dayly cause of repentance for the imperfectioÌ„ of our well doing yet seeing without the helpe of our God we are able to doe nothing and it is by the grace of God that wee are what are we can do nothing at all Therfore let vs adioyne dayly to our repentance thankefulnesse vnto our God for what we haue receiued that so thereby giuing him the glory of what wee haue already we may receiue more grace to proceed in well doing And let the spirit of supplication bee dayly ioyned with our prayses vnto God that hee which hath begunne the worke may perfect it in vs. Philippians 1.6 being in nothing carefull for what we want let our requests bee made knowne to God for what we want by prayer and supplication with thankesgiuing Phil. 4.6 that so asking we may receiue that our ioy may bee full Iohn 16.24 5 Seeing without others wee shall not be perfected Heb. 11.40 As the euidence of our conuersioÌ„ is to strengthen the brethren so that we may be confirmed and strengthened in grace let vs also labour to conuert and strengthen others Luke 22.32 Psal 51.13 6 Whereas the deceitfulnesse of the heart is a maine occasion to flatter vs in the iudgement of our estates either that we are not growne so farre as we imagine or that we haue attained more then in truth is cause therfore that we may grow in grace keepe we a continuall and narrow watch ouer our hearts 1 By dayly laying them open vnto God and submitting them to the search of his spirit Psal 26.1 2 By a dayly triall and abasing them by the word 3 By a more priuate and inward practise of secret duties of Prayer meditation and calling to minde former occasions 4 By a more carefull ordering and suppressing of our inward thoughts And quickning the good that they may grow to practise 7 Seeing wee cannot grow in grace vnlesse we grow in knowledge therefore labour we to encrease dayly in all sauing knowledge by meditation in the word and workes of God 2. Pet. 3.18 and make wee conscience to practise faithfully what we know Math. 25. that so to him which hath may be giuen he that is faithfull in a little may be entrusted with more 8 Being wise to avoyd all curiositie of vaine speculations and contentious questionsâ— lest while we are entangled with these we are carryed through pride of conquest to contentions and strife and so neglect what concernes vs necessarily 2. Tim. 2.23 1. Tim. 4.5.6 9 Seeing the loue of the world is a maine hinderance to our spirituall growth either because if we want what we desire we are pestred with distracting cares for the obtaining thereof or if we haue it we are much more subiect to be ensnared with too much doâ—ting and confidence therein therefore labour we for contentednesse in our estates and cast we our care vpon God who careth for vs weane we our hearts from the loue of the world by discerning the frailty and vncertainty the deceitfulnesse of all earthly things by setting our affections on things aboue and submitting to afflictions hereunto that so casting away whatsoeuer presseth vs downe wee may runne with ioy the race that is set before vs. Hebrewes 12.1 10 And seeing besides our failings in what we should do or haue done we are also subiect dayly to many euils which we should not do whereof some may be open besides many secret therefore make wee dayly our peace with God by repentance that so we may stil walk in the light of his countenance and thereby be encouraged and strengthned to grow to perfection 11 Especially seeing the saints are most ouertaken concerning the iudgement and vse of their Christian libertie and so ensnared with many abuses either by committing what is vnlawfull vnder pretence of that libertie or exceeding in the vse of what is lawfull and so hindering themselues in better things and thereby greeue the spirit and grow to dis-use thereof or carelesnesse therein therefore labour we especially First to iudge wisely of our Christian libertie how farre it extends and wherein it is conuersant And so to moderate the vse thereof by such holy Bounds wherein it is confined of both which at large in the Daily Sacrifice extant and the Treatise of the Redemption of time which God willing expect shortly 12 Seeing Faith as it is the beginning of Inherent grace by purifying the heart Acts 15.9 so it is also the meanes of our encrease therein by renuing our estate daily in Christ Therfore that we may grow in Grace we must labour to grow in Faith And that by daily encrease of knowledge in the Mysterie of Christ attained by constant hearing of the Word and conscionable receiuing of the Sacrament by looking backe into former experience of Gods mercies and so gathering from the Truth of God euidences of proceeding