The Bird in the Cage, Part 2

The Bird in the Cage · Part 2

p. 49Some Scriptural Obſervations, Spiritual Experiences, pithy Sentences, and plain Compariſons, tending to Edification.

IN the firſt Creation,The Old and New Creation compared God created the matter and ſubſtance of the Creation firſt, and afterwards divided and formed the ſame: So in the ſecond or New Creation (or in the work of Regeneration, Gen. 1.2.Gen 1:2ſo called; 2 Cor. 5.17. Gal. 6.15. Epheſ. 2.10.) firſt, God createth Principles, or infuſeth the habits of Grace (ſo called) into men, when there is none, (Phil. 2.12. Act. 9.4, 5.) and then diſtinguiſheth and divideth the ſame.

2. In the diſtinction between the parts and Works of the firſt Creation,Ver. 4. ſome are higher p. 50and ſome lower; as the Firmament higher than the Earth: So ſome part of the work of Grace is in the ſupernal, or uppermoſt room of the Soul (that moſt ſtately building of God) the Underſtanding, in which is placed true Light and Knowledge; and in the Will (the Wine-Celler of God) is ſeated Obedience, 1 John 5.20. 2 Cor. 10.5.

3. Between theſe two, are placed the Affections; ſome whereof (as Joy, Love, Deſire, and Hope) are like the VVaters above the Firmament,V. 7. and the other (as Sorrow, Grief, and Hatred) like the Waters below the Firmament.

4. In the firſt Creation God's Spirit moved upon the Waters:V. 2. So in the ſecond Creation, the Spirit convinceth, quicknet…, ſanctifieth, &c. Jo. 16.8. & 6.63. 1 Pet. 1. ….

5. In the firſt Creation,V. 3, 6, 9.20, 26. God by his Command and Word made all things; ſo by his Word God works Regeneration and Grace in the Soul, John 4.41. and 6.63. 1 Pet. 1.23. Jam. 1.18. Pſal. 19.7.

6. In the order of the firſt Creation (or rather Formation, V. 3.Diviſion, or Diſtinction) God created and formed Light: ſo in the order of Regeneration, God firſt creates Light and Knowledge, 2 Cor. 4.6. Acts p. 5126.15, 18. 2 Cor. 3.16. Heb. 8.10.

7. In the firſt Creation, the Lights (as the Sun, Moon and Stars) were appointed to divide,V. 14, 16. and diſtinguiſh the day from the night: So in the ſecond Creation (or Regeneration) Jeſus Chriſt, his Spirit and Graces, do diſtinguiſh Believers from Unbelievers, and between themſelves in the ſtate of believing and regeneracy, and the ſtate of unbelief and unregeneracy, in which they were in before, Rom. 8.10, 11. Eph. 2.12, 13. and 5.8. 1 Theſſ. 5.5. 1 Pet. 2.10. 1 Joh. 3.4.

8. In order the Evening,Ver. 5, 13, 19, &c. or time of darkneſs and diſconſolation is before the morning or day of comſort and conſolation; (ſet down in the firſt Creation) So is the darkneſs, ſorrow, fear, trouble, bondage, doubts and diſconſolations of a Chriſtian firſt in his Converſion; or, his whole time in this Life is the evening of that Eternal Day they are to live with Chriſt in Heaven: See Prov. 4.18. Pſal. 88.6. Iſa. 50.10. 1 Cor. 13.9. 1 John 3.2.

9. In the firſt Creation, the Trees,V. 12. (and ſo doubtleſs the Herbs) had their Seed in them which brought forth fruit: So the Trees and Herbs of Grace, true Believers and Regenerate Perſons have the ſeed of p. 52the Spirit, the Word of God, and his Grace in them, which is the cauſe of their bearing ſpiritual fruit, 1 Joh. 3.9. Mat. 13.23. 2 Pet. 1.4.

10. VVhen God in the firſt Creation had made the Creatures,V. 21, 25, &c. he ſaw them all good: So when God hath wrought the ſecond Creation, or work of Sanctification in the hearts of men, he ſees them good (and not before) Pſal. 37.23. Rom. 5.7.

11. In the firſt Creation God made Man after his own Image (that is, in ſoveraignty over the Creatures, or like the Father, Son and Spirit, that is, conſiſting of ſpirit, ſoul and body, 1 Theſſ. 5.23.) So in the ſecond Creation or Regeneration, God doth create Men after his own Image, in Knowledge, Righteouſneſs, true Holineſs, and Love, Col. 3.10. Eph. 4.24. 1 Joh. 4.17, 18.

12. In the firſt Creation God made ſome Creatures one day,V. 5, 13, 19, &c. and ſome another, till He had finiſhed the whole. So God he makes ſome new creatures one day, and ſome another; and ſome in one Age, and ſome in another, till He hath converted his whole (Elect and Redeemed) number.

13. In the firſt Creation,V. 27. God created the Woman in the Man, and then out of p. 53the Man, and for the Man. So in the Reſtitution of Man,and Ch. 2.18, 21, &c. the Church of God is choſen in Chriſt, and made holy by his Holineſs, and for his Glory, Epheſ. 1.4. and 3.9. Ezek. 16.14. Hoſ. 3.3. 1 Pet. 2.9.

14. VVhen God made the Creatures at firſt, he commanded them to multiply, and accordingly they did. So when God works Grace in the hearts of his People, he commands that they grow in grace, and they do ſo, 2 Pet. 3.18. Pſal. 84.7. and 92.12, 13, 14.

Laſtly, VVhen the Lord had ended the work of Creation, he reſted,Ch. 22.3. and the Sabbath begun: So when the Lord hath finiſhed the work of converting all his People, then the Eternal Reſt and Raign of the Saints will begin, Matth. 13.48, 49. Mark 13.20, 27.

Saints ſhould fear every Sin, but no Sufferings, Pſal. 4.4. Revel. 2.10.

There is a guilt that Saints may communicate to others, and contract from others; both to be removed by new acts of Faith and Repentance.

It is a great eaſe to, and unburthening of the Soul, to confeſs Sin, ſenſibly, humbly, brokenly, and with hatred to it.

It is the property of a true Chriſtian, to p. 54juſtifie God, and to judge himſelf under the greateſt Afflictions.

Chriſt and Sin are moſt magnified in the eyes of Believers in their Affliction, but in a different manner, and to a different end: and then Chriſt is moſt deſired, and Sin moſt deſpiſed.

It is the duty of a Chriſtian, to ſuſpect and ſearch himſelf, when he doth not know evil by himſelf.

It is, and ſhould be the care of a Chriſtian, not to ſuffer for Sin, nor ſin in ſuffering.

Account the leaſt ſpiritual thing, better than the greateſt and beſt outward and temporal things.

There is no real bondage, but what is either from, or for Sin.

Chriſtians will ſooner overcome their outward Enemies by praying for them, than by praying againſt them.

Bad times well improved, are far better than good times not redeemed, or miſſpent.

The heavieſt afflictions on Earth, are but light in compariſon of Chriſt's ſufferings, Sins deſerts, or the puniſhment of the Wicked in Hell.

Let not Chriſtians by their own prudence, p. 55think to prevent Afflictions, for they cannot avoid them, 1 Theſſ. 3.3. 2 Tim. 3.12.

The World's Jury may find Chriſtians guilty; but God can forbear pronouncing the Sentence, or reprieve and pardon the Condemned.

Shut thy eyes from beholding, thy ears from hearing, and thy heart from entertaining Sin.

He hath a good command over his ſpirit, that can ſtop it when moved with paſſion; over his Affections when they are under ſail; and over his Tongue, that can ſilence it when he will.

Compar. All Chriſtians muſt be brought into the fire, before they will be brought to cloſe: for it is impoſſible to joyn cold pieces, or one cold, and another hot.

Compar. As the Iron when it looks red in the fire, ſeems to a looker on, to be fit for the work-man to work it; yet the workman may put it into the fire again, and adde coals to heat it more: So may the Lord do with his ſuffering People, when they, and others may think they have ſuffered enough, yet God (that knows beſt) may not think ſo.

In the way to Heaven, there are three p. 56narrow and hard paſſages, the entrance into the new birth, herein a man muſt leave behind him ſinful ſelf: the entrance into aſſurance, therein a man muſt leave and deny religious ſelf: (that is, look off his own evidences:) and laſtly, the gate of death, then a man muſt part with natural ſelf, religious ſelf, and ſinful ſelf. The two firſt I have experienced, the laſt I expect.

He that is willing to part with his deareſt Luſt, will be willing to part with his dear Life alſo.

If a Chriſtian be made free to lay down his Life for Chriſt or his Cauſe; yet let him ſell or loſe it at as dear a rate as he can for Chriſt.

A Chriſtian will have but little comfort to ſuffer for that which is but a Notion in his head, and not a ſetled Truth in his heart. Yet,

☞ Note, that the leſſer the Truths are which Chriſtians do ſuffer for, (if rightly) the more their love doth appear to Chriſt therein.

God's Minnums (or leaſt things) are better than the World's Mountains, or greateſt things.

The Saints are to bear a three-fold Teſtimony to, and for Chriſt and his Truths: Breath-teſtimony, Life-teſtimony, and Bloodteſtimony.

p. 57Speaking words, maintaining Opinions, and the outward performing of Duties, and partaking of Ordinances, are but the leaſt things in Religion.

Affections, Parts, or Applauſe from the World, or from Chriſtians, are very dangerous, and not to be truſted in.

I never truſted Chriſt, but I found him faithful: nor my own heart, but I found it falſe.

In looking upon the Scriptures, and good men, I did learn oft to know what I ſhould be: but I found it hard to be what I knew I ought to be.

From the firſt change wrought in a true Chriſtian, he may fear and ſuſpect himſelf to be a Hypocrite: but he never intends to be, never approves of being a Hypocrite, nor never countenances himſelf in Hypocriſie.

Let God's hiding thy infirmities, and ſecret ſins from thy Enemies, make thee the freer and willinger to confeſs them unto him.

