A Golden Chain, Chapter 7
CHAP. VII. Of the practise of Repentance.
IN the practise of Repentance foure speciall duties are required. The first is a diligent and serious examination of the conscience by the lawes and commandements of God, for all manner of sinnes both originall and actuall. Example of the children of Israel.Lam. 3. 39. 40. Psa. 119. 59 Wherefore is the liuing man sorrowfull? man suffereth for his sinne: let vsus search and trie our waies, and turne againe to the Lord. Of Dauid, I considered my waies, and turned my feete to thy testimonies.
Touching Originall sinne, this must be well remembred, that one mā hath not one part onelyonly of originall sinne, and another man another: one man this corruption, another that: but eueryevery mā as he receiued from Adam the whole nature of man: so also he receiued originall sinne wholly. And therefore eueryevery man, (not one accepted, sauing Christ who was extraordinarily sanctified by the holy Ghost in the wombe of the Virgin) hath in him from his parents the corruption and seede of all sinne, which is a naturall disposition and pronenes to commit any sinne whatsoeuer. Take a viewe and consider all the horrible sinnes that be practised in any part of the worlde, either against the first or second table: whatsoeuer they are, the spawne and seede of them all is euen in that man that is thought to be best disposed by nature. Some may say, that experience shewes the contrarie; because among men that want all manner of religion some are more ciuill and orderly; some againe more lewdly disposed. I answer, that this comes to passe, not because some men are by nature lesse wicked then others: but because God by his prouidence doth limit and restraine mens corruption more or lesse, which hee doth for the good of mankind. For if men might be wholly left to themselues, corruption would so exceedingly breake out into all manner of sinnes, that there should be no liuing in the world.
In examination of actuall sinnes, three rules must be followed. The first, that we must search out not onelyonly our grosse sins, but euen the very thoughts of our hearts. For repentance is not only a change of the speech, apparell, and outward behauiour, but also of the inward and secret thoughts of the heart. Therefore the prophet Ioel bids the Iewes rend their hearts and not their garments: Ioel 2. 13.and Paul tels the Ephesians, that they must be renued in the spirit of their mindes: Eph. 4.23. Act. 8.22.and Peter bids Simon Magus to repent and pray God that the thought of his heart may be forgiuen him. The second, that the very circumstances of sinnes done must be considered: as the time when, the place where, and the maner how; as namely, whether they were done of ignorance, or knowledge, of weakenesse, or presumption, or obstinate malice. Thirdly in examination it is very meete and conuenient, that wee passe through all the commandements of the morall lawe, laying them as most absolute rules to our hearts and liues: and by this meanes we shall be able to make large bills and Catalogues of all our sinnes, euen from the very cradle to any part of our age following, as the seruants of God hauehave alwaies done.Iob. 9.2. Psal. 19.12. Thus it will come to passe, that wee shall plainely see our wretched estate, and acknowledge that our sinnes be in number as the haires of our head, & as the sands by the sea shore.
A DIRECTION FOR EXAMINATION of the conscience.
I. COM. Thou shalt hauehave none other Gods, &c.
He breakes this commandement,
TThat knowes not the true God. Ier. 4.22.
That denies God in his heart, by denying his presence, iustice, merciemercy, &c. Psal. 14.1.
That hates God, and shewes it by disobedience. Exod. 20.5. Rom. 1.30.
That doth not feare God and stand in awe of him.
That feareth men or other creatures more then God. Math. 10.31. Apoc. 2.8.
That liues in open sinnes securely, not fearing Gods word or iudgements. 1. Thes…. 5.6,7.
That is sorrowfull for his sinnes, onelyonly in respect of the punishment. 2. Cor. 7.10.
That feares God by mens traditions. Esa. 29.13.
That doth not beleeue Gods word, but calls the Canonicall Scripture in question.
That despaires of Gods merciemercy.
That hath a dead faith without workes. Iam. 2.
That puts his confidence in the deuill and his workes, as seekers to wizzards doe.
That loues the creatures, as riches and honour, and his owne filthie pleasures more then God. Eph. 5.5.
That puts confidence in his strength, wisdome, riches, phisitians. 2. Chron. 16.9,11.
That is impatient vnderunder the crosse. Matth. 10.38.
That tempts God. Math. 4.7.
That seekes for the things of this life, more then for Gods kingdome. Matth. 6.33.
