baptisme as it is a vow and promise on our parts and a dedication of our soules and bodies there to the worship and seruice of that one God who is the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost renouncing all others now let this vow and profession of thine teach thee 1 To abandon all impenitency and vnbeliefe lest thou become a Couenant-breaker with God one that makest void the death of Christ one that crucifiest him afresh one that sinnest against the spirit of grace that grieuest that holy spirit disgracest the family Gospel and name of God and depriuest thy selfe of that saluation set forth by the Father wrought by the Sonne applyed by the holy Ghost assured by all three to thee in thy baptisme haddest thou looked to the condition and not put a barre to such surpassing mercy 2 To fight against the flesh the diuel and the world thereby remembring whose thou art and vnder whom thou warrest 3 To acknowledge the communion of Saints and know that thou art by baptisme bound to preserue brotherly loue with them as with the members of the body as with sonnes of the same father and seruants of the same lord 1 Cor. 12. 13. Ephes 4. 3 4. 5. No diuisions should arâ—se 1 Cor. 1. 13. All names of sectes should be abolished wee should deuote our selues to no mans rule were we baptized into the name of Paul Whose seruants soeuer wee are wee are Christes freemen and whose freemen soeuer we are Christs seruants 4 To worship him in vnity and vnity in Trinity drawing neere to the Father in the Son by the holy Ghost giuing the distinct glory to each person the Father that elected and loued the Sonne that redeemed the holy Ghost that sanctified vs. The forme of baptisme requireth this §. XI The fourth Prayer THis rightly performed is Of prayer the soule of the soule because it causeth it to liue in God the exercise of all the graces of the spirit at once as faith hope loue feare to offend vprightnes of heart delight in God and the like the Christians armouâ— the incense acceptable to God the very key of heauen In this seruice of the liuing God these speciall rules must be heeded 1 Thou must pray with thy vnderstanding that it may not be sayd to thee thou knowest not what thou askest It is the prime thing to be looked vnto that thy vnderstanding bee not vnfruitfull for it is not the tumbling ouer a few wordes without regard of the sense in them and knowledge of the thing prayed for that is of any moment but the powring out of the soule in those wordes which alone giues being to our prayers 1 Sam. 1. 15. Psa 142. 2. Lift vp thy heart with thy handes Lam. 3. 41. 2 Pray with pure heart and hands 1 Tim. 2. 8. The purity of the heart giueth purity to the hands both are pure in prayer when they are lifted vp 1 Without double mindednesse hypocrisie or guile of spirit the soule not lifted vp to vanity Psal 24. 4. nor the heart set vpon the loue of any sinne purifie your hearts ye double minded and then draw nigh to God and hee will draw nigh to you Iam. 4. 8. But if thou wert Dauid himself to whom God gaue his sure mercies if thou regard iniquity in thine heart the Lord will not heare thy prayer Psal 66. 18. 2 Without wrath for if wee forgiue not neither will our Father in heauen forgiue vs Mat. 6. 14. 15. 3 Without doubting Iam. 1. 5. Aske and wauer not 3 Pray with feeling and feruency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how preuailing is the prayer of a righteous man it is as an arrow shot home to the marke Iam. 5. 16. A speeding prayer a labouring and working prayer 4 Pray in the Holy Ghost Iude 20. Set thy delight on the Almighty so cannot any hypocrite Iob 27. 10. and cry Abba Father by the spirit of adoption Gal. 4. 5. with childelike affections and confidence 5 Pray at all times pray in prosperity in aduersity pray euery day pray and restraine not prayer before God why shouldest thou cast off his feare continuing instant Col. 4. 2. Iob 27. 10. The rather since our Lord saith that this faith he shall scarce finde when he comes to iudgement Phil. 4. 7. Luk â—8 8. in no thing be careful but in all things tell to the Lord thy requests 6 Pray onely in the name of Christ Ioh. 14. 13. and in Ioh. 16. 23. 24. We are not onely commanded to aske in his name but chidden for our slownesse to aske seeing we haue the Sonne of God our spokesman 7 Pray all manner of prayer complaints confessions supplication petition thanksgiuings and remember alwayes giuing of thankes in all thy requests Phil. 4. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 8 Pray for all sorts of men especially for all in Authority 1 Tim. 2. 1. 9 Auoide vaine repetitions God is in heauen thou art in earth therefore let thy words bee few Mat 6. 7. Eccles 5. 2. Onely see they be the true voyce of the heart and they are not long if thy desire and feeling giue them life and they are long though neuer so short if this be wanting beware of length in prayer to be seene of men approue thy selfe to thy father that seeth in secret I close vp these directions with the saying of Ambrose in his booke Dâ— Cain et Abel lib. 2. c. 6. Si tanquam pubescens adolâ—scat fides qua defectum seâ—escentis devotionis ableget spiritu fâ—râ—eat congrua distinctionâ— teneatur â—ensura legitimae diuisionis assiduitas commendet gratiam tunc fit illud pingue tanquam adipale precationis genus de quâ— dicit scriptura impinguasti in oleo caput meum Sicut nâ—agni multo lacte pinguescunt sicut oues benè pastae adipe â—â—ent ita Apostolico succo pastâ— fidelium pinguâ—scit oratio horum si desit aliquid qua suprà diximus sacrificium non probatur If faith grow vigorous as comming to ripe age so that it banish the defect of withering deuotion waxe hot in spirit and the measure of a lawfull division be held by a congruous distinction and assidiuity commend the grace of it then that wel-liking and as it were fatty kind of praying is made of which the Scripture saith thou hast annointed mine head with oyle For like as the Lambes grow fat with much milke and as sheepe well-fed shine with fatnesse euen so batteneth the prayer of beleeuers fedd with Apostolike iuice If ought of these forespoken bewanting the sacrifice is not allowed §. XII The fifth feasting or solemne Offeasting Thankesgiuing THis duety is performed aright if wee follow these three essentiall directions 1 Our feasting must be with praise to God vpon the recording of some fauor and benefit or deliuerance reioycing in the worke that he hath done considering the workes of his hands Psa 119. 24. 2 It must be with liberality to to the poore that their
him § 5. To worship him § 6. To serue him With our persons where Generall Rules of preparation and execution of all outward worship § 7. The perticuler precepts that guide in the vse of seuerall ordinances Of hearing the word read and preach § 8. Of receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs body and blood § 9. Of Baptisme § 10. Of Prayer § 11 Of Feasting and solemne thankesgiuing § 12. Of Fasting § 13. Of Singing of Psalmes § 14. Of Reading or meditation § 15. Of Vowes and swearing § 16. Of Seruing God with our good § 17. Of Keeping the Lords day where are discussed The authority and The duties of the day § 18. To men and these looke To all men for iustice and mercy For iustice in The right disposition of the heart towards them § 19. The frame of the Conuersation § 20. The gouernment of the tongue more specially § 21. The innocency of the hand § 22 For mercy § 23. To some men as the godly and the wicked where The loue of the godly § 24. Our Carriage to the godly in particuler cases § 25. The wisedome of our behauiour towards the wicked § 26. To our selues teaching how to abide with God In our callings § 27. In our Christian profession § 28. In the changes of life as In our wealth In afflictions generally considered In pouerty In sicknesse In persecutions § 29 In our death teaching The cure of diseases The care of necessary duties § 30. Thus of the precepts which ly in common for all times The precepts for the passing of euery day § 31. THE PATHES OF HOLY LIFE THAT GVIDE CHRISTIANS IN SVCH A CONDITION Where The order and vse hereof § 1. The speciall rules which concerne The more eminent relations Of Magistrate and Subiect The Magistrate both The supreme and gouernors sent of him The subiect in generall The Courtyer The Ambassador The Counsellor of state § 2. Of the Husband and wife § 3. Of Parents and chiidren § 4. Of Masters and Seruant § 5. Of Pastor and flocke § 6. Rules for the more priuate estate as Of Neighborhood § 7. Of Friendship § 8. Of Enmity § 9. Rules for those of meere priuacy as Of the aged § 10. Of the youth § 11. Of the Virgin and widdow § 12. THE PREFACE shewing the occasion order and vse of this Treatise CAsting in my The Holy dayes in the yeeres 1625. and 1626. thoghts which way I might most profitably spend this time of Assembling our selues together on those dayes set apart by our Church both for the discharge of my duty and for your edification it came into my minde to vndertake the exposition of the Scriptures but then the Lord directed my heart to resolue first to propose briefly the sum of fayth and holy life which might be both as a key to open the doore of true exposition for prophesie ought to be according to the Analogie of fayth and also a rule which you might haue alway by you nay with you according to which you might walke that peace might bee vpon you and mercy though I should noâ— accomplish among you my former intended taske We will then the good hand of our God being vpon vs proceed in this order viz. Giue 1. The summâ— of fayth 2. The pathes of holy life that guide men As they are Christians which pathes as they are Christians in such a condition lie in common for all times are applied in peculiar for the passing of euery day of relation to other as Magistrate Subiect Pastor Flocke Husbnad and wife Parent and childâ— Master and seruant Of priuate state as Neighbour friend foâ— the aged the youth the single person both maid and widow Out of these euery one may and must take to so many as may serue his owne condition and so haue before him Gods will concerning him which will we are all bound to know Ephes 4. 16. And without which we can neuer order our conuersation aright and therfore haue not the promise to see the saluation of God Psal 50. 