far concerning thankefulnes The chiefe vse and benefit thereof is to keep vs in a constant course of obedience vnto God in the enioying of his blessings And this is of the Next duety daily to bee performed of vs CHAP. XII NAmely to labour constancy and perseuerance vnto the end And that because First Hereby wee approue the soundnes of our calling and gifts which otherwise if wee faile were but temporarie giuen rather for others then for our owne good 2 We obtaine the promise and the crowne that is set before vs. He. 11. which otherwise by falling away we shall lose Reuel 3. 6. 3 Wee approue the truth of God and giue him the glorie of his faithfulnes 1. Thes. 5. 24. 4 Wee ouercome satan and all our enemies Ephes. 6. 13. Helpes hereunto are First The establishing of our faith that the children of God shall continue to the end and that because 1 Our God is faithfull and almightie and his gifts are without repentance who hath promised it Rom. 11. 2 Iesus Christ makes continuall intercession for vs. Luke 22â— 33. 3 The holy Ghost shall abide with vs to the end of the world Iohn 16. to preserue vs. Iohn 14. 4 We are the beloued of God and therefore 1 Whom hee loues once hee will loue to the end Iohn 13. 2 Whatsoeuer wee aske in his name the father will giue vs if it bee agreeable to his will 1. Iohn 5. 14. 3 All things shall turne vnto our good Rom. 8. 29. 4 Wee are maried to him for euer in holines and righteousnes Ose. 2. 5 Gods couenaunt with vs is euerlasting Ieremie 30. Ezechiel 11. Psalme 89. Ose. 2. 6 Wee are vnited vnto Christ our head Collossians 2. and giuen to him of the Father and therefore none shall take vs out of his hands Iohn 10. Iohn 17. 17. 7 Wee haue the word and sacraments which shall continue with vs to the worlds end to vphold vs in our righteousnes Mat. 28. 8 Wee haue strengthning grace to continue vs in wel-doing Ephe. 3. 16. 9 Our slips and fallings are meanes to perseuerance Here Consider 1 That the child of God being regenerated may and doth fall and that because 1 God leaues him often to himselfe Ose. 5. Psal. 30. and that 1 To let him see his own strength to be humbled thereby Hose 14. 4. 2 To driue from that hold to rely onely vpon God Cantic 3. 4. Luc. 22. 32. 3 To make him more compassionate and helpfull to others in their infirmities 2 Satan is continually sifting of him Luk. 22. 3 He caries about him a traytor readie to betray him hourely 1. Pet. 2. 11. 4 His falles may well stand with his estate in grace yea doe much make for the triall and encrease thereof 1. Pet. 1. 7. As in his fall 1 He discernes his imperfection and so is prouoked to take stronger hold Canti 3. 4. 2 In his recouerie he feeles the vndoubted grace of God Psal. 32. 3 In both he hath experience of the combats betweene the flesh and the spirit al which are vndoubted signes of regeneration Luk. 11. 21. 4 He is made more acquainted with the deceitfulnes of sinne and so more skilfull to preuent the same Heb. 3. 13. 5 He is shamed by his fall and driuen from the hold of the world and such like baits of sinne Hose 14. 4. 6 he is prouoked more egerly to follow after the mark by how much he hath beene cast behind 2. Cor. 11. 7 He becomes more fearfull of himselfe and will not be so venturous vpon the occasions of sinne Mat. 26. 75. Consider therefore 2 How farre a regenerate man may fall First In his faith by doubting of Gods fauour and the assurance of his saluation Psal. 22. Psal. 51. Psal. 77. Hence proceedes 1 Proud and foolish reasonings against God Ier. 12. 1. 2 Vaine and vncharitable speeches and wishes against our selues Iob. 3. 3 Distasting of the meanes and furtherances to saluation 4 The graces of God may bee lessened in them Psal. 51. 5 They may be couered 6 Losse of some graces of God all his life long 2 Erring through ignorance in some maine point of saluation so the Apostles Acts 1. 6. 3 He may dwel in his ignorance for a time and maintaine the same Gal. 2. Peter Secondly in his life and that 1 By falling into some grosse sinnes 2. Sam. 11. 2. Sam. 24. 2 To lie a sleepe in them till he be roused vp 3 To fall into them againe after repentance and so may sinne presumptuously Mat. 26. Hence will follow 1 That the light of Gods countenance shal be taken away Psâ— 51. 2 The horrors of hel shal assault and buffet him and so hee may despaire Psal. 77. 11. 3 Some grieuous outward afflictions shall follow him to the graue Dauid 4 His life shall be a burthen and irksome to him Iacob and he shall be impatient vnder the crosse Iob 3. 7. 5 Hee shall cause the name of God to be blasphemed by the wicked 2. Sam. 12. 6 His first loue shall be cooled and zeale in godlines abated Apo. 2. 4. 7 The weake shall be offended at him 8 Gods Spirit shall be grieued Ephes 4. 9 He shall feele a weakenesse in him in regard of such sinnes as haue got strong hold often ouer him Psal. 6. Ier. 13. 23. Thus farre may a regenerate man â—all and yet remaâ—ne in the state of grace and differ from a reprobate or hypocrite As thus 1 The reprobates teÌ„porary faith is the chiefe cause of his falling and prophanes in life but the elects errour in life is the occasion of the decay of his faith 2 The hypocrite is vsually senseles in his fall and so continues 1â— Tim 4. 2 but the regenerate at leÌ„gth hath the true sightofit 2. Sam. 24. 10â— 3 The hypocrite if he fret anâ— greeue it is for feare of punishment or losse of the temporall blessing not for the losse of Gods fauour c. Psal. 51. Gen. 27. But 4 They both fall into the samâ— sinnes againe but yet the hypocrâ—â— after sinnes committed with morâ— strength and securitie the regenerate with more resistance feare griefe and in great weakenes Ps. 19â— 5 They both are impatient anâ— speake foolishly against God buâ— the hypocrite speake as he thinketh and wisheth in the aduisednes and purpose of his heart the regenerate speakes in folly rashnes not as he thinketh or wisheth but as his corruption ouerruling him doth mislead and comming to himselfe condemne himselfe for it cleares the Lord. Ps. 73. Iob 42 6 They both decay and losâ— their first loue but yet the hypocrite counts this to bee his wisedome and the true measure of holines esteeming his former zeale to be rashnes c. whereas the regenerate acknowledgeth it was better before then now and mourning vnder his estate labours the recouery and in some measure obtaines it 2. Sam. 12. Mat. 26. 7 They both may refuse the meanes also but
