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
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
THE LIGHT OF FAITH AND WAY OF HOLINESSE Shewing What to belieue and for what to striue together earnestly contend and suffer for in this contending age And how to liue in all estates conditions and degrees of relation according to this faith In both deliuering as neere as might be in the life of Scripture phrase only things necessary as we meane to be saued and auoiding vtterly things arbitrary that distract rather then direct a Christian Collected out of holy Scripture by an vnworthy labourer iâ— Gods vineyard RICHARD BIFIELD Pastor in Long-Diâ—ton in Surrey Esa 35. 8. And an high way shall be there and a way and it shall be called the way of Holinesse the vncleane shall not passe ouer it but it shâ—ll be for those the way faâ—â—ng men though soâ—les shall nâ—◠〈◊〉 therein London Printed by T. H. for Ph. Stephens and Ch. Meredith 1630. TO THE RIGHT Worshipfull and religious Knight my most bountifull Patrone St. Thomas Euelin and to the vertuous Lady the Lady Anne his Wife R. B. wisheth Grace here and Glory hereafter Right Worshipfull AFter prayer to GOD that these first fruits of my labours in this kinde offered to the glory of his Name for the good of his Church may be acceptable to him being sanctified by the Holy Ghost I present this ensuing Treatise to your worthy selues as to a most excellent Theophilus and an elect Lady It had indeed its birth in another place but its polishing if yet it may bee tearmed polished vnder your supportation I would therefore it should in the entrance acknowledge for it selfe and for mee those large fauours both I and it doe enioy But while it speakes let none impute the folly of flattery or acceptation of mans person for should I so doe my Maker would soone take me away Three things shall make your name your memory sweet and sauory in the Church of Christ and among the Saints First your free bestowing of that ecclesiasticall preserment the Lord intrusted you with without so much as suite or seeking on my part or any on my behalfe who yet was a stranger to your Noble selfe family and kindred respecting nothing but the discharge of your conscience the good of the people and the glory of the Lord Christ which was abundantly shewed when your Worship was pleased to require at my hands these three things alone residence like paines as I had bestowed where bands of duty were lesse and plaine teaching with the pressing of the law throughly to prepare for the Cordials of surpassing grace discouered in the Gospell What Christian that knoweth this will not say Remember him O my God for good concerning this and wipe not out this good deed which he hath done for the house of his God Secondly your vnwearied attendance on the ordinances of Christ with reuerence on the Lords day and on the weeke dayes entring the assemblies with the first abiding there with the last so that your deeds speake effectually in Iacobs phrase surely Gen. 28. 16. 17. the Lord is in this place How dreadful is this place This is none other but the house of God and this is the gate of heauen The Lord the God of Iacob the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ shew you in that place for euer Iacobs Ladder and the Angels of God ascending and descending on it and himselfe standing aboue it and giuing Oracles from the top of it Thirdly your life led in this wanton proud age in such a way as is free from all the vices of our times Others of our Gentry spend their dayes in Hawking Hunting Bowling in Carding Dicing Bowzing while you seeme alone among many to haue learnt that which God hath made the calling of a Gentleman Goe on still Noble Sir to make a further escape from the corruptions that are in the world through lusts it shall be your immortall praise to distinguish in deedes betweene Gentility and effeminatenesse Generosity and prophanenesse frugality and couetousnesse lâ—berality and prodigality grauity and vanâ—ty power and shew of godlâ—nesse Speake I this to exalt you in your thoughts aboue measure or speake I it not to mooue the hearts of our Gentry to consider it In as much as God hath set me thus in my place I magnifie my calling if by any meanes I might prouoke all Patrones to emulation and might saue them from their iniurious practises and ill offices done thereby to the house of God By whose Gehizing hands Symonizing Wolues prey vpon themselues and make a prey for Sathan thousands of soules But what seeke I herein to my selfe surely this that as oft as I looke on these lines I might fetch a renewed strength for the improuement of my Talent to the good of your godly family of this people ouer which the Lord hath placed me though vnworthy an ouerseer and of the whole Church according to my line and measure And that if I should bee negligent I might haue many say to mee that which Paul charged the Church of Colosse Col. 4. 17 to say to Archippus Take heede to the Ministery which thou hast receiued in the Lord that thou fulfill it For the Treatise it selfe you shall haue matter but words are not to bee expected from him who professeth not himselfe a master of speech The matter is intended for the through furnishing of a Christian in onely necessary things to all turnes at all times large I confesse is the promise what is performed reade and see I shall the meane while pray for both your Worships increase in grace and all gifts of the spirit with length of dayes to see your sweet Children the Lords reward your chiefe riches flourishing and spreading into families with grace and fauour from GOD and man that the few dayes of my pilgrimage ma also bee made thereby the more comfortable and happy who am Your Worships in the seruice of your faith humbly deuoted Richard By field The Contents of this Treatise in an Analiticall Table The Preface to the whole The Parts which are three THE DOCTRINE OF FAITH Or what it is in the profession whereof we are to liue and die this respects The Articles of Gods Couenant conteining the substance of Christian truth which concernes The Scripture § 1. God the Father § 2. God the Sonne § 3. God the Holy Ghost § 4. The Church § 5. The seales of the Couenant Baptisme and the Lords Supper § 6. The answere of a good Conscience § 7. THE PATHES OF HOLY LIFE THAT GVIDE MEN AS THEY ARE CHRISTIANS The order § 1. The Precepts which are Precepts which lie in common for all times Precepts for the passing of euery day The Precepts which ly in common for all times are Generall and concerne The qualifying of the person that would lead a Godly life § 2. The Gates of righteousnesse that open vpon these pathes § 3. The enliuing qualities of all holy duties § 4. Perticuler and they order vs. To God and so To know
him § 5. To worship him § 6. To serue him With our persons where Generall Rules of preparation and execution of all outward worship § 7. The perticuler precepts that guide in the vse of seuerall ordinances Of hearing the word read and preach § 8. Of receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs body and blood § 9. Of Baptisme § 10. Of Prayer § 11 Of Feasting and solemne thankesgiuing § 12. Of Fasting § 13. Of Singing of Psalmes § 14. Of Reading or meditation § 15. Of Vowes and swearing § 16. Of Seruing God with our good § 17. Of Keeping the Lords day where are discussed The authority and The duties of the day § 18. To men and these looke To all men for iustice and mercy For iustice in The right disposition of the heart towards them § 19. The frame of the Conuersation § 20. The gouernment of the tongue more specially § 21. The innocency of the hand § 22 For mercy § 23. To some men as the godly and the wicked where The loue of the godly § 24. Our Carriage to the godly in particuler cases § 25. The wisedome of our behauiour towards the wicked § 26. To our selues teaching how to abide with God In our callings § 27. In our Christian profession § 28. In the changes of life as In our wealth In afflictions generally considered In pouerty In sicknesse In persecutions § 29 In our death teaching The cure of diseases The care of necessary duties § 30. Thus of the precepts which ly in common for all times The precepts for the passing of euery day § 31. THE PATHES OF HOLY LIFE THAT GVIDE CHRISTIANS IN SVCH A CONDITION Where The order and vse hereof § 1. The speciall rules which concerne The more eminent relations Of Magistrate and Subiect The Magistrate both The supreme and gouernors sent of him The subiect in generall The Courtyer The Ambassador The Counsellor of state § 2. Of the Husband and wife § 3. Of Parents and chiidren § 4. Of Masters and Seruant § 5. Of Pastor and flocke § 6. Rules for the more priuate estate as Of Neighborhood § 7. Of Friendship § 8. Of Enmity § 9. Rules for those of meere priuacy as Of the aged § 10. Of the youth § 11. Of the Virgin and widdow § 12. THE PREFACE shewing the occasion order and vse of this Treatise CAsting in my The Holy dayes in the yeeres 1625. and 1626. thoghts which way I might most profitably spend this time of Assembling our selues together on those dayes set apart by our Church both for the discharge of my duty and for your edification it came into my minde to vndertake the exposition of the Scriptures but then the Lord directed my heart to resolue first to propose briefly the sum of fayth and holy life which might be both as a key to open the doore of true exposition for prophesie ought to be according to the Analogie of fayth and also a rule which you might haue alway by you nay with you according to which you might walke that peace might bee vpon you and mercy though I should noâ— accomplish among you my former intended taske We will then the good hand of our God being vpon vs proceed in this order viz. Giue 1. The summâ— of fayth 2. The pathes of holy life that guide men As they are Christians which pathes as they are Christians in such a condition lie in common for all times are applied in peculiar for the passing of euery day of relation to other as Magistrate Subiect Pastor Flocke Husbnad and wife Parent and childâ— Master and seruant Of priuate state as Neighbour friend foâ— the aged the youth the single person both maid and widow Out of these euery one may and must take to so many as may serue his owne condition and so haue before him Gods will concerning him which will we are all bound to know Ephes 4. 16. And without which we can neuer order our conuersation aright and therfore haue not the promise to see the saluation of God Psal 50. 23. This setting an order in fayth and life is the onely way to walke as wise and vnderstanding Christians to walke vprightly and so surely to walke worthy the Lord in all pleasing to liue profitably and so comfortably Which while people are called vpon to doe by the Ministers yet it is left vndone by the hearers or set vpon with little heart and oft times with lesse profit euen for want of direction You Beloued God assisting shall haue it drawen out to your hands that you may euery one come to this garden and gather so many flowers as may make vp your posie suteable to your seuerall smells yea plant your heades and heartes with them and thereby refresh your spirits and keepe in you the good sauâ—ur and sweet sent of a well-watered Garden where your beloued may take his pleasure THE FIRST PART §. 1. THe summe of faith or what it is in the profession whereof we are to liue dye respecteth the Articles the seales of Gods couenant The Articles are briefly comprized in the Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed where we consider 1 The substance of Christian doctrine which concerneth God the Father in the 1. Article God the Sonne in the 6. following God the holy Ghost in the 8. The Church in her qualities the 9. in her prerogatiues in this life the 10. in the life to come the 11. and 12. 2 The answere of a good conscience to all that God reuealeth and promiseth in the word I beleeue which is carried to euery parcell of the Creed The seales of this couenant are two Baptisme The Supper of the Lord. For the substance of Christian â—1 doctrine to be beleeued as euer we would be saued and for which faith we must lay downe our liues if God call for it I will lay it downe in words of Scripture according to the order and meaning of the Articles saue that these Articles presuppose we haue receiued the Bible for the word of God as being an abridgement of faith giuen to beleeuers not to Infidels Wee must see there what God commandeth we should blâ—eue and hold concerning the Scripture out of which the Creed was taken then what of himselfe and of his Church Credenda God commandeth that I and euery one doe beleeue in our hearts and professe with our mouthes and be ready to seale it with our dearest bloud That all Scripture is by inspiration 1 Of the Scriptures 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Their authority or the imbreathing of God namely the bookes of the old Testament as of Moses and the Prophets and the Bookes of the New Testament and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may 2 Pet. 1. 18. 19. 20. Vse be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes A more sure word for vs to take heed vnto then a voyce from heauen Further that no man
