with us in every good worke and dutie though on our part in great weaknesse and infirmitie as well in abstaining from evill as performing of that which is good is no small injury to God as vvho hereby hides his manifold benefits bestowed upon us and thus either in censuring the dispensation of his grace because it is not according to our wishes or according to our sense and feeling or as we have received of his Majestie in times past or as others receive or not acknowledging the same with thanksgiving How dangerous it is for us rashly to condemne our selves Thus I say to judge our selves as it is dangerous So is it no lesse unprofitable neither furthers it our Spirit in progresse to Life eternall nor doth it provoke the good Spirit of God to help us since his Majestie getteth such an evill reward at our hand nor get we hereby our consciences pacified either yet obtaine our hearts desire It were best then as is manifest by the light of the Word and I have found by experience deare bought to let our soules keepe silence to God and to thank his Majestie every day for the least measure of grace Note for indeed the least blast of the winde of the Spirit is not onely miraculous and above deserving but also above the highest measure of thanksgiving either in this world or in the world to come Let then murmuring depart and thanksgiving keepe her roome whereby we shall obtaine as greater peace of conscience so greater encrease of grace to Gods both approbation and acceptation Againe What we are to doe when the Conscience doth justly accuse us for crimes committed if after triall the conscience doth justly accuse us in such and such points of blemishes inwardly and outwardly unknowne to any in ward unknowne either to Angels or Devils outward unperceived even by the most judicious Spirits for of grosse sinnes or such others as holy men of God would judge worthy of censure I doe not now speake wee are in no wayes to flatter or justifie our selves In these blacks and blemishes I would counsell thee poore soule not to flatter thy selfe but deeply to accuse thy selfe with great remorse Thus censuring thy selfe thus repenting for the sinnes of the day past yea the sinnes of thy best holiest and most zealous actions thou shalt goe to bed with the voice of joy and gladnes of praises and thanksgivings After that thou hast felt and uttered that which Ieremy speaks Ier. 3.22 It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions faile not They are new every morning thou liest downe with an assurance of pardon thou liest downe as it were without sinne as who both grievest for thy sinnes committed and resolvest to lead a new life Hast thou performed this Psal 127.2 joyfull will thy nights rest be unto thee God giving his beloved sleepe They certainly that have tasted this and of this wil say Amen to it But this tryall is yet to be abridged into a narrower roome An exact and compendious forme of selfe examination Ere the evening come we may not onely forget the dayes wandrings as in like manner the good influences of Gods goodnesse towards us but also wee may be many times hinder'd from this great necessary profitable and commendable triall what by our selves through sleepines and what by others it being likewise a maine policie of Sathan to make us put the same off from one time to another whence it commeth to passe that the worke becommeth more difficult this dongue requiring to be swept out every day and we unable to remember two or three dayes wandrings It is then most requisite for the good both of soule and body for the obtaining of that precious jewell tranquillitie of mind for the weakning and overthrow of the Divels forces to turne dayes into houres as houres into minutes If in praying reading conferring Meditation hearing of Gods word and the like wee be unfaith full The delay of selfe tryall how dangerous by the least delay of this self-triall and self-judging Sathan getteth too much advantage towards the troubling of our tender Consciences contrarily If at all times in all places in all companies and upon every occasion out of our particular secret separate walking with God we shall take our selves to doe demanding of our selves as it were What we said What we thought Whether we edified our selves and others Whether wee glorified GOD or not Whether we remembred our selves the Church our end the great day our heavenly inheritance though but by one ejaculation or some Pilgrims looks wee should quikly perceive the benefit much good would it worke to our selves and others Thus should we find vvhat good wee have received by others how we have been affected with the company of the ungodly as whether wee have vexed our soules or not whether we have reproved sin with boldnes or failed herein in vvhat state our conscience standeth as whether or not wee have had mercy to keepe the same undefiled and the tendernesse thereof continued the same being in us both at home and abroad as a sweet companion Hereunto if we be attentive thus if wee doe employ our time gathering withall the good things vvhich wee have seene and heard abroad as in like manner making use of all good provocations to sharpen us though this sort of iron to sharpen iron is very rare the good which we shall reap hereby by will much ease our soules and augment our spirituall treasure Thus if wee would doe I will not boast or whisper that I have exactly thus done yet others have with all their might endevored herein and mind through the assistance of Gods good Spirit so to doe unto the end of their Christian Race wee should thus doing get great aboundance of extraordinary Christian joyes and ravishments as pledges or the earnest of the Spirit given to us under the hope of the fulnesse of eternall joyes If we have left off those glorious exercises not any wayes hindring either praying reading meditating or any other spirituall worke in the Vineyard but rather much furthering the same If I say we have omitted them doe we blame our selves if vve have gotten dumb tongues in stead of open withered harts in stead of mollified dirt for gold blindnes for eye-salve poverty of grace for riches beggerly cloathes for rayment of white linnen for a feasting a troubled conscience a shew of godlines for the power therof small mire and dew in place of great waters senslesnesse for watchfulnes and tender feelings If this be thy state dolefull is thy change fearfull this desertion Thou must repent in time getting thy heart and endeavours inlarged mightily and sincerely renewing thy Covenant with God vvhereby thou shalt at the length perceive why the Lord hath absented himselfe so long and againe enjoy his sweet presence and the glorious tokens of his affectioned love 7. Wee doe further and further hate
