The Christians daily sacrifice containing a daily direction for a setled course of sanctification. Expressing the scope of the seuen treatises of Master Rogers, as also the summe of Master Greenham his spirituall obseruations, with some further increase tending to perfection. By Tho. Cooper. Cooper, Thomas, fl. 1626. 1608 Approx. 268 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 136 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A19284 STC 5694 ESTC S122295 99857447 99857447 23187 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A19284) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 23187) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1684:9) The Christians daily sacrifice containing a daily direction for a setled course of sanctification. Expressing the scope of the seuen treatises of Master Rogers, as also the summe of Master Greenham his spirituall obseruations, with some further increase tending to perfection. By Tho. Cooper. Cooper, Thomas, fl. 1626. Rogers, Richard, 1550?-1618. Greenham, Richard. [24], 238, [2] p. Imprinted by H[enry] B[allard] for Walter Burre, and are to be sold in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Crane, London : 1608. Based in part on: Rogers, Richard. Seven treatises. Printer's name from STC. The last leaf is blank. Reproduction of the original in Emmanuel College (University of Cambridge). Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Christian life -- Early works to 1800. 2004-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-02 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-03 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2004-03 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE CHRISTIANS DAILY SACRIFICE : CONTAINING A daily direction for a setled course of Sanctification . Expressing The scope of the seuen Treatises of Master ROGERS , as also the summe of Master GREENHAM his spirituall obseruations , with some further increase tending to perfection . By THO. COOPER . LONDON , Imprinted by H. B. for WALTER BVRRE , and are to be sold in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Crane . 1608. ¶ TO THE HIGH and excellent Princesse , Elizabeth , eldest daughter to our Soueraigne Lord King IAMES . MOST gratious Princesse ; vouchsafe ( I beseech you ) the remembrance of that duty , which we owe vnto God for all his benefits ; namely , to take vp the cup of saluation and call vpon the name of the Lord. This is the subiect of this smal Treatise . Which I am the rather emboldened to present vnto your grace , because , as the Lord hath renued his mercies continually vpon your princely person , especially shewed himselfe merueilous in that your admirable deliuerance from these bloodie hunters : so it pleased your highnes to accept very fauourably the remembrance thereof , and to patronage my first labors ( to that end ) with the prime of your Graces protection : which as it hath the rather bound me to consecrate my selfe and al my studies to your Graces deuotion ; so doe I in all humble maner tender vnto your Excellency , a pledge hereof in these short meditations ; which as they may bee your daily practise of thankefulnes to God for all his mercies toward you : so will they also proue verie profitable directions for the information of your tender yeeres in the waies of God : that so beeing daily crowned with new blessing , you may at length be fitted for that crowne of glory , which the Lord Iesus hath purchased for you . To whose blessed protection I doe most heartily commend your Highnes : and so most humbly take my leaue . Your Graces most affectionate in all duety , Tho. Cooper . TO THE RGIHT Honorable the Lord Harington , and his vertuous Ladie . RIGHT Honorable , the princelie charge that the Lord hath honored your elder yeares withall , that your age may bee a crowne of glorie , beeing found in the way of righteousnesse , as it hath laid vpon your Honours , a greater care for the discharge thereof : so hath it prouoked also those ( who as in priuate they wish your well-fares , so especially , they desire your happie sucesse in that publicke Charge , as being in all heartie loyalty obliged therto : These , I say , haue bin stirred vp to deuise all holy and profitable meanes whereby your Charge may be more Honorable , and your care more comfortable . Among whom , seeing it hath pleased your Honours formerlie to accept of me , & daily to bind me therto by renued fauours I haue therefore endeuored to testifie the heartie continuance of my dutie towards your Honours in this Briefe of holy rules , and instructions , which I haue been bold to dedicate to the hopefull , and happie dayes of your Gracious Charge : not therein presuming to teach your Honour what you should doe : but rather proposing the same as a Glasse , wherein you may view , what you haue done well ; and so both to encourage your Honours in a happie proceeding , and to giue you sound comfort in the good successe thereof : which as I shall not cease to pray daily vnto the Almightie for ; so I doe most humblie beseech your Honours thus to conceiue of my endeuours , & to continue , as you doe , the true paterns of vertuous nobility , & the Honorable patrons of religion & learning . And so I most hartilie commend your Honors to the grace of God. Your Honours to command in all loue and dutie , Tho. Cooper . ❧ To the Christian Reader , grace and peace . THE manie * excellent treatises & larger discourses cōcerning the power of godlines , which it hath pleased the Lord of glorie to furnish his Church withall in these last daies ; as they haue made good the faithfulnes of our God vnto vs of this Church of England , so if they shall not be a witnesse against vs , do they necessarily require the right vse thereof , that we be transformed into the same image from glory to glorie . And therefore howsoeuer it may seeme both needelesse and preiudiciall after so manie graue , and experimentall rules concerning sanctification , to adde any more in this kind : yet seeing it hath pleased God to direct me to a further labour herein , waigh with mee I pray thee in equitie these reasons hereof : First I doe hereby professe my thankefulnes vnto God for those excellent labours of his Saints that now rest from their labours and their fruits follow them . Secondly , I would haue thee know that I am not ashamed of this foolishnes of preaching and practick Diuinity , which is such a mysterie to the world , and stumbling blocke vnto the wisedome thereof . Thirdly , Howsoeuer I do professe that I am not able to attaine such perfection , as I haue herein conceined , yet I would haue thee know further , that I would rather haue a rule to condemne sinne in the flesh , and so confound the old man , that thereby the new man may follow hard after the marke , then not to giue testimony to that ligh● which hath shined so gratiously vnto me , then to conceale my iudgement , though it may condemne th● practise . Fourthly , May it please thee to consider with me : Can a man walke in the sunne , and not be warme , and where twolie together , will there not be heat ? and can the light be hidden , nay , ought it to be hidden ? 5 Can wee doe lesse in these dayes then conuince a prophane world ? 6 Can wee doe better then strengthen that which is readie to die ? 7 Shall not Gods remembrancers renue their strength , when the diuels instruments do so rage with all licentiousnes ? 8 Doe we not iustifie the good by seeking out their wayes ? 9 Should we not discourage the wicked by making a good profession ? 10 Owe we not this duety to our mother ? 11 Shall not this redound to the glory of God ? Let this content thee : and prouoke thee to make vse of these labours , and the Lord giue thee vnderstanding in all things : that thou maiest trie the Spirits , and heereby thine owne , whether thou art in the faith or no , and so for euer maiest follow the true Shepheard . To whose blessed protection I do most hartily commend thee . THE CONTENTS OF the booke . CHAP. I. Of Man and his , 1 Creation . 2 Fall. 3 Redemption : how , 1 performed . 2 The benefit thereof . 3 How applied . CHAP. II. Of the word . 1 How it leads to Christ. 2 And so in him to a constant course of holines , that so we may be happie . CHAP. III. Of the daily direction to serue God. CHAP. IIII. What this daily direction is . And , 1 Though it be impossible to be kept yet it is to be knowne . 2 It is not impossible in some measure . 3 Nay it is necessary to be kept . 4 Yea most conuenient . 5 And profitable . 6 And also exceeding pleasant . CHAP. V. The Parts of this daily Sacrifice . CHAP. VI. 1 To bee Humbled before the Lord , in the sense of sinne , here , 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 tongu● 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 a●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 a● 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 motiue● hereunto . And how . The benefit thereof . ¶ THE CHRISTIans daily Sacrifice . CHAP. I. FIRST , God made al things for his glory , but especially Man , Pro. 16. 3. 1. Co. 10. 31. in whom is discouered 1. The greatnes of his iustice . 2. The riches of his mercy . Rom. 9. 22. Secondly , Man glorifieth God in a fourefold estate of his , 1. Creation . 2. Fall. 3. Redemption . 4. Glorification . Thirdly , The Lord from euerlasting so decreed concerning mankinde , that the greater part thereof should be condemned , and but a remnant saued . And to this end created he man. Rom. 9. 28. Mat. 7. 13. Fourthly , Man was created after the image of God in a most perfect estate of holines : wherein he glorified God in absolute conformity to him , yet subiect vnto change : which also made for Gods glory . Gen. 1. 27. Fiftly , The Lord ordained the Fall of man , and therefore his estate was mutable , that so his fall might be from himselfe : that God might make a way for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy & iustice , in the execution of his decree , concerning the saluation of the elect , & condemnation of the reprobate ; by such meanes as from all eternity the Lord had sealed thereunto ; and thereupon man fell . Gen. ● . 6. Sixtly , Man hauing receiued an estate for himselfe , and his posterity , by his fall vtterly depriued himselfe and all his issue of Gods fauor , and the fruit thereof , the right and possession of heauen and earth : and plunged himselfe and all his posterity into a most wofull bondage of sinne and Satan . Ge. 2. 17. Ro. 6. 12. Seuenthly , The fall of man made a way to the worke of Redemption which was performed by Iesus Christ. Eightly , Christ Iesus was first , decreed from all eternity : secondly , promised immediately after the fall of Adam : thirdly , exhibited in the fulnes of time , to performe a full redemption for vs. Gal. 4. 4. Gen. 3. Ninthly , Our redemption by Christ , is either performed or applied . Tenthly , Christ Iesus performed our redemption : first , by obedience . And that 1. To God his Father in comming to redeeme vs. 2. In taking our nature vpon him . 3. To the Law in fulfilling it perfectly , which we had broken . 4. In vndergoing the punishment when hee had fulfilled the Law. And by these his sufferings our redemption was secondly wrought out . These sufferings of Christ : were First , either in his whole li●e such miseries as sinne had drawne vpon vs , that so he might sanctifie them vnto vs , as hunger , cold , &c. Heb. 2. 18. Heb. 4. 15. Secondly , Or at his death , such paines as we had deserued , and here he suffered , First , in his body as 1. preparations to death . 1. Buffetings by the Souldiers . Mat. 27. & 28. 2. Whipping , and scourging . 3. Crowning with Thornes . 4. Carying of his Crosse. 5. Nayling to the Crosse. Ioh. 19. Secondly , death it selfe : here consider , 1 The ignominious manner , vpon the cursed tree . Gal. 3. 2 The cruelty vsed vpon his dead bodie , as being pierced to the heart by that mercilesse Souldier . Ioh. 19 34. 3 His ignominious buriall , and detaining for three daies in the graue . These were his sufferings in bodie . Secondly , he also suffered for vs in his soule , and that 1. In his whole life . 1 Griefe for the sin of the world , and especially of his owne countrymen who refused him . Ioh. 1. 2 The mockings of the wicked and treachery of his owne was no small anguish vnto him . Especially at his death , as First , that he was betrayed by Iudas his owne disciple . Luk. 22. 48. 2 His agony in the garden where he sweat water and blood , in great abundance . Luke 22. 3 His trouble in soule . Ioh. 12. 7. 4 The withdrawing of the assistance of the Deitie for the present . Phil. 2. 8. 5 The curse of God vpon him for mans sinne , Gal. 3. 10. 6 The power of Satan preuailing for a time . 7 The horror of being ouerwhelmed with the heauie wrath of God. Heb. 5. 7. 8 His detaining vnder the sorrows of death . Acts. 2. 24. All these , Christ Iesus our redeemer suffered in his humane nature , but they were accompanied with the merit and efficacy of the diuine nature , the dignitie whereof enabled them hereunto , & made them meritorious for our saluation . Now because it was not possible that the Sonne of God should be holden of the sorrowes of death ; for then had he not beene iustified and acquitted from our sinnes : therfore by the power of his God-head he raised vp himse●fe , and so accomplished yet further the worke of our redemption . Rom. 4. 25. Act. 2. 24. And so Christ Iesus our redeemer obtained a glorious conquest by his resurrection from the dead : and that First , Ouer the Law in abolishing the dominion and rigour thereof . Secondly , Ouer Satan and H●ll , chaining vp Satan & destroying for euer the powers of hel . 1. Co. 15. 57. Thirdly , Ouer sinne , and that 1 in taking away the sting and guiltines thereof . 2 Abating the rage and fury of the same . Rom. 7 24. 25. 3 Healing in some measure the corrupt fountaine of the same . 4 Weal●●ng the force and daily eating out the verie corruption thereof . Rom. 6. 12. 3. Fourthly , death is also conquered and subdued ; and that , 1 By taking away the sting therof . 2 By destroying the dominion of the same . Rom. 5. 14. 3 Sanctifying it to the Godly , to whom it is the gate to euerlasting life . 1. Thes. 4. 4 Raysing vp our flesh from the graue . 1. Cor. 15. And thus by this glorious conquest of our Captaine Iesus Christ , is recouered vnto vs , Heb. 12. 2. First , The fauour of God our Father , whose children we are now become in Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 5. 18. 1. Iohn 3. 1. Colos. 1. 20. Secondly , The fruits of this fauour , which are 1 Faith in the sonne of GOD , wherby being iustified before God we haue , 2 Peace of conscience with God and man. 1. Rom. 5. 1. Rom. 7. 4. 3 Ioy vnspeakeable in the holy Ghost . 1. Pet. 1. 8. 4 We become fruitfull in all good workes , and so thereby become meete partakers . Colos. 1. 12. 5 Of saluation . The earnest whereof wee haue in this life : first by the inward testimony of the spirit . ● . Cor. 1. Ephes. 4. Secondly , By our outward similitude and conformity to our head Christ Iesus , being changed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 2. Cor. 3. 18. And we shall fully enioy it in the life to come , where shall be 1 Ceasing of all sinne and sorrow . Reuel . 7. 17. 2 Perfect righteousnesse and holinesse . Ephes. 5. 27. 3 Fulnes of ioy . Psal. 16. 4 Immediate fruition and coniunction with God. 1. Cor. 13. 12. 5 Eternity of happines , and bliffe for euermore . ● . Pet. 1 4. All these hath the Sonne of God purchased for vs. The meanes whereby all these are made ours , is Faith. This Faith is wrought in vs by the preaching of the word . Rom. 10. 17. And that first of the Law. First , Discouering our miserie , vnto vs in particular , both 1 From what a blessed estate wee are fallen , Roman . 3. Roman . 7. as also Into what a woful and desperate condition we are now plunged , not onely by reason of our sinne : Being able to doe nothing but displease God. Gen. 6. 5. And that in regard 1 Of the transgression of Adam , which lies vpon vs. Rom. 5. 2 The fruite of this transgression , euen a generall infection and corruption of all the powers and faculties of soule and body . 1 Of the vnderstanding , filled with blindnes , & darknes & not sauoring the things of God. Eph. 4 17 2 The Conscience wounded , seared , defiled , neuer soundly peaceable . Timot 4. 1. Corinth . 1. 2 : Esay 57. 1. 3 The memory fit to retaine euill , and to forget good . Heb. 10 22. 4 The will captiuated to euill , and yet running headlong thereto , but to doe good altogether auerse . Rom. 8. 5 , 6. 5. And so the affections ledde violently after the sway thereof , as also 6 The conuersation most lothsome to God and man. 1. Tim. 1. 15. 7 The thoughts impotent and vnsatiable to euil , and infinite therein . 8 His best actions , greatest abominations . Pr. 28 9. Io. 9 3● Ps 50 16. A second part of mans misery , is the fruit of his ●inne , Namely ; that First , He is most odious to God & most iustly accursed of him , Col. 1. 21. and this curse is manifest , First , Vpon his body by those fearefull and inumerable plagues , diseas●s , iudgements of famine , &c. which he vpon men and consume thē in this life . D●u . 28 15. Ge 3. 17. Secondly , By that horrible abuse of Gods blessings , which are bestowed on him : making the creature to grone vnder this bondage of corruption , and so to increase the score against the life to come . Rom. 8. 19. Secondly , Vpon his soule , and that ●●st in this life : 1 In being giuen vp to a reprobate sense . Rom. 1. 23. 2 Depriued of the knowledge of God , but so farre as shall make him without excuse . Psalme 49. 15. 3 To be past feeling through the hardnes of his heart . Ephes. 4. 19. 4 Thence to fall into wofull and irrecouerable despaire , Gen. 4. and to discouer the same by madnes , blasphemies , &c. Secondly , In the life to come , by first : 1 Vtter separation from the presence of God , and happinesse for euer . 2. Thes. 1. 21. 2 Perpetuall communion with Satan and the infernall spirits : and so of all torments , Especially First , Desperate sorrow for an irrecouerable losse . Secondly , Insufferable waight of the wrath of God. Thirdly , Sensible torment , yet not to be expressed . Fourthly , The worme of conscience accusing , & gnawing continually . Fiftly , Bitter enuie at the happines of the elect . Sixtly , Restles content , in this fearefull condition . Thus the Law discouers to man his miser● , and therefore , First , It is to be preached to sinners . 2. Tim. 4. 2. Secondly , Men are to be acquainted with the particulars of it . Thirdly , And to yeeld to the power thereof , that so it may leade them to Christ , who is properly reuealed vnto vs in the preaching of the Gospel , which doeth especially beget & perfect the worke of Faith , and that 1 By making vs to beleeue our misery , through a particular application thereof vnto our selues . Rom. 7. 9. Rom. 15. 4. Matth. 9. 12. 2 By working anguish and sorrow inspirit for the same . Act. 2. 37. Ierem . 21. 1● . Iudg. 2. 3 , 10. 3 Aduising what to do , Luk. 15. 17. Ierem. 8. ● , 7. and considering deeply what we haue done . Reu. 7. 24. 4 Submitting to Gods will , to bee guided hereafter according to the same . Luk. 17. 9. Eze. 36. 2. Act. 9. 6. 5 Heereupon the Lord further reueales himselfe vnto the sinner in working a secret desire of forgiuenes , from the consideration of the kindnes and readines of God to pardon , yea though it be but a droppe of mercie . Luke 15. 17 , 18. Mat. 12. 20. Mat. 11 ▪ 28. Mat. 5. 4. Matth. 9. 12. Luke 7. 38. Ion. 3. Hest. 4. Pro. 28. 9. Iob 33. 33. 6 This desire workes a resolution to go to this gracious God , though yet he feele not pardon for his sins . Luke 15. 7 Comming to God , sinne is confessed in most conscionable , and in particular manner . Psal. 19. 12. 8 Pardon is most instantly and boldly begged for the same . Mat. 15. Rom. 10. 14. 9 R●solution to renounce all , to buy this precious pearle : which is a kind of assurance of the purchase of this pardon , Mat. 13. vpon the due valuation of the price of it , and so he promiseth a full forsaking of the wo●ld , Mat. 19. 29. Heb. 11 25 ▪ and vtter renouncing of sinne , Hose . 14. 9. &c. for euer . Luke 19. 9. 1. Samu. 7. 3 , 4. Pro. 28. Phil. 1. 7 , 8 , 10 Hereupon followeth an application of Christ and his promises by the seale of the spirit . Rom. 8. 16. 2. Cor. 1. 22. And hence proceed : 1 Contentation spirituall , & peace with God and our owne consciences . 2 Following the true Shepheard . Iohn 10. 3 Ioy in the Spirit , and sweetnes extraordinary . Rom. 5. 2. 4 Admiration heauenly , at this wonderfull worke . 2. Cor. 1. 12. 5 Tendernes of conscience in all our actions . Heb. 13. 18. 6 Boldnes to approch the throne of Grace . Rom. 8. Heb. 10. 7 A minde estranged from the world and loue thereof . Gal 5. 8 Holy conference , and asking the way to Sion . 9 Heauenly conuersation . Phi. 3. 20. 10 Readines and patience to and vnder the Crosse Rom. 5. 11 Desire to be dissolued , and to be with Christ. Phili. 1. 23. Thus is Faith wrought in vs , thus may we discerne the worke thereof . And this Faith is thus effectuall , when it bringeth forth the fruite of an holy life , whereby we are made partakers of the diuine nature , & so made meet to that happines , whereinto no vncleane thing shall enter . Iā . 2. 2. Pet. 1. 3. Col. 1. 11. Reu. 21. 27. Hence we may learne : 1 That there is no holinesse in nature , and therefore no happines from thence . Rom. 3. 9. 2 Our righteousnes is of faith , laying hold on Iesus Christ. Phil. 3. 9. 3 Being redeemed by Christ , we must be zealous of good workes , which God hath ordained vs to walke in . Ephes. 2. 10. 4 That we may not erre in wel-doing , nor be weary therof , we must haue a Guide to direct vs therein . Iohn 11. 9. CHAP. II. This Guide is onely the perfect word of God. 1 BEcause it is the briefe of Gods reuealed wil. Ps 40. 7. 2 It reacheth not only to the outward , but inward man also , and is a discerner of the secret thoughts and raines . Heb. 4. 12. 3 It is that will of God , which the Lord would haue to this end communicated vnto all . Colos. 1. 6. Iohn 5. 35. 4 It is sufficient and absolutely perfect to accomplish whatsoeuer concernes our entrance or perfection to eternall life . 2. Tim. 3. 16. 5 It is a sure and euerlasting word , able to accomplish that which it promiseth or threatneth , and giuing grace to performe that in some measure which it enioyneth . Ephe. 6. 17. 1. Pet. 1. 2. Pet. 1. 19. Psal. 19. 7. Psal. 119. 93. 6 It is most plaine and easie to be apprehēded , as being a light shining in a dark place . 2. Pe. 1. Pr. 8. 2. 2. Cor. 4. 4. Hence it followeth 1 That whatsoeuer is not warranted by the word , is sinne . Apoc. 22. 18. Deut. 4. 2. Pro. 30. 6. 2 That the Law of nature written in our hearts , is no sufficient rule of life . 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 16. 17. Rom. 2. 12. 3 Much lesse the Lawes of nations are perfect rules to liue by . Deu. 4. 6. 4 No wil-worship is accepted of God. Mat. 15. 9. Col. 2. 2 3. Deu. 12. 8. 5 Neither a good intention makes a good action , 2. Sam. 6. 6. 6 Nor an erroneous conscience excuseth an euill fact , or maketh that which is doubtful good . Rom. 14. 23 7 No not ignorant deuotion auiales in Gods worship . Rom. 10. 2. Acts 13. 5● , 51. 8 Much lesse the lawlesse lusts of our hearts , which tend to the destruction of life . Ephes. 