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
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
our troubles is troubled with vs Act. 9 4. Col. â— 24. Esa 63. 9. We are sure of the supply of the spirit of Iesus Phil â— 19. 20. who wiâ—l also rest vpon vs as the spirit of glory and of God 1 Pet. 4. 14. He that created formed and redeemed thee will be with thee Esa 43. 1. 2. 2 Cor. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. and as the dying of the Lord Iesus is borne in thy body so the life also of the Lord Iesus shall be manifest in thee Right deare in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his Saints Psal 116. 15. The first man that came to heauen was Abel the iust Crowned with the crowne of Martyrdome Digest these and euery of these rules that thou maiest walk with God in all changes of thy condition in life §. XXX Preparations for death or how to dye THere remaineth yet one Hâ—â— dy thing of no small moment that concerneth his abode with God in or about his last worke he hath to doe in this world which is the laying downe oâ— this his earthly Tabernacle the change of changes here beloâ—e truth it is that an holy life such as hitherto hath beene pourtrayed euer ends in an happy death and againe How to dy whoso hath learned hath learned also how to liue yet there are specialties of direction which the Christian aboue all before sayd cannot well want and there is a speciall preparation for the vndergoing so terrible a change Take them thus they concerne 1 The curing of the diseases 1 By the curing of diseases of our Soules of which wee are all sicke to the death and all about this point of death 2 The estamping on vs the care of necessary duties 1 The diseases which our hearts are oppressed withall and subiect vnto are these fiue 1 Forgetfulnesse of our latter end Deut. 32 29. 2 Desperate resolutenesse vpon the memory of it 1 Cor. 15. Esa 22. 14. 3 A Couenant with death and hell making lyes and vanity our refuge Esa 23. 15. 4 The choosing of death to be rid of the miseries of life the impatient desire of death Ier. 8. 3. Iob. 3. 5 The feare of death which bringeth into bondage Heb. 2. 1â— 15. The cure of forgetfulnesse For our forgetfulnesse it is cured 1 By information of our selues in these things the brâ—uâ—â—y and vanity of life and of all things in the world the certainty vncertainty of death of the breuâ—â—y of life we haue three â—estes Nature Experience and Scripture but Scripture witnesseth it most liuely where the basest things and of least continuance are taken to as bearing the fittest resemblance thereof it is a vaporâ— a weauers shuttle a post a ship in the Sea a bubble a flower of the field grasse a shadow a dreame a thought Of the vanity of all things vnder the Sunne Salomon hath sufficiently spoken in his Ecclesiastes or booke of the Preacher the certainty of death depends vpon decree and statute Law it is appointed that all shall dye Heb. 9. 27. and we know death hath reigned from Adam to this day we haue three nuntioes sent by death casuality infirmity and old age nay death hath already seized on vs in changes of our age in aches in sorrowes in sicknesses so certaine is it â—et not so certaine to be as vncertaine in what kinde at what time in what place it shall be 2 By watching against the causes of incogâ—ancy which are cheifely two the naturall security of our hearts and surfetting on earthly things Luke 12. 19. and 21 34. these both must be shaken off 3 By Prayer God onely can teach this lesson we must come to his schoole and our prayers must be to him for this thing Thus did Dauid Psal 39. 6. and 90. 12. For desperate resolutenesse The cure of resolutenesse vpon the memory of our end it is a disease which wee are subiect vnto when the euill corrupt heart forced to the apprehensions of its mortality by the pursute of his owne thoughts and the daily cry of a faithfull Ministery or the constant and frequent view of death griefes face is awakened but not truely but in a phrensie as it were and concludes dy we must we are all mortall Come then let vs eat and drinke let vs take time while time serue tomorrow comes and we are not This sore and euill disease shall be healed 1 By considering the greatnesse of the sinne which is fully declared by the Prophet Esay when he saith And it was reuealed in mine eares by the Lord of hosts Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye dy saith the Lord God of hostes Esa 22. 