Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life, Pages 150-200

Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life · Pages 150-200

p. 150So that wee may well affirme, without this compleate armour of p. 151God, that the Chriſtian life cannot be continued.

THe third point is, how this Armour ſhould be put on. For the anſwer whereof wee are to know, that it is not wholly wanting in any true Chriſtian: for every true believer at his firſt converſion, is made partaker (though in weake meaſure) of all things appertaining to life and godlineſſe, 1 Pet. 1.4.

What then meaneth the Apoſtle when he biddeth us put on this armour? His meaning is, that wee ſhould not have it as men in the time of peace have their bodily armour hanging by them, unfit f…r uſe; but as ſouldiers have theirs in battell, we muſt be ſure, that in all places, and upon all occaſions, we have it with us ſo farre as wee are able, we muſt lie downe, and riſe up with it; becauſe our battell laſteth all our life long, and our enemies be deadly, and all our p. 152ſtrength is by our armour.

Now to put on, and alſo to keepe on, and to have the feeling of every part of this armour, (faith againſt diſtruſt, hope againſt fainting, uprightneſſe againſt hypocriſie; knowledge againſt the deceitfulneſſe of ſin; righteouſneſſe, againſt all kinde of iniquity, and the preparation of the Goſpell of peace, againſt croſſes) to have, I ſay, this armour in a readineſſe, we muſt uſe continuall watching, hearty prayer, and frequent meditation about them, Matth. 26.4.

Here is to be obſerved, that the ſword of the Spirit hath two branches, viz. that knowledge which wee get out of the letter of the Scripture onelyonly, and ſo have it but by rule: and the knowledge which wee learne by proofe and triall for the bettering of us: for as in all trades and ſciences there is great difference betwixt the experimentall knowledge of them, and bare or naked skill of them; ſo is p. 153there great diſtance betwixt one that hath onelyonly attained ſo much knowledge as will enable him to give account of his faith, and him who hath had the proofe of this knowledge, how it hath beene effectuall in him. Hee conſidereth, obſerveth, and applieth the things which he heareth, ſeeth, and doth, to his owne uſe: and by things paſt thus duly regarded, hee learneth and getteth wiſdome to adviſe and guide him for the preſent, and for the time to come.

This is experience, which maketh us wiſe in all things that are profitable to godlineſſe and eternall life.

The obſervation of the reward of evill will make us avoyd it; and experience of the fruit of a godly life, is the beſt meane to continue it: our owne triall how affl…ctions may be eaſelieſt borne, and come to beſt end, is our beſt rule for ever after. The example wee have in David, Pſalm. 120.1. 1 Sam. 17. p. 15434. Pſalm. 77.10. Pſalm. 37.37.

In ſumme, as in all Trades the beginning is hardeſt, and experience bringeth facility; ſo it is in the practice of Chriſtianity. Woefull therefore it is, that in this, of all other, men will not labour for experience.

4. The fourth generall fruit is, the benefit of this armour, which is not ſmall, for hee that putteth it on, and goeth cloathed with it thorow the day, though the Divell, and his inſtruments, doe aſſault by craft and deceit, or by force and might, hee ſhall mightily prevaile againſt them, and preſerve himſelfe; he ſhall be able to live with comfort in all eſtates that God ſhall ſet him in, and in all places which hee ſhall bring him to; and change by no occaſions, but hold out untill an end be made of all difficulties and uncertainties.

Object. We may ſerve God well enough without putting on this armour after ſo ſtrict a manner.

p. 155It is true indeed, Anſw. that a Chriſtian ſerving God may be ignorant of this armour; but hee cannot then ſay, he ſerveth God well enough; becauſe that kind of life muſt needs be wandring, unſettled, and not to be reſted in.

At leaſt it is not expedient to impoſe ſo heavie a burthen upon weake Chriſtians. Obiect.

The childe of God is no ſooner borne, Anſw. but he deſireth to continue in that eſtate of life and ſalvation, to pleaſe God in all things, and to maintaine peace and joy within himſelfe; all which is effected by the uſe of this armour.

NOw to come to thoſe helpes, either by our ſelves alone, or others alſo (for the other kinde ſhall have another place) theſe are prayer and reading. Firſt of Praier.

Prayer is a cal…ing upon God accordling to his will; it hath two parts, Thankeſgiving and Requeſt, whereunto is added the Confeſſion p. 156of ſinnes. Thankeſgiving is that part of Prayer, in which we being comforted by ſome benefit, which in favour God beſtoweth upon us, are drawne to love and praiſe him, and ſhew forth the fruits thereof.

In this direction, there are to be obſerved three things, and three motives unto them.

1. The firſt motive is knowledge and due conſideration of ſome particular benefit received or promiſed us, 1 Sam. 25.32. Gen. 24.27. Luk. 17.15. Without theſe three can be no true and heartie thankeſgiving, howſoever in words there be a proteſtation for faſhion ſake.

2. The ſecond is joy and gladneſſe of heart, for the benefit which wee thinke of, or call to minde, Pſalm. 126.1.2. Except wee finde this ſweetneſſe in the mercies, no duty of thankes c…n in good ſort be performed by them.

3. The third, is a perſwaſion, that the benefit for which we give p. 157thankes, commeth to us from God his fatherly love.

This is a farre greater cauſe of gladneſſe than the benefit it ſelfe, Pſal. 116.5.