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
as did the blessed Virgin and hiding it there for practise as did Dauid Psal 119. 11. 4. Prayer alone or with others Neh. 13. 22. These duties hâ—ue reference to the publique The duties seuerally required are foure first familiar conference of things pertaining to the kingdome of God not speaking our owne words that day Esa 58. 12. secondly the catechising of our families thirdly the singing of Psalmes Psal 92. 2. fourthly meditation on the word and the workes of God as vpon the workes of Creation of Redemption of Prouidence for his Church against the enemies therof Ps 92. of the riches of his house and the flourishing in righteousnesse of all that are planted in his coures Psal 92. the latter end this for piety The workes of mercy are eyther for the publique or the priuate In the publique are collections for the poore 1 Cor. 16. 1. In priuate mercy respecteth the temporall life as the workes abâ—ut sicke persons almes the meating of cattell the preseruation of things that otherwise would perish or it respecteth the spirituall life as to teach the ignorant reclaime the erronious admonish the backward exhort and perswade the delinquent rebuke the offender comfort the distressed giue counsell to them that need and seeke it and to reconcile them them that are at variance These are the workes of sanctity but when are they done in a Sabboth like manner I answere when they are done 1 With readinesse and delight louing to be his seruantâ— and to doe his worke vpon his day Esa 56. 6. 58. 13. calling the Sabboth a delight the holy of the Lord honourably without which God takes himselfe not honoured this delight is to bee expressed in the publique duties 1. by being there with the first Esa 2. 3. Ezek. 46. 10. 2. by auoyding all vnseemely gesture sleepinesse drowsinesse and all wandring thoughts 3. by waiting for the blessing to be put vpon vs by the Minister Numb 6. 23. 27. But chiefly see thou solace thy heart in the inward rest which is the Sabboth Sabbathum secretum of the true Israelite who worships God in spirit These call this day desiderium dierum the desire of dayes 2 With speciall obseruance not onely to the rest but also to the sanctification of the day that no duty be omitted nor the day any way prophaned tending our hearts and words 3 With sincerity obseruing it in our dwellings as well as in Gods house within our gates as well as within his doores Leu. 23. 3. spending the whole day morning and euening on Gods worke Psal 92. 2. Doing all with as much diligence and earnest labour for the meat which perisheth not as we doe on the weeke day for the meat which perisheth and as we looke our seruants should not serue vs an houre or two in the day or slightly 4 With beliefe that God will blesse that day and the duties thereof to the increase of grace Gen. 2. 2. Ezek. 20. 20. 46. 2. 5. resting on the promises he hath made in Esa 56. 5. 7. 58. 14. The third thing respects the meanes of sanctifying the Sabboth and so there is required 1 A place to assemble together Leuit. 19. 30. Psalm 132. 1. 2. 5. 2 Persons fit for the duties such as are able and apt to teach 1 Tim. 3. 2. For where vision faileth the people perish Pro. 29. 18. And prophecying or preaching that is giuing the sense and applying the word for instruction correction comfort and reproofe is the gift of the spirit that should be vsed in christian assemblies 1 Cor. 14. 3. 4. 5. 24. 28. What alterations haue beene for want of prophecying see in these places Iudg. 17. 7. 1 Sam. 14. 2 Chro. 15. 3. 2 King 17. 15. Therefore let vs be so farre from enuying the increase of their number and gifts that rather Moses wish be ours Would God all the Lords people could prophesie Numb 11. 19. 3 The maintenance of both the places and persons Thus we see what is charged on whom it is charged followeth 2 These duties are charged Thou thy sonne and thy daughter on all but chiefly on the Magistrates and Masters of families who must nor onely doe the duties of the Sabboth themselues but cause others to obserue them in respect of all outward conformity that none within their gates that is within their precincts iurisdiction power habitation or charge be suffered to violate the rest or prophane the day The example of Nehemiah is worthy imitation of all in authority of which you reade Neh. 13. 16. 19. where wee may see especially these two thiâ—gâ— that it belongs to all Gouernours of Families Townes Cities and Countries to prouide that the whole day be kept and all occasions as neere as may be of the prophaning of the day he cut off and that the preparation for the Sabbath bee not neglected much lesse then may any in place impose such harâ— labor and so extreame on the day before or the euening of the Sabboth as disableth for the duties of that day Againe that he offendeth exceedingly that hauing power reformeth not the abuses of this day Hitherto of our duty to God our duty to other men followeth §. XIX Of our duty to all men as it concernes the right dâ—sposition of the heart THe order of our conuersation Thy duty to man to God-ward hath beene shewed now wee come to lay line and lâ—uell to our hearts and liues that they may be ordered aright to man ward without which God himselâ—e râ—ckons of all duties of his seruice but as impâ—ety and vile hypocrisie saying of these duties we owe to man is not this to know me Ier. 22. 15. 16. And againe pure religion and vndefiled Iam 1. 27 before God and the Father is this Such is the absolute necessity of discharging these duties one to another that if your hearts deuoted to serue the Lord should frame this question wherewith shall I come before the Lord and how my selfe before the high God the Lord himselfe giueth this answere by his Prophet Micah Hee hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe iustly and to loue mercy Mâ—c 6. 6. 7. And here I beginne to set the Compasse and lay the Plummet for what euer wee owe to man is either carried to all men or to some certaine men considered as nearer to God Such are the regenerate renewed in Christ after the image of him that created thâ—m or as further off from God as wicked men that liue in their sinnes and serue sinne To all men vniuersally considered as men the duty we owe is comprized in this excellent speech Doe iustly and loue mercy In these two viz. Iustice and Mercy the Lord hath a bridged them and taught vs how to fadome them That thou maiest doe iustly To doe iustly and walke righteously towarâ—s all men two things are to bee heeded 1 The disposition of thy
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
11. 28. 31. Mat. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 16. Vse Now it is required of euery one that would receiue worthily and not eate and drinke damnation that hee discerne the Lords body that hee examine himselfe and iudge himselfe for his sinnes that he forgiue those that haue Psal 26. trespassed him and that he grow in loue to the fellowship of the Saints and in hatred of all assemblies of wicked Idolaters and prophane persons §. VII The answere of a good conscience I beleeue THe Answere of a good conscience 31 Of faith 1 Peâ— 3. 20. Ioh. 1. 1â— 12. Hab. 2. 5. Ioh. 17. 3. Rom. 10. 10 is in this word I beleeue which is the receiuing euery one for himselfe of all and euery one of these truths into our mindes to know them and into our hearts to assent to cleaue to and rest vpon them for our iustification and eternall saluâ—tion and into our mouthes to confesse and professe them and into our whole man to liue the rest of our life in the power of them so that Gal. 2. 20. we may liâ—e by the faith of the Son of God who loued vs and gaue himselfe for vs. Such is the substance of our faith The pathes of holy life which guide men as they are Christians all their daies and euery particular day follow THE SECOND PART §. I. The order THey that thus beleeue Agendâ—s this matchlesse loue of God and his exceeding kindenesse to them in Iesus Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Pâ—al 119. 9 Christ haue the loue of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost which will constraine them â—o liue not to themselues but to him that dyed for them and rose againe The rule of such a life is Gods holy word which in our language containeth Gods will concerning vs. Wherefore it is to bee diligently attended that wee may learne what this life beseeming the Gospell and a Christian redeemed at so great a price may be and vnderstanding what the will of the Lord is it is necessary that we order our conuersation aright an heart to which worke the Lord without doubt doth giue to as many as shall see his saluation Psal 50. 23 Col. 1. 10. Pro. 10. 9. 14 8 Gal 6. 16 Psal 84. 11. If we shall thus doe wee shall walke in all pleasing wee shall walke vprightly and therefore surely we shall vnderstand our way the wisedome of a prudent man mâ—rcy also shall bee vpon vs and peace neither will the Lord with-hold any thing that is good for the Lord himselfe is the sunne and shield hee will giue grace here and glory hereafter and no good 〈◊〉 will he with-hold from tâ—em thaâ— walke vprightly Vp then and be doing and 〈…〉 e Lord will â—e with thâ—e But thou wiâ—â—â—sâ—y what should I doeâ— fâ—râ—th direction I presâ—nt thâ—e our of Gods word an Abstract of speciall precepts for the right ordering of thy conuersation wherein I desire not like an hand to point it out to others but as a fellow-traueller towards heauen resâ—â—lue by Gods grace to be thy companion to tread witâ— a right foot in the way of life Come then let Esa 2. 3. vs ioyntly walke in his pathes and he will teach vs of his waies The precepts of holy life not restrained to a daily direction are first general which concern 1. The qualifying of our persons who would liue holily 2. The helpes of an holy life 3. The manner of wel-doing secondly particular which order vs towards God other men our selues First the person ought to be rightly qualified we being all by nature a serpentine generation that will bite by the heele him that passeth on this way and a swift Dromedary trauersing the waies that lead to the chambers of death but not that broode of trauellers the generation Psal 24. 6. of them that seeke the face of the God of Iacob §. II Of the qualifying of the person that would lead a godly life 1. VVHosoeuer would 1 The person qualified to walke in an holy life liue and that well must be sure that hee breake off his former sinnes by vnsaigned repentance and become a new man and must looke to his faith both to be assured of his reconciliatio â—ith God through Iesus Christ and by beleeuing to draw forth vertue and grace from him to enable him to walke in the way of life for the uncleane cannot walke in this way Esa 35. 8. 9 it is called holy but it is prepared for those that beleeue and repent and these way-faring men Eph. 2. 2. Rom. 8. 8. 9. Gal 2 10. Ioh. 15 5. though fooles shall not erre therein till this also euery man is dead in trespasses and sinnes and walkes in the flesh and therefore cannot please God It is faith by which we liue or rather Christ liueth in vs now without him wee can doe nothing but if wee abide in him and he in vs we shall bring forth much fruit Weâ— are in our naturall estate Lepers shut without the Campe and to rush into these walkes of new obedience not cleansed from this contagious leprosie is to pollute and defile all wee touch or haue to deale with The true cause why many that haue entred on the profession and practise of holy duties haue made no happy progresse and why some after long time haue fearefully fallen backe is no other then this they neuer laid a good foundation or made a good entrance by sound mortification That it may not thus fare with vs lâ—t vs know and practise what God requires of vs that wee might breake downe the power of our former sinnes and gaine some câ—mfortable assurance of Gods loue in Iesus Christ in the pardon of them and so you must 1 Examine and try thy waies and turne to the Lord not contented that thou hast heard say we are all sinners nâ—r bearing thy selfe vpon that knowleâ—ge of thy sinnes which thou canst gaine by measuring thy selfe by thy selfe lest selfe-loue and a deceitfull heart doe beguile thee But the duâ—y required is to search and try thy sâ—lfe by the word of God and thence to take a true surucy of thy naturall filthinesse by sinne and that thou maist lay it deepely to heart take a rowle or bill of such offences against each Commandement as thou canst directly accuse thy selfe withall and learne to gage thine owne heart by that perfect law and because wee are by nature ready to make a mocke Pro. 14. 9. of sinne such is our spirituall folly therefore to know the heynous and odious nature of sinne in Gods sight weigh what it is 1 By the law which sheweth thee it is the offence of an holy and infinite iustice and mâ—iesty and the breaking of a law which thine owne heart approueth as spirituall holy iust and good it is Rom 7. 12 such an euill as separates betwixt God and thee it deserues for its wages death of body of soule
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.