Especially by looking forward within the vaile into those pretious Promises that are there laid vp for vs Hebrewes 6.19 2. Cor. 7.1 That so we may in that hope daily purge our selues more and more 2. Pet. 3.22 1. Iohn 3.3 and so profit and hasten to holinesse in the feare of God looking for the appearance of Christ 13 And seeing we shall be sure to be encountred with many enemies that either by inward or outward tentations either on the right hand or on the left will labour to hinder our Spirituall growth therefore put wee on daily the whole Armour of God Ephes 6.11 12 c. That so we may resist in the euill day of which also at large in the Daily Sacrifice together with the parts and vse thereof 14 Seeing it is Patience that brings forth the perfect worke 1. Iam. 3. therfore that wee may grow in Grace wee haue neede of Patience both to encounter and beare such oppositions as hinder our growth and also to sustain vs by experience of former goodnesse in the sense of our wants to cast vs vpon the sufficiency of our God who will supply all our necessities to vphold vs in the present want of what recompence we expect and yet seeme to be disappointed of that so when wee haue done the will of God we may receiue the reward in due season Hebrewes 10.36 Galathians 6. If through impaciency wee faint not 15 Aboue all pray we continually 1. Thes 5.17 with all prayer and supplication of the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseuerance Ephe. 6 18. That our God may supply what is wanting to our faith and so to all necessary graces that we may not be destitute of any grace which for the present may be fit and interessed in whatsoeuer may further our reckoning vnto the day of Christ 16. Seeing the Lord hath set apart vnto vs the Sabaoth as wherein we are more plentifully furnished with meanes of growth and so haue oportunitie to trie and encrease our spirituall strength therefore make wee conscience especially to sanctifie this day glorious to the Lord that so we may bee
to a Vine and trees Ioh. 15.1.2 Psal 1 3. and 92.11.12 which imply a growing and encreasing dayly So in particular is it resembled to a grain of Mustard-seed which froÌ„ the least beginning encreaseth to a great tree Mat. 13. So to Cedars to Bay trees for that ende so is it resembled by Light yea by the morning light which shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Prouerbs 4.19 So also to Seed which is cast into the ground and by degrees groweth vp to ripenesse Psal 97.17 So to a Treasure hid in the field which first must bee digged then refined then framed to a Vessell then vsed Mat. 13. Hitherto also serue such Metaphors as are vsed to expresse our spirituall life as that it is called a Walke implying a dayly motion and hastening to our iournies end 2. Colosians 7. 2. A Race to a Goale implying a dayling running hastning for the prize of our high calling in Iesus Christ 1. Cor. 9.20.21 Heb. 12.1 Phi. 3.13 Rom. 7.18.19 3. A Combat wherein the flesh is dayly weakened the spirit waxeth 4. A Pilgrimage to our Country aboue which inferreth a continuall proceeding and preparing thereto Hebrewes 11.10 Psalme 84.6 7. And thus also doth the Word expresse our different measure of grace by such metaphors as doe necessarily inferre a growing therein As that first we are infants and babes in Christ implying our entrance and beginnings in grace Secondly that we are strong and perfect men in Christ inferring our growth and proceeding therein Heb. 11.12 13. As also the wisedome of our God is admirable herein as by these different degrees to continue a propagation of his Church that the stronger may confirme the weaker and so dayly encrease the Church That they may exercise their compassion in raising them vp with the spirit of meekenesse if they be fallen Gal. 6.1 That they may discerne of their estates by comparing them with the weake and so be dayly enlarged with thankfulnesse for their greater measure and exercised with humility to remember from what weake beginnings they haue risen And so may be prouoked to perfection out of former experience 2 That the weaker may submit to the spirits of the Prophets following such as are before as they follow Christ as knowing seeing that such haue so gained therfore they also may in time obtaine the like measure Lastly that by these mutuall differences of growth loue on either side may be continued in bearing one anothers burthen and walking by the same rule whereunto they are come which is the bond of perfection Col. 3.14 that so they may grow vp in the vnitie of the spirit to the full measure of the age of Christ Ephes 4.13 By edifying of each other in loue ver 16. Hereunto serue the