so the sinne may be killed in him 1. Cor. 5. 5. 2 To raise him vp with the sweet comforts of the Gospel that so though his body smart for it yet his soule may be saued 1. Iohn 1. 9. 1. Cor. 5. Thus are we to speake concerning our neighbour Now concerning our selues there are these rules 1 Wee must neither praise nor dispraise our selues but leaue it to another Pro. 27. 2. 2 In some cases we may must stand vpon our own approbatiō As 1 When we make profession of our faith 1. Pet. 3. 2 In Thankefulnes we acknowledge Gods graces in vs. 1. Cor. 14. 18. 3 Wee must defend our innocency 2. Cor. 11. 12. and 4 Iustifie also our calling against the slanders of our aduersaries to the stopping of their mouthes 5 Hereby we may comfort our selues in troubles Psal. 35. 13. 12. 6 And propose our selues examples vnto others 1. Cor. 11. 1. 14. Here these caueats are to be obserued 1 That this be done sincerely as well acknowledging our infirmities as the graces of God in vs. 2 That in doing hereof we rather if it may be take occasion to speake in another mans persons 2. Cor. 12. 1. 2. 3 That wee boast not of that which is not in vs. 4 Wee must not speake of the good we haue as if it were from our selues 1. Cor. 15. 10. 5 Our speech must rather tend to the defect then to the excesse 6 We must doe it soberly and sparingly rather shewing that wee are compelled thereunto then of our owne accord 2. Cor. 11. 7 We must here especially regard how we are made manifest to the cōscience of the saints 2. Cor. 4. 8 And lastly wee must herein especially ayme at Gods glorie 1. Cor. 10. 31. Thus may we speake good of our selues 3 We are also bound to speake euill of our selues in these cases 1 We must confesse our sinne vnto man in that hereby we may cleare others and giue glorie to God Ios. 7. 2 Hereby also we ease our owne soules Psal. 32. 45. Iam. 5. 3 We magnifie the mercies of God in recounting how vnworthie we are 1. Tim. 1. 4 We stay vp others that haue bene ouertaken with the same tentations c. 2. Cor. 1. 4. But here obserue these cautions 1 We are not boūd to accuse our selues to the betraying of our innocency or the truth of God or his children 2 we may not open our infirmities to the disgrace of our calling or offence of others 3 we must take heede of hypocrisie as if by acknowledging our vilenes we would be counted conuerts as Ecebolius did 4 That we labour to hide what we haue laid open by casting our burthen vpon Iesus Christ. Thus may wee speake of the euill that is in vs. And thus much concerning the persons of whom we must speake Concerning things to be spoken obserue 1 That we cannot speake of all because we know but in part and therefore it is vanity to presume thus 1. Cor. 13. 2 That we may not speake of all we know Because 1 Some things are knowne to vs which are neither fit to be done nor spoken as the vaine thoughts of our owne hearts 2. Cor. 12. 2 Some things are lawfull to be done which it is not lawfull to speake of as the secrets necessitie of nature Iudges 3. 24. 3 Some things are lawfull but not fit to be spoken such as either exceede the capacities of those to whom we speake or are not sutable to them 2. Cor. 12. Hebrew 5. 11. 1. Cor. 14. 3 We must speake what we know but with these conditions 1 That wee keepe our selues within the compasse of our callings 2 That we speake from the holy purpose of the heart 3 That wee labour herein the glory of God 1. Cor. 10. 31. 4 And also the good of our neighbour Ephes. 4. 29. 5 Yea our owne increase both in knowledge holines 1. Cor. 14. 26. 40. 6 Obseruing the fitnes of time place persons c. Thus may we speake of such things as do occure And thus farre concerning the matter of our speech Touching the manner thereof First Our speech in generall must bee gracious which is when the graces of God imprinted in the heart are truely pictured in the tongue Col. 4. 6. Hence it followeth 1 That all rotten and vngratious speech is disclaimed 2 No vice must be spoken of but with dislike Reuel 2. 3 No gracious speech but from a gracious heart Secondly Speech is then gratious when it is seasoned with wisedome Act. 2. 4. And this is when our speech is applied 1 Fitly to times places persons circumstances Pro. 19. 11. Pro. 10. 31. Esay 50. 5. 2 When it profits most to the good of mens soules 3 When it turnes not to the hurt of the speaker 2. Tim. 2. 16. 4 When it proceeds from a wise vnderstanding hart Eccle. 12. 11. Hence is disclaymed 1 All foolish talke wanting reason and conscience Ephes. 5. 2 All carnall counsell of worldlings whatsoeuer shew of wisdome it hath in it 1. Sam. 17. 3 All vnseasonable and vndiscreete communication 4 All mysticall or curious conference c. 1. Tim. 6. 