1. The firſt duty is a continu…nce of our love to God, Pſ. 126.1.

2. The ſecond is a deſire to ſet …orth his glory, and in words to …rofeſſe and confeſſe his good…ſſe; for if wee love the Lord, we …annot but be carried with this …ervent deſire, to advance and mag…ifie him, Pſal. 116.12. and 111.

3. The third is a further pro…eeding in obedience and walking worthy his kindneſſe: this one if it be wanting from the reſt, maketh them all lame, and maimed, and as odious to God as the mortlings which were offered to him in ſacrifices, Deut. 6.10.11. Pſal. 50.16.

If in this manner wee ſhould frame our ſelves to thankefulneſſe, it muſt needes be a mighty and forcible meanes to mollifie the hard heart, and to hold under the ſtrudy p. 158corruptions of it, ſo that they may be ſubj…ct to God; yea, even when ſtrong provocations doe draw to the contrary.

Thus much of Thankeſgiving: Now for Confeſſion. Conf…ſſion is an acknowledg…ment of our ſelves to be guilty, and worthily to have deſerved Gods wrath for our grievous offences; together with a free and humble bewailing of them before the Lord: ſuch as are unknowne to us in a generall manner, but thoſe which we do know (according to the nature of them) particularly.

To the right practice of this, there are foure things required.

1 The firſt, that wee feele our ſinnes odious and burthenſome to us.

2 Secondly, that we accuſe our ſelves of them to God.

3 Thirdly, that we ſtand at his mercy, having deſerved condemnation.

4 Fourthly, that wee abaſe our p. 159ſelves thereby, and ſo are weakned, and our pride abated.

All theſe are in the confeſſion of David. Pſal. 51. of Daniel 9. of the Prodigall ſon, Luk. 15.17.

Now this confeſſion being from time to time often made unto God, will not ſuffer us to goe farre, and lie long in any ſinne, but hunt it out before it be warme and neſtled in us; and therefore it muſt needes be of great force to ſtrengthen us in a godly life.

The laſt part of Prayer, is Requeſt; it is that part of Prayer, wherein wee earneſtly poure out our ſutes unto God, in contrition of heart, according to his will, with comfortable hope, that through Chriſt we ſhall be heard, and therefore forſaking the ſinne which might hinder our ſute.

In this duty alſo there are foure things to be obſerved.

1 Firſt, that wee ſhew this contrition of heart, by being preſſed with feeling our wants, unworthineſſe, p. 160miſerable eſtate, and manifold miſeries, earneſtly deſiring to be pardoned and eaſed, 1 Sam. 1.15. Luk. 18.13.

I… this be ſo (as will ſoone follow upon right confeſſion) wee ſhall n…ither pray in lip-labour, which God abhorreth; nor thinke our ſelves too good to wait Gods leaſure, if at fi…ſt hee grant not our requeſts, but continue them as he commandeth.

2 That wee aske onelyonly thoſe things as wee have a word for, and in ſuch ſort as hee hath promiſed them, 1 Ioh. 5.14.

3 That wee quicken our ſelves to come in faith and confidence, and oft-times to come chearefully to this duty, Jam. 6.1. Ioh. 16.24.

Now to the end we may come with chearefull delight unto this duty, let us conſider the fruites, which are eſpecially three.

1 Firſt, that by prayer wee are made in a ſort acquainted, and familiar with God, and know his p. 161mind and will, and how he is affected to us, being admitted to ſpeak unto him, Iam. 4.8. Ioh. 16.26. Rev. 3.10.

2 Secondly, that it giveth life to God his graces in us, which before lay halfe dead; as wee may ſee in the example of Eſter.

3 Thirdly, it reacheth out to us in our greateſt neede, the good things and gifts of God which our ſelves deſire, Matth. 7.7.

4 The fourth and laſt property of prayer, is, that wee bring not with us the ſins which will turne away the eares of God from hearing us; ſuch are any ſinnes not repented of, but lyen in, ſecretly at the leaſt, and not renounced, Prov. 28.19. Pſal. 7.4.

Theſe are the parts of prayer, which if they be reverently and humbly adjoined together (as they ought) accompanied with the fore-mentioned properties; if we be fallen, they will raiſe us up; if wee be heavie, they will comfort p. 162us; if we be dull, they will quicken us; they are a preſent remedy to the oppreſſed heart, a preſerver o… the godly life, a giver of ſtrength to the weake, an eſpeciall meane… to make a man live in every eſtate wherein God hath ſet him: therefore prayer muſt needs be a ſtrong and mighty help to the godly life▪ for if we pray well, and keepe ou… ſelves in caſe fit to performe thi… duty, we ſhall not need to feare i… our life any great annoyance.

THe next helpe is reading; th… generall rules for it, are theſe

1 Firſt, that the bookes of Go… be, not laid aſide and neglecte… but read on …s oft of every one … may be: otherwiſe much unſavorineſſe, unquietneſſe, unfruitfulneſſe, and uncheerefulneſſe, wi… follow even in the beſt.

2 That all filthy, lewd, and wanton bookes, yea, needleſſe and unprofitable be avoided.

3 That in the Scriptures ther… p. 163be a conſtant going on in order, and not here and there a Chapter: and of other Authours, rather let one or two be read well and often, than many ſleightly.

Now as concerning the manner of reading.

