A Fiery Pillar of Heavenly Truth, Chapter 6
CHAP. VI.
Question.
VVHat is the fift step by which God proceedeth in the work of mans salvation?
Ans. Sanctification.
Quest. What is Sanctification?
Ans. It is a new qualitie of holinesse wrought in Godschosen and converted people. Rom. 12.1.2. Eph. 4.22. 2 Cor. 4.16.
Quest. What are the parts of Sanctification?
Ans. They are two:
1. Mortification, which is a destroying of the power and dominion of sinne, and in part an abolishing of the same. Col. 3.3.5.
2 Vivification, which is a restoring of the image and life of God in man. Col 3.10.
Qu. How manifold is sanctification?
Ans. Inward and outward. Iam. 4.8.
Quest. Wherein consisteth the inward Sanctification?
Ans. 1 In the renewing of the minde, whereby ignorance is removed. Ephes 1.17 Col. 3.10.
2 In the change of the will, making it prompt, and ready to shun evill, and chose good. Rom. 12.1, 2.
3 In the renovation of the affections, whereby the sanctified man is inabled to moderate his affections in a right manner. Phil. 4.5.
Quest Wherein consisteth the outward Sanctification?
Answ. In making our whole outward conversation conformable to the Law of God. Psalm. 26.6.
Quest. Who is the Authour of our Sanctification?
Answ. As the Father doth chose, and the Son redeem, so the holy Ghost doth most properly Sanctifie. 1 Pet. 1.2. Tit. 3.4, 5. Mat. 3.11.
Quest. Are we not able to Sanctifie and turne our selves to God?
Ans. No: our Sanctification is the gift and worke of God in Jesus Christ; we can no more make our selves new creatures, than we could at first make our selves men. Act. 5.31. Act. 11.14. Psal. 51.10. Ephes. 2.10.
Quest. If men cannot convert and sanctifie themseves, why doth God command them so to doe?
Ans. 1 Because God created them able, and may justly require what he gave them. Eccles. 7.29.
2 Because God will thereby shew man what he ought to doe, humble him for his disabilitie, stirre him up to seek grace to doe it, and will by the word of exhortation, accompanied with his Spirit, worke abilitie in his chosen. John 5.25. Rom. 1.16. Rom. 7.8, 9.
Quest. But when the Protestants teach that God doth by his Ministers exhort Reprobates, in whom he doth not intend to work Sanctification, doe they not make God a deluder, and are not such exhortations in vaine, as the Jesuites affirme?
Ans. No: For,
1 Hereby they are left, without all excuse. Rom. 1.20. Ezek. 2.5. Io. 15.22.
2 Hereby they are convinced of their owne vilenesse, and constrained to acknowledg Gods proceedings to be righteous. Rom. 7.7, 8, 9. Ierem. 3.25. Ps. 64.8, 9.
3 Hereby through the contempt of it, they are the more hardened, and Gods Justice in their condemnation, is the more glorious. 2 Cor. 2.15, 16. Isa. 6.9, 10.
4 Hereby they are turned from many abominations, though not effectually converted. 1 Thes. 1.9. Tit. 2.11, 12, 13.15. Mark. 6.20. 2 Pet. 2.20.
5 Hereby they are brought to acknowledge God, and Christ Jesus, and so the Gospel is made in some sort the more glorious. Matth. 24.14. 1 Tim. 2.4.
6 This is the rule of life, and judgement proposed unto all. Gal. 6.16. Rom. 3.27. Joh. 12.48, 49. Ro. 2.12.16.
7 It is not the decree of Reprobation doth disable them, when God doth bid them, but their owne infidelity and corruption. Mat. 23.37.
8 God doth invite men by his Ministers, and they know not but that the people so invited, are within the decree of Election. Mat. 23.37. Luk. 19.41, 42.
9 The invitations so used are most properly to the Elect, accidentally to the Reprobate, as they are mingled among the chosen. Mat. 13.24.
10 Hereby the strength of their love to sinne, and mighty bent and inclination of their hearts to what is evill, is the more fully discovered. Ioh. 18.40. Matt. 22.5, 6.
11 Gods invitations and promises are upon condition of Faith and Repentance. Mark. 16.15, 16.
12 Hereby they are sustained against despaire, have hope of conversion during life, and are encouraged to attendance upon, and to yeeld some conformity unto the ordinances of God. Ezek. 33.11. 2 Pet. 3.9. Thus we see God doth not delude, but for good cause invite even Reprobates unto Repentance, and Holinesse, thereby sometimes in a great measure restraining them from running into the highest excesse of evill, though he communicate not renewing grace unto them.
