Psal 42. 1 4. The remembrance of Gods Benefits Psal 103. 2 3. are two excellent means to quicken the soul unto Prayer which will ascend to Heaven with the more speed being carried up upon the wings of Fasting 1 Cor. 7. 5. Alms-giving Acts 10. 4. Provided that it be Reverend Fervent Constant Confident If thine be so qualified thou maist be assured that the Lord will not turn it away Psal 66. 20. Obs God will be sued unto And that With Reverence Fervency Constancy Confidence God will be sued unto Texts Psal 50. 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble Mat. 7. 7. Ask and it shall be given you Inst Hezekiah in his sickness prayed unto the Lord Isa 38. 2. Cornelius's Prayers came up for a Memorial before God Acts 10. 4. With Reverence Texts Psal 95. 6. Let us worship and bow down and kneel before the Lord our Maker Psal 99. 5. Worship at his Footstool Inst Paul bowed his knees unto God in behalf of the Ephesians The foul and twenty Elders fell down and worshipped and cast their Crowns before him that sate on the Throne Rev. 4. 10. With Fervency Tâ—xâ—s Psal 81. 10. Open thy mouth wide Psal 119. 10. With my whole heart have I sought thee Inst. Moses cried unto God Exod. 14. 15. The King of Nineveh commanded his People to cry mightily unto God Jonah 3. 8. With Constancy Texts 1 Thes 5. 17. Pray continually Job 27. 10. Will the Hypocrite alwaies call upon God Inst David called daily upon the Lord Psal 88. 9. Christ spake a Parable to this end that men ought alwaies to pray and not to faint Luke 18. â— With Confidence Texts Jam. 1. 6. Ask in Faith nothing wavering Eph. 3. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with Confidence Inst David assured himself that God would hear him Psal 4. 3. The Sons of God have the Spirit of Adoption whereby they cry Abba Father Rom. 8. 15. Amen that Seal of our Prayers signifies as an earnest desire so a certain perswasion that God will hear us Col. 4. 18. Reas 1. By Reverend confident Prayer God is glorified in his Attributes Col. 1. 9. The word there signifies a devout lifting up of the mind unto God and our glorifying of him in his Majesty Power c. 2. Fervent Prayer puts the soul into a fit capacity for Mercy Psal 81. 10. 3. Constant Prayer manifests encreaseth strengthens Faith Psal 5. 3. Luke 18. 1. Use 1. Let God have his due Glory Psal 123. 2. 2. Let not thy Prayer want its due qualifications Jam. 4 3. 3. Cleanse thy soul from sin A wicked heart obtains nothing from God Psal 66. 18. 4. He that is only earnest for temporal things howls not praies Hos 7. 14. 5. Inconstancy in Prayer discovers a bad heart Job 27. 10. 6. The distrustful Prayer is sure to be denied Jam 17. Resol In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee for thou wilt answer me Psal 86. 7. Ejac. Lord let thy Spirit help mine Infirmities heaâ— thou its groanings in me and for me Rom 8 26 â—7 Paral. IV. Circ The Mercy was discovered upon my Prayer Obs Rightly qualified Prayer hath a prevailing Power I Do not dare not arrogate any thing to my self as if my Prayer as mine had any the least power to encline God to hear me God is unchangeable man unworthy to be heard to be eyed to be minded The best Prayers have so much of self in them that in stead of an open ear unto them we might justly expect the dung of the Sacrifice of our polluted lips and hearts to be cast in our faces But we have to deal with a Gracious God who is not only ready to hear the weak desires of the reverent fervent constant faithful Suppliant but so far to submit his own Almightiness unto their so qualified Prayers that he cannot but hear them What is said of the wrath of man Jam. 1. 20. may be said of all the rest of the Passions when transgressing the workings of Reason they work not the righteousness of God and so render the soul unfit for Prayer Yet Abraham Jacob Moses Joshuah Elijah Hezekias though men subject to like passions as we are Jam. 5. 17. their Prayers were most powerful and effectual Their Power in Prayer was from God their passionate weakness of themselves which being by them taught to wait upon Reason and their sense of it keeping of them humble was a means to preserve that power Abraham was afraid of the Egyptians Gen. 12. 12. Of the men of Gerar Gen. 20. 11. that they would have slain him for his Wives sake Yet he had so prevailed with God upon his Intercession for Sodom that had there been but ten righteous persons in it it had not been destroyed Gen. 18. 32. Jacob though encouraged by a Vision of Angels greatly feared his Brother Esau coming against him Gen. 32. 7 11. Yet wrestling with God by Prayer had such power over him that he would not let him go before he had blessed him Gen. 32. 26. 28 29. Moses feared when he knew that his killing of the Egyptian was discovered and fled Exod. 2. 14 15. Yet by Prayer held Gods hands that he could not destroy the people when so highly provoked by their making and worshipping of the Golden Calf Exod. 32. 10. Joshua envied Eldad and Medad who prophesied in the Camp Numb 10. 29. Yet at his Prayer the Sun and Moon were stayed in their course Josh 10. 13. Elijah upon Jezebels threatnings Message fled for his Life 1 Kings 19. 2 3. Yet upon his earnest Prayer it rained not on the earth for three years and a half Jam. 5. 17. And Fire came down from Heaven and destroyed the Captains with their Fifties 2 Kings 1. 10 12. Hezekias was much grieved at that Message of death brought unto him by the Prophet yet upon his Prayer the Sun went backward ten degrees Isa 38. 1 2 3 8. With what confidence may now the humble Supplianâ— whose Prayer hath its due qualifications say I know that whatsoever I ask according to his Will I have my Petitions which I desired of him 1 John 5. 14 15. When by these examples he sees and is confirmed in the experience and assurance of the effectualness of it which is such that it hath power not only Over the Elements Jam. 5. 17. 2 Kings 1. 10. Over the Fabrick of Heaven Josh 10. 12. Over earthly Forces Exod. 17. 11. Over Death Isa 38. 5. Over Devils Mat. 17. 21. Over Angels 2 Kings 6. 17. But Over God himself Exod. 32. 10. O the prevailing power of a rightly qualified Prayer It takes Heaven by violence it overcomes the Invincible and binds the Almighty Obs Rightly qualified Prayer hath a prevailing power Texts Jam. 5. 16. The effectual fervent Prayer of a righteous man availeth much Exod. 32. 10. Let mâ— alone that my wrath may wax hot c. And Moses besought the Lord. Inst Jacob when the man
