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
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
the sinfulnesse of sin and that especially in its own nature as most contrary to God his nature his will his works his designes his glory For this see at large Burroughes treatise of the Evill of Evils or the sinfulnesse of Sin Dr. Reynolds of the Sinfulness of sin c. 3. Set before you the evill effects and fruits of sin upon the fallen Angels Mankind thine own person Rom. 6.22 and those either already felt or that hereafter may be feared 4. Set before you the Bloud of Christ 1 Pet. 1.19 Rom. 6.1 2 Psal Rom. 7.24 that pretious bloud which is the price of your Redemption from the least of sins 5. Set before you the sad complaints of the Saints and servants of God because of sin and against their sin 6. 2 Cor. 7.1 Set before you the gracious promises for your encouragement in the mortification of your corruption Ezek. 36 26 27. together with the promises in the covenant of Grace for your assistance in this undertaking 7. Set before you your own resolutions and vowes against it in your first conviction and conversion Rom. 6.3 Ps 119.106 renewed in times of affliction and in Sacraments and in Prayers put up to God for peace and pardon Practicall and operative Directions 1. Ps 4.4 Lam. 3.39 Acquaint your selves as with the generall corruption so with the particular corruption in your nature search and find them out Examine your hearts and lives your dispositions and conversations by the rule of the Word and Law of God in its purity and perfection and by the light of the spirit of God in its teachings and convictions Job 34.32 pray to God to discover you unto your selves improve all ordinances and providences also to that purpose consider your Constitution Education Calling Company and Condition in this present world make use of the wholsome admonitions of others skilfull and faithfull and acquainted with you and their observations on you the daily motions and workings of your hearts upon carnall and sensuall objects and upon the approaches of temptations will discover much unto you if but well observed the failings and the falls of others read or heard and discerned by you may give you occasion of reflection on your self and strict enquiry may find out more then otherwise might have been suspected 2. Be much at work about the root of sin and digging it up Rom. 6.6 Jer. 4.14 Content not your selves with the particular branches the lopping them off or cutting down the trunk it self the root will be every day new sprouting 3. Spare not at all your beloved sin of which Divines speak much It 's found Ps 18.23 they say and known by our speciall respects unto it and favour for it our impatiency of reproof from Minister or private Christian on that particular we most wish and desire that it were not accounted a sin and are apt to find out reasonings for it to defend it or at least to lessen our apprehensions of its sinfulnesse it returns most often upon us with observation above any other in particular but not without frequent checks of conscience and convictions of the Spirit it much follows us in our retirements and when alone the mind will work upon it though perhaps we are not willing to be found in the actings of it some say it lies down with us in our beds converses with us in our dreams and rises with us in the morning if it distract us not in our holy duties we owe the more to Grace restraining severall others depend upon it to feed or serve it O down with this 4. Neglect not the little creepers they may grow bigger Rom. 7. Ps 19.12 their number may prove not only formidable but fatall the least is sin in its nature evill and according to Gods law without repentance and faith in the bloud of Christ is damnable They will certainly make way for greater and if not destroy yet disturb your soules c. 5. Ps 19.13 Infirmities Incursions Imperfections must be bewailed c. but scandalous evils and presumptuous sins may not so much as be thought upon without an horrour how much lesse in their temptations entertained and least of all committed The smallest tincture of them must be speedily washt away in the bloud of Christ otherwise your soules and consciences will not dare to come into God's presence 6. 