswade the godly to a good liking of it and as for the froward I will not refell their foolish questions in disputation about it knowing what the Apostle Paul saith that foolish and vnlearned questions ingender strife So wishing all to measure by the meete they would receiue themselues and so to report as 〈…〉 â—â—â—pect 〈…〉 prisâ— I both submit myselfe to reprehension so it be pertinent and commit euery one to his owne liking so it be indifferent Vale. Yours in the Lord. GODS Acre of Land taken out of the holy Scriptures And diuers other learned Authors EVERY mans knowledge ought to bee reasonable towards Man 〈…〉 not presuâ—â— God that hee presume not to vnderstand aboue that Rom 〈…〉 which is meete to vnderstand Applyable to himselfe that acâ—â—â—ding to his knowledge hee shew 〈◊〉 same in his life and conuersation Luke 12. â—or else his great knowledge will â—oâ—â—emne him Profitable to others that as hee
the water of wholesome wisedome hee that hath this feare before his eyes his waies are beautifull the well of Life Hee that hath this feare before his eyes his paths are peaceable the beginning of knowledge Hee that hath this feare before his eyes his footesteps are vnmoueable This may inforce vs to feare God because he is said to be terrible and Exod 23. a God of reuenge because his house shall soone bee ouerthrowne that Eccle. 27. 3 feares him not because he is such a Mat. 10. 28. one as is able to cast both body and soule into hell fire God repented him of three things Gen. 6. 6. that hee made man on the Earth that he made Saule King that hee â—â—m 15. 11. â— Sam. 24. had sent euill to the Israelites God neuer repented although it seemed to mans iudgement when any thing goeth contrary to his temporall election because his eternall Hosea 13. 14 1. sam 15. Eccle. 39. 16. councell is immutable because hee is not man that hee should repent because all his workes are exceeding good God ought to bee worshipped of vs with our hearts sinceerelie because with the heart man beleeueth Rom. 10. 10. vnto righteousnesse with our mouthes boldlie because with the mouth hee confesseth vnto saluation with our workes accordinglie Iam. 2. 17. because by workes hee sheweth the fruits of his faith and profession In the true worship of God this is to bee considered if wee acknowledge Luke 12. 9. him in our hearts and denie him with our mouthes or any of our members he will denie vs and this is no better then Idolatrie if wee draw nigh him with our lippes Psal 18. 41. and are farre from him with our hearts he will not heare vs for this is meere hipocrisie if we doe workes without faith hee will not accept Rom. 14. 13. them for it is but iniqoitie Whatsoeuer we neede wee must Phil. 4. 6. require the same of God by Prayer For although he knoweth our want Luke 21. 39. before we aske yet wee must pray because hee hath commaunded wee should because we continually want that grace which hee hath promised Luke 22. 40. to giue because the diuell is busie least we fall into temptation Prayer is verie expedient and profitable considering our whole Prayer profitable M. Pla. saluation in the calling vppon the name of God for thereby hee is wholly present with vs by his Fatherlie prouidence by the which he continually watcheth ouer vs infallible power by the which hee sustaineth and succoureth our weakenesse being euery moment readie to perish infinite goodnesse by the which hee receaueth vs into fauour being miserablie laden with sinne Our Prayers are to bee vsed generally Prayers at â—ll times at all times because the Lord hath promised to heare vs at what time soeuer wee call vpon him Ezek. 18 19. faithfullie in all places because he Psal 139. 6. is euery where whither shall I goe from thy spirit saith Dauid for all persons because it is our dutie to pray one for another Iam 5. 16. In our prayer wee are to consider in whose presence wee stand that Eccle. 18. 22. Consideration in prayer seeing wee stand in the presence of God to whose maiestie so innumerable thousands of Angels doe assist and bee subiect wee may haue a reuerent regard of his maiestie in preparing our selues to prayer least thereby we tempt him To whome wee speake that seeing wee enter common with him that knoweth the secrets of our hearts before whome nothing is more odious then hipocrysie wee call vpon him in truth least he reiect our suits what wee desire that seeing prayers at aduenture are vnprofitable which proceede more Iam. 4. 2. of custome from the lippes then of zeale from the heart wee aske those things which bee most to the glory of God and the comfort of our consciences least wee aske and receiue not We must offer and continue our Prayers faithfully without doubting because the Lord hath not promised to graunt but onelie to such Mar. 11. 