Learn to know Sin, diſallow of it, diſpiſe it, overcome it inwardly, and to put it from thee; to fear its return, and to be more eſtranged towards it, more watchful to avoid Temptations, and wiſe to ſhun Occaſions that lead to it.

p. 58The ſtrength of all Corruptions ſometimes appears in one; and do but overcome your Maſter-ſin, and you overcome all.

The power and ſtrength of Corruption is but ſeldom known, to wit, when Temptations, Opportunities and Occaſions of Tryal come.

The beſt way to keep from Sin, is, to ſet God in his Power, Purity and Glory ſtill before our eyes; to fear our ſelves; to keep near to Chriſt; to faſt and pray privatly; to engage other Saints for our help; to cheriſh the holy Spirit; to keep up conſtant practice of Holineſs; to provide contrary means againſt it; to reſolve ſtrongly to withſtand it: to eye God's Promiſes, Commands and Threatnings; to withſtand the firſt occaſions; to reaſon it off at a diſtance; to believe it away when it comes near; to avoid all occaſione thereof.

When you would repent for ſome ſecret ſins you have committed: it is better and ſafer ſometimes to do it in a general way, than to think and ſpeak of the ſame particularly: for Satan and Sin will be ready to ſtep in, when they know we are attempting any thing againſt them.

It is advantagious for a Chriſtian to p. 59diſcloſe Satan's ſecrets to God and to his People; but to keep his own ſecrets from him as much as he can.

That ſoul doth ſoon grow empty, that is alwayes letting out, but not carefull to lay in.

It is not for one that hath but little Grace (and particularly knowledge) to be too forward among more able and knowing Chriſtians: for then is his time to learn.

Chriſtians ſhould not be to learn their Duties when they ſhould be doing them; nor doing them, when they ſhould be ſuffering for them.

Com. Take heed Profeſſors, leſt you be alwayes wooing Chriſt, and yet never married to him: Of being Concubines and not Queens, Cant. 6.8.

Com. Be not as the untilled ground, bearing graſs for the beaſts of your Luſts: but be like the Field, or Garden, bringing forth fruit for the Husbandman and Dreſſer.

Com. Be not as the Rock or Stone-wall, which have ſavoury & medicinable Herbs growing thereon for others, but the Rock and Wall themſelves never the better for them. Having gifts to edifie others; but your own hearts never the better.

Sin to a man before his Converſion, is p. 60like cold Iron, which he can hold in his hand without trouble: Com. but after Converſion (Sin heated by the fire of the Law) is like hot Iron, which a man will willingly caſt away.

Lay in, lay up, and lay out for Chriſt.

Remember that you will ſhortly reach Immortality, but never Eternity.

Make Chriſt your All, and you will be ſure to lay down your ſelf All.

☞ Com. Keeping from Sin is Soul-Preſervative-Phyſick; Repentance for Sin is Soul-Reſtorative-Phyfick.

Conſider that when you are not aſſaulted with Temptations, Satan is damming and pounding, and he will ſuddenly draw up his ſluce and let looſe upon you.

Satan doth not (like God) warn before he ſtrike.

Chriſts Work is Wages, and his Service perfect Freedom.

The Love of the Maſter, the Sweetneſs of the Service, and the Greatneſſe of the Reward, are ſufficient Encouragements to ſerve Chriſt.

Afflictions ſink the fleſh, and raiſe the Spirit.

To receive Evil (viz. Affliction) for doing Good, is ſweet.

p. 61A Chriſtians ſecurity and ſafety, is in doing his duty: and he ſhould ſtudy his duty more then his ſafety.

He that loves not Chriſt more than his luſt, or his life, is like to loſe Chriſt, and his life: but he that loves Chriſt more then his life, will be ſure to ſave, and keep both.

Strive greatly, to have and to exerciſe a good Conſcience towards God, and men; to commit thy ſoul, life and cauſe to the Lord; and to expect the worſt of men, and the beſt of Chriſt.

Some Saints do ill in ſeeking to do well; eſpeially in provoking and preſſing other Chriſtans in dark and doubtfull things, beyond their own Apprehenſions, Conſciences, the bent of their ſpirits and abilities. This is,

Com. As a man that is Exceedingly well-horſ'd, travelling with others that are but meanly horſ'd, drives too hard for his Companions; who yet intend to go to the ſame Place, and endeavour to travel as faſt as they can.

Com. Chriſt is unto the ſoul as the Load-Stone to the Iron, dawing it to it Self: or the Chryſtal to other ſtones, putting beauty and luſtre on them.

p. 62Sence over-rules Imagination; Reaſon, Sence; and Faith all three in a true Chriſtian.

A Chriſtian beholds Chriſt in the deepeſt affliction as well as in the moſt ſpiritual Ordinance.

Com. As one beholds the Sun in looking upon a deep Pond, as well as in looking up to heaven.

A true Chriſtian when he goes hence, changes neither his Work nor Company; but his Place and Condition only.

God leads many of his beſt friends by the hand without Candle light (or aſſurance) to their reſts.

Com. To dye ſhould be no more to a Chriſtian then to breath, Com. or to paſs over a great River on a Sure Bridge, Com. or in a Safe Boat: or to return from a Field, where a man hath been working, to his own houſe to take his reſt.

To be able to refiſt ſtrong Temptations, there muſt be either ſtore of in-laid Grace, or faith muſt fly quickly to that Grace laid up in Chriſt for it.

Com. Chriſt is like a tender Parent that is carefull to bring up his Children; but many Profeſſors like Undutiful, and Unnatural Children, forget them in their p. 63ſtraits: Contented to be maintained by Truth in Proſperity, but not to maintain Truth in Adverſity.

Com. Corruptions are like Wormes in the maw or ſtomach, which will eat through the ſoul, unleſs ſcattered, killed, and purged out.

Com. The only way ſometimes for a Chriſtian to avoyd the force of temptation, is (Soulderlike) to fall down on his face, when he ſees the Cannon or Musket fir'd againſt him.

Com. A Chriſtians eye ſhould be like the Adamant, turning only toward one Point, even Chriſt.

Com. Much grace (eſpecially zeal) and exerciſed brings perſecution: As the ſweeter and better the Fruit is, the more flinging there is at the Tree.

Make haſt to doe thy work (Chriſtian) and God will make haft to give thee thy wages.

On Chriſtian, why ſhould not that pleaſe thee who art but finite; that pleaſes God who is infinite, even Chriſt? Pray that thy laſt dayes, and laſt works may be thy beſt; ☜ And that when thou com'ſt to dye, thou mayſt have nothing elſe to do but dye.

Thou muſt dye once whether thou Suffer or no, and thou canſt dye but once if thou ſuffer.

p. 64The ſins of Saints are new Sufferings to Chriſt; and the Sufferings of Saints are the wounds of Chriſt.

A Saint ſhould deſire to die that he may be fully freed from ſin; have a full fruition of Chriſt that he may be above all fears and doubts, and able to ſerve the Lord unceſſantly, and unweariedly.

Reading the Scriptures helps Metitation, Meditation Prayer, and Prayer every good Work.

When you come to die, it will trouble you not only that you liv'd ſinfully (or in doing evil) but ſloathfully, in not doing good: nay, not only that you were ſloathfull in good, but that you ſpent ſo much time in things leſſe profitable, which ſhould have been ſpent about, and in the things which were moſt advantagious.

Man may come too late to God, (when the door is ſhut) but God never comes to late to men.

Chriſt may come in to afflicted Souls, through ſome back-door (or Affliction) which they do not expect him to come through, or in at.

Com. Let the Child be contented to take the breaſt the Mother will give it, and then it ſhall have both: ſo be contented with p. 65what Chriſt gives you, and you ſhall want nothing.

To ſee the want of Grace, is much, the worth of Grace more.

'Tis hard to get Grace, hard to get aſſurance of Grace, hard to uſe it, and not abuſe it.

'Tis very hard to behold our own gift without pride, and the gifts of others (if they excel ours) without envy.

Com. As a little Candle-ſtick becomes a ſmall Candle; ſo a litle Church a Paſtor or Teacher that hath but little grace, and weak gifts.

It is better and ſurer for thy ſelf to be a Toe than an Eye; a Member, then a Teacher in a Congregation. And this I often wiſh'd might have been my condition.

Take heed of covering any mans good with his Evil, but let the one plead for him as well as the other againſt him.

Do not commend thy friend, nor diſcommend thy foe too much; leſt thou be judg'd to be partial.

Loſe not thy reward by ſeeking thy ſelf in thy work.

Com. I have oft obſerved that ſome old welſtor'd Chriſtians, are like Merchants who have full ware-houſes, but will ſell but in p. 66Whole-ſales: And other young Profeſſors like pidling-pedlers crying about the ſtreets every trifle.

Com. I have obſerved that men of great learning and parts, or of great wealth and power, have (for the moſt part) diſturbed and devided Churches.

Alſo that thoſe Churches never ſtood long, that made Opinion, and not Godl-feſs and Chriſtianity, the foundation of their nellowſhip.

The beſt way for a Teacher, and his Congregation to live quietly, and comfortably together; is for either of them to give to the other what God requires, and not to demand, expect or exact one from another: and ſo Husband and Wife and all other Natural Relations.

He commands moſt, and beſt, that commands in love, humility and ſelf-denyingly.

He is moſt a Maſter, that is moſt a Servant. Be not ye Chriſtians call'd Maſters: & yet the People give them honor, according to their place, grace, years and labours.

He hath not learned to rule, that hath not learned to obey.

An even, through-pac'd, ſelf-fearing, heart-melting Chriſtian, is alwayes beſt.

Ruffling opinion ſowing, and Church-renting p. 67Perſons and Profeſſors, have commonly more ſelf then grace.

Com. A Chriſtian ſhould Earneſtly deſire that his Sun might ſet in a white Cloud, and that he might goe out of the world, as a Perfume, and not as a Snuffe.

