of all that 's done before us or upon us 12. Acquiescence in him as our God in Christ Ps 116.7 our God in Covenant our All in All resting our selves in our relation to him Ps 73.25 enjoyment of him whatever else we want and whatever our condition be Ps 17. ult Ps 16. ult 'till we come to glory to see him as he is to be perfectly like unto him and for ever with him Read Mr. Strong of Communion with God and Dr. Owen of Communion with God Brinsly SECT VI. Of Assurance THat you may not want any needfull directions for the hightning of your Comfort peace of conscience and joy in the holy Ghost excuse the brevity and take these notes of Assurance 1. It is the ordinary as the desireable priviledge of holy persons mortifying corruptions exercising graces 1 Pet. 1.8 Ps 36.7 Rom. 5.5 walking daily before the Lord and in communion with him to have comfortable assurance of the love of God interest in Christ 1 Pet 1.3 4 5 6. pardon of sins state in grace title to the promises and their inheritance in the Kingdome 2. If it be otherwise with any 't is probable Ps 51. Cant. 5.2 there are some unmortified corruptions neglected graces disordered conversations estrangements from God or something extraordinary in the way of God's dispensation Is 50.10 the prevalency of temptation distemper in constitution which are to be enquired after However it be 1. 2 Pet. 1.5 Practise the methods in the former Directions with care and diligence in truth and in sincerity 2. Ps 51. Rom. 16.16 Eph. 1.17 18. Beg the spirit of Adoption to enlighten our understandings shine upon our graces and make the application 3. Reflect upon your selves your state and your exercise Rom. 16.16 1 John 3.19 20. Gal. 2.20 and comparing them with the word in the light of the spirit your consciences bearing witnesse in the holy Ghost of sincerity upon the tryall accordingly passe the sentence for your Assurance and make the application cast off your doubts give glory to grace and make progresse to glory 4. Where things are doubtfull upon enquiry Hab. 2. Is 50.10 Cant. 5. the best way is to put it out of doubt by practice in the actings of the graces and performance of the duties waiting God's time and keeping his way and trusting in his mercy through Christ Jesus till he be pleased to answer your doubts to rebuke your temptations to give his spirit and to cause the light of his countenance to shine upon you 5. Learne moreover not to question the goodnesse of the father the merits of the son the power of the spirit 1 Joh. 5.11 12. the truth of the promises the probability of your interest if any way likely much lesse the hopes of arriving safe to glory being found in the sincere discharge of duty Cant. 8.7 leaving the wildernesse of the world and sin in our affection and conversation and leaning on our Beloved 6. Expect not considerable measures of comfort but in proportions of Duty Ps 84.7 and some progresse made in practicall Christianity 7. 2 Cor. 1. beg 1 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. There are speciall seasons for speciall Assurances as entrance upon of discharge of some great undertakings in the life of Religion or some great tryall and exercise suppose of suffering and the best is alwaies reserved for the needfull and proper season 8. Having gotten it keep it and that with humility thankfulnesse and diligence Jude 20 21. Cant. 5.2 with progresse in the way where in you got it Take heed of abusing it by security wantonesse or worldlinesse 9. Look and long for heaven Rev. 22.20 there all is perfected Most Sermons have somewhat towards this in their Vses of Examination and Consolation and some more especially on this subject search out your Notes and study them Besides these there are diverse Treatises aâ— Baxter's Directions Bolton's Instructions Sibbes his Soules Conflict Symonds desertâ—â— Soules case and cure Roberts Evidences Ambrose middle things Ford of Adoption Cripplegate Exercise SECT VII The Life of Faith 1. IN the life of Faith are considerable 1. the purposes 2. the object and 3. the actings of Faith 1. The purposes of it are usually for justification mortification sanctification consolation and salvation 2. The Objects are God's love truth power c. Christ's person relations offices life death resurrection and ascension c. 3. The Acts of faith are apprehension of the object assent to the truth consent to the gift application of the whole with affyance and working in love and obedience as at first in closing with Christ 2. Rom. 4.20 The life of faith is highly acceptable with God comfortable honourable and necessary to the Christian 1. Gal. 2.10 Phil. 3.9 Act. 3.19 To live the life of faith for justification 1. Renew thy repentance daily for commissions of sin and omissions of duty in sorrow confession and supplication to God in Christ 2. Rom. 3.25.26 Rom. 5.12 c. Let Faith first apprehend the grace of God and look on Christ as thy Second Adam Head Surety and Sacrifice meditate his perfect obedience and his death therein Gal. 3.13 the pacification of wrath the satisfaction of Justice the removall of the curse Dan. 9.24 Heb. 10.16 Heb. 9.24 1 Joh. 2.2 Luk 22. Rom. 3.25 Gal. 2.20 Joh. 3.3 sin taken away in its guilt everlasting righteousnesse brought in and a Covenant of Grace established see this pleaded in his intercession and tendered in the Gospell sealed in the Sacraments and to be applied by faith 2. Apply it 3. Assent unto it 4. Rest upon it 5. Speak peace to thy conscience 6. If the sence of it make thee thankfull cheerfull and fruitfull to God and Christ Rom. 5.1 Heb 10.2 Psal 103.