my selfe to be a sinfull man d Rom. 7.24 laden with many sins and iniquities full of frailte and infirmities The good which I would d Rom 7.19 I cannot doe and the euill which I would not that do I. Many waies doe I continually sinne against thee both in omission of the good which thou hast commaunded and in commission of the contrarie euill sinne cleaueth e Heb. 12.1 Rom. 7.17 24 vnto me in my best actions and performances wherein I desire most to please thee and to approue my selfe vnto thee yea it compasseth me about on euery side and holdeth me in a kinde of bondage and thraldome vnder it so that my soule mourneth many times secretly vvithin me and panteth f Psal 119.131 after thee desiring to bee loosed from this bodie of sinne and to inioy that perfect libertie and freedome and that full enlargement from this misery vvhich thou hast promised vnto thy Saints and seruants Haue mercy vpon me O most mercifull Lord haue mercy vpon me and according vnto thy free and gracious promise looke downe vpon me with the eye of thy fatherly compassion accept my vveake and inperfect desires as if I vvere able to performe that perfect obedience vnto thee vvhich thy law requireth Deale vvith mee as thou vsest to deale with thy children Behold I desire thy commaundements g Psal 119 40 accept me according to that which I haue and not according to that vvhich I haue not Let the truth of my inward affection be as the perfection of action before thee my desire to serue thee as if I did teÌ„der much better seruice to thee then I do or can doe Heale my infirmities I humbly pray thee and quicken me euery day more and more vvith thy grace and spirit that so I may vvalke before thee in all thy vvaies with more cheerefulnesse and sinceritie and howsoeuer I haue cause to be discouraged in regard of my selfe and my manifold imâ—erfections vvhen I enter into thy presence yet hauing respect to those sweet and gracious promises vvhich thou hast made vnto me in thy Christ in vvhom thou lookest alwaies vpon me and in vvhose righteousnesse thou wilt now and euer accapt mee couering all my infirmities vvith that perfect obedience of his Let me alwaies approach vnto the throne of thy grace with comfor and boldnesse being assured that I shall find grace mercie of thee vvho neuer faylest in any thing vvhich thou hast promised but shewest thy selfe to bee abundant in goodnesse and truth aboue that vvee are able to aske or thinke To thee be prayse for euer Amen True loue of God how it may be discerned from that which is counterfeit and hypocriticall MAny there be that in word professe they loue God but few that loue him indeed and in truth Wilt thou know therefore vvhether his loue be in thee or no whether thy heart be rightly affected towards him Consider then what I shall say vnto thee yea vvhat God himselfe vvho is the truth it selfe speakes vnto thee vnto mee vnto all of vs. They that loue him doe first finde that they are loued of him a 1 Ioh. 4.19 And this loue of his shed into their hearts causeth them to loue him againe and their loue towards him manifesteth it selfe First by a care and delight to keepe his commaundements So he sayth If ye loue mee keepe my commandements b Ioh. 14.15.21.23.24 15.14 And againe c 1 Ioh. 5.3 This is the loue of God that we keepe his commandements They are not grieuous or burdensome vnto them but they delight in them concerning the inner man d Rom. 7.22 yea they are an easie yoke and a light burden vnto them e Math. 11 30 Although they oft faile and cannot but faile in the performance of them in regard of the reliques and remainders of sinne and corruption vvhich are in them and vvill be in them vnto death f Heb. 12.1 cleauing as fast vnto them as their skinne doth vnto their flesh yet as farre as they are regenerate and renued by grace their hearts are set vpon them g Psal 119 40. Hebr. 13.18 they finde much sweetnesse in them they desire and indeuour with all their soules to keepe and obserue them not one but all of them h Psal 119.6 yea it is their full resolution and their constant endeuour to yeeld themselues flexible and pliable thereunto in all things They make holy vowes and enter into couenant vvith themselues yea they bind themselues as it vvere by a solemne i Psal 119.106 oath and promise to performe them to the vttermost of their strength and power Their heart k Psal 119 vers 20. breaketh in a manner for the earnest desire and feruent affâ—ction they haue thereunto yea like the chased and vvearied Hinde they l Vers 131 pant after them Thus they that loue the Lord delight in all his Commandements both in knowing them and in keeping and obseruing them and therefore they are carefull in vsing the meanes whereby they may be furthered herein as reading the Word hearing the same preached godly conference receiuing the Sacraments Prayer c. they ioy herein and make much account of these and all other blessed ordinances of the Lord they are pretious in their eyes they esteeme more of them then of their appointed food m Iob 23.12 And hereby it doth appeare indeed that their hearts are toward the Lord that they doe loue him truly and sincerely Againe their loue to him sheweth it selfe by a hatred n Psal 97.10 of all euill which they know to be hatefull and displeasing vnto him aboue all things Hauing a sense and feeling of his loue and fauour towards them yea of the exceeding riches of his grace and kindnesse towards them in CHRIST IESVS they burne in loue againe towards him and this loue of theirs towards him in a speciall manner restraineth them from all sinne and draweth yea forceth and constraineth them to the contrary vertues For they iudge it a meet o 2 Cor. 5.14.15 1 Pet. 4.1.2 and most equall thing that seeing Christ in loue to them hath died for their sinnes that therefore they euen in loue towards him should be dead vnto sinne for which hee died and that as hee rose againe to manifest his victory and triumph ouer sinne and Sathan and to raise them out of the graue of sinne to the life of righteousnesse and holinesse so that they also should liue no more vnto themselues and to their sinnes but to him who so loued them that he died for them and gaue his pretious bloud to wash and cleanse p Tit. 2.14 them from all sinne and iniquitie and to make them a righteous seed q 1 Pet. 2.9 a holy nation a peculiar people that they should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called them out of the darkenesse of sinne death into that maruailous light both of his
louing thee inwardly in heart soule and manifesting my loue towards thee by the fruits effects of it in my life and conuersation I may euerie day haue more full assurance of thy especiall loue towards me and comfortable experience of the riches of thy grace and mercy sealed vnto my soule conscience yea I may see by the fruits and pledges of thy loue that thou louest me and delightest in me and wilt cause thy gracious countenance to shine vpon me all my daies yea that thou wilt refresh my soule in the midst of my troubles and cause my fainting spirits to reuiue within me when death shal be ready to seize vpon me and assoone as death shall put an end to this fraile and sinfull life wilt stretch forth thy hand to imbrace me with thy armes and to translate me immediatly by the ministery of thy Angels h Luk. 16.22 into that blessed and glorious kingdome of thine where I shall enioy thy presence see thee face to face and haue the bright beams of thy louing countenance shining alwaies most clearely and comfortably vpon me to thy endlesse praise and glorie and my vnspeakable felicitie and happinesse for euermore and all this through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Sonne my onely Sauiour and Redeemer in whom it hath pleased thee graciously to respect me and to whom with thee O Father and the spirit of grace and loue three persons and one most glorious God be all praise dominion and thanksgiuing from this time forth and for euer Amen Loue of the children of God IT is impossible to loue God and to hate his image to loue Christ who is the head and to hate Christians who are his members Nay the more that any one loues the one the more must he of necessitie loue the other and the more his affection increaseth toward God the more also it will increase towards those that are the children of God resembling him in their measure in the inward graces and vertues