The world is a great nothing; deluding the bad, diſturbing, and diſtracting the good.

Satan works more upon men by ſlight then by might; avoid his cunning, and thou wilt avoid his cruelty.

The holy Law of God teaches a man to ſee his own deformity; and requires from him to it conformity.

Some Sins floate on the Top, or appear in the lives of Chriſtians: but others ſink to the bottome, and lurk ſecretly.

Com. Sin is ſometimes like a ſleepy Lion in the Soul, which temptation ſoon awakens.

Com. Hypocrites hearts are like ſtincking Ponds, wherein Frogs live, and fiſh die; luſts feed, and grace (if it were there) ſtarves.

Com. The Divel is like the Turkie-cock (or Crocodile) if you turn upon him he will flie from you; but if you flee from him, he will purſue you.

p. 68It is better ſometimes to ſlight the Divel, then to fight him.

Chriſt puts moſt of his oyle in broken Veſſels; in broken hearts there is moſt grace, and beſt kept.

Be never at peace with Satan, ſin, or Chriſts implacable enemies.

The leſs a man ſtrives for himſelf, the more will Chriſt ſtrive for him.

O my Soul! look for death hourly, long for it greatly, prepare for it carefully, meet, and welcome it joyfuly: for 'tis Chriſts Servant to direct his Spouſe (the ſoul) to him, and thy friend that comes to ſet thee at liberty from thy ſins. It will diſcharge thee from thy priſon, diſmiſs thee from thy debts, and bring thee at once to enjoy all thy deſires.

Com. O Lord as a ſigne that I ſhall be able to dye for thee; let me find my Corruption dying in me, by Power from thee.

Though God hath baricado'd the ſtreet of man's Soul with grace, ſtrength, and ſtrong fence, yet the Enemy Satan often aſſaults it; But by faith's making Chriſt a ſhield, and a Second, the Chriſtian reſiſts, and overcomes.

Thoughts of our own death, will tend much to deaden ſin.

Chriſtians ſhould be contented to have p. 69a propriety in things ſometimes when they doe not partake of them; as the wicked partake of them when they have no propriety in them.

God hath ſet the tongue between the brains and heart, that it may a dviſe with both, and within two guards to keep it in, and yet 'tis unruly.

Prayer is a good preparative to Suffering; when Chriſt had prayed he went out to meet Judas, Joh. 18.4.

He that will not take example, ſhall make an example.

Afflictions are Chriſts love-tokens, Jer. 12.7. Heb. 12.6. Rev. 3.9. And Chriſtians are never more tendered, then when moſt afflicted, as Ephraim, Jer. 31.20.

Com. A Chriſtians ſoul ſhould be like the Dial, going according to the Sun, or following Chriſt.

Small ſins yeilded to, make way for greater, and one ſin for another.

He that converts a ſinner, Covers a world (or multitude) of ſins, and gains more then a world, to wit a Soul.

Saints ſhould labour to Lord it over their Corruptions; as their Corruptions did formerly Lord it over them.

The beſt Saints have need to be caution'd and warn'd, and to take heed of what p. 70they are like to be moſt free from, Luke 21.34.

God hath given a man a little mouth, and a narrow throat, that man may not exceed in Eating.

To take pains about unneceſſary, and unprofitable things, is laboriouſly to miſpend time.

A heart unconverted, is contented with nothing but what is helping it on to hell: and it hath never enough of that (to wit ſin) and a heart converted is never ſatisfied but with what helps it towards heaven, and yet thinks he hath never enough thereof; to wit, of Chriſt, and grace.

It is good to curb naturall, and acquired gifts, but to give the reign to grace; and let grace alwaies lead, rule, and maſter gifts.

Zeal without knowledge to guide it, is like mettel in a blind Horſe, which ſtumbles, and overthrows the Rider.

Young Chriſtians (commonly) want a curb, and old Chriſtians a Spurre.

Com. Prefer not a young Chriſtian of greater parts, before an old Saint of meaner; nor a young man of wealth, before an old man of wiſedom.

Be not ambitious of love, and thou ſhalt not be ſo ſoon an object of envy.

p. 71Get Chriſt (O Chriſtian) to bind thy Conſcience to the peace, and thy affections and fleſh to the good Behaviour.

Spend all thy grace againſt thy Luſt, but none upon it.

Had I neither Scripture nor Reaſon to diſſwade me from being one of thoſe call'd Quakers, their ſelf-conceitedneſs, cenſoriouſneſs, and that their chiefeſt Godlineſs doth ſtand in the leaſt things of Religion, (as in thouing, keeping on the hat, &c.) and in outward affliction of the body, according to thoſe Scriptures, Pro. 11.17. Col. 2.23. I could never be of their Judgement and way. I have tryed them enough to know them to be worſe, and leſs then they yet ſeem to be.

A difference I found between City and Country Profeſſors: In the City there is much meat had with little labour, and much eaten but undigeſted; but in the Country little Spiritual food, with great labour, which cauſes good digeſtion and ſtomack.

Com. The hardeſt duty in Chriſtianity is to deny Self, and to deſtroy ſin.

The ſhip of Chriſt (the Church) is now under ſaile and bound homewards (Heaven-wards) The Pilot (Chriſt) is Skilful and the wind (the Spirit) ſtrong and direct; p. 72though the Sea (this world) be boyſterous, and tempeſtuous. I am ſure we ſhall loſe but the traſh, the Jewels will be ſafe.

As the Martyr profeſſed he had rather be a Martyr then a Monarch; ſo ſhould ☞ every Chriſtian.

It is a ſpecial favour, and great promotion to Suffer.

A Chriſtian ſhould ſeek to live ſo holy, that he may keep Chriſt in Heaven undiſpleaſed (as a Cylent his Advocate) and the Spirit within him ungrieved, his Conſcience undefiled, unwounded, and unſeared, his Profeſſion unſtained, his Brethren unoffended; and poore ſinners unſtumbled.

Take heed Chriſtian of tempting Satan by letting thy thoughts run out ſinfully, by thy Eyes, Ears, tongue, &c. which he obſerves, and which he will take as an Invitation to tempt thee.

Com. As a wicked Adulterer will take the wanton words and Speeches of a Harlot, a ground to encourage him to attempt wickedneſs with her.

Satan accuſes God to men, and men to God; But Chriſt excuſes, and anſwers all his Accuſations againſt his people.

Chriſtians ſhould doe as the Shechemites did,Jud. 9.Judg 9 when their City (their own p. 73Souls in ſtrength) was beaten down, fly to their Tower, even Chriſt.

Com. A Chriſtian ſhould be like the morning and evening star (which is thought to be the ſame) ſtill follow the Sun, Chriſt.

Welcome thou (thy Land-lord) Chriſt into thy Cottage now, and he will welcom thee into his Palace here-after.

The true knowledge of Chriſt brings Conſolation, and the right Profeſſion and Practice of him, Perſecution.

Clear knowledge of Chriſt in the underſtanding, begets fervent love in the heart, and both, Godlineſs in the life.

When a man is impriſoned, and ſhut up from men, he is the more ſhut up with God.

Account it not reſtraint as long as thy heart can goe out towards God, and his people, and waies, in affection and Prayer.

Retiredneſs, and cloſe impriſonment, drives a man to hold cloſer Communion with God, and to a ſtricter Search of himſelf.

I would be glad to be out of the World, when I have no Service to do for God in it.

He that would live for himſelf (only or chiefly) in the world, is not worthy to live a day in it.

If I may not have Liberty to ſerve Chriſt, p. 74I would have the Glory to Suffer for Chriſt.

Never fear Death, but when ſin is in the way to it, either as a cloud hiding thy aſſurance, or as a provoking Cauſe pulling death as a puniſhment upon thee.

Com. I would not have God pluck me to heaven in Anger; As a maſter ſeeing his Servant ſleepy or ſloathful, turns him out of the field, and from his work to ſleep and take his reſt at home.

I would willingly work for Chriſt to eternity (if I could) without asking any more wages then I had already, and skill, power, and delight to do his work.

If an Earthly Jubilee, or outward deliverance come to Gods people whilſt thou live here, be roſolved to give both thy Ears to be bor'd through, and to abide with him, and return no more to ſin, or the world.

Never reckon what thou haſt of outward and wordly things, unleſs it be to Praiſe God for them, or to Serve God better with them.

Compar. Take heed that preparatory meditation (to prayer) doth not prevent Prayer it ſelf; or put you beſide Prayer.

Secret Prayer is either a familiar Speaking to God, and with God: or a pouring out of the heart before God, through his Son p. 75(our Saviour) by his Spirit.

Sometimes ejaculations, or ſhort and ſuddain Pantings and breathings out of deſires to God, may be more acceptable to him and prevailing with him, then long prayers.

One of the three Radicall ſins ſpoken of in 1 Joh. 2.16. is every man's maſter-ſin.

My ſtrongeſt, greateſt, and moſt fervent frequent deſires, were to be found in Chriſts reghteouſneſs, to convert ſinners, to be Holy in all manner of Converſation, and to have my lot and living among and with the people, and Saints of God.

There may be great difference between the temper of a Chriſtian one time and another, yea in the excerciſing of his gifts, in Praying, Preaching, &c.

I often found my heart in dayes of humiliation, more affected, and melted by the Prayers of weaker, then ſtronger Brethren.

And likewiſe obſerv'd, that (ſometimes) in matters of counſel, and advice in the Church, God hath given out his minde more clearly and convincingly by ſuch as were leſs eſteemed in the Church, then thoſe that were moſt eſteemed. Even as the hindermoſt Hound hits upon the Scent, when all the pack beſides loſe it.

p. 76True Godlineſs and Hypocryſie, are beſt diſcern'd in turnings, and changes: either when they change their conditions by Marriages, or are exalted to offices: or when new opinions begin to grow.