23. This setting an order in fayth and life is the onely way to walke as wise and vnderstanding Christians to walke vprightly and so surely to walke worthy the Lord in all pleasing to liue profitably and so comfortably Which while people are called vpon to doe by the Ministers yet it is left vndone by the hearers or set vpon with little heart and oft times with lesse profit euen for want of direction You Beloued God assisting shall haue it drawen out to your hands that you may euery one come to this garden and gather so many flowers as may make vp your posie suteable to your seuerall smells yea plant your heades and heartes with them and thereby refresh your spirits and keepe in you the good sauâ—ur and sweet sent of a well-watered Garden where your beloued may take his pleasure THE FIRST PART §. 1. THe summe of faith or what it is in the profession whereof we are to liue dye respecteth the Articles the seales of Gods couenant The Articles are briefly comprized in the Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed where we consider 1 The substance of Christian doctrine which concerneth God the Father in the 1. Article God the Sonne in the 6. following God the holy Ghost in the 8. The Church in her qualities the 9. in her prerogatiues in this life the 10. in the life to come the 11. and 12. 2 The answere of a good conscience to all that God reuealeth and promiseth in the word I beleeue which is carried to euery parcell of the Creed The seales of this couenant are two Baptisme The Supper of the Lord. For the substance of Christian â—1 doctrine to be beleeued as euer we would be saued and for which faith we must lay downe our liues if God call for it I will lay it downe in words of Scripture according to the order and meaning of the Articles saue that these Articles presuppose we haue receiued the Bible for the word of God as being an abridgement of faith giuen to beleeuers not to Infidels Wee must see there what God commandeth we should blâ—eue and hold concerning the Scripture out of which the Creed was taken then what of himselfe and of his Church Credenda God commandeth that I and euery one doe beleeue in our hearts and professe with our mouthes and be ready to seale it with our dearest bloud That all Scripture is by inspiration 1 Of the Scriptures 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Their authority or the imbreathing of God namely the bookes of the old Testament as of Moses and the Prophets and the Bookes of the New Testament and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may 2 Pet. 1. 18. 19. 20. Vse be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes A more sure word for vs to take heed vnto then a voyce from heauen Further that no man
his worke alone and such as none but hee can doâ— it is also one speciall part of his office as he is our Prophet to giue comfort to distressed consciences and to speake a word in season to the weary soule Hee is consecrated a Priest for 11 Priestly Psal 110. 34. euer to his Church after the order of Melchisedech Our Lord He is the King and law-giuer 15 Kingly Esa 33 22. Luc. 1 33. Ioh. 18 36 Psal 2 8. whose kingdome is spirituall and not of this world and perpetuall and such as reacheth to all Nations Now that wee may know how the Sonne of God became flesh we beleeue and professe to the death Which was conceiued by the Holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary That in the fulnesse of time for 16 Of his Iâ—e rnation Gal. 4 4. Heb. 2 16 4 15. vs men and for our saluation the Sonne of God tooke on him the true nature of man and was in all points lâ—ke vs sinne onely excepted He was conceiued not as other men but by the Holy Ghost and was borne of the Virgin Mary Mat. 1 18 20. vpon whom the Holy Ghost came and whom the power of Luc. 1 30 31 3â— Esa 7. 14. the most High did ouer-shadow This is that great mystery of godlinesse God manifest in the flesh Hee is God and man in one person This is that lambe of God without 17 Of his actiue obedience 1 Pet. 1 19 Rom. 5 19 8 3 4 10 4. spot or blemish who for vs and for our sakes who doe or shall beleeue in his name kept the law that he might be the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto such He suffered vnder Pontius Pilate Who suffered also vnder Pontius 18 Of his pâ—ssiue Gen. 49 10. Act. 4 27 28. Mat. 26. Pilate an heathen Gouernour the Scepter failing from Iudah but for this Shiloh to which suffâ—rings he was deliuered by the determinate counsell of God Was crucified dead He was wounded for our transgressions Esa 53 4 5 6. and on him were laid the Rom. 3 25 Ephes 5 2. Phil. 2. 8. Gal. â— 13. Heb. 1 3 9. 26 28. iniquities of vs all and hereby he appeased Gods wrath and made expiation for all our sinnes For hee became obedient to the death euen the death of the Crosse and was made a curse for vs thus hee alone trode the wine-presse of Gods wrath and once for all by the sacrifice of himselfe tooke away sinne And buried he descended into hell He was buried and laid in the graue three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth yet his soule was not left in hell neither did God suffer his holy One to see corruption The third day hee rose againe For hauing ouercome the 19 Of his resurrection Rom. 4. vlt. power of death hell and Sathan he rose againe the third day from 1 Cor. 15. 3 the dead for our iustification He ascended into heauen And went vp into heauen the 20 Of his ascension Pal. 68 18 Mar. 1â— 19 Acts 1 9 10 11. 3. 21. Heb. 6 20. Ioh. 14 3. third heauen farre aboue all these heauens that are visible whom in respect of his bodily prâ—sence the heauens must receiue till the time of the restitution of all things and hee ascended as oâ—â— fore-runner to prepare a place for vs. And sitteth at the right hand of God And sits at the right hand of 21 Of his session and interecession God the Father Almighty exercising the office of King and Iudge for his Church being as God-man made Lord of all and crowned with glory and honour and ruling in all fulnesse of Maiesty power and Soueraignty being Act. 2. 34. 35. 36. Phâ—l 2. â— Heb. 8. 1. 1. 3. Rom. 8. 34. Ioh. 17. 9. 20. set farre aboue all principality and power and euery thing that is named all things whether in earth heauen or hell being in subiection vnder his feet sauing alone that God did put all things vnder him Where also he euer liueth to make request for vs that are not of the world but haue beleeued through the word taught by his Apostles From thence hee shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead This Iesus Christ shall come 2â— Of the last iudgment Act. 1. â—1 17. 31. Mat. â—4 30 from thence that is from heauen into which he ascended after his râ—surrection and not from thence that is from sitting at the right hand of God for nâ—uer shall his kingdome and power be more manifest then at this day to iudge the world at the last day for wee beleeue the world shall haue an end and at the last day Christ as hee is the Sonne of man shall iudge the world descending from heauen in the same visible forme in which hee went vp and comming in power and great glory at which day all shall be iudged 2 Tim. 4 1 Mat. 12 36 Eccles â—2 14. both those that shall be found then aliue and remaining till that day and those that haue beene dead from the beginning of the world to that day and they shall be iudged of all that they haue done in their bodies while they liued in them of euery idle word and of euery secret thing and euery one shall receiue without respect of persons according to 2 Cor. 5. 10 that he hath done while he liued here whether it be good or bad §. IIII. Wee beleeue also and professe and ought to hold till death I beleeue in the Holy Ghost THat the Holy Ghost is God 23 Of the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1â— 26 2 Pet 1. 21. Esa 59 21. Gal 4. 1 Cor. 12 12 13. Ioh. 14 26. â— Ioh. 2 27 equall with the Father and the Sonne proceeding from the Father and the Sonne who spake by the Prophets in the Old Testament and by the Apostles in the New Testament and still worketh in and by that word who is also sent into the hearts of Gods children and is that one spirit that knitteth all Christians to Christ their head and sanâ—â—ifieth them by applying the verâ—ue of Christs death and resurrection and comforteth and preserueth in the estate of holinesse the true members of Christ and abideth with them for euer This sanctification is to dye 24 Of Sanctification Rom. 6. 1 2 3 4. 1 Thes 5. 1 Ioh. 1. 8. Esa 64. 6. 1 Ioh. 3. â— Ioh. 3. 5. 2 Cor. 5 17. Ioel 2. â—8 Act. 2. 10 to sinne and rise againe to newnesse of life it is a work wrought in the whole man in soule and body and spirit yet but vnperfect in this life neuerthelesse the graces of this spirit wrought in vs at our new birth can neuer wholly or finally be lost and it is of absoluâ—e necessity that wee haue this spirit of Christ and find the worke thereof in regenerating vs and making vs a new or else we are not Christs nor
offer vp soule and body to God a whole burnt offering and yeeld thy selfe vnto him as one aliue from the dead and thy members weapons of righteousnesse to holinesse consecrating thy selfe as a couenant seruant to righteousnesse euen as euer thou didst or any man doth yeeld himselfe and his members as â—eruants to vncleannesse and to inquity vnto iniquity so shalt thou haue thy fruit vnto holinesse Rom. 12. 1. and 6. 13. 19. 22. In speciall Looke you doe all 1 With vprightnesse Psal 18. 22. Euen with a perfect heart 1 Chro. 28. 9. which is expressed 1 In the sincerity and truth of the heart this is that vnleauened bread wherewith we must all our daies keepe our Christian Passeouer 1 Cor. 5. 8. The contrary to this is hypocrisie and guile of spirit when men aduance a profession of religion for 〈…〉 nall ends that they might seeme onely but God hates a powerlesse shew let thy holinesse bee holinesse of truth Ephes 4. 24. 2 In giuing the whole of the heart without diuision entirely cleauing to all the workes of righteousnesse without halting without expostulating 3 In doing all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10. 31. 4 In vniuersall obedience To all Gods commandements not putting any of his statutes from vs nor hiding our eyes from them Say not in the words of Lot is it not a little one nor in the words of Naaman the Syrian onely in this the Lord be mercifull vnto mee but without ifs and ands reseruations and exceptions giue thy selfe with Dauid to doe all the wils of God and resolue Act. 3. 22. vpon the forsaking of all sinne At all times in aduersity as well as prosperity In all places obeying absent from their Ministers as well as present In euery company as well as in any company Phil. 2. 12. 2 With ioy and cheerefulnesse accounting ourselues happy when the Lord openeth a dore and giueth any strength for holy duties louing to be his seruants Esa 56. 