Crums of Bread FOR The DOVE in the Clefts of the Rock and the secret places of the Stairs Cant. 2.14 Or HELPS to MEDITATION On Conversion Mortification Sanctification the Christians daily walke Communion with God c. With Directions for profitable Reading the Scriptures and good practicall Books For a Friend By J. T. My Friend ACcording to your deserts and desires I here present to you some broken Thoughts directions remembrances references for the better improvement of your Solitudes and retirements for Meditation and Reading I have ranked them under severall heads given you but briefe hints leaving the enlargements to your own thoughts what more might be required you may supply from the Scriptures your Sermon-Notes and those good books to which I have referred you Each SECTION after that you have perused the whole affords you matter enough for one Solitary season at the least and when you have done with this you may have more as God gives opportunity I begin with the subject of Conversion Regeneration and the first work if it suit not your concition you may commend it to such as you love and know may need it I leave it with you as a token of my respects for you and your Spirituall concernments God give his blessing to it and if it any way help you in your Meditation and Reading I shall desire no more then your remembrances of me at the throne of Grace J. T. SECT I. Of Conversion Regeneration c. IT is to be presupposed in order to the improvement of the following Sections that as you have been under the meanes of Grace so you are indeed in a state of Grace if you are not Consider 1. That Conversion Regeneration Obs a state of Grace and interest in Christ by faith are of absolute necessity unto salvation The Scriptures do abundantly prove it Proof turne to read and take these few for a triall John 3.3 c. Heb. 12.14 Mat. 18.3 Joh. 3.16 c. All good Reason is for it 1. Reas Without an interest in Christ thou hast no title to salvation 2. Without regeneration thou hast no fitnesse for it And 3ly Eph. 2.12 Heb. 12.14 Pro. 3.3 Hab. 1.13 Without such termes God is resolved that he will not 4. His nature is such in Wisedome Holinesse and righteousnesse Appl. that he cannot give it resolve then for it and set about it speedily seriously and to the purpose sue and seek to God for the grace and apply thy selfe to the use of the meanes with hungrings and thirstings after righteousnesse with humility faith prayer and diligence Prov. 1.7 In order to it take these Directions Direct 1. Math. 16.26 Heb. 1.13 Rom. 10. Rom. 7. Joh. 5.28.29 Rom 3.23 Gal. 3.10 Eph. 2.1 2.3 Eph. 2.12 Pro. 15. 2 Cor. 5.18 1 Tim. 1.15 Rom. 3.25 Heb. 10.15 16 17. John 3.16 Mark 1.15 Consider Thou hast a precious and an immortall soule there is a God that is Holy Just and Good he hath given thee his Law and Gospell Heaven and Hell in endlesse eternity are before thee death and judgment hasten a pace a world of sin both of nature and of life may be charged upon thee the law is against thee the curse and wrath of God is over thee thou hast no hope nor helpe in thy selfe nor in all the creatures and without a Christ and Grace and a changed state thou wilt be undone for ever For thy encouragement to thy duty understand and believe That God is in a way of grace and mercy Christ Jesus came into the World to seek and save sinners as a surety and sacrifice he hath died satisfied Gods law and Justice established a Covenant of Grace and salvation on termes of faith repentance and new obedience Heb. 5.9 Prov. 12. makes the tenders of grace and reconciliation in the ministry of the Gospell to thee hath along time been calling upon thee 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20 21. Prov. 1.23 is still waiting woing and beseeching thee to accept of him and grace his spirit is ready to help thee there is nothing wanting but thy free and full consent Heb. 3.8.12.15 ô continue not as too long thou hast done already in a state of sinne and enmity unbeliefe and unregeneracy to the disappointments of Grace 2 Cor. 6.1 the abuse of the Gospell Heb. 2.3 Heb. 10.29 Mark 16.16 2 Thes 1.8 the griefe of the spirit the reproach of the blood of Christ and the remedilesse destruction and damnation of thine own soule Repent and believe the Gospell receive Christ and Grace apply thy selfe unto thy duty in faith repentance and new obedience and thou shalt not miscarry Pro. 3.16 Rom. 8.1 2 3. thy sinnes shall be pardoned thy person shall be justified thy nature shall be changed thy soule shall be saved John 3.36 2. Understand what is required of thee and expected from thee in the termes of the Gospell faith repentance and new obedience in short 't is thus John 17.3 Pro. 3.33 Rom. 10.10 11. Rom. 1.5 1. By faith thou art 1. To apprehend 2. To assent unto 3. To apply unto thy selfe and 4. To improve the discoveries made unto thee 1. Of sinne and wrath in the Law of God 2. Of Grace and mercy through Christ in the Gospell of Salvation 2. Lam. 3.40 By Repentance thou art 1. To search and find out the sinfulnesse in some good measure of thy nature and of thy life Rom. 7.13 2. Through the consideration of the sinfulnesse of sinne which is the greatest evill in it selfe as against God and the greatest good Eph. 2.2 3. the consideration of thy sad condition because of sin according to the Law of God the greatest judgment in this life and that to come Ezek 16.60 61. Jer. 3. and the consideration of the abundant grace and mercy set before thee in the good will of God to thy salvation 1. The death of Christ the blessings and promises of life and of salvation tendered to thee Ps 51. to Humble thy soule with griefe of heart and brokennesse of spirit Dâ—rt 9 3. To cast thy selfe at Gods feet before the throne of grace in free and full confession in earnest prayer and supplication for grace and mercy through Jesus Christ 4. Rom. 7. Ezck 33.11 Is 1.16 Ezek. 18.31 To set thine heart against all manner of sin whatsoever to hate it and abhorre it in the strength of God to resolve the utter destruction of it in thy nature the avoidance of it in thy life and Conversation Rom. 7. together with all the temptations and occasions that lead thee to sin from without and all the corrupt motions dispositions workings of it that are within according to the prohibitions in the word the convictions of the spirit and the checks of thy conscience and this both in thought word and deed 5. Thou must be sure to give proofe of all in the course of thy life and conversation Matth. 3.8
