treasury of grace 2. Be well acquainted with the compass of the activity of Grace Eph. 5.17 what is expected from you in your capacity both in heart and life towards God and man and your own souls Tit. 2.12 the severall waies of duty and the exercises of grace in every relation condition Ps 119 calling time and place c. especially set the law and word of God as the rule of life and of the new creature before you that it may direct you seeking earnestly withall to God for his Holy spirit to guide you Ps 43.3 Rom. 8.14 and lead you according to his word into waies of holynesse and obedience which are well pleasing to him and in his sight 3. When you have sound out the will of God Math. 6.10 Exod. 20. 2 Cor. 5.14 2 Cor. 7.1 and the way of duty and the work of grace resigne your selves both soule and body and all that you are and have to God and to his pleasure considering his authority over you his love to you and his promises before you for acceptance reward and help and as soules devoted to his pleasure inflamed with his love and overpowred by his spirit apply your selves to the exercise of graces and the performance of duties without delaies demurres Psal 119. Ps 110.3 Gen. 17.1 Ps 119.6 Epp. 5.15 2 Pet. 1.5 1 Cor. 15. 1 Cor. 10.31 Gal. 6.16 Gal. 5.15 2 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.2 reluctancie exceptions reasonings most freely and readily most sincerely and faithfully most fully and unreservedly most exactly and accurately most diligently and industriously most reselvedly and constantly 4. In every undertaking remember the end Gods glory the rule Gods word the principle Gods Spirit the encouragement Gods promise the manner as unto God well pleasing and in a word the all in all Christ Jesus to direct and strengthen you Col. 170. Col. 1.28 Joh. 15.5 and to render perfect and acceptable to God both your person and performance in his own mediation and intercession without him you can do nothing 5. In the exercise of Grace these following are Especially to be intended though none neglected As 1. Pro. 17.3 The vitall and fundamentall graces towards God and Christ as knowledg faith love repentance Mal. 3.16 obedience c. Act and exercise your knowledg in holy and honourable Ps 1.2.3 right and reverentiall Rom. 4.20 1 Pe. 1.24 filial and fiduciall thoughts of God your faith on the truth of his being the greatnesse of his power the fulnesse of his blessednesse the treasures of his mercies the infinitenesse of his wisdome but especially his Grace in Christ with the freenesse fulnesse Joh. 14.1 Ps 23. firmenesse of his promises the extent power and tendernesse of his providence and so towards Christ Your Acts knowledg and Faith in thoughts on him Gal. 2.20 choice of him resignations to him dependance upon him Ps 84. Ps 37. Ps 40.8 Ps 73. Ps 77. Ps 19. Ps 31. Luk 15. Fsal 119. Lords â—rayer 1 Sam. 15. Luk. 22. Brov. 4.23 Act your love desiring his presence his blessings his honour and glory devoting your soules to him and delighting in him and in his service c. Act your repentance in Griefe for sin yea even of infirmitie and imperfection and that in your very graces Abhorrency of evill Humiliations in the sence of vilenesse and sinfulnesse renewed and that howerly Conversions to him Act your obedience in frequent subjections unto his will revealed in his word or works 2. Have a speciall heed to the Government of the severall powers and faculties of your soules Heb. 9.12 their Dispositions and their operations that all may be regular 1. In the sight of God the searcher of the heart Rom. 7. 2. According to the rule of the Word which commands not only the outward but the inward man 3. Within is the principle seat of all sanctifying grace and from thence gives it forth its commands and influences throughout the whole man It is an excellent subject and but little insisted on the government of the understanding conscience will memory affections c. their proper actings in a way of grace and duty For your help in this See Ball of Godlinesse something also there is to this purpose in Penner on Conscience and the Affections and as I take it in Reyners Rules think well upon it 4. Rom. 6.19 What if we adde to this the government of the sences and to them of the whole man and all the members 4. Look to the acting of those graces which are next to the vitall and fundamentall Graces or if you will Col. 1.10 Col. 2.6 the branches of them and attendants upon them that so you may abound 1. In every Grace 2. In the various actings of the same Grace 3. In the connexion of graces and 4ly Their actings in severall cases as Humility Meekness Patience Heavenliness Charity Selfe-deniall Hope c. Give all and every grace its place and order its time and season its life and power it 's measure and manner Cant. 2.14 Cant. 4.7 this makes a beauty spirituall and glorious in the Countenance of the Christian whether in the frame within or in the forme of the life and conversation without That within to the eye of God that without to the eye of God Angels and men 5. Eph. 9. Rom. 13. 