The Marrow of Divinity, Religious treatise · Chapter 31
CHAP. XXXI. Questions, and Cases of Conscience about Circumspection, and circumspect walking.
Quest. WHat is it to walk circumspectly?
Ans, The Greek word, Ephes. 5.15. signifies exactly or precisely: so that to walk circumspectly, implies an accurate study, and diligence throughout our lives, that we offend none: but by the light of faith and good works edifie all. The course of Christianity is an exquisite course, and strict walking.
Quest. In what other phrases is this circumspect course commended?
Answ. Its implied in the phrases of walking before God, Gen. 17.1. Living honestly, Heb. 13.18. walking worthy the Lord in all well-pleasing, Col. 1.10, 11.
Quest. What things are required in circumspect walking?
Answ. First, that it be exact, and considerate, according to the true and perfect rule of Gods word, in every thing, great and small, so as to go to the utmost of them, and to all the rules that God prescribes: not turning aside, either to the right hand, or left, Deut. 2.27. and 5.32. Prov. 4.27. 2 Chron. 34.2. Isa. 30.21. Psal. 119.9, 10.
Secondly, it must be full, in all fruits of holinesse, and justice, going to the utmost of every command; So casting our occasions, that one duty justle not out another. Fearing, as to commit the least sinne, so to neglect any duty of piety, or mercy, Deut. 5.32. Col. 1.10. Numb. 14.24. and 32.11, 12. Jos. 14.8, 9, 14. Such an one looks to the thriving of all his graces: His moderation shall not damp his zeal, nor his zeal outrun his knowledge: His providence shall not lessen his faith, nor his faith destroy his providence, &c. All his graces run in a circle, move, strengthen, and quicken each other.
Thirdly, it makes a man diligent to redeem, seek, observe, and take opportunities of doing good, Eph. 5.15, 16. there is no time, state, condition, or company, but some way or other he will improve it for his good, and work profit out of it for the advantage of his soul, Act. 18.25. 2 Pet. 1.5. Philip. 2.12. Heb. 12.15.
Fourthly, he looks to the manner as well as to the thing done, considering all circumstances that belong to a good work, as time, place, order, and manner of doing, together with the inward affection, and disposition of the soule, and is careful that all may be right, Rom. 12.2. Joh. 13.17. Phil. 1.9, 10.
Fifthly, he is constant at all times.
Quest. What may further us in this exact walking?
Answ. First, sound knowledge of the right way, which is as the light, guiding us to set every foot aright, Psal. 119.105. Prov. 2.10, 11.
Secondly, a diligent watch and care to prevent sloth, and to keep from all extremities: we are apt either to deal slightly in the work of the Lord, or to make conscience where we should not.
Thirdly, a due and careful examination of our affections to the things we go about, and of our several actions flowing from them, lest we be overtaken with sin in them, Prov. 4.26. and 14.15. Gal. 6.4. He that regards his courses cannot be regardlesse of his heart which is the fountaine of all actions, good and evil. A bad affection may marr a good work, but a good affection cannot justifie an evil action. Hence Paul prays, Phil. 1.10.
Fourthly, a holy jealousie, and suspicion lest the heart be deceived through the deceitfulnesse of sin. For he knows that sinne lies in ambush to beguile him: the world is full of allurements, and his heart is ready to hearken to their cunning insinuations, which makes him to look to his wayes with more then double diligence: Yea, this holy jealousie makes him flie even from all appearance of evil, as from a Serpent: It makes him also more careful to use all good meanes whereby he may be supported, and strengthened against all occasions which might entice him to sin.
Fifthly, a serious consideration of Gods continual presence about us, and with us, where ever we are, and what-ever we are about. So. Psalme 16.8. Psalme 119.168. Prov. 5.20, 21. and 15.11. Psalme 39.2, 3. and 18.6. Job 34.21, 22.
Sixthly, another furtherance to circumspect walking is to be often sifting and and examining our selves, veiwing our hearts and lives, taking account of our selves how we watch, and how we walk, and how the case stands between God and us, Psal. 4.4. and 119.59. Prov. 4.25.