that the bitternesse thereof be not discovered as also the naughtinesse of our owne hearts ready at all times to give him entertainement if through his goodnes we did not watch over the same with all diligence What a good God have wee who not only fighteth for us but also advertiseth us of all the enemies of our salvation Much vvas the King of Israel obliged to the Prophet of God 2 Kin. 6.9 for revealing unto him the King of Arams purposes against him Simil. as vvhereby he did more then once avoid the danger but much more are vve to our gracious God for reveiling unto us by his faithfull Embassadors Sathans manifold guiles vvho is at all times and in every place and with every lust ready to deceive us standing at our right hand to bee our Adversarie yea for our sakes fiercely rebuking him Zech. 3.2 And the Lord said unto Sathan The Lord rebuke thee O Sathan even the Lord that hath chosen Ierusalem rebuke thee Js not this a brand pluckt out of the fire Though wee at some times feare to be overcome though wee may doubt that vve are indeed overcome though vve may be as it were at the very last cast even ready to faint and give over yet through the power of God are wee so preserved that not any shall pluck us out of his hands yea Hos 14.5 as the dew revives the withered herbs the meditation of foregoing comforts shall so revive us that our youth shall bee renewed like the Eagles Oh for pitty Psal i03 5 that our God should thus by his powerfull presence accompany us and out of his affectioned love towards us be ever arming us by his counsels comforts exhortations threatnings c. and yet that wee should at any time give place to the Divell in making provision for the Flesh Rom. 14.13 to accomplish the lusts thereof 3. No small glory doth redound unto God No small glory doth redound unto God He that made the withered stick of Aaron to bring forth fresh flourishing Almonds Num. i7 8 and made the poore mans withered hand to become whole Mat. i2 i3 to the glory of his name and in like manner opened the eyes of the blinde Mar. 8.23 even the same powerfull God by our dayly Mortification and the subduing the remainder of corruption wherewith we are diseased defiled wounded getteth glory to himself as who not only forgiveth our iniquities Psal i03 3 but likewise healeth our infirmities To vvhat end were wee created but to set forth the glory of God Delaying to mortifie our Lusts we delay the performance of that duty for which we came into the World A necessary consideration to further Gods glory would wee but consider that howsoever Sathan with his Adherents hath done vvhat in him lieth to hinder us from the remission of our sinnes from renovation in Christs blood from sanctification of the Spirit as in like manner he hath gone about to hinder the power of the Word and blessing powred upon the Sacraments and the Blessing that accompanieth the sanctified fiery fornace of affliction out of which the Children of God come like purified gold yea and would hinder deaths sting to be taken away and so us from lying downe void of sinne pure chast Virgins for Christ and yet that hee is letted in every of those his designes would we by denying to mortifie our Lusts thus rob God of his glory i Sam. ii 2. As the men of Iabesh Gilead answered Nahash the Ammonite requiring that he might thrust out all their righteyes and lay it for a reproch upon all Israel Give us seven dayes respite that we may send messengers into all the Coasts of Israel and then if there bee no man to save us we will come out to thee So might we Sathan endeavouring by his continued and reiterated temptations to draw us unto sinne that if we should not be succoured we were unable to withstand him Simil. But as they were delivered on the seventh day So inasmuch as herein Sathan aimeth at the eternall reproch of our gracious God and of his deare Sonne Iesus Christ and holy Spirit with the shame of the holy Angels our attenders and our owne who are the Israel of GOD seeking to pierce our soules and bodies thorow with the speace of sinne 1 Sam. 18.11 as Saul cast a speare at David to have nailed him to the wall Our gracious God who is jealous of his owne glory will undoubtedly by inabling us to oppose this our spirituall Nahash and our sinnes his Ammonits thus glorifie himselfe His head is already broken in the person of our Saviour at sundry times also he hath had notable foiles given him by Christs members being no more able to prevaile against them then Goliah against David the Egyptions against the Israelites the Canaanits against Ioshua and his Successors What remaineth but that we should still continue the warre untill in the full and finall Mortification of our lust to the everlasting praise of Gods glory hee be trod under foot As Naamans servants unto him 2 King 5.13 My father if the Prophet had bid thee done som great thing wouldst thou not have done it how much rather then when he saith to thee wash and be cleane So may I unto you If the Lord would for the glory of his owne name require us to part with our goods good name lives yea even the salvation of our Soules we ought willingly to assent thereunto much more when for our further and more cōfortable fruition of those requireth us but to mortifie our Lusts 4. Through our remnant of corruptions mortified by grace We obtain a continuall holy fear out of the sense of our owne weaknesse wee obtaine continuall feare through sense of continuall weaknesse on our owne part for certaine it is that if the Lord should leave us but for a time the very smallest temptation were of force to overcome the strongest Christian Note the least fiery dart of Sathan which hee taketh out of his owne Quiver being indeed extreamly venimous crooked and deceitfull The Wine that Noah drunke deceived him who notwithstanding was not purposely excessive therein Hee had strength no doubt to have overcome a stronger temptation if God had not left him for a season What a meane temptation was Davids looking on Bathsheba the damosels questioning of Peter Dalilahs feigned teares unto Samson The Sins I confesse in which the Saints fall thereby as also the dishonour of Gods Name and the Churches dammage through the same bee not small yet the LORD that brought light out of darknesse Gods children profit by the sins of others doth even hereby worke for the good of others as who learn from the same that even the best are unable to stand by themselves and that if even the strongest sort of Gods Giants bright shining Starres in the firmament of God have notwithstanding now and then