24. as beleeue to obtaine and therefore hee saith whatsoeuer you desire when you pray beleeue that you shall haue it and it shall be done vnto you charitablely without wrath because wee cannot bee assured of Gods fauour vnlesse wee forgiue which is after the manner of a Sacrament vnto vs hereof saith our Sauiour Christ when you pray Mar 11. 25. forgiue that your father may forgiue you Incessantlie without fainting because the Lord requireth perseuerance in our Prayers according to that same saying of S. Paule In due season wee shall reape if wee Gale 6. 9. faint not We must not offer our prayers to any I doll for it is abhomination in the sight of God to any earthlie Deut. 17. 15. Iere. 17. 5. man for cursed is hee that putteth his trust in man To any heauenlie Saint for Christ is our onely mediator Iohn 17. 3. Our prayers must bee vsed and Prayers vsed Iohn 5. 22. offered to God by Christ Iesus because power is giuen into his hands because in him the Father is well Math. 3. 17. pleased because without him we can doe nothing Ioh. 15. 5. Hee that offereth an effectuall Psal 145. Peter 3. Math. 6. Iohn 3. Psal 109. prayer must haue a liuelie feeling Faith least it be hindred peace and loue with his neighbours least it be noâ— regarded a life answerable to this Faith least it bee turned into sinne Our prayer hath his perfection Prayers perfection 1. Cor. 5. 2â— from Christ or else it could not preuaile for hee was made sinne for vs that we might bee made the righteousnesse of God for to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him Rom. 4. â— that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted righteousnesse for wee beeing iustified through Faith haue peace towards God through Rom. 5. 1. him Christ Iesus may very fitlie bee called our eyes because by him we Christ our eyes see the Father Our mouth because by him we speake to the father Our hand because by him wee offer to the father The Lord will not alwaies presentlie heare our prayers or grant our requests because hee will trie our faith and patience Hereof saith Dauid I waited patientlie for the Psal 40. 1. Lord and he enclined vnto me and heard my crie because they are impertinent for wee know not what to pray as wee ought and therefore Rom. 8. 26. wee aske and haue not because wee Iam. 4. 3. aske amisse because they accord not with his pleasure for this assurance Ioh. 5. 14. we haue if we aske according to his will he heareth vs. To this end in prayer wee should lift vp our eyes that they may not Psal 119. 37. incline or bee carried with vanitie Hereof saith Dauid turne away my eyes from regarding vanitie Our hands that wee should
submit themselues vnto him There are many walke in this world saith Paul whose God is Phil. 3 19. their belly whose glory is their shame whose end is damnation The wretchednes of this worlde made Salomon say the day of death is better then the day one is borne Eccle. 7. 3. made Iob say My soule is cut off Iob. 10. 1. though I liue made Paul say I desire to bee loosed from this life Phil. 1. 23. What should wee so account of this world seeing the fashion of it goes away The wisdome of it is meere foolishnesse The amity of 1. Cor. 7. it is enmity with God Vse this world as though ye vsed it not saith Paule These three thinges may withdraw Note three things a man from desiring long life in this world The wretchednesse of his life because it is but a continuall temptation and full of misery The grieuonsuesse of his sinnes because they will more increase by continuance The greatnesse of his Accompt because it will be the more fearefull at the yeelding vp The Godly desire to bee out of Godly their desire this world because it is variable and nothing but vanity because of the innumerable euills they are subiect vnto because they long to bee clothed with the heauenly habit Life is very sweete and so sweete that it hath prouoked the Godly to Life sweet M. Dodd prolonge the safety of it by shifts Dauid doubting of euill dealing fained himselfe mad to saue his life Paule perceiuing their cruelty that would kill him had rather in the night bee let downe in a Basket then abide Peter fearing death did forsweare his Master The faithfull and Godly in this world doe daily Fight by reason of their aduersarie Faint by reason of their Infidelity Fall by reason of Psal 37. 24. their infimity yet the shall not bee cast away These three thinges are worthy to bee considered hee that liueth three things to be considened best doth daily sinne Hee is happy that hath grace to repent Hee is blessed to whom God imputeth no sinne Although euery man is a sinner yet euery sinne is not of like consideration for some sinne of Ignorance 1. Tim. 13. 