Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life, Pages 1-50

Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life · Pages 1-50

p. 1SUre it is, that it was not thus with man-kinde in the beginning as now it is.

God created man happy, yet mutable; but Satan by deceit did caſt him from that happy condition; whereby beſides the loſſe of that felicity, he was plunged into extreme miſery, which conſiſteth in two things.

p. 2Firſt, in ſinne.

Secondly, the curſe following upon it.

Firſt, our ſinne is not onelyonly that firſt tranſgreſſion of Adam wherby we are all guilty, but alſo that infection of ſoule and body ariſing from the former. Hence it is that the underſtanding is fi…led with blindneſſe; the conſcience wounded, ſeared, and defiled; the memory forgetting good things, or not remembring any thing aright.

The will captive, of no ſtrength to good, but onelyonly to evill; the affections all together diſordered.

The cogitations about heavenly matters, are errour, falſehood, and lies.

The wiſhes and deſires of the heart are earthly, and fleſhly. The outward behaviour is nothing elſe but a giving up of the members of the body as inſtruments of ſinne.

The curſe maketh him ſubject in this life for his uſe of the creatures to dearths, famine, &c. For his p. 3body, to ſickneſſe and other paines.

In his ſenſe for his friends to the like calamities; in his ſoule to vile affections, to blindneſſe, hardneſſe of heart, deſperation, madneſſe, &c. In both body and ſoule to endleſſe, and eaſeleſſe torture in the world to come. Yet ſome may object that,

All are not in this caſe or eſtate. Object. To which I anſwer:

All are ſubject by nature to the ſame wrath of God; Anſw. they which feele it not, their caſe is no better, but rather worſe than the other.

The onelyonly ſufficient remedy for the ſaving of man, is to ſatisfie Gods juſtice, which by ſinne is violated. His juſtice is ſatisfied by ſuffering the puniſhment due to ſinne, and by the preſent keeping of the Law. Therefore it is not to be ſought for in our ſelves, nor in any other creature. It being appointed by the Father, was undertaken and wrought by Chriſt, and is ſealed in mens hearts by the holy p. 4Ghoſt: but it may be demanded:

Object. How did Chriſt his redemption become ours? I anſwer:

Anſw. God the Father, of his infinite love, gave him freely to us, with all his whole worke of Redemption.

This Divine Myſterie is brought to light by the Goſpell.

The uſe whereof is to manifeſt that righteouſneſſe in CHRIST, whereby the Law is fully ſatisfied, and ſalvation attained.

The remedy and the tidings of it is received only by Faith, which Faith is ſo to give credit to Gods Word, as he reſt thereon, that hee will ſave him; and is wrought by the miniſtery of the Word, revealing this mercy and truth of God: and by theſe the holy Ghoſt inlightening him to conceive, drawing him to believe, and ſo uniting him to Chriſt.

The knowledge of the former things is not ſufficient for him that will come to happineſſe: p. 5but this knowledge worketh.

Firſt, he is drawne by the ſecret worke of the Spirit of God, to be perſwaded that the Doctrine taught doth concerne him: hee hath wiſdome given him to apply generall things particularly to himſelfe: Col. 1.9. as firſt, the Preaching of the Law, and the threatned curſes of it; whereby he ſeeth himſelfe guilty before God of eternall puniſhment and wrath.

Secondly, the Lord directeth him to enter into further conſideration with himſelfe, of and about his preſent eſtate, and conſulteth what to doe in this his ex remity; and that not lightly, but ſerio…ſly, as a matter of life and death, Ier. 8.6. Luke 7.15.

If he be not able to counſell himſelfe, hee asketh counſell of others.

Thirdly, from the former conſultation, he commeth to this reſolution, that hee will not returne to his old waies, but in all humility p. 6and meekneſſe and brokenneſſe of heart, ſay with Paul; Lord what wilt thou that I doe?

Fourthly, by this meanes hee commeth to an unfained deſire of forgiveneſſe, which alwaies proceedeth from a ſound hope that God will be intreated of him.

This hungring after mercy, and longing after CHRIST, is very earneſt and fervent, though in ſome with more timorouſneſſe than in other.

This maketh the Goſpell to be glad tidings, and the feete of them that bring it to be beautifull to him.

Fifthly, with earneſt, humble, and particular confeſſion of his ſinnes, hee poureth out prayers to God for the pardon of them in Chriſt.

Sixtly, he having found out this pearle, prizeth it as it is worth: and therefore ſelleth all that hee hath, biddeth farewell to his ſweeteſt delights for the attaining of it; p. 7which affection is not for a moment, but is written, as it were, with the point of a Diamond, never to be raſed out againe.

Seventhly, Then he commeth to apply the Goſpell to himſelfe, as before he did the Law, and ſealeth up his ſalvation in his heart, reaſoning from thoſe gracious promiſes which God hath made to ſuch as he is.

Thus by often and deep weighing the truth, unchangeableneſſe and perpetuity of the promiſes, he commeth at length to be ſettled in Faith; this Faith uniteth him to Chriſt, and bringeth him to happineſſe. And it is wrought inwardly by the Spirit, while men obey Gods Ordinance in the hearing of the Word, the outward meanes of ſalvation.