1 It muſt be with hearty good will to learne and profit by it, deſiring God to prepare us with reverence, &c.

2 We muſt ſettle our ſelves for the time to be attentive, and ſo to abandon the wandring of the heart as much as may be.

3 Wee muſt be carefull to apply that which wee reade wiſely to our ſelves; as perſwading our ſelves that all duties are commanded us, all ſins forbidden us, and all promiſes to be believed of us: likewiſe wee muſt looke that all exhortations, and admonitions quicken us; all reprehenſions check us; and all threats cauſe us to feare. If reading be thus uſed, it will many waies appeaſe the conſcience; p. 164inlighten the judgement, inlarge the heart, relieve the memory, move the affections, and in a word, draw the whole man unto God; and therefore muſt needs with the reſt be a ſingular helpe and furtherance to a godly and Chriſtian life.

HItherto of ordinary helpes, extraordinary are eſpecally two.

1 Firſt, Solemne thankſgiving.

2 And ſecondly, faſting with prayer more than uſuall adjoyned.

The firſt is, when in ſome rare and unlooked for deliverance out of deſperate danger, wee doe in moſt fervent manner yeeld praiſe to God for the ſame, and rejoyce heartily in the remembrance and confideration of it, tying our ſelves in a renewing of our holy covenant more firmely to the Lord: and teſtifying both theſe by ſignes and unfained good will to our brethren. All which are to be ſeene moſt clearely and lively in p. 165that moſt famous example of Eſter and Mordecay, Eſter. 9. It is to be uſed according to the occaſion: when the occaſion of it belongs to a whole Church, and is publikely performed: it ought to be accompanied with the preaching of the Word, for the quickening of the aſſembly. If the occaſion be private, it is to be uſed privately, with Pſalmes, praiſing of his Name, and ſpeaking of his workes, and reading Scriptures tending to that end.

The ſecond extraordinary help is faſting: and this is a moſt earneſt profeſſion of deepe humiliation in abſtinence, with confeſſion of ſins and ſuppl…cations (for the greateſt part of the day at the leaſt) to God, to turne away ſome ſore calamity from us, or for the obtaining of ſome ſpeciall bleſſing.

It muſt be uſed according to occaſions, as the other; but neither muſt be taken in hand, without true repentance.

p. 166Now if we weigh the force and uſe of theſe exerciſes, how the one raiſeth up a joyfull recording of God his wonderfull kindneſſe; the other bringeth us low for our owne vileneſſe, more eſpecially remembred. Both of them doe exceedingly draw our hearts to more love and obedience to God; wee muſt needs confeſſe them to be effectuall meanes for the ſetting us forward in a godly life.

NOw that a believer is defined, the godly life deſcribed, and the helpes thereunto adjoyned: It remaineth in the next place, to direct the weake Chriſtian in the right uſe and applying of the meanes. For thoſe duties of godlineſſe are not left to men ſometimes to be practiſed, and at other times to be neglected, nor generally only, but particularly in all their actions; and every day, and thorowout the day, to be looked unto and regarded. The meaning is p. 167not, that the ſelfe-ſame particular actions and duties ſhould be every day, but yet that all evill be avoyded every day, and ſuch good done, as in our calling and life ſhall be occaſioned.

1 Firſt therefore to declare that the believer muſt have direction for his life every day out of Gods Word, it is manifeſtly proved out of theſe places of Scripture, 1 Pet. 1.17.4.2. Heb. 3.14. Luk. 1.75.

2 The Scripture doth commend unto us a certaine courſe to walke in with God, and a particular direction of our lives as may be ſeen, Pſal. 119.9. Pro. 10.9. Gal. 6.16.

And doe further require the ſame to be daily kept and followed of us, Prov. 21.14. 1 Tim. 5.10. Pſal. 119.97. Pſal. 71.15. Act. 24.16. &c. 24.7. Pſal. 145.2. Therefore Chriſtians muſt be guided by ſome daily directions in the leading of their lives.

3 Furthermore, ſo many parts of a daily direction as will ſufficiently p. 168direct a man, be enjoyned in the Word of God to be daily uſed, as in the parts of it, and the helpes unto it. In proſperity, Iam. 5.13. 1 Theſ. 5.19. Iam. 2.23. In afflictions, Iam. 1.5. 2 Chr. 20.34. Lam. 3.27. Pſal. 32.6. 2 Sam. 15.26. Luke 9.23. Deut. 33.12. Matth. 26.41. Among the helpes for Prayer, Pſal. 55.16. & 119.164, Pro. 6.22. For watchfulneſſe, Pſal. 119.97. For reading, Ioſh. 1.8. and as for publike hearing, Prov. 8.33. Acts 2.46.

4 B…ſides, if wee conſider the danger that followeth the neglecting of this direction, by taking unlawfull liberty, that will be a reaſon to ſtirre us up unto the imbracing of this truth; for, firſt we are caught preſently with the deceitfulneſſe of ſin, ſome way or other, Mat. 26.41. Heb. 3.13. 2 Tim. 4.5. Prov. 28.13.

2 Secondly, GOD himſelfe, though he keepe his children from many evills while they deſire it, p. 169yet if they be ſecure, hee leaveth them to themſelves, and doth puniſh their ſinne as hee doth other mens, 2 Sam. 7.14. 2 Chro. 16.9. Prov. 10 9. Pſal, 89.3. and we all know that Satan watcheth all opportunities to hurt us, Matth. 13.25. Matth. 12.44.