That murmures against God. 1. Cor. 10.10.
That disputes and holds there is no God.
That holdes and maintaines opinions against the auncient faith set downe in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles. As did the Maniches, Donatists, Arrians, Anabaptists, &c.
That so holds one religion, as he is ready to follow an other. 1. King. 18.21.
That is full of presumption of Gods merciemercy. Esa. 7.12.
That falls away from the knowne truth. 2. Pet. 2.20.
That addes to Canonicall Scripture. Deut. 12. last verse.
II. COM. Thou shalt make to thy selfe no grauen Image, &c.
He breakes this commandement,
THat represents God in an image. Exod. 32.6,8.
That worships God in or at images, as crucifixes, and such like. 2. King. 18.4.
That kneeles downe before an image.
That is bodily present at Masse keeping his heart to God. 1. Cor. 8.9.
That retaines the monuments of Idolatrie. Exod. 23.13.
That marrieth with infidels and such like. Gen. 6.2.
That makes leagues of amitie with such. 2. Chron. 19.1.
That worships God according to his owne fantasie. Col. 2.23.
That worships God with lip-seruice, Isa. 29.13. as our common people doe, which place all the seruice of God in pattering and mumbling ouer the Creede and ten commandements for praiers, and the Lords praier without knowledge of the meaning.
That hath the power of godlinesse, but denies the force of it. 2. Tim. 3.5.
That giues worship to creatures, as Saints and angels. Psal. 115.8.
That refuseth to heare the preaching of the Gospel. Luk. 14.19.
That negligently worships God. Rev. 3.16.
That omits inuocation of Gods name. Esa. 64.7.
That heares sermons, but when hee is reprooued, railes and rages, and profits nothing. Amos 5.10.
That changes the worship of God in whole or in part. Deut. 13.32.
That makes either open or secret league with the deuill. Psal. 58.6.
That vseth witchcraft, sorcerie, or enchantments. Deut. 18.11. Levit. 19.26.
That consults with wisards. Levit. 20.6.
That weares Amulets or Characters about his necke, and puts confidence in them.
That hinders schooles of religion and good learning. Psal. 74.6,7.
That seekes not (within the compasse of his calling) the good estate of Gods Church: but seekes his owne things. P…al. 132.3,4.
III. COM. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, &c.
He breakes this commandement,
THat doth vnreuerenly vse Gods titles in his talke. Phil. 2.10.
That sweares to doe a thing lawfull and good, and yet doth it not. Math. 5.23.
That sweares rashly. Ier. 4.2.
That vseth customable swearing in his common talke. Mat. 5.37.
That blasphemes the name of God. Leuit. 24.16.
That sweares falsely. Ioh. 8.44.
That sweares against pietie and honestie.
That vseth cursing and banning.
That finds fault with the creatures of god. 1. Co. 10.3.
That sweares by the creatures. Math. 5.34,35.
That vseth lots in sporting. Pro. 16.33. and 18.18.
That makes and vseth charmes of hearbes and other things. Deut. 18.11.
That makes iests of the sentences and phrases of scripture. Esa. 66.2.
That vseth figure casting. Esa. 47.13.
That doth lightly regard Gods iudgements. Heb. 3.16.
That liuing dissolutely in religion, makes Gods name euil spoken of. 2. Sam. 12.13. 1. Pet. 3.15.
That makes a vowe of continencie, or of any thing not in his power.
That makes a lawfull vowe, and keepes it not. Deut. 22.21.
That receiues blessings from God, & is not thankfull. Luk. 17.8.
That teacheth the trueth, but doth not practise it. Mat. 23.2.
IV. COM. Remember the Sabbath daie to, &c.
He breakes this commandement,
THat labours in the seruile workes of his ordinarie calling. Nehem. 13.15.
That trauailes abroad on his ordinarie businesse. Exod. 16.24.
That keepes faires and markets on this daie. Nehem. 13.15.
That works haruest worke on this daie. Exod. 34.21.
That vseth sports and recreation causing distraction. 1. Cor. 10.7.
That spends the daie in idlenesse. Esa. 58.13.
That keepes the Sabboth only in outward fashion. Esa. 1.13.
That prophanes it by gluttony and drunkennesse.
That giues seruants libertie to doe what they list.
That brings not his family to the congregation to heare Gods word, and to receiue the Sacraments.