delivered from the wrath to come 1 Thessal 1. 9 10. Reas 1. They are justified and so at peace with God Rom. 5. 1. 2. They are true lovers of God and there â—s no fear in Love 1 John 4. 18. 3. They are partakers of the first Resurrection and so assured that the second death shall have no power over them Rev. 20. 6. Use 1. Sin being forgiven the punishment is removed Jer. 31. 34. Pardon is a not imputing the fault unto punishment 2. Get assurance that thou art justified Two principal grounds of this Assurance are Peace in the Soul Rom. 5. 1. An holy Life Rom. 6. 22. 3. Be sure that thou truly lovest God 1 John 2. 5. 4. Beware of security Fear Gods Temporal wrath Heb. 12. 28 29. Resol Being freed from all fear arising from the Spirit of Bondage and having received the spirit of Adoption which beareth witness with my spirit that I am thy Son I will confidently yet with humble reverencâ— come unto thy Throne of Grace and cry Abba Father Rom. 8. 15 16. Ejac. My Love is yet but weak Lord so perfect it that all fear being cast ouâ— I may here without fear serve thee in holiness and righteousness and may have boldness in the Day of Judgment 1 John 4. 17 18. Paral. XI Circ I cast mine eye to the Top of the Tower Obs The effectually-Called are to set their Affections upon Heavenly things THE Lord washeth away the silth of the Daughter of Zion by the Spirit of Judgment and by the Spirit of burning At and from the Prison until set in the Tower the Spirit of Judgment wrought At the Prison gate I was made sensible what I had deserved and was liable unto The sense of my danger begat fear in me Fear putting me on to seek out for a means to escape brought me to Humiliation Humiliation with Fear and Faith brought me to Christ the Foundation of the Building Being now in him the Spirit of Burning began to work in the Tower For having Removed the Love of the world that my heart might be free to the love of Heavenly things And Banished my Fear that with Confidence and Chearfulness I might affect them By its heat it sweetly warmed and enflamed my heart with a sense and love of and desire after them By its light having first by the reward encouraged and quickned me to all diligence in the way to attain them It directed me to and in that way It discovered unto me those secret way layers whom I was to keep a watchful eye over Faith the soul's eye beholding these things though but darkly saith there are precious things laid up above Heb. 11. 1. Hope the souls Ankor as yet but weakly fastned upon the Promises of these things saith they are laid up for me Heb. 6. 18 19. Love the yet feeble feet of the Soul longing for them saith I run that I may obtain them Phil. 3. 14. The Souls eye is cleared by abounding in Grace 2 Pet. 1. 9. Her Ankor becomes more sure and stedfast by being fixed upon the immutability of Gods Counsel and his Oath Heb. 6. 17. Her feeble knee are strengthened and she is quickned in her pace by assurance that in those precious things she shall have Fulness of satisfaction and Perpetuity of enjoyment Which two things although the ancient Philosophers in their diligent search after the chief good could never find them in any worldly thing Yet they are to be had in God and in the enjoyment of him In his Presence is fulness of joy at his right hand pleasures for evermore Psal 16. 11. God then is to be the principal Object of our Love which For the manner of it must be A love of good will we must love him for himself Mat. 22. 37. A love of Union longing for the enjoyment of him Psal 42. 1. A love of delight taking pleasure In his Service Psal 122. 1. In his Children Psal 16. 3. For the measure of it it must be with all the heart soul mind strength Luke 10. 27. The utmost power of the whole soul must be employed in it We must do what we are able with a Will to do more if we were able His Greatness Psal 113 6. Our Meanness Rom. 9. 11. His preventing us with his love 1 John 4. 10. The greatness of it John 3. 13. It s Freeness Eph 2. 4 5. Our Unworthiness Rom. 5. 10. should quicken us thereunto And we may then assure our selves that we do love him when We are obedient unto his Will John 14. 23. And when We beat his rod with Patience 1 Cor. 13. 4. Obs The effectually Called are to set their Affections upon heavenly things Texts Phil. 3. 20. Our Conversation is in Heaven from whence we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ Col. 3. 1 2. If ye be risen with Christ seek those things which are above Set your affections on things above and not on things on the earth Iâ—st Aâ—raham looked for a City which hath Foundations whose Builder and Maker is God Heb. 11. 10. David longing after God saith Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Psal 73. 25. Reas 1. They alone are satisfying and lasting Psalm 16. 11. 2. Thou art risen with Christ and so endued with a power to affect them Col. 3. 1. 3. Christ thine Head is above sitting at the right hand of God Col. 3. 2. Where should the Members be but with their Head Use 1. First seek the Kingdom of God and the righteousness thereof Mat. 6. 33. 2. Put thy power in execution wherewith by vertue of Christ's Resurrection thou art endued Rom. 6. 4. 3. Imitate Christ he being risen ascended into Heaven Rom. 6. 5. 4. Long to be with him thine Head Psal 1. 23. Resol My Treasure is in Heaven there shall my heart be Mat. 6. 21. There my Conversation Phil. 3. 20. Ejac. As the Hart panteth after the Water-Brook so panteth my soul after thee O God Psalm 42 1. Paral. XII Circ I cast mine eye up to the Top of the Tower where my sight was limited by a Cloudy Resemblance Obs God hath an invisible Paradise to reward his Servants which in his Service they may have a respect unto GOD is immense and cannot be consined to place 1 Kings 8. 27. However his chief residence is in Heaven above the Clouds above the stars Job 22. 12. Where he holdeth back the face of his Throne by spreading his Cloud upon it Job 26. 9. The semi-Atheist though denying the workings of his Providence over man yet acknowledgeth this Job 22. 13 14. And thither the Disciples knew and by the Angels were assured Acts 1. 11. that Christ was ascended though by reason of the intercepting cloud they could follow him no further with the eye Acts 1. 9 10 11. The heart of the effectually-Called being taken off from the world and freed from the fear of Hell is now
believe this is not enough to settle the soul and to make its peace with God For notwithstanding such Faith a man may go to Hell And indeed such Faith is in the Devils themselves they believe and tremble James 2. 19. No it is a particular applying Justifying Faith which is the Soul setling and Peace obraining Faith The truth of the Word or the Word â—f Truth is the general Object of Faith But that Faith which must settle the soul and obtain its Peace must be fixed upon and eye a more particular Object namely the free Promises of Grace and Pardon in Christ which promises it layes hold upon and brings home to the soul by a particular application in assurance that the soul is a sharer and interessed in them upon which assurance all the tempests in the wounded spirit are allayed all the disturbances removed all the Fears of enmity and wrath do vanish and a sweet calm settlement and peace do follow thereupon in the soul Where I touched before upon Faith I spake of it as in its dayly exercise in the fruits of true Obedience and having its residence in a soul at peace with God which is the constant Attendant upon such Faith I now speak of it as reâ—iding in an unsetled soul and by reason of the folly of sin inâ—errupted in the exercise which notwithstanding the soul stretcheth forth as its yet benummed hand to lay hold upon the promises of the Gospel for the re obtaning of its lost Peace though it do nor as yet can apply them with the like strength of assurance as when it was more lively and the Spirit did more evidently act in it However it is living and true and may be known to be such and to be in the soul by these Discoveries Marks 1. He that hath it though it continues so weak and benummed as I said that it is not able to apply a promise yet such a man believes that his sins and follies be they never so heinous yet are pardonable that Gods Mercy to poor sinners is not limited to the number or quality of their sins but be they never so many never so heinous of never so deep a slain or loud a cry committed with never so high a hand yet the Lords Mercy is above them all And as he believes that they are pardonable so he gaspes and longs and earnestly desires that they may be pardoned and he sends up earnest and strong cries to the Throne of Grace that the Lord would pardon them Now these Gaspings Groanings Longings Desires and Cries of his soul do discover the Spirit of God to be in such a man For they proceed from the Spirit Rom 8. 