1 Pet. 2.12 Titus 2.10 Next to this have a speciall respect to the proper Actings of the Graces in your relations publique or private these are your duties these will be your ornaments will set forth the Gospell and returne unto you a gracious entertainment through Christ with God as well as man 6. Act your graces in Common converses those particularly between man and man in dealing and trading 1 Pet. 2.12 1 Pro. 3 See Loves table of buying and trading buying and selling and all transactions few consider the extent of the second table with the obligation that it laies upon them and how straitly it s bound on by Christ and his Apostles in the new Testament as by Moses and the Prophets in the old 7. Mat. 0.0 Look to your selves and the actings of grace even in your lesser matters Rom. 13. as your eating drinking sleeping c. apparell recreation c. learn not only in these to do nothing sinfull but also to Act your Graces and to Glorify your God and to approve your selfe a Christian 6. 1 Cor. 10.31 Dir. Labor not only to preserve grace and exercise it but to grow in Grace and to Abound in it both for the habit of grace and for the exercise of grace by this you will more abundantly glorify God enrich your evidences encrease your comfort and greaten your reward 1 Cor. 15. 2 Pet. 3. Pro. 15. 2 Pet. 1. Isa 35. 1 Pet. 2.2 Pro. 1.18 For this you have promises in the Gospell advantages in the ordinances and helps from Christ there 's a fulnesse with
Crums of Bread FOR The DOVE in the Clefts of the Rock and the secret places of the Stairs Cant. 2.14 Or HELPS to MEDITATION On Conversion Mortification Sanctification the Christians daily walke Communion with God c. With Directions for profitable Reading the Scriptures and good practicall Books For a Friend By J. T. My Friend ACcording to your deserts and desires I here present to you some broken Thoughts directions remembrances references for the better improvement of your Solitudes and retirements for Meditation and Reading I have ranked them under severall heads given you but briefe hints leaving the enlargements to your own thoughts what more might be required you may supply from the Scriptures your Sermon-Notes and those good books to which I have referred you Each SECTION after that you have perused the whole affords you matter enough for one Solitary season at the least and when you have done with this you may have more as God gives opportunity I begin with the subject of Conversion Regeneration and the first work if it suit not your concition you may commend it to such as you love and know may need it I leave it with you as a token of my respects for you and your Spirituall concernments God give his blessing to it and if it any way help you in your Meditation and Reading I shall desire no more then your remembrances of me at the throne of Grace J. T. SECT I. Of Conversion Regeneration c. IT is to be presupposed in order to the improvement of the following Sections that as you have been under the meanes of Grace so you are indeed in a state of Grace if you are not Consider 1. That Conversion Regeneration Obs a state of Grace and interest in Christ by faith are of absolute necessity unto salvation The Scriptures do abundantly prove it Proof turne to read and take these few for a triall John 3.3 c. Heb. 12.14 Mat. 18.3 Joh. 3.16 c. All good Reason is for it 1. Reas Without an interest in Christ thou hast no title to salvation 2. Without regeneration thou hast no fitnesse for it And 3ly Eph. 2.12 Heb. 12.14 Pro. 3.3 Hab. 1.13 Without such termes God is resolved that he will not 4. His nature is such in Wisedome Holinesse and righteousnesse Appl. that he cannot give it resolve then for it and set about it speedily seriously and to the purpose sue and seek to God for the grace and apply thy selfe to the use of the meanes with hungrings and thirstings after righteousnesse with humility faith prayer and diligence Prov. 1.7 In order to it take these Directions Direct 1. Math. 16.26 Heb. 1.13 Rom. 10. Rom. 7. Joh. 5.28.29 Rom 3.23 Gal. 3.10 Eph. 2.1 2.3 Eph. 2.12 Pro. 15. 