To theſe reaſons may be added.

5 That this daily direction is the beſt meanes to keepe us well, while wee be well, and to raiſe us up being fallen.

6 That the very ten Commandements, it joyning duties towards himſelfe generally on ſixe daies in three commandements, and eſpecially on the ſeventh in the fourth, but towards men on all daies, doe lead us to this daily direction.

7 That God hath forbidden ſuch differences to be made of daies, as that in one wee ſhould be carefull, in others careleſſe, Gal. 4 10. Col. 2.16.

p. 1708 And laſtly, that our whole and daily converſation muſt be in heaven, Phil. 2.1.27. and 3.20.

Therefore as a man that hath a long journey to travell, will not count this ſufficient direction to goe on Eſtward, or Weſtward, or ſuch generall rules, but will take a particular note of Townes and paſſages: ſo ought wee to learne wiſdome, that having a great pilgrimage to paſſe, wee content not our ſelves with generalls, but follow thoſe certaine particulars, which may helpe us forward in the kingdome of heaven.

NOw it followes to ſhew what this daily direction is. It is a gathering together of certaine rules out of Gods Word, by which we may be inabled every day to live according to the Will of God with ſound peace.

And therefore the following of ſuch direction, is a faithfull and conſtant endevour to pleaſe God p. 171in all things, every day as long as wee live here, to the peace of our owne conſcience, and to the glorifying of God. In the deſcription is to be obſerved:

1. That it is called an endevour only, becauſe perfection is neither required of God, nor to be looked for of the beſt Chriſtians. Thus ſuch places, as Pſal. 119.1. Luk. 11.28. which ſeeme to require perfection, are to be expounded by thoſe that ſpeake of endevour, as, Chro. 28.7. Hoſ. 6.3. Act. 24.16. But this endevour is an inſeparable fruit of the feare of God, and muſt be in our hearts continually.

2. That this endevour muſt be hearty, not conſtrained, or hollow, but conſtant, that we faint not, but hold out therein.

3. Whereto it tendeth, viz. to pleaſe God in all things, Luk. 16.13. Col. 1.10. Heb. 13 18.

4. Laſtly, …hat this muſt be daily, and continue to the end, Act. 24.16. Pro. 4.26. Act. 26.7. 2 Cor. 1.13.

p. 172The neceſſary parts of the daily direction are theſe eight.

FIrſt, every day wee ſhould be humbled for our ſinnes, as through due examination of our lives by the Law of God wee ſhall ſee them, Pſalm. 5.3. Epheſ. 4 26. Iob 1.5.

2 Every day wee ought to be raiſed up in aſſured hope of forgiveneſſ… of them by the promiſes of God in Chriſt; this is never ſepara…ed from the former, Act. 2.38. Hoſ. 14.2.3. that word in the petition this day doth teach us ſo much.

3. Every day we ought to prepare our hearts to ſeeke the Lord ſtill, and keepe them fit and willing thereto, Heb. 3.12. Deut. 5.29. Mat. 22.37. Pro 4.18.

4 Every day wee muſt ſtrongly and reſolutely arme our ſe…ves againſt all evill and ſinne, fearing moſt of all to offend God.

p. 1735 Every day wee muſt nouriſh our feare and love of God, and joy in him more than in any thing, and endevour to pleaſe him in all duties as occaſion ſhall be offered, 2 Theſ. 3 5.

6 Every day our thankes bee continued for benefits received, and ſtill certainly hoped for, Lam. 3.23. Pſalm. 118.7. and 103.3 1 Theſ. 5.18.

7 Eevery day wee ought to watch and pray for ſteadfaſtneſſe, and conſtancy in all theſe, Epheſ. 1.5.17.

8 Every day hold and keepe our peace with God, and ſo lie downe with it, 2 Cor. 1.12. Phil. 4 4. 1 Theſ. 5.16.

Theſe are all neceſſary, as without which we can never be ſafe, we can never taſte of true joy. But here two extremities are to be avoided in conceiving of them. One, that wee thinke it not ſufficient to regard theſe duties, ſome one time in the day; for wee muſt have this p. 174preſent with us, and our hearts ſeaſoned with them thorowout the day. The other is, that wee doe not take occaſion from hence to ſhake off our callings, or neglect any part of them; for in our ordinary and meaneſt workes, we may and muſt ſerve God, by doing them in faith, not for carnall reſpects only: and avoiding the common ſins that prophane ones joyne with them.

COncerning outward actions, no certaine rules can be given in particular, becauſe they are variable and infinite; yet ſome outward duties there are, although not neceſſary to be done daily, yet commonly to be obſerved, very profitable and helpfull to live well and happily, by ſettling us in the practice of a daily direction; ſuch are theſe that follow.

1 That wee walke with God, that is, that as ſoone as wee have broken off our ſleepe, wee ſet God before our eyes, and our hearts upon p. 175him, reſolving to walke with him that day, Prov. 6 22.

This accuſtoming our ſelves to good thoughts, at our firſt awaking, by ſetting our hearts upon ſome holy and heavenly things, would be a good entrance to the well ſpending of the day, and a preventing of ſundry evills.