1 Cor. 5. Contract not upon your Souls the guilt of nationall transgressions either past or present by not mourning for them much lesse by commission of them and communion in them it would staine our Paper once to name them 7. Find out and destroy the Achans Job 34.31 c. the sins for which in an especiall manner God now or at any time may strike and enter into judgment with you the Lord direct you in that Enquiry and assist you in that Undertaking 8 Let spirituall sins 2 Cor. 7.1 though least discerned and enquired after have their discovery humiliation repentance and crucifixion as spirituall pride self love Ps 77.10 Heb. 3.12 wordly mindednesse estrangement from God and more especially your Gospell sins as Unbeliefe Impenitency hardnesse of heart unthankfulnesse c. 9. Whatever they be intend not only the knowledge of them humiliation under them restraint upon them correction Rom. 8.13 or suppose some signall punishment but compleat destruction and abolition And for this purpose 1. Ps 119. get deep impressions made upon your spirits by the foregoing considerations 2. Ps 119.11 Especially let the word of God be hid in your hearts and written upon them 3. Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh Gal. 5.16 4. 1 Cor. 9.27 Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof but rather keep it in subjection 5. Jer. 17.9 Job Be alwaies jealous of your deceitfull hearts 6. Keep a tender conscience 7. A narrow watch over your sences 8. Take heed in things lawfull lest you be unlawfully insnared 9. Improve affliction to the mortification of corruption and 10. call in the influences of the Covenant of Grace and of the bloud of Christ by faith and prayer 11. Improve every Ordinance according to its nature and tendency to mortification Eph. 6.12 12. Stand out stifly and resolutely in the hour of Temptation and the stirring of corruption then call in all your strength about you then urge your considerations from reason and Scripture Law and Gospell Set your selves under the eye and sight of God let God's terrors make you afraid to sin against him suppose that Death and Judgment were at your heels and that you heard the shreekings of the Damned for those very transgressions Behold Christ Jesus upon the Crosse as bleeding dying for those very sins Urge home the grace of God and the love of Christ your holy Profession your Baptismall vowes your Sacrament-renewed-ingagements the mercies received the Glory expected 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
9. 1 Cor. 10.31 Tit. 2.12 In all refreshments of food or recreation be sober serious and spirituall 10. Upon rovings and wandrings call in thine heart Eccles Prov. and let not thy thoughts be too far dispersed or too long disingaged from communion with God soul-concernments and matters of Eternity 11. Eph. 4.26 Take heed of passions rash anger sudden surprisals or provocations that may be offered Do no wrong take notice of little forgive much forbear retaliation in words or actions in great affronts be not too much disturbed and commit events and returns to God 12. Eph. 6.1 Eph. 5.22 Fill up Relations with relative duties whether as superior or inferior or equall be obedient to the commands of Superiours according to the will of God be respectfull kind and friendly to equals be moderate tender and gentle to inferiors Do evill to none but good to all 13. Beware of your company Eph. 5.7.11 Ps 15. have no more to do with wicked persons then of necessity you must let their presence be your burthen and their profanenesse your abhorrency let them know that you do not like them Let the good be welcome entertaine them as Christians receive from them or give to them what may be spirituall Let your time be pretious Eph. 5.16 and little or none be wasted fill up all with necessary duties that belong unto it or find out something good and commendable to improve it On moments of time depends eternity let not spirituall and temporall duties interfer but let each have their proper seasons run not from thy particular calling to exercises of the generall when unseasonable neglect not the generall for the particular when thou hast thy freedome 15. Let not the world or the things of the world be too earnestly desired eagerly persued 1 Joh. 2.15 Phil. 4.11 affectionately imbraced be thankfull for and content with necessaries what 's more let it be improved in the chearfull service of God in works of piety and charity Keep thine heart at a distance and loose from all and be contented to part with all Heb. 10.34 when called to it knowing that Heaven is thine inheritance and God himself thy portion 26. Observe the waies and methods of God's providence towards thee from day to day consider the graces to be exercised on such occasions Live the life of dependance on God's providence and subjection to his will be thankfull for his mercies and endure his chastisements Let extraordinary dispensations have extraordinary observations 17. Remember to walke with God humbly Mica 6.8 Tit. 2.12 cheerfully obediently and believingly Carry your selves to men respectfully righteously friendly demean your selves sâ—berly gravely prudently bear all injuries patiently receive all Kindnesses