20. A second holy property of speech is 1 Truth and fidelitie Ephes. 4. 25. And it is discerned 1 When wee know what wee speake vpon a sure ground 2 We speake as the thing is the whole truth and no more 3 And as himselfe thinketh plainly therof not out of others conceits 4 And also to the mind and purpose of him that asketh 5 And that to haue the trueth boulted out not obscured 6 When wee stand to that wee haue spoken or promised which that we may doe Here consider diuers euidences and bonds of truth As First A simple assertion which is either 1 A simple affirmation Yea Yea. Matth. 5. 2 Or a bare negation Nay Nay Here obserue 1 That in a doubtfull case wee must adde vnto our affirmations these qualifications As I thinke As I take it because wordes thus spoken if they proue true they shew the modesty of the speaker If false yet they saue his credite as shewing that there is not a purpose to deceiue but onely that we were deceiued 2 Another euidence of Truth is an Asseueration whereby we doe vehemently denie or affirm a thing as In very truth Without al doubt c. Here note 1 That this is not to be vsed but in waightie and vrgent occasions 2 When there is a gaine saying of what we affirme Christ saith Amen Amen 3 When we are to conuince incredulous and obstinate persons Rom. 9. 1. And thus farre of the Euidences of Truth A first bond of truth is a promise Here obserue 1 What promises we must make 2 How they are to be kept how they bind The promises we are to make to men must be such as 1 Be conditionable asking God leaue Iam. 4. 15. 2 Be of such things as are in our abilitie
1 The practise of repentance 2 Helpes to this practise 3 Markes of repentance 4 Effects of repentance CHAP. VII 2 Of the raising vp of a sinner by a true and liuely faith here First How faith is reuiued in vs. Secondly The degrees of this worke Thirdly The markes of particular assurance Fourthly The degrees thereof 1 Weakenes of faith 1 How knowne 2 How caused Secondly Strength of faith 1 How knowne 2 How obtained CHAP. VIII Of the preparing and furnishing of the heart to the seruice of God and 1 That the heart is asleepe and by what meanes 2 The heart to be awakened and how 3 The heart awakned must be examined and how 1 By a true rule 2 In an holy manner 3 To a right end 4 The heart examined must be established in the worship of God And how CHAP. IX Of the Spirituall Armour and arming of the heart The parts of the Spirituall armour and first Of the girdle of truth and it parts which are 1 A rectified iudgement How discerned How put on It benefit 2 The Sanctified conscience How discerned How obtained The benefit thereof 3 The Sincerity of the will How knowne It measure The benefit thereof 4 The well ordering of the affections How discerned How furthered The benefit thereof 5 The Sincerity of the tonguâ— Whoerein it consists Of speech and 1 Preparation to it 2 Matter of speech Of persons How to speake of God How of our neighbour What to be auoyded and obserued How to speake of our selues and that In Praise In dispraise Of things to be spoken Manner of Speech 1 It must be gratious 2 True here of the euidences and bonds of truth Promise Oath here of the Lawfulnes Matter Manner Lawfull swearer End of an oath Before whom we may sweare When. How an oath binds The abuses of an oath Of Lying Flattery Concealing of 〈◊〉 A third grace of speech Reuerence and that in respect of 1 God 2 Man To giue holy names to our children Reuerence to superiours And what to be auoyded Blasphemy Abuse of scripture Abuse of our selues A fourth grace of speech Sobriety This seene In salutation Popish blessing to be heeded Soft answering Reproofe for sinne A fift grace of speech cheerefulnes It bonds how to be vsed at 1 Board 2 Bed Here to be auoyded or rectified Iesting Laughter A sixt grace of speech Care of our neighbours good name How performed What to be auoyded A last grace of speech Breuity The rules thereof Of silence and the vse thereof Things Persons to be concealed and Before whom A sixt part of the Girdle the Conformity of our outward actions The ground of them The manner how to be done The ends to which they must ayme How to edification How this girdle put on The benefit there of A Second part of the armour The Brest-plate of Righteousnes The markes thereof How put on How kept on A Third part of the armour That our feete be shod with the preparation of the Gospel The vse thereof How attained A Fourth part of the armour The shield of faith It vse A fift part The Helmet of Hope The vse of it How to be put on The last part of the Armour the sword of the Spirit It seuerall vses How obtained How kept on The generall benefit of the whole Armour CHAP. X. Of the pursuit of good and the aâ—oyding