Offereth violence to the kingdome quieteth the soule keepeth off iudgements and obtaineth mercies c. How of all other writings this onely is written in the heart so that at the houre of death when other knowledge wholly or in great part vanisheth this is most fresh in our memories both for our owne comfort and the instruction of others as in Iacob Dauid c. So that most certainly the word is not from men for our nature is contrary to it nor from Sathan seeing he raiseth vp his instruments against it therefore from God himselfe Schol. What is God Minist God is a Spirit Eternall Infinite Omnipotent most Holy one in Essence but three in Persons the Father Sonne and holy Ghost Schol. What is the Essence of God Minist The Nature of God whereby indeed God is and doth consist Schol. What is chiefly to be considered in the nature of God Min. The Attributes of God Schol. What properties are chiefly to be considered in the nature of God concerning his creatures Min. Two principally Schol. Which be they Min. 1. His mercy 2. His iustice Schol. What is the obiect of his mercy Min. Mans miserie Schol. What is the obiect of his iustice Min. Sinne. Schol. What is sinne Min. The transgression of the law Schol. What is the reward of sinne Minst Death temporarie and eternall both in soule and body Schol. But how commeth it to passe that sinne is thus rewarded Min. By reason of the Anger or Wrath of God against all manner of sinne in all manner of persons Schol. Is Anger in God a passion as it is in man or may we thinke there is Anger in God Min. No. Schol. How then must we consider of the wrath of God Minist 1. His most iust will and most assured and holy decree in punishing sinne must be considered 2. His threatnings against sinne 3. The punishment of sinne it selfe Schol. What kindleth the wrath of God Minist Sinne. Schol. But doe you thinke God to be in this sort angry with all mens sinne Minist Yea verily both against the sinnes of the Elect and Reprobate Schol. Why so Minist Because all sinne in all persons is directly against the holinesse of his Nature Schol. Doe you therefore thinke that the wrath of God is kindled against all sinne in all men alike Minist No. Schol. How can that agree with the former that God is angry with all sinnes and is not angry yet alike against all sinnes in all mens persons Minist Because that Christ Iesus hath taken away that anger from the Elect suffering himselfe that which was due vnto them Schol. Shew me then how God is angry against the Elect and how against the Reprobrate Minist God is said to be angry with his Elect. First when he decreeth to chastise his Sinne. Secondly when he threatneth his sinne And lastly when hee indeed in mercy for a while chastiseth them for their further saluation Schol. How is God said to be angry with the reprobate Minist When in this life according to his former decree hee punisheth them with perpetuall hardnesse of heart or any kind of iudgement And in the life to come powreth out the vials of his wrath and indignation vpon them for euermore Schol. What necessitie is there that the wicked should be punished for euer Minist Because they do beare their owne sinnes and the punishment due vnto them not hauing Christ to free them Schol. But cannot the wicked releeue themselues Minist No. Schol. How so Minist Because not being able to satisfie the Maiesty whom they haue offended they must of necessity endure his wrath for euer Schol. What is the reason that their sufferings cannot satisfie Minist Because they are but finite creatures not being able to satisfie that infinite offended Maiesty therefore they must suffer for euermore Schol. What may wee learne from hence Minist That it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the liuing God Schol. What lesson of comfort may we learne from it Minst That wee are exceedingly bound to Iesus Christ who hath suffered this wrath for vs. Scho. How may we learne to discerne and iudge of the greatnesse of this wrath Min. Looke first vpon the destruction of the Angels 2. The curse which came vpon Adam and his posterity for sinne 3. The destruction which came vpon the first world by the floud 4. The burning of Sodome with fire Next to the sending of Christ into the world and the wrath of God powred out vpon him for our sinnes the euerlasting fire prepared for Reprobate men and Angels Schol. What should wee learne from hence Minist Three things 1. To consider seriously of the greatnesse of the wrath of God 2. Not to presume of mercy 3. Warily to fly to and eschew sinne by all meanes least we fall into the hands of the liuing God Schol. How may wee know when the wrath of the liuing God is comming Minist First when the word of God wakeneth not Next when sinne aboundeth in the aboundance of the word 3. When God changeth the order and constitution of his Creatures 4. When God to waken sendeth light iudgements and men are neuer