that which is an effect of Gods mercy in Christ. 183 Perseverance of Saints set on 3 sure grounds 303 Perseverance is never divorced from true faith 3 reas 312 Perseverance most assaulted by Satan 314 Lets of it 5.324 Meanes 3.322 Meditations to stablish it 326. Motives to it 329. Examples 330 People must pray for their Ministers 3 reas 401 People neglecting to pray for their Ministers lay themselves under the guilt of many sins 5 instances 402 Perseverance of Saints all grounded on Gods faithfulnesse 351 Places choyse and safe to keepe good things in 4. 140 Popish doctrine leades men away from Christ 6 instances 101 Popery most pleasing to corrupt nature 6 instances 104 Popish doctrine a most desperate and uncomfortable doctrine and therefore false 5 instances 107 Pope a strange mysticall name unknowne to the learned Papists themselves 135 Power of Christ discernable in our effectuall calling by 4 signes 362 Preservatives against decay in the measure of graces 3. 29 Present at Idolatrous service unlawfull with pretence of keeping the heart to God 5 reasons 156 In all our prayers we must behold God a God of peace 177 Prayer a meanes of growth in holinesse in 4 things 212 Prayer for perseverance not in vaine for them that shall persevere 3 reas 306 Prayers of faith all grounded on Gods faithfulnesse 347 Prophecy what 40 Prophets not to be despised 49 Propound to our selves still an higher pitch and degree in grace 37 Prosperity of the wicked no true peace 4 differences 182 Profession of faith must all be grounded on Gods faithfulnesse 348 Q. To quench the Spirit more damnable than to want him 16 Questions Whether a doctrine backed with consent of ancient Fathers or the authority of Councels or other Antiquity may not be free from tryall 54 Whether any thing comming backed with example of great men or of the generall multitude or custome ofttimes be free from triall 55 Whether any thing comming with Caesars authority and superscription be exempted from triall 56 Who must try all things 57 How a man may know anothers calling 354 Whether a man called alwayes know his calling 359 R. Reason corrupt no right rule of tryall for 3 reasons 74 Recreations on the Sabbath of what kinde 119 Regenerate said to be blamelesse in 5 respects 196 199 Renovation in all the faculties 197 Renovation must be without as well as within 3 reas 278 The retentive faculty of the soule strengthened by 4 meanes 140 Rules of tryall whether the Spirit be quenched reduced to 5 heads 27 Rules in respect of our owne sinnes shewing the Spirit to be abated 5. 31 Rule of all tryalls what 58 Our Rule must be ever in our hand 88 Rules for tryall of all doctrines 6 132 Rules for holding good 6 90 Rules to keepe the affections unblameable many 257 S. Sanctification unsound wants 3 things which should make it hold out 382 Sanctification the description explained in 4 things 189 Sanctification of the Spirit why so called sundry reas 190 Sanctification in perpetuall motion 4 reas 191 Thorow sanctification in this life in 4 things 192 Full sanctification in the life to come in 4 things 193 Sanctification stockes up the roote of sinne civility onely cuts off some waste boughes 307 No Saint in earth none in heaven â—â—8 Saints have all the same Spirit for 4 reasons 6 Scriptures the rule of all tryalls 4 reasons 59 Scriptures afford us five safe rules concerning following our forefathers 78 Shew of evill in doctrines must be avoided 153 All shewes of evill must be shunned in practise and behaviour 154 Signes of the Spirits presence 6. 1â— Signes of generall Apostacy among our selves 6 316 Silence of God must not animate sinners 4 reasons 85 Singlenesse of heart knowne by 3 signes 249 Similitude betweene calling effectuall and ineffectuall five instances 367 Sinnes of others great meanes to quench the Spirit 24 Small evills to be shunned for 4 reasons 156 167 Speech given men why 3 uses 294 Spirit what is meant by it in Scripture 1 Spirit the same in the godly and wicked but differently 7 Spirit subject to be quenched in the best 14 Spirit of God is holy both in his nature and operation 15 Spirit discerned to be quenched both in the 1. number 2. measure of graces 27 Spirit referred to man what it meaneth 193 Spirit how taken away from the Saints 4 wayes 307 Stage-playes ought not to be frequented 6 reasons 121 Successe no certaine rule for actions 85 T. Teachers no way disparaged by triall of their doctrines but the truth a gainer by it 70 Things to be tryed what 52 Theeves and robbers incessantly stealing good things from us 3 sorts 142 Three things in a mans selfe call on him for growth in holinesse 223 Thoughts how to be holily ordered 242 Thoughts to be watched and why 243 Time of a mans calling not alwayes knowne 3 reas 357 Tongue abused 5 wayes 295 Tongue to be ordered and watched for 4 reasons 298 Trialâ— whether the Spirit be quenched in regard of good motions 29 Whether in regard of good duties 4 rules 30 Triall of things what 52 Trialls of growth in holinesse 5. 