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.14 c. Ram. 8.34 c. 1 Cor. 15.55 56. Acts 3.19 Rom. 7.13.14 7. Reject the temptations of Sathan to unbeliefe silence the accusations and condemnations of thy conscience lay aside the slavisn feares of the wrath of God the terrors of death and judgment And 8. Long for the publick and solemne declaration of all in the last day 2. Live the life of faith for Mertification of sin 1. Set home upon thine heart the sinfullnesse of sin Rom. 7.13 14. and the necessity of its destruction Be willing to it and resolved for it 2. Be sensible of thine own weaknesse and inability to performe it Rom. 7.24 Rom. 7.25 Rom. 6. beg 3. Act faith on Christ for it 1. Let faith bâ—hold Christ Jesus upon the Cross procuring and purchasing thy freedome Rom. 7. Ezek. 36.26 from the dominion power and presence of sin in Gods time and Gods way 2. Let faith see the promises of Mortifying and cleansing grace in the blood of Christ established Rom. 6.9 10. Psal 51.7 Rom. 6.12 Rom. 8.34 Gal. 5.25.26 3. Let faith apply them 4. Let Prayer
treasury of grace 2. Be well acquainted with the compass of the activity of Grace Eph. 5.17 what is expected from you in your capacity both in heart and life towards God and man and your own souls Tit. 2.12 the severall waies of duty and the exercises of grace in every relation condition Ps 119 calling time and place c. especially set the law and word of God as the rule of life and of the new creature before you that it may direct you seeking earnestly withall to God for his Holy spirit to guide you Ps 43.3 Rom. 8.14 and lead you according to his word into waies of holynesse and obedience which are well pleasing to him and in his sight 3. When you have sound out the will of God Math. 6.10 Exod. 20. 2 Cor. 5.14 2 Cor. 7.1 and the way of duty and the work of grace resigne your selves both soule and body and all that you are and have to God and to his pleasure considering his authority over you his love to you and his promises before you for acceptance reward and help and as soules devoted to his pleasure inflamed with his love and overpowred by his spirit apply your selves to the exercise of graces and the performance of duties without delaies demurres Psal 119. Ps 110.3 Gen. 17.1 Ps 119.6 Epp. 5.15 2 Pet. 1.5 1 Cor. 15. 1 Cor. 10.31 Gal. 6.16 Gal. 5.15 2 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.2 reluctancie exceptions reasonings most freely and readily most sincerely and faithfully most fully and unreservedly most exactly and accurately most diligently and industriously most reselvedly and constantly 4. In every undertaking remember the end Gods glory the rule Gods word the principle Gods Spirit the encouragement Gods promise the manner as unto God well pleasing and in a word the all in all Christ Jesus to direct and strengthen you Col. 170. Col. 1.28 Joh. 15.5 and to render perfect and acceptable to God both your person and performance in his own mediation and intercession without him you can do nothing 5. In the exercise of Grace these following are Especially to be intended though none neglected As 1. Pro. 17.3 The vitall and fundamentall graces towards God and Christ as knowledg faith love repentance Mal. 3.16 obedience c. Act and exercise your knowledg in holy and honourable Ps 1.2.3 right and reverentiall Rom. 4.20 1 Pe. 1.24 filial and fiduciall thoughts of God your faith on the truth of his being the greatnesse of his power the fulnesse of his blessednesse the treasures of his mercies the infinitenesse of his wisdome but especially his Grace in Christ with the freenesse fulnesse Joh. 14.1 Ps 23. firmenesse of his promises the extent power and tendernesse of his providence and so towards Christ Your Acts knowledg and Faith in thoughts on him Gal. 2.20 choice of him resignations to him dependance upon him Ps 84. Ps 37. Ps 40.8 Ps 73. Ps 77. Ps 19. Ps 31. Luk 15. Fsal 119. Lords â—rayer 1 Sam. 15. Luk. 22. Brov. 4.23 Act your love desiring his presence his blessings his honour and glory devoting your soules to him and delighting in him and in his service c. Act your repentance in Griefe for sin yea even of infirmitie and imperfection and that in your very graces Abhorrency of evill Humiliations in the sence of vilenesse and sinfulnesse renewed and that howerly Conversions to him Act your obedience in frequent subjections unto his will revealed in his word or works 2. Have a speciall heed to the Government of the severall powers and faculties of your soules Heb. 9.12 their Dispositions and their operations that all may be regular 1. In the sight of God the searcher of the heart Rom. 7. 2. According to the rule of the Word which commands not only the outward but the inward man 3. Within is the principle seat of all sanctifying grace and from thence gives it forth its commands and influences throughout the whole man It is an excellent subject and but little insisted on the government of the understanding conscience will memory affections c. their proper actings in a way of grace and duty For your help in this See Ball of Godlinesse something also there is to this purpose in Penner on Conscience and the Affections and as I take it in Reyners Rules think well upon it 4. Rom. 6.19 What if we adde to this the government of the sences and to them of the whole man and all the members 4. Look to the acting of those graces which are next to the vitall and fundamentall Graces or if you will Col. 1.10 Col. 2.6 the branches of them and attendants upon them that so you may abound 1. In every Grace 2. In the various actings of the same Grace 3. In the connexion of graces and 4ly Their actings in severall cases as Humility Meekness Patience Heavenliness Charity Selfe-deniall Hope c. Give all and every grace its place and order its time and season its life and power it 's measure and manner Cant. 2.14 Cant. 4.7 this makes a beauty spirituall and glorious in the Countenance of the Christian whether in the frame within or in the forme of the life and conversation without That within to the eye of God that without to the eye of God Angels and men 5. Eph. 9. Rom. 13. 