13. 14. 2 By discouering the originall whence it springs that that may be lamented ouer namely Atheisme and an heart voide of the knowledge of God and set vpon euill with a spirituall madnesse 1 Cor. 15. 34. 3â— 3 By the contrary good a waking which is to righteousnesse not to sinne 1 Cor. 15. 33 34 For our Couenant with death mâ—king lyes our refuge it is the The cure of security reasoning of the heart that saith We haue done what wise men should doe because wee like politicians and worldlings haue fortified our selues with the best earthly helpes for body and state for our selues for ours yet no thought of serious prouision How wee might be built on the sure foundation stone Christ Iesus the Lord directs vs in this point in Esa 28. 16. That wee come as liuing stones to Christ that corner stone elect and precious and be sure wee be laied and built on him by beleeuing for hee that beleeueth in him shall not make hast nor be ashamed of his hope Or it is the reasoning of the heart that saith death is a debt we owe to nature but this must not passe for good with Christians for death in its nature is the wages of sinne death in its change is a sweet sleepe in Iesus sure of a blessed awaking at the resurrection of the iust it is then the beginning of eternall woe to him that dyeth in his sinnes but the doore to eternall blisse to all that dye in the Lord. Or this Couenant is that refuge of lyes we are not likely to dye yet strength is in our body milke in our brests marrow in our bones and age is for the sad and graue duties of deuotion and piety but let Iob speake what pleasure hast thou in thy house after thee Iob. 21. 21. 22 23. 24. 25. when the number of thy moneths is cut off in the middest Shall any teach God knowledge Seeing he iudgeth those that are high One dyeth in his full strength being wholly at ease and quiet his brests are full of milke and his bones moistened with marrow and another dyeth in the bitternesse of his soule take not vpon thee to instrect God hee can smite thee with death in the highest of thy pride and midst of thy welfare and
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
may adde Perfection Reu. 22. 18 19. 2 Cor. 4. 4. Psal 119. 130. Perspicuity ought thereto or take ought therefro and that they are plaine and cleare to all Gods elect in all truths absolutely necessary to saluation the very entrance into them giueth light yea vnderstanding to the simple §. 11. Thus of the Scriptures out of 2 Of God these the Creed was taken according to the order thereof our faith is carried vnto God as the chiefe obiect and first it lookes vpon God the Father on this wise I beleeue in God the Father Almighty HE that commeth vnto God Heb 11. 6. must beleeue that God is and that he is a rewarder of them Deut. 6. 4 1 Ioh 5. 〈◊〉 Esa 48. 16. 17 that diligently seeke him that hee is one onely Lord who is three in persons the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost the Father God the Sonne God the holy Ghost God yet not three Gods but one onely Notwithstanding the Father is not the Son the Sonne is not the Holy Ghost nor is the holy Ghost the Father or the Sonne the Father is of himselfe the Sonne is begotten of the Father before all worlds the Holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne altogether worshipped and glorified That this one God who is Father Sonne and holy Gen. 17. 1. Ioh. 4. 24. 1 Tim. 6. 15. 16. Exod. 34. 6. 7. Ghost is the Almighty a spirit eternall al-sufficient al-knowing vnchangeable infinite in wisedome iustice holinesse truth and mercy and therefore most Glorious Blessed and onely good Maker of heauen and earth Who alone created all things 3 Of the creation Gen. 1. Col. 1. 