Com. Mark when you ſee a Profeſſor that hath been careful to walk with other Chriſtians, and to follow the Ordinances of God conſtantly, and cloſely: if he begin to lagge behind, and to with-draw, he is ſurely under ſome ſore temptation: or hath faln into & under ſome ſin, or, which is worſe, may be dangerouſly ſuſpected for a Hypocrite. The like of one that hath been very confident, and cheerful, and is grown doubtful and ſad.

Com. As the ſappyeſt wood will hardlyeſt take fire: ſo the Spiritualeſt Chriſtian, is hardlyeſt overcome with temptation and corruption: 1 do not remember that ever fear and threatning did as mnch prevail with me as love and kindneſs: or that I did atempt to overcome any man ſo much by might and cruelty, as by perſwaſion and mercy.

I never repented me (ſince my Converſion) of any thing I ſaid, did or ſuffered for Chriſt; or for walking in his way, of joyning with his people: nor reſolved to goe on in any ſin, or turn back from the way of God, or aſide from the Commandements of God; or to leave Church-Society.

p. 77One ſin hath coſt me more Sorrow, then all my Sufferings.

It is happy to dye in the Lord, and honourable to dye for the Lord.

A Priſon or perſecution is to a Chriſtian, as ſome ſcaring thing that one ſees in the night at a diſtance, but when he comes near it, and to know it, he is not at all afraid of it.

Com. A man ſhould hold ſin as one would hold a hot-iron, ready to fling it out of his hand: but hold the Goſpel, and his Profeſſion as a man would hold a Silver-cup that hath dainty meat in it (which though it be hot, yet he will not let it fall) or like a glaſs that hath wine in it, which a man will not willingly let ſlip out of his hand.

Com. Seek to find out your own Errors, before another find them out: and to write your own Errata's.

Com. It is now with all (or moſt) Chriſtians, as with men that had been at a very great and full feaſt, who have Surfeited thereby and are ſtomack-ſick, and willing rather then to continue ſo to take a vomit, and caſt up all to the dogges: ſo Chriſtians had rather caſt up all the ſweet Morſels and mamocks of worldly things, which they have ſwallowed down, to the wicked p. 78againe, then have them lye as guilts upon their Conſciences, or blocks between their Souls and Chriſt.

The Kings of the earth will ere long be Fanaticks (that is wiſe fools) and ſee their folly and madneſs in joyning with the Beaſt againſt the Lambe. But firſt, the Lamb muſt give one ſound overthrow, and fall to the Beaſt, Rev. 17.14, 16.

When the Lord is trying his People, they ſhould be trying themſelves.

I never remembered that I had ſuch a hard thought of God, as to think he did wrong me in or by any thing he layd upon me.

Com. Chriſtians ſhould not deſire deliverance before the time appointed; for that is as if a woman ſhould deſire to have her child born, before the full and due time.

Com. Some mercies are big-belly'd mercies, that have many mercies in their wombes, as Election, Redemption, &c.

Com. Election is like the conception, Redemption like the quickning in the womb, Converſion like the birth, and Perſeverance in holineſs, like growth.

Com. A man that goes up ſtairs, ſtep by ſtep, may come to the Top at laſt, as well as he that ſtrides two or three ſteps of the ſtairs at once: ſo a ſoft-pac'd Chriſtian by p. 79continuance and perſeverance, will reach heaven at laſt.

It is a commendable thing in a Traveller ſo to travel in the mornning, as to continue, or mend his pace in the Evenning: Soe for a Chriſtian to run faſter, the nearer he comes to the mark, and end of the race.

Chriſtians are apt to feel, and fear Puniſhment, more then ſin, which is the cauſe of it.

Gods people muſt expect in the world, the Entertainment of Strangers.

When Gods people are humble enough, and the wicked high enough, and the Lords appointed time come, then expect deliverance to the Godly and not before.

Take heed of being humbled, and yet unhumble, that is, of being brought outwardly low, and yet the heart continue ſtill high.

Com. Sins in Saints are like weeds weeded out of a garden, or field, which lye in the Alleys, or Reanes, but never grow there againe.

Com. Or as weeds caſt out in the high-way, which an Enemy caſts into the garden again, but yet cannot make them grow there any more: Soe Satan cannot make the Sins of Saints grow in them againe, p. 86when they are once ſeparated from them.

Com. A Hypocrite is like a white-ſtone in the water among other Stones, and of the ſame nature with other ſtones there, hard, heavy, cold, and inflexible, and differs onelyonly in colour.

Com. A true Chriſtian is like a flint-ſtone, which though it fall into water, yet it keeps, and retains fire in it ſtill: ſo doth he retain his grace, notwithſtanding his corruption.

Labour to act thoſe graces chiefly, that are moſt contrary to your maſter-ſins and chief corruptions.

Com. Sins doe dye and fall off from Chriſtians, as the leaves fall from trees in Autumn, by degrees.

☞Chriſtians are now as Abram was, was driven out of Egypt, and come where they were before, or into their firſt ſtate; therefore they ſhould offer to the Lord as he did, Gen. 13.3.

God is now ſpoyling us, of what would otherwiſe have ſpoyl'd us.

He that ſerves the Lord without aſſurance, ſerves him without ſo much as an earneſt: and doubtleſs that Servant muſt needs love his Maſter much, that ſerves him, and yet knows not his Maſters love to him.

p. 81The Lord hath Saints enough odivide into three Bodies, ſome o ſuffer for him, ſome to deſtroy Babylon, and ſome to be for Seed-corn, torrow again in the earth.

Com. If a man were to have his choice of two Siſters to be his wife, the one will not marry him unleſs he will make her a Jointure preſently: the o her is free to refer that wholly to him: which of there two will he be likelyeſt to take for his wife? So it is between Chriſt, and one that will take him upon ſelf-conditions; and another that is willing to take Chriſt upon Chriſts conditions: or to refer himſelf wholly to him.

Learn by lighter croſſes, to look and prepare for heavier.

Com. When the affliction grows greater, and heavier, Gods people will cry out more earneſtly to the Lord; as when ſome part or Member is ſorely tweak'd; or as the Grapes when they have moſt weight, and preſſure, give forth their Juice moſt freely.

In two caſes 'tis hard to act faith, (1) when there is no hing ſencible or viſible to ſecond and ſupport it: or (2) when there is very much to till the outward ſenſes.

It is a very common and ordinary thing for moſt, or all Profeſſors, to be in one of two extreams: either to overvalue, or undervalue p. 82Inſtruments, Creatures, and Ordinances.

Churches gathered in Proſperity will hardly ſtand, or continue together in Adverſity.

The more Saints do beleeve, and ſuffer, the more they may expect of the Spirit, Joh. 7.38. 1 Pet. 4.14.

Com. A Child of God may know the weight of ſin by Chriſts ſufferings: for if that ſtrong Barr of ſteel did bend under the weight of our ſins: what ſhall poor weak man do who is but a reed, or ruſh?

Be more thoughtful and careful, how to uſe what you have to Gods glory, then to gain more.

As our good works and performances, ſhould have an operation upon our ſouls and hearts, to ſtrengthen faith: ſo ſhould our weakeneſſes, and ſins, to work repentance.

The Lord freely gives, and juſtly takes away.

The excerciſing of graces, do naturally deſtroy ſin; and the more you abound in Acts of grace, the more you encreaſe the habit, Heb. 6.22.

The Law cauſeth ſickneſs of Soul, but the Goſpel healeth the ſame.

When Saints perceive their ſins growing p. 83weak, they ſhould then proſecute them moſt.

A Saint is to put forth his Faith in Prayer, & afterwards follow his Prayer, with Faith.

In the midſt of earthly buſineſſes, the ſoul ſhould redeeme ſome ſpecial time for ſecret and private duties.

It is the will of Chriſt, that Saints ſhould rejoyce more in what Chriſt hath done for them, then in what they have done or can do for him.

Its a great condeſcention in God, to afflict or lay his hand upon man: and in that ſenſe the Apoſtle exhorts Beleevers, not to deſpiſe or think little of the chaſtning of the Lord, Heb, 12.5.

Learn to obſerve what God gives without asking, and what he gives in anſwer to Prayer: for the one begets thankfulneſs the other more Prayer.

Com. Chriſt kept the Law legally, Beleevers heep it Evangelically: he perfectly, they purpoſingly, and endeavouringly.

A Beleevers aſſurance and chiefeſt joy, doth not ariſe from his Sanctification: (becauſe that is imperfect here in degrees) but from his Juſtification, Rom. 5.2.1 Pet. 1.8.

A Beleever is to ſhut the eye of Reaſon, if he will clearly ſee with the eye of Faith.

p. 84Com. The Promiſe is a Chriſtians perſpective, and his Faith his eye, with which he looks through it upon Chriſt, and God the Father in him.

Look upon Chriſt firſt without you, then ſearch for him within you.

Ask thy Soul whether it be willing to receive Chriſt upon his own terms, and for his own ſake, and to accept of Pardon and Life through him freely, without looking at all upon thy owne Righteouſneſs; and art thou contented that Chriſt ſhould be honoured in, and by thee, and thou deſpiſed, and diſhonoured for his ſake.

God carries on the work of grace in beleevers, uſually.

1. According to their natural conſtitutions, and parts.

2. According to the means they are under, whether Legal or Evangelical.

3. According to the things he hath to do by them, or he intends to call them to ſuffer.

4. According to the ſhortneſs or length of time they are to live in the world.

5. According as they have been before their Converſion greater, or leſſe ſinners.

In Duties Chriſtians ſhould,

1. Look for to meet with God, and p. 85enjoy communion with him.

2. Expect to hear, and receive from God.

3. To return ſomewhat to God; but yet know thou canſtreturn but of his own to him, 1 Chron. 29.14.

1. God did take off, and from his people their ſins, before he laid them on Chriſt. And,

2. God cannot (in juſtice, and to ſpeak with Reverence) take them off Chriſt, and lay them on them again.

God makes us feel him (or his hand) that he may hear us; ſtrokes makes cryes, and whippings mournfull complaints to him.