1 Pet. 2.12 Titus 2.10 Next to this have a speciall respect to the proper Actings of the Graces in your relations publique or private these are your duties these will be your ornaments will set forth the Gospell and returne unto you a gracious entertainment through Christ with God as well as man 6. Act your graces in Common converses those particularly between man and man in dealing and trading 1 Pet. 2.12 1 Pro. 3 See Loves table of buying and trading buying and selling and all transactions few consider the extent of the second table with the obligation that it laies upon them and how straitly it s bound on by Christ and his Apostles in the new Testament as by Moses and the Prophets in the old 7. Mat. 0.0 Look to your selves and the actings of grace even in your lesser matters Rom. 13. as your eating drinking sleeping c. apparell recreation c. learn not only in these to do nothing sinfull but also to Act your Graces and to Glorify your God and to approve your selfe a Christian 6. 1 Cor. 10.31 Dir. Labor not only to preserve grace and exercise it but to grow in Grace and to Abound in it both for the habit of grace and for the exercise of grace by this you will more abundantly glorify God enrich your evidences encrease your comfort and greaten your reward 1 Cor. 15. 2 Pet. 3. Pro. 15. 2 Pet. 1. Isa 35. 1 Pet. 2.2 Pro. 1.18 For this you have promises in the Gospell advantages in the ordinances and helps from Christ there 's a fulnesse with
5.43 and 4. keep then a good courage Math. 10.28 SECT XI Of Spirituall Retirements REtirements are sometimes from necessity through the providence of God Cant. 2.14 Is 26. ult the rage of Sathan and the malice of the World Rev. 12.6 14. and sometime from choice for privacy in duty and freedome from distraction Math. 6.5 6. Improve such for meditation prayers reading and maintaining communion with God Leave the world behind you desire God's presence and believe his promise SECT XII Of Meditation MEditation is necessary comfortable but difficult Take these Directions for it 1. Make conscience of the duty Ps 1. Ps 119. not only occasionally but solemnly and frequently 2. Take the fit and freest times for it 3. Lay aside for that time worldly occasions and thoughts 4. Set your self in God's presence 5. Begin with Prayer to God for direction presence and blessing 6. Pitch your thoughts on some suitable and seasonable heart-affecting subject as the excellency and use of the Scriptures the Attributes of God the state of Innocency Sin state of nature covenant of grace Christ his Offices excellencies c. death satisfaction c. the love of God the love of Christ faith and other particular graces c. Meditate often of the sinfulness of sin the vanity of the creature the love of God the excellency of Christ death the resurrection judgment heaven and helâ— sometimes When you would meditate on these understand first the doctrine of them and what is considerable in them for that purpose read in some doctrinall book on such a subject and after that by meditation consider and work upon your hearts to affect them without this help you will be able to do little on most subjects For subjects and books on those subjects Dr Wilkin's Ecclesiastes may direct you for this use as others for another 7. Observe if you can a good method for which see directions in books If you cannot follow their methods follow Davids in the Psalms Ps 116.5 Ps 42. Sometimes let it be prayerwise sometime by way of Soliloquie or discourse with your selves or take some good bock and work what you read upon your heart 'till you have discerned the truth tasted the sweetnesse and felt the power of it The briefe Notes in these Sections are intended for your help on those heads and are left to your inlargements on purpose or take the Scriptures and meditate on what you read 8. Keep your hearts to the work quicken them when dull 9. Intend heart-work especially in this exercise the quickning of grace strengthning of faith and stirring of affections 10. Close up with prayer and as opportunity is afforded solemne and with respect to the subject of your meditation Read Bp Hall's directions for meditation and Baxter in his Everlasting Rest and Whites and Ambrose in his Middle things SECT XIII Of Prayer I Need not set before you its necessity and excellenny Rom. 8.15 16. the spirit of Adoption will reach you to cry Abba Father Gal. 4 6. 1. 1 Thes 5.17 Be frequent in prayer often in solemne and even constantly in ejaculatory and occasionall 2. Be fervent and spirituall Rom. 8.26 Rom. 15.30 3. Be humble and lowly Gen. 18.27 Ezr. 9.6 4. Believing 5. Importunate Luk. 18. More particularly 1. Keep your hearts in a praying frame Eph. 6.18 Ps 5.3 Math. 6.9 2. Mind the occasions and opportunities 3. Prepare your selfe to it by meditation 2 Sam. 7.27 4. Take right apprehensions of God as your father in heaven as a spirit great and glorious but your God and Father in Christ take up suitable apprehensions to your occasion as God shall direct 5. Humble your soules in sence of sin to be confessed 6. Affect your hearts with the mercies to be desired 7. Jacob. Hos 12.3 4. Wrestle with God with Arguments proper 8. Content not your selfe with the bare performance without affection of heart and enjoyment of God 9. Keep close to the duty as near as you can without distraction Math. 6.7 Eccl. 5.2 Rom. 8.26 Phil. 4.6 Math. 6. Eph. 6.19 10. Affect not words nor length 11. Joyn praises with praiers 12. Be not private spirited in prayer but remember others especially the Church of God 