2 Cor. 5.18 1 Tim. 1.15 Rom. 3.25 Heb. 10.15 16 17. John 3.16 Mark 1.15 Consider Thou hast a precious and an immortall soule there is a God that is Holy Just and Good he hath given thee his Law and Gospell Heaven and Hell in endlesse eternity are before thee death and judgment hasten a pace a world of sin both of nature and of life may be charged upon thee the law is against thee the curse and wrath of God is over thee thou hast no hope nor helpe in thy selfe nor in all the creatures and without a Christ and Grace and a changed state thou wilt be undone for ever For thy encouragement to thy duty understand and believe That God is in a way of grace and mercy Christ Jesus came into the World to seek and save sinners as a surety and sacrifice he hath died satisfied Gods law and Justice established a Covenant of Grace and salvation on termes of faith repentance and new obedience Heb. 5.9 Prov. 12. makes the tenders of grace and reconciliation in the ministry of the Gospell to thee hath along time been calling upon thee 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20 21. Prov. 1.23 is still waiting woing and beseeching thee to accept of him and grace his spirit is ready to help thee there is nothing wanting but thy free and full consent Heb. 3.8.12.15 ô continue not as too long thou hast done already in a state of sinne and enmity unbeliefe and unregeneracy to the disappointments of Grace 2 Cor. 6.1 the abuse of the Gospell Heb. 2.3 Heb. 10.29 Mark 16.16 2 Thes 1.8 the griefe of the spirit the reproach of the blood of Christ and the remedilesse destruction and damnation of thine own soule Repent and believe the Gospell receive Christ and Grace apply thy selfe unto thy duty in faith repentance and new obedience and thou shalt not miscarry Pro. 3.16 Rom. 8.1 2 3. thy sinnes shall be pardoned thy person shall be justified thy nature shall be changed thy soule shall be saved John 3.36 2. Understand what is required of thee and expected from thee in the termes of the Gospell faith repentance and new obedience in short 't is thus John 17.3 Pro. 3.33 Rom. 10.10 11. Rom. 1.5 1. By faith thou art 1. To apprehend 2. To assent unto 3. To apply unto thy selfe and 4. To improve the discoveries made unto thee 1. Of sinne and wrath in the Law of God 2. Of Grace and mercy through Christ in the Gospell of Salvation 2. Lam. 3.40 By Repentance thou art 1. To search and find out the sinfulnesse in some good measure of thy nature and of thy life Rom. 7.13 2. Through the consideration of the sinfulnesse of sinne which is the greatest evill in it selfe as against God and the greatest good Eph. 2.2 3. the consideration of thy sad condition because of sin according to the Law of God the greatest judgment in this life and that to come Ezek 16.60 61. Jer. 3. and the consideration of the abundant grace and mercy set before thee in the good will of God to thy salvation 1. The death of Christ the blessings and promises of life and of salvation tendered to thee Ps 51. to Humble thy soule with griefe of heart and brokennesse of spirit Dâ—rt 9 3. To cast thy selfe at Gods feet before the throne of grace in free and full confession in earnest prayer and supplication for grace and mercy through Jesus Christ 4. Rom. 7. Ezck 33.11 Is 1.16 Ezek. 18.31 To set thine heart against all manner of sin whatsoever to hate it and abhorre it in the strength of God to resolve the utter destruction of it in thy nature the avoidance of it in thy life and Conversation Rom. 7. together with all the temptations and occasions that lead thee to sin from without and all the corrupt motions dispositions workings of it that are within according to the prohibitions in the word the convictions of the spirit and the checks of thy conscience and this both in thought word and deed 5. Thou must be sure to give proofe of all in the course of thy life and conversation Matth. 3.8
all to shame you from it if there be any thing of holy ingenuity to be found upon you at least what sin hath cost you in repentance and affliction and that you may farther suffer though Hell be not your finall portion Then call in by saith and prayer the help of God and all the vertues of the bloud of Christ maintaine your ground against its first assaults and you have more then overcome 13. If at any time it have surpriz'd you Ps 51. play an aftergame of Repentance recruit your strength improve your skill and strength and deliver your souls O lie not under it much lesse subject your selves unto it and renounce thereby as by an after-free and full consent your Soveraign and Saviour Jesus Christ 14. Watch the more against it and fortifie your selves for the time to come 15. When one corruption or temptation is over and disappointed conclude not your work is done there are innumerable more behind and while