Now the markes of Faith to be ſeene in the beleever by himſelfe or others: are

1. If he ſtrive againſt doubting, Iudg. 6.17.

p. 82. If not feeling Faith, hee complaine bitterly of the want of it.

3. If hee ſeeke fervently to be ſettled in beleeving.

4. If he deſire to ſearch out the ſinne which may poſſibly hinder him, and endeavour to expell it.

The maine cauſe why ſo many doe want Faith, is the Divells bewitching and blinding of men, 2 Cor. 4.3, 4. Wherein mans fault is, that hee openeth his eares, and giveth credit to Satans deceitfull ſuggeſtions.

For the preventing therefore of this danger, the Lord hath given watch-men to warne the people of the perill.

The reaſon therefore why men doe not avoyd it, is either in the Miniſter, that hee doth not warne them aright, or elſe in the people, that they doe not receive it.

In the Miniſters:

1. If they teach not at all.

p. 92. If they teach ſeldome.

3. If they teach, but not plainely to the capacity of the hearer.

4. If by Catechiſing they doe not teach the grounds of Faith in right and good order.

5. If they be not ready by private conference to ſatisfie their doubts.

6. If they have not a Chriſtian care of giving good example by a holy and blameleſſe life.

But the Miniſters muſt conſider their duty laid forth:

Firſt, by Titles, as Watchmen, Labourers, Matth. 9.37. Salt and Light, Mat. 5.13.14. Shepheards, Ioh. 21.15. Good Scribes, Matth. 13. Stewards, 1 Cor. 4.1. Nurſes, 1 Theſſ. 2.7.

Secondly, in Commandements, Acts 20.28. 2 Timoth. 4.2. For their better incouragements, they muſt conſider:

Firſt, the honour vouchſafed to them, to be God his Ambaſſadours.

p. 10Secondly, the comfort of this labour.

Thirdly, the good that they may doe.

Fourthly, the great reward prepared for them, Dan. 12.3.

The lets that are in the People, are:

Firſt, if they eſteeme lightly of the Goſpel, preferring other things before it, Luke 24.

Secondly, if they imagine it an impoſſible thing to get aſſurance of ſalvation in this life.

Thirdly, if they think it, though not impoſſible, yet not any way neceſſary.

Fourthly, if they thinke it both poſſible and neceſſary, but too hard to come by.

Fifthly, if they be careleſſe and ignorant.

Sixthly, if for feare of loſing other pleaſures, they forbeare to ſeeke after this.

Seventhly, if they preſume of p. 11their Faith, living ſtill in their ſins.

Eighthly, if there were never thorow brokenneſſe of heart prepared to receive the Goſpell.

Ninthly, if for feare of not continuing, they will not begin.

Tenthly, if they doe worke it upon themſelves, but doe deale ſlightly with it.

Eleventhly, if they content themſelves with ſudden flaſhes that ſoone are out, and doe not ſeeke to be ſettled.

A naked and bare deſire of ſalvation, now and then ſtirred up in a man, is not to beleeve.

Firſt, true deſire cannot be ſatiſfied without it, and therfore giveth not over till it obtaine it.

Secondly, it maketh high account of it, as of a precious Faith; and valuing of it according to the worthineſſe of it: He ſeeketh willingly and readily: He ſettleth his heart upon the promiſes of God.

Hee meditates on Gods Commandements, that hee ſhould beleeve: p. 12by theſe meanes hee commeth to be ſettled. Which done, hee muſt beware of all occaſions that may unſettle him. Againe, eſpcially that he doth not give too much place to fleſhly reaſons and carnall doubtings, nor hearken to evill ſuggeſtions.

BEcauſe the children of God after they have believed, are often drawne from their hold, and cauſed to ſuſpected themſelves, and ſo fall into much feare and doubting that they are none of the Lords, they muſt therefore learne to ſtrengthen themſelves thus:

1. They muſt know that in God there is no ſhadow of change, and therefore that it is their weakneſſe to entertaine ſuch thoughts, Pſalm. 77.13. For hee ought not to caſt away his confidence, Heb. 10.35.

2. Hee may perſwade himſelfe that hee labouring after, and groning to reſt his wearied heart on p. 13the promiſes of God, ſhall never be wholly forſaken, though ſometimes deſtitute of feeling. Now if any aske,

Why doth God ſuffer his children to fall into ſuch feares? Queſt. It is for this;

Leſt by a ſudden abſolute change, Anſw. they ſhould become ſecure or preſumptuous.

3. They muſt know that the roote of our comfort, is not in the ſtrength of our Chriſtian life, but in the free grace of God in Chriſt; and therefore the weakneſſe therein ought not to bring us into doubting of our ſalvation. It may be weake, but it ſhall never be extinguiſhed; for he that is new borne can never die.

4. They muſt call to mind that they be yet but children, ſubject to many diſeaſes, and ſome of thoſe, ſuch as may take away ſenſe of life; which muſt move us not to diſpair, but to ſeek w^th al diligence for the cure of them: wheras if any object,

p. 14Queſt. Many of the faithfull are brought to that paſſe, that being perſwaded that they are reprobates, are neere unto deſperation; they have a ſenſe of God his wrath, and are in great anguiſh of conſcience: how ſhall they ſtay themſelves in this eſtate? I anſwer them.