6. Lex voluntarios quaerit Ambros in Psal 1. Gods people are all voluntaries they cast off those foule vices of procrastination and security 3 With feruency not slothfull in businesse but glowing in spirit seruing the Lord Rom. 12. 11. doing all we put our hands vnto with all our might Eccles 9. 10. with all diligence 2 Cor. 8. 7. We must be all zealots for cursed is hee that doth the Lords worke negligently Ier. 48. 10. 4 With feare 1 Pet. 1. 17. Blessed is the man that feareth alway Pro. 28. 14. There is a feare to be expressed in all parts of holy life and it is that reuerence tendernesse modesty and carefulnesse should be in all our waies fearing Gods presence who should be euer set before vs beâ—ring reuerence to the Angels to Gods Ministâ—rs fearing our deceitfull hearts and the offâ—nce of the godly the infection of the wicked and the ruine of those whom we might helpe fearing lest the day of Christ should come vpon vs before we are prepared and thus working out our saluation with feare and trembling all wretchlesnesse rudenesse rashnesse precipitation conceitednesse and pride laid aside with all hardning of the heart in euil no no feare and depart from euill 5 With faith for what so is not of faith is sinne Rom. 14. This takes Gods will for the warrant of our actions raiseth vp the heart to beleeue Gods assistance trusts God for the succeâ—â—e rests on the promise for acceptation makes vs neglect the scornes and oppositions of the world keepes vs from being iust ouermuch conceiting too highly of our selues for what wee doe or wicked ouer much in thinking too vilely of Gods worke in vs Eccles 7. This cuts off all carnall feares as the feare of men and the superstitious feare of Gods displeasure for breaking mens traditions or the commandements of our owne hearts 6 With simplicity and godly purenesse 2 Cor. 1. 12. 11. 3. expressed in these things 1 A faithfull retaining of the pure word of God without mixtures looking onely thereto for the formes of holinesse and happinesse no way lending eare to false teachers that would impose more vpon vs then God requires as doe the Papists 2 An ignorance of the depths of Sathan simple concerning euill Rom. 16. 19. not skilled in wily distinctions excuses to maintaine sinne 3 Godly integrity opposed to fleshly wisedome and fraud which is when in plainenesse of heart wee desire to doe what God requires though it bee neuer so much derided in the world Ambros in locum without man-pleasing or respect to our owne lucre 4 The loue of holinesse for it selfe and the hatred of sinne as it is sinne 5 The desire to be what euer wee are in the sight of God making Caluin in locum his allowance our glory 7 Precisenesse circumspectnesse accuratenesse Eph. 5. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Making conscience of lesser sinnes as well as greater auoiding the appearance of euill and the occasions as well as the euill it self obseruing the circumstances of time â—â—ace and persons in doing duty 8 Meekenesse of wisedome Iam. 3. 13. which consisteth in these particulars 1 A calmenesse of heart from turbulent and violent passions out of which springs gentlenesse of carriage so thâ—t a man is not easily prouoked 2 A sense of our owne vilenesse which maketh vs not wise in our selues and to doe good in the deepe apprehension of our vnworthinesse to doe any seruice to God â—r man and to auoid bit 〈…〉 s 〈…〉 ifes and enuyings Iam. 3. 3 Easinessâ— to be intreated Iam. 3. 17. 4 Corrigiblenesse teachablenesse 9 A Conuersation in heauen which is so to be in the world as to let our hearts runne still vpon God and his kingdome and righteousnesse hauing God in all our thoughts and waies and directing all our actions some way to further our holinesse here and hope of happinesse to come Phil. 3. 20. Earthly men may haue earthly minds but heauenly mindednesse beseemes Christian men whose God Sauiour and happinesse is aboue 10 Patient continuance and perseuerance in wel-doing Abounding in good workes filled with the fruit of all righteousnesse Perfecting holinesse and hauing our works full before God Increasing so that our last workes may be better then our first Doing all without wearinesse Gal. 69. Without dismayednesse and faintings Heb. 12. 12. 13. Notwithstanding all impediments That so we may escape fearefull Apostacie both inward that our hearts cast not off the care of godlinesse the feare to offend nor restraine prayer Outward that we relapse not to the violent coâ—rses of the world nor liue in grosse sinne Both totall in falling from all godlinesse partiall in falling from some ordinances of God or to some transgressions Such are the generall precepts of an holy life §. V. Of our duty towards God and first of the knowledge of God NOw when thou art rightly qualified by faith and repentance and hast set foote within the gates of righteousnesse and art fully resolued
in this holy manner to doe the Lords worke come on and tread the pathes of the highest those euen and pleasant waies which lead to the assurance of eternall happinesse For the worke of righteousnesse is peace and the effect therof Esa 32. 17. quietnesse and assurance for euer The particular and expresse precepts of holy conuersation respect thy behauiour towards God other men thy selfe Thy duty to God is to know Thy duty to God him to worship him aright both for the inward affections of thy heart and for thy outward service 1 The knowledge of God 1 To know him desired more then burnt offerings is that which must be in some good measure found in all the true worshippers of him and that such a knowledge as natures light since the fall reacheth not vnto it being rather a sparkle whereby wee discerne that there is a God then any flaming light Rom. 1. 20. 21. that is able either to direct vs how aright to conceiue of him or to warme our hearts by liuely impressions that by the same we might be brought to glorifie him as God and not proue vnthankefull worshipping the creature in stead of the Creator Ier. 24. 7. 1 Ioh. 5. 20. who is blessed for euer Scripture then doth teach this knowledge and God by them doth giue an heart as Ieremie speaketh an vnderstanding as S. Iohn saith To know him that is true and to know him that we might worship him And concerning this grace it is required in the Scripture as euer we meane to know God that not alone wee know but also follow on to know the Lord Hos 6. 3. The precepts thereof must direct in both 1 The Rules for the guiding of our vnderstandings to know and conceiue of God aright are these 1 That we know him by no likenesse nor resemble him to any thing in the world hee is a spirit the inuisible God to whom then wilt thou compare him or to whom shall he be like God forbids images in Churches houses and thy head too Commandement 2. Deut. 4. 12. 15. 2 How shall we doe then to conceiue of him whom no man euer saw nor can see of whom none may thinke by resembling him to any thing hee doth see the Lord himselfe hath shewen the way caâ—ie glorious and able to prepare our hearts vnto him in any seruice wherein we would approach neere vnto him a way by which hee made himselfe knowne to Moses Exod 34. 6. 7. by his glorious titles and attributes the excellenciâ—s and praises of him that is I am the Almighty which is which was which is to come Therefore in prayer and all other his worship in all thy meditations fasten thy thoughts vpon him as the Lord God Gracious Mercifull long-suffering that pardoneth iniquitie transgression and sinne that will by no meanes cleare the wicked the most Holy Alsufficient eternall onely wise God with the like which shall lift vp thy heart vnto him through the glory that shines in them By this meanes maist thou haue him in thy minde through the whole day In the creatures thou beholdest inasmuch as these praises may be read plainely in that great booke If thou wilt take the benefit of this direction an helpe non contemnendum not to be despised there are three waies to gather these glories of the highest out of the booke of the creature 1 By way of deniaâ—l remouing from God in our conceiuing of him what euer argueth weakenesse or wickednesse in the creature as to know him to bee the God that cannot lye that cannot dye but is immortall that cannot repent or deny himselfe 2 By way of eminency ascribing what is good in the creature to the Creator by an excellency as see wee knowledge in men and he that teacheth men knowledge shall not he know is wisedome in men and is not hee most wise are there any drops of mercy truth or holinesse in the creature the Ocean is in him or rather he is the Ocean Doth the creature liue with him is the well of life 3 By way of causing all things so by the fabricke of this world we know him to be the Creator by wonders therein we vnderstand his eternall power and God-head by gifts bestowed on the creatures his bounty and goodnesse by their order his wisedome the God of order by their continuance in the same estate to this day his vnwearied prouidence 3 Yet all this is not sufficiâ—nt wee must know him to bee that one God who is three the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost and know God the Father as the Father of Iesus Christ his Sonne and as our Father in him by the holy Ghost The first of these namely to hold the doctrine of the Trinity distinguisheth Christians from Iewes Paynims Turkes Arrians Antitrinitarians The second which the Apostles cals the knowledge 2 Cor. 4. 6. of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ his Sonne distinguisheth true Christians from all Hereticall Papisticall and formall Christians which is called sauing knowledge by Diuines and is eternall life in the beginnings of it Ioh. 17. 3. Which hath a power to transforme the 2 Cor. 3. 18 Col 3. 10. whole man into Gods image and change him from glory to glory It is a chiefe part of Gods image in vs at which time the vaile of ignorance is said to be rent And this is when by the Gospell wee hauing first seene our misery by the law and how vile we are by sinne we vnderstand the loue of the Father set vpon vs before euer there was a world choosing vs to life and predestinating vs to the Adoption of children by Iesus Christ whom hee gaue to vs and made him to bee to vs wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption and also the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the Sonne in taking on him our nature and dying for vs to reconcile vs to God and rising againe to make vs righteous and the fellowship of the holy Ghost who vniteth vs to the Father and the Sonne and sanctifieth and preserueth in the estate of grace When I say wee know with perswasion of heart the loue of God in Christ pardoning our sinnes and receiuing vs for his sonnes and daughters so that by the spirit of the Son sent into our hearts we call him Abba Father then know we him effectually And thus must thou conceiue of him and thus conceiuing approach to him when thou worshipest him Eph. 2. 18. In Christ wee haue saith Paul accesse vnto the Father by one spirâ—t For this wee should pray on â—he bended kneâ—s of our soules euery day that God would enlarge our hearts to comprehend with all Saints what is the height depth length and breadth and to know the loue of God which passeth knowledge that we may be filled with all the fulnesse of God Ephes 3. 17. 18. 19. 2 After thou canst thus conceiue of him then follow on to know the Lord acquaint thy selfe with