God troubles us that we may turn to him, and leaves us a while, for to ſee whether we will follow after him.

Com. A ſaint ſometimes is like a little Child in the Arms of the Father, or Mother, who may have Suger offered to it by a ſtranger, which it may looke upon, and have ſome liking to, yet he will not thereby be drawn from the Father or Mother, to the ſtranger: So the bait of Temptation or Corruption, cannot, and ſhall not draw a Saint quite from Chriſt.

My ſoul bear up with Chriſt, bear off from Satan and the world; bear down thy p. 86corruption, and bear forth thy Teſtimony.

The preſent Afflictions upon Gods people, are partly for their ſins, & let them thank themſelves, (yet God too) for their Sufferings.

☞Its ſtrange, and a very bad Sign to ſee Saints look more upon the ſins of the wicked to ripen them for miſery, then after ſelf-humiliation and holyneſs, to ripen and fit themſelves for mercy.

Com. And 'tis the Sign of a hard heart, to deſire the wickeds Eternal deſtruction, for the obtaining of our own temporall, and corporal liberty, ſafety, and honour: As if one ſhould deſire to have another caſt into the fire, and be burnt, that himſelf may be warmed.

He that cannot pitty the Sinner, and hate ſin, doth not reprove out of love to Chriſt, nor from a gracious Spirit.

He that loves not a Reprover, and priſes not his reproof, neither profits thereby; is more his ſins, than his Souls friend.

Com. As a ſpoonful of Strong-water will be much prized (though but ſmall) when one is fainting; or a little knap of Sugar after a bitter pill: ſo will a little comfort in or after affliction, be eſteem'd by a Chriſtian.

If thou haſt faln into ſin through violent Temptations, ſeek ſpeedily for Repentance p. 87for it, recovery out of it, and reformation from it.

If God hath kept thee from falling, ſtill fear, watch, pray, and live by Faith on Chriſt.

I have experienc'd ſometimes, that thoughts of Gods goodneſs, and my own vileneſs coming in at once, have drawn tears of joy, mingled with ſorrow.

No power can keep him in bonds, whom truth and innocency acquits.

Our end in being in the world, is not to be to our ſelves.

Though the people of God may be kil'd, yet they can neither be hurt nor overcome.

Chriſtians though diſagreeing in opinion, ſhould agree in affection: and differing in Controverſie, yet ſhould agree in Charity.

It is a very ſad thing neither to be careful to do well, nor to repent for doing ill.

The Potion that Chriſt gives us is not near ſo bitter, as his Cordial is ſweet.

Com. Chriſt deals with a Chriſtian, as a man would with his wife, who made him drink a poyſon'd cup for her ſake, puts a drop of it upon her hand or face, which cauſes a Bliſter: onelyonly to make her ſenſible what p. 88he ſuffered for her. Chriſtians ſufferings are but as a drop to the Sea, in compariſon of Chriſts ſufferings: or a little water put over the cup of poyſon, whereof he drank.

As the nature of man doth ſeek proſperity, to likewiſe it doth abuſe it.

Sain…s may partly know one another by grace, as well as by face.

Com. The Sun clouded, makes the Sun more deſired; to Chriſt.

Fear not fire, if ſin be not the fuel that maintaines it.

Com. That Phyſick works moſt effectually, that removes moſt bad humors, and purges away moſt Excrements: ſo doth that effliction that purges the heart, and life moſt from ſin.

Com. Chriſtians are like Rivers when they come near the Sea, the Tides come forth to meet them: ſo doth Chriſt by his fain, and comolation, thoſe Saints that are near heaven: and the greater floud there is in the River, the faſter is runs; ſo Chriſ…ans the more their Perſecutions are, he ſwifter they fly by faith, and run in Holineſs Heaven-wards.

Com. That's a ſorry Child, that obey's his Father ſooner for correcting him, then out of love to him, or in obedience to his command; and yet ſuch naughty Children are too many Chriſtians.

p. 89Things are not to be beloved for the place ſake, but the place for the things ſake;☜ as Gregory Biſhop of Rome ſaid. A good obſervation for thoſe that put holineſs in places.

The fear of Death is ingrafted in the common-nature of all men, but Faith works it out of Chriſtians.

Nothing will be terrible where the love of God is apprehended; and nothing grievous: where love to Chriſt is exerciſed.

Learn to prefer Chriſt before ſelf, and ſuffering above ſinning.

Look for ſuffering as for exaltation, for it is an honour to be accounted worthy, and a double honour to be enabled and carryed through ſafely.

I would not dye as long as I might live to honour Chriſt: nor live unleſs I might either live to doe, or ſuffer for him.

Com. As the little Infant will not be content with the Mother without the breaſt: nor the breaſt without the Mother: ſo a Saint will not be content with Chriſt, without his Ordinances: much leſs with the uſe of Ordinances without Chriſt.

Com. As a Phyſitian leaves a man that (he ſees after all means uſed) growes worſe, and deſperate: ſo doth the Lord, the hopeleſs ſinner, that hath rejected all the p. 90Meanes of his own Salvation.

Com. As the heavy Milſtone turns eaſily, and ſwiftly, by the ſtrength of water: ſo doth the heart of man, by the powerful water of Gods Spirit.

Chriſt hath more to do, to bring men to be reconciled to God, then God to men: And that,

1. Becauſe, God is willing and inclinable thereto, but men unwilling.

2. Becauſe, God is Satisfied with his Son, which men are not.

Com. As courſe Cloth though put into the ſame Fat, and continued there a like time with Cloth which is finer, yet will not take ſo perfect a colour: ſo a man that is of a bad nature, though he be converted, will not appear ſo gracious, as he that hath a better nature; viz. one that is quiet, or meek by nature.

Com. As the Olive, though it be grafted into the Vine, yet ſtill brings forth Olive his own fruit as well as Grapes; ſo a Chriſtian thats grafted into Chriſt, brings forth ſome Fruite of Nature, as well as of Grace.

If every Chriſtian did follow cloſely his own work, the Trade of Religion would go better on.

It is a great part of a Chriſtians trouble, p. 91that he can be no time what he would be: (viz. ſinleſs, and ſerviceful) nor at all times, what he is ſome times; viz. ſlighting ſin, judging ſelf, loving Chriſt, and deſpiſing the world greatly.

Com. As a young Bird (before his Feathers grow) hops from one Bough to another, and returns to his Neſt againe;☜ but when his feathers are grown, forſakes the Tree: ſo a Chriſtian till his Faith be grown, goes from ſigne to ſigne, turning in to his own righteouſneſs, but when his Faith or aſſurance is grown, he flyes off himſelf to Chriſt.

Com. As ground that is rough, and full of roots requires more ſtrength, and skill in Plowing: ſo old ſinners hardned in ſins, will require more skill, and power to convince, and convert them.

My moſt Sanctifying Thoughts.

1. The thought of Gods moſt free, and continued love to me.

2. The thought of what Chriſt hath done for me.

3. The thought of what I have been, and done againſt him.

4. The thought of what God, and Chriſt are to me, and I to them.

5. The thought of Chriſts Excellency, p. 92and ſome Saints Eminencies.

6. The thought of Death, and of Judgement.

7. The thought of what I ſhall be, and ſhall have hereafter.

Com. As the Moon, and Stars receive all their Light from the Sun; ſo the Church, and Miniſters receive all their knowledge from Chriſt.

Atrue Chriſtian will deſire to be freed, From

1. Doubts of his Eternal condition.

2. The power of corruption.

3. The fieryneſs of the Law in the Conſcience.

4. The fierce Temptations of Satan.

5. Scruples in matters of Opinion.

6. Wicked places, and perſons, where a man can neither do, nor receive Good, nor be without danger of Evil.

8. The fear of Death.

A true Chriſtian ſhould be (and will be) much taken with, and rejoyce at,☞

1. The leaſt revelation of truth.

2. The leaſt Communion with God, and Chriſt, through the Spirit.

3. The leaſt additional meaſure of holineſs.

4. The leaſt good Succeſs God gives him in his work.

p. 935. The leaſt proſperity Gods people Enjoy in the world.

6. To be counted worthy and made able to ſuffer for Chriſt.

A Beleever ſhould learn,

1. To know God in Chriſt.

2. Himſelf in Chriſt.

3. Chriſt in him.

4. Himſelf as he was without Chriſt, 1. Wicked, and wretched. 2. Unwilling and weak in good.

The life of a true Believer; is,

1. In the Lord, 1 Theſ. 1.1.1 Joh. 2.27.

2. On the Lord, Rom. 1.17, Gal. 2.20.

3. By and from the Lord, Joh. 6.57.

4. To the Lord, Rom. 14.8. Luke, 20.38. Gal. 2.19.

5. With the Lord, 2 Cor. 13.4.1 Theſ. 5.10. Rom. 6.8.

Suffering is not only a duty, but a Dignity, and not only a matter of neceſſity, but of choice to a good Chriſtian; For the Croſs is inlay'd with a Crown.

God hath taken away ſome that were too good for the world, and God leaves others in the world to grow better by afflictions.

God requires from Saints but Sincere obedience, and utmoſt endeavour, but from Chriſt perfect obedience.

p. 94Some Signs and Characters of a true CHRISTIAN.

1. A true Chriſtian is one that hath had clear convictions of ſin, (eſpecially his maſter-ſin and unbelief) and of Chriſt; that is, of the want, and worth of him; and of Judgement, that is, of puniſhment as the due deſert of his ſin, Joh. 16.8.

2. He is unbottomed, and broken off from himſelf, he hath no confidence in himſelf: his Birth, Education, Parts, Performances, and beſt works are impure, and imperfect in his own ſight, Phil. 3.3. Iſa. 64.6.

3. He is hardly brought to beleeve, he hardly beleeves that he doth beleeve, and hardly caſts away his confidence when he doth once truly beleeve.