16 Traditions unwritten rejected 4 reasons 61. â—01 Transubstantiation against the analogy of faith â—0 Truth not to be tryed by persons but persons by truth 54 True teachers not so assisted but that they may deceive and be deceived â—â— That is the true doctrine which giveth mos◠〈…〉 â—â—stances â—7 V. Vniversall election and redemption derogateth from Gods glory 99 Vsury condâ—mned 96 W. Well watching of the heart stands in 4 things 250 The will to be rightly ordered 4 rules 253 The will must determine with God and for God in every thing Instances 254 The will renewed knowne by many signes 255 The will of man why it must be well bended 3 reasons 256 Wicked men esteeme the godly unpeaceable because they will not lose their peace 188 Christian wisdome will avoid all beginnings and appearances of evill 151 Seeking to witches condemned by 6 reasons 118 Whole man sanctified throughout in 3 things 195 Word and Sacraments in their reverent use doe notably excite the Spirit in us 33 Word a meanes to increase holinesse 4 wayes 212 The word upholds us in our way 4 wayes 327 Our words must be faithfull 4 reasons 338 Working on the sabboth day condemned 7 reasons 119 Worst things must be most hated 260 GOod Reader among some smaller faults in printing which wee desire thy curtesie to passe by two are observed as changing the sence Page 268. line 28. reade those 4 lines thus All wise and 〈◊〉 walking is included under the affections of the feare of the â—ord 〈◊〉 the â—uties of the whole Law are all 〈◊〉 prized under 〈…〉 Love Page 319. liâ—e 3 〈…〉 highly 2 Tim. 2.25 Magnes amoris amor From my study Novemb. 17. the happy day of that admired Queene Elizabeth the worlds wonder the famous Mother of our
distressed consciences 107 Sound doctrine must be strongly held for 3 reasons 127 Doctrine of faith all grounded on Gods faithfulnesse 343 E. Eare to be shut 5 rules 288 Hearing eare knowne by 3 notes 291 Elias sinned not in calling for fire from heaven but the Disciples did two differences 116 Eye must be watched in 5 things 282 Why we must carefully order our eyes 4 reasons 287 Examples of Scripture warrant not our marriage with IIdolaters 3 reas 162 Examples to uphold our perseverance 4. 330 F. No fall so wofull as to fall from grace 16 False rules of triall of things 6. 73 Ancient Fathers avoided all conformity with heretickes in their externall ceremonies Instances 160 Fantasticall and forreigne fashions of apparell condemned 5 Arguments 122 Faithfull is God 4 wayes 334 Faithfulnesse in the Creator and creature differ in 4 things Ibid. Faithfulnesse required in our promises 339 In our callings 340. In our friendship 341. In communicating our talents 342 Faithfulnesse of God preserveth to salvation all that are effectually called 4 reasons 385 Fearfull is the condition of that man that repines at a powerfull and faithfull Ministry 3 reasons 406 Fire of the Spirit how quenched 3 Fire of grace violently smothered how 22 Folly of those that neglect the assurance of their owne salvation 4 reasons 365 Forefathers way no sure rule of tryall 5 reasons 77 Foure excellent fruits in avoiding petty evills 152 Sweet fruits of well guiding our affections 6. 270 G. Gifts of the Spirit to be observed in our selves for 4 reasons 26 Gifts of God which and how without repentance 390 Godly by the inhabitation of the Spirit both honoured and comforted 9 Godly must be carefull not to quench the Spirit 5 reasons 14 God called the God of peace 3 reas 175 Godlinesse makes no man unpeaceable or turbulent 188 Godly company a meanes of growth in holinesse 3 wayes 213 God to be glorified in our bodies how 273 God must be glorified in our bodies 3 reasons 274 God is most faithfull 4 reasons 336 Glory of Christ now vailed 3 wayes 310 True goodnesse groweth from good to better and so is best at last 227 No good must be held but after tryall 132 Good things must be carefully held and kept for 5 reasons 125 Good actions spoyled in undue circumstances 113 Graces of the Spirit compared to fire in 5 things 3 Grace quenched in what degrees 5 Graces of some kindes not wholly extinct 4 Grace as fire suffered to die of it selfe 3 wayes 20 Grace in others must be excited 3 reasons 37 Grieve the Spirit 4 wayes 25 Growth in holinesse rare 4 proofes 220 Grounds on which the prayers of people for their Ministers must be raised 3. 401 H. Hand to be ordered 5 rules 292 The heart must be kept pure for the pure Spirit of God 10 For keeping the heart 5 generall rules 247 The heart how bounded within Gods limits 3 directions 252 We must hate where the Lord hateth 4 instances 261 Hatred of evill knowne by the practise of the contrary vertue 165 Helpes of perseverance 5. 327 Wee must hold onely that which is good and all that is good 132 Humility in lowest degree pretended by seducers 64 I. Iesuiticall confusion of phrases hath beene the confusion of the world 95 No Iewells to be so carefully kept as our soulâ—s and spirits 2 reas 232 and 4 reasons more 235 Image of God must be gotten not onely into our nature but into our conversation 277 Implicit popish faith refuâ—ed 69 No imperfection hinders Gods faithfulnesse 4 Instances 337 Illumination is not sanctification 4 reas 205 In all indifferent things 〈◊〉 are to avoid all appearance of evill and scandall with 4 limitations 149 Indifferent things to be forborne for edification with 4 cautions 117 The inside to be washed first for 5 reasons 236 Invocation of Saints departed derogateth from the glory of God 97 L. Lawes humane imperfect rules of life for 4 reasons 81 Lots of perseverance to be removed 5. 324 Losse of worldly things no losse to losse of spirituall graces 143 Love our neighbor as our selves with what conditions 116 We must love most where God most loveth 4 instances 260 M. Man by nature more prone to any evill than to the least good 3 reasons 67 Manifold mischiefes which overtake the despisers of Prophecy 5 instances 45 Man of God 1 Kings 13.6 praying in an Idolatrous Temple no warrant for us 4 reasons 157 Marriage with Idolaters unlawfull 4 reasons 161 Marks of effectuall calling reduced to 3 generall heads 370 Meanes of quenching the Spirit 3. 20 Meanes to blow up the Spirit 7. 33 Meanes to embrace Prophecy 5. 48 Meanes of holding that which is good 4. 137 Meanes of maintaining sound peace of conscience 5. 185 Meanes of attaining a full measure of holinesse 209 Meanes to keepe the tongue blamelesse 4. 298 Meanes of perseverance in generall 3. 322 Meanes by which God keepeth his owne 4. 