A Guide to Godliness, Book 6 · Chapter 14
CAP. XIIII.
That a godly life is not tedious and troubleſome to the regenerate man, but eaſie and familiar.
§. Sect. 1 That the regenerate hauehave a new nature, vntounto which a godly life is eaſie and pleaſant.
ANd thus it appeareth, that the godly life is eaſie and pleaſant in it ſelfe and it owne nature. Now if wee can further prooue, that it is alſo vntounto vsus nothing hard or impoſſible, tedious or troubleſome, but contrariwiſe eaſie and familiar, then the obiection of difficulties being ſufficiently anſwered and remoued, need not to be any impediment to hinder vsus from entring into the wayes of godlineſſe. To which purpoſe we are firſt to know, that howſoeuer the leading of a godly life be as hard and difficult, as grieuous and euen vnpoſſible for a naturall man, as for Lead to ſwimme, or for the earth to leaue its center, and to mount vp vntounto the skies; yet vntounto thoſe who are regenerate, it is not ſo, ſeeing their corrupt nature is changed and ſanctified, and they hauehave a new nature wrought in them, vntounto which a godly life is eaſie and familiar, by reaſon of that ſimilitude which is betweene them. And thus the Lord, when hee would hauehave his people to ſerue him in the duties of holineſſe and righteouſneſſe, doth promiſe to worke this change in them: And the Lord thy God will circumcize thine Deut. 30. 6, 11, 14.heart, and the heart of thy ſeed, to louelove the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and all thy ſoule, &c. For this commandement which I command thee, is not hidden from thee, neither is it farre off, &c. But the Word is very nigh vntounto thee, in thy mouth, and in thine heart, that thou maiſt doe it. And againe, I will giuegive Ezek. 11. 19, 20 and 36. 26, 27.them one heart, and I will put a new ſpirit within you, and I will take the ſtony heart out of their fleſh, and I will giuegive them an heart of fleſh, that they may walke in my ſtatutes, and keepe my ordinances and doe them. So in the new couenant of grace the Lord promiſeth, that he would write his Law, not in Tables Jer. 31. 33.of ſtone, but in the fleſhie tables of their hearts, and put it into their inward parts; thereby inabling them to yeeld vntounto it cheerfull obedience, ſeeing they hauehave an internall cauſe of this ſpirituall motion in themſelues, euen an heart ſanctified and repleniſhed with the louelove and feare of God, which maketh them to deſire aboue all things to ſerue and pleaſe him. In reſpect of which change (ſo farre forth as they are changed and regenerate) it is no more tedious and weariſome vntounto them to performe the duties of a godly life, then for the liuing fountaine to ſpring, or the riuer to flow, or for groſſe vapours and ſlimie exhalations to mount aloft into the middle and higheſt region of the aire, when as they are rarified by the Sunne, and hauehave their nature changed from an earthly groſneſſe, to an ayery or fiery ſubtilty and lightneſſe; although the reliques of ſinne and corruption of nature remaining ſtill in the vnregenerate part, doe hang vponupon vsus, and pull vsus backe, hindring vsus in our ſpirituall motion (like an exhalation incloſed with the vapours of the middle region, ſo as it cannot mount vp vntounto his owne proper place) whereof ariſe ſome tedious conflicts and ſharpe incounters, which make the duties of a godly life to ſeeme vntounto vsus by fits more difficult and weariſome. Yea, if wee reſt vponupon our owne ſtrength and abilities, the infirmities and corruptions which we ſhall diſcouer, will be notable diſcouragements to hinder vsus in the wayes of godlineſſe, and like children which preſume to goe alone, when they hauehave onelyonly ſtrength to walke as they are led in their fathers hand, we ſhall, by receiuing many falls and knocks, be ſo daunted and diſmayed, that we ſhall be afraid to ſet a foot forward in the duties of Chriſtianity, as farre exceeding our abilities of performance. Whereas, if ſeeing our frailties and infirmities, we take occaſion thereby to deny our ſelues and our owne ſtrength, and wholly diſtruſt the weake reede of our owne free wills, as being vtterly inſufficient to ſtay and vphold vsus in our Chriſtian courſe: And contrariwiſe, altogether rely vponupon Gods power and promiſes, and acknowledge that his grace is ſufficient, when we moſt ſee and bewayle our owne weakeneſſe and impotencie; wee ſhall heereby receiue no diſcouragement, 2. Cor. 12. 9.but goe on cheerefully in all holy duties of his ſeruice. For when wee are moſt blinde and ignorant, this grace of God will bee all-ſufficient to inlighten vsus; when wee are moſt weake and feeble, it will confirme and ſtrengthen vsus; when wee moſt diſtaſte the duties of Chriſtianity, as being bitter and vnpleaſant to our corrupted nature, it will, by changing and renuing it, make them to become eaſie and pleaſant, and (as wee ſee in the example of Dauid) ſweeter vntounto our mouthes then the hony and the honey combe. When wee feele the fleſh rebelling and Pſal. 19. 9, 10.luſting againſt the Spirit, it will mortifie and ſubdue it; And when our tumultuous paſſions and inordinate affections doe rage in vsus, ſtriuing to carry vsus with headlong fury, from the ſeruice of God, to the ſeruice of Satan, the world, and our owne vnruly luſts, it will powerfully purge away their corruption, rectifie their diſorder, and make them become ſeruiceable to the ſpirituall part; like wild beaſts, which being in their owne nature fierce and cruell, and ready to deuoure or teare vsus in pieces, when they are maſtred and tamed, become helpefull and commodious for diuers vſes. And thus the grace of God ſanctifieth our louelove, and weaning it from worldly vanities, fixeth it vponupon ſpirituall and heauenly things. Thus it changeth our choller into zeale; our hatred of good things into the hatred of that which is euill; our worldly ſorrow, into repentant griefe for ſinne; our carnall ioy into ſpirituall reioycing in the aſſurance of Gods fauour; and our deſperate boldneſſe and audaciouſneſſe, into Chriſtian courage, and magnanimous reſolution, which will inable vsus valiantly to oppoſe and ouercome all difficulties, which would diſcourage and hinder vsus in the profeſſion and practice of true godlineſſe. So that the difficultie of Chriſtian duties, compared with our owne frailties and infirmities, will not diſcourage vsus, if wee doe not ſeuer the Law from the Goſpel, looking onelyonly vponupon that obedience which it requireth, and not vntounto that grace of God which the Goſpell promiſeth, and which he purpoſely beſtoweth vponupon vsus, that thereby we may be enabled to performe that which he commandeth. But rather the ſight and ſenſe of our owne weakeneſſe, will but make vsus cling the faſter to the firme pillar of our ſtrength, and to flee vntounto him in our earneſt & effectuall prayers, deſiring him to command what he will, if withall hee will giuegive vntounto vsus grace and ſtrength to performe thoſe duties which he commandeth.