2 That in ſolemne manner (if it may be) before wee enter upon other affaires, wee offer up our morning prayer to God, confeſſing our eſpeciall ſinnes, remembring his particular favours; requeſting both pardon for things paſſed, and aſſiſting us with bleſſings for time to come, eſpecially for that day, Dan. 6.10. For the helping forward of this duty, it is fit that ſome holy meditation be joyned with it: this being joyned with a hearty renew…ng of our covenant wil ſo ſeaſon us in the morning, that wee ſhall retaine the ſavor, and hold the ſtrength of ſuch a gracious beginning, all the day after.

p. 1763 That then (if it ſhall be moſt expedient) we with our minds ſtill kept well ordered, betake our ſelves to our calling and vocation; wherein wee muſt not ſo much minde our profit, that wee coole any grace thereby, or quench holy affections in us. That wee muſt have a calling, ſee Gen. 3.19. Eph. 4.18. 2 Theſ. 3.6. That wee muſt labour diligently therein, ſee 1 Cor. 7 20. 1 Theſ 3.6.10. Pro. 13.4.11. & 18.9. & 24.30.

But that the walking in our calling diligently may ple…ſe God, we muſt ſo uſe earthly dealings, that wee neglect not ſpirituall duties; wee muſt avoid worldly mindedneſſe on the one part, as idlenes on the other: both of which we ſhall be encouraged unto, if wee conſider that it is the Lord who ſetteth us in our callings, and hath promiſed to be with us, and to give us good ſucceſſe in them, and to help us to beare all tediouſneſſe therein, and further, that hee willeth us to p. 177doe all ſuch duties for his ſake, in ſuch manner, as if wee did them to him; and from him to looke for a reward, Ioſh. 1.8.

4 That in all companies we behave our ſelves as wee are taught of God, and as it becommeth us, eſpecially ſo as wee leave no ill ſavour behinde us. Wee muſt not therefore ruſh unadviſedly into it, as moſt men do, but determine before to doe good unto others, as we be able, or to take good of others as occaſion is offered, Col. 4.6. Ioſh. 1 8. 1 Tim. 4.12. we muſt take heede of danges to come by the fruitleſſe and hurtfull talking and behaviour, which in moſt companies wee ſhall meete withall.

Occaſions of good ſpeeches muſt not only be taken, but ſought and waited for, Act. 26.28.

If the company be ſo deſperate, that there is no place for God, yet wee muſt keepe our ſelves from their unfruitfull workes of darkeneſſe, p. 178by giving of apparent tokens of our diſlike, leaving them alſo as ſoone as wee can, and ſhunning them afterwards as much as wee may conveniently.

Amongſt others, wee muſt be ready ſeaſonably to give, or Chriſtianly to receive reproofe, exhortation, comfort, &c.

1 In particular for our recreations, wee muſt firſt looke to the time, when it is needfull.

2 The kinde, that it be honeſt, and of good report.

3 That wee forget not God, in the uſe thereof.

4 The manner, that it be with moderation of affection every way

5 Our aſſociates, that they be ſuch as wee may have comfort of.

6 Our end, that wee may be fitter to the duties of our calling.

In bargaining and other covenants, they ought to be without hollowneſſe, deceit, undermining, and ſuch other unconſcionable dealing; that ſo wee may be ſimple, p. 179and our meaning good, our words plaine, our agreements reaſonable, our promiſes kept, our covenants performed, advantages not rigorouſly taken, &c.

Finally, we muſt obſerve and reverence the graces of God in others where wee ſee them, and by that meanes labour to chaſe away from us frivolous and hurtfull fantaſies, faintneſſe, diſcouragements, and wearineſſe of well-doing: That we may hold the profeſſion of our faith with joy unto the end.

That when wee be alone, wee have the like care of our ſelves, that our behaviour be unblameable, and that our thoughts be either about things lawfull with moderation to diſpoſe them, or ſpirituall with delight to enjoy them, or elſe evill, with hatred and deteſtation to overcome thm.

1 As firſt in things indifferent, we muſt take heed that we doe not buſie our ſelves in other mens matters needleſly, 1 Tim. 3.15. 1 Cor. 10.24.

p. 1802 Secondly, that in our owne we be not drowned, that our love and delight be drawne away from better things, 1 Tim. 6.9.

1 In things holy, wee muſt beware, firſt, leſt by the common uſing of good duties, wee come to have them in leſſe reverence, Matth. 6.6. & 15.8. Matth. 24.12.

2 S…condly, that we thinke not overwell of our ſelves, for that we doe ſomewhat more in the ſervice of God than others, Phil. 3.14.

3 In things unlawfull, we muſt carefully beware, that while wee thinke of our ſinnes, or other mens, with intent to grow in hatred of them, we be not even by that occaſion tickled with ſome deſire, or drawne into ſome ſ…cret liking of them, as many are.

4 We muſt never in ſolitarineſſe be unoccupied, becauſe of that danger which enſueth, as examples doe teach, 2 Sam. 11.2. Gen. 3. Matth. 4. and our owne experience confirmeth; who are no ſooner p. 181alone and idle, but ſwarmes of vaine, fooliſh, noyſome and perillous thoughts and deſir…s are ſoliciting and offering themſelves unto us.