Anſw. 1. They may be aſſured of this, that they are not without hope of mercy, becauſe they have not ſinned againſt the holy Ghoſt; for they have not maliciouſly ſet themſelves againſt the truth of God, they have not wilfully perſecuted it againſt their conſcience, but doe love the ſame and deſire to be partakers of it.

2. They muſt learne to know from whom this deluſion commeth, even from Satan who laboureth either to wring their hope from them, or elſe to weary their lives with heavineſſe and diſcomfort. This he attempteth:

Firſt, by ſpirituall ſuggeſtion, he p. 15being a ſpirit, and helped alſo with the long experience which he hath had of this trade, and therefore fit; he being alſo full of malice, and of unſearchable ſubtilty, with exceeding ſtrength, and therefore ready thus to trouble us.

Thus he inticeth us to ſins, not onelyonly which by nature wee love, but even to thoſe which wee have no inclination unto; and when he hath thus faſtened upon many a man, then he laboureth to dimme his knowledge and underſtanding, that hee may lay no hold on any truth that may comfort him, or make benefit of any promiſe.

Secondly, by outward objects and occaſions forcibly perſwading to ſinne. Now becauſe theſe things proceed rather from Sathan than from themſelves, there is no cauſe why they ſhould be diſcouraged.

Thirdly, they muſt call to mind that God calleth and encourageth us to truſt and believe in him; and therefore it muſt needs diſpleaſe p. 16him that they are removed from their faith, to give place to the ſpirit of error. Object. And how if they feele not the ſweet taſte of Gods grace? 1. Anſw. Yet they muſt not meaſure themſelves by that they preſently feele, when the ſoule hath loſt her feeling; but by the time paſt, when they were free from temptation.

2. The fruits of their faith are often evident to the eye of others, when themſelves cannot ſee them.

3. They muſt bee acquainted with the waies of God, who often doth hide himſelf for a ſeaſon, that they may with more earneſt deſire ſeeke for his wonted grace, and with more joyfulneſſe of heart praiſe him when they have obtained it againe. And if this hinder them, becauſe

Object. They cannot live as Gods children doe, or as he requireth; they are to bee encouraged herewith, that

Anſw. They are plants which take not the…r full perfection at once, but by p. 17little and little with daily watering and dreſſing: and that Patience and conſtancie with a reſolute minde to beare Gods triall, will bring a good end in all temptations.

THat every Chriſtian may ſee his eſtate to bee good, it ſhall be profitable to conſider how farre an unbeleever may goe; and ſo whether hee hath gone further.

1. An unbeliever may bee terrified with his ſinnes, his conſcience terrified by the ſpirit of bondage, Matth. 27.3.

2. He may bee penſive after ſin committed, 1 King. 21.7.

3. He may finde joy and delight in the Goſpell, and in the exerciſes of Religion, Mat. 13.20.

4. Hee may have a taſte of the life to come with Balaam.

5. He may reverence the Miniſters, and obey them in many things as Herod did, and yet never be ſealed up to eternall life. Many that have made great and glorious ſhewes, and ſeemed to have beene p. 18very forward, have after either in proſperity waxed wanton, or in afflictions wearie; nay, many which have ſhined as lights for a ſeaſon, have fallen away even before trouble came. Many have had great griefe of minde, and ſo ſeeme unto themſelves to have repented; but yet have deceived themſelves, becauſe they never furniſh themſelves with true faith, a pure heart, a good conſcience, change of their life through the love of God; their hearts are not upright, nor they will not deale plainely with the Lord. But if wee would not loſe all our labour, wee muſt goe further than any unrepentant perſon can goe; wee muſt never ceaſe till we have more humility, ſincerity and truth of heart, and certaine markes and teſtimonies of our Salvation.

They will heare the Goſpell diligently: but we muſt lay our eſtate with it, and receive the print of it upon our hearts and lives, and p. 19be caſt into the molde of it, and ſo finde it the power of Salvation.

They will refraine from, themſelves, and drive out of their families many ſinnes.

But we muſt willingly be reformed in what part of our life ſoever we can bee juſtly challenged: and not blemiſh our profeſſion in any thing.

ALthough the love of God & Chriſt, the worke of the Spirit applying them, and faith apprehending them, bee the chiefe cauſe of our converſion, yet becauſe they are not ſo eaſily felt of us, as they are ſure and infallible grounds in themſelves of Salvation; therefore it is neceſſary to adde ſome other effects or rather properties of true faith, that do accompanie the love of God, and of Chriſt Jeſus in us; and are the workes or fruits of the Holy-Ghoſt by the Goſpell, which may more clearely bee perceived and diſcerned than p. 20faith it ſelfe; and will clearely teſtifie, that where theſe bee, there ſhall that be found alſo.

The firſt inſeparable companion of Faith, is joy and comfort, glorious and unſpeakeable, Act. 8.8.39. But it will be ſaid, that

Object. Some true believers are even ſad and ſorrowfull.