1. 22. 9 Neither is the multitude a iustifiable warrāt of our actions . Ex. 23. 10 No not the examples of any , further then they square with the word . 1. Cor. 11. 1. 11 Neither the word it selfe in the letter , but in the spirituall meaning thereof . Matt. 5. 12 And the meaning of the word to befetcht not from any other but the Word , comparing spirituall things with spirituall things . 1. Cor. 2. 13. 13 Yea , the true meaning must be applied by faith before our actiōs can be warranted thereby . Rom. 14. So doth the word containe a perfect direction of our life . CHAP. III. THis direction is a daily and constant endeuour to serue God. And that 1 Because the Lord requires such a daily and constant course . Philip. 3. 15. Gen. 17. 1. Iob. 1. 5. 2 The Lord giues grace and appoints meanes for the performance thereof , as the continuall inhabitation of his spirit , and the fruit thereof the holy seede that remaines in vs. 1. Ioh 3 8. 3 The Saints of God haue practised such a course . Psa. 1. 4 To this end were we redeemed , that we should serue God in holines and righteousnes all the daies of our life . Luk. 1. 5 God doth daily bestow blessings vpon vs , therefore we must daily serue him . Lam. 3. 23. Psal. 103. 2. 6 Christ Iesus maketh continuall intercession for vs : that we should daily , yea hourely and continually performe acceptable seruice vnto God. 7 Satan is neuer weary of tempting vs : therefore we should haue our loines girt , and be alwaies vpon our watch to resist him . 1. Pet. 5 8. 8 We haue not a daies warrant , no not an houres certainty of life , therefore we are at no time to be vnprepared , because we know not the houre when our master commeth . Math 24. 9 We are pilgrimes and trauellers in this world , and therefore we must trauaile each day homeward to our country Hebr. 11. 12. 10 By our calling we are watchmen , souldiers , &c. and therefore we must daily bee excercised in this spirituall warre fare . 2. Timo thie 2. 6. Hence it followeth , 1 That to fancie any such seruice out of the word , which is not daily and constant is sinne . Hosea . 6. 4. 2 To thinke that the seruice of the Sabbath is all that God requireth , is also sinne . Esai 1. 13. 3 It is in vaine to serue God a● randome and not in an holy an● constant order . 4 To put off the seruice of Go● to the end of our life is most presumptuous . Psal. 95. 7. 5 To thinke I haue any liberty o● time to serue sinne is Atheistica● 1. Pet. 4. 2. Ephe. 5. 16. 6 That it is not wil-worship 〈◊〉 performe this seruice , seeing it 〈◊〉 warranted by the word . 7 That it is no nouelty to seru● God after this manner . 8 Neither is it precisenes to 〈◊〉 our selues hereunto , seeing it is reuealed and therefore belongs vnt● vs. Deuter. 29. 29. Ephe. 5● 15. Therefore that we may serue God according to his word we must performed 〈◊〉 and continuall obedience to him . Colos. 1. 10. CHAP. IIII. ANd this is , first a purpose of th● hart , to serue God , as God : who●ly and continually . Heb. 13. 18. 2 This purpose is setled and ro●ted in the heart , and bringeth forth some constant fruite of obedience euery day . Col 1. 23. Col. 7. 23. 3 It is also sincere , and generall , hauing respect vnto all Gods commandements , in all things desirous to please him daily , & to be fruitfull in euery good worke . Psal. 119. 6. Colos. 1. 10. Fourthly , it respects the ends , which are two : 1 Gods glory , not any worldly or vaine respects . 1. Cor. 10. 31. 2 The eternal saluation of my soule , not any transitorie or outward blessing . Phil. 3. 8. 1. Pet. 1. 9. 5 It enioynes these so farre as God shall inwardly enable , and outward meanes permit , rather to put vs in mind what we should be , then what we can be in this life . 1. Cor. 8. 12. Hence it followeth , First , that though this course were impossible , yet were it necessarie to be knowne , and indeauored of vs. 1 That it might be a daily rule of our life . 2 That it might continually humble vs vnder the mightie hand of God. 3 That it might daily driue vs to Christ. 4 That it might weane vs from th● world , and fit vs to eternall happinesse . Hence it followeth Secondly , That it is not impossib●● in some good measure , to keepe suc● a course and trade of holines : 1 Because it presumes not absolute perfection ; which indeede we●● folly for any to dreame of in th●● life , but is only a following hard 〈◊〉 the marke , and furtherance to perfection . Phil. 3. 13. 2 It is no harder a taske , the 〈◊〉 what the Saints of God doe desi●● to attaine , Psal. 90. 12. haue voluntarily vndertaken , and in most comfortable measure performed . Gen. 5. 22. 3 It may stand well with our ordinarie callings . 1. Tim. 4. 8. 4 Neither doeth it exclude our lawfull comforts . 2. Tim. 4. 8. Hence it followeth : Thirdly , That it is no more th● needes must to take this course : 1 Because hereby we shew our selues obedient to Gods commandement . Gen. 17. 1. Secondly , We doe also approue the soundnes of our obedience : as 1 That it is hearty , not hypocriticall . 2 Not by halfes , but generall . 3 Not temporary , but continuall . 4 Not indifferent , but conscionable . 5 Not enforced , but free & cheerefull . Deut. 28 47. 6 Not vncertaine , but constant . 7 Not carnall , but spirituall . Thirdly , Heereby wee encrease in righteousnes and holines : as being First , Confirmed in well doing , and that 1 By the knowledge of our healy thrift . 1. Thes. 4. 10. Mat. 25. 16. 2 Thankfulnesse vnto God for it . 3 Commending the successe to God. 4 Crauing his further supplie . Secondly , Recouered also we shall be out of euill : 1 By seeing our escapes . Ieremie 3. 13. 2 Iudging them . 1 Cor. 11. 32. 3 Denying our selues . Mat. 16. 4 Casting our selues vpon Christ Matth. 11. Fourthly , Hereby also our outward callings are furthered , as 1 Being sanctified by this spirituall exercise . 1. Tim. 4. 5. 2 Moderated , lest we be drunken with them . Deut. 17. 18. 3 Ordered to the right end , lest they misleade vs. 1. Cor. 10. 31. 4 Seasoned , lest we be weary of them . 5 Blessed , in seeing a happy returne by them . Psal. 128. Hence it followeth : Fourthly , that this duety is most conuenient for all sorts . Both for all persons , aswell 1. babes in Christ , as 2. strong men . And for all estates , as well in prosperity as in aduersity . First , For babes in Christ : that 1 They may beginne well . 2 They may goe forward without griefe , vncertainty , wearisomnes . 3 That they may obtaine a more glorious crowne . Secondly , For strong men and that 1 To keepe them constant from backsliding . Colos. 2. 7. 2 To make them more able to winne and hold others . Rom. 14. 1. 3 To acquaint them with the deepenes of Satan . Apoc. 2. 24. 4 To prepare them to greater glory . Dan. 12. 3. 5 To humble them in the sense of their extraordinary graces . 2. Cor. 12. Thirdly , it is fit for men in prosperity : and that 1 To preuent security . Esai . 5. 12. 2 To humble them in regard of those temporall things . Luc. 12. 48. 3 To teach them how to vse them to Gods glorie , their owne and their neighbours good . 1. Tim. 6. 17. 4 That they may part with them willingly . Pil. 4. 12. 5 That all may be counted as dung in respect of heauen . Philip . 3. 8. Fourthly , this practice also will be very necessary in the time of affliction : And that 1 To prepare vs thereunto . Pro , 28. 14. Iob 3. 25. 2 To qualifie the sharpenes of it . 3 To be conquerors in our troubles and ouer them . Rom. 8. 4 To be deliuered finally from them . Psal. 34. And therefore though doe what wee can , some corruptions shall still remaine , yet this labour is not vnprofitable : 1 Because God accepts herein the purpose of our hearts . 2. Corrinth . 8 12. 2 The Lord will haue some infirmities still left in vs to humble 〈◊〉 withall . ● . Cor. 12. 3 Our hatred of sinne shall bee perfited hereby , though it remain● in vs. 4 The strength of sinne shal also much be abated in vs. 5 Our edge to eternall happines shall be still sharpened , and ou● desire enflamed to fit vs thereto . Rom. 7. Neither is this labour vncomfortable , For , 1 We encrease hereby an assurance of our saluation . 2. Peter 1. 9. 10. 2 Wee grow more setled , and resolued in godlinesse , and get the masterie of inconstancie . Ephes. 3. 18. 19. 3 We performe holy duties more easily . Ps. 119. 32. Ioh. 4. 34. Mat. 11. 24. 4 We haue more neere & sweete fellowship with our blessed God , and his holy spirit 1. Tim 4 10. Mat. 10. 30. Ps. 1. 3. Rom. 8. 31. Ps. 2. 12. 5 We preuent many noysome lusts which otherwise would fasten on vs. Psalme 119. 10. 11. Iohn 15. 15. Exod. 19. 5. Pro. 19. 23. 6 We are freed from many temporall iudgements which vnstaied soules are subiect to . Psalme 91. 11. Psal. 32. 10. 11. 7 Our score shall be the lesse , and our reckoning more easie at the day of iudgement . 8 Hereby wee shall haue our conuersation in heauen . Philip. 3. 21. 9 Our heart and the inordinate lusts thereof shall be keept at a bay . 10 We shall be armed against all temptations , and secured in the midst of them . Ephes. 6. 13. 11 We shall be weaned from the loue of this wretched world . 12 Yea led forward constantly to obtaine the end of our faith , which is the saluation of our soules . Ephes. 6. 2. Tim. 4. 13 We shall approue our selues not to be of the world by our contrary fashion to it . Rom. 12. 14 We shall recouer our first Image , in being holy as God is holy . 1. Pet. 1. 15 And readie to meete our Sauiour whensoeuer hee shall come . Ephes. 6. Math. 24 25. &c. 16 We shall see our daily weaknesse and inability to serue God , and so acknowledge vnfainedly our vnworthines of the least mercies , and so happily preuent spirituall pride . 17 We gaine hereby a certaine knowledge of our estate in grace , and by the light hereof we know whither we walke . 1. Iohn 3. 1. 18 Wee shall be raised vp from our fals into sinne . 1. Ioh. 2. 2. 19 Wee shall vse prosperity aright . Iob 3. 1. 24. Ier. 8. 4. 6. 20 And ouercome all troubles . Rom. 8. 36. 21 Yea we shall be fitter to win others . Gal. 6. 1. 22 And so grow forward to perfection . Col. 1. 9. Ioh. 7. 52. 23 And happily be continued to the end . CHAP. V. IT being now apparent that there is a daily sacrifice of obedience to be performed vnto God : And that it is neither impossible nor vnprofitable , but very necessary , fit and behoosefull vnto vs ; let vs consider further these two points : 1 What duties we are necessarily bound in conscience to performe daily . 2 How we are to entertaine the seuerall occasions of the day as vsually they fall out , in this holy and constant manner . CHAP. VI. That which we are necessarily bound to doe daily , is FIrst to bee humbled before the Lord in the sense of our owne or others sinnes by true and vnfained repentance . And that because , 1 The best seruice we shall doe must be sanctified by repentance . 2 Hereby we giue glorie vnto God , and offer a daily sacrifice acceptable vnto him . Psal. 51. 18. 3 Hereby wee deny our selues and daily take vp our crosse . Math. 16. 4 We approue our right and estate in Christ Iesus in that we confesse our selues to be sinners and such as haue daily neede of his mercie , and so daily fit our selues vnto the same . Math. 11 28. 5 Wee iustifie the truth of our religion against all the imaginarie per●ection of Popery , and securitie , of Libertines and Atheists whomsoeuer , and so do daily giue an account of our faith . 1. Pet. 3. 15. Now this dutie is conscionably performed , First , By taking a strict view and account of them by the glasse of the law . Psal. 19. 11. Secondly , by mourning before the Lord in the sense of them , not so much for feare of the punishment , as that we haue offended so good a God. Luke 15. 21. Thirdly , by acknowledging our sinnes vnto the Lord. Prou 28. 13. and that , 1 From the fountaine , originall sinne . Psal. 51. 5. 2 From the streames ; both our thoughts so far●e as we may , our idle words , and prophane actions . Psal. 19. 12. 13. And here both , 1 What good we haue omitted . 2 What ●uil we haue cōmitted . 3 How we haue sinned of ignorance . Psal. 73 22. 4 How of knowledge we haue transgres●ed , &c. Especially and more particularly we must acknowledge , 1 The sinnes we haue bin subiect to . Psalme 51. 14. 2 Those which for the presen● we grone vnder . 3 Those which we feare most . Psal. 19. 13. 4 The sinnes of our fathers . Nehem . 9. 5 The sinnes of the Land and State among whom we liue . Daniel 9. 6 Yea , such as in particular wee knowe not , we are notwithstanding to yeeld vp to bee searched by the Lord ; and by his mercie either to be brought to our remembrance , or to be gratiously passed ouer . Psal. 19. 12. Fourthly , Sinne being thus acknowledged , wee must further proceede to a detestation thereof , Iob 42. and of our selues for the same . Fiftly , Then we must feele them a burthen which wee are not able to beare . Act. 2. 37. Psal. , 8. 4. Lastly , Wee must flie vnto Iesus Christ , by faith to be eased of this burthen . Matth. 11 28. Helpes hereunto , are 1 The due contemplation of the Maiesty of God , whom we haue so highly offended . Psalme 51. 4. 2 The vilenes and abiectnes of man , that durst commit such wickednes against God. 3 The danger that he hath incurred hereby , euen all the plagues that are written in Gods booke , Deut 29. 27. 4 The riches of Gods mercie , in prouiding so excellent a remedie against sinne , as the pretious blood of his onely and deerely beloued Sonne , when nothing in the world was auaileable thereunto . 1. Peter 1. 5 The excellencie of our estate in Iesus Christ , with the manifold priuiledges and benefits thereof . 1. Iohn 3 1. 6 Our vnthankfulnes against the blood of the Couenant , in not walking worthy of the same . Ephes. 4. 1. 7 The danger heereof , to haue made the same , so much as lieth in vs , of none effect . Heb. 10. 8 That we haue grieued Gods holy Spirit Ephe. 4 30. 9 And dulled , if not quenched the graces of God in vs. 1. Thessalo . 5. 19. Markes of true repentance , are 1 Refusing carnal comforts more then ordinarily . Ionah 3. 6. Esai . 64. 6. 3 Desire to bee more vile . 1. Tim. 1. 13. 15. 3 Mourning and complaining of hardnes of heart . Esai . 63. 17. 4 Sorrow for the sins of others . Dan. 9. Ezec. 9. Psal. 119. 136. 5 Trembling at the word , and yet louing the sharpest blowes thereof . Psal. 119. 120. 6 Submiting our selues to Gods chastisements . Psal. 39. 9. Mich. 7. 9. 7 Labouring the conuersion of others . Psal. 51. 17. 8 Shame of humane society . Ezech. 16. 61. 9 Feare of the wrath of God. Psal. 119. 120. 10 Strong cries for mercie . Ioel. 2. 17. 11 Feare of the occasions and hatred of all apparance of euill . 1. Thessa. 5. 22. 1. Tim. 5. 14. Iude. 23. 12 Pouerty of spirit in regard of sinne all our life long . Math. 5. 3. 2. Ephes. 3. 12. The effects and benefits hereof , are 1 We shall cut off custome in sinne , and preuent security in the same . Math. 26. 41. 2 Our feare of God shall be encreased , and so the rage of sinne abated Psal. 119. 133. 3 Selfe loue shall bee weakned and happily subdued . 4 The sandie foundation of natuere shall be discouered , and wisely abandoned . ●om . 3. 9. 20. 5 An holy despaire of our selues procur●d . 6 Our hunger after Christ Iesus more sharpned and encreased . 7 The heart exceedingly eased of a most grieuous burthen . Psalme 32. 4. 5. 8 Yea the very bodie much quieted and maintained in health . Psal. 32. 5. CHAP. VII . THE soule being thus humbled , must be raysed vp againe by a true and liuely faith : and this is the second duety daily to be performed : and that 1 Because our former humiliation without this raising vp , wil either driue vs to despaire , or else make our life most vncomfortable vnto vs. Gal. 2. 20. Phil. 3. 2 Because nothing will prosper in the day without this comfort , neither our desires for what wee want , nor our vse of that we haue . 3 By this we truely liue the life of grace , and so haue our conuersation here in heauen . 4 Hereby also we die daily , and so are fitted vnto glory . Col. 1. 11. 5 That so whatsoeuer be●ide vs , this may be sufficient for vs. 2. Cor. 12. Now wee are raised vp by faith to the certaine assurance of the forgiuenes of our sinnes , after this manner : First , by reuiuing and encreasing of our knowledge , that Iesus Christ is the alone propitiatiō for our sins . This is performed , 1 By a serious meditation on the promise of the Messiah . Iohn 3. 16. 2 By exercising our selues more conscionably in the reading , and hearing of the word taught . Iohn 5. 39. Secondly , Faith is quickned by reuiuing our apprehension of the promise ; and this is done , 1 By earnest prayer vnto God for the renuing of his Spirit in vs. Psal. 51. 12. 2 By an hearty acknowledgement , that wee haue iustly grieued the Spirit of God , and so are deseruedly depriued of the feeling therof . Psalme 51 ▪ 4. Lamentation 3. 22 , 37. 3 Meditating of our former comfort and assurance heerein . Psalme 77. And this reuiuing hath many degrees . First , A liuely sense what need I haue of Christ , and that without him I must certainely perish . Rom. 7. 24 , 25. Secondly , Hope of pardon , wherby though wee yet feele not our sinnes certainely pardoned , yet wee beleeue that they are pardonable ; not in respect of themselues , as if they were lesse heynous , but in respect of God , whose mercies are aboue them . Esay 1. 18. Thirdly , An hungring and thirsting after grace offered in Iesus Christ. Ioh. 6. 35 , 7 , 37. Reu 21. 6. And this is discerned , 1 By our prizing and preferring it aboue all other comforts . Philip. 3. 2 By our fainting and languishing after it Psal. 42. 3 By our strong cries and endeuours for the same . Psalme 51. 12 , 13. &c. Fourthly , Wee approch to the th●one of grace , and flying from the terrour of the law , we take hold on Christ , and find fauor in God. Heb. 4. 16. Heb. 10. 19. And this is performed : 1 By an humble confession of thy sinne in particular , whereupon followeth a full remission of them . Psalme 32. 5. 2 Crauing pardon of some speciall sins , with vnspeakeable sighs & perseuerance . Lu. 15. 21. Act. 8. 21. Fiftly , Hereupon followeth a particular perswasion imprinted in the heart by the holy Ghost , wherby euery faithfull man doth particularly applie vnto himselfe those promises which are made in the Gospell . Mat. 9. 2. Mat. 15. 28. Psal. 143. 12. This perswasion is discerned by these markes : 1 It goes before experience , Mat. 15. 23. & so our faith is supernatural & contrary to all reason . Heb. 11. 1. 2 It holds beyond experience . Iob 13. 15. Heb. 11. 1. and is aboue all feeling . 3 And neuer leaues vs till wee haue obtained the end thereof , which is the saluation of our soules . ● Pet. 1. 9. This perswasion hath these degrees : First it takes hold weakely , not without doubting , and yet soundly and truely , so that it is accepted of God. Luke 17. 5. Mat. 8. And it is discerned , 1 By an earnest desire and endeauour to obtaine Gods fauour . Math. 5. 6. 2 By a continuall complaining of our vnbeleefe , and mourning for it . Marc. 9. 24. 3 By an earnest striuing against it , in vsing all good helps , as prayer , the word , conference , &c. Math. 8. 25. Luke 17. 5. This weakenes proceedes , 1 From want of knowledge in the mystery of saluation . Rom. 14. 2. Math. 16. 16. Ioh. 6 6● . 2 For want of application to our selues of the particular promise . 2. Tim. 1. 12. 3 For want of obseruation and entertainment of such comforts as haue beene offered vnto vs. Math. 16. 8. 9. 2. Tim. 4. 17. And it is caused by , 1 Withdrawing the light of Gods countenance . Psal 30. 6. 2 Some grosse sinne committed . Psal. 51. 3 Meanes neglected , as the word , prayer , &c. Iohn . 20. 24. 4 Some spirituall pride in the heart . 2 ▪ Cor. 12. 5 Want of constancie and setlednes in religion . Galat. 1. 6. 2. Thes● . 2. 2. Secondly , Faith takes hold strongly and fully perswades the heart , that God loueth me , that Christ is mine , and all things with him . Rom. 4. 22. Rom. 8. 38. And it is discerned . 1 By cheerefulnes in troubles : and so in all occasions . Rom. 5. 3. 2 Boldnes in the cause of God. Act. 5. 3 Wisedome in our Christian callings . Ephes 3. 4 Crucifying our selues to the world , and the world to vs. Gallath . 5. 5 Preparation to suffer . Act. 21. 6 Desire & longing after death . 1. Phil. 22. And it is obtained , 1 By constancy in our callings . 2 Combatting with many troubles , especially those of our owne vnbeleeuing hearts . Luc. 22. 32. 3 Comforting others and raising vp afflicted consciences . 1. Phil. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 4 By long experience of Gods fauor and loue in many deliuerances . Psal. 23. 5. 5 By ripenes & dexterity in the meanes : as power in prayer , the word , &c. Ephes. 6. 18. 6 Daily examining and trying our selues . Psal. 4. 34. 7 Renouncing the especiall sinne which hangeth so fast vpon vs He. 12. 1. 8 Renuing daily our couenant with God , & charging it afresh vpon our harts to constancie . CHAP. VIII . AND this is the third duety daily we must performe , namely ; to renue our vowes , and stir●e vp our hearts to the seruice of God. 1 Because the hart is that which God principally delights in . Prou. 23. 26. 2 The heart is the fountaine of euery action , if it bee clensed , the actions will be sutable . Luke 8. 3 The infirmity of the action shall not be imputed , if the heart be ordered aright . 2. Corinthians 8. 12. 4 As the bodie sleepes , so the heart sleepes too , and therefore the one must be awaked as the other . Esay 29. 10. Now the heart may be cast into a sleepe . 1. Thess. 5. 6. 1 By ignorance of it selfe . Ephes. 5. 14. 2 By selfeloue , and ouerweening of it owne perfections . 3 By neglecting the meanes . 4 By corrupt meanes in steade of the pure fountaines . 5 By the ceasing of Gods Spirit to worke . 6 By some grosse sinne committed . 2. Sam. 11. 7 By security in prosperitie and sinne . 8 By presumption of Gods mercies or it owne merits . Matthew 26. 33. 9 By stupiditie and senselesnesse . 10 By spirituall blindenesse and hardnes of heart . The preparing of the heart hath these degrees : First , It must be awakened and roused vp , and that 1 By meditating . 1 What it was by nature . Ierem. 17. 9. Matth. 15. 19. 2 What it is now by grace . Ro. 6. 2. Ephes 4. 23. 3 How vnsearchable and endles agulfe it is . 1 ▪ Cor. 4 4. 2 By yeelding it vp to God , and exposing it naked before him , and that 1 Both confessing its corruption , and deceitfulnes . 2 And also submitting it wholly to his gouernment . 3 Reforming the occasions whereby it was laid asleepe , as 1 Ignorance , by the glasse of the word . Iam. 1. 25. 2 Selfe-loue , by viewing our selues in the glasse of the conscience examined by the Law. Rom. 7. 8 , 9. 3 vsing the meanes conscionably . 4 Especially not closing with corrupt meanes . 5 Renue the Spirit by vnfained repentance . Psal. 51. 10. 6 Forsake not onely grosse sins , but euen all , yea all apparance of sinne . 1. Thes. 5. 22. 7 Be we alwaies watchfull ouer our selues . Luk. 22. 8 Auoyde we presumption by meditation of Gods iustice . Iude 5. 6 , 7. 9 Remedie wee stupidity by quicknes in apprehension , and forwardnes to iudge our selues . 1. Cor. 11. 31. 10 Breake we our hard hearts with the hammer of Gods word . Iere. 23. 29. 1. Cor. 9. 27. The heart being awakened , must be throughly sifted and examined , and that First , By a true rule . 1 Not by it selfe , but by the law of God. Heb. 4. 12. 