him doe not indure to spend thy time without God in the world this is done 1 By remembring him in thy waies and setting him euer before thine eyes walking before him as Abraham with him as Henoch and Noah did Gen. 17. 1. 2 By vsing thy selfe to soliloquies and meditations and to this end beseeching the Lord to open thine eyes that thou mightst see his glory in his word and works that thence thou mightst extract matter of frequent meditation 3 By seeking after him in the meanes wherein hee vseth to reueale himselfe familiarly vnto men for we know but in part and wee haue the promise that then we shall know if we follow on to know the Lord now these meanes are two 1. Gods Ordinances Hos 6. 3. 2. Houshold 1 Ioh. 1. 3. Hitherto of the knowledge of God the worship of God followes §. VI. Of the worship of God THe worship of God is either 2 To worship him inward or outward the inward is the life and soule of the outward the acts whereof no tyrannicall force can hinder no duâ—geon can intercept it is that whereby we come nearest vnto God and which is most acceptable to him who is a spirit That thou maist know how to set vp this worship of the true God in thy heart and spirit these rules direct 1 Thou must with full purpose of heart cleaue vnto the Lord placing all the affections of thy soule vpon him Act. 11. 23. Iosh 23. 8. and fâ—llow hard after God Psal 63. 8. by the helpe of these feet of thy soule 1 By beleeuing in him receiuing euery part of his word so as to feele the power of it in thine heart of the Commandements to incite thee of the threats to tâ—rrifie and humble thee of the promises to comfort thee the promises both of heauenly and of earthly things no comming to God but by this beleeuing Heb. 11. 6. 2 Chro. 20. 20. 2 By affiance and trust in God resting on him and making him our portion shewed 1 In committing our selues and our waies to him at all times Psal 37. 5. 10. 14. And in distresse 2 In rowling our cares and burdens on him Psal 55. 22. 3 In relying vpon his aide not Trusting to our owne hearts Pro. 3. 5. Hasting to ill meanes Esa 28. 16. Fretting at the prosperity of the wicked Psal 37. 1. But marke if thou wouldest haue God take the care of thee commit the keeping of thy soule to him in wel-doing and then is not hee the faithfull Creator 1 Pet. 4. 1â— 3 By hope in God which is a patient looking for the performance of good things to come which God hath promised and faith beleeued exprâ—ssed in a quiet and constant waiting vpon God encouraging the heart in him Lam. 3. 26. Psal 27. 14. Hos 12. 6. and then doe our soules waite when denying our selues wee resigne vp our selues keepe silence to him abide his leisure expect his saluation and the waies of escape which he shall offer without limiting tempting presuming or staying in second causes 4 By the loue of God aboue all testified in honouring him Mal. 1. 6. Longing after his presence both in his ordinances Ps 42. 1. glory to come 2 Cor. 5. 8 5 By delight in God Psal 37. 4. which hath in it 1 A sweetnesse in the meditation of his mercies and prouidence Psal 104. 34. 2 A ioyfull entertainement of all passages of his loue especially in the vse of his ordinances Cant. 1. 2. As being the very kisses of his mouth whose loue is better then wine 3 A spirituall replenishing and satiating arising from the sense of his loue and allowance in which the heart of the Christian resteth when all others disallow As a childe thinkes it enough if the father commends him cares not then for others dislike or cheeke Psal 63 5. 4 The extolling and commending of his praises and mighty acts by discourse and by singing of Psalmes Psal 105. 1. 2 5 A glorying in him 1 Cor. 1. 31. The height of this grace when the soule can climbe so high aboue all inferiour things and delights as to make her boast in the Lord all the day Psal 34. 1. 2. 6 By the feare of God which Timor Cuâ—tâ—s Culpae is two-fold 1 the feare reuerentiall whereby wee beare awfull regard to his name Deut. 28. 58. his iudgements and iustice Psal 90. 11. his goodnesse Hos 3. 5. his word Esa 66. 2. his mighty and meruailous acts Reu. 15. 3. 4. Ier. 5. 22. his maiesty in all his worship Psal 5 7. 2 the feare to offend Pro. 8. 13. 7 By humbling our soules Gen. 32. 1â— continually in his sight Mic. 6 8. as lesse then the least of all his mercieâ— and all the truth he sheweth to vs. 8 By powring out our hearts before him on all occasions Psal 62. 8. In prayers praises Confessions and complaints Psal 142 2. 9 By obeying him the soule euer yeelded vp to submissiue obedience to what he shall command 2 Thou must abhorre all Idols as being the images of iealousie Ezek. 8 5. and the abomination of Desolation oh neuer set them vp in head or heart 3 The affections of thy soule must bee placed on him onely and on no creature any otherwise then as thou seâ—st God in it and by it mayst be brought to cleaue to him the more be it father or mother brother or sister wife or childe 4 The affections of thy soule Deut. 6. 4. 5. must bee set on him in the full and vtmost vigor and force of them Thou must loue him with all thine heart with all thy soule with all thy might §. VII Of the seruice of God in generall HIthâ—rto of the inward worship 3 To serue him of God or how thou maist aright worship him for the inward affections of thy heart The outward worship may bee called the seruice of God and it is charged vpon thee in Deut. 10. 20. and in Mat. 4. 10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serue Now God is serued with thy person and goods first with thy person and for direction herein the Lord in his word hath laid downe certaine rules some generall which guide thee in all his seruice some speciall these pertaine to the seuerall parts of his seruice or to a special time of With our persons his seruice The generall are rules of Preparation Execution 1 For preparation the approach Where rules of preparation in all seruice to Gods holinesse needs particular addresses our hearts are naturally auerse from holy duties and require a speciall fitting and preparing when wee come to the ordinances of God Which is done when before all seruice of God whatsoeuer 1 Wee commune with our owne hearts and cast out the loue of all sinne washing our hands in innocency and preseruing our vprightnesse Psal 26. 6. 24. 4. 66. 18. Otherwise our solemne meetings our prayers all we doe
is the fast which the Lord hath chosen when thus we cry hee will say here I am his worke also shall be as forward as his word for then shall our light breake forth as the morning and our health shall spâ—ing forth speedily our righteousnesse shall goe before vs and the glory of the Lord shall bee our rereward to gather vs vp §. XIIII The seuenth singing of Psalmes FOr the right manner of singing Of singing of Psalmes of Psalmes the approued mirth of a true Christian Iam. 5. 13. The Apostle giueth rules in two places to the same effect Ephes 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. 1 Wee must make vse to our instruction and mutuall edification of the matter conâ—eiued in the Psalmes hymnes and spirituall songs we sing remembring these songs are Gods statutes Psal 119. 54. 2 Wee must sing with the heart 1. both with the vnderstanding and with the affections lifted vp as well as with the voice Psal 25. 1. 3 With grace in the heart 1. imploying the graces of Gods spirit as our faith hope delight in Gods loue c. 4 Our melody must be directed to the Lord and his glory not vsed as a ciuill employment but as Gods seruice nor as a meane to cleare the pipes and preserue bodily health but as a meanes to cleare the soule of obstructiue humours and promote our eternall saluation §. XV. The eight Reading of Scripture or meditation THis is a duty of no small benefit Of reading or meditation to the godly life of a Christian for by it wordly cares are moderated and sanctified worldly pleasures dulled and extinguished the minde furnished with pure imaginations the iudgement inlightned and enlarged the memory relieued the heart perswaded the affections moued the whole man secretly yet sweetly drawn aboue the world aboue himselfe this is part of the benefit comes hereby and the comfort is no lesse when thou shalt know that this is one of the three duties that make vs happy Reu. 1. 3. Blessed is hee that heareth and readeth and keepeth the words of this prophesie and those things that are written therein This duty I expresse by two words reading and meditation 1. because this duty pressed in the old Testament is set downe in two words which signifie to speake with the mouth and with the heart to reade and to meditate too 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ge. 24 63. Psal 1. 2. Therefore it is vsually translated to meditate Iosh 1. 8. Psal 1. 2 2 Because the reading which is the duty is not a running ouer a Chapter vttering the words like a childe at schoole without regard of the matter but this musing thinking on pondering debating of the matters therein with our selues 3 Because many through want of education cannot reade yet the duty to meditate fasteneth vpon all That this is a duty which all are bound vnto that saying of our Sauiour Search the Scripture Ioh 5. 39 doth abundantly testifie and that command layd vpon Kings of daily reading notwithstanding their great employment of state Deut. 17. 18. 19. Besides the holy Scripture is called in the Neh. 8. 9. word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reading because it ought to be read About your reading these things must necessarily bee obserued 1 That it be daily the time such as wee can best alotte from our worldly affaires but in euery day some time must be redeemed to this worke Deut. 17. 19. He shall reade therein all the dayes of his life Iosh 1. 8. Thou shalt meditate therein night and day Psal 1. 2. 