Quest. How doth restraining and renewing grace differ?
Ans. 1 They differ, first in their moving cause: renewing grace commeth from the speciall love of God to man in Christ: restraining grace proceedeth from the generall, and common mercy of God. Psal. 145.2.
2 They differ in their effects: renewing grace changeth the nature of man, mortifieth and destroyeth sinne, and makes man a new man throughout; restraining duplicate page duplicate page grace doth only inhibit the exercise of sin, working no reall and gracious change in man. 2 Cor. 5.17, 18. 2 Tim. 3.5.
3 They differ in their extent: restraining grace is common to good and bad; renewing grace is proper to the Elect effectually called: restraining grace bindes some one faculty of the soul, or member of the body; renewing grace doth worke upon, and Sanctifie the whole man: restraining grace withholdeth man from some sin; renewing grace takes a man off from the dominion and love of all sin, and carries man to an equall observation of all Gods precepts: restraining grace keeps a man back from sinne for a season; renewing grace so keeps man, that he returns no more to sinne. 1 Thessal. 5.23. 1 Ioh. 2.19. Luk. 1.6. Psalm. 85.8.
Quest. How doth that renewing and sanctifying grace, which is in Gods children, differ from that temporary grace, which is in them that fall away?
Answ. I. They differ in the matter: temporary grace is a previous preparation, and disposition to Sanctification: saving grace is a holy seed, and gracious habite: differing one from the other, as an Embrio from a childe: the one brings a man nigh: the other enters, and states a man in the kingdome of grace.
II. They differ in the Cause efficient: temporary grace is from the Word and Spirit, enlightning, exciting, and slenderly affecting the soule: saving grace is from the Word and Spirit, mightily, and graciously changing the whole man, transforming the heart, and turning the whole fabrick of the soul to God. 2 Cor. 5.17. Acts. 15.19. 1 Thess. 1.9.
III. They differ in the Subject: temporary grace is found in the unregenerate: saving grace is onelyonly found in a regenerate and renewed heart.
IIII. They differ in the principles from which they worke: saving grace worketh from principles of its owne, carrying a man to God and godly dueties, by a kind of naturall, inward, sweet and pleasing propensity, and willingnesse, making a man apt and ready to every good duty. Psalm. 119.14.16.20.31.35. Ezek. 36.27. Cant. 1.4. Psalm. 110.3. But Temporary grace workes from forreine, and false principles, as selfe-love, civill policie, Satans delusions, &c. 2 Cor. 11.13, 14, 15. Rom. 16.18. Phil. 1.15, 16. 2 Pet. 2.15, 16 1 Pet. 5.2.
V. They differ in sixe effects:
First, Saving grace causeth a man to finde a spirituall, sweet, and full complacency in God, in Christ, and holy dueties; temporary grace ministers onelyonly a weake, transitory, and flitting taste in the things of God, it never makes God and Christ the Paradice, and onelyonly joy of the soule. Psalm. 73.25. Psalm. 19.10. Psalm. 119.72.97.103. Ioh. 4.34, 35. Hebr. 6.5. Ioh. 5.35.
2 Saving grace puts a man upon the duties of godlinesse, out of an obedient, syncere, and honest heart, causing a man to serve God, for God himselfe: temporary grace, puts a man upon the duties of godlinesse from extrinsecall, sinister, and wrong ends, and grounds. 2 Cor. 5.14. Isa. 38.3. 2 cron. 31.20, 21. Psal. 15.2. 2 Chron. 25.2. 2 King. 10.15. Matth. 6.1, 2.5.
3 Saving grace causeth a man to follow the Lord fully, in the destruction of all sinne, in the observation of all Gods precepts, and in the application of the whole man to godly duties: temporary grace causeth a man to follow the Lord unevenly, haltingly, and by halves. Num 32.12. Ios. 14.8. 1 Kings. 11.4.6. Luk. 9.33, 34. Revel. 14.4. Mark. 6.20. Joh. 12.6. Hose. 7.8.
4 Saving grace makes a man humble, contrite, and broken hearted, it emptieth him wholly of himself, and carries him altogether out of himselfe unto Christ: temporary grace leaves a man in himselfe, remaining still guilty of selfe opinion, and selfe seeking. Isa. 57.15, 16. Isa. 61.2, 3. Isa. 66.2. 1 Pet. 5.5. Matth. 23.5.