of euill here Difference of euill What the euill of sinne is The vse of this knowledge How farre sinne hath taken hold on vs. The benefit of this knowledge Gods ordering sinne And the vse Sinne how to be auoyded and How preuented generally Now particularly when tentations assault vs. How to recouer out of sinne 1 By viewing sinne in the Law 2 In the Gospel 2 By iudging sinne CHAP. XI Of Thankesgiuing It vse How to be practised What to be auoyded Helpes to thankefulnes The benefit thereof CHAP. XII Of Constancy and perseuerance The necessity thereof Helpes hereto Remouing of the hinderances hereof The fall of Gods children How farre The difference betweene the wicked and godly in their falles The vse thereof CHAP XIII Of Watchfulnes The vse thereof How performed Helpes thereto CHAP. XIIII Of Prayer in generall and It conditions The benefit thereof CHAP. XV. Of Peace with God and lying downe therewith It necessity How obtained How performed CHAP. XVI How to profit in this direction CHAP. XVII Of right imploying the occasions of the day CHAP. XVIII Of arising with God and awaking in his peace The necessity thereof How performed How furthered CHAP. XIX Of Family and Priuate prayer It necessity How performed and by whom What to be auoyded herein Directions for the same The benefit hereof CHAP. XX. Of Callings following thereof That it is Gods ordinance To be expected by ordinary meanes The right vse specially to be aymed aâ— How to vse them aright How to leaue them How to intermit them The benefit thereof CHAP. XXI Of the right vse of the creatures The benefit thereof CHAP. XXII Of the vse of Company How to discerne good and bad company What company to be chosen How to be refused How to carry our selues in good company The benefit of them The difference of good company Of Sabbath society and rules for it Of priuate exercises Of Publick thankesgiuings and their rules Of publicke fasts The authority of them The occasion Manner of performance Time Ends. Of Spirituall priuate society Betweene Minister and people Inferiour and superiour Betweene equals Rules generall to all Triall of the right vse Of Accessory meetings for religion as Councels Synods and their appertenances Of ciuill society Rules for the same Of occasionall meetings How to sort with the wicked Vse of euill company CHAP. XXIII Of solitarines How to behaue our selues therein The benefit thereof Cautions to be obserued CHAP. XXIIII Of Prosperity The necessitie of this knowledge How to be vsed well Considerations to this end Triall of the right vse Helpes hereunto CHAP. XXV Of aduersity and the right vse thereof The necessity of this knowledge How to be vsed well Helpes hereunto CHAP. XXVI Of family exercises CHAP. XXVII Of the daily account Why to be performed with motiueâ— hereunto And how The benefit thereof ¶ THE CHRISTIans daily Sacrifice CHAP. I. FIRST God made al things for his glory but especially Man Pro. 16. 3. 1. Co. 10. 31. in whom is discouered 1. The greatnes of his iustice 2. The riches of his mercy Rom. 9. 22. Secondly Man glorifieth God in a fourefold estate of his 1. Creation 2. Fall 3. Redemption 4. Glorification Thirdly The Lord from euerlasting so decreed concerning mankinde that the greater part thereof should be condemned and but a remnant saued And to this end created he man Rom. 9. 28. Mat. 7. 13. Fourthly Man was created after the image of God in a most perfect estate of holines wherein he glorified God in absolute conformity to him yet subiect vnto change which also made for Gods glory Gen.
what we suspect or know behind his backe Psal. 50. 20. 2 Adding to or changing the thing said or done Mat. 26. 60 61. 3 Open traducing and reuiling to his face 2. Sam. 16. 4 Telling that was neuer done Ierem. 37. 13. 5 Colouring their reports with pretences of griefe or necessity or publick profit inioyning secrecy by the party to whom he tels it c. 6 Rash censuring before euident knowledge Therefore here we are 1 To interrupt such talke 2 To giue no heede to it 3 Not to beleeue it 4 To reproue it The seuenth and last grace of speech is slownes and briefenesse Slownes is seene either in First Prouoking or Secondly Answering Herein obserue 1 That it is better to be prouoked to speech then prouoke especially if we be inferiour 2 Not to take a tale out of ones mouth but to heare it thorowly 3 To consider whither it be to be answered or no. 4 To ponder on it before wee answere what answere is to bee made thereto 5 To answere to the points omitting partiall respects 6 To cut off idle interruptions and vaine cauils Here is to be auoyded 1 Pride to heare a mans selfe speake 2 The fruit thereof namely First Obscurity Secondly Affectation 2 We must auoyd tempting