duty 4 When thou hast vowed a vow to God deferre not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fooles pay that which thou hast vowed better it is that thou shouldest not vow then that thou shouldest vow and not pay Eccles 5. 4. 5. Swearing also is a speciall seruice of God Deut. 6. 13. 10. 20 Of an Oath Thou shalt feare the Lord thy God him shalt thou serue and to him shalt thou cleaâ—â— and sweare by his name Wee must vse it in this manner 1 Thou must not sweare in thy communication Mat. 5. Iam. 5. 12. but must be one that fearest anoath Eccles 9. 2. 2 Thou art then called to sweare when some necessary truth is in question concerning Gods glory thy neighbours safety and thiâ—e owne good which may bee determined by thy witnesse and cannot otherwise be determined but by this testimony of thy conscience Heb. 6. 16. 3 Then thou must sweare by the Lord onely Ier. 4. 2. 5 7. how shall I pardon thee for this thou hast sworne by them that are no gods 4 In truth lest thou forsweare for thy oath must not be against thy conscience nor must thou wittingly and willingly sciens volens depart from what thou hast lawfully sworne Psal 15. 5. He that sweareth and dâ—sappointeth not though it be to his owne hinderance 5 In iudgement not rashly or for a trifle taking deliberation to weigh the nature of God who is called to witnesse to whose diuinereuenge thou subiectest thy selfe if thou willingly dost deceiue the truth of thy speech the weight of an oath and the matter about which thou swearest that it bee well-knowne to thee and not vncertaine The Romans vsed that most considerate word Arbitror I thinke when the Iurors said those Ambros in Psal 119. things which they knew most certainely rightly saith Ambrose Nemo benè iurat qui non potest scire quod iurat iurare est indicium scientiae testimonium conscienciae He sweareth not rightly that hath not knowledge of that he sweareth Swearing is the disclosing of our knowledge the testimony of our conscience 6 In righteousnesse first in things lawfull about things possible and with such words in the forme of the oath as may expresse due reuerence and be no waies contumelious to God Thus of sâ—ruing the Lord with our persons With our â—ods followeth §. XVII Of seruing God with our goods THis is required of all Pro To serue him with our goods 3. 9. Not as the most doe to honour wealth as our God but as all ought to doe God with our wealth so that it is not enough to be good husbands of our owne and liue frugally and honestly without endamaging others or to giue some contemptible portion to the poore but wee owe part of our substance to maintaine his immediate worship and of this we haue examples from Abel the righteous to those godly women that ministred to our Sauiour of their wealth And here is charged vpon vs 1 That we build him an house where his honor may dwell Exod. 15. 2. a place for his publike seruice Dauid maketh that mournfull complaint they haue burnt vp all the houses of God in the land Psal 74. 8. the Iewes commendations of the ruler was Master he is worthy for he hath built vs a Synagogue Luke 7. 4 5. 2 That we erect the Schooles of the Prophets as our abilities may reach 3 That we pay the tenth of all we enioy you haue the law of God for it and Abrahams example and Iacobs Gen. 14. 20. 21. 22 28. Heb. 7. 4 5. 6 7 8. 9. as if you say that concerned the Iewes onely hard will it be to proue it but I answer the free grant of the Church formerly and the obligation into which shee hath entred thereby to giue God the tenth binds vs all and cannot be reuoked though before it had beene in our owne power 4 That we if necessity should require make them that instruct vs partakers of all our goods Gal. 6. 6. not to a tenth only but to such a supply as that Gods worship may be vpheld according to this rule is that worthy worke of those who being destitute of an able Godly Pastor thrâ—ugh either the sinne of those that giue entrance and open the doore to them or the sinne of the parties that after their comming is manifest but went not before hand vnto iudgement do of their own charges maintaine some godly Minister for their Lecturer with the allowance of authority 5 For the quality of that we Purum probum profanum suum giue it is required that it bee the choise and of the best Mal. 1. 13 that it bee lawfull and lawfully gotten God hateth robbery for burnt offerings Esa 61. 8. that it be that which hath not beene already consecrated to God Pro. 20. 25. and that it bee a mans owne 6 For the end giuen as a Testimony of our affections to God and his seruice and an acknowledgement of his Lordship ouer all and as a meanes to vphold religion to perpetuity and therefore directed to this end as neare as may be Thus of the seruice wee owe to God without limitation to a certaine time we owe him next a seuenth part of our time to be employed in his immediate seruice as the fourth commandement sheweth §. XVIII Of keeping the Lords day IN this point Sathan hath filled On the Lords day the hearts of many with poysonfull opinions gainesaving the Authority and so reiecting the Dutie of this day wee must therefore briefly see to the establishment of the first that so none may be able to speake of the charge of the latter The Authority of the Lords day is fully cleared if two things be prooued That the fourth commandement is morall That the charge of the day from the seuenth to the first day of the weeke is Diuine 1 The Morality of the Commandement is proued thus It was instituted in Paradise before there was sinne or neede of a Sauiour or Ceremony and figure of a Sauiour Gen. 2. 1. it was giuen to Adam and his posterity not to Abraham therefore bindeth Iewes and Gentiles the vse of it is morall and hath nothing of Ceremony in it Psal 92 Such it the singing of Gods mercies morning and Euening the meditation of his righteous iudgements in rewarding the godly though afflicted in cutting off the vngodly in their greene florishing aduancement in viewing the riches of his house the florishing of his seruants vnder the meanes of grace and in learning to know God in his word and workes It is giuen as a signe or document that the Lord doth sanctifie his people if they would try their estates this is a note wherby they may know the truth of their Sanctification the conscionable obseruance of this Commandement Exod. 31. 13. It is put for the whole worship of God and entirenesse in religion Esa 56. 2. 6. and the vtter euersion of piety is
called the polluting of the Sabbath Ezek. 22. 26. Esa 58. but what neede wee goe further then the commandement it selfe It is one of the lawes giuen immediatly from God not mediately by Moses as the Ceremonies were Deut. 4. 13. 14. it was written with Gods owne finger in Tables of stone Exod. 31. 18. Put into the Arke Couered with the mercy seate as containing part of the sinnes nayled to Christs Crosse and therefore not any that serued to the expiation of sinne in the shadow one of the ten words or precepts which if you teare out you can make of the rest but nine and so giue God the lye Deut 4. 13. Let the words of the precept speake for its authority The word Zacor is indefinite is in English to remember because we are bound for euer to remember this matter as saith R. Elias Remember shewes also that this as the other commandements was ingrauen in the hearts of the fathers and that it was inioyned before and obserued though easily neglected by corruption Exod. 16. Remember to keepe it holy the end of the commandements is moral Sixe dayes shalt thou labor if the permission of the sixe dayes labor appertaine to vs do not the sanctifying of a seuenth We are no lesse charged on the Sabbath to worship then permitted on the sixe dayes to follow our ordinary calling if the Commandement be Ceremoniall Idlenesse is the best Christianity in the sixe dayes It is the day blessed sanctified now so long as wee need the meanes with the blessing of God on them for our recouery out of sinne and our continuance in grace so long we neede some speciall day to which God hath promised a blessing in speciall But you will say the Iewes Sabbath was blessed but where find ye our Sabbath blessed I Answer in the Commandement which saith not the Lord blessed the seuenth day but the Lord blessed the Sabbath day be it the seuenth or the first day of the weeke which hee shall giue in charge and hallowed it in a word this commandement was giuen and charged vpon the strangers and I doe remember that a stranger was bound to obserue the Ceremoniall law If any say can you shew where this is Commanded or confirmed in the New Testament I Answer I can Mat. 5. 18. One iot or one title of the law shall not perish and verse 19. Whosoeuer shall breake one of the least Commandements and shall teach men so shall be called the least in the kingdome of heauen I will close this with the saying or Irenaeus in his 4 booke agaiâ—st heresies the 31 Chapter God needed not the loue of man but man was destitute of the glory of God of which by no meanes he could partake but by that obseruance which is owing towards God for this cause Mâ—ses saith choose life c vnto which life prepaâ—ing man the Lord himself by himselfe spak the words of the Deâ—alogue to all like therfore they remain with vs in like maner receiuing extent and increase but not dissolution by his comming in the flesh But the precept of bondage he commanded the people by Moses apart fit for their disciplining These precepts which were giuen to them for bondage and a signe he hath girt about with the New Testament of liberty but whatso are naturall and common to all he hath increased our knowledge of God as father our adoption our loue our obedience to his word without turning away the face abstaining euen from the lusts of euill workes our feare child-like So our liberty is not giuen as a cloke of maliciousnesse but to the propitiation and manifestation of faith To plead Christs comming to this and to blot out one of the ten commandements is to vse Christian liberty for a cloke of wickednesse according to this man of God 2 For the change of the day The first day of euery weeke is the Christans Sabbath it is easily prooued to be diuine it is called in Scripture The Lords day Rev. 1. 