5 Saving grace carries a man to Christ, for Christ: for the beauties and perfections which he sees in Christ, it puts him upon holy duties, to gaine grace that he may serve Christ: temporary grace leads a man to Christ for selfe-respects, that he may obtaine salvation by Christ. Hebr. 12.29. Cant. 5.10. Ioh. 6.26. Matt. 19.16.
6 Saving grace disposeth the heart to the performance of holy duties in a holy, humble, serious & reverend manner, causing man to see matter of souleabas…ment in his best service: temporary grace puts man upon the performance of holy duties, in a customary, formal, perfunctory, or vaine glorious manner. Ps. 2.10. Psalm. 5.7. Psalm. 89.7. Hos. 3.3. Iob 42.6. Matth. 13.5. 2 Sa. 6.6, 7. Eccles. 5.1.2. 2 Timo. 3.5.
VI. They differ in their duration, saving grace inables a man to hold out unto the end, and to ascend to more perfection: temporary grace fainteth, faileth, and comes to nothing after a season. Iob 27.9. Isai. 40.29, 30, 31. Psal. 84.7. Ioh. 4.14. Io. 5.35. Matth. 13.21, 22.
Quest. Is Sanctification and renewing grace ahsolutely needfull unto salvation?
Ans. Yes, for hereunto we are chosen, hereby we are like God, and without this we cannot enter into the Kingdome of God. Ephes. 1.4. 2 Thes. 2.13. 1 Pet. 13. Ephes. 2.13. Jo. 13.5.
Quest. What are the Conditions of our Sanctification?
Answ. 1. It is true and sound. Ios. 24.14. Psalm. 32.2.
2 Inward as well as outward. Psal. 51.6. Joh. 4.24. Iam. 4.8. Rom. 12.1, 2.
3 Universall, extending to all the faculties of the soule, and members of the body. 1 Thes 5.23. Luk. 1.6. Rom. 6.13. Ioh. 13.7. Ezek. 18.30, 31.
4 It doth still grow, and yet in this life it is not perfect. Phil. 3.12, 13. 1 Pet. 2.2. 1 Thes. 4.1. Io. 13.8. Isa 64.6. 1 Joh. 1.8.
5. It is constant, and doth not vanish. Psal. 84.7. Isa. 40.31.
Quest. Is our Sanctification so sure and constant, that we can never lose it?
Ans. We may lose some degrees of it, but the seed of grace still remaineth, and Gods renewed Image is never wholly abolished. 1 Joh. 3.9.
Quest. How may this appeare?
Ans. 1. The Fathers Election is infallible. 2 Tim. 2.19. Rom. 8.30. Matth. 24.24.
2 The Sonnes Redemption shall not be frustrated. Heb. 2.14. Isai. 42.7. Rev. 3.7. Matth. 1.11. Tit. 2.14.
3 The Spirit in application of the benefits of Christs passion, is irresistible, and unchangeable. Ezek. 36.25, 26, 27, 28, 29. isa. 11.6. Luk. 3.5. joh. 16.13. Ephes. 1.13, 14.
4 The Regeneration of Gods people is perpetuall. 1 Pet 1, 2, 3. 1 Ioh. 3.9. Ia. 1.21. Jo. 4.14.
5 The Love of God to his Chosen is unchangeable. Ioh. 13. 1 jere. 31.3. isai. 54.4, 5, 6, 7, 8.10.
6 Their union, with their Head Christ Jesus is unseparable. joh. 10.28. Matth. 16.18. Hos. 2.19.
7 The Kingdome, and dominion of Christ within them is invincible. Lu. 1.33. Lu. 21.22. Dan. 2.44. Psal. 2.9.
8 The power by which they are supported is inconquerable. 1 Pet. 1.4, 5. Psal. 37.24. 1 Cor. 1.8, 9.
9 No temptation shall utterly cast them downe. 1 cor. 10.13. Matth. 8.26.
10 The intercession of Christ is uncessant and effectuall in the behalfe of his chosen people. joh. 17.11. joh. 16.23. Rom. 8.34. Heb. 9.24.
11 The saving gifts and graces of Gods Spirit are without Repentance Rom. 11.29. jerem. 32.40.41.
12 All shall turne for the best to them that love God. Rom. 8.28.
Quest. How doth Sanctification, and justification differ?
Answ. 1 Justification is a relative change of the Beleevers estate, being reputed righteous by the imputation of the Righteousnesse of Christ. Ro. 4.5. Sanctification is a reall change of a man, from the filthinesse of sinne, into the Image of God. Ephes. 4.22.23, 24.