1 The practise of repentance 2 Helpes to this practise 3 Markes of repentance 4 Effects of repentance CHAP. VII 2 Of the raising vp of a sinner by a true and liuely faith here First How faith is reuiued in vs. Secondly The degrees of this worke Thirdly The markes of particular assurance Fourthly The degrees thereof 1 Weakenes of faith 1 How knowne 2 How caused Secondly Strength of faith 1 How knowne 2 How obtained CHAP. VIII Of the preparing and furnishing of the heart to the seruice of God and 1 That the heart is asleepe and by what meanes 2 The heart to be awakened and how 3 The heart awakned must be examined and how 1 By a true rule 2 In an holy manner 3 To a right end 4 The heart examined must be established in the worship of God And how CHAP. IX Of the Spirituall Armour and arming of the heart The parts of the Spirituall armour and first Of the girdle of truth and it parts which are 1 A rectified iudgement How discerned How put on It benefit 2 The Sanctified conscience How discerned How obtained The benefit thereof 3 The Sincerity of the will How knowne It measure The benefit thereof 4 The well ordering of the affections How discerned How furthered The benefit thereof 5 The Sincerity of the tonguâ— Whoerein it consists Of speech and 1 Preparation to it 2 Matter of speech Of persons How to speake of God How of our neighbour What to be auoyded and obserued How to speake of our selues and that In Praise In dispraise Of things to be spoken Manner of Speech 1 It must be gratious 2 True here of the euidences and bonds of truth Promise Oath here of the Lawfulnes Matter Manner Lawfull swearer End of an oath Before whom we may sweare When. How an oath binds The abuses of an oath Of Lying Flattery Concealing of 〈◊〉 A third grace of speech Reuerence and that in respect of 1 God 2 Man To giue holy names to our children Reuerence to superiours And what to be auoyded Blasphemy Abuse of scripture Abuse of our selues A fourth grace of speech Sobriety This seene In salutation Popish blessing to be heeded Soft answering Reproofe for sinne A fift grace of speech cheerefulnes It bonds how to be vsed at 1 Board 2 Bed Here to be auoyded or rectified Iesting Laughter A sixt grace of speech Care of our neighbours good name How performed What to be auoyded A last grace of speech Breuity The rules thereof Of silence and the vse thereof Things Persons to be concealed and Before whom A sixt part of the Girdle the Conformity of our outward actions The ground of them The manner how to be done The ends to which they must ayme How to edification How this girdle put on The benefit there of A Second part of the armour The Brest-plate of Righteousnes The markes thereof How put on How kept on A Third part of the armour That our feete be shod with the preparation of the Gospel The vse thereof How attained A Fourth part of the armour The shield of faith It vse A fift part The Helmet of Hope The vse of it How to be put on The last part of the Armour the sword of the Spirit It seuerall vses How obtained How kept on The generall benefit of the whole Armour CHAP. X. Of the pursuit of good and the aâ—oyding of euill here Difference of euill What the euill of sinne is The vse of this knowledge How farre sinne hath taken hold on vs. The benefit of this knowledge Gods ordering sinne And the vse Sinne how to be auoyded and How preuented generally Now particularly when tentations assault vs. How to recouer out of sinne 1 By viewing sinne in the Law 2 In the Gospel 2 By iudging sinne CHAP. XI Of Thankesgiuing It vse How to be practised What to be auoyded Helpes to thankefulnes The benefit thereof CHAP. XII Of Constancy and perseuerance The necessity thereof Helpes hereto Remouing of the hinderances hereof The fall of Gods children How farre The difference betweene the wicked and godly in their falles The vse thereof CHAP XIII Of Watchfulnes The vse thereof How performed Helpes thereto CHAP. XIIII Of Prayer in generall and It conditions The benefit thereof CHAP. XV. Of Peace with God and lying downe therewith It necessity How obtained How performed CHAP. XVI How to profit in this direction CHAP. XVII Of right imploying the occasions of the day CHAP. XVIII Of arising with God and awaking in his peace The necessity thereof How performed How furthered CHAP. XIX Of Family and Priuate prayer It necessity How performed and by whom What to be auoyded herein Directions for the same The benefit hereof CHAP. XX. Of Callings following thereof That it is Gods ordinance To be expected by ordinary meanes The right vse specially to be aymed aâ— How to vse them aright How to leaue them How to intermit them The benefit thereof CHAP. XXI Of the right vse of the creatures The benefit thereof CHAP. XXII Of the vse of Company How to discerne good and bad company What company to be chosen How to be refused How to carry our selues in good company The benefit of them The difference of good company Of Sabbath society and rules for it Of