That sanctifies not the Sabboth in his family priuately, by reading the word, by conference on that which hath beene heard in the congregation, and by praier.
V. COM. Honour thy father, &c.
He breaketh this commandement,
THat thinkes but a thought in his mind tending to the dishonour and cō tempt of his neighbour.
That mockes or reuiles, or beates his superiours. Gen. 9.22.
That disobeyes their lawfull commandements. Rom. 1.30.
That is vnthankefull to parents, and will not releeue them if neede be. 2. Tim. 3.3.
That disobeyes God to obey them. Act. 4.19.
That exalts himselfe aboue the magistrate. 2. Thess. 2.9.
That serues his master with eie seruice. Coloss. 3.22.
That gouerns his family and those which are vnderunder him negligently. 1. Tim. 3.4.
That is slacke in punishing faults. 1. Sam. 2.22.
That is too rigorous in speeches and punishments. Eph. 6.9.
That marrieth without parents consent.
That chooseth his calling without parents consent. Num. 30.
That thinkes better of himselfe then of others. Rom. 12.10.
That despiseth aged persons. Lev. 19.23.
VI. COM. Thou shalt not kill.
He breaketh this commandement,
THat thinkes but a thought in his heart tending to the hurt of his neighbours life.
That beares malice to another. 1. Ioh. 3.15.
That is giuen to hastinesse. Mat. 5.22.
That vseth inward fretting and grudging. Iam. 3. 14.
That is froward of nature, hard to please. Rom. 1.31.
That is full of rancour and bitternesse. Eph. 4.31.
That derides and scornes others. Gen. 21.9. Gal. 4.29.
That vseth bitter wordes and railings. Pro. 12.18.
That vseth contending by words or deedes. Gal. 5.20.
That vseth chiding and crying out. Eph. 4.31.
That is giuen to make complaints of his neighbour in all places. Iam. 5.9.
That is a fighter. Iam. 4.1.
That hurts or mannes his neighbours bodie. Exod. 21.24.
That will not forgiue an offence. Mat. 5.23.
That will forgiue, but not forget.
That doeth fare well himselfe, but giues not almes to releeue the poore. Luk. 16.19.
That vseth crueltie in punishing malefactors. Deut. 22.6.
That denies the seruants or labourers wages. Iam. 5.24.
That holds backe the pledge. Ezech. 18.7.
That sels by diuers waights and measures.
That remooues the land marke. Pro. 22.18.
That giues his goods vponupon vsurie: which is simply to binde a man to returne both the principall and the increase, onelyonly for the lone. Ezech. 18.18.
That by his loosenesse of life is an occasion why others sinne.
That mooues contention and debate. Rom. 1.29.
That beeing a minister teacheth erroniously.
That teacheth slackly. Ierem. 48.10.
That teacheth not at all. 1. Tim. 3.2.
That hinders mens saluation any way. Mat. 23.13.
That seekes priuate reuenge.
VII. COM. Thou shalt not commit, &c.
He breakes this commandement,
THat thinkes an vnchast thought tending to adulterie, or to any sinne of that kind.
That lookes on a woman to lust after her. Mat. 5.28.
That commits incest. Leuit. 18.22.
That commits Sodomie. 1. Cor. 6.9.
That commits fornication with married or single, or contracted folkes. Deut. 22.22.
That vseth marriage bed intemperately.
That lieth with a menstruous woman. Ezech. 18.6.
That vseth wantonnesse. 1. Cor. 6.9.
That vseth occasions and prouocations to lust. Gal. 5.9.
That is giuen to idlenesse.
That weares wanton and light attire. 1. Tim. ….9. 1. Pet. 3.3.
That vseth light talke, and reading of louelove bookes. 1. Cor. 15.39.
That frequents lasciuious places. Eph. 5.3.
That delights in wanton pictures. 1. Thess. 5.23.
That vseth the mixt dauncing of men and women. Mark. 6.22.
That keepes company with light and suspected persons. Pro. 7.22.
That neglects to dispose his children in marriage in conuenient time. 1. Cor. 7.37.
That makes marriages of young children.
That punisheth adulterie with small punishments.
That marieth more wiues then one at once. Gen. 2.24.
That loues his pleasure more then God. 2. Tim. 3.4.
That takes care to fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Rom. 13.14.
That maintaines and frequents stewes. Deut. 23.17.
That is giuen to drunkennesse and surfetting. Eph. 5.18.