394 Meditations helping the increase of holinesse 1. Concerning God 3 2. Concerning our selves 4 3. Concerning holines it self 209 Meditations to stablish us against persecutions 326 Members must be weapons of righteousnesse how and why 275 Memory how to be kept unblameable in 2 things 245 Men of greatest grace neede the prayers of weaker Christians 3 reasons 398 Merits humane against analogy of faith 91 Merit an ambitious word in reference to man not found in Scripture 100 Ministers must not onely preach but pray for their people 3 reasons 172 Ministery powerfull must be conscionably embraced for 3 reasons 42 Mischiefe of disordered affections 266 Motions of the Spirit much different in the godly and wicked 4 instances 18 Motions of the Spirit to be observed 36 Motives to stirre up the Spirit 4. 33 Motives to carefull use of meanes of quickening the Spirit 3. 38 Motives to full sanctification 6. 221 Motives to perseverance 5. 329 Motives to finde in our selves the sure signes of effectuall calling 4. 383 Monasticall life refuted by 6 reasons 93 Multitude of voices not to be numbred but weighed 56 N. Naamans practise no warrant for us to be present at Idolatrous service for three reasons 158 Name of a Christian hath in it many motives to grow up to full holinesse 226 Necessary duties must be done though all the world be offended 148 Necessity of increasing in holinesse 4 reas 203 Necessity of carefull keeping our selves drawne from our selves in 4 things 233 Necessity of well guiding our thoughts 4 reasons 245 Necessity of well ordering our affections 2 reas 268 O. Obedience of faith all grounded upon Gods faithfulnesse 344 Right objects of our affections in which they must be most vehement and intense 258 Choyse objects for the eye 5. 284 Objections against perseverance answered 304 Objections from infirmities of our prayers answered 400 Outward man must be kept blamelesse 3 reasons 300 P. All peace must be from the God of peace 3 reas 179 No peace to be affected but
Country and nurse of our religion 1630. Luke 12.42 Exod. 5.4 2 Tim. 4.2 Luke 19.47 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 19.48 Math 15 32. Acts 2 46 Acts 13 42. In tempore sabbatis interiecto Pisc. Vt intra proxime sequens sabbatum exponerentur sibi haec verba Beza Object Answ. Object Answ. Dan. 6.10 Psal. 119.164 Object Answ. Luke 14.5 Matth. 12.11 Psal. 34 1â— Psal. 84.11 What is meant by the Spirit The graces of the Spirit compared to fire Fire of the Spirit how quenched Luke 22.3 Grace quenched in what degrees Doct. 1. The Saints have all the same Spirit 1 Cor. 6.19 The Spirit in the godly and wicked but differently Reason 1 2 3 4 Vse 1. 1 Pet. 4.14 Vse 2. Iohn 14.16 Vse 3. Vse 4. Signes of the Spirits presence 1. Conviction 2. Subiection 3. Direction 4. Sanctification Gal. 5.19 5. Consolation 6. Supplication Doct. 2. The godly must be carefull not to quench the Spirit Reason 1 2 The spirit of God is holy both in his nature and operation 3 To quench the Spirit more damnable than to want him 4 No fall so wofull as to fall from grace Woefull changes in the soule of Gods childe who hath queÌ„ched the Spirit 5 Motions of the Spirit much different in the godly and hypocrite Cant 7. Vse 1. Meanes of quenching the Spirit 1. When we let grace die of it selfe As 1. 2 3 2. When grace is violently smothered 1. By our owne sinnes Gal. 5.17 A burning aguish heate eates out naturall Psal. 39.1 Three sorts of actuall sinnes more violently quench the Spirit 2. By others sinnes 3. When the Spirit is grieved Non solum quâ—ad internam operationem Spiritâ—s effâ—â—â—cem sed et quâ—ad externum Prophetarum ministeriuÌ„ 〈◊〉 vâ—s seq Vse 2. To observe what gifts of the Spirit wee have received Reasons Rules of tryall whether the Spirit be quenched 1. In respect of grace For number For measure 2. In regard of good motions 3. In respect of good duties Rom. 8. 4. In respect of sinne 5. In respect of the worke of Gods Spirit on thy affections Vse 3. Motives to stir up the Spirit of God Means to blow up the Spirit 7. Motions of the Spirit to be observed Motives Prophecy what Parts of Prophecy Donum Propheâ—iae duplex 1. Quod studio meditatione paratum est 2. Quod gratiae extraordinaria spiritus aliquibus donatum est Doct. Every powerfull Ministery must be conscionably embraced Reason 1 Luke 24 32. Acts 14.22 Reas. 2. Acts 20.32 Acts 10 36. Reas. 3. Vse 1. Vse 2. Meanes to embrace Prophecy Coher Divis. 1 To try what 2 What must bee tryed He said he had spent 22 yeares in tryall of Religions Ioh. 14 6. Mat. 23.6 An ex personis probamus fidem an ex fide personas Tertull. Quod antiquissimum illud vâ—rissimum Doctores non Doctrinam in authoritate posuit Christus Stapl de Authorit Script lib. 3. cap. 7. Veritas non vetuâ—â—as Concil Caerthag August lib. 2. Epist. conâ— Gaudeâ—ium Nen numeranda suffragia sed appendende August in Psal. 39 Rom 13.1.5 Colimus Imperatorem ut hominâ—m a Deâ— seâ—â—â—cum solo Deo â—mmâ—rem Tertul ad Scapulam 3. Who must try all things Rhemists on 1 Ioh 4 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 By what wee must try all things The Scriptures the oâ—ely rule of tryall 2 Tim 1 1â— Psal 119 24 Object Answ. Arisâ— Rhet lib. 1 capt 1. Doct. All things to bee beleeved or done are first to bee tryed by the Scriptures Rom. 16.17 Rom. 12.2 Ephes. 5.10 Gal. 6.4 1 Kings 22 22. 2 Cor. 11.13 Verse 14. Rev 9 Swarms of locusts darkning the Sun and eating all the greene things of the earth 1. Simplicity Mat 7 15. Chap 4 6. 2 Profundity Theologia mystica 3. Authority Doctor 1. Angelicus 2. Seraphicus 3. Subtilis 4 Irrefragabilis c. 2 Thess. 2 9. 4. Humility The locusts have faces and haire like women insinuative and flattering 1 Kings 22.15 5. Constancy Causa non poena facit Martyrem Reas. 2. Reason 3. Specie virtutis umbra Reason 4. Vse 1. Protestants implicit faith Motives to bring all things to this tryall 7. False rules of tryall are sixe 1. Corrupt reason 2 Kings 5 12. 