a whit the better Scho. Which way doth God vse to bring about his wrath Minist First hee plagueth mens soules with hardnesse of heart and senslesnesse Next hee plagueth the creatures which should be for Comforts vnto man Then hee commeth vpon the body plaguing it with some sensible iudgement often in this life Further powring out a sensible wrath vppon the soule vnto destruction Lastly hee reiecteth and casteth both body and soule into torments for euer Schol. Who then is in the most dangerous estate Min. Such who lie vnder the wrath of God yet being senslesse of the same Schol. What if they be not wakened in time Min. Then they must perish in the seuere wrath of God Schol. Now as euer you meane to see the face of God and liue in heauen for euer speake from your conscience May one who hath a long time liued vnder the meanes for the present shut vp in hardnes of heart which hee knowes and in part feeles neither being able to helpe or striue against it so being and liuing vnder the wrath of God conclude therefore that he is a reprobate which shall at no time either repent or haue a soft heart and must we beleeue the words of such a praty Minist No. Schol. For what reasons Min. First because let the party be what he can howsoeuer hard harted or sinfull vntill he be called hee is but dead and in the state of nature like vnto others of the Saints Peter Paul Dauid c. And therefore since all of vs were dead in sinnes and trespasses Beares Lyons Wolus Leopards before we were tamed haters of God despitefull proud disobedient to parents without naturall affection
for remission of sinnes 2. Hee melteth the heart for offending of him 3. When we cannot sorrowe with teares there will be languishing sighes 4. The remembrance of by-past experience yeeldeth some comfort Lastly though at some times scarce there be any hope felt yet the soule will waite for comfort Schol. Shew then what is the least measure of feeling which the childe of God hath in the times of his peace Minist A sense of the hardnesse of his heart which hee cannot possibly get softened a sense of impenitencie infidelity blindnesse of minde deadnesse of Spirit an inhabillity to striue against the heart and the euill disposition thereof with any spirituall battell onely there may remaine some weake desire of a better disposition a small kinde of discontentment with the present estate of the soule with nowe and then some heauy faint stollen sighes looking vp vnto GOD for some helpe Sch. What is the cause that God will haue his Saints to feele such terrors and stings of conscience Minist First that they may know that sinne is bitter and fearefull 2. That they may vnderstand that God is angry against all sinne and hath treasures of euerlasting wrath ready to bee powred out vpon impenitent sinners 3. That thereby the Saints may learne to hate and detest sinne so much the more 4. That they may resolue to followe after holinesse striuing to eschew the garment spotted with the flesh 5. That so much the more deerely they may loue Christ Iesus who hath washed and redeemed them from their sins and that most terrible wrath which burneth for euermore Scholler What is the cause that God will haue his Saints to feele hardnesse of heart and the miserable estate of their soules Minister First to make them vnderstand howe barren dead filthy Lepers they are by Nature through the corruption of sinne 2. That in this feeling of themselues they may be humbled and truely acknowledge their miserie in shaming and condemning themselues that God in such a sensible confession may be glorified 3 To make them the more gladly and ioyfully long for the comming of Christ 4. That when they doe feele they may learne to discerne how precious a heauenly presence is so euer thereafter so much the more carefull to entertaine the same and more thankfull for all manner of comforts 5. That the Saints may knowe and vnderstand that albeit they finde sometimes GOD working within them as indeede they doe yet that the strength of corruption is so great that it quencheth these sweete and holy feelings as also that wee may know our weakenesse and infirmities to bee such â—â—ilest wee walke in this Tabernacle of clay that wee are not able to retaine a constant spirituall presence Last of all that we may afterwards pitty and be so much the more merciful vnto others in the like estate Scholler What may we learne heereof Min. First that one sense and feeling is not enough but God in mercie must multiply feeling after feeling and grace after grace Next that wee should long to bee freed of this body of sinne and death to bee cloathed with our heauenly husband in glory there immediatly to see the face of God there to feele an euerlasting presence without any absence Scho. Is it possible that God can be in the heart when we feele the hardnesse of our hearts Min. It may be so Scho. How may that be knowne Minist First by