§. Sect. 2 That a godly life is made eaſie, through the power of God the Father aſſiſting vsus.
Secondly, the duties of a godly life, which are ſo difficult, in reſpect of our frailty and corruption, become eaſie and familiar vntounto vsus, not onelyonly in reſpect of this grace, whereby our natures are changed and renewed; but alſo in reſpect of thoſe freſh ſupplies which wee daily hauehave from God himſelfe, euen the Father, Sonne, and holy Spirit. For firſt, God the Father doeth not content himſelfe to hauehave regenerated vsus, and renewed our nature, and ſo to leaue vsus, but hee daily repaireth our decayed ſtrength; hee doeth not onelyonly infuſe ſome ſpirituall graces into vsus, and ſo leaue vsus to be vpheld by their inherent ſtrength, but hee ſtill ſtandeth by vsus, and continually aſſiſteth vsus by his power and prouidence, out of his rich Treaſury ſupplying what is wanting, ſtrengthening vsus when wee are ready to faint; rayſing vsus, when wee ſlip and fall; repairing his graces with new ſupplies, when they are ſpent and waſted, and (as it were) re-inforcing his ſpirituall Bands and Troupes, when as they are enfeebled and wearied in the conflict of tentations. Hee not onelyonly commandeth the duties of his ſeruice, but alſo that wee may bee both incouraged and inabled to doe them; hee promiſeth his aſſiſtance, and that hee will ioyne with vsus, ſupplying by his all-ſufficient power, what is wanting through our weakeneſſe. Thus hee willeth vsus to aJoel. 2. 12.repent and turne vntounto him, and bJer. 31. 18.worketh alſo this conuerſion and repentance, exhorteth vsus to cJer. 4. 4.circumcize our hearts, and withall, dDeut. 30. 6.promiſeth that hee will circumcize them, inioyneth vsus to eDeut. 10. 12.louelove and feare him, and fRom. 5. ….ſheadeth abroad his louelove in our hearts by his holy Spirit, whereby hee inflameth them with louelove towards him, and gIer. 32. 40.putteth his feare into them, that wee dare not depart from him, by doing wilfully any thing that is diſpleaſing in his ſight. Though then wee bee naturally barren in the fruits of new obedience, yet this muſt not diſcourage vsus, ſeeing the Lord hath promiſed, that hee will make vsus trees of righteouſneſſe planted by his owne Eſa. 61. 3. Pſal. 1. 3.right hand, which ſhall bring foorth fruit in due ſeaſon, like trees planted by the riuers of waters, and that he will powre the ſweet dewes of his grace vponupon him that is thirſty, and floods vponupon the dry ground. If we be feeble Eſa. 44. 3, 4.and weake in our owne ſtrength; yet the Lord himſelfe will ſtrengthen and incourage vsus in eueryevery good worke by his gracious preſence; ſaying, Feare thou not, for I am with thee; be not diſmaid, for I am thy God, Eſa. 41. 10, 11, 14.I will ſtrengthen thee, yea, I will helpe thee; yea, I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteouſneſſe. I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, ſaying vntounto thee, Feare not, I will helpe thee. When wee finde and feele our faintnes and feeblenes in holy duties, let not this make vsus to deſiſt & giuegive them ouer, as impoſſible to bee atchieued; but let vsus remember, that the euerlaſting God, the Lord, the Creatour of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither Eſa. 40. 28, 29, 30, 31.is weary; who giueth power to the faint, and to them that hauehave no might, increaſeth ſtrength. So that though thoſe who are in their youth and prime age, be weary, faint, and vtterly fall, yet if being humbled in the ſenſe of our owne weakeneſſe, we doe deny our ſelues, and waite vponupon the Lord, he will renew Phil. 1. 6.our ſtrength, and we ſhall mount vp with wings as Eagles; we ſhal run, and not be weary; and walke, and not be faint. This worke of regeneration is not our own, but the Lords, who is as able & willing to perfect a work, as to begin it; for not to finiſh what he hath vndertaken and begun, were a ſigne either of inconſtancie, or want of power, whereas he is immutable and omnipotent; according to that of the Prophet, Shall I bring to the birth, and not Eſa. 66. 9.cauſe to bring foorth, ſaith the Lord? ſhall I cauſe to bring foorth, and ſhut the wombe, ſaith thy God? Though then the duties of a godly life ſeeme vntounto vsus hard, difficult, and euen vnpoſſible; yet let not this diſcourage vsus, ſeeing nothing is impoſsible with God; though they bee ſo farre aboue our abilities, Luk. 1. 37.that they alſo exceed our hopes, ſo as we ſcarce dare ſue and ſeeke after that power of performance which God requireth, and we deſire; let vsus remember, that the Lord is able to doe exceeding abundantly, aboue all that we aske or Eph. 3. 20.thinke, according to the power that worketh in vsus. And though we are ready to ſtumble at eueryevery ſtone of offence, and to ſinke in eueryevery tentation, let vsus goe on cheerfully for all this, ſeeing our God is able to keepe vsus from falling, and to Iude verſ. 24.preſent vsus faultleſſe before the preſence of his glory with exceeding ioy. Yea, he is ready to preuent vsus with his grace, and not only to worke in vsus (as in the Prodigall ſon) ſome good deſires of returning vntounto our heauenly Father, Luk. 15.that we may ſerue him; but euen when he ſeeth vsus afarre off, he will run to meet vsus, giuegive vsus kind intertainment, and feaſt vsus ſo with a banket of his graces, that we ſhall be inabled with cheerfulneſſe to doe his worke. And therefore, though we find neuer ſo mighty oppoſition, as ſoone as we are entred into the courſe of Chriſtianity, yet being aſſured of Gods preſence and aſſiſtance, let not this diſmay vsus; For if God be with vsus, who can be againſt Rom. 8. 31.vsus? Pharaoh may wel frowne and ſtorme againſt vsus, but his ruine ſhalbe our ſafety. The deuill may rage, and (as it were) rend vsus with his tentations, but out he muſt come & leaue his hold, when God commandeth him. Though we apprehend the greatneſſe and difficulty of the worke, and our owne weakeneſſe and inſufficiency to goe thorow with it; let not this diſcourage vsus from vndertaking it: for the Lord is with vsus, his grace is all-ſufficient, and his power is manifeſted and glorified in our infirmities. Though we are weake 2. Cor. 12. 9. Eph. 6. 