4. He upon ſelf-ſuſpition doth greatly deſire to be ſearched, and doth earneſtly ſearch himſelf, Pſal. 139.1. and laſt, and 77.6.

5. He doth never reſolve to go on in any ſin.

6. He prayes to God moſt againſt his deareſt and maſter-ſin; and praiſes God moſt when he hath power againſt it.

p. 957. He never repents for any ſin forſaken, good he hath done, or affliction he hath Suffered for Chriſt.

8. He hath amity to all Saints, and ſeeks unity among all Saints, and makes Union-ſhip, and Saint-ſhip, the ground of his fellowſhip, and Communion-ſhip, Phil. 1.5.1 Pet. 2.17. Rom. 14.4.1 Cor. 1.9, 10,

9. In reading of Scripture he obſerves what helps on his holinſs, and teaches ſelf-denial, as well as what increaſes knowledge.

10. He cares not what he hath, whither he goes, nor what he ſuffers with Chriſt, and without ſin.

11. His faith helps on his holyneſs, and his holyneſs helps up his faith.

12. He is one that alwayes reſolves to follow Chriſt through every condition, (or through thick, and thin) yet much ſuſpects, and fears he ſhall not be able to hold out.

13. He ſeeks, and priſes holyneſs, to ſerve God here, as much or more then happineſs hereafter.

14. He keeps himſelf from his own (i. e. his dear and maſter) ſin, and iniquity, 2 Sam. 23.24.

p. 9615. He fears God, and ſin, more then men and ſuffering, Gen. 39.9. Dan. 3. 17, 18.

16. He neglects not his duty, though he knows there is great danger in doing it, Dan. 6.10.

17. He is one that is careful to lay in, and to get true grace in his heart, as well as in his Profeſſion, as the wiſe Scribe, Mat. 13. and wiſe Virgins, Mat. 25.

18. He can and dare do no hing againſt the truth, 2 Cor. 13.8. Eſpecially if he knows it.

19. He cleaves to the Lord, and follows after the Lord fully in the worſt times, and when others forſake him, Num. 14 24. Joh. 6.68.

20. He reſpects all, (and rejects none of Gods) Commandments, Pſal. 119.6. 2 Sam. 22.23.

21. He takes patiently and thankfully the harſheſt words, and the hardeſt dealings of God, 1 Sam. 3.18.2 Kings 20. 19. Job 1.14. to the end.

22. He is much affected with, and afflicted for the Sufferings of the Godly, and Sins or the Wicked; as David, Jeremiah, Lot, Paul, &c.

23. He is one that when he is recovered out of his Backſliding, remembers his p. 97former good condition, and prizes it; and praiſes God, and hates his ſin more than he did before, Hoſ. 2.7. and 14.2, 3, 8.

24. He ſeeks and eſteems Sincerity more than any garniſhing gifts, and prizes plain and poor Saints that are honeſt and upright, more than thoſe that have parts & wealth, if they be leſſe ſincere.

25. He hath a great deſire to joyn himſelf with the Saints of God, and to continue with them when he comes to know them, and to be convinced throughly of their wayes, Pſal. 47.9. marg. and 27.4. Cant. 1.7. Iſa. 56.3.1 Joh. 2.19.

26. He is one that knows the Voice of Chriſt, and will hear onelyonly his Voice, Joh. 10.4, 5.1 Joh. 4.6.

27. He is greatly afflicted and troubled at and for the Affliction of the Righteous, Nehem. 1.3, 4. Lam. 3.51.

28. He is one that exerciſeth a good Conſcience in all things, Heb. 13.8.

But what are the eaſiest Signs, or Marks, for young and weak Saints to find in them?

29. He deſires to fear God and His Name, and deſires Grace for Grace ſake, Nebem. 1.11.

30. He doth enquire how he may be ſaved, Act. 2.37. and 9.6. and 16. 30.

p. 9831. He is one that prayes at his firſt Converſion, Act. 9.11. God hath no ſtillborn Children.

32. He deſires earneſtly the ſincere milk of the Word, 1 Pet. 2.2.

33. He hath a ſoft, circumciſed, and new heart, and is a new Creature, Ezek. 36.26.2 Cor. 5.17.

34. He is either one that ſuffers himſelf, or is a companion of ſuch, 2 Tim. 3. 12. Heb. 10.33.

The care of a true Chriſtian is,

1. To wait on God, Iſa. 8.17. and 25.9.

2. To walk with God, Gen. 5.22, 24. and 6.9. and 24.40.

3. To work all his works in and for God, Joh. 3.21. Rom. 6.10.1 Cor. 10.31.

4. To bring his will to ſubmit to the will of God in every thing, Mark 26.42. Heb. 10.7.

Take heed of ſinning preſumptuouſly, (i.e.)

1. Knowingly, Luke 12.47. Heb. 6.4, 6.2 Pet. 2.20.

2. Willingly, and wilfully, Hoſ. 5.11. Heb. 10.26.

3. By contemning the Law and Love of God, Prov. 3.13. Rom. 2.4.

p. 994. By flighting Jeſus Chriſt's Perſon, Power, and his Blood, Mat. 12.24. Luke 19.14. Heb. 10.29.

5. By blaſpheming and doing deſpight to the Spirit of God, Luke 11.15. Heb. 10.29.

6. By falling into the hands of God without Chriſt, and true Sanctification, Heb. 10.29.

Com. A Chriſtian in Affliction, if he underſtand not what God intends thereby ſhould believe God intends not to hurt him: As a Wife or a Child that a Husband or Father brings into a Wood or Water, ☜yet they are confident it is not to hang or drown them.

It is a ſign that People do not repent, when they grow worſe, Rev. 16.9, 11.

A paſſionate and troubled ſpirit is like a little Pryll of Water, which every ſhowre of Rain, or Beaſt that paſſes thorow doth change the colour of it, and make muddy.

Quick Onſets and Endeavours to Reform, are far better than many Purpoſes and Reſolutions.

It ſhould trouble a Chriſtian much to have ſuch Graces which he receives from God, beget ſo little good in him.

Oh my ſoul! will neither great Love, p. 100great Mercy, great Forbearance, great Intreaty, nor great Wages prevail with thee to ſerve Christ freer and better!

A deep ſence of ſin, begets deep ſorrow for ſin: and true ſorrow for ſin leads to welgrounded Faith, from hence flows inward Peace, Joy, and Holineſs.

The Lord would ſoon turn from his Wrath, if men were turned from their Wickedneſs.

A Chriſtian is not only to be contented with any condition, but he is to be religiouſly contented (or in a religious manner) not as a meer man, and to ſee that the leaſt things he hath more than he deſerves, and the worſt things that he endures, yet ſweetned and ſanctified to him.

Com. As a Husbandman when great Rain comes, unyoaks his Oxen, and turns them home, (where they are feeding and gathering new ſtrength to work again) So God doth his Children in time of Affliction and Perſecution.

Com. A Chriſtians time of Affliction is like to a Womans waſhing or ſcouring day, when the Cloaths or Veſſels are all out of order; but it is in order to ſet them in a better frame ſpeedily.

Of all men a Chriſtian may be freer to loſe, or to part with any thing than another p. 101man: for he loſes nothing but either what is hurtful to him, (to wit, his ſins) or what he ſhall regain and recover of a better ſort, and in a more abundant degree: As if he loſe a ſmall temporal ESTATE, he hath in reverſion an Eternal INHERITANCE: If he lays down a body that is full of Corruption, he ſhall have another free from Corruption: and therfore he may ſay (better than the Heathen could) What I keep I loſe, and what I give, or lay out, I ſave.

The Lord hath (I am perſwaded) done more by the Afflictions which he hath lately brought upon his People, than either was done, or like to be done by any other wayes, or means: Viz.

1. He hath driven his People more together, and made them more one **Vnio in Larine, ſignifies Ʋnion, or a Pearl.Oneneſs among Saints is a Pearl of great value.

2. He hath ſeparated more between them and the World, like winnowing, drives the Chaff further from the Wheat.

3. He hath convinced them more of their miſcarriages, both towards him, and toward one another.

4. He hath made them to know perſons and things better.

5. To prize Spiritual Priviledges and Ordinances more. Such a fulneſs as Chriſtians p. 102had of Ordinances made them deſpiſe them, like the Iſraelites the Manna.

6. To experience their own weakneſs of Faith, together with their great misbelief, by checking the over-much Confidence of his Saints.

7. To cry more earneſtly to him, and wait more conſtantly on him.

8. They are unloaded and much diſcharged of the burden of the World.

A Chriſtian ſhould take heed leſt he be giving way to his heart, to ſteal out now and then to ſin, and get ſome ſweet-bits thereof between Duties.

He ſhould be careful alſo, to fence that Gap moſt, by which the ſtrongeſt Temptations do enter ofteneſt in.

There will be a reviving of old ſins, if there be not effectual Repentance for them, and a care by Faith through all Duties and Ordinances to get new ſtrength againſt them, and a conſtant watch kept over them.

When God makes the World too hot for his People to hold, then they will let it go.

A Chriſtian comes not to know the weakneſs of his Grace, till the Spirit ceaſes to work in and by it: nor the power of his Corruption, till Satan works therein by his Temptation.

p. 103A Chriſtian's fleſh ſhonld keep from the ſhew, and his Conſcience from the guilt of Sin.

Sin's beſt is before, but its worſt is behind; and the ſting and tayl of it longer than it ſelf.

Where Sin is not killed, it will kill.

Sin was condemned by Chriſt to ſave the ſinner, Rom. 8.3. Oh then let not the Sinner ſeek to ſave the Sin to condemn Chriſt again.

As the natural Sun the nearer it is to us, and the more direct over us, the leſs ſhadow it caſteth: So Chriſt the nearer he is to us, the leſs Darkneſs and Sin we have.

Chriſtians ſhould account reſtraints from Sin, great Mercies to them; but Recoveries out of Sin with advatage, greater.

Sin hath no mother but a man's heart, nor father but Satan.