the feeling of the euill 2. By the extreame sorrowe heauinesse and discontentment for that euill disposition 3. By that remaining desire to haue the soule truely touched with a sensible presence of Gods holy Spirit with a desire to striue when we are not able to striue Schol. What manner of stampe leaueth this light in the heart being nowe departed in the time of hardnesse of heart Minist First it confirmeth and setleth the soule to rest vpon that God whose presence was once felt Next it maketh the soule still bolde to draw neere vnto God Further the memorie of that former presence bringeth comfort in tentation because wee haue felt such light as hath sanctified and renewed the minde will and affections Againe it maketh a man meruailous humble to hate sinne to loue holinesse and righteousnesse to make choice of God to bee his sole pleasure and delight as possibly he may to loath this present life and the pleasures thereof to long to bee dissolued to bee with Christ To walke as a stranger in this world to haue his conuersation in heauen by faith and hope as the heire and Sonne of God The remaining stampe of this light also maketh the childe of God reioyce when he seeeth God honored and contrarily exceeding sorrowfull when he seeth him dishonored Scholler What is the cause that this small remaining light hath or can haue such a stampe and effectuall working Minister Because this light once shining in the soule draweth it so neere vnto God and God vnto it letting it see and feele clearely in that light that it is beloued of God which when the soule once by a strong apprehension feeleth it answereth God with a sweete loue againe so that this sense of the loue of GOD once shed abroad in the heart perswading comforting and sanctifying the same acquainteth the soule with God so that neither can he forsake the same or it finally forsake him remaining alwayes sad at least when he is grieued ioyful when he is glorified either in mercy or iustice Schol. Is it possible for the childe of God to fall into such hainous presumptuous sinnes as wicked sinners doe Minist It is possible Schol. What is the cause thereof Minist Because that the same vilenesse is in the Nature of the Childe of God which is in the prophanest Reprobate Scholler I grant the Child of God before hee be called effectually may goe on for a while in as euill a course as any Reprobate But can the Child of God who hath beene effectually called fall from his feeling and holinesse in such sinnes as maketh the Reprobate damned for euer Minist Most certainly he may Schol. How are you able to confirme your iudgement Minist In place of light hee may be couered with darkenes In place of feeling and perswasion there may come deadnes doubting in place of ioy terror for softnesse of heart hardnesse in place of holines much prophanenesse Schol. Explaine your meaning in so saying Minist It is plaine that there was in Iob terror and doubting And in the Prophet Dauid sense of wrath and grieuous feares of wrath And in Salomon a strange and fearefull declining from good and a wonderfull practise of euill Schol. Can the child of God altogether loose the comfort of feeling and be oppressed with terror Minist Yea truly and that so farre that the sense of sinne and the wrath of God will ouer-burden the soule as Dauid
the predominant sinne of naturall inclination making it either if it be possible to appeare no sinne at all or at least to be but a small light trifling thing and not out of measure sinnefull as indeede it is after which frailty not being able to resist the affections are defiled inflamed and set a fire with a loue to the inticing obiect of seeming delight which being done the flesh and carnal reason now bearing sway hee neuer leaueth vntill he cause the Childe of God to fall into the same sinne againe vnlesse the Lord by speciall Grace sustaine him Schol. What mooueth that cruell enemy to assault Gods children in that terrible manner Minist The hatred which he hath first against God and then against man because of God Next because aboue all things hee would gladliest haue one to fall away who hath obtained Grace for this he thinketh is his glory to disgrace the worke of the holy Spirit in vs and to cause the name and holy religion of God to be blasphemed As also that hee may bragge if it were possible of his victory ouer the power and grace of God And further because there is rooted in him an vnsatiable desire of the destruction of all the creatures of God but especially of his Elect children Sc. What lesson ariseth from hence Minist First to take no truce with sinne because this cruell enemie entreth vnto the soule thereby for dallying with sinne is as it were a doore for him to enter in vs the soule then being the place of his residence 2. To labour diligently and narrowly to finde out all our sinnes chiefely that predominant of naturall inclination 3. We must