him doe not indure to spend thy time without God in the world this is done 1 By remembring him in thy waies and setting him euer before thine eyes walking before him as Abraham with him as Henoch and Noah did Gen. 17. 1. 2 By vsing thy selfe to soliloquies and meditations and to this end beseeching the Lord to open thine eyes that thou mightst see his glory in his word and works that thence thou mightst extract matter of frequent meditation 3 By seeking after him in the meanes wherein hee vseth to reueale himselfe familiarly vnto men for we know but in part and wee haue the promise that then we shall know if we follow on to know the Lord now these meanes are two 1. Gods Ordinances Hos 6. 3. 2. Houshold 1 Ioh. 1. 3. Hitherto of the knowledge of God the worship of God followes §. VI. Of the worship of God THe worship of God is either 2 To worship him inward or outward the inward is the life and soule of the outward the acts whereof no tyrannicall force can hinder no duâ—geon can intercept it is that whereby we come nearest vnto God and which is most acceptable to him who is a spirit That thou maist know how to set vp this worship of the true God in thy heart and spirit these rules direct 1 Thou must with full purpose of heart cleaue vnto the Lord placing all the affections of thy soule vpon him Act. 11. 23. Iosh 23. 8. and fâ—llow hard after God Psal 63. 8. by the helpe of these feet of thy soule 1 By beleeuing in him receiuing euery part of his word so as to feele the power of it in thine heart of the Commandements to incite thee of the threats to tâ—rrifie and humble thee of the promises to comfort thee the promises both of heauenly and of earthly things no comming to God but by this beleeuing Heb. 11. 6. 2 Chro. 20. 20. 2 By affiance and trust in God resting on him and making him our portion shewed 1 In committing our selues and our waies to him at all times Psal 37. 5. 10. 14. And in distresse 2 In rowling our cares and burdens on him Psal 55. 22. 3 In relying vpon his aide not Trusting to our owne hearts Pro. 3. 5. Hasting to ill meanes Esa 28. 16. Fretting at the prosperity of the wicked Psal 37. 1. But marke if thou wouldest haue God take the care of thee commit the keeping of thy soule to him in wel-doing and then is not hee the faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. 1â— 3 By hope in God which is a patient looking for the performance of good things to come which God hath promised and faith beleeued exprâ—ssed in a quiet and constant waiting vpon God encouraging the heart in him Lam. 3. 26. Psal 27. 14. Hos 12. 6. and then doe our soules waite when denying our selues wee resigne vp our selues keepe silence to him abide his leisure expect his saluation and the waies of escape which he shall offer without limiting tempting presuming or staying in second causes 4 By the loue of God aboue all testified in honouring him Mal. 1. 6. Longing after his presence both in his ordinances Ps 42. 1. glory to come 2 Cor. 5. 8 5 By delight in God Psal 37. 4. which hath in it 1 A sweetnesse in the meditation of his mercies and prouidence Psal 104. 34. 2 A ioyfull entertainement of all passages of his loue especially in the vse of his ordinances Cant. 1. 2. As being the very kisses of his mouth whose loue is better then wine 3 A spirituall replenishing and satiating arising from the sense of his loue and allowance in which the heart of the Christian resteth when all others disallow As a childe thinkes it enough if the father commends him cares not then for others dislike or cheeke Psal 63 5. 4 The extolling and commending of his praises and mighty acts by discourse and by singing of Psalmes Psal 105. 1. 2 5 A glorying in him 1 Cor. 1. 31. The height of this grace when the soule can climbe so high aboue all inferiour things and delights as to make her boast in the Lord all the day Psal 34. 1. 2. 6 By the feare of God which Timor Cuâ—tâ—s Culpae is two-fold 1 the feare reuerentiall whereby wee beare awfull regard to his name Deut. 28. 58. his iudgements and iustice Psal 90. 11. his goodnesse Hos 3. 5. his word Esa 66. 2. his mighty and meruailous acts Reu. 15. 3. 4. Ier. 5. 22. his maiesty in all his worship Psal 5 7. 2 the feare to offend Pro. 8. 13. 7 By humbling our soules Gen. 32. 1â— continually in his sight Mic. 6 8. as lesse then the least of all his mercieâ— and all the truth he sheweth to vs. 8 By powring out our hearts before him on all occasions Psal 62. 8. In prayers praises Confessions and complaints Psal 142 2. 9 By obeying him the soule euer yeelded vp to submissiue obedience to what he shall command 2 Thou must abhorre all Idols as being the images of iealousie Ezek. 8 5. and the abomination of Desolation oh neuer set them vp in head or heart 3 The affections of thy soule must bee placed on him onely and on no creature any otherwise then as thou seâ—st God in it and by it mayst be brought to cleaue to him the more be it father or mother brother or sister wife or childe 4 The affections of thy soule Deut. 6. 4. 5. must bee set on him in the full and vtmost vigor and force of them Thou must loue him with all thine heart with all thy soule with all thy might §. VII Of the seruice of God in generall HIthâ—rto of the inward worship 3 To serue him of God or how thou maist aright worship him for the inward affections of thy heart The outward worship may bee called the seruice of God and it is charged vpon thee in Deut. 10. 20. and in Mat. 4. 10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serue Now God is serued with thy person and goods first with thy person and for direction herein the Lord in his word hath laid downe certaine rules some generall which guide thee in all his seruice some speciall these pertaine to the seuerall parts of his seruice or to a special time of With our persons his seruice The generall are rules of Preparation Execution 1 For preparation the approach Where rules of preparation in all seruice to Gods holinesse needs particular addresses our hearts are naturally auerse from holy duties and require a speciall fitting and preparing when wee come to the ordinances of God Which is done when before all seruice of God whatsoeuer 1 Wee commune with our owne hearts and cast out the loue of all sinne washing our hands in innocency and preseruing our vprightnesse Psal 26. 6. 24. 4. 66. 18. Otherwise our solemne meetings our prayers all we doe
reason profit credit and the like The contrary was found in Iohanan and his confederates who promised all this to Ieremy but secretly resolued to try what the will of God was and to obey no further then it agreed to their wils Ier. 42 43. In hearing there is required 1 Attention of the eaâ—e bowed and inclined to heare Esa 55. 3. Of the eye if it may helpe affection as it doth Luk. 4. 28. Of the whole body as Mary Luk. 10. 39. Constantine the great would stand and heare though he were admonished of his Nobles not to doe it Such a composure or posture of body as may free from distraction expresse reuerence and helpe affection is required which will easily be framed â—f we marke the rules following namely 2 To heare as in Gods presence Act. 10. 33. 3 To heare as the word of the liuing God not as the word of a mortall man it then worketh effectually when it is thus mixed with faith 1 Thes 2. 13. Hab. 4. 2. 4 Prayer Oh thou that dwellest in the gardens the Companions heare thy voyce cause mee to heare it Cant. 8. 13. 5 Intention of the minde the thoughts not rouing and the vnderstanding busied 6 Retention of the memory obseruing that rule to be wise for himselfe Pro. 9. 12. 23. 19. He that so doth hath a good if not a great memory After hearing 1 Meditation and rumination in which worke three things are essentiall that we try the spirits prouing all things and holding fast that which is good 1 Ioh. 4 1. 1 Thes 5. 21. And that wee compare it and our selues together Psal 119. 59. I haue considered my waies and turned my selfe vnto thy testimonies and lastly that we obserue how gracious the Lord is in his ordinances what word soeuer he is pleased to sweeten to vs with the tast of his speciall goodnesse to note that chiefly 1 Pet. 2. 3. Psal 34. 6. 8. 2 The treasuring it vp for practise vpon all occasions Psal 119. 1â— Thou must presently set vpon the doing of what thou hast heard and retaine it not for that day but for euer Which is easily done if wee turne it into action as Mat. 7. 24. else we deceiue our selues Iam. 1. 22. §. IX The second part of Gods worship viz. the receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs Body and Bloud THis holy ordinance of Of receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Christ instituted in memory of his death and passion for our sinnes doth present the grace and mercy of God the Father and of our Lord Iesus to the â—ast and sight of the beleeuer of which we may say Oh come tast and see how gracoius the Lord is Neare is our approach to the Lord of glory when we see handle taste him when we are made one with him when he liues in vs. Who is sufficient or meet for these things Yet who would not his part and lot should be in this businesse if thy question be what letteth me to bee part ker of the Lords Table I answere Thou and all other Christians baptised that are come to yeeres of discretion may and must oft euen as oft as the laudable custome of the Church in which they liue requireth communicate at this heauenly banquet and feast of fat things To all such our Sauiour saith Take Eate c. And nothing hindreth but thou maâ—st with comfort draw nigh to this ordinance if thou follow the rules giuen to make thee a worthy Communicant They concerne thy preparation and vse thereof 1 For preparation foure things are to be looked vnto by The preparation him that would come and receiue to his comfort 1 His knowledge of the doctrine of saluation by Christ Of the nature and vse of this Sacrament that his heart be not through ignorance poysoned with superstition or contempt 1 Cor. 11. 23. Sacraments are seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom 4. 11. It is then of absolute necessity to bee knowne what this righteousnesse of faith is it is the way of making sinners righteous before God by the righteousnesse of Christ the Son of God imputed to vs of God and receiued by beleeuing of vs euen the righteousnesse of Christ who being become man wrought our redemption by his bloud and was made sinne that wee might be made the righteousnesse of God in him And thus we should be iustified not by the workes of righteousnesse which we haue done Vnlesse this be knowne and beleeued in vaine shall we come to this ordinance where the seale is annexed to this and no other Couenant On the other side the nature and vse of this Sacrament must be knowne viz. that it is giuen on Gods part as a signe memoriall seale and meanes to conuey Christ and all the benefits of his death obedience and bloud shedding to the beleeuer and that it is on our parts a solemne renewing of our Couenant with God and of our intire association to the fellowship of the Saints 2 The practise of the duty of examination a reuiew of heart and waies to finde out our sins and to iudge our selues for them that we may come with true humiliation and may seeke particularly the support of Gods ordinances vnder our particular sinnes both the assurance of his loue in forgiuing them and the increase of strength against them 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 3 The forgiuing of others that haue trespassed vs in all things for any matter of reuenge malice or secret grudge a leauen that swels the heart and sowres the sacrifice and maketh it distastfull to the Almighty 1 Cor. 5. 7. 8. And here wee are bound to seeke reconciliation and offer agreement Mat. 5. 23. 24. 25. 26. 4 His hunger and thirst after the mercy of God and the grace of Christ there offered to be exhibited and assured to vs. Esa 55. 1. 3. Mat. 5. 6. 2 For the vse of this Sacrament Vse In the time of receiuing we are not onely to take to eate and to drinke the bread and wine Mat. 26. 26. but also 1 By faith to eate and drinke Christs body and bloud tendred verily and indeed in the words of promise This is my Body which Ioh. 6. 35. is broken for you and this is my bloud of the New Testament which is shed for you vnto which promise thou liftest vp the hand and openest the mouth of thy soule namely a liuely faith and thus feedest on his Body and Bloud suffering on the Crosse for thy sinnes Thy faith must discerne the Lords body that thou become not guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord esteeme not of that bread and that Cup as of ordinary bread and wine but as Sacramentall so that thou beleeue the presence of Christ and that God doth as effectually giue Christ to the soule of the beleeuer as the Minister giueth Bread and Wine to his body and exalting thy faith thou must beleeue he is giuen to thee also neither doth God delude thee 1