13. Take delight in this duty 14. rest not in prayer but in Christ Eph. 3.12 John 14.13 through whom present your person and prayers unto God with faith 15. Look after your prayers Ps 5.3 and God's answers to them Read Cobbet of Prayer Gee of Prayer Ambrose his Directions ia his middle things T. Goodwins return of prayer Ford of Adoption Cripplegate exercise 14.17.19 SECT XIV Of Sanctification of the Lords day 1 BE setled in the doctrine of the Morality of the Sabbath 4th Comm For this purpose read Sermon Notes and books especially Cawdry and Palmer Shepheard and Whites appendix to his directions for reading the Scripture 2. Prepare for it desiring the day Exod. 20. composing your worldly affaires and laying them aside in the evening before set your heart in order towards a Sabbath and desire God's presence and blessing for the day approaching 3. In the morning awake with God proceed to private and family duties be more large and solemne in them then at other times spend intervals in meditation holy conference reading and prayer 4. Is 2.3 Ps 122.1 Ps 100. Hasten to publique ordinances lay aside prejudices and take care to give God your hearts See Burroughes of Gospell worship and other treatises of that Nature 5. Lev. 26.42 If you want publique opportunity enquire into the cause if sin be in it humble your soules justify God and accept of the punishment of your sin pray for pardon act repentance with faith in the bloud of Christ lament after the Lord. 1 Sam. 3. Ps 42.84.63 6. Rev. 12.14 Ps 42. Make up your want in private worship 1. Begin with prayer confession of sin and supplication for a blessing with praise to God 2. Read much of the Scripture Psalmes Old and New Testament Meditate upon it draw your observations and worke them on your hearts observe Gods teachings and impart them to any with you 3. Pour out your hearts more largely in prayer 4 Take some good Sermon Notes or some choice book and spend a Sermon time in it and suppose you were hearing it in the publick congregation 5. Close up with prayer and praises desiring a blessing In intervals of time take refreshments naturall with spirituall affections thoughts discourses Let the rest of the time be spent as in the morning in meditation reading Is 56.6 Is 58.13 conference and prayer In the afternoon at the solemn time do again as in the morning After that as in the intervals reflecting on what you read observed and were taught of God that day renew your family and your closet duties as in the morning and be much in Thanksgiving Let the day be improved for God and with him Keep out the
all to shame you from it if there be any thing of holy ingenuity to be found upon you at least what sin hath cost you in repentance and affliction and that you may farther suffer though Hell be not your finall portion Then call in by saith and prayer the help of God and all the vertues of the bloud of Christ maintaine your ground against its first assaults and you have more then overcome 13. If at any time it have surpriz'd you Ps 51. play an aftergame of Repentance recruit your strength improve your skill and strength and deliver your souls O lie not under it much lesse subject your selves unto it and renounce thereby as by an after-free and full consent your Soveraign and Saviour Jesus Christ 14. Watch the more against it and fortifie your selves for the time to come 15. When one corruption or temptation is over and disappointed conclude not your work is done there are innumerable more behind and while life lasteth there will be no end of this warfare 16. Roâ— 7.24 Be alwaies groaning under the invincible remainders of the body of death and long for your deliverance 17. Take heed of Apostacy and backsliding a sin not altogether unpardonable but dangerous Hos 14. and that may cost you dear e're you recover 18. Rom. 7.25 Give all the glory of your Conquests to Jesus Christ and to the power of grace 19. Enjoy the comfort of Believers that keep their ground and conquer Rom. 8.1 For 1. you are in a state of pardon and salvation 2. Rom. 7.20 No corruption of nature no transgression in your life is imputed to you to your particular condemnation when disowned resisted repented of and carried by saith to the bloud of Christ 3. The old dominion of Sin Rom. 6.14 once truly broken shall never be recovered you are not under the Law but under Grace 1 Tim. 4.8 4. Your particular Conflicts shall be rewarded if through Grace they proceed to Conquest Eph. 5.26 5. At length the body of Sin and Death shall be destroyed 1 Cor. 12 1â— 6. In the mean time the grace and strength of Christ is sufficient for you and when sought by faith humility and prayer 1 Cor. 15.50 c. it shall not be denyed 7. In Heaven there will be no sin no sorrow but perfect holinesse and purity with everlasting songs of Joy and Triumph Rev. 22.20 Therefore 20 pray believe and look and long for the comming of Christ even so come Lord Jesus come quickly Much of this was preached at Mary Arches on Rom. 6 6. Read more in Dr. Owen of Mortification Burroughes Evill of Sin Love of Mort. Morning Exercise at Giles and Crypplegate Ambrose Media Goodwins works c. Reyners rules c. SECT III. Of the Exercise of Grace Spirituall activity growth progresse and perseverance in sanctification and holy conversation WE have seen the Convert in his exercise and progresse of Mortification in the next place it is meet to consider him in his exercise progresse and perseverance in Sanctification and holy conversation For in that also the Word which is accordng to Godlinesse doth represent him to us See Gen. 17.1 Eph. 2.10 Eph. 4.20 21 22. c. Eph. 5.8 9. c. Phil. 1.27 2 Pet. 3. 