against the law of our mind and bringing us into captivity to the law of sin which is in our members The enemy to be encountred even our naturall corruption and in-borne pravitie which as a spirituall kinde of disease gall leaven and poyson dayly diffuseth it selfe throughout our whole man so infecting the same that as thereby wee are made in our selves unapt to any good though most prone and ready to all evill so most bitter fruits are in us produced even inordinate motions of the minde will and affections which doe entice and stir us up unto sinne Iam. 1.14 and are now and then acted and executed by the body both inword and deed This is in Scripture made knowne unto us under divers names How it 's in Scripture made knowne to us which upon divers and different respects are appropriated heereunto as namely in regard of its nature its places of residence the time of its manifestation its continuance its power its effects its ayme and end and the like Names from its nature It s nature so is it termed 1. A secret sinne as in that of David Psal 19.12 Clense thou me from secret faults and that of Moses Psal 90.8 Why termed secret sinnes Thou hast set our iniquities before thee our secret sinnes in the light of thy countenance the word in the former derived from a Roote which signifieth hid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chem. loc com implying that our originall sin or corruption of nature is hid even from our very thought till it bee revealed by the law of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Sam. 17.56 as the latter from a Roote whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a young man or stripling is derived that as a young man abideth hid and unknowne till hee undergoe either the domesticke change of a familie or some publike office in the common-wealth So our originall corruption till it manifest it selfe by its inward stirring and outward acts of sin is unto us wholly unknowne unto God onely knowne 2. Sin as in that of S. Paul Rom. 7.8 But sinne taking occasion by the commandement wrought in me all manner of concupiscence Why termed sin even because it is out of measure sinfull yea the ground and roote of all other sinnes as S. Iames testifieth Iam. 1.14.15 But every man is tempted when hee is drawne away of his owne lust and enticed then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin To which purpose S. Paul Rom. 6.12 let not sinne reigne in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof 3. The lust of the flesh as in that of Paul Rom. 13.14 make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof And againe walke in the spirit Gal. 5.16 and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh So fleshly lusts 1 Pet. 2.11 as in that of S. Peter Abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the soule intimating Why termed the lust of the flesh that as the same proceed from the flesh and savour of the flesh so are they marveilous pleasing to sensualitie and such as the flesh doth especially delight in 4. Enmitie against God as in that of S. Paul Rom. 8.7 because the carnall minde is enmitie against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be 5. The vanitie of the minde as in that of the same Apostle Eph. 4 17. This J say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walke not as other Gentiles walke in the vanitie of their minde having the understanding darkned c. All our fleshly lusts our inward motions and stirrings unto sinne they are but the vanitie of our minds how pleasing soever to us 6. Earthly members as in that unto the Colossians Col. 3.5 Mortifie your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleannesse inordinate affection c. Members 1. Why termed members because as in the fit and apt joyning together of the severall parts and members of the body the being of the humane body doth consist so doth our wickednesse consist in many particular disorders inordinate lusts and affections the joyning of which together doth make up the universall sinfulnesse of our nature wherby the heart is made no lesse fit for all manner of sinne then by the members of the body the body is made fit for action 2. because they are no lesse naturall unto us then the members of our body beginning and growing in us with the beginning and growing of our limbs according to that of the Psalmist Behold J was shapen in iniquity Psal 51.5 and in sinne did my mother conceive mee 3. because as the members of the body doe the actions of the body so doe these base affections doe the actions of the unregenerate part 4. because as the members of the body doe serve as weapons for the defence one of another so these as weapons of unrighteousnesse doe warre against the soule 5. because they are as deare unto the heart as any member is unto the body its right hand Mat. 5.19 and right eye which without much adoe it will not part withall Earthly members Why earthly members as being the signes of the earthly man and tend onely to earthly pleasures and contentments still carrying and drawing our mindes from an high valuing of heavenly things to a base esteeme of them and from a base esteeming of earthly things unto an high esteeme of them Its places of residence Names from its places of residence so is it termed 1. Flesh as in that of Saint Paul Rom. 8.1 who walke not after the flesh but after the spirit and againe Gal. 5.24 They that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Why termed the flesh 1. Because the Flesh is the instrument by which it is propagated 2. because it is executed in our carnall and earthly members 3. because it is strengthened augmented and nourished by carnall and fleshly objects 4. because it is the end it drives us to namely to affect the same and fulfill the lusts thereof 2. The deeds of the body as in the fore-mentioned Chapter Rom. 8.13 if yee through the Spirit doe mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Why termed the deeds of the body Because the body is the subject wherein they are and instruments wherby they are executed visibly manifesting themselves in the same 3. Eph. 2.3 The desires of the Flesh and of the Minde Neither is it any marvell that such as walke in the vanitie of their minde Eph. 4.17.18 having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindnesse of their heart it 's no marvell I say that such fleshly desires doe reside in their minds and are in like manner obeyed in their outward