Anſw. Indeed they mourne and groane for a while after that which may make them merry for ever: and in this mourning they are bleſſed. Math. 5.4. and their eſtate farre to be preferred before the laughter of the ungodly which is but madnes.

1. The childe of God being converted cannot but admire this change of eſtate, and even be aſtoniſhed at the love and merciemercy of God: What ſhould move him to beſtow ſuch happineſſe upon ſo unworthy a creature, Ioh. 14.22. Pſal. 116.8.139.34.

2. This holy and reverent admiration muſt not bee onelyonly at our firſt converſion, but ought every p. 21day to be renued in the Lord, who doth every day pardon our ſinnes, Pſal. 118.8. and doth alſo uphold us in our confidence and integrity.

3. The true believer feeling the love of God to bee ſhed abroad in his heart, hath alſo within him unfained love kindled towards God, Pſalm. 116.1. Luke 7.47. Which love of God muſt ſhadow the love of all other things whatſoever.

4 Hee cannot but have his heart inlarged unto thankfulneſſe, and praiſe God even in afflictions themſelves, Pſal. 116.12.

5. There is begotten a holy and earneſt deſire to have more communion with God; even to enjoy his bleſſed preſence, and to ſee his glory, 2. Corinthians 5.1.

6. The former grace maketh him to forſake this World, to become a ſtranger and a pilgrime heere, and ſo to have no more to doe in this World than hee needs muſt; Not that he leave the neceſſarie p. 22duties or forſake his calling, but that hee is not ſo tied to theſe things, but that he could willingly leave them, and ſo being ready to die, is made fit to live.

7. Hee cannot but lament and be aſhamed of his former unkindneſſe to God, and is ready to be revenged on himſelfe for it.

8. It cannot bee, but knowing out of what miſerie hee hath eſcaped, and unto what happineſſe he hath attained, he pittie others that are as he was, and wiſh and labour to make them as he is.

One means whereof is edifying conference. Pro. 10.21.

IF any man hath taſted of that happineſſe which commeth by a true faith, and doth therfore deſire to keepe the ſame, and feareth the looſing of it, hee muſt for his confirmation:

1. Nouriſh within himſelfe daily that high eſtimation and account making of his grace, he muſt think p. 23it his chiefeſt happineſſe and moſt precious treaſure; which they that doe, have their heart ever upon it; they feare the forgoing of it, they regard it moſt of all other things.

2. He muſt both by prayer daily and oft beg this of God, and alſo ſeriouſly meditate on the gracious promiſes of God, their nature, truth, and perpetuitie: for want of this calling to minde of things, many do let ſlip out of their minds thoſe grounds of faith by which ſometimes they have found comfort.

3. Hee muſt helpe himſelfe by ordinary and reverent hearing the glad tidings of Salvation preached unto him; as alſo by the holy uſe of the Sacraments.

4. He muſt carefully retaine a viewing of his ſinnes by right examination; the ſight of them will keepe him from taking offence at the Croſſe of Chriſt, nay the tartneſſe and bitterneſſe of his ſinnes, p. 24will make Chriſts death moſt ſweet and pleaſant unto him.

5. Hee muſt labour to ſettle himſelfe even by the experience which he himſelfe hath found of God his goodneſſe towards him, and his working in him.

6. Hee may confirme himſelfe even by the examples of others, who of weak, have become ſtrong, and of ſuch as hee is, have become ſuch as he deſireth to bee: by theſe meanes Gods children come to have a holy acquaintance with God, and to know his will towards them; the Lord diſpoſing even their weakeneſſe unto their good, that they may by their falls bee humbled, and God by their upholding may be glorified.

One eſpeciall thing is, alwaies to begin the day with deepe conſideration of God his gracious favour towards us; which if we doe not, little can bee looked for in the day, but either unfavory lightneſſe, and ſo to be deceived; or unprofitable p. 25care, and ſo to bee diſquieted.

By that which hath bin ſaid before, it is to bee obſerved, that although true faith bee in ſubſtance one and the ſame; yet that there are three degrees of it, it is plaine.

1. The firſt is the weakeſt and leaſt meaſure, when there is as yet no aſſurance in the beleever, and yet inſeparable fruits, and infallible tokens of it.

2. The ſecond degree is when ſome aſſurance is wrought in the beleever at ſome time, but very weake; and is often to ſeeke and wanting, and recovered againe by entring into due conſideration of his eſtate, and of the truth of God who hath promiſed it.

3. The third is the higheſt degree of it, though more ſtrong and better ſetled in ſome than in other; and this hath aſſurance accompanying it for the moſt part uſually, unleſſe the beleever doe quench the Spirit in himſelfe: Or p. 26the Lord (to ſhew him that hee ſtandeth by grace) doth leave him to himſelfe for his owne glory, and the better eſtabliſhing of him afterwards.

It having bin ſhewed hitherto who are true beleevers: it followeth to ſhew how a beleever is to behave himſelfe throughout his whole converſation.

1. Wherein is to bee layed down, firſt, the grounds of a godly life, viz. that it is grounded on faith, and proceeding from a pure heart.

2. The parts of it, which is to fly evill, and doe good.

VNfained faith, and a godly life, are inſeparable companions.