labour to be in a continuall battell alwayes with all our sinnes giuing them no rest nay not so much as suffering an euill thought to enter into our minde with peace but to suppresse pursue and crucifie it presently by lifting vp the heart vnto Christ striuing against it Fourthly to be sure that we repent vs of all our sinnes truely as often and so many as possibly wee can remember crauing for those wee cannot call to minde and as our eyes are opened by which we see more and more to be sure we purge all out conceale nothing from God so making a cleane conscience 5. To be at a continuall battell with all our euill affections pressing them downe with a continuall remorse and sorrow with faith in the obedience merits death and resurrection of Christ Iesus 6. To watch continually and beware that the strength of sinne on a sodaine inflame not so the powers of the soule that they breake out like fire in the whole man 7. To be sure aboue all things we continue a most earnest constant fight against our predominant sinne being warie as we loue our life and peace that we suffer not the least motion thereof to enter in our soules because this aboue all other sinnes is the traytour that will soonest deceiue vs vnder shew of friendship For if we suffer the thoughts thereof to encroach vpon vs it will passe our power to restraine the same vntill to our extreame sorrow it haue burst forth in action Further to labour to fill the heart both with the word and with a sense of our continuall guiltinesse because we drinke iniquite continually like vnto water endeauouring therefore to let the feare of God so possesse the soule as to terrifie it from euery little sinne whatsoeuer remembring also continually the excellencie of that euer-glorious Crowne prepared for all those who with a true though weake endeauour according to grace giuen striue for the same with patience running that race which is set before them least with the damned they burne in hell-fire for euer Then to labour with all our might to keepe a broken and contrite heart soft and humbled not only for the euill we do but also for that good wee should haue and doe Further to bee familiar with God in prayer labouring so to settle the heart that we may be more and more acquainted with him In which we must marke what our disposition is before wee pray what comfort wee haue in prayer and how wee are disposed after prayer when if we find no comfortable presence or sense of his loue wee must looke backe vnto our former actions since last we receiued comfort viewing what Ionas causeth this tempest which found wee then must neuer giue ouer vntill by a sound repentance we haue purged the heart therof Lastly to endeuour whatsoeuer the world thinke still to keepe a sorrowfull and lowly heart longing for his blessed Maiestie vntill he come when we feele him present blessing him for the same and diligently retayning him by faith and a good conscience Scholler Seeing the Lord hath all grace in his owne hand and both biddeth vs be holy as hee is holy and hath power to make vs holy What is the cause that hee suffereth his deare Saints to fall sometimes againe and againe into the same sinnes which they hate being sorrowfull for them and desiring earnestly to leaue them Minist To exercise their faith and repentance and humble them least they should grow proud To make them loath this present life in regard of sinne when they behold and feele themselues thus snared against their wills to long for that life where they shall neuer sinne any more but serue their God willingly perfectly and constantly for euer and euer Schol. May any one then conclude that he is vnder the eternall terrour of Gods wrath reprobated when he feeleth an absence of God a presence of sinne after remorse and true for sorrow falling into the same sinne againe Minist No. Schol. In such an extreamity what must then vphold Minist Three things 1. To looke vnto that which God worketh in vs 2. To looke diligently into the nature of God 3. Vnto the examples of the Saints Schol. What should be obserued concerning GODS working in vs Minister First that seeing we consist of diuers contrarie parts renewed and vnrenewed that there may bee in the renewed a misliking of the euill that we may say with Saint Paul It is no more we but sinne which reigneth in vs doing the euill So againe The thing which I hate that doe I and the good thing which I would that doe I not Next we must be sure that so often as we fall wee must immediatly flye vnto GOD by repentance to obtaine new remission and pardon not delaying the time least ere wee be aware deadnesse and hardnesse of heart steale vpon vs seeing he who is vnfit to day shall be lesse fit to morrow remembring there-withall least Sathan who warcheth but an opportunity to drowne the soule in perpetuall sorrow suggest some lye or slaunder vpon the trueth of GOD That the iust man as it is written falleth seuen times a day and riseth againe and that when a sinner repenteth him of his sinnes