bee presented chast Virgins to Christ and who having fought hitherto against the evill one and kept their garments unspotted with the corruption that is in the world through lust as through grace they have begun in the Spirit so through grace they shall end in the spirit and not in the flesh How then can it otherwise be but that they should practise this duty of Mortification but that being thus endued with the Spirit of grace and of glory they should obey the good motions thereof inspiring them and knocking at the dores of their soules to the keeping especially of their hearts with all diligence Pro. 4.23 Between them and the rest of the world grace hath made such a change as there is betweene them that dwell in a faire house of great height Simil. and full of many great lights and them that dwell in a low dark house whose windowes remaine alwayes shut those can discerne in a manner of every thing these not take notice or view any thing Difference betweene the godly and the ungodly So the Saints through the abundance of the light of God in them can espie even a moate in the Soule whereas the ungodly who will not permit the holy light of Gods convicting reproving improving word to have passage in them abide still in darknes having their hearts haunted as it were with Zim Ochim Isa i3 21 and Jim in stead of more comfortable guests The Saints know that God dwels in their hearts as his owne Tabernacle with the Sonne and holy Spirit which therefore must be well kept clensed purified and washed by the blood of Christ and water of his sanctifying Spirit that uncleannes may not enter therein To this end 2 Chron 23.13 as Iehoiada the Priest put a great guard of Princes Preists about young Ioas that wicked Athalia could not come at him to harme him Simil. which made her cry out Treason Treason So the Saints left Sathan should at any time get entrance into them get themselves garded by the word and Spirit Prayer Repentance Watchfulnes holy feare to offend God and grieve the Spirit by whom they are sealed unto the day of Redemption Eph 4.30 yea as the Elders which sate with Elisha in his house 2 King 6.32 at his command shut the dore upon bloody Iorams messenger and held him fast thereat the sound of his masters feete being behind him Simil. so the Saints understanding that evill motions are as it were Sathans messengers or harbengers to take up his lodging for him whom he immediatly followeth through grace they so resist the same that either they doe not enter or if they enter they get no footing and are compelled speedily to depart In the wicked indeed hee getteth a renewed entry at his owne pleasure but not so in the Saints Hee seekes rest but heere hee finds none Thus that the Saints doe and are to encounter the Flesh with the Lusts and Affections thereof and so of the third Particular CHAP. IV. Why the FLESH with the lusts and affections thereof is to be encountred NOt without cause are wee to encounter this our Enemie and doe what in us lyeth to oppose it resist it subdue it destroy it if either we consider it our selver or others It Reasons why the Flesh is to be encountâ—ed From its nature and that both in regard of the nature thereof and effects produced thereby It s nature vile odious abominable vgly and loathsome like the vomiting of a dogge a Sowes wallowing in the mire The Scripture doth accordingly decipher it by the names of filth Isa 4.4 Zech. 3.3 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 2.20 Rom 6.19 Mat. 15.11 filthy garments filthinesse of the Flesh and Spirit The Worlds pollutions uncleannesse a defiling thing and the like Thus if a man should view it even as it is in its own proper colours he could not but loath and abhorre the same Its effects From its effects Rom. 6.21 Shamefull both shamefull and hurtfull Shamefull as which maketh men and women its vassals and slaves for to whomsoever we yeeld our selves servants to obey Rom. 6.16 his servants we are to whom wee obey coozening and deceiving them at its pleasure Heb. 3.13 proffering as largely as the Devill sometime did Christ Mat. 4.4 All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall downe and worship mee But in the meane time not being able to performe any whit of its promises Hurtfull Hurtfull Iob. 20.5.6.7.8 c. as whose pleasure is onely momentaneall but bitternesse everlasting yea which warreth against mens soules bodies posterity goods and good name Soules To our Soules by blinding their understanding reason and judgement and bringing them to a reprobate sense so that they will not bee brought to the knowledge of the truth Psal 58 5. but are like the deafe Adder that stoppeth her eare which will not hearken to the voice of charmers charming never so wisely Isa 30.9 even who will not heare the Law of the Lord. Hos 4.11 So by taking away their heart i Tim. 6.10 and piercing them thorow with many sorrowes So by destroying their soules Pro. 6.32 So by seducing the will and affections and making them worse and worse every unmortified Lust being a wound in the Soule a gash in the Conscience so by inclining the Soule to maintaine those sinnes whereunto they themselves are principally addicted so by distempering their soules that there 's no peace therein they themselves disquieting themselves in vain Psal 39.6 travelling in paine all the dayes of their life Iob. i5 20 sinne not suffering grace as it were to manifest it selfe in the least measure unto those but disturbing them by unnaturall thoughts as by the insatiability of that whereunto it inciteth The Sluggard must have a little more sleepe the Drunkard a little more drink the covetous more money the lascivious more Concubines So by its importunitie which will admit no deniall forcing them oftentimes to commit what in their judgement they doe not approve So by promising them contentment which notwithstanding they finde not there being indeede neither pleasure nor profit in sinne So by galling their Conscience after the commission thereof whether in adversity or prosperity as the examples of Ahab about Naboths Vineyard i King 21.27 Dan 5.6 and Belshazzar when he drunk wine with his Concubins in the vessels of the house of the Lord sufficiently imply whereby it commeth to passe that they feare when there is no cause of feare Lev. 26.36 To our bodies Bodies both directly and indirectly directly Pro. 23.29 as which occasioneth bodily diseases and distempers as in like manner death it selfe Deut. 28.21 Rom. 6.23 indirectly by affecting or inflicting the minde wherby the body cannot but be so disquieted that even in laughter the heart is sorrowfull Pro. i4 i3 and the end of that mirth is heavinesse