baptisme as it is a vow and promise on our parts and a dedication of our soules and bodies there to the worship and seruice of that one God who is the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost renouncing all others now let this vow and profession of thine teach thee 1 To abandon all impenitency and vnbeliefe lest thou become a Couenant-breaker with God one that makest void the death of Christ one that crucifiest him afresh one that sinnest against the spirit of grace that grieuest that holy spirit disgracest the family Gospel and name of God and depriuest thy selfe of that saluation set forth by the Father wrought by the Sonne applyed by the holy Ghost assured by all three to thee in thy baptisme haddest thou looked to the condition and not put a barre to such surpassing mercy 2 To fight against the flesh the diuel and the world thereby remembring whose thou art and vnder whom thou warrest 3 To acknowledge the communion of Saints and know that thou art by baptisme bound to preserue brotherly loue with them as with the members of the body as with sonnes of the same father and seruants of the same lord 1 Cor. 12. 13. Ephes 4. 3 4. 5. No diuisions should arâ—se 1 Cor. 1. 13. All names of sectes should be abolished wee should deuote our selues to no mans rule were we baptized into the name of Paul Whose seruants soeuer wee are wee are Christes freemen and whose freemen soeuer we are Christs seruants 4 To worship him in vnity and vnity in Trinity drawing neere to the Father in the Son by the holy Ghost giuing the distinct glory to each person the Father that elected and loued the Sonne that redeemed the holy Ghost that sanctified vs. The forme of baptisme requireth this §. XI The fourth Prayer THis rightly performed is Of prayer the soule of the soule because it causeth it to liue in God the exercise of all the graces of the spirit at once as faith hope loue feare to offend vprightnes of heart delight in God and the like the Christians armouâ— the incense acceptable to God the very key of heauen In this seruice of the liuing God these speciall rules must be heeded 1 Thou must pray with thy vnderstanding that it may not be sayd to thee thou knowest not what thou askest It is the prime thing to be looked vnto that thy vnderstanding bee not vnfruitfull for it is not the tumbling ouer a few wordes without regard of the sense in them and knowledge of the thing prayed for that is of any moment but the powring out of the soule in those wordes which alone giues being to our prayers 1 Sam. 1. 15. Psa 142. 2. Lift vp thy heart with thy handes Lam. 3. 41. 2 Pray with pure heart and hands 1 Tim. 2. 8. The purity of the heart giueth purity to the hands both are pure in prayer when they are lifted vp 1 Without double mindednesse hypocrisie or guile of spirit the soule not lifted vp to vanity Psal 24. 4. nor the heart set vpon the loue of any sinne purifie your hearts ye double minded and then draw nigh to God and hee will draw nigh to you Iam. 4. 8. But if thou wert Dauid himself to whom God gaue his sure mercies if thou regard iniquity in thine heart the Lord will not heare thy prayer Psal 66. 18. 2 Without wrath for if wee forgiue not neither will our Father in heauen forgiue vs Mat. 6. 14. 15. 3 Without doubting Iam. 1. 5. Aske and wauer not 3 Pray with feeling and feruency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how preuailing is the prayer of a righteous man it is as an arrow shot home to the marke Iam. 5. 16. A speeding prayer a labouring and working prayer 4 Pray in the Holy Ghost Iude 20. Set thy delight on the Almighty so cannot any hypocrite Iob 27. 10. and cry Abba Father by the spirit of adoption Gal. 4. 5. with childelike affections and confidence 5 Pray at all times pray in prosperity in aduersity pray euery day pray and restraine not prayer before God why shouldest thou cast off his feare continuing instant Col. 4. 2. Iob 27. 10. The rather since our Lord saith that this faith he shall scarce finde when he comes to iudgement Phil. 4. 7. Luk â—8 8. in no thing be careful but in all things tell to the Lord thy requests 6 Pray onely in the name of Christ Ioh. 14. 13. and in Ioh. 16. 23. 24. We are not onely commanded to aske in his name but chidden for our slownesse to aske seeing we haue the Sonne of God our spokesman 7 Pray all manner of prayer complaints confessions supplication petition thanksgiuings and remember alwayes giuing of thankes in all thy requests Phil. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 8 Pray for all sorts of men especially for all in Authority 1 Tim. 2. 1. 9 Auoide vaine repetitions God is in heauen thou art in earth therefore let thy words bee few Mat 6. 7. Eccles 5. 2. Onely see they be the true voyce of the heart and they are not long if thy desire and feeling giue them life and they are long though neuer so short if this be wanting beware of length in prayer to be seene of men approue thy selfe to thy father that seeth in secret I close vp these directions with the saying of Ambrose in his booke Dâ— Cain et Abel lib. 2. c. 6. Si tanquam pubescens adolâ—scat fides qua defectum seâ—escentis devotionis ableget spiritu fâ—râ—eat congrua distinctionâ— teneatur â—ensura legitimae diuisionis assiduitas commendet gratiam tunc fit illud pingue tanquam adipale precationis genus de quâ— dicit scriptura impinguasti in oleo caput meum Sicut nâ—agni multo lacte pinguescunt sicut oues benè pastae adipe â—â—ent ita Apostolico succo pastâ— fidelium pinguâ—scit oratio horum si desit aliquid qua suprà diximus sacrificium non probatur If faith grow vigorous as comming to ripe age so that it banish the defect of withering deuotion waxe hot in spirit and the measure of a lawfull division be held by a congruous distinction and assidiuity commend the grace of it then that wel-liking and as it were fatty kind of praying is made of which the Scripture saith thou hast annointed mine head with oyle For like as the Lambes grow fat with much milke and as sheepe well-fed shine with fatnesse euen so batteneth the prayer of beleeuers fedd with Apostolike iuice If ought of these forespoken bewanting the sacrifice is not allowed §. XII The fifth feasting or solemne Offeasting Thankesgiuing THis duety is performed aright if wee follow these three essentiall directions 1 Our feasting must be with praise to God vpon the recording of some fauor and benefit or deliuerance reioycing in the worke that he hath done considering the workes of his hands Psa 119. 24. 2 It must be with liberality to to the poore that their
loines may blesse vs and their cry drowne not the voyce of our singing Nay that the poore may tast of our goods whereby their heart may be brought to the loue and seruice of so gracious a God that delighteth in the prosperity of his seruants and their penury may bee relieued Hest 9 22 3 Obserue a rest from labors else cannot our hearts be lifed vp with that spirituall ioy and freedome from distractions as beseemeth so Angelicall a worke Rest take not for Idlenesse they are Idle whom the painefulnesse of action causeth to auoid labors whereunto God and nature bindeth them they rest which either cease from their worke when they haue brought it to perfection or else giue ouer a meane labour because a worthier and better is to be vndertaken God hath created nothing to be idle or ill imployed §. XIII The Sixt Fasting THe next duety is religious Of Fasting fasting What this is our age knoweth not almost to fast the poore either by their owne Idlenesse or by the rich menâ— vnmercifulnesse are compelled to fast religiously is our of vse with poore and rich Our Sauiour often stiled the Iewes this euill and adulterous generation sure now would he adde concerning vs this euill adulterous drunken and gluttonous generation We feast oft but not to God we fast neuer but when riot first hath assubiected vs to the prescript of the Physitian Thus it is come to passe that first we neede some direct proofe of the necessity large Encomium of the profitable vse of fasting before we gaue directions for the right manner of performance The former is not my particuler ayme yet receiue this in briefe 1 That Christians owe this as a duty Matth. 6. 16. Mat. 9. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 5. 2 And this duty is then to be performed when 1 Wee vndertake warre 2 Chro. 20. 3. 4. the example of Iehoshaphat 2 Or eminent iudgements are begunne or ready to fall on vs 1 Sam. 7. 6. 2 Sam. 12. 1 Chro. 21. 16. 1 Sam. 31. vlt. be they publike or priuate 3 Or greiuous sinnes are scandâ—lously committed Lev. 23 28. Whether our owne or the sinnes of-the times Ezra 10. 6 1 Sam. 7. 6. 4 Or the Afflictions of Gods people by enemies are vpon them or decreed against them Neh. 1. 4. Hest 4. 5 Or the accomplishment of some remarkeable promise is expected to bee fulfilled to the Church Dan. 9. 1. 6 Or iudgements are threatned by Gods Ministers according to a wise parallel of neuer-failing truth in Scripture and ruine-threatning sinnes in a common-wealth Ion. 3. 5. 1 King 21. 7 Or some are designed to some great functions in Church or common-wealth Act. 13. 4. 8 Or in case of spirituall desertions when the bridegrome is gone then is it time to mourne and fast in those dayes Matth. 9. 14. These are the seasons of this duty when the Lord calls to weeping and to mourning and to baldnesse and to girding with sackcloth Let not that be verified any longer vpon vs that it should be said and In that day behold ioy and gladnesse slaying Oxen and killing sheepe eating flesh and drinking wine let vs eat and drinke to morrow we shall dye then wee may feare lest that follow in the euent which followeth in the Prophesie And it was reuealed is mine eares by the Lord of hosts surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you dye saith the Lord God of hosts Esa 22. 13. 14. 3 Now for the prayse of this holy Action the saying of Ambrose shall suffice in his booke De Helia et Ieiunio c. 8. Ieiunium continentiae magisterium est pudicitiae discipliâ—a humilitas mâ—ntis castigatio carnis forma sobrietatis norma virtutis purificatio animâ— miserationis expensa lenitatis institutio charitatis illecebra senilis gratia custodiâ— iâ—â—uentutis Ieiunium et alleuamentum infirmitatis alimentum salutis Fasting is the chiefe rule of continence the discipline of shamefastnesse the lowlinesse of the minde the chastising of the flesh the forme of sobriety the square of vertue the purifying of the soule the cost of 〈…〉 passion the instruction of gentlenesse the allurement of charity the grace of age the custody of youth the lightening of infirmity the food of health But rules for the right discharge of this worke is that agreeth to my purpose and here all shall be cleare if this distinction be premised A fast religious is either publike or priuate the publike is that which is appointed by the ciuill Magistrate and by the Church on great weighty and publike occasions and obserued by many families assembling in one or many congregations we haue no waâ—rant for such assemblies but with the leaue commande of our gouernors Ioel 3. 7. 8. 2 Chro. 20. 3. the priuate is such as is taken on right grounds mouing thereto either by one man alone or by a priuate familie Hest 4. 16. Mat. 6. 17. 18. for priuate fasts to be kept by more families of Christians Scripture knoweth not nor alloweth If our gouernors see not the occasions or hid their eyes from the necessity of the duty when God calls for it priuate men and families apart may mourne and mourne for this iudgement in the midst of iudgements and if God call them at any time that by vertue of their places they may speake they ought modestly to intimate the necessity humbly craue the proclaiming of it freely rebuke the â—ayling Be not lesse carefull but better aduised to take vp this duty as God commandeth And for religious fasting be it Publike or priuate be it thus ordered 1 Let there bee abstinence from all the necessaries much more delights of this life for a â—ay at the leâ—st as from food and sleepe 2 Sam. 12. 16. 20. Ornaments Exod. 34. 4. 5. Matrimonial beneuolence â— Cor. 7. 5. Ioel. 2. 16. and workes of our calling that it be a Sabbath for rest Lev. 23. 32. delights of life Dan. 10. 3. recreations Esa 58. and workes of gaine in all these vse such abstinence as may afflict the body Lev. 23. 30. but yet with these two caueats 1 That the flesh bee tamed by our abstinence not killed or disabled for Godâ—â— seruice 2 That we do not these to be seene of men Mat. 6 16. 17. in a priuate fast eschewing wholly the shew in a publike not performing to the shew or to this end that we might be seene 2 Let the time bee spent in religious duties especially in humbling the soule for sinne Ioel 2. 12. 13. Psal 69. 10. I humbled my soule with fasting for thus religious fasting is differenced from all other by the end for which we abstaine viz to stir vp our zeale in prayer to confirme our attention in meditation to manifest our grief for displeasing God and to take spirituall reueng vpon our selues for offending 3 There must bee a râ—linquishing and breaking off of our former sinnes especially of vnrighteousnesse and oppression of others Esa 58. 6. Such
is the fast which the Lord hath chosen when thus we cry hee will say here I am his worke also shall be as forward as his word for then shall our light breake forth as the morning and our health shall spâ—ing forth speedily our righteousnesse shall goe before vs and the glory of the Lord shall bee our rereward to gather vs vp §. XIIII The seuenth singing of Psalmes FOr the right manner of singing Of singing of Psalmes of Psalmes the approued mirth of a true Christian Iam. 5. 13. The Apostle giueth rules in two places to the same effect Ephes 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. 1 Wee must make vse to our instruction and mutuall edification of the matter conâ—eiued in the Psalmes hymnes and spirituall songs we sing remembring these songs are Gods statutes Psal 119. 54. 2 Wee must sing with the heart 1. both with the vnderstanding and with the affections lifted vp as well as with the voice Psal 25. 1. 3 With grace in the heart 1. imploying the graces of Gods spirit as our faith hope delight in Gods loue c. 4 Our melody must be directed to the Lord and his glory not vsed as a ciuill employment but as Gods seruice nor as a meane to cleare the pipes and preserue bodily health but as a meanes to cleare the soule of obstructiue humours and promote our eternall saluation §. XV. The eight Reading of Scripture or meditation THis is a duty of no small benefit Of reading or meditation to the godly life of a Christian for by it wordly cares are moderated and sanctified worldly pleasures dulled and extinguished the minde furnished with pure imaginations the iudgement inlightned and enlarged the memory relieued the heart perswaded the affections moued the whole man secretly yet sweetly drawn aboue the world aboue himselfe this is part of the benefit comes hereby and the comfort is no lesse when thou shalt know that this is one of the three duties that make vs happy Reu. 1. 3. Blessed is hee that heareth and readeth and keepeth the words of this prophesie and those things that are written therein This duty I expresse by two words reading and meditation 1. because this duty pressed in the old Testament is set downe in two words which signifie to speake with the mouth and with the heart to reade and to meditate too 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ge. 24 63. Psal 1. 