That giues himselfe to wine, sleepe, and ease. Pro. 20.13.
That for the auoiding of fornication marries not. 1. Cor. 7.2.
That puts away his wife for other causes then for fornication. Mat. 19.9.
VIII. COM. Thou shalt not steale.
He breakes this commandement,
THat thinkes but a thought tending to the least hinderance of his neighbours welfare and good estate.
That liues in no calling. 1. Thess. 3.11.
That neglects his calling. Ier. 48.10.
That spends his wealth in riot, and prouides not for his family. 1. Tim. 5.8.
That is not content with his estate, but seekes to be rich. 1. Tim. 6.10.
That sels the goods of the Church, or buyes them. Mal. 3.8.
That sels such things as are meanes to further idolatrie, or any other sinne.
That vseth powdering, starching, blowing, darke shops, to set a glosse on his wares, and make them more saleable.
That conceales the fault of his wares.
That vseth false weights and measures. Lev. 19.35.
That vseth wordes of deceit. Pro. 20.14.
That takes more for his wares then the iust price. Mat. 7.12.
That oppresseth his tenants by racking his rents. Habac. 2.11.
That vseth ingrossing of wares.
That raiseth the price, onelyonly in consideration of a daie of paiment.
That either giues or takes bribes, Isai. 1. 33. Psal. 82.
That writes letters of affection in wrong suites.
That holdes backe things borrowed. Ezech. 18.7.
That holds backe things found or pawned. Levit. 6.3.
That beeing lustie liues by begging.
That releeueth such. 2. Thess. 3.10.
That for gaine defends bad causes, and delaies suites in lawe.
That laies burdens on the people without measure. Isai. 1.23. Ezech. 22.17.
That spendes the Church goods in riot. 1. Tim. 6.9.
That makes marchandize of Gods word and sacraments. Mich. 3. 11. 2. Cor. 2. last.
That gets his liuing by casting of figures and by plaies. Eph. 4.28.
That is rash in suretiship. Prov. 11.15. & 17.18.
That steales mens children to dispose them in marriage. 1. Tim. 1.10.
That takes by stealth the least pinne, though it be for the best end.
That is a receiuer of things stolne, and giues consent to the fact any way. Rom. 1.29.
That vseth deceit in bargaining. 1. Thess. 4.6.
That restores not things euill gotten. Ezec. 33.15.
That keepes backe goods giuen to the Church. Act. 5.3.
That waites for a death to sell his things dearer. Amos 8.5.
IX. COM. Thou shalt not beare, &c.
He breakes this commandement,
THat doth but conceiue a thought of disgrace against his neighbour.
That enuies at the prosperitie of his neighbour. 1. Tim. 6.4.
That seekes onelyonly his owne good report.
That is suspitious. 1. Cor. 13.5.
That giues hard or rash sentence against others. Math. 7.1.
That taketh mens sayings and doings in worse part. Math. 26.60.
That accuseth one falsely. 1. King. 21.
That maketh or reporteth tales openly or in a whispering maner. Lev. 19.16.
That receiueth tales. Exod. 23.1.
That speakes the truth of malice. Psal. 52.1,2.
That blazeth abroad mens infirmities. Math. 18.17.
That vseth quipping and taunting. Eph. 5.4.
That vseth flatterie. Prou. 26.19.
That lyeth though it be for neuer so good an ende. Zach. 13.3.
That defends an euill cause, and impugnes the contrarie.
That writes or spreads libels.
X. COM. Thou shalt not lust.
He breakes this commandement,
THat thinkes an euill thought against his neighbour, though he meane not to doe it.
That conceiues some inward delight in some euill motion, though he giuegive not consent to practise it.
SINNES DIRECTLY AGAINST THE GOSPEL.
He sinnes against the Gospel,
THat denies either directly or by consequent that Christ is come in the flesh. 1. Ioh. 43.8.
That treades vnderunder foote the blood of Christ. Heb. 10.29.
That beleeues not the remission of his owne sinnes, and acceptation to life euerlasting. 1. Ioh. 3.23.
That repents not, but hardens himselfe in all his badde waies. Rom. 2.4,5. Ierem. 8.6.