1 Cor. 15. Rom. 2.7 Heb. 12.14 Rev. 22.14 and reason good Eph. 1.4 Titus 2.14 Eph. 2.10 Gal 5.15 Rem 8.1 1 Pet. 1. Rev. 22.14 c. Eph. 1.4 Heb. 8.10 Eph. 5.25 for to this he is elected redeemed called anew created and made partaker of the spirit of holinesse This is the evidence of his Justification the quality of his Adoption his way and walke towards the Kingdome and Salvation This is the designe of the methods of Grace towards him the covenant of Grace established with him the means of Grace bestowed upon him the word of grace without him the principle of grace within him Gal. 5.15 1 Pet. 1.14 Eph. 5.1 Rom. 6. 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Rom. 12.1 Heb. 12 10 Gal. 4.19 2 Cor. 5.14 2 Cor. 6.17 Ps 119. 1 Joh. 3.3 1 Joh. 1.5 6. This the Relations whereinto he is entred the Profession he hath made the sacraments of which he hath been partaker the mercies he hath received the miseries that he hath felt the pangs of the new Birth which he hath past through the tokens of Divine Love vouchsafed the separation of his soule from Sin and Sinners the dedication of his person and all to God and Godlinesse the hopes and promises of everlasting life and blessednesse the tenor of the Gospell all his priviledges and particularly his union and communion with Jesus Christ by faith do call for all at his hands Is 6.3 Besides Holinesse is no lesse lovely then necessary It is in its originall the glory and perfection of all the Divine Attributes essentiall in each person of the holy Trinity Father Son and Holy Ghost the Character of the name Gen. 1. Eph. 4. Psal 15. Rev. 21. 2 Cor. 1.12 1 Joh. 4. 1 Joh. 1. begin Is 56. nature will word and works of God the beauty of mans first Creation the intention of the second the delight of God the state of Heaven Adde the blessed fruits effects and comforts of it are no lesse desireable as the evidence of the love of God the grace of Christ and the communion of the holy Ghost How doth it fit us through Christ for accesse to God converses with him Ps 50. uâ—â— c. Joh. 14.21 Rev. 2. more abundant tokens and testimonies of love and favour from him the peace of conscience the joy in the holy Ghost and the foretasts of blessednesse and glory that do attend it who is able to expresse them but we may not enlarge in such discourses on it It is to be supposed that our Regenerate person is abundantly convinced of its necessity Ps 110.3 Cant. 1.4 and that he hath felt its powers and tasted its sweetnesses and been attracted by its beauties and is resolved for its exercises here and full enjoyments hereafter and needs only some directions for it Accordingly these that follow may be improved in generall and in particular 1 Get the Habit of Grace and Sanctification infused in regeneration 1 Pet. 2.2 Ps 42. 84. 63. the new creature to be fed nourished and preserved by the use and blessing of God on the use of the meanes of grace by removing out of the heart whatsoever might afflict or hinder it weaken it or disturb it 1 Pet. 2. Math. 13. Rev. 12. much more what hath immediate tendency to murther it and destroy it and that is Sin the World and Sathan Adde faith and earnest prayer to the God of all grace for the renewed influences of the spirit of grace Ps 119. the accomplishment of the promises in the covenant of Grace Is 35. Ezek. 36.26 Joh. 1.18 and a liberall communication from Christ Jesus the fulness and
him you have interest in him you may apply your selves to him and there need no question but you shall receive abundantly from him only you must enlarge your desires and heighten your faith and use the means châ—rishing the spirit weeding out corruptions and exercising your graces Be much in prayer Mat. 25. put in suit the promises beg for influences take heed of pride and be humble take heed of worldly mindednesse and be heavenly Phil. 3.20 be not careless in duties but servent in spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12. Converse much with the Scripture warme and enlarge your hearts with the sence of the love of God and Christ 2 Cor. 5. Rom. 5.5 Heb. 11. lock often towards the promised reward keep in your eye the examples of the best Christians Heb. 12.1.2 but especially Christ Jesus as your great example rest not in measures Phil. 3.10 intend towards perfection and the state of the resurrection from the dead Neglect the improvement of no grace Jude 20.21 but especially lay out in vitall graces and for others be most carefull for the most needfull in your capacity and condition the like where you are most weak Be nothing in your selves be all in Christ Rev. 3.2 Phil. 4.13 This is the way to encrease it in the habit only further know Eph. 1.21.22 that as grace abounds in the heart so it need to do in the life 1. In the frequent actings of the same graces Eph. 4.7 as they are required 2. In the diverse actings of severall graces as the case may command it Col. 1.10 And in the lively and vigorous actings of all You have a reward enough to encourage all 1 Cor. 15. you have waies enough to put forth all you shall have grace of influence to furnish all Heb. 13.20 21. â— Thes 1.11 12. you have ingagements enough from the love of God the grace of Christ the gift of the spirit the promises of the Gospell the priveledges of Grace the hopes of glory to provoke to all Such things considered and such meanes used will also serve to keep up your hearts in a lively frame of spirit and readinesse for duty and service this will quicken you when dull enlarge when straitned and set all the wheeles of your soules on going Lastly Look to your standing and perseverance 1 Thes 3.8 Pro. â—ep Heb. 6. Rev. 2. Heb. 10. Ps 51. Apostacies are dangerous some are desperate the least is too bad though you loose not your crown yet loose not your comfort your communion with God your evidences your earnests no nor your graces themselves Ps 51.29 thougst in the least degrees you may loose your Jewels though not your crown and the sparks of diamonds the shings of gold and the minute degrees of grace are too precious to be lost Therefore reglect not the meanes Rev. 3.1 takâ— heâ—a of omissions watch against your temptation sit 〈◊〉 loose from Christ abate not in your exercise here withall remember that you stand not by your own strength Rom. 11. 