1 Cor. 3 18. Reason cannot be a right rule 3 Reas. 2. The way of forefathers Ruth 1.16 17. This can be no sure rule Rules of Scripture concerning imitation of our forefathers 5. 3. Humane Lawes Euseb. hist Eccles. lib. 2 cap. 2. Tertul. in Apolâ—get Humane lawes imperfect rules 4 reasons 4. Crooked and corrupt affections 5. Admiration of mens persons Rom 3 4 6. Successe Eph. 5.3 Vse 2. Matth. 22.29 August de Doctr Christ. lib. 3. cap. 16. Iohn 6.53 2 Tim. 1.3 Keepe the patterne of wholsome words which thou hast heard of mee 1. All sound Doctrine must agree with the analogy of faith Rom. 11.6 2. True Doctrine ioyneth the two Tables together Per Calcatum aiunt perge paâ—rem Sola in hoc genire pietas est esse crudelem Ab hoc usuram eâ—ige quem non sit crimeâ— occidere Ambr. Vide profectum c. Ieron 3. That is the true Doctrine which giveth most glory to God Iohn 17.9 4 All true Doctrine leadeth unto Christ The ambitious word merit not found in the Scripture Acts 14 12. Concil Trident Heb. 3 5 6. 1 Tim 2 5 Rom 8 34 Tit. 2 13 Phil. 2 9 10 5. That is most sound Doctrin which is most contrary to corrupt nature Gal. 5 24 Col. 3 5 Vanus est labor iqui Scripturis Hupenditur â—â—ius de expresso Et verbo Dei nos ipsas Scripturas facessere iubenius et Deum loquentem potius audiemus quam ut ad egena isâ—a elementâ— nos convertamus 2 Cor. 13.5 Luke 10 30. Eph. 2 1. Micah 2 11 6 That is the soundest Doctrine that most soundly comforteth distressed consciences Isay 50 4 1 Pet. 1.8 Verse 5. Psal. 19.12 Psal 129 92. All actions must be done 1. By vertue of a word 2 In Gods presence 3. For Gods glory 1 Cor. 10 30 Every action must be done in due circumstances David sinned in numbring the people how Davids mourning for Absolom culpable 4 reasons Why Dauid refused to drinke the water of Bethelhem 3 reasons Every action must be done by a due agent How Elias did well in calling for fire from heaven and not the Apostles Two Differences Luke 9 45. Matth. 22 39. To love our neighbour as our selves how Mark 2 27. Eph. 5 3. Mat. â—2 36. â— Pet 3.3 4 Eccles. 7 3 Doct. All things must be tryed but onely good things must be held Reason 1. Non minor est virtus quam quarere parta tueri Reas. 2. 3 4 5 Vse 1. Vse 2. Vse 3. Rules of holding good 1 Vpon tryall 2 Hold onely good 3. Hold all that is good Matth. 5. 4. Hold chiefly the chiefe good 5. Hold good against with-holders 6. Hold it constantly Meanes of holding that
they are so freely conferred upon us as David Psal. 116.12 Oh what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards mee 3. To binde us to the more care in dispensing them for the greater our receit is the greater is our Lords expectation 1 Pet. 4.10 Let every man as he hath received a gift minister the same to others as a good steward of the manifold graces of God 4. To enable us to make up our accounts according to the number and measure of our gifts Matth. 25.24 the master observes the number of talents and the servant that received tenne talents must bring in according to tenne Quest. How shall I know if the Spirit be quenched or no Answ. By the application of this observation thou shalt see whether thou art gone forward or backward whether thou hast quenched or cherished the Spirit This examination shall be reduced to five particular heads in respect of 1. Graces 2. Good motions 3. Good duties 4. Sinne and 5. the Spirits worke on thy affections First examine thy selfe in graces received both for number and measure 1. If the Spirit in respect of the number of graces be quenched try thus If a man make no conscience of some points of doctrine or practise which heretofore he hath made conscience of as swearing usurie lying gaming family-duties and the like now the Spirit is quenched hee is like a man who being in decay for matters of the world doth cast off some of his traine So also when a man is not able to feede his understanding and practise as one ignorant about what he may imploy his head and hands A tree being in decay withers first at toppe because it cannot send sappe so farre from home so is the life of grace knowne to be in decay if it feede not all the parts of the Christian course Or to use our owne Metaphor As an aged man appeares by his head his white haires shew a decay of naturall heate and moysture so a Christians falling from right understanding judgement and practise is as white haires and argues a decay of spirituall heate and vigour For preservatives in this case first consider that God expects the number of talents committed unto us Secondly why should wee be like the brute beast which wants the art of numbering why should wee be as the silly bird that layeth twenty egges yet take away all but two she is as well and as painfull for them as for all and all because she wants numbring How can a Christian be so simple as to please himselfe as much with few graces as with many 2. In regard of the measure of graces try thus If a man waver and stagger in that wherein hee hath beene constant still he hath some faith some zeale some patience diligence and other graces but he wants that measure which sometimes he had now though he have an under measure in all yet hath he quenched the spirit Even as an olde man is knowne to be decayed because though hee have his whole number of parts that ever he had yet he hath them not in that measure of vigour as formerly hee had them For preservatives against this decay first consider that the Church of Ephesus is blamed for falling from her first love that degree of carefulnes which once she had Rev. 2.4 Secondly consider that we are commanded in the Scripture to adde grace to grace as dayes are added to