2. Therefore it is vsually translated to meditate Iosh 1. 8. Psal 1. 2 2 Because the reading which is the duty is not a running ouer a Chapter vttering the words like a childe at schoole without regard of the matter but this musing thinking on pondering debating of the matters therein with our selues 3 Because many through want of education cannot reade yet the duty to meditate fasteneth vpon all That this is a duty which all are bound vnto that saying of our Sauiour Search the Scripture Ioh 5. 39 doth abundantly testifie and that command layd vpon Kings of daily reading notwithstanding their great employment of state Deut. 17. 18. 19. Besides the holy Scripture is called in the Neh. 8. 9. word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reading because it ought to be read About your reading these things must necessarily bee obserued 1 That it be daily the time such as wee can best alotte from our worldly affaires but in euery day some time must be redeemed to this worke Deut. 17. 19. He shall reade therein all the dayes of his life Iosh 1. 8. Thou shalt meditate therein night and day Psal 1. 2. 2 That we meditate vpon it or ponder what we reade storing our hearts with good thoughts liuely consolations and holy precepts by that which we reade this will helpe to direct vs all the day after and season the heart in some good measure that it be not drowned in the vaâ—ities of the world and the sinnes of the time Psal 1. 2. This is to search and diggâ— for wisedome and hath the promise Pro. 2. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 3 That we wisely apply what we reade to our selues seeing all Scripture is written for our instruction and comfort and tends to make the maâ— of God perfect and furnished to euery good worke Rom 15. 4 We ought to perswade our selues that all precepts of duty and good life are left recorded to direct vs not others onely that all the promises are to be beleeued by vs and wee finde the grace or state of life to which they are made in vs. All the threats denounced against vs as we are found in the transgressions all reproofes checke vs for faults escaped all exhortations and admonitions quicken our coldnesse deadnesse drowsinesse and lukewarmenesse 4 That wee bring a speciall and renewed delight to this worke else we shall never hold out but by fits and snatches at the best take it vp Psal 1. 2. Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord to meditate therein day and night 5 That we hide in our hearts the Commandements promises threats for direction and vse in our liues indowed with Dauids spirit who said I haue hid thy commandements in mine heart that I might not sinne against thee Psal 119. 11. that wee obseruâ— to doe as the command runnes in Iosh 1. 8. §. XVI The ninth vowes and swearing A Vow is a religious promise Of a vowe of things lawfull conducing to the exciting of our hearts to Gods worship and holy duties and that for such things as God hath promised made with prayer and payed with thankesgiuing such was Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 20. This is a duty wee owe by verrue of that command Psa 76. 11. Vow and pay vnto the Lord your God Vowes are of two sorts necessary or arbitrary Necessary which euery Christian must promise to the Lord vpon all blessings he asketh and in all suits he maketh either expresly or at least in the deuotion of his heart they are 1. The sacrifice of himselfe foule and body to God Rom. 12. 1. 2. The renewing of his couenant for reformation of sinnes which prouoked God Ier. 50. 5 3. Contribution to the maintenance of Gods worship 4. Charity to our neighbours Neh. 10. 29. 30. 32. An heart prepared to these foure should euer be with vs but the arbitrary is the vow wee speake of and here these rules must be obserued 1 Thy vow must be of things lawfull 2 It must be of things in thine owne power for if thou vow chastity when thou knowest not whether thou hast the gift of continency and whether thou haue power ouer thine owne will thou offâ—ndest 1 Cor. 7. Be not rash with thy mouth and be not hasty to vtter any thing before God Eccles 5. 2. 3 It must be some way conducing to the lawfull worship of God and such as mâ—y helpe thy repentance sobriety chastity abstinence meditations patience with the like Thus it must haue a right end the glory of God and the furthering of thy heart to
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
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
is charged vpon vs concerning both these callings Concerning our particuler calling three things 1 That euery man haue some calling 2 That euery man abide in that calling not thinking that Religion and a calling cannot stand together 3 That hee abide therein with God Concerning our generall calling to be Christians 1 To abide therein with God 2 In all estates and changes of conditions in that calling of life we liue in Therein also to abide with God This is called in the old Testament walking with God the righteousnesse perfection faith and obedience of Enoch and Noah is expressed in this one word hee walked with God Gen. 5. 22 and 6. 9. Of these punctually and In thy particuler calling briefely and first for our particuler callings Where First it is a rule of a wel-ordered conuersation to haue some lawfull calling or course of life in which we are to bee employed this is charged on all Adams sonnes in the sweat of thy face thou shalt eate thy bread a painful estate of life in some imployment to the good of Church Common-wealth or family are none exempted from that come from Adams loynes though not all with the hands to take paines Gen. 3. 19. and Christianity hath determined all idle vnprofitable liuing to bee a disordered or inordinate liuing and that if any brother obey not this word that such be noted and that wee haue no companie with him that he may be ashamed 2 Thes 3. 6. 10. the greatest Dames in Israel might not eate the bread of Idlenesse and the highest Magistrates submit to this rule who are appointed of God to their places that the people may liue a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty Pro. 31. 27. 1 Tim. 2 2. how should any inferiour thinke to rage and liue without compasse as if they were exempt from the Lords gouernment A Gentâ—eman to whom lands The calling of a Gentleman and possessions are left whereby he needeth not put his hand to labour may not spend his time altogether in hawking hunting riding about or vpon his pastimes and sports and what he lusteth either they are called to beare office in the common-wealth or not if called to an office let them waite on their office and seeke abilities to discharge it The study therefore of the lawes of God and the Realme is their calling besides the Religious gouerning of their families the vpholding of their estate Further they are to serue then Prince and Country with body and goodâ— aduice and Counsell both in peace and warre if they haue or haue not office here is enough to spend their houres without gaming and reuell to prepare themselues hereunto and yet they are to take notice that it is their parts to see to the prouision for the poore the good order of the place where they are the discountenancing of sinne and vice the reconciling of persons at variance and the Going before others in workes of mercy and all good duties as patterâ—es for imitation Here is your calling The womans calling see in Pro. 31. and 1 Tim. 5. 13. 14. The calling of disabled poore is not to runne the cursed Caâ—â—itish life of a vagabond but in his place to trust in God and to waite on him without fainting for that reliefe which shall bee sufficient for them looking on that in Iam. 1. 9. the brother of low degree let him reioyce in that he is exalted to bee rich in faith and heire of the kingdome but I speake not of such poore as are mentioned in Ier. 5. 4. Who are foolish that know not the way of the Lord nor the iudgement of their God God seeing how necessary this is giueth six dayes to labour one hee reserueth for his immediate worship hee hath made vs to doe good and imployment is a preseruatiue against errors in opinion weaknesse and decay in Religion and loose behauiour it is lusts extinguisher the tamer of our bodies the very schoole wherein wee improoue all our graces here we can rest on Gods blessing with comfort take vp our crosses with patience because for both we haue the promise of God who will keepe vs in all our wayes Else we our selues are theeues and all our riches Riches of vanitie Pro. 20. 4. Ephes 4. 28. 2 Secondly we must abide in our calling and keepe the stations wherein we are ranked by our Generall attend here to these rules 1 That we be diligent in our callings not hauing cunning but painfull hands not busie in other mens matters not pretending excuse or fearing the difficulties of our callings Pro. 20. 4. and 26. 13. not giuen to sleepe and sloth Pro. 26. 14. 15. and then to be obstinate in that course verse 16. not hunting Ale-houses or the company of lewd persons which is now called good-fellowship by our base drunkards Pro. 21. 17. not wandering from thine owne house though it bee not to place of ill same but diligence beseemeth Pro. 10. 4. and 13. 4. the slothfull shall be vnder tribute and this diligence extends it selfe to watchfulnesse ouer the opportunities of thy calling Pro. 10 5. and 6. 6 7 8. Eccles 9. 10. 2 That we bee aduised and prouident in all our vndertakings Pro. 21. 5. Prepare thy worke in the field and afterwards build thy house Nothing threatneth more an ill loose in all aâ—â—aires then precipitate beginnings This hastinesse is either from leuity of minde or wilfulnesse 3 That we keepe within our compasse not meddling with those things that either our skil or our estates are not able to weld Which proceedeth from a minde greedy of gaine for the compassing whereof some hauing ventred in one action all their estates they haue at once made shipwracke of all the Lord being pleased to crosse some way vnexpected their ouer bold enterprises so that many times hauing thus desired to set vp their gates they haue come to that I cannot digge and to beg I am ashamed 4 That wee abide in our callings not fleeting or changing our course of life without some euident warrantable cause seeing the Lord first going out before vs lest wee be like a bird that wandereth from her nest Pro. 27. 8. 5 Faithfulnesse in words and dealings no defrauding deceiuing coosening lying dissimulation c. Pro. 21. 6. 1 Thes 4. 6. 6 Cheerefulnesse and contentation with our estates auoyding passion frowardnesse Pro. 11. 29 16. 32. 19. 11. 25. 28. 17. 22. Eccles 9. 7. 8. 3 Thirdly we must abide with God in our calling and diligence and other praise worthy qualities in our labour prooue vs good laborers but not good Christians Neither haue they any promise vnlesse wee adde this But dwell in the land and be doing good and verily Saith God thou shalt be fed Psa 37. 3. 128. 2 34. 9. 10. What is it to abide with God A. 1 It is to begin all in him and looke vp to him in all our wayes in the morning to aâ—aken
with him giuing to God the first of our thoughts our first words and the first fruites of the day Psal 5. 3. 4. 119. 147. Pro. 6. 22. the time neede not bee long it may be in so much space done â—elnigh as one would say the Lords prayer ouer treatably this will season the heart and remember for thy incouragement that place in 2 Chro. 19. 9. The eyes of the Lord runne to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of him whose heart is perfect towards him then after thy awaking with God it is to begin the day with solomne prayer it is to looke vp to the Lord in all thy wayes through the whole day Psal 119. 168. walking alwayes as in his sight this iâ— to remember God in thy wayes an admirable preseruatiue against all euill and it hath the promise Mat. 6. 33. 1 Tim. 4. 3. 4. Gâ—n 24. 11. 12. 26 27. desire therefore to see God in â—ll in his prouidence in his workes 2 It is to doe all our labours not for gaine and the desire to be rich but as dutie and because we are set of God in our places doe serue God in doing our duty Col. 3. 24. Ios 1. 8. from whom also we expâ—ct a reward and so liue as Pilgrimes and strangers auoiding worldlinesse not setting our hearts on riches if they increase Psal 62. 10. vsing the world not louing it not carefull any way about the successe or the after time but diligent and prouident and refering the rest to Gods blessing 1 Cor. 7. 32. Pro. 27. 1. 2 Iam. 4. 13. 14. 15. 3 It is to practice our Christian graces in our callings to the adorning of the doctrine of Christ our Sauiour in all things Tit. 2. 9. as piety the feare to offend faith patience obedience truth meeknesse innocency c that the Lord may be sanctiâ—â—ed in our hearts and glorified in our liues knowing we haue only so much and so many of these graces as we can expresse in the power and life of them in our liues If thou faint saith Salomon in the day of aduersity thy strength is small Pro. 24. 10. 4 It is to watch against the Temptations of our callings which are the sins or the crosses that meete vs in our callings 1 Sins that attend such a calling are such as wicked men the men of this world haue vsed for gaines sake â—ither out of couetuous desires to increase their estate or when they were hard bestead to get out of misery or avoid the inconueniences thou must so order thy estate that those sinnes may bee auoided 2 The Crosses and afflictions of thy calling Know that no calling is without his trouble and grâ—iuance and therfore it is not for thee to be weary of thy state and to desire change as if another calling would be freer from trouble No no But rather arme thy selfe to beare and take vp thy crosses not harkening to the ill motions of thy flesh the wicked counsel of Satan tendred to thy heart to haste to ill meanes but rest on God who giueth an issue to the temptation that wee may be able to beare it Thus of our behauiour in our particuler callings in our generall calling now followeth § XXVIII The order of our conuersation in our generall calling all our liues OVr generall calling is to be Thy duty in thy generall calling Christians the highest dignity of the sonnes of men here iâ— behooueth all to bee inquisitiue what it is we owe in answerablenesse to this our high calling all our liues and in all conditions and changes of life that former text in 1 Cor. 7. 