2. Sam. 11. 2 Dan. 3. 1. as Paul did some of Infirmity as Dauid did some of Malice as Nabuchadnezzar did Euery sinner must beware of Sinners to beware of 3. things Mat. 24. 50 Rom. 6. 1. these three things of Procrastination In delaying the time of repentance Of Presumption In presuming still vpon hope Of Prouocation In sinning obstinately against the holy Ghost Sinne is nothing else but a sweete poyson a flattering death and a destruction Sinne two sorts of the soule whereof there bee two sorts Originall and Actuall ADAM did further his fall and increase his sinne in the Garden 3. Adams fall waies by Ambition because hee Gen. 3. 6. thought to be as GOD knowing good from euill By Hypocrisie because Gen. 3. 10. he hid the cause of his nakednesse which was the breach of gods Gen. 3. 12. Commaundements By Impenitency because hee was so farre from acknowledging his transgression that hee burdened God with his fault in that he had giuen him a wife It appeareth by this that sinne is Execrable because it repented God Sinne execrable Gen. 6. 6 Zepan 1. 3. that he had made man on the earth Detestable because hee destroyed dumme creatures for our cause Intollerable because he would not spare his onely Sonne for our sinnes It is an exceeding comfort to a sinner to consider That God is as An exceeding comfort M. Rog. well a Father as a Lord. That Christ is as well a Sauiour as a Iudge That the Scriptures includ as well a Gospell as a Law Sinners should not despaire of Gods mercy if they did but perceiue Sinners not to despaire his goodnesse which appeareth vnto them by his readynesse in calling before they cry saith the Lord I will answere and whilest Esa 65. 24. they are yet thinking what to speak I will heare By his worthynesse in Wis 11 20. sparing hee maketh as though hee saw not the sinnes of men because they should amend By his vnwillingnesse in stricking hee taketh Ezek. 18. 23. no pleasure in the destruction but in the conuersion of Sinners What greater comfort can sinners haue sith Christ himselfe saith Sinners comfort Aske and ye shall haue Seeke and yee shall find Knocke and it shall be opened vnto you I stand at the doore and knocke c. Hee that will obtaine mercy by Apoc. 3. 20. true repentance must acknowledge his sinnes sorrowfully with the Prodigall Sonne Must shew a hearty contrition for the same and loath them Must doe good workes worthy Acts 26. 20. amendment afterward Hee that is fully perswaded of the forgiuenesse of his sinnes it behooueth him to remember these three Remembrance of 3. things things The mercy of God that he be thankefull vnto him for his gratious goodnesse shewen vnto him by remitting his offences and receiuing him into his fauour The Subtilty of Sathan that hee watch and pray continually for the Deuill 1. Pet. 5. 8. goeth about like a roaring Lyoâ— seeking whom he may deuoure The frailty of himselfe that seeing his owne infirmity hee may the rather depend vpon God and craue his mercy to increase his faith and strengthen his weakenesse or else he shall not bee able to withstand the opposite euils he is subiect to God sheweth himselfe to all his people Mercifull to the Elect In M. Pe. pardoning their sinnes Good to the Reprobate Albeit they cannot feele the sweete comfort of the same Iust to both of them In giuing Iudgement The Lord will not reiect the suit of a sinner neither accept of it vnlesse in asking he hath a speciall regard of these three thinges Of the time For the Lord will not bee found at all times but requireth opportunity Heereof saith the Prophet Esay Seeke the Lord while hâ— Esa 55. 6. may bee found and call vpon hiâ— while he is neare The Fiue foolish Virgins comming to late were excluded Mat. 25. 12. Of the manner For the Lord will not onely haue such as call vpon him depart from iniquitye but will also haue their prayers proceede from the very hart Then shalt thou call saith the same Prophet to the Hypocrites Esay 58. 9. and the Lord shall answere thou shalt cry and hee shall say heere I am Of the end For God requireth not onely opportunity of vs in asking as appeareth by the woman of Canaan but also respecteth the Mat. 15. 28. end of our requests in asking according to his will otherwise wee may aske and receiue not because wee aske amisse to consume it on our Iam. 4. 3. lusts Hee that will reclaime a sinner Obseruation of 3. things D. King must obserue three thinges in handling of him which the