forsaking the fountaine of living waters they should dig unto themselves rotten cisternes Ob. But the wickednesse of my heart is such the inordinate Lusts and Affections proceeding therefrom so many that I know not either how to avoid such things as are to bee avoided or attaine such things as are to be attained for the constant performance of this dutie so hard whorish crooked blind proud covetous rebellious and stubborne is this heart of mine that dayly to my great disquiet and no small vexation I am tempted to innumerable evils yea often times so strange monstrous and unnaturall that I do even tremble thereat Note Neither can I be free therefrom in any place at any time or in any condition the same even at Prayer in the Church at the publique or private reading the Word c. bending its forces against me to withdraw my mind from Gods service and subject the same to its slavery so that what to doe or what course to take that those motions may not be turned into actions I am even at my wits end Thy condition is such as doth even befall the dearest Saints of God here on the earth the Lord in wisedome suffering those thornes of the flesh to remain in them for their further humiliation yet are they not to bee contemned though usuall in the Saints but by all meanes to be opposed abhorred loathed encountred wee must not feede them either by meditation or occasion our hearts being of a Gun-powder disposition whom a very spark of opportunity inflames and sets all in a combustion Now the meanes Through the Spirit the preceding means become effectuall whereby as well the former meanes become unto us effectuall as our dayly lusts how great soever kept under and further and further weakned proceed not indeed from our selves though dayly shewing their efficacie in us but from the good Spirit of God Through the Spirit doe wee mortifie the deeds of the flesh Rom. 8.13 as Saint Paul implieth No man can mortifie sinne unlesse by the Spirit Simil as no man by ordinary means vanquish a strong armed man without Weapons We are as able with our little finger to shake the Foundation of the Earth as to shake off one sin by our owne strength 1 Cor. 3.6 PAVL may plant APOLLOS water but GOD alone giveth the increase though our hearts were never so willing and our paines in subduing our Lusts both continuall and extraordinary yet if the Spirit doe not accompany us all is nothing worth as through whom alone the fore-mentioned meanes are blessed and worke together for the best unto us How the Spirit helpeth our mortification But hovv doth the Spirit worke towards the mortifying of Sinne 1. By detecting and discovering sinfull thoughts and actions 2. by stirring up an hatred of them and griefe for them 3. by kindling fervent Prayer to get strength against them 4. by bringing to mind sentences of the Word which are as a sword to cut downe sin 5. by making us watchfull against sinne to avoid all occasions of it and use all sanctified meanes against it Seeing the assistance of the Spirit is of such absolute necessity How to obtaine the Spirit what means are there to be used for the obtaining of the same Some things are by us to bee avoided as others to bee performed Things to bee avoided Things to be avoided 1. Resisting the Spirit as did the Iewes Act. 7.51 Yee have alwayes resisted the Spirit saith St. Stephen as your fathers have done so do yee This is when men by arguments reasons and ocular demonstrations laid before them are convinced in their consciences of the truth yet knowing that they are truth will notwithstanding set downe their resolution not to doe it Eph. 4.30 2. Grieving the Spirit that is the commission of any thing that makes the Spirit to loath the Soule 2 Thes 5.19 3. Quenching the Spirit that is carelessnesse in the using of the means of grace whereby the Spirit is increased or not cherishing the good Motions thereof in the practice of such Duties as the Spirit moveth us to doe Things to bee performed Things to be performed 1. We must out of a sense and feeling of our owne weaknesse acknowledge our inability either in abstaining from that which is evill or performing that which is good 2. We must get an assured knowledge of the excellencie of the Spirit and all-sufficient operation herein 3. Wee must even hunger and thirst for the Spirit 4. We must by continued Prayer bee earnest with God to bestow him upon us as is manifestly implyed in that of our Saviour Luk. 11.13 If yee then being evill know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that aske him 5. Wee must cherish every good Motion of the Spirit in our hearts either to pray or to heare or to meditate or to praise GOD c. not suffering the same to lie without Practice Thus by what meanes the Flesh with the Lusts and Affections thereof is to be encountred and so of the 6th Particular CHAP. VII Motives or encouragements unto this spirituall Combat AS the weapons of our warfare are not carnall 2. Cor. i0 4 but mighty through God to the pulling downe of strong holds so fight we not as uncertainly 1. Cor. 9.26 not as beating the ayre but in the assured and certaine hope of a glorious and fruitful victory Arguments whereby a Soldier may bee induced to fight Many are the Arguments whereby a Soldier may bee stirred up to fight desire of revenge fidelity to his King and Countrey love to his Captaine and fellow-Soldiers an ambitious desire of honour feare of present danger and future shame if the enemy be not resisted The equity of the cause Ignorance of the enemies strength and forces An enemies weaknesse and cowardise remembrance of former Victory with sundry the like but with most this is the main even the love of gaine the hope of an ensuing rich booty probability of a goodly spoyle The very same is the Christian Soldiers condition Many motives we have to induce us to mortifie our concupiscene whether habituall or actuall See the fourth Chapter the flesh with the inordinate lusts and affections thereof as I have already shewed at large but not any allureth us more if so much then the hope of profit an assured expectation of many rare sweet excellent and comfortable Fruits ensuing heereupon To this end let me here offer a brief of them unto your view 1. By fighting against our lusts we obtain We obtaine unspeakable peace and quietnes of soule even that peace of conscience that passeth all understanding 1. Peace of conscience Phil. 4.7 Being at warre with our corruptions we are at peace with our own soules yea most friends to our selves when we are most foes with our Corruptions As warre abroad