24. giueth it in the lumpe all thy dayes abide with God to whose communion and fellowship thou art called by the Gospell of Iesus Christ his sonne and in the seuerall states of life as in affliction in pouerty in sicknesse in persecution and in death in euery of those changes of thy mortall condition abide with God therein The remainder therefore of the rules concerning our conuersation towards our selues are thus cast as they concerne our generall calling they frame vs in our abode with God 1 All our liues 2 In seuerall changes of life To abide with God alwayes as in wealth affliction generally considered pouerty sicknesse persecution the last worke wee haue to doe which is how to dye or in preparation for death For our abode with God in Where the walkes of Christianity without consideration of the seuerall alterations of life we are subiect vnto seing here we walke by faith not by sight 2 Cor. 5 7. these things attend about thy faith 1 The examination and triall Rules about thy faith of thy estate Whether thou be in the faith or no a matter so fearefully neglected almost by all We are not more miserable in the multitude of our transgâ—essions and the numberlesse swarmes of inward masterlesse passions affâ—ctions and lusts then in our wretchlessenesse about the triall of our estates wherein wee put all to hazzard and blesse our selues in our own wayes saying to our own heart surely no euill shall befall vs. Yet where the Ministery hath beene in any life and power nothing more speakes our reprobation then this Carelesse ouerture 2 Cor. 13. 5. and selfe deceit hath beguiled vs if we giue not all diligence to make our calling and election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10. Gal. 6. 4 5 7. I must from Gods owne mouth tell you that hee was neuer effectually called who careth not to be sure that hee is in the faith and in the estate of saluation The heart that was euer affected with the knowledge of his damnable estate by nature and of the way of Saluation by Christ alone cannot take quiet rest till he know in some measure out of the euidence of Scripture experience of grace wrought in his heart that Christ is in him and he translated out of that kingdome of sinfull darkenesse If now thy heart be wonne to this tryall I present thee with these two trees to behold in deepest thoughtfulnesse Note here that any one branch or fruit of either roote will proue thee enwrapped and folded in that blissefull estate or cursed condition 2 The second rule is that we build vp our selues on our most holy faith Iude 20 hauing examined and vpon examination found our selues to be in the faith and this we shall doe if 1 Wee indeauour to vnderstand more fully and to take into our hearts with more inlarged thoughts the mystery of God the Father and of Christ that our hearts may be comforted being knit together in loue vnto all riches of the full assurance of vnderstanding Col. 2. 2. and for this cause praying in the Holy Ghost that Christ might dwell in our hearts by faith c. Ephes 3. 17. 18. 19. 2 If wee inure our selues to liue by faith the onely safe happy and comfortable life for a Christian vpon earth By this the
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
thereof in our selues or others 1 Thes 5. 19. To lye against it and tempt it Act. 5. 3 9. the sinne of Ananias and Sapphira To set to saile or offer to buy the gifts of the spirit Act. 8. 13. the sinne of Sâ—mon Magus To despite the worke of it wilfully Heb. 10. 26. the sinne against the Holy Ghost Eightly against his day His day so he sinneth That reckoneth it other then the Lord Christ his day Rev. 1. 10. Psal 118. 24. Not to be a willing people in the day of assembling of his armies in the beauty of holinesse Psal 110. 3. Ninthly against his Discipline His Discpline where those sinnes are eminent The sinne of Diotrephes that loued to haue the preheminence 3 Ioh 9. The neglect of the excommunication of lewd brethren â— Cor. 5. 2. To suffer a woman to preach Rev. 2. 20. To suffer Heretikes that hold false dâ—ctrine Rev. 2. 14 15. and to admit the doctrine and willes of Balaamitish seducers To lay hands suddenly on any 1 Tim. 5 22. To câ—st out those that tremble at Gods word Esa 66. 5. Thus of the sinnes against Christ â— Against Christians 2 Sinnes against Christians are committed against them either considered as one body and members of that one body or as set in priuate or seuerall estates Against Christians considered as one body there are these sins Schisme 1 Cor. 12. 25. and Factions 1 Cor. 1. 12 13. Want of fellow feeling 1 Cor. 12. 26. Nâ—t improouing our gifts to their edification 1 Cor. 12. 7. Not to thinke soberly and deale faithfully in our places offices according to the measure of gifts and graces bestowed on vs Rom. 12. 3 4 5 6. Not striuing together for the faith of the Gospel endeauoring to be of one heart iudgement and minde and to keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace Phil. 1 27. Ephes 4. 3. Against Christians as set in seuerall estates he sinneth That despiseth one of Christs little ones Mat. 18. 6 10. Or layeth a stumbling blocke in his way That iudgeth this strong brother in the vse of his Christian liberty Rom. 14. 3. That mixeth himselfe and keepeth company with lewd disordered brethren 1 Cor. 5 11. 2 Thes 3. 14. These are the sinnes against Christians 3 The third sort of sinnes against 3 Against Christian graces in vs. as the Gospell are sinnes against Christian graces in vs such are 1 Faith 2 Hope 3 The loue of the Godly 4 Repentance 5 The affections of godlinesse Against Faith he offendeth Faith That beleeueth not in Christ for his iustification and sâ—luation Ioh 3. 17. That examineth not himselfe whether hee be in the faith or no. 2 Cor. 13 5. That esteemâ—th not of Christ aboue all and of all things else as droâ—fe that hee may be found in him Phil. 3. 8 9. That neglâ—cteth assurance Col. 2 2. 2 Pet. 1 9 10. That wants faith to hold out in Prayer Luke 18. 1 8. That calleth in question the loue of God in Christ in time of affliction fainting in himselfe Heb. 12. 2 3. Esa 49. 15. and 40 27. That buâ—ldes not himselfe on his most holy faith Iude. 20. That liues not by his faith on the Sonne of God Gal. 2 20. Against Hope he sinneth Hope That purifieth not himselfe as Christ is pure 1 Ioh. 3. 2. That abuseth the world placing his hopes below 1 Cor. 7. 30. 31. 2 Cor. 4. 18. That neglecteth the study of the promises that concerne our happâ—nesse in heauen That neglecteth preparation for death Psal 49 Luke 12. 19. this is the foole That casts away his confidence Heb. 10 35. That â—ests in the spiders webb of a presumptuous hope Iob 8. 14 15. he is an Hypocrite That doth not his diligence to attaine and keepe the full assurance of hope vnto the end Heb. 6. 10. Against loue to the godly it Loue. is a sinne To hate the brethren Caines spot Ioh. 3. 12 15. To mocke them Ishmaels blot Gal. 4. 29. Gen. 21. 9. To deride the Infirmities of the Saints Chams sinne Gen. 9. 22. 25. To persecute them though we should thinke wee did God seruice therein Ioh. 16. 2. To haue the faith of Christ with respect of persons Iam. 1. 1. 2. In doing good not to prefer the houshold of faith Gal. 6. 10. To neglect the offices of loue to Christ in his members Mat. 25. 41. to 46. To offend the weake brother by the vse of thy Christian liberty while it is left free Rom. 14. 15. To wound the consciences of the weake 1 Cor. 8. 12. To haue our charity waxe cold Mat. 24. 12. To seeke to helpe a brother fallen and not with the spirit of meekenesse Gal. 6. 1. To say I haue in vaine washed my hands in innocency because the wicked prosper and the godly are plagued euery morning Psal 73. 13 14 15. To forsake the publike assemblie and priuate fellowship of the Saints or not to hold fellowship in the Gospell though wee otherwise haue fellowship not considering one another to prouoke vnto loue and to good workes Heb. 10 24. 25 Phil. 1. 5. Against Repentance he sinneth Repentance That conâ—esseth not his sins without hiding them Pro. 28. 13. Psal 32. 34. That mourneth not for sins Rom. 2. 3. That forsaketh not his sinnes Pro. 28. 13. That repents faignedly Ier. 3. 10. That repents desperately as Cain and Iudas That repents by holues and in some things onely as Ahab and Herod That repents too late as did Esau Iob. 27. 9. Pro. 1. 26. Heb. 12. 17. That refuseth to returne That wil not frame his doings to returne Hos 5. 4. That falls into the same sins after repentance Hos 14. 1 4. That falls away from his repentance quite 2 Pet. 2. 19 20. That cloâ—kes an Impenitent hart which is done these wayes By resting on the outward worke of religious duties Mat. 3. 8 9. By resting on priuiledges Iohn 8. 33. 34. By resting on a pure profession and association to virgin professors or respect vnto or with some eminent Minister Mat. 25. 1. 2. Ioh. 5. 46. and 9 29. Against the affections of godlinesse The affections of godlinesse thus he sinneth That loueth not the Lord Iesus in sincerity Ephes 6. 24. 1 Cor. 16. 12. That resteth in the name that he is aliue but yet is dead Rev. 3. 1 2. That looseth his first loue Rev. 2. 4. That is neither cold nor hot Rev. 3. 15. That presseth not forwards but looketh backe to what hee hath attained as sufficient Phil. 3. 11. 13. These are the sinnes against 4 Against men that are not Christians that liue by vs. Christian graces 4 The fourth sort are against not Christian men that liue with vs or men without to whom the report of our profession commeth here he sinneth That spends himselfe in iudging of them 1 Cor. 5. 12. That forgets that gentlenesse and meekenesse that should be shewed to all knowing
what once we were Tit. 3. 2 3. That walketh not wisely to them that are without Col. 4. 5. That walketh scandalously or offensiuely 1 Cor. 10. 32. That neglecteth those things that in their eyes are winning and may adorne his profession Tit. 2. 10. 1 Pet. 3. 2. That neglecteth the study of those things that will preserue the honour of his person Phil 4. 8. Thus for our obedience in 3 Rules about thy hope which we abide with God as Christians Moreouer in asmuch as in our calling to be Christians our new birth entitleth vs to the inheritance of heauen when wee dye so that the Lord knoweth all such for no lesse then his sons and heires in Christ all the dayes of their life That the Christian may abide with God hee must bee rightly ordered about his hope And here 1 Thou must study the promises Psal 119. 49. 16. 9. 10. that concerne the glory of heauen and the resurrection of thy body at the last day for hope is of good things to come which God hath promised and faith beleeued Behold then the saluation promised and pray that the Lord would open the eyes of thy vnderstanding to see the hope of thy calling Eph. 1 18. so shall thy hope of glory cause exceeding ioyes and admired patience in greatest miseries when thou shalt vpon wise computation conclude that the sufferiâ—gs of this present time are not worthy to bee compared with the glory that shall be reuealed in vs Rom. 8 18. I le giue you but a few places for taste for the glory of the resurrection 1 Cor. 15 42 43. Phil. 3 21 for the glory of heauen Ioh. 15. 24. Psal 16 11. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. 2 Doe all diligence to the full assurance of hope vnto the end Heb. 6 11. in the labours of loue ministring to the Saints out of that loue wee beare to Christs name verse 10. and in setting before vs the faith patience and good works of those which now inherite the promise of heauen verse 12. The ground of a liuely and good hope is Christ in vs Col. 1 27. and wee may be assured our hope abuseth vs not if it presse vs to purifie our selues as Christ is pure 1 Ioh. 3 3. Desiring further conformity to his image with and through whom we are heires of glory and if it leaue vs more humble in our selues and more diligent in the vse of the meanes of grace 3 Forme in thee frequent meditations of heauen the loue of Christs appearing and the patient waiting for his comming To these the Lord direct all our hearts 2 Thes 3 4. In this manner abide with God all thy life mourning for thy failings and pressing on towards the marke for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus §. XXIX The order of our liues in the seuerall changes of our fading condition NOw for the seuerall changes To abide with God of thy mortall condition the Apostles rule in generall is Therein abide with God as 1 In thy wealth 1 Remember that thou neither 1 In wealth ascribe to thy selfe the power to get riches but acknowledge them to come from God nor forget God in thy abundance that therewith thou shouldest make prouision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh but that thou serue the Lord with more gladnesse and cheerefulnesse of heart for the abundance of things thou possessest nor yet trust in thy riches but in the liuing God who giueth richly all things to enioy and seeing the vanity and danger of riches and the vncertainty of thy life be humbled in thy selfe and carry low thoughts and diuorced affections in the midst of thy welfare It is vsuall with rich men to be swolne with pride to thinke themselues the happiest vnder Sunne to reckon they are in Gods fauour because they prosper in the world and to award all reproofes in the ministery and checkes of their consciences and thoughts of examination of their estate with God with the view of their large possessions and full bags but that prosperity is a curse which thus affecteth vs Let the brother of high degree reioyce in that hee is made low Deut. 8. 11. 12. 18. 28. 47. Hos 2. 8. Iam. 1. 10. Take hâ—ed of pride and carnall confidence 2 See that thy heart be not set on them thou maist not loue them for the loue of money is the roote of all euill but possesse the things of this world as if thou possessedst them not Psal 62. 10. 1 Cor. 7. 29. 30. Thou maiest both buy and possesse but not forget that thy abiding city is aboue nor set vp thy rest in these momentany things Psal 49. 11 So to doe were couetousnesse and doth proue vs vnder the power of folly as was that foole in the Gospell that said to his soule Soule thou hast goods laid vp for many a yeere eate drinke and bee merry Luk. 12. 19. 20. 3 Make you friends of the mammon of iniquity that when ye faile they may receiue you into euerlasting habitations Luk. 16. 9. How is this done Be rich in good workes ready to distribute willing to communicate this is to lay vp in store for our selues a good foundation against the time to come that wee may lay hold on eternall life 1 Tim. 6. 18 19. Againe buy the truth and sell it not Pro 23. 23. Aduantage thy spirituall estate hereby That dwelling is not well situated that wants the water-courses and riuers of diuine Scripture flowing by it this is the riuer that maketh glad the city of God Psal 1. 3. 46. 4. 2 In afflictions of any sort 1 Pray and cast out perplexed 2 â—â— afflictions cares role them on God who careth for thee The name of the Lord called vpon is a strong tower the righteous flee to it and are safe Psal 50. 15 55 22. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Pro. 18. 10. And in There is a voice in euery worke of God whereby God speaketh to man thy prayer 1. desire to know the meaning of the rod and to heare Gods voice spâ—aking in it Iob 34. 31. 32. Surely it is meet to bee said vnto God I haue borne chastifement I will not offend any more that which I see not â—each thou me if I haue done iniquity I will doe no more Mic. 6. 9. The Prophet teacheth that in euery affliction the Lords voyce cryeth to vs so that our wisedome is to see his name and to heare the rod and who hath appointed it 2. Aske wisedome how to behaue thy selfe vnder it Iam. 1. 5. 2 Beare it with patience and submâ—ssion taking in good part the Lords chastisement Leu. 26. 41. 1 Pet. 5 6. Humble thy selfe vnder the mighty hand of God that hee may exâ—lt thee in due time and that patience may haue her perfect worke in thee watch against â—reâ—ting at God or man Psal 37 1 7 8 39 9. â—eaâ—inesse vnder the chastising hand Pro. 3 11. the lifting vp of