10. as the Holy Supper of the Eucharist is called the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 20. First instituâ—ed by the Lord and in its vse râ—ferred to the Lord for who could change the day of the Sabbath but hee that is Lord of the Sabbath that is Christ Mark 2. 28. the practise of our Sauiour and the Apostles who appâ—ared on this day hâ—ld their assemblies on this day conuinceth it sufficiently to bee commanded by our Lord and Sauiour Ioh. 20. 19. 26. Act. 2. 1. and 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2. and reasons strong and many may bee giuen the Commandement that a seuenth part of our time be consecrated to God is morall as we haue before prooued therefore the Institution of the Lords day could not be deferrâ—d one whol weeke for the Iewes Sabbath in respect of the determination thereof to the seuenth day was abrogated de iure in Christs death if it were deferred to the Apostles ordination though then also it were diuine for they had the spirit of Christ yet the Church must haue beene â—eft destitute of a Sabbath for a time and onâ—ly nine precepts haue stood in force for that space Againe it is not â—asie to cast off what some Ancients haue vrged from that place Psal 118 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made for Christ himselfe tells vs that his resurrection is handled in that place Matth. 21. 42. and who should appoint the day of worship in the New Testament but he that instituted the ordinances of the Nâ—w Testament and from whom all blesâ—ing vpon all worship is to be expectâ—d We will therefore in obedience to our Sauiours institution with the Ancient Church call this day the Lords day the day of bread the Dies dominicus dies panis dies Lucis day of light and wish that neuer any should reckon of the fourth Commandement as otherwise then morall Thus of the Authority I pray you hide not your eyes from seeing it that so you may receiue the Duties of this day The duties of the Lords day are the duties of the Sabbath both for the matter and manner of performing Take then your duty thus it is referred to these two Considerations 1 What is charged on vs. 2 On whom it is charged For the first wee are charged to Prepare for the Lords day or the Sabbath Keepe it For preparation we are bound 1 To Râ—member it before it come and to obâ—erue it as the word is vsed in the repetition of the Law Deut 5. that is both to informe our iudgâ—ments of the Authority of the day and to be mindfull in euery respect to keepe the precept aswell as any of the other watching against our naturall corruption which nor cares to vnderstand nor minds to obsâ—rue this Holy rest 2 To fiâ—ish our workes on the sixe dayes as God did his doing all we haue to doe Gen. 2 2. For if through our negligence a necessity be contracted of
of both for euer in hell 2 By the Gospell which sheweth thee plainely that since Christ the Sonne of God dyed for all then were all dead sinne could neuer bee pardoned and God reconciled with thee a sinner in the least offence had not Christ his Sonne as thy surety become a curse for thee 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15. 3 By all other mercies of God to thee in soule and body against which they haue beene committed with many of which by thee abused they haue beene acted 4 By the curse it hath brought on the whole world the earth seas visible heauens and all their hosts Rom. 8. 20. Gen. 3. 17. Deut. 28. 23. 24. In taking thus the notice of thy sinnes bee aduised with chiefest heed to bring to light the sinnes whereto by nature thou art more addicted and haue still in thine eye some of thy notorious fals with the circumstances to aggrauate them Thou shalt not faile to make a true discouery of thy sin-guiltines if thou proceed in this order First withdrawing thy selfe in secret set thy heart and wayes in Gods presence and say what Ier. 8. 6. haue I done Aske the Question What is it I haue done all my daies which if I lay on my death bed and were summoned to the barre of Christs tribunall would strike me with terror if it were not forgiuen Let conscience now speake be still and take the Answer without hiding diminishing translating or excusing for hast thou not to deale with God spare not one no not the sin of thy bosome but in sincerity as before the Lord deale truly keepe them in memory or rather note them if thou canst then secondly take the 10. Commandements and by the help of some that haue gathered the sins against euery commandement marke out thine offences which the former way did not yet discouer Thus shalt thou see thy transgressions and this done thou hast stepped one good step towards repentance which step is required of all that wil repent as absolutely necessary and hath the promise Lam. 3. 40. Ioh. 11. 13. Gal. 6. 3. Ier. 8. 6. 2. Confesse them before God with all opennesse of heart in the best words thou hast and beseech him to giue thee words who hath commanded thee to take vnto thee words Hos 14. 2. 1 Ioh. 1. 7 9 Pâ—al 32. 3. 4. 5. 3 This doe till thou attaine Godly sorrow and thy heart be broken and contrite a sacrifice which God will neuer despise Psal 51. 17. the measure of thy sorrow is right iâ— it be such as thou hast or coldest vse for worldly crosses Zech. 12. 10. 11. 12. but thy heart will neuer melt within thee till thou â—ring thy selâ—e to looke vpon Christ the sonne of God pierced on the Crosse by thy sinnes and wounded for thy transgressions this sight will pricke thee to the heart and the beholding of such matchlesse loue will not off without the teares of loue Now this sorrow is that which causeth repentance neuer to be repented of 2 Cor. 7. 11. and hath the promise Mat. 5. 5. Esa 61. 3. Zech. 13. 1. Ier. 31. 18. 19. 20. 4 Then apply the promises to thy selfe both that in Ioh. 3. 16 and those speciall promises before mencioned Happy is that man to whom any one word from God is a word of comfort but by all the former promises those that examine confesse and mourne ouer their sins are proued Blessed for Christ dyed for them all their sins are fâ—rgiuen and their vnrighteousnesse shall be clensed Pray you ouer these promises that God would by his spirit giue thee a beleeuing heart and them a quickening vertue to put life into thee Let nothing shoulder out this worke Doit and that throughly that thou maiest see the power of thy sins abated and thy heart refreshed in the assurance of Gods loue before thou meddle with the following rules else all thy labour wil beto no end The same way let all those take that haue lost themselues and their vprightnesse or God and his fauor by heedlesse walking or presumptuous sinnes the like be spoken to all that yet haue set no order in their liues though they haue of a long time beene offering and essaying in matters of religion and to those no lesse that yet haue not the assurance of the pardon of their sinnes If thou hast done it or when thou hast then addresse thy selfe to the precepts following which precepts concerne the helpes to an holy life §. III. Of the helpes of an holy life 2 The gates of righteousnesse THere are certaine helpes to an holy life which are as the very Gates and doores of righteousnesse they lead or open fully vpon the way euerlasting come and see make entrance and know it these are they 1 To redeeme the time a precious 1 Redemption of time commodity esteemed so by the wise marchant Ephes 5. 16. sometimes thou must buy it out 1 Cor. 7 35 2 Tim. 2 4. from thy sinful works euer more from thy recreations and pleasurable works most an end and from the workes of thy calling both abstaining from the thingâ— that may intangle and interrupt thee and settling and ordering so thy outward estate that som time be gained for the seruice of God sometimes thou must exchange Neuer seeke to sell it time with thy worldly imployments as the occasions of prospering thy spirituall estate are â—ff red desiring to know obserue and serue the seasons of Esa 55. 6. Amos 5. 14 grace and the opportunities of weldoing sometimes thou must contract with the present time for recouery of lost time that is past alwaies thou must vse it well and fill it with profitable imployment Pro. 6. 6. this is to seeke good this is to haste to righteousnesse This is to prouide for a winter this is to prepare to serue the Lord without distraction All ye of this last age heare this for the dayes are euill 2 To learne the knowledge of 2 The knowledge of the holy Eph. 5. 15. 17. Pro. 10. 14 Iob 11. 12. Esa 1. 3. the holy to vnderstand what the will of the Lord is concerning him Ephes 5. 17. This euery man must haue lay vp if he would walke as a wise man else aâ— he is borne like the wilde asse colt So he may become more bruitish then oxe or asse that thou maist thriue in knowledge how to do well thou must 1 Search the Scriptures daily musing and meditating vpon them Psal 1. 2. that they may dwell richly in thee Col. 3. 16. Which word alone giueth light to our feet Esa 8. 20. Psal 119. Life to our dead hâ—rts and power to assist vs to walke 2 Be swift to heare Iam. 1. 19. not neglecting opportunities nor carelesse in the duety while thou attendest on the publike ministery especially on the Lords day the day which God hath Hallowed to thy good thy market-day for thy soule 3 In both be wise for thy selfe Pro. 9. 12.