of their mindes puritie righteousnesse holinesse and the rest of those diuine a Mat. 5.43 perfections wherein he hath set himselfe as a patterne and president to be imitated and followed of them He loues them intirely and vnfainedly because hee seeth that he is nearely tied vnto them by many and strait bonds as being members b 1 Cor. 12.27 of one bodie children of one father c Math. 5.45 Ephe. 4.6 brethren d Mat. 12 50 Heb. 2.12 of one Saâ—â—our fed e 1 Cor. 10 17. at one table where they haue mutuall communion and fellowship in one f 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes 4.4 and the same spirit nourished with the same meat in the word and Sacrament liuing together in one and the same familie which is the visible Church g Heb. 11.31 1 Pet. 2.11 stangers togither in this world and trauelling as pilgrimes towards the same countrey that heauenly Canaan h 2 Tim. 4 7. souldiours fighting together vnder the same banner the profession of the same faith i Ephe. 4.5 and against the same common enemie the deadly enemie of all mankinde Sathan and his complices and confederates partakers of the same grace of Gods holy and sanctifying spirit and ioynt-heires with Christ of the same glory reserued for them and all the Saints in the highest heauens Being so nearely allied and so straitly vnited mutually each to other by so many bands so many Obligations how can it be but that they should loue one another with an entire and Christian affection in truth and sincerity without vanity and flatterie Shamelesse k Iohn 4.20 lyars therefore they are who glory in word that they are of God and yet shew forth by their deeds that they haue no loue to his children but hate and despise them or at least make little reckoning of them If there were nothing else this were enough to conuince them that they are not yet admitted into this fellowship called to this brotherhood but remaine still as they were bred and borne Ioh. 8.44 1 Ioh. 3.27 the bastardly brood of Sathan vnto whom and to his impes they are ioyned in the same league of friendship and familiaritie m Pro. 29.27 1 Pet. 4.4 hating and iniurying them who vvill not be n Gen. 49.5 brethren with them in iniquitie and vanitie O Lord knit my heart daily more vnto thee in an vnfained loue of thee my God who hast loued me so dearely and in an entire and Christian loue and affection vnto thy children to whom thou hast linked and fastened me with so many bonds let me loue them not in tongue or in vvord onely o Iohn 3.18 but in deed and in truth as it becommeth me and manifest my loue towards them in seeking by all meanes to the vttermost of my strength and power to procure their good euery way yea the more that they doe appeare to be thine the more thy graces doe shine in them the more let my loue and affection increase towards them the more let me seeke to doe them good Hereby shall I haue a certaine proofe and a sure euidence that I loue thee vnfainedly seeing I loue thine for thy sake yea hereby my heart shall assure me before thee that I p 1 Ioh. 3.19 am in the truth I shall haue a comfortable assurance that I am one of thine one of that small number of thy adopted chosen children indued with thy grace and heire together with all thy Saintes of the riches of that glory which thou reseruest for them in that heauenly kingdom which thou hast purchased so vs by the death of thy onely Sonne and our alone Sauiour in whom thou hast graciously accepted vs and to whom with thee and thy blessed spirit of grace and comfort be all praise and glory both now and euer Amen How the hatred of the world is to be esteemed of the godly IF the world hate vs what marueile is it seeing that it a Ioh. 15.88 hated and persecuted him to the death by whom the world was made b Heb. 1.2 and who is the Lord of the world and all things therein euen Christ Iesus our blessed Sauiour Shall he that is the king of glory be content for our sakes to indure the crosse and to be c Psal 24.7 crowned with shame and dishonour d Mat. 27.29 and shall we sinfull wretches wormes of the earth shall we be vnwilling to haue shame and reproch fastened vpon vs for his sake yea rather how ought wee to account it our e Mat. 5.10 11. 1 Pet. 3.14 blessednesse when men reuile vs disgrace vs and say all manner of euill against vs for his sake falsly how ought we to reioyce and be glad vvhen vvee suffer such things at the hands of the world vvhich alwayes hath and euer will be in irreconciliable enmitie and in flat opposition vnto Christ our blessed Lord and Sauiour vvho vvilleth vs to follow
comfort my selfe in thee continually knowing assuredly that thou art present vvith me when thou seemest to be farthest absent from me that thy gracious hand sustaineth and vpholdeth me Psal 34.18 Gen. 42.7 45.1 and that thou louest me dearely when thou seemest to deale most roughly vvith me and that thou vvilt neuer leaue me till thou hast through many changes brought me through the vvildernesse of this world to the possession of that heauenly Canaan vvhere after I haue been exercised heere for a while for the triall and increase of thy graces in me I shall be satisfied vvith the pleasures of thy house Rom. 5.3.4 Iames 1.3.4 and drinke the vvaters of comfort out of the vvell of saluation yea vvhen I shall see thee face to face continually and reioyce vvith that ioy before thee which shall neuer haue any change nor can euer be taken away from me Sathans pollicie in making the faithfull to distrust God in his promises SAthan when he cannot otherwise preuaile with the children of God seeketh to cast many doubts into them of Gods mercy goodnesse and truth in the performance of those rich and gracious promises vvhich he hath made vnto them 2 Cor. 2.7 11. and to disquiet their consciences with restlesse feares that so seeing hee can by no meanes depriue them of that glory and happines which hereafter they shall enioy for euer in the heauens yet he may bereaue them of those inward spirituall comforts and heauenly refreshings wherwith their soules should bee cherished their hearts strengthened 2 Cor. 5.6.7 and their liues vpholden vvhiles they continue here as pilgrims strangers vpon earth absent from the Lord and in hope and expectation only of the fulnesse of that glory and blessednesse which hereafter they should haue the fruition and possession of for euer O mercifull and gracious Lord stablish my heart I beseech thee vvith thy grace Iohn 8.44 Let me neuer giue eare to Sathan that lying spirit who enuies at that blessed estate vvhereunto in the riches of thy vnspeakable mercies thou hast freely called me but let me beleeue thee who art the God of trueth and faithfulnesse and rest vpon thy word and promises which abide sure and stedfast for euermore 1. Pet. 1.25 when all other things faile and come to nothing Farre be it from me that I should receiue the witnesse of man vvho is subiect to error and deceit and not much more giue credit vnto that inward testimony which thou who neuer deceiuedst any that trusted in thee 1 Iohn 5.9 scalest vnto my soule and conscience by the effectuall working and operation of thy holy and blessed spirit yea hauing receiued so many pledges of thy loue so many and so cleare euidences of thy goodnesse thy trueth thy power and thy wonderful prouidence which worketh in all things so that they that are dimme-sighted may behold the but same a farre off let me shake off all infidelity vnfaithfulnes and rest euer assured of thy mercie that so my life may be comfortable my death ioyfull yea in life and death I may be satisfied vvith the sweetnesse of thy grace and so at length be filled with the riches of thy glory in that heauenly kingdome of thine which thou hast promised vnto me Dispaire or distrust of Gods promises a great sinne TO doubt of Gods promises to dispaire of his mercies is a grieuous sin and a most hainous offence in the eyes of God For therby men rob God of his glory Rom. 4.20 they doe him great iniurie making his infinite mercy lesse then their sinnes Psal 51.1 103.11.12 108.4 whereas the multitude of his mercies are as a bottomlesse depth able to swallow vp the greatest offences that are committed against him if they be truely repented of yea Act. 3.19 1 Ioh. 5.10 they call his truth and faithfulnesse into question Isai 57.15 16. Math. 11.28 and make him a lyar seeing he hath promised forgiuenesse to all those that being truely humbled sue vnto him for mercy Lo such is their faithlesnesse they vvill not beleeue him of his word who is the God of trueth nor giue credit to the trueth vvhich he who neuer failed any hath sealed Exod 34 6 Ierem. 