1. Firſt, godlineſſe cannot be without true faith, Iam. 2.18. Heb. 11.6. Gen. 6.5. the fountaine being evill, the rivers which runne from it cannot be good; ſo where ſaith is not in the heart, there can no godlineſſe bee in the life; by p. 27which wee ſee how many doe deceive themſelves, thinking they feare, love, and ſerve God; and yet have no faith, nor no conſtant deſire of it.

2. Neither can faith bee without godlineſſe, for as no man liveth godly which beleeveth not; ſo no man which beleeveth, can live wickedly; but as he is new borne, ſo like a new creature followeth newneſſe of life and obedience; although this doeth not appeare neither at the firſt beginning of his converſion, nor in the vehemency of temptation, Tit. 2 12. Neither doth faith worke a bare wandring deſire to pleaſe God, but it frames alſo the man unto it, and teacheth him in ſome true and acceptable meaſure to goe about it; and when it is overmatched wi…h fleſhly corruption, yet it raiſeth ſighings and ſtrivings in the heart, till it bee ſubdued.

So that as they are deceived, which paſſe from a little ſorrow p. 28for ſin, to newneſſe of life, as they imagine, without faith, the beginning and worker of all new life: ſo they alſo are no leſſe deluded that pleaſe themſelves, thinking they hauehave faith, when their lives are not only filled with offenſive actions, but alſo with cuſtome & cō monneſſe in the ſame. For he that is honoured with the title of a beleever, muſt be knowne by the livery of an uncorrupt life: and the true ſervants of God dare no otherwiſe beleeve their ſinnes to be forgiven them, than they walke humbly before God and man.

VVHen faith is ſaid to be neceſſary to a godly life, we muſt not onelyonly underſtand by faith to be ſaved: but that the godly man muſt labour to believe, that all the promiſes of this life and of the life to come, (whether the great and principall, as of the graces of the ſpirit, or the ſmaller, as of bodily ſafety and preſervation from dangers p. 29ſo farre as they ſhall bee good for him) doe belong unto him: And beſides he muſt beleeve, that both all the commandements which teach obedience, and the threatnings (becauſe they reſtraine the contrary) are ſet downe for him particularly to bind his conſcience thereunto, Rom. 15.4. Thus hee muſt depend upon the whole word of God: many who have hope to be ſaved doe not thus: ſome ſinnes they make no conſcience of: ſome promiſes they looke not at; by meanes whereof they are not ſo well fenced as they might be; but hold the very promiſe of ſalvation it ſelfe very weakely. This commeth to paſſe partly becauſe they are not taught theſe things aright: partly becauſe being taught, they do not digeſt and work them upon their conſciences. This bringeth doubting and unſetledneſſe even to good Chriſtians: therefore hee that beleeveth to be ſaved, muſt beleeve alſo that hee ſhall be ſanctified, p. 301 Cor. 1.30. that hee ſhall receive grace from God to bring forth fruits of amendment of life, and that he ſhall be inabled to caſt off his old converſation, and alſo have grace to goe through troubles, and deliverance from them: for aſſiſtance and bleſſing in God, he muſt depend on God his Word; this is the obedience of faith, Rom. 1.5. which if we have as a foundato uphold and incourage us, it will greatly availe for the furthering of us in a godly courſe; by this we ſhall ſooner wade through doubts, and grow out of feare; whereas otherwiſe wee faint and feare ofttimes, and be without helpe.

Many examples wee have in ſcripture of ſuch as thus beleeved, eſpecially ſet downe in the 11. to the Hebrewes; Heb. 11.16.38. Gal. 2.19. When men doe not thus walke in the ſtrength of God his word, it cauſeth tedious troubles in them, and indeed the offenſive lives of many, and the ſtarting aſide p. 31of ſundry, come from this want. But it may be objected, Object. that Paul himſelfe ſeemed to want this, for hee found no meanes to performe that which was good, as he complaineth, Rom. 7.18. I anſwer hereunto, that

He complaineth not that he had no promiſe of ſtrength, Anſw. or that hee had no faith in the ſame; for he ſaith the contrary, Phil. 4, 13. but hee complaineth that for all the hope of helpe that he had, yet the rebellion of his fleſh did mightily ſtrive and reſiſt the ſpirit. And this muſt every faithfull man looke for while he live.

NOw for the fountaine from whence a godly life doth proceed, it is from the heart, which therefore muſt bee purged and cleanſed.

For this wee are to know, that the heart of man, before it be emptied, is a dungeon of iniquity; before p. 32it be inlightened, a denne of darkeneſſe; before it bee cleanſed, a puddle of filthineſſe: and that which Saint Iames ſpeaketh of the tongue, may much more be ſaid of the heart, that before it be tamed, it is an unruly evill. Now if ſuch an heart bee the guide of our life, how monſtrous and loathſome muſt that life needs bee? of neceſſity then the heart muſt be purged and changed.

This purging of the heart is a renewing in holineſſe and righteouſneſſe by little and little of all true beleeuers, they being firſt delivered and freed from the tyranny of ſinne and feare of damnation; for then doth ſinne receive a deadly wound, and the power thereof is abated and crucified, which is ſhewed by the hatred of ſinne, and a delighting in goodneſſe.