continuall prayers of the Saints for the encrease of grace in themselues and others for themselues Psal 51.11.12 For others for generall Churches as Ephesians 1.8.16 and 3.15 Colossians 1.12.13 1. Thess 5.23 Heb. 13.20.21 For particular Christians as for Timothy 2. Tim. 1.7.8 c. And so such testimonies as do euidence their encrease of faith and so of all other graces as 2. Thessalonians 1.3 The contrary condition of the wicked who grow worse and worse 2. Tim. 3.13 implyeth also that wee must grow if we be sound 1. Ioh. 2.19 As also the danger of this Apostasie that it were better neuer to haue knowne the way to saluation 2. Pet. 2.21 that there is no hope of recouery Heb. 6.4.5 That it is the high way to the sin against the holy Ghost if not the same Heb. 10.27.28 The continuall malice and policie of Satan against Christians euinceth this growth who not so much labors to hinder our entrance as our proceeding in grace While we are his he is quiet but when the stronger man hath cast him out then he vseth all force and policy to reenter againe or at least to hinder our proceeding either by casting in floods of persecution Reuel 12.8 or by sowing Tares Math. 13. The different dispensation of Gods graces euen in this growth who giueth not to all alike nor to all at once here a like measure and therefore according as he giues so he requires and enables to performe Ro. 12. 1. Cor. 12. The benefites that arise from our growing in grace do also necessarily conuince the same Which are 1 That hereby we are sure of sound entrance 2. Pet. 18.9 2 And so make sure our election gaine particular knowledge thereof and so reape much ioy in the spirit much comfort in afflictions 2. Tim. 1.12 Great encouragement to perfection gaine more glory to our God Iohn 15.2 Math. 5.16 3 Encourage others to holinesse 1. Pet. 5.9.10 4 Haue hereby an entrance to eternal life 2. Pet. 1.11 5 Are confirmed in the hope of our glorification 1. Iohn 3.3 6 And make our selues meet for that glorious inheritance Col. 1.11.12 As being interessed in the promises of God hereby 2. Cor. 7.1 â—nd hereby made like vnto him that we may see him as he is 1. Iohn 3.2 3. Lastly the continuance of the Ordinances of God as the word Sacraments what vse especially should they haue in the Church if that wee should not grow vp thereby seeing there is more neede of encrease then begetting to the faith there being more temptations to hinder our growth in Christ then our first receiuing of him 1. Pet. 2.12 To conclude if we consider the End of our sanctification which is to be made meet to the enioying of the promises of life and saluation this also necessarily inferreth our spiritual growth 2. Cor. 7.1 1. Iohn 3.3 Hebr. 12.1 Because seeing our beginnings in Christ are in much imperfection and corruption no way competent and sutable with the glory that is set before vs therfore we must dayly clense our selues of all wickednesse of the spirit and the flesh that we may grow vp to perfect holinesse in the feâ—â—e of God 1. Cor. 7.1 therefore we must cast away euerything that presseth downe and the sinne that hangeth so fast vpon vs that wee may run with ioy the Race that is set before vs. Heb. 12.1.2 Heb. 12.1 Therefore we must worke out our saluation in feare treÌ„bling Ph. 2.13 Lastly consider we the danger of not growing as 1. That we neuer soundly entred 1. Iohn 2.1.15.16 2. That wee are certaine to fall away Luke 8. 3 That the case is desperate better neuer to haue knowne the way of righteousnesse better neuer to haue been borne 2. Pet. 2.22 Mat. 26 4 Falling into the sinne against the holy Ghost Heb. 10.26 5 And so condemnation assured and vengeance encreased Luk. 12.47 4 This conuinceth that Popish opinion of merit as if we could deserue saluation of our selues were wholy purged from sinne at our baptisme and so enabled to fulfill the law perfectly seeing our state in grace is a growing from weaknesse to strength from infirmitie to perfection which is not attained in this