26. It is the Spirit which in the sinners soul makes Intercession for him Postulat id est postulare facit It makes him send up unutterable cries and Groans unto the Throne of Grace for Mercy So S. Augusline interprets the place Now where Christs Spirit is there Christ himself is And where Christ and the Spirit are there must necessarily be Faith though but in a weak measure for they dwell not in a faithlesse soul 2. A man may know whether he hath true Faith or not by the Testimony of the Spirit which bears witness to his spirit that he is the Child of God Rom. 8. 16. This Spirit he is sealed with Eph. 1. 14. And it makes him to cry Abba Father The Spirit bears witness It perswades him to an assurance that he is Gods Child and hath Faith As if the Spirit were pleased to say to the weak Believer that doubts of his Faith Dost thou question whether thou hast Faith or not Be assured that thou hast I tell thee so who know thy heart better then thou thy self dost I tell thee so who am the Seal of thine Adoption God knows thee to be his Child by this his Mark and Seâ—l which he hath set upon thee even mee his Spirit without which he would never own thee as his Son Now it is thy Faith which made way for this thy Sonship Christ upon thy receiving of him upon thy believing in his Name gave thee power or priviledge and it is no mean one to be the Son of God He is however he now beholds thee with an eye of displeasure he is I say thy Father therefore go unto him and call him so and by that name sue unto him for mercy say Abba Father I have sinned against Heaven and against thee I am unworthy to be called thy Son Yet I beseech thee to have mercy upon me according to thy Fatherly goodness God delights that thou shouldst call him Father He is the Father of Mercies and will not deny Mercy to his now humbled Child 3. This Faith is known by that Confidence and boldness in a man to approach unto the Throne of Grace for the obtaining of Mercy and finding Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4. 16. The soul never stands in more need of Mercy of Grace of Help then when it lieth groaning under the burden of sin under the deep Wounds of the Apprehension of loss and fear of wrath it is then a sit Object for Mercy and Grace Now if in this distressed condition a man can come with boldness to God for Mercy and Help it is a most certain and strong evidence of true Faith When a man can take a Promise suppose this in the Text and spreading it before the Lord can press him with it and say Lord thou seest my sad condition thou knowest my soul in this mine adversity thou seest how it is perplexed and troubled I am now come unto thee for peace and settlement and I come with an assured Confidence that I shall obtain it â—or here is thy Promise of it this I lay claim to and thou canst not but perform it For thou art not as man that thou shouldst lye O be pleased then to make good this thy Promise unto me O speak peace to mine unsetled Soul and make the bones which thou hast broken to rejoyce He that can come unto God with such boldness and confidence he may assuâ—e himself that he hath true Faith For it is that which makes way for the souls access unto God It is that which makes the soul thus bold confident in its approaches and assurance of obtaining of what it sues for See a clear place for it Eph. 3. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the Faith of him 4. This particular Promise-applying Faith is known by thâ—t delight which a man takes in the Word wherein the Promises are contained It is sweeter then honey or the hony Comb to the truly Faithful Soul Ps 19. 10. There it tasts truly the sweetness of the Lord Christ Ps 3â— 8. The sweetness of his Grace and Favour 1 Pâ—t 2. 3. in those Promises which there it â—inds and meets withal When turning over the sacred Pages it lâ—ghts upon â— Promise and the Book of God is full
of salvation Inst Jerusalem had her day wherein she might have known the things which belonged unto her peace Luke 19. 42. Chorazin Bethsaida Capernaum had their time for repentance Mat. 11. 21 23. For Mercy Conferred Texts Exod. 12. 41. And it came to pass at the end of the Four hundred and thirty years even the self-same day it came to pass that all the Hosts of the Lord went out from the Land of Egypt Gal. 4. 4. When the Fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman c. Inst. Mordecai was advanced Hest 6. 10. When Haman had prepared the Gallows to hang him Hest 5. 14. The Snare was broken and the Church escaped when her proud Enemies were ready to swallow her up quick Psal 124. 3 7. For Mercy discovered Texts Eph. 3. 8 10. Unto me is this Grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ c. to the intent that now unto the Principalities and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God Col. 1. 26. The Mystery hid from ages and generations is now made manifest unto the Saints Inst. When Jacob was under heavy affliction for his Son Joseph whom he believed to be dead for Simeon who was in bonds for his Darling Benjamin who was taken from him Gen. 42. 36. Then was that joyful Message brought unto him that Joseph was alive and Lord of all Egypt Gen. 45. 26. When Peter was in doubt whether he might go unto Cornelius it being unlawful for a Jew to converse with a Gentile then did the Lord reveal unto him the meaning of the Vision of the great sheet c. Shewing him that he should not call any man common or unclean Acts 10. 11. 28. Reas 1. God would be glorified in his Omniscience Rev. 2. 23. 2. He would have man to set a due value on his Mercies Psal 86. 12 13. 3. He would have them chearfully entertained Psal 35. 9 10. Use 1. Let not God fail of his end Psal 139. 1 17. 2. Accuse him not of delayâ—ng Psal 13. 1 2 3 Slight not the day of Grace Psal 95. 7 8. 4 Wâ—lk wisely and redeem the time Col. 4. 5. Purchase opporâ—unities so the word signifies for goodness at any rate Resol Though Mercy be deferred yet will I never think that long which once I shall certainly enjoy so sweetned and made welcome by its seasonableness when it comes Mark 16. 7. Ejac. Hear thy Servant who takes pleasure in the stones and favours the dust of thy Zion Arise Lord and have Mercy upon her for the time to favour her yea the set time is come Psal 102. 