Quest. Why is this circumspect walking so necessary?
Answ. First, its Gods command that we should walk before him according to all the Statutes and Ordinances that he hath given in Covenant to be observed by us: and we for our parts have undertaken to serve him in holiness and righteousnesse all our dayes, and that without limitation, even to go to the uttermost in every command, Psal. 39.1.
Secondly, we must all appear before the judgement seat of God, to give an account of those things done in the flesh, be they good, or evil: we must be accountable for every idle word, and roving thought, much more of every unwarrantable action, and therefore we have need to look to our ways.
Thirdly, the wicked amongst whom we live are ready to take all advantages, and watch for our halting, both to harden themselves: and through us, to wound the pure religion of God. Hence, Col. 4.5. Phil. 2.14, 15.
Fourthly, the way to heaven is full of crosses, snares, and dangers by reason of our enemies, and therefore requires all our diligence, either to avoid them, or else to step over them; besides, its a narrow way, and on high, and how wary had he need be that walks on an high narrow rock, or that sails between two dangerous gulphs.
Fifthly, this strict walking is the onelyonly safe and prosperous way, Psal. 119.6. Lev. 26.2, 12. Rom. 13.12. Its time to cast off the works of darknesse, and to put on the armour of light, Joh. 11.8, 9. 1 Chro. 22.13. 2 Chron. 24.20. 1 King. 8.23. 1 Thes. 5.4, 5.
Sixthly, such as are now nearer the end of their faith, and love, must be more diligent in the work of them; for the end of every thing is of such force that the nearer we come to it, we do with the more courage and diligence ply the means which bring us to it.
Seventhly, in such walking there is much comfort, and joy: yea, the pleasures of the world are not comparable to it, Psal. 138.…. Jer. 6.16. for the commandments lead unto rest, and he that walks in them shall finde peace to his soule.
Eighthly, sinne is the disturber of conscience: the onelyonly make-bate that sets a man at odds with God, and at contention with himself, therefore we should watch against it.
Ninthly, the relation wherein we stand to God, to Christ, to the Holy Ghost, to the Saints, binds us to walk honourably, honestly, and circumspectly, that we may keep our selves from the pollutions of the flesh, and the evil customs of the world.
Quest. How may we stir up our selves to this circumspection?
Answ. First, we must bewail our former ignorance, rashnesse, sloth, shame our selves for it, and labour to make it hateful to us.
Secondly, We must quicken our selves to more diligence for the time to come. Remember that we have been too long in security, indulgent to our carnal affections, foolishly pursued earthly vanities with double diligence, whilst the practice of piety and justice hath been clean forgotten, and almost buried in oblivion: Now therefore we should awake from sleep, shake off sloth, consider the season, and with special labour redeeme the opportunities which through carelesness have overslipped us; The work it self is easie, pleasant and honourable, the recompence of reward unspeakable, and glorious, the worthinesse, Sovereignty, and exceeding love of the Commander, the dignity of the work, and excellency of the reward, do challenge of us the most exquisite care, pains, and diligence that can be possibly imagined.
Thirdly, we must flie to God by prayer, intreating him to work our hearts to this holy circumspection at all times. Of our selves we have no power to stand, or to preserve any spark of Gods Spirit glowing in our hearts, we must beseech him therefore who hath put these good motions into our mind, to confirme, and establish us therein unto the end. Mr. Balls power of godlinesse.
Quest. What further considerations may provoke us to this circumspect walking?
Answ. First, in regard of sin which is exceeding deceitful, Heb. 3.13. sinne never presents its self in its own colours, but takes upon it the shape of some vertue or other, as superstition the dresse of religion, licentiousnesse of Christian liberty, covetousnesse of thriftinesse, &c. and it ever makes some pretence of delight, profit, advancement, &c. that gives a man content: as, Gen, 3.6. and 34.23. Mark 12.7. Prov. 7.18. Yea, like Satan, it translates it self into an Angel of light, 2 Cor. 11.14. therefore we have need to watch. Sin is of a bewitching nature: It insensibly soaks into a man, as it did into David, 2 Sam. 11.2, &c. and when once it hath possessed him, the heart cannot be withdrawn from it, as in Davids example, 2 Sam. 11.13, 14. and Sampsons, Judg. 16.5, &c.