2 Neither by the world , but by the conscience informed by the word . Ierem 6. 14. 3 Not by opinion , but by the euidence of the Spirit . Roman . 8. 16. Rom. 14. 5. Pro. 14. 12. 4 Neither by the lawes of men , but by the rule of faith . Matth. 15. 9. Acts 4. 19. 5 Neither by the letter of Gods Law , but by the spirituall meaning thereof . Mat. 5. 6 Not by the outward condition , but by the inward experience . Eccles 9. 1. Pro. 14. 13. 7 Neither by outward actions , but by inward purposes . Ierem. 17. 10. Io● 2. 13. 8 Not by the examples of the most , but of the best . Luk. 18. 1. Cor. 11 ▪ 1. Secondly , Wee must examine the heart after a true and holy manner . Not once or seldome , but daily . Psal 119. Not slightly but seriously , euen from the bottome . Psal. 119. 12. Not on the one side , but on both , as well what euill we haue done as what good . Neither in generall , but in particular , concerning the chiefe good or euill . Psal. 51. And that not partially but conscionably and indifferently , both concerning it weakenes and also it strength . Psal. 42. Thirdly , we must herein ayme at a right end : 1 Not vaine glory , but the praise of God. 2 Neither for selfe-loue , but to denie our selues . 3 Not for loue of the world , but to the renouncing thereof . 4 Neither for feare of death , but to be prepared to it . 5 Not to remit of our sincerity , but to increase in holines . Psal. 119. 6 Not to preferre our selues before others , that are behind vs , but to be humbled in regard of those that haue out-stript vs. 7 Not to bee approued of the world , but to the conuincing or conuerting thereof . 8 Not to make vs distrust God , but to increase our cōfidēce in him . 9 And so to hunger more constantly after him . The heart beeing thus tried and examined , must bee established and confirmed in the seruice of God. Psal. 51. 12. Pro. 4. And that by these meanes : First , by resigning it vp to the guidance of the almighty . Psal. 119. Secondly , by renuing our vows and binding vs to the performance of them . and that 1 By publicke protestation . 2 By solemne and conscionable oaths . 2. Chron. 15. 3 By the curse of the law . Nehem . 10. 31. 4 Calling others to witnes , as the Church of God. Thirdly , wee must continually feare our selues , and haue a holy iealousie of our best actions . Prouerb . 28. 14. And that in regard , 1 Of the vnsearchablenes of our hearts . Ier. 17. 9. 2 Of the priuie corruptions that doe assault vs. Psal. 19. 3 In respect of the infirmities that doe accompany our best actions . Iob 4. 18. 4 As also especially in regard of the presence of our gracious God beholding and approuing all our actions . Psalme 33. 13. And this feare is discerned , 1 By an earnest striuing against our coruptions . 2 By a desire to approue our selues to the Church of God. 3 By tendernes of conscience in all our actions . 4 By lowlines in our carriage , euen towards our inferiors . Fourthly , There must be a constant watching ouer the outward man , auoyding both the occasions of euill , and the least appearance therof . Psal. 39. 1. Iob 31. 1. Fiftly , We must moderate our selues in our Christian liberty , Gal. 5. 13 ▪ and that by these rules : 1 Of our callings , that wee exceede not them . 1. Corin 7. 20. 2 Of the times , that wee bring forth fruite 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 1 By this ; that it excuseth for al sinnes , as our persons are accepted in Christ. 1. Cor. 4. 4. 2 It checkes for the least sinne , before actuall repentance bee performed . 1. Iohn 5. 17. 3 It approues our vpright walking in the whole course of our life . Acts 23. 1. Psal. 26. 1. 4 It procures vs peace with God. Rom. 5. 1. and with men so far as it is possible & expedient . Ro. 12. 18. 5 It breedes contentment in the life & al occasions . Phil. 4. 12. 6 It procures cheerfulnes in the countenance , and readines in al our busines . Pro. 28. 1. 7 It makes vs couragious in the truth , and willing by all meanes to defend the same . Acts 4. 13. Acts 6. 15. Acts 18. 26. 8 It maks vs victorious in troubles , and 9 Ready to yeeld vp our liues into the hands of God. Act. 21. 23. And it is put on and preserued , 1 By making conscience of all things commanded . Psal. 119. 6. 2 By keeping it tender and sensible of the least euill . Heb. 13. 18. 3 To this end view we it daily in the glasse of the word , that so the iudgment may be kept cleer to preuent security . 4 Examine we , and censure the daily errors thereof by calling it before the Lord , to auoyde spirituall blindnes . 5 Auoyd wee aboue all things , doubtfulnes , and distraction in our actions . Rom. 14. 5. 6 Especially keepe we our selues frō wilful fighting against the light therof , in committing grosse & presumptuous sinnes . Psal. 19. 12. 7 Haue we alwaies more regard of it in the sight of God , then of our credite with mē . 1. Cor. 4. 4. Ro. 2. 29 8 File we into the bosom therof when outward things crosse vs. Acts 23. 1. 9 Rest we not so vpon the iustification thereof , but that we referre it to the mercie of God. 1. Cor. 4. 4. The benefit of this part of the Girdle is : 1 It procures & maintaines true inward ioy . 2. Cor. 1. 12. 2 Hereby we haue alwaies boldnes before God. 1. Ioh. 3. 20. to obtain good things at his hāds . He 10. 3 And are enabled and furnished against all the reproches and euils of men . Pro. 18. 4 By this we are alwaies certaine of the things we doe , and the acceptance of them in the sight of God. Psal. 51. 6. Hereby we are comforted in the greatest buffetings of Satan , and our cowardly & vnbeleeuing hearts . 1. Iohn 3. 21. 6 And led along in most cheerfull manner throughout all difficulties to the receiuing of the reward . Heb. 11. 26. 7 We encrease in sanctification and holinesse . 1. Timothie 1. 18. 19. 8 We put to confusion the pride and practises of our enemies . 1. Sam. 26. 21. 9 We receiue hereby a pledge of eternall life , and haue our conuersation in heauen . Rom. 8. 16. Phi. 3. 20. A third part of this sincerity consists in the wil , which discouers it selfe : 1 By cheerefulnes in weldoing , not by compulsion , but of a willing minde . 1. Cor. 9. 1. Pet. 5. 2 Resisting sinne and the occasions thereof . Psal. 119. 104. 3 Yeelding to sinne with griefe . Rom. 7. 15. 4 Rising by repentance out of the same . Pro. 28. 14. The state and measure hereof is : 1 That it is not free to good or euill , but freed to doe good . Philip. 2. 13. 2 Yet so freed as that it is in bondage to sinne . Romanes 7. 18. 3 Yet so in bondage , as that it striues against that slauery , and gets daily ground thereof . Rom. 7. 25. Ephes. 2. 3. The benefit hereof is : 1 To enable vs to doe good . Rom. 7. 18. 2 To comfort vs in our outward faylings . 2. Corinth . 8. 12. Rom 7. 19. 3 To discerne of our state in sanctification . Ephes. 2 3. 1. Corin. 12. 2. 4 To keepe our iudgements sincere and vpright . 1. Tim 6 5. 5 To kindle and order our affections in the seruice of God. And this is a fourth part of this Girdle , euen the well ordering of our affections . 1. Thess. 5. 23. Rom. 7. 24. Aud this is discerned : 1 By a right mouing of them to their proper obiects . Romanes 7. 22 , 25. 2 By their contentment in the same . 3 In that we can more ioy or grieue for spirituall causes then for carnall . Psal. 4. Psal. 119. 4 That they tend to the crucifiing of the flesh , and building forward of the new man. Colossi . 3. 1. 5 That indeed by them we are wholly emptied in our selues in respect of God. 2. Cor. 5. 16. Ge. 5. 22. Rom. 12. 1. Helpes hereunto are : 1 Knowledge of the right obiect . Mark. 3. 5. 2. Cor. 7. 2 Weaning and abating them from the false . 1. Iohn . 2. 15. 3 Triall of our selues in the practise of some one of our affections . Deut. 6. 5. 4 Conscience to vse them all in their seuerall times and measure . Eccles. 3. 1. Rom. 12. 16. The benefit hereof , is , 1 We shal attaine hereby a gracious conquest ouer our most vnruly thoughts . Ephes. 4 25. 2 Wee shall find much sweete peace & contentment in our Christian callings . 3 We shall be more readie prest to good actions . 2. Cor. 7. 4 And saued from many noysom tentations , which otherwise would assault vs. 2. Ephes. 4. 26. Iohn . 19. 12. 5 We shall haue gracious fellowship with God. Col 3. 1. 6 And be better enabled to the conuersion of our brethren . Iohn 21. 15. A fift part of this Girdle is the sincerity of the tongue : As being the sterne of the shippe and the certaine Image of the mind . Iam. 3. 5. And it is discerned : 1 In holy speech . Eccles. 3. 7. 2 In wise & seasonable silence . Concerning fit and warrantable Speech , we are to obserue : 1 Preparation to speech . 2 The matter of it . 3 The manner thereof . 4 The end of the same . We shall be prepared to Speech , 1 By prayer to God to guide our tongue and that , because First , the Lord is the ruler of it . Prou. 16. 1. Secondly , By an holy consideration of these things , 1 That wee are to speake in his presence . Psal. 33. 15. 2 That there is no liberty for idle talke . Mat. 12. 36. 3 That all speech must tend to edification . Ephes. 4 29. 4 What the matter is , we mean to speake of . 5 That , what is once out cannot be recalled . 6 That we must giue an account for euery idle word . And thus we shall be prepared to Speake . Now The matter of our speech concernes either Persons , or Things . The persons . 1 Almighty God & his workes . 2 Our neighbour , & what concernes him . 3 Our persons and occasions : In our speech concerning our blessed God , we are to obserue these rules : 1 That wee take not the names of Gods Maiestie in our mouthes , but vpon most serious and waightie occasions . Exod. 20. 2 That in the occasion we find our hearts liuely affected with a true knowledge of holy reuerence of God , before whom we speake , and before wee vse his great and feareful name , lest otherwise though the cause be waightie , yet wee take it in vaine . 3 That we finde our selues cōforted , and established in our faith by taking of this great , and glorious name , as being hereby drawne nerer vnto God , and setled more constantly in our loue of his Maiestie . To this end vse not the name of God without some addition of his attributes , as the Liuing Lord , the Glorious God , My God , &c. Ephes. 1. 3. 4 Take we heede that the name of God become not ordinarie , and for custome . 5 Publish we the works of God not onely for the present , but to posterity Exod. ●4 . 26. Concerning our neighbor , our speech may be either good , or euill . If we are to speake good of our neighbour , then we must doe it : 1 Cherefully , and vpon euery fit occasion . Luke 5. 29. 2 Wisely , rather in his absence then in his presence . 3 Indifferently , as well if he bee our foe as friend . 4 Constantly , maintaining the same testimony without any corruption or gaine-saying . 5 Truely , that wee giue him no more nor lesse then his due . 6 Charitably , if the matter bee doubtfull , rather with the better . 1. Cor. 13. 7. 7 Preserue wee his good name by answering for him in a case of slander . 1. Sam 20. 32. 8 If he be fallen , raise wee him vp with the spirit of meeknes . Gal. 6. 1. Here are to be auoyded these extreames : First , those that are in the defect : as 1 Deprauing of the actions of our brethren from the intent . Iob 1. 9. 11. as if we knew their hearts . 2 Extenuating of them in the measure . 3 Mistaking them in the quality , which is the common practise of the world to call good euill , and euill good . Esay . 5. 19. 4 Outfacing and bearing men downe in ther sincerity , and if were possible to driue them from the same . Iob 4. 8. 11. &c. 5 Misiudging of it by the outward euent . Iob 27. 6 Cōuincing thereof by false witnesse and periurie . 1. Reg. 20. &c. 7 Disgracing spirituall gifts for want of natures complement . 1. Sam. 1. 14. Secondly , We must here take heede of the other extreame in the excesse : As 1 Commending them to their faces . 2 Ascribing that vnto them which is not theirs . Act. 12. 3 Yelding more vnto them indeede then is theirs . 4 Daubing vp their sinnes with vntempered morter . Eze. 13. as presumpton of Gods mercy or such like . 5 Crying peace , peace , and putting farre off the euill day . Ier. 6. 6 Approuing them for the gifts of nature , though they be not sanctified . Pro 31. 30. 7 Flattering them as if what they had came by their owne industry . 8 Saying as they say , be it true or false . Mich. 2. 11. And thus is our speech to be ordered when we will speake good of our neighbour . If wee haue occasion to speake the contrary of him , let vs consider these bounds : First , wee must not speake what we certainly know not , but haue by reports , surmises , &c. We may speake that to himselfe which wee must not speake of him to another . Matt. 18. 15. Secondly , wee must not speake all what we know : vnlesse we haue an especial calling hereunto : And that is , 1 When the Magistrate requires it . 2 When his case by admonishment needs it . 3 When danger to others thereby is preuented , as in case of murther , treason , &c. 2. King. 6. 8. Gen. 37. 2. Est : 2. Hence it followeth : First , That auricular confession is abominable , which bindeth to the concealement of such wickednes . Secondly , That it is sinne to discouer where we are bound to conceale . As in cases hereafter laid downe . Thirdly , We must not speake that of our neighbour which we know and is necessary to be knowne to all persons , as neither , To the weake , lest they stumble at it ; nor to the wicked , lest they insult in the infirmities of others . Gen. 8. 2. Sam. 1. Fourthly , Some may speak that euill of their brethren which it is not lawful for others . As the Magistrate or Minister in reproouing of sinne may abase the persons with names sorting with their sinnes . Galla. 4. 1. Matth. 3. which priuate men may nor doe . 5 If it be thought fit to mention the euill which we know by any man , here first it must bee done onely in a generall manner , the person and all circumstances which will descrie the parson concealed . 1. Cor. 6. 11. 2. Sam. 12. 1. 6 The partie also in some cases may bee discouered , but yet with a double respect : First , if his sinne be of infirmitie , here wee may in some sort conceale the sinne . As 1 That it might bee mistaken in regard of the person . Actes 3. 17. 2 That the fact may bee misreported and falsely conceiued &c. If we see the partie ashamed , and cast downe for his sinne , here wee are bound much more to couer it , And that 1 From God by harty praier , that it may be forgiuen . Actes 7. Matth. 27. Secondly , From our selues , And that 1 By not taking notice of it willingly . 2 Not beleeuing it . 3 Interpreting it to the best . 4 Forgiuing it , if it be apparent . 3 We must also hide the sinne from the sinner . And that First , If we see him vnfit to be reproued . 1. Sam. 25. Secondly , If we see him sufficiently checked already by his conscience , then we must also hide his sinne from him . And that 1 By opposing his contrary intent . Act. 3. 17. Rom. 10. 2. 2 Comforting him , with his former course of holines . 3 From the occasion , that it was in his heat , or prouoked thereto in his defence . 4 From the qualitie , that it was in ignorance , not wilfulnes , infirmitie , not presumption . 5 From Gods mercie , which is aboue all his sinne . Rom. 5. 20. 6 Age , that it was done in his youth . Psal. 25. 7. 7 The time of life , that yet there is hope to recouer . Psal. 95. 2. Tim. 2. 25. and that it was but the first in that kind . 8 From the examples of the Saints , the best of whom haue had their slips . Iam. 3. 2 Psal. 19. 9 From his person , opposing other good parts to counteruaile that euill . 1. Kin. 15. 5. Thus may we hide the sinne from the sinner , and thus also may we hide his sinne from the world . If the sinne be grieuous and cannot be excused , yet heere we must moderate our speech : 1 And prepare mercie for the party . 2 Acknowledge wee it might haue beene our case , if God should haue left vs , and so may be . Galat. 6. 1. 3 Intimating his sorrow and detestation of the fact , as the truth shal be . 2. Cor. 2. 6 , 7. 4 Recounting circumstances that induced thereunto , though not to excuse altogether , yet to diminish the same , or at least to make known the deceitfulnes of sinne . 5 Labour his outward release from the hope of the time to come . 6 Howsoeuer ; commend his case to the Church in prayer , & also in thy priuate vnto God. If the fact be such as must needes bee punished , yet here we are : 1 To lay it soundly to the conscience of the offender , to bring him to repentance , that 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 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 though he be euil . Acts. 26. 25. 3 And yet here so carie our selues as that we may humble him in the performance thereof . Therefore here is forbidden : 1 All manner of blasphemy ; which is either , First by detracting ought from God. 2 Or ascribing to him that which beseemeth him not . 3 Vsing his great and fearefull names in our fumes and rage . 4 Inuocating him also in slight and customary matters . 5 Vsing the names of God to socery , witch-craft . All abuse of Scripture : And this is either , 1 When we haue no calling to vse it . 1. Cor. 14. 34. 2 We speak of the things of God in a prophane and carnall manner ▪ 1. Cor. 2. 3 When wee make iests thereof . 4 When we keepe backe any of Gods counsell and clip the word of God. Math. 4. Act. 20. 5 When we vse it to sorcery . 6 And when we reason and cauill about the truth thereof . 3 All abuse of our selues or others : Either , 1 By reuilings and barbarous speeches . 2 Cursing and banning . Col. 3. 8. 3 Scoffing and scorning each other . Psal. 1. 2. Kings 2. especially for our profession and religion . 4 Not vsing titles of honour . &c. 5 Currish & dogged speech &c. And thus farre of the third grace of speech , which is reuerence . A fourth grace of speech is sobriety , modesty , or meekenes . And this is ●eene . 1 In praysing others , and that rather behind their backes then before their faces . 2 In praysing and dispraysing our selues , as before . 3 In speaking of things secret which may moue blushing fairely . Gen. 4. 1. 1. 1. Sam. 24. 4. 4 Conferring with inferiours tenderly and humbly . 5 Saluting kindly and reuerently . And that , 1 By name . Rom. 16. 2 By profession . Rom. 16. 3. 3 Calling or office . 4 By way of blessing . Rō . 16. 24. 5 Praying for the blessing of God vpon them . Here obserue : 1 That it is lawfull for children to inuocate the blessing of their parents . Gen. 27. Gen. 48. 2 That wee may salute generally though the person bee euill , so farre as wee may conuerse with him , giuing the titles of his profession , calling , &c. Gen. 34. Acts. 26. 3 That we auoyd such blessing and charitable speeches ( as we account them ) when the cause is not necessary , as in neesing . &c. 4 Whereas it is common with the Popish and Ignorant to inuocate the name of God ouer their cattle so often as they speake thereof , this is to be moderated and refrayned . And that , 1 Because the ground thereof was sorcery . 2 They vse it more often for their cattel then themselues . 3 It maintaines that Popish customary abusing of such holy names . 4 It shewes our infidelity , for if we were perswaded that God hath receiued vs into grace , then surely also all ours ; and therefore what neede such often inuocations ? This meekenes of speech is seene in soft answering . Prouerbes 15. 25. And that , Secondly , not a foole according to his foolishnes . Prouerbs 26. 3. Thirdly , in a iust defence of our selues . 1. Samuel 1. 15. Anna. Fourthly , commending our cause to God. Psal. 26. This grace of speech is especially seene in reproouing of sinne . Here obserue these rules : 1 We must trie all other gentle meanes before we reprooue . 2 We must performe it generally , that so the party may willingly acknowledge the particular . 2. Sam. 12. 3 We must doe it in a parable . 4 By way of exhortation insinuating an oblique reproofe 1. Tim. 5. 1. 5 Wrapping vp the reproofe in some sweete protestations of loue and griefe . Galat. 5. 9. 4 Yeelding vnto them their due , that so they may acknowledge their wants . Acts. 25. 6 Ioyning our selues with them , and in our owne person reproouing their sinne . 1. Cor. 4. 6. 7 By preuention ; as Though Israel play the harlot , yet let not Iudah sinne . Hos. 4. 15. 8 Wishing that such things bee not found among them . 2. Cor. 12. 20. 9 Speaking to them as considering our selues . Gal. 6. 1. That wee are in danger of the same tentations . 10 Framing the reproofe out of the word , that the party may see himselfe rather reprooued of God then of vs. And thus farre of the fourth grace of speech , which is meekenes and modestie . A fifth grace of speech is cheerefulnes and ioy , when wee vse delightfull speech for recreation . Eccles. 3. 4. Here is to be obserued : 1 That it must be seasoned with Gods feare . Eccles. 2. 2. 2 It must bee with compassion for those that are in affliction . Am. 6. 6. 3 It must be sparing and moderate . 2. Tim. 3. 4 It must not be mixt with sin . Hebr. 11. 25. 5 It must tend to edification . 1. Cor. 10. 6 It must be sutable to the time . 7 It must also bee fitted to the place , which is either the boord or bed . For the boord obserue : 1 The intent , the which is to hinder other idle and prophane talke . 2 To season the company with better . 3 To preuent gluttony . 4 A desire to catch spiritually . 5 To sanctifie the creatures . 2 Consider the matter of table talke . Which , 1 Especially must be of religion . Luk. 11. 35. 2 That which is incident hereunto , As , First of sobriety & such examples . 2 Gods speciall prouidence and bounty in making a dead creature meanes to preserue life . Ioel 2. 26. Haggai . 1. 6. 3 Contentation in our estate . 1. Tim. 6. 4 Death , how that we shall be wormes meat . 5 Of the heauenly food . Ioh. 4. 6 Misery of the poore . 7 Change of things and states . Iob 1. 8 The punishment of sinne , the case of Diues , &c. Luke 16. For the bed ; let these be the rules of holy mirth . 1 We must confer of the graue . Acts 7. 2 Of the occasions passed in the day . Cant. 3. 1. 3 Of the resurrection . 4 Of worldly occasions , so far as to humble vs. 5 In our comforts of our sweete fellowship with Christ. 6 Generally , not to prouoke but to mortifie the flesh . Galathian . 5. 13. Here is to be auoyded generally , 1 All offence to the weake . 2 All occasion to the wicked : As in First , Iesting , which is a quipping of some to delight others , wherein a man had rather lose his friend then his iest . This is vtterly vnlawfull , vnlesse . 1 The matter be indifferent . 2 The measure modest . 3 The season conuenient . 4 Offence remoued . 5 Our selues , & others benefited 6 We thereby , when other reproofes wil not preuaile , in an holie manner doe deride and scorne sinners . 1. Reg. 19. Eccles. 11. Secondly , laughter , which though in it selfe it bee not simplie vnlawfull , yet it is moderatelie to be vsed , and seldome ; but sorrow more often , & more plentifully . Eccl. 7. 4. 5. The sixth grace of speech is care of our neighbours good name . Pro. 22. This is performed as before , and farther , 1 By being not suspicious in vnlikely or vncertaine occasions . Ier. 40. 2 By priuate reprouing him . 