5 That we uſe our proſperity, and all the liberties which are lawfull, of this life, ſoberly, and ſo as wee labour to be better by them. How hard this is, it appeareth by experience, wherein it is ſo found, thas the more a man hath of theſe earthly commodities, the leſſe he is inriched with ſpirituall graces; and as they are increaſed and multiplyed, ſo this decayeth and is diminiſhed. Few by earthly things are drawne on and encouraged to the love of the heavenly; which yet is the end that the Lord hath in giving them; few doe as they did, which are mentioned, Act. 9.31. Moſt make riches their ſtrong towers, Pro. 18.11. whereby they are imboldened to do many things wilfully, which otherwiſe they durſt not.

p. 182Now that wee may eff…ct this, notwithſtanding all difficulties, we muſt conſider that inordinate love which is in us, to the liberties and bleſſings of this life; and this wee muſt by all meanes poſſible weaken and abate; to which end, Firſt we muſt often and earneſtly weigh how momentraty and fleeting all things under the Sunne are, and how uncertaine hold wee have of them, Eccleſ. 1.2. 1 Cor. 7.29. Luke 12.15. Prov. 23.4.

2 Secondly, wee muſt conſider ſeriouſly of the danger that commeth to us by them: in which regard they are termed in Scripture ſnares, thornes, choakes, becauſe they intangle us, pricke, holding and ſmothering the maine graces of God in us, that they bud not out and fructifie, Matth. 13.21. 1 Tim. 6.10.

3 Wee muſt often record, that theſe earthly things are not our owne, but borrowed, and ſo as they may every day be required p. 183againe of us, Luke 16.12.

4 Wee muſt remember what hurt they have done, as by cauſing diſtractions, unſettlings, &c.

5 We muſt often meditate upon examples of ſuch as have enjoyed the like, or greater commodities, and what have beene their end.

6. It will be good to viſite as others, ſo thoſe alſo in their ſickeneſſe, which have had theſe outward things, that ſo we may both ſee how little they can helpe at ſuch times, and alſo be put in mind of our latter ends, which cannot but ſomething weane us from this world.

7 That we be ready to receive our afflictions meekely and patiently, Lam. 3.33. 1 Cor. 11.31. Jam. 1.2. 1 Pet. 1.6. Rom. 5.5. Afflictions we muſt expect, 1 Pet. 4.12. Rom. 8.29. 2 Tim. 3.12.

Howſoever therefore wee be of our ſelves ready to ſhrinke backe at the hearing of them, Iob. 11.8. p. 184Heb. 12.11. yet wee muſt prepare our ſelves to beare them meekely, and cheerefully, and that in our youth, Lam. 2.27. knowing that Satan will be ready to ſeeke our miſchiefe even by croſſes, Iob 1.6.

For preventing whereof, wee muſt every day arme our ſelves againſt the feare of ſuch troubles as may come, and againſt impatiency, by ſuch as already are come upon us, Luke 9.23. Jam. 5.10.11. and that not only in great troubles, but even in thoſe which are common.

This, if wee doe with obſervation, wee ſhall get experience, and by experience hope, that will not cauſe ſhame, Rom. 5.5. Pſal. 102.1. Otherwiſe, if wee neglect this, every affl…ction will unſettle and bring us out of frame, in which eſtate we ſhall be both utterly unfit for any ſervice of God, and alſo unmeet for any Chriſtian ſociety with men; and ſo both adde new troubles unto the former, p. 185and make them which God ſendeth upon us farre more grievous than otherwiſe they ſhould have beene.

8 That we conſtantly keepe the exerciſe of prayer & thankſgiving in our families, and ſuch other helpes (as Reading, Catechiſing, Conference at times convenient) to maintaine the knowledge and true worſhip of God, and of true happineſſe amongſt us; to have prayer twice in the day is little enough, Pſal. 55. Dan. 6.10.

1 Firſt, our neceſſities doe require this daily ſerving of God, though we be of the beſt ſort.

2 Secondly, thy family being a little Church, there ſhould be a trimming up and a fitting for the publike worſhip, eſpecially ſeeing that experience teacheth that all is little enough.

3 Thirdly, by this meanes wee have communion with the Lord, and therefore we ſhould often and cheerefully performe this duty.

4 Fourthly, wee ſhould cauſe p. 186our converſation to ſavour of the Lord and his graces, whereas otherwiſe earthly dealing; will cauſe earthly minds.

5 Laſtly, wee have many examples, Gen. 18.16. Ioſh. 24.15. Act. 10.2.

9 The ninth and laſt duty, is, that we doe at, or before our lying downe, looke backe and view the day paſſed: that where wee have had bleſſings, we may be thankfull, and proceed in the like courſe after: where wee have faulted and failed, we may reconcile our ſelve… to God, and ſo lie downe in peace, Epheſ. 4.26.27.

The uſe of all theſe duties is, that every day we weane and withdraw our hearts from any noiſome bai…s or provocations, as ſuff…r us not to ariſe in the morning, to walke through the day, and to lie downe at night in peace and ſafety under Gods protection, of which wee muſt be carefull alwaies, but eſpecially when unuſuall occaſion… p. 187fall out which may unſettle us.

THe Rules formerly deſcribed, if they be well followed, will be ſufficient to bring a Chriſtian (though not to perfection in this life) yet to ſuch an eſtate as he ſhall finde reſt to his ſoule daily, which others ſhall want. Yet becauſe many dangers will be in the way that may hinder the weake, therefore it will be profitable to know the letts and hindrances which may hold us backe from peace with God; that ſo we may learne how to prevent them before they come and hurt us; or elſe how to riſe when by them wee are fallen; or how to turne into the way when by occaſion we are gone ou….