Mat. 3.8 and if through weaknesse and infirmity thou beest at any time overtaken to reflect upon thy selfe Ps 51. and renew these actings of repentance with particular application to that transgression And 7. Every day whether sin be known or not known to be searching humbling confessing praying resolving labouring to root out and destroy the remainders of thy Corruption Ps 19.12 3. New obedience calls thee 1. To Consider the obligation that lies upon thee by nature and grace to know and to doe the will of God 2. Rem 12.1 Rom. 14.9 To acquaint thy selfe with the mind and will of God revealed in his word as the rule of thy dury 3. Ps 1. Psal 119. Acts 9.6 Deut. 39 Is 56.8 To give up thy selfe in the sence of thy duty and Gods mercy through Christ in a Covenant of sincere free full universall and constant obedience 4. Making Christ thy strength and the Word thy rule Gods Glory and thine own salvation thine end and the spirit thy guide and a good conscience thy principle to apply thy selfe to the exercise of every grace Psal 50.4 Rom. 6.12 and the performance of every duty which God requireth of thee towards himselfe thine own soule and others in thy place condition Phil. 3.8 1 Pet. 2.5 and capacity 5. Making up thy defects when sensible of them by presenting thy person and thy duty to Gods Gracious acceptance according to the Covenant of of Grace through the mediation of Jesus Christ In so doing Com. for thy Comfort understand that God will accept and Christ will help grace shall be thy state God Christ promises pardon peace priviledg shall be thy portion whilest thou art here death judgment hell curse wrath and reall evils shall not come nigh to hurt thee Heaven blessednesse and glory eternall life and joy shall be thine inheritance and possession to all eternity And if thou wouldest not miscarry in this great work Caut. Luk. 19.42 Mat. 11.6 take heed 1 of delaies demurres put offs 2. of taking offence at the strictnesse of duty at the low condition of Christ and Christians and the scandalous lives and actions of Hypocrites and professors who shall beare their burden Acts 2.40 3. of evill company 4. Of discouragements from carnall friends 5. Heb. 3.12 Of an evill heart of impenitency and unbeliefe 6. Of Temptations from Sathan 7. Acts 26.28.29 Of being but almost a Christian resting in convictions confessions humiliations vowes and promises profession partiall change and reformation good esteem with others till the work be perfectly done and thine heart subdued unto God in Christ in faith repentance and new obedience according to the Gospell and the directions now set before you 8. Rom. 14.1 Of troubling your selves with needlesse disputes and questions about things of small moment in Religion or above your reach 9. Of Spirituall pride upon the one hand or unnecessary calling in question your condition upon the other where this work is sincerely done or Gods Grace and mercy for your pardon and acceptance in Jesus Christ 10. Take heed of Apostacy and backsliding in whole or part to corrupt opinions and errours upon the one hand or to sinfull practises and courses upon the other When this work is done Coun. give grace the glory 1 Tim. 1.14 Mat. 18.3 adore its freedome and magnifie its power believe its constancy and live upon its fulnesse till brought to glory 2. Be daily practising and perfecting this blessed work and think not that all is done till thou getst to Heaven 3. For further direction and thy better progresse be much in Holy exercises Acts 9.11 praying hearing meditating conferring with good Christians reading the Scriptures and Sermon notes and good books especially about Conversion and Regeneration Some Sermons I have purposely preached on this Subject in Abington on the severall instances of conversion in the new Testament in Exeter on Joh. 3. at Petrocks on Acts 26.18 at Mary-steps and Edmonds on Matth. 18.3 at Mary-moores c. besides collaterall applications had I been more in this work and method successe would have been through grace proportionable These following are choice Books though not all that may be read upon this subject get and read what you can of them Baxters Call to the unconverted Baxter Of Conversion Baxters Directions to prevent miscarrying in conversion His Saint or a Brute His Sermons on Death and Judgment His Everlasting Rest Whately of Regeneration Hooker's Soules preparation for Christ Soule 's Humiliation with severall other Treatises of his contracted in Ambrose his prima or first things Dike of Repentance morning Exercise at Giles London Morning exercise at Cripplegate the Sermons in them on this Subject Ob Sedgwick on Rev. 3.20 his treatise of faith c. SECT II. Of Mortification HAving seen the Conversion of the Sinner let us proceed to the worke and exercise of the Saint and the first thing that presents it self to our consideration for the improvement of his conversion is the Mortification of his corruption and therein note 1. That there is an indwelling Body of sin and corruption that remaineth in the converted and regenerated person It is perfectly pardoned but not perfectly purged out and destroyed while in this body of flesh See Romanes 7th per tot 2. It is the duty and property of every truly converted and regenerated person to proceed in the mortification of corruption and to endeavour through grace the compleat destruction of that body of sin that is about him and every branch and member of it See Rom. 6. 7. 8. Col. 3. Gal. 5 c. throughout R. 1. Remaining sin is remaining enmity to God and to the Christian himselfe Rom. 8.7 1 Pet. 2.11 Gen. 17.1 and must not be let alone 2. Conversion and true Repentance is only sincere and true as it intends perfection 3. It must be perfectly done by Grace upon us 1 Cor. 15.50 ere we can be fit subjects of the Kingdome of Heaven Rom. 6.6 4. The Death of Christ intends our perfect freedome and deliverance by degrees and in due time as from the guilt of sin and the punishment of sin so from the dominion of sin in our conversion Rom. 6.12 Rom. 7.25 Gul. 5.26 the abiding power of sin in our progressive mortification and at last the presence and being of sin in our dissolution what Christs death intends in its Merit Example Argument and Influence the same should we intend in our purpose and progresse for communion with him and conformity to him in his death and crucifixion Take these Directions for it 1. by way of COnsideration 2. by way of Operation and Practise 1. Ps 16.8 Ps 119.11 Gen. 39.9 Ps 18.21 22. Rom. 7.13 Set before thine eyes continually especially upon the motions of sin and temptations unto sin the Holinesse of God in his Name Nature Word and Will his Holy Eye his Holy Law 2. Set before thine eyes