3 Publiquely answering for him if he be slandered . Here is to be auoyded : 1 Secret whispering abroad of 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. Touchi●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 cōcealing 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 Cōtēt 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 hūbled & cōuicted with filēce . 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 endeuour the performance there of Gal. 6. Ephes. 6. 5 That in the action we labor not so much the outward conformity thereof , as the inward soundnes & approbation of the heart . Mat. 6. 7. 6 That we doe good by good meanes ; that is , such as are warranted by the word . &c. 7 That we find in our selues a will alwaies to doe more then wee can doe . Psal. 119. 5. 8 That wee see the shortnes of our wel-doing and being humbled therewith , not rest in the present estate , forget that which is behind , and hasten to that which is before Phil. 3. 12. 13. 9 That when we haue done all we can , we acknowledge our selues to be vnprofitable seruāts . Luk. 17. 10. 10 That hereupon we seeke not saluatiō by our works , but by Gods meer mercie in Iesus Christ Phil. 3. 11 That we be that we seem to be . 12 That we make conscience of the least as well as of the greatest . 13 That we prouide things honest before men , as well as in the sight of God. The end of our actions is , 1 That whatsoeuer we doe it be done to Gods glorie . 1. Cor. 10. 31. and this is performed : 1 In sanctifying and auspicating them by praier & inuocation of the name of God. 1. Tim. 4. 2 In returning the strength of them to the worship of God , in causing our light to shine before men . Mat. 5. 20. Prou. 5. 10. 3 In all things , and in euery issue of them , both giuing thanks to God the father through Iesus Christ. 4 Being abased before the Lord in regard of our vnworthines to do him any seruice , as also of the vnworthines of the seruice we do perform . 5 Acknowledging that nothing is due vnto vs but shame and confusion of our faces . Dan. 9. 6 desiring to be found in Christ , not hauing our owne righteousnes which is of the law , but that which is by the faith of Christ Phil. 3. 9. Secondly , we must do al things to edification both of our selues and others . Here obserue : 1 That the lesse benefit must giue place to the greater . 2 That in all things next to Gods glorie , our cheefe ayme must be the saluation of the soule . 1. Cor. 16. 3 That more regard be had of those which are within , then which are without , Gal. 6. 10. 1. Cor. 6. & yet the good of none neglected . 4 That of those which are within we haue more respect to the weak in cases of indifferēcie . Ro. 14. Ro. 15. 1. 5 That our conuersation be answerable to our profession . Ephes. 4. 1. 6 That we haue as well strong meate for men , as milke for babes ; not sticking alwaies in the infancy of our profession , but growing vp in Iesus Christ. Heb. 6. 1. Hebr. 13. 7 That we abound in weldoing , & make sure our election by good wokes . 2. Pet. 1. 8 , 9. 8 That we as well cast out the hypocrite and stumbling-blocke , as hold on the sound Christian. Ieremie 1. 9 We must bring forth fruit in due season , obseruing the comelines of time , place , persons , &c. Psalme 1. 3. This Girdle is put on , 1 By continually setting of our hearts before God , for the searching thereof . 2 Trying all our thoughts , words , and actions , by the word . 3 By continuall watching ouer our waies . 4 By earnest prayer to God. And it is ketton , 1 By not strayning the conscience in the least euill . Heb. 13. 18. 2 By cleauing to the testimonie thereof , and reioycing especially therin . 2. Cor. 1. 12. 3 By obeying the checks of conscience . 4 Conuincing the hollownesse and hypocrisie of the world . 5 Labouring and approuing sinceity in others . 7 Daily fearing our selues , and renuing our couenant with God. 8 Renouncing daily our selues , and flying to Christ. The vse of this Girdle is : 1 Wee are readie prest to doe Gods will. Reu. 1. 3 We are cleered from hypocrisie , which is the moth of weldoing . Mat. 6. Mat. 23. 4 We auoyd vncertainety and dulnes in good things . 5 We are preserued from corruption in iudgement , and apostasie in life . 6 All other gifts of God are adorned and approued thereby . 7 Wee are enabled to hold out to the end , & so obtaine the crown . 8 The other parts of the spirituall armor are compact in themselues , and fastened to vs by it : The next whereof is the brest-plate of righteousnes , or innocency . And this is , 1 An Inclination and resolution of the heart to all good . This is necessary : 1 To iustifie and beautifie our profession , and make sure our election . 2 That we may be freed from many inward pangs and outward troubles . 3 That the mouthes of the wicked may be stopped . 4 That the weake may be confirmed . 5 That those which are without may be gathered . 6 That our perfection may be accomplished and we glorified . 7 That God may be all in all . And this is discerned : 1 By hauing righteousnes in most pretious account . Iob 1. 2 Esteeming it for it selfe , not for the reward thereof Iob 2. 10. 3 Prosecuting the same with all zeale and courage . 4 Resting therein with delight and contentation . 5 Cleauing thereto , though it cost vs the setting on . Hebr. 10. 34. 6 Auoyding the contrarie , though it may be neuer so behouefull vnto vs. 7 So farre as our knowledge informes vs practising the same . 8 Desiring beyond our knowledge perfection therein . 9 Louing others especially for it . Heb. 10. 34. 10 Laboring to make others partakers thereof . 11 Not being remoued from the same by any cunning or slanders whatsoeuer . This is obtained and put on : 1 By an vtter renouncing of nature and all good therein . 2 Laying hold on Christ by a liuely faith , and so wee bring forth the fruit of righteousnesse in him . And we put it on as our brest-plate : First , by an holy and setled purpose of heart to serue God. Act. 11. 2 By plaine and sound dealing in all things . 3 By renuing our decaies by daily repentance , and couenanting with God. 4 By informing our hearts daily out of the word . 5 Preparing our selues daily to tentations . And it is kept on : 1 By walking alwaies in the presence of God. Enoch , Abraham . 2 Auoyding the great offences Psal. 19. 3 By abstaining from the occasions and appearance of euill . 1. Thes. 5. 4 By iustifing and maintaining the same , with the losse of all in respect thereof . Acts. 21. Iob. 2. 5 By walking conscionably in the duties of our callings . 6 By trying our faith which is the life thereof . 2. Cor. 13. 7 Vndergoing continuall troubles for the same . And to this end serues the third part of this Armour . This is that our feete be shod with the preparation of the Gospell , That is : In the assurance of our acceptation into the fauour of God , through Iesus Christ , we are armed and prepared : First , to Deny our selues . Secondly , to take vp the crosse of Christ and to follow him . Luke 9. 23. And this must be done . 1 That troubles find vs not vnprepared . Iob 3. 25. 2 That the feare of them may not dismay vs. 3 That we be not ouerwhelmed with the waight of them . 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9. 4 That our minds may be quieted in the midst of them . Rom. 5. 2. 5 That wee may be more then conquerours in them . Romans . 8. 24. 6 That we may comfort others which grone vnder the like burthen . 2. Cor. 1. 4. 5. 7 And so finish our course and obtaine the crowne . 2. Tim. 4. This armour is put on , and so kept : 1 By daily reading and meditating on the passion of Christ. Hebr. 12. 2. 2 Giuing all diligence to the word preached . 3 Preferring the fauour of God in Christ aboue all things . Psalme 4. 6. 4 Not depending vpon things seene , but contemplating things in uisible . Heb. 11. 1. 5 Hauing our eye fixed on the recompence of the reward , and comparing the momentary trouble with the surpassing waight of glory Hebr. 11. And heere the shield of faith is of speciall vse , which is the fourth part of this Armour : And it is a full and strong perswasiō of the loue of God in Chri● Iesus , Rom. 8. 38. whereby . 1 We beate backe all the fier● darts of the deuill , as carnall confidence , presumption , security , in●● delity , distrust , credulitie , &c. 2 Prize all things at their tr● worth & prosecute thē accordingly . 3 Wee preserue the graces of God and increase them vnto vs. 4 We follow hard to the marke , and attaine perfection . Phil. 3. 13. This is requisite : 1 To giue approbation to alour actions . 2. To giue comfort in regard of their imperfections . 3 To enable vs in our sufferings . Iob. 1. 5. 4 To finish our course and procure vs the crowne . Hebr. 11. 13. 2. Tim. 4. 5 To ouercome tentations , as despaire , and presumption of Gods mercie . 6 To obtaine a comfortable life . 7 To be prepared vnto death . This is obtained and preserued as before . A first part of this Armour is the Helmet of hope . this is 1 A constant desire of the pro●ised happines . Mat. 5. 6. Phi. 1. 23. Tim. 4. 8. 2 A cheerefull expectation and ●nging after the same . 3 A resigning our selues into the hands of God. Psal. 5. 12. The necessity or vse hereof is : 1 To sustaine the heart against the deferring of Gods promises , an● contrary tentations . Heb. 6. 19. 2 That wee may maintaine inward peace & passe ouer our pil●grimage without wearisomnes●● and anguish . 3 That we may answere boldl● our accusers . Psal. 119. 42. and stop the mouthes of gainesayers . Tit. 9● 2. 8. 4 That wee may walke in o●● callings with singlenes & conten●●ment . 1. Cor. 7. 21. 5 And be contented with whatsoeuer shall happen vnto vs other●wise . Rom. 8. 28. 6 That we may carry our selue● as strangers in the world , lookin● for a citie which is aboue . Hebrew 11. 7 That we may suffer affliction cheerefully and fruitfully . Psa. 5. 1● Psal. 33. 21. 8 That we doe purge , and pre●pare our selues to happinesse . 1. Io● ● . 3. Esay 40. 31. 9 That the Saints may be raised vp by our example . Psal. 69. 7. 10 That wee may be deliuered out of troubles . Psal. 37. 40. Psalme 91. 14. This is obtained and buckled to the head : 1 By sound knowledge of the loue of God in Christ. Rom. 8. 38. 2 By plentifull experience of the same heretofore . 2. Cor. 1. 10. 3 By embracing al good meanes that are offered for our safety . Psal 37. 3. 4 Casting our selues vpon the Lord when meanes faile . ibid. 5 & resting in him . Prou. 14. 32. Rom. ●4 . 5 Reuerent obseruing of the workes of God. Psalme 40. 4. Psal. 115. 11. 6 Depending on the truth of Gods promises , though we see them not accomplished . Psal. 46. 5. Psal. 130. 9. Pro. 16. 20. 7 Expecting the Lords leisure , contrary to sense and reason . Psal. 69. 4. Esay 26. 8. 8 Abasing and renouncing out selues before the Lord. Psal. 131. 3. Zeph. 3. 12. 9 Submitting our selues to the ministery of the Gospel . Esay 50. 10● 10 Waiting further vpon God , then this life can counteruaile . 1. Cor. 15. 19. The last part of this spirituall Armour , is the sword of the spirit , which is the word of God. He. 4. Ps. 149 , &c. And this must be had , First , To diserne : 1 The deceitfulnes of sin . Heb● ▪ 3. 13. 2 The poyson of error and heresie . 1. Tim. 6. 3. 3 The corruption of our ow●● hearts . Heb. 3. 12. 4 The manifold subtilties and deepnes of Satan . Apoc. 2. 24. 2. Pe●● 1. 19. 5 The riches of Gods mercie● Ephes. 3. 18. Ephes. 1. 18. Secondly , to confirme & maintain : 1 Faith against infidelity and discontentment . 2 Hope against despaire . Ro. 15. 4 3 Truth against error and humane wisedome . I am . 1. 18. Christ against Antichrist . 4 God against man. Thirdly , To captiuate and subdue : 1 Euery imagination that exalts it selfe against God. 2. Cor. 10. 4. 2 To cut off the power and cords of sinne . 3 To repell the impudencie and importunitie of Satan . Mat. 4. Fourthly , To purge : 1 Zeale , of ignorance & selfeloue . 2 Religion , of hypocrisie . 3 Profession , of vaine-glorie ▪ 4 Weldoing , of wearisomnes . 5 Faith , of carnalnes . 6 Afflictions , of impatiency , &c. Fiftly , To confound : 1 Satans kingdome . Matt. 4. 2 The fleshes tyrannie . Tit. 2. 11. 3 The worlds deceitfulnes . Psal. 119. 95. 4 Our hearts doubtfulnes . Psal. 73. 17. 5 Mans inuentions . Psal. 119. 113. This Armour is obtained and put on , 1 By prayer . 2 Study & meditatiō . 1. Tim. 4. 13 3 Submiting our selues to the word preached . Iam. 1. 21. These meanes how wrought effectually : 1 When our vnderstanding is illightned , and delighted with the sauing knowledge thereof . 2 Our iudgements confirmed , and established in the same . Ephes. 1. 9. 3 Our consciences conuinced , and quieted therein . Rom. 5. 1. 4 Our will and affections subdued and captiuated thereto . Psal. 40. 6. 5 Our desire en flamed and vnsatiable thereof . Mat. 5. 6. 6 Our mind satisfied and contented therewith , aboue all treasures . Psalm . 119. 97. Psalm . 19. 10. 7 Our liues reformed and amended thereby . Psal. 119. 9. 8 Our faith quickned , and daily norished by the same . 2. Pet. 1. 9 And we enabled to ouercome tentations , and to finish our course with ioy . Psal. 119. 7. 9. And this armour is keept one : 1 By recording and rehearsing the same vnto other : so to labour their conuersion . Luk. 22. 23. 2 By spirituall experience of the power thereof in putting our knowledge into continuall practise . 3 By cleauing constantly to an effectuall ministery . Iohn 10. 5. 4 By suffring afflictions for the Gospel . Heb. 10. Act. 21. 5 By labouring to haue it to dwell plentifully among vs , and to haue the power thereof more and more abound in the mortif●ing of onr affections and speciall sinnes . Colos. 3. 16. Tit. 2. 11. Thus farre of the parts of the Christian armour : Now the necessity in generall of it , is that without it , First , In respect of our selues , 1 Our whole life must needs be subiect to many fearefull breaches and distractions . 2. Pet. 1. 2 We shall passe it very idly and vnprofitably . 3 We shall bee deceiued with many false shadowes , and apparances of good , and be much to seeke in that good which we doe desire , either in the knowledge of it or desire to the same . 4 Our course at the best will be most vncertaine . Iohn 11. 10. in regard of others . 5 We shall not so shine before them as lights by our good examples . Mat. 5. 16. 6 Nay , wee shall necessarily in respect of our euill example bee● stumbling blockes vnto them . 7 We shall cause our profession to bee euill spoken of . Ephesian● 5. 3. 8 And our God , and his Religion and word blasphemed . Timoth●● 6. 1. But with this Armour , we shall be , 1 Certaine of what we do . Ioh● 11. 9. 2 Enabled in some measure 〈◊〉 doe it . Psal. 119. 104. 3 Strong to encounter all oppositions , and victorious therein . Psa●● 119. 6. 4 Assured of the acceptance 〈◊〉 what we doe . Phil. 1. 21 , 20. 5 Readie for al occasions whatsoeuer . Phil. 4. 12. 6 And willing to yeelde vp his due vnto God when he shal require it . Acts 7. 1. Cor. 1. 7. And thus much concerning the spirituall Armour . CHAP. X. NOW being thus armed , we are prepared to encounter such occasions as occurre in the day , which are generally and necessary : 1 To auoyde euill . Esay 1. 16 , 17. 2 To prosecute that which is good . Concerning the auoyding of euill : First , we must labour to haue our iudgement rectified . Concerning 1 The euill it selfe . 2 Our owne estate in respect of it . 3 God , who hates it and yet orders it . That which wee are to be informed concerning euil , is ; that there is euil , 1 By nature , & such is whatsoeuer is against or besides the law of God , and this is properly called sinne . 2. Accident , so a good thing may be made euill . Psal. 69. 22. Malach. 2. 2. 3 Opinion , so afflictions are counted euils ; yea , the truth and power of good in the censure of the world , vsually is counted euill . Esay 5. 20. The vse hereof is : 3 That we may discerne things that differ , not stumbling vpon euil in stead of good , nor auoyding good in stead of euill , not fearing afflictions when they come for good , not distrusting our goodnesse , though it be accounted euill . Phil. 1. 10. 2 We must vnderstand the true author of euill , which is not God , but our selues , that so wee may blame none but our selues . Iames 1. 13. 3 That euil is not onely a meere priuation of good , but a quality inherēt & defiling the soule . 1. Ioh. 3. 4 4 That it is not only committed in act , but in thought , though consent come not thereto . Exo. 20. 5 That it is as well committed in omitting what we should doe , as in doing what we should not . 6 That sinne is seen in the least that is forbidden , as well as in the greatest . 1. Iohn 3. 4. That the least sinne breaketh the law of God , and maketh vs guiltie of the whole . Iames 2. 12. Ephes. 5. 11 , 12. Rom. 6. 21. 8 That sinne is filthie and lothsome euen in the greatest pleasure and act thereof . 9 That the end thereof is bitter , and the inward parts most abominable . And this knowledge serueth , 1 To conclude all vnder sinne . Rom. 3. 9. 2. To lay the fault iustly where it is . 3 To preuent diminishing and encreasing of sinne . 4 To auoyd the custome and punishment thereof . Concerning our owne estate in respect of sinne , we are to learne : 1 That if we neuer committed sin , yet we are not free from it , as being guilty of the sin of another , & deriuing it from the loynes of our parents ▪ Rom. 5. 14. Psal. 51. 5. Ephe. 2. 3. 2 That hereby our nature is wholly tainted with corruption , and vncleanenesse . Iob 14. Psalme 51. 3 That we are depriued of all originall and actuall righteousnesse . Ephes. 2. Rom. 6. 4 And proone , yea desperately set to commit all sinne with greedines . Gen. 6. 5 That we delight in sinne , and repose our chiefe contentment therin . Pro. 2. That naturally we hate to be reformed and pluckt out of sinne . Ro. 10. 21. 7 That we cannot but necessarily and yet willingly sinne . 1. Cor. 12. 2. 8 That our best actions are beautifull sinnes . Esay 64. 6. And this knowledge serueth : 1 To iustifie God in his iudgements . Rom. 3. 5. 2 To confound the goodnes of nature Romans 3. 19. 3 To magnifie the riches of Gods mercy . Ephes. 2. 3 , 7. 4 To send vs to Christ. Roman . 3. 22. Concerning God , we are thus to conceiue of sinne . 1 That he hateth al euil as a righteous God. Psa. 5. and no vncleane thing shall dwel with him . Reuela . 21. 2 That he permitteth and ordereth euill in speciall wisedome to his glory . Act. 5. 3 That he knoweth and searcheth the most inmost closet of sinne . Ierem. 17. 10. 4 That he is able to punish & to take vengeance of the same . Isaiah 40. 5 That he punisheth sinne with sinne , and yet most righteously . 2. Thess. 2. 11. 6 That though hee haue laide the chastisement of our peace vpon his Sonne : yet hee will correct vs as his children for sinne . Esay 53. Psalme 88. 89. And this knowledge serueth , 1 To iustifie the perfect holines of God. Psal. 18. 30. Psal. 145. 17. 2 To magnifie his wisedome in disposing of euill . Rom. 11. 33. 3 To giue him his prerogatiue , that he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the searcher of the heart . Ier. 17. 10. 4 To ascribe vnto him the glorie of his power and super excellent greatnes , that we might be humbled before him . Psal. 86. 9 , 10. 5 To worke in vs an hatred of euill , and loue of righteousnes . Gen. 17. 1. 6 To preuent presumption , and cause vs to worke out our saluation with feare and trembling . 2. Cor. 5. 11. Phil. 2. 12. Secondly , Our iudgment being thus rectified , we must proceed to the practise of auoyding euill . And this is seene either in 1 Preuenting sinne , or 2 Recouering out of it by vnfained repentance . Sinnes is preuented either : 1 Generally or 2 Particularly . Generally : by 1 A continual watchfulnes ouer our heart and outward man. 2 A feare and suspecting of our selues , as at all times , so when wee haue most experience of Gods mercy . Pro. 28. 14. Iob 1. 3 A continuall resigning of our selues into the hands of God. 4 Walking as alwaies in his presence . Gen. 5. 22. Gen. 17. 1. 5 To haue a continuall eye to Gods commaudements . Psal. 119. 6 To meditate on Gods iudgements , inflicted on his deerest children for sinne . 2. Sam. 12. 11 , 14. 7 Consider the inestimable loue and mercy of God towards vs. Exod. 34. 6. Eightly , Imploying our selues in some honest calling . 2. Thess. 3. 11 , 12. and that 1 In faith and without distrust of Gods prouidence , with a good conscience . Mat. 6. 25. Heb. 13. 18 2 With cheerfulnes and contentment , without murmuring and couetousnes . Heb. 13. 5. 3 Committing the successe to God and waiting for his blessing , without making hast to be rich , or indenting with God for these outward things . 1. Tim. 6. Ge. 30. 1. Ha. 1. 16. 4 In humility , and lowlines , not sacrificing to our net , but giuing God the glorie . Gen. 32. 10. 5 In holines sanctifying the same by the word and prayer , and laying a good foundation thereby towards heauen . 1. Tim. 6. 1. Tim. 4. 6 In faithfulnes and diligence , redeeming the time , and accounting for it . Eph. 5. 16. Ninthly , learning to vse our Christian libertie a right . 1 Herein not so much to stand 〈◊〉 lawfulnes , as expedience . 1. Cor. 10. 2 That all things be done to edification , not offence . 1. Cor. 14. 3 That as we remit of our liberty in regard of such as are weake of ignorance , so we vse it in respect of the obstinately ignorant , lest wee harden them in their sin . Mat. 15. 14. 4 That we vse the things of this life within the compasse of our callings . 1. Cor. 7. 1. Cor. 10. 5 For our recreation that it be in things indifferent . Phil. 4. 8. 2 Very spare and sober . 3 Tending to a spiritual end , not the satisfying of the flesh . Gal. 5. 13. 6 That all things be done to the glorie of God. 1. Cor. 16. Tenthly , By auoyding the occasions of sinne , which are 1 Euill company . Ephes. 5. 11. 2 Excesse in the vse of the creatures . Luc. 21. 34. 3 Giuing the bridle to the outward man. Gen. 31. 1. 4 Opportunity & seasonablenes . Eccles. 3. 1. 5 Appearance and shew of euil , &c. Thes. 5. 22. And this sinne generally may be preuented : particularly thus , when we are assaulted by any tentation . 1 To mourn at the priuy motions of sin , & at no hand to set light by it . 2 To know that I beare a traytor in my bosom , & therfore here at no hād cōsult with flesh , nor giue way to the temptation . Iames 1. 14. 3 To choake it by strong cries and groanes to God. Mat. 6. 13. 4 To put it off by exercising the mind with contrary meditations and affecting the contrarie vertue . Psal. 1. 5 Examine thy heart why it is thus , and thou shalt find some cause of this tentation . Psal. 4. 6 The cause found either , 1 Want of sound repentance for some former sinne , 2 Security , 3 Some greater euill like to follow , whereof this tentation is a messenger , or such like negligence , dispose thy selfe accordinglie . 5 Intend thy calling more carefully and conscionably . Eph. 5. 15. 6 Renue thy repentance and vowes to God more effectually . Psal 116. 7 Dispute not with Satan , neither play with the flame , but flie away with Ioseph , though thou leaue thy coate behind thee . Iacob 4. 7. Gen. 39. 12. 8 Labour not so much to avoyd the outward act , as to haue thy heart purged from the euil thought . Ps. 51. 2. 10. 9 Submit thy selfe rather to any punishment ( if it so please God ) then to yeeld to the tentation . Matth. 5. 29. 10 And looke for one temptation in the necke of another . 11 Yet faint not in thy resistance : but perseuer constantly , & by Gods mercie satan shall flie away . Iam. 4. 