10, 13.in our owne ſtrength, and able to doe nothing, yet we are ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, & (with the Apoſtle) able to do all things, through the power of Chriſt, which ſtrengtheneth vsus. Though we through our corruption, are prone to fall into any ſinne; the Lord ſhall deliuer vsus from eueryevery euill 2. Tim. 4. 18.worke, and preſerue vsus vntounto his heauenly Kingdome: and finally, though we are ſo fettred and gauled with our naturall corruptions, that wee can ſcarce creepe in the wayes of Gods Commandements, yet we may reſolue to run Pſal. 119. 32.in them with great agility and ſwiftneſſe, when he ſhall be pleaſed to inlarge our hearts. They (ſaith an ancient Father) who reſolue to paſſe from the louelove of worldly pleaſure, vntounto an honeſt and vertuous life, finde it at the Cyr. in Heſaiam. lib. 4. cap. 55.firſt a rough and vncouth way, which is hardly paſſable. For the ſweetneſſe of a long ſettled and confirmed cuſtome, oppoſeth and hindreth them, and lothneſſe to breake it, doth much intoxicate and diſturbe their mindes. Neither can our carnall affections be eaſily ſhunned or ſubdued, nor is the way of vertue plaine and eaſie to eueryevery one who offereth to run in it. But yet, God proſpering and helping vsus forward, and ſmoothing and leuelling theſe rough and vnpaſſable wayes, a man may eaſily eſcape, or ouercome the aſſaults of his owne carnall affections, and couragiouſly mount vntounto the top of the hill of vertue.
§. Sect. 3 That God the Sonne ioyning with vsus, taketh away all difficulty.
Secondly, God the Sonne ioyning with vsus in the duties of a godly life, will take away all difficulty, and enable vsus to performe them with all cheerefulnes and delight. For being vnited vntounto him by a true and a liuely faith, and ingrafted into this bleſſed & fruitfull Vine, as liuing branches, wee ſhall receiue ſuch ſpirituall life and ſap of grace from him, that we ſhall bring forth the ripe grapes and pleaſant fruits of holineſſe and righteouſnes. Being knit vntounto him in this bleſſed vnion, and becomming liuely members of his body, wee ſhall hauehave communion with him, and receiue ſuch vertue and vigour, as ſhall be effectuall, not only for our iuſtification, but alſo for our ſanctification. From his death Rom. 6. 4.we ſhall receiue vertue & ſtrength for the mortifying of the fleſh and the ſinfull luſts thereof, ſo as it ſhall no longer reigne and rule in vsus as in former times, and from his Reſurrection ſuch a quickning power, as will enable vsus to riſe out of the graue of ſin, and to walke in the waies of holineſſe and righteouſneſſe, bringing forth the plentifull fruits of new and true obedience. Beſides, our Sauiour, who exhorteth vsus to take his yoke vponupon vsus, offreth himſelfe to ioyne with vsus, and to be our yoke-fellow; and as the taller and ſtronger Oxe, drawing together with one that is leſſe and weaker, eaſeth him of the chiefeſt part of the burthen; ſo our Sauiour ſo farre exceeding vsus in greatneſſe and ſtrength, doth free vsus from all irkeſomneſſe and cumberſome tediouſneſſe of that burthen which he layeth vponupon vsus, by bearing it vp vponupon his owne bleſſed necke and ſhoulders. Neither doth he call vsus vntounto him to trouble and vex vsus, but to eaſe and comfort vsus. Not to oppreſſe vsus with a burthen aboue our ſtrength, but to lighten vsus of the intolerable load of ſin, by taking it vponupon himſelfe, in ſtead wherof, he layeth vponupon vsus his ſweet and eaſie yoke of Euangelicall obedience; according to that his gracious call and inuitation, Come vntounto me, all yee Matth. 11. 28, 29, 30.that labour and are heauie loaden, and I will eaſe you; take my yoke vponupon you and learne of me, for I am meeke and lowly in heart, and yee ſhall finde reſt vntounto your ſoules; for my yoke is eaſie, and my burthen light. So that though it be a yoke and burthen, yet it needs not diſmay vsus, ſeeing it is but light and eaſie, in compariſon of that vnſupportable waight of ſin, the wrath of God, and curſe of the Law, from which he hath freed vsus; and not ſuch an one as will toyle and turmoile vsus; but a burthen that bringeth eaſe, and a labour which cauſeth reſt. It is not Chriſts purpoſe to ſurcharge and oppreſſe vsus, by impoſing a burthen aboue our ſtrength; for he that hath taught vsus that a good man is mercifull vntounto his beaſt, Pro. 12. 10.will not be hard-hearted and cruell to his yoke, fellowes, yea to his owne body and bowels; but onelyonly he deſireth that we would beare him company, promiſing that if our weight be ouer-burthenſome, he will eaſe vsus, if it be irkſome and tedious, he will make it ſweet & pleaſant, and if there be any defects & wants in vsus, he will ſupply them by vertue of that communion which we hauehave with him. If we be dead, Rom. 6. 4.and cannot mooue in the actions of piety and righteouſneſſe, by touching his dead body, he will giuegive vsus ſpirituall life and motion. For as the Father rayſeth vp the dead and quickneth them; euen ſo the Sonne Joh. 5. 21, 25.quickneth whom he will. He is the Reſurrection and the Life; he that beleeueth Ioh. 11. 25.in him, though he were dead, yet ſhall he liue. So if being rayſed, we want ſpirituall illumination, that we may walke in thoſe wayes which God hath preſcribed, our Sauiour will ſupply it, according to that of the Apoſtle; Awake, thou that ſleepeſt, and ſtand vp from the dead, and Chriſt ſhall giuegive thee light. If we be weake & feeble, he will ſtrengthen vsus with might Eph. 5. 14.by his Spirit in the inner man. If we feele the exerciſes of a godly life ſo Eph. 3. 16.difficult & vnpleaſant to our corrupt nature, that we hauehave little hope of proceeding in them, that which is defectiue through naturall corruption, he wil ſupply by grace aboue all that we can expect; for he is able to doe exceeding abundantly aboue al that we aske or thinke, according to the power Ʋerſ. 20.that worketh in vsus. If we be faint, he will ſupport vsus; if weary, he will refreſh vsus; if we fall, he wil lift vsus vp. If we be diſcomforted and diſcouraged with afflictions & tribulations which we meet with in the way, he will ſtrengthen vsus with faith & patience, that we may be able to beare them; ſo as we may ſay with the Apoſtle; We are troubled on eueryevery ſide, 2. Cor. 4. 8, 9.yet not diſtreſſed; we are perplexed, but not in deſpaire; perſecuted, but not forſaken; caſt downe, but not deſtroyed.