2 That we meditate vpon it or ponder what we reade storing our hearts with good thoughts liuely consolations and holy precepts by that which we reade this will helpe to direct vs all the day after and season the heart in some good measure that it be not drowned in the vaâ—ities of the world and the sinnes of the time Psal 1. 2. This is to search and diggâ— for wisedome and hath the promise Pro. 2. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 3 That we wisely apply what we reade to our selues seeing all Scripture is written for our instruction and comfort and tends to make the maâ— of God perfect and furnished to euery good worke Rom 15. 4 We ought to perswade our selues that all precepts of duty and good life are left recorded to direct vs not others onely that all the promises are to be beleeued by vs and wee finde the grace or state of life to which they are made in vs. All the threats denounced against vs as we are found in the transgressions all reproofes checke vs for faults escaped all exhortations and admonitions quicken our coldnesse deadnesse drowsinesse and lukewarmenesse 4 That wee bring a speciall and renewed delight to this worke else we shall never hold out but by fits and snatches at the best take it vp Psal 1. 2. Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord to meditate therein day and night 5 That we hide in our hearts the Commandements promises threats for direction and vse in our liues indowed with Dauids spirit who said I haue hid thy commandements in mine heart that I might not sinne against thee Psal 119. 11. that wee obseruâ— to doe as the command runnes in Iosh 1. 8. §. XVI The ninth vowes and swearing A Vow is a religious promise Of a vowe of things lawfull conducing to the exciting of our hearts to Gods worship and holy duties and that for such things as God hath promised made with prayer and payed with thankesgiuing such was Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 20. This is a duty wee owe by verrue of that command Psa 76. 11. Vow and pay vnto the Lord your God Vowes are of two sorts necessary or arbitrary Necessary which euery Christian must promise to the Lord vpon all blessings he asketh and in all suits he maketh either expresly or at least in the deuotion of his heart they are 1. The sacrifice of himselfe foule and body to God Rom. 12. 1. 2. The renewing of his couenant for reformation of sinnes which prouoked God Ier. 50. 5 3. Contribution to the maintenance of Gods worship 4. Charity to our neighbours Neh. 10. 29. 30. 32. An heart prepared to these foure should euer be with vs but the arbitrary is the vow wee speake of and here these rules must be obserued 1 Thy vow must be of things lawfull 2 It must be of things in thine owne power for if thou vow chastity when thou knowest not whether thou hast the gift of continency and whether thou haue power ouer thine owne will thou offâ—ndest 1 Cor. 7. Be not rash with thy mouth and be not hasty to vtter any thing before God Eccles 5. 2. 3 It must be some way conducing to the lawfull worship of God and such as mâ—y helpe thy repentance sobriety chastity abstinence meditations patience with the like Thus it must haue a right end the glory of God and the furthering of thy heart to
as did the blessed Virgin and hiding it there for practise as did Dauid Psal 119. 11. 4. Prayer alone or with others Neh. 13. 22. These duties hâ—ue reference to the publique The duties seuerally required are foure first familiar conference of things pertaining to the kingdome of God not speaking our owne words that day Esa 58. 12. secondly the catechising of our families thirdly the singing of Psalmes Psal 92. 2. fourthly meditation on the word and the workes of God as vpon the workes of Creation of Redemption of Prouidence for his Church against the enemies therof Ps 92. of the riches of his house and the flourishing in righteousnesse of all that are planted in his coures Psal 92. the latter end this for piety The workes of mercy are eyther for the publique or the priuate In the publique are collections for the poore 1 Cor. 16. 1. In priuate mercy respecteth the temporall life as the workes abâ—ut sicke persons almes the meating of cattell the preseruation of things that otherwise would perish or it respecteth the spirituall life as to teach the ignorant reclaime the erronious admonish the backward exhort and perswade the delinquent rebuke the offender comfort the distressed giue counsell to them that need and seeke it and to reconcile them them that are at variance These are the workes of sanctity but when are they done in a Sabboth like manner I answere when they are done 1 With readinesse and delight louing to be his seruantâ— and to doe his worke vpon his day Esa 56. 6. 58. 13. calling the Sabboth a delight the holy of the Lord honourably without which God takes himselfe not honoured this delight is to bee expressed in the publique duties 1. by being there with the first Esa 2. 3. Ezek. 46. 10. 2. by auoyding all vnseemely gesture sleepinesse drowsinesse and all wandring thoughts 3. by waiting for the blessing to be put vpon vs by the Minister Numb 6. 23. 27. But chiefly see thou solace thy heart in the inward rest which is the Sabboth Sabbathum secretum of the true Israelite who worships God in spirit These call this day desiderium dierum the desire of dayes 2 With speciall obseruance not onely to the rest but also to the sanctification of the day that no duty be omitted nor the day any way prophaned tending our hearts and words 3 With sincerity obseruing it in our dwellings as well as in Gods house within our gates as well as within his doores Leu. 23. 3. spending the whole day morning and euening on Gods worke Psal 92. 2. Doing all with as much diligence and earnest labour for the meat which perisheth not as we doe on the weeke day for the meat which perisheth and as we looke our seruants should not serue vs an houre or two in the day or slightly 4 With beliefe that God will blesse that day and the duties thereof to the increase of grace Gen. 2. 2. Ezek. 20. 20. 46. 2. 5. resting on the promises he hath made in Esa 56. 5. 7. 58. 14. The third thing respects the meanes of sanctifying the Sabboth and so there is required 1 A place to assemble together Leuit. 19. 30. Psalm 132. 1. 2. 5. 2 Persons fit for the duties such as are able and apt to teach 1 Tim. 3. 2. For where vision faileth the people perish Pro. 29. 18. And prophecying or preaching that is giuing the sense and applying the word for instruction correction comfort and reproofe is the gift of the spirit that should be vsed in christian assemblies 1 Cor. 14. 3. 4. 5. 24. 28. What alterations haue beene for want of prophecying see in these places Iudg. 17. 7. 1 Sam. 14. 2 Chro. 15. 3. 2 King 17. 15. Therefore let vs be so farre from enuying the increase of their number and gifts that rather Moses wish be ours Would God all the Lords people could prophesie Numb 11. 19. 3 The maintenance of both the places and persons Thus we see what is charged on whom it is charged followeth 2 These duties are charged Thou thy sonne and thy daughter on all but chiefly on the Magistrates and Masters of families who must nor onely doe the duties of the Sabboth themselues but cause others to obserue them in respect of all outward conformity that none within their gates that is within their precincts iurisdiction power habitation or charge be suffered to violate the rest or prophane the day The example of Nehemiah is worthy imitation of all in authority of which you reade Neh. 13. 16. 19. where wee may see especially these two thiâ—gâ— that it belongs to all Gouernours of Families Townes Cities and Countries to prouide that the whole day be kept and all occasions as neere as may be of the prophaning of the day he cut off and that the preparation for the Sabbath bee not neglected much lesse then may any in place impose such harâ— labor and so extreame on the day before or the euening of the Sabboth as disableth for the duties of that day Againe that he offendeth exceedingly that hauing power reformeth not the abuses of this day Hitherto of our duty to God our duty to other men followeth §. XIX Of our duty to all men as it concernes the right dâ—sposition of the heart THe order of our conuersation Thy duty to man to God-ward hath beene shewed now wee come to lay line and lâ—uell to our hearts and liues that they may be ordered aright to man ward without which God himselâ—e râ—ckons of all duties of his seruice but as impâ—ety and vile hypocrisie saying of these duties we owe to man is not this to know me Ier. 22. 15. 16. And againe pure religion and vndefiled Iam 1. 27 before God and the Father is this Such is the absolute necessity of discharging these duties one to another that if your hearts deuoted to serue the Lord should frame this question wherewith shall I come before the Lord and how my selfe before the high God the Lord himselfe giueth this answere by his Prophet Micah Hee hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe iustly and to loue mercy Mâ—c 6. 6. 7. And here I beginne to set the Compasse and lay the Plummet for what euer wee owe to man is either carried to all men or to some certaine men considered as nearer to God Such are the regenerate renewed in Christ after the image of him that created thâ—m or as further off from God as wicked men that liue in their sinnes and serue sinne To all men vniuersally considered as men the duty we owe is comprized in this excellent speech Doe iustly and loue mercy In these two viz. Iustice and Mercy the Lord hath a bridged them and taught vs how to fadome them That thou maiest doe iustly To doe iustly and walke righteously towarâ—s all men two things are to bee heeded 1 The disposition of thy