priuate exercises Of Publick thankesgiuings and their rules Of publicke fasts The authority of them The occasion Manner of performance Time Ends. Of Spirituall priuate society Betweene Minister and people Inferiour and superiour Betweene equals Rules generall to all Triall of the right vse Of Accessory meetings for religion as Councels Synods and their appertenances Of ciuill society Rules for the same Of occasionall meetings How to sort with the wicked Vse of euill company CHAP. XXIII Of solitarines How to behaue our selues therein The benefit thereof Cautions to be obserued CHAP. XXIIII Of Prosperity The necessitie of this knowledge How to be vsed well Considerations to this end Triall of the right vse Helpes hereunto CHAP. XXV Of aduersity and the right vse thereof The necessity of this knowledge How to be vsed well Helpes hereunto CHAP. XXVI Of family exercises CHAP. XXVII Of the daily account Why to be performed with motiueâ— hereunto And how The benefit thereof ¶ THE CHRISTIans daily Sacrifice CHAP. I. FIRST God made al things for his glory but especially Man Pro. 16. 3. 1. Co. 10. 31. in whom is discouered 1. The greatnes of his iustice 2. The riches of his mercy Rom. 9. 22. Secondly Man glorifieth God in a fourefold estate of his 1. Creation 2. Fall 3. Redemption 4. Glorification Thirdly The Lord from euerlasting so decreed concerning mankinde that the greater part thereof should be condemned and but a remnant saued And to this end created he man Rom. 9. 28. Mat. 7. 13. Fourthly Man was created after the image of God in a most perfect estate of holines wherein he glorified God in absolute conformity to him yet subiect vnto change which also made for Gods glory Gen.
1. 27. Fiftly The Lord ordained the Fall of man and therefore his estate was mutable that so his fall might be from himselfe that God might make a way for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy iustice in the execution of his decree concerning the saluation of the elect condemnation of the reprobate by such meanes as from all eternity the Lord had sealed thereunto and thereupon man fell Gen. â— 6. Sixtly Man hauing receiued an estate for himselfe and his posterity by his fall vtterly depriued himselfe and all his issue of Gods fauor and the fruit thereof the right and possession of heauen and earth and plunged himselfe and all his posterity into a most wofull bondage of sinne and Satan Ge. 2. 17. Ro. 6. 12. Seuenthly The fall of man made a way to the worke of Redemption which was performed by Iesus Christ. Eightly Christ Iesus was first decreed from all eternity secondly promised immediately after the fall of Adam thirdly exhibited in the fulnes of time to performe a full redemption for vs. Gal. 4. 4. Gen. 3. Ninthly Our redemption by Christ is either performed or applied Tenthly Christ Iesus performed our redemption first by obedience And that 1. To God his Father in comming to redeeme vs. 2. In taking our nature vpon him 3. To the Law in fulfilling it perfectly which we had broken 4. In vndergoing the punishment when hee had fulfilled the Law And by these his sufferings our redemption was secondly wrought out These sufferings of Christ were First either in his whole liâ—e such miseries as sinne had drawne vpon vs that so he might sanctifie them vnto vs as hunger cold c. Heb. 2. 18. Heb. 4. 15. Secondly Or at his death such paines as we had deserued and here he suffered First in his body as 1. preparations to death 1. Buffetings by the Souldiers Mat. 27. 28. 2. Whipping and scourging 3. Crowning with Thornes 4. Carying of his Crosse. 5. Nayling to the Crosse. Ioh. 19. Secondly death it selfe here consider 1 The ignominious manner vpon the cursed tree Gal. 3. 2 The cruelty vsed vpon his dead bodie as being pierced to the heart by that mercilesse Souldier Ioh. 19 34. 3 His ignominious buriall and detaining for three daies in the graue These were his sufferings in bodie Secondly he also suffered for vs in his soule and that 1. In his whole life 1 Griefe for the sin of the world and especially of his owne countrymen who refused him Ioh. 1. 2 The mockings of the wicked and treachery of his owne was no small anguish vnto him Especially at his death as First that he was betrayed by Iudas his owne disciple Luk. 22. 48. 2 His agony in the garden where he sweat water and blood in great abundance Luke 22. 3 His trouble in soule Ioh. 12. 7. 4 The withdrawing of the assistance of the Deitie for the present Phil. 2. 8. 5 The curse of God vpon him for mans sinne Gal. 3. 10. 6 The power of Satan preuailing for a time 7 The horror of being ouerwhelmed with the heauie wrath of God Heb. 5. 7. 8 His detaining vnder the sorrows of death Acts. 2. 24. All these Christ Iesus our redeemer suffered in his humane nature but they were accompanied with the merit and efficacy of the diuine nature the dignitie whereof enabled them hereunto made them meritorious for our saluation Now because it was not possible that the Sonne of God should be holden of the sorrowes of death for then had he not beene iustified and acquitted from our sinnes therfore by the power of his God-head he raised vp himseâ—fe and so accomplished yet further the worke of our redemption Rom. 4. 25. Act. 2. 24. And so Christ Iesus our redeemer obtained a glorious conquest by his resurrection from the dead and that First Ouer the Law in abolishing the dominion and rigour thereof Secondly Ouer Satan and Hâ—ll chaining vp Satan destroying for euer the powers of hel 1. Co. 15. 57. Thirdly Ouer sinne and that 1 in taking away the sting and guiltines thereof 2 Abating the rage and fury of the same Rom. 7 24. 25. 