2 Justification is an absolution of the sinner from the guilt of sinne, and death: but Sanctification is an alteration of the qualities from evill to good, the former freeth the Beleever from the guilt, the later from the filthinesse, and spot of sinne. Rom. 8.1, 2. 2 cor. 5.17, 18.
3 Justification is the righteousnesse of Christ imputed to us: Sanctification is a righteousnesse inherent, and wrought in us. Rom. 10.3, 4 Rom. 8.10.
4 Justification is from the merit of Christ, but Sanctification is from the efficacie of Christs death and Resurrection. Ephes. 1.19. Ephes. 2.1.
5 Justification is before Sanctification in order of nature, but not in time. 2 cor. 7.1. Rom. 8.30.
6 Sanctification is in our apprehension and feeling before Justification, as we see the light before we can see the Sunne. 1 Cor. 6.11.
7 Justification, consisting in the imputation of Christs Righteousnesse is perfect, the first moment: but Sanctification, being a reall change, is wrought by degrees. 2 Cor. 3.18.
8 Justification is required, as the Cause of our salvation; Sanctification, as a condition, or quality, fitting us for heaven; the former is called the cause of reigning, the later, the way to the Kingdome. Rom. 6.22, 23.
Quest. What is the Rule of our Sanctification?
Answ. The whole Word of God, both the Law and the Gospel. Isai. 8.20. Psal. 119.9. 2 Tim. 1.15. Iob 22.22. Io. 17.17.
Quest. Hath not Christ by his obedience delivered us from the Law?
Answ. Christ hath delivered all true Beleevers from the rigor, curse, and coaction of the Law, and from seeking Justification by the Law. Gal. 3.10, 11, 12, 13. Rom. 10.4. Jam. 1.25. Jam. 2.12.
Quest. If Christ hath thus satisfied the Law, how are Beleevers yet bound to the Law?
Answ. Beleevers are tyed to the Law, as to a rule of life, a means to inform them in Gods Worship, to bring them to the knowledge, and acknowledgement of sin, to humble them for their sinne, to drive them out of themselves unto Christ, to make them vigilant over their hearts, and earnest to increase in grace. Ia. 2.8. Rom. 7.7, 8, 9. Rom. 3.20. 1 Io. 2.3. 2 Epist. Ioh. vers. 4, 5, 6.
Quest. Can you make it further evident, that the Law is a Rule of Life to Beleevers?
Answ. 1 It was a Rule of life to Adam before the fall, to beleeving Iewes and Patriarks after the fall, before the comming of Christ, therefore also to beleaving Christians, after Christs comming.
2 It was a rule of morall obedience unto Christ, therefore also to Christs members.
3 It is most consonant unto the nature of God, as being most holy, wise, just, immutable.
4 It teacheth perfect conformity betweene God, and the reasonable creature.
5 This, and no other Rule doth fully discover the sin, and crookednesse of mens hearts, and lives.
6 This Law was solemnly delivered, and never repealed, for Christ came not to destroy, but to fulfill the Law.
7 Our actions cannot be of faith, if they be not done in obedience to some Word of God, other Word than this we have not.
8 The Law is not significative, but signified by the Ceremonialls, and Judicialls.
9 Christ and his Apostles taught it as a Rule of life.
10 According to this Word shall the last sentence be pronounced, therefore by this must our life be ruled.
Quest. What manner obedience doe Beleevers yeeld unto the Law?
Ans. A willing, and ready obedience, their hearts being inclined, and disposed thereunto by the work of Gods Spirit. Psal. 110.3. 1 Io. 5.3. Exod. 35.5.21, 22, 29.
Quest. How can the Gospel, together with the Law be a rule of our Sanctification, since it is the rule of our Iustification?
Answ. It is the Rule of Justification, as it teacheth, and offereth life and salvation by faith in Christ; but it is a Rule of Sanctification, as it teacheth us to Worship God in Christ, to be thankfull unto God for giving Christ, and as it worketh that faith which purifieth the heart, and inableth us to walke in wellpleasing before the Lord Ioh. 14.1. Joh. 5.23. 1 Thes. 5.18. Acts 15.9. Heb. 11.6.
Quest. How doth the Law and the Gospel differ?
Answ. 1. The Law sheweth what we ought to be, and what we are bound to doe; but the Gospel sheweth us how we may become such as the Law requireth us to bee. Matt. 18.28. Luk. 10.28. Mar. 5.36.
2 The Law was ingrafted in the minde of man at the Creation, and is yet knowne in part by corrupted nature, but the Gospel is not at all known by nature, but by revelation from God. Rom. 1.18. Ro. 2.15. Matth. 11.27. Ioh. 1.18.