Although this change bee but weake at the firſt, yet if it bee in truth, in will and deſire, it is an infallible p. 33mark of Gods election and love towards him. This grace is often dimmed and even choked in many, becauſe God doth ſtrengthen and continue this gift of holineſſe and ſanctification, as it is nouriſhed, eſteemed, ſet by, and as men doe ſtirre it up in themſelues, by asking after it when they doe miſſe it, and provoking themſelves to pray for ſuch good affections and cannot bee ſatisfied without them; as David did, Pſal. 43 5.103.1. Thus we ought to cheriſh and blow up the ſparkles within us, which will not ordinarily faile us, eſpecially for any long time (except in time of temptation) unleſſe it bee through our default and folly. As for the manner how this is done, wee are to know it is the proper and wonderfull worke of God by the power of the holy Ghoſt, Acts 15.9. Iſa. 11.2. He that hath, with faith unfained, an heart ſanctified, and purified from his naturall corruptions and wicked diſpoſition; p. 34as he is not to account it meane and little worth, it being an euident worke of the Spirit; ſo neither is hee to ſtand at a ſtay in this, it being but the beginning of that worke which ſhall follow it: But,

Object. How doth God purge our hearts, when as faith is ſaid to doe it? Acts. 15.9. 1. Joh. 3.5.

Anſw. Faith is truely ſaid to doe it: becauſe that men not yet aſſured of the happines of heaven, not knowing, nor feeling any better delights doe ſeeke after thoſe which their blinde and deceitfull hearts doe dreame of here on earth.

But as ſoone as they are aſſured of Gods favour through faith, ſo ſoone are their hearts changed, and their affections ſet another way; ſo that faith may well bee ſaid to purifie and cleanſe the heart, 1 Pet. 1.4. but not as the chiefe and higheſt cauſe, for that is the holy Ghoſt; but as the inſtrument.

Thus from faith and a pure heart, p. 35doth ariſe a good conſcience, a ſweet peace, and holy ſecurity; having received from God a mind to know him, an heart to love him, a will to pleaſe him; and ſtrength alſo in ſome meaſure acceptable to obey him.

From hence doth proceed that true repentance, which is a purpoſe of the heart, Acts 11.23. an inclination in the will, Pſal. 119.44.57. and a continuall endeavouring in the life, Acts 24.16. to caſt off all evill, and obey God both inwardly and outwardly, according …o the meaſure of knowledge in every one.

So that this ſound purging of the …eart, is that ſtrong foundation …pon which only a good life comes …o be builded. For God will have …ur whole heart, not a piece of …, for that is neither beſeeming his …eatneſſe, neither fit for them to …fer who receive ſo great good …ings at his hands; many indeed … hardly brought to this, and p. 36therefore all their faire ſhewes and colours doe vaniſh away, and come to nothing, for raſh and haſty purpoſes are no ſufficient foundations to beare up ſo great and weighty buildings, as the whole courſe of their lives to bee wholly paſſed.

But if men at their firſt imbracing of the Gopſell, did give their hearts wholly to the Lord, then ſhould God have more honour, and themſelves more abiding comfort.

NOw having ſhewed the ground and roote of a godly life, viz. faith and a pure heart: it remaines to ſpeake of the parts of it, which is a renouncing of all ſinne, and a care to walke in a new life. And firſt of the former.

The party beleeving is brought to this power and grace, that he is out of love with all ungodlineſſe, and not with ſome part or kinde onelyonly, but loatheth the whole p. 37courſe of iniquity, which was his onelyonly delight and pleaſure before: neither doth hee this in ſome good moode onelyonly, or when ſome ſhame or danger approach, then to ſhew ſome miſl…ke of it; but in good adviſement hee is reſolved to caſt off ſuch behaviour, as a loathſome and and ragged garment, Hoſ 4.9. Eph. 4.24. Math, 16.24.

For want of this ſetled denying of our ſelves, divers never attaine true godlineſſe: ſome never conceiving the Doctrine, others forgetting, and ſome ſcorning it, but the moſt receiving it coldly, and going about it prepoſterouſly.

Whereas the ſervants of God leave not ſinne for a time, nor by conſtraint, for or company, and feare, &c. but being at utter defiance with it, doe abiure it for ever; Nehem. 10.29.

But in all theſe they truſt not to their owne ſtrength: but daily conſidering what cauſe they have to doe ſo; how infinitely they are p. 38bound to God to diſcharge it, become firmely perſwaded, that God who hath made them willing, will alſo make them able to do it, Phil. 4.13. Rom. 9.31. and therfore, although they ſee not that helpe preſent with their eyes, yet they hope for that which they ſee not, and therefore wait patiently for it, till it can be granted them. Thus both both faith and hope being nouriſhed and ſtrengthened in them from day to day, they doe finde both will and deſire, & ſtrength (though imperfect) to accompliſh to the peace of their hearts, that which they ſet upon and attempted. Indeed it is not obtained without ſtriving, but it is no iuſt cauſe of diſcouragement to us, to take paine for ſo great a profit, when we are ſure of it before wee goe about it: and if,

Object. The faithfull doe not alwaies preuaile therein.