16. Reu. 4. 11. visible and inuisible heauens and their hosts earth and their hosts in the beginning of nothing by his word onely and all of them very good his owne will moouing him thereto and not any need he had of them Who also made man after his 4 Of mans innocency Eccles 7. 29. Gen. 1 27. Ephes 4. 24. 5 Of Gods prouidence 1 Pet. 4. 19 Pro. 15 3. Heb. 1. 3. â—ol 1. 17. Pro. 16. 1. 33. 1 Tim. 4. 10. Lam. 3. 37. 38. 2 Sam. 16 1â— owne Image and likenesse both male and female in knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse of truth Who likewise is that faithfull Creator still that seeth and ruleth vpholdeth and disposeth all things from the greatest to the least hauing care especially for man among men now chiefly for the righteous and beleeuers so that neither good nor euill befals any man without Gods prouidence yea hee disposeth of euen the euill actions of men yet all this most wisely powerfully Act. 4. 27. Ephes 1. 11 Eccles 3. 14 The necessity of a â—â—edeemer 6 Of the Fall Gen. 3â— Eccles 7. 29. 7 Of sinne Originall Rom. 5. 19. 3. 12. 13. and righteously Then was man made righteous but Christian faith compels vs to beleeue That our first Parents Adam and Eue by their owne voluntary disobedience fell from that happy estate wherein they were created thus by the disobedience of one all were made sinners and are defiled and depriued of the glory of God from their conception and birth being blinde in their vnderstandings vaine in their imaginations defiled in conscience rebellious in their wil fraile in their memories corrupt in heart and life and alienated from the life of God And if they come to yeares 8 Of sinne Actuall Eccles 7. 20. Psal 19. 1â— 13. 14. Eph. 2. 1. Rom. 8. 7. guilty of many transgressions that make them abominable in the eyes of God and not able to doe any thing that may please God dead in trespasses and sins whose mindings are not subiect to the law nor indeed can bee Now by 9. Of the punishment of sinne Rom. 5. 12. 6. 23. sinne death entred into the world and is the wages of sinne both the first and second death In God the Father Man in this estate the childe of wrath God so loued the world that hee 10 Of â—le 〈◊〉 Ioh. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1 â—0 Ephes 1. 4. 5. 6. gaue his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeued in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life This Sonne of his loue before euer there was a world he sore-ordained to be our Sauiour and Redeemer and in him chose some men called therefore his elect that they should bee holy and without blame before him in loue hauing predestinated them to the Adoption of children by Iesus Christ that Sonne of his loue according to the good pleasure of his own will to the Rom. 8. 29 30. praise of the glory of his grace wherin he hath made them accepted in his beloued for whom he foreknew them he predestinated to be conformed to the Image of his Sonne whom he predestinateth them hee calleth whom he calleth he iustifieth whom hee iustifieth hee glorisieth §. III. Secondly our faith looketh vpon the Sonne of God the Messiah concerning whom we are to beleeue and professe and to liue and dye in that profession and beliefe And Iesus his onely Sonne THat Iesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and Sauiour of the world being very God the onely 11 Of Christs person natures Ioh. 11. 27. 6. 6. begotten Sonne of the father and true and very man yet but one Christ Who is Iesus Iesus The alone Sauiour of his people 12 Of his office in the whole Matâ— 21. 1 Tim 2. 5. 2 Tim. 1 9. Tit. 3. 5. Ephes 2. 8. 9. Esa 49. 8. Gal. 3. 18. 22. Ier. 31. 3â—â— from their sinnes and the onely mediator betweene God and man in whom we are saued according to the grace of God and not according to our workes or ought in vs â—or through this our Mediator a new couenant God made with vs wherein he of his free grace promiseth to be a God and to giue remission of sinnes and life euerlasting to euery one that beleeueth in Christ and repeâ—teth of his sinnes Who is the Christ also Christ our Lord That is this Iesus is the annointed 1 Of his offices in the parts 13 Propheticall Deut. 18. 