10.10 Deut. 7.9 Iosh 21.45 whereas they will credit a man who may deceiue them No doubt ought once to bee made thereof of those vvho know vvhat God is Num. 23.19 2 Cor. 1.20 and how firme and stable all his promises are or if any doubt shall arise from the corruption of that euill and vnbeleeuing heart which is in man Heb. 3.12 Luk. 9.41 or the suggestion of Sathan who being a maine enemy as to all grace so especially that of faith which is as it were the life and the anchor of the soule seeketh continually to cast many doubts and vaine feares into the minde it is not to be yeelded vnto by any meanes Psal 42.11 Iames 4.7 Mat. 8.26 but to be checked presently resisted and driuen backe as it were vvith strong hand knowing that the testmony of the Lord is true more certainty in it then in the warrant of any mortall man yea then in all the writings Euidences Seales Indentures and witnesses which al the men in the world can afford vs. O Lord make me now and alwaies such as to whom thy promises belong and hauing wrought this gracious vvorke of thine in me strengthen my faith that I may haue full assurance and confidence in thee through thy Christ and apply vnto my selfe all those gracious promises vvhich thou hast made vnto me in thy word vvhich shall stand for euer O keepe mee from doubting of thy trueth and faithfulnesse at any time Ier. 17.13 Heb. 10.38.39 least it displease thee and cause thee to vvithdraw thy selfe from mee The small number of them that shall be saued THat there are but few that shal be saued many damned is a truth which the word of God hath sealed yea which Christ who is the trueth it selfe with his owne mouth hath ratified vnto vs Mat. 7.13 Luk. 13.24 calling the way to life a strait gate and narrow way which is found but of a few but the way to death and destruction a wide gate and broad way in vvhich most vvalke VVhat neede we other proofe How can vve once doubt of it How dare we euer call it into question or enter into dspute of it But because many through Sathans suggestion and the peruersnes of their owne wicked disposition are hard of beleefe euen of those things vvhich in Scripture are most cleare and euident vnto vs Loe therefore a plaine demonstration of it that so if thou beest so faithlesse that thou wilt not beleeue it with thy heart thou mayest see it in a sort with thine eyes and confesse it with thy mouth when thou art so manifestly conuinced of it To calculate therefore as it were the number of those that walke in this narrow way to
hee vvant that vvhich cannot be vvanting in any true Christian hauing onely the title and outward badge of a Christian and not the inward indowments of those heauenly vertues and graces of Gods holy and sanctifying spirit a Galat. 5.24 nor the outward ornaments of a godly and religious life vvherewith all that are true Christians indeed are beautified and adorned miserable are such men of all others if they could see it Better were it for them to be Turkes Pagans and such as neuer heard of the name of a Christian and easier shall it bee for the most rude and barbarous nation in the world that know not God nor Christ yea for those vile and monsterous people the wicked Sodomites whom the Lord branded with a note of perpetuall infamie b 2 Pet. 2.6 and made spectacles of his vvrath and vengeance to all ensuing ages easier I say nay Christ himselfe hath spoken it with his owne mouth shall it be for that wicked and cursed generation in the day of iudgement then for them euen those false and counterfeit Christians vvhich are the very staine of the name and profession of Christianitie and godlinesse c Math. 11 24 causing by the vvickednesse of their liues the name of Christ to bee blasphemed d Rom. 2.24 among the heathen and by their vnseemely actions and shamelesse conuersations bringing this honourable calling into contempt and reproach among those that are strangers from God and his Christ and iudge of the truth of our Religion not by that vvhich is the true touchstone and cannot deceiue viz. the Scriptures and glorious vvord vvhich wee beleeue but by the liues and carriages of those that are the professors of it or beare the name of Christians or Professors concluding though falsely that that Religion cannot bee good nor to bee embraced of any vvhich they see to bring forth no better fruits in those that are the professors of it or haue the name of such as are professors of it for they make no difference yea Tit. 1.16 2 Pet. 2.2 Rom. 8.9 as or vvorse then they see in that blindnesse of Turcisme or Paganisme wherein they liue Fearefull is the estate of such titular and seeming Christians or indeede rather no Christians although they haue a place in the Church and liue among Christians as the Chaffe among the Wheate men of wicked and corrupt hearts and liues of which there be multitudes among vs the shame and reproach of the Christian vvorld yea of Christ himselfe fearefull and wretched is their estate and condition of all their condemnation shall be greatest for so the Truth it selfe hath threatned against them and will surely accomplish it in due time This is the e Ioh. 3.19 condemnation that is this is the cause of that great and fearefull condemnation that light is come into the world and men loue darknesse rather then the light Children of night and of darknesse f 1 Thes 5.5 yea of the curse and perdition how thinke you yee shall escape the vengeance that is to come except as you haue taken vpon you the name of Christians so you liue as it becommeth Christians except you change your liues g Mat. 3.8 Acts 3.19 and bring forth fruits worthy amendment of life not thinking it to be sufficient to say wee haue Christ to be our Sauiour and Redeemer except you shew your selues to be such as are redeemed from sinne and loosed from the bands of h Ioh. 3.8 Luke 1.75 Iohn 3.36 Psal 2.12 iniquitie the vvorke of the Diuell vvhich vvas the end of Christs comming and which all that are redeemed by him must finde to be wrought in them If you beleeue and obey not * Iohn 3.36 2 Thes 1.8 assuredly you shall perish the wrath of God abideth on you and shall be poured forth vpon you in the day of the vvrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God Christ shall no wayes profit you hee shall not be a Sauiour to redeeme you but a Iudge to condemne you and to render vnto you according to your wayes i Isay 3.11 and workes that yee haue done Heare this you that haue the name and shew of Christians and are not heare it consider well of it and tremble at it and learne at length to be Christinns not in shew and profession onely for that vvill turne to your greater condemnaton but in deede and in truth which wil bring you much peace and ioy heere k Rom. 2.7 and infinite and vnspeakeable happines and glory hereafter when as Christ that blessed hope of ours shall appeare in glory l 2 Thes 1 10. and be made marueilous in all them that haue beleeued in him and beene obedient to him Gracious Lord who art the author and finisher of euery good gift and grace which is vvrought in any of thine perfect I beseech thee that vvorke of grace which of thy free mercy and goodnesse it hath pleased thee to beginne in mee O let mee neuer be of the number of them that haue a shew of godlinesse m 2 Tim. 3.5 but deny the power thereof professing themselues to be Christians and yet liue as those that are enimies to Christ bruitish and Heathenish people Farre be this from me for so I should heape the greatest measure of thy vvrath vpon mee bring my selfe to endlesse vvoe and miserie hauing my portion among them to whom Christ in the day of his appearance in flaming fire n 2 Thes 1.7.9 shall render vengeance because they were not obedient to thy blessed Gospell but graunt that as thou hast vouchsafed me the tytle and honour of a Christian so I may walk worthy of that holy and glorious profession endeuoring to keepe a good conscience alwayes both before thee and before men and to liue righteously iustly and vnblameably as it becommeth one of those whom thou hast separated from this vile and sinfull world this naughty and crooked generation and called vnto thy kingdome and glory by the preaching of the Gospell of thy Christ that so being made like vnto my Sauiour in righteousnesse and holinesse here and seeking to glorifie thee in all things I may hereafter obtaine the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ liuing with him in those heauenly mansions according to that promise of his vvho is faithfull and true in all his sayings and being made partaker with him of that felicitie and happinesse o 2 The. 2 14. Ioh. 17.24 vvhich is endlesse and vnspeakable and that only through thy mercies in Christ in whom it hath pleased thee to accept me and to vvhom with thee and thy good Spirit be all prayse now and for euer Amen Another to the same effect THE sinne of Christians is the greatest of all others and so their punishment likewise God being alwayes iust to render vengeance a Rom. 6.2 according to the qualitie of the offence First that their sinne is greatest vvill easily appeare to him