speeches whereby wee may fift and vndermine others 4 As also that spirit of contradiction whereby thwarting others and contradicting euery man heresie and Atheisme is bredde and maintained 5 We must also refraine bitternes and captious taking vp of our brother a fault incident to briefenes of speech 6 As also wee must beware of sottishnes and inconsequence of speech while happily we thinke to shew our skill in breuitie Hitherto appertaine 1 Restrayning of our passion by interrupting our selues if by course of speech we grow into an heate 2 Correcting our selues by silence wherein we haue missaid 3 Contracting our matter into the briefest forme of words 4 Disposing it methodically to the best capacity of the hearer Generall rules to be obserued herein 1 That what is here spoken of speech is to bee vnderstood also of writing in which all these graces are to be practised and vices to bee auoyded 2 That in all kind of speech as well Latine as English c. exemplarie as wherin though the phrases of other tongues may leade vs to prophanenes yet we must auoyde them c. Hitherto of speech Now because we cannot speake well vnlesse we know also how to hold our peace wee are therefore in the second place to consider of silene Here obseru 1 That the ruleof silence must be Gods word 2 Matter of silence concernes God our neighbour our silnes 3 Persons before whom 4 The end which is Gods glorie ours and others good Things concerning God are 1 His secrets which we knowe not and therefore are to admire them in silence Deut. 29. 29. 2 His strange and extraordinary works which we may not speake boldly of but rather in silence wonder at Iob 36. 37. Leuit. 10. 3. 3 We are to conceale the mercies of God from obstinate sinners Matth. 7. 6. 4 We are to conceale his iudgements from humbled sinners Esay 40. 1. 5 We are to be silent at his corrections Psal. 39. hereby shewing our submission to his will 6 We are to yeeld to the known truth in silence to glorifie God Act. 11. 18. Touchiâ—g our neighbour obserue 2 That we may conceale some truth from him not being demanded yea being questioned we may conceale either the whole or part Prouided that it 1 Hinder Gods glorie 2 Or my neighbours good Truth in the whole is to be concealed 1 When the speaking of the least word is hurtfull as for example the father son lieth sicke at once the son dieth first the father asketh whether the son be dead or no if it be said No an vntruth is told if yea the fathers life is endangered therefore silence is best 2. Sam. 12. 2 When the reuealing thereof endangers the life of the innocent and therefore I am not to reueale my brethren in affliction nor to be compelled thereto by oath Prouided first that the authoritie requiring this be vnlawfull 2 The thing I conceale not in it selfe euill but so mistaken 3 That in the coÌ„cealing of it I prefer not a priuate before a publicke good Truth in part is to concealed when I speake a part of the truth but not the whole 1. Sam. 16. 1. 23. Ier. 38. 24. Exod. 5. Act. 23. 6. Q. When I am demaunded may I answere in part Yea so 1. I purpose not to deceiue 2 CoÌ„teÌ„t the mind of the answerer Secondly I am to conceale the infirmities of my neighbour vnlesse as before we be called of God to speake Prou. 17. 14. Pro. 19. 11. 3 All vnseemely matters 4 Such as concerne vs not 5 And such as are aboue our reach are to be buried in silence 3 Ministers must conceale the infirmities of their people 4 Magistrates secrets of state left the enemy know of them Concerning my selfe I am 1 To conceale mine owne secrets Iud. 14. or else if neede be tell those that are faithfull 2 That which thou wouldst haue no man know tell no man As for the persons before whom we must keepe silence they are 1 The malicious enemies of religion Mat. 7. 6. Mat. 27. 14. 2 Before Magistrates in open courts Act. 24. 10. til we be bidden 3 In the presence of our elders and betters Iob 32. 8. 4 Fools pratlers are to be huÌ„bled coÌ„uicted with fileÌ„ce Pr. 26. Thus farre concerning the guidance of the tongue The sixt and last part of this Girdle of truth containes the fitting and conforming of our outward actions to the will of God which is performed 1 When they proceed from a true ground 2 And are performed by true meanes and a holy manner 3 When they aime at a right end The ground of all good actions is faith in Iesus Christ. Rom. 14. Heb. 11. 6. 1 Assuring vs that our persons are accepted of God so our actions Heb. 11. 4. 2 Enabling vs to performe the worke acceptably vnto God in knowledge wisdome season Psa. 1. 3 Comforting vs that the imperfection of the action shal not be laid to our charge 2. Cor. 8. 12. 4 Applying vnto vs the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ to couer the same Psal. 32. 5 Strengthing vs to go forward in well doing and so to attaine perfection so the iust liueth by faith Heb. 10. 38. In the manner of weldoing obserue these notes 1 That we principally performe the actions of the first table and then of the second Act. 4. 19. 2 That our obedience to the second table bee included and deriued from our obedience to the first Math. 22. 39. Ephes. 6. 1. 3 That in regard of the truth necessity of wel-doing we haue equall respect vnto all Gods commandements Psal. 119. 9. 4 That we at all times and to al times