3 The Law promiseth life and salvation upon condition of our owne proper and perfect obedience: but the Gospel promiseth life upon condition of the Righteousnesse of Christ, applyed by Faith. Matt. 19.17. Mar. 16.16.
4 The Law must be preached to the obstinate. 1 Tim. 1.9, 10. the Gospel to the penitent, and broken hearted. Mat. 11.28.
5 The Law breedeth terrour, the Gospel faith and repentance. 2. Cor. 3.7. Tit. 2.11.
6 The Law threatneth punishment to all that doe not perfectly obey the whole Law, the Gospel threatneth destruction to all that doe not repent, and beleeve in Christ. Luk. 13.3.5.
Quest. Wherein doe the Law and the Gospel agree?
Answ. 1 In their Author, one and the same God is Author of both. 2 Pet. 1.20.21. Gen. 3.15.
2 In their end and scope; both the Law and the Gospel require spirituall, and perfect Righteousnesse: the one to be performed by us, the other to be performed of Christ for us, and imputed to us. Ro. 8.3, 4.
Quest. Doth not the Gospel abolish the Law, and make it of no use?
Answ. No: but doth rather establish the Law: for,
1 The Gospel Preacheth and proposeth Christ, who is the end of the Law for righteousnesse. Rom. 10.4.
2 The Gospel teacheth us to beleeve in Christ crucified for our sinnes, and so all the threatnings of the morall, and shadows of the ceremoniall Law are confirmed, 1 Cor. 1.23. 1 Cor. 2.2.
3 The Gospel teacheth us that we are sinners in our selves, and unjust in the sight of God, and so approveth the sentence of the Law. Rom. 5.6.8, 9, 10, 11.
4 The Gospel teacheth us, that we are not justified before God, but by that perfect righteousnesse which the Law requireth, even the righteousnesse of Christ imputed. Phil. 3.9.
5 The Gospel perswadeth, moveth, and guideth men in the whole course of their conversation, as much as in them is, to yeeld that obedience unto God which the Law requireth. 1 Tim. 1.5. 1 Ioh. 2.7. 1 Ioh. 3.22.
Quest. Js the Gospel under the new, the same with that under the Old Testament?
Ans. It is the same in regard of the Substance. Gene. 3.15. Revel. 13.8.
Quest. How doth the Gospel under the New, differ from the Gospel under the Old Testament?
Answ. 1 In regard of time; under the Old Testament, the Gospel taught us to beleeve in Christ to come; under the New, it teacheth us to beleeve in Christ already come. Hebr. 10.1. 1 Joh. 5.20. Joh. 1.14.
2 In regard of Cleernesse: the doctrine of salvation by Christ, is more distinct, and expresse under the New, than under the Old Testament, now no longer taught by obscure shadowes, but by apparant arguments. 2 Cor. 3.18. Matt. 11.11.
3 In regard of Christian liberty; the yoake of the ceremoniall law, as it was a hand-writing against sinners, a prohibition of things in their owne nature indifferent, a veile to the Truth, a burden and servitude to the observers of it, is now removed under the New Testament. Col. 2.14.17. Gal. 5.1.
4 In regard of the large effusion of the Spirit, the application of the Spirit is more effectuall; and the gifts of the Spirit are more perfect under the New, than they were ordinarily under the old Testament. 2 Cor. 3.6.18. Ioh. 17.39
5 In regard of the Extent of it, under the Old Testament it was confined to one people, onelyonly now it is extended to all nations. Matth. 28.19, 20.
6 In regard of duration, the Administration of life under the New Testament, is perfect, and therefore shall continue such till the Consummation of the Church. 2 Cor. 3.11. Ephes. 4.13.
Quest. Having shewd me how the Gospel, with the Law, is a Rule of Sanctification: tell me now, what Law it is that together with the Gospel, is a Rule of our Sanctification?
Ans. Neither the Ceremoniall, nor Judiciall, but the Morall Law. Deut. 4.13. Deut. 10.4. Prov. 3.1. Job 22.22.
Quest. How doth the Morall Law direct us in the duties of Sanctification.
Answ. By teaching us piety towards God, and humanity towards man? Mat. 22.37.39.
Quest. How doth the Morall Law teach us piety towards God.
Answ. 1 By informing us in the naturall worship of God; set downe in the first precept, teaching us, That God is to be beleeved, hoped in, loved, invocated, heard, and obeyed in all things.