our lives 2 Pet. 1.5 6. yea in respect of the measure and strength of grace 2 Tim. 2.1 Thirdly this is remarkable that those whose hearts have once beene heated with the fire of Gods spirit and afterwards have abated doe grow more frozen in iniquity than any other as water once hot is afterward most colde and freezeth hardest Secondly examine thy selfe in regard of good motions If these be lessened the spirit is quenched As for example when thou hast beene moved to heare the word and hast neglected it for some vaine pleasure or some small profit or sometime thou hast a motion to leave thy swearing cursing lying usurie gaming c. Gods spirit did knocke at the doore of thy heart but thou didst shut the doore against him and keptst out that heate which hee would have put into thee this is to quench the spirit Take heede lest failing thus in so necessary duties thou faile of the meanes whereby thou shouldest rise Repent and doe the first workes or else I will come unto thee quickly saith the Lord and remove thy Candlesticke out of his place Rev. 2.5 And againe Matth. 21.43 I say unto you the Kingdome of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation that will bring forth the fruites thereof Thirdly examine thy selfe in regard of good duties after this manner 1. If in stead of fervency in prayer thou findest thy prayer colde dead remisse formall interrupted with idle and wandering thoughts now the spirit is quenched who makes us cry and stirres up groanes which are unutterable 2. If once comming to the word thou wast wont to finde it sweete and a word of life unto thee but now thou commest with an impenitent heart a slumbering and a sleepy conscience oh certainly the spirit is now quenched who is never so sweete and cheerefull as in the word for he thawes the benummed heart and makes it burne by opening the Scripture A man in a swone if rubbing and Aqua vitae fetch him not againe his soule is gone the same is thy case if the spirit of God do not revive and quicken thee 3. In keeping the Lords Sabboths if sometimes thou couldest account thē thy delight the most comfortable day of the week but now thou formally passest them over not altogether hardened but with colde and heavie motions in confessing sinne in petition in thanksgiving if thou be slow of heart to beleeve heare and meditate in the word by this know that the spirit is quenched in thee who worketh joy and sweetnesse in the heart while it is in the presence of God and societies of the Saints 4. If after the performing of good duties thou hast sometimes found cheerefulnesse strength and good assurance thy selfe refreshed by them and better disposed but now thou findest in thee loathing or discontentment no strength or small comfort know for a certaine that the spirit is quenched some sinne or other is as a cloud hindering the beames of his sweete grace and comfort from thee Psal. 77.2 3. I sought the Lord yet my sore ranne and ceased not my soule refused comfort I did thinke upon God and was troubled I prayed and my Spirit was full of anguish Verse 7. Will hee absent himselfe for ever and will he be favourable no more Consider here what a dead carkasse is without the soule and so is all our service without the spirit Fourthly examine thy selfe in respect of sinne thus 1. If some sinne which was of great burden and weight
in thy estimation doe now seeme lesse and lesse dangerous if sometimes thou couldest not be comforted in the sence of sinne and the same sinne now move thee nothing at all thou couldst not abide cursed speaking in others now thou fallest to it thy selfe thou couldst not away with idle and gracelesse companions now thou canst now hast thou quenched the spirit 2. If thou be apt to rush into sinne once conquered thy strength is abated 3. If thou be unwilling to heare any of thy sinnes reproved the spirit is quenced because he rebuketh sinne 4. If the word and rodde preserve thee not from sinne the spirit is not present in thee 5. If after sinne committed thou doest not more hate it and sorrow for it than before thou lovedst it and rejoycedst in it if thou hast not a more constant care to avoid sinne than before yea if thou hast not a greater zeale in doing good know for a certaine that some sinne in thee or other is as water cast upon the spirit Fifthly and lastly examine thy selfe concerning the worke of Gods Spirit on thy affections thus If thy love of heavenly things be abated or be more to earth than to heaven if thy joy be troubled if thy conscience be perplexed with accusations if there be in thee an excessive feare of death or the like certainly the spirit is now quenched looke well unto it Object Alas I have found my affections more fiery than now they be I have had a great measure of zeale for God much indignation against sinne fervent affection in Gods service joy in God comfort in my selfe and in good duties but now it is not so with me I could never attaine the like affections as at first what may I thinke of my selfe Answ. We must wisely distinguish of the diffusing of grace from the decaying of it In earthly marriage love will be more vehement at first because lesse diffused but afterward is rather more extended than languishing so it is in the heate of grace But how may I know it thus 1. If thou be displeased that thou canst not get thy heart to the highest pitch of delight in grace 2. If thou still hungrest after grace and a further measure as one that hath tasted hony desireth more so having tasted of the spirit doest earnestly desire a greater measure of it 3. Stickest thou to the meanes in publicke and in private and wilt not be driven off still lying at the Poole where the spirit mooveth then discourage not thy selfe but goe on comfortably this small affection toward the Lord