The well ordering of the affections and how discerned The benefit thereof Sect. 6. The sincerity of the tong Wherein it is seene Sect. 7. Of Speech and 1 Of the preparation to it Sect. 8. The matter of speech Sect. 9. How to speake of God Sect. 4. How to speake of our neighbor Sect. 15. What here to be auoyded Sect. 13. How to speake of our selues and 1 In praise 2 In dispraise Sect. 14. Of things to be spoken of Sect. 15 The manner of speech 1 It must be gratious Sect. 16. 2 Our speech must be true Sect. 17 Of the bonds of truth 1 Euidences Sect. 18. Of Promise 2 Bonds Sect. 19 An Oath 1 The lawfulnes 2 The matter 3 The manner 4 He that may swear 5 The end 6 Before whom we must sweare 7 When 8 How an oath binds 9 The abuses of an oath Sect. 20. Of Lying Sect. 21. Of flatterie Sect. 22. Concealing of truth Sect. 23. The third grace of speech Reuerēce and that 1 In respect of God 2 Of man Sect. 24. To giue holy names to to our children Sect. 25. Reuerence to our superior Here forbidden 1 Basphemie 2 Abuse of scripture 2◠Abuse of our selues Sect. 26. A fourth grace of speech Sobriety Modestie And wherein Sect. 27. Of salutations Popish blessing to be moderated Sect. 28. Of soft answering Sect. 28. Of reproofe of sinne Sect. 30. A fift grace of Speech is cheerefulnes and ioy It conditions How fitted to the boord How to the bed Here to be auoyded Iesting with it bounds 2 Laughter Sect. 31. A sixt grace of speech Care of our neighbours good◠name 1 How performed 2 What auoyded Sect. 32. The last grace of speech slownes and briefnes Sect. 33. Of silence and the right vse thereof Things to be concealed And first wherein silence is to be vsed 2 Concerning 3 What to be concealed Aug lib. ad conser 4 Before whom we must keep silence Sect. 34. Last part of the Girdle Conformtiy of outward actions The ground of them Faith 2 The manner how 3 The end what Gods glory 2 Edification how accomplished How applied Benefit of this part of the Girdle Sect. 35. The brest plate of righteousnes The markes thereof 3 How it is put on 4 How Kept on Feet shod with the preparation of the gospell The vse of this part How to be attained Sect. 37. A fourth part of the Armour the shield of faith It vse Sect. 38. The fift part Helmet of hope 1 The vse of it 2 How to be put on Sect. 39 The last part the sword of the spirit 1 It vse 2 How obtained 3 How keept on Sect. 40. The generall benefit of the whole armor Of the pursuit of God and the auoyding of euill Sect. 1. Difference of euill Sect. 2 What the euill of it is Sect. 3. The vse of this knowledge Sect. 4. How farre sinne hath taken hold on man The benefite of this knowledg Sect. 4. Gods ordering sin And the vse Sect. 5. How sinne to be auoyded And first how preuented 1. generally 2 How in particular we may resist sin Sect. 6. 3 How to recouer our sinn◠1 By viewing sinne and that first in the law 2 In the Gospel 2 By iudging Thankesgiuing Sect. 1. It vse Sect. 2. How to be practised Sect. 3. What euils to be auoided Sect. 4. Helpes to thankefulnes Sect. 5. The benefit therof Of constancy and perseuerance Sect. 1. It is most necessary Sect. 3. Remouing the hinderances here of the falls of Gods children And the difference betweene them and the wicked Of wathfulnes 1 The vse of it 2 How performed 3 Helpes hereto 3 To haue the feare of God continually before our eyes Of praier 1 And it cōditions 2 The benefit of prayer Of peace with God and lying downe therewith◠1 It necessity 2 How obtained 3 How performed How to profit in this direction Of right imploying the occasions of the day Of rising with God and awaking in his peace 1 The necessity thereof 2 How performed 3 How furthered Of Family and priuate praier Sect. 1. It necessity Sect. 2. Often to be performed and by whom Sect. 3. The manner how Sect. 4. What to be auoyded therin Sect. 5. Directions for prayer Sect. 6. The benefit thereof Callings and following thereof Sect. 1. That it is Gods ordinance to walke in a calling Sect. 2. Callings to be expected by ordinary meanes Sect. 3. The right vse of our calling specially to be stood vpon Sect. 4. How to vse our callings aright Sect. 