5.43 and 4. keep then a good courage Math. 10.28 SECT XI Of Spirituall Retirements REtirements are sometimes from necessity through the providence of God Cant. 2.14 Is 26. ult the rage of Sathan and the malice of the World Rev. 12.6 14. and sometime from choice for privacy in duty and freedome from distraction Math. 6.5 6. Improve such for meditation prayers reading and maintaining communion with God Leave the world behind you desire God's presence and believe his promise SECT XII Of Meditation MEditation is necessary comfortable but difficult Take these Directions for it 1. Make conscience of the duty Ps 1. Ps 119. not only occasionally but solemnly and frequently 2. Take the fit and freest times for it 3. Lay aside for that time worldly occasions and thoughts 4. Set your self in God's presence 5. Begin with Prayer to God for direction presence and blessing 6. Pitch your thoughts on some suitable and seasonable heart-affecting subject as the excellency and use of the Scriptures the Attributes of God the state of Innocency Sin state of nature covenant of grace Christ his Offices excellencies c. death satisfaction c. the love of God the love of Christ faith and other particular graces c. Meditate often of the sinfulness of sin the vanity of the creature the love of God the excellency of Christ death the resurrection judgment heaven and helâ— sometimes When you would meditate on these understand first the doctrine of them and what is considerable in them for that purpose read in some doctrinall book on such a subject and after that by meditation consider and work upon your hearts to affect them without this help you will be able to do little on most subjects For subjects and books on those subjects Dr Wilkin's Ecclesiastes may direct you for this use as others for another 7. Observe if you can a good method for which see directions in books If you cannot follow their methods follow Davids in the Psalms Ps 116.5 Ps 42. Sometimes let it be prayerwise sometime by way of Soliloquie or discourse with your selves or take some good bock and work what you read upon your heart 'till you have discerned the truth tasted the sweetnesse and felt the power of it The briefe Notes in these Sections are intended for your help on those heads and are left to your inlargements on purpose or take the Scriptures and meditate on what you read 8. Keep your hearts to the work quicken them when dull 9. Intend heart-work especially in this exercise the quickning of grace strengthning of faith and stirring of affections 10. Close up with prayer and as opportunity is afforded solemne and with respect to the subject of your meditation Read Bp Hall's directions for meditation and Baxter in his Everlasting Rest and Whites and Ambrose in his Middle things SECT XIII Of Prayer I Need not set before you its necessity and excellenny Rom. 8.15 16. the spirit of Adoption will reach you to cry Abba Father Gal. 4 6. 1. 1 Thes 5.17 Be frequent in prayer often in solemne and even constantly in ejaculatory and occasionall 2. Be fervent and spirituall Rom. 8.26 Rom. 15.30 3. Be humble and lowly Gen. 18.27 Ezr. 9.6 4. Believing 5. Importunate Luk. 18. More particularly 1. Keep your hearts in a praying frame Eph. 6.18 Ps 5.3 Math. 6.9 2. Mind the occasions and opportunities 3. Prepare your selfe to it by meditation 2 Sam. 7.27 4. Take right apprehensions of God as your father in heaven as a spirit great and glorious but your God and Father in Christ take up suitable apprehensions to your occasion as God shall direct 5. Humble your soules in sence of sin to be confessed 6. Affect your hearts with the mercies to be desired 7. Jacob. Hos 12.3 4. Wrestle with God with Arguments proper 8. Content not your selfe with the bare performance without affection of heart and enjoyment of God 9. Keep close to the duty as near as you can without distraction Math. 6.7 Eccl. 5.2 Rom. 8.26 Phil. 4.6 Math. 6. Eph. 6.19 10. Affect not words nor length 11. Joyn praises with praiers 12. Be not private spirited in prayer but remember others especially the Church of God 13. Take delight in this duty 14. rest not in prayer but in Christ Eph. 3.12 John 14.13 through whom present your person and prayers unto God with faith 15. Look after your prayers Ps 5.3 and God's answers to them Read Cobbet of Prayer Gee of Prayer Ambrose his Directions ia his middle things T. Goodwins return of prayer Ford of Adoption Cripplegate exercise 14.17.19 SECT XIV Of Sanctification of the Lords day 1 BE setled in the doctrine of the Morality of the Sabbath 4th Comm For this purpose read Sermon Notes and books especially Cawdry and Palmer Shepheard and Whites appendix to his directions for reading the Scripture 2. Prepare for it desiring the day Exod. 20. composing your worldly affaires and laying them aside in the evening before set your heart in order towards a Sabbath and desire God's presence and blessing for the day approaching 3. In the morning awake with God proceed to private and family duties be more large and solemne in them then at other times spend intervals in meditation holy conference reading and prayer 4. Is 2.3 Ps 122.1 Ps 100. Hasten to publique ordinances lay aside prejudices and take care to give God your hearts See Burroughes of Gospell worship and other treatises of that Nature 5. Lev. 26.42 If you want publique opportunity enquire into the cause if sin be in it humble your soules justify God and accept of the punishment of