2 By informing us in the appointed Worship of God, set downe in the second Precept, teaching us to manifest and shew forth Faith, Hope, and Love to God ward, by Worshipping him wholly, and onelyonly according to his revealed Will, without addition or diminution.
3 By informing us in the manner of his Worship set down in the third Precept, teaching us, to use every thing belonging to the Word of God, in such sort, as is most agreeable to the Divine Majestie.
By informing us in the dedication of a set and solemne time, one day in seven, to holy and religious exercises, set downe in the fourth precept.
Quest. How doth the Morall Law teach us humanity to our neighbour?
Answ. 1. By informing us in the mutuall dueties of Superiors, and Inferiours, in the fift precept.
2 By shewing us that we ought not to hurt our neighbour in deed, in word, or thought.
First not in deed, in respect of his person, in the sixth Precept, In respect of his and our owne Person, in the seventh precept, In respect of his goods, in the eight precept.
Secondly, Not in word, in respect of his good name, in the Ninth Precept.
Thirdly, Not in thought, neither conceiving, nor willing any thing repugnant to our neighbours good, in the Tenth Precept.
Quest. What meanes must we use to get this Sanctification wrought and increased?
Answ. 1 Conscionable, and frequent attendance duplicate page duplicate page upon Gods Word preached. Acts 8.7. 2 Cor. 10.5. Ioh. 17.17.
2 Reverent, circumspect, and carefull reading of Gods Word, and other holy Bookes. Deuter. 17.19. Acts 8.28.
3 Holy and serious meditation upon the Nature, Attributes, Word, and Works of God. Ios. 1.8. Psalm. 1.1, 2.
4 Carefull preparation unto, and frequent use of the Sacraments. 1 cor. 11.28.
5 Holy Communion, and conference with Gods people. Hebr. 10.24, 25.
6 Understanding holy, humble, hearty, fervent, faithfull and constant prayer. 1 cor. 14.15. Eccles. 5.1. Jam. 5.16. Psalm. 145.18, 19. Iam. 1.6. 1 Thes. 5.17.
Quest. What directions must we observe for the ordering of our selves in a sanctified manner?
Answ. The directions which in this behalfe must be used, respect. 1 God. 2 Man.
Quest. What are the directions which have respect unto God?
Answ. 1 You must know and love God for himselfe, and above all things. Iere. 9.23. Mark 12.33. Psal. 73.25.
2 You must esteeme and delight in Christ Jesus above all creatures. Phil. 3.8. Cant. 5.10.
3 You must delight, and walke in all the wayes of God. Eccles. 12.13. Deut. 4.5.
4 You must obey and please God whosoever be offended. Acts. 4.19. Prov. 16.7.
5 You must seek his honor more than your spirituall or bodily welfare. Rom. 9.2, 3. Luk. 14.26.
6 You must desire and seek spirituall things, the pardon of sin, the sense of Gods love, the grace of the Spirit, before all things in the world. Psalm. 4.6. Psal. 51.8. Mat. 6.33.
Quest. What are the directions which respect man?
Answ. They respect either man himself, or others.
Quest. What are they which respect a man himselfe?
Answ. They respect either the inward, or the outward man.
Quest. What are they which respect the inward man?
Answ. They respect. 1 The minde. 2 The thoughts. 3 The will. 4 The affections. 5 The Conscience.
Quest. What are the directions which respect the minde?
Answ. 1 It must be furnished with necessary, profitable, holy, and humble knowledge. 1 cor. 2.2. Phil. 1.9. Jam. 3 17.
2 It must be adorned with heavenlinesse and holinesse. Phil 3.19, 20. Ephes. 4.23.
3 With humility, sobriety, shamefastnesse, and unity. 1 Pet. 3.4, 5. col. 3.12.
Quest. What directions respect the thoughts?
Answ. 1. You must watch over them with all diligence. Prov. 4.23.
2 You must bestow you first thoughts about God, and the things of God. Psal. 5.3.
3 Evill thoughts must be called into question, and resisted in the first originall. Iere. 4.14.
4 Conscience must be made of the least evill thought, and the heart humbled for it. Prov. 24.9.
5 No more thoughts must be bestowed about the world than are necessary. Matth. 6.31.
6 Your thoughts of God must be holy and reverent, of your selfe humble, and of sinne with detestation. Psalm. 5.7. Psalm. 77.3. Phil. 2.3. Psalm. 119.113.
Quest. What are the directions which respect the Will?
Answ. 1 The Will must not be led by affection, but by a judgement rightly informed out of Gods Word. Prov. 4.27. Psal. 119 33, 34.