15. of God to be Prophet Priest and King to his people He is that great Prophet of the Church in whom are all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Act. 3. 22. Col. 2. 3. Ioh. 1. 18. Eccles 12. 11. Eph. 4. 9. 10. Mat. 28. 10. Esa 48. 17. 1 Cor. 3. 6. Esa 50 4. Mat. 11. 28 who hath plainely opened and reuealed the whole counsell of his father touching our saluation and hath instituted and ordaiâ—ed a ministery of men in the Church for the building vp thereof and for the perfecting of the Saints whom he will be with to the end of the world in this worke by his spirit through their ministery teaching to profit for to teach the heart within by inlightning the minde and working a beliefe of the doctrine recorded in Scripture or thence taught vnto men is
his worke alone and such as none but hee can doâ— it is also one speciall part of his office as he is our Prophet to giue comfort to distressed consciences and to speake a word in season to the weary soule Hee is consecrated a Priest for 11 Priestly Psal 110. 34. euer to his Church after the order of Melchisedech Our Lord He is the King and law-giuer 15 Kingly Esa 33 22. Luc. 1 33. Ioh. 18 36 Psal 2 8. whose kingdome is spirituall and not of this world and perpetuall and such as reacheth to all Nations Now that wee may know how the Sonne of God became flesh we beleeue and professe to the death Which was conceiued by the Holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary That in the fulnesse of time for 16 Of his Iâ—e rnation Gal. 4 4. Heb. 2 16 4 15. vs men and for our saluation the Sonne of God tooke on him the true nature of man and was in all points lâ—ke vs sinne onely excepted He was conceiued not as other men but by the Holy Ghost and was borne of the Virgin Mary Mat. 1 18 20. vpon whom the Holy Ghost came and whom the power of Luc. 1 30 31 3â— Esa 7. 14. the most High did ouer-shadow This is that great mystery of godlinesse God manifest in the flesh Hee is God and man in one person This is that lambe of God without 17 Of his actiue obedience 1 Pet. 1 19 Rom. 5 19 8 3 4 10 4. spot or blemish who for vs and for our sakes who doe or shall beleeue in his name kept the law that he might be the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto such He suffered vnder Pontius Pilate Who suffered also vnder Pontius 18 Of his pâ—ssiue Gen. 49 10. Act. 4 27 28. Mat. 26. Pilate an heathen Gouernour the Scepter failing from Iudah but for this Shiloh to which suffâ—rings he was deliuered by the determinate counsell of God Was crucified dead He was wounded for our transgressions Esa 53 4 5 6. and on him were laid the Rom. 3 25 Ephes 5 2. Phil. 2. 8. Gal. â— 13. Heb. 1 3 9. 26 28. iniquities of vs all and hereby he appeased Gods wrath and made expiation for all our sinnes For hee became obedient to the death euen the death of the Crosse and was made a curse for vs thus hee alone trode the wine-presse of Gods wrath and once for all by the sacrifice of himselfe tooke away sinne And buried he descended into hell He was buried and laid in the graue three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth yet his soule was not left in hell neither did God suffer his holy One to see corruption The third day hee rose againe For hauing ouercome the 19 Of his resurrection Rom. 4. vlt. power of death hell and Sathan he rose againe the third day from 1 Cor. 15. 3 the dead for our iustification He ascended into heauen And went vp into heauen the 20 Of his ascension Pal. 68 18 Mar. 1â— 19 Acts 1 9 10 11. 3. 21. Heb. 6 20. Ioh. 14 3. third heauen farre aboue all these heauens that are visible whom in respect of his bodily prâ—sence the heauens must receiue till the time of the restitution of all things and hee ascended as oâ—â— fore-runner to prepare a place for vs. And sitteth at the right hand of God And sits at the right hand of 21 Of his session and interecession God the Father Almighty exercising the office of King and Iudge for his Church being as God-man made Lord of all and crowned with glory and honour and ruling in all fulnesse of Maiesty power and Soueraignty being Act. 2. 