THus much of examination: now followes the second dutie, which is confession of sinne vntounto God, which is very necessarie. For the right way to hauehave our sinnes couered before God is, to vncouer and acknowledge them vntounto him. For he will iustifie vsus, if we condemne our selues, he will pardon vsus, if we, as beeing our owne enemies, accuse our selues: he forgets our sinnes if we remember them: when we are vile in our owne eyes, we are pretious in his: and when we are lost to our selues, we are found of him.
That confession may be rightly performed, a notable dutie is to be put in practise in it: namely, the arraignment of a repentant sinner, whereby he iudges himselfe, that he may not be iudged of the Lord.
This arraignment hath three speciall points in it. First of all, he must bring himselfe forth to the barre of Gods iudgement: which thing he doth when he sets himselfe in the presence of God, as though euen now the day of iudgement were. As S. Hierome did, who alwaies thought with himselfe that he heard this voice sounding in his eares, Rise ye dead and come to iudgement.
Secondly, he must put vp an inditement against himselfe; by accusing himselfe before God, by acknowledging his knowne sinnes particularly, and his vnknown generally, without any excuse or extenuation, or defence, or hiding of the least of them. Example of Dauid.1. Chr. 21.8. I know mine iniquity, and my sinne is euer before me: against thee, against thee onelyonly hauehave I sinned, and done this euill in thy …ight, &c. behold, I was borne in iniquitie, and in sinne hath my mother conceiued me. And, I hauehave sinned greatly, because I hauehave done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, remooue the iniquitie of thy seruant: for I hauehave done very foolishly. Of Ezra,Ezra 9.6. O my God I am ashamed and confounded to lift vp mine eyes vntounto thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased ouer our heads, and our trespasse is growne vp vntounto heauen.
Thirdly, he must with heauinesse of heart as a Iudge vponupon the bench giuegive sentence against himselfe, acknowledging, that he is worthie of euerlasting hell, death, and damnation. As the prodigall child, Father, I hauehave sinned against heauen, and against thee, and am not worthie to be called thy child. And Daniel,Dan. 9.1. We hauehave sinned and committed iniquitie, and hauehave done wickedly: yea, we hauehave rebelled, and hauehave departed from thy precepts, and from thy iudgements, &c. O Lord, righteousnes belongeth vntounto thee, and vntounto vsus open shame. Of Iob,Iob. 39.36. and 42.6. Luk. 18. 13. Behold, I am vile, what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand vponupon my mouth. And, I abhorre my selfe, and I repent in dust and ashes. Of the Publicane, Who standing a farre off, would not lift vp so much as his eyes to heauen, but smote his breast, saying, Lord be mercifull to me a sinner.
As for confession of sinne to men, it is not to be vsed but in two cases. First,Math. 5. Iam. 5.17. when some offence is done to our neighbour: secondly, when ease and comfort is sought for in trouble of conscience.
The third dutie in the practise of Repentance is Deprecation, whereby we pray to God for the pardon of the sinnes which hauehave beene confessed with contrition of heart, with earnestnes and constancie, as for the weightiest matter in the world. And here we must remember to behaue our selues to God as the poore prisoner doth at the barre, who when the iudge is about to giuegive sentence, cries vntounto him for fauour as for life and death. And we must doe as the cripple or lazar man in the way: sit downe, vnlappe our legges and armes, and shew the sores of our sinnes; crying to God continually as they doe (Looke with your eye, and pitie with your heart:) that we may find merciemercy at Gods hands, as they get almes at the hands of passengers. Thus Oseah instructeth the people,Ose. 14.2. O Israel, returne vntounto the Lord thy God: for thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie: take vntounto you wordes, and turne vntounto the Lord, and say vntounto him, Take away all iniquitie and receiue vsus graciously: so we will render thee the calues of our lippes. Of Daniel,Dan. 9.18, 19. We doe not present our supplication before thee for our owne righteousnes, but for thy great tender mercies. O Lord heare, O Lord forgiue, O Lord consider and doe it: deferre not for thine owne names sake, O my God. Of Dauid,Psal. 53.…. HaueHave merciemercy vponupon me, O God, according to thy louing kindnes: according to the multitude of thy compassions put away mine iniquities.
The last dutie is, to pray to God for grace and strength, whereby we may be inabled to walke in newnesse of life. Of Dauid, Behold, I desire thy commandements, quicken me in thy righteousnesse. Ps. 119. 40. and 143. 10.And, Teach me to doe thy will, for thou art my God: let thy good spirit lead me into the land of righteousnesse.