Secondly, in regard of Satan, he is a mortal enemie, implacable, sedulous, restlesse, and very terrible, 1 Pet. 5.8. For,
1. His name devil declares him to be an accuser, and therein one that seeketh all advantages he can against us.
2. An adversary, foreign, contralitigator, who will do us all the despight he can as an adversary in Law.
3. He is a Lion, strong, ravenous, fierce, and cruel.
4. He is as a roaring lion, doing what he can to affright us, and make us yeeld to him.
5. He walks up and down, wherein he shews himself to be sedulous, and restlesse, Mat. 12.43.
6. He seeks whom he may devoure. This declares him to be a deadly enemy, that aimes at our death, even the damnation of our souls; and is there not just cause to watch against such an enemy?
Thirdly, for our selves we are exceeding foolish, like the silly fish that with a bait is soon taken: By reason of the flesh that is in us we are prone, and forward to yeeld to every temptation, as dry tinder soon takes fire; as gun-powder, &c. Besides, there is in us a natural pronenesse of our selves to decay in grace, and to fall from it, as a stone to fall downward; or for water to wax cold if removed from the fire.
Fourthly, for God who is oft provoked by mens security, and carelesnesse to leave them to the tentations whereunto they are subject, which if he do, we cannot stand: as we see in Peter, Matth. 26.33.70. Hence, 1 Corinth. 10.12. Rom. 11.20.
Quest. Why must every one be circumspect over himself?
Answ. First, because every one is nearest to himself; now our greatest care must be of the nearest to us.
Secondly, every one hath a special charge of himself, Act. 20.28. whereby they may save themselves, 1 Tim. 4.16.
Thirdly, every one best knows himself, and can best discern when he begins to decay, 1 Cor. 2.11. Hence we are exhorted, to examine our selves, &c. 2 Cor. 13.5.
Fourthly, every one is especially to give an account of himself, Rom. 14.12. 2 Cor. 5.10.
Quest. Why must every one be circumspect over others?
Answ. First, because of the near union of all Christians, they are brethren, Mal. 2.10.
Secondly, because of the like common condition of all: Others as well as our selves, are subject to manifold infirmities, and to all sorts of tentations, and have the same enemies.
Thirdly, because of the extent of brotherly love, Matth. 22.39. This is the summe both of the Law, and Gospel. If we do this we shall do well, Jam. 2.8.
Fourthly, because of the zeal that we ought to beare to the glory of God: For to keep others from falling, addes much to Gods honour. Dr. Gouge on Heb.
Quest. What benefit shall we have by this circumspect walking.
Answ. It will conduce much to the comfort of our lives. For our understandings, and judgements are not given us only to plot for the world, and to be circumspect for our temporal welfare: but to be wise for the maine end, to glorifie God, and save our souls, to get out of the corruption of nature, and to maintaine our communion with God; the end of our living in the world, is to begin Heaven upon earth: and whatsoever is done in order to this end is good, but without circumspection nothing can be done to this end.
Quest. What are the impediments that hinder us from this circumspect walking?
Answ. First, the rage of lusts that will not give a man leave to consider of his wayes: but are impetuous, commanding, and tyrannous, making men without consideration to rush into sin as the horse into the battel.
Secondly, too much worldly businesse: when men are distracted with the things of this life, are overloaden with cares, they cannot be circumspect for their souls: they are like to Martha, and neglect Maries part.
Thirdly, Christian circumspection is an hard, and difficult work: Its an easie matter to talk of others, to consider of other mens wayes: but to come home, and to look to a mans self, is an hard taske that few undertake.
Quest. What is Christian circumspection, or watchfulness?