5. How to leaue callings Sect. 6. How to intermit them Sect. 7. Benefit of callings Of the right vse of the creatures Sect. 2. The benefit thereof Of company and Of company and Sect. 1. How to discerne good and bad company Sect. 2. What company to be chosen and how to be refused Sect. 3. How to behaue our selues in good company Sect. 4. The benefit of good company Sect. 5. Difference of good company Sect. 6. Of Sabbath society And it rules Sect. 7. Publicke thankesgiuings and their rules Sect. 8. Publique fasts 1 The Author 2 Occasion 3 Manner of performance 4 Time 5. Ends. Sect. 9. Of priuate spirituall societie 1 How to be performed betweene Minister and people 2 How betweene inferiours and superiours 3 How betwene equals 4 Rules generall for all 5 Triall of right vse Sect. 10. Of Accessory meetings for Religion As Councels Synods c. And their appertenances Sect. 11. Of ciuill society And rules for the same Sect. 12. Of occasionall meetings Sect. 13. How to sort with the wicked Vse of euill company Of solitarines Sect. 1. How to behaue our selues therein Sect. 3. Cautions to be obserued Of prosperity and the right vse thereof Sect. 1. Necessary to be knowne Danger of prosperity in the best Sect. 3. Considerations to this purpose Sect. 4. To know when we haue vsed prosperity aright Sect. 5. Helpes hereto Of aduersity and the right vse therof Sect. 1. How necessary Sect. 2. How to be vsed well Sect. 3. Helpes hereto Of Family exercises Sect. 1. Of the daily account Why to be performed
in due season Psalme 1. 3. 3 Of the place that in outward things we conforme therto 1. Cor. 9. 20. 4 Of the persons that we giue no iust offence 1. Cor. 10. 33. Here our guides must be Loue which seekes not our own 1. Cor. 13. Wisedome to become all vnto all 1. Cor. 9. And our ends 1 Expediencie that we may be fitting 1. Cor. 10. 2 Vnder that which may bee seemely Col. 2. 3 Edification that which may benefit our selues and others 1. Cor. 10. 4 And principally the glorie of Almightie God 1. Cor. 10. 31. Sixtly We must entertaine and cherish the motions of the Spirit of God 1. Thess. 5. 19. 2. Tim. 1. 6. This is performed 1 By a wise discerning of them 1. Tim. 4. 14. 2 By an high esteeme of them 3 By reioycing in them as if we had found the greatest treasures Mat. 13. 44. 4 By putting them speedilie in execution Psal. 45. 1. 5 By offring vp an extraordinary sacrifice of praise for them abasing our selues in regard of such excellent graces and acknowledging the free mercy of God in so gracious a fellowship Psalme 116. 7 12. Seuenthly If the Spirit of God shall lie asleepe in vs Psal 119. This we shall discerne 1 By great terrours in the conscience 2 A kind of loathing of holy duties 3 Great coldnes and deadnes in the vse of them 4 Little sensible comfort when we haue performed them Psal. 77. 2 3. 5 Much discontentment in the mind and blindnes in the same Psa. 6. 3. 6 Aptnes to rush into the sinnes we haue heretofore conquered 7 Vnwillingnes to die c. Here then we must at no hand blesse our soules in this estate but First rouse vp the Spirit and labour to be quickned and that by vsing the holy meanes as 1 The Ministerie of the word Psal. 6. 6. 2 Priuate and strong crying vnto God Psal. 51. 3 Crauing the effectuall prayers of the saints Iames 5. 15. 4 Vsing more conscionably their fellowships and opening our state vnto them 5 Racking our harts by a serious and impartiall examination and committing our most speciall tentations to record 6 Promising more faithfulnes for the time to come Psal. 80. 18. 7 And binding our selues more constantly to the conuersion of others Psal. 116. 18. Psal. 32. 8. 9. Ps. 34. 3. 8. 11. 8 Exercising a daily course of repentance 9 Not neglecting also to humble our selues in this behalfe in some priuate fast vnto God Psal. 35. in our closets or families Eightly make we some experiment vpon some chiefe lust of the heart to get the mastery ouer it for by an experimentall conquest ouer one we shall learne in time to conquere all the rest And this must be done 1 By obseruing the deepenes of Satan in his variety of baits to draw vs into the snare 2 Considering the deceitfulnes of the heart how gladly it would close with Satan 3 Remembring our former tripping by the like tentation 4 Thereupon confesse wee in humble prayer vnto God that wee haue deserued to be ouertaken with it 5 Detest we our selues that sinne hath got such ground of vs. Iob 42. 6 Hereupon vow wee reuenge against our treacherous flesh 2. Cor. 7. 11. 7 And practise wee the same by the former rules of humiliation and such as hereafter shall bee laid downe 8 And so being wise to feare our selues in regard of the said tentation we shall happilie get the conquest of it Prou 14. 