34. 35. 36. Phâ—l 2. â— Heb. 8. 1. 1. 3. Rom. 8. 34. Ioh. 17. 9. 20. set farre aboue all principality and power and euery thing that is named all things whether in earth heauen or hell being in subiection vnder his feet sauing alone that God did put all things vnder him Where also he euer liueth to make request for vs that are not of the world but haue beleeued through the word taught by his Apostles From thence hee shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead This Iesus Christ shall come 2â— Of the last iudgment Act. 1. â—1 17. 31. Mat. â—4 30 from thence that is from heauen into which he ascended after his râ—surrection and not from thence that is from sitting at the right hand of God for nâ—uer shall his kingdome and power be more manifest then at this day to iudge the world at the last day for wee beleeue the world shall haue an end and at the last day Christ as hee is the Sonne of man shall iudge the world descending from heauen in the same visible forme in which hee went vp and comming in power and great glory at which day all shall be iudged 2 Tim. 4 1 Mat. 12 36 Eccles â—2 14. both those that shall be found then aliue and remaining till that day and those that haue beene dead from the beginning of the world to that day and they shall be iudged of all that they haue done in their bodies while they liued in them of euery idle word and of euery secret thing and euery one shall receiue without respect of persons according to 2 Cor. 5. 10 that he hath done while he liued here whether it be good or bad §. IIII. Wee beleeue also and professe and ought to hold till death I beleeue in the Holy Ghost THat the Holy Ghost is God 23 Of the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1â— 26 2 Pet 1. 21. Esa 59 21. Gal 4. 1 Cor. 12 12 13. Ioh. 14 26. â— Ioh. 2 27 equall with the Father and the Sonne proceeding from the Father and the Sonne who spake by the Prophets in the Old Testament and by the Apostles in the New Testament and still worketh in and by that word who is also sent into the hearts of Gods children and is that one spirit that knitteth all Christians to Christ their head and sanâ—â—ifieth them by applying the verâ—ue of Christs death and resurrection and comforteth and preserueth in the estate of holinesse the true members of Christ and abideth with them for euer This sanctification is to dye 24 Of Sanctification Rom. 6. 1 2 3 4. 1 Thes 5. 1 Ioh. 1. 8. Esa 64. 6. 1 Ioh. 3. â— Ioh. 3. 5. 2 Cor. 5 17. Ioel 2. â—8 Act. 2. 10 to sinne and rise againe to newnesse of life it is a work wrought in the whole man in soule and body and spirit yet but vnperfect in this life neuerthelesse the graces of this spirit wrought in vs at our new birth can neuer wholly or finally be lost and it is of absoluâ—e necessity that wee haue this spirit of Christ and find the worke thereof in regenerating vs and making vs a new or else we are not Christs nor
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.
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
Cor. 11. 29. 2 By feeling remembrance of thy particular sins which by examination were found most burdensome and preuailing to â—ate this true Paschall Lambe with the sowre hearbs of godly sorrow Exod. 12. 8. 3 By the effectuall remembrance of the death of the Lord Iesus which ought to be shewed foorth by this action till his comming again with thanksgiuing recording his grieuous sufferings for vs the breaking of the bread and powring out of the wine doeth represent this Luc. 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 26. 4 By loue to Gods people and hearty communion with them as being one bread and one body for they all are partakers of one bread and haue all drunke into one spirit 1 Cor. 10. 16. 17. 12. 12. 