sinne We obtaine hereby a further further hatred of sin an higher and higher detestation thereof with all the severall sorts of the same In the Ceremoniall law the same was shadowed under leprosies uncleanissues uncleane birds beasts foules leprous garments as also by the uncleannesse of men and women Levit. 11.12 13 c. vvhosoever was defiled by any of those was to be purified from his uncleannesse In the verity are all these figures accomplished Let us cast off the work of darknes saith the Apostle and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Rom. 13.12.14 He saith not cast off the worke but the workes of darknesse not the lusts but the lusts of the flesh So elsewhere hee saith not purge out one part of the old leven but purge out the old leven 1 Cor. 5.7 that is every part the remnant crummes thereof like to that where he saith that I may present you as a chaste Virgin to Christ 2 Cor. 1i 2 Will the Lord Iesus look upon any uncleane person Shall it bee perfected where it was not begun So the same Apostle Eph. 4.22 Put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is not a part of sinne but all the old garment thereof as men when they goe to bed put off all their cloaths or those that cast away an old ragged torne and worne garment whereof they are ashamed and never intend to put on againe and put on that new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Eph. 4.24 even all the parts not one part alone of the garment we are to abstain even from all appearance of evill 1 Thess 5.22.23 and to bee so sanctified that our whole Spirit and soule and body be presented blamelesse unto the comming of our Lord IESVS CHRIST wee must abstaine even from the garment spotted with blood Simil. As the Nethinims left not in the Temple of Solomon any uncleane thing not swept away So must every one of us be a spirituall Nethinim in our owne soule to sweepe away all uncleannes yea the least idle thought Math. 12.42.8 for it is not a King like Solomon that comes into this Temple but one in every respect greater then Solomon the Soveraign of the whole World vvho neither will nor can abide any uncleannesse His house Note his bed his garden his tabernacle his temple a Christian Soule is all those cannot be too neatly and cleanly kept Deserveth not such a guest who is purer then the Heavens and abideth not where impuritie is entertained deserveth not he I say to dwell in a pure heart peculiar to himselfe yea so jealous he is that hee cannot indure that any other should come there and being the great high Priest himselfe with the seven eyes cannot bee deceived with a shew of puritie but unlike unto the jealous Husband in Numb knoweth both when how Num. 5 i2 and by whom his bed hath beene polluted If our Saviours first comming required preparation of his way in our hearts Math. 3.3 and his continuall presence vvith us namely since he vvent to Heaven and married us to himselfe Hos 2.19 in mercie truth and compassion the like how then should we think to bee arrayed who are continually called to the marriage of the Lamb If this standing continually by the preaching of the Word and Sacraments benefits promises corrections c requireth such preparation deserveth not his last comming greatest preparation of all 2 Pet. 3 i0.11 when the Elements shall be dissolved and the Earth burnt with fire which notwithstanding never sinned but was subjected to vanitie for our sinnes What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godlines Alasse for pitty wee weigh not such counsels and directions prescribing us to cast away all our Idols as Rachel Leah Gen. 35.4 and the family of Iacob gave them to be buried ere ever they went to Bethel Alas I say and so may we all wee have journyed to Gods Bethel vvith our Idols of abomination taking hold on the horns of the Altar vvith hypocriticall Adonijah 1 King 1.50 and 2.28 and bloody Joab yea which is worse we think to come to the Bethel of Bethels GODS holy House in Heaven notwithstanding we reserve yet some Idols not cast away which are of us secretly vvorshipped putting as it were a wall betweene God and us as did the Idolaters mentioned by Ezekiel Ezek. 8.7 If such were their secret how great think wee were their open abominations Sathans policie O strange policie of the Prince of darknesse by whom thousands are brought through the wicked imaginations of their heart under that fearfull woe even who call evil good Isa 5.20 and good evill that put darknes for light and light for darknes that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter how are they deceived with the false arrogant and perverse opinion of their owne heart about true repentance inward and outward dreaming be like that actuall abstinence from actuall sinnes is sound and sincere Repentance Mar. 6.20 What availed it Herod to abstain from many actuall sinnes in the meane time retaining one Idol his sinne of Adultery or Incest Isa i. 1i.i2.13.14 What availed it the Jewes to continue their Sacrifices observe the new Moones and Sabbaths offer incense c. in the mean time living in hypocrisie Could the Lord away with the same were not both themselves and their whole Worship abomination in his sight The intention of the heart not sufficient of it selfe Neither is it enough to alledge the intention of the heart if in the meane time their conversation be sinfull Iam. 3.15 such wisedome commeth from beneath He that abhors one sinne will abhorre all Note and they that rightly have respect to one of Gods commandements as they are Gods commandements will have respect to them all as hee that breaks one breaks all for the Commandements are so linked together that if one be broke all will dissolve except that one be repaired Simil and as they that broke one of the Acts of the Medes and Persians though unrighteously decreed were put to death Dan. 6.15 and they that maintaine any one Rebell Simil. are accounted of as if they had maintained all the Kings enemies as accordingly Abimilech the Priest with all his Fathers House were slain by Saul 1 Sam. 22.18 for his supposed Conspiracie with David in giving him of the Shew-bread and Goliahs sword and they that break any one Statute are as well liable unto the Kings censure as if they had broke them all 1 King 2.46 as Shemei found by experience through his going out of Ierusalem contrary unto Solomons direction so are all those liable unto the severity of Gods justice The danger even of one sinne unrepented of which doe wittingly and willingly maintaine in themselves any one