§. Sect. 4 That the duties of a godly life are made eaſie by the aſſiſtance of the holy Spirit.
Finally, the holy Spirit ſo aſſiſteth vsus with his grace, that the duties of a godly life, which are to the fleſh difficult and vnpleaſant, become Rom. 8. 11.ſweet and eaſie. For when we feele our ſelues moſt dull & dead, and vtterly vnable to moue in the wayes of godlineſſe; this Spirit of life and power will quicken and reuiue vsus; according to that of the Apoſtle; If the Spirit of him that rayſed vp Ieſus from the dead dwell in you; he that rayſed vp Chriſt from the dead, ſhall alſo quicken your mortall bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. If our fleſh rebell and labour to hinder vsus in all good duties, the Spirit of God will mortifie and ſubdue it. If carnall corruption be ſo ſtrong in vsus, that it withdraweth our hearts and affections from God and his ſeruice; This Spirit of God as a ſharpe razour will circumciſe our hearts, and purging vsus from our naturall Deut. 30. 6.corruption, will inflame them with Gods louelove, and with feruent deſires to pleaſe him in all things. If we be ſo ſtraightned in our zeale and deuotion, that we can neither read, heare, nor pray, yet our comfort is, that the Spirit of God is not ſtraightned, but can like fire thaw our Mic. 2. 7.frozen hearts, open our eares and hearts, that we ſhalbe able with Lydia to attend vntounto thoſe things which concerne our ſaluation, and helping Luk. 16. 14.our infirmities, will make interceſsion for vsus with gronings which cannot be Rom. 8. 26.vttered. If we be deſtitute of all ſauing graces in our owne ſenſe and feeling, and doe thirſt after them like the drie lands, Gods Spirit will quench our thirſt, and be in vsus as a fountaine of liuing water ſpringing vp Ioh. 4. 14.into euerlaſting life. Finally, if wee be ſtiffe and vnactiue vntounto eueryevery good worke, ſo as we cannot performe any dutie of Gods ſeruice, or if we doe, yet with much difficulty, and with murmuring and complayning of the fleſh; this oyle and holy vnction of the Spirit will ſupple and ſoften our hearts and ſtiffe ioynts, making vsus to goe with eaſe and agility in the wayes of godlineſſe, like the wheeles of a cart, which being drie, goe hardly and with a creaking noyſe, but when they are oyled, runne with much eaſe and ſwiftneſſe. And therefore when wee finde our ſelues indiſpoſed to Gods ſeruice, prayer or any other duty, and ſee ſome difficulty in them to our ſinfull fleſh; let vsus not hereby be diſcouraged, but feeling our owne weakeneſſe, let vsus craue the helpe and aſſiſtance of this holy Spirit, that we may be ſtrengthened Eph. 3. 16.thereby in the inner man, with all might, according to his glorious power, and ſo Col. 1. 10, 11.walke worthy of the Lord vntounto all pleaſing, being fruitfull in eueryevery good worke. Let vsus goe boldly vntounto the Throne of grace, crauing the Spirit to ſupport vsus, ſeeing we hauehave Gods promiſe that he will giuegive it to thoſe that aske him. Let vsus begge the Spirit of Grace and ſupplication, ſeeing the Luk. 11. 13. Zach. 12. 10.Lord hath promiſed to beſtow it vponupon all the faithful; and finding our ſelues ſo drie and emptie of all goodneſſe, that we thirſt after Gods grace which inricheth vsus with it; let vsus by faith goe vntounto Chriſt, inuiting vsus to come vntounto him, and to drinke plentifully of theſe waters Ioh. 7. 37, 38.of the Spirit, that we may be nouriſhed thereby vntounto euerlaſting life.
§. Sect. 5 That the ſauing graces of the Spirit wrought in vsus, make the godly life eaſie and familiar.