3 Healing in some measure the corrupt fountaine of the same 4 Wealâ—â—ng the force and daily eating out the verie corruption thereof Rom. 6. 12. 3. Fourthly death is also conquered and subdued and that 1 By taking away the sting therof 2 By destroying the dominion of the same Rom. 5. 14. 3 Sanctifying it to the Godly to whom it is the gate to euerlasting life 1. Thes. 4. 4 Raysing vp our flesh from the graue 1. Cor. 15. And thus by this glorious conquest of our Captaine Iesus Christ is recouered vnto vs Heb. 12. 2. First The fauour of God our Father whose children we are now become in Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 5. 18. 1. Iohn 3. 1. Colos. 1. 20. Secondly The fruits of this fauour which are 1 Faith in the sonne of GOD wherby being iustified before God we haue 2 Peace of conscience with God and man 1. Rom. 5. 1. Rom. 7. 4. 3 Ioy vnspeakeable in the holy Ghost 1. Pet. 1. 8. 4 We become fruitfull in all good workes and so thereby become meete partakers Colos. 1. 12. 5 Of saluation The earnest whereof wee haue in this life first by the inward testimony of the spirit â— Cor. 1. Ephes. 4. Secondly By our outward similitude and conformity to our head Christ Iesus being changed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 2. Cor. 3. 18. And we shall fully enioy it in the life to come where shall be 1 Ceasing of all sinne and sorrow Reuel 7. 17. 2 Perfect righteousnesse and holinesse Ephes. 5. 27. 3 Fulnes of ioy Psal. 16. 4 Immediate fruition and coniunction with God 1. Cor. 13. 12. 5 Eternity of happines and bliffe for euermore â— Pet. 1 4. All these hath the Sonne of God purchased for vs. The meanes whereby all these are made ours is Faith This Faith is wrought in vs by the preaching of the word Rom. 10. 17. And that first of the Law First Discouering our miserie vnto vs in particular both 1 From what a blessed estate wee are fallen Roman 3. Roman 7. as also Into what a woful and desperate condition we are now plunged not onely by reason of our sinne Being able to doe nothing but displease God Gen. 6. 5. And that in regard 1 Of the transgression of Adam which lies vpon vs. Rom. 5. 2 The fruite of this transgression euen a generall infection and corruption of all the powers and faculties of soule and body 1 Of the vnderstanding filled with blindnes darknes not sauoring the things of God Eph. 4 17 2 The Conscience wounded seared defiled neuer soundly peaceable Timot 4. 1. Corinth 1. 2 Esay 57. 1. 3 The memory fit to retaine euill and to forget good Heb. 10 22. 4 The will captiuated to euill and yet running headlong
that he hath incurred hereby euen all the plagues that are written in Gods booke Deut 29. 27. 4 The riches of Gods mercie in prouiding so excellent a remedie against sinne as the pretious blood of his onely and deerely beloued Sonne when nothing in the world was auaileable thereunto 1. Peter 1. 5 The excellencie of our estate in Iesus Christ with the manifold priuiledges and benefits thereof 1. Iohn 3 1. 6 Our vnthankfulnes against the blood of the Couenant in not walking worthy of the same Ephes. 4. 1. 7 The danger heereof to haue made the same so much as lieth in vs of none effect Heb. 10. 8 That we haue grieued Gods holy Spirit Ephe. 4 30. 9 And dulled if not quenched the graces of God in vs. 1. Thessalo 5. 19. Markes of true repentance are 1 Refusing carnal comforts more then ordinarily Ionah 3. 6. Esai 64. 6. 3 Desire to bee more vile 1. Tim. 1. 13. 15. 3 Mourning and complaining of hardnes of heart Esai 63. 17. 4 Sorrow for the sins of others Dan. 9. Ezec. 9. Psal. 119. 136. 5 Trembling at the word and yet louing the sharpest blowes thereof Psal. 119. 120. 6 Submiting our selues to Gods chastisements Psal. 39. 9. Mich. 7. 9. 7 Labouring the conuersion of others Psal. 51. 17. 8 Shame of humane society Ezech. 16. 61. 9 Feare of the wrath of God Psal. 119. 120. 10 Strong cries for mercie Ioel. 2. 17. 11 Feare of the occasions and hatred of all apparance of euill 1. Thessa. 5. 22. 1. Tim. 5. 14. Iude. 23. 12 Pouerty of spirit in regard of sinne all our life long Math. 5. 3. 2. Ephes. 3. 12. The effects and benefits hereof are 1 We shall cut off custome in sinne and preuent security in the same Math. 26. 41. 2 Our feare of God shall be encreased and so the rage of sinne abated Psal. 119. 133. 3 Selfe loue shall bee weakned and happily subdued 4 The sandie foundation of natuere shall be discouered and wisely abandoned â—om 3. 9. 20. 5 An holy despaire of our selues procurâ—d 6 Our hunger after Christ Iesus more sharpned and encreased 7 The heart exceedingly eased of a most grieuous burthen Psalme 32. 4. 5. 8 Yea the very bodie much quieted and maintained in health Psal. 32. 5. CHAP. VII THE soule being thus humbled must be raysed vp againe by a true and liuely faith and this is the second duety daily to be performed and that 1 Because our former humiliation without this raising vp wil either driue vs to despaire or else make our life most vncomfortable vnto vs. Gal. 2. 20. Phil. 3. 2 Because nothing will prosper in the day without this comfort neither our desires for what wee want nor our vse of that we haue 3 By this we truely liue the life of grace and so haue our conuersation here in heauen 4 Hereby also we die daily and so are fitted vnto glory Col. 1. 11. 5 That so whatsoeuer beâ—ide vs this may be sufficient for vs. 2. Cor. 12. Now wee are raised vp by faith to the certaine assurance of the forgiuenes of our sinnes after this manner First by reuiuing and encreasing of our knowledge that Iesus Christ is the alone propitiatioÌ„ for our sins This is performed 1 By a serious meditation on the promise of the Messiah Iohn 3. 16. 2 By exercising our selues more conscionably in the reading and hearing of the word taught Iohn 5. 