stumble thou dost further helpe me with thy prayers to giue thee yet further light for still I professe my selfe to be growing and shall not faile God willing to giue thee further testimonie thereof as occasion and grace shall be ministred that so thou maist yet more cleerely discerne this wonderfull Mysterie Meane time I desire thy patience to beare with such faylings as either for want of exactnesse which neither my leasure will afford nor weake measure can compasse or for fayling in circumstance which I professe my selfe not curiously to stand vpon may be offered vnto thee Requiring thy wisedome to compare spirituall things together and so still crauing thy further Patience till God offer further leasure and measure of Grace and thy renued Prayers for both I commend this to thy Christian view and charitable censure and thee and thine holy endeuours in this or in any thing whatsoeuer may further thy reckoning in Christ to the gratious Protection and Blessing of our Wonderfull Councellor In whom I rest thine and the Churches seruant Th. Cooper The Contents of this Booke 1 THe entrance to the Treatise 2 That we must grow in Grace Proued 1 By the command of God 2 By the grounds of the New Birth 3 By the meanes of our Calling 4 By the Condition of the New Birth 5 By the Resemblances thereof 6 By the Metaphors expressing the same 7 By the vse and bâ—nefitâ— thereof 8 By the Prayers of the Saints 9 By the contrarie condition of the wicked 10 By the continuall malice of Satan against the New Birth 11 By the continuance of the Meanes hereto 12 By the end of Sanctification Vse To conuince the Papists of Merite and falling from Grace To confound the carnal Christian To reproue the weake Christian Instruction to grow in Grace Triall hereof Comfort herein Chap. 2. What this Spirituall Growth is 1 The description thereof 2 The explication of it 3 Iustification and vse thereof Chap. 3. Of the Causes and Meanes and Helpes of this spirituall Growth And these Either Within 1 Principall 2 Instrumentall and these Principall the Word Conscience 1 Instrumentall as sauing knowledge 1 Of the power of Corruption 2 Of the Measure of Grace attained with the vse thereof 2 Instrumentall cause Experience both 1 Of former failings and 2 Of former thriuing 3 Of the combate betweene the Flesh and the Spirit with the vses thereof 2 Causes without Direct 1 Vse of Gods ordinances The Word Sacraments Prayer publike Examples of the Saints Indirect Afflictions with the vse thereof 3 Helpes hereto are 1 Soundnesse of Iudgement why 2 Synceritie and how 3 Daily Repentance 4 Daily Thankfulnesse 5 Priuate Prayers 6 Conuersion of others 7 Watching ouer our hearts and examination thereof how this to be done 8 Daily encrease in knowledge and how 9 Contentednesse and why 10 Watching in our Christian libertie and how 11 Daily growth in Faith and how 12 Putting on the spirituall Armor daily and how 13 By Patience and 14 Continuall supplication 15 Conscience of the Sabboth 16 Constant keeping of the daily sacrifice 17 Daily preparation to Afflictions 18 Nourishing tendernesse of Conscience 19 Hauing the feare of God alwaies before our eies 20 And so to maintaine an holy iealousie ouer our selues 21 Not resting in any measure receiued 22 Daily Preparation to Death 23 Daily Resignation into the hands of God 24 Spirituall wisedome in Redeeming the time In auoyding troubles c. and how 25 Maintaining spirituall Ioy and how Chap. 4. Of the manner how we grow in Grace expressed by the Metaphors and Resemblances of the New Birth As that it is like 1 A New Creature with the sense and vse thereof â— To seede with the sense and vse thereof 3 To Light with the sense and vse thereof 4 To the Wind where of the sense application thereof 5 To a combate with the sense and vse thereof 6 To a Mysterie with the sense and vse thereof both generall and particular Chap. 5. Of diuers Rules for the better discerning and triall of the Manner of our Growth and comfort therein whereof the First is That we must liue by Faith and not by sense where 1 What this meaneth 2 Conclusions hence to encounter diuers tentations concerning the manner of our Growth and to satisfie vs herein 2 Rule herein is to compare spirituall things with spirituall things Where 1. What this meaneth 2 The Application thereof for Discerning and Comfort 3 Rule for discerning hereof is according to those seuerall callings imposed on vs with the sense and vse thereof 4 Rule is That we must bring forth fruit in due season Where 1. What is meant thereby 2 The application thereof for triall and comfort 5 Rule That God accepteth the will for the deed where 1 The sense thereof 2 The vse for the triall comfort 6 Rule That by the manner of the Mortification of the Flesh the manner also of spirituall Growth may be discerned where 1 How the Flesh is mortified 2 Grace accordingly is encreased with the vses thereof Chap. 6. Of the measure of Spirituall Growth where 1 Of the measure propounded 1 By the Law 2 By the perfect paterne 3 By the end of Holinesse 2 The triall of this Measure 1 By particular Gifts and the improuement of them 2 By Spirituall experience 3 By seuerall callings 4 Varietie of seasons 5 Encrease of Meanes 3 More particular Examination thereof 1 Generall 2 Particular as 1 By the Law 2 By the Gospell as 1 Faith 2 Repentance Chap. 7. Of certain Rules for the discerning