And as the Spirit it ſelfe, ſo the gifts and graces which it bringeth with it, and worketh in vsus, are notable helpes enabling vsus to ouercome all difficulties which we find in the way: As firſt, a true & liuely Faith, which not onelyonly ouercommeth the world and all the enemies of our ſaluation, and vniting vsus vntounto Chriſt, doth cauſe vsus to bring forth fruits in him, but alſo perſwadeth & aſſureth vsus, that notwithſtanding all lets and difficulties, we ſhall attaine vntounto that ſanctification and holineſſe of life which we labour after. The which as a ſingular encouragement hearteneth vsus to take paines, & to vſe all diligence in all Chriſtian duties, when as we are ſure that we ſhall not loſe our labour, but ſhall receiue the fruit and benefit of it in the end. Secondly, a liuely hope enableth vsus to ouercome all difficulties, when as we do aſſuredly expect, not only helpe & aſſiſtance from God, for the performing of thoſe duties, vntounto which in our ſelues we are altogether inſufficient; but alſo do wait for that bountifull wages & rich reward, which God hath promiſed to all thoſe who ſerue & pleaſe him; namely, all the teſtimonies of his louelove & fauor in this life, and that eternall crowne of glory & happineſſe, which he reſerueth for vsus in the life to come. For this is that helmet 1. Theſ. 5. 8.of ſaluation, which defendeth vsus againſt al incounters of our ſpiritual Heb. 6. 18.enemies; this is that ſure anchor-hold which keeps vsus immoueable in all the tempeſtuous ſtormes of tentations, and from making ſhipwrack of our ſoules againſt the rocks of deſpaire. Neither is it poſſible, that we ſhould be tired with any labour, or danted and diſmayed with any difficulty or danger, if we hauehave an eye to the recompence of reward, & expect after our ſhort and ſmall labours, ſuch an ineſtimable and euerlaſting Heb. 11. 25, 26.waight of glory. Thirdly, feruent charity enableth vsus to ouercome all difficulties. For louelove maketh eueryevery burthen light, and if our necks be anoynted with this oyle, the yoke of Chriſt will ſeeme eaſie and ſweet. For as Auguſtine ſaith, The labors of louers are not burthenſome, Lib. de Sancta viduitate.but bring rather delight, as wee ſee in the example of thoſe who louelove thoſe painfull ſports of hunting, hawking, fiſhing & ſuch like, ſeeing the paines which are taken about the things we louelove, are either counted no labour, or elſe the labour is loued & bringeth no tediouſnes. In which regard, louelove is compared to the peyzes of a clock, which ſetteth all the wheeles a-going. Or to the wheeles of a chariot, which make it eaſily drawn, & to go with much eaſe, which otherwiſe are hardly to be moued. True louelove (ſaith one) is of great force. And he that is loued in an Grandem vim obtinet vera dilectio, &c. Hier. ad Celantiam.high degree, challengeth vntounto himſelf the whole will and heart of him that loueth him. Nothing ſo imperiouſly cōmandeth as charity. And if we truly louelove Chriſt, remembring that he hath redeemd with his blood, wee ſhall then know, that we can then neither will nor doe any other thing, then that which he willeth and commandeth; according to that, He who loueth me, keepeth my commandements. He that loueth, ſaith Auguſt. Iohn. 14. 15. Confeſſ. lib. 11.laboreth not; and it is onelyonly louelove which bluſheth at the name of difficulty. So the Apoſtle, Charity beareth all things, beleeueth all things, hopeth 1. Cor. 13. 7.all things, endureth all things. An example whereof we hauehave in Dauid, who becauſe hee loued Gods Commandements, therefore they Pſal. 119. 47.were not tedious vntounto him, but ſweete and pleaſant. Fourthly, ardent zeale and feruent deuotion, will arme vsus greatly againſt all difficulties. For this ſerueth to the ſoule, as the ſpirits to the body, making it, which in it ſelfe is heauy and lumpiſh, quick and vigorous, actiue, and neuer wearied in well-doing. And whereas ſloth, coldneſſe and auerſneſſe of wil doth make things eaſy, hard and difficult, a huge mountaine of eueryevery little mole-hill, and eueryevery ſtraw a great blocke; contrariwiſe the heate of feruent zeale and deuotion, cauſeth vsus to contemne & ſcorne all oppoſitions, & maketh our greateſt labours in the ſeruice of God, light and delightfull. Fifthly, the inward peace of conſcience and ioy in the holy Ghoſt, which followeth our iuſtification by faith, and reconciliation with God, is a notable help enabling vsus to ouercome all difficulties. For the minde & conſcience being inwardly quiet, are nothing or but little troubled with outward ſtormes, but go on quietly in all holy duties acceptable to God, without any diſturbance, euen in the midſt of worldly garboiles and tumultuous troubles. And whereas the wicked which want this peace, are neuer at quiet in the greateſt calme of worldly proſperity, being like vntounto a troubled ſea, which cannot reſt, whoſe Eſa. 57. 20, 21.waters caſt vp mire and durt; thoſe who hauehave this inward peace, are quiet in the greateſt ſtormes of trouble, and reioice not only in temporall bleſſings, but euen in their tribulations & perſecutions for righteouſnes ſake.Rom. 5. 3. Math. 5. 11.
§. Sect. 6 That Chriſtian fortitude ouercommeth all difficulties, and maketh a godly life eaſy.
Sixthly, Chriſtian fortitude and magnanimous reſolution will exceedingly helpe vsus to ouercome all oppoſitions, the which is not to bee grounded vponupon our owne ſtrength, nor vponupon the vertues and graces which are inherent in vsus, but vponupon the power and promiſes of almighty God, the mediation and interceſſion of Ieſus Chriſt, and our vnion and communion with him, and finally vponupon the help and aſſiſtance of the holy Spirit, which in our greateſt weakeneſſe are allſufficient to ſtrengthen vsus againſt al impedimēts that hinder vsus in Chriſtian duties. For if we be armed with this fortitude and Chriſtian courage, we ſhall be the better able to withſtand the tentations of Satan and the world, and ſubdue our own corrupt luſts and violent paſſions, which will not eaſily be maſtred and ouercome, if we weakely & fearefully ſet vponupon them. For as Nettles lightly and gently touched, retaine their venome and vigour, and ſting the hand, but hurt not at all, if wee roughly graſpe and gripe them in faſt hold; And as the fire, if we reſolutely ruſh vponupon it and trample it vnderunder foote, is eaſily extinguiſhed, but if it be gently handled, burneth that which toucheth it; and if there be plenty of combuſtible matter, increaſeth to a great flame: ſo our corrupt fleſh and tumultuous paſſions, if they be handled gently, and (as it were) with a fearefull touch, will but the more ſting and burne vsus, but if they be aſſaulted with vndaunted courage, and nought-dreading valour, they will ſoone be ſubdued, and giuegive vsus the comfort of an eaſie victory. Beſides, howſoeuer we hauehave many helpes from God, & ſweete comforts of his Spirit, which may ſufficiently encourage vsus in our Chriſtian courſes, againſt all oppoſitions, yet it cannot be denyed, but that we ſhall meete with ſo many difficulties, in reſpect of the corruption of our nature, and encounters of our ſpirituall enemies, that we had great neede of courage and reſolution for the ouercomming of them. The palace of vertue is not ſeated vponupon the plaine, but vponupon a rocke and ſteepe hill, which we cannot mount without ſome paines, nor continue this paynes without reſolued courage. Wee muſt trauayle, like painefull pilgrims, before we can take our reſt in our own countrey. Wee muſt laboriouſly work, before we can receiue our wages, mourne and weepe, before we can laugh and reioyce, bedewing our cheekes with teares, before we can hauehave them cleane wiped away; and both fight and Apoc. 2. 10.ouercome our ſpirituall enemies, before we can obtaine full victory, or triumph in glory. All which, as on the one ſide they muſt not daunt and diſmay vsus, becauſe our ioyes exceede our griefe; our comforts, our croſſes; and they which are on our part, thoſe that are againſt vsus: ſo on the other ſide, they ſhould keepe vsus, when we enter into the courſe of Chriſtianity, from dreaming of eaſe, or pleaſing our ſelues with a vaine conceit, that we ſhall finde pleaſures without paines, and vndertake ſuch a worke as is ſo eaſy, that we may go about it betweene ſleeping and waking, & eaſily ouercome it, though we be neuer ſo negligent: And contrariwiſe make it appeare how neceſſary it is, that before we goe about this building, we caſt vp our accounts, & when we hauehave reſolued vponupon it, that we arme our ſelues with courage & fortitude, that ouercōming all difficulties and oppoſitions, we may be able to perfect and finiſh it.