Answ. Its an heedful observation of our selves in all things, and a serious, and diligent circumspection over all our ways, that we may please God by doing his will, and neither commit any sin that he hath forbidden, nor omit any duty which he hath commanded. This is required, Deut. 4.9, 23. Mar. 13.33, 34. Ephes. 5.14, 15, 16. and 6.18. Col. 4.2. 1 Cor. 15.34. and 16.13. 1 Thes. 5.5, 6, 7, 8. Acts 20.28, 31.
Quest. Wherein doth this circumspection consist? and in what is it to be used?
Answ. First in general, it is to be used in all things, 2 Tim. 4.5. In all places, at all times, upon all occasions: when wee are alone, or in company: abroad, or at home, in the work of our callings, general, or special; in our recreations: in our civil affairs, morall actions, religious duties, Luke 8.18. for Satan laies his nets, and snares to catch us in all these, therefore we had need to look to every step.
Secondly, neither must this watch be kept over some of our parts only, but over the whole man, and that in all the powers, and parts of soule and body, that in our inward faculties, and outward actions, we may please God by doing his will. But especially we must keep this watch over our soul, Deut. 4.9. over our reason, and judgement, that it be not darkned with ignorance, Matth. 6.23. nor corrupted with Errors and Heresies: Over our memories that they retain not vanity, and sinful impressions that should be blotted out, nor forget those things with which God hath betrusted them. Over our wills, that they go, not before, but wait upon holy reason, chusing that which it commendeth, and refusing that which it disalloweth: over our consciences, that they be pure and clean: not slack in doing their duty, nor we negligent in giving heed to their evidence: over our thoughts, which naturally are only evill, and that continually, &c.
Thirdly, But above all our other internal parts, we must keep this watch over our hearts, Prov. 4.23. Heb. 3.12. For the heart is the treasury, either of all good or evil, and from it the tongue speaks, and the hand works, and if this fountain be corrupt, it will defile all. Now by heart we chiefly understand the affections, and desires, both concupiscible, and irascible, all the passions of love, hatred, hope, despaire, joy, sorrow, anger, and fear: and by keeping them, we mean their holding in subjection unto reason, it self being first made subject to the word and will of God, we must watch our hearts to keep out carnal concupiscence from entring, and must shut the door of our hearts against the first motions, and inclinations unto sin: and if they be entred at unawares, we must repell them presently upon our first discovering of them: Its good to crush this Cockatrice in the shell.
Fourthly, We must take heed of nourishing in our hearts such corruptions as are most dangerous to our souls health: as
1. Watch against those sins to which through our natural corruption we are most inclined: and that
1. Because of all others, wee have most cause to abhor them, seeing by them we have most dishonoured, and displeased God.
2. They have most often wounded our consciences, and given us the greatest foils.
3. They have most disturbed our inward peace, and deprived us of spiritual joy, in the assurance of Gods love.
4. We are still most prone to fall into them, our corrupt natures being so much inclined to them, and our carnal love doting upon them.
2. We must most heedfully watch against those sins which do most ordinarily attend our special callings, because being daily conversant in them, they make daily, and dangerous assaults against our souls: and by reason of our many falls and foils, they become customable, and hearden our hearts in them. Hence are these exhortations, Luke 3.12, 13, 14. and 12.15. Acts 20.28. 1 Pet. 5.2.
3. We must watch over our hearts, that they be not drawn away with the sins of the times, and Countries wherein we live, because we are apt to follow a multitude to doe evill, and are easily led aside by bad example: and being faln into them, we are apt to continue in them without remorse, the multitude of offenders taking away the sense of sin.
Fifthly, We must keep the like watch over our sences, which are the gates of our souls, by which all things enter: which watch doth chiefly consist in two things.
1. In restraining them of their liberty, and not suffering them to rove at their pleasure, nor to satisfie themselves, even to satiety with sensuall delights, and full fruition of their several objects: but sometimes stopping them in their course, we should call them to an account, whether the things about which they are exercised are as profitable to our souls, as pleasant to our sences.
2. When we allow our sences to take their pleasure, we must carefully take heed that they delight themselves only in things lawful both for matter, measure, and manner: so using these sensual pleasures as not abusing them: as helps to make us to go on more chearfully in our way, and not as impediments to hinder us in our journey.