iudging of the true scantling Measure of our Spirituall Growth 1 Rule That God requireth accâ—rding to the Meanes he vouchsafeth with the sense and vse thereof 2 That his Grace shall be sufficient for vs with the sense and vse thereof 3 That the spirit worketh freely as in the Manner so in the Measure thereof with the sense and vse thereof 4 That the power of God is seene in weakenesse with the sense and vse hereof 5 That as there are diuers measures of Glorie so also of Grace and yet in each sufficient with the sense and vse thereof 6 Rule by our enduring Afflictions with the sense and vse thereof 7 That all things shall worke together for the best with the sense and vse thereof Chap. 8. Of the Marks of Spiritual Growth and Triall thereof where 1 Of such as Generally respect our our selues as 1 Knowledge and that 1 Of the power of Corruption 2 Deceitfulnesse of the Heart 3 Satans sleights 4 The Mystrie of Christ Where of the triall of Faith 2 Sanctification 3 Of the measure of sanctification attained Or others as also 2 Of the speciall Markes Chap. 9. Cases of Conscience concerning spirituall Growth 1 Case how wee can iustifie our growing in Grace when we daily fall into many euils and decay sometimes in some speciall gifts Resolution hereof By considering 1. Gods wisedome and that 1 In bringing light out of darknesse
Betweene things accessarie and circumstantiall in necessarie things betweene what is most necessarie subordinating others thereto 2. Betweene actions of our generall and ciuill calling subiecting each to other and limiting one by the other 3. Things present and to come to measure these by the other 4. Betweene faith and sense thereof 5. Betweene Satans tentation and our corruptions to reiect the one though wee acknowlege the other 6. Betweene the old man and the new so iustifying the one as that wee disdaine the other 7 Betweene iustification imputed and inherent to approue this by the other These differences well obserued will much further our growth in grace euidencing the truth thereof promote the spirituall part by abasing the othe and furthering in euery part by relying on Christ Phil. 1.9 10. 3 That we are more wise in redeeming the time by entertaining occasions of wel-doing and declining the contrary yea though they bee but occasions or appearances of euill Ephes 5.16 4 And so may preuent many vnnecessary troubles and obtaine a gratious issue out of such as necessarily doe befall vs. 5 That we can watch ouer our vnruly affections of impatience anger discontent frowardnesse couetousnesse c. 6 And so can bee free from scandalous and grosse offences Psal 19.12 7 That we know no man after the flesh that is vse one fellowship in all ordinary recreations of good and bad conference and first to spirituall ends and in a spirituall manner not to the satisfying of the flesh but to the humbling and weakning of the lusts therof Secondly To weane vs from the world and prouoke vs to hunger more earnestly after our dissolution 2. Cor. 4.13.14 Gal 5.11 8 That we can make conscience of least euils yea of the very first motions and thoughts to sinne being wise to discerne them and speedie to suppresse them or turne them to good for this will preuent consent and act of sinne and lying in the custome thereof nourish tendernesse of conscience and soundnesse of iudgement encrease feare and abasing of our selues and cast vs vpon the eye bosome of our God by whom we shall be kept from the great offense and quickned to all power and cheerefulnesse of wel-doing 9 That wee can keepe a constant course in the practise of holy duties especially in the family and more priuate as prayer meditation examination of the heart For these will nourish our familiaritie with God and so make vs more confident in wel-doing and constant therein 10 And so can be more carefull and intentiue to the conuersion of others Luk. 22 32. 11 That we can be more patient in bearing with the euils of the time and yet more wise in auoyding contagion from them more zealous to reforme them in our places 12 That we can bee most seuere in our owne matters concerning sinne and yet most gentle and meek towards others and yet 13 Can be most mild and indifferent in our owne cause when it concernes matter of profit or priuate good either way and yet more zealous in Gods affaires 14 Maintaining peace and loue withall so farre as it is possible and yet to affect most where wee see the best gifts or most need 15 Watching ouer our speech auoyding many words plentifull in exhorting spare in reprouing meeke in the manner wise and sober in the carriage and thankefull howsoeuer referring in humilitie the issue to God by prayer and subiection