life lasteth there will be no end of this warfare 16. Roâ— 7.24 Be alwaies groaning under the invincible remainders of the body of death and long for your deliverance 17. Take heed of Apostacy and backsliding a sin not altogether unpardonable but dangerous Hos 14. and that may cost you dear e're you recover 18. Rom. 7.25 Give all the glory of your Conquests to Jesus Christ and to the power of grace 19. Enjoy the comfort of Believers that keep their ground and conquer Rom. 8.1 For 1. you are in a state of pardon and salvation 2. Rom. 7.20 No corruption of nature no transgression in your life is imputed to you to your particular condemnation when disowned resisted repented of and carried by saith to the bloud of Christ 3. The old dominion of Sin Rom. 6.14 once truly broken shall never be recovered you are not under the Law but under Grace 1 Tim. 4.8 4. Your particular Conflicts shall be rewarded if through Grace they proceed to Conquest Eph. 5.26 5. At length the body of Sin and Death shall be destroyed 1 Cor. 12 1â— 6. In the mean time the grace and strength of Christ is sufficient for you and when sought by faith humility and prayer 1 Cor. 15.50 c. it shall not be denyed 7. In Heaven there will be no sin no sorrow but perfect holinesse and purity with everlasting songs of Joy and Triumph Rev. 22.20 Therefore 20 pray believe and look and long for the comming of Christ even so come Lord Jesus come quickly Much of this was preached at Mary Arches on Rom. 6 6. Read more in Dr. Owen of Mortification Burroughes Evill of Sin Love of Mort. Morning Exercise at Giles and Crypplegate Ambrose Media Goodwins works c. Reyners rules c. SECT III. Of the Exercise of Grace Spirituall activity growth progresse and perseverance in sanctification and holy conversation WE have seen the Convert in his exercise and progresse of Mortification in the next place it is meet to consider him in his exercise progresse and perseverance in Sanctification and holy conversation For in that also the Word which is accordng to Godlinesse doth represent him to us See Gen. 17.1 Eph. 2.10 Eph. 4.20 21 22. c. Eph. 5.8 9. c. Phil. 1.27 2 Pet. 3. 1 Cor. 15. Rom. 2.7 Heb. 12.14 Rev. 22.14 and reason good Eph. 1.4 Titus 2.14 Eph. 2.10 Gal 5.15 Rem 8.1 1 Pet. 1. Rev. 22.14 c. Eph. 1.4 Heb. 8.10 Eph. 5.25 for to this he is elected redeemed called anew created and made partaker of the spirit of holinesse This is the evidence of his Justification the quality of his Adoption his way and walke towards the Kingdome and Salvation This is the designe of the methods of Grace towards him the covenant of Grace established with him the means of Grace bestowed upon him the word of grace without him the principle of grace within him Gal. 5.15 1 Pet. 1.14 Eph. 5.1 Rom. 6. 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Rom. 12.1 Heb. 12 10 Gal. 4.19 2 Cor. 5.14 2 Cor. 6.17 Ps 119. 1 Joh. 3.3 1 Joh. 1.5 6. This the Relations whereinto he is entred the Profession he hath made the sacraments of which he hath been partaker the mercies he hath received the miseries that he hath felt the pangs of the new Birth which he hath past through the tokens of Divine Love vouchsafed the separation of his soule from Sin and Sinners the dedication of his person and all to God and Godlinesse the hopes and promises of everlasting life and blessednesse the tenor of the Gospell all his priviledges and particularly his union and communion with Jesus Christ by faith do call for all at his hands Is 6.3 Besides Holinesse is no lesse lovely then necessary It is in its originall the glory and perfection of all the Divine Attributes essentiall in each person of the holy Trinity Father Son and Holy Ghost the Character of the name Gen. 1. Eph. 4. Psal 15. Rev. 21. 2 Cor. 1.12 1 Joh. 4. 1 Joh. 1. begin Is 56. nature will word and works of God the beauty of mans first Creation the intention of the second the delight of God the state of Heaven Adde the blessed fruits effects and comforts of it are no lesse desireable as the evidence of the love of God the grace of Christ and the communion of the holy Ghost How doth it fit us through Christ for accesse to God converses with him Ps 50. uâ—â— c. Joh. 14.21 Rev. 2. more abundant tokens and testimonies of love and favour from him the peace of conscience the joy in the holy Ghost and the foretasts of blessednesse and glory that do attend it who is able to expresse them but we may not enlarge in such discourses on it It is to be supposed that our Regenerate person is abundantly convinced of its necessity Ps 110.3 Cant. 1.4 and that he hath felt its powers and tasted its sweetnesses and been attracted by its beauties and is resolved for its exercises here and full enjoyments hereafter and needs only some directions for it Accordingly these that follow may be improved in generall and in particular 1 Get the Habit of Grace and Sanctification infused in regeneration 1 Pet. 2.2 Ps 42. 