2 The Will must chose the best things. 1 cor. 12.31.
3 Gods Will revealing what we shall know, determining what we shall be, prescribing what wee shall doe, and disposing what shall befall us, must be the rule wherein our wills rest, and whereunto they must submit, as to a rule most holy, wise, just, and good. Mat. 6.10. Matth. 26.39. 1 Sam. 3.18.
Quest. What are the Directions which respect the conscience?
Answ. 1 We must be carefull to keepe our selves from an impure, blinde, doubtfull, superstitious, seared, and accusing conscience. Tit. 1.15. Ephes. 4.19. Rom. 14.5.23. col. 2.21. 1 Tim. 4.2. Tit 3.11.
2 Wee must get, and carefully keep a good, pure and peaceable Conscience in all things. Acts 23.1. Acts 24.16. Heb. 9.14. 2 Tim. 1.3.
Quest. What are the directions which respect the affections?
Ans. 1 Our affections must be fastned on God with most joy, and delight. Psal. 37.4.
2 We must affect all things in and for God, nothing like, above, or against God. 1 cor. 7.29, 30, 31.39. Mat. 10.37.
3 We must labour to taste and be affected with the sweetnesse and goodnesse of God, in all his creatures, and actions. Psal. 34.8.
4 Our affections must be more frequently, strongly, and delightfully fastned on things heavenly than earthly. col. 3.1, 2.
5 We must have a fellow-feeling of the miseries of our afflicted brethren, Heb. 13.2.
6 We must be more affected with the vilenesse of sinne, than with the punishment belonging to the same. Rom. 7.24.
Quest. What rules doe respect the outward man?
Answ. They respect, 1 Our calling, 2 Our estates, 3 Our speeches. 4 Our actions.
Quest. What Rules respect our callings?
Answ. 1 Every man must have a particular calling. Gen. 2.15. Gen. 3.19.
2 Every man must make choice of such a calling, as is lawfull, honest, most convenient, and best for the glory of God, his owne and others good. Ephes. 4.28.
3 Every man must labour to see that God doth set him in that calling, which he doth undertake. 1 cor. 7.17.
4 He must exercise himselfe in his calling religiously, faithfully, conscionably, diligently, and constantly. col. 3.22.
5 The works of every mans calling must be profitable, and necessary, and properly appertaining to his owne, and not to another mans calling. 1 Thes. 4.11.
6 The works of our particular must receive direction from our generall calling, and also give place thereunto. col. 3.17.
Quest. What Rules respect our estate?
Answ. 1 We must be contented in every estate, and account that estate best wherein God doth set us. Phil. 4.11. Iob 2.10.
2 Prepare for afflictions before they come, and remember that Gods favour may be enjoyed in trouble, as well as in peace. Ioh. 6.1, 2. Isa. 49.14, 15. Heb. 12.7.
3 Seek not so much to be delivered out of affliction, as for patience to beare it, grace to make a good use of it, and to draw the neerer to God by it. Isai. 28.16. Psal. 40.1. Mica. 7.9.
4 Make not affliction the more burthensome by impatience, but let the greatnesse of the affliction breed the more diligent search, and thorough hatred of the sinne which did procure it. Exod. 14.11. Lamen. 3.39, 40.
5 In prosperity be not lifted up, but thinke of a change, be jealous of thy selfe, desire God to keep thee, be mindfull of the affliction of thy Brethren, and rejoyce not in thine owne peace, while the Church of God is in trouble. Deut. 8.14. Rom. 12.15. Amos 6.1, 2, 3.6.
Quest. What Rules respect our speeches?
Answ. 1 They must be gracious, sincere, wise, of the best things, moderate, gentle, seasonable, profitable, and tending to edification. 1 Pet. 4.11. Ephes. 4.29. Psal. 15.2. Col. 4.6. Psal. 37.30, 31. Deut. 32.2. Ephes. 4, 31. Prov. 15.25. psal. 37.29.
2 Our speech of God, his Word and Works, must be with humility, reverence, feare, and gravity. Lev. 19.12.
3 Our speech of others must be good, and charitable, never speaking the evill we know by them, but with griefe, and that upon a necessary occasion, and lawfull calling. Tit. 3.2.
4 Our speech to our Superiours must be reverent, to our equalls, and inferiours, plaine, milde, loving, and faithfull. Lev. 19.17.
5 Our speech of our selves must be modest, and humble, without any shew of ostentation. Prov. 27.2.
6 Our speech of things heavenly, must be with more frequency, earnestnesse, circumspection, comfort and delight, than of things earthly. Deut. 6.6.