to his will and comforting our selues with the returne thereby into our owne bosome Thus far must we proceed and grow in grace these are gratious euidences that wee haue attained a great measure therof Hereunto serue these experiments 1 That we are growne more sober and exact in the vse of our Christian libertie both in iudging rightly of the true compasse thereof and also walking more perfectly according to the strict rule thereof For herein weake Christians doe much faile as being puffed vp with their renued estate and so through ignorance presuming of their libertie in Christ turne it oft times as an occasion to the flesh so that not to bee brought in bondage thereby not to exceed the compasse thereof but rather by our wisedome and experience to bee a law thereto not doing all we may but what may best fit vs to the best ends is a gracious marke of a great measure of grace 2 That wee are growne rich in heauenly experience both of our owne secret corruptions also of Gods speciall prouidence in preuenting vs of many euils and turning our infirmities to good storing vp wisely such experiments against the needfull time 3 And so from this experience can more speedily resist tentation and more couragiously encounter the malice of Satan and put to flight the enticings of the world more narrowly watch ouer our hearts and waies and wisely auoid the occasions of euill and entertaine the good this is a gracious euidence of a great measure of grace 4 As also that out of our experience of our owne failings we can grow more charitable in iudging of others Gal. 6.1 and more compassionate of their weakenesse yet so as that still we can mourne for the euils of the time and so keepe our selues vndefiled of the maine pollutions thereof 5 And so are growne more moderate in our zeale being able to temper the same with discretion and meeknesse that so if we cannot benefit others yet we may lesse hurt our selues 7 Yet so as that still we grow more couragious for the truth reuealed not sparing our deerest life for the iustifying thereof 8 Yea can be so farre abased for the glory of our God that in comparison thereof our precious soules are not deere vnto vs. Rom. 9.2 Exod. 32. These are comfortable signes of a great measure of grace 9 As also that we are growne more lowly in our owne eyes and humble in the greatest measure of grace still complaining of our wants though wee cease not to be thankefull for what wee haue receiued and esteeming others better then our selues because we know our selues best and the more we haue receiued the more wee haue abused if God should enter into iudgement with vs the more we are indebted to our Christ for his vnspeakeable gifts 10 And that in regard of the body of sinne hanging so fast vpon vs wee groane still vnder the burthen thereof desiring and preparing to our dissolution Rom. 7.24 11 And yet still while we are in the flesh hungring after a greater measure of grace being more diligent in the meanes as this spirituall hunger the more it is the more grace it implies so working thus in vs doth argue a greater measure thereof because to him that hath shall be giuen if he so discerne and vse his talent Math. 25.32 12 And yet out of experience of Gods wonted and continuall fauours we can grow to more constant assurance of our election And so Rom. 5.4.5 13 As a fruit thereof can more abound with ioy in the holy Ghost and
vsually hideth or excuseth the same vpon pretence of necessitie infirmitie c. Therefore seeing the power of grace labours especially to subdue the wisedome of the flesh it is therefore a sure marke of a great encrease thereof if it specially takes notice of secret and spirituall euils as hypocrisie securitie spirituall Pride Vaine glory carnall policie in sinning closely hiding it enabling vs as to auoyd sinne in secret specially because the eyes of the Lord are vpon the most secret and to doe good in secret that wee may auoyd those spiritual snares of hypocrisie vaine glory securitie and the like And procuring in vs a more free and particular confession of sinnes though it be to the shaming of our selues that wee may seeke the face of our God in the righteousnesse of his sonne for the pardon thereof laying the blame thereof only vpon our selues and renouncing our selues vtterly for reliefe herein 6 Seeing by this inbred corruption we are not only defiled our selues but also doe infect others thereby Therefore may wee also approue a great measure of Grace if wee proue more conscionable in the sanctifying more reuerend and moderate in the vse of the Creatures not delight in their Enmitie procured by our sinne are more compassionate of them and yet lesse affected