1 Pet. 1.25 3 4 5. but by the love of the father the blood of the 〈◊〉 the power of the spirit and the performance of the promise For this reflect on Sâ—rmons of regeneration John 3. at Petrocks Walking in the lighâ— at Mary-Moores on Joh. 12.35 and on Phil. 3 2. last v. and Noahs walking with God on Gen. 6 at Mary Arches c. you may find much more in Ball of Godliness Love of grace Burges his Spirituall refinings Burroughs gracious spirit Burroughs Conversation becoming the Gospell and his Heavenly Conversation Bolton's Walking with God T. Taylor circumspect walking and Bishop Taylors Holy living Gouge Of Relative duties whole duty of man Ambrose Media Goodwins growth in grace c. Cripplegate Exercise Reyner Henner Reynolds life of God SECT IV. Of the Christians daily walk EVery day hath its duty in Common and ordinary Heb. 3. and some daies in extraordinary actings of grace and performance of duty to the Glorifying of God and to the working out of our salvation for this take and practise these directions following the word be your rule the spirit be your guide and Christ Jesus be your strength 1. Psal 5.3 In the Morning when you awake lift up your heart to God be thankfull for the mercies of the night desire the guidance grace mercy and providence for the day send up some Holy Ejaculations Consider what may be most likely the duty and temptation of the day set your spirituall watch ingage your hearts with God and warme it with the thoughts of his love and the hopes of his kingdome 2. Psal 1.2 Season your hearts with some portion of his word read first what may next come to your hands proceed then in your ordinary course for your morning reading of the Scriptures work what you have read upon your heart Ps 5.3 by serious meditation and then address your selfe to God as you have place and opportunity in solemne prayer from thence in fit season ere the occasions of the world fall in discharge the duties in your family 3. Rom. 12.11 Eph. 6.7 Apply your selfe with diligence to the duty of your Calling in the fear of God with a good Conscience depending on his presence favour and blessing 4. Keep upon your hearts Gen. 17.1 the sence of the eye of God that sees all the ear of God that heares all and the hand of God that records all especially the word of God that is to rule all and his providence to blesse all do nothing that may displease him do every thing according to his will and to his glory 5. In temporall employments and secular occasions act spirituall graces mind eternity your spirituall concernments Phil. 3.20 send frequent holy ejaculations towards Heaven and so maintaine Communion with God throughout the day and in the midst of your employments 6. Watch against the temptations of the day the occasions to sin and the first motions and stirrings of corruptions and those either rooted in thy disposition 1 Pet. 5.8 1 Pet. 2.11 or occasioned in thy calling 1 Pet. 5.8 2.11 Take heed of sinning 7. Take not only care of sinning but be found as occasion is offered in all well-doing Is 1.16 Tit. 2.12 Mica 6.8 Adorne the Gospell and approve thy self a Christian by acts of Righteousness Justice and Equity in all thy dealings and withall of mercy and charity as it lies before thee 8. Take care of thy words let none be profane Math. 12.36.37 1 Pet. 3.10 sinfull frothy uncharitable but true and seasoned with grace administring grace to the hearers use not too many words in buying and selling hear few stories that little concern you and tell less Think before you speak remember there is an account to be made of words by these also thou shalt be justified Math. 12.37 and by them thou mayest be condemned
9. 1 Cor. 10.31 Tit. 2.12 In all refreshments of food or recreation be sober serious and spirituall 10. Upon rovings and wandrings call in thine heart Eccles Prov. and let not thy thoughts be too far dispersed or too long disingaged from communion with God soul-concernments and matters of Eternity 11. Eph. 4.26 Take heed of passions rash anger sudden surprisals or provocations that may be offered Do no wrong take notice of little forgive much forbear retaliation in words or actions in great affronts be not too much disturbed and commit events and returns to God 12. Eph. 6.1 Eph. 5.22 Fill up Relations with relative duties whether as superior or inferior or equall be obedient to the commands of Superiours according to the will of God be respectfull kind and friendly to equals be moderate tender and gentle to inferiors Do evill to none but good to all 13. Beware of your company Eph. 5.7.11 Ps 15. have no more to do with wicked persons then of necessity you must let their presence be your burthen and their profanenesse your abhorrency let them know that you do not like them Let the good be welcome entertaine them as Christians receive from them or give to them what may be spirituall Let your time be pretious Eph. 5.16 and little or none be wasted fill up all with necessary duties that belong unto it or find out something good and commendable to improve it On moments of time depends eternity let not spirituall and temporall duties interfer but let each have their proper seasons run not from thy particular calling to exercises of the generall when unseasonable neglect not the generall for the particular when thou hast thy freedome 15. Let not