downe with the one hand so thou wouldest raise hold them vp by the other as thou shewest vnto them the threatnings due vnto their sinnes and thereby the exacting rigour of thy iustice so open their eyes to see thy manifold free promises in Christ Iesus that they may apply the merits and vertue of his obedience death passion and blood vnto their trembling soules Oh as thou art mighty to saue so shew thy mighty power in confounding all their enemies in wrath remembring mercie And grant vnto them for thy Christs sake grace to be truely humbled vnder thy mighty hand and draw neere vnto thee that thou mayest raise them vp in thy good time Vntill which time giue them patience hope faith in thy promises the Spirit of prayer many comforters and in the multitude of thy exceeding mercies accept of their faint and weake grones sighes desires wishes and prayers giuing a blessing vnto all their endeauours And good Lord of thy most exceeding rich mercies for Christs sake confound Sathan and all his suggestions in any of these thy children by thy mighty and vnresistable power though thou suffer him to tempt yet let him neuer ouercome them But discouer thou the Tempter in his colours that so discerning him to be the Father of liars they may no more beleeue his suggestions And teach them all so to beleeue thee in thy word vsing the meanes of their saluation that in thy goodtime they may finde peace of conscience and ioy in the holy Ghost And good Lord because if thou present thy selfe vnto them as a consuming fire no creature dare approach the mount of thy Holinesse O put off thy glittering sword for a while and arme thee with all thy attributes of mercie that so these poore soules may with boldnesse drawe neere vnto thy Throne so confessing their miserie and giuing thee praise of thy glorie that thou mayest restore vnto them their peace And blessed Lord although thou come not vntill the fourth watch yet come at last and suffer them neuer to depart this life vntill thou say vnto their soules that thou art their euerlasting saluation And in the meane time although thou come not so soone as they call yet vntill thou come least Sathan deceiue them ouerthrow aiminish and delay all his fiery temptations that euen by this they may know thou fauourest them because this their enemy doth not triumph against them And when thy good tiâ—â— shall bee though now in their sight sense and feeling thou seeme to teare and rend the mountaines before thee in such terror as though thou eyther wert bent to destroy or hadst neuer loued them yet appeare thou for thy Christs sake at last in that still and soft voyce wherein thou vsest to speake peace vnto thy children so comforting them according to the dayes wherein thou had afflicted them that thus both the one and the other yea all of them may glorifie thy great name much more by their conuersion and consolation then euer formerly they dishonored thee in the time of their sinnes temptations and former ignorance And that onely for Iesus Christs sake thy deare Sonne in whom alone thou art well pleased To whom with thee and thy blessed spirit be all honour glory power prayse might and dominion world without end for euer and euer Amen Psal 14.1 Isa 28.15 Isa 59.15 psal 73.12.13.14 1. Cor. 2.14 1. Cor. 2.14 Iob. 15. c. Iob. 20.5.6 Iob. 21.16 c. 30. Rom. 1.4 2. Cor. 5.3 Ioh. 5.44 Ioh. 15.5 Rom. 1.28 2. Cor. 3.5 Psal 58.11 Heb. 11.6 Gen. 1.1 psal 1.24 Psal 119 69.101.103 Psal 107.20 Psal 119.50 Ierem. 23.29 2. Cor. 10 4. Heb. 4.12 Psal 19.7.8 Ioh. 8.44 Psal 119.99 Pro. 1.23.24.25 c. Deut. 28 64.65.66 67. Isa 49.6 Isa 7. and 11. and 5â— 2. Thes 7.8 c. Mat. 11.13 Ezek. 36.26 Ier. 32.40 Gen. 48.3 1. King 2.2.3 c. Ioh. 4.24 Rom. 1.20 Psa 139.6 Isay 66.1 Gen. 15.1 Leui. 19.2 Deut. 6.4 Matt. 28.19 Gal. 4.8 Exo. 3.14 Reuel 1.8 Rom. 9.22 23. Eph. 2.4 5. Tit. 33.4.5 c. Gen. 2.18 Ezek. 18.4 Rom. 4.15 1. Ioh. 5.4 Rom. 6.23 Gen. 2.17 Rom 1.18 2.8.9 Isa 27.4 Ioh. 3.36 Rom. 1.18 Hos 11.9 Isa 64.5 Ephes 2.3 Rom. 3.23 Psal 5.4 2. Sam. 14 15. 1. Thes 1.10 Isa 53. 1. Cor. 11.31 Deut. 9.19 Deu. 3.26 Mic. 7.9 Rom. 9.14 Psa 78.49 Reuel 14.10.11 Psal 2.12 Psa 49.7.8 Psa 49.7 and 15. 1. Iohn 3.16 Reu. 19.15 Reu. 5.9 Psal 110.12 2. Pet. 2.4 Iud. 6. Gen. 3.17 18.19 Gen. 6. 16. Gen. 19.24 Isa 53.5.6 Mat. 25.4 Nah. 2.3.4.5.6 Deut. 32.39.40 Deut. 29.19.20 Heb. 3.12 13. Heb. 10.31 Ier. 10.11 Zec. 7.11.12.13 Leuit. 26 19.20 26. Hag. 1.6 psa 78.32.33 Rom. 1.28 Deut. 28.23.24 Deut. 28.22.26.27 Ibid. 66.67 Matt. 10.18 Hos 7.9 Ier. 5.3 2. The. 1.9 Eph. 2.1 Isa 11.6 2. Tim. 3.1.2 Re. 1.30 Deut. 9.29 Ier. 32.39 Ezec. 36.26.27 Isa 43.9.11.12 Matth. 