drawn yet neerer vnto thee euen more to loue thee feare thee and obey thee that as thou art inlarged towards vs in mercy so we may bee inlarged towards thee in thanksgiuing and as thou dost abound towards vs in goodnesse so we may abound towards thee in obedience loue And sith deer father thou art neuer wearie of doing vs good notwithstanding all our vnworthinesse naughtines therfore let the consideratâ—on of thy great mercy and fatherly kindnesse towards vs euen as it were force our hearts compell vs to come into thy most glorious presence with newe songs of thanksgiuing in our mouths We pray thee O most merci-God to forgiue vs all our vnthankfulnes vnkindnes prophane great abusing of all thy mercies and specially our abuse contempt of thy Gospell together with all other sins of our life which we confesse are innumerable moe then can be reckoned both in omission of good things commission of euill We most humbly intreat thee to set them all ouer to that reckoning which thy sonne Christ hath made vp for them vpon his crosse and neuer to lay any of them to our charge but frely forget all forgiue al. Naile downe all our sins iniquities to the crosse of Christ burie them in his death bath them in his blood hide them in his wounds let them neuer rise vp in iudgment against vs set vs free of the miseries that are vpon vs for sinne keepe backe the iudgments to come both of soule body goods good name Be reconsiled vnto vs in thy deer Son concerning al matters past not once remembring or repeating vnto vs our old abhominable iniquities but accept vs righteous in him imputing his righteousnes to vs our sins to him Let his righteousnes satisfie thy iustice for our vnrighteousnes his obedience for our disobedience his perfection for our imperfection Moreouer wee humbly beseech thy good Maiestie to giue vs the true sight feeling of our manifold sinnes that wee may not bee blinded in them through delight or hardned in them through custome as the reprobates are but that we may be euen weary of them and much grieued for them labouring striuing by all possible meanes to get out of them Good Father touch our hearts with true repentance for all sins let vs not take any delight or pleasure in any sin but howsoeuer we fall through frailtie as we fal often yet let vs neuer fal finally let vs neuer lie downe in sinne or continue in sin but let vs get vp vpon our feet againe turne vnto thee with all our harts seeke thee whilest thou mayest bee found whilest thou dost offer grace mercy vnto vs. O Lord increase in vs that true and liuely faith whereby wee may lay sure hold on thy son Christ rest vpon his mercies altogether Giue vs faith assuredly to beleeue al the great precious promises made in the Gospell and strenghthen vs from aboue to walke abouÌ„d in all the true sound fruites of faith Let vs grow daily in the sanctification of the spirit and the mortification of the flesh Let vs liue holily iustly and soberly in this present euil world shewing forth the vertues of thee in all our particular actions that we may adorne our most holy profession and shine as lights in the midst of a crooked froward generation amongst whom wee liue being gainfull to all by our liues and couersations offensiue to none To this end wee pray thee fill vs with thy spirit and all spirituall graces as loue wisedome patience contentment meekenes humilitie temperance chastitie kindnes and affabilitie and stirre vs vp to vse prayer watchfulnesse reading meditating in thy Law all other good meanes whereby wee may grow abound in all heauenly vertue blesse vs in the vse of the meane from day to day make vs such as thou wouldest haue vs to be and such as wee desire to be working in vs both will deed purpose and power For thou O Lord art all in all thou wilt haue mercy vpon whom thou wilt haue mercie whom thou wilt thou hardnest Haue mercie vpon vs therefore deere father neuer leaue vs to our selues nor to our owne willes lusts desires but assist vs with thy good spirit that we may continue to the end in a righteous course that so at length we may be receiued into glory and be partakers of that immortall Crowne which thou hast laid vppe for all that loue thee truely call vpon thee Further we intreat thee O heauenly Father to giue vs all thinges necessarie for this life as food raiment health peace libertie such freedome from those manifold miseries which wee lye open vnto euery day as thou seest meet Blesse our stocke store corne and cattell trades occupations all the works of our hands for thy blesssing only maketh rich it bringeth no sorrows with it Grant these thinges good father vnto vs heere present and to all thine absent praying the in speciall fauour