39. Secondly Faith is quickned by reuiuing our apprehension of the promise and this is done 1 By earnest prayer vnto God for the renuing of his Spirit in vs. Psal. 51. 12. 2 By an hearty acknowledgement that wee haue iustly grieued the Spirit of God and so are deseruedly depriued of the feeling therof Psalme 51 4. Lamentation 3. 22 37. 3 Meditating of our former comfort and assurance heerein Psalme 77. And this reuiuing hath many degrees First A liuely sense what need I haue of Christ and that without him I must certainely perish Rom. 7. 24 25. Secondly Hope of pardon wherby though wee yet feele not our sinnes certainely pardoned yet wee beleeue that they are pardonable not in respect of themselues as if they were lesse heynous but in respect of God whose mercies are aboue them Esay 1. 18. Thirdly An hungring and thirsting after grace offered in Iesus Christ. Ioh. 6. 35 7 37. Reu 21. 6. And this is discerned 1 By our prizing and preferring it aboue all other comforts Philip. 3. 2 By our fainting and languishing after it Psal. 42. 3 By our strong cries and endeuours for the same Psalme 51. 12 13. c. Fourthly Wee approch to the thâ—one of grace and flying from the terrour of the law we take hold on Christ and find fauor in God Heb. 4. 16. Heb. 10. 19. And this is performed 1 By an humble confession of thy sinne in particular whereupon followeth a full remission of them Psalme 32. 5. 2 Crauing pardon of some speciall sins with vnspeakeable sighs perseuerance Lu. 15. 21. Act. 8. 21. Fiftly Hereupon followeth a particular perswasion imprinted in the heart by the holy Ghost wherby euery faithfull man doth particularly applie vnto himselfe those promises which are made in the Gospell Mat. 9. 2. Mat. 15. 28. Psal. 143. 12. This perswasion is discerned by these markes 1 It goes before experience Mat. 15. 23. so our faith is supernatural contrary to all reason Heb. 11. 1. 2 It holds beyond experience Iob 13. 15. Heb. 11. 1. and is aboue all feeling 3 And neuer leaues vs till wee haue obtained the end thereof which is the saluation of our soules â— Pet. 1. 9. This perswasion hath these degrees First it takes hold weakely not without doubting and yet soundly and truely so that it is accepted of God Luke 17. 5. Mat. 8. And it is discerned 1 By an earnest desire and endeauour to obtaine Gods fauour Math. 5. 6. 2 By a continuall complaining of our vnbeleefe and mourning for it Marc. 9. 24. 3 By an earnest striuing against it in vsing all good helps as prayer the word conference c. Math. 8. 25. Luke 17. 5. This weakenes proceedes 1 From want of knowledge in the mystery of saluation Rom. 14. 2. Math. 16. 16. Ioh. 6 6â— 2 For want of application to our selues of the particular promise 2. Tim. 1. 12. 3 For want of obseruation and entertainment of such comforts as haue beene offered vnto vs. Math. 16. 8. 9. 2. Tim. 4. 17. And it is caused by 1 Withdrawing the light of Gods countenance Psal 30. 6. 2 Some grosse sinne committed Psal. 51. 3 Meanes neglected as the word prayer c. Iohn 20. 24. 4 Some spirituall pride in the heart 2 Cor. 12. 5 Want of constancie and setlednes in religion Galat. 1. 6. 2. Thesâ— 2. 2. Secondly Faith takes hold strongly and fully perswades the heart that God loueth me that Christ is mine and all things with him Rom. 4.
22. Rom. 8. 38. And it is discerned 1 By cheerefulnes in troubles and so in all occasions Rom. 5. 3. 2 Boldnes in the cause of God Act. 5. 3 Wisedome in our Christian callings Ephes 3. 4 Crucifying our selues to the world and the world to vs. Gallath 5. 5 Preparation to suffer Act. 21. 6 Desire longing after death 1. Phil. 22. And it is obtained 1 By constancy in our callings 2 Combatting with many troubles especially those of our owne vnbeleeuing hearts Luc. 22. 32. 3 Comforting others and raising vp afflicted consciences 1. Phil. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 4 By long experience of Gods fauor and loue in many deliuerances Psal. 23. 5. 5 By ripenes dexterity in the meanes as power in prayer the word c. Ephes. 6. 18. 6 Daily examining and trying our selues Psal. 4. 34. 7 Renouncing the especiall sinne which hangeth so fast vpon vs He. 12. 1. 8 Renuing daily our couenant with God charging it afresh vpon our harts to constancie CHAP. VIII AND this is the third duety daily we must performe namely to renue our vowes and stirâ—e vp our hearts to the seruice of God 1 Because the hart is that which God principally delights in Prou. 23. 26. 2 The heart is the fountaine of euery action if it bee clensed the actions will be sutable Luke 8. 3 The infirmity of the action shall not be imputed if the heart be ordered aright 2. Corinthians 8. 12. 4 As the bodie sleepes so the heart sleepes too and therefore the one must be awaked as the other Esay 29. 10. Now the heart may be cast into a sleepe 1. Thess. 5. 6. 1 By ignorance of it selfe Ephes. 5. 14. 2 By selfeloue and ouerweening of it owne perfections 3 By neglecting the meanes 4 By corrupt meanes in steade of the pure fountaines 5 By the ceasing of Gods Spirit to worke 6 By some grosse sinne committed 2. Sam. 11. 7 By security in prosperitie and sinne 8 By presumption of Gods mercies or it owne merits Matthew 26. 33. 9 By stupiditie and senselesnesse 10 By spirituall blindenesse and hardnes of heart The preparing of the heart hath these degrees First It must be awakened and roused vp and that 1 By meditating 1 What it was by nature Ierem. 17. 9. Matth. 15. 19. 2 What it is now by grace Ro. 6. 2. Ephes 4. 23. 3 How vnsearchable and endles agulfe it is 1 Cor. 4 4. 