heart can say to God in all distresses Thou art my hiding place Psal 32. 7. Hab. 2. 4. Now let the power of thy faith cause thee to rest on God and liue in him For iustification and saluation by casting thy selfe into the mercifull armes of thy Lord spread out vpon the Crosse who will conuey to thee himselfe the vertue of his death and obedience and the power of his spirit to quicken thee out of thy sinnes here and out of the graue to raise thee at the last day Draw not backe dye rather at the throne of grace For sanctification thy faith being the roote of all graces and the attractiue vertue and magneticall force of thy heart to draw thee vp to Christ and to extract life and quickning grace from euery part of Christ his incarnation his life death resurrection ascension session and intercession that which maketh euery ordinance profitable Baptisms Mark 16. 16. Col. 2. 12. receiuing of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 29. the word heard Heb. 4. 2. and prayer Mat. 21. 22. For preseruation where thou must haue 1 A distinct knowledge of the promises for they are pabulum fidei the food of faith An abstract thereof I giue thee here applyed to seuerall occasions The penitent contrite and humble heart is sure in all estates Of the free fauour of God Hos 14. 4. in tendrest compassion more then motherly Esa 49. 15. in euerlasting constancy Ier. 31. 3. as the waters of Noah as the ordinances of heauen Ier. 31. 36. 33. 20. Esa 54. 10. Of Christ and the redemption wrought by him and of the spirit of Christ by couenant Esa 59. 20. 21. In the stormes of afflictions lâ—ue by these places Psal 89. 33. 50. 15. Heb. 12. 3. 4. Psal 34 19. Rom. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. and that sweet promise of giuing liberally euen wisedome to behaue our selues vnder the Crosse if wee aske it Iam. 1. 4. 5. In the midst of the venemouâ— arrowes of slanderous reproaches headed with the poyson of Aspes shot from the tongue of a rayling Shemei for Christâ— cause 1 Pet. 4. 14. Psal 31. 1â— 19. Heb. 12. 2. 3. Vnder wrongs by them that professe true religion in their vniust censures remember Iob and what an end the Lord made Iob 4. 6. 11. 2 3. and Paul 1 Cor. 4. 4. 10. Esa 66. 5. Against aduersaries Esa 41. 11. 12. Gen 12. 3. Gal. 3. 9. In temptations 1 Cor. 10. 13. Rom. 16. 20. Luc. 22. 31. Heb. 2. 18. 4. 15. Against daily infirmities Exod 34. 6. 7. Mat. 11. â—â— Hâ—b 4. 16. Esa 55. 1 2 3. 42. 3. In our spirituall barrennesse lamented Hos 2. 19. Esa 54. 5 6. In case of relapse when the heart iâ— smitten for it Hos 14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. In case of dismayednesse vnder corruptions great strong and the thoughts of our indisposition to any thing that is good Ezek. 36. 25 26 27. Phil. 4. 13. Against the feare of falling away 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 2 Tim. 2. 19. 2 Thes 3. 3. Ier. 32. 40. 41. Ioh. 10. 28. 1 Ioh. 3 9. 2 27. Heb. 7. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 5. In spirituall desertions Esa 30. 18. Psal 77. Esa 54. 7. 8. In the workes of thy calling Heb. 13. 5. Psal 37. 2 3. In the waies of thy houshold Psal 127. In losses for Gods cause 2 Chro. 25. 9. Mark 10. 29. 30. In the valley of the shadow of death Psal 23. 73. 26. In all in any estate Psal 84. 11. Rom. 8. 18 28 32. Looke also vpon the promises to seuerall graces and to seuerall degrees of true grace contained in such places as these Mat. 5. 1 2. to 13. 2 Chro. 16. 9. 2 Pet. 1 5 6 10 11. 2 Thou must then hang vpon these breasts of the Churches consolations by beleeuing and applying them to thy selfe and sucke out the milke that may nourish thee and make thee grow if so be thou hast tasted that the Lord is gracious 3 Keepe a Register of Gods mercies in his prouidence ouer his Church in thy time as neere as thou canst or at least ouer thee and thine a role of experiments How aduantagious this is Dauids practise and precepts shew in many Psalmes of his Psal 78. 2 3 4 5 6. to the end 107 43. 105. 106. 66 16 17 18 19 20. These three rules concerne 2 Rules about thy repentance and obedience thy faith furthermore sith wee daily transgresse and repentance is the worke of our whole life and seeing nothing more blemisheth obedience then inconstancy to walke like a Christian attend these rules following about thy repentance and obedience 1 Hâ—lâ— firmely and iudiciously in what things the power of godlinesse doth consist that the full bent of thy soule may bee placed on these things the rather because these are the last and perillous dayes in which men should haue the shew but deny the power of godlinesse 2 Tim. 3 5. It consisteth not in frequenting the publike assemblies in set houres of deuotion in taskes of reading in the outward abstinence of fastings in professing or talking in knowledge for discouâ—se in strictnesse of shunning controuerted ceremonies in opinions in a straine of praise and words though all stamped in Gods minte in defying the corruptions of the time in descrying publicane-like sinners in praising the Martyrs or Saints departed in commending former and discommending the present in censuring others in holding profession with the forwardest in sincerity in reuerencing a Philip a godly Minister in giuing liberally to the maintenance of Gods worship c. But in righteousnesse peace and ioy in the holy Ghost in humility patience goodnesse meekenesse and truth in mercy and righteousnesse dealing in mortification of the flesh gouernement of the affections and the tongue in heauenly mindednesse selfe-denyall contempt of the world in the life of a pilgrime and a conuersation with feare in long-suffering and gentlenesse in sobriety and temperance in faith and fellowship with God in brotherly kindenesse and charity amongst men 2 Keepe by a watchfull suruey of thy heart a bill of thy sinnes that most annoy thee since thy profession as the Apostles made many of them agreeing to the estates of their hearers seuerally 1 Pet. 2 1. Ephes 4. 31. Col. 3. 8. 9. Thus shalt thou know what to confeâ—se and lament before God thus shalt thou see how thou growest in grace by the dying of thy preuaâ—ling sinnes The profit is not knowne but by those that haue practised it 3 Seeke after and pray earnestly for direct thoughts to see how farre thou hast aâ—tained and what is yet wanting in the graces of the spirit or the measure and degrees of them which graces God requireth and hath heretofore and doth still adorne the hearts of his children with Phil. 3. 11 12 13. To helpe thee herein that place of Paul Gal. 5. 20. which setteth downe the fruits of the spirit is to be often weighed and
thereof in our selues or others 1 Thes 5. 19. To lye against it and tempt it Act. 5. 3 9. the sinne of Ananias and Sapphira To set to saile or offer to buy the gifts of the spirit Act. 8. 13. the sinne of Sâ—mon Magus To despite the worke of it wilfully Heb. 10. 26. the sinne against the Holy Ghost Eightly against his day His day so he sinneth That reckoneth it other then the Lord Christ his day Rev. 1. 10. Psal 118. 24. Not to be a willing people in the day of assembling of his armies in the beauty of holinesse Psal 110. 3. Ninthly against his Discipline His Discpline where those sinnes are eminent The sinne of Diotrephes that loued to haue the preheminence 3 Ioh 9. The neglect of the excommunication of lewd brethren â— Cor. 5. 2. To suffer a woman to preach Rev. 2. 20. To suffer Heretikes that hold false dâ—ctrine Rev. 2. 14 15. and to admit the doctrine and willes of Balaamitish seducers To lay hands suddenly on any 1 Tim. 5 22. To câ—st out those that tremble at Gods word Esa 66. 5. Thus of the sinnes against Christ â— Against Christians 2 Sinnes against Christians are committed against them either considered as one body and members of that one body or as set in priuate or seuerall estates Against Christians considered as one body there are these sins Schisme 1 Cor. 12. 25. and Factions 1 Cor. 1. 12 13. Want of fellow feeling 1 Cor. 12. 26. Nâ—t improouing our gifts to their edification 1 Cor. 12. 7. Not to thinke soberly and deale faithfully in our places offices according to the measure of gifts and graces bestowed on vs Rom. 12. 3 4 5 6. Not striuing together for the faith of the Gospel endeauoring to be of one heart iudgement and minde and to keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace Phil. 1 27. Ephes 4. 3. Against Christians as set in seuerall estates he sinneth That despiseth one of Christs little ones Mat. 18. 6 10. Or layeth a stumbling blocke in his way That iudgeth this strong brother in the vse of his Christian liberty Rom. 14. 3. That mixeth himselfe and keepeth company with lewd disordered brethren 1 Cor. 5 11. 2 Thes 3. 14. These are the sinnes against Christians 3 The third sort of sinnes against 3 Against Christian graces in vs. as the Gospell are sinnes against Christian graces in vs such are 1 Faith 2 Hope 3 The loue of the Godly 4 Repentance 5 The affections of godlinesse Against Faith he offendeth Faith That beleeueth not in Christ for his iustification and sâ—luation Ioh 3. 17. That examineth not himselfe whether hee be in the faith or no. 2 Cor. 13 5. That esteemâ—th not of Christ aboue all and of all things else as droâ—fe that hee may be found in him Phil. 3. 8 9. That neglâ—cteth assurance Col. 2 2. 2 Pet. 1 9 10. That wants faith to hold out in Prayer Luke 18. 1 8. That calleth in question the loue of God in Christ in time of affliction fainting in himselfe Heb. 12. 2 3. Esa 49. 15. and 40 27. That buâ—ldes not himselfe on his most holy faith Iude. 20. That liues not by his faith on the Sonne of God Gal. 2 20. Against Hope he sinneth Hope That purifieth not himselfe as Christ is pure 1 Ioh. 3. 2. That abuseth the world placing his hopes below 1 Cor. 7. 30. 31. 2 Cor. 4. 18. That neglecteth the study of the promises that concerne our happâ—nesse in heauen That neglecteth preparation for death Psal 49 Luke 12. 19. this is the foole That casts away his confidence Heb. 10 35. That â—ests in the spiders webb of a presumptuous hope Iob 8. 14 15. he is an Hypocrite That doth not his diligence to attaine and keepe the full assurance of hope vnto the end Heb. 6. 10. Against loue to the godly it Loue. is a sinne To hate the brethren Caines spot Ioh. 3. 12 15. To mocke them Ishmaels blot Gal. 4. 29. Gen. 21. 9. To deride the Infirmities of the Saints Chams sinne Gen. 9. 22. 25. To persecute them though we should thinke wee did God seruice therein Ioh. 16. 2. To haue the faith of Christ with respect of persons Iam. 1. 1. 2. In doing good not to prefer the houshold of faith Gal. 6. 10. To neglect the offices of loue to Christ in his members Mat. 25. 41. to 46. To offend the weake brother by the vse of thy Christian liberty while it is left free Rom. 14. 15. To wound the consciences of the weake 1 Cor. 8. 12. To haue our charity waxe cold Mat. 24. 12. To seeke to helpe a brother fallen and not with the spirit of meekenesse Gal. 6. 1. To say I haue in vaine washed my hands in innocency because the wicked prosper and the godly are plagued euery morning Psal 73. 13 14 15. To forsake the publike assemblie and priuate fellowship of the Saints or not to hold fellowship in the Gospell though wee otherwise haue fellowship not considering one another to prouoke vnto loue and to good workes Heb. 10 24. 25 Phil. 1. 5. Against Repentance he sinneth Repentance That conâ—esseth not his sins without hiding them Pro. 28. 13. Psal 32. 34. That mourneth not for sins Rom. 2. 3. That forsaketh not his sinnes Pro. 28. 13. That repents faignedly Ier. 3. 10. That repents desperately as Cain and Iudas That repents by holues and in some things onely as Ahab and Herod That repents too late as did Esau Iob. 27. 9. Pro. 1. 26. Heb. 12. 17. That refuseth to returne That wil not frame his doings to returne Hos 5. 4. That falls into the same sins after repentance Hos 14. 1 4. That falls away from his repentance quite 2 Pet. 2. 19 20. That cloâ—kes an Impenitent hart which is done these wayes By resting on the outward worke of religious duties Mat. 3. 8 9. By resting on priuiledges Iohn 8. 33. 34. By resting on a pure profession and association to virgin professors or respect vnto or with some eminent Minister Mat. 25. 1. 2. Ioh. 5. 46. and 9 29. Against the affections of godlinesse The affections of godlinesse thus he sinneth That loueth not the Lord Iesus in sincerity Ephes 6. 24. 1 Cor. 16. 12. That resteth in the name that he is aliue but yet is dead Rev. 3. 1 2. That looseth his first loue Rev. 2. 4. That is neither cold nor hot Rev. 3. 15. That presseth not forwards but looketh backe to what hee hath attained as sufficient Phil. 3. 11. 13. These are the sinnes against 4 Against men that are not Christians that liue by vs. Christian graces 4 The fourth sort are against not Christian men that liue with vs or men without to whom the report of our profession commeth here he sinneth That spends himselfe in iudging of them 1 Cor. 5. 12. That forgets that gentlenesse and meekenesse that should be shewed to all knowing