braued it out most for a while in mirth and iollitie with-holding themselues from nothing which their eyes desired nor with-drawing their hearts from any worldly ioy and carnall or sensuall delight haue not long after when they could by no meanes driue away that euill Spirit which so much vexed disquieted and tormented them burst out into fearefull vvords of extreame despayre yea and some of them being vveary of their liues and feeling the Flames of Hell in their soules Achitophell o 2 Sam. 17 23 Mat. 27.5 or Iudas-like laid violent hands vpon themselues and in a most vnnaturall manner became as it vvere their owne executioners O LORD GOD keepe my soule I beseech thee from taking any delight in the sinnefull pleasures of the wicked p Iob 21.16 let them not be sweet vnto my mouth nor pleasant vnto my taste lest I feele the bitternesse thereof in the end yea rather let mee lothe them and delight in those things which are pleasing vnto thee my GOD that so in my greatest sorrowes I may haue much inward ioy and finde comfort when as outwardly I taste of nothing but misery and affliction The carnall and wicked man wakened out of his sleepe ALthough many vvho now lye steeping in the brine of this world and euen soaking in their sinnes liue for the present at least in outward appearance a E 1 cles 8.11 11.9 Luk. 12.19 as merry and iocund as any thinking all is well vvith them and so be at rest and quiet vvithin themselues whiles they are setled vpon their dregs yet when GOD shall once let loose the cord of their consciences and giue them a sight of their sinnes and the multitude and haynousnesse thereof and setting them all in order b Psa 50.21 before them write sharpe and bitter things against them for the same then they shall quickly finde a strange alteration within them c Rom. 7.9 10. They shall startle as men sodainely awaked out of a dreame hauing most fearefull apprehensions dreadfull obiects presented vnto their mindes which will make them to shiuer and tremble with great perplexitie and amazement Their day shall be turned into night their light into darkenesse their mirth into mourning their ioy into heauinesse their greatest solace into extreame woe and misery All their sweetest pleasures wherein they were wont to bathe and refresh themselues shall become painefull and bitter vnto them their chiefest delights yrkesome and most vnpleasant so that their soule shall refuse all comfort yea they shall be troubled dismayed amazed terrified and affrighted exceedingly vvith the view of the huge masse of their vile and abhominable sinnes vvhich though now they be hid from their eyes yet then in most ougly manner shall lie before their faces in open sight euen the sinnes of their youth the sinnes of their age the sinnes which they haue committed alone in secret which the eye of none vvas witnesse of and vvhich they haue committed eyther with others or openly in the presence of others euen all their most grieuous and haynous impieties which euer heeretofore haue escaped them and vvhereby from time to time they haue prouoked the Maiestie of the most high shamefully defiled and dishonoured themselues and many waies grieued and displeased others Then hell and destruction shall shew themselues vnto their soules and a dreadfull and horrible feare take hold of them yea the sound of feare d Iob. 15.21 shall be continually in their eares and great astonishment in their hearts so that they shall be readie to quake at the shaking of euery leafe and to tremble at the hearing of euery sodaine noyse as that prophane and heathen Emperour who was so terrified vvith euery thunder-clap that he sought for corners to hide himselfe when he heard it comming and to flie vvhen none pursueth them e Pro. 28.1 but onely that euill and guilty conscience of theirs which being raised vp like a fierce and raging Lion which hath beene a long time a sleepe and is now sodainly awakened by the dreadfull hand of Gods iustice will neuer leaue following and pursuing them till it hath brought them to their most deserued punishment euen to finall desperation in this vvorld and to eternall perdition in that vhich is to come where they shal drinke of the cup Iob. 5.27 euen of the bitter cup of the fiercenesse of the vvrath of the Lord for euermore O mercifull God let mee neuer lye carelesly and securely in my sinnes let me not at any time delight in any of them let me not blesse or sooth my selfe in the least of them but let me be alwaies carefull to keepe my selfe pure and vnspotted of them that so I may not onely auoid those terrours and that wofull misery vvhich shall surely come vpon all the wicked and vngodly eyther in the time of their life or in the houre of their death or else in the day of iudgement and after for euermore but also that I may haue that peace of a good and quiet conscience vvhich may alwaies rest and abide with me and be a comfort and refreshing vnto me both in life and in death and in the day of thy comming euen that blessed appearance of thy Sonne vvhich all thy Saints daily expect and long for Worldlinesse a fearefull signe of one destitute of the true loue of God SEest thou any that is very eagerly set vpon any vvorldly thing pleasure profit honour or whatsoeuer else it be thou maiest assure thy selfe that whiles he is so much addicted vnto these earthly things the loue of God is very small or not at all a 1 Ioh. 2.15 in him He that loues God vnfainedly sincerely and entirely as he ought cannot as long as that loue of his abideth in him be greatly affected vnto any other thing nor haue an excessiue desire and longing after the fading vanities of this world for God will wholly possesse his soule and satisfie him abundantly so that he shall find contentment in him b Psal 73.25 Psal 119.57 Lamen 3.24 howsoeuer it fare otherwaies vvith him Blessed Lord kindle in me daily more and more I humbly beseech thee a sincere and vnfained loue of thy Maiestie who hast alwaies shewed thy selfe so exceedingly gracious vnto me doe thou euen inflame this cold and frozen heart of mine that so louing thee with that truth and earnestnesse of affection which ought to be in me and hauing my desires alwayes towards thee the loue and desire of these vaine and earthly things may be daily abated and diminished vvithin me yea I may banish farre from me all loue vvhich is not in thee and for thee vnto whom onely I am to giue my heart with all the affections thereof and that absolutely vvholly and entirely The folly of the Worldling ALL would condemne him for a foolish and vnwise man that would not exchange siluer for gold Psal 107.43 lead and baser mettall for pearles and precious stones And yet loe