Quest. How must we watch over our eyes?
Answ. By not suffering them to rove about at pleasure, and to glut themselves with delightful sights, and restraining them as much as we can, that they do not behold that in this kind which is not lawful to covet: For of seeing comes loving, and of loving, lusting, and desiring, Matth. 5.28. we must keep them from gazing upon any thing that may be to us a ground of tentation, whereby we may be drawn into any sin, or which may be a distraction to us in Gods service. Thus Job watched over his eyes, Job 31.1. and this is Solomons meaning, when he saith, that the wise mans eyes are in his head, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth, Eccles. 2.14. because a wise man leaves not his eyes to their own liberty, but governs them by discretion, whereas fools suffer them to rove every where. Into which folly David fell, when he suffered his eyes to gaze upon the beauty of Bathshebah, and therefore afterward he kept a surer watch over them, and intreated God to turn away his eyes from beholding vanity, Psal. 119.37.
Quest. How must we watch over our ears?
Answ. To keep them from hearing any thing that is vain, and sinful, tending to the corrupting of our souls, or the hindring of them in their growth in grace: All filthy speeches tend to Gods dishonour, and to our own, and our neighbours hurt: So doth all unsavory talk, bitter taunts, unchristan jests, whisperings, backbitings, and slandering, and all such discourses as feed the flesh, and starve the Spirit, wed us to the world, and wean us from God: we must therefore stop our ears against these bewitching sorceries, and not for the pleasing our carnal sence, hazard the destruction of our precious souls. The ears like Conduit-pipes, convey into the soul, either the clear streames of the water of life, or the filthy puddles of sin, and death.
Quest. How must we watch over our pallates;
Ans. That we do not, to please our pallat, use such excess in our diet, as will disenable us to Christian duties: knowing that the end of our eating is to refresh and strengthen our bodies, that they may be fit for Gods service, that hath fed them, and not the pampering of the flesh with sensual delight: To give way to our appetite, is to bring innumerable evils upon our selves: As upon our bodies sickness, and death: upon our soules and bodies both, sloth and idleness, unfitness to any good action, drowsiness, or vain mirth, shortness of memory, dulness of understanding, wanton dalliance, and inflamation of our hearts with unlawful lusts.
Quest. How must we watch over our sence of touching?
Answ. That to please it, we do not enslave our selues to effeminate daintiness, thinking our selves undone, if we cannot rowle our selves upon our beds of down, and go in soft raiment, and, Dives-like, be cloathed in purple, and fine linnen every day: But we should so inure our selves, that we may not think it strange and intollerable to lie hardly, and go hardly, if Christ who suffered so much for us, call us to suffer a little for the testimony of his truth: Much more must we restraine this sence from unlawful objects, as unchast kisses, lascivious imbraces, and wanton daliances, which tend to the inflaming of our hearts with unclean lusts, and defiling our bodies, which should be the Temples of the Holy Ghost.
Quest. How must we watch over our tongues?
Answ. We must resolve with David, Psal. 39.1. I will take heed to my wayes, that I sin not with my tongue. For the well ordering thereof is a matter of great moment, for furthering, or hindering us in our Christian conversation. Prov. 15.4. A wholsome tongue is a tree of life, &c. If we use it well, it will be our glory, it being a notable instrument of glorifying God, by speaking to his praise: and then if we honour God, he will honour us, 1 Sam. 2.30. but if we abuse it to sin, it will become our shame, seeing thereby we dishonour God, who hath given it us, and all good things. Hereby we may edifie our brethren, Prov. 15.7, and 25.11. But if we vent froth, and filthiness, we shall corrupt them, 1 Cor. 15.31. By the well using of it we shall have comfort, Prov. 15.23. and 18.20. It evidenceth that we are upright in Gods sight, Psal. 37.30. Perfect men, Jam. 3.2. but the contrary is a sign of a rotten, and wicked heart, Matth. 12.34, 35. Life and death are in the power of it, Prov. 18.21. Matth. 12.37. By our words we shall be justified, or condemned, therefore let us resolve with David, Psal. 71.24. that our tongues shall speak of righteousness all the day long, &c. Yet we must moderate our tongues by seasonable silence, that they be not too full of talk. For Prov. 10.19. in many words there is much sin. So Prov. 17.27, 28. and 21.23. Eccles. 10.14. Job 13.5. Iam. 1.19.