to remember our friends kinsfolks in the flesh all our neighbors wellwiller all those for whom we are bound to pray for Iesus Christs sake our onely mediator aduocate Amen An Euening Prayer to be vsed in priuate Families O Eternall God and our most louing and deare Father wee thy vnworthy children doe here fall down at the foote of thy great Maiesty acknowledging euen from our hearts that wee are altogether vnworthy to come neere thee or to looke towards thee because thou art a God of infinit glory and we are most vile and abhominable sinners such as were conceiued and borne in sinne and corruption such as haue inherited our fathers corruption also haue actually transgressed all thy holy statutes and lawes both in thoughts words and deeds before we knew thee and since secretly openly with our selues with others our particular sinnes are moe then can be numbred for who knoweth how oftentimes hee offendeth But this wee must needs confesse against our owne selues that our hearts are full of pride couetousnes the loue of this world yea the very sinckes of sin and dunghils of all filthinesse so that thou hast hast iust cause to proceed to sentence of Iudgement against vs as most damnable transgressors of thy holy Commandements yea such as are suncke in our rebellios and haue many times and often committed high treason against thy sacred Maiesty and therefore thou mayest iustly cast vs downe into Hell fire there to bee tormented with Sathan and his Angels for euer and we haue nothing to except against thy Maiesty for so doing sith therein thou shouldest deale with vs but euen according to equity and our iust deserts Wherefore deere Father wee doe appeale from thy Iustice to thy Mercie most humbly intreating thee to haue mercy vpon vs and freely to forgiue vs all our sins past whatsoeuer both new and old secret and open knowne and vnknowne and that for Iesus Christ his sake our only Mediator and Redeemer Giue vs therfore deere father euery day more more sight and feeling of our sins with true humiliation vnder the same Giue vs also that true liuely faith wherby we may lay hold vpon thy deere son Christ all his merits applying the same to our owne soules so as wee may stand fully perswaded that whatsoeuer hee hath done vpon the Crosse he hath done for vs particularly as well as for others Giue vnto vs faith good father constantly to beleeue all the sweete promises of the Gospell touching remission of sins eternall life made in thy son Christ O Lord increase our faith that wee may altogether rest vppon thy promises which are all yea Amen Yea that we may settle our selues all that wee haue wholly vpon them both our soules bodies goods name wiues children our whole estate knowing that al things depend vpon thy promises power prouidence And that thy word doth support beare vppe the whole order of Nature Moreouer we intreat thee O Lord to strengthen vs from aboue to walke in euer good way and to bring foorth the fruits of true faith in all our particular actions studying to please thee in al things and to be fruitfull in all good works that wee may shew foorth vnto all men by our good conuersation whose children we are and that we may adorne beautifie our most holy profession by walking in a Christian course and in all the sound fruits practise of Godlinesse and true religon To this end wee pray thee sanctifie our hearts by thy spirit yet more and more sanctifie our soules and bodies and all our corrupt naturall faculties as reason vnderstanding wil affections so as they may bee fitted for thy worship and seruice taking a delight and pleasure therein stirre vs vp to vse prayer watchfulnes reading and meditation in thy Law and all other good meanes wherby we may profit in grace and goodnes from day to day Blesse vs in the vse of the meanes that wee may die to sin and liue to righteousnâ—â—â— Direct all our steps in thy word â—â— none iniquity haue dominion ouer vâ— Assist vs against our special infirmitieâ— and master sins that wee may get thâ— victory ouer them all to thy glory and the great peace comfort of our owâ— consciences Strengthen vs good Father by thy grace holy spirit againâ—â— the common corruptions of the worlâ— as pride whoredom couetousnes coÌ„tempt of thy gospell swearing yinâ— dissembling and deceiuing Oh dearâ— father let vs not be ouercome of those filthy vices or any other sinfull pleasures and fond delights wherewith thousands are carried headlong into destruction Grant these things and all other needfull graces for our soules or bodies for Iesus Christs sake In whose name we further cal vpon the as he hath taught vs saying Our Father which art c. FINIS