84. 63. the new creature to be fed nourished and preserved by the use and blessing of God on the use of the meanes of grace by removing out of the heart whatsoever might afflict or hinder it weaken it or disturb it 1 Pet. 2. Math. 13. Rev. 12. much more what hath immediate tendency to murther it and destroy it and that is Sin the World and Sathan Adde faith and earnest prayer to the God of all grace for the renewed influences of the spirit of grace Ps 119. the accomplishment of the promises in the covenant of Grace Is 35. Ezek. 36.26 Joh. 1.18 and a liberall communication from Christ Jesus the fulness and
him you have interest in him you may apply your selves to him and there need no question but you shall receive abundantly from him only you must enlarge your desires and heighten your faith and use the means châ—rishing the spirit weeding out corruptions and exercising your graces Be much in prayer Mat. 25. put in suit the promises beg for influences take heed of pride and be humble take heed of worldly mindednesse and be heavenly Phil. 3.20 be not careless in duties but servent in spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12. Converse much with the Scripture warme and enlarge your hearts with the sence of the love of God and Christ 2 Cor. 5. Rom. 5.5 Heb. 11. lock often towards the promised reward keep in your eye the examples of the best Christians Heb. 12.1.2 but especially Christ Jesus as your great example rest not in measures Phil. 3.10 intend towards perfection and the state of the resurrection from the dead Neglect the improvement of no grace Jude 20.21 but especially lay out in vitall graces and for others be most carefull for the most needfull in your capacity and condition the like where you are most weak Be nothing in your selves be all in Christ Rev. 3.2 Phil. 4.13 This is the way to encrease it in the habit only further know Eph. 1.21.22 that as grace abounds in the heart so it need to do in the life 1. In the frequent actings of the same graces Eph. 4.7 as they are required 2. In the diverse actings of severall graces as the case may command it Col. 1.10 And in the lively and vigorous actings of all You have a reward enough to encourage all 1 Cor. 15. you have waies enough to put forth all you shall have grace of influence to furnish all Heb. 13.20 21. â— Thes 1.11 12. you have ingagements enough from the love of God the grace of Christ the gift of the spirit the promises of the Gospell the priveledges of Grace the hopes of glory to provoke to all Such things considered and such meanes used will also serve to keep up your hearts in a lively frame of spirit and readinesse for duty and service this will quicken you when dull enlarge when straitned and set all the wheeles of your soules on going Lastly Look to your standing and perseverance 1 Thes 3.8 Pro. â—ep Heb. 6. Rev. 2. Heb. 10. Ps 51. Apostacies are dangerous some are desperate the least is too bad though you loose not your crown yet loose not your comfort your communion with God your evidences your earnests no nor your graces themselves Ps 51.29 thougst in the least degrees you may loose your Jewels though not your crown and the sparks of diamonds the shings of gold and the minute degrees of grace are too precious to be lost Therefore reglect not the meanes Rev. 3.1 takâ— heâ—a of omissions watch against your temptation sit 〈◊〉 loose from Christ abate not in your exercise here withall remember that you stand not by your own strength Rom. 11. 1 Pet. 1.25 3 4 5. but by the love of the father the blood of the 〈◊〉 the power of the spirit and the performance of the promise For this reflect on Sâ—rmons of regeneration John 3. at Petrocks Walking in the lighâ— at Mary-Moores on Joh. 12.35 and on Phil. 3 2. last v. and Noahs walking with God on Gen. 6 at Mary Arches c. you may find much more in Ball of Godliness Love of grace Burges his Spirituall refinings Burroughs gracious spirit Burroughs Conversation becoming the Gospell and his Heavenly Conversation Bolton's Walking with God T. Taylor circumspect walking and Bishop Taylors Holy living Gouge Of Relative duties whole duty of man Ambrose Media Goodwins growth in grace c. Cripplegate Exercise Reyner Henner Reynolds life of God SECT IV. Of the Christians daily walk EVery day hath its duty in Common and ordinary Heb. 3. and some daies in extraordinary actings of grace