and his grace be it but as a graine of mustard seed it shall outgrow all choke weedes and master and kill whatsoever affections would overtop it So much for the second use Thirdly seeing negative precepts include the affirmative every Christian must hence be stirred up to stirre up the gift of God that is in him and not suffer it to decay 2 Tim. 1.6 A fit lesson even for Timothy himselfe For first the Spirit is ever working something in Gods children worthy the stirring up he is no where idle but still beautifying perfecting his own dwelling 2. Every Christian hath some graces to stirre up else were there no difference betweene him and a naturall man who wants the Spirit 3. No Christian hath any grace so perfect but it needes stirring up where growth is there is no perfection 4. Without stirring the fire dies so the Spirit for which cause the Apostle useth the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blow up Quest. What meanes may wee use to blow up the Spirit Answ. 1. The word of God in the publicke and private use of it First the preaching of the word as it begets so it nourisheth grace The Ministry is instituted and gifts given to men not onely to lay to foundation of our happinesse but to build us up till we meet together in a perfect body Ephes. 4.11 12 13. Naturall food strengthens the body by the daily use of it spiritual food strengthens the soule by the continuall use of it Those that say they know as much as they neede or as much as the Preacher can tell thē never truly saw their great weaknesse for let any good conscience say if it neede not the word continually David a man of singular grace yet lay fouly in his sinnes till Nathan came and stirred him saying Thou art the man Despise Prophecy and quench the Spirit where vision faileth grace perisheth Secondly the word must be privately read and conversed in for such is the excellency and power of it that it transformes the minde conversant in it unto it selfe and to be affected as the pen-men were holily and graciously Besides it begets and furthers found judgement whereas others erre not knowing the Scriptures and it stirres up good affections and gracious desires Againe the word must be meditated on in private without which hearing and reading are to little purpose Psal. 1.1 Blessed is the man that meditates in the law of the Lord continually And here is mutuall helpe for hearing and reading doe feede meditation and meditation doth fasten them Why else hath God given man a reasonable soule but to meditate upon his word and workes Or why else hath he set apart a whole day in seaven especially for meditation if it were not a notable meanes to excite grace Or why else did our Lord take all occasions from the workes of God to teach and instruct us but for our example that we should tread in his holy steppes We see the first meanes 2. The Sacraments were instituted to strengthen our faith which in it selfe is weake and to keepe in continuall memory the covenant betweene God and us with the meanes thereof yea the very preparation to them includeth a speciall meanes of stirring up our graces of repentance of renewing our faith of obedience thankfulnesse and all the meanes of growth in the covenant And much more strength doth a good heart finde in the celebration of them Therefore to forbeare them of contempt argues no member of Christ and of negligence to forbeare is to cast ones selfe into the judgement of God 3. Prayer sets all graces on worke as faith in Gods promises charity toward our brethren hope which lookes for the performance of that we pray for humility in confession of sinnes and sense of wants thankfulnesse for supplies and leave to pray and by exercise in prayer wee get the spirit of prayer Luke 11.13 Our Father will not deny his Spirit to them that aske him 4. Company or commerce with the godly doth exceedingly sharpen our graces One candle lights another and one sticke of fire kindles another A lesser sticke may kindle a billet so the strongest Christian may receive furtherance from the weakest Paul himselfe might be comforted by the Romanes chap. 1.12 And when Silas came Paul burned in the Spirit But how can one coale alone by it selfe keepe it selfe glowing Yea evill men
alas the calling of Prophecying it is like Christ himselfe who was like a withered branch and a roote in a dry ground no beauty no favour to desire it the carnall man sees no good in it notwithstanding Christ hath magnified it in his owne person Such are cleerely convinced to despise prophecying what ever they say to the contrary And much more those who like Saul can let his speare fly at David while hee playes on his harpe to solace and comfort him and drive the evill spirit from him They can cast darts of reproach and slander and shoote arrowes of malice and violence while the Prophets of the Lord play on this heavenly harpe to drive the evill Spirit away out of the hearts of men VERSE 21. Try all things Hold that which is good THis precept is aptly knit to the former we must not despise Prophecy but yet we must not receive and beleeve every prophecy and doctrine which we heare but first diligently and with judgement try what we heare and proving it to be good and sound strongly holde and maintaine it and reject whatsoever is contrary thereunto Try all things Here are three things considerable 1. The Action Try 2. The Object Things 3. The Extent All things To understand the precept consider these foure particulars 1. What it is to try 2. What are the things to be tryed 3. Who must try them 4. By what rule they must be tryed For the first The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken from Goldsmithes who try and prove their mettalls and they prove them two wayes or for two ends 1. By the fire to separate