13 14. Paral. III. Circ The Mercy was not discovered until I prayed Obs God will be sued unto GOd is our Father ready to supply our wants He is our Heavenly Father able to supply them knowing what we have need of before we ask him Mat. 6. 8. My condition was not unknown unto him he could have setled me though I had not prayed unto him But it was his pleasure to be sought into Prayer is the souls conversing with God Being the Interpreter of those holy Desires therein stirred up by the Spirit of Supplication Zech. 12. 10. That the Lord is pleased to admit dust and ashes to speak unto him is an high honour Gen. 18. 27. Yet higher to be assured of his ear that he will hear and grant whatsoever we sue unto him for Mat. 21. 22. As it is a dignity to man so is it an honour to God himself which is the chief end why he would have man to pray unto him In Prayer we serve him Luke 2. 37. In Prayer we worship him Therefore is it compared to Incense Psal 141. 2. Sending up an acceptable savour unto him and sweetning all our other Services In Prayer we glorifie him in his Majesty Power Goodness Love and other his Gracious Attributes In our eyes waiting upon him Psal 123. 2. For the kinds of Prayer they are Four Deprecation of evil That it may be averted Dan. 9 16. That being upon us it may be removed Psal 25. 22. Or That it may be mitigated Psal 85. 4 5. This kind best suits the time of Affliction Jam. 5. 13. Petition of what is good That it may be conferred Psal 119. 34. That it may be established Psal 68. 28. That it may be encreased Luke 17. 5. Here the Rule must be that our Prayer be according to Gods Will 1 John 5. 14. Otherwise we are not like to speed Jam. 4. 3. Intercession for others For all men 1 Tim. 2. 1. For the Church Psal 122. 6. For Kings and all in authority 1 Tim. 2. 2. For the Ministry Rom. 15 30. For Sinners 1 John 5. 16. For our Enemies Mat. 5. 44. For this we have our Saviours Form Our Father c Give us Forgive us c. Which whosoever hath wholly laid by it is to be feared that with it he hath laid by true Christian Charity Thanksgiving For benefits received Psal 116. 12 13. Upon craving of new ones Col. 1. 3. When they are deferred When they are denied 1 Thes 5. 18. And this that the abundant Grace may through our Thanksgiving redound to Gods Glory 2 Cor. 4. 15. Our Infirmities in Prayer are such That we know not what to pray for as we ought Rom. 8. 26. That we know not how to pray Luke 11. 1. But the Spirit helps our Infirmities Directing us what to pray for in our Lords Form prescribed to his Disciples which we are to use either in those very words Luke 11. 2. Or framing all our Petitions according thereunto Mat. 6. 9. Assisting us in the manner of our Prayers helping Our backwardness by disposing of the heart unto the duty 2 Sam 7. 27. Our want of words by opening of our lips Psal 51. 15. Our wandring thoughts by scattering of them and keeping the heart attent unto Prayer Psal 68. 1. Our coldness By heating of the heart Psal 39. 3. By the Spirits making Intercession for us in others with groanings which cannot be uttered as some understand that Rom. 8. 16. By Christ's tears shed over his Church Luk. 19. 41. By his strong Cries offered up unto his Father in the daies of his flesh Heb. 5. 7. By his now interceding for us Rom. 8. 34. As for posture I speak of secret Prayer that is best so for the voice or silence which most may quicken devotion 1 Kings 18. 42. For Place holy hands are to be lifted up every where 1 Tim. 2. 8. Especially when thou art withdrawn from Company Devout Soliloquies have More of the Spirit Less of Temptation A Secret Observer An Open Rewarder Mat. 6. 6. For time Let it be the Key of the day the Bar of the night Let it ascend morning and evening as the Incense Psal 141. 2. Pray without ceasing whensoever occasion shall be offered 1 Thes 5. 17. The sense of our wants
sometimes to afford it but man in expectation thereof may not neglect the means he hath appointed 1 Tim. 4. 13 15. 2. Let all light affected ornaments be shunned Gal. 1. 10. 3. As long as this Hand-maid will submit and be subject she is not to be rejected if she rebel and presume to domineer and dictate cast her out Col. 2. 8. 4. Beware of itching Ears as after new Doctrines so after Eloquence 2 Tim. 4. 3. 5. Desire the sincere milk of the Word that thou maist grow thereby 1 Pet. 2. 2. Resol I do not slight nor will I neglect that small portion of humane learning which my Lord Christ hath conferred upon me as it may in any way for his Glory be sub-servient in the great work of his Ministry However my chief care shall be that my Speech and my Preaching may be not with enticing words of man's wisdome but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power 1 Cor. 2. 4. Ejac. Who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2. 16. Paral. 2. Circ From the University being in Orders I was removed to the Living which I now hold Obs Christs way is for an orderly-called setled Ministry in his Church MY Lord Christ intending me for his Ministry was pleased from the University by a remark able manuduction to lead me to this place I was presented by the then Lord Keeper upon a Lapse by Simony committed by the former Incumbent To let pass many former Passages of special note my Presentation was sealed within few hours after his decease though he died here above thirty miles distant from the City My Evidence was then but weak Yet beforâ— my trial which the Patron to vindicate his Title and to keep off the imputation from his Progenitors who had bought the Estate and Advousion after the Simoniacal Contract did put me unto the Lord was pleased though the Simony was contrived above eight and twenty years before to discover unto me many material witnesses and having so ordered that the business should be heard before that Judge noted for the most searching Head of those times into Cases of that nature to give me the day upon an old trampled-upon scrap of Paper wherein the Contract was mystically set down which I found under foot neglected by him who upon the like aim had the perusal of the deceased Incumbents Writings before me The whatsoever Light they pretend to blind seduced Proselytes in gathered Congregations or among those possessed with a dumb I fear a proud spirit or in any other Fraternity Family Fellowship or Combination withdrawn from Christs Church and Way are absolved from their fetters though never so seemingly fast intangling by his Who required this at your hands Isa 1. 12. And so may unless resolved to be blind still shake off as Paul did the venomous beast into the fire Acts 28. 5. that usurped Authority with those their blind Leaders who exercise it over them and return with welcom to the Fold of Christ from which till then they are lost His setled Ministers unless in case of notorious scandal not to be judged by the people though the late times did shake their Titles are not ought not so to be laid by and lifted out of their Candlesticks They hold by the same Law for life as others for Inheritance Christ hath set them over his Flock to rule them in spiritual things and to watch for their souls as they that must give account Heb. 13. 