mens bare wordes or actions without their intent and meaning wresting or any way peruerting them as the false witnesses against our Sauiour Iewes against Stephen 9. Bearing false witnesse or accusing falsely as Haman against the Iewes Amazia against Amos as also the accusations Amo 7. 10 against our Sauiour Ieremie Paul 10. Lying which is very falshood in word or deede with purpose to deceiue This is a principall sinne of Sathan Ioh. 8. 44. who was a lier from the beginning and the father thereof 11. Vniust or rash arbitrement or giuing iudgement as the Elders against Naboth 12. Malicious accusations not of any conscience to God or for amendment of the partie or good of others but of spite as Doeg 13. Betraying others or their cause craftily vnder pretence of friendshippe or otherwise as the Herodians intended and Iudas delt with our Sauiour 14. Bewraying the secret or infirmitie of our neighbour to his discredit which wee might well haue concealed Mat. 18. 15. 15. Lightly beleeuing flying tales or suspitions Psa. 15. 3. against our brother as Saul against Dauid and the Priestes much more spreading them or adding to them 16. Flattering as Corah and his company did the people and as Absolon or the false Prophets crying peace which is to lay nets for men and to be huntsmen for Sathan 10. Com. Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house wherein the Lord requires our very hearts to be vpright towards our neighbour Here we must examine our hearts how we grow 1. In intertaining only holy thoughts purposes and affections for the good of all men 1. Th. 5. 23 2. In suppressing euill thoughts and motions Zach. 7. 10. that we may neuer giue any consent Rō 7. 7. 20 23. 24. nor take the least delight in thē but labour to the vtter burying of all concupiscence vntill we be perfect in the heauens The glasse of the Gospell or the examination of our faith according to the Articles of faith which containe the summe of the Gospell Rules 1. THe measure of our faith is according to the measure of the power therof in comfort and sanctification 1. Cor. 4. 20 issuing from euery article 2. Tim. 3. 5. except in the time of temptation 2. Cor. 1. 22 2. All the benefits contayned in the articles of faith 2. Cor. 1. 20 are ours in through Christ onely when he is ours 3. Let vs proue our selues therefore whether we are in the faith let vs examine our selues 2. Cor. 1 3. 5 knowe wee not our owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in vs except we be reprobates 4. And if Christ be in vs Rom. ◠10. the body is dead because of sinne but the spirit is life for righteousnesse sake 5. For the Kingdome of God is not in word but in power 1. Cor. 4. 20 6. We must therefore shew our faith out of our workes for as the bodye without the spirit is dead euen so faith without works is dead I am 2. 18. 20. 26. 1. Article I beleeue in God 1. This is my faith that though by nature thorough Adam I the whole Church are Apostates from God Eph. 2. 13. and enemies to him his law yet by grace thorough the secōd Adam Iesus Christ God is our God and we his people reconciled vnto him Heb. 8. 3. to serue him in newnesse of life all our dayes Luk. 1. 74 75. 2. This is my comfort hereof that God is my God and hath sealed mee for himselfe Ioh. 20. 28. 29. and therefore I am most blessed being in such a case Psal. 144. 15. 3. This giues mee further assurance that this my faith is sound because together with this comfort he hath giuē me since I beleeued in his name a heart desirous to depart from all iniquity 2. Tim. 2. 29. Father 1. This is my faith Gal. 3. 22. 26. that though I was a child of wrath yet by grace in Christ I am the child of God Ier. 4. 19. and God my louing father 2. This comfort I receiue hereof that I being thus his child shall lacke nothing because my heauenly father doth tender me much more Mal. 3. 17. then any earthly father his child Esay 46. 15. 16. 3. This is my assurance that my faith herein is sincere Mal. 1. 6. because together with this comfort Mat. 12. 50. I feele my selfe affectioned to reuerence Gal. 4. 5. 6. loue and obey him as my most deare father and am inabled by his spirit to runne to him with boldnesse in al my wants crying Abba oh my father Rom. 8. 15. Almighty This is my faith that though I be weake and vnable to resist my enimies bodilie or spirituall no way able to helpe or prouide for my selfe yet my heauenly father is of all maiesty and power Mat. 8. 2. guiding continually men Angells Psa. 23. 4. deuils and all creatures to serue for his owne glory and the good of his children 2. This comfort I receiue hereof that he doth will continually make all things worke togither for the best vnto mee Rom. 8. 