and performance of duty to the Glorifying of God and to the working out of our salvation for this take and practise these directions following the word be your rule the spirit be your guide and Christ Jesus be your strength 1. Psal 5.3 In the Morning when you awake lift up your heart to God be thankfull for the mercies of the night desire the guidance grace mercy and providence for the day send up some Holy Ejaculations Consider what may be most likely the duty and temptation of the day set your spirituall watch ingage your hearts with God and warme it with the thoughts of his love and the hopes of his kingdome 2. Psal 1.2 Season your hearts with some portion of his word read first what may next come to your hands proceed then in your ordinary course for your morning reading of the Scriptures work what you have read upon your heart Ps 5.3 by serious meditation and then address your selfe to God as you have place and opportunity in solemne prayer from thence in fit season ere the occasions of the world fall in discharge the duties in your family 3. Rom. 12.11 Eph. 6.7 Apply your selfe with diligence to the duty of your Calling in the fear of God with a good Conscience depending on his presence favour and blessing 4. Keep upon your hearts Gen. 17.1 the sence of the eye of God that sees all the ear of God that heares all and the hand of God that records all especially the word of God that is to rule all and his providence to blesse all do nothing that may displease him do every thing according to his will and to his glory 5. In temporall employments and secular occasions act spirituall graces mind eternity your spirituall concernments Phil. 3.20 send frequent holy ejaculations towards Heaven and so maintaine Communion with God throughout the day and in the midst of your employments 6. Watch against the temptations of the day the occasions to sin and the first motions and stirrings of corruptions and those either rooted in thy disposition 1 Pet. 5.8 1 Pet. 2.11 or occasioned in thy calling 1 Pet. 5.8 2.11 Take heed of sinning 7. Take not only care of sinning but be found as occasion is offered in all well-doing Is 1.16 Tit. 2.12 Mica 6.8 Adorne the Gospell and approve thy self a Christian by acts of Righteousness Justice and Equity in all thy dealings and withall of mercy and charity as it lies before thee 8. Take care of thy words let none be profane Math. 12.36.37 1 Pet. 3.10 sinfull frothy uncharitable but true and seasoned with grace administring grace to the hearers use not too many words in buying and selling hear few stories that little concern you and tell less Think before you speak remember there is an account to be made of words by these also thou shalt be justified Math. 12.37 and by them thou mayest be condemned
sue out Mortifying influences from the death of Christ 5. Let faith set thee in the way wherein those virtues are to be experienced as before in the Section of Mortification 6 Let faith consider the guilt removed the dominion broken Heb. 12.14 2 Cor. 3.5 the power restrained the rest not imputed where not allowed strength against sin vouchsafed and in conclusion the destruction of it 3. Gal. 3.13 14. Let faith for perfect sanctification 1. Affect thine heart with the consideration of the necessity Eph. 2.5 excellency and beauty of it Rom. 6.4.5 2. With the sence of thine own in sufficiency for the acting continuing evereasing of it Eph. 4.7.8 Eph. 1.22.23 3. Act faith on Christ 1. Let faith look upon Christ in his word prescribing in his life directions in his death procuting whatever might be needfull for it Gal. 3.13 14. Eph. 2.5 Rom. 6.4 5 Eph. 4.7 8 Eph. 1.22.23 1 Cor. 1.30 in his resurrection arising as your head to quicken your soules to newnesse of life in Heaven possessing all gifts and graces and having the fulnesse of the spirit with power to dispence it 2. Apply it 3. Assent unto it 4. Make it your choice 5. Sue it out by Prayer 6. Look up to him by faith for virtue 7. In the expectation of his influences apply your selves unto the exercising of your graces 4. Live the life of faith in Temptations 1. Let faith look upon Christ as having been tempted though without sin and knowing how to compassionate 2. Heb. 2.18 Look on Christ in his death taking away the foundation of your temptations Heb. 2.14 and breaking the serpents head purchasing your redemption from his dominion though not disturbance establishing the promises for your reliefe Gen. 3.15 In Heaven look on him as interceding for you and exalted in power to help you Phil. 2.9 2. Apply it 3. Assent to it 4. 