17. From their Ruling their Charges of Cures where they are fixed are called Rectories and as Rulers they are to be obeyed Who can rule who hath none to govern Who will obey who knows not whom he is to submit unto And Who will watch where a trust is not reposed an account not feared not required The means for their subsistence necessarily follows on their fixing and employment The mouth of thâ— Oxe which treadeth out the Corn must not be muzzled 1 Cor. 9 9. Who goeth a warfare at his own charges 1 Cor. 9 7. For the Proportion of it They have Christ's irrevokable Ordinance thâ— it shall be so much that they may live of iâ— 1 Cor. 9 14. They have the Higher Powers Act being thâ— Act of the whole Kingdom whom they represent until by the same power repealed that it shall be and continue in such a measure as now it doth For the Justness of it it is the Labourers hire he is worthy of it â— Tim. 5. 18. If his Hire how voluntary If he worthy of it why is it envied why withheld For the Quality What passeth in exchange for it exceeds it at a vast dâ—stance They sow spiritual things and reap carnal things 1 Cor. 9 11. But they must be Labourers else they may not eat Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 17 18. Yet every one that will may not labour in the Word may not take upon him to be a Labourer in Christ's Harvest but only such whom the great Lord of the Harvest is pleased to send forth Mat. 9. 38. Christs Ministers are his Stewards of his Mysteries 1 Cor. 4. 1. And it is the Lord of the Family that appoints them to that Office Luke 12. 42. They take not this Honour to themselves Heb 5. 4. St. Paul was made a Minister according to the Dispensation of God Col. 1. 25. The great Shepherd of the sheep though filled with the Spirit above measure John 3. 34. So much pretended to by Intruders was pleased to manifest his Calling to his great Office of Preaching of the Gospel by outward sensible signs as By the Spirit in likeness of a Dove resting upon him at his Baptism By an audible voice then Mat. 3. 16 17. And at his transfiguration commanding to hear him Mat. 17. 5. As his Father sent him so sent he his Apostles He breathed upon them and said unto them Receive ye the Holy Ghost John 20. 20. Which on the day of Pentecost in a fuller measure descended down upon them by certain outward signs both to the ear and eye Acts 2. 2 3. Thus sent they their Disciples The hands of the Presbytery were laid upon Timothy 1 Tim. 4. 14. Who is commanded not to lay hands suddenly on any 1 Tim. 5. 22. And thus in all times since hath it been used in all well ordered setled Churches That by such outward sensible signs the Church may take notice that such a one is called and set apart and hath now received his Commission to preach the Gospel Whereupon people knowing that in spiritual things they are not bound to obey any other have still been ready to yield obedience unto such as being in Christ's own way called to their Function and set over their Charge Obs Christ's way is for an orderly-called setled Ministry in his Church For an orderly-called Ministry Texts Mat. 28. 19. Go and teach all Nations John 20. 21. As my Father sent me so send I you and he breathed on them and saith Receive ye the Holy Ghost
are united unto him abiding in him and he in us John 15. 4. There the soul is cleansed from sin and the new life of Grace is begun in it Col 2. 12. as to habit by the holy Spirit then â— B. D. in Col. given unto it Acts 2. 38 39. This Habit doth not act it cannot presently in Infants it doth not in any though baptized at ripeness of years until the Spirit which worketh where when and how it listeth John 3. 8. pleaseth to stir it up For which he takes his own time Luke 16. 17. Mat. 20. 1 3 5 6. It is then stirred up when being drawn by the Father we come unto Christ John 6. 44. Gods ordinary way of drawing is by teaching and instructing of man by the preaching of the Word John 6. 45. Rom. 10. 14. The Word Preached is the ordinary means to beget and stirre up Faith and all other Graces in the heart Rom. 10. 14 17. Faith stirred up begins to work by Love in an holy Life Gal. 5. 6. And when it thus works in any answering Gods call with a good Conscience 1 Pet 3. â—1 then is Christ actually received into the soul John 1. 12. then is it evident that he is effectually called 2 Pet. 1. 5 6 7 8 10. That his Baptism was unto him a Laver of Regeneration and that then he was renewed by the Holy Ghost Tit. 3. 5. The Word preached however hath not this power in it self though delivered by one never so holy never so able never so zealous It is but the Instrument of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 8. Who by it Instructs the Understanding John 6. 45. Moves the Affection Acts 16. 14. Inclinâ—â— the Will 2 Cor. 4. 7. Man propounds the Doctrine of Faith Rom. 10. 17. The Spirit stirs up the assent of the heart to embrace it Acts 16. 14. The Preaching of the Word then being Christ's only ordinary way to change the heart to stirre up Faith as also to encrease it and all other Graces 1 Pet. 2. 2. My Bowels cannot but yern over my poor Brethren throughout the Kingdom and I cannot but heartily pity beâ—oan and pray for the return unto Christ's Fold of those his wandring sheep those â—educed souls who being miâ—led by blind Guids stumble in their waies from the ancient paths to walk in paths in a way not cast up Jer. 18. 15. Refusing to walk in the old paths where is the good way Jer. 6. 16. Forsaking the Fountain of living waters for broken Cisterns Jer. 2. 13. Leaving the healthful Pool John 5. 4. For stinking Sinks and Puddles Withdrawing from and slighting the Preaching of the Word and despising the lawful Ministers thereof â— As for their deceiving deceived Teachers 2 Tim. 3. 13. St. Paul shews Whose Ministers they are 2 Cor. 11. 15. What their Practise is v. 13. What their Aim Col. 2. 18. What their present Desert Gal. 5. 12. What without repentance their future Reward â— 2 Cor. 11. 15. When the lawful Ministers of Christ faithfully dispensing of the Mysteries and winning souls unto him shall shine as the stars for ever and ever Dan. 12. 3. Obs The Word Preached by a Lawful Minister is Christ's ordinary way for changing of the heart Texts Rom. 1. 15 16. The Gospel preached is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that beleeveth Heb. 4. 12. The Word of God preached v. 2. is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the Joynts and Marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Inst. Lydia hearing Paul preach the Lord opened her heart that she attended unto the things which were spoken by him Acts 16. 14. Three thousand were converted at Peter's Sermon Acts 2. 41. Reas 1. God hath appointed that it shall be so Isa 55. 11. 2. It is the only ordinary means to beget Faith in the soul Rom 10. 14 17. 3. It is the Instrument of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 8. 4. For the Glory of Gods Wisdom and Power in confounding the wise by foolish things mighty things by weak things things that are by the base and despised things of the world yea by things which are not 1 Cor. 1. 27. 28. Use 1. Wouldst thou be hired into the Vineyard Stand in the Market place Mat. 20. 3. Wouldst thou be cured Wait at the Pool Joâ—n 5. 