he doth it oft times but say thou liue to the gray haire yet know that is the euill day ageit selfe is a disease disabling to duties of religion youth is euery way fittest let Solomon tell thee Remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth before the euill day come of which thou shalt say I haue no pleasure in it Eccles 12. 1. For the Impatient desire of The cure of the impatient desire of death death it is cooled and tempered 1 â—â— by strength of iudgment we know and knowing resolue that affliction is to be chosen rather then transgression Iob 36. 20. 21. the contrary hereunto made Iob impatiently to wish the day of his death Iob. 3. 2 If we consider that God teacheth by his works and herein none like him Iob. 36. 22. 3 If we weigh well what Iobs speeches cost him humiliation to dust and ashes though they came out of great extremities which wrested them from his heart otherwise full of patience but now distracted almost through bitternesse Iob. 42. 6. For the feare of death it is a The cure of the fear of death disease hereditary deriued to all Adams children yet is must and may be cured it may be cured Heb. 2. 14. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 5. it must Luke 14. 26. Rev. 22. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 3. 4. the desire of heauen is a part of the seed which is cast into the furrowes of our hearts in our regeneration I know there is a feare of death which is meerely naturall a shrinking from it and shunning of it as of a thing hurtfull because it dissolues the vnion of soule and body for a time but we speake of that distempered feare which leadeth into bondage abeslauing feare which suffers not a man to thinke of death or happinesse after it and leaueth the heart impotent and void of all spirituall courage comfort and counsell Againe there are men of two sorts some that liue and dye in their sinnes haue cause to feare death in these a cure can neuer be wrought not that the medicines are vnauaileable but because they cannot bee brought to take the receipts Some that dye to their sinnes before they dye in these that beslauing feare may be cured and hath in such vsually heretofore beone cured Death is the King of terrors consider it in its reall nature and hue Its vizar assumed It s natiue huâ— is terrible 1 In the cause Sinne Gods wrath Sathan the executioner who hath the power of death Heb. 2. 14. 2 In the nature thereof in it selfe opposite to life a punishment of God a destroyer of natures fabricke a dissoluer of this earthly tabernacle 3 In the effects which are A depriuation of Friends pleasures honours riches of this world The good wee might doe in Church Common-wealth Family A deprauation of the state of the body leauing it a cadauer a car case in the graue 4 In the affrighting concomitants terriculamenta mortis which are miseries Corporall Painies Agonies sometimes which doe befall Gods children The kind of death Spirituall Terrors from Satan and from God himselfe Temptations Vnquietnesse and angor of conscience In its vizar it is fearefull as it cometh into our minds As the depriuer of happinesse as if it seperated from God As if it had no other face then that of wrath and curse from God and were in its nature no way corrected How shall these darts be quenched Briefely 1 The cause of death is to be euacuated 1 By the death of Christ and our assurance of our part therin whereby the fauour of God is established vpon vs and the Serpents head crushed Heb. 2. 15. Death is a Serpent the sting is sinne the strength of that sting is the law victory ouer it is by Iesus Christ who satisfieth the law 1 Cor. 15. 55 56. 57. 2 By mortification of our beloued sinnes by our study to keepe a conscience voide of offence towards God and man 3 By receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper oft wherein we shew forth the Lords death vntill his comming againe 1 Cor. 11. 26. 2 The nature of death in it selfe is terrible indeed but to the godly it is changed Rev. 14 13. insomuch that their condition is blessed for they rest from their labours their workes follow no losse of any good worke that euer they did no condemnation to them Rom. 8. 1. it is no other then a sleepe 1 Thes 4. 14. a day of liberty Rom. 8. 21. our returne to our home to euerlasting habitations the mansions in our fathers house our birth day the funerall of our vices the putting off our old clothes that we might be clothed vpon 2 Cor. 5. 3. 4. the remoouing out of a mudde house where we â—ere but tenants at will into the pallace of the great king Lord of heauen and earth there to dwell as in our inheritance for euer the end of our race the day of our coronation no punishment now there are three degrees of life eternall of which death is our entrance into the second in this life in regeneration Ioh. 17. 3. in the day of our departure in translation to Paradise 2 Cor. 5. 8. at the last day in the redemption of our bodyes Rom. 8. 23. 3 As for friends whose society thou loosest oppose thereto the meditation of that glorious place to which thou goest an inheritance incorruptible vndefiled that fades not the fellowship of Angels and the congregation of the first borne and the spirits of iust men and women made perfect the communion with God and with the Lord Iesus for while thou art present in the body in the best condition thou art absent from the Lord that Lord whom though thou neuer sawest yet thou louest and beliâ—uing reioycest with ioy vnspeakeable and full of glory How then shall thy soule burne with the flames of loue to him when thou shall see him 1 Pet. 1. 8. And when the thought of thy treasures and pleasures meet thee bethinke thy selfe of thy calling and profession to bee a Christian that is oâ—e conformed to Christ whose kingdome is nâ—t of this world whose life was glorious in a holy contempt of the world Say then with Paul God forbid that I should reioyce saue in the Crosse of Christ whereby the world is crucified to me and I vnto the world Gal. 6. 14. What comfort canst thou haue that thou art not a cast away if thou beat not down thy body and bring it not into subiection although thou wert a Preacher of the Word and diligent in that worke 1 Cor. 9. 24. There are two sorts of men men of this world men of God they differ herein the men of this world are such as place their happinesse in a belly full of this hid treasure and wealth and lands enough to leaue behinde them to their babes but the other are men after Gods owne heart carried with the spirit of Dauid that in the loue of righteousnesse can say Deliuer mee from these
Ministeriall sentence and testimony concerning thy estate in Christ Know the ordinance of the keyes is of no small vse and comfort Ioh. 20. 23. 2 The profligation of temptations looking with a stedfast eye on the reward through the promise 3 The excitation of that Christian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or desire to be dissolued that thou maiest say with good old Iacob Lord I haue waited for thy saluation Gen. 49. 18. In the very agony of death and deposition or laying downe of thy body how glorious is it To dye in the faith To excite our hope and desire of heauen To commit our soules into the haâ—ds of him that redeâ—med them the Lord God of truth Psal 31. 6. saâ—ing Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and Lord Iesus receiue my spirit Amen Euen so be it §. XXXI Peculiar rules applyed for the passing euery day BY Gods assistance the rules Rules applyed for the pâ—ssing of the day of holâ— liâ—e haue hitherto beene taught rules not now and theâ— to be looked vnto but constantly nor generally but particularly in all our actions euery day and throughout the day that we might serue the Lord in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life blesse him euery day of our life and thinke of him all the day long But this it may be such is our weakenesse and the backwardnesse of our hearts to good hath scarce found a place in our thoughts as yet and where it hath yet know they not how to order them handsomely to a daily direction To helpe this also I now apply my self making a draught of certaine rules out of Gods word by which you may be inabled euery day to passe the day according to Gods will with sound peace for this vndoubtedly is required of vs a faithfull and constant endeauor to please God in all things euery day of our liues to the peace of our consciences and the glory of God And because some thinke it The warrant of it strange it should be required of them to be kept in compasse euery day some thinke the â—abbath is enough to attend to a religious holy conuerâ—atioâ— some say I hope we be no children to be appointed what wee should doe some thinke it is not to be thought the Lord should direct a man to euery various action which meeteth him in the day some can be content to receiue the thing of the day in his day from Gods hand but neuer thought of doing the duety of the day in his day to God againe and so neuer passed a day in all their liues of which they could in all actions or euer did depend on God in those particulars abide with him by faith therefore I haue selected that place in Pro. 6. 