28. not only the holy meanes appointed thereunto 1. Cor. 3. 20 21. 22. but also myne afflictions Acts. 4. 28. yea my greatest enimies Sinnes and Sathan himselfe vntill I be perfected in the Heauens Gen. 50. 20. 3. This also doth further assure mee that he thus works for mee because he hath first shewed the same mighty power quickning and raysing mee vp from the death of sin Eph. 1. 19. 20. which he shewed in raysing my Sauiour from the graue and secondlie for that I haue sensibly felte all things thus working togither for my saluation Maker of heauen and earth 1. This is my faith that though thorow Adam I had lost the right both of heauen and earth and of euery creature so as I could haue no comfort in the vse of thē but terror as an vsurper being cast forth off the earthly paradice Gen. 3. 24. lest as an heire of the curse yet thorough my Sauiour the second Adam Rom. 5. 17. 18. since I truely beleued in him I am restored to a farre better estate Heb. 1. 2. being made in him a right heyre of all Rom. 8. 17. neuer to be cast forth off my inheritance any more 2. This comfort I receiue hereof that heauen is mine and all the ioyes thereof Eph. 2. 6. and that I am set already in the heauēly places in Christ my head who reserues the full fruition for mee And secondly that all the creatures in heauen and in earth bee they good or bad Iob. 5. 23. are at a league with mee 1. Cor 3. 21. 22. 23. to helpe for my good so far as may stand with his glory my saluation and the good of his Church Hos. 2. 18. 3. This is also my assurance that my faith is sincere herein because that
19. let vs importune the Lord after the same manner Rom. 8. 26 and we shall obtaine the graces Dan. 6. 10. for such a begging is the grace wee craue Exo. 29. 38. 39. In 1. Acceptance 2. Beginning or first fruites 3. Pledge of perfection 5. Our begging must be by solemne prayer vpon our knees Psa. 25. 1. 123. 1. 2. 3. morning and euening at least 1. Thes. 5. 17. with giuing speciall thankes for that measure of grace we haue attained vnto and by the earnest lifting vp of our hearts continually 6. We must beware that we neither trust so much to our praiers Mat. 4. 7. as to cause vs to neglect any other meanes ordained of God for whatsoeuer we desire but that we vse them all still more conscionably especially the principall Psal. 127. 1. 2. as the word preached and all other in order neyther that wee trust so much to the other meanes as to neglect prayer 7. So many sinnes as we haue ouercome of conscience and loue to God or graces as we haue thus attained to or can pray earnestly for Gal. 5. 22. 23. 24. so many liuely euidences we haue of the sanctifying spirit of God Rom. 6. 5. and of our sound regeneration so long as we lye not in any one knowne sin and as wee growe herein Rom. 6. 12. 14. so grow we in assurance before God 8. In all these God accepts our indeuour to obey as perfect obedience so that it be totall in euery part Neh. 1. 11. viz. in our minde Mat. 17. 20. conscience will and affections Act. 11. 23. and also earnest to do what we can without hypocrisie Esa. 42. 3. as he did Abrahams resolution to offer Isaack Gen. 22. 16 17. and as the kind father accepts the indeauour of the child Mal. 3. 17. or as it is in almes 2. Cor. 8. 12 where a man is accepted according to that which he hath 1. Ion. Iam. 4. 3 and not according to that which he hath not so that there be first a willing minde Mat. 5. 6. so is it in all graces if there bee a strife with hungring after more vntill we come to a perfect man Eph. 4. 13. 14. euen the measure of the age of the fulnesse of Christ. 9. Gods grace is sufficient for vs. To 1. Supply that which is wanting 2. Forgiue that which is coÌ„mitted 3. Impute Christs obedience 2. Cor. 12. 9. 4. Support our weaknesse 5. Restore and raise vs vp being fallen 10 Gods power is made perfect 2. Cor. 12. 9 or manifest thorough our weakenesse that God may bee glorified and wee humbled continually that hee that reioyceth may reioyce in the Lord. 1. Cor. 1. 31. 11. In greater measure of graces as we get more assurance so we must returne more thankefulnesse become more humbled watching against pride 1. Thes. 5. 18. for feare of the messenger of Sathan to buffet vs for pride springs vp 2. Cor. 12. 7 when all other sinnes dye 12 In lesse measure we are to mourne after an increase by the carefull vse of all the meanes Mat. 5. 6. for more assurance and comfort 1. Thes. 4. 1. 10. least wee deceiue both our owne selues others hauing nothing but a shew being as the foolish Virgins and as the barren Fig-tree Math. 25. 2. 3. Luc. 13. 