he doth it oft times but say thou liue to the gray haire yet know that is the euill day ageit selfe is a disease disabling to duties of religion youth is euery way fittest let Solomon tell thee Remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth before the euill day come of which thou shalt say I haue no pleasure in it Eccles 12. 1. For the Impatient desire of The cure of the impatient desire of death death it is cooled and tempered 1 â—â— by strength of iudgment we know and knowing resolue that affliction is to be chosen rather then transgression Iob 36. 20. 21. the contrary hereunto made Iob impatiently to wish the day of his death Iob. 3. 2 If we consider that God teacheth by his works and herein none like him Iob. 36. 22. 3 If we weigh well what Iobs speeches cost him humiliation to dust and ashes though they came out of great extremities which wrested them from his heart otherwise full of patience but now distracted almost through bitternesse Iob. 42. 6. For the feare of death it is a The cure of the fear of death disease hereditary deriued to all Adams children yet is must and may be cured it may be cured Heb. 2. 14. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 5. it must Luke 14. 26. Rev. 22. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 3. 4. the desire of heauen is a part of the seed which is cast into the furrowes of our hearts in our regeneration I know there is a feare of death which is meerely naturall a shrinking from it and shunning of it as of a thing hurtfull because it dissolues the vnion of soule and body for a time but we speake of that distempered feare which leadeth into bondage abeslauing feare which suffers not a man to thinke of death or happinesse after it and leaueth the heart impotent and void of all spirituall courage comfort and counsell Againe there are men of two sorts some that liue and dye in their sinnes haue cause to feare death in these a cure can neuer be wrought not that the medicines are vnauaileable but because they cannot bee brought to take the receipts Some that dye to their sinnes before they dye in these that beslauing feare may be cured and hath in such vsually heretofore beone cured Death is the King of terrors consider it in its reall nature and hue Its vizar assumed It s natiue huâ— is terrible 1 In the cause Sinne Gods wrath Sathan the executioner who hath the power of death Heb. 2. 14. 2 In the nature thereof in it selfe opposite to life a punishment of God a destroyer of natures fabricke a dissoluer of this earthly tabernacle 3 In the effects which are A depriuation of Friends pleasures honours riches of this world The good wee might doe in Church Common-wealth Family A deprauation of the state of the body leauing it a cadauer a car case in the graue 4 In the affrighting concomitants terriculamenta mortis which are miseries Corporall Painies Agonies sometimes which doe befall Gods children The kind of death Spirituall Terrors from Satan and from God himselfe Temptations Vnquietnesse and angor of conscience In its vizar it is fearefull as it cometh into our minds As the depriuer of happinesse as if it seperated from God As if it had no other face then that of wrath and curse from God and were in its nature no way corrected How shall these darts be quenched Briefely 1 The cause of death is to be euacuated 1 By the death of Christ and our assurance of our part therin whereby the fauour of God is established vpon vs and the Serpents head crushed Heb. 2. 15. Death is a Serpent the sting is sinne the strength of that sting is the law victory ouer it is by Iesus Christ who satisfieth the law 1 Cor. 15. 55 56. 57. 2 By mortification of our beloued sinnes by our study to keepe a conscience voide of offence towards God and man 3 By receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper oft wherein we shew forth the Lords death vntill his comming againe 1 Cor. 11. 26. 2 The nature of death in it selfe is terrible indeed but to the godly it is changed Rev. 14 13. insomuch that their condition is blessed for they rest from their labours their workes follow no losse of any good worke that euer they did no condemnation to them Rom. 8. 1. it is no other then a sleepe 1 Thes 4. 14. a day of liberty Rom. 8. 21. our returne to our home to euerlasting habitations the mansions in our fathers house our birth day the funerall of our vices the putting off our old clothes that we might be clothed vpon 2 Cor. 5. 3. 4. the remoouing out of a mudde house where we â—ere but tenants at will into the pallace of the great king Lord of heauen and earth there to dwell as in our inheritance for euer the end of our race the day of our coronation no punishment now there are three degrees of life eternall of which death is our entrance into the second in this life in regeneration Ioh. 17. 3. in the day of our departure in translation to Paradise 2 Cor. 5. 8. at the last day in the redemption of our bodyes Rom. 8. 23. 3 As for friends whose society thou loosest oppose thereto the meditation of that glorious place to which thou goest an inheritance incorruptible vndefiled that fades not the fellowship of Angels and the congregation of the first borne and the spirits of iust men and women made perfect the communion with God and with the Lord Iesus for while thou art present in the body in the best condition thou art absent from the Lord that Lord whom though thou neuer sawest yet thou louest and beliâ—uing reioycest with ioy vnspeakeable and full of glory How then shall thy soule burne with the flames of loue to him when thou shall see him 1 Pet. 1. 8. And when the thought of thy treasures and pleasures meet thee bethinke thy selfe of thy calling and profession to bee a Christian that is oâ—e conformed to Christ whose kingdome is nâ—t of this world whose life was glorious in a holy contempt of the world Say then with Paul God forbid that I should reioyce saue in the Crosse of Christ whereby the world is crucified to me and I vnto the world Gal. 6. 14. What comfort canst thou haue that thou art not a cast away if thou beat not down thy body and bring it not into subiection although thou wert a Preacher of the Word and diligent in that worke 1 Cor. 9. 24. There are two sorts of men men of this world men of God they differ herein the men of this world are such as place their happinesse in a belly full of this hid treasure and wealth and lands enough to leaue behinde them to their babes but the other are men after Gods owne heart carried with the spirit of Dauid that in the loue of righteousnesse can say Deliuer mee from these
men for as for mee I will behold thy face in righteousnesse while I liue here and when I awake at the resurrection of the iust I shall be satisfied with thy likenesse Psalm 17. 14. 15. 16. 4 Oppose to the thoughts of the good thou mightest doe these sâ—uory meditations that God hath set thee thy time and he knoweth how long it is fit for thee to worke that he can prouide men endowed with spirit and power to effect what good he will haue wrought that thou maiest wound thy soule by miscarriage of weighty employments as well as honour God by the well-managing of them beware that vaine-glory or some vncleane affection put not forward this desire and know thy holinesse is not hindred but perfected by going to heauen 5 And for thy misâ—e in thy familie I beware thou be not guilty of ascribing ought to thy prouidence wit poines or hand but to Gods blessing which can by thee and can without thee sustaine them in tâ—eâ—r necessitie 2 see that thou rest on the promises of God and referre them to him the faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. vlt. that heauenly father who knoweth wee haue neede of all these things of life Mat. 6. 32. That father of the fatherlesse and iudge of the widdowes cause 6 Oppose to the thoughts of the vilenesse of thy body the glory of the resurrection when this vile body of thine shall bee made like the glorious body of thy Sauiour Phil. 3. 21. whom thou shalt be hold not with other but with these same eyes though now thy reines should be consumed within thee by some loathsome disease When this corruptible shall put on incorruption this mortall shall put on immortality this naturall be raised spirituall this weake body raised in power and this body sowne in dishonour raised in honour 1 Cor. 15. 43. 53. Iob 19. 25. 26. 27. And to thy lying in the graue set 1 our Sauiours buriall who hath by his owne body laid in the graue perfumed thine and turned it from an hole of contempt into a garner to reserue the Lords purest graine 2 The nature of it what is it else saue a sweet rest in our bed Esa 57. 2. 3 The vnion and communion we haue with Christ is most neare and indissoluble Rom. 8. 38 He is now the God of Abraham Our very dust is yet in couenant with God and not dismembred from Christs body Mat. 22. 32. 7 For paines agâ—nies and the kinde of death 1 Remember that all these were sâ—nctified to the Christian in the ignomini us and paineâ—ull death of the Crosse there they all lost their sting and poyson 2 All is yours life death by famine persecution sword 1 Cor. 3. 22. 3 God is your God and guide vnto thâ— death Psal 48. 14. 4 Take heed â—hou offend not against the generation of Gods children if by prosperity or aduersity thou conclude any man happinesse or misery before God How goeth it with the vngodly they prosper in the world they haue no bands in their death their strength is firme they are not in trouble as other men neither are they plagued like other folke In the meane while what is the estate of a Dauid let himselfe teâ—l All the day long haue I beene plagued and chastened euery morning Psal 73. 4. 6. 14. Being then setled in this perswasion that the Lord is thy shepheard say yea though I walke through the valley of the shadow of death I will feare no euill for thou art with me thy rod and thy staffe they comfort me Psal 23. 1. 4. 8 For temptations terrors and angors know 1 That the Anointing abideth with vs for euer 1 Ioh. 2. 27. 2 Now is thy faith proued not to be temporary if thou canstrest on the word of promise when thou hast no sense and feeling but of terrours Heb. 11. 1. Iob 13. 15. 3 Thou hast heard of the patience of Iob Oh see what an end the Lord gaue to his trials for the Lord is very pittifull and of tender mercies Iam. 5. 11. 9 For the vizarâ— if death present it selfe as the depriuer of happinesse it is cleane contrary rather is life so to the godly who while hee is present in the body is absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 8. 9. And all in life is full of vanity and vexation of spirit while we liue we are lyable to Gods corrections to the preuailing of sinne to the bewitching enticements of the world to the buffetings of Sathan But looke vpon death in Christ and not in Moses and it is comfortable as the finall close of all miseries to soule and body and as the doore and gate of all heauenly refreshings 2 Cor. 5. 1. 2. Thus of the eare to bee â—râ—ugâ—t vpon vs that we may â—â—e happily the duties follow 2 Secondly when these diseases 2 By the care of duties are cured estampe on thy hâ—are the care of these duties which will keepe thy soule alwaies in an holy temper 1 Mediâ—ate seriously and frequently on death that thou maiest aâ—tâ—ine to that pitch of perfection to dye daily This produceth sixe rare effects 1 The flight â—f sinne Lam. 1. 9. 2 The contempt of the world 1 Cor. 7. 30 31. 3 Selfe-denyall 4 The right guidance of the present liâ—e 5 The true moderation of present ioyes 6 The right diuident dijudicaâ—ion of a present and future life This shouâ—d bee beganne in our youth Eccles 12. 1. Iob 14. 14. 2 Meditate oftâ—n iudgement and hell and the glory of the heauen of the blessed 3 Practise the three theologicall vertues as they are called in Schooles â—aith in the premises hope of good things to come charity in making you friends of the vnrighteous Mammon 4 Haue alwaies an eye to those three gracious directions giuen by our Sauiâ—ur Luk. 12. 35 36. 1 To haue your loynes girt â— corruption of nature and inward â—uâ—ls thence issuing so striuen against with strength of resolution that they may not hang about the feet of our soules in running the race of godlinesse 2 To haue your lampes in your hands burning that is our holy profession adorned with the shining light of good workes 3 To watch to prayer to the opportunities of wel-doing to the seasons of grace and against our corruptions 5 Remember Pauls Ethickes euery day to pracâ—iâ—e them â—â—â—t 2. 12. To deny vngodlinesse and worldly lusts To liue godly righteously soberly Practise them with three duties 1 Prayer in speciall for preparation for death and deliuerance from the former diseases 2 Almesdeeâ—s 3 Fastings as occasions shall be offered 6 Looke to the casting vp of thine accounts there chiefely order thy selfe for these two things Forgiuenesse of wrongs done to thee Satisfaction of wrongs done by thee When thou art in the very confines of death death standing before the doore then see these three duties of speciall moment 1 Thy reconciliation to God and here present the grounds of thy hope to thy able Pastor requiring his