9 Wee must daily recount how wee haue profited in godlinesse Psal. 119. 10 we must prepare our selues continually to afflictiōs Luk. 9. s 23. 11 Wee must bee plentifull in good workes 2. Pet. 1. 9. 12 In all our actiōs specially extraordinary we must not trust to that soundnes of heart which hath beene but trie them by that which is that so from the sense of the purenes of the fountaine the streames may flow more certainely and purely Luke 6. 43. Mat. 13. 13 Though the heart may appeare to be sound yet the goodnesse of the action must not so much depend vpon the soundnes of the heart appearing as vpon the free mercies of God accepting the same 14 We must prouide a complet armour for the heart being prepared to preserue it Ephes. 6. 13. CHAP. IX And this is the fourth duty of necesssity to be performed daily by vs Namely to arme our hearts against all tentations And that 1 Because such an armour is commended vnto vs in the word Ephes. 6. 2 Our enemies are mighty princes and armed wickednesses Ephes 6. 16. 3 The heart without it lies open to all tentations 4 By it we shall be able to cast downe all strong holds 2. Cor. 10. 4 which stand in our way to happines 1. Tim. 6. 11. 5 And so shall lay hold on eternall life and finish our course with ioy 2. Tim. 4. 6. Here consider these three points 1 What this armor is 2 How it is to be put on 3 How to be kept on This armo◠hath many peeces First the Girdle of truth and sincerity Ephes. 6. 14. this consisteth of these parts The first is a rectified iudgment proceeding from an illightned and sanctified vnderstanding wrought by a liue faith through the word of God Ephes. 4. 13. And it hath these properties 1 It is sound in what it knowes Coloss. 1. 6. 9. 2 It retaineth safely what it knowes Psal. 119. 11. 3 It is wise to distinguish betweene things that differ Philip. 1. and so to trie the Spirits 1. Iohn 4. 1. 4 It discernes all things 1. Cor. 2. 15. 5 It comprehends the height and bredth and depth and length Ephes. 3. 6 It knows no man after the flesh 2. Cor. 5. 16. 7 It knowes but in part and so is subiect to errour 1. Cor. 13. 8 It is not obstinate in errour but willing to be reformed in what it hath beene misinformed 2. Tim. 2. 16. 9 It is apt and desirous to receiue further illumination Colos. 1. 10 2. Tim. 3. 7. 10 And daily increaseth in this sauing knowledge Heb. 5. 12. Helpes to put on this armour are 1 A discerning of our owne inward blindnes Psal. 119. 28. 2 A daily meditation in the word and workes of God Psal. 1. 3 A faithful recording and comparing of things past with things present and so collecting for the time to come Luk. 2. 51. And this part of the Girdle serueth 1 To condemne the blindnes of nature 1. Corint 2. 14. Matthew 16. 17. 2 To discerne between the light of nature and grace the illightning and sanctifying Spirit Col. 1. 9 Ephes 5. 8. 3 To direct all our actions for as we know so we doe Rom. 14. 5 23. 4 To make triall of them for if they haue not the light it is because there is no truth in them Ioh. 3. 21. 5 To informe and instruct others Psal. 34. The second part of this Girdle is a sanctified conscience and it is discerned
to performe 3 Such as may benefite the party to whom we make promise 4 And also may stand with conscience and credite to performe And thus they bind with these bonds 1 They bind according to the will pleasure of him to whom it is made Psal. 15. though it be to our owne hinderance 2 Yet so if by necessarie casualty we are disinabled to performance the partie to whom the promise is made in conscience is to giue some relaxation Mat. 18. 3 To this end we are bound to craue reliefe and vse holy wisdome and submission thereto Pro 6. 1 2. A second bond of truth is an Oath Here obserue 1 The lawfulnes thereof 1 Because God hath commanded it Esay 45. 23. 2 It is a speciall part of his worship Esay 19. 18. 3 The Saints haue practised it holily Gen. 31. 53. 4 It hath procured much good and beene accepted of God 1. Chr. 15. 2 Consider we the matter of an oath 1 It must not only be true but so knowne to vs. Ier. 4. 2. 2 It must bee honest that wee sweare to 3 It must be a truth of great importance 3 Obserue we the manner of an oath as 1 It must bee made in the onely name of God 1 By inuocation of his name to witnes the truth of what we swear 2 And to blesse vs therein 2 By imprecation against our selues whereby we bind our selues if we deceiue to the vengeance of God 3 It must be done not rashly but with great aduisement 4 And also with great reuerence feeling not without praier vnto God to guide the heart Eccl. 9. 