toward them specially seeing hereby wee haue proued most iniurious to our kind making our friends enemies by our sinne our children and seruants neighbours and strangers all faring the worse hereby If then wee can loue our enemies to make them friends to God and mourne for our friends that are enemies to God taking to heart the sinnes of the time and bearing a part in the afflictions of the Church abroad though wee are quiet at home preferring the common good before our owne priuate these are gracious euidences of a great Measure of grace 7 Whereas this corruption makes vs prone to all euill and backward to all good Therefore the more we find our selues forward to all good as well as some more chearefull in performance thereof euen when there is most generall opposition more patient in the successe thereof as hauing deserued nothing Hereby we do approue a greater Measure of grace 8 And so also if wee find a greater hatred of all euill more heartie sorrow for the doing thereof more care to admonish others to beware by our fâ—lls more iealousie of our selues to preuent Relapse more wisedome to auoid the occasions thereof and to defend our selues more profitably against future assaults 9 Seeing by the Chaynes of this Corruption wee are fast bound within and without to all present and future plagues therefore the more peace of Conscience wee find within more entire fellowship with God in priuate Prayer Meditation c. more ioy in his presence more contentment in his prouidence These are sure euidences of a great Measure of grace And so on the other side if wee finde more willingnesse to troubles without more chearefulnesse in them more benefit by them more patience to wait on our God in the issues of them more compassion of the troubles of our brethren more wisdome to make our peace with God more care to keep peace with men more sorrow for sinne then for our smart more care to sanctifie the trouble then to be rid of it These are sure markes of a good thriuing in grace Thus concerning the knowledge of originall corruption and such branches thereof whereby wee may know whether wee haue encreased in grace generally A second thing to be knowne for the further triall of this encrease is the deceitfulnesse of our hearts arising from that cursed spring more infecting and encreasing the same for as it deceiues the heart by it suddaine and secret motion neere familiar semblance so agreeing with the lusts thereof and cloaking the same by it faire shewes of Free will necessitie infirmitie c. So that the heart conceiues this Originall blame either not to bee euill at all or not so euill but that it hath some mixture of or abilitie to good or that it s nothing at all till it come to consent or Act or rather that its good as arguing the free disposition of Nature and furthering it to much good So hereby also the heart deceiues it As either giuing the reynes more freely thereto and thereby enraging it to greater confusion or so only curing it as that only lopping off the branches and not plucking vp the roote it both giues it some rest to it more inward nourishment and makes it also more fruitfull to put forth any kind of euill vpon all occasions And this is that maine deceitfulnesse of the heart which wee must especially take notice of And hereby wee shall easily discerne all other deceits thereof either in iudgement or practise whereby it deceiues it selfe and others and so is deceiued of it selfe and others It were infinite to runne ouer all these and indeed impossible to discouer them all because the heart of man is deceitfull aboue all things who can know it onely wee will endeauour according to our poore experience to point at some in each kinde as capitall aboue the rest by the obseruing and inueagling whereof wee may the better preuaile against any inferiour First then the heart deceiues it selfe in the iudgement of things and that chiefely when it vseth his owne blind and false Spectacles therein and so necessarily either mistakes good for euill and euill for good or else a lesser or apparant good for a greater a greater and apparant euill for a lesse or that which onely seemes so And so is deceiued hereby both in it choise as shooting in a broken Bow that will flye about his eares or in a crooked Bow and so he must needs shoot awry or in an vnfit Bow and so hee must needs shoot short or ouer if either it be too weake for him or he for it Or else he is deceiued in his ayme and so lights ouer or vnder or else in his marke and so looseth his labour and wager too though hee hit the stake And that wee may perceiue how easily in all these hee may deceiue himselfe and be deceiued consider I pray you another