him to be that which he hath declared and reuealed himselfe to be and bound himselfe by promise Exod. 34.6.7 Mal. 3.17 to shew himselfe to be vnto his whom he hath chosen vnto himselfe and vpon vvhom his delight is set yea it were to derogate from his glory seeing he will be glorified as well in the acknowledgement of his goodnesse and mercy towards his children that feare him Pro. 8.31 as of his iustice and seueritie towards the vvicked and vngodly that know him not Blessed Lord and gracious Father thou knowest the desire of my heart Psa 119.40 thou seest vvith how many weaknesses and infirmities I am compassed about continually how many lets and hinderances are cast before me in the way of godlinesse which leadeth vnto life and saluation thou discernest perfectly vvhat I am made of Psa 103.14 how fraile and feeble my nature is euen as the dust or as the withering hay into what forme and mould I am cast yea that I am nothing without thee and thy quickening and strenthening grace ready to sinne against thee euery houre euery moment O be thou mercifull vnto me spare me as thou hast promised as a Father doth his little ones in vvhom hee delighteth Pardon my sinnes heale my infirmities accept my weake and imperfect endeuours giue me a continuall supply of thy heauenly grace and a greater measure of strength and abilitie to walke before thee vvith a perfect heart and to serue thee with chearefulnesse and alacritie and in truth and sinceritie all my dayes vntill I come at length vnto that perfection both of grace and glory whereof I shall be made partaker in thy Kingdome for euer Amen Good Motions EVery good motion arising at any time in the heart of any one is the voyce of God himselfe Isay 30.21 speaking inwardly vnto the soule and conscience of man and therefore neuer to be lightly accounted of much lesse to be smothered or wilfully resisted and gainsaid for that is a most fearefull thing Ierem. 6.16 18.12 euen rebellion against God and the voyce of his spirit vvhich speaketh in them and vnto them but alwaies diligently to be harkened vnto and by all meanes to be imbraced and cherished that so it may become effectuall and not die and vanish away without fruit or profit to the hardening of the heart and the making of it the more vncapable of grace and goodnesse the ordinary and most fearefull iudgement which the Lord vsually bringeth vpon men for so great a wickednesse Rom. 1.28 Psal 106.15 81.12.13 1 Thes 5.19 Good Lord suffer mee not at any time to quench thy spirit to resist that heauenly voyce of thine speaking vnto me according vnto thy word least thou giue me ouer to hardnesse of heart Cant. 5.2 but whensoeuer thou doest knocke at the doore of my heart and soule Reue. 3.20 let me be ready presently to open vnto thee and to giue thee the best entertainment that I can by yeelding my selfe euery-waies pliable and flexible vnto thee vvhensoeuer thou doest inspire me with any good motion or holy desire grant that I may vse all meanes whereby the same may be quickened and increased that so thine owne worke may daily be more and more perfected in me Yeelding to the wicked motions and desires of the heart THe vaine and wicked desires of the heart can neuer be satisfied yea Isa 57.20 the more that any doth feed them the more insatiable shall he find them He can neuer be filled neuer haue enough of them Who seeth not this most clearly in the couetous the voluptuous the ambitious yea in all such as giue the reines vnto their owne sinfull and inordinate affections It is as it were a fire in their bones which will neuer be quenched till the fewell which ministreth continually new matter vnto it be quite taken away It is as it were the flame of hell kindled by Sathan himselfe to the scorching of the conscience which is drowned in these earthly these sinful these sensuall delights It is like a greedy worme which continually lies gnawing vpon the soule and in time will eate out the very heart intrals if the euil be not timely preuented O blessed Lord withdraw my heart I beseech thee daily more and more from these lying and deceitfull vanities which can neuer yeeld me any true contentment but rather be a cause of torment and vexation vnto me robbing me not onely of thy grace but of my peace also seeing my minde can neuer bee satisfied with them And grant that the desires of my heart may be set wholly vpon thee who art the fountaine of all goodnesse of all true blisse and happinesse that so I may be satisfied and replenished with the plentifulnesse and abundant riches of thy grace and heauenly blessings Rom. 2.10 Gal. 6.6 and haue thy peace and mercy resting vpon me and abiding vvith me all my daies Amen How fearefull a thing it is for a man to be left vnto himselfe and to his owne desires THere can no greater euill befall any man in this world then to be left vnto himselfe Psal 81.12 Isai 1.5 63.17 vnto his owne will and waies and to the corrupt desires and affections which are most pleasing to his wicked heart and vnsanctified nature Of all iudgements which the Lord doth suffer to come vpon men in this life it is the greatest and most dangerous though thorow the marueilous blindnesse and sottishnesse that is in men least eyther discerned or feared of the most Better were it for them by any meanes to be restrained from those things which their corrupt nature is prone vnto yea better were it for them to bee held downe continually with some painefull sicknesse and grieuous disease or to be laid fast vp in close prison all their liues long and to endure the greatest outward misery that can be vnto their dying houre O blessed Lord giue me not ouer vnto the waies of mine owne heart an insensible but of all iudgements the most fearefull leaue me not vnto my selfe suffer me not at any time to wander and goe astray from thee by following those things which are good in mine owne eyes and pleasing vnto carnall and corrupt reason O let me neuer fall into so great an euill but be thou mercifull vnto me to order and dispose all my affections to guide and gouerne me with thy spirit and to direct my steppes according vnto the rule of thy holy and blessed word that so being kept and preserued by thee from those sinnes vvhereunto of my selfe I am prone and inclinable and established in euery good vvay and vvorke I may glorifie theein my life and find ioy and comfort in my death and after death liue and raigne with thee eternally in fulnesse of all glory and happinesse through the merits of Christ my Sauiour The many differences betweene a naturall and a spirituall man one that is truely sanctified VVHat difference
grace here and glory hereafter Thus the loue of God entering into their spirits doth purge and purifie them throughout it doth presently void out that filth and corruption both of originall pollution actuall transgression vvhich was before in them and smothereth vp their carnall earthly and sensuall loue by a greater force at least it striueth so to doe for the old man will not be quite dead as long as they liue in this vvorld It vvorketh mightily and very forcibly in them and is of marueilous efficacie for the clensing of them from all sinne and fitting and preparing them both in body soule to be temples and mansion-places for the holy Ghost the glorious spirit of God to rest and to dwell in What should I say They hauing tasted of the bounty and superabundant loue of God in Christ their Sauiour towards them and hauing in them the holy Ghost testifying r Rom. 8.16 vnto them assuring them that they are the sonnes of God yea sealing this vnto their soules and consciences haue such a sincere entire and pure loue kindled in their breasts that they doe desire vnfainedly to abstaine from all sinne which they know is so displeasing vnto him and to please him in all things and vvhen they are sollicited either by Sathan or their owne corrupt nature to the commission of any thing which is euill they say with righteous Ioseph s Gen. 39.9 How can I doe this great wickednesse and so sinne against God who hath beene so good and gracious vnto mee Hath the Lord loued mee with so great a loue and shall I not loue him againe and manifest my loue towards him by a care to keepe his Commandements This is such a flame that it cannot but breake forth out of the heart into the life This is such a fountaine as cannot but send foorth the streames of pure water into the actions of the life This in a word causeth them to leaue and to abhorre that which is euill and to cleaue vnto that which is good to desire and endeauour in trueth and sinceritie to keepe all the righteous Commandements of God The loue of God shed abroad into their harts kindleth inflameth their hearts towards him and so maketh them to hate euill because hee hateth it and to loue righteousnesse because hee loueth it yea their hearts are so heated and so inwardly affected with the sense of the loue of God which the spirit of grace stirreth vp in them that they euen melt in loue and entire affection vnto God and desire vnfainedly to please him in all things and to shew themselues zealous for his glory because hee hath so commaunded them euen for the loue which they beare vnto him who hast shewed himselfe to be so