1 Sam. 4.9 Bee strong and quit your selves like men O ye Philistims that ye be not servants unto the Hebrewes as they have beene to you quit your selves like men and fight and Iahaziel the sonne of Zechariah a Levit did encourage Judah the inhabitants of Ierusalem and King Iehosaphat 2. Chr. 20.15 Be not affraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude for the battell is not yours but Gods 2. Chr. 20.17 c. Feare not nor be dismayed to morrow go out against them for the Lord will be with you So sending every one of you to fight the Lords Battels by warring against your own Lusts I should in his name the more to incite you hereunto and further incourage you herein conclude all with a word of Exhortation What Argument might not be used for your encouragement Arguments inciting us us to warre against our lusts Necessitie Necessity What more needfull Doth not GOD command it whose will both is and must be a Law unto us Is not the Flesh still plotting our destruction Are we not the further endangered the more we yeeld unto it Shall not our lusts be snares and traps unto us scourages in our sides and thornes in our eyes if wee make any covenant with them Are wee not thereby further and further defiled Doe we not thereby further and further grieve the good Spirit of God Is not our communion familiaritie and acquaintance with God further and further interrupted Are we not therby further and further drawn to the commission of grosse and grievous sins Will not this root of bitternes dayly produce in us most bitter fruits Will not God be angry at our continuance herein Can it be otherwise but that hee should inflict upon us heavy and fearfull judgements by reason of the same Rom. 8 i3 If wee live after the flesh shall we not die Shall we not both here and hereafter be punished as perjured persons Rebels against the GOD of Heaven contemners of his Admonitions despisers of CHRISTS death and treaders under foot of his most precious blood grievers of the Spirit breakers of the hearts of Gods children stumbling blocks unto the Vngodly Equitie Equitie What more just or lawfull Is not sinne Gods enemie Is it not a murtherer of the Lord of glory Doth it not daily lust against the Spirit Is it not one of the maine enemies of our soules salvation Doth it not dayly provoke and stirre us up to the breach of Gods Lawes Is it not a meere coozener and deceiver will it not beguile us in the end Shall wee not utterly misse of our hopes if we trust to its offers and follow its allurements will it not requite us with losse in stead of profit torment in stead of pleasure shame in stead of credit paine in stead of ease misery in stead of happines and Hell in stead of Heaven Vtilitie Vtilitie What more profitable Doe we not hereby obtaine tranquillity of minde and dayly peace of conscience have we not hereby dayly experience of GODS powerfull presence accompanying Us Doth not continuall glory redound unto the Majestie of the most high hereby Is there not maintained in us an holy feare and suspition of our own weaknesse whereby wee are humble-minded Doe we not by opposing our inward corruption prevent and stay many outward actuall sinnes Shall not have lesse to doe in the end of our journey if all our dayes we be breaking up our fallow ground Shall wee no hereby by attaine unto an higher and higher detestation of sinne Shall wee not hereby make conscience even of the least of the smallest sinnes as being breaches of Gods Law Shall wee not hereby be assured of Gods love towards in Christ as well in the pardon and forgivenesse of our sinnes as our continuance in the detestation and mortification of the same Credit Credit What can procure more Shall wee not hereby be esteemed of God reverenced of the Angels honoured of all good men I may adde Mar. 6.20 that as Herod bare no small respect unto Iohn the Baptist a patterne of the doctrine of mortification which hee urged upon others so even the wicked will in their judgement whatsoever they doe in their practise approve of one that is throughly mortified Thus shall it be done to the man who mortifyeth his lusts hee shall be honoured of all as in heaven most of all Vndoubted furtherance and helpe from others Vndoubted furthrance and helpe new strength and courage put in ourselves What the Lord said unto Ioshua touching his enemies Iosh 1.5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the dayes of thy life as I was with Moses so I will bee with thee I will not faile thee nor forsake thee Saith not he the like unto our soules touching our lusts that they shall not stand before us hee will goe along with us hee will not faile us or forsake us Doth not hee goe along with us doth not hee fight for us hath not that great Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah bound that strong one Rev. 5.5 and spoiled him Col. 2.15 setting us at liberty Gal. 5.17 lusteth not the Spirit against the flesh on our behalf are not also the Angels ministring Spirits sent forth for our good Heb. 1.14 Do not they pitch their Tents round about our Tabernacle Have we not in like manner the benefit of the Prayers of all Gods people yea more particularly as Vriah said unto David 2 Sam. 11.11 The Ark and Israel and Iudah abide in Tents and my Lord Ioab and the servants of my Lord are encamped in the open field Simil. Shall I then goe into mine house to eate and to drinke and to lie with my wife as thou livest and as thy soule liveth I will not doe this thing there are some which doe even sympathize with us in this Warfare joyning with us as it were hand in hand and setting their foot unto ours being no lesse carefull of us but rather more then we are of our selves which do even dayly humble themselves before God on our behalfe crying calling praying knocking begging interceding Exod. 17.12 and with Moses stedfastly lifting up their hands that we may prevaile against our spirituall Amalehites Certaine victory Certaine victory Not any duly and truly mortifying the flesh with its lusts and affections either heretofore hath beene or hereafter shall bee overcome thereby Tit. 1.2 God that cannot lie hath promised Rom. 8.33 that if we doe through the Spirit mortifie the deeds of the body we shall live As Ioshua unto the people Iosh 23.10 One man of you shall chase a thousand for the Lord your God he it is that fighteth for you as he hath promised you So may I say unto all such as shall in truth war against their Iusts though you had ten thousand of them in you you shall chase them away for the