deceit of the heart That though it would gladly trust it selfe and no other yet because it hath need of others and so is conuinced of it owne insufficiencie therefore to make a vertue of necessitie it must range abroad and finds this it wisest and safest way to serue himselfe of others euen by seruing their turnes and obseruing their wayes abiecting himselfe basely to their humours and guise that both hee may supply himselfe with what good hee seekes and secure himselfe of what euill hee feares especially may hereby iustifie or at least excuse it owne deceitfulnesse Thus the heart vsually deceiues it selfe and is deceiued thereby while taking his shooes at others Lasts and Fashions hee eyther so pincheth himselfe that hee cannot goe or must needes goe loosely or daungerously vpon such Pattens and
comfort herein and so waiting on our God for the issue in his time labouring more intention and intirenesse when wee come before him 12. Being wise to recouer with all speed out of any slip and sleight failing 13. Watching ouer our speech with all feare and reuerence speaking alwayes as in Gods presence as vnto God with all vprightnesse and faithfulnesse 14. Being carefull of our societie that we make choyse thereof and seeke to better the same or be bettered by them that wee may not returne to them if they will not returne to vs. 15. Meditating by our experience of the vanitie of earthly things and yet not neglecting such speciall worke of God which may confirme our faith and raise vs to the hope of more durable riches 16. Entertaining wisely all occasions to doe good by all holy meanes especially to the house-hold of Faith 17. And labouring to haue a fellow feeling of the troubles of others iudgeing wisely of the cause studying carefully the issue thereof And preparing by their afflictions for our owne and by our owne carrying our selues more tenderly towards them 18. Aboue all striuing to encrease and maintaine the assurance of Gods fauour by prayer meditation spirituall experience dayly cleering of the heart of all carnall ioyes 19. And so endeauouring to make all euen betwixt God and the soule by examination and iudging of the heart and renuing the couenant 20. And so lying downe in this assurance as to bee prepared for the graue and iudgement of this looke more in the Dayly Sacrifice in the last Chapter concerning our lying down with God in the account of the day Thus if we walke dayly wee shall be sure to be kept from all fretting euils in a comfortable stay with God and ioy of his spirit Auoyding carefully herein specially those sinnes that doe robbe God of his glory as Hypocrisie spirituall Pride vaine Glory which are the causes that wee are giuen vp to grosse euils And still keeping our selues in the feare of God and dayly labouring to cleere the euidences of our saluation Striuing to haue more familiaritie and entire fellowship with the Lord that we may bee more and more knit vnto him and kept by him in peace Aboue all learning still to liue by faith and not by sense and so preparing against the comming of Christ Iesus And thus of this fourth Case The Conclusion of the Treatise with promise of further light Thus hast thou beloued in Christ some further fruite of Gods patience and mercy towards me his vnworthy and vnprofitable seruant concerning this wonderfull Mystery of spirituall Growth My humble request is that thou wouldst seriously consider of the strange distractions and confusions of the time wherein hee that refraines himselfe makes himselfe a prey And then I hope as thou hast great cause to blesse God for any light that shineth in so great darkenes so thou wilt patiently beare with whatsoeuer obscurities and defects may appeare in these meditations and so further mee with thy prayers vnto the throne of Grace that these fogges being dispelled and darke clouds passed ouer we may see more cleerely into the great mystery of Christ and so therein of our spirituall Growth in him Promising thee shortly some further light to direct thee herein as God shall minister leysure and abilitie And so I commend thee to the power of Gods Grace whereby thou maist be kept from falling away with this present euill world and so preserued blamelesse in the midst of a froward generation to shine as a light in a darke place and to continue constant and immoueable in the worke of the Lord watching for the conuersion of the Iewes and vtter downfall of Antichrist and so maist be prepared as a Bride vnto the Bridegroome euen to the glorious appearance of our Lord Iesus And euen so come Lord Iesus come quickely In whom I rest The poore brother ready in all things to further thy reckoning Th. Cooper FINIS