13. And after Communicating we must manifest the vertue is in Christs body and bloud to nourish and cheare vs to life eternall 1 By keeping the feast in the vnleauened bread of sincerity truth auoyding all our daies all malice wickednesse and hypocrisie and society of scandalous brethren as leauen that swells and sowres all our actions and vertues before God and men 1 Cor. 5. 8. 2 By fleeing Idolatry the society of Idolaters and Idolatrous seruice 1 Cor. 10. 14 16 17. § X. The third Baptisme where rules for the vse thereof BAptisme is the washing of regeneration Of Baptisme Tit. 3. 5. the SacrameÌ„t of our new-birth which is not to be reiterated or oft receiued as that other but once only as it sufficeth to life to be often fed but once borne Yet the vertue and vse of Baptisme is of force to our liues and speaking therefore to men already initiated by Baptisme the rules of direction respect ours and our owne Baptisme Ours For our children are not vncleane 1. Cor. 7. 14. To whom also the promise is made to a thousand generations heere our duety is to present them to the Font In due time testifying thereby our high esteeme of Gods mercy to our seed and our earnest desire to haue his couenant scaled to them lest the Lord should strike vs as he did Moses for a like neglect Exod. 4. 24. 25. 26. With fayth in Gods couenant which is that hee will be our God and the God of our seed with thankefulnesse accounting the benefit of this admission greater then if a king had adopted our childe heyre apparant Our owne Baptisme which we are to make vse of all our life long both as Gods seâ—le as our vow 1. As iâ— is gâ—â—â—n of God by the ou◠〈◊〉 washing of the Minister in the name of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost to signifie as by signe to assure as by seale to conuey as by instrument Christ Iesus and all benefits spirituall with him such as are 1 Receiuing into Couenant with the Father Sonne and holy Ghost and adoption as son and daughter into his houshold and family Gal. 3. 27. 2 Ingrafting into Christ and communion with him as a member of his body Rom. 6. 5. 3 Deliuerance from the seas of Gods wrath 1 Pet 3. 17. 18. Mat. 3. 7. 4 The imputation of Christs righteousnesse and remission of sinnes Ephes 5. 26. 1. Ioh. 1. 7. Gal. 3. 27. 5 Regeneration Tit. 3. 5. which hath two parts mortification Rom. 6. 3. 4. viâ—ification Rom. 6. 4. 5. of both Col. 2. 13. 6 Communion with all Saints 1 Cor. 12. 15. 7 The resurrection of our bodies 1 Cor. 15. 29. Rom. 6. 8. Now thus we must make vse of it in diuers cases as in case 1 Of doubting of forgiuenes of sinnes and of saluation behold baptisme saueth that is effectually assures saluation it saueth as a figure now wee offend not in trusting to Gods promises made in his word and figured and sealed in baptisme 1 Pet. 3. 18. Reason then hath not God prouided the Arke of baptisme to preserue mee from the seas of his wrath Againe hath hee not cleansed away my sinnes by his sonnes bloud and presented this vnto mee in baptisme The very for me of baptisme sheweth that therein the Lord giueth the Christian right and title to himselfe heere also remember that the Father Son and holy Ghost are one in couenant making and in working thy saluation 2 Of doubting of perseuerance and of our resurrection For if Christ be raysed in vs he can die no more in himselfe or in vs Rom. 6. 9. 10. Gal. 3. 27. 28. Mark 16. 16. 1. Cor. 15. 29. Yea all the holinesse and happinesse of a Christian is sealed by three 1 Ioh. 5 7. 3 Of oppositions for in baptisme thou hast put on Christ who is a couert from the storm Esa 4. 5. 4 Of temptation to sin for debate it thus I haue the name of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost named on me shall not I walke worthy and answerable to this dignitie My baptisme is the baptisme of repentance and do I yet liue in sinne Act. 13. 14. Matt. 3. 11. I was baptized into Christes death and resurrection and therein assured of the vertue of both to kill sin in me and quicken me to holinesse shall I not beleeue the operation of God in that Sacrament Col. 2. 