Quest. How should we watch over our works and actions?
Answ. That they may in all things be conformable to the word, and will of God, whilst we doe what he commands, and abstain from what he hath forbidden. Thus we are exhorted, Prov. 4.26. Ponder the path of thy feet, &c. and its made the mark of a truly wise man, Prov. 14.15, 16. A prudent man looks well to his going, &c. for we tread upon slippery places,, whilst we are managing our worldly affairs. For this end
1. We must spend none of our precious time in sloth, and idleness, (for by doing nothing, we shall quickly learn to do that which is ill) but that we be always exercised in some good impolyment that respects Gods glory, our own, or our neighbours good.
2. That with … care, and circumspection we keep our selves from all sinfull actions, and if sin begin to arise in our hearts, presently to stiflle it, that it bring not forth fruit unto death.
3. We must watch over them, that we may not only shun evil, but do good, whereby God may be glorified, and our light may shine before men, our profession may be adorned, our neighbours edified, and our calling and election secured to our own souls.
Quest. What are the principal ends that we must aim at in this circumspect walking?
Answ. First, that we may please God in all things, for which end this watch is very necessary. For naturally all our wayes are corrupt, and without singular care we can never please God.
Secondly, that we may daily more and more mortifie our corruptions, especially those which bear greatest sway in us, that we avoid all sins, especially those into which we have fallen most frequently, that we think no sin small, seeing the least is strong enough to make way for greater. Yea, that we watch against all occasions and incentives to sin. For Pro. 6.27. who can carry fire in his bosom & not be burnt? Hence, Prov. 5.8. and 4.14, 15. Isa. 33.15. Psal. 119.37.
Thirdly, we must keep this watch, not only that we may avoid all sin, but also that we may perform all Christian duties with diligence, and constancy, and that towards God and man: yea, it must extend to the manner of our performance of them: as that they be done in love, and obedience to God, that thereby we may glorifie him, in faith and with a good conscience, with alacrity, and sincerity: and lastly, that we do them prudently, and seasonably, with due respect to persons, time and place.
Quest. What reasons may perswade us to this watchfulness and circumspection?
Answ. First, because its most necessary, Deut. 4.9. Take heed to thy selfe, &c. Luk. 12.36. Let your loins be girt about, &c. Jos. 22.5. and 23.11. Mar. 13.33, 37. Rev. 3.2. and its thus necessary,
1. Because through our corruption we are exceeding weak, whence it is that we are so prone to sin, and easily overcome with tentations, if we neglect our watch. Hence, Mat. 26.41. Watch and pray, lest ye fall into tentation, &c. 1 Cor. 10.12. Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. So, Phil. 2 13. Prov. 28.14.
2. Because naturally we are drowsie, and sleepy, and even the wise Virgins were prone to take a nap, and therefore God calls upon us to awake, Eph. 5.14. Cant. 5.2.
3. Because of the wickednesse and deceitfulnesse of our hearts, which are ready to withdraw themselves from God, and to start aside like a deceitful bowe, Jer. 17.10. Psal. 78.57. Hence it is that the Lord warns us hereof, Deut. 11.16. Take heed that your hearts be not deceived, and ye turn aside. So, Heb. 3.12.
4. Because without it we can have no assurance that we are spiritually inlightned, and awakened out of the sleep of death. For this is the difference between the faithful and unbelievers, 1 Thes. 5.5, 6, 7.