louing and gracious a God so kinde and tender a Father towards them in CHRIST IESVS Nay they desire that others also should haue experience of that which they haue felt euen of the vnspeakeable loue of GOD in CHRIST towards those whom hee imbraceth in him They desire vvith the t Ioh. 4.28 29 vvoman of Samaria that euery one should taste of that which they haue had so comfortable experience of in their soules and spirits and that others also as well as they might abstaine from all kinde of sinne and wickednesse they mourne and groane within themselues their hearts are grieued and their eyes v Psa 119.136.139 drop down teares in abundance when they see it is otherwise As they haue no x Ioh. 3.4 greater ioy then to see God honoured by the diligent keeping of his Commandements so there can be no greater griefe vnto them then to see him dishonoured by the neglect and contempt thereof Oh this is a vexation and euen a torment vnto their soules as it was vnto righteous Lot y 2 Pet. 2.7 when hee beheld the abhominations of the cursed Sodomites It is as it were a hell to them to be in the company of such as blaspheme the name of the Lord and set themselues to worke wickednesse to the prouoking of his glorious Maiestie And hereby it doth appeare that they loue God in truth and not in word and tongue onely as the most doe If it be thus with vs we haue cause to blesse God and to reioyce in the assurance of this that our hearts are sincere and vpright before him and that wee loue him and are z Pro. 8.17 and shall euer a Ioh. 13.1 be loued of him But if this be not in vs at least in some measure our loue which wee professe towards him is but a counterfait and hypocriticall loue vvhich he hateth yea if we be not thus affected if vve say that wee loue him wee are lyars and thee is no truth in vs our words fight with our actions like vnto them that strucke CHRIST saying b Ioh. 19.3 Haile Master wee are so farre from louing him that vvee doe not so much as c 1 Ioh. 2.4 know him by an effectuall and sauing knowledge neither are knowne or in any sort approued of him yea he loaths vs and so much the more as we dissemble vvith the vvorld and make shew of that loue towards him vvhich is not in vs. O blessed LORD how vnspeakeable is thy loue how vnsearchable are the riches of thy grace and mercy toward mee in CHRIST IESVS in whom thou hast imbraced mee with an infinite and an euerlasting loue before all worlds yea thou still louest me and wilt loue me vnto the end for thy loue is as thy selfe vnchangeable d Rom. 11 29. Euery day thou * Lam. 3.23 renewest thy compassions vpon me Thou vouchsafest to giue mee many pledges and sure euidences therof yea thou sealest the same to my soule and spirit by the testimony e Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 8.16 of thy blessed Spirit and by that inward ioy whereby thou causest mee to reioyce euen in the midst of mourning f Psa 94.19 2 Cor. 1.4 Oh that thou wouldst draw g Cant. 1.3 my heart vnto thee and cause mee to loue thee againe entirely and vnfainedly O that thou wouldst inflame these frozen affections of mine and cause mee euen to melt and to burne in loue towards thee O that it would please thee to change all that carnal that earthly and that sensuall loue and affection of this vvorld and the things thereof vvhich is yet remaining in mee into a holy and spirituall loue of thee my GOD and Sauiour my kinde and tender Father in CHRIST IESVS that so I may loue nothing but thee or in thee and for thee And let this loue of thee cause me to hate all sinne which thou hatest with so great and so infinite a hatred to hate it to abhorre it and vtterly to forsake it though neuer so pleasing to my corrupt nature neuer so profitable or gainfull to me in any respect and to loue all righteousnesse vvhich thou louest and wherein thou delightest that thus
to turne my feete g Pro. 4.14 from their pathes and to walke before thee in truth and sinceritie and in singlenesse of heart that so whereas they shall euer be wretched and miserable I may haue assurance that I am and shall be blessed both now and euer Amen The godly life the onely happie life ALL things in this life are vaine a Eccle. 1.8.14 and come to nothing riches health beautie strength glorie or whatsoeuer the heart of man can desire or which might seeme to promise vnto men the greatest felicitie happines VVho is so blinde that seeth not how fading and transitorie they are euen those that are of the greatest perfection and excellencie aboue others They haue an end and passe away as if they had neuer beene b Eccle. 1.11 Psal 119.96 But the feare of the Lord indureth for euer c Psal 19.9 Psal 112. True Religion and Godlinesse they abide with vs in life and in death and for euer This is as the tree of life in the Paradise of God vvhich giueth life d Pro. 12.28 22.4 19.23 happinesse to them that delight not onely to tast but also to feede and fill themselues with it This is as it were a cleare fountaine of liuing waters e Ioh. 4.14 vvhich spring vp to euerlasting life and glory in the kingdome of God It crownes a man vvith many graces f Prou. 10 27 Deut 28.3 c. Psal 1.19 and blessings heere and hereafter vvill giue him enterance into the fulnesse and perfection of all blessednesse when all other things shal appeare to be as they are vaine shadowes dreames and fancies that shall satisfie the soule with the abundance and accomplishment of all glorie and happinesse Oh then how great is the folly of those that seeke more after these fading g 1 Cor. 7.31 1. Ioh. 2.27 and perishing things then after that which is farre to be preferred before them that labour more to be h Psal 4.6 rich healthfull strong honourable c. then to be truly religious men fearing God and such as delight to walke conscionably before him in his wayes that striue more to abound in the pleasures profits and preferments of this world which are but as smoke and soone vanish away i Psal 49.17.18.19.20 leauing the owner of them neuer a vvhit the better then in grace and godlinesse which hath the promises of blessednesse both in this life * 1 Tim. 4.8 and in the life to come O LORD indue mee daily more and more with that wisedome which is from aboue discouer vnto me yet more and more the vanitie of all things here below Let me consider how * Psa 82.7 146.3.4 Iob 21.33 Princes the greatest men die and how their fauour and honour fadeth with them let me consider how one generation goeth and k Eccl. 1.4 another commeth and how euen those things which are of greatest perfection * Psal 119.96 and in greatest account amongst men perish come to an end quickly though insensibly to them especially that haue not eyes to discerne the course of them And on the other side cleere my dimmed sight by the cleere shine of thy grace and blessed Spirit that I may behold how great the reward of true Religion and godlinesse is what perfect and constant yea euerlasting blessednesse there is in walking vprightly before thee in the vvayes which thou hast prescribed vnto me that so making a choise of the better part * Luke 10.42 I may be truly blessed of thee both in life and death and for euermore The godly life is the onely comfortable and contented life MAny are afrayd to be religious for feare they should loose the comfort content which before they enioyed in their sinful vanities l Eccl. 11.9 lead a more heauy a dumpish discomfortable life wanting those sweet morsels with vvhich they were wont to glut themselues till they surfetted on them O vain man that so fondly imaginest that thou shalt finde comfort and happinesse vvhere it is not to be found m Eccle. 