Now the maine and chiefe letts …re the Divell, with all his force, ſubtilty, and malice, and our evill hearts, ſo farre as they are unreformed; and by meanes of both, all things in the world, though not in their owne nature, but by them p. 188made occaſions to us of falling, and offending God.

FIrſt, for the properties of Satan, and his attempts againſt us in generall, he is a mighty enemy, and cruell; for which cauſe he is called a great red Dragon, and the accuſer of the brethren, and alſo ſubtile, and vigilant, and malicious: as he is ſtrong, ſo hee beſetteth all people (though he be little obſerved) and moſt of all Chriſtians, whom he is openly and reſolvedly ſet againſt. He doth not onelyonly kindle the concupiſcence that is within us, and our owne luſts, ſetting them o… fire to doe the evill which wee are inclined unto; but alſo baiteth the outward things with poiſon, which wee deale about, that he may dazell our eyes, and caſt us from our hold; that is, that wee may not keepe ſtill in the Chriſtian courſe. Our hearts cannot ſo ſoone be ranging (though it be never ſo little) but he is ready to meet with p. 189them, and ſet them forward in ſome evill, faſtening our affections upon it before we be aware: wee cannot be about any outward thing, but hee is ready to ſerve us with it, knowing how to uſe all outward objects to our hearts. Yet for all this wee ought not to be diſmaied; for howſoever theſe things vex us, yet by Gods grace they ſhall turne to our good, to make us ſet more ſtore by Gods protection, and more carefully to keepe under his wings. Hee hath not left us unarmed, for his owne ſtrength is for our defence and preſervation, Coloſ. 1.11. So that howſoever wee may not preſump…uouſly abuſe, yet wee may with boldneſſe ſue unto him for helpe; neither ought wee to feare that for our infirmities we ſhall be ſhaken off, when as God hath made knowne his Will to the contrary, Luke 15.6. Rather they muſt remember that they are the children of God, and therefore ſhall not be p. 190unnaturally forſaken, or left to themſelves in their neede, and neceſſity, but may perſwade themſelves, that waiting on God, theſe combates ſhall rather turne to their further exerciſe, than to their deadly overthrow. Thus depe… ding on God in all evills, they muſt by experience get wiſdome.

In particular, the aſſaults of Satan are either againſt our faith, or elſe againſt godlineſſe in our life; firſt of the former.

HOw many having diſcouragements, he preſſeth down the weake faith of new-borne Chriſtians, appeareth by that which our Saviour ſaith to Peter, Luke 22.31.

Sometimes hee terrifieth them with their owne wants, ignorances, infirmities, and unworthineſſes: ſome with ſhame of fearefull falls, which it ſeemeth to them they are unlike to avoid: to which end he bringeth to their remembrance p. 191ſuch good ſervants of God as have fallen in like manner before them, and feareth them, that for all their care they ſhall never hold out in their faith and holy courſe of life unto the end; but either by afflictions, or other provocations, they ſhall be turned backe. By all theſe meanes hee laboureth inſtantly to deprive them of all hope and confidence, that they may conclude reſolvedly, that they have no faith.

For the reſiſting of theſe aſſaults, they muſt grow better acquainted with the nature and property of God his promiſes, viz. how true, unchangeable, and perpetuall they be, even as God himſelfe is; they muſt prize them above all other things, and ſend up earneſt prayers to God daily, a…d oft, for this faith to be rooted in them: they muſt give daily attendance upon the Miniſtery of the Word, ready alſo to receive helpe privately from thoſe which are experienced, meditate on Gods promiſes, ſuch as p. 192are Matth. 7.7. & 9.20. Luk. 22.31.

Now, when by Gods bleſſing upon their diligence they have gotten ſome ſtay or reſt unto their ſoules, they muſt beware that they are not carried on the other ſide to preſumption, or too bold truſting in God, without a certaine ground of his promiſes: for by this ſubtiltie, Satan doth prevaile with many, and by that meanes bringeth them to deſperate and dangerous falls.

BVt if hee cannot prevaile ſo farre by his ſuggeſtions, and temptations, as to bring us to utter unbeliefe, nor yet to preſumption: yet hee will labour to hinder us, that wee ſhall never be rooted nor eſtabliſhed in faith; wee ſhall not feele the ſweetneſſe of it by poſſeſſing it daily: in which kinde he doth ſo farre prevaile with moſt, even of the faithfull themſelves, that they are often-times ſo diſcouraged, as they have ſcarcely p. 193any great uſe of faith in reſpect of that which they might have. Which deceit of our adverſary we muſt wiſely eſpy, and labour to arme ourſelves againſt it, as, Pſal. 22.4 5. and 27.1. Iob 13.15. We muſt take heed that our hearts be not ſtollen away with worldly things: wee muſt preſerve and ch…rriſh an high eſtimation of the Goſpell: we muſt deny all worldly wiſedome, that we may be wiſe to the Lord, and keepe our faith as we would our life.