20. 21. 22. to take off all these conceits and to proue the necessity the excellency of this course if euery day through the whole day we passe it according to the warrant of Gods word The words of the text are these Pro. 6. 20. My Sonne keepe thy Fathers Commandement and forsake not the law of thy mother 21 Binde them continually vpon thine heart and ty them abouâ— thy necke 22 When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keepe thee and when thou awakest it shall talke with thee 1 Here first it is fully charged euery day to haue the commandements bound vpon our hearts for continuall remembrance tyed about our neckes as Iewels for esteeme and ornament and for vse to lead vs in our goings to keepe vs in our sleeping to talke with vs in our awaking accommodated and fitted in all to our owne particular in euery moment of times changes verâ— 21. 22. 2 Therefore the Sabbath though it haue its more speciall attendance on Gods Seruice in his ordinances and that onely yet is not all the time God requireth for an holy conuersation nay all times hâ—lily though not all time in the duties of reading hearing prayer and the like vers 21. 3 And I hope you will be and are Wisedomes children who in these words speaketh to you as to children My Son vers 20. and offers her selfe as a mother and God aâ— your father yea I hope you will be children to learne of wisedomes maydens euen your Ministers instructing you from Gods mouth You must be appointed else are you bastards and not sonnes 4 And for specialty of direction the word if thou remember and price it will guide the day and night awake asleepe at thy going out and at thy comming in vers 22. 5 And thus walking thou art sure of sweet coÌ„munion wâ—th God the father and with Iesus Christ the wisedome of his father no father and mother more tendering their child theâ— the Lord will tender thee while thou seruest him vers 20 and thou art sure of preseruation in the life of grace and way of holinesse the Câ—uenant it selfe hath the power to leade thee to keepe to comfort thee as a friend Counseller and guide from thy vpâ—ising to thy downe-lâ—ing Nor iâ— the Gouerning of our liues left in our owne hands one day nor were it good for vs who are giuen to change if it were so for we were then no way assured of the protection of our heauenly father and blessed Sauiour nor of a safe footing in any of our waies This for the Text according The coppy of it to the warrant whereof I beseech you receiue the Coppy of your â—aily direction thus 1 Awake with God let thy heart sing his power and mercy in the Morning Psal 59. 16. in the Morning direct thy selfe vntâ— God and looke vp Psal 5. 3. preuent him in the morning Psal 88. 13. it matters much vpon whom thou bestowest thy first thoughts 2 Let thy apparell be such as becometh those that professe godlinesse expressing modesty shamefastnesse and sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Neither costly beyond ability or to hinder good workes nor garish for the fashion beyond modesty nor strange for new-fanglednesse there is the apparell of good works the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit likewise suffer not more time then needs to be spent about this trimming of thy carcase 3 Turne thy selfe in solemne manner to prayer with confession Thankesgiuing and petition acknowledge thy dependance on God seeke of him thy daily bread and daily forgiuenesse and renewed strength against temptations c. and if thou haue a family neglect not to call them together at the conuenientest time Ier. 10. vers 25. vse it not as a custome nor as if that one little space oâ— deuoâ—ion did buy out a pardon for the rest of the day to liue as thou listest no it is to enable thee the better to walke in the day with God 4 Follow thy calling with cheerefulnesse diligence and quietnesse 1 Thâ—s 4. 11. doe thy labour as a duty not with the desire to be rich which is both a sinne and a snare be content with Gods blessing in the successe he giueth
10. 7 Hee shall doe wisely and safely in peace and warre if he doe all by Counsel Pro. 24 6. For his houshold both for For his Court. piety and policy I persume not to deliuer ought of mine as neither durst I in any of the rest but shall content my selfe with what is deliuered in the Psalme 10 1. Which presents all kings of the earth with a perfect draught of heauenly Gouernment He but giue the scâ—leâ—ion or Anatome which will be found excellent to behold but much more amiable were it couered with flesh and skinne Yet if any in high place shall chance to looke on it that same God that gaue life to deaâ— and dâ—y bones that same God I say breath vpon these lineaments that life may enter into them Here is in this 10 1. Psalme a Prince taught of God For the manner of instruction 1 In a third person Dauid on whose heart was drawne this sacred plat-forme that noâ—e might conceiue it to bee some Platonicall Idea and reiect it as vnaâ—taineable nor any take it for some meane piece vnworthy a royall and braue spirit 2 In a Psalme that while it is sung and the doctrine with warbling Notes suits the heart through the eare the spirit of gouernement and of God that was on Dauid might fall on him A Psalme of Dauid For the matter taught The graces Royall mercy and iudgement which graces are caracteristicall to a King the limits of his proceedings the glory of gouernement the qualifiers of reformation The end and aime taken with a single eye the glory of God verse 1. The rules for administration of royall power whose ORDER teacheth 1 That the rise must be at his owne person and spirit An euill man cannot bee a good King That his sentence may be diuine on the throne Diuinity must be ingrauen on the doore posts of his soule in the table of his heart 2 That the next principal care must be for his house lest from thence prophanenesse wickednes goe forth ouâ—r al the land 3 Then soone shall hee set and see Church and State happy Nature respecting Integrity that it be whole sincerity that it be in truth HIMSELFE that he Keepe piety a perfect way Prudence in a wise behauiour Vprightnesse whose Seate the heart Nature integrity that it bee whole Sincerity that it be in truth Vse walking in it Place of exercise the house and of intirenesse at home as well as in forraigne dealing in his house as well as in Gods house All which must be followed with Patience neuer in ought hasting the Lords decrees or hasting to ill meanes With prayer in a lowly dependance vpon God for assistance With an eye euer to his death and the time of reckoning when account must be giuen of the stewardship verse 2. That he auoyde Presumption Idolatry the thing of Beliall which hath nothing to doe with Christ Apostacy verse 3. Frowardnesse of heart wayward against God and bitter towards man Acquaintance with lewd persons and wicked things verse 4. 2 HIS COVRT Abandoning The whispering Slaunderer verse 5. The ambiâ—ious proud man The deceitfull The Lyars vers 7. Entertaining The faithfull the plaine-hearted The godly the vpright-liued Of these will he take 1 For counsell With great choyce his eye set to the worke Looking to their fidelity and piety else wisedome is but emptinesse in heart Babling in word Folly in deed Taking of the Natiues not strangers who cannot tender so well the good of the State Men experienced in the affâ—ires of that State Giuing them liberty to sit with him in counsell and to speake their consciences freely verse 6. 2 For seruice who is so fit as a man of a good conscience that preferres vprightnesse in his wayes before all things in the world 3 HIS KINGDOME the ciuill state the Church Punishing malefactors with diligence dispatch constancy and impartiality The end of all is the good of the Church and State being the Lords rather then his verse 8. Hitherto of the supreame Magistrate 2 The duty of inferiour Magistrates all others are Gouernours sent by him the specialties of their dutie are contained in these following rules 1 They must know the power giuen into their hands that accordingly they may execute their office Some haue a greater power some a lesse conferred vpon them some in peace some in warre some Counsellâ—rs some Senators and Iudges c. Some law-keepers as Iustices what euer the power entrusted to them bee that must they vnderstand that hee aâ—rogate not what belongs not to him and that hee neglect not what he ought to see to 2 They must remember they are to giue account as to God so to the King whose mouth eyes and hands they are 3 Their characteristicall properties and the vertues they should presse vnto are these following 1 Wisedome and vnderstanding Deut. 1. 13. Gouernment is the feeding and leading of the people Hee that is Gouernour must bee prouided of the instruments of a Pastor thou must be experienced in the affaires thou wouldâ—st mannage that thou maiest leade the people by the discretion of thy hands This is the ability to apply the power that is in thy hands to the good of the State as the matter shall require Great is the good may come by such wise Magistrates By a man of vnderstanding and knowledge the state of the land shall be prolonged Pro. 28. 2. 2 Courage and zeale able valiant men must they be masters ouer their passions and stout in their places Exod. 18. 21. Masters ouer their passions else rage will transport fauour will bow and euery other passion of the heart beare sway to the peruerting of iudgement and blinding the eye of right reason Courage also needfull here if any where for it is thy part to take the prey out of the Lyons mouth to rescue the innocent made a prey to maintaine the right of the fatherlesse Iob 29. 17. It is thy part without feare of mans face equally to impart iustice to all it is thy part to rise vp against the monsters of the time Drunkards Blasphemers Swearers Fornicators Idle persons and the like What heroicke spirit hadst thou need of to stand in the streame and turne the current of the time Is it a soft timorous sheepish spirit is it not an vndaunted heart that beseemes you Stirre vp thy spirit contend for God for thy Country for thy King for thy charges good Would any stay the sweet streames of iustice from running downe in the streetes pray with Nehemiah O God strengthen my hands Neh. 6. 9. 11. Doth any offendor aske is it peace answere with that couragious what peace so long as thy wickednesse remaines and when thou findest the mistresse of disorder the mystery of the knot of wickednesse in the place where thou art if it scorne thy proceedings cry who is on my side who Let not her painted face allure or entice cry throw her downe and then trample her vnder feet 2