12. If I be dead to sinne can I liue any longer therein if aliue to God how is it I want life in the work of God Are my corruptions preuayling and shall I not seeke the strength and life of Christ Rom. 6. 1. 3. In thy security thou couldst say with the Church in the Canticles ch 5. v. 3. I haue put off my coat how shall I put it on I haue washed my feete how shall I defile them Now much more take vp this saying I haue put on the Lord Christ how should I put him off I am washed in his most precious bloud and shall I now defile my selfe I haue put on the robe of his righteousnesse it is now no time to vncouer my nakednesse and to take to the rotten ragges of the old man Rom. 13. 14. I will neuer more make prouision to fulfill the lustes of the flesh 5 Of temptation to presumption and security in restâ—â—g vpon the outward washing say with thy selfe am I not taught that baptismâ— which saueth is not the washing away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience 1 Pet. 3. 21. It is the baptiâ—me of repentance the washing of the new-birth which new-birth is by water and the sanctifying of the holy Ghost through the word Ioh. 3. 3. Ephes 5. 26. And if we bring not forth fruits worthy amendment God will rather take of these stones and rayse vp children vnto Abraham then owne a viperous generation Matt. 3. 8. The baptisme of the Minister is little auayleable where Christs baptisme is not receyued who baptizeth with the holy Ghost and with fire Trueth hee that beleeueth and is baptized shall be saued but hee that beleeueth not though hee be baptized as was Simon Magus also shall bee damned Marc. 16. 16. 2 Againe we are to make vse of our
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
Cor. 5. 20. To vse our liberty for a cloake or â—ccasion for Maliciousnesse Gal. 5. 13. Licentiousnesse 1 Pet 2. 16. Vnbeleife an euill heart in departing from the liuing God a soule that doth with draw in whom the Lord saith his soule doth take no pleasure Ioh. 3. 18. 36. Heb. 3. 12. and 10. vlt. Impenitency Mark 1. 15. Apostacy 1 From the truth Heb. 6 4. 2 From the practice of godlinesse 2 Pet. 2. 29. 3 To the world from which we were redeemed had made an escape 1 Ioh. 2. 15. Demas his sin 2 Tim. 4. 10. The Prophanesse of Esau Heb. 12. 16. For one morsel of meat he sold his birth-right Feare to confesse Christ Mat. 10. 32. 33. To liue without Christ and common with him Ephes 2. 12. To haue a forme but deny the the power of godlines 2 Tim. 3. 6 To speake euill of the good way of God Act. 9. 9. To bee euer learning and neuer come to the knowledge of the truth 2 Tim. 3. 7. To waxe worse and worse 2. Tim. 3. 13. Not to receiue the loue of the truth 2 Thes 2. 12. Not to walk worthy our high calling and Christ Iesus that hath called vs Câ—l 1. 10 Ephes 4. 1 2. To sleepe out the day of grace and time of our visitation Luc. 19. 42. Heb. 3. 7 8. Ephes 5. 14. Fiftly against his vertues of His virtueâ— life so he sinneth that doth not imitate Christ in his praises 1 Pet. 2 9. Mat. 11. 29. Sufferings 1 Pet. 2 21. Heb. 12. 2. Sixtly against his ordinances His ordinance as whether against any of them seuerally or all of them ioyntly Against any of them as against prophecying or preaching and so in the minister it is sinfull To preach with wisedome of Preaching words 1 Cor. 2 1. To preach in an vnknowne tongue or a stile that passeth the capacity of the auditory 1 Cor. 14. 19 28. To preach of enuy vaine-glory or couetouâ—â—esse 1 Thes 2. 5. 6. Phil. 1. 15 16. To runne before hee is sent and crastily to creepe in vnawares Ier. 23. 21. Iude 4. To teach lyes in hypocrisie and doctrines of deuils and not to bring the doctrine of Christ and God in him 2 Tim. 4 1 2 3. 2 Ioh. 9 10. To daw be with vntempered morter to prophesie visions of peace when there is no peace To be women-Prophets to sew pillowes to all armeholes with lyes to make the heart of the righteous sad whom God hath not made sad and to strengthen the hands of the wicked by promising him life the misapplying and vnskilfull diuiding of the word of God and true doctrine Ezek. 13. 