THe like malice doth Satan ſhew in hindering believers from godlineſſe of life. For as he laboureth to keepe the unregenerate altogether, from pract…ſing godlineſſe, viz. by keeping in them a heart ſo accuſtomed to evill, that it cannot ſubmit it ſelfe to the will of God in one thing, as well as a… other, by holding them in preſumption, by keeping them from ſerious conſideration of their eſtate p. 194and actions, by diſſwading them from counting the godly life beſt: and finally, by ſnaring them in dangerous opinions, ſottiſh ignorance, or elſe in hollow, looſe, and wilfull mindes; ſo doth hee prevaile ſo farre even with Gods people, as to hinder them from proceeding in godlineſſe, and that chiefely by theſe meanes.

1. By keeping them in want of ſome good things, without which they cannot conſtant…y proceed in a godly life;

2 By preſſing them with ſome evill.

3 By unſettling them through occaſion of things lawfull.

Of the firſt kinde are three maine letts.

1 Firſt when Chriſtians are holden from a conſtant courſe of godlineſſe.

2 When they fall from their firſt eſtate, or fi ſt love.

3 Whe… they want a ſufficient miniſtery. Of the firſt ſort, there p. 195are many which thinke it not meet to tie themſelves to any direction of leading their life; but are content with ſome generall care and good meaning; than whom theſe are not better, which for a ſeaſon keepe ſome good order; but by little and little they fall to doe it ſl…ightly: even for faſhion in a great part; and rather through cuſtome, than with delight and comfort; and all becauſe their hearts goe not with their actions conſtantly, neither doe they regard or looke to their conſciences in one thing as in another, that they might be kept in peace.

The Remedy againſt this, is faithfully to endeavour every day to be well ſettled, according to the rules formerly mentioned. We muſt eſpecially labour by faith, even to feede upon the promiſes, which God hath made for the preſervation and protection of his children; heartie prayer muſt oft be uſed, and watchfulneſſe againſt p. 196our eſpeciall infirmities; it muſt be continuall, together with oft and due conſideration what a precious treaſure this kinde of life is. And if through negligence we doe fall, we muſt not lie ſtill in hardneſſe of heart, but returne to him as to our Father, and hee will heale us: and though wee cannot preſently have that confidence which ſometimes wee have had, yet let us returne, though with ſome ſhamefaſtneſſe, even ſtanding afarre off, with the Iſraelites, Exod. 33.8.10.

THe ſecond ſpeciall Let ariſing from want, is, the leaving of our firſt love: for at our firſt converſion, when the exceeding love of God in Chriſt is ſhed abroad in our hearts, ſo as it maketh our ſelves admire; this conſtraineth us to love him againe moſt fervently and dearely; his Word and Miniſters, with all our brethren, moſt ſenſibly and heartily: and this in Scripture is called our firſt love, Rev. 2.4.

p. 197Now, when this ſhall wax cold through dulneſſe, ſlothfulneſſe, and forgetfulneſſe, &. it muſt need be a hainous thing in the ſight of God, who looketh that our works ſhould be more at the laſt than at the firſt, as our knowledge is more, and experience greater, Rev 2.21. Yet this commeth oft to paſſe both in Miniſters and people, to their great ſhame, though otherwiſe they keepe ſome courſe in ſerving God, Rev. 2.2. which they ſhew by wearineſſe, or at leaſt wiſe, little pleaſure taking in the publike M… niſtery, neglect of private prayer, conference, Mutuall exhortation, &c. untowardneſſe in good workes, abating of their love to the brethren, imbracing the world, entertaining of ill-companiſhip, with heart-burning againſt the Miniſters that tell them the truth. By theſe and ſuch like ſignes, many doe ſhew how much they have loſt their firſt love, whereby they give great occaſion p. 298of diſcouragement to the weake, and of lamenting to the beſt.

This was fore-told by our Saviour Chriſt, Matth. 24.12. where alſo hee ſhewed how hard it is to keepe, and harder to recover our firſt love. Thirdly, admoniſhing all ſound hearted Chriſtians to looke heedfully, and carefully to nouriſh and preſerve that holy, pure, and firſt ſpark of grace kindled in them, againſt all that may come in the way, to quench and p…t out the ſame. And although the worke be hard, yet wee have the Commandement of God for our warrant, and his promiſe for our encouragement; therefore ought we not to faint or ſl…cke for any impediment, but ſet our hearts daily to count it our greateſt worke, to keepe our firſt love.

THe third let of this kinde, is, the want of an ordinary and ſound Miniſtery of the Word of God, whereby the way to ſalvation and godlineſſe is plainly an… in p. 199good order, with love and diligence taught ſo oft in the weeke, as the people can conveniently attend upon the ſame. This is the light of the world, and the Sunne which warmeth all the creatures of the earth with his influence; ſo that thoſe which enjoy it not, muſt needes be as the ſhadowed places, which either bring forth nothing, or that which is ſowre and unſavory. How the Divell hath laboured in all ages and Nations, to hinder the paſſage of this Goſpell, may eaſily be perceived, if wee peruſe well the Acts of the Apoſtles, and other Hiſtories of the Church: how he doth prevaile, our owne eyes and eares can witneſſe: The remedy therefore is for ſuch as want, to relieve themſelves with it, where they may with moſt conveniency enjoy it, and to ſue earneſtly, that they may live under it, (which ſhould be more generally granted of God, if by fervent prayers and other Chriſtian indeavours p. 200it were ſought for.) When they doe enjoy it, then muſt they prize it above all that they have, or ever can enjoy in this world; for thoſe which eſteeme lightly of it, muſt heare what the Scripture ſpeaketh of them, Matth. 8.11.12. Amos 8.11.12.