take hold of those things that fit thine owne particular For when we heare what we are to doe wee shall finde somethings abutt full vpon our selues somethings we are extreame faulty in somethings would maruailously encourage vs in righteousnesse now let thy wisedome appeare in marking those things chiefely retaine them though all the rest runne out 4 Auoide vaine iangling and Pro. 4. 26. Ier. 31. 32. keepe close to profitable knowledge Tit. 3. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 23. 1. Tim. 6. 20. Let thine eyes looke right on and let thine eye lids looke streight before thee Beware of going about lest thou heare from God the terme of Backslider 5 Goe vnto the wise and aske the way to Sion with thy face thitherward Pro. 15. 12. Ier. 50. 5. Stifle not but propound thy doubts Gods people are an inquisitiue people 6 Pray teach me thy way O Lord. Psal 27. 11. with a speciall lifting vp of heart seeke this way of him Hee is the God which teacheth thee to profit and leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest goe Psal 143. 10. Esa 48. 17. 3 The society of the righteous 3 To abandon the needlesse society of wicked and prophane persons and get into the way and company of good men that make conscience of their waies a rule of speciall note Away from me ye wicked for I will keepe the commandements of my God Psal 119. 115. Pro. 4. 14. Psal 1. 1. Rowles of such whose familiarity thou must eschew are giuen in 1 Cor. 5. 10. 11. 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2. 4. 5 Pro. 23. 19. 20. 21. be enwrapped in their society thou shalt be infected with their euill and then what winding out of their destruction But to sort thy selfe with discreet and sincere Christians hath in it vnknown gaine Pro. 2. 20. their path is as the shining light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Pro. 4. 18. 4 To shunne the false and 4 True guides take to true guides and rules These are false guides of liuing 1. the example of the multitude Exod. 23. entertaine Ioshuahs resolution Iosh 24. 15 1 Cor. 9. 24. I and my house will serue the Lord runne as if thou wert alone to obtaine runne though thou runne alone 2. Great and learned men if thou be a seruant forget not that thou art Christs freeman Let no mans humor be thy guide in religion 1 Cor. 7. 23. 3 Flesh and bloud carnall reason sense or carnall friends are not competent Iudges in diuine things with them consult thou not Gal. 1. 16. 4 A false faith as the Turkes their Alcoran the Papists Popes Decrees 5. Thy lusts which haue a three fold fronte the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye the pride of life 1 Ioh. 2. 16. These are true guides and rules 1 Gods word Gal. 6. Psal 119. 9. 2 The Holy example of the Godly Heb. 12. 1. Which will be like that cloud of the Lord to the trauellers in the Wildernesse of this world that walke in the day light of the holy precepts the way of Gods people is diligently to be sought Ier. 12. 16. 3 A setled ministery they aâ—e Starres in Christs right hand they are the light of the world the salt of the earth obedience is charged vpon vs to those that watch for our soules their Directions in the Lord must be followed Heb. 13. 17. and their holy conuersation is a Patterne giuen of God Phil. 4 9. 5 To keepe the heart withall 5 The guard of the heart diligence both in respect of secret hypocrisie of the beginnings of sinne Pro. 4. 23. the issues of life come therout if they be defiled with sin or tainted with hypocrisie such must al the streams be of necessity Eye eare hand and tongue shall be ouerflowne with that polluted spring aboâ—â— all keepings keepe the fountaine cleare 6 To repaire daily to the 6 Triall of all our deeds light of Gods word to see whether our deeds be wrought in God or no Ioh. 3. 21. O excellent rule worthy the Sauiour the light of the world 7 To obserue our owne defects 7 The obseruation of our defects and thinke on with holy earnest couering all those gifts that are more excellent 1 Cor. 12. vlt. He that would euer grow and goe forwards now not to goe forwards is to goe backwards must obserue what is wanting what is weake what is out of the way what is crooked what corruptions preuaile where Sathan gets most aduantage that those things may bee supplied strengthened straitened subdued preuented and so the whole recouered and wee pressing on still for the price of our high calling to the marke Phil. 3 12. 4. 8 9. Is there any thing true honest praise-worthy of good report louely let that be thought of 8 To keepe aliue the affections 8 The preseruation of our first loue of godlinesse lest wee lose our first loue bee daily mortifying thy corruptions plowing vp thy fallow ground circumcising thine heart that thou maist keep it euer low tender and thankefull in all things 9 To auoid the snares which 9 The auoidance of snares catch most of Adams sonnes and fold them in a heap of euils and weaken if not destroy their vigor Vpon the bare discouery of them your hearts shall acknowledge it 1 Medling with others businesse 1 Thes 4. 11. 2 Desire of superfluities as to haste to be rich 1 Tim. 6. 9. 10. Pro. 23. 4. 28. 20. 3 The beholding of vanitie Psal 119. 37. 4 The sinnes of the time which the world accounts but spots Iam. 1. 27. 5 Carnall confidence relying vpon our wit memory praise-worthy parts dignity vertues and the like As if either power to doe good or reason why God should accept vs were found in any of these carnall things whereas in this new-created world of regenerate men Christ is all and in all Col. 3. 11. 6 Carnall feares which mightily beslaue The heart is no sooner set within to the desires after wel-doing but many a feare befals it that he shall neuâ—r bee able to doe this duty that God will not accept him and his worke Such a man will deride such friends will frowne vpon him there is also a meere counterfeit of humility which some delight in because it fauours much their lazy flesh presse to any duty and they plead their desires and their loue to it and now they wish they could so doe and what griefe it is to them they faile therein but they are flesh and bloud they dare not be so confident of their strength or and in very deed all is to saue their labour and keepe their old sinfull course or at least their former easie pace yea these feares are accompanied with vile mistrust of God and strange pleaes that he is not so good to them as to giue them that measure of grace that power of resolution and thus sticke not to charge God foolishly yet he giueth to him that
offer vp soule and body to God a whole burnt offering and yeeld thy selfe vnto him as one aliue from the dead and thy members weapons of righteousnesse to holinesse consecrating thy selfe as a couenant seruant to righteousnesse euen as euer thou didst or any man doth yeeld himselfe and his members as â—eruants to vncleannesse and to inquity vnto iniquity so shalt thou haue thy fruit vnto holinesse Rom. 12. 1. and 6. 13. 19. 22. In speciall Looke you doe all 1 With vprightnesse Psal 18. 22. Euen with a perfect heart 1 Chro. 28. 9. which is expressed 1 In the sincerity and truth of the heart this is that vnleauened bread wherewith we must all our daies keepe our Christian Passeouer 1 Cor. 5. 8. The contrary to this is hypocrisie and guile of spirit when men aduance a profession of religion for 〈…〉 nall ends that they might seeme onely but God hates a powerlesse shew let thy holinesse bee holinesse of truth Ephes 4. 24. 2 In giuing the whole of the heart without diuision entirely cleauing to all the workes of righteousnesse without halting without expostulating 3 In doing all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10. 31. 4 In vniuersall obedience To all Gods commandements not putting any of his statutes from vs nor hiding our eyes from them Say not in the words of Lot is it not a little one nor in the words of Naaman the Syrian onely in this the Lord be mercifull vnto mee but without ifs and ands reseruations and exceptions giue thy selfe with Dauid to doe all the wils of God and resolue Act. 3. 22. vpon the forsaking of all sinne At all times in aduersity as well as prosperity In all places obeying absent from their Ministers as well as present In euery company as well as in any company Phil. 2. 12. 2 With ioy and cheerefulnesse accounting ourselues happy when the Lord openeth a dore and giueth any strength for holy duties louing to be his seruants Esa 56. 6. Lex voluntarios quaerit Ambros in Psal 1. Gods people are all voluntaries they cast off those foule vices of procrastination and security 3 With feruency not slothfull in businesse but glowing in spirit seruing the Lord Rom. 12. 11. doing all we put our hands vnto with all our might Eccles 9. 10. with all diligence 2 Cor. 8. 7. We must be all zealots for cursed is hee that doth the Lords worke negligently Ier. 48. 10. 4 With feare 1 Pet. 1. 17. Blessed is the man that feareth alway Pro. 28. 14. There is a feare to be expressed in all parts of holy life and it is that reuerence tendernesse modesty and carefulnesse should be in all our waies fearing Gods presence who should be euer set before vs beâ—ring reuerence to the Angels to Gods Ministâ—rs fearing our deceitfull hearts and the offâ—nce of the godly the infection of the wicked and the ruine of those whom we might helpe fearing lest the day of Christ should come vpon vs before we are prepared and thus working out our saluation with feare and trembling all wretchlesnesse rudenesse rashnesse precipitation conceitednesse and pride laid aside with all hardning of the heart in euil no no feare and depart from euill 5 With faith for what so is not of faith is sinne Rom. 14. This takes Gods will for the warrant of our actions raiseth vp the heart to beleeue Gods assistance trusts God for the succeâ—â—e rests on the promise for acceptation makes vs neglect the scornes and oppositions of the world keepes vs from being iust ouermuch conceiting too highly of our selues for what wee doe or wicked ouer much in thinking too vilely of Gods worke in vs Eccles 7. This cuts off all carnall feares as the feare of men and the superstitious feare of Gods displeasure for breaking mens traditions or the commandements of our owne hearts 6 With simplicity and godly purenesse 2 Cor. 1. 