7. Matth 4. If Satan preuaile , and thou art foyled , then thou must rise againe by repentance . To this end consider : 1 Thy estate in grace , which must be renued by repentance . Psal. 51. 2 Gods mercies , which are aboue all thy sinnes . Psal. 103. 8. Exo. 34. 16. 3 Thy former experience how thou hast recouered . Psal. 77. 5. And so pract●se thy raysing vp in this manner : First , view thine iniquitie in the glasse of the law , to bruse thine hart , and there thou shalt find what an euill and bitter thing sin is . Ier. 2. 19. Secondly , hereupon applie that knowledge vnto thine owne soule by the power of conscience assisted by the blessed spirit of bondage : and proceede to iudge thy salfe , concluding that thou art guiltie of eternall death . And hence will follow compunction , and wounding of the heatt : 3 The heart being thus wounded that thou maist bee kept from despaire , view thy selfe secondly , in the glasse of the Gospell , that the bruised reede may not be broken , by considering what a bitter and yet precious ransome was paid for thy sinne . Mat. 20. 28. 4 Hereupon make application vnto thine heart by the worke of conscience renued by the spirit of adoption , and raise vp thy selfe with this assurance , that though thou art a sinner , yet Christ is thine , and thou hast pardon of thy sinne , and shalt haue life eternall in him . Mat. 11. 28. Mat. 5. 3. 4. Lu. 15. 2. Cor. 7● This application worketh two contrarie effects : 1 Thou shalt reioyce that thy sins are forgiuē thee in Christ Iesus . 2 Thou shalt be sorrowfull that thou hast displeased so good and gracious a father . And this sorrow is expressed : First , by Iudging thy sin before God in the court of thy conscience . And this Iudgement contayneth : 1 By examining thy sinne , and taking a more particular notice thereof . 2 Confessing it , Psalm . 32. 5. and that 1 With greefe and detestation . 2 Particularly , not generally , not onely so farre as thou knowest , confessing herein thy knowledge to be short , and yeelding vp thy vnscearchable heart vnto God. Lord clense me from my secret sinnes . Psalm . 19. 3 Against thy selfe not excusing or diminishing : not laying the fault vpon God , the creatures , &c. but blaming especially that corrupt fountaine of thy heart herein . Psal. 32. 5. Psal. 51. 4 Vnto God , not vnto Angels or men , &c. who onely is able and ready to forgiue . Psal. 103. Thirdly , Thou must condemne sinne , and this is done : 1 By acknowledging what is due vnto thee for it , namely shame and confusion of face for euer . Ezra 9. 6. 2 Professing thine owne vilenes , and vnworthinesse of the least of Gods mercies . Iob 39. 16. 3 Iustifying God in what hee might doe , and submitting thy selfe vnder his mightie hand . Ely. 2. Sam. 2. Dauid , 2. Sam. 15. 4 Execute vengeance vpon thy selfe for thy sinne , 2. Cor. 7. in as this maner : First , lie downe in thy confusion and couer thy face with shame . Ier. 3. Luk. 18. 2 Abhorre and detest thy selfe in sackcloth and ashes . Iob 42. 6. 3 Haue indignation and zeale against thy selfe for offending so good a God : 2. Cor. 7. Peter wept bitterly . Psal. 73. 22. so foolish , &c. 4 Groane vnder the burthen of thy flesh , and desire to be rid of it Rom. 7. 21. 5 Possesse a broken heart for thy sinne all thy life long . Psal. 51. 17. 6 Refraine thy selfe from lawfull comforts . Ioel. 2. 7 Impose all meanes of mortifiing thy rebellious flesh , as feare of thy selfe , lest thou fall againe . Pro. 28. 14. 8 Mingle thy drinke with thy teares , and in thy greatest security , let the remembrance of thy sinne , awake and rouse thee vp . Psal. 51. 9 Desire euer after more carefully to please God. 2. Cor. 7. 10 To this end preserue a record of thy sinne and retaine some monument thereof with thee . 11 Consider often what punishments thou hast felt for sinne . 12 And let the day of thy death and appearing before the iudgment seate of Christ be alwaies in thy mind , make thou sure account of it , & daily make readie for it . 2. Pet. 3. 13 Cease not crying out against thy corruptions and complaining vnto God of thy rebellions , that he may strengthen thee against them . Psal. 119. 49. 14 Bind thy selfe by the oath , and by the curse to forsake all sin , & to continue constant in the seruice of thy God. Ezra , 10. 3. 2. Chro. 15. 15 Reprooue sinne boldlie in others , and plucke them out of the fire : Iude 23. though thou beest scorcht for thy labour . 16 Suffer affliction as a good souldier of Iesus Christ , and prepare thy soule vnto tentations . 2. Tim. 2. Thus shalt thou cut off sin , and happily preserue thy selfe in a constant course of godlines . For thy better instruction herein . 1 Cal to mind what before is deliuered in the sixth part of the girdle of truth concerning holy actions , which may helpe thee both in the true knowledge of God to informe thy iudgment , as also in the right & holy practise of good things , which must be part of thy daily sacrifice . CHAP. XI . BEing thus instructed in generall● auoyd euill and doe good , the next duetie that thou must performe , is thankefulnes vnto God. 1. Thes. 5. 18. And this duty is necessary : because 1 We doe approoue our right in Gods blessings . 1. Tim. 4. 2 We make them profitable and durable . Mat. 14. 19 , 20. 3 We encrease them , and make them pledges of heauen . 4 We do ease our selues of much begging , and so approch to the life of glory . 5 We acknowledge God to be the giuer , and blesser of them . 6 We do answer the end , why God bestowed them on vs. Deu. 8. 7 And do by this duty performe a most principall part of worship & glory to our God. Psal. 50. 23. 8 Security and hardnes of heart is hereby preuented . 9 Our faith in God is confirmed and encreased . 10 Spirituall pride and hypocrisie is ouer-mastered . 11 The certainty of our saluauation hereby pledged & cōfirmed . 12 Our account made readie , & so we prepared to meet the Lord. And it is to be performed daily : 1 Because we daily receiue good at the hands of God. Lam. 3. 23. 2 And by this meanes shal preuent many euils which daily do assault vs And this duty is performed on this manner : First , The hart must be prepared : 1 With sound notice of the blessing , conceiuing more excellently of God then wee possible can see him by his blessings . 2 True humility for the same , by serious meditation , both of the Maiesty , power and goodnes of God and also of it owne vnworthines . 3 As also it must be purged by ● setled purpose of not offending s● bountifull a God. 4 And an holy perswasion , that we haue receiued the benefit in the fauour of God. 5 And a● holy desire to set forth the glory of God. 2 The mouth must speake of the mercies of God : And that , 1 Reuerently and holily , no● lightly or loosely . 2 Particularly , as neere as wee may recounting the same . Genes . 32. 10. 3 Publikely , euen in the great congregations vnto the Church 〈◊〉 GOD , yea to the generations to come . Ps. 66. & 102. 4 Priuately betweene God and our owne soules to auoyd hypocrisie . Matt. 6. 5 Wisely and orderly for spirituall blessings , and then for temporall . Ephe. 1. 3. 6 Faithfully , aswel for blessings promised and to come , as for those we haue receiued . 2. Chro. 6. 7 Constantly , aswel when God takes , as when he giues . Iob 1. 21. 8 Humbly , acknowledging our selues to bee vnworthy of the least of them . Iacob , Gene. 32. 9 Speedily , if it bee possible to preuent the Lord. Gene. 24. 10 Continually , euen all our life long . 11 Charitably prouoking others to the like duty . 12 Acknowledging Gods graces in others , and without enuie or detraction aduancing the same . 13 Yea , wishing that all may be partakers of the same graces with vs. Num. 11. 14 Impartially , aswell for the least as for the greatest . 3 We must praise God in our life , & actions . Here obserue these principall actions of thankefulnesse . Psalme 1. 1 To renue our obedience , 〈◊〉 encrease our seruice of God. Psal●● 116. 2 Continual mortification of 〈◊〉 old man. Psal. 106. 3. Ezr. 10. 3 Casting out the speciall 〈◊〉 beloued sinne . Mat. 5. 29. 4 Making much of the mean whereby Gods blessings are sanctfied , & so continued vnto vs , nam●ly , the Preaching of the gospell , & Rom. 10. 15. 5 Labouring hartilie the co●uersion of others . Psal. 51 6 Releeuing and forgiuing , 〈◊〉 praying one for another . Eph. 8. 7 Beleeuing Gods promises , 〈◊〉 waiting patiently the full acco●plishment of them . Psalme 40. ● Heb. 11. 8 Erecting monuments and tro●phes of Gods benefits to posteri●● Gen. 22. 15. &c. 9 Writing & registring the n●ble acts of the Lord. Psal. 102. 10 Imposing fit names vnto 〈◊〉 children , in remembrance of God mercies . Gen. 41. 11 Paying our vowes vnto God and men . Psal. 65. 1. Ion. 2. 9. 12 Being content with whatsoeuer God bestoweth vpon vs. Thus are we to performe thankefulnes vnto God. Which that wee may performe more happily : First , Let vs beware of these euils which are maine enemies to this duety : As , 1 To imagine , that we deserue any thing Luc. 17. 10. 2 That wee haue any thing meerely by our owne labour and industry . Psal. 127. 3 That wee harpe more vpon our troubles , then Gods fauours and benefits . 4 That we be alwaies begging , but neuer recounting what we haue receiued . 5 That we consider what others haue , rather then what wee haue need of . 6 That we be not secure in the blessings of God , but rather feare our estate most when we haue most fauours . Iob 1. 7 That we tie God vnto these outward things . 8 That we dote and rest vpon these , and not rather forget them in regard of the things of the life to come . Phil. 3. 9 That we conceiue basely and meanely of Gods mercies , and doe not see & worship God in the least of them . Secondly , Let vs vse these helpes 〈◊〉 thankefulnes . As 1 Rest we vpon God as the giuer of all good blessings . 2 Vse we all holy meanes for the obtaining of them . 3 Leaue we the successe to Go : depending on his prouidence . 4 Thinke we not what God can giue , but what is fit for vs to receiue . 5 Consider wee how small a tribute the Lord requires for all his blessings . 6 What a prerogatiue we attain by thankesgiuing , that God is the receiuer , and we giuers vnto God , and how much better it is to giue then to receiue . 7 Let the creatures prouoke vs hereto , left otherwise they condemne vs. Heb. 6. 8 Let our commodity perswade vs , either if we will haue , or vse , or hold Gods fauours comfortably . 9 And lastly consider we the account to bee made in the life to come , which is made vp by thankefulnes vnto God in this life . Ioh. 3. And thus far concerning thankefulnes The chiefe vse and benefit thereof , is to keep vs in a constant course of obedience vnto God , in the enioying of his blessings . And this is of the Next duety daily to bee performed of vs : CHAP. XII . NAmely to labour constancy and perseuerance vnto the end . And that because : First , Hereby wee approue the soundnes of our calling and gifts , which otherwise if wee faile were but temporarie , giuen rather for others then for our owne good . 2 We obtaine the promise and the crowne that is set before vs. He. 11. which otherwise by falling away we shall lose . Reuel . 3. 6. 3 Wee approue the truth of God , and giue him the glorie of his faithfulnes . 1. Thes. 5. 24. 4 Wee ouercome satan and all our enemies . Ephes. 6. 13. Helpes hereunto are : First , The establishing of our faith , that the children of God shall continue to the end : and that because , 1 Our God is faithfull and almightie , and his gifts are without repentance who hath promised it . Rom. 11. 2 Iesus Christ makes continuall intercession for vs. Luke 22● 33. 3 The holy Ghost shall abide with vs to the end of the world . Iohn 16. to preserue vs. Iohn 14. 4 We are the beloued of God : and therefore . 1 Whom hee loues once hee will loue to the end . Iohn . 13. 2 Whatsoeuer wee aske in his name , the father will giue vs , if it bee agreeable to his will. 1. Iohn 5. 14. 3 All things shall turne vnto our good . Rom. 8. 29. 4 Wee are maried to him for euer in holines and righteousnes : Ose. 2. 5 Gods couenaunt with vs , is euerlasting . Ieremie 30. Ezechiel 11. Psalme . 89. & Ose. 2. 6 Wee are vnited vnto Christ our head , Collossians , 2. and giuen to him of the Father , and therefore none shall take vs out of his hands Iohn 10. Iohn 17. 17. 7 Wee haue the word and sacraments , which shall continue with vs to the worlds end , to vphold vs in our righteousnes . Mat. 28. 8 Wee haue strengthning grace to continue vs in wel-doing . Ephe. 3. 16. 9 Our slips , and fallings , are meanes to perseuerance . Here Consider . 1 That the child of God being regenerated , may , and doth fall : and that because : 1 God leaues him often to himselfe . Ose. 5. Psal. 30. and that , 1 To let him see his own strength to be humbled thereby . Hose . 14. 4. 2 To driue from that hold , to rely onely vpon God. Cantic . 3. 4. Luc. 22. 32. 3 To make him more compassionate and helpfull to others in their infirmities . 2 Satan is continually sifting of him . Luk. 22. 3 He caries about him a traytor readie to betray him hourely . 1. Pet. 2. 11. 4 His falles may well stand with his estate in grace , yea doe much make for the triall and encrease thereof . 1. Pet. 1. 7. As in his fall , 1 He discernes his imperfection , and so is prouoked to take stronger hold . Canti . 3. 4. 2 In his recouerie he feeles the vndoubted grace of God. Psal. 32. 3 In both he hath experience of the combats betweene the flesh and the spirit , al which are vndoubted signes of regeneration . Luk. 11. 21. 4 He is made more acquainted with the deceitfulnes of sinne , and so more skilfull to preuent the same . Heb. 3. 13. 5 He is shamed by his fall , and driuen from the hold of the world , and such like baits of sinne . Hose . 14. 4. 6 he is prouoked more egerly to follow after the mark , by how much he hath beene cast behind . 2. Cor. 11. 7 He becomes more fearfull of himselfe , and will not be so venturous vpon the occasions of sinne . Mat. 26. 75. Consider therefore , 2 How farre a regenerate man may fall : First , In his faith , by doubting of Gods fauour and the assurance of his saluation . Psal. 22. Psal. 51. Psal. 77. Hence proceedes 1 Proud and foolish reasonings against God. Ier. 12. 1. 2 Vaine and vncharitable speeches and wishes against our selues , Iob. 3. 3 Distasting of the meanes and furtherances to saluation . 4 The graces of God may bee lessened in them . Psal. 51. 5 They may be couered . 6 Losse of some graces of God all his life long . 2 Erring through ignorance in some maine point of saluation , so the Apostles , Acts 1. 6. 3 He may dwel in his ignorance for a time , and maintaine the same , Gal. 2. Peter . Secondly , in his life . and that , 1 By falling into some grosse sinnes . 2. Sam. 11. 2. Sam. 24. 2 To lie a sleepe in them till he be roused vp . 3 To fall into them againe after repentance , and so may sinne presumptuously . Mat. 26. Hence will follow : 1 That the light of Gods countenance shal be taken away . Ps● . 51. 2 The horrors of hel shal assault and buffet him , and so hee may despaire . Psal. 77. 11. 3 Some grieuous outward afflictions shall follow him to the graue . Dauid . 4 His life shall be a burthen and irksome to him . Iacob . and he shall be impatient vnder the crosse . Iob 3. 7. 5 Hee shall cause the name of God to be blasphemed by the wicked . 2. Sam. 12. 6 His first loue shall be cooled , and zeale in godlines abated . Apo. 2. 4. 7 The weake shall be offended at him . 8 Gods Spirit shall be grieued . Ephes 4. 9 He shall feele a weakenesse in him in regard of such sinnes as haue got strong hold often ouer him . Psal. 6. Ier. 13. 23. Thus farre may a regenerate man ●all , and yet rema●ne in the state of grace , and differ from a reprobate , or hypocrite , As thus : 1 The reprobates tēporary faith is the chiefe cause of his falling and prophanes in life ; but the elects errour in life is the occasion of the decay of his faith . 2 The hypocrite is vsually senseles in his fall , and so continues 1● Tim 4. 2 but the regenerate at lēgth hath the true sightofit . 2. Sam. 24. 10● 3 The hypocrite if he fret an● greeue , it is for feare of punishment or losse of the temporall blessing not for the losse of Gods fauour &c. Psal. 51. Gen. 27. But 4 They both fall into the sam● sinnes againe , but yet the hypocr●● after sinnes committed with mor● strength and securitie , the regenerate with more resistance , feare griefe , and in great weakenes . Ps. 19● 5 They both are impatient , an● speake foolishly against God , bu● the hypocrite speake as he thinketh and wisheth in the aduisednes and purpose of his heart : the regenerate speakes in folly , rashnes , not as he thinketh or wisheth , but as his corruption ouerruling him doth mislead and comming to himselfe , condemne himselfe for it & cleares the Lord. Ps. 73. Iob 42 6 They both decay and los● their first loue , but yet the hypocrite counts this to bee his wisedome , and the true measure of holines , esteeming his former zeale to be rashnes , &c. whereas the regenerate acknowledgeth it was better before then now , and mourning vnder his estate labours the recouery and in some measure obtaines it . 2. Sam. 12. Mat. 26. 7 They both may refuse the meanes also , but yet the hypocrite in pride and obstinacie , falles at length , from loose meanes to none , and so to a despising and persecuting the same : the elect though hee leaue in his heart , yet hee returnes with shame , and cleaues more conscionable to the meanes and is profited thereby . 8 They both may be losers by their fall , and not recouer all their life long : but with these differences . 1 The reprobate loses all graces and becomes a very beast . Psal. 49. without knowledge , ciuility , &c. The regenerate recouers necessarie graces , as faith in some measure of vse and feeling : but that full perswasion ioy in the spirit , &c. he happily recouers not againe all his life long . 2 The reprobates losse is without feeling , causing him to set vp his rest more securely in this life , and so prepares him to sudden destruction : that of the elect humbles him in all things , causes him to worke out his saluation with feare and trembling , to goe downe with sorrow to his graue , and to be wearie of the world , and to desire to be with Christ. Phil. 2. 12. This may we discorne betweene the fall● of Gods children and the wicked . And this serueth . 1 To trie vs in our decaies , and to comfort vs in the same . Pro. 24. 16. 2 To iustifie Gods faithfulnes who neuer forsakes his children . 1. Cor. 10. 13. 3 To stop the mouthes of the wicked , who reioyce at our falles ▪ Mich. 7. 8. 4 To assure vs of constancie & perseuerance to the end . 2. Tim. 4 ▪ 18. CHAP. XIII . A second helpe hereunto is , FIrst , watchfulnes ouer our hear●s and waies that they may continually , be acceptable vnto God. And that because . 2. Tim. 4. 18. 1 Hereby we are prepared to tentations Luc. 21. 34. Mat. 13. 25. 2 Enabled to vndergoe them . Ephes. 6. 3 And to haue a good issue out of them . Luc. 21. 36. 4 Without this our whole life , and best actions , are either rashnes or securitie . Pro. 28. 14. 5 By it we attaine , certainty and resolution in wel-doing . Ephe. 6. 13. 6 We preuent some euill which may make all other comforts vnsauory , which we are sure to looke for in well doing . Mat. 26. 41. 7 Hereby the other graces of God in vs are much beautified and encreased . 8 And our infirmities much auoyded or couered Psalm . 119. 9. 9 The best without it haue bin deceiued . Genes . 3. Dauid , 2. Samuel 12. 10 Hypocrisie in weldoing and spirituall pride is preuented or mastered . 11 Dulnes and wearisomenesse also in good things is much holpen . 12 And so we prepared happily to perfection . Now this watchfulnes is performed 1 And especially by obseruing the heart and yoaking it . 2 In keeping vnder the outward man. 3 And this not for a spurt but all our life long , because so long endures the combate . 4 And that obseruing and suspecting our greatest strength . 1. Cor. 10. 12. 5 Ayming and heeding principally the sinnes that we haue most delighted in . Psal. 19. Psal. 25. 6 Examining the best graces of God in vs , lest some dead flie be in them . Pro. 28. 9. Mat. 6. Helpes hereunto are : 1 The glasse of the Word . Psal. 119. Hebr. 11. 6. 2 Continual feare of our selues . Pro. 28. Phil. 2. 12. 3 To haue the feare of God continually before our eyes . 1. Cor. 7. 1 4 Sobriety in our knowledge , and vse of outward things . 1. Pet. 5. Rom. 12. 3. CHAP. XIIII . FOurthly , Earnest and constant prayer vnto God to vphold vs by his mightie power , in cheerefulnes prouoking one another to holy duties . Psal. 40. 4. 1 Publiquely in the Congregations . 2 In priuate as well with our families , as in our closets , or such like secret recourse . Mat. 6. Psal. 4. Conditions of prayer are : 1 That our prayer must be in faith without doubting . Iam. 1. 6. 2 In loue , forgiuing one another . Luc. 6. & praying one for another . 3 In wisedome , praying first for the fauour of God when we would haue any blessing , and when wee would haue an euil remoued , praying for the forgiunes of sinne , which is the cause of it , and diuiding the times for prayer and our callings . Dan. 6. 10. 4 In zeale and feruency from the heart and affection . 1. Cor. 14● Iam. 5. 16. 5 In constancy and patience waiting the Lords good leisure . Psal. 40. 1. Psa. 135. Psa. 147. 6 In humilitie , abasing & vilifying our selues before the Lord. Ge. 32. 7 With thankesgiuing vnto God for all his mercies . Psalme 103. 1. 8 Renuing our vowes and promises vnto God. Psal. 116. 9 With strong cries & groanes begging the pardon of our own sin , and the sin of the Church & land wherein we liue . Dan. 9. 10 Crauing such necessaries for our selues and others , with a holy submitting of our selues for the matter , manner , time , and measure to the will of God. Mat. 26. 42. Thus must our prayers be made vnto the Lord ▪ and by them we shall be , First , Much strengthened in the grace of perseuerance . Luke 22. 32. as also . 2 Kept in the vigor and power of our Christian life . Ephes. 6. 3 Experienced in our sweet fellowshippe with God. Romanes 8. 15. 4 Our spirituall armour alwaies fitted and exercised . Ephes. 6. 5 Our daily wants supplied or recompensed . Iames 1. 5. 2. Corint . 12. 6 Tentations conquered ; and happily diminished Mat. 4. 7 All our occasions well seasoned & turned to our good 1. Timo. 4. 8 Our whole life sanctified , and we prepared comfortably to a better . Phil. 1. 19. CHAP. XV. AND thus beeing prepared , wee are ready for sweete Peace with God either to lay our selues downe therwith in peace to our sweete repose , or to yeeld vp our liues with ioy vnto the hands of our redeemer . Psal. 4. 8. Acts 7. 59. 1. Cor. 1. 7. And this is the last duety daily to be performed of vs : and this peace is principally to be laboured to vs ; Because , 1 We must respect not so much what we haue done , but how the Lord hath accepted it . Rom. 5. 1. 2 Heereby wee shall with courage go forward , and be comforte● in the imperfection of our actio●●2 . Cor. 8. 3 We shal obtaine & maintain● that vnspeakeable ioy of the hol● Ghost in our hearts , Phil. 4. 4. & auoyd the contrary sadnes and distraction which proceedes from want of this peace . 4 We shall refresh the graces of God in cōmending them thus with our selues to the peace of God. Now this duety is performed and blessing obtained : 1 By performing the daily duties in their former order and with constancy . 