Sin draws the Soul into it, either by power of policy, by force or by fraud.

Chriſtians ſhould not give offence careleſly, nor take offence cauſeleſly.

Fear thy Friends more than thy Foes, thy Sins more than thy Sufferings, and Liberty more than Bondage.

Some Chriſtians have four Thorns that grieve them, a Thorn of Affliction from God, a Thorn of Perſecution from men, p. 104and a Thorn of Temptation from Satan, and of Corruption in themſelves; which is the worſt, and that which ſhould trouble them moſt.

Though a man may be bled in time of ſelf-oſtentation both by God and men; by God in Affliction, and by men through Perſecution, Reproaches, &c. yet that Vein is apt to fill up ſtill.

Chriſtians ſhould deſire to be handfasted, and heart-tied to the Lord, and to be ſtrong in Faith on Chriſt, Love to him, and Reſolution for him.

Self-loathing deſtroyes ſelf-love much; and the more we loath our ſelves, the better we love others.

Chriſtians ſhould not envy the patience of God towards their Enemies; for it is nothing in compariſon of what grace he ſhews to them.

If Affliction doth us good, we ſhould not deſire to be free from it, till it does us more good, much leſs, if it hath not done us any good at all.

The reaſon why men do not more magnifie GOD's Grace, is, becauſe they do not behold their own vileneſs; and the reaſon why men do not ſee their own vileneſs more, is, becauſe they do not apprehend God's Goodneſs more clearly and fully.

p. 105God's Goodneſs and Grace are experienced much,

1. In keeping the ſoul from ſin, or recovering the ſoul, after falls, out of ſin.

2. In ſuccouring the ſoul in time of temptation.

3. In ſupporting it under Affliction.

4. In quickening it to, and carrying it through Duties.

When a Chriſtian comes to be as weary of his Sins as of his Sufferings, God will certainly put them to an end.

One of the chiefeſt works of the ſoul, is, ſelf-examination; and yet a Chriſtian will find himſelf moſt backward thereto, and ſoonest weary therein.

The more a ſoul is exerciſed in ſpiritual meditaion, the leſs with carnal temptation.

The more frequent and powerfull in private Prayer, the more free from, and the more potent againſt Corruptions.

Com. A true Chriſtian may ſometimes (as far as he is fleſhly) deſire and long to have his Luſt ſatisfied: like a man in a Feaver that deſires what is hurtful to him; but when he is out of that ſick and ſinful fit, he can praiſe God that he was kept from it.

Take the beſt Chriſtian at the worſt, and you cannot diſcern any difference between him and a wicked man; and ſo a Hypocrite on the contrary.

p. 106Seaſonable and unexpected Mercies, are very ſweet, and acceptable.

Com. A Chriſtian in affliction is like the Divi-Duck upon the Water, ſometimes ſwimming pleaſantly upon the top of the Water, and ſometimes again diving under Water, and yet as ſafe then, as at any other time.

Juſtice ſhould go by rule in all things, and neither fame, falſhood nor favour ſhould point out perſons for ſuffering.

Fame, Falſe-witneſs, or Zeal for the Truth, I expect will bring me to my Death, if it be unnatural.

It is a common principle in Nature, That no man can or ſhould judge his Enemy, or be Judge in his own Cauſe.

A ſuffering Chriſtian ſhould ſee that Innocency be the ground-work of his Suffering, and Patience the perfection thereof; or Innocency the beginning, and Patience the effect thereof.

To be in a little Priſon, is in one ſence better than to be in a great one: for a man ſhall not weary himſelf ſo ſoon in walking in it: And what is the whole World but a Priſon to a Chriſtian?

Slothfulneſs is the Cradle of Sin, which the Devil rocks.

Chriſt wil be ſoon ſenſible of thoſe Saints Sufferings, that are ſenſible of their own Sins.

p. 107It is the leaſt of Afflictions to be afflicted by men, for they can afflict but the outward man only; and of all Enemies Man is the weakeſt. But God, Conſcience, yea Satan, and Sin, can and do afflict the Soul, which is more intolerable.

There is no power in the Creatures to do either good or hurt, but as God diſpoſes them; for it is God that puts his Sword into their hand, Ezek. 30.24.

Com. Perſecutors do with Chriſtians as men do with Fiſh that are upon dry-land, fling them into the Water and their own Element Heaven, and they think they harm them in caſting them into their own Center.

Chriſtians ſhould no more fear Men, nor care for Afflictions or Perſecutions from them, than Wives and Children ſhould fear to ſee their Husbands, or Fathers, carry Swords, Axes, or Rods in their hans: for ſo, and no otherwiſe are the Wicked in God's hand, Pſal. 17.14. Iſa. 10.15.

Take heed of reproving or upbraiding another in ſelf-paſſion, or to provoke his paſſion.

The Lord now ſhakes his viſible Church, as a Tree is ſhaken, that the rotten fruit may fall off.

Chriſtians in and under their Sufferings, ſhould be growing holy; and through their p. 108Sufferings, be going and growing more happy.

They have but a ſlight Profeſſion, whoſe Profeſſion doth not lead them out of Sin, and through Suffering.

Some Obſervations and Experiences concerning Dreams.

1. That ſome are divine, and doubtleſs from God.

2. Some others natural, either from the conſtitution of the body, the buſineſſe wherein one's mind or body have been exerciſed about, or from the nature of the meat that one hath eaten, or of the weather, if wet and moiſt, then doleful and ſad Dreams, &c.

3. Some diabolical, or from the Devil: ſometimes theſe are obviouſly wicked; as murderous, malicious, unclean, gluttenous, &c. But thoſe that are moſt dangerous, are deluſive Dreams (ſuch doubtleſs as the falſe Prophets had, Jer. 23.25. and 29.8. Zech. 10.2. Jude v. 8.) whereby the Devil deceives them, and they deceive others.

Satan can ſpin a fine ſmall thread from our fancies and imaginations, and then weave a Cobweb to take the fooliſh Flyes, that are more doted about Dreams, then diligent to learn, or to do their duties according to the Scriptures. Yet let not this p. 109make Chriſtians either condemn or caſt away all their Dreams: For,

1. God promiſed that in Goſpel-days, ſome Chriſtians ſhould dream Dreams, Joel 2.28. Act. 2.17.

2. God did in Goſpel-dayes, to wit, in the dayes of Chriſt and his Apoſtles, manifeſt himſelf to divers of his People in that way, Matth. 1.20. and 2.12. Act. 18.9.

3. This way of revealing Knowledge, and God's Mind unto men, was before the Law, Gen. 31.10, 11, 24. and 37.5. Job 33.15. Numb. 12.6. and by no Scripture appears to ceaſe.

Careleſs hearing makes carnal hearts, and carnal hearts make curſed lives.

Be not too forward to draw on Perſecution, but rather be preparing for it againſt it comes: for do but keep a good Conſcience, and ſhew it in a godly Converſation, and you will be ſure not to want ſuffering.

He that will be much in ſelf-denyal, muſt be much in ſelf-tryal.

If we could be contented to be altogether without Chriſt, or with part of Chriſt; we need not ſuffer Perſecution.

An Erroneous Conſcience is a ſore Judgment; for a man ſins if he follow it, and a man ſins if he goes contrary to the dictates of it.

p. 110That Preacher preacheth well, that (by the help of the Spirit) drawes his Sermon out of the Scripture and his own heart, and ſhewes it in his practice before he utters it in the Pulpit; and he ſpeaks to the heart, that ſpeaks from the heart.

For what a Preacher does, aſwel as what he ſpeaks, is Doctrine to the People.

The chief end of all the Scriptures, is to know God, and to worſhip him rightly being known.

Truth brings no Abſurdity with it.

The end of the Law is not to bring men under its Righteouſneſs, but under Chriſt's Righteouſneſs.

Com. A man that is in Chriſt, is like a man that hath a great Stock, it will make him active.

Chriſt is a Retreating-Place to Believers, Pſal. 116.7.

Com. The Promiſes of God are as Herbs in a Garden, we are never the better for them unleſs we know their nature, and how to uſe and apply them.

Com. Believers are ſometimes like Pumps that have water in them, and yet ſeem dry till ſome freſh water is poured into them: So they are as thoſe that have no Grace till the Lord gives them ſome freſh Grace to act Grace formerly received.

p. 111Let none marvel that a Cloud covers and hides the ſplendor of the Stars, when there hath been ſuch an Eclipſe upon the Sun: no more that ſuch ſmall ſufferings ſhould befall the Saints, when the Son of God did ſuffer ſo much.

Chriſtians ſhould take heed leſt God ſhould ſue them upon an Action of Waſte, for wafting Time and miſ-ſpending Mercies, &c.

Likewiſe, leſt they over-ſhoot themſelves in things lawfull: for mark this, moſt of a Chriſtian's failings are either from good ends, or exceſs in lawful things.

Sence of Miſery muſt precede ſence of Mercy.

There are two degrees or ſorts of Miſeries, (1.) ſinning, (2.) ſuffering for Sin. And two degrees or parts of felicity, (1.) Freedom from Sin and Suffering, and (2.) Fellowſhip with God in Grace and Glory.

At the day of death (but ſpecially at the Day of Judgment) a Saint will wiſh he had ſinn'd leſs, ſerv'd God better, ☜and ſuffered for him more.

He is a ſtrong Chriſtian that ſeeks God's Glory more than his own Salvation; ☜but no Chriſtian that ſeeks neither.

As it is the character of all Hypocrites (eſpecially theſe of the latter days) to love p. 112themſelves and their pleaſures, more than God, 2 Tim. 3.2, 4. So of true Chriſtians to love God better than their own lives, Revel. 12.11.

Satan is ſaid twice to be caſt out of Heaven, and once caſt down, Rev. 12.9, 10.

Duties ill perform'd (or carnal Duties) are ſpiritual ſins.