20 5.6 Isa 43.9.11.12 Eph. 5.13 Mic. 7.8.9 2. Chr. 33 Da. 4.34 Act. 9.3.5 6. Mar. 16.9 Rom. 6.16 2. Tim. 2.26 Iudg. 12.6 Isa 58.10 11.12 Psal 116 11. Act. 16.16 Mat. 9.24 Rom. 11.29 Diuision Psal 38.2 and 77.2.3 c. Psal 51.4 Ibid. v. 11 Ibid. v. 12. Io. ca. 2.4 Psal 77.2 38.17 21. Psal 32.5 and 66. Psal 6.9 Psal 94.18.19 Pro. 22.3 Psal 7.119.49.50 Iohn 3.14 15. Hos 2.14 Act. 16.14.15 Act. 8.39 Act. 2.37.38 c. Act. 9.9.19 1. Pet. 1.8 Isa 63.17 Psa 31.22 Psal 77.5 6.10 Psal 42.1.2.3 Psal 30.7 Psa 42.11 Psal 42.9 Rom. 8.26 Consolation for such who as they think are not able to serue God in Spirit and Trueth Rom. 7.21 Psa 73.25 Isa 8.17 Psal 16.9 and 40.1 Lam. 3.26 Cant. 1.3 Psal 121.1.2 Cant. 3.4 Cant. 3.4 Psal 142.3.4 Psal 143.6.7 Why God at first will not be found in the means Psa 77.7 Isa 38.27 Ezek. 36.22 1. Sam. 1.10.11.19 Iob. 42.7 Lam. 2.31 32. Iere. 3.12 Psa 42.11 Mic. 7.8.9 Psal 37. Psal 27.13.14 Hab. 3.2 Iob. 13.15 Isa 28.16 Isa 54.7 Ier. 31.37 3. Who they are who feele no Wrath yet remaine vnder the Wrath of God Rom. 7 9. Iud. 10. 2. Tim. 3.5 The seuerall conditions of this estate Eph. 2.12 1. Cor. 15 34. 2. Thes 1.8 Heb. 6.4 5 6. Eph. 4.18 19. Rom. 1.28 How farre a Professor may be vnder this Wrath. 2. Pet. 2.21 Luc. 8 13. and 1. Cor. 13.2.13.2 Math. 27 4. Numb 23 â—0 Matt. 19. â—6 Heb. 6.4 Mar. 6.20 Rom. 2.15 3.20 1. Cor. 13.2 Isa 29.13 1. Cor. 8.1 Iam. 2.19 Gal. 2.20 2. Cor. 7.10 Gen. 4.13 Numb 23 10. Ioh. 5.35 Iud. 19. 2. Tim. 3.55 Ioh. 4.16.17 1. Tim. 3.5 Mark 6.29 Mar. 7.6.7.8.9 1 Cor. 1.4 37. Psal 119.97 Psa 40.8 Rom. 7.15.22.23.24 Psal 119.5 Isa 1.9 Ion. 2.4 Pro. 1.23 Matth. 5.6 Isa 30.18 Isa 4.3 Rom 5.1 Eph. 2.8 Act. 20. â—1 â— Tit. 2 5. and 2 8. Heb. 10. â— Rom. 4.25 Col. 2.3.9 Act. 15.11 Io. 21.19 1. pet 1.8 Psal 42.1 2. Psal 51.12 2. Cor. 7.10
testifieth when hee saith Thy hand was heauy vpon mee day and night my moisture is turned into the drought of Sommer And againe There is nothing sound in my flesh because of thine anger neither is there rest in my bones because of my sinne for mine iniquities are gone ouer my head and as a mighty burden are too heauy for me My wounds are putrified and corrupt because of my foolishnes My reines are full of burning and there is nothing sound in my flesh yea hee further testifieth that the indignation of God lay vpon him Againe he saith Thy indignation goeth ouer me and thy feare hath cut me off Schol. Yet declare further how far may the Childe of God be cast downe feeling of Gods absence being in continuall vexation by the apprehension of his anger yet continuing the Child of God Min. First the Child of God may be driuen to such an extremity and narrow pinch that to his feeling God hideth his face from him the Lord reiecteth his soule and when he roareth crying out that he shutteth foorth his prayer Next to his sense feeling he will feele the God of heauen to be his enemies pulling him in pieces causing the arrowes of his quiuer to enter into his reines filling him with bitternesse and causing his soule to be farre from peace Againe the Childe of God to his feeling may through the affliction of his soule be at the brinke of despaire and at the point of death yea and from his youth suffer terrors doubting of his life Lastly the Child of God through the manifold tentations of his soule will be so deiected that when he prayeth his spirit will be full of anguish and vexation and agony thinking that God hath either forgotten to bee mercifull or that hee hath shut vp his tender mercies in displeasure that hee hath ouerthrowne and destroyed him on euery side that being gone God hath kindled his wrath against him Schol. Can the Childe of God after he hath felt terror become so senselesse that he will bee hardened from the feare and awe of the maiestie of God Minist He may as the Prophet Isaiah testifieth when hee saith Why hast thou made vs to erre from thy waies hardned our hearts from thy feare as also experience of the Saints of God in all ages witnes the same Schol. How farre may the Childe of God after his effectuall calling runne riotously in prophane loosenesse Min. First he may stray and fall away in his affections of loue and hatred Secondly hee may loose the reines in outward actions Schol. How may the Child of God degenerate in his affections Minist First his loue and obedience may grow cooler vnto Christ Iesus his hatred likewise of sinne may be diminished the loue of righteousnes be remoued a little and yet remaine the Childe of God As we see in Dauid a man after Gods owne heart and Peter Christs deare Apostle who thus for a while did fall away in their affections Schol. What are the degrees by which the Child of God commeth vnto this disordered riot and loosenesse in his affectiones Min. First he suffereth the presence of God to goe foorth of his heart and the minde to be blinded 2. Hee leaueth off seriously either to seeke God or to mourne for his absence 3. The vaile and snares of hardnesse of heart thus commeth vpon him 4. The heart becommeth senselesse and dead 5. The party thus lying open vnto tentation vnarmed sinne deceiueth with the enticements