12. 11. 3. expressed in these things 1 A faithfull retaining of the pure word of God without mixtures looking onely thereto for the formes of holinesse and happinesse no way lending eare to false teachers that would impose more vpon vs then God requires as doe the Papists 2 An ignorance of the depths of Sathan simple concerning euill Rom. 16. 19. not skilled in wily distinctions excuses to maintaine sinne 3 Godly integrity opposed to fleshly wisedome and fraud which is when in plainenesse of heart wee desire to doe what God requires though it bee neuer so much derided in the world Ambros in locum without man-pleasing or respect to our owne lucre 4 The loue of holinesse for it selfe and the hatred of sinne as it is sinne 5 The desire to be what euer wee are in the sight of God making Caluin in locum his allowance our glory 7 Precisenesse circumspectnesse accuratenesse Eph. 5. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Making conscience of lesser sinnes as well as greater auoiding the appearance of euill and the occasions as well as the euill it self obseruing the circumstances of time â—â—ace and persons in doing duty 8 Meekenesse of wisedome Iam. 3. 13. which consisteth in these particulars 1 A calmenesse of heart from turbulent and violent passions out of which springs gentlenesse of carriage so thâ—t a man is not easily prouoked 2 A sense of our owne vilenesse which maketh vs not wise in our selues and to doe good in the deepe apprehension of our vnworthinesse to doe any seruice to God â—r man and to auoid bit 〈…〉 s 〈…〉 ifes and enuyings Iam. 3. 3 Easinessâ— to be intreated Iam. 3. 17. 4 Corrigiblenesse teachablenesse 9 A Conuersation in heauen which is so to be in the world as to let our hearts runne still vpon God and his kingdome and righteousnesse hauing God in all our thoughts and waies and directing all our actions some way to further our holinesse here and hope of happinesse to come Phil. 3. 20. Earthly men may haue earthly minds but heauenly mindednesse beseemes Christian men whose God Sauiour and happinesse is aboue 10 Patient continuance and perseuerance in wel-doing Abounding in good workes filled with the fruit of all righteousnesse Perfecting holinesse and hauing our works full before God Increasing so that our last workes may be better then our first Doing all without wearinesse Gal. 69. Without dismayednesse and faintings Heb. 12. 12. 13. Notwithstanding all impediments That so we may escape fearefull Apostacie both inward that our hearts cast not off the care of godlinesse the feare to offend nor restraine prayer Outward that we relapse not to the violent coâ—rses of the world nor liue in grosse sinne Both totall in falling from all godlinesse partiall in falling from some ordinances of God or to some transgressions Such are the generall precepts of an holy life §. V. Of our duty towards God and first of the knowledge of God NOw when thou art rightly qualified by faith and repentance and hast set foote within the gates of righteousnesse and art fully resolued
in this holy manner to doe the Lords worke come on and tread the pathes of the highest those euen and pleasant waies which lead to the assurance of eternall happinesse For the worke of righteousnesse is peace and the effect therof Esa 32. 17. quietnesse and assurance for euer The particular and expresse precepts of holy conuersation respect thy behauiour towards God other men thy selfe Thy duty to God is to know Thy duty to God him to worship him aright both for the inward affections of thy heart and for thy outward service 1 The knowledge of God 1 To know him desired more then burnt offerings is that which must be in some good measure found in all the true worshippers of him and that such a knowledge as natures light since the fall reacheth not vnto it being rather a sparkle whereby wee discerne that there is a God then any flaming light Rom. 1. 20. 21. that is able either to direct vs how aright to conceiue of him or to warme our hearts by liuely impressions that by the same we might be brought to glorifie him as God and not proue vnthankefull worshipping the creature in stead of the Creator Ier. 24. 7. 1 Ioh. 5. 20. who is blessed for euer Scripture then doth teach this knowledge and God by them doth giue an heart as Ieremie speaketh an vnderstanding as S. Iohn saith To know him that is true and to know him that we might worship him And concerning this grace it is required in the Scripture as euer we meane to know God that not alone wee know but also follow on to know the Lord Hos 6. 3. The precepts thereof must direct in both 1 The Rules for the guiding of our vnderstandings to know and conceiue of God aright are these 1 That we know him by no likenesse nor resemble him to any thing in the world hee is a spirit the inuisible God to whom then wilt thou compare him or to whom shall he be like God forbids images in Churches houses and thy head too Commandement 2. Deut. 4. 12. 15. 2 How shall we doe then to conceiue of him whom no man euer saw nor can see of whom none may thinke by resembling him to any thing hee doth see the Lord himselfe hath shewen the way caâ—ie glorious and able to prepare our hearts vnto him in any seruice wherein we would approach neere vnto him a way by which hee made himselfe knowne to Moses Exod 34. 6. 7. by his glorious titles and attributes the excellenciâ—s and praises of him that is I am the Almighty which is which was which is to come Therefore in prayer and all other his worship in all thy meditations fasten thy thoughts vpon him as the Lord God Gracious Mercifull long-suffering that pardoneth iniquitie transgression and sinne that will by no meanes cleare the wicked the most Holy Alsufficient eternall onely wise God with the like which shall lift vp thy heart vnto him through the glory that shines in them By this meanes maist thou haue him in thy minde through the whole day In the creatures thou beholdest inasmuch as these praises may be read plainely in that great booke If thou wilt take the benefit of this direction an helpe non contemnendum not to be despised there are three waies to gather these glories of the highest out of the booke of the creature 1 By way of deniaâ—l remouing from God in our conceiuing of him what euer argueth weakenesse or wickednesse in the creature as to know him to bee the God that cannot lye that cannot dye but is immortall that cannot repent or deny himselfe 2 By way of eminency ascribing what is good in the creature to the Creator by an excellency as see wee knowledge in men and he that teacheth men knowledge shall not he know is wisedome in men and is not hee most wise are there any drops of mercy truth or holinesse in the creature the Ocean is in him or rather he is the Ocean Doth the creature liue with him is the well of life 3 By way of causing all things so by the fabricke of this world we know him to be the Creator by wonders therein we vnderstand his eternall power and God-head by gifts bestowed on the creatures his bounty and goodnesse by their order his wisedome the God of order by their continuance in the same estate to this day his vnwearied prouidence 3 Yet all this is not sufficiâ—nt wee must know him to bee that one God who is three the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost and know God the Father as the Father of Iesus Christ his Sonne and as our Father in him by the holy Ghost The first of these namely to hold the doctrine of the Trinity distinguisheth Christians from Iewes Paynims Turkes Arrians Antitrinitarians The second which the Apostles cals the knowledge 2 Cor. 4. 6. of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ his Sonne distinguisheth true Christians from all Hereticall Papisticall and formall Christians which is called sauing knowledge by Diuines and is eternall life in the beginnings of it Ioh. 17. 3. Which hath a power to transforme the 2 Cor. 3. 18 Col 3. 10. whole man into Gods image and change him from glory to glory It is a chiefe part of Gods image in vs at which time the vaile of ignorance is said to be rent And this is when by the Gospell wee hauing first seene our misery by the law and how vile we are by sinne we vnderstand the loue of the Father set vpon vs before euer there was a world choosing vs to life and predestinating vs to the Adoption of children by Iesus Christ whom hee gaue to vs and made him to bee to vs wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption and also the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the Sonne in taking on him our nature and dying for vs to reconcile vs to God and rising againe to make vs righteous and the fellowship of the holy Ghost who vniteth vs to the Father and the Sonne and sanctifieth and preserueth in the estate of grace When I say wee know with perswasion of heart the loue of God in Christ pardoning our sinnes and receiuing vs for his sonnes and daughters so that by the spirit of the Son sent into our hearts we call him Abba Father then know we him effectually And thus must thou conceiue of him and thus conceiuing approach to him when thou worshipest him Eph. 2. 18. In Christ wee haue saith Paul accesse vnto the Father by one spirâ—t For this wee should pray on â—he bended kneâ—s of our soules euery day that God would enlarge our hearts to comprehend with all Saints what is the height depth length and breadth and to know the loue of God which passeth knowledge that we may be filled with all the fulnesse of God Ephes 3. 17. 18. 19. 2 After thou canst thus conceiue of him then follow on to know the Lord acquaint thy selfe with