2. Fourthly The true lawful swearer is indeede 1 The regenerate man whoh hath right in this seruice and knowes how to vse it aright Ro. 2. none other 2 And he must also haue a particular calling to this seruice 3 Here learne that though the partie in regard of his generall calling might not sweare yet his oath being made is lawfull if he haue a ciuill calling thereto and may bee taken howsoeuer the swearer herein be not iustified 5 The right vse end of an oath is 1 To end controuersies between man and man and free those that are wrongfully accused 2 To cleere our innocency before men Heb. 6. 16. 3 To prouide for the infirmities of men 1. Sam. 12. 5. Gen. 31. 53. 4 To witnes a truth vnto men 5 Binde our selues more constantly to the seruice of God Nehe. 10. 1. Chron. 15. 23. Sixtly Consider we the parties before whom we may sweare which are 1 The Magistrate who may lawfully exact an oath 2 To a priuate man we may also sweare to bind contracts 3 The Master may require an oath of the seruant Genesis 24. and so the Father of the sonne the husband of the wife c. one friend of another Seuenth Obserue we the time of an oath which is 1 In a case of necessity when witnes faile or words wil not be taken Hence it followeth 1 That we need not swear when the partie to whom wee sweare is not willing to accept it 2 And neither also if the matter may bee cleered by any other awfull meanes Eightly Learne we how an oath binds 1 If it be imposed by him that may lawfully giue it 2 If it be made of things lawfull 3 If it tend to our own neighbours good 4 When Gods glory also is prepared thereby 9 Wisely consider we the abuses of an oath which are 1 Swearing by Images trifles Saints nullities c. Zep. 1. 5. 2 Swearing ordinarily in common speech or vpon heate in gaming c. Ier. 5. 7. Mat. 5. 3 Rash swearing when we know not the cause or haue no calling thereto or aduise not wisely in the action 4 Muthering of oathes when wee say gods for God fect for faith swounds for wounds c. where hoping to escape the imputation of swearing we are more guiltie thereof 5 Outragious and blasphemous swearing the badge of ruffians and rake-hels 6 Cursed swearing with fearefull imprecations against our selues and others 7 Wicked swearing when we binde our selues by oathes to mischiefe Acts 2. 3. 8 False swearing when wee sweare to that ignorantly which proues false 9 Periurie when wee knew a thing to be false and yet wil sweare to it of set purpose to doe mischiefe Zach. 5. 4. 10 Swearing for hire to any purposes Acts 6. 11 When we sweare to impossibilities as when the Priest is sworn by the Bishop to the vow of continencie Generally here is condemned First Al kind of lying vpon what pretence soeuer Now a lie is then made 1 When we speake falsly 2 And are willing so to doe 2. Rings 5. 3 Purpose to deceiue thereby Acts 5. Hence it followeth that all 1 False speaking of ignorance is no lie Secondly Here is condemned all smoothing and dissembling of a matter either with purpose to deceiue 1 By extenuating of it 2 By exercising the fact 3 By vsing pretexts and shifts to auoyde it 4 By mentall reseruation and such like Iesuiticall and Atheisticall trickes Thirdly Also all concealing of truth when we are bound to speake is heere forbidden 4 All ambiguous and doubtfull speeches 5 To speake vntruthes though not with purpose to deceiue 6 All promise-breaking when the promise is lawfulfully made And thus farre concerning the second grace of speech which is Truth A third grace of holy speech is Reuerence And this is in regard either of First God of whose name and titles we must so speake that wee both 1 Shew reuerence our selues and 2 Mooue reuerence in others Deut. 28. 58. And this we shall doe 1 If we know God aright 2 And feare him as our father Malach. 1. 3 Behold him in his iudgements vpon the wicked Psal. 119. 120. 4 Thinke often and meditate vpon him Secondly we must vse reuerence in speech in regard of man that either generally as he beares Gods image So we must 1 Giue holy names vnto our children But here with sobriety not the names of God as Iesuits c. but such as 1 May shew our thankefulnes to God Gen. 41. 2 May shew our true humiliation vnder his corrections Ruth 1. 3 May put vs in mind of his promises Israel Gen. 32. 4 May remember vs of our own frailty and wretchednes Adam Gen. 32. 5 May intimate our time estate and condition in this life Ester 2. 5. 6 May encourage vs to the hope of the life to come 7 May minister comfort in our troubles and such like 2 We must not name professors by the names of prophane men 3 We may change names vpon iust occasion 2 We are to vse reuerence in more particular manner vnto man as he is our superior either in calling or gifts 1. Cor. 12. 13. prouided 1 That we giue him not the titles of God as Iehoua c. 2 Giue him the titles of his office