Take heed of Unbelief: for,

1. It cuts you ſhort of Chriſt and all his benefits and promiſes.

2. It binds all your other ſins upon you.

It is both Humanity and Chriſtianity to be courteous, kind and merciful to all; but not to be friendly with all, much leſs to confide in all, or commit your counſels to all.

Chriſtians are apt often to be moſt weary of that condition that doth them moſt good.

It is a great evil in Chriſtians to deſire to come out of Affliction, before it hath wrought Gods end upon, and in them. As a man that is weary of his Phyſick whilſt it is working.

Com. As a husband that beſtows Jewels upon his wife, when ſhe delights more in them than in her husband, takes them away again from her: So Chriſt doth with his People when he ſees them abuſe the good things he beſows upon them.

p. 113When, and where Wickedneſſe is moſt, then and there the godly ſhould ſtrive to be moſt godly.

Com. As the Snow covers many fowl and dirty places, and things; yet when it is melted, thoſe things will appear: So profeſſion covers many corruptions, which when men fall from, their baſe wickedneſs will appear: God doth never out-ſpeak, or outpromiſe his Power, Truth, and Faithfulneſs.

If Gods people could be diligent at their own work, and leave God at his work, they need not fear ſucceſſe.

Com. As the Stars, the higher they are, the ſwifter their motion: So Chriſtians, the more ſpiritual, the more Active in the ſervice of God.

Want of love to the Saints, and ſenſible thoughts, and conſideration of their Condition, makes us pray ſo ſeldom, and ſo ſtrait-hearted for them.

Godlineſs is an eying of God, owning of God, and imitaing, and reſpecting of him in all our waies.

Nothing comes amiſſe to a Godly man, but Sin.

Sin undiſcovered, or unconſidered, becomes Sin unrepented.

p. 114Chriſtians may with Godly boldneſs, and reverence as well expect (through Chriſt) that God will do his work, which he hath promiſed, as he requires they ſhould do the work they are commanded.

There are many, that ſerve themſelves of Chriſt, but few that ſerve Chriſt, for his own ſake.

It is hard to be skilful in the work of believing, and diligent in the work of ſanctification at once, becauſe there is a double ſelf-denyal therein, of our righteouſneſs and ſins. A Chriſtian ſhould learn to diſcern the Good, and Evil, and ſtrive to improve the Talents he hath received better.

If Gods people were not ſometimes afflicted, they would forget both themſelves, and others; for affliction works humiliation in men themſelves, and compaſſion towards others.

Chriſtians ſhould labour, to ſee ſo much bitterneſs in Sin, as may ſweeten Christ; and ſo much ſweetneſs in Chriſt, as may imbitter ſin to them: and labour to attain to more knowledge in the Covenant of Grace; and to ſuch a meaſure of true Repentance, and Reformation, as may make believing eaſy, and Holineſs delightful.

p. 115It is a hard thing for a Profane man to attain to the ſhaddow; a careleſſe (though true Chriſtian) to the ſubſtance of Religion: So for the true Saint, that hath the ſubſtance, to keep up the ſence, and ſavour either of good Jeſus, or bad Sin, in his heart alwaies. Oh, what time do Saints miſpend? what duty neglect? what Mercy ſlight? what Corruptions imbrace? what Temptations lye under? what corrections undervalue? Oh, what heart-qualms and fleſhly weakeneſſes cry upon them to make ready? and yet, how unready, how unripe, unwilling unmindful, and unthoughtful are we of our latter end? and this, becauſe we are unaſſured of grace, unweaned from the world unweary of Sin, unbroken from ſelf, and unapprehenſive of the glory to be revealed, and enjoyed hereafter.

Chriſtians, ſhould be alwaies preſſing for ſome clearer, and fuller Tokens of Chriſts love; for more of his conſtant and continued preſence, for more ſence and experience of the inward workings of his ſpirit, and for more of his likeneſs, and Image in Heart and Life.

Com. As a corrupt breath, darkens a tranſparent Glaſs, ſo doth corrupt communications, or a carnal converſation, the Goſpel and Godlineſs.

p. 116Gods people have the love of God ſhewed to, and ſet before them, ſhed in them, and ſealed to them.

Com. Chriſtians ſhould be like fiſh in ſalt water, keeping themſelves among the wicked pure and uncorrupted; and not as glowwormes making a ſhew of having light, but not having it indeed in them.

Let not a Chriſtian leave off his running, till he comes to the end of his Race, but like the Moon though ſhe be eclipſed, yet forſakes not her Orbe, nor diſcontinues her Courſe at all.

Men that are converted, may ſay as the woman of Samaria faid, Joh. 4.39. &c. Now we believe not becauſe of thy ſaying, for we have heard him our ſelves; That though the Preacher tels them things outwardly, they come alſo to ſee and hear Chriſt himſelf in their hearts.

Chriſt hath ſufficient power to propagate his Goſpel, and work in the World, though all his Meſſengers ſhould be ſlain, or ſhut up: And therefore they ſhould not do evil, in hope of doing good, comply with mens Ceremonies, under the Notion of propagating truth; or pretend their miniſtry, when they intend their maintenance.

It is a ſad thing to be armed with knowledge, but not with power againſt Sin.

p. 117I have often experienced the truth of that Scripture,Pſa. 46.1Ps 46:1 That God is a preſent help in time of trouble; eſpecially, when I cry unto the Lord for help, even in the hour and moment of violent temptation, God hath heard me, and frightned away the Temptation.

The wonderful work of God is much ſeen in preſerving the Saints, from the worſhip of the Beaſt, Rev. 15.2, 3.

Be ſure to praiſe God, when you receive power agaiſt Sin, and Temptation; and you ſhall be ſure to find God ready to give you power another time, when you want it.

When thou art talking with thy Eenemy, be ſure to have thy eye upon his Sword, and thy hand upon thy own; watch how Satan or Sin intends to overcome you, and how you may beſt diſadvantage them.

Be ſtill imployed in doing good, and you ſhall not be much tempted, or troubled with Evil.

Some Chriſtians have more trouble from, and for temptation and Sin, in one day, than they have for ſuffering many Months.

Though a Chriſtian ſhould not adventure, or dare to do, or commit the leaſt evil, to gain the greateſt good: yet ſometimes, God makes ſome ſin to do more good to a true Saint, than many Ordinances, p. 118and ſervices: Com. As a man, that hath had great Plague-ſores, after they have been broken and healed, the party becomes more healthy many years after, (or as ſome of the Phyſicians ſay) the ſtrongeſt poyſon (as Opium) if it can be maſtered and corrected, it becomes the moſt Soveraign Phyſick. But no other Phyſician but Chriſt, can make Sin work good to the Godly, as that expreſſion of the Apoſtle, Rom. 8.28. All things work together for good; Perkins in his Caſe of Conſ.is judged by many Interpreters, to comprehend Sin in it, as well as ſuffering; (as the ſame words, All things, are taken in other Scriptures, Act. 13.39. Eph. 5.13.) And ſome ſay, that the drinking of the wine, wherein the Viper (which is one of, if not the moſt poyſonful Creature) hath been drowned, will cure the Leproſy. But this Viperous Poyſon, Sin, is warily to be thought on, and underſtood; and 'tis as when a Husband-man ſees a Mole ſpoyling his ground, he is moved the rather to turn water over it; which is a means to kill and drown many more: So a true Chriſtian, ſometimes at the ſight or ſence of one corruption, maketh ſearch for, and finds out many, which puts him more earneſtly to wreſtle with God for more of his Spirit, Power and grace againſt them all.

p. 119A Hypocrite knowes more than he is willing to do; but a true Saint deſires to do what he knows, and to know more that he may do more and better.

The liberty of a Saint, is not to be indifferent to do this, or that, but to be free in things that are excellent. The actual ſins of Men, do not ſo much offend Chriſt, as that they will not have him to be their Saviour.

Some means to help on Aſſurance, and Holineſs.

1. Labour after a clearer knowledge of the Covenant of Grace, and Teſtament of Chriſt; as what Chriſt hath done, and ſuffered; for whom, and upon what conditions men come to partake thereof.

2. Conſider theſe two works, of Holineſs, and Aſſurance, to be the proper works of the Spirit of God, and therefore is called the Spirit of Holineſs, and of Grace, becauſe it doth ſanctify and Seal the people of God, Rom. 1.7. Zach. 12.10. 2 Theſ. 2.13. Epheſ. 4.30.

3. The Soul is to be perfectly off from beholding or depending upon any thing in ſelf, or done by ſelf, Eſa. 64.6. 2 Cor. 1.9. Rev. 3.17. When the ſpirit of God ſeals our Souls as witneſſes, we do believe, p. 120and are Gods Children, Eph. 1.13. Rom. 8.16. there will be none of our own Signs, or qualifications ſeen: but like the Stars, they will diſappear when the Sun ſhines, yet are ſtill Stars, and fixed; ſo are Graces in believers.

4. Be diligent in praying for Aſſurance, and in uſing other means, epſecially ſelf-examination, Heb. 6.12. 2 Cor. 13.5.

5. Take heed of all Sins, for they put back the Soul, both in beleiving and holineſs, Pſal. 51.8, 11. Luke 22.31 32.,

6. Give not way to hard thoughts of God, neither entertain that principle of falling from Grace (which cannot poſſibly conſiſt with Aſſurance) See Eſa. 63.16 and 64.8. Jer. 3.19. and 32.40. Phil. 1.6. Rom. 8.35, 36.

7. Look narrowly to your Hearts, Tongues, Steps, and Waies, and keep a Diary of Gods dealings, and your own walkings. Prov. 4.23. Pſal. 24.25, 26. Heb. 12.13.

8. Exerciſe Repentance conſtantly upon every ſlip, and fall into ſin; confeſs them, mourn for them, be aſhamed and humbled for them, and labour to hate them, and loath your ſelves for them, Lev. 26.40, 41. Pſal. 32.15. Jer. 3.21. Ezek. 7.19. 2 Cor. 7.11. Jam. 4.8, 9. Eze. 20.43.