will be but a wearinesse to God such as hee cannot away with Esa 1. 13. God will not regard his seruice who will regard iniquity in his heart But if thus thou prepare thy heart thou shalt lift vp thy face before God Iob 11. 13. 14. 15. 2 We follow Dauids example before we take vp the duty say vnto thee O Lord doe I lift vp my soule For the corruption of nature which we alwaies beare about vs is as a weight pressing vs downe and doth easily beset vs with vnâ—hearefulnesse distractions security fashionablenesse and the like vnderminers of holy affections Psal 25. 1. Heb. 12. 1. And when before all seruice Especially in Gods house in the publique assemblies in Gods house 1 Wee looke to our timely comming to bee present with the first flying thither with hunger and thirst after the meanes and resolue on the continuance there till the blessing be put vpon vs by the Minister Gods people are a willing people in the day of assembling of his armies in holy beauty Psal 110. 3. Esa 60. 8. Num. 6. 23. 24. 25. Ezek. 46. 10. 2 We encourage and call on others to goe with speed to seeke the Lord prouoking them by our owne readinesse Zach. 8. 22. Esa 2. 2. Prophecies that fore told of the Christians praise herein In these two duties the shew is good though not to doe it for shew in both thou shouldest secretly grieue for the neglect and contempt of others Psal 119. 136. 3 We looke to our feet when we enter into the house of God that our soules be not lifted off from that reuerence we should beare to the Lords most holy presence either by distractions or by any pompous and stately shewes of pride in apparell or gate which doth take off the affections from the feare wherewith wee ought alwaies to serue the Lord yea and others affections too no looke to both thy feet Eccles 5. 1. And let the Lord see and all others too that thou art ready and commest for that purpose to offer an obedient heart and eare to God and not the fooles sacrifice euen a seruice which they thinke must please God though they obey him not yea must buy at Gods hands a liberty to disobey a pardon to liue as they lust 2 For the execution or right discharge of all duties of Rules of right execution seruice to God we must remember 1 To doe all to God onely Of all seruice Angell-worshippers hold not the heâ—d Mat. 4. 10. Col. 2. 18. 2 To doe all in the name of Christ seeing our daily fraâ—â—ties and the euill of our best workes and therfore relying on the merits and intercession of Christ to couer them and present them to God perfumed with the incense of his obedience Col. 3. 17. 3 To seeke the face of God and his strength resting in his approbation and taking heed wee doe not our seruice for the praise of men or for fashion-sake Psal 105. 4. Mat. 6. 1. 2. 4 To worship him with his owne worship according to the patterne receiued from God not according to the custome of the time or traditions of men Heb. 8. 5. 2 Chro. 17. 4. Mat. 15. 5 Not to worship him in an Image Commandement 2. This euill was noted to remaine in the time of Manassehs reformation the people did sacrifice still in the high places though to the Lord their God onely 2 Chro. 33. 17. Especially in his house And in discharge of all seruice to God in his house adde these rules to the former that thou mayest know how to behaue thy selfe in the house of God 1 Let all be done with one consent bee of one heart one mind one iudgement Zeph. 3. 11. saying The Lord will teach vs of his wayes and we will walke in his pathes with one mind and one mouth gloryfying God Rom. 15. 6. Esa 2. 2. 2 Let a speciall zeale and ferueÌ„cy of spirit fire thee as it were eate thee vp expressed not so much in shew of outward gesture as in loue to that place and the ordinaÌ„ces of God in the publike And an hearty ready performance of all duties there with more then ordinarie attention and intention of heart and mind bee there as a greene Oliue tree flourishing in the affections of godlines glorying in this mercy of God more then any worldly Doeg doeth in his wealth and flourishing in Kings fauors and courts Psal 69. 9. Psal 26. â— and 52. 8. 9. And further watching against all decayings of these ioyes in Gods Ordinances that we may be fat in our old age and well liking to shew that the Lord is vpright and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 13. 14. 15. These are the Rules of preparation and execution of Gods outward worship in the whole The seuerall partes are such as follow §. VIII The first the hearing of the word read and preached THe Precepts that guide vs Of hearing the word herein respect vs before in after hearing Before hearing 1 Wee must lay aside these sinnes malice guile or deceit in our dealings with men hypocrisies or guile of spirit in our dueties to God enuy and euil-speakings as backebiting iudging grudging complaining slandering with all bitternesse of speech yea all maliciousnesse and all guile as the Apostle Peter exhorteth 1. Pet. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 1. and the Apostle Iames more generally All filthinesse and superfluity of naughtinesse Iam. 1. 21. These corruptions of heart and life must bee mortified if euer we would thriue by the word and all of them for a little leauen will sowre the whole lumpe a small roote of them will much infect 2 Wee must seeke meekenesse and lowlinesse meekenesse to calme our hearts from waiwardnesse passions and perturbations and humility that wee be not wise in our owne eyes and conceited of our gifts or abilities but set our selues down like schollers at the feet of God to receiue of his words Iam. 1. 21. Deut. 33. 3. 1 Cor. 3. 18. 3 Wee must be like children in our affections to the word to loue it and long for it delight in it and haue our hearts set on iâ— as affectionately as children doe naturally thirst after the Brest 1 Pet. 2. 2. esteeming it as our appointed food as the honey or the honey combe Psal 19. 10. Iob 23. 12. renuing daily these our affections so shall we grow by it as by sincere milke 4 Prayer is required for our selues looking to the Lord that teacheth to profit Psa 25. 1 Cor. 3. 6. 7. Esâ— 48. 17. and for the Minister Col 4. 3. 5 Knowledge of the Catechisme that we vnderstand the doctrine of the beginnings of Christ without which we shall be euer but dull of hearing Heb. 5. 11. 12. with 6. 1. 6 Resolution to obey in all things that are spoken to vs of God Act. 10. 33. To heare all his words not putting any of his statutes from vs though contrary to our
doing some worke on that day then though the worke must be dâ—ne yet thou offendedst in thy negligâ—nt preparation Thou mâ—st so contriue thy worldly affaires that they trouble thee not with cares nor call thee to labour but on the other side remember so to laâ—our that the day before the Sabbath may haue lesse imploymâ—nt then any other so thy worldly affâ—yres shall no way incroach vpon the bounds of that day which the Lord hath 〈…〉 t aâ—art for himselfe nor breake into the Lords inclosure 3 To examine our selues for our sinnes especially those of the weeke repent washing euen our garments and drawing neare with the best holinesse we can get Gen. 35. 2 3. Psal 26. 6. Neh. 13. 22. We finde a fiue sold triall layed vpon the Christian He that would obserue this duety must keepe his Christian watch 1 Daily Psal 4. 2 Before the Communion 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 3 In time of humiliation publike or priuate when any heauie iudgement is sought to be remooued Lam 3. Zeph 2. 4 In the time of sicknesse when wee are summoned to leaue this world Esa 38. 5 Weekely before the Sabbath this here 4 To reforme all household iarres betweene husband and wife Parents and children Master and seruant for these hinder our prayers and Leauen our hearts and our Sacrifices Lev. 19. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 7. 1 Cor. 5. 8. Can God bee worshipped aright in his house when people liue not quietly dutifully and louingly in their houses Domesticall grieuances extend their infection to the pollution of Gods Sabbath Doe this thou dost prepare For the obseruation of the day when the Sabboth is come it must bee kept to this end there are charged vpon vs three duties first rest secondly the sanctification of the day thirdly the meanes of sanctifying the day 1 The first duty is that wee rest that day and so there is required a three-fold rest the rest of the body from workes of labour and worldly businesse in our particular callings and from workes of pleasures and recreations Esa 58. 13. the Lord saith that the Sabboth is then consecrated as holy when we neither doe our owne waies nor finde our owne pleasure nor speake our owne words vnder those words the finding our owne pleasure is condemned all recreations though they be honest and lawfull at other times vnlesse you call those onely recreations of which the Apostle Iames speaketh chap. 5. verse 13. If any be merry let him sing Psalmes To carry burdens and buy and sell on the Sabbath is to keepe the Sabbath of the men of Sabbathum Tyriorum Ashdod and Tyrus Neh. 13. 16. 20. 10. 31. God forbid it should bee heard of in Israel it would kindle an vnquenchable fire in our gates and deuoure our pallaces Ier. 17. 27. To rise vp to play and sit Sabbathum aureivituli downe to eate and drinke on that day were to keepe the Sabbath of the golden Calfe Exod. 32. 6. Obserua diem Sabbathi non carnaliter non iudaicis delicijs qui otio abutuntur ad nequitiam melius enim vtique tota die foderent quam tota die saltarent obserue the Sabbath day not carnally not with Iewish delights who abuse their leisure to naughtinesse for better it were no doubt they would digge the whole day then dance the whole day If you hold it vnfit to digge this holy Father S. Augustine holds it worse to dance that day The rest of the soule is required Sabbathum satanâ— from the workes of sinne which are euery way our owne workes Heb. 4. 