7. The Glasse of the Law or Map of the narrow way of life thorow euery commandement whereby we beholding our owne naturall misery may be driuen dayly to put on Christ and considering our wayes may turne our feete to the testimonies of the Lord. IN all this view we must euer remember to be thankfull for euery grace receiued mourne for euery sinne committed looking at Christ crucified begging pardon thorow him and the imputation of his obedience In all wants we are to intreat an increase of strength and grace thorow him Pro. 4. 18 by lifting vp our hearts vntill we attaine to perfection Eph. 4. 13 14. obseruing how we grow in grace dayly and in subduing of euery sin 2. Pet. 3. 17. This is the way walke in it Esa. 30. 21. Lord open thou mine eyes that I may see the wonders of thy law Psa. 119. 18. 1. Commaundement Thou shalt haue no other Gods before me Which inioynes vs to haue Iehoua onely for our God and commands the parts of his inward worship Here we are to examine how we walke foreward more cherfully in these principal duties which are the very entrances to all true godlinesse 1. Knowledge of God Pro. 6. 22. 23. and of his will reuealed in his word which is a principal part of the image of god Col. 1. 10. 3. 10. wherof we may glory Phi. 1. 9. 10 without which we must needes perish Ier. 9. 23. 24. being vnable to go one steppe towards the Kingdome of heauen Hos. 4. 6. 2. Faith Whereby we beleeue God to be our God withal euery part of his word so as we feele the power of it in our hearts as of 1. Commaundements to obey them readily as Noah and Abraham 2. Iudgements and threats to terrifie vs from sin as the Niniuites 3. Promises to comfort vs incourage vs to go on more cheerefully in godlinesse Heb. 11. 2. 6 as Abraham al the fathers who receiued good report hereby Without this it is impossible to please God Rom. 14. 23. 3. Confidence in Gods prouidence to be able to cast our burden onely vpon God Psa. 55. 22. reioycing in him alwayes Phil. 4 4. that he is our God Psa. 3. 6. full of Christian courage as Dauid Nehemiah Daniel Neh. 6. 10 Dan. 6. 10. 4 Patience with cheerefulnesse in the middest of all our trialls euen then when God seemerh to haue forgotten vs Rom. 8. 28. or to frowne vpon vs Gen. 50. 20 hauing our eye still at him and howe he disposeth all for our comfort in the ende thus wayting for the happye issue Iob 13. 15. saying with Iob Heb. 13. 5. though hee kill mee I will trust in him and â—â—prooue my wayes in his sight knowing assuredly that he cannot forsake faile or forget vs. 5. Loue of his Maiesty because of his goodnesse louing feruently all his commaundements ordinances and seruants with whatsoeuer he loueth that for his cause onely zealous therein to promote his honour hating that which he hateth with a vehement indignation as our Sauiour and Dauid Psal. 69. 9. 17. 6. Child-like-feare liuing alwayes as in Gods presence Psal. 16. 8. labouring to approue our hearts vnto him Gen. 5. 24. thus walking with him as Enoch vntill he take vs hence not fearing the faces of men but as the three children and Nehemiah Nehem. 6. 10. 11. 12. 13 14. Dan. 3. 17. 18. 7. Humility because of his excellency and our vildnesse his holinesse and our sinfulnesse 1. Pet.
Ioh. 5. 11 12. and withall he hath giuen me a heart to heare his voyce with delight Iohn 10. 27. 28. so that I shall neuer perish yea my faith herein is such that I account all things but losse and dung in respect of Christ Iesus my Sauiour Phil. 3. 9. and al the troubles of this life Rom. 8. 18. not worthie the glorie Phil. 3. 13. 14. that shall bee then reuealed vnto me so striue hard forward towards this marke labouring alwaies to keep a good coÌ„science both toward God man Luk. 20. 35 that I may euer be prepared for the ful fruitioÌ„ hereof couÌ„ted worthy to enter through the gates into the Citie Apoc. 22. 14. This is the victory that ouercommeth the worlde euen our faith 1. Ioh. 5. 4. Be thou faithful vnto the death and I will giue thee the crowne of life Apoc. 2. 10. Here is the patience of Saintes here are they which keep the commandements of God and the faith of Iesus Apoc. 14. 12. I haue sworne and will performe it that I will keepe thy righteous iudgements alway Psal. 119. 160. Then shall I not be confounded when I haue respect to all thy commaundements Psal. 119. 6. Lorde increase my faith Luke 17. 5. Mar. 9. 24. The benefits of this practise of examination to incourage vs vnto it sith it is wearisome and vnpleasant to flesh and bloud 1. Performing it aright wee shall avoid al hardnesse of heart luke warmnesse Ps. 119. 6. 80. 101. 104. sleeping in any sin and preuent an euill conscience with many other punishments of sinne Lam. 3. 39. 