the world or the things of the world be too earnestly desired eagerly persued 1 Joh. 2.15 Phil. 4.11 affectionately imbraced be thankfull for and content with necessaries what 's more let it be improved in the chearfull service of God in works of piety and charity Keep thine heart at a distance and loose from all and be contented to part with all Heb. 10.34 when called to it knowing that Heaven is thine inheritance and God himself thy portion 26. Observe the waies and methods of God's providence towards thee from day to day consider the graces to be exercised on such occasions Live the life of dependance on God's providence and subjection to his will be thankfull for his mercies and endure his chastisements Let extraordinary dispensations have extraordinary observations 17. Remember to walke with God humbly Mica 6.8 Tit. 2.12 cheerfully obediently and believingly Carry your selves to men respectfully righteously friendly demean your selves sâ—berly gravely prudently bear all injuries patiently receive all Kindnesses thankfully do all Courtesies readily 18. Suffer no guilt contracted to lie long upon you but be often examining your selves Ps 19 Ps 32. beg on sence of sin renew your repentance and faith on the bloud of Christ and returne to Duty 19. Tit. 2.13 Doe something every day towards the last in mortifying corruption strengthning graces increasing knowledge furthering your assurances drawing nearer to Heaven in thoughts on it desires after it preparations for it 20. In the evening of the day Ps 4.4 reflect on what hath past cast up accounts be humble for defects repent of transgressions be thankfull for mercies renew your acquaintance with God as you have opportunity in solemne duties of praier meditation and reading the Scriptures or some good Books performe these duties as also your family duties in good season Ps 3.5 Ps 4. ult see Ps 1 42. 16. When all is done remember Mortality and Eternity Act repentance and faith and commit your soules and bodies and family to God and to his keeping SECT V. Of Communion with God THE Convert may noâ—â— advance to a more especiali 〈…〉 God and that not only as 〈…〉 â—â—iviledge See 1 John 1.3 c. 〈…〉 20. Job 22.21 R For such as have int◠〈…〉 God Rom. 5.1 accesse to God acceptaâ—â—â—â—ith God are beloved of him may 〈…〉 and derive from him This 〈…〉 partly presupposeth and partly requireth what we have in these following particulars and it may be in some other 1. Heb. 10.19 20. It presupposeth reconciliation with God through the mediation of Christ apprehended by faith answered in repentance pursued in obedience and maintained in walking before him 2. It immediately followes union with Christ Eph. 2.18 relation to God and inhabitation of the Spirit 3. It supposes the qualification of the person in conformity to God Ps 15. and assimilations to him 4. Joh. 14.21 It is maintained on Gods part by teachings of the Spirit influences of grace Rev. 3.20 Cant. 5.1 Ps 25.14 testimonies of Love and earnests of his glory On the Christians part by what here followeth 1. Addresses to God in holy duties Ps 73.28 Ps 100. solemn or occasionall through Christ and by the Spirit 2. Apprehensions of God his glory Joh. 17.3 his grace love and goodnesse revealed in his word through Christ and applied by the Spirit 3. Adorations of God high thoughts of him with humble worshippings praises Ps 100.4 and acknowledgments 4. Affections to God in Christ Ps 42.1 Ps 63.1 running out in love desire delight and joy 5. Ps 36.7 Cant. 8.5 Affiance in God through Christ in his grace goodnesse truth faithfulnesse power and providence 6 Activity of grace in holy duties Cant. 4.16 proper in times seasonable in manner spirituall in measure fruitfull 7. Ps 16.8 Cant. 2.7 Actuall intentions of God and of his glory and of being well pleasing to him in the frame of our hearts in the course of our lives and especially in our holy duties 8. Applications of his love Cant. 1.2 c. Rom. 5.5 6 c. upon the discoveries of it in his word the shedding of it abroad in our hearts by his Spirit the evidence of it in his graces and the experience of it in his mercies 9. Acquainting him with our necessities Phil. 4.6 Cant. 2.14 desires cases and conditions from day to day provided it be humbly heartily believingly it may be freely and with holy familiarity as a friend with his friend a child with his father and the spouse with her husband and this whatever be our distresses and dangers troubles and sorrows wrongs and injuries wants and weaknesses temptations and infirmities 10. Attendance to the methods of his providence Job Ps 8. Cant. 5.4 and the motions of his spirit with the observation of his works and the opening of our hearts unto his word hearkning to his whispers sensible apprehensions of his approaches to your soules not suffering our selves to be unmindfull of him estranged from him 11. Attributing all our mercies and refreshments Eph. 3. ult spirituall and temporall with the hopes of eternall to his free grace and mercy in Jesus Christ giving him the glory