your sin pray for pardon act repentance with faith in the bloud of Christ lament after the Lord. 1 Sam. 3. Ps 42.84.63 6. Rev. 12.14 Ps 42. Make up your want in private worship 1. Begin with prayer confession of sin and supplication for a blessing with praise to God 2. Read much of the Scripture Psalmes Old and New Testament Meditate upon it draw your observations and worke them on your hearts observe Gods teachings and impart them to any with you 3. Pour out your hearts more largely in prayer 4 Take some good Sermon Notes or some choice book and spend a Sermon time in it and suppose you were hearing it in the publick congregation 5. Close up with prayer and praises desiring a blessing In intervals of time take refreshments naturall with spirituall affections thoughts discourses Let the rest of the time be spent as in the morning in meditation reading Is 56.6 Is 58.13 conference and prayer In the afternoon at the solemn time do again as in the morning After that as in the intervals reflecting on what you read observed and were taught of God that day renew your family and your closet duties as in the morning and be much in Thanksgiving Let the day be improved for God and with him Keep out the
treatise on the Sacrament SECT XVII Of reading the Scriptures 1. SEttle your faith in the Divinity 2 Pet. 1.19 Authority and Verity of the Scriptures And for that consider 1. that God is 2. that God in his name 2 Tim. 3.16 Joh. 1.1 c nature and will cannot be known without revelation of himselfe 3. such is his goodnesse not to say his justice that he will not expect that we should know him believe in him worship and serve him not having given the world a sufficient discovery of himselfe 4. there is no other Act. 4.12 but this of the Scriptures sufficient for that purpose Heb. 1.1 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. 5. This hath been delivered from God from time to time and 6. is a sufficient discovery of God and of his will 1. The Scriptures affirm it 2. Nothing rationall can be objected against it 3. The Contents prove it it carries selfe-evidence with it and all divine characters necessary to it Heb. 2.4 4. It hath been sealed from heaven by a continued series of Providence by miracles by the powers of the Holy Ghost upon the first writers and publishers Heb. 4.12 by spirituall and divine operations on Hearers some to Conversion and Consolation on others to Conviction and Confusion 5. It hath been confirmed and sealed by the bloud of Christ and many thousand Martyrs Heb. 9.15 6. It is wonderfully preserved in the world 1 Tim. 3.15 and handed in the Church from one generation to another and is still the same notwithstanding all attempts to deface it 7. 1 Joh. 5.10 Every true Believer hath the witnesse to it within himselfe lives upon it Rev. 12.11 and would dye many a death rather then deny it loose it or the comforts of it 2. Be conversant with it Psal 1.1 2. and much in reading it hearing it and meditating upon it Ioh. 5.45 Ps 1. 19. 119. 2 Pet. 1.19 2 Tim. 3.15 Rev. 1.4 c with faith love humility diligence obedience constancy 3. Read sometime occasionally Act. 8.28 29. for your instruction and consolation as you shall be guided to it by God's spirit and providence and your best understanding but often solemnely have your set times for it in your retirements besides the family and publick opportunities sit close at it be not long absent from it Read for spirituall refreshment as God shall direct you be much acquainted with the Psalmes Esay the N Test Read for particular purposes on speciall places Read for the generall knowledge of the Scripture the Bible in order and for quantity at a time as your opportunity will give leave 4. when you are to read solemnly 1 Pet. 2.1 lay aside sinfull lust and worldly thoughts quicken your affections to the duty set your self in Gods presence beg his spirit take the Book in hand with reverence read with faith fear diligence and understanding and that you may the better understand it Act. 8.30 31. use such helps as God hath afforded 1 Consider the connexion and scope comparing it with other places 2. Refer it to an enquiry when you meet with a good Annotator or an able Minister 3. Passe on to what you may more easily understand and remember that places concerning salvation and the necessaries to it for saith and life are generally plaine and easy to be understood What you understand consider Ps 119. that it may affect your heart and take place in your memory and give you such obvious observations as it naturally affordeth for instruction or consolation take speciall notice of what may increase your spirituall knowledge rebuke your corruption direct and quicken you to duty answer temptations and refresh your soules and more especially of what the spirit of God in reading sets home upon your hearts with evidence and power If you would not willingly loose the observations set a note upon the place and if need be refer it to your Note-book for that purpose When you have done reflect upon the whole by meditation and commend it to God in prayer bringing forth the fruits of it in an holy life and conversation Helpes to the understanding of the Scriptures may be such as these 1. Read books directing you about the Scriptures as Ambrose Middle things Whites Directions for Reading Roberts Key to the Bible 2. When you meet with a difficult place Note it referre it for an enquiry when you meet with an able Minister or a good Expositor 3. Have some choice Annotations on the whole Bible and on particular books if the English Annotations in Folio be costly Get Bishop Halls Paraphrase or Deodates Annotations For the perticular books there are severall as Caryll on Jobe Burroughes on Hosea Greenhill on some part of Ezekiel Hutchenson on the lesser Prophets Dickson on the Psalmes 1. Dixon on Matthew and Hebrewes and all the Epistles Hutchenson on St Johns Gospell Manton on James and Jude Jenkins on Jude Sclater on Thessalonians Baine on Ephesians Bifield on Collossions c. Ainsworth on Pentatench Psalmes and Canticles with many others if you cannot get all get such as you can 4. Acquaint your selves with the Generall Contents of the severall books In Scritpure the Five Books of Moses