1.14 and that thou shouldest depriue thy selfe of it by taking that course wherby thou only mightst attaine vnto it n Eccl. 12.13 Why dost thou suffer thine owne heart thus to deceiue thee yea Sathan with his sleights o 2 Cor. 2.11 thus to beguile and delude thee causing thee to follow after shadowes and to let goe the substance euen that onely vvhich can make thee happy thy life comfortable and full of desired sweetnesse whereas now for want of it thou languishest in vaine hopes restles pursuite of that which is elsewhere to be found then thou dreamest yea euen by those very meanes by vvhich thou fearest thou shouldest depriue thy selfe of it Know at length thine errour and learne to get true vnderstanding and a right discerning of those things which concerne thy * Luk. 19.42 peace happinesse The godly life onely it is vvhich is the truly comfortable and contented life If thou wilt not beleeue the Saints of God p Psal 4.4 Rom 5.1 1 Pet. 1. Phil. 11.12 who speake out of their owne experience q Ioh. 3.11 euen those things which they haue felt and tasted of through the Spirit of grace vvhich dwels in them hauing had proofe also of both estates euen that wherein thou who art yet a carnall and vnregenerate man now art as also of that wherin through the mercy of God they now stand being sanctified and regenerate by the Spirit of God and such as vvould not returne to their former estate wherin thou liuest nor exchange theâ—r present comforts for their former â—aâ—ities though they might haue I say not with Balaam r Num. 12.28 a house full of Gold and Siluer but the whole world yea tenne thousand worlds if it might be If thou wilt not I say beleeue these vvho notwithstanding ought to be credited being well acquainted with those things vvhich they testifie yet beleeue God himselfe vvho hath sayd and sealed it in those diuine Oracles for a certaine and vndoubted truth vvhich none except hee vvill proclaime himselfe to bee a profest Atheist one vvhich denies God and his Word which is of infallible truth dare euer denie or once call into question in any sort viz. that the life of the wicked is nothing but vanitie and s Eccles 1. miserie they being like a restlesse and raging Sea t Isa 57.20 vvhich casts out mire and dirt continually their fearâ—s and sorrowes v Iob 15.21 being many and the euils x Psal 32.10 vvhich attend vpon them infinite the godly on the other side ful of comfort heauenly solace peace y Prou. 24 20. Rom. 5.1.14.17 Psal 97.11 Pro. 15.15 Phil. 4.4 ioy and much sweetnesse such as none know nor can conceiue of but they that haue tasted of it z 1 Pet. 2.3 and which after they haue once tasted
of it they account the sweetnesse and delight which they tooke in their former sinnefull pleasures to bee as they are indeed but bitternesse and are ready to say vvith vvise Solomon when hee had learned it vpon sufficient experience I sayd of laughter thou art mad and of ioy what is it that thou dost * Eccl. 2.2 Pro. 14.13 Yea doubtlesse there is that peace which passeth all vnderstanding that ioy vvhich as the Apostle calleth it a glorious name indeed is * 1 Pet. 1.8 vnspeakeable and glorious both in regard of their present glorious feelings and apprehensions vvhich the Spirit of the Lord by an immediate hand as it were and by a secret inspiration a Luk. 1.41 doth vvorke in them and also in respect of those singular priuiledges and of those sweet and blessed hopes b 1 Pet. 1.3 with vvhich they are continually refreshed euen in the middest of mourning c Psal 94.19 112 4. They taste daily except it be sometimes vvhen it pleaseth the Lord to restraine that benefit eyther for some grieuous sinne d Psal 51.12.14 committed against him or for the triall and exercise of his graces in them Faith Hope Patience c. or for the stirring of them vp to Prayer Inuocation other such holy and religious duties vvhereby he conueieth and continueth that desired good vnto them vvhich is the pledge and earnest penny as it vvere of the accomplishment of all those excellent and gracious promises vvhich shalll no doubt in due time bee performed vnto them and in them They taste daily of that hidden and Heauenly Manna * Reu. 2.17 vvhich giueth life to to their soules yea vvhen they seeme and are indeed in regard of these sinnefull courses wherein others place all their felicitie dead men to the world f Gal. 2.19 20. 6.14 and vvorldly things Oh these are such matters as the naturall man is not g Prou. 14 10 acquainted with hee wondereth at this when hee heareth of it being ready to say with Nicodemus when Christ spake vnto him of Regeneration or the new birth h Ioh. 3.4.9 Psal 31. How can these things be how can they be so filled with ioy who seeme to be as full of miseries as any others yea to goe mourning i Ezek. 9.4 Psal 119.136 and drooping oft-times all the day long hated also many times reuiled and persecuted in the world k 1 Cor. 4.12.13 yea made as the filth of the world the off-scouring of all things as euen those worthies the blessed Apostles themselues were nay a gazing-stocke vnto the world vnto Angels l 1 Cor. 4.9 and vnto men m 1 Cor. 4 10. fooles and weake and simple ones How can such as these are who seeme rather to be the obiect of pittie then otherwise dry and withered branches n Isay 53.2 wormes o Psal 22.6 Iob 25.6 and not men how can they leade such a comfortable and glorious life in comparison of which the pleasures and delights which wee inioy are but smoake and vanitie of no esteeme in regard of them Thus reasons the naturall man who hath no other then carnall eyes and therefore iudgeth of euery thing by the outward view and externall obiect not being able to discerne the things of the Spirit of God p 1 Cor. 2.14 neyther the gifts and graces themselues nor the blessed fruits and effects thereof euen those sweet and quiet fruits q Heb. 12.12 of righteousnes which spring forth in the hearts of those that are truely religious but is like one that is purblinde r 2 Pet. 1.9 which cannot behold that which is too farre remoued from his sight as these things which are spirituall and heauenly are Thus therefore he reasoneth and cauilleth against this manifest and experienced truth which to others is as cleare as the beames of the Sun when it shineth in his brightnesse It is a strange matter to him which will not enter into his head because hee is vnacquainted vvith it and thinkes there can be no better delicates then that s Luke 15.16 2 Pet. 2.22 draffe which with the Swine of the world he feedeth vpon so greedily Let not any deceiue himselfe any longer with such dreames and fancies let not Sathan who was a lyar from the t Ioh. 8.44 beginning and enuies that vnto others which hee cannot attaine vnto himselfe be a meanes through his false suggestions to driue thee from that which should be thy happinesse If euer thou wouldest as vvho would not liue a truely contented and comfortable life labour to be truely and sincerely religious And the more this care and indeuour shall increase in thee the more shall that wished-for peace and comfort abound and be increased in thee Beleeue this once v Phil. 1.25 and take tryall of it and if thou finde it not so yea aboue that which I am able to expresse x 1 Pet. 1.8 or to declare it vnto thee returne then vnto thy former vomit again which vpon this consideration thou hadst formerly disgorged and fill thy selfe with the huskes and draffe wherewith before for want of better thou didst feede and stuffe thy selfe and that many times till thou wert euen weary of them and soughtst for change for the satisfying if it might be of thy restlesse and vnsatiable minde Good LORD fill mee daily more and more with the comforts of thy Spirit Refresh my Soule with the sweetnesse of that hidden and heauenly Manna which the world is not acquainted with Cause me with cleare eyes to behold the vanitie and vexation of spirit which is in the life of the vngodly their diuers and manifold distractions with which they are oft-times euen rent and torne in pieces and that horrour of conscience which first or last seizeth vpon them as the fore-runner of their future torments and the felicitie on the other side of thy Saints euen that heauenly solace and contentment which the godly life affordeth and which ariseth from so many sweet springs and pleasant fountaines viz. certainty of their Election whereby they know their names are vvritten in thy Booke of life y Luke 10.20 before all worlds sense and feeling of the forgiuenesse z Mat 9.2 Rom. 4.7 of their sinnes which thy Spirit sealeth vnto their soules knowledge of their Adoption into the number of thy Children which the same Spirit of a Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 1.22 thine testifieth vnto them assurance of thy loue b Rom. 5.5 8.38.39 which thou sheddest into their hearts fellowship and communion with thee c Reu. 3.20 who art the fountaine of all happinesse vnion with thy Sonne my blessed Lord and Sauiour and in him with thine owne Maiestie d Iohn 17.21.23 and participation of those diuine e 2 Pet. 1.4 and excellent graces wherewith their soules are decked f 1 Pet. 3.4 and adorned and which are the onely desireable riches g Prou.