2 By yeelding it vp to God and exposing it naked before him and that 1 Both confessing its corruption and deceitfulnes 2 And also submitting it wholly to his gouernment 3 Reforming the occasions whereby it was laid asleepe as 1 Ignorance by the glasse of the word Iam. 1. 25. 2 Selfe-loue by viewing our selues in the glasse of the conscience examined by the Law Rom. 7. 8 9. 3 vsing the meanes conscionably 4 Especially not closing with corrupt meanes 5 Renue the Spirit by vnfained repentance Psal. 51. 10. 6 Forsake not onely grosse sins but euen all yea all apparance of sinne 1. Thes. 5. 22. 7 Be we alwaies watchfull ouer our selues Luk. 22. 8 Auoyde we presumption by meditation of Gods iustice Iude 5. 6 7. 9 Remedie wee stupidity by quicknes in apprehension and forwardnes to iudge our selues 1. Cor. 11. 31. 10 Breake we our hard hearts with the hammer of Gods word Iere. 23. 29. 1. Cor. 9. 27. The heart being awakened must be throughly sifted and examined and that First By a true rule 1 Not by it selfe but by the law of God Heb. 4. 12. 2 Neither by the world but by the conscience informed by the word Ierem 6. 14. 3 Not by opinion but by the euidence of the Spirit Roman 8. 16. Rom. 14. 5. Pro. 14. 12. 4 Neither by the lawes of men but by the rule of faith Matth. 15. 9. Acts 4. 19. 5 Neither by the letter of Gods Law but by the spirituall meaning thereof Mat. 5. 6 Not by the outward condition but by the inward experience Eccles 9. 1. Pro. 14. 13. 7 Neither by outward actions but by inward purposes Ierem. 17. 10. Ioâ— 2. 13. 8 Not by the examples of the most but of the best Luk. 18. 1. Cor. 11 1. Secondly Wee must examine the heart after a true and holy manner Not once or seldome but daily Psal 119. Not slightly but seriously euen from the bottome Psal. 119. 12. Not on the one side but on both as well what euill we haue done as what good Neither in generall but in particular concerning the chiefe good or euill Psal. 51. And that not partially but conscionably and indifferently both concerning it weakenes and also it strength Psal. 42. Thirdly we must herein ayme at a right end 1 Not vaine glory but the praise of God 2 Neither for selfe-loue but to denie our selues 3 Not for loue of the world but to the renouncing thereof 4 Neither for feare of death but to be prepared to it 5 Not to remit of our sincerity but to increase in holines Psal. 119. 6 Not to preferre our selues before others that are behind vs but to be humbled in regard of those that haue out-stript vs. 7 Not to bee approued of the world but to the conuincing or conuerting thereof 8 Not to make vs distrust God but to increase our coÌ„fideÌ„ce in him 9 And so to hunger more constantly after him The heart beeing thus tried and examined must bee established and confirmed in the seruice of God Psal. 51. 12. Pro. 4. And that by these meanes First by resigning it vp to the guidance of the almighty Psal. 119. Secondly by renuing our vows and binding vs to the performance of them and that 1 By publicke protestation 2 By solemne and conscionable oaths 2. Chron. 15. 3 By the curse of the law Nehem 10. 31. 4 Calling others to witnes as the Church of God Thirdly wee must continually feare our selues and haue a holy iealousie of our best actions Prouerb 28. 14. And that in regard 1 Of the vnsearchablenes of our hearts Ier. 17. 9. 2 Of the priuie corruptions that doe assault vs. Psal. 19. 3 In respect of the infirmities that doe accompany our best actions Iob 4. 18. 4 As also especially in regard of the presence of our gracious God beholding and approuing all our actions Psalme 33. 13. And this feare is discerned 1 By an earnest striuing against our coruptions 2 By a desire to approue our selues to the Church of God 3 By tendernes of conscience in all our actions 4 By lowlines in our carriage euen towards our inferiors Fourthly There must be a constant watching ouer the outward man auoyding both the occasions of euill and the least appearance therof Psal. 39. 1. Iob 31. 1. Fiftly We must moderate our selues in our Christian liberty Gal. 5. 13 and that by these rules 1 Of our callings that wee exceede not them 1. Corin 7. 20. 2 Of the times that wee bring forth fruite
them may not dismay vs. 3 That we be not ouerwhelmed with the waight of them 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9. 4 That our minds may be quieted in the midst of them Rom. 5. 2. 5 That wee may be more then conquerours in them Romans 8. 24. 6 That we may comfort others which grone vnder the like burthen 2. Cor. 1. 4. 5. 7 And so finish our course and obtaine the crowne 2. Tim. 4. This armour is put on and so kept 1 By daily reading and meditating on the passion of Christ. Hebr. 12. 2. 2 Giuing all diligence to the word preached 3 Preferring the fauour of God in Christ aboue all things Psalme 4. 6. 4 Not depending vpon things seene but contemplating things in uisible Heb. 11. 1. 5 Hauing our eye fixed on the recompence of the reward and comparing the momentary trouble with the surpassing waight of glory Hebr. 11. And heere the shield of faith is of speciall vse which is the fourth part of this Armour And it is a full and strong perswasioÌ„ of the loue of God in Chriâ— Iesus Rom. 8. 38. whereby 1 We beate backe all the fierâ— darts of the deuill as carnall confidence presumption security inâ—â— delity distrust credulitie c. 2 Prize all things at their trâ— worth prosecute theÌ„ accordingly 3 Wee preserue the graces of God and increase them vnto vs. 4 We follow hard to the marke and attaine perfection Phil. 3. 13. This is requisite 1 To giue approbation to alour actions 2. To giue comfort in regard of their imperfections 3 To enable vs in our sufferings Iob. 1. 5. 4 To finish our course and procure vs the crowne Hebr. 11. 13. 2. Tim. 4. 