thereof defiling the affections perswading them to fulfill the lusts of the flesh 6. The sense of heauen and of hell become strangely decayed And lastly there may well abide a light to conuince and conuict the conscience thus defiled but no power to resist sinne in the act Schol. What should wee learne from hence Minist First to beware we loose not our peace and communion with God 2. To shun hardnesse of heart and blindnesse of minde 3. Not to suffer the conscience to be senselesse without feeling but euer to retaine a sight and sense of sinne and the terror of Gods wrath for the same with some measure of remorse and godly sorrow 4. To be watchfull that the vile bewitching pleasures of sin benumme not the conscience making it consent vnto such abhominations for if we so doe the strength of sinne will ouercome vs and by the righteous iudgement of God we shall fall into some great danger which although it bring vs not to hell shall be a staine in the conscience and as a thorne in our side all our life long Schol. Is it possible for the Childe of God to fall into such grosse sinnes as those who are ordained vnto destruction the sinne against the holy Ghost excepted Mi. Nothing more certain he may fall into the same sins and yet be no cast away Esau a Reprobate was a fornicator Dauid an Elect did commit adultery Lot an Elect was ouertaken with drunkennes incest so also was Noah with wine Peter an elect denied Christ and Ioseph did sweare by the life of Pharaoh so that he hath no freedome if Gods spirit be absent more then these not to fal into such grosse sins the sinne against the holy Ghost excepted Schol. What is the sinne against the holy Ghost Min. There are sixe names giuen vnto this great sinne 1. It is called a sinne against the holy Ghost 2. A blasphemy an impious blasphemy extreamely impious 3. A sinne that neuer shall be forgiuen 4. A falling away an Apostasie 5. A sinne against knowledge and conscience in great light in despite of the spirit of grace 6. A sinne vnto death Schol. Why is it so diuersly named Mi. Because God in his word hath beene pleased so to expresse the same vnto vs yet if we list to looke more neerely into the same we shall finde sundry causes 1. It is called A sinne against the holy Ghost Not in respect of the substance of the holy Ghost for the essence of the three persons is all in one and the same God nor yet in respect of the Person of the holy Ghost for whatsoeuer is done against any one of the persons is done against all three but it is sayd to be done against the holy Spirit because done against the immediate effect worke and office of the holy Spirit to wit against the shining light of the said spirit this light is indeed an effect of the Father and of the Son as well as of the holy spirit yet it is said to be against the holy Ghost onely because it fighteth against a speciall immediate worke of his against that light and worke of grace kindled by him 2. It is called a blasphemy an impious blasphemy extreamly wicked There be diuers blasphemies a blasphemy of men a blasphemie directly against the Sonne of man a blasphemy impious wicked such as was Pauls blasphemy
and cherish God carefully in their hearts 4. To make his children earnest in begging the grace of sanctification yea aboue the grace of feeling that their election may bee confirmed so much the surer vnto them thereby Scho. Doth the Lord suffer his Saints after they haue fallen to sleepe in sinne Minist Not alwaies but in the end he wakeneth them Schol. What is the first thing which God worketh in them at their wakening Minist He worketh in them first a sight secondly a sense of sinne lastly a feare of punishment Sc. What maner of sight worketh he Minist First he letteth them see the hainousnesse of their sinnes in hauing offended so glorious dreadfull and terrible a Maiestie Then hee aggrauateth their sinnes so much the more in that it was against the light of conscience and feeling after their effectuall calling therefore the wrath of God to be so much the more incensed against their sinne Lastly he sheweth them to be guiltie and by their owne confessions iudge and condemne them to be worthy of hell fire Schl. What manner of sense is that the child of God hath being thus wakened Min. First a sensible torment Next an absence of the holy Spirit and his sinne standing vp betwixt him and the mercy of God Scho. What maner of torment is that which he feeleth Min. The torture-racking conscience drawing him before Gods tribunal accusing conuicting and condemning him beginning to be a terrible executioner in vexing and tossing the soule with the intollerable sting of an vnspeakeable wrath Schol. What in the meane time doth the soule in such an estate Minist It suffereth vnder intollerable weights and burdens doubtings heauy and conflicting battels not being able to find any issue Schol. What manner of feare is that which the