Secondly, because its very profitable; and that,
1. Because it helps us much to the leading of a godly life, in which we thrive, or go backwards as we keep, or intermit our Christian watch. For when we watch over our selves: God will likewise watch over us, and by the assistance of his holy Spirit enable us to stand against all tentations, and to go forward in our Christian course: but when, through our negligence, we wilfully run into tentations, he leaves us to be foiled, that we may learn to take better heed. If we be not wanting to our selves, the Lord will enlighten our understandings to discern the right way wherein we should walk, Eph. 4.14. and when we see our way we shall have our faith strengthned, and our courage confirmed to proceed in it: Hence these are joyned together, 1 Cor. 16.13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit your selves like men, be strong, Noah, David, Lot, Peter, &c. whilest they carefully kept their watch, triumphed over the enemies of their salvation, but laying it aside, they were dangerously foiled. It conduceth much also to a godly life, as it makes us fit and ready for the well performing of all Christian duties. Hence, Psal. 119.9.
2. It helps us much: as it enableth us to be constant in this course, and to persevere in it even to the end. It strengthens us against all discouragements, enables us to avoid, or leap over all impediments, or oppositions which might encounter us in our Christian course.
3. Its a notable means of Christian security: so that keeping this course, we may say with David, Psal. 23.4. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, yet will I fear no evil: Such may lay them down safely, as he, Psal. 4.8. and take their rest, &c. It procures inward peace: For if God be with us, who can be against us, Rom. 8.31. From which peace arises spiritual joy also, 1 Pet. 1.8.
4. By it we are fitted for all estates, so that prosperity shall not puff us up whilst we keep our watch, nor adversity shall discourage us in our journy to our heavenly Countrey. For, Act. 14.22. Heb. 12.6.
5. By this watch we are prepared against Christs coming to judgement, and prepared to enter into the joy of our Master: as we see in the parables of the faithful Steward and wise Virgins.
6. By this watch we are assured of blessednesse, Luk. 12.37, 38, 43. Mat. 24.46, 47. Rev. 16.15.
Quest. What means may we use to enable us to this circumspect walking and keeping our watch?
Answ. First, we must use sobriety and temperance, 1 Pet. 5.7, 8. 1 Thes. 5.5, 6. Luk. 21.34. which temperance must extend, not onelyonly to meats, and drinks, to carnal pleasures and delights: but it must reach also to the right ordering of our minds in the use of all temporal blessings in a due manner, and measure, so that they may be helps, not hindrances to us in all the duties of a godly life.
Secondly, we must nourish in our hearts the true fear of God, not a servile fear, which wil make every slave to watch for fear of the whip: but a child-like fear, which will cause us to do nothing that may displease our heavenly Father, who so loves us, and whom we so love: but to do all things so as God may be well pleased in us, and we in him, Psal. 130.4. This fear is promised, Jer. 32.42. This causes us to depart from evil, Prov. 14.16. and 16.6. Hence David, Psal. 4.4. Stand in awe and sin not: the want of it is the cause of all evil, Gen. 20.11. Ps. 36.1. Rom. 3.18, 19, 20.
Thirdly, we must often call to remembrance Gods fearful judgements executed on sinners, especially on such as continue securely in sin, neglecting to keep this watch. So, Mat. 24.38. Isa. 47.8, 9. Rev. 3.3. Hence Paul minds us of them, 1 Cor. 10.5. to 12.
Fourthly, we must continually remember the day of our death, not as though it were far off, but near approaching, even at our doors. Our lives are momentany, and this short time so uncertain, that we have no assurance to live till another day, no not so much as the next minute: when we go abroad, we know not whether we shall return home: when we go to bed, whether we shall rise, &c. many are suddenly taken away, and that which befals one, may befal any, therefore its our wisdom to stand continually upon our watch, that we may be found in readinesse whensoever the Master comes.
Fifthly, we must often meditate upon that great and terrible day of the Lord; when he will come with thousands of Angels to judge both the quick and the dead, 2 Cor. 5.10. of which day, because its uncertain when it will come, we should always keep our spiritual watch, that when Christ comes we may be found ready. This Christ himself teaches us, Mar. 13.32, 33. so, 1 Pet. 4.7. Blessed are all that do so, Mat. 24.45, 46.
Mr. Downams Guide to godlinesse.