thankfully do all Courtesies readily 18. Suffer no guilt contracted to lie long upon you but be often examining your selves Ps 19 Ps 32. beg on sence of sin renew your repentance and faith on the bloud of Christ and returne to Duty 19. Tit. 2.13 Doe something every day towards the last in mortifying corruption strengthning graces increasing knowledge furthering your assurances drawing nearer to Heaven in thoughts on it desires after it preparations for it 20. In the evening of the day Ps 4.4 reflect on what hath past cast up accounts be humble for defects repent of transgressions be thankfull for mercies renew your acquaintance with God as you have opportunity in solemne duties of praier meditation and reading the Scriptures or some good Books performe these duties as also your family duties in good season Ps 3.5 Ps 4. ult see Ps 1 42. 16. When all is done remember Mortality and Eternity Act repentance and faith and commit your soules and bodies and family to God and to his keeping SECT V. Of Communion with God THE Convert may noâ—â— advance to a more especiali 〈…〉 God and that not only as 〈…〉 â—â—iviledge See 1 John 1.3 c. 〈…〉 20. Job 22.21 R For such as have int◠〈…〉 God Rom. 5.1 accesse to God acceptaâ—â—â—â—ith God are beloved of him may 〈…〉 and derive from him This 〈…〉 partly presupposeth and partly requireth what we have in these following particulars and it may be in some other 1. Heb. 10.19 20. It presupposeth reconciliation with God through the mediation of Christ apprehended by faith answered in repentance pursued in obedience and maintained in walking before him 2. It immediately followes union with Christ Eph. 2.18 relation to God and inhabitation of the Spirit 3. It supposes the qualification of the person in conformity to God Ps 15. and assimilations to him 4. Joh. 14.21 It is maintained on Gods part by teachings of the Spirit influences of grace Rev. 3.20 Cant. 5.1 Ps 25.14 testimonies of Love and earnests of his glory On the Christians part by what here followeth 1. Addresses to God in holy duties Ps 73.28 Ps 100. solemn or occasionall through Christ and by the Spirit 2. Apprehensions of God his glory Joh. 17.3 his grace love and goodnesse revealed in his word through Christ and applied by the Spirit 3. Adorations of God high thoughts of him with humble worshippings praises Ps 100.4 and acknowledgments 4. Affections to God in Christ Ps 42.1 Ps 63.1 running out in love desire delight and joy 5. Ps 36.7 Cant. 8.5 Affiance in God through Christ in his grace goodnesse truth faithfulnesse power and providence 6 Activity of grace in holy duties Cant. 4.16 proper in times seasonable in manner spirituall in measure fruitfull 7. Ps 16.8 Cant. 2.7 Actuall intentions of God and of his glory and of being well pleasing to him in the frame of our hearts in the course of our lives and especially in our holy duties 8. Applications of his love Cant. 1.2 c. Rom. 5.5 6 c. upon the discoveries of it in his word the shedding of it abroad in our hearts by his Spirit the evidence of it in his graces and the experience of it in his mercies 9. Acquainting him with our necessities Phil. 4.6 Cant. 2.14 desires cases and conditions from day to day provided it be humbly heartily believingly it may be freely and with holy familiarity as a friend with his friend a child with his father and the spouse with her husband and this whatever be our distresses and dangers troubles and sorrows wrongs and injuries wants and weaknesses temptations and infirmities 10. Attendance to the methods of his providence Job Ps 8. Cant. 5.4 and the motions of his spirit with the observation of his works and the opening of our hearts unto his word hearkning to his whispers sensible apprehensions of his approaches to your soules not suffering our selves to be unmindfull of him estranged from him 11. Attributing all our mercies and refreshments Eph. 3. ult spirituall and temporall with the hopes of eternall to his free grace and mercy in Jesus Christ giving him the glory
treatise on the Sacrament SECT XVII Of reading the Scriptures 1. SEttle your faith in the Divinity 2 Pet. 1.19 Authority and Verity of the Scriptures And for that consider 1. that God is 2. that God in his name 2 Tim. 3.16 Joh. 1.1 c nature and will cannot be known without revelation of himselfe 3. such is his goodnesse not to say his justice that he will not expect that we should know him believe in him worship and serve him not having given the world a sufficient discovery of himselfe 4. there is no other Act. 4.12 but this of the Scriptures sufficient for that purpose Heb. 1.1 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. 