Child of God hath being wakened Minist A feare of eternall reiection from God Next a feare that his effectuall calling which he once imagined to be good was but counterfet Further a feare that the holy Spirite will neuer come againe either to comfort or sanctifie him in that measure he formerly enioyed it Lastly a feare that either his sinne will not be forgiuen him or at least will bring some great shame and punishment vpon him Scho. In this estate what is the disposition of the Child of God towards sinne Minist He wisheth from the bottome of his heart hee had not so sinned Next hee hath indignation at sinne not so much for the torment he feeleth as that he hath offended so good and gracious a God Yea hee abhorreth himselfe for his sinne Sch. What learne we from this manner of wakening of Gods Saints Minist First that God will not suffer his children to sleepe for euer in their sinnes Next that sinne hath a most terrible fearefull countenance Lastly that though sinne lurke for a while and seeme pleasant to the taste yet it bringeth with it the extreamest sorrow in the world yea if God but waken any for an euill thought it prooueth more fearefull then all the torments in the earth Schol. Which be the sinnes that trouble the child of God most Min. Those sinnes which he committeth after his effectuall calling Schol. But will the Lord suffer his children to lye still thus vnder terror and doubting Minist No. Schol. What and how worketh he in his Saints after that in this manner hee hath beaten them downe Minist First he softneth the heart in a bitter sorrow in the abundance of the Spirit of prayer and mourning to poure out the heart before him with many teares and strong cries Next by degrees in processe of time he poureth out first a hope then a sense and perswasion of the remission of sinnes clensing the soule from guiltinesse through his most pretious blood all-sufficient merites and satisfaction being apprehended and applyed by faith which he then increaseth and strengthneth to see and lay hold vpon the promises of life Then hereupon he bringeth comfort and more assured perswasion vnto the soule confirming and setling the weary and troubled heart with the spirit of peace Lastly he giueth the trembling soule a free accesse vnto his countenance with boldnesse to draw neere vnto the Throne of Grace and crie Abba Father So that marke how fearefull it was before of his dreadfull Maiestie and how it was perplexed in doubting of his loue it will now find him a thousand times more comfortable and more sweete in powring out of his loue and the sense thereof by the Spirit of adoption and ioy of the holy Ghost Sch. What fruits bringeth this foorth Mini. In respect of God the child of God will loue him better then euer hee did before The Lord will also bee most pretious in his eyes and the promise will bee as meate and drinke vnto the soule Next in regard of sinne hee will hate and abhorre it more then euer hee did and will bee very warie of the deceitfulnesse thereof that it snare and entice him not in the like manner againe Further hee will abhorre himselfe in regard of sinne accounting of himselfe as of the most base and miserable wretch in the world Lastly he will labour instantly in season and out of season to make a couenant with the eyes the tongue and all the members of the body watching also diligently ouer the heart and affections that as in former times they riot not in licentiousnesse Schol. Yet I would know whether one feeling the bitternesse of his sin and mourning for the same hauing a sense of the forgiuenesse thereof with a full purpose neuer to do so anymore by Gods grace if yet for all this hee can fall into the same sinne againe Minist Yea certainly in some sort Schol How so Minist First because in men there is a predominant sinne of naturall inclination which hath more power ouer a man then any other sinne which cleaueth as close vnto him as the skinne of his body This sinne for the most part leadeth and ouer-ruleth a man well it may be that with much strife sorrow mourning and with many teares hee may obtaine grace to see hate striue against it and in part to slay it but doe what he can hee will hardly get it altogether abolished Againe because Sathan the cruell enemie of our saluation still prouoketh the childe of God chiefely with the inticements of that ouer-ruling sinne working after this manner First he watcheth diligently for an opportunitie to catch vs when we are not vpon our guard or when being carelesse we thinke and footh our selues that we haue sufficiently ouercome and maistered such a sinne and that we shall not be troubled therewith any more Then hauing thus at vnawares surprised vs wee being vnarmed and not able to resist his inticements ayded by our inward foes reenter into vs againe by degrees so causing vs to fall by little and little For first hee casteth a faire smooth vaile ouer