2 If by some vrgent occasion or tentation we haue bin interrupted , yet to returne to thē , & to redouble what we haue omitted the next day 3 And this to be done not superficially with wearisomnes or of custome , but determiately & for conscience sake . 4 Examine thy selfe , how thou couldest one houre well be without one of the former graces , as without the comfort of the remission of thy sinnes , &c. 5 Iudge and earnestly bewaile thy selfe , if thou hast either omitted or sleightly performed any of these . 6 Be sure so to performe these , as that thou doest not neglect thy calling . 2. Thess. 3. 12. 7 If thou hast performed them in some poore measure , yet rest not in it , but labour more earnestly with God for a further grace . Phil. 3. 13. 8 And yet be thankful vnto God for these small grapes and fruits , acknowledging that it is his great mercie , that thou canst doe any thing , and giuing him all the glorie thereof . 1. Corinthians . 15. 10. And thus shalt thou bee sure to obtaine this peace of God. And hauing obtained it , thou must lie downe therewith , and carie it with thee to thy bed . 1 Because thou knowest not whether thy bed shall be thy graue . 1. Pet. 1. 24. 2 Thy sleepe heereby shall bee much sweeter , and dreames more comfortable . Psal. 4. 8. 3 Thou shalt auoyd nocturnall pollutions and vncleannesses . 4 Thy reines shall teach thee in the night season , and the darkenesse shall be as the noone day . Psa. 16. 7. And this is performed : 1 By resigning vp our selues into the hands of God. 2 Ascribing vnto him the glorie of all the good we haue performed . Psal. 115. 1. Esay 26. 12. 3 Acknowledging our selues to bee vnprofitable seruants , if God should enter into iudgement with vs. Luke 17. 10. 4 Crauing earnest pardon of our imperfections in I●sus Christ , and laying our selues asleepe in his bosome . 1. Iohn 1. 9. 5 Comforting our selues ( if sense of faith be not present ) yet with former experience and inward habit thereof . Psal. 22. 10. 6 Yeelding vp our selues in a willingnes to death , in full expectation of the life to come . Phil. 1. 20 , 23. And thus guiding our selues by these former rules , we shal lie down in peace , and so shall we comfortably performe the daily sacrifice . And thus far concerning such necessarie dueties , as we are bound in some measure daily to performe . CHAP. XVI . FOR our better encouragement and furtherance heerein ; obserue these rules : 1 That being conuinced in conscience with the necessity of these dueties , wee purpose and solemnly vow vnto the Lord the attempting and prosecuting thereof . Psal. 119. 106. Psal. 119. 7. 2 That God principally respects the purpose of the heart , and if there be a willing mind , accepts according to what we haue , and requires not what we haue not . 2. Cor. 8. 12. 3 That we giue not eare to the flesh pleading noueltie , impossibility , &c. Gal. 1. 16. 4 That we trie the Lord , who is wonderfull in blessing the vnfained endeuours of his children . Hag. 2. Malachi . 3. 10. 5 Then let vs make triall at first in one of these , and grow readie therein , so shall we with more willingnes and skilfullnes proceed in the rest . Iames 2. 10. Iames 3. 2. 6 Let vs not faile to meete the Lord with vnsayned thankfulnes , when we see him comming effectually in the weak performance therof . Psal. 81. 7 And so condemne and prouoke thy selfe , as before , and thou shalt see ( by Gods mercie ) a good crease . Yea , thou shalt not onely be able to performe these duties with comfort , but also thou shalt be able to entertaine each seuerall occasions of the day , to Gods glorie , thy exceeding profit , and benefit of others . CHAP. XVII . AND this is the second part of this daily sacrifice : Namely to consecrate our daily occasions , as a reasonable sacrifice vnto God. Here obserue . First , That though the occasions of the day are diuers , and so not more necessary , and easily to be directed , yet some principall there are which doe vsually occur . The well ordering whereof will easily informe vs , in the holy entertayning of the rest : CHAP. XVIII . And these Principall are : FIrst , To arise with God , and as wee layed our selues downe in peace , so to awake with the comfort thereof . Psal. 23. 6. Lam. 3. 23. The reason whereof is : Because : 1 Wee maintaine hereby conconstancie in wel-doing . 2 Wee renue that soundnesse wherewith we laie downe . 3 We preuent that no roote of bitternes breake out at the first . 4 We prouide for our more setled courses all the day after , and so begin a new to liue the daily life of grace . 5 Wee make our hearts mery in the Lord. 6 Wee are made principally more apt to prayer , which is the next occasion to bee entertayned of vs. This is performed : 1 By meditating , of the true life of God , and day of the rresurection . 1. Cor. 1. 2 By magnifying our sweete repose , and resting in the bosome of Gods protection . Psalme 3. 5. 3 Taking occasion by the light that appeareth , to consider of the armour of light ; or by the outward darkenesse that compasseth , to blesse God for the inward light and to mourne for the ignorance and blindnes that is yet in vs , yea to resolue the casting away of the workes of darkenesse . &c. Rom. 13. 12. 4 Praysing the mercie and patience of the Lord , that yet wee liue to prayse him , and are spared to make our election more sure ▪ and thereto especially meditating on the constancie of Gods loue toward vs. Iohn 13. 1. Psalme 19. 2. Psal. 102. 27. Ieremie Lament . 3. 23. And this is furthered if wee perceiue dulnes . 1 By striuing euen in the night when wee awake , to sigh for sinne , and hunger after mercy . Psal. 16. 7. Cant. 31. 2 By opening our hearts ( if occasion serue ) to our chambersellow , if such fellowshippe be enioyed , and so shaming of our selues Iacob 5. 3 By auoyding ouermuch sleep , ●ea scanting and stinting our selues thereof , and rowsing vppe our selues from drousines by checking our hearts and complayning of them to our blessed God. Proue . 24. 32. 33. 4 Taking occasion by our dreams or nocturall infirmities , to magnifie Gods mercie , that it is not so as we dreamed ; or to checke our infidelity , in relying superstiously vpon dreames ; or to condemne our security , and prophanenes in neglecting them vtterly . And if we haue beene assaulted , with terrors and corruptions , yet either they haue not preuayled , or shall not be imputed vnto vs. 5 Calling to mind some place of the word for our better stirring vp , as Rom. 13. 11. 12. 13. 14. Ephes. 5. 14. 1. Thes. 5. 4. 5. &c. And prouoking our selues by the examples of the saints , who haue risen early to prayse the Lord. Psal. 5. 34. &c. And so rising with the Lord , we shall he fitted to entertaine the next speciall occasion of the day : Which is● Prayer . CHAP. XIX . THE necessity and right vse thereof you haue before ; Onely here obserue these points for direction herein : As First , That howsoeuer this duety of praier in famil●es be neglected , and not esteemed necessary , yet the not vse thereof at all , argueth irreligion , and contempt of God. Psal. 14. 4. Secondly , That not once , but oftentimes in the day wee must performe the same . Daniel 6. 10. Thirdly , And that not onely in priuate in our closets , &c. but publiquely with our families . Genes . 18. 19. Iob 1. 5. Fourthly , That the Master of the familie is fittest to be the mouth of God ▪ for his people , as beeing therein their Priest and Prophet . Reuel . 1. 6. Fiftly , That to this end , set times are to be appointed and kept constantly , vnlesse by sickenes or other more inuincible occasions wee be interrupted . Sixtly , That we keepe our selues in an holy temper , and peace of minde by a constant course in all occurrents , and so prepare our selues to prayer . 1 Fixing our hearts on God , and meditating of his power and Maiestie , to worke reuerence in vs. 2 Looking vnto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith , to breede affiance . Heb. 12. 2. 3 Considering and examning our wants , to breede humilitie and patience . Psal. 39. Psal. 4. 6. 4 Excluding worldly ●ares which may hinder deuction . Luke 8 Mat. 6. 5 Not fretting at the prospertity of the wicked . Psal. 37. 1. 6 In patience , bearing the wrongs of enemies , and leauing reuenge to God. Rom. 12. 7 Doing al things as in Gods presence . 8 Auoyding euill for conscience sake . 9 Meditating still on the day of iudgement , lest we be vnfitted or interrupted in prayer . 2. Pet. 3. 2. Cor. 5. 11. 7 Consider wee the manifold blessings wee haue ●eceiued from God to prouoke vs to thankesgiuing , without which our prayers are ineffectuall . Ephes. 6. &c. 8 Here it is requisite that wee also quicken our hearts by reading , and meditating twice , or oftner in the day on some part of the Scriptures , either First , Taking the Scripture in order before vs. Nehemiah 8. Acts 13. Or els 2 Vpon extraordinarie occasions , making choice of fit Scriptures . 9 Bewaile wee seriously our neglect of closet prayer , and condemne wee our selues for our lip-labour and customarie deuotions , our wearisomnesse in wel-doing , our contentment with little feelings . 10 Renue wee our vowes for more often & conscionable performance hereof . 11 Rest we especially vpon the continuall intercession of our blessed Aduocate , Iesus Christ , who continually maketh intercession for vs , and is now both praying for vs , and readie to present our prayers to the throne of grace , and to couer all the infirmities and failings of them . 12 Stirre wee vp the blessed Spirit ( as before ) which may helpe vs with sighes and groanes vn●peakeable . Rom. 8. 13 And be wee well aduised of the particular thing we desire , that it may be fit for God to giue vs , and vs to aske for our present occasion . Matth. 6. Iames 4. 2. Being thus prepared , we must powre out our prayers ( as before . ) Auoyding here especially : 1 Constraint , and ceremoniousnesse . 2 Customarinesse , praying rather for the times sake , then for Gods glorie . Psal. 119. 108. 3 Conceit of the wel-doing hereof in regard of the thing done . 4 Pride and ostentation in the opinion of our wel-doing . Matthew 6. 5 Lip-labour and idle repetition of words . 6 Confusion and disorder , praying for earthly things before hea●enly . Mat. 6. 33. 7 Carnalnesse , when wee praie more for earth than heauen . 8 Hypocrisie , doing it to bee seene of men . Mat. 6. 9 Vncharitablenes , praying for re●enge , &c. of priuate wrongs . Eccle. ●0 . 20. Iam. 4. 7. 10 Wearisomnes and dulnesse . Gal. 6. Exod. 15. 11 Hastinesse and rashnesse , as ●we would faine haue done . 12 Presumption , begging such ●●ings as are not seasonable . Luke 54. or beseeme vs not . 13 Impietie , praying for indulence in sinne ; or indenting with God , and limiting him to our will , ●●helpe vs at such a time , or in such manner . Act. 1. Dan. 4. 14 Infidelitie , when wee pray without the assurance of the acceptance of our persons , which is the case of all popish deuotion . Iac. 1. 6. Obseruing well : 1 That as well for the least blessing , as for the greatest wee sue to God in prayer , and so bee thankefull vnto him , left otherwise we denie God the giuer , and so hinder our receiuing . 2 That wee measure not the prayer by the outward successe , because an euill prayer may bee heard in anger , Osee 13. and a good deferred in mercie : Yea a good prayer , though in much weakenesse , may be granted in loue , Matthew 6. to keepe vs from despaire ; and yet a more strong and feruent prayer may be denied in greater loue , both to humble vs that wee put not confidence in the meanes , and to encourage vs to constancie therein , assuring our selues that the ●ssue of our prayers shall be gratious . 3 That in the greatest feeling of Gods mercie , we pray against tentations . Matth. 16. 4 That we especially commend vnto God the afflicted state of the Church , and desire our welfare in the prosperitie thereof . Psalme 122. 6. Psal. 126. 5 That we redouble our sighes and prayers , not suffering any repulse . Psal. 119. 164. Matt. 15. Gen. 32. Gen. 18 , &c. Ephes. 6. 6 That wee highly efteeme of the thing wee pray for . Matth. 5. 6. 7 That we finde as much comfort in abiding long at prayer , as at hearing the word . 8 That we be as readie to praise God for his mercies receiued , as to sue for the obtaining of them . Psal. 116. Luke 17. 12 , 18. 9 That we rebuke our selues in our prayers , and relie onely vpon Christ. The benefit hereof is manifold : 1 We renue our right in the day . 1. Tim. 4. 4. 2 Wee arme our selues against tentations . Ephes. 6. 14. 15. 3 We are readie for any good that shall be offered vs , as consolation of the sick , conference . &c. 4 We are prest to do al things in the sight of of God. 5 And so very much fitted and furthered to set vpon our callings . CHAP. XX. ANd this is the next maine occurren● that falls out in the day , euen to follow our Callings . And here obserue . First , that to walke in a set calling for the common good , is the ordinance of God imposed on euery Christian. 2. Thes. 3. 12. Gen. 3. 19 Ephes. 4. 28. And that : 1 To communicate Gods prouidence in the gouernment of the world . 2 To maintaine a comely order in the administration thereof . 3 To imploy such varietie of gifts as God bestoweth on men aright . 4 To maintaine humane societies in the bond of peace . 5 To auoyde idlenes , and curiosity . 6 To preuent errors and distraction in religion . 7 To fit vs to the ends of Gods prouidence . 8 That God may be glorified in ordering such infinite varietie of callings , both for the common , and each priuate good , and that especially for the life to come . And this serueth : 1 To teach vs to trie our callings by this , that they haue their warrant from the word of God , and that we be fitted thereto , and so to reiect the contrarie . 2 To sanctifie our callings by bounding them in the Lord. Ephes. 6. 1. because they are preserued by the same meanes by which they were ordained . Secondly learne we : That howsoeuer callings be the ordinance of God , yet in these daies we are to expect them , 1 By the ministerie of men and 2 Our owne industrie fitting vs thereto . 3 Submitting our selues herein to the rule of the word . And that because : 1 Extraordinary callings belonged to the infancy of the Church and times of extremity , &c. 2 We haue a sure word better then any such extraordinary reuelation . Heb. 1. 2. Pet. 1. 3 The prouidence of God is subordinate to meanes . 5 God hath ordained this labor to humble vs , and withall to comfort vs in the right and vse of his blessings . Eccles. 1. And this serueth : 1 To reproue presumption vpon extraordinary callings in these daies , and corruption in the obtaining of them . 2 To teach vs for outward callings to depend vpon the meanes which God hath sanctified thereto , Namely ; 1 The authority of the magistrate● 2 Our fitnes to the calling . 3 And it fitnes for vs. 3 To condemne those that vnder pretence of Religion reiect humane callings . 4 And also to reproue such who wander vp and downe , betaking themselues to no calling . 5 To conuince also those that thinke callings are onely appointed to get blessings , whereas indeede they both serue to get , and also to vse aright those that are cast vpon vs ; wherein gentlemen are much faultie . Thirdly , Obserue we : That though it be the ordinance of God to haue a calling , yet it is not the hauing of a calling , but the right vse thereof , whereby we glorisie God , and further our selues to happines . 1. Cor 9. 1. Cor. 7. And this serueth : 1 For the condemnation of those that whē they are in a calling make no conscience thereof , esteeming it rather a reward of former seruice , then a place of further seruice . 2 For our instruction , that wee measure the worth of our calling by the right vse thereof , and onely in the same expect the blessings . Now that we may vse our callings aright , we must obserue these rules : First , our iudgements must bee further informed concerning our callings , and that by these directions . 1 That each one by profession , hath a general calling to be a Christian , which excludes not , but orders the ciuill calling . 1. Cor. 2. 20. 2 That the calling which God hath placed vs in , is fittest for vs. Phil. 4. And this serueth : 1 Much for the maintenance of order , and the auoyding of confusion in church and common-wealth . 2 To preuent idlenes and distraction in our callings . 3 To secure vs of good successe therein . Thirdly , Learne we , That all our actions bee warranted by our callings , as kept within the compasse thereof . And that because : 1 Else they are not done in saith , and so cannot please God. He. 11. 2. 3 They doe exclude themselues out of the protection of the almightie . Psal. 91. And this serueth : 1 To condemne al busie bodies and presumptuous vsurpers of other mens callings , vpon what pretence soeuer . 2. Sam. 6. Ioh. 21. 21. 1. Pet. 4. 2 To discerne of the integritie of our actions ; because euen a good action not warranted by a calling , is sinne . 3 To instruct vs , that though we see no likel●hood of doing good , yet we must not draw backe so farre as our calling requireth . Ier. 1. 20. 19. Ezech. 2. 5. Esay . 6. &c. 4 To aduise vs how we may not buse Gods prouidence , and so expose our selues to his iustice . 5 To comfort vs in the ill successe of our endeauours , when wee haue done what becommeth vs for the redresse thereof , that our labour shall not bee in vaine . 1. Cor. 15. Esay . 49. 3. Fourthly learne we ; That together with the following of our earthly callings , we must ioyne the generall calling of Christianitie : because , 1 In seruing of man wee must serue God. 2 And in prouiding for this life , we must also store vp for heauen . Luke 15 ▪ and 3 These things will not prosper vnles the better plough go to . Ag. 1. And this serueth : 1 To condemne those that prophane their callings by neglecting the more necessarie . 2 To trie our estate in grace . 3 To comfort vs in our base callings , because God may as well be serued in these as in the greatest , and 4 To humble men in euery calling , the mightie , who thinke their calling either must not stoope to religion , or hath no leisure there to : the poore , who thinke their want to be a priuiledge from following their spirituall callings . Fiftly , Obserue we , That whatsoeuer shall be sufficient for the right vse of our callings , shall be reuealed vnto vs from the word , & thēce to be warrāted . Ac. 9. And that because : 1 God is as well the ordainer of the meanes , as of the end . 2 And in his loue he will haue vs certaine what to doe . 3 And heereby presumption and distraction are happily preuented . And this serueth : 1 To trie the fitnes and blessing of our callings . 2 To humble vs in rega●d of our ignorance and presumption . 3 To comfort vs if through want or ignorance we may faile in some point , be cause all is not reuealed at once , and to assure vs of good successe therein . Psal. 73. 4 To prouoke vs to seeke after knowledge as after treasures . Prouerbs 2. 5 To teach vs not to presume vpon good meanings and intentions in our actions . 1. Sam. 13. 6 To condemne all rash and licentious actions whatsoeuer . Sixtly , We must be resolued : That our callings are imposed , not to merite by them , but to bee humbled and exercised in them , in thankefulnes vnto God , for his loue vnto vs in Iesus Christ. And that because , 1 Christ Iesus hath sufficiently deserued for vs , and so we shall derogate from his sufficiency . 2 God doth not require it at our hands . Esay 1. 3 We are neuer able to performe it , but euen when we haue done all we can , wee are vnprofitable seruants . Luke 17. 10. And this , 1 Condemneth all Popish and voluntarie seruice . 2 It encourageth vs in our callings , seeing God requireth but what we can , nay , what he giues . 3 It comforteth vs in our imperfections , and taketh away that flauish feare of hirelings and mercenaries . 4 It assureth vs of our saluation . Seuenthly , Learne we , That though we faile in the best , yet notwithstanding we must not faile to doe our best in our callings . And that , 1 By this faithfulnes , wee may witnes that our callings are sanctified vnto vs , in our obedience to God in them . 2 That they may be meanes of our enioying of heauen . 1. Tim. 6. 19. 3 That we may be also possessers of greater glorie in the heauens . Mat. 25. 26. &c. And this serueth : 1 To condemne al time-seruing , and customary in our callings . Eph. 6. 5 , 6. 2 Wee are prouoked to striue with the best for the best gaine , & in these things to seek after heauen . And this is done : By walking in our callings by faith and not by feare , that so both our persons and actions may bee approued . And this is knowne : 1 Being warranted frō the word , in what we do , or intend . 2. Pet. 1. 2 Our consciences conuinced from the word to the same : and also 3 Witnessing with vs in what we doe . And that , 1 With cheerefulnes , not making hast to be rich , but casting our care vpon God , and committing the successe to him . 1. Pet. 5. Eccle. 9. 9. 2 With diligence , redeeming the time , and entertaining the meanes of Gods prouidence , and not being wilfully guilty of the neglect thereof . Ephe. 3. 16. 17. 3 In wisedome , doing the most necessary duety and submitting alwaies these earthly callings to the furtherance of the heauenly , and expressing our spiritual calling , euen in the vse of this , & so auoyding negligēce that we be not intangled with couetousnes . 4 In loue & meeknes , making others partakers of the benefit of our labours . 5 In patience , not tying God so much to the outward blessing of our labors , as contēting our selues with the testimony of our good conscience therein . Heb. 13. 18. 6 With conscience , doing that which may be most profitable to Church & Cōmon-weale : wherby are condemned all vaine , and new fangled inuentions , as rather maintaining sin , then breeding any good to the Common-wealth . Zeph. 1. Esay 3. 19. 20. 7 In holines , sanctifying thē daily by the word & praier . 1. Tim. 4. 5. 8 With constancy , loboring against ambition , enuy , & impatiency , and assuring our selues that our meanest endeuours shal be accepted in Iesus Christ. 9 To the glory of God , ayming at it in all things , and preferring it aboue all 1. Cor. 10. 31. Admit●ing here these considerations : 1 That we are not bound to our callings any longer then meanes & maintenance is supplied , but that in this respect we may leaue or change our callings ; yea , for the publick good also the caling may be chāged 2 That we may intermit our calings . And that , 1 For Religions sake , as to heare the word , &c. vnlesse some bond of couenāt , or necessary present occasion come betweene . 2 We may also intermit our callings to serue the publicke good , or to minister to the present and vrgent necessity of our neighbour , our present case allowing it . 3 Recreation also requires a vacancie from our callings . So that 1 Our recreation bee in things lawfull . 2 That it be moderate . 3 And that vpō the daies of labor . 4 That it further not onely the particular , but the generall calling . Fourthly , Necessitie also may impose a surceasing of our calling . As when : 1 By sicknes we are detayned , or some such inuincible casualtie . Thirdly , we must resigne vp our callings . And that : 1 When God cals by death . 2 When other meanes warranted by the conscience , guided by the word do , require and : that , 3 With testimonie of a good conscience . 