5. This hath been delivered from God from time to time and 6. is a sufficient discovery of God and of his will 1. The Scriptures affirm it 2. Nothing rationall can be objected against it 3. The Contents prove it it carries selfe-evidence with it and all divine characters necessary to it Heb. 2.4 4. It hath been sealed from heaven by a continued series of Providence by miracles by the powers of the Holy Ghost upon the first writers and publishers Heb. 4.12 by spirituall and divine operations on Hearers some to Conversion and Consolation on others to Conviction and Confusion 5. It hath been confirmed and sealed by the bloud of Christ and many thousand Martyrs Heb. 9.15 6. It is wonderfully preserved in the world 1 Tim. 3.15 and handed in the Church from one generation to another and is still the same notwithstanding all attempts to deface it 7. 1 Joh. 5.10 Every true Believer hath the witnesse to it within himselfe lives upon it Rev. 12.11 and would dye many a death rather then deny it loose it or the comforts of it 2. Be conversant with it Psal 1.1 2. and much in reading it hearing it and meditating upon it Ioh. 5.45 Ps 1. 19. 119. 2 Pet. 1.19 2 Tim. 3.15 Rev. 1.4 c with faith love humility diligence obedience constancy 3. Read sometime occasionally Act. 8.28 29. for your instruction and consolation as you shall be guided to it by God's spirit and providence and your best understanding but often solemnely have your set times for it in your retirements besides the family and publick opportunities sit close at it be not long absent from it Read for spirituall refreshment as God shall direct you be much acquainted with the Psalmes Esay the N Test Read for particular purposes on speciall places Read for the generall knowledge of the Scripture the Bible in order and for quantity at a time as your opportunity will give leave 4. when you are to read solemnly 1 Pet. 2.1 lay aside sinfull lust and worldly thoughts quicken your affections to the duty set your self in Gods presence beg his spirit take the Book in hand with reverence read with faith fear diligence and understanding and that you may the better understand it Act. 8.30 31. use such helps as God hath afforded 1 Consider the connexion and scope comparing it with other places 2. Refer it to an enquiry when you meet with a good Annotator or an able Minister 3. Passe on to what you may more easily understand and remember that places concerning salvation and the necessaries to it for saith and life are generally plaine and easy to be understood What you understand consider Ps 119. that it may affect your heart and take place in your memory and give you such obvious observations as it naturally affordeth for instruction or consolation take speciall notice of what may increase your spirituall knowledge rebuke your corruption direct and quicken you to duty answer temptations and refresh your soules and more especially of what the spirit of God in reading sets home upon your hearts with evidence and power If you would not willingly loose the observations set a note upon the place and if need be refer it to your Note-book for that purpose When you have done reflect upon the whole by meditation and commend it to God in prayer bringing forth the fruits of it in an holy life and conversation Helpes to the understanding of the Scriptures may be such as these 1. Read books directing you about the Scriptures as Ambrose Middle things Whites Directions for Reading Roberts Key to the Bible 2. When you meet with a difficult place Note it referre it for an enquiry when you meet with an able Minister or a good Expositor 3. Have some choice Annotations on the whole Bible and on particular books if the English Annotations in Folio be costly Get Bishop Halls Paraphrase or Deodates Annotations For the perticular books there are severall as Caryll on Jobe Burroughes on Hosea Greenhill on some part of Ezekiel Hutchenson on the lesser Prophets Dickson on the Psalmes 1. Dixon on Matthew and Hebrewes and all the Epistles Hutchenson on St Johns Gospell Manton on James and Jude Jenkins on Jude Sclater on Thessalonians Baine on Ephesians Bifield on Collossions c. Ainsworth on Pentatench Psalmes and Canticles with many others if you cannot get all get such as you can 4. Acquaint your selves with the Generall Contents of the severall books In Scritpure the Five Books of Moses shew the Creation of the World and the foundation of the Church at length setling it on Abrahams family with Gods proceeding with them in Egypt and the wildernesse under the conduct of Moses c. Joshua and other Historicall Books shew the progresse of God and his providence towards the Church in severall waies and persons and times The Psalmes are full of spirituall Meditations Proverbs full of instructions for Holy Wisdome Ecclesiastes shewes the vanity of the