shew the Creation of the World and the foundation of the Church at length setling it on Abrahams family with Gods proceeding with them in Egypt and the wildernesse under the conduct of Moses c. Joshua and other Historicall Books shew the progresse of God and his providence towards the Church in severall waies and persons and times The Psalmes are full of spirituall Meditations Proverbs full of instructions for Holy Wisdome Ecclesiastes shewes the vanity of the creature Canticles communion between Christ and his Church and that as some think Prophetically The Prophets containe not only Prophecies that concerned the Jewes and other Nations but many promises of Christ and Grace c. The Evangelists give you the History of Christ his person doctrine miracles life death resurrection and ascension The Acts shew the foundations of the Christian Church among Jewes and Gentiles The Epistles are for the edification of those Churches and our instruction occasioned mostly by Heresies and persecutions The Revelations Prophetically set forth the state of the world in generall and the Church in speciall from St Iohns daies till the end of the World Be most conversant in plaine and practicall Scripturess neglect not others Doctrinall or Historicall For the propheticall especially Daniell and the Revelations they are beyond the reach of famous Divines much more common Christians Providence is the best expositor on Prophecies and to a good understanding in them there needs much knowledg of History and Chronology yea the most profound and abstrusest parts of learning only somethings in generall may be easily understood as that such and such places concerne the description and condition of the Church in her pure or degenerate in her prosperous or suffering condition and such and such the enemies of God and of his people and so may be read with profit In summe believe the truth of the Scripture Adore the Majesty of God in them acquaint your selves with their matter make them the ground of your faith and the rule of your life and practise blesse God for them and wait till Heaven give an absolute and perfect understanding of the whole SECT XVIII Of Reading good Books IT hath been Gods wonderfull care of his people to provide as the Scriptures so good books for them there are many such both doctrinall and practicall Get and read the best but in a good method and with diligence 1. For Books Scripturall they are such as these 1. Expositors as before Sermons of them make choice Concordances Newmans and Cottons are large but usefull Downhams are briefe and it may be may serve a private Christian A Book of Scripture references perhaps in English may be wanting the Catechisme in quarto with the Scripture references may be a present supply till a larger may be had Directive for reading of the Scriptures you had in the former Section as Ambrose and Bifield c. And for the reading of expositors some as the briefe Annotations must be consulted on difficulties others as larger expositors may be read in order throughout as other choice books Doctrinall Bishop Ushers Body of Divinity Downhams sum Leighs Body of Divinity The morning exercise at Giles and the Assemblies larg Catechismes with other Catechismes will be a good introduction to them you may referre your other reading From some good Catechisme understand the principles of Religion and then having gotten a knowledg of the heads in Divinity proceed to other books observing the point of doctrine with its proofe from Scripture and sound reason It 's severall branches for Amplification and it's uses in Application For sentences and illustrations you may look upon them as profitable or pleasant but not so necessary For Controversall you need not trouble your selfe with most of that nature get advice for such from an able minister For practicall there are many on particular subjects I have referred you to not a few Others are on mixed subjects get and read the best Such as these I would commend besides others you may meet with and at present I may let slip Shepheards sound convert and believer and others of his Hookers works Baxters Gurnhalls Loves Preston Sibbes Perkins Downham Harris Tomas Goodwins VVorks Reynolds Symonds Morâ—i Exercises both Ball. Read well Ambroâ—â— looking unto Iesus c. In reading practicall books observe these directions 1. Acquaint your self with 〈◊〉 best books 2. With the generall conteâ— of the book 3. Then read it over in â—â—der for time as opportunity gives leaâ—â— 4. Observe the principall heads more 〈◊〉 enlargements 5. Incorproate the maâ—â—ter into your understanding And 6 theâ—â— get it wrought into your hearts and upon your affections by meditation 7. take speciall notice of what particularly concernes you especially what is set home upon your hearts by the spirit of God in your reading either by way of conviction instruction or consolation 8. make an end with one good book before you begin with another in your ordinary course Let your books be few choice sufficient and read them well Get a well chosen and composed closet of books A faire Bible Deodates Annotations a Concordancâ—â— Ushers Body of Divinity and for practicâ—â—â— Books as you can procure them FINIS
9. 1 Cor. 10.31 Tit. 2.12 In all refreshments of food or recreation be sober serious and spirituall 10. Upon rovings and wandrings call in thine heart Eccles Prov. and let not thy thoughts be too far dispersed or too long disingaged from communion with God soul-concernments and matters of Eternity 11. Eph. 4.26 Take heed of passions rash anger sudden surprisals or provocations that may be offered Do no wrong take notice of little forgive much forbear retaliation in words or actions in great affronts be not too much disturbed and commit events and returns to God 12. Eph. 6.1 Eph. 5.22 Fill up Relations with relative duties whether as superior or inferior or equall be obedient to the commands of Superiours according to the will of God be respectfull kind and friendly to equals be moderate tender and gentle to inferiors Do evill to none but good to all 13. Beware of your company Eph. 5.7.11 Ps 15. have no more to do with wicked persons then of necessity you must let their presence be your burthen and