and consume the drosse 2. By the touch-stone to discerne good mettalls from counterfeit This later is here enjoyned that we should not hand over-head take doctrines and courses up upon mans word but first try them by the touch-stone whether they will hold touch and by this meanes finde out what is good and what is evill what is true and what is false what is currant and what is counterfeit either in doctrines or manners to embrace and holde the one to eschew and abstaine from the other There is a tryall of all things by fire also but it is not of Christians here but of Christ himselfe hereafter of which the Apostle speakes 1 Cor. 3.13 The fire shall try every mans worke of what it is For the second the Object or what things are to be tryed All things Quest. What may we try as Adam did the forbidden tree as well as the tree of life Or would our Apostle have us try with Salomon mirth and laughter wisdome and folly Eccles. 2.1 the former whereof by tryall he found but madnesse and the latter but vanity Or in matter of doctrine would hee have us runne through all sects and religions as an Hereticke confuted by Iunius confessed he had beene with Iewes Arians Mahometans and such sects that at length he might finde the truth among them which is as he saith viam per avia investigare and to seeke truth by wandring through all sorts of errours Are all things to be tried without restraint or limitation Answ. This generall or universall particle All is to be restrained to the matter in hand Despise not Prophecy but yet be not so light and rashly credulous to receive and beleeve whatsoever doctrine yee heare but try and examine all doctrines which are propounded for truth whether they concerne matter of faith or of manners that ye may receive that which is sound and reject the contrary Quest. 1. What must all doctrines be tryed what if the chiefe Doctours and Pastours of the Church enjoyne us to holde this or that point Is that lyable to examination Answ. 1. The Priests in the Law might not determine and judge of cases as they list but according to the Law Deut. 17.9 10 11. 2. If they were partiall in the Law yet the people might not depart from the wayes of sincere truth Mal. 2.9 3. True it is that sheepe are simple creatures and should follow the shepheard but Christs sheepe are not so simple as to follow any for his office and place sake but so farre as they heare the voice of Christ They are reasonable sheepe and know that He that is Truth it selfe must be determiner of all truth And suppose a guide be blinde as Christ calls the Pharises blinde guides it is no warrant for other men to shut their eyes and follow them lest both fall into the ditch 4. Wee reade that the Bereans are commended for trying Saint Pauls doctrine Acts 17.11 And what Doctour or Pastour of the Church is any whit comparable to Saint Paul who hath the spirit of infallibility as he had Quest. 2. What if a doctrine come backed with the consent of ancient Fathers or the Authority of Councels or other Antiquity may not that be free from triall Answ. 1. We neither despise nor neglect Fathers and Councells and yet we have not learned to try truth by persons but persons by truth out of Tertullian and Augustine 2. What saith the Apostle Gal. 1.8 If we or an Angell from heaven bring any other Doctrine holde him accursed plainly implying that though the person which brings a Doctrine were an Angell yet he must be tryed 3. Fathers themselves never challenged this immunity and exemption as indeede there is no reason they should for themselves have erred in many Doctrines some of which they retracted and some they never retracted Besides they wrote many truthes which are not extant and many things are extant in their names which they never wrote and many things are true which they never thought on Therefore an allegation out of their writings may not passe without tryall 4. Antiquity exempts no Doctrine from tryall for though that which is most ancient be most true for the good wheate was sowne before the tares yet truth got onely the start of falshood and falshood is almost as ancient as truth I am sure as ancient as Paradise or as the first day of mans creation and followes truth as the shadow the body and hangs on it and comes up with it as chaffe with wheate 5. Who that is conversant in the ancient Fathers wisheth not that some of them had beene more wary than by undiscreete zeale to receive from the tide of ancient times many relickes of Iewes and Pagans and that they had beene more cautelous than out of darke devotion to set up Antichrist in his throne while they intended to holde him downe By all which we may observe the Popish blasphemy vented by Stapleton saying Christ set Doctors in authority not Doctrine Quest. 3. In matter of practise what if any thing come backed with the example of great men or of the generall multitude and the custome of the times I hope wee must not be so nice as to bring that to the tryall Answ. 1. As the ancient speech is Christ said