5 To ouercome tentations as despaire and presumption of Gods mercie 6 To obtaine a comfortable life 7 To be prepared vnto death This is obtained and preserued as before A first part of this Armour is the Helmet of hope this is 1 A constant desire of the proâ—ised happines Mat. 5. 6. Phi. 1. 23. Tim. 4. 8. 2 A cheerefull expectation and â—nging after the same 3 A resigning our selues into the hands of God Psal. 5. 12. The necessity or vse hereof is 1 To sustaine the heart against the deferring of Gods promises anâ— contrary tentations Heb. 6. 19. 2 That wee may maintaine inward peace passe ouer our pilâ—grimage without wearisomnesâ—â— and anguish 3 That we may answere boldlâ— our accusers Psal. 119. 42. and stop the mouthes of gainesayers Tit. 9â— 2. 8. 4 That wee may walke in oâ—â— callings with singlenes contenâ—â—ment 1. Cor. 7. 21. 5 And be contented with whatsoeuer shall happen vnto vs otherâ—wise Rom. 8. 28. 6 That we may carry our selueâ— as strangers in the world lookinâ— for a citie which is aboue Hebrew 11. 7 That we may suffer affliction cheerefully and fruitfully Psa. 5. 1â— Psal. 33. 21. 8 That we doe purge and preâ—pare our selues to happinesse 1. Ioâ— â— 3. Esay 40. 31. 9 That the Saints may be raised vp by our example Psal. 69. 7. 10 That wee may be deliuered out of troubles Psal. 37. 40. Psalme 91. 14. This is obtained and buckled to the head 1 By sound knowledge of the loue of God in Christ. Rom. 8. 38. 2 By plentifull experience of the same heretofore 2. Cor. 1. 10. 3 By embracing al good meanes that are offered for our safety Psal 37. 3. 4 Casting our selues vpon the Lord when meanes faile ibid. 5 resting in him Prou. 14. 32. Rom. â—4 5 Reuerent obseruing of the workes of God Psalme 40. 4. Psal. 115. 11. 6 Depending on the truth of Gods promises though we see them not accomplished Psal. 46. 5. Psal. 130. 9. Pro. 16. 20. 7 Expecting the Lords leisure contrary to sense and reason Psal. 69. 4. Esay 26. 8. 8 Abasing and renouncing out selues before the Lord. Psal. 131. 3. Zeph. 3. 12. 9 Submitting our selues to the ministery of the Gospel Esay 50. 10â— 10 Waiting further vpon God then this life can counteruaile 1. Cor. 15. 19. The last part of this spirituall Armour is the sword of the spirit which is the word of God He. 4. Ps. 149 c. And this must be had First To diserne 1 The deceitfulnes of sin Hebâ— 3. 13. 2 The poyson of error and heresie 1. Tim. 6. 3. 3 The corruption of our owâ—â— hearts Heb. 3. 12. 4 The manifold subtilties and deepnes of Satan Apoc. 2. 24. 2. Peâ—â— 1. 19. 5 The riches of Gods mercieâ— Ephes. 3. 18. Ephes. 1. 18. Secondly to confirme maintain 1 Faith against infidelity and discontentment 2 Hope against despaire Ro. 15. 4 3 Truth against error and humane wisedome I am 1. 18. Christ against Antichrist 4 God against man Thirdly To captiuate and subdue 1 Euery imagination that exalts it selfe against God 2. Cor. 10. 4. 2 To cut off the power and cords of sinne 3 To repell the impudencie and importunitie of Satan Mat. 4. Fourthly To purge 1 Zeale of ignorance selfeloue 2 Religion of hypocrisie 3 Profession of vaine-glorie 4 Weldoing of wearisomnes 5 Faith of carnalnes 6 Afflictions of impatiency c. Fiftly To confound 1 Satans kingdome Matt. 4. 2 The fleshes tyrannie Tit. 2. 11. 3 The worlds deceitfulnes Psal. 119. 95. 4 Our hearts doubtfulnes Psal. 73. 17. 5 Mans inuentions Psal. 119. 113. This Armour is obtained and put on 1 By prayer 2 Study meditatioÌ„ 1. Tim. 4. 13 3 Submiting our selues to the word preached Iam. 1. 21. These meanes how wrought effectually 1 When our vnderstanding is illightned and delighted with the sauing knowledge thereof 2 Our iudgements confirmed and established in the same Ephes. 1. 9. 3 Our consciences conuinced and quieted therein Rom. 5. 1. 4 Our will and affections subdued and captiuated thereto Psal. 40. 6. 5 Our desire en flamed and vnsatiable thereof Mat. 5. 6. 6 Our mind satisfied and contented therewith aboue all treasures Psalm 119. 97. Psalm 19. 10. 7 Our liues reformed and amended thereby Psal. 119. 9. 8 Our faith quickned and daily norished by the same 2. Pet. 1. 9 And we enabled to ouercome tentations and to finish our course with ioy Psal. 119. 7. 9. And this armour is keept one 1 By recording and rehearsing the same vnto other so to labour their conuersion Luk. 22. 23. 2 By spirituall experience of the power thereof in putting our knowledge into continuall practise 3 By cleauing constantly to an effectuall ministery Iohn 10. 5. 4 By suffring afflictions for the Gospel Heb. 10. Act. 21. 5 By labouring to haue it to dwell plentifully among vs and to haue the power thereof more and more abound in the mortifâ—ing of onr affections and speciall sinnes Colos. 3. 16. Tit. 2. 11. Thus farre of the parts of the Christian armour Now the necessity in generall of it is that without it First In respect of our selues 1 Our whole life must needs be subiect to many fearefull breaches and