10. and euery way seruile Esa 56. 2. Euill actions on this day are double iniquities such a Sabbath kept is a Sabbath for the Deuill The rest of cattell is required Sabbathum Boûm Asinorum that mercy may be shewed to the Beast and all occasions of mans labour may bee cut off for that day 2 The second duty is the keeping of the rest to sanctifie the day in workes of holinesse otherwise as bodily exercise profiteth little so bodily rest will profit as little What is rest enough is this a Sabbath or acceptable day to the Lord to goe fine and doe nothing Thine Oxe and Asse may keepe a Sabbath then as well as thou Diues himselfe could affoord that this precept should be morall Adde holinesse then to thy rest and rest that thou maiest be bound for the workes of sanctity but what are they They are the duties of piety and the workes of mercy The duties of piety are either publique or priuate the publique duties are these to heare and preach the Word with application to sing Psalmes to pray with the congregation catechising receiuing and administring of the Communion to be present at the administration of Baptisme and discipline this latter is a worke for the Sabboth though not for euery Sabboth The priuate duties haue either reference to the publique or are seuerally required those that haue reference to the publique are duties to be done before we come to the congregation or after Before wee come 1. wee ought to reade or heare the word read or to meditate on some part of it Blessed is the man in whose heart are thy wayes they goe from strength to strength euery one of them in Syon appeareth before God in thy walke to Gods house if thou wouldest be blessed Gods waies must be in thy heart 2. Wee must pray both for our selues and for the Minister for our selues our requests should be chiefly for these three things 1. for pardon of sinnes confessing and bewailing and laying aside malice guiles hypocrisies enuyings euill speakings and all superfluity of naughtinesse 1 Pet. 2. 1. 2. Iam. 1. 21. These sinnes will dis-sauour and dis-relish the milke of Gods word and keepe vs for feeling the sauing power and ability that is therein 2. For increase of grace 3. For Gods blessing on the meanes For our Minister our prayer should bee that hee may come to vs in the fulnesse of the blessing of the Gospell of Christ Ephes 6. 19. Rom. 15. 29. these duties before After the publique assemblies is required 1. examination of our selues and our charge for our selues that practise of Dauid must bee ours I thought on my waies and turned my feet vnto thy testimonies Psal 119. 59. For our charge we should whet the doctrine vpon their hearts and set an edge on the word deliuered by familiar conference Deut. 6. 7. True it is conference with others may be betweene teachers and hearers Mat. 15. 16. and betweene hearers whether equals as in Mal. 3. 16. or superiours and inferiours as the King and the Subiect 2 King 3. 11. and master and seruant 2. The searching of the Scripture vpon that wee haue heard not receiuing the doctrine of a Paul vpon trust Act. 17. 11. 1 Ioh. 4. 1. 1 Thes 5. 21 But prouing all thiâ—gs and holding â—ast that which is good especially good for vs 3. Pondring it in our hearts
heart towards men 2 The frame of thy conuersation with men Iustice would that thy heart In respect of the disposition of thy heart be thus disposed to all 1 To loue them naturally our hearts are void of this Philaâ—thropie or loue of man selfe-loue hath eaten out the loue of others yet this is a main ground of all holy conuersing with mâ—n How oft should that precept come to our mindes Thou shalâ— loue thy neighbour as thy selfe Obserue the words 1. thy neighbour must be loued euen euery man for there is Identitas originis vinculum societatis impressio Dei imaginis The selfe-same originall haue we not all one Father were not Adam and Eue the roâ—ke out of which we were hewen and the hole of the pit out of which wee were digged there is the bond of society which nature inclines vs all vnto and would haue kept inuiolable and there is a sparke of Gods owne image in all some true ground of honour and respect 2. all therefore thou must loue now loue is affectionate cheerefull and speedy and is expressed with meekenesse and softnesse freed from wrath enuy pride swelling selfe-loue it is exercised in holy things and is manifested in long-suffering and all suffering 1 Cor. 13. 4. 5. 3. thou must loue them as thy selfe is he not a kinde of other-selfe As thou wouldest others should maintaine and as thou thy selfe wilt to thy vtmost defend thy dignity life chastity goods and good name wife and possessions from the least iniury so must thou resolue with thy selfe and by all meanes fashion thy heart to tender as dearely euery other mans dignity life purity goods good name wife and possessions from the least dammage euen in the thoughts of thy heart The Lord keepe this in the imagination of the thought of euery one of our hearts for euer Labour and worke thy heart with all dâ—ligence to this thing This is the summe of the sixe last Commandements the worke and labour of true loue the least part whereof may not be denyed by any to the worst of men Name the man whom thou maiest iniure in the least kinde and yet â—e blamelesse Little is this duty thought of euen by the godly and who is it but thinketh hee may both doe many an iniury and neglect many an office of loue to many men The â—uties of the second Table are the seruice an â— debt of loue to euery man which wee must daily pay and yet daily owe Rom. 13. 8. 2 To pray for all men men of all sorts not a man whom thou maist point out and except hartily desiring their conuersion this good the poorest may doe for the richest 1 Tim. 2. 1. 3 To câ—st our estates so that our liuing in our places may be inoffensiue and harmelesse 1 Cor. 10. 32. 33. Honest in the sight of all men and peaceable without contention with any if it be possible Heb. 12. 14. Rom. 12. 18. This were to pursue peace Heb. 12. 14. 4 To cast in our mindes what things are true are venerable are iust are pure are louely are of good report If any thing there be that is vertuous if any thing that is praise worthy to thinke on those things to proâ—ect how we may expresse those things in our conuersing with men Phil. 4. 8. Here is good employment for thy thoughts in thy priuacy and lonenesse 5 To beare reuerence and honour to all men in our hearts without contempt or despising any not suffering to lodge in our breasts thoughts of dâ—sregard or neglect of any 1 Pet. 2. 17. §. XX. Of the guides that direct the particular frame of righteous conuersing with men In respect of the frame of thy conueâ—sation THe heart thus disposed is fit now to conuerse with others that he would expresse righteousnesse in his conuersation with men must heed these â—ules in the generall as guides in all particulers 1 To doe to others as he would be done vnto is there any thing which he saith or doth to his neighbour of which question is made in his own heart or by others propose it then thuâ— would I that he should so speak and doe to me Mat. 7. 12. an admirable rule of iust dealing 2 To giue to euery man his due honor to whom honour feare to whom feare custom to whom custome tribute to whom tribute Rom. 13. 7. 3 Euery man to submit himselfe to other though he neuer so honorable and the other neuer so meane knowing they are all members of one body Polâ—tike now as in the body the cheiâ—est member hath need of the least so that the head cannot say I haue no neede of thee and the cheifest careth for the least so the body of societies the greatest needeth and the greatest must stoope to do for the least And that in the feare of God that is euen of Conscience to him that requires it or fearing him who as he hath placed thee highâ—st and that other lowest so can if he please pull thee downe to the dung hill and set the other in the throne For promotion cometh not from the East nor west it is God that setteth vp one and pulleth downe another Ephes 5. 21. 4 Climbe not at all no not into the desires of thy heart into the throne of iudgement that thou shouldst take to thee power to retaliate wrongs remember him that saith vengeance is mine I will repay See that none render euill for euil to any man but euer follow that which is good both among your selues that are Godly yea to all men thus shewing our patience towards all men 1 Thes 5. 15. 14. §. XXI Of the gouernment of the tongue IN particuler righteousnesse In speciall the bridling of the tongue takes order for the tongue deeds and first for thy words set a watch before the doore of thy lippes that no wickednesse breake thorough the hedge of thy teâ—th Therefore if thou be vtterly purposed that thy mouth shall not transgresse note what Dauid said to God in his prayer by the word of thy lips I haue kept me from the pathes of the destroyer Psal 17. 3. 4 The word of his lipps for the guidance of the tongue may bee cast into these rules 1 Take not vp the name of the Lord thy God in vaine when thou speakest of God or religiâ—â— his word or workes hâ—s merâ—ies or iudgements let there bee an honourable mention of them and open thy mouth with all possible reuerence fearing that great and terrible name The Lord thy God Deut. 28 58. breake not forth hastily into the discourse of holy things till thou canst see how some way God may be glorified thereby a wise man will conceale knowledge 2 Let thy speech bee good to edifie withall such as may minister grace to the hearers without corrupt or rotten communication Auoyd filthy speaking foolish talking and iestings Remember alwayes that of our Sauiour that For euery idle word that men shall speake they must