3. Attend upon the Means If God hath given thee to Christ thou shalt come unto him John 6. 37. but in his time and way 2. Pray unto God that the door of thy heart may be opened otherwise the door of utterance opened to the Minister will be in vain Col. 4. 3. 3. Barrenness under the Means is dangerous Heb. 6. 7. 4. Slight not Preaching God is pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 1. 21. 5. They who will not hear Moses and the Prophets will not be perswaded though one rose from the dead Luke 16. 31. 6. Account the Feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace beautiful Rom. 10. 15. Esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Thes 5. 13. 7. They that despise them despise Christ and God himself Luke 10. 16. Resol I am but thy earthen Vessel the excellency of the Power is of thee O God I will as my duty is present thy Treasures unto thy people not handling thy Word deceiâ—fully but by manifestation of the truth commend my self unto every ones Conscience in thy sight 2 Cor. 4. 2 7. Of whom is all my sufficiency 2 Cor. 3. 5. Ejac. O let thy holy Spirit work in me mightily that with all Faithfulness preaching Christ the hope of Glory I may labour and strive according to his working to warn those whom thou hast entrusted me with and to teach them in all wisdom that I may present them perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 2. â—8 29. Paral. The Vision in General Obs Heavenly Visions are to be observed OUR Lord Christ when he lived upon the earth his constant way of teaching was by Parables Mat. 13. 34. This way before his Inâ—arnation he frequently used Numb 12. 6. In Dreams and Visions of the night and now still he useth it though not so commonly Acts. 2. 17. For a Vision is nothing else but a Parable or certain visible words in an Emblematical way represented before the eye of the mind when the outward senses are bound up with sleep It is an acting of that before the eye of the soul for its clearer Information and that it may there take the deeper impression which spoken to the â—ar awake would not so much be minded and attended unto by reason of the multiplicity of diverting cares business passions c. A Parable in it self being only the first part of a similitude is aenigmatical and dark but add the Interpretation it is plain to an easie capacity Of Visions there are three sorts Natural usually arising
so it is utterly to be condemned Filial fear is a reverential fear of Gods Majesty and Power Gen 28. 17. A trembling at his Judgments Psal 119 120. This fear hath a special regard unto the offence as sin by its guilt separates from God Isa 59. 2. This is enjoyned Psal 3â— 9. and Blessings promised to it Psal 25. Psal 112 c. as necessary to a Christian through his whole life and to continue in Heaven as to the act of our reverence of God arising from the consideration of the excellency of his Nature and Justice in his punishment of the damned Psal 19. 9. Initial fear is a middle fear between these two causing man to abstain from sin to do good with a respect partly to the punishment and partly to the offence However it proceeds not from the first but is the beginning of Reverential or Filial Fear and arising from Love upon effectual Calling begun in the soul and there shewing it self as the working of Faith as yet but in a weak measure Which Fear as Faith and Love gather strength is by degrees expelled 1 John 4. 18. This way by fear the Lord at the beginning took with Adam First he had wrought in him an apprehension of fear of the Curse threatned against him upon his disobedience Gen. 3. 10. And then after followed the Promise of the Seed of the Woman who should break the Serpents head v. 15. This way he still continues First Moses must be believed then Christ John 5. 45. First there must be an apprehension of Gods Justice and then of his Mercy in his Son sweetned by the foregoing severity of the sharp Schoolmaster of the Law Gal. 3. 24. Upon this account it is that the Ministers of the Gospel do yet preach the Law We preach it to the Regenerate as a Rule of life Jam 1. 25. and to stir them up to thankfulness for their freedom from its Curse obtained by Christ Gal. 3. 13. To the Unregenerate as a Rule of Life likewise Luke 10. 28. And that by its Terrours they may be brought unto Christ Gal. 3. 24. Thus the Commandment is ordained unto Life Rom. 7 10. And this life is alone to be had in Christ Acts 4. 12. Obs Upon effectual Calling the fear of Hell is a principal Means to bring the Soul un to Christ Texts Deut. 5. 28 29. I have heard the voice of the words of this people c. They have well said all that they have spoken O that there were such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandements alwayes c. Gal. 3. 24. The Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by Faith â—ast Paul upon the great Light shining about him and the Voice from Heaven trembling and astonished said Lord What wilt thou have me to do Acts 9. 6. The Jaylor came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas and said Sirs What must I do to be saved Acts 16. 29 30. Reas 1. It restrains from sin Prov. 3. 7. 2. It prepares the way for perfect Love 1 John 4. 18. Use 1. The Law is to be taught Jam. 1. 25. 2. Beware of worldly fear Rev. 21. 8. Ostâ—nd not God for fear of man Mat. 10. 28. 3. Take heed of hardning thine heart Prov. 28. 14. 4. Get assurance that thou hast the spirit of Adoption Rom. 8. 15. Resol I will take heed how I offend knowing that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God Heb. 10. 31. Ejac. Enter not into judgment with thy Servant O Lord For in thy sight shall no man living be justified The enemy hath persecuted my soul O deliver me for I flee unto thee to hide me Psal 143. 2 3 9. Paral. V. Circ Being perswaded that in that Building I might secure my self from my Pursuer I gat down into it Obs Upon Effectual Calling Faith is necessarily required as the only Instrumental Means to unite the Soul unto Christ SIN sets and keeps up a Partition-wall between God and the Soul Isa 59. 2. Fear is a means to break it down Prov. 3. 7. My fear made me hasten down the stairs upon which being entered I plainly saw the Building whereon they set me and had a perswasion in me that there I might secure my self from my Pursuer which Perswasion was my Faith I had not nor could I have such thoughts until I saw the Building that I saw not until I entred upon the stairs Faith and Repenrance are begotten in the Soul at the same time and in the order of Nature repentance follows Faith But Repentance is first discovered and afterwards Faith A sinner cannot perswade himself that he shall obtain Salvation by Christ which is the act of Faith until he find in himself an hearty turning from sin which is the act of Repentance First there must be a forsaking of sin and then follows assurance of Pardon Prov. 28. 13. Heb. 6. 1. The Priviledges of Gods Children are many They are received into his Family Eph. 2. 19. They have his Name put upon them Rev. 3. 12. They receive the Spirit of Adoption Rom. 8. 15. They have accesse with boldness to the Throne of Grace Eph. 3. 12. They are enabled to cry Abba Father Gal. 4. 