1. Sam. 12. 3. 4 By giuing vp our account for them vnto the great iudge . Heb. 13. Thus are wee to performe our callings . The benefite whereof is exceeding great . For : 1 Hereby wee shall be sure to be fed . Psal. 37. 2 We shall be better fitted to our generall callings . 3 We shall lay vp a good foundation for heauen . 1. Tim. 6. 19. 4 We shal exercise herein many spirituall graces . 1. Cor. 7. as patience , faithfulnes , &c. 5 Hereby we shal perceiue Gods power , and holines , euen in these base and meane things , and bee prouoked to seeke him in greater blessings . Mat. 6. 6 We shall be humbled , and so prouoked to hunger after our dissolution . And thus farre concerning our behauiour in our callings . CHAP. XXII . THe next maine incident to the day , is the vse of the creatures . And these are of two sorts . 1 Such as serue for the necessary preseruation of life , as food , apparell . 2 Such as serue especially for the better being of the soule , as company . Concerning food and sustenance , obserue these rules . 1 That euery creature is good , and that there is no more holines in the one , thē in the other . 1. Tim. 4. 5. 〈◊〉 , though each Christian hath a right to all the creatures , yet is he to be restrayned in the vse of them . And that by these limits : 1 The bond of Religion , which enioynes some times an intire abstinence from the creature , that so we might be better fitted to spirituall duties . 1. Tim. 5. 23. 1. Pe. 5. 8. Ion. 3. 2 The bond of Christian policie may restraine vs the vse of some creatures on some daies , for the benefit of the Common-wealth , to which we ought to obey for conscience sake . Rom. 13. 5. 3 The bond of nature restraines vs that we may not eat but for necessitie . Eccles. 10. 16. Mat. 12. 1. 4 The bond of conscience and equity also enioynes vs , that we may not lawfully eate , vnlesse we haue labored for it . 2. Thess. 3. 12. 5 The bond of our callings binds vs so to eate , as our Chr●stian calling● may be furthered and out Ciuil callings will maintaine . 1. Tim. 5. 8. 6 The bond of Charity will●s vs not to eat our morsels alone , but to prouide and reserue somewhat for the poore . Iob 29. 31. Psalme 16. Neh. 8. 7 The bond of Sobriety restraines ●s from faring deliciously euery day , & from far-fetcht dainties , but to vse our liberty as if we vsed it not , auoiding vnnecessary prouocations of gluttony . Esay 5. 9. 10. Luk. 16. 1. Cor. 7. 23. 8 The bond of contentment , which wisheth the seruant not to enuie at the more liberall fare of his Master , but each to bee content with the portion that is fit for him . 1. Tim. 6. 6 , 8. Thirdly , we are to renue our right in the creature by daily sanctifying them vnto vs by the word & praier . 1. Tim. 5. 1. Sam. 9. 13. And that : 1 By acknowledging our selues vnworthy of them . Gen. 32. 10. 2 Giuing God the glory of them with thanksgiuing . Mat. 26. 3 Seasoning them with holy and religious thoughts , and cheerefull yet profitable conference . Iudg. 14. Luke 14. 4 Offering the strength of them vnto God in our callings . 1. Kings 19. 8. The benefit hereof is : 1 We shall auoyd superstition , and that damnable doctrine of diuels . 1. Tim. 4. 2. 2 We shall be better enabled to spirituall duties . Matt. 26. 30. 3 we shall vse our Christian libertie aright . Rom. 14. 4 Wee shall further nature to grace . 5 We shall eate of our owne , and so be blessed . Psal. 128. 1. 6 We shal prouide safely for the time of famine , and eate to liue . Psa. 33. 19. Psal. 37. 7 We shall make vs friends of this Mammon of iniquitie , and ease our selues wel of an heauy burthen . Euke 16. 8 We shall be readie to die , and prepared to the meate that shall endure for euer . Iohn 6. 27. And thus much concerning our food . The like may we conceiue concerning our apparell . CHAP. XXII . AS touching company , we are to obserue these points : First , The kindes of company , which are , Good or Bad. Here learne , First , To discerne good and euill company . As thus : First , Those are to be esteemed good , which 1 Are of the same profession with vs. Ephes. 5. 11. Psalme 15. 4. 2 Who labour to holinesse and sincerity of life . Ephes. 5. 3 Who suffer with vs for the same profession . 4 Who loue the Saints , and long of the appearance of Christ Iesus 1. Cor. 1. 2. Thess. 3. 14. Secondly , Those are to be accounted euill : 1 Who speake euil of the power of profession Iud. 2. Pet. 2. 2 That refuse to participate in the meanes of holines . 3 That disgrace profession with a prophane life . Ephe. 5. 6. 4 That hate to be reproued , and continue obstinate in their sinne . Iohn , 2. Epist. 5 That betray and persecute the saints of God. Mat. 10. Secondly , learne Principally to make choice of good companie . Psal. 15. Thirdly , obserue we , That wee are not to refuse the worst companie vpon these conditions : 1 If thy calling require and allow thee , for their good , especially being sought vnto . Matthew 3. 5. Luk. 14. 1. 2 If vpon occasion thou fall vpon them , or they into thy companie . 1. Reg. 18. Act. 17. 17. 3 If they be in any extremitie thou art to seeke to them . Luke 10. 33. 4 So thou doe not returne to them , but reclaime them to thee . Ier. 15. 19. Fourthly , learne how to behaue thy selfe in companie . Concerning good company there are these rules : 1 Christian Salutation and greeting each other in the Lord. Ruth . 2. 2 To be large hearted , and offer the most pretious pearls vnto them . Math. 13. 3 To vse among them more cherefulnesse and familiaritie . 4 To exhort one another to constancie . Heb. 3. 14. 5 To reproue each other for knowne or suspected infirmities . Leuit. 19. 17. Gal. 2. 11. 13. 6 Taking occasion by some present blessing or iudgement , to prouoke to repentance , or thankefulnesse . Gen. 33. 11. Gen. 49. 9. 15. 7 Ioyning together in prayer , at lest once before breaking vp . Ephesians 6. 8 Aduising each other for outward occasions , but sparinglie . Phil. Epist. 2. Tim. 4. 13. 23. 9 Commending each other to their priuate remembrances . Ephes. 6. 19. Act. 20. 32. 10 In their conference to keepe an holie order , that the grauest , and most experienced may both begin and moderate , without interruption or preiudice of any ones gifts . 1. Cor. 14. Iob. 32. 4. The end and vse of good company is : 1 To draw vnderstanding out of them by conference . Luke 24. Ioh. 4. 2 To receiue comfort in our inward and outward troubles . Ruth 2. 13. 3 To be merry and cheerefull in the Lord. Psal. 32. 11. 4 To maintaine loue and Christian vnity . Psal. 133. 1. 5 To nourish our hope and vnion in the fellowshippe whcih is aboue . Col. 1. 5. Now good company is either : Set & appointed ; or occasionall . Set company is to either spiritual or ciuill ends . That which is to spirituall ends is either , 1 Publique . 2 Priuate . The set publique meetings of the Saints are of two sorts : 1 Principall and necessary . 2 Accessory and occasionall . The Principall meetings are such which doe immediatly concerne and are so imployed in the worship of God. And these are : First , The weekely meetings on the Sabbath . And herein obserue these rules : First , That we prepare each other thereto , by 1 Counsell , and 2 Encouragement . 3 Examining our wants , and 4 Labouring to bee found in Christ. Eccles. 4. Phil. 3. 5 With prayer for the ministery of the word . Col. 4. 6 Instructing our families . 2. Thesse . 3. and 7 Condemning our former abuse of the Sabbath . 8 Renuing our vowes for more conscionable obedience for the time to come ; and lastly , meditating on the eternall Sabbath . Secondly , That we come together to the assemblies , & not stragle but that we may be partakers of the whole worship of GOD. Actes 13. 44. Thirdly , that wee vse all holy and reuerend gesture to further attention to the holy things , as to stand vp , to look vpon the preacher , &c. Luk. 4. 20. Num. 23. 18. 4 That wee faile not priuatelie to stire vp one another ( as we perceiue dulnes ) to watchfulnes & heed-taking , by iogging , &c. 5 That we ioine with the congregation in such parts of Gods worship as then are presently performing 1. Cor. 14. Act. 20. 36. 6 That wee continue out the performance thereof , wayting for the blessing , vnlesse more vrgent occasion call away . Mathew 24. 20. 7 That we confere with our families and neighbours some few together , of such lessons as we haue publiquely heard , desiring to be satisfied by our minister of doubtfull points . Act. 17. 8 That we count this our onely recreation for this day to build vp the soule in knowledge and holinesse . Esay . 58. 13. Hitherto serue the priuate exercises . As 1 Sanctifying our selues daily in the familie , by prayer and instruction of our people . Genesis 18. 19. Act. 10. 2 Examination of our selues , & people concerning the publique ministerie and triall of our profiting thereby . 3 Our soliloquies and secret conferences with God ; and these are either set , or sudden , vpon the extraordinarie occasion . The vse hereef is : 1 That without these we must not looke for any benefite in the publique . 2 By these we shall be enabled thereto , and assured of a blessing therein . A Second publique meeting for Gods worship , are the solemnities of thankesgiuing for extraordinarie blessings receiued . Exod. 15. Hest. 9. Est. 8. &c. And these are to be performed : 1 By the lawfull authoritie of the Christian Magistrate . 2 They are to bee kept as Sabboths , with , 1 Like preparation . 2 Cessation from worke . 3 Contribution to the poore , & 4 Spirituall exercise of the word and prayer . 1. Cor. 16. 2. Hest. 9. 5 Onely here may be a more liberall vse of Gods creatures , in regard of inuitation of the poore , and enlarging of Christian liberty vpon the occasion . 1. Samu. 9. 23 , 24. Gen. 21. 8. 6 These are so be kept , that wee be fitted and prepared thereby , to other the like dueties of thankesgiuing vpon priuate occasions , not that the performance hereof should make amends , and cut off these . Luke 16. Esth. 1. 7 That herein we auoyd : 1 Customarines . 2. Pet. 2. 13. 2 Opinion of merit . 3 Superstition . Iud 12. and 4 Wil-worship Col. 2. 16 , 21. A third publique spirituall meeting , is that holy exercise of Fasting and Prayer . Luke 5. 33. Acts. 1. And here obserue : 1 The Author , which must bee the Christian Magistrate . Ionah 3. 7. 2 The occasion , which is manifold , As 1 The ouerflowing of sinne , threatning some grieuous iudgmēt . 2 Some iudgement threatned , either by the word , or by some visible signe . 2. Chron. 20. Ion. 3. Ioel 2. Est. 4. 3 Some chastisement that is vpon the land . 4 When any special good is to be done for Church or common-weale . Exod. 19. Act. 13. 3. 5 When we feare the remoueall of some great blessings , as the word , &c. 6 When we see the like occasions in our neighbours , we are also for their cause to be humbled . Psal. 35. Thirdly , Consider we the manner how the duety of fasting is to bee performed . And that , 1 For the Solemnity of it must bee kept as a Sabbath . Esay . 58. Zach. 7. 2 Here must be an abstinence , for the time from all meates , and all lawfull comforts , as thereby acknowledging our selues vnworthie of life , vnles we shal hereby be vnfitted to prayer . Ioel 2. 13. 14. 3 We must also come before the Lord as beggers , in our meanest attire , as a signe of our humilitie : Ioh. 3. Est. 4. 4 Here must be a more solemne and particular confession of sinne , both in generall and particular , with more strong cries and grones to obtaine pardon for the same , as also a more publique profession of our faith , and apprehension of Gods fauour in Iesus Christ. Dan. 9. 6. 7. & Io●l . 2. Fourthly , consider we the time of a fast , which is at the least a day , sometimes two or three , as the occasion is more vrgent . Hester 4. Ion. 3. Fiftly learne we the true vse and end of fasting . Which is : 1 Not to place religion in the bodily abstinence , but to vse it as a meanes to further religion . Ioel 2. 13. Matt. 6. 2 Gods heauy wrath hath hereby beene appeased , and iudgements kept out , and remoued , yea turned into blessings , Iudges 20. Ionas 3. And thus farre of the publique vse of spirituall sociei●e . The priuate followeth , which is seene : 1 In the priuate exercise of religion in our families , as Prayer , Chatechising , reading of the word , Meditation . 1 In priuate fasts and thankesgiuings for familie and personall occasions . Wherein obserue : 1 That they are to be performed by the authoritie of the master of the familie . 2 That they are to be kept as Sabbaths . 3 That what is allowable in the publick may here be faultie , namely shew and ostentation of that openly which we doe in priuate . Matth. 6. Thirdly , Spiritual society is seene in holy conferences , and that First , Betweene the Minister and his flocke . Here obserue : 1 To auoyd curious and high speculations . 2 To reason of such things as concerne each others state . 3 And that not so much for desire of knowledge as for conscience sake . 4 And that with al readines , and lowlines of mind . 5 And to resolue our selues and others . 6 That God may be glorified . Secondly , These conferences are betweene inferiour and superiour . Here obserue , 1 That the elder haue the former place of speech . 2 That hee despise not the aduice and opinion of the inferiour . Iob 31. 3 That each be submitted to other in the Lord , the stronger submitting himselfe to the capacity of the weake ; and the weaker yeelding to the reason of the stronger . Thirdly , This conference may fall out betweene equals . Here learne , 1 That some priority for order sake is to be vsed , and that to be giuen in respect of the best gifts . 2 Contention must be auoyded by wise bearing with each other . 3 And also order kept in attending each others speech . And 4 Wisdom to preuent idle talke , and labour the resolution of each necessary doubt . In all these Conferences generally obserue these rules : 1 That we conferre of our own principally , & not of others estates . 2 That wee auoyd as much as may be worldlines , &c. 3 That we conferre of spirituall things seasonably , and within compasse . 4 That though it be lawfull to speake of things indifferent , yet wee make choice to speake of what directly concernes holines . 5 That wee meddle not with State , or secret Domesticall occasions . 6 That we intend Gods glorie and each others profit . 7 That we be swift to heare and slow to speake . Iam. 5. The triall of holy conference is this : 1 That if our desire of profiting others grow cold through carnall ioy , then we are to suspect that ioy . Ioh. 4. Act. 20. 2 That either both depart better hereby , or else wee at the Ieast haue the testimony of a good conscience herein , and giue not ouer the hope of good successe . 3 That we so part from company , that wee be fit to be alone . Mat. 14. 23. And thus farre of the spirituall vse of society concerning principally the worship of God. The Accessorie meetings concerning Religion follow : Such as tend to the furtherance thereof . And that , 1 In the establishing of the truth . 2 Conuincing of error . And these are either , More generall : 1 Such as are the general Councels and Synods , appointed and gathered by the Christian Magistate , for the maintenance of true Religion , and the rooting out of heresies . Here obserue these rules : 1 That the Christian Magistrate is the chiefe moderator . 2 The word of God must bee the rule and iudge . 3 The end must be to maintaine the vnity of the spirit in the bond of peace . Ephe. 4. Secondly , Some are lesse generall , as the national and prouinciall Synods of particular Churches , to be ordered in the same manner as before . Hitherto appertaine ; 1 The schooles of the Prophets , as being the nurseries of Religion , & seminaries of the Church & common-weale . Ie. 1. 1. Amo. 7. 14. Act. 6. 9. 2. Reg. 2. 15. 2 Religious feasts tending to nourish the fellowship of the Saints . Iud. 3 Contributions & collections for the poore . Thus farre of the Spirituall vse of society . The ciuill followeth , and it is manifold . 1 State assembles to determine for the good of the body politick . 2 Corporations and Brother-hoods of Cities and Townes concerning the right vse of Trades and Mysteries . Thirdly , Contracts or bargaines , which must be with these conditions : 1 That wee vse no deceit either in word or deede , to entrappe or ouer-rate . 2 That our agreements be plaine without cunning , and voluntarie without catching . 3 That promise be kept vnlesse with consent on either side . 4 Mercie must be shewed , if we haue our brother at an aduantage . Fourthly , Ciuill societie may fall out in Sutes and Controuersies . Here obserue , 1 That these hinder not our spirituall society in the worshippe of God. 2 Neither impeach other ordinarie kindnesses , which ought to passe betweene neighbours . 3 But rather wee should suffer wrong then fal to these sutes . 1. Cor. 6. 4 And seeke wee after al meanes of priuate agreement . 5 That wee delay not sutes to wearie out our brother . 6 Much lesse by bribery seeke to ouerthrow a good cause . 7 But to ouercome euill with good , seeking peace and ensuing it . A fourth vse of society is for recreation . Here obserue : 1 That we be as carefull to vse our recreation a right , as to haue libertie in it . 2 That we make choice of a fit time , when wee haue neede , by reason of wearisomnesse in our callings . 3 Looke we vp still to God for continency in the vse of our liberty . 4 Our kinds of recreation must be honest & of good report . Ph. 4. 8. 5 We must vse great moderation of our affection therein . 6 We must be content to leaue off when by hope of gaine or company we see the abuse creeping on . 1. Thes. 5. 22. 7 Our company must be sutable , such as we may order ; nay , such as may moderate vs. 8 Wee must not be ouer-tired with our pleasures , but made more fit both for our earthly and spiritual callings . A fift vse of society , is in loue feasts , vsuall for publique meetings , and not vnfit among neighbours to maintaine peace & amity . But here we must keepe these bounds : 1 That these feasts be not frequented on the Sabbath day . Neh. 13. 15. 16. 2 In them not the priuate but the publick good must be intended . 3 Religion must be the square and moderator of them all , And 4 The end must be Gods glory . 1. Cor. 10. 31. And thus farre concerning set assemblies . There followeth occasionall : Such as are by accident . Here obserue : 1 That our principall desire and scope be to sort with the better . Ps. 16. 3. 2 That we make not choice willinglie of euill company . Prouer. 22. 23 , 24. 3 That if by occasion , as at meate , at set meetings , or by fellowship in office , &c. we are linked with them , or be bound in conscience to visit them , or meete with them in our iournies , &c. Here we must auoyd ; Hardning them in their sinne , by light familiarity , vaine applauding , or winking at them , but rather we are to reproue , if not by word , yet by behauiour . Luke 14. 7. 2 We must not deiect them by our disdaineful or imperious behauiour . 2. The. 3. 15. 1. Tim. 2. 25 , 29. 3 Neither enrage them by vnseasonable and ouer bitter reproofes , vnlesse Gods glorie presently lie in the ballance . Matth. 7. 6. But that we may benefit them , we are : 1 To conuerse grauely , and yet humbly with them . Nehemiah 2 ▪ 1. 2. 2 To waite some good occasion from their speech , & so to worke vpon it . Acts 26. 3 To call to minde some present blessing or iudgement , that so wee may put by idle talke . Amos 6. 6. Esay 5. 12. 4 Commend we what is likely spoken of them , yet with an holie drawing them on to better by graue exhortations . 2. Tim. 2. 24 , 25. 5 In all our speech let it appeare that loue is the ground , & the soules good the principall end . Matthew 5. 44. 6 Contrary we them not in their weakenesse alwaies , but expound it to the best , vnles wee see apparent contempt and desperate scorning ▪ Iud 22. 23. Rom. 14. 1. 7 If we cannot benefit by conference , then let vs take heed we do not communicate with them in euill , but rather breake off wisely as Sampson did , by some ridle or such like , and as neere as may be , leaue we thē with peace , thatso afterward there may be hope to winne them . 2. Thess. 3. 15. Rom. 12. 18. The vse of euill company is : 1 That we make the more of the better sort , and labour to make the bad better . Ier. 15. 19. 2 That wee long after heauen , where wee shall finde none but good company . Philippians 1. Heb. 12. 3 That we grow more priuate and learne to be a part with our God. Gen. 5 22. CHAP. XXIII . AND this is the next occasion of the day , wisely to be intertained of vs. Namely , to order wisely our solitarines , and that because , First , Now we are naked , and lie open to tentations . Secondly , And may with best aduantage and lest hinderance pursue the best things , and so are capable of the greatest good , or subiect to the greatest euill . Here therefore obserue these rules : 1 That though we be from the company of men , yet we haue the presence and fellowship of the Almightie , and the ministery of his holy Angels , and therfore that now especially we reioyce in this fellowship . Psal. 16. Psal. 139. 2 Yet so as that we neglect not our callings , but be sure that we be kept from idlenes . 2. Thess. 3. 3 That wee especially call to mind those ill neighbours which we shall neuer be rid of so long as wee liue , namely , our sinnes , and in our greatest freedome of solitatines forget not our bondage vnder this tyrranny . Heb. 12. 1. 4 That we take heed of idle and curious speculations , feeding therby our melancholy or vaine thoughts . 5 That we be carefull to order and represse the infinite wandrings of the mind , which at such times is most busie and exorbitant . Gen. 6. 5. Dan. 4. 2. 6 Especially that we be wise to discerne satans deepenes , who now wil vsually most eagerly assault vs , either taking aduantage of our security , because we are freed from outward occasions , or working vpō priuatenes & want of succour . Mat. 4. 7 That especially we meditate on heauenly things , comforting our selues with the holy protection of Angels , who attend vs , and reioycing in the hope of that blessed fellowship which expects vs in heauen . Gen. 5. Gen. 24. 63. 8 At no hand giue we place to Satan , seeking now to scare or distract vs , but resist we strongly by faithful praier . 1. Pe. 5. 8. 9. 2. Ch. 3. 1 9 Presume not of such solitarines either which hath no warrant , as that of Monks , &c. or when thou art bound to society , for heerein thou excludest thy selfe the protection of the Lord. Eccles. 4. 9 , 10. Thus behauing our selues alone , 1 We shall neuer want the comfort of sweet communion . Mat. 28. Apoca. 3. 20. Iohn 14. 23. 2 Readie shall we bee for such troubles when we may be driuen to be alone . Apoca. 1. 9. 10. 3 Fitter also for the fellowship and communion of the saints . 1. Tim. 3. 4. 5. 4 Strenghtned against satan , who now wil principally assault vs. Mat. 4. Eccles. 4. 10. 5 And profitable redeemers of the time , and purchasers of eternity . Ephes. 5. 16. Prouided : 1 That we vexe not our selues with ●i●ting or enuying others businesse and states , lest hereby we be made vnfit for our owne . 1. Tim 5. 13. 2 That we ouerwhelme not our selues with ouermuch thinking of worldly things , especially of the times to come , or things which may happen , lest the heart bee drowned with the loue of the creature or appalled with feare of after-clapps . Mat. 6. 