Lord your God fighteth for you Iudg. 1.12 It was the Angels speech unto Gideon The Lord is with thee thou mighty man of valour It is no lesse true even of the weakest Christian that doth in truth oppose his lusts who may therefore triumph in the words of David Ps 60.22 Through God wee shall doe valiantly for hee shall tread down our enemies and of Paul If God bee for us Rom. 8.31 who can bee against us Heaven it selfe Heaven it selfe I have fought a good fight saith S. Paul I have finished my course 2 Tim. 4.7 J have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for mee a Crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day and not to me onely but to them also that love his appearing Oh the promises of great reward if we shall fight lustily and persevere therein Whatsoever wee have beene heretofore set we our selves now against our lusts The foregoing time of our ignoraÌ„ce Act. 17.30 God hath graciously winked at but now commaundeth he all men every where to repent Some J know are men yea mighty men of valour others babes in Christ his young and tender lambes let not those waxe carelesse but go on in their might that they may be saved from their spirituall Midianites and let these labour for strength and courage casting all their care on God who careth for them 1 Pet. 5.7 O Jerusalem Ier. 4.14 wash thine heart from wickednesse that thou maist be saved how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee 2 Cor. 7.1 Oh let us clense our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of God Rom. 6.12 Let not sinne reigne in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof Neither yeeld yee your members as instruments of unrighteousnesse unto sinne but yeeld your selves unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousnesse unto God Rom. i3 i2 The night is far spent the day is at hand let us therefore cast off the works of darknes and let us put on the Armour of light Rom. i3 i3 let us walke honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkennesse not in chambering and wantonnesse not in strife and envying but put ye on the Lord Iesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Epâ—h 4.17 This J say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walke not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind having the understanding darkned being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindnesse of their heart who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousnesse to work all uncleannes with greedines Col. 3.5 Mortifie your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleannesse inordinate affection evill concupiscence and covetousnesse which is Idolatry for which things sake the wrath of God commeth on the children of disobedience Jn the which ye also walked sometime when ye lived in them Eph. 4.22 Put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitfull lusts and be renewed in the Spirit of your mind putting on that new man which after God is created in righteousnes and true holines Tit. 2.11 for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodlines and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Heb. 13.12 Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evill heart of unbeliefe in departing from the living God but exhort one another dayly while it is called to day lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sinne Heb. 12.12 lift up the hands which hang downe and the feeble knees and make straight pathes for your feet lest that which is lame be turned out of the way but let it rather bee healed looke diligently lest any man faile of the grace of God lest any root of bitternesse springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled 1 Pet. 4.2 For as much as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh arme your selves likewise with the same minde for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sinne that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men but to the will of God for the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles when we walked in lasciviousnesse lusts excesse of wine revellings banquetings and abominable idolatries wherein they thinke it strange that you runne not with them to the same excesse of riot speaking evill of you 1 Pet. 2.11 Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims to abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the soule 1 Pet. 2.12 having your conversation honest among the Gentiles that whereas they speake evill against you as evill doers they may by your good workes which they shall behold glorifie God in the day of visitation Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Eph. 6.10.11 Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devill for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darknesse of this world against spirituall wickednesse in high places wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evill day and having done all to stand Stand therefore having your loynes girt about with truth and having on the brest-plate of righteousnesse and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace above all taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance Thus shall our corruption bee weakned our flesh subdued our old man crucified the body of sinne destroyed our consciences quieted Gods Commandment obeyed himselfe well pleased our selves both in soule and body here and hereafter really and truly blessed Iude 24. Now unto him that is able to keepe us from falling and to present us faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy To the onely wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty dominion and power now and ever Amen FINIS