6. God their Father pities them Psal 103. 13. Protects them Prov. 14. 26. Provides for them Mat. 6 30 32. Corrects them for their good Heb. 12. 6. 10. They are sealed to the day of Redemption Eph. 4. 30. They inherit the Promises Heb. 6. 12. They are heirs of Salvation Heb. 1. 14. With many other Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God! 1 John 3. 1. To this Love and these Priviledges the certain effects and discoveries thereof although God from all eternity hath predestinated some in Christ for the praise of the Glory of his Grace Eph. 1. 5 6. Yet they are not made partakers of them until they partake of that redemption which Christ hath wrought for them Gal. 4. 5. Of this Redemption none can be partakers until by the Spirit it be actually applyed unto them Tit. 3. 4 5 6 7. Which Application is then wrought when we are united unto Christ Eph. 1. 7. We are united unto Christ upon effectual Calling When receiving of him we are admitted to that high Priviledge to be the Sons of God John 1. 12. Christ is received by Faith John 1. 12. Which Faith though it hath a general respect unto the Word upon the authority of the Author thereof believing to be true what therein is revealed 1 Thes 2. 13. And thereupon Yielding Obedience to his Commands therein Rom. 16. 26. Trembling at the Threatnings Isa 66. 2. Embracing the Promises Heb. 11. 13. Yet it hath a special eye unto Christ in those Promises relying upon him alone for salvation Acts 4. 12. Faith thus relying upon Christ is a certain
way of Instance by which you may judge of the choyceness Priviledges of Saints and preciousness of the rest The Lord is their King Rev. 15. 3. He keeps their feet from falling 1 Sam. 2. 9. He preserves their Souls Psal 97. 10. He preserves them for ever Psal 37. 28. Their death is precious in his sight Psal 116. 15. He will spare them Mal. 3. 17. The Lord Christ prayes for them John 17. 9. The Holy Spirit prayes for them Rom. 8. 27. God admits them into the number of his Children 1 John 3. 1. And being so they have Him their Father The Church their Mother The Lord Christ their Brother Kings and Queens their Nurses The Holy Spirit their Tutor The Angels their Guardians All the Creatures their servants The Bread of life their Food Christ's Righteousness their Cloathing Heaven their Palace A Kingdom of Glory their Inheritance Such many many such Priviledges have the Lords People Such Honour have all his Saints Use 3. Doth the Lord own those only for his people who are true Saints true believers truly obedient Let us labour to gain an assurance to our selves that we are such and then we may confidently build upon it that we are Gods people That you may know whether you have true Faith take these three Marks of true Marks of Faith Faith in stead of many 1. True Faith is accompanied with a sweet peace in the soul arising from the assurance that our sins are pardoned and Christ's Righteousness made ours Being justified by Faith we have peace with God Rom. 5. 1. 2. True Faith purifies the heart Acts 15. 9. He that hath true Faith will still be cleansing himself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 7. 1. 3. True Faith where it is begets love towards God appâ—â—hending him as the Chief Good Hence the faithful have this Character in Scripture that they are lovers of God Rom 8. 28. It stirs up likewise love unto all Gods Children as bearing his Image 1 John 5. 1. That you may know whether your Obedience Marks of Obed. be true or not take these Marks of true Obedience True Obedience prefers Gods Will before our own or any Commands of men Acts 4. 19. 2. True Obedience is universal unto all and every part of Gods Will Psal 119. 6. 3. True Obedience is alwayes accompanied with fear of offending God Heb. 12. 28. 4. It is sincere and hearty Rom. 6. 17. 5. It is zealous in good duties Tit. 2. 14. Now examine thy self by these Marks Hast thou true peace in thy soul Dost thou strive to cleanse thy soul from sin Dost thou love God and his Children Thou hast true Faith Dost thou prefer Gods Will before thine own or before mans Hast thou a respect to all his Will Art thou afraid to offend him Art thou sincere and zealous in the Service of him Thine Obedience is true And thy Faith and thine Obedience being true thou art a true Saint thou art of the number of Gods people and interessed in all those Priviledges which belong unto them Use 4. Doth the Lord own the Saints for his people Let wicked men take heed how they despise them how they oppress vex and persecute them The Lord whose they are is very tender over them They who touch them touch the Apple of his eye Zech. 2. 8. They that persecute them persecute Christ himself Acts 9. 4. They who vex and persecute them vex and persecute those who shall be their Judges 1 Cor. 6. 2. Who shall one day wash their feet in their blood Psal 58. 10. and shall break them in pieces as a Potters Vessel Rev. 2. 27. Not by way of avenging of themselves that belongs not to them but in approving of the just Sentence of Christ against them and rejoycing in the justness of that Vengeance which according to that Sentence they shall see exâ—cuted upon them at that day when the great Judge of the world will be so far from owning such as dye in their Infidelity and disobedience that he will deny them before his Father and the holy Angels Mat. 10. 33. Use last This may serve much for the Comfort of all Gods truly Faithful obedient servants and keep their spirits under the worlds Contempt and Despight What though the World hate and reject them and count them as the Off scowring of all things Yet the Lord owns them they are his people and so interessed in those sweet Promises and high Priviledges wherein they that hate them shall not be sharers Here likewise the Lords People to their exceeding Comfort may as St. Peter adviseth 2 Pet. 1. 10. make their Calling and Election sure For thus they may argue upon Infallible Grounds If I am a Saint whereof by my true Faith and Obedience I am assured then am I effectually called For I am what I was called to be Rom. 1. 7. If I am a Saint then I am sure I am elected For I am what I was elected unto Eph. 1. 4. If I am elected then I am predestinated to Glory and shall most certainly enjoy it For he that elected me predestinated me Eph. 1. 4. And whom he predestinated them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Rom. 8. 30. In his eternal Decree which in his good time he will most certainly accomplish From hence I say may the Lords people draw exceeding Comfort However these sweet Comforts of theirs cannot but be much allayed by their sense of their weakness and frailty For though they are Saints though the Lord ownes them for his People yet are they subject unto sin and are prevailed over by it and fall into the Folly of it Which is the next Particular in this Second Branch of the Point Partic. 2. That the Lords own people his Saints may and do fall into the Folly of sin This is clear from the Text they could not turn again to it unless formerly fallen into it Which is the present sad condition they are now in guilty of the folly of some hainous sins for which they under-lye the sharp sense of Gods high displeasure I do not say that they live or walk in sin as do the Children of disobedience but they may and do fall into it and that often seven times a day Prov. 24 16. In many things Jam. 3. 2. And many many wayes By Omission Commission Ignorance Forgetfulness Infirmity by sinning against knowledge Motions Checks Vows Promises Blessings Patience Chastisements Mercies Judgments by Rashness Inconsiderateness Inconstancy Negligence Beside their other-mens-sins whereof they become guilty by Commanding Exhorting Provoking Conâ—enting Commending Concealing Conniving Parâ—aking Defending not Reproving and other wayes That this is a most certain and sad truth is evident by those many â—xâ—mples of the Lords own people and Saints recorded in the Scripâ—ure who have been thus overtaken and thus fallen and some of them