A Commandement Keepe or hold 2. A limitation That which is good For the former It is not enough lightly to examine our courses no nor yet so judicially as to finde out the truth if we goe no further as many who please themselves and feede their eyes with reading and their mindes with meere speculation but cleave to no sound opinion but are unstable and unsettled in all their wayes And therefore the Apostle knitteth to Tryall keeping or holding For what a madnesse were it to try a peece of mettall and finding it to be good golde cast it away which is the folly of many a man in the case of sound and saving Doctrine which is far more pure and precious than gold seven times tryed in the fire For the latter we must try every thing but not lay hold on every thing and not catch whatsoever comes next to hand as many are ready to keepe and holde but it is chaffe in stead of good corne and drosse in stead of golde as many curious and dainty hearers who are as men having ill stomackes which cast up wholsome and strong meate and hold nothing but fruite and trash which feede and increase the humours there already So wholsome and savoury Doctrine is rejected and a few fine sentences savouring of wit or learning fetched any where but from the Scriptures are held and nothing else in comparison Which is with the Prodigall Sonne to feede upon huskes in stead of the bread of his fathers house And therefore the Apostle limiteth us in our keeping that onely which is good Now as God is the Authour and his word the Rule of all goodnesse it followes whatsoever God appoints and his word approove that is good and nothing else Every one is bound in conscience to keepe whatsoeuer good thing he knowes approoved by the word of God For the word keepe requireth a constancy in the knowne good either of Doctrine or practise Deut. 4.6 These are the Commandements Keepe them and doe them for that is your wisedome This is the generall precept to all Gods people For particular Churches Rev. 2.25 To the Church of Thyatira hee saith That which yee have already hold fast till I come and chap. 3.3 to the Church of Sardis Remember what thou hast received and heard and hold fast and repent And for particular persons 2 Tim. 3.14 But continue thou in the things thou hast learned Tit. 1.9 Hold fast the faithfull word The like for all the sonnes and daughters of wisedome Prov. 4.4.13 Take hold of instruction and leave her not and keepe her for she is thy life 1. Satan and seducers will seeke to snatch away the truth from us This reason the Apostle seemeth to imply in the composition of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as if hee had said hold against all men and all adversaries which would withhold hold with both hands all good and holy truthes concerning faith and manners Theeves and robbers will meddle with no beggars but where they have hope of a booty Satan and his agents lye most in ambush against such as embrace the truth and follow the thing that good is there is the treasure of truth the wealth of grace and a booty which Satan would faine finger He makes many on-sets to this purpose and if we keepe not our ground here called the keeping of good hee pulls us from our hold and easily surprizeth and draweth us to the contrary evill We had neede therefore so much the more watchfully to hold that which is good as our adversaries are watchfull to robbe us of all our goods And were it not that wee had such enemies without us our inward and bosome companion our owne corrupt nature is ever soliciting us and drawing us aside for were we of our selves inclinable to hold good things the Apostle might have spared a number of the like precepts to this But the Spirit of God seeing our disposition so rimie and full of holes to let good things slippe and perceiving our dulnesse and sleepinesse with whom it is as with children who being once asleepe let things slippe out of their hands which before no meanes could winne from them yea and which is worse that while wee seeme waking wee hold weakly as a thing which a man cares not whether he hold or no therefore hee supplies our need and strengthens our weaknesse and awaketh our dulnesse with this and the like exhortations Hold that which is good Which shew that it is no lesse Christian vertue and fortitude to retaine and keepe than to attaine that which is good 2. Hold and keepe all sound Doctrine because of the great utility or profit thereof for 1. It is the evidence of thy salvation and of the inheritance of the Saints How carefully doe men keepe their Evidences lock them up safe in the surest chests they have because if they lose their Evidences they may easily lose their lands So lose thou thy part of the word thou losest thy part of heaven Shall men be wise to keepe their Deedes and conveyances of lands and leases so safe as no man shall cousen or cheate them of them and whatsoever casualty comes these shall be provided for and can it be wise or safe for any to bee carelesse in keeping the word his evidence for heaven without which he hath no tenure nor assurance out of his idle conceit to one foote in heaven 2. Wholsome Doctrine is the staffe and support of a man in the way to heaven A lame man if he hold not his staffe falls downe-right and if the word directs us not in our duty and supports us in temptation wee fall quite away 3. The sound doctrine and truth of Gods word is a notable preservative in dangers so farre as it is held unto A man in perill of drowning will catch and lay fast hold on any meanes of safety and will lose his hand before hee will lose his hold Every Christian is in this world as on a dangerous sea the Church is the shippe in which is salvation represented by the Arke the anchor is faith Heb. 6.9 the mast is the crosse of Christ the prosperous winde is the Spirit of God adverse windes tossing and tumbling the Church are persecutions tryalls temptations afflictions the fraught graces good conscience hope love and the like and the haven is heaven Now lose the doctrine of faith and shipwracke is presently made 1 Tim. 1.19 good conscience and all is lost But hold the doctrine of faith sound and entire by the hand of faith and all is safe 3. There is but one right rule and way to attaine salvation even the truth which the Truth himselfe hath purchased at a deare rate For the word of life and the holy Gospell was not easily purchased but by the precious blood of Iesus Christ and should wee lightly esteeme so deare and precious a purchase this will evince that it was never purchased for us For the