2 Cor. 12.8 Rest upon it 5. Eph. 6.12 13 c. Sue out the virtues of Christ by Prayer 6. In his strength resist your temptation in the way of his direction and putting on the spirituall armour using it in its place and season 7. So doing doubt nothing of your acceptance assistance deliverance Rom. 16.20 reward and triumphs 5. For Worldly troubles do the like 1. John 16.33 1 Joh. 5.4 Gal. 1.4 Let faith see Christ in his death removing the evill which is the sting of trouble as the guilt of sinne the curse of the law and the wrath of God procuring the graces and comforts in the promises providence and spirit of God Eph. 1.19 20 21 22. in his resurrection and ascension look upon him above all trouble as your head assuring you of conformity to him in his exaltation hereafter Hos 6. beg as you have with him in his humiliation here To this ad the comforts from the same 1 Cor. 15.55 Heb. 2.14 Is 26.19 Zach. 1.12 Phil. 2.9 Is 54.5 1 Pet. 1.5 in Christ against death and the terrors of it mutatis mutandis the like for the Church of God in her distresses Follow it to his intercession and his government of the world by his power and providence having a care of his spouse in all troubles intending only probation Ps 73.23 Ps 28. ult Gal. 6.14 c. at most correction not at all destruction 2. Let faith Apply this and the like 3. Assent 4. Rely 5. Performe the duties of such conditions 6. Confidently from Christ expect acceptance assistance and deliverance 6. Live the life of faith for eternall life 1. G. l. 3.13 Look on Christ in his state of Humiliation as removing the hindrances sinne law curse and wrath death and Hell 1. Purchasing the title and all advantages Heb. 9.15 establishing the covenants and all the conveyances in his exaltation advancing towards it entering into it Joh. 14.1 Heb. 6.18 Col. 3.1 and taking possession of it not only for himselfe but for all believers as their forerunner keeping it for them appointing their mansions securing their title Gal. 4.4 and taking order for their Adoption qualification preservation Joh. 17.24 Rev. 22.20 Heb. 11.1 Heb. 10.34 comfort here and at last their assumption that according to his desire Prayer and promise they may be for ever with him c. 2. Let faith apply it 3. Assent unto it 4. Rely upon it And 5. Carry out to duty and waies of Holinesse And 6. 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5 6 7 8 Resolvedly passe through your trials difficulties dangers and deaths according to the will of God Committing your soules unto him nothing doubting but in the end you shall receive the end of the faith 2 Cor. 4. ult 2 Cor. 5.1 c. the salvation of your soules 7. Live much upon it and the fore-thoughts of it it is Glorious it is yours it is certaine it is safe it will be Eternall Christ hath procured it Christ doth possesse it 2 Cor. 5.5 Eph. 1.14 Phil. 1.23 the promises assure it the sacrament seale it the spirit is the earnest your graces are the evidences for it and all your dangers and deaths do but prepare you for it or enter you into it 7. Live the life of faith on Christ Jesus for faith it selfe Heb. 12.2 2 Thes 1.14 take his directions follow his example bottom on his his undertaking depend upon his fulnesse yeild to his methods and expect his influences This life of faith is necessary comfortable sure practicable influentiall honourable Study it use it and for further directions I commend you besides your own meditations and sermon notes on Gal. 2.20 or other Scriptures to the reading of these Books Balls Life of faith Lawrence life of faith Cuiverwell Life of faith Ward life of faith Ambrose his Middle things about the life of faith Psal 9.10 More particularly acquaint your selves with the Attributes of God the offices of Christ the relations wherein he standeth his severall states of Humiliation and exaltation 1 Cor. 2.3 with the intentions of all and their improvements for this I referre you to Sermons on Gods Attributes and providence and to good Books as Preston Of Gods Attributes and particularly his All-sufficiency Stocke Of Gods Attributes Wilkins on Providence Gearing of Providence Obad. Sedgwick on Psal 23. and Providence Dike on Gods Name c. and for that of Christ to T. Goodwins Works Especially Christ exalted as the object of Faith Study it throughly with the peece of Christs heart in heaven c. Ambrose his looking unto Jesus Robinsons Similitudes your Sermon Notes on Christ c. the Lectures on the four Evangelists in harmony on Christ 2 Sam. 23.5 Study likewise in order to this life of faith the Covenant of Grace the nature of it the contents of it the foundation of it in the blood of Christ Heb. 9.15 16 17. the confirmation by the oath of God and by sacraments the severall