40. and withall we shal be able to recouer our selues forth with out of euery grosse sinne and from Sathans power yea euen from the gulph of deepest dispayre Psalme 32. 4. 5. 2. We shall dayly be putting off the old man and putting on the newe strippe vs off the ragges of our sinnes and put on our wedding garment Eph. 4. 21. 22. 23. 24. to make vs still more glorious in the eies of our bridegrome yea we shall caste away the workes of darkenesse and put vpon vs the armor of light Rom. 13. 12. 3. Being thus armed wee shall be so inabled to watch continually Eph. 6. 11. 22. 13. 14. 15. c. and defend ourselues against Sathan Mat. 4. 11. and all his power that he shall neuer giue vs any deadly wounds Iam. 4. 7. but we shall put him to flight RoÌ„ 16. 20. and in time trample him vtterly vnder our feet 4. We shal be able to see the good way and wherein the perfection of a Christian consists Pro. 2. 9. with his true glorie and felicity in this life Psa. 1. 1. 2 and to reioyce in them that are such 1. Ioh. 1. 1 2. 4. and withall to behold the feareful state of the world Ps. 119. 136 to mourne for it with iust Lot 2 Pet. 2. 7. 8 so to iudge aright betweene the godly and the wicked Luk. 19. 41. 42. and specially to iudge for our owne estate Phi. 1. 9. 10 5. We shall be fitted in some measure according to our place and calling as wee are Christians to teach conuince admonish reproue exhort and comfort both our selues and others 6. We shall be inabled to pray for our selues and others Rom. 15. 14. with the whole Church of God 1. Thes. 5. 11. 24. according to our seuerall necessities Ioh. 15. 7. 1 and after the will of God in faith 1. Ioh. 5. 14 â—â— 3. 22. and withall to make a most sound confession of our sinnes generall or particular with feeling and so most seweet thankesgiuing for all mercies with a like comfortable profession of our faith 7. We shall so grow in Christ and repayre his image as by beholding obseruing our selues 2. Pet. 1. 10. 11. we shall get most strong consolation 1. The. 1. 3. 4. 5. that wee are true branches of that holy vine liuely meÌ„bers of Christs body Iohn 15. 1. 2. 7. 8. the very sheepe of his fold to stand at his right hand and hence most certaine assurance of eternall life sealed vnto vs by his holy Spirit 1. Tim. 4. 8. hauing in the meane time all the promises of this life 1. Cor. 3. 21. 22. 23. and that to come all being ours and for vs. 8. Seeing our growth in grace perceiuing what sinnes wee haue ouercome Rom. 5. 10. and what graces we haue obtained Gal 3. 3. we shal be incouraged to striue forward to perfection Heb. 10. 32. 33. vntill wee obtaine the ende of our strife 2. Tim. 4. 7. 8. the crowne of glory Apoc. 2. 9. 10. 9. Wee shall shine as starres in the world Phil. 2. 15. to the greater glory of our god the comfort and good ensample of Gods seruants 1. Pet. 2. 12. 15. the conuersion of the wicked or stopping their mouthes and leauing them more without excuse 10. We shall increase the brightnesse of our glorie in heauen Dan. 12. 3. as wee haue more glorified God in the earth Rom 2. 6. 7 for the practise of this examination in the course of our life Mat. 19. 28. 29. is a spirituall sowing 2. Cor. 9. 6. whereof wee shall in due time reape a plentifull haruest if wee faile not Gal. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Wee shall be sure to gette and keepe a good conscience wherof such peace boldnesse securitie and heauenly ioy will follow in vs Pro. 15. 15. as passeth all vnderstanding Rom. 5. 3. 2. 3. and no carnall man can possibly feele Phil. 4. 7. but onely those for whome the kingdome is prepared 2. Cor. 1. 12 because it is the beginning of it in this world Ro. 14. 17. 12. Briefly which is the summe of all we shall get this assurance that Iesus Christ is our Sauiour anointed for vs our King Priest Prophet hauing made vs also Kings and priests Apo. 1. 6. to our God for euermore 1. Pet. 2. 9. Some necessary questions appertayning hereunto 1. Of senselesnesse in sinne Quest. Can any man liuing without feeling of his sinne and misery by it or of his spirituall pouerty haue any sound hope of his saluation by Christ Ans. No. Christ is a phisition onely to them that are sicke Luk. 4. 18. a deliuerer to them who feele themselues in prison Esa. 61. 1. calls them only that trauell Mat. 11. 29 30. and are ready to faint vnder the burthen of their sinnes Of obstinacy in sinne Q. Can any who continue stubbornely in any one sinne not submitting themselues to bee ruled by the word of Christ and his ministers in all things hope for eternall life by Christ or the fauour of God A. No Mat. 16. 24. 25. they that come to Christ must followe him forsaking themselues Luk. 9. 23. taking vp their crosse dayly