heart can say to God in all distresses Thou art my hiding place Psal 32. 7. Hab. 2. 4. Now let the power of thy faith cause thee to rest on God and liue in him For iustification and saluation by casting thy selfe into the mercifull armes of thy Lord spread out vpon the Crosse who will conuey to thee himselfe the vertue of his death and obedience and the power of his spirit to quicken thee out of thy sinnes here and out of the graue to raise thee at the last day Draw not backe dye rather at the throne of grace For sanctification thy faith being the roote of all graces and the attractiue vertue and magneticall force of thy heart to draw thee vp to Christ and to extract life and quickning grace from euery part of Christ his incarnation his life death resurrection ascension session and intercession that which maketh euery ordinance profitable Baptisms Mark 16. 16. Col. 2. 12. receiuing of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 29. the word heard Heb. 4. 2. and prayer Mat. 21. 22. For preseruation where thou must haue 1 A distinct knowledge of the promises for they are pabulum fidei the food of faith An abstract thereof I giue thee here applyed to seuerall occasions The penitent contrite and humble heart is sure in all estates Of the free fauour of God Hos 14. 4. in tendrest compassion more then motherly Esa 49. 15. in euerlasting constancy Ier. 31. 3. as the waters of Noah as the ordinances of heauen Ier. 31. 36. 33. 20. Esa 54. 10. Of Christ and the redemption wrought by him and of the spirit of Christ by couenant Esa 59. 20. 21. In the stormes of afflictions lâ—ue by these places Psal 89. 33. 50. 15. Heb. 12. 3. 4. Psal 34 19. Rom. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. and that sweet promise of giuing liberally euen wisedome to behaue our selues vnder the Crosse if wee aske it Iam. 1. 4. 5. In the midst of the venemouâ— arrowes of slanderous reproaches headed with the poyson of Aspes shot from the tongue of a rayling Shemei for Christâ— cause 1 Pet. 4. 14. Psal 31. 1â— 19. Heb. 12. 2. 3. Vnder wrongs by them that professe true religion in their vniust censures remember Iob and what an end the Lord made Iob 4. 6. 11. 2 3. and Paul 1 Cor. 4. 4. 10. Esa 66. 5. Against aduersaries Esa 41. 11. 12. Gen 12. 3. Gal. 3. 9. In temptations 1 Cor. 10. 13. Rom. 16. 20. Luc. 22. 31. Heb. 2. 18. 4. 15. Against daily infirmities Exod 34. 6. 7. Mat. 11. â—â— Hâ—b 4. 16. Esa 55. 1 2 3. 42. 3. In our spirituall barrennesse lamented Hos 2. 19. Esa 54. 5 6. In case of relapse when the heart iâ— smitten for it Hos 14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. In case of dismayednesse vnder corruptions great strong and the thoughts of our indisposition to any thing that is good Ezek. 36. 25 26 27. Phil. 4. 13. Against the feare of falling away 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 2 Tim. 2. 19. 2 Thes 3. 3. Ier. 32. 40. 41. Ioh. 10. 28. 1 Ioh. 3 9. 2 27. Heb. 7. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 5. In spirituall desertions Esa 30. 18. Psal 77. Esa 54. 7. 8. In the workes of thy calling Heb. 13. 5. Psal 37. 2 3. In the waies of thy houshold Psal 127. In losses for Gods cause 2 Chro. 25. 9. Mark 10. 29. 30. In the valley of the shadow of death Psal 23. 73. 26. In all in any estate Psal 84. 11. Rom. 8. 18 28 32. Looke also vpon the promises to seuerall graces and to seuerall degrees of true grace contained in such places as these Mat. 5. 1 2. to 13. 2 Chro. 16. 9. 2 Pet. 1 5 6 10 11. 2 Thou must then hang vpon these breasts of the Churches consolations by beleeuing and applying them to thy selfe and sucke out the milke that may nourish thee and make thee grow if so be thou hast tasted that the Lord is gracious 3 Keepe a Register of Gods mercies in his prouidence ouer his Church in thy time as neere as thou canst or at least ouer thee and thine a role of experiments How aduantagious this is Dauids practise and precepts shew in many Psalmes of his Psal 78. 2 3 4 5 6. to the end 107 43. 105. 106. 66 16 17 18 19 20. These three rules concerne 2 Rules about thy repentance and obedience thy faith furthermore sith wee daily transgresse and repentance is the worke of our whole life and seeing nothing more blemisheth obedience then inconstancy to walke like a Christian attend these rules following about thy repentance and obedience 1 Hâ—lâ— firmely and iudiciously in what things the power of godlinesse doth consist that the full bent of thy soule may bee placed on these things the rather because these are the last and perillous dayes in which men should haue the shew but deny the power of godlinesse 2 Tim. 3 5. It consisteth not in frequenting the publike assemblies in set houres of deuotion in taskes of reading in the outward abstinence of fastings in professing or talking in knowledge for discouâ—se in strictnesse of shunning controuerted ceremonies in opinions in a straine of praise and words though all stamped in Gods minte in defying the corruptions of the time in descrying publicane-like sinners in praising the Martyrs or Saints departed in commending former and discommending the present in censuring others in holding profession with the forwardest in sincerity in reuerencing a Philip a godly Minister in giuing liberally to the maintenance of Gods worship c. But in righteousnesse peace and ioy in the holy Ghost in humility patience goodnesse meekenesse and truth in mercy and righteousnesse dealing in mortification of the flesh gouernement of the affections and the tongue in heauenly mindednesse selfe-denyall contempt of the world in the life of a pilgrime and a conuersation with feare in long-suffering and gentlenesse in sobriety and temperance in faith and fellowship with God in brotherly kindenesse and charity amongst men 2 Keepe by a watchfull suruey of thy heart a bill of thy sinnes that most annoy thee since thy profession as the Apostles made many of them agreeing to the estates of their hearers seuerally 1 Pet. 2 1. Ephes 4. 31. Col. 3. 8. 9. Thus shalt thou know what to confeâ—se and lament before God thus shalt thou see how thou growest in grace by the dying of thy preuaâ—ling sinnes The profit is not knowne but by those that haue practised it 3 Seeke after and pray earnestly for direct thoughts to see how farre thou hast aâ—tained and what is yet wanting in the graces of the spirit or the measure and degrees of them which graces God requireth and hath heretofore and doth still adorne the hearts of his children with Phil. 3. 11 12 13. To helpe thee herein that place of Paul Gal. 5. 20. which setteth downe the fruits of the spirit is to be often weighed and
thy soule to ill meanes Esa 28 16. The resting on second causes as Asa did on the Physitian dismayednesse and deiected thoughts to say thou shalt not see God and his saluation promised he will not be so good to thee or to say my way is hid from the Lord my iudgement is passed ouer of my God Esa 40 27 31. Iob 35. 14 15. questioning whether he can doe for vs as hee hath done for his people formerly Psal 78 19. 20. and desperate resolutions to say with the stubborâ—e Iewes in Ezok 33 10. If our transgressions and our sinnes be vpon vs and wee pine away in them how should we then liue Hearken what God saith as I liue saith the Lord God I haue no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turne from his way and liue turne yee turne yee from your euill wayes for why will yee dye O house of Israel verse 11. 3 Learne righteousnesse this is all the fruit God looketh aftâ—r to take away thy sinne Esa 26. 11. 27. His corrections are a winde to fanne and to clâ—anâ—e Ier. 4 11. which is done 1 If thou search and try thy waies and auoide carelesnesse Pro. 14. 16. Iob 36. 8. 9. If hee smite feare and depart from euill cry when he bindeth thee lâ—st like an hypocrite thou heape vp wrath verse 13. Lam. 3. 40. 2 Walke in thy integrity Pro. 19. 1. 3 Watch against discouragements Pro. 24. 10. nor questioning Gods loue for the outward distresse nor fainting in thy good way the way is not to be iudged by the afflictions but the afflictions by the way Trust in carnall Friends and arme of flesh Pro. 27. 10 Sudden Feares Prou. 3. 25. Psal 1 12. The righteous is not afraid of any euill tydings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. 3 In Poâ—erty 1 Dâ—ssâ—mble not make not â— In po 〈…〉 thy selfe poorer then thou art Salomon had obserued such a disease as this amongst men there is saith hee that maketh himselfe rich and yet hath nothing and there is that maketh himselfe poore yet hath great riches 2 But be it so thou art poore indeed seeke to beâ— rich in faith that Christ may liue in thee who is our riches and reioyce herein that thou art exalted to bee heiâ—e of the kingdome Iam. 1. 9. 2. 5. 3 Walke in thy integrity Pro. 19. 1. 4 Liue by faith Psal 34. 5. 6. 10. Mat. 4 4. Feede on the promise and depend on Gods allowance 5 Dwell in the land and bee doing good Psal 37. 3. Abide in thy place and remoue not without thou canst in a lawfull way see the Lord himselfe thy guide and leader 6 By contentation liue without couetings and desire to see therein the gaine of godlinesse that thou maiest learne to haue want and to be hungry as well as to abound and to be full Phil. 4. 12. Heb. 13. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 6. 7. 8. 4 In Sicknesse 1 Seeke first to God and 4 In sicknesse then to the Physitian as the ordinance of God and in thy seeking to God confesse against thy selfe thy sinneâ— to the Lord imitate Hezekiah Esa 38. 1. and doe not as did Asa 2 Chro. 16. lest a disease in the feet sooner cut off thy dayes then a griefe at the heart Psal 32. 5 2 Send for the Elders of the Church that they may pray for thee Iam. 5. 14. 