Quest. What Rules respect our Actions?
Answ. 1 The matter, circumstances, and ends of our actions must be good. Phil. 4.8.
2 We must doe all things in a humble, sincere, and loving manner, according to our abilitie. 1 cor. 16.14. 2 Cor. 9 5, 6, 7. 2 Cor. 1.13.
3 We must doe good to the soule and body, but to the soules of men chiefly. Matth. 6.33. Lev. 19.17. Iam. 5.19, 20. Luk. 22.32.
Quest. What Directions respect our eating and drinking?
Answ. 1 Our meate, and drinke must be sanctified by the Word of God, and Prayer. 1 Tim. 4.4, 5.
2 We must feed upon that which is our owne, and that according to our necessitie, and with moderate delight. Ephes. 4.28. Pro. 5.15.
3 We must be affected with Gods goodnesse in the creatures, our mouthes must speake of his bounty, and loving kindnesse, and not be unmindfull of the wants of others. Deut. 12.7. Neh. 8.10.
Quest. What Rules respect our Recreations?
Answ. 1 The matter of our Recreation must be neither of things holy, nor of things profane, but of things indifferent, free from scandall, and ill report. Ephes. 5.35.
2 The persons using them must be sanctified, weary with lawfull labour, and must pray for a blessing upon their Recreations. 1 Tim. 4.4, 5. Tit. 1.15.
3 They must be used moderately, watchfully, wisely, Christianly, and seasonably. Phil. 4.5. Eccles. 3.1, 2, 3, 4.
4 You must use them to Gods glory, the refreshing of your weary body, preservation of health, the making of you more fit for your calling, and the dueties of Sanctification: 1 Cor. 10.30, 31.
Quest. What directions respect our Apparell?
Answ. 1 The matter of our apparell, must not be overcostly, but according to our ability, calling, condition of life, and example of the graver sort of people. 1 Pet. 4.5. Gen. 3.21.
2 The fashion of our apparell must not be strange, garish, wanton, but according to the custome of the Countrey, and more sober sort of people, amongst whom we live. Zeph. 1.8. Tit. 2.3. Rom. 12.2.
3 We must weare such apparell as may serve for health, decency, and distinction. Gen. 3.21. Hag. 1.6. Deut. 22.5.
4 The putting on of our apparell must minde us of the losse of our Innocency, of the putting on of Christ, and of the girding up of the loines of our minde: and the putting off of our apparell, must minde us of putting off our sinnes by regeneration, and of putting off our flesh by a bodily dissolution. Rom. 13.14. Col. 3.12. 1 Pet. ….…3. Ephes. 4.23, 24. 2 Pet. 1.14.
Quest. What Rules must we observe in company?
Ans. 1 We must endeavour so much as may be to have peace with all men, but familiarity onelyonly with good men. Ro. 12.18. Heb. 12.14. Psal. 101.4.
2 We must labour to doe good, or receive good in every company. Heb. 10.24.
3 Our conversation must be such among all men, as doth beseeme the Gospel. Phil. 1.27.
4 We must shew forth both piety and humanity in our company. 1 Pet. 2.17. 1 Pet. 3.8.
5 All needlesse Society with wicked men must be avoided. Ephes. 5.7, 8.
6 When we have necessary occasion of conversing with carnall people, we must walke blamelesly, and wisely towards them. Mat. 10.16.
7 We must love all good men with a christian, and singular affection, wee must maintaine a holy fellowship with them, wee must walke in all faithfulnesse towards them, and beare their burthen in the time of affliction, subjecting our selves to their godly counsell, following their gracious example, reverencing the strong in grace, and giving no offence to the weake. Psal. 16.3. Gal. 6.1. Rom. 14.1. Heb. 10.24, 25. Psa. 141.5. 1 Cor. 11.1.
8 We must love our choise and godly friend dearly, freely, sincerely, and constantly, give him wholsome and hearty counsell, communicate our secrets to him, and extend our love to his posteritie. 2 Sam. 1.26. 2 Sam. 9.1.
Quest. What motives are there inducing us thus to order our conversation?
Ans. 1 The strict charge which God hath given us. 2 Pet. 1.10.
2 The end of our Redemption. Tit. 2.14.
3 The honor of our calling. 2. Thes. 1.11.
4 The beautifying of the Gospel. Phil. 1.27.
5 The giving of good example to other people. Matth. 5.16.
6 The singular priviledges attending true Sanctification. 1 Tim. 4.8.