Anſw. As it is true that in ſome particulars they are overcome, yet that p. 39doth not cut off all comfort from them: for howſoever they doe not account light of any fall, yet thoſe very fals turne to their gaine afterwards; for thereby they come to know themſelves better, their prime pride is much aſſwaged, they have experience of God his grace towards them, and they cleave more nearer unto him after, and are more circumſpect in looking to their waies: remembred alwaies that this belongs onelyonly to the true beleever, who having the Lord for his teacher, is become both skilfull and able to doe this; which to the naturall man (in whom is no dram of goodneſſe) is altogether impoſſible.

AS wee have ſeene that ſinne is to be renounced, and in what manner; ſo we muſt conſider the divers kinds of evils which are to be renounced: and they are of two ſorts,

Jnward, or

Outward.

p. 40Firſt by inward evils, is not meant the native infection of the heart, but the fruits and effects thereof, Iames 1.14. Col. 3.5. and that in ſuch as profeſſe Religion.

Amongſt theſe, the roote of all the reſt is infidelity, Hebrewes 3.12. From hence growes out three armes or boughes, of the which every one ſhooteth forth as branches, innumerable worldly luſts.

1. Impious againſt God.

2. Iniurious to Men.

3. Moſt hurtfull to our ſelves.

Firſt, for thoſe againſt God and his honour and worſhip in the fi ſt Table.

Comman. 1 Againſt the firſt Commandement; as (touching the Maieſty of God; (their hearts are full of blindeneſſe, covered with darkeneſſe; ſo it goeth againſt them to be taught the true knowledge of the true God; it is death to them to be drawne out of their ignorance; they cannot abide to heare of his p. 41iudgement day, Iob 13. Acts 24.25.

And whereas hee requireth, that confidence ſhould bee put in him, for continuall defence, deliverance and ſuccour in ſoule and body, they are carried with diſtruſt, as with a whirle-wind. In adverſity they are either overcome with a ſervile and deſperate feare, or boyling with impatience, or elſe ſwelling againſt God in obſtinacy and contempt.

In proſperity there is little or no thankefulneſſe yeelded to God by them, their reioycing is carnall, and oftentimes they are made drunke with pleaſures, ſo that they are lovers of them more then of God, and become inſenſible therby and paſt all feeling.

And as for the ſecond Commandement; Comman. 2 they rebell againſt the ſpirituall and true ſeruice of God, and that which they yeeld him is a will-worſhip, even that which fantaſie, cuſtome, or fleſhly wiſdome p. 42teacheth them, Iob. 21.14, 15 Matth. 15.9. Many are carried by ſuperſtition and blinde deuotion, into falſe worſhips; and other which retaine the truth, yet in the uſe of religious exerciſes, their hearts take no delight.

Comman. 3 So alſo againſt the third Commandement through the courſe of their private converſation, their hearts are altogether vaine, profane and diſſolute, they have no pleaſure in pleaſing God, though it ſhould be their meat, drinke and paſtime; his moſt fearefull iudgements they paſſe over lightly, ſo far are they off from expelling hypocriſie and other ſinnes.

Comman. 4 And as for the Lords Sabboth and other good meanes appointed on the ſame, to ſeaſon and change their hearts, they ſenſibly loath them, or find no ſavour in them, neither is it any part of their thought to ſeeke any comfort by them.

Table 2.

After theſe wee may conſider p. 43thoſe unbridled worldly luſts, which carry men after the hurt of their neighbour.

What unreverent contempt and Comman. 5 obſtinacy appeareth to bee in the hearts of many againſt their betters, diminiſhing that authority, credit, and eſtimation which God hath given to them; ſo that place, yeares and gifts, are had in meane account of them: what unthankfulneſſe in men to them which labour for their good and welfare either in corporall or ſpirituall things, &c.

How againſt the good of their Comman. 6 neighbours ſoules, many doe reioyce to ſee them, nay to make them fall into ſin; what unappeaſeable anger, deadly hatred, and bitter ſeeking of revenge, there is amongſt men, how readily occaſions are taken in thinking evill of others, how lightly men eſteeme of hurting others: how none almoſt will with Abraham, Gen. 13.8. paſſe from their right to avoid diſſention; p. 44how there is no meekneſſe or mildneſſe to forbeare others, no burying of offences, no pacifying of wrath, no fellow-feeling of miſery.

Comman. 7 How men let looſe their hearts to filthy and uncleane thoughts and deſires, how they are inflamed through every obiect that pleaſeth them; how they delight to blow up thoſe burning luſtes, by all uncleane talke, and to feede their adulterous eyes by wanton ſpectacles, and to reſort to thoſe places, where they may be incenſed by all provocations, &c.

Comman. 8 What greedy and unſatiable deſire there is of gaine, nay of other mens goods, though it be by deceit and wrong, what repining at other mens gettings, what pilling and fleecing, oppreſſion and uſury in all eſtates.