dispensations of it Heb. 1.1 gradually revealing Christ and Grace First to Adam Gen. 3.15 then to Noah Gen. 6. then to Abraham severall times Gen. 12. and 15. and 17. c. then to the Patriarches to Moses Exod. 3. to Israel on the mount Exod. 20. and 24. to David 2 Sam. 23.5 and in many of the Psalmes Ps 89. c. Psal 2. Ps 110. c. after that enlarged in choice promises in the Prophets For Israel in captivity Jer. 31. Jer. 32. Ezek. 11. and Eze. 36 c. So in Zach. 9. c. and at last the New Testament by Christ Heb. 8. Heb. 10. read your Sermon Notes upon this subject and those Scriptures many of them at M. Arches and other books as Ball of the Covenant of Grace Bulkly Rutherford Morning exercise Giles Roberts Cotton and others Leigh promises SECT VIII Of Temptations THe best of Gods Saints and Servants may be subject to Temptations Gen. 3.15 and those of all sorts not only to doubtings sinnings Luke 22.30.31 and such sometimes the most abominable and diabolicall For Sathan is their enemy because they belong to God are gotten out from his Kingdome and are irreconcileable enemies to his interest Sathan is an Old Malicious Subtle Powerfull 1 Pet. 5.8 Cruell and deadly enemy to them their graces their comforts and their persons and God suffers it so to be for his own glory and his peoples good in the exercise and evidence of their graces in the supports of their soules and experience of his favour for their conformity to Christ and in order to the reward when they overcome Their comfort in that their Temptations without their consent are not their sinnes Heb. 2.18 2 Cor. 12.5 Rev. 2.10 Christ himselfe hath been tempted God and Christ compassionate them God is with them to help them their temptations are limited Sathans head-plot is broken Heb. 2.14 their soules shall besaved and their conquests rewarded Their duty is to be acquainted with the nature of temptations 2 Cor. 2.11 Eph. 6.12 c. to watch and pray against them to resist them to put on and use their spirituall armour to live upon Christ by Faith and to look and long for their deliverance Remember Math. 4. and discourses on Christs Temptation Bishop Hall Capell of Temptations Downams Warfare Gouge Robinson and Gurnals Spirituall armour Dr Owen of Temptation and Bridges Brooks c. Ball of Faith c. SECT IX Of Divine Desertions GOds people may be sometimes for a time and in part deserted Psal 22.1 Is 63.17 2 Sam. 11. Ps 51. as to illuminations influences and comforts they may not see their way may fall into sin loose much grace want comfort Ps 88.6 be sorely tempted Ps 8.9 and feel sensible impressions of Gods fatherly displeasure This is sometimes for the punishment of their sins Ps 7.7 Cant. 5. Cant. 3. and sometimes for the triall of their graces God hath also therein a designe for his own glory and their good in preventing and mortifying of sin provoking to duty enriching their experience and for the discovery of the freedome of his grace the worth of his love and the necessity of his presence Psal 22.1 Jer. 31. Heb. 8. John 10. c. Their comfort is they are not alone they are never totally nor finally rejected God is still their God in covenant and Christ is their head in union and the Spirit their sanctifier supporter if not actually their comforter in Communion Cant. 5. beginning Christ leaves sweetnesse behind him and though absent yet drawes them towards him in good time will be found of them and in Heaven at last abide forever with them Their duty is to shake off security Cant. 5. throughout to enquire into the causes to hear Christs voice to rellish his sweetnesses to desire his favour to follow after him in all good meanes to speak well of him to cleave to their Choice to take Gods way and to wait Gods time for their comfort and recovery and when they find him to be more carefull to please him Cant. 6. and for ever to beware of wandring from God parlying with Temptation Spirituall pride and security under Gospell enjoyment Read Symonds Deserted soules case and Cure Sibbes Soules conflict Boltons Instructions Rutherfords Christs Dying c. And for Church-desertions in the visible tokens of Gods presence Read Sermons on Luk 19.42 Rev. 2.4.5 Rev. 3.1 6. John 12.35.36 and Cant. 5.2 c. The Epistles in the Revelation to the Churches of Asia Brinsleyes Watch Burroughes on Hosea Cripplegate Exercise 26. and apply to them the foregoing comforts and counsels SECT X. Of Afflictions and Trialls AFflictions and Troubles Joh. 16.33 are the lot of Gods chosen for correction or probation or purification or testimony Heb. 12.6 or it may be altogether Zach 13.9 c. 1 Pet. 4.12.17 1 Pet. 1.5 6. c. Rev. 2.10 Psal 42. Psal 102. Heb. 12.6 They may be manifold great lasting and sometimes inward and outward both together Their Comfort is They are from God their God their Father in love though with displeasure their good is intended together with Gods glory in purging out sinne Is 26. trying and exercising their Grace weaning them from the world and conforming them to Christ 1 Pet. 4.13 they have speciall promises God orders them Mal. 3.3 2 Cor. 12.9 Rom. 5.5 1 Pet 5.6 proportions them to strength gives sufficient grace sheds abroad his love is present with them will preserve them deliver them and bring them home to Glory 1 Cor. 4. latter end 1 Pet. 1.5 6. Rom. Lam. 3.39 Ps 51. 8.17 Phil. 1.29 2 Thes 1.8 c. Their duty is if for sin to enquire the cause to humble themselves to justify God to returne to him 1 Sam. 15. to submit to his will and to seek his favour to mind their duty and to live by faith And for trials to expect them prepare for them and approve themselves in them giving glory to God by the exercise of grace and submission to his will And in Testimonies to Truth 1 Pet. 4.12 Cant. 8. Matth. 16.24 Heb. 12.2 1 Pet. 4. ult 2 Cor. 4. ult 2 Cor. 5. be Heb. 10.38 2 Pet. 1.1 c. Prov. 142. to strengthen their faith to inflame their love and to manifest their obedience to deny themselves to take up the Crosse to look to Christ their example comfort and strength and to referre all to God committing their soules to him in well doing and to live by faith Heb. 11. Heb. 12.1 c. Read Cases Correction instruction Burroughes Moses choice and selfe deniall and courage Hughes dry rod. Strongs Submission to Gods will Histories of the Church In sufferings see 1. That you have a good cause and suffer not as evill doers in Church or state see 1 Pet. 2.20 1 Pet. 4.15 2. A good call Math. 10. 3. Exercise a good conscience Mark