§. Sect. 7 Of the meanes whereby wee may attaine vntounto Chriſtian fortitude.
Now the meanes of attaining vntounto this Chriſtian fortitude, whereby we are made ready to doe whatſoeuer God commandeth, and to ſuffer whatſoeuer he impoſeth, are firſt to conſider what our Sauiour Chriſt hath done and ſuffered for our ſakes; what pouerty and contempt, ſhame and diſgrace, ſlanders and reuilings, blindfolding and buffeting, ſcourging and crucifying; what inward ſorrowes and bitter agonies in the ſight and ſenſe of Gods wrath due vntounto our ſinnes, hee hath meekely and patiently indured for vsus. And this argument the Apoſtle Peter vſeth to ſtrengthen our reſolution againſt all difficulties: For as much then as Chriſt hath ſuffered for vsus in the fleſh, arme your 1. Pet. 4. 1.ſelues likewiſe with the ſame minde: ſeeing as Apoſtle ſpeaketh, He therefore indured theſe things, leſt we ſhould bee weary and faint in our mindes. Heb. 12. 3.And then alſo let vsus thinke with our ſelues, who it was that ſuffered all this, namely, Ieſus Chriſt the innocent and righteous, who neuer ſinned, and in whoſe mouth there was no guile; the glorious and eternall Sonne of God, equall vntounto his Father in might and Maieſty: And for whom he ſuffered all theſe great euils, euen for vsus and for our ſinnes, which were ſtrangers and enemies vntounto him, dead in our ſinnes, and the children of wrath as well as others; and the motiues and manner of theſe ſufferings, not vponupon our intreaty, and much leſſe deſert, not by any compulſion or conſtraint, but vponupon his owne accord, and out of his meere grace and good will, meekly, and cheerfully. To conſider likewiſe what our Sauiour hath done for vsus, namely, forgiuen the infinite debt of our ſinnes, ouercome all the enemies of our ſaluation, reconciled vsus vntounto God, vnited vsus vntounto himſelfe, whereby we hauehave communion with him in all his benefits, imparted vntounto vsus ſome portion of his ſauing graces, and innumerable pledges of his louelove and fauour, which are alſo earneſt-pennies of our ſaluation. For who can thorowly ponder theſe things, and not be thereby armed with a magnanimous reſolution of doing and ſuffering any thing for Chriſts ſake? For did our Lord and Maſter ſuffer all this for vsus; and ſhall wee not be ready and willing to ſuffer much leſſer things for him? Shall our Captaine and Generall lye in the field, and indure much hardneſſe, and many ſharpe and dangerous conflicts; and ſhall wee take our eaſe at home, and ſolace our ſelues in worldly delights? Did hee indure many afflictions, and grieuous perſecutions for our ſakes, that hee might purchaſe for vsus euerlaſting life and happineſſe, and himſelfe leade vsus the way vnderunder his Croſſe; and will we dreame of going to that place of ioy, without paine or difficulty, as it were lying in an Horſe-litter, and ſleeping in a bed of Downe? Was his louelove towards vsus ſo great and ineſtimable, that nothing could hinder him from emptying himſelfe of glory and comming to vsus, that he might worke that great worke of our Redemption; and ſhall wee not be willing and reſolute to goe vntounto him, thorow thicke and thin, fire and water, euill report, and good report, affliction and perſecution, that he may make vsus partakers of his glory, and crowne vsus with his happineſſe? Could no difficulty daunt and diſcourage him from ſhewing the infiniteneſſe of his louelove, in doing all things neceſſary for our ſaluation; and ſhall we thinke any taske too hard to bee vndertaken, which may expreſſe our louelove, our deſire to glorifie him, and care to pleaſe him? Secondly, we may ſtrengthen our ſelues in this magnanimous fortitude and reſolution, by obſeruing the courage and conſtancy of Gods Saints and ſeruants of former ages, and in our owne times, whom no difficulties could diſcourage, either from doing that which God requireth, or ſuffering that which hee inflicteth. Of both which, we hauehave for our imitation, the examples of the Patriarches, Enoch, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Iſaac, Iacob, Iob, Dauid and the reſt, of the Prophets and holy men of God, the Apoſtles of Ieſus Chriſt, and the deuout and godly Martyrs which ſucceeded them, who were not onelyonly content to ſpend their ſweat and labour in Gods ſeruice, but were alſo prodigall of their blood, and patiently indured the moſt cruell and exquiſite torments which wit and maljce could deuiſe, rather then they would leaue their holy profeſſion and practice of Gods truth. And therefore if theſe Saints, of the ſame nature with vsus, and bearing about with them the like infirmities, did, vponupon the ſame grounds which wee likewiſe hauehave in common with them, couragiouſly withſtand all oppoſitions, and valiantly ruſh thorow all difficulties which ſtood in their way, and hindred them from following their Lord and Maſter Ieſus Chriſt; why ſhould eueryevery ſmall danger daunt vsus, and a little labour and ſhort paines diſmay and diſcourage vsus from going on in the duties of a godly life? If they thought it too little to expreſſe their louelove towards their Sauiour, to indure with patience and ioy, death it ſelfe, and exquiſite torments; ſhall wee thinke it too much to take a little paines in mortifying our ſinfull fleſh, and the luſts thereof? Were they content to ſuffer the rendings and tearings of wilde beaſts, rackes, gibbets, fire and ſword; and will not we, to ſhew our louelove to God and his Chriſt, our bleſſed Sauiour, who hath done and ſuffered ſo much for vsus, take a little paines in the duties of a godly life; as faſting, praying, watching, and the reſt, that we may glorifie them by our holy conuerſation? Finally, if wee would attaine vntounto this magnanimous fortitude, which eaſily ouercommeth all difficulties, wee muſt continually hauehave in our eye the eternall recompence of reward, according to the example of our Sauiour Chriſt, the Authour and finiſher of our faith, who for the ioy Heb. 12. 2.that was ſet before him, indured the Croſſe, and deſpiſed the ſhame. For if hope of a little gaine make Merchants ſo reſolute and valiant, that they dare expoſe themſelues to the dangers both of ſea and land: if ſouldiers are ſo full of courage and fortitude, that they dare ruſh into all deſperate perils, and fight at the puſh of pike, yea euen at the Canons mouth, for a little pay or booty, or for the applauſe of their Captaine and fellow ſouldiers, or vaine fame and momentany glory in the world; what difficulty ſhould be ſo great, that ſhould be able to diſcourage vsus from reſoluing to leade a godly life, which ſhall be rewarded with the infinite and euerlaſting riches, and ineſtimable glory and happineſſe of Gods Kingdome?