2.3 Psa 31.19 how sweet and how gracious the Lord is vnto his chosen and beloued ones Their hearts shall reioyce and glory in him And no marueile that they shall haue such peace and ioy in the presence of God For if they finde now such inward spiritual ioy in their soules and consciences in the place of their exile and banishment yea in their prison as it were euen this valley of teares when God letteth some bright beame of his gracious countenance shine vpon them through the thicke clouds of many temptations and afflictions wherewith they are continually exercised when by his word and spirit he giueth them but a droppe of that diuine and heauenly comfort as they alone know what a refreshing this ioy is vnto them who haue truly tasted of it e Pro. 14.10 others are strangers to it how great then must their ioy needs bee when being taken vp into heauen the place of their glory those celestiall mansions God shall cause the light of his countenance to shine fully vpon them when he shall reueale himselfe perfectly vnto them when he who is the God of all true comfort and consolation shall powre out himselfe vnto them and open wide as it were all the fountaines of his rich grace and mercy towardes them in Christ Iesus and cause them to tast of the plenteousnesse of his house f Psal 36.1 and to drinke downe abundantly the vvaters of his diuine and heauenly comforts If the poore distressed Saints of God whiles they indure many miseries and afflictions in the world and of the world yet notwithstanding haue that peace g Phil. 4.7 which passeth all vnderstanding a continual feast * Pro. 15.51 and reioyce with that ioy which is vnspeakeable and glorious as the Scripture testifieth h 1 Pet. 1.8 euen whiles they are absent from Christ not seeing him with bodily sight * 2 Cor. 5 7 but only belieuing in him looking vpon him with the eyes of faith in the promises of the Gospell how great then and wonderfull shall their ioy be vvhen being freed from all these miseries whereunto they are now subiect they shall be present with Christ their Sauiour whom so long before they expected and desired see him with their eyes i 1 Ioh. 3.2 Iob. 19.25 26 yea liue and conuerse with him in familiar manner and be made partakers with him of the same glory k Ioh. 17.1 22.24 into vvhich he is exalted that in his time appointed he may draw them vp vnto him l Ioh. 14.3 make their hearts to reioyce in him and in his saluation If their ioy wherewith they now reioyce euen in this valley of misery this place of mourning be vnspeakeable and glorious passing all vnderstanding as the word of truth teacheth and the Saints by comfortable feeling and experience doe well know and thankefully acknowledge what then I beseech you consider of it what shall it be in that place of triumph that Paradise of pleasures that glorious and celestiall kingdome where they shall keepe a continuall Sabbath and being clothed arrayed with the rich robes of holinesse righteousnesse glory and shining as Starres yea as the Sun in the brightnesse therof shall haue their hearts filled with reioycing and their mouthes with himnes ioyfull Haleluiahs euen heauenly ditties of praise thanksgiuing vnto him that sitteth on the throne O that we had harts to conceiue aright of these things And to all these adde yet moreouer the time which they shal liue in so blessed an estate in that glorious place If this blessednesse and glorie of theirs were mutable and changeable as all things here below are it were not so great and so much to be admired as it is for nothing is perfectly happy that is not permanent and euerlasting But it is otherwise it admits no change no alteration All things which any can enioy in this life m Eccle. 1. 1 Cor. 7.31 1 Ioh. 2.17 are transitory and fading riches pleasures strength health beauty honour or whatsoeuer else in this world is most made account of and seemeth to haue the greatest perfection in it n Psal 119.96 but that happinesse and felicitie of the Saints in light shall neuer fade It 's an inheritance immortall o 1 Pet. 1.4 2 Cor. 4.18 vndefiled and euer continuing in the heauens The measure of it shall bee in a manner infinite the continuance of it infinite altogether The time thereof shall be without time for time then shall be no more there shall be neyther daies moneths nor yeares as now there are There shall be no end of it no decaying of it no diminishing or abating of it But it shall continue as long as the heauens yea as long as God himself shall indure without any ceasing or intermission any change or alteration or the least shadow of change of the excellency of that estate vvherein they shal at the first be As the hell of the wicked so the heauen of the godly shall be perpetuall O blessed and happy estate where there shall be nothing but peace ioy glory happinesse and felicity and that not for a time but for euer euen as long as eternity it selfe lasteth O life to be desired farre aboue this corruptible this vaine and transitorie life which the most doe so much make of yea preferre it before the other loath to leaue this that they may attaine vnto that O the brutishnesse and sottishnesse of the men of this vvorld that are so strangely and so fondly affected as to neglect so great saluation so glorious a life for the enioying of the vaine and sinnefull pleasures and profits of this life which last but for a season How hath the Deuill bewitched them How doe their owne wicked and corrupt hearts blinde and deceiue them that they should euen preferre a dunghill of earth as it were before the glory of that heauenly pallace or that they should bee vnwilling to forgoe the earth and to forsake their pleasing or gainefull trade of wickednesse that they may enioy Heauen and the happinesse of Gods Saints and chosen ones Oh these things are hid from their eyes p 1 Cor. 2.9 Luke 19.42 they perceiue no more vvhat the glorious life of the Saints is then a bruit beast discernes of the life of a man or if they know them in some measure yet are regardlesse to seeke after them how great is their folly and madnesse who vvould not wonder at them yea vvho is not amazed to thinke of them Assuredly such as haue wisedome and vnderstanding to discerne of these thingâ— aright and faith to beleeue them as they ought vvill not be kept backe from them with a thousand worlds q 2 Cor. 4.18 if there were so many they were offered vnto them seeing all glory pleasures profits and commodities of this world are nothing comparable thereunto But whence is it that if the estate of the life to come be