their profanenesse your abhorrency let them know that you do not like them Let the good be welcome entertaine them as Christians receive from them or give to them what may be spirituall Let your time be pretious Eph. 5.16 and little or none be wasted fill up all with necessary duties that belong unto it or find out something good and commendable to improve it On moments of time depends eternity let not spirituall and temporall duties interfer but let each have their proper seasons run not from thy particular calling to exercises of the generall when unseasonable neglect not the generall for the particular when thou hast thy freedome 15. Let not the world or the things of the world be too earnestly desired eagerly persued 1 Joh. 2.15 Phil. 4.11 affectionately imbraced be thankfull for and content with necessaries what 's more let it be improved in the chearfull service of God in works of piety and charity Keep thine heart at a distance and loose from all and be contented to part with all Heb. 10.34 when called to it knowing that Heaven is thine inheritance and God himself thy portion 26. Observe the waies and methods of God's providence towards thee from day to day consider the graces to be exercised on such occasions Live the life of dependance on God's providence and subjection to his will be thankfull for his mercies and endure his chastisements Let extraordinary dispensations have extraordinary observations 17. Remember to walke with God humbly Mica 6.8 Tit. 2.12 cheerfully obediently and believingly Carry your selves to men respectfully righteously friendly demean your selves sâ—berly gravely prudently bear all injuries patiently receive all Kindnesses thankfully do all Courtesies readily 18. Suffer no guilt contracted to lie long upon you but be often examining your selves Ps 19 Ps 32. beg on sence of sin renew your repentance and faith on the bloud of Christ and returne to Duty 19. Tit. 2.13 Doe something every day towards the last in mortifying corruption strengthning graces increasing knowledge furthering your assurances drawing nearer to Heaven in thoughts on it desires after it preparations for it 20. In the evening of the day Ps 4.4 reflect on what hath past cast up accounts be humble for defects repent of transgressions be thankfull for mercies renew your acquaintance with God as you have opportunity in solemne duties of praier meditation and reading the Scriptures or some good Books performe these duties as also your family duties in good season Ps 3.5 Ps 4. ult see Ps 1 42. 16. When all is done remember Mortality and Eternity Act repentance and faith and commit your soules and bodies and family to God and to his keeping SECT V. Of Communion with God THE Convert may noâ—â— advance to a more especiali 〈…〉 God and that not only as 〈…〉 â—â—iviledge See 1 John 1.3 c. 〈…〉 20. Job 22.21 R For such as have int◠〈…〉 God Rom. 5.1 accesse to God acceptaâ—â—â—â—ith God are beloved of him may 〈…〉 and derive from him This 〈…〉 partly presupposeth and partly requireth what we have in these following particulars and it may be in some other 1. Heb. 10.19 20. It presupposeth reconciliation with God through the mediation of Christ apprehended by faith answered in repentance pursued in obedience and maintained in walking before him 2. It immediately followes union with Christ Eph. 2.18 relation to God and inhabitation of the Spirit 3. It supposes the qualification of the person in conformity to God Ps 15. and assimilations to him 4. Joh. 14.21 It is maintained on Gods part by teachings of the Spirit influences of grace Rev. 3.20 Cant. 5.1 Ps 25.14 testimonies of Love and earnests of his glory On the Christians part by what here followeth 1. Addresses to God in holy duties Ps 73.28 Ps 100. solemn or occasionall through Christ and by the Spirit 2. Apprehensions of God his glory Joh. 17.3 his grace love and goodnesse revealed in his word through Christ and applied by the Spirit 3. Adorations of God high thoughts of him with humble worshippings praises Ps 100.4 and acknowledgments 4. Affections to God in Christ Ps 42.1 Ps 63.1 running out in love desire delight and joy 5. Ps 36.7 Cant. 8.5 Affiance in God through Christ in his grace goodnesse truth faithfulnesse power and providence 6 Activity of grace in holy duties Cant. 4.16 proper in times seasonable in manner spirituall in measure fruitfull 7. Ps 16.8 Cant. 2.7 Actuall intentions of God and of his glory and of being well pleasing to him in the frame of our hearts in the course of our lives and especially in our holy duties 8. Applications of his love Cant. 1.2 c. Rom. 5.5 6 c. upon the discoveries of it in his word the shedding of it abroad in our hearts by his Spirit the evidence of it in his graces and the experience of it in his mercies 9. Acquainting him with our necessities Phil. 4.6 Cant. 2.14 desires cases and conditions from day to day provided it be humbly heartily believingly it may be freely and with holy familiarity as a friend with his friend a child with his father and the spouse with her husband and this whatever be our distresses and dangers troubles and sorrows wrongs and injuries wants and weaknesses temptations and infirmities 10. Attendance to the methods of his providence Job Ps 8. Cant. 5.4 and the motions of his spirit with the observation of his works and the opening of our hearts unto his word hearkning to his whispers sensible apprehensions of his approaches to your soules not suffering our selves to be unmindfull of him estranged from him 11. Attributing all our mercies and refreshments Eph. 3. ult spirituall and temporall with the hopes of eternall to his free grace and mercy in Jesus Christ giving him the glory