§. Sect. 8 That by daily and conſtant practice we may eaſily ouercome all difficulties.
The laſt meanes whereby we may be inabled to ouercome all difficulties, is the daily and conſtant practice of all Chriſtian duties; ſeeing howſoeuer they may ſeeme at the firſt, harſh and vnpleaſant to our corrupt nature, yet continuall vſe will make them eaſie and familiar, and bring vsus at length to ſuch a cuſtome and ſettled habit, that wee ſhall performe them with much comfort and delight. For as the mind is more and more darkened by the often acts of ſinne, and ſo loſeth the light of truth, that no ſauing knowledge remaineth in it, but malignity onelyonly and pollution; ſo by the many and often acts of piety and righteouſneſſe, the mind is more inlightened, and aſpireth vntounto a greater meaſure of true wiſedome, this righteouſneſſe and holineſſe offering themſelues as cleere glaſſes, vntounto the eyes of the vnderſtanding, as Chryſoſtome hath well obſerued. Beſides, Sicut enim qui peccat, dum peccat, magis atque magis tenebreſcit mens eius, &c. Chryſoſt. in Mat. 7. Hom. 18 Pſal. 19. 10.the more often that we performe theſe Chriſtian and religious duties, and the longer and more conſtantly that we continue in them, the more we ſhall relliſh and taſte their ſweetneſſe; ſo that though at firſt they ſeemed to our carnall appetite as bitter and vnpleaſant, as the infuſion of gall or wormewood, yet continuall vſe and daily practice, will make them ſweeter to our mouthes then the honey and honey combe, as wee ſee in Dauids example; by reaſon that we ſhall finde in our owne good experience, the manifold comforts which accompany the diligent performance of theſe Chriſtian duties; as peace with God, and the beames of his louelove and fauour ſhed abroad in our hearts, and ſhining vponupon vsus, the peace of a good conſcience, and inward ioy of the holy Ghoſt, ſweete communion with God, acceſſe and increaſe of all ſpirituall graces, contentation in all eſtates, and aſſurance of our ſaluation, and that in the meane time, all things whatſoeuer, and euen afflictions themſelues, ſhall turne to our good. Theſe, and many ſuch like benefits, accompanying our conſtant walking in the wayes of godlineſſe, will make them not onelyonly eaſie, but ſweet and delightfull. And whereas at firſt wee came to the performing of Chriſtian duties, as a Beare to the ſtake, and found nothing in them, but vexation and irkſome wearineſſe; by vſe and cuſtome comming to know and relliſh their profit and excellency, wee finde ſuch ſpirituall ſweetneſſe, that it is our meate and drinke to be exerciſed in them. So that now we eſteeme Gods Sabbaths our delight; heare, reade, pray, meditate, conferre, and doe the workes of mercy with much ioy and cheerfulneſſe. Now the meanes to attaine vntounto this daily and conſtant practice, which taketh away all difficulty and diſtaſt, is to inure our ſelues thereunto by degrees, and with a firme reſolution, to break off all excuſes, and ſet apart ſome ſhort time, as a day, week, or month, for the ſtrict leading of a godly life, in the performance of all Chriſtian duties, as they hauehave bin before ſet downe. Which when we hauehave done, let vsus looke backe and examine our ſelues, if we can in our conſciences find any cauſe of repenting this courſe, in leauing worldly and wicked delights and the pleaſures of ſinne, and betaking and conſecrating our ſelues to ſerue God in the duties of holineſſe and righteouſneſſe: yea, if we doe not finde in this ſhort time, more ſound comfort and true ioy, then in many yeeres before, when wee neglected them.
§. Sect. 9 That worldlings take more paines about earthly vanities, and in the ſeruice of ſinne and Satan, then is required to a godly life.