14 16 18 22. To be as a dumbe dogge that cannot barke or will not barke or hunts vp and downe for his couetousnesse but waâ—cheth not for soules Esa 56. 10 11. Phil. 2. 21. Heb. 13. 17. Against preaching in the hearer it is sinfull To despise prophecying 1 Thes 5 20. Not to receiue Christs Ministers nor beleeue their report Esa 5. 3 1 Mat. 10 14 15. To put it from them Act. 13 46. this is to iudge our selues vnworthy of euerlasting lifâ— To gainesay contradict and blaspheme Rom. 10 21 Act. 13 45. To loue the Minister the lesse by how much the more hee loueth them and can spend and be spent for them and to reckon him their enemy because hee tels them the truth 2 Cor. 12. 15. Gal. 4. 16. To haue itching eares that will indure sound doctrine but after their lusts to heape to themselues teachers 2 Tim. 4 3 4. To withstand the passage of the Gospell and enuy the spreadâ—ng of it and to forbid preaching 1 Thes 2 16 Act. 13 8 17 5. To receiue to house or bid God speed to him that bringeth not with him the doctrine of Christ 2 Ioh. 10. To neglect or forsake the assemblies of Christians Heb. 2. 3 10 26. Against hearing he offendeth hearing That taketh not heed how he heareth Mark 4 24. To this duty is required speciall preparation That receiueth the word as into the high way or into stony ground or among thorneâ— Math. 13 3 to 8. which is expounded in verse 18 to 23. See the place That heâ—reth but is forgetâ—ull and doth not practise which is the best art of memory Mat. 7 26. Iam. 1 23 24. That marreth his taste with enuy malice guile hypocrisies euill-speakings and bringeth not the desires of a babe new-borne 1 Pet. 2 1 2. That humbleth not himselfe at Gods feet to receiue his words laying aside all superfluity of naughtinesse and receiuing it with meekenesse Iam. 1 21. Against prayer in the Holy Prayer Ghost and so he sinneth That neglecteth the priuiledge purchased by Christ who â—y his bloud hath opened the â—oly of holies and made way to the Father Heb. 10 22. That asketh and wauereth â—am 1 6. That asketh to spend on his lusts Iam. 4 3. That in asking is weary and faint not pressing with holy importunity and perseuerance Luc. 18. 1 2 3 4. That prayeth but not all manner of prayer nor watcheth thereto Ephes 6. 18. That is not much in asking till his ioy be full Ioh. 16 24. Against Baptisme and so hee Baptisme sinneth That is ignorant of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost of their loue grace and Communion into whose name hee was Baptised That beleeueth not the operation of God in that Sacrament Rom. 4. 11. That resteth in the outward washing without the answer of a good conscience 1 Pet. 3. 18. That liueth in sinne Rom. 6. 2 3. The Lords Supper Against the Lords Supper and so he offendeth That examineth not himself nor iudgeth himselfe before hee come 1 Cor 11. 28 31. That discouereth oâ— hath any pride against the poore Saints despising them not tâ—rrying for them or any way breaking fellowship and communion â— Cor. 11. 20 21 22 23. This is not to eate the Lords Supper That discerneth not the Lords body 1 Cor. 11. 29. through ignorance or otherwise That neglecteth to receiue as oft as he may 1 Cor. 11 26. That commeth to the communion and goeth to masse or hath any fellowship with Idole worship 1 Cor. 10. 21. 22. That come together for the worse and not for the better 1 Cor. 11. 17. That eateth with leauen in his vessell 1 Cor. 5 7. That come one hungry and another full 1 Cor. 11. 21. 34. That keepeth not a solemne faithfull and feeling remembrance of Christ and his death for him Luke 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 25. Against all of them it is a All. sinne For the man in the Assemblies to haue his ordinary couâ—ring on his head 1 Cor. 11. 4. For the woman in the assemblies to be without a couering and to goe in her haire 1 Cor. 11. 5 6. 7. These are the sinnes against Christs ordinances Seuenthly against his spirit it is sinnefull His spirit To grieue the spirit Ephes 4. 34. To quench it in the motions
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