auoiding cares and abhorring the sinnes of deceit and fraud 5 Walk with God Gen. 5. 22. remembring his all-eying presence approuing thy heart to him that seeth in secret obseruing his way in his workes his blessing on thy workes and prouidence for thy preseruation that thou maiest walke with an enlarged heart in thankefulnesse ready prest to obedience and â—kept in his feare all the day Pro. 23. 17. 6 When occasion of speech is let thy words be gracious alwaies Col. 4. 6. witnessing the grace of thy heart ministring good to the hearer Bridle thy tongue that thou be not guilty of the vsuall vices thereof lying swearing filthy speâ—ch foolish talke iesting raising whispering standering with all light vnsauory speeches call to thy minde those two Texts By thy words thou shalt be iustified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned and againe of euery Idle word that a man shall speake hee shall giue account at the day of iudgement 7 For thy company keepe company with the godly choose them and in other company when thy calling leadeth theeâ— haue with thee the salt of Mortification and Discretion and be ready to doe or receiue some good abide in such company no longer then thy calling requireth 8 For thy meales looke vp to heauen and giue thankes Mat. 14. 19. be not oppressed with drunkennesse and surâ—etting Luk. 21. 34. Forget not the worke of the Lord the end why he giueth vs food that we might liue to him Esa 5. 12. Gather vp that which is left that nothing be lost Ioh 6. 12. remember the poore that dwelleth by thee 9 And because recreations may be vsed sometimes and are an honour wee owe to our bodies See 1 That thy sports bee not onely lawfull but of good report 2 That they be not Costly nor cruell nor ingrossers of time nor incroachers vpon heauenly comfort nor diminishers of our delight in God or in our callings nor deuourers of spiâ—ituall ioy 10 And because many haue much time that may be spared all some time Redeeme the time to holy duties Ephes 5. 16 11 In thy solitarinesse spend 〈…〉 me well watching thy thoughts 12 In prosperity let thy heart grow more cheerefull in all duty and forget not that God that giueth it 13 In aduersitie Consider prepare for it ponder thy waies search thy heart turne to the Lord from the sinnes whereby thou dost offend receiue it mâ—ekely and patiently accepting in good worth the chastisement of thy sinne 14 Examine thy selfe at night and be still view thy actions Gods blessings in the day let them administer to thee matter of deprecation supplication and thankesgiuing which doe thou offer vp to God as thy euening sacrifice then thy feeling will make the feruent 15 Be not giuen to sleepe thinke of God in the night watches desire of him that thy reines may instruct in the night season and muse not mischeife vpon thy bed as the wicked doe that feare not God Psal 16 7. 36. 4. Then â—et thy heart say I will blesse the Lord who hath giuen me Counsell Psal 16. 7. So farre the rules that forme vs as Christians THE THIRD PART §. 1. The Order and vse hereof ALl the rules The order foregoing respect vs as Christians and forme vs so far forth but wee both as borne and as borne-againe are placed in conditions and states of respect one to another and none of vs absolute and of our selues All men that liue on the earth are made of one bloud propagated from one roote and from thence haue flowen into families common-weales and Churches and liuing in them are members of them and partake necessarily of their wealth or woe now wert thou fashioned in some measure to the former doctrine yet there râ—maines a further polishing that thou maiest be on all hands prepared to euery good worke rules that may direct in these bonds of relation are euery way necessary We therefore shall proceed to these of this nature they guide a Christian Magistrate a Christian subiect a Christian Husband a Christian Wife a Christian Parent Christian Children a Christian Master a Christian Seruant a Christian People to their Pastor the Pastor of Christ to the flocke to right Christian demeanor each to other Moreouer vpon a further inâ—ent view we shall finde some conditions men are placed in not so expressely contained within those forenamed bounds and of euery of them question will be mooued what shall ye doe in this estate These conditions are partly of more priuate state tâ—â—n the former yet relatiue as neighbourhood friendship enmitie partly of more priuacy or loâ—enes as of the aged the youth the maid the widdow euen to these hath the Lord Condescended The vse in his word giuen some speciall though briefe direction I desire for my part to withhold nothing from you willingly lest you should be left men halfe qualified * Men of halfe perfected vertue Semiperfecta virtutis hoyes as Philo calls them and you should be found in any respect Ephraim-like as a Cake not turned Hos 7. 8. Giue leaue a little and silence whateuer gainâ—aying thoughts might arise against this obedience know that Gods law is an absolute rule not onely for matters of piety but also for an holy policy the eternall law giuer interposeth as mens frowaâ—d hearts will tearme it but in very deed proposeth and of right imposeth vpon vs these following duties neuer was Oâ—conomickes Ethickes and Politickes perfected till the God of order gaue Theology Let this gâ—ue law to them and then Solon Lycurgus and Numa may lay their hands vpon their mouthes I wonder not at wise king Dauid who made Gods statutes the men of his counsell Psal 119. 24. hereby he became wiser then his enemies But I cannot but admire the folly of those that preferre the meane shallow reaches of their owne braines and let Gods law stand before the doore who fetch the master-pieces of their policies from Machiauell and not from the word and mouth of him who is wonderfull in counsell yet these dreame of a wel-ending loose to those proceedings that thwart the law of the most high Such wily foxes how oft haue wee seene caught in their own craftinesse And what folly is it in masters of families in husbands and ministers to rest in directions of their owne when they might haue rules so cleare from Gods word to presse and perswade you let me informe you in two things first that it is not left as arbitrary but it is commanded that we obey in these not feare nor custome but conscience must strike the stroke as the Apostle Paul tells vs in one of these for tâ—e rest Rom. 13. 5. secondly that dueties to man perfoâ—med in obedience to Gods law are acceptable and well-pleasing seruices Sacrifices to God Heb. 13. 16. Col. 3 24. on the contrary duties to man neglected or iniury done to man is not only a trespasse against man but a sinne against God himselfe
the waâ—t of care herein is the cause of mi 〈…〉 of many youth 3 Mâ—dâ—rate due correction by word Pro. 13. 24 by rod Pro. 22. 25. 19. Sâ— 23 13. 14. 29 25. In giuing correction this must be obsâ—ruâ—d for the maÌ„ner 1 We must admoâ—â—sh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Gods word conuincing them of their faults without bitternesse of spirit Col. 3. 21. 2 Wee must not prouoke them to wrath which is two waies done I By words when wee burthen them with vniust things in the whole or in pâ—rt or lade them with vniust and vnmeete and vnbeseming precepts True this latter sort of Commandements ought to bee obeyed by the children yet through corruption it hath in it I know not what matter of prouocation and Parents should auoide them or else when wee pursue them with â—eprâ—chfull words euer chiding and rating them 2 By dâ—eds in indiscreet and violent passion while weâ— correct in the kindâ— of correâ—â—ion thâ—râ—d is aâ— pâ—inted and not such as may indangâ—r health in the number of stripes noâ— so long that thy brother should seeme vile in t 〈…〉 eyes This may at the beâ—t inforce but neuer teach And lastly in partiality immoderately louing one aboue the rest which doth greatly exasperate and prouoke as wee see in Iosâ—phs brethren in this S. Ambrose blameth Iacob who should wisely haue concealed his affections Gen. 37. 3. 4. The duty of each apart is The duty of the Mother to nurse her children if she be able the barren wombe and dry breast is a heauy curse Hos 9. 14. Nature teacheth it to all women which giueth with the fruitfull wombe a moistened breast There are onely two cases wherin she is exempted from this duty 1 In deficiency of nature when she hath not milke 2 In daâ—ger of life through weakenesse But pride is vsually that which causeth them to put off nature The duties of children to their Childrens duty Parents are these fiue 1 Honour both inward in an holy esteeme of them tendernesse of respect and obseruance towards them And Outward in reuerend behauiour in speech and gesture 2 Obedience in speciall at some times as in the choise of their 〈…〉 lings In the election and disposing of their marriages Thus did Isaac Gen 24. Thus euen Ishmael Gen. 21. 21. and Iacob Gen. 27. 46. This power hath euery Father ouer his Virgin 1 Cor. 7. 36. 37. More generally at all times so they must obey for the matter in all tâ—ings that are not siâ—full Col. 3. 20. Ephes 6. 1. And for the manner 1 With readinesse to heare and receiue instruction Pro. 1 8 2 With indâ—auour to fulfill their desires by labour or otherwise 3 With submission to their rebukes Pro. 13. 1. Râ—straâ—nts in dyâ—t apparell and recreations and to their corrections 4 With all meekenesse expressed by obeying wâ—th â—ut inquiring murmuring or contendiâ—g 5 Without respect of profit else it is base and mercenary 3 Feare to displease Leuit. 19. 3. 4 A couering of their iâ—firmitâ—es â—ulpable or miserable onely as of age body or miâ—de The contrary to this was Chams sin Gen. 9. 21. 22. which first brought in the curse of seruitude 5 Thankefull requitall of their lâ—ue and care which is three waies chiâ—fly performed 1 By our good behauiour being a crowne to our Paâ—ents and not sonnes that cause shame Pro. 17. 6. 2 By aiding and relâ—euing them if they be in need 1 Tim. 5. 4. after the example of Ioseph this is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to remunetate and requite a benefit receiued deriued of â—â—â— Arist Hist anim l. 8. c. 8 piâ—taâ—is cultrix vicissim againe and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a Storke for this instruction is read vs in natures schoole the Storke when her damme is old and labours of age that she cannot flee shee beareth her on her owne wings into the meadowes and places where they feed and when shee hath fed she carrieth her backe to the nest againe 3 By care for their honour in life in death and after their death by celebration of their funerals payment of their debts as farre as ability will reach and fulfilling their will in paying legacies or otherwise Here note that the bond of relieuing our Parents paâ—leâ—h vpon the heires of the children or Executors or Administrators for this burâ—en is ioyned with the goods of the childe and therefore is passed ouer with them and â—nâ—aâ—lâ—d to them All this thou owest Though thou be come to high place or gifts so did Ioseph to Iacob and Solomon to his mother 1 King 2. 19. and our Sauiour to his parents Luk. 1. 51. Though they require things that may discredit thee in the world Consider Gods ordination or be they disordered persons or foolish pray for them despise them not God that knoweth what is best for thee hath set thee in this condition or be they thy step parents Ruth obeyed Naomi Yea be they but thy tutors or guardians with whom thou art left in trust Hester obeyed Mordecay So farre of Parents and Children §. V. Of the Master and Seruant THe third relation in the familie The duty of Masters is that of Master and Seruant to forme them it pleaseth the Holy Ghost to be at much paines with great plainenesse in the New testament to shew that the subiection of seruants is a morall and perpetuall ordinance a seruant may be Christs freeman as the freeman is Christs seruant seruice of meâ— will stand with liberty of Christians and to assure both Master and seruant that God in speciall requires they make conscience of their dealing as they desire to be no hypocrites in religion and to haue the family established Psal 101. 2. Pro. 14. 3. The Masters duty is 1 To doe that which is iust and equall to their seruants Col. 3. 1. iustice is shewed when they require not vniust things of them when they giue iust and due things to them both in maintenance giuing them the portion of food conuenient for them Pro. 31. 15. and in wages Iam. 5. 4. that it be proportionable to their worke in due time and with out defrauding them of any part of it and if they continue with them long that they send them not out empty Equality is shewed in not imposing more worke on them then they haue stâ—ength to doe in keeping them in their sicknesse and in not despising their cause but hearing their iust defence Iob. 31. 13. 14. In giuing them liâ—â—â—ty on the Lords dâ—y for their sâ—â—ules good and in nâ—t giuing care to euery word that â—â—n say of them or the 〈◊〉 Eccleâ— 7. 27. 2 To giue due correction for it is an euill which the earth cannot beare a Seruant when he ruleth Pro. 30. 21. 22. nor is it meet to bring vp a seruant delicately 3 To know the waies of their houshold not leauing their callings and the whole care of their busines to their seruants Pro.