Comman. 9 How rare thoſe are that take well, and interpret in the better part, things done or ſpoken doubtfully, what miſtakings, ſuſpitions, p. 45ſurmiſes doe ariſe againſt our brethren; even as Saul againſt David & Jonathan, 1 Sa. 22.8. Alſo what deriding there is both by word and writing, what ſlanders, and reproches, &c.

And laſtly, how their deſires Comman. 10 tend not to good, neither lead them to God; but are for the moſt part taken up in wiſhing ſomewhat of their neighbours to their hurt.

The evils alſo that concerne themſelves, are neither few nor ſmall: in aboundance of outward things, ſetting their hearts on them and delighting exceſſively even in the abuſe of them, and ioying beyond meaſure in things tranſitory, which is the very pride of life.

Contrarily, fretting, murmuring and vexing themſelves when they fall into extremity, or unto frowardneſſe, or fullenneſſe, when they are croſſed or diſpleaſed, deceiving themſelves with deſires of things unprofitable, trobling themſelves with curious medling in p. 46things impertinent, blind-folding themſelves with fooliſh love of themſelves, &c.

The luſts wherewith the hearts of men doe ſwarme, and are even burdened and loden, may eaſily perſwade us, that it is divine power and grace from above that muſt purge theſe and ſuch like unſavoury draffes out of them.

And yet theſe and many other ſuch like are renounced as they come to bee knowne of Gods ſervants, and reſiſted, according to the wiſdome which God hath given them; although in others they rule and raigne, and the obtaining of grace to doe this, is a ſpeciall part of Chriſtianity, Epheſians 4.22. ſo that hee that exerciſeth himſelfe in obſerving theſe his foule and ſhamefull luſts, when hee hath beene led away, and deceived by them, which of them doe moſt trouble him, and ofteſt prevaile with him, and ſo by the helpes which God hath given him, doth p. 47reſiſt them, though but weakely and unperfectly, he need not doubt but that he is occupied in the godly life.

Thus all Gods children doe renounce and overcome their wicked luſts, though not all in the like meaſure, yet of the weakeſt they are hated and ſtriven againſt, when they are once ſeene and perceived. All are not ſo meeke as Moſes, Num. 12.13. ſo faithfull as Abraham, ſo continent as Ioſeph, Gen. 39 10. ſo zealous as David, nor ſo full of love as the woman in the Goſpell: Luke 7.47. yet thoſe that be behind others (ſo it be in truth that they indeavour) are not to bee diſcouraged, for all beleevers have not their part in the ſame degree of mortification, ſome receive thirty-fould, ſome ſixty, ſome an hundred, and indeed thoſe who are moſt of all troubled for being behinde others, doe declare plainely, that they love the grace that they mourne for, and hate deadly the p. 48corruption which they complaine and cry out of, they indeed that ſuffer themſelves to bee ruled and led by their luſts, can no waies claime any part in a godly life, for he that is ſo minded, cannot be but carnal, eſtranged from God, and a bond, man of Hell.

But the weake Chriſtians that doe ſtrive againſt thoſe, and decline them in their meaſure, may ſtay themſelves for their comfort on theſe three ſpeciall graces.

1. That they have a cleare knowledge of their ſalvation.

2. That they account it as their chiefe treaſure.

3. That they be ſetled forward in ſome plaine and good courſe of life, whereby they may grow in faith, and the obtaining of God, though with ſome ſtriving. But if they walke deſtitute of any of theſe three, they ſhall bee ſnar…d much with feare and unqu…etneſſe. Theſe therefore muſt be earneſt…y laboured for, b…ing of all things moſt neceſſary p. 49to be learned of ſuch as have attained already to the knowledge of true happineſſe by Ieſus Chriſt: for as a man knoweth nothing profitable unto ſalvation before he believeth; ſo after he believeth, hee knoweth nothing profitably to grow on with comfort in his Chriſtian courſe, without theſe three faithfully and carefully looked unto and preſerved.

As for the greater increaſe of faith, knowledge, ſtrength againſt ſinne, comfort and ſuch like fruits of the ſpirit; ſometime the Lord doth withhold them, either becauſe he ſeeth them in ſome reſpect not to bee good for us for the preſent, as 2 Cor. 10.9. or elſe to try us, whether we love them ſo well, that we will ſeeke after them ſtill or no; but for the moſt part, if we grow not, it is moſt iuſtly to bee imputed to our owne fault as our owne ignorance, ſloth, favouring of our ſelves in ſin: or if theſe be not the cauſes, then it is our owne p. 50timorouſneſſe and unbeliefe, fearing that ſuch grace as wee deſire ſhall not be given unto us; whereas wee ought to belieue. N…ither need we feare leſt by belieuing this we ſhould be too bold or preſumptuous, for God hath promiſed it, and commanded us to truſt in him, Iam. 1.6. And if wee faile not in uſing the meanes, ſtaying upon the Lord by faith; aſſuredly hee will not faile nor diſappoint us; but wee ſhall have grace to guide our feet, to riſe when we are fallen, to returne when wee are ſtepped out of the way, and to walke in moſt ſweet ſafe…y under Gods protection all the day long, Deut. 33.12. And finally, our gaines ſhall bee ſuch, as ſhall cauſe us to marvaile at Gods goodneſſe, in giving us more than we would have asked.