for his blessing without making hast to be rich or indenting with God for these outward things 1. Tim. 6. Ge. 30. 1. Ha. 1. 16. 4 In humility and lowlines not sacrificing to our net but giuing God the glorie Gen. 32. 10. 5 In holines sanctifying the same by the word and prayer and laying a good foundation thereby towards heauen 1. Tim. 6. 1. Tim. 4. 6 In faithfulnes and diligence redeeming the time and accounting for it Eph. 5. 16. Ninthly learning to vse our Christian libertie a right 1 Herein not so much to stand 〈◊〉 lawfulnes as expedience 1. Cor. 10. 2 That all things be done to edification not offence 1. Cor. 14. 3 That as we remit of our liberty in regard of such as are weake of ignorance so we vse it in respect of the obstinately ignorant lest wee harden them in their sin Mat. 15. 14. 4 That we vse the things of this life within the compasse of our callings 1. Cor. 7. 1. Cor. 10. 5 For our recreation that it be in things indifferent Phil. 4. 8. 2 Very spare and sober 3 Tending to a spiritual end not the satisfying of the flesh Gal. 5. 13. 6 That all things be done to the glorie of God 1. Cor. 16. Tenthly By auoyding the occasions of sinne which are 1 Euill company Ephes. 5. 11. 2 Excesse in the vse of the creatures Luc. 21. 34. 3 Giuing the bridle to the outward man Gen. 31. 1. 4 Opportunity seasonablenes Eccles. 3. 1. 5 Appearance and shew of euil c. Thes. 5. 22. And this sinne generally may be preuented particularly thus when we are assaulted by any tentation 1 To mourn at the priuy motions of sin at no hand to set light by it 2 To know that I beare a traytor in my bosom therfore here at no haÌ„d coÌ„sult with flesh nor giue way to the temptation Iames 1. 14. 3 To choake it by strong cries and groanes to God Mat. 6. 13. 4 To put it off by exercising the mind with contrary meditations and affecting the contrarie vertue Psal. 1. 5 Examine thy heart why it is thus and thou shalt find some cause of this tentation Psal. 4. 6 The cause found either 1 Want of sound repentance for some former sinne 2 Security 3 Some greater euill like to follow whereof this tentation is a messenger or such like negligence dispose thy selfe accordinglie 5 Intend thy calling more carefully and conscionably Eph. 5. 15. 6 Renue thy repentance and vowes to God more effectually Psal 116. 7 Dispute not with Satan neither play with the flame but flie away with Ioseph though thou leaue thy coate behind thee Iacob 4. 7. Gen. 39. 12. 8 Labour not so much to avoyd the outward act as to haue thy heart purged from the euil thought Ps. 51. 2. 10. 9 Submit thy selfe rather to any punishment if it so please God then to yeeld to the tentation Matth. 5. 29. 10 And looke for one temptation in the necke of another 11 Yet faint not in thy resistance but perseuer constantly by Gods mercie satan shall flie away Iam. 4. 7. Matth 4. If Satan preuaile and thou art foyled then thou must rise againe by repentance To this end consider 1 Thy estate in grace which must be renued by repentance Psal. 51. 2 Gods mercies which are aboue all thy sinnes Psal. 103. 8. Exo. 34. 16. 3 Thy former experience how thou hast recouered Psal. 77. 5. And so practâ—se thy raysing vp in this manner First view thine iniquitie in the glasse of the law to bruse thine hart and there thou shalt find what an euill and bitter thing sin is Ier. 2. 19. Secondly hereupon applie that knowledge vnto thine owne soule by the power of conscience assisted by the blessed spirit of bondage and proceede to iudge thy salfe concluding that thou art guiltie of eternall death And hence will follow compunction and wounding of the heatt 3 The heart being thus wounded that thou maist bee kept from despaire view thy selfe secondly in the glasse of the Gospell that the bruised reede may not be broken by considering what a bitter and yet precious ransome was paid for thy sinne Mat. 20. 28. 4 Hereupon make application vnto thine heart by the worke of conscience renued by the spirit of adoption and raise vp thy selfe with this assurance that though thou art a sinner yet Christ is thine and thou hast pardon of thy sinne and shalt haue life eternall in him Mat. 11. 28. Mat. 5. 3. 4. Lu. 15. 2. Cor. 7â— This application worketh two contrarie effects 1 Thou shalt reioyce that thy sins are forgiueÌ„ thee in Christ Iesus 2 Thou shalt be sorrowfull that thou hast displeased so good and gracious a father And this sorrow is expressed First by Iudging thy sin before God in the court of thy conscience And this Iudgement contayneth 1 By examining thy sinne and taking a more particular notice thereof 2 Confessing it Psalm 32. 5. and that 1 With greefe and detestation 2 Particularly not generally not onely so farre as thou knowest confessing herein thy knowledge to be short and yeelding vp thy vnscearchable heart vnto God Lord clense me from my secret sinnes Psalm 19. 3 Against thy selfe not excusing or diminishing not laying the fault vpon God the creatures c. but blaming especially that corrupt fountaine of thy heart herein Psal. 32. 5. Psal. 51. 4 Vnto God not vnto Angels or men c. who onely is able and ready to forgiue Psal. 103. Thirdly Thou must condemne sinne and this is done 1 By acknowledging what is due vnto thee for it namely shame and confusion of face for euer Ezra 9. 6. 2 Professing thine owne vilenes and vnworthinesse of the least of Gods mercies Iob 39. 16. 3 Iustifying God in what hee might doe and submitting thy selfe vnder his mightie hand Ely 2. Sam. 2. Dauid 2. Sam. 15. 4 Execute vengeance vpon thy selfe for thy sinne 2. Cor. 7. in as this maner First lie downe in thy confusion and couer thy face with shame Ier. 3. Luk. 18. 2 Abhorre and detest thy selfe in sackcloth and ashes Iob 42. 6. 3 Haue indignation and zeale against thy selfe for offending so good a God 2. Cor. 7. Peter wept bitterly Psal. 73. 22. so foolish c. 4 Groane vnder the burthen of thy flesh and desire to be rid of it Rom. 7. 21. 5 Possesse a broken heart for thy sinne all thy life long Psal. 51. 17. 6 Refraine thy selfe from lawfull comforts Ioel. 2. 7 Impose all meanes of mortifiing thy rebellious flesh as feare of thy selfe lest thou fall againe Pro. 28. 14. 8 Mingle thy drinke with thy teares and in thy greatest security let the remembrance of thy sinne awake and rouse thee vp Psal. 51. 9 Desire euer after more carefully to please God 2. Cor. 7. 10 To this end preserue a record of thy sinne and retaine some monument thereof with thee 11 Consider often what punishments thou hast felt for