The right hand or right eye if they offend must not be spared but cut off or pulled out That soul that can mince its sins is it not a little one that can excuse its Sins it doth not truly hate them When a man can say to his before dailing sin as the Prophet commands to be said to Idolatrous Relicks get thee hence or as Ephraim repenting of his Idolatry What have I to do with Idols It discovers a hearty vehemency and earnestness in his hatred against sin 3. The Saints in their hatred of sin must beware of Inconstancy they must never again be reconciled unto it or so much as enter into a Truce or Parly with it St. Augustine in his Confessions saith of himself that his old Favourites his sins which he had left pulled him by the sleeve of his Flesh suing to be re-entertained but he shook them off There must be no more turning to the vomit of sin not only as to act but not so much as in the least unchecked reflexion of the thought Where true hatred of sin is it will be universal vehement constant Act 4. The last Act of true Repentance is contained in the changing of the mind and it is resolution against sin and for better Obedience for the time to come Without such Resolutions the mâ—nd is not changed but continues the same and so long it is impossible that the soul should be setled Gods Favour regained and Peace obtained This changing of the mind St. Paul cals transforming or renewing of the mind Rom. 12. 2. A being renewed â—n the spirit of our minds Eph. 4. 23. It is called a coming to a mans self Luke 15. 17. When the Prodigal came to himself he said I will arise and go unto my Father When he came to himself there was the change of his mind till then he went on in his folly and madness of sin and upon this his change he resolves within himself and saith I will arise and go c. And until it cometh to this that a mans Will is let and bent against sin and for holiness that he would not do that which is evil and would do that which is good as St. Paul speaks Rom. 7. 19. Till it be thus there is no settlement no peace to be expected A man may know whether he hath entertained such resolutions or not in his heart by these discoveries Marks 1. By the sâ—mness and fixedness of his resolutions He is stedfast and unmoveable 1 Cor. 15. ult He that is thus resolved it is not an easie temptation that shall unsettle him He will break through all difficulties and go on notwithstanding any opposition whatsoever No Adversaries 1 Cor. 16. 9. Not a Lion in the way Prov. 22. 13. shall daunt him to turn him back Thus Joshua was resolved I and my House will serve the Lord. So David here in the Text I will hear what the Lord will speak 2. Where the mind is thus resolved there will be a cherishing of such resolutions A wicked man may somtimes have thoughts of leaving such or such a sin but finding that it will not consist with his profit or pleasure so to do such his thoughts are soon smothered and do quickly vanish But the truly penitent soul whose mind is changed and he resolved against sin and upon better obedience he will as Paul exhorts 1 Thes 5. 19. take heed how he quencheth the Spirit in him from which he knows such resolutions do proceed 3. He will be very watchful over his enemies For he knows that though while he continued in his Folly of sin they let him alone and did not trouble him Yet now having shkaen them off he shall not be so rid of them but that they will use all the means they can to regain him into their power The Devil will tempt the Flesh dispose and the World allure and therefore he knows he must stand upon his Guard continually and watch them and their wayes of assault lest he be again foyled by them 4. A man that is thus resolved there shall hardly a word thought or action pass from him without strict examination Did I not offend God in it in such a Company at such a time did I not neglect a fair opportunity of doing good of glorifying God Did I not give occasion of scandal to the weak Did I not seem to countenance such a sin c. Thus the truly penitent soul that is resolved against sin and for holiness will call his wayes to remembrance and will sift and winnow them that if he hath done evil he may be humbled for it and may walk more waâ—ily and circumspectly for the time to come 5. He will endeavour faithfully and speedily to put these his resolutions in exâ—cution and to derive them into act For he knows that all a mans purposes and resolutions they are but empty nothings without practise without fruitfulness The Moralist directs that upon just and irreconcileable distast between friends they should as it were unpick their love by a gentle withdrawing of their affections from each other We must not deal so by our beloved sins but must rend our affections from them and break off from them by righteousness Dan. 4. 21. 6. He that is thus resolved being sensible of his own weakness and how easily he is foyled and overthrown unless the Lord help him he directs his Prayer unto him with all earnestness beseeching him to work for him and in him by his good Spirit to support and uphold him by his Almighty power to enable him by his Grace to do and act according to his resolutions that for the time to come he may discover temptations resist sin and walk more holily before God 7. Lastly He is exceedingly grieved that he is no better that he can â—o no better that he is so weak and so easily prevailed over He is assured that his Will is rightly disposed to will is present with him but because he finds that notwithstanding the Spirit is willing yet the Flesh is weak and he hath no power in himself to do according as he will this makes him mourn and bewail his weak condition Means 2. The second Means for resetling and recovering the wounded Spirit and obtaining its peace is Faith in Christ Sin estrangeth from God By Faith we come unto him Heb. 11. 6. By sin our Souls are defiled By Faith they are purified Acts 15 9 By sin we provoke God By Faith we please him Heb. 11. 6. By sin we make God our Enemy By Faith we are at peace with him Rom. 5. 1. Yet it is not every kind of Faith that makes our peace with God A general assent unto whatsoever God hath revealed in his Word which is called an Historical Faith For a man to believe that the Word is the very Word of God and proceeded from him that Christ came into the world to save sinners that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish c. to