3 Set thy soule in order for faith in the Lord Iesus repentance towards God loue to men hope of heauen and set thy house in order that thy last will may testifie all this 4. Let thy soule sâ—lace her selfe in that Psalme of Dauid the 41. to the increase of the care of duty and of the power of comfort and support of heart 5 In Persecutions 1 Let all thy sufferings from 5 In peâ—secutions hand or tongue of the wicked be for the name of Christ and for wel-doing that thou maiest suffer as a Christian not as a malefactor that if any euill bee spoken of thee or obiected against thee it may be falsely spoken and obiected Mat. 5. 11. 1 Pet. 4. 15. And here see thou conscionably for the Lords sake reuerence dignities and obey authority in whatsoeuer is not repugnant to the word of God 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14. 15. 16. that it may bee said of thee as once of Daniel wee shall not finde any occasion against this Daniel except we finde it against him concerning the law of his God Dan. 6. 5. 2 Remember what it will cost thee to be a Christian thou must deny thy selfe and thine own life Luâ— 14. 26. 2 Tim. 3. 12 and therefore thinke it not strange if a fiery try all should happen as if some strange thing had happened 1 Pet. 4. 12. 3 Commit the keeping of thy soule to God in wel-doing as vnto a faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. 19. 4 Be not afraid of the terror of the wicked neither be troubled but sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready al waies to giue an answere to euery man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in you with meekenesse and feare 1 Pet. 3. 14 15. So shall you witnesse a good confession and shall bee acknowledged by our Sauiour at the last and dreadfull day Mat. 10. 32. 33. Thou shalt Heb. 11. 27 not feare the face of a Pharaoh if thou haue seene him that is inuisible 5 Receiue the sentence of death in thy selfe that thou maiest not trust in thy selfe but God that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 1. 8. 9. 6 Let thine eyes bee set on things that are not seene which are eternall Looke out to the better refurrection that thou maiest not passe for deliuerance thy dyings for the Lord Iesus will bee but such light afflictions as the heart may runne away with 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. This will also keepe thee from the snares of the worldâ— enticements as it did Moses Heb. 11. 24. 25. 35. 7 Leaue not till thou canst be in sufferings as a sheepe dumbe before the shearers yea let thy heart be filled with such loue to God and man that thou canst pray for thy persecutors and blesse them that curse thee Mat. 5. 44. Esa 5. 53. 7. and in all committhy cause to him that iudgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2. 21. 23. 8 To helpe thee herein behold the examples of all the heires of promise the whole clowde of witnesses which compasse thee in this way the worthies of the Old Testament Heb. 11. the Confessors and Martyrs of the New Testament Reu. â—2 11. and chiefely the matchlesse patterne of our Sauiour Heb. 12. 2. who for the glory set before him despised the shame and indured the gaine-sayings of sinners 9 Adde withall the consolations which are not small for consider We are made conformable to Christ in sufferings and death and therefore we shall in glory 2 Tim. 2. 11. 12. Christ accounts them the residue of his sufferings and iâ— all
Ministeriall sentence and testimony concerning thy estate in Christ Know the ordinance of the keyes is of no small vse and comfort Ioh. 20. 23. 2 The profligation of temptations looking with a stedfast eye on the reward through the promise 3 The excitation of that Christian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or desire to be dissolued that thou maiest say with good old Iacob Lord I haue waited for thy saluation Gen. 49. 18. In the very agony of death and deposition or laying downe of thy body how glorious is it To dye in the faith To excite our hope and desire of heauen To commit our soules into the haâ—ds of him that redeâ—med them the Lord God of truth Psal 31. 6. saâ—ing Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and Lord Iesus receiue my spirit Amen Euen so be it §. XXXI Peculiar rules applyed for the passing euery day BY Gods assistance the rules Rules applyed for the pâ—ssing of the day of holâ— liâ—e haue hitherto beene taught rules not now and theâ— to be looked vnto but constantly nor generally but particularly in all our actions euery day and throughout the day that we might serue the Lord in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life blesse him euery day of our life and thinke of him all the day long But this it may be such is our weakenesse and the backwardnesse of our hearts to good hath scarce found a place in our thoughts as yet and where it hath yet know they not how to order them handsomely to a daily direction To helpe this also I now apply my self making a draught of certaine rules out of Gods word by which you may be inabled euery day to passe the day according to Gods will with sound peace for this vndoubtedly is required of vs a faithfull and constant endeauor to please God in all things euery day of our liues to the peace of our consciences and the glory of God And because some thinke it The warrant of it strange it should be required of them to be kept in compasse euery day some thinke the â—abbath is enough to attend to a religious holy conuerâ—atioâ— some say I hope we be no children to be appointed what wee should doe some thinke it is not to be thought the Lord should direct a man to euery various action which meeteth him in the day some can be content to receiue the thing of the day in his day from Gods hand but neuer thought of doing the duety of the day in his day to God againe and so neuer passed a day in all their liues of which they could in all actions or euer did depend on God in those particulars abide with him by faith therefore I haue selected that place in Pro. 6. 20. 21. 22. to take off all these conceits and to proue the necessity the excellency of this course if euery day through the whole day we passe it according to the warrant of Gods word The words of the text are these Pro. 6. 20. My Sonne keepe thy Fathers Commandement and forsake not the law of thy mother 21 Binde them continually vpon thine heart and ty them abouâ— thy necke 22 When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keepe thee and when thou awakest it shall talke with thee 1 Here first it is fully charged euery day to haue the commandements bound vpon our hearts for continuall remembrance tyed about our neckes as Iewels for esteeme and ornament and for vse to lead vs in our goings to keepe vs in our sleeping to talke with vs in our awaking accommodated and fitted in all to our owne particular in euery moment of times changes verâ— 21. 22. 2 Therefore the Sabbath though it haue its more speciall attendance on Gods Seruice in his ordinances and that onely yet is not all the time God requireth for an holy conuersation nay all times hâ—lily though not all time in the duties of reading hearing prayer and the like vers 21. 3 And I hope you will be and are Wisedomes children who in these words speaketh to you as to children My Son vers 20. and offers her selfe as a mother and God aâ— your father yea I hope you will be children to learne of wisedomes maydens euen your Ministers instructing you from Gods mouth You must be appointed else are you bastards and not sonnes 4 And for specialty of direction the word if thou remember and price it will guide the day and night awake asleepe at thy going out and at thy comming in vers 22. 5 And thus walking thou art sure of sweet coÌ„munion wâ—th God the father and with Iesus Christ the wisedome of his father no father and mother more tendering their child theâ— the Lord will tender thee while thou seruest him vers 20 and thou art sure of preseruation in the life of grace and way of holinesse the Câ—uenant it selfe hath the power to leade thee to keepe to comfort thee as a friend Counseller and guide from thy vpâ—ising to thy downe-lâ—ing Nor iâ— the Gouerning of our liues left in our owne hands one day nor were it good for vs who are giuen to change if it were so for we were then no way assured of the protection of our heauenly father and blessed Sauiour nor of a safe footing in any of our waies This for the Text according The coppy of it to the warrant whereof I beseech you receiue the Coppy of your â—aily direction thus 1 Awake with God let thy heart sing his power and mercy in the Morning Psal 59. 16. in the Morning direct thy selfe vntâ— God and looke vp Psal 5. 3. preuent him in the morning Psal 88. 13. it matters much vpon whom thou bestowest thy first thoughts 2 Let thy apparell be such as becometh those that professe godlinesse expressing modesty shamefastnesse and sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Neither costly beyond ability or to hinder good workes nor garish for the fashion beyond modesty nor strange for new-fanglednesse there is the apparell of good works the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit likewise suffer not more time then needs to be spent about this trimming of thy carcase 3 Turne thy selfe in solemne manner to prayer with confession Thankesgiuing and petition acknowledge thy dependance on God seeke of him thy daily bread and daily forgiuenesse and renewed strength against temptations c. and if thou haue a family neglect not to call them together at the conuenientest time Ier. 10. vers 25. vse it not as a custome nor as if that one little space oâ— deuoâ—ion did buy out a pardon for the rest of the day to liue as thou listest no it is to enable thee the better to walke in the day with God 4 Follow thy calling with cheerefulnesse diligence and quietnesse 1 Thâ—s 4. 11. doe thy labour as a duty not with the desire to be rich which is both a sinne and a snare be content with Gods blessing in the successe he giueth