Now if any, notwithſtanding of all theſe helpes and comforts, ſtill complaine of the difficulties which he findeth in the courſe of Chriſtianity, Pro. 26. 13.and vſe it as an excuſe for his neglect of all the duties of a godly life; let ſuch a man know, that the fault is not in the hardneſſe and crookednes of the way, but in his own negligence, who will not vſe the meanes which God offereth vntounto him for the ouercomming of theſe difficulties, and neither take any paines to be truly informed, nor to trauell in it after hee knoweth it. For becauſe they are lazie, and hauehave no liſt to worke; therefore they ſit in the houſe and complaine, that there is a Lion in the way, a Lion in the ſtreets. Becauſe they would ſit ſtill by the fleſh-pots of Egypt, and glut themſelues with carnall pleaſures, therefore they cauill againſt their entring into, and proceeding in that way which leadeth to the holy Land, as though the difficulties were ſo many and great which affront vsus in it, that it is vnpaſſible and impoſſible to be trauelled by them. Their affections are ſo ſtrong, that they cannot maſter and mortifie them; their bodies tender and delicate, and not inured to take that paines which is required to the well performing of Chriſtian duties, and their natures are ſo eaſie and flexible, that they cannot withſtand the allurements and importunity of their old companions, drawing and perſwading them to accompany them in their ſinfull courſes. All which excuſes, what doe they argue but their ſloth and negligence; yea rather, their want of louelove, and contempt of ſpirituall grace and heauenly glory? Seeing the ſame men who pretend theſe difficulties, are ready to vndertake farre greater paines, for the obtaining of thoſe worldly vanities, whereupon they hauehave fixed their hearts (and euen delight themſelues in theſe toyleſome labours) then is required for the attaining of heauenly happineſſe; and goe willingly thorow many more and greater difficulties in thoſe wayes that leade to hell and deſtruction, then they ſhould euer finde in the way that would bring them to life and ſaluation? For firſt, conſider the paines which worldly men are content to indure for the compaſſing of honours, riches and pleaſures, how they carke and care, toyle and moyle, watch and labour, trauell by ſea and land, and runne into many deſperate dangers, for the getting of theſe worthleſſe vanities, which are alike vncertaine in the poſſeſſion, as in the purſuit and acquiſition. How they tire their thoughts in the reſtleſſe night, about plots and policies, for the preuenting or circumuenting one another. How their hearts are continually vponupon the racke of their owne paſſions, being diuerſly diſtracted betweene hopes and feares; falſe ioyes, and true griefes; louelove, and diſlike; longing deſires, and lothing auerſation. Conſider alſo what paines and care they take about their fraile and mortall bodies, and for the preſeruing of their flitting and fading health and ſtrength, and the prolonging of their vncertaine and momentany life. What paines they take in tricking and trimming, decking and adorning, clothing and beautifying, nouriſhing and feeding, pampering and pleaſing, phyſicking and dyeting their corruptible carcaſes, though they are aſſured, that by all their care and coſt they can but for a ſhort time adiourne diſeaſes and infirmities, and for a ſmall and vncertaine while procure a repriuall from approching death. Finally, conſider that there is much more toyle and difficulty in the waies of vice and ſinne, then in the way of vertue and godlineſſe, although carnall louelove ſo ſweeteneth it to a corrupt appetite, that it is either not diſcerned, or not much abhorred. For example, what rackes and torments are in couetouſneſſe and ambition, and what comfort and ſweetneſſe in contentation, and ſubmiſſion of our eſtates to the will of God? What pangs and pulls of an euill conſcience accompany vice and ſinne, and what peace and quietneſſe, ioy and delight hauehave wee in the conſcience of our innocency and well-doing? VntoUnto what ſtormes and tempeſts doth pride expoſe vsus, from all which we are ſecured by lowlineſſe and humility? What vexation and griefe is there in malice, enuie, anger, and deſire of reuenge; and what ioy and ſweet delight to be found in brotherly louelove, reioycing in one anothers good, peaceableneſſe, paſſing by and pardoning of offences, and making friends of enemies, by our kind vſage and ſweet conuerſation? What trouble and diſcontent in diſcord, contention and wrangling ſuits of Law; and what ſweetneſſe and contentment in amity, friendſhip, mutuall agreement, and euen in departing from ſome part of our right, that we may thereby purchaſe Iewels of farre greater price, peace and louelove? Finally, what anxiety and vexation is there in carking care about worldly things, and what ioy and pleaſure in the life of faith, whereby we ſecurely rely vponupon Gods promiſes and prouidence, and goe boldly vntounto him, as vntounto our gracious Father, when we are in any want, with confidence that it ſhall be ſupplyed in that manner and meaſure, as will beſt ſtand with his glory and our owne good. In all which reſpects, and innumerable others, as wicked worldlings, after all their labours about worldly vanities, and the vaine and vnfruitfull works of darkeneſſe, hauehave iuſt cauſe to complaine with thoſe in the Booke of Wiſedome; Wee hauehave wearied our ſelues in the way of wickedneſſe and deſtruction, yea, wee Wiſd. 5. 7, 8.hauehave gone thorow deſarts, where there lay no way; but as for the way of the Lord, we hauehave not knowne it; what hath pride profited vsus? or what good hath riches with our vaunting brought vsus? All theſe things are paſſed away as a ſhaddow, and as a Poaſt that haſted by: So on the other ſide, the faithfull, who hauehave ſpent their time and ſtrength in the duties of a godly life, hauehave iuſt cauſe to comfort themſelues in their happy choyce, when leauing the world, and the pleaſures of ſinne, and imbracing the louelove and feare of God, they hauehave deuoted themſelues wholly to Gods ſeruice, ſeeing they may with Auguſtine reioyce in God and praiſe him, ſaying, Let my heart praiſe thee, and let my tongue and all my bones ſay, O Lord, who is like vntounto thee, &c? Confeſſ. l. 9. c. 1.How ſweet and pleaſant is it now become, to want the ſweetneſſe of worldly vanities? That which I feared to loſe, what ioy is it to hauehave loſt? For thou, O moſt true and ſupreme ſweetneſſe, didſt caſt them out of me; thou didſt caſt them out, and didſt enter in their ſtead, who art ſweeter then pleaſure, but not to fleſh and blood; cleerer and brighter then all light, but to the inner man onelyonly; and then all honour, much more high and honourable, but not to thoſe who are exalted in themſelues. Now was my mind free from the biting and eating cares of ambition, couetouſneſſe, voluptuouſneſſe, and from ſcratching the itching ſcab of luſt, and did freely talke with thee, my beauty, riches, ſaluation, and my Lord and God. And after a painefull warfare, they may with the Apoſtle make that comfortable concluſion, when death approcheth; I hauehave fought a good fight, I hauehave finiſhed 2. Tim. 4. 8.my courſe, I hauehave kept the faith; Hencefoorth there is laid vp for me a Crowne of righteouſneſſe, which the Lord the righteous Iudge ſhall giuegive vntounto me at that day. And therefore let not thoſe ſeeming difficulties any longer diſcourage vsus from reſoluing to ſerue God in the duties of a godly life, ſeeing thereby we ſhun and eſcape much greater difficulties in the wayes of ſin, then we ſhall euer find in the way of a Chriſtian and holy conuerſation.