creature Canticles communion between Christ and his Church and that as some think Prophetically The Prophets containe not only Prophecies that concerned the Jewes and other Nations but many promises of Christ and Grace c. The Evangelists give you the History of Christ his person doctrine miracles life death resurrection and ascension The Acts shew the foundations of the Christian Church among Jewes and Gentiles The Epistles are for the edification of those Churches and our instruction occasioned mostly by Heresies and persecutions The Revelations Prophetically set forth the state of the world in generall and the Church in speciall from St Iohns daies till the end of the World Be most conversant in plaine and practicall Scripturess neglect not others Doctrinall or Historicall For the propheticall especially Daniell and the Revelations they are beyond the reach of famous Divines much more common Christians Providence is the best expositor on Prophecies and to a good understanding in them there needs much knowledg of History and Chronology yea the most profound and abstrusest parts of learning only somethings in generall may be easily understood as that such and such places concerne the description and condition of the Church in her pure or degenerate in her prosperous or suffering condition and such and such the enemies of God and of his people and so may be read with profit In summe believe the truth of the Scripture Adore the Majesty of God in them acquaint your selves with their matter make them the ground of your faith and the rule of your life and practise blesse God for them and wait till Heaven give an absolute and perfect understanding of the whole SECT XVIII Of Reading good Books IT hath been Gods wonderfull care of his people to provide as the Scriptures so good books for them there are many such both doctrinall and practicall Get and read the best but in a good method and with diligence 1. For Books Scripturall they are such as these 1. Expositors as before Sermons of them make choice Concordances Newmans and Cottons are large but usefull Downhams are briefe and it may be may serve a private Christian A Book of Scripture references perhaps in English may be wanting the Catechisme in quarto with the Scripture references may be a present supply till a larger may be had Directive for reading of the Scriptures you had in the former Section as Ambrose and Bifield c. And for the reading of expositors some as the briefe Annotations must be consulted on difficulties others as larger expositors may be read in order throughout as other choice books Doctrinall Bishop Ushers Body of Divinity Downhams sum Leighs Body of Divinity The morning exercise at Giles and the Assemblies larg Catechismes with other Catechismes will be a good introduction to them you may referre your other reading From some good Catechisme understand the principles of Religion and then having gotten a knowledg of the heads in Divinity proceed to other books observing the point of doctrine with its proofe from Scripture and sound reason It 's severall branches for Amplification and it's uses in Application For sentences and illustrations you may look upon them as profitable or pleasant but not so necessary For Controversall you need not trouble your selfe with most of that nature get advice for such from an able minister For practicall there are many on particular subjects I have referred you to not a few Others are on mixed subjects get and read the best Such as these I would commend besides others you may meet with and at present I may let slip Shepheards sound convert and believer and others of his Hookers works Baxters Gurnhalls Loves Preston Sibbes Perkins Downham Harris Tomas Goodwins VVorks Reynolds Symonds Morâ—i Exercises both Ball. Read well Ambroâ—â— looking unto Iesus c. In reading practicall books observe these directions 1. Acquaint your self with 〈◊〉 best books 2. With the generall conteâ— of the book 3. Then read it over in â—â—der for time as opportunity gives leaâ—â— 4. Observe the principall heads more 〈◊〉 enlargements 5. Incorproate the maâ—â—ter into your understanding And 6 theâ—â— get it wrought into your hearts and upon your affections by meditation 7. take speciall notice of what particularly concernes you especially what is set home upon your hearts by the spirit of God in your reading either by way of conviction instruction or consolation 8. make an end with one good book before you begin with another in your ordinary course Let your books be few choice sufficient and read them well Get a well chosen and composed closet of books A faire Bible Deodates Annotations a Concordancâ—â— Ushers Body of Divinity and for practicâ—â—â— Books as you can procure them FINIS