34. Luke 21. 34. 3 In● meditation of heauenly things , looke we that our custome heerein cause not a vilifying or loathing of such heauenly mysteries . Mat. 6. 7. Mat. 15. 9. 4 Take we heed of an ouerweening conceit of our selues , if thou findest a greater furniture of Gods graces . Iohn 5. 35. 5 Especially bee carefull that while thou meditatest of forsaking sin , thou beest not entangled with some spice thereof , either presuming further then thy present strength , or by cōceit of what thou doest , or by the deceitfulnes of Satan abusing thee with a contrarie colour of sin , while thoulabourest to preuent him in another . 6 And then in labouring to re●ist sin , see thou beest well armed & know thy strength too : yet fearefull of thy selfe , and so humbly cast vpon God , that so thou mayest resist in the euil day . Ephes. 6. Prouer. 28. 14. Psal. 16. 8. And thus much concerning solitarines . CHAP. XXIIII . THE next imployment of the day 〈◊〉 how to behaue thy selfe in enioying of good things , and in the right vse of prosperity : and the knowledge hereof is needefull . First , Because the best haue been tripped in this estate , as Salomon , Ionas , &c. For first heereby religious exercises haue beene coldly performed and intermitted . Mat. 22. 5. 2 Liberty hath beene giuen to loosenesse , and inward gifts growne cold . Hab. 1. 16. Amos 6. 5. 3 Euils that were banished , haue beene recalled againe , as gaming , &c. 1. Cor. 10. 7. 4 They weaken our trust and confidence in God. Hab. 1. 16. 5 Withdraw our loue and kindnes towards inferiours , with whom heretofore we haue been inward . 6 Breede policy , and so decei● euen in many professors . Genes . 20. 11. And 7 Cause couetousnes and loue of this life . Psal. 62. 10. Luc. 12. 19. Amos 6. 3. 8 Yea , breed an vnwillingnesse to beare the crosse , and cunning to auoid it . Mat. 26. 9 Giue occasion to the world to thinke we are hers , and so causing her to presūe of vs , makes hir hereby , being deceiued , when it comes to the proofe , our more heauie enemie . Gen. 31. 10 Hereupon also it comes to passe that the burthen lies heauier vpon the afflicted , euen because of our prosperity , beeing not caried wisely , and tenderly . Amos 6. 5. Esay . 5. 11 Yea , it is the occasion that causes vs many times to censure those that are afflicted , and to challenge their sincerity because of their afflictions . Iob 8. Iob 4. &c. 12 And not onely so , but it causeth iealousie among professors , and so distrust of each other , when all beare not the same burthen . Romanes 15. 1. Romanes 12. 13. 16. 2 This estate is very slippery , and therefore wee had neede to get sure footing that we may stand vpright therein . Psal. 73. 3 It is most vncertain & changable and therefore it stands vs vpon to make vs friends thereof while we haue it . Luk. 16. 4 The feare of the losse hereof doth much distract which the right vse therof will much abate and qualifie . Psal. 112. 7. It being therefore apparant that the best may and do abuse prosperity obserue now how we may vse it a right : First , then let vs consider the ends , why the Lorde bestowes these outward blessings in this life vpon his children , which are these 1 To trie whither we wil prefer him before them , and can loue him better then them . Iob. 1. 2 To make vs his stewards in an holy dispensation of them . Mat. 25. 3 To be pledges vnto vs , and furtherances of spirituall blessings . Gen. 17. 1. 4 That wee may humbled to giue him the glorie of thē . Ro. 11. 36. And therefore , 1 We must not set our hearts vpon them but keepe them intirely to God. Psal. 62. 2 We must not be puffed vp with them . Psal. 75. 3 Wee must not tie , nor measure God onely by them . Psalme 30. 6. 4 Wee must bee willing for his sake to part with them either for the good of others or to auoyd our owne hurt . Mat. 10. 37. 5 And all this not as if they were ours , but Gods to dispose wholy to his glory , and the good of his church & children . Matt. 19. 29 13. Colos. 3. 23. Rom. 12. Secondly , because the ouer high conceite of these things is no small occasion to bewitch our hearts with them , therfore let vs labour to rectifie our iudgements concerning prosperity that so our ouerweening opinion thereof may be abated , and our affections rectified therein . To this end . First , consider we that though they are Gods blessings , yet they are giuen for the most part to euil men & become snares & pits vnto them . Ps. 69. and therfore , if there were no other preheminence , euen the wicked in these excell vs. 1. Tim. 6. 2 Acknowledg we that the best haue bin tainted and much defaced by them , & behold we in their example what may befal vs , as Solomon and Dauid . 3 That they neither haue bin , nor shall be any certaine inheritance to the best , but haue changed their master according to the good pleasure of the giuer . 4 That we deserue not the least of thē , & with al our industry without Gods blessing cannot compasse them , and when we haue them they are but lent vs. 5 That in the iudgement of the best they are but vanity , and breed vexation of spirit ; Nay , that indeed they are nothing , yea lesse then nothing . Eccles. 1. 2. 1. Cor. 7. 3 Wee must bee carefull in the right dispensation of them . And that in this manner : First , We must principally honor God with our substance . Prouer. 3. And this is done , 1 By acknowledging we haue al of his free mercy . Gen. 32. 2 Willingly consessing from what a low estate the Lord hath raised vs. Gen. 32. 3 By thankefulnes vnto him for the least as well as for the greatest . 1. Tim. 6. 8. Ephes. 5. 20. 4 By faithfulnes in a lower state , that so the Lord may increase vs. Matt. 25. and this is performed : 1 By following our calling , as cōtentedly & hūbling our selues therin being increased , as when we began with nothing . De. 8. 11. Phi. 4. 11 , 12 2 We must now much more be open handed , and that especially to the houshold of faith . 2. Cor. 9. Gal. 6. 10. 3 We must not thinke it enough to comfort the body , but wee must also minister to the soule , which few rich men make cōscience of , neither indeed are able to performe . Ge. 18 2 We must honour our selues in God with thē , by eating the labours of our hands . Psa. 128. and that not only for necessity but for ornament also . But yet with these conditions : 1 That we exceede not our callings . 2 That wee remember Ioseph in trouble . Amos 6. 5. 3 That we be alwaies fitted to spirituall duties . Luke 21. 34. 4 And readie to be abased as we haue abounded . Phil. 4. 11. The triall of the right vse of our prosperity is : 1 That our heauenly thirst goes forward with our earthly , and exceeds it . 1. Tim. 6. Mat. 6. 33. 2 That these outward things weane vs from the loue of the world 1. Cor. 7. 29 , 30 , 31. 3 That we are prepared to suffer afflictions . Luke 9. 23. 4 That though wee giue these things their due , yet wee account them al as dung in respect of Christ. Phil. 3. 8. 5 That we make them our seruants to our Christian callings . Luke 16. 19. Helpes hereunto are : 1 To consider , we are but strangers and pilgrims in this life , and therefore had neede to goe lightlie on our iourney . 1. Pet. 2. 11. 2 We are but tenants at will. 1. Tim. 6. 17. 4 Stewards for other . Luke 16. 4 Must giue vp a large account at the day of Christ Iesus . Luke 12. 48 CHAP. XXV . AND this is the next occasion daily occurring euen to vse aduersity a right . A direction very needfull . 1 Because the deerest children of God haue failed herein . Psalme 73. 2 Wee profit in nothing more then in an holy vse of afflictions . Psal. 119. 71. 3 God sheweth himselfe in no occasion so marueilous as in this . Psal. 107. 4 Satan hopes in nothing to trip vs as herein . Iob 1. 5 The world hath no more effectuall meanes to condemne the generation of the iust , then by their troubles . Iob 8. Acts 28. 4. That we may therefore vse aduersity aright : First , Learne we to informe our iudgements concerning the same , as 1 Concerning the causes : 1 That they come not by chance but are appointed of God and sealed vpon vs. Iob 33. 15. Amos. 3. 2 That they are imposed in loue and of very faithfulnesse . Psal. 119. 3 That there is some cause of them in vs , though presently not knowne to vs. And these causes may be , 1 Either chastisement for some sinne past , or present . 2. Sam. 21. 1. 2 Preuention of some sinne wherein wee are like to fall : as securitie , pride , &c. 2. Cor. 12. 3 Triall and exercise of some graces of God in vs. 1. Pet. 1. 7. 4 Conuincing the world of standerous imputations , as that we serue God for these things . Iob 1. &c. 5 To draw vs neerer to God , and cause vs to haue experience of his power and goodnes . Ioh. 11. 6 Recouery of some graces which by prosperity haue beene decayed in vs. Hosea . 5. 15. 7 Prouoking vs to a daily iudging of our selues , that we be not cōdemned with the world . 1. Cor. 11. 30. 31. 8 To weane vs from the loue of this life , and cause vs to long and sigh for our deliuerance . Apoca. 6. 10. Apoca. 22. 20. Secondly , That wee may vse afflictions rightly , we must bee alwaies prepared to them . 1. Pet. 4. 12. and that 1 By submiting our wils simply in al things to the prouidence of our gracious father . Mat. 26. 39. 2 By considering that wee were predestinated and ordained vnto them . Rom. 8. 22. 3 Wee must in the purpose of our hearts make choice of this ordinance . Mat. 7. and be readie to vndergoe it . Heb. 11. 25. 4 That this is the narrow way and strait gate that leads to heauen . Act. 14. 5 That all the saints of God haue traced this way before vs. Heb. 12. 1 6 That this yoake is easie and the burthen passing light , as hauing the sting thereof taken a way by Iesus Christ and yet that he beares the burthen now with vs. Esay . 53. and indeed wholy takes it vpon him . Mat. 10. 7 That these trobles are enemies to the flesh , and therefore the rather to be vndergone to subdue so treacherous an enemy . 2. Cor. 12. 8 By Imposing voluntarie troubles vpon our selues that so we may better digest such as God , shall necessarie inflict vpon vs. 1. Cor. 9. 27. And these are , 9 Let vs enter into the house of mourning , and obserue the chastisements of the Lord vpon others , laboring to stirre vp our bowels towards them , and to weepe with them that weepe . Rom. 12. 10 At no hand presume we of our strenght before the time , but feare wee our selues , and cast wee our selues wholy on God. Mat. 16. 33. 11 Discerne we wisely our fitnes for trobles & auoyd we al vnnecessary and vnseasonable afflictions . Ioh. 18. 8. Mat. 10. 23. 2. Cor. 11. 33. 12 Iudge we wisely of the troubles of others and take heed we ad affliction to their affliction . Ps. 41. 13 Meditate we often of the former ends and benefits of troubles which are manifold . Psal. 119. 67. 14 Vse we an holy moderation in the time of our prosperity in our diet , apparell liberty . &c. 1. Pet. 5. 8. 15 Mainetaine wee especially tendern●s of conscience & soundnes of heart by daily examination , and iudging our selues , so shall we be fit for any affliction . Cor. 1. 12. 16 If our estate seem to diminish outwardly let vs be contented with it , & so shal we by degrees be prepared to further emptying 2. Cor. 4. 16. 17 Consider wee that we haue our captaine Iesus Christ to be our cōpanion in all troubles . 1. Pet. 4. 13 18 And that we haue the strength of the holy Ghost to lead vs throw them . Phil. 4. 13. 19 And be we assured of the protection of Angels to defend vs in the same . Psal. 34. 20 And let vs be thinking , of the shortnes of life , & so of troubles , and preparing to death & so no afflictiōs shal be vnwelcome to vs. Phil. 1. 20. 21 Forget we not to meditate oftē on the ioyes of heauē , that so whē afflictiōs cōe we may be encouraged the rather to vndergoe them in respect of the inestimable reward which is set before vs. 2. Co. 4. 16. 17. And thus shall we be happily prepared to afflictions & so make a comfortable vse of them when they are vpon vs. To this end consider further : 1 Not what God hath laid vpon vs , but what we haue deserued . Rō . 6. 23. Dā . 9. 7. Ps. 119. 75. Ps. 103. 9. 10. 2 How long God heretofore hath spared vs , & in how many corruptions he hath in great patiēce waited vpō vs , though now he meet with vs. 3 That we are not swallowed vp of the crosse , which is an euiden● note of Gods hand put vnder , and that the Lord laies no more vpon vs then we are able to endure . Psalm . 37. 1. Cor. 10. 13. 4 View wee the impatience of Gods children vnder the crosse , to preuent , or remedie the like in vs. Iob. 3. Ionah 4. 5 Meditate we on Gods promises , and so quiet our hearts . Ps. 46. 56. 6 Call we to mind former deliuerances & so we shal strengthen our faith for the present & to cōe . Ps. 77. 7 Take we heede of iudging our case singular , as if neuer any were so much afflicted as we are . Lam. 1. 12 8 Be we diligent in following our callings to auoyd distraction , & preuent worse afflictions . 9 Pray we for our enemies & the rods of our correction . Mat. 5 : 44 ▪ 10 Be we earnest with God rather to sanctifie then to remooue the crosse . Phil. 1. 19. 11 And yet presse the remouall , as may stand with his glorie , our owne and the good of the Church . 12 Yet with wisdome & patience , neither tying the Lord to the time , nor manner , nor measure of the deliuerance , but for the temporal chastisement , yelding absolutely vnto God. 2. Sam. 15. 13 Be we thankful vnto God for thē & reioyce we vnder the crosse . 14. If we bee buffeted vnder the crosse with impatiency , or such like tētations : let it cōfort vs , that feeling these corruptions , and acknowledging , yea striuing against them , it is a certaine token of a future victory . 15 Consider we the euils that are prepared for sinners , that so we may the better endure light afflictions 2. Thess. 1. 16 Forget we not to compare the present profit in troubles with the sensible losse , that sin is hereby lessened , and the matter of sinne weakened . 2. Cor. 4. 17 Liue we especially by faith and not by sense , beleeuing the things we see not , and hoping the things that are desperate . 2. Corint . 1. Heb. 11. 18 That Gods power is more seene in the issues out of trouble , then in keeping vs out of them altogether , and therefore this serueth to the magnifiing of Gods power . Ps. 98. 1. 19 Heereby Satan also is most confounded , that whereby he labours most to ouerthrow the Church , and Gods children , they are by the same confirmed and profited Phil. 1. 12. 20 Promise we to further others in the waies of God. Psal. 51. 21 Vow we the praises of God in the great congregations . Psal. 35. &c. 22 Moue we the Lord from the insolency of our enemies . Psa. 119. 126. Psal. 41. 23 As also by testifying our zeale to his glory , that it may not be blasphemed of the wicked . 24 Labor we especially to comfort our hearts with the testimony of our innocency , & that good cause for which we suffer . 1. Sam. 24. 12. 25 Yet acknowledge we before God that we are not cleare , and so abhorre we ourselues in sackcloth and ashes . Iob 11. 26 If we suffer as euill doers , yet remember wee that the crosse is not so much sent as a punishment for sinne , as a remedie against it . Psa. 119. 77. 27. Moue we the Lord from the sense of our owne weakenes . Iob 6. and vtter inability as of our selues . Psal. 6. 28 Protest we our faith in God. Iob 13. 15. and patience in waiting vpon him . Psal. 123. 2. Micah 7. 9. 29 Bind we the Lord to vs from the manifestation , and making good of his fauour in that he suffers not our enemies to triumph ouer vs. Psal. 41. 11. CHAP. XXVI . THus behauing our selues in troubles we shall vndoubtedly find a good issue in them : heereunto will further much such spirituall exercises as are incedent to the day . And these are : First , to humble our selues often in the day before God in priuate prayer . Daniel 6. 10. Secondly , to exercise with our familie prayer , catechizing , reading of the word , & singing of spiritual● himnes . Genes . 18. Col. 3. 2. Tim. 3. And this must daily be performed ▪ because , 1 We are most ignorant and forgetfull . 2. Pet. 1. 13. 15. 2 New tentations doe daily assault , vs which by these meanes ar● to be resisted . Luk. 9. 23. 3 Hereby we are fitted to the publick duties of the sabbath . Act. 13. 16 ▪ 4 The soule is spiritually nourished and hath sweete felloship and communion with God. Iohn 5. 39 ▪ Gen. 18. 17. 5 We haue our conuersation in heauen . Phil. 3. 20. 6 We sanctifie all our outward occasions vnto vs. Iob 1. 7 And obey Gods will in declaring his mercies vnto our families , and propagating his truth and Gospell , and hereby approue our selues liuing stones of the house of God. Pet. 2. 5. 8 We increase hereby in the heauenly thrift , and strengthen our selues in our iourney towards heauen . Col. 1. 10. 11. 9 We prepare our selues cōfortably to our accoūt & rekoning which daily we are to cast vp . Mat. 24. 46. CHAP. XXVII . ANd this is the last duety daily to bee performed of vs , Euen to take an account of our daily actions . And that : 1 Because hereby we approoue and much confirme the same . 2 Wee purge our hearts of all dregges and remainders of sinne . 3 We haue experience of the excellēcie & certainty of a christiā life 4 We make our account readie against the day of the Lord Iesus . 5 We procure stability and constancy for the time to come . 6 We yoake and diminish our daily tentations . 7 We keepe sinne from sleeping , with vs. 8 By repentance remouing it , our sleepe becomes more sweete and comfortable . 9 Our labours afterward prouelesse irksome . 10 We walke with God and expresse the true pilgrimes life . Now that we may the rather performe this duetie . Consider we , 1 That the very heathen in some sort by the light of Nature practised it . 2 That if trouble here be , it is to the flesh , to which wee are not debtors . Rom. 8. 12. 3 That it is no more then God commands and christianity requites at our hands . 4 That when we haue done all we can , wee are but vnprofitable seruants , and therefore we had need striue to the vtmost . And for our better direction herein , learne we , First , that the fittest time for performance hereof is after prayer . Secondly , For the manner hereof beginne we , 1 From the cogitations of the first awaking from sleepe . 2 So proceed we to consider of our morning actions , how we haue confered with our God in priuate , how sanctified our families . 3 Examine such occasions as haue befell vs in our callings . 4 What vse wee haue made of company , what of our being alone : how wee haue receiued and vsed Gods creatures , and haue bin knit vnto God by them . 5 How we haue beene buffited by Satan , the world , &c. 6 What comfort we haue found in the word & spirituall exercises . 7 If thou shalt find the testimony of a good conscience and peace , so reioyce and praise thy God. If thou findest thy failings , so be humbled and cast thy selfe vpon Iesus Christ , in Prayer . 2 Recounting vnto God , as neere as thou mayest thy particular slips , and so acknowledging thy selfe an vnprofitable seruant , seeke thy peace in the merits of thy Sauiour , and so lie downe in his bosome , and so thou shalt find rest for thy soule . Thus farre of the daily Sacrifice . The Lord enable vs to the oblation therof , for his Sonne Christ Iesus his sake , our most full and sufficient saecrifice . Amen . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A19284-e260 * Greenham . Perkin● . Rogers . Downam . and Arthur Dent , &c. Notes for div A19284-e4540 Of man and his ▪ Creation . Fall. Redemption . How it was performed . The Benenefit of our redemption . The application of this benefit by Faith. Notes for div A19284-e7710 The word the guide of this direction . Notes for div A19284-e8180 What this direction is , namely to serue God dayly and constantly . Notes for div A19284-e8660 What this daily course is , namely a constant purpose to serue God. Sect. 1. This course to be known though impossible to be keept . Sect. 2. It is not impossible Sect. 3. It is necessarie . Sect. 4. And profitab●e . Sect 5. And pleasant . The benefite of constant godlines , and therein the Priuiledge of Christians . Notes for div A19284-e10460 What are the particulars of this daily sacrifice . Notes for div A19284-e10520 1 To be humbled before the Lord in the sense of our sinnes . Sect. 1. Practice of repentance . Sect. 2. Helps to this practise . Sect. 3. Markes of repentance . Sect. 4. Effects of repentance . Notes for div A19284-e11330 Of the raising vp of a sinner by a true and liuely faith Sect. 1 How faith is reuiued in vs. Sect. 2. The degrees of this work . Sect. 3. The markes of particular assurance . Sect. 4. The degrees therof . Weakenes of Faith. How knowne . How caused . Sect. 5. Strength of faith . How knowne . How obtained . Notes for div A19284-e12300 The preparing and furnishing the heart to the seruice of God. Sect. 1. The heart asleepe , & by what meanes . Sect. 2. The heart to be awakened , and how . Sect. 3. The heart awakned , must be examined : And how . 1. By a true rule . 2 By an holy manner . 3 To a right end ▪ Sect. 4. The heart examined , must be established in the worship of God. And how . Powerfull . Notes for div A19284-e14090 Of the spirituall armor , and arming of the heart . Sect. 1. The parts of the spirituall armor and , 1. of the girdle of truth It parts are : Sect. 2. 1 A rectified iudgemēt . How put on . The benefit thereof . Sect. 3. The sanctified cōscience , and how discerned ▪ How put on . The benefit thereof . Sect. 4. The sincerity of the will. It markes . It measure The benefit thereof . Sect. 5. 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 . Notes for div A19284-e25360 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 . Notes for div A19284-e27710 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 . Notes for div A19284-e28750 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 . Notes for div A19284-e29790 Of wathfulnes . 1 The vse of it . 2 How performed 3 Helpes hereto . 3 To haue the feare of God continually before our eyes . Notes for div A19284-e30170 Of praier . 1 And it cōditions . 2 The benefit of prayer . Notes for div A19284-e30490 Of peace with God , and lying downe therewith● 1 It necessity . 2 How obtained . 3 How performed Notes for div A19284-e30980 How to profit in this direction . Notes for div A19284-e31100 Of right imploying the occasions of the day . Notes for div A19284-e31180 Of rising with God and awaking in his peace . 1 The necessity thereof . 2 How performed . 3 How furthered . Notes for div A19284-e31510 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 , Notes for div A19284-e32530 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 . Notes for div A19284-e34670 Of the right vse of the creatures . Sect. 2. The benefit thereof . Of company , and Notes for div A19284-e35250 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 . Notes for div A19284-e38570 Of solitarines . Sect. 1. How to behaue our selues therein . Sect. 3. Cautions to be obserued . Notes for div A19284-e38940 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 . Notes for div A19284-e39820 Of aduersity and the right vse therof . Sect. 1. How necessary . Sect. 2. How to be vsed well . Sect. 3. Helpes hereto . Notes for div A19284-e40760 Of Family exercises . Sect. 1. Of the daily account . Notes for div A19284-e40970 Why to be performed .