sue out Mortifying influences from the death of Christ 5. Let faith set thee in the way wherein those virtues are to be experienced as before in the Section of Mortification 6 Let faith consider the guilt removed the dominion broken Heb. 12.14 2 Cor. 3.5 the power restrained the rest not imputed where not allowed strength against sin vouchsafed and in conclusion the destruction of it 3. Gal. 3.13 14. Let faith for perfect sanctification 1. Affect thine heart with the consideration of the necessity Eph. 2.5 excellency and beauty of it Rom. 6.4.5 2. With the sence of thine own in sufficiency for the acting continuing evereasing of it Eph. 4.7.8 Eph. 1.22.23 3. Act faith on Christ 1. Let faith look upon Christ in his word prescribing in his life directions in his death procuting whatever might be needfull for it Gal. 3.13 14. Eph. 2.5 Rom. 6.4 5 Eph. 4.7 8 Eph. 1.22.23 1 Cor. 1.30 in his resurrection arising as your head to quicken your soules to newnesse of life in Heaven possessing all gifts and graces and having the fulnesse of the spirit with power to dispence it 2. Apply it 3. Assent unto it 4. Make it your choice 5. Sue it out by Prayer 6. Look up to him by faith for virtue 7. In the expectation of his influences apply your selves unto the exercising of your graces 4. Live the life of faith in Temptations 1. Let faith look upon Christ as having been tempted though without sin and knowing how to compassionate 2. Heb. 2.18 Look on Christ in his death taking away the foundation of your temptations Heb. 2.14 and breaking the serpents head purchasing your redemption from his dominion though not disturbance establishing the promises for your reliefe Gen. 3.15 In Heaven look on him as interceding for you and exalted in power to help you Phil. 2.9 2. Apply it 3. Assent to it 4. 2 Cor. 12.8 Rest upon it 5. Eph. 6.12 13 c. Sue out the virtues of Christ by Prayer 6. In his strength resist your temptation in the way of his direction and putting on the spirituall armour using it in its place and season 7. So doing doubt nothing of your acceptance assistance deliverance Rom. 16.20 reward and triumphs 5. For Worldly troubles do the like 1. John 16.33 1 Joh. 5.4 Gal. 1.4 Let faith see Christ in his death removing the evill which is the sting of trouble as the guilt of sinne the curse of the law and the wrath of God procuring the graces and comforts in the promises providence and spirit of God Eph. 1.19 20 21 22. in his resurrection and ascension look upon him above all trouble as your head assuring you of conformity to him in his exaltation hereafter Hos 6. beg as you have with him in his humiliation here To this ad the comforts from the same 1 Cor. 15.55 Heb. 2.14 Is 26.19 Zach. 1.12 Phil. 2.9 Is 54.5 1 Pet. 1.5 in Christ against death and the terrors of it mutatis mutandis the like for the Church of God in her distresses Follow it to his intercession and his government of the world by his power and providence having a care of his spouse in all troubles intending only probation Ps 73.23 Ps 28. ult Gal. 6.14 c. at most correction not at all destruction 2. Let faith Apply this and the like 3. Assent 4. Rely 5. Performe the duties of such conditions 6. Confidently from Christ expect acceptance assistance and deliverance 6. Live the life of faith for eternall life 1. G. l. 3.13 Look on Christ in his state of Humiliation as removing the hindrances sinne law curse and wrath death and Hell 1. Purchasing the title and all advantages Heb. 9.15 establishing the covenants and all the conveyances in his exaltation advancing towards it entering into it Joh. 14.1 Heb. 6.18 Col. 3.1 and taking possession of it not only for himselfe but for all believers as their forerunner keeping it for them appointing their mansions securing their title Gal. 4.4 and taking order for their Adoption qualification preservation Joh. 17.24 Rev. 22.20 Heb. 11.1 Heb. 10.34 comfort here and at last their assumption that according to his desire Prayer and promise they may be for ever with him c. 2. Let faith apply it 3. Assent unto it 4. Rely upon it And 5. Carry out to duty and waies of Holinesse And 6. 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5 6 7 8 Resolvedly passe through your trials difficulties dangers and deaths according to the will of God Committing your soules unto him nothing doubting but in the end you shall receive the end of the faith 2 Cor. 4. ult 2 Cor. 5.1 c. the salvation of your soules 7. Live much upon it and the fore-thoughts of it it is Glorious it is yours it is certaine it is safe it will be Eternall Christ hath procured it Christ doth possesse it 2 Cor. 5.5 Eph. 1.14 Phil. 1.23 the promises assure it the sacrament seale it the spirit is the earnest your graces are the evidences for it and all your dangers and deaths do but prepare you for it or enter you into it 7. Live the life of faith on Christ Jesus for faith it selfe Heb. 12.2 2 Thes 1.14 take his directions follow his example bottom on his his undertaking depend upon his fulnesse yeild to his methods and expect his influences This life of faith is necessary comfortable sure practicable influentiall honourable Study it use it and for further directions I commend you besides your own meditations and sermon notes on Gal. 2.20 or other Scriptures to the reading of these Books Balls Life of faith Lawrence life of faith Cuiverwell Life of faith Ward life of faith Ambrose his Middle things about the life of faith Psal 9.10 More particularly acquaint your selves with the Attributes of God the offices of Christ the relations wherein he standeth his severall states of Humiliation and exaltation 1 Cor. 2.3 with the intentions of all and their improvements for this I referre you to Sermons on Gods Attributes and providence and to good Books as Preston Of Gods Attributes and particularly his All-sufficiency Stocke Of Gods Attributes Wilkins on Providence Gearing of Providence Obad. Sedgwick on Psal 23. and Providence Dike on Gods Name c. and for that of Christ to T. Goodwins Works Especially Christ exalted as the object of Faith Study it throughly with the peece of Christs heart in heaven c. Ambrose his looking unto Jesus Robinsons Similitudes your Sermon Notes on Christ c. the Lectures on the four Evangelists in harmony on Christ 2 Sam. 23.5 Study likewise in order to this life of faith the Covenant of Grace the nature of it the contents of it the foundation of it in the blood of Christ Heb. 9.15 16 17. the confirmation by the oath of God and by sacraments the severall
world Get some speciall acquaintance with God with Christ and Heaven Do good to the soules and bodies of others as you have opportunity especially in your family Blesse God much for Christ and the worke of Redemption and look and long for Heaven See Goodwin of sanctifying the Sabbath Expos or 4th Comm. Shepheard c. SECT XV. Of Fasting and Humiliation 1. AS necessity requireth and opportunity is offered be often in the duty of self-examination soul-humiliation with fasting and prayer 2. Improve publick daies for that purpose 3. Keep some private in your family and in your Closet because of family and personall necessities Zach 12.12 And for direction in it having considered your necessities set a fit and free time apart put your heart into a posture and sought God's presence set about the work 1. Jach 12.12 Dan. 9. Lam. 3.39 Let your private and family duties of daily course look towards it 2. Sit down and examine your hearts and lives and find out your speciall sins and transgressions in every age in every relation place c. 3. Dan. 9. Having found them out set them home upon your hearts in the consideration of their nature number and aggravations 4. Draw up against your selves the sentence of the law of God Gal. 3.10 5. 1 Joh. 1.9 Put your selves into the presence of God and make large free and ingenuous confessions of sins both of nature and life Ps 51.17 6. Get your hearts humbled under them in God's sight and desire him to work you to it 7. Dan. 9.7 11. Acknowledge your deserts of death and damnation and of your particular affliction 8. 2 Cor. 7.11 Worke your hearts to hatred and abhorrency of your sin and expresse it sincerely 9. Look upon God in Christ as gracious Exod. 34.6 and mercifull willing to pardon sin 10. Dan. 9.19 Plead hard for pardon in the bloud of Christ 11. Present Christ Jesus as your sacrifice Levit. Rom. 3.25 once offered upon the crosse ever presented in Heaven let faith apprehend it apply it and present it unto God 12. Ps 51.7 Beg God's cleansing and sanctifying grace 13. Ps 51.13 Renew your covenant for better obedience in the bloud of Christ with a sincere heart and desire God's acceptance and grace 14. Pray for the removall of the judgment with submission to Gods will Dan. 9.16 effectually pray for the sanctification of it and for support under it with patience to bear it pray then too for the blessings to be desired as it may be for your good and God's glory 15. Remember then your family relations friends those that have desired your prayers the needy sad tempted and afflicted servants of Christ 16. Ps 51.18 Dan. 9. Ezek. 9. Enlarge in your prayers for the whole Church for the Land King Magistrate Ministers and People Confesse Nationall sins considering your share in them mourn for them strive with God for mercy c. wrestling with God in Christ 17. Towards the close confesse your failings in the present duty John 14.13 14. beg acceptance through Christ and conclude with blessings If it may be continue in this order while strength lasteth but be sincere fervent and affectionate in all 18. Then read some portion of Scripture to the purpose Ezra or as God shall direct spend some considerable time in so doing with reflection and meditation upon what you have read 19. Proceed again to Prayer bewailing your defects in the duty of the day looking over your confessions and making them up in renewed acknowledgments The like in the other parts of the duty Ex. 33.4 5 6. Jona 3.6 Joel 2.15 16. 20. Abstaine from ornaments accomodations and refreshments as long as you are able to help you in Humiliation or to expresse it and to quicken you to prayer 21. Is 58.7 10 In the close devote your selves to God and give something as you are able to the poor 22. Be often in such duties Dan. 10.2 3. as occasion requireth and while God is afflicting you or his people walke humbly and lay aside your ornaments and abate your refreshments and be much in prayer SECT XVI Of Spirituall feasting on Christ CHrist Jesus his body broken and his bloud shed affords spirituall nourishment with plenty life and sweetnesse to the soule that is interested in him Joh. 6.51 to 63. and lives upon him There is a Spirituall and a Sacramentall feeding on Christ For the Spirituall see Joh 6.54 for the Sacramentall see 1 Cor. 11.23 1. As often as you can receive and improve the Sacrament There are many good and Books to direct as Roberts Dike Bolton Pemble Bradshaw c. 2. When you cannot Sacramentally see that spiritually you feed on this body and bloud of Christ For Directions take these 1. Rom. 3.2 3. Consider your necessities sins wants and weaknesses to sharpen Hunger and Thirst for Christ Joh. 17.3 2. Call forth at solemne times for that purpose your know ledge of Christ especially in his death Zach. 12.10 Is 53. tot Ps 22. Math. 27. 1 Cor. 2.3 3. Let â—aith set a dying Christ before you in your thoughts and meditations with your sins and God's wrath upon him 4. Put in practice by godly sorrow what is set before you Zach. 12.10 Zach. 12. while you look on him whom you have pierced let sin then appear exceeding sinfull because besmeared with the bloud of Christ 5. Apprehend and apply by faith the love of God and the love of Christ in dying for you Gal. 2.20 Rom 5.6 Gal. 2.2 and John 3.16 and 1 Joh. 3.16 6. Look upon Christ in dying as your surety Heb. 7.22 Eph. 5.2 and as your sacrifice in your name and steed Rom. 6 7. Gal. 3.13 Rom. 3.25 Dan. 9.24 Look on Christ in his death as answering the Law satisfying justice taking away sin bringing in everlasting righteousnesse establishing the covenant of Grace and making a purchase of grace and glory Heb. 9.15 Eph. 1.14 Rom. 6.6 giving a deadly stroke to sin and breaking the Serpent's head c. Heb. 2.14 8. Draw by faith all manner of virtues from him to mortify sin to quicken grace to strengthen faith and refresh your souls 9. Eph. 1.3 4. Be much in thansgiving to God for his Son and adore the Love 10. 2 Cor. 5.14 Improve all to Argument against corruption temptation and the world See Rom. 6.3 Titus 2.14 2 Cor. 15.14 11. 1 Cor. 6.20 Give up your selves again in an everlasting Covenant to be the Lords to live to him and if need be to dy for him 12. Depend upon the satisfaction of Christ Heb. 9. ult and expect the vertues of his Death till he come again in glory and take you up with himselfe that you may be for ever with him Long for his immediatee presence and hasten to it See Bp Taylor Rev. 22.20 latter end of his